Work Text:
It was a holiday and Steve really hoped he’d get to relax during it, but given Hopper and Joyce had stayed in Hawkins while he was essentially trying to keep track of everyone younger than that, he doubted it. Especially when he noticed the guy further along the street and had to ask, “Hey is carrying a bat around needed here?”
“Sometimes, why? You just moved in?” The man turned, barely moving the bat away from Steve and looking him over as if assessing whether he was a threat.
“On holiday and the shitheads get into-” Steve looked around for Dustin who had been explaining something to him a moment before but had fallen quiet before he stopped the guy with the bat. “Dustin?”
The guy he’d started speaking to groaned and followed when he headed towards the woods, “Why are you heading into the woods? Surely if your friends wandered off they’d be in the shops or not?” The guy wasn’t quiet for long after noticing Dustin stood a bit further into the woods than they were, though still thankfully near the edge, “Your friend is tracking? And a kid? What? Is this really a holiday for you?”
He’d got his phone out and seemed to be texting someone when Steve let out a heavy sigh, turning back to him. “With Dustin around, a holiday is only in intentions.” He explained, before calling to the kid, “And where are the others?”
“With El. I saw these and…” Dustin turned, grinning and clearly excited over whatever it was but Steve was not in the mood, especially with the stranger he’d tried speaking to holding the bat more tightly as if they could be a threat now.
“And we’re on holiday, staying out of whatever you’re about to say!” He cut off.
Dustin rolled his eyes, “But Steve, it’s wolf fur!”
“Even more reason to leave the woods. Come on.” He caught Dustin’s wrist and started tugging them out, noticing a smirk on the face of the man who’d followed them.
“There are no wolves here. None at all. Occasionally we get mountain lions so it’s more likely to be their fur.” The explanation made Steve groan by how practised it was; that was not going to change Dustin’s mind at all.
Predictably Dustin glared at the stranger, holding the fur closer to himself. “It’s wolfs fur. I know it is.”
“Dustin, no.” He pinched his nose, only slightly grateful he’d got them back to the road.
“Would you prefer I ask why he’s got a bat?” He argued, gesturing to the stranger, “Or go to find out if there’s a lab here too? I bet ours wasn’t the only one.”
Steve only just stopped himself from slapping a hand over Dustin’s mouth, wondering if there was anything he could do to steer the conversation away from NDA subjects.
Then of course the man had to ask, “Lab?”
“We’re from Hawkins. Please don’t make me explain.” He was two steps from actually begging and already doing so in his thoughts, “And actually Dustin, sure. Go find the library and search for secret labs.” If he was praying that would actually work as a distraction, that was Steve’s business alone.
Dustin brightened at the agreement, clearly thinking he’d won something. “I’m looking up wolves too!”
“Focus on the labs, Buddy.” The stranger clicked his tongue, and Steve really needed to ask his name, probably while apologising for Dustin. “Sounds like something you’d have better luck with.”
~
With Dustin deposited at the library and Stiles having introduced himself and shown them the way it seemed like the holiday just might be actually relaxing for Steve when Robin came hurrying down the street Stiles had been leading him down.
He was even smiling hearing her yelling, and trying not to laugh at her run. “Steve and who’s this? I just saw the perfect dream!”
“Hey Robs, this is Stiles apparent expert in local wildlife.” He introduced, noticing the curious look at that comment but looking around to hopefully avoid it being questioned more, “Dream where?”
“Well Nance was looking into interesting things about here and we went on a hike. Total blonde bombshell met us. She’s got Nancy asking tons of stuff now, but I couldn’t-” Robin flailed about, expressing how flustered she’d felt. That reaction was enough for Steve to know how hot she thought this woman was but Stiles cleared his throat, looking pretty amused by Robin too.
“She’s called Erica at my guess.” He offered, shrugging at their focus, “You’re lucky Derek didn’t come to chase you off instead.”
Robin grinned, leaning around Steve as if having him between them helped her ask, “Can you introduce me to her properly?”
“Would you be able to talk to her normally if he did?” Steve snarked, snickering when he got elbowed for it.
Stiles nodded but cautioned, “She’s dating Boyd but probably I could. About Nancy though, is there any way to distract her from whatever she’s found interesting?”
“Nope.” The reply was instant for Steve. He wasn’t planning on trying, no matter how much he’d been enjoying getting to know Stiles so far.
Robin paused however, looking at him as she began, “Jonathan might-”
“He can’t. I’ve been him before.” Steve cut her off, shaking his head and explaining a little further for Stiles, “It’s either go along with her or she’ll go it alone unless there’s something else for her to focus on.”
