Mischief in Starling [Stackson]

04 - Reunion

Stiles debates to call Deaton and ask about the weird fight in the alley, but he decides against it, since he doesn't want it to get back to the pack. They are out of his life and he doesn't want that to change. Besides, no matter what the pack says, he isn't useless. Research is still his strong suit and he will do what he does best. After guiding Scott through his transformation, he doesn't doubt that he can guide himself through whatever this is. Because there is no doubt on Stiles' mind that it is some kind of supernatural power.

He just turned on his computer when a knock comes from the door. The first person that comes to mind is his father. But he just left the day before. It could be Rory or someone else from the group. So he opens it. The last person he expected was Jackson. But nevertheless, that's who's standing in front of him. He blinks a few times before opening the door wider to invite the other boy in. 'I didn't think you wanted to talk to me after you practically jumped off the roof.' Jackson takes a deep breath in response and turns around to face Stiles.

'I needed a little time.' Stiles nods. 'I left Beacon Hills for a reason, you know. I wanted to get away from the supernatural. And my family. My father has no idea where I am. I just left London after telling him not to come looking.' Stiles can feel his eyes water. 'I get it. The pack has no idea where I am. My dad does, but we're different from you and your father. I understand why you left. In a way I was jealous because you had the courage to get out and I didn't.' Jackson looks surprised. 'But you have Scott. And you and Derek always seemed like you would end up together.'

Stiles huffs. 'I thought so too. But Scott can't be away from his girlfriend for even a minute anymore, Derek has a girlfriend too and I was left alone. They hated being around me, because they blamed me for a lot of things. Things I blamed myself for until I got out here and gained some distance. I was so wrapped up in this world that I couldn't see how much of our lives it was controlling. This move was the best decision I ever made.' Stiles can see a subtle smile form on Jackson's face.

'It was the same for me. I needed to get out. I could feel everything start to rip me apart. It's impressive that you managed to hold out so long. I'm sorry that I never said anything or stood up for you, but even back then I hated the way the pack treated you. You gave everything for them even though you were already struggling so much. Not one of them really gave you the credit you deserved. And you deserved so much. You still do.'

'How come you are jumping around the rooftops dressed in leather these days? Not that I don't absolutely admire what you do. You're a hero. But isn't this kind of the life you left behind?' Jackson sighs. 'I guess kind of. But this city is my home now. And it needs help. Helping feels good, you know. I mean, of course you know. You never did any of the things you did for the recognition. I saw that from the beginning. You have such a pure heart, Stiles. Helping people is in your blood. That's why you became a CSI. It combines everything that you love and if you had asked me three years ago what you would become, I could have told you.'

Stiles is overwhelmed at the kind words. 'I like this side of you. The one where you can let out your emotions so freely and show just how much you care. It makes me so happy to see you like this, Jax. Back in Beacon Hills, you held yourself so closed off, it made my heart ache. I see how much you care, you know. How much it hurt you to be mean and how lonely you felt. I'm sorry too. That I never said anything. I saw that you needed someone to talk to, but I was so wrapped up in my own thing that I pushed it away. I'm sorry, Jax.' Both boys are breathing heavy and staring into each other's eyes.

'I'm not a hero', Jackson whispers after a few minutes. His eyes finally spill over and Stiles pulls him into a hug that is long overdue. They wrap their arms around each other tightly and Stiles can't explain why he always feared getting closer to the other boy. This feels so right, he regrets not doing it sooner. When they part at last, both of them are crying and it's dark outside.

'You can stay the night on the couch', Stiles offers. 'Not that you have any problems walking around in the dark. That's not what I'm implying. All I'm saying is, if you wanted to stay, you are welcome to. Of course you don't h-' 'I would like that, Stiles', Jackson cuts off his ramblings. Stiles blushes slightly, but nods with a happy smile. 'I'll get you some blankets.' They smile at each other for a few seconds before Stiles turns away.

'Hey, how did you know I'm a CSI?', he suddenly remembers. A smirk takes over Jackson's face. 'I run around the streets dressed in leather. I have my ways.' Stiles breaks into uncontrollable laughter. 'It sounds like you're screwing your information out of people', he presses out. Jackson joins in his laughter after he replays his words in his head. He flinches when Stiles slams his hand to his forehead. 'God, I'm stupid. You're working with Detective Lance. Of course you would ask him about me after the docks.'

'How did you know we're working with him?' It's Stiles' turn to smirk. 'I have my ways.' Jackson raises an eyebrow. 'Okay, I had a blood sample from one of you guys after a fight and he instructed me to destroy it. That's when I caught on. Besides, my dad worked with the pack back in Beacon. Or he did when they still bothered to help people. It makes a lot of sense to have law enforcement on your side.' Jackson agrees with that and soon both boys go to bed.