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fanon-elio · 2 months ago

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By your side.

Part 2

Summary: You are the CEO of a big company and hired Lycaon as your personal attendant, however it seems that your wolfish butler has developed a crush on you. So while you and him were on a business trip, both of you were forced to confront your growing feelings for eachother.

Tag: Green Letter (Sfw)

Pairing: Von Lycaon x fem!reader (afab)

Disclaimer: This story is completely fictional and is not canon. You are responsible for the content you consume, so if the following warnings trigger you, you may read at your own risk.

Warnings: Fluff, Slow burn'ish, long fic, mutual pining, reader is smaller than lycaon, lycaon is down bad horrendous, friends to lovers type stuff, slight suggestive themes, spoilers for Lycaon's agent story.

Other warnings: lowkey my first fanfiction, so bare with me here. (T^T)

I added some throw-away characters to the story as plot devices, no they're not oc's and they hold no importance to the story other than providing character development.

This fic contains a lot of scenarios written in Lycaons pov cuz i eat this shit up for breakfast.

Welcome back, i hope ur doing well?

Once again, i apologize for any mistakes you may find. I'm honestly suprised how well this fanfiction is coming along, i hope you will continue to enjoy reading it, just as much as i enjoy writing it.

Constructive criticism is always appreciated.

Enjoy.

"How much time do we have left?" Your voice rang out "we have three more hours until the gala master" Lycaon responded as he put his watch back into his breast pocket. He dutifully stood guard in front of the changing room you were currently occupying as you changed through a bunch of different outfits to find the right attire for tonight's event.

The day had already started turbulent.

Not only because you had a rough time getting out of bed, but more so because Lycaon had the shock of his life last night. He thought he had seen you watching him from the hallway when he went to get himself a midnight snack. He shuddered when he thought about you having seen him in such an unsightly state.

It was hard enough for him to face you this morning after what he had dreamed last night, the memory of which still sitting heavy in his mind. The innocent hug you two shared yesterday had been morphed by his dream into a lewd scene, with imaginations of his hands lustfully roaming your body while his lips were on yours. Swallowing all your sweet noises.

Certainly, he was shocked being woken up in the middle of the night, and by such a dirty fantasy at that. He had made his way to the kitchen in hopes a snack and a cool glass of water would extinguish that flame in his stomach, almost choking on both when he swore he had seen you peeking around the corner. But it seemed that this had just been his mind playing a cruel trick on him.

He knew it was incredibly inaproprate of him to think of you in such a manner. However, when you reached your hand beyond the red curtain of the changing room, he couldn't help his mind from wandering when his hand brushed against yours as he handed you the dress you picked out.

He had never noticed how small your hand was compared to his, and wondered how it would feel to hold it in his, or how it would feel gently combing through his fur. His tail wagged a little as he continued to dwell on this thought.

Would you pet him if he would allow you to? How would it feel if you would pet his head? His tail? If you would run your hands up and down his chest down to his stomach and-

His tails' movement halted abruptly while he tried to drown out his most recent thoughts. He felt awfull to lust after you in such a manner - to lust after his best friend.

"Lycaon can you help me real quick? I can't reach the zipper" you called out to him and for some reason it sounded even more alluring to him than normally. "Of course, master" he took a step forward and gently pushed the red curtain to the side, coming face to face with your exposed back and neck. The flame in his stomach once again igniting.

He swallowed thickly as his fingers gripped the zipper, gently pulling it upwards and closing the dress "thanks a bunch" you said, and he took a step back, pulling the curtain shut to once again separate both of you.

Lycaon was glad he was covered in fur so no one could see the aggressive blush covering his face. Discreetly, he moved his tail to cover his crotch, while his not so savory thoughts ran rampant in his mind.

He cursed at his current situation.

Lycaon was no fool, he clearly loved you, and wanted to be more to you than just your personal attendant and best friend. But he was painfully aware of the consequences you both would have to face. He cringed as he imagined the news articles.

'Head of Victoria housekeeping, Von Lycaon revealed to be cavorting with one of his clients, how will this impact their businesses?'

Both of you worked so hard to get to the point where you are now, with succesful businesses under your supervision.

Such a scandal would no doubt ruin you both, and honestly he would like to avoid any more unwanted publicity, especially after his job at the Evergreens. Where everyone's eyes were on him and Victoria housekeeping for somehow allowing their underage client to be involved in a pub sec sting operation to apprehend a gang of criminals.

Having to face Lilacs father that day was probably one of the most difficult situations of his career, his only luck was Lilac having his back which he was still very grateful for.

He needed to have himself better in check, he wasn't just concerned about his own future, but also yours.

Much like himself, you build your business from the ground up, created an empire from nothing. You were a good person who worked hard to help others with your work, and who deserved nothing but the best. He wouldn't allow himself to ruin that for you. And yet there was a part of him wanting to give you two a shot, to indulge in the fantasy of sharing his life and future with you. The thought of falling asleep, and waking up next to you was one of his favourite fantasies.

But regrettably it had to remain just that, a fantasy.

"What do you think" he snapped out of his thoughts and his breath caught in his throat as you stepped beyond the curtain. Your dress fitting you like a glove, hugging you in all the right places, looking beyond enchanting.

You were beyond enchanting.

"Beautiful" he said absentmindedly which made you blush a little. Upon realizing what he just said, Lycaon quickly cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure after his little slip up.

"Good, I think I'm done for now" you exclaimed

"now to you"

his eye widened "pardon?"

"You also need a new suit for tonight" you exclaimed as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Since you're my attendant, you also represent me in a way" he couldn't argue with that logic he thought "very well master, if this is what you wish"

You gave him a smile so bright it almost made him dizzy, as you darted straight to the men's department of the boutique. Lycaon turned around, and once again pushed the red curtain in front of him to the side, now taking your spot in the changing room.

