CHAPTER SIX
Stiles stepped out of the shower and walked to the sink before leaning on it. He removed the steam of the mirror, dropping his hand. He carefully watched his stomach, the scratches were almost gone. Normally they wouldn’t be healed yet but Stiles was not normal and his healing process, although it wasn’t as fast as werewolves, it was faster than usual. Everyone in the tower noticed it, still, no one asked, they all ignored it as same as they had been ignoring him and Scott.
He put the towel around his waist and exited the bathroom.
“Stiles?” He heard Scott calling him unsure from outside.
Stiles opened his closet looking for his gym clothes, he had training with Clint and Steve that day, “In here” He said out loud as he took his black pants out. Scott slowly popped his head through the door, “Hey…” He mumbled before walking inside. Stiles gave him a gaze and a quick smile, “Sup Scottie boy” He greeted happily as he opened his drawers, searching for a clean shirt. It was incredible the huge clutter he managed to create inside his drawers and closet.
“How are you?” He asked when he noticed Scott was awkwardly standing in the middle of his room, rocking himself in his feet. He looked down before shrugging, “Alright, I guess” He answered restrained. Stiles gave him a look and rolled his eyes, “Come on man” He exclaimed walking toward him, he clapped him in the back before holding his shoulder. But Scott shook his head staring at the big scratches in his friend stomach, he didn’t pretend to, but the guilt made him do it. Stiles noticed and twisted his mouth, he quickly put his shirt on.
“Its fine Scott” He whispered honestly. Scott sighed long and sick of everything. He walked away from him, “No, its not Stiles” He muttered back as he sat in the bed, “Its not” He assured at Stiles when he buffed. Scott shook his head again, the morning before full moon, he felted like crap, tired and sick and he couldn’t remember anything that had happened. But the stares everyone gave him as they entered his room to check on him, Scott knew he had fucked up, he was aware everyone knew his secret and surely about Stiles and the pack. But the way Tony had stared at him, mistrust in his eyes. Keeping his distance, in that moment he knew he had hurt Stiles.
“Scott, look at me, I´m fine” Stiles insisted kneeling in front of Scott, trying to level their glances. But Scott immediately raised his head, looking away. Stiles sighed exasperated, “Scott please-“
But his friend was laughing, choking with his spit. His cheeks lightly red. Stiles frowned confused, “Can you please put some clothes on? Please” He begged still looking away, it was definitely a side of Stiles he did not want to know. Stiles peeked down, seeing he was exposing a little too much. He quickly covered himself with the towel before standing up. He walked away looking for some clean boxers to wear, “Sorry bro” He muttered uncomfortably laughing out loud.
“But seriously Scott, knock it out, we´ve been into worse, you know that!” Stiles exclaimed as he put his boxers on. Scott nodded and groaned, “Man… it felt, Stiles I couldn’t control myself”
Stiles wide opened his eyes and nodded, “Yeah… we all noticed”
Scott shook his head and quickly stood up, raising his arms, “No, no, shut up, I mean, it was as if I, me, Scott McCall was sleep but there was something, someone inside me, controlling, calling me over and over” Scott mumbled, his eyes lost in the memories of that night. Stiles gave him a bewildered glare before throwing his towel away, “Its not like that all the time? I mean, when you were a new born werewolf, you didn’t feel like that?” He asked disconcerted. Scott felt a shudder and shook his head slowly, “It was different, I mean it was always hard as hell since the beginning but now… its different, now it feels almost impossible to dominate and somehow its darker, that calling was darker” He snarled, eyes still lost.
Stiles remained silent, glaring at the floor, a glint of uncertainty in his mellow eyes, “Look, I´ll see what I can do, I will do the research and find out what is the cause of all this alright?” He guaranteed Scott trying to sound as honest as he was, the vow written in his eyes. Scott finally agreed with a head movement and deeply sighed, “I don’t know Stiles, this doesn’t feel good”
He nodded in understating, showing his true concern, “I know Scott, trust me, I know” He assured as he finished putting on his clothing. He gave one last uneasy gaze at Scott, “I have training with Clint buddy” He explained as he picked up his black sneakers, “We´ll finished this talk tonight alright? I promise”
Stiles rapidly entered the elevator and sighed as this went down, he was making too many promises and he didn’t know if he could keep them all. What Scott had sensed, they weren’t good news, it left a bad taste in his mouth and a red alarm on his head. Liam had called the day before, said the mistletoe and hecatolite had worked pretty well. Stiles had smiled, at least something had worked that freaking night. He immediately had called Anna to thank her and asked her the exact same stuff for Scott, she had built him a hand made necklace of pure white moon stone, when it opened, it revealed it had some mistletoe in it, it was beautifully perfect and it said Scott on every part of it. He made sure, Anna made some necklaces for the pack as well.
To made it worse, he hadn’t talked much to Tony or anyone else of the team actually, they were busy, missions and crap as they liked to call it. But Stiles could realize they were avoiding him and Scott too and he was mad for it, it only provoked Scott felt more guilty if possible, it wasn’t fair but he tried to understood. They were afraid, stunned and had no idea what the hell was going, Stiles either but he and Scott were a team, they had known each other since they were babies, the team didn’t.
Even Steve seemed to be keeping his distance and Stiles… he hated it, he wanted him back. He thought they were actually getting along, having a good relationship, a friendship. And it was nice, he was glad for it but he had woken up in his flat that morning and Steve was no where to be seen, he was already gone. Since that day every time they suddenly ran into each other, in the kitchen, gym, whatever place, Steve was dry and distant, would only say a couple of words and that was it, Stiles wanted things to be, normal again, specially with him, Stiles couldn't stand the silence anymore.
And Tony, he was worse, he was still mad at Stiles for not telling him the truth, he knew he was worried for him but still he couldn’t get angrier at him because he decided to keep his past hidden, it was his and no one else, not even Tony´s and they were his demons and he was old enough to decide what to do with them. It was the first time since he arrived he actually wanted to… leave. But he wasn’t, Scott and the pack, they were right. Stiles was a runner, every time he felted bad, uncomfortable, he ran, well he wasn’t doing it, no matter how bad his guts were telling him to. He was sticking with Tony and the team until they told him otherwise.
The doors opened and revealed a wide space with targets shaped as bodies practice but Clint was no where no be seen.
“Thanks Jarvis” Stiles mumbled as he climbed down. He looked up, the room was tall and dark, only illuminated by big bright white lights. He walked to the wall to his side, were they where all kinds on weapons, handguns, shotguns, rifles, automatics, semiautomatics, everything hanging in the wall. Stiles eyes wide opened as his fingers touched the numerous guns. He whistled amazed as he took a desert eagle .50 in his hand, he noticed the little light that appeared when a weapon was taken, Tony and his paranoid technology. He checked they weight and balance on his hand, it felted good. He half smiled to himself as he raised the gun, testing his aim.
“Dont hurt yourself kid” Clint suddenly exclaimed. Stiles lightly flinched as he gave him a tense stare, he noticed how Clint voice changed, it wasn’t friendly anymore, more like only a teacher. He lowered the gun and twisted his mouth, “Thanks for the tip” He sarcastically snarled before putting the gun back in its place. Clint gave him a long stare, “Here, use this one” He said as he picked up a gun, taking it from the wall, he handed him a black glock 19, nothing fancy.
Stiles took it, twisting it in his hand, it was practically a beginners gun. Apparently Clint still took him for granted. But he shrugged with one shoulder. He gave Clint a half smile before putting the earmuffs and the googles on.
He took the gun again and settled himself in front of the target. Stiles raised his arms ready to fire, he aimed at the farthest target, directly to the head.
“Now, what you have to do-“ Clint tried to say as he walked toward him when Stiles started shooting. He quickly finished the entire cartridge, a cocky smile on his face as he lowered the gun, pretty happy with the results. But Clint gave a him a mad glare for interrupting him, “You are gonna hurt yourself” He exclaimed tensed but shut up when he realized Stiles had perfectly shoot the middle of the target, two shoots in the head and three on the chest. He stared at Stiles, a mix of amusement and confusion in his eyes.
Stiles grabbed other cartridge with anger before looking up at Clint, “My father was the sheriff man, give me some credit” He exclaimed charging the gun again.
Clint couldn’t take his eyes off him, watching as Stiles raised the gun again, ready to fire. He then noticed the correct position of his legs, his secure eyes. How the muscles of his arms tensed as he fired over and over, how his veins popped with tension. He looked down before shaking his head, before remembering who that kid truly was. For a moment he had forgotten everything about him, he had forgotten the other night. He noticed the still pink scratches on his arm, they were healing faster than usual, he frowned as the curiosity raised inside his guts, but he didn’t ask. If he had learn one thing about Stiles was not to ask unless he was willing to tell the truth. In reality no one wanted to ask him about the fact he was healing faster, not even Bruce. He imagined the kid had some issues from his pasts, he could see it his eyes, his distrustful personality. But never like that, never as his torso demonstrated.
No one really knew those kids, not Scott´s story and his past and not Stiles, not completely.
