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wheezy-kasp-brak · 5 years ago

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Team Zero (Hargreeves Siblings x Sibling Reader)

Summary: After being sent back in time and finding their father, the eight academy kids have ‘A Light Supper’ with him.

A/N: This is a really gross, unedited page because I really wanted to write this scene. I wrote this in only a few hours and I think I could’ve done a crap ton better but I really wanted to post this so...

Warnings: season two spoilers, mild swearing

Word count 2589

gif credit to @tuagifs

After the draining argument with their siblings, the last thing y/n expected to receive was a letter from their father.

To my pursuers,

I, Reginald Hargreeves, request the pleasure of your company for a light supper on the 20th of November, 1963, half past seven o’clock, 1624 Magnolia Street.

They had received the letter from a strange man in a black car. At first, y/n hesitated to believe it was really from their father but they knew their father better than anyone, even Luther despite what he thinks.

The level of extra Reginald went through to get this letter to them told them all they needed to know so, on the 20th of November, 1963, they arrived at 1624 Magnolia Street just before half past seven.

The building was a tall hotel and the decor very much fit the era they were living in. They wandered towards the back where they slipped in an elevator next to their brother five. Not too soon after, their other siblings joined them in the small box.

“Good, you’re all here” Five face sported his usual smirk and his body language screamed cocky arrogant asshole however, everyone remained quiet on the lift up to the highest floor.

That was until a rather rancid smell reached their noses. “Ugh.. Luther!”

“Sorry, I’m nervous.” The group covered their noses until the doors finally opened, allowing them to take a deep breath of fresh air.

“Alright, when dad gets here, I’ll do the talking.” Fives natural attempt to assert himself failed quickly when Diego snapped back.

“I got a few questions for him myself.”

Y/n rolled their eyes. The seven of them never seemed to be able to enter a room without starting some kind of fight or argument. “Hey, we don’t wanna scare him off alright, he might be able to help us stop doomsday, get us home.”

“No Five, we need to figure out why he’s planning to kill the president.” It’s amazing how hung up on the presidents assassination Diego is, why can’t he just let this go?

“This is a matter of life or death you imbecile.” Sensing that their other siblings were about to chime in, y/n zoned themselves out. Y/n isn’t exactly what you called a team player. They chose to stay quiet and disassociate themselves from their family. Sick of the overbearing weight of having to save the world when they could be doing other things, like being a normal person.

Unfortunately for them, they were soon snapped out of their focused state by a loud crash. What appeared to be some kind of decoration was found shattered in small pieces on the other side of the room.

“Classic.” Allison spit. They all turned their heads when they heard another noise. The doors to the ‘Tiki Lounge” swung open revealing a younger Hargreeves. His posture stood tall and didn’t give them a single glance until he sat at the table, adjusting his sleeves.

“Not only have you burglarized my lab, set my chimp loose, conned your way into the Mexican consulate, repeatedly stalked and attacked me, but you have on numerous occasions, called me...”

Klaus finally joined the table with what seemed like some alcoholic beverage. “Hey Pop. How’s it hangin’?

“...dad.” His voice was stern, slightly scary, but more just assertive. The seven children took a moment to all create eye contact before returning to their younger father.

“My reconnaissance tells me you’re not CIA, not KGB, certainly not MI5, so...” he paused to slam his pen to the desk, “who are you?” Everyone stayed silent trying to find the right words before five cut in again.

“We’re your children,” Reginald gave him a displeased look, “We’re from the future.” Dear old Reggie didn’t seem all too happy with the idea of having children, so when the group stayed silent once again y/n finally spoke up from their seat.

“In 1989, you adopted us all and trained us to fight against the end of the world. You called us the umbrella academy.” The sudden joining of the conversation brought all the attention to them. It surprised the rest of their siblings, seeing as y/n normally just minded their own business. However, they supposed this was their business.

“Why on earth would I adopt seven-”

“Eight. One of us isn’t here.” Allison corrected.

“Dead. One of us is dead.” Diego filled in the answer to what they assumed Reggie’s next question would be.

“Yeah, ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba. Enough of that now.” Klaus spun in his seat, talking to what looked like an empty chair to the rest of them.

Could he just be quiet for FIVE MINUTES.

When he spun back he noticeably shuddered and then it clicked in Klaus’s head. Ignoring the attention from everyone at the table he pushed his chair out and violently pointed his finger at y/n.

“Hey! Get out of my head!” Everyone now turned their looks back to y/n. They had no response other than slouching down into their seat and turning their head to focus back onto the decor.

Reginald took the silence as an invitation to begin speaking again, “Regardless, what would possess me to adopt eight ill-mannered malcontents?”

“We all have special abilities.” Five explained.

“Special?” Reginald Questioned, “In what sense?”

“In the super power sense.” Luther finally joined in on the conversation.

“Call me old fashioned, but I’m a stickler for a pesky little thing called evidence. Show me.”

“Everybody wants to see powers all of a sudden.” Allison proceeded to scoff before she was cut off.

“We’re not circus animals, okay? We’re not gonna bounce balls on our noses and clap like seals for your amusement.” Luther attempted to accentuate his point by literally clapping his hands together. That’s when Diego pulled out a knife and allowed it to slice through the air and around Reginald’s head, sinking into a support post behind him.

Reggie decided to pull out his pen and begin writing in one of those god-awful leather bound notebooks he constantly wrote in when they were younger. They all leaned in, upset that he was doing it again.

“What’re you writing?” Diego asked.

“You are zero for two, young man.” At that statement Diego immediately pushed out of his chair, lunging towards their father. However, Five was much faster using his spatial jumps. He managed to flash in front of Diego, effectively preventing him from being shanked by their dad again.

“Stop!” Fives voice was no louder than a whisper although they all still heard him.

“Now that is interesting.” Reginald noted aloud. Once Diego was 'calm’ again. Five relaxed, walking back to his seat.

“All right, uh, quick rundown-”

“Luther, super strength. Klaus can commune with the dead.” As they gestured to Klaus once more their siblings shocked glances paused them once more.

They’re face scrunched up. “What? We all know Five’s definition of quick.” Their sass earned them chuckles from everyone at the table apart from their very loving brother, Five, and their very loving.... father.

“Anyways,” They continued, “Allison can rumor anyone to do anything-”

“Yea, except she never uses it.” This time it was y/n who was cut off by Diego. That comment caused Allison to give him a pointed look.

“I heard a rumor, you punched yourself in the face.” Diego’s eyes turned white and his fist soar through the air and hit his nose straight on. His groan from the pain echoed through the room and Reginald adjusted himself in his seat, clearly unamused and slightly concerned.

This time, the academy kids held in their laughs worried Diego might be the one shanking them.

"And y/n has the power to read minds.” Five attempted to finish the conversation however they all forgot about the sibling who most recently discovered their powers. “And you?”

To this, Vanya lifted her head and everyone’s amused looks soon turned nervous.

“Uh, maybe we don’t take Vanya for a test run.” Luther’s voice was laced with fear and the table tried to agree with him however Vanya seemed to think differently.

“It’s fine. I can handle it.” She reached forward for a fork and glass.

“Handle it?” Allison asked, “Last time you handled it, you definitely blew up the moon.” This time, the six siblings tried to stop her and braced themselves for the impact of what might be the end of the world... again.

Once the fork hit the glass she focused in on the ringing noise and allowed herself to blow up the fruity centerpiece, sending chunks of pineapple and mango flying everywhere.

While they all tried to wipe away the fruit on their clothes Vanya just let out a small “oops.”

“Look, we know you’re involved in a plot to assassinate the president.” To that, Reggie quipped back at Diego.

“You were recently hospitalized, isn’t that correct?” Diego sputtered at the statement. “You still appear to be suffering from delusions of grandeur and acute paranoia.”

Diego, pissed off, pulled out a photo of him. “Am I?” He asked, standing up. The photo revealed to be-

“That’s you. That’s two days from now on the grassy knoll at the exact spot the presidents gonna get shot.” Reginald slowly picked up the photo, looking at it for a moment.

“Well... I suppose you’ve solved it. You’ve single-handedly unearthed my nefarious plot.” Y/n was taking it in. They supposed that’s what Diego wanted but, there was sarcasm. A lot of it at that.

“Is that what you wanted to hear?” They knew it. “You fancy yourself a do-gooder? The last man who will save us from our descent into corruption and conspiracy? This is a fantastic delusion. The sad reality is that you’re a desperate man, tragically unaware of his own insignificance, desperately clinging to his own ineffectual reasoning. More succinctly, a man in over his head.” At this the table was stunned into silence.

Diego allowed one tear to slip out. It rolled down his cheek in solidarity. “You’re wr-r-r-wrong.” He managed to finally stutter out.

He’s right.

Diego’s body shivered. He quickly whipped out another knife and flung it across the table, stabbing y/n’s upper arm. “Didn’t anyone tell you it’s rude to eavesdrop?” His voice was laced with venom and seemed to shut them out of his head.

They pulled the knife out of their arm and pressed a thick napkin to the wound. The knife clattered back across the table. “Didn’t anyone tell you it’s rude to stab your sibling?”

The group stayed silent until Five spoke up. Shocker. “Look, forget about the president. We have a catastrophic war coming in five days. We need to figure out how to stop it.”

“Why? Men will always be at war with each other.” Reggie tried to reason.

“No, this isn’t just some war. I’m talking about a doomsday. The end of the world.”

“Well.. You’re the special ones aren’t you?” The group proceeded to glare at him. “Why don’t you band together and do something about it?”

Unbelievable.

The siblings collective annoyed thoughts were soon cut off but their brother, Klaus. His body was suddenly jolted forward, shaking violently. His air way seemed to be cut. They all sat concerned and puzzled.

“Y/n is that-”

“No, I don’t know what that is.”

“Is he having a seizure?”

“Overdosing probably.” Diego muttered. All of sudden a voice and thoughts flooded Y/n’s mind. They were so loud. Y/n pushed their chair back, standing up. Their hands flew up to their ears, as if covering them would stop the words flowing through their head.

“Klaus, Y/n. Now is not the time. What’re you doing?”

The noises only got louder. “I’m...” His voice was strangled and chalky.

Reginald had quite enough of whatever was going on. “Well, out with it boy.”

Klaus took a deep breath and finally spit out, “...Ben!” He soon gasped and fell out of his chair. He continued to shake here and there and allowed a few groans to get out but none of the above concerned any of his siblings enough to do anything.

“Well...” Reggie trailed off, “thank you for coming. I’ve seen about enough.” He stacked up his books and climbed over Klaus’s convulsing body.

“No, I-” Luther tried to speak up, however Hargreeves kept walking. Luther, upset he didn’t get to say anything the whole time he was here, slammed his fists down onto the table. That certainly gained the room attention.

He ripped his shirt open revealing his ape like skin. “Look at what you did to me! Look at it!” Allison nearly spit out her drink and and Five let out an “oh, shit. Why?” with a solid eye roll and slouched into his chair.

“Okay then. Anybody else wish to embarrass themselves this evening?” Nobody moved, obviously not wanting to embarrass themselves. “I guess I’ll-”

“No.” Y/n shook their head. “You don’t get to walk away after that. You don’t get to just leave after destroying our lives and blaming it on us. You forced us to dedicate everything to saving the stupid world and the stupid people who live on it. I never.. We never wanted to do that. We didn’t get a choice to be who we are, so, because you are the one who disfigured our existences, you are going to be the one who helps get everything back on track.” Out of breath, they finally looked up and locked gazes with their father

“If anyone disfigured your lives, it was yourselves.”

“Really? That’s all you have to say?” They paused before continuing the rant, “You know, Reginald, I don’t think I’m the one who forced myself to become afraid of people because their thoughts were so loud. Leading me to dissociating myself from my siblings and the people around me. In fact, I don’t think any of us would be this fucked up had you just allowed us to be our own people with a family and parents who actually loved us. Who wanted to dedicate their time to furthering us in life, not just using us for their own advantages.”

“I’m sure whatever I did was to further you in life. I wouldn’t waste my time on something that I was sure to fail.” Hargreeves looked around the room, noticing the mess of a ‘family’ sitting in front of him. “Clearly, I had a miss in judgement.”

At that he finally turned to leave the room. “You in the culottes?” He motioned to Five. “A word, in private?” Five followed suit leaving the six of them disheveled and wondering what to do next.

The ring of the elevator doors sounded around them. “Well, that went as good as any Hargreeves family function.” At that Y/n zoned out again. Maybe they didn’t want to but that’s what they had practiced after so many years. Pretending like their siblings weren’t even in the room with them.

“Where’d that whole speech come from, Y/n/n?” Allison added them into the ‘conversation.’

“Oh, um, I suppose I was just sick of allowing him to get away with whatever he wanted to.”

“That’s one way to put it.” Diego harped on their response, clearly still upset about Y/n entering his head.

The elevator doors finally opened once more, letting them escape the hellhole of a family meeting they just adjourned. They all flooded into the hallway not making any eye contact. “Team Zero my ass.”

#tua #the umbrella academy x reader #the umbrella academy #klaus hargreeves #ben hargreeves #allison hargreevs #luther hargreeves #vanya hargreeves #five hargreeves #diego hargreeves

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sunmoontruth-stiles · 4 years ago

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Hello!! I saw you take prompts for TW and I couldn't resist. I was wondering if you could work some magic with the pairing Erica x Boyd? Berica is my second fav ship (after Sterek) and I feel they need more love. I don't know if you have specific themes/tropes you like to write but would love anything fluffy. A marriage proposal or love confession perhaps? Whatever takes your fancy :) Thanks heaps!

Did I get so excited when I saw this ask that I sat and wrote this immediately? Yes. Absolutely. Berica!!! Ok so this kinda takes place after 3A, but they lived!!! ~1600 words

———

After the alpha pack, Erica and Boyd were inseparable.

