A boat ride with Derek and possibly Isaac. Scott is struggling with himself. Megan and Ginny will be there so it won't be too bad. He tries to stay positive.
The next day they slept in. The breakfast at the hotel was not worth getting up for anyway. Stiles wouldn't have got out of bed even if there were a four course meal waiting for him so when Scott peeked at the clock at eight thirty he set the alarm for eleven and made the decision for both of them. The walk to the bar would take less than ten minutes so they would have plenty of time to get ready.
Scott had mixed feelings about this boat ride. That Derek-character was kind of creepy. He'd been intimidated by his stare the first time he saw him but only because Scott thought that he'd discovered that they spiked their drink. When he later came to the table and actually helped cover it up Scott had wondered why. Now he suspected that he'd befriended them in lieu of his second agenda.
When he revealed that he owned the bar, the cover up seemed almost silly. Scott didn't know how to interpret it. For him it looked like Derek was on a mission; a mission to get into Stiles' pants. The way Stiles behaved could make anyone believe that he was in on it.
Scott knew his friend. He was sometimes out of control but he was not going to fall for that. Stiles was just friendly and outgoing. Anyone could misunderstand if they wanted to. Scott had nothing to worry about. He peeked over at Stiles cuddled up under his blanket and nodded to himself. Nothing to worry about. It became sort of a mantra as sleep caught up with him.
At a quarter to twelve they were shaved and showered and had packed their swimwear and a couple of towels. Stiles was juggling the two hip flasks but they both decided to leave them behind. On their way over to the bar they bought a couple of rolls at the bakery next door. "We'll just ask if we can get some food on the way." Stiles suggested. "And something to drink. Did he say anything about what to bring?"
Scott hadn't thought about it and they didn't even know how long this trip was going to last. "He didn't but I'm sure it will sort itself out. You're the one who's friendly with him. You find out." Scott gave Stiles a sinister smile and got a pout in return. "I'm a friendly kind of guy. Don't mock me."
Scott didn't know if he should say anything to remind Stiles of the previous night but he couldn't help himself "Do you remember that you flirted with him? I really thought that you would have gone for Megan."
Stiles just shrugged. "She's cute and I really like her, but come on... Her mother keeps her on a leash. I'm not up for that." He huffed and kept walking. "I'm not here to get laid. Let's have fun." He turned to Scott and smiled. "As I said, we got a free boat ride. Enjoy it and shut up." Laughing out loud he threw his hands out and danced down the street. "We can do whatever we want. No parents, no teachers, just us."
When they came to the bar Megan and Ginny was already there. Ginny greeted them like old friends. "I bought wine and some snack foods. Did he say anything about what to bring?" Stiles and Scott looked at each other and giggled a little before they shook their heads. "I'm sure we can get something on the way." Stiles uttered. "It's probably not the first time he's invited people on his boat."
Soon after Derek pulled up next to them in a Mercedes convertible. It was shining like it had been recently polished and the model was reasonably new. Scott knew a thing or two about cars; having searched through the adds to find one he could afford. This one was not even close to his price-range.
When Derek got out of the car he cocked his head and looked at the four of them. For Scott it felt like he was measured but then Derek gave them a bright smile before he came around to the other side and opened the passenger door. He gestured for Stiles, Scott and Megan to get in the back. "Mama is riding shotgun," he said as he moved a little to the side to let Ginny into the front seat.
"Nice Car." she exclaimed as she got herself comfortable. Derek walked over to the other side and got behind the wheel. "I agree. And before anyone asks, I bought it myself." Scott blushed knowing that Derek was addressing him. He knew that he should be grateful. Derek was being nice and he seemed genuinely happy about taking them on this trip.
Scott knew perfectly well why he had a problem with Derek's friendliness. He felt that Stiles payed too much attention to this creepy bar owner. He knew that his friend was prone to get into trouble so of course he was worried. Even if Scott loved Stiles with every fiber of his being he could still see his flaws. One of these flaws were that he trusted people unconditionally. Trusting Derek could turn out to be a bad move.
Scott didn't even know what he worried about. The fact that Stiles was flirting with Derek didn't mean anything. Stiles wasn't really trying to hook up with the guy, right? A shiver went down his spine. What if everything he though he knew was wrong? What if Stiles did do this on purpose? What if Derek turned him on?
Another shiver came down his spine and Scott covered his eyes with his hands. He startled when Megan nudged him. "Are you alright?" she asked tilting her head a little. She sat in the middle and was leaning forward a bit so Stiles didn't see what happened. "Oh, sorry. I'm just tired. I'll be fine." He gave her e quick smile. "Late night."
