CHAPTER FOUR
Stiles moaned in concern as he watched the crowd through the window of his car, all those flashes and unknown people, yelling in excitement and surely more reporters, he did not want to deal with more reporters. Scott clapped him in the back trying to comfort him, “Cmon man, everyone´s waiting for us and your brother said he wanted us early” Scott exclaimed before looking at himself in the mirror, arraigning his messy hair. He took a moment to check his golden watch, “Stiles we arrived an hour late! Come on man” He exclaimed shaking Stiles arm with strength, taking him out his trance “Your brother is going to kill us"
Stiles took a deep breath and shook his head, there were times in trouble the only thing someone could say was simply say fuck it. Stiles nodded to himself and shook his head again, he opened the door and the hustle and cheering filled the car with its loud volume. Him and Scott shared a quick look, “Fuck it” Stiles exclaimed one more time and climbed off the car. Scott deeply sighed, “Fuck it” He repeated following his friend´s steps.
Immediately Stiles felt every camera on him, the flashes dazzled him and he quickly grabbed Scott´s arm, momentary feeling a panic growing inside him, but Scott just stared at him and shook his head, he muttered something Stiles couldn’t understand and next thing he noticed, was the dickhead of his friend pushing him forward, directly to the wolves mouths. Wave and smile Stiles, wave andsmile.
He politely ignored every reporter with more absurd questions. He even heard someone asking if Scott was his date for the night, he nearly laughed in the reporter´s face. Not to say Scott´s cheeks turned deep red.
“Almost there buddy” Scott muttered behind him, near his ear. Stiles looked up and realized they had reached the top of the stairs, a golden pair of doors raised tall from above their heads. Stiles let out his breath impressed, his brother knew how to throw a party. Scott looked around him too, “Damn” He exclaimed excited. The door suddenly opened and a pretty mad Tony made his way out, wearing a dark blue suit. He angrily stared at Stiles, “You’re one hour late!” He hissed before smiling and waving when the cameras turned in their direction.
Stiles rolled his eyes letting himself be dragged inside the building where it was much calmer and way too elegant for Stiles taste, but he had to admit it, his brother had a good taste. Stiles scoffed, “So was Scott” He exclaimed annoyed, grabbing his brother´s arm when he tried to walk away. He began fixing Tony´s twisted tie.
Tony deeply sighed, “You’re an idiot” He exclaimed raising his head, giving more space to his brother to finish. Stiles hummed, stepping back from him, “Yeah well, I´m your brother so thats makes you an idiot too, family genes”
At least Scott laughed under his breath at Tonys exasperated stare, “Just move” He hissed pushing the two of them. Stiles swallowed trying to stop for a few seconds, “Wait Tony-“ He tried but suddenly they where inside a large room filled with tables and people, fancy people staring at them. Stiles froze on his place before taking a deep breath. Fuck it, he remembered and started walking behind his brother, politely greeting and smiling at everyone. Tony lead them to their table, where the team was seating, but Steve was nowhere no be seen.
With shaky legs Stiles sat between Natasha and Bruce, who frowned, carefully staring at him, “You alright?” He asked quietly, making sure only Stiles heard him. Stiles shook his head raising his hand, gaining a waiter´s attention, “A double vodka please, neat” He ordered with a quick smile, he finally looked at Bruce and sighed, “I hate all this” He admitted, tapping his finger against the table as he looked around him, faces and names mixing inside his head.
Bruce hummed, “You keep it under control pretty well” He exclaimed before taking a sip of his own drink. Stiles faced him and frowned, “Sorry?”
“Your deficit of attention, you seemed to keep it under control” He started, “I read it on you files” He explained at Stiles confused eyes.
Stiles opened his mouth, surprised, of course he had read it on his files. He frowned lightly confused, he was pretty sure no one had noticed, “You really think so?” He asked smiling but immediately felt a little stupid, after all he was talking to a master of control. He tilted his head, “Sorry, sorry, thanks” He mumbled honestly. Bruce lightly laughed, smiling at him too.
The waiter appeared again and quietly left the drink on the table. Stiles muttered at thank you and immediately took it into his hands.
“I hate this kind of events too, if I´m honest ” Bruce suddenly exclaimed as he looked around him, “Its too loud, too many people talking and laughing, its confusing” He murmured waving his hand, he huffed as if he had remembered something else, “And the damn reporters” Bruce exclaimed shaking his head. Stiles nodded in complete agreement, “I know and all Tony and Pepper say is wave and smile, wave and smile, I´m pretty sure I look like a psychopath”
Bruce laughed under his breath, “Actually you don’t, you look a little freak out, out of the blue, but leaving all that behind you do it pretty well, for a beginner"
Stiles raised his glass, lightly impressed Bruce was being such an enjoyable companion, “Cheers for that” He exclaimed smiling when Bruce raised his glass too and click it against his. Tony and Pepper suddenly appeared behind them, “Cheers for what?” He asked, quickly stealing Stiles drink with a snatch.
Stiles send him a glare and smiled pleased when he pulled a face filled with disgust and left the drink back on the table with nausea, he stared at Stiles with sickness. Stiles shrugged playing innocence, “That will teach not to steal other people´s drinks ever again” He teased waving his glass before standing up to greet Pepper.
Stiles turned to her and whistled, looking at hear head to toe, she was a wearing a blue dress that matched Tony´s suit, “You look gorgeous” He mumbled before kissing her in the cheek. Tony scoffed putting an arm around her waist, “Get your own” He hissed sarcastically making Pepper laughed. Stiles rolled his eyes, “Cmon Ton, you know what I like” He answered taking a long sip. Tony scoffed again, “That is not what I saw the other night”
Even Bruce looked up at them with curiosity, paying attention at the gossip. Stiles opened his mouth playing offended, “How dare you?” He asked stepping back, he smiled and turned to Bruce, “He saw me kissing a girl and well, he realized I´m more good looking than him” Stiles explained taking his glass from the table. Bruce laughed looking between them as if he was deciding something, he finally nodded tilting his head, “Yeah, I think he’s more handsome than you” He mumbled quietly.
