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The winter air nipped at my porcelain skin as I walked along with the icy slabs of concrete. Snowflakes illuminating from the traffic lights, my doe-like eyes looking up towards the rows of garland that lined the streets for miles. The scent of evergreen filled my senses, bringing back old memories that I hope with time I would forget. There was a hint of a smile that formed at the corner of my lips as I paused. My gaze fixated on a wreath that hung between the loops of lights and garlands losing myself in thought.

A memory of my old college apartment that I had once shared with Stiles forms in my mind. Recalling the evening just before Christmas Eve when Stiles walks through the door. His navy blue beanie and black petticoat are covered in flakes of snow. His cheeks and nose flushed red from the winter air. "I was able to grab the last one!" Stiles boasted proudly, his arms cradling a wreath with a clipped-on red bow. I looked to Stiles with a gleam of a smile in my eyes before walking towards him. My hands lightly dusted off the snow from his shoulders. "You braved the worst snowstorm this season for a wreath?" I questioned. My eyes gazing back into his, "No, I braved the snow for this." His hand slipped into his pocket wrestling around before unveiling mistletoe between his fingers. "Don't worry, I am not planning to poison anyone tonight." Stiles mused knowing their history with the herb. I adoringly patted his chest and shook my head at him with a laugh. My eyes followed his fingers that hoisted the mistletoe between. "I used the wreath as a decoy." Stiles grinned, pleased with himself. I shook my head once again with a smile. It was hard to be mad when he smiled at me that way. His gaze held mine as our bodies leaned into each other before our lips collided with another.

My lips began to tingle as my body recalled the warmth of his kiss. A sighed breath escaped my throat leaving a cloud of vapor in the night air. I inhaled deeply into my chest and made my way back to her apartment. Once in the warmth of my apartment, I quickly hung up my coat and removed my gloves. Shoving them into the pockets of my coat before turning on the lights. I then slipped off my boots and placed them by the door. Following into my usual nightly routine, I went to the stovetop to grab the tea kettle. Filling it with water before placing it back on the range to heat up. My fingers began to weave along with the loose strands of my strawberry blonde hair. My mind wandering off in thought once again, why did evergreen always make her think of Stiles? Was that his plan all along? For me to never forget him? I thought to myself. I hated that after three years Stiles still had tenancy in her heart. Even if I was the one that broke off our relationship.

The hissing whistles of the tea kettle startled me and I quickly reached for the knobs of the oven. I poured myself a cup of lemon tea and took my seat at the kitchen table. Bringing the edge of the porcelain mug to my lips. I began blowing softly against the warm steam that brush against my mouth. After a quick sip, I set the mug back down onto the table with a huffed breath. I wonder how he is doing? I asked myself, after the break up we attempted to remain friends for the pack. But being 'just friends' had proven to be more difficult than either of us had imagined. As supernatural threats subsided in Beacon Hills, so did our friendship. The last time I recalled hearing from Stiles was back in March. When he had left me an unreturned voicemail to wish me a happy birthday. The relocation caused my heart to ache in knowing that Stiles would always be the better man. I wished that Stiles understood that my silence was nothing more but a hope that with time and quiet he would grow bored. Perhaps move on to someone that was more deserving of him.

My nagging thought and unlimited scenarios of "What if" began to take control of my every thought. I quickly reached for my phone and opened up social media. My fingers fluttered over the screen until his profile illuminated. My eyes scanned the screen eager to learn of him, what he had been up to since the last time I had gained the courage to check. Only a few posts from last time, I sighed with relief. My thumb scrolled through newly posted photos of his father, the pack, his most recent vacation to New York City, and his Jeep. A smile formed over my lips as I stopped at a photo of Stiles smiling with the New York City skyline behind him. When suddenly a heart popped up on my screen, "Shit! No, no no!" I shouted nervously as a red heart illuminated underneath his most recent photo. "Great!" I groaned angrily, my face collapsing in the palm of my hands. Before the ring from my phone caused my head to pop up. I cautiously glance down to see Kira's photo on the screen. Kira only called her periodically to share details about happenings at home from Scott's recruitment of supernatural beings to dating advice. Which at times felt useless judging by my poor dating rapport and current singular status. I reached for my phone and answered softly, "Hello Kira! I was wondering when our monthly check-in would happen." My voice came off a little too cheery. "I know, I been sort of preoccupied and busy with some developments." Kira's voice squeaked a bit with nerves. "Developments?" I asked. "It may be too much to ask considering the holiday season, but we have tried to handle the breach on our own. We need you, Lydia! I know our request is asking a lot considering-" Kira's voice trailed off." Judging by Kira's pleas and her call, the breach was more than Scott could handle, and assembling The Pack meant lives were at stake. I had to swallow my pride and the fear of memories of a hometown for my friends. "I'll be on the first flight out."

