Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

From the outside, if you saw Stiles Stilinski and his brother Liam you would think they were just normal teenage boys. You would be wrong, oh, so wrong.

Stiles had to grow up way faster than what other kids his age would. You see his mother had become ill and had died when he was just 8 and Liam was 6 going on 7. Their dad, a sheriff’s deputy at the time took it particularly hard and had turned to drown his sorrows at the bottom of a bottle. It was then that Stiles had to grow up. He made sure that Liam did his homework, was fed, both dinned and had lunch for school the next day if he was not eating what the school was offering, and made sure Liam took a bath. He learned quickly how to operate the washing machine and the dryer. He did laundry on the weekends so that he and Liam would have clean clothes for the school week. As the years went on and child services threaten to take the boys away, their father kicked the habit of looking for life’s answers at the bottom of a bottle. He straightened up and even won the election as Sheriff of Beacon Hills. Stiles still kept the house clean, still did laundry and he and Liam would switch days cooking dinner. Liam had learned how to cook from Stiles. Liam made a mean pot roast and Stiles was so proud of him and would even ask Liam, when are you going to make your famous pot roast. Life was good for a while. Stiles had reached his 18^th birthday and Liam had reached his 16^th. Stile had long been teaching Liam the ins and outs of the jeep and taught him how to drive well before he was 16. Stiles was beaming when Liam came running out of the DMV waving his new driver's license. He ran right up Stiles and gave him a bone-crushing hug. Liam was all smiles. Stiles let him drive the jeep back home and even let Liam stop off and get them some burgers and fries with 1 chocolate and 1 strawberry milkshake.

You see, Stiles had a secret that he had not shared with Liam. He was dying. He had the same disease that his mother had died from. Frontotemporal dementia. Thankfully today was a good day. He didn’t want to rain on Liam’s parade. He was glad that Liam was driving because that meant that Liam’s attention was on the road, and he didn’t see the tears that had escaped from the wells of Stiles’ eyes and made little rivers down his cheeks. He had the window down so the tears were quick to dry up in the spring air. How do you tell your bother that you’re dying? How do you tell him that in a years’ time, or less, you most likely won’t be here anymore? The brother you helped raise, helped with hard homework, taught how to cook, and to stand up for himself. How? How do you tell him? They shared everything with each other. Teachers that hated, movies they liked, crushes… Liam even told Stiles that he liked girls and boys. Stiles was the same way, well almost the same way. If he were to be paired with a girl, there was one he would choose. Lydia Martin. Aside from that he mostly looked at, hooked up with guys. Until he learned that he was sick.

Stiles still remembers that HUGE fight he got into with his father. Luckily Liam was spending the night at Mason’s house. Stiles had his suspicions that he had frontotemporal dementia. He had gone to Beacon Hill Memorial Hospital and had bribed the MRI tech with $50 and damning photos of him in a compromising position to get him to do a scan of Stiles’ head. He had downloaded some scans from the internet and had picked his way into the records room in the basement and saw the MRI of his mother, so he had scans to compare his to. Well, turns out that the next day the hospital did an audit of the MRI and all linked computers. Stiles not thinking, not thinking he’d be caught had the tech enter his real name into the computer. This liked his scan with his name and was flagged because there wasn’t a chart, and therefore no reason for a scan to be ordered. This was overlooked though because a doctor was brought in to read the image and since the hospital had Stiles’ name, phone calls were made. Due to Stiles’ condition, no charges would be filed. But now the cat was out of the bag. His father knew because the hospital had called him. The thing that made Stiles go off was how calm his father was. He didn't want this. Didn’t want to be treated differently, as some piece of glass, like he was fragile, was breakable. So, a screaming match ensued. Stiles said under no circumstances was Liam to know. His father argued that Liam had a right to know. Stiles argued that he didn’t want Liam to put his life on hold just to watch him die. They then got into it over Stiles taking care of the house and how he’s the pillar that holds the house up. How he wasn’t going to be able to take care of them anymore. How he was fearful that once he passed that his dad would again turn to the bottle. He didn’t want Liam to have to see or deal with that. Things were slammed, objects were scattered, and tears were shed. In the end, the sheriff left, and Stiles cleaned up the mess and cried himself to sleep. The next morning, he got up and cooked him and his father breakfast. After breakfast, Stiles had driven over to Mason’s house to pick up Liam.

