CHAPTER EIGHT
Stiles bit his nail, nervously bouncing his leg as he stared at the back of Tony´s head, who was resting against his backrest, trying to get some decent sleep. He shook his head as his mind thought one more time about the kiss, that perfect kiss. It was as if he couldn’t block it, since it happened he hadn’t been able to think about something else, anything else. It kept popping inside his head over and over. He knew he had fucked up the moment the elevator doors closed behind him and he stared at his lonely, quiet flat. He had managed to one more time, push Steve away a little more. They had just started being… friends again and his stupid horny, coward head had to ruin everything.
“Can you please tell me whats going on with you?” Scott asked urgently, suddenly appearing beside him, he had being watching Stiles act weird all morning, specially every time Steve did or said something, immediately he knew something had happened but his friend had being avoiding him since he woke up. Stiles lightly flinched and gave him a mad stare, muttering under his breath. Scott frowned more confused and faced him, “Seriously dude, what the hell happened?” He asked puzzled, carefully watching his friend.
But Stiles only scoffed, “Besides the fact I´m gonna be spending my precious time along with my ex boyfriend and my idiotic brother as I look for sacred trees all around the fucking world?” He annoyingly asked without asking before crossing his arms over his chest, accommodating himself in the tiny seat, giving Scott his back.
“Jeez…” Scott whispered, slowly walking around the sit to face him again. Stiles sighed rolling his eyes trying to ignore him, “You’re a pain in the ass in the mornings” Scott exclaimed, perfectly knowing he was getting into his friends nerves. Finally Stiles straightened up, raising his arms, “Everyone in here is trying to get some sleep but you’re annoying voice isn’t letting them” He hissed between gritted teeth before standing up and walking away, getting near to the large window.
He gave a quick staring to the quinjet, everything was perfectly quiet as the team tried to get some energy, everyone was exhausted, except from Natasha and Bruce that had stayed back in the tower, her leg wasn’t completely cured and Bruce wanted to stay behind with her. Stiles didn’t question him or his reasons, but everyone in the tower seemed to know what was going on between them expect for them. Unintentionally his eyes landed on Steve´s still body, his chest slowly moving up and down, the man could barely fit correctly in his seat.
“Omg… something happened between you two” Scott suddenly exclaimed appearing beside him, making one more time Stiles flinch. Scott looked between his friend and the asleep men and wide opened his eyes when Stiles didn’t say anything, instead he looked down, his cheeks turning deep red, “Oh dear god, something happened!” He exclaimed out loud, not being able to control his voice. Immediately Stiles shush him annoyed. They watched as Tony deeply groaned and settled himself in a different position before he completely fall asleep again.
Stiles closed his eyes in relief but still didn’t say anything, “I can smell him all over you and your damn confused emotions Stiles” Scott whispered, trying to put hand on his arm but Stiles slowly shook his head before putting his hands against his face, “I feel guilty alright?” He exclaimed against them, his voice sounding cushioned, he could feel the shame inside him for just saying those words out loud.
Scott sighed and twisted his mouth, he lowered his eyes, “You like him?” He asked under his breath. But Stiles snatched his hands down and frowned, as if he was personally offended by the question, he opened his mouth, one word dying to come out but he couldn’t say it out loud, not even inside his head, “Oh man” He muttered instead, his body leaning against the glass.
“Stiles…” Scott began, putting a hand on his shoulder trying to gain his attention, “Look man, you can’t decide how you feel, you don’t control it, pushing them away will only confuse you even more” He said trying to reason with him but Stiles shook his head, it was too damn early for such a talk like that, but Scott wasn’t backing away, “You didn’t ask for this Stiles, the same way you didn’t ask for stop being in love with Derek, so stop overthinking so much, it will ruin you”
Stiles snatched his head up with surprise at hearing those words. He never asked for stop being in love with Derek, the same way he didn’t ask for Steve to show up and certainty not that… attraction. Scott was right, completely right and Stiles was doing nothing about it. He was an idiot, an idiot that had just broken up a nearly five year relationship. And accepting his feelings for Steve, would only complicate things even more. They were in the middle of a quest, there was no time for lame feelings, if Stiles could even call them that. He shook his head with despair, his mind in a complete blast, “Look Scott, I don’t want to think about or feel about it, I just want to forget it” He exclaimed honestly, titling his head, feeling the urge to finish their talk.
Scott kept his mouth shut, thinking his buddy was an idiot and a coward but it was still his buddy and he still had his good reasons to avoid his feelings, after all, it was what he had always done, “As long as you’re sure of what you’re doing Stiles, I´ll support you on everything you decide dude” He truthful answered, clapping him in the back with tender.
A quiet alarm began to sound all over the ship, letting know they had arrived their destination. Stiles dropped his head on his hand with tiredness and rubbed it, as he heard the team waking up around him.
“Breath” Scott whispered beside him, before quickly walking away to grab his things. Stiles took a deep long breath, following his advise and raised his head. He looked through the window and stared at the top of the trees appearing through the clouds along with the orange sun, as they went down. They really had arrived. No one spoke much, everyone too tired to say something meaningful. Stiles picked up his improvised bag in complete silence, stealing quick glances from Steve as he arranged himself. The man seemed so tired and somehow drained from life. Stiles wished he could say something to him, pass his hands through his messy perfect hair, trying to comb it but he knew he had fucked it up and getting near him wasn’t an option.
“Stop staring at him” Scott suddenly whispered behind him. Stiles jumped at hearing his voice, he turned around, eyebrows raised, “Stop it!” He exclaimed annoyed but Scott only laughed under his breath. Stiles shook his head and one more time he gave a glare at Steve, “I can’t help it” He muttered painfully honest, pursing his lips. Scott twisted his mouth and put a hand on his shoulder, dragging him away from the cap, in front of the ramp, as they waited for it to descend, “Just play it cool dude” He advised him, as if it was really that simple.
Stiles scoffed as he arraigned the weight of his bag on his shoulder. The quinjet landed on earth, the same spot Stiles had the last time he was in there, it seemed ages ago, “Here we go” He bitterly murmured as the ramp slowly descended, letting in a small burst of wind. Erica, Lydia and Jackson standing outside of the ship, waiting for them.
Stiles couldn’t help but smile as he saw Scott already running outside, dropping his bag to the ground as he hug Lydia and Erica. Slowly he walked outside toward Jackson, dropping his bag on the ground as well. That time they did hug each other. Jackson clapped him in the cheek as they stepped away, a half smile on his lips.
“Its good to see you man” Jackson said happily. Stiles deeply sighed but smiled too, titling his head, almost pained. Jackson smirked nodding with understanding, “I´m sorry dude and honestly, good luck pack mom” He muttered before laughing out loud when Stiles scoffed and lightly pushed him away at hearing one more time his freaking nickname.
Jackson stared at something behind him, narrowing his eyes with suspicion. Stiles followed his line of view and sighed again when he noticed who he was staring, “Its him huh?” Jackson asked under his breath as he watched Steve walked out of the quinjet with weariness, he looked like total crap, Stiles could only figure out why.
“Shut it” Stiles immediately said, pointing him with a finger as his cheeks turned deep red.
“You have always like big guys” Lydia exclaimed on his side as she carelessly put her elbow on his shoulder, watching the cap as he stretched his arms above his head, Stiles tilted his head watching a pad of hair disappear through his jeans. Steve suddenly looked up at them, eyebrow raised, lightly confused. Him and Lydia reacted immediately and turned around, holding their breaths. Stiles couldn’t help but laugh under his breath with sadness and shake his head, she was totally right, “Hey blondie” He greeted instead putting his arm around her. Lydia deeply sighed hugging him back, “Oh honey, good luck” She muttered, almost with pity. Stiles rolled his eyes letting her go, “You’re all asses” He muttered under his breath. Widely smiling when Erica extended her arms toward him.
“Hey cat woman” He exclaimed, letting himself be dragged into her arms around his neck, “Oh my…” She exclaimed impressed against his neck, “I can smell him all over you” She added cupping his face on her hands, squeezing his cheeks. Stiles rolled his eyes again and sighed as he shrugged, the long shower he had took that morning hadn’t helped in the minimum.
“Are you gonna introduce us or what?” He heard Tony asked behind them with exasperation, watching how his brother let the curly bundle girl play with his cheek, who would have thought it? Stiles was a softie after all. Erica let him go impressed, her eyes wide opened as she stepped away of him.
Stiles cleared his throat, “Yeah ah, guys this is my brother” He introduced him, confused if he should call him Tony or his brother. He finally shook his head, it was literally the same thing, “This is Lydia, Erica and Jackson” He added nodding, staring how Tony put on his charming smile and shook their hands, introducing himself as Tony Stark, honestly Stiles was sure he just liked to say his name out loud so people would be impressed, and for what he saw it was working perfectly fine, specially with Lydia.
“This is Clint” He exclaimed grabbing his arm, pushing him to the front. Clint send him a mad stare before showing a kind smile, greeting everyone. Stiles pointed his thumb to Thor, who was already hugging everyone, “This is blondie the second, Thor” He muttered watching Jackson´s uncomfortable face as he let himself be hugged to dead.
Lydia sent him a glare, raising her eyebrows in questioning. Stiles shrugged and twisted his mouth, clearly without other explanation than he was way too blonde to not be call like that. Lydia huffed and shook her head, “I´m blondie the first apparently” She said with a kind smile, opening her eyes impressed as he hugged her with even more strength. Thor dropped her on the ground, a wide excited smile on his face as they began a conversation about blonde hair and its advantages. Stiles shook his head confused at they chit chat before turning to Steve, only to find he already had his eyes on Stiles, eyebrows raised waiting for being introduced and yeah, he looked so serious and dry Stiles felt something in his stomach switch.
“And this is Steve guys” He finally mumbled, watching concerned as he gave polite smiles and shook their hands. The three idiots of his friends, eyeing him from head to toe, according to them, playing cool but they intentions were completely obvious. It was a treat Steve decided to let it just pass.
They all kept politely smiling at each other, waiting for someone to say something. Lydia suddenly cleared her throat at the awkward silence, gaining everyones attention, “So, this way” She exclaimed kindly smiling, beginning her walk. Everyone looked at each other before following her in complete silence.
“Where are we staying?” Scott asked from behind as he watched his step, already excited for seeing the complete pack again after so long, don’t get him wrong, he had loved his stay in New York, specially with Stiles and the team but he had missed the pack. Lydia swallowed and stayed quiet for a few seconds, gaining a curious stare from Stiles.
