July 11, 2014

Drove Through Ghosts To Get Here 26/32


Title: Drove Through Ghosts To Get Here
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: 26/32
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 | Ten |
Eleven | Twelve | Thirteen | Fourteen | Fifteen | Sixteen | Seventeen | Eighteen | 
Nineteen |Twenty |Twenty-One |Twenty-Two |Twenty-Three | Twenty-Four |Twenty-Five |

Chapter 27

Isaac stood in front of the mirror and frowned as he attempted to tie his tie again. He hated these things. The only time he’d ever worn a tie was when someone had died. He swallowed hard and watched himself in the mirror as he gripped the fabric again and started over. He worked slowly folding each piece of the other until the knot was tied and yet it was still lopsided.

He grunted, “Good enough,” for the moment at least, he added silently. He stepped away from the mirror and grabbed the jacket of his deep blue suit moving out of the room and towards Scott’s room, knocking before pushing the door open. “Please tell me you guys are holding up better in here than I am. My tie hates me.” He said as he ran a hand through his unruly hair and plopped down on Scott’s bed, tossing his suit jacket aside.

Stiles turned around when the door opened and grinned a little. He’d been feeling Isaac’s frustration for the last fifteen minutes and he’d started wondering how long it was going to take the guy to come in and ask for help with his tie. He cleared his throat, looking over at Scott with faint amusement as he remembered the first time they’d had to dress up for a school dance, and how the tie thing had befuddled both of them. His mom had taught them how to tie a tie but Scott still struggled with it too.



“You’re close,” Stiles assured him, moving over to stand in front of him where he sat down on the bed. He reached out and untied it, then re-tied it correctly, straightening it and stepping back. “There ya go.”

Isaac glanced down at his tie, then up at Stiles, and then back down at his tie. “I’m sort of aggravated that you did that so quickly,” he admitted running his hand down the material of his tie.

Scott chuckled, “Me next dude,” he’d gotten a new suit for the dance, mostly because the only other suit he had was falling apart and he needed a fresh start with Kira and wanted his clothes to reflect that...or something. His mom had helped all of them pick out their clothes, it worked better that way.

“Seriously, how did you guys even function for a year?” He smirked as he moved over to Scott, shaking his head with amusement. He could feel that Scott was nervous and he gave his best friend a reassuring smile once he was standing in front of him. He fixed his tie just as quickly as he’d fixed Isaac’s and patted his chest lightly. “You’ll be fine, man.”

Scott grinned, “Well it’s not like Isaac and I went to many suit and tie events,” he joked lightly doing his best not to think about the last time he wore a suit. This was a happy night. He owed it to Kira and to himself. He glanced at Isaac, “We’re picking the girls up at the loft in forty minutes.” He commented, “You coming with?” He asked turning his gaze on his best friend.

Stiles shook his head. “Nah, I’m gonna take the jeep. Unless you guys want to all ride in the jeep.” He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck before moving over to the mirror and fixing his own tie, smoothing it down the front of his shirt.

Scott glanced at Isaac and he shrugged. He didn’t want Stiles to feel like the odd man out, but Isaac also didn’t mind them all going together.

Scott shrugged, “If you want to meet us as the dance you can, but you’re welcome to come with us too. We were going to take mom’s new truck,” he explained.

“You should definitely pick them up in something nicer than my jeep, dude.” He doubted Cora or Kira either one would actually care much about the mode of transportation. But he was sort of the odd one out in this situation. The only one without a date. It would be weird, but it would pretty much be like every other high school event he’d ever attended minus winter formal three years ago. And even that…He shook himself out of his thoughts. “I’ll meet you guys at the school,” he assured them.

Scott rested a hand on Stiles’ shoulder and squeezed it gently, “Works for us,” he smiled and then glanced around. He scratched the back of his neck. “Anyone want to play video games until we have to go?” He asked glancing between Stiles and Isaac.

Isaac sat up nodded; he needed something to get his mind off of his nerves. He’d never been to a school dance before and this was sort of like his and Cora’s first date. Another thing for him to internally freak out about. “I like video games.”

Stiles glanced at Scott in the mirror, arching his eyebrows a little and wondering if he could feel just how anxious Isaac was. He nodded in agreement. “I’m gonna wipe the floor with both of you in Halo for the next half hour.” He smirked.

