One month later
Nothing else eventful had happened to Justin since his second full moon. Although Justin felt slightly more distant from Scott and Alec. Especially Alec as his trust for Justin had dwindled. Although nothing happened between him and Alec since then as Alec is still focusing on his own business, Justin can sense the animosity from Alec. Not that Justin could blame Alec for the hostility now since he almost killed Alec out of blood-thirst, whether from the influence from the full moon or not, but a lot more justifiable that Alec isn't really trusting Justin as he and Scott have no idea, until now, what's up with Justin.
All they know about Justin in the past two months is that he's just some fucked-up homeless kid (and potentially a junkie, which Scott and Alec assume about Justin due to his peculiar scent that they smelled with their werewolf scent.)
Although, again, they can only assume, not like they saw Justin go high at all.
Which is why Alec, despite his hostility against Justin, only stayed silent, especially when he knows that accusing Justin for something very suspicious is something unnecessary to not just himself, but Scott as well. It doesn't help his relationship with Scott is currently strained since Justin's second full moon. Alec would rather not risk putting his foot down and make anything worse for him and Scott, especially when Justin, so far, has not showed any signs of intending any trouble.
But as what Stiles had said before at some point, which he learned from his dad, if he's sure he's guilty, then all he must do is wait. Guilty people will eventually make a mistake.
Not that Alec thinks that Justin is guilty and really capable of doing trouble and backstabbing him and Scott, but he believes that Justin will eventually slip up that would reveal who he really is, what the hell is up with him. When he and Scott find out about Justin, whether it'll help Justin or give Scott a reason to do something about Justin, whether to kick him out of the pack or probably kill him (like that would happen when someone like Scott McCall is involved), Alec doesn't care, rather he just wants to make sure there won't be any trouble that's caused by Justin. For now, Alec can only stay by side, busy himself with his own business with his future, and keep a close eye on Justin.
While Alec is silently very hostile of Justin, Scott is the opposite.
Being the ingenuous and easily trusting person that he is, Scott still continues caring Justin, believing that Justin has no malicious and suspicious intentions. Which is a lot more believable now as Justin had been with the pack for two months now and other than his second full moon, Justin had done no ill will against Scott and Alec. Although his relationship with Justin had not grown much despite the two months he and Justin having spent a lot together, from work to their training. In fact, Scott can still feel that he and Justin are still distant from each other. And it worries him as he still has no idea what is up with Justin.
It really has been two months and Justin still hasn't really opened up about himself to Scott and Alec. Scott begins to have a benefit of a doubt about Justin, especially after Justin's second full moon. If Justin doesn't open up with Scott, Scott would be completely helpless in helping Justin learn to control himself and after their experience in the full moon, it's clear that Justin is becoming too dangerous at this point and Scott starts to reconsider Alec's concern regarding Justin.
Although so far, Justin, despite not willing to open himself up to them, has been showing no intention of causing harm, rather wanting to be better, and feeling fine. So for Scott, it wouldn't really be bad to give Justin some more time to make himself feel comfortable and open enough in his pack to be able to share his issues and struggles to Scott. But at the same time, Scott really hopes it'll be before the next full moon. If by the next full moon, Justin doesn't mention of his issues and things go haywire from Justin, it'll really be the time Scott will have to put his foot down and really question Justin about himself.
Scott knows full well he can't be too forgiving and patient any longer for Justin. He had suffered severe consequences because of how he easily trusts people, how he just trusts everyone.
Now, Scott is hoping that his trip with Justin and Alec will help really ease up Justin.
It was around the beginning of March when Scott received a message from his mom, inviting him as well as Alec (not knowing about Justin yet) to a family reunion that will come up in a couple of days, at Beacon Hills, in the McCall House. Scott takes this as an opportunity to introduce Justin to others. So far, it was only Chris who's aware of the new member in the McCall Pack. He needs to take it gradually, not feeling too ready to just reveal Justin to all of his friends. For now, Scott is alright with his mom knowing about Justin. One at a time.
Knowing his mom, Scott feels confident she'll be pretty welcoming of Justin, and hopefully it'll make Justin more at ease and open enough with them.
"So, how long exactly are we gonna be in Beacon Hills?" Justin continues packing his stuff in his gym bag, fixing them while also making sure his gear is very well hidden.
"Just for a week." Scott finishes up fixing the rest of his clothes and things in his bag before turning to check on Justin to see if he finished packing.
"Is this all, Justin?"
"Yeah, everything's all packed for me."
"Alright. Come on, let's bring the rest of our things into the van." Scott and Justin grab their bags and exit their motel room and head to the mobile clinic, where Alec had already packed his bag in the back.
"You already checked if you forget anything, Alec?" Scott asks.
"No. Already double checked, so good to go."
"Alright, I'll just head to the counter for check-out." Scott proceeds to head over to get themselves checked-out from the motel as Justin and Alec place the rest of their things in the van.
"You excited to go to Beacon Hills?" Alec unexpectedly asks Justin casually, it had been a while since the two had actually chat casually. Last time they did was just 2 days before Justin's second full moon. How Justin had actually miss being on Alec's good side.
"I guess, yeah. Although, isn't it just some town?"
"Not gonna lie, yeah it's just a town." Alec huffs as he and Justin sit and wait for Scott to return. "If you think it's just a town, what is it you're excited about then, Justin?"
Justin shrugs, "I guess—it's cause it's Scott's hometown and it would be pretty cool to look around at his hometown. It's all I could think of to excited for."
"Hmm... Well, that's a fair enough reason to be excited."
The two are silent for a moment before Justin speaks up again.
"Listen. Uh—Alec... I—just wanna let you know—I'm sorry. You know—about last month?"
Alec didn't say a word and just shrugs blankly.
"It's whatever."
"Hey, dude. I really mean it. Ok? I really do."
"I know." Alec turns to Justin, giving Justin a skeptical look in his eyes. "But if this shit happens again and you don't say anything about yourself, he'll won't let you pass."
"He?" Justin feels perturbed by Alec's warning.
"Scott. Scott is very forgiving and patient, but he knows when to stop. And after your little werewolf full moon frenzy, Scott will definitely put his foot down if this shit happens again. And while Scott is a pretty caring guy, don't give him a reason to kick you out of this pack."
Well fuck me cause I have more than one reason he should kick me out. thought Justin, but doesn't say it and instead replies to Alec with a simple "Ok". He feels his chest go heavy from Alec's warning just as Scott returns from the counter, having already check-out.
"Hey guys, you all good?"
"Yeah, I'm good."
"Alright. Justin? You ok?"
"Uh—yeah, I am. I'm good."
"Alright." Scott proceeds to head over to the driver seat while Justin and Alec stand up.
"Alec, you wanna sit with Scott? I think you should sit with him, it's been a while since you-"
"I'll pass, Justin. Thanks." Alec proceeds to go sit at the back of the van, but Justin follows him, feeling concerned.
"Justin, really, I'm fine just sitting here alright." Alec huffs in annoyance.
"Alec-"
"Dude, just sit with Scott, alright. I don't care. I don't really need to sit with him right now."
Justin doesn't push it any further and goes to move to the front of the van, feeling bad and guilty.
