Turn my back and slam the door
and here I stand, and here I'll stay
Let it go
Let it go
the cold never bothered me anyway

Demi Lovato – Let It Go

EDITED

Stiles stood by the bookshelf, looking through the DVD collection. Finally, he found it. She had asked for him to pick out a movie, a scary one, and he had been trying to find a good one. She said she had a pretty good collection, and she hadn't been kidding. She said she preferred psychological thrillers while he preferred gory ones, so he was trying to find one with both. He had finally decided on The Hitcher. It just happened to have the bonus of having Sophia Bush in it. Man, he liked her.

He put the movie in, then took a seat on the bed. He grabbed the remote, playing with the buttons.

"Come on Maxi! I've heard it takes girls a long time to get ready, but you're changing into sweats. I'm going to start the movie without you!"

"Hold your horses. Even if I am putting on pajamas, I am still in the company of a handsome man. I still have to look presentable."

He could feel his cheeks heating up at her words, still not used to her constant praise and appreciation of his looks.

"Just come on. I can't imagine you ever looking bad."

Her bathroom door opened, and she stepped out. When she didn't say anything, he looked up and the words he had prepared got stuck in his throat. Maxi was standing before him, in what appeared to be the same pajamas she'd been in the night of Lydia's party, but these were much smaller, tighter. Her abdomen was exposed, and he couldn't stop his eyes from traveling all the way down her legs. For such a short girl, they sure seemed to go on forever.

"You like?"

He shook his head, watching her as she walked closer. He expected her to sit beside him, instead she stood in front of him. She placed her hands on his shoulders, smiling at him.

"Uh, um, aren't you um, cold?"

"Is that really what you're worried about right now? If I'm cold?"

He couldn't help it, his gaze traveled down, lingering on her chest.

"You could warm me up, if you're so worried about it."

His gaze jerked back up to her face, waiting for the smile to crack her face, for this to all be a joke. But when he looked to her face, all he found was a soft smile, no sign of joking whatsoever. She stepped closer, then moved onto the bed, straddling his lap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself closer, she whispered in his ear, "Are you going to keep me warm Stiles."

He placed his hands on her waist, feeling the warm skin under his hands. He stroked her waist with his thumbs, feeling the skin goose pimple. She moved her hands to the back of his head, using her nails to scratch his short hair. He leaned his head into it, closing his eyes.

"You like that," she whispered in his ear.

He let out a small groan, the only indication he gave that he did.

She took his ear lobe between her teeth, gently nibbling on it. This time, his moan wasn't so small. She trailed kisses down his neck, making her way towards his mouth. She placed a kiss on his cheek, then the corner of his mouth. She pulled back, looking into his eyes. He kept his hands on her hips, using his thumbs to stroke the flesh just below the band of her sleep shorts. She gave him a small smile, then started to speak.

"Wake up Stiles," she said in a sing song voice.

"What?"

"Wake up," she said, harsh this time.

He shook his head, giving her a confused look.

"Wake Up," she said, but it didn't sound like her.

"Stiles! Wake up!"

His eyes flew open, and instead of being greeted by a smiling half-dressed Maxi, he was met with his father's face. "Ahh!"

"You up?"

In his shocked, half asleep state, he thought his dad was talking about his crotch. He grabbed a pillow, quickly covering himself. "Dad, please! We don't speak of these things! Ever! Now, get out, please?"

The Sheriff gave him a weird look, then realized what was going on. He slowly made his way out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him. Before he was done, he pushed it back open, turning to his son. "A cold shower always helps."

He shut the door, just as a pillow hit it.

Yeah, he was definitely going to need that cold shower.

~Anchor~

Maxi woke up Monday morning, determined to have a good day. She had laid Laura to rest and said her goodbyes. Today was a new day. She had spent over an hour on the phone with Danny after her nap, and then Lydia had showed up saying Renny had asked her to stop by. She had ice cream and a couple of new nail polishes. They sat on Maxi's bed, watching Veronica Mars's reruns, painting each other's nails, and eating ice cream.

Lydia had stayed for dinner, then they curled up in her bed and watched P.S. I Love you. They'd laid in the bed, watching the movie while Lydia played with Maxi's hair. Lydia had left some time after Maxi had fallen asleep, leaving her a note.