Erica had been near death after fighting Kali in the vault. Boyd stayed by her hospital bed for weeks as she slowly healed. He slept in the wooden chair, that was just too small for him, night after night. Erica had always been so animated. She always had a snarky comment, or she was starting a fight. Boyd was never much for conflict, happily fading into the background. Now she was silent, and her expression was softer than he'd ever seen. The others tried to coax him away, asking for his help with the various attacks on the town, but he'd always refuse. Boyd was adamant. He would never leave her alone in that horrible white room. He knew how much time she'd spent in the hospital growing up, and he would make sure she wouldn't wake up alone this time. Erica was his only true friend. Even Issac, his fellow beta, was a stranger to him. He'd sided with Scott, probably the smart move considering his new true alpha status. Their alpha, however, he'd been demoted to beta like them. Boyd wasn't sure if he and Erica even had a pack anymore, but he knew they had each other. She kept him sane in the vault. Her strength amazed him, so Boyd stayed. He stayed until the day she woke up.

The day she woke up was one he'd never forget. After almost three weeks, Erica slowly stirred awake around five in the morning. The steady rise in her heart as she woke up caught his attention from his slumped position beside her. He raised his head and studied her face as her eyes opened with slow, heavy blinks. Erica had looked down at the heart monitor and IV with a hollow familiarity, but then she met his gaze. They just looked at each other silently for a moment, but when her lip began to quiver, he was out of the chair without another second. Boyd just held her. Erica's grip tightened around his large frame with the strength that would crush a normal human's bones. They just stayed like that for a long time.

After her release, Erica wanted to see Derek. She was still loyal to their alpha, even if she hadn't spoken to him since they'd tried to run away in search of a new pack. Boyd explained that Derek was no longer an alpha, that he'd given up the power to save his sister, Cora. Erica just looked at him with those big brown eyes, and he was already on his way to the loft.

When Derek saw her, Boyd could see the guilt and relief wash across the man's face. Their alpha had been so clearly distraught when he found her in the vault, bloody and barely alive. Boyd knew he cared about them, even if he wasn't always a great leader. He made them to increase his own power, but pack is pack.

Erica wanted forgiveness. She wanted Derek to accept that as pack again. Boyd thought he looked physically pained when he told her that Scott had to be the one to accept them as pack. She understood, but she still starred at him. Boyd knew what she wanted. Maybe he wanted it too. They wanted Derek to tell them he didn't resent their past mistakes. What they got was a stiff smile, but for Derek, that meant a lot.

Erica and Boyd weren't quite ready to go to Scott. They knew they'd need a pack, an alpha, but they needed time to heal from what they'd been through. Putting off talking to Scott was like ignoring the rest of the world for awhile. They just drove out to the woods and laid on the hood, starring up at the sky. The clear night let the stars shine brightly overhead. Boyd looked over to Erica, her blonde curls surrounded her head like a messy pillow. He'd seen her face every day for weeks, but it was like she'd finally become herself again. The warmth in her skin and the way her lips twisted up in the corners, like she was mocking the world, were a welcome change to her recent cold, lifeless state. Erica glanced over at him, her eyes sparkling with the reflection of the stars.

"Boyd, we're omegas now, right?" Erica asked, though it sounded more like a statement.

"Right," Boyd nodded. Erica seemed to ponder this for a minute.

"We have each other though, right?" Erica asked quietly. Boyd smiled.

"Right," he repeated. He'd never felt so close to anyone else, even feeling like a stranger to his own family most days. Erica smiled.

"Boyd, you know I love you, right?" Erica turned to him, her blonde curls falling to the side. He turned to face her.

"Right," he said softer this time. She watched him for a moment. "I love you too, Erica," Boyd returned her feelings without any doubt. He felt like he'd said it a million times before, and he knew he'd say it a million times more. Erica beamed up at him, and she leaned over quickly, grabbing his face and pressing a kiss to his lips. His eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he melted into her, wrapping an arm around her waist. She was all the pack he needed.

— 5 years later —

Boyd unpacked the last of the boxes from the truck. They'd had been moving in all day, their collective belongings from each of their college housing filled the moving van almost completely. Though, Erica's things probably took up three quarters of it. The pack came together to get them moved into their new apartment. Scott, Issac, and Derek helping with most of the heavy lifting. Stiles, Lydia, and Allison decided their skills were better suited for directing them, while they sat off to the side and watched the wolves do all the hard work.

"Hell ya! Take your shirt off!" Stiles shouted at their former alpha, causing Derek to roll his eyes. Lydia and Allison just dissolved into laughter. Erica smiled and shook her head behind a large box. Boyd came over, lifting the box from her hands.

"Hey, what's the big idea?" Erica jumped up, trying to reclaim the box. Boyd smiled and laughed.

"I got this. You go hang out with the girls," he said gesturing over to the trio of humans. Erica pouted and glared.

"I'm a werewolf. I think I can handle a heavy box," she pursed her lips.

"I know you can, but there's only a few boxes left. We got this. Go have fun," Boyd leant down and kissed her head. A smile broke out across her face. Erica gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before taking a seat on the counter beside Stiles. Boyd smiled fondly over to her before going back outside to the truck.

"So, when are you doing it?" Issac popped up beside him, asking in a hushed tone. Scott came up behind him and raised an eyebrow.

"Later," Boyd smiled and grabbed a box.

"Very specific," Issac rolled his eyes.

"How are you doing it? Are you gonna take her out to dinner? Go somewhere special?" Scott, ever the romantic, flashed his lopsided grin.

"Here. Down on one knee. What can I say? I'm a traditionalist," Boyd smiled before heading back up the stairs. Issac and Scott sighed, hoping for more theatrics, Boyd assumes. That wasn't his style though.

He got back upstairs and found Erica laughing with Lydia and Allison, while Stiles and Derek bickered. Boyd rolled his eyes. Derek never was much help when Stiles was there to distract him.

They finished unpacking the truck and got the boxes sorted into the right rooms. The pack went their separate ways, and Boyd and Erica fell into their couch with a exhausted huff.

"Pizza?" Erica prompted.

"Pizza," Boyd nodded. She smiled and pulled out her phone, ordering it to their new apartment.

They ate the greasy food and watched their favorite movies. The boxes could wait till tomorrow. After a few hours, they were resting comfortably, Erica leaning into his side, and his arm holding her close. The sun was slipping under the horizon, and the glow from the TV and kitchen lit up the room with soft, warm light. Boyd glanced down at Erica. Her hair was in a messy bun, with random blonde curls poking out in various directions. Her black eyeliner was smeared at the edges from the long day. He smiled down at her and caught her eye. Erica glanced up at him, returning the smile with a questioning look.

"What? What are you thinking about?" Erica leaned up a bit to get a better look at him. She paused the movie, studying his coy smile. Boyd shifted to face her.

"You know I love you, right?" He watched her lips hold back a large grin. She nodded.

"Right," she answered firmly.

"You know you're everything I've ever wanted, right?" Boyd said with great fondness. Erica smirked.

"Right," she repeated cockily. Boyd just smiled wider. He reached in his pocket and pulled out the small black box. Erica's eyes got wide, and her confident expression fell to surprise.

"Will you marry me?" Boyd was never one for dragging thing out. He never wanted to waste time, when he knew how quickly it could be taken away.

Erica was nodding before he even got the words out, "Yes! Oh my god, Vernon!" She grabbed his face and tackled him in a kiss. They toppled to the ground and laughed against each other's lips.

#teen wolf #teen wolf fic #erica reyes #vernon boyd #berica #berica fic #ask

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capricornsicle · 5 years ago

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I have a feeling your ask box and I are going to be familiar. You might be hot-taked out after that killer Satomi discourse. But whenever you’ve got it in you, I’d sure love to hear what you think about Kira and her Jeff-deemed-absolutely-necessary departure.

Oh, definitely. And I do love content, so...

Kira Yukimura was done so dirty by the writers and Jeffrey “I’m not racist I’ll prove it by arguing to poc calling me out for it on twitter” Davis. Her treatment was racist, tokenizing, and it wasn’t even high-brow racism. It was sloppy and lazy. If you’re gonna write all your characters of color off the show, commit to it. She went to the desert like 5 times before she stayed. Cowards.

Kira was only meant to be on the show for the Nogitsune storyline in 3b. However, fans liked her so much that, as with Theo in season 6, she was brought back for more episodes. The difference is that Cody Christian is white-passing and male and Arden Cho is not. Female characters don’t exist on Teen Wolf without a relationship to a male character. Hayden existed for Liam. Tracy existed for Theo. Melissa existed for Scott and Argent. Allison existed for Scott. Lydia, the female character with the most screentime of all of them, spent a lot of her time existing in relationship to Jackson, Stiles, Parrish (shudder), and other male main characters. Women on the show were reduced to love interests and mothers more often than not, and Kira was the same.

I loved her character. I loved her arc. I loved Arden Cho, who in real life is as sweet and kind as her character. I enjoyed her parents, both Noshiko, who’s surprisingly funny and a total badass, and Ken, who’s the most wholesome man in the universe. The only straight man we stan. I love him.

Anyways, Kira was getting a fun arc outside of being Scott’s girlfriend, with her parents and her powers and all, and then wham, white-passing boy shows up and no more main character status for Kira. Guess there wasn’t enough room to keep the only interesting plot line of all the ones happening in s5. Personally, I would have chosen Kira over the Marrish garbage fire of underage relationships, but that’s just me.

Then. The Skinwalkers. I could write a whole essay about them, but this is a Kira post, so I’ll limit it to her. At least Luther got sent to the moon for a reason. Kira got sent to the desert for “rEaSoNs”. There was no indication that her power was out of control, but every indication it wasn’t. She was growing and learning. Then, suddenly, she was “too powerful” so she had to go to the desert and disappear for a few episodes and then go back and forth for a while before they wrapped up sending Theo to the upside down or wherever he went and she could finally go... hang out with the people who we were told could help her control her power but who only threw spears at her and gave her a season finale ex machina. Then back to the desert with you!

You can tell something was going on backstage in her treatment. Arden Cho wasn’t informed she was being cut, she had to be told by fans. Her departure was carried out as swiftly as possible, and not for any real reason. Kira would have been tremendously helpful against the hunters and in a lot of later scenes, against the Ghost Riders (and let me remind everyone that KIRA WAS THE ONE WHO TOLD LYDIA ABOUT THE WILD HUNT), against pretty much anything. Immune to electrocution? Don’t help with the hunters who love electrocuting people. Sloppy writing through and through.

And what’s more is that Kira was cut just in time for the Scalia thing, which was so fucking rushed oh my GOD nothing has ever been less natural- this is a Kira post, calm down capsicle. Anyways, Kira got replaced as Scott’s love interest and not much else by a white girl, no hate on Malia or Shelley but much on the writers. I loved Malia and Kira’s friendship, and if anyone should have gotten with Malia, it should have been Kira. (The first time I saw Malia I wondered if we were getting another ambiguously brown character, actually, but no, just Georgian and well-tanned. But I bet not all my followers knew Tracy was played by a Chinese and Cherokee actor. Or that Nolan was played by a Mexican and Caxcan actor. Or that Theo was played by a Penobscot Native actor. The list goes on of white-passing POC who got to stay marginally longer than Black or brown characters.) The “Scott ends up with a white girl he has no chemistry with” threw me for many loops, especially after I was surprised to find myself liking Scira, even though I’m usually bored by straight relationships because of their one-sided focus and nonexistent chemistry. Kira got to be a character outside of Scott, and I liked their romance better for it, and then desert for a thousand years!

TLDR on the canon end of things is that Kira and Arden were done dirty by a group of powerful white men who wanted to tell a cishet white story.

Now, on the fandom end of things, I’m stepping into the real hot water. It’s safe to say that Kira’s story was sloppy and Arden didn’t deserve that ending, but it’s less safe to say that this fandom doesn’t treat her that well either. Here’s the most popular x Scott ships on Ao3, under the Teen Wolf tag with no other filters.

Scott and Allison. Scott and Stiles. Scott and Isaac. Then Scott and Kira, in dead last. Scott and Malia don’t even make the top ships list, probably because of how rushed and sloppy it was, but I digress.

People love Scott and Allison a lot, and I get that. I liked her too. I was also sad when she died. But, unlike a lot of sentiment I see in this fandom, I don’t think she should have been brought back to fight the beast in season 5 and get back with Scott. Not only do I think bringing characters back to life without very good reason and explanation (which they wouldn’t have, come on) cheapens their death, and that bringing characters back to life is weak storytelling in general, but let’s recall that Scira is still a thing in season 5. They’re still madly in love when Kira leaves. Allison should not have come back and love-triangled so Kira could be written off for a different white girl or so the massive amount of young white girls in the fandom who love Allison would be angry at Kira for breaking up their OTP. That would have been the one thing that could have made season 5 worse. (Well, they could have made Marrish a thing or killed Mason, but Jeff Davis thought about it and a shiver went down his spine because the ghost of Christmas future hears my name in its nightmares.)

Even if people aren’t “bring Allison back” campers, they largely ignore Kira’s entire existence. People who post gifsets and posts about Allison or Lydia don’t give anywhere near the same amount of attention to Kira. I see more Malia posts, actually. And while all of them had more runtime than Kira, none of them paired with Scott quite as perfectly, or had such strong independent storylines. Lydia almost did, but it kept petering out and she kept going back to main plot only. I see lots of appreciation posts for Allison and Lydia and Malia and the men, obviously, but NOTHING for Kira or Arden Cho. We all know what happened backstage because we read the same post in 2016 or whenever and then we all stopped talking about it.

Even the racism in this fandom skips Kira. Scott antis, I’m looking (controversially) at you. I’m glad Kira isn’t the subject of a bunch of obvious racism (as much as “bring Allison back!” makes it subtle), but not because she’s a forgotten side character. Kira made the main credit sequence! She has a sword! What else could you all POSSIBLY want?

