The football fields were swarmed with a mass of red graduation caps as all of the seniors poured out of the big gymnasium. Graduation was over, everyone was free from school and now all that was left was to say their goodbyes. Blotchy eyed girls with mascara streaming down their faces wailed and hugged each other, while the Lacrosse team all shared 'manly' hugs, saving their emotions for later. Sports forgotten, the field was used to host a huge farewell party, flooded with emotions and celebrations and of course many copies of the yearbooks. For most, the day was a great celebration for making it through high school. However, for Stiles it marked a far gloomier occasion. Yet another important event that Lydia had missed because she was locked up in Eichenhouse, and there was nothing he could do about it. Gloomily he sat on the bleachers by himself, picking away at the tassel on his cap. All in all it had been a really depressing day, one he had been dreading since the start of senior year. Now all of his fears of growing apart from his friends, losing touch, they were all so much more real and possible. Not only that, but his graduation, the day where proud parents sit in a stuffy hall for hours on end just to see their kid on stage getting a certificate for all of a minute, only served to remind him of how parentless he was. Of course, Melissa and Natalie had both been there, being sure to cheer extra loud when he took to the stage. But it wasn't the same. He kept turning in his seat to look for his dad in the crowd, only to remember that he wouldn't be there, that he was gone.

On top of that, the only person who could really make him feel better about all of his loss was Lydia, and now he'd lost her too. Genius that she was, she had been awarded valedictorian, and had been expected to give a farewell speech. Of course that was now impossible, so the school had turned to Stiles, expecting him to take her place. When the principle had asked, he had been astounded. Not at the thought of being valedictorian, but that the Principle had been so thoughtless, so stupid as to take the place of his lost partner. Not wanting to justify the offer with an answer, he had just screwed up his face and stared at the man until he managed to figure it out. One hasty apology later and Stiles could safely sit in the crowd, watching as Kira gave the farewell address. Granted, it was a lovely speech which reduced many to tears, but Stiles couldn't help but feel like Lydia would have done it better.

Now he sat in isolation, the thing he feared most, wishing that he could have his loved ones with him. Scrunching up his hat, he threw it to the ground before burying his face in his hands. Everyone else could enjoy the day, but it just wasn't a possibility for him. Not anymore. Busying himself with being sad, he didn't notice the figure in front of him until a quiet voice spoke up. "Hey." Looking up, he saw Malia gently picking up his cap and dusting it off. Slightly surprised, he responded:

"Hi," then, after a quick glance around he questioned, "Where's Isaac?"

Sitting down next to him, she chuckled, "Trying to get drunk with the Lacrosse guys I think. I'm not sure if he knows that werewolves don't get intoxicated."

"Yeah well, maybe drink isn't such a bad idea." Stiles mumbled it to himself, but he knew Malia would hear him with her heightened senses.

She nudged his shoulder gently, causing him to glance up at her. "Stiles, I know today sucks. And I know a lot of it is my fault and it's totally not my place to say, but I am so so positive that your mom and dad are so proud of you, wherever they are. And yeah, it really sucks not having Lydia here, but just think how great it's gonna be when you get her back. She really loves you you know. A lot. I know that we can probably never be as close as we were before, and that's alright, but I just want you to know that I care so much about you, that hasn't changed. And most of all I just want you to be happy. If you need anything ever, like, ever, then please come talk to me because I want to help. I'm a coyote, and you were my mate once upon a time, and coyotes stay loyal to their mates for life. So, even though we're never gonna be a thing again, just know that you are always gonna have a pretty big spot in my heart." She smiled at him, placing his cap softly in his lap.

Stunned, he looked at it for a moment before staring at his friend. "Malia, that was, that was really nice, thank you. I'm impressed to be honest, impressed and proud." He grinned at her and pulled her into a tight hug.

Head resting on his shoulder she murmured, "It was easy really, I just did what you said."

"What? About finding an anchor? I can't really see how this applies in this situa-"

"No Stiles," she cut him off, pulling back from the hug with an exasperated look, "I thought like John Stilinski. Keeping his spirit going is the least I could do all things considered, so I thought like your dad and said what I figured he would have. Is that okay? Are you crying? Oh god I messed it up." She hit her forehead with her palm, furious that she had ruined a nice moment.

Hastily wiping his eyes Stiles laughed, the sound contorted by the tears that had just been falling, "No no it's alright. It just means a lot, you know? I didn't even know that you had come. So, you really think dad would have been proud?"

Glad that he was less emotional now, Malia eased up a bit, rolling her eyes at him, "Of course Stiles! Heck, none of us thought you'd make it this far." She shoved him playfully and he laughed indignantly:

"Hey!"

Sticking her tongue out at him she jumped up from her seat, stepping down onto the pitch. "Got a problem Stilinski?"

Narrowing his eyes at her he jumped down onto the field next to her, devilish smirk on his lips, "Ohhoho I am so gonna get you for that!" He lurched towards her but she nimbly jumped out of the way, laughing at his antics.

