#i. interaction — lydia martin | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sundrop-writes · 2 months

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would you be willing to do a follow up to the teen wolf pregnancy hcs? something with the characters interacting with their kid - can be as a baby or older - just them being parents and adjusting to being young parents.

i love your writing 💗💗💗

Fyi, I was not even planning on working on requests tonight, but this caught my attention so much and gave me such a good idea that I had to do it. I decided to do it with the same characters from the first part, but if you want to see this prompt with other characters, then I would do the 'how they react to finding out that you're pregnant' part first with different characters

My requests for Teen Wolf are OPEN, but please read my Rules before sending in a request.

Part One - How would they react to finding out that you're pregnant with their baby?

How would the pack act as parents?

Included: Stiles Stilinski, Isaac Lahey, Lydia Martin, and Derek Hale.

Warnings: fem reader - uses she/her pronouns and has the ability to get pregnant (she is the one who gave birth to the baby, as in the previous part); Stiles's part is extremely self indulgent and something I have been thinking about since I wrote the last part so bear with me; mentions of breastfeeding, giving birth, teething, and other parenting/baby topics; the baby is a different age and has a different name in each section just for funsies; mention of Lydia and reader's baby having red hair - but I did this to drive home the baby's genetic relation to Lydia and I don't think it has to specify the reader's race (someone with darker skin can still have naturally red hair); Lydia calls the reader 'Mama'; mention of the reader being a werewolf in Derek's part because there is a weird continuity in these reactions (and I should write a full fic about Derek and this reader character cause I am slowly becoming addicted to their story, ngl); I believe that's finally it.

Stiles was panicking. He was officially the worst parent ever - everything his dad said was right. He wasn't ready for this, nobody should be a teen parent, he was a failure. God, his whole life was crumbling around him...

You were out of town because your sister was getting married. You had been incredibly hesitant to leave the baby - sweet, adorable, nine-month-old Lila Stilinski - but Stiles had insisted that you go on a weekend getaway to your sister's bachelorette party. You deserved it. You had spent nine whole months growing his baby and then you had given birth to her (a bloody, messy affair that made him faint - to nobody's surprise), and you had spent the last nine months nursing her and getting your degree from home after you had fought through your pregnancy taking double courses to graduate high school early. You were a gem, a beautiful, shining gem of a woman and a mother, and somehow - while you were off getting your much needed rest and having fun - Stiles had lost your baby.

His baby - his baby that he loved very, very much.

He had woken up that morning, late, having forgotten to set the alarm, and rushed around the apartment like a chicken with his head cut off rushing to get Lila ready for day care and himself ready for school, and he dropped her off as usual, with a smile and kiss on her big beautiful forehead. And when he went to pick her up that afternoon - she was gone. The day care worker couldn't give him any other news than the fact that she had been 'signed out already', and it left Stiles panicking, thinking about that cult that sacrifices babies every single day.

In his rush that morning, he had forgotten to charge his phone, so he couldn't get his dad on the line - and he was currently running at top, lung-crushing speed toward the police station, running past the deputy on duty at the front desk, who simply shrugged and buzzed him in when she saw his bright red face and his clear desperation.

"Dad, D-dad, you have to-!" He was going to ask his father to put out an amber alert, to call every single one of his deputies back to get them looking, but when his father turned around - that sweet girl with the bright purple bow in her hair was in his arms.

Then, Stiles shifted on a dime from panic to anger.

"Dad, what the hell?" He barked out, struggling to sound as pissed off as he was while still trying to catch his breath.

"What?" The Sheriff shrugged, kissing his granddaughter on the forehead before cooing brightly at her, smiling at her with all the brightness in the world, paying Stiles absolutely no mind.

"You took her out of day care without telling me first?" Stiles gaped, absolutely angered that his father had let him believe for even a moment that his girl was missing.

He knew it was a cruel irony - a blunt kind of karma. All the times he had come home late, all the nights he had snuck out believing that his dad was simply being too hard on him for giving him such an early curfew. Now, in a single crashing moment, he instantly understood why his father had worried so much - why he was so angry every single time Stiles was out of his sight, especially when there was danger around.

"Your phone was off." Noah shrugged, rocking Lila back and forth in his arms, giving her another kiss on the forehead as he began to hum the tune of a lullaby under his breath. "I got bored on my lunch break, and I wanted to see my baby, so what?"

It was the usual for him - any time he was within ten feet of her, she didn't have a moment in your arms or Stiles's. On the day she had been born, he had brought a giant gift basket to the hospital, grumbling under his breath about how he still thought it was 'irresponsible' of Stiles, but demanding to see 'his baby'.

He had burst into tears upon seeing Lila for the first time, and was deeply aggressive about who was allowed to visit and for how long. When she came home, he stood watch over her crib with his gun in hand for multiple days before he finally gave up and went to sleep (and according to you, he admitted quietly that he had done the same thing for Stiles when he first came home from the hospital).

"My phone died." Stiles stressed. "You could have left a note for me at the school or something. You gave me a freakin' heart attack."

"Be more responsible and charge it next time." The Sheriff grinned at him.

"Just - don't kidnap my daughter again!" Stiles snapped. "She is my daughter-" He argued, taking a possessive, protective stance.

