Chapter Text
Stiles runs his hands through his hair, clenching two fistfuls in frustration. His distrust in his classmates' ability to write an A+ paper for their group assignment has landed him in this predicament at 1 a.m. the night before it's due, attempting to write a conclusion with an over-stressed brain and tension-riddled body.
The paper is worth forty percent of their grade and if he doesn't nail this heads will roll. Namely his head he admits ruefully to himself. He's already tried to get Allison, Lydia and Scott’s help, but none of them know anything about the topic. Scott’s suggestion of asking one of the upstairs guys is looking more and more appealing to his exhausted strained eyes as he loses focus once again on his computer screen.
Stiles picks up his phone and looks at it before he drops it back down onto his desk. This pattern repeats itself several more times before he admits defeat to himself, slumping back into his desk chair. He picks up the phone one last time and finds Peter's contact. His finger hovers over the send button before he finally blows out a large breath and jabs it. The phone rings and when no one answers after several seconds he loses his courage and hits the end button, quickly feeling both a little relieved and a little disappointed.
He places his hands back on his keyboard and gets ready to type something when the sudden ringing of his phone causes him to do an accidental keyboard smash and squawk in surprise.
Stiles stares at his phone a moment before hesitantly picking it up. It's Peter calling back and Stiles swallows nervously before accepting the call.
“Hello,” he says cautiously, not noticing how he has a white-knuckled grip on his phone.
“Stiles, you called?” Peter's voice floats over the speaker. “Sorry I missed your call, my phone was in my bedroom. Is everything okay?” he asks with concern.
“Umm, yeah, sorry. I was just having a little writer's block on a major paper due tomorrow and was wondering if you could offer some suggestions, but it's okay. It's late and I wasn't thinking,” he rushes to add.
“You...wanted my advice on your paper due tomorrow?” Peter asks cautiously.
Stiles feels his face heat up and he mumbles out a few words in response. When he's only met with silence from the other end, Stiles clears his voice and tries again.
“I, ah, figured you would probably be good at summarizing things up. From all of our conversations and arguments you do a pretty good job of talking circles around me,” he stammers out. Stiles makes a face and mouths talking circles around me before face palming.
There's silence on the other end for a moment before Peter lets out a hesitant, “Thanks” in return.
“Anyways, you know what, I've got it,” Stiles hastily says before rushing out a quick garbled embarrassed goodbye and hanging up.
He sits there and stares at his phone in horror wondering if that really just happened. The sudden sound of pounding feet on the side staircase has him cringing and thinking yup it sure did and dropping his phone like it's burning him.
A pounding on the front door rattles the knick knacks on his shelf and he hears Allison answer the door. Voices are getting louder and yup that's Peter.
His door creaks open and when he turns around there's Peter, Allison, Scott and Lydia? standing in his doorway. Stiles just blinks at them, unsure of what to say.
“Hey, so I came to help. You kind of hung up before I could ask what you needed me to look at,” Peter explains, hunching his shoulders a little when Stiles continues to just look at him.
“Ah, yeah, um I have this paper here that's a group project worth 40% that's due tomorrow. I just need my conclusion and someone to kind of proof read it please,” he says, opting to ignore explaining why he hung up so suddenly and hoping Peter does the same.
“Okay, sure, I can do that,” Peter agrees. “Here, just let me read what you have.”
As they switch places Stiles looks up and realizes his roommates are still standing there: one smug, the other cocky and the last one smirking. He discretely motions for them to leave and when Peter turns around suddenly to ask him a question Stiles starts rubbing his elbow.
The three roommates leave him, Scott mouthing, “ good luck,” with a thumbs up as he walks out and quietly closes the door.
Peter is intently reading the paper from the beginning. Not knowing what else to do, Stiles goes and sits on the corner of his bed. Eventually, Peter gets to a point when he cocks his head and squints at the screen before murmuring something to himself and begins typing away. After more quiet mumbling under his breath and a few backspaces every so often before resuming, he stops and goes back to read what he has written. He asks a few questions of Stiles and after listening to what he says he resumes his work.
