#jock!stiles

That Stiles? But it couldn’t be!

Evanescent—introvert Derek and popular jock Stiles are both in high school and the same age in this story.  Although the past isn’t discussed in detail, Derek’s entire family (except for Laura) was killed in a fire and he had been involved with Kate Argent at some point.  Now living with Laura as his sole guardian, Derek is depressed, emotionally closed off, and hates prolonged human contact.  Stiles asks him to be his partner on a history project for class and they begin a tentative friendship.  Well, Stiles pretty much drags him kicking and screaming into a friendship with the possibility for more.  Also, Derek is on the asexuality spectrum and wants to take things as slow as possible or maybe not at all to be honest.  Stiles, on the other hand, is gay, out and proud, and highly attracted to Derek; he makes plenty of mistakes on his own as he fumbles his way through romance.  Good story!

It's Always Been You, Dumbass—oh I adore this story.  It takes place in high school and Derek is a nerd interested in photography, literature and art.  Stiles is a popular jock interested in lacrosse and pursuing Derek.  Except Derek seems to be oblivious to Stiles' rather upfront attention and assumes they're just friends.  I love how Stiles gets Derek to spend time with him, finds a way to touch him, and is really into their conversations and how anxious Derek feels when he finally realizes what's going on.  This is a softer, quieter version of Derek and goes perfectly with Stiles.

Game On—this is a short story taking place in college and is told from Derek's point of view. Derek sees Stiles in the beginning of the fall semester of college and is instantly smitten.  He's got it pretty bad and Stiles seems completely oblivious to his attention, which leaves Derek confused and out of his element.  This is a story about a jock falling in love and a nerd cautiously realizing he wants to be more than just friends.  (Plus, Finstock as the basketball coach—always a favorite of mine).  

The Lawn Ranger—this is a lighthearted romance about the developing relationship between a high school jock, Stiles Stilinski and his crush, loner Derek Hale.  They are the same age and it takes place during summer break before senior year—Stiles has a broken arm and can't do any yard work, so his dad hires Derek to come over once or twice a week to mow the lawn, tend to the flower beds and pull weeds. The Hale fire never happened in this story, so it's enjoyable to see the interaction between werewolf siblings and the rest of their family.  Also, young Derek is innocent, guiles and completely without game.  He can't figure out what the popular jock wants with him, but it turns out they both want the same thing.  Wonderful story about young love and growing up!

The one in which Derek and Stiles are childhood friends, their freshman year of high school Derek makes the craziest suggestion ever, and four years later Stiles decides to take him up on it.