Stiles deeply sighed before putting the warm gun back at his case. He walked along the wall, searching for other weapon, a funnier one, “I learned how to shoot when I was little, its not one of my hobbies but sometimes it can be entertaining” He explained before shrugging as he grabbed a semiautomatic rifle, “I think rifles are my favorite ones” He added quietly as he raised the gun testing its aim.
“You're father taught you well” Clint answered honestly as he crossed his arms over his chest, watching one more time at the fired targets. Stiles stopped in dry, the tension finally giving in. He gave him a long painful stare, he sighed with exasperation, “Stop acting as if Scott or me, were someone else, its still us, its still me, you guys have been avoiding us like assholes for days, its childish, stop it” He exclaimed annoyed, taking the rifle with strength, aiming the targets. Clint remained silent, staring at the floor. He heard as Stiles fired and fired, charging once, charging twice, taking out his frustrations.
“I mean, whats the scary deal with one tiny fucking werwolf, you guys fight aliens, those shits are scary not Scott, he’s a stupid puppy for christ sake” Stiles continued complaining, he wide opened his eyes, “And me? Whats scary about me? absolutely nothing, I´m an hyperactive kid with a big mouth so if Tony told you guys to give us space or whatever crap, cut it out, its not funny anymore”
Clint shook his head, “Its not like that Stiles” He mumbled quietly, wishing he had kept his mouth shut. Stiles sarcastically smirked and turned to him wide opening his eyes, “Then what? What is it?” He asked putting the rifle back with more strength than necessary.
“You're just a kid Stiles! And just look at you, you’re…” He tried to say but shut himself up, the wrong words coming out if his mouth, “I´m what? Fucked up? Of course I am! And so are you and so as everyone else in this damn building! so stop acting as if we were scared children, we are not anymore and we sure as hell don’t need any special treatment, specially not from any of you”
They remained in tense silence as Stiles calmed himself down, taking deep breaths. Clint swallowed and finally nodded, acknowledging a lost of words when he saw one, “You’re right” He admitted crestfallen, “We just… I just thought it was better to keep distances” He rambled uncomfortable. Stiles pulled a face, as saying are you stupid or something, he finally sighed and shook head, “Well don’t, its annoying instead, who the hell asked you to do it"
“I know, we can be stupid too, believe me” He exclaimed raising his arms in clear defeat. Stiles rolled his eyes, “Oh trust me, I believe you” He answered back feeling the anger leave his body. Clint scratched the back of his head with nervousness. He snatched an arrow of the wall and inspection it.
“We´re alright?” Clint asked after a couple of seconds in complete silence, spinning the arrow in his hand. All he wanted was to this drama shit be over. Stiles twisted his mouth and shrugged, “I don’t know, are we?” He sarcastically asked, hiding the small smile playing on his lips.
Clint half smiled, putting away the arrow, he raised his hand waiting for Stiles to just take it, “Yes” He mumbled honestly. Stiles stared at his hand before looking up, narrowing his eyes with suspicion, he finally grabbed his hand and shook it, “Alright” He mumbled, honestly he was glad and relief at least him and Clint were in good terms.
“Well, are you sure you need me to practice shooting? I think you have it under control” Clint asked watching again at the targets. He was feeling kind of useless. Stiles followed his line of view and smiled, his aim was nothing compered to Clint´s or even Natasha´s one but it was still pretty good.
Stiles blinked several before nodding, he didn’t want to leave just yet, he liked talking to Clint, “I mean, I could learn some archery” He answered shrugging, leaving the question in the air. Clint hissed and raised his eyebrows, “I don’t know, could you?” He sarcastically asked, mocking him.
Stiles gave him a sassy stare before looking down, a smile playing on his lips, “Lets do this archer guy” He exclaimed excited.
Half hour later, Clint actually let him use the bow, after hours of theory. Stiles positioned himself in front of the target as he aim, it was pretty hard actually to keep the damn arrow on its place.
“Relax your arms” Clint instructed as Stiles felt his hands on his shoulders. Stiles let out his breath and the tension was momentary gone, “Good…” Clint muttered distracted watching Stiles position before letting him go. Stiles visualize his target, the red circles on it.
“You learn fast kid” Clint exclaimed smiling as he arranged Stiles arms one more time, who only hummed in agreement, trying to focus himself, “You’re father taught you something about archery as well?” He innocently asked. Stiles let go the arrow at the questions, feeling how the bowstring touched his mouth. He huffed and twisted his mouth when it didn’t hit in the middle. He turned to Clint and shook his head, “No, I guess he didn’t have time for it” He answered before painfully laughing under his breath, even though he knew it was definitely not funny to joke about his father´s… well dead. Clint gave him a long stare, “You always do that” He finally exclaimed taking other arrow, passing it to Stiles, who gladly took it, he hummed taking his position again.
“Always do what?” He asked, his mouth against the bowstring.
“Mock your pain” Clint answered shrugging, as if it was really that obvious. Stiles supposed in a way it was, even Derek had questioned that fact about him, it just seemed easier to laugh at it rather than… deal with it. Stiles huffed, “I don’t do that” He lied.
But Clint smirked and frowned “Yeah you do, trust me” He assured Stiles, who only rolled his eyes and sighed, “Sorry?” He exclaimed unsure. Clint laughed as he corrected Stiles arms again, “Its okey, its just weird”
Stiles half shrugged and nodded, staying still when Clint groaned correcting his posture one more time, he knew it was weird, “Well I guess it started since my mother died” He honestly answered thinking, the first punch life sent him was his mother dying, he didn’t quite remembered those days but he guesses his sarcastic and cynic personality grew from that and when his father died it only grew bigger.
“How old were you?” Clint asked quietly. Stiles let out a deep breath getting ready to fire again, “I was six, she was sick for a long time” He answered before letting the arrow go, he smiled pleased when it hit the middle. Clint hummed, “I´m sorry Stiles” He whispered but Stiles shoved it away with a hand gesture, they were past waters, past issues, he had made peace with them. Stiles figured Clint probably wanted to ask about his father too, he already knew half about his life, why not a little more, “And my father died when I was a teen, tough days” He added shrugging.
“Line of duty?” Clint asked before taking the bow from Stiles hands, who only nodded. Clint put himself in front of the target and easily shoot, aiming perfectly in the middle. Stiles half smiled watching him but the smile didn’t reach his eyes, “He got shot” He explained.
“But hey, he taught me how to defend myself before you know… he died” He added uncomfortable backing away. Clint shook his head and pursed his lips, “You’re all a character” He stated.
Stiles smirked and shrugged, “Whats the point if not” He exclaimed laughing when Clint only rolled his eyes.
Five more round of shooting arrows and bullets and practice was finally over. But that only meant he had training with nothing less and nothing more than Steve. He just expected and wanted for them to return to as they used to be. Stiles missed him, he was never gonna admit it out loud but he missed having someone to talk to about everything and anything, all at once. He could perfectly imagined the ticklish situation of the practice, both of them in stressful perfect silence, he couldn’t handle it, he was going to be edgy all the damn training. He bit his nail nervously, he just wanted things to be normal again.
“He’s just worried for you” Clint suddenly exclaimed as the elevator went up. Stiles was taken by surprised, he raised his eyebrows, “Huh?” He asked lightly startled.
“Steve? He got worried for you and he doesn't know how to deal with that” Clint blurt out, half shrugging. Stiles sent him a long, kind of resentful glare, “I wasn’t-“ He tried to say but shut up when Clint sent him a stare.
“Yeah, whatever” He hissed as he got ready to stepped out, “Just have a nervous collapse as you had with me and he will feel bad for avoiding you and surely will apologize and talk to you” Clint declared as if it was really that simple but Stiles didn’t answer, he didn’t know what to say. He twisted his mouth as he climbed down and stepped into the gym.
“He’s a dork Stiles and he’s stupid too” Clint added with half a smile, he winked his eye to Stiles before the doors finally closed.
Stiles watched the elevator leave, he hoped it was truly that easy, he hoped Steve would just talk to him, even if it was hypocrite of his part, Stiles wasn’t one person that talked, at least he didn’t like to take the first step.
He was warming up and stretching on the floor when he noticed Steve climbing down the elevator, bag on his hand, expression ready to kill someone, surely Stiles. And wearing gym clothes, wearing skinny gym clothes. Stiles swallowed hard trying not to stare as he quickly stood up, nervously smiling when Steve gave him a weird, long glare.
“Coming from Clint?” He asked as he dropped his bag on the floor, he began slowly passing in the room. Stiles watched him gawking as he stretched his arms and legs. Apparently he had stared a little too long because Steve raised one eyebrow in clear question. Stiles cleared his throat, “Yeah, yeah, I had practice with him today” He babbled feeling so stupid it hurt him.
Steve nodded, “Alright, we´re starting with a quick run” He instructed as he jumped on his feet and twisted his head. Stiles pulled a face with disgust, he hated running, he hated it so much when Derek and the pack ran, he dedicated himself to sat his ass down and watched them chaise their tails like fools. But he was training with Captain America, he couldn’t show his lazy him, at least not yet.
