Chapter 10: Coming Home:
New York
Once the John and Stiles parted, Scott rushed over and hugged his friend in a fiercely. Stiles appreciated the sentiment but his ribs were starting to ache. "Happy to see you too man, but oxygen is becoming an issue here" Stiles gasped. Scott let go and said "I can't believe it you're alive, we thought you were..." Scott trailed off. "Dead? It's ok to say it you know" Stiles answered.
Stiles saw Derek walking up to him with his trademark scowl in place. "Hey Sourwolf, how are..." Stiles was cut off as Derek hugged him tightly. Stiles was actually dumbfounded. He thought Derek hated him and only tolerated his presence because of Scott. As well as that he believed that every morning Derek practiced his best "I Am Incapable Of Showing Positive Emotion And Must Look Absolutely Threatening And Scary At All Times" face in front of the mirror before going about his day.
Derek stepped back. "What happened?" he growled his eyes tinging dark red. "It is a long story, I'll explain it to you, but you all have to listen carefully" Stiles said to the three men. "We'll leave you alone to talk" Natasha said. Steve and Clint went to followed her out of the room. Wanda and Pietro made to go with them but Stiles motioned for them to stay. "This involves you too" he said. The group took their seats and waited for Stiles to begin. Stiles took a deep breath and began.
He told his father and friends about how he gained his powers. He told them about the drugs, tests and shock therapies that HYDRA forced him to endure. He told them about Strucker's trials. He told them about meeting the Maximoffs and forming a sibling relationship with them. He told them about meeting and joining up with Ultron. He was particularly afraid about what his friends and father would say about his alliance with Ultron. He told them how he discovered HYDRA's lies about his father's death, defecting from Ultron and joining the Avengers. He avoided going into great detail about the battle in Sokovia. Once he finished his story he waited for their reaction.
John was crying internally that his child had endured all that pain and suffering at the hands of Strucker. "If that bastard was still alive, I'd empty a whole magazine into his skull" thought the Sheriff angrily. He also knew that Stiles was trying to get out of mentioning the battle in Sokovia. He and his son would have to have a talk later on once this matter was settled.
Scott was in awe at his friend. He knew personally that he would never be able to endure what Stiles had and come out normal. He couldn't help but feel envious that Stiles fought alongside the Avengers but he also couldn't be more prouder.
Derek on the other hand was enraged. Not at Stiles but at HYDRA. How dare they harm and torture Stiles. His wolf wanted to hunt down every last member of that organization and rip them all apart. He was relieved that Stiles got out of their control and found a family support system in the Maximoffs. He was surprised that Stiles joined Ultron but he put that down to the fact that HYDRA's treatments had left Stiles mental state incredibly vulnerable. He was surprised and amazed that he had the strength and will to resist Ultron and fight back. "But then again, he's always but on a brave face and a smart mouth when facing impossible odds" Derek thought because he knew that was who Stiles was.
By the end of it John had gone teary eyed again. "I'm so sorry you had to endure that son, but I'm so proud of you for doing the right thing". John said hugging his son once more. He then turned to the Maximoffs and surprised them by hugging them also. He pulled back and said "Thank you both for keeping my son sane, I can't ever repay you both but I hope you'll at least accept a dinner invitation, I would really like to get to know the people my son considers family".
"It was nothing Mr Stilinski and yes we would like to have dinner with you and Stiles" Wanda answered, both she and Pietro smiling at the Sheriff's kind words. "Soooo, you're a superhero now, huh what's your superhero name?" Scott asked Stiles. Stiles pondered the question. "I'll have to get back to you on a later date about that one Scotty" Stiles replied.
After getting the all clear from Steve the group of six headed out into the city to find a place to eat. They stopped off at the nearest restaurant and ordered a huge pizza. When Pietro and Wanda asked them what pizza was, both Stiles and Scott made a show of pretending to be mortally offended that they would ask such a thing. Stiles promised the twins that he would officially be their guide to the joys and wonders of American Culture.
While they were eating John delicately asked the twins why they allied themselves with Ultron. When they told him, John felt extremely sorry for the trauma they went through at such a young age. Losing ones family and being nearly killed was something no child should ever have to experience. Once they had their food, Scott asked them about their powers. "So what can you guys do? What are your abilities?" Scott asked.
