Frozen In Time

06

"I promise I'll help you adjust to this new world, okay? It'll be weird at first, but I'll help you. I'll teach you how to survive in the 21st century." Stiles promises with a small smile on his face as he continues to hold Scott close to him, who has finally stopped crying and sobbing, the only sound that Stiles hears from him occasionally is a sniffle. He doesn't know how long the two of them have been sitting here like this for, but Stiles doesn't care. He will continue to hold Scott until he feels better, not caring that Scott doesn't have a shirt on right now. Stiles hasn't felt this protective and caring towards someone since his dad's and Malia's death. That was the last straw for Stiles, and he finally realizes that since then, he's been subconsciously shutting himself away from people, not wanting them to get close to him, in fear of losing them too. Stiles' heart aches at that new and sudden realization as he continues to hold onto Scott tightly and supportively. Stiles swallows heavily and tries to push down the thought, wanting to just focus on Scott. He's the one going through the most hell right at this moment.

"There are definitely some not so great things about 2018 and the 21st century, but there are some definitely some good things too." Stiles adds in a light hearted and cheerful voice, hoping to help Scott calm down. It seems to work as Scott's body relaxes and the sniffling becomes less and less until Scott pulls away, looking back up Stiles with teary, red and puffy eyes. Scott sniffles once more and wipes his eyes quickly and takes a deep breath, looking a lot calmer now. Stiles is impressed. If Stiles were in Scott's position, he'd probably cry and have an ongoing panic attack until he passed out, then wake up and freak out again. The cycle would probably go on for at least a week before Stiles would be able to get a handle on himself.

"Thanks, Stiles. For a scientist, you're not that bad." Scott gives Stiles a small, but genuine smile. Stiles can't help but laugh at Scott's comment.

"I would say you haven't met many good scientists then, but the likelihood of you having met any good scientists is rare in itself anyway. Most of my colleagues here are nosy, self-centred people who don't think that ethics are a necessary thing to have in place, but they totally are. I feel like most of my colleagues here wouldn't care what they did to someone or something, just to get the results they want, which is a scary thing. I'm sure scientists were way worse back back in the 40's, where ethical guidelines weren't in place. I on the other hand know my limits and what is humane." Stiles comments to Scott.

"Yeah, everyone tried to steer clear of scientists back in the 20's and 30's, especially before World War II began. You never could know if they'd snatch you up for a science experiment. After the war began, things changed, of course." Scott replies.

"Wow, really? Huh. I didn't know that." Stiles comments, sounding interested and intrigued. Stiles was never the best at history in school, but he also knows that there is a thing called censorship and there are things that the government wouldn't want people to know about.

"It's true. Mom always told me to be extra careful when I went out with my friends somewhere. Even when I became an adult and started working, she warned me about it." Scott chuckles, but Stiles can see the pain in his eyes when he talks about his mother, who he will never see again. Stiles' heart aches once more, empathizing deeply with Scott, knowing exactly how he feels because he has been there before many times.

"What was your job, Scott?" Stiles asks, moving the conversation along before Scott can get too sad again. Stiles feels a swell of pride as he sees the flash of gratefulness in Scott's eyes.

"I was an assistant veterinarian at Doctor Deaton's animal clinic. He was my boss, but he felt more like a mentor. I loved working there and I loved helping save animals." Scott replies.

"Aww, that sounds sweet." Stiles comments, and can't help think of Scott working in an animal clinic, saving a puppy's life, smiling down at the puppy happily while stroking a hand through his fur. Stiles quickly snaps out of his imagination before he captures the concern of Scott and then the inevitable embarrassment he would feel if he had to explain what he was thinking about.