Alec isn't saying it, but it's clear that he and Scott are still not really in cool terms right now. And he feels it's his fault that he caused their relationship to strain.
Justin sits on the front seat with Scott as he starts up the van and they drive out of the motel parking and head their way to Beacon Hills.
The drive wouldn't take too long, as it's a 2-3 hour drive from Oakland to Beacon Hills.
As they enter the highway, Justin looks out of the window to see bright clear California sky gleaming over them as One For The Team's "Best Supporting Actor" begins playing on the radio. Having left around the morning, it'll be around afternoon when they arrive at Beacon Hills.
Hours have passed since they left Oakland. The trio had made a stop first for a quick lunch over an hour in their drive to Beacon Hills. Other than that, nothing much had happened between the three other than Scott having a small discussion with Justin and Alec their plans on their visit to Beacon Hills, with Justin being his first time going to Beacon Hills. It only made Justin feel all the more nervous. All the more anxious. Anxious of how Scott's mom will think of him.
While Justin already knows Chris, it isn't enough to tone down his anxiety of meeting Melissa. He's heard about her from Scott once in a while, but to personally know her, he doesn't exactly know what to expect of how Scott's mom would be like. His experiences of mothers haven't been so great.
His own mom being a fucked up junkie with an endless row of asshole and fucked up boyfriends who doesn't care of her own son's well-being, which really says it in his five months of having ran away from Evergreen.
And Bryce's mom, while not like his mom nor her asshole boyfriends, is indifferent of Justin. In the least, Justin would rather be with her than with his mom. She'd provide and support Justin's needs, although cause that Bryce insists her to since he's his best friend (before).
And then Hannah's mom and Jessica's mom, they weren't so fond of Justin either. And for Justin, it's likely that they dislike him even more now when Hannah did what she did and when he left Jessica to be raped.
If every mom he's met so far would only see Justin as good for nothing, a troublemaker, dead weight, a pain in the ass, how would it be any different with Melissa?
How would it be any different...? Justin stares out at the window despondently at the afternoon sun that's gleaming in the blue sky, yet is now within hours of about to set. Justin tries to mask and drown down his anxiety. The thought of taking a shot passed in Justin's mind, but he brushes it aside as he can't when he's seated right next to the Alpha. If he were human, Justin would have a difficult time not thinking about shooting himself with drugs as the addicted craving would nag Justin in his mind so badly. Every time he feels himself craving, he'd waste no time to shoot himself up, mostly to level himself, although he'd get high if otherwise. In short, Justin's legs would be fidgeting very badly if he chooses to ignore that voice in his head.
But that nagging voice is gone now ever since Justin turned, making it easier to keep control of his anxiety to the point he isn't fidgeting his legs, but with the con being that voice had been replaced by an even worse one, one that's actually menacing and malicious. While he wouldn't hear that voice in his head everyday like with his cravings, whenever he does feel it, he'd be feeling dreadful, scared, wishing he could push it away. How Justin wishes to never hear that voice in his head again.
"You doing ok, Justin?" Justin comes out of his pool of thoughts from Scott calling him, Justin not sure how long has he has been swimming in his thoughts since.
"I'm fine." said Justin with a flat tone, trying to hide his anxiety from Scott.
Unfortunately, Scott glances at Justin with a raised eyebrow, seeing past Justin's lie.
"If you're fine, I wouldn't be sensing anything from you."
"What are you talking about?" Justin tries to dodge Scott.
"You do remember werewolves can smell chemosignals to know what someone is feeling, do you Justin?"
Justin doesn't reply back to Scott. Scott has trapped Justin in the corner, nowhere to run now. He silently huffs and sulks back into his seat while he takes a quick glance at the back to check on Alec, who's napping peacefully at the back. Seeing him napping in peace makes Justin wish he really insisted Alec to sit with Scott so Scott wouldn't catch Justin feeling anxious.
"How's Alec?" Scott asks in concern, having noticed Justin glancing at the back.
"He's–He's asleep. Just napping..." Justin exhales deeply as he stares back at the highway they're rolling on.
Scott nods in reply and the two remain silent for a moment. Scott can sense Justin's anxiety and it's been distracting for Scott, obvious that Justin isn't really good at hiding it just as much as learning control. He'd teach Justin how to inhibit his scent at one point, but for now, he's in Scott's radar because of the full moon last month. Whether Justin wouldn't like it or not, Scott has to keep him in check, make sure he's ok and he'll won't go on an out of control killing spree.
After taking a moment to figure out how to talk to Justin, knowing that Justin isn't in a mood to open up about it, but he has to do something for Justin so he'd be ok, Scott finally speaks up.
"What's bothering you, Justin?" his tone sounding concern and careful when he asked Justin.
Justin shifts in his seat in discomfort, feeling his insides tighten as Scott has now already trapped him in the corner, feeling more nervous than before now. Scott senses the anxiety grow in Justin, not surprised that his question is going to make Justin feel more anxious, but he needs to check on Justin, want to help Justin.
"It's ok, Justin. You're–not in trouble–in fact, you're ok. I'm just–concern, that's all. If there's something bothering you right now, you can tell me. There's nothing to be afraid of, Justin."
Justin sighs and takes a moment to ponder for moment before mustering up the courage to speak up what's bothering him.
"I'm just nervous..."
"What are you nervous about? Is it the town? My mom?"
"Everything." Justin turns to Scott. "This whole visit. I'm–I'm nervous of–how this visit will go and–your mom."
"You're worried about my mom?"
"Yeah, I am. I'm–worried about how she'll think of me. More so if she sees me as some fucked up troublemaker."
Scott glances at Justin with a frown.
"I highly doubt that, Justin. I mean, she doesn't know you yet, yeah. But seeing you, I doubt my mom will think of you as a troublemaker, and more so if she knows about the fact you were homeless."
"Wouldn't she be skeptical of me when knows about me being homeless before?"
"Not gonna lie, she would, especially since she'd be worried of my well-being, considering I almost died like one time when someone I trusted backstabbed me."
Justin looks even less convinced by Scott's reassurance when he mentioned it.
"What if I am...? What if–I'd backstabbed you?"
"Are you actually planning and want to backstab me?" Scott glances back at Justin with a raised eyebrow, his seriousness in his question bearing out from his eyes at Justin.
Justin slightly falters with fear, yet with honesty and assurance.
"No. I don't. I don't really want to, especially with what you and Alec have done for me. I don't want to hurt you guys..."
Scott looks at Justin with a small smile.
"Then you won't be a backstabber, Justin. If you had, you wouldn't be here with us right now, alive and well."
The response to Justin, while comforting for a moment, only made Justin feel more uneasy. For the thing with Justin Foley, he is a backstabber. He backstabbed two girls so badly that one felt humiliated, depressed, and killed herself while the other feels extremely traumatized.
Justin only gives Scott a nod, not sure what to say that would be truthful of how he feels while also making sure Scott wouldn't notice that Justin might be hiding more about himself. Scott catches the slightly more uneasiness from Justin, but gratefully to Justin, Scott was thinking something else about what Justin's anxiety all about.
"My mom will like you, Justin. Especially from the looks of you."
