"So you're over him?" Allison asked Lydia.
"Would I be going on a double date if not, Allison?" Lydia piped back.
Allison shook her head. They came to a red light and stopped. She looked over to the left and saw Scott driving Stiles's jeep. Just as she was about to say something, a motorcycle came up to the right. The rider had his helmet on and kept his gaze forward.
"He looks hot." Lydia said.
"Who is he?" Allison asked.
Lydia shrugged her shoulders and stepped on the gas pedal to get Allison away from Scott.
They were driving and noticed Scott stopped, but the rider on the motorcycle was still behind them.
They stopped the car making the rider stop. Just as the rider was about to get off a moose ran into Lydia's car making the windshield break. Scott got out of his car and the rider got off his motorcycle.
"Are you ok?" Scott asked Allison.
"Yeah." She answered.
"Are you ok?" The rider asked Lydia, and everyone noticed the voice.
"Stiles?" Lydia asked.
He took of his helmet and there standing in front of them was a new and improved Stiles Stilinski. He grew out his hair, which was combed to the side, he put on some muscle, which showed through his shirt, and grew a couple of inches taller.
"Yep." Stiles said.
"Stiles?" Scott asked. "Where have you been all summer?"
Stiles scoffed. "You want to know where I've been now?"
He shook his head while Scott had his jaw open.
Stiles then turned to Lydia who was completely shaken up by his presence. "Are you ok?"
Lydia shook her head. "I'm not ok. I'm totally freaking out. How the hell did that thing just run into us? I saw its eyes. It's like it was crazy."
Stiles moved to the animal and Scott was behind him. He put his arm on the moose and motioned Scott to take a look. "It wasn't crazy. It was scared."
Scott put his hand on its neck. "Terrified."
Stiles and Scott pulled back and walked towards Lydia and Allison.
"How did you know that?" Scott asked.
Stiles sighed and took a deep breath before holding his head up and showing his eyes. Everyone gasped when they saw his eyes turn silver like how Scott's turned gold.
"You're not the only one that went through a rough summer." Stiles said.
Scott was about to ask more, but Lydia sensed Stiles's anxiety somehow and interrupted.
"Stiles, can you drop me off at home?"
Stiles nodded before he got onto his motorcycle. He gave Lydia his helmet and waited for her to get on. She wrapped her arms around him making him flinch at the action, which did not go unnoticed by anyone. He started the engine, put it in gear, and rode off with Lydia behind him.
Scott looked at Allison before they called someone to tow the car to Lydia's house and he dropped her off at home after an incredibly awkward and silent drive.
Stiles parked the bike in Lydia's driveway, allowing her to get off. He walked her to her door and waited foe her to get inside.
"Where have you been all summer?" Lydia asked.
Stiles smiled. "I needed some space. After being kidnapped by Gerard, I just needed to find a quite place. My mom had a farm out in Montana before moving with my dad here. She left the land in my name, but my grandfather still stays there, so I go from time to time to check on it. I spent the last three months horseback riding, taking care of the animals, chopping wood, and working on that bike."
Lydia looked at the bike then at Stiles's smile. "You look great Stiles. I wish you could tell me more though about everything."
Stiles blushed and nodded. "Well, I could…if you would allow me to take you on a date tomorrow."
Lydia laughed. "Sure. What will we be doing?"
Stiles thought for a moment. "You remember the rink?"
Lydia smiled. "You mean the place I screamed my head off like a monster?"
Stiles smirked. "Not all monsters do monstrous things, you know."
Lydia bit her bottom lip. "Okay. See you at school." She leant forward on her toes and kissed Stiles on the cheek.
She opened her door and waited for Stiles to walk back and get on his bike, but she saw him jump in the air and do a fist pump which made her laugh. Maybe it was time for her to move on. To accept someone's love for who she was, not who they wanted her to be.
Stiles got up like usual when he was on the farm before daylight. It became a habit after three months of looking over the farm and giving his grandfather a break. The man was almost 80 but worked hard than anyone he had ever seen.
He went on a run around his neighborhood for an hour just doing round after round until he saw his dad outside with his coffee.
Stiles smiled and ran back to the house.
"Farm life, huh?" The sheriff asked.
Stiles nodded. "I found it dad."
The sheriff wore a confused look.
"I finally found peace."
The sheriff smiled and hugged his sweaty son.
"So, when you retire, the farm's where you're going." Stiles told his dad.
"What?" The sheriff asked shocked.
"At least then I'll let you have bacon. You can work it out on the cows."
The sheriff nodded sarcastically and shooed Stiles away to get ready for school. Stiles settled for a white long sleeve Henley and pulled the sleeves up t the middle of his forearms, blue jeans, brown combat boots, and a black leather jacket; the boots and jacket where his grandfather's.
He got on his bike and put his helmet on. He wobbled the bike out of the driveway and took off for school.
Stiles reached the school and parked in between two sports bikes to his left and a green dirt bike to his right. He got off the bike and took off his helmet, shaking his hair out of his eyes.
He grabbed his keys and helmet and walked into the school. Right then he could hear Lydia's voice.