Turns out finding a suit in Lycaons size that somewhat matched with your dress was more difficult than both of you had anticipated, however that still wasn't enough to make your resolve waver.

So with the bag that contained your dress for reference and the shop's assistant trailing after you, carrying the comically large amount of suits in her arms you picked out, you made your way towards the changing room where Lycaon was waiting for you with held breath.

This was the first time you could treat Lycaon to something and you were sure to make it count.

"Are you ready" you spoke to him from your side of the curtain, "I am" he replied even though he was quite nervous deep inside. He always just wore his usual attire when he was working, his usual dress shirt and his vest, the thought of wearing something different while he was on duty felt a little intimidating to him, but you sounded so excited about it, and he didn't want to take that excitement from you.

However, the thought of wearing attire that matched with yours sounded very pleasing to him, that one certain sentence once again invading his mind

Lycaon is to remain by my side.

Many minutes and suits later both of you were slowly giving up hope, you already accepted him to just accompany you in his usual attire even though it would totally take away from the experience. You hoped that the last suite you picked out would do the trick, even though you don't quite know what drew you to it.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the curtain, the Wolf thiren inspected himself in the mirror, a small smile starting to form on his lips. The suit you had picked out for him fit him perfectly, and not only that, but he had to admit he looked quite good in it as well, which soothed his nerves about being out of uniform. He couldn't wait to see your reaction and hoped you would smile at him again like you did earlier, his tail slowly swishing from side to side as he fixed his tie.

You covered your mouth in shock the moment he moved the curtain to the site, presenting himself to you "oh my god, that's the one" you exclaimed, satisfaction clear in your voice "it fits you perfectly, you look so good!" his tail wagged a little at your compliment "thank you master" and you once again graced him with that beautifully bright smile of yours. Now that he's seen how happy this made you, he was glad he gave into your request because the longer he wore it, the more he started to like it.

After he changed back, both of you made your way to the register. Lycaon was about to reach for his wallet but you stopped him "this one's on me" he frowned, feeling a little unsure "I'm sorry master, but I can't possibly accept this, at least allow me to pay you back" he reasoned, but it fell on def ears "you can, and you will" you chimed, giving the cashier your credit card "see it as a small token of my gratitude" It seems there was no room for negotiation, better to just accept it he thought "you can always use it for future occasion" you said, and he already thought about what future occasions you two would be attending together. But first of all, both of you had to get through tonight's ordeal.

However it seemed that your luck had run out as you and Lycaon walked through the sliding door, sharing a sigh as you took in the sight of the torrential downpour currently plaguing the once so lively shopping street.

"What now? Do we have enough time to wait till it stopps raining?" You ask Lycaon and he took a look at his pocket watch, only two hours left "I'm afraid not Master" he told you. You watched as the streets got emptier and emptier, all of the people who hadn't been prepared quickly seeking shelter from the rain.

"So do we make a run for it?" You ask him, and he pondered, internally berating himself for having been too mentally occupied to bring and umbrella or at least having taken a look at the weather forecast this morning. He was about to put his watch back into his vest's breast pocket when an idea shot through his head. He didn't have an umbrella, and he couldn't drive the car into the pedestrain area to pick you up either, but he could use something else to shield you from the rain.

He unbottoned his vest and your eyes widened. "Since we don't have an umbrella, this will have to suffice" he said, holding his vest over your head as you both moved into the rain "wait, what about you?" You asked him as you tried to stop him "I'll be fine" he told you "it is important that you don't get wet and catch a cold, as a wolf thiren I have a stronger immune system, so i won't get sick that easily" he told you, and gave you quick smile to ease your worry "besides, the car is not far from here, so there is no need to worry master."

The sound of the rain filled your ears as you clutched your shopping bags close to your chest, trying to make sure none of the bought items would get wet from the rain. Lycaon on the other hand was already completely soaked, you felt bad for him as you glanced at him, hoping his prosthetics were rust resistant.

You made the mistake of letting your gaze wander lower, but once you noticed his wet shirt sticking to his muscled torso, the damage was already done. It reminded you of last night when you shamelessly checked him out, or the dream you had of him shortly after as you imagined letting your hands wander over his pecks and abs down to his- "Is everything alright? Am I walking to fast?" His voice rang out, totally catching you off guard "no no, everything is alright" you told him, casting your gaze back to the ground as you carefully took one step before the other in an attempt to not trip accidentally, your face burning from embarassment.

You couldn't help the thought invading your mind of how romantic this scene must look to an outside perspective. Like something straight out of that one romance movie you had picked up a while back from random play. Embarassingly imagining you and Lycaon in the main roles.

Secretly, Lycaon shared your thought. He didn't mind getting wet when it ment you wouldn't get sick. He'd do anything to ease your worries, from which you definitely had too many as of late. He was glad Rina wasn't here to witness his current predicament, being sure she would tease him mercilessly as she had done time and time again.

His feelings for you weren't a secret to his employees since he had made the decision to ask them for advice, albeit it not being one of his smartest as he remembered how Rina had pinched his cheek, swooning over how "the oh so stoic Sir Lycaon had fallen in love." Ellen hadn't been that great of a help either, telling him to "just ask her out bro" as she tipped away at her phone.

Surprisingly though, it was Corin who probably had the best advice for him. She had told him that "he shouldn't bury his feelings under professionalism, because that way being in love just won't feel good." Her maturity on the situation had really impressed him.

