I watched a video recently about a former FBI agent talking about body language and how when people cross their arms they’re not “closing themselves off” or “being defensive” but just self soothing, even if they’re angry, the gesture at its core is giving themselves comfort.
I immediately thought of Derek Hale (because of course I did) and how often he crosses his arms and then I thought of Stiles wanting to be an FBI agent and learning this information and also immediately thinking of Derek Hale (because of course he did) and thinking yeah, it makes sense Derek is subconsciously seeking comfort after all the absolute bullshit he’s been through
but also thinking about Derek’s shitty loft and realizing Derek is punishing himself and so that leads to Stiles deciding he’s going to give Derek all the comfy things and starts buying fluffy soft blankets and throws and pillows and talking Derek into buying a comfier cozier couch “for the pack”
but then also thinking about Derek’s thumbhole sweater and buying him soft comfy sweaters and shirts that are not skin tight, just comfy (I also have it in my head that these would all have to be made from natural fibers not polyester for vague wolf-y reasons? idk)
I imagine Stiles realizing wolves are supposed to be tactile and Derek avoiding touch is likely a mix of self preservation and again punishment (but the Kate and Jennifer bits probably fit somewhere in there too) so he cautiously starts just squeezing his shoulder, grabbing his elbow, or letting their knees bump when he sits next to him, just for a second before moving away and never lingering or expecting reciprocation. Just plain comfort comfort comfort.
Always and forever accepting fic recs for this - shameless promotion of your own fics encouraged. If you write a fic prompted by this please, I beg, tag me or dm me, give me all the soft sterek (even if it’s not romantic) feels 🥰 much love and appreciation for fic writers everywhere ❤️❤️❤️
