CHAPTR FIVE
The room filled by the sound of Stiles heavy breathing as he repeatedly hit the punching bag, his arms ached with tiredness but he didn’t let them stop. He couldn’t do it, he couldn’t let go. The next day, after the nightmare, Natasha had found him passed out of his drunkenness in the couch. She had put a hand on his shoulder and lightly shook him awake. Stiles only regretted passing out in the common room instead of his, he had felted so awkward he backed away from her. He had swallowed hard as he tried covering himself up, trying to hide his scars but he knew she had already seen them. But she had only offered her hand and helped him stand up, she never said or asked anything.
They began picking up his entire mess in complete silence, when the doors opened and Steve appeared through them, all clean and ready to deal with his day. But his morning smile disappeared as he watched the scene in front of him. Immediately Stiles stared at him wishing he was able to wake up and face life like him instead of getting ridiculously drunk but he couldn’t, he didn’t know how and he was not going to ask. He had quickly buttoned his shirt and walked away, giving a small smile to Natasha, trying to show his gratitude and comfort.
Steve had watched him quickly left the room, running away. He had turned and stared at Natasha waiting for an explanation but it never came. She had remained silent as she put the bottles in a plastic bag. Steve had only stayed still in his place, clearly confused but didn’t ask anything. He had looked around him, at the mess Stiles had done and sighed, he began helping picking up, he had no clue how to be more helpful than that.
Stiles punched with strength the bag one more time before stepping back, grabbing his hands when his knuckles burned in pain. He kicked the punching bag in frustration trying to recover his breath. He put his hands behind his neck as he walked around the gym, closing his eyes, focusing on the moment and only the moment. He sighed as he tightened up the bandages.
“Already tired, kid?” Natasha asked leaning on the frame of the door, with a smile playing on her lips. Stiles looked up impressed before shrugging, wondering how long she had been watching him, “Just getting started” He answered as he got into position and began his exercises again. He heard as she walked around him, slowly analyzing, it was getting into his nerves. He dropped his hands in exasperation and gave her a look, “Needed something?” He asked.
Natasha remained silent for a few seconds before taking off her jacket, “I think we started with the wrong foot” She suddenly said.
Stiles stared at her a little surprised, he smirked walking to the bench where he had left a bottle of water, “I think we did” He replied sitting down, taking a long sip. She sat beside him and hummed. Stiles knew she wanted to ask about the other day, what induing him to drank that much instead of sleep.
“Wanna talk about it?” She quietly asked after a couple of minutes of silence. She seemed even more uncomfortable than Stiles, which was somehow hilarious.
He smirked and put his elbows on his knees, “Not really” He honestly answered, he licked his lips before talking again, “Thanks for not telling Tony or anyone else” He added under his breath.
Natasha nodded, “Anytime kid” She answered honestly. Stiles looked away remembering his nightmare, the frustration and fear he had felt, they were still with him. He shook his head, “It was just a bad dream” He exclaimed suddenly standing up. Natasha looked up at him and nodded again. Stiles began passing side to side, she could see the anxiety slowly consuming him, “I… it had been a long time since the nightmares stopped, it took me by surprised” He exclaimed closing his fists, “It took me by surprise, thats all” He mumbled to himself. Somehow he felted the need to explain himself even he knew she wasn’t asking for it.
But she only quietly nodded again, waiting for the kid to take his frustrations out. She could understand his feeling, as same as everyone living inside the tower, everyone had bad dreams of their huntings, and past demons, she just wondered what were Stiles ones, strong enough to keep him awake at night.
“It had been a long time” He repeated to himself before shaking his head. Natasha sighed as she stood up, she knew he needed a distraction, she quickly took off her boots and left them beside Stiles shoes, “Come on kid” She suddenly exclaimed as she entered the blue tatami. Stiles frowned staring at her and smirked, was she being serious?
She shrugged, “You need to clear your mind, come on” She insisted as she jumped on her feet and stretched her arms, she was being serious. Stiles threw his empty bottle away and slowly stepped in, walking side to side inside the tatami, watching her with still a small smile on his face. The tatami felted too soft against his feet, used to run in the forest. He raised his fists at the level of his eyes protecting himself. He smiled when he easily dodged a jab Natasha threw. She was fast, but so was he, she threw other jab that he also easily dodged.
“Good reflexes kid” She exclaimed smiling too, clearly entertained, “But not good enough” She added before she easily made a low kick, hitting Stiles on his calf, he fell on his knee at the sudden pain, Natasha took advantage of it and punched him in the ribs before a straight jab in his face. Stiles fell on his ass before laughing out loud, he was quickly on his feet again.
He quickly attacked her, throwing punch after punch, she was able to dodge some hits but not all. She had been right, it was distracting Stiles, honestly it was the first time he fought against someone that skilled and it was a good change. He kicked her in the stomach with strength making her fall, apparently with too much strength. She looked up impressed but she didn’t stop there, neither did he. They fought against each other until they breaths were irregular and Stiles was lightly bleeding from a cut in his eyebrow and she from her nose and lip.
The fight began to heat up, specially when she applied a weird key trapping his arm between her legs, twisting it, but Stiles wouldn’t surrender so easily, the pain, it only made him angrier, it made him want to defend himself. He got free punching her above her knee. She gasped in pain and Stiles took advantage of her distraction as he grabbed her leg between his, applying other key, with strength but apparently too much strength because she actually began tapping his arm. Stiles let her go immediately backing away, frowning as he realized he had gone too far.
Natasha remained in the floor, taking deep breaths, she stared at him frowning. Stiles swallowed as he stood up, he had forgotten. The thing was… he knew he didn’t have the strength of a normal human being, he was stronger. The nogitsune not only had left a piece of him inside Stiles soul, it had also left him his strength and speed, his agility, it was all inside him, a capture memory inside his brain.
