The sun was setting over Beacon Hills as Camila sat on the porch steps of the Stilinski house, the soft orange and pink hues casting long shadows across the yard. She pulled her jacket tighter around her, the cool evening breeze brushing against her skin. The weight of her thoughts felt heavier tonight, pressing down on her chest like an anchor.
She had spent the day replaying her moments with Scott at the animal clinic, the way his eyes had softened when he'd told her he cared about her. It was impossible to ignore the connection she felt with him—strong, steady, and undeniably real. But every time her mind wandered to Scott, her thoughts would inevitably drift to Stiles. His unwavering support, his constant humor, the way he always seemed to know how to make her feel safe.
How could she be torn between two people who meant so much to her?
"Hey."
She looked up to see Stiles stepping out of the house, his familiar nervous energy radiating from him as he ran a hand through his messy hair. He had a small bag of chips in his hand and a warm, easy smile on his face.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked.
"Of course not," she said, scooting over to make room.
Stiles plopped down beside her, tearing open the bag and offering her some chips. She shook her head, and he shrugged, popping one into his mouth.
"You've been quiet today," he said, glancing at her. "What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?"
Camila let out a soft laugh, though it lacked humor. "Just… everything."
"Everything, huh?" Stiles said, leaning back on his elbows. "Well, that narrows it down."
She smiled faintly, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "I've been thinking about Scott."
Stiles froze for a moment, the easy smile slipping from his face. "Oh."
"And about you," she added quickly, her voice soft.
He sat up straighter, his expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Okay, now you've got my attention. What's on your mind, Cami?"
She hesitated, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "I feel… confused. Torn. You and Scott, you both mean so much to me. And after everything with Allison, I don't even know if I should be feeling this way."
Stiles' expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand. "Cami, it's okay to feel conflicted. You've been through a lot, and it's going to take time to figure out what you want."
She looked at him, her voice trembling. "I don't want to hurt you, Stiles. Or Scott."
"You're not hurting anyone," he said firmly. "And honestly? I can't blame Scott. I mean, look at you—you're amazing."
Her cheeks flushed, and she managed a small smile. "Stiles…"
"I'm serious," he said, his voice quieter now. "You're incredible, Cami. And yeah, it sucks that I have to share you with Scott in some weird, emotional triangle thing. But at the end of the day, I just want you to be happy. That's what matters to me."
Her chest tightened, and she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "You're too good to me, Stiles."
"Damn right I am," he teased, though his tone was laced with affection.
Later that evening, Camila found herself at the high school parking lot, where Scott was finishing up a late shift at the animal clinic. She had told herself she was just going for a drive, but her car had somehow ended up here.
Scott stepped out of the clinic, his eyes lighting up when he saw her leaning against her car.
"Cami?" he said, approaching her. "What are you doing here?"
"I needed to talk to you," she said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her.
"Is everything okay?" he asked, his concern evident.
She nodded. "Yeah. I just… I've been thinking about what you said earlier. About moving forward."
Scott's brow furrowed, and he leaned against the car beside her. "What about it?"
"I think you're right," she said softly. "Allison would want us to move forward. To be happy."
His expression softened, and he turned to face her. "What are you saying, Cami?"
She hesitated, her heart pounding. "I'm saying that… I think I'm starting to feel something for you, Scott. And it scares me, because I don't know if it's fair to Allison. Or to you."
Scott's breath hitched, and he reached out, his hand brushing against hers. "Cami, I care about you. I care about you so much. But I get it—this isn't easy. For either of us."
Her eyes filled with tears, and she looked at him, her voice breaking. "What if I'm not enough? What if I can't fill the space Allison left behind?"
Scott shook his head, his voice firm but gentle. "You don't have to fill that space, Cami. No one could ever replace Allison. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for you in my heart, too."
His words broke something inside her, and before she could stop herself, she leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a soft, tentative kiss.
When they pulled back, Scott rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely above a whisper. "We'll figure this out. Together."
Camila nodded, her heart still racing. "Together."
And for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like maybe, just maybe, she could find a way forward.
