A Pack Of Hearts- Stiles Stilinski x Reader PT1
a/n-this is kind of a rewrite of something I have done before if you know then you know x
-warning this is the slowest of burns.
-also warning x2 strong language
You lay peacefully and undisturbed in your bed, your room was still and silent just how you preferred it. The silence was only broken by the occasional rustle of the curtains, gently swaying with the soft breeze that drifted in from the open window.
The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft silver glow across the room, creating a peaceful and soothing atmosphere.
You relaxed back on your bed, allowing the music to wash over you. You closed your eyes, letting the melodies and lyrics transport you to another place in your mind. You took a deep, steadying breath, letting the music completely surround you and quiet you inner thoughts, if only for a little while.
You were content with your solitary lifestyle. You didn’t mind not having many friends; you preferred it that way. You had learned to be self-sufficient and independent from a young age, and had developed a strong sense of self-reliance. You never felt the need to be constantly surrounded by people, and in fact, you found comfort in the solitude that your lack of social circle provided you.
Your peaceful evening was suddenly shattered by the sound of a sharp, persistent knocking at your front door. The unexpected sound caused you to sit up abruptly, breaking your focus on the music and bringing you back to reality. You frowned, annoyed by the interruption to your quiet night.
You tried to ignore the persistent knocking, hoping that whoever was at her door would eventually give up and go away. But as the knocking persisted, you realized that they weren’t going to stop anytime soon. With a frustrated huff, you swung your legs off the bed and stood up abruptly, irritation etched across your features.
“What the hell could you possibly want?”you almost yelled as you fiercely opened your door revealing one very awkward teenage boy. Immediately you recognised him.
Stiles Stilinski stood on your doorstep fumbling around with the zip on his jacket. His clumsy smile falling from his face when he saw how irritated you were. Before he could open his mouth to say anything you interrupted.
“Whatever it is, it’s a big fat no”you rolled your eyes as you began to shut the heavy door in his face.
“Y/n stop, you can’t ignore me forever I just wanted to see if you were busy”Stiles called out, placing his shoe in between the door and the door frame, whining quietly as it got stuck.
“Well I am busy, so go away”you hissed, attempting to shut the door again.
Stiles looked at you with a pleading expression, his foot trapped between the door and the doorframe. He winced as you attempted to slam the door shut, but he didn’t give up. He knew you well enough to know that your stubbornness was just one of the many things he found fascinating about you.
You would deny it but you and Stiles had known each other since you were both in the same class in nursery school. Even then, Stiles had been eager to be your friend, always bringing you his toys that you would throw on the floor in response. As you both grew up, he continued to try to be friends with you, but your aversion to social interaction always seemed to keep him at bay. Despite this, Stiles never gave up on you, always trying to find ways to break through your protective barrier, learning about you from afar.
“Really? You’re busy… I’ve heard one that before”Stiles raised his eyebrows as he folded his arms, daring to question you.
“No im not actually busy, I just want you to leave- maybe take the hint Stilinski”you finally told the truth, sending him a sarcastic smile.
Stiles stared at you for a moment, hesitating for a moment before responding, choosing his next words carefully.
“If you aren’t busy then come and hang out with us I will dri- Stiles ‘too stubborn for his own good’ Stilinski.
“Listen, just because I hung out with you idiots once doesn’t mean that we are friends, My mom met your dad at one parents evening and decided to be friends- it was completely against my will”you explained growing more frustrated.
“You really want to stay in and listen to your music all night?”Stilinski frowned, pointing up at your dimly lit bedroom window. First of all how did he know that. Second of all- Staying in and listening to music all night sounded like a brilliant idea.
“I bet it’s a thousand times better than what you are about to offer”you folded your arms as you leant on the door frame.
“There’s a dead body, in the woods”He breathed out, attempting to mirror your actions and lean on your wooden pole. Missing it entirely.
You rolled your eyes. Of course, he would try to entice you with something so morbid. He had always been into those kind of things, solving mysteries, crimes. He took after his father.
“Oh yeah, because finding a dead body is so at the top of my To-Do list tonight”you scoffed out sarcastically, giving him a pointed stare.
“Y/n, no one knows the woods like you do, I’ll be able to find it much quicker with your help and you know that”Stiles groaned, not yet admitting defeat.