Scott snorted, “Never gonna happen.” He said with a grin as he patted Isaac on the back trying to help his friend calm down. Isaac’s nerves were out of control. He was hoping something mindless would calm them down a bit and help him feel a little more at ease.

______


“I look ridiculous.” Cora scowled at Lydia and Kira both as she stood in front of the mirror, arms folded across her chest.

“No, you look great!” Kira said quickly. “You don’t look ridiculous.”

Lydia glanced at the brunette her head tilted to the side. Getting Cora in her dress had been an uphill battle, but now that she was in it, it was definitely worth it. “You look good,” she said standing behind her in a pair of shorts and an oversized shirt. Lydia wasn’t dressed yet, though her makeup and hair were done.

She had a system. Hair, make-up, sexy lingerie, and then clothes. Lydia arched an eyebrow when Cora glanced at her through the mirror. “What? You know I don’t lie. I would tell you if you looked terrible, mostly because I have to be seen with you,” she said jokingly. “The dress is very flattering, you look great Cora,” her words were earnest as she glanced at the other girl knowing picking on her at this moment wouldn’t be the nicest thing to do even if she was kidding. Lydia could read a situation.

Cora made a face. “The inventor of pantyhose should be shot repeatedly in the kneecap,” she said after a minute, though she did give Lydia the tiniest of tiny smiles in the mirror. She smoothed her hands down the pink silk, adjusting the black sash around her waist and then moving over to sit down on the bed. She looked over to Kira, who was adding earrings to her ensemble and she wondered if she should wear earrings too. Then she remembered she didn’t have her ears pierced. Oh well.

Lydia watched Cora watching Kira and she shifted hesitating. “I’ve got some extra jewelry with me,” she commented, “I think I have a nice bracelet that’ll match your dress Cora. I can grab it if you want?” She could see the other girl was uncomfortable and she knew they didn’t exactly always get along. But the shopping trip they’d taken earlier in the week had gone well.

Lydia had helped them both pick out their dresses, they grabbed dinner at the food court and then they’d gone back to her house and watched a movie, while talking every once in a while. It was progress.

“Are you sure? What if I lose it?” Cora looked at her uncertainly. She couldn’t exactly afford to buy Lydia a new bracelet if she ended up losing something the redhead lent her.

Lydia smiled, “It’ll be fine. Don’t worry,” she said sending a smile in Cora’s direction before moving out of Cora’s bedroom and walking across the hall to Derek’s. She ran a hand through her loosely curled hair and bent down near her bag. She rummaged inside for a minute before pulling out the bracelet in question. It was a black and cream colored charm bracelet with a couple of fake diamonds throughout so that it caught the light.

Lydia stood and made her way back into Cora’s bedroom, holding the bracelet out to her. “Here you go.”

Cora hesitated, but the bracelet was really pretty and it would go good with her dress. “Thanks,” she said after a moment, reaching out and taking it from Lydia, sliding it onto her wrist. She tucked some hair behind her ear.

Kira rose to her feet, smoothing down the white dress that she was wearing and looking at Lydia. “I’m so nervous I might throw up,” she admitted.

Lydia shifted her gaze to Kira and grinned. “You’re going to be fine and Scott and his large alpha heart are going to go berserk for you in that dress, trust me.” She said lightly. Her gaze shifted to Cora. “Isaac too. I feel so bad for them...They’re not going to know what to do when they see you two,” Lydia said amused.

“It’s normal to be nervous,” she admitted, “Once you’re at the dance though and there’s music and punch it won’t be so bad.” Lydia told them. “Have you guys ever been to a school dance?” She asked curiously.

“Yes, but never with a date,” Kira spoke up with a nervous smile. Her stomach was doing flip flops and they still had twenty minutes before Isaac and Scott were coming by to pick them up.

“No,” Cora admitted with a shrug. “This is the first year I’ve been in school since...I was like, 11.”

Lydia nodded, “That’s right,” she glanced at Kira, “Well not only do you have a date tonight, but you’re going with the captain of the lacrosse team.” She said with a wink, her tone playful.

Lydia was trying to think of what would ease their nerves and she was coming up with not a damn thing. She pursed her lips, “Chris gave me a new set of knives,” Lydia told them. “I left them down stairs if either of you are interested.” She knew both Kira and Cora were familiar with similar weapons and maybe thinking about something else for a little bit would help.