I know that nothing can erase the loss, but maybe a pretty outfit will cheer you up.
Picked one for you, wear it.
I'll see you in the morning.
Love L

When Maxi walked into the bathroom, she saw a complete outfit laid out for her. She smiled, undressing and hoping in the shower. When she got out, she put some mousse in her hair, leaving it to curl dry naturally. She then put on the dark blue short sleeved sweater dress, buckled the belt around her waist, and slipped on the cardigan that Lydia had set out for her. She sat on the toilet, pulling on the over the knee socks, wiggling her toes in the softness.

Lydia had gone all out, leaving a necklace, Tory Burch earrings, a stack of white gold bracelets, and a citrine stone ring out for her. She put them on as well, then did her eye and lip make up.

Once she was dressed, she walked into her closet, pulling on a pair of slouchy brown leather boots with a heel. She then grabbed a maroon pea coat, laying it over her arm, and a brown leather purse. She got all her stuff in the bag and then checked her book bag, making sure she had all her homework. She grabbed her phone off of her nightstand and made her way downstairs.

When she got to the kitchen, she found Gabi eating a bowl of cereal and her dad drinking coffee. He almost looked surprised to see her. "You're going to school," he said, as more of a statement then a question.

She shook her head, putting a toaster strudel in the toaster. "Of course. I can't put my life on hold. I have to get stuff prepared for the bake sale at parent teacher conferences, I have classes. I can't miss school."

Hank shook his head, taking a drink of coffee. "Okay, if you're sure but if you need to leave at all today, you just call. I'll be there in a heartbeat."

Maxi placed a kiss on her dad's cheek before sitting beside him. "I know you would be. I appreciate it, but I'll be ok. Besides, I doubt I get much alone time today. Danny and Lydia will be by my side at all opportunities today."

"Stiles too, I'm sure." At the mention of Stiles, Maxi felt her cheeks heat up. Yes, Stiles would probably be a staple in her day as well. She felt bad that she hadn't called him back yesterday, she would need to find him first thing and apologize.

She finished her food, waiting for Renny. He finally came down, ready to go. "You going today?"

"Do I look like I am staying home in bed?"

"Let's head out then."

The two said their goodbyes and made their way to the truck. Once inside, Renny started the truck and began the drive to the school.

"You going to be okay today?"

"Yeah, I think I'll be fine. I'll have my friends with me, they'll make sure of it."

"Okay, but if you need anything, you find me. I'll take you home if you need me too."

They pulled into the parking lot. "I'll be fine Ren. I promise. You don't have to keep watch over me."

They got out, making their way inside. Maxi noticed that Renny hadn't walked off like he normally did. "Ren, I meant it. Go find your friends, I'm going to find mine." Looking down the hall, she saw Stiles and Scott in front of her. Stiles had just slapped Scott in the back of the head, causing her to giggle.

"I'm actually going to catch up with Stiles. I'll see you after school okay. Don't worry about me," she said, starting to walk off. Before she got far, she felt Ren pull her back, hugging her tightly. She hugged him back, appreciating the gesture. "I'm okay. I promise."

He let her go, walking off to his friends. Maxi turned, speeding up to catch up with Stiles and Scott.

"I don't know I just woke up and I was sweating like crazy and I couldn't breathe. I've never had a dream where I woke up like that before," Scott said to Stiles.

"Really? I have. Dream usually ends a little differently. Speaking of, I had one last night. Oh my god."

"A, I meant I've never had a dream that felt that real, and B, never give me that much detail about you in bed again."

Maxi walks up, stepping between the two boys and linking arms with both, hearing the last few exchanges between the boys, "Well, I want details. What was the dream about Stiles?"

The boys gaped at each other, worried she had overheard something. She kept the smile on her face, waiting for an answer.

"Was it super hot?"

Stiles laughed, looking to Scott. "Uh yeah. Sophia and I had, a little bit of fun."

"Bush huh? She is pretty hot."

"Yeah, I've got a thing for hot, sassy brunettes." It was like he realized what he said suddenly, turning to look away from Maxi quickly. She laughed, turning to Scott.

"So, what was your dream about? A dark haired friend of mine?"

"Yeah, yeah, it was. But it was more of a nightmare than a hot time."

"Man that sucks! And it was pretty real? Those are always the worst."

They reached the doors that took them across the parking lot. Scott and Stiles both pushed the doors open, Scott giving it a kick. As the doors shut behind them, all three looked up. Maxi covered her face with her hands, trying to unsee what was in front of her. Which was one of the school buses, torn apart, and covered in blood.