“Alright,” he says turning around to look at Stiles. “Check this out and tell me if this works.” He gets up from the chair and steps aside for Stiles to sit.
After reading what is written and seeing the corrections Peter has suggested, Stiles is suitably impressed. Apparently, Peter really can bullshit with the best of them.
“It's great, thanks,” he says as he's turning his chair around. “It's exactly what was needed.”
He finds Peter relaxed on his bed, reading Stiles’ copy of The Lord of the Rings. Stiles looks back at the clock in the corner of his computer and realizes it's headed towards 2:30 a.m.
After saving the paper in triplicate he hits print and waits for the report to spew out. He's feeling a little apprehensive now that the paper is done and Peter has made himself comfortable on his bed. They haven't really talked since the burn barrel incident and he's unsure of what to say.
When he turns back around, Peter is now lying with one arm behind his head and with the book propped on his stomach. His shoes are now off and his ankles are crossed. Stiles blinks in bemusement trying to remember when Peter may have taken his shoes off.
“All finished,” Peter asks with a raised brow as he pauses in his reading.
“Uh, yeah, all done,” Stiles says as he shuffles the papers into a folder and stuffs everything into his backpack.
“Good,” Peter says before returning to the page in front of him.
Stiles sits there awkwardly, unsure of what happens next. He decides to go get a drink and maybe swing by the bathroom to brush his teeth too. You know good dental hygiene he thinks to himself sarcastically.
“I'm going to get a drink, do you want anything?” he asks to be polite.
“Sure,” Peter says absent-mindedly as he turns the page, “I wouldn't mind a glass of iced water.”
“Okay I can do that, be right back,” Stiles says eagerly.
Five minutes later he's in the bathroom after dropping off Peter’s drink, staring wide-eyed at himself as he aggressively brushes his teeth. Scott’s sitting on the toilet behind him smirking in delight after spotting Peter comfortable on Stiles bed.
“Not a word,” Stiles mumbles around a mouthful of Crest and his toothbrush.
He watches in the mirror as Scott raises his hands in defense and laughs.
************
Stiles cautiously rolls over onto his back. Peter's in his bed. He's still a little fuzzy on the details, to be honest. Peter had mentioned how late it was and how cold it was outside and how warm Stiles’ room was and Stiles had smoothly suggested that Peter just sleeps here for the night. And Peter is in his bed. Apparently already asleep too by the sounds of his breathing. Stiles may have a little minor mental freak out lying next to him.
************
Stiles slowly rouses from a deep sleep feeling cozy. It's still really dark outside, the room almost pitch-black. He's unsure what has woken him until he remembers he's sharing a bed with Peter and apparently they're cuddling and wow their faces are sure to close he thinks muzzily. There's a brush against his nose Peter's nose and then a soft press of lips against his. Without thought Stiles turns into the kiss, returning it with a dreamy sigh. There's an arm around his waist pulling him onto his side and he just follows the motion, slotting his body against Peter like it belongs there.
It's gentle kisses and closely pressed bodies until his alarm sounds. Pulling away slowly, he reaches over to turn it off before returning back to Peter's arms. Peter pulls the covers up around their bodies, pressing against Stiles before reaching up and guiding Stiles mouth back to his. Stiles melts into him.
************
It's been two weeks and Peter has returned every night. He’ll go to his own apartment to shower and change, but then he's back in Stiles bed. They haven't progressed past make out sessions with heavy petting and some frottage, but it's okay. There's no feeling of pressure, no rush to have sex. Yes, Stiles has thought about it. A lot if he's being honest, but this is nice, really nice actually. And he can't believe what an idiot he's been for holding out for so long.
His roommates tease him mercilessly and he admits he deserves it. Nine times out of ten he has a goofy smile on his face and if they aren't texting one another throughout the day they are speaking over the phone. If it's neither of those two things, they're probably together in Stiles’ room.
There's a constant giddy feeling in his body, like a flock of butterflies have taken up permanent residence. And smiling. Jesus, he can't stop smiling.