Stiles nodded at the comment, glancing back the way Robin had come from before deciding to lead them away from it. He was clearly hiding something, just as much as they would if someone new to Hawkins asked about the lab but Steve didn’t think they needed to worry about it yet.
~
Since meeting Steve and Robin, Stiles had decided to become their tour guide for Beacon Hills and was trying to get any small details over the things that Dustin kid had mentioned. Since it sounded like the pack had already met some of the other people Steve was on holiday with he was happy to slowly learn about them without calling anyone else.
That didn’t stop them calling him and he wasn’t entirely surprised Derek did it himself. “Hi Derek, what’s-”
“Unknown hunters are in town.” Stiles glanced at Steve, gesturing to his phone and walking away. A greeting like that was always concerning, but right now he was hopeful it was also wrong.
“Who? How do we know?” He asked, watching the pair to try and spot if they could hear the call.
Derek sounded annoyed as he replied, “Some woman called Nancy turned up on the reserve with a gun in her bag.”
“Nancy had a gun?” He asked freezing where he’d wandered a little away from Steve and Robin before turning to call, “Steve!”
“What?” Derek asked as the same time as Steve did, jogging over.
“Guy I met, knows Nancy but doesn’t act like a hunter, just someone trying to have a holiday with very nosey friends, who carry guns?” He explained mostly to Derek but turning the end into a question for Steve.
He sighed in response, explaining, “I told her not to bring them. Our home town got her paranoid. What’s Nancy done?”
Derek must have heard him too as he responded, “I’m coming to you.” only after Steve had finished speaking.
“Derek that’s not-” Stiles tried to stop him but the call was hung up before he finished. “Guess you get to meet Derek soon. Why’d you pick Beacon Hills for your holiday?” He’d wanted to ask that from the moment Steve had said they were on holiday but now it seemed like a vital thing to know. Either to be sure of the excuse they had or to reassure Derek whenever he found them. Glancing around Stiles decided to start directing them to his home, since hopefully the Sherriff’s house was a decent place to meet with potential threats.
“El suggested it.” Steve replied, looking like he might explain more before another kid around Dustin’s age ran up to him, tugging him a few steps away from Stiles.
She glared, raising one had and saying, “Steve! I will keep you safe.”
“El? Safe from what?” He asked, leaning around her before stepping between her and Stiles again, “Cause I doubt I need protecting from Stiles who’s been helping me find my way around.”
He could see more kids coming over, including Dustin who must have left the library at some point since Stiles got him there. Robin moved to talk with them while checking her phone, frowning.
Before Stiles could say anything more, Steve sighed heavily, whistling to get everyone’s attention. “Guys, this is Stiles, my new friend. If you’ve decided there’s something to worry about, can it, and let’s follow him somewhere to calm down and talk.”
~
Whoever Derek was, he only took another five minutes to find them, just long enough that Steve had introduced everyone and convinced El that at least Stiles wasn’t a threat. They were still a few streets away from wherever Stiles was leading them, Steve guessed, and thought Stiles was wishing he’d taken a different route given the look he was directing at the house next to them. He was very frustrated at not having managed more as well as the implication the kids had found something worth El using her powers against.
Given the man that came running up hadn’t looked entirely human and still had glowing red eyes, Steve kind of got the concern, but that was one of Stiles’s friends that El had thrown and was holding against the windows of a house near them. “El! Let him down!”
“What?” Stiles had been listing something since the momentary shock of Derek being thrown wore off but Steve hadn’t been listening, but now he was looking from the man, to Steve, to El and clearly trying to figure out what was going on, before just asking, “What’s happening?”
El glared at him before stating to Steve simply, “He’d hurt you.”
“He’s Stiles’s friend. Put him down!” He insisted still, mostly just hoping that he was right about not getting hurt if Derek was freed.
Her hand remained steady and her nose started to bleed, “No.”
“I will call Hopper and Joyce to cancel this entire holiday. Put him down so we can talk peacefully.” Steve faced her directly, standing just to the side of where she was holding Derek. This was not how he wanted any day of their holiday to go, let alone the first day there.
“But-”
“No. I don’t give a damn what spying you’ve done, what fur Dustin found or what news report Nancy is obsessed with,” He cut off the argument, and threw a glare at the rest of the group for good measure, “If you all can’t give me a peaceful holiday without attacking innocent strangers we’re all going back to Hawkins!”
