#isobel's fic rec lists

[shealwaysreads]

Sterek Fic Recs: The Christmas Edition

It’s the time of year for good cheer and good fanfiction.

One Star Awake by zjofierose

“When Stiles gets stranded in the snow one dark and snowy night, he's in real danger. Fortunately, he gets rescued by a man on a horse.”

This is a gorgeous fic - stranded Stiles, Derek to the rescue. With full on woodland cabin and home-made cookies to round out the sweetness. It’s a very soft, gentle and lovely fic to read - makes you feel all warm and hopeful.

i wait for you like a lonely house by @bleep0bleep

“Derek isn’t sure why he buys the house. He doesn’t need the space, that much is certain. While it’s not as big as the one Derek grew up in, something about the cheerful yellow paint and the wide staircase (with banisters wide enough for children to slide down) draws him in.”

Ohhh. Oh, this is a good one. We get deputy!derek, a full pack, Derek and Stiles both growing up and maturing and finally finding their perfect moment to become. It might be more Christmas-tangential than full on Christmassy but its going on the list - the fairy lights at the end are too perfectly written to miss out on. You’ll love it.

You put a Hallmark on my Heart by @giantteenwolforgy

“Stiles is funny and smart and kind and is also his daughter's teacher and his boss's son. On the list of people who are off-limits, Stiles has held the top spot for as long as Derek has known him.

Since Derek is Derek, Stiles also happens to rank number one on the list of people Derek is in love with. Seriously. His life is like a bad Hallmark movie.”

This is so cute. You all know about my weakness for parent!sterek and this has single dad Derek with the sweetest little girl who quite unintentionally makes everyone’s Christmas wish come true. It’s funny and sweet and embarrassing and heartwarming all in one. Plus - you get Derek in a Santa outfit. No lie.

To Open Their Shut Up Hearts by @villainny

“The light fades out pretty early in the afternoon, but his laptop's on and Stiles keeps flicking his thumb across the screen of his phone. Derek’s unimpressed face stares at him in pulses of light, but he still hasn't pressed the green button. It’s not like Derek will exactly bring the Christmas cheer.Stiles is feeling a little like a Dickens character. Three people show him the error of his ways.”

This starts out kind of melancholy but warms up till it’s totally going to melt you heart. I love the way Derek has clearly been patiently waiting for this moment, and I adore the way Stiles just grabs his opportunity and goes for it. Sleigh bells indeed!

Gift Shop by @trelkez

“The Christmas sweater alone should have sent any rational person running; the terrible customer service and delight in Derek's suffering were just icing.”

Waaaah! This is so cute! Told over three Christmases (yes it takes Derek that long to find his words) this is the most adorable look at a Derek who’s family are alive and who’s worst nightmare is his sisters finding out about his crush. Head to the gift shop to sample the sweet goods!

All The Way Home (I’ll Be Warm) by @motleywolf 

“A Christmas AU involving New York, snow, baked treats, and hot chocolate.

Stiles is standing there, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot, and Derek doesn’t want to see him disappear into the apartment opposite without a promise to see him again. “Do you—would you like something to drink? Coffee?”

“Uh, yeah, sure.” Rubbing his hands together, Stiles nods and looks over his shoulder. “Can you give me a minute to get changed? I’ve got snow melting in places that I don’t want it to be melting.”

Derek laughs at the look on Stiles’ face and nods. “Knock when you’re done.”

If Derek watches Stiles until the door closes, that’s no one’s business but his own.”

This has it all. Human AU, neighbours!sterek, Stiles is a New Yorker - and Claudia is alive and they run a BAKERY. It’s Christmas, there’s snow and hot chocolate and cakes. And the sweetest romance. 

Layover by dr_girlfriend

“Big, serious brown eyes were staring right into his from only a few inches away. The child had clambered half over the arm of Derek’s chair to study him at close range, her little rosebud mouth pursed in concentration.“Uh.” Derek couldn’t look away as the girl reached out one pudgy hand and patted him gently on the cheek. Her scent was soft and sweet and somehow a bit familiar, just enough to keep Derek from shying away.”

