#peter hale is like 40 years old guys.

[freakfilms]

some teen wolf fans and their fixation with shipping 15-18 year old stiles stilinski with grown ass adult men needs to be studied

[fuji09]

Sometimes I read a take like this and wonder how the hell anyone could just pretend that a huge part of the show didn't happen.

1. Derek was NOT an idiot. Not sure how op came up with this.

2. Everyone's arc had plot holes in it. Didn't mean the arcs didn't happen. The entire show is a giant plot hole.

3. Derek as we first see him compared to Derek as we last saw him, huge difference. He was not the same person. Seriously, he was a different person. He grew up.

4. Derek's mistakes aren't justified because he is attractive. Maybe a few people are like that, but the majority are not. We know Derek made mistakes, every character made mistakes.

5. He wasn't a bully. He didn't pick on people for his own amusement or for the hell of it. He kept to himself until he couldn't. He tried to help Scott but Scott pushed back and refused multiple times so Derek got aggressive to get his point across. Derek was a born wolf, he knows how wolves are, whereas Scott didn't even know werewolves were real until he was bit.

6. Derek was scared. Not only was his sister (Laura Hale) murdered 6 years after his entire family was murdered and he felt he was at fault, there was an alpha (Peter Hale) turning people without consent and now to not only protect himself, but also protect the people of Beacon Hills, he has to help a newly turned wolf. He can't ignore it, he can't just leave. If he doesn't, people will die.

7. Derek didn't take advantage of people weaker than him. He made sure they knew what they were getting themselves into. He got consent before giving anyone the bite. He only turned teens because teens have a much better chance of surviving the bite. He picked teens who needed something better in their lives, like Isaac, Erica, and Boyd. Giving Jackson the bite was basically his hands being tied. He still had consent but he didn't really want to turn him but Jackson would not stop until he got what he wanted.

8. Derek was never meant to be an alpha. He was always supposed to be a beta but when he became an alpha, he did what he was supposed to do, build a pack. He needed a pack, he literally needed a pack or it would lead to him becoming a feral omega who would eventually be killed by hunters. Even with that, when he knew his betas would be in danger from the alpha pack, he pushed Isaac away to protect him. Yes, he scared Isaac by acting like his dad, yelling and throwing shit, but he did that to protect Isaac in the only way he could think of because he knew Isaac would never leave him otherwise.

9. Derek was young. Seriously y'all act like he was 40 and had his life figured out. He was 19 in the pilot (yes, I know Jeff changed his age along with other shit but in season one he was written and played as a 19 year old guy) he had been on the run and in hiding for 6 years before we see him. He is lost without his alpha and sister. He has no idea what he is supposed to do with everything that was literally thrown at him.

10. Hunters were still trying to kill him. Hunters knew who he was. He had to be careful and he was scared. Now comes along a teenager just turned who won't listen to a word he says and is literally putting Derek's life in danger by insisting he can be a normal teen when he can't. Derek has been living in a world of it's either you or me for years because of hunters. He had every right to think in a survivalist way.

11. Derek learned from his mistakes. He learned that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. He learned that physical force and aggression doesn't work for everyone. He learned people can be reasoned with if given the chance. He learned a lot from his experiences and even from Scott too.

12. Derek was an abuse/rape survivor. That causes many mental issues that he was still trying to work through. After Kate, he couldn't allow himself to trust anyone until the person proved themselves, which Scott and Stiles did. Derek was continuously hurt. Abuse literally alters how your brain functions so yeah, he's gonna fuck up but he does learn from it.

13. Derek overcame his trust issues, he learned to trust Scott and Stiles. He learned not everyone was out to get him. He learned to be a better person. He let himself have nice things. He learned to live and not just survive. He literally gained the ability to fully shift like his mom and sister.

14. Derek was captured multiple times and tortured just because he was a werewolf, something he couldn't control. He tried to live in peace. He tried to survive. He eventually was able to settle down and be a father.

15. He literally scarifices himself. And not just sacrificing himself, but by burning to death... Like his family. And in front of his son. Do you really think Derek from season one would have done that? Because I don't think he would.

16. Derek isn't the best at expressing his emotions. He isn't the best at talking. At first he seems to panic and go to worst case scenario which is fair after everything he's been through. Threatening to kill Scott if he was stupid enough to risk outing himself as a werewolf just for a stupid lacrosse game, I'd be frustrated too if this kid who knows nothing of this world refuses to listen to someone who does. It put Derek's life at risk even more than it already was.

17. Derek really struggled with guilt. He would have felt responsible if Scott ended up hurting someone. He would have felt it was his fault for not doing enough to help Scott learn how to control himself.

18. Derek cared about other people. He tried not to show it, but he did give a shit about others. He forgave Scott for not telling him his plan for Gerard and using his body as a weapon against his will. He forgave Scott. Derek wasn't the most forgiving person at the time but he still forgave Scott.

19. Derek had his body used as a weapon. And not just once. He was also used to kill Boyd. He felt so much guilt for killing Boyd, even though he didn't kill him, he was just used to kill Boyd.

20. Derek is a very nuanced character. He isn't boring or cliche. There's so many twists and turns in his life. He was once a normal teenaged (werewolf) boy. He was traumatized and had his entire world crumble down all around him and he lost damn near everything. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Derek stepped up when he needed to and he stepped down as well. He always tried to do the right thing, and sometimes he messed up, but he still kept trying.

Now I know there is so much more I could say, and it if you made it this far, congrats!

So TLDR; The take you have on Derek is completely wrong and here's several reasons why. No, I will not take criticism and you can't convince me otherwise. Derek is a character with a lot of depth, growth, and him being attractive is just a huge bonus.

Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk.

[wheredidhiseyebrowsgo]

any fics that focus on stiles’ adhd? preferably without it being turned into a joke or smth. love u <333

AND

Anonymous asked:

Hi there! I love all that you do on this blog it’s my lifeblood. Could you recommend any fics that are mostly about Stiles’ mental health or adhd? I’m fine with any ship if they have them. Thank! <3

Here you go!

When Claudia Died by VanillaFolder

(1/1 I 909 I Teen I No Pairing)

When Claudia dies, a ten year old Scott watches his best friend crumble from within.

Thanks, Barbie by 138andcounting 

(1/1 I 3,397 I Not Rated I Sterek)

Derek is at the movies and there's this kid that won't. Shut. Up. He babbles, he talks about the movie, he talks about any old shit, and Derek is getting increasingly pissed off. There aren't many other people in the cinema, but the ones that are there keep shushing him so Derek doesn't have to.

Twist is, the movie sucks. So Derek finds himself actually listening to the kid's continuous babble. And it's kind of... intriguing? This 'Stiles', or whatever he calls himself, is clearly ten different kinds of crazy, but Derek can't help but want to find out more about him. Like, when Stiles is talking about something random, Derek is imagining the questions he would ask if he could. And does a mental high five when Stiles answers them anyway. And kind of. Gets annoyed. When the other people in the cinema shush him so he can't finish his sentences. God, what is HAPPENING to him?

4 AM Knows All My Secrets by elysiumwaits

(1/1 I 3,815 I Teen I Sterek)

In which Stiles can't sleep.

No, you don't get it. He really can't sleep.

Don't do research based on fanfics (or do it) by Chuluvya

(1/1 I 5,903 I General I Sterek)

Stiles had a problem: he was smothered and uncomfortable in pack piles, and every time they do it, he couldn't sleep.

So, being who he is, Stiles goes searching for a solution to the problem, because he love puppies piles and want to be into them, and after two days of searching, he ended up on ao3.

And the word 'nesting' sounds like the most effective solution.

Eyebrows Are The Windows To The Soul by UnfortunatelyDisastrous

(6/6 I 12,908 I Teen I Sterek)

Only Stiles can decipher Derek’s eyebrow gymnastics.

Or Five times Stiles deciphers Derek’s nonverbal communication while everyone else watches on in astonished amusement, then one time he’s called out on it.

Three Phone Calls by pandabomb

(3/3 I 15,676 I Mature I Sterek)

“You’re not a hooker, Stiles.” “Okay, yes, true, but—for a thousand dollars…”

An AU in which Scott and Stiles live in a shitty apartment in NYC, Lydia is still queenly, and Derek is a clueless rich guy who mistakes Stiles for a hooker. Light-hearted, thinly-plotted fun.

An Alpha's Mate by EmeraldOcean

(20/? I 90,014 I Explicit I Sterek)

The threat of a rival pack and the discovery of a previously forgotten Hale family legend has Derek playing reluctant partners with his uncle Peter. And that's not the only strange thing that Stiles has noticed about Derek lately. But even the unexpectedly pleasant changes to their relationship can't completely erase the feeling that there's something he's not being told... Something that may change his life irrevocably.

