Stiles looked around the massive foyer as he entered the party, one arm crossed in front of him holding the other. He'd been invited by a guy he'd hit it off with at a club a week or so before. He knew that the other was rich as he'd sent Stiles an intricate black mask all the way from Venice and a designer red suit to wear for the occasion along with a note that read 'Find Me'. Now that he saw the sheer size of the gala his first instinct was to run, to run far away and completely block Oliver and this whole thing out of his mind. But with all the gifts he felt obligated to make some kind of effort so he walked further into the party, making his way into the ballroom. How Oliver expected Stiles to find him in this sea of people was beyond him, but he would try.

Stiles chatted rather uncomfortably with a few people, feeling exhausted after the first few, but then more people wanted to talk and asked him to dance and he again felt obligated to oblige. After three dances he needed some air and as he'd been twirled around the dance floor he'd seen a door that let to a balcony and down to a beautiful garden with fountains and fairy lights and he quickly made his way out there and sat on one of the benches near a fountain. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. This had been a huge mistake, the sheer amount of people nearly causing him to spiral into a full blown panic attack. He stared at the running water and used some of his meditation techniques to calm himself down.

He didn't know how long he'd been sitting there staring at the calm flowing water of the fountain, but as he heard someone clear their throat close to him he realized that at some point his mask had been taken off. He was both hoping and hating the thought that the person may be Oliver. Stiles looked up and his breath caught in his chest as he saw a pair of piercing blue eyes staring at him from a simple grey mask.

"Do you mind if I have a seat?" the man asked quietly, "It's all a little bit loud in there for me."

Stiles nodded silently, the man seemed at least fifteen years older than him, but of what he could see, Stiles had never been so instantly attracted to someone since Lydia. "Crowds aren't really my thing," he said quietly.

The older man hummed his understanding as he took his own mask off, causing Stiles to gasp a little as he saw the full beauty of the man, just now taking in the expensive clothing and a little frown formed on his lips. A rich man had gotten him into this stupid mess and he wasn't sure it was something he'd ever want to risk again.

"My name is Peter," the other said in a gentle voice, as if he was trying to soothe a scared animal. And in fact, that wasn't far from the truth. Peter's eyes had been drawn to the beautiful boy from the moment he walked into the ballroom and the scent he got from him was just so...right. He'd heard him catch his breath and gasp and everything in him wanted to comfort and protect the boy.

Stiles licked his lips and bit his lower lip, sliding it out of his mouth slowly before he gave a tentative smile, "I'm Stiles," he introduced. He then forced himself to look back to the fountain to calm himself down again.

Peter smiled, Stiles, he loved the uniqueness of the boy's name. No one would have a mate of the same name, he would be just that special and all Peter's. Well, if he wanted that of course, Peter would never force him into anything. Even if Stiles wanted nothing to do with him Peter would still watch over him, keep him safe and cared for from a distance if necessary. Once a wolf found its mate there could never be another, even if they couldn't have them. "It is very good to meet you Stiles. If you don't mind me asking, what brought you here tonight?"

Stiles looked down and closed his eyes, his chest clenching up a little in pain. As much as he hated what had happened tonight, he still had a small hope that Oliver hadn't done this to be cruel. "A guy sent me the mask and suit and told me to find him. As soon as I walked in I felt like it was all a cruel joke. I didn't even know what he'd be wearing. How can anyone expect someone to find then in that mess. Either it was a mean prank or he was exceptionally full of himself," Stiles said, shaking his head a little. He had no idea what had brought him to tell this stranger so much, but somehow it just felt right.

Peter's lips pressed into a thin line and he had to suppress a growl, "Either way he's a jerk. No one deserves that sort of treatment." Especially not Peter's mate.

Stiles looked up at Peter, surprised by his words, he'd not expected empathy from a stranger, especially one that was clearly much wealthier than Stiles. "Yes, I suppose so," Stiles agreed. Stiles figured it was his turn to ask a question now, "How did you get dragged into this mess?" Stiles asked.

Peter smirked, glad that the boy was becoming more comfortable, "It's my family's gala. They host this party on Valentine's Day every year. If you ask me it's a bit extravagant for my tastes, but it's still family. I'd prefer to be on the couch in pj pants and watching tv. If I had someone I'd wish they were right by my side, comfortable and cuddling," he revealed.

Stiles blinked and looked between Peter and the mansion and back again, "Holy shit," he breathed. He was ready to pull away and leave right there and then until Peter described what he'd like to be doing instead. "How can you not have someone?" he asked before he could stop himself.

Peter was worried that he may lose Stiles already now that the boy knew how wealthy he and his family were. The boy looked just uncomfortable enough that Peter could tell he was really trying not to ruin his suit. He had the nature of someone that just barely got by. Peter wanted to change all that. He tipped his head at the question and shrugged, "I've had significant others here and there, but nothing felt right enough to be forever and as soon as I figure that out I can't keep them from finding someone that would want to be with them long term, even if that means that I'm alone."

Stiles looked at Peter somewhat suspiciously, he'd always helped his dad on cases when he was still alive and Stiles hadn't lost that investigative part of himself. He was trying to decide if Peter was being genuine or not, but everything told him that it was the full truth. "Altruism," he said softly, almost to himself.

"Common courtesy," Peter corrected gently.

Stiles snorted, "Common courtesy isn't really a thing people know anymore. It's nice to know that at least two people in the world do."

Peter smiled softly and reached out to brush his thumb along the top of Stiles' ear as if they knew each other well enough for casual touches and it wasn't until their skin touched that he realized his mistake. But when Stiles leaned into the touch he kept his hand in place, cupping Stiles' cheek as the boy closed his eyes and nuzzled his hand. "You deserve so much more," he breathed, "You deserve everything."