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Lydia woke everyone up bright and early; since the whole pack minus John and Chris were at the Argent house it made for a busy morning. Luckily the brilliant banshee took charge and created a system, moving eveyone in and out smoothly. She had insisted that everyone including Cora dress nicely for school. This may have been done with her physically taking the bag of clothing Cora had packed for herself and accidentally throwing it away.
Eveyone that was heading to school was dressed to perfection. Stiles was given tight legged black Chinos with slim black shirt and dark Green cardigan and shoes, Jackson was tailored dark wash jeans and a white shirt with his tan coat. Isaac was given black jeans with a brown sweater that made his eyes shine bright.Lydia coordinated with Jackson and wore a tan plated skirt along with a tucked in white blouse. Allison chose a long float brown dress with a belt and her nice brown boots. Cora was wrangled into a lovely periwinkle dress, Lydia has mercy on her and it was made of the material of work out gear, like a nice tennis dress, it had pockets and showers off her toned arms and legs but had built in shorts to keep her comfortable.
Stiles ended up doing all the girls hair while Lydia and Allison tag teamed Cora and put on some eyeliner and foundation on her.
Everyone passed their Lydia inspection and they loaded up into Allison’s SUV after Laura had taken a few group photos. The morning was amazing, Isaac had used his puppy dog eyes to guilt trip Cora into wearing a Birthday Girl Tiara, there was a sash but a claw accidentally on purpose slashed it into a million pieces.
The school was in good spirits as next week was the final lacrosse game of the season, and they were the favorites to win. Cora and Isaac’s art class gave her a small sketch pad filled with portraits of her or things she liked in everyone’s personal style.
Between first and second class Cora was wished a happy birthday by everyone that came across them. A few people asked if she was having a party since the group of friends were dressed nicely. She politely let them know that there was no party they just had a sleepover to celebrate as a group.
Second period was her Politics class that she shared with Jackson. Class went by without anything notable and since they were all leaving together Jackson walked Cora down to meet Laura since she was her legal guardian. Plus Isaac had to be signed out since he was a minor.
Everyone was outside the front office when Cora and Jackson showed up. They all headed inside together, the door to Victoria’s office was left partially open.
Cora and Laura walked up the desk, “Hello, I am here to sign out Cora Hale, I am her legal guardian, Laura Hale.” Laura smiled at the little old lady and slid over her ID and filled out the form on the clip board.
Jackson looked to his mother who was standing in the back awkwardly and made a face.
“I am Alice Whittmore, Isaac Lahey is my ward currently and I am signing him out.” She also handed over her ID but slid the clipboard to Isaac after she signed her name.
Like the shark she is Victoria spotted an opportunity to separate the group. She stepped out in her suit and walked over to Mrs.Whittmore.
“Hello, I am The Vice Principal, please call me Victoria.” She shook Mrs.whittmores hand and continued “unfortunately due to Isaacs current case he is still primarily a ward of the state and that means they would need to sign him out.” She stepped to take the clipboard from him but Jackson stepped in front of him before he was in arms reach.
“Yes and we have here a notarized release from both his Case worker and the head of the Beacon Hills Sector. Which was emailed to the administration last Wednesday. But here is the notarized certified copy incase that was lost.”
Victoria snatched the document away and read it over, it was airtight. “Well then I do hope the rest of your are not planning on skipping so close to the end of the year. It would be a shame for a suspension to delay your graduation.” She said with a sneer.
The pack looked around and laughed before raising a hand and speaking
“Over 18” said Stiles taking the clipboard and signing himself out.
“Emancipated Minor, but you knew that.” Allison took it next signing with vigor.
“Academic Emancipation” replied both Jackson and Lydia signing their names and handing it back to the office worker.
Derek tipped his head to the door and the pack walked out, Derek being last in the room lingering to watch Victoria knowing she lost yet another round.
When they made their way out to the front of the school they were met with a brand new Car with a giant white bow on top. Cora squealed and ran over looking it over. It was a 2022 4Runner TRD Pro Off-road Premium in Army Green, with 33 inch tires and a 4 inch lift, extra LED light bars on the top and hood, overall a Beast of a car. As Cora swooned and students heading to lunch saw the commotion and came to admire it.
