Archive of Our Own ^beta

Stiles couldn’t help but smile as he watched Derek work the room. He knew this was his fiance’s least favorite part of his job- the schmoozing and the attention- but he couldn’t be more proud of his man.

Derek’s publishing company decided to combine their Christmas Eve party and the launch party for Derek’s new book. It was a gay supernatural romance novel and Stiles couldn’t be more proud- with preorders it was set to be on the Time’s best seller list. And Stiles was secretly smug that the mage character was based on him.

“We struck a goldmine with him,” Derek’s publicist Lydia said, “Talent like his and a face like that? He’s going to be one of our most successful authors to date.”

“Don’t get your hopes up for interviews. He still hates people,” Stiles mentioned.

One of the reasons Derek even wanted to be an author was because it had minimal human contact.

“He knows how to turn it on,” she said, “If I have my way I’ll get him in front of the camera one way or another.”

Derek made his way back to Stiles and Lydia and his fake smile fell when he realized there was no one else around, “Let’s get out of here, babe.”

“Absolutely not,” Lydia said, “This party is for you.”

“This party is for Christmas,” Derek pointed out, “Besides, Stiles and I have a plane to catch. We’re surprising his dad for the holiday.”

“You planned this.”

Derek’s smile this time was genuine. It was the same proud yet smug smile he had when he bought the tickets with the timing set to be the perfect excuse to leave the party early.

“Come on, Lyds, Derek’s done his rounds of the room and the book announcement was made,” Stiles said, “My dad is waiting.”

Stiles grabbed Derek’s hand and started making for the exit.

“I thought it was a surprise!” Lydia called after them.

“Same difference!” Stiles yelled back.

They had stashed their suitcases in Lydia’s office and as soon as they entered the room Derek was kissing him against the wall, “You’re so hot when you get me out of social situations.”

“That was all you. I just helped,” Stiles pulled away, “Now come on, we actually do have a plane to catch thanks to you.”

It was the middle of the night when they landed. Stiles had slept on the plane, but for Derek it was a struggle- the seats were too small for him to get comfortable. That was why Stiles was behind the wheel of their rental car.

They had just crossed into Beacon Hills. It was raining and cold which made the roads slick, so Stiles was being extra cautious. The light turned green and Stiles was turning onto his dad’s street when a car ran the red light and slammed into the passenger side of the vehicle and everything went black.

Noah was on duty for the overnight shift on Christmas Eve since he didn’t have any family in town to celebrate with. A call came over the radios that there was an accident near his house- he was closer than fire and rescue, so he went to try and do what he could in the meantime.

It was an unfamiliar vehicle with the passenger side completely crushed. The car that hit them was still there, but the door was open and the driver was nowhere to be seen.

He went to check on the people in the car and his blood ran cold, “Stiles? Stiles!”

Five years later:

“Stiles! Stiles!” Derek yelled, but it was no use. He’d been trying to communicate with Stiles for five years now and it never worked.

It was painful seeing the man he loved slowly waste away in grief. He remembered Stiles talking about what his dad was like after his mother passed- the alcoholism, the anger, Stiles having to take care of him. He was watching Stiles become everything he had hated about his dad during that time.

Over the years Derek had learned how to manipulate small things, so he had broken more than one liquor bottle in the hopes it would get Stiles to stop with no luck.

Eventually Lydia came to the apartment- threw out all the bottles, opened the curtains, and dumped a bucket of cold water on Stiles.

She got him back to functioning on a base level, but it seemed more like Stiles was just going through the motions now. Derek knew he blamed himself for the accident, but he shouldn’t. It was the weather and the asshole who did the hit and run. It had nothing to do with Stiles- he had been doing everything right that night.

Derek was grateful to Lydia for more than just getting Stiles out of his depression- she also gave him a new purpose. He was now an author. It started with finishing the series Derek had started based on all the notes Stiles had found, but now he was writing his first book that was completely his own. Derek was so proud of him. But now Stiles was sleeping through his alarms and subsequently his meeting with his editor.

“Stiles!” Derek yelled one more time.

Stiles finally jerked awake and looked at the time. He rushed through getting ready and ran out the door. Thankfully his apartment wasn’t too far from the publishing company so he could run there and not have to deal with unreliable New York public transportation.

“The book is good,” Melissa, Stiles’ editor said, “I love the concept and the characters, but it’s missing something. What was your inspiration for the setting?”

Stiles shifted uncomfortably in his seat, “Honestly, my home town. Beacon Hills is a small town in northern California on the edge of a forest preserve.”

“The descriptions of the setting seem vague and general,” Melissa said, “I have an assignment for you that could help fix this, if you’re willing.”

“Yeah! Sure, anything. I want this book to work.”

Melissa smiled, “I do, too. So I want you to go home. Immerse yourself in the setting of your book and make edits based on what you see and feel there.”

Stiles felt frozen. He hadn’t been in Beacon Hills since… And now Melissa wanted him to go back?

It was December. It was almost the anniversary and she wanted him to spend that time in the place where it happened.

“I can change the setting,” Stiles said, “I know New York really well. Or I could go somewhere else for research.”

Melissa shook her head, “This town- this preserve- they are the heart of your story. You can’t change it. It’s either go to Beacon Hills or you don’t have a book.”

He regretted everything about his story in that moment. He regretted the two teenagers who went looking through the preserve for half a dead body. He hated the werewolves and the teen drama. Most of all he hated the small town at the edge of the preserve.

