Only He saw

Quieter

Five days had passed since the newly developed Hale pack was formed, and for all involved, things had only gotten better. The Stilinski household had become a pack house, and the three congregated there together as often as possible.

Stiles went back to school. It was hard, and seeing the pack every day reminded him daily of the old pack that pushed him away. They sneered as he walked past them down daunting corridors, but as Peter gradually managed to make him realise: They weren't worth his time or his worries.

But, in the early hours of the morning, after marathons of gaming and hurried homework, the emotions came back. The raw pain that broke him crept back into his life, and sometimes he wondered if it ever really left. Why did they presume that he'd told the Argent man everything! He did all he could to stop him...but yet again, it wasn't enough. At these times, swaddled in layers of doubt and anguish, Stiles struggled so, so much, and he never told a soul.

Fighting thoughts swept over him: a vast sea of stormy depression that sunk his happiness and left him gasping for breath, his tears soaking his sheets that didn't dry until dawn.

In the morning, when he trudged downstairs, the false bravado slipped back on, but neither Peter or John fell for it. They could see him hurting, and they knew they had to help him. It was a slow process, they knew, but they were getting there. Stiles got out of bed every day, he did that! So John plastered a determined smile on his face, and Peter hugged the boy every day as he stepped through the door, and they tried to fix the darkness that made its home inside him.

Stiles ate his breakfast, murmuring appreciation at an amused Peter. The meals he made were far better than any the Sheriff had made, but Stiles wouldn't ever dream of telling him.

"I managed to contact a former colleague of mine yesterday regarding your spark."

Stiles perked up, and he looked at Peter, now he was interested.

"...and what did they say?"

"She'll be coming to visit. She says she can train you, I trust her more than Deaton, he's unreliable...and with the Hale pack."

Stiles averted his eyes, staring dolefully into his plate, before brightening up. Someone coming to train him? In magic? It was happening! He eagerly nodded at Peter, ignoring Johns doubtful expression.

"Her name's Nadia. She helped us with supplies. She can teach you everything you need to know, I'm cashing in on a favour...so be grateful." Peter smirked jokingly, snorting as he watched Stiles laugh delightedly and tap energetic fingers on the table.

"I hate to...put a damper on things...but is this safe? There's no chance of injury, right?" The Sheriff clasped weathered hands on the table, worry etching itself in deep lines across his face. The death of his wife made him wary, he didn't want his son anywhere that was dangerous and he'd try his hardest to protect him.

"...There is no way he can hurt himself, as long as he doesn't hurt himself..." Peter stared at John, before turning sternly to Stiles, who had gone pale. The Sheriff looked relieved, but Peter maintained eye contact with the boy.

"I won't!" Stiles said hurriedly, before swinging his school bag over his shoulder and striding towards the door. He didn't want to continue the conversation.

"I should...I should get to school. Bye pops, bye Peter!"

Peter walked after him. "Nadia will be here when you get back, so try not to be late okay? Do you need a ride?"

Stiles stopped, suddenly aware of the flaw in his plan. "...Yes."

Peter smirked, before throwing him the keys to his car. "I'll follow."

As Stiles wandered off to the car, John turned to Peter. He wanted to make sure, above everything, that his son was safe.

"He'll be alright?"

"He will." Peter smiled, before putting a reassuring hand on the father's shoulder, then left.

The Sheriff sat back down and frowned, unsure of if Stiles was protected. He would try, but he needed to make sure that when he wasn't there, that Peter was. A small frown worked its way onto his face, marring the usual easy-going smile. Was someone lying to him?

Outside, the car revved its sleek engine, before smoothly vacating the space, and taking off down the rural road. Stiles excitedly bobbed in his seat, unable to sit still.

"Can you tell me more about her? Is she a spark? What can she do? I-" Stiles stopped for a quick breath and sighed crossly as Peter laughed at him.

"Well, Nadia is a Druid, she's married to an empath so she knows a lot about those too. Of course, that doesn't affect you, but she's a very intelligent woman. I think you'll get on." He smiled at Stiles who's cheeks reddened and he goofily beamed.

"Seriously. I can't thank you enough, Peter...You've done a hell of a lot and I don't know how I can repay you, but I'll try!"

Peter focused on the road, before blurting out a hurried comment. "You repay me just by being here..." Stiles gaped, before laughing delightedly, poking at Peters scruff cheeks.

"Is that a blush I see? You'll never live this down!" He chuckled, and his heart fluttered at the knowledge he made the Were happy. He made Stiles happy too. So, so happy.

"And...you make me happier."

"Nope. You make me happier."

Stiles narrowed his eyes...game on! "No that's you!"

"You!"

"You!"

Glee filled the car as the two chorused happy compliments, filling the car ride and it seemed like the ride was only a few minutes long. Peter leaned over, opening the car door for Stiles. He looked at him, smiling and ushering him out of the car.

"Good luck with school, Stiles."

"Good luck with that car ride you've got to make alone, Peter." He smirked, gazing wistfully at the seat. "Maybe I should come with you?" He looked hopefully at Peter.

Those puppy eyes won't work, you'll do amazingly." The two men stared at each other, sharing a silent moment of happiness and hope. Maybe things could get better.

"Bye..."

"Until later."

"Until later." Stiles grimaced, before heading determinedly into the opposing building.

The car ride home did seem a lot quieter without Stiles.