“Steve?” Nancy and Jonathan came running up, watching Steve warily before looking from El to Derek as their gazes sharpened, settling back on Steve again.
Looking back at where Robin had the rest of the party he huffed, “All of you sit on the curb and wait. Nance, give Stiles your gun or guns. They have every reason not to trust us thanks to you now and I am not letting my holiday become a Starcourt mess cause you can’t keep your noses clean. Why haven’t you set Derek down yet?” He glared at the group, gesturing to the curb, Stiles and Derek when referring to them and ready to push everyone into sitting.
Nancy glared at him, and stepped away when Stiles approached, holding his hands out for the guns, but did give in after meeting Steve’s glare again. She had at least learnt when he was being serious and leading a situation to try and calm it down at some point.
“Sorry Steve.” El said, finally lowering the man down after seeing Nancy follow his instructions, and moving to sit with everyone while Stiles moved to check on Derek.
“Thanks Steve, looks like we definitely need to talk though.” Stiles said a moment later, looking their group over and rolling his eyes when Derek growled.
The door to the house opened then a man looking over all of them calmly. “Talking seems sensible but do you have to here?”
“Sorry Chris.” Stiles quickly stepped forwards before Steve could decide how to approach the newcomer. “Didn’t plan for this. Apparently holiday makers from Hawkins are nosey.”
The man stiffened, frowning now and looking towards Steve with a gaze that felt like it could reveal all his secrets.
Stiles noticed the look too and exchanged a glance with Derek before asking, “What’s up with that look? Do you know something about Hawkins?”
“Rumours,” He replied, opening the door wider and gesturing for everyone to come in. “Everyone said it wasn’t supernatural but wasn’t normal either. Kept resolving itself before any hunters could get there.”
Steve shook his head when the kids started to stand, uncertain whether they should trust Chris. Anybody knowing something about Hawkins and talking as if he’d heard more details than the news reports was not someone he wanted to immediately trust.
“Resolving itself? We sorted it and what good would hunters do anyway? Deer and wildlife were nothing to do with it.” Mike scoffed, not sitting down again but not taking any steps at least.
“Shut it Wheeler.” Steve distractedly chided, still watching the scene closely. He’d noticed Stiles saying he didn’t seem like a hunter earlier and definitely had the impression that neither he nor this Chris meant people hunting normal wildlife.
Chris met his gaze before relaxing a little. “It’s not good to talk about these things on the streets. Would you like to come in?”
That was an argument Steve couldn’t argue against, but he wanted to. He was sure that going in would mean breaking their NDA’s in a major way and he could only hope that nobody in power would learn about it. Nancy had already gone in before he’d decided to go in.
~
“Sooo, small towns in America, not good places to go or live?” Stiles asked, coming into the Argents garden where Steve had retreated during the kids second wave of questions. He really wished that this had happened in front of basically anyone else’s home, just so he could have avoided spending longer here.
Steve glanced over him, sardonic in his amusement. “Doesn’t seem it. Sorry about everyone.”
“Nah, I’d be the same.” He waved the apology off, “Hell, I was. Got Scotty and me into it cause I was reading through reports Dad brought home.”
“The guy who dates a hunters daughter?” He laughed a little at the implication they’d have managed to stay out of it given that detail had been shared, “You sure he wouldn’t have got you involved if you hadn’t beaten him to it?”
Stiles grinned back at him, playfully lowering his voice, “Scotty can be very oblivious even now so I doubt it.” There was an offended yelp from inside the house, only proving the werewolf hearing that had been mentioned while sharing their stories.
Quiet fell between them for a while before Steve decided to ask about something he’d suspected since El threw Derek, “Hey, was it over Dustin or Nancy which made you offer to show me around?” It definitely felt like that offer had been to keep watch over the group rather than an innocent friendly gesture.
“You asked about my bat” Stiles replied easily, shrugging at the confused glance the words got, “And yeah, innocent question really, but the amount of times innocent questions have turned out not to be is high. Those two just seemed like blundering fools, easily dealt with if they ended up a threat.”
Steve got it then. He’d been the one to spot details others dismissed until he proved them before, even if he wasn’t the researcher Stiles seemed to be for his group. “But no one would accept that reasoning without more happening, right?”
“Right, which like, I get things right more than them with their super sniffers and they just ignore me or threaten me to get more info. Rude and so annoying.” The reply was easily given, with a look back to the house as if knowing that would get some reaction they were missing.
“Really though, werewolves?”
“They showed you! Don’t go doubting now.” Stiles turned back to him, grin showing he got the teasing and would return it easily, “And you’re one to talk; secret labs, government conspiracies and superpowered kids?”