A Crack in the Stained Glass by SpaceAce281990

(24/24 I 94,464 I Not Rated I Sterek)

Stiles has reached a breaking point in his life. He no longer knows how or why he is in his marriage or how it got to the point it has. Still in love with Derek, and tired of the constant pain and chaos, he begins to reminisce on how he got to this point. Speaking to Derek unlocks his emotions in ways he didn't think was possible before this night.

From the Darkness Comes a Spark by ash_mcj

(30/40 I 220,317 I Teen I Sterek)

It’s extraordinary how much can happen in a single year. How relationships can fall apart, along with the people in them. How a friend can become a lifeline, holding you up in the sea of emotions you find yourself drowning in. How you can lose everything you care about.

In one year, the death of Stiles’ mother sent his father into alcoholism, as he tried to battle the inner darkness with a bottle in each hand. Stiles’ godfathers, Peter and Chris, spent most of their time trying to pull the whiskey from his fingers, but it didn’t change the fact that Stiles was essentially losing both of his parents.

In one year, Derek found company in two girls who irrevocably changed his life. One gave him distressing clarity that caused him to pull away from his anchor, and the other lit his world on fire until there was nothing but ash on his hands.

[colethewolf]

I posted 1,937 times in 2022

373 posts created (19%)

1,564 posts reblogged (81%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@chrisevansbuddy

@carlospy

@wolfflock

@sterekotp1

@feelsforsterek

I tagged 584 of my posts in 2022

#sterek - 265 posts

#sterekartwork - 142 posts

#dylpickle - 79 posts

#superhoech - 40 posts

#artwork - 36 posts

#teenwolfart - 21 posts

#derek hale - 21 posts

#geraskier - 20 posts

#the witcher - 20 posts

#stiles stilinski - 19 posts

Longest Tag: 100 characters

#now who told hoechlin to play derek as though he just found out that stiles is the love of his life?

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

you guys have to know that I go absolutely feral for this derek with this stiles.

Like, just imagine them bumping into each other like 10 years later at the local coffee shop or bagel place whatever. and at first they just stare at each other because neither of them know what they want to say

cut to a couple seconds later and they're pawing at each other and jumping each other's bones in the restroom because it's like every dirty thought or feeling they ever had about one another has decided to overflow right now in the moment

and then by the time it's over, the only thing either of them are thinking is "okay i'm literally not letting you go this time around"

please

1,066 notes - Posted April 3, 2022

#4

um hello?

like father like son?

it's there 1 thing derek hale's gonna do, it's gonna be him making sure he protects his own

1,116 notes - Posted October 7, 2022

#3

Eli Hale Headcanons

(because I’m still in disbelief that Derek & Stiles literally have a child in canon now)

1. Eli is prone to a very special Derek-level of broody behavior as he especially likes to scowl.

2. Eli possesses a perfect mix of Derek’s snark & Stiles’ quick-thinking sarcasm.

3. Eli attends school at Beacon Hills High & maintains decent grades.

4. Unlike his parents, Eli doesn’t enjoy sports. He doesn’t play basketball or lacrosse. He likes music instead.

5. Speaking of music, Eli is the lead singer and guitarist of a scrappy little garage band that he put together with his 2 best friends.

6. Eli’s band is called “BLUE IS PRETTY” which he named after the mantra his parents always say, due to there being a negative stigma towards people with blue werewolf eyes in the werewolf community.

7. Eli is a beta werewolf who is more likely to punch a bully in the face than sit down and talk things out, taking more after his human father.

8. One of Eli’s favorite activities is the weekly training exercises he does with Derek to help train his werewolf abilities.

9. Eli’s werewolf powers kicked in at age 5, which took both Derek & Stiles by surprise, because werewolves don’t typically get their powers until around age 9-10.

10. Surprise was an understatement. Eli’s powers kicked in during a normal trip to the grocery store wherein Eli took off running faster than a human child ever could, leading to an embarrassing display of Derek trying to chase after him and catch him.

11. Eli’s first word was “fucker” because Stiles has a mild case of road rage. This led to an awkward explanation later that night when Stiles had to explain to his husband why their son kept calling everything a “fucker”.

12. Eli wears Derek’s old leather jacket, which is pretty loose on him, but it was originally Derek’s father’s. It’s special. And Eli knows it makes him look cool.

13. Eli drives Stiles’ jeep, which yes, still works! It’s held together by magic now, as opposed to duct tape.

14. Eli is gay, but doesn’t have a boyfriend yet. Although he does have a crush on a cute hall monitor who always stops him for listening to music in the halls.

15. Eli purposely wears his headphones and loudly listens to music in the halls for this reason.

16. Eli isn’t close to Derek’s uncle, Peter, as Derek & Stiles have opted to not establish that relationship due to Peter being a seriously bad influence.

17. Eli has an after-school job with his friends as ushers at the local movie theater.

18. There’s a show on Netflix about teenage werewolves that’s really bad & moderately offensive to werewolf culture, but Eli & Derek like to binge watch new seasons together to mock how much the show gets wrong about being a werewolf.

19. Eli’s bedroom is painted black with lots of various posters from his favorite bands plastered onto the walls. He keeps his room at just the right amount of messy & likes to burn candles that aren’t strong enough to burn his werewolf nose right off his face.

20. Eli’s wolf form is devoid of eyebrows, just like Derek’s & Eli likes it because he thinks it makes him look cooler than other werewolves.

What are your Eli-Stilinski Hale headcanons, ya’ll?

1,317 notes - Posted March 27, 2022

#2

See the full post

1,626 notes - Posted February 23, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Tyler Hoechlin: There's something I want to say about Vince and the way that he plays the character (Eli Hale), can I kind of say who he reminds me of a little bit?

Jeff Davis: *shaking, shitting, & internally crying over the fact that Hoechlin is about to say that Vince playing Eli reminds him of Dylan O'Brien/Stiles Stilinski* : No.

1,750 notes - Posted July 26, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[jazminebrightxx]

LIKE MAGIC

°l||l°l||l°l||l°l||l°l||l°l||l°l||l°l||l°l||l°l||l°

SHOW: Teen wolf

CHAPTER TWO: “we are family”

EPISODE: 3x02 “chaos rising”

Sleep is a precious thing, you need sleep, without it you make mistakes, you mess up. You get delirious and screw up. Kaitlin always loved sleep, everyone knew that, not to wake her when she was tired, but dogs...dogs don't understand that. That leads us to now, The last things Kaitlin remembered was watching an episode of some trashy show before falling asleep, and now, Levi, her two year old Labrador cried at her feet

Kaitlin opened her eyes, seeing the big dog sat at her door, his head tilted and whines coming from him "seriously" she whispered, he tilted his head to the other side "can you not just...leave me alone" he whined again, walking over to her and sniffing her face. Kaitlin cringed "okay, okay, you win"

She slowly threw the nice and warm covers off of her, her feet hitting the cold ground, sending shivers up her back, she sits there for a second, contemplating her life. She looks to her dog again, who's now panting in excitement, she groans, getting up and making her way down the stairs, before she can make her way down fully, Levi comes booting it past her and down the stairs, stopping at the door and sitting, Sighing she descends the remainder of stairs grabbing her keys and unlocking the front door and opening it

The big dog speeds out the door and Kaitlin laughs as he jumps around the fenced off garden, when Levi was a little pup, back in Boston, he'd find any and every way he could to escape their home, Kaitlin had many memories of running after the fast dog. So when they moved home, they made sure to get a well fenced garden.

The brunette watches Levi for a few more seconds before deciding to check the time, she moves to the kitchen, it was light out so it had to be early, she switched on the light, making things slightly more seeable, her glasses and contacts were upstairs so it was a little hard, she glanced at the clock 5:40.

It was literally 20 minutes before her alarm went off and an hour before kodins, might aswell make breakfast. She gathered her ingredients, deciding on bacon and toast for breakfast, turning on the hub and grabbing a pan. Midway through her cooking, a shiver sends down her spine, a familiar feeling in her stomach. She whirls around quickly, unsurprisingly seeing the dark figure lurk in the shadow of the kitchen, she was expecting him, but that didn't stop her heart from racing.

Tensely, she glares, turning back to her food, in an attempt to ignore the dark man. "Nice little place you've gotten yourself here" his voice is low, lower than before, Kaitlin stays quiet, focusing on her food.

"You can't ignore me forever Katie" he slowly walks into the kitchen more, quietly pulling out a chair and sitting. Kaitlin's teeth grit together at the name.

"I've done a pretty good job for what? Three years now?" She doesn't turn to look at him, her tone is sarcastic. He laughs, the sound scares Kaitlin slightly.

"That's not entirely true now is it, you aren't surprised at all to see me. You were expecting me" The redhead stops what she's doing, quickly whipping around and glaring her most cold glare

"What do you want" she gets to the point, the man faking a frown.

"What? I can't come and visit my daughter?" Kaitlin laughs turning back to her bacon and taking it off the pan and putting on a plate.

"You only ever visit me when you want something, so either tell me or get the hell out of my house" she grabs the toast, putting it on the plate and sitting opposite him.

