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“Stiles, I heard that you also started writing your own stories. Sort of like based from the show you've acted in with Derek? That's wonderful.” Talia started saying, and despite the praise, Stiles already had the feeling that something terrible was coming. “Fanfics, that's what they call it, isn't it? I was told one is called... 'Knotting Club'?”
Stiles choked on his food.
Out of all the scenarios Stiles had imagined it would be the day Derek introduced him to his family, it never occurred to him that the very mother of his boyfriend would ask him about one of his most popular fics. Particularly since that same one, happened to be the one which had a large number of chapters with excessive explicit smut, about a human and a werewolf in a romantic relationship, exploring all their kinks and delving profusely into the aspects of xenophilia.
“Oh my dear, are you all right?” Talia asked, quickly handing the water jug to Derek, so he could serve him a glass. The Stilinski was at least glad that the blush of embarrassment on his face got masked by the coughing. “Was my pie too dry?”
Stiles quickly gulped down the water. “No, ma'am.” He managed to say hoarsely, quickly drinking the water Derek refilled for him. “I choked from eating so fast, since it's so... so tasty. I'd like you to share the recipe with me.”
That seemed to convince the woman, who smiled at the praise on her food and appeared to be more relieved that Stiles was better. But the one who wasn't buying his words was Jackson, as Stiles clearly heard the snort the blond let out at his excuse. And that was all he needed to know who the culprit was, the one who told Talia about his past as a fanfic writer.
Stiles wanted to glare at him. Or strangle him with his own hands until he couldn't breathe anymore. But clearly it wasn't something he could do when he had Derek's entire family around him. Why did Jackson just have to be his boyfriend's cousin too?
And it wasn't that Stiles was embarrassed to have written several fanfics about different series, mostly fanfics based in the universe of the show he worked on with Derek. Young Wolf was the series that brought them both to fame. In the case of Stiles, it was his first acting job, he knew that YouTube couldn't count as a huge experience at the time, however, he managed to play the character of Dylan O'brien as if he was a natural born talent.
On the other hand, Derek had been in the acting world since he was a kid, and that experience was evident in the way he played his character. The role of Hale as a lone werewolf with a tragic past, won the hearts of many —especially for his incredible physique—, as well as for the great evolution of his character arc, going from a man full of mysticism who had a great conflict with the main enemies, to become one of the most important pillars for the plot of the show; as well as one of the main characters of the state of California, where the story takes place.
Furthermore, that was not the only thing that captivated and caught the attention of many in the audience, but also was the dynamic between their characters. Dylan O'Brien's hyperactive and curious character clashed with the little patience that Tyler Hoechlin, Derek's character, had. But despite their differences, both protagonists always found a way to cooperate and work together to solve their problems. Which was what made their relationship the most interesting, how their differences complemented what the other lacked.
Perhaps that was what brought them closer, because Stiles and Derek really enjoyed the dynamics that came up in the scenes when their characters were together. So, they were also looking for more of those interactions, proposing and writing possible scenes to present to the producer and main scriptwriter. This is how, little over time, Stiles discovered his passion in writing, in being able to create stories full of mystery or adventure, just as he did playing Dylan with Derek and the rest of the cast.
Although, many of the scenes they presented with Derek never came to fruition, to be able to think them through and put them on paper, and having Hale's approval and encouragement, was what drove the Stilinski to continue writing. Especially wanting to write down all the ideas he had about Tyler and Dylan that never made it into the show. He first started writing the scenes of their characters, then he added more details and even wrote them outside the universe of the series; until Stiles was encouraged to write a complete fanfic and publish it under a pseudonym.
As much as he wanted his character to end up together with Derek's, the production had other ideas of how the main characters' plot was going to develop, so the fanfic became the tool to fulfill that desire he had. That Tyler could finally have a healthy and happy relationship, really find someone to trust, and above all, have a happy life with someone he loves.
