Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 Stiles woke up to someone making noise. It was friday and he only had a class in the afternoon, he tousled around bed trying to go back to sleep before the alarm went off, having a late night researching new spells was exhausting.

– Shit. – Erica cursed, she accidentally smudged her eyeliner.

– What are you doing here again? — He asked, sleeply to the blonde. – Don’t you have your own room? – He was hogging the covers turning his head slightly around to see Erica getting ready in front of his mirror.

– Yeah. But they are making so much noise in my dorm and I promised Derek and Boyd I wouldn’t growl at people annoying me… anymore. – She sat on Stiles’ bed. – They were getting ready to go to some tailgate, but some of us have classes, Cassie. – Her claws were out. – I hate that bitch. You know she flirted with Boyd? — She spit out in anger.

– Yeah, you told me last week when you were getting ready, waking me up five in the morning. I have that spell where you get bald for a week, just say the word. – He yawned. – Speaking of your boyfriend, who also has a room where you could be right now. — Boyd lived on the other side of campus.

– Yeah, but it's like really far away. – And it was fun to annoy him, she poked the man.

– What? – He was getting irritated.

– I ate your doritos. – She said, getting back to the mirror with a mischievous smile.

– Bitch. – He said, turning to face the wall.

– Jerk. – They had started watching supernatural after Boyd mentioned he had never seen an episode before.

 Stiles rolled his eyes, giving up on sleeping after she started humming a Rihanna song. He made some coffee, which was extra strong. Today wasn’t his first morning with only a few hours of sleep.

– I’ma fight a man… a man… – She put on some mascara and finished by fixing her hair.

 Erica left for early class throwing a sandwich she picked up in the dining hall at him, wishing her roommate disappeared when back from it.
Stiles read a random book that didn’t have anything to do with magic, his head still managed to only think about the new spells on the other book last night. To be completely honest with himself, things were kind of boring, deep down he wanted something to do.
He missed the entire pack together, last summer he couldn’t go back for long, which meant he hadn't seen them in almost a year. Imagining not having Boyd and Erica around was a nightmare, Erica was keeping her grades up so that she could go to law school, while Boyd was so busy with nursing school that when they saw him, he was studying or fell asleep on top of his books. They knew everything about each other, they had established a routine after the first year.

 After class, he took his new car, which with the help of a spell was the same color of his old jeep to bring some familiarity, to go do his laundry and buy some groceries. He went back to his dorm humming the breakin’ dishes, shockingly so Erica and Boyd were waiting for him. Erica was dressed up wearing a black dress with matching makeup and Boyd wore a black shirt with jeans.

– No. No and no. – He placed the groceries on his desk.

– Come on. Let's get drunk! – She was jumping trying to get Stiles excited.

– Cora did send us more of her Argentinian wolfsbane beer. – Boyd added, Erica placed her arm on his shoulders.

Stiles looked at both who had playful smiles on their faces, Erica excitedly raised her eyebrows waiting for an answer.

– Okay, but you both are going back to your dorms after. – Erica eagerly hugged him.

– We're getting so drunk tonight. – She kissed Boyd as they left. – Woo. – She took a sip of the wolfsbane beer.

 And they did get drunk, so drunk that by the end of the night it took almost an hour to find the housing building. Erica and Boyd chuckled at Stiles’ cowboy hat some girl had given him in the bar, the fake mustache she had drawn didn’t exactly make things less funny.

– You’d make the worst cowboy. – She slurred her words.

– Plsss. I’d make the best cowboy. – Stiles spoke offended.

– No. She’d make the best cowboy, spark boy. – Boyd pointed to Erica who had a winning grin on her face as Stiles agreed with them.

– To the best cowboy, Erica Woody. – Accepting defeat, Stiles’ gave her his hat with a small courtesy.

They were giggling in the hall all the way to his room. Stiles’ roommate was probably with his girlfriend, the room was silent except with the sound of them falling into bed tiredly after the night out. Stiles hugged Erica who was snuggled with Boyd, they fell asleep, and through the night Stiles’ kept mumbling “Imma the best cowboy.”

 Derek and Malia’s breath was hitching, they almost didn’t escape the Wendigos, there were so many of them in their way to warn them. Making their way into campus at night, managing to dodge a few security guards while following the pack’s scent, going straight to Stiles’ dorm where it was the strongest. He carefully opened the door to the three of them sleeping peacefully, Erica was wearing a cowboy hat and Stiles had a fake mustache for some reason, Malia laughed at the view and Derek, very exhausted let out a huff of a laugh waking up Boyd.

The wolf and coyote’s clothes looked extremely dirty, their hair was messy along with a few healing wounds through their bodies. Boyd opened half of his right eye to check if everything was okay and went back to sleep after seeing Derek. Malia jumped to his roommate's bed, getting a stare from the wolf for a second.

– I’m too tired for any arguments. Stiles has this entire room full of protection spells, runes, wards… That witchy stuff that my brain shuts down when he starts talking about it. – Malia stopped talking, she throwed Derek a blanket and her heart started beating slower with sleep taking over.
After checking to see if anything out of the ordinary was happening, he laid down on the chair, placing it in front of the three sleepy heads. It would be a lie if he didn’t say that was one of the best nights of sleep he ever had with the calm of the hearts surrounded by pack.

In the morning, Stiles’ was about to step out of the bed, happy to see Malia and Derek. In the two seconds it took him to get out of the bed and get up, Derek was already out of the chair and standing in front of him.

– Dude! You scared the shit out of me. – He said, with his eyes closed from the scare the man’s quick reaction caused, he placed a hand on his chest.

– We have to talk. – Derek spoke, mysteriously. Getting out of the room in the blink of an eye.

– Nice to see you too, Derek. – He said to the empty room. – Wait! – Stiles followed the man until he was ahead of the wolf, he stopped Derek letting a yawn out trying to keep wake.

– We aren’t talking about shit until I have my cup of coffee. And you aren’t walking around looking like you lost a fight to a bear in the woods, despite being weirdly hot. – Derek’s eyes grew wild for a second as he tilted his head at the comment. – I said that last part out loud didn’t I? – He placed a hand on his head that was throbbing after last night.

– Yes and I wouldn’t lose a fight to a bear. – Stiles’ raised his hand with a quick “make something new spell”. Derek’s brown shirt was back to being white, his hair was in place like usual and the wounds were all literally magically healed.

 Derek was now the one following the man to the dining hall, the place was big with many places for them to sit, it had the yellow and blue colors of the universities.

– Where’s Boyd and Erica? – The lunch lady asked him.

– Sleeping late again. Can you believe them? – She laughed at his response, her eyes darted into the man standing next to Stiles.

– New boyfriend? He is cute. – Derek and Stiles exchanged awkward looks as the man’s face grew red.

– No. He’s just a friend spending time in town. Thank you as always, Miranda. – He went ahead to sit anywhere as his face went back to its normal color.

 Stiles started eating as Derek suddenly couldn’t focus on anything, but the food in front of him.

– Go get something to eat, my card allows one person off campus to eat here too. I don’t ever wish to see Derek Hale hangry.

– Hangry? – Derek looked confused. – I’m fine, Stiles. – He lied, they hadn't eaten anything in almost two days.

– Go eat something or I’m going to turn you into a frog, sourwolf. – Stiles said, finally happy drinking a sip of his coffee as Derek got up.

 Derek picked up some stuff and ended up talking to the lunch lady Miranda.

– So how is it going visiting town?

– I haven’t seen much. – He said looking back at Stiles staring at his cup of coffee like a husband stares at his wife at the altar.

– He and Erica aren’t much of morning people, are they? – She asked with a smile.

– No. – Derek remembered all the times he had to wake Erica up to training, once she was having a nightmare and almost punched him in the face.

– You know, don’t break that boy’s heart. We really like him here. – Surprising Derek as he grabbed cake.

– Thank you. – Before joining Stiles, he had a question. – And what did you meant by new boyfriend? – That had seemed to truly win the woman’s attention.

– Oh, I shouldn't tell. – As he almost left she started spilling everything out. – There was this guy, Clark, he studies chemistry. Be careful, dear. Clark and him have theses abd break ups, but they always get together.

 They ate in silence, Derek gave Stiles some glances that every time he caught them couldn’t understand why. Stiles devoured the french fries, he needed every greasy thing he could eat so that his head wouldn’t kill him when Derek told the next bad thing they were facing.

– We’re going back to my room to discuss whatever you have to say while they have breakfast. There’s a soundproof spell there so no one can hear us.

 It wasn’t official, but everyone knew Stiles was the pack’s emissary. Deaton was in L.A. with Scott, he had opened a new clinic there where he helped a lot more magical creatures because of the easy access of a big town. No one knew that Stiles had a secret weapon for his quick learning as Deaton wasn’t available as before.

They woke up Boyd who had a headache, but acted as if it was nothing, while Erica promised to kick anyone who spoke another word. Malia was excited to eat the most she could. They left the alpha and emissary alone to talk.

– So what’s wrong, Der? – He looked at the wolf who had a serious gaze.

– The Amans coven is after Scott and you again. They had witches following Malia, Kira and Isaac in New York, Liam, Mason and Scott in Los Angeles and Jackson and Lydia in Massachusetts. One of them was watching me and your dad back in Beacon Hills, because of your wards and that trap you set we were able to have more information.

– What did they say? Why the hell are they after us again? – Stiles spoke all in one breath, he wanted something fun like a witch who was turning dogs into humans or mermaids, Isaac really wanted mermaids to exist, and not a power hungry coven.

– From what the pack gathered they want to perform the spell to join forces again, and they need powerful sacrifices.

– So not much. – Stiles sat in his bed as they stood in silence.

– Do you think you might have missed the witch they sent here? – Derek asked innocently as Stiles , trying to think about it.

– No. I would’ve sensed… – He looked into the wolf’s awfully innocent eyes. – Who told you about Clark?

– Who? – Stiles got up, face to face with him.
– Look, him and I weren't a serious thing. He only knew I was a witch because of the book I picked up in the library. – Derek heard his heart as he lied, his eyebrows raised to the brown eyed man in front of him. Stiles started pacing around the room. – Okay. I’m lying. He told me he loved me and I didn’t feel the same. – As Stiles avoided the wolf’s eyes he asked himself why did he feel the need to tell him all of this.

– Are you still drunk? – Derek asked, taking Stiles out of his own head.

– No. I'm not drunk. And Clark is a covenless witch, trust me. – Derek pinched his nose, not entirely convinced, but he trusted Stiles.

– What’s our next step, emissary? – Derek asked, making Stiles suddenly feel a hot wave on his face.

– I have a feeling there is something more to this. – Derek nodded in agreement, the Amans coven wasn’t going to act before getting their strength back. This could be a desperate move, but they were too smart to just get caught like this. – We need to gather the pack together and set a trap. – His hand was on his chin, thinking about the next step.

– Yeah, Tom Selleck. We'll get ready. – Stiles furrowed his brow confused at the comment. He finally looked at the mirror to see the mustache Erica had drawn. When he turned around to see Derek, for a second he swears the man was holding a laugh.

Chapter Text

 Getting the pack together was a tough task, Lydia was in her Junior year at IMT, Liam and Mason were in their freshman year at UCLA. “ Dude, we’re getting the band back together.” Erica read the text Stiles sent as they discussed how the hell they were going to do that with whispers so that their heads wouldn’t explode. Malia told them about the witches, how they had wendigos following them and keeping tabs on everyone.

– Are you sure you guys didn’t meet any witches? – Malia asked, devouring a burger.

– Yes. Stiles would’ve known. – Boyd got closer to them. – Or was it Clark? – Erica laughed, which made her head hurt more.

– Please. That man was in love with Stiles. – She emphasized “in love”.

–  I agree with Erica. Stiles has a weird sixth sense thingy. – They nodded in agreement. Stiles knew when trouble was close.

– How is Isaac? – Erica asked, trying to be nonchalant, the truth was that she missed her little brother.

– Him and Kira love going shopping around New York. I have to carry her bags every single time. – Malia took a sip of the juicebox.

– Does he mention us? – She asked, while Boyd paid close attention.

 Malia stopped drinking and looked at them. They looked like two puppies waiting for a treat.

– He misses you. But if you want to talk about this feeling, touchy crap, call Kira. – Boyd and Erica met each other's eyes with smiles on their lips.

 They discussed that maybe a week of prepping wouldn’t be the worst idea, Stiles spark was the strongest around the Nemeton, so that would be their meeting spot.

 Back together in the room, they set a plan. The rest of the pack would get on late flights in time for them to meet back in Beacon Hills. While Stiles found a gateway from the to go back. The five of them decided to test the passageway and to find a path without the Wendigos.

– Why do we have to travel through a gateway? – Malia asked, not very excited about this plan.

– Because I spent my last 20 dollars doing laundry and grocery shopping yesterday. – Boyd was on Stiles’ side, Erica had been paying almost everything outside the basics.

– Derek could pay. – Malia looked at the Alpha, who had his arms crossed together. The other eyes followed hers.

– Stiles needs to learn how to use the gateways. We can’t afford to always depend on flying, our names could be flagged down and we could be dead before any of us step on a plane. – They all hated to agree with him.

 The gateways were an ancient way witches could travel around without being caught, they had a few still activated throughout the country. They weren’t happy because before any other mortal that didn’t have the spark would travel through one, they needed a witch to provide a sort of magical passport. And if it failed, well, the coven would have to worry only about half of the pack.

– We have to go through this path. It’s only a three hour walk from here. – Derek drew on the map. – It’s our the best shot.

– Only a three hour walk. – Stiles sarcastically mumbled, Derek rolled his eyes. Boyd and Erica smiled at the two.

 They packed some food and other provisions just in case things went wrong, they usually do. The woods were less dense than the ones in Beacon Hills, besides Derek and Malia, for most of them they hadn’t adventured in the woods for a while. It was cold and the sun was almost down, about two hours of walking when Stiles stopped to drink water and eat something. He was cold and trying to keep warm by rubbing his palms together and stopping to sit down didn’t help.

– Don’t all look at me like that. Your werewolves, werecoyotes metabolisms is cheating. – He was sitting on a stone. 

 He shared a piece of bread with them, but Derek, who said he wasn’t hungry. When they went back into the trail, Derek silently gave Stiles his leather jacket, he answered with a thankful nod. Stiles felt warmer, not only because of the jacket. The three ahead looked at each with an all knowing look. 

 When they were all getting tired, Stiles stopped again, this time he looked through the foliage trying to find something odd, this was the place where the gate was meant to be. When he felt something mid-air, a gateway made of stone covered by ivy appeared merely by a touch. It had a few stairs to get to the top, it was a huge monument, the passage wasn’t open as stones covered the gate.

– Holy shit! – As everyone stared at the gate, sudden noises around the woods started. 

– They were waiting for us to find the gate. – Derek spoke while everyone got ready for a fight.

 The pack had their claws out and glowing eyes, Derek stood in front of them growling. Stiles throwed the backpack on the floor scavenging for the spell book. They could hear the Wendigos getting closer.

– This is how it's gonna go. – Derek interrupted him.

– Boyd, you're the strongest, stay by my side. Erica you are the wild card and Malia is the fastest. – He wasn’t kidding about the wild card, the more mad they made her the more she would kick their asses.

– No wait, one of you stays with me so that I can grant you passage while the others try to keep them away from us. – He yelled as the Wendigos started surrounding them. They looked at each other waiting for the right answer.

– Do what Stiles said. Go! – Derek yelled at them.

 Malia went back to get the “passport”. Stiles set a boundary with Mountain Ashe so that the Wendigos couldn’t breach it. He gathered all his strength, the tip of his fingers started to tingle as the spark started to ignite inside of him. It came as a wave in the ocean, as the words were spoken his hands let a golden glow above them. Malia looked at him in awe.

 Derek jumped the Wendigo, Erica pierced her claws through another causing considerable damage, while Boyd throwed one of them against a tree, he ended up dying pierced by a branch of the tree. 

– I don’t like werewolves, but for you, I can make an exception. – One of them said, before Erica kicked its face.

 They realized something, they had to be fast and use brute force because of the lack of healing of the creatures. Derek looked at Erica with a plan in sight, he pointed at her and the Wendigo back and forth, she picked up the plan on his mind. 

 Derek ran from the one attacking him, and as he came charging to follow him, he stopped and throwed him at Erica, who was ready to take his heart away when landing on her. 

– He's in my hair. – There was pure disgust in her voice. – He's my hair. – Whispering the second one as she threw the heart from her bloody hand into the ground. There was blood spilled all over the werewolf.

– You did good. – Derek shyly spoke to Erica, who was trying to clean her hair.

 The scene was gruesome to the other Wendigos around, facing werewolves was usually an easy task. From afar they heard a few retreating.

 Stiles grabbed a red spider lily, a flower that allowed safe passage through its cleansing, rebirth of the person who'd wear it. The flowers levitated from his hands forming a crown that settled on Malia's head. She suddenly felt lighter, the flowers made her coyote side enter in peace with the human. Soon Stiles broke the barrier, allowing Boyd to enter so that he could perform the spell again. Malia was about to leave and join Erica and Derek.

– Malia, If you leave I think the spell will break. – He said, briefly, before going back to the spell.

– But… – She looked to the two left, handling the rest of them pretty well.

 When Boyd had the crown, Erica and Derek looked at each other. 

– Go! I can handle a few of them by myself. – Derek knew if there were many of them left, they could break the mountain ashe barrier. He had to give them a chance.

– No. I will stay. – She made her stance by jumping another Wendigo and starting a fight.

 He looked at her, the glowing red eyes emitted power. Tossing the Wendigo to him, Erica left the fight to the lonesome wolf.

 When Erica joined them, Malia was making fun of Boyd.

– You look straight out of a Barbie movie. – Malia said, laughing at the crown of flowers on his head.

– We are wearing the same thing. – He said, shaking his head annoyed.

 Erica tried to keep her face straight to agree with her boyfriend, but Malia's laughter got to her.

 Stiles was almost done when one Wendigo was attacking Derek and the other two joined them. Derek was losing badly, the cuts were getting too deep. The spark broke the mountain ash barrier, the light on his fingers turned into flames. He hit every single one of the Wendigos, ran as the fire started consuming them. With the rest of the flames on his hands he created a barrier of fire.

– Come on. Let's get you some flowers. – He offered one of his hands to Derek, he took the familiar hand, helping him get up.

– Couldn't you've done that before? – Malia asked him.

– Sure. Then you would die in the gate and we would all die... – He quipped back.

– Okay. I get it.

  Malia narrowed her eyes a little mad at the man. Stiles started saying the words for the spell.

– Let's go, before more of them show up and the fire extinguishes away. – As Boyd and Malia held the barely awake alpha, the last spell was done within a few seconds.

 They climbed the stairs, Derek wasn't in good shape, so they went as fast as possible. The sounds of Wendigos coming close by made them rush, praying they wouldn’t die. Stiles went ahead, ready to see his friends again. He placed candles in a circle and lit them, in the middle he put crows feather. The offerings weren’t required, but he wasn’t taking any chances.

– Hermes, god of the travelers. Hereby I ask you to guarantee me and my friends safe passage. – He waited for something.

 As the pack exchanged weird looks among each other, suddenly the door wasn’t made of stone anymore, it was see through with a silver glow. They entered the gate, praying  and from the blink of an eye they were in front of the Nemeton, where the rest of the pack awaited them.

– How is this possible we left a day before you guys got here? – Boyd asked the spark.

– I might have forgotten to say that loss of time may have been a side effect to the spell… – Erica punched Stiles on the arm.

 Isaac started laughing the moment he saw Boyd, making him quickly take off the crown, Erica pulled them into a hug. Malia and Kira also hugged each other as Liam and Jackson helped carry Derek. 

– You’re alive! – Scott hugged Stiles so tightly, the man thought this may be his last moment on earth.

– Come on. We have to take of Derek and set a trap. – He said, separating from the hug.

– Before anything, everyone that was in Washington is taking a shower. – Lydia said, walking away from them. He missed the red haired woman.

 Scott called Melissa and Parrish, asking for help. Parrish would patrol around town making sure there wasn’t anyone new. Everyone started talking about their day, how badass they had been on the way here, while the others complained about the price of things in the airport. They walked together through the old woods in peace, until someone called them.

– Where’s your emissary? – A woman wearing a red necklace called upon the pack.

– Here! – Stiles lifted his hand, Scott defensively got in front of him. Erica put his hand down with her eyes glowing golden as a warning.

 The woman’s hand started emitting a red light, her mouth whispered words that made the forest tremble, she was casting an impressive spell against Stiles. Mason took his arm and held Derek while trying to run away from the witch. Scott tried to attack her, but a shield she had up tossed him away. One by one tried to face her, every member of the pack that could fight was down, she took away Lydia’s voice, made Liam human again, left the other werewolves unconscious, took away the spirit of the fox from Kira, and turned Malia back to coyote making her fleet from the scene.

 As the spell created a powerful wind around her, Stiles faced that he had no choice. After killing him, she would kill everyone he cared about. He broke the one rule that every supernatural creature avoided at all cost, killing a witch that belonged to a vengeful coven.

 Stiles charged through the wind, he used all the force remaining in him. He remembered all the times he was powerless, when the Nogitsune took over, when Gerard kidnapped him, when he saw his mother taking her last breath, and all the hard times. With all that had left, he faced the wind and took the knife hidden in a sheath on his leg. 

 He let the magic take over as a disarming spell he tossed at the witch broke through the shield, when it was down he tossed the knife with one quick hand movement before the witch could recover. The deafening noise stopped, the woods were once again peaceful, but he didn’t feel at peace.

– Stiles… – Lydia’s voice was hoarse, but the fear in it could be felt. She put a hand on his shoulder trying to comfort him. The rest of the pack joined her little by little, as they woke up from the blow. 

– Are you okay? – Scott asked him.

– I will be. – Stiles focused the rest of his energy on what they were going to do. Killing a witch like this had consequences, they would be haunted one by one.

 Scott went after Mason and Derek by Stiles’ request, and Isaac after Malia, who found the coyote quickly nearby. When a witch dies, unless it was casted intentionally, all the spells are undone. Most things were back to normal. Stiles stumbled trying to reach Lydia, she caught him before he hit the ground.

- Are you sure you're okay? You used a lot of magic today. - A worried tone wasn't a good sign coming from a banshee.

- Just some coffee and I'll be new. - Stiles shrugged away.

– You said we would’ve died at the gate, but now it seems like we are going to die anyway. – Malia said, starting to freaking out. Scott wasn’t back yet with Derek and Mason, which was starting to worry Stiles.

– You know, Stiles. I knew you’d kill me someday. – Jackson’s comforting words gained him a kick from Malia. Isaac nodded understanding the omega. – What? You can say that, but I can’t? – He said, disgruntled.