"Ah you got me" He jokes, Kaitlin rolls her eyes, and butters her toast

"Scott McCall" is all he needs to say for Kaitlin to freeze, she slowly looks up to make eye contact with her father.

"What about him?"

"He's quite the hero I hear. People tell me he's the man to beat" his tone is evil, as usual. Kaitlin doesn't let her guard down. Her glare as cold as ice. "I've no idea what you're talking about"

"Does he know about you?" He takes an apple nonchalantly from the fruit bowl, the question silencing Kaitlin

"You know, your past, what you are?" He pushes leaning over the table slightly, Kaitlin doesn't break eye contact, her heart hammering in her chest

"What you've done"

"I haven't done anything" she defends, she stopped eating now, her fork and knife still in her hands

"Oh but you did, don't you remember? When Tyler died" Kaitlin slams her hands down on the table, the plate clattering against the knife and fork

"You weren't there, you don't know anything, now what do you want because your testing my patience" her hands are now in fists as she glares at her father.

"Be careful of this boy, he's made enemies, more than he knows, and they are dangerous" he warns. He stands from the table, putting the chair back in its place

"Why are you telling me this?" Her blood was boiling

"You’re my daughter, whether you or I like it or not we are family" He darkly says before a dark cloud forms over him and he vanishes

Kaitlin relaxes, her food now cold she tosses a slice of bacon to Levi and throws away her toast

"What a waste" she mutters before heading upstairs to get ready for school

***

A little while later and Kaitlin was sat on her couch, she usually got up early for school but never this early so she didn't really know what to do with herself. She watched the screen as an episode of greys anatomy played.

Her phone chimed with a text, Lydia Martins name lighting her screen, the strawberry blonde offering to give Kaitlin a ride to school, saying she needed to talk to her. The redhead sent a quick reply, moving off the couch and walking into the kitchen where her mother and brother sat at the table

"I'm not giving you a ride today, Lydia's picking me up" Kodin looked at his sister, taking a drink of his orange juice as he swallows his toast "I'm taking your car then"

"Why can't you take your own?" Kaitlin shoves her phone into her pocket, glaring slightly at her brother, who shrugs "well, yours is cleaner" Kaitlin stares at the boy, contemplating. She gives in, grabbing her keys and throwing them at Kodin.

"Don't damage my car" she warns before leaving the room, soon hearing the honk of Lydia's car, bidding a quick goodbye to her mother she grabs her bag and is out the door. She smiles at Lydia before hopping in the car "hey"

"Morning, what was so..." she's cut off when Lydia hands her a cup of coffee, Kaitlin smiles, thanking her and taking a sip, Lydia starts the car and pulls out of the driveway.

"I know you know" Lydia cryptically states, Kaitlin looking at her curiously "about what?" The redhead placed the coffee in the cup holder.

"About the supernatural, about Scott" Kaitlin freezes, her eyes going wide and glancing at Lydia

"What?" Kaitlin questions, trying to play it cool. "Huh, supernatural that...that's funny" panic sets in Kaitlin's mind, trying to force a fake laugh which Lydia doesn't buy.

"Yeah, okay lets just skip that...I could tell" Lydia glances between Kaitlin and the road "you wanna know how I know? Because you're supernatural too"

Kaitlin's lost for words, her eyes never leaving Lydia as the panic starts to fade, she's not afraid of her friends knowing, it's just how they find out. She wanted to soften the blow, it scared her really, she cared about them and she didn't want them feel any different about her. She lets put a sigh, looking ahead at the road.

"Witch, I'm a witch" the words fell nonchalantly out of her mouth, Lydia does a double take. "A witch? Huh, that's...new" Kaitlin laughs lightly.

"Yeah, I guess they're uncommon nowadays" Kaitlin went on to explain her knowledge of the pack and how she gained it, listing the things her uncle deaton has updated her on before she came back

She knew everything that he did, the kanima being Jackson, Peter Hale biting Scott and Lydia, Alison being a hunter and her grandfather being a psychopath. All of it

It surprised her really, Lydia was so calm about it, she didn't freak out, didn't get mad that Kaitlin hadn't told her. The aura that surrounded the girl was unfamiliar to Kaitlin. She'd learned how to read auras since she learned of her magic. Different colors for different species. Werewolves depended on the color of their eyes. Witches were purple. Humans were green. So on. But Lydia radiated a pink aura, one Kaitlin hadn't seen before.

"Oh yeah, have you any idea what this could be?" Lydia holds out her arm, keeping her eyes on the road

On her arm is a fresh bruise, there's an odd shape to it. Kaitlin gently takes Lydia's arm

"Uh, a bruise?" She glances at the strawberry blonde who playfully rolls her eyes

"Yeah no shit, Alison has one the exact same shape, she thinks it's like some sort of symbol" she states, her eyes never leaving the road

"Huh, can I take a picture of it?" Lydia nods and Kaitlin pulls out her phone, quickly snapping a photo of the bruise

"I'll run it by my mom" she states

"When are you gonna tell the guys about that?" Lydia starts, Kaitlin turns to look out the window of Lydia's car as they pull into beacon hills high schools parking lot

"I don't know, soon"

***

Lydia and Kaitlin strolled together before class, chatting quietly about Kaitlin's antics during her time in Boston. Football games, school dances,swim meets and everything in between. While Lydia went into more detail of the packs antics and stories.

"Okay, but what would a pack of alphas want with Erica and boyd?" Kaitlin questions lydia, who was explaining to her their recent predicament

"I don't know, maybe their recruiting" unbeknownst to the pair Scott and Stiles walks past them, Scott stops in his tracks staring at Kaitlin as she walks past, seeing something he didn't before

"Scott?" Stiles takes him out of his daze

"You okay?" Stiles eyes him curiously, glancing at Kaitlin. Scott nods his head still slightly dazed "Yeah, sorry"

***

Lydia, Alison and Kaitlin sat in the library, Alison drawing the symbol that was bruised in her skin on a piece of paper, a laptop sat on the table, some research the huntress had done lifting up the screen.

Lydia stares ahead, Two identical twins stood at a bookshelf with another brunette, the strawberry blonde had her eye on one of the twins. "I want one"

The two friends follow Lydia's gaze.

"Which one?" Alison questions, an adorable smiles across her lips, Lydia's face drops

"The straight one obviously" Alison glances back at the twins, Ethan looking at Danny wistfully, Lydia drinks from her coffee cup.

Kaitlin's chuckles as she glances at the boys, the brunette sticking out to her, she shakes the feeling off, glancing at Alison's computer, a thought comes to mind. She checks around before pulling a book out of her bag

The book was given to her by her mother, it was enchanted to only open to her, she flips through it finding the thing she was looking for

"What if it's not a symbol?" She questions Alison, who turns her gaze to the brunette and the book in her hands

"What if it's actually a logo?" Alison eyes the book questionably, noticing a few of Kaitlin's spells

"Wait, is that?" Kaitlin smiles at the brunette "what are you?"

"Libra" Kaitlin looks up to digest her theory to Lydia but she's vanished

Kaitlin's and Alison turn to the twins only to see Lydia making a move on Aiden. The two girls look to each other, Kaitlin bursts laughing, Alison joining after a second.

***

Kaitlin Jones was originally from beacon hills, she grew up in the small town. Her family and friends were there, it was her home. A place she'd never forget for as long as she'd live, no matter where she'd end up.

One place and person she hadn't gotten the chance to visit since she'd been back was her uncle Deaton at the animal clinic. Deaton was the brother of her mother, it didn't seem like it, of course because her mother was adopted into Alan's family, his mother was a friend of Natalie's biological mother who passed when she was young.

So when deaton called her to ask if she could come to the clinic because he needed her help with Isaac, Kaitlin jumps into her car and makes her way to the clinic

Her stomach turned and twisted in knots, nerves filled her. She knew what she was walking into, Scott and Stiles would definitely be there, and she knew what Deaton needed her to do, it would be outing her powers to them. She had texted Kodin, giving him the heads up and warning him to talk to the boys later today, knowing they'd want answers from both twins.

Obviously she would have to have this conversation with the two boys sooner or later but she was nervous for their reactions. What if they hated her for not telling them? She knew she was over reacting but she couldn't help it.

Shaking off her anxiety she pulls into the parking lot of the animal clinic and stops the car. She takes a second to herself before jumping out of the car and heading into the clinic

Inside the animal clinic, Deaton, Derek, Scott and Stiles attempted to prep Isaac for the ice bath he'd soon be submerged in.

"How slow does his heart rate need to be?" Scott worryingly questions.

"Very slow"

"Okay, well, How slow is very slow?" Derek crouches beside the tub which was now filled to the brim with water and ice

"Nearly dead" deaton nonchalantly replies, issac touches the water, immediately retracting his hand, hissing

"It's safe though, right?" He nervously questions. Deaton hesitates, just as he's about to reply the bell from the door chimes, the veterinarian smiles

"Not necessarily, but that's why she's here" he leaves the room. The three werewolves and Stiles look to each other curiously.