He couldn't achieve that in the series but at least the fanfics were enough for him. He never imagined he would find himself so caught up in the fictional stories like the Hobrien ship, but then again, it could be his feelings for Derek that were slowly burning in his chest. The series was bringing them even closer, just as it did when they met to discuss and come up with scenes for Tyler and Dylan. Every moment they shared, made his chest swell with more and more of that same passion.
Perhaps fanfics also served as a way for him to fill in for those feelings.
But it hadn't been necessary to escape into fiction when the reality had a surprise for him. At the end of the fourth season, Hale was leaving the series to pursue new projects he had planned and continue exploring his path as an actor; although that didn't mean he wanted to get away from his friends in the cast; and above all, from Stiles. Derek had asked him on a date.
The moments they shared and the closeness he felt between them had not been his imagination, nor the chemistry in their characters. The feelings really were there, and not just on his side, but on the Hale's as well. Derek didn't want to lose touch with each other but neither did he want to lose the opportunity for something more. It was a hunch that he felt he could be reciprocated by the Stilinski, so he took the risk and it really paid off.
Yet Stiles didn't stop writing, because the passion he felt as he went about making and developing different stories, not just about Dylan and Tyler, hadn't gone away. Plus, he felt that after what the characters went through in the series, he needed to see them happy, especially since he was able to see how beautiful Derek's smile was; then Tyler's would be just as beautiful.
However, he did keep the account for his fics private, as much as he might use a pseudonym, he still wanted there to be some privacy. After all, like Derek, Stiles believed that there was a certain line between the world of actors and fandom that he shouldn't cross. Keeping a professional distance on what content fans create about the ship and not feeding them with false expectations about it.
For that very reason, he didn't understand how the hell Jackson managed to find his fics. Stiles was sure that he was always careful to not share personal information on his account, as well as to not give any details that could point him out as the author of the fics. He simply posted them, made a few comments, interacted as little as necessary, and that was it. Besides, the ones he had published, he did it in that private account in ao3, the only ones who knew were some friends and Derek. He knew that Jackson had found several Hobrien fics and showed them to the rest of the cast.
But finding one of his few fics among the thousands and thousands the fandom has written, literally was like finding a needle in a haystack.
However, he was not surprised that it was Jackson who found it. Being Peter Hale's son, he surely inherited the bad combination of cunning and malice for which Derek's uncle is known. Plus his character in Young Wolf, Colton Haynes, was also a jerk. So Jackson was perfect for the role. Which was also why, Stiles believed, it could be very likely that he just happened to stumble upon one of his fics and, by reading it, managed to deduce that it was his way of writing.
From all the people who could have made the connection that a completely random fic in the thousands, private and with little author information, it had to be Stiles'. Maybe this was the payoff for having an amazing relationship with Derek. Not everything could be perfect.
What he did need to be perfect was some way to change the subject or keep his mother-in-law from asking about “knotting.”
“Actually, the name is ‘Knitting Club’.” Okay, Stiles knew it wasn't the best lie he could come up with, but it was something. Now he just had to continue, as much cringe as he might feel at the regrettable solution he was going to say. “It's about how Tyler's character starts knitting for the helpless....
Jackson's snort interrupted him, “That's not what I remember. I'm pretty sure it was called 'Knot- AUCH! What the fuck was that for?” Jackson shouted as he got kicked under the table by Derek.
“Don't interrupt the visit, my boyfriend . And most of all, don't be an asshole.” Derek growled, sneaking a glance at Stiles. The Stilinski had to give him a lot of rewards for saving him, as unsubtle as it may have been.
“Derek! Dear God, you're not kids to fight at the table anymore.” Talia scolded them, to which Derek only shrugged, shooting a knowing look at Stiles. “What's Stiles going to think of us? That we raised you two like wolves?”
“Don't worry, Mom. I think Stiles knows that they've always been that brute.” Laura commented as she poured a glass of wine for herself and her mother.