"Not brothers. Twins."
He looked forward to see twin brothers in his way. He quickly moved to the office to get his schedule. He could still hear Allison and Lydia's conversation.
"I have plans though tonight." Lydia said.
Stiles smiled.
"Really?" Allison asked.
"Yeah. Stiles asked me out on a date."
"I thought you said you wanted a distraction."
Stiles felt his heart plummet into his stomach. He though he was different from her boy toys.
As if she knew that she replied instantly. "He's different. He's not a boy toy."
"But if you don't take this seriously, you'll hurt him. And I'm sorry for sounding like a hypocrite, but the truth is Stiles is a better person than Scott."
"I am thinking about him seriously. He's not a joke."
Stiles smiled before thanking the secretary for giving his schedule and waked out. Just then Lydia met Stiles's eyes.
"He looks better than the twins, anyway." Lydia said before Stiles quickly turned to her while walking backwards.
"You know I have better hearing, right?" Stiles asked them.
Lydia turned red and turned around while Stiles laughed. "See yah in class, Lyds."
Allison laughed as they closed their lockers and walked to class.
Stiles walked in and sat in the first seat he saw open. Too bad he didn't see that he sat next to Scott.
"Stiles, we need to talk."
Stiles sighed. "Later, ok? After school."
Scott nodded. "Derek's place. I need something."
Stiles nodded and watched as Lydia and Allison walked into class. Lydia sat next to Stiles and Allison sat in the only available seat, in front of Scott. After watching Scott hilariously sabotage his moment with Allison, Stiles gave him a thumbs up and winked. Scott laughed though. At least some things would never change.
The next few minutes are a daze. The teacher walks in and sends them a text. They turn their phones off. She starts the lesson and Scott gets pulled out of class. He heard him use the word ephemeral and ended up smirking, which caused Lydia and Allison to turn to him when he muttered the word, idiot.
Stiles was asking about Lydia's dog and how it could mean something was coming. Lydia pointed out that was only two times something happened.
What happened next was weird. A bird crashed into the window. More came one by one and Stiles threw his desk aside and pulled Lydia beneath him.
She looked terrified.
"Hey. Hey. Look at me. Your safe." Stiles said.
Lydia nodded and ducked under Stiles. Stiles could feel the crows clawing at his back but his priority was to make sure he shields Lydia from them.
When things finally calmed down, Stiles helped Lydia up and looked around the classroom.
"And three's a pattern" He said looking into Lydia's eyes.
The EMTs came to help everyone that was injured and the Sheriff started talking to Chris Argent.
"I'm sorry. I-I could have sworn I overheard my son talking about you being an experienced hunter." The Sheriff said.
"Uh, sorry. Not anymore." Argent replied.
That made Stiles laugh and the Sherriff, Chris, Allison, and Lydia turned to him.
"He's not a hunter. I told you dad he's ex military. His dad was too."
That comment hit Chris. He knows what Stiles had been put through.
"He taught Mr. Argent everything he knows. Even taught Allison a bit. And boy is she good."
Allison hung her head in shame.
"Anyway, they can't help you." Stiles said.
His father was called by a deputy and left the room.
Stiles trained his eyes onto Chris and Allison. Lydia saw the way Stiles looked at them. Something happened and she didn't know.
"Stiles, I-" Chris started but was interrupted with Stiles walking close to him.
"I need to talk to you. Can I drop by the house tomorrow?" Stiles asked.
"What about?" Chris asked.
Stiles moved closer and flashed his eyes at Chris. Chris stayed calm.
"Tomorrow night. 8:00 pm. Come by the house."
Stiles nodded before he called Scott. Allison and Lydia only heard his side of the conversation.
"Derek's place? Why?"
Stiles waited and listened to Scott.
"You idiot. You know, I am this close to cutting you furry little werewolf ears off." He said sarcastically.
"Alright. See yah man."
Stiles put his phone down and got his backpack. He went to Lydia and checked on her.
"You ok?"
"Yeah. What about you?"
Stiles shrugged. "I'll heal."
Lydia smiled. "Seven. Be in my driveway. Oh and please don't wear orange and blue." She pouted.
Stiles laughed. "Alright, Lyds." He kissed her forehead and hugged her. "Stay safe, ok?"
"You too."
Stiles looked in her eyes once more before walking out.
"Mr. Stilinski, get back here now." Their teacher yelled.
He turned around. "My dad's the sheriff. Take it up with him." He walked out, started his bike, and headed to Derek's house.
"-like an open wound." Stiles finished.
Derek told Stiles to hold Scott down. Surprisingly, Stiles was able to hold Scott down with ease and that didn't go unnoticed by Derek.
"You've changed." Derek said while Scott was passed out.
Stiles nodded. "Got bit before the summer when I escaped Gerard's place. Spent the summer learning and controlling."
Derek nodded. "So what are you?"
Stiles flashed his eyes silver. "Were-tiger."
Derek was surprised. "You know, the tiger represents strength, power, royalty, and devotion. It makes sense."
