Other tags: trans lydia, Derek Hale/ Lydia Martin, Isaac Lahey/Scott Mccall/Allson Argent , Peter Hale/Chris Argent, Minor Character Death
triggers: fighting, drug use
Please let me know if I need to add any more tags.
Chapter 4: Anxious and Afraid
Stiles chuckled, as he sat next to Isaac and Scott. “Hello, my wonderful friends, that I never see anymore.”
Scott raised a brow at him. “I thought you were not allowed to leave the house?” He leaned back in Isaac’s arms, smiling at his friend.
“Dad is at work and what he does not know won’t hurt him.” He leaned back and lit a cigarette. “I just wanted to see the world outside the house for a little while. Don’t tell me that you aren’t happy to see me.”
Scott chuckled. “I just don’t want you to get in trouble.” He pushed over a plate of brownies. “Allison made these. Enjoy one.”
Stiles grabbed one, taking a bite. “So… things are going well between you three?”
Isaac giggled. “Don’t eat with your mouth full, Stiles.” He kissed the top of Scott’s head. “We’re doing great. How are you and Jackson doing?”
Stiles hummed as he finished his brownie. “We’re great, I guess. Mostly we just sit in his room and watch movies. Sometimes we make out a bit, but I’m not really sure what we are right now.” He bit lip. “At least I am comfortable knowing that his father completely hates me.”
Scott shook his head. “He’s a fool. No one should hate you.” He pushed his shoulder softly. “But you like Jackson, right?”
Stiles nodded, taking a drag from his cigarette. “I’ve never actually liked anyone like this before.” He smiled softly. “He’s kind of perfect.”
Isaac giggled. “Yeah, a couple weeks ago you were calling him a rich entitled nerd.”
Stiles groaned, wiping his face. “Don’t remind me. I was wrong, okay?”
Scott nodded. “He seems to have a good influence on you. You haven’t done a single drug since you got back. I am surprised I don’t even smell weed wafting off you.”
Stiles shrugged. “Jackson doesn’t like the smell.” He put his cigarette out in the grass. “I should go. I just wanted some fresh air, but I need to be home when dad gets home. Jackson wants to go out tomorrow and I have to grovel to dad, and hope he will be lenient.”
Scott chuckled. “Get out of here, Stiles. I hope it works out. Jackson sounds great. He was very polite at Chris’s dinner. Hey, try to see if your dad will allow you out Saturday. Allison is cooking this time.”
Stiles nodded, grinning. “Maybe he’ll let me off for good behavior.” He grabbed another brownie and got up, walking back home.
Jackson stepped into the sheriff’s station and looked around. He smiled walking up to the reception desk. “May I please speak with the sheriff please?”
The woman looked up at him smiling. “Let me see if he is available, hun. Is it an urgent matter?”
Jackson chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “It really depends on what you consider urgent, but I guess not. I’m kind of dating his son.”
Tara laughed softly. “Oh you’re Jackson. The sheriff talks about you all the time. Let me just call him.” She picked up a phone on her desk and pressed a button. “Sheriff. There is a nice young man here. He looks like he just might melt into the floor in a blob of nerves.” She chuckled, winking at Jackson.
Jackson laughed, blushing deeply. “Oh my god…” He licked his lips as the sheriff poked his head out of his office. “Hello, Mr. Stilinski.”
“Get in here, Jackson, before you cause the entire station to riot.” Noah laughed, mock glaring at the deputies. “Get back to work.”
Jackson nodded, rushing over to the office. “Of course, Sheriff.”
Noah closed the door behind them. “None of that. You can call me Noah. What can I do for you, Jackson?” He smiled, pouring them both a cup of coffee. “You look terrified. Calm down.” He sighed as he handed the teenager the coffee.
Jackson nodded, holding the coffee close. “I’m, I know that Stiles is still grounded, but I had hoped… am hoping that you would allow me to take him on a proper date.” He squeaked out the end of his sentence.
The sheriff chuckled, shaking his head. “Is that all you wanted? Calm down kid. Let me think. Allison called asking me to allow him to go to dinner Saturday night, and you want him to go on a date with you?” The sheriff sat at his desk, staring at the boy for a moment. “Okay. I think he can get a couple of days reprieve, for good behavior. You can take him out Friday evening, but I want him back by 11pm. You pick him up and drop him off on my doorstep. Do you mind taking him to this dinner at Allison’s”
Jackson grinned, taking a sip of his coffee. He cringed looking at his cup. “That is bloody awfull.” He chuckled. “I agree to all your terms, sir. I just thought I’d take him to dinner and a movie.”
