Fandom: Teen Wolf
Rating: NC-17
Authors: Sxymami0909 and Xtremeroswellia
Timeline: Takes place 1 year after the end of ‘Beyond The Sea’
Series: Post Finale AU
Pairings: Stiles/Lydia, Scott/Kira, Isaac Lahey, Sheriff Stilinski, Melissa McCall, Chris Argent, Derek Hale, Cora Hale, Aiden, Ethan, Danny, Braeden, Alan Deaton, Peter Hale, Malia Tate-Hale, mentions of Scott/Allison, mentions of Derek/Lydia, mentions of Stiles/Braeden
Part: 10/32
Summary: The one year anniversary of Allison's death is right around the corner just in time for a new threat to make it's way to Beacon Hills. With Lydia's banshee powers growing, and dead bodies piling up near the Nemeton, Scott and his pack need to work together to figure out who's behind the latest attacks and what knew evil is on the lose. Tension is mounting in the pack and relationships will be tested when an old ally returns to town with information that could help the pack. But can the pack trust their old friend or has the year passed hardened him to a point of no return?
Author's Note: This is a Stydia story, but it's a slow burn because a lot needs to be rebuilt and there are mentions of other couples and other friendships along the way. One year has passed between this story and 'Beyond the Sea'. You will get to see the missing year in a series of one-shots taking place between 'Beyond the Sea' and this story later on.
Previous Chapters: | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine |
Chapter 10
Stiles woke up with a start, heart beating a little faster than usual as the images from his most recent nightmare flickered through his mind. He swallowed hard, rubbing a hand over his face and turning to look at Scott, who was lying beside him in the bed. He shifted carefully, trying not to wake his friend from his sleep as he crawled out of bed and moved over to his duffel bag, unzipping it and pulling out his cigarettes and lighter.
He’d cut down on how much he was smoking since he’d returned to the house, but it wasn’t a habit that was easily broken and he wasn’t sure he really wanted to anyway. But after that nightmare, he really needed one to calm his nerves. It was early, the rest of the house quiet, and he headed toward the door, grabbing his jacket off the computer chair on the way.
Scott felt him wake up. He listened as Stiles grabbed stuff and walked downstairs. Scott sighed opening his eyes and staring at the ceiling for a minute before pushing himself up and getting off the bed to check on his friend. He didn’t bother with a jacket, his body temperature didn’t fluctuate all that much, but he did throw on his sneakers before moving quietly out of the bedroom and toward the stairs.
Scott walked down them careful not to press hard on the steps that creaked. Once he was at the bottom he ruffled his hand through his hair and opened the front door. He stepped outside and closed it behind him. “Hey, nightmare?” He asked keeping his tone light. He’d seen enough of them from Lydia to know the side effects.
Stiles should have known better than to think Scott hadn’t heard him or felt him get out of bed. He was a werewolf after all. Of course he’d heard him. Stiles might have gotten better at a lot of things, but he still wasn’t an actual ninja. He took a long inhale from the cigarette before turning to look at his best friend from his place on the porch stairs. “Yeah,” he admitted, shrugging. He looked back toward the road once more, staring blankly at his jeep.
“Didn’t mean to wake you up,” he said sincerely. It was a holiday, after all, and Scott didn’t get that many opportunities to sleep in.
Scott did his best to keep the scowl off his face at the sight of Stiles smoking. “Not a big deal,” it wasn’t, “At least you didn’t jab me in the face,” he joked seeing the arch of his friends brow he explained. “Lydia used to get nightmares.” She still did, but she didn’t share his bed anymore so he was no longer being jabbed, “She tends to jerk around.” Scott explained.
Scott was quiet for a minute “Want to talk about it?” He asked as he leaned against the wall near the front door.
Stiles exhaled, pressing his free hand -- the one that wasn’t holding his cigarette -- to his knee so Scott didn’t see the way that it was shaking. “Remember the Glen Capri?” he asked after a moment. That had been one of the scariest nights in his entire life, and even a year and a half later he was still having nightmares about it. About what would have happened if Scott had just dropped that flare into the gasoline puddle and gone up in flames. The analytical part of his brain said that it was because the recent victims of the daevas had been victims of arson and of course his mind would be drawn to that night. He still felt sick about it anytime he thought of it, or dreamt about it.
Scott took a step forward and nodded, “How can I forget?” he asked as he slipped his hands inside his pajama pants pockets. “You saved my life that night. Boyd’s, Isaac’s and Ethan’s too,” he added a soft smile on his face though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Allison was on that trip too, well not exactly a trip, but they were all at Glen Capri together.
“With a lot of help from Lydia and Allison.” The name came out so easily but it made him flinch anyway and he swallowed heavily. He forced himself to take a deep breath and took another quick inhale off the cigarette before snuffing it out against the dirt on the ground, but he didn’t drop it there either. He set it beside him on the steps.
Scott stayed standing and he nodded. “I remember. I guess technically it was Lydia who saved us.” He commented. “Jumping into a puddle of almost lit up gasoline. She’s crazy,” he said glancing sideways at his friend, “I guess she couldn’t stand to lose you...either of us,” he said even though he knew Lydia had screamed and jumped for Stiles. It had been Stiles who pushed him back. “Is that what the nightmare was about?” He asked.
