Isabel Bradley was a quiet girl, she liked being mostly by herself, she had kept her self to herself, with only her friend next door who she spoke to rarely, and she didn't even go to Isabel's school. Isabel liked to keep her home life and school life separate, that was her life. Right up until the day she had met, and started going out with her boyfriend. He brought her out of her shell, took her out and made her happy. Along with his pack of friends, she finally felt comfortable enough to be herself, every single one of them was amazing in their own ways.
Scott McCall was an amazing boyfriend, with a big heart and a big secret, which of course she had promised him she would keep, he had all the traits that she had ever wanted in a man.
Just to name a few, he was kind, caring, considerate, trustworthy, loyal and he had a heart of gold. It didn't hurt that he was damn nice to look at either. They'd been together around eight months now, but there was secret she was hiding from everyone, especially Scott.
It was something she was sure she would never even admit even fully to herself, it made her feel dirty, completely awful and like the worst person in the world. This secret broke her heart every single day, every single time she looked into those gorgeous eyes brown or red, every time he smiled, or she smiled because of him. While she loved him, and of course, she did, it was slowly fading into a friendship kind of love.
Isabel didn't have the heart to tell him how she was feeling, he'd been so amazing to her and she didn't want to hurt him. But the reason that she was falling out of love with him, and the sad truth of it was that she was quickly falling in love with someone else. Not just anyone else, this person just so happened to be Scott's best friend.
Now Stiles was something else entirely, he was a giant clumsy adorable goofball, with the most incredible eyes and smile, he made her laugh constantly until she was practically in tears. Although lately, she was making sure to steer clear of him. He always made her smile, even on the days when all she wanted to do was cry, unfortunately lately those days were coming more readily, but she couldn't get any closer.
Those big honey brown eyes found her sparkling blue eyes from across the line of lockers, and despite herself, she quickly found herself blushing. Tucking a strand of her thick black hair behind her ear, when a big grin stretched across his face and he headed over towards her.
Swallowing the lump in her throat she turned her back to him, it had been a week since they had spoken properly, what with her ignoring him the best she could. Isabel found herself pretending to look for something in her locker so that she didn't have to look at his face, or at least until her blush faded somewhat.
Unfortunately, Stiles rested his entire body on the locker right beside her, meaning she had no chance in hell of it fading, or not seeing him and those eyes through the cracks in the locker door. "Hey, Bradley! Are you and Scott going to Lydia's party later?" he asked leaning out and nudging her shoulder with his, she sighed shutting the locker and turning to face him.
Isabel swallowed hard as they looked at each other, god why did he smell so good, how was that fair? You can't look that good and smell that good! God, did I say that out loud? she wondered to herself, "Hey you okay Izzy?" Stiles asked concerned, rubbing his hands up and down over her shoulders.
"S-Sorry I uh I. J-Just gotta go" Isabel stammered out grabbing her books, unable to stand the burning feeling of his skin on hers.
Isabel just about managed to shake him off, running off towards the parking lot heading straight for her car, her sneakers squeaking along with the floor tiles of the school's corridor as she ran. Stiles was hot on her heels though, she didn't even need to look over her shoulder, she could hear him, calling out for her to stop and talk to him, asking what was wrong.
She ignored him the best she could, finally making it outside, her feet began hammering against the pavement just like her heart which was still hammering away in her chest, her breathing was harsh and fast by the time she spotted her car.
Isabel almost fell over her own feet as she tripped down the curb, wincing as the pain began to shoot from her ankle and up her entire leg.
A scream of surprise fell from her lips when her ankle gave out and she could no longer run, causing her to topple forwards onto her hands and knees. "Oh crap, not now!" Isabel panicked, wincing when she tried to stand up again and failed, falling back onto her backside.
Stiles came skidding to a stop beside her, practically falling to his knees with his awkward panicked stop, "Are you okay? What the hell was that!? why did you run? You need some help?" Stiles rushed out four different questions, as Isabel looked up at him with wide eyes. Stiles blushed at the look on her face, "Right sorry, too many questions again, are you okay?" he asked carefully, approaching her like she was a wounded and terrified animal.
