Disclaimer: teen wolf does not belong to me in any way, shape or form. Thank you for the continued support on this story and the hundreds of reads, it means the entire world :) and I'm sorry it took a while. I've been so busy with work and I got married a couple weeks ago, so as you can imagine, it's been full go for a while but I'm glad to be back in it. I hope you enjoy this next update :)
Sitting up front in the Sheriff's cruiser - which, in itself, was unusual as she was usually handcuffed in the back - gave her time to deflate and unwind from the night's events.
Everything that had happened she was still coming to terms with, along with a quiet yet increasingly panicked concern for her cousin.
Was Derek okay?
How did he get away?
Was he hurt, or worse... dying or dead?
What would happen if these murders got pinned on him?
So many questions raced through her mind, leaving her stomach a twisted ball of anxiety and worry, though she hid it well. To anyone looking at her right now, she would just appear tired and underwhelmed, having learnt to conceal her emotions as if her life had depended on it.
Yet underneath that she was stressed. Worried that the nights events had caused her to lose yet another person that she loved.
The sheriff was quiet, gripping the steering wheel as he drove through the streets of Beacon Hills towards her house, a thoughtful yet concerned look etched across his face. The police radio that sat between them cracking to life every now and then, discombobulated words echoing through the handheld speaker. She listened closely, hoping to hear something good but whatever was said was nothing of interest.
Eventually, the noise of the radio must have distracted him because the sheriff reached down to turn the dial to 'off', leaving them in silence.
"That's better" he announced, "that thing gives me a headache"
She simply smiled politely and returned to staring out the passenger side window, the dim lights of Beacon Hills passing by in a slow blur.
"We'll find out what happened tonight" he continued, after a few more seconds of silence, "we're all over it"
He wouldn't find out what actually happened, that was a given, but she admired his determination none the less. An authority figure that cared? It made a nice change to what she had witnessed over the years.
"Yeah" she nodded, "I hope so"
"Uh… apart from tonight, is everything okay?" the Sheriff asked hesitantly, "you seem to have had a lot going on"
Of course he knew what had been going on – he was the sheriff after all. He had seen her records. No doubt read the case files into her family's fiery death, including her dad and brother's murder. He probably knew a lot more gruesome details than her newfound friends.
"Nothing I can't handle" she shrugged dismissively, "I don't need sympathy, Sheriff"
"I would argue that you do" he commented softly, "do you have support at home? Someone to talk to?"
She frowned in confusion, not really following his train of thought.
"Talk to about what?"
"Your grief" he replied, sending her a worried glance from the corner of his eye, like he couldn't understand why she wasn't understanding his concern, "you've lost a lot of people-"
"Thanks for the reminder"
"-And now moving halfway across the country, not knowing anyone… it must be upsetting"
Of course it was. No one needed to know that though.
"I'm fine. I'm alive – which is more than I can say for pretty much everyone I've ever cared about"
"It's not good just to be 'fine' though" he mumbled, "look, kid, when my wife died… everything fell apart. I became a shell of myself. A crap deputy… a crap father… a crap everything. I felt so alone. I don't want you to feel like that, especially in my town. So if there is anything I can do to help…"
Her fingers were intwining themselves around the hem of her shorts, pulling at the loose denim threads as she listened to what he said, such sincerity pooling in his voice. Yet, given her history, she still felt unsure. Unwilling to trust someone so easily. Maybe he had ulterior motives? Or felt compelled to say it out of some sense of responsibility?
"Are you just saying this because your son's tongue was almost down my throat again?"
The Sheriff began spluttering in surprise, an awkward breathless cough escaping his lips as he swung his head back to face the road, unable to meet her eyes.
"Because, slow your roll-" she continued, "-you're not gonna be my father in law. Just putting it out there"
He was speechless, unable to find the right words, looking to be on the verge of an aneurism and seemed thankful their journey together was over, pulling slowly into her driveway.
"Uh… I… I should probably talk to your mom about the events of tonight" he finally managed to say, changing the subject completely, "I'm sure she'll have questions"
"Evidently, you've not met my mother" she chuckled darkly, "the only questions she'll have is how and why everything that has happened is my fault"
"You've been hurt" he insisted, "she'll want to know how that happened"
"Doubt she'll even notice" she mumbled under her breath, staying seated as the Sheriff indicated for her to stay there as he pulled himself from the cruiser and walked around the hood of the car to open the passenger side door, holding a hand out to help her stand.