He nodded repeatedly with fake energy, a bright grin in his face. Gaining other weird stare from Steve who only shook his head and began jogging, giving Stiles his back. Stiles let out his breath and shook himself, he could do it. He quickly caught up with the cap, this was gonna be more hard than he had thought.
Fifteen minutes later and Stiles was ready to drop and leave and he wouldn’t care. His legs were burning and constantly protesting, begging him to stop freaking moving. He gasped for air as he stopped, putting his hands over his knees, he shook his head, feeling he was about to die. Steve didn’t notice he was gone until he was meters away, he turned around and raised his arms, still jumping on his feet, “What are you doing Stiles? Come on” He exclaimed jogging back but Stiles shook his head and shook his arm for him to leave.
“I am done” He tiredly hissed finally straightening up with tiredness, pulling a face when his back hurt, he couldn’t even talk properly as his lungs gasped fro air. He removed the sweat from his forehead with his hand and shook his head again, “I am not running anymore” He assured Steve as he walked away with shaky legs, he needed to fucking hydrate himself.
Steve twisted his mouth and followed him, “Stiles, we´ve been running for only fifteen minutes” He said as he crossed his arms over his chest, finally giving up in his jogging. He watched as the man dropped hi ass on the floor with tiredness, “No” He immediately affirmed raising his finger, “I hate running, I´m not doing it anymore, I tried” He grumbled before finishing the bottle in a sip. Steve looked at Stiles throat swallow and swallow with desire. He had to look away exasperated, “Well its part of your training so come on” He insisted lightly kicking him with his foot for him to move, but it was useless.
Stiles obviously didn’t listen to him, he remained steady in the floor, heavy breathing, “How do you do it?” He painfully asked, he immediately realized his question was stupid, he waved his hand, “Forget I ask that, super freaking soldier” He mumbled between teeth, almost jealousy. But Steve wasn’t giving up either.
“Stiles five more minutes, stand up” He insisted beginning to despair, which wasn’t even against Stiles but Steve was taking it out on him. Stiles gave him a confused glare, “Why are you so stressed? Chill big guy” He muttered confused trying to light things up.
Steve gritted his teeth and looked away again, this is why he didn’t want to train him, he couldn’t fucking do it, he was letting his emotions get in the middle, “Stiles, move” Steve blurted raising his voice. Stiles nearly opened his mouth of pure surprise, he slowly stood up, he wasn’t gasping anymore and his friendly stare was gone, “What is your problem Steve?” He asked shrugging, clearly perplexed, he couldn’t understand why he seemed so mad at him.
“Are you mad at me?” He asked impressed, wide opening his eyes when Steve madly looked away, “Well are you?” Stiles pushed harder, he wanted to be over with their stupid apparently fight that he had no idea when or why it started, the only fact he had about it was that he wanted it over.
Steve was only able to shake his head and rubbed his eyes with tiredness, hating himself. He needed to control himself, one more time he was letting his unknown feelings get on his way.
He took deep breath before looking up, Stiles was still waiting for a damn answer, “Look if you don’t want to run, thats fine but please listen to me when I tell you what to do, this is not a game Stiles and I´m doing a favor to your brother” He finally exclaimed, pained at the stare Stiles gave him, already regretting the last words that came out of his mouth but they were out.
Stiles backed away as if Steve had pushed him, it had felted exactly the same. He swallowed hard before shaking his head, he finally raised his arms, “Alright, whats next teacher?” He sarcastically asked. But Steve was an idiot and sarcasm wasn’t his forte. He began taking his sneakers away with impatience , “To the tatami, now” He ordered between gritted teeth.
Stiles dropped his shoulders, mentally cursing, this was getting out of freaking context. He couldn’t even say bad words out loud because he could offend the asshole old man in front of him. He mentally cursed harder at himself for caring Steve didn’t like bad words. He madly sat on the floor again as he took his shoes off. If Steve wanted to be an idiot, perfect. Stiles could perfectly handle it, not in reality, but denial worked sometimes. He kneeled leaving his shoes when he noticed his phone was ringing, it was Lydia calling, it was the fourth time she called in ten minutes. Stiles bit his lip debating, looking between his phone and Steve, he finally shook his head, he could call her later but not all the days he had an open window to kick Captain America ass, at least he hoped he could it. He quickly stepped into the blue tatami, feeling the softness below his feet. He began stretching his neck and jumping on his feet, never taking his eyes of Steve, who would had guessed they were gonna end up fighting, practicing, Stiles corrected mentally.
“Are you scare or what? Come on!” Steve exclaimed getting into position. The anger grew inside Stiles, what was his fucking problem, if Stiles was just being a fucking favor then Steve at least should be professional and not the freaking brat he was being right in front of him. Stiles raised his fists, taking a deep breath as he prepared himself. The first one to attack was Steve, he easily dodge it. Lightly pleased at Steve’s surprised eyes.
He was getting sick at everyone underestimating him, he was not a kid, he was not just Tony´s little brother and he was not only a fucking favor. He threw his first punch directly at Steve’s face, he dodge it but got distracted at his speed, Stiles took advantage of it and punched him in the ribs before other one straight in the face but he didn’t stop there. Stiles kicked him in the upper leg before launching himself to Steve torso going for his leg, but it had been a bad idea, a really bad idea. Steve used his elbow to hit him in the back repeatedly times but Stiles didn’t let go until he felt his knee kicking his stomach. Stiles let him go in an instant as he felt his scratches burn and his air was gone. He groaned stepping back, putting an arm around his stomach. Steve was immediately next to him, “Are you alright?” He asked surprised, he had forgotten, for a moment he had completely forgotten.
“Stiles?” He called exasperated taking his arm, he did not count he was gonna get punched directly in the face, right on his nose. He backed away as he held his nose between his hands, he looked up surprised, staring at Stiles who had a half cocky smile on his face, he raised his arms before shrugging, “That was low” Steve mumbled as he cleaned the blood away, a smile on his face. Stiles laughed too, “Come on big guy” He hissed raising his fists again.
Steve shook his head before running toward him, tucking him into the floor. Stiles let out all his breath as they rolled over the floor, “You’re an idiot!” He exclaimed as he felt his knuckles touching bland flesh. Steve groaned as he hit Stiles too, directly on his mouth and he was suddenly on top of him, holding his arms against the floor. His worrying and anger was gone as he lost himself in those brown eyes.
“Let go off me!” Stiles madly hissed trying to set free when he realized they were dangerously close to each other. So close he could perfectly visualized Steve’s perfect blue eyes. He didn’t mean to stare back but he was locked in those eyes. Steve´s lips were barely opened and for a moment Stiles actually wanted to know how they tasted like.
The moment was broken when he heard his phone ringing. Both men looked up and Steve let go in an instant, as if he was burned by the touch. Stiles was quickly on his feet, he cleared his throat and arranged his shirt. Steve gave him a stare but Stiles backed away, he opened his mouth but nothing came out, he shook his head again and walked toward his still ringing phone. He rapidly took it and noticed Lydia was calling again, he frowned confused as he picked up, “Sorry hon, I was training and-“
But her scared voice shut him up immediately.
“Stiles” She breathed with tension.
“What happened?” He asked as he leaned against the wall, he could feel Steve’s confused eyes on him, “Derek, he…”
He closed his eyes pained as he got ready for the news, “We can’t find him, its been hours, we don’t where he is and and his place...” She finally painfully admitted. Stiles took a deep breath trying to control his breathing, he straightened up and opened his eyes, “I´ll be there tonight” Was everything he was able to say. He quickly hung up and began grabbed his shoes and stuff. He needed to get the hell out.
“Stiles, are you okay?” Steve worriedly asked trying to grab his arm but Stiles shook his head and gave him a pained look, the guilt and pain as he englobed it, he almost kissed him, he almost… he shook his head again, he needed to leave. He began walking away, almost falling down as his feet stumbled with Steve back pack. He regained his posture back and walked away, trying to control his shaky hands. Steve was suddenly left alone, he looked around him, at the empty, silent gym before sighing. Things hadn’t gone as he expected them to be, he didn’t mean to freak him out, he was just… he cursed his damn intrigue as he picked up his shoes and bottle of water,. He was about to leave when he stopped and tiredly sat in the bench, cursing again the moment he let his feelings for Stiles grew.
Stiles began putting his shoes on as the elevator went up, “Jarvis, prepare the quinjet please, discreetly” He instructed trying to maintain his balance when he crashed against the wall, he groaned in anger.
“Suppose that Mr. Stark doesn’t know anything about this” Jarvis asked. Stiles looked up at the ceiling and half smiled, “You know me to well dear Jarvis” He answered trying to control his panic, every time bigger inside his chest. He bit his lip and closed his eyes from what if felt an eternity when the doors opened at his flat and Jarvis spoke again, “Its done sir, the quinjet is ready”
Stiles shook his head, Jarvis was beginning to become his freaking best friend, “Thanks Jarvis” He mumbled trying to sound as emotional as he truly felt.
“Scott?” He called out loud as he ran to his room. He opened his closet and grabbed his back pack, he began pouring every cloth he found, clean or dirty, he packed everything his shaky hands found, he didn’t know how long he was going to stay, “Scott!” He shouted desperately when there was no answer. He heard quick steps as Scott ran to his room, “What? What?” He asked stressed as he entered, a towel around his waist and white shampoo on his hair.
