#scruffysterek

“I’m sorry it’s taking so long,” Stiles says, instead of saying his goodbyes and hanging up. Derek takes in the perspiration on his skin, the darkness under his eyes, and the deep-bone exhaustion in Stiles’ voice that reflects his own, and instantly, he feels guilty for letting Stiles see just how much his absence has affected Derek.

“It’s not your fault,” he replies. “I just wish you were here. The kids aren’t the only ones who miss you.”

The image on the screen stills as Stiles stops walking around frantically and just stands there for some long seconds looking at Derek. A soft, impossibly tender smile spreads across his lips.

“I love you, you know?”

Derek ducks his head in a nod, bashful despite the many ‘I love you’s they’ve shared throughout the years. He musters up a smile of his own as he looks into his husband’s eyes and feels his absence like a burning ache in his heart.

“And I love you.”