“At the loft” She finally admitted between her teeth. Twisting her mouth when Stiles momentary stop on his tracks impressed. He hang opened his mouth before catching up with her, “What?” He breathed pursing his lips, “He’s not letting me stay in there” He hissed, nodding repeatedly when Lydia gave him a long stare.
“Neither the captain” He heard Jackson said from somewhere behind them, the mockery clearly behind his voice. Stiles raised his eyes looking for him madly. Scott laughed like a dork beside him as same as Tony and Clint somewhere behind him. Thor too busy with his own thoughts but Steve was nowhere to be seen or heard. Stiles closed his eyes cursing under his breath, “I hate you all” He whispered tiredly, smiling when everyone laughed, except Steve, he remained painfully quiet.
“Well, what are you going to do idiot? Stay in a hotel?” Lydia asked giving him a quick stare. Stiles scoffed playing offended, “I´m a millionaire, I think I can afford to do whatever the hell I want” He answered as if it was obvious, lightly bumping her shoulder.
“You're not seriously staying at a hotel” Jackson exclaimed impressed. Stiles remained silent watching his feet and finally shrugged, “I mean, if its uncomfortable already, imaging us sleeping at the same place for days, we´ll kill each other!”
“You guys did it for four years Stiles, it will be a piece of cake this time!” Scott muttered appearing at his side, a stupid smile on his face. Stiles opened his mouth impressed, his blood freezing when he suddenly heard Steve clearing his throat in clear discomfort. Stiles looked down shaking his head ashamed, “Can we please stop talking about my failed relationship?” He asked without even asking, raising his voice to left it in perfect clear. The team and the pack maintained their mouths shut for a complete big, long minute.
“If you’re staying at a fancy hotel, I call to be your roommate” Scott suddenly exclaimed raising his hand. Everyone around him sighed annoyed, muttering between teeth, “My god” Stiles whispered exasperated under his breath as he walked faster, leaving behind him the gang of pure gossips.
It didn’t took them long to arrive to the loft. Every step Stiles took, getting nearer to it, the more nervous he got. He stopped in dry staring at the tall building, the team and pack passing by his side in complete silence. He swallowed narrowing his eyes at the reflect of the sun, rising his hand to cover himself up. He let out his breath about to regain his walk when he accidentally stumbled against someone and yeah that someone was Steve, “Sorry” Stiles breathed wide opening his eyes. Steve gave him an unrecognizable stare and never stopped walking.
Stiles dropped his shoulders watching him leave, “Thats the coldest stare I have ever seen” Clint muttered innocently beside him, already wondering what possible thing Stiles had done to receive that kind of stare, specially from the dork of Steve Rogers. Stiles sighed and shook his head, “Wipe the slate clean dude” He exclaimed regaining his walk, “Wipe the slate clean” He repeated under his breath to himself, everything would be just great, he already knew that, it didn’t matter he didn’t believe it.
His hand stopped centimeters away from the doorknob, he stared at the metal door for seconds, hearing how the voices stopped talking inside the loft, already knowing there was people outside. He couldn’t do it, he backed away several steps, shaking his head, “You go ahead” He told Lydia, already putting a hand on her back, pushing her to the front.
“Your gonna have to deal with him Stiles, sooner or later, you’ll have to” Lydia exclaimed as she wide opened the door, a sonorous metallic slap that made the team jumped impressed. Scott pushed Stiles to a side as he ran inside, his arms wide opened as he embraced Derek in a huge hug. Stiles was only able to remain on his place, eyes locked in Derek bright smile. The pack and team moved around him, slowly entering the loft.
“Breath Stiles, breath” Tony muttered kindly, putting a hand on his back, lightly pushing him inside the large room, Stiles was only able to swallow, grateful for the push. Immediately Derek´s eyes were on him, his blood freeze but his legs continued moving. They stared at each other as Scott let him go and proceed to hug Isaac.
Stiles finally stopped in the middle of the living room, it was as exactly as he remembered, he side way stared at the grey individual sofa Stiles had gave him on one of their anniversary, he thought Derek had left it in their old apartment, surely abandoned by then. He half smiled, swallowing hard and raised his hand, ignoring the suddenly urge to hug him. Derek returned the gesture as he slowly walked toward him, hands inside his black jeans.
“Hey” Derek whispered, looking down. Stiles swallowed at hearing his deep voice, he tried to control his beating heart but he noticed he was terribly failing when Derek half smiled. Stiles let out his breath, he felted so shy. For a moment he kept forgetting it was Derek he was talking about, besides his romantic partner, they had been friends first. Derek was one of the few persons that knew him that well.
“You look good” He answered weakly, putting his hands inside his pockets too, “Better than last time” He added, clearing his throat when Derek raised his eyebrows, god he had missed the eyebrows, “I mean, you look cleaner than last time and not pale and all covered in blood and yeah… am, its, its good to see you under normal conditions, well not that normal just, you know, no one in risk of dying or something like that, at least not right now” He painfully rambled, his cheeks turning deep red, unable to just stop talking.
“Oh god” He heard Lydia muttered somewhere inside the room, followed by surely Jackson´s stupid chuckle. Only then Stiles kept his mouth shut and nervously let out his breath but Derek was trying no to laugh at him, “Its good to see you too Stiles” He replied instead under his breath, his voice deep and smooth. Stiles smiled at hearing his words, looking up only to notice the entire room was staring at them.
Stiles opened his mouth when he realized Steve’s eyes were fixed on him, something indescribable written in them. His smile was immediately gone as well as Derek´s one, who only was able to look between the two of them as the reality hit him.
Derek stared at Steve, who was leaning against the frame, he seemed relax and carefree but his beats were betraying him, his heart was frantically beating. Before Derek could think what he was doing he walked toward him, his hand raised, “Derek” He muttered sharply.
Steve looked down at his hand for a couple of seconds before taking it, “Steve”
Derek frowned as he wide opened his eyes in complete surprise. He could smell Stiles all over him, feel him in that unknown man, the jealously radiating from him in waves. Derek let go from his hand in an instant, as if he was burned, looking between him and Stiles, his heart beginning to hurt. He looked down stepping back in complete shock, it had to be a goddamn joke, a truly cruel joke. But when Stiles shook his head and quickly walked away, Derek knew it wasn’t. And that new smell emanating from him was the feelings he had for other man.
Stiles deeply sighed as he walked to the kitchen completely ignoring the drama in the living room, he was there to do one thing and one thing only and that was researching about sacred forests. He opened the fridge, twisting his mouth when he found absolutely nothing, only a lonely piece of cheese, Derek was so weird. He close the fridge with strength, cursing the moment they decided it was a good idea to stay at the loft. He leaned on the marble table, taping his fingers against it before making up his mind.
He quickly walked out, gladly to see everyone was at least chit chatting under their breaths, deciding it was a good idea to just pass that awkward meeting. He sighed as he took Lydia´s car keys from the bowl beside the door. Tony gave him a concerned look, raising his eyebrow in questioning. Stiles raised the keys and waved them in answer as if it was obvious. He was about to leave when he managed to give a glance at a pair of old set of keys. He turned his head impressed, they were the old keys to his jeep. He stared at them in complete surprised before slowly taking them into his hand, they were covered in dust.
He opened his mouth, frowning. His jeep was supposed to be destroyed after a long battle between duct tape and crazy mad creatures. He turned to Derek, who was listening Scott talk and talk about something, he seemed exasperated and about to shut Scott up. He closed his hand into a fists and squeezed them, nodding to himself.
Quietly he opened the large door, giving a quick glare to the room before closing it behind him. He hurriedly climbed down the stairs, a new excitement he thought he couldn’t feel as long as he was in that place was starting to grow inside him. He quickly stepped inside the garage, where Derek´s black Camaro was, along with Lydias and Jacksons cars. In the furthest of the large room, below a white blanket, covered in dust, he was able to distinguish the wheels of his beloved, almost forgotten jeep.
He impatiently took the blanket into his hands before pulling it to the ground. A blast of dust spreading out around him, “Oh my god” He whispered before laughing, as he touched his still blue car, his car with new, renovated pieces. He wasted no time and climbed inside, even the seats seemed new. He passed his fingers through them as he couldn’t help be flooded by memories, all kind of memories. He thought his car was in some dumpsters at the outsides of the town, but instead it was calmly resting inside Derek´s loft. He couldn’t believe he fixed it. How was it even possible?
After a couple of tries the car actually came to life. Stiles laughed impressed, smiling at the living sweet roar his car made as he pressed the throttle. He honestly couldn’t believe Derek did it for him, it was too much. And he was surely not supposed to find it. He rested his hands on the wheel thinking when did Derek had the time to arrange it. If he had done it after their breakup, Stiles wasn't so sure it was a good idea to take it, but on the other hand… it was only accumulating dust. One more time he muttered a silent fuck it as he drove away.
The road to the nearest supermarket was heaven. It had been quiet and without interruptions from his car, it worked perfectly alright. He looked up at the grey sky as he climbed down, closing the door behind him. He felt a tiny, cold drop falling in his cheek, it was gonna rain anytime soon. He looked around him, the parking lot was almost empty, except for an old man climbing into his car. Stiles realized how changed the town seemed, how grey and gloomy it felt, waiting for better days to come.
He put his hands inside his jacket, trying to gain some heat as he walked to the store, his boots making a loud pounding against the quiet environment. A small bell was heard as he steeped inside the store, he looked both sides of the long hallway and realized it was completely empty too, even the shelves had too little items on them. He sighed lightly impressed as he walked to the cash register, where the employee was standing behind it, his hands resting on the counter, completely immobile. Stiles stared at him frowning waiting for him to react, breath, something but he never moved or even blink.
He finally shrugged, accepting the fact, sometimes people were just plain weird. Stiles stepped into his line of view, a bright, charming smile on his face, ready to order. But the man´s eyes where lost somewhere behind him. Stiles followed his eyes confused trying to find something worth staring at but found absolutely nothing, just the refrigerators filled with sodas and other drinks. He slowly returned to the cashier, only to find the man madly grinning at him. He would be lying if he said he didn’t flinch, lightly stepping back.
Stiles stayed still before nervously smiling too, “Hey” He muttered under his breath. They guy nodded once but never opened his mouth, “Alright…” Stiles said before clearing his throat, “Can I have two bottles of vodka please?” He asked watching as the guy walked away, a peculiar jerky steps like a puppet. The seller kneeled searching for the order when Stiles noticed he had his shoes on the wrong feet, his skin seemed almost dead and dried. Stiles swallowed taking out his wallet and a couple of bills. The man put with truth effort the two bottles on the desk before taking a long deep breath, as if he was gonna faint in any moment. He stretched his long arm, opening his thick fingers and accepted the money. Stiles remove his hand before they could touch each other.