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Chapter 2: Welcome Home

The morning sun beamed into the quiet space of my room. I had hardly slept from the night before, my thoughts in chaotic conflict about seeing The Pack again…seeing Stiles. I had avoided home for years and now just like the name of the town itself, a beacon had called me back. I lay still in my bed, my hazel eyes staring blankly at the ceiling as I waited for my alarm to sound. Just on cue at 6:00 a.m. the chime from my alarm clock beckoned me out of bed. My legs slung over the side, sitting quietly I looked out the frosted windows and exhaled slowly. “You can do this--” I breathed. Standing onto my feet I made my way to the bathroom to get ready. The outfit that I had selected the night before was perfectly folded on the countertop awaiting me. A pair of black leggings and a heather grey knitted jumper. Simple and comfortable for the 6-hour grueling flight home. I quickly cleaned up and styled my hair in long wavy curls. My makeup was simple as the majority of the day would be spent on the plane and I had no plans to see anyone upon my arrival. Packing the last of my toiletries, I made my way to the pre-packed suitcase. Taking one more glance at the time, a nervous breath escaped my lips before exiting my apartment to the airport.

As I sat in the backseat of my taxi to the airport, my gaze looked back along the skyline of Cambridge, Massachusetts that I had called home for four years. A soft breath fell from my lip as I heard the muffled chime of my phone that was tucked away in the pocket of my coat. Reaching inside I retrieved my phone and my eyes widened with surprise to see a text from Kira. Being three hours ahead of her time, I could help but wonder why Kira was up at 3:00 a.m. Her voice played in my head as I read: I am so glad you decided to come! When do you get in? My thumbs paused over the screen as I debated with myself. I could lie to Kira and give her the wrong time. But knowing Kira would show up at the airport to ensure my safety. That’s if she was telling me the truth about the “so-called threat.” Feeling the car come to a halt, I climbed out and retrieved my suitcase from the driver. Politely thanking them as I walked to the check-in counter when another chime came in. You are keeping us on read?: Malia texted. I scrunch my nose with slight annoyance. I suppose I could let them know, I thought to myself and quickly fumbled my thumbs over the text screen. I am about to board the plane. I should be in by 10:00 a.m. I will talk to you both once I am settled in: I texted. I knew if I did not respond back there would be a flood of text awaiting me once I landed. I quickly checked in my luggage and made my way to the terminal gates.

I walked along the aisle and took my seat next to the window and quickly turned my phone off. Allowing myself some quiet solitude from reality. The rumbling of the plane engines firing up caused me to quickly buckle into my seat. My eyes peered out the window at the snowy airport tarmac. Once safely in the air, I found my eyelids growing heavy. The lack of sleep had finally caught up to me and without much struggle, I fell asleep.

The quick jolts of the plane startled me awake. With slight disorientation, my eyes darted to the window with slight relief at the sight of clouds and the sound of the pilot instructing passengers to return to their seats to prepare for landing. My palms rubbed along my cheeks, “I can’t believe I slept the majority of the flight,” I thought to myself and looked over to the passenger sitting quietly beside me. An elderly woman glanced back at her with a warm smile, “Returning home for the holidays?” The lady asked with a warm tone. “Yeah, I am.” I nodded. “It’s been a while huh.” The lady smiled. “About four years,” I answered and reached down into my bag to retrieve my phone. “There is always a saying you can’t run away from problems they seek you out.” The lady added matter of factly. I looked back to the lady with an inquisitive expression. Could she be some supernatural being? Or fortune teller? The phrase seemed planted to be just casual? I asked myself. I tried to think of some witty response but the jolts and squeals of the plane landing distracted me.