"From the looks of me?" Justin frowns in confusion.
"Especially with that look you're giving me, you look like a lost little puppy."
Justin gives a small laugh, feeling his cheeks slightly blushing. "She has a thing with lost little puppies?"
"Not really. I mean, you're not the first who looks like that. My first Beta, he also looks like a lost little puppy."
"So what about him?"
"Well..." Scott sucks in his breath, feeling awkward and wrong to mentioned it to Justin, but he has to be honest with him. "He almost killed me one time and my mom didn't like him for that."
Mentioning that definitely made Justin's face fall. "He–He did...?"
"Yeah... He...He did..." Scott glances back at Justin, trying to reassure him, "But now, he's doing good. And my mom already got over it. She's pretty much ok with him, now."
"I almost killed you, guys..."
"I know... And it's not your fault, Justin. The full moon has gotten to you."
"But you're still having a benefit of a doubt about me, do you?"
Scott gets taken aback by Justin's response, while he doesn't really expect it, he's also not wrong that Scott has a benefit of a doubt about Justin. He knows full well that Justin isn't completely being honest about himself. Although at the same time, Justin doesn't look like he's planning something malicious. But then again, Justin needs to be completely open about himself to Scott so he could help him. Otherwise, Justin might just end up spilling blood all over the place. And it's something Scott doesn't want to deal with, especially when they're trying to keep everything quiet and not bring attention to the supernatural that is trying to stay hidden.
Nevertheless, Scott still chooses to believe in Justin. But he knows when to put his foot down when things go wary.
"Kinda. But, like I said earlier, you're not in trouble, Justin. We just want to help you."
Justin nods at Scott understandingly, "Ok..."
Seeing as Justin's anxiety, while slightly smaller than before, hasn't completely been washed away, Scott figures out an idea for Justin.
"If you're still feeling nervous about meeting my mom, we can go around Beacon Hills first. Maybe have some fresh air, look around my hometown, show you the places I grew up in. Maybe to ease you up and help you feel familiar of the town, get to know my hometown at least."
"Wouldn't they be waiting too long for us?"
"I'll text them we'll just drop by a few places we need to go and we'll just arrive home right before dinner. So don't worry, I got that covered. I'm just concern for you, dude. It's all up to you. Do you want to go around Beacon Hills first before we go to my home at dinner?"
Justin ponders for moment, taking in consideration of the offer Scott's giving him. He'd feel guilty if he prolongs their arrival, but at the same time, he doesn't feel completely ready to meet Melissa. Eventually, Justin decides to take the offer.
"Yeah... I'd...I'd like that..."
"Alright, then. No problem, dude. We can take as much time as we can to get to know Beacon Hills. Of course, before we have to get my home before dinner. It'll be–fun. I promise you."
"I know." Justin gives a small smile of thankfulness, "Thanks..."
"Again, no problem, dude." Scott returns the smile at Justin with comfort and assurance.
It didn't take long for the three to finally arrive the highway exit to Beacon Hills. The moment they exit the highway, turn through an intersection and a couple of turns, they're met with a small road passing through a forested area, with the sun nearly beginning to set and the sky already turning into a mix of bright blue and orange, yet the sunlight still shines through the quiet road and forest.
Justin looks around the passing forest they're driving through, it doesn't look too bright and beautiful, but at the same time, not ominous and unsettling. Nothing but just a normal wooded forest that the lonely road is passing through.
"Are we near?" Justin asks.
"Yep. We're almost there." Scott begins to feel a sense of sentimentality seeing the grey forest that's meant to show that you're about to enter Beacon Hills. A lot had happened in his hometown since the night he was bitten, although he never expected that they'd deal with an Alpha pack, a corrupted Druid which is the Darach, a group of Oni Ninjas, an evil dark fox spirit that's the Nogitsune, Berserkers, a dead pool, supernatural scientists known as the Dread Doctors, chimeras, the dreaded and infamous Beast of Gevaudan, an army of ghostly cowboys that are the Ghost Riders of the Wild Hunt, and an ancient shapeshifter known as the Anuk-Ite.
And despite all the insane and wild supernatural happenings that kept coming, he and his friends still manage to live through high school until they graduated. Well sadly, not all of them like Allison...
But what's past has passed already, this is their lives now.
Scott.
Stiles.
Lydia.
The rest of the pack and their friends along the way.
This is their life now. Even though everything has been quiet since the war against Monroe had been stopped, their past will forever haunt them, especially the friends and allies they've lost along the way.
And now, this will be Justin's life.
Scott glances at Justin, who is lost in wonder of the grey forest he's watching pass through them. He eyes at Justin with a sad look. He never exactly wants this life for Justin.
To spend the rest of his life dealing with his werewolf instincts, keeping them in check for every second of everyday, just to make sure he doesn't hurt and kill someone.
To go running for his life if ever he's being hunted by a group of werewolf hunters who could still be out there who would still see them as nothing but mere supernatural monsters to take down.
To worry about the well-being of the people he holds close (if he ever has anyone) and keep his werewolf self and the entire supernatural a secret to them until the day he dies.
He never wants to give Justin this kind of life.
But he had no choice...
Justin was dying...
He was all alone...
And they were in borrowed time...
He wished that there were any other possible options they could do to save Justin without having to go for the drastic route of turning him, giving him the life he never asked for. The life he would never want to live through. Which he is pretty certain about as Justin had moments in his training and their small chat together at times where he complained of just how hard being a werewolf is, especially the part when he has trouble learning control. He can't blame Justin for that. Scott has been through that when he turned. During his sophomore year, right after he was bitten, Scott hated that he couldn't just live his high school life properly and the constant worry of losing control and killing anyone he sees, especially his love ones like Allison, Stiles, his mom, pretty much everyone.
Hell. I did lose Allison. Fuck me. Fuck my life. Fuck everything. Scott scoffs at himself. Allison's death will forever grieve him. And he wholeheartedly hopes that Justin won't go through the same thing that Scott did.
He doesn't know if Justin had lost someone already, but if he hasn't, he hopes it will be kept that way. Justin doesn't need to go through that type of shit in his life.
And especially, Justin's life is least better than theirs, no such crazy supernatural happening or serious event that would involve the supernatural and/or the pack has occurred since and it's better this way. Justin should not have any interferences that will disrupt his life even more.
Scott knows Justin only needs to learn to control his werewolf abilities and live his life normally, especially since he was homeless and now he's part of his pack. Justin is Scott's responsibility, just as much as his own pack.
It's all Justin only needs to handle right now. It's all Justin only needs to worry right now.
Scott sighs as he focuses back on the open road, where eventually, he and Justin spot the sign they were expecting to see after a long while in the open road.
"Here we are, Justin." Scott gives a small smile at Justin, "Welcome to Beacon Hills."
Right when Scott and Justin turn back at the road, they catch a deer that's in the middle of the road, right in front of them.
"Scott!"
"Oh shit!" Scott curses at himself and steps on the brakes, the van screeching to an abrupt stop.
Thankfully, they didn't hit the deer.
They take a moment to breath before Scott glares at the deer in front of them with his werewolf eyes, which makes the deer quickly scurry away.