And here’s where I burn at the stake: Kira was written off her own damn “look Fun Japanese mythology” storyline half the time so it could center around Stiles. A white boy. There were numerous issues with the mythology before that — “Oni” means demon, not “firefly samurai ninja”, and it refers to a similar mythology as the western “fae”, a large collection of creatures benevolent, malevolent, and in between, with different traits and origins. Kitsunes are meant to be red or white, not gold, and they’re foxes, not cats, animation team. “Nogitsune” refers to the malevolent class of “low” Kitsune, or “wild” Kitsune, who didn’t align themselves with the goddess Inari and do divine and pious work. There are many of them and the most they really do is harass people at shrines, not murder indiscriminately for funsies. They’re only malevolent in that they like doing bad deeds, not that they’re serial killers. And they’re not one of the usual 13 low Kitsune, two of which are bad of their own accord! (Spirit and Air. Google it!) They are meant to be dealt with by Inari-aligned high Kitsune, not your average tricky fox. Among other things.

So Stiles. Outside of the Kira storyline, he’s used in a lot of fandom discourse about racism and sexism. And queerbaiting. Y’all love a scrawny white boy. Anyways, Stiles gets possessed by the Nogitsune (that’s NOT how that works but okay Jeffrey) and suddenly s3 is about him. Kira’s not evil, now let’s look at Stiles being tired and messy and killing people. Dylan #1 did a great job playing that part, no hate on him, but the fact that a white boy became the main character in a Japanese (or Korean, if you’re Jeff, same thing) girl’s storyline is. Hmm. How do you call it? Blatant racism. And erasure. Which is racism. YIKES, Jeff. There is so much wrong with Stiles being the Nogitsune and controlling the Oni and his whole story (and oh my god the other guy who got possessed was also a white boy instead of a Japanese character played by the same actress Jesus fucking Christ). I’m not going into that, because that’s its own essay.

Anyways, because of how much this fandom loves Stiles, it’s easy to ignore how Kira and Japanese characters were treated. People project onto Stiles with glee. He’s white. He’s awkward. He’s (supposedly) not super attractive. (Yikes.) He’s ditzy and bouncy and all that fun stuff, but he also always saves the day. He got written off for most of 6b and he still saved the stupid day. And hey, dark!Stiles (let’s not get into calling him dark instead of Nogitsune that’s just too much wine we’d have to crack open to say it) is a fun trope and people like posting and creating about him. Except that he’s the white boy who took Kira’s storyline. Her independent story about Kitsune and the like was all given over to him, not just by the show, but by the fandom. So now every post about Kitsune is a Stiles post, even if it started with Kira. And because it’s Stiles, and this fandom loves him, and is easily offended by people leaning too hard on the glass house around them and him, Kira gets forgotten and swept aside. Everyone would rather talk about Stiles. Who is incapable of bad. Or cultural appropriation. But if you attack him you’re being ableist because he has ADHD. This is why I relate to Nolan for anxiety feels instead.

TLDR on the fandom end, y’all don’t treat Kira better than the show did. I see a few posts here and there from some dedicated users — typically the same people posting about Boyd, Deaton, Morrell, yeah that’s it I’m the only one posting about Kali. (Un-fun fact: Kali was not played by an Indian actor, but by a half-Black actor. Jeff Davis, when called out on twitter, said “wow ok idiots we tried to find an Indian actress but it was hard actually SUPER hard so shut up and stop telling me how to write MY show”, which is paraphrasing with intent to make fun, but exactly what he said.) Y’all who know about Arden and Kira should diversify your blogs to include more POC, especially ones where the actor AND character were rudely sidelined for vague white people reasons. Post gifs of Kira along with Allison, Lydia, and Malia. Post ship stuff of Scira too. Post about kitsunes, the origin story of the Nogitsune, when you post about the white boy who became the main character of that arc. Call the show out. Call the fandom out. Stop making every bit and piece of her story about Czechoslovakia White Boy. Demand Kira in any future runs of the show, if season 7 or whatever does happen. Include her in your fanfictions, in your headcanons, in your art. You don’t have to love her, but you have to remember that she’s as there as any of the white characters are.

This take is very hot. If I receive racist asks and/or messages about this, I’m going to make fun of each and every sender.

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recentanimenews · 4 years ago

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OPINION: WandaVision, SSSS.Gridman, and the Beautiful Prison of Nostalgia

Just to warn folks: this article contains spoilers for WandaVision and SSSS.Gridman.

In 2021, in the middle of a pandemic and floundering movie theaters, the most discussed show of the year so far is Marvel's WandaVision. Fans and culture writers have been busy diving deep into what the show is about. Is WandaVision a successful portrait of the process of grief? Does it successfully humanize Wanda, a character who’s so far evaded the spotlight given to characters like Iron Man or Captain America? Is “what is grief but love persevering” a good or a bad line? Where was Mephisto in all this? Most difficult of all: in allowing Wanda some relief and kind words after she brainwashes an entire town into doing exactly what she says, does the show let her off the hook?

Listening to my friends and coworkers argue over this show over the past few weeks reminded me of one of my favorite anime of the past few years — a series that tackled themes of grief, nostalgia, and whether a monster can be redeemed. A series that predates WandaVision by three years and has a sequel coming out next month. That’s right, I’m talking about SSSS.Gridman!

Like WandaVision, SSSS.Gridman is a show about a girl (Akane) who escapes to a bubble world when life becomes too much for her to bear. She uses special technology to manipulate people’s awareness, and through the power of a mysterious entity known as Alexis Kerib, summons giant monsters (kaiju) to murder those she doesn’t like. Our heroes, a trio of her classmates who join forces with the space cop Gridman to defeat the kaiju endangering their friends, eventually turn their attention to saving Akane, the “god” of their world, from herself. They do this over the course of 12 episodes and many exciting, well-choreographed battles.

While Yuta (Gridman’s friend and partner) is technically the protagonist, Akane quickly steals the show as the most developed and layered character in the series. She’s capable of astonishing violence in the pursuit of her own happiness, but just as easily bruised when her plans fail and her creations turn against her. We see the moments when she regrets her actions, but also the moments where she makes terrible decisions despite knowing their costs. Just like Takeshi, the villain of SSSS.Gridman’s live-action predecessor, Akane is defined by weakness as much as strength. Even when her actions put other people at risk, they are driven as much by anxiety and fear as they are by hate.

Just like with WandaVision, there was plenty of discussion as Gridman aired about whether or not Akane could be redeemed. Like Wanda, Akane has hurt and even killed many people. At times she even attempts to manipulate them. Yet at the end of the series, when she “opens the door” to Yuta and her friends and escapes Alexis Kerib’s influence, I was overjoyed. How could this be?

Here’s my guess. Like WandaVision, Gridman isn’t just a show that attempts to humanize a villain. It is a show about nostalgia. As each episode of WandaVision is an obsessively detailed homage to American sitcoms, Gridman is a 12-episode love letter to live-action dramas and giant robot shows. Obscure alternate universe Transformers tie-ins, past episodes of Ultraman, Gridman scripts and guidebooks that were never produced — it’s all there, packed in not just by the dedicated staff but presumably through scriptwriter Keichi Hasegawa, himself a legendary Ultraman writer.

Unlike Takeshi, Akane is a cool, stylish teenage girl. But deep down, she’s as much a geek as Takashi was, fiendishly dedicated to kaiju and robot shows. The kaiju she creates aren’t just a means by which she exerts control over the world, but an expression of her love. When Gridman destroys these kaiju to protect Yuta’s friends, Akane can’t help but take those losses personally. It’s not just the desecration of her favorite hobby. The failure of her creations is a consequence of her own lack of imagination. She can’t imagine any other way to manage her problems than to create a bubble world where everyone loves her.

The trick of SSSS.Gridman is that while Yuta and his friends are the heroes, Akane is the true audience surrogate. How many of us also feel as though we are ostracized nerds with low self-esteem? How many use our favorite shows or games as an escape? In WandaVision, we see how Wanda watches sitcoms as a child as a way to cope with daily uncertainty. There’s nothing wrong with sitcoms; the creators of WandaVision clearly love them, having built such an elaborate homage to them. But if you spend the time watching sitcoms that you could be using to sleep or to eat (or, say, turning a town of people into a sitcom to avoid dealing with the death of your lover) then something will inevitably give.

In Episode 9 of Gridman, Akane traps Yuta and his friends within their dreams in a last-ditch effort to turn them to her side. Each rejects her, choosing their responsibility to their friends rather than their god. At the end of the episode, we see that Akane, herself, is trapped in a dream. Despite holding unlimited power, all she can do is retreat further and further into a shell that she has built out of her own self-loathing. It is a shell that not even a superhero like Gridman can break. In the end, at the very last moment and with the help of her friends, Akane breaks it on her own.

You could point at other similarities between WandaVision and what SSSS.Gridman did back in 2018, if you really wanted to. For instance, the way that both series (through Vision and Anti) approach the question of personhood and what it means to be a “monster” or a “robot.” You could parallel the efforts of Yuta, Rikka, and their friends to pull Akane out of her hole with the way Monica Rambeau becomes an empowered hero surrogate in WandaVision. If I would point at one way in which Gridman differs from WandaVision, it is how Gridman’s embrace of live-action superhero shows and giant robots better lends itself to a finale where human evil is punched into submission. By comparison, by the time Wanda starts throwing energy balls around in WandaVision, it jars with the sitcom homage and character study of earlier episodes.

All things said, at the end of the day I prefer Ultraman and giant robots punching each other to Cheers and Marvel films. That’s not to say the latter is worse; it’s more a matter of personal taste. Either way, I’m glad that art continues to be made that grapples with the messy contradictions of human behavior. Though I’ll suggest: if you’re looking for genuinely challenging, ahead-of-its-time source material for a Marvel adaptation, X-Statix is right there!

Did you watch WandaVision as it aired? Are you looking forward to SSSS DYNAZENON? Will we ever see an animated adaptation of Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye? Let us know in the comments!

Adam W is a Features Writer at Crunchyroll. When he is not loudly shouting the praises of John Allison and Max Sarin's Giant Days, he sporadically contributes with a loose coalition of friends to a blog called Isn't it Electrifying? You can find him on Twitter at: @wendeego

Do you love writing? Do you love anime? If you have an idea for a feature, pitch it to Crunchyroll Features!

By: Adam Wescott

#Anime #News #Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!

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in-tua-deep · 5 years ago

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I haven't interacted before but I love all your aus and your writing! Reading them a while back got me back into the umbrella academy. I just read your ben saves the day au and everything about it is amazing and also makes me very sad. Do you think Klaus was there or ever manifests himself with his powers or something? It's wonderful where it ends but the whole family together would make it so much happier...

!!!!! thank you!! and thank you even more for asking me about the ben saves the day au bc I actually did have a vague idea on how to get Klaus back in the au and even though your idea with him managing to manifest himself with his own powers is probably way more valid my brain produced a slightly. stranger option lmao

(ben saves the day au can be found right here)

So it’s after everyone has gone home. Ben is left in his apartment with his two cats and also Five who, Ben is discovering, is super super messed up about everything.

(every day Ben thanks god that Five is living with him and not in the manor where there are about six hundred different triggers floating around)

Ben tells his coworkers that, with his father’s death (which they know about bc of his time off work) he gained custody of his 'nephew’ who Ben would have stolen years ago if he’d even thought that he was in the house (truth) and that Five has multiple issues

his coworkers are very supportive

Ben calls in a few favors and manages to get Five’s existence legalized by claiming that Five is his own son who Reginald managed to get his hands on after the death of the original Five.

(“I would have been sixteen, Ben.”

“People have had kids younger, and you were a teenage runaway. People would absolutely believe you made bad life choices.”

“Ben!”)

And Ben has friends, okay. His coworkers are all super supportive and swing around with extra food and hand me down clothes from their own teenage kids and other supplies that Ben might need as the sudden guardian of a teenage boy.

And Five doesn’t even have to do anything to sell the lie, because he’s wary of all of them, flinches at loud noises, and they all see him pocketing extra food when he thinks no one is looking. Five tends to retreat to the bedroom (it’s a one bedroom apartment - him and Ben are sharing right now) when people come over and since Ben has politely asked Five to Not use his powers around his friends until he tells them he’s the Horror on his own terms, Five can’t even sneak to the kitchen or anything

They worry about Ben’s financial situation, taking on a kid on such short notice, but Ben assures them that he’s fine and that he can just use his father’s inheritance money.

(Reginald was a billionaire. They are all legally his children. None of they are actually going to be wanting for money for a good long while.)

So everything is settling down and smoothing out. Ben has custody of Five. Allison is in negotiations with Patrick and is being allowed supervised visits with her daughter. Luther and Vanya are both in therapy. Diego is grudgingly using Reginald’s money to buy a new place that isn’t a boiler room that’s big enough for both him and Grace (and of course to get her charging station to a portable state) and last Ben heard he was looking at somewhere pretty close to where Ben and Five live, which is a nice thought. Ben’s trying to convince Luther to move out of the manor as well and get his own place, and he’s at least thinking about it so - progress.

That’s around the time when Ben goes to sleep and has a really wild dream.

The dream is desaturated, and there’s a little girl on a bicycle. She looks very aggrieved.

“Are you Ben?” She demands to know.

“Uh,” Ben says very intelligently, because he was not expecting to be interrogated by a little girl in his dream. This is probably Five’s fault because the little gremlin convinced Ben that ice cream for dinner was necessary. Are ice cream dreams a thing? “Yes.”

The girl tosses her hands up in sarcastic triumph, “Wonderful! Then he can be your problem! I have held on for as long as humanly possible, but I’m done. He’s constantly badgering me and I can’t handle it. You idiots already mucked around in the time stream, this shouldn’t cause reality to collapse. Probably.”