His pleasantries and kindness was still a bit bewildering, but she accepted his hand none the less and hopped from the car towards her front door as the Sheriff stood beside her, his index finger reaching towards the doorbell.
She internally cringed, knowing all hell was about to break loose.
She knew she mom would simply see her standing next to the sheriff, the police cruiser parked outside, and immediately think the worst. Probably expecting her to have done some joyriding or assaults, maybe even caught shooting up outside some dingy bar, instead of being even remotely concerned that, instead, something had happened to her as a result of something that wasn't her fault.
She was proven right just twenty seconds later when the front door opened and her mom stood there, wrapped in a white fluffy dressing gown with her hair half wrapped in a silk hair wrap, her annoyed expression at getting woken up turning to thunderous fury as she laid eyes on her.
"What have you done?"
The words cut through Kayla like a red hot poker, confirming her suspicions - that her mom only thought the absolute worst of her.
Although she expected it, a sharp pang of disappointment shot through her chest, her usual quick witted words dying in the back of her throat, her shoulders sagging almost unnoticeably.
Clearly displeased she didn't answer within a 2 second timeframe, her mom crossed her arms in anger and turned to the sheriff.
"What did she do this time, Sheriff?"
"Uh... nothing" he responded, seeming a little taken aback by her mom's anger instead of concern, "she's done nothing. But there was an incident at the school"
"Incident?" her mom scoffed, angrily flicking her wrist out to look down at her watch, "at 2am? Did you break into the school? That's almost ironic considering you dropped out for months on end"
"Look-" the sheriff cut in, politely holding out his hand to stop her mom mid rant, "-I don't know if you've been watching the news, but there's a killer on the loose. Unfortunately, that person targeted your daughter, my son, and their friends tonight. They were lucky to make it out alive, and mostly unharmed. No laws have been broken. My only concern is for their well-being, as should yours"
Her mom remained stoic, her mouth twisted into a thin line, clearly a little embarassed at getting called out for her inappropriate behaviour and allowed herself a few seconds to shake off the irritation and turn her gaze to Kayla.
"Are you okay, dear?"
"Never better" she grumbled under her breath, resisting an eye roll.
"Well... thank you for bringing her home Sheriff" her mom said, stepping aside and beckoning Kayla in who limped and swatted away her mom's faux concerned hands, "my phone must've been switched off"
"It's no problem" he said, frowning as he watched the mother-daughter tense dynamic, his brows knitted in concern, "uh... I'll see you in the morning for your statement then Kayla?"
"Bright and early" she nodded.
"I'll make sure she gets there" her mom reassured, "I'll drop her off before I go to work"
"Rest up" the Sheriff smiled at her before her mom could shut the door, "remember, if it gets worse, go straight to the hospital, alright?"
"You got it" she nodded, holding her hand up into a quick wave, "bye"
He was still watching them curiously as her mom shut the door and locked it, her facade dropping as she turned around to face Kayla with a tight expression, one eyebrow cocked disapprovingly.
"Now, the truth Kayla" she demanded, "the Sheriff may have bought your lies, but I don't. What were you and your friends actually doing?"
"Having a giant orgy" she remarked sarcastically, much to her mom's annoyance, "what do you think?"
"I don't know. That's why I asked"
"What does it matter, you're not going to believe me anyway"
"Kayla!"
"The Alpha" she exclaimed loudly, "y'know... big bad werewolf. Have you forgot they exist?!"
"Of course not" her mom snapped, "and I told you to stay out of that mess. Leave it to Derek to sort out"
"Well, Derek could be dead so good luck with that"
Her mom pinched the bridge of her nose, pointing up the stairs.
"Go to bed. We're leaving at 7am. And let this be the last time I'm driving you to the police station"
"I didn't do anything" she argued, not knowing why because her mom wouldn't believe her, but feeling this intense need to defend herself, "I didn't-"
"Enough" her mom interrupted, "it's late and I need my sleep. Do you know how embarrassing it is to get woken up by the sheriff, of all people, dropping your daughter off in the middle of the night? Small towns like this talk. We do not need a repeat of Lousiana. I moved us here for a fresh start and you will not embarrass me here, do you understand?"