“Alright, but I am not asking him out for you. Why don’t you go over to the house and ask him yourself.” The sheriff chuckled, winking at him. “One more thing, no drinking, drugs, or sex.”
Jackson squeaked and nodded. “God no, sir. I don’t drink or do drugs… I’m not sure I’m ready for sex. The farthest we’ve gotten is kissing.”
Noah nodded. “Just establishing the rules. Do not worry, kid. Get out of here.”
“Thank you, sir.” Jackson hopped up. He put the cup of coffee on the desk and ran out of the station. He headed straight to Stiles’s house, and rang the bell.
Stiles answered the door and leaned against the frame. “Well, hello, beautiful.” He reached out and took his hand. “Don’t know why you are here, but you are a sight for sore eyes.”
Jackson grinned, kissing him softly. “I was wondering if you would like to go to dinner and a movie with me, Friday night.”
Stiles pouted. “I would love to, but I’m grounded. My father would never go for it.”
Jackson chuckled. “I already got his permission. He also said I can take you to Allison’s Saturday night. That is two nights you have free.”
Stiles chuckled. “You are amazing. Thank you. I would love to go on a date with you, babe.” He pulled him into another kiss and sighed happily. “Why don’t you stay and watch a movie?”
Jackson grinned. He could not believe how happy Stiles made him. He did not think it was possible to be this happy. “If I do that, I doubt we’ll watch the movie.”
“Is that a problem?” Stiles grinned, pulling him into the house. “You can’t leave me here all alone. I’m so lonely, Jackson.” He sighed, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead.
“Yeah, yeah, you’re so dramatic, Stiles.” Jackson laughed and pulled him into a passionate kiss. He groaned, letting Stiles’s tongue into his mouth.
Stiles whimpered as they fell to the couch, with Jackson on top of him. He wrapped his arms around the other boy and lost himself in the kiss. He could almost forget about all trouble in his life at that moment. It felt entirely too soon when Jackson pulled away from the kiss. Stiles flushed, tracing his cheek. “You’re so beautiful.”
Jackson grinned and kissed his neck. “Thank you. You are too. I really like you, Stiles.” He kissed up his jaw line and smiled, hearing him sigh. “I love these moments.”
Stiles groaned letting his head fall back. “I like you too, Jackson. Don’t ruin it by talking.” He gripped Jackson’s hair, pulling him back into a kiss.
Jackson groaned, shifting his hips. He whimpered, feeling Stiles hard under him. “Fuck…” He pulled away and sat next to Stiles. “I… I’m sorry.” He shook his head, trying to calm himself down.
Stiles frowned, staring up at him. “What’s wrong?” He sat up and kissed him, softly.
Jackson shook his head. “I just need a minute to cool down.” He blushed, looking over at him. “You know that I like you… I have never felt like this for anyone, but I’m not ready for sex, Stiles.”
Stiles raised a brow at him. “I never said anything about Sex, Jackson. I would never push you.”
“You didn’t. Your father did. He said that he did not want any drinking drugs or sex on the date Friday.” He chuckled.
Stiles groaned, pulling his hair. “Fuck. That must have really freaked you out. I’m Sorry Jackson.” He chuckled softly. “Jackson, babe, I’m not ready sex either. If I didn’t care about you, I probably would have brought the topic up already, but I am actually hoping this relationship goes somewhere beyond sex.”
Jackson nodded, chuckling softly. “I’m such a disaster at this type of thing. I felt you were hard and totally freaked out.”
Stiles grinned, smirking softly. “I’m sorry. I think that is the body's proper reaction when my hot boyfriend is laying on top of me.”
Jackson chewed his lip. “Boyfriend?”
Stiles blushed, looking away from Jackson for a moment. “I didn't mean to say that.” He ran his hand through his hair, sighing. “I kind of… I guess we are boyfriends.” He looked back at Jackson. “I’ve never had a boyfriend, you have to understand-“
Jackson grinned and kissed him. “No, it’s fine.” He bit his lip, laughing. “I would really love to be your boyfriend, and we can learn together what that means.”
