Superheroes

Bloody Knuckles

The impromptu Q&A session has to be cut short since Scott and Kira have a flight back to Beacon Hills that night. His dad is only staying for two days after that, and Stiles is trying not to let himself get bummed out. Lydia takes the room Scott and Kira vacate, so he won't be completely alone. She plans on staying as long as his dad does.

The next day, he makes breakfast for his people, and they have a relaxing morning. He doesn't have a study group or classes that day, so he's happy to stay inside.

He's surprised when his phone alerts an incoming text from Barnes. Barnes doesn't frequently text him outside of times they have set up to meet in what has now become their conference room. He'll swing by during their off-hours as well. Of course, considering that the apartment has been full of people that Barnes doesn't know, that hasn't happened.

If your dad still wants to, we can talk.

The question is absolutely not if his father still wants to talk to Barnes but when. Given that his dad is only here for two more days, he decides to schedule it sooner rather than later.

Sure! Do you want me there?

The response isn't immediate so Stiles turns back into the conversation in the living room. Derek raises his eyebrow in question, but Stiles shakes his head in answer. About fifteen minutes pass before his phone buzzes at his side. He glances at the screen,/ but the message is longer than his preview will hold. Stiles unlocks his phone to view the full message.

I think so. I don't want to hurt your dad even though I know you're glaring at me right now for the thought. Better safe than sorry. Steve said that they already had a long talk on the flight over so that's why your dad only mentioned me.

Biting his lip, Stiles leaves part of that message alone, especially since he knows his dad would want to talk to Barnes first over Steve any day. Derek can sit in if you don't want me there.

This time, the return text comes in immediately. No, I'd rather it be you.

With a nod to himself, he fires off another text. Let me ask him. Stiles picks up his leg, reaches over Derek's lap, and uses his foot to nudge his dad in the leg.

He stops mid-sentence with a sigh. "Yes, Stiles?"

Lydia glares at him for interrupting the conversation. Stiles ignores her, as he does, letting his leg drape across Derek's lap instead of sitting back up. He pokes his dad again for good measure. "Barnes wants to know if you'd still like to talk to him. I'm gonna sit in, but I'll play on my phone or something. I'm not going to be part of the conversation." At the questioning look he gets, Stiles shrugs. "He's nervous. I'm his intervention strategy."

His dad understands and nods. "Whenever he's free, then."

Stiles relays the message and isn't surprised when the Now? comes back after a few seconds. He sends back Sure!

Of course. As soon as he's really comfortable. Ah, well.

With a sigh, he hauls himself up and points to the door. "No time like the present. Let's step into my office."

His dad laughs under his breath while shaking his head. "I shall return then," he tells Lydia.

She nods while rolling her eyes. "I need to talk to Derek anyway. Have fun."

He leads his dad to the conference room. Instead of taking his customary chair, he takes the couch on the side where he had his mini-breakdown and told Barnes and Steve about the nogitsune. Good times.

"Take a seat anywhere," Stiles tells his dad. "I normally sit in that chair, but that's when I'm actually part of the conversation. I'm just going to be an awkward turtle over here on the couch today."