Stiles shook his head. "None of this makes sense. I still can't control myself of the full moon." Stiles sighed and rubbed his face. "How's the search going by the way? I sent out word for them to meet me over the summer if they wanted, but never heard back."
Before Derek could respond, Scott woke up and gasped for air. He looked at the tattoo on his arm and then at Derek and Stiles.
"It worked." He said happily.
Stiles hung his head in shame. "At least I can knock him out now when he's annoying."
They got ready to leave when Scott noticed the door.
"Why'd you paint only one side?"
Derek looked at them. "Go home. Both of you."
Scott brought out his claws and began tearing away the coated paint and a symbol revealed.
Stiles looked at Derek. "Who? When? How many?"
Scott raised an eyebrow at Stiles's forwardness.
"An Alpha pack. They have a leader. Someone called Deucalion. They are the ones who have Erica and Boyd."
"How do you deal with an Alpha pack?" Scott asked.
Derek looked at Stiles and Scott. "With all the help I can get."
Derek looked to Stiles. "How's the full moon for you?"
"Like I said. I still can't control it. Don't worry, I'll be in chains and away from people."
Derek nodded and Stiles nodded too. "Well, I need to go. I have a date tonight."
Scott looked to Stiles. "With who?"
Stiles smiled. "Lydia." He had the smile of a child on Christmas.
Scott and Derek chuckled.
"See you guys tomorrow." Stiles said before putting his helmet on and riding away.
Stiles arrived at Lydia's house with a bundle of roses at seven with his jeep. He rang the doorbell and waited for her to answer. Instead, Natalie, her mother, answered the door.
"Stiles?"
"Ms. Martin. Hi."
Natalie smiled. "I assume you are here for Lydia."
Stiles blushed. "Uh, yeah."
"Come in."
Natalie closed the door. "Lydia, Stiles is here." She announced.
Stiles looked up to see Lydia come down in a simple yet elegant orange and blue striped sweater dress and black tights.
Stiles had his mouth open and realized it when Lydia closed it for him. He stuttered and gave her the flowers.
"For you."
"Thank you, Stiles." Lydia said. "Mom, can you put these in a vase, please?"
Stiles led Lydia to his jeep. He opened the door for her then got in to drive.
"You know, you look beautiful." Stiles said.
Lydia smiled to him. "You look great too, Stiles."
Stiles smiled as they parked in front of the ice rink. They opened it and got in. They started skating and having fun. Lydia was showing her moves on the ice and as usual Stiles was floored.
"How is it that you amaze me more and more every single day?" Stiles asked her.
Lydia looked at him. "I guess I needed to find a way to believe in myself."
Stiles took Lydia's hand in his. "You are wonderful."
She smiled and they continued to skate. After two hours, he took her to dinner at the local diner.
"So," Lydia started, "you want to tell me now?"
Stiles nodded and took a deep breath. "On the night of the lacrosse game, I was kidnapped by Gerard. I was tortured in front of Boyd and Erica to give Scott's location, but when they realized I wouldn't say anything, they started things much worse."
Stiles closed his eyes at the memories. Lydia grabbed his hands.
"I can't tell you everything, but it made me want to kill myself to end the pain." Stiles said with tears in his eyes.
"I had the strength to drag my foot in the way of the power cord to help Erica and Boyd escape. Gerard and his guys took me to the woods to dispose of me, but when they released me, something attacked them. The two hunters with Gerard were killed and Gerard escaped to find Scott. Meanwhile, I was in too much pain to realize that I was bit. Anyway, I saw the next morning that I healed everywhere and needed to figure out what I was. So I went to Deaton and asked him not to tell anyone and went away for the summer. I also didn't want to accidentally beat the hell out of Jackson anyway."
Lydia smiled. "You know, Jackson left for London."
Stiles raised an eyebrow. "Really? Why?"
"His dad moved him to a boarding school."
"Huh. You never know." Stiles said.
Lydia gave her smile and they talked about other things they did over the summer. He paid the check and helped Lydia into the jeep again before taking her home.
He walked with her to her doorstep.
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation this morning." Stiles said.
Lydia chuckled. "And?"
"You're not a piece of meat, okay? You're an intelligent and strong girl who has a heart that is irreplaceable in this world. I admit that I started crushing on you because of your looks, but I started actually liking you when I paid attention to you, the real you. And I hope you never change. Not for a douche in London, or for anyone else."
Lydia was on the verge of crying. "Stiles…you are just so damn good for me."
Stiles grabbed her face and tucked her hair behind her ear. "I'm here always."
Lydia kissed his palm and held it to her face. "I hope you understand I'm not ready for a relationship yet."
Stiles nodded.
"But, I also want you to know that I don't have anyone else in mind. I just need to work things out myself and I promise you, I'll be the girl worthy of you."
Stiles hook his head. "You already are, Lydia Martin. You already are."
They kept looking in each other's eyes until Stiles noticed the time was well past eleven.
"Oh, wow. It's late. Get some sleep Martin. You've got a long day tomorrow."
Lydia laughed and nodded. She kissed him on the cheek again and went inside the house.
Stiles got back in his jeep and drove back home, happier than he ever had been.