Kira’s eyes lit up. “Where downstairs?” she asked, immediately intrigued. She wasn’t a knife thrower, but she still liked looking at new weaponry.

Cora almost laughed at how quickly Kira shifted gears from being nervous about her date with Scott to her excitement over new knives. She rose to her feet. “Let’s go see the pointy weapons,” she said wryly.

Lydia grinned. “They’re in a box on the couch. I’ll be down in a couple of minutes I’m just going to check on your brother and throw on my dress.” She commented as she followed them out of the room. Lydia watched them head downstairs and she walked back into Derek’s room. She glanced at the closed bathroom door and then went right for her garment bag.

Lydia laid it out on the bed, unzipped it and glanced down at the black dress. She pulled off her shirt and bra, her dress was a bit too low to afford that particular undergarment. She bent down and grabbed her perfume spritzing some on herself before pulling the dress out of the bag and stepping into it.

Once she had it halfway up she pulled off her shorts and then turned to the mirror, slipping her arms through the material and reaching back to try and zip up the back of the dress.

“Need some help?” Derek leaned against the doorframe with a faint smile on his face. He was already dressed in his suit -- the first one he’d had on since Allison’s funeral over a year ago.

Lydia glanced behind her and smiled, “Yes please, it seems my arms aren’t quite as long as I thought they were,” she joked pulling her hair out of the way and resting it all over one shoulder.

Derek pushed himself away from the door and moved up behind her, zipping her dress up slowly and carefully, not wanting to get the material caught in the zipper or worse yet, tug too hard and break the zipper.

“Thanks,” Lydia said softly as she shifted glancing in the mirror. The top of the dress was form fitting thankfully or things would be in danger of falling out of the plunging neckline. But the skirt was loose and a bit sheer at parts. She turned and glanced around the floor for a second before spotting her red stilettos.

Lydia moved forward and rested a hand on Derek’s shoulder for balance as she stepped into her heels. “You clean up nice,” she told him with a warm smile.

“So do you. You look incredible,” Derek said honestly.

Lydia looked down glancing at her dress. When she gazed back up at Derek her expression was soft. “Thank you,” she squeezed his arm gently, “You’re sweet.” she offered with a grin. “Your sister and Kira are downstairs playing with knives,” she told him amused, “There are a lot of nervous feelings.” She added lightly as she dropped her hand from his shoulder and glanced at the door. “The guys should be here soon.”

Derek made a face, still not loving the idea of Isaac and his sister together even if he was trying to get used to it. Apparently he didn’t get much of a say in the matter. “So you distracted them with weapons.” There was amusement in his eyes. “Interesting and effective technique, apparently.”

“I’m very good at the distracting. It’s a gift.” Lydia responded lightly as she reached out and rested a hand on his arm. “She’s excited; don’t brood too much about Isaac. We like him and you’re always saying how she needs to get out more and even though this isn’t what you meant,” she said quickly knowing he’d comment on that, “it’s still good for her.” Lydia pointed out.

“Promise you’ll behave, for me?” She asked with a small smile.

Derek heaved a sigh. “For you,” he said reluctantly, frowning.

Lydia smiled. “Thanks,” she said softly squeezing his arm gently. “Come, come see,” she told him with an excited grin as she grabbed her clutch from the bed, everything already packed in it. “Wait until you see Cora, she really does look nice.” Lydia commented lightly as she tugged Derek gently towards the stairs.

“I can’t believe you got my little sister into a dress.” He smirked as he followed her out of the room and down the steps.

Lydia grinned at his words, “I’m Lydia Martin. People don’t say no to me.” She stated as she walked carefully down the steps spotting Kira and Cora standing near the couch. She stepped off the last stair, heels echoing in the loft.

Derek followed her down pausing when he spotted Cora from behind. His chest tightened slightly when his gaze landed on his sister.

He moved forward with Lydia and paused a couple of feet away from Kira and Cora. “Wow, so you can wear something other than jeans and a t-shirt,” he joked lightly waiting for her to turn around so he could see the front of her dress, trying to ignore the exposed skin of her back. We like Isaac, Derek repeated in his head like a mantra.