Against his better judgement, Lydia packed his bags and forced him on a plane where his dad was set to pick him up from the airport. The drive home was one of the most awkward moments. He was happy to see his dad- of course he was. And this wasn’t the first time they had seen each other since everything happened. He had visited New York a couple times over the years and they talked regularly. But the closer they got to town the tenser Stiles became.

“They have main street decorated for the holidays,” Noah said, “You always liked going down there- seeing the lights and visiting the shops.”

“I’m not here for Christmas,” Stiles said, “I’m here to work on my book- that’s it.”

“Melissa told me you’re here to find the spirit of your book,” Noah pointed out.  And since when did he and Melissa talk to each other? “You’re not going to find that hold up in your room hiding behind your laptop. You’re here to get out and experience the community again.”

“You and I have very different interpretations of this assignment,” Stiles said, “I’m here, alright? That’s all I can do right now.”

Noah hummed, but didn’t make any further comments.

Derek, for his part, was excited. He had never actually gotten to see where his fiance grew up. That Christmas was going to be the first time and even if Stiles didn’t know it was happening, he was going to show Derek the town one way or another.

When they got to the house Stiles put his things away and decided to take a nap. That gave Derek a chance to look around the house and all the pictures Noah had up.

Noah went to the kitchen to start making dinner for when Stiles woke up, so Derek wasn’t expecting to see anyone when he turned around.

“Ah!” Derek yelled when he saw the figure.

It was a man with large white wings. Once the shock wore off he realized he knew that man, but he hadn’t seen him in a long time.

“Uncle Peter?” Derek asked.

“The one and only!” Peter smiled, “I can tell you’re surprised. And it makes sense since you’ve been stuck in limbo for so long.”

“What are you talking about?” Derek asked.

“This isn’t the afterlife,” Peter stated, “Or… it’s not the permanent afterlife. You see, either you do a good deed, find closure, and get your wings. Or you waste all your time and get taken to superhell.”

“Superhell? Why not just regular hell?” Derek asked.

“Well… it’s regular hell for straight people. Everyone else gets superhell. I don’t make the rules.”

“You just explain them to your dead nephew after five years.”

Peter shrugged, “I tried to get to you sooner but I was on assignment. You see, angels have to protect and guide humanity. Blah, blah, blah. I’m here to get you on your path to become an angel and not go to superhell.”

“Okay. So what do I have to do?” Derek asked.

“Stiles needs to move on,” Peter said, “Help him find his happily ever after by Christmas Day and you get your wings. If you fail-”

“Superhell. I got it,” Derek said, “Why Christmas? And how am I supposed to do this when the only way I can interact is like a cat!”

“Christmas is the day you died. Anyway, you will be revealed to the person who can bring Stiles his happiness,” Peter said, “It will be your job to guide this person to Stiles.”

“So I just… wait for this person?” Derek asked.

“Pretty much. See you around, kid.”

“Peter, wait!” But it was too late. Just as quickly as he appeared, Peter was suddenly gone.

Derek groaned. How was he going to find this person?

Stiles woke up and found his dad had burnt their dinner.

“Why don’t we go to the diner?” Stiles asked, “I haven’t been able to find curly fries in New York that come even close to that place.”

Noah smiled, “I think that’s a great idea.”

Noah and Stiles were both greeted warmly when they entered, but Derek was too distracted by the smell of all the greasy, delicious food. One of the worst things about being dead was that he couldn’t eat. It hadn’t been too bad leading up to that point as Stiles mostly lived off microwave meals since everything happened, but now his mouth was watering and there was nothing he could do about it.

“What’s your problem, man?” An unfamiliar voice said, “Are you just going to block the door all day?”

Derek turned around, but didn’t see anyone blocking the door.

“Wait, are you talking to me?” Derek asked.

“Yes. You. The asshole standing in my way,” The man said.

He had tan skin and light brown hair. He was well built and clearly took good care of himself.

“You can see me.” Derek said, still not believing what was happening.

“Obviously. You’re standing right there!”

“Have you finally gone crazy in my absence?” Stiles asked as he approached them, “I never took you for the yelling at open air type, but I guess it’s my lucky day.”

“What are you talking about Stilinski?” The man asked, “And since when are you back in town?”

“Since now. And not for long,” Stiles said.

“You really can’t see him?”

“See who?” Stiles asked.

“Nothing. Forget I said anything.”

Stiles’ carefree expression dropped as it morphed into one of concern, “Are you okay, Jackson?”

“I’m perfect,” Jackson said, “I’m always perfect.”

He gave a charming smile and sauntered past Derek over to a table that already had someone sitting at it.

Jackson. He knew that name. This guy had bullied Stiles in high school, but they also hung out a lot due to mutual friends. It had been a strange dynamic between them from what he could tell. So why was it that Jackson could see him?

Instead of joining the Stilinski’s at their table he followed Jackson and sat next to the guy sitting across from him.

“What the fuck was that, man?” The man asked, “Are you doing all right?”

“It’s nothing, Danny. Just… didn’t get much sleep,” Jackson said.

“That’s more than lack of sleep,” Danny said, “You had a full conversation- and a rude one at that- with nobody.”

Jackson’s eyes flickered to Derek, “It’s not nobody.”

“What?”

“The guy I was talking to… he’s sitting right next to you.”

