light returning
light returning by lilysaid on AO3
33k | E | Stiles is Derek’s Anchor as They Both Pine and Heal Slow Burn
Author Summary: Derek skips town just after the Nogitsune. When he realizes his mistake, he sets off to find Stiles, make amends, and keep his feelings for Stiles hidden. Two out of three isn’t bad.
Pining, bed sharing, highly-suspect platonic touching, and shameless adoration of Derek’s beard.
My Notes: Derek Hale healing, Derek Hale finding a safe haven and family and home, and Derek Hale trying and failing to hide how much he wants Stiles Stilinski for stupid self-sacrificing Nobel and shame-filled reasons are three of my favorite tropes of all time and they are all here in full force. I lost count of how many times I screamed in silent joy while reading this fic.
It’s well-written, overflowing with UST (that is later and very eventfully resolved) and happy pack feelings. There’s enough angst in the form of personal trauma, pining, and the occasional existential threat to keep things interesting. Clearly this fic was a well-considered labor of love and as a result it’s a delight to read and a welcome addition to my all-time favorites list.













