Deafening Silence

Ch. 8

They ended up sitting across from each other in a dimly lit restaurant not too far from them. Presumably Derek had decided against going to his family's eatery. If any of the stories he'd told the baker were true they would be persistent in injecting themselves into their time together and Stiles could barely get comfortable around Derek alone.

Stiles didn't know what he was doing. He honestly couldn't tell you the first thing about dating, let alone having a soul mate. They closed up the shop, and Derek had spun him a story about working up an appetite. He was sure he had been worn out just by the frosting incident alone, but he had found enough energy to agree to an early dinner with the persistent man.

"I hope this place is nice" Derek sighed as they were given their drinks.

Stiles downed half of his iced tea before it hit the table. Time seemed to tick by slower when he was with Derek which didn't play in his favor "I actually like it here. I try to stop by on my way home" he finally noted.

"Do you eat out a lot?"

"I have a lot of free time. With every one being married and all I tend to fill that time trying new places to eat. They like to invite me but I don't like to intrude, and third wheeling is no fun. I've never really minded being by myself though"

Derek's body language tensed at that. It wasn't like he had said it on purpose, it was the truth. Having no soul mate, let alone no interest in a love life left plenty of room for him to become happily alone. Stiles didn't try to correct or mend his words, just stared at the menu despite having memorized it long ago.

Derek cleared his throat looking back at the menu as well "Well, I hope now you'll think to call me when you feel alone" There was no response to that. Stiles simply swallowed past the lump in his throat.

The night passed by, and all Stiles could think was that though he had never been on a date he was sure it wasn't supposed to be this awkward, or quiet. Derek tried for conversation but Stiles' answers hadn't left much room to evaluate. When the boy did try to talk it happened to be at the same time as Derek until he stopped trying all together.

It was late by the time both their plates were empty. They argued about the bill, Derek paid, and Stiles slipped a twenty across the table before standing up and heading out forcing Derek to pick it up.

The streets were quiet and vacant, so when Derek rose his hand to oncoming traffic it didn't take too long for a taxi to appear at his finger tips. The yellow vehicle skidded to a stop right at their feet, and Stiles turned for a goodbye "This was...it was fun, I enjoyed myself" nothing about his voice was confident he hadn't even convinced himself.

"I'm glad" Derek admitted. Then he was leaning in, and Stiles was freaking out. At the last split second he gave Derek one of his awkward 'bro hugs' he used for old friends and family members he didn't really know. Derek hugged him back.

Stiles could feel the heat radiating off his blushing cheeks as the cab driver drove away.

Sunday came and went and Stiles hadn't heard from Derek the entire day, which didn't shock him at all. He couldn't imagine what they'd talk about if he had. Stiles was sure that, after what could be branded as the most awkward date, there was a fifty fifty chance he'd hear from him. And he couldn't figure out if he was relived or upset by that.

That Monday Stiles did what he did best. He went into work early and baked. It was his stress reliever, his happiness all rolled into one. He was popping his legendary bunt cake into the oven when Isaac came skipping in. He took one look around the kitchen then narrowed his eyes on his friend "Oh no, you're stress baking. What's wrong?"

Stiles' wrist cramped as he wisked and still found the strength to lie "I'm always baking, nothing is wrong"

"Really?"