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Changes

Stiles is clutching his side where his ribs are throbbing caused by the wounds Gerard had put on him. He watches how everyone is still shocked from the events that had occurred a few moments ago.

Scott is watching Allison, doesn’t even spare a glance at his best friend and goes over to her. Maybe he wants to make sure she’s alright after her psychotic grandfather tried to murder them all. He leans back against the jeep and looks over to Lydia and Jackson who are hugging tightly and tell each other how much they love one another. Great.

His gaze turns to Derek who is still shocked. Stiles thinks it’s understandable ‘cause who wouldn’t be shocked if they were used to bite an old man. With these thoughts he looks towards where he last saw Gerard and sighs when he sees the empty spot. Of course he isn’t dead and managed to escape. Even better. Stiles can only hope, Erica and Boyd managed to flee and that Gerard wouldn’t be coming after them and him.

It seems like he was lost in thoughts because when he looks up again everybody’s leaving except for him. He’s still leaning against his jeep, hand pressed against his ribs and a headache approaching fast. Stiles sighs, wondering how he should get the jeep out of the warehouse, drive it home and then make it to his bed.

“Need a hand?”

Stiles would never admit that he screamed a little bit but who can fault him? He thought he was alone, for fucks sake! He quickly turns around and stands in front of the last person he would have expected.

“How the hell are you alive?”

Peter Hale raises an eyebrow at him and smirks. “Well, there was this convenient little ritual I used with Lydia’s help, you see. You remember her birthday, yes?”

Stiles does. He remembers the party where everyone, including him, got hallucinations and he had wondered what the purpose had been. Now he knows.

“Figures.” He mumbles and turns towards his jeep to drive it home. He isn’t in any mood or condition to threaten or stop Peter. And even if he was, he still doesn’t stand a chance against the werewolf.

“I’ll ask again: Need a hand?” Peter steps next to him and Stiles can see, he’s looking at him.

“No. I don’t need any help.” He doesn’t tell him his ribs, his face and everything else hurts. It isn’t Peter’s business.

He hears him sigh, stunned when Peter takes the keys from him. He opens his mouth to demand them back but the words get stuck in his throat as Peter opens the door to the passenger seat. Then he raises an eyebrow, clearly waiting for Stiles to get in the car.

“What do you think you are doing?” Stiles asks and crosses his arms in front of his chest.

“I don’t want you to cause an accident and hurt yourself more.” Peter sounds innocent but Stiles knows with Peter it’s anything but that.

Stiles doesn’t move. “You think I believe that? What do you really want?”

Peter lifts his eyes towards the ceiling as if praying for patience. Then he looks at him again, his blue eyes glowing with an emotion Stiles doesn’t understand.

“You don’t have to believe me. But I told you before, Stiles, I like you. I don’t want to see you hurt or dead. You’ve got potential.”

Well, that sounds more like it. Stiles can see how Peter wants to use his potential for some plans of his. Even if he doesn’t know what plan would include the help of one little human. Maybe that’s his secret agenda. And Stiles really can’t bring himself to care at the moment. He’s hurting, tired, scared and really just wants to go home.

He sighs weary and climbs on to passenger’s seat. The corners of Peter’s mouth twitch as if he has to stop himself from smiling, then he closes the door. The wolf quickly goes around the car and takes a seat beside Stiles before starting the car.

“Careful, she grinds in second.” Stiles mutters and leans his head against the cool window. It helps his headache and like that he doesn’t have to look at Peter. He doesn’t want to think about Peter’s resurrection, the fight they all just had and his stay with Gerard. He knows he has to face it but not before tomorrow.

“Yes, I remember.” Peter sounds amused, starts the jeep and drives him smoothly on the road. He doesn’t say anything at first which Stiles is thankful for. He doesn’t want to talk.

But when a hand settles on his thigh he flinches and a whimpering noise escapes him. He opens his eyes and looks towards Peter, who has his jaw clenched and his eyes are glowing blue.

“It’s alright, Sweetheart. I won’t hurt you and I won’t let anyone hurt you.” True to his word nothing else happens, but when Stiles glances at the hand he’s surprised to see black veins.