Technically he was completely correct. “No, she’s not crazy. She’s just...a hero.” He shrugged. Like Scott. Like Allison had been. He rubbed his hands over his knees for a moment and then grew still again. “Sort of? Except it turned out less well for…” He glanced over his shoulder to look at Scott, expression unreadable. “For you.”
Scott finally sat beside Stiles on the steps and placed a hand on his friend’s leg. “I’m right here dude and I’m not going anywhere.” He added wanting him to know that. “What’s really going on Stiles, talk to me. You know you can tell me anything.” He said quietly.
Stiles was quiet for a long moment, feeling familiar anxiety starting to creep in. “I just have this really...deeply unsettling feeling about everything that’s happening.” He looked away. “That things are going to get really bad again.” He hated admitting that, even to Scott. Hated admitting that he wasn’t sure he was going to be able to figure things out in time. Expressing any kind of doubt about their ability to handle whatever was happening.
Hated that if he was right, it was going to be his fault. Again.
Scott nodded and shifted his hand to Stiles back. He was silent for a minute before speaking up. “If I’m being honest I’ve had the same feeling for days now,” he admitted. “I can feel the shift around us, it’s been happening for the last two days.” He told Stiles glancing sideways at his friend, “But we’re going to get through this as long as we stick together.” He told him matter-of-factly.
“Isaac and Cora are looking for Peter and Malia to warn them what’s coming and bring them to us so we can protect them,” he added, “And I told Derek about what was going on, so he knows to be extra careful. We’ll figure things out.” He said reassuringly while patting his friends back.
Stiles leaned into Scott instinctively, nodding as he stared out at his jeep. “Yeah, I know everyone’s on high alert.” He just wasn’t sure it was going to be enough to keep everyone safe. Plan B was already forming in his head but it was going to take some research. And a lot of very carefully laid planning ahead of time. And Scott was absolutely going to hate it. He glanced at his best friend sideways.
“On the plus side, hey Thanksgiving dinner.” He managed a small faint smile. Scott chuckled and nodded. “We’re going to have a full house today,” he said wondering how they were going to fit so many people. They’d manage they always did. His Mom was probably going to be getting up soon to start cooking.
“Yeah, about that.” He watched Scott arch an eyebrow at him. “I sort of invited Danny. And Ethan and Aidan.” He tried to gauge Scott’s reaction to that news. “Well, technically I invited Danny and told him it was okay to invite the twins.”
Scott blinked, “You invited Danny?” He didn’t mind, Scott liked Danny just fine, he just didn’t realize he and Stiles were close, “It’s fine with me.” He added, “Hopefully Cora and Isaac will be on their best behavior,” Scott said with a sigh. “But it’s good they should be here. That’s three more people, I’ll let Mom know,” He said with a smile.
“Yeah, we had coffee yesterday,” he admitted. “And I’ll help out with Cora and Isaac if I need to.” And Aidan obviously. He just hoped he didn’t have to. He was quiet for a moment. “You need them in your pack.” His voice was low, but serious. “The twins, I mean.” Obviously Isaac and Cora were already a part of the pack.
Scott glanced at Stiles, “It’s not about power with me man. You should know that,” he responded. “If the twins want to be a part of the pack I’m not stopping them, but they need to do things my way.” he told him. “I’m hoping things will calm down a bit soon and if the twins come hopefully Aidan doesn’t start anything.” Scott said with a slight sigh.
Stiles shifted so his back was against the railing beside the porch steps and he was facing Scott. “Dude, I know that,” he said sincerely. “I absolutely know that.” And he did. Scott doing anything to seek power for himself was about as likely as Stiles never telling another lie for the rest of his life. “How much has Deaton filled you in on the True Alpha stuff?” he asked. Because he’d spent way more time on that that just about any other area of independent research while he’d been away. There wasn’t a lot, but there was enough that he had a pretty good idea about it. And he had his instincts.
Scott shook his hand, “Some, not much. Why?” He asked with a frown, “What does me being a True Alpha have to do with anything?” He asked confused.
Stiles sighed softly and rested a hand on Scott’s shoulder. “Do you know how rare a True Alpha is, Scott?”
Scott arched an eyebrow, “I’m one in a million”, he sing-songed, with a little smirk.
Stiles rolled his eyes. “Yes, but we already knew that. No, seriously, man. It happens less than once in every one hundred years. You’re literally the only True Alpha on the planet.” He looked at his friend.
Some of the humor died from Scott’s eyes, “Okay, so I’m rare, the rarest of rare,” he added, “But that doesn’t need to be a bad thing,” he told his friend. “I know I’m stronger than most alphas even though I haven’t tapped into all of that strength yet. But other than that, well I’m not really sure what’s different about me.”
“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing,” Stiles said quietly. “Not at all. It means what I’ve always known about you, and that’s that you’re amazing.” There was no hint of kidding in his tone. “But it also means that the people that are out there who aren’t so amazing are going to want you for their own nefarious purposes. They’re gonna come for you, Scott. Probably a lot of them.” He wasn’t trying to scare his best friend, but he was trying to make him see his point.