He had even asked master patheon for advice, since they noticed that he had been a bit distracted on their recent partnered commissions. Master Wise hadn't been able to help him much, having trouble finding love himself, while Master Belle has had quite a similar reaction to Rina as she handed him a romance movie she had dug out of a box behind the counter a few minutes prior.

Even though he was thankfull for their advice, he had not taken Belle up on her offer. So now imagine how suprised he had been when you showed up with the exact same movie just two days later. It seems he would have to have a little chat with Master Belle the next time he visited sixth street.

He cringed as he felt water run down his back. He hoped that the streets weren't too packed so both of you wouldn't waste any time on your way back to your shared abode. He desperately needed a shower before the Gala.

After a while you two finally reached the car and made your way back to the vacation home. It seems Lycaon's prayer had been heared, since traffic hadn't been much of an issue.

Lycaon sighed as he wringed out his tail, a few drops of water splashing onto the pavement of the driveway. You had told him to stay put while you went to grab him a towel. He sat on the front steps as he chuckled at the irony that a glass of water last night hadn't been enough to extinguish this fire of lust in his stomach, so the universe send him an entire rain shower. It was admittedly awfully dramatic and over the top, but it seemed to have worked.

"Here you go" you put the towel over his head, shortly obscuring his vision. "Thank you for earlier, you're a real gentleman" you said, gently rubbing the towel over his head as he tried to memorize the feeling of your touch, dispite the towel being in the way "It is my duty, master" he said "still-" you gently butted in, now crouched in front of him as you looked into his eye "don't push yourself to much" you said and he let out an amused huff, wanting to say "you're one to talk" but deciding against it.

You gently cupped his wet cheek and he felt his heart skip several beats "you're very cold" you exclaimed and he swallowed thickly, as he accidentally caught a glimpse of your cleavage "I think you should take a shower and warm yourself up" you said and he nodded. You grabbed the shopping bags and made your way into the house, leaving Lycaon as he tried to ignore the feeling growing in his crotch.

Nevermind, not even the rain had helped.

---~---

5:00 pm

Only one more hour until the gala.

Standing in front of a mirror, Lycaon gave some small adjustments to his appearance, using a lint roller to clean his new suit of any stray hair that could possibly be stuck to it. He couldn't help but feel a bit nervous, it is not often that he attended such a big and important event.

As he heard the faint clicking of your high heels, he wondered how you must feel, all eyes will be on you tonight after all since it is not often that you show yourself in public.

He fixed his tie as he noticed your reflection in the mirror "do you have a moment" the sight of you almost took his breath away, you looked even better than earlier, your hair neatly done and a gorgeous pair of earrings hanging from your ears, a small purse clutched under your arm and a lipstick so gorgeous, it made your lips appear even more kissable. "Could you help me with my necklace please" you asked him and, he obliged immediately, taking the filigree accessory in his clawed hands.

He was reminded of earlier when you had asked him to help you with your dress, even more so when you gently move your hair to the side, once again exposing your neck and shoulder to him. He swallowed thickly, eyes focusing on the tender skin as he thought how pretty a hickey would look on you.

You seemed to notice his dilemma when you looked at his reflection in the mirror, but you misunderstand his thought process, writing off his expression as mere nervousness "wait, I wanted to give you something" you told him, gently reaching for his arm and he halted his movement, waiting for you to carry on.

You opened a drawer and pulled out a black box in which you searched for something, then took a step back when it seems you have found what you have been looking for.

"Here hold still" you took a step closer to him and reached for his tie, gently attaching a golden tie clip to it. You were so close in this moment. He wanted to embrace you like he did yesterday, but this time he wouldn't let go, wanting to hold you forever in his arms. "There, now you're all set" you said, one of his ears flicking in curiosity which you seemed to understand "it's a family heirloom, I thought it would suit you perfectly" you explained, and his gaze falls on the golden accessory. He was at awe that you were so willing to lend him such an important item, as he gently traced it with a clawed hand.

"Look at us, we're totally in partner look!" you said smugly, patting him on the shoulder. When he looked into the mirror, however, all he noted was how perfect you two look together. Corin's words found their way into his mind again.

Of how he shouldn't bury his feelings under professionalism, because that way being in love wouldn't feel good, and he agreed. Even if it's just another fantasy, maybe he could think that you and him were going on a date tonight.

Tonight, he was going to fully enjoy spending time with you, and he was going to fully enjoy being in love with you.

"Partner look indeed."

---~---

Part 3 ->

-> to be continued.

So the story is coming along quite well, and it's honestly super interessting how you can always find new ideas to add to it. I unironically have the entire fanfiction sitting patiently in my notes, and whenever i work on a new part, i take a part from it and rewrite it a little, just to smooth out the wrinkles so to speak.

But, that doesn't mean i'm already completely done with the fanfiction cuz that part is still missing, wink wink nudge nudge.

As always, part 3 will probably drop in a week from now. In the meantime here is a little something something, think nothing of it.

See you guys around. -Elio

#von lycaon x reader #lycaon x reader #zzz x you #von lycaon #zzz von lycaon #zzz x reader #fluff #furry #x reader #werewolf x human #werewolf x reader

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maria021015 · 5 months ago

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SPOILERS AHEAD FOR CHAPTER 47!

Zaida strutted through the library and made a beeline for the two dark-haired individuals studying together at one of the back tables. “We need to talk to you,” She slammed her hands down on the tabletop, eyes landing on Allison.

“We need to talk to you guys too,” Scott looked between both her and Stiles.

“You first,” Stiles nodded and pulled out two seats - one for himself and one for Zaida. She looked at him with wary eyes, hesitating for a moment before slowly lowering herself onto the chair.

“Look, I know you said I shouldn’t go back to Gerard…” Allison started, chewing slightly on her bottom lip.