Stiles smiled, blushing. “So, you’re okay with the whole boyfriend thing, and taking it slow?”
Jackson nodded. “Of course I’m okay, Stiles. We’ve only been dating for two weeks.” He gripped his hand, kissing the back. “So… you promised a movie. I am sure that your father will not mind if I stay a bit longer.”
Stiles grinned. “Great idea. Dad just got a new copy of Blade runner.”
“Sounds wonderful.” Jackson smiled and kissed him, moaning as they began leaning back on the couch.
Stiles chuckled, pulling away. “You keep doing that and we’ll never watch that movie.”
Jackson groaned. “You’re right.”
Stiles chuckled, plucking a cherry tomato from Allison’s salad. Allison slapped his hand. “You steal another tomato Stilinski and I will cut your hand off, next time.”
Stiles grinned, plopping the tomato into his mouth. “It’s not my fault that you chose the tomatoes that I enjoy the best.” He jumped off the counter and kissed her cheek. “So, how can I help?”
Allison smiled and rolled her eyes. “Wow, you’re offering to help? What have you done with Stiles?” She tossed him a box. “Preheat the oven and put the garlic bread in the oven.”
Stiles smiled, reading the instructions on the box. “Sorry if I am in a good mood?”
“Hmm,” Allison chuckled. “Does Jackson have anything to do with this good mood?” She leaned against the counter as she watched him. Dinner was near completion and she was actually getting a little tired. She had no idea how her father did this every week. “You know, I don’t think I’ve seen you this happy in years.”
“He might.” Stiles sighed, thinking about his boyfriend, who was sitting in the living room with all his friends. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.” He chewed his lip. “You all like him, right? I know I was such an asshole about him last time, but I was wrong. I really like him.”
Allison laughed. “Listen to you. Don’t worry. We love him.” She wrapped an arm around his waist and kissed his cheek. “Just like we love you. Now put that garlic bread in the oven. So it can cook while the spaghetti sauce simmers.”
Stiles nodded as he did what he was told. Peter walked into the kitchen. “So, Stiles, you are just leaving your new boyfriend to the wolves while you are hanging in the kitchen with my daughter?”
Stiles laughed, shaking his head. “I’m sure he is surviving. It’s not like he hasn’t met all of you.”
Peter leaned against the counter with his arms crossed in front of him. “Ah, but now he is your boyfriend. You are letting the boy you like sit with the people who know all the most embarrassing stories about you.”
“Oh my god.” Stiles gasped, running out the kitchen with Peter laughing behind him. Stiles skid into the living room where everyone was playing cards against humanity. “Hey, babe. What are you guys talking about?” He kissed his cheek and sat next to him. “Deal me in?”
Jackson leaned against him and sighed. “Nothing significant. We were just talking about graduation.” He nuzzled his neck and kissed the hickey he had given Stiles the night before. “And what our plans were before we all split up in the fall.”
Stiles hummed. “I think I am going to the police academy.”
Jackson stared at him. They had not really talked about that yet. “Really? I thought you wanted to go into forensics?”
Stiles shrugged. “If I work at the station with dad, I can study and work up to forensics. Maybe I can help build a forensic department for our sheriff’s station.”
Jackson grinned and pulled him into a kiss. “That sounds amazing.”
Stiles nodded. “Chris said that if I graduate, he’d help me pay for school. I just have to study and stay clean.”
Jackson wrapped him in a hug and kissed him passionately. They pulled apart when the others around them made choking noises. Stiles flipped them off and sighed. “Come on. I know where Peter and Chris keep the wine. Dinner will be done soon and Allison will want a good wine to pair with her spaghetti.”
Jackson nodded, and stood up with him. “I’m sure she has already chosen the wine, luv.” He chuckled as he followed him down to the wine cellar. He had no idea why he was arguing when he knew that Stiles was just finding an excuse for them to make out.
Stiles grinned as he turned, wrapping his arms over his shoulders. “Shut up and kiss me.”
“So bossy.” Jackson grinned, kissing him lovingly. “Hmm, I am starting to believe that you cannot go an afternoon without kissing me.”
Stiles hummed, kissing his jaw. “I certainly am starting to believe that. You are addictive, babe.” He trailed kisses over his neck, letting out a soft sigh. “I could eat you up,”
Jackson whimpered and leaned against the wall as he got lost in the sensations his boyfriend was sending through him. “Stiles… You are terrible.” He chuckled. Pulling him into a hungry kiss. His hands ran over his sides and gripped his ass.