Scott straightened up, “Thanks dude,” he said squeezing Stiles shoulder, “And if they come we’ll be ready. But I’m not going to sit here and wait for the other shoe to drop. We need to live life while we can.” he said softly, “We only get one shot and I won’t waste it waiting for the next big bad thing to come attack us.” Before Stiles could say anything Scott continued. “I know you’re just looking out for me and I appreciate it. But we all need a day off and I think today’s the perfect day for that. Some family, friends, and food.” He told his best friend with a grin.
Stiles wanted to point out that part of being ready was making sure the pack was as strong as it could be. But when Scott continued without giving him a chance to finish, he sighed, giving him a look. “I guess that’s my cue to shut up and stop talking about pack politics.”
Scott grinned, “One day, you’ve been all about business since you got home and while that’s great and helpful. We’re all pretty run down and I think a day of just relaxing will go a long way in getting the pack to gear up and focus on the objective at hand which is the Daevas.” He told his friend lightly.
Stiles rolled his eyes. “Alpha knows best,” he joked, nudging Scott with his elbow.
Scott smirked, “Damn right I do.” He nudged him back. He tilted his head, “Mom’s awake,” he said lightly with a smile. “Probably starting on the turkey it’s been marinating all night. I could smell it...which is such a damn tease,” he admitted. “I had to stop myself from coming down and eating it in the middle of the night.” Scott said with a sigh.
Stiles couldn’t help but make a face. “Uh, dude you know that marinating doesn’t mean cooked right? That it’s...you know, raw, still? You need to bake it in your little werewolf oven before you eat it first.”
Scott rolled his eyes and held up his fingers. “This close to eating it raw. No turkey for anyone else.” He chuckled. “I think I drooled on the pillow next to your head thinking about it,” He said with a grin.
“Gross. On both accounts, actually. That’s it, you’re on the floor tonight. No, wait. You’re in the doghouse.” Stiles laughed at his own joke.
Scott pouted, but he was grinning on the inside, “I don’t want to be in the doghouse. I’m a good alpha.” He said tilting his head and giving Stiles his best kicked puppy dog look, which had gotten better with practice. Lydia was a genius.
“Yes, you’re a good alpha, but I don’t do belly rubs, man, sorry. And you drooled on my pillow by your own admission. That constitutes doghouse sleepage and do not give me that kicked puppy look, Scott. I swear to God.” He covered his eyes with one hand, grimacing. “I am immune.”
Scott snickered, “If you were immune you wouldn't have to cover your eyes. Now look at me before I tackle you to the ground.” He demanded jokingly. It was nice to joke around with his friend again, it had been a long time since he’d felt this at ease. “Forget it.” He rose to his feet, keeping his eyes covered. “Your alpha voice doesn’t work on me, either, man.”
Scott made a face and stood. “That wasn’t even my alpha voice, get back here.” He said as he followed him into the house amused, a grin firmly planted on his face.
Stiles felt more light-hearted than he had in a long time. Like old times. Maybe it was going to be a good day.
It was mid-morning and Lydia glanced warily at the bag full of clothes near the side of the bed. She pursed her lips and arched an eyebrow in Derek’s direction as he stood near the mirror in a towel, fresh from the shower. Lydia pointed at her clothes, “You don’t think just because you went to my house and brought me clothes that I’m going to go today...do you?” She asked lightly as she sat up in bed her back against the headboard, hair wavy from going to bed with it wet.
“Yep, I do actually,” Derek informed her with a very faint smile. “And you know why?”
Lydia grumbled, “I hate that look in your eyes, it makes me want to be physically violent Derek.” She paused when his expression didn’t change. “Ugh, why?” She asked humoring him.
“Because I happen to know that while you’re immune to most things, Melissa McCall is not one of them. And she’s expecting you to be there. I think you agreed to make pie? I distinctly recall there being mention of pie when you accepted her invitation over a month ago.” Derek raised his eyebrows.
Lydia opened her mouth and then shut it immediately. He was right. Damn it. “Sometimes I don’t like myself,” she said with a huff, “Me and my stupid big mouth.” Lydia leaned back against the headboard a pout forming on her lips.
A short chuckle escaped him. “It’ll be fine, Lydia. It will. The whole pack is gonna be there. You don’t have to talk to him. I mean you don’t even want to, right?” he asked casually as he pulled clean clothes out of his closet, turning his back to her.
Lydia squinted her eyes at his back, “You know all those things I said yesterday about you being the best, I’m going to have to take them back if you keep being mean. And as a matter of fact I do not want to talk to him.” She said pushing the covers aside and standing up. She walked across the room and glanced in the bag. “Did you at least bring me cute things that match? If I go I have to look nice,” She glanced over at him. “And you shouldn’t wear that shirt, you should wear the green one, it brings out your eyes more.” She commented as she dug around in the bag.
Derek arched an eyebrow and glanced at her sideways before putting back the black shirt he’d grabbed and pulling out the green one instead. “I have great fashion sense so yes, I brought you…cute things.” He shook his head a little as he started to change his clothes.
Lydia rolled her eyes and bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing. “So much snark in the morning, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed,” she joked as she pulled stuff out of her bag. “Hmm,” she pulled out two dresses. “Which one do you think would be more attention grabbing, this one?” She held up a green dress, “Or this one?” She held deep purple dress. Derek was barely able to suppress a smirk at her question. He had a feeling she was going to get Stiles’ attention regardless of which dress she wore. “Go for the green,” he advised.
