Eran alrededor de las 17:00 hrs. cuando el sheriff salió de su oficina, con ropa de civil y el olor amaderado de su colonia.

—Parrish, es todo por hoy, no necesitare nada más, así que puedes ir a casa también —dijo el mayor acercándose a su cubículo.

—Me quedaré por si surge alguna emergencia —aseguro el castaño con diligencia.

—No tienes que hacerlo, la oficial Clark cubrirá la guardia —dijo el mayor y cuando Jordan se giró a ver a la chica, le hizo una seña con la mano, como asegurándole que tenía todo bajo control.

—Vamos hijo —dijo poniéndole la mano en su hombro—. Seguro que un chico de tu edad tiene mejores planes para un viernes.

—Yo... en realidad... —empezó Jordan, pero se quedó en silencio sin saber que decir, la verdad era que, aunque habían pasado una larga temporada bastante tranquila, lo cual, si bien era un alivio, a veces le daba una sensación que en cualquier momento eso podía cambiar y no quería estar con la guardia baja. —¿Usted sí?

El sheriff hizo una ligera mueca con los labios, por el tono que uso su ayudante, lo miro por un momento como si internamente decidiera si ese comentario era algún tipo de insubordinación, pero dado que ya estaba fuera de servicio y estaba de tan buen humor lo dejo pasar por alto.

—Melissa me invito a cenar —admitió con una sonrisa y agrego —Scott está de vuelta.

Ante la mención del alfa, el joven oficial sintió surgir una emoción en su interior, algo cálido se extendió por su pecho y una brillante sonrisa adorno su rostro.

—¿Puedo ir con usted? —pidió sin poder reprimirse. El sheriff parecía un poco sorprendido, pero solo se encogió de hombros antes de asentir.

♡

En el camino, Jordan se planteó si no estaría siendo inoportuno, irrumpiendo en una cena claramente familiar, pero cualquier duda quedo en el olvido cuando los recibieron sin ningún tipo de reparo, Scott incluso lo saludo con un reconfortante abrazo que el oficial no sabía que necesitaba.

Cenaron la deliciosa comida casera de Melissa y pasaron una agradable velada, hablando de temas superficiales y cuando terminaron los mayores anunciaron que saldrían al cine y la mujer le pidió a Scott se hiciera cargo de los trastes. Porque Scott podría ser el protector de Beacon Hills, pero en casa solo era el hijo de Melissa.

—¿Te ayudo? —pregunto Jordan acercándose al moreno, después que se fueron los padres de Scott, no estaba muy seguro si el alfa esperaba que él también se fuera, pero a falta de una orden directa, permaneció en el lugar.

—Oh, no tienes que hacerlo eres un invitado.

—Considerando que me autoinvite creo que puedo ayudar con los trastes —insistió el joven poniéndose a su lado para secar los platos que el chico había enjuagado.

—De acuerdo —acepto el chico y por un tiempo trabajaron monótonamente en silencio.

—¿No vas a preguntar qué hago aquí? —pregunto de pronto el oficial.

—¿Quieres que lo haga?

—Supongo que no, porque en realidad no tengo una respuesta —admitió Parrish mirando al chico.

—Está bien, puedes venir siempre que quieras, estaré todo este mes por el periodo vacacional o puedes visitarme en California, somos manada, estar juntos es bueno, soy tu alfa después de todo.

“Man,” Stiles starts with a grin to match Scott’s own. “I can’t believe you’re home. And like… a grown up. With a doctorate.”

Scott blushes and scratches bashfully at the back of his neck. “Yeah, I’m excited to be home, too. Looking forward to getting settled in and seeing everyone again.”

“Settled in with Parrish, right?” Stiles wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “You two sure are moving fast.”

“Huh?” Scott’s eyebrows knit together in confusion.

“Well, I know you guys have been hanging out or whatever, but living together is pretty serious. That’s like… a big step on the grand staircase of relationships.”

Scott shakes his head, “Dude, we’re not like together or anything… We just got to talking when I visited for Christmas. He was saying his rent was a little high. And there’s not really a place for me to move in with my mom and your dad. We’re just a couple of friends who both needed a roommate.”

Stiles looks skeptical but leaves it at that. They move on and talk for the rest of the car ride just like they had never spent any time apart.

---

2. Valerie

Scott and Parrish find a rhythm and quickly learn to live with each other. Parrish works either very early or very late hours at the station. Scott, who is now a partner at Deaton’s veterinary clinic, works regular hours Monday through Friday - only going in on the weekends for emergencies.

When Parrish works the night shift, Scott will usually swing by the station with dinner after he’s done at the clinic. One night, Scott arrives with egg rolls and lo mein from Parrish’s favorite Chinese restaurant.