“Having a dinner party sir?” The seller asked, his voice sounding without feeling, almost like a robot. Stiles blinked before taking the bottles, he stepped back a little before half smiling, “Yeah sure, why not?” He answered ready to walk out, “Keep the change” He muttered noticing the madly smile was back at the cashier´s face as well as his eyes stared at the front again. Once again the guy stayed still waiting for his next costumer.
Stiles was quickly inside his car, watching how the rain finally began falling with a sudden strength. He shook himself, trying to get rid of the odd sensation that weird man had left in him. He started his car and easily incorporated to the road, leaving the market behind him, the lights disappearing the further he went into the road, among the trees. He narrowed his eyes trying to see past the rain, but in matter of seconds the sky began to fall with rapidity and it was making difficult for him to drive.
“Come on” He exclaimed out loud trying to force the car, but the road back to the loft was starting to get muddy. He pressed the mottler several times trying to get out of the hole he had gotten himself into when he managed to see the smoke coming out of the hood of the car. He let out all his breath parking beside the road before the car literally died. He dropped his head against the wheel, cursing between his teeth, it had to be a goddamn joke. It would be too good to be truth if he had driven his bloody jeep without any kind of mishaps. He quickly took out his phone and noticed the few signal there was, “Fuck” He whispered raising his phone but there was no luck.
He gave a look at the pouring rain and sighed, it was getting good sign or walking all the way back to the loft, his ability to tele transport himself was still too weak for the night before. He climbed off the car, immediately getting soak wet as he ran under a tree, trying to keep as dry as he could his phone. He quickly dialogued Lydias number.
“Come on Lids” He exclaimed looking around him, he was completely alone and all he could hear was the rain. He cursed out loud when she didn’t answer, he quickly looked up for Tony´s number and sighed as he pressed his number. After seconds passed, he was about to hung up when he managed to hear his brother voice. He frowned confused, “Tony? Can you hear me?” He tried but his brother kept saying incoherent things behind the static, Stiles couldn’t understand shit, “Tony, my car broke down I need help, Tony? Tony!”
The line went dead and Stiles cursed, he stared at his phone before putting it away, shaking his head. Once again he climbed inside his car, not even bothering to close the door. He passed his hand through his wait hair, making drops of water fall everywhere. He tried starting the car again but the engine made a strong noise before dying. Stiles dropped his hand defeated, he gave a look to the rain and sighed, guess it was walking back to the loft.
He wrapped himself with his coat before steeping out. He use his inner fire to warm up at least a little, the rain hadn’t decrease, in fact Stiles thought it was only getting stronger. He looked up at the sky, but the fog was making it pretty hard to see something. For a moment he was actually a little concern another mayan vampire was going to attack him. He accelerated his pace as he felt his paranoia increase. He smiled pleased when he saw the loft raising in front of him the closer he walked. He removed the wet hair from his forehead and jogged until he was inside the building.
He quickly removed his coat and squeeze it trying to removed as much water as he could, he was soaking wet. He climbed the stairs, his teeth and body shivering from the cold. He was about to finally opened the door when he heard the scandal inside the room above the rain. He slowed down his pace and frowned confused, he heard the loud yelling followed by the cursing. He flinched when he heard the sound of wood and glass breaking.
“What the hell guys?” He asked as he wide opened the door and stared at a complete and utter mess. No one reacted at his arrival, in fact no one even had noticed, “Guys?” He tried again, confused walking inside. Everyone was fighting between them. Boyd and Erica were loudly cursing to each other about nonsenses, he raised his eyebrows impressed when she saw her slap him across the cheek.
“Tony?” He asked even more confused in perfect time to see his brother pushing away Clint, who fall into his ass but he was quickly on his feet, fist raised. He was rapidly between them, he tried to push Clint away, protecting Tony, when he felt Clint´s fist connecting to his jaw before tackling Tony to the ground. Stiles crawled out of they way as he watched them rolled on the ground trying to kill each other. He looked up when he heard more glass breaking. Steve had pierced through the tall wall of pure glass with freaking Derek on top of him. Stiles felt his blood freeze as he ran toward them.
“Stop it Derek!” He yelled grabbing his arm when he was about to hit Steve, who was lightly bleeding from his head. Derek roared pushing Stiles away, returning to his fight. Everyone seemed under a spell. That´s when Stiles noticed, the strong, dark vibe in the room, it felted like being under water. He suddenly could heard a distant loud demonic laugh pierce the entire room. He quickly covered his ears looking around again, everyone was still decided to kill each other.
He ran to the bookshelf where Derek had a wide collection of old books too, not as good as Lydia´s but still a pretty big. He began searching for something it might help him. He quickly found one book against spells and dark magic. But he couldn’t do it on his own, his practice with dark magic was practically null. He looked around, searching for the blonde hair among the crowd until he spot Lydia. He saw perfectly as Jackson pushed her hard against the floor, his hands going down for her neck. In a blink of an eye, he saw everything red, he quickly ran toward them and grabbed him by the shirt pushing him away from her, for a moment Jackson gave him a glare, Stiles couldn’t even recognize him, his eyes seemed distant and nearly dead, it wasn’t him. He grabbed the vase from the table beside him and crashed it on the back of Jackson´s head. He saw his body wobble until it fell on the ground, where stayed still, knocked out against the wooden floor.
“Lydia!” Stiles shouted putting his hands on her shoulders, shaking her body over and over, “Lydia! Come on!” He yelled ready to slap her if necessary when she blinked several times, as if she was just waking up, “Stiles?” She asked quietly, her voice cracking a little. He quickly took her into his arms and straightened her up, he put his hands against her cheeks, cupping her face, “Your alright?” He asked urgently before passing a hand through her hair, still hearing how they were breaking everything inside the loft.
Lydia blinked again, she opened her mouth confused and shook her head, “Whats going on?” She asked startled, wide opening hey eyes when she heard the loud noises around her. She tried to look away but Stiles forced her to stare at him in the eye, “I need you, are you alright?” He asked strongly, raising his voice when someone broke other window. Lydia nodded several times before swallowing, “Im fine” She assured Stiles, who finally let her go.
“What do you need?” Lydia asked standing up, her legs shaking a little bit. Stiles stared at her a couple of seconds before nodding to himself, “Three roses of Jericho, three white candles, and three bowls of water” Stiles instructed as he pushed away the white carpet and the broken pieces of glass away, leaving the wooden floor free.
“Derek has all that?” She asked confused, giving him a glare. Stiles nodded repeatedly, “Before we bought our department, I made sure this place remained protected, everything is in the kitchen”
Lydia quickly followed his instructions, running to the kitchen, dodging everyone still fighting against each other. When Stiles heard the loud moan in pain coming out for someone in the room, followed by a deep roar, he knew they didn’t have much time. He grabbed a piece of glass and made a small cut on the palm of his hand. He began tracing in the wooden floor a big pentagram. Lydia was quickly back, carefully handing the bowls back to Stiles, who accommodate each in one corner of the star, creating a triangle.
“You know what you’re doing right?” Lydia asked quietly, her breath sounding shaken as she watched Stiles lighted up the candles and accommodate them in front of the bowls. Stiles shook his head and swallowed hard before putting the plant inside the bowls. He quickly picked up the forgotten book beside him and read the prayer inside his head, memorizing it. He took a deep breath and threw the book away. Indeed he had no idea what he was doing, he wasn’t used to made rituals, specially against demons and black magic.
“If I fuck it up, you´ll finish for me alright?” He asked to Lydia, who only nodded in response. Stiles let out his breath before closing his eyes, he put his hand in the middle of the pentagram and began reciting, "By the holy flame of Melchizedek, for the divine flower that is reborn, by the colors of San Alejo, that the evil that my house is suffering, by the three divine forces, disappear forever from my rooms”
He felt as his magic slowly woke up, the air moving faster around him as he heard the sounds of the fights became stronger, higher. He lowered his head, raising his voice above the scandal around him, he managed to hear Lydia between the bustle, “Its working!” She exclaimed excited before a loud, surprised gasp came out of her mouth. Stiles suddenly felt as someone pushed him from his side, directly to the ground.
Stiles opened his eyes surprised in perfect time to feel Derek´s knuckles against his face. His head dropped to a side as he felt the pain spread around his face, “Finish it Lydia!” He yelled before spitting the blood. He stoped Derek´s fists when it was centimeters away from his face. He managed to push it away before thrusting Derek to the back, he was quickly on his feet, launching himself for the book. He had barely grabbed it when he felt as Derek pulled him by the back of his shirt before crashing his body against the wall.
He gasped for air as he threw the book to Lydia, who easily caught it. He turned to Derek, who was still under the spell, “Derek, listen to-“ He tried to say before he crashed Stiles again. He groaned as he ignored the pain of his back. He heard as Lydia began reciting the prayer again.
Derek suddenly turned to her direction, his eyes staring at her before dropping Stiles to the floor. He looked up as Derek began walking toward her, arms raised, ready to attack her. He didn’t think it twice, he quickly stood up and jumped on his back, putting an arm around his neck, squeezing hard. Derek staggered in his step trying to let go of his grip.
"Come on Lydia!” He exclaimed letting out his breath when Derek backed away, hitting him against the wall one more fucking time. Stiles groaned annoyed and tightened his grip around his neck. Slowly, really slowly, Derek began to lose his force, his legs gave in and he kneeled on the ground trying to catch some breath. Stiles looked around him and notice how everyone was starting to wake up, blinking several times, touching their selves, surprised by their injuries. He felt as Derek tap several times his arm, gasping for air, “Can you please let me go?” He managed to say, his voice out of breath.
Stiles set him free, lightly surprised and immediately stepped away from Derek, putting himself between Lydia and the others, ready to protect her if necessary. Only then Stiles felt a couple of eyes digging on his back as knifes, he could feel them as they dig inside him. He looked through the window, among the trees, where he managed to visualize a green shadow, it was a tall man, dressed as an ancient archer, his face almost angelical. He showed a perfect, charming smile before raising his bow. Stiles slowly backed away as he stared how the man release the arrow. Instinctively Stiles raised his arms, protecting himself. Only to noticed side way, the perfect red arrow buried in the wall beside him, lightly bouncing side to side.
