Chapter Text
Five people all opened the same Christmas card, at slightly different times, two weeks before the night of their Christmas party. Five people read, with various levels of escalating horror, the message that it contained:
Lydia's Laws of Christmas
Mistletoe requires a kiss. It doesn't matter who you're dating. It doesn't matter who you're with. It doesn't matter who you would have to kiss.
Forgetting your Secret Santa gift counts as fifty breaches of the rules, and I will personally murder you.
Prohibited activities:
Any unseasonable activity, such as (but not limited to):
Sourness or negativity
Glowing eyes
Growling
Breaking anything
Spilling or dropping anything
Arguing with the hostess
As the hostess, and most socially conscious member of the pack, I reserve the right to add any additional laws at any time. This is not negotiable.
Breaking any of the laws will require you to place a $1 donation into a collection jar. All the money collected will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation. Whoever breaks the most laws must donate an additional $5. You cannot pre-donate to proactively take part in any of the above listed activities. You are welcome (and encouraged) to make additional donations.
Merry Christmas,
Your presence is expected,
Lydia Martin
One person was sure that he would not break any of the rules if he could help it. That person was sure because he was told that if he was really, really good, that he would have something special at the end of the night. That person was going to get that present, no matter the cost.
"So, did you bring money in case you break any of the laws mentioned in the card?" Stiles asked as Derek opened the car door for him. Stiles loved that Derek did little things like that even if sometimes it made him feel a little girly. Derek scowled. Stiles would have pointed out that would probably count in Lydia's eyes as breaking her laws, but it would have made things worse.
"I stopped at the bank on the way to pick you up," Derek said, his scowl getting… scowlier, "I assume the teller thought I was getting money to go to a strip club with all the singles I asked for."
Stiles opted to chew on the end of his scarf rather than respond. He tried fairly unsuccessfully to hide his laughter from Derek. He heard the rustling of bags being set on the ground before the trunk of Derek's car slammed closed. He seemed to be in quite a mood.
"Oh come on, Derek, I'm sure it's not going to be that bad." Stiles said.
"I brought singles to cover you too. The no dropping or breaking anything ones have me worried." Derek grinned at him over the car. Stiles wasn't going to sink to Derek's level. It simply wasn't the season for it. He accidentally stepped on Derek's foot as he went to pick up some of the bags, but everyone knew he could be clumsy at times.
"It was really nice of Lydia to organize this party," Stiles said as he walked up the path to the Country Club's main building. He wasn't sure what it was called. The Clubhouse? He sighed wistfully. He wanted to build snowmen under his tree fort, but after the last sledding incident and his subsequent weekend of being sick, Derek had instituted a limit on the amount of time he could play in the snow. Sometimes he was shocked at what he would put up with for sanity destroying sex with the hottest werewolf in the world.
"Stop it," Derek said.
Stiles raised an eyebrow at his boyfriend. He wasn't sure exactly what he was supposed to be stopping. "I don't know what you're—"
"Stop having sex thoughts," Derek interrupted.
Stiles gave Derek a scandalized look. Derek leered at him. He broke away from Derek's gaze, feigning a cough as they made it to the door. He didn't have a free hand to knock so he opted to bang his head gently against. He turned just in time to see Derek raise an eyebrow at him. "What?"
"Nothing, I just don't think we have to knock." Derek started to move to try to open the door, but before he could reach the handle it swung open. Lydia stood in the doorway.
"Merry Christmas," Lydia said.
"Merry Christmas," Stiles and Derek responded in unison. Derek narrowed his eyes at Stiles, but he narrowed his eyes right back. Somehow the night had just started and it already felt like they were taking part in some sort of sitcom Christmas special.
"You guys are so adorable. Now kiss." Lydia's voice did not give any room to argue with her. She watched them expectantly.
Stiles pivoted his whole upper body, plastic bags swishing as he turned to regard Derek. Derek used his head to gesture above them since his arms were also weighed down with bags. Stiles looked up and noticed there was a sprig of mistletoe hanging right above the door. Stiles blushed. Lydia tapped her foot impatiently. Derek got right down to business, nuzzling against the side of Stiles's face, the hot breath on his skin made him shiver. Derek's lips closed over his, and it didn't matter how many times it happened, it was always going to take his breath away.
Derek licked against his lips teasingly; Stiles opened his mouth so that Derek could get inside. Derek made a hungry noise, and licked inside his mouth. Stiles wobbled slightly, thinking that eating a candy cane on the way over had been one of his best decisions he'd made so far that day. Stiles moaned into Derek's mouth, he was going boneless, some of the bags slipped from his nerveless fingers. Derek chuckled against his lips. No wonder Derek always made him carry the bags that didn't matter if you dropped them.