Isabel relaxed a tiny bit giving him a small nod, not trusting her voice or her face she looked back at the floor again, already feeling the blush quickly covering her cheeks.
"Hey, talk to me. Please, I feel like I've done something wrong but I don't know what. We haven't spoken properly in over a week, I hate this please, just look at me" Stiles sighed sadly, cautiously laying a hand on her arm.
Swallowing her every urge to run this time and shake him off, Isabel finally looked at Stiles, feeling the tears in her eyes and the lump in her throat. "I'm fine. I'm sorry Stiles" she mumbled quickly, before attempting to stand again by herself.
This time she managed to stand, but then immediately almost fell over again even though both feet were on the floor. She didn't hit the ground as she had expected. Instead, Stiles had caught her, his arms wrapped firmly and securely around her middle. "Take it easy, I've got you" Stiles assured her gently. He noticed that she was grabbing worriedly at his upper arms for support, so much so that he could feel her nails digging into his skin.
Stiles let his grip relax around her body so that his hands still loosely held onto her waist, not totally convinced that she could even stand. "Can you walk?" Stiles sighed, still receiving no answer from Isabel about any of his previous questions.
Isabel began chewing on her lip as she looked up at Stiles finally, "I'll try" she replied quietly, her voice was barely above a whisper when she spoke, the way his innocent touches were making her feel right now, they were worrying, to say the least, could she even trust herself she wondered this was one of the main reasons she had stayed away from him.
Stiles reluctantly let her go but remained within catching distance just in case. Isabel took a careful step forward, frowning in pain she wobbled a little, but it was just about bearable. Stiles was at her side quickly, "You shouldn't be walking on that, where's Scott? Can't he take you home?" Stiles asked pulling one of her arms over his shoulders and wrapping the other arm around her waist. Supporting her weight with his body despite her protests she would be fine.
"Stiles, I'm okay. I can drive, besides Scott went home early, something about wanting to talk to Deaton" Isabel sighed in irritation, as she continued to try and walk by herself.
"Fine, then I'm taking you. I'll come back for Roscoe later" Stiles answered quickly, making a turn so that the pair of them were now headed over to her car.
"Just can't take no for an answer can you Stiles" Isabel laughed fondly despite herself, rather surprising herself with the comfort she felt, being back around him for a while and she was close to ignoring her problems, concerning her feelings for him.
They somewhat awkwardly hobbled over to the car together, Stiles keeping Isabel's body tucked closely into his side, which made Isabel's nerves begin to rise again, she needed to remember, keep herself in check so she didn't slip up.
Once they finally reached Isabel's car Stiles helped Isabel lean against the hood, while he went to unlock it. Finally, Isabel looked over at him as he walked back towards her, the sun was right behind him in the slowly clearing parking lot which lit him up perfectly, maybe a little too perfectly.
The passenger door opened and Isabel had to shield her eyes from the bright blinding light of the sun, so she didn't realise that Stiles was back in front of her until he spoke. "Ready to go?" he asked suddenly, making Isabel jump a little in shock, she looked up at him in surprise and could only nod at him in reply. Stiles helped her hobble over to the open door, Isabel squealed in surprised pain as she hauled herself into the seat.
Throwing her head back against the seat she gritted her teeth, trying to hide the pain from him. Stiles sighed gently closing her door before heading around to the driver's side.
Isabel watched him run his hand through his hair, that sad slightly disappointed look on his face. That look practically broke her heart, she didn't ever want to see him upset, let alone be the cause of it, just because her own problems were getting in the way. It's not like he had done a single thing, except for being a kind and helpful friend. She watched him walk until he reached his own door, Isabel physically watched him take a deep breath before he jumped in the car himself, closing the door behind him not even looking at her as he started the engine.
"Are you okay Stiles?" Isabel asked nervously, realising she was yet to ask him how he had been yet. Her voice just above a whisper, as she shifted in her seat to look over at him, swallowing down her nerves and hoping that the blush covering her neck wasn't too dark red and obvious.
"Yeah. Fine. We should just get you home" Stiles replied, not even glancing at her as he pulled out of the parking space, his tone was clipped and irritated though, and that didn't go unnoticed by Isabel.