Theo Reaken was that resident bad boy. He lived in detention. Was known by name by the police. Most say he was just acting out. Trying to get the attention of his father, a successful doctor who had remarried and lived in a huge house on the uppity side of town. Enter new student Josh, wanting to fit in, he was drawn to Theo and his pack of friends. Theo being the jerk he is, told Josh that if he wanted to be in his pack of friends to meet him late one night at the local quarry. Upon arriving, Theo and his pack of friends were there. The dare that Josh had to complete was to climb up a conveyer belt that dropped 50 feet into the water and jump from it into the water. He agreed and stripped down to his boxers. Theo stood there next to him also in just his boxers. Josh had asked how deep that water was, and Theo had remarked that they were in a drought but that the water should be deep enough to safely jump into. Theo counted to 3 and on 3 they were to jump. 1 2 3 and Josh jumped. Theo didn’t. Josh hit the water and the pack that was gathered around the pond all laughed. Until Tracy had yelled to Theo that Josh had not come back up. Theo raced down to the water and jumped in from the bank. He found and pulled Josh up. He wasn’t breathing. Theo then started CPR. Luckily Josh spits up the water and started coughing. Then there were sirens and blue flashing lights. Everyone scattered. Theo jumped in his muscle car and cranked it up and sped away. As he looked in his rearview mirror it was filled with blue flashing lights. He attempted to evade the Sheriff but was going too fast to see the barrels and crashed into them. He hit his head so hard on the steering wheel that his forehead was bleeding. The impact also caused his car to sputter and die. He was caught. The next thing Theo heard was the sheriff telling him to put his hands on the wheel.  Of course, Theo’s sister had to come down to the jail to bail him out. That was one perk to living with his sister. Food and shelter were the only perks really. She was hard on Theo. She could see through his bull shit. That car ride home was fun. Filled with you need to grow up Theo among other things. Not only did he have to deal with the punishment from Tara, but also the school.

Punishment. He had to help the janitorial staff, tutor at Beacon Hills sister school on the other side of the county. On Saturdays!  And if that wasn’t enough, he had to take part in the drama club’s final school event.

That’s when he saw Stiles. How had he not noticed Stiles? Sure, they had been going to the same school all their lives but damn, Stiles was looking good. Even if he did try to hide behind all the plaid. Stiles was talking to a group of kids, mostly Liam and his friends, who adored Stiles and looked up to him. Stiles was holding up a retwisted clothes hanger that had plastic wrap on it with text and dots on the clear plastic. He asked the group if any of them knew what it was. Theo stood leaning against the wall with a dust mop in one hand, answered that it was a star frame. Stiles explained that it would help them locate stars with the naked eye. He then went on to explain that Mercury and Jupiter can be seen just over the western horizon after sunset. Just then one of Theo’s jock friends, Scott, made the snarky comment about being able to see angels or other beings. Stiles retorted by saying that even Einstein later in his career said he believed in a higher power. Scott then said back, yeah well why can’t one of these beings or God find you a new, non-faded Star Wars hoodie?  Not one to back down, Stiles shot back, God is too busy looking for your brain. To which the rest of the pack laughed at and oohh’d.

Saturday came and Theo was woken up by his sister yelling his name and throwing his boot on the floor really close to where his head was on the mattress of his bed. He yelled back at her that it was Saturday and that there was no school. She then snidely remarked that he had tutoring. He got up and she dropped him off at the school where he and the other tutors got on the bus to get to the other school across the county. Just his luck he gets a fat kid who doesn’t pay attention and doesn’t want help. Theo’s trying, he really is, but you can’t help someone who doesn’t want help. The kid finally has an outburst and throws his pencil and leaves. Theo just closes the math book and sighs while running both his hands down his face. What he didn’t expect was to see Stiles there. Stiles was seated behind him and was helping another student, so Theo couldn’t stare at him, get in a good look at him like he did on the bus ride to the school. No luck like bad luck. Stiles had just witnessed him fail to help a student and watched said student make a scene and leave. Yeah, Theo wasn’t good at this tutoring gig.

On the bus ride back to Beacon Hills Theo made sure that he was far enough behind Stiles that he could get a good look at him.  imagine his surprise when Stiles gets up and comes and sits next to Theo. Stiles asks if Theo wants to buy some raffle tickets, Stiles explains that they are trying to buy new computers for the sister school. Theo rejects flatly. Stiles then points out that he saw Theo struggling with the kid at the school. Stiles suggests to Theo to approach it from a different angle. Theo doesn’t reply. Stiles then asks if Theo is going to visit Josh. He relayed that Josh had been removed from the hospital to a rehab center on Preston Rd. Again, no response from Theo. Stiles sighs and just takes Theo’s silence as a no.  Theo finally does reply, but rudely. Theo asks, is this your idea of small talk? If so, your social skills need work. No one made him jump! To which Stiles replies back, it’s called peer pressure. Theo just looks at him and asks how would he know? Did you see that in a Star Wars movie? Stiles responds back softly. Please don’t pretend you know me. Theo just smirks, oh, but I do. You’re Stiles Stilinski, The son of the Sheriff, and brother to Liam. You sit at lunch table 7. It’s not the reject table but definitely in self-exile territory. You have a favorite hoodie, Star Wars, you look at your feet when you walk. And for fun, you tutor kids on Saturday. How’s that sound? Theo asks no longer smirking. Stiles grunts and says fairly predictable. Nothing I haven’t heard before.  You don’t care what people think, Stiles? No, Theo, I don’t. Stiles then leaves and returns to his seat.

Monday rolls around and it’s time for Theo to head to the drama club. He arrives late and they are talking about putting on a play. Theo can’t help but smile when he sees that Stiles is there too. When did Stiles join the drama club? He was on the lacrosse team when they were freshmen but, quit the team suddenly. The drama club teacher selects what students will play what part. She announces that Stiles will play a main character, she then also announces that Theo will too, much to his, and everyone else’s surprise. They then pair off and group off to read lines. Theo is struggling with his. He doesn’t help he’s not taking this seriously. One of the students asks Theo are you trying to be bad at this to which Theo replies, not it just comes naturally! The teacher has them go to the end and read from there. After that she dismisses them.

