Pt 8 (gonna start making these longer so I don't end up with a bajillion part series lol)
Organizing the pack turned out to be a relatively easy process. The puppies had school and agreed that Liam would come by after school with Mason and that the rest of them would stop by throughout the week. Scott agreed to stop by on his way to the animal clinic, and Erica said she and Boyd would come for lunch. Isaac said he could come for dinner if Stiles' dad didn't mind. Since Stiles still didn't have his phone, Derek confirmed with the sheriff that he didn't have an issue with dinner guests.
The human (and banshee) pack members knew it was most important for Stiles to become familiar with the wolves before anyone else. Allison said she and her dad would wait until Stiles was ready, but that she hoped he didn't mind if she sent some care packages with the wolves. Lydia said she would stop by later in the week and that she was glad Stiles was up for visitors.
Peter said he would be in town with Stiles' things late that night and that he could wait until the next day if Stiles was overwhelmed. Though Derek Stiles let him know he would keep the older beta up to date.
Stiles heard Scott's bike blocks before Scott pulled into the drive.
"He needs to get that looked at, that is awful," Stiles muttered, and Derek laughed.
"Heard that," Scott called from outside, and Stiles realized he and Scott could both hear each other now.
"Oh, that's weird," Stiles made a face.
"It gets easier," Derek promised, standing up to let Scott in.
Stiles stood too, not sure if he was ready to face his best friend. Not for anything Scott had done or would do, but because Stiles didn't know who he was anymore. He knew he would figure it out eventually. Stiles had no doubt of that, but facing Scott now, he felt the anxiety build. What if Scott no longer knew him?
Scott appeared in the doorway, Derek right behind, and Stiles had no more time to panic.
As it turned out, Stiles didn't need to have worried. There was a beat as the two friends' eyes met, and Scott immediately beelined to Stiles, pulling him into a hug. Stiles didn't resist, relief flooding him as Scott's arms went around him (even if his Irish Spring soap was a lot to take in). Stiles concentrated on identifying Scott, learning how his friend's scent registered to his new senses. Stiles picked out Dirt and leaves mixed with fresh air, something metallic and warm (probably Scott's bike), something animal-like, probably from the clinic, and something Stiles couldn't name, just like with Derek's scent. It was different than Derek's but not bad. Stiles pulled back and managed to smile.
"It's so good to see you," Scott looked so sincere, a hand still on Stiles' shoulder.
"You too, Scotty," Stiles responded. "Want to sit? I know you don't have long before work, but..." Stiles trailed off.
"Deaton knows I'm visiting you," Scott smiled. "He won't mind if I'm a little late."
Scott set his helmet on the coffee table and took one of the chairs. Stiles settled on the couch next to Derek, who automatically put his arm behind Stiles, resting on the back of the couch. Scott tracked the movement but didn't comment.
"You seem to be doing well," Scott offered. "I know how overwhelming it was at first, all the new senses. With your ADHD, it must be so much worse."
"It's a lot," Stiies agreed. "Smells are the worst part. How do you not freak out every time youre in a room full of people with different emotions?"
"It's like being in a cafeteria," Scott paused, choosing his words. "You can hear everything, but it's just background noise when you listen to the one person next to you."
"A good analogy," Derek murmured in agreement.
The three chatted for a bit longer, mostly small talk, though there were promises to run the preserve together on Stiles first full moon.
"If you're up for it, of course," Scott added hastily.
"I don't even know when the next full moon is," Stiles glanced at Derek.
"It's in a little over a week," Derek said. "As close as I can figure, you were bitten either the night of or the night after the last full moon."
"Ah," Stiles fell silent, eyes down.
Scott sent Derek a worried look, but Derek shook his head slightly. Stiles wasn't panicking yet, just processing. Regardless, Derek lightly rested his hand on the back of his beta's neck, grounding him. Stiles' head lifted, blinking at them both.
"You're going to do fine," Derek said softly. "You'll have a whole pack to support you."
"Yeah, it won't be like it was for me," Scott leaned forward, an earnest expression on his face, the same expression Stiles had seen a hundred times before. "You won't be alone trying to figure it out as you go. Besides, I think over eight werewolves will be enough to keep you in check if you're worried about that. Not to mention the banshee, hellhound, the hunters, werecoyote, and the rest of the pack."
"He makes a good point," Derek chuckled, his thumb rubbing small circles on the back of Stiles' neck.
At Derek's reassurance, Stiles relaxed even further.
"Thanks," Stiles smiled at Scott. "I know you'll all look after me."