Stiles pulled Derek aside, Derek had on a giant smile watching Cora fan girl over her car and talk specs with the other car enthusiasts. Their father was a car guy and Cora spent a lot time being the designated flashlight holder in the garage, or using her smaller hands to tighten or loosed bolts that fell in weird places.
“You did good. Alpha Derek.” He whispered into his ear pulling him in for a kiss. Not realizing the school didn’t know about their relationship and they were generating a few whispers the two boys embraced each other, trading sweet kisses until Cora was ready to leave. She had the hood open and had Allison Reving the engine while she admired the sound and power. Lydia was joking about needing a ladder to get in. Stiles and Derek just held each other watching their pack be happy teenagers. Derek held Stiles around the waist and stood behind him, his head resting on Stiles shoulder. Finally Cora’s excitement mellowed out and she was slamming the hood down and jumping in the driver seat, even with the metal steps it was still a jump to get in. Allison tossed her keys to Stiles and jumped in the passenger seat with Isaac and Jackson sliding in the back. Derek snatched out a hand and caught them before Stiles could. Stiles teased his boyfriend by saying maybe I’ll just ride with Cora, Derek looked and saw the wild eyes Cora had and said.
“Be my guest” as he walked away sticking an elbow out for Lydia. Stiles looked at the car full of exited teens and followed Derek and Lydia, Laura joining them as well. They loaded up into the Tahoe and made their way over to Jackson’s home.
When they unloaded and made their way back to the backyard Cora screamed in excitement and even had a few tears come out.
The back yard was covered in string lights, there was a giant picnic table filled with cakes and food. All of her favorite things, plus the foxes were running around in there becuase they were given a bowl with frogs to catch and eat plus Fresh grass. There was a pile of presents at the end of the table, John and Chris were just dropping off the last item and set the table.
Cora was in awe that they made such a big deal and that she got gifts after the car. John scooped her up in a huge dad hug,
“Happy Birthday Sweet Girl. Jordan will be here after the surprise visit.”
Cora hugged Chris too, he was only slightly taken aback but returned it with gusto. Everyone made their way over to the table and sat loading up their plates with Cora’s favorite foods curtesy of the pack dads. She would live off of snacks is she could, so there were wings, queso, pretzels, mac and cheese cups. Basically if it was a bar snack or appetizer it was here.
They ate and laughed, talked about Cora’s birthday when they were on the east coast plus before the fire.
Derek listened in and turned his head to Jackson, with a single nod it was known that the visit was about to happen.
Jackson’s father and mother came in to the back yard joined with a CPS agent then most surprising Victoria. They looked at the crowd and stood back not expecting this many people. Derek stepped up whispered to the pack to stay then he and Isaac followed made their way over, they walked over to the Whittmores, state worker and Victoria.
The olive skinned woman in the suit smiled to Isaac, she didn’t say it out loud but she could see him thriving in this environment.
“Hello Isaac, this is the random observation I told you about in our soft meeting with your attorney. Now typically this is don-“
“I apologize to interrupt but I do not feel comfortable continuing this conversation in her presence.” Derek spoke calmly moving his body in front of Isaac in a subtle but protective way. The CPS worker noticed Isaacs demeanor with Victoria and how he moved with Derek.
“I uhh- excuse me, and you are?” The CPS worker asked looking to the bearded man.
“Derek Hale, I am a potential candidate for adoption of Isaac depending on the outcome of the case.” He stuck a hand out to the worker and continued. The whiplash from Isaac and giant smile was clear, this was news to him but he was happy. “I have sent preliminary documents to both Mr.Whittmores office as well as the state. However Even without current legal status for him I still need to advocate for him. It is not appropriate for Victoria to be here.”
“Umm thank you Mr.Hale, I am Isabel Martinez, Isaacs case worker and I will confirm later about your file. Isaac, Victoria is here as a representative of the California School Boards, administrators are able to join us in observation to make sure academic requirements are met.”
“Isaac it is true. California law does allow school administrators representation. It’s all legal.” His lawyer answered
Isaac looked to Derek for help and stepped his body even more behind him.
“Yes that may be the case, but due to her involvement with Isaac I believe it is inappropriate.” Derek said again “I’m sure it just slipped her mind, but Isaac is currently dating her biological daughter, who filed for emancipation from her over a year ago after an emotionally traumatizing custody case from with her ex husband. She is also his current vice principal and has had 2 warning from various students here for harassment and failing to comply with administration procedures.”