"Because counting every item in every bag you just dropped wouldn't be in the season of giving, I'm only going to count each individual bag." Lydia said.
"Muhhhrrhm?" Stiles asked, he coughed and shook his head. He took a moment to get his mouth and brain working again once Derek let go of his lips. "Excuse me?"
"You just dropped three bags. That means you owe a three dollar donation." Lydia's smile was radiant, triumphant, and utterly infuriating.
"Fine," Stiles mumbled. He grinned widely when Lydia raised an eyebrow, no doubt assessing him for sourness or any other unseasonable activity. Stiles was effusive as fuck, there was no way he was getting hit with a fine over being anything less than ridiculously manic.
"Just so you know, Stiles, I'm not counting the bag dropping against you either," Derek said. "I sort of tried to get you to do it on purpose."
"Oh? Is there some other tally going on tonight?" Lydia looked like a cat that had just found the most enticing ball of string.
"Derek told me I'd get a really, really special surprise if I was good tonight." Stiles grinned widely as Lydia's eyes flickered between the two of them.
"Well, good luck," she said. "I'm sure you're going to need it if you have to be good all night."
"Yes! I'm not the only one who owes a donation now. I don't think that was particularly in the spirit of the season. Zing!" Stiles grinned. Derek and Lydia both laughed. They followed Lydia into the clubhouse, stopping near a large table with a giant jar in the middle of it. As if to demonstrate how it was done, Lydia pulled a dollar bill out of her purse and dropped it into the jar, winking at Stiles as she did it.
Derek set his bags gently down in order to fish his wallet out of his back pocket. Stiles watched and licked his lips. He would have been more than happy to help Derek get it if his boyfriend had only asked for his assistance. Derek turned his intense gaze on Stiles as he dropped three one dollar bills into the jar. Stiles knew that look, it was Derek's 'I told you to stop thinking sex things, but you know that I don't really mean it because I love the way it makes you smell when you're horny for me' look. Stiles loved that look; it was one of his favorites.
"Anyone else here yet?" Stiles craned his neck and looked around for the rest of the pack.
"Everyone's here, in the room at the end of the hall around the fire. That's where we have the food and presents," Lydia said.
Stiles loved food, loved presents, loved Christmas. He was so excited that he was practically bouncing as he made his way down the hall. He looked at Lydia curiously when she picked up the donation jar; so far it only seemed to contain the money they had just placed in it. "You're bringing it to the other room?"
"I'm sure we're going to need it easily available," Lydia said cryptically.
As they walked down the hall a thought occurred to Stiles, he turned to look at his boyfriend. "Derek, I just need to know before we get too far into the party, am I supposed to not kiss anyone or kiss anyone if I somehow end up under mistletoe with them?" Stiles blushed; he really wanted to know what the present was, wanted to make sure to do whatever he needed to get it.
Derek laughed; it wasn't the reaction Stiles had been expecting. "It's just a little Christmas fun, nothing to worry about. We're all pack; a little kiss on Christmas isn't going to hurt anyone."
"I'm glad you agree," Lydia said, stopping underneath the archway that led into the next room. Stiles almost ran into her not having expected her to stop so suddenly. She pointed up into the space between her and Stiles. He glanced up; there was another sprig of mistletoe.
"Wow, it's like you booby trapped the whole place," Stiles said.
"You have no idea." Lydia had her mischievous she-devil smirk on. "So what's it going to be, Stiles, a dollar for the children or a kiss for me?"
Stiles glanced back at Derek nervously. His boyfriend tilted his head considering the situation. "Up to you, Stiles," Derek said. "I know who you belong to."
Lydia let out an appreciative whistle. Stiles tried to ignore the heat that was rushing to his face. He leaned forward, licking his lips nervously before pressing them lightly against Lydia's. At one time it was the only thing he'd ever wanted. Little twinges of residual memories surfaced at the touch. He pulled away, sure that he had a goofy grin on his face as he licked his lips. Her cherry lip balm was delicious.
Lydia laughed delightedly before turning and heading into the room. Stiles glanced over at Derek to make sure that he was alright. Derek crowded into his space again, leaned down and captured Stiles's mouth. Stiles moaned when Derek licked along his lips, it made shivers run down his spine when he thought that Derek might have been trying to smother Lydia's taste with his own. Stiles panted slightly when he was let go. Derek winked at him before heading into the room. Stiles looked up at the ceiling as he entered. His mouth fell open in shock.
There were sprigs of mistletoe spread strategically about the room. They guarded most of the walkways between the furniture, they were above the table of presents, above the fireplace, hell, they were even above the hallway that lead to the bathrooms. There was another exit that led onto a little patio; mistletoe guarded that door as well. There was going to be a lot of kissing going on.
