First of all, I'm going to give a generic response to a review I got last chapter: I have in the warnings of this story that there'll be an "abusive relationship" and also an "abusive partner". Someone mentioned they wouldn't like to see Stiles getting beat up by Jackson, and let me assure you, that WON'T happen (I think) – however, you all have to think of the fact that abuse doesn't always mean a physical threat: controlling your partner, behaving possessively in a way that damages your partner's relationship with other people, being over jealous, using emotional blackmail to get something, forcing someone to do something they don't really feel comfortable doing by means that are not physically violent, demeaning someone: those are all forms of abuse, and behaviors of an abusive partner.
Abuse doesn't always equal physical violence, it's bigger than that, and just as serious.
Second, I've read "on Fire" on Saturday, and boy, was I happy to see some background in that, what an amazing source of information. So, I'm going to be using some of that background here, mostly on Scott's PoV.
Also, I'm REALLY sorry it took me this long to update, but these past two weeks have been crazy!
Now, enjoy the chapter!
Keep Walking
even when they tell you not to
Scott's father was abusive.
It's not something he or his mother ever talked about, they don't even mention those strange years, when his dad had stopped working, and then had to pick one job a month, never lasting anywhere, trying to get Melissa to give him money all the time, resenting Scott for needing an inhaler for his asthma, resenting his mom for not having enough money to spend with stupid things that she wouldn't even know about, because he never told her what he wanted the money for.
One day, he just up and left. He was eleven then – he and his mom waited for weeks for him to come back, and when he did, Melissa told him not to return, ever. He tried to hit her, then, Scott can remember it as clearly as if it had happened yesterday, but Melissa didn't really let him – he was drunk, and she was pissed off, and tired of whatever they were doing. She got a restraining order, he left, never to be seen again, and then it was just Scott and his mom.
She cried a lot those days, she used to feel guilty about his dad leaving, about the way he used to behave, and Scott spent years not knowing how to act around her when she got that sad – it wasn't her fault his dad was such a jerk. When his mom managed to get a better placement in the hospital, they moved houses, and he started going to another school. He was thirteen then, and he met Stiles – weird, confusing Stiles, who wouldn't stop talking, and didn't have a mom, just like he didn't have a dad, and neither of them had friends, so it was as close as a match made in heaven as they wanted to have at that time.
But the point is that Scott knows werewolves – hell, he is a werewolf. He also knows Jackson, because he's suffered through Jackson's jerk attitude towards him and Stiles just as much as Stiles has, and it wasn't fun.
Maybe for Jackson, but not for them.
The thing is, though, that he is smart enough to understand how very, very bad things can get, because Stiles is stubborn, and he doesn't know when to really quit. And Jackson is a jerk, he's possessive enough that he doesn't lend his pens to his best friend, and being that Stiles is his mate – things can get ugly.
Apart from the fact that he knows Allison is not his mate, and that being in Derek's pack will be the only way he'll be able to ever be with his mate – if they want him, anyway, which he's not very sure, because, well… he was really hung up on Allison when they showed up, and things are just completely awkward now – he actually joined that pack, submitting to an Alpha he doesn't even like, let alone respect, because he needs to help Stiles.
He doesn't want Stiles to end up like his mom – he knows his mom doesn't trust anyone. His mom barely even trusts him. The only difference is that Stiles would never be able to tell Jackson to leave, he'd never be able to try and date again, because Jackson would kill anyone who got too close to Stiles, and Scott is worried – shit, he's worried sick about this.
He wants Stiles to be safe. He needs to help.
That's why he is now in Derek's pack.
Which means he's waiting in front of that shell of a house, on a Saturday afternoon for Derek to come out and tell him what to do, because he got a message saying he should be here, so he is here. He's not going to screw this up and throw away the only chance he has at helping his best friend be happy.