Victoria looked pissed but she kept a tight smile, the social worker looked at Isaac and his body language with Victoria and knew even without proof that he was not comfortable around her. Before she could even ask Victoria if any of this was true the lawyer in Mr.Whittmore came out.
“This is highly inappropriate indeed. I am going to file a motion to get all documents from this case reviewed before it goes anywhere near Isaac’s case, I want Victoria off my property now. Don’t think I won’t look into a 3rd harassment complaint. Now even if you did not know about Victorias involvement in this I do not feel comfortable leaving Isaac assigned to you. This was a simple screening and she should not have had clearance to be here unless you did not look at his current school file. First thing Monday I want a new representative for him as well as any and all affidavits regarding this visit sent to my Office. Are we clear.” He finished looking at both Victoria and the case worker.
The social worker just managed to blink at the man, she finally regained her ability to talk and just motioned Victoria to go out, the whittmores followed her. She watched them go in the house then she turned back to Derek and Isaac, he was visibly more relaxed and he was no longer hiding behind Derek. Derek now had a large box in one hand.
“I apologize I did not mean for you to get lawyer-ed I only wanted her gone for Isaac. Isaac has said only nice things about your meeting so I know you wouldn’t do that on purpose. This is a dozen of the birthday cupcakes, share them with your office. The bakers puts the ingredients on the inside for any allergy needs.” Derek smiled and handed her the box. The social worker smiled up and hoped in her heart this worked out for the kid. She excused herself and loaded up back into the car driving away.
After that John texted Jordan the all clear and he came over. Isaac quickly bounced back and the party continued, music was played and they danced around trading partners and having lots of fun. Finally the sun was starting to set and they decided it was present time. Everyone sat around the gift table and Cora began to open them.
No shocker from Derek and Laura was the title to the car. From Stiles came a large set of oil paints and canvases. John got a complimentary gift and built her a Wooden Easel. From Lydia was the entire collection of lululemon sports bras and Jackson got the matching bottoms. Allison bought her a stack of hand crafted leather sketch pads with the Triskelion embossed on the covers. Chris handed her a small box that contained a small ring, it was one of the ones that go sit just below the nail bed, it was silver with a single clear gem embedded. It is a poison detecting ring, the gem will turn black if the band touched wolfsbane or most poisons. From Isaac came a single portrait, it was a pencil drawing of the pack, all laughing and smiling, but then he also added in her mother and father standing back watching them as a happy pack. Cora cried and tackled Isaac into a huge hug. Finally from from Jordan was a jewelry box, it was a set of silver bracelets in a Smokey Gray color and matte black. Plus a cheesy 5 dollar mug that said my boyfriend is a firefighter. One of their many inside jokes. All in all it was one of the best days so far.
Jordan had one last surprise but he wanted to be alone. He had planned this out with Stiles, the rest of the pack went back to the Stilinski’s place and Jordan and Cora stayed back. The foxes were so tuckered out the pack carried them to the cars instead of them running along side them.
They stood their below the stars surrounded by the glow of the string lights, soft music playing as they swayed. Dancing around each other.
“Cora,” Jordan began still dancing with the music “I know it’s been a very short time that we have known each other.” He stepped back and spun her out. Cora laughed and went along spinning back in so her back was now against his chest and they swayed more.
“But I really do care for you. More than I should if I’m honest. And this is crazy I know. But I love you. And until I get to publicly hold you and tell the world how crazy I am for Cora Hale. This can be ours.” Suddenly Cora felt cool metal around her neck and something fall against her chest.
She stopped dancing and looked at it, it was Jordan’s dog tags from when he was in Afghanistan. The tags were well worn and a bit bumpy clearly they had been thru a war or two. He took them and held them in her palm, she knew Jordan wore these every single day so this was a huge declaration for him. She knew he was in this for the long haul.
Tears filled in her eyes as she looked to the metaphorical wedding bands she was given. She turned to see her nervous boyfriend and couldn’t bring herself to say anything. She just reached up and cupped his face then kissed him.
“Yes you are moving fast Jor, luckily I can keep up.” She finally managed to whisper back. “ and I love you, even if I can’t tell anyone yet. Even if all we ever get is secret moments with just us. You are worth it.” They kissed again, Jordan swept her into his arms and she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs on his waist. Jordan held her in his arms kissing her more, before long the music cut off.
