It's been a week since Ariel started attending school again. Stiles wondered just when his heart will stop racing each time he sees her in the hallways. Stilinski figured it was just getting ridiculous at this point. Such a reaction is supposed to be evanescent right? But even that sounded pretty impossible, because every time she would look at him with those startling aquamarines orbs or smile in the dazzling way.
Stiles felt like he was one of the melting clocks in a Salvador Dali painting.
He was pretty sure he wasn't the only one going through the same emotions. The straight, male half of the school were quick to notice her the same way Stiles did. Whenever she walked down the school corridors in her usual confident way.
Ever since she had become part of the soccer team there has been more attention focused on her than usual. This was strange, because everyone knew that the BHHS soccer team didn't really have many merits. He saw the way the captain of the team, Paige would glare when ever Ariel passed by. Stiles figured they must be threatened by Ariel after all she wasn't just any werewolf, she is an alpha.
Stiles wasn't sure if Ariel was oblivious to all the whispering and staring or whether she chose to ignore it. He figured if she didn't care he shouldn't either, right?
It wasn't like he really had time to debate the matter. Not when each time he saw her everything else within a 10 feet circumference of her would just blur into the background.
Then there were their long conversations. Like the one they were having currently about the Miss Jennifer's former role as the Darac. Stiles was picking books out of his locker while speaking animatedly like he always did. Ariel was leaning back against the steel cubbyholes with her arms crossed in front of her chest.
"Like hell you suspected Miss Blake." Stiles stated firmly looking to her while shoving the unnecessary text books into his locker.
"Well I didn't suspect her in being the Darac, but I knew there was something questionable in her occupation as a teacher." She replied in vague interest though her eyes kept darting back and forth between Stiles, and the students that filled the halls. He knew it was a habit she couldn't break. She always noticed the smallest details and gets easily distracted by any moving object.
"What do you mean?" He asked looking to her. She regarded him with her blue eyes.
"Once in class I had forgotten my copy of the novel we were assigned and she generously provided me with hers. It was practically untouched." Her statement confused him at first but then it made sense to how strange that was.
"Untouched like there were notes on it or anything?" He asked. She nodded smiling in that complacent way she did. When she didn't have to explain herself and he would just immediately understand.
"Nothing. The corners of the page weren't even folded—I found that to be odd."
"Why didn't you tell me then? It would have been useful." Stiles grumbled trying to muster a look of displeasure which was just too difficult around her.
She shrugged heedlessly "I told you I don't operate on theory alone and it was the day before Deucalion decided to shun me."
"Shunnnnnn." He suddenly chimed while grinning wide. Ariel raised a brow and gave him a hard interrogative stare that seemed to question his sanity.
"That was a Charlie the unicorn reference—"
"Actually I know that one. The twins were giggling over it through laptop and I happened to pass by." She quickly added. Smiling comely and quiet pleased with herself for actually understanding one of Stiles's references.
"Well that sounds attractive." He grumbled mordantly. He was trying to picture the two hulking alpha twins snickering over a few talking unicorns.
"Despite all those bulging biceps and cocky attitudes. They are true morons at heart." Stiles laughed at her words and she smiled. Ariel always liked hearing the sound of his laugh. It was pleasant to her ears and made her heart flip internally. Especially when that sweet grin reached his eyes making them shine.
Staring into her eyes, Stiles suddenly remembered what he had planned to ask her that morning since it was the last day of the week.
"Ariel I was wonder—"
"Morning!" Scott McCall unexpectedly appeared smiling brightly as usual. Stiles and Ariel both looked to him.
"Hey man." Stiles greeted although he was stupefied by his best friend's presence.
"Good morning." Ariel said in her usual polite manner.
"So, English?" The true alpha asked gesturing his thumb in the direction of the class behind them.
"Guess so and please, tell me one of you has a free period after this."Stiles didn't want to spend his free period alone again. Though his question was more slyly directed at Ariel.
"Yes in the form of football practice." She answered in a blasé fashion. He looked to her in surprise.
"Again?" She nodded.
Stiles resisted the urge to frown. Feeling like they haven't had a moment to themselves ever since she started schooling again.
"So how is soccer?" Scott asked to cut in to the obvious tension emitting from Stiles.
"Eventful I suppose though none of the other females are willing to pass the ball to me." Ariel admitted looking to McCall.
Scott sucked in a deep breath "Been there, felt that."
A sigh escaped his lips, his brown eyes softening in pity "Not a nice feeling is it?"
"Am I supposed to be offended?" Ariel was intrigued by the true alpha's emotional expression. Scott was surprised by the lack of it from hers.
"Well they are doing that to make you feel isolated."
"That is unnecessary, I can isolate myself." She retorted unceremoniously.
Stiles was looking back and forth between the two. Wondering why he wasn't aware of Ariel's problems with the girl's on the team.
"You didn't tell me this." Stiles exclaimed glaring at her. Ariel averted her stare to the edgy teenager.
"I didn't think it was relevant. I assumed this was how all football players behaved."
"No, it's a team sport you should be acting like a team that means knowing each other." Scott answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Stiles almost pitied his best friend. Ariel was never a team player maybe it was because she never knew how.
"Your suggestion is I should befriend them?"
"Something tells me that's not something you are good at." Scott replied smiling at her words. Stiles burst in to laughter that startled them both.
"Ha-ha you should have been there when we first met." Stilinski stated nudging his shoulder against the unsuspecting Ariel. She slightly swayed from the impact.
"Well it seemed to have worked, you guys are pretty close." Scott's words made Stiles tense when a sudden rush of blood shot up his neck making his face feel warm. He cautiously looked to Ariel from the corner of his eye to see her reaction, but she held that same passive expression.
"I suppose you make a valid point, but if I approached you the way I approached Stiles here, we wouldn't be friends."
"And why is that?" Scott asked his curiosity sparked from her words, she grinned wolf-like.
"Because he is a weirdo."
"Hey what the heck is that supposed to mean?!" Stiles demanded his cheek still a blushing red. Ariel's smile widened and her lips parted to answer when she suddenly froze. Stiles was aware of the way her smile fell painfully slowly and she turned her gaze towards the English classroom's door.
