Chapter Text
Stiles rushed out of the front door, yelling a quick “See ya later” to her dad who was lounging on the couch before his night shift. She was already running fifteen minutes late after she’d forgotten to take her adderall and was going to have to speed to make it on time for her first day of work.
It was the second week of summer vacation. She’d spent the first job hunting and was finally accepted at a small diner just outside of Beacon Hills. It came as a relief that she would finally have some extra cash and that she wasn’t likely to run into anyone she knew, especially considering what she was required to wear.
If she hadn’t been so desperate for a job she would’ve argued with the mandatory waitresses dress code which was reminiscent of a diner girl in the late 50’s. It had taken some digging to find a skirt that fit the length requirements while still looking flattering on her lanky build. The button up polo was easier to find, but Stiles hoped she hadn’t gone overboard with tying the pale blue bandana in her hair, Rosie the Riveter style.
She drove absentmindedly, humming along with the radio that was blaring the latest Miley Cyrus song. As she was pulling into the lot in front of the diner she felt her phone vibrate. It was a message from Scott. She’d sent a picture to him of her uniform before she left. He responded by sending her a picture of him, his head tilted back, laughing. Stiles snapped another quick photo, proudly displaying her middle finger and pressed send.
She got out of her jeep with a smirk and walked into the diner. The smell of cooked meat and potatoes frying made her mouth water, but she knew by the end of shift she’d either be used to it or nauseous.
“You’re late,” her boss called from behind the counter. Stiles followed her to the back to retrieve her apron and name tag.
“I know, I’m sorry. It’s a shitty first impression. It won’t happen again.”
Her boss turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow examining her uniform. “Mhm.”
Stiles’ boss intimidated her. There was something about her eyes, the way they glowed occasionally when she was talking or yelling at the cook to hurry the fuck up with an order. She was also drop dead gorgeous.
“Is the new girl here yet?” the chef asked, popping his head around the corner.
“Yes Boyd, she’s finally here. Show her around. I have to go take that guys order.”
Stiles walked back into the kitchen where Boyd was adding more fries into the boiler.
“Don’t worry about Erica. She’s all bark and no bite. Well...most of the time,” he said with a smirk.
“Oh,” said Stiles. “Okay.”
“So here’s what you need to know. Memorize the menu, we rarely serve anything besides burgers, fries, and chicken, but sometimes a customer will ask for something random. Do you have shitty handwriting?”
“Um...I can make it legible,” Stiles said a little self consciously.
“Yeah, do that,” said Boyd tending to the fries. “As far as handling the diner, the left side is Erica’s and the right is yours. She’s been working the whole diner for a long time so it’s a big relief to her that we finally found some help.”
Stiles heard the ding of the front door opening and a minute later Erica popped her head into the kitchen.
“Boyd, I need an order of tenders and garlic mash. Stiles, go man your side. You’ve got your first customer.” She winked at Boyd who went back to preparing the meal.
Stiles stumbled out of the kitchen tying her apron and reaching for her order book. She looked around the right side of the diner until her eyes landed on their target. Her first customer.
He was seated with his back towards her. She took a breath and put a smile on her face as she approached.
“Hi, my name is Stiles and I’ll be your waitress today. Can I start you with anything to drink?” Her smile widened when she said her lines perfectly and waited for an answer.
He seemed to twitch when she started talking, his eyes slowly moving up her body, lingering at her breasts until he finally reached her eyes. Her smile immediately vanished, as she suppressed a small squeak.
Of course, she thought, my first customer is the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen and he’s looking at me like I just killed his entire family.
After what felt like an eternity, but was really only a few minutes, Stiles cleared her throat. “Um...do you need a few more minutes?”
“Coffee,” he said, leaning back against the booth and crossing his arms, drawing Stiles’ attention down as the muscles in his forearms flexed then relaxed. “Black.”
Stiles forced a smile, meeting his eyes for a moment before looking down again. “No problem, coming right up.”
She fought the urge to run behind the counter and forced herself to walk calmly, as if dealing with men who looked like that and who glared at her was an everyday occurrence.
She poured a cup of coffee and walked back over to where the annoyingly attractive, glaring man was sitting.
“Here you go,” she said as she placed the cup in front of him. He continued to glare at her as he sipped his coffee. “If you’re not ready to order I could come back…” she said pointing a thumb over her shoulder.
His eyes followed the gesture and they began to crinkle a little around the edges.