Danny looked at him and then back to Jackson, “There’s no one there.”

“I know you can’t see him- no one seems to be able to see him. But he’s right there!” Jackson insisted.

“I was told only the person who can help me would be able to see me,” Derek tried to explain.

“Help you?” Jackson asked, “How the hell am I supposed to help an invisible man.”

“A dead man, actually,” Derek said.

“A dead- He just said he’s dead!” Jackson’s eyes were wide.

“Maybe I should take you to Eichen House,” Danny said.

“No. I’m not crazy,” Jackson said, “I know this sounds crazy. But there’s a ghost sitting next to you and I’m apparently supposed to help him.”

“Alright,” Danny said, “I know you’re not the kind of person to just make this up. And I don’t think you’re having a mental breakdown. So if there’s anything I can do to help you get this guy to… move on or whatever, just let me know.”

“Okay. What’s your story, ghost man? How can we help you?” Jackson asked.

“I don’t know,” Derek admitted.

Derek followed Jackson home that night. He needed more information as to why this guy was the one who could make Stiles happy.

“Make yourself comfortable, I guess,” Jackson said.

Derek walked around looking at the photos he had hanging up and the books on his shelf. There were a few from high school that included Stiles, some from college and others from after. Most were him out with friends but a few were pictures of him with two stuffy looking people who must have been his parents.

“So… what about you makes you so special?” Derek asked.

“I’ve always been special,” Jackson said with a big grin that didn’t reach his eyes, “I’m the town’s golden boy. Son of the best lawyer in town, lacrosse champion.”

“That tells me about your parents and the town, not you,” Derek pointed out.

Jackson shrugged, “People care more about what I can do for them than who I am.”

Derek thought about Stiles at the diner- the genuine concern in his eyes, “I think you’d be surprised that that’s not entirely true.”

Jackson scoffed, “Yeah, right.”

Jackson went to bed and Derek decided to pop back into the Stilinski house. He watched Stiles as he slept for a bit before he realized how creepy that was. He looked at the pictures on Stiles' desk and saw one of Stiles and Jackson from high school. Jackson was sitting on Stiles’ lap and kissing Stiles on the cheek. It was a strange photo for him to have framed if their friendship was as contentious as Stiles made it seem.

He was missing a part of the puzzle, but he had no idea what that missing piece was.

The next morning, Stiles and Noah were having breakfast together.

“I have to go into work today, kiddo,” Noah said, “I made a list of things that need to get done around town.”

“I have to work on my book,” Stiles argued.

“And this will help with that,” Noah said, “Look, whether you complete this list or not, I don’t want you staying home all day. Just do something. Alight?”

Stiles sighed, “Fine. I’ll go to the coffee shop by the preserve to write. And I might get a few of these items done while I’m out. Okay?”

“That’s all I wanted to hear.”

Noah kissed the top of Stiles head before he left for the day. Stiles stayed where he was at the kitchen table for a while, not sure what to do with himself.

But soon he got up and washed the dishes, took a shower, grabbed his laptop and notes, and left for the coffee shop.

“Jackson?” Stiles asked when he walked in- seeing the other man behind the counter.

“Stiles! Hey!” Jackson said warmly.

“I didn’t peg you for the hometown barista type,” Stiles commented.

“I’m not, usually,” Jackson said, “Just holidays and the summer. Teacher’s salary isn’t the best.”

“Teacher? You’re a teacher?” Stiles asked.

“Yeah. My kids are the best. They’re getting their colors and numbers down. We even read The Little Engine that Could the other day.”

“Wait… preschool?” Stiles could not believe what he was hearing, “You’re a preschool teacher.”

“Next semester I’m going to start reading a chapter book to them. I think they’re ready for it.”

“What kind of twilight zone did I walk into?” Stiles asked.

“The kind that wants you to order or get out of line,” Stiles turned around and saw his old teacher Adrian Harris behind him.

“Relax, an extra minute in line isn’t going to kill you,” Stiles could see Harris fuming, “Anyway. Can I get a caramel mocha?”

“Anything else?” Jackson asked, “We have scones and cookies and cupcakes and cinnamon rolls. I could go on.”

Jackson was smirking and Stiles returned the look, “Oh, please do. I need to know all my options.”

Jackson continued listing the different baked goods they had until it finally caused Harris to storm out of the cafe.

Stiles laughed, “That was amazing! I forgot how awesome your jackassness could be when it’s not directed at me.”

“Yeah. About that… I’m sorry for how I treated you back then. You didn’t deserve it. Any of it.”

“It wasn’t all bad,” Stiles said.

“Here’s your coffee. And a cinnamon roll on the house.”

Derek was in shock. He hadn’t seen Stiles laugh like that since the Christmas party all those years ago. It started to build his faith that maybe Jackson really was the right person.

Stiles stayed at the cafe and angrily glared at his manuscript most of the time.

“Where did you go last night,” Jackson whispered.

“I-” Derek wanted to be honest. He wanted to tell Jackson about who he was and that this all had to do with Stiles, but he also had a feeling this had to happen naturally, “I had to check in on a few things.”

“You’re a ghost, what do you have to check on?” Jackson asked.

“Something very precious to me.”

“Does this have to do with how I can help you? Just tell me what it is.”

Derek shook his head, “I think I have to remain vague.”

“Stupid dead people rules,” Jackson murmured.