He sighed before offering his hand to Nat, who shook her head and took it slowly, “You are… good, too good” She said quietly as she stood up with effort. He knew there was a suspicion, questions behind her words and he didn’t want to answer them. Stiles nodded with a quick smile before stepping back, “You too” He tiredly answered as he turned around, he walked toward the bench where he rapidly put on his shoes, all the time Natasha had her eyes on him. He began feeling anxious one more time, he hated her eyes on him, it was slowly breaking him.
He finally looked up and they stared at each other before he quickly walked away rubbing his neck. He didn’t know if the fight had actually been a good idea but it was done and it had been distracting, at least for a moment. He jut hoped Natasha would let it all pass, but somehow, even knew he didn’t know her that well, he knew it was impossible.
He pressed his bloody eyebrow trying to stop the bleeding and huffed, as he walked to the elevator doors. He removed the sweat of his forehead before impatiently dropping his hands as he waited for the elevator, he scratched his neck and the doors opened. Steve was leaning against the wall on the other side. He opened his mouth surprised but frowned, “What happened to you?” He asked pointing to his forehead with a head movement. Stiles instinctively touch it again and noticed it was still lightly bleeding, he shrugged stepping in, “Practice with Nat” He answered smiling taking off with bloody bandages from his hands.
Steve nodded with understanding staring at his movements, “She kicked your ass” He exclaimed as if it was already a fact. Stiles scoffed, honestly a little offended, “Don’t be so sure about it, you should stop by and see her” He answered leaning beside him on the wall, he then realized Steve wearing his uniform and he looked damn hot on it, “Going somewhere?” He asked as the elevator went up. Steve nodded quietly, “Mission” He simply answered, almost dried.
Stiles frowned a little confused and nodded, “Alright, good luck” He said honestly, he didn’t know what else to say. They remained silent, Stiles wondering what was going on with Captain America right beside him, if he had done something wrong, maybe he was still mad for the other night for the ride back home, after all they hadn’t seen each other since and it had happened days ago. Stiles twisted his mouth, confused because… he wasn’t liking it, he didn't like Steve being like that with him, he didn’t like the fact he was apparently mad at him.
Steve gave him a side way stare and quickly looked up again, swallowing hard. Stiles was all sweaty and he looked like such a bad boy it was being hard for Steve to control himself, but he had remembered, boundaries. His big big boundaries.
Stiles felt his phone vibrating inside his pocket in the exact moment the doors wide opened at his flat. He took out his phone and frowned confused as he realized Liam was calling him, he knew he had said he could count on him for anything but certainly not that fast. He quickly got out ready to answer his phone when he remembered Steve was still behind him and he was leaving. He hurriedly turned around when the doors began to close, “Be safe!” He quickly managed to exclaim before the doors were completely closed. He watched it leave before answering his freaking phone.
“Liam?” He asked unsure.
The man sighed with relief, “Stiles hey” Liam greeted before clearing his throat, not giving time for Stiles to talk, “Remember when you said if we needed anything, well you could help us?” He asked. Stiles scratched his cheek as he walked to the couch and tiredly sat down, “Yes, of course” He answered immediately, truly confused what could possible bother his friend.
“You need to come, I´ll tell you here but you need to come before tonight” He nervously exclaimed, he sounded exhausted. Stiles raised his eyebrows as he turned to Scott´s room that had the door closed. He took off a shoe and throw against it with a sonorous slap. Immediately Scott popped his head out with his headphones on, he raised one eyebrow, he seemed pissed. Stiles cleared his throat returning his attention to Liam, “Give me thirty minutes man, I´ll be there with Scott” He promised before hanging up.
“Come on man, Liam needs us” He exclaimed as he stood up and walked toward his bedroom, he needed a shower. Scott took off his headphones and tossed the away, he followed his friend frowning, “Needs us? For what?” He asked watching as Stiles took off his pants. Stiles straightened up and shrugged, “Not a clue but he sounded worried, he asked for us, he needs help”
“Be ready in five minutes” He ordered as he closed the door of the bathroom, leaving a confused Scott alone, who only scratched his head and walked back to his room.
Twenty minutes later they were in front of Liam´s mansion. Scott climbed of the car as he stared at the extensive green forest, before the large white building in front of them, it was beautiful. He smirked with nostalgia, it was as exactly as he remembered but somehow there was something different. He looked at the forest again, narrowing his eyes before shaking himself and finally looking away, there was something odd hidden in the trees.
Stiles watched his friend with curiosity, “You alright?” He asked as he got near him. Scott shook his head and gave him a kind smile, “Yeah, of course, lets go” He said walking toward the house, he quickly climbed the stairs and stepped into the porch.
Stiles followed him in silence, before turning around and carefully watching the forest. It seemed different since the last he was in there, it wasn't lively anymore, it seemed off. He frowned confused but let it pass. He gave one look to Scott, who nodded. Stiles took a deep breath and finally knocked the door.
For Stiles surprise, Liam was the one that opened the door. Stiles frowned, what had happened to serious tall and fat guy, “Liam?” He asked surprised walking toward the guy, he seemed exhausted, he put a hand on his shoulder and lightly squeezed with half a smile. Liam returned the gesture and put his hand over Stiles one, he watched past him and sighed in relief as he stared at Scott, he quickly hugged with strength, “Hey man, its so good to see you” He mumbled before letting go. Scott nodded nervously and smiled, “Good to see you too” He answered quietly. Stiles gave his buddy a quick stare, a little confused.
“Come on in” Liam said stepping aside letting Stiles and Scott in. Stiles entered slowly, but he immediately stopped as he watched the house, even it, was different, it was opaque and terribly quiet. Stiles regained his walk as he and Liam shared a tense look, “I know, we can feel it too” He mumbled as he opened with effort the glass doors to his office. It was exactly the same, except it was a mess. Stiles looked around him, staring at the thousand papers and books, scattered all over the floor and desk. Stiles opened his eyes surprised as same as Scott. He began grabbing random pages, he gave a look to one book, it was about witchcraft and spells. Stiles gave it a quick browsing before dropping in it on the floor. He looked up at Liam raising his eyebrows waiting for an explanation.