Was that a hint of a smile? Stiles thought. It was gone just as quickly. He looked down at the menu and pointed to the diners special.
“Medium rare, no mustard. A side of fruit instead of fries.” He looked up at her as if he was waiting for something. Stiles’ mouth was hanging slightly open. What is he waiting for?
He began tapping his fingers lightly on the table and raised his eyebrows. “Aren’t you going to write that down?”
Stiles eyes widened. “Oh right. Yeah, totally. Let me just get my…” She fumbled around her apron looking for her order book and a pen. She started writing hastily before remembering Boyd’s warning about legibility.
She slowed down and repeated his order. “Diner special, medium rare. No mustard. Fruit no fries.” She smiled at her faithful memory. “Anything else.”
He sighed and took another sip of his coffee before looking out the window. “No.”
She nodded, not that he noticed and went into the kitchen. Boyd and Erica seemed to be waiting for her.
“So, how’d it go?” Erica asked with a playful look towards Boyd.
“Fine. Yeah. Great.” She relayed his order to Boyd who began moving around the kitchen gathering the necessary ingredients.
“I told you,” he said to Erica who huffed and left the kitchen. Boyd chuckled.
“Wanna clue me in?” Stiles asked. “What was that about?”
“Erica didn’t think you’d be able to handle him. He’s been a regular for years and we’ve seen waitresses quit after serving him. His family used to own this place.”
Stiles wasn’t too surprised to hear about mystery mans reputation with waitresses. “Used to own? So why does he keep coming back?”
Boyd’s jovial expression disappeared. “Take it easy with the questions kid. It’s your first day. You’ve got a lot to learn.” With that he made a shooing motion and she went back into the diner.
Erica was busy with the only other customer in the joint. An elderly man who smelled like he hadn’t showered in a few days. Must be a trucker, Stiles thought looking out the window at the big rig parked outside.
She busied herself behind the counter organizing cups, making a fresh pot of coffee, replacing napkins. She heard the kitchen bell ding as Boyd placed the dishes on the counter.
Stiles gingerly grabbed the two plates and made her way towards mister mystery. She sent up a silent prayer not to trip and made it over to the table without incident.
“Burger no mustard and a side of fruit,” she announced as she placed his order in front of him. She noticed his cup was empty and she pointed at it. “Can I get you a refill?”
“Just a glass of water.” She nodded and got him the water. “Anything else?”
He looked down at his food then back at her. “No, I’m good.” She gave him a small smile before turning and walking back into the kitchen.
She sighed and slumped onto a small stool. She pulled out her phone and realized she’d only spent two hours of her eight hour shift. She groaned and rubbed her face with her hands.
“Just think of the money. Just think of the money,” she chanted, straightening her back and stretching.
Boyd looked over to her. “Is it really that bad?” he asked skeptically.
She sighed. “I guess not. I mean I don’t have customer of the year over there but he hasn’t bitten my head off for screwing up.”
“He’s a tough one to crack. It took a long time for me or Erica to warm up to him. Now he’s sort of like family. Except the really distant relative no one talks to unless they’re together at a family reunion.”
Stiles looked at Boyd, confusion scrunching up her face. “Wait, you’re telling me you know this guy? Like, on a more intimate level than cook and customer?”
“Well it sounds weird when you put it that way,” Boyd said. “Like I told you earlier, you have a lot to learn about how this diner works. Yeah he can be a standoffish creep, but he…”
Boyd was cut off when Erica stode in. She faced him with her hands on her hips. “Don’t. Don’t speak. You were hired to cook. So...cook something.” Her eyes flashed a bright golden color before settling back to brown.
“Oh whatever Erica. It’s not like she isn’t going to…” Boyd’s eyes flashed the same golden color when Stiles heard a low growl from the dining area.
“What the hell?” Stiles asked.
Boyd and Erica stilled, their heads bowed. She headed out into the dining room expecting to find someone who was trying to smuggle in a pet dog. Instead she saw mystery man, eyes locked with hers as he popped a grape into his mouth.
He held her gaze has he chewed and swallowed, taking a sip of water. Erica opened the door behind Stiles, bumping it into her. Erica looked from Stiles to the man in the booth before reaching into Stiles’ apron and pulling out her order book.
“We’re closing up early tonight. I’ll take care of him, you can head on home.”