Inwardly she scolded herself for continuing to push him away, just like she had the whole of the week before today, but her feelings were becoming too strong for her to deny or hide from him and that scared her no end. Stiles flicked on the radio as Isabel fiddled with her fingers, trying to think of something to say to ease the tension in the jeep somewhat. "So, I..." Isabel tried but Stiles stopped her with a drawn-out sigh.
"Just don't okay. You don't have to speak to me, I know you don't want to" Stiles mumbled distractedly, taking the turn down her road, though he still didn't look at her.
A lump grew in her throat and she swallowed around it with difficulty, as tears began to well in her eyes. She was losing him, maybe even for good and she couldn't stand that, Isabel needed him in her life even if it was just as a good friend, she wasn't going to lose him because she was being an idiot. "I'm sorry. Really, it's not you" she muttered quietly, trying to hide the catch in her throat.
"Let me guess, it's not you, it's me?" Stiles laughed dryly, with a shake of his head he parked in Isabel's driveway.
Fighting against every instinct that she had Isabel reached out and grabbed hold of his arm, stopping him from climbing out of the car, with the conversation unfinished. Stiles flinched a little, which both confused and intrigued Isabel but for now, she chose to ignore it. "I'm sorry okay, really I am, I know I've been a little distant. It's just there are things going on with me. Things I can't tell anyone about, no matter how much I want to, I can't be that person" Isabel explained softly, all the while keeping her eyes on his, and her hand remained on his arm.
Stiles looked down at her hand chewing on his lip before his eyes returned back to hers, he swallowed hard and cautiously placed a hand on top of hers, giving her a gentle squeeze. Isabel shivered at his cool touch, "Trust me, if anyone knows about big secrets it's me. We all have things we can't tell other people Izzy, but you know you can tell me anything. Right?" Stiles asked gently, his tone from before was long forgotten.
"I, uh. Well yes, usually that would be true. But not this, this is something I can't ever tell anyone" Isabel stuttered nervously, as they subconsciously began to edge closer to one another.
Stiles sighed giving her hand a gentle squeeze, "Okay, if not me then maybe talk to Scott. I won't push you. But you know where I am if you need anything, okay?" Stiles said carefully, she heard his voice change at the mention of Scott's name, which only confused her further but she decided not to let it get to her, it was probably nothing.
"Thank you, Stiles. I promise you, I'll talk to someone if I need to" Isabel agreed with a small smile and a slight nod of her head.
"Anytime" Stiles winked, releasing her hand and quickly climbing out of the car, letting her hand fall from his arm. Isabel tried not to notice how cold her hand felt without his touch, or how she had shivered when he winked at her, 'Pull yourself together Bradley' she scolded herself internally.
The car door open and Isabel turns to meet Stiles' gaze, to find him looking up at her with those honey brown eyes, reaching for her with outstretched arms. 'Had to have a big car didn't I' Isabel inwardly told herself off.
"Here, let me help you down" Stiles smiled softly, she smiled back thanking him as she awkwardly leant forwards, Isabel's hands on his shoulders as she balanced herself the best she could to jump down with his help.
Unfortunately, she slipped and Stiles tripped over the dip in the grass behind him and in an effort to catch her. She landed with a thump sprawled on top of him, a quiet 'Oooff' leaving Stiles' lips when his back collided with the hard ground beneath him another coming soon after she landed on top of him.
Isabel's hands landed either side of his head, his arms wrapped protectively around her waist. "Shit Stiles, I'm so sorry, I tripped" Isabel muttered quickly trying to explain herself, looking down at him worriedly, before realising how she was currently sitting on him and she made quick work of rolling off of him.
Stiles sat up an awkward laugh tumbling from his mouth almost immediately, as he rubbed at the back of his neck where the dark red blush was quickly forming before Isabel's eyes.
"S'okay, my fault" Stiles muttered awkwardly as he got to his feet, holding out his hand for Isabel to take.
Isabel took his hand gratefully, Stiles hauled her up a little roughly making her bump into his chest. One of her hands landed on his chest as she looked up at him, but their hands remained linked together, "Thank you" Isabel breathed out shakily, continuing to look up into those warm gentle eyes the young woman found herself beginning to slip. She watched as Stiles licked his lips, feeling her heart begin to thud painfully in her chest, "I should go. But thank you and I'll see you tonight?" Isabel mumbled quietly, unable to look away from him.