"Oh my god, did I really just see that?" She kept her eyes covered, as Scott and Stiles both took an arm and guided her across the parking lot into the other side of the school. Once they were in, she took her hands off her face, seeing the two boys with extremely concerned looks on their faces.

"What was that?"

"I need to find Allison. She's not answering her phone."

"Ok buddy, let's just stay calm and we'll help you look for her, right Maxi?"

Maxi shook her head, a confused look on her face. "Sure."

Scott took off, racing around a corner. Stiles and Maxi went the opposite direction, not as frantic.

"What is going on with Scott?"

Stiles turned to her, pausing in the hallway. "What's going on with Scott? What do you mean? He seems fine."

"Fine? He was just panicking over finding Allison. He just saw her like, less than 48 hours ago. He's not one of those possessive boyfriends is he? He doesn't strike me as the type, but you never know till you know."

"No, no he is not. His nightmare that he had, they were attacked in it. He didn't remember much, but he was just worried about her. One of those need to see them with their own eyes to feel better, you know?"

Maxi shook her head, understanding what he meant. She'd had those dreams before, especially over the last year. Stiles' phone went off, and he pulled it out of his back pocket. "Scott found Allison. All good."

"Good. Good. I need to go to my locker actually, walk with me?"

"Of course. So, how are you?"

They changed direction, heading towards her locker. "I'm okay. Sorry I didn't call you back yesterday."

He waved it off, "No worries. I told you it wasn't a big deal. Did you take that nap you were talking about?"

"Yes, crashed as soon as I hung up the phone. I was pretty exhausted."

"I bet. You went through a lot the last few days."

They reached her locker, she opened it and set her book bag down, taking off her coat and hanging it up. She switched out her books and hung up her purse.

"You look really nice today by the way."

"Thank you Stiles! You are rocking that flannel."

"This old thing?"

She laughed, shutting her locker. "Do you need to go to your locker?"

"Nah, I'm good."

They continued walking down the halls, making small talk the whole way. They were almost too English when they heard someone yelling Maxi's name. They stopped, turning to see Danny making his way towards them. When he reached them, he didn't say anything, just pulled Maxi in for a hug.

"I just wanted to catch you before class, check in with you."

Maxi stepped back from the hug, not wanting to draw attention to herself and the situation. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking at Danny. "I'm fine Danny. Really. Stiles and I were just about to go to class, bells going to ring. You're class is on the other side of the building. You're going to be late."

"What's one tardy when I'm checking on my favorite girl?"

Maxi laughed, pushing Danny in the direction he needed to be heading. "Unnecessary is what it is. Go."

"Fine, I know when I'm not wanted. Bye Maxi, bye Stilinski."

Stiles lifted a hand in goodbye, and the two entered class, taking their seats just before the bell.

~Anchor~

They were now in science, all anyone had been talking about was the bus. Maxi was by the wall with the door, farthest from the windows. She was honestly glad, she didn't want to see what was going on. She listened as Mr. Harris spoke, explaining something. She could hear the whispered voices of Stiles and Scott, who didn't even sit at the same table.

Apparently, they weren't talking quietly enough, because Mr. Harris called them out, separating them. Scott got moved to the front, and Stiles got moved to the chair beside Maxi. She gave him a small smile, and started to go back to her notes.

Before Mr. Harris could continue, the girl sitting next to Scott, spoke up.

"I think they found something."

Immediately, the class made their way to the window.

Maxi felt someone walk up behind her, and she turns her head enough to see its Stiles. She feels him place his hand on her lower back, then as someone bumps him, he moves closer, his hand moving to wrap around her waist, resting on her hip.

A small tremor rushes through her body at the touch, but she pushes it aside. She tries to stand up taller to see, but it's no use until the person in front of her moves, and she can see everything. They're wheeling a stretcher away from the bus. "Is he, is he dead," she asks, looking over her shoulder at Stiles and Scott beside him. They both shake their head, saying nothing, continuing to watch.

Maxi turns back to the window, when suddenly, the body on the stretcher jolts up, causing Maxi to squeak, turn away, and lean into Stiles' chest. He wraps his arm around her completely, pulling her as close to him as he can. She grabs onto him, not wanting him to let go. He wraps his other arm around her shoulder, holding her tight.

"It's over, he's gone now Maxi," he says as he strokes her hair, trying to calm her down. She leans back, looking up at him. "Are you ok," he asks, looking down at her.