"Fuck. You alright, Justin?" Scott turns to check on Justin if he may have hit his head when they had to abruptly stop.
"No. I'm fine. I'm good. Didn't hit my head hard."
"Ok."
"What happened?" Alec appears behind them, looking between Scott and Justin with a confused look. Alec fell off when Scott stepped on the breaks, which woke him up.
"There was a deer. We almost hit it. Thankfully stepped on the brakes on time. You alright, Alec?"
"Well—I fell off when you hit the brakes so suddenly."
"I'm really sorry, Alec." Scott gives his Beta an apologetic look.
"It's fine. Whatever. My head's fine." Alec shrugs as he settles back to his seat.
"You sure you're alright, dude?" Scott checks on Alec one more time.
"Yeah. I'm doing fine, Scott. It's ok... Are we almost at Beacon Hills yet?"
"Actually we are already in Beacon Hills, we just drove past the sign. Although, before we head to my house, we'll just pass by a few places until dinner."
"Um—why?
"So Justin can get to know my hometown, give him a chance to check out the town."
"Oh. Well—ok then. Might as well then." Alec frowns for a moment, but drops it and shrugs.
Justin shoots a concern look at Scott, "Maybe we should just go to your house, dude..."
"No, Justin. It's fine. Alec doesn't mind. It's just something he didn't expect." Scott reassures Justin.
"Besides, aren't you still nervous about it?"
"I mean yeah, I'm still nervous. But it's not as bad as earlier." Scott senses otherwise, he can still feel the same anxiety from Justin. He's not wrong though, it's not as bad as earlier, but it's still there, still prodding Justin's mind, troubling him.
"Doesn't seem like, dude. Don't worry, my mom, Alec, and Chris doesn't mind waiting till dinner. Gotta need you to feel comfortable by familiarizing the places in the town. Again, it's fine, Justin."
Justin huffs out, feeling that there isn't exactly any point of arguing with Scott about going around Beacon Hills or just go straight to Scott's home. Scott still insists, so Justin couldn't say no to it. He wouldn't want to be rude, especially on the day of meeting Melissa.
"Ok..." said Justin. "Let's go..."
"Alright." Scott steps on the gas and they continue driving down the open road.
When they reach a turn, Justin can see the cliff view of the whole town of Beacon Hills, the sunset already shining over the black valley mountain and the entire town shining with its city lights decorating across the town and valley.
It's a beautiful sight to see for Justin, who's smiling like he has entered a whole different world.
"Do you love the view, Justin?" Scott catches Justin smiling, feeling happy for him.
"Yeah... It's fucking beautiful."
As they drive down to the town, Scott drives past and sees a cemetery on his left just some miles before an intersection they'll be reaching. The feeling of lament inside him for a moment.
Scott will visit there later, alone.
In the mean time, Scott needs to focus on the trip and be an Alpha for Justin and Alec.
Scott first drives by and show to Justin some notable spots of the town like the town square, some parks, a couple of stores, a mall, and especially, notable hang out places of Beacon Hills he, his friends, and the rest of the high schoolers would hang around whenever they're free, whether after school, the weekends, whatever party is happening. Nothing too special, just normal teenager lifestyle, from home to school to the rest of the town. But for Scott as well as his friends, they were places that hold memories to them.
Pretty much, the whole town of Beacon Hills is filled with memories for Scott and everyone. For a lot has happened in this supposed quiet and normal town.
Considering the fact it has "Beacon" in the name of the town.
Scott isn't completely knowledgeable of Nemeton, mostly knowing that the Nemeton is a sacred space used by Druids for their various rituals and its power is like a magnet that draws supernatural creatures to itself.
Like a beacon.
What Scott, Allison, and Stiles had done years ago, sacrificing themselves to save their parents, inevitably powering the Nemeton back up. From that moment on, their Nemeton sacrifice had changed everyone and everything. It had brought in more friends and allies, but also, at the same, it had brought in more enemies and threats. With each being more dangerous and deadlier after tackling each of them. Specifically, a lot of stuff had happened ever since Scott, Allison, and Stiles did their sacrificial ritual.
And now, for Scott, here he is now, trying to take care two young Betas, and showing Justin around the town that's supposed to be nothing special and quiet.
It's now already past 6pm, almost time for dinner.
Noticing the time, Scott knows it's time to show one more place to Justin, having saved the best for last in their little tour our Beacon Hills. The place where most of his as well as his friends' memories took place years ago.
"Alright, Justin. We're about to make one last stop in our little tour of Beacon Hills. Saving the best for last, especially since it should be the time most people head home after the day."
"What place would that be?"
Scott glances at Justin with a smile of sentimentality.
"My high school."
At just the mention of that, Justin looks at the front to see a couple of what looks to be small campus buildings emerging from their view.
The last stop to their Beacon Hills town tour...
Scott McCall's very own high school.
Beacon Hills High School.
Considering the time right now already about to be night, the high school isn't looking really bustling right now as majority of the students have already left.
"So this is your high school..."
"The one and only." Scott parks the van in one of the many vacant spots in the parking lot. "Since it's already almost night, most of the students right now have already left."
"Who'd still be there?" Justin asks.
"The athletes who are practicing, some students doing whatever extra credit work, make up quiz, tutor, teachers. Well, something every high school usually has."
Justin takes a moment to look out through the windshield the high school in front of him, "How's the reputation behind this high school?"
"Nothing too special, at least other than the school having gotten a bunch of incidents years ago when I was there."
"As in supernatural incidents?" Justin asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Kinda. Yeah." Scott shrugs.
"But other than that, Beacon High is pretty good. I mean, again, nothing too special, it's just like any other usual high schools in the world, can say it's a nice high school to be in though as person who studied and graduated from there."
Justin continues looking around the high school while also trying to get the vibe of how Beacon High is, feeling the aura.
"Do you wanna have a little school tour, Justin?"
Surprisingly enough, it took the words right out of Justin's mouth. "Yeah... I'd–want to." Justin slowly smiles in eagerness.
After feeling the vibe around Beacon High, Justin is certain that the high school, despite its abnormal and disruptive incidences the school had experienced in the past, is a pretty chill place.
Very unlike that of Liberty High, for its reputation, while it's not noticeable and is subtle to majority of the people, wasn't too bright, especially thanks to the jocks like Bryce. Even Justin took a part of that reputation. And Liberty High's reputation had only gotten darker when Hannah Baker took away her own life and left behind a box of tapes. The vibe of Liberty High was pretty toxic and unfriendly.
Unsurprisingly, Beacon High, for a school that's experienced a lot of abnormal and supernatural incidences, looks a lot more normal and sane than Liberty High, despite just being like any other normal high school, has a very toxic and unfriendly reputation. That school can fuck someone's life up and not give a crap about it, which had happened to Hannah.
"Cool. Let's go then."
"What about Alec?" Justin gestures to Alec at the back, who is still napping peacefully.
"We'll be back before he wakes up. Besides, he'll be ok." Scott opens his door and steps out of the van. " Come on, dude. Let's go."
"Alright, I'm coming." Justin opens his door and steps out as well before he and Scott shut the doors, albeit while making sure it won't be too loud enough to startle Alec awake from his nap.
