Chapter Five: Little By Little
The day of the funeral dawned rainy. It didn't rain often here, but it did on occasion. Stiles woke up first, Scott had had his first chemo appointment the day before, and he was still recovering. Stiles watched him for a moment, there was a bucket next to the bed, in case he had to throw up. Last night, it had been going on for at least an hour. Stiles had hated it, and he knew it was going to get worse. Stiles reached wipe some sweat off Scott's forehead, and he watched him for a moment, wondering what Scott was dreaming about. He hadn't exactly been saying much the past few days. Although not all of that was his fault, it was hard to talk when you were throwing up.
Stiles moved to pull on some shorts and a tank top and went downstairs, to start breakfast. Melissa was still asleep, he was sure, she'd gotten back late from the hospital the night before, they all had, actually. Stiles just hadn't been able to sleep so well, he kept seeing Scott throwing up from the chemo every time he closed his eyes. He hated that Scott had to go through this. It was just…. Their lives had been so good, and now? It was a horror show. Stiles moved to the coffee maker and started to get it set up, and the phone rang. Who was calling at nine in the morning?
Reaching for it, he said, "McCall-Stilinski residence." Melissa had an older phone that didn't have caller id, it was kind of annoying.
"It's Dad, Stiles." Noah said, he was calling because he wanted to see how Scott's chemo had gone the night before. He hated that Scott had stomach cancer. He didn't know why this had to hit a good kid like Scott. Not that he wanted anyone to get it, but Scott was such a good kid. He'd been giving blood, for God's sake. How was it fair to find out that you were cancerous when you had given blood? "How'd Scott's chemo go last night? I really wanted to be there, but I had to work. All this Rafe suicide stuff is making a lot of work for us."
Stiles put some coffee in the filter. "I don't…. It was awful, Dad." Stiles said, he wasn't able to keep the anguish from his voice. "I… I already wanted to take what Rafe did from him, because I can't stand that he's gone through that. He's got scars all over, not just the one on his stomach. But now this? I can't… I can't even wrap my brain around it. He's the best person I know. Why should he have to have all of this shit going on? He doesn't deserve any of this, Dad."
Falling quiet, he put water in the coffee maker. "I don't know how to make this better, Dad. My whole life, it's been me and Scott. I don't want that to change. He takes care of me, and I take care of him. I can't…. I fix this. I can't make it better. I hate it. I hate feeling so helpless. It's like…" Stiles stopped, breaking off, his voice was shaking. Stiles was glad his dad was waiting for him to keep talking patiently. "It's like Mom all over again." He finally managed to say, as he went to the fridge, he had to get breakfast going.
As his father started to reply, Melissa came into the kitchen, looking about as awful as Stiles felt. Stiles nodded at her and tried to listen to what his father was saying. "I know how much it sucks to have a sick spouse, kiddo. You can do this though. It's going to be hard, I'm not going to lie to you. It's going to be the hardest thing you've ever been through, but you can do it, because you have to. I know it's a terrible thing, but you have to be there for Scott because he needs you. He needs you more than he ever has."
Stiles digested this. He knew his dad was right. He didn't want to admit it, because it made what Scott was going through feel so real, but he knew he was right. "I know, Dad. I am not going anywhere. In sickness and in health, right? I am not going to let him deal with this all alone. He's…. The best thing that ever happened to me, and he always will be." Stiles started cracking eggs in a bowl. "Dad, I've got to go for now, I've got breakfast and coffee going, and I'm going to make sure Scott's up in a bit." He and Noah agreed to talk at the funeral, and he hung up. Looking at Melissa, he said, "You look about as bad as I do, Ma."
Melissa sighed as she got out some bread to put in the toaster. "I slept like shit." She admitted. "I kept seeing Scott…." She couldn't finish that sentence. She didn't know how they were going to make it through this. It wasn't fair. She didn't know how to see Scott go through all of this. She let out a sigh. "I can't imagine what it must be like for you." She popped some bread into the toaster and moved to get out some bacon. It was definitely a bacon morning. Melissa wished the coffee was farther along in percolating, and she looked at her son in law.