“Yeah I know what I said, and actually, I think that you might be right.” Zaida interrupted. “We spoke to Peter yesterday, and something happened in Beacon Hills almost ten years ago - something that had a lot to do with Gerard and Deucalion. The only thing is…”

“We got the story from Peter, who isn’t exactly a reliable narrator.” Stiles finished her sentence for her.

“I could tell when he was lying,” Zaida tapped the side of her nose knowingly. “But there were times when I’m pretty sure he was telling the truth.”

“Well, we actually went to see Gerard yesterday,” Scott spoke up hesitantly. “He was telling us about something that happened in Beacon Hills between the hunters and werewolves years ago. Maybe the same thing?”

“What did you give him in exchange?” The shorter brunette arched a brow questioningly.

“Scott took his pain away.” Allison answered.

“Whilst I wish you wouldn’t have gone behind our backs, I agree that this time maybe it worked in our favour. If we can compare notes we can probably get down to the truth - or at least get closer to it.” Zaida sighed, relenting. “What did he tell you?”

“According to Gerard, he and my dad were tracking Ennis and his pack down. They were looking for one of Ennis’ betas who killed two hunters. They followed them to Beacon Hills where Ennis had called a meeting with other werewolf packs.” Allison began.

“Ennis, Kali and Deucalion,” Zaida nodded, filling in the gaps based on the information Peter had provided them. “They were here to meet with a local alpha for advice.”

“Right. There was a highly respected and powerful alpha with the unique ability to shape-shift into an actual wolf. She was like a leader amongst them.” Scott continued.

“And also Peter’s sister and Derek’s mother.” Stiles clarified. “Talia Hale.”

“Dad and Gerard tracked down Ennis’ beta and executed him, but there were two other betas that night that they followed to an old druid cellar.” The huntress added.

“The cellar Peter and Derek hid in.” Zaida pointed out excitedly.

“In the cellar there were the roots of an old tree where a druid sacrifice had taken place once. It’s called a Nemeton - some sort of ancient sacred druid tree.” Allison described. “Gerard told us this myth about Lycaon-”

“The original werewolf. I know this one.” The shorter girl interjected. “The story goes that Lycaon was amongst a group of people who dishonoured the ancient Greek gods by instead choosing to honour the titans. Ironically, Deucalion was one of them - the son of Prometheus. Lycaon invited Zeus to a feast where he tried to serve him human flesh, provoking the king of gods to punish Lycaon and his songs by turning them into wolves.”

“Yes, but according to Gerard, there’s more.” The huntress held up a finger. “Lycaon then sought out druids for help, believing that they knew how to shape-shift. The druids couldn’t make them fully human again, but they did teach them how to shift back and forth between man and wolf. This established an advisory relationship between the two that still continues.”

“That’s where emissaries come in. Deaton was Talia’s emissary, and his sister Morrell…is Deucalion's.” Stiles sighed heavily.

“Morrell is with the alphas?” Scott blanched.

“So that’s what she was doing at the bank…” Allison muttered under her breath and at her friends’ curious glances she elaborated. “That night when we broke Cora and Boyd out from the vault, Morrell was there. She warned me that the alphas were coming and told me to hide.”

“That doesn��t sound like someone evil,” Scott pointed out.

“Maybe she’s not,” Allison suggested.

“Are you guys hearing yourselves right now? Morrell - the woman advising the alpha pack - might not be evil? The woman advising a pack of brutal, murdering, maiming, werewolves as they execute their murdering and maiming?” Stiles scoffed.

“I’m with Stiles on this one.” Zaida shook her head in disbelief. “I had a bad feeling about her from day one.”

“What did Gerard say happened next? Because according to Peter, the werewolves all met to discuss Ennis’ murdered beta and how to handle the situation. Ennis wanted them to exact revenge, some agreed, others wanted a peaceful solution. Deucalion was - reportedly and surprisingly - one of the ones advocating for peace.” Stiles snorted.

“Well, as Talia’s emissary, Deaton went to Gerard to arrange a meeting with Deucalion. Gerard claims that he knew Deucalion had ill intentions from the start - that when the hunters arrived at the meeting place they were ambushed and Gerard was forced to retaliate. He blasted Deucalion’s eyes out with flash-bang arrows.” Allison swallowed deeply. “No other hunters survived.”

“In the photos with my parents, Deucalion wasn’t blind yet.” Zaida noted. “The timeline would make sense. When my parents asked to leave Deucalion’s pack, he wasn’t thrilled, but he respected their wishes. It was only years later, when I was seven, that he started hunting us down. That would place it at almost ten years ago. It would have been right after that attack - right after Deucalion lost his eyesight.”

“Only he didn’t lose his eyesight - not completely. Gerard said that he can still see when he’s in wolf form.” Scott revealed.

“Actually, that makes sense,” Zaida’s eyes brightened with realisation. “That night at the mall, I couldn’t figure out how he knew my attack was coming, let alone what it was or where it came from. He must have seen the ice. That’s why he came after me himself - he knew from then that there was a water nymph in the building.”

“So Gerard was telling the truth,” Allison mused.

“No, not entirely.” Zaida shook her head. “I don’t think Deucalion was always what he is now. My parents were in his pack, they wouldn’t have been a part of it if it was anything like it is now.”

“Plus, Peter has no reason to lie about Deucalion advocating for peace - it had nothing to do with the story he was telling us.” Stiles identified the lack of motive.