"Yeah definitely, I should get going too" he replied with a smile but just as quietly, although neither of them made a move to leave.
Stiles blinked a few times nibbling his lip but he finally released her and stepped back, almost immediately after they heard the loud rumble of a motor. They both turned seeing Scott climbing off of his bike and heading towards them with a smile. "Hey, guys! Where's your jeep Stiles?" Scott asked closing in on the pair as they guiltily looked away from one another, even if they hadn't done anything wrong they sure as hell had thought about it.
Stiles smiled back somewhat tightly as Scott pulled him into a quick hug, releasing him with a friendly pat on the back, "Izzy messed her ankle up, so I drove her home. Gotta head back to school now and pick up the jeep" Stiles explained simply.
"Thanks, for looking after my girl. Are we meeting you at Lydia's?" Scott asked pulling Isabel into a hug, which she gratefully accepted. Catching Stiles' eyes from over Scott's shoulder, she squeezed her eyes shut tightly unable to look at his face at that moment, as Scott rubbed at her back comfortingly.
Stiles smiled at his best friend feeling the guilt bubbling up in his stomach, "Sure, no problem dude, couldn't just leave her there. I'm not sure if I'm going yet" Stiles replied tailing off awkwardly towards the end.
Scott released Isabel and stepped towards his best friend, "Why not? You were raving about going earlier" Scott frowned as Stiles shrugged with a sigh. "You should come with Isabel and me, we were gonna go over a little early, help Lydia set up," Scott said happily, Stiles could practically see the excitement on his face.
"Okay, yeah sure, sounds fun. I guess everyone is going after all" Stiles sighed giving in to Scott like he did most of the time.
"Okay, awesome! Come on I'll give you a lift to the school" Scott said ushering Stiles towards his bike. "Wait there, I'll be right back. I'm just gonna get Izzy inside" Scott grinned, leaving Stiles confused and a little scared about what Scott was up to, he was far too excited about tonight and far too insistent on Stiles having to be there.
Scott ran towards Isabel and scooped her up in his arms, she let out a squeal of surprise. Scott grinned at her as he carried her to her front door, "I'm gonna need your help tonight. I've got a plan, we're gonna get Stiles someone for his very own" Scott beamed gently setting Isabel down at her doorstep.
Isabel shut her mouth quickly realising she was gaping at Scott with a wide open mouth. "You sure that's a good idea? You know how he gets about being set up, remember last time?" Isabel reminded Scott, the unwanted jealousy bubbling in the pit of her stomach.
Scott looked at her thoughtfully, a frown crossing his brow as he thought back to that time last year. He shook his head his smile returning, "It'll be fine. I think he really needs this" Scott said simply, briefly glancing over at his best friend standing his bike, looking down at his feet.
"Okay, fine. I'll help where I can" Isabel conceded seeing Scott wasn't changing his mind, and after all she wanted Stiles to be happy right?
"You are the best girlfriend ever!" Scott declared pressed a quick kiss to her lips, "I'll be back to get you later" he informed her before running back to Stiles. The second he left that lump was back in her throat, she didn't look back at Stiles and Scott, finding her key in her bag she quickly walked into her house, heading for the living room still limping she flopped awkwardly down onto the sofa.
"More like worst girlfriend ever, I'm so screwed" she announced aloud to her empty living room, wondering how the hell she was going to get through tonight.
As she lay there in the slowly darkening room, she didn't know how much time had passed, it could have been hours, it could have been ten minutes. Suddenly there was a knock at her front door, she groaned to herself as she struggled to her feet to go answer the door. Maybe Scott had come back early.
Reaching the door she took a deep breath before she finally pulled it open. "Scott told us what happened, so Allison and I came to help. We can drive you to my place after we get you ready" Lydia informed Isabel, pushing past her and walking inside the house. Allison gave Isabel an apologetic smile, a smile which Isabel returned stepping aside so that Allison could come in without any struggle.
"How did you manage that then?" Lydia asked with a frown looking down at Isabel's slightly raised foot.
