#sw23onlyjustbegun

[midnightisquiet]

Sterek Week 2023

"Only Just Begun"

[boymeetswerewolf]

Sterek Week '23 // Day 1, Only Just Begun / @sterekweek-2023

"Coffee Shop" color palette

i love you for sentimental reasons i hope you do believe me i've given you my heart - Natalie Cole, "For Sentimental Reasons"

"Coffee Shop"

As Stiles made his way to the counter with the gentle sounds of jazz drifting through the shop from an antique gramophone, he pulled out three singles from his back pocket to pay for his order. His eyes were trained on Derek, the somewhat distant, non-smiling yet excruciatingly attractive owner of the shop, who went about tidying up the counter and filling up the display jars on the shelf behind him.

Before he knew it, Stiles found himself standing at the counter and quickly put on a casual smile to try and mask the anxiety brewing inside him. He'd played the scenario over in his head a hundred times while sitting in the corner sipping his coffee, yet now that he had to act it out he was all jittery... or maybe that was just the caffeine.

"Hey, Derek," he began, his voice slightly shaky. He held up the three dollars for his order but before Derek could take it, Stiles said, "I was just wondering, uh, if I could buy you a coffee?" He looked up at Derek and immediately felt frozen in place like a deer in headlights as he waited for Derek to react.

"I usually like the five dollar stuff," Derek quipped as he returned two more jars of coffee grounds to the display shelf. 

Stiles, confused for a second, looked at the three dollars in his hand and back at Derek. "Uh... oh! No, this is for you. I mean— for me. To pay for my coffee, my order." The twin flames of mortification began to engulf Stiles' face and he was fully convinced his cheeks were as bright as a lighthouse, broadcasting his embarrassment for anyone within a five mile radius to see. 

Derek, who rarely smiled, offered Stiles a sly grin as he took the three dollars. "I know," he said softly. "You've been coming here every Wednesday - and sometimes Mondays - for the last six months and you always order a caffè misto, tall. It's $2.95 and you always tell me to keep the change, which I then donate on your behalf to the Wolf Preservation Fund." Derek took a nickel from the cash register as he placed Stiles' three dollars inside, then dropped it into the donation jar, Stiles' eyes following his every move. 

Chuckling bashfully, Stiles shifted from foot to foot. Derek's smile had caught him off-guard, but also somehow put him at ease. "Sorry," he said, not sure what he was apologising for but doing it anyway. "What I meant is I'd like to buy you a coffee sometime, if you'd like that. To get to know you better."

"And why would you want to do that?" Derek asked in return, the smile gone from his lips but still very much lingering in his eyes.

The soft music from the record player reaching Stiles' ears suddenly became familiar and he said, "For Sentimental Reasons," as he glanced in the direction of the old gramophone and the song's title sprung to mind. "I want to do it for... sentimental reasons." He looked back at Derek and suddenly the discomfort and anxiety seemed to wash away as his sincerity came through.

A half-smile returned to Derek's lips, this time expressing a softness Stiles hadn't seen before. "Well, you're in luck," Derek replied quietly. "I close up around 7pm. Maybe you should come by then, and we can have that coffee? Bring five dollars."

When Stiles overcame his disbelief that Derek said yes, he could hardly contain his excitement as he watched Derek's eyes meet with his. A moment formed between them, one they'd both remember for a long time to come. With a casual nod, Stiles replied, "Yeah, 7pm sounds perfect! I'll see you then."

The exchange was brief, but left Stiles with a newfound sense of anticipation. As he left the shop, he didn't see Derek's ears turn a bright shade of red, or the broad smile he tried to hide from the other customers. Neither of them knew this would be the start of something new, something wonderful, but it was just the beginning.

[sterekbros]

in memory of Trevor the pet frog (1674 words) by Winchesterek Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski Characters: Derek Hale, Stiles Stilinski

For @sterekfests Fall Fest theme Haunted House, @sterekweek-2023 theme Only Just Begun & @sterekweekly word Magical

Stiles looked down at himself assessingly, not really sure how to feel about his outfit. He knew he didn’t look terrible, but he also looked pretty normal, too. Just like he did every day. Jeans with a T-shirt and a plaid over-shirt.