Stiles confronts Theo out in front of the school as he’s waiting for one of the pack members to come to pick him up. Stiles walks up to him and asks him would it kill him to try? Theo replies, yes, and that he’s too young to die! Stiles decides to dissect Theo right then and there. You don’t care about classes but you like school. Only because you’re popular and you’ll never be on top again. That's thoroughly predictable. Stiles chuckles and heads to his jeep. He cranks it up and when he looks up, Theo is standing in front of his jeep, it scared him so his foot may have hit the gas pedal and made the engine rev up. Theo rounds up to the driver’s side window and asks if Stiles is feeling charitable. Theo then gets in the passenger seat and Stiles starts driving. Seat Belt Stiles says without looking at Theo. Stiles then turns on the radio, soft rock is playing. Theo reaches over and turns it to rap. Stiles reaches and turns it back to soft rock; this goes on four more times before Stiles accepts defeat. 42 Stiles says. Theo looks at him and repeats 42? Stiles smiles and just says 42 again, adding 42, befriend someone I don’t like. It’s a to-do list I have, for my life. Like, get a new personality? Theo asks. Spend a year in the peace corps, make a medical discovery, be in two places at once, get a tattoo. What’s number one, Theo asks. Stiles just smiles and turns to him and says, I’d tell ya, but I’d have to kill ya. Stiles drops Theo off shortly thereafter.

For the next few weeks, Theo has to report to the drama club to rehearse his lines for the play.  He’s complained to his pack that he only has three weeks to memorize the lines. Scott laughs and says Theo couldn’t do it if he had three months. Well so much for his pack helping him learn his lines. Maybe he could ask Stiles. He didn’t want to make a jackass out of himself, and he knew that pack would be there opening night and if he screwed up, he had no doubt that one of them, Tracy, would throw tomatoes at him. Theo walks up to Stiles while Stiles is at his locker, Stiles, he says. What do you want Theo? I’ve known you for years, you’ve never been the first one to come up and say “hello”. I need help with my lines, Stiles. And no, no Theo does NOT whine. Theo Raeken is asking for my help? Yes. Ok, well, I’ll pray for you, light a candle. Stiles, look…

You’ve never asked for help before, right? A request like yours requires flattery and groveling. I can’t be about you. It has to be for the common good. It is for the common good, Theo replies. Ok, Raeken, under one condition…

What’s that? Well, you have to promise not to fall in love with me. Theo smirks and says that’s not a problem. Stiles smiles back, such a beautiful smile. How has Theo not noticed before not? Theo?? Huh? I’ll see you today after school, at my house. Oh, ok, yeah. After school. That’s all Theo can think about the rest of the day.

THEO RAEKIN is coming here? He’s dangerous, careless, the worst kind of bully. Dad, what about forgiveness? I thought we discussed that I would decide how I wanted to spend my time and my life. It’s him I don’t trust, not you.

The doorbell rings. Stiles goes to answer the door.

Theo parks out in front of Stiles’ house. He walks up and rings the bell. Stiles goes to answer the door, but Liam beats him to it. Theo Raeken, what the hell are you doing here? Liam, Stiles yells. Liam stands protectively in front of his brother. If you’ve come here to start trouble, you’ve found it, I’ll kick your ass, Liam spits out. Why do I get the feeling your kid brother is tougher than he looks?? Theo ask. Stiles puts his hands on Liam’s shoulders and smiles at Theo, only when I let him off his leash. Theo scoffs, so are you going to let me in or keep me standing out here all afternoon? Theo swears he hears Liam growl. Stiles allows Theo to enter the house. He takes him to the front room and tells Theo to make himself at home. Theo mumbles to himself, “not likely”. Stiles goes upstairs to get his script. Theo is looking around and stumbles upon a bust of a bloody Jesus. Theo leans down to look at it, it’s creepy. He backs up from it and the Sheriff is right there, Jeez… Theo bursts out. No, I’m the Sheriff and Stiles’ father. I understand you landed the lead in the school play. Oh, hey, um, Mr. Stilinski. Listen, thanks for letting me come over and run lines with Stiles—I didn’t let you. The Sheriff interjects. It’s a school night. Let’s get one thing straight, Mr. Raeken, you think that because my job requires me to be behind a desk more than in a squad car that I don’t know what you’re out there doing, but I know EVERYTHING you’re doing… I’m watching you!

Stiles comes back downstairs with his script. Smiling at Theo, he waves the booklet and asks if Theo is ready. Theo and Stiles run lines until the sun goes down and Theo leaves.

