It's A Terrible Love And I'm Walking With Spiders

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Stiles remembered the day Theo Raeken had left Beacon Hills very clearly. He had a good memory. That was probably the reason why he had immediately noticed that something had been off about the other boy when he had returned to his hometown. Looking back, his suspicion may not have been founded at that time, since there hadn't been any reasons to doubt Theo's character.

But there had been something that he had felt instinctually in his bones – something was not right about the other boy. After all, Stiles memory was good and he could still remember all those years ago when Theo and him had been in the same class in elementary school. There had been something different about him at that time.

At that day, he had come home and prepared dinner like he did every day.

"Have you heard about Theo Raeken being back in town?" he had asked his father that evening while the man was sulking once again over their choice of meal. He should be happy that Stiles could cook as well as he could, or else they'd only be eating salad every day.

At that particular day, they were having chicken (without the skin, of course, prepared in the oven, so no additional fat had to be added) and bulgur (the carbohydrates in them had another structure than those in regular white rice, thus the body processed them differently; bottom line, they were much healthier).
Anyway, his point was, he could cook pretty well. After all, he had a lot of time on his hands, so there had been enough opportunities to practice.

His dad drew his eyebrows together.

"The boy whose sister drowned in the river?"The sheriff rarely forgot an unnatural death that happened in Beacon Hills. One would think that this wasn't a great accomplishment seeing the town was small so that freaky incidents should remain in the minds of people easily. But considering how many had died here lately, in ways none of them had even considered, it was actually pretty impressing. Stiles was pretty sure that even the FBI lost focus at this point.

"Yeah," he mumbled through a mouth full of rocket. He tried to restrain his junk food intake to periods when his father wasn't around in order not to discourage the man's diet.

"Why are you asking?"

He shrugged. "Did you meet Mr. and Mrs. Raeken?"

"No, they didn't come up to the station or anything." The sheriff paused for a little while, gulping his bulgur down. "Why're you asking?"

"Theo Raeken was weird."

"Weird?"

"Just… odd. Different. Not the Theo I remember from elementary school."

His father made a sympathetic expression. "Death changes people."

Stiles shrugged. He didn't want to talk about it. The rocket weighed heavily in his stomach.

.

"Want to partner up?"

Stiles looked up, Theo's blue eyes boring into his, a charming smile on his face. Really, if he wouldn't suspect the guy already, he would have started feeling strange about him at this point.

"Your grades are decent. What do you want?" he asked frostily. No one wanted to partner up for a group project with Stiles if they didn't need an uplifting grade. Stiles did well in school and he didn't mind shouldering all the work in a project. On the contrary, the less he had to do with the others, the happier he was.

Theo raised one smarmy eyebrow. "How do you know about my marks?"

The boy looked only mildly surprised, the smile never leaving his lips. Seriously, the guy couldn't get more suspicious if he tried. Stiles tried to get a rise out of him.

"I broke into the school office."

The average person would have been severely creeped out at this point, but Theo only laughed.

"See? That's why I want to work with you."

Stiles grinned, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Oh, I don't think you need my help breaking into anywhere. You'll be fine"

Theo laughed again and Stiles had to admit, he was charming. "Come on, Mendel's laws of inheritance aren't just going to reveal themselves."

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Theo stuck to him like gum on his sole for the next weeks and the people started watching Stiles wearily. They had reasons to.

Stiles wasn't exactly at the bottom of the school hierarchy. Much rather, he wasn't included in it, at all. He wasn't bullied – not since Jackson Whittemore who used to make a snarky remark every now and then left town anyway – but people kept their distance to him. They liked to pretend he didn't exist. It had almost always been this way. Theo was the only one who had dared do break that pattern since-

Whatever. It didn't matter anymore.

Point was, Theo made a habit of following him around. The amount of classes they shared was suspicious to say at least and the days when Stiles would sit at the far corner of the class, detached from the rest of the masses were long over. Well, he was still sitting at corners, but not alone anymore, since Theo was always lurking close by.