"Yes mom" she muttered snarkily, "your reputation is at the top of my list of priorities"
"Bed. Now"
She could've completely lost it then and there but bit the inside of her cheek so hard she was sure she could taste the metallic bitterness of blood, swallowing her fiery words and brushed past her mom without so much as a look, grabbing the bannister to help her up the stairs.
Her ankle was throbbing as she stomped up each step, probably quicker and more forcefully than she should, but she was mad - fury and worry bubbling inside her chest.
She got to her room and slammed the door shut so forcibly the walls shook, face planting onto her bed so her ankles dangled off the end.
Things were getting worse, and she didn't know how to stop it.
That morning, the ride to the police station was stoic and silent. So much tension and pressure building up inside the metal confines of her mom's SUV she thought it would implode.
luckily, it didn't, and they pulled into one of the many empty spaces, her mom simply sticking on the handbrake and not even bothering to switch off the engine.
"I trust you'll manage to find your own way home?" her mom said, barely turning her head to look at her.
"Yeah"
"Good"
Her mom reached to the centre console, pressing a button so the child safety released and the doors unlocked - her hint to get out - then leaned back in her chair.
Kayla took the hint, opening the door and sliding out, not even muttering a quick goodbye and then a second later her mom pulled away, leaving the parking lot.
"Yeah, love you too" she muttered sarcastically under her breath, rolling her eyes as she made her way slowly to the police station, still limping.
She reached the glass doors, catching sight of her reflection.
Hair unbrushed and slightly wild, face clean and fresh and free from make up. Her clothes a little mismatched, but she had grabbed the first semi clean things she could find from her wardrobe. A pair of skin tight jeans and a baggy khaki tee, a pair of pumps on her feet as they were the only shoes she could find that fit around her bandaged ankle.
She didn't really care what she looked like. She had a total of 0 hours sleep, and was sure that was obvious by the dark smudges under her eyes.
Shaking her head at herself, she pushed open the doors and walked up to the reception desk, a woman police officer watching her closely as she came in.
"I'm here to see Sheriff Stilinski"
"Name?"
"Kayla Hale"
The woman stilled, sending her a curious and surprised once over - yeah, she was used to it.
"Take a picture, it will last a hell of a lot longer"
The woman, slightly embarassed by being caught staring and being unprofessional, simply cleared her throat and beckoned her to follow her through to the bullpen.
She did so, albeit at a slower pace, stepping through the door that the woman held open for her.
"Take a seat" she instructed, pointing to the bench outside the sheriffs office, "he's interviewing someone else, but he won't be long"
However, that bench was already occupied by none other than Stiles Stilinski who, unsurprisingly, was sleeping at an awkward angle, his neck rolling from the wooden arm with one leg bent upwards and the other sprawled out across the floor.
She simply stared at him for a few seconds with an eyebrow cocked in exasperation, wondering why the hell this complete and utter oddball was someone she was attracted to.
"Uh... Miss? You can go in"
She shook her head from her confused gawking, limping into the bullpen and perched herself on the bench next to him.
Despite the bench dipping slightly from her weight and the hustle and bustle of the bullpen, Stiles didn't wake up. He remained half lying over the edge of the bench, his back and neck at an awkward angle, man spreading to the extreme.
She reached out to poke his chest, the prod making him jump slightly but not wake up, muttering under his breath.
Hm... this could be fun.
She looked around, trying to find someone not busy and met the gaze of a young police officer, nodding down to the stationary organiser on his desk.
He caught on quickly, hiding a smirk as he reached forward and grabbed a black sharpie, tossing it through the air to her. She caught it one handed, sending him a smirk and a playful nod before pulling the cap off.
She couldn't resist. He was sprawled out so innocently, dead to the world with no awareness as to what was going on.
Leaning slightly to the side, she reached out and took her time drawing kiddy art on his face - everything from a Charlie Chaplin moustache to over exaggerated hairy eyebrows, not forgetting the iconic Marilyn Monroe beauty mark.
Surprisingly, he still didn't wake up. He had a few face twitches from the tickling of the pen, but didn't wake up enough to open his eyes, so she chose to carry on. Adding a fake beard and winged eyeliner just to complete the look.
A few of the cops were watching, sniggering to themselves at Stiles' expense and she only stopped her intense doodling when she heard the door to the Sheriff's office open.