Tony stared at him before rolling his eyes, ignoring Stiles drown laugh. Tony clapped him in the back and pushed him away , “Shut up, its time you meet some partners”
Stiles waved at Bruce and disappeared among the crowd.
Half an hour later, Stiles was ready to drop and run. He couldn’t stand meeting someone else, he couldn’t do it anymore. He had met so many people, he didn't even remembered their names or their faces, while half of them were nice to him, the other was pure gossips and long stares. He grabbed Tony´s arm ready to tell him he would bail on him, but his brother, immediately had pushed him away. He frowned annoyed and surprised, he was about to push him back when suddenly, a young man in black suit was standing in front of them. A beautiful blonde curly hair young man. Stiles raised one eyebrow at his brother, who only showed a perfect cheeky smile, “Wanted to say something?” He asked under his breath. Stiles looked down, his brother was an idiot.
“Stiles this is Thomas Cane and his son, Gabriel” Tony introduced them, “Gentleman, this is my brother, Stiles”
Politely Stiles grabbed both hands with his most charming smile. The old man, Mr. Cane, was a short bent man, with grey hair and overjoyed eyes, Stiles liked him immediately. Mr. Cane showed him a kind smile, revealing his numerous wrinkles, “It was time we meet the mysterious little brother Stark” He exclaimed grabbing Stiles hand with his shaky ones, “Tony always talks about you"
Stiles raised his eyebrows impressed, he smiled pleased, “Is that so?” He asked gladly, specially when Tony rolled his eyes. The man nodded excited, “He always says only good things about you”
Before Stiles could answer, Tony stepped in, he cleared his throat, “Come on Thomas stop it, it will go to his head” He exclaimed clapping him lightly in the back. Stiles rolled his eyes, it was already on his head.
The old man put a hand on his shoulder´s son, as he carefully took a slow step, “Well, personally, I can’t wait to make business with you Stiles” The man said, already walking away. Gabriel smiled at them politely and waved. Stiles returned the gesture, watching the man´s back and his pretty good ass. He smiled pleased.
As soon as they where out of sight, Stiles faced Tony and raised his arms, “You did that on purpose, why wait this long? ” He asked annoyed. But Tony only shrugged playing innocent, “I thought you weren’t ready?”
Stiles narrowed his eyes, “Low blow, really low blow” He hissed madly. Tony laughed and put an arm around his shoulders, “I´m messing with you”
“You're just a complete idiot"
Tony scoffed, “What? Come on, did you want me to miss that look in your dumb face, besides the guy looked like he was eating you alive” He mumbled waiving his eyebrows with excitement. Pepper nodded catching up with them, “Its completely true, I saw it. Besides he’s really cute”
Stiles narrowed his eyes looking at them, “Is he even gay or something?” He asked feeling half hopeful, half doubtful, maybe an innocent flirting wouldn’t be so bad, besides he was bored as hell. Tony shrugged, “Well, if he wasn’t, now, we´re sure as hell, he is” He answered. Stiles shook his head and smile, “You’re such a good brother” He exclaimed putting an arm around Tony´s shoulders, who only rolled his eyes, “Get off me” He exclaimed laughing under his breath. Stiles squeezed him with strength before letting him go.
“But first of all, I need other drink” He mumbled waiving his empty glass to Tony, who only muttered something back, not really caring, “Make good choices” Stiles heard Pepper advising him. He walked away until he found the bar. Fortunately it was almost empty, beside than a old couple chatting between them. He sat far away from them and leaned his elbows against the table, immediately the bartender was in front of him, “What can I get you sir?” She asked with s bright smile.
Stiles returned the gesture, “Double vodka please”
“I would be careful with those if I were you” Someone said behind him. Stiles turned around, surprised at seeing Gabriel, smiling at him, hands inside his pockets. Stiles smirked clearly entertained, “I can tell you don’t know me at all”
Gabriel narrowed his eyes but didn’t dar answer back. The bartender cleared her throat trying to gain Stiles attention, “Give me other one of this please” He asked as he handed his drink to Gabriel, who gladly took it. He reached the glass to his pink lips, never taking his eyes off Stiles. Who was he kidding, Gabriel was gay to the bone. And well who was Stiles to say no to an only innocent flirting.
Steve returned from his meeting with a partner to find the table almost empty. Natasha and Bruce were privately talking between them and Clint was nowhere no be seen, he was surely doing some spy work, hidden in the roof with his paranoid. He sat beside Scott, who was quietly talking on the phone, he seemed tensed and worried. Steve frowned confused, specially when he rapidly hung up and gave him a quick smile, playing dumb, but Steve didn’t ask, their friendship wasn’t in that level. He looked around searching for… saying his name even inside his head was accepting the fact he wanted to see him and well Steve was in complete and utter denial.
He heard Scott scoffed beside him. Steve turned and raised his eyebrow questioning him, “Tony took him to meet some people like an hour ago I think” Scott explained, nearly laughing at Steve’s perplex eyes.
“I wasn’t-“ He tried to said but closed his mouth when Scott rolled his eyes, “Come on man, I don’t blame you, if I were gay and not his best friend since little kids I would probably be attracted to him too” He mumbled, shrugging as if it was obvious Steve felt an attraction to Stiles. Apparently they were in that level of friendship.
Steve suddenly felted exposed, he stuttered for a few seconds before finally speaking, “I don’t feel attraction for him” He immediately exclaimed. Scott tilted his head, he knew Steve wasn’t lying, he could hear his heart. But he wasn’t saying the complete truth either, “Alright then, tell me you don’t even feel a fraction of attraction for him or I don’t know, curiosity at least” He said teasing the man.
Steve sighed feeling he was being challenged, “I don’t feel anything” He said slowly but Scott smirked, he could hear his heart skipping, “You're lying” He exclaimed before laughing under his breath. He took a sip of his drink before explaining at Steve’s surprised face, “I have a way… to detect liars and you my friend are one of them” He mumbled pointing at him with his glass.