“What?” Stiles asked looking from Erica back to the booth. “Why? Did I do something wrong.” Stiles eyes got bigger as she realized, “Am I getting fired?”
Erica rolled her eyes. “No, you’re not being fired.” She nudged Stiles back into the back room to collect her things. “It’s a slow night and we’re gonna close up. Relax, we’ll see you on Saturday.”
Erica walked back out and Stiles turned to Boyd. He shrugged his shoulders and took off his apron, throwing it on the stool. “See ya later kid,” he said as he followed Erica into the dining room.
Stiles grabbed her bag and her phone, sending a quick text to Scott.
Are you busy? 8:45
No. What’s up? = Scott 8:49
I’m out of work early. Hang out at your place? 8:51
Sure. See you when you get here. - Scott 8:55
Stiles walked out of the back room and saw Erica and Boyd sitting across from her first and only customer. They didn’t look her way and kept talking in hushed voices. She adjusted her bag and her shoulder and headed to her jeep without looking back.
***
Scott opened the door and his smile faltered when he took in Stiles. Under normal circumstances he would’ve cracked up at that ridiculous outfit she was forced to wear, but the concerned look on her face made him stop.
“Hey,” he said reaching towards her to bring her inside. “What’s wrong.”
“I think they’re going to fire me Scott. I had this asshole of a customer who did more glaring than speaking when he wasn’t zeroing in on my boobs, and then my boss tells me to leave, that they’re done for the night. I still had almost five hours left on my shift!”
Stiles flung herself onto Scotts bed and he sits beside her. “Don’t be so dramatic. I’m sure everything’s going to be fine. Did you mess up any orders?”
Stiles shook her head. “Okay, did any customers complain about you?”
She gave Scott and incredulous look. “How am I supposed to know? No one complained to my face!”
Scott sighed, knowing he wasn’t about to win this argument.
“Do you want to know the worst part?” Stiles asked scooting over to look directly at Scott. He nodded. “That asshole, was the hottest man I’ve seen on the entire planet!”
Scott rolled his eyes. “You haven’t seen the entire planet.”
“That’s not the point. I’m serious! He was…” Stiles trailed off recreating the image of her mystery customer in her mind.
Scott waved a hand in front of her face bringing her back to reality. “Hey, do you wanna watch a movie or something?”
“Sure! I heard they got The Emperor’s New Groove on Netflix the other day.” Scott’s face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.
“I haven’t seen that since I was a kid! That was one of my favorites!”
“I know that’s why I suggested it,” Stiles replied punching him lightly on the arm.
They settled in together on Scotts bed to relive their childhood. By the time Kuzco was turned into a llama all thoughts of mystery man were forgotten.
***
Stiles’ second shift at the diner was going as well as could be expected. Boyd wasn’t exactly avoiding her but he wasn’t his overly friendly self with her either and Erica just barked orders at everyone.
Stiles was beginning to realize that this diner typically served middle aged truckers, with the occasional couple or small family who stopped in to grab something to eat before continuing their road trip.
She was cleaning up after a family of five when she heard the familiar clinking chime of the door opening. She looked up briefly from scrubbing ketchup off the table before doing a double take. The profile of the new customer was familiar. Way too familiar.
“No,” she said under her breath.
She moved a little to the left when he spotted her. “Scott?” He waved enthusiastically and bounded over to her.
“Hey there working girl. Just thought I’d come by and give you some moral support. And I’m starving. What’s good around here?”
Stiles rolled her eyes and took Scott by the arm, leading him over to the bar stools at the counter where it would be easier for her to interact with him while still managing to look busy.
“Well, you know me. I’m a chicken kind of girl myself, but the burgers aren’t bad. Oh and the mac ‘n cheese is to die for!”
Scott chuckled picking up the menu. “Okay. How about chicken tenders with the mac ‘n cheese. And...a milkshake.”
“But Scott,” she said in mock concern, “What about your figure.”
Scott stuck out his tongue at her.
“You’ll never make first string with that attitude, or that diet,” Stiles said jokingly. “Alright, let me go put your order in.”
Stiles headed towards the kitchen just as Erica was walking out. She did a quick scan of the diner, zeroing in on Scott. Her eyes narrowed and Scott quickly looked away from them, pretending to read the menu.
“Is that your boyfriend Stiles?” Erica asked, leaning into Stiles’ personal space. “Did you bring your boyfriend to work?”
