Chapter Text
It was only the third day of practice, and the coach was out. The cheerleader’s coach had agreed to supervise but the cheerleaders needed to practice as well so the football field was split in half. Since Derek was QB 1, he was in charge of the practice. Some of the other player might not have liked that he was in charge, but none of them were stupid enough to say anything.
He told them to take five and rehydrate, so now they were meandering around and watching the Cheerleaders. Derek spared them a glance, just seeing old and new faces before turning away, he really didn’t care about them.
“Hey! Stilinski, they run out of guys' uniforms. I knew you were a homo but that’s a new level even for you!” One of the players called out harshly, this caused Derek’s head to snap up and find what the shouts were directed at.
Oh, one of the new freshmen had made the team. He looked around his team, of course it was Smith that had yelled out, he then saw Jackson, laughing along, shaking his head. Wasn’t Jackson dating this freshman?
Stiles frowned, crossing his arms. "You're just jealous you can't pull it off!" He called back. Even as he turned to frown harder at the fact that his so-called boyfriend was laughing with them. It hurt. He hunched his shoulders just a bit, turning back to where the girls were practicing their tosses.
Derek frowned, seeing the look on the kid’s face and how it didn’t even phase his teammate. Derek grabbed a football, hitting Smith upside the head, causing him to lose his balance and fall over with a cry of pain. “What the fuck man?!” He spat, getting up and holding his head.
“You really should pay more attention; I called your name.” He said with a shrug, knowing he was lying and so did everyone else, but they didn’t speak up.
“You should go see the nurse; she should be here by now.” He said, trying not to smirk, only sparing a glance towards the freshman. “Come on! Let’s run it again” he yelled, clapping his hands.
Stiles blinked, turning to watch Derek get the team in order, giving him a slow growing, huge grin. Jackson saw the smile on his boyfriend’s face and rolled his eyes, going back to practice.
____
Afterwards, Stiles was getting dressed, spinning his lock to lock his locker tight.
Derek showered quickly before getting dressed, hair still damp as he slid on his letterman jacket, he was one of the last players left, he liked to make sure everyone was out, and the locker room was in decent shape.
Jackson walked up to stiles with a grin “Hey baby” he said obnoxiously, well to Derek it sounded obnoxious from where he was cleaning up and able to hear.
"Hey." Stiles sighed. "What was that about out there? It's not nice to laugh at your boyfriend" he grumbled; his shoulders slumped. "That hurt."
“Oh it was nothing, he was just joking, don’t take it personally” Jackson said with a shrug, putting a hand on the locker behind stiles’ head and leaning over him.
".....yeah, sorry" he said softly, voice wet as tears threatened to spill over.
Derek frowned, it was most definitely not okay, but he kept his mouth shut. Jackson kissed him quickly “I’m going to class, go wash your face baby, you know you’re not pretty when you cry.” He said, turning and leaving the locker room.
Stiles sniffled, wiping at his eyes. "Still hurt." He whispered, turning toward the sinks.
Derek groaned inwardly as his feet moved carrying him towards the freshmen. “Hey, kid, you, okay?” He asked, hands stuffed into his jacket pocket.
Stiles sucked in a breath, looking up as he wiped his cheeks."...yeah" he whispered even as he shook his head. "Thank you. For earlier."
“He was just on my nerves” Derek huffed, “It’s not okay you know.” He said gently “Jackson should have decked Smith” he said, giving stiles a small smile. “I’ll see you around, kid” he said, turning to leave.
"Stiles " he blurted out, his cheeks a bit flushed. "My name's stiles."
Derek stopped, looking over his shoulder “Stiles” he said with a nod. “Derek” he replied, turning his gaze forward and walking out of the locker room. Stiles sniffled, though there was a smile on his face now.
_____
It was lunch time, Derek found himself out behind the school where there were some benches and picnic tables. No one ever came here. He’d get his food from the cafeteria and come out here for some alone time.
Stiles clutched his bag to him as he walked, grumbling a bit. The cafeteria was always so crowded, and he didn't feel like dealing with the jokes from Smith and Jackson. It wasn't until he spied Derek that he perked up a bit. He had something to give to him anyway, being 'his' cheerleader.
He kind of liked the system. Each player got assigned a cheerleader. They would bring small things to help cheer the player on, supported them on Fridays, and basically was their own personal cheerleader. And Stiles had a bag of Derek's favorite snack samples in his bag that he needed to give over for his first gift. He just hoped he had read the questionnaire correctly.
"Derek!" He breathed.
Derek looked up from where he sat, frowning. “Stiles?” He asked curiously, eyebrow raising questioningly “What are you doing out here?”