“Guess that’s our cue” Jordan noted not yet putting her down. Cora groaned and buried her head into his neck. “Come on birthday girl.” Jordan and Cora separated and walked back to the house, turning off the extra lights on their way out. As they made their way inside checking all the doors and stopping to listen for anyone before heading out to her new car. Jordan didn’t even bother to ask, he slid into the passenger seat and Cora started her up.
“So have you thought of a name for her yet?” He asked running a hand along the dashboard.
“Haven’t decided yet, what have you named yours?”
“I drove a 97 Ford Ranger in high school, it had 90,000 miles on it by the time I got it. She was Yellow, called her The Twinkie. I thought she would never expire. My dad joked that she died of a broken heart. Lasted for 3 days after I left for boot camp.” Jordan got that soft look in his eyes when he mentioned his father, he had passed away when he was out of his first tour. “We weren’t supposed to but we all had our favorite Humvee. Chose the same ones over and over again, she had a single headlight that would always go out no matter what we did. Called her Patchy. Then I moved here, got a squad car. Doesn’t feel right to name the squad cars.” Jordan finished his story and by this time they were home. Cora cracked the window listed for anyone eavesdropping before moving inside. They were the last to arrive so the puppy pile was in full effect. They noticed two pairs of pajamas by the door and they changed quickly, partial nudity not an issue for them at this point. That’s when they noticed they left the center open big enough for two people. They tiptoed around avoiding hair and limbs before laying down in the center curled around each other and then everyone else scooting in close around them.
Since it was Cora’s birthday weekend she got to decide what to do that Saturday. Just wanting to hang out with everyone was enough for her, but they did order in pizza for all of them. The day came to an end after a series of movies chosen by Cora, and since her choice is the fast and the furious series they watched most of them.
Sunday was pretty calm, the high schoolers doing homework, John and Jordan were both at work. Lydia was sitting with Chris learning everything about the council and supernatural law when Stiles cell phone rang. He looked and it was Melissa, not her burner cell that they gave her for a wolf situation but her personal one, figuring she had more questions he passed the phone to Derek who answered.
“Hi Mel,”
“When, where how bad?” He shouted out jumping to his feet and rushing to the closet with the go bags. Which one hand on the cell and the other throwing bags meanwhile the others loaded into cars in a sprint.
“We are on our way.” He rushed into one of the cars and flipped on the radios they set up. Peeling out of the drive way. He reached over and held Stiles hands before barking out.
“John’s been hurt, he’s in ambulance to hospital. Driver hit him when he was just wrapping up a speeding ticket. He’s stable but heading into surgery.”
Stiles eyes filled with tears and he held onto Derek’s hand like a lifeline. Speeding to the hospital they made it just as the ambulance was pulling up, Stiles sprinted from the car and rushed over.
“I’m his son! I’m his son!”
He rushed in along with the paramedics who were listing off his stats and injury’s. When the doctor looked at him in confusion Stiles just rattled off
“Blood type O negative, Pre Diabetic, mild intolerance to Penicillin. Gallbladder removed in 09. No current medication.” The doctor looked and nodded before two nurses held Stiles back from entering the double doors to surgery.
The pack was all in the waiting room, taking up over half of it. When Derek came and walked Stiles back from the double doors he was stuck staring at. Stiles moved with him in auto pilot, Derek moved him and pulled him into his lap. He began to cry softly. Then the girls joined in and were held by their partners, and Cora curled around Stiles holding his hand. Chris came rushing in to the room minutes later and Allison ran into his arms. She cried into him and he patted her hair then walked over to where she was sitting before with Isaac and reached over to hold Laura’s had as well.
About 10 minute later Cora whipped her head around and Jordan came bursting thru the emergency doors, his uniform covered in blood when he saw the pack sitting there and crying. He rushed over and went to them, Cora couldn’t stop herself and she held his bloody hands and cried. Jordan took a knee and was about to explain what happened when Melissa came out the double doors.
She also had tears in her eyes but she walked over to the group and surprisingly pulled in Jordan for a hug.
“Thank you.” She cried a little holding him close “you kept my best friend alive.” She cried a bit more then let him go. “He wouldn’t have made it here without that tourniquet. We got his BP up enough for him to regain consciousness for a minute before we put him under for surgery.” She began to laugh and cry “he said he’s not paying for your dry cleaning.”