Once at the terminal, I unbuckled myself and quickly turned my phone back on. The quickened chimes of notifications echoed throughout the cabin of the plane. Text notifications from Malia and Kira flooded my phone along with one from my mother. Your friends were adamant about getting you in front of the airport.I will see you when you are home- Love Mom. My eyes grew wide, my heart began to race with nerves. The elderly lady beside me began to chuckle, “Sounds like you were missed.” I looked over to the older lady as they got up and began to walk down the aisle. Catching the fleeing grins on her lips as they waddled away. I followed behind her and walked through the gates toward the baggage claim. “Lydia!” A familiar voice shouted. Looking out amongst the crowd I saw Kira and Malia standing by the baggage claim holding a sign that read: Welcome Home! Their squealing giggles and bouncing frames of excitement were not hard to miss amongst the crowd.

‘Home’ I thought to myself before ascending down the escalator. Once on the ground floor, I felt the tight embrace of Malia and Kira's arms around my frame nearly lifting me off the ground. “Let a girl breathe,” I teased and hugged them back. Once released from their embrace, I straightened out my tan petticoat and politely smiled at them. “So we have a lot to catch you up on since you have not been here for years. Well more since you have been avoiding Stiles” Malia quickly spat out with excitement. Malia’s blunt honesty was something I admired about her. “Malia please get Lydia’s suitcase.” Kira interrupted with a laugh and watched Malia leave to the baggage claim carousel. “Is Stiles in town?” I asked hesitantly. Kira attempted to hide her response as her lips tucked under her teeth. Kira’s facial expression was enough for me to know the answer. “He got in town yesterday…” Kira managed to muster with an odd expression on her face. I tried to ignore the tugging assumption that there was more that she wanted to tell me. “Only one suitcase and you packed light! Does that mean you didn’t bring us gifts?” Malia suggested with a pouty lip before setting my luggage down beside me. “I was not expecting to come out here so suddenly,” I added. “It’s no big deal, I am sure you will send me my gift somehow.” Malia mused, cutting the awkward silence that had built up between us.

“Well let’s get you home, we promised your mother that we would get you back in a timely manner.” Kira gestured her head towards the front exit while Malia carried my suitcase to the car. I took my seat in the backseat, silently observing Malia in the passenger's seat complaining that Kira never allowed her to drive. A faint smile over my lips recalling the night in high school when they tried to teach Malia how to drive and she nearly killed. While the memory seemed distant to me, Kira had not forgotten. “So what did you two have to fill me in on, is there a Christmas monster I should be aware of?” I asked, finally breaking my own silence. Kira glanced back at me from the rearview mirror, “Luckily things are quiet at the moment Beacon Hills but Scott believes it’s only a matter of time before something happens. So there is a Pack meeting tomorrow afternoon.” Kira admitted. “Scott wanted a meeting tonight, but we were able to persuade him for a night off considering you just arrived” Malia added. “Well, I do appreciate that, I am a bit jet-lagged and could use some rest before diving back into things,” I said. My eyes flickered to Beacon Hills High School as we passed by. I inhaled a deep breath as all the memories of my youth began to rush in. I felt the cold touch of Malia's palm over my kneecap, “Hey we lost you there for a moment? Everything okay?” She asked with a look of concern. “Oh yeah I am fine, just memories,” I assured them and took one more glance at Beacon Hills High School before it faded from view.

Kira began to pull down my street, each home decorated just the same as I remembered from holidays past. Once parked outside my home, I got out and retrieved my suitcase from the trunk. “Thank you ladies for getting me. It was nice to have some familiar faces to greet me.” I said before walking over to hug them both. “If you need anything don’t hesitate to call us and we will be here.” Kira insisted with a warm smile. “Thank you and please do the same,” I said, giving them both one more hug. Just as I pulled back from their embrace, the front door pulled back to reveal my mother who had been eagerly waiting for me. “Lydia! Honey! I am so glad you came out.” Her mother cooed, pulling me into a long embrace. I stood quietly, my arms slow to wrap around her back. “Come on in, Come in!” Her mother eagerly ushered me inside before closing the door behind us. “Get comfortable and your room is just as you left it, so I am sure you know where to go,” She instructed. I smiled faintly at my mother and made my way upstairs to my childhood room. Slowly I turned the doorknob and peered inside. My mother was right, my childhood room was just as I had left it. From the stuffed animals on my bed to the purple walls with butterfly decals. I placed my suitcase in the door frame of her closet and hung my coat on the back of the vanity chair as my eyes examined every inch of the room.