"Just tripped at school, Stiles had to give me a ride home" Isabel replied starting to feel the pain ease, as she headed into the kitchen grabbing a bottle of water from the fringe.
"Oh really?" Lydia inquired in that accusatory tone she seemed to favour these days.
"Lydia, don't start this again" Allison sighed coming to stand beside Isabel.
Lydia hopped up sitting on the kitchen counter, frowning down at her two best friends. "Oh, you can both shut up. Seriously, I am not the only one who sees this" Lydia said simply, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl and took a bite of it.
"Yes you are" Isabel and Allison said at the same time, both knowing where she was going with this, but the pair of them could deny it until they were blue in the face, if one thing were true it was that Lydia Martin knew stuff about the people involved that even they didn't know. As if to prove her point Allison and Isabel blushed almost in unison.
"No. You're both just in complete denial. And God bless Scott but tonight he is about to make everything a whole lot more awkward" Lydia sighed with a shrug, leaving the half-eaten apple on the side. With a smile she walked away and headed upstairs, knowing she had got both of their attention, she left Allison and Isabel staring after her in complete confusion.
Isabel was the first to snap out of her trance, quickly but awkwardly following Lydia upstairs. "Wait! What the hell are you talking about?!" Isabel demanded, wincing a little as her foot landed awkwardly on the top step, jerking her bad ankle in the process. Allison was starting up the stairs by the time Isabel was marching in her bedroom, where Lydia was perched on her bed with a big grin on her face.
"I see I've got your attention!" Lydia smirked tilting her head, seemingly looking behind Isabel, soon after Allison was standing beside her giving Lydia a death glare.
Isabel rolled her eyes at her two best friends, "Would you two stop it. Just explain what the hell you're talking about Lydia!" Isabel sighed throwing her arms in the air. She really wasn't in the mood for all of this joking around right now, her ankle was throbbing and after this entire afternoon, she was really looking forward to a stiff drink.
Lydia sighed looking up at them both, "Scott is planning to set Stiles and Allison up with someone" Lydia answered simply, obviously by now she was feeling a little bad for messing with them about something like this.
Isabel had to stop herself from glancing over at Allison, feeling her throat burning as the lump rose, stopping her from speaking for a moment. She cleared her throat the best she could, "So? W-What's wrong with t-that?"Isabel stuttered out, the words she spoke not even convincing her.
Lydia's eyebrows rose sceptically, "Oh really? So you're sticking to this then huh? Both of you?" Lydia questioned, huffing out a fake laugh before stopping herself from going further. She held her hands out in front of her taking a deep breath, "Look, I know this is none of my business, but I can't watch my two best friends go through this anymore. Izzy, please you have got to tell Scott the truth, it's the best for everyone. I can't watch you hurt yourself like this, he knows too. I know you think you're protecting him, but Scott knows something is up with the two of you" Lydia revealed sadly, grabbing hold of a hand from each of the girls and squeezing tightly.
Allison looked between the two of them but remained quiet, "It's okay Alli, I know you like him" Isabel muttered quietly, with a sad smile as she thought about the fact that she may have been holding Scott back, from being happy and she hated lying to him.
Allison looked over at Isabel as tears welled in her eyes, "I'm so sorry. I tried not to. Truly I did, I would never hurt you like that. But It's okay because Scott only has eyes for you" Allison smiled a little sad looking at Isabel.
A dry laugh left Isabel's lips, "Not true. He likes you, he let it slip one night when he was drunk" Isabel confessed shakily, feeling the shame creep up her spine, "He told me to forget it that night, said he was an idiot, he loved me and it was just the drink. I said I believed him, I thought I did but the truth is I think deep down I always knew. God, I suck" Isabel practically whimpered, releasing the girl's hands quickly and darting for the bathroom before either of them could stop her.
Once inside she closed the door and bolted it shut, ignoring the calls of her name and the thumping on the door. "G-Guys, please. I-I just need a second. P-Please" Isabel called through the door, almost choking on her words between sobs.
"Okay, but we're right here" Allison replied and Isabel didn't miss the catch in her throat, or the noise as she slid down the other side of the door.
"And we're not going anywhere" Lydia called shortly after, making Isabel let out a small choaked out laugh.