By now she had regained her composure and pulled Stiles in for a hug. A trademark secret was the Mama McCall hug, it warmed you up all over.
“He is still in surgery, we are trying to save his leg but it’s risky. His leg was crushed in his car, Jordan was able to pull him out and tie it off but we don’t know how long his foot was without blood. Seems like he was knocked out from the hit. We have him hooked up I need to get back in there and need to scrub in again.”
Just when she was about to let him go Lydia gasped her pupils growing large and beginning to take over her eyes. She shut her eyes and clutched her throat whispering no no no over and over. Her mouth opening and Lydia fighting to not let anything out. Melissa saw this and rushed back into the surgery wing. Knowing what Lydia’s powers are she did not want to be here.
The pack was stuck just watching Lydia while the wolves had an ear out for John, his heart hard to hear under sedation and the hospital noise.
Lydias was crying her fingers now turning black on the tips and she was gritting her teeth, then she gasped out no!
Her mouth opened and out came a silent scream, they heard the strain in her voice as she tried to stop but she couldn’t. She closed her mouth and just cried to Stiles.
“Im sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
Stiles was sobbing into Derek breath unsteady, a few minutes later Derek jerked his head to the surgery door. And launched to his feet.
“Melissa says they got him back.”
The pack leapt up and embraced each other, Lydia’s eyes had gone back and her fingers were pink again. A while later a nurse saw Jordan sitting there in his blood soaked uniform and offered him a clean shirt from their stock.
2 hours later a nurse came out to the waiting room and called out “Stilinski, John”
The entire pack stood at attention and the nurse took a step back, caught off guard at the mass of people there. Melissa came out and let her know she would take this one. She was exhausted and it was clear she had cried.
“We did everything we could, we lost him once but we got him back. However we could not save his leg. He had a below the knee amputation, his entire foot and ankle were crushed. He lost a lot of blood, and will be weak for a while but he’s stable now. He will be here for at least 5 days to 15 depending on his recovery. It will be a long PT road but other than that he is stable. He is still under anesthesia but should wake in an hour. Now I pulled some strings and got him a large room alone. Now I can take a few of you at a time in to the room but I can’t walk all of you at once.” Melissa reached out a hand and Stiles fell into her.
“Thank you for being with my dad.” He whispered into her hair as he tried to put himself together. Lydia got up on shaky legs and walked over to Stiles.
“I need to - I need to see him I felt him. I felt-“ she whispered out holding her throat and tears filling her eyes again.
Stiles simply held out a hand in understanding and she linked their fingers together.
Jordan walked over with Derek and the 4 of them followed Melissa into the recovery room.
John was alone in the room, he was hooked up to lots of wires, IV fluids and blood. Stiles made a mental note to have the pack donate if they could. Stiles made his way over and looked at his left leg it was bandaged from his upper thigh down to a nub. Seemed like he was missing about 10 -14 inches of his leg. Stiles checked the door and he ran his hands over his dads body. His hands glowing white as he did so, he focused on his heart and leg. By now the others joined him at the bedside and they all held hands.
10 to 15 minutes later Stiles was breathing hard and he had a fine line of sweat across his forehead when John’s eyes began to flutter. A few minutes later his eyes opened and he looked over at The crying teens in confusion. Both Stiles and Lydia threw them selves down gently and hugged him with tears in his eyes. Melissa left to go get the doctor. John’s eyes filled with tears and with what little energy he had he wiggled his hand to squeeze Lydia and Stiles.
John tried to talk but his voice was rough and scratchy. Stiles tilted the bed up slightly and held the plastic jug with a straw for John to take a sip. After a few sips he motioned that he was done. Lydia and Stiles held on of each of his hands and stood on either side of the bed with Derek and Jordan at the foot.
“Hey Kids that’s enough now.” He turned his head to Lydia and squeezed her hand again “how are you my sweet girl?”
Lydia laughed and smiled while hiccuping and wiping the snot and tears away.
“John now come on. You just had major surgery I should be asking you.” She replied
John gave her a soft knowing smile “I know what you feel. And since you asked to come in here I can guess what happened. How long was I gone?” Lydia began to cry again, of course this man just died, came back, got his foot chopped off and is now asking how she feels.
“Felt like forever” she and stiles whispered in tandem.
