Deafening Silence

Ch. 9

Stiles stepped into the night wrapping his jacket tighter around his body. Scott and Isaac were off to his side in a close embrace sharing words only the two could hear. He rolled his eyes trying not to show his annoyance at their persistence of him to be there and yet left him alone. It was freezing, he was drained and they were supposed to be his ride. He was on the border of hailing a cab when there was a broad hand slipping into the small of his back. Stiles was turning with a gasp when he seen the gesture was coming from Derek "Hey"

"Oh, Der, hi" the hand on his back had unsuspectingly generated so much heat from where it sat still on him. A half smile broke out onto Derek's face when Stiles hadn't seemed completely repulsed by the idea of the two touching.

"Hm 'Der', You feeling alright?" He joked. Stiles didn't even realize the nickname had so casually left his mouth. He hadn't apologized or took it back. The look on his face was enough for Derek to tell he shouldn't make a big deal out of it. Derek's eyes travelled to the newly engaged couple then back to his mate "Did you need a ride home?"

"Oh, no I was just going to get a cab, no big deal. I'm pretty close"

"I don't mind really. I'm kind of a night owl anyway, don't feel too tired. I only had one glass and that was hours ago" Derek spoke, disregarded the previous statement, pulling his keys from his pocket anyways "C'mon" he beckoned with his hand. Stiles didn't put up much more of a fight. He left his friends, trailing behind the bigger man. They strolled to the side of the building where Derek opened the passenger side door to a sleek black Camaro. Stiles was mildly impressed.

He slipped in beside Stiles before buckling up "So where to?"

"Haven and Reckor?"

"I know the place" he smiled, the car roared to life as Derek cranked the engine. The ride went by silently and Stiles felt stupid all over again. He didn't know how to be alone with Derek, or what to even talk about. His wringing hands sat sweating in his lap as he watched the street lamps pass. His mind wracked back and forth looking for something to do, anything to say. Their conversation earlier in the night had flowed nicely but that was in a crowded room with someone else guiding the conversation.

They were getting closer to his house, and the way Derek's fingers were drumming on the steering wheel it felt like it was getting louder with every passing second C'mon it won't hurt anyone Stilinski . He attempted to talk himself into making some form of gesture, grand or minute. Just something. Derek had, after all, been kind and persistent and willing. The red light switched and the car rolled on. One more turn and they'd be in his driveway.

Stiles didn't miss the look on Derek's face when he admitted his fear. It was hurt but understanding and Stiles had felt uneasy since. He could admit he hadn't been trying his hardest--he hadn't been trying at all to let the man in, but it was all easier said than done. He tried to hype himself up any ways Just be a man and do something his inner voice continued to push at himself.

"It's um, just the house right there. With the green door" He pointed.

"Got it" Derek nodded, swinging the long car into the port "Nice place"

"Thanks, I bought it last year" Stiles explained as Derek's fingers continued to tap away. Stiles was afraid he was waiting for something, but he thought it might have just been in his head. Audibly he removed the buckle and was halfway out of the car when his mouth just started up "Do you want to come in-maybe?"

"Really?" He responded, his fingers slowing down.

"Yeah. I don't have beer but there is coffee and a bottle of cider from new years"

"Yeah. Yeah, okay, sure"

Ten minutes later they were saddled on his couch. Derek had a fresh cup of steaming black coffee in his hands, his jacket thrown over the back of Stiles sofa. He didn't know anyone else who took their coffee bitter and plain. He sipped it calmly, glancing around the small single family home. It was weird, having Derek in his space, the very same space he'd hide in to get away from. Stiles tried to subtly watch him, maybe figure out what was going on behind those tantalizing green eyes.