“What?” Ben asks blankly, because reality collapsing sounds a little bit concerning.

“You’ll see.” The little girl promises darkly, waving her hand.

And then Ben wakes up, and he wakes up wheezing because what the fuck, was Five jumping on his stomach like an actual five-year-old right now? He opens his eyes, and meets startled green ones and a mop of curly hair that definitely does not belong to Five.

“Ben!?” The boy who is definitely Klaus who is dead yelps loudly, startling back and waking up Five who startles bad enough to roll completely off the bed and scramble to his feet.

Klaus looks exactly the way he did when he died. Sixteen years old with a wild mop of hair that Reginald had been threatening to cut for weeks.

(He looks like Nathan Young in Misfits, y’all. That’s it.)

“Klaus!?” Five yells, making Klaus swing around to stare at Five with equally wide eyes.

“You can see me?” Klaus asks, incredulously, patting himself down. He’s in the umbrella academy uniform and Ben allows himself a moment to close his eyes and swallow his grief because he is apparently the responsible adult in this situation.

“Klaus,” Ben says gently, and both boys attention go to him, “Does God happen to look like a little girl on a bike, by any chance?”

“Uh,” Klaus manages, which Ben takes as confirmation.

He pinches the bridge of his nose to hold back the headache (and the tears because Klaus is here and he’s not dead anymore except he was dead and Ben doesn’t have the emotional capacity to deal with this at ass o’ clock in the morning). He pulls off the covers and swings himself out of bed, quickly crossing the room to open some drawers.

Klaus and Five both watch him warily, but it’s unfounded. All Ben does is grab an old t-shirt and some sweatpants and toss them at Klaus.

(Klaus doesn’t even lift his hands to catch them, just looks alarmed when they hit him in the face. Ben does not apologize, because he might laugh and if he laughs he will cry)

“It is,” Ben glances at the alarm clock, “Three twenty six in the morning. I am going to call off work today so we can deal with... whatever this is. But that’s not happening at three in the morning. Klaus, get changed, you aren’t sleeping in that. The bed might be a squeeze but at this point I don’t care.”

Klaus is wide-eyed and Ben’s heart aches but he gives a quick shaky nod and just starts peeling off his uniform there and then. Ben crawls back into bed, scooching over so he’s in the middle and impatiently gesturing at Five, who still has his back to the wall like a cornered animal.

Without taking his eyes off of Klaus, Five slowly creeps back over to the bed. Usually Ben gives Five his space on the bed, but that’s not going to work tonight with three of them so when Five crawls in Ben wraps an arm around his still tiniest brother and presses a kiss against that dark mop of hair.

Five’s face pulls into a scowl but he doesn’t protest the actions, allowing himself to curl into Ben’s warmth.

Klaus hovers at the edge of the bed once changed, looking uncertain. Ben’s sweatpants are a bit short on him - even at sixteen Klaus is lanky, but serviceable.

“Come on then,” Ben says, reaching out a hand because he has two arms. Klaus doesn’t need more of an invitation, rocketing into the bed and crashing against Ben’s side, making the bed sway and Five yelp a protest.

Klaus’s skin is ice cold (Ben had forgotten his brother’s unfortunate circulation issues) but Ben doesn’t shove him away. Just tucks his arm around Klaus’s bony shoulders and reels him in closer, because his bed really isn’t that big and he doesn’t want either of his brothers to fall out.

Klaus sniffles wetly, and Ben leans over to press a kiss into Klaus’s curly mop of hair. Five makes a small sound of protest - his need to be an attention hog temporarily overruling his dislike of being treated like a child.

“Go to sleep,” Ben tells both of his boys sleepily, “We’ll figure things out in the morning.”

He gets some vague confirmation noises from both sides (though Klaus still sniffles) and Ben really is tired because he barely closes his eyes before falling back into the void of sleep.

His last thought before he falls is - Please, god, let this not be a dream.

He wakes up in the morning feeling heavy. This is because Klaus has rolled in the night to be pretty much bodily on top of Ben, his curly hair tickling at Ben’s nose and his elbow kind of digging into his stomach. Five is on his other side, plastered against him. Their legs are all tangled enough that Ben can’t actually tell which foot belongs to him, Five, or Klaus.

A quick check of the time reveals that he still had a few minutes before his alarm goes off.

On one hand, Ben never wants to leave this bed. He’s a little bit afraid that moving will make the magic vanish, and Klaus will disappear again, but he also really needs to call work and tell them he can’t come in today. So reluctantly, he shifts to free his hands from the pile and in doing so manages to wake both boys.

It’s a sleepy slow waking up, Five grumbling in a way that Ben will never tell him is adorable and Klaus giving a while as his limbs straighten in a big stretch. They both open their eyes, see each other and Ben, and blink in alarm.

Ben does not want a repeat of the early morning and just shrugs them both off of him, “Good morning.” He greets them as he peels himself out of bed with a yawn. “Give me a minute to call work. Five, show Klaus where the bathroom is - ”

“I know where it is.” Klaus cuts Ben off, and then proceeds to look surprised when Ben actually pauses at the interruption.

“What is going on.” Five doesn’t even asks, because he seems to have accepted that this is their lives, their cosmic punishment for having superpowers or something. He just looks between Klaus and Ben like one of the will make the world make sense again.

Ben sympathizes. He can feel a full blown freak out building up in his chest - he just needs to call work and then call the rest of the family to come over as well before he can have it.

“Hold that thought.” Ben says, holding up a finger as he scoops his phone up and walks to the kitchen to make his call.

And he sends the bat signal to the family is a succinct “hey guys please come to the apartment asap klaus showed up in my room last night, five can confirm” which absolutely sets that cat among chickens as the group chat BLOWS UP but ben can’t bring himself to read everything so he just. starts making breakfast.

five and klaus emerge from the bedroom and five has his hand clamped around Klaus’s elbow and Klaus is sort of boggling at the connection and isn’t protesting and five’s face looks tight and ben can see that freak out waiting to happen as well

and that’s how klaus ends up back with the family. God kicks him out because she doesn’t like him, Ben gets the shock of his life, Five is very concerned, and the whole family ends up freaking out

Ben ends up getting a bigger bed because Klaus ends up staying with him and Five

Ben ends up finally coming clean to all his friends about being the horror and that Five is not his nephew but is actually his time travelling brother and also his brother who had powers to do with the dead has come back from the dead

(and yes, these brothers are also the very same brothers he named his cats after - at least Seya and Brat take Klaus’s presence like champs. it’s almost like they’re used to him being around already...)

ben should really consider getting a bigger apartment considering there are now three of the living in there but honestly?? Five doesn’t sleep well alone (which they figured out when Ben tried to take the couch in the early days) and Klaus is an absolute octopus who is constantly marveling at being able to have human contact and Ben really doesn’t have the heart to kick them out of his room so.

(they’re both so touch starved, and they both break Ben’s heart)

but also the bigger apartment consideration might be necessary because every single sibling seems to trot through Ben’s apartment with great frequency. it’s a thing. they all want to spend time with Five and Klaus.

(there’s a heartbreaking moment where Five thinks that because Ben had Klaus back he’s going to kick Five out which they both hug it out over)

they all have to figure it out together and it’s a big mess but at the end of the day

what’s family for?

#ask me #earmuffstar #ben saves the day au #me being sad klaus wasn't in the au and figuring out how to bring him back??#more likely than you'd think #and also i just love god as a character and want to see more of her so #ben gets an Encounter #klaus was hanging around the entire time following his siblings #(mainly ben and diego)#he saw the whole apocalypse thing #he's sixteen and super touch starved and not used to his comments being actually heard #on the bright side he's been dead and unable to do drugs for. a good long while #so he's sober #five is super salty he's still the physically youngest sibling #ben is just dealing with his two still teenaged brothers and dying #but they're all happy that four-five-six as a team is back together #tua #tua au #the umbrella academy #ben hargreeves #five hagreeves #number five #klaus hargreeves #luther hargreeves #allison hagreeves #diego hargreeves #vanya hargreeves #even when ben finally gets a bigger apartment they probably all still share a room/bed #eventually five accepts that he's a sleep cuddler #ben is usually in the middle with cuddles on both sides

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gayfanficsanonymous · 5 years ago

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luther: ok so if a robber breaks in and tries to kill you what do you do

diego: stab me, pussy. YOU WON'T

allison: call my daughter if i am able to

klaus: i have the power of god AND anime on my side. AAAAAAHHHHHH

ben: it is what it is

vanya: ahhhh the sweet release of death. i have been waiting for you

pogo: OK KIDS ITS THERAPY TIME

#umbrella academy #pogo #luther #diego #allison #klaus #ben #vanya #queue

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realm-sweet-realm · 4 years ago

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Audrey and the Dark Revival, chapter 2: Open Loop

Audrey and the Dark Revival is intended as a sequel series for Bendy and the Ink Machine. May the actual sequel come out soon and completely blow mine out of the water.

This one is where the plot gets real.

Also, I’m using a few of @mwolf0epsilon‘s fantastic monster designs, and plan on using more of them in the future.

---

When Allison removed Audrey’s blindfold, they are on separate sides of a metal door. The door had once been for a now-defunct meat freezer in an industrial kitchen, but it was now defunct, as the lack of cold and the massive, albeit boarded-up, hole in the door told her.

“Sorry about that,” Allison said, “It’s hard to trust anyone around here. I’d normally have just kept an eye on you and let you be, but you have no idea how valuable humans are down here. I really couldn’t just let you go. If you could help us, I would owe you the world. Of course, the fact that you’re on Nathan’s side could cause some challenges... but let’s at least try to work something out.”

“Woah, wait...” Audrey said, “I’m not on Nathan’s side. I’ve been here half an hour and I already regret coming. Nathan and I aren’t on good terms... Anyhow, what I really want is information. What is this place? What are you? And why are humans so valuable?”

“For a long time, I didn’t know what this place was either. Then, a few years ago, I found an audio log from Nathan Arch explaining it. A man named Joey Drew made this place. It’s a representation of how he feels about his failures as an animation visionary- that’s what most of this place is, anyhow. He didn’t create the people. They’re people he murdered, or who got poisoned. Part of the reason this place exists is as a storage device for them. A lot of the space isn’t his creation, either. This place used to be a lot smaller, and after it had been around a few years, Joey Drew put it in a time loop. The only reason I escaped it is because the ink demon chased me into one of Nathan’s areas. The new areas- they aren’t affected by the loop!” Allison’s face brightened considerably. “For a while I thought that the spell was breaking. That it was the world opening up to us! Tom told me otherwise, but I was sure.” Allison darkened again, and Tom laid a hand over her shoulder. “Then, over time, Tom and I kept running into worse and worse monsters. The world has expanded... but it’s also gotten darker, and more crowded. So, Tom and I took to doing what we’ve always done- survive, and look for solutions. We found your father’s lair, complete with new monsters coming out of it. But no toon could ever get into it- it’s defended by ink canons made to melt any other creature of this realm who comes close. And since there were no humans around who were up for the task... since then we’ve just been surviving. Waiting on a hero. Audrey, will you help us to get your father out of here before he makes this place any more of a nightmare?”

Audrey was overwhelmed. “I- I’d love to. But I’m just a random civilian. I don’t know how to fight monsters. I don’t know the lay of the land.”

“Well, you’ll have to learn that if you want to survive here, whether you want to be a saviour or not. I can teach you to fight, and the names of monsters.” Tom whispered something in Allison’s ear. “And there is another human in this realm. If you won’t be our hero, maybe you can convince him to be. He’s proficient at combat and knows the place like the back of his hand!”

Audrey was silent for a while, weighing her options. A part of her didn’t see much other choice. While she had no reason to believe these strangers, they were clearly strong, and the world was clearly dangerous, and she wanted them on her side. And if they were telling the truth and could lead her to Nathan, all the better. “I’ll do it,” she decided.

“Excellent,” Allison beamed, smiling excitedly, and they let her out. After gearing up in the industrial kitchen that they’d made into a base (complete with cots and even a fish tank, Audrey noticed), they headed out. Allison led- she clearly knew the lay of the land. Along the way, she pointed out a number of monsters. She pulled Audrey away from a ledge, warning of the balls of wool, horns, and hooves that might ram her over the edge. From a safe distance, they witnessed a huge, quasi-canine abomination with hooks for hands dragging an exhausted, monkey-looking abomination into a puddle of ink, in which it dissolved. Allison called these creatures “rammers,” “catchers,” and “pipers” respectively. Along the way, there were also opportunities for Audrey to practice using her shock powers with Tom and Allison as back-up. She was getting quite proficient.

Finally, they arrived at what appeared to be a storage area for amusement park equipment- “Bendyland,” as Audrey learned about it from tapes. Just past a roller coaster ride was some sort of ethereal boundary. Their side of the boundary was the some dark, gloomy blue-toned white that everything in this realm had been. The other side of the boundary was somewhat better lit and sepia-toned. “That’s the area affected by the loops,” Allison explained. “And Henry- the other human- will be passing through there.”

“Great,” Audrey replied, clicking the button of a tape recorder that she’d found sitting on a workbench.

The death of the Great Bertrum Piedmont was a tragedy, truly. He was a great boss. But I’m not so sure about sticking around. Seems like there’s been an awful lot of murders among the Bendyland staff since then... and yet the rides keep gettin’ made faster than ever. It’s like they build themselves after the lights go out. I have half a mind to go pokin’ around... but I don’t have that much of a death wish.

Suddenly the roller coaster began to rattle. A piece of the tracks disconnected and swiveled towards the trio, and a duck-shaped cart hurtled towards them, sending them scattering to avoid being crushed. The duck carts- approximately a dozen of them- split off in different directions, going to various spaces in the vast, area-consuming roller coaster. Tom found a round, foundational bolt, and barked to get Allison’s attention before smashing it with his metal first. Allison turned to Audrey, who was attempting to shock a duck to little effect. “Audrey!” she shouted, “find the foundational bolts!”

