Chapter Text
Stiles sighed and leaned his head back against the seat in the limo. He twiddled his thumbs and his leg bounced. He wondered how he got himself in this situation. Well, okay, he wasn’t really wondering. It was definitely one Lydia Martin’s fault. And his big fat mouth. But there was no surprise there. He closed his eyes, the knot of anxiety building in his stomach. He wouldn’t have a panic attack before he even met The Bachelor. Stiles snorted at the thought. But still. He refused, on principal to have a panic attack over something he knew didn’t matter. That's what he told himself, anyway.
Stiles sighed and opened his eyes to stare out the window, his hands fiddling with a remote he knew controlled the music, lights, and door between him and the driver. He’d already been asked twice to stop messing with the buttons. So now he held the remote and just fiddled with it. Never in his life, in all 25 years, would he have imagined himself a contestant on “The Bachelor” or any other dating show. He believed in love. He’d had great examples of love in his life with his parents, and his dad now dating Scott’s mom. He knew what love looked like. And the whole “love at first sight” concept or “love in a short time” through artificially construed dates was not real love. Which is the exact reason he now found himself sitting in the back of a limo in a starched shirt (starched!) and a three piece suit. He refused to wear a full tuxedo like Lydia had wanted, but he had conceded to the 3 piece suit… as long as it resembled a plaid design. Stiles let out a groan and leant his head against the window, closed his eyes, and thought back to the night that had started all of this. At least the memory of the pack and the warm pulls it brought to his pack bonds settled the anxiety growing in him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The boys gave their customary groan as “The Bachelor” scrolled out in golden letters across the screen of Scott’s massive TV. Lydia glared around the room.
“Awwww it’s not so bad.” Allison said with a smile as she set some popcorn on the coffee table amongst the rest of the snacks. “Liam, you really enjoyed the last season!” She said. Liam sputtered and hid behind a couch cushion.
“It’s not a matter of enjoying it.” Stiles started in, as he always did. “It’s the whole concept! It’s all fabricated. There’s no real love here.”
“They vet the contestants. It’s no different than setting someone up on a blind date.” Lydia responded as she passed around this week’s drink concoction. It looked like some kind of rif on a Cosmopolitan. Lydia was known for her drinks and it was her weekly contribution when they all watched the show.
“Yeah, with the added addition of fame and popularity as your entire dating history is shown across national television.” Stiles retorted as he took his drink from Lydia.
“Who cares about love and dating history?” Theo asked with a smirk. “I’d go just to see all those hot bods.”
“Exactly!” Stiles let out, raising an arm in exasperation. “See? That’s my point. Majority of the contestants don’t actually care about love. They just care about the superficial things.”
“Hey Dude, some of us have to take chances on what’s in front of us.” Scott said with a teasing look. “Not all of us can have the security of our childhood best friend promising to marry us by the time we’re 35.”
“Awww Scotty, are you proposing marriage?” Stiles asked, clasping his hands over his heart and fluttering his eyelashes at his best friend. Scott laughed and pushed Stiles over.
“Um… am I missing something? I thought Kira and Scott were dating?” Liam questioned. Allison giggled while Theo and Lydia rolled their eyes.
“He’s talking about Heather. Stiles and Heather got married in kindergarten.” Theo said, before raising his voice to a falsetto and adding, “and promised to love each other forever and ever.” He continued. “They also did the whole, stupid, pinky promise, if they weren’t married by the time they were 35 they’d marry each other.”
“She was upset! Another guy dumped her over something stupid. I was lonely while my Dad worked another Christmas and her parents were getting ready to leave on another trip. It was just a comfort thing!” Stiles defended himself. “Although, there are worse people I can think of to be married to.” Stiles added, kicking out at Theo but accidentally hitting Scott instead who winced good naturedly.
“Where is Heather, anyway?” Allison asked, before Theo and Stiles could really start after one another.
“She was in Italy with her Mom again, looking at some merchandise. Her flight didn’t get in until late. She said she’d try and be here but she might not make it.” Stiles responded. For once, he didn’t miss all of the glances his friends shared.
“Oh my god, it isn’t like that!” Stiles said, flopping his arms in the air. “I’m pretty sure she has a boyfriend right now! Plus, we dated in high school. It was fine, but nothing special.” He said with a shrug. Lydia patted his thigh.
“Yes, we know Sweetie. Although if you think blind dates won’t end in love, but yet your childhood friend who you’ve dated but broken up amicably with didn’t end in love, then how do you think you’ll fall in love, Stiles? You have to be open to it.” Lydia said.
“I’m open to love, okay? I’ll know it when it happens, but it’s not going to be fabricated and it’ll be natural.” He grunted. Lydia pursed her lips before surveying the room and sighing.
“You’ve all missed the first 5 contestants. I say number 3 is in the running for the First Impression Rose.” She said, quickly diverting everyone’s attention.
5 minutes later and one commercial break, Kira came running into the apartment, stowing her Katanas and gear in the closet, before slipping off her shoes.