This is utterly sweet and totally fluffy. AU where Derek has left Beacon Hills and is en route back after a long absence, he bumps into an old friend with a new addition at the airport on Christmas eve and the possibilities seem endless.

if i built you in miniature by @wutheringwolf

“Derek quietly loves Christmas and is not afraid to wear the sweaters to show it. He hosts a children’s TV show about science and history, builds model trains, and is painfully awkward. Stiles works in a Hallmark-type store that sells Christmas decorations and model train pieces, and might have an unhealthy appreciation for sweaters. Of course he was going to fall for Derek. Of course he was.”

“Scott can never resist cheeseburgers and Stiles’ drama” is just one of the perfectly hilarious lines in this fic. Derek is shy and adorable and there are ugly knitted christmas jumpers and alive! and fabulous Hale Family. This one is a delight from start to finish and you’re all going to love it.

The Natural Binding Properties of Pine Sap by uraneia

“Derek saves a nymph from being somebody's Christmas decoration. As a reward, the nymph grants him a twig of mistletoe.

If Derek had known the mistletoe would come to life and goad him into kissing people at random, he might have tried to refuse.

*

Of course, Derek doesn’t notice. Not at first. How would he, when he’s alone? The mistletoe can’t do anything to him when he’s alone. It just sits in the house, hung above the fireplace, next to his tiny Christmas tree. Only when he shows up at Scott’s to return Melissa’s stepladder—Lydia and Stiles insisted he put up Christmas lights—does he realize the gift’s true purpose.

Melissa lifts one corner of her mouth in a wry smile and tells him, “You’ve got a little something right—” and reaches up above his head.”

Okay so this is one of my favourites. I love the idea, true love’s kiss and all that. But most of all I love the way the pack is written, all together and playing such big parts of each other’s lives - with Lydia is a fabulous highlight. Derek is beautifully written and I just want to cuddle him.

Came Out of the Woods by Choice by then sepia

“In the newly-rebuilt Hale House, Derek is hosting Christmas Eve dinner for the pack, most of whom have scattered for college, and Stiles is cooking. But a freak storm knocks out the power and snows everyone in, preventing them from making it to Derek's, so he and Stiles spend Christmas Eve together. Feelings ensue as they come up with some creative ways to conserve body heat.”

We’ve got it all here - our two lovely boys being healthy and happy, a rebuilt Hale house, Christmas Eve, getting snowed in - and even a candlelit dinner. This is soft, sweet, and has a dash of smut. The perfect seasonal recipe!

Your Secret Santa by @literaryoblivion

“Stiles is saving Derek’s life. Again. He thinks there should be some kind of reward system for them. When he suggests it, Derek reveals it’s his birthday. Stiles feels a little guilty that all he can give Derek for it is his life-saving abilities, so he decides to make it up to him on the next gift-giving holiday.”

Okay so this wouldn’t be a Christmas rec list without a Secret Santa fic, right?! This is adorable, and again it’s one of the fics I love for the pack bonding and the relationships that are all so warm and loving. Derek’s pack being happy makes him happy. ‘Nuff said.

Falling For You by @mad-madam-m

“Based on a prompt from this list: i live below you and i was minding my own business watching the snowfall out the window WHEN I SAW A BODY FALL ARE YOU REALLY PUTTING UP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS NOW”

So this one is short and sweet - a gorgeous little prompt fill that sees our boys as neighbours and all kinds of puns and good stuff. Fluffy, adorable, and perfect to read if you want a smile!

The Road Home by @alocalband

“What,” Stiles says, and he’s aware that he doesn’t quite make it a question, but he currently can’t feel his toes so he figures he’s allowed.

“Do you want a ride home or not?” Derek huffs impatiently, each word forming a visible cloud in the cold night air as he digs around in the Jeep's trunk to grab as many bags as he can carry and transfer them to his own car.

Oh man oh man. This is just so lovely! Don’t be worried by the sliiightly angsty beginning - you know me well enough by now that this obviously has a happy ending. All I feel I need to tell you about this fic is that there are Emotions with a capital ‘E’ and Derek, all wet from the rain. Read on my lovelies.

I hope you all enjoy reading them as much as I did!