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The night was filled with an eerie silence as the Skinwalkers emerged from the shadows, their presence imposing and unsettling. Stiles stood beside Derek, his eyes reflecting the remnants of the Nogitsune's darkness that had once consumed him. The Skinwalkers, ancient beings with a wisdom etched into their weathered faces, approached with purpose.
The leader’s voice shook the night "Stiles, your journey begins now. The Nogitsune has left its mark, and you must learn to harness the magic within you."
Derek's eyes flickered with a mix of protectiveness and defiance as he stepped forward.
"He's not going anywhere with you." The Alpha claimed protectively.
The Skin-walker insisted however "His destiny lies with us, werewolf. The balance must be restored. He needs to come with us tonight.."
Stiles however had other things in mind and tired fo resolve the tention with dry humor.. "Umm, guys, can we not with the whole 'destiny' talk? I have plans, you know? I was thinking of catching up on Netflix—"
Derek growled flashing his eyes to the human "Stiles, this is serious."
The human answered in return "Yeah, yeah, serious supernatural business, got it. But seriously, I've got a date with my couch and some popcorn."
Derek's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing in frustration.
The werewolf insisted with a serious tone "Stiles, this is not a joke. You can't just dismiss this."
The human however pressed "Who said I'm avoiding? Maybe I'll bring the Skinwalkers to my couch, make it a movie night. They seem like popcorn-loving folks."
The Skinwalkers exchanged glances, their stoic expressions unmoved. "Your humour will not deter us. Stiles, it's time."
Stiles, despite Derek's protective stance and denial, decided to follow the Skinwalkers after he packed a small bag with clothes and all the necessities. The need for training nagged at him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to master his newfound abilities. Derek, refusing to let Stiles face this alone, joined him on this unexpected journey without second thought.
As they walked through the dense forest, Stiles couldn't help but glance at Derek, who was steadfastly by his side. "You didn't have to come, you know. I could've handled this on my own," the human muttered relieved.
Derek shot him a sidelong glance, his eyebrows raised. "And let you get yourself into trouble? Not a chance, Stiles."
The Skinwalker leader, sensing the tension, turned to Derek. "Your presence is not required. This is Stiles' journey."
Derek crossed his arms, a determined glint in his eyes. "Where Stiles goes, I go. I won't let him face this alone. Never again; he stays by my side at all times."
The Skinwalker leader sighed but nodded in reluctant agreement. "Very well, but you must not interfere with his training."
The Alpha nodded agreed to be the silent anchor that Stiles would surely need during these courses.
The next weeks settled into a routine. Stiles continued his intense training with the Skinwalkers, honing his newfound abilities and learning to control the magic that surged within him. Meanwhile, Derek took on the role of the domestic anchor, staying at home, reading, exercising, and making sure there was a hearty meal waiting for Stiles when he returned.
In the serene cottage tucked away amidst the trees, the couple discovered the ease of slipping into a silent and domestic routine. The choice to share a bed for warmth became a cornerstone of their daily lives, weaving their existence together in the most ordinary yet intimately profound ways.
One rainy and quiet night, while the cottage enveloped in a soft glow from the flickering fire something shift between the two men. Stiles came home after another rigorous training session with the Skinwalkers, looking utterly wrecked. He headed straight for the shower, the water a welcome relief to his tired muscles.
Derek, who had been preparing a simple dinner in the kitchen, noticed the exhaustion in Stiles' eyes. When the younger man emerged from the shower, towel wrapped around his waist, Derek was waiting for him in the living room.
Without a word, Stiles moved towards the Alpha, collapsing into his arms. He straddled Derek's lap, his face buried in the crook of the werewolf’s neck. Derek, ever attuned to Stiles' needs, wrapped his arms around him in a comforting embrace.
Stiles sighed, seeking solace in the Alpha’s warmth. "I needed this," he mumbled into the werewolf’s shoulder.
The Alpha chuckled, running his fingers through Stiles' damp hair. "Well, lucky for you, I'm an expert in Stilinski’s needs."
Stiles pulled back slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, an expert, huh? What's your secret, wise werewolf?"
Derek smirked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "It's a secret only revealed to those in need. And you, my friend, seem to be in desperate need."
The human rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. "You're insufferable, you know that?"
The Alpha raised an eyebrow, a mock-offended expression on his face. "Insufferable? I'm the definition of charm, grace and apparently cuddles."
Stiles snorted, shaking his head. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that, big guy."
Derek tightened his hold on Stiles, a soft chuckle escaping him. "You're lucky I find your sarcasm endearing."
Stiles leaned in, capturing Derek's lips in a gentle kiss. When they pulled away, he rested his forehead against Derek's, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability.
"Derek, I'm scared," Stiles admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
The Alpha’s thumb traced soothing circles on the younger’s back. "Scared of what, Stiles?"
Stiles hesitated before confessing, "Scared that I won't be able to protect you. The Skinwalkers showed me visions of you dying, again and again, and I don't know if my magic can prevent it."
Derek's expression softened, understanding the weight of Stiles' fears. "Hey," he said gently, "we face the unknown together. Your magic, my strength, it's all part of this. And besides, I've died once or twice before; I always come back."
Stiles chuckled, a mix of relief and humour. "Yeah, but I'd prefer you not making a habit out of it."
Derek grinned, pressing a kiss to Stiles' forehead. "Deal. No more dying for me."
The human-mage sighed, leaning into Derek's touch. "I love you, you know that?"
Derek smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. "I love you too, Stiles. And I'm not going anywhere."
Stiles snorted, wiping away a stray tear. "Is this your way of saying you're stuck with me?"
Derek grinned, a rare sight. "More like I chose to be stuck with you."
Stiles rolled his eyes, a smile breaking through his worry. "Lucky me."
Derek leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Stiles' forehead. "Lucky us."
In their peaceful cottage surrounded by the whispering trees, Stiles and Derek embraced the new chapter of their lives. They continued to learn, grow, and face the challenges that arose, their love and magic intertwined in a powerful dance that echoed through the supernatural world, a testament to the enduring strength found in unity and love.
The end
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