DEAD MAN!
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO.
easy as one, two, three.

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STILES GOT ADRIAN UP TO SPEED ON EVERYTHING HE HAD MISSED LAST NIGHT AS THEY ENTERED THE BOYS LOCKER ROOM. Turns out, the redhead missed a lot while trying to figure out all he could about being a Necromancer.

Derek was apparently now on his uncles side, planning to kill Jackson had Chris Argent and his group of hunters not shown up. They ended up shooting Scott instead, who was later saved by his boss, Deaton. Derek's now suddenly missing and Peter even visited the animal clinic in hopes of getting Scott.

And, the icing on the cake, Coach was now banning Scott from going to the formal as he was failing classes. Which leads up to now . . .

"And I thought missing an episode of Game of Thrones was bad." Adrian muttered, joining his boyfriend in talking to Scott and Jackson.

Boyfriend. It still felt weird calling Stiles that. He liked it of course, it just felt weird and foreign to him. After all, Adrian had never been with a guy before . . . or anyone for that matter.

"You want me to take her to the formal?" Jackson said, gesturing to himself as Stiles closed his locker shut; leaning against it with Adrian beside him.

"I don't want you to. I need you to." Scott corrected.

"Screw you." Jackson deadpanned, looking over to Stiles. "You know what? Screw you, too. In fact, screw each other."

"Jackson," Adrian glared, stepping forward. He hoped that if anyone could get through to the self absorbed teen, it would be him. "Scott saved your life."

"He left me for dead." He pointed to the werewolf, who didn't look happy at his answer.

"I got shot for you."

"Oh yeah?" Jackson tried. "Show me the bullet wound."

Scott sighed. "You know it healed."

Jackson hummed, almost as if he were expecting that answer. "Convenient." He commented.

"Just do it for Allison, okay?" Scott tried a different approach, his brown eyes wide with plead. "She's in serious danger. I'm talking around-the-clock danger. And she needs someone to keep an eye on her at the dance."

Jackson rolled his eyes. "Just have her dad do it, okay? He's the one actually equipped to handle this."

"How am I supposed to do that and keep him from finding out about me?" Scott hissed, stumbling slightly over his words.

"Not my problem." Jackson stated, looking the boy dead in the eyes.

The star athlete went to walk away, until Scott reaches his hand out so it slammed against the metal. Jackson stopped, not meeting the werewolf's eyes as he spoke. "You're her friend, too. You are. All that time that you spent with her to get to me, you can't tell me that you didn't get to know her and like her. It's Allison." He said at the end like it were obvious. "It's impossible not to like her."

Adrian thought he saw a crack in Jackson's face as Scott went on. "You can't tell me that you don't care if she gets hurt."

"What if I get hurt?" Jackson asked.

"Then it's worth it." Scott replies quickly.

The green eyed lacrosse player shook his head. "Not to me." He then shoved past the three of them, walking off and out the locker room.

Stiles exhaled once he was gone, the three of them looking to where Jackson was going. "Well, I shouldn't say I told you so. 'Cause it's not strong enough. How about, I'm always right, and you should listen to whatever I have to say and never disagree, ever, ever, for the sake of your wolflihood?"

Scott's face didn't change. "I'm not done." He stated before walking off, most likely following Jackson.

Stiles sighed. "You're not done." He muttered before his back slammed into the lockers.

"When is Scott McCall ever done?" Adrian asked beside him, using his hand to support himself as he leaned against the lockers. As soon as he heard a low growl come from Scott, he sighed. "Oh boy, this is gonna be good."

❚ ❚ ❚

Adrian threw his head back as Lydia dragged him through countless clothing stores, Allison laughing beside him. Due to his availability on this fateful day, Lydia demanded he tag along with her and the tall brunette; assisting in the dress shopping.

"Lydia, I only have two arms!" The young boy emphasised as he struggled to hold the bundle of dresses piled in his hands; all being thrown by his sister.

The culprit hummed, not really listening as she threw another one onto the pile. Adrian caught it just before it fell to the floor, pursing his lips as he shook his head in irritation.