Stiles made a gagging sound. “Scott? Puh-lease. He’s like my brother. It would be wrong on so many levels.”
Erica studied her face, as if she could detect a lie. After a few seconds she backed away satisfied. “Whatever. No friend discounts.”
Stiles nodded quickly before ducking around the door and into the kitchen. She handed Scott’s order to Boyd who took it without looking at her. Stiles clearly wasn’t getting any love in the kitchen so she headed back over to Scott.
His cheeks were flushed as he watched Erica interacting with the regulars and laughing at a trucker’s lame joke.
“He tips her better if she pretends he’s hilarious.” Scott jerked, finally realizing Stiles was standing in front of him.
“You didn’t tell me your boss was…” he trailed off making a flailing gesture with his hands.
“Maybe you should ask if they’re hiring Scotty. I’m sure you’d like super pretty in my skirt,” Stiles winked as she returned to the kitchen to grab his order. She heard the front door bell clink again announcing the arrival of another customer.
She was getting better at balancing a multitude of plates and drinks on her arms, but almost lost all forward progress when she opened the door with her hip and noticed mystery man, back in the same booth.
Her mouth went dry and she tried to lick her lips. Her eyes darted over to Scott whose mouth was hanging slightly open. She made her way over to him gingerly, clinging to the dishes.
“That’s him isn’t it?” Scott breathed, pointing with his eyes to where the newcomer sat.
All she could do was nod dumbly as she moved away from Scott to take the strangers order.
She cleared her throat as she approached and he looked up at her, his bright green eyes piercing into hers.
“Hi...again.” She had started to wave and thought better of it, trying to play it off as she smoothed out her apron and search for the order book. “What can I get you?”
He smirked, “I’ll have the same.”
Stiles narrowed her eyes. “Uh...the same as what?”
His smile widened. “The same as last time.”
“Oh...okay. Um. That was…” She looked up at the ceiling trying to recall his previous order. “Coffee black. Diner special, medium rare, no mustard, and fruit,” she finished ticking the list off on her fingers.
His lips twitched, fighting the urge to be impressed. He gave a curt nod and she turned away, more curious about him than ever. Bipolar much? She thought as she walked back into the kitchen to deposit another order.
Scott had already finished his mac ‘n cheese when she came back out.
“You were right. This is fucking delicious. I should come here more often.”
Stiles smiled. “Good, I’m glad you liked it. I guess it could be sort of nice seeing one person I know who actually likes me while I was at work.”
She didn’t know why but she felt like mystery man was listening to her and Scott. Of course it could be her hyperactive imagination, but she could’ve sworn his head was tilted slightly in their direction.
“Order up!” Boyd called from the kitchen, placing the food on the counter.
Stiles made a quick cup of coffee and grabbed the plates, placing them lightly on the table.
“Here you go. Can I get you anything else?”
“No.” Stiles was about to walk away when he continued. “Just one question.”
“Oh, um...okay. Shoot.”
“What kind of a name is Stiles?” he asked seriously, popping a piece of pineapple into his mouth.
Stiles stared at him, trying not to look too insulted. “It’s my kind of name,” she said, taking a step back and crossing her arms across her chest defensively. “Do you even have a name?”
He narrowed his eyes at her, his eyebrows pinching together. “Yes.”
He was silent after that and continued to stare at her, so she stared back, tapping her foot impatiently.
“Well,” she said exasperated, “what is it?”
He looked back down at his food. After a few seconds of silence Stiles thought their conversation was over and she turned away for a second time.
“Derek,” she heard him announce behind her.
She only turned halfway around, positioning her body in the direction of the kitchen. “Nice to meet you Derek.”
She walked away before he could respond and went over to Scott.
“What was that about?” he asked with a raised brow.
“Nothing. I found out his name, after he insulted mine,” she said with a huff.
Scott perked up. “Uh, huh…”
“His name is Derek.” She hummed. “I like that name.” She realized too late that she was smiling. “No I don’t. I don’t like it at all. He’s a jerk. I don’t like him. Nope.”
Scott patted her arm. “Okay, calm down miss internal conflict.” She glared at him and grabbed his empty milkshake cup. She came back with a glass of water and sighed. She leaned against the counter and chanced a glance over at Derek.
To her surprise and utter embarrassment he was looking at her too. She immediately straightened up. In her haste she knocked over Scott’s water.
“Shit!” She muttered, scrambling to grab the nearest napkin. “I’m sorry, I’ll get you another.”