Not wanting to go home right away, Theo drives around. It’s dark and he’s passing by a small private cemetery and who should he see going thru said cemetery, but Stiles, and he is carrying something with him. Theo pulls over and runs across the road, and yells at Stiles. Stiles, what are you doing here? Unimpressed Stiles shoots back, I could ask you the same thing. Well, Stiles, do you always walk alone in a cemetery at night? Maybe I do, Theo. Stiles, wait, where are you going? Okay… what is that? This, it’s my telescope. Liam and I built it when I was like 12 and he was 11. Stiles sets up his telescope and looks thru the eyepiece and calls Theo over to come and take a look. Theo comes over and looks thru the eyepiece and is honestly amazed at what he sees, Saturn, pretty cool! I want to build a bigger one to see a comet that should be passing by in early summer. Hmm, I get why you’re into all this stuff. “This stuff” Stiles repeats. Nature’s miracles, space, and all that, Theo says. Stiles doesn’t respond.

The next day, and back at school. Theo is loitering in the hallway with his pack of friends and Stiles is coming their way. Here comes your geeky boyfriend, Theo. Scott jabs while smirking. Stiles approaches and looks directly at Theo. Hey, Theo, so I’ll see you after school today? Theo scoffs, Yeah, in your dreams. Tracy chimes in, where’s your Star Wars hoodie? Stiles just shakes his head and walks away. Stiles is pissed the rest of the day but just holds it down. He knew this was going to come to be. It’s Theo freaking Raeken. He just glides thru the rest of the school day. He waits for Liam and drops him off at Mason’s house so they can study together. After that Stiles drives home and just lounges around. He ends up sitting at the piano and just playing a melody. Suddenly there's a knock at the door. Stiles isn’t expecting anyone, he looks at his dad before getting up and going to the door. He opens the door and there on the porch stands Theo Raeken. Stiles huffs and just closes the door. Theo knocks again. Stiles again opens the door, and this time steps out to keep his dad from possibly hearing the curse words on the tip of his tongue. What do you want, Theo? Well, you’re not in a good mood. You don’t miss a thing, do you, Theo? He keeps saying Theo’s name. A tactic he learned from his father and the hostage negotiation handbook, keep saying their name, it throws them off, makes them feel guilty. Listen, Stiles, I was hoping we could run lines together. Ok, but just not so no one knows, right? Well, I figured I’d surprise everyone with how good I get, Theo said with a smirk. So, Theo, you want to be, like secret friends. Exactly, Stiles, it’s like you’re reading my mind. Really, Theo, what am I thinking right now? Stiles put on his best resting bitch face. It scares Theo. How can someone so beautiful be so scary by just turning off and erasing all emotions from their face? Stiles, I can’t just be your friend. Theo, I thought I saw something in you, something good. I was WRONG! Stiles turns around and enters his house and closes the door leaving Theo standing alone on the porch. DAMN IT!! Theo yells. The door opens very quickly, this time though, the sheriff is standing on the porch in a protective stance and his hand on his gun. Sorry, Sorry, Theo says as he heads to his car.

Chapter Text

Theo goes to the tutoring on Saturday. He manages to get the kid he’s assigned to understand the triangle math problem by using basketball. After about 20 minutes he’s helped the kid solve all his math problems, so they spend the rest of the time playing basketball. Stiles watches them out the window as he helps the girl he’s been assigned to. He can’t help but smile.

After they arrive back in Beacon Hills, Theo heads over to the Rehab place where Josh is at. He knew the information because Stiles had told him. Theo walks into Josh’s room. Josh is watching TV while lying in bed. His foot and leg are in a cast and his left arm is in a cast and a sling. Josh rolls his eyes as Theo walks in. Hey, Theo says. I came to say I’m sorry. Josh just huffs and continues not to look at him. Well, you said it, do you feel better now, Theo? Theo runs his hand thru his hair, actually, no, I feel like shit. You know I thought I actually wanted to be friends with you and your friends, and now, I have no idea why no idea. You know Josh, I made that jump once. Yeah, did it hurt? I thought I was a badass, and as for did it hurt, when doesn’t a belly flop hurt? I lied and said I meant to belly flop. Josh chuckles, good. I’m glad it hurt! Hmm, well I guess I’ll see you at school Josh. Theo turns and leaves.

It's opening night for the school play. The chairs are all filled and so far, the play is running smoothly. Then comes the scene with Stiles and Theo. The one where Theo kisses Stiles. Like she said she would be, Tracy is in the front row and she’s taking pictures. The scene now comes up. Stiles enters the stage wearing a cloak and has his head down. The lights go down and the spotlight shines solely on Stiles. Stiles straightens up and removes the cloak. His outfit, his hair, his face. He looks stunning. He has his hair in a split part like the men used to do in the 40s. He is wearing khakis and a white button-up and the way those suspenders hug his frame. Stiles is just stunning. He then puts on a blazer and the way it sits on his shoulders, it does something. It would seem that Theo isn’t the only one affected. The entire theater is quiet. You could hear a pin drop. Stiles says his lines and sings his song. Then comes the part that Theo has been both looking forward to and dreading at the same time. The kiss. It goes off without a hitch. Theo swears there are sparks. He swears he sees them. The play ends and the curtain drops. The cast is congratulating each other for a job well done. Theo is out in the hallway looking for Stiles. When who should find him, but his father. His father, Dr. Raeken congratulates him on a job well done. Theo tries to brush him off. He turns around to walk away. His father calls after him, Theo don’t walk away to which Theo responds, you taught me how.

