( It was Stiles's turn to scoff at the mention of the human population. Of course there was one here, a large, all encompassing one that reflected ever kind of person who'd ever looked down on him or overlooked him in high school. The attention he got here was strictly academic - the forced partnerships for school, Lydia's acquaintances that constantly wondered why she shared an apartment with someone like him. The anxious kid who still made string charts, chased small leads of the supernatural for some small thrill or reminder of the life he'd left behind in Beacon Hills. )

Turns out, college isn't exactly the drastic change my social life needed. ( He shrugged, glanced over in time to see the change in Peter's smile. It made something in his chest tighten, his stomach flutter.

Reaching up with his free hand, he fussed briefly with his hair in response to the thanks, trying not to let the sound of Peter's voice rile him in the same ways he used to. ) Yeah, you're welcome.

( The hand half on his was warm - just as warm as he remembered it from the night in his jeep, desperate for warmth and comfort in the stress of another life or death situation courtesy of Beacon Hills. He swallowed hard with the memory, glanced at Peter's hand as it settled back on the cart handle. )

U-uh yeah. Scott went off to his veterinarian school and Lydia and I.. ( He shrugged, motioned around them as if that would answer everything.

Peter's response earned a smile, and Stiles ducked his head with his own smile. ) Don't worry, I won't make you endure my college student diet of take out and microwavable food. I can actually make us something.