Justin walks to Scott at the other side of the van and they look around the campus for a moment, the street lights, some school lights inside, and the electronic school billboard sign illuminating the high school.
"Let's go." Scott proceeds to the main entrance of the high school, with Justin following him.
They walk to the main entrance and Scott opens the door to the familiar school hallway he all too remembers very well, having walked through these halls along with his friends for years in high school. The school hallway is still lit with fluorescent lights hanging above the ceiling, though not a single soul, student and teacher, is in the halls right now.
"Welcome to Beacon High." Scott turns around to Justin with a welcoming gesture and a very cheery smile on his face. Justin feels amused by the gesture Scott gave him, pretty cheesy, but at the same time, it was very heartfelt. As they enter inside the campus, they begin to stroll through the empty lit school hall, where Scott begins his small school tour of his high school.
"So as you may guess, this is the school hallway. A pretty wide open space, so definitely, it has really good traffic since there's more space for students walk through the halls during free and busy times here in the school."
As Scott motions around the hallway to Justin to show how much good space his high school's halls has, he let's himself give a moment of flashbacks, the sense of nostalgia, sentimentality feeling him inside as he seeing himself as well as Stiles and the rest of his friends stroll through the halls. Hearing the voices of the past echo in his ears while witnessing himself and his friends stroll through the halls, living their high school lives while they're not busy dealing with the supernatural. How Scott misses their times together back then, especially with Stiles, now that they're busy living their lives after high school, college, and the war. Some of the people he knew like Allison, Jackson, Isaac, Boyd, Erica, Aiden, and Kira who have walked through these halls before, have come and gone during their high school lives, whether they moved away somewhere for reasons or have died.
A lot has really happened here in Beacon Hills...
"Another thing about these halls are that with its very open space, they're filled with memories. While there had been crazy or bad memories that happened here in these halls, there had been a lot of good memories here too."
"There were also some times where the school halls would be bloodstained or wrecked because of whatever supernatural event had been happening at the time, yet despite all that, these halls still have the same feeling of openness, the feeling–of being welcome inside the school with open arms." Scott giggles to himself silently, thinking how the hell is he saying those things, knowing they're very cheesy.
"I know it sounds pretty cheesy, but–"
"I don't." said Justin.
Scott gets taken aback by Justin's response.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean–it does sound cheesy as fuck..." Justin shrugs, "...but at the same time, it's not. In fact, I think it's cool."
Cause these halls are the total opposite of those of Liberty fucking High. Beacon High better than Liberty High by a fucking long shot. thought Justin, but he doesn't really want to talk about Liberty and how fucked up the place is with Scott. He had only talked about his basketball, but not his high school that is Liberty High.
"Really...? Well—that's actually cool, dude... Thanks." Scott smiles.
"Yeah... Sure..." Justin gives a small cough before he speaks again, "Wanna continue the tour dude?"
"Oh yeah. Sure haha. This is just the beginning of our small tour. Gonna have to make it quick since it's almost dinner and mom and Chris are still waiting for us."
"Got it." Justin follows Scott as he begins his quick school tour.
Scott shows Justin around the school hallways, passing by each of the classrooms while Scott talks about Beacon High, with Justin glancing at some of the classroom window doors where he can either see a dark and empty classroom or a brightly lit classroom with some students and a teacher inside, whether it's detention, extra credit work, make up quiz, or whatever activity they're doing.
Scott then shows Justin the school library.
"And this is the school library. Since I'm no longer a student here since I graduated, I can't enter inside the library since I don't have a key card for the door anymore. But I can tell you it's pretty big, two floors to be exact, so you should be able to find whatever you need easily for whatever assignment you need for school."
"You still have your old key card? I mean, you still have it right?"
"Yeah. Just it's no longer part of the system since, again, I'm no longer studying here since I have graduated."
Scott feels bad for a moment, since he remembers the library is also the place where he, Stiles, Lydia, Kira, and Malia had their Senior Scribe at the beginning of their senior year in Beacon High. He would've wanted to show Justin he and his friends' initials that were signed in one of the library shelves upstairs, but again, he doesn't have access to the library anymore since he's no longer a student.
"Had a lot of—stuff happen there as well?" Justin asks.
"What stuff?" Scott asks in confusion.
"As in–supernatural stuff?"
Scott feels stupid not realizing what he meant, it would be obvious for him. "Ah yeah, a lot had happened inside the library. In fact, a lot has happened inside this school, as I have said earlier. From the school halls to the library, it's no doubt there had been a lot that happened here in Beacon High. The worst that happened here was when the Beast of Gevaudan wrecked havoc, having injured and killed innocent people. I couldn't forget the terrified screams shrieking among the halls when people were running away from the Beast, hiding from him."
"And yet, despite that and the shit that's happened, things really turned out ok here?"
"Yeah. Despite all that, things turned out good and well in the end. And especially now, with no other particular and serious supernatural thing happening since years, Beacon High along with Beacon Hills feels quiet and safe now."
"There's this term my druid, who's my boss back in high school when I was a part time assistant, like you and Alec, for him, who is a veterinarian. It's called "regression to the mean". Basically, after whenever something happened that was too bad or too good, it'll stop being too bad or too good and revert back to a more neutral place eventually."
"So how does it have to do with Beacon Hills?"
"At first, I wasn't too sure if it would apply to a town like this. At that time, it was such a dark time for me and my friends and I was at a very low point at the time. But after everything that's happened...I can firmly say that it is true, with how things are now here in Beacon Hills."
"Which should be a good thing, right?"
"Not gonna lie, it can be boring."
Justin laughs at the answer, can tell that Scott may have miss the action he and his friends have done in the past years.
"But yeah, it's good. No one is getting hurt. No one is getting in trouble. No one is causing trouble. It's good, and it's better this way. This town had gone through a lot of hell."
"Yeah. I can tell." Justin gives a small smile, having heard a lot of the good that's Beacon Hills from Scott, albeit, hiding the disappointed and sad feeling he has for Evergreen. Beacon Hills looks like it has handled a lot better in terms of shocking and scarring events that hit them than Evergreen.
Scott deeply breaths out air before he speaks up, "Anyway, back in our quick tour, time to show you a last couple of places."
Scott and Justin continue to stroll around the high school for Scott to pass by some last places to show to Justin before they have to get back to the van and head over to the McCall house for the reunion and dinner, particularly the extracurricular faculties the school has to offer, especially for sports.
They pass by an indoor pool, with Scott talking a bit about their swimming team, who are decent at best. They also pass by a basketball court, where Scott mentions to Justin that while the basketball team is also decent at best, they could use a really good basketball player like Justin. Scott also shows around the locker rooms (except for the girl's locker room cause only girls can enter obviously) to Justin.
And finally, they reach their last stop in their quick tour.
"And our final stop for our quick tour." Scott gestures at the open field that looks to be a field court.
"This is Beacon High's very own lacrosse field." As Scott gestures at the lacrosse field, which is brightly lit, Justin can clearly see that there are lacrosse players playing in the field with a couple of spectators sitting by the bleachers, which would likely be after school lacrosse practice.