Stiles pursed his lips and sighed, long and tired. He rubbed his face tiredly. Scott carefully stared him down, “Something happened” He stated, already the worrying growing inside him. Stiles remained silent before walking out if his room, “I don’t know when I´m gonna come back” He muttered instead.
Scott gave him a speechless look, “What?” He asked stopping in his tracks behind him, “You’re not leaving without me Stiles” Scott exclaimed but Stiles shook his head, “I need you here, you know things are out of control, I need someone of my trust here” He reasoned trying to make him understand, he didn’t have other valid explanation on his mind.
Scott stared at him in surprised, trying to be the reasonable friend he was asking him to be, behind his words, “Stiles I don’t like this” He stressed, but Stiles shook his head and regain his walk, “Lydia is waiting for me, I´ll call you when I land” He reassured him as he trudged forward. Scott moved from his way as he watched him leave, he knew there was no point arguing with him, when an idea was inside his head there was no turning back.
He deeply sighed defeated as he walked to his bath again, he had left the water running.
*
Stiles adjust himself in the seat as he started the motors of the quinjet, they roared as they came out to life. He quickly put in the coordinates to Beacon Hills and closed his eyes as the jet slowly rose above the ground. Stiles immediately put in on automatic and relaxed on his seat. He had no idea how to drove one of those things.
“Jarvis?” He called out loud as he laced his hands and put his elbows on his knees.
“Yes Stiles?” The machine asked.
“Please erase the history of this quinjet and don’t let Tony noticed its gone” He muttered closing his eyes for a moment, knowing he was asking too much, but he didn’t need his brother breathing on his neck, either the entire team. He could handle things on his own.
“Are you sure?” Even Jarvis knew it was a bad idea but yes, he was stupidly sure, “Please Jarvis, no one can know where I am, at least not yet” He breathed as he passed his fingers through his hair, he knew sooner or later Tony was gonna find out where he was, but in the mid time, he could put some kilometers between them. He stood up as he walked to his bag, he needed some research to do.
He leaned back on his chair in clear surprised as he watched the numerous police reports popped in the screen of the laptop he stole from Tony. Stiles eyes wandered as he read each and one of them, disappearances, animals attacks, murders, kidnaps. The crime rate had increased in matter of months. Stiles recognized the patterns of werwolves attacks, just committed in the last full moon, apparently he was right, the control problems were scattered all over the country, not to say the world. And they weren’t just werewolves. As he dig more into the FBI records, god it was so easy to hack them, the majority of them were cataloged as attack animals or a really messed up murder.
But Stiles could see the truth, he could easily visualize the patterns. Vampires, orcs, pixies, every supernatural creature he could think of had attacked a human at least once. And the disappearances, he could see the same creature, person, whatever the hell it was, was behind them but which one, who could it be. Stiles needed to witness a crime scene, he couldn’t figure out through reports, pictures and interviews, he needed more.
He closed the laptop with strength as he stood up, he looked trough the window. He was still in the air, he didn’t even know how long it he had being staring at grey clouds. He needed to arrive fucking yesterday. And to made everything worse, his head was a mess, a pile of thoughts and frustrations. He couldn't think about anything that was happening, everything was so fuzzy, disperse, like trying to grab fog with his hands, stupid and useless.
And the fact he was returning his… home town, whatever the hell it was, wasn’t helping shit. He didn’t even know what he would say to the pack, how to find Derek… what to say when he found him. He closed his eyes pained, and put his forehead against the cold glass. The simple fact of picturing him in danger made his skin burned in anger and agony. He needed to find him, it was all that matter, finding him safe and sound, not matter what happened next. Then he could return home and forget all about Steve… even when he didn’t want to, a part of him didn’t want to forget, but what was the damn point. Stiles had actually took fond of him, he enjoyed his company and his talking and laughing and just, he didn’t want to screw that up with a one night thing, not even a night, a fucking roll, which was everything he was looking for, even with Steve, right?
He loudly groaned returning to his seat, his mind was already a chaos to add Steve on it, “Call Scottie boy please” He said out loud as he heard the ring tone almost immediately, he closed his eyes waiting for his idiotic friend to answer.
“You arrived? Is everyone okay? Is Derek dead? Lydia is fine? Omg Isaac...” He quickly rambled, stumbling with his own words. Stiles shook his head overwhelmed, “No, no, stop talking!” He insisted when Scott continued asking meaningless things. Finally Scott shut up long enough for Stiles to listen to his own thoughts, “Sorry” Scott mumbled shyly before clearing his throat.
Stiles deeply sigh, rubbing his forehead, “Has anyone noticed?”
“Steve was looking for you, freaked out a little bit, I told him not to worry” Scott answered. Stiles nodded, “Thanks man, and the others?”
He heard as Scott walked, he was surely passing inside his room, “Well, according to Jarvis, everyone is still at missions, except for Nat” He answered. Stiles passed a hand through his hair, she surely already knew he was gone. But somehow he knew she wasn’t going to say anything, they had established a strange connection without words.
Stiles closed his eyes and flinched as the quinjet let out an alarm, he had arrived, “Scott, I just arrived, I´ll keep you informed” He promised hanging up not waiting for an answer. He immediately stood up and walked to the window again as he watched as he slowly landed right in the middle of the preserve. Stiles packed all his stuff in his bag and threw it to his shoulder as they finally touched land. He watched as the ramp descended to a perfectly calmed forest. The quinjet shut himself off and everything became deadly quiet, but he remained steady on his place, taking deep breaths, his legs suddenly froze. He knew he had to move, but once he was out, he was back at Beacon Hills.
He took a deep breath and shook himself, he quickly walked out already taking his phone out. The ramp behind him closed in an instant as Stiles dialogued Lydias phone.
“I´m here” He said as soon as she picked up.
“Everyones at my place, need a ride?” She asked but Stiles was already shaking his head, “No, I´m going to… Derek´s, I need to check it” He mumbled as he thought if he was still in their old apartment but knowing his ex boyfriend, he probably left the second Stiles did, he would have done the exact same thing.
“He´s staying at the loft hon, we´ll wait for you here” Lydia muttered shyly, only confirming what he already knew. Stiles nodded, he couldn’t dare opened his mouth, he was afraid his voice would cracked if he spoke. He finally he cleared his throat, “Give me an hour guys” He answered weakly.
“We´ll be waiting for you right here”
Stiles hung up and began his walking, not letting himself stop, if he did there was no turning back. It was almost ridiculous how well he knew his way to the damn loft from every part of the preserve. He looked around him as he walked, Derek was right, something had changed in the forest, he could feel it in his bones, there was something stalking, analyzing from the shadows. Everything was perfectly quiet, too quiet, not even a bird or the wind was heard. He didn’t like that feeling, it made him wanna run away.
It didn’t took him a while to arrived, the proximity the loft had to the preserve was actually handful. He stared at the tall grey building raising above the trees, he had to look away when he felt the construction leaning on him with his heavy nostalgia and memories. But he had to move on, he needed to find Derek and leave the soon as possible from that place.
He wide opened the door, lightly jumping at the sonorous slap he always forgotten the metal door did. He could almost visualize the pack inside, laughing, watching movies, as the old days, they had been so good. But the place in front of him was unknown, he deep breathed as he watched the entire loft made a mess. He slowly entered, being careful not to step on anything. He kneeled on the wooden floor and lightly touch it with his fingers, his eyebrows impossibly raised, lacing between each other.
The scenery in front of him revealed an arduous battle, the struggle as Derek resisted being taken away. He rubbed his chin as he imagined Derek fighting against anything that threatened his home. He slowly stood up and inspected the room, he found some dried blood in the white carpet. He passed his fingers through it as he felt the anger boil inside him. Somebody had taken his fucking ex boyfriend and he was going to find out who did it and made them wish they hadn’t do it in the first place.
*
Stiles froze, a little panicked, with his fist raised centimeters away from the door as he heard a soft chuckle inside. He heard as Isaac told Lydia to shut up as he noticed someone was outside. Stiles smiled to himself as he heard Isaac´s hurried steps. Suddenly the door wide opened and he was pulled into a hug by strong arms. Stiles laughed as he hugged Isaac back.
“I missed you too buddy” He exclaimed letting go, he happily pat him his cheek. Isaac seemed so tired and frustrated, how the hell not? his friend was missing and the other two idiots left to New York.
“It was time you returned pack mom” Jackson exclaimed from his place, seated on the floor, surrounded by millions of books. Stiles raised his eyebrows as Isaac moved away to reveal the entire pack. Stiles tilted his head and narrowed his eyes, “Don’t call me that, asshole” He exclaimed but couldn’t hold on his laugh. He walked toward them as everyone stood up, except for Jackson.
Erica was the first one to move, he punched him in the arm before throwing her arms around his waist. Stiles pulled a face but didn’t complain, he deserve it. He put his arms around her higher back and kissed his head, “Hey cat woman” He greeted as he let himself be marked by her, he surely smelled so different than pack.