Jackson disappeared to the back and when he came back out he made a beeline for Stiles’ table, “My shifts over. I’m getting you out of here,” Jackson said.

“What? I’m working,” Stiles argued.

“No you’re not. And you’re going to strain your eyes if you continue,” Jackson said, “I have some errands to run. Come with me and then you can go back to… whatever this is.”

Stiles slammed his laptop shut- not having to save anything since no changes were made, “Fine! But I’m not going to be happy about it.”

“I’m not happy about spending time with you, either.”

Derek knew that was a lie just like he knew that the statement hurt Stiles, even though he was pretending it didn’t.

The three of them left the cafe and started walking to main street. Noah hadn’t been kidding- the entire street was small, local businesses that were all done up for Christmas. In the center was town square with a giant Christmas tree decorated and lit up for the holidays. It was beautiful.

They went to a couple different shops getting things crossed off both their lists. Then they walked into the bookstore and Stiles froze. The front table had a display of all of Derek’s books. Or, Derek’s book and Stiles’ books. They had decided to publish the rest of the series under Derek’s name with a note under the author profile that the series was completed with the help of his fiance. It never mentioned Stiles by name.

“Oh, have you read these books?” Jackson asked, not noticing Stiles going into fight or flight, “They’re my favorites. Although the rest of the series definitely has a different vibe than the first one. I think it’s my favorite series and I’d love to see them make it into a show-”

Jackson heard a bell and he turned around to find Stiles was gone.

“Was it something I said?” Jackson asked.

Derek thought carefully about how to respond, “It’s complicated. But I think he could really use a friend right now.”

Jackson didn’t go after Stiles right away, but eventually he drove to the Stilinski house and saw that god awful jeep parked out front. He rang the doorbell and waited for Stiles to answer. When he did, he saw the man had been crying.

“Just go away, Jackson,” Stiles said, “I’m not really in the mood right now.”

“I just wanted to check on you,” Jackson said, “If it was anything I said today that caused this, I am so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

Stiles didn’t answer but he left the door open and walked to the living room. Jackson followed and closed the door behind him. He noticed Stiles had a photo album open.

“My dad never got the point of social media,” Stiles said, “Any picture I would post or send to him he had developed and put it in one of these books.”

Jackson sat next to Stiles on the couch and watched as he paged through the book.

“These are from college,” Stiles said, “I wasn’t sure what to do, so I majored in marketing for some reason. But my favorite class I took was creative writing as an English elective.”

Stiles turned the page again and Jackson’s eyes flicked between the page and the man sitting on a nearby armchair staring at the ground.

“That class was where I met him. Derek Hale,” Stiles said.

Jackson couldn’t believe his eyes. The guy who had been haunting him- who needed his help with something knew Stiles.

“Derek was the best man I ever knew,” Stiles continued, “He was a grump and had murder brows, but he was my grump. And even though he hated to talk, he had such a way with words. He was set to be the top author of our generation.”

That was when it clicked for Jackson, “Those books in the shop-”

“Were his,” Stiles confirmed, “Or the first one was. I wrote the rest based on his notes of where he wanted the story to go. Sometimes it felt like he was guiding me somehow. He died in a car accident five years ago. I was driving.”

“I’m so sorry, Stiles.”

“Sometimes I don’t know what to do with my life,” Stiles admitted, “I’m writing my first book without him and I just… I don’t know if I can do it.”

“You were always spinning tall tales when we were kids. You’re made for this,” Jackson tried.

“When I was writing his books, it was like he was still here with me… but now… I can’t feel him anymore.”

“He’s still here,” Jackson said, “He’s watching over you. And I think all he wants is for you to be happy.”

“You can’t know that,” Stiles said.

“I know he loved you,” Jackson reasoned, “And you don’t just leave someone you love.”

Stiles broke down completely and Jackson held him through it. He looked over at Derek and the ghost looked so broken. It was clear he wanted to reach out and comfort Stiles as well, but he couldn’t.

So Jackson held Stiles for both of them. He’d make sure Stiles knew he was still loved, both by Derek and others.

Once the crying slowed down, Stiles couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. His history with Jackson was complicated at best and now he just trauma dumped and cried all over the guy.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It seems like you needed it,” Jackson said, “Now go wash up. I’ll get some food and water for you- you haven’t had anything since the coffee shop.”

“Neither have you,” Stiles pointed out.

“Good thing I’m making enough for both of us,” Jackson winked.

Stiles quickly shuffled out of the room and Jackson dutifully started looking through the kitchen to find something to make.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” Derek said.

“It’s not like you could have told me,” Jackson reasoned, “I think it was better this way.”

Derek nodded, “I just want him to be happy.”

“And he seems happy with me?” From his tone it was clear he didn’t believe it.

“Today at the coffee shop was the happiest I’ve seen him in five years.”

Jackson thought about that for a moment, “In high school… I was terrible to him. We were hooking up in private, but in public I would humiliate him- act like he was below me. I- I don’t know why. You’re wrong.”

“I know Stiles,” Derek said, “He didn’t tell me much about your past, but I can see he cares about you.”

“Yeah, well I don’t deserve it.”

“You don’t deserve what?” Stiles asked.

“I don’t deserve your kindness,” Jackson surprised both himself and Derek with his honesty, “I just… after everything I put you through-”

“We were kids,” Stiles said, “What you did wasn’t nice, but I didn’t ask you to stop. If I had said no, would you have stopped?”