“What are you doing?” He asks fascinated, his own hand shaking when he touches the black veins on Peter’s arm. “Are you hurting?”

Peter seems a little taken aback and his hand twitches a little but he doesn’t let go of his thigh. “I’m taking the pain from you. It won’t heal the wounds but it helps with the pain.”

“You can do that?” Stiles asks surprised and intrigued. “That’s awesome!”

Now that he thinks about it, he realises his pain is getting better and he isn’t as tense as he was before. His headache is now only a dull throbbing and he sighs relieved.

“You didn’t know? Every werewolf can do it with enough training. I would have guessed Scott can do it too.” Peter sounds thoughtful. “Well, maybe he forgot to tell you. Or Derek didn’t mention it to him.”

“Maybe.” Stiles mutters but doesn’t believe it for one second. He’s sure, Scott is aware of his abilities.

Peter looks curiously at him, but doesn’t say anything else. He must have heard the doubt in his voice and Stiles would think about it when he was feeling better.

Peter parks the jeep in front of his house, then they sit in silence until Peter breaks it. “Your father doesn’t seem to be home. Maybe we should get inside?” It doesn’t sound like a suggestion, Stiles notices taken back.

“You’re coming inside?”

Peter gives him a blank look. “Of course, I’m coming with you. We will take care of your injuries and it would be helpful for you if I’m around to take away your pain.”

Stiles couldn’t really find an argument against it, but he still wonders what it is, Peter gets from this.

He sighs, getting out of his jeep carefully. Peter steps beside him und follows him up to his house where Stiles opens the door. Peter has been right, the lights are out and on the kitchen table lays a note, explaining to him his Dad had to go to the station.

Stiles knows his Dad has been worried, but why had he to go to the station instead of waiting up for Stiles to see if he’s alright? It’s always been this way if things are getting rough. Either his Dad works or drinks.

Stiles gestures for Peter to follow him upstairs in his room. He then makes his way over to the bathroom where their first aid kit is and gets back to Peter as fast as possible, not really trusting the werewolf in his room.

Peter’s standing in his room, curiously looking around and taking in the things Stiles owns. The older man walks over to the teen and gets him to sit down on the bed, kneeling in front of him.

Stiles’ eyes widen, not expecting the werewolf to get in such a vulnerable position with him present. Peter smirks amused, not saying anything. He opens the first aid kit, taking out the disinfection spray.

“This might burn a little bit.” He murmurs and grips Stile’s arm a little tighter, so he can’t pull away. Stiles grinds his teeth together and hisses a curse out when the wounds start to burn. He’s relieved Peter’s holding him steady, as he’s sure he would have jerked his arm back.

When Peter was finished wrapping his arm up, the wolf sits back a little, his gaze thoughtful.

“What?” Stiles asks unsurely.

“Well, it would be easier if you would take off your shirt. If you’re comfortable with that.” Peter adds.

Stiles isn’t really comfortable with taking off his shirt. But he can see how it would be easier, so he sighs, gets up and takes it off. Then he throws it behind him and keeps standing, so Peter can circle him and prod at his ribs.

He jumps a little at the pain and the growl Peter utters. “I should find this asshole and show him, why this was a bad idea.”

“No, you shouldn’t.” Stiles is a little bit afraid, Peter will get up to do as he said and kill Gerard, but he doesn’t move and just applies some cream to his wounds. “The others don’t trust you as it is. You want to give them a reason to kill you again?”

“Why, Stiles, I didn’t know you cared.” Peter purrs and leans a little bit closer. “But I won’t search for him right now. I can find him later, after I’ve taken care of you.”

Stiles blushes and looks away. “Creeper.”

Peter just smirks, continuing to apply the cream. Stiles relaxes the first time after getting taken by Gerard, feeling his eyes getting heavier. He hears a low chuckle, then he’s lying in bed and Peter drops a blanket over his body.