For some time, it was only that. Stiles saw Theo in lessons they shared, but everything else was just like always. But the other boy started to get more and more obtrusive as days passed.

Soon, Theo was walking with him through the floors when he had to get from one classroom to the next. Stiles' demeanor was often cold, rude even, but Theo smiled only and accompanied him as he walked through the school.

If he was honest with himself (which wasn't that often), there was a tiny little part in him that liked that. Stiles had been walking alone through these floors for the most time he had been here. So having a little company, even if it came in the form of someone Stiles knew to secretly be an evil douche bag, was nice. Knowing that when the teacher announced that they'd be working in groups, he wasn't to be left alone staring forlornly out of the window because he didn't want to stare in any of their faces – it was just a little reassuring. Something in him hungrily craved the knowledge that someone other than his Dad actually saw him.

But he wouldn't ever show that to Theo.

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"What do you want?" He didn't look into the blue eyes, searching for the books he needed for his next period.

"What if I said 'you'?" Stiles didn't have to turn around to know that that smarmy look was on his face again. Theo was the type to say ridiculous shit like that.

"I wouldn't be surprised. What isn't there to like about me?" He managed to keep the sarcasm off his voice. False confidence is all he had.

"Hey," Theo said, his voice low as he was crowding into his personal space, practically forcing Stiles to establish eye-contact. "I'm serious. I want to spend time with you Stiles." His tone was sincere, his eyes empathetic.

Stiles snorted, barely holding in his laugh. He couldn't resist grinning, though. "What do you take me for? Desperate?" He shook his head. "No, scratch that." Stiles was pretty desperate and he knew it, too. The fact that some part of him was enjoying arguing with Theo was proof enough.

"Do you think I'm stupid? Your sympathetic nice-guy act may work with all the other idiots around here, but don't believe I'm buying your bullshit for a second."

Theo grinned, breaking character. "And that's why I want you, Stiles. You're not like the others. You've got so much potential to be much more than you already are."

Stiles couldn't hold his laughter in anymore. "Look asshole, I don't know where you got those lines from, but whoever they are, they're not your friends."

He turned back to his locker, grabbed his bottle of Adderall and popped one pill. He'd need them for Econ. Theo approached him once again, ignoring all pretenses of personal place. God, was the guy creepy. How anyone went on their day while being around him was a miracle.

"What would you say if I told you I could make you never have to take these again?"

"I'd say you're full of shit."

The bell rang. Stiles suddenly noticed that they were the only students talking on the floor. Frantically, he started gathering the rest of his things and sidestepped the other boy, walking quickly in the direction of the class room.

But before he could reach his destination, his body was grabbed and pressed into a hard chest.

Just a few feet more and he would have made it, but before he could have reach his destination, he was harshly slammed into the wall. Theo was holding both of his wrists firmly glued to the hard surface, his stare intensely boring into Stiles'.

"Thanks a lot for injuring my head asshole." He could feel the hair around the wound grow warmly wet with blood. Yet he could sense that it wasn't much, the wound was small, wouldn't even need treatment. Stiles was clumsy, always had been – he knew his way around injuries.

Theo inhaled deeply, seemingly gathering himself, returning to his calm. "Look, I'm sorry."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am." His grip on Stiles wrists relaxed.

"Not for hurting me."

Theo wrinkled his eyebrows slightly. He was trying to collect his cool, but he was still visibly upset. "Of course, I'm sorry for hurting you." The strain in his voice was so clear, especially in these silent floors, that Stiles suspected that Theo was trying hard not to hurt him again. Props for attempting to control these homicidal tendencies.

"You're sorry that you're straining to hold up this charade. Your motivations serve only yourself." He could feel the grip around his wrists tighten again to the point of pain. He kept an unaffected face as Theo's face neared his. Stiles could feel the other's breath on his face.

"If you would just listen, Stiles, I wouldn't have to do any of this."

