If I had to put this moment in one word. Awkward would be it. Or maybe mortifying. Yeah. mortifying just might be it. Because...Well, have I mentioned I haven't told Scott I'm gay? Yes, I haven't told my best friend the single most important thing about me. For his - and my - own protection. His, because I didn't want to make things awkward between us. And mine, because I didn't want him to know about my crush.

But that just went out the window. Because I'm standing here. Right in front of Scott and Derek. Holding hands with Danny.

Fuck my life.

"So...You're, um, gay?" Scott awkwardly gestured towards where Danny and I's hands were linked together. His doe eyes wide in shock and if you squint, you could possibly see the hurt flickering in and out of them. It sucker punched me in the gut. I - for once - was speechless. I didn't know how to explain this. Without hurting Scott's or Danny's feelings. My tongue was tied. And the bastard Sourwolf was just smirking in amusement. If he wasn't my boss I sw-

"I sure hope so. We are on a date after all." Danny teased. His lips curled into a soft smile. One that wasn't all teeth that squished up your face, but not one that was so tight lipped that it almost looked like a frown. It was the right amount of perfection. And It melted away my frantic panicking. At least for the moment. That calmness went away when I glanced in Scott' direction, though. His eyes pinning mine. Full of emotions. Hurt. Anger. Shock. And maybe a little bit of guilt. The latter confused me. But I quickly shook it off.

I flashed a smile Danny's way and I squeezed his hand. It was more out of nerves than anything else. This was supposed to be calm and happy. Maybe a little awkward, but what first date isn't? It wasn't supposed to be wrecked by my best friend - crush - and fuckin' sourwolf. Out of all the places they could've gone tonight for dinner. It had to be here. At this time. Oh, and guess what else? Yeah. I really have no luck, because if I did, Sourwolf wouldn't be scooting over and making room for Danny and I. Wearing his signature smirk once more.

I didn't even hold back on the fierce glare I shot his way, as I sat down right next him. While Scott took the notice to scoot over for Danny. Who in turn did the same as I did. Without the glare, of course. But Danny did hold my hand the whole time. Even when we settled in. Our hands stayed linked across the table. Which, of course made my cheeks flush rosy pink. I couldn't help from shooting glances at Scott every now and then as Danny chatted up Scott and Derek.

Who he now knows is Derek and not my cousin. Jackson explained everything to him after the Alpha attack. He was surprisingly calm with the whole thing. But that might've been because of him moving away soon after, though.

I didn't know I was spinning out of this world, until I heard Danny ask Scott a gut wrenching question. "So, Scott, how has life been for you since high school?"

I know he was only making polite chatter. But, for someone like me. Who actually knew what was going on it Scott' life. And what a nightmare it has become since then. It hit below the belt. And from the looks of it. It hit Scott, too. Because he flinched away as if Danny had hit him. Those doe eyes darting over towards me, before he actually answered the question. I already knew everything that would come out of his mouth would be lies. Every. Single. Bit.

"It's been good. Isaac and I got married right after we graduated high school. We have three kids now. Sophie, and the twins. Mason and Zachary," His mouth quirked upwards in a shy smile. It was simple. It was good enough for Derek not to be able to pick the truths from the lies. Scott has a lot of practice with that. "How about you? How has life been for you?" Scott's gaze now landing on the hunk beside him. Waiting for him to answer his question.

I was merely curious myself.

Danny smiled at my expression, "Once I left here, I moved to Dallas. From there I went to a local college, finding a love in football. The rest is really history with that part. I got drafted into the NFL. I fell in love a few times with some assholes. And a few weeks ago, I got the urge to move back home to Beacon Hills," This time I didn't try to contain the blush that coated my cheeks in thick pink paint when his gaze boned into mine. "And I'm so happy I did come back. Because then I wouldn't have the pleasure to go on this date with Stiles." Oh. There is that heavenly laugh. The same one I melted into coming in.

And I would've done it again, if I wasn't kicked from under the table. Making me jump in my seat and curse under my breath at the sudden shot of pain. My gaze instantly falling on Scott. Who didn't look ashamed in any way that he was acting like a child. He was actually smug! What the hell is going on? Why didn't he like Danny and I being couple-ish? It can't be what I'm thinking...Because Scott is in love with his monster. Maybe it's because I didn't tell him I'm gay. Yeah, that has to be it.

My heart didn't exactly agree with my decision, though. If that thumping in my chest was anything to go by.

