Chapter Text
Stiles stared at the piece of paper. He didn’t know how long he had looked at, but the words had started to blur together by the time he heard the front door open and close, and the unmistakeable sounds of footsteps getting closer.
“Dad, what’s this?” He didn’t look up, stayed where he had fallen into a seat after opening the envelope, but he knew the sheriff could see the letter from where he was stood in the doorway.
“Ah, it came then. How did you do?” John calmly moved around the table, and Stiles watched him start to make coffee for them both, finally putting the letter down and focusing intently on his father instead.
“Apparently I have successfully gained a place on a summer internship program with the Central City Police Department's crime lab.” Stiles fixed a steely gaze on his dad as he folded his hands on the table. “My recommendations were impressive and my security clearance has been finalised.” There was a slight shake of the mug as it was placed in front of him. “What is odd is that I don’t remember applying for any type of internship, anywhere, even when I…” He took a deep breath before continuing, “when I was possessed.”
“Stiles.”
“No, Dad. Let me finish.” Stiles interrupted. “So I thought who else would do this, without consulting me. Strangely enough only one person came to mind.” He waved the papers slightly. “Why Dad?” John sighed.
“You need a break Stiles; a break from Beacon Hills and werewolves and all the crazy.” He reached across the table and squeezed Stiles’ hands in his. “You have been through so much and you still haven’t recovered. No Stiles, I know, okay.” John kept going, knowing what Stiles was going to say from the look on his face. “Everyone has been through hell, but you need to look after yourself for once. Take this opportunity and use it - meet new people, learn new things, have fun.” Now it was the sheriff’s turn to take a deep breath. “And when the new year starts, if you want to come back, yes Stiles if, that’s fine. However,” he stated firmly, squeezing Stiles’ hands again, “if you want to stay in Central City, we can sort that out too.I know you have most if not all the credits you need to graduate already.” John smirked at Stiles’ surprise. “Yeah, no way you were hiding that from me kid.” Stiles grabbed the mug of coffee, taking a large sip before staring into the dark liquid, thinking carefully. Suddenly he huffed, rolling his eyes.
“Fine, but don’t expect this ploy of yours to work.” The sheriff raised an eyebrow. “I know your true motive, you can’t distract me with feelings.” The other eyebrow lifted. “You just want to be able to eat what you want all the time - I have you all figured out.” John snorted.
“Yeah, you caught me. Can’t put anything by you, kid.” Stiles smirked as the sheriff took a sip of coffee before spitting it back out, shuddering. “Ugh, cold.” Taking back both mugs, he moved over to the sink to tip the drink away. “Right, I’ll make a couple of phone calls, but everything should be ready for you to start on Monday.” Stiles dropped his head on to the table and groaned, making his father laugh. “Don’t forget, I know you, kid.” Nodding, Stiles made a noise of agreement. “Now, you’ll be staying with an old friend of mine, David Singh and his boyfriend Rob, he’s the Captain so be on your best behaviour. I’ve also had the jeep looked over so it’s safe for you drive up there.” At this Stiles shot up in his seat, arms raised in excitement. He hadn’t been able to take the jeep to a garage himself since it was used as murder weapon while he watched. “David will explain all of the other details when you get there this weekend, that should give you time to talk to your friends and pack, ugh I meant pack your stuff.” Stiles grinned at his unintended werewolf reference.
Stiles stood up and stretched, joints popping and clicking into place after sitting still for so long, and moved around the table and pulled his father into a hug.
“Love you, Dad.” He said into the uniformed shoulder, the words muffled but the sentiment was clear as John returned the embrace, pressing a kiss into the unruly hair..
“Love you too, kid.” Stiles pulled away gently and headed to the stairs.
“I’m going to get started on the packing and then I’ll go check on Scott. Get some sleep Dad, you had a busy shift. There will be food in the fridge when you get up.” The sheriff looked at him suspiciously.
“How do you know about my shift?” Stiles raised an eyebrow. “Right, police scanner.” John ran a hand over his head and yawned. “I’ll head up to bed in a minute.” Stiles nodded and started up the stairs, mind already running over lists of things he might need to take.
***
Stiles tossed the last bag into the back of the jeep, John coming up behind him with his pillow and a small black case.
“What’s that, daddio?” Stiles looked at the case curiously.
“Something I hope you’ll never need. Open it.” Inside the case was a broken down pistol and two rows of bullets, John cleared his throat. “David will be taking you to a target range and helping you get law enforcement exceptions to carry loaded.This row on the left is normal ammunition, but on the right are wolfsbane bullets.” Stiles looked at him in shock, “I went to see Chris before he and Isaac left. I want you to be prepared, son.” Stiles nodded, closing and locking the case before placing it gently in the glove compartment.
“Thanks Dad.” Opening up the back, he pulled out a jar and a baseball bat. “Not the only one thinking that way then - mountain ash, for both. The guy who made custom bats was quite confused.” John chuckled.
“Only you, kid.” Stiles smirked before putting the items back in the car safely.