He walked carefully to the table that had the food spread out on it; he set his bags on the floor and pulled out the chips, drinks, and cookies he'd brought. He'd baked the cookies himself; he hoped everyone thought they were delicious. Then again, if they didn't find them delicious he could keep and eat them all himself. He cast a glance nervously at the jar Lydia had set down. He thought that might have been unseasonable behavior.
"Hey dude," Scott said as he wrapped Stiles in a warm hug from behind. Stiles went rigid in his arms.
"Oh no, Scott, what have you done?" Stiles sounded borderline hysterical, but he couldn't help himself. Scott's eyes got comically wide, unsure of what he'd done. Stiles watched Scott glance around at the other assembled people. Everyone was laughing, or trying not to laugh.
"What?" Scott shrugged. Clearly lost on what he'd done.
"Baby, look up," Allison said.
Scott looked up, Stiles watched as horror settled over his features. Scott had walked right up to him and hugged him under the mistletoe Lydia had placed by the food table.
"Where's the jar? I'm so putting a dollar in there," Scott said desperately.
"Lame," Lydia muttered. She started to move forward to grab the jar and offer it to Scott, but hesitated when Allison spoke.
"It's okay. You can kiss him," Allison said.
Stiles cast a nervous glance at her. She winked. She was devious and tricky. Stiles faintly recalled Lydia once saying something about girls liking the idea of two boys. Stiles looked over at Derek. He stood next to the fireplace, clearly avoiding the mistletoe just off to his left. Stiles thought Derek might have been chuckling.
"I don't want to make Jackson jealous," Stiles said.
Jackson, who had been taking a drink of soda, choked. His hand shook a little bit and some of the liquid spilled over the edge and onto the table he was sitting at. He got his breath back and scowled at Stiles.
"That's two, Jackson. You spilled something and you're scowling," Lydia said.
"But—"
"Three, you argued with me." Lydia just counted off his offenses like it was the simplest thing in the world. Jackson growled.
"Four." Lydia laughed at the shocked look on Jackson's face.
His body quivered for a moment. He closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, walked over to the jar, and dropped a five dollar bill into it. "Keep the change," Jackson said. "I want to do my part to help the children."
Lydia grinned mischievously. "That's the spirit, honey." Jackson smiled back at her using a little more teeth than ususal.
All eyes turned back to focus on Scott and Stiles. Stiles swallowed nervously. He looked over at Derek again who gave him a slight nod. Stiles turned back to Scott and leaned forward to kiss him, not realizing until the last moment when it was too late that Scott had opened his mouth to protest. The kiss was unintentionally awkward and a little wetter that he intended since his upper lip had sort of gotten in Scott's mouth a little. Laughter filled the room as Scott spluttered and Stiles turned away making dry heaving noises.
"Dude," Scott said, "Uncool, I had my mouth open and everything!"
Stiles made gagging noises and held up a finger towards Scott to pause his tirade. He coughed a couple of times, and grabbed a napkin to wipe his mouth off. Then he turned to regard Scott and winked at him. "Wow Scotty," Stiles said, "Allison's such a lucky girl. Your technique is amazing."
Scott pushed him lightly. Stiles pushed him back. Scott pushed him again.
"Whatever man, you were like one of those things that cling to the side of an aquarium with its mouth," Scott teased.
Stiles spluttered, reaching out to smack Scott in the head. Scott ducked away and ran towards the fireplace. Stiles had almost caught him when Derek snagged his arm as he passed by. Stiles turned to open his mouth in protest, but Derek's mouth covered his again. Stiles froze in place, let Derek have his way with his lips.
"So, That's how you get Stiles to be quiet and stay still," Jackson said.
"I'm not sure it works for everyone," Allison said, laughing softly.
Stiles melted against Derek momentarily. It wasn't until he heard Lydia's voice that he was able to think again. Derek rubbed his hands soothingly along Stiles's arms, it gave him goosebumps.
"Scott you owe the jar a dollar." Lydia and her rules for Christmas were not to be taken lightly.
Scott opened his mouth, but then clicked it closed. Stiles grinned, he must have learned from having seen Jackson that you didn't argue with the hostess. Scott dropped a dollar into the jar.
"Can I ask what that was for?"
"For fighting, you started a fight, I decided to exercise my on the fly addendum clause to say that fighting costs one dollar. I hadn't assumed it was necessary. I had forgotten how immature boys could be," Lydia said.
Stiles cleared his throat. Lydia looked at him and then blushed. Without saying anything she pulled out a dollar and dropped it into the jar as well. Everyone laughed. Stiles was going to keep getting her with the unseasonable sassiness, he knew it, she knew it, and it made them both grin.