“What?” Audrey yelled back, dodging out of the way of a duck.

“These!” Allison yelled, stabbing one opposite to the one Tom had destroyed. The entire section of roller coaster collapsed, falling onto another and taking it out with it like dominoes.

“Okay!” Audrey called out, before returning to the weave of dodging ducks, never staying in any one place too long, and finding foundational bots to takeout with her lightening powers. Her power’s range was very useful, but she still needed to constantly be on the move. When the carnival music finally stopped, Audrey looked around her to assure that there were no more pieces of roller coaster left to destroy. Then, she collapsed, first sitting, and then sprawling out on the floor.

Allison rushed over. “You okay?” she asked.

Audrey nodded. “Tired.” She wasn’t used to this kind of activity, but took solace in the fact that even Allison and Tom seemed pretty worn out.

“Well, you’re in luck. A break is the next thing on our to-do list.” Allison helped Audrey up, and they went over to a little selection of carnival games. “Henry will come over here. It’s a part of his loops. It could be five minutes or days. In the meantime, this room has no monsters, so we might as well relax. Wanna see if you can beat me at this shooting game?”

With that, the three of them spent the next couple hours playing games and hanging out. “Wait-” Allison said after Audrey had shared a little story, “You have memories of the outside. You can tell us about the outside!”

Audrey reached for Allison’s wrist. “Well, sure, I-”

As soon as Audrey made skin contact with Allison, Allison’s face went into blank shock. Audrey’s first instinct was to look behind her, but there was nothing there.

“Allison? Allison?”

“Give me a moment. Oh my God. I remember everything.”

“Sorry. Nathan gives me powers like this. He’s probably trying to sabotage us somehow.”

“How could this possibly be sabotage?” Allison beamed, smiling widely. “I don’t know anything about Nathan. Maybe he’s stuck and wants to escape. But this is great. You could work your magic on Henry this way! Speaking of which- over there!” Allison pointed to the entrance of Bendyland.

Through it, a man emerged. It wasn’t the hero that Allison had promised. The man looked to be in his mid-fifties, and was fairly athletic but nothing special. More notably, he was stained head to toe in ink, and had an extremely bored, weary expression on his face. He saw the trio, but ignored their presence entirely and plodded over to one of the games.

“You first, Audrey" Allison whispered, “He’ll think that we’re a hallucination, but he’s never seen you before. I guess I should tell you now, though- he’s not the man he once was. These time loops have damaged him greatly.”

Audrey headed over to him and the other two followed. Allison grabbed his arm, which Henry still didn’t react to, simply trying to play the game despite Allison hanging off of him. Audrey touched him, and he spasmed out, gasping, but afterwards went right back to his game.

“Henry, this is not a hallucination. Come with us,” Audrey said.

“Yes you are, Allison,” Henry sighed, still looking at the game, “you aren’t from this part of the loop.”

“Henry. You’ve never seen me before,” Audrey said.

Henry turned to her. “You’re right. I haven’t seen you. Sorry, my memory’s a little... spotty, although after what you just did to me...” Henry drifted off into space. “Maybe you aren’t a hallucination. So... what do you want?”

Considering the revelation he’d just had, the man’s voice conveyed considerably little emotion. Audrey chose her next words carefully.

“Henry, we can’t get you out of the studio- not yet, anyhow. But we can get you out of this time loop if you come with us. And we need your help.”

“Henry, come with us and we’ll save Boris" Allison added, “We know a way into chamber he’s being kept in.”

Henry’s eyes immediately lit up. “I’ll come!,” he said, showing the first signs of hope and life that Audrey had seen in him. “If we can do that, then I’ll know this is real!”

#Bendy and the Ink Machine #Audrey Arch #Henry Stein #Allison Angel #tom boris #Audrey and the Dark Revival #my fanfiction

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winchesterbrotherstan · 5 years ago

Text

Teen Wolf- Second Chance at First Line (1.02)

Pairings: Stilinski siblings, Scott McCall x Allison Argent, lowkey Scisaac

Summary: Scott’s powers grow out of control, the siblings begin to worry, and the situation causes tension between Isaac and Lupus.

Warnings: blood, fighting, mentions of abuse, cursing

Word Count: 10,004

I tossed Gabe’s gear at his feet before going off to find Stiles. The boy’s locker room smelled horrible and there were half-nude boys all over the place, but I was growing used to it with each passing year. I was starting to wonder how Scott handled it with his newfound wolf senses. I saw Stiles stop, leaning against a row of lockers.

“Did you apologize to Allison?” He was asking.

I neared and saw Scott leaning back against his locker, a distant look on his face.

“Yeah.” He said.

Stiles sighed, obviously frustrated by Scott’s behavior.

“So is she giving you a second chance or…?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“Alright! So everything’s good!” Stiles exclaimed before starting to walk away.

Something was very wrong with Scott, and I had a feeling it was more than just the fact that he was no longer a hypothetical werewolf.

“No.” He shook his head softly.

“No?” Stiles repeated, a confused smile on his face.

“Remember… the hunters?”

I nodded, signalling for him to continue.

“Her dad is one of ‘em.”

Gabe must’ve appeared somewhere behind me, because he did a spit take that sent water flying everywhere. Stiles froze before speaking.

“Her dad?”

“Shot me…”

“Allison’s father?” Gabe questioned.

“With a crossbow.” Scott finished.

Stiles’s eyes were wide and his mouth dropped open.

“Allison’s father-” He repeated Gabe’s words.

“Yes, her father!” Scott shouted.

I looked around and sighed with relief when I realized that the locker room was mostly empty besides us four. I praised the heavens that Isaac was nowhere to be found.

“Oh my god.” Scott started to pant.

“No, Scott. Snap back.” Stiles rushed to his side.

Scott started to cry.

“You alright? Hey, you okay?” Stiles slapped him a little.

“He didn’t recognize you, right?” I stood in front of them.

“N-no. N-no-no. I-I-I I don’t think so-”

“Does she know about him?” Gabe asked, taking a seat on the bench.

“Oh yeah.” Scott looked at us, “I don’t know. What if she does? This is gonna kill me, man.” He started to cry again and Stiles tried to calm him.

I heard the whistle from outside and muttered a curse.

“Okay, just focus on lacrosse. Okay? Here, Scott.” Stiles took his gear and shoved it into his chest. “Take this.” He forced his stick into his hand.

I motioned for Gabe to go get his ass on the field.

“Take this and focus on lacrosse for now, okay? That’s all you gotta do, yeah?” Stiles hit Scott’s shoulder.

“Lacrosse.” Scott repeated weakly.

“Here we go.” Stiles hit Scott’s shoulder with each word before turning and tripping over the end of the bench.

“Come on, Scott.” I ruffled his hair before running out onto the field.

***

Practice was seeming to be more hellish than usual. I wasn’t sure whether it was due to Scott’s problems or the fact that Coach let Jackson use a long stick. Scott was next to shoot, but he seemed out of it. Isaac kept shooting him weird glances, then looking over at me. He wanted answers.

I couldn’t give them.

“McCall! What’re you waiting for? Let’s go.”

He had to go through Jackson to make the shot, but I had a feeling that wouldn’t be a problem for him. Jackson seemed wary, but he was quick to push it aside. He slammed Scott to the ground, no problem whatsoever. I felt it in my bones when Scott hit the floor, and Gabe and Stiles both cringed. Isaac sucked in air through his teeth, a grimace on his face.

“Hey, McCall. Hey, McCall.” Coach approached him, laughing.

Jackson said something to him before walking back to his original spot. Scott was still on the ground and stayed there until he felt Coach walking towards him. He got up, leaning over his stick.

“My grandmother can move faster than that.” Coach laughed by his side.

He said something about her being dead and then lowered his voice to a menacing whisper. I probably would’ve felt somewhat threatened if it wasn’t for the fact that Coach was the most harmless adult we knew. Jackson stood there, grinning as he stared Scott down. I couldn’t see Scott clearly, but I was sure everyone could feel his anger.

Scott stood straight and Coach patted his helmet.

“McCall’s gonna do it again! McCall’s gonna do it again!” Coach mocked.

Scott jogged back to his original place at the start of the line. Jackson crouched. I stood in anticipation, ready to have to call an ambulance. Coach blew the whistle twice.

“Let’s go!”

Scott started moving, faster than before. This time around, Jackson was the one knocked square on his ass. Scott stopped before making the shot, however, and fell to his knees, grabbing at his head. Coach made his way to Jackson, but Stiles, Gabe, and Isaac ripped their helmets off, running to Scott. I stood between them and the crowd of boys surrounding Jackson.

“Scott, are you okay?”

“Yeah, hey, whoa!” Coach put his hands up so that nobody would touch Jackson.

Isaac looked up at me as he knelt by Scott’s side. He and Stiles were holding him back by the shoulders.

“I can’t control it.” I heard Scott hiss. “It’s happening.”

Isaac’s eyebrows furrowed. I ran over and eased him off, shaking Scott. “Scotty, don’t.”

“What? Right here, now?” Gabe shook his shoulders.

Scott didn’t answer. Stiles pulled him to his feet. “Come on. Get up, come on.”

I pulled Gabe aside. “Stay here. Make sure nobody comes to the locker room, okay? Especially Isaac.”

“I’m gonna help Stiles get him to the locker room, alright?” I brushed past Isaac without giving him a chance to respond.

Stiles and I led Scott back into the school, to the locker room. Stiles dropped him onto the ground and I made sure to shut the door.

“Scott, you okay?” Stiles tried to get his attention.

“Get away from me!” Scott screamed, looking up.

I could see that his canines had turned into fangs, and his brown eyes were glowing golden. Stiles and I scrambled to our feet, running to hide anywhere. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t tear my eyes from Scott. His behavior, albeit dangerous and deadly, was intriguing. It was like he didn’t realize what he was doing. Like he wasn’t himself and the animal was taking over.

Stiles yanked me behind a row of lockers. Scott easily jumped to the top of it. Stiles pulled me to my feet and we tried to find another place to hide, but between the fear Stiles was emanating and the growls coming from Scott’s mouth and the fact that he had fangs, I was completely lost. He kept going after Stiles, who was now crawling across the floor, trying to find somewhere safe. Scott leaped over a few pipes, but seeming to have lost Stiles, turned and focused on me.

Shit.

I didn’t know where Stiles had gone, and I didn’t want to lead our now murderous friend to my brother. I made my way through another row of lockers, only to be pulled back by Stiles while Scott received a faceful of fire extinguisher. I pulled Stiles out into the hallway as Scott crashed into a bench, growling and moaning. Stiles was breathing hard, holding the extinguisher close to his chest.

“Stiles.”

Scott, who now sounded like Scott, called from inside the locker room. Stiles grabbed me and shook his head. For all we knew, the animal was still the one there and this was a trick.

“Lupus?”

I raised an eyebrow at Stiles, who only sighed before letting my wrist go. I jogged into the locker room, kneeling next to him on the bench.

“What happened?” He looked up, a sad, lost puppy.

Stiles walked in behind me, sighed with relief when he realized Scott was Scott again, and dropped the extinguisher. He ripped his gloves off and threw them aside.

“You tried to kill us.” He took a seat in front of Scott, who looked around, confused.

“It’s like we told you before. It’s the anger. It’s your pulse rising. It’s a trigger.” Stiles was still panting.

Scott looked from Stiles to me and shook his head, “But that’s lacrosse. It’s a pretty violent game, if you hadn’t noticed.”

“Well, it’s about to be a lot more violent if you end up killing someone on the field.” Stiles sighed.

I looked up at Scott. “You can’t play Saturday, you’re gonna have to get out of the game.”

“But I’m first line.”

I shook my head. “Not anymore.”

***

I was lying on Stiles’s bed, a book about Lycanthropy open by my side. I rolled over, bored out of my mind. Stiles was researching on his laptop, again, and Gabe was at his desk doing his math homework.

My phone rang, pulling me out of my almost sleep. I instantly picked up, expecting Isaac, who I had been avoiding since today’s practice. In retrospect, I’m glad it wasn’t him, because I don’t know what I would’ve said.

Hey, sorry I’ve been ignoring you, it’s just that Scott McCall is a werewolf now and I’m trying my hardest to not get you involved.

“Stilinski.”

“Coach. How’s Jackson?”

“It’s not too good. He’s got a separated shoulder.”

“Ouch. How long until he gets better?”

“Doctors said it could take up to six weeks. We’re hoping it won’t take as long. We just started the season, we can’t lose our captain.”

“Yeah…I can go see him tomorrow, and I’ll round up the team. Maybe some moral support can help him.” I scratched at the back of my neck.

“That sounds great. Thanks, Stilinski.”

“No problem, Coach.”

The line went dead and I looked up to realize that both boys were sitting at the foot of the bed with wide eyes and heads in their hands.

“He’s got a separated shoulder.” I said.

“Who, Coach?” Stiles asked.

Gabe rolled his eyes, “Jackson, stupid.”

“Oh. Anyway, I was about to call Scott.”

“Cool.” I mumbled before tossing my phone aside.

Stiles hit Scott’s contact before sitting back in his chair and waiting for him to pick up, toy gun in hand. Scott answered, rubbing at his eyes.

“Hi Scott, bye Scott.” I waved at the camera, only to receive a small yawn and a tiny wave in return.

I left the boy's room and went to my own. I pulled my shirt off before I realized that my favorite pajama shirt was in the wash. I sighed, searching for a comfy shirt to wear. I finally settled on going through Isaac’s stuff and stealing a sweater.

I would give it back later, but it was mine now. Now, I know what you’re thinking. I wore Isaac’s shirts all the time. He was my ‘best friend’. He left stuff at my house, in my room. I called him nicknames. I couldn’t lie to him. But Isaac and I were friends. Best friends who would kill for each other.