"Hey, Adrian, I think I saw some suits back there. Now would be the perfect time to pick something up." Allison advised, her pick of dresses hanging on her arm.

"Oh, I'm not going." Adrian shook his head, his words being said as if it were obvious.

Allison looked surprised at the redhead's answer, but Lydia Martin had her beat. "What?!" She screeched- probably louder than it needed to be- as she whirled round. "But I thought you asked St-"

"Stella! I asked Stella!" Adrian interrupted hurriedly, eyes wide as he begged his sister to shut up. "She said no, so I'm dateless!"

"Oh. Well, I'm sure we can set you up with someone." Allison suggested hopefully, looking around the place.

Adrian panicked, shaking his head. "I really don't think that's necessary. I'll just-"

"What about Stiles?"

"W-What?" The Martin boy squeaked at the brunette's question, almost dropping all Lydia's dresses.

"Stiles." Allison repeated, pointing towards where the perfume would be. When Adrian looked over, he was shocked to find his boyfriend leaning against the stand; trying to act casual. "You two are good friends, right?"

"Y-Yeah." The redhead breathed out, relief settling in his stomach. She didn't know. "Friends."

"Why don't you go ask him now." Lydia smiled, looking down at her nails with a proud look. She nudged her brother forward, ignoring his death glare.

Adrian exhaled as he marched over to the buzzcut boy, a genuine smile making its way onto his face the closer he got. "Hey, Stiles!"

Stiles did a double take, obviously not expecting the boy to approach him. He pretended to be shocked, smiling widely. "Adrian, fancy seeing you here."

"Are you spying on me?" He straight up asked his boyfriend, hand on his hip as he tilted his head.

Stiles scoffed, shaking his head. "What? Pfft! No! I was just checking out . . . the perfumes." He trailed off, seeing the Martin boy show no signs of belief. He sighed. "Okay, yeah, I was spying on you."

"May I ask why?"

"It may or may not have something to do with a crazy Alpha on the loose. And the fact that I'm worried about you." Stiles stuffed his hands in his pockets, looking down at his shoes bashfully.

"Me? Why are you worried about me?" Adrian question, genuinely confused.

"Because if Peter's still after Scott, he's after you too." Stiles replied. "I mean, the guy could show up at any moment!"

Adrian froze, getting flashbacks to when Peter surprised him in his own home; making him feel extreme pain. "Yeah . . . I guess." He trailed off. "But, if you're really wanting to protect me, maybe you can . . . protect me at the dance." He finished quickly in a mumble.

Stiles didn't hear it, furrowing his brows. "What was that? I didn't hear you, sorry."

Adrian took another deep breath, feeling his insides turn out. "I was saying, would you . . . like to go to the winter formal . . . with me?"

"L-Like together?" Stiles stuttered, shocked that his dream of Adrian Martin asking him to the dance was actually coming true.

"Well, maybe not together together." Adrian mumbled, playing with his hands. "But, together. We'll just look like a pair of dudes who don't have dates and said 'screw it, let's go with each other'."

"But . . . in reality," Stiles trailed off, a small smile coming onto his face as he stepped closer.

Adrian rolled his eyes, regardless of the smile he wore. "When in reality we're two gay dudes as each other's dates, trying to enjoy the formal together as a couple."

Stiles grinned ear to ear. "I like the sound of that." His gaze went over Adrian's shoulder, an awkward laugh escaping him. "I would kiss you if we weren't in a public place with Allison and Lydia watching us like hawks."

"Well then, why don't we go somewhere else?" Adrian cheekily suggested, a smirk forming on his face. "I think I saw some good suits back there."

Stiles smiled. "Lead the way, my platonic date." As the two boys walked towards the suit isle, Stiles turned to him. "You know how to dance, right?"

With a roll of his eyes and a scoff, Adrian confidently replied. "Please, Stilinski. I play lacrosse, of course I know how to dance."

❚ ❚ ❚

"I don't know how to dance!" Adrian panicked as Lydia walked around her room, picking out all the stuff she'll need for the formal.