She thought she heard a quiet chuckle coming from Derek’s direction when Erica appeared at her side.
“I’ve hired a clutz. Clean this up and stop flirting with your not boyfriend. You have other customers.”
“Sorry Erica. I’d say it won’t happen again, but…”
“Yeah, yeah,” Erica waved dismissively heading back to the kitchen.
Stiles got more napkins and mopped up the mess before getting Scott another water. She took a deep breath. Erica was right. Even though she didn’t want to, it was her job and she was being paid to go ask if Derek needed anything else. At least that’s what she kept telling herself as she approached him.
She didn’t even pretend to smile at him this time. “Are you all set?”
He rubbed a hand over his chin. “I was going to ask for a water, but I’d rather it not end up on my lap. I’ve already showered today.”
She stood in place, waiting for him to continue. “So...do you want a water or…”
“No.” He lounged back against the booth, resting an arm across the back. “Just the check.”
“You got it,” she said as dully as possible, placing the check on the table.
She walked back over to Scott who had already left his money on the table.
He stood up as she came over to him. “I’m gonna head home. Practise starts tomorrow and I want to get enough sleep.”
“Yeah right. We both know you’re going to spend the majority of the night playing video games.”
Scott smiled at her sheepishly, knocking lightly into her shoulder.
“Gimme a minute. I think I can take a quick ten minute break. We can sit in my jeep and discuss your game plan for making first string.”
Scott laughed, “Okay.”
Stiles darted into the back. “Hey Erica. Can I go on break now?”
Erica looked at her phone. “Yeah sure. Ten minutes!”
Stiles gave her a thumbs up and went outside with Scott.
They piled into her jeep and she sighed in relief. “Ugh, I’ve been standing for like...seven hours! These puppies need to breath!” She wiggled her toes in her shoes.
“At least you aren’t sore all over, like I’m going to be after practise. You know how coach likes to put me as goal keeper. It’s just target practise for the rest of the guys on the team. And I’m the target!” Scott leaned forward putting his head in his hands.
“Whoa, you’re really stressing about this aren’t you?”
Stiles heard him give her a muffled reply. “I thought you were more confident about this year. You had that whole ten step plan to making first string!”
“Yeah, I did. But then I remembered, I’m Scott McCall...not Jackson Whittemore.”
Scott sat back resting his head on the head rest. There was a loud screeching sound off in the distance.
“Hey, what’s that sound?” Scott asked looking around outside the jeep.
Stiles looked in the rearview mirror and was blinded when headlights came blasting from around the corner. Stiles groaned putting her hand up to shield her eyes.
She heard Scott yelling something at her but was still dazed by the light that seemed to be getting bigger and filling up the cab of her jeep.
Suddenly the drivers side door opened and the screeching got louder. Unfamiliar hands reached inside and pulled her out, half running, half dragging her back to the diner. She turned back just in time to watch her jeep get pummeled by an out of control big rig.
“Scott!” she screamed, and attempted to run back to her now pulverized jeep. She felt strong hands around her waist restraining her and she scratched and clawed and punched trying to get free and get to her best friend.
She hadn’t seen him get out. Was he still in there? “Let me go!” she screamed wailing on the arms that held her in place. She felt someone else grabbing her as she heard Boyd’s familiar voice behind her, holding her back.
“It’s okay. Sh, Stiles. It’s going to be okay. Derek will get him.”
Her vision was blurred when she looked beside her and realized it had been Derek holding her. He had pulled her from the jeep before the crash.
She pointed at her jeep confused and Derek looked at her, his face full of an unknown grief and sadness.
“Derek?” She didn’t know what she was saying but she kept pointing to the jeep. Begging and pleading with her eyes. “Scott,” she said softly, before a quiet sob escaped her chest. She fell to the ground as Derek ran across the lot. “Scott!” she screamed.
Her jeep was on fire and a man was stumbling out of the cab of the big rig. The smoke began to burn her eyes. She had only meant to close them for a moment to find some relief, when the world around her faded away.
***
She could hear voices around her. She had expected the ground to feel hard, but she felt like she was laying on feathers. She sighed, snuggling deeper into the fabric.
“I think she’s waking up,” came Boyd’s voice from above her.
“She didn’t hit her head right?” came an anxious but somewhat familiar voice.
“No, I told you. She just passed out.”
“How is he?” came Erica’s voice farther away.