My phone buzzed.

It was a text from Isaac. Under normal circumstances, I would’ve smiled as I unlocked my phone. Now, the prospect of having to spill the truth was making me sick. I dropped onto my bed as I typed a reply.

I sighed a breath of relief. Things at his house were always on edge. His older brother, Camden, had died only a few years back while serving in the military. A year before that, Isaac lost his mother to cancer. His father had become cruel and abusive. When it got really bad, Isaac stayed with us.

I found my shoes at the foot of my bed and picked them up by the laces, swinging them as I ventured to the boys’ room.

“Sti! Gabe!”

“What?” Stiles called back.

I swung through their doorway. Stiles was focused on his computer screen, and Gabe was laying on his stomach, reading through a book about wolfsbane.

“I have to head out.” I dropped onto the floor and pulled my shoes on.

“Why?” He leaned back, and Gabe looked up.

“Isaac.”

“Gotcha. Be careful.” Stiles turned back to his screen.

Gabe shot up with a huge smile. “Can you bring home food?”

I nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

“Curly fries?” Stiles gave me puppy eyes.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t stop the smile from etching itself onto my face. “Yes, Sti, curly fries.”

***

“Hey, bud.” I grinned as I pulled up in front of the Lahey house.

He pushed himself off the steps, tightening his jacket around himself. It wasn’t very cold, but he was out the entire afternoon at work, digging around his father’s graveyard. He got into the passenger seat, leaning across to kiss my cheek after tossing his bag at his feet.

“Ah, you’re cold.” I rubbed my cheek before grabbing one of his hands between mine and rubbing it gently.

He chuckled. “Thanks, mom.”

I pulled back with a grin. “No problem. The boys wanted me to stop for food. Is that okay?”

He nodded, pulling his hood on before looking at me again as I took off.

“Are you wearing my sweater?”

“All my pajamas are dirty.” I shrugged.

He hummed and shifted, then looked back to me with a mischievous grin. “Is this the part where I tell you that you should wear my clothes more often?” His voice deepened and his eyebrows furrowed.

I laughed as I drove, shaking my head. “Yeah, only you’re like a brother to me and you’re the gayest person I know.”

“Besides Stiles?”

I giggled. “Besides Stiles, who is the biggest closeted bisexual to ever exist.”

He grinned as we pulled into the drive-thru line, waiting for it to move.

***

“Could you get the door?” I asked as I kicked my car door shut.

He fished the keys from my pocket and took the tray of drinks from me as he went for the door. He pushed it open and put the tray down on the table, turning back and taking one of the bags of food from me.

“Boys, we’re home!” I called as I set the last bag down before locking the door.

The heavy thudding of teenage feet on the stairs was audible from the kitchen as Isaac and I pulled the food out from the bags.

“Hi Isaac.” Gabe waved.

“Hey.”

“Hello food.” Stiles drooled over his hamburger and made heart eyes at his curly fries.

I dug my elbow into his side and motioned to Isaac with my head. Stiles rolled his eyes before faking a smile.

“Isaac.”

Isaac snorted and mumbled a greeting back. They hated each other, but Isaac tolerated him because he was my brother. Stiles didn’t even try, and he was only courteous when I made him be.

We ate in silence, each sixteen year old totally engrossed in their meals. The boys went back to their room afterward. Stiles was talking with Scott about werewolf business, and as much as I wanted to be part of the conversation, I wanted to spend time with Isaac more.

***

I brushed my teeth as Isaac pulled his pajama shirt on, joining me in the bathroom. I washed my face and yawned, wiping away the tears that came with it. There was a knock on the door, and I looked over to see Dad walk in. I dried my face off and let out another yawn. Isaac spit out his mouthwash, and I turned with a smile.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Hi, Sheriff.”

“Hey, kids. You already eat?”

I nodded. “Got burgers. There should be some for you in the microwave.”

“Unless Stiles ate it.” Isaac mumbled.

I elbowed him lightly. “Be nice.”

“How was your day, Sheriff?” Isaac asked with his prize-winning grin.

“It was alright, how was your day, kids?” He spoke to both of us, knowing we were probably stuck together at school.

I tugged a brush through my hair.

“It was alright.”

“Long. I dug a lot of graves.” Isaac stood behind me, snooping through my bookcase.

Dad let out a laugh.

“If I didn’t know you worked at your father’s graveyard, I would be a bit concerned hearing that.”

Another bright smile. Dad returned it before winking at me as I pulled my hair into a ponytail. It was a wordless conversation that ended with a proud smile stretched across his face. I grinned back, and Dad let out a long sigh.

“Alright. Sleep tight, kids. No funny business.” He eyed Isaac, even though he knew full well that the boy was gay.

“Yes, sir.” He saluted as Dad walked off.

“Okay,” I yawned. “I’m tired.”

“Me too.” Isaac stifled his own yawn.

He crawled into the bed and curled into a ball. I flicked the lights off and scrambled to the bed, pulling my feet under the covers.

“Scared of the dark?” He teased.

“Shut up and share the blanket, dumbfuck.” I plugged my phone in.

He turned back to me and let go of the blanket. I curled up next to him, resting my head on his shoulder. I settled in, making myself comfortable. Something jumped at the foot of the bed, and we both froze before realizing that it was just the cat, who curled up with us.

I relaxed back into the bed, one arm falling over Isaac’s torso. We laid in silence, and I began to drift off. I jerked back up with a grumble.

“You okay?” Isaac whispered.

“Got vibe checked.”

He chuckled, and I looked over to see that his eyes were still wide open, and he was staring at the ceiling fan.

“I don’t know how you sleep with noise.”

Realization set in as I slowly stood on the bed and turned the fan off. “I don’t know how you sleep in silence.” I teased back.

A laugh, and the joke was over as I got back in bed. It was a lie, I knew why he slept in silence. There was a reason for almost everything Isaac did.

The abuse of his father.

He sighed and turned onto his side, staring at me in the dark.

“What’s up?” I mumbled.

“I wish I was shorter.”

I smiled. “Come here.” I scooted up and pushed the blanket down.

He shuffled down, resting his head against my shoulder, arm wrapped around my waist. I threaded a hand through his curls.

“Hey, Lu?”

I hummed as I let my eyes fall shut.

“Thank you.”

I smiled and ruffled his hair before slinging my arm around his shoulders. “Any time, Ise.”

***

“Coach, can I talk to you?” Scott asked, pulling Coach from his conversation with Jackson and Danny.

Isaac tugged off his cleat and sent me a look.

“I can’t play the game tomorrow night.” Scott said.

Isaac grimaced as Scott and Coach left.

“That’s tough. What’s up with him?”

I tossed his uniform into his locker and passed him his bag.

“He’s just going through it right now.”

Isaac shut his locker with a rough laugh. An uneasy feeling grew in my stomach. That laugh was never a good sign.

“I’m always going through it. Never stops me.”

I shrugged and glanced back at Coach’s closed office door. “You and Scott are different.”

Very different.

“When are you gonna tell me the truth, Lu?” He grabbed my hand as we walked out into the hallway.

My heart leaped out of my chest. I hated confrontation, and he knew it. But then again, he hated being lied to, and I knew that better than anyone.

“Isaac, I-”

He cut me off, “We’re best friends. We’re supposed to tell each other everything, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then what’s going on? What, is he on drugs or something?” He whispered.

“No!” I recoiled, looking around to make sure that people hadn’t heard.

“I don’t get it, Lu. What’s up?”

I sighed. “Scott got himself into something, okay? It’s messy and dangerous. I’m trying to keep you out of it.”

“Dangerous?” He echoed.

“Isaac, please.” I tried to tug him toward an empty class.

“Lupus, just tell me the truth.” He pleaded as we moved.

“Isaac, I want you kept out of this.”

“Out of what?” He asked as I shut the door behind us.

“I can’t tell you.” I groaned.

“So you’re just gonna keep lying to me?”

The door opened, and we turned to see Mr. Kent glaring at us. We both mumbled apologies before scrambling out of the room.

“Why can’t you just tell me? What is it? Drugs? A gang? Did he kill someone?”

I sighed. “I cannot tell you, Isaac.”

He shook his head and pulled back. “I don’t even know you anymore.”

“Isaac-”

“We’re supposed to be best friends, Lupus!” He hissed. “And now we’re standing in a hallway fighting over Scott fucking McCall?” He sighed. “Just leave me alone.”

He stormed off, and I sighed, shutting my eyes. I could feel other kids staring at us, and I turned to see Scott and Allison looking at me too. I clenched my jaw as I brushed past him and down the hall.

***

Gabe and I were standing at the board, chalk in hand as we solved the biology problem. He was far behind, but it might’ve been because he was staring at me with a worried face.

“Stop staring at me and do your damn work.” I growled at him.

I wasn’t in the mood for anybody, and the only person I could stand to talk to was probably Stiles. It should’ve been Gabe, since he was nicer and he liked Isaac and he didn’t wanna lie to everyone, but looking at him made me think about the lacrosse team and when I thought about the lacrosse team I thought of Isaac playing and Scott suddenly being good and it all went to hell again.

So I picked Stiles instead, because when I looked at him I thought of happy things, like sitting out on the lawn at night to watch stars and pranking Gabe and watching TV and eating pizza.

“What happened between you two?” Gabe asked, finally getting started on his problem.

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” I grunted.

“Lup-”

“No, Gabe.” I glared at him as I finished my problem, dropping the chalk back into its tray before going back to my seat and dropping into it with a sigh.

Scott’s issues were now my issues, and that was going to be hell.

***

“Hi Dad.” I smiled as I passed him and one of his deputies.

“Hi Lupus.” He patted my head before turning to the principal.

I began to stop at Isaac’s locker, and a rush of dread pushed its way through my system. I kept walking. I realized that Dad and the principal were talking in hushed whispers. I ran off to find Stiles, only to run square into Scott, who was being pulled along by Stiles.

“Dad’s talking to the principal.” He informed me as Scott leaned his head in to listen to the conversation.

“I know, that’s what I came to tell you.” I mumbled, hanging onto his backpack as he leaned over Scott.

“Can you hear ‘em?” Stiles patted him, only to be shushed.

Scott turned around after a few seconds. “Curfew because of the body.��

“Unbelievable.” Stiles sighed.

Scott looked at him.

“Dad’s out looking for a rabid animal while the jerk-off who actually killed the girl is just hanging out, doing whatever he wants.”

Gabe appeared from the mass of people in the hall, “Well we can’t exactly tell Dad the truth about Derek.”

Stiles turned to include Gabe in the circle. “We can do something.”

“Like what?” Scott asked.

“Find the other half of the body?” I offered, my voice painted with sarcasm.

Stiles grinned and I groaned. “Seriously?”

He grabbed my hand and pulled me along with him, leaving Gabe and Scott standing there confused.

“Are you kidding?” Scott called after us, but Stiles was too wrapped up in his idea to go back.

***

I groaned from my spot on the bed as Stiles sat next to me.

“I’ve been telling you this from the start, Lu. Isaac’s bad news.”

I groaned louder. “Sti, I wanted to talk to you because I thought you’d help. If you keep making me feel shitty I’ll lock you out of my room.” I huffed.

He patted my head. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

I was about to say something about how he didn’t really think I was right and he was just being nice when his phone rang.

“Hold on, it’s Scott.” He picked up.

I rolled my eyes and curled up tighter, pulling the covers up to my ears.

“You did? Really? Where?” Stiles held the phone between his shoulder and his ear as he tugged me up from the bed.

I huffed, but followed him out of my room, out of the house, and into the Jeep.

“We’re on our way!” He shouted into the phone before hanging up and tossing it into my lap, starting the car and driving off like a madman.

“Stiles!”

“Scott found the other half!”

“What?” I asked, turning around to confirm my suspicions that he had ran a red light.

“Scott. He found the other half of the body.”

Oh great.

***

“Stiles, slow down!” I called after him as he sprinted into the McCall house and up the stairs.

I took my time, drained and ready to cry. I reached his room and nudged the door open, taking a seat on his desk chair.

“I found something of Derek Hale’s.” Scott said, sending me a small smile.

I sighed.

This wasn’t his fault. If anything, he would be more helpful than Stiles had been.

“Are you kidding? What?” If Stiles opened his eyes any more, they would pop out of his head.

“There’s something buried there, I could smell blood.” Scott explained, looking from him to me.

“That’s awesome! I mean, that’s terrible. Who’s blood?” Stiles rapidly fired, and I found myself wishing Gabe were there to balance the Stilinski equation.

Scott popped to his feet. “I don’t know. But when we do, your dad nails Derek for the murder.” He grinned at me.

“And then you two and Gabe help me figure out how to play lacrosse without changing. Because there’s no way I’m not playing that game.” He tossed his newly rethreaded stick on his bed before walking out with Stiles.

I followed close behind.

***

“Are we sure this is the best idea?” Gabe asked from beside me.

Scott shrugged.

“Probably not.”

“Great.” I mumbled.

“Oh, quit complaining and come on.” Stiles jumped out of the car.

We entered the hospital quietly, looking around to make sure Scott’s mom wasn’t around. Stiles pointed Scott towards the morgue.

“Good luck, I guess?”

Scott shrugged before disappearing behind the door.

“Look, I told Coach I’d visit Jackson in the hospital, so I’m gonna go do that. You two stay out of trouble.” I patted a shoulder on each boy.

Gabe caught my wrist, “I’ll go with you.”

I sighed.

“Alright. Stiles, be careful.”

Stiles nodded before venturing off.

“Can’t believe I’ve gotta look at Jackson fucking Whittemore in my spare time.” I scoffed as we approached a nurse’s station to ask where Jackson was.

She told us and gave us directions. He was here for an appointment, so telling Coach that I would visit him in the hospital wasn’t a lie.

