I don't own Teen Wolf.
Cut Out All the Ropes: Chapter 9
"Pregnant, not fat. You're pregnant, Stiles, not fat," Stiles whispered to himself as he struggled to pull up his jeans, wiggling his hips to get the panel pulled up to the right place. "You look fine. You're pregnant, not fat. He's wanted you before and he'll want you again. Pregnant, not fat."
Five minutes later, Stiles stood still shirtless, pulling at his hair that he'd started to let grow out. His floor was littered with almost every maternity shirt he had and he bit his lip in frustration that everything was tight. Finally he sighed, picking up a sweater that Jackson had picked out but Stiles hadn't really liked. He groaned as he pulled the cream colored sweater over his head, shifting his weight as he tried to pull the sweater over his ever growing bump. After he got both the sweater and the panel of his pants in place, he looked in the mirror and whimpered.
"I'm fat," he groaned, his eyes filling with tears.
"Hey kid, I've got the late shift tonight; New Year's Eve is always filled with idiots," Steve said from the door way, his eyes going wide. Stiles had spent the majority of Christmas break in sweats, claiming he couldn't be bothered trying to keep his panel in place. But here Stiles was, staring with a distressed look on his face as he tugged at a sweater that looked just a bit tight. "Umm, I have Wednesday off of work if you want to go shopping again," Steve said gently, and Stiles, who's eyes had looked a bit wet before Steve had started talking, started sobbing.
"I'm going to be so fat," he cried and Steve sighed, stepping into the room and perching on the edge of Stiles bed. He gestured for Stiles to sit next to him and the teen hesitated before doing so. Steve put his arm around Stiles' shoulders and the teens face crumpled again.
"Hey, stop that. You're pregnant, Stiles, not fat. There's nothing you can do about this right now, okay? And it's not like you'd planned on there being two babies in there when you bought clothes. You look fine. You look healthy, in fact."
"I have like five more months of this. I just…He's never going to want me like this…" Stiles whispered and Steve sighed, rubbing his hand over Stiles back.
"What did you have planned for your New Year's Eve?" Steve whispered and Stiles shrugged, looking away.
"I was going….I was going to try and talk to Derek. Just, you know, go to his place and try to work things through. No one's having a party so it wasn't like I had any other plans. I thought maybe I could talk him into giving me a chance…I wanted to look nice. And I hate this sweater but it's the only one that fits. And I just…He's not going to want me so I don't know why I'm trying so I might as well just go to bed." Steve let out a small huff of laughter, pulling Stiles' closer so he could place a kiss to his temple.
"Stop. Derek would be stupid not to want you. And you'll never know until you try. Now get up, get your shoes on and go win him over. I'm sure the twins will appreciate that. I believe in you." Stiles grinned up at his dad, his bottom lip shaking.
"Sorry. Sorry. I don't mean to be so over emotional…"
"I don't think you get a say in that for the next few months, bud; all those nice hormones running through you. Now finish getting ready. I'll be back in the morning after my shift. Good luck." Steve squeezed Stiles' shoulder once more. Stiles watched his father walk away before slowly climbing to his feet standing in front of the mirror.
"Pregnant, not fat," he mumbled one more time before nodding. "Okay, babies, let's go win over your daddy."
Stiles was pretty sure most people felt smarter while pregnant. Most people probably thought more about self-preservation; going above and beyond protecting themselves so they could protect the unborn child growing in side of them.
Stiles, though, didn't get that intuition.
That was the only explanation as to why a five month pregnant boy was walking into the abandoned train station the pack used for the full moon on the on the night of the full moon.
He'd been distracted; that was his only excuse as to why he didn't realize why Lydia and Jackson weren't having a New Year's Eve Party. Or why Allison had asked if he wanted to hang out because Scott would be busy. Or why everyone had seemed on edge. It was the full moon; Danny's first full moon, in fact, and all the wolves were going to be there to lend their support. Stiles, apparently, hadn't gotten the memo.
It was common knowledge in the pack that Jackson still had issues controlling his wolf on the night of the full moon. Erica was just as bad. And that was why Derek chained them up each month, staying in the depot to stop them should they break loose and try to run. So that's why Stiles wasn't surprised to see the two chained to seats inside the broken down train. He could also see Danny fighting against his own set of chains as the moon raised in the sky.
"D-d-Derek?" Stiles called, his voice shaking as he realized that maybe this was the worst idea he'd ever had. "Derek, are you here?"
The teen froze as three sets of golden eyes turned to stare at him. Jackson's handsome face looked distorted as fur covered most of it. Erica's features were pulled in grotesque ways. Danny had obviously been scratching at his arms and face, deep scratches marring his skin. When the goalie saw Stiles he pulled roughly at his chains, snarling.