Stiles groaned into the kiss and jumped up, wrapping his legs around Jackson. He never thought he would feel like this and he never wanted it to stop. The world was spinning but it felt like Jackson was holding him steady. He let out a long moan and kissed over his neck, as his back hit the door to the cellar.
Jackson heard a door slam and pulled away. “Did you hear that?”
Stiles was kissing over his neck. “Hear what?”
Jackson put him down. “I think the door is closed.”
Stiles looked around and panicked. “Oh, no,no,no.” He ran forward and tried to open the door. “Bloody hell, No” He slammed his hands on the door and leaned his head against the door frame. “This door cannot be opened from the inside. It’s a safety precaution.”
“Why would that be safe?” Jackson pulled out his phone and held it up trying to get a signal.
“In case of a fire or something like that happening upstairs. It’s a bomb shelter that Chris converted into a wine cellar.” He gasped, sliding down the door, and pulling his legs up to his chest. “Oh my god… I can’t do this.”
Jackson sat in front of him, and took his hands. “Luv, it’ll be okay. I’ll just get a phone signal somehow and I’ll call Levi to get us out of here. If I can’t do that, they know we are down here.” He kissed his hands and sighed. “They will come get us before dinner is served.”
“We are locked in here.” Stiles whimpered, looking around, eyes growing a bit wild. He was not good with closed spaces, and he was not able to really listen to what Jackson was saying, “The door doesn’t open.”
Jackson gripped his chin and kissed his forehead. “Look at me, luv. It’s okay. Someone will know we are missing and open the door for us.” He was really starting to worry about his boyfriend. “Let me know you are listening to me, luv.”
Stiles shook his head as he started shaking. He let Jackson pull him into his lap. “The door is locked.” He buried himself in the other man’s neck.
Jackson carried him to the other side of the room and sat him in a chair. “Okay, Luv, I need you to breathe with me.” He grabbed a random bottle of champagne and pulled the cork, handing the bottle to stiles. “Take a drink.” He wasn’t really sure how to handle someone who was in the throes of a panic attack.
Stiles took the bottle and began gulping down the champagne.
“Whoa, not so fast.” Jackson sighed, pulling the bottle away. “Can you look at me, my love?”
Stiles looked into his eyes. “The door is locked.”
Jackson nodded. “Yes it is, but everything is going to be okay. We are safe here.”
“I don’t like this.” Stiles pulled out a pack of cigarettes and looked around as he lit one. He felt like the world was slowly coming back to him, but he was still having trouble focusing on anything but the fact that they were locked in a very small room. “What the bloody hell was I thinking?”
Jackson chewed his lip, sitting in front of him. “We weren’t exactly thinking. We were kind of lost in making out.” He smiled ruefully. “I’m sorry I got you into this. I kind of lose my mind around you.”
Stiles chuckled nervously, wiping his eyes. He took another swig of the champagne and sighed. “You make me go crazy, Jackson. All I want to do is kiss you and have you touching me” He pecked his lips. “And now we are locked in a fucking room the size of a broom closet.”
“Hey, it’s bigger than that, luv.” He cupped his cheek, kissing him lovingly. “You really don’t like small spaces, huh?”
Stiles shook his head, resting their foreheads together. “I don’t like feeling trapped. I don’t like walls with no way to escape.”
Jackson nodded, holding him close. “Don’t think about the walls. We’re back on campus, sitting on our bench. The wind is blowing the leaves around us as I kiss you.” Jackson smiled.
Stiles chuckled and closed his eyes, relaxing in his arms. “And then Mr. Harris will badger us because we are committing the greatest of sins, public displays of affections.” He grinned, kissing his neck.
Jackson laughed, running his hand through his hair. “Oh, how scandalous.” He kissed him softly. “And then I’ll end up in detention with you at lunch. 12 years of education and not a single detention. All ruined because I simply cannot resist kissing my boyfriend.”
Stiles groaned, kissing his neck. “You are such a nerd. Why do I love you again?” He froze looking at Jackson. “I mean… shit.”
Jackson shook his head and sighed. “Please don’t freak out, Stiles.” He squeezed his hand and sighed. “It was a simple slip of the tongue. I understand if you are not ready for that particular sentiment.”
