Flirt Responsibly

Cliche

The next day Derek did his best to avoid Stiles. It worked for most of the day until he and Boyd were walking down the hall after school. They were heading towards their lockers when Derek spotted Stiles with Cora and Paige. His arms were up and resting on top of his head as he listened to whatever his sister was saying. The black t shirt he was wearing was pulled up, showing a line of skin just above the hem of his pants.

Derek couldn't help but gape at the sight. His head following as they passed by.

"Derek watch ou-"

It was too late. Derek had knocked straight into Jennifer's back, knocking her books from her arms and to the floor.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry," Derek's face turned scarlet as he bent to pick up her things. She knelt in front of him to help.

Stiles, having heard the commotion, glanced over to see Derek blushing heavily as he helped pick up his sister's books.

He let out a groan, his arms dropping to his side as his shoulders slumped. He hadn't seen Derek all day and of course the one time he does, he's flirting with Jen.

"What's wrong?" Paige frowned, following Stiles' line of sight. She pursed her lips to hold back a smirk.

"Derek is such a klutz sometimes," Cora rolled her eyes before closing her locker.

"Or maybe he did it on purpose. That's a classic romantic comedy cliché move," Stiles huffed, his sullen look still on Derek.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention and-"

"It's okay, Derek," Jen assured him as she took her books from him. "Thanks."

"Have a good, rest of the day," Derek called after the oldest Stilinski. His eyes then immediately fell to where Stiles was watching him. His heart thudded hard in his chest as they made eye contact. He gave a small wave and a shy half smile.

Stiles returned it before turning his attention back to his sister.

"Why don't you just talk to him," Boyd offered from next to him.

"Are you kidding? Isaac told you what happened yesterday," Derek sighed, as they continued down the hall.

"I think you should just tell him how you feel," Boyd shrugged.

"Oh like how you told Erica?" Derek scoffed. He remembered how Boyd had pined after the eccentric blonde for years. Apparently, Erica had been the one to make the first move.

"That's different. We were friends. I didn't want to ruin that."

-

Stiles and Paige were in the jeep when Paige cleared her throat. "So do you like Derek?"

Stiles snapped his head towards his twin. "What?"

"I won't say anything," Paige shrugged, she looked sympathetically at Stiles.

He was about to deny it, but he was about to burst from not telling anyone. "Yes," He mumbled, his eyes focused on his hands in his lap.

"I thought you might," Paige nodded.

"Not so subtle huh?" Stiles sighed. He should have known she'd figure it out sooner or later.

"You're reaction in the hall a minute ago. It was a bit strong."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he has a thing for Jen. I thought it might have been you at first, but now I'm thinking it's Jen. Hell, maybe it's both of you," Stiles slumped in his seat.

"Jen is happy with Kali, so you don't have to worry about that, and I'm definitely not interested so no worries here."

"Thanks," Stiles smiled sadly at Paige. She could be a good sister at times, when she wasn't driving him nuts. He just wished Derek didn't like his sisters.

-

Derek was just starting on his homework when there was a gentle tapping at his open door.

"Got a second?" Cora asked from the doorway.

"Sure, what's up?" Derek spun around in his computer chair.

"So I just wanted to let you know that you're not subtle," Cora smirked.

"I'm sorry?" Derek frowned in confusion.

"The stunt in the hall earlier with Jennifer? Not your best move."

"My best move?"

"We know you have a thing for Jen. Stiles and Paige saw the whole thing. Stiles even commented about how it was such a cliché rom com moment," Cora laughed, crossing her arms.

Derek paled. "Stiles thinks I like Jennifer?"

"It's pretty obvious."

"No. I don't." Dread filled Derek. He didn't want Stiles to think he liked his sister.

"Sure," Cora snickered.

"I'm serious, Cora, I really don't," Derek had to do retcon and fast.

"Whatever, Derek," Cora called over her shoulder as she left the room.

Derek grabbed his phone and typed a message to Stiles.

"Hey, I know you saw that embarrassing exchange with your sister earlier. Could you do me a favor and tell her I'm sorry again. I feel like an idiot."

It was weak as far as reason's to text Stiles went, but it would have to do.

Stiles' heart leapt into his throat when he saw Derek's name pop up on his phone. It instantly dropped when he saw the reason why Derek was texting him.

Stiles huffed as he sent a simple text back. "No worries."

Derek groaned, this wasn't going the way he'd intended.

"I guess Paige is next. Lol." Derek hit send and waited anxiously for Stiles' response.

Stiles frowned at the text. "Umm, what?" What did that even mean? He was gonna hit on Paige next?

"I spilled water on you yesterday, I knocked into Jennifer today, Paige is the only one I haven't assaulted."

"Oh," Stiles said allowed with a relieved sigh. It was a joke.

"Oh god, that didn't come out right. I'm not going to assault your sister, I just meant...you know what... I'm gonna stop before I make this worse."

Stiles laughed at the text. He could imagine Derek getting flustered.

"Lol. You'll have the chance tomorrow at dinner. If you're still coming with us, that is."

Derek smiled, satisfied that Stiles understood what he meant now.

"I'll definitely be there."

Stiles had an idea that might get Derek to backoff from his sisters. It was a lame idea, but it would work. He just hoped it wasn't too obvious that he liked Derek. He hadn't been nervous about the dinner before, but now...now he was very nervous.