It's the first time Justin sees lacrosse in action. Seeing the lacrosse players try to tackle each other out to take the ball, it's no doubt that lacrosse looks pretty similar to field hockey, except the players carry a small ball with a small net stick that is the lacrosse stick instead.
"So this is lacrosse?"
"The one and only." Scott smiles with a pride look on his face as he gestures at what is the crowned jewel of Beacon High. "And I used to be the top lacrosse players. I, myself, was the team captain of lacrosse team."
"Would that be because you're a werewolf?" Justin raises an eyebrow at the thought of Scott only managing to become team captain for his werewolf powers like easy peasy, somehow just skipping right up.
Scott chuckles at him knowing what Justin is thinking, "Not gonna lie, yeah. I was an asthmatic before I was bitten and turned. But even with werewolf powers, it takes more to be captain for the lacrosse team."
"Plus, I stopped playing for the team when I started focusing on my classes for graduation in my last months in senior high."
Justin looks at Scott with a neutral expression and shrugs, however respects Scott's lacrosse career in high school, "Hm. Fair enough."
"Oh my god. Is that one and only Scott McCall?" a girl's voice calls out at Scott out of nowhere and the two guys are met with a beautiful girl, her long brown hair curly, her shining skin brown, wearing a denim jacket with a white shirt under and jeans and a white and blue woven bracelet on her right wrist.
While Scott looks at her with an amused smile at the girl greeting them, Justin's face falls at the sight of her.
Am I going fucking crazy right now? Am I having another fucking nightmare right now again?
"Hey! Long time, no see! You're looking beautiful tonight." Scott gives the girl a high five before they have a short hug.
J-Jessica...? Justin's breathing shudders, feeling himself trembling at the sight of the girl, who looks way too much like Jessica.
Scratch that, who looks exactly like Jessica.
"How are you and Phoebe?" Scott asks.
"We're doing good. We're doing good in college right now. I'm just here watching some lacrosse plays. Kinda miss it. How about you? What are you doing here?"
"Well, I'm actually here in Beacon Hills for a family reunion with my mom and...stepdad..." Scott cringes inside at mentioning about Chris being his stepdad now.
"Although before I was going to my home, I was actually giving a new friend of mine a quick tour around Beacon Hills, Beacon High being our last stop before we head over to my home for the reunion."
"Nice. Is he new in town?"
"More like visiting since he's with me."
Justin can feel himself beginning to crumble inside. Everything about her is exactly like Jessica.
It's fucking impossible. It can't be her, is she...?
Justin looks down to the ground, trying to hide his face that's about to crumble, trying to put up a mask to make sure they wouldn't notice.
"Anyway, you wanna meet him? He's a pretty nice guy."
"Oh sure." Scott gestures Jessica to Justin as Justin looks up, his sad greenish blue eyes meeting with Jessica's dark brown eyes.
"This is my friend, Justin." Scott introduces Jessica to Justin. The moment their eyes met, Justin can feel his anxiety rise up as he prepares for the inevitable shock and anguish reaction that is of his ex, preparing to see Jessica's once bright face shatter into complete despair and upset of seeing the guy who let Bryce Walker rape her.
However, instead, Jessica looks at Justin with a strange look on her face.
A look of...curiosity.
The way Jessica looks at Justin...
Looking at Justin...
...as if she doesn't know him at all and it's her first time meeting him.
"Justin, this is an old friend of mine, Gwen."
Justin blinks out when he mentioned her name, which wasn't Jessica, and breaks off his gaze, feeling as if he's relieved, although not exactly relieved.
O-Oh...
"H-Hi." Justin manages to at least respond to Jessi- Gwen.
"She, along with her sister Phoebe, were a part of the lacrosse team here in Beacon High years ago. They're pretty good."
"Not as good as you, Mr. Captain." she gives a coy smile while shaking her head as Scott laughs amusement.
"Hey, don't down play yourselves. I mean it, you guys are doing great."
Gwen giggles, "Thanks."
"That's—" Justin fixes himself mentally before he finally begins to speak with them, "That's awesome."
"Thank you... Justin? Right?"
"Y-Yeah." Justin can feel himself feel pretty bashful, but he and Gwen manage to shake hands.
"Nice to meet you, Justin."
"Nice to meet you too, Gwen." Justin smiles Gwen, while he's smiling at her out of manner, he's smiling to hide how he truly feels about Gwen.
While, the girl in front of him is not Jessica, it doesn't really change the fact that Gwen looks exactly like Jessica, and it's causing Justin's anxiety to spike up.
"Hope you're enjoying your visit, Justin. This school and town is really crazy as hell."
"On the contrary, I don't think so." Justin chuckles.
"Geez, look at you, if you're a student here in Beacon High, I bet girls—and gay guys are gonna fall for you the moment they see that charming and cute smile of yours."
Justin feels himself slightly blush at the sudden compliment while he chuckles again, it had been a long while since someone had complimented him "T-Thanks. Well...I'm just looking around."
"I know. It's a shame, Beacon High would use a guy like you. After all, according to Scott, you're a pretty nice guy. In fact, a hot and nice guy."
"Ok, Gwen. Justin's only a teenager, we're both adults now. So you might wanna hold your horses."
"I know." Gwen giggles.
Scott checks on his watch and notices that it's almost 7. They need to go now for the reunion.
"Anyway, it's almost 7, so me and Justin need to head over to my home now."
"Oh, alright. Take care, Scott. It's nice seeing you again." Gwen and Scott give each other a short hug as they say their goodbyes.
"Take care, Justin. Nice meeting you. Hope you'll enjoy your visit. And, welcome to Beacon Hills." Gwen gives a welcoming smile at Justin, who smiles at her back, thanking her.
"Thanks. It's nice meeting you too, Gwen."
Justin and Scott exit the quiet campus as they walk back to the van.
"So–what do you think of Beacon Hills? As well as Beacon High?" Scott and Justin reach the van, but haven't entered as Scott asked Justin of his thoughts, hoping his tour around Beacon Hills manage to clear his head.
"Well, your tour can be–pretty cheesy."
Scott chuckles at the comment, knowing how true it is.
"Yeah, I know. Did the best I can to make it enjoyable and entertaining."
"I know. And despite that, I actually enjoyed it. Beacon Hills seems pretty cool. And Beacon High seems pretty awesome."
"That's good. I'm glad you had a great time." Scott ponders for a moment, now it's a time to ask and see if Justin would want that, and hopefully he would. At least unlike Alec, Justin can still have that chance.
"Do you—want to be enrolled here? In Beacon Hills High School?"
Justin gets taken aback by this question as this was out of nowhere and Scott never mentioned to Justin about it.
"Y-You mean study here?"
"Yeah, Justin. You deserve a chance to live your high school life since you have been on the streets for God knows how long and you're gonna be missing out a lot. Considering that you enjoy the place, do you want to stay here?"
"Why would you offer this to me and not Alec years ago? I mean, I'm honestly ok being home schooled."
"Because at the time, we were in a war and no where else is safe because of that. It's why I home schooled Alec and by the time it was over, Alec was already grown up."
Scott sighs, feeling sad for Alec that his entire life had been robbed and he doesn't want this to happen to Justin.
