Guess Who's Legal?

Papa Stilinski approves

Stiles sat on the couch, the flickering light from the TV casting shadows across the living room as the old Western played on. He distractedly scooped another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth, his thoughts still lingering on Derek and the unexpected gift from earlier. He was snapped out of his thoughts by the buzzing of his phone on the cushion beside him.

The group chat was blowing up.

Jacks: Well, don't leave us hanging, did you ask Derek out?

Stiles groaned, rolling his eyes. Of course Jackson would dive straight in, zero subtlety.

Best Bro: Yeah, what happened after we left?

Stiles could practically hear Scott's eager voice in his head, like an excited puppy.

Bad Ass Kitsune: I've never been this excited about someone becoming a couple before!

Stiles smiled, imagining Kira's wide, innocent grin. She really was the best.

A second later, another message popped up.

Satan's Daughter: Excuse me?

Stiles snorted, but Kira quickly followed up.

Bad Ass Kitsune: Except for us, babe. Don't worry!

Strawberry-Blonde-Goddess: Stiles, please tell me you made a move.

Stiles typed quickly, knowing if he didn't respond soon, Lydia would likely show up at his house, demanding answers.

Stiles: I didn't ask him out. He gave me a present, we talked a little, and then he left.

Strawberry-Blonde-Goddess: What do you mean you didn't ask him out? He gave you a present and then just left?

Strawberry-Blonde-Goddess: Stiles, get your ass over to his house and ask that man out!

Stiles: Okay, okay, keep your pants on.

Cat Woman: Let us know how it goes ASAP. do you need protection?

Dark Chocolate: Not helping babe.

Stiles groaned, shaking his head at the sheer ridiculousness of his friends. He quickly fired off another message.

Stiles: Leaving this chat now. Bye.

He set his phone down, only for it to buzz again almost immediately. He ignored it this time, glancing sideways at his dad, who had been quietly watching him out of the corner of his eye.

"Something the matter?" Noah asked, his tone casual but laced with concern.

Stiles hesitated, his spoon hovering over his bowl of ice cream. Could he really do this? The idea of going over to Derek's house, of potentially starting something real, something meaningful, sent a wave of nervous energy through him. But then he thought about the compass, about the look in Derek's eyes when he'd handed it over, and something inside him settled. Maybe... maybe he could do this.

He licked his lips, trying to banish some of the nervousness he felt. "No, just, uh... there's something I need to go do."

Noah raised an eyebrow, but the knowing smile that tugged at his lips told Stiles that his dad already had a pretty good idea of what—or rather, who—this was about. "Be safe," Noah said, his tone light. "And for the love of God, no details."

Stiles laughed, grateful for his dad's humor cutting through his nerves. "Trust me, that's the last thing I'd ever want to share with you." He set his ice cream down, pushing himself off the couch. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, but the adrenaline pumping through him helped keep the fear at bay.

As he grabbed his jacket and slipped on his shoes, Noah called out from the living room. "And Stiles?"

"Yeah, Dad?"

Noah gave him a small, reassuring smile. "You got this."

The words gave Stiles a boost of confidence as he stepped out the door, the cool night air hitting his face. He took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair before pulling out his phone and sending a quick message to the group chat.

Stiles: Heading over to Derek's now. Wish me luck.

And with that, he set off toward Derek's house, his nerves swirling but his determination stronger than ever. Tonight, he was going to do this.