Your lips were set in a firm line, of course you knew the woods like the back of your hand. Stiles was desperate to get you to help him search for the dead body, not only did he believe that you were the smartest person he knew, he genuinely wanted you to get out of the house.
Growing up you had spent countless hours alone, exploring the woods and memorizing every nook and cranny of the small town you lived in. You were the best person to help him navigate the vast expanse of woods.
“If I come for an hour at most, will you leave me alone?”you sighed, letting your tense shoulders fall at his words. Stiles nodded quickly, not wanting you to change your mind.
“Do not push your luck”you mumbled back before slamming the door in his face. Confused, Stiles lingered outside stepping from one foot to the other awkwardly wondering if he should knock again.
Minutes later and your front door swung open once more, this time your hair was tied up and you had slipped on your favourite sweatshirt.
Stiles's eyes widened as he watched you tie up your shoelaces. He was surprised by how fast you had changed, and a wave of relief washed over him as he realized that he had finally succeeded in his 13 year old plan to befriend you. Well, he had nearly succeeded.
His heart skipped a beat as he took you in, noticing how the familiar sweatshirt hugged your form and how your hair was tied up loosely. Your rogue hairs falling around your face , framing it perfectly. Seeing you prepared to go into the woods with him sent a thrill of excitement and energy up his spine, and he couldn't help but grin at you.
Your vision aligned with his and the feeling that had briefly flickered in your chest was something you weren't used to. It was a foreign sensation, like a small flutter of a bird's wings against your chest. But just as quickly as it had appeared, it disappeared, leaving you confused and slightly annoyed.
“What are you smiling at, you’re wasting time because your hour of Y/n time started as soon as I crossed the front door”you uttered out as you began to walk towards his jeep.
As soon as you both entered Stiles's jeep, an awkward silence filled the air. You could feel Stiles's excitement radiating off of him, but you did your best to keep your emotions in check. You could sense that Stiles wanted to say something, and you wished so deeply against it.
“We just have one more stop to make”Stiles hummed out, turning the key to start the engine that drowned out your groan.
The car ride was silent, every time Stiles would turn and try to speak to you, you would reach forwards to turn up the music. Trying to avoid painful conversation. Not long after the jeep came to a halt, Stiles couldn’t help but glance over at you.
He took in your focused expression as you nonchalantly scanned the area out of the window, he almost couldn’t believe it, Sitting in the same car as you. Despite the fact that he'd known you his entire life, being in close quarters with you like this was still new.
Stiles quickly glanced away from you, realizing he'd zoned out. His heart rate increased, as if he'd caught himself doing something he shouldn't. He had always known that he found you intriguing, like you were another mystery that needed to be solved but this was something different entirely. Something more profound.
“I-uh-I-sh-”Stiles tried to compose himself as he broke the silence.
“I’m waiting in the Jeep”you spoke out finally, reading his mind.
“I will be five minutes okay?”He leapt out of the car, stumbling and tripping his way around to your side of the vehicle whilst holding up five fingers. A lopsided smile plastered on his face.
He tapped your window, gaining your attention for the what felt like the hundredth time that night. You rolled your eyes, winding down the window.
“And uh- Y/n- don’t leave”his voice came out raspy, your glance flickering over his face.
“You’re my ride home”you deadpanned as you wound the window back up. Pulling out your phone so that you could mindlessly scroll through it whilst you waited.
Almost ten minutes passed before you realised that Stiles hadn’t returned. You glanced out of the window towards Scott's house, feeling a pang of confusion and annoyance when you didn’t see Stiles stood at the front door.
You couldn't wait any longer. The nagging feeling in your gut was growing too strong to ignore. You pushed open the passenger door of the Jeep mumbling profanities under your breath.
Your eyes darting around the dark neighborhood, searching for any signs of movement. Mentally cursing Stiles for his disappearing act.
As you reach Scott's front door, the silence of the night surrounding you was suddenly interrupted by the sound of the door abruptly swinging open. Scott stood in the doorway, gripping a bat tightly in his hands. A look of surprise and confusion crossed his face as he saw you standing there, clearly looking for someone. You exchange a glance with Scott, and for a moment, neither of you knew what to say.