Lydia nodded. “Go for green.” She said laying the dress on his bed, “You know we could have avoided all of this fuss if we just did Thanksgiving with Chris, he’s still coming right?” She asked glancing over at him.
“Yeah, he’s still coming. And I think this will be good for him, too.” His voice was a little more quiet. It was going to be Chris’s first Thanksgiving without Allison. “I think he was planning on bringing green bean casserole.”
“That’s sweet of him.” Lydia said softly as her chest tightened. Last Thanksgiving they’d all gone to Scott’s house. Lydia’s parents had been out of town, Allison was dealing with family stuff and Melissa and the sheriff were really great about letting them crash their Thanksgiving with the boys. It had been nice and something they’d dubbed a tradition after it had gone so well. But that obviously wasn’t going to happen.
Lydia felt a slight pang in her chest, but she pushed it aside. “I think I told her I’d make pie and sweet potatoes.” She said lightly. “Is Cora gone already?” She asked surprised.
Derek watched her for a moment, sadness flickering through his own eyes. He knew exactly what she was thinking about. “Yeah, she said something about running an errand before dinner.” He shrugged.
Lydia grinned. Cora had been running a lot of errands lately with Isaac no less. It was possible she just didn’t want to be in the loft with her there, but Lydia had a feeling it was a little more than that. “Did she? Interesting.” She said lightly as she stepped forward and sent him a sideways glance, “See the blue looks better,” she commented now that his shirt was on. She turned her gaze back on the mirror trying to decide how she was going to do her hair for dinner. It was important she looked better than good.
Derek grimaced at her smile, because he knew exactly what she was thinking and nope, he wasn’t going to go there. It wasn’t that Isaac was a bad guy -- far from it. But he didn’t want anyone touching his baby sister. Ever. He might have to have a word with Isaac later, actually. He watched her examine herself in the mirror. “Down and curly,” he advised.
Lydia arched a brow in Derek’s direction, “Noted, I guess we know what does it for you,” she joked playfully. “Would you mind running out to the store to get the stuff I need to make the food? I’ll give you a list.” She asked, “I don’t have my car here. I figure I can shower and change while you get the stuff and I should be able to have everything ready by the time we have to leave...which is two?” She asked uncertainly.
Derek nodded. “Two,” he confirmed. “And yeah, I can do that.” He gazed at her for a moment. “It’s gonna be fine. Today, I mean. You don’t have to be nervous, Lydia. There’s gonna be so many people there it’ll be easy to avoid him.”
Lydia glanced sideways at Derek. "I didn't say I was nervous," she told him before biting her lower lip. She walked over to her bag and grabbed a pen and a receipt she found at the bottom. She scribbled a few things on it and set it down on the dresser a couple of minutes later. Lydia glanced up at Derek and shifted on her feet, "You're probably right about the avoiding." Though she was going to make sure he didn't want to avoid her. "Thanks," she said reaching up on her toes and pressing a kiss to his cheek.
He smiled at her faintly when she kissed his cheek. “You’re welcome.” And of course she didn’t have to say she was nervous. He knew her well enough to know when she was nervous about something. “All right, I’ll just go and get this stuff and be back.” He picked up the list off the dresser, glancing it over and stuffing it into the pocket of his jeans.
Lydia nodded, "I should be ready soon." She said patting him gently before heading into the bathroom all the while telling herself that Derek was probably right and the day wouldn't be so bad.
Isaac was already waiting for Cora on the porch when she showed up at the Stilinski house. “Hey,” he greeted, a little more cheerful than usual. Yeah, there was a lot of bad crap happening -- again. It was Beacon Hills. But Scott seemed to be in a particularly good mood so far today and it made Isaac feel a little lighter, too.
Cora arched an eyebrow as she walked up the porch stairs. "You're in a good mood, What's going on?" She asked with a hint of playful suspicion. She tilted her head and inhaled deeply. "Damn, it smells good in there." She stated matter-of-factly.
“And that is why I’m in a good mood,” he informed her. It’s partially the truth anyway. Isaac liked good food. He used to have to do all the cooking when he lived with his dad. Melissa rarely let him near the kitchen. He wondered if Cora could sense that Scott was also a happy alpha today, but he didn’t ask. It’s a weird question anyway.
She smirked, "Good food is definitely a reason to smile," she told him her gaze traveling over his body and landing on the scarf he wore. He looked nice not too dressy, but not his normal attire either. Cora glanced down at her black jeans and red shirt. "I'm gonna be the under dressed one huh? Also, What's up with the scarf?"
“No, you look really great,” he said without really thinking about it. Like really great. He swallowed hard, arching his eyebrows and then looking down at his scarf. Her question reminded him of that same question posed by Stiles over a year ago, but Stiles had sounded much more annoyed and in turn, Isaac had gotten annoyed right back. Now of course he knew Stiles had been possessed, even if the Nogitsune hadn’t taken over. He couldn’t help but wonder how much the guy had been himself even then. But Cora doesn’t sound annoyed, just curious. “I don’t know. I just like them.” He shrugged.