“I don’t know. He had almost no pulse by the time I got to him. He might have been too damaged to save. The change would’ve happened by now. It should’ve. He could be rejecting it.” The owner of the voice was pacing nearby.
Stiles thought she heard someone wheezing, struggling to breath, located somewhere near her but she couldn’t focus. She felt like she was floating in outer space.
“Look. His color’s coming back. That’s good right?” Boyd asked.
She heard footsteps leaving her side, walking away from her towards the wheezing sound. “Yeah.” The voice sounded more relieved. “Yeah that’s good.”
***
Stiles groaned and sat up. She felt like she’d been asleep for hours. When she opened her eyes she realized she was no longer at the diner. My jeep! She thought, staring around the room she was in. She was sitting on a bed touching fabric that felt like it had been woven in heaven. She couldn’t remember something important. She looked around again trying to remember how she got here when she noticed a door.
There was light streaming through the bottom of the door. Stiles moved towards it and cautiously reached for the handle. She heard footsteps approach the door from the other side and she took a step back.
The door swung open and Stiles had the weird feeling of deja vu, being blinded by light. “Finally,” she heard Erica say as she felt a firm grip on her arm leading her further into the light.
“Be gentle with her for Christ sake.” Stiles eyes had finally adjusted to the room and she looked around. Derek was sitting on the arm of a couch, looking at her warily.
“What am I doing here?” Stiles asked, her voice scratchy from disuse.
Erica let go of her arm and Stiles took a step away from her towards Derek.
Boyd emerged from the kitchen holding a glass of water. “There was an accident at the diner.”
He handed her the water. “You weren’t hurt, but you passed out.” Stiles looked at him confused.
“Your mind couldn’t process what was happening,” Derek answered with a sense of understanding.
“My jeep. I remember it was smashed, but I wasn’t in it.” Stiles looked around at Derek. “You saved me. How did you...?”
“I…” Derek was interrupted by a small groan from the couch behind him. “I didn’t get you both.” Derek said looking down at his hands.
Stiles noticed he was covered in blood. She began to walk closer to him when she noticed the figure on the couch. “Scott!” she cried, rushing over. Her hands hovered over his body, unsure of where it would be safe to touch him. He was even bloodier than Derek, his clothes ripped and singed in places.
“Oh my god,” Stiles squeaked. Fresh tears trailing down her face. She watched as Scott’s chest rose and fell. “Is he okay?” She didn't take her eyes off Scott as Derek answered.
“That’s a complicated question, but yes. He’s going to be fine.”
Stiles nodded, that was all she needed to hear.
***
Stiles paced around the loft, which she found out belonged to Derek, while she waited for Scott to wake up.
“Why isn’t he waking up?” she whined at Derek.
He sighed. “I don’t know. It’s different with everyone. Will you please sit down, you’re going to wear a trail into my hardwood floors.”
She crossed her arms and sat down next to the couch with a huff. “What did you mean before when you said him being better would be complicated? Why aren’t we at a hospital? Is he going to need physical therapy or something? He doesn’t even look like he has any cuts, which is weird because his clothes are soaked through with dried blood…”
“Stiles, breath,” said Derek. He sat across from her on the floor at the far end of the couch near Scott’s feet. “No he doesn’t need to go to the hospital. Yes, I think he’s going to be just fine. He doesn’t have any cuts because he’s healing, which is where things get complicated,” Derek finished looking up at her through his eyelashes.
“He’s...healing?” She tested the word and got a chill up her spine. “Explain that part.”
Derek sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He looked around the loft, as if expecting help with his answer, before he remembered he’d sent Erica and Boyd home an hour ago.
Derek took a deep breath and sat up straighter. He could do this. He could explain his condition to a teenage girl. He could explain what he’d done to her best friend.
“Your friend Scott is healing because he’s not totally human.” He let that sink in before continuing. “I was able to hear the truck coming and I ran out. I only had enough time to grab you before it hit. Scott was...messed up. He was bleeding, broken bones, damage no hospital would’ve been able to fix.”
Stiles looked over at Scott and she ran a hand through his hair. Her eyes watered as she realized how close she’d come to losing him. She rubbed her eyes and cleared her throat.
“Okay. So. How is he healing? And what the hell do you mean he’s not human? He’s Scott. I’ve known him forever. I would know if he wasn’t human Derek!”