Suddenly the tension is back and Stiles reaches out to take Peter’s hand, stopping him from leaving. “Don’t go.” He whispers. He’s sure, he will regret showing his weakness in front of Peter in the morning, but for now he just wants to feel safe and not alone. And Peter can help with it. It’s funny, he trusts Peter more than Gerard but he has always been very honest with the things he wants.

Peter stares at him, completely surprised, and then his eyes soften. “Don’t worry. I will stay and make sure, nothing harms you.”

Stiles doesn’t know why, but he trusts his word. Peter hadn’t lied to him before and if he says, he’s staying then Stiles knows, he will. Relieved he closes his eyes, his hand still holding Peter’s. The pain is slowly draining away from him and he sighs contently. It doesn’t take him long to fall asleep.

***

Unfortunately the sleep doesn’t last long. It’s early when he wakes up, sitting up with a gasp and looking wildly around him. A hand settles on his head, lightly stroking his hair and he jumps slightly.

“It’s alright, Sweetheart. It was just a dream.” The soothing sound of Peter’s voice reaches Stiles and he sags back, tension leaving him completely.

“You stayed.”

“You asked me to.” Peter sounds amused and Stiles realizes, he’s laying beside him in his bed.

“Didn’t know if you would stay.” Stiles murmurs. “I hoped, because I trust you.”

Peter is silent for a long while, continuing to pet his hair. “Only you would trust me.”

Stiles shrugs, leaning against Peter with a sigh and leans his head in the tender stroking. “Well you are here. You saw I was hurt and you helped me. Also you didn’t do anything against my will, so I trust you. You haven’t lied to me yet either. Even before this whole shit-show with the Kanima.”

“I’m not a good man, Stiles.”

Stiles snorts and opens his eyes to look up at Peter. “Trust me, I know. I know, you are not a good man. But I can understand you. I guess… I guess if my family was killed in coldblooded murder, I would do the same as you.”

Peter looks intrigued at him, and then he resumes his stroking. “You really are something else. Think you can go back to sleep? It’s still early and you need the rest.”

“I don’t think so.” Stiles sighs. “When I get nightmares it takes hours to go back to sleep.”

Peter is silent for a moment, raising himself up despite the protest from Stiles and gets his laptop from his desk. “Sit up a little, Sweetheart.”

Stiles does as he’s told and watches as Peter settles himself beside him. Then the werewolf puts on a movie – the Avengers – and looks imploringly at him. “This okay?”

Stiles smiles softly at him, leaning against the shoulder of the older man. “Yeah, this is totally okay. Didn’t know, you’re a nerd.” He teases.

Peter rolls his eyes. “There are a lot of things, you don’t know about me. I know good movies and books when I see them. Although I missed a lot in the years I was in a coma.”

His body is tense as he speaks about it, as though it still terrifies him. Stiles can understand this; he would also go crazy if he was trapped in his mind.

“We have time to catch you up. I can help you.” Stiles says with a grin. “But I should probably warn you: there are a lot of things I wanna show you.”

Peter looks down at him, his eyes and smile soft. “Well, thank you, Sweetheart. I appreciate the offer. Should we start?”

Stiles puts his head on Peter’s shoulder, listening to the familiar intro. He feels himself relax and wonders if he would be able to sleep nonetheless.

***

A few hours later, Peter shakes him awake. Stiles grumbles, trying to burrow further into his pillow. A low chuckle sounds above him and the blanket is being pulled away from his face.

“Come on, Sweetheart. I have to take a look at your wounds, and then I can drive you to school.”

Stiles whines and cracks one eye open. “Do I have to? Peter, I’m hurt.”

The werewolf smiles, nodding. “Well, yes. Except you want to have the whole pack here, asking where you are?”

Stiles grumbles, knowing Peter was right, but still pissed, he has to get up. “Alright, I’m up. Is my Dad here?”

Peter listens, shaking his head. “No, he seems to be out. You want me to take a look at your wounds first or later?”

“Better now.” Stiles sighs, standing up and lifting up his shirt so Peter can take a closer look.

The older man prods at his ribs, noticing the wince Stiles tries to hide. “Well, still sore, I guess. I will apply more salve; I also can take the pain away before school. For the rest of the day though, you should take some painkillers with you.”

