Chapter Text
Stiles is sitting in the back of the truck next to Derek. He's staring at his hands and refuses to acknowledge the fingers carding through his hair. Derek is mumbling to Stiles. His voice is husky like he just woke up but he's been up for hours. They all have. Derek sighs in desperation. "I know you don't understand why I have to leave, but you will some day." Derek whispers. Stiles doesn't say or do anything. "Stiles is this really how you want to spend our last moments together?" Derek asks annoyed. Thats the last straw for Stiles.
"These don't have to be our last moments together." Stiles snaps. Derek's fingers still and move down the side of Stiles' face. Stiles shrugs him off and moves over. Derek feels his eyes sting but he refuses to cry. He takes a deep breath and slides over so there's no room between him and Stiles.
"Stiles, please don't be like this." Derek whispers into his ear and nuzzles his nose into his hair. He presses his lips to Stiles' cheek and his neck. Stiles is reluctant but he moves into Derek's touch. Stiles slowly turns his head until their lips touch. The kiss slowly but its bittersweet for Stiles, because this will be one of the last times they kiss.
Suddenly Stiles feels awful for not cherishing every last second with Derek. He pulls away and rests his forehead against Derek's. "I just don't want you to go. Long distance never works." Stiles cries. Derek wipes away his tears.
"Don't say that. We're different. It'll work for us." Derek shakes his head rapidly. Stiles hiccups as he tries to hold back more tears. The intertwine fingers.
"You don't know that." Stiles swallows the lump in his throat. Derek chuckles and grins.
"Yes I do. I love you, Stiles." Derek says the three words that have never been said before. Stiles feels hope swell in his chest as he whispers back, "I love you too." Maybe things will work out. For the first time since Derek told him he was leaving, Stiles feels hope. Sadly, that hope doesn't last long.