He snorted. "You have some nerve you little victim-blaming fucker. You think I'm not seeing through this strategy of yours? I don't have to do anything, least of all listen to your insanity-laced bullshit."

The other boy's nose flared as he breathed heavily. Good, he'd made him upset. Stiles was angry, too. He didn't like to be taken for a fool and Theo's transparent attempts to influence him only proofed what the boy thought of his level intelligence.

"You know what? Take your magic-medicine that is supposed to cure my ADHD and use it for your anger management problems. You're not being as sly as you would like to be."

Theo ran a hand through his hair, obviously trying to control his temper. Stiles used the opportunity to slip through his hold, quickly reached towards the door handle, turning it and entering the class room.

In usual manner, everyone looked up and gawked curiously at those who came in late. Stiles could feel Theo's looming presence behind him.

"Sorry," he mumbled, quickly sweeping over the back of his neck to make sure that the blood hadn't trickled down. Luckily it hadn't and the wound wouldn't be seen in his dark hair.

"Get to your seats," Coach grumbled annoyed.

Stiles moved to the one seat in the middle of the class room. Normally he chose the back, but around here all other seats were taken and Theo wouldn't be able to creep around.

That would have been the end of it if he hadn't been able to feel stares boring into him through the whole period. He tried to ignore them, attentively noting Finnstock's words down, but the prickling feeling it gave to him was distracting.

He grabbed his bag, pulled the bottle of Adderall out and took another pill.

It wasn't only Theo who was watching him. Every now and then, Kira Yukimura turned around and Scott McCall who was sitting in the same row wasn't being subtle either.

The class seemed to go on for hours.

.

As soon as the bell had rung he had jumped up, his books and pens already in his bag and hurried out of the classroom. It didn't take him long to reach the parking lot where his jeep was waiting right near the exit.

As soon as he sat on the familiar sears, he started the car, happy that it wasn't making a fuss for a change. But before he could take off, the door was opened. When he looked up he was surprised to see Scott McCall and not Theo staring at him. What the hell.

"What?" he snapped.

"Uhm… uh…" The boy didn't seem to know how to answer him.

"Listen: I have to go home, so close the goddamn door." He was trying to avoid Theo.

It was only when Scott had closed the door confusedly and when Stiles had managed to leave the parking lot, already on the highway, when he finally acknowledged the other boy's presence.

"What the hell do you want?"

He looked a little startled at Stiles' harsh question. He felt a little sorry. McCall seemed like a good person, a little slow at times, but with good intentions. He hadn't once used his jock status to bully people who didn't enjoy the same level of popularity. It was solely on Stiles that he couldn't squish that small part of resentment he was festering against the other boy. And the fact remained that the guy was in his car for no reason whatsoever.

"So? What is it?" he snapped. Really, the days of trying to make friends had long passed. He was a too bitter to act like a better person.

"What does Theo Raeken want from you?"

It shouldn't hurt, it really shouldn't, Stiles tried to tell himself. It was only logical to assume that Theo was hanging around him because of some ulterior motives. Stiles knew that much himself. Still, he couldn't help the constricting of his lungs at the knowledge of outsiders readily thinking that no one would bother spending time with him if it wouldn't serve another selfish purpose.

He abruptly pulled the car to the side. "Get out."

Scott's brown eyes were wide open with confusion. "What?"

"This is my car and you entered it without any permission or invitation, in the first place. So get the hell out."

"Hey, hey," Scott put his arms up in a placating manner, his face full of sympathy. Stiles almost grew soft – almost – until Scott let the silence hang in the air, stretching on for moments. "…You."

And that hit Stiles. That's why he had decided to keep his distance in the first place. The fucker didn't even know his name. He might as well not exist.

"Get the fuck out," he gritted between clenched teeth. He had a composure to keep.

"Listen man, I only want to know what Theo-" Figures. Stiles didn't let him finish his sentence.

"You're leaving this car, or I'll call the cops right fucking now." He didn't know whether he would actually do it, but he was a good enough liar to convince Scott.