"What was Noah calling for?" She asked. She had to admit, she was actually wondering if he'd mentioned her and Chris dating to Stiles or Scott. She hadn't exactly said it out loud to him, but she knew that he'd gotten the gist. Melissa didn't know that she was ready to have it out in the open. She was liking that it was just between the two of them right now. It was something that she'd worked to have for a long time, a relationship with a man who actually was going to treat her right. She didn't know that she could give in to letting people know yet. They were having a good time with keeping it a secret.
That caught him off guard for a moment, because Stiles knew why she was asking. Stiles knew she was fishing about her and Chris. He didn't want to make her clued in to that he knew about it, because he knew that she was trying to keep it a secret awhile longer. Stiles thought she deserved to be happy, and he liked Argent. He just thought right now was a stupid time to be dating him. He was still nursing the hurt from losing Allison's mom. "He just wanted to see how Scott's chemo went." He said, as he put the eggs in the pan.
As he was doing so, Scott came in, looking pale and wan. He was wearing a robe, and he moved to kiss Stiles' cheek. "Morning, baby." Scott said. He wasn't at all hungry, although you'd think he would be, he had completely emptied his stomach the night before. Scott was glad to see there was coffee though. He reached up to grab his coffee mug, he had to stand on his tiptoes, they were in the highest cabinet. Scott poured some coffee blearily. "I don't… I don't know that I want to go to the funeral." Scott finally said, slowly.
Stiles and Melissa shared a look. Stiles didn't know that he blamed him. "You don't have to go if you don't want to, baby. But it might be a good idea. You need some closure, baby." Stiles said, wishing that he could do something more than he was. Stiles didn't know how to take any of this pain away from Scott, and he didn't know how they were going to make it through any of this. Stiles stirred the eggs and then stepped closer to Scott. He wrapped his arms around Scott's waist. "I don't want you to have any regrets, Scott. You only have this one chance to go. I don't want you to do anything you don't want to do, just don't not go because you're scared. He can't hurt you anymore, he's gone. It really sucks that he went out like he did, but the silver lining is that he's gone and he can't hurt you anymore."
He slid his arms around Stiles' neck. Melissa moved to take over the breakfast cooking, putting some bacon in a pan. Scott lifted his face to Stiles', looking into those brown eyes. He didn't know if he should go. But he thought Stiles had a point. He shouldn't avoid it because of fear. He kind of wanted to see that Rafe was really dead. Scott knew that he was, he knew that there was no doubt about it, but until he saw it with his own eyes, he wasn't sure that he'd believe it. It wasn't going to be an open casket, since Rafe had blown off half of his head, but Scott was sure that he'd be able to take a peek.
"I know you're right. I guess I should go." Scott said, his fingers stroking the back of Stiles' neck absentmindedly. He didn't want to end up regretting it if he didn't go. Scott nuzzled his forehead against Stiles'. "I love you, Stiles." He kissed him, softly, as Stiles tugged him closer. Scott moved his head into Stiles' neck, and he jut let Stiles hold him. Scott honestly was so overwhelmed right now he didn't know whether he was coming or going. It was so much that he didn't even know how to turn his brain off. He cast his glance at Melissa, lifting his head to do so, and wondered what she was feeling. She'd been pretty quiet since they'd found out about Rafe.
Breakfast was a quiet affair, no one really knew what to say. Scott let Stiles help him get clean in the shower, he was already starting to get winded doing simple things. Scott was glad that he had a suit to wear, it was one that he'd not worn to the wedding, too, that had been a tux. Scott moved to get something out of the closet, he settled the suit on the bed, and had to take a breath before he went to get his underwear. Stiles was taking his own shower. Scott had wanted Stiles to let him get dressed by himself. Scott knew he didn't have much time to do things himself. He wanted to still do it while he could.
Scott sat on the bed, needing a minute before he could change. Scott looked at his lap, there were a few long scars on his legs. There wasn't much of his body that wasn't covered in some kind of scar. Scott brushed his fingers over them, he usually didn't go out swimming with new people, in case they stared at his scars. Scott wished that he could get rid of them. The ones on his back were the ones that he hated the most. Scott finally started to move to get dressed as Stiles came out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.