Liam sighed exasperated, “Look, its as simple as this, my pack can’t control their selves anymore” He nervously exclaimed before sitting down, passing a hand through his messy hair, it seemed he had been awake for days, it seemed he was slowly losing his mind. Stiles frowned as he capture what Liam had just said, “Wait, what?”
“The transformation is no longer voluntary Stiles, its as if they were puppies all over again, beginners” He explained before shaking his head. He felted so tired and confused, he couldn’t found something to help his pack.
Stiles remained silent for a few seconds before he sat in front of him, “Have they attacked anyone?” He asked quietly.
Liam shook his head and leaned on his seat, “No, Ive been able to keep them here but I´m losing control man, I don't know what to do anymore…” He whispered as he put his head on his hands, “Its my pack and I can’t help them, I don’t know what else to do”
Stiles sighed as he thought, he had a medium point, he needed something strong to control the transformation but not strong enough to hurt them, “Have you tried mistletoe?”
Liam frowned and scoffed, “You know that shit doesn’t work Stiles” He answered exasperated. Stiles looked down and deep breathed, “Actually it does Liam, it was used by druids and Scandinavians, they thought it was a sacred plant, it will help” He assured Liam before putting a hand on his leg, “Look, you can also use hecatolite, its a white moon stone, it blocks the effect of the full moon, it can stop the transformation” Stiles added trying to make Liam look at him, but he looked away bitting his lip, “How does it work?” He finally asked under his breath. Stiles sighed and stood up looking for a clean paper to write on.
“I´ll give you a contact that will help you, she´ll tell everything you need to know, its actually easy, it works as a medicine” Stiles explained writing down Anna´s phone, she was a great friend that would help them immediately. Although he wished she had moon stone, it was pretty hard to find, “Call her tonight, tell her your a friend of mine, she will help you” He added handing the paper to Liam, who only stared at it but didn’t take it. Stiles sighed deeply and kneeled in front of the man, “Liam” He whispered quietly, lightly shaking his leg.
Liam blinked several times before staring at him in the eye, he seemed confused with even himself, “What if it doesn’t work?”
Stiles stared at him before looking down, “Then… we´ll try something else, something stronger” He answered, already his mind coming up with different ideas, when Liam still didn’t look satisfied Stiles sighed, “Look if it doesn’t work, I already know what to do alright? Lets just not worry ahead” He assured putting the paper on Liam´s hand, closing it into a fist. He only nodded repeatedly before rubbing his face with his hand. Stiles straightened up staring at him worried, it was the first time he saw Liam like that, tired, confused and extremely worried. He didn’t like that facet of him.
He looked up, searching for Scott, he hadn’t said a word, which was extremely odd because a person like him would have said something to comfort his friend but instead, he was quietly seated away from them, barely paying attention, he gave Stiles a quick smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
Stiles smiled too, a little concerned and baffled. Liam stood up, gaining his attention, he smiled at Stiles with gratitude and put a hand on his shoulder, “Thank you” He mumbled with honesty, Stiles stared at him in the eye, they didn’t show anything, they were empty. Stiles nodded smiling too, he backed away.
“I´ll call her right now” Liam whispered as he walked toward his desk where an old dial disk waited for him. Liam began dialing the number, Stiles took the hint and he turned to Scott, he wave a hand trying to earn his attention.
“Scott?” He called quietly.
He blinked a few times before shaking his head, he looked up, “Lets go” Stiles exclaimed making a head movement for him to follow him.
They were stepping out when Liam suddenly stopped them, “Stiles?” He called as he put the phone behind his ear.
“Yeah?”
“Be careful tonight, its full moon” He whispered before returning to the phone. He turned around giving his back to them, as he talked to Anna. Stiles stared at Liam´s back, watching how the tension left him as Anna surely calmed him down. Him and Scott shared a quick look and finally walked out.
Stiles watched through the window as the sky slowly darkened. He frowned worried and stared at the road, as he pushed the throttle with force. He didn’t want to had Scott in the car when the full moon appeared, he didn’t have a good feeling. He knew Scott was a master in control but the chat they just had with Liam, the problems with his pack, they weren’t normal. And well it wasn’t a coincidence Scott was acting so strange, at least he hoped it was, maybe taking him along hadn’t been a good idea after all. Scott had been terribly quiet all the trip since they arrived Liam´s house, he gave him a side way look, “You alright?”
Scott nodded slowly staring the streets passed by, “Yeah… sorry I´m just” He rambled before shaking his head, “I think its the full moon, sorry man” He finally mumbled before smiling, one more time it didn’t reach his eyes. Stiles looked between him and the road, concerned but he smiled too, “Don’t worry man, we´re almost there”
The first thing Scott did when they arrived the flat was let himself dropped with tiredness in the sofa. Stiles watched him worried but let him rest in peace, he was starting to look sick. He quickly entered his room and closed the door behind him carefully, he leaned on it a few seconds before taking his phone out. He looked up for the name Blondie and hesitated for a moment staring at the screen before finally dialing the number. He put the phone against his ear as he heard the ring tone sound several times. He closed his eyes waiting for her to answer, “Come on Lids” He mumbled under his breath, when he was about to give up, she picked up.
He fondly smiled and opened his eyes, “Hey Lids” He greeted quietly. She stayed angrily in silence, he could hear her head working trying to come up with new ways to insult him. And honestly he didn’t blame her, he had been a terrible friend, he knew that, he had ran away, it didn’t matter that was his thing, as Scott had said, he still had left all his friends behind, he had no good excuse. Well that he broke up with Derek was a pretty good one but still… he should have told them the truth. He deeply sighed, “Look Lydia-“ He tried but of course she interrupted him.