Steve waved one hand around them, “It’s an insane life.”
“Definitely.” For a moment Stiles watched, considering but continued without fully knowing what he’d say, “Would a holiday fling make it more or less normal?”
“You offering or trying to set me up with one of the pack?” Steve asked, trying to remember who was dating who in the group they’d met so far.
“Offering.” Stiles was genuine as leant closer to say, “You’re hot as hell and haven’t threatened me even once.”
“Er, okay.” Steve frowned at the addition, before deciding not to immediately comment, “Give me your number and address. I’ll pick you up at 7 tonight and show you that not getting threatened is a bar that’s miles too low.”
~
When they got back to the hotel Steve didn’t hesitate in dragging Robin with him to the room he’d agreed to share with Dustin, yelling at the kids to rearrange room pairings as he needed his best friend. She’d been amused by that until he’d actually explained his plans for the evening.
“You’re what?” She asked, staring at him dumbfounded as he started pulling clothes from his suitcase, putting some in the drawers and wardrobe in the room and leaving others out.
He glanced over at her, holding a pair of jeans against himself, “Taking Stiles on a date, Robin, obviously.”
“And you’re attracted to guys since when?” Robin looked at the jeans and shook her head while asking the question, reaching to pull another pair out for him to consider.
Steve hesitated then, realising that for all the times he’d almost brought the subject up to her he never actually had. Admitting that now was probably not the best way to have done it, but it’s what he had to go with, “Been figuring that out slowly for a while.”
“And I never got told before you got a date?” She looked at him dubiously, before putting one of the tops he’d left out with the jeans she’d suggested and pulling another couple out to compare them.
“His bar is not getting threatened, Robs!” The explanation had been wanting to burst out since Stiles had included that in reasons to ask Steve out. IT was the main reason he needed Robin to talk about his date with, “Someone needs to treat him right and I’m gonna. He’s gorgeous and needs to know it!”
Robin dropped the tops and folded onto the bed they’d left clear before speaking as fast as he’d ever heard her even around her crushes, “People who ask him out threaten him? Or is it people he gets crushes on? Has he been abused? Do we like need to get him somewhere safe? Your first boyfriend can’t be abused, Steve!”
By the time Steve was heading out for the date they’d come up with a few signs to look for in case Stiles had been abused in a relationship before as well as a list of things they could feasibly do to help if he was still getting threatened. He was holding out hope that it wouldn’t be needed though.
~
Stiles sometimes wondered if he should be more upset that it felt like his window was used to enter the house more than the front door. He definitely thought he should be more concerned than he actually was to hear the window opening as he was getting changed.
“Who’s threatened you?” Derek demanded, sounding annoyed though whether that was because he’d been ignored or thought something had happened he hadn’t been told about Stiles wasn’t sure.
“Hi Derek, nice to see you. Can’t chat. I’m getting ready for a date.” He cheerfully replied, carrying on deciding on a top to wear.
A hand on his shoulder turned him to face Derek, voice laced with concern as he added to Stiles’s sentence, “With Steve who’s worried you’ve been threatened by a date before.”
“You listened in on them.” He stated, shaking his head and stepping away, refusing to answer so he couldn’t be caught lying and with Derek asking there was no chance he’d say the truth.
“Who’s threatened you before?” Of course that only got the question repeated again. Sucks that those rules of three people spoke about didn’t work for questions or on people.
“Nobody I’ve dated. Don’t worry about it.” Stiles patted Derek’s in a hopefully soothing way, decided on the top he’d wear now and changing into it, “Steve’s sweet, isn’t he? All worried after knowing me a day. Is he pulling up now? See you, let yourself out.”
~
Steve was hopeful the date would go well, but his phone ringing just as they sat down didn’t seem like a good start. “Hopper? I’m on a date, what now?”
“We’re coming to you. Finally got reports from that place you picked for a holiday and I don’t like it.” He could hear the engine in the background, making it clear that Hopper was literally already on his way.
“Don’t like what?” After the day they’d had Steve could imagine a few things Hopper wouldn’t like but none that he’d expect to be in police records.
Hopper made an annoyed noise, somewhere between a huff and a grunt, “Any case Beacon Hills have released in the last year or so.”
“That’s an abuse of your position. It has to be. Why would you do that?” The comment was made out of frustration, especially given there had been no comment about Hopper doing this before they left or at least none mentioned to him in all Joyce and Hopper’s lectures on making sure the kids stayed safe.
“To look after El.”