It finally comes to a head one afternoon in the kitchen while Peter is still at class. The four roommates are hanging out eating a snack when Allison starts teasing Stiles about being in love. He starts to deny it before he stops to think.
“I—I, yeah, I think I am,” he stammers in surprise, raising his hands up to his cheeks and realizing he's grinning like crazy.
“Aww, look at that. Here you were spending so much time running away from Peter and now you're admitting he's the one,” Lydia says with a laugh.
Stiles laughs at this. “I think one of the reasons why I avoided him is because he was everything I didn't want in someone,” Stiles admits. “I knew that he didn't fit my ideal and I knew that if I gave him a real chance I was screwed because I would probably fall for him.” He rubs his head sheepishly at this confession.
“So what made you change your mind?” Allison questions him with seriousness.
Stiles pauses to gather his thoughts before replying, taking the time to think back as to at what point his feelings towards Peter begin to change course. “I think it began the night of the Halloween party when Melissa was in town,” he says slowly. “That night we were all upstairs and we all fell asleep. I woke up to see him tucking in his two best friends. Then later, it was our trip to see The Two Towers. It was so fun and easy, he was great to talk to. Over New Year’s he left me a sweet, albeit not entirely sober, message,” Stiles says with a chuckle when he recalls the message.
He pauses a moment to take a bite of food before continuing. “Did you know, the reason why Peter's been missing in action since the tree burning was because he had decided over break it was time to get serious and buckle down because he’s graduating in May? He says he's had all his college fun and now it's time to be an adult. He stopped smoking weed even though the guys liked to sit around and blow it in his face betting him that he couldn't last a month.” Stiles can only shake his head at this.
“He says he gave up on me because he thought he really didn't have a chance and then he couldn't believe when I called him that night about the paper. He said he wasn't going to let the opportunity pass by.” Stiles smiles softly in remembrance of when Peter had admitted this.
“See, now I don't feel bad for going behind your back every time you flipped out on Peter,” Scott announces cheerfully, clapping Stiles on his shoulder.
“I'm sorry, what? “ Stiles asks blankly.
“Oh, you did that too?” Lydia pipes up.
Allison shakes her head in agreement as she finishes chewing her food. “Yeah, I did it that night Parrish was over and Peter became so jealous he said he wanted to ‘Punch that guy in his face!’” she says with a laugh. “I convinced him that it was probably a bad idea and you wouldn't be happy. Then when he was saying he should just give up, between bouts of puking in a bucket upstairs, I rubbed his back and said to keep at it and don't quit. That you'd come around eventually.”
Stiles can only gape at his three roommates as they fist-bump one another.
“I don't know if I should slug you or hug you guys,” he confesses.
“Hugs please,” they chorus together at him.
************
“So...sexy times?” Stiles prompts with a hopeful look on his face.
“I don't know Stiles, do you think you deserve sexy times?” mocks Peter. “The last time I tried to give you some you gave me a bloody nose,” he says crossing his arms and raising his brow.
Stiles sputters indignantly. “That was an accident,” he stresses. “It's not like I meant to headbutt you,” he grimaces, a little red starting to creep up his neck at the memory of going in for a kiss and instead, slamming his forehead into Peter’s face.
“Yes, well while I like my dates to be enthusiastic in kissing me, maybe not Stiles level enthusiastic,” Peter comments wryly.
Stiles stares at him and Peter cocks his eyebrow in return.
Stiles tackles him to the bed and laughingly gets his kiss.
“Asshole,” he murmurs affectionately against Peter's lips.
************
Peter lets out an irritated huff. His back is facing Stiles in bed. “For the record,” the older guy states, “I want it to be known that I'm the bigger man here,” he declares as he rolls over to face his boyfriend.
“Oh yeah, and why is that?” Stiles asks with a snort.
Peter just looks at him for a moment before reaching out and running his fingers lightly along Stiles' face. “I love you,” he says softly.
Stiles looks back solemnly before grinning wildly, “I know, took you long enough to admit it,” he says smugly.
