Superheroes

Something New

A week later, Stiles finally feels like he's steady again. He attended his classes and reconnected with his professors and study group, catching up on the work that he missed. His clients are also understanding, especially the ones who are aware of his past with PTSD. For some, it gives them a closer bonding moment, which is a point in his favor.

Scott was true to his word and checks up on him frequently, worried that the work Stiles is doing is causing him to push himself too hard. Sometimes Derek agrees, but Stiles insists it's not, even if sometimes the answer is yes. He's doing much better about his self-care, though. Especially now that Steve and Barnes are also aware of his limits.

Steve's been more involved with Barnes outside of his and Stiles' sessions, and Stiles is seeing improvement in both supersoldiers. They both have their bad days, and Stiles wants to work with Steve more in depth if he can after Barnes. For now, he'll stick to just the one supersoldier.

It's a Saturday, and all the Avengers are gathered in the common area, and Stiles finally feels mentally able to be in the room with a lot of people, some of whom drive him a little crazy, aka Stark. Most of them seem to be in a good mood, and he's surprised when even Jane and Dr. Banner are in the room.

"Is there a party?" he asks, sliding onto a stool next to Darcy. Clint is on his other side, arms crossed and staring straight ahead. Stiles frowns and waves his hand in front of Clint, but there's no reaction. His hearing aids are in, but Stiles learned that doesn't mean anything because they can easily be turned off.

"Don't bother," Darcy tells him, peeling apart the Oreos on the plate behind her and licking off the cream. "He's been asleep for at least twenty minutes. He just got back from some super secret mission thing and he's zonked."

Stiles blinks as he registers what Darcy says because he has never known anyone who could actually sleep with his eyes open. Stiles tried to learn in high school so he could fool teachers, but could never manage it.

"Don't," Derek calls out from his place next to Steve, staring at him sternly.

"I didn't do anything!" Stiles says defensively.

"I know you," the alpha fires back. "Let him sleep and for god's sake, don't try to re-enact the Lord of the Rings scene."

Stiles deflates and leans back against the island, his elbows propping him. "Woulda been funny," he mutters. Darcy snorts so hard she starts to cough and choke.

As he looks around, he notices that everyone does seem to be waiting on something. The area between his shoulder blades itch as he squirms on the stool. "No, seriously, what's going on?"

Darcy shrugs, looking unconcerned as she twists another Oreo apart. "Not sure. Thor said that Steve requested everyone come up here. Apparently there's a surprise?"

Stiles isn't a fan of surprises. He's a planner. He likes to have things planned, which is sometimes a hassle because trying to plan with the pack is like herding fucking cats, but usually between him and Lydia, they get stuff done. Frowning, he's about to shuffle over to Derek because the more he sits, the more he feels off, and he doesn't know why.