Stiles nods. Normally he would ignore this, but it’s hurting, so he will listen to Peter this one time. He sighs contently as Peter applies the salve and then takes away his pain.

When he’s finished, he looks satisfied. “Well, let’s get some breakfast in you.” He follows Stiles in the kitchen, where he pushes him into a chair. “Let me.”

Stiles wants to argue, but Peter gives him a sharp look, daring him to say something. He decides to indulge the werewolf and leans back, rising one eyebrow and waiting for Peter to get him something to eat.

Peter smirks, getting over to the stove to make some scrambled eggs and bacon. Stiles has to admit, it’s nice to have someone cook for him for a change. Normally he would be making something for his Dad and him but now looking at Peter, a warm feeling spreads in his chest and considering the smell, Peter knows what he’s doing.

After the first bite, Stiles moans loudly and closes his eyes in bliss. “Damn, Peter. This is good. Where did you learn to cook like this?”

Peter’s eyes are amused as he watches Stiles devour his breakfast. “I did have a family I had to feed, you know.”

Stiles swallows, suddenly very aware what he asked. “Oh my god, I am so sorry. I didn’t realize-“

“It’s alright.” Peter interrupts him, his eyes still soft and a smile playing on his lips. “It still hurts, of course. But you don’t have to worry about asking me these things.”

Stiles nods, not sure if Peter actually means it or doesn’t want him to worry. He decides to take his word for true, watching the older man curiously over the rim of his cup, filled with hot chocolate. Even the hot chocolate tastes differently than usually - Just how is Peter doing this?

When he’s finished, he leans back and sighs relaxed. “Thanks, it was really good.”

“Your welcome, Sweetheart.”

He watches curiously as Peter takes the plates away, finishing his cup. Then he stands up to get ready for school.

“Was it true?”

Peter looks over at him, definitely confused by the question; Stiles can’t even blame him so he clarifies. “What you said yesterday, why you were helping me?”

A look of understanding crosses over his face. “Yes, it was true. I care if you get hurt or worse, even if you don’t believe me. I like you and it would be a shame if the smart one of the pack dies due to the stupidity of these teenager werewolves.”

Stiles puts on his jacket, laughing softly. “Well, thank you. It’s nice to know someone… cared.”

“You can always come to me.” Peter says seriously, taking the keys from Stiles jeep to drive him to school as he promised. “I’ll do anything in my power to help you.”

Stiles believes him. And it terrifies him as much as he likes it.

He doesn’t understand why because yesterday – when he first saw Peter – he saw the crazy murderer from before. But now, after the events of the night, he trusts him and that actually scares him. Peter can hurt him, even if he promised he wouldn’t. What if he changed his mind?

Stiles decides to think about it after school. If he makes it through the day, that is.

***

Stiles does survive the school day and so does Scott. Scott’s survival is only ensured because Stiles thinks he’s too young to go to jail.

The whole day he runs after Allison and doesn’t even seem to register, he’s hurt.

Funny enough other people seem to notice his condition, namely Erica, Boyd and Isaac. They keep him company throughout the day. At first Stiles is surprised, even cautious, but he slowly relaxes in their presence.

He even laughs at a joke Isaac makes, which seems to make the werewolf proud of himself.

Erica carries his bag for him, although he protests vehemently but she is much stronger than him, so what can you do? So he just thanks her, startled by her happy grin.

Even Boyd, who is normally quiet, talks to him and, surprisingly enough takes his pain away at lunch break. Stiles is so stunned, he just stares at the other teen until he turns away. Then he mutters a quick “Thank you”, assured the werewolf would be able to hear it.

So, the day is much more bearable than he originally thought but it’s not Scott’s doing. Stiles is rather surprised when his assumed best friend accompanies him outside and a little bit pissed when Scott only talks about Allison. Like always.

His surprise is even greater when he hears someone calling for him. A very familiar voice, he last heard this morning. Peter. Stiles smiles a little, turning to the right where Peter is waiting against his jeep.

