Deafening Silence

Ch. 35

That night Stiles gets to the pier early. As expected, nothing he'd set in place was there. Instead it was a million times better. Rose petals littered a path through the grass down across the wooden bridge. Twinkling lights were strung up, zig-zagged across the light poles illuminating the way and reminding Stiles of the ones he'd stolen on their first vacation. He thought it only luck that the fireflies had decided to come out that night, no way could Lydia have planned that as well.

The shock he felt was shown through his jaw hanging open as he followed the path letting his gaze flick all over making sure he didn't miss a single detail.

Red hair await him at the end of the pier. It seemed as though being pregnant did nothing to her ambition because she moved with determination all the same. Lydia was there, meticulously placing a strew of candles in a perfect heart shape where Stiles had planned to pop the question "Oh my-Lydia" Stiles began once he was close enough.

His friend, mildly startled, turned to stand by his side as she watched in awe along side him "I know, I amaze myself sometimes. Honestly, I am good"

"Did you steal this stuff from work?"

"I may have borrowed a few decorations. I knew you'd need them. No offense"

"None taken"

Finally taking in his appearance she gestured with her finger for Stiles to spin and give her the entire view. He felt silly but did as he was told "Wow. You look so handsome"

"I'm going to pretend not to be bothered that you're so surprised"

"You know what I mean. You're usually all flannels and jeans. But look at you: your hair is actually done, I smell cologne, and that fitted suit--I mean your arms look amazing" She spoke as if he were her baby boy all grown up. There was a fondness in her eyes as she looked her friend up and down. She rose onto her tip toes, despite being in heels, and placed a soft kiss to his skin "I'm proud of you Stiles. I'll see you soon" Then she was wobbling away presumably to the tent where everyone else would be waiting.

Straightening out his suit, his hand flew to his pocket, triple checking that the ring was still where he left it five minutes ago. Stiles took one last second and calmed himself with a final deep breath.

Stiles heard Derek before he saw him. Punctual as ever. He was marching down the hill of the freshly watered grass. His phone was pressed to his ear and a hand was thrown in his pocket as he casually spoke "Laura, what the hell. You said you were parking the car and I don't know where I'm going. 'Meet me at the pier' doesn't really he...I'll uh—I'll call you back" as Derek's voice trailed off Stiles knew he'd been seen.

His heart picked up in his chest and he started to speak trying to be as composed as possible "Hi baby" he smiled once Derek was feet from him.

"Y-You're supposed to be in Arizona"

"I think I'm right where I'm supposed to be"

A skinny arm wound with Derek's as Stiles took his time leading him the rest of the way. He went on about the weather, about work, anything other than what was about to happen. Somehow he'd manage to hold in a laugh after watching Derek freak out every time he'd ask Stiles what was going on and every time his question went unanswered. Seemingly he got the hint, or maybe he was just speechless because eventually he just stopped asking.

They'd finally reached the end when Stiles decided he'd put the both of them out of their misery "How'd I do? You like it?" he asked smugly knowing good and well Derek was impressed.

"Yeah, I-It's beautiful Stiles, but what's going on?" this time the question was asked with a tremble and Stiles was completely sure Derek had figured it out, he just needed Stiles to go on and say it out loud already.