The next day Theo is walking through the library looking for Stiles. He can hear girls whispering. They’re saying things like, OMG looks who’s here. What’s he doing here? Don’t look at him, don’t make eye contact. Don’t look at him. As he passes by two girls, Allison and Lydia, Allison mumbles, I guess he doesn’t want to sit with us. Finally, he finds Stiles who is sitting near the stacks at a table eating his lunch. Well, he’s done eating and is nose deep in a thick old looking book. Without looking up from his book he says to Theo, people can see… Theo retorts, and that would ruin your reputation how? What are you reading? Stiles holds up the books so Theo can read the cover. The history of lycanthropy. Theo’s blood runs cold. Do you believe in that? Vampires and werewolves? This book is about werewolves, not vampires. I’m not into twilight. Stiles scoffs. Theo clears his throat, so you believe in werewolves then? Yeah, it’s not hard to believe. Suddenly Theo is at a loss for words. Stiles bookmarks the page he’s on. I’m trying here, Stiles. That earns him a scoff. Maybe… maybe I miss spending time with you, Stiles. Maybe you inspire me. That sounds like bull, Theo. Really, what part? ALL OF IT!! It’s not. Stiles loudly slurps from his juice box. Stiles gets up to leave. Theo grabs his arm. It’s not bull, Stiles. Prove it and let me go!! STILES!! Stiles had now made it to the parking lot as he is not sticking around for any more to Theo’s crap, not today. Today is just not a good day. Theo grabs his shoulder and spins Stiles to face him. Oh boy, is he in for it now. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO BE A FRIEND. THE LAST PERSON WHO TRIED TO BE YOUR FRIEND ENDED UP IN THE HOSPITAL!!! I don’t just want that Stiles. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, THEO! You’re just scared someone wants you!! Why would that scare me, Theo? Because then you wouldn’t be able to hide behind your books and telescope and brother and father… No actually know the real reason you’re scared? Because you want to be with me too!!

Yeah, that went well. Stiles left and Theo ended up in the parking lot alone.

After a shitty day at school Theo decides to work on the car, he crashed running from the Sheriff. Corey showed up. He must have drawn the short straw. He never approaches Theo alone. Corey tries small talk; it gets him nowhere. So that thing with you and Stiles at the play, that was hot, and you guys had sparked. So, you’re together now? What? No, why? Well, you have Tracy thinking that little lip action was very real. What’s with you Theo, it’s like you don’t have time for the pack, for your real friends. Well, Corey, I don’t know buddy, I guess I’m just over it, all of it. Stiles has changed you and you don’t even know it. Let me guess Tracy say that? No, I did. Corey takes a few steps back and leaves.

Stiles is out on his porch sitting on the porch swing reading the same book on lycanthropy. Theo strolls up and Stiles looks up, YOU, he says. Me, Theo responds. He holds a bag out to Stiles. What is it?? I got you something, Stiles. Thank you, Stiles says as he takes the bag. Theo smiles and turns to leave, I’ll see you at school, Stiles. Ok, Stiles says as he smiles like a dope. Theo loves that smile. Mr. Raeken, Sheriff.

Stiles, boys like that, they have… they have expectations. The rules around here won’t change. Dad, I’ve broken every rule you’ve ever imposed, like ten times over. The sheriff ruffles Stiles hair. Stiles pulls the blood-red zip hoodie out of the bag, it’s just a hoodie, dad! Stiles gets up and puts his book and hoodie in the bag and heads into the house. I’m gonna make us some dinner. Stiles takes out his phone to call Liam and see if he is coming home for dinner or is he having dinner with Mason and his family.

Theo is making dinner for himself and his sister. He’s at the stove and seasoning their pot of food. Tara is sitting at the table. I talked to dad today. He said he saw you at the play for all of ten seconds. Sending a check once a month doesn’t make him a father, Tara. Theo, there’s a lot of reasons—He left us, Tara!! You need to forgive him, Theo.

Tracy, Scott, and Isaac are in the hallway looking at the pictures that Tracy took of the play. Isaac makes the comment that Stiles was looking hot that night. Tracy crinkles up her nose, he does not look hot. Scott says, well he did look pretty hunky. Then a lightbulb goes off in Tracy’s mind. She tells the boys to come with her to the computer lab. She plugs in her phone and uploads a provocative almost nude male model and a picture of Stiles she took on play night. She then uploads the pictures to a computer and then opens up photoshop and places Stiles’ head on the male model. She then proceeds to print out at least 100 prints. She then passes them out in front of the school and in the lunchroom. She sees Stiles coming down the hall and grabs him by the arm. My you look handsome in the play. Have you been working out? We should have lunch, come have lunch with me. Stiles just follows her into the lunchroom. All of the students are looking at the flyers that she made. She then takes a copy and says, wow, is that you? No wonder Theo wants you all to himself. Stiles looks around and all of the students are holding a flyer and looking at him, some are even laughing. Theo walks into the lunchroom having seen one of the flyers. He is pissed!! Scott approaches him holding a flyer. Theo grabs hold of Stiles and spins him around and tells him, looks this is about me, not you, stay right here. Hey, man no wonder you keep him locked up, I had no idea all that was under this, as he points to Stiles. Theo rips the flyer from Scott’s hands and then pushes him. Scott pushes back and Theo hauls off and punches him, hard, and square in the jaw. Scott spits blood, we’re done, we are done!! Come on Stiles let's get out of here. Scotts calls out, you’re a chicken shit!! Baby, I’m sorry, they’re animals, are you ok, do you want me to take you home? I’m fine and yes, please take me home. Liam can drive the Jeep back. He knows how to start it without a key. I’ll text him. Theo pulls up in front of Stiles’ house. Stiles, I wanna ask you something, will you go out with me? I can’t I'm sorry. Oh, you’re busy, I get it. No, it’s, well, I don’t date. My family depends on me. Oh, ok. Stiles thanks Theo again and get out of his car and heads on into his house.