He was about to go on his first date with Derek freaking Hale. The hottest guy to date that he’s ever laid eyes on. And to think they’d met when Derek visited his family’s pumpkin patch. With two adorable kids, his niece and nephew. Stiles never asked how old they were, but he knew they were in elementary school. Maybe in second grade. So, young enough to think that pumpkins and Halloween were still cool.

He gave himself one more once over and grabbed his phone to check the time. It was almost 7 p.m., which meant that Derek would show up soon to pick him up. Stiles had never been so nervous in his life to go out on a date. Then again, he’d never been out with anyone as hot as Derek, either.

The doorbell rang and Stiles jumped, hurrying down the stairs.

“I got it, I got it!” he assured his parents as he shoved his phone into his pocket. He made sure he had his keys and his wallet too, before rushing to the door and opening it.

Stiles grinned, feeling his cheeks flush. “Uh, hi.” He was so awkward sometimes and he hated it.

“Hey,” Derek replied, his smile almost blinding. “You ready?”

“Uh, yeah—yeah.” Stiles gave a spastic wave to his parents and walked out of the door before they could come over and grill Derek for all the information that Stiles didn't even have himself yet. He closed the door behind himself, which caused Stiles to press closer to Derek, invading his space. Derek didn't seem to mind, though. “Did you want me to drive?”

Derek didn't move away, if anything, he seemed to step closer to Stiles. “Yeah, sure. Since you did pick the date location, after all.” Derek’s eyes seemed to twinkle as he gave Stiles another one of those smiles that made Stiles weak in the knees.

“Hopefully you like it…” Stiles pressed closer to Derek, forcing Derek to step back so they could move off of the porch and away from the door. Derek let Stiles walk ahead of him and followed him toward the Jeep.

“Do I get any hints at where we’re going?” Derek asked, pushing his hands into his pockets, and walking close to Stiles.

Stiles swore he could almost feel the heat of Derek’s body against his, even though they weren't touching as they walked. “Well, it’s supposed to be a surprise and if I give you hints then you might guess what it is.”

Derek chuckled and Stiles smiled, letting that sound settle him. He really wanted to hear Derek laugh more. He liked how happy Derek looked when he laughed, especially when it reached his eyes.

“Fair.” Derek’s smile was soft and he followed Stiles over to the driver's side of the Jeep. Stiles paused and glanced at Derek, brows furrowed.

“What? I can't open your door for you because you’re driving?” Derek asked, reaching for the door handle without waiting for Stiles’ response.

“I didn't say anything,” Stiles replied, trying not to smirk as Derek opened his door for him. “Thank you,” he added before climbing into the Jeep.

Derek closed the door and quickly rounded the Jeep to hop into the passenger seat. “Next time I’ll let you open my door,” he said with a teasing tone that made Stiles laugh.

“For sure,” Stiles agreed. “Can't let you make all of the romantic moves around here.”

“Definitely not,” Derek agreed and buckled up.

Stiles started up the Jeep and buckled up, taking a deep breath, and headed off toward his chosen date spot. He really hoped that Derek liked where he was taking him.

They chatted about mundane things as Stiles drove, like their favorite colors and foods, where they’d gone to high school and a little about what their childhoods were like. Nothing too deep yet, but Stiles was happy to learn as much as he could about Derek, even if they were just little things like the name of Derek’s childhood pet. Which was a tree frog named Trevor.

Stiles pulled into a parking lot, littered with other cars and people, and the fragrant scents of baked goods. He parked and killed the engine, looking over to Derek. “Well, this is it.”

Derek looked around, taking in the place. “Are we at the Fall Festival?”

Stiles blushed and ran a hand through his hair. “Uh, yeah. I thought maybe we could hit up one of the haunted houses and see what else they had going on here. My friend Lydia said they had some great caramel apples at one of the food stands.”