She shakes her head, unable to speak. One hand is still resting on her lower back, the other is resting at the nape of her neck. Their gaze locks, and for a moment it's just the two of them. The moment is broken though, when Scott calls Stiles' name. He quickly jumps back, realizing the position they're in, in the middle of a classroom.

His cheeks turn red, he mumbles something, and he steps away to join Scott. Maxi, confused by what just happened, doesn't say anything and just takes her seat.

~Anchor~

Classes passed, but the chatter didn't stop. Maxi was grateful that something else had taken center stage, as she really didn't want to walk around hearing people talking about Laura all day. She was walking with Lydia and Allison, heading towards the lunchroom.

She didn't have much of an appetite, but knew it would be better to get food and appear to eat then to not get anything at all. Lydia and Danny had been around her as much as possible today, and she was starting to feel smothered. They reached the lunch room, getting in line. They were almost to the stand, when she saw Stiles and Scott taking their seats at the table they usually sat at.

"Are you okay with sitting with them today?" Allison asked the pair.

"Of course," Lydia responded, making her way through the line ahead of them. Maxi shook her head, letting Allison go in front of her. She grabbed a tray, setting a white milk on it, then a cookie. Suddenly a second one was placed on her tray. She looked up, seeing Danny beside her. He gave her a smile, adding a cookie to his tray as well.

"You're a sweetheart, you know that?"

He shook his head, "Of course I am. I don't eat cookies for just anyone. That's why I'm your best friend."

"Hey, co best friend. I'm just as important as you are Danny," Lydia said.

"Of course, of course."

"Maybe we'll just let Allison take top best friend status. She doesn't fight over me."

"I'm just waiting in the wings, ready for my chance to shine," she said, laughing as she grabbed a juice.

'See, how about that. When do you guys shine?"

They all laughed, making their way towards Scott and Stiles.

"Why are we going over here? What happened to the usual table," Danny asked Maxi as the other two walked off.

"Allison wants to sit with Scott today, she asked if we wanted to join. Lydia jumped at the chance."

"So, something is going on then?"

"Most definitely. She's got something up her sleeve. Lydia never gives up her table. Let's find out what it is, shall we?"

Stiles gave Lydia a weird look as she took the seat beside Scott.

"Why is she sitting with us," he asked Scott, then looked to his left and right. Danny was on one side, and Maxi was on the other. He gave Maxi a smile that she returned, and then the same to Danny. Danny just gave him a weird look, turning back to his food.

Maxi started to open her milk up, as Jackson walked up. "Get Up," he said, to one of the guys from the lacrosse team.

"How come you never ask Danny to get up," the kid asked.

Danny smiled, taking his apple away from his mouth, "Because I don't stare at his girlfriend's coin slot."

Maxi heard him and reached around Stiles to slap the back of his shoulder. "Gross."

Danny laughed, looking at Maxi, "Sorry."

Jackson shoved the kid a little as he was getting out of the seat, and he moved to sit at a different table.

Danny and Lydia shared a smile, and Jackson took the now empty seat. Before any one else could start a conversation, Danny spoke up.

"So I hear they're saying it's some type of animal attack. Probably a cougar."

"I heard mountain lion," Jackson said.

"A cougar is a mountain lion," Maxi said.

"Who cares?"

Maxi rolled her eyes, not wanting to be part of the conversation anymore.

"The guys probably some homeless tweaker who's gonna die anyway," Jackson spat out.

"Jesus Jackson, do you have any compassion what so ever," Maxi asked, feeling her anger towards the boy rise.

"Actually, I just found out who it is," Stiles said, holding his phone out for the table, "Check it out."

Maxi leaned in, resting her chin on Stiles' upper arm so she could see. He glanced down at her, and she flashed him a quick smile before looking back to his phone. He watched her for a minute, before snapping out of it and hitting play.

The table watched as a video played, explaining who the victim was, and what they thought had happened.

"I know this guy," Scott said as the video ended.

"You do," Maxi asked, moving off of Stiles arm. As she listened to Scott explain about his bus driver, she opened her cookie.

"Got enough cookies there, Taylor," Jackson asked. She sent him a glare, and started to reply.

Lydia cut her off, sending both a look. "Can we talk about something slightly more fun, please? Like, oh, where are we going tomorrow night," she asked, turning to Allison.

Allison gave her a confused look, then shot the same look at Maxi. Maxi shrugged, continuing to break her cookie into pieces, but not eating any of it.

"You said you and Scott were hanging out tomorrow night, right?"