“Did I miss anything?!” She asked a little breathlessly, before quickly landing in Scott’s welcoming lap and kissing her boyfriend
“Just Stiles’ usual rant about fabricated love.” Allison said with a smile and the group settled in for the episode
Before long, everyone was settled. Stiles picked his drink up and sniffed it before cautiously taking a sip. When he tasted no alcohol he raised his glass in thanks and saw Lydia’s small uptick of the corner of her lip. The commercial breaks were used to gossip and talk about the contestants. Stiles snorted when the inevitable drama occurred as the contestants all declared themselves genuine. When Heather arrived, jet lagged and a bit quiet, everyone quietly found a way to greet her and reestablish the pack scent. Twenty minutes later, the parting interviews of the contestants not selected in the rose ceremony, and the boys let out a sigh of relief as the show finally ended.
“Well. It’s definitely going to be a drama filled season.” Lydia sniffed.
“Oh my god! Can you believe Christy did that?!” Allison squealed.
“Hmmmm the Bachelor is really dreamy.” Kira said with a smile, “But you’re dreamier.” She said with a smile to Scott.
“It just seems like it’d be a bit much. All those bodies. Everyone in the same space. Fighting over the same man. I’d stake my claim early and not let anyone else near my man.” Malia said, wrinkling her nose. The girls giggled and dove into discussing the show while the guys moved to the dedicated game room.
After losing a game, Stiles walked out to start cleaning up, while the guys continued their tournament.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad Scott and I shared English 110 and had the whole meet cute by literally bumping into one another. But I love the dates they go on! I would totally go sky diving!” Kira said with a grin.
“The clothes are to die for.” Lydia said, scrolling through her phone. “I would love an opportunity to wear dresses like those. Although some of them are bit lacking in taste.”
“I just wonder.” Heather started. “How true are the relationships, really? After all the glam and exciting dates? I feel like it’s all a distraction from what’s real. I enjoy watching it. But I just don’t think it’s realistic.”
“Yes! Thank you! Finally! One of you is sane.” Stiles said, popcorn going everywhere as he gestured with his arms while in the middle of picking up the various snacks. Lydia rolled her eyes.
“Please don’t get him started.” She said.
“She has a point.” Malia said shrugging. “After all that time of the guy sharing his attention, it’s suddenly the one person. For the contestants it’s easy. Like I said earlier. You stake your claim and fight. But for him? How is he supposed to suddenly just focus on one person now?” She asked. Stiles eagerly sat down with the girls, pulling a fistful of popcorn to his mouth.
“Not to mention, after all the fabricated love, they finally find they aren’t who they think everyone is!” He says. “It isn’t true love.”
“And yet, some of these couples are together and married. Some even have kids.” Lydia said, before wrinkling her nose and lifting her finger to push against Stile’s chin. “Don’t talk with your mouth full." Stiles rolled his eyes but swallowed the popcorn in his mouth.
“But there’s no way, statistically speaking, the majority of these couples stay together.” Stiles said, waving a greasy hand around. Lydia carefully encircled Stiles wrist and put it back in the bowl.
“Maybe not statistically, but it’s a show Stiles. I bet most of these contestants at least think they’re there for love or falling in love at some point.” Lydia argued.
“Bet?” Stiles asked, “I’ll give you a bet. The couple that comes out from this season won’t last 9 months.” He responded. Lydia’s eyebrow quirked.
“Alright Stiles. I’ll take your bet.” She said with a smile. Stiles knew her smiles and this was a dangerous smile. This was her smile that said she had a plan and knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it. Stiles should have known better, and yet, his big fat mouth opened itself. “What are your conditions?” She asked.
“If the couple breaks up you have to ask Allison on a date and finally make your move.” He said with a smirk. Allison let out a squeak and Lydia rolled her eyes.
“Hey Allison?” She asked, turning to her friend.
“Yes Lyds?” Allison asked.
“Come here, babe.” She said before gently holding Allison’s face and leaning in to softly kiss the other girl. It didn’t take long before Allison was responding, her hand ghosting down Lydia’s side. Kira and Heather giggled together at Stiles’ gobsmacked face. When the two pulled apart, Lydia turned to Stiles.
“Done. Now. When you lose, you have to be a contestant on the next Bachelor.” Lydia said with a smirk. Stiles' mouth opened and closed, before he finally recovered himself.
“You’re supposed to wait until after the time constraints, Lydia.” Stiles said with exasperation. Lydia shrugged.
“I don’t need a stupid bet to get me to make a move. I know a good thing when I see it. Allison just needed to be ready too.” She said with a smile. Stiles groaned.
“Wait.. No! No, I'm not becoming a contestant on the show! I won’t even get past the casting process. They’ll take one look at my pale ass and go ‘next!’ without even needing to see my charming personality.” He responded, Lydia’s conditions finally hitting him.
“Well then, you shouldn’t have any qualms about agreeing to my bet.” She said with a smirk. Stiles fell back on the floor and groaned, realizing Lydia had backed him into a corner, like she always did when she wanted something.