“What the hell happened?” He heard someone weakly asked. Stiles let out his breath impressed, turning to search for the broad man but he had vanished in the thin air. He looked up to the red arrow again, steady on its place, before raising his arms. He had barely touch it with the tip of his fingers when he felt a strong burning sensation running through his entire hand. He immediately jumped away from the arrow in pain before looking at his hand, it was starting to get shinny red.
He shook his arm trying to get rid of the burning sensation but it only increased. He felt it travel with an incredible speed to his other arm, chest and finally to his legs. He opened his mouth when he felt his throat close up. His legs gave in and he felt on his knees, grabbing his throat with both hands trying to breath.
“Stiles?” He heard Lydia asked, but her voice sounded too far away. He closed his eyes and shook his head, his forehead felt warm against the floor as he continued to struggle to breath. He felt a couple of hands on his shoulders, straightening up his body. He managed to see through tears Scott´s puppy eyes, he was saying something but Stiles couldn’t understand anything. He pushed him away and began to crawl toward the pentagram, his vision began to became blurry and he fall on the floor again.
A strange whistle flooded his ears but he didn’t give up, he groaned against the burning sensation inside his throat as his hands continued searching for one of the bowls they had used in the ritual.
“What do you need?” He heard someone urgently asked but he shook his head again, “B- bowl” He managed to say, even to his ears his voice too hoarse and deep, strained. He suddenly felt the wet sensation of water on the tips of his fingers. He rapidly took it and approached it to his dry lips, he desperately drink the water, feeling as the fire extinguished inside him. When he finished he tossed the empty bowl again, couching several times before taking a big deep breath.
“Are you alright?” He heard Scott or Tony, someone speak before feeling a hand on his back, slowly making circles. Stiles nodded, putting his forehead against the wet floor, still catching his breath.
“Dont- don’t touch that thing” He managed to gasp, he cleared his throat before closing his eyes with strength, his voice was still too hoarse.
“Yeah, I think we got the message loud and clear” He heard the idiot of Scott exclaimed. Stiles slowly straightened up before giving him a mad stare, he shook his head and noticed the person still rubbing his back was Steve. He couldn't help it, he leaned on the touch. But he quickly remembered where he was.
“I´m alright” He exclaimed immediately, standing up with effort. Steve let his hand steady on its place before dropping it, he scratched the back of his neck and followed Stiles steps. Stiles then realized he was covered in blood and water again, he looked at the floor and noticed a mess of was used to be the pentagram, “Great” He bitterly muttered taking of his jacket, before cleaning his face.
“Everyone alright?” He asked out loud, realizing everyone looked like crap. He stared at Tony, who was resting on the couch, a hand on his eyebrow, he seemed he didn’t even have a clue what was going beside him and was trying too hard not to fall asleep, “Tony…” He muttered worried walking toward him. He passed beside Lydia, who was carrying an still unconscious Jackson on her arms, he twisted his mouth with guilt, “Yeah my bad… sorry” He whispered shrugging as an apology. Lydia only shook her head and rolled her eyes as she arranged his sweaty hair and hug him against her chest.
“Can someone please, bring me a first aid kit please?” He asked to anyone who was listening as he kneeled in from of Tony and put a hand in his chin, carefully raising his head, “You´ll live” Stiles muttered, half smiling. Tony slowly shook his head and sighed, “You alright”? He asked, his voice sounded cushioned thanks for the swollen lip.
Stiles nodded, still smiling. Thor appeared beside him, with the kit on his hand. Stiles turned ready to grab it when he saw his face, it was even worse than Tony´s, “Don’t go anywhere blondie” He exclaimed before staring at Clint, who seemed as bad as Thor, “That goes for you too archer guy, sit down wherever I can see you” He instructed doing a head movement. Clint rolled his eyes and huffed but he finally sat down, struggling to not close his eyes.
“You know what happened?” Tony asked after a couple of minutes in silence. Stiles finished other stitch, ignoring Tonys pained gestures and titled his head thoughtfully, “Lids? Can you pass me the book please?” He asked out loud, hearing how she was looking among the scattered stuff in the floor.
The book was quickly beside him. Stiles removed his plastic gloves and took it with a grateful smile, he opened the book searching for his objective, when he did, he lightly tap the open page and passed it to Tony in complete silence. He put new gloves on and continue his work.
“Leraje?” Tony asked unsure, groaning under his breath when Stiles cut the suture. He shrugged in apology and sighed before talking out loud, “He’s a demon brother” He explain, pointing to Thor for him to sit down. Tony stared at him impressed before moving to the side for Thor to sit beside him.
Stiles continued his explaining as he checked Thor´s opened cheek, he began preparing other suture, “He’s a marques, nothing fancy, he manages 30 legions of demons”
He saw side way how Derek got near them to listen better, he sarcastically smirked and continue talking, “This one can provoke battles and chaos, thats why all of you wanted to rip your heads off, he uses whatever past problem you have with other person as a weapon, no matter if its water under the bridge, he digs it up all over again”
“How did you know it was him?” Scott asked, his injuries already healing. Stiles shook his head, “I didn’t, when I arrived, everyone seemed under a spell, I made a ritual of protection, it was till I saw him threw that arrow when I realized who it was” He said pointing at the arrow, still on his place, “It was stupid to touch it, I should have known better” He muttered under his breath.
“Why?” Derek asked shortly. Stiles gave him a quick glare before shrugging, he didn’t expect for no one to hear it but he had forgotten, damn werewolves, “He´s an archer, his arrows have poison that provoke diseases, they make injures suppurate and putrefy but he can also cure almost all”
“All done blondie” He added quietly, showing a small smile. Slowly Thor stood up, he seemed he was about to fall asleep in any coming moment, but he still showed too a bright smile of gratitude, “Your turn, stupid” He exclaimed to Clint, who only rolled his eyes, in fact one eye, the other one was so swollen, he couldn't even open it. Stiles heard as Derek deeply sighed before standing up, he began to clean up in complete silence. Erica, Boyd and Isaac helping him, in complete silence too.
“Anyone remembers something?” Stiles asked out loud, when he received silence as an answered, he twisted his mouth, everyone remembered why they had fought.
“Are you alright?” He asked to Clint quietly but the man only shook his head and gave a quick stare at Tony, who was still siting beside them, “You should talk to him” Stiles muttered under his breath, cleaning his bloodied face with warm water. Clint remained silence for a few seconds before moving Stiles hand away. Stiles took the hint and backed away, he saw as Clint walked toward him and grabbed Tony´s arm and Thor, apparently the problem was among the three of them.
Stiles stayed on the floor, watching them disappear through the kitchen. He deeply sighed before realizing someone was sitting in front of him, he raised his hands ready to give she or him medical treatment when he noticed it was Steve. Stiles lowered his hands immediately staring at those blue eyes, “You alright?” Stiles asked before clearing his throat, soaking the cloth in the still warm water before starting to clean his face. Steve twisted his mouth with pain when he felt his cut in the eyebrow ache.
“I think you already know the answer Stiles” He answered, his voice was still dry but Stiles could heard the relief and kindness hidden behind it. Stiles slowly shook his head, his hands resting momentary in his cheek, before lightly rubbing it, “Im sorry” He whispered honestly. Steve nodded quietly, looking down, twisting his fingers with nervousness. He opened his mouth with intentions to answer, say something but Stiles stopped him, he didn’t want to discuss, “I´m truly sorry Steve” Stiles exclaimed lowering his hand. They both knew what Stiles meant and they both knew what had provoked the fight between him and Derek, still they knew it wasn’t the time to talk about it.
Stiles felt some eyes digging in his back, he didn’t have to look twice to realize it was Derek. He stretched his head and continued cleaning Steve´s beaten up face, “He gave you a pretty good fight huh?” Stiles asked distracted with the suture.
Steve half smile and smirked, “It doesn’t count, I was under a spell” Steve answered back. Stiles smiled too and stared at those blue eyes, “Whatever you say big guy”
Minutes later Stiles looked around him, the room had been cleaned up, as same as the blood and pieces of glass. The group was finally asleep, all scattered around the room. Thor, Tony and Clint were actually spooning. Stiles couldn’t help but smile and rolled his eyes, slowly shaking his head. He passed a hand through his hair as he watched Steve sleep, his chest slowly moving, his smile disappeared and became into a frown the more he stare at him.
Not matter how strong and bad his curiosity was, he didn’t want to know what possibly things him and Derek had said to each other. He hadn’t returned to Beacon Hills to start a fight, another fight, he didn’t have the time for it. He deeply sighed as he looked away, he needed to check on his car and well have his drinks. He was about to open the door when a voice stopped him.
“Going somewhere?” Derek asked quietly as he walked out of the shadows. Stiles looked at him up his shoulder and shrugged as he opened the door quietly, “The jeep broke down on my way here” He explained finally facing him.
“You found it” He exclaimed not even surprised, walking toward him. Stiles stayed still on his place, he was only able to nod, short of words.
“Need a ride?” Derek asked even surprising himself. Stiles tilted his head and wasn’t able to stop himself as he gave a quick glare to Steve, he finally deeply sighed and shrugged one shoulder, “Why not?” He replied already walking away, hearing Derek´s steps as he followed him.
Stiles swallowed as he looked through the window, watching the trees pass by, it was the first time they were together and alone since they broke up and it was as awkward as Stiles had imagined it would be. He lightly caressed the leather seats, he never thought he was gonna ride Derek´s Camaro again.
“So…” Derek suddenly whispered, gaining Stiles attention, who only raised his eyebrows impressed, “So…” He answered confused, Derek was never the one to start conversations.
“So, big guy huh?” He asked quietly.
Stiles felt his blood freeze as he looked away again. He stayed quiet for what it felt an eternity, “I don’t know why” He muttered honestly, “Its just came out the first time I saw him”
“Its fine Stiles, you don’t have to explain yourself” Derek exclaimed immediately, raising his hand momentary to shut him up, “You never did” He muttered under his breath to himself but Stiles was able to hear it. He shook his head and sighed, it had been a bad idea, the ride had been a bad idea. They were too many unsaid things hanging in the air and those unsaid things formed a little thorn that was constantly bothering, leaving the wrong sensation instead of just the good times and memories. The learned lessons of their relationship.
“Sorry for being a dick the last time you were here” Derek muttered before clearing his throat, as if it had been a truth effort saying them. Stiles nodded slowly, “Its alright”
“And thank you for the help” He added, nervously scratching the back of his head. Normally Stiles would have rolled his eyes and lightly punched him in the arm before mocking him, but things weren’t normal. So instead he simply said, “Your welcome”
Derek tilted his head before nodding, he sarcastically smirked under his breath, “Can you say something else Stiles, please?”