“Hey.” I waved.

Jackson’s head popped up and a false smile spread onto his face. “Hi guys.”

“We can’t stay long, we just wanted to check up on you. See how you’re doing.” Gabe tossed an arm around my shoulder.

“Oh. I’m doing good. I’m gonna play tomorrow. Not at my best, but it’s better than nothing. No offense, Stilinski.”

I faked a smile, but Gabe’s face twisted into a rude expression and his mouth opened. Jackson was an asshole by all means, including when it came to dragging his only friends down. I put my foot on Gabe’s and shifted all my weight to his toes. He quickly faked a grin.

“None taken.”

“Just be careful tomorrow. We don’t want anyone else to land in the hospital.” I smiled.

“I will be. Have fun.” He waved as we walked towards the door.

“You too.” Gabe smiled, poison in his voice.

We walked back out to get Stiles, only to realize that Jackson was close behind us. I mentally cursed when I saw that Stiles was sitting near Lydia. I dropped into the seat by Stiles. Gabe snorted and pulled the paper from his hands.

“Didn’t know you were catching up on female problems.” He teased with a grin.

Stiles snatched it back before looking back to Jackson, who was now kissing Lydia. He narrowed his eyes, obviously unhappy. Scott snuck up, ripping the paper from Stiles’s hands. He jumped in his seat as Gabe and I laughed.

“Holy god.”

“The scent was the same.” Scott dropped the paper on a nearby table.

“You sure?” Gabe asked.

“Yes.”

Stiles rose to his feet. “So he did bury the other half of the body on his property?”

“Which means we have proof he killed the girl.” Scott said.

Stiles let out a breath. “I say we use it.”

“How?” Gabe asked.

We followed Stiles as he started to walk off, only to stop as he turned and pointed to Scott.

“Tell me something first. Are you doing this because you want to stop Derek, or because you wanna play in the game and he said you couldn’t?”

“There are bite marks on the legs, guys. Bite marks.”

The three of us shared a look. Gabe nodded slightly. I clapped a hand on Scott’s back.

“Okay.”

“Then we’re gonna need a shovel.” Stiles pulled him along, Gabe and I following.

***

“Alright, he’s leaving.” Gabe observed.

I popped up from the seat and was met with the taillights of the camaro, now in the distance. Stiles drove up closer to the house, headlights off. We piled out of the car, shovels and flashlights in hand.

“Something’s different.” Scott noted as Stiles shone the light over the burnt house.

“Different how?” Gabe asked, huffing in the cold air.

Scott led us towards the impromptu gravesite.

“I don’t know.”

He dug his shovel into the ground, “Let’s just get this over with.”

Stiles set his flashlight down before starting to help him out. Gabe sighed before digging up dirt. I tossed my flashlight aside and bumped Gabe aside, putting all my weight on the shovel.

After digging for half an hour at the very least, Gabe’s jacket had been tossed aside, joined by my flannel. We were in a hole up to our knees.

“This is taking way too long.” Scott panted, dumping another shovelful of dirt aside.

“Just keep going.” Stiles ordered, wiping at his face with the back of his hand.

“What if he comes back?” Scott’s distress was obvious.

“Then we get the hell out of here.” Stiles irritation was also obvious.

“What if he catches us?” Scott asked.

“I have a plan for that.” Stiles argued.

Gabe’s dirt fell from his shovel and he groaned in frustration, shaking his shoe out. I gathered the loose dirt and tossed it over my shoulder, which was proving more and more difficult with each passing minute.

“Which is?”

Stiles straightened himself out, and in the blinding light, the dirt and sweat were visible on his face.

“I run left, you run right, Gabe runs in his direction, and Lupus runs directly away. Whoever he catches first, too bad.”

“Hey!” Gabe flung dirt at him.

Stiles wiped at his face, sputtering in an attempt to get the dirt out of his mouth.

“I hate that plan.” Scott grimaced, chucking another pile of dirt behind himself.

“Oh, stop, stop, stop.” Stiles put his hand out as Gabe dug his shovel back into the ground.

Stiles tossed his aside, and the rest of us followed suit. He dropped to his knees, brushing away at the dirt until rope was revealed.

“Hurry.” Scott whispered, anguished.

Stiles scoffed, “I’m trying, did he have to tie the thing in like 900 knots?” His long fingers tugged at the rope.

“Let us help.” Gabe leaned forward, tugging at a second knot.

Scott and I undid one each, done by the time my brothers were. We untangled the ropes, and Gabe and I pulled the green canvas our way. Scott and Stiles both screamed, jumping to their feet and scrambling backward until they were out of the hole. Gabe and I fell back onto our butts. I grabbed him and pulled him into a hug, his face hidden in my shoulder as he shuddered.

“What the hell is that?” Stiles asked, pointing to whatever was in it.

Come to think of it, neither Gabe nor I looked. We just got scared because Stiles had screamed. I slowly leaned forward. A black wolf, fluffy coat covered in dirt, eyes glazed over and pale, tongue frozen within her mouth as she stared endlessly.

“It’s a wolf!” Scott exclaimed.

“I can see that.” Stiles retorted, rolling his eyes.

“I thought you said you smelled blood, as in human blood.” Gabe whimpered, pulling away from his hiding spot.

Scott sighed, “I told you something was different.”

I wearily rose from my spot, a sudden feeling of overwhelming guilt and disrespect awakening in me. I pulled Gabe along as I sat on level ground.

“This doesn’t make sense.” Stiles gestured wildly with his hand.

“We gotta get outta here.” Gabe offered.

“Yeah.” I agreed.

“Okay. Scott, help me cover this up.” Stiles said, seeing that Gabe had been shaken and I wasn’t too happy.

Scott rushed to help him, reapplying the canvas to the dead animal. Stiles suddenly froze. The atmosphere tensed up as we all got ready to run, somewhat in agreement with Stiles’s earlier plan.

“What’s wrong?” Scott asked, hands still working.

“You see that flower?” He pointed.

Our eyes followed the line his finger made.

“What about it?” Scott asked, now stopping.

Stiles’s jaw was dropped, and he shakily lowered his hand.

“I think it’s wolfsbane.”

“What’s that?” Scott asked, irritated and ready to leave.

Stiles made a face at him, and I squinted in the light, only to realize that he was right.

“Haven’t you ever seen the Wolfman?”

“No.” A subtle shake of his head.

“Lon Chaney Jr.? Claude Rains?”

Scott dropped his head.

“The original, classic, werewolf movie?” Gabe asked Scott, now alert as to where this conversation was going.

“No, what?” Scott raised his voice.

Stiles and I sighed. “You are so unprepared for this.”

He stood and walked around us, a pat to each of our heads before pulling the plant up, roots and all. There was a rope tied to the bottom of the plant. Stiles cocked an eyebrow. I shrugged. He was quick to start pulling at the rope, following the path it had been wound in. It led in circles around the grave of the wolf, larger each time he went around.

Gabe stared off into space as Scott and I trained our eyes on Stiles. I saw that his flannel was dirty and rolled my eyes. I was gonna have a hell of a time trying to get all the new stains out. Scott suddenly tensed as he stood.

“Stiles.”

Stiles walked back to Scott’s side. I peeked, the canvas obstructing some of my view. I yanked Gabe up and shoved him behind me. I didn’t want him to start crying.

“Holy…”

A young woman, no more than 25 or 26. Her arms were curled in on herself, and her eyes were open wide with her mouth open. My guilt made sense now. I had been literally walking in someone’s grave. Gabe whimpered from behind me.

“Lupus, I wanna go home.”

I pulled him into my side and rubbed circles on his back, trying to calm him. It didn’t matter that he was a tough lacrosse player or that he was a Stilinski triplet and a good friend of Scott McCall. He had not asked for this. None of us had.

***

“Come get me if you need to, alright?” I brushed Gabe’s hair out of his eyes.

He nodded bashfully, now embarrassed.

“Hey.” I pushed his shoulder.

He looked up at me.

“I mean it. What we saw out there…” I sighed.

“It wasn’t natural?” He offered.

I grabbed him by the shoulders and hugged him, still standing between his legs as he sat on his bed.

“No. It wasn’t.” I ruffled at his hair.

He pulled back and patted my side. “I’ll sneak into your room if I need to. I promise.”

I eyed his shit-eating grin before smacking the back of his head. He let out a laugh.

“Goodnight, Gabe.” I kissed the top of his head.

“Night, Lu.”

I closed his door behind myself, staining my ears to hear the conversation Stiles was having with Dad. We voted him to tell Dad, as Gabe was innocent and I was not the golden child of late. Dad wasn’t happy that Stiles we had dragged Scott out into the woods were a body was found, much less to a murder suspect’s front lawn. Literally. But we had found the body, which meant that Derek Hale could be charged for it. I gave up after only hearing mumbles. I dropped myself onto my bed, letting my phone bounce aside. I really wanted to call Isaac, but what would I say?

Hey, I’ve been lying to you because Scott is a werewolf and he tried to kill me?

That wouldn’t go over well.

An apology wouldn’t work without the truth. I couldn’t give him the truth without dragging him into the mess.

My head pounded as I tried to come up with something, anything that would save my friendship with the blue eyed boy without putting him in the same position Gabe had been in not too long ago.

I flicked the lamp off and snuggled under the covers, suddenly overwhelmed with a sickening empty feeling. Isaac had slept over practically every day for nearly two years. At this point, I probably needed him more than he needed me. I squirmed around, trying to find any comfortable way to sleep. It wasn’t working out for me. I grabbed at air, growing more and more frustrated. I had even tried pulling one of his shirts onto a pillow and cuddling into it.

I didn’t sleep that night.

***

big brother 🌯: ye

I sighed, and Gabe squinted at me as I dialed the one of the new numbers I knew by heart.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Are you an idiot?” I hissed into the phone.

“Why are you asking that in such a menacing tone?”

“Why the hell are you texting me while you’re driving? And how in the hell did you lose Scott?”

“I told you, he ran out of the car.”

I rolled my eyes. By now, Gabe was sitting on my bed as I paced back and forth across my carpet.

“Stiles, would it really be that hard to hear him open the car door and run?”

He groaned loudly over the phone. “You know what, you really aren’t helping.”

Gabe grinned, “Has he checked with Allison? Maybe Scott went to her place.”

“Gabe asks if you checked Allison.”

Stiles sighed. “No, I didn’t, but it’s fine because he just texted me.”

“Alright. Can you swing by to pick us up before the game?”

At that, Gabe left the room.

“Yeah, I’m on my way.”

“Awesome, thanks. Be careful.”

“Yeah, no problem. I will be. Text ya when I’m outside.”

“Okay. Do you have your gear or should I get it for you?”

“It’s in my room.”

“Alright. See ya soon.”

“You too. Love ya.”

“Love you too.”

As soon as I hung up, Gabe walked back into the room, his gear in one hand and Stiles’s in the other. I grinned.

“He probably needs this.” Gabe held it out towards me with a small smile.

***

“Stiles, come on. We’re gonna be late.” Gabe hissed in the backseat.

“I can’t go any faster.” He shot back.

“You’re barely going the speed limit.” I gestured to the speedometer as the car moved along.

“Stiles, seriously! You two have to help Scott and I can’t be late again or Coach is gonna kick me off the team.” Gabe groaned.

“Yeah, and the team manager has to be there, Sti.” I sighed.

Stiles grumbled before speeding up, running the light. Gabe and I groaned in unison, throwing our heads back onto our seats.

He parked horribly in the back lot, and Gabe practically shoved Stiles out of his way. He grabbed his gear and tossed it over his shoulder.

“Go ahead, we’ll catch up.” Stiles grabbed his bag and shut the trunk.

Gabe eyed me wearily before running off, tugging at his flannel as he went. I sighed. Stiles had shooed Gabe off so he could talk to me.

“What do you wanna say, Stiles?”

“You and Isaac need to make up.” He started walking.

I snorted loudly. “I thought you said he was bad news.”

“He is. But you’re sad and I hate it.”

I laughed, “And what, do you just want me to tell him everything?”

“Yeah, why not? I’m sure Scott would be fine with it.”

I stopped walking and shook my head, arms crossed over my chest. “No way.”

“Why not?” Stiles turned to face me.

“It’s dangerous!” I hissed back.

Stiles made a face.

“I’ll tell him that there’s something going on that I can’t tell him about because it’s not my business to tell.” My voice cracked and I cleared my throat.

Stiles’s posture softened. “Are you gonna cry?”

I shook my head. “I just don’t like fighting with him.”

Stiles slung an arm around my shoulder and we started walking again. “Nobody likes fighting with their best friend. You’ll be alright.”

***

After Coach yelled at us for being late and Gabe eyed us before going back to changing, Stiles was quick to run off. I looked around for Isaac, but I didn’t find him. I would have to see him on the field anyway.

“Hey, Lupus. Can I talk to you?” Jackson jogged up to me, stick in hand.

I looked up from my clipboard to him, “Yeah, what’s up?”

He dropped next to me on the bench.

“Have you noticed anything … off about McCall?”

I snorted, “You mean aside from the fact that he’s good all of a sudden?”

Jackson nodded, serious. I groaned internally at the thought of Jackson becoming involved with the werewolf business. I bit at the inside of my cheek and shook my head.

“No, not really. Why?”

“Well … he’s been kind of aggressive lately. And he seemed to get his skills overnight. I’m thinking that-” He looked around to see if anybody was listening to our conversation, “I’m thinking maybe he’s on steroids.”

I laughed bitterly. “You let Coach and I worry about Scott.” I gave his good shoulder a rough pat and went off to find the boy in question.

I bumped into Isaac on the way to Scott’s locker. His face lit up at first, only for a scowl to grow rapidly.

“Um, Isaac?” I scratched at the back of my neck.

He raised an eyebrow while glaring down at me. I squirmed uncomfortably. His height was usually comforting, but right now it was suffocating me.