She sat back down, slinking away from Stiles innocently and watched as the Sheriff escorted Brian from the office, even giving him a reluctant hand shake that the teenage boy offered him.
Kayla could tell the Sheriff did not like Brian all that much. His posture was closed off, his face slightly tense and abrasive - like he was annoyed by the blonde teen. Kayla couldn't blame him... Brian was full of bullshit, and Sheriff Stilinski seemed able to see through said bullshit.
She watched the Sheriff usher him away, thanking him for his time before sighing loudly and catching sight of her, a tired but bright smile pulling at his lips.
"Kayla" he greeted, drawing the attention of Brian who was walking away, throwing a curious glance over his shoulder in which she simply glared back, "thanks for coming in so early. I hope you haven't been waiting long"
At that moment, the timing couldn't have been any better as Stiles grunted in his sleep and jerked up so he was it a more hunched sleeping position, his sleeping face now - full of sharpie doodles - on full display.
The sheriff cocked an eyebrow in wondering and she simply smiled sweetly back, the perfect picture of innocence.
"Long enough" was all she said, "but I can entertain myself"
The sheriff snorted in amusement, shaking his head a little at the sight of his son and extended an arm towards his office.
She stood up carefully, making sure not to weight bear too quickly as she limped towards his office, sending Brian one last glare before walking in.
She went to sit on the wooden chair on the opposite side of his desk, but he waved her towards the brown leather sofa, urging her to "relax" and "rest her leg"
She sat down, the leather squeaking as she did so, the sheriff pulling out the wooden chair to sit opposite her.
"How you doing kiddo? Did you get much sleep last night?"
"Nah, I was too wired"
"I thought so"
"Are you saying I look terrible?" she asked playfully, in which he went bug eyed and shook his head.
"Oh, no no. It was just a very scary night I'm sure. Hard to switch off after that"
She peeked behind her, between the blinds decorating the window at Stiles still sleeping on the wooden bench.
"Some people don't seem to be having any trouble with that" she teased, a playful sarcastic edge to her tone.
"My son can sleep at the drop of a hat and sleep through an atomic bomb" he remarked with an eye roll, "lucky for some eh?"
"Very"
"Well... as you know, there's just a few things we need to try and straighten up" he said, "I've had some conflicting statements and, honestly, I'm confused about the entirety of the events of last night"
"You and me both"
"So any information you can give me would really help"
"Information about Derek?"
The Sheriff paused for a moment, his expression tight for a fleeting moment before his professional mask was back on, giving nothing away.
"About anything"
"He didn't do this Sheriff" she insisted, "I know it looks like it, but he didn't. Whatever Brian says is not the truth"
"So what is the truth?"
She wasn't normally a snitch, especially to cops, but Brian had gotten on her last nerve.
She played it up a bit, maybe slightly exaggerating his advances but making it obvious she wasn't pleased by it. Enter Derek. She said he wanted to keep her safe. That he took her to the school to meet up with her friends in case Brian was there, despite the fact she could keep herself safe. She told the sheriff how they noticed the school was open, and thought they saw someone. Being nosey teens, they investigated. Only for Derek to get attacked and, after running into the school for safety, found the janitor dead.
She explained how, during this time, she had no phone. She assumed the killer found it, using it to his advantage. How their friends showed up out of no where, as if whoever was hunting them down wanted a massacre. She then decided 'fuck it' and told him about Brian's aggression, how he punched Stiles and tried to rough house her when she was doing her best to hide them. Told him how, when they were running for their lives, he thought Derek was the one hunting them down and deliberately locked her downstairs as he thought he entire family was "crazy", with the killer just a few feet away from them.
She said how, if it wasn't for her quick thinking, she could be dead because Brian intentionally prevented her from escaping. How, because he didn't get what he wanted, he was being petty and seeking revenge.
Yeah, real charmer.
After she explained all this, the sheriff sat back in his chair, slightly exhausted and overwhelmed by all this new information.
"And your ankle?"
She shrugged, "vent, remember?", knowing not to slip up and say 'oh, just claws from an eight foot alpha, regular Wednesday night for me'.
"Right" he sighed, "that's... that's a lot"
"So, is Derek off the hook?"