“Of course-”

“Then stop it. We’re both to blame for how things went down,” Stiles said, “We were both scared and figuring things out. And I know how your parents are. I never held any of that against you.”

“You’ve always impressed me,” Jackson said.

“What?” Stiles asked.

“Yeah. You were always so fearless- you didn’t care what people thought of you,” Jackson explained, “You were always so insightful. I didn’t even know that stuff about myself back then, but you hit the nail on the head.”

“Jackson, I-” Stiles hadn’t realized it, but they had been moving towards each other during their conversation. It was like there was something pulling them to each other. Stiles was leaning in for a kiss and he thought Jackson was doing the same when suddenly he lost his balance because he leaned forward too much without someone to catch him.

Jackson was running out of the kitchen and the house as a whole, “I’m sorry, Stiles! I Just- I’m sorry!”

And then he was gone.

Stiles stood in the kitchen for a long time until he started feeling a chill. He walked to the entryway and saw in Jackson’s haste to get away, he didn’t close the door behind him. And then for the second time that day he sat on the couch and cried.

“You seem to be failing spectacularly,” Peter said as he suddenly appeared again.

Stiles had gone to bed and Derek was debating going to let Jackson have a piece of his mind when his uncle showed up.

“I’m doing my best,” Derek said, “It’s not my fault that the person I can talk to has so much history with Stiles. This would be so much easier if it was a complete stranger.”

“It’s less than a week until Christmas,” Peter reminded him.

“I know,” Derek growled.

“Right now it seems more likely you’ll go to superhell.”

“Are you here to help or just make me feel more crappy than I already do?” Derek asked.

“I’m here to remind you that staying isn’t an option,” Peter said, “No matter what, on when the clock strikes midnight and it’s Christmas day, you will no longer be on this earth. You can’t keep haunting Stiles. It’s time for you both to move on. And you have a chance to ensure that you both move on well. But time is running out.”

“I know. I KNOW!” Derek yelled, “All I want is for Stiles to be happy and I can’t give that to him anymore. I KNOW Jackson is the one that can do that, now. But the past is stopping them from accepting that happiness and there’s nothing I can do about it!”

“It seems to me like the one with the problem is the one you can talk to.” And then Peter was gone again.

Derek groaned and then decided to go check in on Jackson. He was mad at the man, but he was also concerned for his well being. He found the man curled up in a ball crying himself to sleep.

“What was that, Jackson?” Derek whispered, “I don’t understand.”

“I don’t deserve him.”

“I think that’s for Stiles to decide,” Derek said, “But just know, if you hurt him again, I will come back just to haunt you again.”

That got Jackson to chuckle. He sat up in bed and looked at Derek, “How can you do it?”

“Do what?”

“How can you stand there and watch- hell even help the man you love fall in love with someone else?”

Derek sat on the bed next to Jackson, “I will always love Stiles, but I can’t be there for him in the way he needs anymore. He deserves to love and be loved in return and I’m just trying to help him before my time is done.”

Jackson and Derek locked eyes and Derek’s heartbeat sped up.

“Why me?” Jackson asked.

Derek didn’t know why he did it, but instead of answering he put one hand over Jackson’s and cupped his cheek with the other. Then he leaned in and kissed him. It was slow and chaste and Derek hated that he couldn’t feel it.

Jackson had stopped breathing when Derek leaned in. All he could feel of the kiss was a slight chill where his hands and lips were.

“Derek,” Jackson whispered, but when he opened his eyes, the ghost was gone.

The next morning, Jackson stumbled out of his room and saw Danny in his kitchen making breakfast.

“Why are you here?” Jackson asked.

“You haven’t given me any ghost updates since the diner,” Danny said, “And since I have a vested interest in your well being as well as general gossip, I came for an update.”

And so Jackson told him everything. Or… everything except that the fiance the ghost was trying to set him up with was Stiles.

“Wait… so you’re falling for this guy, right?” Danny asked.

Jackson nodded.

“And he was going to kiss you, but you ran.”

Jackson nodded again.

“And then the ghost kissed you.”

“Are you done rehashing what I just told you?” Jackson asked, “I lived it. I don’t need a play by play.”

“Okay, but it’s weird, right?” Danny asked, “This guy wants you to be with his fiance, but then he kisses you himself. He wants you to fall in love with someone else, but seems to be falling for you.”

“And the most confusing part is I think I’m in love with both of them,” Jackson admitted, “The fiance… It’s someone I’ve known for a long time- someone I’ve been a bit in love with my entire life. So that part is easy, but complicated with the baggage between us.”

“Stiles. Got it.”

“How did you know that?” Jackson demanded.

Danny just smirked, “You weren’t subtle in school. You pulled his pigtails any chance you got and then you would both disappear at the same time and both come back smiling.”

“Okay. Fine. It’s Stiles.”

“Which means the ghost is that hot author… yeah, I get you falling for him, too.”

“It’s just… I can’t have them both,” Jackson said.

“Why not?”

“Derek is looking for closure,” Jackson said, “Stiles is happy and Derek leaves. So I get the guy and the other guy goes away. Or I push Stiles away and get to keep Derek, but then he’s pissed at me for hurting Stiles! It’s a lose/lose!”

“Maybe- and this is just a crazy thought I’m spitballing here- maybe you pick the person who’s alive.”