“Do you think maybe we could talk after the game?”

He rolled his eyes, “If you’re just gonna lie for Scott again, don’t bother.”

I shook my head, “No, I-” I let out a breath, my shoulders drooping. “I wanna talk to you about that.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Fine.”

He walked away, and I caught myself before I could grab his wrist. Touching him when he was off guard was a no.

“Isaac?”

He sighed before looking at me over his shoulder expectantly.

“Thank you.”

He only nodded before continuing on his way. I found Stiles standing at Scott’s locker.

“If I don’t play, I lose first line and Allison.”

Gabe walked to my side, bumping hips with me.

“Allison’s not going anywhere! And it’s one game that you really don’t need to play.” Stiles said.

Scott looked up from his shoe. “I wanna play!”

Stiles sighed.

Something about the way Scott’s voice sounded and his face looked reminded me of a little kid.

“I wanna be on the team, I wanna go out with Allison. I want a semi-freaking normal life. Do you get that?” His voice faltered.

Stiles nodded.

“We get it.” I spoke.

Stiles sat next to Scott. “Just try not to worry too much while you’re out there, okay?”

Scott nodded.

“Or get angry.”

“I got it.” He nodded again.

“Or stressed.”

“I got it.”

“Don’t think about Allison being in the stands.” Stiles shook his head.

Gabe and I rolled our eyes.

“Or that her father’s trying to kill you. Or that Derek’s trying to kill you.”

I slapped the back of his head as Scott tensed even further. It didn’t seem to stop him.

“Or the girl he killed. Or that you might kill someone.”

Scott was staring at him now, eyes wide with panic.

“If a hunter doesn’t kill you first-”

I clapped my hand over his mouth and avoided eye contact with Isaac as Gabe accidentally met the judgemental gaze of Cole.

“I’m sorry. I’ll stop.” He let out a breath when I uncovered his mouth.

Scott grabbed his gloves, eyes still the size of the moon.

Probably not the best comparison.

“Good luck out there.” I gave Scott’s shoulders a squeeze before making my way out to the field.

I shivered, even wrapped in Isaac’s oversized lacrosse hoodie. Gabe and I sat on the bench in front of the bleachers. He checked the sturdiness of his net before tugging his gloves on.

“God, I hate playing against them.”

A sharp breath escaped my nose as I glanced at the opposing team.

Marble Falls High.

Their players were always big and scary looking.

“There’s no way those kids are all high schoolers.” I huffed, rubbing my hands together.

“Do I really have to tell you to bring a jacket every time, Lupus?” Hands clapped onto my shoulders.

“Hey Dad.”

I looked up, “Hi Dad.”

“Where’s the other one?”

Gabe looked out and pointed to the incoming Stiles and Scott.

“Alright. I just wanted to say hi. I’ll be sitting back there.”

“Okay. Have fun.” Gabe grinned.

“You kids too. Be safe out there.” Dad patted his head before kissing the top of mine and walking off.

“You alright?” Gabe looked over at me.

I shivered again, and something told me that the hoodie wrapped around me was probably half the cause of my goosebumps.

“Lup?”

I shrugged and scooted closer to him, watching as Lydia spoke to Scott and Stiles made his way towards us.

“I’m gonna talk to him later, but I don’t think it’s gonna be easy to get him back to normal. He’s never gonna trust me again.” I whined, thumping my head against Gabe’s shoulder pads.

He patted my knee and kissed the top of my head.

“He’s your best friend and you’re his. You’ll be alright.”

Stiles dropped next to me and sighed.

“How come Scott gets all the cool powers and he’s talking to Lydia Martin?” He whined.

“Because he got bit by a werewolf and now everyone is trying to kill him.” I patted his leg as Coach blew the whistle.

The other team was on their feet in seconds and running to the field, all screams and excitement. I wished Gabe good luck as our team made its way to the field. Isaac grabbed my hand and squeezed it as he passed by. I grinned at the back of his helmet clad head. Upset or not, traditions were traditions. Stiles chewed on the thumb of his glove as everyone positioned themselves accordingly. Dad came up and grabbed Stiles by the shoulders.

“Hey, kid.”

“Hey.” He reluctantly pulled the glove from between his teeth.

“So you think you’ll see any action tonight?”

Stiles’s eyes remained trained on Scott, whereas mine flicked between Scott, Gabe, and Isaac.

“Action?” He repeated.

If Scott wolfing out counts, sure.

“Maybe.” He shrugged.

Jackson got the ball first, and completely ignored the fact that Scott was open. Stiles grumbled beside me as Scott threw his hands up in the air. The game went on like that, until Scott almost got the ball. Jackson rammed into his hip and sent him sprawled across the floor. Stiles and I both winced, and I knew that wherever Melissa was, she had felt that one in her bones. Gabe faltered beside him, but a glare from Coach kept him going.

Jackson got the ball once more and scored. Everyone from Beacon High was on their feet, cheering. Stiles sighed in disbelief as I marked it down and rolled my eyes.

“That’s it, Jackson! Get fired up! Fired up!” Coach yelled, running along the sideline.

Jackson glared at Scott. Stiles groaned again, this time looking up at someone on the bleachers. I followed his line of sight and was met with Lydia and Allison holding up a poster encouraging Jackson.

Scott caught sight of it. Stiles flinched when he saw Scott’s face fall.

“Brutal.”

Oh god, that was not going to end well.

A group of the best players, Gabe included, was herded to the middle of the field by Jackson. Scott stared at them. It occurred to me that he could probably hear them. Danny shook his head before saying something to Jackson. Jackson patted his chest and they dispersed. Gabe sent me a look of concern before jerking his head towards Scott.

Shit.

***

A few seconds before the fourth quarter started, Scott was half bent over on the field, his lacrosse stick across his legs like a weapon. I whistled to catch a ref’s attention. I waved one over and pointed to Scott. He hadn’t caught a ball the entire game, and he did not seem happy.

“Can you just ask him if he’s alright, please?”

The ref nodded and I thanked him. He walked over to Scott and spoke to him. Scott only nodded his head slowly. The other players were now looking at him, and I saw concern in Gabe’s eyes. Isaac glanced at Scott and then me before shaking his head. The ref looked to me and nodded before walking to his place on the field. Jackson was staring at Scott, confusion painted on his face.

A player from the opposing team that had been standing behind Scott took a few steps back. Isaac went to take one forward, but Gabe stopped him, shaking his head. Isaac tried to send me a look, but I avoided it at all costs. Stiles bit down on his glove again, obviously worried.

The score was 3 to 5, and Coach was probably about to ride everyone’s asses. I saw that Scott looked up at something. Allison and Lydia were now holding up a different poster, but it was still glorifying Jackson. Something about Scott’s demeanor changed. The ref was starting the last quarter of the game.

Jackson struggled, and the ball was sent flying. They started actively playing when Scott began to literally jump over other players to catch the ball. I rose to my feet, my hands balled up in the pocket of Isaac’s hoodie. Stiles stiffened beside me. He was wolfing out, and someone was bound to get hurt. I caught Gabe’s eye and gestured toward Isaac. He nodded, agreeing to keep him out of harm’s way.

Scott dodged other people, ignoring opportunities to pass to anyone.

He made the shot.

I could hear Melissa cheering from here, but that only raised the tension. Stiles jumped to his feet, screaming and getting high fives from whoever he could. I knew I should go along, to fit the image and not raise suspicion. But if Scott wasn’t Scott, we were in danger. Jackson huffed in the cold air, visibly angry. Coach started barking orders to pass to Scott as Stiles screamed and jumped and danced next to me.

They set the ball and the opposing team got it. The guy was pretty close to making a play, but when he turned around to see Scott, he stiffened and tossed him the ball. Scott caught it easily. I wrote that down. Stiles bit down on his glove again, his leg bouncing up and down. Coach sat down next to him and looked at both of us.

“Did the opposing team just deliberately pass us the ball?”

Stiles nodded and pulled his glove from his mouth. “Yes, I believe so, Coach.”

Scott ran through the field, dodging opponents like it was nothing. I felt Stiles grimace as Coach spoke again. Scott shot, and the force of the ball blew a hole in the goalie’s net.

Holy shit.

I wrote that down on my arm, but not the clipboard. I would have to ask Stiles if he knew anything about the strength of werewolves. Stiles and Coach jumped up, walking onto the field and cheering. My feet were frozen to the ground, all senses on edge.

“Stilinski! What’re you doing, get out here!” Coach beckoned to me.

I scrambled to catch up with Stiles, who was still screaming with excitement. I noticed Scott looking up, fangs out and eyes aglow. I tensed. He ducked back down.

“What? The ball’s in the net!”

“Ball’s in the net!” Stiles repeated.

Coach and Stiles continued to argue against Marble Fall’s coach. I very narrowly escaped Isaac’s outstretched hand and swallowed the guilt it brought me as I neared Scott. Coach blew the whistle and put both hands up. Our school cheered. Scott looked at him, then the scoreboard. It was now 5 to 5, with 39 seconds left till the end of the game. I felt Isaac’s eyes burning holes into my bones. I ignored it as Coach called me back to the benches. Scott shook his head, now more normal looking than before. My leg was bouncing up and down wildly. Stiles was chewing on his glove again, but this time from excitement. Gabe caught my eye.

Are you okay?

I narrowed my eyes at him.

Do I look okay?

He only huffed and got back into his position, ready to play the end of the game. The ref put the ball down and blew the whistle. Jackson got the ball and passed it to Scott, who ran it towards the goal. Scott stopped and looked around. A low growling noise came from the field. I jabbed Stiles in the side with my elbow.

“He’s been like this since we started, Sti.”

“Oh no, no, no. Scott, no, no.” Stiles mumbled, standing up.

I followed suit, waving at Gabe and pointing to the other side of the field. I didn’t want him too close to this. Seven seconds left on the timer. Scott remained frozen. The opposing team cornered him in against the goal, charging at him from both sides. He shot.

He made it.

Beacon Hills won and so Beacon Hills cheered.

I groaned as Stiles threw his hands up.

“Yes!” He laughed joyfully. “Oh my god!”

Scott was running off the field, back into the school.

How was he gonna explain that one to Allison?

Actually… how would I explain any of this to him?

I noticed Isaac approach from the corner of my eye. The guilt of dodging him earlier came back and I ran to Gabe, throwing my arms around him even though he smelled awful.

“What?” He patted my back with his glove-clad hand.

“I can’t talk to him right now.” I hissed back.

“Alright. Come on, let’s go sit with Dad and Stiles.” He pulled a glove off and held my hand as we walked back to the bleachers.

Dad was on the phone, covering his other ear with his free hand. Stiles was sitting on the bench. He perked up when he saw us.

“Have either of you seen Scott?”

“He ran off to the school.” Isaac’s voice rang out before I could open my mouth.

My heart thumped inside my ribcage, and I praised the skies that he couldn’t hear it.

“Uh huh.” Dad mumbled into the phone.

I slowly shuffled on my feet to face the head of blond curls.

“Dad, what’s wrong?” Stiles asked.

The four of us turned to look at the Sheriff of Beacon Hills, who only put a hand up to pause Stiles right there.

“Are we gonna talk or?” Isaac looked at me expectantly.

I glanced at Stiles, who nodded. I grabbed Gabe’s shoulder.

“Let me know what Dad’s talking about.” I whispered.

He only nodded and patted my arm. I sighed and followed Isaac as he walked. I reached out for his hand only to stop myself. We stopped in the quad by the library. I sat next to him on the bench, picking at my fingers nervously.

“What did you want to talk about?”

I sighed, wondering how I would put this into words.

“Lupus?”

I let out a sharp breath.

“Look, the things that are happening with Scott…” I trailed off, licking over my lips.

“What about them? Is Jackson right? Is Scott on drugs, and you’re covering for him?” His tone was accusatory, and it hurt.

“No! God, no.” I rubbed the bridge of my nose.

“Then what, Lupus? I never thought you would lie to me like this, much less over Scott. You know how I feel and it hurts that you’re lying to me.” His voice softened at the end.

“Isaac, I-”

My phone rang, cutting me off. I pulled it out to cut the call short, but it was Gabe. I glanced at Isaac with pleading eyes.

“Two seconds.”

He rolled his eyes and nodded, “Go for it.”

I put the phone to my ear and resisted the urge to walk off. I was sure I wouldn’t want Isaac to hear whatever Gabe had to tell me, but if I walked away, regaining his trust would only get harder.

“Shoot.”

“M.E. said killer was animal, not human. Derek’s out of jail.”

“Fuck.”

“There’s more.” Gabe added.

“What else?”

“Dad id’d both halves of the corpse. Laura Hale. Derek’s sister.”

“Great. I’ll see you soon.”

“You too, be careful. I love you.”

“I love you too kid.”

My thumb slammed on the end call button. Isaac only looked at me with cold eyes, nostrils flared.

“I swear I will tell you what I need to tell you later.”

He nodded, lips a straight and colorless line. He stared straight ahead before grabbing his bag of gear and tossing it over his shoulder, going off into the dark. I groaned.

I made my way back to the locker room fairly quickly, passing by the lacrosse field on the way. It was empty, save for Jackson, who was walking towards the middle of the field. I ducked behind the bleachers, curious as to what he was doing. He bent down and picked up a spare glove.

He inspected it before shaking his head. I noticed another figure creeping from the shadows. He glared at me before stepping into a lighter area.

Derek Hale.

I was probably going to die tonight, too.

Jackson turned, eyes widening at the sight of Derek.

Practically everything within me screamed to run. The sheriff’s daughter in me was kicking, begging me to get out of there. But I stayed. They looked at each other for a few seconds before Derek turned and walked back into the dark. He sent me a passing look, but said nothing. I made sure Jackson wasn’t watching as I ran back to the school.

Trying to survive the next week was sure to be lots of fun.

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