"Then now is the best time to learn!" The strawberry blonde encouraged, going through her stash of makeup. "It's easy as one, two, three!"

"It took me a whole month to remember the alphabet." Adrian deadpanned, defeatedly laying down on his sister's bed. "What have I done? I'm gonna look foolish."

"You're going with Stiles Stilinski. You don't have to worry about looking foolish." Lydia snickered, getting a glare from her brother. She rolled her eyes. "You'll be fine, Stiles just wants to go to the dance with you."

"Yeah, he wants to go with the Adrian who told him he could dance!" He sighed, running his hands all over his face.

"Hey, I'll teach you." Lydia suggested, walking over to her brother. "I used to take dancing classes when I was six, remember?"

"Right, so you're now suddenly an expert." Sarcasm dripped off his tongue like venom, rolling his eyes.

"I'm better than you." Lydia claimed, getting up to type something into her phone. Within a few taps, music came through the speaker; Lydia wearing a large smile. "Now, up on your feet! And please try not to step on mine."

"No promises." The boy muttered as he walked over, his sister beginning to walk him through the basic steps for his date.

❚ ❚ ❚

"Lydia!" Adrian whined from the bathroom, looking at himself in the mirror. The boy played with his tie uncomfortably. "I look ridiculous!"

"Stop being a baby and come on out!" His sister shouted back, most likely mid-makeup by now.

"I bet it looks great." Allison reassures on the other side of the door, trying to tempt the redhead out.

With a heavy sigh, Adrian unlocked the door and stepped out. He wore an unimpressed face, shifting uncomfortably. "See. Ridiculous." He gestured down to his white button down shirt with his black tie, trousers and polished shoes, face scrunched up in embarrassment.

The two girls looked over, huge smiles crossing over their faces. His sister looked over as she applied some lip-gloss, scanning him up and down. "It looks great."

"Yeah, I think you look pretty handsome." Allison complimented as she curled her hair, waiting to get glammed up by the female Martin. "It's a shame you don't have a date, any girl would be lucky to have you."

"Thanks, Allison." Adrian appreciated the awkward comment, clearing his throat as he looked at the two girls. "Nice dresses by the way. You both look really pretty."

Allison smiled, looking down at her dress and flattening it. "Aw! Thanks!" She beamed.

Lydia smiles too, standing up so her brother could get a good view of her dress as well. "Do you think I should wear heals or flats with my dress? I'm leaning more towards heels."

Adrian opened his mouth to say a smart aleck comment, when he froze up. It was the first time Adrian got a proper look at the dress . . . the dress that now looked oddly familiar.

Maybe it was too hard to pick up on back then due to the fact that it wasn't clean and had blood spatters on it. Regardless, it was clear to Adrian where he had seen the dress from.

It was the dress from the vision he saw back at Stiles' place when Lydia was out on the lacrosse field; him screaming her name.

"Adrian? Adrian?!" A snapping sound was heard right in his face, his sister standing with an impatient look. "You in there? I asked what shoes should I wear."

"I-I uh . . ." The redhead trailed off, staring at his sister's dress. "Whatever you think would suit best." He played it off, a feeling of sickness starting to settle in.

The beeping of a horn outside brought Adrian back, alerting him his ride was here. The boy couldn't help the smile that braced his face, knowing who it belonged to. "That's Stiles. I gotta go, have fun tonight guys!"

"See you at the dance!" Allison waved, Lydia beginning to curl her hair.

Adrian nodded and jogged his way down the stairs. He found his mum at the kitchen, fussing over how to work the camera. "The button to take pictures is on the left hand side, mum. Click it once. My rides here, I gotta go!" He quickly said, his hand settling on the doorknob.

"Isn't your date gonna come in?" Miss Martin frowned at her son, stopping him from going outside. "I was going to get a group picture."

"I'm just going with a friend tonight." The redhead replied with a tight lipped smile. "I should get going, he's waiting outside."

"Okay, just one quick one for the road." Miss Martin smiled, holding the camera to face the boy. Adrian groaned, his mother smiling behind the camera. "Say cheese!"