"I run superfast" Pietro told him. "I can read and manipulate minds, I can also move objects with my mind and shoot red energy out of my hands" Wanda confessed. "And you could also fly if you wanted to" Stiles told her. Wanda considered it and then said "I'll have to test it out, Stiles offered to help me". Derek then turned to Stiles and asked "What about you Stiles? What is your gift?".
Stiles thought about it trying to best explain his abilities. "I can manipulate anything around me based on possibility" Stiles said. He went into detail about the possibilities of his powers, their strengths and their weaknesses. When Scott heard this he asked eagerly "Can you make me human again?". Stiles sighed knowing that this is what Scott would ask but then he remembered his Dad's presence. "Scott what are you doing I..." Stiles hissed but John said. "Its ok son, I know about the werewolves, the kanima, all of it".
Stiles turned to his father in disbelief. "How did you find out" he asked his father. "After you were... after you went away, I was searching for clues all over the place, I searched your room and found all the material and research you compiled on werewolves, at first I didn't believe any of it but after a while I connected some of the dots, Derek confirmed my suspicions when I confronted him about it" John replied.
Stiles was both relieved and slightly angry. Relieved because he didn't have to lie about the supernatural to his Dad anymore and angry because he felt that Derek had no right to place his Dad in danger by including him in the whole werewolf secret. Stiles sighed and resigned himself to the fact that his father would have found out the truth eventually.
"Well that's one less secret between us and to answer your earlier question Scott, I don't think I could, the reason being is because everything I manipulate still retains it's original organic qualities aka the materials that make it what it is, you however are now a werewolf and not human, if I tried to change you back it would be the equivalent of me ripping your vital organs out, I could probably suppress some of your werewolf abilities by manipulating certain functions in the body but that's it so I'm afraid you're still stuck as a werewolf" Stiles answered honestly.
Scott nodded his head wearily in acceptance. Stiles couldn't help but be slightly put off at Scott's resistance to his powers. Sure Scott had increased mood swings and weaknesses as a werewolf but compared to Stiles his powers came easily. One bite and he got superpowers whereas Stiles endured agonizing torture and tests to obtain and control his superhuman abilities.
Wanda voiced Stiles thoughts and said to Scott "You could have it so much worse Mr McCall, there are millions of people across the world who would love to have your abilities because they are either dying from illnesses or want to make their lives better, from what Stiles told me you only endured a painful bite whereas we were subjected to hours of having our bodies feel like they were being set on fire and being torn apart, be happy with what you have".
Scott put his head down after being scolded. Derek couldn't help but smirk. He had been trying for nearly a whole year now to get Scott to accept his werewolf status and see the bite as a gift. The group was startled when three masked gunmen came into the store. One of the men fired his gun into the air and said "Alright everybody get down on the ground now, you do as your told and nobody gets hurt".
Another gunman pointed a large shotgun at the cashier. "Get the cash out out of the register or get plastered all over the wall behind you, your choice" the gunman said putting a bag in front of the man. The cashier hastily complied and emptied the cash from the register and into the bag. "Guys I think its hero time" Stiles thought to Wanda and Pietro. The pair nodded and the trio got to their feet.
"Stiles what are you doing?" John hissed, inwardly cursing himself for not bringing his gun. "Don't worry Dad, we got this" Stiles said reassuringly. The gunmen spotted the trio standing up. "Hey what the hell, get down on the floor or we will shoot" One gunman shouted. Pietro smirked and shot towards the men ripping their weapons out of their hands in a second. He dumped the weapons at Stiles feet who in turn made the weapons disintegrate with a bolt of purple energy.
The gunmen looked dumbfounded and one of the men said "You're one of those... FREAKS". The gunmen decided to abandon ship. One man said "I'm getting out of here, I'm not going against one of those whack jobs". The three gunmen made to run out of the store put found themselves hovering off the floor surrounded by red energy. Wanda smirked, her eyes and hands glowing as she suspended the three men in the air. "Please stay with us a little while longer" she said.
She threw the men on the floor before sending three tendrils of energy towards their heads which knocked them unconscious. There was silence and then clapping as people rushed over to thank the trio for their actions. When the cops showed up they gave their statements but one of them happened to recognize the trio. "Wait a minute you're those guys from Sokovia, you're the Avengers" the cop said.