Peter looks at him and blinks in disbelief. “You little shit, did you wait until I said it first?”
“Yup,” Stiles declares with a loud pop of the p. He scoots closer to Peter until their noses touch. “I love you too,” he says softly giving him a gentle Eskimo kiss before slotting their mouths together.
When Stiles pulls back, Peter's gazing back at him with a fond look of exasperation. “How long?” he demands in curiosity.
Stiles gives a small shrug, “About two weeks,” he admits truthfully. “You?”
Peter gives him a small smile, “A little bit longer than that.”
Stiles hums in contentment and snuggles down further into the bedding.
“By the way,” Peter states with a raised eyebrow as Stiles looks at him in expectation, “I win.”
Stiles huffs out a small laugh and rolls his eyes.
************
“So, Stiles,” Allison starts, “Lydia, Scott and I were thinking maybe we should head over to New York City the weekend of your birthday. I get my discount through the Westin and for us to be there three days it's come out to $25 per person.”
Stiles thinks about all that he has (or actually hasn't) got planned for that time and thinks it's a pretty good idea.
“Sure, I don't see why not,” he agrees with a shrug. “I've got no plans and I've always wanted to go. Maybe check out the Statue of Liberty and Centrally Park,” he muses aloud.
“Excellent,” Allison says, clapping her hands. “I’ll go ahead and make the reservations. Why don't we get together one night and plan out what exactly we want to do,” she suggests as she walks backward to her room.
“Okay, sounds like a plan,” Stiles agrees. “I'll talk to Scott. You got Lydia?”
“Sure,” a muffled response floats from Allison's room.
Later, after Peter has returned from classes and they’re hanging out on his bed, Peter asks about his birthday plans and what he wants to do.
“Well, we’re all planning on going to New York City together that weekend,” Stiles explains. “As for my gift, I dunno. I haven’t really thought about it too much,” he admits. “I guess whatever you want to get me will work,” he suggests with a shrug. “I’m sure I’ll like whatever you give me.”
Peter just gives him a flat look. “Yeah, I’m not falling for that. What about a stuffed animal,” he suggests mockingly. “I know you always wanted a cat, but with Scott’s allergies, it’s not possible.”
Stiles ponders the thought over. “Sure,” he agrees. “You can get me a stuffed cat. Just make sure it’s extra cuddly so I can snuggle with it when I kick you out of my bed for giving me a stuffed cat for my birthday,” he says jokingly.
Peter laughs at him. “Okay, a stuffed cat, extra cuddly it is. What color did you want,” he prods. “How about one of those, what are they called, the ones with all different patches on them? Like orange and white and black,” he continues.
“A calico,” Stiles answers, eyeing his boyfriend suspiciously. “That was oddly specific to ask,” he says.
“What? No, that’s not odd. I was just thinking that I like cats that look like that,” Peter defends, trying to backtrack as quickly as possible.
“Uh huh,” Stiles returns. “You like how they look. Didn’t you say you weren’t a fan of cats?” He looks at his boyfriend who is suddenly intensely focused on his phone in his hands. “Peter, did you get me a cat for my birthday?” Stiles blurts out.
“What? No, absolutely not!” Peter denies emphatically.
“Holy shit, you got me a cat,” Stiles laughs. “You did, you did, you did!”
“No, Stiles,” Peter says with a nervous laugh, “I did not get you a cat for your birthday. Do you see one around here? Besides, who gets their new boyfriend a cat immediately after they start dating?” he asks judgingly.
“You do,” Stiles says excitedly. “You would, you’re crazy enough to do it,” he adds. “And it’s not my birthday yet, so that’s why it’s not here right now,” he continues.
“Sorry sweetheart, I hate to burst your bubble, but I didn’t get you a cat for your birthday,” Peter says apologetically.
Stiles deflates a little before noticing the small grin starting to appear on Peter’s face before he has his head completely turned away from him.
“Oh yeah, so what did you get me then?” he demands.
Peter looks back at him, rolling his eyes. “A lunchbox,” he says flatly. “I got you a lunchbox.”