"No loitering in the halls children, class is about to begin." A deep soothingly familiar voice spoke, grabbing all of their attention.
Stiles's honey brown eyes widened in revelation ad thousand questions buzzing around his head, Scott shared his shock took a turn for worry when he was extremely aware of the deathly silent female beside him.
"Yes, Mr. Deucalion." Scott replied apologetically and looked to Ariel and Stiles waiting for them to make an attempt to follow him to class. Deucalion smiled warmly, the friendly wrinkles around his mouth and eyes deepening. Stiles saw the ways that smile seemed to only drive her into a further agitation, her jaw muscles clenching.
He wanted to say something to comfort her but that seemed pretty impossible. He doubt saying anything going help, considering the way she was glaring at her uncle ready to kill him. Stiles made the safe guess that she had no idea that Deucalion was going to be their new English teacher—how awkward.
What...the...hell is he doing here?
Ariel had never felt such an internal rage before. Out of all the places he could possible go to get a job he just had to pick this school. She wanted to rip that smug little smile right off his wolf face. He was aware of her death glare, the smile sobered. For a moment he looked genuinely apologetic of her obvious angered response. She wanted to turn and head the other direction just to piss him off. She couldn't stand being in the same house as him. Now she had to tolerate him within the confinement of a room?
Her feet itched to pivot and walk away but then a soft warm touch. She was brought out of her thoughts. She looked down at the way Stiles's fingers grasped her hands in his, her attention immediately darted to him. Stiles was watching her with the tenderest concern in his russet eyes. She stared silently feeling the storm in her mind lifting.
"It's okay," He breathed his hold on her hand tightening. She was robbed of her voice and her hate. It surprised her that he could do something as simple as touching her and immediately render her senseless. She nodded somberly and he smiled pleased that he had managed to calm her down. They made their way to class hand in hand, passing by Deucalion who was watching them very intently.
Ariel stared back boldly which only intensified his smile. Stiles had to practically drag her into the classroom and to their seats.
Ariel sat in her chair behind her desk. Watching the way Deucalion smiled and walked the length of the room charming each student as he did. It sickened her to her werewolf core.
Stiles was nervous. The only thing he could do to exert his nervousness was to play with his pen, twirling it around his finger or nibble at his thumb nail. A deep sigh of relief escaped his lips the moment the bell rang. He practically shot up in his eagerness to leave the class. Ariel was calm and composed as usual but he could see the storm darkening her blue eyes.
"I can't believe I am actually looking forward to kicking a ball around for an hour." She grumbled the moment Stiles approached her.
"You can picture it as his head. Which should help with all the built up rage." He suggested in all seriousness. A smile instantly formed on her pretty face that eased him. She looked to him with gleaming eyes.
"I could or..." She neglected her bag for a moment and stepped closer to him, staring deep into his eyes "I could use another distraction."
He understood the suggestion in her words and immediately blushed. His gaze falling to her plump lips for a moment the heat between the consuming him.
"W-want me to go check if the janitor's closet is free?" A dazzling grin widened at her lips, flashing her pearly white teeth. Stiles liked that he could make her smile so brightly.
"Miss Carden, would you mind waiting back for a few minutes please." Deucalion suddenly spoke looking to them from his position beside his wide desk. Stiles hated that Deucalion can wipe that pretty smile off her face so easily.
"Are you serious?" Stiles muttered to himself. He was reluctant to leave her alone, but she seemed to insist so he complied and left begrudgingly.
Ariel reached for her bag and took her own time to approach the alpha.
"You couldn't order me around as an alpha so you are trying to achieve it as a teacher? It's a demotion to me." She bit out, her voice tight and prim. Deucalion smiled at her words and leaned back against the edge of his desk.
"I am not here to try and control you. This is my way of looking out for you." He replied casually crossing his arms over his wide chest.
"Looking out for me?" She echoed in disbelief "Pretty hypocritical considering what happened last time."
"I made a mistake and I apologized."
"And I haven't forgiven you. Maybe with some space but clearly you haven't heard of a little consideration." She hissed narrowing her piercing gaze down at him. Deucalion tried not to seem nerved by her stare. After all she was so much like her father with those dangerous eyes.
"This isn't just for you. I promised Scott that I will change my ways and I have."
"By becoming a teacher?" She scoffed. "Tell me, what moral lessons does a murderer like you have to enlighten us with?"
Deucalion supposed there was no real good answer for that and the tone she took annoyed him, but he promised himself to be lucid.
"I expected such a reaction from you, but it doesn't change the situation. So you really have only one choice, to accept things as they are now. "
Ariel hated the way he worded that sentence. Like she had no choice in the matter that everything had to go according to his plan.
"Logical yes, but you only have one option if you want things to run smoothly."She stepped to him, glaring into his clear eyes "Stop trying to get me back on to your side. It is not going to happen." She stated firmly in her rattled form.
"You may say that now, but hopefully in time you will see I truly am sorry."
It was like trying to reasoning with a rock. Ariel didn't stand near him as longer than she had to so she left wordlessly, shutting the door behind her. In her tempest thoughts she didn't even notice her boyfriend standing beside the wall next to the door, waiting for her.
"Hey, are you alright?" Stiles asked in concern. Gently touching her on the arm to gain her attention. She looked to him and her expression immediately softened under the glow of his honey eyes.
"I am fine," She muttered a heavy sigh escaping her lips "I am sorry but I am going to really need to kick that ball around."
Stiles was disappointed. He wanted to spend some alone time with her but he could see she wanted to isolate herself for a while, let out some steam.
"Yeah I know, I understand. So I'll see you at lunch?" She nodded in reply. A soft smile curving at her lips though her stare remained tortured.
"Yes I'll be there, thank you." Stiles was surprised when Ariel pressed a doting kiss to the side of his face before turning to leave. Stiles stared after her pityingly.
"She is making this harder for herself, I didn't mean any harm." Deucalion spoke, Stiles tensed in anger. He spun around to come face to face with Deucalion who was staring out at a distance.