At this point Melissa came back with the doctor, who looked around at the screens and asked John a few questions about what he remembered from the accident. He only recalled the traffic stop, he gave them a warning and was in his car ready to go when next thing he knew he seeing Jordan covered in blood then nothing. Then Melissa with him before he went down under again in the operating room.
“Wait!” John tried to bolt up but couldn’t he groaned and laid back down looking to Jordan “the traffic stop there was a child in the back seat, were they hurt are they ok?”
Stiles and Lydia tried to sooth him and keep his heart rate down.
“Yes, both were okay, you were the only one hurt. Confirmed DUII from Nevada, he’s locked up.” Jordan assured him knowing John wouldn’t stop worrying.
The doctor satisfied that his heart was coming back down and that his levels were stable then addressed the room. “Hello, there seems to have been a mix up. We only allow immediate family and up to 2 at a time in post op recovery. Now I need to speak to… Mis-Mizen”
“That’s me, it’s alright they can be here. I will tell them anyways.” Stiles assued and John nodded in agreement.
“I’m sorry but we have to follow procedure” he tried again
Lydia was not having this and cut him off, “hello Doctor Levy, My name is Lydia Martin. Daughter of Julian Martin who you should know funded the Pediatric ward here, and also of Elizabeth Martin from the Martin Medical Research laboratory now I understand procedure but I don’t think it would reflect wel on the board for you to restrict the Sheriff of this town of the company of his deputy and son.”
“Miss Martin we thank your family for their-“
“But I guess I can step outside and let my soon to be father in law, Richard Whittmore, that I feel that patient needs and wishes are not being respected.” She finished with a smile, leaning down to kiss John on the cheek and moving to the exit. Before her hand even reached for the door knob the doctor conceded.
“Well as long John is okay with the extra guests I don’t see an issue. John you were brought in for a severe crush and laceration to the low” Dr.Levy again was cut off by John x
“Melissa Please.” Is all he said
“John I’m sorry we did the best we could. You lost your foot. Below the knee amputation. Your heart stopped once but we brought you back. No damage to it or your brain. In hospital recovery 5 days to two weeks. Physical therapy 2-6 weeks, not including learning to walk on a prosthetic if that’s what you want. You lost a lot of blood, your on heavy fluids and supplements but stable now.”
Melissa finished and placed her hand on the blanket coving his leg, she looked to him for a signal. John nodded and she pulled the blanket back he started at the nub covered in bandages and gauze and just blinked trying to take it all in.
It seems that the pack had grown restless waiting for Melissa when they all flooded in. Cora, Laura and Allison all rushed the sheriff and hugged him. Chris, Isaac and Jackson stood around placing a squeeze on his good side. Lydia and Jackson had a silent conversation with their eyes and he turned to schmooze the doctor.
“Thank you Doctor Levy. Jackson Whittmore I appreciate you letting us be here to support him in this recovery. We are his family.” Jackson shook his hand firmly and left no room for any complaints about the number of people in the room. Doctor Levy made his way out of the room leaving them in peace.
“Melissa can you shut off this damn morphine line. I hate this stuff.” John asked waiving his IV threaded hand to her.
She went to the poles and monitors and turned off the pain killers.
“Now kids listen up.” John called to attention using the control to sit up more “I’m not going to last long before I’m out again so listen good. You will not be missing any school to be here with me. You can come in shifts, no one stays two nights in a row, including you Stiles. Understood.” He looked around at the pack making sure to look each teen in the eyes.
There were murmurs of agreement.
“Good.” He finished eyes falling closed, the pain killer that he was given before it was shut off was hitting him. “Now if someone could get me one of those warm blankets I think I need a nap.”
Melissa laughed and went out to grab a few plus some pillows, she figured most of them would camp out here for the night.
Lydia and Stiles were the most shaken up and refused to leave his side, as if letting go of him would cause him to leave them. The rest of the pack sat around the room, Chris called in some sandwiches to be delivered for them plus the overnight nursing staff. John was floating in and out of consciousnesses, anytime he moved wrong and his leg hurt one of the supers would come over and drain his pain.
After a while the food was delivered and Stiles went over to the nurses station to drop off a bouquet of sandwiches and coffee as a thanks to those that helped keep his father alive. He was about to turn back to go in the room when he looked outside, it was a dark rainy night now. Stiles walked to the doors leading outside and whispered out for his love.