– Yeah. – Malia said, straightforwardly. 

 Jackson's glowering eyes faced hers, Malia’s claws were out and ready to attack, when Kira stood in front of Jackson.

– If you touch her, I’ll shove this sword in a place that the sun can’t meet. – The pack looked at her surprised. – I’m sorry. – Kira turned around to Malia, she smiled at the fox that was avoiding to meet her gaze.

 Erica, Boyd and Isaac were glued together, Kira and Malia were side by side in silence, Lydia and Jackson discussed something, and Liam was texting someone as Scott came back with Mason and Derek, he wasn’t awake anymore taking shallow breaths. The true alpha waited for the emissary to say something as he was trying to stop himself from running to check on Derek.

 Stiles looked at the alpha needing of medical care knowing what they would have to do. His magic had been overused, any more spells, and besides the headache he could be out for days, but there wasn’t any other choice,

– There’s one thing we can do to buy time. – Everyone turned their heads around to him.

– What? – Lydia asked. When Stiles tilted his head, they seemed to have a talk with only their eyes, she said something out loud as her eyes grew wide. – No!

– What? – Scott stopped them.

– Remember when the Ghost Riders erased the memory of all those people, including me?

– Yes. Dude, I wouldn’t just. – Scott stopped when he realized where this was going. – No! Stiles.

– It’ll be temporary. We’ll need to stay in a place where the spell will last the most, where people wouldn’t recognize most of us and Derek could get help.

– Let me guess. You already know the place. – Mason had a hunch.

– Where? – Kira asked, looking at Stiles with confusion.

– I have been hiding something from you guys. – Stiles started to anxiously pick his hands. – Last summer, when I said I had gotten a job and it was important. It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth. I was here in Beacon Hills, in my grandmother’s house.

– Isn’t she dead? – In all those years Scott had met Stiles, he had never mentioned her.

– I thought so too. You know, old lady that my parents never speak off, probably because of grief or she was a bad person. – He turned to the ones that had met his grandfather. – You know it wouldn’t have been a stretch. 

– I didn’t meet his grandfather. What the hell was I doing? – Liam asked Scott, he shook his head meaning they would talk about this later. Sometimes, Liam looked like a lost puppy.

– But it turns out she’s very much alive, the old lady is gonna outlive all of us. She trained me, most of the things I know about magic are because of her. – Stiles finished speaking.

– The spark boy kept a secret from a bunch of werewolves. – Erica smiles at him proudly as she pat him on the back.

– From his friends. – Scott said, disappointed.

– I promised her I wouldn’t tell anyone, unless I had to. She was tired of having to be the town’s witch, to take care of any supernatural problem the emissaries couldn’t, which if you ask me shouldn’t be that much.

– Dude. – Boyd spoke, bringing Stiles back to what was happening.

– I’m going to cast the forgetting spell and then, we’ll head out to her house. Isn’t that far away, it’s just hidden. We probably have passed in front of it a thousand times and didn’t even notice. I need any of you to find me forget-me-nots for the spell. – Stiles laughed. – Ironic, right?

 Lydia had her arms crossed as she fondly rolled her eyes. Stiles' eyes betrayed him as he kept stealing glances from Derek, he looked a little better than before, not by much.

Chapter Text

 Talia carried Laura in her arms as the yellow wolfsbane reached deeper, in the middle of the woods she ran to the closest solution available. A 7-year old scared Derek followed his mom.

 Laura and Derek were running around the woods out of the perimeter of the house when a hunter encountered them. Laura protected her little brother by taking the arrow shot going straight through her leg, the youngest hid and scared the hunter by pretending to have more than one werewolf with the glow on his eyes. Laura leaning on him walked the furthest she could until Talia found them.

– What happened? – Her eyes glowed, making Derek push away, fearing his mother.

- A hunter... - Laura was barely conscious. - Yellow wolfs... - Her breath got shallower.

– No, it’s okay. – She got closer with a serious voice. – I’m sorry. – His teary eyes looking at his sister made the woman hug them both.

– Everything will be okay. – She mumbled under her breath, cradling both kids.

 By the time they reached Maria’s house, the girl wasn’t awake. The witch removed the arrow from the leg, and created an antidote with the ingredients at hand: part of the blood around the wound, another sample of blood from a healthy werewolf plus a petal from any wolfsbane. She asked them to spend the night waiting for any signs of improvement.

 In the morning, Talia woke up with Derek hugging her as they sat in an armchair watching over Laura. She looked better, the color of her cheeks were no longer pale, the wound was almost fully healed.

 The room was cozy, with a blue wallpaper covered with white flowers, the sun brightened up the room making the strage place less scary. She left both kids resting, smelling the breakfast Maria made. They sat side by side, helping of a generous portion Maria obligated her to eat.

– She will be fine, Talia. – The old woman spoke, reassuring the alpha.

– I don’t worry only about the present. – Talia had grown up in a very different space, one where hunters killed for sport, she feared that history would repeat itself. – She’s such a stubborn kid.

– You were the same in her age. – Maria smiled. – Remember when there was an eclipse and you wanted to test how strong humans were? You twisted your arm, it was very ugly. – She laughed, Laura was just like her mother.

– But I grew up. – She spoke, assertively. Her eyes looked up, Derek had woken up, his heart wasn't as calm as before.

– If they have one 1% of your sturboness, they’ll be fine. – She held the woman’s hand. – And don’t be so hard on them. I know from experience what happens when you push your kid too far.

 Claudia and her mother had a complicated relationship, after her father died they grew even more apart. Talia took a deep breath scared of what the answer for the question ahead would be.

– Did you see anything? – Her eyes stared into the woman’s eyes searching for an answer before any was said.

– You know I can’t say. – Taking a sip of her coffee.

– Say what? – Derek said, taking them a bit by surprise while stealing a piece of bread. The kid knew how to use his super speed.

– What do we say before we take that piece of bread, Mrs? – Talia had the “You’re in trouble, kid” voice.

– Thank you? – Maria laughed, which made the kid really confused.

– It’s okay. He can eat anything. – She said, before Talia grounded him.

 Derek shoved a bunch of bread in his mouth, running around the table.

– Is Laura going to be okay? – He stopped to ask Maria, it was heartbreaking hearing a kid so worried and sad.

– Yes, dear. – He smiled going back to exploring the house.

– I can say that things will end up as they always were meant to. – The alpha felt a pinch of relief. – But the future is none of our concern, all of that is meant for the young souls. – They looked at the kid who was going up and down on the stairs.

 Part of the pack dispersed to find the flowers as a few were left behind. He had joked and pretended everything was okay moments ago, but the witch's body lay on the floor and Stiles couldn't stop staring at what he had done. Malia took one of the blankets from the provisions backpack and was about to cover the body before burying it when Stiles stopped her.

– We need to search her. – His hands were trembling.

– I can do that. – Malia tried to detain him, holding his hand before getting to touch the body.

– No. I need to do this. – She pushed her hand away from his. He straightened out Derek's jacket, it looked a little loose on him.

 Searching inside her jacket only to find necklaces that held small glass recipients. A few were broken.

– She was channeling other witches. – Malia got closer to see the necklaces.

– Why it's broken?

– Because she killed them while casting the spell. – Malia and Stiles looked at each other realizing how bad this was. Stiles was right to wait to cast the forgetting spell.

– Malia, do you still have the crown?

– Yeah. It’s in my pocket, why? – She fished the flower crown from her back pocket and gave it to him.

 Stiles placed the crown on the dead witch. He had to spare his powers, a witch must be buried cleansed, the closest thing they had was this. He felt sick watching Malia dig a grave.

 To occupy his mind he took care of Derek. In his backpack there was a medical kit, after cleaning all the deeper wounds with it, Boyd being more skillful with it carefully started stitching them. Lydia watched them, and as soon as they were done she went to talk with Stiles, who almost fell asleep next to Derek, his head resting on Boyd’s shoulder.

– Can we talk? – She asked, assertively.

– Sure. – He got up, glancing at Derek once more.

 The forest clearing made obvious it was about to be night. The sun was about to set and Stiles was looking like someone had beaten the shit out of him, the banshee was worried.

– How are you doing? – In her voice it was clear she knew the answer. – They walked together.

– I’ll be fine. I’m not sure about Derek, we should be going to my gran’s house. He’s starting to have nightmares which don’t help the healing process... – Stiles was about to spiral when Lydia reached his arm.

– Gran? – She changed the subject. Stiles raised his eyebrow.

– What’s wrong with gran? – He was offended.

– Nothing. It’s sweet. – She suddenly stopped. – Are you sure you know the way?

– Yeah. I know where her house is. – He said with a sarcastic tone.

– Boyd? – Lydia turned her back to Stiles, facing Boyd from afar. After she called his attention, he pretended not to already be hearing the conversation.

– His heart hesitated a little. – Stiles looked at him betrayed, but Boyd only nodded and mouthed a “sorry”. Everyone was a bit scared of Lydia.

– Okay. I’m 80 percent sure. – Lydia looked at Boyd, who shook his head. She faced Stiles again with her arms folded and brow raised looking for the truth. – 70%. I’m 70 percent sure. – Boyd signalized with a nod that the man was saying the truth.

– 70 percent will have to do. – She gazed at Derek and back at Stiles worried about both of them.

 As Lydia said those words, Mason came running, almost out of breath and holding a few flowers in his hand. The triumph smile made Stiles breath again, relieved that at least one thing worked out.

– A human got the ingredient for the spell. – He danced a little. Liam was behind him and he started dancing even more around the boy.

– I’m taking that. – Stiles said, taking the flowers from his hands.

– Not even a thank you? – Stiles didn’t even hear him, he was already deep in his thoughts trying to remember the words for the spell.

– I’ll high five you, bro. – Liam said, consoling him.

– Thank you. – They high fived as Lydia stared at them.

– What? – Liam asked, not understanding the red hair.

– Aren't you going to call them back?

– Oh! – Realizing with a silly smile. – Sorry. – He howled, a sign to them to return back to the clearance.

 The pack gathered around a campfire Scott had set. Erica, Lydia were by Stiles' side as he set the things for the spell. Before starting the spark went to check on Derek.

– His fever is worse. Whatever is happening inside his head right now is stopping the healing process. – Boyd spoke, placing a wet towel on his head.

 Stiles looked at the ingredients set in the tree stomp and back at Derek. Erica got her arms around him, they looked at each other knowing there was an obvious choice.

– Scott. – He called the true alpha.

– What? – Scott showed up in the blink of an eye, looking around to see if everything was okay.

– I’m not doing the spell. – His tone of voice was serious and decisive.

– What do you mean? You said this is the only way we can buy time! – Scott wasn’t understanding his best friend. – Malia told me about the necklaces. They will kill anything stopping them, – John and Melissa were human, and the pack couldn't simply make them stop living their lives for months trying to hide.

– I say a lot of things. – He tried to joke, but the audience was tough. – I only have enough juice for one last spell. – He looked at Derek now, understanding where this was going. Stiles choose him.

– Do you think you can heal him and get us at your grandmother’s house before it’s dark?

– Yes, the healing spell doesn’t take long. – He said, hopeful.

– Okay. Do it. – Scott, Boyd, Erica and Lydia kept a safe distance from them.

 He sat next to Derek, taking a deep breath before anything else. He looked at the man standing in front of him, Derek looked so young, mumbling a few words that were fragmented as the nightmares seemed to get worse. Stiles' golden hand glow was flickering, it took a few seconds to stabilize. He carefully took Derek’s hand, whispering the words as if it was the most important thing ever said. After a few seconds Derek’s vein started to glow in the same golden tone as Stiles hand did, the glow started taking over as Stiles hand went back to normal. Stiles stared at his hand blinking a few times, disgruntled from the amount of magic he had used today. Derek’s wounds closed after the glow ceased.

 Stiles leaned in on Erica as he got up with a crooked smile.

– We need someone to help carry Derek. – Scott said, trying to think how this was going to work.

– Not it. – Malia yelled with her hand raised.

– I'm not doing it. – Jackson went back to his phone.

– Good. I was going to ask Isaac for help. – Scott answered. – Liam, stay by Boyd’s side if anything happens. – They couldn't lose the only person who knew medical care.

 Liam “accidentally” dropped Jackson’s phone on the floor, which made Isaac chuckle.

 Mason, Malia and Kira stood by Lydia's side as they walked behind the spark. Behind them Scott and Isaac carried Derek, holding his arms on their shoulders.

– Now follow me, wolves. – He made a weak attempt at howling, which made Lydia shake her head in disapproval and Scott pat his back as a sign to stop as Kira gave a sympathetic nod for the attempt. Jackson was rethinking this entire situation, missing his boyfriend and London.

 Stiles led the way, pointing and second guessing a lot, but he was sure they were going the right way. Well, seventy percent sure. When they got on a crossroad, he stopped to analyze.

– Yes. I’m sure it’s south, Lyds. – He spoke, a little mad for doubting him so much.

– I didn’t say anything. – She got her hands up. - But, are you sure it's south?

– Yeah, but you were thinking it.

 He pointed both ways, narrowing his eyes trying to see something with his phone's flashlight as night had fallen upon the pack. Choosing the path on the right. Walking a few steps before stopping again leaning on a tree, this time the dizziness got to him making everyone worried.

– We should stop. – Lydia got in front of the pack.

– Stiles, you need to rest. – Scott was worried. Boyd offered his water bottle.

– No. No, we are so close. Only a few more minutes. – Erica stood closer, knowing how stubborn he was, she offered him her arm as a gesture to show faith in him. They walked to the house holding arms.

 Stiles stood in front of a rock in the ground staring at it, turning off his phone's flashlight. The pack was waiting for something to happen when he broke the silence.

– I need someone to claw out. – The wolves looked at him weirded out. – It's not a weird thing to ask your pals. – He tried to make things less weird.

– It's pretty weird, dude. – Liam said with a raised brow.

– Why the hell do you need that? – Isaac asked.

– Yeah. This is weird. – Jackson commented.

– For the love of god. – Erica said, clawing out about to start losing her patience. He used the sharp claw to make a small cut on his finger.

– Yeah, this is definitely weird. – Malia looked at him. He just looked away from them a little annoyed. The four men that were behind noticed Derek’s eyes open for a second.

 – Veni domum. – Stiles started saying the words under his breath several times. The blood spilled on the rock started flying making a braided pattern with the golden glow from his magic, as both dissipated in thin air a woman stood in front of them.

 She had one of her arms on top of a shotgun that pointed to the ground. Erica and Malia clawed out ready to fight. The farm entrance had its gate open welcoming the pack.

– Carus expectatusque domum venisti. – The woman said with a smile, happy that her grandson was back home.

– Gran! – He spoke happy to see her, getting closer but being stopped by the weapon. – Why the shotgun?

– Almost midnight and a bunch of people show up in front of my house. – Her eyes showed how tough the woman was, but they changed when she saw the wolf. – Come in! – It was an order everyone happily followed, but her grandson.

– I would wash those towels. Since The Hobbit came out she hasn't had any guests. – He said, before passing out, Erica caught him.

 Derek woke up to stare into a wallpaper he hadn’t seen in years, the smell of fresh baked bread he had dreamt about after leaving Maria's house. In the bed next to his Stiles was drooling, deep in a slumber using his jacket as a blanket. He closed his eyes, relieved.

 The memories were muddled, he heard things before the nightmares started. Someone attacked them and he couldn't help. Getting up from bed and sitting next to a sleepy spark was soothing as Lydia opened the door holding a tray of food.

– Oh, you're up. – Derek could sense she was happy about it. – Good, we can’t lose our retirement plan. – Derek smiled, Lydia thought it was weird for a second as it didn't happen very often but reciprocated.

– Why are we here? – The banshee noticed how the choice of words were odd.

– You've been here before? – She set the tray on the bed.

– When I was a kid. Maria took care of Laura.

– Maria is Stiles’ grandmother. – Derek looked at her confused as something clicked in his brain.

– What? – Lydia knew something had just changed as Derek's gaze softened with sheer concern looking at Stiles.

Chapter Text

 Everyone sat around the table starving, last night Maria had set a bunch of sleeping pads, so they were rested for the day. They slept in the living room, leaving the guest room for the two healing.

– Why do you have so many sleeping pads? – Lydia asked, looking at the woman bringing more of them.

– Who cares? – Isaac jumped into one of them, quickly snuggled on the sleeping pad ready to sleep.

– You think you’re the first pack I’ve harbored? – Scott looked at her impressed. – I can say that you’re the first pack I’ve had that has a fox and a banshee. – Kira's eyes grew surprised as Lydia tried to look unimpressed. – Don’t worry, dear. You’re all welcomed.

– How do you know all of this? – The banshee asked.

– My grandson is a talker. – The summer Stiles had with her she knew more than she actually wanted to. The pack silently agreed.

 At the table Maria started placing the plates of food, she gave one tray to Lydia to take upstairs, saving her plate on the kitchen for later; when she sat down they all looked at her.

– Go ahead, kids. – They devoured the bread, the jam, and anything edible on the table was gone in ten minutes.

– Now I get why Stiles gained weight in the summer. – Isaac had his hand resting on belly, full like never before.

– Can I stay here forever? – Malia asked, staring at her empty plate.

– If you clean the entire house and the barn weekly, I don’t see any problem. – The old woman answered.

– No, I’m good. – She answered, making them laugh.

– Uh, it was fine. – Jackson pushed his empty plate away. The rest of the pack started booing him, Malia tossed a paper towel at him. - Okay! It was good. - He said, before Malia started throwing forks at him.

– How is Derek? – She asked, making everyone go silent.

– You know Derek? – Boyd and the pack all craned their heads looking at the woman.

– I knew his family. – A fond smile took her face.

– You knew Derek’s family? – Isaac replied, the shock on his face along with Erica’s had the woman smiling.

– Did you know Laura? – Scott was always curious to know about the girl that started this whole thing.

– Of course. He must really miss her, they were glued to the hip. – Her voice tone became melancholic. – There was no Hale pack without those three kids exploring the woods.

 Derek started coming down the stairs by the time the conversation had taken smaller groups. Maria got up with a smile, her arms gesturing a welcome pose at the man.

– Derek Hale. – He got closer to the woman. – You look just like your mother. – Her hands gently cupped his face.

– She clearly has a favorite. – Jackson muttered, the comment won him a look from Lydia.

– There’s anything we can do to help him? – Lydia tilted her head at his question, still confused.

– There’s only one thing you can do, don’t let him overuse magic again. He’s not that tired only because of the magic. – Derek nodded keeping that information in mind.

– What’s going on? – Scott couldn’t handle all the secrecy anymore.

– I’m not that one you should ask. – The alpha knew the answer couldn’t come from him.

– Why is Stiles keeping all these secrets, doesn’t he trust us?

– They’re not our secrets, Scott. – Erica came into Stiles' defense.

– Aren’t you hurt he’s been lying to you and Boyd? – Boyd held Erica’s hand.

– Yes. I am! But right now he’s upstairs unconscious, he almost exhausted himself to death to keep us safe. – The voice was trembling with mixed emotion of anger and sadness. Boyd decided to add something.

– That’s the opposite your girlfriend did to us if you don’t remember? – Mentioning Allison made everyone silent.

– I think that’s enough. – Isaac intervened.

 Boyd and Erica barely escaped Beacon Hills all those years ago, they left before the Alpha pack could get to them. They couldn’t contact Isaac for years after that, only in their senior years they came back to Beacon Hills, and he was already miles away along with Derek. Erica left hurt that Isaac could defend Allison after everything, Boyd went after her.

– I think we should. – Malia spoke to Kira, pointing to the main door.

– Yeah. – The fox mouthed “I’m sorry.” to Scott before leaving.

– Us too. – Mason squeezed Liam’s arm making him get up. 

– Uh… Bye. – Jackson left in the blink of an eye.

They felt a bit awkward, that was not a conversation they should be a part of.

 There was only Isaac, Derek, Maria, Lydia and Scott left in the room. Lydia went to the kitchen to get her breakfast, she quickly came back to the room still in silence..

– Okay, boys. It’s time to get ugly. You aren’t going to be able to live as a pack of two alphas without solving your problems. – She gestured for them all to sit down again. Lydia ate watching whatever was about to happen unfold.

– Are you sure about this? – Lydia stopped midway into biting the bread, skeptical about this tactic.

– I no longer use my magic for battle, but I’ll stop your boys from jumping at each other. You heard me? – Lydia was starting to like the woman.

– What do I have to do with this? – Isaac didn’t want to be a part of this, he wanted to make things right with his friends.

– Stiles told me you were a part of both packs. You’re the last word in this as you have an impartial opinion. – Isaac thought “Of course he did.”

– And me? – The banshee asked.

– I like you. And your grandma was a good friend of mine. – Lydia smiled. The witch clapped her hand, causing the room to tremble from the ground to the ceiling, making everyone a bit scared. – Derek start by asking something that is in your mind?

– Why did you let Stiles use his magic so carelessly? – This was not the first time he had passed out because of overuse of his magic.

– Dude, you know that if it was up to me, I would’ve stopped him. – Stiles wouldn’t be stopped by exhaustion, well, except for the time he did. – I do agree that if we’re going to face the Amans coven, we need him to stop overusing his magic before he dies. – Scott’s was upset about this whole trip. – I can’t lose my best friend.

– Wait. Did you say Amans coven? You’re all here because of them? – All heads turned to her again.

– Yes. They tried to catch me and Stiles after we had faced Monroe, thinking we were weak, and now the dudes are going crazy again. – Scott said.

– Let’s finish this first and then you have to gather your pack by the time Stiles is awake, we can’t do this without him. – She got back to trying to fix the pack. – Scott, what is something that Derek does that bothers you?

– This is gonna get bad. – Isaac nodded his head agreeing with Lydia.

– You don’t talk to us, Derek. If it were up to you, you’d leave without telling any of us. We literally have a group chat about things you mention about your so that we could make sense of things. There’s like five texts on there. – Scott realized he might have said too much.

– Dude. – Isaac answered, scared by what would happen.

– You have a what? – Derek was a bit betrayed. His mouth was agape and then suddenly he laughed.

– What’s happening? – Isaac looked at Scott as Derek was still laughing, now with Lydia.

- Why are you laughing? - Scott asked.

- This is a little funny... And I'm sleep deprivate. - Lydia went back to eating her breakfast.

– I’m sorry. – Derek sincerely answered. That’s something that Laura would probably do to keep track of our mom's past.  

– That 's six now. – Maria smiled amused at Isaac.

– I’ll try to be more open with my… feelings. – He had trouble saying that.

– I think we’re done here. – She dusted her hands, her job here was done. 

- Wait. - Derek wasn't sure of their plans, Lydia told them that it was a little time off grid and then they were free. But that's how running away always starts - Are you sure about this plan?