He shook his head when Stiles looked at him, he knew his husband was asking him if he needed help. Scott moved to start putting on his slacks, those would be harder than his shirt would be. He also would need a belt, within the last couple weeks he'd lost a few pounds. Scott pulled them up and finally let Stiles help him with his shirt, he needed help tucking the tails in. Scott had to admit, that he liked Stiles touching him, even if he didn't like the reason why. Scott moved to grab a tie, very glad that at least all of his scars were going to be covered up for the funeral.
Stiles helped him tie the tie, he had to admit, Scott looked so damn sexy in a suit. Stiles put Scott's shoes on the floor by the bed and then went to get his own outfit out. He was wearing a pair of slacks and a black dress shirt. Stiles had to admit, he was really not looking forward to this. Even if he was glad that Scott had chosen to go. He was glad that Scott was going to get to see Rafe was really and truly gone. Stiles wanted Scott to have some peace, at last. Stiles knew that it was going to be hard for him but it really would help in the long run. Stiles started to get dressed.
He glanced back at Scott, who was staring down at his shoes, as if he knew he had to put them on but he didn't want to use the energy. "Scott, love, do you want me to help you?" Stiles asked, looking at him. Stiles sat down on the bed next to him, and reached for Scott's shoes. "Honey, it's going to be fine. I know it doesn't seem like it right now, but I promise, it's going to be fine." Stiles said, as Scott lifted up his foot so Stiles could help him.
Dammit, Scott couldn't even put his shoes on. Scott hated this. He didn't know what he was going to do if he had to keep living this way. Scott knew that he didn't have any choice, but he didn't know how he was going to get through it. He watched as Stiles got the other shoe on his other foot, thank God they didn't need laced. They were loafers. Scott sighed and leaned against Stiles, and Stiles slid an arm around Scott's waist. "I hate this. I really really hate this. We're supposed to be going to college in two months." Scott said, his head in Stiles' neck as usual.
Scott sighed. "Gotta fix my hair." It was still wet from the shower, he wanted to blow dry it. Scott didn't tend to do too much with his hair. He didn't have to, he had excellent hair. Scott didn't want to get up and actually do it though. Scott lifted his head reluctantly. "I'm determined to do it myself. Would you go and check on Ma?" He asked, he wanted to make sure she was getting ready for the funeral okay. She'd not really said much about Rafe so far. Scott finally stood, pushing on Stiles' shoulder in order to stand up. Stiles told him he'd go check on Melissa, but he didn't actually leave the room until Scott was actually in the bathroom.
The ride to the funeral was quiet. Scott actually fell asleep, they'd picked up Argent, so he was riding shotgun with Melissa, and so Scott and Stiles were in the back. Stiles looked down at Scott, who was sleeping with his head resting on his shoulder. The church was actually packed, and Stiles knew it was because not everyone knew about what he'd been accused of. Stiles also was sure that people either didn't believe it or they didn't care. It was amazing to him that people could look at things like that. Stiles nudged Scott. "Come on, love, we've got to get inside." Stiles said, and moved out of the car, helping Scott.
The church was full of people, Melissa had had to go with it being in a church, because it had been one of Rafe's requests. Stiles knew that it had been hard for her to have to be the one who set up everything, and he honestly didn't know how she'd had the strength to do it. At least he'd had a small mountain of money to use to pay for things. Actually, the rest of what wasn't allocated for funeral arrangements had went to Scott. Stiles was honestly wondering if Scott was going to keep it. He was of the mind that they should, because they would need it for hospital expenses. Insurance would only pay for so much.
Scott laced his arm through Stiles', he was going to need to lean on him to walk. Scott knew this day was going to be next to impossible to deal with. Scott leaned on him as they walked inside, everyone staring as they did so. The front pews were empty, and Scott knew they were supposed to sit there. Scott whispered to Stiles that he wanted to go up and peek in the casket though, before the funeral started. Stiles walked with him, as Argent and Melissa sat down. Scott paused for a moment when they got up there, he knew the entire town was looking on. And some people from out of town, he was sure that some of Rafe's FBI buddies had come too.
After a moment, he finally lifted up the coffin, not caring a bit that people were watching. Scott had to know. He leaned a bit more heavily on Stiles, and his brown eyes took in Rafe, he looked awful, but he was definitely dead. Scott only looked at him for a moment, and then closed it. He buried his head in Stiles' neck, and as he cried, Stiles held him. Scott whispered, "Everyone's looking." He didn't know that he liked that. Scott didn't want to have to be that sideshow for everyone to look at.
