How to build better friends

Section 2: Always

(AKA How to steal your boss's books 2)

Stiles didn't see his dad at all these last few days, which almost warranted him being concerned, if it wasn't for the constant stream of sticky notes of where he's been. Had anyone actually killed his dad, he would definitely assume that the killer would not choose to break into his house each day to place the notes down.

"He came by for a minute, I swear," Boston pointed around the house as if he'd potentially see him somewhere or that he'd walk through a door just as he was talking.

"As if we'd get caught by your dad of all people," Tanya said and continued to munch on some popcorn.

"Why'd you cook popcorn? You don't need to eat."

"Are you the popcorn police? You know dead people like the taste of popcorn, too." Tanya replied with further munching. There was a knock on the door and the bowl flew up comically and the two scattered to hide in a random door as Stiles approached the window.

"It's safe, it's Deaton." Stiles called out after peering through the window.

"The vet? Who's books you-" Boston was interrupted by Tanya slapping his arm. Stiles opened the door and the man stepped through with a few glances on either side of the house.

"Stiles," Deaton nodded.

"Hi, what brings you here Deaton, not that your presence isn't totally welcome or anything," he gave a sharp look to the pair of zombies watching the vet examine them.

"Well, I came by because I require your expertise on something. Of course, I prefer a direct method of communication, and in the future," he pulled out the bound book Stiles stole, "I'd prefer if you'd do the same. I'm not angry," he said in response to a deep breath from Stiles, "but I am here for your help."

"My help? What could you need me for, we usually come to you..."

"It's Talia," he looked away from the two zombies and towards Stiles, "I am afraid my knowledge of the energy that inhabits the human or supernatural bodies we have encountered isn't as extensive as your own." He nodded his head in the direction of the couple.

"Erica told me she's sick. What makes you think it's an energy problem?"

"She's not sick, she's weak. I didn't perform the magic that brought her back." Somehow he found himself in the car and following Deaton into the preserve towards the partially restored Hale house. It looked like construction had begun immediately on restoring it to its former glory. The broken windows were all replaced and the walls outside were all put back together. The flora was still clinging to the sides and it all was covered in a thick coat of dust, but it was coming together nicely.

He made his way into the home and it was almost disappointing to see that the inside had very little done to it besides being cleaned. The smell of food was something he couldn't miss, however, and he walked into a mostly restored kitchen. Talia was at the table trying to eat some soup and he could almost feel Derek in the corner silently watching him enter. At the sight of him, Talia immediately put the spoon down and gave him her upmost attention.

"This is..." she took a moment, "Stiles?" She gave him an appraising look before moving onto to Alan's face.

"Yes, this is the person who brought you back and the person who hopefully will answer some of our questions," he reached a hand out and squeezed hers in assurance. Stiles felt a little out of his depth after Deaton had said that.

"Well, you look healthy," she gave a glance all the way down to his shoes and then towards Derek who Stiles could hear shuffle uncomfortably. There was an intense heat coming from that corner and Stiles couldn't bear to look in that direction. Even with Boston and Talia at his shoulder, he couldn't force himself to spare the glance. This was not how he'd imagined meeting Derek's mother. He stepped forward and they locked eyes for a moment.