Stiles opens his mouth to respond, then closes it. This... is not what he was expecting. He doesn't know Malia, not like she knows him, but it doesn't take a genius to tell that she's as blunt as she is goal oriented.
Both of which are qualities that he can appreciate.
So he isn't sure what he was getting himself ready for, but it wasn't a white flag, or whatever this is. It was an apology and not an apology, but he'll take it, because part of him thinks he isn't the one who needs to be apologized to. If he were to be dropped into another universe tomorrow and see Derek with someone else, how would he feel? He'd prefer not to think about it.
He ends up staring, mouth going like a dying fish for a couple seconds, then lets out a whoosh of breath, finding himself leaning into Derek's hand at his back.
"I... wow. Thank you?" This isn't easy for any of them, and it's probably worse for Derek on Malia. He, on the other hand, feels like he's somehow responsible. He feels as though giving up something you had takes courage, and deserves a thank you. "I'm really, really sorry that I... other I... isn't here for you. Things here take getting used to, so you know. It's better with someone you trust.
"But maybe we can help! I mean, I know I'm not your Stiles, but I'm still... Stiles." This conversation is weird. "And Derek's still Derek. Scott's here, he's still Scott. We can help."
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Both of which are qualities that he can appreciate.
So he isn't sure what he was getting himself ready for, but it wasn't a white flag, or whatever this is. It was an apology and not an apology, but he'll take it, because part of him thinks he isn't the one who needs to be apologized to. If he were to be dropped into another universe tomorrow and see Derek with someone else, how would he feel? He'd prefer not to think about it.
He ends up staring, mouth going like a dying fish for a couple seconds, then lets out a whoosh of breath, finding himself leaning into Derek's hand at his back.
"I... wow. Thank you?" This isn't easy for any of them, and it's probably worse for Derek on Malia. He, on the other hand, feels like he's somehow responsible. He feels as though giving up something you had takes courage, and deserves a thank you. "I'm really, really sorry that I... other I... isn't here for you. Things here take getting used to, so you know. It's better with someone you trust.
"But maybe we can help! I mean, I know I'm not your Stiles, but I'm still... Stiles." This conversation is weird. "And Derek's still Derek. Scott's here, he's still Scott. We can help."