“Captain America a liar?” Stiles exclaimed looking between them with curiosity, “Thats like insulting this country, Scottie boy”
Scott smiled before shrugging, “I don’t know what you’re talking about Stilisnki” He exclaimed. Steve stared at him feeling so grateful he smiled. Scott winked at him before turning to Stiles and only then they noticed someone beside him. They remained silent for a few seconds before Scott raised his eyebrows and cleared his throat.
Stiles opened his eyes and lightly jumped, “Oh right, guys this is Gabriel” He introduced awkwardly pushing the guy to the front.
Gabriel half smiled and waved, “This is Steve and Scott” Stiles said before sitting beside Steve, curly guy right beside him. Steve stared at the blondie guy, before turning to Scott, they shared a quick stare. Scott only shrugged, clearly as impressed as Steve was. He shook his and leaned on his seat, this sucked, completely sucked. He felt when Scott lightly touched his leg with his. Steve shrugged and shoved it away.
“I´m going for a drink” He mumbled standing up, Stiles gave him a weird look but didn’t say anything. Steve disappeared between the crowd in a blink of an eye.
“Is he alright?” Stiles asked frowning, watching the way Steve had just disappeared. Scott shrugged and blinked several times, “I think he’s just bored” Scott said when he felt his phone ringing inside his pocket again. His shoulders tensed for a second and he nearly growled out loud. He slowly took it out and one more time it was Derek calling. Scott shook his head and stood up, he waved his phone to Stiles as he walked away, who only nodded with a smile.
He watched his friend leave too, phone on ear. He regained his attention back to Gabriel, he quickly smiled as the man talked and talked and honestly Stiles wasn’t even paying the proper attention to him. If Scott thought he didn’t notice how tense he got with every phone call he received, well he was an idiot. He didn’t like the fact his best friend thought he had to hide who was calling him, he didn’t care if it was Derek or someone else but he didn’t like to see him that strained without doing nothing.
For the third time in ten minutes, Gabriel talked about his father company; how it was thriving and what a big roll he played in it and how important his market stall was. Stiles almost rolled his eyes, if he was bored before right then he was about to past out of pure boredom. He finished his drink in a quick sip, immediately he raised his hand ordering other one. He kept nodding and laughing when he was supposed to. But Scott never appeared again and he was beginning to despair.
“Would you excuse me for a sec?” He asked interrupting the guy, who only blinked and nodded repeatedly, as if he had noticed he never stopped talking about him. Stiles gave him a smile and stood up, he quickly walked away, wandering through the tables, looking for Scott. Greeting briefly whenever someone tried talk to him. He finally exited the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. He looked around him, the golden hallways were tall and wide, filled with numerous expensive paintings. There were deadly quiet, compared to the dinning room, almost empty except for service people carrying trays of food or whatever the client asked for.
He kept wandering inside the long hallways, until he found a pair of glass doors conducting to a large garden.
Knowing Scott he was probably there, at least he was hoping he was, he had looked everywhere. Stiles entered slowly, enjoying finally some fresh air, he looked up at the night sky and took a deep breath, he could nearly see the stars, it was a nice reminder of Beacon Hills for a change. He sighed and looked around the garden, “Scott?” He hopefully called out loud. He didn’t find the one he was looking up but ended up finding much more.
“Stiles?” Steve asked unsure turning around when suddenly Stiles appeared between the bushes. He raised his eyebrows surprised and put his hands inside his pockets, “Hey” He answered quietly, a smile playing on his lips. They remained in an awkward silence until Stiles spoke again, “I´m just looking for Scott” He explained uncomfortable, he didn’t even knew why he felted uncomfortable. Steve made him feel that way, awkward and clumsy as if he was still a teenager.
Steve nodded, “Haven’t seen him” He answered before turning around to the view again. Stiles nodded confused and turned around ready to leave and let the man be, when something hold him back. He stopped in his tracks and hesitated, “You… you wanna get out of here?” He finally asked quietly, as if he was planning a mischief, honestly a little afraid of his answer, “What do you say Captain?” He added when Steve didn’t say anything.
Steve stayed quiet and looked down, “And your date?” He asked before smirking, angry at himself for even asking. Stiles rolled his eyes, mocking Steve, that couldn’t even count as a date, “What date? That guy? I just met him, Tony introduced us twenty minutes ago, he’s not as half as interesting as he seems, trust me” He answered getting near to Steve, who only hummed, “You're gonna bail on him?” He asked shaking his head but he had a smile on his lips. Stiles smirked and looked away, “You make me sound so awful” He exclaimed before taking his phone out showing his chat with Tony, “He can cover me up” Stiles assured him typing a quick message to his brother. Steve stared at those long fingers, quickly typing but didn’t dare open his mouth.
“What do you say big guy?” Stiles asked putting his phone away.
They fell into a comfortable silence as they looked at each other. Only the light breeze was heard and the awake city, finally Steve shrugged, “Why not?”
*
“Well, that was extremely easy” Stiles exclaimed as he quickly got inside his car behind the wheel, he almost felt like a teenager escaping from school. Steve looked around them, the parking lot was completely empty, which was stupid, it was filled with the most expensive and newest cars of city.
“When Tony realizes you’re gone, he will kill you” He warned Stiles as he climbed inside the car too. But Stiles completely ignored him starting the machine, he smiled pleased when he heard the engine come to life, “Us, he’s gonna kill both of us” He corrected before quickly taking off, giving Steve a big bright smile.
Steve shook his head, he couldn’t believe why it ever would crossed his mind the simple idea of listen to Stiles and he was right, Tony was gonna kill them both and to made it worse, he was gonna bother him with his feelings just like the other night, “And I thought Tony was the crazy one”
Stiles smirked as he incorporated the road with rapidity, “I think you underestimate me Rogers” He exclaimed dodging every car in front of him.
