// ONE //

❝start off with a hello❞

Thirty dollars. That's how much I spent on a damn cab to get to Brooklyn from the airport.

I groaned as I pull my suitcases out of the trunk. The wheels scrape against the pavement when I set it down. I shut the trunk and the cab pulls off instantly, blowing hot air into my face. Worse thirty dollars I spent in my entire life.

The cold wind hits my body as I look around into the busy streets. Mundanes pay no mind to me as I push through them, seeing as it was rush hour. My legs struggle through the crowd, aching at each step I take. I need a nap. A long, long nap.

But I can't. I need to see them. I need to see him. And that's what making me shove my way down these streets to the institute. My heart races as I roll my suitcases down the street, letting numerous rhetorical thoughts run through my mind.

What if they shun me? What if they aren't happy to see me? What if he hates me? What if-

I cut my thoughts short. I couldn't think like that. I had to think good outcomes of this whole thing. I didn't save up a bunch of money to come back to New York for nothing.

Though I also have to face reality. I left for five years with no reason at all to give. I cut off all ties and didn't even keep in contact with anyone from the institute. The only people that know why I left was the Clave and that's because that was the only option they gave me.

So now, here I am, back here where it all began. I shuddered at my past thoughts, looking at the institute ahead. Oh god. I should head back. I should go back to Beacon Hills and stay there. They probably moved on with their lives, continued to do missions without me, because they didn't need me.

All I was there for, was to give sarcastic and unnecessary comments. They wouldn't miss that. Or would they? You would know until you find out, my inner thoughts confide and I sigh, walking up the stairs to the institute.

The wheels clatter each step, though my mind drifts off once I open the doors to the institute. Instantly, movement erupts in the room, along with conversations as I walk down the hall.

I'm given strange looks and stared at with confusion written on their faces. I watch as a familiar dark haired girl walk down the stairs ahead. She walked with her head buried in a tablet, and Stiles smiled knowing instantly who that was.

"Isabelle Lightwood. Room for a plus one?" I spoke and Izzy's head shot up. A wide grin instantly formed on her face as she ran towards me, to engulf me in a large hug.

"I can't believe you're here!" Izzy beamed, before breaking away to hit my shoulder, "I can't believe you are here, Stilinski." I groaned at the hits I endured from her, expecting that to happen. At least I know I was missed. "Why are you here- you know what, I don't even want to know because I'm glad you're okay and actually here!"

She hugged me again and I chuckled, "Glad to be here too." We broke away again and I skimmed her body seeing her in a tight outfit, "You changed.. A lot."

"I learned to embrace my body, Stiles." She grinned, twirling her body slightly. "But how have you been?"

"I've been well, if you count trying not to be hunted by numerous supernatural beings, then yeah." I joked and she rolled her eyes, watching as people pass us.

"Does anybody else know you're here? Alec perhaps?" Izzy smirked and I gave her a look. Only Izzy knew my feelings for Alec, seeing as she wasn't one of oblivious many. For years she wanted us to be together, but Alec had feelings for Jace, and by then, I moved away.

"You were the first person I saw." I smiled, "And plus, I don't know what I would say to Alec."

"Why don't you start off with a hello? No harm can go into that." She suggest and I scoffed, stuffing my hands in my pockets.

"I left, Iz." I reminded, "So, there's absolutely a small chance he would welcome me with a hug. Like three percent, most likely." I inquired, but Izzy gave me a stare that instantly meant 'go now or else', and I wasn't willing to debate, "Fine, I'll go, but if he uses his stele to kill me, my will is with my dad."

"Just go, Stilinski. I'll take your stuff to your old room." She pushed me, making me go up the stairs, "He's training!" She called out and I laughed lightly, turning the corner, to bump into someone already.

"My bad." I apologize and look up to see a distinct blonde, who wore a leather jacket, in my presence. "Jace?"

"Well, isn't it the walking dead." I laugh dryly, and hug him shortly, "When did you come back."

"Today, actually. Just spoke with Izzy." I inform, and he nods, "What are you up to, Wayland?"

"Nothing much, trying to find a mission to get Izzy and Alec to join me with." Jace answered, "Speaking of, did you see Alec?"

"Just about to." I sighed, my palms clamming up. Saying I was nervous to see him was an understatement. Alec was the first guy I ever had a crush on. Ever. He was the first guy that made me realize that I was bisexual, so seeing the guy who got me to discover myself will bring back a lot of memories.

"Oh, well, when you settle in, maybe join our mission. I know you miss the adrenaline." Jace smirked and I could only laugh. If he only knew. "I got to go, but I'm glad you're back."

"Same here, Wayland." I say, finally and he nods, walking off to where I just came from. I keep walking, remembering my way clearly after all these years. I feel as though my paces slow down and my pulse race.

Not far, I hear a punching bag being hit forcefully over and over. Alec was always the type to practice a lot and be on his A-game. He never slacked or let anyone around him slack before as he would say, 'the clave doesn't accept slackers'.

I laugh softly to myself, at his words in my head, not realizing I made it to the training room. Already, I spot Alec, watching his fist connect with the punching bag. My body stays frozen at the door, but my eyes glued themselves to his sweaty body.

Very sexy, sweaty body.

He stops after awhile and goes to get his water that sat on the floor, making my eyes drift downward. I let out a cough, instantly making him turn to me.

"Stiles?" His voice was deep and I almost melted on the spot. I clear my throat, feeling as if I couldn't breath.

I look straight up at him, seeing as he didn't move from where he stood. "Uh- hey." My voice croaked, and I cringe, "Long time, no see."

"I think you mean no talk." He said, "What are you doing here, Stiles?"

"I, uh- I'm back to stay. For good." I sighed and watched as his face was slightly shocked, but his face stayed stern.

"I've heard that before." He scoff and I wince. I knew he wouldn't be happy to see me. He turned his back towards me and continued to punch the punching bag, but harder this time.

"I'm assuming that's my face." I joke and he stopped, turning to me again. His face was unamused, so I tried to lighten the mood, "My dad said 'hi'. He went back to Idris."

"Oh, so he dumped you here again." Alec laughed dryly.

"Technically, but you always loved it when he did." I retorted and a small smile formed on his face before it fell. It was silent after a while, making me shift in awkwardness. "Well, I believe I got jet lag, so I'm going to rest."

"Sure." His face was stern again and I internally screamed.

"Okay." I said simply and hesitantly walk off. When I did, I smack my head, feeling stupid. Why in the world would I expect him to jump on me and hug me? I'm just happy he didn't hit me.

But to be realistic, I knew he wouldn't. We're were too close for that.

Or were we?