The sheriff winced, "unforunately not. Your statement could be discredited, what with your familial connection. Brian, as much as I hate to say it, has better standing. He, as far as we know, has no vendetta against Derek and he still picked his face out of a line up. He's prepared to go fully on the record. To any prosecutor or Jury, Brian is more believable"
"So Derek's mugshot is gonna be plastered all over town? Made out to be a god damn serial killer when you have absolutely zero proof or evidence?"
"... It's looking likely, yes"
"So what was the point in asking me down here then if you already believed he was the one doing this?" she asked, "and believe I'm lying too, to what, protect him? Derek's a big boy, he can protect himself. I don't need to fight his battles"
"I don't believe you're lying" the sheriff reassured, "and I don't necessarily believe Derek did this either. We just have to go where the clues take us, and unfortunately for your cousin, the clues are pointing in his direction. Along with an eye witness, it is quite damming"
"Brian is a lying piece of shit" she declared, not biting her tongue anymore, "he's just saying it's Derek to get back at me"
"I know he is" the sheriff replied, much to her surprise, "I've seen his kind since I was in school. Popular jock that thinks he's untouchable. Trust me, I know. The amount of crap that kid has gotten off with because of his parents is enough to make my eyes water, but he isn't budging on his story. My hands are tied"
"Jeez, maybe I should've just slept with him" she grumbled unhappily under her breath, "maybe then he wouldn't be so hellbent on destroying what little family I have left"
"Don't worry kid" the sheriff smiled, "this will all blow over. If Derek really didn't do this, then we'll find who did. But uh... if you hear from him, or see him..."
"Let you know?"
"Yes"
"No" she said honestly, much to his surprise, "c'mon, I ain't that stupid"
He seemed to try for a disappointed fatherly, bordering on authoritarian expression but she could tell he was struggling by the small, almost unnoticeable, quirk of his lips.
"I should've expected that"
"Yes, you should've"
He shook his head in exasperation, but she could tell he was bordering on amused.
"Well thanks for coming in Kayla. I really do appreciate it, especially when you're hurt"
She waved her hand out, "I'm fine. A superficial grazing is all"
"Is your mom still waiting outside for you?"
She snorted, as if that question was the funniest thing on earth.
"Of course not. She couldn't wait to hightail it out of there. Being seen with her daughter outside a police station? Again? The absolute shame it would cause" she remarked sarcastically, letting out a small chuckle, "as if god himself would strike her down from the heavens"
He frowned, unhappy that her mom had left her here when she was clearly hurt and carless - stranded, when all she could use was some sleep.
"How are you getting home?"
"I don't know, maybe Uber? You guys definitely do that here, right?"
"I can't, with good conscience, let you get a ride from a stranger" he said, glancing down at his watch and then winced, "Damn. If I had more time, I would have taken you home myself. How about one of my deputies?"
"Then I do actually think my mother would kill me. Rocking up back home in a cop car last night was already enough to 'bestow shame upon them'" she quoted in a fake exaggerated voice, "never mind twice. I'll be fine"
The Sheriff's lips were pursed, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of her leaving with someone she didn't know, but a few seconds later his eyes lit up, snapping his fingers.
"Don't be silly. Stiles can take you"
She had to double take at that, as that was the last words she expected to hear from his mouth.
"S-Stiles?" she asked, for no apparent reason feeling like the floor had completely disappeared from under her.
"Yes. Stiles" he said slowly, "honestly, you'd be doing me a favour. He's been under my feet the whole night. Maybe you could convince him to go home and leave his old man in peace for a few hours"
She swallowed the unexpected tightness in her throat, glancing over her shoulder and through the blinds adjourning the window to see him, yet again, contorted in another different and uncomfortable position.
Somehow, she didn't think she'd have much of a choice.
She simply nodded, accepting her fate and pushed herself up off the leather sofa. The Sheriff did the same, standing up from behind his desk before his expression twisted – like he had ate an uncooked prawn.
"Just uh… no funny business" he mumbled uncomfortably, making her smirk.
"Trust me… they'll be none"
Because she had made up her mind – her and Stiles Stilinski? Just friends. End of. It would end in disaster if they were anything but friends. She wasn't the settling down type.
The Sheriff nodded, seeming relieved he didn't have to have 'the talk' with her, no doubt scared what two hormone driven reckless teens could do when left alone together. Especially someone like her and Stiles – both very open and quick to admit they want to get laid.
