Ombres

The Invitation

Stiles stood by the window of the small animal clinic, gazing out at the bustling college campus. The semester had ended, and the promise of summer loomed in the air. He turned his attention to his roommate and best friend, Scott, who hunched on the exam table, engrossed in a dog.Stiles was very curious about the strange invitation that Scott's old boss had sent him. 

He couldn't stop thinking about it. The mere mention of Deaton's name sent shivers down his spine. "Tell me, where is this Gevaudan again?" Stiles blurted out, his voice trembling with intrigue and unease. Stiles' mind was a jumble of questions. Why would someone who had left Beacon Hills years ago want to invite him and Scott to a wedding? In another country, no less.

Stiles thought about Deaton's calm demeanor and how his eyes seemed to hold secrets. It was as if the veterinarian had always known about the hidden forces in their town. Stiles remembered Deaton had handled situations beyond the scope of a regular veterinarian. The vet deciphered ancient symbols on injured animals' skin and gave life-saving advice. Deaton was more than a mere veterinarian.

"It's a small village near the Strait of Dover," Scott said, still hunched over the dog. "Deaton said it's going to be a grand event, and he wants us to be there." After Scott pulled the syringe, he patted the dog to comfort it. He gestured to one of the crates and motioned for Stiles to join him.

"Why does Deaton want us at a wedding?" Stiles placed the crate on the stainless exam table and raised an eyebrow at his best friend. "We barely even know him anymore," he said.

Scott shrugged with a glint of curiosity, "He said he needs someone he can trust, and I immediately thought of you, Stiles. Plus, he promised it would be an adventure we won't forget. I might meet the one there."

Stiles hesitated, his mind buzzing with conflicting thoughts. He wasn't particularly fond of weddings, nor did he have any desire to venture into an unknown village. But something about Scott's enthusiasm tugged at his heartstrings.

But, still. "Why us? Doesn't he have a family?"

"C'mon, dude. Please, come with me." Scott batted his eyelash at him. Stiles choked on a laugh at the ridiculous sight. Scott tried again, "Well, you know that he's my mentor, and God only knows why he hired a high school student with many Ds and -"

"And you feel that you should go because of that." Stiles finished. "And you did good, by the way, our senior year."

"Thanks," Scott replied, smiling. "And yes. And also because he's our parents' best friend. Also, maybe I'll meet my one, finally."

Stiles looked on.

Scott sighed and gave his most potent puppy eyes, "After this summer, we're off to our internships. We'll barely see each other!" Scott pointed at his chest, "Me, ASPCC," then to Stiles, "You, in Quantico. When you meet someone there, you'll even be more busy."

"Dude, we are renting the same house."

"It's still different!" Scott let out an exasperated whine that could make a dog tilt its head in confusion. Stiles, with a mischievous look, let his friend feel frustrated for a few minutes on purpose. The tables had turned, and it was a delightful change of pace for Stiles. Stiles was the one who always wanted to hang out with Scott, significantly after Scott fell in love. Seeing Scott's goofy expressions and corny love declarations always made him smile. He imagined a funny scene in his head. With enough time, Scott would roll over and wag his tail like an adorable puppy. "I'm going to miss my best friend! I will be lonely without you."

That did it. "Are you sure it's all expenses paid?"

"You're a horrible person." Scott was now scowling at his smirking face.