fic rec monday which i should really be doing on a friday!!
today's fic is,,,, a series of fics because i love all of them so much!!
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
The Weekly Werewolf Sitcom [by @elysiumwaits ] is a series of crack, fluff, and vvvery minor angst fics about Stiles and Derek being the pack parents for the Hale-McCall pack! It's one of my all-time favorite series because of the way it characterizes everyone; it's all somehow in character and written beautifully, while still being true to both the show and the pack parents trope.
Even beyond the "pack parents" trope, this series is one of the most important to me for many personal reasons too, not least of which is that it helped me figure out my own pack parents 'verse, and it's one of the series that helped shape me into the writer and reader I am today.
Went looking for a comfort read after I finished the Throne Of Glass Series and decided on this
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
And it had the same effect it always has on me.. I was shifting through emotions so fast the dogs I’m watching were getting concerned. I was melting into a happy puddle of goop, shrieking with joy and face palming in exasperation every five seconds and I love it so much!!
1, 2, 21, and 24 for my Pack Parents or Johnnic please?
Why dont we have both
1. What drew your character to their LI and vice versa?
Pack Parents: It was mutually picking up on vibes without really knowing it. For both, the other just felt right in the sense that they felt good and honest and trustworthy.
Johnnic: In stark contrast, it was completely base level, girl/boy pretty. And sort of badass NoT tHaT i wOuLd AdMiT iT aBoUt An EnEmY.”
2. What was the first moment that they knew they were in love with their LI?
Pack Parents: Neither can really place a moment, it just kinda gradually built up and they were just sort of aware the L word was involved after a while.
Johnnic: A bit complicated, because for Nic, it was straightforward- in the Bunker, she saw him and Whitehorse talking about something the Survivors needed and how they should approach getting it done/John was finally helping other people not including her or Cal without any ulterior motive/apprehension. For John, he thought he was in love the first time he thought he lost her after everything they had been through when they got to the bunker with seconds to spare and she was in bad shape. However, that was more his heart and brain not being used to actively caring about someone that he wasn’t obligated to/trying to get something from. I made this joke before but it’s very much that bit in Galavant where Isabella has a crisis because she’s having a positive feeling about someone. Where he has the thought that he loves her and it’s genuine love - he walked into their room to see her napping with Cal and it got him right in his heart.
21. Personally, do you think they are a good couple?
Pack Parents: Best couple, but a couple of arguments a year would probably make them a more adjusted couple instead of too perfect uwu
Johnnic: Catch me straining to answer this question intelligently considering the topic of this week’s resurfaced drama lmao Again, complicated. For tropes’ sake, they’re perfect, they hit all the best ones, but in their ‘canon’ did originate with hella toxic elements, but they worked through it and didn’t start anything until way after there was an even playing field with no strained power dynamics which makes it a little better. In the Gatthew/It Was All a Dream/Most Other AUs they’re also perfect but their chaos would be INSANE.
24. Is there any moment that happens between them that you know happens and just makes you melt?
Pack Parents: They’re pretty soft and heart-melty most of the time but as far as moments that actually exist/hypothetically exist: on a rougher, less cutesy front: One of their first official moments of friendship, when she’s having the baby at the hospital and the Mutts know she’s there and come to get the baby. Jeremy arrives in her room to check on her while also trying to scope out the Mutts, and then he’s about to leave her with the Shady Doctor, and considering that she still doesn’t entirely trust Jeremy but feels that he’s a genuinely good person/has been kind to her/etc and is clearly better than the guy who’s giving her Mutt vibes, all it takes is her grabbing his hand and giving him A Look and Jeremy basically immediately attaches himself to her side because he Gets It. Also fast forward a couple of in-universe days where they’re back at Stone Haven and Alex wore herself out dealing with Baby Jamie and she’s out cold in the room so Jeremy covers her with the blanket. uwu
Johnnic: I think the only slightly heart-melty quality moment I’ve given them was that Christmas fic where it’s their first post-Collapse Christmas in the New World and Nic went out of her way to decorate the remains of the Ranch and they got a tree and everything and got to cuddle under a blanket watching Cal opening the presents they got him.
Stiles opened the passenger side door of his jeep and drug Liam out by the collar.
"Let's go," Stiles snapped shoving Liam up the stairs of Derek's loft.