“What the hell is that smell, is all over you” She annoyingly asked backing away from with narrowed eyes, but Stiles just winked at her and he put his hand on Jackson´s shoulder and lightly squeezed, it was the best greeting he could come up that didn’t made them feel uncomfortable. Jackson looked up at him and gave him a tired smile, there was no reason for words.
Stiles walked past him and waved at Boyd, who weirdly opened his big arms before holding him in an awkward hug. Stiles laughed under his breath as he patted him in the back, “Good to see you Boyd” He whispered honestly stepping back and then there was Lydia. The always impossible ginger love of his life. He couldn’t help his bright smile as she launched herself to his arms.
“I missed you so much” He mumbled against her neck. Lydia brightly smiled as he backed away enough to see each other in the eyes, hers seemed lost and tired, she had purple bags under her eyes. Stiles twisted his mouth as he passed his thumbs through them. He shook his head feeling the regret and guilt inside him. But immediately Lydia shook her head stepping away, “You know it wasn’t you fault Stiles” She breathed before crossing her arms over her chest, leaving room for no questioning. Stile half smiled about to open his mouth when Jackson stepped in.
“Seriously, what is that smell Stiles?” He asked confused looking around him. He frowned distracted but then he remembered, he had being practicing with Steve and he hadn’t showered, and they had ended up with him in top and almost… he felted as his cheeks turned deep red. He shrugged trying to play innocent but it was late.
“Oh no… what did you do?” Erica asked as she cupped his face in her hands, watching him dead in the eye. Stiles tilted his head between her hands before rolling his eyes, “Its no one, its just Steve” He answered, already regretting saying his name out loud, demonstrating Stiles actually thought about him in a way not entirely friendly.
“Steve? Steve who?” Isaac asked innocently, stepping into the talk. Stiles felt on eyes on him, he sighed and tossed his head back, “Steve as you know Captain America” He muttered under his breath as he scratched the back of his ear. The room felt into silence, practically everyone in shock.
“I´m sorry, I didn’t quite hear, what did you say?” Jackson asked finally standing up. Stiles gave him a mad stare because he could stand up at the mention of Steve but not to greet him, “I said Captain America, get over it” He exclaimed as he removed his coat and threw it on Lydia´s purple couch.
The room burst into millions of questions, everyone talking at the same time. Stiles shook his head, but he wasn’t impressed, he could see it coming, “Shut up, shut up, shut up” He insisted raising his hands, glaring at everyone with threatening eyes, daring anyone to continue asking.
When there was silence, he was able to breath, “Now, I can answer whatever the hell you want after we find Derek, alright?” He asked without even asking. Everyone nodded annoyed, muttering offensive things under his breath.
“See, thats why you’re and always will be pack mom” Jackson happily exclaimed as he sat down in the floor. Immediately Stiles angrily turned around, “Would you just stop” He mumbled between gritted teeth, ignoring everyones drowning laughs. There was a reason he didn’t like to be named that, besides the fact he was not a freaking mom. It was his nickname along with Derek, only god knew why, but they considered them the parents of the pack, because they actually were the only damn adults in that pack, beside Lydia of course.
“Now, can we focus on finding Derek please”
*
Hours later and Stiles hair was a mess, thanks for the many time he had passed his hand through it in pure despair and frustration. He couldn't find anything, nothing, zero, nada, rein, nic, only pure useless crap. He stood up and put his hands behind his neck as he tossed his head back. He began passing inside the room, he needed a god damn drink, “Do you have any alcohol inside this house?” He asked already walking to the kitchen, where he opened the fridge, he found an almost finished bottle of wine, he shrugged, it was that or nothing. But Lydia was already on his side, he snatched the bottle from his hand and closed the fridge with strength, “This is not the time for drinking Stiles” She madly hissed before pushing him to the living room.
He rolled his eyes and raised his arms in defeat as he let her push him. He sighed looking around him, they were books everywhere and none one of them was helpful. He watched the blackboard cork again where they were only two useful clues.
“Alright so we know… theres been attacks all over the town from vampires, we still don’t know where they are, but we also know Derek was taken in daylight so how…” He muttered to himself as he passed his hands through his hair one more time.
“And they were trials of fog in the loft when we arrived” Lydia casually added. Stiles sent her a hard glare, “What?” He asked raising his eyebrows. Lydia looked up at him and shrugged, “They were trials of fog in the loft when we arrived” She answered as if it was obvious.
Stiles looked between her and the board, “Why isn’t that helpful and precious information in the board guys?” He asked between gritted teeth. Everyone stared at the board in blank, Lydia opened her mouth but close it against as he send a mad glare to Isaac.
“It was Isaac´s job” She finally accused pointing him, Isaac only shrugged trying to play innocent. Stiles rolled his eyes as he quickly wrote down the information into a white paper, he hooked it in the board and stepped back. He leaned on the chair beside him, rhythmically snapping his fingers. He thought over and over the clues inside his mind, vampires, daylight, fog. He discard the idea of vampires using a spell against daylight, it was possible but they must had left a trail of magic and there was none, Lydia or him would had sense it. Maybe the blue stone lapis lazuli against daylight but there were extremely hard to find, not to say almost impossible.
The thing that took Derek away could walk on bare daylight, disappeared and create fog and liked to suck blood. He could almost hear the answer inside his head, he had it at the tip of his tongue. When it suddenly hit him, he remembered an old text he had read a long time ago. He quickly straightened up before realizing, he had being so stupid. He quickly walked to the bookshelf, he looked among the books, passing his finger through them. Him and Lydia had created a pretty good collections of bestiaries from almost all the cultures and places around the world. He easily located an old green book with a worn out cover, almost tear apart.
“Stiles?” Lydia asked unsure as she stood up, getting near him, but immediately he shut her up with a hand movement. She opened her eyes lightly surprised ready to answer back when he spoke again.
“I think I know what took him” He whispered under his breath as he passed his fingers through the old, almost yellow, sheet. In it, it was read Úukom Soots, an old kind of mayan vampires, they were supposed to be extinct, they dated since the conquest in Mexico. But apparently they weren’t, everything matched perfectly.
“I think I know what took him” He exclaimed louder turning around to the pack, book on his hands. Lydia walked toward him and took it from his hand, “Mayan vampires?” She asked frowning as if she was doubting about it, “Stiles this is-“
But he shook his head, “No, look, everything matches Lydia” He insisted showing to her the page with the information, “They’re immune to sunlights and fire, they can transform into fog, it all matches” He insisted feeling the hope inside him, he watched the book again, staring at the old drawing of a vampire, they were scary as hell but at least they knew what they were fighting against.
Slowly Lydia took the book from his hands, reading for herself, she finally sighed, “Are you sure? This things haven’t existed in years, how?” She finally asked looking up at him. Stiles stared at her in the eye before nodding when his phone began ringing. Everyone in the room turned to the new sound, surprised to hear it.
Stiles swallowed before walking to the chair where he had dropped his jacket. He quickly took his phone out, hopping it was only Scott calling but he cursed internally as he closed his eyes getting ready for the surely fight he was gonna have with his brother.
“Tony?” He asked unsure.
“Where the hell is your intercom?” He loudly asked over the phone. Stiles could hear the loud noises behind the line, he frowned confused “Whats going on?”
The noise became higher and Stiles could recognize the screams and the blasts of air, he was surely on his suit but why, “I asked you first!” Tony yelled exasperated. Stiles rolled his eyes, “I´m in Beacon Hills, didn’t want to be bother so I left it home” He muttered under his breath, making perfectly clear his brother was bothering him.
Tony was silent for what it felt an eternity, “WHAT?!”
Stiles moved away the phone from his ear, he sighed, ignoring everyones surprised and uncomfortable stares.
“I said I´m in Beacon Hills, we have a… situation, I´ll be back soon” He explained sitting on the chair, hand on his face, he didn’t have time for another fight with his brother. He heard Tony groaned and a loud noise, as if he had fallen against the ground, he frowned worried, “You’re alright?”
But Tony groaned again, “I can’t believe you’re gone! And you didn’t say anything, the moment we need you the most you idiot!”
Stiles frowned harder, “Whats going? Are you alright? Is Scott alright?” He immediately asked but he wide opened his eyes when he remembered, “Is Steve alright?” He immediately added cursing to himself, specially when he felt suspicious eyes on him. Tony sarcastically smirked, “Really? You’re worried about your boyfriend?”
Stiles shook his head, almost panicked at hearing the word, “Shut up Tony!” He madly exclaimed standing up, walking away from his friends. When he was far enough he talked again, “Whats is going on?”
He heard him deeply sighed, “We have no fucking idea” He answered tiredly. Stiles dropped his shoulders, “What do you mean? You have eyes, use them Tony” Stiles exclaimed.
“I mean we cant see them, they are… like shadow, red shadows, Scott doesn’t even know what they are” Tony explained exasperated. Stiles looked down, his mind already taking out conclusions, “They literally suck the energy out of you when you touch them?” He asked walking to the living room again. Lydia was suddenly on her feet, “Hold on” He mumbled putting the phone on speaker, he turned to the ginger girl, “Everything about Larvaes now” He asked as he put his attention back to his brother. Immediately Lydia went to the bookshelf, looking for it.