Stiles held him close and whispered back, "Don't worry, babe. It's okay. I won't let anyone hurt you." Stiles turned to look at the crowd of people in the church. He didn't have a problem at all telling them to stop watching Scott so closely. "Okay. I know that this is a small town, and everyone here knows what happened to Scott. We're here to put this son of a bitch in the ground. That doesn't mean we're going to stare at Scott like he's a freak in some circus. A little curiosity is normal, however, if at any point he looks like he feels uncomfortable from the way you're staring at him, then I promise, you all will know exactly what I'll do to protect him."
His tone was harsh, and he made sure that everyone in the church heard him. Stiles helped Scott go and sit down, and as they moved, someone stood up. Stiles looked up from having Scott sit on the pew. "You have a problem with that?" Stiles asked, he looked like he was one of Rafe's FBI buddies. Stiles didn't want to hear what he had to say.
The man folded his arms. "Who are you to tell us what to do? You are nobody. The sheriff's son, a fag." As this was said, there was a gasp in the church. Stiles bristled. No one had ever called him that before, but he didn't want to know what he'd do if the man used it again. "Rafe McCall was a fine man, and he is dead because his son had to go and ruin his life!"
Stiles bristled again and stepped closer. "Excuse me? Who the fuck are you? Because first of all, you call me that again, and I will have your ass thrown out of here faster than you can say 'I'm a dumbass'. And second of all, I am Scott's husband. I have been in his life since he was four years old. I know what this man did to him. You want me to prove that he abused Scott? His entire body is covered in scars. He got a bad grade on a test once and not only did Rafe cut him with a knife, but he held him down and made Scott touch him. And then he touched Scott. It's not pleasant to talk about, but I was here. I was here for all of it. I have seen the toll it's taken on him. Scott is never going to get the innocence back he lost. He's never going to have a good memory of that piece of filth you call a good man."
Stiles took a breath. He wasn't nearly done yet. "Scott told the truth. He finally told the truth. There was enough evidence for Rafe to be arrested. I know you know how the law works, you definitely look like a Fed. He was going to pay for what he did to Scott. He confessed. He copped to everything that Scott said he did. So you can take your sentiments about Rafe and shove them up your ass, because if you say one more word about Scott ruining his life, I swear to God, you will know exactly what I do to people who call my husband a liar."
They stared at each other for a moment, Stiles refusing to back down. He wasn't going to let this asshole say another word about anything. "You say one more word and you're out of here. Try me, I'm looking forward to having to kick someone's ass today. It might as well be yours." Stiles said, the man looked back at him with a glare, but he must have decided Stiles wasn't worth it because he chose to sit down again. Stiles looked around the church. Everyone had been watching avidly. "Okay. Now that you all have seen what happens when we decide to be a rebel, I trust that all of you will keep your damn mouths shut. One more person decides they're going to get up and do what this asshole did and believe me, you will regret it. It will be the biggest regret of your entire life." Stiles said, staring at everyone in the church. When he was satisfied everyone was going to behave, he went and sat back down next to Scott.
Scott leaned, turning Stiles' cheek, and kissed him, directly on the lips, not caring who saw or not. "I love you. I love you so much." He whispered, looking into Stiles' brown eyes. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. He was the luckiest man on the planet for having Stiles.
The ceremony didn't last long, and Scott opted for them not to ride out to the cemetery. Allison and Lydia were coming over to the house, and so was Kira. No one had heard from Malia in a few days, and honestly, Scott was starting to worry about her. The ride back home was quiet, Scott fell asleep again, with Stiles' arms wrapped around him tightly. The house was quiet when they got back, but soon it was full of people, Noah had come over also, and Argent was apparently going to stay for awhile. Stiles helped Scott change into more casual clothes, and then helped Scott go downstairs, and he set him up on the couch.
Scott looked around the room. They'd ordered pizza on the way home from the church, and it had arrived already. Stiles set him up a plate, and Scott wondered what was going to happen now. He didn't want anyone to ask about Rafe, and they hadn't told anyone about the cancer yet. Scott knew they were going to have to eventually, because he was already a little too thin and his hair was eventually going to fall out. Scott looked up at Stiles, asking him silently if he had to eat the pizza. Stiles told him yes, he did, and Scott sighed. But he lifted up one of the slices and took a bite.