"Are you okay, Stiles?" Danny asked, leaning over the table. His face pinned up in concern. It would be weird if this was a stranger doing this. But it's Danny. The guy I spent almost half my life with in school. He's familiar. And attractively sweet. It just made me a bit dopey. Like Scott was with Allison. But not as extreme. Or as sickly.

I fake coughed, "Yeah. I'm fine. Just a little...Jumpy." I punctuated every word with my eyes aimed for Scott. Making sure he knew I was aware of what he did. And that we were going to have a long talk about it later. He just leaned back in his seat and skimmed through his menu. But he did nothing to hide the tight lip smile he was sporting behind his black wool coat. It only made me want to bang my head against the slick cherry red table in frustration. This was not how I wanted this date to go!

"Are you sure? You looked as if you were in pain." Danny spoke in a whisper, his face mere inches from my own. Which didn't help that it felt as if he was going plant one on my lips. Right in front of Derek and Scott. Who both looked somewhat stunned at Danny's action. And maybe some fury on Scott's part. But I wasn't going to focus on that. At least that's what I hoped I wouldn't do...

But, as always. Scott was the center of my attention. And my gaze had to follow him. Only for me to see his usual rich eyes turning into neon yellow. Oh...Fuck. This cannot be happening! Not right now. Not around all these people. So I did the only thing I knew how to do to keep things calm. I leaned a bit and grabbed at Scott's thigh under the table. Not enough to hurt him - like I actually could - but just enough to let him know what's going on. And that he needs to knock it off. Like...Right. Now.

Luckily it did the trick and Scott leaned back, his eyes returning to its natural color. Rich cocoa. But he was tense under my hand. His muscles contracting. It was enough to let me know that he could shift if he wanted to. He just chose to hold it back. Thankfully. But that didn't stop me from massaging little circles into his thigh. Just being on the safe side, of course. Not like I was enjoying this...Nope.

I smiled warily at Danny, hoping he'd get the point that I'm alright. After a few moments of being studied, he finally leaned back in his seat and gazed over his menu. Causing Scott and I both to lax. Even when I was startled, when I felt fingers intertwine with my own from under the table. I stayed completely still and loose. I was still conflicted about why Scott was reacting the way he is. He was going as far as to hold my hand!

Danny was holding the other. And let's not forget Derek - who is looking between Danny and Scott in a twisted amusement.

This was going to be a long, awkward date...

"Take a bite, Stiles. This BLT is delicious." Danny held out his hand, one half of his sandwich was presented to me. The smell was heaven on my nose. Making my eyes flutter close. I was torn between being embarrassed or being in bliss. I chose the latter. I took a small bite and my taste buds quickly became fond of the food in my mouth. I moaned, savoring each bite.

"Good, huh?"

I nodded, fluttering my eyes open when I felt a sharp squeeze from the hand below the table. My gaze shot over to Scott, whose face pinched in a scowl. I bit back the irritated sigh that threatened to claw its way out of my throat. I squeezed Scott's hand, reassuring him of something I don't even understand. I didn't miss the way his eyes flickered either. Or the snort Derek made.

But I did miss Danny swiping his thumb gently across my lower lip. Wiping away the mayonnaise I didn't know was on my lip. But, I sure didn't miss how I flushed when I saw him stick that same thumb into his mouth and suck on the tip of it. Fuck. Sixteen year old boner spring has made a reappearance. I haven't got one like this since the Jungle...And I was sitting in between Derek and Scott. If that wasn't embarrassing enough. I almost moaned. Moaned! And not in the way I did earlier. No. This was a I wa-

"Stiles, I need a ride home. Mas suddenly came down with a fever and Isaac doesn't have baby Tylenol." My head snapped over towards Scott, who was trying to pull off innocent, but coming off annoyed. He waved his phone around and his claws began to dig into my hand. Oh, and yeah, neon is so his eye color. What the hell? Is he trying to trap me in? I just want to move on, and he isn't letting me. I don't think my heart can handle this...What a first date this has been. Yeah. I don't think I want to go on a group date with Derek and Scott ever again. And I do mean, like ever.

I was ready for it to be over. I really needed to speak to Scott about this 'problem'.

"I'm so sorry, Danny. I hope we can do this again? Maybe at my house or maybe yours? I'm not picky, ya know. Or! We could go to-" I know I was rambling but I always did this. Just more often when I was nervous.