The sound of clinking heals along the wood floors drew my attention back to the doorway. “How come you haven’t redecorated this room? It would make a great workout room or office space.” I suggested. “It’s your room and I am not ready to let go of my little girl's room.” My mother said, “I am not a little girl anymore.” I retorted with a shake of my head. “You will always be my little girl.” Her mother responded softly with a smile that made me slightly nauseated. “Well, I’ll leave you alone to settle in. I am going to be out for a few hours to get some last-minute Christmas items. It’s really nice to have you home honey.” My mother added, disappearing back behind the wall. The clicks of her heels descend down the stairs. I lowered my head and took off my boots, kicking them off to the side of the door. Looking back to my bed I made a quick sprint before leaping into the pile of stuffed animals. I lay in the quiet comforts of my room. My frame snuggled between plushie limbs when I heard that familiar chime. I reluctantly groaned and fumbled out of bed towards my coat that hung on the back of the chair to retrieve my phone. To see a group text from Scott: Hello everyone, I know we all just arrived in town but would like to hold a Pack meeting tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. at my place. “Here we go…” I exhaled loudly before investigating members of the group chat: Stiles, Kira, Malia, Liam, Derek, Issac, and Mason. l felt that nervous flutter in my chest as my phone chimed again: The Pack is back! Count me in. The corner of my lips smiled with relief to see the response from Stiles.

Chapter Text

I awoke to the sound of birds singing outside my window. Their sweet melody I had nearly forgotten. The only songs I could recall in the morning hours in my apartment were that of car horns and the heavy footsteps of my neighbors above. I stirred against the lavender sheets, my hand blindly seeking out my cell phone. I felt the cold chill of glass freezing at my fingers tips and I quickly pulled the device to me. My eyes examined through the notifications to see if anyone else from The Pack had responded back. Nearly everyone had responded back in some form, but I had yet to reply. I lay in bed with subtle debate, I wanted to replay to say something. But my arrival tonight would be a response I concluded. Setting my phone back down on the nightstand beside me.

I swung my legs out of the warmth of the covers and walked back to the bathroom to get ready. Once cleaned and clothed in a comfortable rust jumper and black leggings. I made my way downstairs where I was greeted by my mother. She was sitting at the dining room table in her pajamas with a coffee mug in her hand, “Good morning honey, I see you are dressed? Got plans?” She asked before taking a sip from her mug. I walked towards the kitchen cupboards and pulled a mug out for myself. “I am going to meet up with my friends and catch up on everything I missed,” I replied, reaching for the coffee pot I poured myself a cup. If I was going to make it past the jet lag and the affairs of today, coffee was of the necessity.

“I am sure your friends are excited to have you back.” My mother smiled, her gaze following my steps back to the dining table. Where I took my seat at the opposite end, my hands seeking the warmth of the mug. I let out a sighed breathe, “Yeah, just feels weird to be back. Like nothing has changed, but perhaps me?” I admitted. My mother looked across the table at me with a soft smile, “That's the weird thing about small towns, the familiarity never leaves.” I looked back at my mother and took another drink of coffee.