Kira Yukimura was a bit late to the wake, but when she got there, she was glad to see that mostly everyone was there. She went over to Scott first, she'd not been able to make it to the funeral, but she'd already heard about what Stiles had said to the Fed. She moved over to Scott, and kissed him on the cheek. "Are you okay?" She asked, as she reached for some pizza and a paper plate. Kira also hadn't grown up in Beacon Hills, so she didn't know first hand what Scott had gone through, but she'd been in town at least two years and she knew that he'd had something happen with his bio dad that he didn't talk about.
When it had come out what Rafe was being charged with, Kira hadn't known what to do. She had wanted to go and beat the man senseless for what he'd done to Scott. Kira didn't even doubt that he was innocent for a minute, because anyone who really knew Scott knew that he would never lie about something like that. She couldn't even imagine what he must be going through. She looked at him, she could tell something else was up. She just didn't know what. Stiles had gone across the room to get another soda out of the fridge. Leaning a bit closer, so only Scott could hear her, she asked, "What's going on, Scott? I know that it's not just the funeral. What's wrong?"
It hit him how perceptive Kira was yet again. It seemed that that was always happening with her. Scott sighed as he looked back at her. "If I tell you, you have to promise to keep it to yourself for now. We have to tell everyone eventually, but right now we're trying to keep it quiet." Scott waited until she'd nodded. He trusted Kira explicitly. She'd never done anything that would lead him to think he couldn't trust her. Scott told her the entire story about the cancer, and watched her almond eyes fill with tears. He handed her a tissue. "I'm going…. I have to be positive about it…. I can't think about it negatively."
He was saved from saying anything more when Stiles came back. He sat down next to Scott, setting a Diet Pepsi in front of him. Scott kissed him. "You're too good to me." He said, his tone light. He really hoped that Stiles didn't guess he'd told Kira. Stiles was perceptive as well. Scott brushed his hand over his hair, and took another bite of pizza. He could only eat two pieces, and put the plate back down. That's when Argent made his way over.
"Guys, can I speak to Scott alone for a moment?" He asked, and sharing a look, Kira and Stiles stood, after Stiles had set his gaze on Argent before he walked away. Argent knew that look and what it meant. Chris sat down in the seat Kira had vacated and looked at Scott. "I don't know what your mother's told you, but she and I…. we're kind of involved. I know what you're going through. I want you to know if you need any help with paying medical bills…. I'm here. I don't want your mother to have to worry about anything. Especially being in debt. So I want you to promise me you'll let me help if you need it."
Scott looked at him then, with an eyebrow raised. "I don't know if Ma wanted you to tell me that." He said, but he was kind of impressed with Argent's courage in admitting it. Scott didn't know what to say to what he'd said he would do for him. Scott reached to get his soda. "I know she didn't want you to tell me that you're dating. And for the record, I'm against it. Only because I know you're still not over your wife. I actually like you. You're scary as hell, but you mean well." Scott could feel eyes on him, and he didn't even need to look to know it was Stiles. It was cute how overprotective he was.
"Look, I know you helped Stiles and I with all that money. And honestly, it was a very generous gesture, and we really appreciate it. We do. For the record, we didn't tell Ma, I didn't want her to feel like what she was able to give us wasn't as good as you what you gave us. Which of course we don't think, but I know she would. And I want to spare her that." Scott sipped his Diet Pepsi before he said anything more. "I know that you want to help. I know you're a good guy. And you are, Argent. You won't hurt my mom intentionally, I know that." Scott didn't want to take his money to pay for things. Even if it would be appreciated. Scott was sure that what he'd gotten from Rafe was going to take care of it. Even if he didn't want to take it. Stiles had made the argument that without it, they'd be paying medical bills for years.
"You don't have to help me. I don't… I can't take that from you. I just can't. I know that you're just trying to do good by me and Ma. You aren't my dad, though. You aren't. I have a dad. He's standing over there talking to Lyds' mom." He said, gesturing to Noah, who was in fact talking to Natalie Martin. Deaton, Scott's boss, was here somewhere too. He was a quiet man, he tended to gravitate towards a quiet corner at parties. "I just, I can't let you do that. We're going to be fine. Whether I want it or not, Rafe left me quite a bit money. I won't have a problem paying any medical bills."