Stiles groaned. “We;ve been dating for like two weeks. I really like you, but I don’t think we are ready for that.”
Jackson nodded, kissing him softly. “Then not saying that just yet.” He grinned at him. “Conflict averted.”
Stiles chuckled. “You are entirely too reasonable.” He sighed, resting his head on Jackson’s shoulder. He looked up as the door was opened.
Chris popped his head in. “Dinner’s ready. Did you guys close this door? You know it can’t be opened from the inside?”
Stiles chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, I understand that, Mr. Argent.” He got up and took Jackson’s hand, leading him up the stairs. “Thank you.” He blushed, looking into Christopher’s eyes.
Chris nodded, patting his shoulder. “No problem. Maybe you shouldn’t go down to the cellar to make out?”
Jackson smiled at the man. “Trust me, we’ve learned our lesson.” He followed Stiles back into the kitchen and smiled as they took their seats.
Stiles looked around the table smiling. “This looks delicious, Allison.” He sighed as he began to eat. He was not really sure what else to say. They had been locked in the cellar for what felt like hours but they were probably only in there for minutes.
Stiles stood in Peter’s office, pacing in front of his desk. “You have got to fix that cellar door. I… damn. I freaked out in front of Jackson, and he was… dammit, he was so bloody perfect.” He looked up at the professor and sighed. “I fell apart and he stayed so level headed.”
Peter raised a brow. “Why are you talking to me about this? Look kid, maybe Jackson is good for you. You haven’t come to me once since you started dating that kid. Sit down, Stiles. We have a few things to talk about.”
Stiles sighed and nodded as he sat down. “That does not sound promising.”
Peter chuckled. “You disappeared for 10 days worrying the fuck out of all of us. You went to London, with my drugs and about a thousand dollars of my money.” Peter growled. “I’m pissed.”
“Oh god.” Stiles groaned. At least he knew where he had gotten the money for the hotel. “I’ll pay you back, Peter.”
Peter nodded. “You will, but you will never pull a stunt like that again. Do we understand each other?”
Stiles sighed, running a hand over his face. “I understand. Why haven’t you brought this up before now?”
“Because I hadn’t gotten you alone yet.” Peter growled. “You know I keep this part of my life out of the school, and that Chris can never know about it.”
Stiles shrunk under his glare, nodding. “ I got it. How do I plan to pay you back?”
Peter sighed. “Well, seeing that I plan to never let anyone else find out about this little side project, I want you in class every day, for at least one of your free periods, helping me to go through my research. I think that sounds fair. That is just a start.”
“Of course, Peter.” Stiles groaned. “Anything else?”
“Stay out of my shit, Stiles. I thought I could trust you. Chris came dangerously close to figuring out where you get your shit.” Peter sighed. “I can’t do this anymore. I thought if you got it from me, I could keep you safe… but you proved me wrong by running off like that.”
Stiles chewed his lip, nodding. “I’m going to stay clean.”
Peter ruffled his hair. “You better kid. Get out of here so your boyfriend can take you home.”
Stiles nodded as he got up and ran out of the office. He met up with Jackson. “Can you take me home now?”
“Sure, luv.” He took his hand and led him out to the Porsche. “What’s wrong?”
“Just another lecture about running off and how I need to stay clean.” Stiles sighed. “
Jackson kissed his hand. “They just really care about you.”
Stiles chuckled. “I’m just not really sure about that sometimes.”
Jackson smiled. “I am. They love you.”
Stiles stood outside campus and looked up at the Latin etched into the side of the building. One month, he had to survive this hell hole for one more month. He walked into the building, making his way through the halls. It was Saturday, so there were not that many students here. He found his way to Mrs. Martin’s office and knocked on the door.
The professor opened the door, smiling at him. “Come in, Stiles. It is nice to see you.” She gestured at a chair in front of her desk. “Have a seat please.”
Stiles smiled at her as he sat down. “Levi said you wanted to see me.”
She nodded, sitting behind her desk. “Yes, don’t worry. You are not in trouble. It’s the opposite, really.” She pulled his file in front of her and sighed. “In the last month, you have shown remarkable improvement. I have no doubt that you will pass my class, if you keep up the good work.”
Stiles blushed, pushing the hair out of his face. “Jackson has been a tremendous help. I know that I have been a real asshole this last year.”
