Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Wolf.
A/N: Hey, all! Here's the sequel to "All Too Human". It may not be necessary to read "All Too Human" first, but it will certainly help. I got the idea for this little universe after reading a post on tumblr. It talked about the idea of Stiles losing his hearing due to Lydia's screaming. I didn't take that exact route, but the concept peaked my interest. I wanted to explore how such a loss not only impacts Stiles, but also those closest to him. So, voila. I hope you guys all enjoy! Just one last disclaimer, I'm not a medical expert but I did do a good amount of research for this.
The Human Effect-Chapter 1
Sheriff John Stilinski runs a hand over his tired face after turning his car off. It may be just a little after midnight, but it feels so much later. Then again he did just come off from working a double. It also doesn't help that he's been on the phone with Melissa a good part of the night. Scott's MIA and never came home after school. John's spent a good part of the night reassuring Melissa that the alpha was all right and trying to track down the werewolf himself. He wasn't able to track down Scott, but after speaking with a calm and level headed Lydia, the sheriff has comes to the conclusion that Scott is in fact okay and told Melissa the same. She finally reluctantly agreed with his opinion. He tiredly makes his way into his house. God, he doesn't know what he needs more. A good night's sleep or a good stiff drink?
A huge yawn comes over him. Sleep. Definitely sleep, John thinks as he passes through the living room. His tired eyes spot an envelope with Beacon Hills Hospital as the return address on the coffee table. No doubt another bill. On second thought maybe he could use a drink. He's off tomorrow because Stiles has an appointment with Dr. Malone. He looks at his watch. 12:17. Stiles' appointment isn't until ten. There's plenty of time for him to have a night cap before turning in for the night. He just needs it to help unwind for the night.
He heads upstairs after making himself a drink and smiles softly as he makes out the sounds of Star Wars. He pushes open Stiles' bedroom door and as he suspected Stars Wars is playing on Stiles' laptop with the closed captions playing on the screen. Stiles is snoring softly with Scott laid out beside him.
John is not really surprised to see his son's best friend sharing his son's bed. Scott sharing Stiles' bed has become a common occurrence since his son was released from the hospital a month and a half ago. Scott has never come right out to explain the rationale behind the new normal sleeping arrangement, but the sheriff has a suspicion it's because Scott needs to feel like he's protecting Stiles. And John can't fault Scott for that. If only he did a better job of protecting Stiles himself.
And even though Scott's presence in his son's bedroom on a school night is nothing new, the disgusting odor radiating off the werewolf is.
"Jesus," John says as he nearly gags over the smell. He can't believe that Stiles is sleeping though the stench. He places his drink on Stiles' nightstand before he leans over to shake the werewolf's leg. "Scott. Wake up, Scott."
It doesn't take long for Scott to jerk awake, looking around the room in alarm. "Sheriff?" Scott asks, tiredly.
John sighs when he sees the werewolf's disheveled appearance. The kid has been running himself ragged the last two months. Chasing one supernatural bad guy after another. His lone man crusade has Melissa a nervous wreck. The two parents have had at least a dozen conversations about Scott's reckless behavior as of late.
"Your mother's looking for you," John says. "She's been trying to get hold of you all night."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I ended up running into a couple of witches."
"Where? The sewer?" John asks with his face wrinkled up in disgust.
Scott shakes his head. "Close, I caught up with them near that pig farm over in Beacon Valley."
"Nasty," John replies.
Scott chuckles. "Tell me about it. I actually already showered."
John shakes his head. He can only imagine how bad the kid smelt before if he smells this bad now.
"Do us both a favor?" John asks.
"What's that?" Scott asks.
"Text your mother that you're okay."
Scott frowns sheepishly. "I lost my phone somewhere tonight."
John rolls his eyes. Werewolf or not, Scott is still that goofy kid that was always losing his inhaler. Some things don't change. John tosses the werewolf his cellphone. "Here, use mine before she strangles you and then me for not letting her know you're okay."
As Scott texts his mother, John moves closer to a still sleeping Stiles. His son has remained oblivious to the conversation taking place mere feet from him. But, that's not surprising. God, he wishes Stiles will sit up and yell at him and Scott to shut up. Yell at Scott that he stinks to high hell. But, sadly that's not in the cards. Over the last seven weeks Stiles hearing has not approved, but on the up side it also hasn't worsened. John smiles sadly as he runs his hand through his son's hair. His son sighs when the sheriff removes his hand.
"Here you go, sheriff." Scott says holding his cell phone out to the older man.
The sheriff takes the cell phone. "What did she say?"
"That I better not scare her like that again and that I better get my butt to school tomorrow," Scott replies.
John nods his head. He's not surprised at all with what the nurse told her son. Scott's school performance has taken a hit since Stiles got sick. Scott's usual B's and A's have been replaced with C's and D's.
"Stiles appointment isn't until ten so you're on your own getting up in the morning," John says.
"I got it, "Scott says as he settles back down into Stiles' bed.
"Okay, I'm going to head to bed myself." John replies as he picks up his drink.
"Good night, sheriff."
"Night, Scott." John closes his son's bedroom door behind him. Usually he keeps it open so he can keep an eye on Stiles, but with Scott there he really doesn't need to. Or maybe he just won't close it all the way. He finishes off his drink in one large sip and then looks forlornly at his empty glass. He takes another look at his watch. It's 12:32. There's still plenty of time for him to have just one more. His mind made up, he goes downstairs to pour himself another drink.
I know it's a short chapter, but I think it definitely sets the tone. Let me know what you guys think!