When Kaitlin Jones walks into the room, Scott and Stiles stare at the girl in shock, Derek and Isaac grow confused, not knowing the girl. When she sees the four her smiles fades, a shy expression takes over her face

"Hey"

"So she's gonna help with what exactly?" Issac questions as he eyes the small girl

"Kaitlin was born from a long line of witches" Kaitlin looks to her shoes, not wanting to see her friends reactions

"Oh wow" Stiles mumbles, he looks to Kaitlin sadly, she looks up meeting his eyes but quickly looks away

Scott is left speechless, his gaze flickering back and forth between Kaitlin and Deaton, Kaitlin steps forward gently grabbing Scott wrist and tugging him away from the rest

"I promise after this is done I will explain everything, okay?" His eyes soften and he grabs the girls hand, nodding and giving it a light squeeze

"Okay"

Kaitlin smiles, moving back to stand beside the tub of ice, she gives issac a reassuring smile, he returns the gesture. She remembered Isaac vaguely from her childhood, she hadn't talked to him much, but she knew of him.

"If anything goes wrong, Kaitlin will be here to pull you out" Deaton reassures him. A rubber snapping sound is heard, all heads turn to Stiles who's wearing a grin as he looks at his arm length glove with a grin

The boy in plaid notices everyone looking at him "what?" Derek gives him a glare, Stiles sighing before he takes off the glove, Issac sighs before standing up

"Look, if it feels to risky, you don't have to do this." The alpha assures, straightening his arms on the rim of the tub, Scott nods in agreement

Issac looks to Kaitlin, who stood on the other side of the tub "you know what your doing?"

Kaitlin's smirks "you'll be fine, Issac, I've been doing it for years" Issac looks to the girl with weary eyes before taking off his shirt and exhaling. He steps into the tub, the group watching him closely, as he attempts to sit in the cold bathtub.

Scott and Derek glance at each other, placing their hands on Isaac's shoulders and pushing him under the water

For a few moments it was fine, but after not to long Issacs true form broke free, jolting up from the water, his eyes a bright yellow and his fangs beard.

"Get him back under" deaton instructed, Stiles was now attempting to keep the werewolf submerged.

But Isaac didn't want to co-operate, he trashed in the water, the two werewolves struggled to keep him in the water as he drenched them.

"Hold him" Kaitlin interjected, Rowling up the sleeves of her jumper

"Don't you think we're trying!" Derek snapped. Kaitlin rolls her eyes before she moves forward, slightly pushing Scott and Derek out of the way, there hands still holding Isaac

The brunette hovers her hand over issacs head, calming him. Not moments later he relaxed and slowly moved to the surface of the water with his eyes open.

"Remember, only Kaitlin talks, too many voices will confuse him and draw him out" deaton holds up a finger, his voice soft. After the three boys nod, he gestures for Kaitlin to start

"Issac? Can you hear me?" Her voice is kind and soft

"Yes, I can hear you" the beta replies after a moment of silence

"It's Kaitlin, I don't know if you remember me, but is it okay if I ask you a few questions?"  Kaitlin continued, she was calm, like she'd done it before.

"Yes"

Kaitlin glances at deaton, the thunder outside getting worse "I want to ask you about the night you found Erica and Boyd "

"I want you to remember it for me in as vivid detail as possible, like your actually there" she tried her best to keep a steady voice, knowing one wrong word could send the beta into a panic

"I-I don't wanna do that" He was getting scared now, repeating "I don't wanna go that"

"Issac it's all right just relax" Kaitlin glances at Scott, his eyes are on her and he's worried "they're just memories, you can't be hurt by a memories, remember I told you you'll be fine"

"I don't wanna do that"

"Your okay"

"I don't wanna do that"

"Relax" Kaitlin moves her hand around Isaac's, calming him

"Great" Stiles keeps his eyes on the brunette, occasionally glancing at Isaac wearily, Derek takes a glance at Kaitlin, skepticism in his eyes

"Okay, lets go back to that night, to the place you found Erica and Boyd" Kaitlin's head starts to pound, she blinks in an attempt to rush the pain away, continuing her talk with Isaac.

"Can you tell me what you see? Is there some sort of building? A house?"

"It's not a house. It's stone" Isaac's voice is deep and has a cold edge to it, he takes a breath

"I think marble" Kaitlin smiles at the cold boy "that's perfect"

"Can you give me any other descriptors?" She questions, trying not to push him to hard

"It's dusty, so empty" he slowly explains

"Like an abandoned building?"

The lights begin to flicker, Kaitlin's headache worsening, the four men in the room glancing around them and then to Kaitlin

"Issac" Kaitlin's voice is forced and strained, Scott looking at her with worrying eyes

"Someone's here" Issac moves around slightly in the water, he reaches his hand out and grabs Scott's forearm

"Issac, it's okay, relax" Kaitlin tries to reassure the beta

"No, no, no, no. They see me, they see me" Issac screams, thrashing around in the water. Scott and Derek attempt at keeping Issac in the tub of water, him screaming. Stiles looks to Kaitlin, seeing the pain in her eyes

"There just memories, you can't be hurt by memories. Just relax" she reassures him, he keeps a firm grip on Scott's arm as he relaxes

"Good, that's great issac" Kaitlin's headache eases, but she shuts her eyes in pain, Stiles grabs her free wrist gently

She looks at him, he gives her a worried look. She forcefully smiles at him reassuringly

"Now, Isaac can you tell us what you see? Tell us everything" Isaac opens his eyes, his natural blue taking over. "I hear him"

"He's talking about the full moon, about being out of control when the moon rises"

"Is he talking to Erica?" Kaitlins headache is faint now.

"I think so, I can't...I can't see her. I can't see either of them" his lips trembled from the cold "Can you hear anything else?"

Issac has stopped resisting, but the lights flickered. Kaitlin's headache slightly returning

"They're worried, worried what they'll do during the moon, what they're gonna do to each other" The thunder rubbles from outside, Kaitlin's head feels like someone drilling into it now, the tension of the calming spell getting to her head.

"If they're locked in together on the full moon, they're gonna tear each other apart." Derek whispers to Scott who nods in agreement

"Isaac, we need to find them right now" Kaitlin restarts "can you see them?"

"No"

"Do you know what kind of room it is? Is there any kind of a marker? A number on a door?"

The beta jumps from the tub, sitting upright, Kaitlin's headache worsens, the lights flickering

"They're here" Isaac whispers, Stiles looks around the room confused and a tad bit scared

"They're here, They're here"  he slowly moves lower into the tub, he starts to panic "No They're here"

"They see me. They found me. They're here!" Kaitlins head is throbbing, she moves her hand to her forehead, rubbing it roughly

"This isn't working, Isaac, where are you?" Derek intervenes, yelling at his beta.

Everyone looks to Derek, Deaton beginning to argue with him, Kaitlin's vision goes blurry

"Tell me where you are!"

"I can't see!"

"You're going to confuse him" deaton calmly states "tell me where you are"

"He could go into shock Derek" Kaitlin painfully states to the werewolf

"Derek let him go!"

"Isaac where are you what did you see!" Derek ignores Scott's protests, yelling at Isaac more

"It's a vault, it's a bank vault!"

One last clap of thunder is heard, Kaitlin gets light headed, falling backward as Issac jumps forward from the tub. Stiles moves to catch Kaitlin, the brunette coming in and out of consciousness  

"I saw it, I saw the name" he moves to jump out of the tub, Scott takes his eyes off Kaitlin when Stiles reassures him and moves to help Isaac

"It's uh, beacon hills first national bank" he shivers as he's wrapped in a towel

Stiles lowers Kaitlin to the ground, gently holding her head beside him, she Sobers up a bit, looking at the boy drowsily

The others in the room watch Isaac as he explain the bank that Boyd and Erica were being held

"What?"

"You don't remember what you said do you?" Scott questions him "no"

Isaac looks at the pair that sat in the ground

"You said when they captured you that they dragged you into a room and that there was a body in it." Stiles explains to Isaac, keeping a firm grip on Kaitlin

"What body?"Isaac looks around curiously

"Erica" Kaitlin drowsily buts in, slowly moving her head to look at him

"You said it was Erica"

*****

[i-write-about-anything]

Little Beta(s) Chapter 40

Prompt: Liam get’s turned at an early age and he looks at you as his guardian/parent. Plus you’re dating Scott who’s always trying to look after him. (10 year gap between Liam and reader)

Pairing: Liam Dunbar x Reader (platonic) Scott McCall x Reader, Derek Hale (younger and platonic) x Reader

Chapters:

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20- 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 -25 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29 - 30 - 31 - 32 - 33 - 34 - 35 - 36 - 37 - 38 - 39

Reader’s POV

“Well tell him to leave.” I crossed my arms and sighed as I got up and paced around the living room.

