It had developed so slowly over the course of the last four months that Stiles hadn't even noticed it himself.
It was Scott who realized it first or, at least, he was the one to complain first. The others had only been staring, making Stiles feel just that little bit more uncomfortable to know something was different, if not plain wrong.
Scott's very eloquent remark about it had been 'that's disturbing'.
Later, Stiles was informed that the disturbing part was not that it was happening between Stiles and Peter or rather that Peter was the one responsible, but that it had become a familiar sight that quickly.
It had all started with Peter holding doors open for him.
Whether they were in Derek's loft where everyone noticed sooner or later or whether they were simply buying groceries and, of course, especially on dates.
At first Stiles hadn't thought much of it because Peter may not be the most noble person in the world, but he was polite if he wanted to and charming enough.
Then the older one began pulling out chairs, so that Stiles could sit down in these fancy restaurants Peter seemed to like to visit, and later even in his own apartment when he had cooked for the two of them.
Stiles had laughed about the silly gesture he only knew from romantic movies and maybe from the memories of his parents in which the Sheriff acted around his wife like a real gentleman.
In contrast, the little pecks, that Peter began giving him in public to annoy Scott and Derek, made him blush at the beginning, before he relished these affections that he knew and loved from when they were alone.
It was unusual for the other one to express his feelings and though he still wouldn't say as much, these soft and gentle kisses, however short they were, reminded Stiles that Peter felt at least something for him, even if he didn't show it often when they were surrounded by others.
Then there was the hand holding. Actually, it was Stiles who started it when they were in a horror movie and he wasn't sure whether he should be afraid of the monster or laugh at the stupidity of its victims.
As opposed to his expectations, however, Peter didn't let go of him when they went out after the movie had finished and they were just straying around like any other couple.
Back then, Stiles had reasoned it was because it had been a cold night and Peter's hands were always warm, but now it was a sign of belonging and holding together.
Anyway, right now, they were in the book shop that Stiles had wanted to go to for over a month. Of course, Peter had held the door open, so Stiles could enter before him, and they had only parted to find what each of them searched for himself.
The werewolf seemed to know the shop owner, who stood behind the register, since the were chatting like old friends. Stiles could imagine Peter going here often, because the variety of books was quite astonishing.
It was so difficult to learn something about Peter, without actually asking, that Stiles couldn't help but to listen to them talking.
Besides, it was his birthday and he was allowed to be curious, after all, Peter had demanded they would go today and not last weekend, when they would have had time, too.
"So this is for him?", the man questioned and Stiles felt them both staring at his back, wanting to make sure he was out of hearing range. Peter replied in an even lower voice, making it difficult to understand him, "Yeah, it's his birthday present."
"Never seen you with him here before. So who's the boy?", the shop owner asked interested. "We got together only recently. I didn't want you to scare him away", Peter chuckled and Stiles huffed offended.
They had gotten over the murders Peter committed and the fact that Stiles had helped to kill him. It wasn't as if he would just run away now, because he didn't like one of the older one's acquaintances or a discussion didn't go well.
Stiles was so caught up in his little tirade that he almost overheard the next words. "He's your boyfriend then?"
Straining his ears, he tensely hold his breath. Peter and he had never really talked about what they were. It was definitely more than just attraction, but Stiles wasn't so sure about the love part yet.
He hadn't wanted to pressure Peter into something, content with what they had, and the other one wasn't exactly the type of person to offer up explanations. On the other hand, Peter usually said what he wanted, that's if he wanted something, but they had not discussed whether this was something brief or long-term, whether they were allowed to meet other people or anything like that.
Stiles was perfectly happy, being with Peter, and the werewolf had said nothing contradictory. But Peter was silent for a moment, before he answered.
"Yes. Yes, Stiles is my boyfriend."
Maybe he just imagined it, but Peter sounded proud, not unsure in the least. Stiles really liked the sound of that little statement and he definitely wanted to hear it more often. Such a confession was the best birthday gift Peter could possibly give him.