“You little piece of shit, you think you can just disappear on us, on me after months, you think I want to hear about your stupid sudden brother on television, you think I want to call like a desperate chick that I know I am not! And just call me and say Hey Lids, you know what, go directly to hell” She madly exclaimed but never hung up, she finally stayed quiet. Stiles bit his lip trying to hold on his laugh, he never hung up either.
“Hey Lids” He repeated hopefully after minutes of silence. He heard her sighed over the phone and knew her anger was mostly gone, “I´m sorry” He honestly apologized, “I should have told you, it was no fair for you to find out like that” He added, nervously scratching his cheek waiting for her to answer.
Finally she sighed annoyed, “You’re an idiot Stilisnki” She complained but Stiles could hear the smile on her words. He laughed under his breath, “How are you Lids?” He asked walking to his bed, where he sat at the edge.
“Well… how do you think? I miss you” She answered, “Both of you”
Stiles nodded even she couldn’t see him, he understood her perfectly. He sadly smiled, “We miss you too, I miss the entire pack” He answered truthful, “Even the idiot of Jackson” He said before laughing under his breath. She laughed too but they both knew they had a missing chat and Stiles had been posturing it for a long time, “How are you handle it?” She asked. Stiles immediately knew what she meant, he sighed, “I hate the media” He honestly answered.
Lydia smirked, “I supposed you would do, sorry for the press conference hon”
Stiles shoved it away and huffed, “It was a piece of cake” He lied making Lydia hummed, “Yeah, surely it was” She mumbled knowing he was lying. Stiles rolled his eyes, “You wanna meet him”? He asked bitting his nail with excitement.
“Are you really serious? Why do you think Ive been calling all this time” She exclaimed as if he was a complete idiot. He laughed under his breath, “Keep talking to me like that and I promise you will never meet my brother Lydia Martins” He threatened laughing louder.
They laughed together until they remained silent for a few seconds, “You’re taking care of him right?” He asked as he twisted his fingers with nervousness. Lydia smirked, “Who else if not me honey” She exclaimed.
Stiles closed his eyes, nodding repeatedly to himself. He felt calmer with her answer, “Thank you” He answered honestly.
“Now… I don’t think you only called to chat with me” She whispered, she knew Stiles wasn’t the one to pick up a phone and just call for a chitchat.
Stiles sighed, he wanted to know how things were in Beacon Hills, Scott´s explanation had been bullshit, he hadn’t say anything that could make Stiles understand what was going on and it wasn’t as if he could pick up his phone and call him. But Derek´s strange feeling along with Liam´s control problem well… it was too much for just a coincidence.
He deeply sighed before explaining, “The other night, Derek called Scott to tell him… he had a feeling?” He said unsure but Lydia hummed in agreement, “Yeah, the entire pack has it too and Stiles…” She started before a deep sighed, immediately he knew she didn’t have good new.
“Since Scott left, they have been so many disappearances, too many attacks, people are scared Stiles” She mumbled scared, “Something evil is attracting them here and we can all feel it. Its changing everything into something dark, the town seems colder and off”
Stiles remained silent processing her words, it was happening the same at Liam´s place, “Lids…” He quietly called, “Has the guys and well Erica, have been having trouble controlling themselves?” He asked rubbing his chin waiting for answer.
But Lydia remained silent, feeling a red alarm inside her, “Actually yeah… specially Isaac” She answered worriedly, “How did you knew it?”
Stiles twisted his mouth, he wasn’t relief he had found a connection, specially when it was Beacon Hills, it seemed he couldn’t scape that place, “Liam called me, the pack have been having trouble too”
“What? Stiles this doesn't sound good, what did you do?” Lydia asked surprised. He heard as she stood up, surely from her bed.
“Well, I gave him Anna´s phone number and told him to use mistletoe and hecatolite”
“Mistletoe and hecatolite?” Lydia asked unconvinced, “Stiles you know those are myths and-“
Stiles sighed exasperated, they worked, they had helped him numerous times in his fucking life, it bothered him no one freaking believe him, “Trust me it works, its just…” He shut himself up thinking, “Just what?” Lydia asked waiting for him to proceed.
“I honestly don’t know to what extent they will work, we are talking about the pack- the pack of…” He tried to say when he heard strong and loud noises from outside. He frowned, standing up, “Wait a minute” He murmured distracted as he walked to his door.
“Everything alright?” Lydia asked concerned, when he didn’t answered she pushed, “Stiles?” She called again with concern.
Stiles stopped in dried, his hands inches away from the doorknob, when he heard the sound of glass breaking. He immediately knew what was going on, Scott, he thought as he wide opened the door and stared at a complete mess, “Call you later Lydia” He exclaimed before throwing his phone away, he didn’t care the sound as it broke against the floor.
Scott was steady on the floor, where it was supposed to be a table, surrounded by million pieces of glass. He was on his four limps frozen, staring at the black carpet below him. He was shaking as he struggled against the transformation. Quietly Stiles got out of his room slowly walking, “Scott?” He called out softly, raising his arms when Scott snatched his head up, his fangs out and his red eyes shining.
Stiles kept slowly walking, being careful of not touching the scattered broken stuff in the floor, he had broken furniture, the tables and the decoration. Scott never let his red eyes off Stiles, “Its me buddy” He slowly said getting closer to him. Scott let out a groan making Stiles freeze in his place, he raised his hands higher and ducked his head down, “You know me Scott” Stiles whispered getting near him. His eyes struggled, changing between brown and red, Stiles could see the fight in them. Scott was fighting hard to remain him but he couldn’t do it alone.
