How You See Me...

Stiles, Clumsy Goof.

Derek loved his pack, but he also loved his silence and alone time, at least this is what he told himself. His pack lived near him, but he just wasn't to the point to where he could have them with him always. His wolf howled inside; Derek ignored the lonely feeling building. 

He had not been an alpha long and really would rather be a lone wolf. He had this responsibility on his shoulders. How was he suppose to care, protect and save his pack when he could barely do that for himself.  He thought about the pack meeting that was going to happen after work, he had no idea what he was doing. He knew that they were expecting a strong, confident alpha, but he was not those things. He hadn't been since Kate and Jennifer destroyed that.

His mind was racing, he needed to focus on anything else.

His Uncle Peter was visiting from France today, mainly to ensure that everything was in tiptop shape. He loved his uncle, even if sometimes they did not see eye to eye. Either way he knew his uncle would not stay long, he had his own pack to deal with internationally. So, he thought about his uncle, wondering what trouble he would start today, as he parked his car in his reserved parking spot. A smirk fell on his lips as he opened the shop door.

"Derek!" Peter sang excitedly.

"Hey, old man. How are you?" Derek said smiling.

"I've been good." Peter said as he hugged Derek.

Peter stepped back to examine Derek's existence.

"You haven't been sleeping well and have you been eating?  You look broodier than usual" Peter asked.

"I am fine, promise." Derek lied.

They headed back to the manager's office to continue their usual banter.

Derek had not seen his uncle for 2 years so they had a bit of catching up to do. Granted they had called and emailed each other in between, but there is nothing like talking in person. They both talked about their packs and what they had been up to. Peter could tell that Derek was sore on the pack subject so he decided to leave it alone for now.

They talked for a couple hours and then Peter had to leave to go check on the other owned businesses in town. Derek did not mind that Peter had his back as far as businesses they owned in town. Derek ran things at a bare minimum, so Peter was the real back bone.

I let him go with a promise of dinner later and I headed to the garage of the shop to see what mindless project I could get myself into.

On my way I noticed two whiskey colored eyes watching me. I tried to keep walking but my inner wolf was howling. Sometimes I still ignored him, but this time he was insistent. I stopped to introduce myself.

"Hello." I said.

"Hiya, names Stiles." The whiskey eye colored owner said.

"Names Derek h.." I said as the young man cut me off.

"Oh, shit! You are Mr. Hale the owner." Stiles said going scarlet.

I chuckled as I noticed his demeaner changing. "Yeah, that's me but I wouldn't worry too much you seem like you are doing alright."

"oh um...thanks." Stiles said stuttering.

"I really need some mindless mechanic time, but I'll see you around." I said slightly feeling awkward. He waved as I stepped into the garage.

That felt good. It was strange how they literally said nothing but he kind of felt glad that he had spoken to him. I guess my inner wolf knows better, sometimes. I ended up puttering in the garage for the next few hours. Every so often I would feel those whiskey colored eyes on me, which to be honest didn't really bother me. Being the boss, you always had someone watching you, someone keeping tabs so everyone knew when they could act up or actually be doing what they were supposed to be doing. Even if Derek wasn't the type of boss that keep tabs on everyone, he knew they were all intimidated anyway.

Stiles POV:

So, this was Derek Hale, he was gorgeous.

I had been working at this shop, for a couple days I was new. I heard that the owner was a cool guy and all the girls practically died over him but, I WAS NOT READY.

I noticed this stunning guy coming from the manager's office but I had no idea it was Derek. He spoke to me and I was a complete idiot. I should have said something smart or witty. Instead I just word vomited.

 I was stuck at the register most of the night, but I was able to catch glances of him working. I was surprised that I didn't just explode right then and there. Look he was hot and how could I not look at him. It's not like I had a chance but a boy could dream, right?

Derek POV:

Soon it would be time to meet Peter for dinner and I was a complete mess. Completing 3 oil changes will do that to you. I said my farewells to the other guys in the garage and headed to the main exit. Stiles was leaning against the counter reading a comic book, chewing obnoxiously on some gum. He was cute, I couldn't deny that, even my inner wolf agreed. Part of me kind of wanted to invite him to dinner, but then I realized how completely stupid that would be. Inviting a human to dinner with two wolfs, that's a recipe for disaster. Not to mention Peter would have a fit if I showed up with anyone besides someone from my pack. Not that Peter would mind, he would just have lots of questions. I sighed inwardly.

"Ok, Derek just make it to the door and you are good to go." I told myself.

"Hey, Derek." Stiles said smiling.

God that smile. I had to say something I couldn't be rude.

"Hey, Stiles what are you reading?" I asked truly interested.

"Just rereading a couple Iron Man comics. Do you like superheroes?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm just not into reading that much. I'm more into writing." I said unsure why I was sharing.

"Really?! I bet you are good at that." Stiles says beaming.

"Um...I mean I just kind of dabble." I say blushing.

"You should let me read some of your work sometime." Stiles says.

I contemplate that request. Mostly I write poetry and most of them are emotional and dark. Am I willing to share these deep things with this boy? I'm standing there awkwardly, trying to decide how to continue. Stiles grabs a piece of paper and scribbles something on it.

He hands it to me saying "This is my email if you want to send me something."

I smile, shocked at how forward he is. I take the paper tell him I'll think about it and I head for the door.