“Stiles!” A shout from up the road had both Stilinksis turning to see Scott running towards them from where he had parked his dirt bike. Stiles’ breath wooshed out all at once as Scott grabbed him into a big hug, lifting him off the ground completely.
“Ugh, Scott, need...breathe.” Scott quickly let go and Stiles dropped to the floor. “Dude, what was that for?”
“I’m going to miss you Stiles.”
“Hey, buddy, it’s just a summer, and there’s these things called phones and computers...Guh.” Stiles was pulled into a hug again, his dad joining in. “Hey, I really do need that thing known as air.”
“Have a great time, Stiles.” Scott was fidgeting as if on the verge of hugging and never letting go.
“And be careful.” Stiles could see now his dad was also thinking along the same lines.
“This was your idea, Dad, I’ll be fine.” Stiles reassured. “Now Scotty, don’t rush into things, make a plan or get Lydia, Deaton or my Dad to make one for you.” Stiles continued over Scott’s halfhearted indignation. “Dad, I’ve briefed Parrish and the other deputies completely on your diet and I will know if you cheat.”
“Stiles, there’s no need…” He stopped at the glare Stiles sent him.
“I’ve also asked Melissa to keep an eye on you when she can, and there is food in both the fridge and freezer.” Stiles shifted, saw the time and just stopped himself from cursing. “I have to go or I’ll be late. Can’t keep the Captain waiting.”
“Alright, let me know when you get there.” Stiles blinked, then smirked at the two in front of him. He had definitely heard that in stereo.
“Sure, Dads.” Stiles climbed into the driver’s seat and slammed the door, crossing his fingers as he turned the ignition but the engine started with a purr. His dad had definitely come through on his jeep. He waved as he pulled out and started on his way out of Beacon Hills and towards Central City, his dad and Scott waving at him in the rearview mirror.
***
Stiles was exhausted. He had driven non stop to Central City and was now trying to find his way to the address his Dad had scribbled down. Seeing a coffee shop and a convenient parking spot, Stiles pulled over, jumping out and locking up quickly before he dashed for the door, hoping they were still open or at least willing to give directions.
Luckily, it hadn’t quite reached closing hours for CC Jitters and, even better one of the coffee machines was still in use.
“Oh thank god!” Stiles exclaimed, latching onto the counter dramatically and causing the barista to giggle. Stiles glanced at her name tag quickly, placed his hands together and put on his best pleading expression. “Save me Stacy, you’re my only hope.” More laughter from behind made him turn and see another waitress holding a tray of dirty dishes.
“What can we help you with?” Stiles moved out of her way, noticing that her name tag said Iris as she went past.
“Well, Iris and Stacy, can I get the biggest coffee you make and some assistance for one of the poor directionally challenged?” Stiles was pleased when they both laughed.
“Sure. Stacy, you want to handle the coffee?” The blond nodded and moved to the machine to get started. “Let’s see if I can help you with those directions. Do you have the address?” Iris leaned on the counter as Stiles rifled through his pockets, giggling when he held the small piece of paper in the air triumphantly once it was successfully found. “Jeez, how can you even read this?” She was squinting at the writing, Stiles shrugged.
“Lifetime of practice - my dad wrote it down.” Iris nodded in understanding, so Stiles read the address out loud..
“Ah,” Iris said in recognition. “It’s not actually that far from here.” She pulled out her order pad and quickly jotted out a series of clearly written and simple directions. “It’s an area of large townhouses, so you shouldn’t have much trouble.” Ripping the sheet off the pad, she handed it over to Stiles and Stacey appeared next to her with a large takeaway mug.
“Thank you so much, you are queens among women, and have definitely earned yourself a new regular customer.” Stiles inhaled the steam rising from the mug as he fished his wallet out of his pocket.
Stiles waved with his free hand as he left, jogging over to his jeep to escape the cold air. As soon as he was sat safely inside he took a large sip of the still hot beverage and sagged back into his seat. Grabbing his trusty roll of duct tape he stuck the directions to the dash, and put his coffee into an improvised holder next him before pulling out.
Fifteen minutes later he was pulling up next to a large blue townhouse, and had not even gotten halfway through his coffee. Leaving the drink where in the holder, he dashed up the path and knocked firmly on the door. He didn’t have to wait long before the door was pulled open.
“You must be Stiles,” The smiling man continued, not noticing Stiles flinch at the words. “I’ve heard quite a lot about you over the past few days. I’m Rob,” he held out a hand, which Stiles quickly shook. “Do you have much to bring in from the car?” Shaking his head, Stiles followed behind as Rob started towards the jeep. “Let’s get the main stuff, then come back for the rest after you’ve had a tour of the house.”
Stiles moved to open the door, passing Rob a laptop bag and his pillow from the passenger seat, before grabbing his rucksack, as well as retrieving the gun case and still warm coffee. He flushed a little, when Rob eyed the large takeaway cup.
“I, uh, had to stop for directions.” Rob chuckled.
As they turned to go back up to the house, Stiles stopped suddenly when he saw a man leaning in the doorway. He was watching Rob with a fond smile and as they neared the porch, he came forward to meet them.
