6. Locker Rooms and Darkrooms

Scott waited in the locker room as long as he could for Stiles. He waited until the bell rang, announcing the three minute warning before class started. He didn't want to be late, so Scott rushed off figuring he would catch Stiles during or after class and ask what had been so important that he hadn't shown up. But Stiles wasn't in class… he wasn't at his locker after class let out either. Scott kept waiting all morning for Stiles to show up, had sent him several text messages telling him what an ass he was for making Scott hang out in the locker room and then not bothering to appear and now he wasn't even at school.

Lunch time rolled around and Scott entered the cafeteria expecting to see Stiles sitting with Isaac, Lydia, Allison, and the newest member of the group, Kira, at their usual table. No such luck. Scott frowned as he walked up and asked the group in general, "Anyone seen or heard from Stiles today?"

The group gave a collective, "No,"… "Not today,"… "He's probably at home jerking off," this last came from Isaac with a smirk. Scott normally would have found Isaac's cracks about Stiles amusing, but today it felt wrong. He unintentionally gave Isaac his pissed off Alpha look making him slump down in his chair before Scott managed to school his features into a more neutral expression.

"Sorry… bad timing?" Isaac looked at Scott hopefully, to see if he was forgiven.

Scott waved it off like it was nothing and Isaac visibly relaxed as Scott told the group, "Stiles called and wanted me to meet him in the locker room to discuss something this morning. I don't know what it was but it sounded important, then he never showed up, and now I can't get a hold of him and he isn't in school."

Scott didn't have to tell the group he was worried. They could see it all over him and Isaac piped up, "Did you call Derek and ask if he's seen him?"

"Why would I ask Derek if he's seen Stiles? They barely tolerate each other."

"I don't know about all that, but when I went over there to see Derek night before last he smelled like Stiles so he must be keeping in touch with him."

Scott gave Isaac a look of confusion before pulling his cell out of his pocket and dialing Derek's number.

Derek picked up on the fourth ring, "Yeah Scott, what do you want?" His voice sounded strained and tired.

"Uh, hey Derek, I hate to bother you man but, have you seen Stiles or heard from him today?"

Derek stopped short at the question, "Um, no why would I have!" he answered a little too quickly. Then he wondered why Scott would be calling him to look for Stiles, wasn't he at school.

"Don't you guys have school today?"

"Yeah, but Stiles called me all cryptic like this morning, saying he had to talk to me about something and wanted me to meet him in the locker room but he never showed up."

Derek had a moment of panic as he thought he knew exactly what Stiles had wanted to talk about before his rational side took over. He knew Stiles wouldn't have missed that conversation unless something bad had happened and he told Scott, "I'll be there in ten minutes."

"Oh, no man you don't have to come here, schools not out for two more hours anyway."

"I'm coming." Click…

Scott looked at the now silent phone more confused than ever. Derek's obvious worry had Scott more panicked than the actual missing Stiles. Derek didn't get worked up idly and Scott let the rest of the group know Derek was on his way. They all took turns slipping out of the cafeteria a couple at a time so they didn't leave en masse making it obvious to the teachers. They quickly made their way out the side exit, slipping undetected through the parking lot toward the already waiting Camaro with an impatient Derek in the driver's seat.

"Wow, that was fast Derek! What did you do, fly here?" Isaac asked Derek who only grunted in reply then got out of the car.

"Wait here, I'll be right back."

The group watched as Derek ran for the front of the school then was back only a couple of minutes later.

"He was here but he never went in the school. It's like he changed his mind and just headed back toward the parking lot. His jeep is gone now too."

"His dad probably had it towed into the shop last night, do you think he could have went there to get it?" Scott

Kira was looking between Scott and Derek and although she was trying not to be intrusive she had to ask, "Umm, how do you know he didn't come into the school?"

Derek looked at Kira curiously then back to Scott, "You need to fill her in."

Scott looked shocked, "uhh, like… fill her in… fill her in…?"

"Yes, we don't have time to be playing games, I have a bad feeling and we need to find Stiles yesterday." Derek wasn't kidding, his instincts were screaming Stiles was in danger and he had no patience for anything other than finding him to lessen the sudden heavy weight in his chest.