"And if you're going to ask. Yes, I'll stick around in Beacon Hills to stay with you. I didn't do this and go to the reunion just so I can just drop and leave you here while I go around different cities and towns doing my job only. I'm doing this cause I want to make sure you'll be ok."
Justin scoffs, "I was ok since I was in the streets, way before you came."
"When I saw you, I highly doubt that."
"You still don't even know me. And—you don't trust me."
"I know, Justin. I know."
Scott knew this conversation would turn into that, but he has to try, he has to really convince him, despite not really trusting him and not knowing him long enough, he at least cares if Justin will be ok.
"But again, I do see and at least know, you're not planning and doing anything suspicious and intent to cause trouble. Again, you wouldn't be here right now. You wouldn't be with me going to my family reunion and giving you a tour around the town and school."
Justin listens to Scott intently, hearing Scott convincing him that he means well to Justin and cares at least for his well-being.
"So, Justin, do you want to stay here?"
When Scott once again offers to Justin of staying in Beacon Hills and live his life normally as a teenager, Justin takes a moment to ponder for himself, taking the offer in consideration. He closes his eyes to take himself a moment to think about it.
He takes a quick memory lane in the past, thinking about his past, his high school life in Liberty High. Sure, he was considered to be the star athlete of Liberty High, a very cool reputation, but he was a big asshole, especially for spreading bad rumors just to protect his reputation and the jocks he thought were his friends. Yes, his home life was fucked up thanks to his junkie mom and her spinning door of asshole boyfriends, so all he had was Bryce, Zach, Monty, and the other jocks, and the high school in a way to keep up his charming reputation. But none of them excuses all the shit he had done.
Especially to Jessica...
And especially to Hannah...
Hannah Baker was the beginning...
The beginning of the end for his and everyone's normal and quiet lives in Liberty, particularly those we are in her tapes as reasons why she did what she did.
Actually, it was the beginning of the end the moment Justin snapped that picture of Hannah and showed it to Bryce, not considering the repercussions that would affect Hannah and everyone around her, including Justin.
Hannah was falling from the sky, spiraling down. She was walking straight to a cliff, dazed in depression and despair, and fell off into the deep black void of hopelessness and lifelessness.
And none of them stopped her...
Justin...
Jessica...
Alex...
Tyler...
Courtney...
Marcus...
Zach...
Ryan...
Sheri...
Clay...
Mr. Porter...
When in fact, in some very fucked up way, they all helped the one man who have truly ruined her.
The one man who have actually been a constant tormenter to the beautiful, nice, and kind girl that never deserve any of the shit she had went through ever since she started in Liberty High.
The one man who did the killing blow to Hannah Baker.
Bryce fucking Walker.
Fuck Liberty. Fuck everything that's of Liberty. Justin's nose flares in anguish at the thought of Liberty High. Even though he still has the school gym bag since he needs it to carry his shit, Justin would not want to have anything to do with Liberty after everything that happened there, with Hannah, Jessica, him, everyone who was involved, especially those who were in the tapes.
And he remembers back to that one night when he was spending time with Scott and Alec.
If he were to turn a new leaf, start over with a clean slate and leave behind and forget all of his shitty past, now would be the time to take up this offer. And he wants to show Scott and Alec that he's good, that he's trustworthy and not capable of doing bad.
Justin deeply breaths and gives his decision to Scott.
"Yeah..." Justin opens his eyes and looks at Scott in affirmation, "I want to stay... And—I want to study here—in Beacon High."
Scott grins at Justin, happy and grateful that Justin took up the offer.
"Great! That's awesome. I'm glad you decided to do this. You're going to need it. Trust me, you'll have a good time."
"Yeah. I do." Justin gives a small smile at Scott, albeit hiding his true thoughts.
I'd deal with supernatural shit in Beacon Hills over the fucked up shit that's happened in Liberty any day.
"Alright, now that that's all covered, let's go. It's almost dinner and my mom is surely getting worried at this point."
Justin nods at Scott as they both proceed to hop inside the van and drive off to the McCall house, where they'll finally meet up with Melissa and Chris.
Compared to earlier today, Justin can see that doesn't feel so nervous anymore, having cleared his head thanks to the tour (although he was still shaken up by Gwen the Jessica look-alike).
Justin wishes he could ask this, but he doesn't want to bring it up and talk about it.
Since the supernatural is actually a thing, are doppelgangers an actual thing?
It didn't take long for the three to finally reach the McCall house, the neighborhood surrounding the home being peaceful and quiet, only the tranquil sounds of crickets echoing in the air. Midway, Alec woke up from his nap, wondering what he may have missed out. Scott told him how the Beacon Hills tour went for him and Justin, and Alec nods to Scott, saying to him and Justin, "Good for you, guys.". His tone sounded flat, not sounding happy, but at the same time, not sounding upset. Justin still feels concern for Alec's well-being, but takes Scott's word for it. However, he still hopes Scott and Alec will be chill with each other again soon.
Now, the trio finally arrived at the McCall residence, the whole home peaceful and quiet like the rest of the neighborhood. The three step out of the van as Scott gives Justin with a welcoming gesture, "Here we are. Welcome to my home.". Justin gazes at the small peaceful and quaint home of Scott McCall, "Your home looks pretty nice and chill.". Scott shrugs, "Mmm...nothing much, nothing really big about it, just my home I grew up in since I was born.". Justin scoffs and chuckles at the irony of what Scott had said, "And yet, you gesture your home like it's a big deal."
"I mean, it's where I grew up in my whole life along with Beacon Hills. Considering you were homeless, you never had that, dude?"
Justin falls silent at the words, Scott is right about the fact he never experienced growing up happily as he grew up with a weak support system and has no family as his only family is nothing but a junkie who doesn't even care for her own blood. He wouldn't want to talk about it, but still decides to answer to Scott, at least knowing it's only a yes or no question.
"No...I never did..." Justin sighs sadly.
"Not to worry, Justin. Now that you're planning to stay here, should be a good fresh start for you." Scott smirks at Justin as he knocks on the front door, with Alec right behind him while Justin is right behind Alec, Justin still feeling a bit anxious of meeting Melissa, but with Scott here as well as Alec, it should be ok.
"Don't sweat it, Justin. Scott's mom won't really mind you. At least that is..." said Alec.
"At least?" Justin gives a bewildered look at Alec.
"Melissa is pretty sweet, but I don't know how she'd react about you, so just for this moment, you can only just cross your finger of how she'll react. And I do know that if she knows you ended up almost killing her son and me, she will not take you really lightly."
"Alec. That's enough" Scott turns to Alec with a glare, not fond of how Alec is talking. Alec shrugs back at his Alpha, "Just saying. I'm just being honest."
"You're gonna be ok, Justin. I assure you." Scott tries to comfort and reassure Justin before after a moment that felt like a minute, the sound of the locks unlocking comes out of the front door and the door finally opens.
There stood Melissa McCall in front of the door, meeting her son's eyes with a happy and cheery smile on her face.
"Well if it isn't my young tall handsome veterinarian werewolf son."