Ginny took care of all the questions regarding the trip. Derek was obviously prepared. "I loaded up Laura with drinks and snacks." He threw a quick peek over his shoulder. "Let's play it by ear. You guys can decide when to make a pit-stop."
Scott was pretty sure that Derek wasn't that much older than them. Maybe four or five years at the most. Still it felt like he treated Ginny – probably in her late thirties – more like an equal while the three of them in the back seat where children. For Scott it didn't really matter. If Derek felt like that it was actually a good thing.
The drive to the marina took about ten minutes and Scott was happy to get out of there. It was pretty cramped in the back seat and Megan kept giving him questioning looks. Derek got out of the car and told the others to wait. He took off down the street and a few minutes later he was back with Isaac in tow. Scott started sweating profusely. He didn't want this guy to interfere in his quest. Scott was in love with Stiles. Had always been. A few random hook-ups didn't change that. But this guy was hot and – according to Derek – Isaac liked him.
Scott got very disturbed. After a four months drought he could have needed some unconditional sex but with Stiles around it would be impossible. He didn't really worry anymore about Stiles' reaction if he learned that his best friend was gay. He wanted to tell him. He wanted to be honest and bold. The way Stiles behaved towards Derek made Scott believe that he could be somewhat curious about these things. And if there were a slightest chance that Stiles would be remotely interested, hooking up with someone else was still so out of the question.
A 'what if' was tugging on his brain. If Stiles weren't there Scott would have looked at Isaac differently. He could have been a summer fling that nobody needed to know anything about. At the moment he was just an annoying distraction.
"We can go wherever we want. Just have to be back before dark." Derek was walking in front of them to the dock. "Here she is." He pointed to a pontoon boat. "It's not a cabin cruiser if that's what you'd expected."
"Oh. A cabin cruiser is so old news. I've never even seen a boat like that up close." Ginny sounded excited which obviously embarrassed Megan somewhat. "But really, thinking about it I should let you youngsters go. I don't have to come." Both Megan and Derek stared at her now. Scott would have thought the girl would have embraced the idea but she looked terrified. Derek shook his head. "It's out of the question. You're coming. It'll be fun."
He was about to get on board when he turned to them. "Oh. There's not much privacy on this boat. Maybe you should get your swimwear on here." He pointed to a house on the dock with pictograms showing that there were bathrooms and showers inside.
He himself had a pair of jeans shorts and a black t-shirt and made no indication that he was going to change into anything else. "We're already in swimwear." Ginny picked at the hem of her sundress. "Underneath." Isaac didn't say anything and it wasn't really necessary. His colorful knee long swim shorts was all he was wearing.
Stiles and Scott looked at each other. "Okay." They said simultaneously and giggled. Scott grabbed their bag and pulled Stiles with him to go change.
When they came back the others were on the boat and Derek was busy untying the mooring lines. "Careful when you get in the deck is a little wet and slippery." Derek's advice came too late. Stiles was already in motion to jump on board and as soon as he landed he slipped and lost his balance. Derek was fast. He let go of the line and managed to grab a hold of Stiles' arm just before he hit his head on the railing.
"Really? That is not the correct way to board a boat." Derek scoffed as he helped Stiles up on his feet again. Scott noticed that Derek didn't let go of Stiles immediately. He'd loosened the grip somewhat but – in Scott's opinion – that hand was lingering a little too long to be coincidental.
As soon as they'd left the marina Derek opened a cooler and offered everybody drinks. "I have beers and soda and... Oh Ginny? You want the wine?" Isaac was at the steering wheel and reached out for the beer Derek handed him.
Scott wasn't sure if Derek would allow them to get any and waited for him to say something. Stiles on the other hand wasn't shy. "A beer would be nice." Derek came over and gave him one before he turned to Scott. "You too?"
It was all good. Derek was back in the captain's seat lazily panning the horizon. Ginny was sitting in the aft with a book trying to be invisible. Megan sat cross-legged on the floor with with Stiles and Isaac trying to teach them the cup-song. It was actually hilarious to watch. She'd offered to teach Scott also, but he'd nicely declined.
After a little while Scott left them and went to the bow of the boat. He just stood there looking at the blue ocean. They had the islands – the Keys – to their left and to the right was only endless water. Well, Cuba was somewhere out there along with the rest of the world. "It would be nice having a boat." He thought when a tap on his shoulder startled him. "Sorry." Isaac mumbled quietly. "Here." He had two beers I his hand and gave one of them to Scott. "This is nice, right?" He opened his bottle and took a sip. Scott nodded tentatively not sure where this was going. He looked down on the beer. "Thanks by the way."