Steve let out a frustrated noise, “I’m sending you Chris’s number.”
“What’s happening?” Stiles asked then, having looked amused while listening to the call before that point.
“Hopper apparently looked at your police records. He’s the chief in Hawkins.” Steve frowned apologetically at him, holding the phone to his chest as he answered.
Stiles immediately started writing a number on a napkin to shove at him. “Don’t give him Chris’s number. My dad’s the sheriff.”
“Steve!” The yell made him bring the phone back to his ear.
“I said already I’m on a date,” He stated knowing that if given the chance Hopper would complain about getting ignored too, “With the sheriff’s son no less. You’ll get the sheriff’s number and can bug Nancy if you’re overreacting more.”
As he hung up then Steve barely took a moment to send the number over before turning his phone off completely, ready to enjoy the date without anyone else making him responsible for all his friends or the holiday’s success.
~
The date had been going well so far, and they’d even decided to stay for dessert when Stiles had started asking about other relationships Steve had been in. It felt embarrassing but at least they could both laugh over the stories.
“So who is hot but threatens you?” Steve felt bad for asking but he was curious as well as worried. Plus talking about relationships felt like the right time to ask this, even if Stiles immediately stilled.
He flailed a moment later, looking astounded the question had been asked. “What? Why would there be anyone like that?”
“Cause you said that I’m hot and don’t threaten you. Mentioned it to Robin and she’s currently probably planning ways to get you to safety if you’re being abused. I thought asking about the more innocent scenario was better. Who do you like that threatens you so you won’t ask them out?” The explanation was easily given, and Steve watched as Stiles grew amused.
The answer was calm now and resolute. “Nobody.”
Steve thought for a moment before nodding, smiling back and remembering someone he could call hot but threatens him, “Okay, guess I’m not someone you’d want to talk to about it, but trust me, same. Been through that, but unfortunately couldn’t get the guy to survive beyond that mess.”
“Was it Eddie?” Stiles immediately asked, looking excited to learn more and get to know Steve more at the same time as he rambled, “In all the stuff mentioned about Hawkins only Eddie got most of your group to react when talking of deaths. Like Nancy tried to hide then argue when talking about Barbara, and the Byers both seemed down about that guy, nobody was happy over the three before Eddie either but that wasn’t grief. Eddie’s name got grief. Peter managed to come back from the dead once but I’ve tried avoiding looking into necromancy. Too much temptation there that would likely make things worse if I attempted it. Nope stopping talking, sorry.”
He nodded slowly, reluctant to talk about Eddie too much, “Yes it was Eddie, but after that rant I’d really like an answer to my question.”
“You heard what we said about werewolves, right? Superhearing, poor sense of privacy?” Stiles asked, leaning as far back in his chair as he could without toppling over and looking around the restaurant, “Just cause I haven’t spotted of them deciding to just happen to have a meal where we are does not mean they aren’t. Derek has already been listening in on you and Robin tonight.”
Steve laughed, deciding not to look around himself, even if Stiles was the Sheriff’s son that seemed like it’d make people think they were doing something suspicious. “Point, okay back to first date questions then: What’s your favourite film?”
~
The lights were on when Steve dropped Stiles off at home. His Dad had expected that he’d need to pull a double earlier but apparently decided waiting for him was more important. Steve had said that Hopper would probably have called immediately after he hung up so whatever concerns were had must have led to his dad watching the door for Stiles’s return. “Interesting date, Stiles?”
“It was fun but nothing supernatural. Steve’s great.” He reassured immediately, tempted to head straight to his room but deciding avoiding the conversation wasn’t worth it.
“And told a police chief from another state to call me?” If there was one thing he was working on learning from his dad it was the ability to ask a question without phrasing it as such. Combine that with Derek’s usual lack of inflection and he’d be able to ask everyone anything he liked.
He threw himself onto the sofa, “Did you get told why?”
“Yes but why wasn’t I told that by you earlier? Instead of that you were going on a date with someone here on holiday?” Stiles had thought about doing that, and if he’d known one of the adults Steve had mentioned was in the police force he probably would’ve done but instead bonding over the pair had helped relax them into the date.
“Didn’t think we needed to worry.” Simple answers were always the best, but he couldn’t help adding, “Chris, Scott and Derek all know and weren’t concerned about them after the kid stopped levitating Derek.”
His dad raised an eyebrow, replying, “That kid is the chief’s daughter. He sounded quite overprotective when he called.”