Theo pulls up to the Sheriff’s station. He parks and walks in. He asks for the Sheriff at the desk. The Sargent having dealt with Theo before just yells over his shoulder, SHERIFF.

The sheriff comes to the front and waves for Theo to come back to his office. The sheriff motions for Theo to sit on the couch. Can I help you Mr. Reaken? Yes, sir, I’d like to ask to take Stiles out this Saturday night. The sheriff laughs and says, I’m afraid that’s not possible. With all due respect, I’d urge you to reconsider, sir. With all due respect, I’ve made my decision. You can exit the way you entered. Look, Sheriff, I know I haven’t treated Stiles with the respect he deserves. I’m just asking you to have faith in me.

Theo comes up to Stilinski's house at 7 pm on Saturday to take Stiles out on a date, it’s just dinner. It’s an outdoor restaurant Stiles sits and takes a menu, and he looks and says to Theo, oh no, Theo all of this is very expensive. Don’t worry about it, order what you want. It’s covered. Stiles isn’t about to take advantage of Theo, so he orders a moderately priced meal. Stiles notices that there is a dance floor and asks Theo if he’d care to dance. Theo responds to him saying he doesn’t dance. Stiles assumes he means in public but then Theo lets out that he doesn’t know HOW to dance. Stiles chuckles and stands up and holds his hand out for Theo to grab onto and drags him to the small dance floor. Stiles tells Theo just to follow his lead. After a few times of stepping on Stiles’ feet, Theo finally gets it. They leave after one dance. Theo admits that on his “to do” list his number one is getting out of Beacon Hills. Stiles hums and says, getting out isn’t the problem, it’s finding out what to do after leaving Beacon Hills, that will be the challenge.

Theo gets Stiles into the car but doesn’t immediately take him home. Stiles asks where Theo is taking him. Theo just chuckles and says, you’ll see when we get there. A short time later they arrive at the county line. Theo pulls over and exits the car and calls Stiles as he jogs up a few feet on the road. He grabs onto Stiles’ shoulders and tells him, put one foot here and one foot here. Stiles does as instructed but is puzzled. He asks what this is all about and what Theo has him doing. Theo then tells him that he’s straddling the county line. That he is in two places at once. Stiles lets out a laugh, and honest-to-goodness laugh and just launches himself into Theo’s arms. Theo catches him and they hug. Theo then takes them to that marina and parks overlooking the lake from the parking lot. Theo pulls out some temporary tattoos. Ok, Stiles Pick one. Barbed wire, a rose and a heart or a wolf and a full moon. Stiles picks the wolf. Theo says it’s a great choice. He then asks where he wants it. Stiles said the back of his left shoulder. He pulls his shirt down and Theo presses the tattoo to his shoulder and then applies a wet paper towel ever so gently. He then pulls back to allow the tattoo to transfer from the plastic to Stiles’ skin. He then leans in close and blows on the tattoo. Stiles’ skin seems to sparkle in the moonlight and the light of the parking lot. Theo can’t help it and runs his fingers across the exposed skin. All the while never breaking eye contact with Stiles. They then exit the car and walk along the boardwalk at the marina. Theo reaches for Stiles’ hand and Stiles intertwines their fingers. Stiles then says it’s like the wind, I can’t see it, but I can feel it. When Theo asks what Stiles is talking about, Stiles says that it’s something his mother used to say about love. Stiles turns to look at Theo, Theo looks at him and says to him, I might kiss you. Stiles responds back that he might be bad at it. Theo assures him, that’s not possible.

Stiles, I love you. Stiles just stands there looking at him. Theo is getting nervous, now would be a good time to say something.

I told you not to fall in love with me, is what Stiles finally says back. Theo just leans in and takes another kiss from Stiles, and Stiles lets him. They then lean their foreheads on each other, and Theo pulls back and kisses Stiles on his forehead.

The next day Theo and Stiles walk up to the school hand in hand. Theo passes by his old pack of friends. The school day flies by. They get the occasional points and stares but nothing more. After school Stiles and Theo hang out at the Stilinski house and go for a walk after sunset. They come back holding hands. The sheriff sees this and goes outside. Stiles say good night to Mr. Reaken. Theo, go home. The night is over!! The boys say their goodnight to each other. Stiles, your behavior is awful. You act with that boy like you’re—like I’m in love with him, dad? Stiles interrupts. Stiles, you’re a child!! No dad, I’m not, I’m 18! Well Stiles, stop acting like a child and tell that boy the truth!!