Cora nodded doing her best to keep the flush off her face she was not one of those girls who got all giggly at compliments. "Good enough for me," she said lightly as she moved forward tugging gently on his scarf, "Plus there's the added bonus of this," she joked. "Well, are you going to invite me in? Or are we standing on the porch all day?" She asked lightly.
“Oh. Right.” He grinned sheepishly, moving aside. “Come in,” he greeted her. “Everyone’s in the kitchen right now.” Not that there were many people there yet. Cora was the first person who didn’t live there who’d arrived. Cora stepped inside and glanced over her shoulder at Isaac, "We don't have to cook right?" She asked, "Because I don't do that. I mostly stick to takeout. It's a Hale thing." She said with a shrug though really it was more of a 'She doesn't know how to cook thing'.
Isaac smirked. “No, we don’t have to cook. Melissa and Stiles are doing that. Scott’s supervising, apparently.” He watched as Cora walked in, and shut the door behind her, locking it because it was a habit at this point, living with Sheriff Stilinski.
Cora grinned and turned to face him, "Thank god." She said her tone light Isaac's good mood infectious. "So, What do we do while they cook?" She asked shifting on her feet. This was pretty much Cora's first Thanksgiving since she was a little kid. She didn't exactly know how the whole thing worked.
“Well, we can do the traditional watching of the Macy’s Parade.” There was something akin to childlike excitement in his eyes. “Have you ever seen it?”
Cora shook her head, but she couldn't help the smile that pulled at her lips at the look in his eyes. "No, what is it?" She asked wondering if he meant the store Macy's. What could they possibly parade around, clothes?
His mouth opened in a perfectly round “O.” He reached down and picked up the remote control off the sofa and flipped on the TV, revealing one of the marching bands making their way down the streets of New York City. “The floats are cool,” he explained. “But they have all kinds of bands and celebrities, and hot air balloons.” Truthfully he had no idea what the history was behind the parade but he’d missed it so many times since his brother died that the idea of sitting down and watching it was really appealing.
Cora cocked her head to the side and glanced from Isaac to the television. Her eyes followed the different floats as people walked by the screen with wide smiles. She spotted one of her favorite bands on a float near the back. "I guess we can watch," she said motioning for him to follow her to the couch.
Isaac dropped down beside her with a grin, eyes glued to the screen. He couldn’t think of a better way to spend the morning than hanging out with Cora, watching the parade on TV and listening to the sound of Scott and Stiles and Melissa talking and laughing in the kitchen. This, he thought, was what holidays were supposed to be like.
Kira stood on the porch of the Stilinski household and looked at her parents warily. “Please don’t embarrass me,” she whispered. Her parents, her dad in particular, had a serious habit of doing just that, even if she didn’t think he really meant to. And granted, there wasn’t much that Scott and his friends didn’t know about her, but their relationship had finally become something more than friendship after over a year of flirting because he’d been grieving for Allison for so long. She’d barely known the brunette when Allison had died protecting Isaac from one of the Oni, and she was still sad about her death. Still felt kind of responsible, because her mother had been the one to call the Nogitsune down in the beginning -- even if she’d had reasons for it.
Noshiko glanced at her daughter and sighed. “Kira, when will you learn to stop being embarrassed by your family?” She asked with a shake of her head. She wasn’t sure how her daughter had convinced her and her husband to attend Thanksgiving at the Stilinski home. It wasn’t that Noshiko didn’t like the sheriff and his family, after everything that happened with the Nogitsune and the way the children came together to find a better outcome, she was quite impressed.
But it didn’t mean she approved of her only daughter dating a wolf. The feel of a warm hand closing around hers pulled her from her thoughts. She glanced at her husband’s smiling face.
“Noshi, we talked about this. Kira is proud of her heritage and we’re going to spend some time getting to know the people who know and like the real her. I think this will be a good chance for us to come together and figure out who the people are behind what they are.” He said lightly squeezing his wife’s hand before
Mr. Yukimura heard her sigh, but the smile stayed on his face as he glanced at his daughter. “I promise, I won’t say anything embarrassing.” He told her hoping he could keep that promise. He tended not to realize when things were embarrassing.
Kira couldn’t help but smile at her dad’s words to her mom. Sometimes her dad was embarrassing, but other times, he was pretty amazing. She knew her mom wasn’t keen on the idea of her dating Scott, but...he was Scott. She honestly didn’t know how anyone could dislike him. He was the nicest guy she’d ever met. She reached out and knocked on the door, eyes widening as it opened immediately. A faint blush spread across her cheeks. “Hi,” she greeted, butterflies fluttering around in her stomach.
A bright smile broke out on Scott’s face when he saw Kira’s cheeks color. He loved how adorable she was. “Hey,” he said softly shifting in front of the door. “You look really nice,” he said quietly, almost shyly before his gaze flickered behind her and he straightened up. “Mr. and Mrs. Yukimura I’m so glad you guys could make it.” He said before he realized he was standing in the doorway to the house, “Oh,” he stepped aside, “Come on in.” Scott said with a smile.
Mr. Yukimura returned his smile trying his best not to laugh at how both Kira and Scott seemed so taken with each other. “Hello Scott, thanks for having us,” he said sending a sideways glance at his wife.
Noshiko smiled politely, “Yes, it was a nice invitation and we were happy to accept.” She said as they walked into the house.