Derek seemed to bristle. “Haunted house?”

“Yeah, they have one here. Umm…” Stiles paused, studying Derek. He didn't seem excited about the prospect of visiting a haunted house. “It’s not like a real one, it’s just one where people jump out at you. No real ghosts.”

Derek chuckled nervously. “I might prefer the actual ghosts.” He cleared his voice. “I, uh—when I was a kid I had a bad experience at a haunted house and I haven't been in one since.”

“Oh.” Well. That was a bust, then. Stiles drummed his fingers on his door and then shrugged. “Okay, then let’s do something else. There’s plenty to do here. We can check out a few games and see what they have to eat. I’m sure we can find something.”

Derek seemed to relax and that made Stiles feel a little more at ease. The last thing he wanted Derek to do was to hate their first date.

“Yeah, that sounds a lot better,” Derek replied and gave Stiles a shy smile. “Thanks…”

“Of course. I want this to be a great night for both of us. The last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable. A haunted house isn't that important to me…” Stiles let the unsaid ‘unlike you are’ hang there between them.

Derek blushed and Stiles gave him a small smile before getting out of the Jeep and rounding to the passenger side. He opened the door for Derek, trying not to grin but he couldn't help himself.

“So, I guess it’s my turn to open your door.” Derek’s chuckle echoed Stiles’ as Stiles stepped aside and Derek climbed out of the Jeep.

“Thank you. You’re such a gentleman.” Derek’s tone was light and teasing as he stepped into Stiles’ space and Stiles closed the Jeep door. It made Stiles nervous and excited at the same time.

“Come on…let’s see what trouble we can get into,” Stiles replied, nodding his head toward the festival.

“After you.” Derek motioned with his hand and Stiles took the lead as they walked through the Fall Festival.

There were games, tents and stands with food and produce for sale, live music playing, a pumpkin village that Stiles was way too excited to visit, and a few gardening workshops that Stiles dragged Derek to despite Derek’s faked reluctance.

All in all, it was a nice night. And Stiles tried to focus on winning this game so he could get Derek a prize. He held the fake gun loosely, trying to stay relaxed, and when the bell rang he squeezed the trigger. The balloon in front of him grew and grew until it couldn't anymore and another bell rang. Derek was laughing and clapping behind Stiles and Stiles pumped his fist in the air. “Which one do you want?” Stiles asked, face bright with the largest smile he’d had in a long time.

“Uhhh, let’s do the frog,” Derek replied, pointing.

“We’d like the frog, please. That one,” Stiles told the game attendant. They handed the frog over and Stiles turned to proudly present an overly large frog to Derek. If he could beat his chest without it being cheesy, he would.

Derek laughed and took the frog, its limbs flailing everywhere as he tried to hold it without looking ridiculous. “I love it. Thank you.”

Stiles was so high on winning the frog that he took a chance to step forward and captured Derek’s lips in a kiss. When Derek didn't pull away, Stiles leaned into it, one of his hands moving to cup Derek’s bearded cheek as they kissed, soft and slow, taking their time and enjoying the moment.

As they parted, Derek was smiling against Stiles’ lips as he said, “Wow. That was—”

“Yeah…” It was something Stiles hadn't expected to feel. A warmth in his chest and his heart fluttering at kissing Derek. He smoothed his thumb along Derek’s cheek, stepping back only a bit. “Did you want to get something to eat?”

What was he supposed to say after a kiss like that? Let’s go to my Jeep so you can fuck me? Stiles would totally be okay with that, but this was more important. Derek was special, not some random hookup that he’d never see again. He wanted something more with Derek, even if this was only their first date.

“Turkey leg? Or maybe we can get some pie,” Derek offered, his hand moving to take Stiles’ hand in his and threading their fingers together. “We might have to take the frog back to the Jeep, though. I don't want him to get damaged while we lug him around the festival.”

“What are you going to name him?” Stiles asked as they began to walk.