No one needs to tell him how much of a bad friend he's being with this Allison business, he knows. He also knows these past months were even worse, because once he realized she isn't his mate, he decided to hold on to her as tightly as he could, and that put Stiles on the background of his life, but not anymore.
"Hey" Scott jumps a little, because he truly hadn't heard anyone coming, and when he turns, Isaac is there, smiling at him, "What are you doing here?" he asks, and Scott shrugs.
"Derek told me to come, that there was a pack meeting."
Isaac frowns, sitting beside him on the porch.
"Derek's not here, neither is Peter – they left about an hour ago, I don't know where they went." His voice is a bit confused, and Scott sighs, but doesn't get up.
"I'll wait. He told me to be here, I'll be here" he knows he sounds as stubborn as a small kid, but he doesn't care.
Even if this is some sort of stupid test on Derek's part, he'll be here.
"Peter told me last night that you had come and begged to be a part of Derek's pack" Isaac starts, his voice unsure, "He didn't tell me why though."
Scott swallows at the hopeful tone Isaac's voice has taken.
"Stiles" he says simply, looking straight ahead, "I have to help him. I've been a shitty friend, and I need to help him."
"You're a good friend, Scott. You just… had a lot on your mind" Isaac defends him, and Scott smiles a bit.
"Thanks. But I'm here for… him. You know. Jackson is such a jerk, I'm afraid they'll end up killing each other."
Isaac looks as if he's trying to decide if Scott is trying to be funny or not, but doesn't answer the boy's comment.
"Do you want company, while you wait?" he asks instead, and Scott looks at him, taking a deep breath.
"Yeah, I'd like that" he says, smiling a bit, and Isaac smiles back – wide and open and beautiful, just like that day at the clinic, when he found out he could take someone's pain away, and sits down beside him, in silence.
They don't even notice the time passing, as they wait.
It's like things are right in the world because they are side by side.
X
Stiles's never been to the movies on a date before. Sure he's tried, but girls tend to react badly when you ask them out when all of them know you're pining for someone else, and every single person inside Beacon Hills High knows he has carried a torch for Lydia ever since… well, forever.
So he's feeling a bit awkward as they come out of Jackson's Porsche, with Jackson putting an arm around his waist as soon as he's in close enough.
"You're so handsy" he comments, and Jackson looks at him, as if he's trying to decide if Stiles is making a joke or a complaint, "I'm joking" he explains while they walk to the theatre, where there's a line already, "It's a thing I do when I'm nervous, I joke a lot. You might have noticed since we know each other since kindergarten" he points out, feeling a little bit of satisfaction at the way he has managed to make Jackson realize that they have known each other for years, and yet he doesn't know Stiles.
Jackson might not care, but his wolf sure does.
"I know" the other boy bites out and Stiles smiles a bit.
He's sure Jackson will say something else but then someone calls Jackson's name.
"Hey, Jackson!" they say again, and when they turn around there's Danny with another boy in the line for the movie they plan on watching. They walk over to them, and Danny smiles confusedly at the two, arching an eyebrow at Jackson's arm, "Hey, man. I tried getting a hold of you for days, and your parents said you weren't up to visits yet" he says accusingly, and Jackson flashes him a small smile.
"I wasn't. I got out yesterday, and then I ended up with Stiles most of the time" he explains, pulling Stiles even closer, and frowning at Danny's date.
"I can see that" Danny says, still confused, "This is Jack" he ends up saying, giving up on Jackson for the moment, apparently, "These are Jackson and Stiles, they go to school with me. Also, when he's not pulling a disappearing act, Jackson is my best friend" he tells the boy with a smile, and Stiles tries to shake the hand that it's being offered, but Jackson takes it first, and the teen has the distinct impression Jackson is trying to break the guy's hand and set him on fire with a look at the same time.
"Pleasure" Jackson says with a dangerous smile, and Stiles starts to get nervous, putting both his hands on Jackson's shoulders. He can feel the boy calming down a bit.