"That's hard to believe." He grumbled the alpha smiled.
"It is in her nature to be so hostile. Ariel has always been a rebel, even as a little girl."
"If you think she is being rebellious then you are not cut out to be an English teacher." Stiles spat, Deucalion's fair brows raised in surprise to Stiles's defensive tone.
"Why do you think she is acting this way?" He asked in curious amusement.
"Do I look like a frigging emissary? Figure it out for yourself." Stiles exclaimed irritably before marching off muttering obscenities under his breath.
"I don't like her." Paige—the captain of the soccer team—grumbled while seating on the bench beside Theresa, another member of the team. Her eyes were focused on Ariel Carden who was currently jogging with the rest of the team, around the large field.
"Is it because she is great at soccer?"
Paige scoffed at Theresa—her best friend of three years— she didn't want to admit it but she was threatened by Ariel but she didn't see a point in admitting it either, Theresa always knew. Paige squatted away her tail of blonde hair that constantly got in her eyes when ever a breeze blew by.
"It's not just that that girl is weird. You've seen the way she does drills." Paige said looking to Theresa with her green eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Theresa had dark brown hair, blue eyes and a lean athletic figure—like Paige. They were both around the same height of 5'7".
"Yeah...so?" Her friend asked with a shrug of her shoulders.
"So...? She can do like a hundred sit ups in a go and she doesn't even look like she is about to stop unless the coach blows that whistle like a dozen times, and even when she does stop she hasn't even broken into a proper sweat." Paige exclaimed gesturing widely in Ariel's direction across the field.
"So the girl has stamina. Pretty believable considering how great she is." Theresa said rationally Paige gaped. Scandalized that her best friend chose the newbie player over her, but she had t admit to herself—it was what she was expecting her to do.
"If she is so great why don't you go marry her?!" Paige hissed before beginning to mumble to herself. Theresa rolled her eyes at her cynical friend's antics.
"Look you can't be threatened by the first real talent we've had since you okay? You are the one who wants to win the finals this year and this girl can really help us." She reminded Paige and placed a comforting hand on the girl's back. The captain sighed and looked to the skies.
Theresa was right per usual. Paige wanted to win this year. To get some real recognition for the soccer team. At least for the season they were given, because she knew once Lacrosse started there was just no competition.
"Fine, say you have a point. How do I go about in approaching her?" Paige demanded looking to the female beside her.
"How about not glaring for once?"
"Yeah that's not happening, let's send Claire." The blonde retorted Theresa rolled her eyes. Paige grinned wickedly. A scheming glow brightening her jade eyes when she focused her stare on the unsuspecting petite brunette with the short-bob cut.
"Hey Ariel right?"
Ariel was mid stretch when a girl approached. The alpha absorbed her every detail, the short brown tresses of her hair that reached her jaw line in sharp layers. Her large hazel eyes that brought more attention to her face. The rest of her features were puny which gave her a very innocent look. She was smiling brightly and Ariel noticed the slight discoloration of one of her left incisors. It was strange and Ariel concluded that it had to be a fake took because it was a lot whiter than the rest of her teeth, but not in the obvious way.
"Yes, you are Claire Castell."She spoke straightening out her posture. Her smile fell from the shock.
"Oh you know who I am...I wasn't expecting that."
"Clearly." Ariel muttered. She abruptly cleared her throat and Ariel pitied the girl. Being 5'8 Ariel tended to tower over most of the girls on her team—but it was more obvious with Claire, being 5'3 and all.
"So you are new here huh? Where you from?" The shorter girl asked eagerly.
"Dallas."
"Dallas really, what's that like?"
Ariel saw right through her forced smile and shifty eyes, the girl was obviously nervous.
"Are you actually interested or are you just here to gather information to report to your superiors."
She tensed at Ariel's blunt words and reeled back in surprise.
"What...why would you say that?"
"You sound like you are forcing yourself. Paige and Theresa keep glancing back at each moment they think I am not looking." Ariel stated glancing back at the captain and her friend who sat at the rafters. When Ariel looked to them they abruptly pivoted around to seem aloof.
"Sorry about this. They aren't the best at making friends with new people and they think I am." Claire's apologetic words grabbed the she-wolf's attention.
"Are you?"
"Well I talk like a lot and I like getting to know new people and you seem pretty interesting." Claire admitted, grinning brightly up at Ariel.
"Thank you, appearances can be deceiving though." Ariel said, crossing her arms over her chest.
"No honestly, you are very straightforward. I like that."
Something about the way the girl averted her gaze away almost shyly from her the honest admiration in her words, made Ariel like her.
"So uh you are pretty awesome at soccer, did you play for your school?" Claire asked a lot more eased once Ariel caught on to her previous intentions. She seemed genuinely curious now.
"No, this is my first time." Ariel stated firmly, though her keen stare had softened slightly. Clair gaped in surprise in unbanked disbelief.
"No...way! Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"So you've never had any training what so ever?"
"Yes, this is training isn't it?" Ariel wondered glancing back at the rest of the team who were still continuing their stretching.
"I guess but still, wow." Claire breathed in awe, but then her expression took a turn for the excited "So the game this weekend is going to be like your first official time on the field huh."
"There a game this weekend?" Ariel asked her dark brows rising in surprise.
"Yes, well the coach just announced it we were surprised too but it's so we know if we are ready for the finals." Claire informed in her chatty way.
"I see."
"Are you nervous?" the short girl asked, mistaking Ariel's contemplation for anxiety.
"Should I be?" Ariel doubted she would get nervous but then again she had never played soccer in public before.
"Well most people playing for the first time are, but don't worry about it because you will do great." Claire assured, smiling brightly and giving a soft casual fist bump to Ariel's arm. The alpha read the sincerity behind her words. Like a girl who knew exactly how apprehensive playing for the first time was.
"Thank you." Ariel uttered politely, Claire's smile widened.
"Yo." Stiles greeted appearing beside Ariel's locker with his usual bright smile.
"Yo..." She replied more to mock him than an actual salutation.