Stiles remained silent, thinking and thinking but his mind was a mess. He finally shook his head and looked through the window again, they were closer to his jeep, “I don’t know what to say Derek”
He climbed off the Camaro and walked to his jeep, it was covered in wet leaves and broken branches. Stiles opened the door and rubbed his hands against each other, it was freezing. He put the key in the ignition switch and gave it a try. He twisted his mouth disappointed when the car failed, if he had to ride with Derek again he would literally cry.
He saw how Derek raised his eyebrows in questioning. Sties gave him a half smile and waved his hand, asking him to wait. He gave it a try one more time and smiled pleased when his old car came to life. He turned to Derek and gave him the thumbs up. But Derek only stared at him, the sadness clear on his features, he finally gave him a half smile that didn’t reach his eyes before quickly taking off. Stiles watched him leave before dropping on his seat, he put a hand on his face and deeply sighed against it. He turned to his side and stared at his forgotten bottles of vodka, he took one in his hand before giving it a long stare.
He finally shrugged, opening and taking a long sip. He pulled a face at the burning sensation and tossed it back to the seat. He finally began driving back to the loft, enjoying the deep silence. But his calm disappeared when he parked outside the loft, he stared at it a few minutes before climbing out the door, he nearly laughed out loud at the funny situation he had gotten himself into, one more time he was outside their place, avoiding Derek and their pending conversations.
He took other long sip as he opened the door and stared at the loft in pitch black, he managed to hear in the distance how a door was being closed. Stiles shook his head, letting his legs lead him wherever they wanted to. He wasn’t even surprised when he sat beside Steve´s still body, completely fallen asleep. He leaned on his seat watching him before deeply sighing, the ride had been a bad idea.
*
“You're up?” Stiles heard someone asking him quietly, oddly very near him. Stiles frowned annoyed and groaned, trying to push whatever idiot was waking him up, “Stiles” Someone hissed insisting, before lightly clapping him in the face, “Wake up man”
Stiles sighed annoyed before widely opening his eyes, “What?!” He exclaimed out loud raising his head, only to find, of course it had to be him, Scott´s face, oddly still very near him. Stiles groaned mumbling a fuck off before closing his eyes, ready to get back asleep.
“See? This is why you shouldn’t drink yourself till you literally die” Scott complained shaking him one more time, when Stiles didn’t react in the minimum, he deeply sighed, walking back to the kitchen.
“Any luck?” Tony asked, his mouth filled with eggs and bacon, when Scott shook his head, he rolled his eyes handing him a plate filled with pancakes and chocolate syrup, “Just put this under his nose, he´ll wake up” He muttered before getting back to his breakfast.
Scott narrowed his eyes looking between him and the plate, “If its food, it will work with pack mom, you know that” Jackson exclaimed, cupping the cup of coffee in his hands as he leaned against the bar. Lydia appeared beside him, still rubbing her eyes and trying to arranged her messy hair, she finally leaned against Jackson, putting her arms around his waist, “It will work” She assured him, nodding slowly.
“I hate when I have to wake him up” Scott bitterly complained as he walked back to the living room. Scott stared at his passed out buddy, his body dangerously closed to Steve´s one, yeah right, unwanted feelings, his ass. He sighed ready to put the damn pancakes on his nose when he noticed Steve rubbing his eyes.
“Hey” He muttered, dragging the word trying to scare the sleep away. He frowned staring at Scott, holding a plate on his hands and his eyes wide opened, “What are you doing?” He asked confused, stretching his neck. Scott opened his mouth looking between him and Stiles, still asleep on the couch.
Steve followed his line of view and stared at Stiles, he was about to ask when he noticed the empty bottles of vodka around his feet. He deeply sighed before shaking his head, “What are you planing to do with those?” He asked pointing the plate with a head movement.
“Oh…” Scott muttered, “I was just…” He exclaimed before approaching the pancakes to his nose in explanation. Steve raised his eyebrows impressed as he watched Stiles nose follow the scent, “Just give me that” He whispered to Scott, already raising his hand.
Scott didn’t think twice and passed him the plate before stepping back, “I´ll just…” He rambled pointing back to the kitchen before starting to walk away only stopping for a moment, he hesitated for a second, “Just… for you to know, you’re not simply a one night thing” He exclaimed, half smiling before quickly disappearing inside the kitchen.
Steve watched him leave before staring at the plate on his hand, his words piercing his chest. He finally sighed deciding not too give it so much thinking and followed Scott´s example, putting the pancakes below the nose. Almost immediately Stiles raised his head following the scent. Steve lightly smirked moving away the plate. Stiles right behind it like a freaking dog. Seconds later the plan worked and Stiles slowly opened his eyes before rubbing them, he moaned annoyed as he dropped himself against the couch.
“Can you get that disgusting thing away from me?” Stiles muttered annoyed staring at Steve with a sour face, “I think I´m going to throw up” He added as he removed his jacket, it was still lightly wet from last night.
“You need to stop drinking Stiles” Steve suddenly exclaimed finally putting the plate away. Stiles stared at him for what it felt an eternity before rolling his eyes, it had to be a joke. He stood up, putting his hands behind his neck, “Whatever you say big guy” He sarcastically answered, giving him the thumbs up. He was too hangover to even think of a proper answer.
Steve swallowed hard before standing up, “Can you stop being so childish?” He asked quietly crossing his arms over his chest. Stiles deeply sighed looking away, kicking a bottle in the process, “Come on Steve, knock it out, whats the problem in here”
“This” Steve exclaimed, picking a bottle from the floor, shaking it in front right on his face, “You know how many times I have seen you passed out of your drunkenness?”
Stiles groaned snatching the bottle from his hand before throwing it away, hearing how it crashed against the ground, he didn’t care in the minimum, “Steve, don’t do this” He muttered honestly, shaking his hands, walking away from him. He could imagine the entire pack and team hearing them through the kitchen, “You know I just- I deal whatever way I can, you know that so just back off” He muttered annoyed, he didn’t need a talk about his problem, he was lightly aware from it.
Steve remained silent before looking down, shaking his head, “What are you sorry for?” He suddenly asked under his breath, unable to contain the question, it had been running through his head the entire night.
Stiles raised his eyebrow surprised, swallowing hard, “Excuse me?” Was all he could manage to answer.
“You heard me, what are you sorry for?” He asked again, this time harder, louder, standing up from the couch, he raised his hand, counting with his fingers as he asked, “Are you sorry for kissing me or for running away or for your damn hot, big ex boyfriend kicking my ass last night?”
Stiles felt his cheeks and neck turn deep red as his blood boiled with anger. He then heard the wood grind behind him. Stiles closed his eyes pained cause he could only imagine who was the one watching them, hearing them. He finally looked up and saw as Derek scratched the back on his head, an unreadable expression on his face. He gave a dry half smile at Stiles before quickly walking away, dragging his feet inside the kitchen. They fall into a deep, tense silence, Stiles cursing a thousand times between his teeth, he rubbed his eyes with tiredness, “Look Steve can we not-“ He tried to say but the man was already walking outside, jacket on his hand.
Stiles was suddenly left alone, standing like a complete idiot on his place, he raised his arms to the sky before cursing out loud. He madly kicked the other bottle away, hearing how it broke into a million pieces against the wall. He passed his hand through his hair, turning around to realize Lydia was watching him, she was leaning against the frame of the kitchen.
“Follow him” She said under her breath, only for them to hear it. Stiles sighed and tossed his head back, staring at her, “Lids…” He whispered quietly. But she shook her head, “Follow him Stiles or I will, cause he deserves some damn answers” She exclaimed, this time raising her voice, as she walked closer to him. Stiles bit his lip with nervousness before standing up. He gave her one last stare, “Go…” She insisted pointing the door. Stiles nodded slowly before quickly taking off. She was right, he deserved some real answers.
“Steve!” He yelled, looking around him among the trees. He let out his shaky breath, putting his arms around him. The forest was freezing, still wet from the raining and covered in deep, white fog, “Shit…”He muttered when he stumbled with a large branch, almost falling to the ground, “Shit! Shit! Shit!” He yelled, desperately kicking the branch beside him until it was broken on the grass, indeed he needed to stop being so childish.
“Can you stop with the cursing please?” He heard Steve asked as he approached him, “And with your incredible tantrum"
Stiles stared at him, recovering his breath before shrugging, “I´m not sorry for the kiss Steve” He muttered honestly.
Steve stopped in dry on his tracks a few meters away from him and remained silent, watching him.
“I´m just- I´m not... I´m not good for you alright?” Stiles finally admitted, pointing his chest as every word came out from his mouth.
“And I´m freaking out so badly Steve, whenever I see you I… I just finished a long five year relationship with the man literally meters away from me and I don’t want this, I don’t need this, I don’t want to fight, specially with you, I want simple and fun and carelessly and you… you don’t, you deserve more, better and I can’t give you anything you want, we need to just stop this stupid little game between us before it gets worse”
Steve remained steady on his place, he could nearly hear his heart twisting in pain, he had never wanted to admit his feeling from that man, but in that precise moment he knew what he felt for Stiles was not just plain curiosity, it was something else, something more and it hurt him. And he couldn’t hear him saying those words, they weren’t the ones he wanted to hear. Stiles was right, it was getting too difficult, too messy. And they had important things to handle with. He let out his breath finally looking up at him, “Its alright Stiles” He answered, his voiced sounding empty even for him.
“You're right, this, us, isn’t good for anybody” He muttered, his legs finally moving away from him, he needed to run, “Lets forget about this alright? We have better things to do”
And he was out of his sight. Stiles finally let out his shaky breath, putting a hand on his chest. He shook his head and kneeled on the floor, that pain piercing his chest was what he wanted to avoid, that hollow looked on Steve´s eyes was what he wanted to avoid. He didn’t want to dig his feeling for Steve for not breaking both of their hearts and that was exactly what he ended up doing and just because he was too coward to chase them.
He finally straightened up with shaky legs, rubbing his chest several times. He began walking back to the loft, things couldn’t get any worse with Derek so fuck it, he wasn’t his bigger concern in that moment. He had managed to screw the little thing that actually made him smile and that was Steve´s friendship.
He was about to enter the loft when he noticed Tony walking side to side in the entrance. He looked up when he heard Stiles, he raised his arms clearly dazzled, “What the hell did you say to him?” He asked impressed.
Stiles shook his head, passing right beside him, entering the building “Not now Tony” He muttered honestly under his breath, begging to climb the stairs. But Tony´s hand on his wrist stopped him in his tracks.