"Is this really necessary? Derek's gonna murder me," Liam whined.
Stiles scoffed but didn't say anything as he opened the loft door.
Derek walked into the living room with his arms crossed.
Liam bowed his head in shame.
"Stiles tells me you lost your temper on the field again," Derek spoke calmly but Liam wasn't fooled.
"Brett was being a dick, he was trying to rile me up," Liam huffed.
"I don't care if he keyed your damn car, you can't shift in the middle of the field," Derek snapped.
"I don't have a car," Liam frowned.
Derek let out a low growl.
"Liam, you're missing the point," Stiles stepped in. The two always tag teamed Liam together.
"I get the point, don't shift," Liam groaned, rolling his eyes.
"Obviously not, if I hadn't dragged your little werewolf ass off the field everyone would have seen!" Stiles threw his hands up in exasperation.
"I'm sorry," Liam huffed again.
"Sorry isn't good enough, Liam. This is a big deal," Derek stepped back in. He could see the murderous look Stiles often got when dealing with Liam.
"You two aren't my parents," Liam snapped.
This angered Derek, "You listen to me, we are trying to protect you, do you understand? You put all of us at risk of exposure every time you lose your temper like that, so you can say we act like your parents, but we wouldn't have to if you didn't act like a child."
"Hey, look at me," Stiles cut in forcing Derek to meet his eyes, "I get it, okay, let me take over," Stiles gently pushed Derek back a bit, putting space between him and Liam.
Stiles was the only one that talked to Derek like that. None of the other members dared tell him what to do, and he wouldn't listen even if they tried. But Stiles had a way with Derek. Liam had assumed it was because Stiles was human, but Scott had claimed it had more to do with a mutual respect they shared. Lydia just said they loved each other. Whatever the reason, though Stiles knew exactly how to handle the alpha.
"Liam, we do this because we care, okay? I know Derek doesn't look like the caring type, but..." Stiles glanced at the raven haired man, "Way down deep he does, like way way down."
"Stiles," Derek snapped.
"Right, sorry, anyway, we've been talking and we noticed your temper is getting worse..." Stiles trailed off hoping Liam would explain himself.
"If something is going on you should tell me," Derek said, his tone gentler than before.
"I'm fine," Liam shrugged.
Derek and Stiles exchanged glances.
"You're lying," Stiles said turning back to Liam.
"You're not a werewolf, how do you know?" Liam scoffed.
"Cause he is," Stiles jabbed a thumb over his shoulder at Derek.
Liam rolled his eyes again. He swore they communicated telepathically sometimes.
"So?" Derek pressed.
"Ever since Hayden left I've found myself...noticing..." Liam trailed off.
"Noticingggg..." Stiles urged Liam to continue.
"Guys," Liam shrugged.
"Wait, you're gay?" Stiles asked raising his brows.
"No," Liam immediately responded, "I mean...I don't know," He bowed his head in frustration.
"Let me guess, you've been noticing Brett," Stiles smirked knowingly.
"He's been really flirty with Theo and I don't know why it bothers me..." Liam whined.
Derek looked at Stiles, "He's got anger issues and jealousy issues? I can't...this kid..." Derek scoffed running a hand over his face.
"Okay, first of all, your best friend is gay, so that shouldn't be a problem. Secondly, just ask Brett out," Stiles said as if it was obvious.
"What? No. I'm not interested in Brett," Liam grimaced.
"Wait, but..." Stiles frowned.
"Theo?" Derek raised a disbelieving brow.
"I know I know," Liam groaned. He seriously felt like he'd just told his parents he had a crush on the school's bad boy.
"No," Derek growled out.
"Derek," Stiles shot the alpha a look.
"Do you not remember what all he did?" Derek scoffed.
"Yes, but it's been almost six months since he's done anything. He seemed to have changed. Besides, we forgave Peter, multiple times," Stiles countered.
Derek ran his hands over his face again, letting out a groan.
"Fine, whatever, if it calms you the hell down, date him, but I won't hesitate to rip him apart," Derek snapped.
Liam's eyes widened, "You're giving me permission to date Theo?" Liam asked.
"I don't like it, but Stiles' right," Derek huffed.
Stiles smiled proudly.
"Can I go now?" Liam asked glancing between Stiles and Derek.