The older werewolf is also smiling but it dims a little when he catches sight of Scott, who is in front of him in an instant.

“Peter.” He growls. He reminds Stiles of a puppy, not even remotely scary. “What do you want? Don’t you think you destroyed enough of my life?”

Peter rolls his eyes, looking over Scott’s shoulder at Stiles. “Don’t assume to know, what I want. It’s not everything about you. I’m here for Stiles.”

“And what do you want with Stiles? I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to talk to you after what you did.”

Stiles stares at Scott. It’s true, Peter did awful things but it should be his decision to make and not Scott’s. Peter doesn’t even react to Scott’s words, just keeps looking at Stiles, waiting for his answer.

“It’s alright, Scott.” Stiles says, takes a step around Scott and comes to stand in front of Peter. “What’s up?”

The older man smiles, his eyes taking in Stiles’ appearance. He checks him over because of his injuries but doesn’t seem to find any. His eyes return to Stiles’ face, smile still in place. “Well, I said you didn’t need to drive today, so I wanted to pick you up. Also Derek wants to talk with you, if that’s alright?”

Stiles gets a warm feeling. Someone asking him if he wants to do something, giving him a choice, is nice for a change. He doesn’t know what Derek wants from him, which is making him a bit nervous.

He bites on his lips and watches how Peter’s blue eyes drop to them. They darken a little bit and Stiles stops the biting, confused and cautious. He’s worried about Peter’s reaction. What was that about?

“What does he want?”

“Nothing bad, I promise.”

“You’ll be there?”

“Yes, if you want me to be.”

“Please.”

“Then, I’ll be there.” Peter smiles reassuringly at him and turns towards the jeep to drive them to Derek’s loft.

“Stiles, wait!” Scott splutters behind them and Stiles can’t believe he honestly forgot his friend. What the hell? He turns towards him, and sees the look of betrayal on his face which he expected. “You can’t go with him!”

“And why not, Scott?” Stiles knows his voice is cold and Scott can hear it too. He looks confused at Stiles, as if he doesn’t know why Stiles would be so dismissive.

“Because it’s Peter! He always has a plan and most of the time it’s not good.” Scott says it like it’s a fact. And yes, the last time they saw him, he tried to kill them. But now he seems different and even helped Stiles.

“Well, if Derek wants to talk to me, I have to see what the Alpha wants.” Stiles smirks. “And Peter helped me, so I’m gonna give him a chance.”

“When did he help you? Come on, Stiles, it’s Peter!” Scott now sounds outrageous and even more betrayed.

Now Stiles is getting pissed. How can Scott sound so betrayed and sad when he was the one who ignored Stiles last night? He takes another step towards Peter, ignoring Scott’s growl.

“You remember last night in the warehouse when you ran off with Allison? Well, I got hurt because of your little fight with Grandpa Argent. Peter was the one who brought me home and took care of me. So thanks for your help, Scott.” His sarcasm is clear enough to hear judging from Scott’s look and his flinching. His eyes get big, watching Peter cautiously.

“But-“

“No but, Scott. I’m going with Peter to see what Derek wants. You fucked up and honestly, I’m pretty pissed at you right now. So is Derek, if I would have to guess.”

He now fully turns around, getting in the passenger seat and passing Peter his keys. He knows the werewolf wouldn’t let him drive, so he just relaxes in his seat, not looking back at Scott.

***

The drive to the Hale house doesn’t take long and most of the time they are quiet, just enjoying the calm and the company of each other. Peter hadn’t brought up Scott which Stiles was thankful for.

He’s a little surprised to look out of the window and see that there are standing containers in front of the house and Isaac is throwing things inside. He looks at Peter, the question clear in his eyes.

Peter sighs. “Derek finally realized it would be better for all of us if the house wasn’t nearly collapsing. He needed a little push but it’s better if we want to have a safe spot for our pack.”

The look he gives Stiles and the way he says our pack confuses Stiles so he doesn’t say anything at all as Peter parks the jeep and jumps outside. Stiles also exits the car, following the older werewolf to the house. He waves at Isaac, who cheerfully returns the gesture, then he enters the house behind Peter.