“Stiles, I’m David Singh, welcome to Central City.” He took the gun case carefully, before holding out his own hand for Stiles to shake.
“Good to meet you, both of you.” Stiles said, tiredly. Even with the coffee, Stiles could feel himself lagging.
“Let’s go inside and put this somewhere safe,” David gestured at the gun case. “Then we’ll get you settled in. Everything else can wait for tomorrow.” Stiles nodded, following him in, Rob closing the door behind them.
***
Stiles woke up early the next day to the sun shining brightly through the attic room window, and he was surprised to realise that he had slept through the night. It had been a while since that had happened, probably because I was so tired, he thought. He stretched, arms rising up into the air, before heading downstairs, already hearing noises from the kitchen.
He found David at the coffee machine, who had turned around, mug in hand, when he heard Stiles enter.
“Morning Stiles, how did you sleep?” He gestured with his mug and Stiles nodded, perching on a stool at the breakfast bar.
“Surprisingly well. It’s uh, been a while.” Stiles was surprised when David just nodded. Obviously seeing the look, David started to explain.
“Your Dad and I had a talk, and he hoped it would be easier on you if he explained a few things first.” David brought Stiles’ mug of coffee over but then backed away, leaning on the counter and giving Stiles some distance. “He mentioned that you were experiencing some symptoms of PTSD and that you had recently been severely ill, just so that we wouldn’t be too surprised in regards to some of the effects.” Stiles sighed, it was easier to not have to start the conversation himself, but he decided to make sure they were aware of the problems.
“So, PTSD from the serial killers, kidnapping and bomb scares. With hypothermia complications brought on by the sleepwalking, and the scare of possible frontotemporal dementia. All resulting in night terrors, panic attacks, loss of appetite, and fatigue. I think that about covers it.” Stiles stared at David challengingly, but was met with compassion and understanding.
“We’ll help you get to how you want to be.” David stated firmly, “however you want to. Even if that means that you want us to ignore everything and let you deal on your own,” David smirked. “Not recommended, but whatever works for you.” Stiles sipped at his coffee, thinking about the offer. “Now would be a good time to get your stuff in,” Stiles looked up and tilted his head to the side in confusion, laughing at himself internally when he realised what he was doing - it was something he had picked up from the pack puppies. David nodded his head towards the ceiling. “As soon as Rob is up you’ll be dragged on that tour, luckily he is not a morning person.” Stiles snorted before standing, draining his mug on the way to the sink. “Just leave the door open until you’re done.” Stiles waved a hand in acknowledgement as he headed to the front door.
Pulling his keys from the pocket of his hoodie, Stiles headed down the path to his jeep. He stopped and leaned his head against the driver’s side window. Everything suddenly seemed so final, that he was here to stay and it kinda knocked him for a loop. Concentrating on his breathing, he looked down at his hands and started counting his fingers, releasing a hiss of relief when he only reached ten. After another couple of deep breaths he went round the jeep and unlocked the back, carefully removing the jar of mountain ash and baseball bat and putting them to one side before slinging the holdall over his shoulder. Picking both werewolf repellants back up, he headed inside and up to his room for the summer.
It didn’t take long to move everything inside. As he had told Rob the night before, he hadn’t packed much, so he headed in to find David and to see about a shower before Rob finally woke up.
Clean and dressed, Stiles sat on the really comfortable sofa and stared at the texts on his phone. His dad and Scott had both replied to his safe arrival messages from the night before, he had received one from Lydia, and one surprisingly from Danny.
The one from Lydia was as expected, for him to have fun but to be there for senior year as she needed at least one person to compete with for valedictorian. The same could be said about the messages from Scott and the sheriff.
Danny’s was interesting. After congratulating him on the internship; though how he knew Stiles had no idea, he said he didn’t blame him for not mentioning the werewolf thing and that he hoped Stiles was doing okay after everything, that he was heading to an internship of his own although he couldn’t say where, and would be available to talk if Stiles needed someone who knew Beacon Hills crazy, but wasn’t there.
Considering what had happened the last couple of years, Stiles was sure he’d be the last person Danny would ever want to talk to.
Soon enough, Stiles heard Rob moving about upstairs and both men appeared not long after. The tour was quickly completed, with Stiles now wanting to sit out in the garden as much as possible, weather permitting. This is where they settled to discuss the details of the internship. David would take Stiles in the next morning and introduce him to everyone, although he would mainly be working with someone called Barry who was basically the whole crime lab.
Luckily for Stiles, due to his circumstances, he was allowed to wear whatever he felt comfortable in, as he would only be working in the lab at the precinct. After hearing that, Stiles let out an exaggerated sigh of relief, causing both Rob and David to laugh.
They spent the rest of the day relaxing. Stiles had quickly sorted out his room, and after some lunch decided to badger David for stories about previous cases, his own and the precincts.
The most recent cases set off Stiles’ alarm for crazy, so he would definitely be keeping an eye out for suspicious supernatural activity.
Turning in early, Stiles just hoped that tonight would be good one; he would need to be on top form tomorrow.