"So how was practice?" He asked, adjusting the strap of his school bag on his shoulder watching Ariel arrange items into her locker.
"Eventful, I was introduced to the rest of the team by Claire Castell."
"Oh that's great, she is a nice girl."
"You know her?" Ariel asked as she shut the door of her locker.
"Yeah we were lab partners once. She was really friendly and didn't threaten to sue me when I almost burned her jacket." He told her. He was wincing at the memory but Ariel found it hilarious judging from the grin on her face.
"I talked to the twins. They didn't know about Deucalion and his new job either."
"So what do you think he is up to something?" Stiles questioned his dark brows raised in wonder, Ariel shrugged.
"I was hoping to ask you that." Her words surprised him and he grew alert.
"Why me?"
Ariel leaned back against the steel lockers. The corners of her mouth deepening in a frown repressing the annoyance she was experiencing.
"Because I am compromised when it comes to him. I can't draw conclusions when all I can think about is ripping his head off." She looked to him, her expression softening "You are the rational one in this."
Stiles felt flattered by her statement "Well I can't really tell yet. One thing I've learned is not to trust him but Scott doesn't seem threatened."
"He should be, Deucalion isn't one to stick to his word." Ariel stated a frustrated sigh escaping her lips "Besides, I have a bigger problem now."
"What is it?" Stiles demanded in concern.
"There is a game this weekend."
"That's great, your first game. Are you excited?" He exclaimed more gleefully. She was amused by his enthusiasm.
"I will be, it's a full moon then."
His smile fell instantly "Oh shit."
"Yeah." She grumbled in response, crossing her arms over her chest and shifting against the metal compartments behind her.
"Well you can control it better than anyone. I've never seen you shift... like ever actually." Stiles had to see the truth in his own words. He hadn't even seen her eyes in a red colour. It was weird considering how many times he had seen the rest of her pack in action.
"Yes well that's when I am composed, but I am competitive by nature and say I have a little too much fun." That was true too. Stiles was a victim to her competitive nature first hand with that balloon game two months ago.
"You have a point. So what are you going to do?" He asked curiously. Ariel mulled over the question.
"I'd have to distract myself with a very complex math equation...though that might get me even more agitated." Stiles grinned at her words.
"Maybe you need a more creative outlet?" He suggested, her eyes darted to him gleaming in interest.
"Really, what do you have in mind?"
"We can figure it out at my place."
Ariel stared broodingly before nodding in agreement "Fine, I'll have to meet you there though."
"Do you need a ride home? Because I can drop you off."
She smiled at his offer and shook her head gently "No its fine, I want to walk the fresh air is good."
"Alright then I'll see you later."
"Hey," Stiles greeted brightly after he opened the door for Ariel.
"Hello." She uttered as politely as usual "I have to start getting accustomed to using your door. I walked over to the window before coming here."She said once she stepped through the threshold of his house. Stiles couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image.
"Old habits die hard I guess, but don't think that you can't slip in through my window just because I am at home." He replied fondly while shutting the door behind him.
"I won't, some days we might just limit ourselves to your room won't we?" She murmured with her eyes gleaming suggestively. Stiles blushed and struggled to form words but Ariel abruptly turned her attention to the living room.
"So, what are we going to do?" She inquired, her gaze wandering around the interior of the living space. Stiles followed in after her with his hands tucked into his trouser pockets. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. Considering he had been thinking about it for the past week every time he saw her in school. The way those tempting lips would curve in a smile for him. Her deep cobalt eyes that would stare into him.
Ariel walked towards the couch. Her long legs gracefully walking through the gap between the couch and the coffee table.
"Well uh we could watch a movie or something." He recommended glancing at the TV against the wall facing the couch. She spun around to face him, her thick mane of auburn hair bouncing over her shoulders. In his pursuit of her there was barely any space between them. Her gaze climbed up to his and Stiles stared back, unable to turn away. There was a playful look in her eyes that beckoned him, his heart raced in anticipation.
"Or something." She said in a mischievous purr, her eyes glowing in desire. Stiles didn't need to be told twice. He cupped her face in his hand and kissed her. She pressed against him willingly, as eager as he was. His lips parted and their tongues met a sudden jolt of electricity shot through him that made his knees weak.
Stiles fell back on to the couch and his hold on her pulled her on top of him. The backrest supported him in a sitting position. Her fingers dragged deliciously through his hair, clutching on to it as they kissed passionately. Her knees dug into the cushion with his leg in between her thighs.
Stiles had never kissed with tongue before. It was a new and marvelous experience and he was slightly afraid that his lack of skill would show. Ariel didn't seem to care, her tongue glided into his mouth in a tentative stroking. Stiles felt such a wild need in him that escaped his throat in a low moan and he gathered her close. His hands pressing into her sides. He couldn't ignore the lock and key fit of their bodies and the pressure of her breasts against his chest.
Her dark red hair curtained their faces in waves, the floral scent of it igniting his senses. Ariel couldn't get enough of him, her hands trailed down his broad shoulders. She was getting increasingly frustrated with all clothing that obstructed his flesh from her touch, it was too much. She was progressively more aware of his hold on her. The way his warm large hands left her hips to move to her neck.
Ariel was surprised when he deepened the kiss by angling her face with thumb to her jaw line. She smiled into the kiss, impressed by his enthusiasm. She wanted to take off his shirt. Maybe just the plaid one since he was wearing another t-shirt underneath. She wondered if they were moving too fast but he didn't seem to mind. She could feel his heart pounding against hers, it exhilarated her own need. His fingers combed through her hair, clutching onto the thick strands desperately as their fervor began to reach new levels. Until a sudden sharp sound emitted from the recess of Ariel's pants.
She groaned and pulled away. Stiles froze, his eyes snapping open in reaction to the noise. His tight hold on her hair diminished when she leaned back a little to pull out her flip phone and swiftly answered the call. The annoying tone seized blaring abruptly.
"What?" She hissed and Stiles liked the way her features were scrunched up in exasperation. She was more frustrated than he was from the disruption.