Steve gave him a look and remained silent, indeed he did and apparently he still did.
“So… wanna go, I don’t know, eat something?” Stiles asked distracted after a couple of minutes just driving in silence, enjoying the ride, it had always been one of Stiles favorite things to do, drive in complete silence in the night when the streets were deserted. Steve bit his nail thinking why he let himself be dragged into this situation when he knew better, he had to known better since the night at the club. He did remembered everything that happened, even if he got ridiculously drunk, he remembered the girl. Stiles was not available and he had said it several times and all he wanted was to be friends with Steve and he wanted that too but... how was he going to accomplish that by getting into the car with him, specially alone in the night. He needed boundaries, if he wanted this… curiosity to leave, he needed boundaries and big ones.
Stiles spoke again before Steve could tell him it was better to simply return to the party, “Oh my god… I know where I´m gonna take you” He gasped as he remembered that little place his father took him once in a trip. He just hopped it was still opened.
Steve shut his mouth close and watched the streets passed by, something was telling him it was better to tell Stiles to stop the car and return before anyone noticed they were gone, but on the other hand, Steve was happy to be with him, it was just so damn confusing and he was so hardheaded he hated himself, he always had to overthink everything.
Ten minutes later Stiles parked in front of a little coffee place. He smiled with excitement watching the bright sign with yellow light, “My father brought me here once when I was little” He mumbled without thinking, when Steve gave him a glare, Stiles cleared his throat, “I mean not my father father, the other one who raised me” He mumbled awkwardly hating himself with every passing minute, hoping he shut the hell up, he choose to simply climb out.
Steve deeply sighed watching him leave, big boundaries, big huge boundaries, he remembered himself.
A bell was heard as Stiles opened the door, a bright dumb smile printed on his face as he looked at the restaurant. The place was mostly empty, only a couple on a corner and a few other people, other than that, the place was comfortably in silence and it was the same as Stiles remembered, the same homey feeling. It didn’t matter Stiles was only ten years old the last time he was there, it felted as if it had happened the day before. He turned excited to Steve, who was still under the frame of the door, looking around “Come on” Stiles exclaimed taking his hand pulling him inside. Steve let himself be dragged with a small smile on his lips.
After Stiles happily ordered half the menu and a freaking milkshake wight milk light, he was watching his figure thank you very much. He put his elbows on the table and leaned his head on his crossed hands, he stared at Steve’s blue eyes, “So… tell me about you” He impulsed Steve to say something, he had been so quiet the entire night. It would almost amazed Stiles how weird he was, one moment he was talking and laughing with him and in the other it was as if Stiles had done something wrong.
“About me?” He asked surprised before shyly laughing, “What else can you know about me, I mean-”
But Stiles huffed interrupting him, shaking his hand, “No, no, not about Captain America, about you”
“Me?”
“Yeah you, Steve Rogers, come on, tell me anything” Stiles insisted laughing at Steve´s surprised, “Well… I- I honestly don’t even know what to tell you”
“Alright…” Stiles said nodding, the poor guy seemed so out of place and confused, Stiles actually thought the man had never went on a date, he mentally frowned, a date? it wasn’t a date, he had no idea why that idea popped inside his mind. He shook his head confused and smiled, “Alright big guy, i´ll start, what do you wanna know?” He asked as he took a sip of his strawberry milkshake.
Steve stared at him, everything, was what he wanted to say but he shook his head and instead went for the typical questions, Natasha had told him what to ask in the first date, although he knew it wasn’t one, “Well, tell me about Beacon Hills” Steve asked unsure, shrugging. Stiles let out his breath and leaned on his seat, “Well… small town, cold, in the middle of nowhere, too many trees and fauna”
He shrugged, “Pretty, picturesque” He added with a quick smile. Steve hummed, “How was growing up there?”
Immediately images of him and the pack running away, fighting, almost been killed several times, Derek, his family passed through his mind in a blast, he shook his head, lightly smiling, “Ah… different” He rambled before laughing under his breath.
“Really? Thats how you would describe it?” Steve asked impressed lightly laughing. Stiles opened his mouth before laughing, “I mean what can I say, if I have born somewhere else, probably I would say the same thing, my life its not exactly normal”
Steve had to agree to that, he nodded, “What makes your so different, well besides the fact you’re Tony´s Stark little brother and well… your abilities”
“Trust me… you wouldn’t believe me if I told you” Stiles hissed hoping that was the only two different facts on his life that weren’t normal, but they sadly weren’t, everything about him and his life was a puzzle, even to himself.
“Come on, you don’t actually think I´m gonna swallow that” Steve exclaimed laughing, after fighting aliens and profesional assassins, well he was pretty much opened for every possibility but Stiles shook his head and closed his mouth, he put his fingers on it as if he was closing a zip. Steve pulled a face, “You’re a pain in the ass” He mumbled watching as the waiter brought their order.
Stiles opened his mouth offended as Captain freaking America insulted him, “That was way harsh coming from you” He mumbled distracted, watching as they put his food in front of him. Steve laughed watching him. He had forgotten where he put his freaking boundaries.
The food had been delicious and the chatter had never stopped, neither the laughs. In reality, Stiles couldn’t even remember the last time he laughed for so long and Steve was such a dork and well he had that kind of smile that was contagious and practically lighted up the entire room. Stiles stirred his strawberry ice cream as he laughed at Steve´s dumb story when he was a way teenager and was beaten up behind a cinema, “Are you really still hungry?” Steve asked impressed as he watched Stiles played with his food on the bowl. Stiles nodded before he shrugged, “I actually can eat a lot” He honestly exclaimed happily as he tapped his stomach, “But right now I´m actually totally full”
“Thank god, after all that I would be afraid if you were still hungry” Steve mumbled as he raised his hand asking for the check. Stiles tilted his head but remained silent, he was sure he could eat more, growing up with werewolves, well you caught some of they weird customs.