"Yes," They answered in unison.
Liam smirked, they might as well have been dating, they acted like a married couple anyway.
Stiles threw himself down on the couch once Liam had left.
"I can't believe you're letting him date Theo, you hated the guy," Derek huffed glaring down at the human now sprawled on his couch.
"Yeah, I know, but if it gets Liam to calm down some then it's worth it," Stiles sighed.
"Yeah until Theo does something to hurt him and then Liam becomes totally uncontrollable," Derek scoffed.
"Don't worry, I'm planning to threaten his life," Stiles said closing his eyes.
"What are you doing?" Derek demanded.
"What?" Stiles frowned, not opening his eyes.
"You're not falling asleep on my couch again," Derek smacked Stiles legs out of the way, so he could sit.
"I'm not, I'm just resting, Liam may be several years younger than me, but he's still a werewolf, and man handling him, was not easy," Stiles laid his legs back across Derek's lap earning a glare from the alpha, but he didn't push him off.
"Where was Scott? Why didn't he help you?" Derek asked.
"In a corner with Isaac probably," Stiles shrugged, his eyes still closed.
"Where was- oh in the corner with Scott," Derek nodded. The two had recently started dating.
"Guess it's your turn to date someone," Derek said smirking at the human.
This caused Stiles to open his eyes, "What?"
"Well Lydia is with Jackson, Ethan and Danny are together, Malia and Kira are together, Scott and Isaac of course, Corey and Mason are still together, and Liam is now going to be dating Theo. That just leaves you," Derek explained.
"And you," Stiles countered.
Derek tensed slightly, "I'm happy to remain single."
"So am I," Stiles shrugged.
"I doubt that," Derek scoffed. Stiles was the social butterfly of the group, along with Lydia of course, but Stiles was a bit nicer than the red head.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Stiles frowned.
"I mean you like to surround yourself with people," Derek explained with a shrug.
"You're all the company I need Der," Stiles smirked closing his eyes again.
Derek fought back a smile. He would be lying if he said that he didn't enjoy Stiles' company. The two got along better than any of the other pack members. Though they argued the most, it was only because they were together all the time. In fact it was rare when they weren't together.
Scott had mentioned Derek and Stiles being so close, and Derek insisted they just worked well together. Which was true. And if Derek would text Stiles when he felt lonely, well no one needed to know about that.
"Stop thinking so loudly," Stiles grumbled.
"What?" Derek frowned at the human.
"I can practically feel you thinking, what's on your mind?" Stiles asked, his eyes still closed.
"Just thinking how quiet it would be if you did start dating someone," Derek lied.
"You assume I wouldn't still be around all the time," Stiles snorted.
"I don't think you would be," Derek answered honestly. He suddenly dreaded the day Stiles met someone. It really would be too quiet.
Stiles opened his eyes again and lifted his legs off of Derek as he sat up.
"Derek, you're not just my alpha, you're my friend, nobody is going to keep me from you," Stiles spoke sincerely, "Besides, you'd be lost without me, who would help you discipline the kids," Stiles joked as he stood up.
Derek's stomach flipped at his words, 'nobody is going to keep me from you'. Something about that hit Derek in a way he couldn't describe.
"Dude, it was a joke, calm down," Stiles nudged a frowning Derek.
"Yeah, I know," Derek forced a small smile.
"Well, I gotta go threaten a werewolf's life, I'll text you," Stiles said heading for the door.
Derek nodded, "Call me if you need me."
Once Stiles was gone Derek let out a frustrated sigh, he recognized the feeling in the pit of his stomach as more than just friendly affection, he was falling for Stiles.
Consider buying me a coffee, I would really appreciate it!
Rate the Ship - Awful | Ew | No pics pls | I’m not comfortable | Alright | I like it! | Got Pics? | Let’s do it! | Why is this not getting more attention?! | The OTP to rule all other OTPs
How long will they last? - A lifetime uwu
How quickly did/will they fall in love? - Slowly. They were friends and co-parents to the others first.
How was their first kiss? - Soft, gentle, stolen during a relatively quick rare moment of alone time.
Wedding:
Who proposed? - I haven’t actually thought about it yet so I’m just gonna assume Alex does, a la Lorelai proposing to Luke out of the blue during a deep conversation. Due to change.