"Well, I started out here because if there's any more people in the cafeteria, it's going to break the fire code." He shrugged, shifting to rummage before he pulled out the paper bag. "And I saw you and remembered. Hi. I'm your cheerleader for this season" he smiled widely. "I got you some treats and one of the Gatorade you like."
Derek just blinked at him. Usually when he was assigned a cheerleader, he’d thank them and tell them that they didn’t have to do this for the whole season, that he was good, and they accepted it because it was less work for them.
“I-Thank you” he said quickly, getting up and taking the offered items before sitting back down.
Stiles' smile grew even wider. "You're welcome! I hope I got the right kinds! Is there anything you like more than others? "
Derek just shook his head “These are the right kind.” He assured Stiles, looking up to see Jackson walking out of the doors.
“Baby, there you are, what are you doing?” He asked, eyebrow raised, eyeing Derek who just looked at him.
"Hmm? Just giving Derek the things, I got him" he smiled at Jackson, though it wasn't near as bright as the one he gave Derek.
“Come eat lunch” Jackson said, motioning with his head to the door. Derek and Jackson were most certainly not friends, but they didn’t really have a problem with each other either.
"M'fine, Jax, it's way too crowded in there. I think I'll head to the library."
Jackson rolled his eyes “Come on, I’ll walk you” he said, throwing an arm over Stiles’ shoulders.
"Kay" he gave him another small smile, looking over his shoulder to wave goodbye, his smile fading the farther they got. Derek gave a little wave himself, going back to his lunch.
“I don’t like him” Jackson huffed once they were out of earshot.
"Why not?" Stiles wondered.
Jackson rolled his eyes “I just don’t. Come on, come to the cafeteria” Jackson said, already steering them in that direction.
"No, Jax. It's too crowded. You know I hate super crowded places" stiles protested, turning toward the library.
Jackson just rolled his eyes. “Okay whatever” he said with a shrug, removing his arm and heading towards the cafeteria.
Stiles' shoulders slumped, chewing his lip before shaking his head and headed for the library.
____
It was practice the next morning, same as the morning before because the coach was out again. Smith was back because Derek was careful not to actually injure the idiot, but he was making sure that everyone stayed focused on practice today and not the cheerleaders. “Take 5!” He called out, pausing to wipe the sweat off and catch a breath.
Stiles clapped, cheering a bit "Good job, Susan!" He congratulated her on finally landing the double spin she's been trying to land. He grinned as the coach called for a break, turning to grab his water.
Derek took the water bottle from his bag and squirted some in his mouth then onto his head to cool down.
“Oh! I see you found the guys' uniform Stolinski!” Smith laughed loudly, yelling across. Derek sighed, here we go again.
"The other was a guys uniform too, Smith. I'm a guy and it was mine. Therefore, guys uniform" Stiles snarked back, frowning.
Smith scoffed “You don’t count as much of a guy now do ya, Stilinski?” He retorted to which Jackson laughed with a grin. Derek sighed, tossing the football at Smith’s arm this time, the guy couldn’t handle any more brain damage.
“Seriously Hale?!” He cried out and Derek squirted some more water in his mouth to hide his smirk.
Stiles frowned even harder at Jackson before turning to Derek, a small smile on his face. He turned to talk to Allison. His nose up in the air.
“Nurse should be in by now, you’re becoming good friends” he said with a raised eyebrow, dating anyone to argue. Smith just walked past with a huff as Derek got all of the players back in order, Jackson glaring at him.
Stiles scooped the Gatorade and candy he had grabbed for Derek off the bench, heading over while they had a free moment. He gave him a shy grin, holding them out.
Derek could feel Jackson’s death glare on him, he blinked, turning to find Stiles there, holding his Gatorade and candy. His face softened slightly, not where anyone would notice of course. “Uh-thank you” he said, taking the offered items. “Your boyfriend is glaring you might want to give him a smile too” Derek teased lightly.
"Maybe I would if he wasn't laughing at me" he shrugged, his grin widening at the teasing tone.
Derek gave him a small, almost nonexistent smile. “Fair enough, a punch to the face instead?” He mused quietly.
“Hey, Hale! We gonna practice or are you gonna flirt the entire time?” Scott called out, throwing a grin at Stiles. Jackson was fuming. Scott was Stiles’ best friend and he hated Jackson, but he had to play nice.
"That wasn't flirting Scotty, god I knew you needed dating help" stiles put on a mock sigh, shaking his head, even as his cheeks flushed. He gave Derek another smile before heading back to the squad.
“Whatever you say, Stiles! That blush says something different!” Scot said, throwing a smirk at Jackson who was furious. Derek Just rolled his eyes at the two, giving Stiles a small wave, starting their practice back up.