"Can it be present time?" Allison blushed when everyone looked at her. "I'm just really excited to give mine."
Stiles rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Derek walked over and offered him a drink. Stiles looked into it to make sure it wasn't eggnog. That stuff gave him the creeps. Derek gave him a curious look, but he just gave Derek a thumbs-up as he took a drink of the soda.
"Everyone get some food and then gather around the fireplace," Lydia said. "Once everyone's settled we'll do the gift exchange in alphabetical order."
The pack bustled about the room, setting presents on the table and getting food and drinks. Everyone seemed incredibly conscious of the placement of the mistletoe. No one was making any mistakes until Stiles stumbled over Jackson's stretched out legs while coming around the food table. He went off balance and almost fell into Allison. Derek caught Stiles, keeping him from going head first into the fire, while Allison gracefully hopped backwards, right into Lydia. The two of them were right in front of the fireplace, right under a sprig of mistletoe.
Jackson whistled. Scott perked up like he just caught the scent of sizzling bacon. They both licked their lips. Stiles watched with interest as the two girls looked up and noticed where they were. Derek wrapped his arms around Stiles's waist, rested his chin on Stiles's shoulder and whispered, "I could almost believe Jackson planned that somehow."
Stiles grinned, but didn't say anything. This would certainly be interesting. He wondered if they'd kiss or pay. Lydia turned to regard Allison, the dark haired girl smiled shyly. The boys watched with rapt attention as their girlfriends closed the small space between them. Allison brushed her fingers through Lydia's strawberry blonde hair; Lydia ran the backs of her fingers over the graceful curve of Allison's neck. Scott knocked his drink over on the table. Jackson's eyes were alight with twisting green energy. Scott's eyes were focused molten gold.
Stiles tried to glance at Derek, but his boyfriend had tilted his face into Stiles's collarbone, breathing shallowly against his skin. Stiles grinned, the scent of Jackson and Scott's interest in the two girls must have been invading Derek's senses. He was trying to drown in Stiles's scent as a defense. It was wonderful, made Stiles's spine tingle. He turned his attention back to the girls.
Lydia went up on her tiptoes as Allison leaned down, their lips pressed lightly together. Stiles was awed by it. Luscious bright red lips, met a softer, deeper shade of red. Lydia's arm curled around Allison's back, hand dancing over the taller girl's hips. Allison gently stroked her fingers along Lydia's cheek, coming to rest lightly behind her ear, thumb stroking across a soft pale cheek.
Stiles watched in fascination as the two girls swayed in place together, lips a gentle glide. It was different, different than anything he'd ever seen. Even when Derek was being gentle, kissing another guy was powerful, fierce. This softness, it was beautiful. No male fire pushing it to be something more. It was amazing, like soft ripples on water the way their lips moved against each other.
They pulled apart, blinked at each other for a few moments before turning to look at the boys that were watching them. Stiles whistled appreciatively the way Lydia had earlier. Allison blushed, her cheeks going almost as red as her lips. Lydia glanced at Scott and Jackson.
"Jackson, you owe a dollar. Scott you owe two, and clean up that drink," Lydia said. Her voice was soft though, lacking some of the power that normally compelled people to listen to her immediately. Each one of them had broken the glowing eyes law, and Scott spilled his drink on top of it. The jar was rapidly filling with money.
Stiles could tell that Lydia was embarrassed, he wouldn't out her though. It wouldn't be seasonable. He'd probably tease her about it at some point. It wasn't often he got to do something like that, she was normally so cool and collected all the time.
Jackson and Scott shook their heads, the light of their inner wolves faded from their eyes. Scott blinked a few times before realizing that some of his drink was dripping onto his leg. Jackson laughed and Scott punched him in the arm. Jackson punched him back.
"One more dollar from each of you," Lydia called out as she started pulling chairs away from the fire, clearing a spot for them all to sit on the floor.
The two boys added the money they owed to the jar. Stiles watched Jackson move over to the table of food, he was sniffing, looking for something else to eat. Stiles glanced over at Scott who was looking at Jackson's back. Stiles tilted his head curiously as Scott glanced up at the mistletoe hanging right above Jackson's head.
Allison and Lydia were busy moving furniture; neither of them seemed to notice Scott walking nervously towards the table. Stiles turned his face towards Derek who was still resting his chin on his shoulder. He couldn't see Derek's face, but felt Derek nod against him, felt his fingers curl against his waist. Stiles rested his hands over Derek's, stroked them lightly with his fingers, and got rewarded with a soft kiss against his neck.