“Its alright buddy, breath” He whispered getting near him. Scott body stopped shaking as he realize what was going on, he looked at the room scared before at his friend, he opened his mouth but closed it again, he shook his head confused. Stiles smiled relief, he was only a step away from him, his hand dangerously close to him, “Thats right Scottie, its only me”
He did not count of the idiot of his brother and the entire team storming their way in. In a blink of an eye Scott lost control and threw a blow at Stiles, who wasn’t able to dodge it completely, he felt at his claws cut the flesh of his arm. Stiles let out a groan before backing away grabbing his bleeding arm with strength, “Stop!” He yelled at his brother and the team.
Tony stared in shock at the scene in front of him, “What the hell Stiles?” He asked out loud as he stopped in dried on his place, watching as his brother walked toward the beast, arms raised and head ducked.
Scott groaned at everyone showing his large fangs, ready to attack if necessary, “Stop right there” Stiles hissed madly, this was getting out of his hands and if Scott injured anyone… he would never forgive himself, “Back off” He whispered under his breath. He watched as Natasha and Tony fortunately listened to him and backed away in fear. But Bruce stepped in surprised, “Is that… is he a werwolf?” He asked disbelief backing away when Scott groaned at him before taking a step closer to the team.
Stiles cursed internally as he made noise trying to gain Scott´s attention back, but the elevator doors wide opened and Steve entered, oblivious of what was going on. Still wearing his uniform bloody and dirty, his hair in a perfect mess. He wide opened his eyes as he watched the scene and then at Scott, he didn’t hesitate when he realized Stiles was on the other side of the room, alone, disarmed and his arm bleeding.
“Stiles…” He mumbled scared, as he tried to get toward him but Stiles raised his arm and sent him a furious stare, “I said fucking stop!” He yelled desperately. Steve froze on his place lightly surprised at Stiles abruption and backed away.
Stiles began walking toward his friend again, “Scott its me, its Stiles, just breath” He exclaimed but it wasn’t working, he could see he wasn’t dealing with Scott anymore, it was a beast in that moment and it wasn’t calming down.
“Shit, shit” He cursed out loud as he surrounded Scott with extreme careful, his mind was blur and he couldn’t focused, less if he had the team in there, “I need you to get out guys” He whispered stopping for a second. Scott was a ticking bomb, he was feeling threatened by all the people inside the room surrounding him. Stiles needed everyone out or Scott was gonna attack someone. But Tony immediately shook his head, “Are you crazy?! I am not gonna leave you alone with that thing!” He exclaimed under his breath.
Stiles sent him a mad stare, “Its still Scott!” He said back, distracting himself for a moment, he didn’t like anyone calling his friend a thing, it was still Scott. But he knew he had fucked up, when he stepped on a piece of glass and this crunched under his weight. Stiles looked down before he heard a deep roar. Everything happened in slow motion. Stiles launched himself to Scott trying to stop his friend of hurting himself or anyone else but Steve instinctively put a hand around Stiles waist pushing him away before Scott could bite him, “Get off of me!” Stiles yelled pushing Steve back with strength. But he still grabbed his arm, “Stiles don’t!"
Scott was suddenly walking toward them, showing his white fangs. Stiles pushed Steve away again with strength, stronger enough to make him stepped back. He tried grabbing Scott´s arm when he suddenly felt his claws dig in his stomach, it had been stupid, he knew it. He groaned in pain as he took Scott´s other arm stopping him but he was too strong, he scratched Stiles again and again but he never let go. Finally Stiles was able to put his arm around Scott´s neck immobilizing him. He struggled slashing the air, he fell on his knees as Stiles squeezed harder taking away his oxygen. He looked up and saw the entire team froze in complete shook, “Help me! Get something to put him to sleep!” He yelled in desperation when Scott began to struggle harder. The first one to react was Clint, who quickly ran out of the destroyed room.
“Its me, Scott!” Stiles yelled as he put an arm around Scott´s chest, hugging him with strength. He could feel Scott´s heart loudly banging against his ribs. But Stiles knew he had no control over himself and he wasn’t going to stop fighting against him. He let himself dropped backwards with Scott on top on him, he immobilized Scott´s hip and legs between his own, which were frantically moving, trying to kick something, to stand up. Stiles groaned squeezing harder his neck, “Where the fuck is Clint?!” He yelled worried he was gonna chocked his buddy, who was still roaring and choking at the same time, “Its almost over buddy, breath” He said against Scott´s head, his wet hair sticking to Stiles mouth. When he finally saw Clint running toward him with a syringe filled with liquid ready on his hand.
“Now!” Stiles yelled as he raised one arm and Clint threw it to him. Stiles caught it easily, he groaned as he bit the cap off and spitted away. He immediately buried the syringe into Scott´s chest who deeply groaned in pain, he started moving harder, shaking his head side to side, to set himself free but Stiles didn’t allow it. He felt as he’s breathing became steady and his heart slew down. His force began to disappear and so his movements. And finally Scott had fallen asleep. Stiles let him go and let out his breath. He stared at the ceiling for a few seconds taking deep breaths trying to calm himself down.
“Can you guys help me please? He´s heavy” Stiles muttered, lightly annoyed. He saw and felt as Steve easily removed Scott´s body away from him.
“Can you put him in my bed, please?” He quietly asked as he sat in the floor, ignoring the pain in his stomach. He closed his eyes for a moment before deeply breathing. Tony stepped in, “No, we´re taking both of you to the nursing room” He exclaimed watching as Steve adjust Scott´s dead weight on his arms, “Now Stiles” Tony added as Stiles stared at his brother for a few seconds before nodding. He began to stand up when he felt a pair of hands helping him from the back, “I´m fine” He immediately said to Clint, who raised his hands stepping away.
With difficulty Stiles stood up, he watched his scratched arm and the blood running down, he sighed and looked down at his stomach, it wasn’t that bad, he had received worse but it still hurt. He used his good arm to put against his stomach, ignoring the incoming pain. He avoided everyone stares, the only thing he could handle right then was the fact everyone would wanna know who the hell was Scott and him.