"Stiles?"
Stiles jumped, his hand going to his stomach as Isaac appeared behind him, completely human. He took a couple deep breaths, glaring at the teen.
"You scared me."
"What the hell are you doing here?" Isaac asked, glancing over at the wolves in train. Stiles could see him crane his neck as if looking into the window. He nodded to himself before turning back to Stiles, a brow raised.
"Well you look pretty good for it being the full moon. Arrr-ooh?" Stiles flinched when Danny growled from inside the train, pulling harder at the chains holding him still.
"Are you seriously stupid enough to be here? Tonight?" Isaac growled, reaching out to grab Stiles arm and escort him out of the depot.
"Wait, stop. I need to talk to Derek, is he here? I stopped at his apartment but he wasn't there so I came here. I just really need to talk to him." Isaac's jaw jutted out, his eyes falling shut.
"It's really not a good time, Stiles. Talk to him tomorrow, okay?" Isaac tried to pull Stiles to the door but as he shifted positions, Stiles saw something that made him freeze.
"Oh my God," he whispered, his eyes wide. Derek was huddled in the corner of the train, chain much heavier than those holding even Jackson tying him to the seats. The headband that Stiles knew they normally used on Erica was screwed into his skull and his eyes were red. "What's he doing here? Why is he shifted? Isaac what the hell?"
"Stiles?" a voice said behind him and Stiles turned to see Scott staring at him. "Seriously? I didn't think you'd be stupid enough to be here tonight!"
"I forgot when the moon was, okay?" Stiles yelled, throwing his hands up in defeat. "Now why the hell is Derek shifted? He was born a wolf; he's supposed to be able to handle this better than all of you!"
"Get him out of here," Isaac said over his head, glancing back at Danny who had managed to pull one hand free. "Now!"
Stiles watched with wide eyes as Danny pulled his other hand free and came bounding out of the train at him.
"Move, Stiles, move!" Scott yelled, trying to pull Stiles along with him but Stiles was frozen on the spot, his eyes wide. He crouched down on himself, trying to protect his stomach as a clawed hand swiped at his arm, breaking the skin with deep claw marks.
"Danny!" Isaac yelled, shifting quickly to pull the newly turned wolf away from Stiles.
"Oh God, oh God, oh God," Stiles whimpered, still trying to cover his stomach as he panicked that Isaac wouldn't be able to handle Danny. And then he heard another loud clank of metal and glanced up with wide eyes as Derek pulled himself free. The shackles still hung from his wrist like metal bracelets and the Alpha didn't even bother pulling the metal headband off his head as he raced at the group, throwing himself between Danny and Stiles and roaring loudly at his new beta. Stiles leg shook as Danny cowered in fear, slowly walking back into the train with his hypothetical tail between his legs.
Stiles stared on with wide eyes as Derek turned his own red eyes on Stiles. Stiles froze as the Alpha pushed closer into Stiles' personal space, his teeth bared.
"D-Derek?" he whispered quietly, holding up his hands in caution. His injured arm twitched and he could feel the twins move around, picking up on his fear. "Derek, can you hear me? You're scaring me." Stiles tried to stifle another yelp as Derek's hand darted out to pull Stiles' injured arm closer to him. Before Stiles could say anything, a small pink tongue darted out of Derek's mouth, steadily licking at the scratches on the teen's arm. "I, uh, what?"
"Okay, that's weird," Scott mumbled, staying by Stiles' side incase Derek lost control. The two boy's watched in amazement as the scratches seemed to grow smaller, the flowing blood stopping. After another few licks, Derek pulled away, glaring at Stiles as he turned to go back to the train. He growled at Danny as he passed, throwing himself into the corner and glaring at Isaac as if to say lock me up again. "Come on, Stiles," Scott whispered, pulling at Stiles' good arm toward the door to the depot.
"But- but- Derek. And Isaac…" Stiles trailed off, letting Scott take his keys out of his jacket pocket and lead him to his jeep.
"It's okay. Isaac's got everything under control."
Steve had never been more thankful for overzealous deputies. Because of them, he was able to go home and enjoy brining in the New Year in his own house. He faltered a moment when he pulled into the drive-way, seeing Stiles' jeep parked there. He let himself in through the garage door, hesitating when he heard voices in the kitchen. He shrugged off his jacket, listening to Stiles and Scott talk quietly.
"I can't believe you are so stupid. What the hell were you thinking?" Scott hissed, and from where he was sitting Steve could see their first aid kit sitting out on the kitchen table.
"I wasn't, okay? You don't have to keep reminding me," Stiles mumbled, sucking in a breath as Scott apparently tried to clean out his wounds.