"Eat a football, McCall!" He called out cheerfully. Scott laughed and Derek just shook his head, amused by the two.
He tried not to let what Jackson was doing phase him. But he still ended up standing under the bleachers, frowning at Jackson. "It's not funny, Jax!"
“Come on babe, learn to take a joke” Jackson huffed.
"Jokes are funny and aren't mean or rude to their S.O." Stiles frowned, crossing his arms.
Jackson rolled his eyes “You’re so sensitive!” He complained.
"And your humor is shitty. Your point?" Stiles pursed his lips to keep from crying in frustration.
“Whatever Stiles” Jackson huffed “Let’s go to class.”
"I'll be in class in a bit" he huffed, turning his back on Jackson, his face twisting as he fought tears.
Jackson groaned, reaching and grabbing Stiles’ wrist “C’mon, let’s go to class” he tried again.
"I'll be there in a second" he said again, tugging his arm free. Refusing to look at him.
Jackson just threw his hands up “Okay whatever” he huffed, walking away angrily.
Stiles waited until he couldn't hear Jackson's footsteps anymore to let some of the tears free, his shoulders hitching.
Derek was walking off the field, drinking his Gatorade, freshly showered when he’d seen Jackson storm off, his teammate didn’t even notice him. He frowned when he heard a shaky breath come from under the bleachers. He walked in slowly.
Stiles hugged himself, trying to stop crying. He whipped around when he heard footsteps, teary eyes widening in surprise. Derek’s frown increased, dropping his book bag “Hey, you alright?”
Stiles lower lip trembled a bit. "I don't know," he finally whispered.
Derek cocked his head curiously “Want to talk about it? Or want me to leave you alone?”
"It's Jackson." He sniffled, wiping his eyes. He felt that he could trust Derek. "I don't understand why he laughs at me."
“Ah.” Derek said, understanding the issue. “He’s a dumbass,” Derek offered. “That’s all I got.”
"Then I'm one too" he murmured. "He says I'm too sensitive, that it's just jokes."
Derek sighed “Wouldn’t be so funny if people were making fun of him.”
"I like my cheer skirt." He murmured.” and in case Jackson hadn't noticed, he's DATING A GUY....and he should've noticed. " He finished in a whisper, shoulders lifting to crowd his ears.
“There is nothing wrong with your skirt” Derek assured him “Jackson doesn’t notice anything but Jackson.” He huffed.
Stiles shrugged, sniffling. "You have sex with a guy, you should realize he's a guy."
“Good point.” Derek said with a small chuckle. “We’re going to be late “ He said, crouching down and sifting through his bag for a napkin and handing it over to Stiles. “There, get cleaned up and we’ll go” he offered.
Stiles gave him a shy smile, taking the napkin to wash his face. "If I thought it'd mean something to him, I'd skip and show up to the next class looking like I'd cried my eyes out." He grumbled before blowing his nose. "Thank you, Derek."
“I wouldn’t waste my time with that plan” he decided “I’ll walk you to class, if that’ll piss him off” he said with a grin.
Stiles gave a small laugh, his eyes crinkling a bit. "It would. Dunno why but he hates you. Hell, if I know, you're sweet so I don't understand it."
Derek huffed “I’m not sweet, haven’t you heard? I’m a dick.” he argued “Jackson is an ass and shouldn’t get away with it” he said, picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. “Coming? You don’t need to stay down here alone.”
"I heard that yes, but I don't believe it" Stiles shrugged, stooping to grab his bag. "Yeah" he nodded. "Thanks, Derek"
Derek Just nodded, leading the way before falling into step with Stiles to walk him to his class so Jackson would be pissed off.
Stiles grinned up at him. "So, what's your favorite animal?"
Derek frowned “why?" He asked, confused by the random question.
"I have PLANS as your cheerleader, Derek" he tsked playfully, grin huge and eyes bright.
Derek rolled his eyes. “Tiger” he decided after a moment, opening the door for Stiles to enter the school.
Stiles nodded, making mental notes. "Color? Non-Gatorade drink?"
“Red. Uh, tea I guess?” He said with a shrug “which class do you have?” He asked, stopping for a moment to see which way he needed to go.
"History with Coach Calcot" stiles hummed as he thought. "Regular tea or like hot teas?"
Derek nodded, turning down the correct hallways “Just regular” he said, stopping in front of the correct closed door.
Stiles turned with a grin. "Excellent, thanks for walking me, Derek" he gave into the temptation to give him a one-armed hug before entering the class with a small wave.
Derek nodded at him before turning to leave to his own class, he could feel Jackson staring at him, he smirked once his back was turned.