"Hey Ariel, I hope we are not interrupt—"He heard Ethan's hesitant voice utter from the phone.
"You are interrupting." She cut in glaring dangerously. Stiles smiled finding hilarity in the situation. She directed her glare to him and he immediately pressed his lips down into a thin line to hide his smile.
Stiles couldn't believe how intense they had gotten. His heart was still racing and he was pretty aware of the tightness in his pants near his crotch area. A heavy breath of air left his lips. His mind shouting a hundred different words like 'holy shit' and 'oh my God' to express his wonder.
"Yeah you better tell her." Ariel heard Ethan mumble to someone in the distance before a slightly rustling sound followed.
"We want food!" Aiden suddenly exclaimed Ariel began picturing ways to severely injure the twins.
"Before I left you said—and I quote 'we got it covered'." She reminded harshly and looking to Stiles. He was listening intently to the conversation. His hands exploring the lines of her face comfortingly.
"Yeah but that was before we realized we are sick of take out and you know what a whiny bitch Ethan is."
"Oi I am right here!" Ethan exclaimed in the background.
"They why are you demanding it too?"Ariel grumbled while holding Stiles's honey eyed gaze.
"Because your cooking is the best, babe."
"She is not your babe." Ariel was surprised by the infuriated retort by Stiles. His eyebrows were furrowed in displeasure.
"Oh hey Stilinski." Aidan muttered hearing him, Stiles rolled his eyes.
"I am busy here. You two need to find some other form of sustenance." Ariel stated calmly as her finger played with the collar of Stilinski's shirt.
"Oh come on we went shopping too and brought loads of stuff for you to cook with and bring Stilinski. We don't mind."
"We truly don't." Ethan added to his brother's statement. Ariel groaned and looked to Stiles for conformation, he was blinking in wonder.
"Do you want to come over for dinner?" She asked regarding him with her brilliant eyes.
Stiles thought deeply, part of him really wanted to continue their make out session. How could he not want to? She was gorgeous and he was finally learning how to kiss and the connection was just magical. But at the same time the rational part of his brain began to draw clues to the fact that they were moving too fast. It was only a week after their date and they were already making out on his couch. Not that he minded— he just didn't want Ariel to think that he was just looking for a good lay.
"Normally I would have said no but since you are cooking and all." He mumbled she stared silently as if trying to decide whether he is lying or not.
"Fine, we will be there."She murmured into the receiver.
"You are the best babe." Aiden exclaimed excitedly, she could practically picture his grinning face.
"She is not your babe." Stiles shot back before hanging up the cell phone for her.
"You know you didn't really have to say yes just to spare them." Ariel said turning to him once they had arrived at the mahogany door of the penthouse.
"I wasn't. I really want to eat your food." Stiles assured smiling at her. She shook her head in disbelief, her fingers wrapping around the door handle.
"Don't encourage it though, otherwise we will never get away from them." She warned and Stiles nodded eagerly, she opened the door.
"Ariel, Stiles! Come on in." Ethan exclaimed when they arrived at the living room. His arms were open wide and Stiles was surprised by the welcoming grin on his face.
"You two took your time, I am starving." Aidan grumbled from behind the counter in the open kitchen.
"Then starve a little longer." Ariel fired while approaching the kitchen counter that was littered with stuff brown paper bags.
"Ouch," Aiden whimpered clutching his chest dramatically, but his hurt left instantly. He peered over her shoulder as Ariel riffled through the bags "So what are you cooking?"
"I'll have to see what you two bought." Ariel replied with vague interest. Stiles followed her into the kitchen and stood beside her.
"Whoa cheese sticks where did you find that?" Stiles exclaimed in amazement at the sight of the sealed packet of cheese sticks that was lying on the counter. Ethan sat on the opposite end of the counter, on one of the leather stools.
"It was behind all these cartons of fat free yogurt. Someone sneaky bastard must have stuffed it all in there because no one goes near fat free yogurt." He informed looking to Stiles.
"Why were you there?" Ariel mused teasingly.
"I was looking for a place to stuff a few cans of Dr. Pepper. They are really popular here." He admitted shamelessly, Aiden and her simultaneously rolled their eyes.
"Oh that's clever. I should start hiding stuff too." Stiles stated grinning at Ethan and the twin nodded in response.
"You two are so cute together." Aiden grumbled sarcastically. Stiles shot him a flat look and averted his attention to Ariel. She was quietly arranging all the groceries onto the kitchen counter. The plastic bags were filled with a variety of vegetables, and the synthetic tray with raw steaks covered over with cellophane.
"Potatoes, carrots oh and beef." Stiles listed out looking to her "Ariel all the ingredients for a shepherd's pie are here."
"Ooo a shepherd's pie now that sounds good." Ethan commended leaning over the counter eagerly.
"I don't know, I was hoping for some steaks to go with my beer." Aiden mused from Ariel's other side.
"How about a 'shut' to go with your 'up'?" Ethan clipped out, glaring at his brother igniting a verbal disagreement.
Stiles watched the two throw comebacks each other while. He slowly looked to Ariel who seemed completely accustomed to their quarreling.
"Do they always argue this much?" He wondered. She glanced up at him and smiled.
"Lucky me right?"She mumbled sarcastically "Like I said before, there is no oven."
"Well that sucks." Stiles muttered with a frown on his lips, Aiden heard this and rejoiced.
"Ha, I win. We are going to have steaks." He added grinning wide, Ethan frowned.
The oil on the pan sizzled the moment the meat was placed over the hot metal. The stench of frying beef wafted into the air, filling their senses. Ariel placed a lid over the cooking meat and left the stove and walked back to the counter adjacent to the cooker. Where, Stiles was slowly chopping up a few sticks of carrots on the plastic chopping board though.
Ethan and Aiden were sitting on the stools on the opposite side of the counter. Ethan had switched on the radio on their sound system and the latest tracks of the year filled the air around them.
Ariel had never seen the apartment this full before, or lively. Kali and Ennis never hung around the pent house longer than they had to. Deucalion restricted himself to his room and so did Ariel. She had to admit, it was nice having such warmth in the house.