“Oh my gosh, you’re the best! I love you!” Parrish exclaims as he rips open the bag. Scott smiles bashfully at Parrish’s very vocal appreciation, his eyes crinkling around the edges.

Deputy Clark sits one desk over as she sighs loudly and wistfully. Scott and Parrish turn to look at her.

“Wha-” Parrish asks with a mouth full of egg roll.

“Oh, nothing.” She hums, “I just wish I had a boyfriend who would bring me dinner at work.”

Parrish shakes his head, “Scott’s not my boyfriend, he’s just my roommate. A very considerate roommate, but that’s all. And Valerie, you’re a catch. I’m sure there are plenty of guys who are dying to be with you…”

Scott tunes out the conversation and Parrish misses the sad smile that graces the younger man’s face.

---

3. Melissa

Scott washes the dishes in the kitchen sink of his childhood home when Melissa comes up to him and kisses him on the side of his forehead. When he was younger he would have shrugged her off and wiped the nonexistent slobber from his forehead, but at 26 years old he doesn’t mind the show of motherly affection.

Scott’s mom takes a rag and starts drying dishes. They stand side by side in a companionable silence, washing dishes while Parrish takes a phone call from the station in the living room.

Melissa sets down the dish in her hands and turns to Scott. “I’m glad you felt comfortable bringing your boyfriend over for dinner. I know we’ve never had, you know, the talk. But -”

“Mom, please,” he implores, quieting her before Parrish could walk in and overhear.

“What?” Melissa crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow. “I’m just happy for you, that’s all.”

“There’s nothing to be happy about, though. Literally nothing happening here at all,” Scott whispers back at her.

She opens her mouth to respond, but at that moment Parrish walks into the kitchen. “Thank you so much for dinner, Mrs. Mccall. It was amazing. I’m sorry I have to do this, but apparently there’s a massive pileup on the highway and it’s all hands on deck. I have to go into work.”

“Oh, that’s alright.” Melissa smiles understandingly, “I have worked a few emergencies myself. I’m just glad you came.”

Melissa pulls Parrish in for a hug. Surprised, Parrish doesn’t quite know what to do with his arms. He awkwardly pats her on the back.

When he pulls away he turns to Scott, “Are you gonna be alright to get home? I feel bad, we should have taken separate cars.”

Scott shakes his head, “Don’t worry about it - we live about 5 blocks away. And I’m a pretty fast runner.”

Parrish grins at the younger man and bumps shoulders with him. “See you at home,” he says quietly.

Melissa watches the exchange, amused by how absolutely wrong her son could be.

---

4. Allison

Beep. Boop. Boop. Beep.

The noise comes from Scott’s laptop - from Skype, to be specific. Scott’s face splits into a grin when he sees that the call coming in is from Allison.

Scott minimizes the window he has open and accepts Allison’s call.

“Hey, Allison!” He cheerfully greets the brunette when she appears on the screen.

“Scott! I wasn’t sure you’d be up – it’s still early in Beacon Hills now, right?”

“Yeah, I like to get a jump start on the day – have some quiet time before I have to go into the office.”

Allison starts to apologize for interrupting, but he stops her. “I’m always happy to see you, though! What’s up? How’s France?”

“C’est magnifique!” she exclaims with a giggle. “Malia’s not picking up French at all, but I think she’s enjoying it. She’s enjoying me, at least.” Allison wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.

Scott blushes and covers his face. Thankfully, he’s saved from having to respond when Parrish comes out into their shared living room, frantically looking for something.

“You looking for your keys?” Scott asks.

“Yes, have you seen them?”

“You always leave them on the kitchen counter by the cereal. Go check there.”

Parrish does a little jog over to the kitchen and shakes his keys signifying that he found them. “You’re a lifesaver! I have my keys, wallet, and… sunglasses? Where are my sunglasses?”

Scott barks out a laugh and points at Jordan, “They’re on top of your head.”

Jordan shakes his head. “Of course.” He walks over and gives Scott’s shoulder a squeeze, “Thanks, Scott. See you tonight.”

Scott reaches up and briefly touches Jordan’s fingers with his own. “See you then.”

Parrish runs out, the door falling closed behind him. Scott’s eyes linger on the door a beat too long before turning his attention back to Allison on his screen.

“Oh, sorry, Allison! What were we talking about?”

“Nothing, nothing. Just my love life, but maybe we should be talking about yours.” She suggests along with her signature eyebrow raise.

“What love life? I’m too busy with work and friends for any of that right now.”

“Friends like Parrish?”

Scott looks down, bashful. “Yes, friends. Just friends.”

