To Know or Not to Know

by Nuuru

Summary: He didn't want to know. But he did. (Aww… Coach does care.)
Rating: T for language and perceived violence of an arrow and suicide runs.
Characters: Coach Bobby Finstock, Stiles Stilinski, Scott McCall, Mr. Yukimura, (brief appearance of Deputy Parrish)
Tags: S03E18: Riddled, S03E19: Letharia Vulpina, Post-Season 3, AU FTD ending in Second chapter (always an optional read)

AU Ending

Stilinski came in before school on Monday, hair disheveled and a serious look on his face Bobby Finstock didn't know could exist.

"Coach?" Stilinski knocked on the door frame, his other hand clutching his backpack strap over his shoulder.

"What is it, Stilinski?" Bobby sat up straighter as he watched Stilinski enter and stood across the desk from him. The kid hesitated, so unlike his usual behavior that Bobby knew that this was going nowhere good. "Spit it out."

Stilinski actually jolted. "I, uh…." He scratched his head then fumbled with his backpack, opening it. "I have a doctor's note."

Bobby didn't say anything, only quirking an eyebrow at Stilinski's behavior. He pulled out a surprisingly flat lettered envelope and handed it over to Bobby.

"I can't…uh, I don't think I can be on the team anymore Coach," Stilinski said and then mumbled afterward, "Not that it really matters anyway."

Because Stilinski didn't play. Bobby barely ever put him on the field. Because Stilinski sucked at lacrosse. But he was getting better at it. He needed about 10,000 more hours of practice, but he still played way better than some of the other losers he had on the team…especially the freshmen this year. God, they had such a horrible crop of players that came in.

Opening the letter, Bobby read it quickly:

Dear Coach Bobby Finstock,

This letter is in regard to one of our patients, Stiles Stilinski. Stiles is a 17-year-old with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). FTD is a disease where parts of the brain atrophy. There are three types of FTD, Behavior variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). The symptoms of the disease may include changes in personality, ability to concentrate, change in social skills, motivation, and reasoning. The second type of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). PPA effects language skills, speaking, writing, and comprehension. The final type of FTD is Disturbance of motor (movement or muscle) function, specifically Corticobasal syndrome, which causes arms and legs to become uncoordinated or stiff. We are still determining the type of FTD that Stiles has.

We strongly encourage our patients to attend school on a regular basis. But it's important for you to know that FTD can interfere with the ability to perform some academic tasks or functions at school. Attached is a list of suggestions to help students with FTD, depending on the type.

An area of special concern is physical education class. We encourage patients with FTD to be as physically active as possible. However, it may be difficult for Stiles to participate in activities that place stress, especially in the case of limited motor function. It is recommended that Stiles not engage in a high-contact sports such as lacrosse in order to not encourage any possible risk of concussions or other head trauma. We hope you are able to help Stiles remain an active member of the class and school by modifying his movements or providing a safe, alternative activity.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. By working together, I know we can support Stiles in having a positive learning experience.

Bobby glanced from the paper to Stiles. "Well, that's complete shit."

"Tell me about it," Stilinski quipped. "It's totally fun knowing your brain is going to shrivel up into something resembling a raisin."

"Now," Bobby grimaced at what he was about to ask. He really didn't want to. He really didn't. It was breaking his don't ask, don't need to know, don't want to know rule because knowing ended up with arrows in people apparently, particularly him. But this was FTD, not arrows. "Now, I just need to know how severe it is. You won't be all…well, you know, on the field."

He didn't even know what to expect in regards to symptoms and it seemed Stilinski might not know either, going by the letter.

"Well, right now, the doctors think it's still mild, but are unsure about the rate of progression, so I could have anywhere from two years to twenty. So… I don't know. We should know in a few weeks, maybe in three months, depending." Stilinski said it with such nonchalance Bobby wasn't sure if he was sure he was hearing the kid right. Too easy to hear someone talk about dying in maybe two years, especially a kid. Especially a kid like Stilinski who was always moving and motivated and doing something. A Great kid. Zero Ability to focus. Super smart. Never takes advantage of his talents. Now…this.

"Well, that's just beautiful." Bobby muttered. "And you have no idea which type it is, either?"

Stilinski sighed, licking his lips. "We think it's…bvFTD. It's what my mom had, when she, what she died of."

This was too much. Far too much.

But before Bobby could say one thing, Stilinski spoke again, "But if it gets as bad where I'm seeing delusions, I won't be in school long before that. Right now, I should be fine. It's all wait and see."

"I'm not taking you off the team, Stilinski." Bobby said, setting the letter down and giving Stilinski a square look.

"What?" Stilinski said, mouth dropping open. "But – Coach – I…"

"Shut it!"

Stilinski remained quiet, but his mouth remained open. Seriously, Bobby wondered how the kid didn't catch flies with how often he left his mouth open. Maybe it was a subconscious effort to preserve energy by always being prepared to never shut up.

"Sounds like nothing's going to change. You participate in practice, right?"

Stilinski nodded.

"And you're not on the field during games unless it's a dire emergency, correct?"

Stilinski nodded again.

"Then what's changing?"

Stiles glanced around before looking back at him, "Uh…nothing?"

"Exactly." Bobby grinned.

And Stiles grinned. The burden that seemed to weigh heavy on the kid's shoulders eased. "Thanks, Coach."

"Now go away. I don't want to see your ugly face until P.E. later." Bobby said, turning away to the paperwork on his desk.

"Will do, Coach," Stilinski said before walking out the door.

Author Notes:

This was the scene/plot bunny that started this ENTIRE fic. Mostly it was the line, "It's totally fun knowing your brain is going to shrivel up into something resembling a raisin." It's self-depricating sarcasm I felt fit Stiles well and how he deals with hurt is humor, even if it isn't appropriate. And I mean no disrespect to Stiles' character or the fact that he lost his mom in this way. (Hence the research and a personal connection to losing a parent at a young age.) This is also where I think Coach might have gotten way too sentimental. And Stiles OOC too. I blame on AU. Everything is AU! All the AUs! No. No. Not really.

That's it. There will be no more updates regarding this fic whatsoever. Please enjoy.