Danny smiled softly, "I'll call you tonight, and maybe set up a date for this weekend? I'd love to see how the older Stiles lives." I know he was teasing, but it reminded me of when we were younger. When Danny was the computer geek and I was the researcher of the pack. Oh, how things have changed...

Too bad I can't enjoy it because of Scott and my damn emotions.

"Yeah. That sounds good. I can't wa-AH-SCOTT!" I was suddenly pulled from my seat and dragged away from the table. I was helpless to leaving Danny and Derek at the diner. Even though I didn't care about sourwolf, Danny was left standing there. Stunned. And my feelings were mutual. My mind was mush. Blank. Totally without a thought beside the occasional 'What The Fuck?'. And 'My heart really shouldn't be wanting to break my chest.'. Oh, and let's not forget the 'That fucking hurts!'. Can't forget that.

"Scott! What the fuck are you doing? I was on a date!" I didn't shout. No, I would never shout at Scott. Maybe get frustrated and a tiny bit angry. But never would I stoop so low as to be at Isaac's level. Never. I just maybe raised my voice a bit in volume. And I might have also tried to loosen his grip on my arm. But to no avail, unfortunately.

"I know. I was there, Stiles. I watched every dopey smile and listened to every cheesy pick-up line. Don't think I don't know." If I didn't know any better, I could swear Scott was jealous. But I wouldn't hope on it. Because I know exactly how in love - denial - Scott is with Isaac. It was only just my heart playing cruel tricks on me. Trying to make me believe Scott would actually like me in the same way I loved him.

But, I guess that'll never change.

"Yeah. I get it. You were there, but why the hell are you angry?" I demanded, trying to dig my feet into the cement. That wasn't working out too well, either. Damn supernatural strength. If only Scott wasn't a werewolf, this would be so much easier. But that wasn't in my cards, either. Neither was kids or marriage if my best friend keeps acting like this. I'll never get a date again.

"Because...Dammit!...I-I don't know. I just didn't like it, okay? Not only did I not know you're gay, but I've never had to share you before..." Scott gazed down at his feet. "I can't lose you..." He whispered the last part, but I caught it all the same. And my heart did, too. The thump, thump, thump was evidence of that. I was back where I started. I was drug addict trying to withdraw cold turkey. Only to have the drug pushed back in your blood. Not enough to get your fix, but enough to make you spiral back down that black hole. And that was what Scott was doing to me. Making, wanting, longing. Dying for him.

"...You could never lose me, Scott. I'm not going anywhere. You're...One of the most important things in my life." I picked my words carefully, but I still let too much slip. This was overwhelming. Scott's reactions. His confession. Feeling our hands linked together. I just couldn't handle this much hope, when I knew I was only going to crash and burn. Hard.

And for the moment. I didn't care. I didn't care Scott probably didn't love me. I didn't care Scott didn't want to date me. I didn't even care that Scott and I probably will never get together. All I did care about is that remembering this friendship was forever binding. No matter what - or who get's in the way. We're family. Just like those adorable children of his.

Scott pulled me flush against his side, "Promise?" It was almost like he was begging. Like he was clinging onto this promise, as if it would reassure him of everything I said. Even though he would know if I was lying. It probably would help if I promised him.

But what good would that do for me? To have to live through this pain everyday. To hide the truth of my feelings. To pretend it didn't kill a piece of my heart when he walked out my door for Isaac. I would be going through the same miserable routine over and over again, for the rest of my life. All for a man who would never feel the same feelings as I.

But even with that logic. Those doe eyes killed anything bitter on my lips. He was my heroin.

"I promise." The moment those words left my mouth, Scott's eyes lit up and he continued to drag me to my car. Idly chatting about the children and the field trip we were going on tomorrow. All the while reminding me that I was nothing but a puppet.

And Scott was pulling the strings.

First off, I would like to apologize for the loooong wait. School is taking up most of my time. But since it's winter break...I'll try to update a bit more often.

So, Stiles is falling back into his crush. But what is going on with Scott? Is this just friendship jealousy or more? And Danny is determined to date Stiles...Why? ;)

I would like to thank-

orionastro, kat4543, ChristiScribbles, coltonhayneslover, Pinkranger888, xWinter-Wolfx, AntiGround, Hazel Moonlight, and Kinichi-Princess-Of-The-Dark.

-For that brillant reviews, alerts, and favorites. I'm completely blown away. I didn't think many people would like this. Let alone read it. But I'm happy! And really grateful. I hope you guys continue to like this story. :)

Oh, and one more thing...

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!