“Trevor, of course. In memory of my pet frog.” Derek chuckled and hefted Trevor onto his shoulder as they walked hand in hand through the festival.

It might not have been the date the Stiles originally planned, but it was still magical. Perfect, even. In its own way.

And Stiles couldn't wait for their next date, even if he never wanted this one to end.

[tabbytabbytabby]

At The Beginning

Word Count: 1,153 words

Rating: Teen and Up

Fandom: Teen Wolf

Relationship: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski

Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Leaving Beacon Hills (Teen Wolf), Road Trips, Holding Hands, Getting Together, First Kiss, Derek Hale is a Softie

Summary: Derek finally convinces Stiles to get out of Beacon Hills. Their destination might be a mystery to both of them, but neither care. All that matters is that they made it out— together.

Written for Day 1 of @sterekweek-2023 "Only Just Begun"

Read on AO3

[justjimedits]

[sterekweek-2024]

Sterek Week Day 1 - Only Just Begun

"I think there's a pretty good chance things are never going back to normal" - Stiles Stilinski

Every story has a million different beginnings, whether it be the first one, the last one, or every chapter in between. Sterek began with the phrase "dude, that's Derek Hale", but which beginning will you pick? Will you go back to the very beginning? Or maybe you want to start with the beginning of their life after canon?

Beginnings can be the first meeting, the start of an adventure, or, if you are looking for more angst, it could even be the beginning of the end.

Start your story at which every point speaks to you! Make sure to tag your work with #sterekweek2023, #sw23theme, and #sw23onlyjustbegun!

Don't forget to submit your song recommendations here for today's theme: Spotify Playlist

[evanesdust]

"Here's to the best and most unconventional decision ever made in Vegas."

written for- @sterekweek-2023 day one prompt: “only just begun” @sterekweekly word: ring

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski Characters: Stiles Stilinski, Derek Hale Additional Tags: POV Stiles Stilinski, Canon Compliant, Future Fic, Woke Up Married

Summary:

The last thing Stiles expected when he woke up was to be in bed with Derek. Actually, scratch that. The last thing Stiles expected when he woke up was to be married.

Stiles squinted at the sunlight that came in through the windows of his Vegas hotel. He must have forgotten to close the blinds last night, which sucked because it made the pounding in his head that much worse. He tried to roll away from the offensive intrusion and winced; fuck, he was sore.

His eyes popped open. Something…something was off. His head was fuzzy, the previous day a blur of gathering evidence for a case and talking to the other agents involved. He remembered coming back to his room and deciding to hit the hotel bar and then—

Oh.

Stiles sat up quickly, the sheet pooling around his bare hips.

Bits and pieces of the night flooded back, disjointed and unclear, except for two very distinct memories: the strongest orgasm Stiles had ever had and…Elvis?

He lifted his left hand, blinking at the silver band on his ring finger.

Stiles was…married?

A low chuckle caught his attention. He snapped his head to the side, meeting the amused gaze of his bedmate—a man he'd been in love with since he was sixteen but never had the guts to admit it to.

Derek Hale, whom he hadn't seen in far too long. Their lives had drifted apart after Derek had taken off with Braeden. After Stiles graduated and left for Virginia to join the FBI training academy. Sure, they’d seen each other randomly over the years, but they were always at different points in their lives. Bumping into each other at the hotel bar had been pure coincidence.

Well, more like fate. What else could he call Derek showing up in Vegas while Stiles was working a case there?

"Good morning, husband," Derek said. The words snuck past his devilish smirk, his voice rough with sleep. It was real. Stiles was married, and to Derek, no less.

Stiles took a deep breath, taking in the sight of him. Derek was still so handsome, especially with his dark hair mussed from sleep and the sunlight highlighting the sprinkling of grey in the stubble along his jawline. Unable to look away, Stiles gulped, his heart racing as Derek's fingers slid over his skin, sending ripples of pleasure through him, making him instinctively press himself into Derek's warm body. His touch ignited a familiar spark along his skin. He glanced down at the band on his finger again. How was this real?