“(Y/N), come on, let me in.” I heard his voice and I felt the small ping in my chest. 

“Tell him to leave.” I looked at both Derek and Liam before walking passed them into my room where I had gotten rid of all of Scott’s belongings and his pictures. I didn’t want anything to do with him and I sure as hell wasn’t ready to talk to him, not now, not ever. A knock on my opened door had me nervous to turn around, I didn’t want it to be Scott and I sure as hell didn’t want to start yet another fight. 

“Liam’s talking to him.” Derek’s voice spoke and I sighed before turning around. “He feels really bad mom, he’s apologized multiple times, to me and to Liam.” I shook my head. 

“I don’t care, he shouldn’t have said those things and I know it’s stupid of me to say this but he should’ve never gotten bit by Peter.” I grabbed my stomach and sighed, tomorrow was the day I was finding out what gender the baby was and although I knew Scott would eventually want to know I didn’t think it was a good idea to have him in the same room as me. 

“You can't hold that against him though, it’s not his fault he’s a werewolf. You’ve never held that against Liam or me.” I sighed and sat on my bed. 

“Look Derek, I know you miss him but trust me on this please. I'm doing what’s best for us, and this baby.” I looked down at my hands. “I’ve come close to dying ten times already and it wasn’t that big of a deal to me, I was ready to die for Scott, for our friends, but now I have you and Liam and this baby, I can’t be selfless anymore. You almost died Derek, don’t you get that? I spent most of my life taking care of Liam and even though he’s not physically mine I would die multiple deaths before I see him hurt, or you for that matter. I love you both so much which is why with Scott out of the way there will be no one to come after us, he’s an alpha, someone is always going to be after him and I can’t put anyone in that risk anymore.” He sighed and bit his lip. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.” He looked down at his feet and I sighed before patting the spot next to me. 

“Hey come here.” He quickly moved towards the spot sitting next to me and I smiled. “I know you miss him and I know there’s no way you’re going to admit it but it’s okay to call him if you want, I just want us to be normal sweetie and if you want to hate me for taking Scott away from this family then you have every right to, but I'd be dammed if I let you live a life where you’re scared to do something because they’re something after you.” He sighed before putting his head on my shoulder. 

“I could never hate you, I know what you’re doing is best for us and I won't metal in between it, I trust you mom.” I smiled at his words and I kissed his head. 

___________________

Scott’s POV

“This plan sucks.” Liam spoke and I sighed, truth was, it did suck but I had no other way of getting her to listen to me, she had changed her number in the past week and she wasn’t taking the small notes I'd tell Liam to give her. 

“Yeah well do you have a better one?” I spoke and he rolled his eyes. 

“Look, I miss you dad, I do. But you really hurt her by telling me all those things, and quite frankly I'm still hurt by them.” He frowned and I sighed. 

“I’m sorry kid, I really am. I can’t believe I let that thing get to me. I love you just as much as I'm going to love that baby, you know that right?” He bit his lip and I knew this conversation had to come sooner or later. “You changed my life Liam, hell I was scared to take care of you and I know your mom never told you but I did leave because of you. I wasn't ready to do what she did at an early age but when I saw her walk into that school with you wrapped around her leg, I knew, I just knew that this was what I wanted, what I needed. And yeah, she’s always made everything about you which kind of hurt me at the beginning but the more you grew on me the more I understood. You’re my son Liam and I'm sorry that I told you that you ruined everything because you don't, I do.” He looked at me and I could tell he was on the verge of crying. “Please don’t cry.” I took him into my arms and he sobbed almost immediately. “I told you I was going to take care of you and that’s what I'm going to do, okay.” I kissed his head and for a moment I had forgotten all about the stupid fight I had been having with (y/n). “I’m so sorry Liam, I can’t tell you enough. I know it hurts and I know that you might not want to forgive me right now and I totally understand but you’re always going to be my son, even if you decide that you don’t want me as a father, I raised you and I'd like to think I did half as a good job that your mom did.” 

“I forgive you, I do.” He sniffed before he pulled away. “Mom means a lot to me and I know you know this but I don’t think you understand. She was there for me when my own mother wasn't. She went to my school plays, she helped me with homework, with bullies. She’s the only one that can calm me down and I'm sorry that I did kind of force you into this life at an early age. She knows me better than anyone else and I don’t know where I'd be without her and I know I was small and I hardly remember anything from the beginning but I know she was the one that got me out of the shitty place I had been living in. I’m thankful that she took me in and I'm thankful that you did as well. I was scared of you for the longest and I was scared that she’d replace me with you but not once did she ever do that. She made time for the both of us and even though I hated you at the beginning you’re the father I always wanted, you helped me through my shift when I knew mom couldn’t be close to me, you helped me with lacrosse, you kept all of the supernatural shit hidden until recently. I don't know where I'd be without you dad, and I know mom is mad at you right now but I read in one of those books you gave me that hormones can do that do her.” I smiled and wiped the unnoticed tears out of my eyes. 

“You’ve been reading them?” He nodded and I smiled. 

“Yeah, I'm going to be a big brother after all, plus someone has to take care of you while she hates you.” I lightly punched his shoulder and chuckled. 

“What do you think I should do?” I bit my lip and he sighed. 

“Wait it out, she can’t stay mad at you forever, plus as she progresses in her pregnancy I read she could also start to feel sad and lonely.” I smiles and shook my head. 

“You’re doing a better job at reading those books than I am.” I chuckled and the door opened and I thought it was going to be her but it was only Derek. 

“She’s asleep.” He closed the door behind him and I sighed. 

“So give her, her space?” I looked at Liam who nodded. 

“I think that’s what you're going to have to do.” Derek spoke and I looked at him. 

“I’m sorry about the whole situation.” He put his hand up before I could continue. 

“Hey, it’s fine, I haven’t been here long enough for you to hurt my feelings that bad.” He chuckled before Liam punched his shoulder. 

“Hey, quit it.” I pointed to them and they automatically put their hands up in defense. “Take care of your mother, will you? And call em after you find out what your little sibling is going to be.” I sighed before looking at Liam and giving him a hug. 

“I love you dad.” Liam spoke those words for the first time and it made my heart weak. 

“I love you too kid.” I smiled at him and looked at Derek who smiled at me. 

“Fine.” He rolled his eyes before giving me a hug. “Don't expect me to tell you I love you.” I chuckled. 

“You don’t have to, but just know that I love you, alright? I don’t know when I'll see you both again, hopefully soon, hopefully your mother gets over this quickly so we can be a family again. If you guys need me I'm only a call away, okay?” They both nodded and I sighed before walking away. 

______________

Reader's POV

Waking up the next morning I hadn’t expected to find both of the boys at the end of my bed. Surely I didn’t know what time they had came to bed so I didn’t want to wake them. The clock on my nightstand read eight thirty-five and my appointment was in less than two hours. I sighed and got out of bed careful not to wake the sleeping teenagers on my bed. They had been keeping an eye on me and I knew Scott had put them up to it. They hadn’t been in their own room in days and it had been stressing me out lately. I walked into the kitchen and prepared some eggs for both of them before serving myself a cup of tea. They both walked into the kitchen thirty minutes after I had woken up with they hair a mess. “Morning.” I spoke as they rubbed the back of their heads. 

“Morning.” Liam spoke and I giggled. 

“Okay, let’s try this, go brush your teeth.” I looked at Derek who was already grinning. “Both of you.” They groaned before storming off and I sighed looking at the clock. I knew I had to leave soon if I wanted to get there soon and I knew I had to rush the boys if that was going to be a possibility. “Not to rush you guys but we have to leave in half an hour!” I yelled and I knew they hated when I did that. 

_____________

“I bet it’s a boy.” Liam spoke as we drove to our doctor and I giggled. 

“It’s definitely a boy.” Derek spoke and I shook my head. 

“If it is I don’t want you guys starting any fights with him when he gets old enough, you hear me?” They chuckled and I smiled. Scott had always wanted a baby boy and I shook my head at the thought of him. “How did your dad take the it yesterday?” I bit my lip and I knew I shouldn’t have asked but something in me felt guilty for him not being here. 

“Hard, but we had a heart to heart, kind of the one’s I have with you.” Liam smiled as I parked the car. I looked at him and raised my eyebrows. “He’s really sorry.” I sighed and opened the door to the car and got out and so did they. When we walked into the office they took a seat while I signed in. 

“I see you finally get to know the gender of your baby, are you excited?” The young lady at the front desk spoke and I smiled before nodding, truth was, I wasn't as excited as I was two weeks ago. I quickly signed my name before sitting in the middle of Liam and Derek noticing the young couple in front of us smiling at us. 

“It’s exciting, isn’t it?” The young girl spoke and I smiled. 

“Yeah, it sure is.” I looked at Liam who had been looking down at his phone. 

“Which one’s the father?” She asked and I sighed mentally rolling my eyes. 

