Sterek Ficlets

Chasing a Memory

Derek sped towards the city limits not knowing exactly why but consumed by the overwhelming urge to be somewhere. Someone needed him and that was a bone deep revelation but every time he had tried to focus on exactly who it was, he got lightheaded and the knowledge would escape him. He spent three days chasing his tail and it was time for him to take drastic measures. He had picked up the phone and made the call.

"Nephew? Well my my, what a surprise this is."

"Believe me I wouldn't be calling if it wasn't of utmost importance."

"I take it that seeking the status of your favorite uncle's wellbeing is not your reason?"

"You're my only uncle. So, not even close but hey you're still kicking. So, that's lovely."

"For all you know I went back to the dirt as often as you check in."

"Peter! I'm not interested in this right now. I need you to meet me."

"Where?"

"You know where."

The call hadn't lasted long but it was long enough for Derek to feel slight regret for the entire predicament he found himself in and he had tried to talk himself out of it many times. It had taken a full five days before he wore down enough to consider it and that was when Derek realized that if he felt so strongly about this, then calling his uncle was the obvious next step. That meant it must be serious and had to be taken seriously.

He wouldn't put up with any baiting or tolerate any teasing nor entertain his uncle's antics for even a millisecond. This was something clearly evidenced on his face based on the fact that one look made his uncle snap his mouth closed before he could utter something that he realized would result in a tussle.

Derek had bothered with a quick shower but only spent a few minutes after that to tug on clothes, grab essentials and pile into his car. Nothing else mattered to him than finding who needed him and why.

Peter was unusually quiet as if the state his nephew was in was evidence enough that something was definitely wrong but first they needed to get to the root of the situation to fully understand what they were dealing with.

After offering Derek a cup of tea which Derek accepted graciously albeit with hesitancy, Peter felt it was safe to proceed yet still to do so with caution. "So, Derek? Tell me everything."

Derek took a sip of the tea and felt himself settle but only slightly. "Something is clawing me up inside. It's nothing like when my wolf is restless although it is restless. There's more to it than that. I have this overwhelming urge that something is wrong and someone needs...me."

Peter watched his nephew with assessing eyes. "Describe the feeling."

"Well it's like my heart is pounding but I'm just sitting there and I'm terrified but there was a freaking song I love playing on the speakers. It's like there are shadows even when the sun is blinding and it's like I'm cold and I never get cold but what really gets me is the all consuming belief that I'm alone and awash with utter despair."

Peter was tense as he recalled hearing of things like this before but he had not expected to ever deal with it personally nor for any who shared his blood to experience it. Still, he shoved aside any qualms about helping when he saw the shattered look on his nephew's face. "I'm going to help you but answer me one question first, Derek, okay?"

Derek gave a nod, keeping his gaze on his uncle though his eyes seemed glazed over slightly.

"Whatever has happened is not your fault. You know that, correct?" he asked, almost certain Derek would argue that it was, in fact, his fault and that would mean a delay. He only hoped that whoever needed Derek would be able to hold on long enough for Derek to lose the belief that he was somehow responsible but this time his nephew surprised him.