Scott was standing right behind Jackson; the blonde seemed oblivious as he snagged another cheese cube and slice of peperoni. When Scott was close enough to be in the mistletoe's domain he froze, turned, and was about to walk away.
"Lydia, looks like we have another mistletoe victim," Derek said.
Stiles gasped in shock, he hadn't expected Derek to say anything. The girls turned and looked. Jackson turned and found himself facing Scott's back. Scott's mouth worked soundlessly. He turned to face Jackson, who fidgeted nervously. Stiles watched them curiously. He'd heard about their fabled one hot tub stand, and he remembered joking about the two of them flirting when they were on their trip. He didn't really understand at the time, about the scent sharing. This seemed to be more than that though.
Stiles turned to watch the girls, to see their reaction. Allison's face was almost as red as when they'd watched her kiss. Lydia on the other hand was watching the two boys by the table with her calculating gaze. Allison leaned over and whispered something into Lydia's ear.
Jackson's hands started shaking nervously, something about it made Stiles sad. Jackson reached behind to pull his wallet out of his back pocket. "Don't worry, McCall, I'll cover us both," Jackson said.
Scott hesitated for a moment. Without looking up into Jackson's face, he grabbed his wrist to keep it from getting to the wallet. "I don't want you to."
Stiles gaspe. He'd never really heard Scott's voice sound so small and nervous. Derek's arms tightened around his waist, and Stiles bit his lower lip as he watched his best friend shift back and forth.
"It's okay," Derek whispered into his ear. "Allison told Lydia that she wanted to see it. You know how Lydia felt already. No one's going to get hurt by this."
Stiles's fingers closed tighter on Derek's hands. Derek was wrong, they were all wrong. Stiles could see it in the tension in Jackson's neck, the way his wrist trembled as Scott's fingers drifted lightly over the skin. Tomorrow would be just another day for all of them, for everyone except Jackson. He was going to be haunted by this, but was too afraid he'd never get it again to let the opportunity pass him by.
"Scott," Jackson whispered, barely loud enough for Stiles to hear. The tone was desperate and needy and Stiles knew what it meant and it broke his heart a little. He blinked his eyes to clear away the wetness building in them. Derek's arms squeezed him gently.
Scott brought the hand that wasn't holding onto Jackson's wrist up, ran his thumb along Jackson's cheek before gripping him firmly by the back of the neck as he said, "It's okay, Jackson. I'm not going anywhere."
Jackson wrapped his arms around Scott's body, pulled the two of them tightly together. Scott wrapped his arms around Jackson's shoulders. Jackson leaned down and Scott tilted his head back. Their lips pressed together. Stiles heard Allison's soft gasp, but didn't want to look away. He wanted to see this thing that had a hold on Jackson. He wondered if anyone else knew. He wondered if anyone really understood what was going on there between the two of them.
Scott's fingers curled in the back of Jackson's hair. Jackson lifted Scott slightly off his feet pressing their bodies together. The fire caused flickers of shadow to race across their bodies. It was intimate in a way that even Lydia and Allison's kiss hadn't been. Stiles turned his head away, felt like he was intruding.
He glanced at Allison and Lydia. Allison was holding Lydia's hand, had her lower lip trapped between her teeth. Lydia leaned up to whisper something to Allison. The dark haired girl smiled, nodded at Lydia and they turned to finish getting the area around the fireplace cleared.
Stiles turned to look back at Jackson and Scott; the two of them were holding hands, palms to palms and resting forehead to forehead. Scott had his eyes open, Jackson's were closed. Scott leaned in and placed another quick kiss on Jackson's lips before pulling away. Scott went over to Allison, helped her finish moving one of the heavier chairs. Stiles watched Jackson, his heart ached as Jackson's gaze followed Scott. Stiles pulled out of Derek's grasp, wanted to make sure Jackson was okay.
He rushed up to Jackson and pulled the startled werewolf into a hug. Jackson almost pushed him away, but before he could Stiles whispered into his ear, "You're going to be okay." Stiles felt Jackson's body tremble for a moment before hugging back. He looked into Jackson's pale blue eyes, ruffled the guy's blonde hair and smiled, knowing it was infectious. After a few moments Jackson smiled back. They pulled apart. Stiles was about to turn around and go back to Derek when he heard his boyfriend call out again.
"Looks like it's Jackson's lucky day." There was something in Derek's voice that Stiles couldn't quite put his finger on. It wasn't negative, wasn't anger. It was something else.
"Well pucker up Stiles," Allison said. "You're certainly making the rounds tonight."
"I-I just wanted a hot dog in the little bread thing," Stiles stuttered. He blinked and almost swallowed his tongue at what he just said. The girls laughed delightedly.
