This was nice. 2.5 stars from me.

Though Stiles on drugs should never-ever happen. He is too precious for that. Also, I don't really think he'd be fool enough to fall head-first into drug abuse. But, well, I'm biased - I adore him.
(also also - I kind of see him as a razor type of guy, etching into skin) ( )

Derek Hale, broken man, creator of beauty.

All human AU. Derek's POV. Derek is a glassblower. Stiles is a college student studying Graphic Design. This might be the most canon compliant human AU Sterek I have ever read - which seems preposterous considering no werewolves, no supernatural, no pack dynamics - yet this story is true to canon and true to the characters.

This is a genuinely beautiful story. And probably what it does best is keep all of the characters true to the show, while humanizing them ... especially Derek. There is a slow build Sterek that does take place and does climax with sexy times (though I would say "Mature" rather than "Explicit") and revelation of feelings, but this fic stands out for translating Derek into a human characterization while keeping him intrinsically who he is. Derek not having to worry about having to be hunted for what he is, but still so broken from the loss of his family due to Kate, having to rebuild his shattered mental/emotional constitution and finding art to help him heal. Keeping himself on the fringe of social interactions, but knowing he has to interact. So self conscious of his looks and questioning how genuine others' reactions to him. (Which is something I liked, because I feel that Derek is very much aware of how he looks and rather self conscious because of it). Constantly scared, but trying so hard. So fragile, so strong, so human.

Stiles, too, is done well, he is not fragile, but he is flawed. He wants Derek's attention, but knows he needs to coax him out.

Beautiful, beautiful characterization of human!Derek.

He lives in Beacon Hills, he's a Hale, he belongs there, and Stiles belongs with him.

Sweet and angsty ( )