- Yes. I believe in Stiles. - Derek nodded, he knew it about faith, things could spiral out of control quickly.

– That’s it? – Scott was baffled how easy this actually was.

– That’s it. You both feel better don’t you? – Maria seemed to be in a hurry. Scott and Derek quickly nodded. – This wasn’t that hard. – Things seemed lighter between them. – Lydia, dear. Help me make a tonic to bring Stiles energy back. – They left for the kitchen.

 Isaac got up from the table, as he left the room Derek was behind him.

– I can be your impartial man. – He wasn't sure about what he was saying. Derek put a hand on his shoulder, showing he was on their side. Things with Allison and their friends was an untapped subject, every time they had met since then they avoided it.

– Good. I think they are more mad at you than me. – Maybe Isaac was also mad at Derek after all that time.

 Near Maria’s garden there were a few beach chairs she had set up, probably for the pack to spend time outside. Erica and Boyd held hands looking at the trees surrounding them, the place was peaceful.

– I’m sorry. – Isaac said, Erica and Boyd didn’t turn their heads at him. – I know what Allison did was awful. – Erica sneered. – But she died saving me.

– Awful? Awful was that scarf you were wearing in the last picture you sent me. – Isaac looked hurt, he had bought that in a great sale. – I’m not going to forgive the bitch. – Derek raised an eyebrow, he understood that.

– I’m sorry, Isaac. I agree with her. – Boyd spoke.

– And you shouldn’t if you don’t want to. – Isaac glanced at the alpha, wasn’t he going to help him? – Isaac you shouldn’t understand, but you can make peace with that, right?  And Erica can you make peace that he forgave her, for the sake of your friendship? – He felt the same way he did when Cora and Laura used to fight.

– I can. I thought you guys were dead, I don’t ever want to feel away from you. – He was fighting tears in his eyes.

– I don’t know. – Erica was trying to be tough. Boyd got up, ready to forgive Isaac.

– I forgive you, bro. – They shook hands as Erica got on her feet too.

 They stood in front of Isaac, both never wanted to be away from each other, they were a family. Isaac looked so sad, Erica gave in one look and was ready to forgive the man, he was older than her, but still her little brother.

– Of course, I forgive you, you dumbass. – Her voice got softer, struggling not to cry. They hugged each other tightly.

– I love you guys. – Isaac said, as Derek watched the pack he had created finally become what a pack should be. Boyd opened the way in the hug for Derek to join, they looked at him with smiles as an invite. 

 Before he could do that, he had to say something. 

– I’m sorry. – He knew he didn’t do right by them as their alpha. – I wasn’t a good alpha. Scott is right, I should be more open. – Isaac tappedhis arm as comfort, the touch was a strange but comforting feeling. – I taught you guys how to survive, but that isn’t all that being a pack is meant to be. I was never meant to be the alpha, I didn’t know what I was doing, I never did.

 The nightmares he had the day before were about his worst fears, most had already happened. What would’ve happened if the Alpha pack had found them? He could never forgive himself.

– If anything had happened to you… I should’ve been better.

– You did your best. – Boyd answered, knowing that everything that happened wasn’t entirely his fault.

– You could’ve been better. – Erica said, making Isaac laugh breaking the ice. 

– Isaac, I’m sorry too. I tried to protect you by pushing you away instead of being straight with you. You deserve better and I’m glad that Scott could be the alpha you needed.

 Isaac pushed Derek for a hug, Erica and Boyd joined in. Derek hadn’t been a good alpha, but he was part of their little family. He had been there for Isaac’s graduation, showed up for Erica when her parents were traveling again to help her move to college, had stood by Boyd’s side when he visited his sister’s grave.

– We’re not letting you push us away this time. – Erica said, with certainty. – Oh, Stiles is gonna hate having missed this. – Isaac tilted his head disagreeing with a resigned smile.

 Derek found a random book around the house and an old fashion magazine for Isaac, Isaac somehow found two pairs of sunglasses in the closet. Boyd and Erica sat again in the beach chairs holding hands, Isaac and Derek sat beside them reading. Isaac and Erica's matching sunglasses made them look like a family on vacation. 

 The trees danced and the sunlight bathed them, the breazy in this hot day made them calmer.

 The tonic wasn’t a perfect solution, it had a few side effects. But they needed the spell and Maria had to warn them. She found her grandson tangled with a blanket and Derek’s jacket, still drooling.

– I hope your system digests this better than Claudia’s. – Claudia took those tonics when sick, but they made her restless. Her father and mother had to spend days with their daughter wake in the middle of the night cooking, reading books, rehearsing plays and having energy for so many things.

 She tilted his head forward, he drank the tonic and within a few seconds was up again. Stiles stood up in the room, ready to face the day.

– What happened while I was down? – He spoke fast, his eyes looked agitated.

– Oh god. – Maria knew this had gone sideways.

– You need to tell them the truth. And I need to tell why the Amans coven is after you.

– Do we? – He said as his phone buzzed on the bed. He picked up only to see 20 missed calls from his dad. – I’m a dead man. – He sat down, both hands on his head, scared of what his dad was going to say. – I have to call my dad. – Maria was about to open the door. – Can you stay? – She sat on the bed next to him with a faint smile.

 Stiles called his dad’s number, anxiously tapping his finger on his leg as the call wasn’t answered.

– Stiles! – John answered with relief.

– Hi, dad. – He tried to sound casual.

– Where the hell have you been? – Stiles didn’t even have a chance to answer. – I’m going to escort a police car to stay in front of your dorm, Stiles! – Stiles knew his dad didn’t have that sort of power, but he didn’t want to doubt the man.

– I’m fine, dad. I’m in Beacon Hills. – Maria looked at him, John wasn’t going to like the exact place.

– Then you’re coming home right now. – His voice was decisive, he needed to make sure he son wasn’t lying, Stiles had shown up with too many bruises already.

– I can’t. I’m at Gran’s house. – He tried to give the least worst information first.

– You don’t have a grand… – John took a deep breath. – Hell, son. - All that Claudia ever said to him about her mother was that she was tough on her, she never let Claudia be a kid. - Are you actually fine? – And he had to let his son grow up too, they would always take care of each other, but Stiles also had to fight his own battles.

– Yes. Just a few scratches. Nothing major, nothing… – Stiles had to be honest with him about this part. – I passed out again.

– Son… Promise me you won’t do that again. – He was worried since this whole magic thing started, Claudia never said anything about that family trait. 

– I promise, dad. I love you. And eat your vegetables, sheriff. – John laughed with the last comment.

– I love you too, kid. – He turned the phone off, that spell would suck. Maria was smiling and staring at him fondly like it had taken her back in time.

– What? Did I actually get hurt and didn’t realize it? – He started to frenetically touch his face trying to find a bruise.

– No, you’ll be fine. You’re just like Claudia, you get people to care for you in such a deep way. – His dad avoided talking about his mom, so hearing something like this meant the world to him.

– Thank you. – He was happy to have a piece of that great woman that raised him.

 Stiles got downstairs to be met by Scott in another hug, he lifted the spark on the air. He felt like dying again, breathing was hard.

- Dude. We have to discuss the strength of this hugs. - Scott beamed, the hugs were becoming a tradition.

- No, I'm fine, man. - He hugged Stiles again.

 They parted from the hug. Maria and Derek were discussing something, Stiles got closer to them as Scott left the room. 

– You two know each other? – Derek took a second to look at Maria and Stiles, they had the same eyes.

– I knew his family. – She was proud of having known the Hale clan.

– Oh shit. – He pinched the bridge of his nose. The pack got closer, he turned away to them. – This means that we only have a week of being forgotten, with two people being recognized by a person we lose a week.

 Things were getting heated, literally. It was hot and moods were getting worse by the second. The pack had made a line for the showers, complaining about how long it was taking Lydia. Isaac told them what he heard Stiles saying in the other room. Kira started freaking out realizing that she had so much to do. They were each close to the midterms. Stiles hadn’t specified the time, they thought it was longer.

– I have a paper to deliver in two weeks. – Kira closed her eyes trying to be patient.

– I’m missing a Miu Miu’s sale. – Isaac said, the rest looked at him with eyebrows raised. – It’s the biggest sale of the year. - He, Erica and Boyd were the last ones in line after just chilling most of the afternoon.

– I’m missing work. – Malia leaned at the wall, relaxed about the fact. - I’m fine with it. 

- Lydia. It's been almost an hour. - Jackson knocked at the door, angry at the amount of the time it was taking.

 In the living room,  Stiles was missing something. He noticed how familiar Derek felt around his grandmother, he felt more comfortable around her than Peter.

- Where's the rest of pack? - He asked Derek.

- Hmm... they are in line in the bathroom, and they know. - Derek knew how much Stiles was screwed. He swallowed hard, maybe he should have been more straight forward about the news.

– I would wash those towels. Since The Hobbit came out she hasn't had any guests. – Stiles answered, he had spent the summer in this house, he knew the best. - Lyds! - The woman had gone out of the bathroom looking amazing, but she had a angry frown.

– You already said that. And what you mean only a week? I'm supposed to be getting ready for a presentation. – Lydia replied, suspicious. – What is hell is happening?

 Lydia told the pack to reunite at the living room before dinner. They were ready to start planning an ambush, the heat wasn't bothering that much anymore. They attacked Stiles with a hug, even Malia joined in.

– You’re alive. – Erica punched him on his arm. – Don’t ever scare us like that again.

–You can't die, you're the one keeping us alive. - Liam hugged him tightly.

– I’m good. – Jackson said as Lydia pushed him into the group hug. Maria and Derek watched them.

 They sat down in the couch, everyone squeezing in because it didn't fit them all. Maria and Derek stood by the fireplace waiting for him to start. He was pacing the room, trying to find the words for the crazy thing he was about to say.

– My family has magic, we all already know that. It’s old news, right? – They nodded. – Okay. So… there’s another ability passed down, it skips one generation, but the other is born with it. That's what skipping a generation means. – He looked at his grandmother, seeking to make things easier.

– My daughter, Claudia, didn't like magic. So she decided to raise her children without it, but she knew someday… – Stiles stopped her.

– Would join the family business.

 – Why are you talking like your family is supernatural? – Liam said. 

– Oh, my god. You’re a Winchester. –  Boyd mocked Stiles a little.

– No. – He narrowed his eyes. – I can see the future. – Scott laughed first, the pack followed him, but when Stiles, Maria and Derek kept their serious faces they stopped. –  I can see glimpses when I’m too tired, like the towel thing or when Lydia was doubting my masterful skill to find directions. – Lydia rolled her eyes. – They will start after I turn 21. Yay, I get to drink and get doomed for the rest of my life. - He clenched his fists in fake celebration.

– It’s important you know this because it’s the whole reason the Amans coven is after your pack. – Maria talked before any questions were raised.

– They are after Stiles. – Boyd said. Derek didn’t seem happy about it.

– There’s a story, one that happened 20 years ago. I need you all to pay attention. – With her magic she turned the rest of the lights of the house on and closed a few windows. The pack was definitely paying attention now.

– The Amans coven has always been powerful because they keep their old magic alive, they live by the old ways. The women rarely have children because they are so devoted to their craft, but 24 years ago, a little girl was born. She was their salvation to extinction, this new and pure power brought them hope. 

 Until the girl turned eight.  Unlike Stiles or me, her powers came early, she tried to warn them about tragedies, they never listened. One day, she was tired after many warnings were pushed aside, she knew her mom was going and tried to stop it. I'm guessing you all know how that probably ended.

 Her mom died brutally, killed by a hunter trying to save her daughter. The girl went mad, she killed half of her coven, leaving the other half fearing her. The supernatural community calls her Cassandra.

– I wish we had popcorn. – Malia whispered to Kira.

– And she’s also after us? – Scott asked.

– That’s why they are after us. – Lydia understood where the witch was going. – They want Stiles to be ahead of her and to sacrifice the rest of us to have enough power to stop her.

– Precisely. – Maria knew they had their work cut out for them.

- She's same age as us, that can't be a coincidence. - Lydia decided to get up from the couch, feeling free.

- I don't think either. - Derek has his arms crossed, agreeing with the red haired woman.

 Derek and Stiles looked at each other. Derek pointed with his chin to Stiles to go ahead. He mouthed “Say something.” Stiles answered “You say something.”

 Derek stepped in front of the pack, the plan they didn't even had for this mess would have to change.

– We have a week to figure out what we are going to do. And we have to consider that Cassandra already knows their plan, she might be going after us.

– Oh, great. – Mason knew they were above their heads.

 Lydia dragged them to talk about something important. On the porch stood Stiles, Maria, Derek and Scott ready to hear what she had to say.

– Something is wrong with my powers. – She gestured with her hands, not understanding how this could happen. – I tried to hear and see something before the witches’ death, but nothing came. Nothing… – Stiles held her shoulders. 

– What does this mean? – Derek asked Maria, who had a concerned face.

– Someone is blocking your powers or… – Stiles let out a troubled sigh. – When there’s too much death ahead, a banshee’s power becomes unstable. - Stiles answered instead, he had gotten in deep research mode for everyone in the pack when Monroe's efforts grew stronger.

– I had finally gotten used to these powers. – Scott tapped her arm, trying to help somehow. Lydia didn’t let any tears out, she composed herself. – I’m not letting someone or faith stop me. My powers aren’t someone’s plaything. – She got in, determined to find out what is wrong.

– That’s my girl. – Stiles said with a coy smile.

 Before Stiles went back to the house, Derek gently pushed him back by his arm. They both were alone as a the porch light flickered.

– Wait. – Stiles looked at the conflicted green eyes. – Before we go back, can you promise me something?

– What? Look I can’t say what my grandmother slipped out about the future in the summer, she is weirdly specific about…

– No. Stiles. – He got a serious voice that worried the spark. – Can you promise me not to overuse your magic. – Worried Derek was cute, but this wasn’t a time for such a promise.

– I can’t. I can tell you something weird my grandmother said, sometimes she slips up. – Stiles was waiting for Derek to stop him, but the babbling actually made Derek a little amused waiting for the answer. – Cowboy boots will make a comeback… This doesn’t sound as important as it did in my head. –  He realized as Derek’s face grew serious again.

– Then can you promise me in the moment magic starts hurting you, any nosebleeds Deaton told us about, you’ll stop? - His green eyes seemed stormy.

– I promise. – Stiles ruined the moment by when his hand met Derek’s and pushed him inside the house, the smell of food in the air was calling him. – Come on. I’m really freaking hungry, man.

 By nightfall dinner was served, the smell was killing the pack of hungry werewolves. They sat around the table, and this time with everyone. There was silence at the table after what was revealed in the afternoon.

– So tonight I’ll cast the spell. – Stiles broke the silence. He was fidgeting anxiously in the table, the tonic gave too much energy.

– I do not advise that. – Maria cancelled his plans. – The tonic can change results of such a delicate spell.

– Oh, now this sucks. At least I had something to break the silence.

 Derek had different opinions about the spell, everyone thought this would buy time, but he knew running away could snowball.

– Did anyone watch the new Captain America? – Scott asked before things got tense again.

 The answer was a bunch of “Yeah” “No, not yet" and “I'm not a geek”, the last one by Jackson.

– Okay. – Erica knew this could go on forever. – Let's discuss the elephant on the table. – Her voice wasn't very excited at first, but she 180 the convo in a few seconds. – What are we doing for Stiles' 21st birthday? – She said with a smile.

– No. You and Lydia aren’t uniting again. – He pinched his nose. Stiles was against these two throwing parties together. – I just want beer, lots and lots of beer. And if possible more beer. And also maybe one of those little umbrellas they put on drinks. – Lydia raised her eyebrow with an amused smile. – What? I like them and it's my birthday.

– Last time there was that weird prune cake. – Malia remembered making a face, the cake was pretty bad.

– It was fancy. – Lydia tried to defend, knowing it was a lost battle.

– You liked the cake, right, Babe? – Erica asked Boyd, who averted his eyes from hers.

– This casserole is delicious, Maria. How long does it take to cook? – He tried to change the subject.

– I would answer your wife. – She said, realizing the mistake. Everyone looked surprised by the word being used so soon. Boyd stood still, not knowing what to say, but Erica was faster and pulled him for a kiss.

– Husband. – She said after the kiss.

– Wife. – He said with a big smile, they grinned at each other.

– That’s why I don’t spend a lot of time with people. – She had rested on her forehead, lamenting the spoiler.

– It’s okay, Gran. We all knew they would tie the knot first. – Stiles tried to make her feel better. The rest of the table agreed.

– How will Stiles' powers work? Can he tell me if I can make it through freshman year? – Liam asked,curious about his own future.

– Maybe, but if you fail, there's nothing you can do. The visions are moments set in stone, there's nothing we can do to change the outcome. - Maria looked around. - I have tried. – Scott, Lydia and Derek looked at Stiles, knowing how stubborn he was, the disappointment on her voice would be in his.

 Silence set in the room, Stiles would’ve tried to joke about it if he hadn’t gotten stuck on his head. In a few months everything would be different, this time he was going to have to be better. He couldn’t fail …

– Do you know when it’s Derek’s birthday, Maria? – Isaac took the opportunity, trying also to bring the room back from the dead. It had been years they had been trying to do the math of when exactly was his birthday, they landed between October and March, a big and unhelpful gap. Derek looked at Maria shaking his head, almost begging her not to say.

– Derek is a Christmas baby. – All heads turned to the alpha, he pursed his lips waiting for the comments. – I was there when he was born, they had so many gifts for such a small child… Help me with something, mischief. – Maria suddenly left, she ran upstairs remembering something. Lydia eyed Stiles about the nickname as he ran after her.

– I can officially say he is the grinch. This is my Christmas. – Malia laughed. Stiles summed a little Santa hat with his magic on top of the stairs, Derek was having flashbacks of family dinners.

– What kind of gift did Peter gave you? I'm betting on a book for evil for children. – Lydia asked, enjoying this piece of information too much.

- I'm betting on evil for children 2. - Scott answered. Begrudgingly, Derek decided to answer the pack.

– He used to gift us brand clothes. Cora was six years old wearing a Valentino sweater. – They laughed, the feeling that had taken the room was cozy.

 Many more comments were said about the birthday, Kira tried to land a joke, but only one that laughed was Malia and with a threat in her eyes made the rest of the pack laugh along. Lydia gained interest in Derek's small comments, they formed the picture of the Hale family better.

 Maria was ahead, Stiles dusted off a picture as he started to go downstairs. A shining smile directed to the picture, he held it proudly.

– What do you think it’s? – Kira asked Scott.

– I have no idea. – He looked at Stiles as he stepped into the dining room.

– I remembered that I forgot something. – She looked at Derek. – A few years ago, someone left something here for you.

 Derek got up, scared of what expected him, Stiles handed the picture to the wolf. His hands carefully grasped it, the expression while looking at the picture was soft, the picture clearly had sentimental value. 

– How? – Every last picture they had was either burned down by the fire or Laura throwed away the ones she took to college, so that no one could know who they were.

 Turns out, she couldn’t get rid off this one. They took the picture weeks before she left for college, it was one of the happiest times on her life.

– Laura found me. She made me promise to give it to you whenever it was possible. – She paused for a moment with a fond smile. – She was a great alpha like your mother.

 Stiles stood by Maria's side as the pack gathered around Derek to see the picture. Her eyes held sadness, she had hoped that maybe the vision about the fire were hoax.

– Baby Derek was cute. – Mason pointed to Derek, who had a big smile.

– Clearly a momma's boy. – Lydia, said. In the picture Talia only hugged her husband and Derek.

– And Laura was your Dad's favorite. – Scott has never seen Derek’s father, he definitely inherited his jawline. He wore a shirt with Laura’s graduation picture in the frame.

– Look at Cora! – Boyd said with a smile. The girl had hand horns while making a face. They looked happy.

– Oh, I'm going to make so much fun of her. – Erica took a picture with her phone.

 Derek caught a glimpse of Stiles holding his hand on Maria’s shoulder, he seemed to be comforting her. Derek did something his mother would never do, but his dad wouldn’t even think about. He hugged Maria.

– Thank you for holding onto this. – He said, making both of them emotional. His eyes met Stiles, the understanding of what this piece of the past meant to him made the spark smile at him. But Derek could see through it, there was a fear behind it.

Chapter Text

 Stiles woke up exhausted, he had slept a few hours after the effect of the tonic had worn off. The house was spotless after last night, his entire energy was used to clean the mess left by the pack, and he had made new discoveries on how to face the Amans coven. That all would seem great, if a headache wasn’t driving him insane. He was eating breakfast on the porch, trying to stay away from the noise. 

– How are you doing? – Lydia sat in the rocking chair next to him. She had her plate of food accompanied by an understanding look. Sometimes, being a banshee meant going insane with headaches after using her powers, she wouldn’t admit, but right now she missed that.

– Like a bomb went off in my head, but you know, good beside that. – Lydia pursed her lips, she needed to ask.

– Are you good for the spell? – Stiles noticed the noise inside had stopped, they were clearly eavesdropping. His grandmother had set the ingredients outside in a foldable table, after breakfast it was just them, no one would remember or care.

– Yeah. I’m not worried about that, it’s just puff and bibbidi-bobbidi-boo. – Lydia smiled at his snark.

– Then what are you worried about? – She shared a piece of bread with him.

– How far are they willing to go to eavesdrop on us.

- We're not eavesdropping. - Isaac yelled outraged by the statement, causing them to laugh. 

 Stiles noticed again, before the spell Liam had called his mom and dad, and then texted someone. Everyone was saying their goodbye, not even Stiles was one-hundred percent sure that the spell was going to last a week, so it was understandable. Liam was standing near a tree when Stiles went to talk to him, he had a smile on his lips staring at his phone.

– What’s up with you? – Liam's eyes were wide, the spark had caught him.

– Noth… Nothing. – He stuttered. – We should go. – Liam was about to start walking when Stiles stopped in front of him. Liam averted his gaze, he was about to use his super speed to run away from him.

– So who is it? – Stiles had a smirk, he was entertained by Liam’s flushed cheeks.

– No one, Stiles. We should be moving. – He tried to walk away, but Stiles took one step in front of him, making Liam give up. Knowing he wouldn’t give up very easily, and Stiles missed knowing about Liam’s life.

 Liam pressed his phone, and started to play a loud song. The pack wouldn’t be able to hear them through the song. The beta decided to talk first about something Scott was lying about, maybe Stiles would forget about it.

– Things are bad and I mean bad about the “new pack”. – He used air quotes. Scott had been saying that everything was fine, he was building a new pack.

– What? – Stiles had been questioning about that, but Scott had a power of finding the right people, right? And that was the problem, it was hard finding the right people. Scott had realized Derek was right, the bite was a gift and not everyone deserved it.