"Well now you can have a slice of beefcake instead," Lydia teased.
"It's cool, Stiles, you've done enough." Jackson looked down at the floor like he dropped the keys to his Porsche and couldn't find them.
Stiles looked over at Derek, watched him nod, eyes focused and intense. It was like Derek wanted him to do it. He'd purposefully called out and let the others know he was by the mistletoe with Jackson. Stiles turned, laced his fingers through Jackson's belt loops. Jackson made a surprised noise, almost a protest, but stopped and watched as Stiles licked his lips, mouth hanging slightly open. Stiles grinned inwardly, that trick worked on everyone.
Jackson leaned down, lips brushing against Stiles's nervously, cautiously. Jackson must have thought Derek was going to tear his throat out, clearly didn't know how to kiss a guy with any real force to it. Stiles took possession of the kiss, did what Derek did when he kissed Stiles. He nipped lightly at Jackson's mouth, licked to soothe the sting.
Jackson gasped in surprise. Stiles pulled away, turned to look back at the rest of the pack. Lydia had dropped the cushion she was holding. Allison gaped in astonishment. Scott's eyes were glowing amber. He looked angry and possessive. Stiles swallowed nervously. Derek's eyes were blown open, pulsing purple light twisting in the depths. Stiles walked over to him. "You okay?"
Derek gripped Stiles's hips, and pulled him close with enough force it made Stiles gasp. Derek kissed him fiercely, like it was the only thing keeping him alive. Stiles was drowning in Derek's mouth, couldn't remember how to breathe. Derek released his lips and nosed against Stiles's cheek until he turned his head to the side. Tight, sucking heat enveloped Stiles's neck until he knew a bruise was forming. Derek wanted to see it, wanted to see him kiss Jackson, but wanted to make sure everyone knew who Stiles belonged to.
Stiles almost fell when Derek let him go, his knees were weak. He coughed nervously as everyone in the room watched him. "Well," he said, "I know Lydia dropped something, and everyone's eyes were glowing at one point or another. I say we all just put five dollars in the jar to help the kids, and open our presents."
Everyone rummaged into their wallets and purses and dropped the money into the jar. They dispersed, gathering up their gifts and drinks. Scott and Jackson grabbed their plates of food. Everyone sat on cushions on the floor in a half circle around the fire.
"Ok," Lydia said, "Allison's first since we're going alphabetically. If your gift has a card, you have to read it aloud so we can all hear what it says."
Stiles noticed Scott's eyes get wide. Everyone else seemed to be looking at Lydia. Stiles wondered what it meant. Allison giggled delightedly; she picked up the gift bag in front of her. It was silver with blue ribbons and a blue bow. She crawled across the floor and offered it to Derek. Stiles grinned at his boyfriend as he curiously pulled out tissue paper and found a card. Derek opened it and flipped the card open.
"To Derek, From Allison," Derek said. "Thank you for bringing us all together and watching out for us." Derek smiled at her, and he got up on his knees to give her a light hug. They both settled back into their positions in the circle as Derek went back to rooting around in the bag. He came out with a little holder that was clearly a gift card. He opened it and chuckled. "Home depot, exactly what I need."
Stiles chuckled; they'd been working on Derek's house as a pack after he'd gotten it back from the county. Derek had a small apartment he lived in. He told Stiles he didn't want him to stay over in his family's house until it was rebuilt and looked the way it was supposed to.
"Alright Derek," Lydia said, "It's your turn."
Derek picked up a rectangular box that was about a foot long, six inches or so high, and six inches wide. It had red and green wrapping paper covered in reindeer. Stiles thought it was adorable. They had agreed they wouldn't share who they had gotten in the gift exchange. Derek slid the box across the circle toward Lydia. She smiled, assessing the box, no doubt trying to guess what was inside before she opened it. There was a card on the top; it was small, like a tag. She flipped it open and read, "To Lydia, From Derek. The smaller item is the gift, the bigger thing is an unrelated apology. Hope that doesn't break the rules."
Lydia glanced at Derek curiously. She tore the wrapping paper off and on top of the box there was a smaller thinner rectangular gift. She pulled the paper off that one and laughed to see Derek had replaced her copy of The Notebook.
"Sorry I broke your original copy," Derek said.
Lydia laughed and set it aside. She opened the other box to reveal an expensive pair of shoes. The same ones Lydia had lost to water damage in the warehouse during their beach vacation. Stiles grinned when he saw Lydia's eyes fill with tears. She stood up and Derek stood at the same time. She hugged him; they were right in the middle of the circle. Stiles coughed, they both looked at him. He pointed up. Allison had gone over to Derek and thus dodged the mistletoe. Lydia and Derek had met halfway, perfectly caught in the trap. Derek raised an eyebrow at Stiles. Lydia watched him for permission.