“Damn it.” Stiles muttered, before he stood up and cleared off the rest of the dishes.
“Right. Now that all of that is done. If you’ll excuse us, I have a girlfriend to make out with.” Allison said with a smile and tugging Lydia towards their shoes.
It wasn’t long before the rest of the pack had left and Scott and Kira had long gone back to their room. Stiles was in the kitchen, finishing the last of the cleaning and Heather remained to help him. She sighed and rested her head on her arms on the counter.
“God, I’m so tired.” She said, Stiles gently rubbed a hand over her back.
“You okay?” He asked.
“I’m fine. Just. Jet lag is a bitch.” She responded. Stiles laughed. “I think I should be the one asking if you’re okay. I thought you knew better than to make a bet with Lydia.” Stiles rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, apparently not. It’s fine though. These shows are stupid. Yes, I probably am running a higher risk than I’m comfortable with but, whatever. I’m the one who ran my stupid mouth.” He said with a shrug. “You wanna stay over? Or I can drive you home. Whatever you want.” He offered. Heather pulled her head up from her arms and smiled gently at Stiles.
“I actually wanted to talk to you Stiles.” She said softly.
“Yeah, okay, shoot.” He said, pulling out the bar stools for them to both sit at. He placed a mug of hot cocoa in front of them both.
“I met someone.” She said, taking in a deep breath and staring into her cocoa. “I know I say that a lot. But. I genuinely think I found someone this time. He’s really sweet. He stood up to my mom. He knows about the business. I think it could be really good.” She said. Stiles reached out and took her hand.
“I’m happy for you, Heather. You deserve someone who treats you like a queen.” He said with a genuine smile. She glanced up at him.
“You aren’t mad?” She asked softly. He looked at her confused.
“Mad? Why would I be mad?” He asked.
“You know, the whole 35 marriage promise thing.” She said. Stiles laughed.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll find someone, alright?” He asked with a laugh. “Pretty sure Malia and I can work out a deal and at least share rent somewhere if all the rest of you are happily married off.”
“Hmmm, I suppose that would work. I just, I wanted to make sure you were okay and I wasn’t hurting you.” Heather said. Stiles raised hand above her head.
“I Stiles Stilinski, herby give you my blessing. Go in peace my child.” He said. Heather giggled and reached up grasping his hand.
“Stiles! Be serious!” She said.
“I am. The most serious serious.” He said
“Alright, Mitchy. I’m too tired to deal with you.” She said. Stiles flailed at the nickname, nearly falling off the stool
“You promised!” He squawked. “You promised you’d never call me that ever again!” He said. Heather grinned.
“Then be serious.” She said.
“You’re no fun.” He huffed. “But yes, I solemnly promise it does not hurt my feelings that you finally found the love of your life.” He said. Heather sighed but took the words as Stiles meant them.
“Good. Now, can we go to bed?” She asked.
“As my lady demands.” Stiles said with a smile.
And that was how it all began. Of course, the couple had to stay together 10 months instead of 9, and now, here Stiles was about to make his debut on The Bachelor. His bag was packed with more suites and nice clothes than he’s ever owned in his life. Lydia had enjoyed the shopping sprees way too much. The limo pulled to a stop and the calm that had overcome Stiles shrank away.
“Oh god, I’m not ready for this. I can’t do this.” He muttered. The window was rolled down and the smiling face of Chris Harrison was greeting him.
“Alright,” He glanced down at a sheet of paper before folding it and placing it in his pocket. “Stiles. You ready to meet the love of your life?” He said, Stiles stared back at the man, opening and closing his mouth several times. Chris chuckled.
“Don’t worry you wouldn’t be the first to react this way. Just take a deep breath and prepare for the beginning of your journey with Derek Hale.” He said with a smile, before waving the limo through.
“Oh god, oh god, oh god.” Stiles muttered under his breath. His brain was stuck on all the replies he could have said to Chris, yet he had sat there like a fish. Now, he realized, he was about to do something he never would have thought he would do in his life. The window was rolled up and Stiles took a few deep breaths. A panic attack was not how he wanted to greet The Bachelor. Even if he didn’t believe in finding love this way and had no intentions of staying more than one night, he would not be known as the contestant that had a panic attack at the sight of the bachelor. “Come on Stilinski! Get a hold of yourself.” He muttered. “It’s not a big deal. Just go up, greet the guy, make small talk, then you can go home.” His pep talk was interrupted by the dividing wall between him and the driver disappearing.
“Alright Mr. Stilinski. In 30 seconds you will exit the limo, greet the Bachelor and head inside. I’ll count down from 5 to cue you.” The driver said. Stiles sucked in a breath. He couldn’t believe he was doing this. He couldn’t believe he’d been talked into this. He couldn’t believe he was stupid enough to bet against Lydia. He couldn’t believe….
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1.” The driver said.
“Oh god. This is it. This is it.” Stiles said under his breath. He sucked in a huge breath and opened the door.