Guys, I'm so sorry. I was really sick these last ten days and had a horrible cough and literally no voice at all. I simply didn't have any energy for writing, and while I finally managed to catch up today, it might be pretty crappy. Sorry in advance.
Still, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas! Please stay safe so you and your loved ones can greet the new year with as much pomp and circumstance as the situation allows.
In case I won't get to post again before January, thank you for reading this story and being so invested in the shenanigans our unicorns get up to! You were with me from day one and I hope you'll stay until I reach the end of this story. You're the best!
Chapter 57
That afternoon, Stiles stepped foot into Derek's new den for the first time. It was monumental, somehow, that he was being invited inside and given the best of the four mismatched chairs around Derek's ebony dining table. Isaac had stayed upstairs to let them have their alone time.
"Dude, this is loads better than squatting in a ruin," Stiles told him.
Wide-eyed, he looked around and took in the relative emptiness of the room and the one large and rather dramatic art print on the rough wall. The whole place was very industrial chic, but it fit Derek's personality better than he'd have expected. It helped that the ruggedness of the walls and floor was contrasted by a soft, purple blanket on the brown, square leather sofa, and a fluffy white rug in the middle of the room, as well as several large planters beneath the windows, where small shoots were busy growing in the sunlight.
"I love the not so mini garden! What are you growing? Wolfsbane or herbs?"
"Herbs, for now, to get back into the groove. I thought I'd buy an entertainment system once the shop's doing well enough to pay me," Derek commented as he placed a glass of lemonade in front of Stiles. "It's my reward for all of us doing well, so don't nag about crappy TV sound."
"I dig that, and it'll look great in here, once you have it," Stiles said and grinned. "Man, what are you gonna do with all the leftover space? Build a home gym?"
Derek sat and folded his hands. "Funny you should ask because that's what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Oh." Stiles turned his full attention on him and frowned. "Is something wrong? Peter giving you a hard time? Is he making you pay rent or something?"
"No, nothing like that." Derek sighed but held Stiles' gaze. "I'm bad at this stuff, but … I just wanted to let you know that you have a place here. With me. In case you ever need to not go to Peter's, for some reason. Or even without any reason at all."
Stiles' mouth dropped open. "Seriously?"
"Yes. You gave me a safe place in your home to retreat," Derek said quietly. "I want to do the same for you. It's nothing grand, not yet, but it has a bed and a walk-in cupboard for your things. You'll have to tell me what linens you prefer and whether you'd like carpeting or just a rug or whatever. We can do the shopping together."
Nearly vibrating out of his skin despite feeling a little stunned, Stiles said, "Thank you. Can I hug you? This is a hug-worthy occasion, right?"
Derek smiled crookedly. "If you like."
Stiles left his seat and attacked the werewolf with a full-body hug that Lou energetically joined the moment they touched. He shot from Stiles' arms to around Derek's neck and his ribcage and transferred Stiles' happy vibes like a live wire.
"It's kind of weird how open he is about his feelings," Derek commented, face smushed against Stiles' shoulder. He patted Stiles' back, where Lou was wriggling excitedly.
"Is that bad?" Stiles asked and let up a little.
"No." Derek slowly loosened his hold as well and stared at Stiles. "It's a welcome change of pace."
Grateful, Stiles grinned. "Alright. So, since we're exchanging gifts anyway, I thought it was high time I replaced your bracelet. I brought a few so you can choose the one you like best, and this time I've made it impervious to stinky and icky things."
"I liked the one you made me," Derek replied. "Can't you try to salvage it?"
I'm not that far along with the magic yet," Stiles admitted, "but if you still have it you could hold on to it until I am. I'll certainly do my best."
"Okay."
Stiles produced the half dozen bracelets he'd thought Derek might like and placed them on the table. They all were of dark colour so people wouldn't immediately notice them, but Stiles had gone to some effort to spruce them up with semi-precious stones and brass pearls.
In just a moment, Derek picked a black genuine leather armband that Stiles had enhanced with a string of black dried tree seed pearls and a stainless steel platelet. The outer side of the platelet was smooth, but Stiles had engraved a bind rune on the inner side that made Derek's eyes light up blue when he rubbed it with his thumb.