– We try to recruit people, but they always end up trying to use their powers to kill an ex. – That specific problem had occurred two times, they met someone who seemed to be a good fit and then it wasn’t. Turns out, they had gotten really lucky the first time.

– And I think he misses you guys. He is trying to replace you, and it isn’t really working out. He has a few friends, but it isn’t the same. – Stiles was feeling guilty, he hadn’t thought about that possibility, and every time Scott called him “things were just fine”. He had spent a few weekends with Mason and Liam, but it wasn't a big deal.

– How are his friends? – There was clear worry in his voice.

– They are great. – That calmed him down, Liam sounded sincere. – He hasn’t spent any weekends with me and Mason in like four months.

– Then why would… – He realized he had been played, he felt a little proud, he had taught the kid well. – Wow, you really don’t want me to know who you are dating.

 Liam decided to change his strategy. Stiles had his arms crossed and a raised eyebrow just like Lydia, ready to hear him spill out like every time before, but this time the beta wasn’t budging.

– I’m happy the pack is together again and so is Scott too. He knows if he made a new pack you would choose Derek’s. –  Whoever he was dating was a bad example. Stiles mouth was agape, he was shocked how low Liam was down to go. He didn’t take the comment personally, deciding to figure it out by himself.

– You know this person for some time now, they know you’re in danger a lot because you were texting your goodbyes with a smile, meaning they also understand what you are going through... – Stiles had his index finger up, pointing to random places while making the connection. Liam looked annoyed, meaning Stiles was going in the right way. – And you’re not telling us because you don’t think we approve… – Stiles looked at Liam with his eyes squinted, something clicked on his brain. – She must… – Liam looked away, Stiles unfortunately found out who it was. – No. – Wide-eyed, he looked at Liam.

– You can’t tell anyone. – Everyone knew how sometimes things just escaped Stiles, he had gotten that from his Grandmother.

– Is this a rebel phase? – Stiles had both hands on his face, looking like a worried mother. – Did me and Scott do something wrong? – The drama made Liam roll his eyes.

– My parents had a better reaction than you. – Liam answered the bundle of questions. A few months ago his parents went to visit him and met Theo. It was cute how nervous he was, but his parents were supportive of them. 

– Of course, they don’t know all the shit that son of a bitch did. – Stiles hated this.

– We are in a relationship. Theo is a better man, he really changed. – Liam had a glowing smile, Stiles clinched his hand in a fist on his mouth, trying to to throw up. – Don’t you think everyone deserves a second chance? – Stiles couldn’t disagree with Liam, maybe, just maybe, things were actually going to work out.

  No one beside Stiles, Mason, of course, and his parents knew. He had to tell someone else important. 

– You have to tell Scott. He’ll be sick too, but he will try to be supportive. He will try, he always does. – He looked at two people getting closer to them. Stiles was trying not to look sick. – It would be important to him. – Stiles didn't like to be responsible for this.

 Scott and Derek went to check on what it was taking too long for Stiles to cast the spell. They found Stiles looking at Liam like he was teaching him a lesson, and Liam was nodding his head. The alphas looked at each other confused as the music was too loud, stopping them from trying to listen in.

– What’s going on? – Scott asked, this weird interaction was puzzling him. Stiles started to walk away tilting his head in Scott's direction while staring at Liam, mouthing the words "Talk to him."

– Derek and I are going to make sure everything is okay for the spell. Liam has something to tell you. – Liam’s eyes had the golden glow, he was mad that Stiles just left him behind with Scott.

 Derek had his brow raised at Stiles, he ignored the wolf as they walked together in the direction of the rest of the pack, who was impatiently waiting for the spell. After a few steps away they just heard Scott yelling “WHAT?”. Derek raised his brow again at Stiles. The spark started walking faster and Derek followed his pace confused.

– Believe me, you don’t wanna know. – Stiles waved his hand, dismissing any questions Derek had.

 Stiles took the flowers, forget-me-nots, each for a member of the pack. With a piece of hair from his Grandmother added to a bowl, he muttered the words “Tabula Rasa”. The flowers started to degrade, the color of the glow on his hands was fading away with each spell, his eyes were closed trying to concentrate on the words. Everything in the bowl turned to dust, it started fading away attracting the gazes of the pack following it flowing away in the air. Suddenly the light on Stiles’ hand started to flicker away. 

 Stiles looked at his powerless hands, he couldn’t feel the magic anymore and his headache was gone. He was fully human again.

– I’m not feeling anything. Are you sure it worked? – Malia asked, doubting the spark.

– Yep. Yeah. It worked. – Stiles walked away in the direction of the house. They found his behavior a little weird, but he seemed fine. Scott and Derek could sense part of his pain went away.

 Everyone thought Stiles went back to the house to rest, Lydia and Erica went after him.

– What now? – Erica asked, she knew how tired Stiles was of everyone always worrying. He needed something to focus and what’s more perfect than a bunch of witches trying to kill them?

– How did the tests go? – The tests went, well… Lydia was off again. Maria tested old newspapers, Lydia could always guess the obituaries, for more grim that it sounds, it made a neat party trick sometimes. She got most of them, not all like usual.

– Not good. – She let a heavy sigh out.

– We need to go back to the drawing board. – Their board was the glass shelf they had borrowed from his grandmother, she used to hold plants, but the back it was perfect for the markers Stiles always carried around. His grandmother promised she would kill him if it was dirty, and he said he would clean with magic… He was wondering how far he could get without anyone noticing.

 The thing is that no one had no idea what to do. They had gained some time now and then what? Take a few days off and die? God knows what the hell they are going to do with Stiles.

 Stiles' head was everywhere, he drank some coffee trying to get somewhere. The most fair they got was Erica and him breaking the record for how many peanuts she could catch mid-air. The afternoon wasn’t very productive.

 Derek had promised to train Malia, they were almost over when Stiles showed up. Malia always had trouble with turning, keeping the coyote inside, Kira’s advice from the time in the desert had helped. Malia got closer to Stiles and he smiled at the coyote, caressing her fur. The barn was big enough for them to train her fighting skills and stop the coyote’s instinct to eat the goats, that were not happy about how she looked at them.

– Don’t do that. – Derek spoke, with a tough posture. – She ate Maria’s plants. – Stiles laughed at how serious Derek was, even in coyote form you could see Malia had a smile.

– I think it'll be fine. – He patted the coyote’s head as she sat next to him.

– She got calmer with you around. – The only two people that had happened were Kira and Stiles. – I think training is over.

  Derek watched Laura train under their mother, the young alpha had had problems with turning, different from the wolf, she turned young. He was trying to teach what Talia had taught his daughter, but was miserably failing at the task. Malia was wilder than Laura had ever been, following instinct every time, except for now. Derek had a suspicion that her true instinct was maybe love, she stayed behind because of her sister and only times things had worked out on their training was when Kira was around. 

 She went home to Kira, spent some time on the porch watching the sunset while snuggling with her, it wasn’t a bad way to end the day. They understood each other in a way that others didn't.

 Derek noticed Stiles was anxiously tapping his fingers against the wall, his head seeming to be elsewhere. Since the spell he wasn’t himself, and before that Stiles looked sad. He gazed at him, waiting for the spark to speak first.

– Wanna get out of here? – He threw his finger on the way out of the barn. There was a silence as Stiles’ mind tried to wrap up all his thoughts, he ended up blurring it out.

– If Scott’s pack works out, who do you think I should choose? – Derek was taken aback by the question. He lied to himself, what Liam said had stuck in head, what would he do? Lydia would stay by Scott’s side no matter what, Mason is always with Liam, Erica and Boyd wouldn’t choose Scott, the rest he wasn’t sure.

– I’m not the one who should answer that. – Derek shook his head, a bit confused where this was coming from. – But I can give you an estimate of how long Erica and Boyd wouldn’t speak to you. – Derek tried to joke in that snarky voice of his, making Stiles genuinely laugh.

– You would bypass them and give their kids the gifts I will buy, right? – Stiles bumped his shoulder on Derek’s. – I’m going to be the best uncle, Isaac is going down.

– I don’t want to be on Erica’s bad side, sorry. – He got his hands up, glancing over Stiles, who was looking at him with a smirk. The wolf never wanted to be on her bad side again.

– Traitor. – He bumped his elbow on Derek’s arm. Stiles darted his eyes away and Derek grinned.

– In this scenario didn’t you choose Scott? – Stiles pretended to gasp in shock, while Derek bumped his elbow back at Stiles. They felt comfortable around each other, which would drive a younger Stiles insane in different ways. Only Erica knew Stiles used to have a crush on Derek before Scott was bitten, she got out of him after so many shots that he swears there were stars flying in the room.

– Ouch. Are those chains for these situations? – He quipped back, which made Derek flush and suddenly choke on nothing. Stiles smiled thinking of all the possibilities with this new knowledge , he made him flush , but unfortunately all his thoughts were stopped when Isaac bumped into him.

 Stiles was on the floor, it was like taking a cold shower. Isaac got up within the second, Derek tried to hide his laughter with his hand on his mouth along with Lydia at the scene, the spark was covered in mud.

– You got in my way! – Isaac’s tone was angry, he was cleaning mud off his shirt.

– Hey! How exactly did I got in your… – He took a deep breath, this was shaping up to be a great day. Derek offered his hand, which he took, noticing Derek trying not to laugh. – You know what, I’m going to be a better uncle to Boyd and Erica’s future children than you. – He was trying to clean his shirt when Isaac shoved him.

– Please. – Isaac snarked back, rolling his eyes at him.

 Lydia and Derek stood by each others’ side, she looked at him shaking her head at the fight, those two would fight about anything. 

– How long do you think this will take? – She asked, checking her nails.

– Hmm… Until dinner for sure. – Lydia nodded agreeing. It was weird seeing these people she grew up with start talking about forming families and getting married. The guy who was talking about becoming an uncle would’ve stayed in the desert with his car, rather waiting for rescue than leaving it behind, if it didn't work a few years ago. But she had talked with Stiles when they dated, the conversation ended up in a fight.

– I’m not fighting for that title. – She pointed with her head while Isaac said: “They’ll be better dressed with me.” and Stiles sarcastically answered: “And dumber.” – But I’m going to be his children's favorite aunt. – She looked at Stiles with a silly smile as Isaac and him started a staring contest. – That’s one of the reasons we broke up. – Derek didn’t know how to react to that piece of information.

– I think Erica and Scott will have something to say about who will be favorite. – Derek crossed his arms as Stiles cheated by throwing a rock at Isaac.

– You’re forgetting Boyd, he’s sneaky. – They looked at each, Derek nodded his head agreeing. Isaac deflected the rock, but ended up blinking in the process, which got Stiles celebrating the win with a dance throwing his arms everywhere.

– How are things? – Derek awkwardly asked. Him and Lydia were never close, but come to actually think about it, they knew each other pretty well.

– By things you mean my powers. – She let a heavy sigh out. Boyd showed up stopping Stiles and Isaac from starting to slap each other. – Something is wrong, I just can feel it.

– Maybe isn’t a bad thing. – Lydia looked at him confused. – Before I could shift, I thought I was losing anything that made me a werewolf. – Derek thought he was losing his family one last time, being a werewolf was one of the only things left.

– Maybe. – Lydia sounded like she was trying to convince herself. In the background, the two previously fighting told Boyd the reason for the squabble, the man started laughing.

– I don’t know if it will help… – Derek turned away from them, she turned to face him. – When I was kid, my dad had a private collection of books about the supernatural in the library. – Lydia cut him off.

– You should pay for things more often. – Derek tilted his head, a little bothered by her cutting him off.

– Can I continue. – He raised his eyebrow. She rolled her eyes and nodded for him to move on.

– There was a book about different creatures, there was a chapter about banshees. We could ask Maria and Deaton, maybe it can help. – The red head looked at him grateful.

– Do you remember anything else about it? – Derek scratched his neck trying to think about it. Meanwhile, Erica got the explanation for Boyd laughing and the other two giving each other unpleasant looks.

– I remember the cover. – All over Lydia’s face read how weird she found that he was having trouble remembering, werewolves had pretty good memory. – I was thirteen, I only read the “cool” stuff and skimmed through the rest. – Derek confessed it fast, before the four in front of him could hear it. Erica was in the background shouting “Are you two insane?”, she pulled Stiles and Isaac by their ear until they apologized to each other.

– So Derek Hale is human after all. – Lydia pursed her lips, hiding a smile surprised by the fact.  Reaching her hand, Derek wasn’t used to talking a lot with her, but it wasn’t that bad. – Thank you. – He shook her hand back. It was light at the end of the tunnel, Lydia finally got used to her powers, they had become a part of her and being slowly stripped away from them left a bitter taste. 

 It was the start of a friendship that Stiles would hate. They turned back to Erica ending the argument by saying “You two dumbasses are the only children me and Boyd are looking after for a long time.” Erica was starting to freak out, marriage was one thing, children were another entirely different thing to be talked about this soon. But Boyd wasn’t, he knew that this was it for him.

 Scott needed advice about Liam, they were only two years apart, but he felt like a fatherly figure to the kid. Since there was only one option available, it narrowed it down pretty easily. Maria was taking care of her plants when he showed up in the garden.

– Can I ask you something, Stiles’ grandmother. – Maria stopped watering the plants to give attention to the alpha, she found it funny being called that.

– You can call me Maria, Scott. – Scott nodded, he felt weird. He knew John, Melissa was a second to Stiles, but a grandmother was something knew, he didn’t know how to act around her.

– Maria. – It felt odd coming out of his mouth. – How did you react to Claudia’s boyfriends? Liam, my first beta, is dating someone who is... – He tried to find a word that wouldn’t be so offensive. Theo had made amends, he was around when visiting Liam and Mason in college.

– A dirtbag? – Maria took the words off his mouth, he was starting to see the resemblance between them.

– Yeah. – Scott sat in one of the beach chairs set around her garden. – This super confusing, dude... Ma'am. I’m too young to be a dad. – He had his hand touching his forehead, worried. Maria patted his shoulder, she didn’t know the feeling.

– Claudia only had two boyfriends she brought home. The first one was in a rock band, we expected the worst, but he came to meet me and her father in a suit ready to marry her. I don’t need to tell you they broke up that night. And then John, my husband loved him, gave him a good old tough time, but he knew that he was the right one. – Scott was listening closely, he was definitely going to tell Stiles everything later, and it didn’t take a psychic for Maria to know that.

– You didn’t like Sheriff Stilinski? – Scott remembers how much they were in love, it was nice seeing them compared to his parents' situation.

– I had seen him before. – It took a second for the alpha to process. And that was it, the woman knew how everything would end, that was why she didn’t like him.

– I feel useless. – He confessed. – What am I supposed to do against a bunch of witches when I can’t even stop Liam from making this mistake?

– Some mistakes have to be made, kid. And perhaps it isn't a mistake. – Him and Allison were supposed to be a mistake, turns out she was the love of his life. – Take them to dinner, find out what his intentions are, make him a little scared – For the last part, he’ll definitely take Stiles with him, he could be scary when he wanted.

– Thanks for the advice. – Hoping that by the time this mess had ended, so did them. He was up and going to take a walk, thinking about what to do, when she said something important.

– You’ll find your purpose in this mission. True alphas aren’t made out of violent strength, they are guided by heart. – And then her serious face turned into a bit of anger. – And tell Malia, I know.

 The day went by like usual, they had dinner and then fought about who would take the two beds upstairs, Maria decided that everyone would sleep in the living room. 

 Stiles couldn’t sleep again, earlier he left the door upstairs open, so that he could jump through the window and sit in peace on the roof without any prying werewolf ears.

 He had started doing that in the summer nights, the wind tickling through his skin as he gazed at the horizon. It was all too much, he was drowning all over again. He craned his head back when the squeaky wooden floor made noise, it was one of the people he feared could read him. Silently sat beside him, strangely dressed in a hoodie, there wasn’t his usual henley shirt in Maria’s found and lost.

– Stiles, – Derek broke the silence. He promised the pack to be more open, it was time to hold his end of the deal. – I know you’re not fine. – Stiles sat hugging his knees, looking at Derek who was staring at him, looking for answers.

– So what? – There was never time to not feel fine, there was always something more important. – It’s not like it matters.

– I think everyone downstairs would disagree. – They couldn’t do this without him, spark, seer, or human, he not only kept them alive, but along was the glue that held their ties to each other.

– I know you too. You think I don’t know how you hate this? –  He spoke a tone louder. Derek gritted his teeth, frustrated at how transparent he had been. Running away was a mistake, when you start you can’t stop. – It feels like every step we do is wrong, my magic is gone for now. And what 's wrong with me for missing this? – He was angry at the coven, at faith and mostly himself.

– I don’t want you to have to spend your life running away. – Raising his eyebrows with unease. – This is how it starts. – He couldn't see the pack he had formed running away again, and most of them had families, they couldn’t just leave everything behind.

– You think I want this? I don’t want any of this. I wish it had ended with me, it would be a lot less blood. – Stiles avoided his gaze, his voice cracking. - I feel like I'm drowning again.

– This started with my family… – Stiles tried to stop him. The wolf decided to speak of the matter in hand. – You don't think you can handle what’s coming, but there’s something else I know, is that you can. You don't have to carry this burden alone. – Stiles had a faint smile in the middle of the mess of feelings, of course Derek wanted to carry this burden instead.

– For my 21st birthday, faith said “Hey, congratulations you can now drink, very cool, and by the way you're also fucking cursed forever.” 

 Their eyes met each other, there was a harshness on their gazes that they could remember a time that it wasn’t there, how sad it was to not be able to stop the bad times.

– Sometimes, I think things would've been better if it had been me instead of Laura. – Talia was a strategist, she knew how to keep the wolves in line only by using her mind. Her and Laura fought a lot because at the end of the day the eldest was ruled by her heart, her instincts were like Scott's.

– With the knack me and Scott have to get into trouble? – The tension was broken by Derek accidentally laughing, it was a soft laugh that was nice to hear.

– I guess Peter would've found another way to rain hell.

– Oh, he definitely would. – They laughed, a nice way to start making something good come out of a bad situation. Looking at each other with less in their backs, sharing the burden helped, maybe they could start to heal with the wrong timed laughters.

 Derek patted Stiles on his shoulders and looked back as a sign to say that someone was near. Hearing someone coming upstairs, he looked back thinking it would see someone to check on them. But to their surprise, it was Kira holding a sword.

– Don't! – Stopping Derek from making any sudden movements around the fox. Stiles sat on the windowsill, Kira was by the door and Derek a few inches away. – Malia told me that this could happen. – Kira pretended everything was fine after coming back from the desert, but the sword marks around her apartment pointed to the opposite. She had trouble assimilating the fox and her human side at night, in the dreams the fox took over.

– What do I do? – Derek stood still with his hands up, ready to defend himself in case Kira attacked.

– Slowly get closer to her. Don't be scared, Malia said and I quote “That thing can sense fear and if you attack it will try to cut your head off… so don't.” – Derek took his time taking steps towards her. – Now take the sword out of her hand. – Derek grabbed the blade. – Slowly! – He took a deep breath before pushing it away from her, Kira didn't react. Derek guided Kira downstairs.

 He sat back on the roof, lost the sunrise when Derek sat next to him again. Apprehensive, he wasn't sure what he was doing, Derek placed his hand on Stiles' shoulder. The sun shined, like it always had, it was a nice insurance for the world they lived in. The sunlight on Stiles’ pensive face, there was something in the wolf’s mind he had to ask.

– You already have a plan. A bad one, but you do, don’t you? – He asked, Stiles tried to avoid his gaze pretending not to know what he was talking about, but when he raised his eyebrows it was time to spill the beans.

– The enemy of my enemy is… - He gestured his hand in the air,

– My friend. – Derek finished the phrase. He looked at the sky sighing, regretting having asked. – Are you sure?

– We need to find the witch and maybe make some bank from her ruby slippers. – The ruby slippers part he wished was true, keeping a job in this mess wasn’t easy.

 Derek got up, he cleaned his hoodie and offered the spark a hand. A way to show that he was by his side, even with this terrible plan. Stiles looked up, knowing this could end up badly, but again, it always could.

– I’m not letting you drown, once you didn’t let me drown. If we go down, we go down together. – Stiles took his hand, they had work to do. 

Chapter Text

 Running away from an unknown creature in the forest, Stiles was definitely home. His steps were quick towards the road, hoping not to be run over by a truck or something. It was supposed to be an easy trip to get sunflowers for a tracking spell.

 The memory spell was lifted for days, they had set camp in the woods, everyone remembered them but there was this gap in their memory that was hard to explain. 

 He finally saw the road, when with his luck, tripped on a stone and he fell in the grass. Powerless, Stiles grabbed his knife from a hidden sheath on the leg, and held towards the creature. It was Girtabilu, or more well known, the scorpio man. The man was tall with dark hair, he started to shapeshift, venomous stingers were growing. Stiles throwed the knife and closed his eyes with a loud noise.

 The witches knew where they were, this was one of many warnings they would send.

 The sheriff shot him, when Stiles was up after a second to understand what happened, he ran to hug his dad. It had been months since they saw each other, and John had questions about this new quest.

– Dad! – The sheriff embraced his son. – I’m sorry. – He didn’t call him before the spell, his dad didn’t know about anything happening.

– It’s okay, son. – He held his neck, just like when he was a kid.

 They sat in the car in silence, Stiles had a stubble that made him look older, John felt like the years had gone by in a blink of an eye. One day ago, he was a curious child that spent too much time reading books.

– I’m sorry. – Stiles was biting his nail.

– What can I do to help, kid? – They spoke at the same time. John was mad that Stiles went to his grandmother, who he never knew instead of him. 

– We need you to make sure the school has no one inside at night. – They finally had a plan to deal with the entire mess, and a plan B, C and D, just in case. – You know the old, fake gas leak will do. – Gesturing his hands nervously.

– What are you up to? – The sheriff slowly blinked away, and what was up with those kids and that school even years after they graduated?

– My magic has taken a vacation, you don’t have to worry about that. – Stiles had his hands up, claiming his innocence. – We are just trying to end a 20-year-old feud, I swear. – He crossed his fingers.

– Okay… And did you mess with our heads? Carol hadn’t called Lydia in over a week and I noticed that a few of Scott’s pictures went missing in Melissa’s house like they had been... erased. – Stiles was screwed, his dad was going to kill him.

– That might have been a minor memory spell. – He mumbled. John started driving, he stood in silence for a second taking a deep breath.

– You’re grounded. – Stiles laughed. – You’re spending the next summer at home.

– I live in Washington and in a few months I’m 21. Good one, dad. – He patted his shoulder, in which he stopped fairly quickly when John gave him a look that scared all his future decisions. – Okay, I’m grounded. – Fixing his posture, Stiles checked his phone for any news.