That was news to Chris, and he wondered if Melissa knew that. If she had and hadn't told him, he wasn't sure he liked that. Chris was trying to build a relationship with her. He also knew that Noah Stilinski was after her. He wasn't stupid, and it wasn't a large town. Rumors passed around like wildfire. Chris reached for another slice of pizza. "We can talk about what your mother wants you to know later. I don't know that I blame you for taking the money. You might not want it, but it's the right thing to do. He hurt you. He hurt you more than anyone can hurt a person can hurt someone. Especially when it's your own son." His fingers clenched and unclenched. He could hardly believe that Rafe had done that to his own son.
What kind of person was that twisted? Chris met Melissa's eyes across the room, and he could tell she needed to talk to him. "You will be okay, Scott. I know that you will. You are going to beat this thing, and then you're going on to live your life with your husband. I know that, I have faith in you." He stood, after clapping Scott on the shoulder gently. He knew why Stiles had stationed him on the couch. Stiles was trying to help him keep his strength. Chris had known that Scott hadn't been just leaning on Stiles because he was his husband, he'd been leaning on him because he was having trouble walking on his own. "I need to get back to your mother. If you need me, you know how to find me."
As he watched Argent walk away, Scott wondered how he was going to get his mother to reconsider dating him? At least, for now. There was too much going on, and Scott knew that Argent was on the rebound. Stiles came back as soon as he'd walked away. Scott answered the question in Scott's expression. "He wanted to offer to pay my medical expenses." He said. Stiles' eyes widened. "I know. I told him we didn't need him to. I don't want to take his money if I don't have to. Especially since I know this relationship isn't going to last." Scott said, and leaned closer to Stiles, who immediately wrapped an arm around him.
"He told me about him and Ma." Scott said, his hand tracing circles on Stiles' shirt. He'd opted not to change for the wake. Scott knew that everyone had to be wondering what was up at least a little bit, because Scott was dressed in a pair of casual sweatpants and three shirts, there was a tank top, a tee shirt, and a sweatshirt on top of all of that. It was 90 degrees outside. Scott traced more circles, and was quiet for a moment before he spoke again. "I think we should tell everyone about…. About me being sick."
That made Stiles lift Scott's head so he could look at him. "Scotty, baby, I…. I don't think I can get through telling everyone that…. That you're…." Stiles couldn't even say it, and tears were gathering in his eyes. "If I say it out loud… it makes it real. I know it is real… especially to you. But I can't. I can't say it out loud. I can't. I can't." Stiles said, and started to really cry, and Scott immediately wrapped him in his arms. Stiles buried his head in Scott's neck, he really couldn't say it. He wasn't ready yet. He would do whatever Scott needed him to do, but he couldn't do that right now. Stiles knew he wouldn't make it through that conversation.
"It's okay, baby. We don't have to say anything." Scott said, whispering in Stiles' ear. He didn't know that he blamed Stiles for not wanting to say it out loud. Scott hadn't really said it out loud until he'd told Kira a few minutes ago. He knew exactly what Stiles meant. It was real to him now. It had been before, but it still had felt like some weird dream. But it was out there, someone besides the three of them and Noah knew. Scott knew it was really happening. He sniffled, tears filling his own eyes. Stiles pulled back to wipe at his cheeks. "I honestly, I am so grateful for you telling off that guy today." Scott remembered who he was. He'd worked with Rafe since Scott was a little kid. He also knew that the guy was a closet homosexual who'd had a crush on Rafe.
Brushing some tears off Scott's cheeks, Stiles said, "That's my job. I know you would have done it for me. You are the best thing in my life, Scott James McCall-Stilinski. And you always will be. You're my family. You've been my family since I was four years old. I'm not going anywhere, ever. Remember our first kiss? We were 13 years old, and neither of us knew what we were doing. But I told you then, that I loved you more than anyone's loved anyone." Stiles brushed more tears off Scott's face. "I will always be there to help you fight your battles. You never have to do anything alone ever again. You understand me?" He asked softly, and Scott nodded.