“Look, as fun as this was, I have to go. I have Santa duty today.”

Danny got a mischievous smile on his face, “Have fun!”

Stiles’ dad was at work, so he was on his own for breakfast. He decided to just go with a granola bar and some coffee. He much preferred the coffee from the cafe, but he didn’t want to risk running into Jackson after being left the night before. He was angry and embarrassed and he didn’t know what he would say if he saw the other man.

He had finished and was trying to decide what to do with his day when there was a knock on his door.

“Danny?” Stiles asked after he opened the door.

“Stiles! Hey!” Danny greeted with a warm smile.

Danny was the reason Stiles and Jackson had been in the same circles in high school. Danny was one of the kindest people Stiles knew and he had no idea why he and Jackson were so close back in the day.

“What brings you by?” Stiles asked.

“What? I can’t come say hi to an old friend who’s visiting?”

“Sorry. Of course you can. Wanna come in?”

Danny shook his head, “I actually have to get to main street. They’re starting Santa’s village today and I promised to take pictures for the paper.”

“Oh! Well thanks for stopping by,” Stiles was about to close the door when Danny stopped him.

“I was hoping you’d come help?” Danny asked, “And we could take that time to catch up.”

Stiles looked at his friend with suspicion, “Did my dad put you up to this?”

“Maybe,” Danny shrugged, “But it will be fun. We get free cocoa and cookies for working and we’ll get to laugh at the poor guy who got stuck with Santa duty. It will go so much faster if I have someone with me.”

“Crowd control,” Danny said, “You can help me get people for various shots and move them around so it will look good.”

Stiles hummed, “I do like telling people what to do… okay. Fine. I’ll go.”

Stiles got his coat and then he and Danny went to the event. Santa’s village was just a bunch of pop up booths with food or homemade goods with the main event being getting a photo with Santa and telling him what you want for Christmas.

They started with the booths. Stiles helped separate some of the pieces to get individual shots and then pictures of the entire booth with the owners. They also got some shots of families and couples enjoying the festivities.

Finally, they got to Santa himself, “Ho, ho, ho! And what do you want, little girl?”

“You’re not Santa,” The girl said, “You’re Mr. Jackson!”

But Jackson was either quick on his feet or he had done this before, “Well, it’s almost Christmas! So the real Santa is busy getting ready in the North Pole. So he trusts his helpers, like me, to take his place and make sure we have the right list for all the good little boys and girls.”

Jackson was trying to do a Santa impression with his voice and it was really cute seeing him interact with the kids and make sure they had a good experience. He was even good with the kids who came to him kicking and screaming- he somehow got them calmed down enough for the picture. Honestly it was kinda hot.

Derek was also watching and his thoughts were similar to Stiles’. How was this man real?

“Stiles! You should tell Santa what you want,” Danny said.

“What?” Stiles asked, “That’s just for the kids.”

“There’s no kids in line right now,” Danny pointed out, “And how else is Santa supposed to know what you want for Christmas?”

Stiles rolled his eyes, but he followed his friend’s instructions. He had no doubt that this was the entire reason Danny had dragged him to this event.

“Ho, ho, ho,” Jackson said, determined to stay in character as Stiles approached, “And what’s your name, little boy?”

Stiles sat on his lap, “I’m not that little.”

He threw Jackson a wink for good measure.

Jackson coughed a little, trying to hide his reaction, “And what do you want for Christmas, not little boy?”

Derek couldn’t look away from the scene in front of him. Stiles sitting on Jackson’s lap… he looked so comfortable. It was the opposite of that photo he had found not too long ago. But both men seemed more comfortable in their skin now and the tension between them had grown over the years.

Derek wanted to make sure he stayed out of Jackson’s line of sight- he didn’t want to ruin the moment, but he needed to know what was happening.

Stiles leaned in so only Jackson (and Derek) could hear what he said, “What I want for Christmas is for you to realize you deserve to be loved.”

Jackson wanted to kiss Stiles so badly in that moment. It wouldn’t take much movement to do it, either.

But then a kid shrieked, “It’s Santa! It’s Santa!”

And Jackson was reminded to stay in character, take the picture with Stiles, and move on to the excited kid in line. He and Stiles could finish this later.

Stiles did end up buying the official picture that was taken, but there must have been something wrong with the film- there was a glowing light off to the side of Santa’s seat. It was right in the spot Stiles would have been looking at, so he knew there wasn’t anything there.

But he could still see himself and Jackson with no issues, and that was what mattered. Because they couldn’t get rid of that glare, he got the print out at a discount, which was fine by him.

As much as Stiles and Jackson wanted to follow up on what happened in Santa’s village, both of their schedules were too busy over the next few days to do anything about it. Noah had those days off of work, so he and Stiles used that as time to catch up and do some Christmas activities together as the man was working the actual holiday.

The morning of Christmas Eve finally came and Derek was desperate. Stiles and Jackson were so close, but if they didn’t get together by the end of the day, Derek’s fate would be sealed.

Stiles had decided that day would be the perfect opportunity for a walk through the preserve. It had been something he wanted to do since he arrived. The preserve was the core of his book and in order to get the right feel for it, he had to immerse himself in it.

He had been walking for about an hour when he realized he was lost. He didn’t realize he had started walking off the path and now he had no idea how to get back home. He looked at his phone and realized his battery was dead.

