Home (Sciles AU)

Chapter 7

Stiles POV

I knock on the front door of Scott's house politely three times. Claudia and I wait outside for someone to answer, Claudia squeezing onto my hand, which I find adorable. I hope that she never grows up. I am already dreading the teenage years. I can picture Claudia being moody and sassy, but probably also really sarcastic and disobedient. I was exactly like that in high school. I definitely gave my dad a hard time, but I know he loved me anyway and he still does. I just wish Claudia could stay this young, cute, clingy and innocent forever.

Eventually, I hear the front door unlocking and in the next moment, the door opens to reveal a smiling Scott on the other side. I can't help but break out into a smile too. "Hi Stiles, hi Claudia." Scott greets us in a friendly manner.

"Hey, Scotty." I smile back happily at my old friend.

"Please, come in." Scott says to us as he steps out of the doorway. Claudia quickly runs inside while I carefully step into the house, chuckling as my daughter rushes down the hall and into another room, hoping to find Jason. "Your daughter is very cute, Stiles." Scott tells me as he closes the door behind us.

"I know. She's the most beautiful and adorable little girl in this whole world. She's the only girl I'll ever need in my life." I reply, laughing a little bit at the end. "What, you don't want a girlfriend or a wife?" Scott teases, but I can see the slightest hint of a blush on his face. "Nah, who needs them, right?" I laugh back in response, half joking. Obviously since I'm gay, I wouldn't want a girlfriend or a wife, but I'm sure that is different for Scott. To be honest though, I am still scared about getting into another relationship, after everything that has happened with James. It would be hard to trust someone like that again without fearing that they might hurt me. Anyway, back on topic. I see Scott's face fall for the tiniest fraction of a second.

"Yeah, haha..." Scott answers, his laugh sounding forced. I have a feeling this has to do with him not wearing his wedding ring. I'm still interested in hearing that story, but I will wait for Scott to be ready to tell me. The sound of laughter from down the hall breaks the lengthening awkward silence. I can't help but smile at the sound of laughter. "I guess Claudia found Jason." I chuckle. I notice Scott's face start to relax and all of his tension in his body seems to disappear too.

"Yeah, I guess so." Scott agrees with a warm smile. I notice him gaze over me for a couple moments, causing me to blush a little and shift my weight on my feet. "You look quite fancy today, Stiles. I feel underdressed in this t-shirt and shorts now." Scott comments with a bit of a laugh, complimenting me all the while.

"Uh, thanks. I kind of didn't get changed from work. I couldn't be bothered. Sorry if it's too dressy." I reply, rubbing the back of my neck slightly awkwardly, still blushing quite a bit.

"No, no, it's great. You look great." Scott assures me and then I notice his cheeks go beet red and he looks very flustered, looking in every direction but me. I can't help but laugh at his sudden embarrassment. "Well, thanks. I'm glad you appreciate all the effort I went into for you." I jokingly smirk at my old friend, hoping to ease some of his embarrassment. Fortunately, it does seem to work a little bit. "Indeed. You went all out, I see. Not even getting changed. I definitely know where I stand on your priority list." Scott laughs, shaking his head a little bit in amusement. I start laughing too and soon the two of us can't stop. It's just like old times. I feel happy and, for the first time in a long time, I actually feel safe. Usually, I'm scared about James coming back, but here in this moment with Scott... I'm not scared of that. I somehow know that things will turn out okay.