"Hey, we need to get our tickets. And some popcorn? What is a movie without popcorn, right?" he says fast, and Jackson turns his attention to him again.
"Wait here, I'll get them." It sounds like an order, and everything in Stiles screams at him to answer to that, but he doesn't. He doesn't want to fight. Again.
"Okay" he says with a smile, and then Jackson grabs him by the waist, and kisses him straight on the mouth, before turning around and leaving.
He can feel Danny and his date staring at him curiously, and he looks down, putting his hands in the pocket of his hoodie.
"Possessive much?" Jack says, his tone light and teasing, and Stiles looks at him, smiling a bit, even if it's a little strained.
"Yeah, it's recent. God knows why, though, it's not like there's a line to date me or anything" he says back, and Jack laughs it off, taking it as humor, but Danny knows better, and he keeps on looking at Stiles.
Because he knows Stiles has been hung up on Lydia since they were little kids. He knows Stiles honestly dislikes Jackson. He knows Jackson can't stand Stiles at all.
His stare feels like a big what the hell, and when their eyes meet, Stiles just sighs and shrugs. He has a best friend he'll have to keep calm and happy, keeping Danny calm and happy is Jackson's job, not his.
"I'll go help Jackson" Danny suddenly announces, and disappears on the crowd of people around them, leaving Stiles and Jack alone.
Oh, man, Jackson is going to freak.
X
Of all the weird things Jackson's done this past year, this takes the trophy hands down.
Stilinski and Jackson? Stilinski and Jackson? Sure, the boy is a bit cute, if you discounted his ability to talk nonstop, and his obvious crush on Lydia, but Jackson and Stilinski? This is even more unlikely than Lydia and Stilinski, which was already way off the charts weird.
His friend has been distant lately, acting crazy, and then with all that speech about stay away from me. And then he's dead, and then he's not, and his parents are saying he's in intensive care, but he's not at the hospital because Danny checked, and then he's at the movies with Stilinski?
What the hell?
"Stiles, Jackson? When did that happen?" he asks as soon as the other boy is near enough, buying popcorn and sodas and candy. With two tickets in his hands.
Just like he used to do with Lydia.
"Yes" the other teen answers curtly and without looking at him.
"Jackson…" he starts, but his friend turns to look at him and shakes his head.
"Don't, okay? I…" he swallows hard, looking down before meeting his eyes, finally, "I realized I've always got this… thing. For him. That's why I was such a jerk to him all the time. He's giving me a chance – more like, I made him give me a chance, and I'm not screwing this up, ok? He's mine. Now drop it" he says, as if that's something Danny can believe, but he does let it go.
When they walk back to their dates, they see a tall guy passing behind the boys – the guy bumps into Jack and he stumbles, putting a hand on Stiles's shoulder to keep his balance.
And Danny swears to God he can hear Jackson growl.
The blond walks faster and Stiles seems to sense his approach because he turns and looks at them with wide eyes, letting go of Jack and taking a step near Jackson.
"Hands off" Jackson hisses, and he looks ready to murder Jack.
For stumbling.
"Jackson, hey, it's fine. It's okay. Look at me" Stiles is saying, and Danny can't tear his eyes away, it's like watching a train wreck. Jackson does look at Stiles, but he's still angry, and he's sure Stiles's hands are trembling, "I'm fine. He just stumbled because some ass was all over him, alright?" his babble doesn't seem to calm Jackson down, though, and Stiles is getting even more nervous.
And then he puts a hand on the back of Jackson's neck and pulls him close and kisses him.
And just like that Jackson's shoulders are less tense, and he stops tightening his jaw.
When Stiles pulls away and makes to step back, Jackson looks at him and the boy smiles tentatively at him, but stays as close as he can. Jackson gives him the popcorn, and one of the sodas, and then, having one of his arms free, he pulls Stiles to his side.
"Sorry" he mutters to Jack, but he doesn't look sorry at all.
And staring at Stiles, Danny can swear he looks terrified.