Jackson wanted to refute but Derek spoke first. “Don't complain and help me get the beef that's in the oven.” And before the blond could complain, the older man grabbed him by his clothes and lifted him out of the chair, dragging him into the kitchen.
Stiles had to make a great effort to hold in his laugh, Derek definitely deserved a big prize after saving him so many times. He was also grateful that Talia seemed oblivious to what was really happening between her son and nephew. Laura's comment also helped to make the whole situation go unnoticed.
“I think it's YOUR son who needs a lesson in manners. Poor little Stiles, having to deal with such a brute.” It was Peter's sly comment to his sister, who moved the glass closer so Laura could pour him wine as well.
“And I think YOU should stop drinking wine.” Replied the woman, pushing the bottle away from her brother. The man just rolled his eyes but still didn't lose his cheeky grin, turning his gaze to Stiles.
“Anyway. Ignore our disastrous family and tell us more about yourself Stiles. What was that story you were talking about?” Peter asked with what sounded like genuine curiosity, though Derek warned him to never trust his uncle and he understood why. But still, taking advantage of the fact that Jackson wasn't in the room enough to interrupt him, Stiles hurried to explain —or rather, to lie— about the plot of the fanfic.
Again, it wasn't the best lie he could have come up with, still it was something that could easily be the plot of a fluff fic. However, at the very least it sounded believable that it was about the character of Tyler Hoechlin, who wanted to help people in difficult situations, and one of his solutions was to knit them coats and offer them a place in a shelter. And these relationships grew stronger as they helped each other, leading to the formation of a knitting club, to encourage work as well as helping others.
He knew the plot idea was completely cheesy and perhaps a bit silly. Though it did seem to get the point across and at least convince Talia, which was the most important thing at the moment. On the other hand, as for Peter, Stiles was sure that the story didn't convince him at all, but he praised himself for managing to serve him more wine and make him drunk enough to lose interest in the conversation.
He was also thankful that Derek had managed to keep Jackson long enough in the kitchen, the sufficient time to elaborate on his bad lie. Luckily his boyfriend's sisters and other family members didn't seem interested in fanfic and wanted to know more about how the relationship was progressing. Or at least Laura was the most curious.
And it made sense that Derek had warned him to be extra careful with Laura. Although the Hale commented to him to be careful of what he said in front of Peter and Jackson, it was with his sister that he had to be most mindful. Stiles could understand why that warning, Laura in just a few minutes, had cornered him with a lot of questions about him and Derek. It was definitely clear how much Laura loved gossip, especially if it was about her family.
Regardless, her curiosity was quickly interrupted by Derek, changing the subject as he served the food, giving him an assuring smile. Always attentive to everything, it was why Stiles loved him so much. Also with the new dish served, the conversations quickly quieted down, everyone enjoying the delicious food. The one who was quietest of all was Jackson, with a frown on his face but also a gloomy look in his eyes. Later he was going to have to ask the Hale what he did to keep his cousin quiet and not bother him anymore.
After that, the dinner continued without any trouble at all, the conversations being more friendly and with less mischievous curiosity. Peter occasionally wanted to ask a spicy question but was quickly scolled by his sister and mother. Talia seemed genuinely pleased with her son's relationship with him, which brought to Stiles a great sense of relief that he passed the first step and that he had Derek's mother's approval. It was a similar situation with Laura, who only began to pester her brother with questions about whether he was really treating Stiles the way he should.
‘If only they knew’. It was something Stiles thought but kept to himself. But he knew Derek could catch his expression and the smirk he was trying to hide.
With a tupper full of food and several slices of the baked goods Derek's father had been baking, Stiles said goodbye to his boyfriend's family with tight, warm hugs, promising to attend the next few family dinners. Jackson didn't come over to greet him but at least he didn't look angry, just a little annoyed when Derek glared at him. His cousin just rolled his eyes and wished them safe travels.