“Neither, these are my sons, Liam and Derek.” I place my hand on each of their shoulders and they looked at the clueless girl. 

“Oh, wow, I'm sorry, you look so young.” I nodded and looked at Derek to discontinue to conversation. 

“When’s the next basketball game?” He smiled and I knew asking him about basketball would prompt a long conversation and I needed it because I after a whole hour of waiting in that room listening to both Liam and Derek bickering I had finally been called. 

“Miss. (y/l/n) we’re ready for you.” The lady smiled and I looked at Derek and Liam before getting up. 

“Behave, will you.” They both smiled and I made my way into the room where I was ready to know what the gender of this baby was. 

_______

tags; @leslieandjensen @hirafth @neptuneluek @lydiasbxtch @adellyhatter-blog @nxthing-lasts-fxrever@letmebecomeataboo @cloudchaserr @nerdyowlbookfreak @xcastawayherosx @k-baileyy@scotttstilinskii @therealmrshale @thesuperkpopfan @queen–glitch @my-body-is-not-a-temple@mutifandomgirl @moo0803 @hautedbybieber

[tabbytabbytabby]

Prompt 40 for Sterek? Please

40. “A package arrived for you, but there’s no return address and the box looks really old.”

From this listAlso on AO3

Stiles is confused, and a little wary when he shows up at Derek’sto see a strange package on his doorstep. It’s not that Derek doesn’t get mail,he’s started becoming a productive member of society so of course he’s going tohave things like bills. Derek just doesn’t order a lot of things, at least notthat Stiles is aware of.  So whatever this package is, Stiles is bettingit’s not here because Derek wanted it.

He walks up to itslowly, examining the packaging with an intense stare. Given everything they’vedealt with he’s right to be suspicious. Granted, hurting Derek by mailing himsomething doesn’t scream supernatural. It doesn’t even scream hunter to himbecause he knows any hunter would want Derek to suffer and mailing him anexplosive isn’t really going to achieve that.

Stiles is stillstaring at the package when Derek opens the door and peers out at him, “Isthere a reason you’re just hanging out on my porch? You usually just letyourself in.”

Stiles glances up athim before gesturing down at the package, “A package arrived for you, butthere’s no return address and the box looks really old.”

Derek’s brow furrowsas he looks down at the package, “That’s strange.”

“So you weren’texpecting something?”

Derek shakes his head,“No. Cora sometimes sends me stuff but she usually puts her name on it and itwouldn’t look this worn down.”

Derek goes to pick itup and Stiles moves forward, gripping his arm with wide eyes, “What the helldude? You can’t just pick it up! You don’t know what’s in there! It could bedangerous!”

Derek looks from thepackage back to Stiles, “I hardly doubt someone would try to hurt me by mailingme a package Stiles.”

Stiles had come to thesame conclusion but he’s still suspicious and nowhere near sure enough to justlet Derek pick it up, “Can’t you just sniff it or something and make sure it’snot dangerous?”

Derek rolls his eyesbut bends down and sniffs at the package, his nose wrinkling in distaste, “Itdoesn’t smell dangerous, just really musty, like it’s been locked away for along time.”

“I suppose it would bepointless to suggest you wait for me to call my Dad and have him call someonefrom the bomb squad to come inspect the package, wouldn’t it?”

Derek looks up at him,his lips twitching slightly, “I’d be able to smell if it was a bomb Stiles.”

“What if it’s cursed?”Stiles asks, “Can’t I just…Derek!”

Derek doesn’t wait forStiles to finish, just picks up the package and stands up with it. He grins atStiles as he brings it into the house, Stiles trailing behind him, “Nothinghappened when I picked it up.”

“Of course not, youasshole. Bad things happen when you openit. So don’t… or just ignore meand open it anyway.”

Stiles sighs as Dereksmirks at him and starts carefully opening the package. When nothing happensafter the box is opened Stiles step closer, unable to hide his curiosity, “Whatdo you think is in there?”

“We’re about to findout.”

Hit sits down on thecouch, the box in front of him. Stiles takes a seat next to him. Derek pullssomething out of the box, this one looking much more cared for, “Is that aphoto album?”

Derek looks at himwith wide eyes before looking back towards the album, on top of it is a note.Derek picks it up, reading it over before sucking in a breath. He hands thenote over to Stiles who examines the note curiously

Derek,

You probably don’tremember me but I knew your mother. We were close while she was still alive.She had me working on a spell so that she could have more pictures of yourfamily without the lens flare.  I figured the spell out but sadly Taliadied before I could get the pictures to her. I held onto them just in case. Iheard you took up a more permanent residence in Beacon Hills and thought youdeserved to have a piece of your family. I know going through these might behard but just know that your mother loved you and would want you to have these.

All the Best, S

Stiles looks from theletter over to Derek who is holding the album tightly in his hands, “Do youhave any idea who S could be?”

Derek shakes his head,clearing his throat before speaking, “My Mom knew a lot of people, weres andmagic users alike. They came and went all the time. I didn’t talk to a lot ofthem. I didn’t even know she was doing this.”

“She probably wantedit to be a surprise,” Stiles says, “I know we were supposed to hang out but Ican go if you want to be alone while you go through this.”

Derek’s hand shootsout, gripping Stiles’ arm. Not tight enough to hurt but enough for that Stileswouldn’t easily be able to break free, “Stay. Please.”

Stiles settles backagainst the couch, motioning towards the photo album, “Whenever you’re readybig guy.”

Derek’s hands shake ashe slowly flips open the cover for the album. The first picture is of TaliaHale in a wedding dress, the one below it of her and who Stiles assumes isDerek’s father. He’s proved right when Derek speaks, “This is my Mom and Dad ontheir wedding day,” Derek says before pointing to one of the next page, “andthis must be after Laura was born and then… this is me as a baby.”

Stiles smiles, lookingdown at the picture of baby Derek wrapped snuggly in a blanket, face tuckedinto his mother’s neck, his father smiling down at them while Laura sits frontof them smiling brightly up at her brother.

They sit like that fora while, Derek flipping through the album and explaining what the pictures arefor. There’s pictures from Derek’s first birthday, little Derek smiling up atthe camera with his face covered in cake. Then of Cora when she was born and ofher first birthday, only this time instead of her being covered in cake Derekis once again covered in cake, Cora’s little hand pressed to his face while shelaughs.

“I see she hasn’tchanged much,” Stiles says, amusement clear in his voice.

“Even at one she was apain when my ass,” Derek says, shaking his head in fondness, “Laura thought itwas only fair since I was such a pain in her ass.”

Derek flips the pageand Stiles stares at the picture, “Is that Peter?”

Derek nods, a sadsmile appearing on his face, “It is. And that was his wife Joanna and they’retwins Luke and Leia.”

“You’re joking!”

Derek shakes his head,“Nope. Both of them were huge Star Wars fans.”

“Holy shit. And Ithought I loved Star Wars.”

“Peter could havegiven you a run for your money. At least on the original films.”

“Could have?” Stilesasks, then realizes what Derek is implying. Of course Peter wouldn’t hold thesame fondness for it. It probably just reminded him of what he’d lost, “Ohright. So, what’s next?”

Derek continues flippingthrough the album, sharing stories with a fond smile on his face. Stiles issurprised how well he’s handling it. It can’t be easy seeing all these picturesof the people he lost, a reminder of the life he used to have. Stiles supposesit’s better than not having anything to remind him at all.

They reach the lastpage which holds a picture of a teenage Derek with Talia, the two of them arehugging, bright smiles on their faces. The one below it is a family photo. Fromthe way Derek looks in the picture Stiles figures this must have been takenshortly before the fire.

Derek reverentlystrokes the pictures, wiping at his eyes with his free hand, “This was taken acouple days before the fire. Mom had insisted we all get together and take afamily photo. Laura, Cora, and I had complained the whole time, thinking we hadbetter things to do. We were such selfish little shits.”

He looks down,shoulders shaking with what Stiles realizes are silent sobs. Stiles wraps anarm around his shoulders, running hand soothingly up and down his arm, “Youwere teenagers. You had no way of knowing.”

Stiles knows it’s notmuch of an excuse but he doesn’t know what else to say. Nothing he says willmake the pain or guilt go away. After a while Derek pulls back, wiping at hiseyes before looking at Stiles, “She would have loved you. my Mom.”

“I’m sure I would haveloved her. She seems like she was a great woman.”

Derek smiles, “Shewas. She reminds me a bit like you.”

“I don’t know how tofeel about you saying I’m like your Mom,” Stiles says.

“I’m not saying you’relike my Mom. Just that you remind meof her in ways. She was strong and independent. Not taking shit from anyone.Loyal.”

“She loved you,”Stiles says, barely resisting the urge to lower his eyes.

Derek stares at himfor a moment, his voice barely above a whisper when he speaks, “Stiles.”

Stiles coughs andlooks away, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, “Sorry that was…inappropriate. We can just pretend I said that.”