"Right. Uh…" he was more awkward now, fumbling to the office door and opening it for her, waiting patiently for her to hobble through on her one good leg.
She stood to the side as the older man leaned over and smacked Stiles' leg, making the boy jump and flail into a sitting up position, looking around blearily.
"Up and at 'em kid" the Sheriff said, "time to leave my police station. You're taking Kayla home. Make sure she gets home safe, okay?"
Stiles, still half asleep, suddenly perked up at the sound of her name, his back straightening as if a rod had been inserted into his spine, peering around the figure of his dad to look at her. She didn't say anything, simply lifted a hand into a lazy wave which made him gulp, hiding a smirk at the black sharpie drawings all over his face.
"Uh... um..."
"Stiles" the Sheriff exclaimed, sending his son a pointed glare, "come on. Get the girl home. Don't make me ask you again"
"Right. Uh... sorry" he muttered, running a hand over his short hair as he floundered around on the sofa as if he was looking for something, patting the pockets of his slacks before standing up.
"And Stiles?" the Sheriff asked, drawing Stiles' short attention span back to his dad, "don't come back here. Get home and get some proper sleep"
"But-"
"No buts" he interrupted, "I work better without you plaguing me. For once, just do as I ask" he sighed tiredly, sending Stiles an exhausted look, "and wash your face"
"Okay. Sure" he conceded with a sigh, swinging his jeep keys around his finger, seeming a bit confused by his fathers mention of his face, rubbing at his mouth like he thought he had been drooling, "but after that, I'll be back"
The Sheriff shot Stiles an almost sarcastic smile.
"I wouldn't expect anything else"
Stiles nodded affirmatively, pointing at his dad.
"And this time, definitely with a salad"
The Sheriff rolled his eyes and Kayla snorted under her breath, followed by a small giggle.
"What you trying to do, kill the poor man?"
"Funnily enough - no" Stiles replied, "I'm trying to extend his life"
"By feeding him rabbit food?"
"By giving him something that doesn't clog his arteries"
"Well you're no fun, are you?"
"I'm plenty fun I'll have you know" Stiles insisted, "I... I can be pretty damn fun. A whole big ball of fun"
She quirked a brow, a suggestive look twinkling in her gaze.
"Uh..." Stiles gulped nervously, rubbing a hand along his chest as if trying to subtlety soothe his racing heart, "um... so, yeah. F-Fun"
Silence fell again, the three of them standing in a circle at an impasse. It wasn't until several seconds later, the Sheriff coughed to clear his throat and pointed to the bullpen door.
"Right. Off you go kids. Be safe" he said, rushing his words out before blushing a deep red, "I mean uh, drive safe. And thanks again for coming in Kayla. It really does help more than you know"
She nodded, accepting his thanks as Stiles went to go but stopped, extending an arm for her to go first.
Guess chivalry wasn't dead after all.
She smirked at his attempt but went first, slowly hobbling her way from the bullpen and reached out to open the door but Stiles had clumsily leaned around her to grab the handle, opening it so quickly it smacked her in the forehead.
"Oh god" Stiles exclaimed, his hands flapping around her like a bee on crack as she blinked away the sudden haziness in her vision, "oh god, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"
"Never better" she mumbled, rubbing her forehead that would most likely bruise, "Damn. That was my karma for the doodles"
"I'm sorry" he apologised again, his face screwing up into a wince as he did so, "I was just trying to be a gentleman"
"Stiles?" she asked, "for both our sakes, maybe don't" finishing with a playful smirk to show she was joking.
He breathed a sigh of relief, chuckling a little as he slowly reached around and opened the door, a lot more carefully this time, and held it open for her. She jokingly pretended to dodge it, earning a small laugh from him.
He hovered behind her as she walked from the police station, grabbing the last couple of doors for her. Surprisingly, he wasn't as awkward as she expected considering they very almost made out last night. Or maybe he was just hiding it very well, who knew.
A few people looked at them - well, him - most likely due to the kiddie scribbles on his face, and he seemed to get a little self conscious, tapping her on the shoulder.
"Why is everyone looking at me?"
She held back her snigger, keeping her expression straight and guarded.
"You must just have one of those faces"
She spotted his jeep and made her way towards it, hiding her smile and let him open the door for her.
"Uh... do you need something to stand on to help you up?"