What the hell?
X
The movie goes as well as can be expected, what with Jackson almost wolfing out and eating Danny's date. The blond puts his arm around Stiles's shoulder during the movie, and they eat popcorn from the same bucket, and when Stiles drinks all of his soda, Jackson offers him his.
It's… not bad.
He can get used to it, he totally and completely can.
They say goodbye to the other boys at the door, and Danny is still staring at them weirdly, but Stiles tries to ignore it. He has to.
"You hungry?" Jackson asks, and Stiles hums a bit before answering.
He is. He totally is hungry. And if he says yes, they'll go out and eat and he'll have to spend more time with Jackson. However, spending time with Jackson is what he should be doing, and spending time with Jackson in public is easy enough.
"Yeah" he says, and Jackson smiles a bit – it's not quite a smirk, but it's almost there.
Stiles notices why when they don't drive to a restaurant, but to Jackson's house.
"We're going to your place?" he says, his voice a bit panicky, and Jackson laughs.
"Yeah, but don't worry. My parents aren't here. They are out at some function, ok? It's just us."
Oh, yeah, because that will make him calm down.
Jackson's house is… ridiculous, that's what it is. It's like something out of a movie, and, boy, he knew the blond had money, but this is overwhelming. This makes Lydia's place look like a normal house, and his look like a servant's quarters. Jackson is smirking proudly at his gob smacked look while he orders pizza.
"It should be here in twenty minutes" he announces, putting the phone down, and turning on some music.
Some romantic, bad music, with which he totally used to make out with Lydia, because his moves are so practiced at this, the way he's moving through the living room, stepping close to Stiles and walking slowly towards the couch, turning Stiles just so that he is walking backwards to it.
Jackson closes the distance between them and kisses him deeply, caressing his neck slowly while his other hand is on his waist. Stiles kisses him back, nervous and unsure, not knowing what to do with his hands all of a sudden, because, unlike Jackson, he doesn't have the moves, he hasn't done this a thousand times before.
The blond pulls away and pushes Stiles down until he's lying on his back on the couch, and Jackson cover his body with his, kissing him again, more daringly, hotter and more desperate. One of his hands finds its way under Stiles shirt, and he starts caressing the skin on Stiles hip.
"Jackson… wait" Stiles manages to say, but the blond doesn't so much stops as he changes focus, his hands coming from under his clothing, at least, but his mouth goes to Stiles's neck, and he sucks on it, sure to leave a mark.
That'll be great to explain to everybody, especially his dad.
Jackson keeps kissing him, and he does his best to respond, but the blond doesn't really seem to need much encouragement – it's like as long as Stiles doesn't say no he'll just keep trying.
It's… easy, in a way. Taking the pressure off of him, because Stiles has no idea what he's doing, even if his body sure is enjoying the attention.
Suddenly there's a buzzing sound, and Jackson groans in protest but gets up – the pizza has arrived.
While the blond goes to take the food, Stiles tries to calm down. He sits up and runs his hands over his hair, taking in deep breaths.
What is he doing?
Jackson suddenly comes back with the pizza, two plates, sodas and napkins, all completely balanced in his arms. Being a werewolf sure has advantages.
"You know, I think the best part of all this mess is that I can eat normal food, and not have to watch The Notebook ever again" Jackson says as he sits on the floor, putting everything on the coffee table. Stiles smiles at him and moves form the couch to the floor, looking at Jackson with wide eyes.
"But that's my favorite movie!"
Jackson stares at him for about two seconds, looking completely scared, until his eyes narrow, and he throws a napkin at Stiles's head.
"I can tell you're lying" he says, and Stiles smiles even more.
"You believed me for a while, though. You totally did."
Jackson doesn't answer, he just snorts and picks a piece of pizza, puts it on a plate and hands it to Stiles – who thinks about pointing out he's not a girl, he can get his own piece, but then again, so can girls, and if Jackson is trying to be nice, then let him.