Cora rolled her eyes at her brother, turning to face him with an annoyed glare. “Funny. Same could be said about you,” she pointed out, eying him. “Your tie is crooked.” Her expression softened just a little and she moved over to him, straightening it easily.

Derek watched her fixing his tie and he grinned. “You look beautiful,” he told her softly. The dance was a good idea, he thought to himself. Cora deserved to be a normal teenager, to have friends and do things that didn’t always involve life or death situations.

A smile tugged her lips upwards involuntarily and then she rolled her eyes. “Don’t get sentimental on me,” she said, patting his chest and moving back over to Lydia’s throwing knives.

Derek shook his head and glanced at Kira. He smiled, “You look very nice too,” he told her slipping his hands into his pockets as he stood there.

Kira looked at Derek. “Thanks.”

Derek smiled.

Lydia grinned and then glanced between Cora and Kira, “Do you two have everything you need? Purse, lip-gloss, and other dance night essentials?” She inquired with an arched eyebrow.

Kira ducked her head and smiled. “I’m good to go.”

“I don’t do purses. I’m drawing the line at purses,” Cora informed her with raised eyebrows of her own.

Lydia sighed, “Fine, no purse, you’ve got a dress and heels, really a purse isn’t necessary,” She wasn’t going to push her luck. She’d already gotten the other girl to agree with more than she expected. Lydia opened her mouth right as a sharp knock sounded on the loft door. She glanced at the door and then looked between the girls. “Well...one of you open it.” Lydia said amused.

Cora glanced at Kira and then shrugged, moving toward the door. She wasn’t nervous. Not really. It was a dumb dance. And Cora Hale did not get nervous over things like high school dances. She unlocked the door and pulled it open, staring a bit wide-eyed at the sight of Isaac in his suit.

Isaac hadn’t expected Cora to open the door, but he should have. His mouth opened and he meant for words to come out, but he couldn’t seem to form them at the moment. His gaze dropped from her face and roamed over the front of her light pink dress taking in the material that covered her curves. He was at a loss for words.

Finally Scott nudged him and he snapped out of his stupor. “You look...wow, I, you’re in a dress. A really attractive dress.” He sputtered.

Cora’s face flushed pink and she looked down. “Thanks. Let’s...not talk about it.” She linked her arm with his and pulled him out the door.

Kira watched them go, pressing a hand to her mouth to suppress a laugh. They were kind of adorable, really. Even if Cora would probably maim and kill her for even thinking such a thing. She shifted her attention to Scott, who looked...really amazing. “Hi.”

“Hey,” he said softly his gaze sweeping over her. Scott smiled and leaned in pressing a kiss against her cheek. “You look gorgeous.” He told her honestly as he held out a hand, “Ready for the dance?” He said with a grin, his nerves settling once he laid eyes on her. God, she was perfect.

“Thank you,” she said sincerely, sliding her hand into his. “I’m ready.” She laced their fingers together, her nervousness shifting into excitement. Now that he was there, she felt a lot calmer.

Scott grinned, “We’re driving with Isaac and Cora, I hope that’s okay,” he said lightly before glancing over Kira’s shoulder. His eyebrows lurched up slowly as he took in Lydia’s dress, “Stiles told me to tell you not to forget you promised him a dance.” He said smirking slightly knowing his friend was definitely going to appreciate the redhead’s taste in dresses.

Lydia arched an eyebrow, “I haven’t forgotten,” she responded.

Scott nodded and his gaze fell back on Kira and softened, “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

________


Stiles vividly remembered the last time he’d been to an actual school dance. A lot of things were different now. He had no date. Jackson was in London. Allison was dead. Some small part of him wanted to just stay in his jeep -- or better yet, turn the engine back on and go back home. He hadn’t been nervous earlier. But now…

Now there was a sense of dread that had settled on his shoulders that he was having a hard time shaking. And he was trying very hard to shake it, mostly because he didn’t want Lydia or Scott to feel it and worry. He didn’t want to ruin anything else for them when he’d already ruined so much.

He drew in a breath and let it out slowly, wishing he had just one cigarette. Just one and his hands would stop shaking, and maybe the vague sense of nausea would be gone, too. But he hadn’t had a cigarette in over two weeks which was kind of a miracle, and he didn’t have one with him anyway. He licked his lips, pocketing his keys and crawling out of the jeep. This was it. He had faced down vampires and rogue omegas and hunters and witches.