The boy opened the door while trying to establish eye-contact with him. "Dude, we're in the middle of the highway," Scott tried to convince him, when he had finally exited the car.

"Call one of your friends then," he retorted dryly, shut the door, and started the car. He managed to hold off the few silent tears until his side window had passed Scott's field of vision.

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When he had finally arrived at his house, he couldn't believe who was leaning against the wall in typical douchebag manner.

"What the fuck do you want Theo," he asked exhaustedly; he had no time to deal with this shit.

Theo's face fell, the smarmy smirk disappearing for the moment. "You cried," he stated, his voice full of curiosity.

"No," Stiles retorted, although his tone lacked its usual fervor. Exhaustedly, he passed the other boy to unlock his door.

"You're a good liar, but you can't fool me." Stiles rolled his eyes. Theo could be so dramatic. It probably came with being an evil villain (and he was absolutely fucking sure that Theo was one). He wouldn't be surprised if the guy liked to hold long monologues, as well.

"Stiles."

He startled. Unnoticed to him, Theo had closed almost all distance between them, his breath sensible on Stiles' skin.

"It was McCall, wasn't it," Theo growled.

His tone made Stiles' muscles tense up slightly. He moved away, finally crossing the threshold and entering his house all while trying not to show what effect the other boy had on him. Not that Stiles would ever admit it, but with the certain knowledge of who Theo was, came wariness. With wariness came fear.
Most of the time, Stiles could forget it and pretend like Theo was nothing but an annoying insect he was trying to keep at distance. But at moments like these, when the other boy let scraps of his true personality shine through, he was being reminded in full force.
It didn't help matters that the Adderall was making his anxiety levels rise.

"It was McCall, I know it," Theo pressed, trying to soften his voice but only partly succeeding.

Stiles resisted the urge to draw his eyebrows together. He could've sworn that Theo had been nowhere near when he had taken off with Scott. Then again, Scott had distracted him, he could've missed Theo.
But-

"How did you know I cried?" There was weakness in admitting he did, but he needed to know. After all, he had only shed very few tears – he knew that no evidence should be visible. Yet still, Theo somehow had guessed it the moment they came near.

Suddenly the packing feeling of paranoia grabbed him with full force and restricted his lungs.

"You fucker – you didn't install cameras or some shit in my car, did you?"

"What? Fuck, no! Who do you take me for?" Stiles frowned. Theo's reaction was indignant enough to be believable. Sure, he was a good actor, but if he had been able to fool Stiles they wouldn't be having this conversation.

Still. "I wouldn't put it above you," he said for good measure.

With that, all fight left his body, leaving him even more exhausted then before. Before he could close the door against Theo's face though, the boy put a foot on the swell. Of fucking course.

"Stiles, listen-"

"No, Theo," he interrupted him, consciously using the boy's name in his presence for the first time. "I am exhausted and I can't deal with this right now. I just want to go sleep." That was another first. His voice lacked its usual fight, unwillingly baring vulnerability. The last thing he wanted was being vulnerable before Theo Raeken.

Surprisingly, the other boy didn't use his moment of his weakness for his advantage, though. Theo's face softened.

"I'll go. If you give me your number." Stiles sighed pulling through the strands of his hair.

"What?"

"Give me your number and I'll be gone."

"Why-"

"Hey," Theo interrupted, his blue eyes boring into his once again. Stiles was reminded Scott's 'Hey'. The major difference was that Theo knew his name though. Theo knew who he was, knew of his existence. "Instead of asking 'why', try it with 'why not'."

Stiles snorted and couldn't help the grin that escaped him. Theo could be entertaining if he wasn't a pain in the ass.

"Why not? I don't know, maybe because you're evil?" He knew he sounded petty but he didn't have the energy to muster some wit up.

"So what?" Stiles was stunned speechless by the blunt honesty. "Let's pretend I am evil. That's not a reason not to give me your number."