 The florist was happy with all the knowledge Stiles had on the plants, he lost almost an hour trying to buy the sunflowers while talking about mythology. His dad had to drag him out of that store.

– Sunflower secured, now we just need Lydia to be ready. – Stiles spoke to Derek on the phone, walking towards his dad's car. The sheriff pulled the phone away from his hand.

– How could you let him do a spell like that? – His dad spoke madly on the phone.

– I wasn’t awake for that decision. – Derek answered.

– That explains it. You are supposed to talk him out of these crazy plans. – John talked with him with a familiarity Stiles didn’t enjoy.

– I won’t let him get hurt. – Derek reassured him.

– You better not. – He used the same tone of voice when he lectured Stiles. He gave his phone back, Stiles held it on his stomach wondering “what had just happened?”.

 They couldn’t go home, there could be someone watching the place. The sheriff drove them back into the woods, what was left to get into camp they walked. Stiles knew the path, kind of, he could get there after a few tries. Stiles explained the situation on the way back, making some detours that made it really long, but the woods were bigger enough for that.

– Witches, really? – He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to get a headache. – At least it isn't time travel, right? – He looked at his son with his eyes wide open.

– No, you don’t have to worry about that yet. – The “yet” definitely made him worried. – I think I have to explain the supernatural with chess again, the entire game has changed. – He emphasized the last part, trying to make a joke. John shook his head at his poor attempt at a joke.

– She's in town. – Stiles explained that before they left his Gran’s house, she told them about her latest vision. John thought how he had lost the part those two grew closer, it was odd seeing his son speak so affectionately of the woman when his wife so adamantly avoided that part of her life.

 The pack was discussing their plans when the two arrived, Scott, Lydia and Malia hugged the man. 

– Finally someone sane. – Malia said, holding tightly to him.

 Lydia and Scott asked the sheriff about their parents, and how things were in Beacon Hills. Stiles got closer to Derek.

– So since when are you and my dad buddies? – He crossed his arm.

– I am a consultant for the sheriff department. – Derek said, nonchalant. Since everyone was gone and in the first year was just him and Malia, he decided to keep helping.

– You can do that? – Isaac asked. – How’s the salary? – He stood next to Stiles, ending any conversation he was having.

– Not bad. - Derek looked at Stiles walking away from them.

– Are you saying it’s not bad because Stilinski is here? – Jackson questioned him, Derek rolled his eyes. Stiles decided to go to Erica and Boyd, they were watching a movie in their sleeping bags, Erica was half asleep snuggling in Boyd’s arms.

– Tell your dad, I saw the game and he was right. They lost. –  He should stop being surprised by how much his friends loved John.

– Sure. – Narrowing his eyes for the answer, he sat next to them on the ground. 

– The full moon is next week. I think we can all handle it, but I don’t know about… – His head turned to Liam. – He had gotten a lot better at controlling his anger. The last full moons were peachy according to Mason, but in stressful times like this, it was hard on him.

– I think he’ll be fine. – Erica clung to Stiles’ arm. He smiled, but getting up to say goodbye to his dad wasn’t an easy task.

 They looked at each other speechless, John hugged his son. There wasn’t much to say, just hoping that things would work out.

– Just promise me, you’ll be careful? – They always took care of each other, he had to let his son grow up and make his own decisions. But he would never stop looking after him.

– I’m gonna try my best. – They separated from the hug. John nodded as way to say farewell to the rest of the pack.

 It was almost night, the sheriff headed back to make sure that anyone wasn’t in the school, using the old minor gas leak excuse.

 Technically, anyone could cast a spell. Being a spark meant Stiles had a gift for magic, one that it was rare. But Lydia also had a strong connection to the supernatural, her grandmother was a banshee just like her. They hoped the connection would be enough to cast a location spell for Cassandra.

 Half of the pack was on their way to the high school, the plan was fairly simple. But even if it looked like it went sideways, they would already have gotten what they were after. Boyd and Jackson were left behind with Stiles and Lydia.

– Just don’t turn me into a frog, Ethan really isn’t into the whole princess and the frog thing. – Stiles tilted his head, that was a bit ironic. – Stiles, shut up. – Stiles pursed his lips as Jackson tried to be supportive of Lydia.

– So, you just have to say the words. Believe in them. – Stiles said, as Lydia held the book. He pointed to the exact words, Lydia closed her eyes repeating the phrase.

– I  swear if I become anything. I’ll kill you, Stilinski. – Jackson threatened. Boyd, who was looking through the area making sure no one was around. He got closer after hearing them talk.

– And if you try I have to stop you. – Boyd spoke. – Erica would kill me if I didn’t. – Stiles nodded his head agreeing.

– I respect that. And that’s why Ethan will kill you if anything happens to me, Stilinski! – He looked threateningly at the spark with the Kanima tail flying behind him, Stiles took a step back.

– Okay. Okay… – It was never fun being threatened by werewolves. – Lydia, you know you are pronouncing perfectly. You’re the one I call to ask if I’m saying it right. – Lydia looked at him asking for more time. – You do fine, Lyds. – He held her shoulders, soon letting them go with a wink for encouragement.

 Lydia took the sunflower and started saying the words “Petita invenies lit” . The sunflower or heliotrope, the latter wasn't in the budget, followed the sun. In this case it would become a compass to find whoever they were looking for. The spell wasn’t used often, because what you seek had to be unimaginable, and they had no idea who Cassandra was.

 The sunset was above their heads, a few of the left sun rays shone on the flower, turning it a lively color, and quickly changed its direction as Lydia whispered the words. They had a few minutes before the sun was completely gone, they couldn’t do this while the school was full of students.

 Following the red head, the path took them back to the city. A few old neighbours said hello to them, usually people would find odd the scene of Lydia holding a flower and three men following her, looking around carefully as if something was behind them. But Beacon Hills was a weird town. 

 Parrish was patrolling around the school, when they encountered him.

– What are you four doing here? You were not supposed to be here. – He held his flashlight into them. Making Stiles cover his eyes with the light pointing straight them.

– She’s in there. – Lydia spoke, confused by the result of the spell. – You don’t think I did the spell wrong? – She asked Stiles, who was shaking his head. They stared at school, afraid of what was awaiting them.

– She knows. – Boyd looked at them. The plan was to lure her into the school, where the rest of the pack would be hidden in case things went wrong. Boyd, Lydia and Jackson were supposed to stay outside in case she ran away.

– We can’t stop the plan. – Stiles rushed to get inside, Lydia took his hand. They shared a look as she handed the sunflower over to him. 

 The flower pointed straight, Stiles was powerless, but he always had a trick on his sleeve. He opened the door, like many times before, to encounter someone he had also seen many times before in those hallways. 

 Realizing it had been some time since he last thought about his friend, now looking at her, abruptly memories swarming his brain. The memory spell had done more than thought, it had broken part of the other memory spell, looking at her it lifted the spell completely.

– Harley? – The girl had cut her hair short, she had a dark warm tone of skin. She was tense about this reunion, it had been years since they last saw each other. She just disappeared one day.

 Stiles ran in her direction, stopping a few steps from the girl. Her stance showed she was ready to fight, eyes reading him carefully. He surprised her by hugging her.

– Harls! I missed you. Scott wasn’t a good chem partner as you. – She hugged him back, smiling at his reaction.

– Like you’re any better, mischief.  – He pulled away from the hug. Holding her arms while looking her up and down, not believing what was happening. She faced him back serious.

– You know what this means. – Her eyes looked at his with earnest apologies.

 Stiles held into her arm, and she answered by holding onto his, like many times before..

– First, you’re going to tell me what you are up to. – She looked at him baffled. – We are just old friends meeting. – She gave him a small, but meaningful smile.

 They held each other’s arms as they walked into the chemistry class. 

– I heard you got the girl. – She said with a coy smile. Him and Lydia would always be friends, but at the end, he wasn’t what Lydia needed and they wanted different things.

– We broke up. – Harley waved her hand  and summoned two beers. 

– I’m sorry, Stiles. – She handed him the beer, after taking a sip of hers. – Not that sorry, she did call my blouse “trashy” once. – Stiles held the beer looking at her, trying to come up with something to defend Lydia.

– Lydia has changed a lot, we all have. – The girl looked at him and the room they were in, she saw the years in the small details, the different chairs in class, Stiles’ longer hair and stubble. – That’s how you got them. – He looked amused at the beer. –  It’s fine, it’s been almost a year. – He took a sip of the same shitty beer they used to drink. – And you? Any new girl? – He said, following her coy smile.

– Hmm… There were some wild experiences, but I’m not the settling down type. – Stiles got his beer closer and they toasted them.

– Single then. – She narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips, guessing something that was obvious to everyone else. – So your big fat crush on D. – He covered her mouth with his hand. Erica wasn’t the first one to find out about it.

– I don’t know what you’re talking about. – He pointed to his ear, there were always prying werewolves. Her smile faded, remembering why they were actually there.

– So what happened? – It was time to know. He understood why his dad was so mad, have been under a forgetting spell for over three years. It wasn’t a good feeling knowing there was more than something lost, feeling like it was all taken away for a moment.

– My mom died. – Stiles held her hand, comforting the girl. – I came to Beacon Hills when I was ten because I couldn’t keep being ignored. I casted an illusion spell, I saw a picture of a couple in a magazine and pretended they were my parents. – Stiles remembered all the times Harley had dinner with him and the sheriff, her parents were always traveling. Melissa even made her a few birthday cakes. – I couldn’t go anywhere else, the amount of magic in this place hid me away from them.

– Where did you go... after? – Harley averted his gaze.

– I couldn’t come back here and stay. A memory spell would protect everyone, and make things less painful. I’m sorry, I know it was wrong. – As Harley took a small pause Stiles thought how he officially hated any memory spell, every experience he had with them always seemed to end badly. – I was in France, Toulouse, near another Nemeton. I heard everything, Scott a true alpha! You faced the Nogitsune and came out on the other side alive to tell the tale! And Lydia is a banshee?

– It has been a few crazy years, I can’t even believe in half the weird stuff sometimes. – The dark circles under his eyes gave it away. 

– You don’t need to tell me. – Everything laid on the table, he had so many questions. But there was one that his Grandmother never answered truthfully.

– How do you deal with the visions? – Harley gave him an empathetic look. 

 This gift had ruined her life, everything bad followed after her first vision. But she was stuck with it, and she had fought with her nails and tooth to live. It wasn't going to ruin her completely, she wouldn't let it.

– I was just a kid when the headaches and glimpses into the future started. I used to hate it, not more than Mrs. Harris, it’s impossible for me to hate anything more than that man. – Stiles smiled, another Harris hater was always welcomed. – I look at the good ones, where I’m happy or other people I care about are happy and hold them close to my heart. I know that everything can go wrong, but still, it doesn't matter day or night, that will happen. Everything will be okay again. – In the vast sea that was the future, there were small lights that guided her into the right place.

– You have a better attitude than I ever will.

– Don't you pay attention? I always do. – She said, jokingly gloating.

 The wolves listening to their conversation started to have memories swerving in their brains. Even Derek remembered a girl a few grades down smiling with Scott and Stiles in school, before the fire.

 Harley and Stiles got lost discussing where the new marvel movies were going, when someone knocked the door. 

– Come in. – She waved her hand, opening the door with magic.

 Scott had the same reaction as the spark, not believing it was the girl they grew up with. He gave her a very tight hug, making sure she was real.

 Isaac remembered the girl sharing her lunch with him a few times, Erica remembered her magically finding homework ready, Boyd would remember a girl giving him a flower after his sister passed away. 

 Theo, Stiles, Harley and Scott used to pull pranks on everyone, now knowing how they got away. In freshman year the person who had the idea for the coach’s prank was Harley.

 Harley summoned more beers for the rest of the pack, there were wolfsbane beers for the werewolves, Stiles took his and one of them with him in one hand as he approached Derek. On his other hand texting the rest of the pack outside.

– I'm sure isn't poisoned. – Stiles offered the beer with a half smile. Derek looked at it and then Stiles for a second. – Come on, sourwolf. – Derek took the beer as a challenge, but just held it without drinking it. – One day off. – He held his index finger up, begging Derek. Everyone looked tired, maybe a night out would make things easier.

– Okay, one day. – Derek took a sip of the beer. – But we are not doing this here.

 There were two clubs in Beacon Hill, one where Jackson had paralyzed people as the Kanima, and another one that was in the next town over. They didn’t have much choice. It was one night pretending they weren’t running away.

– And are you sure you know this guy? – Malia doubted he had any other friends. To get in, the bouncer was an old buddy of Derek’s.

– Yes. – If Peter had heard of this, he would say “that’s my girl”, making fun of Derek for anything was his specialty, even if she did it accidentally. – It’s an old buddy from New York. – Before they came back to Beacon Hills, Laura and Derek had a life there, well, Laura did.

– Been to many clubs there, Der? – Stiles asked, trying to fish for something. – Which ones? – Derek sarcastically chuckled.

–  I’m not telling you that. – He went to talk to the bouncer, leaving Stiles behind with a smirk. 

 Derek shook the guy’s hand, they had bro hug and the man laughed at something he said. Everyone was looking at the scene from the parking lot, wondering if they knew Derek.

– This is the weirdest thing I've ever seen. – Scott said. – And I’ve seen a lot, dude.

– I can’t argue with you there, bud. – Stiles shook his head in disbelief. 

- This beer tastes familiar. - Erica said, out of nowhere, Boyd nodded agreeing. Isaac sneaked the last peanuts while they talked.

 Lydia and Jackson looked at each other, he raised his eyebrow and she tilted her head, all the conversation they needed to have about that. Erica was tipsy playing with Isaac’s hair while Kira laid her head on Malia’s shoulder, sleeping hadn’t been easy, and Harley and Scott talked about the true alpha of all.

It was Thursday, pretty packed for a weekday. Derek went back to talk with the pack, Stiles, Erica, Boyd and Isaac leaned in on a car sharing a bag of peanuts from the rations, trying not to pass out by the end of the night. 

– We can get in. But, no fights or any other messes. – His serious tone didn’t match the rest of the pack running towards the club celebrating the beginning of the night.

 Inside the club, Kira went straight for an energetic and was soon dancing with Malia. Isaac and Erica went to the dance floor too, but they were pretty drunk, he was doing a robot dance and Erica started mimicking him. The rest stood around a table drinking.

– How are you getting these beers? – Scott asked the witch. They were trying to hide in the crowd the extra drinks, it wouldn’t end well if anyone saw.

– Mine, Stiles and Lydia’s are probably from a random vendor who won’t miss a couple beers. The ones you are drinking probably from someone who makes wolfsbane beers. – She said the last part quietly, trying to make the sound muffle everything.

– So, stealing from a werewolf? – Stiles tilted his head. He quickly shrugged off the feeling of more trouble, if a werewolf went after them because of a few drinks that would be a low point.

– Says the man who at twelve years old could open any lock with two hairpins. – She quipped back, Stiles couldn’t contest the fact.

– And how did you know the bouncer? – Lydia made all the looks turn towards Derek, who was quietly drinking.

– He was a popular jock. – Harley said, as if it was an explanation from everything. She didn't saw Derek after the fire.

– The amount of leather jackets still left in my closet that Derek bought me would like contest that. – One thing his old pack would always have was those leather jackets. Sometimes,  Boyd swears they somehow multiplicate on his closet.

– No, but seriously how? – Jackson was actually curious, this could be fun. – Not just “an old buddy from New York”. – He air quoted the last part.

– Laura had a lot of friends. – He spoke concisely, taking a sip of his beer.

 Scott quietly grabbed his phone texting the group about things they knew about the Hale pack, it was seven now, Scott was taking this as a win. Isaac had his thumbs up at Scott for the discovery.

– The bartender is looking here a bit suspiciously. – Stiles mumbled, their heads turned into the bar, making them look more guilty. He also wasn’t exactly having a lot of fun with the idea of Derek ending up the night with the bouncer tonight, if Lydia and Jackson's suspicions were right. – I’m going to buy a beer with my last two cents.

 Boyd went to the bar with Stiles, he tried to shout a few times his order, but the bartender was busy.

– Stiles. – Boyd’s tone of voice was proof that he was drunk, and the spark realized this is the most drunk he had ever seen him. – I’m going to marry that girl. – He grinned at Erica, who was jumping along an electronic song.

– I know, man. And I can't wait to see the amount of food Erica's dad can afford. – Stiles tapped his back. The bartender finally brought his beer, and as he was drinking Boyd said something.

– Don’t tell anyone. – He was giggling, which made Stiles laugh. – I bought a ring. – He spit his beer, looking at the bottle he had just spent his last money at with grief.

– You bought a ring? – After the second of grief, Stiles looked wide-eyed at Boyd, who nodded with an uncharacteristic smile. – You bought a ring. – The weight of the sentence fell over him.

– I’m not going to propose now, dumbass. – Boyd quipped back, mildly slapping his arm. – After she gets into law school. – He had a small moment of sobriety. – You can’t tell anyone, and I mean it, Stiles. – He pointed his finger freaking out, realizing the mistake he might have made telling Stiles and his big mouth.

– I promise, man. – He put both of his arms up. – I’ll even give you a secret back. – That decision made Boyd realize how drunk Stiles was.

– They said I did so well on my internship, that after I graduate there will be a place for me in the Bureau. – He sushed to Boyd, a way to ask him to keep the secret.

– You’re staying in DC? – Stiles nodded, looking back at the group not knowing how he would tell them. The werewolf avoided thinking about what would happen to the pack after college. Erica also wanted to stay, Boyd realized one of the reasons why.

 Boyd was too drunk to think about this, he joined his girlfriend on the dance floor, who started kissing his entire face the moment she saw him.

– I love you. – She was dragging her voice. 

 The spark watched from afar them grinning at each other, the rest of the pack started dancing, enjoying the night out. Derek was on the other end, when their eyes met for a second.

 Most of group dispersed from the dance floor, Malia sat with Kira giggling at everything. Derek's eyes searched the club for Stiles, his powers were damped down from the beer, but he still could smell his scent. Following him, opened the door to Stiles drinking alone, leaning in on the wall looking at through his phone.

– I think Erica is missing you on the dance floor. – Derek stopped in front of him. 

– And you’re not going to dance, sourwolf? – He looked up, playfully winking thinking about Derek dancing.

– You had enough. – He took the bottle from Stiles, losing his usual seriousness dragging his voice a little.

– You’re drunk! – Derek underestimated how strong those wolfsbane beers were. – Derek Hale is drunk for the first time. - Stiles was having fun, it was like looking at Derek finally act his age.

– Oh, god. Your dad will kill me. – Derek didn't doubt this night would end up with the cops at their door. He leaned on the wall next to Stiles, who was chuckling.

 Against the brick wall they gazed into each other's eyes as if there was a secret between them, this moment was entirely theirs. Derek looked down, scared this could become a mistake, he walked towards the door. Stiles managed to get in front of the door first.

– Stay. I promise I won’t tell you the entire story of a random comic in very specific details and end up discussing something else completely different, although, I just read Superman All-Star and it’s pretty good. – He rambled, nervous. Swalling hard as he took a step closer closing the gap between them.

– I like your ramblings. – His breath was heavy, trying not to look at Stiles lips.

 It was windy, Stiles' hair was a bit of a mess, the stubble made him wonder how it would be to kiss him. Stiles couldn't handle looking at that face and not knowing what it was like to be his.

 Derek's breath grew heavier, he put one hand on Stiles' neck. The intense look Stiles was giving him would be forever infused in his brain, it was too late to leave. Derek would be fine making himself a fool for him, the smirk on his lips as he drew in closer sealed the deal, he didn’t want anyone else. 

 He finally kissed him, his scent, the small groans, the way his hands trailed from his arms and then back, the intensity of it all made him pin Stiles against the wall. The deeper the kiss got, the more he realized this wasn’t a one time thing, the taste of Stiles just made him want more.

 Stiles didn’t think for a second this might be a mistake, he started to slowly kiss his neck, leaving marks with teeth and tongue, the feeling of urgency was backen by the quick healed along moans that told him what Derek needed. But soon it wasn’t enough, he came back to kiss him. It was passionate and sloppy, proving that any dream he had didn’t even come close to the real thing.

 Panting, Stiles stopped the kiss before his hips started to jerk against Derek seeking for relief.

– What do you want? – His voice was raspy, staring at Derek’s red eyes. 

Stiles couldn’t stop himself from smirking at the wolf’s eyes. Derek looked away, closing his eyes with his hands trying to keep control, Stiles had to stop him.

– Hey, hey. It’s okay. – Derek looked at him again with his eyes fading away and coming back in repeat. Stiles gazed at the eyes with no fear, if anything Derek could smell more arousal in the air. – I think it's kinda sexy. – Stiles cupped his hands around his face, Derek chuckled at the confession.

– I think we need to talk after this and we both hate talking. – Stiles tilted his head, not wanting to think about the future right now. 

- We're both awful. You're a golden medal athlete at not talking, I'm more of a silver guy. - Derek thought about how bad it was that even his bad jokes he found them amusing. - But it's our one night off. - They were in the same page as Derek smiled back at him.

 His eyes had a gleam to them, that even in the usual blue it was clear that this moment meant something. 

– I like you. – His words were awkward, feeling silly saying them out loud. Derek promised to be more open about his feelings, and knowing that things don’t last forever made him want to state that. Stiles smiled, the kind of stupid smile you have when you know you’re in trouble. 

– I like you too. - He felt "like" wasn't a word strong enough. Not wanting to spring the talk yet, but he had to know what Derek was thinking. -  What do you want? – Stiles asked again, with a serious voice. 

– I want to take things slow. – He never had the chance to choose what he wanted in previous relationships. Stiles thought that decision was for the best, somehow things always went to fast with him. – That’s what I want with you. – He reciprocated Stiles' smile, sure this trouble was worth it.

 With Paige, they were too young, beside their own feelings, they didn’t know what they wanted. With Kate, he never had any choice. And Braeden, he wanted to eventually settle down, have kids and a house, for more insane that it sounds for someone with his life, and she didn't. But he wanted a life with someone by his side.

 Derek would leave first and then Stiles a few minutes behind him. Derek kissed him before leaving, which made Stiles have to put his thoughts in order for a minute before coming back in. 

 When inside, he looked around. Even in the deep shit they were, they managed to have fun and actually make some fun memories. Stiles called everyone for a picture, he learned in the last few weeks how important one picture was. 

- Let me fix my hair. - Lydia said, her and Jackson looked through the camera on her phone fixing their clothes and hair.

- How do I look? - Erica asked Boyd.

- Always beautiful. - She smiled at him. - And also there's a piece of peanut in your teeth. - He tried to point where as she turned back trying to clean her teeth.