Adrian put on the best fake smile he could, blinking after the flash came. His mother smiled at the camera, giving him a thumbs up. "Perfect!" The boy took that as his sign to leave. As he opened the door however, his mother called him back. "Adrian! Have fun tonight." She smiled lightly.

Adrian copied the gesture, feeling warm at his mother's kind words. "Thanks mum." He said before closing the door, walking out towards the door to the blue jeep he had been in so many times by now.

When Adrian looked up after buckling himself in, he was surprised to see how good Stiles had cleaned up. I mean, he knew he would look great but . . . this exceeded all expectations. Stiles shyly grinned, growing nervous at the boy's silent reaction. "Hi."

"Wow." Adrian breathed out before he could stop himself. He blinked, smiling lightly at the boy. "H-Hey."

"I look stupid, right?" Stiles laughed, fingers drumming against the steering wheel as he started the car.

"What? No!" Adrian denied immediately, shaking his head. "Y-You look nice; handsome even."

"R-Really?" Stiles asked, surprised. He took his eyes off the road to glance at his date, a hopeful expression on his face. "You think so?"

"I know so." Adrian hummed, reaching over. When he grasped Stiles' hand, the boy looked over at him. They softly smiled at each other, Adrian beginning to speak. "I know this night may not go exactly as we would want, but I'm glad you're my date."

"I'm glad too." Stiles shyly admitted, a pink hue growing on his cheeks as he leaned forwards.

The two kissed sweetly, knowing it would be awhile before they could do it again after the dance. Adrian felt happy and, for a split second, he forgot about the nightmare he feared would come true tonight.

Everything would be okay, right?

❚ ❚ ❚

The two boys climbed out of the jeep; Stiles almost falling in an attempt. Adrian smiled and laughed at him, the pair walking over to where their friends where.

Lydia was latching onto some random guy from the lacrosse team's arm, trying to look as cute as possible. It was obvious her goal for tonight was to make Jackson jealous; trying to win him back or gain his attention again.

Allison and Jackson walked over and stood awkwardly next to each other, both looking like they'd rather be anywhere than at this dance. Adrian couldn't help but feel slightly humoured by the lacrosse captain's discomfort.

"Jackson." Lydia forced a tight smile, clinging onto her date tighter.

Adrian rolled his eyes and looked away, Stiles tapping him on the shoulder rapidly. He pointed to the roof, both teens looking to to see Scott McCall clad in a nice suit; waiting it out.

Adrian couldn't help but chuckle. "Now that takes guts. Your friend is crazy, Stilinski."

"Correction: our friend." Stiles told him, jokingly linking arms with the boy. "Come on, my fellow platonic date. Let's head in!"

"And let's pray there's food." Adrian mumbled just as he felt his stomach grumble.

Music blared throughout the entire gym as multi-coloured lights casted all over the large room, teenagers dancing everywhere you looked. Adrian observed the decorations and immediately noticed the food table; licking his lips. He was beginning to have a good feeling about tonight.

The two boys looked at each other and smiled, unlinking their arms do go join a group of people they knew- including Lydia, Allison, Jackson, other people from the lacrosse team and shared classes.

Adrian decked out on the snack table, stuffing his mouth like there was no tomorrow. He was on his third cup of coke when Stiles joined him after speaking to a few people. He laughed. "Geez, you're more invested in the food than the dance."

The redhead shrugged, taking another bite of the food available. "My formal experience; my choice." His muffled voice spoke over the music.

Stiles smiled, nodding for a few seconds before clearing his throat. He gestured behind him awkwardly, biting his lip. "You wanna dance?" When Adrian gave him a look, Stiles rolled his eyes. "I'm not saying you have to hold my waist or anything. It'll just be two friends dancing."

Adrian hesitated, looking amongst the crowd. No one seemed to be paying close attention to anyone in particular; too focused on themselves and their dates.

Oh, what the heck. The Martin boy thought, nodding as he followed the pale boy onto the dance floor.

As Adrian and Stiles were dancing jokingly with one another, the redhead of the pair almost stepped on his feet multiple times. "Sorry!" He apologised for what felt like the hundredth time that night.

