Suffer Well (Sterek)

Rosano's

Derek text Stiles when he got home, just like always. He got a response almost immediately, which surprised Derek, he hadn't been sure Stiles would respond at all, much less so quickly.

Be careful please, Allison said Kate's in a bad mood. Also thanks for saving my ass, don't think I actually thanked you for that.

Derek debated on if he should respond or not. He should, it was bad enough he kept telling Stiles they weren't friends. He knew how much that upset the human. With a sigh, Derek typed up a response.

Please don't make me have to do it again

Stiles sent a smiley face which Derek decided to not respond to.

He replayed the scene of Stiles tied to the tree and couldn't help but feel angry. He'd endured whatever the man had put him through and refused to say anything, in fact he was being his smart ass self. Derek couldn't help but feel the familiar swell of pride fill him. Stiles was genuinely the best person to help him. He hated how much he trusted the human, but he couldn't help it, Stiles had been nothing but loyal and honest.

A thought struck Derek suddenly. When all this with Kate was over, then what? Would Stiles still text him rapid fire when his mind was racing? Would he still want to make sure Derek was safe from hunters? Would Stiles still come over for dinner? Would he fall for Dominic over time? Would he pretend nothing had happened? Would he pretend that he hadn't risked his life for the alpha? Would he still be as kind and loyal to Derek? The thought of Stiles not being a part of his life anymore scared him. He had grown used to the human's antics and even looked forward to them. He couldn't imagine Stiles not still coming around for his siblings at least. But what if that was it? What if Stiles didn't text him anymore? What if he only came over for his siblings? What if he treated Derek as nothing more than an acquaintance?

Derek felt sick at the thought. Would it really be so bad to tell Stiles that he did consider him a friend? He didn't have to act on his growing feelings for the guy. Stiles had said he'd considered Derek a friend even if Derek didn't consider him one. The problem was, he did consider Stiles a friend, he just didn't want to, cause it scared him. He hadn't let anyone close to him since Kate. But today, when Stiles had been in danger, he trusted three strangers to help save the human. Would allowing one person in be so bad?

-

It had been nearly four hours of Derek pacing his room. He was notorious for spending hours in his own head, it was a problem. He'd been weighing his options about accepting Stiles as a permanent part of his life. Did he want that sure? Was is smart, that much he wasn't sure about.

Finally he decided he needed to talk to Stiles. He pulled out his phone and sent him a text.

Can we talk?

Almost immediately he got a response.

Yes, meet me at Rosano's.

Derek frowned. Why would Stiles tell him to meet him there?

I'd rather not, can you come here?

There was a long pause before he got another response.

Meet at my house in twenty.

Derek narrowed his eyes at the text. Stiles would have asked a zillion questions and would never ask to meet in public with Kate in town. Something was off.

Are you alright?

Derek was starting to worry.

Yes.

Stiles was being awfully short. Something was definitely up.

Derek decided to call Stiles.

When it rang through to voicemail Derek was filled with dread, what if one of Kate's men had him?

Derek pulled up Scott's number for the second time that day.

-

When Derek arrived at Scott's, Isaac was pacing nervously.

"Stiles' isn't answering his phone," Isaac said as soon as he saw Derek.

"He's not home either, I stopped by as soon as you called me," Scott added.

"He said to meet him at Rosano's initially," Derek told them.

"Rosano's? Stiles doesn't eat there," Scott said suddenly concerned more than before.

"Why not?" Derek frowned. Stiles loved Italian food.

"That was his mom's favorite restaurant. They went there for her birthday every year. He hasn't gone since she died," Scott explained.

"I knew something was up," Derek growled.

"What do you think is going on?" Isaac asked still pacing.

Derek reached out putting a comforting hand on Isaac's arm. The werewolf instantly seemed to relax. Realizing what he'd done, he let go of Isaac. Damn his wolf.

"I'll call Allison, see if she knows anything," Scott pulled out his phone.

"Hey, sorry to bother you, but is Kate home?" Scott asked when Allison answered.

Derek listened carefully, able to hear Allison on the other end. Isaac did the same.

"No, we're at dinner right now, just finished up actually, why?"

"Where at?" Scott asked.

"Rosano's."

The three wolves exchanged worried glances. Derek's eyes flashing bright red.

*AN*
Short one for ya!