"Always," Scott promised. There was a pause, and Scott glanced at his watch. "Oh, I have to get going," He said, moving to stand. "I'll stop by again later this week! Let me know as soon as you have your phone, okay?"
"For sure," Stiles smiled, standing to walk with Scott to the door.
"Good," Scott clapped a hand to Stiles' shoulder. "I'm glad you're back."
"Me too," Stiles meant it, and it was clear Scott could hear it.
Stiles stood on the porch and waved as Scott headed out. The roar of the bike made Stiles wince, and he headed back inside to curl up against Derek again. Derek didn't speak, but wrapped his arms around Stiles, stroking his hand through Stiles hair. Stiles closed his eyes and focused on Derek's heartbeat and his own breathing. It only took a few breaths for Stiles to feel less overwhelmed.
"I didn't think about the full moon," He said softly with a sigh. "It's so soon..."
"Don't worry about that right now," Derek murmured against his hair. "Let's get through today and figure out the full moon tomorrow."
"Okay," Stiles said without protest.
"Do we need to spread out the visits more?" Derek asked. "I know that was a lot."
"No, I'm okay," Stiles tilted his head back, opening his eyes to look up at Derek. "I just wasn't thinking about the full moon. Or being with the whole pack."
Stiles couldn't help thinking of how many sounds, how many heartbeats, the breathing, the footsteps, howls, and laughter there would be. That was without taking into account the sounds of the woods. And the smells. Pack and nature and every scent in between.
"Stiles," Derek's voice broke through Stiles thoughts, and the beta looked up again. Derek stroked the back of his knuckle over Stiles cheekbone. "You don't have to run the preserve your first full moon. It's going to be a lot. Physically, emotionally, it's going to take a toll. You've seen new wolves on their first full moon. Now you're going to feel it the same way and then some. The pack can run with Scott. You can stay with me."
"But my dad-" Stiles started, but Derek shook his head.
"At my loft, Stiles. I wouldn't let you hurt your dad. I wouldn't even let it be a risk."
"Thank you," Stiles sighed, laying his head back against Derek's shoulder, tucking his face into the alpha's neck.
Derek's fingers went back to stroking Stiles hair, and the two sat in comfortable silence until Stiles felt in control again. Once Stiles sat back, Derek asked if they should start lunch since there would be guests, and Stiles pretended not to know it was a distraction.
Together, the two wolves took over the kitchen, falling into an easy rhythm. By the time they finished cooking and set the table, there was a knock on the door, making Stiles jump.
"I didn't hear them!" He said.
Derek smiled.
"I told you, practice. Come in!" He only slightly raised his voice as he called out to the betas on the porch.
Erica came bounding in, Boyd behind her, with an enthusiastic: "Batman!"
"Hey, Catwoman," Stiles smiled.
"Good to see you," Boyd said softly, and Stiles nodded to him.
"Thanks," Stiles said sincerely. "You two ready to eat?"
Lunch was easy, full of laughter and warmth. Stiles found having his attention split between his food and conversation made both easier. Scott's analogy about the cafeteria came to mind, and Stiles made a mental note to thank Scott for the accuracy. No one mentioned the full moon, or struggling with the change. Instead, Erical talked about her favorite werewolf perks, Boyd chiming in to agree with her and add his own. Stiles knew about heightened senses but had forgotten about some of the other things his friends could do.
"I'm almost disappointed I'm not on a lacrosse team anymore," Stiles laughed.
"I'm sure Liam and Scott would be more than happy to set up a game for just the werewolves," Erica grinned. "Enough of you have played, it could be fun!"
"That's true," Stiles agreed. "Maybe once I get a better hang of this whole thing."
"I'll keep it in mind for you." Erica's grin was infectious, and Stiles couldn't help grinning back.
Betas helped clear the table and do the dishes, and by the time they were ready to leave, it was almost time for Liam to be out of school.
"Let us know if you need anything, okay?" Erica said as she hugged Stiles goodbye.
"Yeah," Stiles nodded against her shoulder.
Boyd put a hand lightly on Stiles' shoulder when the two broke apart.
"Really. Even if you just want some noise-cancelling headphones," He sounded only half joking. "They don't really work for us, but they help."
"Not a bad idea," Derek agreed.
"Thanks," Stiles said, and he meant it.
Boyd patted Stiles' shoulder, and then he and Erica were gone. Stiles wanted to nap but knew Liam and Mason would be here in a matter of minutes. Stiles flopped down on the couch, resting his head on the back.
"You can nap after the puppies visit," Derek said, and Stiles' head snapped in the alpha's direction.
"Are you a mind reader?" He demanded.
"No," Derek shook his head. "But I can read your expressions pretty well. Also, that's Mason's car."