“So- you got me a calico colored ‘lunchbox’?” Stiles hints slyly.
************
“Dude, you pulled up at school with the kitten attached to your chest! How can you deny you like cats?” he demands incredulously, arms flailing in emphasis at said kitten.
“Just because I don't like cats, doesn't mean I'm cruel, Stiles. She's still a baby, I can't just leave her here by herself,” Peter says in offense. “Yes, I know sweetheart, your daddy is such a heathen,” he croons to the tiny kitten snuggled in his arm as he rubs her gently behind her ear.
Stiles looks at his boyfriend and just pinches his nose. He's pretty sure he's being passed over for a one pound ball of fur.
Peter continues to croon under his breath, body starting to do the dip and sway perfected the world over by parents soothing their offspring. A tiny rumble starts up from the crook of his arm. He starts swaying his way to Stiles’ bedroom and towards the bed.
“We are taking a nap,” Peter says looking back over his right shoulder at Stiles. “You may join us if you wish,” he continues with a sniff. He climbs into the bed and under the covers, tucking Stiles’ kitten into the crook of his left arm before closing his eyes. The tiny kitten just snuggles closer in his hold.
When Stiles doesn't join him immediately, Peter cracks open an eye. “Well are you taking a nap too?” he demands.
“Oh my God, yes! I'll take a damn nap with you and my kitten!” Stiles cries out in exasperation, tossing his hands above his head at the ridiculousness and okay adorableness but mainly still ridiculousness of this entire moment.
Stiles walks in and quietly closes the door behind him. Peter pulls the covers back and holds them up so Stiles can slide under. As he gets comfortable against Peter's side, he persists, “You know that's my cat right?”
“Shh,” Peter grumbles, “Some of us are trying to take a nap.”
“Oh my God,” Stiles whisper-shouts, “You're a crazy cat nap sleep thief! And you totally love my cat,” he insists.
Peter snorts, “Lunchbox is my napping buddy and when it's nap time she's mine. She’s yours the rest of the time. That doesn't mean I like her.”
Stiles sputters at his boyfriend’s profile in astonishment. “Her name is Tolkien,” he corrects him.
Peter cracks his eye open again. “Tolkien ‘The Lunchbox’ Stilinski-Hale,” he corrects Stiles with smugly before closing his eye, snuggling further down in the bed and adding, “I win.”
Stiles just gapes at Peter as Peter’s breath quickly evens out. “That doesn't even make sense,” he hisses at his sleeping kitten thief.”And you don't even like cats,” he scoffs under his breath. “Yeah right.”
************
Winter rolls into spring and everything is going really well. Tolkien aka ‘The Lunchbox’ has turned their happy little home of five into a place of six. Even though Scott’s allergic to the dander, more often than not he’s in Stiles room playing with the kitten. They’ve discovered she has a fondness of fetch when you toss one of her little toy mice from the local pet store. It’s a never ending source of entertainment for everyone. Allison is talking about picking up a laser pointer one day after work for them to try out next.
When Peter gets home he steals the kitten away for nap time. Scott pouts and everyone laughs and Tolkien settles down in her familiar place on Peter’s chest. The two of them are usually knocked out in less than five minutes.
It’s during one of these nap-isodes (as Peter so fondly calls them) when Stiles answers the door to find Parrish standing there. Stiles is a little surprised as the man has virtually disappeared from their lives since before the holidays. Allison has mentioned him once or twice in passing when talking about work, but otherwise, that’s it.
“Parrish, hi,” Stiles says. “Are you here for Allison? She’s not in at the moment, I think she’s over at the gym on the culinary campus if you want to try and catch her,” he suggests helpfully.
“Oh ah, yeah, thanks,” Parrish says staring into his eyes.