Scott looked from the expectant look on Kira's face to the impatient one on Derek's and back again several times stammering. He wasn't prepared to tell Kira yet, he needed time to adjust to the idea, let her get to know him first. Then the choice was gone, Derek seeing Scott's indecision morphed into his wolf giving a low growl and Kira jumped and screamed which caused both Isaac and Scott to morph in instinctual reaction, both ready and poised for an attack.

Derek craned his neck and he was back to his normal self. "Kira, hi, werewolf, former alpha, good to meet you… Now can we go?" this last part directed at Scott.

Scott slowly turned his head and saw Kira staring at him and he lowered his head looking at the ground as he slowly returned to normal.

"S… so… you… all of you… you're all werewolves?" Kira sounded shocked but not frightened and Scott cautiously looked up, anxious to see if there was fear in her eyes.

"Not all of us, just me, Scott, and Derek… Lydia's a banshee…" Lydia gave a little wave to Kira at this while Isaac continued, "we still don't really know what that means though." Isaac piped up helpfully, Scott shooting him a look and Isaac looking away uncomfortably.

"Um… Ok… so well I guess you should all know then, I'm… a Kitsune… I don't really know what that means either." Kira laughed a little at her own joke before trailing into uncomfortable silence and chewed her bottom lip, waiting for the group to let this soak in.

"We don't have time for this, we have to find Stiles, now!" Derek barked and climbed back into the Camaro slamming the door and looking at everyone expectantly.

"Isaac why don't you go with Derek… Lydia and Allison, can you two go talk to Chris and see if he has heard anything or has any ideas how to track Stiles?" Scott looked at Kira, "You can come with me if you want to… I'm going to Deaton and see what he has to say."

Kira gave Scott a shy smile and tentatively reached her hand out to him and Scott let out a breath as he took it to lead her to his bike. He was amazed by her ability to adapt to his life so fast. Anyone else would have just freaked and ran, but then again, she wasn't exactly normal herself so maybe she had a little bit more understanding that just because you were different, didn't make you evil. Well, not all the time, as he thought of all the things that were different they had encountered lately.

"We all keep in touch by phone and text and let the rest of the group know what we know ASAP." Scott looked around and for a moment no one moved.

"Let's go!... Isaac!" Derek's voice boomed and Isaac jumped, scrambling to climb in next to Derek, the Camaro shooting out of the space making Isaac fumble the door closed, "Not in a hurry are we."

Derek gave Isaac his best patented glare and Isaac mimed zipping his lips shut and throwing the key out the window.

Derek drove as fast as he could without getting a ticket or killing someone and was at Stiles house in less than ten minutes. He tried not to think about his last car ride to Stiles house. Isaac's phone jingled and Derek looked at Isaac expectantly.

"Oh, you want me to speak now?"

"Isaac…" the warning clear in Derek's voice.

"It's a text from Scott, Stiles dad said he dropped him off at school. Which means if something happened, it was before he could get in the building."

"Dammit!" Even though he knew it was unlikely he was hoping Stiles had just decided to play hooky and would be crashed out in his room. He chose to ignore the fact that Stiles didn't have a mode of transportation at the moment and scaled the side of the house to slip into Stiles room, Isaac right behind him.

The two spent a few minutes walking around the room trying to catch any strange scent that would give them a clue. Isaac noticed something and picked up a pillow from the bed, pushing his nose into its softness and inhaling deeply.

"You have something?" Derek asked.

"Uhh… yeah…" Isaac looked at him quizzically but didn't elaborate.

Derek stalked over and snatched the pillow out of Isaac's hand and inhaled it himself. As he did his face paled and he looked directly at Isaac, his mouth dropping open and then closing quickly.

Isaac and Derek stared at each other for what felt like an eternity to Derek but he refused to look away from Isaac, challenging him to say anything. Derek couldn't believe he hadn't thought about what would happen if Isaac came in here now, of all days. His worry over Stiles had his brain all wired wrong today.