"Nah" she said, wrapping her hand around the exterior curve of metal on the roof and hauled herself up into the seat, "all good"
He raised his eyebrows in surprise, shocked at the ease in which she swung herself into the jeep, her upper body strength catching him off guard.
"You... You... You never fail to surprise me" he murmured with a small shake of the head, seeming in a daze as he checked her hands and feet were clear from the door before shutting it.
As he made his way around the front of the jeep she followed him with her eyes, finding herself unable to look away as she watched him move - clumsily and quickly, but with an edge of uncertainty. Like he was hesitant to get inside a small mental tin can with only her.
Just as he turned the corner at the front of the jeep, making his way towards the door, her gaze slipped behind him to see Brian parked directly opposite them, his hands clenched into fists gripping the wheel tightly and, although she couldn't see, she was sure they were turning white. His broad shoulders, hunched in anger, were rising and falling rapidly with quick heavy breaths, his eyes boring holes through her own.
She wasn't scared of him, but over the weeks she can begun to see a whole new side of him that he had kept hidden. A side she was now very uncertain of. She was used to bad things - all the ugly monsters that went bump in the night, but Brian was human. Somehow, that made him more unpredictable.
She held his gaze, barely registering Stiles climbing in the jeep next to her. He was brewing with fury, lifting one hand and making a sliding motion across his throat.
She recoiled in surprise and amusement, letting out a snort at his over inflated ego.
"Who the hell does he think he is, Pablo Escobar?" she muttered with an eye roll, "maybe I should go over there and slash his tyres"
Stiles caught her arm before she could reach for the door handle, holding her back.
"Or, uh, maybe don't?" he suggested weakly, "considering we're at a police station... where my dad works... as the Sheriff..."
"Surely that means you get a freebie every now and then?"
"Not really" Stiles shook his head, "plus, uh... Brian may be a dick, but let's not make a bigger enemy of him huh? This face can only take so much" he added in a jokey tone, pointing to his nose that had slightly swelled with a light purple bruise across the ridge, a small cut etched down the skin.
"From what I saw, you held your own"
"That punch had been brewing for years" Stiles smirked, "I've wanted to do that since fifth grade"
"Me too. And I didn't even know him in fifth grade" she laughed, "that's just how annoying he is"
Stiles chuckled, starting up the engine of the jeep, turning the key a few times before it shuddered to life and reaching out to adjust his mirror, catching sight of his face.
"What the...?" he muttered, his jaw dropping as he raised a hand to rub at his face, "who did this?"
"Beats me" she smirked, but he seemed to catch on and sent her a playful look of annoyance.
"You vandalised me!"
"I was bored"
"I was at my most vulnerable"
"Well, don't fall asleep in public then"
He smiled though, licking the tip of his finger to try and rub it off - with no luck.
"This is never gonna come off"
"Then lucky the school is shut till Monday then"
He gave up trying to erase the sharpie from his face, rolling his eyes and putting the jeep in gear.
"Well, despite you getting a little pen happy, I'm glad you've finally taken my advice on board"
"Finally?" she snorted as they pulled out the parking lot, leaving a very angry and disdainful Brian behind, "what do you mean finally? And what advice?"
"I warned you about Brian weeks ago" he reminded her, "and trust me, I'm a good judge of character"
"I wouldn't be so sure" she teased, "after all, you have me in your jeep. I'm a bit of a dodgy individual"
Stiles peaked at her from the corner of his eye, gradually slipping his gaze from her legs, up her torso and over her arms until he reached her face, finding her already looking at him and he fumbled, hurrying to look away and in doing so almost jerked the wheel to the other side of the road.
"Uh... heh" he mumbled, swallowing several times as he tightened his grip on the wheel, purposely doing everything in his power to not look at her again, "I... I wouldn't say dodgy..."
"Well, what would you say?"
He gulped once again, his knuckles nearly white from the sheer grip he had on the steering wheel, his legs beginning to jump up and down nervously.
"Uh... um... I... heh..."
She laughed, reaching out playfully to punch his arm.
"You're meant to say something along the lines of utterly amazing and perfect"
"Well, uh..." he coughed to clear his throat, "that too"
"That too?" she smirked, "what else were you going to say?"
She realised too late she was being a little flirty, crossing her own boundaries she had put in place, but that's just who she was and, around Stiles, she couldn't help it. He was too fun to play with.