Stiles feels a little awkward standing there, but that’s typical for his interactions with anyone he thinks. He takes the time to look at the other man, trying to remain at least a little discreet as he checks him out. Parrish still looks the same for the most part, maybe a little paler and with some dark smudges under his eyes. And yeah, standing there looking at him, Stiles still gets a little tingle, but he doesn’t feel anything beyond that little initial attraction. He’s not feeling that same warmth in his chest when he thinks of Peter, or the same giddiness he gets when he’s talking to him either on the phone or in person. Instead, all Stiles feels, is normal. Huh, he thinks to himself, it looks like I've finally solved my Parrish attraction.
Parrish gives a little cough and clears his throat. “So, Allison says you’re seeing that guy from upstairs now.”
Stiles smiles a little ruefully. “Yeah,” he admits, “it took me a little while to get there, but it happened. Peter is my boyfriend and we’re pretty happy.” He sticks his hands in his front pockets and looks back at Parrish. “We even have a cat together,” he adds with a laugh.
“What about you?” he asks hesitantly. “Are you still with your girlfriend?”
Parrish swallows before looking away and looking back. He gives Stiles a small smile before confirming that they’re still together.
“Well man, that’s great,” Stiles says. “I’m glad you guys worked it out. I hope things continue to go well for the two of you,” he says warmly.
“Thanks,” Parrish says. “I hope you and what’s-his-name,” Parrish winces at this, “I mean your boyfriend—”
“Peter,” Stiles corrects him mildly.
“Yeah, Peter, I hope the two of you work out,” he finishes. “I hope you’re happy, Stiles.”
Parrish has an odd look on his face and Stiles can’t quite place what it means, but he knows that it’s not vital to him so Stiles lets it go. Instead, he gives Parrish a gentle smile and an acknowledging nod of his head. “Thanks. I guess I’ll see you around, maybe.” Stiles holds out his hand to give him a goodbye shake. As he watches Parrish walk away he realizes it feels a little final, their parting. Stepping back inside he closes the door and walks back to Peter and Tolkien, thinking he’s made the best choice. When Peter gazes at him from his bed, Tolkien cracking an eye open to take a peek he knows he has. And there are no regrets.
************
“So have you guys talked about what’s going to happen when Peter graduates next month?” Lydia asks Stiles one evening. Peter is at work as well as Scott and Allison so it’s just Lydia and Stiles for the evening.
Stiles gives a shrug. “Well he’s going backpacking across Europe with Chris as part of his graduation gift from his parents. We plan on meeting up in Prague when I’m over there for my study abroad program. After that he’s going back to Beacon Hills. He already has a job lined up with the guy he works for when he goes home on breaks. As for us, I’m assuming we’ll still be dating. We haven’t really talked about it, but by the way he acts I think we’ll give the long distance relationship a try. I only have a year left and if we’re still together, there’s a strong chance I might head out to California to get my Masters.”
Lydia nods her head. “That makes sense. The two of you seem to be really comfortable in your relationship and I think he’s pretty committed to seeing this last,” she agrees.
“Well were each other’s first ‘I love yous’,” Stiles says with a delighted grin. “That’s a pretty big indicator I think on how we feel about one another.”
Lydia smiles at him. “I’m glad you gave him a chance,” she admits. “The two of you work well. And you’re both really happy all the time. And I mean all the time,” she teases.
Stiles blushes. “Yeah, I’m glad I came around too. When I think about what I almost missed. I’m glad he kept at it. And I’m glad you guys had faith in me to eventually get my shit together and kept encouraging him to stick with it,” he says with a laugh.
The two roommates laugh at the memories of Peter’s “courtship” of Stiles over the past year. “We’ve come so far,” Lydia muses. “It’s going to be strange when May comes around and everyone upstairs moves away.
“No more Scott either,” Stiles says with a hum. “I wonder who we’ll get as new neighbors?”
“Well, whoever moves in, they can’t be any crazier than what we’ve been living with,” Lydia declares.
Stiles groans. “Great Lyds, you’ve probably jinxed us now,” he laughs. “It’s your turn to date someone living upstairs,” he insists mockingly to the redhead.
Lydia just snorts. “Don’t lie, you owe us. For like the rest of your life,” she declares.
“Yeah, yeah I do,” he says with a fond grin. “I really do.”