Derek shifted closer to her and Stiles thought he was going to place a hand on her leg. Instead, his hand dropped awkwardly to the floor and the space between them.
“Scott was human, before. I had to do something to help him, which made him not human.”Stiles looked at Derek with a face of disbelief. “I’m not human either. I’m…” He took a deep breath before meeting her gaze. “I’m a werewolf.”
Stiles continued to stare at him, which he took as a sign that he should continue. “I’m a werewolf and I bit Scott. That’s why he’s healing. His body is accepting the change and it saved his life.”
Derek finished with a look of relief. Stiles stared at him for a second longer before bursting into a fit of laughter. She fell backwards onto her back and kept laughing until there were tears in her eyes. She wiped them away and sat up slapping Derek on the leg.
“Good one. You really had me going for a minute.”
Derek looked extremely uncomfortable as he looked between her and Scott.
“Oh my god. You’re serious. You think you’re a werewolf don’t you.” Derek didn’t answer, but Stiles knew she’d hit a nerve. Derek ground his teeth together, working the muscles in his jaw.
“Okay,” said Stiles. “Prove it.”
He glared at her. “What?”
“Prove it. If your werewolf powers saved my best friend I’m going to need some solid evidence.”
He kept glaring at her and she stared back. She heard a low growl from the back of his throat and faked a yawn, unimpressed. Derek stood up, yanking her with him, then released her and backed away.
His eyes began to glow, but not like Erica’s or Boyd’s. His eyes turned blood red and made her heart stutter.
She swallowed. “Alright, that’s...something,” she said gesturing to his eyes.
He growled again, louder this time and she heard Scott whine from the couch. She looked down at him but he was still asleep.
When she turned back, Derek’s hands had transformed into claws, his long nails as brown as dirt. His red eyes were shining when she scanned up his body and met his face, which to her relief was still normal and human.
She slowly raised her hands in surrender. “Okay mister wolf…” Derek growled again. “Uh...sorry...Derek...I see your point. You might actually be a werewolf. Could you um...go back to being Derek. Please?”
His claws retracted first and Stiles watched in amazement as his eyes faded back to green. “Wow,” she breathed, feeling the strange desire to step towards him.
She shook her head to clear her thoughts. “So...that’s going to happen to Scott?” Panic crept into her voice as she said his name. Her best friend of her entire life. A fucking werewolf?
“It will be different for him. He’ll be a beta, uncontrollable, and completely at the mercy of the moon.”
“Oh,” said Stiles, her eyes trailing back down to Derek’s hands. He twitched under her gaze and moved to sit down. “So he’s a beta. What does that mean? Are you a beta too?”
Derek smirked. “No. I’m an alpha.”
She squinted her eyes at him and sat down next to him. “‘An alpha’” Stiles mimicked using air quotes. “And that means what?”
“It means that I’m the leader of a pack of beta’s.”
“Ah,” said Stiles nodding. “Of course. That clears everything up.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes.
“God what do you want, my life story?” Derek asked incredulously.
“No!” said Stiles throwing up her hands. “I want to know what the hell is going on with my best friend! Is he your beta now? Does he even have a choice? Can he still go to school? Will he kill people? What the hell were you thinking?”
“I was thinking I was saving his life!” yelled Derek, invading her personal space. “I was thinking you’d be a little more grateful! This is a huge responsibility for me! I haven’t taken on a new beta in years! Its a lot of work keeping him alive, teaching him how to survive, and yes, part of being a new werewolf will be teaching him how not to kill people!” When he finished he was breathing heavy.
He was so close to her that his breath made the stray hairs that had fallen out of her ponytail dance around her face. She felt a flutter in her stomach and the urge to reach out and touch him, to comfort him.
“I’m sorry,” she breathed. They felt paralyzed, trapped in this moment, when a gasp came from the couch.
They both jumped up, painfully bumping heads. Stiles rubbed the spot where she’d collided with Derek and turned towards Scott who was awake and watching them.
“Um...what’s going on?” He asked sitting up. Stiles didn’t wait to see how he felt, she lunged towards him, burying her head in the crook of his neck.
Scott wrapped his arms around her and patted her back awkwardly. “Stiles? You’re sort of...crushing me.”
“Oh. Right.” She sat back on the couch and looked at him. Really looked at him. He looked good. His cheeks were rosy and pink with color, and besides all the bloodstains he seemed to be perfectly healthy and intact.
