A twig snapped beneath his sneaker as Stiles navigated his way through the vast branches. The forest was not the place you wanted to be lost in during the middle of the night, and the sun was already on its way down. There were rumors of vicious wolves about. Even if they didn't smell his backpack of bakes goods right away, they'd spot his bright red hoodie almost immediately. It probably wasn't the best thing he could have chosen, but it was warm and at the time, seemed like a good idea. Another snap and some loud rustles echoed through the maze of trees, making Stiles freeze.

He hadn't moved.

Low growls came from his side, followed by a threatening snarl. Stiles turned sharply, his pack nearly flying right off of his back as he did. A pair of glowing, red eyes were stalking him, accompanied by a row of sharp white teeth. Stiles debated running, but his feet were rooted to the ground. He was too stricken with fear to move. His breathing quickened as the wolf neared, its tail slowly swinging from side to side in a leased manor. It circled Stiles, never coming within a few feet of actually touching him though, and it didn't pounce. In fact, the wolf seemed to be summing him up.

Maybe trying to see how much meat was on his bones.

Stiles let out a nervous chuckle, "Not much here, sorry. I'm pretty thin." he held out an arm, clenching the fabric of his sweatshirt to show just how boney he really was. "See?" he asked, as if the wolf would answer.

Oddly enough, the angry looking eyes softened. Their red glow dimmed ever so slightly. He didn't look impressed with how thin Stiles was, in fact, it seemed to upset the wolf a bit. He growled again before nearing the boy. Stiles turned to run, but the wolf caught him by his pack, ripping the straps with his teeth and pulling it away. "Hey!" Stiles exclaimed, "I need those! They're not mine!"

The wolf snarled angrily, silencing him. It sat itself down on the leaves and chewed at the lid as it held at the sides with it's paws. Stiles groaned, "Hey don't do that! You'll ruin my bag!" he ordered, carefully tearing it from the animal's grasp.

Despite the wolf's protest, Stiles unzipped the lid, plopping it back onto the ground for the wolf to tear through. "There." he snapped, "Eat up..."

The wolf just rustled through the bag with its snout, in a rather peculiar manor. He watched the wolf carefully pull out one of the muffins with it's teeth. It came closer, until it was nuzzling his lap. The wolf sat, dropping the muffin at Stiles' feet. He didn't move. How could he? The wolf used his nose to push the muffin closer, letting out a short, high pitched whine when Stiles didn't pick it up. Cautiously, Stiles scooped it up, "You- you want me to eat it?"

The wolf turned, grabbing the bag in its teeth like a lion would it's cub. Stiles was so confused. "You... what... I- I don't..."

Seemingly irritated, the animal came around behind him, pushing with his head until Stiles started walking for his own. Happily, the wolf joined him at his side, keeping watchful eye to make sure Stiles had started eating the muffin. He took a hesitant bite, looking back down at his new companion, "You're sure a strange wolf. I'd never have thought that wolves cared about what humans do. Why are you walking with me anyway?"

Of course, there was no reply, just a happy looking wolf trudging along beside him, backpack of goodies in it's mouth. Stiles looked up at the sky. It was getting dark, and it would be hard to see soon. It wasn't that he was afraid of the dark. No, not in the least. It was just... better that he make camp. Safer. Less... dark. "H-Hey... I'm going to stop and make a fire. I-"

The wolf growled again. "Look!" Stiles tried again, "I-I just need-"

Another sharp snarl, and the wolf was continuing on. Stiles slowed, "...Please?"

Finally, there was one last sound of protest before the figure disappeared, leaving Stiles standing alone with his backpack. He didn't dare move. That wolf would tear him to pieces if he started to run, but... maybe he could get- no. It was a stupid idea. There was no way he could out-run a wolf of all things. There was more rustling, and for a moment Stiles actually felt relieved to have the wolf back. "Where'd you go?"

In the muzzle, was a small collection of sticks. Stiles was in awe. This wolf had actually gone out and gotten him fire wood? As he started to stack them, he grinned at his new friend, for probably the first time. "Thank you."

The wolf sat with his back to the fire as Stiles curled up, only managing to mutter a few words sleepily, "My name's Stiles. You know... in case you were wondering." He let himself be warmed by the fire before drifting off.

As light snoring started, a firm hand ruffled the boy's hair, "My name's Derek."