Work Text:
2nd Person Readers POV:
For the past few days Derek has been doing everything in his power to avoid the pack and you're not quite sure why. You've been a part of the pack for 3 years now- when you got dragged into the woods by a vengefully deranged Peter.
Derek found you that night and decided to take you in, helping you with your injuries and explaining the wild world of supernatural creatures to you.
You became fast friends during those years and fell in love with him even faster (not that he knows this... as far as you know). Through all that time you always knew that he was hiding something from you.
One thing in particular, he tends to avoid talks about his family and if he does choose to answer- his responses are curt and to the point. During these talks you can practically smell the misery and guilt radiating off him, even without the super sniffer.
Unfortunately, you know the (second) best way to figure out this information is from the aforementioned Peter, who happens to be Derek's uncle. Stiles being Stiles "thankfully " knows where everyone lives and happily gave you Peter's apartment address, which is where you currently are.
Knocking on the fancy wooden door sends a shiver of fear shooting down your spine. Ever since Peter dragged you into the woods, soon after being killed, and later coming back to life- well let's just say you're not exactly his biggest fan. Stiles doesn't call him zombie wolf and creeper wolf for nothing.
Dragging you from your train of thought is the man himself swinging the door open. He stares at you for a moment with a raised brow, carefully concealing his surprise.
"Now Y/N you're not really my type you know, I'm flattered but-"
You scoff not letting him finish by shoving past him to get inside.
"I'm everyone's type Peter, but that's not why I'm here."
He hums and softy shuts the door.
"Alright well I can already smell your nerves, so what is it?"
You fidget for a moment- visibly uncomfortable to be in Peter's presence, even if it has been almost 4 years since the incident. Peter clearly picks up on your discomfort as he stays a few steps away without being prompted.
"Look, you're obviously Derek's family."
"Obviously."
You snort, knowing Peter can never quite turn off his sarcasm.
"I've... noticed that he's been avoiding everyone lately and I'm worried about him... and seeing as you're family I figure you might know what's going on. I want to talk to him myself, because we normally tell each other everything, but I don't want to upset him more or offend him or something."
You take a breath feeling very defeated and unsure of yourself. You just want to help and be there for him, especially since he's always been there for you.
After a brief contemplating pause Peter responds, "look Y/N I can't help you, it's something you'll have to talk to Derek about yourself.... but if it makes you feel any better, I don't think you could upset him even if you tried."
He says this with a knowing twinkle in his eye. You huff, figuring he wouldn't help you, though you reluctantly understand his reasoning.
"Alright... I guess I should go talk to him now..."
You spin on your heel heading towards the door only for Peter to grab your wrist- suddenly halting your movement.
You shift to face him, startled. Peter looks uncomfortable himself, yet also... uncharacteristically remorseful.
"Hold on... I need to say something before you go."
He takes a deep breath and continues, "I- I'm sorry Y/N. I wanted to apologize after I came back, but I knew you were scared of me, rightfully so. What I did to you is inexcusable even if I wasn't in the right frame of mind back then. You had nothing to do with any of my problems, you were just the first person I happened to see after... killing Laura. The fact that you showed up here, just for Derek's sake- let's just say it tells me a lot about you."
He lightly chuckles before releasing you.
"Go talk to my brooding nephew, if anyone can get through to him it's you."
You blink in surprise before steeling yourself.
"I- thanks for apologizing Peter, I appreciate it."
You nervously wave.
"I'll see you around."
Not allowing him to respond, you're out the door, shaking off that sudden deep conversation (for now) and mentally preparing yourself to confront Derek.
Slight Time Skip- At Derek's Loft:
Thankfully, when you arrive at Dereks loft you don't need to sit outside in anticipation- waiting for him to open the door- since awhile back he gave you a key (which you use- to his 'annoyance'- all the time).
Wigging the key into the lock, you quickly gain entrance and immediately call out for Derek.
All is quiet for a moment until a muffled, "Y/N?" comes from the direction of Derek's bedroom.
'Is he still in bed?' You wonder before making your way towards the noise.
Upon entering the bedroom you're met with a sight you've never seen from Derek before. He's nestled under his blankets, looking entirely too miserable for your liking.
It doesn't look like he left his room once today as his curtains are still closed and from what little you can see, he seems to still be in his pajamas.