 Isaac jokingly ruffled Scott's hair while Stiles walked towards a table in front of them.

– Can you take a picture of us? – He asked a random stranger.

– Sure, dude. – He took his phone, the pack started to get into their positions. 

 Boyd was hugging Erica, they looked at each other with shining smiles. Isaac had his hand behind Scott’s head with two fingers up, while Scott tried to make Harley feel welcomed. Jackson and Lydia held each others’ arms, gossiping about something. Liam was making a face, while Mason had the perfect smile. Malia and Kira shyly held each others’ hand, with telling smiles. 

 Derek and Stiles were opposite of each other, in the first picture they both were looking at the phone, in the second Stiles secretly looked at Derek with a smile, and in the last Derek did the same.

 Stiles thanked the guy, he took his phone looking through the pictures, the pack jumped behind him making comments about each one. Malia and Kira were ready to leave, almost sleeping on each others' shoulders. Suddenly, sensing something was wrong, there was a tickling feeling on his spine. Slowly turning his head back, his eyes looked up to see a flying table heading in their direction.

- Ooh, fuck.

Chapter Text

They were in the middle of the woods for three days, Malia was the only one thriving. Stiles was discussing a plan with Derek, Lydia, Mason and Scott. The first part was to draw in the witch to the school, but they needed to cover the other enemy, the coven.

– There’s someone that can be our intermediary. – Uncertain, he looked at Derek. – He can be charming. – The words were more to try to convince himself at this point.

– No. – Derek crossed his arms, thinking Stiles lost it. Changing directions, he looked at Liam, who was confused by something Isaac was saying.

 Scott sat on the rock next to them, probably should be manifesting against this, but it was not like they had another way.

– It would be better to have a bigger number on our side. – Scott looked at Derek. Causing Lydia to put her hands on her face, realizing this is how she would die.

– Calling him is like welcoming the devil back. – Lydia sought Mason to put some reason in them. Tired of hiding in the woods, her mood wasn’t the best, and she would do anything for a hot shower.

– I understand the Theo part, the rest is totally lost on me. – Confused by them. – But don’t you have a sister in Argentina? Maybe she can help us. – Mason asked Derek.

– I can try. – Cora was happy there, she belonged by her pack’s side, he didn’t want to bring his sister back into danger.

– They talk with the witches while we make a deal with Cassandra. – It was the beginning of a plan.

– That does sound a lot like making a deal with the devil. – Mason mumbled. Lydia nodded her head agreeing, Stiles tilted his head disappointed at him. – I’m just saying. – He got his hand up, defending his argument.

 Suddenly, sensing something was wrong, there was a tickling feeling on his spine. Slowly turning his back, he looked up to see a flying table heading in their direction.

– Ooh, fuck. – It was all he could say before Derek and Scott stood in front of them, stopping them from being hurt. 

 The werewolves almost didn’t escape, being drunk wasn’t the best state for their powers to work.

 Stiles looked at the rubble on the floor, disoriented by the voices screaming and running, trying to escape the building. There was a woman at the door, her hands had a blue glow coming out of them, that’s all he could glimpse before a chair was on top of them. Harley’s hands started to glow in a silver tone, holding the chair with her powers.

– We can’t go after her, last time they could’ve killed all of us. – Scott was reading the field.

– We need a distraction. – Mason and Liam looked at each other, there was something they had been working on. The Beau Geste effect, where two werewolves could sound like an entire pack, Mason had worked out how to make that happen with only his phone. 

 Derek ordered Malia and Jackson to go in opposite directions ready to attack. He turned into a wolf, slowly walking towards the witch, seeing better because of the wolf vision.

 Liam started howling as Mason turned his phone on, while Scott and Kira helped people to go out in the emergency exit. The witch laughed at the scene.

– Cassandra… You think a few wolves will scare me? – Those around Harley started to flow, their feet were off the ground. Boyd, Isaac and Erica tried to hold onto each other, Lydia and Stiles held each others’ hand.

– No. But I know a true alpha can. – She threw the chair back at the witch, at the same time Scott heard his cue and the claws were out after her.

 They fell on the ground. Stiles looked at Lydia, asking her for something that she could doubt herself, but he knew she could do it. Stepping from her with his thumbs up for encouragement, the others were left behind to protect the red head.

 Malia and Jackson joined Scott, in the ground the witch pulled them in closer, making Jackson paralyze Malia and Scott, then rapidly threw them against the wall. The blow was enough to make them pass out, leaving cracked walls behind.

– A Kanima? That’s a fun party trick, a shame they will all be dead. – Harley tried to attack her with blows of her magic, in the next second the woman had a rope made out of her blue powers pulling Harley closer to her.

 Kira created a small electric field around the woman, closing in very fast before she could counter attack, making her let Harley go.

 Lydia took a deep breath, as Kira’s shield went down this was her chance. She had practiced a scream powerful enough to knock anyone down, the problem was when it got out of her control. The scream was directed at the witch, the lights started to flicker. She smiled, but it quickly fade away as the scream bounced back, making her along with Isaac, Erica and Boyd go straight into the ground. The witch had casted a magical field around her after Kira's attack.

 Liam and Derek tried to distract her as Kira created a leash out of her powers, Harley got back up, helping make Kira’s powers strong enough. 

 They were about to win when the lights went down. Stiles blinked for a second, only to find everyone on the ground dead. He looked up and saw four witches, they had him and Scott behind bars, their faces bore exhaustion, dark circles under their eyes matched the darkness in their eyes.

– What the fuck? – He knew what was happening, but why now? There were still a few months.

 A heart appeared on the floor, it was beating as blood leaking out of it started to get into his feet. The blood was about to drawn him, he closed his eyes hoping this wasn’t the end.

 The second witch was invisible. She was hiding, waiting for the perfect moment to get inside his head. A picture of his friends dead wouldn’t be a bad way to get him sidetracked from the current battle. The problem was to form this picture, she had to give up a part of her mind to access his. It didn't felt right having the power to muddle someone's mind.

 Liam looked at Stiles on the floor. They had managed to stop the witch, she was down after Kira broke the barrier and got her badly electrocuted. Liam held his head up trying to wake him up.

– What happened? – Derek turned back, confused because they had won. Why was Stiles on the floor?

– I don’t know, maybe he was hit by something. – Derek scooped him off the floor after getting dressed, carrying him away from the scene.

 Malia, Scott and Jackson woke up, only Jackson left with ease. The ones hit by the banshee were still down, the scream had done real damage.

– We won? – Scott asked Liam, who was holding his arm on his shoulder, helping the Alpha walk. They were leaving in a hurry, the cops were already outside asking questions.

– Did we? – Mason answered, before Liam could. They didn’t understand what had happened, the witch was defeated and detained by Harley, but something didn’t feel right.

 Derek took them to somewhere he was avoiding, it was the last resort. Peter’s apartment was spacious, he laid the injured on the beige couch. Making a call to the Sheriff, reassuring him that Stiles was fine asleep and would call when he could, hoping it would become true.

 Derek watched them along with Kira, keeping guard as the rest slept upstairs. Kira was scared to fall asleep after tonight, the fox was fighting inside her to get out.

– Kira. – She was lightly blinking, almost falling asleep. He got up and poked her shoulder.

– What? – She held her sword into a fighting stance. They both had placed chairs in front of the door, in case anyone found them. Harley had made sure to cast an enchantment to diverge the witches into another place.

– If you need to sleep, I will keep an eye out for you. – Kira tightened her mouth, thankful, yet she couldn’t sleep and ended up attacking everyone.

– No. I’m fine. I’m fine. – Scott had left two blankets for them in case it got cold, he took one of the blankets and offered Kira, she was shivering a little from the AC.

– Thank you. – She took the blanket, leaving the sword on the floor, far away from her.

– When did it start? – The wolf knew she had come back fine, Malia took the opportunity to see her as one to leave Beacon Hills, she hated the small town. 

– Two months ago. – Kira spoke quietly, scared anyone would hear. – I’ve tried everything, the wolf mantra, drinking tea, doing what the skinwalkers taught me. I don’t think it’s because of me that’s acting up. – Kira looked around, to see if there was anyone listening. – I think it’s because of the witches. – She whispered.

 Derek knew that made sense, a new surge in power would make nature unbalanced, the fox had to get ready to face it. Looking at Kira, she was so tired, the dark circles under her eyes and how unfocused they were would make anyone worried.

 Derek heard a heart getting faster, Stiles was waking up. Slowly opened his eyes, putting one hand on his head, this headache wouldn’t be solved with some aspirin.

– Are you hungry? Do you need anything? – Derek helped him sit straight on the couch.

– I knew Malia was wrong, you weren’t going to die. – Kira let out a sigh of relief straight going to hug him. Stiles thought this was officially the month he has most been hugged in his life, it’s time for some space. Kira stood there for a long second.

– Kira? – Stiles said, the girl had fallen asleep. She got agitated by him, waking up a little startled. – Wait! What could happen? – He looked at Derek wide-eyed. 

– Not anymore. – He bit back a smile, everything would be fine. Kira let go of Stiles, watching them look at each other with a small smile.

– So… – He blinked, moving his head up, trying to move on from the pain. – What the hell happened? – His visions were dawning on him, looking down as the memory came back.

 With his hand still on his head, something came back in this meantime, moving his fingers up and down, feeling the magic around him. At least he had a way to fight back that hopefully didn’t involve him getting knocked out again.

 Derek told him about the fight, how Liam found him unconscious after it was over. Kira went back to the door, she looked a bit dislocated.

– Is she okay? – He asked the wolf, somehow looking worse than him.

– She just needs some sleep. – Stiles searched the room, it felt familiar. Lydia was next to him, her and the others' ears had dry blood on them. 

– Are they… Will they be fine? – He looked at Erica, feeling a sense of guilt bubbling inside him. If he hadn’t taken the easy route and taken the leader’s powers away, if they were all dead. And now, they would all die according with his vision

– Don’t do that. – Derek watched him get lost in his own mind. – This wasn’t your fault. – Stiles faced him, maybe this wasn’t his fault, but he was one of the reasons for this mess. 

– Where are we? – The moment of silence it took Derek to say anything, Stiles tilted his head realizing how low they had gone. – Really?

 Erica, Isaac and Boyd were up by the morning, Lydia had gotten the most damage by being in front of the scream still unconscious on the couch.

  Scott had gone shopping early, hearing what people were saying in town about last night's accident, people were convinced of a gas leak that lead to mass hysteria. The big windows made a beautiful view. Isaac swore to never drink again as the sun hit his face.

– Where are we? – Isaac asked, slowly blinking with a hand on his head, feeling the pain.

– Peter’s apartment. – Derek said, while making scrambled eggs for the pack, Stiles sat on the kitchen counter next to him. The three looked at each other with “oh, shit.” kind of look that made the spark amused.

– What about her? – Erica looked at Lydia. She tried to listen to her heartbeats, it was very calm.

– Scott checked her pain level, she is slowly getting better. – He tried to pay attention to the eggs, but Stiles kept nibbling on the cheese and everything almost got burned. Malia made a loud noise closing the drawer, she had a bunch of silverware on her hands. Her hair looked disheveled, she was wearing a long t-shirt looking like it was her home.

– 20 year long pension. – She said, letting go of a fork in her mouth. They just accepted what was happening and she went back to collecting whatever was expensive in her father’s apartment. – You smell weird, a mix of happy, sad, anxious. – She caught Stiles and Derek smilling at each other as Stiles stole a bacon from one of the plates.

– And you smell like you need to check Peter’s office. – She liked the idea. Leaving the room narrowing her eyes at the two man, suspecting something was different.

 Derek made Kira a hot chocolate his mom always made when he was feeling bad, maybe it could help a little. After discussing last night at breakfast, they gathered on the couch, keeping Lydia some company. It could fit everyone, making Malia wonder if there was a way she could take it back to her apartment.

 Kira yawned, they looked at her worried, she really needed to sleep.

– Did Theo call? – Mason asked Liam. The plan was almost completely gone to shit, Mason knew Lydia and Stiles were the ones that had the ideas, and the way they both looked terrible wasn’t a good sign.

– No. Although, he texted me that they were close to finding their lair in New Jersey. – The mission was to set a meeting, since he and Peter were omegas, and not part of the pack they couldn’t affect them.

– Lair? They aren’t super villains. – Jackson quipped back.

– Who cares? – Erica was worried, it was happening again, she couldn’t be in the run again. Two weeks ago if anyone asked her where she would be today, her answer would be getting breakfast with Stiles, going to her classes and then having dinner with Boyd. She didn’t miss looking over her shoulders at every turn. – We are losing, they will kill each and every one of us. – Silence fell in the room.

– We could just give her away. – He took a piece of hair from his pocket. Boyd wasn’t proud, but last night while drinking, he took a piece of hair from Harley. If they could meet with the witches and offer the piece of hair for tracking or any other evil spell, just like they had planned in case the help didn’t work, they could end this.

– We aren’t going to kill Harley. – Scott got up, stood face to face with Boyd. Stiles waved his hand, magically separating them.

– How do you even know if the memories are real? – Isaac asked. – If any witch could easily take away our memories, why couldn’t they implant other memories?

– Because I had this picture of a birthday cake in my family drawer. I went looking through the pictures with my mom before leaving for college, now I remember it was Harley sitting there blowing candles as my mom took the picture. – He looked over at Lydia, he wouldn’t let another friend of his get hurt.

– Then what? – Malia looked down, life was finally getting nice, she was even trying to find a career. Desperately wanting to go back to that, a week back in Beacon Hills was fun, but this wasn’t her home anymore. –  I can’t watch we lose and then get killed. – Stiles pondered, quietly getting small glimpses of Lydia, she deserved to be back on campus being annoyingly smarter than everyone else.

 Arguing wouldn’t get them anywhere.

 He could see how this was turning out to be something bigger. Kira’s powers were getting out of control again, Lydia said something was off about her powers, the visions had kicked in sooner. Stiles gazed at Derek, he was thinking the same, they were planning for battle what would turn into war.

They heard a small noise coming from beside them.

– What do you mean get killed? – Lydia woke up confused. She took the blanket off, throbbing pain coming off her ear.

 Her eyes immediately focused on Stiles, touching thin air as it was the strings of a violin. A voice surrounded him, it kept changing notes. Getting scared for a second, she let it go and the voice was still there. She touched his face and the voice became clear, “Heart, future, lie.”

– Lyds? – He said, feeling awkward. In response she shushed him.

– Heart, future, lie. – She repeated the words, trying to make sense of them.

– What does it mean? – Scott asked, they had gotten used to Lydia’s powers, when she started saying random words, her powers were predicting something.

– I don’t know, but my predictions only mean one thing. – She got up, her eyes trying to find Harley. – Where’s Cassandra? – They knew that fearless look, she was about to do something to change everything.

– You mean Harley? – Scott corrected her.

– No. I mean the girl that killed half of her coven, she and I are going to have a little talk. – Even Derek was afraid of that tone of voice, if anyone was going to get things done it was her.

 Harley was in the storage unit, Peter kept a key in the apartment. Since there weren’t many people visiting storage units, they left Harley and the witch alone, she was stuck through a force field. The pack was sure Harley wouldn’t let the witch go.

– You knew that they could find you, didn’t you? That’s why you came here after Stiles. You thought we could protect you. – Lydia barged into the small room, deflecting an armchair and two suitcases. Derek and Stiles stood at the door in case anything happened, knowing the one they would have to stop is Lydia.

– I didn’t know this would happen. – Harley had a guilty look, her eyes slowly met Lydia’s fury.

– You could’ve killed us. – Stiles spoke with a blank face, this was a lesson he should've learned a long time ago. The furniture in the room trembled, his anger was quiet but telling. Derek took his hand, it was a small moment, things were better for a second. – I told you we all had changed, I just didn't know you hadn’t. – Not telling them what was happening was in her book, Harley avoided to look any of them.

– The banshee. – The witch spoke. Dark hair matching the black dress made her look straight out of a goth horror movie. – Cassandra’s powers are of mere insignificance compared with the prediction of every death.

– But you knew it could've hurt us. – Harley didn’t deny it, Derek furrowed his brow mad at himself for not stopping them from believing Harley.

 Lydia turned her attention to the witch, maybe she could Stilinski her way into knowing more about what is happening to her. 

– What do you know about me? You’re just an ordinary witch that a teenager could beat and that black dress isn't helping. – She looked her up and down, the witch bitterly laughed.

– Oh, child. Look at you, your kind doesn’t know the start of their powers. If you let me kill the abomination, I’ll teach anything you need. – Lydia smiled, not buying a word.

– Of course, someone stuck in a cage would think that I need their help. – She crossed her arms. – What game are you playing?

– One I will win. – She looked certain of it. Lydia was almost stepping out of the door, when Cassandra said something.

– What is the triade? – She asked the witch, who for a brief moment let fear take over her face. – I see images of them. – Lydia attentively listened to them.

– If you are asking, we are all dead. At least I have solace in the fact you’ll be dead by our side. – She had a repulsive smirk when her eyes met Stiles’. – I can bypass your werewolf senses, but the seer will know I’m telling the truth. – The way she spoke with disdain towards Harley was more than about the decay of the coven.

– What’s the difference between me and Cassandra? – Why could the coven stand him, but not their own witch? Even before the mother’s death, they didn’t hear her.

– The Hale wolf knows what losing a member of a pack feels like, losing a member of a coven is the same. She was a foolish child who grew up to be a coward who kills her own kind. – This caused the field around her to tremble, Stiles had a feeling the comment wasn't only meant for Harley.

 They left the room. Derek looked at Lydia making sure everything was fine, her head seemed to be elsewhere. 

– At least Theo was a better liar. – Stiles remarked.

 Back in the apartment, Lydia told them about the triade. They didn’t tell them about the witch, taking under consideration that if everyone knew what Cassandra did, trusting the girl would be hard and her powers might be useful.

– You encountered another witch before, tell me everything you remember. – Harley opened the door, she followed them trying to come up with something to make up for what she did.  

 They talked about the fight, Malia remembered something.

– She was wearing a necklace that held small glass containers. You said it for channeling other witches. – Stiles nodded agreeing. That spiked Cassandra’s curiosity.

– How many were untouched? – Malia searched in her memory. They had been through a lot, it wasn’t easy remembering every step.

– Four. – Malia answered.

– Yeah, there were only four that weren’t broken. Why is this important? – Stiles added. Harley summoned a chalkboard, writing “4 witches: Kara, Mira, Luna, Claire” – We only have to defeat four witches and one of them is here.

– We can take down three witches. – Scott said, confident of his pack. Erica, Boyd and Isaac were smooshed together on the couch, she played with Isaac's hair, not being entirely confident in this plan.

 Scott was trying to come up with a plan. They were staying one more day in Peter's apartment and then they would free the witch so she would take them to the lair, Liam calling their home lair had been a success, even Mason hated it, but couldn't stop calling it that.

 They were too busy paying attention to Scott, when Erica pulled Derek aside.

– Forget Scott’s plan. – Derek wasn’t surprised by the way she didn’t want to follow his plan. – Tell me what you would do. – But he was surprised that she wanted to hear from him.

– I would take them by surprise. I wouldn’t free her, it's obvious that we are coming. – Erica saw potential whatever he was going at. – We still don’t know who the leader is. Theo could set up a meeting, instead of attacking them as expected we make a trade, they tell who their leader is, and we give her back. 

– Winning us some time again? – She was disappointed at the plan, just wishing for this to end.

– But we don’t trade her back, Stiles can perform a spell to change someone's appearance. We get two steps forward. – Erica had a crooked smile, maybe Derek could be the Alpha Boyd thought he was.

 Later that day, Theo called to tell that Peter had decided to help, setting them a meeting with two other witches by charming them, the third one was nowhere to be seen. Lydia decided the portals were the quickest way, trying to stay positive that things would work out. She didn’t trust her own powers, or rather, she couldn’t believe it.

 When the sun was down, the wolves could sense the full moon was close. Their powers were stronger, it added a layer of confidence. Everyone was ready, with supplies in some bags and the flower crowns for the trip.

 Derek brought up the new plan, they agreed it was better, Boyd and Isaac felt as if the pack had finally gotten two Alphas. He noticed Stiles winking at Erica and her back.

 Derek and Stiles were making sure everyone was ready to go, when they sensed a werewolf was nearby. The smell wasn't familiar, but it was to Derek, he opened the door before she knocked.

– Cora? – She stood on the door with her elbow on the frame.

 Malia and Stiles waved their hands, one clearly more excited than the other. Boyd and Erica smiled, before she was caught by the Alpha pack they met, Lydia did the same as them. Mason and Liam didn't know what to do, while Isaac and Scott nodded their heads as a welcome. Harley looked around trying to pick up clues, Jackson was noticing how the Hale eyebrow was prominent.

– Hi. – She had a faint smile, her eyes looked up to the flower crowns’ confused. 

– I thought you wouldn't come. – Cora was a little disappointed by the reaction, he was her brother, of course, she would be here.

– I had to go after cell service, but I’m here, Derek. – Cora had a more relaxed look, her pack didn't get in a lot of trouble like theirs. Derek clumsyly hugged her, she stood still not knowing what to do. – So… Where are we going? – He broke the hug off.

 They explained the best they could as they headed out into the woods, she was giving them a very confused look.

– So what's up with? – She pointed at the flower crowns. – Are you guys going to party with fairies?

– Oh, it's the only way we can go through the portals. – She chuckled, he pointed at the flowers while answering her question. – There are other ways, but I don't know where to find a dragon's beard or a slime of an undead unicorn… – Her face became serious as he rambled, realizing it was real. – You're going to have to use one too. – She tilted her head, annoyed at the fact as he gave her one.

 Stiles had made sure to have triple the amount of everything, this time they were prepared.

– Are you guys high? I won't judge. – Lydia, Isaac and Erica chuckled. – Oh, shit. You are not joking. – She looked at Boyd, who raised his eyebrows, understanding how crazy this all was. – Wait, you can see the future? – Stiles was avoiding to think about what happened at the bar. 

 He had to give a half answer so the werewolves couldn't pick up on a lie, they did pick up on how anxious the answer made him.

– Yeah. – He kept simple. Derek looked back at him for a second, Lydia also thought the answer was not very like him.

– You're too nonchalant about this. Did you see any of us dying? – She joked, he laughed along. 

– The portal is there. – He pointed at a portal. Thanking himself for rambling about everything, so that he could escape her questions.

Unlike the one in Washington, this one was made out of wood and it didn't have stairs. Last time he only took a glimpse, it had a beautiful flowery pattern. He placed the offering, hoping it would work like last time.

– Everyone drink this. – He gave out mini mason jars, stolen from Peter. They had a weird green liquid.

– What is it in these? – Malia beat Liam to the punch.