“Gerard was lying. They weren’t ambushed. They attacked Deucalion and his pack at a peace treaty, turning Deucalion into what he is today. Gerard is the reason Deucalion came after my parents. He’s the reason they’re dead.” Zaida spoke slowly in a grave tone, anger bubbling beneath the surface. This time when Stiles reached across the table to clasp her hand with a supportive squeeze, the looks on both Allison and Scott's faces told Zaida that it wasn't just her mind fabricating things. What the hell was he doing?

“Pass me another one?” Zaida’s arm shot out between the two front seats, her hand opening and closing expectantly until her fingers closed around cold glass. “Thanks hun!”

“What number is that?” Allison asked with a slight edge of concern to her voice.

Twisting off the top and dropping it to where it quickly became abandoned on the back floor of Lydia’s car amongst a pile of empty bottles, Zaida took a long swig of the sweet, bubbly liquid inside. She bobbed her head along to the sounds of the radio as the moonlight streaming through the windows broke every few feet with the shadow of a looming tree. “Numbers…I hate numbers. You know what, math is useless! When am I ever gonna use math? You know what I would use, though? Boys. Well, I mean, not boys themselves, but like, a class about them. Boys are so confusing!”

“You mean Stiles is confusing?” Lydia drawled over the sound of the wind whipping through the vehicle as they drove through the empty streets on their way back from picking up food and drinks.

“Yeah, Stiles! How’d you know I was talking about him?” The raven-haired girl giggled and reached her arm around the seat in front of her to poke Lydia’s cheek, sculling more of her drink. “Are you a witch? Is that why your hair is red?”

“Must be,” Lydia sighed tiredly, but not unfondly, her voice drowned out slightly by the music.

“Oh wait, wait! Turn up the volume, this is perfect!” Zaida laughed hysterically, throwing her head back against the seats, though there was no humour in her tone. She finished off the bottle with a loud smack of her lips, dropping it to join the pile with a loud clatter.

Allison complied with a wary expression, turning the volume knob from the passenger’s seat. As the song played louder Zaida leaned forward between the front seats to caress Lydia’s face and brush through her hair as she sang the lyrics to her in an off-key tune. “Your beauty is beyond compare, with flaming locks of auburn hair, with ivory skin and eyes of emerald green!”

“Okay, I think that’s enough of that,” Lydia took one hand off the wheel to push Zaida away until her back hit the seat of the car.

“Oh come on, Lyds. It’s true! What’s the point in crying when I can laugh instead.” The brunette cried out and continued to wail the words to the song. “I can easily understand how you could easily take my man, but you don’t know what he means to me, Jolene!”

The radio shut off with a definitive click. “We are never letting you drink again.” Allison shook her head at the girl who was now lightly sobbing.

“Is alcohol supposed to make my chest hurt?” Zaida sniffed and rubbed at the aching spot, tears rolling down her cheeks and smudging her makeup.

“That’s the heartbreak, sweetheart.” The redhead sighed sombrely, guilt rising within her at the knowledge that her best friend was suffering because of her - indirectly, but she was involved regardless.

“I don’t get it, Lyds. He’s giving me all of these mixed signals. Why is he mooning over you one minute and then touching me and holding my hand the next?” Zaida wiped the back of her jumper sleeve across her face. “Does he not notice he’s doing it? Is he just being friendly? Does he know I like him? Is he messing with me? I just can’t figure it out. It’s like he’s dangling hope in front of me just to snatch the carrot away.”

“That’s not the saying,” Lydia sighed deeply. “Look, hun, maybe we should talk about this when you’re sober.”

“Give her about ten minutes,” Allison shrugged. “If she stops drinking her healing will kick in and clear the alcohol from her system.”

Surely enough, after a few minutes, Zaida went quiet, staring wordlessly at the blur of passing objects outside her window. It was only once she recognised a familiar street that she frowned and looked to the girls up the front of the car. “Aren’t we heading back to Lydia’s house?” She questioned, confusion mixing with the slight ache in her temples.

“Yeah, why?” Allison glanced back at her.

“Then why are we turning into the school parking lot?” Zaida held up a finger directed at the Beacon Hills High main building.

“That’s a good question, actually.” Allison mumbled looking at Lydia who had seemingly fallen into a trance. “Lydia?”

The redhead didn't answer. She simply pulled her black Beetle into one of the multitude of empty car spaces. “Lydia?” Allison repeated and the girl snapped out of her reverie with a slight jump.

“Hmm?” Her head turned to look at the brunette beside her.

“Lydia, why are we at the school?” Allison asked gently and the redhead looked around her with furrowed brows.

“...I- I don’t know,” She answered, stumbling over her own words and reaching for the door handle.

“Wait,” Allison held out a hand to stop the girl, remembering what had happened the last time she’d drive to a place by accident. “Maybe we should call Scott and Stiles first. Tell them to meet us at the front of the school.”

“Bags not it,” Zaida groaned, massaging her forehead with her fingers. The last thing she wanted to do right now was call Stiles when she was in such a state.

“I’ll call.” Lydia offered and slipped her phone out from her handbag.

“Where is she?” Stiles ran up to Allison, slamming the door to his Jeep behind him and not even looking back to check that it had shut properly. His mind was firmly on needing to find the girl with the raven hair and enchanting eyes.

“Which one are you asking about?” The huntress arched a brow in challenge.

“...Neither. Both.” Stiles stumbled over his words. “Just, where are they?”

“Over there.” Allison rolled her eyes and nodded her head towards her two friends who were standing beneath the awning.

“Zaida? Lydia?” The boy headed straight for them, leaving Allison to shoot Scott a questioning expression that the werewolf pretended not to interpret. The two trailed after the frantic boy. "What happened?"

“It's the same thing - same thing as the pool. I got into the car heading somewhere totally different, and ended up here.” Lydia explained in a shaky voice. “...And you told me to call you if there's a dead body.”