“What if I don’t wantto?” Derek asks.

Stiles looks back atDerek to find Derek’s gaze already on him, “You get what I was saying right?That I… I love you.”

Derek nods, lacing hisfingers through Stiles’ “I know. I also know my Mom would want me to be happy. Youmake me happy Stiles.”

“You make me happytoo.”

Derek smiles, bringinga hand up to Stiles’ cheek, “Just so we’re clear, I love you too.”

Stiles’ answering grinis blinding, “Glad we’re on the same page.”

They lean forward atthe same time, their lips brushing softly together in a slow, sweet kiss. Derekpulls back with a sigh, resting his forehead against Stiles’ “Thank you forstaying and doing this with me. It would have been a lot harder without youhere.”

“You know I’ll alwaysbe here when you need me,” Stiles says.

“That goes both ways.”

And it’s the truth.They both know that no matter what happens they can rely on each other.

Stiles convinces Derek to keep the photo album out in the open incase he wants to go through it again. That is, after he shows Peter who pullsDerek into a tight hug before thanking him, taking the picture Derek gives him,and leaving.

For Christmas a few years later Stiles has the family photo blownup and framed. Derek hangs it up in the hallway next to the picture of him andStiles on their wedding day.

[tabloidtoc]

OK, September 21

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: How Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman make their love last 

Page 1: Big Pic -- at the 77th International Venice Film Festival jury members Cate Blanchett and Matt Dillon came together for a photo-call with and without masks 

Page 2: Contents 

Page 3: Contents 

Page 4: Jennifer Aniston was rumored to be pursuing her ex Brad Pitt when Brad was seen with his much younger new girlfriend Nicole Poturalski but Jen wasn’t bothered in the least by the news because she has a much younger love interest of her own -- after a string of hush-hush dates Jen’s zeroed in one handsome suitor in particular and he’s 20 years her junior and a proud beach bum unlike her other ex Justin Theroux who preferred city concrete to sand and surf 

Page 6: Miley Cyrus is on a bold new path toward motherhood -- after the rough patch she went through she’s grown up a lot and realized she doesn’t need the perfect partner to start a family and she’s always wanted to be a mom so that’s what she plans to do 

Page 7: This Is Us star Chrissy Metz is asking her happily married costar Mandy Moore to play matchmaker for her because she’s been without a boyfriend for nearly two years which was OK at first because she needed time to get over her ex Hal Rosenfield but now she’s finding the loneliness intolerable, Dolly Parton’s inner circle is growing concerned over her workaholic tendencies -- everyone from friends to business associates is coaxing her to slow down and enjoy life more but she won’t listen because she thinks taking a break is the same as letting folks down, though the Great White Way was forced to close its curtains due to the pandemic and keep them closed for the remainder of the year Bruce Willis is hoping to take center stage once Broadway is back in business -- he sold a lot of tickets during his limited theatrical run in Misery in 2015 even though it was a critical disaster -- he’s been itching to get back on the boards and take another crack at it and in a bid to make his potential gig even more buzzworthy he’s trying to convince amicable ex Demi Moore to be his costar even though it would be weird for Bruce’s current wife Emma Heming 

Page 8: Halle Berry may not be ready to reveal the identity of her new boyfriend to the public but her mystery man has already gotten the seal of approval from her pal and personal trainer Peter Lee Thomas, the pressure’s on for Natalie Portman as she preps to start filming her superhero flick Thor: Love and Thunder because they asked her to get shredded and put on real muscle to basically become the female equivalent of Chris Hemsworth on screen but it’s a tall order since she’s been trying to fulfill it pretty much on her own at home due to the pandemic and now that she’s on location in Australia her nerves are really kicking in, Carrie Underwood’s five-year-old son Isaiah recorded a track for her upcoming Christmas album and she pushing for both her sons to have full-fledged careers in the music industry

Page 10: Red Hot on the Red Carpet -- stars are fierce in fuchsia -- Sofia Carson, Isla Fisher, Angela Bassett 

Page 11: Idina Menzel, Zendaya  

Page 12: Who Wore It Better? Naomi Watts vs. Hilary Duff, Chloe Bennet vs. Martha Hunt, Jessie James Decker vs. Melissa Gorga 

Page 14: News in Photos -- Bradley Cooper all dressed up as ‘70s hairstylist turned movie mogul Jon Peters while filming an upcoming Paul Thomas Anderson flick 

Page 15: Kristen Wiig taking a hike with one of her twins, WWE star Natalie Ava Marie at the drive-in premiere of Hard Kill, Rachel Zoe at the beach in Malibu 

Page 17: Sofia Richie relaxed and waded in the water while on vacation in Mexico 

Page 18: Kevin Hart and daughter Heaven wear masks as they grabbed lunch in Malibu, Tori Spelling’s son Finn celebrated his birthday with siblings Stella and Liam and Beau and Hattie, Lucy Hale took her dog Elvis for a walk 

Page 20: Gavin Rossdale and his dog hit the beach in Malibu, Taye Diggs during a run in Los Angeles, Cara Santana arriving at friend’s house with a bottle of wine 

Page 21: Brooke Shields read Howard Stern’s latest book in the Hamptons, Erica Banks posing for a photo shoot 

Page 22: Kristen Taekman picked up pizza for her kids in Malibu, Sarah Jessica Parker swung by her store to help customers try on shoes 

Page 23: Gordon Ramsay posed in front of his new pool which has a transparent wall with his son Oscar, Jessie James Decker spent her morning making phone calls 

Page 24: Inside My Home -- Emilia Clarke’s chic compound in Venice, California is for sale 

Page 28: Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich are working toward a reconciliation nearly four months after announcing their separation but things will be much different this time around: most notably they’ll be allowed to see other people -- the problem Jules had with Brooks was his possessive and controlling behavior and she likes the idea of a looser arrangement and although most guys would have balked Brooks figures there’s no sense in trying to discourage her free spirit 

Page 29: A year after tying the knot Heidi Klum is suddenly aching to have a baby with her husband Tom Kaulitz even though she’s 47 she’s taken care of herself her whole adult life and has no reason to doubt it will happen naturally but they’ll consider IVF too, Shania Twain and husband Frederic Thiebaud have grown closer during quarantine and with their 10th wedding anniversary approaching the want to celebrate their marriage by renewing their vows, though Bindi Irwin isn’t due until next year the pregnant star and husband Chandler Powell are already prepping for the big day -- they’re thinking about things like lighting and atmosphere and who’ll be in the room with them and Bindi even created a playlist with recordings of zoo animals and meditation music to listen to during labor 

Page 30: Ever since Katy Perry found out she was pregnant Orlando Bloom has been filming her every move so they can one day share the footage with family and friends and fans, Henry Golding wants nothing more than to see his wife of four years Liv Lo succeed as a fitness entrepreneur -- he’s financially supportive and is using his contacts to boost publicity for her company FitSphere because he wants her to be just as proud of her work as he is of his own, Love Bites -- Minka Kelly and Trevor Noah dating, Ed Sheeran and wife Cherry Seaborn welcomed their first child, Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts are married 

Page 32: Cover Story -- Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban stronger than ever -- after a few bumps Nicole and Keith’s 14-year marriage is back on solid ground 

Page 36: Jon Hamm tells all -- love and loss and starting over at 50 Jon is opening up like never before 

Page 38: Blasts from the Past -- find out what Hollywood’s former teen heartthrobs are up to now -- Kirk Cameron, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Scott Baio 

Page 39: Donny Osmond, Leif Garrett, Andrew Keegan 

Page 40: Interview -- Paris Hilton gets real -- the It Girl turned businesswoman is telling all in a new documentary 

Page 42: Ballroom Body Blitz -- the diet and fitness secrets of these Dancing With the Stars stunners -- Cheryl Burke, Peta Murgatroyd, Sharna Burgess 

Page 43: Jenna Johnson, Britt Stewart 

Page 46: Style Week -- Hunter Schafer is the global brand ambassador for Shiseido 

Page 48: The new Sandra Mansour X H&M collection 

Page 49: 5 minutes with Jenny Mollen on her style and her beauty routine and book suggestions 

Page 52: Fragrant Candles -- Kacey Musgraves 

Page 54: Entertainment 

Page 55: Q&A with Joyce Giraud 

Page 58: Buzz -- 2020 VMAs -- Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, The Weeknd, The Black Eyed Peas with new member J. Rey Soul replacing Fergie, Nicole Richie, Ariana Grande 

Page 60: Sound Bites -- Chloe Sevigny on becoming a mom, Kate Winslet on resuming filming for the HBO series Mare of Easttown, Brian Austin Green when asked if he and estranged wife Megan Fox would ever reconcile, Kevin Jonas on Toy Story 4, Jennifer Garner on loosening her parenting rules amid the stressful pandemic 

Page 61: Melanie C on never having a #MeToo experience while with the Spice Girls, Channing Tatum announcing he wrote a children’s book  

Page 62: Horoscope -- Virgo Jennifer Hudson turned 39 on September 12 

Page 64: By the Numbers -- Macaulay Culkin

[the-record-briefs]

April 10, 2019: In other news

Wilkes-based group to compete in MeleFest

 band competition

The Wilkes County-based band, Alex Key and the Locksmiths, will    participate in the MerleFest Band Competition.