It’s still dark, old and dirty but they are just getting started with renovating; Stiles can’t wait to see when it’s finished. It would be a good home for the pack.

Peter leads him into the first room on the left where Derek is standing, back to them and his hands crossed behind him. He turns when they’re near, first looking at Peter with a nod of thanks and then his gaze turns to Stiles.

“You wanted to see me, oh Alpha of mine?” Stiles asks with a grin, watching how Derek’s jaw ticks and his eyebrows do the funny scowling look.

“Hilarious.” He says drily.

“It’s a talent.”

Peter snorts next to him, throwing him an amused a glance. Then he turns towards Derek.

“He didn’t know.” He says with certainty.

“He didn’t know what?” Stiles asks, looking between the two werewolves. One of them scowling, the other with an amused smirk.

Peter turns to him. “Derek wanted to ask you, if you knew about Scott’s plan. I said you didn’t know, not after what Gerard did to you.”

Derek’s angry gaze changes, turning red and boring into Stiles eyes. “What did he do?” He demands to know.

Then he seems to take in Stiles appearance, sees the bruises and the way he holds himself. Derek growls, prowling towards him and taking his face in his hands.

Stiles is stunned, doesn’t know what to do or say but an instinct, an urge, inside him awakens and something snaps into place. He feels Derek’s rage, his concern and the need to protect his pack. He can also feel Peter’s concern, amusement and fondness towards him. A little bit duller are three other threads, but when he follows them he can sense Erica, Boyd and Isaac. Are these what pack bonds are supposed to be? Why are they only appearing now? Why not before? Maybe because Derek didn’t consider him pack until now? But what changed?

He’s confused, hurting and tired. A low whine escapes his throat and suddenly the pain is draining away from him. He slumps forward and would have crashed to the ground if Derek hadn’t held him upright.

A low, soothing rumble comes from the Alpha, a hand in his neck is grounding him and on an instinct he tilts his head back, baring his throat to his Alpha in submission.

A stunned silence follows until Stiles opens his eyes, to ask if something is wrong and to move away. But Derek doesn’t let him move and buries his face in Stiles neck, breathing him in, scenting him. Stiles happily closes his eyes, relaxing in his Alpha’s grip.

“Alpha.” He murmurs.

After a while, Derek releases his grip carefully, in case Stiles needs anymore help. Peter steps beside him and lays a hand against his neck, also scenting him.

Derek rolls his eyes, but doesn’t say anything against it, still watching Stiles with a fond expression.

“I guess that answers my question regarding Scott and Gerard.” He starts. Then he’s smiling at him and Stiles is surprised because he never saw such a happy and proud smile on Derek’s face. His entire being the most open than Stiles has ever seen since he knew Derek.

“Welcome to the pack.”

Warmth is filling Stiles’ chest and he grins at Derek, leaning against Peter for support. The older man wraps an arm around his waist, holding him up. “Thanks. And to answer your question: No, I didn’t know about Scott’s plan. He didn’t even ask what happened to me or where I was.”

Derek’s eyes flash red. “So what was Gerard’s goal with kidnapping you?”

Stiles shrugs. “As far as I know, he wanted to leave a message through me. Chris found me and let me go. I also told him what would happen if Erica and Boyd aren’t released by the morning. Which he did, obviously.”

Derek’s eyes widen and he lays a hand on his shoulder. “So it’s thanks to you they came back to the pack.”

Stiles blushes, nodding nonetheless. Peter burrows his face in his hair, inhaling deep. “I always knew, you were strong, Sweetheart.”

Derek watches his uncle with fond amusement, shaking his head. “Remember he’s underage and his Dad is the Sheriff. Please. I don’t want another investigation regarding our pack.”

Peter throws him an unimpressed glare, still scenting Stiles who is now blushing more madly than before.

“Derek!” He splutters, ignoring Peter’s chuckle. “It’s not like that.”

Derek rolls his eyes. “Well, that doesn’t mean there won’t be anything like that in the near future. I know my uncle.”