More memories flooded back, their laughter filling the bar, the surprising flirtation taking an unexpected turn, whispered confessions in the tone of drunken honesty, and the twinkle in Derek's eyes as he teased, 'We're in Vegas. Let's get married.'

Swallowing hard, Stiles turned to face Derek, realizing that all the years of hiding his feelings had led to this spontaneous union. His emotions were all over the place, fear and happiness intertwining in the pit of his stomach.

"I guess we did something quite...unconventional last night," Stiles finally managed to croak out.

Derek simply smiled back at him, a comforting warmth in his eyes that Stiles had never seen before. It was this look that finally helped him relax a bit.

"Yes, we did," Derek agreed. His voice held a quiet amusement that stirred a strange sense of peace within Stiles. He paused for a moment, letting the early morning silence stretch between them as he contemplated the man before him.

"It's a hell of a way to break through that friendship barrier, I'll give you that," Stiles responded, humor creeping into his voice. Derek laughed, the sound rumbling through the quiet room and causing a fluttering sensation in Stiles's chest.

There was still so much to figure out, questions to ask, explanations to give—or rather seek. But for now, as he studied his new husband with a contentment that came as much as a surprise as the ring on his finger, Stiles decided to take in the moment. In the soft morning sun, a now welcome presence, he wrestled with the unexpected reality of their impromptu marriage. Stiles ran his thumb over the simple silver wedding ring, feeling determined.

"Yeah," Derek said, reaching out to touch Stiles's hand, his fingers playing over the band, and giving him an honest, genuine smile. "It may not be conventional, but sometimes, the best things in life aren't."

Stiles looked into Derek's eyes, seeing how they twinkled just like they had at the bar last night. Suddenly, he felt a surge of anticipation for what lay ahead—a future filled with potential, adventures, and a decade-long love finally allowed to bloom. The reality of the situation was surreal—overwhelming—and yet, it also felt...right.

There would be complications—the puzzling situation of explaining this whirlwind wedding to their friends and family, the merging of lives that had drifted apart over the years. But at that moment, looking into Derek's warm eyes, holding his strong hand, all those worries seemed strangely manageable.

Just as the sunrise welcomed a new day, it also welcomed a new chapter in their lives. Unconventional, yes. But Stiles decided that he was willing, more than willing, to explore this path that they had chosen on a whim.

"Well then," he said, returning Derek's grin. "Here's to the best and most unconventional decision ever made in Vegas."

And with that, he leaned over, eyes twinkling with mischief and an undercurrent of quiet happiness, placing a feather-light kiss on Derek's lips—a first amongst many more that symbolized their unanticipated but promising journey together.

[sterekweek-2024]

Sterek Week Hashtags

It is almost time for the main event! Please see the below tags to use throughout the week to make sure we can find and reblog your works.

Main tag: sterekweek2023

Main content: sw23theme

Bonus content: sw23bonus

Only Just Begun: sw23onlyjustbegun

Seasons & Holidays: sw23seasons

Worlds Collide: sw23worldscollide

Whole of the Moon: sw23moon

Sacrifice: sw23sacrifice

Myths & Legends, Fairytales & Folklore: sw23mythsandlegends

Haunted & Bewitched: sw23halloween

We recommend using the main tag and the specific theme tag on your post to make it easy to find and ensure it gets reblogged on the correct day.

Please remember that we are a small team, so if we do some how miss your work, please feel free to send us a message or reach out to @kcfriedchicken directly.

[evanesdust]

a good feeling

written for @sterekweek-2023 day one prompt of "only just begun"

Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski Characters: Derek Hale, Stiles Stilinski Additional Tags: POV Derek Hale, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Alternate Universe - Werewolves Are Known, Pack Alpha Derek Hale, Meet-Cute

Summary:

…the one where Derek met his mate.

The bell above the bakery door rang and Derek instinctively looked up from his table. The cool fall breeze came in with the guy who entered. He was attractive, definitely Derek’s type. Even with baggy khakis and an oversized flannel, Derek could tell the guy was slim but not skinny, lean but not lanky. He had a cute, upturned nose and messy chestnut hair that looked like he ran his fingers through it one too many times.