"Go for it," Stiles said, "I've gotten with nearly everyone tonight."
Allison laughed; she was the only one he hadn't kissed. He winked at her and she gave him a thumbs-up. Allison was like his best female friend now; they'd bonded over the tree fort. Stiles and everyone else turned to watch the two in the middle. Stiles licked his lips, this was going to be electric, the two most dominant members of the pack. He wondered if Lydia would fight Derek for control of the kiss. She never had a chance; Derek wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up, lips claiming her mouth. There was no tongue, but Lydia was helpless under Derek's onslaught. Her arms wrapped around his neck. She was unsteady when he set her back on her feet.
When Derek sat back onto the floor Stiles crawled over and licked at his lips, tasting the cherry lip balm that was there. If Derek could kiss away the evidence of anyone who got to him, Stiles was within his rights to do the same. He bit Derek's neck for good measure earning a gentle pat on the ass for his diligence.
"Well," Lydia said, still a little flustered. "I believe that means it's Jackson's turn."
Stiles looked at Jackson, was surprised that Jackson was staring at him already. There was a card resting on the floor in front of him, he picked it up and winged it across the circle. Stiles didn't manage to catch it so much as pin it to the carpet with his flailing hands. Jackson grinned at him.
"Before you open it," Jackson said, "The stuff inside isn't the gift, just the card. I didn't want to break the fifty dollar rule, so consider the other stuff whatever you want. The card is the gift."
Stiles regarded Jackson curiously. He opened the card; there was some sort of paper folded up inside of it. He set the paper aside and read the card. "To Stiles," he said, clearing his throat, "From Jackson. The trip to the beach may have been Derek's idea, but you were the person who made it the best experience of my life. You helped bring us all together, showed us things about each other that we'd been missing. It's because of you that I feel like I really have a family now. I hope you like the thing in this card that is not a gift because Lydia would get super pissed if she found out I broke the fifty dollar limit. P.S. Don't ever let her read this, okay? Thanks man. With love, Jackson."
"You sort of screwed me there you realize that right?" Jackson shifted uncomfortably and looked over at Lydia. Stiles looked at her also, grinned when he saw she was smiling.
"I think you're fine man," Stiles said, "now let's see what this paper is."
Stiles opened it and his mouth dropped open in shock. It was a confirmation for the rental of a lodge at a ski resort in Colorado, and the confirmation for six plane tickets. It was scheduled for the last two weeks of January.
"We can change the dates if we need, as long as we do it in the next two weeks." Jackson mumbled, "Well, I mean you can, you can take whoever you want."
Stiles gaped, it was ridiculous. The gift must have been expensive. "Jackson," Stiles said, "I don't know what to say. Of course I hope all of us can go."
"Go to what?" Scott perked up, craned his neck as if he could somehow read the card from across the circle. Stiles closed the paper up and put it back in the card. He crawled across the floor, passing out of the domain of the mistletoe before pulling Jackson into a hug. Jackson squeezed him back and Stiles returned to Derek's side, handed him the card. Derek whistled when he saw what was in it.
"What is it?" Scott didn't seem willing to let it go.
"We'll talk about it later; I want to get through everyone's gifts," Stiles said. Jackson's gift was so generous it could easily eclipse anything anyone else had gotten. He'd tell the pack in a few days to make sure everyone would have time to arrange their plans so they could go.
"Alright," Lydia said, "Next up is me." She pushed a fairly large box around Allison in front of Scott.
Scott rubbed his hands together in excitement before picking up the card. He opened it up, chuckling as he read out loud. "To Scott, I hope this helps you perfect your game further." He glanced curiously at Lydia as he tore off the white wrapping paper with snowflakes on it. Inside was a black leather bowling ball bag. He opened the bag to reveal a black bowling ball with what looked like golden claw marks raked around it. She'd clearly had it custom made for him. "Thanks Lydia," Scott said as he crawled over Allison's lap to give her a hug, "This is great."
"I'm glad you like it, we should arrange a three way bowling date sometime soon. Also, you're up next." Lydia settled back onto her heels, idly stroking the shoes Derek had gotten her. Stiles grinned, loved that Derek had gotten her something she really liked.
Scott had a card also, he stood up and walked behind Allison and Lydia and offered it down to Jackson. The blonde looked up at him in shock, took the card as Scott went back to sit down on the floor again looking at his own feet. Stiles watched as Jackson pulled out what looked like tickets to some sort of event. Jackson nibbled his lower lip nervously while holding his breath as he read the card, then scrubbed the back of his hand over his eyes.