“Derek, I need you.” He breathed out with a hitch in his voice. The tears were coming and he needed him. Derek was already on his way, he could feel it in his bones.
Suddenly he was in two strong arms, Derek was here. Then the inconsolable crying began, he had held it together but now outside alone away from the machines it was all coming down. Derek said nothing he just held him as tight as he could and held him up, he could carry everything for now. He let Stiles cry and scream and hit his chest, letting him get out everything he needed. Then just as soon as the pain and anger came he was exhausted. Stiles finally collapsed into Derek’s chest entirely, his legs giving out and he was just trying to breathe again. Derek just held him and didn’t say a word, they weren’t needed.
After a few minutes Stiles was back to breathing normal, he slowly tilted his head up and kissed him on the cheek. Then stood up fully so they were eye to eye, and pressed their foreheads together. Covered in tears, snot and rain Stiles held Derek’s head and his together.
“I love you. I need you.” Stiles whispered out pressing a soft kiss to him.
Derek took stiles head into his own hands and pulled him back so they were looking into each other’s eyes again.
“I love you, I will always be here.” He answered kissing him back softly then pulling him into for another embrace. “We all are here for you.”
The two specked boys made their back into the recovery wing, getting a single dirty looks from a janitor for feeling water in. They made their way back to the room. There on a chair were 2 clean dry shirts and pants curtesy of the nursing staff, guess they were suckers for a good Nicolas Sparks moment. They quickly changed and Stiles was given hugs from everyone. Stiles didn’t care and crawled into bed with his had, the nurses could be upset if they wanted. The rest of the pack settled in it was clear they were not leaving tonight.
“I will head to the house, feed the Foxes and keep watch. Let me know if anything happens.” Chris advised in a hushed tone not wanting to wake John, Stiles nodded from the bed and he left with Laura. Staying in pairs was still a necessity. Jackson ended up moving a chair over to the bedside so Lydia could hold John’s hand while she slept. Everyone else tucked into their own chairs and hunkered down for the night. Melissa took on the night shift to stop anyone else from coming in the room. Thru out the night the supers took any pain that came on and John rested very comfortably.
Chris came by hours later around 6 am, armed with everyone’s coffee order and a few carafes and pastries for the hospital; Laura had brought in the Go Bags that were in the cars. Melissa had just walked in, she was heading home for a well deserved rest, she was exhausted from pulling an unexpected 16 hours.
“John really, we are trying to get you hydrated. A coffee and bear claw is not a good breakfast for someone out of surgery.” She reprimanded lightly, walking over to check he had not pulled out any wires or tubes over night. As she was checking over his vitals the morning nurse had come into change his bandaid for the first time. She was surprised to see Melissa in the room and she went to look at the chart make sure she was in the correct room.
“I’m off work, this one’s family friend. Go ahead and change his dressing I am just here as a friend.” She explained as she got out all the equipment the nursing assistant would need.
At the thought of seeing the wound for the first time everyone jumped up from their chairs and surrounded the bed.
John saw the nursing assistant hesitating and looking around the room. “They are all leaving in a little while to GO TO SCHOOL. But it would make them a lot more relaxed if they could see it. Do you mind changing it with an audience?”
Everyone grumbled at the school comment. But nodded nicely to the assistant hoping she would let them.
Slowly she began to in peel the bandages and John groaned out in pain. Very subtly Cora snaked her hand under the blanket to hide her arm and drained John’s pain again.
She had gotten down to the last bandage and it was the most bloody, as she peeled it off there was the nub. It was smooth and round, still puffy and red but looked like a very clean scar. It was 6 inches long and they had about 4 inches below the knee before the nub started. As she soaked her pads and swabs in cleaning solution to clean up the dry blood the pack watched closely incase they needed to do the same. The was only one drain tube that was left and the rest of the incision was clean and even.
“I called in a favor with our Plastics guy, he did the closure. Cora and Isaac I hope you can face paint because you are doing a kids birthday party in June.” Melissa explained.
His leg was now re bandaged and the nursing assistant left the room.
“Kids time to change and head to school. No one is missing class because of this.”