“You just seem so… domestic, though. And that smile says otherwise! You couldn’t wipe that grin off your face the whole time he was in the room. I know that head over heels Scott McCall grin!”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t matter. We’re roommates and we have a good thing going on here. I don’t want to jeopardize that.”

“Scott, his hand was on your shoulder. For a while. Trust me, your feelings are not one-sided.”

“Please, Allison? Just don’t – we’re just gonna be roommates and that’s all.” Scott says with a tone of finality. “Now, tell me what you guys have been up to in France. Nothing graphic, please!”

She laughs and complies with Scott’s request to move the conversation along, but she refuses to believe that Scott’s feelings aren’t reciprocated by Parrish. She’d heard from Stiles how unbearably in love and oblivious they were, but seeing it herself – even on the small laptop screen through Skype – she knew for sure. It was only a matter of time before they figured it out.

---

5. Sheriff

It’s Thanksgiving and the pack has gathered at the recently restored Hale house to celebrate. Scott wanders and takes in the view of his pack - his family - all enjoying a moment of peace together. Jackson, Kira, Isaac, and Boyd play pickup lacrosse in the yard while Derek serves as referee. Danny, Lydia, and Allison drink wine on the front porch and catch up. Stiles and Melissa work together to put the finishing touches on the meal in the kitchen.

Scott stops short of the den when he overhears Jordan talking to the Sheriff. The two men had been half-watching the game (neither of their teams were playing) and chatting.

The Sheriff starts, “You know, Parrish, I’ve always thought of Scott as a son. And I’ve grown to think of you the same way over the past few years. I’m really glad the two of you have found each other.”

“Sheriff, sir -” Parrish tries.

“It’s Noah. Please, we’re not in the office.” The Sheriff interrupts.

“Noah, look. I think Scott’s a great friend and roommate. But that’s all we are. We’re not dating or anything.”

Scott lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding and tunes out the rest of their conversation. He leans against the wall, taking a second to compose himself. But with a house this full, that second was all he got.

Malia walks up and knocks Scott’s shoulder with her own. “You smell sad. It’s a weird smell on you.”

Scott paints a smile back on his face. “Nah, I’m good.” He throws an arm over Malia’s shoulders and steers her towards the kitchen. “Let’s go sneak some turkey off the plate. It drives Stiles and my mom crazy, it’s a timeless Thanksgiving tradition!”

---

+1

The following Saturday, Jordan has the day off, so he and Scott are home at the same time. Scott knocks on his bedroom door. Jordan looks up from the book he’s reading and smiles.

“Hey, Scott!”

“Hey, Jordan.” Scott begins, unusually somber. “Can we talk?”

Jordan sits up more in his bed. “Sure, man. What’s up?”

Scott takes a couple steps into the room and sits on the edge of the bed - as far away from Jordan as physically possible while still being on the same bed.

“I’ve been thinking it over and I think I need to move out.” Scott manages to get out, never looking Jordan in the eyes.

Shocked, Jordan opens and closes his mouth. Not sure what to say, at first. “I mean, I guess if you feel like you need to. But why?”

Scott runs his hands over his face, “Don’t make me say it, Jordan.”

“Say what?”

“You have to know how I feel about you. It’s getting embarrassing, dude.”

“How you feel about me?” Jordan repeats back at him.

“I bring you dinner at the station almost every night. I spend all of my time with you when we’re not working. I regularly bring you over to my mom’s house for dinner. I feel like it should be pretty clear.”

“You have feelings for me?”

“Yes, Jordan! I’m stupidly in love with you and I know you don’t feel the same way because you keep laughing and telling people we’re not together. If you’re not into me, that’s fine, but it’s just getting to be too much for me. That’s why I need to move out.”

Jordan sits with his mouth agape for a few moments before launching forward and kissing Scott square on the lips.

“Don’t move out,” is all Jordan says before bringing his lips back to Scott’s.

Scott is still for several moments, surprised by the kiss. Finally, he kisses back and Jordan can feel the younger man’s lips turn up in a smile against his.

Scott pulls back, a goofy smile on his face, and says, “Why haven’t we been doing this for months?”

Jordan shakes his head. “I thought I was the one with the one-sided feelings. I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to ruin our living situation or make you uncomfortable.”

“Me, too. We’re so dumb.”

“So dumb!” Parrish says with a chuckle. “I promise I’ll tell you all the time about my feelings for you.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.” He punctuates every sentence with a kiss along Scott’s jaw. “How much I like you.” Kiss. “How cute you are.” Kiss. “How hot you are.” Kiss.

“Sounds good to me.”

“How does a date sound to you? Tonight?”