“Do you want like anyone else in this town to complain to? I know what it’s like being your son and from what I’ve heard El can be trusted on her own or with her friends and Steve had it under wraps mostly. About as much as our Pack Alpha ever does.” Stiles could have laughed at the comment on overprotectiveness. He knew full well that his dad would be if he could keep track of Stiles’s thoughts, tangents and impulsive decisions compared to planned deceptions to fight something in the town. It was part of what he reflected back when worrying about his dad’s diet.
~
Robin had been with Max and El, telling them about something when he passed their room and waved to show he was back. She’d gestured broadly until he understood she’d come for details as soon as she could but that still meant their hotel room should be empty.
The figure stood near the window was definitely not welcome, “Who does Stiles need protecting from?”
“Why would I answer someone breaking into my hotel room?” Steve countered, moving to the side of his bed where his bat was stored. He might have told Nancy not to carry her guns around here, but he still understood the need to keep some form of protection close.
When Stiles had mentioned Derek listening in on his conversation with Robin earlier he hadn’t expected that to get followed up by the man glaring at him now, “You care for Stiles.”
“Doesn’t change that you broke in.” Steve pointed out.
“Steve! Tell me everything! Was the date good? Did you bring Stiles back? Wait, should I leave? If you brought him back, I should-” Steve cut off the rambling Robin was yelling through the door by opening it.
“Didn’t bring him back, Robs, but apparently someone else invited himself over.” He gestured to Derek and pointedly looked from him to the door he held open.
Robin looked at him too, also trying to shoo him towards the door even while asking, “Derek? Why are you here? Will you leave so I can hear about Steve’s date?”
“Not until he tells me who’s threatening Stiles?” Derek wasn’t moved by either of them, glaring at Steve as if he’d get an answer just by doing that.
Steve met the glare and crossed his arms, closing the door so none of the kids spotted the werewolf’s presence, “He didn’t say. Mentioned that you’d already been listening in on us earlier and he wasn’t sure if any of your pack would follow us. Is that enough for you?”
“You’ve got a guess.” Robin stated, watching him.
He’d known she’d register that and rolled his eyes when the glare was now attempted to be increased by a slow step toward him. “Yeah, but Derek isn’t exactly two people. Besides Scott, no one else seems so focused on Stiles or likely for him to focus on instead.”
“Lydia-”
“Is his friend and a way he avoided an identity crisis.” Steve cut off whatever was going to be said about her. He’d heard the teasing when the story of Beacon Hills was explained enough to know what might’ve happened there, “Spent enough time letting Robin talk about me to others to recognise that pattern. Glad you asked me before faking that crush to the school even if it makes Dustin a pest when he overhears.”
Derek huffed, looking away finally, “He’s always a pest.”
“But-” Robin said leadingly, hoping there was more that he’d say.
“He trusts you, doesn’t believe the threats much now.” Steve pointed out after a moment of quiet, “We only worried cause he mentioned it when asking me out. If possibly being who he meant upsets you, just stop with the threats. Do that anyway actually, cause while I’m dating him I will react accordingly.”
Derek glared at them before turning and jumping out the window Steve was sure had restrictions on how far it would open earlier.
“Friendly guy. Now come on, details please?” Robin leant out of the window watching for a moment even while gesturing with her hand to get Steve talking about his date.
~
After going over every detail of the date with Robin, and complaining about how Derek had acted over the evening Steve finally decided to text Stiles, “Enjoyed our date, didn’t expect a break in by Derek when I got back though.”
“He does that, sorry. I enjoyed it too. When should we have our next?” came the reply moments later accompanied by a few emojis Steve
After thinking for a moment Steve decided he would enjoy the relationship as if it was serious even if it was just while they were here. “Thursday? I’m dragging everyone on a day trip tomorrow so they can’t spend all their time trying to learn more about werewolves.”
“Good luck on that. Thursday sounds great.”
~
Steve half stepped back when a man he hadn’t met yet opened the door. He hadn’t expected Stiles’s dad to be in uniform while at home and now doubted whether he was right to have brought flowers for their second date, given the amused look being directed at them.
“Flowers? You’re serious about my son, aren’t you?” The sheriff asked, glancing over his shoulder to the stairs.
Steve shook his head quickly, well aware neither of them wanted their friends or family to make the dates more than they were, “No, well, we’ve agreed it’s just a holiday romance, Sir, but Stiles deserves all the romance I can include in that. He’s amazing.”
“I’m glad you think so.” He smiled, turning to call, “Stiles! Your date is here!”
Hearing a yelp from up the stairs and being able to wait in the entry way relaxed Steve, and he hoped that no phone calls would interrupt this date, or any others they went on.