Scott Mccall blinked twice, as if trying to clear his vision and make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. It wasn’t every day that you showed up unannounced at his doorstep, especially so late at night. Yet, there you were, standing before him, looking slightly out of breath and evidently pissed off.
“Were you the noise that I heard from inside?”Scott walked around you, neither of you asking the relevant questions as he inspected each section of his porch. Clutching the bat close to his chest. Did he even play baseball?
“Clearly”you sighed, wanting to know where Stiles had gotten to. Once Scott was certain that there was no one else nearby he finally turned to you, noticing the disapproving frown playing on your lips.
“How can I help- Scott turns to speak to you, but his words are cut off by a sudden noise that drew both of your attention. You both spun around, only to see Stiles suddenly falling from the roof and hanging upside down from the ceiling. In your synchronized shock, you both let out screams of terror. The teenager next to you clinging onto his weapon for dear life.
You huffed out in frustration as you adjusted your hoodie, Scott lowering his bat as you calmed down. Why and how was he up there?!
“Stiles what the hell are you doing?!” Scott exclaimed, his voice getting louder.
“You weren’t answering your phone, why do you have a bat?”Stiles choked out slightly exasperated.
“I thought you were a predator?!”Scott shot back protesting.
“A pre…What?”Stiles scoffed out, clearly appalled by the implication before turning to you.
“I thought you said you were going to wait in the jeep?”Stiles’ eyes softened whilst yours hardened immensely.
“I thought you said you were going to be five minutes?”you retorted back, folding your arms.
Scott’s eyes flickered back and forth between the two of you before settling on his best friend who was still very much hanging from the ceiling. Realisation dawning upon him.
“Wait, you two came together?”Scott asked aloud, sending Stiles a knowing look, luckily you didn’t see the small smirk dancing on his lips and Stiles nodding proudly to himself.
“I’m starting to wish I hadn’t”you grumbled out, shaking your head.
“Look, I know it’s late, but you gotta hear this. I saw my dad leave fourty-five minutes ago. Dispatch called- they’re bringing in every officer from the Beacon Department, and even state police”Stiles changed the subject quickly ignoring your comment.
“For what?”Scott frowned.
“Two joggers found a body in the woods, honestly I’m pretty disappointed in you y/n for not finding it first since you’re always out there doing- whatever it is you do, in the woods…alone”Stiles accused you without actually accusing you.
You responded by lifting your hand, your middle finger standing tall. You were running out of the will to live. Was Stiles Stilinski really going to Out-Sarcasm you?
Stiles reached up to pull himself free of the trellis, landing on his feet in front of you and Scott who still looked extremely confused.
“A dead body?”McCall repeated.
“No, a body of water…Yes dumbass, a dead body?!”Stilinski leant on the railings to look up at Scott with an expression that read ‘what do you think?!’.
You stood in between the two, your mouth falling open as you witnessed the stupidity in front of you, reminiscing about your warm bed that you left behind.
“You mean like murdered?”Scott questioned further, becoming unnerved.
“Nobody knows yet. Just that it was a girl, probably in her twenties”Stiles informed you both, climbing over the railings so that he was stood next to you.
“Hold on, If they found the body, then what are they looking for”Scott continued, asking all the right questions.
You watched as Stiles became overwhelmed with happiness as the plot thickened.
“That’s the best part-they only found half”his voice trailed away as he finished the story.
“That’s really quite gross”you grimaced.
“That’s really quite gross and we are really totally going”Stiles’ tone changed patting Scott’s shoulder as he glanced at you making it clear that neither of you had a say in what happens next.
You tried to brush off the sleep that was slowly consuming you as the three of you pulled into the Beacon Hills preserve. The illuminated warning sign in front almost blinding you.
Stiles peered back at you, dropping a flashlight into your lap, noticing your tired eyes and stifled yawns. The motion lit up your phone screen, the time staring you straight in the face.
“Well would you look at that, your hour is up Stilinski it’s home time for me”you perked up, a small smirk growing as you climbed out of the jeep. Stiles holding the door open for you.
“I’m your ride home”Stiles deadpanned mocking the words you had used earlier that evening. Oh, he had gotten you so good.