You quickly make your way closer and take a seat at the edge of his bed, keeping enough space to hopefully not overwhelm him.
"Derek... what's going on? Are you okay?"
He huffs, not making eye contact while mumbling, "I'm fine, nothing's wrong. You can go now."
You wince but don't take his words to heart since he's clearly not feeling fine, regardless of him saying otherwise.
You place an unsure hand on his side; you can feel his warmth even through the blanket barrier.
"I may not be able to hear your heartbeat, but I've always been able to read you... you know that. You've been... upset lately and I don't know why, I even went to visit Peter-"
Before you can get the rest of your sentence out, Derek is flying up and staring at you with wide eyes.
You can see his wolf trying to take over as he snarls, "you were with Peter? Alone?!"
You wince knowing that since Peter came back, Derek has been extremely protective of you being in his presence.
You lean a little closer to reassure him.
"Yes, alone but I was fine... he even apologized actually."
That does the trick, Derek's wolf retreats, leaving only his wide eyes piercing through you.
"Why did you go see him anyways?"
"I- I would do anything for you Derek and... you've been sad lately. I figured Peter may know why but he wouldn't tell me anything, said I had to come talk to you myself."
You shuffle awkwardly and look away from the man, allowing him to digest your words. You only hope he doesn't get mad at you; that's the last thing you wanted.
A soft hand grabs your face, slowly tilting your head back up. Derek is peering at you with a soft expression and hints of... something you can't quite place.
He takes a deep calming breath before responding, "Y/N... sometimes I resent how much you can read me."
His words are light though that lightness quickly fizzles out, replaced with something much darker.
"I... I haven't told anyone this before. The only person around who knows is Peter and that's because he was there to witness it himself."
You don't miss his unspoken words, 'I trust you.'
Covering his hand that still rests on your face, you give it a little squeeze, hoping to calm his nerves.
"You can tell me anything."
He shakily smiles.
"I know... i- it was a long time ago. I was young and stupid and... in love with an older woman. Her name was Kate; she was everything I thought I wanted. We... we dated for a while until one day she disappeared without a trace. I checked around the nearby woods for a few hours until I figured it was time to head home... only when I got home... there was no home left. Only ashes and fire... she- she was a hunter the whole time and just used me to get to my family. It was all my fault..."
He trails off, choking on a sob as you watch on in horror.
Knowing he won't hear your words right now you decide the next best thing is physical comfort. You carefully wrap your arms around his shoulders and tug him down into a strong hug.
He goes still for a moment before going completely boneless against you. You ignore the fact that your shirt is getting soaked as you run your fingers through his short hair, allowing him to hide himself for the time being.
Eventually, his tears dry and he slowly removes himself from your neck where he was previously resting. You frown at the sight of his red irritated eyes.
"Derek... that wasn't your fault at all. I'm so sorry that happened to you, you and your family didn't deserve any of that, but it's definitely not your fault. You said it yourself; she used you. You couldn't have known better."
You keep your voice soft yet stern, you want him to know how much you mean what you're saying.
Derek scoffs.
"How can you say that? I dated her, I told her about my family secrets and now they're gone because of me!"
You can tell how upset this is making him as his words tamper off into a growl.
You don't let this deter you as you retort, "No! She manipulated you; you were young and impressionable. She took advantage of that. She's a monster Derek, not you. You are kind and care about those you love. The fact that you still choose kindness, even if you hide it from most people, tells me that you're strong and NOTHING like her."
Your reasoning seems to lift some of the weight from Dereks shoulders. He smiles, a vulnerable yet confident thing.
"This is why I love you."
You freeze. 'What did he just-'
"What?", you vocalize.
Derek has no problem repeating himself, "I said this is why I love you. You knew something was wrong... and even if I can be difficult you went to my crazy uncle, which were still gonna talk about by the way, just to figure out what was bothering me. That- that means a lot to me- to know you care."
You beam up at the man, flustered yet not willing to show it.
"Of course I care Derek, I've loved you for so long."
"I know."
You gape, clearly surprised.
"YOU WHAT?! Why wouldn't you say anything?!"
Derek chuckles before sobering up, the smile tilting downwards.
"I didn't want to start anything with you when I couldn't get myself to tell you one of the biggest parts of me... but now that I have, I have nothing to hide."
You swat his side.
"You're lucky I love you."
His response is immediate, "yes I am."