“Great. Just great,” Stiles sighed and decided to stay still while he figured out the best way to get out of this.

As soon as Stiles went off the path, Derek started making marks on trees so he’d be able to bring the other man back safely, but that was when he realized he had no way to communicate which way to go.

He tried moving some branches, but all that accomplished was scaring the man.

Derek knew what he had to do.

He expected to find Jackson at a family gathering that he would have to pull the man away from, but instead he was sitting alone in his apartment watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

“I need your help,” Derek said.

“You’ve been avoiding me since that kiss and now you only show up because you need something,” Jackson shook his head, “Typical.”

“No! It’s not… look, kissing you was selfish,” Derek explained, “I hadn’t realized it before, but this entire time I’ve been falling for you right alongside Stiles. And I gave into that feeling. But I shouldn’t have because no matter what, I don’t get to stay. I don’t get to have you or Stiles, but you can have each other, if that’s what you want. I shouldn’t have gotten in the way of that.”

“But you’re still only coming back because you need something,” Jackson said.

“It’s not that I need something,” Derek tried to explain, “I need you. It’s always been you, Jackson. And right now, Stiles needs you in more ways than one.”

Derek guided Jackson through the preserve to where Stiles was.

“How did you find me?” Stiles asked, “How did you even know I was out here?”

Jackson laughed and stole a glance at Derek over Stiles’ shoulder, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Stiles pulled Jackson into a hug. When they pulled apart a bit, Jackson looked up and realized they were standing under some mistletoe. Stiles looked up as well to try and see what had caught the other man’s eyes.

“We don’t have to, if-” Stiles started, but Jackson interrupted him.

“I want to,” Jackson said, “And besides, who am I to go against the will of Christmas?”

Finally, they kissed and it was just as magical as Jackson had hoped it would be. When they pulled apart, he could no longer see Derek.

He guided Stiles back through the preserve using the markers Derek had pointed out to him. If it hadn’t been for those markings, he might have thought the past week or so had been all in his head.

They returned to the Stilinski house and Stiles invited Jackson to stay for the holiday. And for the first time in a long time, Jackson celebrated with someone else.

Despite the fact that Jackson could no longer see him, Derek was still there. He followed them back home as he fought off dueling emotions of happiness and emptiness.

When they got back to the house, Peter appeared, “Come with me.”

And he followed his uncle into the blinding, white light.

Derek was given his wings and then he was handed a scroll with his first assignment as an angel.

He opened it and his eyes went wide, “Are you serious?”

His uncle smiled with a glint of mischief in his eyes, “This comes from the guys upstairs. If you want a different one I could see if they’ll change it for you.”

“No! No, it’s perfect.”

Stiles and Jackson woke up on Christmas morning tangled up with each other and Stiles couldn’t help but smile. He hadn’t expected this when he was forced to return home for the holidays, but it was the best thing that could have happened to him.

He would always love Derek, but Jackson had always been special to him as well. And now he finally had Jackson and they didn’t have to hide.

They both woke up slowly and exchanged sleepy kisses before they got up. Noah would be coming home in the late morning and the Stilinskis (and now Jackson) had decided to open their presents then.

Stiles was brewing the coffee while Jackson picked out a terrible Christmas movie to watch when the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it!” Jackson called, “How did you ring the doorbell?”

Curious, Stiles left the kitchen and joined Jackson in the entryway. He had been expecting a dog or maybe a lost child who was too short to reach the doorbell. What he hadn’t been expecting to see was his dead fiance. Or maybe- more likely- someone who looked a lot like his dead fiance.

“I’m sure you both have a lot of questions,” the man said, “Can I come inside so I can explain?”

Jackson let the man in and the three of them went into the living room.

Jackson was hit with a sense of deja vu when he and Stiles sat on the couch and Derek sat on the armchair. But then Derek got up and started pacing the room.

“I should have thought about how to explain before I rang the doorbell,” Derek said, “I think it’s best if I just show you?”

Suddenly two large, white wings appeared. Both Stiles and Jackson were mesmerized.

“I’ve been a ghost for the past five years. But this year I was able to get some closure and become an angel.”

“Wait, so you’re- you’re really Derek?” Stiles asked.

He wasn’t sure how to feel. On one hand, the love of his life was back somehow. But on the other, he had just gotten together with Jackson and he was quickly falling in love with him. He didn’t know what to do.

“Yeah,” Derek said, “I’ve been watching over you. I thought that’s what it would be for eternity, but then things happened and Jackson could see me.”

“What?!” Stiles was shocked and betrayed. Why wouldn’t Jackson tell him something like this?

“I didn’t know who he was at first,” Jackson said, “And then the same day I found out you tried to kiss me and I just-”

“That’s why you ran,” Stiles said.

“Partially,” Jackson admitted “I felt weird about kissing you in front of your dead fiance. But I also didn’t feel worthy of you. And you were so vulnerable at that moment- I didn’t want to take advantage of you like I did in high school.”

“You didn’t take advantage of me,” Stiles insisted, “Things were complicated back then.”

“I know,” Jackson said, “I know that now. But I needed some time and for Derek to make me see sense.”

“I kissed him that night,” Derek revealed.

“Wait, what?” Stiles looked between the two men, “How does that even work?”

“The point is, I love you, Stiles,” Derek said, “I always have and I always will. But I started falling in love with Jackson when you came back to Beacon Hills.”

“What are you saying?” Stiles asked.