“We’re seriously doing this?”Scott interrupted the argument that was about to start between the two of you. Tapping his flashlight as it blinked on.
“You’re the one always bitching that nothing ever happens in this town”Stiles called back at him, his friend following close by trying to catch up with you.
“I was trying to get a good night’s sleep before practice tomorrow”you heard Scott answer as your thoughts drifted off, shining your light into the deepest, darkest corners of the woods.
The boys and their conversation drifted out of ear shot. Frozen in place as a sudden noise from the bushes nearby catches your attention. Your heart pounding in your chest, your body tensing as if preparing for something dangerous. Preparing for anything. The soft rustling of leaves and the snap of a twig send a chill down your spine. You scanned the darkness, trying to discern any shapes or movement, but the woods remain eerily still.
You snap out of your frozen state as Stiles's gentle voice breaks the silence. He lightly touches your shoulder, causing you to jump slightly in surprise. You turn to face him, your heart still beating furiously in your chest.
"Hey, it's okay just me”Stiles says, his voice soft and reassuring. "Don’t fall behind, gotta get you home in one piece” he mumbled out, receiving a silent nod in response.
“Stiles, speaking of pieces just out of curiosity-which half of the body are we looking for?”A third voice spoke up.
The walking buzz cut paused for a brief moment before scoffing quietly. “Huh! I didn’t even think about that”
“And uh…what if whoever killed the body is still out there?”Scott added.
“Also something I didn’t think about”Stiles raised his eyebrow, his flashlight flying around in the air erratically settling on you.
“Could you knock it off?!”you breathed out, bringing your hands up to shield your eyes from the overwhelming light.
“I-eugh, Sorry- just checking”his arms dropping to his sides. You had been very quiet.
The three of you begin to hike up a hill, the incline slowly steepening as you progress. The ground became more uneven, and you had to take care with each step to avoid slipping on the loose rocks and roots beneath your feet.
Stiles leading the way, his flashlight illuminating the trail ahead. Occasionally, the beam of light briefly passed over you and Scott, who climbed closely behind.
“It’s comforting to know you’ve planned this out with your usual attention to detail”The boy next to you rolled his eyes.
You began noticing Scott’s breathlessness as you listen to Stiles grumble out a “I know”. His breathing became wheezy and rapid, making you slow down slightly to let him catch up with you.
“Maybe the severe asthmatic should be holding the flashlight”Scott joked, leaning back against a tree as he pulled out his inhaler.
You silently waited a moment for Scott to compose himself your line of sight switching in between him and Stiles who was further in front.
As you continue hiking, you start to see the beams of flashlights through the trees ahead. A handful of police officers were conducting a search, their flashlights creating bobbing, dancing lights in the darkness.
Stiles whispers urgently to you and Scott, and before you know it you are being dragged to the ground with a surprised yelp, Stilinski sandwiching you in between the two of them.
You all switched off your flashlights in seconds, the three of you bickering in a quiet whisper as you tried to figure out what your next move would be.
Unfortunately for you and Scott, Stiles’ patience eventually wore down, muttering out a ‘fuck it’ before jumping up to his feet. Scott’s eyes widened and it all flashed before your eyes.
“Come on, both of you”Stiles chirped out, grabbing your hand tightly, his fingers wrapping around yours. The touch sends a jolt of surprise through you, he begins to run through the woods, pulling you along behind him.
“Stiles! Y/n! Wait up”you hear Scott cough out from behind you, Stiles more focused on getting as far away as possible.
Your head snapped back, seeing Scott’s shadow get further away. “Stiles maybe we should-“
Stiles finally stops running after hearing his best friends pleas. He failed to alert you, sending you crashing into his back with a thud, the split second of distraction caught the attention of a nearby K9 officer.
The loud and aggressive barks startled you, along with the flashlights shining over the two of you. You were in so much trouble.
“Hold it right there”a familiar voice boomed out through the trees. Stiles raised his hands into the air immediately earning himself a lengthy eye roll from yourself.
Sheriff Stilinski appeared close by, shaking his head as he caught sight of his son.
“Hang on, hang on…this little delinquent belongs to me”Noah pinched the bridge of his nose. Stiles sending you a nervous smile before greeting his father.