************
“Excuse me,” Peter asks a couple of girls nearby. “Can you take a photo of us?” he says as he gestures between himself and a figure standing behind him.
“Oh sure,” the girl replies taking his camera and watching him as he shows her how to use it.
He hurries back to his boyfriend, wrapping his arm around him as they lean toward one another and grin at the camera.
“Thanks,” Stiles calls out to the blushing girl as Peter goes to retrieve the camera.
Stiles turns around and rests against the stone wall looking down at the peaceful Vltava river below. Peter has met up with him in Prague only this morning and they have spent the day roaming around the city before finally ending up on the famous Charles Bridge.
“Oaf,” Stiles grunts with a laugh as Peter crowds up behind him, pushing heavily against his body before wrapping his arms snugly around Stiles and resting his chin on his shoulder. Together they watch the colors of the sky change as the sun begins to set.
“So what do you want to do the next two days you're here?” Stiles asks, turning around to face Peter.
“Whatever you want,” Peter says, reaching up to run his hand affectionately through Stiles hair, cupping the back of his head so he can place a gentle kiss against Stiles’ temple. “Chris will meet up with us for dinner, but other than that we’re game to tag along with your group during the day and whatever else you have planned at night.”
Stiles hums in thought. He only gets the three days total before Peter returns to California with Chris in tow. He wants to make the best of it.
Peter continues to gaze at him, leaning forward to place a soft kiss against the corner of Stiles mouth, content to just stay the way they are. Stiles turns and captures his lips and they kiss languidly.
“Well we can definitely include more of that,” Stiles says breathlessly, nuzzling his nose against Peter's.
Peter chuckles, “Definitely more of that,” he agrees resting his forehead against Stiles.
Another minute passes before Peter reaches down and laces their fingers together, gently pulling Stiles into a walk. Lightly swinging their arms between them, Stiles leisurely follows along.
“So I thought that maybe I would pick you up from Logan when you fly back,” Peter says casually as he kisses the back of Stiles hand, watching him closely.
“Hmm...okay that sounds nice,” Stiles agrees. It takes his brain a moment to process what Peter has said. “What? Wait, I thought you were going back to California,” he stammers.
Peter gives a small shrug and a smirk. “Change of plans,” he says. “I thought I'd fly back and stay at your place until you return in a week. I've already talked to the girls about it and they're actually picking me up from the airport.”
Stiles just blinks at him.
“That is, if it's okay with you?” Peter says hesitantly.
“I— What, no. I mean yes, that's okay. That is 100% okay,” Stiles says a little breathlessly. “You just took me by surprise is all,” he continues. “What about work though? Is your boss okay with this?”
Peter smiles, “I'm good. I won't start work for another three weeks.”
“Oh, oh, that long huh,” Stiles says a little hopefully, heart picking up a little in pace.
“Yeah,” Peter confirms gazing at him before looking back ahead as they navigate the groups of people. “I thought that maybe I'd stay with you for another two weeks before going home,” he shrugs, glancing back towards Stiles and tightening his grip a little on his hand.
Stiles stops walking, pulling Peter back when he unknowingly continues on.
Peter turns and looks at him in confusion when Stiles continues to stand there in silence looking at him. “Yes?” he prompts with a raised brow.
Stiles just stares at him, a little in wonder. “How long have you been planning this?” he questions.
Peter steps closer. “Does it matter?”
“No,” Stiles replies even though he sounds a little suspicious as he tries to think back on when Peter could have arranged this surprise.
Peter looks at him in amusement. “If you must know, since the day we realized we’d be in Europe at the same time.”
“You sneaky bastard,” Stiles breathes. “How long have the girls known?” he demands.
Peter chuckles. “Since about as long as we've known we’d be in Europe together,” he admits.
Stiles laughs in delight. Peter smirks and gives him a firm peck on his lips. “Come on sweetheart, let's go have dinner. I've always wanted to be wined and dined in a foreign country.” Then the cocky bastard points to himself and smugly states, “I win.”
~The End~