And as soon as Stiles and Derek got into the camaro to go to the loft, the Stilinski jumped on his boyfriend to shower his face with kisses, whispered several “Thank you's” and “You're the best.” The Hale didn't resist, indeed, returning several of the kisses that landed on his lips with the same passion, laughing with a big grin at Stiles' effusive affection.
“As much as... I'm glad... to get more kisses... I just did what I had to do.” Derek was saying as he returned the kisses, his smile never fading.
“For saving me from a terrible fate of shame and humiliation in front of your family, you deserve this and more.” Stiles replied as he leaned away from his boyfriend, so that they could properly talk face to face, as much as he wanted to continue the kisses. Like it was with Derek, he was still expecting to get a few more, his lips still stretched out waiting for more affection, managing to make Stiles chuckle at his pout. “This...” Stiles said, surrendering and giving him one last kiss before pulling away and saying “ and so much more .” With a provocative tone and wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
“Then I do deserve all of this.” Derek said with a big grin, pulling Stiles closer to kiss him again, this time with much more intensity, capturing his lips between his own and biting them softly with a playful growl.
“Well well, Hornywolf , we still have to get out of the front of your family's house and get to the loft.” Stiles managed to say once the Hale gave him time to breathe, enjoying his boyfriend's chuckle at the “ Hornywolf ” nickname, which was a clear reference to the “ Sourwolf ” his character says to Tyler on the show.
“If Little Red lets himself be devoured by the wolf, you can't blame him for his hunger.” Derek replied in a low voice, playing along with Stiles, giving him a completely flirtatious grin and growling again, as if he were his character.
“Alright, let's get out of here first.” Stiles said, accommodating himself on his seat and putting on his seatbelt. “Besides, I need to know what you told Jackson to make him pout like that for the remainder of the night.”
Derek laughed at his comment. “I just told him that if he kept acting like a bitch to you, I promised him I'd never get him a date with Ethan.” The Hale began, which didn't seem too awful for Jackson to be that upset. “And that I would leak all his nudes on twitter.”
“WAIT, you know how to use twitter?!”
“That's what caught your attention the most!?” Derek asked incredulously.
“Well, wasn't I the one who figured out that instagram stories were just fleeting photos, and that they weren't literally novel-like stories.” Stiles explained, enjoying Derek's grunt of acceptance. “Although I don't know if I want to ask how you come to get your cousin's nudes. Or that you somehow still keep them.”
“I deleted them, but he doesn't know that. Yet he does know that he accidentally sent them to me one night when he was really drunk, thinking he was sending them to one of his hookups.” Derek said as he handed his cell phone to his boyfriend, who upon unlocking it, saw a picture of a very indecently Jackson posing in front of a mirror. Luckly, still wearing his pants. “I kept that one just in case, if a situation like this ever happened.”
“I never thought blackmail would be your thing.” Stiles was shocked to discover that Derek had planned to blackmail his own cousin. Although watching again Jackson's supposed “nude,” he was finding it progressively more funny than suggestive, it was clear how drunk the blond was when he took the picture.
"I never wanted to resort to this. Please don't think that of me." Derek pleaded, giving an honest look for a few seconds, then returning his focus to the road as he drove. “Besides, it's not the first time he's acted like a jerk because I'm dating you.” Derek finished by saying very quietly.
“WHAT? What do you mean it's not the first time? Why didn't you ever tell me?” He complained alarmed. He knew Jackson could be that much of a pain in the ass but he had figured earlier this night it was just to annoy his cousin. It was a surprise to learn that this was something that had been going on for a while and Derek had never mentioned it to him.
“Because I didn't think it was that serious, but when he continued to behave like that, he sent me the nudes by accident days before. So I kept it to myself just in case." Derek finished explaining, taking advantage of the red light to turn to Stiles. “Sorry I didn't tell you anything, I really didn't imagine he would end up acting like that.”
“It's okay, don't worry.” Stiles replied, giving him a short kiss on the lips so he wouldn't have that guilty look on his face anymore. “I didn't think he would hate me that much either.”