I love him, dad!! Well, be fair to him before things get worse. Stiles heads on into the house following his dad.

The next night Stiles is at the cemetery with his telescope. Theo pulls up. Stiles asks Theo to help him with his telescope. Theo does and asks Stiles what he told his father. Stiles says that he told his father the truth, he just didn’t mention that Theo was meeting up with him. Stiles sets up the telescope while Theo is digging in his bag. Stiles asks Theo what he wants to see. Theo responds with Pluto. Stiles informs him that Pluto is only visible a few minutes before sunrise. Theo then walks over to Stiles with a sheet of paper. Theo asks Stiles to find a star from the map. Stiles does with ease. Stiles then asks what’s so special about this star. Theo then informs him and presents him with a piece of paper saying that he had that star named after Stiles and showed Stiles the certificate. Stiles looks up at Theo and finally says it, I love you. Theo then holds his face and kisses him. Stiles moans and Theo pulls back. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m stopping. You just do something to me, Stiles. They lay down on blankets that Theo had brought. Stiles is laying against Theo’s chest. Theo asks Stiles what his number one is on his list of things to do. Stiles finally answers him. To get married at the same venue that his mother and father did.

The next morning Theo is walking into his back yard where his sister is sitting at the table that they have back there. Looks like she is going thru the bills. Theo walks up and grabs her from behind. He scares her and she hollers at Theo. She then asks him if he’s just getting home. Theo says yes. Tara says she would have been worried had she known he was still out. Theo just chuckles. Sorry, Tara. She sighs and asks Theo if he was with Stiles. Theo says yes, he was. Tara then scolds him. Theo be careful, that’s the Sherriff’s son!

Stiles and Theo are out on a date and are walking through town. They are walking past a show when Hayden and Tracy exit right in front of them. They hear a piece of the conversation. I was so drunk I don’t even remember…

Well, that’s great from citizen high to citizen low, Theo says. Stiles doesn’t say anything, hasn’t really said anything all night. Theo asks if he’s nervous about his college applications. Stiles informs him that he didn’t send in any applications. Theo then says, oh, going to do a year in the peace corps? Stiles again says no. Theo stops walking and they sidestep into an alley. I thought you said—no, Theo, you assumed… So, what are you going to do, Stiles?

Theo, I’m sick. I’ll take you home and you’ll be fine. NO, Theo, you don’t understand. I’m sick. I have Frontotemporal dementia. Areas of your brain start to shrink. It's what my mother had. It's the only form of dementia that can hit teenagers... and there's no cure. No, no, Stiles, you’re 18, you perfect. I found out a year or so ago. I stopped responding to treatments. So why didn't you tell me? The doctor said I should live life normally, as best I could. I didn't want anybody to be weird around me. - Including me? -- Especially you! I was getting along fine. I accepted it, and then you happened! I do not need a reason to be angry with God, My dad, the universe. Stiles turns and runs away. He calls Liam and tells him to come to pick him up at the park.

Liam shows up in the jeep and walks over to Stiles who’s sitting on the swing. He walks up to Stiles and puts his hand on his shoulder and asks if Stiles is ok. Stiles says he’s fine. Liam calls him on his bullshit. Stop lying to me. I’m not a little kid anymore. Was it Theo, did he do something to you? No, Liam. It wasn’t Theo, well it was, and it wasn’t. Liam, there’s something I need to tell you. I have Frontotemporal dementia. I found out about a year or so ago. I was on experimental treatments, but they stopped working. I stay up at night because sometimes I think I see things. I’ve seen a pair of red eyes out of my window before. I swear I’ve seen students at the school with yellow glowing eyes, but I know that can’t be real so I must be entering the late stages of the disease. That’s all he can say before the dam breaks and he’s a sobbing mess. Liam just holds him and rubs his back. ‘It’s ok, I’ve got you, Stiles’ is what Liam just keeps saying over and over. When Stiles finally manages to get a hold of himself Liam drives them to the red shack to get Stiles some curly fries. When they get home Liam changes into his PJs and then goes right to Stiles’ room. He tells Stiles to move over and gets into bed with him. Liam knows what it’s like to have nightmares and night terrors, being the good brother that he is, he opts to stay with Stiles, so he knows he’s not alone in the night.

Across town, Theo has broken the speed limit on every street he’s been on. He finally arrives at his father’s house. He beats on the door and calls for his dad to come to answer the door. When his father finally does come to the door, he tells him that his boyfriend, Stiles, is sick and he needs to come to see him. That he has a brain problem. Dr. Reaken explains that he’s a cardiologist and not a neurosurgeon. Theo gets pissed and runs to his car and squeals his tires as he drives away. Theo never goes home and never goes to bed. Corey finds him by the lake and approaches him. He urges Theo to talk to him. Theo just says that Stiles is the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

Theo lays flowers on the porch. There are already about 12 bouquets on the porch. Theo just happens to see the Sheriff and asks to relay to Stiles that he’s not going anywhere. Theo then leaves and returns back home. He’s working on his car. As he finishes and closes the hood, he sees Stiles standing there. I'm so sorry, Theo. I should’ve told you sooner! No, Stiles, I’m sorry, I made you do too much. Theo, if anything you kept me healthy longer. Theo then asks, are you scared? To death is Stiles’ answer. Lighten up, Theo. It’s not funny, Theo says as his eyes well up, and tears threaten to spill over.  Stiles sees this and admits that he’s scared of not being with Theo.