“Are you alright?” He asked quietly, confused.
Stiles truly thought about his answer before deeply sighing, “No, I´m not, Derek is being… Derek with his unsaid things and his talkative eyebrows and I just, I don’t know what he wants me to do or say! What can I even say to him that doesn’t hurt him anymore! And Steve… he just, I´m too damn afraid to actually do, feel what I want to feel and I just pushed him away for pure nonsense because thats the idiot I actually am!” He yelled desperately, leaning against the wall as he closed his eyes.
Tony stayed quiet, he had no idea what to say. They remained in pure, tense silence until his brother figured out a proper answer.
“You'll fix it, whatever problem is happening between you two, you’ll fix it Stiles, its just human, to fuck things up its human but don’t, don’t get stuck in your mistakes, specially with him, he’s a good person, a great person and so are you Stiles, maybe you can’t see it right now, maybe you need more perspective to realize what you can lose and win, I just hope its not too late when you finally realize cause that man right there, cares for you and I know for a fact, you do too” Tony added, raising his hand to point at the closed door, just meters away from them, “Just don’t take too long cause you’ll regret it, he’s worth it”
Stiles remained quiet, hearing his words. He finally shook his head and slowly sat on the stair, “I´m an idiot” He exclaimed.
Tony nodded several times in complete agreement, “I know, we all do, Steve knows too, he’s a bigger idiot for sticking with you and doing nothing”
Stiles smirked and nodded, “I can’t do that to him Tony, he deserves better”
But Tony gasped, almost annoyed, and shook his head as he spoke, “Don’t be that coward Stiles, this, right now, its the moment you need to decide if your feelings for him are strong enough to do something about them and if they are, well get your damn ass up and go tell him, its alright if you need time, just be damn honest with yourself and him, he deserves the truth, not hurtful words to push him away when you clearly don’t want that, I know its just easier to do what you’re doing but you’ll regret it in the future, trust me you will and you’re gonna hate yourself for not acting up”
Stiles sighed, half smiling with sadness, “Damn brother, when did you grow up and got smart?”
Tony twisted his mouth, before starting to clim the stairs, leaving him behind, “Think Stiles, think what you want and go for it”
He watched as his brother opened the door, letting the distant voices filled the stairs. Stiles remained on his place, thinking and thinking his words, it was so easy to know what he wanted, what he needed to do but actually doing it, that was the hard part, the scary part and he wasn't ready to actually do it, he was stuck on his place, avoiding and hoping everything would work out eventually, even knowing deep down, things in life don’t work that way, specially for him. After a couple of minutes he finally stood up, he shook his pants, just to do something with his hands as he slowly climbed the stairs.
He momentary stopped, centimeters away from the door before taking a long deep breath, getting mentally ready to ignore all his instincts and inner thoughts. Taking the step forward was actually harder than he had fought. The room stayed quiet as they notice he had entered. Stiles rolled his eyes and dragged his feet to the nearest empty couch. Steve was on the other side of the room, staring through the windows. Stiles couldn’t help but star at him, feeling the guilt grow inside him like a ticking bomb, he felt the urgent need to throw up. He quickly stood up, practically jogging to the kitchen where he quickly poured a glass of water, finishing it in a quick, long sip.
He dropped the empty glass on the bar before leaning agains it, in which moment thing had gotten so damn complicated.
“I will always be impressed on how many chaos you manage to create in matter of just minutes” Jackson exclaimed as he carelessly entered the kitchen, an empty cup on his hands. Stiles gave him a mad glare before buffing but didn’t dare open his mouth, knowing Jackson was totally right.
“Impressive talent” Jackson continued his mockery, half smiling as he prepared more coffee. Stiles twisted his mouth and faced him, “You’re an ass” He muttered under his breath. Jackson smirked and widely smiled, “And you pack mom, a pure troublemaker”
“Alright alright, knock it out dickhead” Stiles mumbled raising his arm in clear defeat, “I know I fucked it up, I know that”
Jackson scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest as he faced him too, “Then stop doing whatever the hell you’re doing and fix your problems with that man out there”
Stiles rolled his eyes and shook his head, “I don’t think he wants me near him right now” He mumbled, shyly looking down at his feet.
Jackson hummed, “Well, neither did Derek and hey, here you are”
Stiles gave him other mad glare, titling his head, “Would you just stop?”
“Come on Stiles, you already know what to do man, you’re not dumb, an idiot yes but not dumb, just let him know what cards are on your table before he gets his owns conclusions” Jackson exclaimed as if it was truly that easy.
Stiles nodded quietly before smiling at him, it was actually a pretty good advise but he would never admit it out loud, “Thanks for the tip man” He muttered sarcastically but Jackson only bow at him, a cocky smile on his face, “Just for you to know, Deaton its outside, waiting for you lame ass to appear again” He added, pouring two cups of coffee.
Stiles gasped annoyed, “Great, fucking great” He bitterly mumbled, walking outside, spotting Deaton´s bald head leaning against the wall. He slowly got out of the kitchen, ignoring Steve´s and Derek´s eyes.
“Dr, Deaton” Stiles greeted raising his hand waiting for the man to shake it. As always, Deaton narrowed his eyes and gave him a long, cold stare, “Good to finally see you Stilinski, its been a long time” The man finally exclaimed, dragging his words, before turning around.
Stiles closed his hand into a fist before lowering it, “Yeah” He hissed, falsely smiling before walking away, knowing the doctor was right behind him, “So, I need your help with this” Stiles explained, leaning against the wall where the red arrow was still there, steady on its place. Deaton looked between him and the arrow before raising his hand, ready to touch it.
Immediately Stiles grabbed his wrist with strength and lowered his hand, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, doctor” He suggested quietly, a small smile on his lips.
Deaton stared at him, getting his hand back, he deeply hummed, “Me I presume you already know what is this object?” He muttered, putting his hands behind his back as he stepped away.
Stiles almost rolled his eyes, “Its a demonic arrow, not really that impressive but I can’t touch it, no one can without feeling you’re about to die” Stiles easily explained. Deaton frowned walking around the room, he hummed one more time in response and stayed quiet.
“Is he always like that?” Clint asked impressed watching the man walk side to side. Stiles scoffed and that time he did rolled his eyes, “Trust me, right now he’s being cool” He muttered before clearing his throat, gaining the doctor´s attention, “Any idea to get rid of it?”
“I´ll take it, you don’t have to worry about it” He answered shortly, taking out a white small cloth from his pocket. Stiles raised one eyebrow lightly confused but didn’t question him, “Sure thing doc” He mumbled instead, half smiling watching as the man took with precaution the red arrow into the cloth before wrapping it.
“Anything else you needed me for?”
“Now that you mention it… yes” He hissed walking toward him, “I need you to tell us, show us everything you can about the Nemeton” Stiles explained looking at him in the eye. Deaton didn’t even seem surprised, he nodded slowly, taking a few steps back. Stiles raised his eyebrows uncomfortable, waiting for an answer but all he got was to see the doctor walking away. Just when he thought Deaton wouldn't give a fuck for them, he stopped, doorknob on hand.
“Well, lets go Mr. Stilinski, how else you pretend to know” He exclaimed, looking above his shoulder. Stiles and Scott shared a quick stare before rolling their eyes, he deeply sighed dragging his feet behind the vet.
“Come on idiot” He exclaimed under his breath grabbing Tony´s wrist, pulling him behind him, ignoring how his brother stumbled with his feet. He managed to hear everyone else following them in complete silence.
*
“I screwed it up even more” Stiles suddenly exclaimed watching the trees pass by with rapidity, showing only a green blur. Lydia gave him a quick glare before focusing back on the road, following Derek´s car, “I figured” She shortly answered, putting his elbow beside the opened window.
Stiles nearly rolled his eyes but resisted doing it, he didn’t want anyone else to be mad at him. Jackson popped his head between the seats, “I already talked to him honey, don’t worry” He assured her, showing off a perfect smile but Lydia only scoffed, sarcastically laughing under her breath, “Thats like a blind leading other blind” She exclaimed shrugging, as it was truly a fact.
Jackson stared at her frowning surprised, “Well, who’s the one with two failed relationship? certainly not us, babe” He madly hissed back, before dropping himself against his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. Stiles muttered between teeth before turning on his seat to face him, “That was so not necessary, idiot”
But Jackson only rolled his eyes and looked away through he window. Isaac quietly laughed beside him gaining too a mad stare from Stiles, “Come on man, what was so bad you made him run away?” He asked raising his eyebrows. Stiles stared at him a couple of seconds before returning to watch the green blur again. He remained silent for a long time, “Try to fix our problems apparently”
*
Deaton´s vet was exactly as Stiles remembered, he could nearly see themselves as teenagers running around the place trying to save their lives, he nearly laugh at how long it had been. He could acknowledged the same feeling in the pack´s faces, thinking the exact same. They waited on the lobby until Deaton appeared again, waving his hand for Stiles to follow him, who did in complete silence, showing a quick smile to his brother. He looked around as he entered the office, he had forgotten about that room. Deaton was so private they hardly knew it existed. It was weirdly airy, noticing there was no windows, and they were weird symbols Stiles couldn’t quite recognize, they were perfectly painted in every wall of the room with red ink. There was also a huge brown bookshelf, almost covering an entire wall, it looked ages old, carved with also runes and more symbols. He passed his fingers through the old book spines impressed, some of them covered in dust.
“You won’t find anything helpful in there” Deaton exclaimed, giving Stiles his back before kneeling in front of his desk, covered in more books and different colored finders. There was a safe box calmly resting above the desk. Stiles watched, leaning against the bookshelf, as the doc put the password on and hear the click as it opened, honestly he wasn’t even impressed.
But he was truly impressed when Deaton only took out a couple of pages, old almost yellow pages covered in black letters and that was it, not even a small book or a damn finder. He raised his eyebrows impressed taking the pages when Deaton handed them to him, almost laughing at his open mouthed expression.
“Thats it?” He breathed as he gave them a quick browsing.
“Thats it” Deaton confirmed walking back to his desk before leaning against it.
Stiles opened his mouth before closing it, he looked at Deaton and finally the words came out, “Not to offense you dear doc, but you’re a druid, I think you would have a lot more information about the Nemeton” He answered half smiling, hoping it was just a joke but Deaton only scratched the back of his head, almost ashamed, “This is really old stuff were talking about Stiles, a lot has being lost over the years, this is all I got” Deaton explained before shrugging.