Isabel felt sick, confused and had no idea what to do. Her head was spinning, she had to talk to Scott. There was nothing else for it, it was the right thing to do for him and for her. Leaning on the sink she felt her breathing becoming more difficult, and she began to panic, her heart hammering in her chest. She could feel her heartbeat in her ears, wanted to be sick but there was no way she could.
Suddenly the door crashed open and she nearly fell over, and Scott tumbled into the bathroom, with Lydia and Allison close behind him. "Izzy? Hey! What's wrong!" he panicked with wide eyes, cupping her cheeks in his warm hands.
Isabel stared back with wide eyes, her breath stuck in her throat as she grabbed irrationally at his shirt. "I-I c-can't do t-this! We, n-need to, t-talk" Isabel panted, quickly clamping a hand over her mouth as she attempted to keep her fears at bay and her breathing under some kind of control.
"Hey, I'm here! What's wrong!? We can talk, about whatever you want, but I need you to breathe for me" Scott said calmly, rubbing hands up and down her shoulders. "Breathe with me" Scott instructed, taking a deep breath in and letting a slow one out, she followed him the best she could but she was still out of control. "Stiles! Help me!" Scott called loudly, making Isabel's eyes widen again, and she pushed Scott away stumbling back, shaking her head at him as she fell to the floor.
Stiles came skidding into the room a little out of breath after jogging up the stairs. "What the hell is going on?" he questioned looking between the four of them, but then he saw Isabel on the floor on her hands and knees, rocking back and forth, clearly trying to focus on her breathing. "Okay, everyone needs to just wait outside a second, I have an idea," Stiles said keeping his voice quiet, they all nodded stepping outside the door anxiously.
Stiles turned the light off and sat down beside Isabel, "You can beat this Izzy, trust me, okay. You just need to try and breathe, you're in complete control of this. We're all here to help you if you need us" Stiles said calmly, making sure to give her enough personal space.
"I-I can't do this, S-Stiles. I'm not s-strong enough" Isabel stuttered, briefly looking up at him and meeting his gaze.
"Of course you are! You're the girl who knocked me on my ass twice earlier today without even trying" Stiles said with a smile, although she couldn't see it in the dark he couldn't help it.
A small breathless attempt at a laugh left her lips, "That's n-not the s-same, and y-you know it. There's s-so much, so much in, m-my head" Isabel whimpered a hand gripping her chest.
Stiles edged closer slightly and gently took her hand, she looked up at him and swallowed hard. Feeling her breathing slowing and almost stopping when she briefly caught a glimpse of him from the moonlight, as it shined into the bathroom window, their eyes locking as soon as she looked up. "You can leave whenever you want, but I'm here if you need me okay" Stiles breathed quietly, the pad of his thumb running across the back of her hand comfortingly.
Isabel nodded focusing on him completely, Stiles took her spare hand and placed it on his chest, "Close your eyes, don't think about anything. Not now, just for a minute, I need you to copy my breathing" Stiles instructed calmly and quietly.
"O-Okay, I'll t-try" Isabel replied still not in control of her breathing, she closed her eyes and felt Stiles shift a little, the hand on his chest rose and fell steadily, long deep breaths, so that's what she did. They sat there in silence together, in the pitch black on the floor and Stiles helped her to slowly but surely breathe again.
After a few minutes passed Isbel had finally started to breathe a little easier, the dizziness she had been feeling had faded, but she still felt sick. She looked over at Stiles who was now sitting beside her, as they leant back against the bathtub. "Thank you, Stiles, I don't think I could have made it through that one without you. I'm sorry, I'm such a mess" Isabel sighed, her voice much rougher than usual.
Stiles rubbed at the back of his neck before he finally met her gaze, a small smile gracing his lips, "Of course you could have. You're amazing" Stiles replied softly, brushing the lone tear away from her cheek gently. Isabel stared at him a little shocked and suddenly found it very hard to speak, "You know, you really had me worried for a minute there, but you don't have anything to apologise for" Stiles acknowledged shyly, a frown of confusion creasing his forehead.
Isabel gave him a small guilty smile back, "I do Stiles, so much more than you think" she admitted finally, before quickly turning away from him and looked down at her feet.