"It's okay. Just relax." Stiles coaxed him, obviously able to tell he was nervous. Part of him thought it was sweet how flustered the popular boy was getting, meaning he actually cared about tonight.

"McCall!" Coach Finstock's voice suddenly yelled across the gym hall, gaining the attention of some. Adrian froze up, having felt like he had experienced this before. "I see you! Come here, buddy. McCall!"

Adrian watched as the werewolf pushed his way through the crowd after jumping from the bleachers; trying to avoid his teacher. "Get out of my way! McCall! It's a small gym, buddy. I'm gonna find you." Coach yelled.

"Hey, Adrian," Stiles gently touched the boy's forearm when he noticed his distant eyes. His face showed worry, turning his full attention to him. "You okay?"

"I-I've seen this before." Adrian breathed out, watching Scott make his way through the crowd just as he had done in the Necromancer's vision. "All of this. I saw it."

Scott suddenly ran to the the two boys, sending them a small smile as he came towards the closest one- which happened to be Adrian. Once within arms length, he wrapped his arms round the boy's neck. The redhead staggered back shocked, but put his hands on the boy's waist loosely as a reflex to steady himself.

"McCall! You're not supposed to . . ." Coach froze when he saw the two boys from the lacrosse team so close, frowning. "What hell are you . . ." The whole gym fell silent, everyone watching the teacher. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Yes, Coach?" Scott frowned innocently, moving closer to Adrian. Everyone glared at Finstock; thinking he was judging the pair dancing.

The Coach held his hands up, a nervous look on his face. "Okay . . . Hold on, you . . . I was just saying he's not supposed to . . . I mean, I wasn't saying he shouldn't . . . You guys don't think . . . You don't . . . I . . . I was . . . Just dance, everybody! Just dance! It's a dance! It's a party!" He laughed nervously, waving his hands around.

The music started up again; a slow song beginning to play. Stiles laughed as he walked over to the pair. "May I have my boyfriend back, please?"

Scott's eyes immediately widened, pointing between the pair in shock. "You two . . ." He trailed off, his friends nodding. He let out a breath. "Finally."

Adrian and Stiles laughed, stepping closer together. "Oh and Scott," Adrian spoke just as the two were about to make their way to the dance floor. The boy turned expectantly, waiting as Adrian pointed at him. "You do something like that again, I'll break your legs."

Scott chuckled awkwardly. "Noted. Have fun guys." He waved at the pair before running off, leaving the two boys alone.

"Well, that was definitely a memory worth remembering." Stiles giggled, getting a small slap on the shoulder by his date.

"Whatever, Stilinski. At least I . . ." The redhead trailed off, noticing something behind the teen. Lydia was exiting the gym, using the door that would help lead you to the lacrosse pitch. "Oh no."

Stiles frowned, looking confused. "Oh no?" He repeated. "'Oh no' what? Adrian?"

"It's Lydia. I've seen this! She's in danger!" Adrian rushes out urgently, leaving his boyfriend without another word to chase after his sister. "Lydia!" He screamed.

Lydia was stood on the lacrosse pitch when Adrian got closer. The game lights were on, illuminating a figure stalking towards the strawberry blonde.

"Jackson?" Even from far away, Adrian could still hear her. "Jackson, is that you?"

"Lydia!" Adrian's throat was definitely going to be sore due how loud he was screaming; trying desperately to save his sister. "Lydia, run!"

When the figure was close enough, Lydia Martin saw the face of a man who most certainly wasn't Jackson Whittemore. Before the strawberry blonde could open her mouth, fangs were in her eyesight before everything went black; the sound of her brother screaming being the last thing she heard.

"Lydia!"

A U T H O R. N O T E
only a few more chapters until we're onto season two, guys! i'm excited. stiles and adrian are so much fun to write for.

i genuinely can't believe i have almost finished the first season. the writing gods have blessed me. especially since i'm miss never gets any books finished.

GIF MADE BY ME !
━ R O S C O E O B R I E N