“Come on dad, they will understand me missing a day because you lost your entire foot on the job.” Stiles whined
“Plus I already have enough credits to graduate, and I don’t even have to take my finals.” Lydia added
“Look from what it sounds like. Victoria is out to separate you. Both of you missing school is going to cause problems and she will use it as an excuse. Besides you forget that Laura, Chris Derek and Jordan don’t go to school. It will give time to talk with Derek anyways. I won’t be alone.” John told them firmly “thank you for caring. But I am okay. I lost my cell in the wreck but you can call me at lunch how about that?”
“Fine. I will call you between classes plus we FaceTime at lunch. I’m going to make sure your eating all the food and not just asking them for jello and desert.” Stiles negotiated heading to the bathroom to change. Everyone took turns changing and wiping down with the sponge bath wipes Melissa brought them.
Cora drove them all to school and they made it with just a few minutes to spare. When Stiles made it to his first class he walked right past Scott like normal and went to sit in his seat next to Lydia. A few minutes into class he got a text message.
Scotty McScott: Why do you smell like my mom?
Stiles checked the message hoping for an update from the ones at the hospital. Seeing it was just scott he ignored sit and went back to his notes.
Scotty McScott: She told me she worked extra yesterday!
Scotty McScott: She isn’t your pack why do you smell like her.
Scotty McScott: Stiles
Scotty McScott: come on you owe me enough to answer my question.
Stiles saw that last message and it was too much. Wrath of his father be damned. He slammed his text book shut and packed his bag. He marched over to Scott and yelled at him in front of the whole class.
“Look I am so sorry that I inconvenienced you by not answering you the minute you texted me. But becuase it was SO damn important for you to know right NOW! I was with your mother last night because my father was in an accident. So sorry that me not answering you after spending the night at the hospital made you upset. So sorry my father losing his leg while working as a Sheriff is hard on you. I am so sorry your mom stayed and worked late becuase she scrubbed in on my dads surgery to amputate a limb! WHERE HE DIED AND WAS RESUSCITATED! I have a few other things on my mind that Matter just a bit more than replying your text messages instantly.” He finished his rant and walked right out the room, Lydia followed him right out. The two just kept walking out of the school and headed in town, they called Derek who was heading to pick them; up a bit smug about winning a bet as to how long they would manage to stay in school. Stiles reached out to hold her hand as they walked and she texted the group to let them know what happened.
Once he had calmed down he turned to Lydia as they walked toward the hospital.
“How are you holding up?” He asked her
“Stiles, I should be asking you that.”
“Lydia I thought I lost my father and that was the worst thing I’ve faced in along time. But you felt it, you knew, and I know it hurt to hold it back as long as you did. That is something I will never have to face but you will. So yes im asking you. How are you really?” By now he had stopped and was facing her and holding her hands.
Lydia looked up to her friend and the tears filled back in her eyes. She just shook her head and Stiles knew. He took her head in her hands and pulled her close, using his frame to engulf her. He kissed her head and squeezed her tight.
Then Derek’s Camaro pulled up beside them and he waiters until they were ready, then drove away. Even thou it was 9 in the morning they stopped by the grocery store for some ice cream and then headed to the hospital.
They arrived armed with everyone’s favorite flavors and sat around the room. Jordan had left to go finish the reports and update everyone on John’s Status. They worked out a schedule for the rest of the week. Two people would stay with John until he was recovered and discharged. Lydia went on and researched his operation and recovery, physical theory, new theories and prosthetic options. Using her mothers connections with their research institute she made calls. The fact that this was a active duty law enforcement officer injured on the job helped their willingness to collaborate.
Around noon Stiles and Derek headed to the house to feed the foxes and run them around so they didn’t get bored. They discovered most ferret toys and tennis balls were enjoyed by them. They even got them special snuffle mats so they could dig for food. They headed back around 3 to meet up with the others at the hospital. The new routine was everyone goes to the hospital after school then the two people that are spending the night there, stay with John while the others head to the preserve or Hale house for training.
They planned to keep this up until next week where hopefully they let John out for a few hours at least to go to Jackson’s last game of the season. With his accelerated healing he would most likely be ready but they still had to play the part for the hospital.
Laura and Chris stayed with John for the first night. Everyone else went to the Stilinski’s. Scott kept an even wider berth of everyone after he got chewed out by Stiles plus the cold shoulder from the students didn’t help. The rest of the week came and went. Friday morning was when they would have the decision on John Beijing let out in break for a few hours of if he was going to be fully discharged.