"Ugh I hate this song." Ethan grumbled as a catchy upbeat song began to play through the speakers.
"I love this song." Aiden added with a large grin plastered on his face, his twin rolled his eyes.
"You love anything that I hate."
"That's not true, I love beer."
"I hate beer."
"How old are you two?" Stiles questioned in disbelief of the context of their arguments. The twins abruptly looked to him.
"Now that's debatable, they look twenty-three but they act like a couple of five year olds." Ariel stated from beside him, making him chuckle.
"Hilarious."Aiden drawled sarcastically "So how is soccer coming along?"
"Splendidly." She answered vaguely. The twins dead-panned Stiles glanced at her fondly.
"Please tell me she gives you more than that as an answer." Ethan said looking to Stiles.
"Ariel made friends with a few members of the team." Stilinski answered with a casual shrug of his shoulders.
"Really... are they hot?" Aiden inquired wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Ariel raised a dark winged brow sardonically at him.
"Why would their temperature matter to me?" Stiles snorted at her words while pushing the diced carrots on to a separate plate with the blade of the knife.
"No he meant like, attractive." Ethan explained while resting the urge to laugh.
"Again...why would that matter to me?"
"I give up."Aiden groaned his shoulders slumping in fatigue "She is difficult to talk to."
"Not really." Stiles added surprising everyone. The corners of her lips curved up in a smile which she tried to hide by focusing her attention on pouring herself a cup of wine.
"Of course you would say that, you are her boyfriend." Ethan grumbled though he noticed they way she smiled. He was filled with a sense of happiness for her. Ariel rarely smiled unless it was when she had managed to overpower Aiden with her wit.
"Dude Bourne is going to be on any minute, go turn on the TV." Aiden suddenly said, slapping his brother on the bicep.
"You turn on the TV you are the one who wants to watch it." Ethan snapped, crossing his arms defensively "I want to watch 10 Things I Hate About You."
"Ugh, chick flicks." The twin groaned bringing a can of beer to his lips and taking a huge gulp.
"Ariel you might like it, it's based off that Shakespearean play 'Taming of the shrew'." Ethan said looking to her. Ariel raised her brows in interest and looked to Stiles who was nodding in confirmation while munching on a raw piece of onion.
"Let's watch that." She concluded Aiden gaped in disbelief his arms wide open in indignation.
"Oh come on! I have wanted to watch Bourne for weeks."
"You found out it was showing two hours ago." Ethan informed glaring at his brother.
"Yeah well—shut up." Aiden grumbled taking another sip at his beer.
"Go get the plates, dinner is almost ready." Ariel ordered looking to the muttering twin.
"Fine..." He scoffed before getting off the stool, and walking around the counter into the kitchen towards the rack beside the sink to get plates.
"I'll go start the movie." Ethan chimed merrily and strode towards the living room in the direction of the TV.
"You weren't kidding about them being your little lap...werewolves." Stiles murmured quietly to her, she grinned and glanced at him.
"It comes in handy every now and then." Ariel admitted and walked to the stove on the other side. Stiles followed after her with a tray of cut up onions. She lifted the lid off the pan and Stiles carefully dumped the onions into the saucepan. The rings of onion sunk into the sauces of the beef. The scent of cooked meat and spices wafted into the air and Stiles inhaled deeply before sighing in bliss.
"This looks better than it did last time." He said unable to take his gaze away from the browning juicy meat. Ariel was poking at the beef with her spatula, testing to see if it was cooked to perfection.
"Yes well that is because we have actual vegetables and spices in here and not just wine and Tabasco sauce." She responded and Stiles could only grin sheepishly. She dipped the spatula into the sauce and brought it up to his lips to taste. Stiles was not expecting the gesture at first but happily blew at the steam emanating from the splotch of sauce before taking a quick taste.
His taste buds soared in delight, the spiciness of the chilly mixed with the broth of the meat and the slight acidic tang of the wine was heavenly. Ariel was watching his expressive reactions with keenness in her eyes azure eyes.
"Like it do you?"
"Like it? I love it, this is amazing...can I have some more?" Without waiting for an answer Stiles attempted to dip his finger into the sauce again only to hiss and pull his hand back like his was stung by a snake. The pan was too hot. Ariel couldn't help but shake her head at his carelessness and grasped the pan by its handle.
Stiles followed after her like a hungry puppy and watched as she placed the base of the pan on to a charcoal black, heat proof mat. Just as Aiden arrived with the plates.
"I am starving," Aiden whimpered organizing four white, ceramic plates onto the counter with his eyes glued to the steaming steaks. The smell of the beef beckoned Ethan from the living room.
"Where do you guys keep the fork and knives?" Stiles asked noticing the absence of very important cutlery.
"In the drawer over there." Ariel answered and he nodded before walking off to retrieve the apparatus from the drawer she pointed to.
Stiles came back with four pairs of knives and forks in his hands. He looked to Ariel to find her staring at him, well more at his mouth.
"What?" He questioned perturbed by her perceptive gaze. Wordlessly she reached out and brushed the pad of her thumb against the corner of his lip wiping away a stain of sauce. He watched mesmerized as she brought her thumb to her lip and sucked away the sauce.
Ethan who was placing the last steak on to the last plate paused to watch this act and Aiden mirrored his brother's wide-eyed expression. Stiles was still as a rock. That was undoubtedly the most simple yet sexiest act he had ever seen and he wasn't the only one to notice. Although he supposed that Ethan didn't share the same feelings as Aiden and Stiles, but more general shock.
"Ethan you are dripping sauce all over the counter." Ariel spoke bluntly, cutting into the thick silence.
"Oh right, sorry—my bad." Ethan began to stumble and quickly placed the steak on to the plate using the spatula. Stiles was still reeling from the situation and Aiden was blinking profoundly while watching Ariel.
Aiden saw the idiotically dazed smile that wormed its way across Stiles's lips and it annoyed him. He never had to worry about losing female attention around his brother because Ethan didn't share the same interest, but Ariel wasn't like most girls and she seemed to be genuinely attracted to Stilinski. That bothered him immensely. He tried to remind himself he was in a relationship—or at least what he hoped to be a relationship with Lydia.