Scott waited until everyone was inside before closing the door. “We’ve got the table all set up in the dining room, but I don’t think anyone is in there just yet. My Mother’s in the kitchen if you’d like to meet her and we’ve also got the parade going in the living room and a chessboard set up if anyone likes to play,” he said lightly, nervous.
Kira tucked some hair behind her ear, murmuring a thanks for his compliment and glancing at her parents. “Ms. McCall is really great,” she told them.
“Hey.” Isaac rose up from his seat on the couch and lifted his hand in a wave in the direction of Kira and her parents, small smile on his face. Cora was too engrossed in the parade on TV to really notice their arrival.
Mr. Yukimura glanced over and smiled, “Hello Isaac how are you?” He asked while releasing his wife’s hand as she went with Kira and Scott to go meet Scott’s Mother.
“Can’t complain,” he admitted, reaching out to shake the man’s hand. “Good to see you. How’ve you been?”
Mr. Yukimura smiled, “I’ve been well. How’s that essay coming?” He asked with a grin before tilting his head and spotting the new girl at the school on the couch. He believed her name was Cora Hale.
Isaac did his best not to grimace at the mention of his still unwritten history essay. He wasn’t a history buff. At all. “Good,” he said, sounding more like a question than an answer.
Mr. Yukimura chuckled and patted Isaac on the shoulder. “I’m always available for extra help whenever you need it.” He commented before glancing toward the other room, “I think I should probably find my wife.” He told the younger man.
“Thanks,” Isaac said sheepishly, motioning to the kitchen. “Think they all went that way.”
He nodded his thanks and went in search of his wife and daughter, the smell of food permeating around the house. He stepped into the kitchen and paused at the sight of Kira next to Scott looking worriedly at her Mother who was standing in front of Stiles. He swallowed hard. He hadn’t realized the young man was back.
Stiles shifted from one foot to the other as he stood face to face with Kira’s mother, who was studying him intently, like she was trying to decide if he was evil again, or if he’d ever not been evil. It was awkward and more than a bit uncomfortable, but he couldn’t say that he blamed her.
Mr. Yukimura cleared his throat drawing everyone’s attention to him. He smiled, “You must be Scott’s Mom, I’m Kira’s Dad.” he said stepping forward and holding out his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Yukimura,” Melissa greeted, shaking his hand without hesitation. “I think you both know Stiles.” She put a comforting hand on his shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.
They didn’t, really, but Stiles didn’t correct her, just smiled faintly, nodding at both of them and missing the look they exchanged.
Kira didn’t miss it, though and she darted a quick glance at Scott. “Yeah, it’s really good to have him back,” she said honestly, voice cheerful.
Mr. Yukimura glanced at Kira before turning back to Stiles. He smiled, “Welcome back,” he said casually. His wife took a step forward and he pursed his lips as he watched her closely.
Noshiko met Stiles’ gaze. “You left so quickly, we never had a chance to speak,” she commented. “I’ve been around a long time,” she told him knowing he already knew that, “And it isn’t often that I’m wrong.” She paused the kitchen fairly silent around her, “But when I am, I own up to it.” She said simply.
“I am impressed with the way you defeated the Nogitsune. It took courage and a Divine Move. All of you found a better way; I didn’t think that was possible. But I should know by now never to underestimate the power of human love. History does not always repeat itself.” She said nodding in his direction.
Stiles held his breath when she started speaking, fully prepared for the it would have been easier if speech that he himself had thought about a thousand times in the last year. Instead, his chest tightened and he shifted his gaze to Scott at the mention of the power of human love. Then he looked back at Kira’s mom. “Scott always manages to find another way,” he said quietly.
Noshiko arched an eyebrow at Stiles. “Yes, your friend Scott is quite a believer, but I was referring to the bond that kept you alive when the Nogitsune split you in two.” She explained, “It’s amazing what the sheer will of combined forces can accomplish for someone who shouldn’t have even survived the split.” She told him matter-of-factly.
Stiles opened his mouth to respond, then shut it again, not sure what to say. His mind flashed back to that night and he remembered how utterly terrible he’d felt. Like he was dying and he remembered how cold he’d been. How close Lydia had stuck to his side while they were battling the Nogitsune until it was dead. He was surprised he hadn’t put those pieces together before, but his mind hadn’t really been in any state to be analytical.
Melissa glanced between them at Stiles silence and cleared her throat while smiling softly at Ms. Yukimura’s words. “Would the two of you like anything to drink? We have water, tea, lemonade, soda, milk, juice…”
Noshiko’s gaze shifted to Scott’s Mother, “Tea would be lovely.”
Melissa shifted her gaze between Stiles and Noshiko. “Tea it is,” she said after a moment. “Please make yourselves comfortable and at home.”
Mr. Yukimura reached out and squeezed his wife’s arm gently proud of her for saying what she had. He smiled at Scott’s Mother, “Thank you,” he said while guiding his wife out of the kitchen.
Scott’s brows were high as he glanced between Kira and Stiles. A large grin spreading across his face. “Did I tell you guys this day was going to be great or what?” He asked brightly as he slowly took Kira’s hand in his threading their fingers together.