Who is the best man/men? - Nick and Clay. Karl may or may not invite himself into the wedding party too.
Who is the braid’s maid(s)? - Christine, Elena
Who did the most planning? - Neither. Nick and Karl take over the planning and almost duke it out several times over minute details.
Who stressed the most? - Jeremy
How fancy was the ceremony? - Back of a pickup truck | 2 | 3 | 4 | Normal Church Wedding | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Kate and William wish they were this big.
Who was specifically not invited to the wedding? - Jeremy originally had Karl on the Do Not Invite list but again, that didn’t exactly go well.
Sex:
Who is on top? - Either. Depends on the circumstances and mood.
Who is the one to instigate things? - Alex
How healthy is their sex life? - Barely touch themselves let alone each other | 2 | 3 | 4 | Once a couple weeks, nothing overboard | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They are humping each other on the couch right now
How kinky are they? - Straight missionary with the lights off | 2 | 3 | 4 | Might try some butt stuff and toys | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Don’t go into the sex dungeon without a horse’s head
How long do they normally last? - A couple of rounds
Do they make sure each person gets an equal amount of orgasms? - Absolutely, though Jeremy’s determined to get Alex at least one in first.
How rough are they in bed? - Softer than a butterfly on the back of a bunny | 2 | 3 | 4 | The bed’s shaking and squeaking every time | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Their dirty talk is so vulgar it’d make Dwayne Johnson blush. Also, the wall’s so weak it could collapse the next time they do it.
How much cuddling/snuggling do they do? - No touching after sex | 2 | 3 | 4 | A little spooning at night, or on the couch, but not in public | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They snuggle and kiss more often than a teen couple on their fifth date to a pillow factory.
Children:
How many children will they have naturally? - 2
How many children will they adopt? - They both count Elena, Nick and Clay, and then they find the boy that was in the same situation as Alex, so four.
Who gets stuck with the most diapers? - Both
Who is the stricter parent? - Jeremy, more often than not.
Who stops the kid(s) from doing dangerous stunts after school? - Both
Who remembers to pack the lunch(es)? - Alex
Who is the more loved parent? - Both again
Who is more likely to attend the PTA meetings? Alex
Who cried the most at graduation? - They both shed a couple of tears, but nothing overly dramatic, it could barely qualify as crying.
Who is more likely to bail the child(ren) out of trouble with the law? - Neither. Both figure that unless there’s some abuse of power going on, or the whole Werewolf thing could surface and cause issues, the kids need to learn to face consequences of negative actions.
Cooking:
Who does the most cooking? - Alex
Who is the most picky in their food choice? - Neither, they’re both happy with anything.
Who does the grocery shopping? - Both
How often do they bake desserts? - Alex does it nearly daily, more to experiment for her bakery than anything.
Are they more of a meat lover or a salad eater? - They both like meat more.
Who is more likely to surprise the other(s) with an anniversary dinner? - Jeremy. Alex usually does the cooking or baking, so he’ll take the reigns every once in a while and go out of his way to do it for various holidays.
Who is more likely to suggest going out? - Neither. They’re textbook homebodies who are happy with each other on the couch at home.
Who is more likely to burn the house down accidentally while cooking? - Neither. If anything they’d have to stop Elena, Clay or Nick from doing it.
Chores:
Who cleans the room? - Both
Who is really against chores? - Neither
Who cleans up after the pets? - Jeremy
Who is more likely to sweep everything under the rug? - Neither
Who stresses the most when guests are coming over? - Jeremy, though its more about the trouble visitors could find rather than the place being clean or not. Alex runs damage control.
Who found a dollar between the couch cushions while cleaning? - Alex
Misc:
Who takes the longer showers/baths? - Alex, both because long showers are a godsend and she tries to convince Jeremy to join her on occasion.
Who takes the dog out for a walk? - Alex
How often do they decorate the room/house for the holidays? - At least a month before the holiday. Alex goes all out with Christmas decor.
What are their goals for the relationship? - Work well together, keep the ‘kids’ safe and happy.
Who is most likely to sleep till noon? - Alex, unless Jeremy had a rough day dealing with Alpha business.
Who plays the most pranks? - Alex, but mostly just aimed at Nick and Elena.