Maybe it was an alpha dominance— thing because not being noticed didn't tolerate well with Aiden.
Ariel was wiping the counter with a tissue and in a desperate act Aiden quickly began to taste the sauce on his plate. Purposefully smearing it across his upper lip. Stiles didn't miss this act and narrowed his gaze down on the alpha, wondering what he was scheming.
"Hey Ariel, this sauce is just amazing." He spoke to gain her attention. She looked to him and his grin widened when her gaze fell to his mouth covered in sauce.
"Your table manners are atrocious, here." She suddenly thrust a dry tissue in his direction, "Make yourself more decent."
Stiles and Ethan looked to each other before beginning to snicker. Aiden glowered at them but begrudgingly accepted the napkin and wiped away the stain. Ariel didn't understand the hilarity in the situation and looked to Stiles for an explanation, but he looked to her with such love in his eyes that Ariel was robbed of the question.
"I'll take that for you," He assured gently and took her plate of steak along with his and graced her with a smile before walking out from behind the counter and into the living room.
They all sat on the carpet in front of the TV. Stiles was planning to sit on the couch but Ariel being her independent self sat on the floor. The moment she did Aiden practically threw himself to her side, huddling her. Stiles was pretty sure Aiden's intentions were mainly to annoy him and it was working. Stiles begrudgingly sat on her other side and Ethan sat beside his brother. The twins were hungrily devouring their steaks while keeping their stares glued to the TV as the movie played.
Stiles had that weird sinking feeling in his chest like there was something was wrong and he was usually right. Ariel had been quiet the entire ride to the apartment and even now she barely looked at him unless it was necessary, he tried not to over think it. Maybe it was because she genuinely enjoyed the movie. The wit in the characters dialogue and the plot seemed to keep her entertained, she was actually chuckling.
He loved her laugh and the way she smiled. Then there was her hair and the way she spoke and the way her eyes would just light up whenever something caught her interest. Stiles stopped himself before his smitten musings got the better of him. Maybe it was the fact that he had agreed to coming to the apartment. That must be it. Stiles felt like an idiot, the last thing he wanted was to make Ariel feel like he didn't want to spend time with her.
The movie ended and they watched the credits roll with their empty plates at hand. Stiles knew his legs had gone numb from sitting in the same meditative position the entire time. Ariel got to her feet with her plate at hand and Stiles immediately got up too and followed her into the kitchen.
Ariel was silently washing her dish and tried to take his, but Stiles insisted that he could clean his own plate.
"So ...did you like the movie?" He asked cutting into the silence, she looked to him and smiled.
"I did, it was entertaining."
"Yeah I kinda figured you would like it, since you love using big words and all." He mused grinning at her while scrubbing at the stains on his plate with a sponge.
"Their interpretation of the story was amusing." Ariel stated smiling fondly in remembrance while leaning back against the counter waiting for him to finish cleaning his plate. Stiles placed the wet, clean plate on to the surface beside the sink and looked to her.
"So uh, I've never seen your bedroom before." Stiles thought aloud glancing at her in a sly motive. She smirked and reached out to grasp his hand before tugging him after her. Stiles followed compliantly, eager to see her bedroom but more than that—to be alone with her.
Stiles stepped through the threshold of the room and stared in bewilderment. The room was ordinary enough, with blank seashell painted walls. A wide double bed near the center of the room against the wall to the right with dark blue covers, but what caught his attention the most was her dressing table. There wasn't any make up or hair brushes like he had expected but little Origami animals in all various shapes, sizes and colours.
"Whoa you can Origami?"
"Helps me think." Ariel answered loosely while shutting the door behind him. Stiles approached the paper models smiling at the sight of them. There was a frog, a crane, a giraffe. Some of them were in ordinary papers some were held the lined patterns of notebooks others were done with news paper, but all together they looked pretty at home on the surface of her vanity. Arranged like little soldiers. He picked the one that caught his eye the most, the fox made in red card.
"This one is your favourite." He said confidently, spinning around with the little fox in centered in the palm of his hand. Ariel walked up to him and leaned back against her dresser, her head was slanted to the side curiously.
"Why would you say that?" She questioned raising her brows in inquiry.
"It's the only one you actually bothered to colour coordinate with the animal's actual colour." Stiles said glancing at the other animals that all had mismatched colours, a blue elephant and a yellow rabbit.
"How very perceptive of you." She mused impressed by his observation skills. Stiles grinned smugly and feigned modesty with a one-shouldered shrug.
"Why a fox?" He asked staring down at the paper model, admiring the neatly folded edges of its shape. Silence stretched and he looked to Ariel again. She was staring at the fox seemingly lost in her thoughts. He waited in intense awareness, noticing the way her blue eyes had darkened into a swirling sapphire. There was a dazed sorrow in her expression.
"That's what my mother used to call me, her little fox." She murmured and Stiles stilled.
It was a pivotal moment. Ariel had never mentioned her mother and Stiles knew he had to tread carefully. The fox suddenly felt extremely delicate and he was suddenly worried he would accidentally crush it in his hand.
Little fox. The name suited her and he guessed her mother chose to call her by the animal because of her deep red hair. Ariel blinked out of her stupor and forced a smile in his direction. He watched her walk over to her bed and sit on the edge.
Gently, Stiles placed the fox back on to the desk beside the rest of the creations. He strode over to the bed and sat down beside her.
"You were really quiet around the twins today, I was a little surprised."
"Yeah well I still don't know how to act around them. Ethan was friendly enough and don't get me wrong I had fun, but that Aiden." Stiles's calm expression morphed into a glower as he glared at the wall in front of him.
"Aiden is more wolf than the rest of us. He is territorial unfortunately he doesn't seem to comprehend that I am not part of his territory." Ariel spoke understanding his displeasure regarding the other twin "But you held your ground well, like I knew you would."
Stiles was abashed by her compliment "Thanks, I try."
Ariel turned her profile to him. Crossing her long legs and shifting closer to him "I hope I didn't overwhelm you today."