“You found a dead body?” Stiles gawked incredulously, his eyes flickering to the girl beside the redhead who was tugging her sleeves further over her hands, drowning in an oversized jumper and distractingly tiny skirt that just barely brushed the top of her thighs. Had she seen it? Was that why she was currently avoiding looking anywhere but at the toes of her thigh-high boots?

“Not yet…” Lydia pursed her lips nervously.

His reaction was torn between ‘Oh thank God’, and what he actually said, which was, “‘Not yet’? What do you mean, ’not yet’? Lydia, you're supposed to call us after you find the dead body.”

“Oh, no. I'm not doing that again. You find the dead body from now on.” She scoffed, shaking her head defiantly.

“How are we supposed to find the dead body? You're always the one finding the dead body!” He continued to pester the redhead and Zaida bit her tongue. It was just like she’d said earlier - he would do something that would give her a glimmer of hope only to return right back to Lydia.

“Maybe she doesn’t want to find the damn body,” The shorter brunette muttered bitterly.

“Guys...?” Scott called to them from where he’d wandered off unnoticed amongst their bickering. “I found the dead body.”

Turning their heads and slowly approaching, surely enough, a humanoid form was draped over the ‘Beacon Hills High School’ entry sign - stomach down and arm hanging limply off the edge. The moonlight glinted off the woman’s open and lifeless eyes as dark liquid poured from beneath her, dripping over the face of the sign and pooling into the grass below.

“Oh my God,” Zaida’s whimper was muffled by her hands as they flew to clasp over her mouth. “...Is that…? Oh my God, I think it is!”

“Did you know her?” Allison’s doe eyes widened and she quickly moved to grasp Zaida’s shoulder’s turning her away from the woman’s body. Instead of facing the deputy’s corpse, she was now staring at Stiles’ shell shocked face, drained of all colour and frozen into a stare.

“...Tara?” The boy whispered, only tearing his gaze away from the officer when Zaida began audibly sobbing in front of him. She couldn’t shake the image of the woman’s body laying so stiffly and unnaturally. Tara, the woman who had always greeted her with a warm smile at the station. Tara, who had beamed whenever Zaida had brought an extra container of food for her. The last time she had seen the woman she’d been so bright, so vivid, so…alive. That body that was burned behind Zaida’s eyelids was just a shell - it wasn’t Tara. It was like looking at a wax figure.

As if it were second nature, Stiles stepped forward and pulled the girl into his chest as if he could shield her from what she had already seen. Zaida’s form stiffened for a long moment in surprise before she responded, hands wrapping around his middle. He could feel her shaking like a leaf in a storm. Her breathing was shallow, uneven and far too fast, indicating her state of panic. He himself was trying to catch his breath, feeling as though the air had been punched from his lungs. He’d known Tara since he was a kid - she used to spend time with him when his father was busy working and there was no one else to look after him. She’d helped him pick out his tux for Winter Formal, and she’d taught him how to avoid all of the speed cameras in town. Now she was gone. He’d never walk into the station and see her at the front desk again, or hear her admonishing him over the police radio for listening in when he wasn’t meant to be. A singular tear rolled down his own cheek, falling into Zaida’s mass of dark hair. It could have been worse, he told himself. So much worse. It could have been his dad lying there with his head bashed in and his throat slit.

Out of everyone in the friendship group Stiles gave the best hugs. Allison's hugs were almost non-existent, but when they did occur they felt too sharp, and a little too limp. Lydia gave decent hugs, but they were rare and the smallest bit too tight. Scott’s hugs were a little awkward - at least with her they were. But Stiles’ hugs? Stiles’ hugs were perfect. He was soft and broad and warm…His fingers wound through her hair, resting at the back of her neck with a comforting pressure. Burying her nose into the fabric that covered his chest, she could still smell his lingering cologne - faint but easily recognisable. Taking in deep, stabilising breaths she counted in her mind. Five things.

Tara’s lifeless eyes…the blood staining the sign…

Okay, maybe she should skip from five and go straight to four. Four things. The cool wind playing with the hem of her skirt. Stiles’ soft shirt against her cheek. The pounding of his heart beneath it. His firm back under her fingertips. Three things. The breeze, and the crickets chirping and his heavy breathing by her ear. Two things. His cologne, and peppermint gum. The rest of the world seemed to fade away into a hazy blur. Zaida briefly registered the others talking and moving around them, but she focused on keeping her breathing steady and on the feeling of Stiles surrounding her.

Deep breaths. In. And out.

In. And out.

The sound of sirens approaching grew louder in the distance. They would have to separate soon and answer questions. Soon, but not quite yet.

Neither Zaida, nor Stiles spoke a word to one another since finding Tara’s body. When his father arrived at the scene, he’d ordered the officers to leave them alone, taking testimony from the others instead. The two teens had separated from their embrace silently, both of them still in a semblance of shock. Allison had offered to stay the night with Lydia so the redhead wouldn’t be alone, allowing Zaida to leave the scene early with Stiles. The ride back to the Stilinski household in the Jeep was so quiet that they could both hear every clunk and thunk of loose metal and faulty equipment.

Still, neither of them spoke as Stiles handed Zaida a spare bag of clothes she’d left at his place for her to get changed before bed. She had done so slowly, her whole body feeling both pain and numbness at once. When she’d finished, she made her way into Stiles’ bedroom, taking a seat on the end of his bed and staring at her own hands in her lap as her fingers twisted her rings around and around and around. The whole night since discovering the sacrificial corpse felt like somewhat of a dizzy blur.

“Tara was filling in Xander’s position.” She finally said in a trembling voice when she felt as though she was no longer at risk of tumbling over the edge and into a panic attack. “That could have been him - that could have been my brother.”