Allison swallowed her bite, "Um, we were thinking of what we were gonna do."

"Well, I am not sitting home again watching lacrosse videos, so if the six of us are hanging out, we are doing something fun."

"Six," Maxi questioned.

Lydia shot her an 'are you stupid' look, "Yes, the six of us. You didn't think we were going to leave you out did you?"

"Can we," Jackson asked. Most of the table sent him a glare.

"I'm sure Danny has plans, and I really," Maxi started, only to be interrupted again.

"Sorry, not Danny. I meant Stiles."

Maxi and Stiles turned to look at each other. "Did you ask Stiles if he had plans," Maxi asked, looking back at Lydia.

Again, she was given a look, then Lydia turned to Stiles. "Do you have plans tomorrow?"

Stiles shook his head, drinking his water. "No, schedule is all clear."

"That's what I thought."

"Hanging out?" Scott said, looking to Allison, then Stiles, who just shrugged his shoulders. "Like, all of us? Do you wanna hang out, us and them?"

"Well, if could be fun. The four of us had fun after the lacrosse game. So, yeah, I guess. Sounds fun," she said, looking to Lydia, then Jackson.

"You know what else sounds fun," Jackson asked, grabbing a fork off Lydia's plate. "Stabbing myself in the face with this fork."

Maxi sat up, a huge smile on her face, clapping her hands. "Oh! Oh! Can we each do one, at the same time? That does sound like fun!"

Lydia grabbed the fork, taking it from Jackson's hand and sitting it down. She again gave both Jackson and Maxi a glare, before speaking again. Stiles looked between the two, laughing at the still excited expression on her face.

"What about bowling," Lydia suggested, turning to Jackson. "You love to bowl."

"Yeah, with actual competition."

"How do you know were not competition," Allison asked him. "Scott, you can bowl right?"

She saw Stiles roll his eyes out of the corner of his eyes, and Maxi assumed that it had been a while.

Maxi, not being a big fan of bowling, tried to come up with something else. "What about skating, or a movie, or OH! Paintballing?"

Both girls looked at her like she was crazy. "Maxi, we are not doing any of those things. Bowling it is."

Maxi sighed, trying to think of a way to get out of this. She felt Stiles watching her, so she gave him a glance, trying to make a reassuring smile grace her face.

"So, Scott, bowling? You can right?"

"Sort of."

"Is it sort of, or yes," Jackson asked, leaning onto the table to stare down Scott.

"Yes! In fact, I'm a great bowler."

"Well, what about you then Stilinski? You and Taylor going to be able to keep up?"

"I happen to love to bowl. I used to go all the time."

"Taylor, when's the last time you went bowling?"

Maxi tapped the side of her chin, thinking, "I think it was like, 3rd grade. I've had better things to do since then."

Jackson shook his head, sitting back. "Well, at least you'll finally be good for something, the entertainment portion of the evening."

She glared at Jackson, feeling the urge to flip him off, when she felt a hand on her knee. She stopped what she was doing, and looked down. She could see Stiles' hand on her knee, squeezing it. She looked over at him, but he wasn't looking at her. He was eating his fries, talking to Scott.

She turned back to her tray, taking the first real bite of cookie since she had started ripping it to shreds, a smile on her face.

Shortly after, the bell signaling the end of lunch rang, causing them to all get up. Maxi walked slowly, a little behind the group. She was trying to think of a way to get out of bowling. She dumped her tray, walking out the doors. She felt someone fall into step beside her, turning to see Stiles walking with her.

"Hi."

"Hey, um, can we talk?"

She shook her head, and Stiles took her wrist, pulling her behind him. They slipped down an empty hall and stopped.

"You don't have to go tomorrow if you don't want too. I totally understand," Maxi said. "I'll just let Lydia know that something came up and we'll be in the clear."

"First, I don't think it will be that easy. She doesn't seem like someone that lets plans get canceled easily. And second, I am totally psyched about going. I like hanging out with you, though I could deal with out Jackson."

"Stiles, I like hanging out with you too. It's just that," she paused, not sure how to explain what she was thinking. "I hate being so short," she blurted out. "I always got made fun of when I was little, and I still get teased sometimes. Mostly by Jackson, but that's cause he knows it's an issue for me. I just hate," before she could finish, Stiles cut her off.

"If it would make it easier, I'll totally slouch the whole night. Whatever you need me to do, to make you more comfortable."