That had him laughing, honest to God laughing. The constricting of his lungs felt strange and it was then when Stiles realized how much time had actually passed since that happened. How long was his last laugh ago?

Theo smiled. "Come on, Stiles. I just want to write you a goodnight text with some nice emojis for that nap you're going to take."

He grinned, watching the ground before moving his eyes up to look into Theo's eyes, again. "Why don't you just take it? You could get it – somehow. You wouldn't need to ask me." Theo was sketchy like that. After all, he came up with information he wasn't supposed to have pretty often.

"I wouldn't have to," the other boy agreed, surprising him with honesty, "but I want you to give it to me."

Maybe it was the momentary lack of smarmy douchebag behavior, maybe it was only due to Stiles exhaustion. Whatever it was, for some reason he extended his palm. Theo grinned and pulled his phone out and gave it to him. It was some last model expensive shit. Quickly, he typed his number. When was the last time he had given someone his number? The answer came to him and made him shut the memories off.

Thankfully, Theo interrupted his musings by taking his phone back. "Why didn't you save it with your name?"

Stiles shrugged and shut the door right before Theo's face. Finally, he was alone.
As he leaned against the door, stiffened muscles finally relaxing, he could feel the thumping of his heart against his chest.

What the hell had he done?

This guy, Stiles knew that he was sketchy. Cursing himself, he slid down till he sat on the floor. After all this time watching how all those other idiots were blinded by Theo's act, he just fell for his charm, as well.

He had to get another phone. His father's old one was still working and it wouldn't even be a big trouble because-

He startled as the phone in his pocket vibrated.

'You should check the injury on your head.'

Huh. That had happened only this morning? He had forgotten it long ago and it didn't hurt anymore.

'I am sorry about it by the way. I'd never want to hurt you.'

It was fucked up, Stiles knew it was fucked up that he felt some strange feeling of fondness creeping up at him. Theo had been the one to injure him in the first place; Stiles shouldn't feel this warmth when reading those words. If he hadn't wanted to hurt Stiles, he wouldn't have done it. It was that simple.
Nervously, he brought his thumb up to his mouth to nag at the nail.

Another vibration. He almost dropped the phone. After some hesitation, his curiosity got the best out of him and he finally checked the message.

'I can sense your anxiety through the door. Get some rest.'

The creep was still standing there? Hurriedly, he rushed to walk upstairs and barricaded himself in his room. He left his phone downstairs, shutting the sound off, keeping Theo at distance.

Some part of him wanted to stay awake, just to refuse Theo. But the nap had been his idea in the first place and he was still really fucking tired.

Eventually, he grew a little calmer. He put more comfortable clothes on and went to draw the curtains. Without meaning to, he caught a glimpse of Theo getting into his own car. The boy looked up and stared Stiles straight in the eyes. He was frozen in shock as Theo flashed him a charming grin and fucking winked before driving off.

"What the fuck is happening," he mumbled to himself, as he tiredly dragged himself to his bed. He needed some rest.

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A/N: This story would be taking place around the first half of 5B although the plot won't be an important part. Just pretend everything has been more or less the same although Stiles hasn't been part of the gang in this universe. I will try to explore characters and their dynamics, will go heavy on the angst, all while the plot is taking a backseat. Apart from Theo, you won't see many characters that have been added through the course of the fifth season because, and I'm going to be honest, I have completely lost focus over who is who. There are way too many characters I don't give a fuck about and that don't make much sense - therefore I won't write about them.

Unless you haven't read the tags: This story will depict an unhealthy relationship between Stiles and Theo. Theo is an asshole, just the way I like him and he doesn't get a redemption arc. That doesn't mean that he doesn't care for/about Stiles though.
In case you haven't noticed while reading: Stiles is not some naive little boy readily buying in into every lie.
Everything is still consensual though.

This story won't be too long, maybe three chapters or so, if I can muster up the energy to finish this.

Leave me a comment if you want to see this finished and tell me how you liked thus far:)