Derek cleared his throat and the pair on the couch looked up at him.
“So Scott. We haven’t formally met. I’m Derek Hale. I think it’s time we got to know each other.”
***
All in all, Scott took the whole, ‘You’re a werewolf now’, thing pretty well. Since Stiles’ car was still in many pieces at the diner, Derek had to drive them home.
They dropped off Scott first, who sighed in relief when he realized his mom was at work.
“I don’t know how I would’ve explained this,” he said trailing a hand over his bloody clothes.
“Come by my place tomorrow. I need to start your training as soon as possible,” said Derek.
“But what about practise?”
“Skip it.”
Scott looked at Derek in disbelief.
Derek sighed. “Trust me. Once I train you up a bit, you’ll make first string at tryouts. Practise over the summer isn’t even mandatory right?”
“I guess,” Scott mumbled. He waved half heartedly and headed to the front door.
Stiles was silently panicking as they neared her house. How was she going to explain her jeep? How was she going to explain pulling up to her house at 4 in the morning in a stealth black camaro with her annoying and annoyingly attractive knight in furry armor?
“Relax,” Derek said disturbing the quiet panic that was creeping up Stiles’ spine.
“Can you read my mind?” Stiles asked, unsure of the answer. It felt like anything was possible now.
“No,” he chuckled softly. Stiles sighed in relief. “I can hear your heart.”
She wasn’t expecting that one and her heart did an appropriate flutter.
Derek reached over and took her hand, which only accelerated her heart rate even more.
“Sorry,” he said releasing her. “I thought that might help.”
She tried to swallow but her mouth was dry. “If you weren’t so…” she stumbled looking for the right word, “...God damn attractive,” she finally finished, “that probably would’ve helped.”
She peeked over at him and noticed he was looking out at the road and smiling, a genuine smile. She smiled too and took a deep breath, trying to take his advice and relax.
Derek pulled up to the curb in front of her house and shut the car off. Her pulse quickened as a fresh wave of panic made its way up her body.
“What am I going to tell him?” she whispered. Staring out the window at the only home she’s ever known.
“The truth,” Derek said. Stiles looked at him like he grew another head. He rolled his eyes. “Well not all of the truth, obviously. But the truth about your jeep at least, and almost dying, and Erica giving you two weeks off for vehicular repairs as well as emotional repairs.”
He was looking at her with a fragile gleam in his eyes. He wanted to reach out and brush the hair off her cheek and she looked like she was resisting a similar urge. The camaro quickly filled with an awkward energy when Derek cleared his throat and looked back out the window.
“Can I come over tomorrow?” Stiles asked. Derek raised an eyebrow at her and was about to respond when Stiles interjected. “Just to keep an eye on Scott. I’m curious to see what he looks like as a puppy.”
Derek glared at her. “No. Absolutely not.”
“What? Why!”
“Because he’s not going to turn into a cute little puppy who will run up and lick your face. He’s going to turn into an uncontrollable wolf who will kill anything living within a 5 mile radius. I don’t want you anywhere near that.”
Stiles pouted in her seat. She knew he was talking sense but she couldn’t give up. “But he’s my best friend. What if he needs me. And besides, ‘You’re the alpha’. Couldn’t you protect me? Call him off?”
Derek scowled. “If you were there I’d be...distracted. It’s hard enough training a new wolf without having to worry about your safety.”
Stiles was taken aback. “Since when do you care about my safety.”
“Since tonight apparently,” said Derek a little softer. “Go home Stiles. He’ll be fine.”
Stiles nodded and was about to get out when she saw Derek’s phone sitting in the cup holder. She grabbed it and began entering her number.
“What the hell are you doing?” Derek asked reaching for his phone.
She pulled away and curled up towards the window. She sent a quick text to herself so that she’d have his number too.
“There,” she said satisfied. “Now we have each other’s numbers and you can keep me informed. If anything happens, you let me know.”
Derek’s expression was as a mixture between being appalled and amazed. She handed back his phone as she got out.
“See you later,” she smirked and slammed the door. He watched her walk up the driveway and waited until she was inside. He drove away feeling the weight of the day hit him.
He’d acquired a new beta and...a Stiles. He felt his stomach lurch when he said her name. He was worried and on edge as he drove home. He knew he couldn’t let his guard down around her, but there was something inside him, something inside his wolf that howled for her. Not for the first time, Derek felt unprepared and uncertain about what was going to happen next.