The bill arrived quickly and as soon as it was on the table, they both put their hands on it. Stiles looked up and raised his eyebrows, Steve did the exact same, “I´ll pay” Stiles mumbled trying to take the bill but well Steve was faster than him, “Its my turn” He replied.
Stiles sarcastically smirked, “Its the first time we go for something to eat, come on Rogers, it was my treat” Stiles insisted slowly taking the bill from his hand. The waiter seemed so awkward, he stared at them feeling a little exasperated, they were the last clients and he wanted to close the damn restaurant and leave. Steve took the bill back, “Well yeah but you know, it was your plan, we took your car, you drove here and you chose the restaurant”
Stiles rolled his eyes, “I´m a billionaire, give me that!” He exclaimed snatching the bill back. Steve scoffed and laughed, “You’re brother is a billionaire but fine, whatever, as you freaking wish” He finally hissed raising his ams to the sky. Even the waiter seemed to be relief. Stiles laughed under his breath giving his credit card.
Five minutes later they where standing outside the closed restaurant, both of them in complete silence, standing in front of each other. Steve looked down awkwardly, “Wanna go for a walk?” He asked already walking away, “You know, to walk off your entire meal” He added teasing Stiles, who only laughed under his breath and followed him. The streets were deserted and pitch black, except for the worn out yellow post lights. It remined Stiles of the first night he met Tony, he half smiled. It seemed it had happened years ago.
“Whats so funny?” Steve asked as he bumped his shoulder. Stiles half smiled and returned the gesture, “I´m just remembering the first night I met Tony, I was walking just like this when he found me” He answered.
Steve nodded, “Oh yeah, I remember, you arrived earlier right?”
Stiles stayed quiet for a few seconds, “Yeah I did” He answered slowly, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to talk about it but with Steve, somehow it was easier. Steve gave him a side way look, “Can I ask why?”
“I´m pretty sure you already know” He exclaimed before laughing. Steve nodded and opened his mouth several times, “I just know you broke up with someone” He answered half honestly. Steve raised his hand when Stiles gave him a look, “Come on, you watched the press conference, I think you know more than just that”
He was terribly right, Steve sighed, “Alright… I know he was your boyfriend and I saw the picture, thats all, I promise” He whispered honestly, “You don’t have to say anything” He immediately exclaimed when Stiles gave him a serious stare.
Stiles remained silent for a few minutes until they arrived to a small park beside the river, the water was so calm it was almost audible. He leaned against the cold railing watching the dark water pass by and the distant lights at the other side, it was so relaxing.
“We… we were together for almost five years” Stiles suddenly said gaining Steve´s attention, who was beside him in an instant. Stiles stared at him in the eye, “I was… sixteen years old when we met, he’s older than me and took me almost a year to catch him” He said before laughing under his breath, remembering those days where he was just mean and the sourwolf man he used to be, “It was hard at first, he wouldn’t admit his damn feelings, beside the trouble about age. He had been through so much it was hard for him to trust but when he did… oh man, what a wonderful guy"
“We bought a place for us, an ugly apartment where things barely worked but it was ours for three long years…” He exclaimed even surprising himself, he couldn’t even believe they lived together for three years. He shrugged, “It was a nice change honestly, after my father died I practically lived alone my entire life”
He laughed when he saw the sweet look Steve gave him, “Come on big guy, they were… interesting years, I learned a lot on my own” He said honestly. They weren’t easy, he admitted that but he had to grew up so fast because he had to, he didn’t get a choice and he did learn things, on the hard way but he was grateful for them, “Derek is a good man, a great human being, a little stubborn and sometimes bad tempered and his eyebrows… they have so much personality” He honestly said, lightly smiling with nostalgia.
He looked down feeling a pressure on his chest, “I really did love that man” He mumbled clearing his throat when his voice cracked a little.
“What happened?” Steve asked quietly, lightly leaning against his shoulder. Stiles gave him a stare and smiled, “Life I guess, one day I woke up and… nothing, I felt nothing and we started having problems and every time they were bigger and stupider and I couldn’t do it anymore, I stopped being in love with him” He exclaimed shrugging, he finally straightened putting his hands inside his pockets.
Steve twisted his mouth, “I´m really sorry” He whispered truthful. Stiles shoved it away with his hand and half smiled, “Don’t be, I wouldn’t have chosen any other person to be my first… you know” He mumbled awkwardly scratching his cheek.
Steve sighed, he did know, if he had had the opportunity to be with Peggy for five long years, he knew he would felt just as Stiles did.
Stiles phone began ringing inside his pockets, he quickly took it, Scott was calling him. He show it to Steve who only raised his eyebrows and whistled, “You’re in so much trouble” He teased. Stiles rolled his eyes and pushed him away as he answered, “Sup Scottie boy” He replied as he laughed when Steve pushed him back.
“Where the hell are you?” Scott immediately asked madly. Stiles stopped laughing and frowned, “Is Tony mad?”
He heard Scott sighed over the phone, “I don’t think he has even noticed you guys are gone”
Stiles frowned harder, “Then what? Are you alright?” He asked feeling his anxiety raise. Steve stared him worried.
“Derek called me, I think we have to talk” He whispered, even over the phone, Stiles could tell how tensed Scott was, that was never good news but Stiles sighed exasperated, “Scott if it is about us I don’t want-“
Scott interrupted him immediately, “Stiles, he didn’t call for that man, its about… I don’t even know what its about but he sounded worried”
Stiles looked around him cursing internally a thousand times, he shook his head, “Alright, give me twenty minutes, I´ll see you in the tower” He mumbled before hanging up. He stared at his phone before putting it away.
“Is everything alright?” Steve asked as he touched his arm. Stiles nodded repeatedly, “Yeah, don’t worry big guy” He exclaimed smiling, gaining his poker face. He made a head movement for Steve to follow him, “But we have to go, Scott wants to talk about something”
The ride back home was extremely quiet, Stiles wished it was a comfortable silence but it wasn’t, he couldn’t take out images of his friends injured, kidnapped or worse, he knew Derek wouldn’t call for just a chat, if something worried him was because he actually had something to worry about. He made the car go faster as he ignored Steve´s side way stares, he sighed a little exasperated, “Stop it” He exclaimed watching the road.