Stiles doesn’t know what to say but he also doesn’t have the time because Derek perks up, as if hearing something, and Peter’s arms tighten around his waist.

“What?” He asks, looking between them.

“Scott.” Peter growls lowly.

Derek nods his head, tensing slightly and walking towards the door. Before going outside he turns around, looking at them. “You are coming with me? Or do you want to avoid him?” The Alpha is looking at Stiles and he knows Derek would accept the answer no matter what he would decide.

Stiles looks sideways at Peter who is also watching him, waiting for his decision. Stiles sighs, accepting his fate.

“Let’s go outside and see what he wants. I won’t avoid him and I’m proud to be part of your pack.”

Derek smiles at him, waiting for them to walk up to him. Then they go outside together where Scott is standing in front of Isaac who is waiting in front the house, as if stopping Scott from entering.

Scott looks around Isaac, his jaw tightening as he spots Stiles. He takes a step forward, but stops when Isaac growls. The younger werewolf calms down after Derek steps beside him, laying a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s alright, Isaac. You did good.”

Stiles could see how Isaac preened under the praise, as he never got any with his father. It’s cute to see how much Isaac looks up at Derek and how the Alpha takes care of him.

Leaning a little bit closer to Peter, Stiles looks at Scott who is watching them with an irritated expression.

“What do you want, Scott?” Stiles asks tonelessly.

“What do I-? Bringing you back, course! You’re part of my pack, Stiles!” Scott seems like he really didn’t understand what’s happening. Taking pity on his friend, Stiles sighs and frees himself from Peter’s embrace.

He smirks at the grumbling from the older werewolf, winking at him. “I’m not going far.”

He goes to stand beside Derek who is watching their interaction with caution. The Alpha is tense but Stiles knows he won’t attack unless Scott would make the first move. He really hopes it wouldn’t come to that.

“Scott. You will always be my best friend, my brother. But you didn’t trust me and the last few months you were rarely there for me when I needed your help.”

Scott looks like he wants to say something but Stiles holds his hand up so he closes his mouth again. Stiles smiles thankfully, thinking about what he wanted to say next.

“I know you were busy with training your werewolf side, Allison and then the Kanima. But that is no excuse. I know that Derek would come when I call him for help, so would Peter. I made my decision and joined his pack. I’m happy with this and I hope you can understand that.”

When he ends, he waits for Scott’s answer. His friend looks at him, really looks at him, for the first time in the last months and takes him in. Scott seems to think about his words because then his shoulders fall and a crushed expression takes over his face.

“You… you are right.”

Stiles blinks, not expecting that reaction and even Derek seems surprised. His bond is thrumming with the feeling where as Peter is more amused and intrigued. The man steps behind Stiles, wrapping his arms around the boy and holding him close.

“What?”

Scott’s determined eyes meet his and he nods. “You are right. I wasn’t a good friend. I lied to you, to all of you, and weren’t there for you. I brushed you off, ignored you and then expected you to be there for me all the time.”

Stiles’ mouths opens and closes, nothing comes out. He hoped Scott would understand, but he didn’t expect it. Now that he does, Stiles doesn’t know how to react.

“I also understand why you would choose to be part of Derek’s pack… but… can we still stay friends? Maybe try to talk about all of this?”

Stiles feels a smile appearing on his face and he takes a step forward, Peter’s arms falling away when he lets him go. Scott looks uncertain but Stiles pulls him in a hug, ignoring the growling behind him. It’s nice that Scott understands him and he’s happy.

He releases his friend, going back towards Derek who relaxes a little bit. Stiles rolls his eyes, baring his throat for his Alpha who lays his hand against it to scent-mark him.

Then he looks back at Scott who watches their interactions with barely hidden curiosity. “I can’t forgive you at the moment. You have to prove that you mean it. Give me a little bit time and show me, you want to stay my friend.”

Scott nods slowly, not satisfied but understanding Stiles’ need to know that he meant what he said.

“Okay, I can do that.” He hesitates. “You want to come with me or are you staying here?”