Lydia glanced at the Stilinski house as Derek parked his truck. She inhaled deeply and let it out slowly as she unbuckled her seat belt. “That was a quick ride,” She said while glancing in the mirror at her hair briefly which she’d left down and curly with a clip pulling most of it to one side, her hair resting on one shoulder.
Lydia pushed open the door, “Ready?”
Derek glanced at her sideways and undid his seatbelt, as well, watching her with faint amusement in his eyes. “Ready,” he agreed, climbing out of the truck. He met her at the front of it, taking the pie from her, offering her his other arm and leading her up toward the Stilinski household.
Lydia held the sweet potatoes in her free hand her other gripping Derek’s arm tighter the closer they got to the door. She could do this. She was Lydia Martin. She could smile, be nice and perfectly emotionally steady. There were probably already a bunch of people there and she wouldn’t even see Stiles.
Lydia nodded, “Ring the bell please, I lack free hands.” She said despite the fact that he was carrying something too as her hand curled around his forearm tighter.
Derek reached out balancing the pie and rang the bell as requested and a moment later, the door opened to reveal Stiles standing there.
Stiles’ eyes widened slightly at the sight before him. He’d known of course that Lydia and Derek were coming. But he felt all the air leave his lungs as his gaze swept over her without his permission, taking in the sight of her deep green dress, the way her hair was neatly done, curls framing her face as she stood there. For a moment he felt like he’d stepped back in time, like he was still in high school and like nothing had ever changed. “Hi,” he greeted, finally finding his voice.
It took every ounce of self-control in Lydia not to outwardly enjoy the sight of Stiles looking at her, really looking at her for the first time since he’d gotten back. It was the first time Lydia had seen something other than disinterest in his eyes. She felt her heartbeat pick up speed, but she remained calm, “Hi.”
It was quiet for a minute and Derek arched an eyebrow to hide his humor at the situation. “Hi,” he said despite the fact that Stiles hadn’t even acknowledged him, “So, can we come in?” He asked.
Stiles shook his head, stepping aside. “Right. Come in,” he said, holding the door open for them. He chewed on his lower lip, reminding himself it probably wasn’t the greatest idea to be checking out Derek’s girlfriend in front of Derek himself. The guy wasn’t exactly known for his patience and non-violent behavior. Then again, Stiles wasn’t any more these days, either. So there was that.
They stepped forward and once they were inside Lydia released Derek’s arm taking the pie from him in her other hand, “I’m just going to go bring these into Ms. McCall, soon to be Stilinski,” She told him with a grin.
Despite his sudden case of nerves, Stiles’ mouth turned upwards in a smile. “She’s in the kitchen,” he told her, motioning her toward that direction before shutting the door behind her and Derek. He cast a glance to the sofa where Isaac and Cora were sitting, talking quietly even while they watched the TV.
Lydia swallowed hard her gaze drifting to Stiles briefly before she stepped around him and made her way toward the kitchen.
Derek’s gaze however had followed Stiles’. His brows drew together when he saw Isaac and Cora sitting together, close together, on the couch leaning into each other as they spoke. He pursed his lips at the sight. Apparently ignoring it wasn’t going to work.
As if sensing he was being stared at, Isaac looked up, face paling a little at the sight of Derek glowering at him. He shrunk back into the couch a little.
Stiles caught sight of Isaac’s near expression of fear and frowned, following his gaze to Derek’s face and narrowing his eyes a little. He shifted his gaze back to Isaac and pursed his lips, moving over to drop down beside him on the couch. “Ah, football.” He made a face and glanced at Isaac sideways. “Didn’t know you two were fans.”
Isaac glanced at Stiles and then at the television. “Oh...right football, yeah, we like that.” He said as he scratched the back of his neck and glanced at Cora, “Right?” he asked though he hadn’t even realized the parade ended. He’d been too busy talking to her and maybe staring at her eyes because they were sort of beautiful.
Stiles was barely able to suppress a grin because it really wasn’t hard to see that the two of them liked each other and were just dancing around the issue trying to figure out how to make things work. He looked up at Derek silently, barely resisting the urge to raise a challenging brow.
Derek’s head cocked to the side when Stiles’ looked at him, the expression in his gaze clear. His jaw clenched and he had to remind himself he wasn’t the same asshole who went around starting shit for no good reason. Stiles being a dick was not a good reason to start a fight at a holiday party or lunch whatever it was. Plus, Lydia loves Stiles. That was another reason starting a fight wasn’t a good idea. He held Stiles’ gaze for a moment, not able to stop the slight glare before he turned and made his way to the kitchen.
Stiles watched him go, relaxing as he disappeared into the kitchen. Good. Let Derek continue being pissed at him. It wasn’t like it was something new, and frankly he just didn’t care that much. He was going to have to get over it, but right now drawing fire away from Isaac on Thanksgiving seemed like the way to go. He glanced at the younger werewolf sideways and patted his arm before rising to his feet and heading for the stairs silently.
Lydia spotted Scott and Kira in the kitchen and she smiled as she placed the stuff down on the counter. “Hey guys,” she said softly as she gave a wave to Ms. McCall who was bent over the stove.
“Hey, Lyds.” Scott smiled at her, moving over to give her a quick hug. He wasn’t sure what had happened the day before, but when he’d gotten home from school, she’d been gone and he’d gotten a text that said she’d gone back to Derek’s. He had a feeling the tension between her and Stiles had just reached too high of a level for her to deal with.