The event will be held on the Plaza Stage    on Saturday the April 27 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Judged by members of The Local Boys and emceed by Mark Bumgarner, the    competition’s winners will be announced at 4 p.m. on the Plaza Stage. The winning band will head over to the Cabin Stage, where    they will perform to an enthusiastic MerleFest audience from 6:35 to 7    p.m. 

This year’s    band competition finalists also include Shay Martin Lovette (Boone), Pretty Little Goat (Brevard), None of the Above (Piedmont Triad), Brooks Forsyth (Boone), Massive Grass (Wilmington), Redleg Husky (Asheville),    and The Mike Mitchell Band (Floyd,    Va.).

MerleFest has    also announced the winners of the 2019 Chris Austin Songwriting    Competition.

From its first    incarnation in 1993, MerleFest’s annual Chris Austin    Songwriting Competition has seen    the likes of Gillian Welch, Tift Merritt, and Martha Scanlan rise to the    top of an always competitive field of up-and-coming    songwriters. Legendary songwriters have presided over the competition    from the start as judges, too. Darrell Scott, Hayes Carll, and the late,    great Guy Clark have all taken a turn at judging the CASC. This year,    the event will be judged byJoey    Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, better known as The Milk Carton Kids, Cruz Contreras of    The Black Lillies, and Texas-troubadour    Radney Foster. Mr. Americana Jim Lauderdale will host the competition and Mark Bumgarner will return as emcee for    the finalist contest taking place at MerleFest’s Austin Stage on Friday,    April 26th at 2:00 p.m.

This year’s    Chris Austin Songwriting Competition Finalists each fall into one of four    categories:

Bluegrass:

Wyatt Espalin (Hiawassee, Ga.):    “Light Coming Through”

Anya Hinkle (Asheville): “Ballad Of Zona Abston”

James Woolsey (Petersburg,    Ind.) and David Foster (Petersburg,     IN): “Sugar Ridge Road”

Country:

Hannah Kaminer (Asheville): “Don’t Open Your Heart”

Andrew Millsaps (Ararat): “Ain’t No Genie (In    A Bottle Of Jack)”

Shannon Wurst (Fayetteville, Ark.):    “Better Than Bourbon”

General:

Wright Gatewood (Chicago, Ill.):    “First”

Alexa Rose (Asheville): “Medicine For Living”

Bryan Elijah Smith (Dayton, Va.):    “In Through The Dark”

Gospel/Inspirational:

Ashleigh Caudill (Nashville, Tenn.)    and Jon Weisberger (Cottontown, Tenn.):    “Walkin’ Into Gloryland”

Kevin T. Hale (Brentwood, Tenn.):    “We All Die To Live Again”

Russ Parrish (Burnsville,    Minn.) and Topher King (Savage, Minn.): “Washed By The Water”

All three    finalists in each category will have the chance to perform their songs for    the judges on MerleFest’s Austin Stage before category winners are    ultimately decided on Friday.

Net proceeds    from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest support the Wilkes Community    College Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship. Since its inception, the    scholarship has been awarded to 91 deserving students.

Tickets for    this year’s festival, backstage tours, as well as the Late Night Jam    sponsored by The Bluegrass    Situation, may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. MerleFest offers a    three-tiered pricing structure and encourages fans to take advantage of the    extended early bird discount. Early Bird Tier 2 tickets will be    available through April 24th. Remaining tickets will be sold at the gate    during the festival. Headliners    include The Avett Brothers, Brandi Carlile, Amos Lee, Wynonna & the Big    Noise, Del McCoury Band, Dailey & Vincent, Tyler Childers, Keb’ Mo’,    Sam Bush, The Earls of Leicester, and Peter Rowan and The Free Mexican Air    Force. The Late Night Jam sponsored by The Bluegrass Situation    will be hosted by Chatham County Line. In addition to the above-mentioned    artists, the following will be performing at MerleFest ‘19:

American    Aquarium, Andy May, Ana Egge & The Sentimentals, Ashley Heath and Her    Heathens, AZTEC SUN, Banknotes, Bob Hill, Cane Mill Road, Carol Rifkin,    Carolina Blue, Casey Kristofferson Band, Catfish Keith, Charles Welch,    Chris Rodrigues with Abby the Spoonlady, David LaMotte, Dirk Powell Band,    Donna the Buffalo, Driftwood, Elephant Sessions, Elizabeth Cook, Ellis    Dyson & The Shambles, Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, Happy    Traum, Irish Mythen, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jim Avett, Jim    Lauderdale, Joe Smothers, Jontavious Willis and Andrew Alli, Josh Goforth,    Junior Brown, Junior Sisk, Larry Stephenson Band, Laura Boosinger, Lindi    Ortega, Mark Bumgarner, Mark & Maggie O’Connor, Maybe April, Michaela    Anne, Mile Twelve, The Milk Carton Kids, Mitch Greenhill and String    Madness, Molly Tuttle, Nixon, Blevins, & Gage, Pete & Joan Wernick    and FLEXIGRASS, Presley Barker, Professor Whizzpop!, Radney Foster, Roy    Book Binder, Salt & Light, Scythian, Sean McConnell, Shane Hennessy, Si    Kahn & The Looping Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Steve Poltz, T.    Michael Coleman, The Black Lillies, The Brother Brothers, The Gibson    Brothers, The Harris Brothers, The InterACTive Theatre of Jeff, The Kruger    Brothers, The Local Boys, The Trailblazers, The Waybacks, Todd Albright,    Tom Feldmann, Tony Williamson, Uncle Joe and The Shady Rest, Valerie Smith    & Liberty Pike, Wayne Henderson, Webb Wilder, and Yarn. The lineup and performance    schedules are accessible viaMerleFest.org/lineup.

MerleFest is    pleased to partner with Come    Hear NC, a promotional campaign of the North Carolina Department of    Natural & Cultural Resources and the North Carolina Arts Council, to    celebrate 2019 as “The Year of Music,” a designation Governor Roy Cooper announced in November    of last year. MerleFest, honoring its locale, has programmed over 40    artists who currently call North      Carolina home, each artist representing a    different aspect of the state’s great musical history. Come Hear NC was    designed to celebrate North Carolinians’ groundbreaking contributions to    many of America’s most important musical genres — blues, bluegrass, jazz,    country, gospel, Americana, rock and everything in-between. It’s fitting    then, with 2019 as “The Year of Music,” that the Steep Canyon Rangers, also    proud North Carolinians, would debut their    North Carolina Songbook set at MerleFest.

About MerleFest:

MerleFest was    founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc    Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of    "traditional plus" music, a unique mix of traditional,    roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time,    classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel and blues, and expanded to    include Americana, classic rock and many other styles. The festival hosts a    diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the four-day    event. MerleFest has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation,    funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

About Window World:

Window World,    headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America’s largest replacement    window and exterior remodeling company, with more than 200 locally owned    offices nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs    windows, siding, doors and other exterior products, with over 15 million    windows sold to date. Window World is an ENERGY STAR partner and its    windows, vinyl siding and Therma-Tru doors have all earned the Good    Housekeeping Seal. Through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares, the Window World family provides funding for St. Jude    Children’s Research Hospital, which honored the foundation with its    Organizational Support Award in 2017. Since its inception in 2008, the    foundation has raised over $8 million for St. Jude. Window World also    supports the Veterans Airlift Command, a nonprofit organization that    facilitates free air transportation to wounded veterans and their families.    Window World has flown over 100 missions and surpassed $1 million in    flights and in-kind donations since it began its partnership with the VAC    in 2008. For more information, visit www.WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 NEXTWINDOW. For home improvement and    energy efficiency tips, décor ideas and more, follow Window World on Facebookand Twitter.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural    Resources:

The N.C.    Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency    with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural    resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of    North Carolina.    NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating    opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and    nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity,    preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage,    encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic    development.

NCDNCR includes    27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science    museums, three aquariums and Jennette's Pier, 39 state parks and recreation    areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra,    the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State    Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the    Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call    (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.

About the North Carolina    Arts Council

The North    Carolina Arts Council builds on our state’s long-standing love of the arts,    leading the way to a more vibrant future. The Arts Council is an economic    catalyst, fueling a thriving nonprofit creative sector that generates $2.12    billion in annual direct economic activity. The Arts Council also sustains    diverse arts expression and traditions while investing in innovative    approaches to art-making. The North Carolina Arts Council has proven to be    a champion for youth by cultivating tomorrow’s creative citizens through    arts education. http://www.NCArts.org

 For more information, visit www.MerleFest.org.