Beacon Hills 1983

Chapter 57: Finally Making Peace

(Teen wolf + Riverdale + Stranger Things)

"A crush? On me?" I ask, just to hear it again for confirmation.
Shyly, Timothée nods. I smile, absorbing the concept.

Someone has a CRUSH on ME.

When my eyes meet Timothée's again, he suddenly appears more... Pretty? No. That's not it. He is pretty. Has always been pretty.
The word I'm looking for, is attractive.

Timothée cracks a small smile.
The moment feels ethereal. Dreamy. Maybe I'll wake up any minute now...

I don't.

And so, I would like to stay here, in this moment. Actually, I want us to be like this forever; far from problems, and closer to peace than I've felt in a while.

But the longer I stare into his ingenuous green eyes... the more guilt builds up in my chest.
And our moment is destroyed.
Emel turned him into half a monster, and he doesn't even know.

Timothée notices the change in my expression and frowns, "What's wrong?"

"I-" My mouth opens, ready to spill the truth- when unconsciously, a force holds it back.

Should I tell him? No, I shouldn't.
Can I fix him and Billy without them ever finding out what they are?
Highly unlikely.
But I can try to protect them for as long as possible.

"I should go back to the hotel." My mouth says instead.
He pulls away awkwardly and agrees, "Let's get the motorcycle-"
"Actually, it's better if I just walk." I interject, not eager to experience the bike for a second time today.
He sighs. "Alright. I'll walk you back then."

The South Side is creepier at night.
Just like in Scooby-Doo, it feels as if angry glowing eyes are watching us from all over in the shadows.

Timothée glances at me, and snickers.
"Are you scared?"
Just then, a stray cat scurries past us unexpectedly, and I jump in surprise.

Werewolf reflexes were slow on that one.

"Um." I gulp. "No."
Not buying it, Timothée rolls his eyes and laces his fingers with mine.
"Sure."

I should be comforted, but the sweet gesture annoys me. I'm not afraid. My werewolf reflexes might've been lagging for a second, but I'm not afraid. Not me. Definitely not.

Although I do enjoy holding his hand...

The creepy chill in the air is suddenly creepier. "Whatever." I say, voice a little shaky. "Let's just get out of here please."

▪️ ▪️ ▪️

Timothée finally let's go of my hand, and we enter the hotel.
"Are you going back to the trailer park? They were saying you... 'Aren't wanted there anymore'."

He shrugs, "No, I'm going home. Just needed to leave the bike there."
"Oh?" I reply, confused.
Timothée sighs. "Long story. Quite unnecessary, really. It's my father's bike."
"And... Your house is the one we went to earlier?" I ask.
"Um..." He thinks, "Sure. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow, Nes."
Without hesitating, Timothée plants a light kiss on my cheek, and leaves before I have time to react.