DEREK HALE

“  times  change  and  traditions  change  ?  ”  they’ll  offer  up  in  jest  .  and  maybe  cora  is  secretly  pleased  that  her  family  is  kind  of  around  for  once  .  at  least  what’s  left  of  them  .  she’s  never  been  a  good  communicator  .  blame  it  on  the  trauma  .  “  it  won’t  hurt  to  be  festive  for  just  one  night  ,  derek  .  ”  /  @withale

with a deep sigh , momentarily his gaze locks with cora's , softening slightly at the sight of his sister. to derek , family meant everything , even if part of it was fractured. "i never said it would hurt , i just don't feel particularly festive." being back in beacon hills was daunting. perhaps deep down , derek feared what was to come. " but don't let me stop you."

❝ Only thing that interests me is the food they make and the season weather . ❞ Winter , funny enough is death's favorite season . December 21st being a favorite day because of the winter solstice . They were drinking apple cider and while they got the extra drink for themselves , death still offered derek some . ❝ apple cider . it's pretty good . ❞

"and that is all you came for ? surely you would be better suited to a bar , y'know, where more people drink?" he sighed sharply, rolling his eyes in response to such a statement. he was not here for the festivities, merely to meet those who he knew and to spend as little time as possible socialising. he knew he was a scrooge when it came to these things , but in truth , had never been one of festive spirit. "i suppose the alcohol numbs the cringe of such an occasion."

"oh bah humbug. guess we found this towns scrooge." the blonde teased, a playful gleam in her eyes as she looked the man over. she knew his type - dark, mysterious, brooding. it was her favourite type to befriend, after all. "come on, at least there a few decent drinks stalls."

" you are mistaking me with someone who cares about your opinion." he retorted back, his eyes flicking momentarily to meet hers, before moving back to survey the market stalls. he had no time for formalities, nor did he particularly care for them. " i don't understand the appeal of such things."

" and who are you , elf?" he rolled his eyes, before pausing, shaking his head. "and before you ask , no , i haven't watched it." a lie, to avoid the inevitable conversation with stiles.

" i know. but ... " tries for a smile he hopes will ( but knows won't ) be contagious, lifting his arm with a snowball packed tightly into his fist. doesn't yet dare throw it — hesitates. " don't you think it's worth trying out ? a little ? maybe you'd even like it. " waits for derek to duck out of the way, lift an arm to block, anything even remotely in the realm of playing along. starts to sweat under the pressure. " uh ... are you going to let me hit you ? "

with a short tempered sigh , derek raises his gaze to lock with scott's, lips pressing together in a thin line before exhaling sharply. he was not in the mood for games , pre-occupied and consumed by questions that he was unsure of how to find the answer to. "i'll let you hit me , if you can handle the consequences of it." he narrowed his gaze, arms folding over his chest. "i don't think you want to find out my response to you doing that."

         blinks,  she's not so sure what to say on the manner.   "oh. okay. that's ... cool?"   no because really,  what's someone supposed to say ?  thanks for killing the vibe ?  she's trying to make her apartment a home,  sorry for using the holidays for an excuse to decorate.    "you could always, like, not show up. if that's your thing. nothing wrong with staying at home."  // @withhale.

he exhales , noting the girls response to his statement. in truth , he could leave , chose to remain at home and avoid the unnecessary festivities. however , his friends remained here , and he was looking for answers to the recent changes in his abilities. despite his best efforts, being social was the answer to his question, and he hoped to make an impression by being here. "or you could just , mind your own business? " he retorted back , eyes rolling in response. he cast his gaze across the perimeter, in search of anyone he knew. "you hardly appear happy about the festivities either? "