Tony groaned before a loud noise was hear, “How did you know?” He asked lightly impressed, “They are everywhere, Clint is already out and the cap can barely hold them, I don't know Natasha and Scott are”
Stiles swallowed hard, trying to ignore the cap and Scott´s part, “Tony, listen to me, do not touch them, they are specters of the dead” He explained as he gave a small smile to Lydia when she handed him an opened book, he quickly began reading.
“What? You mean fucking ghosts?! How is that even possible!”
Stiles sighed and passed a hand through his hair, “They are not ghosts!” He desperate hissed as he quickly read. Lydia took over the phone snatching it from Stiles hand, “You have to make noise” She muttered. Tony was silent for a few moments, “Noise? I think its loud enough in here, thank you very much”
Stiles shook his head, “She’s right, how manny of them are we talking about?” He worriedly asked.
“Tons Stiles, we can’t even count them, they are fucking shadows, they disappear”
“Listen to me Tony, the copper can hurt them, it works as silver for werewolves” Stiles instructed as he walked to he kitchen, where he began opening every cabinet, “What are you looking for?” Lydia asked already on his side, “I need black beans and salt” He instructed as he finished reading the instructions of the ritual against them.
“Are you sure?” Tony asked over the phone.
“Of course I am! Now, keep them busy for me, I know what to do but I need time” He exclaimed turning to Lydia, “We need the nemeton, I need a source of energy big enough to defeat them” He instructed Lydia, who only nodded, “I´ll drive” She exclaimed before taking the keys to her car.
Stiles grabbed all the ingredients with and arm and walked to the door, he stopped on his tracks when he was about to stepped outside the house, he gave a look to the pack, who where lightly shook and seemed out of the blue, Jackson raised his eyebrow questioning him, “Find everything you can about the mayan vampires, we´ll be back” Stiles instructed before he quickly ran to Lydia´s car.
“Stiles, its working!” Tony exclaimed excited, a hope clear on his voice. Stiles could hear the loud bangs of metal behind the line.
“Of course its working” He madly exclaimed holding to his seat bely when Lydia gave a weird dangerous curve, almost losing control for the speed. Stiles gave her a mad glaze but she only shrugged, “You said quickly” She innocently replied. Stiles watched amazed as they where quickly on driving beside the preserve, he then noticed she was driving to Derek´s loft.
“What are you going to do?” Tony asked after a couple of minutes of silence.
Stiles swallowed hard, “This things don’t appear in herd an attack people for themselves Tony, they were called by someone”
Tony was silent as he digested the bad news, “So, you mean, whoever did the ritual ages ago is the-“
“The same person who did this yeah” He mumbled to himself. Lydia gave him a side way look, thinking what he referred to about the other attack, but they were questions for later. She quickly parked the car close to the loft. She hadn’t even turn off her car when Stiles climbed down, “I´m gonna make a ritual to take them from your back, they will return from wherever the hell they came for, I´m going as fast as I can” He exclaimed worriedly when he heard Tony gasp in pain.
“Come on Lids” He mumbled taking her arm, quickly pushing her as the began running among the trees, looking for the nemeton. He could feel it every time closer and every time stranger, it wasn’t the same feeling he remembered. He gave a worried look to Lydia as they keep jogging, “I know, I can feel it too” She managed to mumble between gasps.
Suddenly among the trees, as an act of magic, Stiles could visualized the freaking cut tree, “There!” He breathed with relief as he ran faster. Tony yelled something over the phone making Stiles stop in dry, “Are you alright?” He asked with fear, trying no to show in his voice the panic he was feeling.
Tony groaned as if he was doing to much weight, “Whatever you’re planning to do, do it now!” He tiredly hissed. Stiles nodded to himself as he regained his walking only to stop in dry when he saw the supposedly sacred tree. He let out it his breath as he realized how dead it seemed, but it wasn’t, the pure magic it radiated was now gone. The truck seemed rotten and their roots were pitch black, the soil around him seemed dead as well, there was no grass around it or anything alive. It emanated such a dark and dangerous energy Stiles wanted to back away from that place, it screamed danger in every sense of the word, but he couldn’t backed away. He heard more loud noises on his phone and deeply sighed.
“I got your back Tony” He quickly whispered to his phone before throwing it to Lydia, who easily caught it. He launched himself toward the dark nemeton ignoring his beating heart. He quickly took out the salt and made a circle around the stem with it. He shook his head when his eyes suddenly visualize pure darkness, he groaned confused but didn’t stop, he didn’t have the luxury of it. When he finished he quickly stood up in top of the stem before looking around him, he gave a look to Lydia who was still on the same place, carefully staring at the nemeton, phone on her hand, black beans on the other. He quickly marked a protective figa on his forehead with the trials of salt, he shook his head when a flash of darkness appeared inside his head again, he didn’t know what was going on.
“Lydia pass me the beans” He asked out loud raising his hand, ignoring Tony´s loud scream asking him to move his ass. But she didn’t react, not even move her hand an inch. Her eyes were lost in the dark thing below his feet, “Lydia!” He blurted out with almost despair, he could feel the cold sweat running down his spine. She snapped into reality before looking up at him, she shook her head as she took out a bunch of dark beans, “Pass me nine of them” He instructed lowering his voice. Lydia nodded several times before handing them, “You alright?” Stiles asked watching her carefully.
But she immediately shook her head, backing away in almost fear, “I don’t… I don’t like this” She muttered before scratching her head with nervousness. Stiles nodded and deeply sighed before turning away. He kneeled, breathing for a moment before putting his palm against the rough surface, one more time all he could se was pure darkness. He snatched his eyes opened as he removed his hand, as if something was burning him. He felt the need to run away, get away from that darkness but Tony was still yelling, asking for help, he couldn’t let him down. Stiles shook his head ignoring his fear before putting his hand back against the rotten surface and closing his eyes.
He began reciting in low voice as he threw the beans behind his back "I throw them, and with them I save myself and mine”
He managed to say the second line before he was suddenly back at that dark tunnel from that distant, but not forgotten dream, immediately the fear ripped him apart, he knew he wasn’t alone.
“Stiles!” He heard his brother calling in despair. He frowned with his eyes still closed but he continue his task, "I throw them, and with them I save myself and mine” He said out loud again, this time louder, but he couldn’t scape his vision, it was slowly swallowing him. He kept trying to ignore the presence behind him, every time closer. But one more time he couldn’t move, he was frozen inside the dark tunnel, it was hunting him. He suddenly felt the presence moving around him, watching him, calling him. When his brother desperate yells were all he could hear, when the fear was all he could feel, when the presence was all he could see, raising his arm to touch his chest, Stiles somehow managed to finish his enchanting.
He let out a yell as he snatched his eyes opened and removed his hand away from the stem. He quickly threw himself away from the nemeton, falling against the dead ground. He felt a couple of hands grabbing his shoulders, “Its me! Breath!” He heard Lydia yelling repeatedly. Stiles took deep breaths as he looked around him, he was on the calm forest again, “Oh my god…” He whispered under his breath as he let himself leaned against Lydia´s chest, “You’re alright” She mumbled caressing his arms up and down. Stiles shook his head before suddenly straightening up.
“Tony…” He muttered before dragging himself to his phone, which was forgotten, resting on the grass. He took it on his shaky hands and removed the dirt and dead leaves from it, “Tony?” He asked half hopeful half worried. When he heard his brother huffed against the line, he closed his eyes and let out his breath with relief. He slowly stood up, “Your fine” He stated before clearing his throat.
“Please come back” Was all his brother could say. Stiles gave a look to Lydia, who had her arms around her, protecting herself from the cold wind. He turned to the black nemeton where the salt was beginning to disappear thanks to the air blasts. He slowly nodded and swallowed, “I´ll be there” He exclaimed quietly before finally hanging up.
“What was that?” He heard Lydia asked with tense voice. He looked up at her but remained his mouth shut, he had no idea what to answer, “Are you alright?” She asked worried, a perfect frown on her soft face.
Stiles shook his head and passed a hand through his hair, “I´ll be fine when we-“
He would never get to finish his sentence since a freaking vampire tackled him to the ground. He landed hard on the floor as he gasp for air, he heard Lydia screaming his name. He looked up impressed as he watched horrified as a bunch of winged creatures where suddenly surrounding them.
Stiles quickly stood up and walked to Lydia as he stared in tense panic the vampires flying around them, he didn’t even hear them coming. He recognized them from the drawing in the book, apparently he was right, there were freaking mayan vampires that believe to be extinct, except they weren’t, they were horrible creatures. Grey, wrecked skin and eyes red as blood. He watched amazed as one of them convert himself into fog and disappeared, they were in big trouble.
“Stiles, what do we do?” Lydia asked trying not to show how scared she truly was.
“Call the pack” Stiles mumbled preparing himself when he saw one of those things flying for him. He quickly threw a blast of air that sent the vampire away but it wasn’t enough, they were too many. He felt a couple of fangs taking his arm pulling him to the ground again. Stiles groaned as he felt his connections with the earth. He raised his hand and a powerful blast of dirt tackled the two vampires from him. He quickly took his phone out of his pocket as he dialogued Jackson´s number. He took one vampire from his leg when it went after Lydia, throwing him with strength to the other side, he heard as he hit hard against a tree.