“Come on” He murmured following Steve.
Tony watched as everyone walked away. He remained froze on his place, he looked around him, he stared at the broken glass and furniture at his feet and then the fresh blood from his brother. He tiredly put a hand over his face and sighed against in, he felted like a terrible big brother. The way Stiles controlled the situation, he had been dealing with those problems for a while, it wasn’t the first time he witness that shit and Tony had no clue what his brother had went through, he had known better, it was his job, to know better. He quickly walked out and press the elevator.
Stiles watched as Steve carefully put Scott in a stretcher and closed his eyes for a moment in relief, no one had turned out injured. The adrenaline left him in an instant and he felt his wounds ache. Scott was gonna lose his mind the next morning, he was gonna feel bad and upset and Stiles could only perfectly imagine.
“You won’t need the rabies vaccine would you?” Tony asked as he entered the room. Stiles opened his eyes and tilted his head, “Really?” He tiredly asked. Tony sadly smiled and looked down at his feet, “Steve put straps on Scott´s arms please” He nicely asked ignoring the gasp Stiles let out, “Its not necessary, he’s sedated” He exclaimed directly to Steve who froze on his way to the stretcher, eyes wide opened, clearly uncomfortable to be in the middle of the situation. Tony snatched his head up, “Yeah it is, I don’t care” He madly answered.
Stiles gritted his teeth, “I said its not” He answered back, “He’s my friend Tony!” He exclaimed raising his good arm pointing to Scott´s steady body. He jumped when Tony slapped the wall, “And you’re my brother!” He loudly yelled, the room felt into silence as Stiles looked away, “And this is my team, my friends and my house and I am not putting anyone on danger, I don’t care who he is” He hissed with shaky voice. Tony looked up at Steve, “Put him on some damn straps” He commanded. Steve followed his instructions.
Stiles closed his eyes pained as he heard how Steve put on a damn leash on his friend. He knew Tony wasn’t being unreasonable, he was just protecting his friends but still… he hated seeing Scott moored and passed out. He sighed as he straightened up with effort. He slowly walked toward a chest of drawers. He opened one of them, taking a pair of bandages, but Tony was already shaking his head, “No, I don’t care you studied medicine, you’re gonna sit you ass down, let Bruce cure you and tell us what the hell happened”
Everyone stayed quiet waiting for Stiles reaction. But he only blinked staring at his brother and finally nodded, he didn’t want to fight anymore. Even him knew when to give up a fight, everyone deserved some answers. He sat down on an empty stretcher and rubbed his eyes with his good hand, he deeply sighed before starting, “Remember the first day I arrived… I told you I had an important meeting?” Stiles asked as he let Bruce take off his shirt. He then remembered his scars, everyone was gonna see them. He stopped half way there and lightly pushed Bruce hands away, he gave a look to Nat. She shrugged, they both knew it was gonna happen sooner or later. He finally removed his shirt throwing it away, quietly groaning when his stomach protested. No one talked for a moment, the room was so tense Stiles could cut it with a knife.
He deeply sighed, knowing what was coming and raised his hand, “Let me explain-“ But Tony finally exploded.
“What the fuck happened to you Stiles?!” He furiously yelled as he watched his brother torso, filled with tiny scars, huge scars, scars everywhere. He walked straight to him and put a shaky hand on his chest, he looked up, “I want the fucking truth and I want it now Stiles” He demanded with jittery voice. Stiles remained staring at the floor, too coward to look up and realized everyone eyes were filled with what? pity, confusion, even with suspicion, he wouldn’t blame them. He swallowed with difficulty, “Remember the first day I arrived I told you I had an important meeting?” He asked again, ignoring Tony´s exasperated gasp.
“I met with the alpha of New York´s pack in Fire Island” He explained eventually looking up. Tony stared at him from head to toe, “Why?” He finally asked with tension as he leaned against the wall. Stiles swallowed, looking down. He just wanted to disappear and run away, “Cause I am- was, the emissary of Scott´s pack”
“What?” Steve asked disbelief when no one said anything. Stiles gave him a look before bitting his lip, “Everything you know about the supernatural world is real, every story, every legend, every myth, everything is real” Stiles explained as he leaned against the back of the stretcher, he was beginning to feel dizzy and plain tired. Bruce reacted rapidly and put his hands on Stiles shoulders, making him carefully lay on bed, “I need some anesthesia…” He murmured under his breath but Stiles shook his hand, “Its fine, I don’t need it” He answered ignoring Bruce distrustful eyes, “Its fine” He repeated stronger.
When no one say anything Stiles regained his speech, it was better to let everything out in only one round, “One night the sheriff got a call, some campers had found a dead body lost in the forest, being the curious kid I was, I interfered the call, they were looking for a half dead body, I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever heard “ Stiles mumbled feeling so stupid then, if he hadn’t go looking for the corpse, Scott would had never been bitten and everything would be just fine. He slowly shook his head, “I woke Scott up and made him go to the reserve with me, looking for it” Stiles explained as he stared at the ceiling, being grateful he could feel the pain for his distraction, “But we didn’t know it was Derek´s sister body we were searching for, we had no idea we were getting mixed between a pack fight for being the alpha”
“Wait a second” Tony suddenly said raising his hands, “Derek is a werwolf?” He asked surprised. Stiles half smiled, for him it was such a stupid question, “Derek was part of the Hale pack, his mother was the alpha, it was a big deal between werewolves” He explained.
“Was?” Natasha asked quietly as she put a chair beside Stiles and sat down. Stiles stared at her as he remembered Derek´s dark past, he ignored the question, it was not his story to tell, “That same night, something attacked us and bit Scott, the next day the injure… it was gone”
Stiles stretched his neck watching his friend deeply asleep, “It didn’t took me long enough to figure out Scott was bitten by a werewolf, Derek´s crazy uncle was the one to do it”
He shook his head as the memories flooded his mind, it had happened so many years ago it was almost funny, their problems from back then seemed so easy now, he wished the only thing he had to deal was psycho Peter again, “What happened tonight… was as if Scott was again that beginner omega with no control” He explained confused, how was that possible? Scott was a true alpha, he wasn’t supposed to have trouble controlling his shift.
