Sterek Shorts

Rings

"Derek?" Stiles called out, walking through the house. He checked the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and just about everywhere Derek could go. "Derek?"

Stiles stopped in the living room. He leaned against the back of the couch, taking out his phone. He quickly dialed Derek's number. Holding the phone to his ear, he was directed to voicemail over and over. 

"Dammit," He muttered underneath his breath. "Where is he?"

(a few hours later)

Stiles was awoken from his nap as the front door shut. He poked his head up, peering over the cushions. "Derek?" 

"Yeah?"

Stiles looked down the hall. Derek was stopped in the middle of it. He seemed...off. 

"Where were you?" Stiles sat up, rubbing his eyes. "I called you at least eight times."

"I was out." 

"Well, I know that, but where? You just left without warning."

"Can we not do this, Stiles? I'm tired."

Biting his tongue from further argument, Stiles nodded. 

Derek turned around and finished the length of the hallway, going into the bedroom. Stiles laid back down with an annoyed sigh, closing his eyes. 

Derek shut the door quietly, his hand lingering on the handle for a moment. He felt guilty for brushing off Stiles like that, but he couldn't tell him. Not yet. 

(Later)

Stiles opened the door, climbing into bed by Derek. 

"Are you awake?" Stiles whispered, staring at the back of Derek's head.

"Yeah."

Stiles suddenly felt nervous. As if this was their first night together, his hand trembled as it reached out for Derek. He placed it on his shoulder, squeezing it gently. "Derek."

As Stiles spoke, Derek's eyes shut momentarily, the realization of his nerves and erratic heartbeat. 

"If I did something, can you just tell me."

Derek turned his head, looking at the sad expression Stiles tried to hide. His breath halted - he didn't like seeing his fiance like this, especially not because of him. 

"You didn't do anything."

"So why are you being like this?" Stiles fingers gripped his shirt in an act of annoyance. "I just wanted to know that you were okay." 

Derek covered Stiles's hand with his own. "I'm okay." He tracked his eyes across that sad expression and trembling hands. "Come here." 

Derek sat up, moved the blanket, and opened his arms- which were quickly filled. 

"I lost my ring and had to go to the jewler to get another one." Derek confessed. "I didn't want to tell you because I knew it would've made you sad."

"You lost your ring?" Stiles poked his head up, this time with annoyance and not concern. "Are you serious!"

"I've got a new one. It'll be here on Thursday."

"It will?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll let the funeral home know."

"What?"

Stiles grabbed a pillow and smacked it across Derek's face. "You lost your ring!" 

Derek shoved Stiles away in shock. "I told you I ordered a new one."

"That's not the point." Stiles landed another blow. "You lost the ring I got you."

"Stop doing that." Derek said, using his arm to block another swing. 

Stiles ignored his words and swung one, two, three more times. On the fourth one, Derek had enough. He grabbed the pillow, ripping it from the hands of his "beloved" and discarded it onto the floor. 

"Hey-" Stiles started. 

Derek grabbed his wrists next, holding them together and pushing them against the head of the bed. "I said to stop." 

Stiles went quiet underneath him. 

"Now you're quiet?" Derek narrowed his eyes. "Lost your courage?"

"Shut up."

Derek smirked, letting go. "Still mad?"

"Yes. You lost the ring."

Derek sighed. "And I said that I have a new one on the way."

"I'll have another pillow on the way too."

Shaking his head, Derek pulled Stiles close by sliding an arm around his waist. "Alright, I'll be waiting."