"Well it's a good thing Derek was at least somewhat in control of himself tonight," Scott said, and Steve could see him dig through the first aid kit for some gauze.
"He licked me," Stiles deadpanned, and Steve raised a brow, thoroughly confused. "He scared the hell out of me, and then he liked me."
"Well it's a good thing he did, or you'd probably need stitches. Make a mental note that wolf spit apparently has healing powers." Steve could feel his brows grow higher up his forehead, stopping himself from running into the kitchen.
"Why did he need tied up tonight?" Stiles asked quietly and Scott sighed. "I mean Derek was born a werewolf, Scott. He learned to control it right after he hit puberty. Why did you guys tie him up tonight?"
"I don't know if it's my place…" Scott said, sighing again when Stiles glared at him. "He said he's been denying his wolf his mate. Apparently the wolf is fighting back and it was harder to control. He said he didn't trust himself and asked us to keep him from hurting anyone."
"His…He has a mate?" Stiles said, and although Steve was confused, he could tell Stiles was hurting.
"I don't know who it is. He just said he was protecting them and couldn't get close and to not ask questions." The two teens were quiet for a moment before Scott let out a huff and said: "I can't believe you can honestly think you can keep up with werewolves when you're five months pregnant."
That's when Steve stepped in, letting the door he had been holding open slam shut. He marched into the kitchen, reaching out to grab Stiles' chin and force his head up.
"Dad, what? I-"
"Are you on drugs?" Steve said, his voice misleadingly calm. "Please tell me you aren't stupid enough to be on drugs when you're pregnant with my grandchildren."
"What? No! I'm not!"
"Werewolves, Stiles? You honestly believe Derek is a werewolf? Damn it, Stiles! Don't you remember what happened to Dave Snyder's baby when he used while he was pregnant? The baby was stillborn!"
"Dad, I'm not on drugs!" Stiles yelled out, his eyes wide and filled with tears. He crossed his gauze wrapped arm around his stomach as he tried to pull his face out of his father's hand. He glanced at Scott who nodded at him. "Just…Just show him Scott. But don't give him a heart attack."
Steve let his hand drop from Stiles face as he turned to Scott. His eyes were wide as the teen's eyes turned gold, his teeth and hair and nails elongating. Scott took a deep breath, glancing up at Steve as he looked back and forth between Scott and Stiles.
"I told you I wasn't on drugs," Stiles mumbled, crossing his other arm over his stomach and looking down.
"You…You're a werewolf," Steve said stupidly, opening and closing his mouth.
"Yes," Scott said, his voice a little slurred because of his teeth.
"And Derek?"
"Alpha werewolf," Stiles said, not looking up.
"And the babies?"
"Might be a little furry every full moon once they reach puberty. And by might, I mean will totally be a little furry every full moon once they reach puberty."
"Holy shit," Steve said, fumbling around behind him to open his liquor cabinet. He took a swig from the whiskey before staring at the teens in front of him.
"Well that went well," Scott said, shifting back. Stiles snorted, shaking his head.
Stiles sat on the couch the next day, his feet folded underneath him as he read the binder Derek had given him. He scratched idly at the gauze still wrapped around his arm, biting his lip as he read of ways to calm the babies during the full moon. He glanced up with a brow raised when the doorbell rang, Steve crossing behind him to open it.
"Happy New Year, Sherriff Stilinski," a familiar voice said and Stiles froze, his heart beating out of his chest.
"Victoria," Steve said, uncertainty clear in his voice.
"I was just wondered if I could have a little chat with Stiles. Just something about Derek," Victoria Argent said, and Stiles could hear the smirk in her voice as she spoke. Scott and Stiles had explained everything they could think of the Steve the night before, including how the Argent's hunt werewolves and Victoria trying to kill the babies.
"I'm not sure if that's the best idea, Victoria," Steve said, and Stiles tried to take in a deep breath as he heard her heels try to push the door open as Steve began to shut it.
"It won't take long, Sheriff. I promise." Steve glanced back at Stiles, his brow furrowed in worry at how deeply Stiles was breathing. Stiles locked eyes with his dad, shaking his head frantically.
"I'm sorry, Victoria, but I'm going to have to say no. I have to protect mine, just as you believe you're protecting yours." With that Steve slammed the door shut, locking it quickly before bounding across the room and pulling Stiles into his arms. "Breathe. Deep breaths, Stiles. Come on, breathe." Stiles desperately sucked in deep breaths, his short fingernails digging into his father's arms.
"I don't…I don't want her anywhere near me," Stiles gasped, finally keeping the panic down. "I don't want her near me or the babies. I don't trust her."
"I know," Steve said quietly, still rubbing Stiles' back. "I'll do my best to keep her away. Now are you okay?"