"You going to tell me why Stiles pillows reek of you Derek?" Isaac looked at him with curiosity and Derek was surprised he didn't see condemnation or judgment in his stare.

Derek opened his mouth to deny it but closed it again. There was no point in lying and making a bigger fool out of himself when Isaac would know his scent, his former alpha, anywhere.

"Stiles had a nightmare… I tried to help… I fell asleep."

Isaac raised one eyebrow quizzically waiting for a little more explanation but Derek looked like he was done talking about it.

"OK… then why did you smell like him the day before yesterday when I came by, or why does your car smell like him…and don't think I don't smell other things too Derek. Also, what were you doing here to know Stiles was even having a nightmare? I'm not judging, but if something is going on that could have anything to do with Stiles disappearing or taking off you should tell me." Isaac kept his voice carefully void of any emotion even though his brain was scrambling with all this new information.

"Christ Isaac! I don't know what the fuck is going on! I… I don't… I just know he's gone and no one knows where and I have this sudden fear like I haven't felt in so long… it scares the shit out of me!" Derek gasped at his outburst and snapped his lips shut then turned and stalked into Stiles bathroom slamming the door behind him. He gripped the counter so hard it creaked underneath the pressure and Derek stared at his reflection trying to get his emotions reined in.

Isaac stared after Derek, mouth wide open. That was the most emotion Isaac had ever seen Derek display since he had known him. Over anything.

"Holy shit!" Isaac whispered out loud unable to keep the words from slipping out. Derek had it bad, and for Stiles! He could still smell the lingering pheromones of lust embedded in the pillowcase and if he breathed deep he could still catch it in the air and taste it on his tongue. He couldn't help but wonder just what had been going on between Derek and Stiles, for how long, and just how far had it gone? He pulled his phone out of his pocket, but before he could hit the button to text Scott, the bathroom door burst open and Derek was on him grabbing the phone and pushing him up against the dresser making the pictures and trophies on the top rattle.

"You say nothing! To no one!" Derek's eyes were glowing and his fangs had elongated dangerously.

"You realize you're asking me to lie… to Scott… my alpha… about something that could very well be the reason his best friend has taken off."

Derek knew what a taboo he was committing, but he couldn't deal with everyone knowing what was going on with him and Stiles when he couldn't even explain it himself yet.

"Please Isaac… I was your alpha once too." Derek let the plea hang heavy between them unable to look Isaac in the eyes as he backed off him and retracted his fangs.

Isaac heard the hint of pain in the words. It was the first time Derek had ever shown any emotion about Isaac switching alliances. Isaac had thought it didn't bother him one way or the other but he couldn't deny the underlying hurt in Derek's voice.

Isaac was thoughtful as he chose his words carefully, "You have to tell me what's going on with you and Stiles before I decide anything." He ducked his head making Derek look him the eye.

Derek took a deep breath and squared his shoulders looking directly at Isaac. "I wish I knew Isaac, believe me. I just don't know."

"Did you… I mean have you and Stiles… like, you know?" Isaac raised his eyebrows suggestively, too embarrassed to say the words out loud.

"NO!" Derek looked like he might have a seizure for second before schooling his features again.

"Are you sure, because I mean, if you did, I don't care you know, and I don't think anyone else would either, but it would explain why Stiles might have needed, say some time alone or something… and he was going to tell Scott something this morning that sounded pretty important…" Isaac looked sharply at Derek gauging his reaction.

"I didn't sleep with Stiles!... I mean well… I guess I did sleep with him… but I didn't… you know… we didn't do anything but sleep!" Derek's voice rose in pitch as he spoke then he finished lamely, "he was having a nightmare."

Isaac couldn't help his lips twitching with the grin that threatened to spread across his face. He had never seen Derek, who was always in control, so flustered over anything before. He was sort of relishing it, maybe just a little bit too much, but again he couldn't help it. Derek had done his fair share of torturing Isaac and it was nice to see the shoe on the other foot for a change. Isaac sobered though as he thought about what he was going to do. He didn't want to lie or feel like he was hiding anything from Scott, but he really had no proof that Stiles disappearing had anything to do with Derek and he didn't want to out him to everyone unnecessarily if he didn't have to. Afraid he would laugh he kept quiet and looked at Derek expectantly.