Stiles nodded slowly and remained silent. He gave it other useless browsing, still impressed, “Mind if we stay here checking this up?” He finally asked raising his hand with the pages.
Deaton almost smiled and quickly shook his head, “Not at all, I prefer all of you in here where I can see you” He answered raising his hand, showing the only exit to Stiles, who only followed his gesture, walking back to lobby.
“Bad news guys” He exclaimed as soon as he entered the reception, where everyone was scattered, “This is the only real information Deaton had” He added almost bitterly raising his hand with the papers on it.
Lydia was quickly on her feet, snatching the pile of papers from his hand. Stiles dragged his feet to the nearest chair and dropped his ass into it.
“Are you serious? Is he serious?” She asked impressed looking at him. When Stiles only nodded, twisting his mouth, she scoffed annoyed, “Well…” She began as she divide the papers, “Get into partners, we need to do some research guys” She instructed.
Immediately Stiles called out for Scott, urgently raising his hand, “Come on dude” He hissed watching as Scott happily walked toward Derek, putting an arm around his shoulders. Derek seemed annoyed at the touch and quickly shook himself getting rid of it but Scott never lost his puppy smile. Stiles dropped his shoulders and deeply sighed. He watched as the entire room team up, he knew he could just walked toward a pair and be with them but honestly, he didn’t want to be around people.
“Just…” He muttered to himself, taking a random bunch of papers from the desk. Lydia stared at him lightly confused, “Are you sure?” She asked under her breath but Stiles quickly nodded, “Yeah, I´ll be with Deaton” He answered, half smiling before walking away. He quickly returned to Deaton´s office, where he was calmly sitting in his desk, looking at some papers.
Stiles cleared his throat, gaining the mans attention who turned on his seat, lightly impressed, “Can I stay here?” Stiles quietly asked, feeling almost shyly, looking down at his feet.
“I need some quietness” He quickly explained when Deaton didn’t answer.
They stayed in silence until Deaton nodded, watching him carefully as Stiles sat on the floor, crossing his legs.
“Things must be pretty tense outside” Deaton suddenly exclaimed turning back to his papers. Stiles tilted his head, lightly confused, “Sorry?”
“Well, if you Stiles Stilinski, need some silence, things must be pretty tense out there” He explained distracted before shrugging.
Stiles remained silence staring at the back of the doc for a couple of seconds before looking down, frowning. He finally shook his head and began reading, he had no idea what to answer.
Stiles reread the pages for third time, hoping to find some clue, word, anything, he had missed the first two times but it was useless. There was nothing written in those papers that they didn’t know already. He tossed the pages away, lightly exasperated, watching as they scattered all over the floor around him. He had thought they would found something, anything but his expectations quickly turned off as he realized they had arrived to another end road.
“Any luck?” Deaton asked quietly, still giving him his back. Stiles shook his head, even knew he couldn’t see him and slowly stood up, he began passing side to side inside the room, trying to find some connection between everything but he was in blank. He stopped on his tracks staring at the bookshelf, he looked among the numerous books, they were about everything, mythology, astrology, bestiaries, it was an impressive collection. He was about to return to his place in the floor when a red book caught his attention. He lightly frowned and quickly turned to it. He took it out and read the cover.
With big, black letters, it was written demonology. Stiles tilted his head, slowly opening the book, caressing the worn out pages with curiosity.
“Deaton?” He exclaimed out loud, his nose still between the old pages as his eyes continued reading.
“Yes?”
“I think I know how to find some answers”
*
“Absolutely not” Scott immediately exclaimed after hearing Stiles insane plan. He snatched the red book from Stiles hands and tossed it to the table, “Are you out of your mind?” He madly asked raising his arms to the air.
Stiles scoffed rolling his eyes, “We already establish that and its actually not a bad idea” He tried to convince his friend but Scott shook his head in complete disapproval again.
“You're right, its a terrible one!” Erica exclaimed, stepping into the conversation. Stiles send her a side way glare before taking the book back from the table, “Look guys, this crap didn’t help in the minimum” He exclaimed pointing at the pile of papers that was scattered in the desk, “No offense doc” He added raising his hand in Deaton´s direction, who only nod one, “None taken” He whispered, showing a small smile.
“But summon a demon Stiles? Really?” Tony asked quietly, unsure, twisting his mouth. Stiles sighed exasperated, he began browsing in the book the page he was looking for, “Look” He exclaimed before passing the open book to his brother. Tony deeply sighed before taking it, his eyes began to move following the lines of words. He finally looked up at Stiles, eyebrows raised.
“Paimon?” He asked under his breath, giving the book to Thor when he extended his hand.
Stiles smiled recklessly, “Paimon” He answered waiting for someone to say something, but the room fell into an extended silence.
“Your crazy” Derek finally snapped taking the book away when Clint tried to take it, “This is dangerous, even for us Stiles” He added walking toward him, book on hand.
Stiles had forgotten how tall he was, he stared at him in the eye, “You have a better idea?” He asked quietly, watching how Derek bit his cheek, clearly searching for one.
“Lets do it then” Stiles exclaimed when he didn’t open his mouth. He took the book from Derek´s hand and stepped back, “Look, Deaton will help me and-“
But the vet immediately raised his hand making Stiles shut up, “Oh no kid, this is dark magic Stiles, I don’t mess with it” He immediately answered, already walking back to his office, “You’re free to do the ritual here but I´m not messing with it” He strongly added before leaning against the frame of his door, it seemed he was beginning to despair to get back to his work. Stiles dropped his shoulders and nodded, it wasn’t a surprise but still I had been a better idea to at least had Deaton on his side.
“Alright then, I´ll fucking do it myself” He exclaimed already reading what kind of ingredients he needed, “You have all this?” He asked out loud, not looking up at the doc, who only shook his head and deeply sighed, “I know where to get it, are you sure of this Stiles?” He asked crossing his arms over his chest.
Finally Stiles looked up and stared at him, he wasn’t sure about anything, “Yes, I am”
*
“Oh my god, I hate so much right now” Scott muttered between his teeth as he lighted up black candles around the pentagram made with salt, his hand almost shaking with fear. Stiles send him a quick stare, “Sip it, you said you´ll help” He muttered getting back to the book, reading again every step of the invocation, he didn’t want to screw things up.
Scott scoffed before mimicking him under his breath, “I mean, do you even know what you’re doing idiot?” He asked straightening up, putting his hands on his waist, staring at his friend waiting for an answer. But Stiles was too focused into his thoughts. The book said for a successful invocation the demon had to ask a question, one the invoker had to answer for the ritual to proceed normally, as normal as an invocation could proceed. Stiles frowned confused, it was only one question, it made no sense the demon only asked one.
Scott sighed walking outside the consulting room, quietly closing the door behind him, knowing Stiles wouldn’t answer his question. Derek immediately looked up at him, “All set up?” He asked standing up from his seat. Scott shrugged, “I guess, he seems pretty nervous though” He answered honestly giving a look to the closed room.
Derek let out his breath and walked toward the room, he could only imagine how nervous Stiles felted, he had never messed with something so dark, neither of them, “Well, lets do this” He exclaimed under his breath, hand on the doorknob but for everyone surprise it was Tony who put a hand on his arm stopping him, “Are you sure you being in there is going to help him?” He asked quietly, looking up at him. No one needed other lovers fight, specially in such a crucial moment, specially when it was Stiles doing the invocation.
Derek swallowed and shook his arm, he looked down at Stiles brother, calmly sitting on a chair. It kept being a huge surprise that man was his big brother, Derek wasn’t used someone being so protective over Stiles, specially when it came protective of him against Derek, “I´m not letting him do it alone, if you have a problem with that, well, you can come inside too” He answered shortly before opening the door, where Stiles was standing in the middle of the room, looking around him. Stiles didn’t even notice someone had entered the room until he heard him cleared his throat.
“You good?” Derek asked crossing his arms over his chest, staring at him head to toe. Stiles remained silent, his eyes lost on the faint light of the candles, he finally deeply sighed, recognizing the voice but he didn’t dare looking up, “Lets just finish with this” He exclaimed instead, after a couple of seconds in silence, finally facing Derek before pointing at the door, “I´ll let you know guys when I´m over” He added, he didn’t want anyone distracting him, he was already nervous for messing with such a dark magic but Derek was already shaking his head in complete denial.
“No way you’re doing this alone Stiles” He immediately answered, taking his jacket off before throwing it to the floor. Stiles stared at the jacket before looking up at him, eyebrows raised. He finally buffed, “I don’t need your help sourwolf” He muttered, almost regretting saying his nickname when Derek swallowed and look down.
“Oh, you need help idiot” Tony suddenly exclaimed as he entered the room, Scott, Lydia and incredibly, Steve right behind him. Stiles raised his eyebrows even higher, lightly impressed, “You’re the idiot” He answered back nervously.
“So, how do we do this?” Lydia asked staring at the salt pentagram, covered in black and blue candles, dark climbing plant and weird symbols made with white chalk, she would be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous as hell. Stiles scratched the back of his neck and twisted his head.
“Guys, I don’t think-“ He tried to say but Tony slapped him in the back of his head, already getting ready for whatever shit they had to do, “Shut up and tell us what to do” He muttered shortly, acquiring an air of protective big brother. Stiles stared at him a few seconds and deeply sighed. In reality, deep inside of him he was glad they came inside the room to help him, even Derek and well especially for Steve, but he was never admitting it.
“Everyone just hold hands and whatever happens, don’t let go, don’t speak, don’t do anything” Stiles instructed watching everyone in the eye, putting himself in the northwest of the pentagram, the book said he had to be facing that direction for the ritual to success. Derek let out his breath, already extending his arm beside Stiles, waiting for him to take his hand.
Stiles raised his eyebrows playing impressed, staring at Derek´s big hand, still waiting for him to take it, it was a pretty bad idea, “Thank you guys” Tony suddenly exclaimed squeezing himself between the two of them, pushing Derek away from his brother, who only rolled his eyes and took Tony´s hand between his with more strength than necessary. Tony smiled nearly pleased and nodded to Stiles when he gave him a quick glare, half smiling.
Stiles watched everyone taking their places around the circle before holding hands as he had instructed. When someone took his free hand he turned around lightly impressed. Steve didn’t even bother to look at him, his jaw was tense as he stared directly at the floor. Stiles swallowed uncomfortable and looked away, things couldn’t get any worse.