Scott chuckles in amusement, "Hey, mom.". The two share a warm mother and son hug, having been a while since they last saw each other as Scott had been very busy with work and finally, they have a whole week for themselves to spend time together, catching up on how both of them are doing in their lives. "Welcome home, sweetie."
"Hey, you call me sweetie." It didn't take long for Chris to show up when Melissa opened the door, teasing his wife. "Well, I call both of you sweetie. Besides, you're not too fond of me calling you sweetie." Melissa looks at Chris with an amused look as she and Scott let go of the hug and Scott's eyes meet with Chris's.
"Hello, Scott. Welcome home." Chris gives a warm smile to his werewolf stepson.
It'll definitely take a while for Scott and Chris to get used to: a werewolf hunter dad and a werewolf stepson, who had dated his deceased werewolf hunter daughter.
"Hi. Thank you, Chris." Scott nods at Chris back with a small firm smile.
Melissa turns to Alec, who tries to give a firm smile at her. "Hey, Alec. How are you holding up?" Melissa asks him like a concerned mother she usually is like any other mother would ask to her children.
"I'm doing good. Just dealing with my stuff, trying to get myself started with my life." Alec shrugs, but still maintains the firm smile he's masking behind to hide his lonely and upset face, trying to not bring up how he and Scott's relationship have been straining lately.
"That's good. You deserve to get your life together after everything that happened." Melissa smiles at him and gives Alec a supporting hug, which warms Alec for a moment, how he really misses his parents, for they're gone, having been robbed by Monroe.
"Thanks..." Alec let's go of the hug as he enters inside with the rest and greets Chris.
And then, Melissa turns to surprisingly see one more boy in the front of her doorstep, not expecting to see him. Justin looks up and finally meets Melissa. He looks up at her with a nervous and scared look, but he tries his best not to show it in front of Scott's mom, already beginning to feel embarrassed. Scott turns to see that Melissa is already seeing Justin and goes to introduce her to his newest Beta in the pack.
"Mom, I know I've decided to lay low with all the supernatural by the corner, but because of circumstances..." Scott takes a deep breath and introduces his Beta to his mom, who's feeling concerned and worried cause Scott did tell her and the rest of his friends, his pack, that they'll be laying low with the supernatural. "This is my newest Beta, Justin. He's...homeless... I—found him—in the streets of Oakland, dying from an attempted robbery, beaten up badly and shot in the chest. I had to find a way to save him, I couldn't just treat him myself, the nearest hospital is too far right now and Justin was dying. So...I did what I could do to save..."
Melissa turns to look at Chris, who gives her a knowing nod, telling her that Chris knows about it, which explains to Melissa why Scott called him to help Scott with something. Chris never told her entirely as to why Scott needed him, only telling her that it's just a "son and dad thing". Melissa hoped it wasn't too serious since she did catch Chris carrying some werewolf hunting equipment. Now she knows what really was about. She turns back to look at Justin, his sad puppy eyes gazing back at her concerned eyes. She steps out of the door in front of Justin, feeling himself growing even more anxious of how Melissa is going to react.
"G-Good evening, Mrs. McCall..." Justin's voice tremble as he tries to respectfully greet Scott's mom. His trembled voice blows away every feeling of suspicion and concern in her, catching on that the teenage boy looks afraid and have gone through a lot having come from the streets. Melissa gives Justin a warm and reassuring smile to show him there's nothing to be afraid of, "Good evening, Justin. I can see that you're feeling–uneasy right now, but it's ok. If you're not planning to do anything to hurt my son, which you aren't definitely, here's nothing to be afraid of."
"I assure you, Mrs. McCall. Your son—is a really good person. And I'm really grateful that he saved me."
"Then again, there's nothing to be afraid of, Justin." Melissa's smile grew wider, seeing Justin like this, as if he's like a lost puppy that Scott brought home. She goes in to give Justin a hug as well, trying to show how welcoming she is to Justin.
The poor boy... He looks like he's been through a lot... Melissa thought as she rubs circles in his back, comforting him as much as she can.
Justin doesn't know how to react to this, his mom nor Bryce's mom never hugged him so warmly and caringly, while he and his mom did hug before, they didn't feel as comforting and loving as what Melissa is giving him right now. And Bryce's mom never really give him a welcoming hug or gesture like Melissa, for she only just leaves him be to hang around with Bryce since he was Bryce's best friend. Justin feels his eyes beginning to well up, but he doesn't want to breakdown in front of them, not wanting to start out the visit with pity and depression. He wants to move on, forget all the shit of Evergreen and Liberty High in the past.
"Welcome to Beacon Hills, Justin. I hope you'll enjoy your time here."
"I will. Thank you, Mrs. McCall." Justin tries to hide his shuddering tone as the two let go of the hug and Melissa ushers him inside with them.
"So, Justin, you're from Oakland?" Melissa asks Justin, trying to lighten up the mood and turn things casual for everyone.
"I am. I've been on the streets for a long time until Scott saved me. So really, I thank him for that."
"Well, that's my boy. Even when he's not a werewolf or a medic, Scott always wants to make sure to save everyone as much as I can."
"Well, I only manage to save him by turning him to a werewolf."
"Oh, Scott, don't cut yourself short. You saved this boy's life, and it's all that matters. And this is especially as a medic."
"I know. I literally have to find ways to ensure that someone's life will be saved."
"Anyway, before get ourselves ready for dinner. There's something for you, Scott." Melissa stands in front of Scott, a grin growing in her face. Scott chuckles at what his mom is telling him.
"What is it, mom? Honestly, I'm not asking for anything from you."
"Oh I know, sweetie. But I'm sure you're definitely gonna love it." As Melissa and Chris ushers Scott, Justin, and Alec to the dining table...
"SURPRISE!"
Scott, Justin, and Alec are met with an unexpected group of people, cheerfully surprising and welcoming them.
Scott has a mix of emotions, he should be so happy to have finally see them after a long time, not seeing them for long as life has been keeping them in busy times.
But at the same time, it is at this moment...
Scott knows...
He has fucked up...
BIG TIME...
The moment he sees the faces of his friends, his pack...
Stiles, Lydia, Derek, Isaac, Malia, Liam, Mason, Hayden, and Corey...
All of their cheerful faces...
Drastically fall...
When they catch sight of the third person with Scott that they do not know of...
Their faces now completely bemused...
The warm, welcoming, and happy environment around them completely shifts into a cold, awkwardness, and bewilderment...
Scott caught in the act as he curses internally at himself
FFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKK...
Stiles breaks the silence with a bewildered and concern tone in his voice.
"Scott...? Who—the hell is that...?"
For those who doesn't know or who may have forgotten
Did a little nice reference in this chapter with Gwen as Alisha Boe, the actress who plays the main character Jessica Davis in 13 Reasons Why, also appeared in Teen Wolf, appearing in Season 6A in episodes 3 to 5, "Sundowning", "Relics", and "Radio Silence", portraying a minor character in the show, which is Gwen.
Since Jessica and Gwen are played by the same actress, thought it would be nice reference to touch on in this chapter where Scott, Justin, and Alec are visiting Beacon Hills for the reunion, with Scott showing Justin around his hometown.
Anyway, hope you're enjoying this story so far.
Reviews and constructive criticism are appreciated!