– I think it's best if you don't know. They will help us stabilize the time flow. – Scott looked at him confused. – They will get us there earlier. – They nodded, bringing light to the conversation. Malia was the first to drink, she made a face. It tasted very bitter, her expression became confused as somehow it had turned sweet by the end. 

– It can't be worse than that raw chicken he made. – Liam shrugged his shoulders. Last Thanksgiving, Stiles tried to cook the bird, it wasn't his best work, John was trying to find a way to keep him out of the kitchen this year. – Bottoms up.

 As they drank, Stiles performed the spell on Cora. She felt like a kid watching the golden lights around them, they might not admit, but it was like partying with fairies.

– I miss the wolfsbane beers back in Argentina. – Cora shook her face. – I would’ve brought some, but some little shit stole the last batch from us. – Erica raised her eyebrow realizing why those beers were familiar, Boyd looked at Isaac to stop him from saying anything.

 Everyone, but Stiles, was ready to go through.

– Hopefully we won't die... now. – He said, making everyone look at him mad for making the situation worse, Jackson flipped him off.

 They all went through the portal. Stiles noticed Derek was looking at him, he was panting while leaning into the portal, tired from the spells.

– It's an entire pack against three witches. We can do this, Stiles. – He had a hopeful demeanor that brought a small smile to the spark's lips. Derek was about to trust him with his whole heart.

– Why didn't you go through? – He asked, the wolf usually tried to be the first because of the Alpha title.

– I didn't drink. – Derek showed the small glass hidden in his pocket. – You’re acting a little off. I thought you could use a talk before the fight. – Words not even the seer could predict. Stiles tilted his head at the word “talk”, he didn't feel like talking.

– You know we could get a flight, the potion could not have worked. – He drew closer, shrugging his shoulders. – We could go to those clubs you went to in New York. – Derek looked up, Stiles would never stop making fun of him.

– It was only one club. – He admitted.

– What? – Stiles wasn't that surprised, it was very Derek, live years in New York and only have gone out once. – Well... – He pulled the collar of Derek's shirt, getting even closer.

 Stiles had a smirk, contrasting Derek that suddenly had found it very hard to breathe. Derek kissed him, it was softer this time around. The stars started to become clearer on the sky.

 Stiles took the potion out of his backpack, planning on maybe making a romantic toast, when he looked at Derek the potion was gone and he was making a disgusted face. He stared at him long enough to notice.

What? – Derek was ready to go through the portal, he didn't like how silly the crown made him seem. Stiles stopped long enough to see something new, Derek looked more comfortable in this new light, it was like seeing through all the walls he had built.

– Nothing. We should go. – Stiles drank, not regretting having added gummy worms by the end. 

 On the other side, it had been two hours. They were waiting for Theo and Peter, bored out of their minds, Cora started to talk to Lydia.

– So… still a banshee? – Lydia nodded, Jackson looked at them picking up a vibe.

– Still a werewolf? – Cora chuckled. 

– And I'm still part Kanima and werewolf. – Jackson raised his hand, answering no one, he got a raised eyebrow from the beta.

– How's Argentina? – Lydia was curious, they hadn't talked in years. Cora's hair was shorter, but she still had the same temper Lydia tried to deny she found interesting.

The truth was, Cora was tired of Argentina. It had been her home for so long that when returning home everything felt awkward, she didn't fit in anymore. When she came back to her other home, it was the same as always, and that bored her. But she couldn't just leave her pack.

 She heard Derek telling stories about Monroe and then the witches, while her pack was in the middle of the woods and just to get the call she had to drive 7 miles. In the last months she spent more time in the city, realizing what she actually missed was home. When Derek called, she was packed and ready to go in a few minutes.

– You know how home is. – Lydia knew how much happier she was in a bigger town. 

– Yes. – There was silence between them.

– You should go to London, I had fun there. – Jackson answered unprompted, making things more awkward.

 Liam was up, apprehensive not being able to keep his hands steady. Scott patted his shoulder when Theo arrived, driving a pickup truck. He came out wearing a black hoodie and pants matching.

– What are you, a ninja? – Stiles made fun of him, Malia laughed. Theo slowly blinked, knowing how tortured he was about to be.

– Where's Peter? – Derek asked the chimera.

– He set the meeting and took off, saying he would be where you guys aren't. – It didn't surprise anyone. Theo looked at them, seeing if it would be able to end this mess they got their boyfriend in. He noticed someone was missing. – Where is the fox?

 The pack started looking around, Derek and Stiles stared at Malia, she was pretending to be as lost as the rest. Her eyes met Stiles who had an eyebrow raised, and then Derek who furrowed his brow.

– Okay! – Quickly gave up pretending. – She finally took a nap. I have been trying to get her to sleep for months, but today she was too tired to discuss with me. – Isaac fist bumped her, living with them, he knew how tired Kira was.

– Peter said he was going somewhere we aren't… – Lydia looked at her.

– You think? – Stiles looked at Derek, his eyes grew in response.

 Stiles and Malia looked at each other, they couldn't hold in their laughter. They started laughing, picturing Kira with a sword attacking Peter, him trying to escape and ending up electrocuted. Derek tried to keep a serious face, almost falling when he noticed the pack confused.

– It's not my secret. – He couldn't tell. Malia and Stiles avoided looking at each other to stop, but then after a few seconds trying to breathe again, they looked at each other losing it.

– How are we going to fit in there? – Mason changed the subject, ignoring the two laughing. Scott crossed his arms, backing up Mason. Theo realized this was going to be way harder than he thought before.

– It's all I could get in time. – The fact didn't make anything better.

– I can cast a spell to create a barrier, so we don't fall off the truck. – Harley broke her silence.

– And I can make us invisible. I don't think having anyone tipping us off to the cops is the best use of our time, you know? – Scott agreed with Stiles.

 Scott sat beside Theo in the car, after Stiles fought them trying to drive. It was tight in the back, the spark worked on turning Cora into the witch. She accepted under the condition she could choose any spell from his book for him to do. Lydia held the photo, trying to keep steady for the spell, sitting next to Cora making sure they looked like.

– Be careful, he can turn you into a frog. – Isaac taunted them, Boyd elbowed him.

– Stiles if you turn me into a frog. – Lydia cut Cora off.

– You'll pull his tongue out of his mouth? – Lydia tried to keep her phone steady as they went through the bumps.

– Yeah. – She got her claws out. Having more fun than she had in months.

– Focus on the spell. – Derek ordered, Cora rolled her eyes.

 Liam accidentally bumped Mason, trying to hear better from Scott and Theo.

– Sorry. – Stiles looked at him.

– I don't think Scott will kill Theo, you don't have to worry. – Liam did something that was rare for him, he asked Derek.

– What would you do if Cora had a boyfriend like Theo? – Cora scoffed, in Jackson's mind it could be read the word “bingo”.

– He would be dead. – He said in that deadpan voice of his, Stiles was the only one that laughed. Slowly stopping, Malia narrowed his eyes at him again.

– Oh, god. I think I'm going to turn Cora into a frog. – He tried to change whatever was on their minds. Cora tried to jump him, but Erica got in front of him in time. 

 Harley watched how close they all were, it felt like a big family where she was a friend invited to spend the weekend.

 The car stopped, the wolves could hear the sounds of the city, it was a secluded house far enough to not draw anyone else' attention. Everyone got out, Cora was impressed by how much she looked like the witch. Theo, Scott, Stiles, Derek, Lydia and Cassandra would conduct the meeting. Theo, as the intermediary, entered the building first, he glanced at Liam for support.

 They couldn't hear what was being discussed, only see the house that was filled with plants on the porch. Stiles was biting his nails, walking back and forward slowly driving Lydia insane.

– They told me that everyone has to get inside, and she wants evidence that her sister is alive. – Derek was the one holding Cora's arm or, how they would perceive her, Claire, as if she could run away at any moment.

– Okay. – Stiles took a deep breath, clapping his hands together trying to accept they were dead. Scott howled, calling all the wolves and Mason back.

 Erica did the same as the night they were headed to their grandmother's house, she held into his arms and he did the same. 

 Inside it was comfortable, even cozy. There was a couch with way too many pillows, the kitchen was small and charming. One of the witches looked like Harley, she wore braids and was younger than the other, who had red hair and a mad look on her face. Both had their eyes focused on Harley, Scott stood next to her.

– There's some tension, how about we just say our names out loud. We should stop fighting, you know it's bad and someone should speak for the purpose of shutting me up. – Stiles begged as they got more intimidating.

– Kara. – She had darker skin than Harley, but even her voice was similar to the girl.

– Stiles. – He got his hand up, with a very fake smile.

– We know about you, both rare alphas, the banshee, the coyote and the fox. – Stiles had to stop himself from saying “enter a bar”. 

– Isaac. – He said, seeing the tension rise up.

– We didn't know about you. – The red head spoke, her hair was darker than Lydia's.

– That hurts a little. – He mumbled.

– I'm Mira. – She took a piece of paper from the table, handing it to Kara.

– Should we start negotiating? – Kara held the paper, making it float in the middle of the room. The pack knew what they wanted, the goal was to get the name of their leader.

 Cora kept trying to speak even with a tape around her mouth, she was really selling it.

– We fought your coven. How didn't we meet you? – Scott asked.

– How did you keep Claire away from her powers? – The spark could answer that, he had researched how to make the headaches better and the answer was always lemongrass tea, it could take anyone's powers away for a couple of hours. But Stiles couldn't let go of his magic, it had become a part of him.

– Lemongrass tea. – Both witches smiled.

– Smart. – Kara spoke, pleased to see that a witch's trick never dies. – And kind, very different from how you treated our maître. – She had a frown, clearly mad at him.

 After practicing magic for longer, he understood. Taking away her magic was cruel.

– Is she still yourbmaître? – Derek pronounced perfectly, taking Stiles' mind away from the situation, thinking about how many languages he spoke and how… He had to focus.

– We want the last witch of our coven back. – The paper turned away from them, the words started to magically appear for the pack. – What is your request?

– I thought this was going to end up in a fight. – Malia said, reading the situation. Lydia and Derek saw how clean this exchange was, it's like they want to fight too.

– Malia is right. You don't want this. – She spoke, making the witches sigh.

– We don't want to fight a bunch of kids, despite my hate for her. – The red head looked at Harley. – We want to go home. 

– I'm only here because I'm sorry, I lost control. – The anger in their eyes was quite telling, their entire disposition changed.

– Lost control? – Her breath was shaky, her face was red. – You killed my grandmother!

– You killed a grandma? – Isaac's jaw was on the floor, even Boyd's eyes were wide open.

– Jesus. – Was Mason's reaction.

– She was my grandma too. – Her voice was filled with pain. – I'm sorry.

– That does not make things better. – Liam mumbled, Theo bit back a smile.

 Stiles realized how bad the situation was. They served a bad leader, she was probably willing to kill them to get to Scott and him. Who could be so bad that a coven of witches was willing to run away? Someone who has lost everything.

– This is not Claire. – He waved his hand, turning Cora back. She was a little bummed out, it was kinda fun playing the part. – We'll bring your sister back, you just have to tell us about your leader. What happened after she lost her powers? – They looked at each other, the spark had figured it out.

– You're as smart as your parents. – Kara's eyes gleamed.

– You knew my parents? – Stiles was scared that they were three steps away from saying they're related, he didn't want to be a part of that Thanksgiving.

– We asked your mother to join us before you were born. Your dad realized very fast how dangerous we were. – The red head added. – She denied us.

– Oh, good. For a second there I thought we were related. – He could breathe again.

– Actually… – She made everyone stop and look at them. The spark was already planning ways to escape the holidays. – I'm joking. – Kara smiled.

– Don't do that to me, man. – The palm of his hand on his chest.

– Ellie wants her powers back to face you. – She looked at the witch next to the pack. – The heart of a true alpha, I'm guessing you know the ritual. – They shook their heads, leaving the two witches confused and shocked.

– The one where when a True Alpha dies his heart is eaten by the next in Alpha. The power it contains creates a pack that can be powerful for generations. – Mira said, as if it was common knowledge.

– You need another beta. – Liam said, trying not to barf.

– And Stiles’ powers, she has to get inside his head to have free access to any vision he has. – Kara looked down. – She doesn't want power only to defeat Cassandra, she wants a new coven to be formed. – Scott couldn't avoid looking at Theo.

– Where's the third witch? – Both their gazes avoided him, there was guilty in their eyes.

– We couldn't stop Ellie from sending her along with Claire, she was supposed to be back by now. – They held hands, a way to make the pain better. – We can't feel her, even in death, we can feel their spirits. She cut herself from the coven. – It was like a wolf leaving their pack, they couldn't survive on their own for very long.

– Then our deal is, give us a list of people and places that can lead to Ellie. We bring Claire back, and if you need it, we can offer protection. – Derek offered his hand to the two women.

– Deal! – Kara shook his hand, she smiled seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. He offered his hand to Mira.

– I'm fine with a hug. – She tilted her head, blatantly flirting with him. He put his hand on his pocket.

– Maybe another time. – Afraid the rejection would bitter things, he couldn't let his pack down. Stiles' face was telling him he would be sleeping on the couch.

 Stiles made the words appear on the paper, having Erica help him, after turning the paper back to them. The women read the conditions with a pleased smile.

– Can you grab the pen, please? – Kara asked Boyd, he was next to the table.

– Yeah, sure. -- Nodding in agreement, he gazed at Erica, who was smiling at him.

 Each of them pierced their fingers with the pen, writing with their bloods to seal the contract. The letters glowed as they were written.

 Holding the paper, ready to give it back to the pack, when their hands started to tremble. Boyd suddenly fell on the ground, the witches followed him.

– Honey? – Erica fell on the ground, she tapped his face trying to wake him up.

– Kara! Mira! – Stiles kneeled next to them. He kept looking back and forward between them and Boyd, scared the vision would become true.

– Don't touch the pen. – Kara said, losing her strength.

– It was nice getting a glimpse of freedom again. – The red head said. Mira took her last breath looking at Kara.

– Don't let her get the heart. – He took the woman’s hand as she gasped for air. – Tell Claire she needs the key. – She spoke shakily.

 Derek stood beside Stiles as they saw her eyes losing the light. Lydia looked at the women, feeling as if death was following them.

 Irrationally Erica laid on his chest, trying to listen to his heart. His breath was short, Erica let a teardrop fall on her face as she heard the quiet heartbeat. Stiles held her, Isaac joined them as she tried her best to stop crying.

– Is he going to die? – She asked Derek, trying to gather the words, he didn’t know how to give the perfect answer.

– We need to keep him resting for two days, is what my mother used to say. – Erica nodded, Isaac and Stiles helped her carry him to the car. They had to take him to Melissa right now.

 Stiles was about to step in the car and drive him the fastest way possible back to the portal, when the key accidentally dropped on the floor in the middle of his mind thinking of all the ways things could go badly, except it didn't make a noise. He looked at the key floating, everyone was standing still like time had stopped.

– Shit. – He stomped his foot, livid about his own life. – What now?

 His eyes searched for an explanation, when a door opened in front of him. A blonde woman sat in a small table was serving tea with her eyes following him.

– Let me guess, Luna? – The witch went back to paying attention to her cup of tea. – Oh, this is about to be great. – He stepped inside the portal.

Chapter Text

 It was the semifinals for the Beacon Hills High Basketball team. Derek took a glimpse of the court, seeing if anyone beside Cora, who was on her flip phone playing some game, was there. His parents hadn't been to any game all season, taking a deep breath before going back to the locker room.

 He took a few steps, sensing someone familiar nearby. In a second, Laura was in front of him, he quickly hugged her very tightly.

– Laura! – He couldn't believe his sister had shown up. It was freshman year for both of them, she would probably have to miss class tomorrow.

– Hey, kid. – She smiled, taking a second to embrace him back.

– What are you doing here? Mom is going to kill you. – He tilted his head. – But dad is going to cook… I'm fine with that. – Laura shook her head with a smile, having missed how excited Derek could get sometimes. It was becoming rare. All that time with jocks, she hoped he hadn't gone full Chad.

– It's your semifinals. Of course, I'm here, Der. – She ruffled his hair. Not that her parents had done the same for her at the concerts her band played. – Now aren't you going to introduce me to your friends? I want to know Terry, how can a person break his arm while eating 20 hot dogs? – Derek laughed, excited for her to meet the gang.

 Laura wasn't very excited after meeting his friends, funny was the opposite word she would use to describe them. It felt like her brother didn’t have any actual friends, Derek was a lot like Cora a few years ago, just a lonely kid.

 She never had any problem making friends, the problem was finding people that could be trusted.

– Laura! – Cora ran to hug her, running over some people on the stands. 

– Hey! – She had grown a lot, the last time Cora didn't even reach her elbow. The girl was wearing a plaid fleece with a band t-shirt.

 They were a lot more alike, which ironically caused more fights. While Derek was playing baseball on the yard, they were fighting over which 70s band was the best.

– Look what I bought you. – Cora finally let go of her, looking up at her sister's hand.

– I'll tell mom I called you begging for you to come home. – She grabbed the CD, it was Led Zeppelin IV. Going to California was the girl's favorite song.

– She doesn't search you for any pins in your shoes? – Laura might have lied a lot using this trick. It was harder for a werewolf to pick up a lite that way.

– No… She actually bought me a new CD player, I can’t wait for you to try it, like once because you know it’s mine. – Cora shook in excitement.

 Derek was playing very well, it was clear the girls were gossiping about him, she wanted to become deaf. They both had grown up, it was hard picturing how things would be when she graduated.

 The was something interesting happening outside, the Stilinski boy was listening to his dad's radio. As part of her training to be an Alpha

“Adam 10-9. We have a 10-29f in custody.” It meant that they had a felon. 

“10-20?” The other cop asked where they were.

“Outside the school. 135” He yelled to the radio, the guy running away.

– Call Scott, he can't miss this! – A girl that Laura didn't know yelled. She could hear someone screaming for the guy to stop running 

 Entertained by the young boy trying to find his friend on the stands, thinking that he and Cora would get along. He was calling his friend, pushing people when a ball from one of the players from the other team accidentally hit him on the head.

– Uh. – Cora said with a smile. – That must have hurt. – This was the most interesting thing that had happened all season.

– Stiles! – Scott went to check on his friend, knocked out cold for at least 15 seconds.

 He woke to a bunch of people staring at him, Cora had a devious smile while taking a picture. Derek helped him get up, Laura saw that maybe her brother didn't change that much.

– Are you okay? – He asked Stiles. The boy slowly blinked away, losing his balance almost falling again when Scott caught him.

– I’mma fine. – He dusted off his shirt, pulling Scott closer. – Dude, you need to see what is happening outside.

– He’s fine. Let's go back to the game! – The guy who had hit him said.

– Are you sure? – Derek asked one last time.

– Yeah. – He glimpsed away at her brother, blushing a little. – Come on! The guy is running away. – He was about to leave, when the guy laughed with his friends pointing at him. – I hope you lose, ugly face! – He said giving the middle finger to the boy who had hit him, and maybe he didn't exactly say ugly face. His words were way too bitter for an eleven year old.

 Laura laughed as he ran away, Derek stopped the boy from following the kid, but when he returning to the game he gave a false step ending up hurting himself.

 In the end this was the best game Beacon Hills high had ever played, whatever curse the boy had plagued the other team with had worked.

Stiles was about to step in the car and drive him the fastest way possible back to the portal, when the key accidentally dropped on the floor in the middle of his mind thinking of all the ways things could go badly, except it didn't make a noise. He looked at the key floating, everyone was standing still like time had stopped.

– Shit. – He stomped his foot, livid about his own life. – What now?

 His eyes searched for an explanation, when a door opened in front of him. A blonde woman sat in a small table was serving tea with her eyes following him.

– Let me guess, Luna? – The witch went back to paying attention to her cup of tea. – Oh, this is about to be great. – He stepped inside the portal.

 It was a small apartment, he looked out of the window noticing the view from Beacon Hills. They sat opposite from each other on the table, she stared at the tea.

– I'm tired of witches. Start talking or I'm going to start breaking things! – He adjusted himself on the chair. – And trust me I have a knack for breaking things that can't even be broken. – He probably shouldn't be proud about that, but it was on his skillset.

 The witch kept looking at tea, as if there was something interesting in the drink. He got up, and broke a few glasses, it was incredibly therapeutic. Locking eyes with the small TV, about to throw it away with a grin on his face.

– Are you insane? – She yelled, mouth agape shocked. – What the hell is wrong with you?

– A lot. But I got you to speak. – He sat back on the chair putting his feet on the table, with an annoying winning smirk.

 Luna stood still trying to process what had just happened. She sat down, pushing his feet away.

– I need to apologize, Mieczyslaw. – That surprised the spark. She looked down, drinking her tea nervously.

– So you read a file about me with my real name? I think you're the one that should be scared, that's not even half of the things. I get away with a lot. – Perks of his dad being the Sheriff, mostly, sometimes when he got caught, there were piles of dishes waiting for him.

– Then Mischief. – Stiles didn't understand what she meant. – I'm sorry I got inside your head. It's forbidden for a reason.

– How? You couldn’t… – It dawned on him. The visions were planted, he had spent the day afraid of something that wasn't true. – She already has won, that's why she killed them. – He nodded his head, trying to accept the fact. Ellie had already gotten inside his head, any vision he would have, she would know.

– No! – The witch finished the cup of tea, hitting her hand on the table with enough strength to make everything tremble. She recomposed herself. – Do you want some tea, it was my mother's favorite.

No, thank you. – His voice was sarcatisc, why was she offering tea? Stiles shook his head, denying.

– Straight to business then. – She poured more. –You have to burn the key! Claire knows where it's. – Every word spoken made the apartment tremble, the sudden change from anger to peaceful occurred very fast.

– Kara said to use the key. – That made both of them confused.

– Listen to me. It's too dangerous, even if you find the box first. – She looked at him with a serious face, ordering as if it was the only thing that mattered. – If Ellie has them, she wins.

– Okay. I'll burn that motherfucker. – As he said the words a portal was opened back to the car.

– Our time is up. I hope you live. – He got up, noticing that she her hands were glowing a deep yellow tone.

 He walked towards the portal, she was opening another opposite from his. A woman smirked at him, he remembered that face.

 Stepping into the other side as the witch gave him a last glimpse, her eyes wrinkled with a smile. Ellie held a knife, before Stiles could do anything the portal was closing. Ralizing too late what had happened, he was alone in this mission.

 Time was unfrozen, Stiles looked at the ground trying to breathe. He was trying counting how many stones there were on the floor, losing track every few seconds. Hand stood on his stomach, his vision was cloudy and the voices around seemed so fair away.

– Stiles. – Derek didn't understand how he had moved so quickly.

