Stiles

They arrived at the restaurant and sat in a circle booth. Stiles sat in the booth between Scott, on his left, and Liam, on his right and the end. Next to Scott was Kira, then Malia and Lydia. A pretty, red-haired waitress approached them and and introduced herself as Clary. She asked for everyone's drinks, and obviously Stiles got juice. They got their drinks about five minutes later and ordered their food. (AN: I love the idea of Stiles ordering off the kid's menu but obvi he can't). Stiles got the chicken tenders meal with curly fries on the side.

When they all got their food, they ate and talked about whatever came to mind. The topic landed on basketball which lead to Derek. And Stiles' incredible best friend thought now would be a perfect time to ask about what happened in the hall. His question landed everyone's attention on Stiles. "I only bumped into the guy and said we'd be at the game." It wasn't a complete lie, he just left out all the details and flirting? Is that what that was?

"It looked like you two really hit it off though."

"Scott, Im gonna say it again. I barely even know the guy." Talking about his potential love life was resurfacing memories he'd rather keep buried.

Lydia joined the conversation, "Do you like Derek?"

"No Lyds-"

"But you two would be so cute together. Maybe he likes you." She flashed him a knowing smile and quick wink.

Stiles just shook his head and looked down. "I'm not looking for a relationship right now." Not yet. He sighed and tried to control his emotions. "Liam could you let me out, I'm going to the bathroom." Liam moved for Stiles. The whole table watched him go.

"What was that all about?" Malia asked.

Scott had an idea but wasn't too sure. Besides, it wasn't exactly his place to tell. He kept it simple. "Stiles' last relationship didn't exactly work out right. Its been a few years, but I think he's still a little torn up about it." Everyone at the table sat and took in Scott's words, except Liam. He got up and followed Stiles into the restrooms. He saw the older teen splashing water on his face.

"I'm not good with feelings, but do you want a hug or something?" Stiles laughed a little but accepted the hug.

"Thanks Liam." They broke apart from each other. "You will forever be my favorite sophomore." Liam gave a goofy smile, and they headed back to the table.

time skip to le basketball game

They returned to the school about ten minutes into the game. In the bleachers, the boys sat with each other, and the girls sat a row in front of them. Stiles noticed that Liam looked slightly nervous. Probably because he doesn't know anyone else here. He rested a hand on the younger's shoulder and gave him a smile. He focuses his attention on the court again, eyes looking for the Hale.

"He's 0." He heard Lydia's voice and wondered for a second if she was telepathic. "It's obvious you're looking for him."

"Nah Lydia, you're wrong. Basketball brings me joy, and I am focusing all of my attention on... that joy."

"Whatever you say, Stiles."

The group watched the game, cheering when BHHS scored, and booing the other team when they scored. Stiles got excited every time his team scored and basically became the students section. Throughout the match, Derek found Stiles in the crowd and would smile at him. I'm freaking melting inside.

During halftime they went to the concession stand for popcorn and drinks. A few students spoke with Stiles, inviting him to sit with them, but he declined saying, "I can lead my people from afar." They stood around in the hall for a bit stretching their legs after sitting for an hour and a half. Stiles saw Derek emerge from the gym walking in their direction.

"Hey," he greeted the group but looked mainly at Stiles.

Stiles punched his chest lightly. "Hey yourself, you're doing great out there."

Derek smiled one of his genuine smiles and ran a hand through his slightly sweaty hair. "And it's all thanks to our best cheerleader."

Stiles snorted at the mental image of himself in a crop top and short skirt waving pom poms. "I'm known for many things, but never has anyone called me a cheerleader."

"Seriously Stiles, you're enthusiasm is unmatched. You're pretty much carrying the rest of the SS." (AN: that's student's section. Had to incorporate my own school slang)

Lydia cleared her throat, reminding the two of everyone else's presence. "I'd hate to kill the moment because this conversation has been riveting, but Der, you've got a game to finish. Stiles, we've got snacks to eat and cheering to do."

Derek sighed. "True," he placed a hand on Stiles' shoulder, "I'll see you in the stands?" It sounded less like a question and more like a hopeful statement.

"You know it, big guy." Derek laughed softly at the name and went back into the gymnasium.

Scott turned to his friend, " And you say you're not gay for him. You two just flirted with no shame." The rest of the group nodded or hummed in agreement. Stiles just shook his head and rolled his eyes in response.

"I think you'd be cute together."

"Liam, what are you even doing here?" Stiles asked even though he knew the answer.

He shrugged. "I was forced against my will." The buzzer sounded signifying the end of halftime and start of the third quarter. Reentering the gym, they took their seats; instead however, the girls sat behind the boys. Lydia tried to subtly watch Stiles and gauge his reactions to Derek. She would get them together if it was the last thing she did.

At the end of the game, Derek sunk the winning three, and Stiles wanted nothing more then to run up there and hug the living daylights out of him. He was more subtle about it though, and walked down the steps (like everybody else) to the court.

The team was in the middle of a super secret squad meeting. When finished, Stiles saw Derek shoot him a wink and a smile (AN: anyone know that song?) then head for the locker rooms with the rest of his teammates.

Stiles couldn't help the smile that was growing on his face. I just met the guy, why am I already feeling like this? Lydia definitely noticed their encounter and became even more determined. They all talked for a while waiting for the players to come back out.

"I still don't understand why people find this entertaining."

"Malia, we all know you live under a rock, so of course you don't understand," Stiles said in return. He began biting his nails and slightly bouncing his leg. "Shit," he muttered under his breath. Scott being closest to him heard and pulled him aside for a moment.

"Stiles, man, what's up?"

"What time is it?"

"It's almost 9, why?"

He heard Stiles swear under his breath again. "Because I haven't taken my meds since this morning. Damn how did I forget?"

"That would explain why you were so energetic during the game. Do you want me to call your dad?"

"Uh no, I think I'm just gonna head home early. Tell Derek I said-" Before he could finish, the team came out (of the closet). Some grabbed basketballs for short competitive games, and others just headed for the exit. Derek walked straight to Stiles and his friends. Scott looked to Stiles apologetically, and they walked the couple yards to their friends.

Scott spoke up first, probably to save Stiles from saying something he'd regret later. "Stiles isn't feeling well, so we're gonna head out." This gained the Hale's attention though, and he began asking questions. "Stiles isn't available right now. Please leave a message after the beep."

Derek actually waited for a beep. "There was no beep." Scott and Stiles started to walk to the exit.

"A beep would imply I wanted you to leave a message. Goodbye Derek." He waved at the two and said bye to Stiles' friends before going to his own.

"Wait, what about me?" Liam tried to catch up to his kidnappers, (AN: i am so sorry xD) but they were already driving from the school.

★★★

Hope you enjoyed. Didn't proofread 🤧