A high school dance was not going to kill him.

Then again, said high school dance was in Beacon Hills. So maybe a high school dance wouldn’t kill him. Maybe it would. He supposed that time would tell. He focused his attention on Scott’s emotions, because they were usually the calmest of everyone’s. He could feel Scott’s near giddy happy feeling and he couldn’t help but grin. Lydia felt anxious, maybe impatient. Isaac and Cora both felt nervous but hopeful.

Stiles relaxed. He smoothed down the front of his dark green shirt and the black tie he wore as he made his way into the gym that had been transformed into a virtual winter wonderland. Glittering plastic and paper snowflakes dangled from above, shining and spinning under the dim lighting. There were mounds of fluffy cotton here and there set to look like snowbanks. It was pretty well done for Beacon Hills High’s limited decorating budget.

He wasn’t even aware of the numerous people who were staring in his direction as his eyes sought out the pack, spotting them on the far side of the gym. He sidestepped several couples who were slow dancing, shifting so that he was closer to the bleachers which were folded up for the night, replaced by small round tables decorated with silver and white glitter and more snowflakes, and tiny blue flowers.

Stiles lifted his hand in a wave when he caught Danny’s eyes and he smiled as he watched Ethan tug Danny to his feet for a dance.

Scott was in the process of getting Kira some punch when he paused, and glanced around smiling when his gaze landed on Stiles. He knew he’d felt his friend. He was glad Stiles had finally made it and he was very aware of the numerous sets of eyes following his friend. Stiles had changed and it seemed quite a few people had taken notice.

Scott held Stiles’ gaze for a minute before glancing out at the dance floor where Lydia was and then finding his best friends gaze again. His look was less than subtle, but that was because Scott didn’t do subtle well.

He stepped away from the table with the punch and walked back over to Kira to give her, her drink and make sure they had enough room for Stiles at their table.

Stiles followed Scott’s gaze to the dance floor where Lydia had her arms around Derek’s neck. He could only partially see her because of the crowd, but she looked beautiful as always. His chest tightened a little and he drew in a breath, moving over to the table where Scott and Kira were. He smiled at his best friend’s girlfriend. “Hey, Kira. You look great,” he told her before looking at Scott again.

“Don’t feel left out. You look great too.” He smirked.

Scott grinned running a hand down his tie, “Why thank you,” he said as Kira laughed softly and smiled at Stiles.

“You look really great too,” she told him her face glowing with happiness. “Scott and I are taking a little break from dancing,” she explained with a grin. The heels on her feet, though pretty were so unpractical. But that was all part of the experience. She still had no clue how Lydia wore them all the time and ran in them. Kira was pretty sure she’d kill herself trying to do that.

Stiles could feel how happy they were -- both of them -- and that made him happy, too. He wanted his friends to be happy. “I think there’s a rule that says you can ditch the heels after nine,” he told Kira with a grin. “Just ignore Lydia’s protests. She was actually born wearing heels.”

Stiles heard Isaac chuckle as he and Cora came up behind him and he turned to see them, eyes widening a little as he looked at Cora. “Who are you?” he teased, amusement on his face. “And what have you done with Cora?”

Cora rolled her eyes, “Alright, come on, get it all out now, cause I’m not having this whole night be about the dress,” she commented with an arched eyebrow. “I can still kick your ass Stilinski.” She told him pointedly, though there was a grin on her face.

Stiles grinned back at her, holding his hands up like he was surrendering. “But my ass looks so good in these pants,” he protested. He winked at her. “You look incredible. Seriously.”

“Mmm,” Cora murmured, but her expression softened lightly, “Of course I do, I’m a Hale, we clean up good.” She joked lightly.

“You certainly do,” Isaac told her with a smirk, “But I like you in jeans just as much as right now,” he admitted as he took her hand, “Thirsty?”

Stiles patted Isaac’s shoulder lightly, glad that most of his anxiety seemed to have faded. “Punch would be great,” he joked.

Isaac snorted and gave him a look, and Stiles grinned at him before turning his attention back to Scott.

Scott grinned as Isaac and Cora made their way over to the punch table and then glanced back at his best friend. “The gym looks good right?” He commented patting an empty seat next to him. “You going to hang out with us or go claim your dance?” He inquired lightly.