Steve pursed his lips and looked away, “Sorry” He whispered, he didn't have a clue of what to do or say, specially every time when Stiles pushed the accelerator going every time faster. It seemed his head was working with thoughts and anxiety per minute.
Ten minutes in pure tense silence Stiles finally arrived the tower. He quickly climbed down and pressed the screen for the elevator, “Come on…” He whispered tapping his foot. Steve right behind him extremely quiet.
“Sorry about this, just Scott is an idiot and he didn’t tell me whats going on and I just overthink things…” He suddenly said as the elevator went up. Steve nodded and shrugged, “Its alright” He answered a little confused why he got so anxious about a phone call, what possible issues his friends could have for him to act like that, “I´ll just…” He mumbled climbing down when the elevator doors opened in his floor.
Stiles stopped the doors when they were about to close, “I… I had a good night” He suddenly said making Steve froze in his place, he slowly turned around, “It was fun… I had fun, we should do it again” He added stepping back finally letting the doors closed.
Steve remained steady on his place for a few seconds before lightly smiling, he frowned and looked away, it had been a good night indeed. He moaned and dropped his head, it had been a really good night actually and of course his freaking curiosity never left and his boundaries? lost. He walked to his bedroom, dragging his feet, how did he expected to leave all that behind when he had just went on a, on a what? a friendly meeting he guessed. If he wanted for Stiles to stop messing with his head, then he needed those damn boundaries. That would be his personal task from day to day, boundaries, specially with, he couldn’t forget, with the little brother of one of his closest friends.
Stiles tapped his fingers against the wall as the elevator went up. He deeply sighed as he passed his hand through his hair.
“I´m sorry sir, I´m going as fast as I can” Jarvis suddenly said out loud, making Stiles flinch. He put a hand over his chest, “Jarvis, you scared me” He mumbled before shaking his head, “I know, I´m sorry I´m being a dick, the elevator is great” He awkwardly exclaimed trying to sound honest.
If Jarvis could laughed, he would be doing it, “Its alright sir, have a good night” He answered as the doors wide opened. Immediately Stiles stepped out, “You too Jarvis” He exclaimed with a small smile walking straight to Scott´s bedroom.
“Scott?” He called out loud wide opening the door, “Please tell me everyone is alright” He exclaimed worriedly as he stared at Scott, who was relaxingly laying down on his bed, an arm caressly above his head, “Everyone is alright” He assured him confused, sitting down on the bed, “Don’t worry man” He added when he saw Stiles frightened eyes.
Stiles felt as if he could breath alright again. He punched Scott in the arm, “Your scared me asshole!” He exclaimed annoyed, sitting on the bed too, he let his head dropped against his hands, as he rubbed his face. Scott gasped at the punch and rubbed his arm, “Don’t punch me!” Scott complained.
“What was it?” Stiles asked as he looked up and put a hand on his chest. Scott twisted his mouth, “Well… Derek wasn't even able to tell me properly, he said he had a, a feeling?” Scott said unsure.
Stiles frowned confused, “Hold on, you made me drive here from Brooklyn in only ten minutes just cause Derek had a fucking feeling?”
Scott twisted his fingers and looked everywhere but Stiles, “Well, when you say it like that…” He started quietly. Stiles closed his eyes and stood up, he shook his head disbelief, Scott was incredible, “I was having freaking dinner with…” He shut himself up when he realized what he was about to spill. He took a deep long breath and remined himself what a good and empathic human being he truly was. He raised his arms, before falsely smiling, “What kind of feeling?”
Scott stared at him, eyes big and round, he swallowed before talking, “He said… he said theres something wrong with the nemeton, that he can feel it changing” Scott answered frowning looking somewhere behind Stile, who actually paid attention but finally sighed, the nemeton was constantly changing, what was the difference that time, “So, its means theres a new threat in Beacon Hills… whats the problem? we used to deal with different creatures every week”
“I know and trust me, he knows but still says it has nothing to do with what we normally deal with, he says it feels darker, stronger, something he had never felted or experienced before” Scott answered worriedly. Stiles twisted his mouth and remained silent. He sat again in the bed and rubbed his face tiredly, he knew those weren’t good news but… what could they do? They where kilometers away from each other. He could made some research for Derek but beside that, he wouldn’t leave New York and go running back to that place just because Derek had a feeling.
“Does he want us to go check on it?” Stiles asked as he turned to face Scott, who shook his head, “No, he just wanted us, well me to know” He answered as he leaned on the bed again, relief he had told Stiles because Scott had no clue what could be but either did Stiles. He nodded slowly, guilty he felt relief he didn’t have to return, “You think its really something bad?”
Scott twisted his mouth and hummed thinking, it always was something bad when it came to them and Beacon Hills, “Well I really hope its not” He answered shrugging, he had no idea what yo say. Stiles laughed under his breath and shook his head, “Oh my god…” He mumbled standing up, he really hoped that too. He gave one last look at Scott who smiled, “See you later buddy” He said before walking away, he needed some good sleeping.
He turned off all the lights from the flat and walked to the door of his room, he gave one last look at the place when he felt a cold shiver down his spine. He frowned, everything was perfectly quiet under a pale blue light, still… he felt something odd, there was something watching him. He felt a cold breeze suddenly hugging him. He quickly shook himself and blinked several times, he entered his bedroom and quickly closed the door behind him. It was surely what Scott had said to him, it had left a bad taste on his mouth, he was just being paranoiac. He was sure it was nothing. He removed all his clothes and tossed them away, not caring where they fall. He slowly laid in bed, letting out a deep breath. He closed his eyes for a moment and a smile appeared through his face as he relived his night. Hanging out with Steve was… such a good and funny distraction, it felted good. He had never thought Steve was like that, he seemed serious and strict but in reality he was a dork, a big muscled dork. His smile became wider, it had been a really good night.