"This one," Derek said with conviction. "It feels strong. What did you put on it?"
"Protection against physical harm, both for you and the bracelet, something for stealth - that reminds me to give the heavy-duty stealth charm to you all - and of course something to boost your energy, for when you're running around the preserve like a crazy person."
"It's called patrols," Derek said dryly. "And it needs to be done."
"Even so." Stiles shrugged and grinned. "I had a feeling you'd choose this one, but whenever you think of something else you might need, just let me know and I'll add to it. The stainless steel is pretty good for holding and channelling magic and I left room for more runes on purpose."
"I will. Thank you." Derek allowed Stiles to put the bracelet on and then took a moment to admire it. "It's still hard to wrap my head around the fact that you can do this."
Stiles could relate. "Yeah, sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Magic is so cool. And speaking of which, have you tried using runes yet? I'd like nothing better than for you to be able to protect yourself against those alpha douche invaders."
"Not yet," Derek admitted, "but it's on the agenda. Maybe you can try with Isaac tonight since he'll be staying at yours anyway."
"We will. You can try it here and report how that works for you," Stiles decided. "I won't always be close, so I need to know what the maximum distance is, anyway." He drank down his lemonade and sighed with satisfaction. "Can I see my room now? And can I bet what colours you've chosen? If I'm wrong I'll spring for your favourite diner menu."
Instead of an answer, Derek snagged him around the neck and dragged him towards the closed door, but the connection between was bright with humour and affection.
As Stiles was admiring the sparse but upscale dark furniture and steel blue bedding, he thought that despite the unpleasantness that had been Scott's adjudication the day had turned out pretty great after all.
oOo
Stiles' father would be gone until the early hours of the morning to support his team which allowed Stiles and Isaac to do their testing in the living room instead of in Stiles' smaller bedroom.
"You know, even if this using your magic thing actually works, how will your dad get away with drawing on the lobster guys?" Isaac asked as he twirled a chalk marker around his fingers. "Isn't that unethical?"
"It's unethical as all hell," Stiles replied, "and we have decided that we don't really care. Dad thought that he could use a stamp with washable ink or something. That's quick and easy."
"But what if those dudes complain to someone? I know I wouldn't like to be stamped with some occult symbol."
"We'll find a solution," Stiles said. "And even if it's not doable for my dad's work, it's still dead useful anywhere else. So, you've got your plastic mat and a glass of cider and your marker. This here is the most important rune for protection." He demonstrated on his own arm.
Isaac sniffed. "Looks like a bird's foot."
"Yeah, that's algiz for you. If you paint it at the four cardinal points, it'll offer whatever's within the circle at least some basic protection." Stiles handed Isaac a pink chalk marker. "Try it. Just remember that you're doing it in my stead. I guess the real task will be to always know where North is because this stuff works way better if the cardinal points are aligned with the runes."
"I'm pretty good at that," Isaac murmured as he drew four runes on the black mat. "There, one glass of cider inside a protective circle. And now?"
"Now you try to get it," Stiles quipped.
Isaac pursed his lips and hesitated. "The runes won't zap me, will they?" When Stiles smirked, he huffed. "Come on!"
"They won't zap you," Stiles said. "They're just supposed to keep everyone away from the cider."
Sighing, Isaac reached out and started badly when his fingers glanced off an invisible barrier. Like he couldn't help himself his eyes lit up and all five claws popped from his fingers. "Wow!"
"Amazing!" Stiles crowed. "Try again, but this time I'll film it. Hold on …" He snagged the digicam, activated it, and scooted back far enough to get Isaac completely in the frame. "Okay, ready when you are."
"Do I have to?" Isaac whined. "That felt weird."
"It's for science," Stiles wheedled. "Come on. Show us what your runes can do!"
The reminder that Isaac had managed to draw a protective circle did the trick; the werewolf reached for the glass of cool cider again and allowed the magic to force his appearance to change in response.
"That feels really, really strange," Isaac growled through his fangs. He blinked away his amber eyes. "Amazing. Let's call Derek and ask how he's doing."
They did just that and learned that the same had happened for Derek - and that the man was now grumpy as all hell because his beer was trapped inside of the circle.
