AN: This is a tiny pre-verse ficlet, taking place after the s2 finale, but before "Not Stupid".

I'm Stupid (Don't Worry 'Bout Me)

Stiles spends his 17th birthday not partying like a "normal" kid - he's left normal so far behind in the dust he can't even begin to figure out what it is anymore - but at the cemetary. His dad's working, trying to restore order at the sheriff's station, and Scott's occupied with his mom. And Stiles just doesn't have anyone else.

They celebrated the day before, the four of them, anyway.

Still. Being alone just feels like too much, and so he packs a snack (or three) and a small blanket, buys some flowers and goes to visit his mom.

At least she won't judge him, or push, or think he's a liar - which, admittedly, he is. At least there no one will stare at the bruises covering his face.

There, nestled against cold marble, with the open sky above him, he doesn't have to fight to remember he's no longer trapped in the Argents' basement.

~The End ~