Maxi watched him for a moment, amazed at how this sweet guy was still available. Seriously, if girls would just give him a chance, they'd never let him go.

"That's really sweet of you, but I can't let you do that. It's something I've had to deal with before. I'll be ok."

"Are you sure? Cause I would totally do it for you."

She smiled, seeing that they had reached her next class, his being next door. She stopped, turning to Stiles. "Seriously, you are the sweetest guy. Someday, you're going to make a girl very happy. Bye Stiles," she said, walking into class.

~Anchor~

It was the last class of the day, and Maxi was sitting with Danny, going over a study guide together. "So, a triple date huh?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, the other four people going with you on this, "Group Hang" are couples. Seems like Lydia is trying to set you up."

"Please. She nearly had a conniption when she found out I was even talking to Stiles. I don't think she's trying to set us up. I think she just feels bad for me right now, and is trying to distract me. Once this wears off, she's going to be all over me about finding a 'suitable man' to spend my time with."

Danny laughed at her impersonation of Lydia, writing down a couple of answers before turning back to her. "Is Stiles a suitable man, in your opinion?"

Maxi set her pen down, a smile on her face. "He is a pretty great guy. After lunch today, he asked if I wanted him to slouch the entire night, or find an excuse to get out of it."

Danny watched her as she talked, not having seen her face light up at the mention of a guy since her crush on Chad Michael Murray a few years ago. If this Stiles kid was what was going to keep her happy, he'd do what he had too, even if it meant spending time with him.

"I have to admit, the kid weirds me out a little bit, but if you can find something good in him, it must be there."

"He is a little bit weird, but I like his quirkiness. It's adorable on him."

The bell rang, and they started to load up their stuff. "I have to run to my locker. Meet you at the car?"

"Sounds good to me," Maxi said, turning to go the opposite way as him.

As she was leaving her locker, she looked down the hall to see Stiles and Scott, Scott rushing off.

Stiles yelled at him, "Wait, Scott, am I attractive to gay guys? You didn't answer my question," he said, turning to walk towards the parking lot.

As he turned, he almost ran into Maxi, who was stood in the middle of the hallway, waiting for him to see her. She had a devious smile on her face, and he was almost scared to ask her how much she had just heard.

"Hey, Maxi, what's going on? Have a good rest of the day? How about that weather? How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to wonder why you want to know how gay guys feel about you. I'm meeting Danny outside now, to go get frozen yogurt. Do you want to walk with me, ask him yourself?"

"No! No, I don't want to do that. I was only asking, because I don't think Danny likes me very much."

They fell into step next to each other, walking towards the parking lot.

"I don't think Danny really knows you anymore. It's been years since any of us hung out, so he just sees you as the Adderall hyped kid, always running around. He'll give you a chance, if that's what you want. I can put in a good word for you."

"I'm not, I'm not gay. I just want Danny to like me, since he's your best friend. I see how things are with Lydia, Jackson, and you, and I'd never want you to have to deal with that."

She smiles, waiting to see if he has anything more to say. It's like he realizes he just insinuated they're dating, because suddenly his face pales a little, and he stops walking. "I didn't mean it like that. I just meant, that as far as friendships go, I don't want to make you feel like you have to choose. Danny has been your best friend since kindergarten, and I would never want to come in the middle of that."

"I really appreciate that, but just like you would never do that to me, Danny wouldn't either. He knows how much I like you and would never make me choose. Speaking of, there he is now. I better go. I'll see you tomorrow Stiles," she said, walking quickly to join Danny. Danny sent a wave to Stiles, and Stiles stood there, pondering what she had meant when she said how much she liked him.

"Invite him."

Maxi stops, looking at Danny. "What did you say?"

"Go back, and invite Stilinski to come get Fro-Yo with us."

Maxi just stands there, a little shocked, so Danny does it for her, he yells, "Stilinski! You like froyo?"

Stiles stops walking, looking back at them. He rubs his neck, a nervous habit Maxi is starting to realize, "Yeah, yeah I like the stuff. Why?"

"Why don't you meet Maxi and I there? We can all hang out for a little bit."

Stiles shakes his head, "Yeah, Ok. Sounds good. I'll meet you there."

Danny waves, walking back to his car.

"What are you doing," Maxi frets as she gets in the car.

"I want to get to know him."

She bobs her head, thinking this over. This is what she was just telling Stiles. Danny won't make her choose. He will become his friend, to make her happy. She smiles, looking at Danny as he starts up the car and pulls out of the parking lot.