They eat in silence for a while, and then Jackson stares at him for a while, chewing thoughtfully, before running one of his hands over Stiles's hair.
"You should let your hair grow out a bit" he comments, and Stiles startles, because what?
"What?" he says, his mouth half full.
"Your hair would work better if it was longer. You have a beautiful face, but this cut doesn't suit you all that well. I get that it's practical, but you would look nicer with your hair longer" the blond offers with a shrug and continues eating.
"I'm not sure if you just complimented me or insulted me" Stiles says when he swallows, and Jackson laughs a bit.
"I called your face beautiful, that's a compliment."
"Well… you have a beautiful face too" Stiles says, and Jackson smirks at him.
"I have a beautiful everything" the blond answers, still smirking, and Stiles picks up a piece of crust and throws at him, making Jackson squeak indignantly and jump at him.
They end up in a heap on the floor, Jackson pinning Stiles down, and leaning down to kiss him, Stiles's heart going a mile a minute, and his eyes are wide.
"Why are you scared?" Jackson asks suddenly, and he looks hurt.
"I… It's not you" Stiles ends up babbling, and Jackson stares at him as if he's crazy.
"I touched you, and you got scared. It sure is me."
"No, it's… I… I've never done this before. You know me, Jackson. Do you remember me ever going on a date? Kissing anyone at any party that I got invited to? Actually, can you remember me being invited to parties at all? Even after Scott got popular, I was the sidekick. I'm nervous, because I… I don't know what I'm doing" he confesses, and Jackson lets him up, sitting back.
Stiles follows his lead and sits too, staring at his plate.
"I haven't thought about that" Jackson says after a minute.
"I know" he answers, and hears the other boy sigh.
"It's just… it comes naturally. Wanting you, making things to have you. Even tonight, except for that jerk, it's easy. But I get what you're saying."
"He's not a jerk, the guy pushed him, Jackson" he says exasperatedly, and Jackson stares at him incredulously.
"Okay, so he wasn't eyeing you like he wanted to eat you" he points out, and Stiles honestly laugh.
"Right. He was on a date with Danny. Anyone who can have Danny won't look at me like that."
"How can you be so oblivious?" Jackson asks with a hint of wonder in his voice, as if he can't believe someone like Stiles actually exists, "Also, I could totally have Danny, and I'm looking at you like that" he points out, smirking again, but Stiles's smile is bitter.
"But you didn't choose me, Jackson, your crazy wolf did. I'm not your first choice."
Jackson swallows hard before answering, taking Stiles's hand into his.
"But that choice is forever. Isn't that good? Knowing I won't leave you, no matter what? That I'll always be here, and that I want to make you happy? Isn't it enough to know that… well, most people our age are dreaming of forever and we have it?"
His voice is soft and persuasive, and Stiles breathes deeply before answering.
"We're sixteen, Jackson. We're not supposed to have forever yet."
They stare into each other's eyes for a moment, and they seem to finally, finally understand the other in a way they hadn't before.
"I'm not saying I don't want this. We can make this work, I know we can… but if we have forever, we don't have to rush it, right?" Stiles says, almost in a whisper, raising a hand slowly, and touching Jackson's cheek softly.
"Yeah… you're right" Jackson says simply. He gets up and offers Stiles a hand, "I'll take you home."
Stiles smiles at him broadly, and kisses him again, quick and chaste, but it is a kiss, and it's the second time he actually initiated anything, so he thinks things are getting better.
When he gets home, his dad is already there, eating crappy food in front of the TV.
"Had a good time, kiddo?"
Stiles stops, and thinks for a moment, before smiling a bit.
"Yeah… yeah I did" he says, before going to his room.
He really did.
Finally!
You know that song that goes "it's like one step forward and two steps baaack"? I don't know, this chapter made me think of it. They sure took one step forward.
Guess you guys know what's coming next.
Hehehehehehe.
Tell me what you think!
REVIEW!