Stiles couldn't help but laugh. "I guess I forgot to mention that you can obsolete your runes as well if you no longer need them. Just wipe one of them away, Derek."
A second later Derek reported in a rough, quiet voice, "It worked. Stiles, that's … I have no words. This is huge. You have no idea."
"I probably don't, no," Stiles answered just as quietly. "We'll have to train this ... a lot. Just because it works now doesn't mean it'll work well when you're under attack. We definitely need a plan for that."
"You're right," Derek agreed. "I'll let Peter know. He'll probably have some ideas."
"Where is he, anyway?" Stiles asked. "I thought he'd want to stay close today."
"He caught a whiff of a strange wolf and decided to investigate. He's got your stealth charm with him so it'll probably be okay." Derek paused. "I'm worried about him."
"I texted to tell him that the rune thing works," Isaac offered. "If things go FUBAR, he can at least protect himself."
"Speaking of protection, I still have to enhance my dad's gun with some magic," Stiles said. "The work just never ends."
"It's on the list," Isaac promised. "Plus, one of us can do it now. We need you to work on the ward stones, Stiles. It sounds shitty, but that's way more important right now."
"Yeah, I know. It's a good thing I could convince Jackson and Lydia to help. Say, can I raid Peter's fridge tomorrow? I might have to feed them before they begin to paint."
Derek said, "I'll go shopping and ask Erica and Boyd whether they'd like to eat with us. Nine okay?"
"Nine is perfect. Thanks, Derek." Stiles ended the call and leaned back on his hands. "With Jackson and Lydia there, we should try to do as many ward stones as we can. The more, the better. My dad will be grumpy about having to deal with so many stones, but it'll be worth it."
"I understand, but I thought two-hundred or thereabouts was enough?" Isaac asked.
Stiles scowled. "That was before those alpha douchebags invaded Beacon Hills and brought a fucking magic user with them." He splayed his fingers and showed Isaac the claws Lou was forming in his agitation. "I don't like it, but Lou is really annoyed about that."
"Yeah, I get that," Isaac admitted. He rubbed his upper arms. "I feel … dirty."
"Even worse, Derek thinks that those assholes might try something at Jackson's party on Saturday," Stiles continued. "I have no idea how to protect all the people going to the Jungle."
"What about a mountain ash line?" Isaac asked. "The weather forecast didn't say anything about rain, and even if people trample all over it, you could just make it whole again."
"All night long when I'm supposed to spend at least an hour inside and keep my eyes open?" Stiles bit his lip. "I'm not sure I'm good enough for this type of situation."
"Yet," Isaac said loyally. "You're doing some pretty amazing stuff already. You just need practice. I know it."
Stiles smiled wanly. "Thanks, dude. That won't help us on Saturday, though. So, ideas?"
Isaac pursed his lips in thought and twirled his chalk marker between his fingers. The movement was so hypnotic that Stiles jumped when Isaac suddenly caught the marker in his fist and snapped the fingers of his free hand. "We're so dumb!"
"What, why?" Stiles protested.
"Dude, what have we been working on all week already?" Isaac asked, one eyebrow raised meaningfully.
Stiles stared at him uncomprehendingly for a second. Then he slapped a hand to his forehead. "Oh my god. We are dumb."
"You'll make Jackson work for it, right?"
"Oh, you can bet your fluffy hair on that," Stiles replied.
They shared a broad, slightly evil grin.
oOo
The next morning, the pack plus Erica and Boyd had already enjoyed breakfast in Peter's apartment when Jackson announced his and Lydia's presence via text.
"They're late," Peter remarked and set down his empty latte glass. "Are you sure you'll be able to pull off your project?"
Stiles handed the half dozen stacked plates from the table to Isaac, who took them to the dishwasher. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure. You go and do whatever you have to do to finally get your life back."
"Well, the insurance company certainly is on my side, even if the doctors would love to dissect me," Peter said with a smirk. "Somehow the thought of finally being able to finalize my rather extensive medical payments has them all atwitter. With a bit of luck, everything will be settled today."
Without comment, Stiles pulled a good luck card from his shirt's breast pocket and held it out to the man.
Peter's grin widened as he let his fingers brush against Stiles' in a deliberate tease. "Thank you, sweetheart. Now I can be sure that things will come to a favourable conclusion today."