"Look, Isaac, I really don't know what's happening between us, all I know is that my gut is telling me there is something really wrong and I don't think it has anything to do with me. You weren't here… you don't know what it took for me to bring him out of that nightmare. It was terrifying, so much so I don't know what would've happened to him last night had I not been here. Things got away from me and happened so fast, I didn't have time to really think about it until this morning. Then I got the message Stiles was missing and I knew. Ok… I just knew the two are connected and we need to find him… now."

Isaac was thoughtful for a few more moments before replying, "Alright, I won't say anything to Scott, " Isaac clarified at the immediate look of relief on Derek's face, "for now… But if I think for one minute that Stiles going missing has anything to do with what is going on between you two I will tell him Derek. I'll have too."

"I know. I get it."

"In the meantime you better make sure Scott doesn't come here or I won't have to tell him, your scent is so strong in here right now he would figure it out pretty quick on his own."

Derek sighed and used his phone to text Scott that there was nothing of use at Stiles house taking Isaac's advice. Scott could be just as irrational as he was being right now when it came to Stiles and danger. He didn't want to do anything to upset their relationship now that it was finally starting to mend. Besides he really didn't think Stiles missing had anything to do with him. He didn't know what was happening with Stiles, but he knew it wasn't good, and it had been brewing for a while.

Stiles was screaming to be let out as he used his feet to kick the shit out of the door repeatedly and bruised his knuckles trying to punch a hole in it, tears ran down his face in frustration and fear, but the door was solid and didn't give with his efforts. He was in a darkened room that was so small he could stand in the middle of it, reach out with both arms, and spin to touch all four walls. It was pitch black and he couldn't see anything, making it disorienting since he couldn't tell if it was day or night. He only knew that this was the door because he had felt every inch of the walls he could reach and found the seam and the doorknob. There was no light coming through the cracks in the door though and he wondered if he had been unconscious longer than he realized or if it was just as dark on the other side of the door.

Exhausted, he flopped down on the floor panting to catch his breath. He grabbed handfuls of his hair in frustration and pulled trying to distract himself from the panic attack he could feel threatening to take over. A low voice suddenly spoke to him out of the darkness, "You're wasting your time, just go back to sleep. No point… no point… sleep Stiles… just sleep." The voice cajoled him.

"Who are you? What do you want with me," he screamed, jumping to his feet and feeling around the room again seeking the source of the voice.

It only took a few seconds to circle the small space while running his hands along the walls. There was no one in here with him yet the voice sounded like it was right next to him.

"Sleep now Stiles… no point… too late… sleep!"

"I'm going to get out of here you asshole! You don't know who you're messing with! I have friends, powerful friends… boy are you going to be sorry…you fucked with the wrong guy this time you sick fuck!" Stiles punched the door again for emphasis.

The low laugh echoed around him sending chills down to his bones. The voice was so familiar but he couldn't put his finger on where he knew it from. Maybe if he could keep him talking he could figure it out.

"What do you want with me?" he tried to ask calmly but his breath was still ragged.

"Not with you… not with you… no, no, no… tricky tricky tricky…" the voice laughed at his own nonsense.

"I was serious when I said you don't know who I am or who's going to come looking for me. You are much better off just letting me go now for your own good. Take my word for it." Stiles spoke with false bravado because he had no idea where he was or if Scott would really be able to track him here.

"Got you already… got you already… sleep… back to sleep… you tricky tricky boy…"

"Screw you asshole! Come in here and face me you piece of chicken shit!" Stiles' was tired of this game already.

"yes… let me in… let me in… tricky tricky… how did you get in there… let me in…" the voice whispered in a hiss.

Stiles jerked his head at that, what the hell did that mean? He wanted out and the asshole voice wanted in? If he wanted in, what was keeping him out?

A small pinpoint of light flared making him blink at the sudden glare after being so long in the pitch black. As he watched, it grew brighter and larger until he could make out a small desk lamp sitting on a small,l plain end table in the corner. The room was suddenly illuminated by that lamp and he was facing four black painted walls.