He took a deep breath as the dream slowly pulled him in until he was completely gone.
He wide opened his eyes and all he could see was darkness. Stiles remained seated on the floor unable to move, he tried to blink but his eyes didn’t listen, they remained opened. His breathing became superficial as he understood he couldn’t move. He tried to raise his arm, move his fingers, something but his entire body was ignoring him. His eyes became watery as they struggled to close. He suddenly felt a presence, a force inside him. It felted as if something was crushing his entire body from the inside out, his lungs were running out of air but he couldn’t gasp for it. He began to feel dizzy, his brain wasn’t getting any oxygen. A tear rolled down his cheek as his eyes began to dry. He felted his chest and head as a ticking bomb, desperately calling for air. The moment his head began pounding, like a hammer inside his head, he knew it was it, when suddenly he could breath.
He gasped for air as he bent on himself coughing and blinking several times, tears running down his cheeks. His breath shivered as he looked around him, it was all black, he couldn’t see anything but he knew he wasn’t in the tower or anywhere he could recognized. The room was covered in black shadows, he could only see a pale grey light, dimly illuminating which was strange, there was no windows in the bizarre room. He only noticed a small door on the other side of the room, he knew it was his only shot. He slowly stood up but had to drop himself down when his legs didn’t listen to him, they couldn’t, they were too weak. Stiles frowned confused staring at them, they were thin and weak, what the hell was going on. He waited minutes trying to control his panic and breath until his legs weren’t shaking anymore. He gave a try one more time and stood up, this time he was able to stand up for himself.
The first step was hell, he twisted his mouth when his limbs protested in pain but he didn’t stop, it seemed he hadn’t use them in months, as if he had spent his entire life sitting in that dark room until then. He gave one more step and another and another until he was suddenly in front of the door. It was so quite he could hear his organs working, his heart rapidly beating against his ribs, his head working with his millions theories of where he was. But it was his breathing, his silent breathing sounded so loud against those four walls it was driving him crazy, he needed to get out, to where? he had no idea. He slowly grabbed the doorknob, it felted too rough and cold against his pale skin. He twisted and opened it, he stopped momentary when the door cracked, rusted for not being used for so many time.
He stepped out and entered a long hallway, there was nothing. It was lightly more illuminated that the room but still he couldn’t see nothing. He looked both sides, both covered in pure black shapes, he chose the left side and stepped away from the doorknob. The door closed behind him as Stiles began walking, to the front? he had no idea but he had a hunch. He could hear a small draft of air and feel it. It was so cold he hugged himself as his skin shivered, only then he realized he was only wearing a worn out black pants, he looked down and stared at the clothing, it seemed he had been using it for months, it was torn apart. He touched his hair and face and noticed it was too long, specially his beard. He felted his skin, it was dried and arid, he then realized he looked exactly as a prisoner, a prisoner of that dark room with only a door on it. Stiles felted he was going to throw up, he needed to get out and quickly. He regain his walking when something made him stop. He looked behind him, noticing a darkness was following him. Stiles stopped for a minute and stared at it, he felt himself running out of air, the darkness seemed to stare right back at him, quietly calling him, there was something alive in there and Stiles knew it, he felt his hair stand on end. He began walking again, this time faster but the darkness never let him alone.
His hands began shaking the faster he walked, every step he took made his stomach twist in pain and nausea. He removed the cold sweat of his forehead and opened his mouth, he licked his sudden dried lips and moved faster. But there was no end on the tunnel and the shadow was every time closer, hovering on his back, calling him louder, urgently. He felt the panic increase, agitating his soul and he began running, he stumbled with his own weak feet but quickly recovered as he impulsed himself up with his hand, his bones began screaming in pain but he ignored them all. He could feel eyes digging on his back, slowly burying in his flesh, he could feel their hands on him pulling him back.
He began running so fast he thought his lungs would collapsed and his legs broke, when he suddenly saw it. The end of the tunnel, a white light that seemed so far away it was almost impossible to reach it, but he kept running. One more time he fell hard against the floor, he felt how his teeth bit the inside of his cheek, he taste the metallic flavor of blood inside his mouth. He desperately gasped standing up, the blood rolling down his chin. An invisible hand pulled his feet but Stiles let go with a deep groan. He kept moving, running until the light was in front of him, he could perfectly visualize it, it was hurting his eyes with it brightness. He raised his arm, tasting the moment, feeling the warm of that white light could only be in the tip of his fingers when he fell and the darkness swallowed his body.
Stiles wished he could scream, fight but there was nothing beside the shadows, all he could feel was darkness, a moodiness crashing his bones and soul, slowly tearing his body apart until there was nothing left of him, beside his own darkness.
He wide opened his eyes as he sat on his bed gasping for air. A silent shout stuck inside his throat, he could feel the panic attack coming. He stick his fists to the sheets, covered in sweat. He breath and breath trying to calm himself down. He touched his hair and face gasping in relief when he noticed everything was back to normal. He touched his body afraid his skin was dried and arid but it was fresh and covered in cold sweat. He looked around him scared, so scared he couldn’t remember the last time he had dreamt something so terrifying. He whipped away the sweat of his forehead and closed his eyes with strength, it was just a dream, he repeat to himself until he felt the metallic taste inside his mouth, he swallowed confused. He slowly and carefully touched his chin until he felt wet, he lowered his hand and saw the dark liquid on the tip of his fingers. He stumbled his way out of the bed, the sheets around his waist and legs made him fall hard against the floor but he was quickly on his feet. He passed a hand through his wet hair and shook his head.
It had been so illusory and yet so real, he could still feel hands and eyes on him. He quickly walked to bathroom and turned the lights on. He narrowed his eyes annoyed at the sudden light but low key he was glad for it. He deeply sighed, he could still feel his heart beating so fast inside his chest in any moment it would ripped apart his ribs. He looked at himself in the mirror for entire minutes until his breathing was normal and so his beating heart. He quickly washed his face for the sweat and blood, carving so hard, his skin was red when he finished. He turned around and leaned on the sink, holding to the brink with strength, feeling he could fall any time. He stared at his legs feeling as if they would give in any moment as they did in his dream.