– He's having a panic attack! – Lydia said, pushing away the pack off her way. She held his chin up. – Breathe in, breathe out. – She started to do as said, Stiles followed her lead.

– I'll drive. – Malia picked the keys off the ground, she would get them fast enough on the other side.

– Get the water, Isaac. – Scott ordered, Isaac started to open the bags after it.

 His eyes were unfocused, he tried to focused on his breathing. Holding his chest, it felt lighter after every time he breath in and breathe out. 

 Things started to clear out, the voices weren't muddled anymore. He was still trembling, but Boyd was the priority.

– We need to go. – He felt his lips dry. Derek put his hand on Stiles’ back, he pushed the touch away walking towards the truck. 

 The drive home was silent, Erica quietly sobbed as Isaac and Stiles did their best hugging her. On the other side his dad had a police car waiting for them to drive Boyd to the hospital.

 It was already morning, they were in the hospital waiting room as they did some tests on Boyd. The hospital staff knew those kids, they shared some of the coffee from the breaking room.

 Erica got up when Melissa showed up.

– We think it's a nerve agent. There isn't an antidote for that, but because of his rare traits he's getting better by the second. You can go check on him. – Erica embraced Melissa as her face lit up with pure joy.

– Thank you. – Melissa was happy to see that they would be fine.

– The rest of you better go home, take a shower and get some sleep. – She ordered them, no one moved an inch. – And Scott, you have explaining to do, Sir. – Scott got up, his mother's look was frightening.

– I'm going to get some of Erica and Boyd's things in my house. – Despite him not having spent summer back home, they did. There were clothes from both of them in his drawers, Erica and Boyd used John's house as an escape.

– We can go with you. – Lydia offered. Derek and Malia looked at him, taking the offer.

– No. I think it's best if you stay in case anything happens. – He left the pack, this is something he had to do alone.

 Technically, it wasn't a lie, he was going back home after speaking with the witch. Peter's building was close to the hospital, a few minutes walking. Texting Harley “Trust me.” before doing something erratically, it wasn't a smart move.

 She was eating some pizza Kira probably left, rolling her eyes at the spark when he entered the room. The witch looked bored, checking her nails.

– Where's the key? – She leaned on the wall, taking a heavy sigh.

– Get me out of here and I'll tell you, seer. – Stiles pursed his lips, nothing was ever easy.

– We didn't kill your coven, they were poisoned by a pen. – That caught her attention. He made a face thinking how silly that statement sounded.

– How can I know you're telling the truth? – He waved his hand, undoing Cassandra's field force. 

 The witch took the chance to cover him on vines, slowly covering his entire body, the vines danced on his skin.

– I talked to Luna. – He said, shakily. It was hard to move, the vines were on his legs and arms.

– What? – Her voice was lower, taken by surprise by that. She stopped the vines from growing anymore.

– She told me to burn the key, and I promised I would burn that motherfucker. You know… – Her impatience grew, tightening the vines. – Kara told me to you would use the key. – She let go of him, Stiles fell on the ground.

– There’s no key. – She fixed her hair, dusting off her clothes. Ready to leave wherever she was at.

 The spark looked at the floor, trying to think of something else, but nothing came to his mind.

– How? 

– The last keeper of the key was Talia Hale, it burned down in the fire. – She walked towards the door, not certain what to do next.

– Are you sure it was a pen? – The pen was gifted by Ellie, for them to use in a peace deal in case there was no other choice. If it was true, the woman she was following killed her coven.

– Yes. My friend is in the hospital because he touched that thing. The deadly pen, sounds like the name of a trashy horror movie. – She took a deep sigh, disappointed at her leader. – Is there anything else we can use against her? – He asked, begging for help.

– Give me your phone, child. – Stiles clumsily gave the phone, almost dropping it on the floor. The witch added her number with the name “dare to call me and you're dead”, very heartwarming. – Bring me four o'clock flower. When I call we'll meet here. – She dropped his phone on the floor, leaving Stiles alone.

– Argh. – He hadn't found a spell to fix a cracked screen, looking between the cracks at the few lost calls on his phone.

 Melissa was on the front desk signing off papers, while Scott explained fully what was going on. The nurse probably should have been more shocked, but this was common by now.

 She stopped writing, analyzing her son, something was wrong.

– Are you okay? – Scott was scratching his hair.

– Yeah, I'm fine. – She tilted her head, catching him on a bluff. – It's nothing, mom. – She raised her eyebrow. – I feel a little lost.

– You are here with your friends. I'm sure you'll figure out how to defeat some witches. – There was silence. – And if you don't, I can always use Stiles' bat. – He laughed, taking the offer under consideration.

– Last year it was weird. I'm scared that maybe this isn't where I'm supposed to be, maybe I should just go back to college, it wouldn't make a difference if I'm not here. – He confessed.

– No, you're not. You told me they’re after you, if you leave, I'll have Chris hunt you down and bring you home. – So leaving was out of the question. 

– What do I do? – He felt like the pack had changed a lot. Stiles, Boyd and Erica were glued together back in college, Liam and Mason had their own lives, Isaac lived with Kira and Malia.

 She put her hand on his shoulder, giving him some advice. 

– You'll regret leaving your friends alone this time. Be patient. – His mom went back to work, and Scott decided to talk to go back to the waiting room.

 He received a text from Deaton, saying that the book Lydia and Derek were after didn't exist anymore, the last copy was in the Hale house. Good news were not on the table today.

 Back at the hospital, Stiles carried two bags with Boyd and Erica’s stuff. He had underestimated how much Erica could keep randomly spread in his room.

– You took your time. – Cora remarked as Isaac took one of the bags. Stiles didn't answer her, avoiding to have the werewolves pick up anything.

– Is he doing better? – He was tapping his fingers on his legs anxiously.

– Yes, he's better. – Derek's shoulders were less tense. – Erica said you could let their stuff in the room.

 Stiles and Isaac knocked on the door, Erica nodded for them to come in, she was sitting on an armchair next to him. Stiles left the things on the floor and saw Boyd, he seemed smaller on the bed.

– Do you want something from the vending machine? I can go there right now. – Isaac pointed to the door with his thumb, noticing how Erica didn’t take her eyes away from Boyd.

– I’m not hungry. – Stiles stood next to her, she took his hand, holding it tightly. Isaac was on the other side of the bed, closer to Boyd. – I feel guilty. – She spoke suddenly, making both Isaac and Stiles look at each other confused. – I was freaking out about the kids' stuff.

– You're gonna break with Boyd? – Isaac jumped to that conclusion. He couldn't handle that, he already had plans for a parent trap situation.

– No! – She caressed Boyd's hand. – I realized that I want all of that with him. With you two being annoying about our wedding or any children we will have. – Isaac smiled picturing a future where that happened as Erica kissed Boyd's forehead.

 It’s my fault. – Stiles said, making Erica for the first time in hours look at something else. – I know you both only came because of me and Isaac. – Isaac looked down, he was right.

– No, dumbass. – Erica aggrieved, her eyes stared at Isaac and Stiles. – We're a family. – She stated, holding his hand even more tightly.

 It was the only family that ever defended her or was there in the small or big moments. Her eyes filled with tears, they were going to kick that witches’ ass because this wasn't something she couldn't lose. Isaac and Stiles stared in fear at her crying, the spark had sworn he would see Boyd crying before her, and he might have when watching Marley & me, but they had promised not to tell a single soul.

– I love you guys. – Speaking in a breathy voice as her eyes flooded with tears.

– Don't cry. You'll make me cry. – Stiles was trying hard not to cry, Isaac faced away from them hiding the tears.

 They noticed Boyd moving on the bed, slowly waking up. Opening his eyes to see Erica, who had the biggest grin ever, she wiped the tears away.

– Hey. – His voice was weak.

– Hey! – Erica started to kiss his entire face, Boyd chuckled painfully.

– We should leave them. – Isaac said, as Erica and him started to kiss, quickly going from cute to “we shouldn't be here for this”. Isaac and Stiles patted his shoulder showing how happy they were, going out of the room with smiles. Boyd did miss two people in that room when waking up.

 Cora was in an empty room answering a call from her pack in Argentina, Derek knocked on the door. 

– I have to go. – Cora ended the call. If something had changed about Boyd, she had to know.

 She watched confused as Derek took something off his wallet. He glanced at the picture with a look she hadn't seen in years, the same joy as when Laura was home back from college. She stepped in closer, finally looking at it.

– It's a long story, but Laura left this. – She touched the picture to make sure it was real.

– Sister Laura, mother and father. – Staring over everyone on the picture. Her fingers moved across the frame, trying to capture the moment again.

 The time spent away made the memories muddled, she couldn't believe in a lot of them.

– Did Laura ever take me to ballet classes? – Her voice was quiet, curious to know if it happened. Most memories from her childhood involved Laura. 

– Yes. – Derek chuckled, Cora hated the outfit. – But three classes in, she changed you to a Judo class. – Cora looked at him, envying how much time he had spent with their sister.

– Do you think she… Forget it. – Cora didn't want to know the answer.

– She missed you. – They both had missed the girl wearing the flannel. – I missed you. – The earnest tone was the same as their sister, she was the best one to talk about her feelings.

– Mom and dad worked a lot? – She deflected how that made her feel, changing the subject to another memory she had, Derek nodded.

– Only Laura ever showed up. – He acknowledged it, quickly remembering with a smile that he was wrong. – You did go to all my games before mom put you in training. – She scoffed.

– No. – She was sure of it until all the boring memories came back. – No. You're remembering it wrong. – She lied, not wanting to have that over her head. Derek found that funny, a small smile formed on his lips.

– Her ringtone was that song I hate it… – He tried to jig his memory, the song was proof of how much Laura missed her little sister. Cora's CD player was the worst thing in their house, that song was played every day.

– Going to California?

– Yes. Laura had the CD in the car. – He looked away with a brittle smile, Cora's eyes gleamed.

 They hadn't talked about what happened in the fire, everything before that they tried to forget so it would hurt less. Neither trusted the good memories, but in that moment Cora was sure that after the game Laura and her danced along to the song, it wasn't a fast song to dance at, but they managed it.

– Spent my days with an unkind woman… – She sang, mumbling under her breath the song, Derek looked up for a second, taking an annoyed sigh. 

– Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine. – He sang reluctantly. – That was your favorite song as an eleven year old? – He remarked and Cora laughed, it was a rare sight. 

– Thank you. – He brought back the memories that she thought were lost. She hugged him, this time wasn't awkward, just left a warm feeling.

 Scott was ready to go home after Boyd had woken up, leaving a few balloons behind in his room. He told Derek about the book, not wanting to be the one to face Lydia's big sad eyes.

 Liam called him, running to catch up with the Alpha.

– Wait. – Liam yelled, Scott craned his head.

– Is there something wrong? – He was prepared for the worst.

– No. – Liam closed his eyes, gaining courage for what he was about to say. – You're the first person I tell when I do something that I'm proud of. – Scott didn’t know about that. – You believe me. – He said slowly, it had brought a lot of pressure on the kid, but it was nice that after all the fuck ups Scott would always believe the best in him.

– Is this about Theo? – It sounded like it was.

– Yeah. – He said, a bit awkward. – I don't want to disappoint you. – His gaze averted Scott's.

– You're not disappointing me. – Scott smiled, making Liam face him again. – I'll try to be more… understanding. – It was an odd relationship, but also was all of his. Liam grinned, ready to high five him. 

– Are you going home? 

– Yes. I need some sleep, dude. – Yawning, the best sleep they got was in Peter's place, and waiting for the werewolf to show up and try to kill him wasn't exactly the best sleep of his life.

– Wait. You can't be alone and I can't spent one more day scared of your mother. – Liam ran to call Mason and Harley, it was better to have someone protecting the True Alpha. Melissa had been giving him the stinky eye all day, still haven't forgiven him.

 The Alpha realized something, Liam was his pack. The pack he thought about was long gone, he was right in focusing on the future. It would be hard finding people who didn't want a bite to kill someone. He wanted what the pack had, what Derek was gaining back.

 The rest of the pack left for the night, Malia went straight to Stiles’ house. Derek and Cora encoutered Stiles and Isaac in the hallway, fighting about which vending machine snack was the best. 

 Derek watched Erica and Boyd smiling at each other talking about something, before Erica got up and welcomed them in the room. Boyd's face was filled with lipstick kiss marks.

– You have… – Stiles pointed at his face, Boyd blushed realizing it.

– It's off? – He wiped his face, smudging more lipstick on his face.

– Let's go with yes. – They laughed at Boyd trying to wipe it off again. 

– I spoke with the doctor on the way here and tomorrow morning you're cleared. – Derek remarked. Erica kissed Boyd on the cheek again.

– Thank you for being here. – Boyd spoke, a bit awkward.

– Don't worry, you're the most exciting thing going on in this town. – They unfortunately agreed, the only stuff that ever happened at home was to them.

– I'm better, you can all leave. – Boyd's face was serious until it turned into a smile, he was joking. – But, no jokes. You should go home, me and Erica will be fine by ourselves. – They smiled at each other.

 Stiles left for a second the room, confused faces all over. He quickly came back with a chair, taking off one of the bags a deck of uno.

– Come on. – He placed the deck on Boyd's food tray. – Are you guys afraid to lose? – He taunted them with a smirk

– Oh, you're on. – Cora took another chair from the hallway.

– Like he could win. – Isaac sat next to them.

 They sat around his bed, Stiles and Cora were cheating, he was stealing cards from the deck and she was hiding a few of hers. Derek won a few rounds as the cheaters were accusing him of doing the same.

 Stiles was wrong, he wasn't alone, he would never be alone again as long as they had each other.

They realized Ellie wasn't going to attack them as long as Harley was in Scott's house.

 In the morning, Sheriff Stilinski opened the door to a bunch of people in his house. Malia was sleeping on his couch, Isaac, Cora and Stiles were sat in the dining room as Derek was cooking, his son had fallen asleep while they played some game, the other two had taken the opportunity to draw phallic shapes on his face.  

– Hi, people that don't live in my house. – Everyone answered hi back, but Malia who looked like she was in a deep slumber.

– Stiles? – He poked his son on the face. Stiles woke up startled, looking at Cora and Isaac holding in laughter.

– What? What? I was up. – Derek's eyes crinkled while cooking, amused by him.

– Son, how about you go to sleep upstairs? – He asked as Stiles glanced around waking up.

– Boyd is resting on my bed. – His phone started to buzz. John looked at his son proud, Melissa told how he had spent the night with them.

– I think I have to spend money on sleeping bags. – Isaac nodded excitedly agreeing, it would be more comfortable than the chair or trying to lay down on the couch as Malia growled. 

 Stiles read the text by the witch “Meet me in two hours”. The Sheriff started to talk about how many he should buy, Isaac and Cora tried to convince him of something comfortable. They stopped talking and watched as the spark ran to the door, he had jumped off the chair.

– Where is he going? - Malia sat down after waking up from Stiles closing the door, speaking drowsily.

 The Sheriff's eyes met Derek's, they both were confused knowing whatever he was up to wasn't good. The wolf followed him, they had walked a lot. Stiles was panting, when stopping to eat something, a chocolate he had bought in the hospital.

– Okay. – He tried to breathe, eating another piece of the chocolate. Then Stiles squinted his eyes, feeling like someone was watching. – Derek, why are you stalking me again? I get it, I'm a great kisser, but you don't need to stalk me, sourwolf. – Derek left the trees with a serious gaze.

– Stiles, what are you hiding? – Stiles chuckled nervously.

– I’m not hiding anything. – His voice was a pitch higher.

– You know that I can hear your heartbeat, right? – He crossed his arms, and furrowed his brow. Stiles let a sigh out.

– You're not going to like this. – He stepped in closer.

 Stiles told him about the vision, how the witch said it was a lie and about the famous key everyone kept mentioning.

– I'm going to buy the flowers and then meet her.

– Damn, Stiles. You should've told us. – Tired of how he always kept things to himself, what he realized it was ironic. – You trust her? – Stiles didn’t know how to answer that, they were desperate and someone had offered help, he couldn’t deny.

– No. But it’s our best chance, whatever the key is, it might be the key for our problems. – Waiting for someone to laugh, but when Derek didn’t he started walking again.

– Where are you going? The flower shop is in the other direction. – Stiles raised his eyebrow, why did Derek know that?

– I was planning on getting there faster… – He stumbled on his words, the man knew that meant trouble.

– You're not planning on breaking into the police impound, are you? – Stiles shrugged. The Sheriff had kept the car in the impound, it was a miracle that still worked.

– No. – He started walking away. – I'm planning on sneaking in and taking my car back. – He didn't hear Derek following him. – Please? It will be fun. – He had a pout trying to get on his good side, Derek rolled his eyes, but started walking along his side. Stiles threw the keys to Derek, with a plan in mind.

 It was boring getting the car out of the impound, Stiles put them to sleep with a spell, while Derek was supposed to be stealing the car. He just turned off the only camera the Beacon Hills could afford.

– Last time this was harder. – Dusting his hand off, realizing that his dad had made security stronger for him, it was a compliment.

 He walked away, hoping to hear the sound of his car starting.

– It's not starting, Stiles. – He took the wires causing sparks, but the car still wouldn't start.

– Come on, baby. I need you. – Stiles tried again. 

– Should I leave you two alone? – Derek looked at him as his forehead creased.

– Don't be jealous, I don't have favorites. – The spark begged the car to start. – Please, please.

– You have favorites? – Derek clenched his jaw, not being happy about the lies. – So did you ever lie to Clark? – Stiles immediately stopped what he was doing, Derek didn't seem like the type to mention an ex in the middle of an argument. He tried to find an answer that wouldn’t end up with them yelling at each other.

– I'm sorry. – He faced Derek. – I should've been honest from the beginning, I just got in my own head about everything and how it would end up being my fault. And now it’s, that fuckass witch is going to use my visions against anyone in her path. – He gestured his hands, mad at how he had been outsmarted.

 Derek stopped him, holding Stiles’ hands on his. 

– Why do you keep doing this?

– I don't want to disappoint anyone anymore. Be the problem that other people try to solve again. – His lower lip trembled.

– You're not going to disappoint me. I think I have a bigger history on that. – Letting Erica and Boyd down, not having the pack Cora had expected.

– You never disappointed me. You believed me when I said that my dad had been taken. – In the moment Stiles said that, he knew Jennifer was lying. 

 The corner of Stiles’ mouth lifted up, Derek's eyes gazed upon him realizing how much time it had been since that day. It has been a long time to get here, where he realizes his love for Stiles.

– You're so stubborn. – He kept glancing upon Stiles' lips.

– I think you're into it. – He drew in closer. 

– I'm not. – Trying to not to, but he couldn't deny anymore. Stiles started to leave kisses on his neck, Derek's hand went under his shirt when they heard someone.

– Is there someone here? – The guard asked.

– Stiles, how long does that spell last? – Stiles jumped inside the car, waving for Derek to enter too.

– I don't know! – He tried to start the car again. – Please, baby. – He stepped in to accelerate.

– Stiles, I’m not going to jail again because of you! – He looked back at Derek, eyes widened trying to make the car work.

– We didn’t know you were innocent! – Desperated for the car to work.

– Go! – Derek gestured ahead, to make him go faster. – Dammit, Stiles.

Fuck! – Hitting the panel angrily, the car started to make a familiar noise. – Yes! Yes! – Stiles clenched his hand on fist, celebrating the win as he stepped in.

 Magically opening the gate as they fled, to do something every thief was known for, buying flowers.

 In Peter’s storage unit, the witch didn't look happy about them, even though they were early.

– I don't like dogs. – She took the flowers out of Stiles’ hand, Derek let his claws out.

– What’s the plan? – Stiles asked, noticing how the witch had changed clothes, but her hands were more twitchy. She ignored him, the answer to that wasn't important right now.

 There was a weird white liquid in a small bowl on the floor. She dropped the flowers in, turning the liquid orange.

 – Hey! – She threw it on Stiles. He had just done laundry after Boyd went home.

– Tempus Jus. – The women moved her hands towards the spark, the blue glow grew stronger every time she repeated the words.

 Stiles started to hear voices, the feeling it brought was of long lost souls screaming for help. The dizziness was making him almost throw up, Derek noticed how sick it was making him.

– Stop this. – He ordered, not being able to keep feeling the anguish coming from him. But the witch threw him against the wall as he tried to do something to stop her.

– This is the only way. – The spark couldn't hear them anymore, he looked at Derek's direction without any reaction.

– No! What are you doing to him? – She waved her hand, the wolf would slumber.

 As the spell was almost done, Stiles couldn't see anything clearly, everything had become a blur. He had to believe this would work, keeping his magic away to not fight against the fog surrounding him.

– Only the future matters. – A voice was louder than the rest, the witch used great strength for the words to reach him.

 With her hand she pushed him away, the push threw him against the wall, but the spark disappeared from the room. The view from Claire's eyes was the one of him being swallowed up by the blur.

 Claire looked at Derek on the floor.

– I hope your family is easier. – She left the room. If this didn’t work, Ellie would kill her so the seer better be worth the temporarily lost of her powers.

 Stiles had fallen on the ground, feeling the grass against his aching back. Closing his eyes, afraid of what he would see.

– Please don't be in another country. – He could manage getting out of another country, the problem was going back.

 He opened one of his eyes, checking to see where he was. It was in a forest, the foliage was like the one home. He was somewhere in California, Stiles got up happy to not have to find out how to go back home with like three dollars in his wallet from a different state.

– Ugh. – He tried to lean on a tree, still dizzy from whatever the witch did. The ringing on his ear wasn't helping either.

 He just walked, without any plan as his mind wasn’t able to do anything but feel sick. Feeling something different on his feet, the asphalt wasn’t squishy as the grass. He had the palm his hand against his forehead, trying to think when someone’s car stopped. She honked, he was startled for a second, but didn't move.

– Dude, get out of the road! – He look around, in front of him there was the welcome sign to Beacon Hills.

– Oh. Home. – He pointed to the sign, sounding drowsy.

– Are you okay? – The girl got closer, he turned away to face her. 

– You! – He tilted his head, she was familiar somehow.

– I should take you home. Where do you live? – She said worried, and a bit annoyed by how he didn't answer.

– I have a watch? – In his wrist there was a watch with a countdown of 23 hours and a 40 minutes.

– Let's get inside my car. – She took his arm, guiding him.

 She strapped in the seatbell, Stiles saw how the car looked cozy, he could recognize an older car. His eyes set in the photo hanging on the rear mirror, it looked like Cora and Derek.

 Both hands on his head, feeling out of breath as it dawned on him. It was Derek and Cora, he looked back at the girl freaking out.

– Laura? – The girl looked at him.

– You know me? – She noticed how his eyes had widened. Somehow, he looked more sick than before.