“Are you sure?” Tony sarcastically asked, Stiles gave him a mad stare, “He’s a true alpha Tony, he has learn more control than any other werewolf I know” He answered lightly annoyed, pulling a face when he felt the pain increase. Bruce gave a quick stare, “Sorry…” He mumbled returning back to his work.
“What does it mean he’s a true alpha?” Steve asked suddenly. Stiles swallowed as he remembered that night, the alpha pack, they had thought everyone was gonna die, he remembered every day he thought he was going to die, he let it go in an instant, “The alpha is the strong one, the leader of the pack, the hierarchy is strict for one reason, you control your pack and its betas”
“To become an alpha you have to kill other one but not a true alpha. The only way to become a true alpha is by force of will, strength of character” Stiles explained as Bruce straightened him up with careful. In complete silence he began putting bandages around his stomach.
“And Scott is a true alpha?” Tony asked disbelief bitting his nail. Stiles nodded watching carefully at his brother. Tony scratched the back of his head with frustration, “And you?” He asked.
Stiles frowned confused, “What about me?” He asked as Bruce took his arm. Tony sighed, “I mean how did you end up mixed in there? Scott was the one bitten and you said it yourself, your… your damn abilities only appeared a little ago, so I ask you, what about you?”
Stiles looked down letting his breath go when Bruce began cleaning his arm, “He’s my best friend Tony, since we were kids, what was I supposed to do? Leave him?” Stiles asked madly looking at his brother, who only shook his head, he knew he was being unreasonable asking that but still his brother was covered in scars and he, he didn’t do anything to prevent it.
“We all been through a lot Tony, but together, Derek, Scott, me and the pack” He added trying to make everyone explain, “They’re my family Tony, besides you, he’s all I got”
The room stayed quiet before Tony deeply sighed, “You’re getting trained, Steve and Nat and everyone in this house are going to train you and I don’t care what you think, did you hear me?” Tony commanded crossing his arms over his chest, daring anyone to tell him otherwise. Stiles stared at him and finally nodded, “Good” Tony exclaimed before walking to his brother, he pushed Bruce away, who only raised his arms in defeat. Stiles backed away a little staring confused at his brother´s proximity, “You're an idiot Stiles” He whispered before putting his arms around him.
Stiles remained frozen on his place frowning before slowly hugging Tony too, he shook his head, “Sorry” He mumbled truthful, as he thought all the things he was letting in secret, the nogitsune, Allison, Gerard, It was better that way. Some things were better left in the dark. But apparently not that night.
“Stiles” Natasha suddenly called, Tony stepped away before clearing his throat, he clapped Stiles in the back making him twist his mouth in pain, “Sorry” Tony mumbled stepping away. Stiles looked up at her and raised his eyebrows, “Yeah?”
Natasha put her elbows on her knees, “Taken for granted everything you said tonight is the truth, Scott is a werewolf thus his strength is bigger than ours but you managed to immobilize him in matter of seconds and hold him down, how?” She asked truly impressed.
Stiles felt his heart beat with rapidity as everyone stared at him, waiting for an explanation. He swallowed hard, he wasn’t ready, he didn't want anyone to know the truth about him, he opened his mouth and closed it several times before shaking his head. The words couldn’t leave his body, he couldn't do it.
His always savior, the good sir Jarvis decided it was time to step in, “Sir, I´m sorry for interrupting, but Stiles phone has been ringing several times, a Blondie as it says on the screen is being very persistent”
Stiles closed his eyes and dropped his head on his hand, “Shit Lydia” He mumbled under his breath. “She’s calling right now, how do you want me to proceed?” The mechanic voice asked. Stiles shook his head, it was better to deal with it as quickly as he could, “Put her through please” He answered immediately.
“Speaker?”
Stiles nodded, “Speaker is fine Jarvis, thank you” Stiles said staring at the ceiling with a small smile. Almost immediately, Lydia´s panicked voice filled the entire room with her high pitched voice, “Thank godasshole, I thought you were- you’re an idiot, why you never answer you goodman phone and use the bloody senses our good god gave you to be less than the idiot you are” She exclaimed out loud.
Stiles let of his breath as he heard Lydia insulting him, “Lids?” He tried to say but she interrupting him, “Don’t Lids me again asshole, I´m sick of you” She exclaimed annoyed. Stiles could perfectly visualize her passing inside her room side to side, arms crossed over his chest.
Tony laughed under her breath, “I already like her” He mumbled nodding. Immediately Lydia shut up, “Am I on speaker?” She asked sounding even more annoyed if possible. Stiles smirked, “Yeah hon” He answered, “Everyones listening, including Tony Stark” He added.
The line was quiet again as she proceeded she had just insulted Stiles in front of the entire avengers team, in front of his brother “Oh my god, Mr. Stark I´m so sorry, I had no idea” She tried but Tony interrupted her, “Please darling, you only said the things Ive been dying to say myself” He answered before laughing out loud.
Stiles rolled his eyes, “Yeah yeah, shut up” He hissed directly to his brother, who only shrugged playing innocent, “I´m not the one that say them” He mumbled. Lydia moaned over the phone, “Sorry for that, toeveryone, sorry” She said directly to everyone in the room. Steve couldn’t handle so many bad words in a row.
“You're alright?” She worriedly asked after seconds of silence. Stiles huffed playing offended, “Of course I am hon” He answered automatically. But Lydia groaned on the phone, “That bad huh?”