For a while they both stood there in silence until Isaac cleared his throat. "Eh, I wonder... Are you and Stiles like... are you two together? You know..." He didn't look up and Scott was happy because the question made him blush. "No... We are just best friends." As he said the words he knew that it was the wrong answer. A straight guy would have laughed and told Isaac that he was on the wrong path; or got pissed because Isaac suggested they were gay. "Thought so and I'm sorry." Isaac's words made Scott finally turn to him. "What? Why are you sorry? That was a weird thing to say."
Isaac huffed and looked down for a second. "Best friends, yeah? I can see it in your face. You... you want more. The way you look at him. I feel sorry for you Scott." He put a hand on Scott's arm and squeezed a little. "If you need a shoulder to cry on... or, or..." He swallowed. "I'm sure I could take your mind of it for a while."
Scott pushed the hand away. "You're delusional. I'm not..." He threw a quick glance over his shoulder fearing that anyone was overhearing them. Isaac obviously noticed the flash of panic in his eyes. When he tried to pull away Isaac grabbed him again. "Oh my God. You haven't told him you're gay. He's your best friend and you..." Scott ripped himself loose before Isaac had finished. "Don't... don't you dare. You know nothing."
Scott started to walk away. Except for Derek, who were watching them all broody eyed, none of the others seemed to have noticed the little scuffle up front. "I didn't mean to offend you. Sorry." Isaac sounded sincere but Scott just shrugged and hurried over to sit with Ginny on the couch in the back.
Suddenly Derek cut the engine. "Shallow waters. If you want to go snorkeling I have the gear." He lifted one of the seats on the couch and pulled out a couple of masks. "Oh, shit. Only four." He looked up. You can take turns, or..." Ginny raised her hand as if she was in class. "I volunteer to stay in the boat. Snorkeling is not... I don't like it. Maybe I'll go for a swim but those masks gives me claustrophobia."
Stiles was the first one in the water closely followed by Isaac. Megan was a little more hesitant but when Derek showed her the little ladder in the bow she climbed into the water slowly. Scott held the last mask out to Derek. "What about you. You want to go first?" Derek shook his head. "No. I'm not going in. I can do this everyday if I want. Don't worry about me."
It was really fun. They found several sand dollars and beautiful sea shells. Suddenly Stiles emerged with the biggest starfish Scott had ever seen in real life. After passing it around making sure that Ginny could catch it on camera they put it back. The whole time Scott made sure not to come too close to Isaac. The guy seemed to understand and kept his distance.
A half hour later they were on the boat again and Derek maneuvered her out in open waters. "We can stop somewhere for a meal or...?" He threw the question out without revealing what his take on it was. Isaac just shrugged and slumped down on one of the two swivel chairs in the bow. The rest of them looked at each other. None of them could seem to decide. "You know," Ginny finally broke the silence, "I think we have enough snacks. We don't need anything else at the moment."
Scott was about to protest. Him and Stiles hadn't had a proper breakfast and now it was way past lunchtime. He looked at Stiles digging through the cooler. "No! No real food here. I didn't eat much today. I'm hungry."
Derek scoffed and looked at them. "Anyone else?" Both Scott and Megan nodded and Megan giggled a little. "Mom, I think you got outvoted." She turned to Derek again. "Unless..." He gave her a smile. "It's fine. I know just the place."
After the somewhat simple meal at a Tiki-bar on a pier they got back on the boat. "Hope that was okay? I like this place, but I know the menu isn't very exciting." Derek frowned a little and shrugged. Scott was fine. He'd no need for fancy dishes and the pasta with garlic bread had been filling. "It was good, at least I'm good."
Out in open waters again Derek shouted: "Hey, guys! Dolphins!" He pointed out to the left and turned to go in that direction. Everybody got up from where they had been sitting and practically ran to the bow. Soon after they were in the middle of a school of dolphins. It was totally amazing.
"Can we swim with them?" Ginny turned to Derek. He shook his head slowly. "It's possible, but these are going to fast. If they slow down, you could, but... I don't think so, sorry."
They watched the animals for a while but then Derek slowed down and let them on their merry way. "They are obviously on their way to Cuba or something. We can't follow them any further." He turned the boat and headed back towards the keys. "I think it's time to get back anyway. We'll take it slow." He gestured for Isaac to take the wheel and walked over to the cooler. "Drinks anyone?"