We sat in brief silence before the sound of the doorbell startled us from our seats. “I’ll get it,” I assured my mother and walked out of the kitchen towards the front door. I pulled back the door and saw Malia’s wide-eyed grin beaming, “Great you’re dressed!” She squealed and glanced down at my feet with a disapproved scrunch of her nose to my wool socks. “Well, maybe not all the way dressed, put some shoes on your coming with me!” Malia ordered and leaned in half inside the door frame. “The Pack meeting is at 5:00 p.m. and it is only 11 a.m.” I retorted with my arms folded across my chest. “True, but I need you for a pre-meeting operation. Scott was insistent that you help with this list.” Malia pulled out a handwritten list from the pocket of her coat and handed it to me. I shook my head as I retrieved the note and began to read the list to myself: 1. Two dozen roses 2. Candles 3. Champagne 4. White Christmas Lights 5. Fake snow machine 6. Rose Petals…. I stopped and looked up to Malia. “Wait…are we planning an engagement party?” I asked. Malia squealed and bounced with excitement, “Yup! Kira has no idea. The whole Pack knows, well now the whole Pack technically knows." She smiled. "What about the threat?" I asked. "Scott sorta lied about the whole “threat” thing,” Malia said, nervously playing with her fingers. “He felt like you would not have come out for an engagement party–” Malia admitted freely and examined the expression on my face. Scott was right, I would have stayed back home in Massachusetts and watched the celebration from afar. I had been disconnected from The Pack since the break-up with Stiles and I struggled with my significance outside of my role. “So you’ll help, do this for Scott and Kira?” She asked angelically. I swallowed a breath and nodded, “Let me get my shoes.” I added and retrieved my boots from behind the entryway. “I will be home, late Mom,” I shouted back into the kitchen and walked out the front door.

Chapter Text

I sat in the passenger seat of Malia’s blue Toyota Rav 4. The scent of pine and citrus filled my nostrils as I glanced around at the interior and caught the deep claw marks in her steering wheel. I quickly pulled the seatbelt over my chest and gripped the grab handles tightly. My knuckles turned stark white as I held on for dear life. Malia looked over to me, her jaw dropped with a huffed breath.

“I swear I am a better driver now!” She insisted before turning the engine over. The SUV took off with a squeal as her foot pressed onto the gas pedal with a thud.

“Right—“ My eyes rolled with a shake of my head.

I tried my best to keep my coffee in my stomach and clenched my eyes shut. One of the perks of being a Banshee, I would know if our death was imminent. Luckily for both of us, we would live to see the engagement. The squeal of the tires and a quick jolt of the SUV coming to a stop forced my eyes to open. Letting out a relieved breath I quickly turned towards Malia with a glare. My hand quickly reached out to snatch the keys from the ignition.

“I will be driving us to the next stop.” My voice raised with slight annoyance.

Malia looked back at me with a slight chuckle. “You haven’t changed!” She smiled. Malia’s words struck a nerve.

“Neither has your driving.” I quickly added and flung the door open. I stood to my feet and looked up to see the marque of a floral shop. I glanced down at the list and back towards the door of the shop. Where Malia had stood impatiently with the door wide open waiting for me to cross through. I quickly made my way through the opened door and approached the front counter. Examined around the quint formal shop as we waited to be greeted. The shop was filled with various pre-made bouquets and knick-knacks. The kind one would see in an old boutique or traveling shop. The high-pitched chime of a bell rang in my ears. Peering down I noticed Malia’s hand on the counter next to the call bell. I quickly looked up at her with another disapproved shake of my head.

“Hold on...Hold on!” An elderly lady groaned with annoyance from behind the red curtain that led towards the back of the shop. The voice sounded familiar, too familiar.

I stretched out my neck in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the owner of the voice and noticed those familiar leathery hands from the airplane. I blinked in slight disbelief at the elderly lady who came into view. She had a warm smile on her lips.

“Can I help you, ladies?” She asked, looking at Malia and then myself. Her gaze lingered on me and I could have sworn she had recalled our encounter.

“Yes, we are here to pick up an order for McCall.” Malia said.

“Oh yes! The engagement order for the Wolf and Fox!” The elderly lady replied and waddled back behind the red curtain.

“How does she know—“ I asked quietly.

“Oh she’s harmless, Scott thinks she is some kind of a seer or protector of the Nemeton,” Malia said with a shrug of the shoulders. My gaze looked back to the curtain as the elderly lady had appeared with two large bouquets of white roses. Handing both Malia and myself a bouquet before hoisting up a large box of rose petals. Her breath wincing as she placed the box atop the counter. Wiping her brow with the back of her hand.

“Anything else I can do for you ladies?” She asked, her eyes weaving between Malia and I.

“No thank you,” I said softly, looking into the clouded eyes of the woman. There was something unnerving about the way her eyes stared blankly back.

"Great! Oh, what a joyous occasion it will be when the Wolf marries the Fox." The elderly added with a squealing grin, her hands shaking joyously before waddling back behind the curtain.