~
So far the holiday had been relaxing since that first day. They’d realised that Beacon Hills didn’t have much that was different to Hawkins but just being somewhere new that they could explore was enough to keep most of them entertained thankfully.
Steve had been enjoying having Stiles around, letting him join him whenever the group was split and he had free time, and was getting ready for their third date when Robin rolled to face him where she’d been reading on her bed.
“Doesn’t this feel like he could Nancy you?” She asked, sounding concerned.
“Nope.” The answer was easily given, because despite both Stiles and Nancy being very intelligent they were utterly different beyond that.
She sat up looking at him closely, before pushing, “Steve, he’s already admitted to liking someone else. I don’t want you hurt.”
“He hasn’t.” Steve commented, certain of that, “He’s only offered a holiday romance. Short term, low commitment and mostly fun so we’ll stay friends after it. Probably a safe thing for him too.”
“What?” Robin looked confused and that made sense; she hadn’t seen Stiles on their dates or around the pack as much to notice some of the interactions Steve had.
“Stiles reminds me of Dustin a little, or you with the rambles and explanations he gives.” He started, trying to explain how cautiously Stiles was treating their relationship, “Only he’s better at understanding people and has danced around messy relationships being somewhere in his groups past a couple times. I think a holiday fling is his way of getting the courage to face that.”
Robin slowly nodded, watching him carefully when she asked, “So he’s not going to do anything until we’re gone?”
“Not without telling me first.” Steve knew that if Derek needed him Stiles would be focused on whatever that need was, but he also knew that making sure they both knew where they stood was something they’d promised to keep clear.
~
“Steve!”
“Yes El, what’s up?” Steve didn’t hesitate to turn from Stiles. They’d just been chatting over lunch since the Party had decided to explore the shops and museums separately for most of the day.
“Why did they do everything after Henry but nothing to wolves?” She asked it urgently as if since the thought had come to her it had distressed her entirely.
Stiles frowned at her before squinting towards the shops where Scott was just coming out of the one El had come from. He didn’t doubt something had been said about the FBI having visited Beacon Hills at some point, likely giving a wrong impression unless there was stuff Stiles hadn’t been told again.
“They shouldn’t have done anything you’ve been put through and well-” Steve was trying to reassure her but clearly didn’t have the answers or desire to lie to her with guesses.
“Werewolves have packs and are harder to manipulate.” Stiles cut in, thankfully cutting his floundering off, “From what you’ve shared everything you’ve been through is illegal and should never have happened. That it did is reprehensible but likely because kids are easier to manipulate and control.”
Stiles watched El head back to where Max and Will were waiting for her, “Why do they do that?” There had been a few incidences of the teens Steve had brought on this holiday seeking him out specifically for comfort or advice and he’d been curious each time. It felt similar to some of the things books mentioned about packs treating the caregivers in packs large enough kids didn’t just rely on their parents.
“Do what? Come to me for support?” Steve checked, leaning back on his hand and waving the other arm as if everything was explained with the reply, “You heard our story already.”
He shook his head, nodding back to where the kids were still in view. “No, actually come to you instead of texting or calling. Surely that’s easier.”
“Hawkins has the worst phone signal ever,” Steve groaned, pulling his phone out as if checking to see if there was still signal for it. “Possibly deliberately since El can boost it and that lab listens in on any calls it can. None of us trust our phones much even with Murray, Dustin and Will securing them.”
Stiles gaped for a second, not doubting for a second that a corrupt government could and would cause that but despising the idea that everything they’d been told had happened in Hawkins had that in the background. He had to ask more, especially given all the times they’d mentioned calling one person or a group easily.
Walkie talkies were not what he was expecting to be told the solution was.
~
Goodbyes often feel like they come too soon, but Steve was ready for this one. They’d known it was coming and had enjoyed the time they’d gotten so far. Plus he knew that they weren’t losing touch, just adjusting to working around Hawkins phone signal for a the future. That was why he smiled while hugging Stiles tightly, not releasing him as they pulled back. “Thanks for a wonderful few weeks Stiles.”
“We’re staying in touch, right?” Stiles checked, tapping his fingers along his sides, “Cause I want too. You’re cool and I can talk to you fully over werewolves and weird shit and-”
Steve laughed softly, “Yes, but as friends now and as your friend, I hope you ask Mr Not-so-threatening-now out. It looks like it’ll be complicated but he’s protective of you more than anyone. Just try. I think you and he could figure complicated out.”