“We know how to kill them!” Jackson exclaimed as soon as he picked up. Stiles half smiled at the good news, but he had to drop his phone to the grass as he took other vampire from the wing and crushed it to the ground. He grabbed his head, ignoring the loud squawks the creature was doing, calling for help, before breaking his neck. The creature fall dead on the ground. Stiles recovered his breath as he pick up his phone.
“Cutting their head won’t work Stiles, this things can grow back all their limbs” Jackson quickly exclaimed, in perfect time as Stiles watched in shock how the vampire began moving again, before twisting his head, getting it back to the normal position, his bones throbbing with the healing. Stiles swallowed stepping back, they were so screwed.
“How do you fucking kill this things?” Lydia asked yelling as she dodge the claws from one of the vampires before grabbing his head from the back and crashed it against the ground.
“You need a balsam wood stakes! We have them right here, were going as fast as when can guys” Jackson mumbled with desperation. Lydia and Stiles heard as the wheels from his car shrilled agains the road of dirt, they were closer to them. Stiles suddenly felt a pair of claws digging on his shoulders, he moaned in pain and surprised when he tried to free himself but the vampire was too damn strong. He raised him above the ground, almost a meter up when he crashed him against the ground. Stiles closed his eyes and felted the metallic taste of blood inside his mouth. For his not so pleasant surprise he felt the fangs digging in his shoulder, sucking every drop of blood inside his body. He snatched his eyes opened as he fought against the creatures grip, trying desperately to get rid of the horrible sensation. He put his hand on the ground and a blast of dirt pushed the vampire away from him. Stiles leaned on his elbows recovering himself, he quickly cleaned the blood away from his neck.
He watched around him again, he count five of the fucking vampires, they needed a distraction or they weren’t walking out of it alive. He kneeled on the ground before putting his fists against it. He groaned as he felt his power grow. He concentrated on the control of the wind around him, he closed his eyes with strength as he heard the air blasts every time moving faster, sending away everything at its pass. He felt Lydia´s back against his as she tried to protect herself from the strong wind. He heard as the creatures roared in protest and surprise as the burst send them away. He opened his eyes looking up, for a moment they were completely alone, he took deep breaths trying to recover his breath.
Jackson suddenly appeared among the trees, stakes ready on his arm. Stiles looked up impressed before half smiling, it was about damn time. He raised his hand as Jackson threw him a stake. He caught easily, in perfect time to stab one of those things right in the chest. The vampire opened his mouth a perfect o before dropping dead to the floor. He heard as his brothers yelled in clear anger.
“How did you got this?!” He asked dodging a pair of claws, before taking the vampires wing and pulled him to the ground, Stiles buried deep the stake in his back, between the wings.
Jackson groaned as he fought against a vampire, trying to put as much space as he could from the bloody fangs the monster was showing, thirsty of more blood. Jackson roared as his fangs came out and his eyes shined deep yellow, the creature tried to run away but Jackson dig his claws into his soft flesh before bitting into his neck. He quickly tear his throat apart. He took deep breaths as he watched the dead vampire fall against the ground in front of his feet.
“Werewolves bites can kill them too” He explained cleaning the blood away from his mouth at Stiles surprised glare.
“And now its the time you tell us?” Stiles asked impressed before aiming the stake to a vampires chest, he threw it with strength. Half smiling when it buried deep in his chest, killing the monster in an instant as he fell dead against the floor. Stiles then realized they were finally alone and the vampires completely dead around them. He closed his eyes with relief before tossing his head back, he tiredly rubbed his neck, feeling a shiver down his spine at the simple thought of one of those things sucking blood out of him again.
“They were courtesy of our dear Dr, Deaton” Jackson explained as he walked toward him, he spit with disgust to the ground, “Disgusting” He muttered to himself cleaning his mouth with his hand. Stiles watched him before lightly laughing under his breath. Jackson sighed and shook his head before laughing too.
Lydia stared at them before rolling her eyes, she put her hand against three deep cuts she had on her arm before looking around, “Where are the other three idiots?” She asked lightly worried but Jackson raised his arm calming her down, “First let me look at that” He whispered concerned. With extreme careful grabbing his girlfriend arm between his hands. He immediately began to take the pain away. Lydia gave him a small smile with relief before leaning against his chest.
Stiles watched them carefully before turning around, staring at the night sky, he felt something steaky running down his forehead, he sighed but didn’t make an intent to remove the blood, was there gonna be a moment of his life where he didn’t end up hurt, he didn’t think so, he put his hand on his nose and groaned at the pain, it was surely broken. He spit the blood from his mouth before sighing.
“We know where Derek is” Jackson suddenly exclaimed. Stiles stayed still, unable to breath, he felt as his heart frenetically began beating against his ribs, unable for him to control it, he slowly put a hand agains his chest bur didn’t turn around, he couldn’t. Jackson send an empathy stare to his friend when he heard his heart and smelled the pain radiating from him.
“When you guys left, we discovered this kind of vampires like to nest near a body of water and well theres only one near here” He added explaining, trying to change subject and smooth the air.
Stiles finally turned around with a perfect fake smile on his face, ready to thanked his friend, when one more time a fucking bloody creature, suddenly grabbed him for his arm. Stiles let out a gasp of surprised as he saw the ground every time farther from his feet. He heard the couple calling his name when the creature abruptly let him go, scratching his arm with his long claws on the process. He saw his life passing through his eyes as be began falling, hitting with the branches from the trees, before finally falling against the ground with a sonorous slap, he felt as the air abruptly left his lungs. He raised his arms trying to stood up when he felt a pressure on top of him. He felt the fangs dig into his neck as he took his blood away. Stiles raised his hand ready to defend himself, but apparently the creature wasn’t stupid and had surely being hidden, waiting for the perfect moment to attack. He knew about his powers because he immediately grabbed Stiles wrist between his big claws and squeezed with strength.
Stiles gasped several times as he began to lose energy, his head fall dead against the ground, the grass and dirt sticking to his sweaty face. He began to see everything blurry as he lose consciousness. He didn’t realize the weight was gone from him after a couple of seconds, he blinked and frowned confused trying to focus his view, he managed to recognized Erica´s fine features and her worried yellow eyes. He groaned as he slowly stood up with effort. He put his entire weight on one arm as he turned around to face, his still hot as hell, ex boyfriend standing in front of him. A dead vampire at his feet and blood on his mouth and he looked damn pissed, not to mention tired and sick as hell, he needed a fucking bath.
“Shit…” Stiles muttered to himself as he put a hand on his head, a terrible headache threatening to appear. He looked up again at Derek and noticed the thick beard on him and god, Stiles heart began to beat with rapidity.
“Thanks for that” He managed to say, straightening up with effort. He gasped under his breath when his shoulder protested in pain. Stiles looked down to it and noticed the bone out of place, of course he had ended up with a dislocated shoulder.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Derek madly asked walking toward him, fists closed. Stiles immediately backed away at the proximity, almost afraid at hearing his voice, it had been so long. He had actually prepared emotionally for that moment but it was nothing compared to his thoughts, he couldn't even breath correctly at the nervousness. He shook his head and swallowed, he felt he was gonna throw up any time soon, “Saving you freaking ass Derek, what do you think?” He answered back almost with anger, immediately regretting his words when Derek´s show his blue eyes at him and a low roar sounded from his chest.
Stiles raised one arm in clear defeat, he truly didn’t want to fight, he was glad to see him alive, but why? He had to idea why the vampires had kept him alive, maybe they liked to had fun a little bit, for all Stiles could see, they had been feeding on Derek since the day they captured him, it was a pretty hard image to see him like that, “Relax Derek, Lydia called me, needed some help with research, thats all” He explained leaning against Erica when he felt his head spin, he had lost so much blood and energy. He rubbed his forehead with tiredness when Derek spoke again, making the little blood he had inside his system, freeze.
“Leave” Derek suddenly exclaimed between gritted teeth.
Stiles stayed quiet, in true shock, he heard as Lydia and Jackson suddenly appeared. Stiles swallowed feeling the embarrassment leave his body in waves, “What?” He managed to ask, he couldn’t quite think in that moment, he body wasn’t letting him think, but still that word pierce his heart with every strength.
“I said leave Stiles, no one asked for your help” Derek hissed again, never taking his eyes off him.
“Derek…” Lydia whispered trying to step in but Stiles immediately raised his hand. Lydia froze on her tracks and dropped her shoulders, “I´m leaving” He mumbled already walking away with the tiny dignity he had left, he wanted to say something more but he couldn’t figure out what to do, what could be his next step, hug him? Derek would pushed him away and Stiles wouldn’t bear that, so yeah, he walked away, if that was was Derek wanted, he was doing it.
He could still feel Derek´s eyes stuck on his back, he could perfectly imagined him, the pain and guilty written all over his face but Stiles wasn’t strong enough to face it, one more time he was running away and he was glad for doing it.