I reached for the box atop the counter, an old familiar warning from the nogitsune about the lore of wolves and foxes being doomed partners. A prophecy that proved the nogitsune's own fate when Scott bit the demented kitsune. I could not help but wonder if this union would be a doomed occasion.

“You know it’s not polite to stare,” Malia whispered under her breath into my ear and gestured her head towards the front door of the floral shop.

Once outside in the shop I let out a breath, “Are you sure she is harmless?” I asked Malia, my eyes gesturing back towards the floral shop.

“Yes, I am sure.” Malia’s voice dragged with annoyance. “Why?” She asked.

“Just that we sat together on the plane ride here and she said—“ My thoughts trailed off as I recalled her words "You can’t run away from problems they seek you out." I felt another gentle nudge of Malia’s elbow into my side before she snatched the box of petals tucked under my arm.

“You’re reading into something that’s not there. Now come on, we have two more stops!” Malia said quickly and walked back to the tailgate. I quickly reached for her keys and unlocked the doors. The tailgate rose on its own as Malia gently placed the box of rose petals inside before laying down her bouquet. I turned to hand Malia the last bouquet in my hand and made my way to the driver's seat.
We had survived the remaining stops and tasks thanks to my reluctance to have Malia drive. I turned up the street to Scott’s home and noticed the familiar blue Jeep parked out in front. My heart sunk to the pit of my stomach, my fingers gripped the steering wheel. Malia had not told me that Stiles would be around to help set up, she was always one to miss those important details.

“Lydia?” Malia called out. “Lydia you might want to pull up to the house.” She added.

I managed to look back to Malia and noticed the house behind her standing perfectly still and the house that belonged to the McCall's. My boot like an anchored weight on the brake pedal as my heart raced with nerves. Who knew that the Jeep that once felt like an extension of my heart would now be the very thing to make heart panic in fear.

“Right—“ I shivered a breath and pivoted my foot back to the gas pedal until we closed in behind the Jeep. I quickly shifted the suv into park and placed my forehead on the steering wheel.

“Your heart is racing fast, you might want to calm those nerves because Stiles is about to make his way out the door in 3…2…” Malia smiled and got out of the SUV. “…1” Malia spat out before closing the door. I looked up to see if Malia was trying to get another rise out me. But the playful werecoyote did not trick me as my gaze met those caramel brown hues in the distance from the car window.

Chapter Text

I stood beside the suv with a bouquet of scarlet roses that Malia had recently plopped into my arms. The pit of my stomach twisting into knots as I fumbled with words in my head, my nails running along the plastic lining of the bouquet nervously. My brain is debating on the words of a greeting or to remain silent.

“It’s good to see you Lydia.” Stiles smiled faintly, his eyes briefly scanning my features before rushing past to retrieve the box of petals from the trunk. Not allowing the opportunity for my own greeting or the glance of a relieved smile.

I would be a fool to believe that our friendship would have outweighed the feelings we once had for another. I let out a low uneasy breath as I propelled myself forward towards the door of the McCall home. If anything remained the same was the McCall home, the smell of wood and herbs filled the senses. The old baby photos of Scott on the walls and various medical books that Melissa sprawled on the coffee table along with a cold mug of coffee.

Once inside the living room, I was greeted by a very nervous Scott McCall. His fingers fidgeting at his sides as he paced around the hallway reciting a speech, which I presumed would be his engagement speech.

“Has he been like this all day?” Malia laughed walking past Scott towards the kitchen.

“Yup–” Stiles’s voice dragged with annoyance from behind me. His shoulder brushing against my side as he passed.

The encounter forced my petite frame to shift slightly to allow him space to pass. I stood still for a moment waiting for an apology or acknowledgement of the collision. But he continued to make his way to the kitchen, placing the box of petals atop the island never once acknowledging my presence.

“I told him that no matter what he said Kira would say yes.” Stiles rolled his eyes, his hand animated as he spoke.

“So why is he still like this? Did he hit his head and forget that Kira is MADLY IN LOVE WITH HIM.” Malia’s brows furrowed, her voice rose in hopes to catch Scott’s attention.

“Because sometimes love just isn’t enough.” The corner of Stiles’s lips began to frown.