Stiles dropped down into the seat beside Scott. “I don’t wanna interrupt,” he admitted. Then again, lingering at the table was interrupting Scott and Kira’s night. He could also feel that neither of them minded his presence and he relaxed. “But yeah, the gym looks good.”

Scott shook his head at his friend’s words, but the smile never left his face. He glanced at Stiles briefly catching a lingering hint of something in his emotions, “Everything okay?” He asked arching a brow.

Before Stiles had a chance to respond, he felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder and turned to see Malia standing there with a smile on her face. “Hey,” he greeted with a small smile. Almost involuntarily his gaze swept over her petite form, draped in a long sequined raspberry dress. “You look great.”

Malia smiled glancing down almost shyly at his compliment, “Thanks,” she said brightly. “You look really nice too,” she said her tone friendly as her hand traveled down his arm briefly. “I saw you come in and I was wondering if maybe you wanted to dance,” she asked tilting her head to the side lightly a curl falling with the movement.

Stiles glanced at Scott briefly, then looked back up at Malia. “Yeah, definitely.” He smiled softly, rising to his feet. There was no reason to say no, anyway. They were friends -- sort of. She was a nice girl, Cora’s cousin, and she was there alone and so was he, technically. He took her hand, leading her out onto the dance floor.

Lydia’s gaze drifted from the D.J. to the gym door. She could feel Stiles, she knew he was there, but it was hard seeing through the mass of teenage bodies in the dimly lit gym, despite the four inches of height her heels gave her. Then again since she wasn’t that tall to begin with they didn’t make much of a difference.

She was pretty sure another slow song had started up. Lydia’s gaze shifted again and she spotted Isaac and Cora talking near the beverage table. She smiled. They seemed to be having fun, that was good and she knew Scott and Kira were having a good time she’d seen them dancing not long ago. Lydia was glad her friends were having a nice time, they deserved a night off.

“Are you having fun?” Derek asked with a small smile, hands resting at her waist as they danced together.

Lydia let her gaze drift back to Derek and she smiled, “I am,” she told him softly, “This was really nice of you, Derek.” she commented even as her gaze once again darted around them, “I know being around a big crowds isn’t really your thing.” Lydia caught his gaze again. “So the fact that you got all dressed up and came means a lot.” She admitted honestly even as her heartbeat picked up speed as she tried to pin down Stiles’ location.

Derek nodded slightly. He wasn’t a fan of crowds at all. The entire pack together at his apartment for a few days had almost been too much. But at least for the most part he liked all of them. Knew them. But there wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for Lydia, really. “You’re welcome,” he told her.

Lydia was silent for a minute a hint of anxiety creeping inside of her. “Spin me?” She asked wanting to get a view of the other side of the room.

Derek frowned slightly at the look on her face. “Sure. Are you okay?” He spun her as requested.

Lydia’s gaze drifted over the other side of the room and just as Derek was gently pulling her back she spotted Stiles on the dance floor with Malia. He looked good, incredibly good, aside from the brunette nestled in his arms. But Lydia would fix that. “I am,” she stated glancing back at Derek a smiling. “Sorry, I felt Stiles, but I couldn’t find him.” She admitted.

Derek looked over to where she’d been looking, frowning a little when he spotted Stiles dancing with Malia. He shifted his gaze back to her face. “It’s okay.”

Lydia hesitated, “Can I say something without coming off like an incredibly jealous harpy?” She asked as she bit her bottom lip.

“Lydia, there’s really nothing you can’t say to me,” Derek told her with a small smile.

Lydia grinned momentarily before shifting closer to him and lowering her voice. “I know she’s your family,” she paused, “But I get the oddest vibe from her and I’m really not sure why. And no it’s not because she’s dancing with Stiles,” Lydia commented, “Though I am wondering why he hasn’t come over here...but my point.” She told him, “Is that I just get a really strange feeling from her, one that makes me want to keep my distance.” Lydia admitted.

Derek was silent for a moment, considering what she said. “Truthfully I’ve been keeping my distance for the same reason. Maybe it’s because she’s Peter’s daughter,” he suggested.

Lydia frowned, “Maybe, but I don’t think that’s it,” she said quietly. “I could be way off base. But...there’s something not quite right about her. I mean...she seems so well adjusted.” Lydia commented her gaze shifting over to Stiles and Malia now that she knew where he was.