As much as Derek wanted to keep checking the guy out—to memorize the beauty marks that were scattered over his cheeks—he had work to finish. But as soon as his eyes dropped to the tablet in his hands, he was hit with the most enticing scent. It was deliciously sweet, like cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla. There was also an underlying hint of grease, like from a car—definitely an odd combination but alluring all the same.

Especially because of what it meant to have such a strong reaction to a scent.

Mate.

Derek urged himself to stand, his tablet landing on the table probably too hard to be good, but he couldn't bring himself to care. Not when he needed to get to the man in the flannel shirt. His apparent mate.

He stumbled forward, almost tripping over one of the chairs at the table but couldn't bother to be embarrassed about his newfound lack of coordination. Not when he was compelled forward.

The guy glanced at him, a curious expression on his face as he watched Derek come closer. His scent went a little spicy, as if he liked what he saw. Something Derek was used to. He knew what he looked like, that people found him attractive. Usually, he didn't care though, but with this guy…

Derek preened. He stood a little taller, smiled—like really smiled in a way he hadn't done in years—and puffed out his chest.

God, if Laura were alive, she would make so much fun of him.

His mate's gaze dropped to Derek's lips, then his chest, and Derek got a heady kick out of the minute widening of his beautiful, amber eyes. Derek swore that the earth and all its glory were reflected there, making his heart rate quicken.

Before he could say anything, could introduce himself, the guy thrust his hand out in apparent introduction.

"Hi. Stiles. Me. I'm Stiles," he sputtered.

Looking at him—Stiles—Derek stood rooted in place. Not even an earthquake could budge him, except to reach out and take his hand. And fuck. Touching Stiles was nothing short of an experience. There was a jolt of electricity at the brief contact, and it was quiet for a moment, both of them locked in a gaze that ran far deeper than mere first impressions. It was as if they were memorizing the moment. Or, at least, Derek was.

"Hi", he finally replied, his heart pounding in his chest as he shook Stiles's offered hand, cherishing the warm skin-on-skin contact. He drew in a deep, calming breath, filling his lungs with that intoxicating scent that grounded him in a way he hadn't experienced in years, even as his canines elongated slightly—a physical response to being so close to his mate.

He wanted to mark, mate, and claim him, but Derek managed to reign himself in. To control the impulse.

"I'm Derek. Derek Hale," he continued, trying his best to appear normal when all he wanted was to shove his face into the crook of Stiles's neck and breathe him in. God, this was ridiculous. Derek had mastered control over his instincts as a teen, but apparently, that was moot when face-to-face with his mate.

"Even your name is perfect," Stiles muttered, then his breath hitched, a blush creeping up and staining his cheeks. "Shit, I said that out loud, didn't I?"

Derek couldn't hold back his grin. Stiles was gorgeous, but the fact that he apparently lacked a brain-to-mouth filter made him adorable. It was going to be Derek's weakness, he could tell. "Yes, you did. But…I think you're kind of perfect, too."

Stiles was silent for the longest time, making Derek worry that he'd said the wrong thing, but then Stiles shook his head and muttered an apology. "Sorry, sorry. I just…I didn't think it would ever happen to me." He touched his chest as he spoke, rubbing directly over his heart. "I never thought I'd feel that pull."

The amusement faded from Derek's face, replaced instead with a soft, understanding look.

"Neither did I." His words were a whispered confession, and one day he'd have to tell Stiles about the shitshow of his life, but not right now. Not in this perfect moment where he found his mate.

They stood in silence, a comfortable stillness settling between them. Derek understood that words were unnecessary because their connection said everything.

A soft smile made its way onto Stiles's face, and it was a balm to a part of Derek's soul he hadn't even realized had been aching.

"I've got a good feeling about us, Derek," Stiles said, making something in Derek's chest flutter.

Yes, Derek decided, he had a good feeling about them, too.