His eyes dipping down towards the box as reached for his keys in the back pocket of his jeans. His fingers fumbled along the various keys until settling on a key that appeared like my spare apartment key. The one I had given to him and never asked for back.

The sight of the key caused my breath to shallow and my eyes to blink with disbelief as I watched him use the key to slice through the taped seal on the box. I remained still in the archway of the kitchen, my arms clutching at the bouquet of roses at my chest. The parchment crinkling beneath my fingers.

“I can go talk to Scott.” I offered with a light smile and placed the bouquet down on the nearest quartz countertop.

Turning quickly I made my retreat towards the hallway and leaned up against the edge of the wall.

“Kira, you and I have been through some messed up shit. No—” Scott cleared his throat nervously before resuming his words.

Kira you have been there by my side through some tough…” Scott exhaled loudly, his palm running along the side of his face as he groaned.

“You need to sit down for a minute and take a break.” I smiled and gestured my head for him to follow me to the living room.

My arm directed him towards the couch with a soft smile in hopes to make Scott feel more at ease. My gaze followed him as took his seat in the middle of the couch. His right foot nervously tapped along the floor causing his knee to bounce along with the cushions of the couch.

I made my way beside Scott on the couch and placed a light palm over his kneecap. “What has you so nervous, other than knowing that at the end of the day Kira will be your fiance?” I grinned and looked into his brown eyes.

Scott exhaled a breath, a humming chuckle in his chest before he spoke, “I know you all think I am crazy to be nervous that there could be a chance that I say the wrong thing and Kira says no or not right now.” He turns his head to look back at me, his brown eyes wounded at thought.

“Kira is so in love with you, she went through hell and back, for you. Do I need to have Malia and myself reenact what happened?” I reminded him with slight chuckle.

“You and Stiles did the same for each other. I always looked up to the love that you two had and if that love failed. How can our love withstand time?” Scott said.

I shivered a breath, trying to hold back emotions that had creeped up into my throat and chest.

“The love that I had with Stiles was a once in a lifetime kind of love, a love that can never be replicated or replaced.” My voice began to crack with the pain of letting Stiles go.

“If we don't take chances for the sake of love, then we are just lost in the idea of love itself. I took a chance on love with Stiles and I don’t regret the risk that, that love brang me.” I could feel the swell of tears forming in my eyes.

“If you see a lifetime of love with Kira and you are willing to risk anything to keep that love. You have nothing to be afraid of.” I smiled with tear filled eyes, relieved to see Scott’s gaze holding the same reaction.

Scott looked back at me, tears blinking from his lashes as he smiled, “Thanks Lydia.” He clasped his palm atop my hand and pulled me into a hug with his other arm into his side.

His embrace brought back a flood of warmth to my petite frame. A feeling that I had not realized or longed for, the simple embrace of someone who cares about you.

“As cute as all this is, we are on a timeline. Scott you should be getting ready and Lydia, I need you to take over the flower arrangements before I shred them to pieces.” Malia growled.

I stood up from the couch with Scott, my fingertips flicking away stray tears as I made my back to the kitchen when I felt a hand tug at my wrist back towards the hallway. My frame colliding back against Stiles’s chest.

“What the hell Stiles!” I shrieked.

“What you said to Scott, was that all true?” Stiles asked, his eyes searching my own for a hint of an answer.

I swallowed nervously, of course he overheard our private conversation, but with the close proximity to another I was more concerned if he caught the dampness under my eyes.

“Of course it’s true, I never regretted loving you–” I admitted.

“Do you still?” Stiles words cutting me off as his thumb ran along my arm as he scanned my face.

I stood before him, my heart racing as I contemplated my response. Now was not the time to rehash old feelings and face the nagging reminder of having to let him go, no needing to let him go.

“Still care about, of course I do and a part of me always will. You were my first love and that never goes away.” My hazel eyes meet his with earnesty.

“But it’s been four years since I let you go and we’ve changed. I met someone else–.” I lied.

Stiles nodded and let out a breath, “Right.”

His hand slid down my arm causing my skin to shiver. His fingers caressed my wrist, shifting my palm upwards as he placed my apartment key into my palm. His throat bobbed as he stepped away from my frame and walked off towards the front door. His fingers running atop his head.