“Alright guys, ready?” He asked before letting out his breath not waiting for an answer. Everyone remained silent, hearing as Stiles began talking in an old language, Tony and Lydia only recognized vaguely. Unconsciously he squeezed Steve’s hand when he felt something pulling his chest. He twisted his mouth, the nervousness growing inside him but he never stopped his chanting, a curious sensation settled in the back of his head before it followed his spine. The air around them began to move faster, creating strong blast that made the flames of the candles dance.
Stiles opened his eyes and stared at the symbols on the floor as they began to shine, every time brighter. He felt an inner alarm inside him as a cold feeling grew inside his guts. When he finished the spell, the wind abruptly stopped and the room felt into a deep silence and darkness. He looked around him, expecting flames, screams, something but nothing happened.
“Did it work?” He heard Scott asked, lightly scared, “Stiles” He called out loud, about to take a step. But Stiles send him a glare, “Don’t move, just wait” He exclaimed when he suddenly felt something dropping him to the floor. His knees gave in and he kneeled on the floor, “Don’t move!” He exclaimed again when he felt Tony urgently moving toward him to help him stand up.
“Its working” He muttered impressed under his breath, watching as the candles came to life again, lightly illuminating the room, he twisted his arms trying to get into a comfortable position when he heard a small gasp near him. Stiles froze on his place and was able to visualize someone kneeling in front of him but somehow he knew it wasn’t the demon they had summon. He looked up and stare at those black shinny eyes, there was nothing inside them. The fear nearly swallowed him completely. He tried to back away from the terrifying man but he couldn’t move. The creep in front of him slowly opened his mouth, revealing it had no tongue or teeth. His skin was teared apart and was deep grey, covered with dark dirt. He smelled rotten. One more time, Stiles tried to back away but he couldn’t move, it seemed something was holding him down.
“What is that?” He heard someone asked between the shadows. Stiles looked away from the dead man and noticed he wasn’t the only one, behind him there were several people, women, children and everyone was dead with their mouths wide opened.
The rotten man in front of him suddenly let out of high pitched scream that hurt Stiles ears. It was a yell filled with fear, pain and regret. The moment he started screaming everyone followed.
“Shit” Stiles whispered desperately trying to step back but his legs were still frozen. He felt how Steve and his brother squeezed his hands with strength, the same fear swallowing them too. When the screams were too loud, almost unbearable, they all disappeared. In their place, there was a man, a tall man dressed in gorgeous blue and red tunics. He seemed like a king, his small features were beautiful, almost angelical but his eyes, his eyes were deep red and pure demonic.
“Shit” Stiles breathed again looking down when he heard Paimon´s voice, soft as silk, almost a whisper, “Silence human” He muttered.
Stiles knew he was the one with power in that situation, he was the one controlling the demon but the emotional battle between them to do it, that was the hard part. Stiles bit his lips as he tried to stand up again, he felt his legs lightly moving when he dropped against the floor again, his knees crashing with strength against the white tiles.
“Dont challenge me mortal” Paimon angrily exclaimed, raising his voice, “You own me an answer” He suddenly added, his voice a whisper again. He widely smiling, showing a perfect pair of white shining fangs.
Stiles was getting tired at his position, he looked up and stare in the eye at the demon, “Ask” He exclaimed, his lips in perfect tense line.
The demon remained silent, laying his eyes for seconds on everyone inside the room, he finally stared at Derek, taking a longer time on him. It seemed the demon could see through you, your sins, fears, everything.
“I said ask” Stiles exclaimed, almost desperate, raising his voice. Paimon snatched his eyes at him, lightly impressed. He slowly walked toward him, dragging his naked feet, showing the golden jewelry in them. He finally stopped in front Stiles, staring at him.
“Who do you love?” He whispered, even more quietly.
Stiles breath stopped for an instant, he tilted his head and blinked several times before looking up at the demon´s red eyes, they were almost hypnotically, “I...“ He stuttered uncomfortable, his throat becoming dry.
“Who do you love?” He asked again, slowly dragging the words.
“Derek” He exclaimed shortly, the word coming out almost as a cough, he closed his eyes with strength trying to calm himself. He felt the grip on his hand decrease, instinctively he squeezed Steve´s hand harder, until it hurt him but he couldn’t let the circle brake.
But the demon asked him again, higher, stronger, “Who do you love?” He east, not buying Stiles bullshit.
“I said Derek!” He strongly yelled too, snatching his head up only to find the demon kneeled in from of him. His golden face dangerously close to him, “Who do you love?” He repeated, his breathing tickling his face.
Stiles remained silent, his breath coming out shaky as he understood his only option was saying the truth. His voice cracked only a bit as he lowered his head, “No one” He finally admitted.
The demon smiled clearly pleased, finally stepping away from him. Stiles remained silent, ignoring the tension around the room. He swallowed hard before taking a deep breath, they needed to finish the ritual for once all. He twisted his arms, ignoring the ache for being the same position for so long and slowly stood up, his legs finally obeying him, “Tell us about the Nemeton” Stiles exclaimed as soon as he was up, watching as the demon walked side to side, like an animal inside a cage.
“You're getting into dangerous paths Stiles” He simple answered with a cheeky voice, before finally sitting in the middle of the pentagram. Stiles tilted his head and forced his will making the demon talk, he watched the demon swallowing with discomfort, “Theres nothing you can do now, anyone of you, the Nemeton is ours and will remain that way” He hissed between gritted teeth, as if he was doing a clear effort to keep his mouth shut.
“How do you destroy it?” Stiles asked pushing harder. The demon shook his head, clearly uncomfortable, “You… can’t do it” He muttered with effort, lowering his bald head.
Stiles half smile, pushing harder and harder, desperate from some damn, well deserved answers, they needed to know “Don’t try us Paimon and tell me how its done” He blurted madly, knowing saying his name would give him more power over him, “Tell me!” He yelled louder.
The demon almost flinched and let out a long moan, “Sacrifice” He finally cried, slowly tossing his head back.
Stiles was about to ask what he truly meant by sacrifice when he suddenly felt other presence, a much darker and stronger one. As if the demon could sense it too, he snatched his head up, fear clear in his features, he stared at Stiles right in the eye, “I can’t help you now” He hissed under his breath, before grabbing his chest with desperation as a loud pained yell came out of his mouth, clear and utter hurt on it.
“We need to end the spell” Stiles suddenly blurted out closing his eyes with strength as a vision came to him.
“What?” He heard Tony ask beside him, “What do you mean?” Tony added confused, watching as his brother struggled to keep his eyes open, “Stiles?” He called again worried, squeezing his hand. He looked when the demon suddenly disappeared, leaving a small trial of air and a fainted metallic smell.
He looked around him, everyone seemed as startled as he felt. The candles suddenly went out and the room was left in complete darkness, only their shaky breathings were heard.
“Stiles?” Tony breathed scared but once again, there was no answer, at least not the answer everyone expected. In a blink of an eye, Stiles snatched his eyes opened and let out a loud yell filled with pure fear. He felt into his knees, pulling Steve and Tony along with him as he crashed his body against the cold floor.
He couldn’t see right, the room was spinning inside his head, making everything a dark blur and suddenly, he was inside the tunnel again and he wasn’t alone. Standing in front of him, it was him. Stiles could recognize the dark shadows under his eyes, the pale, almost dead skin and the murderous glint in his eyes. It was him possessed by the nogistune. He wanted to scream, to desperately run away from that thing he was so afraid of but he couldn’t. Their eyes were locked in each other.
He gasped for air, the fear tearing him apart, “Let me out” He breathed, his voice cracking. But the evil creep in front on him smiled pleased, showing his rotten teeth, he nearly laughed at Stiles fear, “Let me out” He said again, being able to finally shake his head, desperately trying to ran away.
“You're mine, you will alway be mine” The creep hissed, his voice deep and demonic. Slowly his eyes turned red and his body began to transform into black smoke but he never lost his human form and Stiles somehow knew that thing in front of him wasn’t human and he snapped. The horror embrace him and he was lost in it.
The black shadow swallowed his entire body and Stiles could feel him inside him, every cell, every fiber was covered by that dark entity and he couldn’t do anything about it.
“What do we do?!” Lydia asked scared watching Stiles body twisting in the floor, low moans coming out of his mouth, sweat covering his face and hair.
“Stiles!” Scott tried, yelling in despair but his friend never reacted, he couldn’t hear them. He shook his head about to approach him but Lydia looked up at him, stopping him in his tracks, “He said we can’t let go!” She yelled scared.
“We can’t leave him like that!” Steve exclaimed, kneeling on the floor when Stiles pulled harder his arm, another drowned scream coming out of him. It was such baffling, to watch him like that, was baffling. He was used to Stiles poker face, showing his coldness but always calm but seeing him break in that way, it was real impact and Steve didn’t know what to do.
“Fuck this” Derek suddenly exclaimed, finally letting go of Tony´s and Scott´s hand, “Derek wait!” Tony yelled but it was too late. Almost immediately Stiles scream´s became louder, he finally let go and put his hands on his head, digging his fingers on his hair with strength.
“Stiles!” Derek breathed kneeling in front of him but Stiles body was immobile, his forehead still against the floor, “Come one Stiles, its me!” He tried again putting his hands against his, squeezing them, “Breath with me” He muttered, getting so close to him he could smell the sweat and fear, pure real fear radiating from him.
“I can’t get out” He suddenly exclaimed, the words stumbling out of his mouth. An unrecognizable high pitched tone on his voice.
“Follow my voice” Derek whispered, caressing his hands with tenderness, “Its me, you’re with me” He breathed closing his eyes, feeling the pain from him.
Slowly Stiles was able to open his eyes and for his pleasant surprise he was back at Deaton´s office, he snatched his head up making Derek abruptly backed away. Stiles let out a shaky breath and looked around the pentagram, without even thinking about he destroyed it, making the salt and candles flew away, he quickly erased the symbols with chalk, making everyone backed away from him.
He shook his head and noticed everyone still inside the room, staring at him in complete shock, expect for Derek, he was still in front of him, watching him with understanding, cause he did. They both knew, Derek was the one that took care of him in his anxiety attacks, his nightmares, Derek was the one there and he was still there. Stiles body leaned against Derek´s chest, the movement so known, so easy and comfortable. He closed his eyes and shook his head as he felt his arms close around him, “You’re alright, you’re back, just breath” Derek whispered, his voice strangely choky as he slowly caressed his arms, up and down.
“It was me, I saw me” Stiles blurted out against his chest. Derek squeezed harder and didn’t ask, he knew Stiles wouldn’t talk if he didn’t want to, no matter how many times he asked for it. All he could do was hold him and scared his troubles and fear away or at least, help him do it.