"Two tickets to a hockey game," Jackson said. "Thanks man." He took a deep breath, let it out slowly.
"I figured you and Danny could go, or whoever." Scott was mumbling, still looking at his feet.
"What's the card say?" Lydia leaned over towards Jackson.
"I-it doesn't say anything, just a regular card, you know, to Jackson, from Scott." Jackson said defensively. He closed the card and held it against his chest.
Stiles glanced at Scott, noticed tension draining out of his shoulders. Stiles really wanted to know what was in that card. His thoughts were interrupted by Lydia clearing her throat.
"Okay, Stiles," she said, "That means it's your turn."
Stiles grinned, stood up and walked to the middle of the circle carrying a large box wrapped in white and neon green, a large green bow on the top. He held it out towards Allison. She stood up, but didn't meet him in the middle. She pointed to the mistletoe above his head.
"I figured I'd collect kisses from everyone, you know, to complete the set," Stiles joked.
Allison glanced at Scott who shrugged; he had a silly grin on his face though. Stiles turned to Derek, watched his shoulders shake with silent laughter. Stiles set the box down on the ground to the side. He held out his hand and Allison took it. He twirled her around so her back was to his chest, arm around her waist.
"I see you've been continuing practicing your dance moves."
"It's how I keep this rocking ass body looking so good." Stiles wasn't sure he liked how everyone chuckled at that. He shrugged it off, brought his other hand up to tilt Allison's head back so he could place his lips gently over hers. Her lips were soft like Lydia's had been, but where Lydia was confidant and bold, Allison was playful and teasing. He tried to be serious about it, but before they knew it they were both laughing, foreheads resting against each other.
"So creepy," Stiles said.
"Agreed, that was like kissing the brother I never had," Allison confirmed.
Stiles picked up the box and handed it to her; she took it and moved to sit back down next to Scott. Stiles settled in Derek's lap to watch Allison open the present. Derek pulled his head back to place a gentle kiss on his lips before letting him go. Stiles grinned, apparently he didn't need to try as hard to clear Allison's kiss from his lips, probably because Stiles had laughed during it.
She opened the card on the outside. "To Allison," she said, "From Stiles. Though I know a true friend can never be replaced once they're gone, sometimes finding a new friend can help fill the hole they've left behind."
Allison glanced at Stiles, curiosity in her eyes. Stiles grinned at her. She shook her head and opened the box. She squealed with delight as she pulled a white stuffed teddy bear out of the box. The bear was wearing a black hoody and had a small sticky note attached to its paw. She pulled the note off and read it to the group, "Please love me, cherish me, and above all please don't tase me ladybro." She smiled at him across the circle; they gave each other a thumbs-up at the same time.
The pack spent the rest of the night eating all the food they'd brought; Stiles's cookies were devoured with great fervor. There were no more mistletoe mistakes, and everyone helped clean up the mess they'd made. More than once everyone except for Allison added more money into the donations jar, at the end of the night she dropped in a twenty dollar bill. She must have felt guilty that she was the only one who didn't break any of Lydia's 'Laws of Christmas' aside from the time that everyone got charged watching Stiles kiss Jackson.
Derek held his hand as they waved goodbye to the rest of the pack and made their way to Derek's car. Stiles was bouncing excitedly, high on the sugar, the gifts, the laughter, and the closeness with his pack. Derek opened the car door for him, but before he got inside he turned and looked into Derek's eyes. "So," he said, "Was I good enough to get my really, really special gift tonight?" He watched as Derek seemed to consider the idea, thought he could help sway Derek's opinion with a gentle peck on the lips. Derek grinned down at him.
"I don't know," he said, "I guess we'll have to go home and check to see if Santa left you anything under the tree."
Stiles scoffed at Derek, but let his boyfriend push him into the passenger seat of the car. Derek was such a tease, Stiles loved it. Derek opened the driver's side door of the car and climbed in.
"Hey Derek," Stiles said, "Just so you know, I got you a special gift too."
"Oh really?" Derek asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
"Yep, I'll show you mine if you show me yours," Stiles teased.
Derek gripped Stiles's hand and squeezed lightly, letting their hands rest on Stiles's leg. "I've already got everything I want for Christmas," Derek said, "But I'll more than happily inspect whatever it is you want to show me when we get home."
"Pervert," Stiles said as he reached into the small bag on the floor between his legs and pulled out a candy cane. He pulled the plastic off it and ran his tongue around the delicious peppermint goodness. He didn't look at Derek as he ate the treat, didn't comment on Derek's grip tightening or the increased speed of the car. He just enjoyed it, and tried to guess as to what it was that Derek was going to give him once they got home.