Red Riding Hood

Chapter Five

Laura and Cora had Derek packed up and carted away before Stiles could even blink. All Stiles knew was that Derek lived somewhere in California. And California was the third largest state.

Stiles had left Derek with his number so he had a little hope. But not much.

He went back home and tried to forget about Derek. But, same as before, he couldn't. He thought of his Mystery Man every few seconds. Derek was always on his mind. Stiles went back to being Scott's chaperone and the complain to person. What a joy.

Kira had dumped Scott on behalf of his constant comparing of her and Isaac. Then Scott went crying to Isaac and poof, Isaac and Scott were back together. Story of Stiles' life.

It was three weeks before Stiles heard from the Hale's again. After that third week he saw Cora at the grocery store. He was so shocked that he almost fell over. No joke.

He rushed up to meet her and Cora looked like she may have seen a ghost. Stiles bombarded her with questions about Derek. How was he? Where was he? Was he okay?

Cora just rolled her eyes. "He's fine," she shortly replied. She picked up a ripe looking orange but put it down after discovering it was mushy. "He's been better since the hospital. He talks about you sometimes. You're his hero but he doesn't have the guts to just freaking call you, so he hasn't. As for where he lives, we live in a loft on the other side of town."

Stiles could tell that Cora was grumpy as she spoke. Either it was the shopping or Stiles. And Stiles wouldn't be overly shocked if it was him. He tended to have that effect on people. Not Derek though apparently. A hero, huh. Stiles hadn't thought too much into that one.

"Well, um, tell him to call and don't be shy. I, uh, would love to hear from him."

Cora rolled her eyes and made an affirmative noise in the back of her throat. She then promptly pushed her cart away from Stiles, almost running over one of his feet, on her way to the produce isle.

Well, that was interesting, Stiles thought.

+++

Derek called the next day. Stiles relaxed at Derek's elated voice came through his phone. "I forgot that you gave me your number, Sir. I looked for it all night last night and by the time I found it it was already too late to call. I'm so happy that you thought of me!"

Stiles lightly told Derek to just call him by his name but he was smiling too wide to say much more.

"I'm very happy that you found it, Derek."

"Me too, Si- Stiles," Derek corrected himself before he could fully make the mistake.

"So, what have you been up to, Derek," Stiles asked awkwardly. Now having Derek call kind of seemed like a bad idea. What should he say? Or maybe even not say? Things were definitely complicated.

"Oh, nothing. I've mainly just stayed in the apartment. Cora is there sometimes. She's gone a lot though. She has a boyfriend and her own life to deal with." Derek sighed like he wished that he could have a normal life.

Stiles wished Derek a normal night, too. "Have you been out of the apparent yet?"

"Um, not yet. I don't exactly feel confident with the outside world yet."

"How about I pick you up at seven on Friday?"

A/N: So sorry it has taken this long to update! I've been caught up in school and I was sick a while ago (thankfully feeling better). I'm so happy that I'm back to work on this story though! I have lots of great ideas and possibly know how I want to end it😉. I probably won't get anything out next week seeing that it's the holiday thought. Please comment and tell me what you think or vote!!