“I love both of you,” Derek reiterated, “And I hoping I’m not the only one feeling this way.”

“After you kissed me… it broke me that I wouldn’t get to keep both of you,” Jackson said, “Losing you in the preserve was a bittersweet moment.”

“I never thought I would see you again,” Stiles said, “Either of you, if I’m being honest. I want this. Whatever this is.”

“How is this even possible?” Jackson asked, “I thought you had moved on.”

“When I got closure, I became an angel,” Derek explained, “After I got my wings, I was given my first assignment.”

He handed the scroll over to Stiles and Jackson. They opened it and read what was inside.

Guardian Angel of Jackson Whitmore and Mieczyslaw Stilinski.

“Guardian Angel…” Stiles said.

“That means I get to stay with you both. In whatever manner I deem best.”

“You’re staying?” Jackson asked.

“I’m staying.”

“What about the people in our lives who know you?” Stiles asked, “Who know you are dead?”

“I can hide my face like I hide my wings,” Derek said, “You two will see who I really am, but I’ll take on a new identity. I think I’ll keep the first name to avoid confusion, though.”

Stiles could feel tears pricking his eyes. He couldn’t believe it.

When Jackson and Derek realized he was crying, Jackson pulled him close and Derek sat on his other side. They both held him and it felt more right than anything he had felt in a long time.

One year later:

Once again the publishing company decided to host their annual holiday party and a book launch as the same event. This time, however, it was the launch of Stiles’ first solo book- Teen Wolf. He was already working on the second book in the series, but he kind of wanted to hear what the public thought about the characters before getting too far in the process.

He had moved to Beacon Hills after Christmas last year. As an author, he could work from anywhere and do most meetings virtually. Events like this, though, he had to attend in person.

Jackson was still a preschool teacher and both Stiles and Derek couldn’t help but swoon when they saw him interacting with the kids. They also both agreed it was hilarious that he was so kind and patient with the kids, but had no time for their parent’s bullshit.

Derek reintegrated with the human world under the name Derek Lobo. He went back to being an author, but decided to leave the world of supernatural romances to Stiles- the sequels that Stiles wrote were all received better than his original- and instead decided to start writing kids books. They were very popular in Jackson’s class and they loved it when he came in to read his books for story time. He also did all the illustrations himself.

Stiles was doing his due diligence and made sure to mingle with everyone in the room while Jackson kept Derek company away from the crowd.

“I’m so glad it’s him doing it this time instead of me,” Derek said.

Jackson laughed, “Yeah, I can’t see this really being your scene.”

“But he’s thriving,” Derek smiled.

He had a lot of complicated feelings about his death, but he remembered the years leading up to it where Stiles was pretty listless career wise. He hadn’t been sure what he wanted to do and nothing had felt right. But now he was in his element.

“I didn’t think I’d see you back here,” Lydia said as she joined them.

“This is our first time here,” Jackson said.

They had learned quickly that because of his angel nature, Derek couldn’t outright lie. He could skirt the truth, but it was better to try and avoid that just in case something was too close to a lie and the truth ended up coming out.

“It’s your first time here,” Lydia stated, “But it’s been six years since I’ve seen Derek… well, seen him in a solid form.”

Derek looked at her and could tell there was something different, even if he couldn’t quite place what it was, “What are you?”

Lydia smirked, “If you get it right, I’ll let you know.”

Derek laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Stiles asked as he joined them after finally completing his round of the room.

“If you could see me before, why didn’t you tell me?” Derek asked.

Lydia shrugged, “My concern was Stiles. And it’s not like you were the only dead person trying to get my attention. You just got lost in the noise since you weren’t mine to help.”

Stiles couldn’t help but laugh, either. Leave it to Lydia to know all the pieces on the board.

“Now, it’s not fair that you have two men and I’m single,” Lydia said, “You can thank me for giving Melissa the idea to send you to Beacon Hills by setting me up with someone.”

“That was your idea?” Stiles asked.

Lydia shrugged, “I didn’t know who it was who was supposed to help you, but I knew that person was in Beacon Hills. You didn’t listen to my suggestions to visit your father, so I had to get creative.”

“You are a goddess,” Stiles kissed her cheek.

Derek and Jackson both had mick affronted expressions on their faces that they kept until Stiles kissed them away.

“I love you both,” Stiles said.

“Merry Christmas,” Derek said as he pulled both of his men into his arms.

This was where they were always meant to be.

“Our Christmas angel,” Jackson said. He knew it was cheesy, but it was exactly what Derek was. It was just like all those awful movies he would never admit to loving. He never thought he’d have a love like that, and now he had two.

“We got our Christmas miracle,” Stiles said, “I think we can help you find yours.”

Lydia smiled and nodded.

“I’m happy for you,” Lydia said, “And you’re doing a book tour. No ifs, ands, or buts.”

“Yes, my queen,” Stiles agreed. There was no point in arguing.

He knew his boys would be with him for the start of the tour, but Jackson would have to go back to school. Derek would probably switch off between joining him and going home to Jackson.

He knew Lydia wouldn’t keep him away from home for too long. He was looking forward to promoting his book, doing readings in independent shops, and meeting his readers, but even more he was looking forward to going home to the two men he loved more than anything in the world.

At different points in his life he had thought he lost them for different reasons. But now they were all together. For six years, Christmas was the worst day of his life. But now, it was the best.