"You're gonna have to catch me first Stiles!" And with that she ran off into the crowd, closely pursued by her friend. Eventually she reconnected with the rest of the pack, and everyone laughed as Stiles chased her around a very confused Isaac. Soon, the rest of the group joined in, and they started a massive game of tag out on the pitch. However, eventually the day did have to come to an end. Everyone had to say their goodbyes, turn and face the next chapter of life, and just hope that it was as good as the last. To the pack, it wasn't so much a goodbye rather than a 'see you later'. They all knew that they would be keeping in touch; most of them were going to the same college anyway. Everyone had gathered in a group hug before parting, going their separate ways to head home. Both Natalie and Melissa offered Stile a ride back home, but he politely declined, saying that he would quite like to walk, get some fresh air after the big crowds. Given his history of panic attacks, they both conceded, waving goodbye as they pulled out of the parking lot.

Breathing deeply, he began the walk home. In his head, he was rehearsing all of the ways he could greet Lydia when they were finally reunited. Perhaps he would sweep her up, spinning her round in a hug. Maybe they would just collapse into each other, crying and smiling and holding onto one another for dear life. However it happened, he would just be glad to have his Lydia back. The thought actually brought a smile to his face, and he managed to enjoy some of the scenery around him as he walked back. He was just walking past an alleyway when something, or rather someone caught his eye. Stopping suddenly, he pressed himself to the wall, peering around the corner to see Theo rummaging through something on the ground. The twisted kid had been oddly absent from their lives since the incident with Lydia. Stiles had assumed that it was because he had effectively blown his cover by going after Lydia. He had told Scott everything, and luckily this time his best friend actually believed him, swearing to get back at Theo if he saw him again. Unfortunately for Stiles, Scott was not present. As he was spying, Theo started laughing. Confused, Stiles backed up slightly so that he was once more concealed by the wall. "Really Stiles, you ought to work at being more inconspicuous. Did you think I didn't know you were there?"

Shit he thought, crap crap shit crap. Okay, gotta hide, this is bad this is really bad. Looking around him he spotted another alleyway not too far away on his right. Sprinting for cover he skidded to a halt before dashing down the dark street. As he ran, he caught sight of his graduation gown. Bright red was not the best colour for hiding in the urban environment. Hastily he shrugged it off, looking over his shoulder as he did so, expecting to see Theo rounding the corner at any moment. Tossing the gown to the side, he covered it with some garbage, hoping that it was hidden well enough. Satisfied, he looked down at what he was wearing, and instantly swore under his breath. Seriously?! He thought, silently cursing his choice of bright red hoodie to wear that day. Okay, we're just gonna have to work with it. Looking around he jogged down the corridor, hoping to find some sort of escape route. Amidst his scrambling he heard Theo calling out to him from out of sight.

"Is running away your thing now? I have to say, that's quite disappointing, I was hoping to see void Stiles again."

Dammit what is wrong with this guy? Stiles kept his thoughts inside his head, not daring to speak out loud. The street had led out into a scrap yard full of old vehicles. Sparing a quick glance he wondered if the remains of his Jeep might be lying around anywhere. However, there was no time to linger, so he shook the thought from his head, sprinting instead to a large red truck. Jumping over the bonnet, he landed with a crunch in a pile of old gears. Cursing silently he pressed himself to the side of the vehicle, hoping that he was well enough concealed. It wasn't that he was afraid of Theo, it was that he was afraid of how Theo made him act. He knew that the guy wanted him for something, and whatever it was couldn't be good, so he was making it his mission to stay as far away from him as possible until the pack could take him down. Unfortunately it seemed that time had run out. Peeking over the front of the car, Stiles watched Theo stroll into the scrap yard, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Really Stiles? A junkyard? This is where you want to hide? Alright-" he raised his hands in the air, as though her were surrendering, "-up to you I guess. Well, I know you're listening, so here's the deal. I think that together, you and I would make an unstoppable team. Perhaps we can add Malia into the mix, she seems to have some violent tendencies. What I don't understand is why you're wasting your time in a pack like Scott's, when you could be taking over the whole State working with me."

Frowning at the ridiculous notion, Stiles ducked down again, drowning out what Theo was saying. Reaching into his pocket, he grabbed his phone. Hastily unlocking the screen he dialled Scott's number. His friend picked up after two rings, as usual, and Stiles whispered hastily into the device, "Scott I have no time to explain. I need you to meet me at the scrap yard on Baker's Street. I'm in a bit of a situation and some help would be nice."

"Calling Scott for help? Oh come on Stiles I thought you could stand up for yourself!"

"Gotta go." Stiles hung up the phone and bit the inside of his cheek. He was just turning back around to peer over the hood of the truck once more when he realised that Theo now stood right beside him.

"Who you looking for?"

Swearing loudly, Stiles stumbled backwards, scrabbling upright amongst all of the scrap metal. Looking around he realised he had cornered himself. Great. Glaring at Theo, he spat out the words, "What do you want from me, Theo?"