“Why were you with him?” Jackson asked as soon as Stiles sat down, being shushed by the coach. Stiles just smiled, shaking his head as he started listening to Coach, making notes. Jackson was fuming, he really hated Derek, he sat there, arms crossed over his chest in annoyance.
__
After class, Stiles headed out of the room, humming softly. Jackson followed “You let him walk you to class?”
"He checked on me when he heard me crying" stiles said absently as he fiddled with his locker to grab his next couple of books.
“You know I don’t like him; I don’t want you hanging out with him Stiles, he’s bad news.”
"Why don't you like him? He's been nothing but nice to me" stiles shrugged, slamming his locker closed.
“I just don’t. He’s a dick” Jackson said, frowning “I’m serious Stiles, stay away from Hale” he said, walking away before stiles could respond. Stiles sighed, turning to walk to his next class alone, holding his book against his chest. He wasn't going to stop. He liked Derek. Plus, he was his cheerleader and Stiles took that very seriously.
Jackson found stiles between classes a little later, coming up behind him and wrapping his arms around his boyfriend “Hey baby” he hummed, pressing a kiss to stiles’ cheek.
Stiles smiled, leaning into the hug. "Hey"
“Come over after practice?” Jackson offered with a hum, moving to kiss stiles’ neck absently.
Stiles shivered, even as he frowned. "I can for a bit, but my dad's off early and wants to eat together."
“Okay, that's fine” he hummed “See you after school babe” he said, pressing another kiss to stiles’ cheek before releasing him.
Stiles smiled, nodding. "See ya"
Derek nodded to stiles, who was sitting in the stands, as he walked by. Dropping his stuff and whistling for the guys to huddle up. Stiles waved, grinning before turning to the squad, hurrying to help Susan. Practice actually went by without a hitch this time; Smith didn’t act like he was in the mood to be hit by another football, so he kept his mouth shut for once. Jackson found stiles after he’d showered quickly. “Ready to go?” He asked, with a sweet smile on his face.
"Yeah" Stiles grinned, grabbing his bag. Derek saw the exchange and had to force himself not to roll his eyes. Stiles was crying over Jackson being an ass a few hours ago and now they look happy.
They made it to Jackson’s house fairly quickly, he didn’t live far from school. “How long do we have?” He asked as he opened the door to the house to let himself and stiles inside.
"Mmm, probably an hour or so" stiles hummed as he looked at his phone for the time.
“Good, we have plenty of time,” Jackson said, taking stiles’ backpack and sitting it down for him before grabbing his boyfriend’s hand and dragging him upstairs to his room.
"For what?" He asked, heart thumping. Jackson turned, pulling Stiles into a hard kiss. Stiles squeaked, returning the kiss after a bit. Jackson let his hand slip under Stile’s shirt, attempting to deepen the kiss.
Stiles let it deepen for a bit before pulling back. "Jax? What..."
“C’mon baby, we gotta hurry, you only have an hour” he said, pulling His shirt over his head and then tugging stiles back into a kiss.
"Hurry with what?" Stiles asked, breaking the kiss to pant, his hands shaking.
Jackson nuzzled his face into stiles’ neck, starting to nip at it lightly. “Sex, of course, babe. C’mon” he urged again.
"Jaxxx" he groaned, pulling away. "I can't be picked up by my dad smelling and looking like sex.
“You’ll have time for a quick shower” he promised, hooking a finger into Stiles’ pants to pull him back close.
"Jax I can't." He shook his head, heart hammering in his chest.
“C’mon baby, please. I need you” he begged softly. Stiles' brow furrowed.
"I can't Jax. And it hurt last time." he said.
Jackson rolled his eyes, “It’s always going to hurt a bit.” He sighed “Fine.” He huffed going to flop down onto his bed.
"That was more than a bit" stiles murmured, more to himself than Jackson.
“You’re no fun” he sighed absently, getting back up again and going downstairs “Want something to drink?”
"Sure" he called, sending a text to his dad to hurry and get him before erasing the text so it wasn't on his phone. Last time Jackson saw a text like that he got upset.
Jackson led the way to the kitchen. “Water or soda?” He asked.
"Mmm, waters fine " stiles leaned against the counter. Jackson handed over a bottle.
“Your dads here early, “Jackson said after thirty minutes of trying to convince stiles to come up stairs for at least a blowjob.
Stiles blinked. "Ah, guess he got off earlier than he had planned. I'll see you later, Jax" he kissed Jackson's cheek. Giving him a small smile before hurrying out the door, clutching his backpack.
Fuck that was close.
“Bye” Jackson called after him, grabbing his phone to see if Sarah still wanted to come over tonight.