“Thanks Steve, I’ll try.” Stiles smiled waiting until Steve had turned back to putting his bags in the car. “By the way, when’d you guess?”
He smiled, moving to climb in the car as he replied, “When he broke in.”
~
“I’m dating Derek!” Stiles cheered as soon as his call connected. Sure he’d already told Scott, and Lydia, and his Dad, but telling Steve was also very important and had only been put off so long because he hadn’t picked up the first five calls.
Steve let out a cheer too, before saying, “You asked him?”
“He asked me!” That felt unbelievable to say but only made the news better, “Thank you do whatever you said to him. He mentioned that break in when asking me out.”
~
Steve wasn’t particularly concerned so far. Just concerned enough to have accepted that the kids were back trying to get into deadly situations and still hadn’t learnt that asking too many questions caused them.
Then again, Wayne Munson had been the one to actually start everyone noticing something odd was happening by asking Nancy if she would report on a stranger amount of animals drained of blood being left around his trailer. He’d also asked Hopper about it, in case it was more creative threats done by the Hawkins general population to him because he was related to Eddie.
Given Dustin was proclaiming vampires now, and that they’d learnt supernatural creatures existed beyond weird Upside Down creatures, Steve had to call Stiles, hoping to confirm whether making things up from fantasy games was needed this time, “Hawkins mess imitating vampires or actual vampires? How to tell?”
“I’ll email ways to test for actual vamps tonight.” Stiles had let out a thoughtful noise, before replying. It was enough to remind Steve that he hadn’t been able to give much information about how the Upside Down creatures worked beyond seemingly having a hive mind.
He decided to make a little small talk instead, assuming the call couldn’t last long since Stiles was likely just on a lunch break. “Thanks how’s Beacon Hills currently?”
“Quiet since Nancy and Lydia found that cleansing and regrowth ritual for the nemeton.” He sounded relaxed and happy, and very amused to add, “Derek’s suspicious of it.”
At the mentioned of Derek, Steve had to check, “He treating you well?”
“Amazingly.”
Steve didn’t need Stiles’s info in the end. When he got home and saw someone waiting it was clear that this was both caused by the Hawkins mess and possibly not as horrible as he’d been worrying.
~
Robin had been watching Steve through their shift, smiling each time she caught him checking or chuckling at his phone until she had to comment, “Beacon Hills did you good, more than any of us, I think.”
“What makes you say that?” He glanced over curiously, placing his phone back in the tray it was meant to stay in while they were working.
“You got Stiles, a second friend I have to share you with.” She moved to lean on his shoulder, nudging him a little, “It’s relaxed you more to have someone like him to talk to.”
Steve leant against her so they’d stay balanced, thinking about the friendship that was still growing since their holiday, “Thanks Robin, I’m glad I met him too. Hey, you think the pack might help the party with whatever kicks off next?”
“Hope so, cause I know you and me will be heading over if anything happens there.” She snickered, only moving back to the counter when a customer approached it, looking around for them.
~
There were a lot of things Steve expected when answering a knock to his door, but a blonde man, looking back at the street and remarking, “So this is the town we got visitors from? Where’s the secret lab I heard of?” Well that wasn’t something he ever expected to happen.
“Who are you and why are you on my doorstep?” He demanded, eyes narrowed and mentally running through what the party would be doing and only relaxing incrementally when he remembered it was a Hellfire evening.
The man smiled, holding a hand out as he turned round, “Peter Hale and because Stiles wouldn’t tell me anyone else’s names, the stubborn boy.”
“Two moments.” Steve stepped back from the door, not minding that Peter used that to invite himself in. He still had his bat on one hand as he grabbed his phone to call Stiles with the other. “Who’s Peter and why’s he here?”
Stiles groaned, but thankfully didn’t complain over the lack of a greeting. “Derek’s uncle. Give him to the lab if it’s reopened.”
He rolled his eyes, seeing how Peter brightened at the instruction, “It’s not, but I’ll send him there anyway, unless he could copy El?”
“Not easily.” Stiles was decisive in that but sounded thoughtful and curious as he continued, “It’d take at least a few months and you’d notice something’s up sooner than that.”
Steve narrowed his eyes at the innocently offended act Peter was putting on, not even bothering to hide that he was listening to the call. “Great. Call to catch up properly tomorrow?”
“Sure, talk then, Steve. Peter, they can kill you If you cause trouble. Behave.” Both men chuckled at Stiles’s chiding, but Steve waited to see if Peter would say anything first.
Gesturing back to the door Peter said, “Insolent. So about that lab?”