He slowly walked out and stared at the bed, it was chaos. The sheets where on the floor and so were the pillows, and he could only image how many sweat it had. He rapidly began looking for his clothes, he grabbed his boxers when he found them and quickly put them on with his still shaky hands. He grabbed his white shirt from the night before and clumsily slipped it through his arms, he was freezing and he needed a damn drink. He walked to the door and hesitated for a few seconds, his hand centimeters away from the doorknob, was he afraid he was gonna appear on that dark tunnel again? Yes, he was terrified. He quickly opened the door ignoring his fear and stepped out.
He was received by the flat covered in darkness, deadly quietly but Stiles closed his eyes with relief when he heard the noises of the still awaken city and noticed the moon lightly illuminating the flat with a blue light. He quietly walked toward Scott´s door, he put his ear against it and hear his loud snoring, he nod to himself, at least someone was having a good night. He stepped away staring at the wooden door, wondering if it was a bad idea to woke his friend up, he didn’t want to be alone. But he quickly walked away and pressed the elevator. It opened almost immediately, he pressed the button to the common floor, the machine moved following Stiles orders. He bit his nail and looked up at the ceiling before speaking out loud.
“Jarvis?” He called quietly, he cleared his throat at his hoarse voice, husky for not being in use for so long.
“Yes sir?” The metallic voice answered immediately. Stiles leaned his head against the wall as a smile filled with relief spread all over his face, he suddenly didn’t feel so alone anymore.
“Has everyone arrived?” He asked quietly, his voice sounded too loud against the quiet elevator.
“Yes sir, everyone is asleep, except for you”
Stiles smirked under his breath as the door opened in front of him, he stared at the common floor a few seconds before he realized he was truly there. He slowly walked out, “Except for me…” He repeated under his breath looking around with concerned, he wasn’t so sure he could handle the darkness right then, he needed some lights, “Jarvis can you please turn on the lights?” He asked quietly as he walked to the fridge. His barefoot feet barely making sounds against the cold floor.
Immediately the room lighted up with a faint yellow light. Stiles felted as he breath deeper, better, “Thank you” He truthful said, “And Jarvis?”
“Yes Stiles?”
Stiles stared at the wide opened fridge for a couple of seconds, “Don’t ever mention this night to anyone” He quietly ordered as he took out a bottle of vodka. He grabbed a glass and sat on the couch as he poured himself a drink. He took a sip and leaned on the couch, grateful for the burning sensation down his throat. He looked at the view, there was no other building as tall as the tower which let Stiles enjoy the large city. He took a sip and sighed, even with the lights on, he couldn't get rid of the shadows. He closed his eyes for a moment, snatching them opened when he appeared on the tunnel again, he sighed and truly doubt if calling him was a bad idea. In those moment, where he was on his lowest, his vulnerability exposed, he missed having some arms around him. He missed Derek. He always knew how to make him feel better, one way or another. He finished his drink immediately pouring other one, he didn’t want to think, he didn’t want to feel, he just wanted to be drunk and passed out so he didn’t have to dream that ever again.
*
Derek cursed under his breath as he picked up the spoon he had just dropped with a sonorous metallic sound. He slowly stood up and stared at his cup of coffee, the deep brownish color that didn’t help him stay awake but thanks to Stiles he had made fond of it. He closed his eyes at remembering that name, his coffee never tasted as good as his and even the coffee seemed simple, plain without him. He took the warm cup on his hands and walked toward his grey couch where a blanket and a book were waiting for him. He carefully sat down and sighed, the silence suddenly embrace him, he hated it. He hated that damn silence since he left, he couldn’t stand it. Stiles used to every damn time make noise, no matter what he was doing, he was so clumsy Derek would hear every time he dropped something or even him falling, followed by his laugh. He closed his eyes, remembering with pain that unique laugh, but it was all gone, the noises, his laugh and the damn good coffee. And suddenly it was only him.
He twisted his neck when he felt that known shiver running through his spine. He closed his eyes again and leaned on his seat, waiting for it to pass. There was something wrong with Beacon Hills, more than usual. He could feel it in his bones, in his entire being. The town was changing and not for the good, but still he couldn’t quiet hold on to that feeling, he didn’t know what it was or what to do with it but it had such a strong energy that the entire pack knew something was coming and it was coming for them.
Constantly, Derek could feel eyes on him, a dark presence harassing him, he knew he wasn’t alone at any moment. The only thing it occurred to him besides scaring the pack, which had suffer many casualties since Stiles left, was to call Scott. There was this stupid and delusional hope he would be able to talk to Stiles but how? He was too busy, he had better things to do and Derek didn’t blame him. He wide opened his eyes as he remembered the press conference, how cold his blood had went when he saw their picture together on the tv, how his heart had stopped beating when he saw him smiling and waving like the idiot he was. He had looked so handsome. But Derek could see through him, he knew how nervous he surely was, he knew how badly he was containing himself to not explode against the reporters and their damn questions about him and his past. He felt so bad when they asked him about his family, he knew how bad it hurt him. But he felted abandon, they were together for so long, for five years they shared their life and Stiles never told him about his brother, not to talk about the fact, it was the Tony Stark.
And Derek? He felted betrayed, he felted left out, specially when Scott was gone, he knew Stiles would needed someone to be with him at his side, but still… they left him. They left him with an empty and silent apartment and a horrible taste in his mouth. He passed his hand through his too long hair and deeply sighed. He took a sip from his coffee and tried to regain his lecture when he felt the shiver again, this time stronger. The book fell from his hand as he took deep breaths.
Derek looked around him, he stared at the large windows. There was something outside, in those woods and Derek knew it but he had no idea what to do. He deeply sighed as he picked up his book, he hated the silence.