“I wouldn't say that's hate...”
"Yes, you're right. Your mother finding out what I write wouldn't be the end of the world. But I'd sure die of embarrassment right there." Stiles said thinking how terrible it would be if Talia asked him about Knotting and Mpreg. The shudder and cringe he felt just imagining it was bad enough, he definitely didn't need to live through it. “Besides, if it's not hate, what else is it going to be?”
Derek remained silent at the question, which was a clear sign that his boyfriend knew something he wasn't telling.
“Derek, is there something else you want to share with me?”
“I'm not sure about that, but it's a theory that Laura has.” The older man began. So Laura also knew about Jackson's attitude. But Stiles wasn't bothered by it, after all, the Hales were the ones who had to suffer Peter's son the most at family dinners. "But she thinks he's jealous. That I'm the one that's dating you, and not him."
What?
It took Stiles a minute to process what his boyfriend said, but that wasn't all, because Derek continued.
“Or that I also had a little casual hook up with Ethan and Aiden...” He said in a whisper.
“WAIT, WHAT?!” His scream definitely startled Derek, who shrank back in shock. "Derek, you can't keep dropping these bombs on me out of nowhere. I mean...what, Jackson likes me? But didn't he like Ethan? And you with Ethan? WITH HIS BROTHER? When? Where? How? What?"
Derek let out a small chuckle at his boyfriend's flurry of confused questions, to which Stiles punched him in the arm.
"I'm sorry. Literally that was a one night stand, when we were filming season three. It seemed that Ethan liked Tyler's attitude as an alpha." Okay, that confirms to Stiles that it had been long before he and Derek were dating.
"Well, I don't blame him. I really understand him. But I'm glad I AM the one who got the alpha." Stiles joked, trying to ease the tension that had built up in Derek's shoulders, at having to confess that. The Hale shouldn't feel guilty about the hook-ups he'd had in the past. But that did pique the Stilinski's curiosity.
"And it's apparent that Aiden was open to explore as much. As for Jackson and his crush on you, I don't know about that." Continued Derek more relaxed. "Laura says it might be his jealousy of me getting everything he wants."
"Understandable. After all I'm a hunk that he'll never get a taste of." Stiles joked, posing suggestively, getting a genuine chuckle from his boyfriend.
The silence that continued was for only a few minutes, until Derek got up the courage to ask. "You're not mad?"
"No, not at all. But I do have a lot of questions..."
"So, is there going to be a happy ending for the Big Bad Wolf ?" The question was asked cautiously, Derek's gaze seemed with genuine curiosity but the corners of his lips twitched in a smile he was trying to hide, clearly revealing his intentions of what he meant by "happy ending".
"Jeez Derek, maybe I should call you Hornywolf now forever." Stiles scolded him but he couldn't hide his grin either. The cackle Derek let out at the nickname was music to Stiles' ears.
"I love you." The Hale said once he finished parking, turning to look at Stiles and dedicate those honest words and his beautiful smile to him.
"I love you too." He replied, moving closer to kiss him with the affection and happiness he felt at that moment. But he pulled away, as he remembered a little something that they might both enjoy. "Speaking of the Big Bad Wolf , what would you think about knotting Little Red Riding Hood ?"
Derek raised one of his eyebrows in confusion. "Go on?"
"Well, I was chatting with people from an Hobrien server on Discord, and someone shared a link to an interesting store. So I made a small purchase."
"What did you buy Stiles?" Derek asked in alarm, most likely thinking of the Bad Dragon store Stiles had once shown him. Seeing his reaction and hearing him ask, "And people choose to stick inside that themself? " was a very funny moment for Stiles.
"A knotting sheath dildo." He confessed biting his lip.
It took Derek only a few seconds to respond, until a lascivious smile appeared on his face.
"It's a good thing you don't have to explain what knotting is to me." Derek replied, this time kissing Stiles more passionately, definitely approving of his purchase.
Definitely Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf were going to have a happy ending tonight .