As he stared into Scott's beautiful melted chocolate eyes, Stiles was transported back five years to that kiss. He would never forget it, even when he lived to be 90 years old in a home.
Five years ago
It was a rainy Saturday, and Stiles was with Scott, they were playing video games in his room. Stiles knew something was up with Scott, he'd been quiet for awhile. They were playing a wrestling game, none of those Halo games for them. Stiles loved Mass Effect, though. Stiles nudged Scott with his shoulder. "Hey, Scotty, what's up?" Stiles asked. He hadn't told Scott how he felt yet, but he was getting closer. Scott wasn't super observant, so Stiles knew that he didn't have a clue. Stiles thought that was super cute, actually. He had come out to him, though. Stiles hadn't wanted to hide that from him, not if he didn't have to.
Scott toyed with his Xbox controller, and then leaned over, pressing his lips to Stiles'. He had been thinking about it for weeks. They were sitting on the floor in front of the bed, and he pushed Stiles back against it, cupping the back of Stiles' head. Scott kissed him till they were both breathless, and he knew that Stiles had kissed back. Scott broke the kiss to breathe, and they stared at each other for a moment. Scott said, "Stiles, I'm in love with you. I think I have been ever since we were kids, I just…. I didn't know."
Stroking Scott's cheek, Stiles said, "I've loved you since that first day in the sandbox. You…. you're my whole life, Scott. I love you more than anyone's ever loved anyone. You are the best thing to ever happen to me. And fyi, I knew you felt the same way. You just needed to realize it. I've been waiting. I'm impatient, you left me waiting too long." Scott smiled and laughed a little, and so did Stiles. He let his finger move down Scott's face, tracing along his jawline. "I love you, I love you and I always will. Forever. You understand? You will never know what it's like to be without me." Stiles promised him.
With that, Scott kissed him again, and Stiles kissed back just as hard. The game was forgotten, as they kissed hungrily, as if they would never kiss again.
Present day
"Hey, come back." Scott said, smiling slightly and brushing his hand through Stiles' hair. He didn't know what was going to happen next, but he knew that he was going to make it, he had Stiles. Scott didn't want to ever know what it was like without him. And he knew that he wouldn't have to know. He laid his head on Stiles' shoulder again, his eyes threatening to close. Scott was going to fall asleep again, he knew it. It had been a long day already. He let his eyes close, knowing that he was safe from everything in his husband's arms.
Stroking Scott's back, Stiles knew he was going to sleep. Stiles was scared. He was more scared than he'd ever been in his whole entire life. He knew losing Scott was a real possibility, and he was terrified. Scott was only 18 years old, he had his whole life ahead of him. Stiles cast his glance around the wake, he knew that there wasn't much time left. They only had so much time to keep the cancer news to themselves. Stiles had already noticed that Allison and Lydia had noticed how thin he was. That's why Stiles had dressed him in warm clothes, he was always cold now. He thought that if he'd gotten him a blanket it would be too much.
Looking down at his husband, Stiles knew that he couldn't do this. He couldn't do this, watch Scott go through all of this. Stiles didn't know how he could handle it. Scott…. Watching him throw up for so long the night before, and then having to help him into the bed, it had hurt him. It had hurt him more than anything had hurt him his entire life. Except losing his mom. And now Scott was sick. He couldn't…. It was going to take every bit of strength he had to do this. But he also knew that he'd do whatever he had to to keep Scott. To keep him safe, to keep him alive. Stiles leaned and kissed the top of Scott's head. He didn't move, just kept sleeping.
"I promise you, baby, you will always be with me. Forever and always." Stiles said, stroking Scott's back. He just wondered how long forever was going to be.
Author's note: So, I hope ya'll are still hanging in. I don't know why I'm torturing my precious baby puppy that is Scott. I'm choosing to blame the muses. I don't want to, they made me. XD. They're just bitches like that. Anyway, I hope ya'll like, and if you feel like reviewing, great. And for the record, since apparently it's not clear, this fic is AU. I thought it was obvious, but I guess not. And YES, another chapter without smut! I am super proud of myself. Don't worry, I'm SURE that will come back up at some point. It's just how I am, I write gay smut more than I write anything else.