"But if he hurts you, I'll destroy him," he says, turning up the stereo before she can reply.

Xxxxx****xxxx****xxxxX

Danny drove to Froyo World, the stereo blaring as they sang along. Maxi was pretty excited. She was going to get to spend some time with her best friend and another friend that was quickly becoming very important to her. She just hoped that they got along. She's really not sure what they are going to have in common.

When they pull up, they get out, and stand on the sidewalk to wait for Stiles. A minute or two later, he pulls in parking next to Danny's Audi. They all give a smile, then make their way inside.

"Know what you want," Danny asks, looking at Maxi. She smiles, knowing that he knows exactly what she wants.

"Hmm, I don't know. Maybe I should try something different."

Stiles watches them, and it becomes obvious that this is a normal occurrence.

"Stilinski, if you know what you want, go ahead and order. She takes forever."

Maxi laughs, bumping Danny with her elbow. "Haha."

Stiles steps up, ordering a cup of Apple Pie Froyo with caramel on top.

"Oh! That sounds good. I've never had it before," Maxi says from behind him.

"That's because you get the same thing every time we come here."

"I thought you said she took forever to order. How does that work if she gets the same thing?"

"She'll stand here, looking over the menu, then decide on the cheesecake with strawberries on top."

"Hey! I could change my mind," she says, stepping forward to order. "I'll have a cup of white chocolate macadamia please?"

She throws a smug look over her shoulder at Danny, waiting for him to order. He orders the cheesecake with strawberries on top, without a word to Maxi. Maxi pays, then they take their cups to a booth in the back. Danny and Stiles sit across from each other, and Maxi contemplates where to sit. She decides on beside Danny. She takes her seat, and they all dig in.

Maxi takes her first bite and immediately regrets getting it. She's not a fan of macadamia nuts, but she thought the white chocolate and froyo might overpower the flavor. She was wrong. Before she can say anything, Danny is swapping the bowls and eating hers.

"What are you doing?"

"I knew you wouldn't like it. You knew you wouldn't like it. Eat your cheesecake froyo and hush."

She smiles at him, taking a big bite. "Yummy. That's why I don't order new stuff. How is yours Stiles?"

"It's good. Thanks for inviting me Danny."

Danny shakes his head, continuing to eat his cup.

Maxi looks between the two guys, giving Stiles a small smile of encouragement. "So, Danny, are you into video games?'

"No."

"Oh, well, what kind of music do you like? I'm a fan of alternative, rock type stuff. You?"

"No."

"No? No you don't like alternative? No, you don't like rock? Or no, you don't like music?"

Maxi lets out a small laugh, which quickly turned loud and infectious. Soon, the two boys were laughing with her.

"Look Stilinski, I don't know you. You don't know me. But it's becoming clear that you aren't going anywhere, so we are going to be spending time together. We don't have to be best friends, we just have to get along. You seem like a good enough guy, no matter how awkward you can be. I'm willing to be friends, if you are," Danny said, putting his hand out to Stiles.

Stiles looked at it for a moment, at a loss for what to do. He looked to Maxi, who had a huge smile on her face, shaking her head. He took Danny's hand and shook it, giving a small laugh.

"I like video games, but I don't play them a lot. Never really had anyone to play them with. Jackson isn't really into them and Maxi can't shoot anything to save her life, real or fake."

From there, the conversation flowed easily. Danny and Stiles ended up having the type of music they liked and the fact that they both were in a community of online gamers. Maxi wasn't surprised by either of these facts. She knew Danny played, and Stiles fit the profile. She just sat back, watching as they talked about this and that, not having a clue what they were saying.

Almost two hours later, they got up to leave. They'd been done eating for over an hour now, and had just been talking. She no longer had any fear that these two couldn't get along. If anything, maybe they'd be friends. Real friends. She knew Danny didn't like to let people know about his gaming habit, but Stiles now knew and they had plans to play soon. It may not be an out in the open friendship, but it was something, it was better than nothing.

Danny and Stiles as friends. LOVE IT!
Hope you liked. Until next time.

Thanks to :
emele807, BrittWitt16, poorxbrokexcollegexkid, . ,
prettyargents, sage londyn, kaljara, & MissECharlotte for your reviews.

To the anon that told me it was "unprofessional" to post a one-shot in the middle
of MY story, I just wanted to remind you. This is FANFICTION and I'm not a professional.