Mrs. Martin chuckled. “Stiles, I understand that you have been through a lot, and you are Levi’s best friend. I never wanted you to fail.” She studied him for a few moments. “You have a month and two exams until graduation. I trust that you can make us all proud?”
Stiles smiled, nodding. “I plan on it. Professor Martin.”
“Call me Natalie, Stiles.” She let out a long breath. “I have one more point to cover with you and this was a request from your father.” She stood up and handed him a business card. “You are going to start seeing the school psychiatrist starting Monday. This is non negotiable. Your father has told me that if you do this, he will lift your grounding.”
Stiles groaned, taking the card. “I really have to do this? You’re serious.”
Natalie nodded. “We want the best for you. You have to get over this hill that is blocking your path.”
Stiles puffed out a breath, pouting. “I already have tutoring, helping Peter with his research project, classes, and homework. How am I supposed to fit this into my schedule?
She grinned at him. “You will figure it out. I have faith in you.”
Stiles glared at her for a moment before nodding. “Can I go now?”
“Of course, Stiles. Call me if you need anything.” She patted his shoulder.
“Whatever.” He sighed, leaving the office. He walked to the library to meet Jackson.
Jackson looked up, grinning as Stiles sat in front of him. “How was your meeting with Professor Martin?”
Stiles shrugged, tapping his fingers on the table. “She just wanted to let me know I have been doing much better in her class.” He chuckled, bitterly. “And that I am no requires to attend meetings with the school psychiatrist.” He groaned, rolling his eyes. “As if I don’t already have a full schedule.”
Jackson reached over and took his hand. “Hey, You and I can meet anytime that you are available.” He smiled, running his thumb over his palm. “Don’t you think it’ll be good for you to talk to someone?”
Stiles glared at him for a moment. “No, I talk plenty, with you and Levi, but my father said that he would only lift my punishment if I see the psychiatrist.” He ran a hand through his hair. “So, I guess I’ll be talking to this unknown person who knows nothing about me.”
Jackson groaned. “Stiles, Levi and I do not have the education or experience to really help you, the way that you need. I do not mind listening to you and comforting you, but I want you to be able to get the help you need.”
”And do you really think I want that? I know that I have screwed up, but I don’t need all this crap.” He stood, straightening his jacket. “I’ve been clean for over a week, and I’ve started cutting back on the cigarettes.” He leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. “I don’t want to talk to someone I don’t know, letting them judge me.”
“She won't judge you Stiles. Her job is to listen without judgment and to give you advice to manage your past trauma.” Jackson sighed.
“Fuck that. I don’t need to manage anything, Jackson.” He groaned, shaking his head. “I’ll call you later.”
Jackson stood and reached for his hand. “Stiles, please don’t leave like this. I just want you to be happy.”
“I am happy. Why can’t you all get that?” He let out a breath. “As happy as I am going to get…as happy as I deserve.”
Jackson shook his head. “That is what I’m talking about. You don’t think you deserve happiness? Luv. Just go see the psychiatrist. If nothing else, it’ll allow me and you to go out without having to ask your dad every time.”
Stiles nodded. “Fine, I really do need to go. I’ll call you.” He kissed Jackson and smiled.
Jackson smiled. “See you Monday.”
Jackson flipped through the college guide for oxford and took a few notes. Someone sat in front of him at the café table and he looked up. “Oh, hello sheriff.” He put the book aside and took a sip from his latte. “What can I do for you?”
The man smiled at him. “Can I ask you an invasive question?”
Jackson raised a brow, and nodded. “Yes… I can’t guarantee I will answer.”
”Of course, I just need to talk to you about Stiles.” He nodded at the waitress as he accepted his coffee. “Do you see you and Stiles getting serious?”
Jackson chuckled. “I’m not sure, Sir. We’ve been seeing each other for less than a month.” He chewed his lip, thinking. “I really care about him, and he seems to like me. I… can I be frank with you?” The sheriff nodded and Jackson took a deep breath. “It’s too early to guarantee anything, and I leave for Oxford at the end of the summer. Stiles doesn’t need me. He needs something more stable, and I’m not sure what my father will say when he finds out I’m dating a man, much less someone who is a drug addict.”
Noah frowned, staring at him a moment while he tried to gather his thoughts. “You haven’t told your father about Stiles?”