It shows that Scott is ready to accept his decision to become part of Derek’s pack that he’s asking, not demanding.

“No, I will stay here a little bit longer.”

Derek smiles at him and Peter inches closer towards him.

Scott nods and turns around, ready to got. He looks back towards Derek who is watching him, still tense and ready to protect his pack.

“I won’t join your pack. It wouldn’t make any of us happy. But if you hurt Stiles, I will kick your ass.”

Derek smirks, his eyes showing his respect for Scott. “I have to agree with you. We wouldn’t make it past the first day. But you don’t have to worry; I will protect him and treat him right.”

Scott nods, now turning fully around and making his way back in to the woods. The tension releases as the sight of Scott is swallowed by the trees and Stiles breathes a sigh of relief.

“Well that went better than I expected.”

“You did good, Sweetheart.” Peter’s nose brushes against his temple and Stiles leans closer to his warmth.

“I have to agree with my uncle. You managed to get through to Scott’s thick skull.” Derek looks proudly at his newest pack member and Stiles gets a warm feeling in his chest when his Alpha praises him.

“Thanks.” He mumbles. “I was always good to get through to him. I hope it makes a difference and he knows what he did wrong.”

“Only time will tell.” Peter mutters.

There is long moment of silence, and then Derek straightens up with a sigh. “Well, we have to clean up a little before it gets dark. Isaac, come with me.”

The Beta follows Derek, leaving Stiles and Peter alone who are still leaning into each other.

“Is it weird that it doesn’t concern me how everything changed in the last days?” Stiles asks quietly, looking up at Peter. “I mean everything is different after I got taken by Gerard and we got Jackson back. I joined Derek’s pack and I would never have thought I could trust you. But I do.”

Peter is quiet for a moment, thinking about his words. “I don’t think it’s so weird. Because when is everything in Beacon Hills normal? It’s different, true. But not bad, is it?”

“No, not bad.”

“There you go. And I know nothing excuses my actions from the past but I’m happy how things turned out. I trust you too.”

Stiles breath falters, knowing how hard it must be for Peter to say these words after everything that happened. He sighs contently, leaning more against Peter.

“Good. It would be awful if I’m the only one in this.”

Peter chuckles lowly, stroking a hand through Stiles’ hair. “You are not. I told you before that I like you. And it’s only getting stronger.”

Stiles could feel his heart beating faster and he turns around in Peter’s arms so he can look at the man. “Yeah?”

Peter’s blue eyes look down at him, amused and sincere. “Yeah.” He leans a little closer, closing his eyes and drawing in a deep breath. “But you are still underage. Until then I will be on my best behaviour so your father doesn’t get a chance to shoot me.”

Stiles pouts which makes Peter laugh loudly. “Not even a small kiss?”

Peter’s laugh softens to a genuine smile. “Well, I guess that I can grant you, Sweetheart.”

Stiles watches as Peter leans down again and he can hear the blood rushing in his ears. But everything goes quiet when Peter’s lips touch his. The older werewolf is careful and gentle.

Stiles sighs against Peter’s mouth and feels Peter’s mouth curling into a smirk. The kiss ends when Peter pulls away, stroking his cheek when Stiles gives a low whine of disappointment. He tugs Stiles against him, leading him towards the house where the rest of their pack waits for them. “I know, pet. But when I don’t stop now, your father will have a reason to shoot and castrate me. And I said, you would get a small kiss, so that’s what you got.”

Stiles doesn’t know what to say for a few seconds, but it’s sweet Peter’s so considerate of his age and the position his fathers in. It also helps, he doesn’t want to go to jail or get shot.

“Please tell me, we’ll do that again.”

Peter laughs, throwing his head back and Stiles is mesmerized how free he looks. “Definitely, Sweetheart. I’m not that patient.”

“Good.” Stiles sighs happily and goes inside to join their pack in the living room where they’re gathered. “You are coming?” He asks over his shoulder, waiting for Peter to join them.

As the older werewolf steps up beside him, Stiles thinks that maybe things are going to get better now that he has a real pack where they can relay on each other.

The future doesn’t look so terrible now.