For what it felt an eternity, he managed to find the quinjet, gladly it didn’t took him that long, only a couple of minutes. The ramp descended for him in matter of seconds, Stiles was beginning to see little stars in his vision. He needed to rest, the vampire had sucked too much blood from him. He dragged his feet inside, “New York please, as fast as you can” He mumbled to the console as he dropped his ass on the seat. He immediately saw everything upside down, he wide opened his eyes and shook his head, groaning when he moved his shoulder too much.
He suddenly heard his phone inside his pocket. He dropped his head against the seat, “Answer please” He asked out loud. He closed his eyes for a moment and half smiled when he recognized the voice.
“Pretty toy you have there” Jackson mumbled against the line. Stiles smirked before nodding, “I can lend it to you, only if you promise to stop calling me pack mom”
He heard as Jackson laughed under his breath, “You know that can’t happen pack mom” He happily answered making Stiles smiled. They were silent for a few seconds before Stiles spoke again, “You followed me” He stated without doubt.
“Hey, who do you think kept you ass alive?” Jackson asked with mockery. Stiles could perfectly visualize his cocky grinned on his face, “Your girlfriend” Stiles easily replied, laughing when he heard him gasp. Jackson laughed too before sighing, “Don’t be a stranger again Stiles, you know Derek didn’t mean to…”
But as Jackson perfectly imagined, Stiles quickly cut him off, “It doesn’t matter guys, of course I´ll be back” He truly promised, wishing he had at least said goodbye to his friends but his head was a constant martyr. Jackson stayed quiet for what it felt an eternity, “See you then buddy” And he hung up.
Stiles let out his breath as he stared at his shoulder again, it was killing him. He raised his injured arm, cursing out loud at the pain, but he had to put the bone back. With his other hand he pulled his arm until he heard the bone crunching back at his place again, “Fuck!” He yelled at the sudden relief his body felt. He slowly ripped his shirt and use it to make an improvised string, he put it on before closing his eyes for only a moment, to rest them. But when he opened them again, the quinjet was resting inside the tower. He wide opened his eyes looking around him, he must had passed out after treating his arm. He tiredly rubbed his face, what an awful fucking trip. He laughed under his breath at the ridiculous it had been, dark visions, mayan vampires and an asshole ex boyfriend.
“Stiles?” He heard Jarvis calling him unsure. Stiles cursed under his breath, looking up. He forced his body to stand up, “How long-“ He tried to ask when his head spin again. He put his hand against his forehead, he was feeling much better but he still needed to rest and some damn food.
“You arrived one hour ago sir, I tried to wake you up but wouldn’t respond, I didn’t call anyone”
Stiles shook his head and half smile, “You’re truly my angel Jarvis” He mumbled as he got out of the jet. He walked to the elevator as the doors opened, “Is everyone alright?” He worriedly asked remembering the attack, “How bad was it?” He asked climbing inside.
But Jarvis didn’t answer his question, “They managed to control the damage sir, everyone is asleep”
Stiles could only image the lost lives, he closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead again, as if somehow it could ease his pain, “And Scott?”
“He seems less guilty sir, he’s alright” Jarvis answered. Stiles smiled with happiness, they were good news, terrific news, finally some good news. He then remembered he didn’t have any left food on his flat thanks to a certain werwolf ate everything in his nervousness, “To the common room please Jarvis” He quietly asked. He heard as the elevator went up and up until the doors opened. Stiles quickly climbed down only to realize the sun was already rising. He swallowed as he dragged his feet to the fridge when he side way noticed the couch, it looked so damn comfortable. He slowly sat down, resting his head against the seat. He let out his breath as he put his injured arm against his chest, it was gonna be healed in matter of hours, but it still hurt.
He didn’t mind to fall asleep but he felted so out of energy, exhausted. He then remembered the nemeton, how dark it had converted and then his visions. His skin shivered just at the thought of them, whatever thing was inside that imaginary tunnel with him, had something to do with everything that was going on, he just had to figured out who or what it was. The sleep began to drag him again, he was lightly conscious as his body was slowly falling, until he touched the cushions, he moaned in pain when his arm was trapped below the weight of his body. He settled himself and leaned against his back. His mind began to wonder, ready to fall asleep when he suddenly heard a gasp.
“Stiles?” He heard someone calling his name, pure worried surprise. He wide opened his eyes and straightened up, immediately regretting his decision when his stomach twist. He then felt a pair of strong but soft hands holding his shoulders. Stiles moaned getting away from the touch when his shoulder protested in pain. He quickly looked up and stared in complete surprise at those knwon blue eyes.
“Steve…” He breathed with relief, trying to half smile, but his eyes closed again, unable for him to stop them.
“What the hell happened?” Steve asked worriedly, frowning when Stiles didn't open his eyes, not even tried to do it, “Stiles” He hissed kneeling in front of the man before cupping his cold face between his hands. Stiles leaned without thinking against the touch. Steve swallowed and twisted the mouth as he stared at his face, he had a cut in the forehead and his nose was crooked and it was beginning to get purple, it incredible stand out against his pale skin.
“Stiles?” He tried again clapping him lightly. He managed to open his eyes before focusing in Steve´s eyes. Stiles let out his breath and sighed, he removed Steve’s hand from his face and backed away.
“Mayan vampires kidnapped my ex boyfriend” He managed to explain with a hand movement. Steve raised his eyebrows before shaking his head in disbelief, “What?” He breathed in shock. Stiles deeply sighed, “Exactly as you heard big guy” He answered with a tired smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Help me stand up, would ya?” Stiles asked already standing up. Steve swallowed as he stepped back, watching as Stiles stumbled with his feet, he seemed almost drunk. He quickly grabbed what it seemed, Stiles good arm, “What the hell happened to you?” He madly asked as they slowly began walking away. But Stiles hummed in clear disapproval, “Cursing is bad cap”
Steve sighed exasperated, “Stiles…” He hissed.
“Vampire attack Steve, what do you think” Stiles answered in desperation, showing his neck where two perfect dots appeared, exactly the spot the fucking bloodsuckers had fed off him. Steve stared at them freezing in his steps, staring at them in complete utter horror shock, “Why didn’t you ask for help?! You could have been killed!” He madly exclaimed, trying but terribly falling not to show how much he cared.
Stiles gave him a long, careful glare, “You’re worried?” He asked impressed under his breath but Steve only shook his head and regain the walking. Stiles swallowed, trying to ignore how fast his chest was beating with such information.
“Worrying is all I do for you” He finally answered, painfully honest, getting Stiles inside the elevator, who only stared at his feet, his dirty sneakers filled with dust and dried blood, he then remembered he had the same gym clothes from the day before, he must looked like crap. Stiles decided it was better to ignore those words, he couldn’t deal with with the excitement he heard at them.
“Its what we do, what I do, protect Beacon Hills against dark creatures since Scott was bitten” He explain shrugging one shoulder, it was practically the only life he knew in that place, “I need some food” He mumbled when he felt his head spinning again. Steve stayed quietly, he didn’t know what to say. The only thought on his mind was that it was the second time he helped him walked because he was too hurt to even move, too tired and Stiles just blurted things out and expected no one to worried about him? What a bunch of crap, what did he expected from them? To not worry? How could Steve not worry when everything he wanted to do was hug him and take his visibly pain away.
“He asked me to leave” Stiles suddenly exclaimed, so low Steve barely listened to him, “What?”
“Derek” Stiles explained, “He fucking asked me to leave, after I saved his ass, he asked me to leave”
Steve didn’t even bother to protest against the bad words. He squeezed Stiles arm against his hand and shook his head, “My flat?” He was all he could think of asking.
Stiles gave him a half smile before slowly nodding, “Would you leave again?” He asked, his brain catching up too late, but it was out.
Steve stared at him lightly surprised, watching his perfect side face, “I´ll be there when you wake up” He answered under his breath. Walking again when the doors opened. Stiles let his ass be dragged, trying not to think too much about the fact he felted so relief Steve was staying that time. They walked in perfect silence until they were in front of the bed. Stiles sat on the edge of the bed, where he began taking his clothes off.
“Let me” He heard Steve ask without really asking. He only managed to nod as he watched him kneeled in front of him, taking away his shoes. Steve´s hands hesitated a seconds, debating if he should help him get rid of his pants but he shoved away his insecurities. He began taking his pants away.
“Don’t tell Tony about this, I don't want him to worry” Stiles asked standing up letting Steve removed completely his pants, “Sorry for not being here in the attack” He honestly added.
Steve gave him a glare and shook his head, “Sorry for not being there with you” He answered lightly pushing Stiles for him to finally lay down. Stiles half smiled and shrugged with his good shoulder, “You’re too good for me big guy” He admitted, as if it was already a fact. Steve deeply sighed, trying not to give so much thinking to his words, “Just sleep Stiles” He whispered, watching as the man only managed to nod and he was completely fall asleep. Steve dropped himself in the nearest chair still watching his softened purple face. He put his hand against his mouth and leaned his elbow against his knee. Wishing, hoping he had being there for him, defend him from the monsters, his own monsters but he couldn’t. All he could do was support him and being there when he wake up.