He flushed a deep pink, a small vein beginning to pulse at the side of his forehead, beads of perspiration behinning to glisten on his skin.
"Uh... j-just... y'know... funny... brave... p-pretty..."
He mumbled that last word much quieter, almost a whisper under his breath, probably hoping she wouldn't hear it - but she did.
He looked on the verge of an aneurism so she took pity on the boy and changed the subject, well aware of his awkward struggle around her - especially after the events of last night.
Speaking of...
"How are you doing anyway?" she asked, "after last night?"
He kept his eyes on the road, his tense shoulders beginning to relax.
"Okay, you?"
She cocked a brow even though he wasn't looking at her, not believing him for one second.
"Bull" she exclaimed playfully, pulling his attention back on her, "you were scared shitless last night. Don't lie"
"I... I was scared" he admitted, "I wasn't scared shitless. Believe me, plenty came out of me once I got back to the station"
"That's what I thought" she joked, "can't fool me"
He snorted, rolling his eyes in an exaggerated-almost comical circle.
"Yeah yeah, as you always remind me"
"It's my pleasure" she smiled, "but seriously... I'm glad you're alright. I'm glad we're all alright. Apart from Brian, of course"
He grunted in agreement, getting into a different lane and slowing down as the lights turned red.
Now he didn't have to focus on driving, getting a few seconds break, he turned his head to look at her, nodding down to her feet.
"How's your ankle holding up?"
"Still attached" she replied, "guess I'll just be like Brian's dick for a short while - limp"
Stiles laughed at her joke, delighted with the digs she was giving the blonde haired boy. Clearly delighted she wasn't ever now going to date him.
"Good one" he praised, a wide smile lighting up his face, "he definitely strikes me as a viagra popper"
"Probably crushes it in his Kale smoothie every morning"
Stiles dissolved into a fit of laughter, losing sight of the lights that turned green, resulting in a row of impatient horns erupting from behind them.
He managed to pull himself together to sloppily pull off, still chuckling quietly to himself.
"After last night, I needed that laugh"
"Yeah" she smiled, "me too. And maybe a whole boatload of pain killers"
Stiles winced, "yeah. You should've gone to the hospital last night. It looked like it hurt like a bitch"
"Hospitals are for wusses. I ain't stepping foot into one of those places again"
"Want me to stop by the pharmacy and you can pick some up?"
"You want to take the former pill popper to the equivalent of a candy store?" she smirked, "you trying to make me go off the rails?"
"Oh. Oh god" Stiles mumbled, turning pale, "I... I didn't mean... I didn't think-"
She couldn't help herself - she burst out laughing, dissolving into a fit of the giggles.
"Jeez, relax Stiles" she snickered, "I'm kidding. Just yanking your chains, and you make it way too easy. I don't start frothing at the mouth around prescription drugs"
"Right" he mumbled awkwardly, looking like he was trying to calm down his racing heart, "so is that a yes to the pharmacy trip or..."
"I'll be fine" she said, "plus, I'm sure I have a stash somewhere hidden from my mom if need be"
"I don't like seeing you in pain..."
"I'm not in pain" she said softly, "just in... mild irritation"
Surprisingly, Stiles was already pulling into her driveway, most likely breaking multiple speed limits to get her here.
"So uh... we're here" Stiles said, almost sounding disappointed, "you're home"
"Yeah, I can see that"
"That was just a... well, it was a quick drive. I thought it would take longer"
"Thought, or hoped?"
He avoided her gaze purposefully as he stared out at her house almost longingly, like it was a refuge for him.
She knew why right away.
"Would you like to stay for a bit?" she asked, much to his surprise, "if you've got some time to kill?"
She could tell by his expression he didn't want to be alone, that was why he camped out at the police station last night. Of course though, he wasn't going to admit that.
"S-Stay?" he spluttered, momentarily stopping breathing, "stay as in...?"
She smirked, "platonically Stilinski. The only action you'll see is the coffee machine that you'll be operating to make me a latte. Deal?"
He relaxed, sending her a smile. Still looking a little goofy with the doodles over his face, but it was cute and endearing.
"Deal"
a\n) yayyy an update. I'm still here haha like I said above, just been busy lately and got married a couple weeks ago. Hectic hectic hectic. But I hope this chapter made up for it :) as always your reviews are appreciated :) see you soon x