"We're not..." Stiles began but it was too late as a few of the crowd heard the cops words and now clamored up to the trio to try and get autographs and ask them questions about the battle. The trio eventually finally broke through the crowd and found John, Scott and Derek waiting. They had to walk/run back to the Avengers Tower. Once they got past security and the army of fangirls they headed for the elevators and back up to the penthouse.
"Uh, its official I hate being a celebrity, talk about crazy-ass fans" Stiles complained with Wanda and Pietro nodding in agreement. John smiled sympathetically and said "I hate to tell you this kid but its not much better back home, the phone has been ringing nonstop for interview requests but we can talk about that when do you get home". Stiles glanced nervously at Wanda and Pietro before saying "Uh Dad about that, we need to talk". Stiles proceeded to tell his father about the contract he signed.
John stormed out of the elevator and into the penthouse where Natasha and Clint were talking. Clint appeared to be going on a trip as he had travel bags at his feet. John walked over to them muttering angrily under is breath. Natasha saw John and asked "Mr Stilinksi how can I help...". John interrupted her saying "Yeah you can help by telling me where the hell this Director Fury gets off forcing my son to sign a contract when not only is he underage but after enduring pain and torture most of which is because of his organization's negligence and corruption".
Stiles rushed over and tried to calm down his Dad by saying. "Dad its ok, besides its not a big deal... I'll just be learning how to fight and train my powers, I mean yeah I'll join the team eventually but...". "But nothing Stiles your a kid not a soldier, I am not going to lose you again dammit, not after I just got you back" John said placing his hands on Stiles shoulders and then saying "I already went through months of hell looking for you Stiles, I'm not about to worry that one day you'll go off saving the world and not come back, that would kill me son".
Natasha decided to speak up and said to John "Mr Stilinski, I get why you are worried about your son but we have to accept reality here, he fought alongside us in Sokovia and the whole world saw it, that means that there are those out there who might target Stiles for his powers, some of these groups have the means to subdue your son, at least if he has training he can fight off opponents should his powers be inhibited".
She continued on "As well as that there is the matter of your son's new powers, while Stiles seems to currently have them under control they are still vastly unpredictable and dangerous, at our training facility we can help Stiles to fully master his abilities and use them responsibly". Her words of sense seemed to do the trick as the Sheriff calmed down.
John grudgingly accepted the truth in her words and said to her "Fine, I understand". He then turned to Stiles and said "But you still coming home with me, at least until this training starts". His tone dared Natasha to argue. She merely nodded her head in understanding.
Later on when everyone had gone to bed, Stiles woke up feeling thirsty. He went walking around the tower in search of something to drink. He found himself back in the penthouse party room again. He went over to the bar and poured himself a glass of water. He was about to turn back when he spotted Derek looking out at the city holding a beer in his hand. Curious, Stiles asked "Derek you ok?".
Derek turned to Stiles and said "Yeah, just thinking back to the last time I was here, Laura was with me then". Stiles sighed in sympathy. He'd forgotten that New York had been Derek and Laura's home after the fire. To be back here without his sister must have brought up painful memories for the troubled man. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize this place might bring up bad memories for you" Stiles told him.
Derek turned around and joined Stiles at the bar. "It's ok, had to make sure you were safe". Stiles was confused and asked "Derek... why did you come? I mean the last time I saw you I pretty much blew up at you and you seem to hate my existence so why would you come to New York?".
Derek sighed and answered "Believe or not Stiles I did miss you and the last time we... talked you told me what I needed to hear, I had been letting the Alpha power go to my head and I realized how much I had taken advantage of you and never really thanked you even when you saved my life" he admitted. Stiles was stunned.
"It was nothing, I'd do the same for Scott or anybody else in need" Stiles said. Derek smiled and said "Yeah you would, that's why you're a hero". Stiles then thought back to his words that he'd told his Dad to tell the Pack before he went of to fight Ultron.
"Um Derek, about what I said... you know before the battle, I didn't mean to bring up your family... I just wanted to..." Stiles trailed off, unsure of what to say. "You wanted me to move on and be happy" Derek finished and Stiles nodded.
Derek studied Stiles and then said "Stiles I know you meant well but the fact remains that what happened to my family was my fault, I foolishly fell in love with a girl that I knew came from a long line of brutal Hunters, I was stupid and my family paid the price and now since Laura died I wake up and its almost not worth the effort to get out of bed in the morning to try and make it through the day" he confessed.