4) First impression of each other? Was it love at first sight? It wasn’t remotely love at first sight considering it was a very dire, serious moment for him when it was just straight up terrifying for her because she wasn’t sure if the Pack was a threat or not after all she had been through in the weeks prior. It takes them all but a few days for them to low key acknowledge Something’s There, though, even if they figure it’s just a natural solid friendship.
7) - What annoys them the most about their partner? Would they change it if they could? Jeremy’s far too serious, broody and self-critical for Alex’s taste. Jeremy doesn’t find many faults in Alex. Encourages Nick’s immaturity too much, maybe? He pretends to hate it but he loves it, it makes for a better family dynamic and he figures they all need it.
8) What do the like best about their partner? Alex likes how selfless Jeremy is, how kind he is to everyone (Season 3!Jeremy who?). Just mentioned it above, but Jeremy absolutely adores that Alex just meshes with everyone perfectly and becomes that missing piece of the puzzle where everybody gets closer because of her.
12) Is there a wedding? What was the proposal like? Any kind of honeymoon? I still haven’t figured this one out yet. It’s either a small ceremony or a common law marriage. I doubt Nick and Elena would let not having a ceremony of any sort fly, though. Same deal with the honeymoon. Alex is game but Jeremy probably wouldn’t want to leave, so Nick would probably end up locking them both in a car with a driver headed to a pre-arranged destination/arranging for them to get a private-booked flight to ‘see the Canadian Alpha’ meanwhile he pulled some strings to book a flight to a nice honeymoon spot for them.
💤 Napping HC 💦 Pool/Beach Day HC 💥 First Fight/Making Up HC 🏥 Taking Care of Injuries HC For my favorite Pack Parents please? 💕
💤 : Even before they got together, when they were in that weird little limbo of "SoMeThInG is between us but we’re both too insecure/focused on the negative ‘what if’s” stage, they still absolutely napped side by side on the couch if it was a stressful day for either of them. Alex will absolutely curl up and end up falling asleep against Jeremy, and Jeremy doesn’t have the heart to move her, so then he’ll eventually fall asleep with his head on hers. Once they both wake up they’ll just kind of laugh it off and go on their way, and then deny it when the rest of the pack is interested- but Nick has photos for juuuussstt such an occasion.
💦 Neither are big beach goers, but once they’ve been roped into going, they’re perfectly content walking along the boardwalk/shoreline and watching the waves roll in and out. Alex has managed to convince him to let them stay to watch a beach sunset or two for some ~alone time~.
💥 The first ‘fight’ is barely a fight at all as much as an emotionally taxing disagreement. It’s mostly over Pack vs Mutt politics and Jeremy keeping her in the dark about a lot for her safety and peace of mind, which, when she finds out about that logic she’s half furious half hurt because Will keeping all wolf-related secrets is what started all the trouble they went through and put her and her at-the-time unborn daughter in danger, so seeing the same behavior coming from the first person she managed to trust after the ordeal feels like a knife in the back. Jeremy’s still pretty set in his own justification, but after she half yells her stance at him, he at least gets it, and they try to talk it out and compromise about just how much he tells her/what she’s allowed to ask about. It’s still a touchy subject afterwards, though.
🏥 Both are absolutely headstrong messes when it comes to injuries. If Alex gets hurt a la like a little burn/household injury around Stone Haven, Jeremy will come in, dote a little bit just to get a bit of a rise out of her, but it won’t be a big deal to either of them. If Mutts storm the place and she gets caught up in some fight and get hurt, Jeremy will dote without the overdramatics, he’ll make sure she’s okay, check every last inch of her for injuries, keep asking if she’s hurt/bleeding anywhere, and he’ll hover for a while. Cue her giving herself a bandage “I’m fine, take it easy, just a scratch, it’s fine, Jeremy let me breathe my own air for a second” - it annoys the Hell out of her. That said, if Jeremy’s caught in a fight and gets his ass handed to him, she does the exact same thing- and he reacts the same way, but she’ll insist on being the one to patch him up. That, of course, hurts his pride so he’ll keep trying to dodge her. Once, pre-getting together she had to shove him into a chair and straddle-sat on his lap in order to get him to sit still so she could treat a gash he got by his eye. He had no idea what to do with his hands in that context so he awkwardly flailed around for a while and held them out. Nick also just happened to walk in on them then, too.