“Dad, how are you doing?”He offered, getting an answer filled with frustration and exhaustion, the sheriff’s flashlight panned over to you. Your cheeks growing red as you lifted your hand to say hello to your neighbour.
“And this little delinquent doesn’t belong to me, in fact…she isn’t a delinquent at all”Noah narrowed his eyes over at his son, knowing that you being there was Stiles’ doing.
“How are you Mr.Stilinski?”you asked sheepishly, feeling Stiles’ eyes burning into the side of your face.
“I’m doing just fine sweetie, how is your mom?”Noah’s anger faded away for a moment as you began to catch up like no time had passed. Stiles’ mouth falling open at the interaction.
“So, do you, uh, listen in to all of my phone calls?”The sheriff turned his attention back to Stiles who let out an uncertain laugh.
“Not the boring ones”He answered lightly attempting to lessen his father’s anger as you both watched Noah scan the area with his flashlight.
“Now, where’s your usual partner in crime?” Scott. He had been left behind.
“Who, Scott? Scott’s home. He said he wanted to get a good night’s sleep for first day back at school tomorrow”Stiles tried to play it dumb as you felt raindrops fall on your forehead.
The sheriff stared at you both in disbelief as Stiles continued to lie.
“It’s just us…in the woods…alone”He sighed out, both of you turning your heads to face one another, giving him a stern look that told him to dig you out of the hole he was currently digging very deep.
It was obvious that his dad didn’t believe him because he lifted his flashlight once more.
“Scott, you out there? Scott?!”His voice echoed around the trees. Stilinski reluctantly gives up on his search after Scott doesn’t appear in front of him. He then took a deep sigh- one that you completely understood.
“Well Stiles, I’m going to walk you back to your car…and then you and I are gonna have a conversation about something called ‘invasion of privacy’ right after you have taken this tired young lady home”He ordered, grabbing Stiles roughly by the back of the neck, his other hand gently settling on your shoulder as he guided you both back to the entrance.
You took one last deep glance into the woods, wondering if Scott managed to make it out.
The car ride back was unusually quiet. Stiles occasionally glances sideways at you, stealing nervous glances from the corner of his eye. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white with tension, his attention span wanting to reach out to you but choosing to tap against the wheel instead.
Stiles could sense that you were tired. Your eyes kept drooping, and you let out a few soft yawns as you tried to stay awake. You clearly just wanted to get home and rest after a long night.
He took another look at you, guilt gnawing at him as he saw how exhausted you looked. He felt somewhat terrible for dragging you into this, but a part of him wasn’t sorry at all.
As the silence in the car continued, Stiles became lost in his thoughts- causing him to blurt out the question that had been nagging at his mind.
“Are you mad at me?" he asks suddenly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He glances over at you again, searching your weary face for any signs of anger or disappointment, the same signs that had been present all night.
“I wouldn’t say I’m mad, I would just say that I am severely annoyed”he could hear your muffled complaints followed by a yawn.
The vehicle finally pulls up outside your house, the headlights lighting up the familiar facade. Stiles let out a small sigh that he didn’t know he’d been holding in, relieved that you're finally home safely.
He turned off the engine peering over at you, noticing the evident exhaustion on your face. He wanted to say something, anything.
“Thanks for the ride Stilinski”you grumbled out, opening the door and slipping out from the passengers side.
As you shut the door, turning to make your way to your house Stiles began to fumble with his seatbelt. He struggled with the buckle, his fingers feeling clumsy and shaky. He could feel a sense of urgency to catch up to you, but his body just wasn’t cooperating.
Finally, the seatbelt comes loose, and Stiles practically leapt out of the car, almost tripping over his own feet in his haste. He took a deep breath, mentally berating himself for his nervousness.
“Y/n”he called out confidently, making you stop in your tracks. You threw your head backwards, turning to face Stiles for the last time that night.
He observed you as you asked him a million questions with your eyes. Confused as to what he could possibly want now.
“Friends?”he asked, almost as if he were offering it to you. A small smile appeared on your face at his determination.
“Absolutely fucking not, I’m never doing dumb shit like that ever again”your lips formed a frown as you disappeared into your house leaving Stiles stood dumbfounded in your driveway.