"What the fuck?" Stiles stared at the apparition until he took the few steps to the desk to reach out and touch it, only to find it completely solid beneath his fingers. "What's going on?" Stiles backed away from the desk until his spine was pressed against the door. Panicking again he began to beat on the door again.

"Let me in… let me in… back to sleep… back to sleep… tricky tricky…"

Stiles jumped back as the doorknob suddenly rattled viciously and the door shook, bowing slightly inward. Stiles instantly knew he didn't want whatever was on the other side to open that door. For some reason he couldn't fathom the room he was trapped in was also serving to protect him from whatever was out there trying to get in. He remembered a dream he had not that long ago where the recurring theme had been about his bedroom door being cracked and Lydia telling him not to open it so 'they couldn't get in'. He didn't listen to her then but he wasn't stupid enough to do it again. He backed away from the door and wished he had something he could press against it for support. At the thought, a deadbolt and a wooden crossbar appeared over the door making him jump again.

"What the…" his words trailed off as Stiles heard a frustrated squeal from the other side.

"Let me in… let me in tricky boy… let me in or they will all die… all die… every one… let me in"

"Fuck You!"

"They're all going to die Stiles… everyone you love… if you don't let me in…"

Stiles shook with his rising panic, he didn't know what was happening, he just knew one hundred percent if he opened that door, he was done for. Sayonara Stiles, pushing up daisies from now on, that's what he'd be doing… no thank you…

Stiles suddenly thought about waking up with Derek this morning and the idea of never getting to do that again filled him with a nearly unbearable sadness.

The voice suddenly laughed with a wicked cackle then spoke quietly, "let me in… let me in or I'll start with him Stiles… I'll do things to him… oh the things I'll do… he won't be so pretty anymore… you like him pretty don't you Stiles… let me in and you can save him… tricky tricky boy… you can save him… let me in."

Stiles shuddered and sent a silent prayer up that Scott or anyone would find him soon. He didn't know how long he could resist the cold cruelty that disembodied voice cajoled him with. Somehow he had to get out of here. He just didn't know where here was.

"I'm going to peel the skin off him in strips Stiles… skin him alive… skin him alive… you'll hear him scream… scream… scream… you'll hear him screaming your name and there won't be anything you can do… nothing nothing nothing…"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Stiles screamed, he was already sick of the sing song way the voice repeated everything making the hair on his neck and arms stand up.

Stiles couldn't help but picture what the voice was describing he would do to Derek and he shuddered. Could he really do that? Did this thing, whatever it was, have enough power to overcome Derek and torture him just to make Stiles open a door? Why did this ass want in so badly anyway, what did it really want from him? Again, the image of Derek's arms wrapped around him this morning filled him with longing; making him wish he was here now and making him feel as safe as he did in those few moments.

"Stiles… Stiles… open the door… last chance Stiles… he'll pay… he'll pay for your sins Stiles… I'll peel his skin… peel his skin… and I'll make you watch… I'll let you see… let you see… your hands as they wield the knife… you'll watch him bleed Stiles… won't be pretty anymore… won't be pretty anymore… no sir… no sir… he won't be pretty anymore," the voice laughed and trailed away.

Stiles sunk gratefully to the floor, glad to have whatever time he could get without the creepy ass voice describing what it was going to do to Derek. He couldn't let that happen. If it came down to it… he might have to open the door… "Hurry up Scott, come find me… I don't know how long I can keep him out." Stiles whispered to the air around him. A sudden thought occurred to him. What did that asshole mean he'd let me see my hands wield the knife? Did he think he could force him to hurt any of his friends? No fucking way dude! That asshole better not be dumb enough to put a knife in his hands or the first thing Stiles was going to do was cut the fuckers throat and not bother to ask questions later.

A/N: Sorry for the delay in update guys… the day I had originally set aside to finish this chapter was the same day the STEREK fandom imploded and I think we all know why. It took me a few days to recover enough I could write this story without bias toward certain characters. I needed to be able to compartmentalize some stuff. I hope you found this chapter entertaining, let me know what you thought… Much Love, Davelle