“But it wasn’t. Xander is okay - he’s safe.” Stiles mumbled from where he was seated next to her, turning his head only just enough to get a good look at her red-rimmed eyes and glistening cheeks.

“I feel awful,” She squeaked in an unusually high pitched tone, avoiding meeting his eyes as her stomach twisted sickeningly. Her previous frustration and hurt suddenly felt entirely juvenile given the circumstances.

“Why? It’s not your fault,” He assured her and the mattress shifted beneath them as he readjusted his position to face her. The boy’s hand reached out and caressed her loose hair back from her face tenderly in what he hoped was a soothing gesture. He knew her tendency to blame herself when things went wrong, and seeing her so pained struck his own heart.

“I feel awful and disgusting because for a moment - when it sank in that it could have been Xander’s body - I was so relieved.” She swallowed deeply, yet that feeling of something large being stuck in her throat wouldn’t go away.

“That doesn’t make you a bad person. It’s what anyone would feel - I felt it.” He promised her quietly, revealing his own internal thoughts. “I was glad it wasn’t my dad.”

That seemed to reassure Zaida as she nodded and closed her eyes, letting out a long breath. “Yeah…Yeah, me too,” She sighed, and the sound was weighed down by grief. “Don’t get me wrong, all of the sacrifices were awful - every time a body would show up it was like a reminder that we weren’t doing enough. Like a clock ticking. But this…this feels different.”

“I get it - it’s easier to keep it all to numbers and names until you know the person closely. This hits way too close to home for comfort.” Stiles agreed with a slight dip of his chin.

“It makes me worry…about who might be next.” She loosened another shaky breath.

“Guardians,” Stiles murmured grimly. That placed his father and her brother squarely on the list.

That morning when Zaida’s alarm went off, she pressed snooze at least five times before she finally dragged herself up and off the Stilinski’s living room couch. She was so late that there wasn’t even a fight for the upstairs bathroom - Stiles had already finished from his shower when she made her way up there. Zaida took her time washing and getting ready for the day. She already knew they were going to be late, so why bother rushing? Besides, she needed the extra time to cover up her dark circles and distract from the bloodshot whites of her eyes with liner and shimmery powers.

“Hey, are you ready to go?” Stiles’ knuckles rapped gently against the wooden door just as she was finishing applying her mascara. Her response was to twist the handle and pull the structure open, coming face to face with the boy to show him that she was prepared to leave. He simply stared at her in what looked like surprise with slightly widened eyes. Damn those sundresses.

“Now who’s wasting time, Stilinski?” She shot back at him sarcastically and brushed past the boy, heading downstairs. She’d already texted Lydia to bring her schoolbag for her so they wouldn’t have to go past the redhead’s house.

Upon arriving at Beacon Hills High, the memories of the night before rose to the surface. The area where they had found Tara’s body was cautioned off with police tape now and Sheriff Stilinski was still there, having been up all night investigating the crime. Stiles pulled into an empty parking space and threw up the handbrake at the same time as he flung open his door. The boy didn’t even wait until Zaida was out of the car until he strode directly over to where his father was speaking to their principal and another officer. She trudged after him tiredly and yelped when he backtracked to grip her arm and tug her behind a pillar beside him, hiding from view whilst peering out to eavesdrop.

“Excuse me!” Sheriff immediately noticed them, thanks to Stiles’ inability to be inconspicuous. The man turned towards them and Stiles whipped into a full one-eighty turn, holding his backpack up behind his head in an attempt to disguise himself. A pathetic attempt, but an attempt nonetheless. Zaida simply stood there pinching the bridge of her nose in disappointment, shaking her head at him. “Hey! Hey, hey, hey - back it up you two!”

“Sorry, Sheriff, Stiles isn’t here right now but I can take a message for you.” She drawled sarcastically.

“I know what you kids are thinking. I know you've got all these ideas about patterns and people dying in threes-” Sheriff began and at that Stiles dropped his backpack, turning back around to face his father.

“Dad, murdered, okay? Sacrificed, actually!” The boy interjected frantically.

“I've got half the state, including the FBI, coming in on this. They're not getting away with killing one of our own.” Noah promised, knowing the impact Tara’s death had on the both of them.

“Dad, they killed Tara. You know, how many times did she help me with my math homework when I had to wait at the station for you?” Stiles’ voice softened and once again it reminded Zaida that they were simply teenagers dealing with matters far out of their control.

“Just, uh...get to class, okay?” The Sheriff sighed with a look of pity crossing his lined features.

“Come on, Stiles,” Zaida reached out to rest her hand on his shoulder, gently prompting him away. “We’re already late for homeroom.”

“Hey, where’s Allison?” Scott asked in a hushed whisper as he joined their small group of friends in the corridor.

“She wasn’t in homeroom,” Zaida lifted her shoulders lazily. “Didn’t she stay with you last night, Lyds?”

“She was going to, until her dad caught wind of what happened at the school and came and picked her up,” The redhead explained. “She probably decided to stay home.”

“Has anyone heard anything from her today?” Scott questioned, his brows furrowing in unconcealed concern. No one spoke up, giving him his answer.

“I can go check on her,” Isaac offered nonchalantly and the werewolf looked at him curiously. “I mean, I don’t really care about my attendance and I’m the only one with no parents left for the school to complain to.”

“I think you’re forgetting I exist, Lahey.” Zaida rolled her eyes.

“Oh no, you can’t afford to miss school today - we have double math.” Lydia shook her head sternly.

“Thanks, for reminding how much I’m struggling at the moment,” The brunette let out a long sigh.

