Made of Sugar and Spice

“Didn’t make a mighty nice impression on you at first.” Connor lifted his shoulders in a shrug, eyebrows lifting when Isaac grabbed his face. He lifted his hands, putting them up in a show of surrender before snorting a soft noise. “Makin’ sure my brother is taken care’a is the only thing I really care ‘bout. So as long as Milo’s got somewhere safe t’be. I don’t care that much what happens t’me. In case she doesn’t approve ‘a me.”

“Yeah well admittedly I thought you wanted to murder or mess with me and I was wrong so I am sorry about judging you before realizing you’re a good guy.” He did huff that Connor continued to think that he wouldn’t be accepted so Isaac thought a little bit more about it before shrugging himself and leaning in for a soft kiss. It left the taller werewolf blushing up to his ears to be that forward but he wanted Connor to stay and make an effort to prove he’d be good for that pack.

Scott still couldn’t believe it. He’d watched it happen and none of it felt real, even when Allison moved back in with her dad to try and cope with everything, when Lydia came back to Beacon Hills, nearly everyone that had been wayward coming back home. Then there was everything with Eli, who was still heartbroken, sick about Derek’s death.

“Yeah, yeah I think so. He had a son, Eli. I’m not sure why he left him in my care, maybe because Cora can’t get back here, and he didn’t want Eli to have to change schools and everything with…everything?” Scott’s chest felt tight, like he was being crushed. “He was doing good. Smiling more. He worked with the Sheriff.”

Isaac didn’t hesitate to move to Scott’s side, seeing his old friend taking the loss not so well. Sure he was shocked to find out Derek had a son, but also happy there was still a part of Derek around. Still, Isaac was worried for Scott. 

Connor’s lips lifted a little at the squeeze, Isaac’s touch reassuring - the gesture comforting. “Aye, she might accept me. Or she might tell me t’get lost and get outta her territory.” Connor laughed, bemused. “Think Alphas naturally look intimidatin’, even if they’re softer at heart. But I hope you’re right Isaac. Honestly, long as they take Milo in…I’ll figure somethin’ out, I just want him protected.”

“Yeah, yeah it’s been a long time.” Scott looked surprised at Isaac, standing there like he was. He hadn’t seen Isaac in years, not since the young beta left Beacon Hills, leaving to France with Chris after Allison’s death. “She’s back. Derek, he’s -” Scott trailed off, the whole situation still hurt, everything had fallen apart so badly.

It wasn’t like he didn’t believe Chris when he told him over the phone, but there was a big part of him that wished the hunter had been lying to him. Sure he was happy that Allison was back, but the fact that Derek was gone hurt more than he ever thought it would.

“If they let me join ya. After all, m’still a stranger s’far as your pack’s concerned.” Connor murmured before sighing, softly. “Yeah, I know. What’s left ‘a it is up with her mate and here with Miles. Don’t really have anyone else a pack could replace.” he smiled when Isaac grabbed his hand, shifting to properly hold the beta’s hand. “Thanks, I appreciate it. S’nice havin’ wolves on my side here. Means I’m a whole helluva lot less alone.”

“Wow, that’s what you took from that huh? I dunno man, I think we did pretty okay considering I had no idea what we were doing and that werewolves were even real. Especially considering we were literally sophomores.” Stiles huffed a little and shook his head, amused. They were genuinely going to try listening to Derek more, both he and Scott, but it didn’t mean it was going to be incredibly easy at first. “I know. Like…now that we’ve actually gotten to know Derek; we get it. I mean. It wasn’t his fault that a grown ass woman manipulated and lied to him to get close to murder innocent people.” But Stiles also knew that guilt didn’t care what logical explanation you had, it still wrenched its way into your heart. Isaac snuggled into him and Stiles hesitated a moment before covering Isaac’s hand gently with his own.

“Fantasy huh? Yeah, I could see it. Endearing hero fights against impossible odds to save the day, plus magic and stuff?” Stiles nodded, thoughtfully. “I approve of your book tastes.” He wasn’t going to mock Isaac about this. Sure, he teased the wolf about his penchant for scarves even when they didn’t make sense; especially since he ran warmer as a wolf, but that wasn’t a hobby he enjoyed. “The burden of proof is on the cops, not me. I’m just a nosy teenage boy. And they found him not guilty so-” Stiles trailed off, lifting his shoulders in as much of a shrug as he could manage, “also, dead body buried at his property? Kind of damning.”

“Did okay?” Isaac laughed and shook his head. “I’m surprised you guys didn’t get yourself killed seeing as you guys went up against beings that weren’t human. You had luck on your side and Derek picking up the slack so you guys would survive.” His laughter died and his long arms wrapped more firmly around Stiles, sighing as he got more comfortable.

“Derek went through a lot yet he still did so much for everyone so none of us had to go through anything like he did, but he was only one person. One person that hadn’t had time to actually heal.” Sure he was talking about Derek, but he also hoped Stiles got the hint that he was talking about him too. That Stiles also needed to sit down and let himself heal even if it would take time. And if it helped, then he’d do whatever Stiles wanted if it meant making him feel better after the whole void fox thing. “I’m here for you too,” he whispered, burying his face into the back of Stiles’ neck.

“Would it not be my clumsiness that is charming and suave in your eyes?” Derek asked with a playful little smile, looking at Isaac as they walked from the garden, arms linked. “I will woo you with a picnic in the park, you’ll accompany me to balls as my date, I’ll make sure this is a proper courting. One like you deserve.” He was determined to make sure that Isaac wanted to choose him over anyone else. His own smile was gooey and soft, adoration clear in his expression.

“Who’s going to beat you to the novels? Laura?” Derek teased softly, but he did speed up a little bit, reaching over to squeeze Isaac’s arm lightly before dropping his hand to his side. “I know the two of you share novels sometimes.” He would never tease Isaac for enjoying romance novels, it was charming. “Perhaps on our next trip to the city you can join us, and you can pick novels for yourself to read.”

“Clumsiness? I’ve not seen you once be anything close to clumsy.” Isaac let out a stream of laughter, eyes full of adoration for the other. “No, it’s all those times you’ve been nothing but kind to me. As well as the promises you make to woo me like you’ve just listed that it makes my heart flutter on end. It’s like my wishes had been answered,” he shyly admitted, ducking his head to hide the deep blush on his face. He had long wished for Derek to shower him with affection like the many books he’d read and it seemed the day had finally come for him. Even the light teasing left him wanting to gush all because of the way Derek said it and even walked faster for him.

@battle-scars

“Oh aren’t you cute, you must be Der’s first beta, Isaac right?” Laura put her hands on her hips, smiling wryly up at the blonde; his messy curls falling onto his forehead. “You’re adorable, I think I’m going to keep you.” She reached up, pinching his cheek lightly with a warm, bright smile.