"Overwhelm me? How did you overwhelm me?" He demanded, confused by the concern in her voice and eyes.
"When we got a little...heated on your couch today."
A fierce blush coloured his cheeks when his mind thoughts instantly that moment on his sofa. Recalling every caress and nerve tingling sensation.
"What—no—you thought—no it wasn't that I." He stuttered to assure her and Ariel stared, surprised by his outburst. Stiles breathed in heavily to calm his fidgety state and the breath left his lips in a weary sigh. He reached out and grasped her hands in his, finding strength in her touch, he looked into her eyes with determination.
"I really really like you and I didn't want to do anything that would screw it up, like moving too fast."
"You felt we were moving too fast?" She questioned more for her own confirmation than his, Stiles nodded frantically.
"Well yeah...didn't you? I mean we were making out and although it was so good, it was really hot too and—I forget my point." Stiles wished he could pop a few Adderall pills in that moment. So he could focus more on the discussion rather than be mesmerized by her pretty eyes and full lips.
Ariel smiled adoringly her azure eyes twinkling in delight. He was glad she saw sense his in mindless blabbering.
"Fortunately I am still on track, but yes you make sense. I suppose it was a little too fast considering it's only been a week since our second kiss." Ariel stated gazing deep into his eyes.
"Third kiss actually." He informed his stare instantly fell to her mouth thought from the memory of the press of those bewitching lips "But since I can still keep count, it means we are probably not moving that fast." He murmured dazedly.
The undeniable cheiloproclitic feeling he was experiencing was denying any brain function of any kind. All Stiles could think about was kissing her right then and there. He leaned in a magnetic attraction.
"But still you make sense...we should slow down." Ariel whispered as his lips neared unable to deny her own need to touch him. His hand left hers and reached out to clasp the nape of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair. Ariel knew they were deluding themselves, because the moment their lips met all conscientiousness was lost.
In their hungry kiss, Ariel wrapped her arms around his wide shoulders pressing her body up against his. Their hearts thudded like Tabla drums, fast and intense. Her fresh pine tree scent ignited his senses and Stiles was thrilled by his need for her. He could feel her lips swelling, acutely sensitized in their frenzied kiss.
Ariel pulled him closer and the weight of his body on hers resulted in them falling back on to the bed. The fall didn't stop their kiss by intensified the passion. His hands trailed down to rest on her waist and Ariel trembled under his touch. Her hands wandered down the breadth of his body. Her fingers clawing deliciously pleasurably down the lean surface of his body. Stiles shivered in delight and grip on her waist tightened.
Suddenly his phone vibrated in his pants, and their bodies were pressed tightly against each other that even Ariel felt the vibration against her thigh. His eyes shot open in alarm his mouth instantly leaving hers.
Stiles sat up, his hair tousled. His dark brows furrowed in frustration and while muttering curses he frantically searched for his phone. Once he pulled out the phone he found it was his father calling, he quickly answered.
"Yeah dad?" He quickly answered looking to Ariel. She sat up beside him, her hair in disarray and her lips swollen from their frenetic kissing. Stiles smiled fondly his face softening at the sight of her watching him with dazed heavy lid eyes.
"Stiles, where are you? It's nearly midnight." The sheriff spoke disapprovingly, snapping the teenager out of his thoughts.
"I am uh at Ariel's place. I'll be there soon dad."
"Yeah alright, hurry because a storm is coming." The worried parent ordered gently, his urgent tone dying down at the mention of Ariel "And say hi to Ariel for me."
"Will do, see you soon Dad." Stiles uttered quickly before hanging up. Ariel bit down on her bottom lip trying to suppress a smile. Their hearts were still racing from the sudden call and their exertions. Stiles chuckled at the situation, so much for going slow.
Her finger tips grazed over his lips and Stiles melted into the touch. She raised her eyes to meet his, honey brown to electric blue.
"I sometimes wonder if people call purposefully just to interrupt us." He murmured against her fingers. She smiled, her touch trailing down his neck in an exploratory caress.
"That would be giving them too much credit, especially the twins." She replied teasingly. Stiles loved the way her long lashes fanned over her cheek bones when her attention was focused on the lines of his neck "But it's for the best. You are the one who wants to take things slow."
"Is it weird that I am trying to be the responsible one?" He grumbled. She looked to him and grinned wickedly and Stiles felt his stomach flip in response.
"You should go. I don't want to be black listed by your father...literally."
"Use me for my body and then dismiss me, okay I get it." Stiles joked with mock hurt. A velvety laugh escaped her lips in reaction to his words, like a cool breeze on a hot day, he was calmed by the sound. Stiles got to his feet and she followed. They exited the room hand in hand and made their way to the main door.
Stiles looked to the living room. The twins were lounging on separate couches and with their heads were lolled over the head rests. They were fast a sleep with the TV blaring in the background. Ariel held the door open for him and Stiles stepped out, reluctantly releasing her hand and turning to face her.
"So what are you doing tomorrow?" He asked anticipating her answer, she looked to him incredulously.
"It's the football thing remember?"
"Oh right and it's a full moon."Stiles slapped himself on the head in recollection "So I'll see you there."
Stiles could see she was momentarily astounded by her words, like she wasn't expecting him to be part of the spectators at the game. Stiles wasn't going to mention to her that he wasn't coming alone. He was planning on bringing Scott with him, along with his dad for moral support. He wanted to surprise her, to show her that she wasn't as alone as she thought she was.
"Alright, good night." Ariel leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, snapping him out of his thoughts. She planned to make it a quick kiss, but the moment she tried to move away his hands cradle her head and pulled her back into the kiss. They stood at the threshold kissing for a few minutes before Stiles reluctantly pulled away. He still remained close, playing with her deep red locks.
"Good night." He breathed gracing her with one last grin before releasing her. Stiles watched him walk down the corridor and waited till he disappeared at the bend towards the elevators. The smile still remained permanently attached to her face, even as she slowly shut the door.
cheiloproclitic*: (adj) Being attracted to a person's lips or mouth.