Jackson shook his head, blushing. “I don’t exactly know how to approach the subject with him. He knows I’ve been spending a lot of time with Stiles, but I don’t know how to tell him that I’m… Well am I gay, or bisexual… I don’t know.” He groaned, wiping his face. I’ve never dated before. I’ve never really been attracted to anyone before Stiles.” He let out a breath. “I never want to hurt him, but am I really what he needs? But what if I fall completely in love with him and it doesn’t work out? And my father will lecture me on-“
”Hey, hey, calm down, Jackson.” Noah sighed. “”You know, you don’t have to have everything figured out, right now?”
Jackson looked at him, a little panicked. “I’ve never not had everything figured out for me. Everything was always planned out for me by my father. Stiles is wild and unpredictable. I am falling in love with him and… I want it to be serious, but he might never want that.”
The sheriff nodded. “I like you Jackson. You’re a good kid. David is a good man. He’ll love you, no matter who you love.” He took a long drink from his coffee. “This is pretty good coffee. It’s much better than the station.” He chuckled. “As far as Stiles goes, both of you are very young. Stiles needs to focus on healing, and you need to focus on who you are, outside of your parents. Just try not to take anything too seriously.”
Jackson nodded. “”Sorry to unload all of that on you.”
Noah smiled. “It’s alright, kid. I know what it’s like to be in a new relationship, even if it’s been 20 years.” He chuckled. “I’m just worried that Stiles will do something stupid if he gets too overwhelmed.”
Jackson nodded. “He’s upset about being forced to go to see a psychiatrist.”
The sheriff nodded. “I’m afraid that I will not yield on that. He needs to talk to someone who has the knowledge and experience to help him. I appreciate all you have done for my boy, but you are not a trained expert.”
“I understand, sir.” Jackson smiled at the sheriff, fixing his hat and glasses. “I will try to make sure he doesn’t get too overwhelmed.” He looked at his watch and sighed. “I really should get back to campus to meet Stiles for our tutor session. Do you mind if I take him to dinner afterwards?”
The sheriff shook his head. “Not at all. Have an enjoyable evening.” He dropped his hands on the table. “Well, I guess I should be going too. The station does not run itself.”
Jackson nodded and shook his hand. “We should talk again, sir. Thank you.” He blushed softly as he grabbed his bag and walked out of the café. He could not believe he had just had that conversation with his boyfriend’s father. He knew he had to talk to his own father about his relationship with Stiles, but he was really not sure where to start.
Stiles laughed as he and Jackson were swinging at the park. “You were really ambushed by my dad at the coffee shop?”
Jackson chuckled, shrugging as a blush covered his cheeks. “I would not really call it an ambush. He just wanted to know where you and I stand, as far as a relationship goes. I told him that we’ve only been going out for a month. I can’t really answer that question.”
Stiles stopped swinging and kissed him softly. “Did you want something more serious?”
“Stiles, I leave for oxford at the end of the summer. Do you want something more?” Jackson blushed, twisting his swing. He really did not want to have this conversation again today, or to be rejected. “I really don’t know what I want.”
Stiles licked his lips and groaned, looking up at the moon. “Honestly Jackson. I don’t know either. I’m not sure if I am ready for a serious relationship. Can’t we just have fun for now?” He stared into Jackson’s eyes and smiled. “Do you hate me for that?”
Jackson shook his head. “No, I don’t hate you. You are being perfectly reasonable Stiles.” He got up and stood up to kneel in front of Stile’s swing. “We’ve known each other for a month and I don’t know where this is going. We can just enjoy each other’s company for as long as we still feel comfortable doing so.”
Stiles grinned and kissed him lovingly. “Sounds perfect, babe.” He plucked his hat off his boyfriend’s head and put it on his own. “Kiss me like you miss me.”
Jackson laughed, pulling him into a hungry kiss.
Jackson opened his dorm door and his father walked in. “Oh. Hello father.” He grinned and opened the door for the older man to come inside. “What can I do for you today?”
David grinned. “Just checking in. How are you doing?” He sat at his son’s desk, looking around the room. “Just another month in this room and then you get to graduate.”
Jackson nodded, sitting on his bed. “I guess so. I’m doing alright. I actually was thinking about talking to you. I need to tell you something.” He sighed and began cleaning his glasses. “I’ve started seeing someone.”
“Oh, that is great. What’s her name? We’re going to have to have her over for dinner.” His father chuckled, slapping his knee. “I’m sure your mother will love to make a night of it.”