Scott pulls up as Theo is packing up Stiles’ telescope. So, I talked to Corey, do you need any help with this stuff? Theo just smiles and says yeah and hands Scott some stuff to carry to the car. Theo drives to the Stilinski house. He plans on building a bigger, better telescope so that Stiles can see a comet that is passing by in a week. Stiles awakens to the sound of a circular saw cutting something. He looks out the window to see Theo constructing a telescope. The sheriff comes into Stiles’ room as Stiles is looking out the window. The sheriff asks, what is that boy doing in the back yard. Stiles’ face suddenly goes pale. The sheriff rushes to his side and catches him as Stiles falls and faints.

STILES, STILES, STILES LOOK AT ME!! ANSWER ME!! STILES, STILES. LIAM CALL 9-1-1, IT’S YOUR BROTHER. Liam in the trunk of my police car there’s an AED, get it and have Theo come up here. I don’t think he’s breathing. Stiles, come on Stiles, stay with me. I’m not ready to let you go yet. Just stay with me just a while longer. Liam and Theo come rushing up the stairs. Theo places Stiles flat on the floor, he has Liam lift up Stiles’ shirt and Theo unzips the AED bag and places the pads on Stiles. He then presses the power button. The AED boots up and says Stand clear, analyzing. Shock recommended. Press the flashing red button. Theo pushes the button. The AED says stand clear and shocks Stiles. Heartbeat detected the AED says. All three men breathe a sigh of relief. Just then they hear the sirens of the ambulance.

Stiles is away and lying in the hospital bed. Theo is at his side. The sheriff comes in and asks for a moment alone with Stiles. Theo bumps shoulders with Liam and tells him to come with him, that he’ll show him how to get two candies for the price of one. The sheriff sits next to Stiles. You know, when I lost your mother... I couldn't look at you for days. But you took care of your little brother, you stepped up to the plate, and you didn’t whine, hell, Liam listens to you better than he listens to me. He respects you, adores you, and looks up to you. He loves you so much. Theo and Liam arrive back in the room with handfuls of candy. They drop it all on Stiles’ bed. Theo sits next to him and holds his hand. Theo… hmm, Theo says around a mouthful of candy bar. Do me a favor, when I die, when I pass, I want you to look in on my dad and my brother. Make sure they’re eating right, that Liam is doing his homework and going to school. Theo so badly wants to tell Stiles that he’ll be fine and that he’ll outlive all of them. But Theo’s done his research. He knows there’s no coming back from this.

Later in the evening, Theo is again visiting Stiles after Stiles made him leave and take a few hours to sleep. Theo enters the room and asks how Stiles is feeling. Stiles tells him he feels fine. He also says he has something for Theo, He hands Theo a book, Theo looks puzzled, so Stiles tells him not to worry, it’s not a bible. It’s a quote book Stiles explains. "What is a friend? It's a single soul dwelling in two bodies. Aristotle." "Find out who you are... ...and do it on purpose." That's Dolly Parton. "Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful." As visiting hours come to an end Theo kisses Stiles and tells him he’ll stop by in the morning before school.

As promised Theo stops by to see Stiles, but as he’s making his way down to the room, Stiles is being wheeled out. Theo asks what’s going on. Stiles says that he gets to go home and to have Theo thank his father for him. Still puzzled, Theo looks to the sheriff. The sheriff explains that Theo’s dad is paying for home health care so that Stiles can die in his bed, in his home, and not in some hospital. Theo doesn’t go to school that day. He instead drives to his dad’s to thank him. He also immediately finishes building the telescope. The sheriff and Liam help. Theo finishes it just in time for all of them to view the comet pass by. They say it may not pass by again for another 500 years. After viewing the comet, Theo asks if Stiles loves him. Stiles responds he does. Theo asks him for a favor. Stiles says anything. Marry me. Will you marry me, Stiles? Yes. Stiles is weak and just hums as Theo holds him.

Stiles if there was a way I could cure you, make it to where you would live to be 80, 90, or even 100 years old, and all you had to do was let me bite you, would you do it? Well, I’d like to be able to spend more time with my brother and father, but we’ve all already made our peace with what’s going to happen. But let’s just say for the sake of argument, would you take the bite in exchange for the cure?

Stiles chose not to take that bite. They did get married at the same venue that Stiles & Liam’s parents did. Theo and Stiles burned hot that summer and at the end of summer Stiles went peacefully in his sleep.

Stiles never learned Theo’s secret, that he was a werewolf and that it was his red eyes that he saw from the window so many nights. Theo stops in and checks on the Sheriff and Liam at least once a week. Every night Theo looks at Stiles’ picture and howls. He regrets not biting Stiles, but he would never have turned Stiles against his will.