Never Easier (TW/Avengers)

Small Talk

Stiles was crying. He was fighting against it—but the tears managed to fall down. Your friends left you. You're weak. You're useless. You're a liability. You're stupid. You're unreliable. You're human. You're alone.

He was sobbing now.

You didn't fight hard enough when the nogitsune possessed you. Part of you wanted to let it in.

And that was true. That time, he was sad that he wasn't as strong as Scott, as brave as Allison, or as smart as Lydia. So when the nogitsune came, part of him wanted the power. Stiles felt guilty for it.

And you did let it in. You tried to kill your dad, you tried to kill Kira, you tried to kill Isaac, you tried to kill Scott, you tried to kill Derek, you tried to kill Ethan. Oh, and don't forget Lydia—you trapped her!

As each name was mentioned, Stiles had a flashback on the exact time he tried to kill them. More tears of guilt and anguish fell down his cheeks.

You killed many officers where your dad worked. And guess what? You felt happy after that.

Stiles wiped his tears as even more fell down. His breathing was uneven. Everything Scott's imaginary voice said was true. He did feel happy when he found out that the officers died.

The great finale: you killed Allison and Aiden! Satisfied, weren't you? Maybe you'll feel better if I tell you one more time. YOU KILLED ALLISON. AND YOU FELT HAPPY THAT YOU DID.

Stiles broke down. That wasn't me. I wasn't happy.

Stiles suddenly felt a slap on the face. Liar.

He was a liar, and that was a lie. He felt happy whenever someone was killed—and when Allison was, he felt elated. That wasn't me.

Yes, it was. The voice said. And you know that.

And thank Jesus that the door flew open. Tony and Bruce barged in, sitting on the chairs—now there were two.

Bruce waved casually. Stiles plastered on a fake smile, wiping away his tears. "Hi. Th-There's two of you now?"

"Yep," Tony said. "And we're not going to ask you any serious questions, so don't be scared."

"Okay," Stiles said. "You're making small talk? Than maybe I shouldn't be held captive."

"Going too far," Bruce warned. "Why are you crying?"

Stiles wiped his tears shamefully. He probably didn't look that tough with tears stained on his cheeks. "I-I wasn't."

"Sure, you weren't," Tony said sarcastically. Stiles smiled at his sarcasm. That was one of the reasons why he loved Tony.

"Okay, maybe I was," Stiles said. "Just... thinking."

"About...?" Bruce asked.

"Sad stuff," Stiles said. "Why do you even want to talk to me? I'm a 'lying potential killer'."

Tony looked hurt. "Sorry. We heard you told Steve that you were bullied by Jackson."

"And? That doesn't seem like a good reason," Stiles said.

"Would you rather we demand you for answers?" Tony asked.

"Good point," Stiles mumbled. "Forget I asked."

"Why were you crying?" Bruce asked gently. "If you don't want to tell us, it's fine."

"If I don't," Stiles said, which I won't because you wouldn't believe me, "what will this conversation become?"