She returned the hug glad that he wasn’t angry about the other day. “Everything smells amazing.” She said with a smile.
“Thanks sweetie,” Melissa called from the other side of the kitchen.
Lydia laughed and glanced at Kira, she waved and Kira waved back with a smile. “Hey I left in such a rush the other day I left Prada here.” She shook her head, “My poor baby must think I don’t love her, do you know where she is?” Lydia asked as Derek made his way into the kitchen looking somewhat annoyed.
“I think she’s upstairs,” Scott assured her with a small smile in return. “Don’t worry; we’ve been feeding her and everything.”
Lydia smiled, “Thanks you’re a life saver,” she told him, “I’m going to go say hi to her really quick.” She reached out and squeezed Scott’s arm gently a slight feeling of guilt coating her stomach at the fact that she knew something about Stiles that he didn’t. Lydia turned and spotted Derek pausing briefly beside him and resting a hand on his arm, “What’s wrong?” She asked quietly her brows drawing together in concern.
Derek shook his head slightly and offered her a small smile. “Nothing to worry about. I’ll tell you later.” He squeezed her arm. “Go see Prada.”
She watched him for a minute and then nodded. Derek wasn’t overly talkative, but if he told her he would tell her what was on his mind then he would. He liked to keep his stuff private and she respected that. “Okay,” she patted his in return and headed for the stairs. When she was at the top she glanced around and headed straight for Stiles’ room. “Hey baby,” Lydia said her voice bright as she stepped into the bedroom and paused at the sight of Stiles, “Oh, I didn’t realize anyone was up here.”
Stiles sat at his computer desk, laptop open in front of him because regardless of what Scott had said earlier, he couldn’t really help himself. He was doing a search for information on summoning rituals, trying to discern if what was happening was easily accessible to anyone else. He hadn’t heard her footsteps on the steps and he flinched involuntarily when she spoke. He looked up at her with slightly wide eyes. “It’s fine,” he said quickly, heart beating a little faster than usual.
Lydia shifted on her feet, her stomach fluttering. She swallowed hard. “Scott said Prada was up here. I just wanted to see her. I forgot to take her with me when I left the other day,” she explained not sure why she was even bothering.
Stiles glanced over to where the dog lay curled up asleep on his bed and then back at Lydia. “Yeah. We didn’t know you were leaving,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
Lydia pursed her lips, “Yeah it was a last minute decision. I just sleep better in my own bed I guess,” she said with a shrug not mentioning she’d gone to Derek’s.
“Understandable,” he said softly, offering her a faint smile. “My first night back here I passed out and didn’t move for like, 18 hours.”
Probably because he spent all of his time doing unspeakable things. Lydia shook the thought away. No, she wasn’t going to think like that. Stiles wasn’t that kind of person. “Must have been nice.” She said keeping her tone light. Lydia didn’t exactly love her house. She actually spent most of her time away from it because being there only made her feel more lonely.
Stiles watched her for a moment. “Is your mom back in town, then?” He knew that her mom had been out of town at a conference and that Scott had initially planned to stay with her. But then things had gone all Beacon Hills on all of them and plans had changed. He scratched the back of his head.
Lydia opened her mouth and then closed it. Well that’s what she got for lying. “I don’t think she is. I’m pretty sure she was stopping over for Thanksgiving with my Aunt because she’s going through a divorce,” she said carefully.
Stiles hated this. This immense tension between them. But he’d been the one to put the distance between them in the first place. He looked down for a moment. “Well, I’m glad you guys could come here for the holiday.” His voice was quiet but sincere.
Lydia swallowed hard, “We were happy to,” she said quietly, not really sure what else to say. “Derek’s finally gotten the hang of being around people,” she joked trying to lighten the tension in the room and doing her best not to let her eyes drift to anywhere he had stuff hidden.
Stiles smiled again but it was fainter this time. “Yeah, that’s a nice change.” He tried to ignore the hint of jealousy in his chest and he looked back at his computer in case it showed on his face, too. He had no right or reason to be jealous. “What kind of pie did you bring?” he asked, mostly because he wanted to talk to her, he just didn’t know what to say anymore.
Lydia watched him turn away from her and she held in a sigh. She just couldn’t seem to win. “Pumpkin and sweet potato pie, which isn’t actually pie...obviously.” She was silent as he kept his back to her.
“Regardless, they both sound good.” He glanced at her sideways with a small smile, realizing her expression was guarded as ever.
Lydia shifted on her feet again. “Well I guess I should get back downstairs. I’ll come up for my stuff later after dinner.” Lydia hesitated, “You should probably be down there with everyone, it is your Thanksgiving dinner,” Lydia pointed out.
“All work and no play makes Stiles a dull boy?” he said, his voice a little lighter.
“Something like that,” she said studying his face, the smile there, his words. He sounded so familiar in that moment and it made Lydia’s chest tighten. She opened her mouth wanting to ask him about the things he’d written and what it all meant, but she closed her mouth instead. “I’m going to go,” she said quietly, “I’ll see you downstairs, Stiles.”
Stiles’ smile slipped when she turned to go and he rubbed a hand over his face tiredly, exhaling and staring back at his laptop blankly. This was all going so well.
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