Stiles immediately turned to her a look of confusion on his face once more, but as she turned to look at him the door opened again. They both jumped away from one another as fast as possible, Isabel almost falling over again in the process. Scott walked in slowly heading straight towards Isabel with a big smile, "I'm so glad you're okay! Thanks man really, I don't know what we would have done without you" Scott acknowledged looking between both of them.
Isabel found herself looking between the two of them with a blush rising in her cheeks, she got to her feet slowly pleased at least when her ankle didn't fight her. "Can we talk?" she asked Scott, with a gentle hand on his arm.
Scott looked unsure for a moment but he sighed and nodded slowly, "Yeah sure we can, about anything you want" Scott answered gently, she had a very bad feeling that Scott knew exactly where this conversation was going. Isabel couldn't even look back at Stiles, as she took Scott into her room and closed the door behind them. "It's okay" Scott sighed with a sad smile as she turned around to face him.
Isabel frowned in confusion as he stepped closer to her, "I don't understand, what do you mean?" Isabel asked with a sudden feeling of dread settling over her as she gripped his arms.
Scott sighed shifting on his feet and giving a small shrug of his shoulders, "I guess the last few weeks I've noticed something different between us. This isn't all on you either, not at all. I don't ever want you to think it is, I know I haven't been around all that much lately either, so it makes sense" Scott mumbled the last part, as a tear slipped down his cheek and Isabel felt her heart squeeze painfully in her chest.
"Scott no, this isn't your fault. I love how you protect people and go out of your way for everyone. As cliche as it sounds this, it's me, not you. I wish I didn't feel the way I do but I can't stop it" Isabel whimpered as tears of guilt began flowing down her cheeks, Scott helped her to the bed and they sat side by side.
"Don't do that, you can't help who you love Izzy. If I'm losing you to anyone, I couldn't have thought of anyone better myself. You guys would be amazing together, as much as he tries to hide it, I know that he feels the same and I just can't be that guy" Scott said gently cupping her cheek in his hand, Isabel looked at him with complete shock and amazement.
"I don't. I don't know what to say, Scott. How can you be so calm about all of this?" Isabel asked still stuck in a state of shock.
Scott laughed a little kissing her forehead and taking her hand in his. "I can't be mad, Izzy. How could I be? I'm more annoyed with myself, for not saying something sooner" Scott revealed and held his hand up before she could utter her confusion aloud again. "I'm not an angel Izzy, there's something I haven't told you as well" Scott mumbled and Isabel watched as he awkwardly swallowed.
"You like Allison?" she smiled a genuine smile, squeezing his hand in hers gently. It was Scott's turn to look amazed and confused, Isabel giggled a little shaking her head. "What is wrong with us?" she laughed wiping away her tears as Scott joined her laughter.
"That is a damn good question!" Scott agreed gently elbowing her arm, "I'm sorry" Scott smiled resting his forehead on her shoulder, neither of them noticed the door crack open.
"Me too Scotty, are we okay?" Isabel asked as he picked his head up off her shoulder and looked at her again.
"Of course we are and we're still going tonight right?" Scott questioned frowning and giving her those puppy eyes.
"Hey! We agree a long time ago no puppy eyes, it's not fair" Isabel giggled as Scott grinned back at her, the door closing almost all the way, still, neither of them were aware of it, too distracted by their conversation.
"Sometimes I'm aloud!" Scott protested as they continued to smile at each other, and Isabel shook her head refusing to comment on that remark, "This should be weird right?" Scott questioned thoughtfully.
Isabel nodded thoughtfully, "Maybe it should be, but it's not. It feels right" Isabel answered truthfully, Scott nodded in agreement.
"So tonight?" Scott questioned pulling her up from the bed.
"Yes, okay. Fine, I'll still go" Isabel replied smiling easily.
"Good!" Scott smiled, picking her up in a big bear hug, her squeals of happy surprise echoing down the hall and downstairs.
Stiles smiled sadly, briefly looking at Allison and Lydia as he got up to leave. "I guess I'll see you guys tonight" he swallowed, ignoring their calls for him to wait he left quickly. Jumping in his jeep, he squeezed the steering wheel in his hands until they practically turned white, as he drove home he finally let the tears start to fall.