“So it’s settled then. I’ll go check on her and I’ll let you guys know what’s happening,” Isaac shrugged just as the shrill bell rang out, indicating it was time to move into the classroom. Zaida hung back as the others filed inside, staring Isaac down.

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with your crush on a certain huntress, would it?” She arched a brow at him accusingly. His silence was enough to confirm her suspicions and she sighed. “Isaac-”

“I know, Zaida, and I’m not expecting anything from her. I just want to see if she’s alright too, okay?” He interjected, assuring her of his intentions.

“Fine, just…be careful.” She warned, and he knew exactly what she meant by it. When she rejoined the others inside the classroom, taking the empty seat in front of Stiles, the boy was pouting and muttering with Scott behind him. Upon seeing her, he twisted back around to face the front with his lips thinning into a line as he quietened. She frowned slightly but ultimately the strangeness wasn’t that unusual, so she pulled out her book and pen, waiting for Miss Blake to begin the lesson.

“Just do it,” Scott hissed at his best friend, leaning back in his seat. Stiles reached behind him to stick up a particular finger at the wolf in response. He rehearsed the words he’d come up with over and over again in his mind, his confidence building with each repetition.

Hey Zay? You look really beautiful today. Hey Zay? You look really beautiful today. Hey Zay? You look really beautiful today.

“Hey, Zay?” He whispered and tapped on her shoulder to grab her attention. Only when her head twisted around to look back at him, his words caught in his throat. The darkened liner made the green in her hazel eyes so much brighter. With her hair pulled back, he was granted an unobstructed view of the sharper angles and softer features of her face. His mind was suddenly blank. “Uh…did you know butterflies’ eyes are made up of six-thousand lenses, which means they can see ultraviolet light. So they can actually see colours we can't see, and a lot of butterflies’ wings use ultraviolet colours to attract a mate.”

Zaida stared at him for a moment, the inner corners of her brows twitching slightly downwards in confusion. Was he making fun of her outfit? Or was she looking too far into it? “...Okay,” She mumbled but before she could turn back around, he opened his mouth again.

“Also! Uh…” He blurted. ‘You look really beautiful today’. Just say it, you idiot! “...They taste with their feet.”

“...That’s wonderful Stiles,” Zaida shook her head as she faced their teacher, her pen tapping against the top of her notebook. What the hell was up with him lately? She heard a thwap of paper hitting something, but didn’t bother checking on what the boy was up to now.

“What was that?” Scott whisper-shouted as Stiles clutched at his head where his friend had just whacked him with a notebook. “‘They taste with their feet’? How did we get from ‘ you look beautiful ’, to ‘butterflies taste with their feet’? How are you this hopeless?”

“Yeah, thanks buddy. I know I blew it, it’s not like you had to tell me.” He snorted bitterly. “How about we focus on what I am good at, okay? What are we going to do about the impending sacrifices?”

“I don’t know yet,” Scott sighed in defeat.

“Idioms, analogies, metaphors, and similes...All tools the writer uses to tell their story.” Miss Blake spoke as she walked through the aisles of desks, pausing to look at a sketch Lydia was working on. “Lydia, I wasn't aware you had so many hidden talents...?”

“You and every guy I've ever dated.” The redhead smiled sarcastically, catching the teacher off guard.

“Oh. Um, well, that was an idiom, by the way…” She moved on awkwardly. “Idioms are something of a secret to the people who know the language or the culture. They're phrases that only make sense if you know key words. Saying ‘jump the gun’ is meaningful only if you know about the starting gun in a race. Or, a phrase like, ‘seeing the whole board’..."

“Like chess.” Stiles muttered.

“That's right, Stiles. Do you play?” Miss Blake asked with a nod of confirmation.

“Uh, no. My father does.” He shook his head.

“Now, when does an idiom become a cliché...?” The woman continued.

“This is useless - I can’t focus. All I can think about when I look at her now is that she's with Derek. That conjures up some pretty gross images…” Zaida wrinkled her nose, leaning back until Stiles’ desk hit her shoulders and tipping her head back to look at him upside down.

“Damn it, now I’m seeing it too,” He curled his lip in disgust.

“I think I can get to Ethan. I'm pretty sure I can make him talk.” Scott interrupted their conversation, peering over Stiles’ shoulder.

“What do you want to do that for?” The boy gawked at his best friend in disbelief.

“The Druids are Emissaries, right? So, what if the Darach was an Emissary to the Alphas?” Scott suggested and both Zaida and Stiles paused, mulling it over for a second.

“Actually that’s pretty valid. Why didn’t we think of that?” Zaida frowned at the ceiling.

“Okay, first of all, I cannot believe we've gotten to the point where a sentence like, ‘What if the Darach was an Emissary to the Alphas’ actually makes sense to me.” Stiles whispered in exasperation, overwhelmed by the possibilities now running through his head. “Second of all, we're gonna have a huge problem getting to Ethan.”

“What's that?” The werewolf questioned obliviously.

“Going through Aiden.” Stiles answered grimly. It had become obvious that of the two, Aiden certainty wasn’t the level-headed one. He was more likely to attack them than listen to what they had to say. “Ever since he's been back at school, they're always together. How are we gonna separate them again?”

When a lightbulb seemingly went off behind both boys’ eyes, Zaida straightened in her chair, whipping around to glare at them. “Don’t you dare!” She hissed at them threateningly. But it was too late, they were already turning to the desk beside Stiles where the redhead was sitting.

“...What now?” She looked at them tiredly with a hint of annoyance.

#teen wolf #teen wolf fanfic #stiles stilinski #stiles #stiles x oc #teen wolf fanfiction #teenwolf fanfiction #female oc #female original character #teenwolf

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