Stiles nodded shaking his head realizing she couldn’t see him he answered, “A little bit”
“How is Scott?” She quietly asked. Stiles looked away and stared at Scott asleep body, “Well… he’s sedated” He answered but shut up when Lydia gasped, “What? Stile what happened?”
“Nothing to worry about Lids, we are both fine” He assured her, trying to calm her down, “How are things back there?” He asked distracting her, “Are the boys and Erica alright?”
Lydia sighed over the phone, “No, not really, Derek kicked me out when he realize everyones was losing it” Stiles nodded repeatedly, ignoring the mention of Derek´s name, “Is he alright?”
She didn’t have to hear the name to know who he refer to, “He’s… holding on and well helping the others, you know how he is” Lydia answered. Stiles could only imagine what she referred to, Derek surely restrain them with chains and surely himself too. Stiles sighed tiredly, he couldn’t handle thinking about Derek, “I´ll call you in the morning, alright?” He said as he climbed off the stretcher. Lydia hummed in response doubting his proposal. Stiles laughed under his breath, “I promise, I will call you” He assured her.
Lydia was quite for a few seconds, he knew she didn’t want to go, “Alright” She finally said before hanging up. Stiles let out his breath and stretched his shoulders with careful trying to digest the news, werwolves were losing their control, not only on New York but Beacon Hills as well and god knew where else. They weren’t good news, he didn’t know what was going on, if it was about werewolves genes, something about they cycle and the moon or if someone was causing it, but the fact he had to fight against korreds, the disappearances and then werewolves losing control, their weren’t a coincidence, he just had to figure out how they were connected.
Tony gave him one last look before shaking his head, he opened his mouth, wanting to say something else, something that would comfort his brother and himself, but he was short of words and he was damn tired. He finally decided it was better to leave Stiles to rest, he quickly walked out from the room, followed by Nat and Clint. Stiles stayed a little longer as Bruce finished with his arm, “Thank you” He said smiling. Bruce nodded and gave him a look, “You’re not who we all thought you were” He exclaimed as he removed his gloves, stained with blood. Stiles raised one eyebrow, “Oh yeah? What was that?”
Bruce shrugged before walking away, “Just Tony´s little brother”
Stiles watched his back until he disappeared through the doors, he looked down at his arm and shook his head. People would always underestimated him, he was used to it but it felted different coming from the team, he wasn’t sure he liked it.
He carefully climbed off the stretcher and gave one step when his stomach protested in pain. He moaned tiredly at his stupid injuries, “Need some help?” He heard someone ask behind him. He smiled because he knew who it was, “Yes please” He answered as grabbed Steve’s arm and slowly, they made his way to the elevator. He wave one last look at Scott stopping for a second, “He´ll be fine” Steve assured him with a whisper.
Stiles nodded with a weak smile and let himself be dragged down the elevator fighting against his entire will, he wanted to stay but he knew Scott needed to rest, as well as him. He gladly leaned against the wall, only then he noticed Steve was still on his uniform and he was a mess, “How was the mission?” He asked staring at the front. He felt Steve’s eyes on him, “I think it worked better for me” He answered quietly. Stiles smiled and shook his head, “I really think it did” He said before closing his eyes for a moment.
“You alright?” Steve asked quietly. Stiles opened his eyes and looked at him, “Of course I am” He answered before shrugging, “I just didn’t want for Tony to find out like that, and well, either of you” He added as he watched the elevator opened. Steve nodded as he helped him walked outside, “Yeah, it was a little…” He shut himself up when he noticed the room was still pure chaos, “Baffling”
Stiles stopped on his tracks and looked around him, “Shit” He tiredly whispered. He tried to reagin his walk when Steve stopped him, “Are you sure you want to sleep here?” He asked feeling suddenly nervous when Stiles stared at him, “Huh?” He asked confused.
Steve swallowed and nodded, “Yeah I mean, you can sleep in my flat…” He whispered unsure. Stiles raised his eyebrows, “With you?” He asked impressed.
“No! no, I mean no I- I have a spare room” He immediately explained himself before clearing his throat. Stiles stared at him a few seconds before looking around again, he stared at the spots of his blood on the floor and shrugged, “I mean I could…” He mumbled but shut himself up, Steve was kind enough to let him sleep in his flat. He shook his head, “Yeah, sure” He answered before smiling. Steve was finally able to breath, he nodded as they walked to the elevator again. Stiles let his body leaned against him for a bit, “I´m sorry, I just feel exhausted” He explained as he stared at Steve´s red cheeks.
Steve nodded, “Of course you are” He answered watching Stiles closed his eyes.
“We´re almost there” He whispered as he practically carry Stiles, leading him to his spare room.
As soon as Stiles saw the bed he dropped himself in it, ignoring the ache across his body. He kicked his shoes off and hugged the pillow against his face, “Thank you” He mumbled honestly as he watched Steve awkwardly stand in front if the bed, “I don’t even know why you are so nice to me” He added confused.
Steve stared at Stiles a few moments disbelief, what kind of trust issues Stiles most had to not know why a person would do kind things for him, beside Steve´s curiosity was still there and somehow stronger than ever. He smiled at Stiles, “See you in the morning” He said instead, quietly as he walked away.
“Night Steve” Stiles mumbled before he completely fall asleep, what an exhausting day.
*
Slowly Derek dragged his feet inside his bathroom, he tried to control his breathing as he watched to sun rising through his window, the morning had finally arrived. He leaned on the wall and dropped himself on the floor with tiredness. He put his head between his knees before closing his eyes with strength. He couldn’t even remembered the last time he couldn’t control his shift, he had learned to control himself since he was a kid, he was a born werwolf, he could do it. But what he had felted the night before was chaotic, uncontrolled. It had been as if something was constantly calling his inner wolf and Derek could do nothing to ignore those callings. There was something wrong and that night only confirmed his suspicions.
He raised his head and stared at the orange sky, wondering what kind of darkness was able to made them lose control that easily.