Stiles tilted his head listening, and it took a minute, but then he heard it. It didn't take long for Liam to come bursting through the front door without knocking.
"Stiles!" Liam called out.
"Right here, Liam," Stiles smiled softly at the young beta.
"Hey! How are you?" Liam Stilled as soon as his eyes fell on Stiles.
"Hey!" Mason waved from over Liam's shoulder.
"Hey, Mason," Stiles nodded before looking back at Liam. "I'm getting better."
"Isaac said it was bad." Liam still hadn't moved, and Stiles gestured for him to come in and sit.
"It was," Stiles allowed. "But I have a great pack."
"Yeah, I can tell," Liam wrinkled his nose slightly. "You smell like the whole pack."
"I mean only four," Stiles laughed as Liam took a seat, Mason following.
"Yeah, but there's also your dad," Liam explained. "And he smells like the station. Plus, Scott always smells a little like Allison and Deaton's herbs. Erica and Boyd usually have Isaac on them, so you smell like all of that, too."
"Damn kid," Stiles chuckled, glancing at Derek. "Do I really smell like all that?"
Before Derek could answer, Liam spoke again.
"You mostly just smell like Derek."
"Derek?" Stiles blinked.
"He's not wrong," Derek huffed a laugh. "It's all more subtle than he's making it sound. You just smell like pack. Which makes sense, since everyone's been scenting you all day."
"They have?" Stiles asked, surprised.
"Did you not notice?" Derek's eyebrows rose. "Why do you think everyone was so touchy?"
"The wolves are always touchy," Stiles protested.
"They are," Mason agreed
"Yeah, to make you smell right," Liam pointed out, turning to face Mason. "And you don't yet," he added, turning back to Stiles.
"Probably cause he smells more like wolf now," Derek assured the young beta. "His scent will blend in again eventually."
"This is so weird," Stiles muttered, but unlike the other visits, Stiles didn't mind much. Maybe it was because Liam was still Liam, no filter holding back his thoughts.
"Welcome to being a werewolf," Liam grumbled, making Stiles laugh.
Stiles missed the approving look that Derek gave Liam as the conversation continued. Liam complained about school and practice, and Mason occasionally chimed in. Stiles asked about Liam's grades and college plans, Mason's research and training with Deaton, and about the rest of the puppy pack. Liam and Mason answered with various levels of enthusiasm, making Stiles smile fondly.
"Any exciting plans for the rest of your day?" Stiles asked after a while, and Liam made a face.
"Study group. There's a chem test coming up."
"Well, at least your chemistry teacher isn't trying to kill you," Stiles joked.
"Feels like it sometimes," Liam grumbled, making them all laugh. Liam reluctantly smiled.
"Sounds like you should go study then," Stiles reached over to ruffle Liam's hair, and the younger beta batted his hand away.
"Okay, mom," Liam said pointedly, and Stiles grinned.
"And don't you forget it," He said.
The boys gathered their things to leave, and Stiles made a point of pulling Liam into a hug. He didn't resist, hugging Stiles back tightly.
"I'm glad you're not dead," Liam's words were muffled against Stiles' shoulder, but even without werewolf senses, Stiles would have heard the tremble behind the words.
"Me too, Kid," Stiles rubbed Liam's back. "Don't worry, you're stuck with me for a really long time."
"Good. I'll let you know when everyone else wants to visit, okay?"
"For sure," Stiles stepped back and Liam nodded.
The boys said their goodbyes, waving as they pulled from the drive. Stiles came back into the living room and dropped onto the couch.
"How are you feeling?" Derek asked.
"Like I might actually need that nap," Stiles answered honestly, his eyes closing as he dropped his head back. "Is being a werewolf always so emotionally draining?"
"Not typically," Derek said. "You're processing more than the average new wolf, though," the alpha pointed out. "The trauma of how you were turned, the sensory issues which affect your pack integration, and on top of all of that, you keep making sure everyone else is okay."
"Force of habit," Stiles muttered.
"Mm," Derek hummed.
Stiles rolled his head to the side to look at Derek on the other end of the couch. Derek was leaning against the arm, typing on his phone, no doubt updating or getting updates from someone in the pack. Stiles hesitated a moment, then crawled over and, ducking under Derek's arms, made himself comfortable against the alpha's chest. Derek glanced down in surprise but said nothing, simply adjusted how he was sitting to make Stiles more comfortable. Derek's arms came to rest on Stiles' back as he continued texting. Stiles let his eyes close and listened to the typing and Derek's heartbeat, letting himself relax and drift to sleep.
Part 7 here
Part 9 here!
