Back to December

The Summer I

         This was the first time, in what Stiles believed to be a long while, that Derek smiled. He loved that smile. To witness the tough alpha break down into a swirl of chuckles made him melt. From the passenger seat, the boy couldn't have been happier, laughing along with Derek as his camaro crashed across the pavement. Stiles wasn't sure what he said- couldn't remember now, but all that mattered was he and Derek. It had been like this for quite some time- the two of them circling the same pool but never jumping in. Someone had to eventually, Stiles told himself, the scorching sun beating down on them. Perhaps such light motivated the boy in the first place- perhaps it only wished to tear down what chances he had. Stiles didn't know what to believe or who to trust- except Derek, Stiles could trust him.

         Interrupting the slew of laughs, the camaro sharply turned. A screech filled the deserted back road, tires fighting against the asphalt. Stiles grabbed Derek's arm, unbalanced hand squeezing to keep steady. The vehicle slowed to a stop, Derek glancing down to notice the boy's seemingly permanent hand on him.

Stiles cleared his throat, quickly removing his hand from Derek's arm, "American drivers are supposed to slow down for a turn, Derek."

"Yeah thanks." the wolf commented, eyes carefully analyzing the road ahead of him, "I didn't do it."

"I saw you turn the wheel." Stiles pointed out.

"I mean I hit something." Derek said, exiting the car.

"We're surrounded by woods." stated the boy, following Derek outside, "It was probably a squirrel or something."

"I didn't see anything." Derek glanced around warily, "Get back in the car."

"Derek, there's nothing there." Stiles approached him, scanning the vacant scenery.

The alpha shook his head doubtfully, "Get in the car."

"C'mon," Stiles urged, stepping beside Derek, "let's just go."

"I swear I heard-" a noise coming from the nearby patch of woods shook his highly-censored ears. Derek jumped in front of Stiles, arm out to act as a shield against whatever horrible creature threatened him, "Stay here." he told Stiles, beginning to stalk toward the large rumbling patch of brush.

Stiles blushed, feeling odd amongst the fact that despite the potential danger he was in, this wolf's protective behavior made him feel cherished. Shaking it off, the boy brought himself back to the real worrisome world, "Derek, maybe you shouldn't-"

He jumped backwards, muscular body hopping to a place not much further than the bush itself. Stiles held still, hoping that some foul creature wasn't about to tackle Derek to the cement ground, "What is it?" Stiles questioned, impatience getting the better of him.

Derek rolled his eyes, turning around to walk back to his camaro, "A squirrel." he mumbled, Stiles' lips curving immensely as they reentered the car.

          Left unsaid, of course, Derek was only so paranoid due to Stiles. If the boy hadn't been there his eyes would have been on the road at all times and nothing out of the ordinary would have happened. It was comical coming from a werewolf, revelling about normality, however, Stiles had no idea how desperately Derek strived to protect him- how far the wolf would go. Amongst the hot summer nights, Derek could only hope he creeped into Stiles' thoughts just as often.

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These are all short chapters, so get used to it cx.

This was the first flashback, the next chapter will be back in real time.

Ain't it cute, though?