"I uh…I guess," Stiles mumbled, looking down as his cheeks turned red.
"Been a while since I've seen you have one of those," Steve said quietly, looking down at his son with worry.
"I had one right after the accident when I was with Derek on the way to my appointment. But that's it. I really don't get them much anymore," Stiles said quietly, picking at the gauze around his arm. "I didn't mean to scare you…"
"Hey, stop that," Steve said, reaching out and squeezing Stiles arm. "I'm the one that's supposed to take care of you, okay? Don't worry about me." Stiles nodded, stifling a yawn. "Why don't you go take a nap? You look tired."
"Um, yeah. That actually sounds like a good idea…" Stiles trailed off, pushing himself off the couch with a little difficulty. "Love you, dad," Stiles whispered as he walked past, and Steve gave him a sad smile.
"Love you, too, buddy."
Steve was sitting in his chair drinking a beer when there was a knock at the front door. With a sigh he climbed to his feet, checking the peep hole before sighing again. He swung the door open to see a pale, worried Derek Hale.
"Alpha," Steve said, his posture straight as he watched Derek's reaction. Derek froze, his eyes darting around before he let out a defeated breath.
"Scott really did tell you," Derek sighed, running a shaking hand through his hair.
"Kind of had to after I overheard him and Stiles talking about werewolves and accused my son of being on drugs."
"Is Stiles…Is he okay?" Derek asked quietly, staring at his feet. Steve sighed, swinging the door open wider.
"Come on in, Derek." Derek followed the Sheriff into the living room, perching on the edge of the couch. Steve handed him a beer and Derek paced it from hand to hand, not opening it.
"Is he okay?" Derek asked and Steve nodded, glancing up at the ceiling above him.
"He's asleep. Between whatever drama you guys had last night and Victoria Argent stopping by the house this afternoon causing him to spiral into a panic attack, he's pretty tired."
"She was here?" Derek asked, his eyes flashing red as he looked around.
"I didn't let her past the front door, if that's what you're asking. She didn't get anywhere close to him and she won't if I have anything to say about it."
"His, um. How's his arm?"
"It looked a lot better than it did when I saw it last night. And I'm assuming from the way Scott talked it was a lot worse before you got to it. So thanks for that."
"He should have never been there. I don't know what he was thinking. It took everything I had to keep myself together…"
"Scott said you had a mate," Steve said, and Derek's jaw shut with an audible click. "And that you're shifting with the moon because you're denying it."
"That's not really any of your business," Derek said, his jaw clenched shut.
"It's Stiles, isn't it?" Steve asked and Derek dug his fingers into his knees. "I've seen the way you look at him. And it's not just the "he's carrying my kids" kind of look."
"You can't tell him," Derek said quietly, glancing at Steve. "I'm trying to keep him safe. Do you know what other packs would do to the mate of an Alpha? Besides, everything I touch breaks, anyway…"
"You've got to tell him at some point, Derek. He deserves to know. And by the looks of you, you're not fairing much better. Wouldn't it be better to just…Give in to your wolf? Is that how it works? Shouldn't you just try to make it happy?"
"If I was trying to make my wolf happy," Derek deadpanned, rubbing at his eyes, "I would jump your son every time I saw him. I don't think you'd like me humping him in the middle of the grocery store."
"Funny," Steve glared, rolling his eyes. "There has to be some middle ground. Because, son, you look like you've been through hell in back and there are a lot more full moons coming."
Derek and Steve sat silently, and Steve could tell that Derek's ears were tuned into what must have been Stiles breathing. Finally Derek let out a sigh, closing his eyes.
"I'll tell him. Before the babies are born, I will. But right now…Can I go up and see him? I won't wake him up, I promise. I just want to check myself he's okay." Steve was quiet for a moment, his fingers steepled together.
"If I tell you no, you'll just climb in his window, won't you? And yes, he and Scott told me about your little packs preferred way of entering the house."
"I'm not going to lie, I probably will if you say no," Derek said, the streak of arrogance filling him again that made Steve smile.
"Go on up. I'm assuming you know the way from the front door that you never seem to use?" Derek nodded, moving quickly towards the stairs.
"Thanks, Mr. Stilinski," Derek said quietly from the middle of the stair case.
"Call me Steve," the Sheriff called and Derek smiled, silently running up the stairs.
AN: I hope you liked it. As I went back and read this, I noticed a bit of a mistake on my part. I obviously did my math wrong, and Stiles should have only been three months along at the time of the accident, four around Christmas, and five months now. Not too big of a deal, but just wanted to bring to light that I noticed the mistake and should be following the proper time line now. Please review! Thanks for all your support!