Suffer Well (Sterek)

Afraid

The ride to Stiles' house seemed to take forever. Stiles smelled terrified, and looked miserable.

"Are you okay?" Derek asked, pulling into Stiles' driveway.

"I'm fine, aside from the fact that Theo dumped me, then showed his ass in front of you guys, Dominic probably hates me, also I have to have a conversation that's going to make you hate me, I'm great," Stiles replied sarcastically.

"You're better off without Theo," Derek growled.

"Maybe so, but it still hurts," Stiles muttered.

"Also Dominic doesn't hate you, trust me," Derek didn't know how to comfort Stiles, he barely knew the guy.

Stiles didn't respond.

"Okay, what is this conversation you're wanting to have?" Derek sighed after a moment.

"Want to have?" Stiles scoffed, "I can't think of anything I'd hate more, in fact I'd rather get punched in the face again," Stiles snapped.

Derek frowned. He didn't like the sound of that. What could Stiles possibly say that would warrant that?

"Look, I...fuck," Stiles swore running his hands through his hair in frustration, "I can't do this in here, can we go in?" Stiles asked looking at Derek.

Derek turned the car off and hesitantly followed Stiles inside.

"Isn't you're dad home?" Derek asked curiously.

"No, I may have been lying about my dad expecting me. I just couldn't stay," Stiles sighed.

Derek was practically choking on Stiles terrified state.

"Stiles, are you afraid of me?" Derek asked suddenly. The idea upset Derek. He didn't want Stiles to fear him.

"Honestly, a little," Stiles shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Stiles, I would never hurt you," Derek frowned, hurt by Stiles' confession.

"That's not what I'm afraid of," Stiles bit down on his bottom lip.

"Then what?" Derek frowned.

"I'm afraid to lose you," Stiles answered.

Derek tensed, "Lose me?" What did that even mean?

"That sounded better in my head," Stiles frowned before running a hand over his face, "I like you, and you're family. I know that after I tell you this, you're gonna push me away, more than you already do and, I would do anything not to tell you this, but this isn't about me, this is about you, and it's important. It would be selfish of me to act like I didn't know. You deserve better."

Derek's back stiffened. He didn't like the way Stiles was talking, "Just spit it out, Stiles," Derek growled. He just wanted to get out of there.

"I lied yesterday, to Laura. I know who the hunter is," Stiles swallowed nervously.

"Why did you lie?" Derek growled. This wasn't off to a good start.

"I didn't think you'd want me to say," Stiles answered.

"Why's that?" Derek really wished Stiles would get to the point.

Stiles dropped his eyes, "Cause it's Kate."

Derek's heart lurched and his stomach twisted into a thousand knots. His throat tightened and his head started pounding.

"I know that she's the one you dated, and I know she's the one who set the fire," Stiles spoke gently, as if Derek was a ticking time bomb.