Smiling, arms open welcomingly, he responded, "I want you in my pack Stiles."

Tilting his head to the side, Stiles tested the waters, "And, what if I don't wanna be in your 'pack'?"

"Well in that case I'd just have to kill you. Because I can't have you working against me." Theo studied his rapidly growing claws, flashing bright yellow eyes at the boy in front of him.

"Oh, well that's inconvenient." He paused for a moment, unable to resist watching his sarcastic tone sink in, but then he was off. Grunting with effort he leapt into the back of the truck, running across and jumping down on the other side. Looking wildly for some way to defend himself, he spotted an old tool box in the back of the truck. Grabbing the first thing that his hand touched he backed off quickly, putting space between him and the werewolf.

Theo laughed, fangs growing as he advanced towards Stiles, "So this is how it's gonna be huh? Alright then, can't say I didn't warn you." And with that he charged at Stiles, claws reaching out to rake down his chest. However, before the creature could reach him, Stiles swung out with the object in his hand, listening to the painful crunch it made as it collided with his opponent's jaw. Stumbling, Theo fell to the ground, rolling onto his back to stare at Stiles. He spat out blood, laughing at the boy standing over him. "Oh this is just too good. History repeats itself, huh Stiles. Are you gonna kill me too?"

Confused, Stiles looked up at the weapon he was holding above his head, ready to strike with. His stomach dropped when he saw what it was. A wrench. Almost exactly the same as the one he had used to hit Donovan all those months ago. Horrified, he threw it from him, shaking his head, "No- no I'm not a killer."

Standing slowly, Theo shoved his jaw back into place, "Well we both know that isn't true."

Stepping towards him threateningly Stiles pointed at him, "You just shut up, okay?" The words were forced out through gritted teeth, low and menacing.

Not taking kindly to the gesture, Theo grabbed Stiles by the shirt, forcing him backwards until he was pinned uncomfortably against a pile of rusting metal junk. Struggling in vein, Stiles did his best to detach Theo. Each movement dug a different piece of scrap into his sides. One particularly violent jolt dislodged an old axle, and it swung around hitting Stiles square in the face. Spots appearing in his vision, he crumpled to the side, only remaining upright because Theo still had a hold of him. The boy laughed, shaking his head as he shook Stiles, "No no no, Wakey wakey, I'm not done yet. Come on Stiles, we're just getting started."

Groaning Stiles blinked hard, hoping to clear his vision of the troublesome spots. He could already feel the bruises forming on his face, and his left eye had started to swell rapidly. Theo shook him again, shoving him back against the haphazard pile of junk. It was Stiles who noticed it first, the sound of metal scraping against other metal as the pile moved. Looking up, he was just in time to see a long metal pole teeter and then fall off of the top of the pile, headed straight towards Theo. No he thought not again. So ignoring his hatred for the guy in front of him, Stiles gathered all of his strength, kicked off against the trash heap behind him and shoved Theo out of the way. The momentum carried them both safely away, and he looked up just in time to see the pole spear itself in the ground where Theo had been moments before.

Totally bewildered, Theo stuttered up at him, "Wha-w-what? Why did you save me?"

Shoving Theo away and standing up, Stiles brushed himself off, "Because, I'm not a murderer. I wasn't gonna let that happen, not again."

"Well that was a stupid move. Should have killed me while you had the chance." Theo jumped up, stomping towards Stiles with his hand ready to strike a killing blow. Accepting his fate, Stiles screwed his eyes shut, hoping that it would at least be quick. However, the claws never came. Instead, a sickening squelch followed by desperate gasping sounded right in front of him. Opening his eyes he gaped at Isaac, who had his claws sunk deep into Theo's chest. Looking past them Stiles saw Scott standing in the background, staring sombrely at the scene before him. A spurt of blood sputtered out of Theo's mouth before Isaac dropped him, and he fell limp and lifeless to the ground.

Shifting back into his human form, Isaac stared at the body before looking at Stiles. "Living with a werewolf hunter taught me a lot, most importantly, how to see a threat that won't go away. When you get a person like that, you have to take them out, no matter what or who they are. That's what Theo was. I'm sorry, I get it if I can't be in the pack anymore, but it had to be done."

Scott walked up to join them, clapping Isaac on the back. "I'm not kicking you out of the pack. You saved Stiles when I just froze up. I think we can both agree that you did the right thing here, right Stiles."

Nodding quickly Stiles spoke up, "Yeah, I do enjoy not being dead. Thanks man!" He pulled a reluctant Isaac in for a tight hug, grabbing Scott and forcing him to join as well.

Squirming slightly, Isaac groaned, "Do you guys always hug this much?"

Plastering on a cheeky grin Stiles looked up at him, "Better get used to it scarfie, you're stuck with us now."

Laughing slightly, Isaac patted him on the head before extracting himself from his embrace.