Stiles felt his heart break at these words. He always knew that Derek put up walls and a bad attitude to keep people away from him but he never realized how badly damaged and hurting Derek seemed to be. "He probably keeps anyone from getting close to him to prevent himself from getting hurt by being betrayed or losing someone" Stiles thought. He came around the corner and put his hand on Derek's shoulder.
"Listen to me Derek, what Kate Argent did was sick and twisted, she used her position as a substitute teacher to take advantage of a sixteen year old boy, she already had it in her mind to murder your family, and if you hadn't given her the information she probably would have tracked down members of your family and would have either tortured them for information or picked them off one by one, hell her father is probably the one who instructed her to do it, so don't feel guilty because of someone's actions" Stiles said now rubbing Derek's back gently.
Derek turned to Stiles and said "I've thought about everything you said Stiles but it still doesn't ease the guilt or the pain". Stiles smiled grimly and replied "We're all human Derek or in our case human-ish and its normal to feel guilt, it'll probably will never be ok that you're family is gone but I promise it will get better, when my mother died I didn't think I would ever survive the sadness and there are still bad days when I feel overwhelmed by the loss, but they are easier to endure and far more in between, because I learned to let go and accept it, you should too because believe it or not Derek, I meant what I said, you do deserve to be happy and not be weighed down by all the bad memories but the first thing you need to do is forgive yourself" Stiles finished.
"How can I?" Derek asked hanging on to Stiles's every word. "Start by opening up, if you want to talk I'm always available to listen, my greatest superpower is to listen... well... when it suits me that is" Stiles told him. Derek looked at Stiles directly now taking in the honest intent within the boys face and eyes. "Thank you Stiles for being you" Derek said.
"Your welcome Derek" Stiles replied. The two fell silent as they realized how close they had gotten. Green and brown eyes looked into each other. Butterflies fluttered in Stiles stomach while Derek licked his lips nervously. The two men leaned forward. Their lips were almost touching when the sound of a Quinjet landing broke the silence. The two broke apart and the moment was gone.
"Uh, that... that... that'll be Stark so... uh, I'll head back to bed... we're not really best buds yet since... the whole thing with Ultron and I don't wanna give another reason to hate me" Stiles stammered. "Uh yeah, I'll catch you tomorrow... so goodnight" Derek stammered which was completely uncharacteristic for him. The two went to their respective bedrooms with their thoughts in turmoil.
"Stupid, stupid Derek, didn't Kate teach you anything, dammit he's a minor" Derek thought to himself. In his own bedroom Stiles thought to himself "Damn, what the hell was that Stiles, you just told him he could count on you to support him but then you go and make things weird and try to kiss him". Stiles paced some more and then thought to himself "No, I'll keep it straight with Derek, besides that was probably a one off thing, anyways I'm sure that there are loads of girls and guys who would sell their souls to date him and I'm just a scrawny ass nerd, why would he even bother with me". With his mind made up Stiles went to sleep.
For the next few days Stiles, his family and friends all caught up. Scott got in touch with his mother and the rest of the Pack to inform them that they were coming home soon and to organize a party despite Stiles's protests. Once they cleared it with Natasha, they found that they would have a whole three weeks before they would have to head back to New York and begin training.
John resolved to bring Stiles home as soon as possible so he could spend the time with family and friends. Surprisingly the Sheriff asked if Wanda and Pietro would like to join them as he had a spare room in the house with an unused bed. After asking permission from Steve the twins were allowed to go with Stiles. Once the flight back to California was organized Stiles spent the remainder of the trip touring around New York and showing his friends and family his powers.
On the eve of that they were due to return home they were given a stern warning by the Steve that should they try to run or abuse their powers the contract that Stiles and the Maximoffs signed would be terminated and that they would be arrested and prosecuted. Stiles and the Maximoffs nodded in understanding to Steve's statement.
Stiles and Derek avoided each other like the plague until Stiles decided to put a stop to it. He cornered Derek one day and said "Look Derek about the other night, it was nothing, it was just me being stupid, can we just put it behind us and be friends?" Stiles asked hopefully. Derek was silent for a moment before putting out his hand for Stiles to shake.
They shook hands and said "Agreed" and didn't discuss the matter any further. On the morning Steve repeated his warning but less harshly and gave them his contact number. With that, he let the group go to the airport. After hours of a long flight and drive, Stiles's eyes brightened as they passed by the sign saying "Welcome to Beacon Hills". "Its good to be back" Stiles thought.