Jackson blushed, shaking his head. “Yeah, no. His name is Stiles… I understand if you are upset with me, but-”
His hand held his hand up and shook his head. “So.. you’re telling me that you’re gay?”
Jackson coughed and shrugged. “I’m not exactly sure. I just know that I am attracted to Stiles.”
His father sighed, running his hand over his face. “Jackson. You are a young man, and that comes with a certain amount of experimentation. I am not going to deny you that right, but does it have to be Stiles?” He chuckled nervously.
Jackson raised a brow at him. He was not really sure how he was supposed to take that question. “You really don’t know him, father. He’s had a hard year and a half, but he really is a nice guy, once you get past the stupid mistakes.” He shook his head. “But if you knew the reasons behind the stupid mistakes, you wouldn’t be so hard on him.”
David shook his head, glaring at his son. “He’s a drug addict and a punk. I don’t care if you want to be gay, Jackson. I just don’t want you dating him.”
Jackson got up to pace the room. “I can’t believe you are acting like this. You don’t know him, and… I don’t know if I’m gay, but even if I were, it’s not something you just choose to be.” He let out a long breath, rubbing his eyes. “I really like Stiles, father. You don’t have to like it, but I would like you to at least accept it.”
David nodded, looking at the far wall. “He’s not good enough for you, Jackson. I don’t see this fling lasting past the summer. And imagine how a relationship with him will look for your political career. Being gay is not political suicide, as it used to be, but who you're with can still be used as a weapon against you.”
Jackson shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “Honestly, Stiles and I have already talked about that. We agree with you on that point.” Jackson chuckled, shaking his head. Dad, I don’t care about a political career. That has always been your dream for me. So, are you okay with this?”
The man nodded, looking up at his son. “The political talk is not over. We can discuss that later. If I catch you doing drugs with this punk, I will press full charges on the both of you.” The man growled. “And you’ll be putting your entire academic career in danger. Your reputation will never recover.”
Jackson sighed, looking up at the ceiling. “Have a little faith in me. I would never touch drugs, and Stiles is in recovery. He hasn't done any drugs in weeks. He’s actually a pretty good guy, father. He just hit a rough patch in life.”
David raised a brow at him. “Exactly my point. He had a year and a half of bad choices and they will follow him the rest of his life. Don’t let this fling bring you down with him.”
Jackson chewed his lip, nodding. “And if it turns into more than just a fling, as you put it?”
David groaned, shaking his head. “Don’t let it, Jackson. If you want to spend your life with a man, that is fine, but not Stiles. Have your fun now, but there comes a time when you have to get serious and settle down with someone respectable.”
“And respectable is someone you approve of, father? I can’t believe I am seeing this side of you. You are judging Stiles without really knowing him.”
David sighed. “You have known this boy for a month. I’ve known him for five years. He had such a promising future and he threw it all away for a few drugs.”
“He lost one of his best friends, father. He did not know how to deal with it.” Jackson growled. “Maybe if some had reached out to him….” He threw his hands up in the air. “You are looking at him from the surface. People are deeper than that.”
The man nodded, sighing. “I know about Erica. The event was… how do I say this? All the parents talked about it when it happened. Stiles and his friends went up to the cliffs and got drunk. Erica tripped and fell. It was none of their fault, but it happened.”
Jackson growled. “You knew and you did nothing to help Stiles?”
David stared at him. “What was I supposed to do Jackson? I offered him an ear to talk to. I sent him to the school counselor, but he refused all help. Then he started acting out. I did all I could.”
Jackson shook his head. “He was hurting. I have learned more about the human capacity to hurt in the last month than I have in 18 years. I really care about Stiles and I really don’t want it to end after the summer.”
David sighed. “I don’t have the right to choose who you love, Jackson. But make sure that he is the right choice. You deserve the best, and to be happy. If he makes you happy. I guess I have nothing else to say.”
Jackson smiled, tears filling his eyes. “Thanks, dad.” He nodded, chewing his lip. “I guess that’s it. I did not want to fight you on this.”
David smiled as he stood and hugged him. “I wasn’t kidding earlier. Bring him to dinner with me and your mother friday.”
Jackson groaned. “Father… He is still grounded” .
David chuckled. “I’m sure I can talk to the sheriff and get him to agree. Hell, the sheriff can join us.”
Jackson sighed and nodded. “Of course, father.”