Back at the marina Isaac was the first one out of the boat. "I live right around the corner. See you later, I guess?" He didn't wait for an answer. He just waved and took off. Scott and Stiles had to go change before they could get in the car while Ginny and Megan decided to walk to their hotel.
"We're leaving tomorrow. Are you guys up for a little go-away party?" Ginny looked at Scott and Stiles as they were about to get into the car. "Sure. See you later at the bar." Stiles didn't even wait to see if Scott agreed.
Scott – feeling a little overlooked – practically pushed Stiles into the back seat before he himself jumped in the front. He didn't want Stiles next to Derek. It didn't help much. None of them seemed to notice Scott's sour mood when – even from the back seat – Stiles managed to steal Derek's attention.
Later – at the bar – they did have fun. It was the drag queen's night off and Isaac was in charge of Karaoke instead. To Megan's embarrassment Ginny participated with a Jimmy Buffet song. The performance was quite good and the audience cheered wildly when she was done.
Derek approached their table once to say goodbye to Ginny and Megan. The rest of the evening they barely saw him. Scott was content with that. The last glimpse he got of him was when he was hanging by the bar playing with his necklace looking at Stiles. Derek was obviously not aware that Scott was watching him but then their eyes met for a split second Derek hurried to turn and then he left through the back door.
When Ginny got up from her seat to leave she gave both Scott and Stiles a hug. "Nice meeting you guys, we have to go. Getting up early tomorrow." Megan gave them a hug also and as they left Scott turned to Stiles. "Maybe we should go too. The party's over."
Stiles nodded and dug into his pocket for the wallet. "Sure. Oh fuck. I left my money in the room. Sorry mate, can you pay?" He threw his hands out. "It's not that big of a bill." It took a second for Scott to realize that he'd done the same. "Really? We have no money?" Stiles got up and pointed to the door. "I'll go and get it. It will only take a few minutes."
The second Stiles was out the door Isaac slumped down on a chair by the table. "He left? And you're here? What's up?" He smiled and gave Scott a wink. Scott shook his head and looked away. "We left our money at the motel. He's just going to get it. He'll be back."
Stiles didn't come back. After forty-five minutes Scott started to worry. He was also a little pissed off. Isaac obviously noticed and came over again. "Maybe he fell asleep. He was pretty drunk." He put a hand on Scott's shoulder and squeezed it gently. "I'm off in a few."
Scott knew exactly what Isaac was getting at but he really wasn't that interested anymore. "Sorry. You're nice and all but... I..." He threw his hands out. Isaac let go of his shoulder and sat down. "I can cover your bill. Pay me back tomorrow. Go to him."
Of course Stiles was in the room. He was sleeping like a log. There was no reaction when Scott accidentally on purpose slammed the door shut.
The bed was a mess and clothes were spread around the room. Scott wondered what had happened but figured that his friend had been searching for the wallet without success. Scott was a little disappointed that Stiles seemed to have forgot what he came there for in the first place and tried to find an excuse for his behavior.
Hours on the water with more than a few beers. A couple of shots at the motel and a few spiked drinks probably got the better of him. He had been drunk when he left and maybe he just wanted to lie down for a second before he came back. Scott thought about waking him up and give him a piece of his mind but decided to let it go. He could bitch him about it in the morning.
After a trip to the bathroom Scott crawled into bed and looked at his friend. He knew he couldn't take this any longer and decided to come clean. If Stiles wanted to leave and go home, so be it. Scott was tired of beating about the bush and needed to get it off his chest before he went crazy. He moved closer and stroke Stiles' cheek. There were no reaction to the touch and Scott withdrew his hand in disappointment.
-o-o-o-o-
When Scott woke up he was staring into Stiles' eyes. Surprised that the guy was awake already he furrowed his brows and reached for his phone on the nightstand. He looked at the clock and discovered that it wasn't really that early. He'd slept through breakfast and then some.
Stiles looked like he was in pain and Scott patted his shoulder. "Hangover?" he asked with a smile. Stiles shook his head and dug his face into the pillow. "No, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't come back." His voice was trembling and Scott tried to force him to turn his head. "Don't worry about it. We owe Isaac some money now, but it's okay."
Something was poking his hip and as he tried to make Stiles face him Scott dug his hand under the covers to find the source of the irritation. "What's the matter? Are you crying? Why are you crying? What ha..." His words stopped short in his throat when he pulled his hand up revealing a leather cord with a wolf's tooth pendant.