He got up and made a point of scenting each of his pack and family while saying his goodbyes. Erica blushed and giggled at Peter pretending to kiss her knuckles and even Boyd seemed amenable to the werewolf's offered handshake when Stiles would've bet money on him being pissed at Peter's smarmy little display.
"I know what you're thinking," Boyd told Stiles when Peter was gone from the apartment a minute later.
"You do?" Stiles asked, surprised.
Boyd shrugged. "He might enjoy fucking with people, but not like this."
"Does he call you sweetheart often?" Erica cackled and fanned herself. "Because that was amazing. It's getting hot in here!"
Stiles flushed. "My dad begs to differ. Uhm, I'm gonna let Jackson and Lydia into the workshop, so if you could help Derek and Isaac with the clean-up? Just bring down the tray over there when you're done."
"Sure thing, Batman," Erica said.
Face still flaming uncomfortably, Stiles thanked his friends and then clattered down the stairs to the floor below. Jackson and Lydia were already waiting, both dressed in perfectly pressed clothes.
"Oh my god, are you serious," Stiles blurted out. He unlocked the workshop and waved the two other teens inside. "We're gonna work with paint and you come dressed like this?"
"I don't plan on getting into a splatter fight," Jackson countered, narrowing his eyes. "But if one of your doofus friends gets me dirty, they'll pay for the dry cleaner's."
"And I don't plan on painting rocks at all," Lydia announced with a little sniff. "I'm just here because Jackson didn't want to come alone into the wolves' den."
"We'll see about that," Stiles retorted. "But first, sit. Breakfast is waffles, scrambled eggs and fruit salad, in case you're hungry. We have a great coffee maker, but you can also have tea, juice or water. Also, it's my turn to pick the music, so no complaining."
Lydia eschewed the idea of breakfast, but Jackson went to get a plate once Derek had brought the tray in. While he was eating and sipping his coffee, Erica, Isaac, and Boyd sat down at the other end of the long table and got ready for work. Each of them took five fresh stones and laid out an equal number for Jackson and Lydia.
"You weren't having me on, you're really painting rocks," Jackson said, taking in the many colourful rocks resting on the racks. "Are those dicks?"
"Erica is a little shit," Stiles informed him and smirked at Lydia's raised eyebrow. "So this is the deal: I know that I said that we need help with the ward stones for Beacon Hills, and we do, but your party tomorrow is more important."
"My party?" Jackson stopped chewing and stared at Stiles. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Lydia sighed. "Isn't it obvious?"
"No, it really isn't."
"Look, my dense friend, it's easier to lay out ward stones around the Jungle than having people watch out for you and the guests all night," Stiles explained. "We could take two or three dozens of the ones we've already finished, but I've decided that a large set of portable outdoor ward stones is a really fucking great thing to have, so that's what we're gonna do today. Also, they're gonna be better if you're involved in the production since they're supposed to protect you."
"We're gonna paint portable ward stones," Jackson repeated, looking at Stiles like he was crazy. "All of those stones are portable!"
"Reusable, then. The ward stones for Beacon Hills will be hidden once we're done with them," Isaac interjected. "We don't want people to find them and take them away."
"But we can't bury them in the city," Erica continued. "Even if we hide them well, someone might find one or more of them."
"So that's why each of you has five stones," Lydia surmised. "So there'll be extras in case one or more stones get lost tomorrow night."
"Yeah, exactly," Isaac said. "We don't care that you don't really believe us-"
"Yet," Derek said quietly, but firmly.
"-but you'll pull your weight if you're asking for favours," Isaac finished. "Five stones isn't much at all, that'll be done in two hours, tops."
Jackson stared at them for a bit longer, only to shrug and shovel the last bite of his eggs into his mouth. "Fine. Are you staying, Lyds? You're pretty good at drawing and the more we are, the quicker I can get out of here."
She didn't look enthusiastic, but after a moment of consideration, Lydia inclined her head and said, "Someone pass me a couple of brushes and the metallic sage colour."
"Good choice. Those heathens have almost used up the neon colours anyway," Stiles told her and handed the items over. "Time to get some class in here."
End of chapter 57