Derek frowned a little more, looking over at the dancing couple, as well. “We’ll keep an eye on her,” he said quietly. “If something’s off with her, we’ll figure it out.”

Lydia nodded and glanced back at Derek. “Thanks for believing me.” She said quietly. She wanted to cut in, but Stiles hadn’t sought her out, maybe he didn’t want to dance right now.

“Always,” Derek told her quietly, cocking his head to the side. “Why don’t you go cut in?” he suggested, nodding toward Stiles and Malia.

Lydia grinned. She squeezed Derek’s arm gently, “Thanks,” she said softly before releasing him, taking a breath, and walking across the floor, expertly weaving in and out of people. She closed the distance between them quickly and tapped Stiles’ shoulder gently, “May I cut in?” She asked sweetly directing her question to Malia.

Malia’s eyes narrowed, but her own smile was sweet. “Of course,” she said, letting go of Stiles.

Stiles turned to look at Lydia, eyes widening at the sight of her body draped in the black dress that clung to every curve. He swallowed hard, gut tightening. “Wow,” he whispered. “You look…” He shook his head, heart beating a little faster. “You look amazing.”

Lydia didn’t miss the way Malia’s eye’s narrowed, but she ignored her as she stepped around the other girl and into Stiles’ personal space, smirking slightly at the look on his face. “Thank you,” She ran her hand down his tie slowly, “You’re looking pretty amazing yourself Mr. Stilinski...I’ve come to claim my dance,” Lydia told him playfully, some of the anxiety ebbing out of her body.

“You can pretty much claim whatever you want,” Stiles told her, not joking even a little bit as he met her eyes, wrapping his arms around her waist. He was hers anyway. Always had been, even if she hadn’t known it.

Lydia arched an eyebrow as she slid her arms around Stiles’ neck. “Is that so?” She asked a hint of humor in her gaze. “Do you think it’s wise to let me have that much power?” Lydia joked, “I might take advantage of it.” She said while shifting closer to him.

Stiles couldn’t help but smile at that. “Lydia, you’ve always had that much power,” he said seriously, holding her gaze. “And for the record, if I’m offering...it’s not taking advantage.”

Lydia’s expression softened. She ran her fingers down the back of his neck. “You know, it’s different now...right?” She asked quietly as she met his gaze.

“I know,” he told her just as quietly.

Lydia tilted her head to the side, “I’m glad you came.” She said softly as she rested her head on his shoulder, so immersed in Stiles that she didn’t even realize people were watching them.

Stiles didn’t notice either, just rested his head against hers and closed his eyes as they moved together in perfect sync.

________


There wasn’t much time left at the dance, and Stiles really didn’t want to duck out ahead of time. His bladder, however, demanded a trip to the restroom. He kissed Lydia’s cheek lightly and pulled away from her where they sat at the table with the rest of their friends. “Be right back,” he told her, rising to his feet.

Lydia tilted her head and glanced over at him gripping his hand lightly before he could move away, “Be quick?” She asked softly as she pressed a light kiss to the palm of his hand before releasing it, a warm smile pulling at her lips.

“Will do.” He winked at her, letting his hand linger against her lips for a few seconds before reluctantly walking away from the table, letting himself get caught up in the emotions of all of his friends. They were all lighter tonight, happier. Calmer. It was almost like they were just normal teenagers doing a normal teenage thing and it was such a strange concept for him to wrap his mind around at this point. But he liked it. It was like the weight of everything had lifted, even if it was just temporary.

Stiles made his way out of the gym and down the darkened corridor toward the bathroom. It didn’t dawn on him that it was strange that the hallway light was off. Usually they kept it on for this reason. But he was in too good of a mood to question it. He did his business, washed his hands, and stepped back out, pausing in the entrance of the doorframe. He could hear the opening chords of an old 90’s song, “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” drifting from the gym and he smirked, shaking his head in amusement.

Stiles headed back toward the gym, back toward his friends, when he felt a hand clamp around his mouth none-too-gently. There was a sharp pain in his neck a second later, and he felt his limbs grow heavy, too heavy, and he knew he was in trouble. It was his last thought before his eyes rolled back in his head and the world went dark.

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