"Yeah, well I made you, so I have certain rights when it comes to this little sweet girl." His father said, trailing off into a cooing baby voice as he began fawning over Lila once again. Stiles rolled his eyes. "Besides, ever since the three of you moved out, I hardly get to see my babygirl anymore."

Stiles felt a twinge of guilt at this, but wanted to argue. The three of you needed your own space, and you had moved into an apartment that was less than twenty minutes away from his father's house. He still saw Lila at least once every single day of the week, unless he was busy working.

"Dad-"

"Besides, it's not kidnapping if I'm the Sheriff."

"It is so kidnapping! It's kidnapping if I report you."

"Is it still considered an abortion if I terminate you now?" His father glared at him.

Stiles let out a huff.

Isaac was tired. He knew that being a parent was going to be tiring, but in the six months since baby Leon had been born, this was his first full night alone with his son. His son who was teething, crying incredibly loudly, and in pain because of his little teeth coming in. He wasn't nearly as upset about the fact that he hadn't slept as he was about the fact that his son was in pain and he could do little about it.

He had considered calling you a few times throughout the night when Leon was letting out particularly harrowing cries and Isaac was on the verge of tears himself (especially considering with his heightened werewolf senses, the pain of those cries seemed to pierce through him even more) - but he had agreed to take care of Leon by himself to get him out of the house that you and your mother shared because you had been studying for the SATs and you needed sleep the night before your big exam. So as much as it pained him, he endured alone and ended up crying with his son while he sucked on a frozen teething toy with tears still running down his chubby cheeks.

The sun had come up a while ago and Leon had just fallen asleep, his portable crib set up in the middle of the loft so that Isaac could watch over him - his hair messy and his eyes bloodshot red as he stood at the counter, chugging down a cup of black coffee, trying his hardest to stay away until after your exam was over so that you could take Leon and he could have a nap.

He was not at all pleased when the door creaked open, seeming like the loudest thing ever - alerting him to the presence of Boyd entering the apartment.

"Hey, man-" Boyd greeted him in a usual bright tone, and Isaac cut him off with an abrupt hush. He put a finger to his lips and then motioned to the crib, and Boyd peeked over, nodding once he saw the baby. "You're on Daddy duty again?"

"It's not like it's a hobby or something," Isaac told him tiredly in a hushed tone. "I am a father now." Even with the tense whispering and the tired droop of his shoulders, there was a certain sense of pride in the way he said this.

"Well you-"

Isaac shushed him again, as Boyd speaking in his usual tone was far too loud for Isaac's liking.

"You know, he's gonna have to get adjusted to noise sooner or later." Derek piped up from his place on the couch, where Isaac had convinced him to sit and read a book until Leon had settled to sleep.

"Shh!" Isaac tried to hush Derek into silence, but he glared at Isaac and kept talking at his usual volume.

"Babies born into pack families are brought up co-sleeping, so they sleep through the noise of a dozen family members-"

Isaac crossed the room and put a hand against Derek's mouth, forcing him quiet this time.

"I don't care." Isaac insisted. "Nobody is going to wake up my son now that he is asleep."

"Stop touching me." Derek said, muffled against Isaac's hand.

Isaac backed off, and before Derek could speak up again, Leon woke with a high pitched wail.

"You guys have fun with that." Boyd said, taking this as his queue to leave.

Lydia was overjoyed. Telling her parents about everything had been nothing short of a confusing nightmare, and after a lot of convincing from Melissa and Noah and a lot of questions without a lot of answers, they had both still been sceptical right up until you had given birth.

The moment they had laid eyes on a sweet newborn baby girl with bright red hair - they were convinced that against all odds, you and Lydia had made a baby together.

That was an entire year ago - and now, Lydia was having the utter pleasure of planning her beautiful Luna Harmony Martin's first birthday party. She was so perfectly in her element - picking out decorations, designing an utterly epic and fabulous birthday cake (including a separate, smaller smash cake that only her daughter would get to touch, because it was only the best for Luna), planning entertainment - a professional princess performer and some magicians (no clowns - Luna didn't need those kind of memories implanted in her psyche this early on), and the best part: picking out cute little dresses for the birthday girl to wear.

Much like her mother, she was a fashion icon, and she would likely need multiple outfit changes for her party - not just with the fact that she would get covered in cake or her own spit-up, but because a proper birthday girl should always be photographed in more than one ensemble.

You weren't surprised when Lydia came home with two large armfuls of shopping bags. You wanted to protest, to tell her that a one-year-old didn't need that many clothes that she wasn't even going to wear, but you knew that Lydia's parents weren't going to take away her credit card anytime soon (and when it came to spoiling the baby, they were even worse) and you also knew that this was one of her ways of showing your daughter love.

So when she came to sit on the cushy foam playmat with you and Luna, dropping the many shopping bags on the cough behind the two of you, you simply let it happen.

"Hello my sweet girl," Lydia said, greeting your daughter in a sweet voice as she kissed her chubby cheeks and pulled her into her lap. "And hello to you, Mama."

Mama. The nickname still made your stomach churn with heat - something that Lydia had gotten into calling you more lately after some rant about how Luna's 'speech centre' was 'rapidly developing' and she wanted to influence what the baby would call you.

You couldn't help but to grin as you kissed her too.

"I see you've been shopping." You said, motioning toward the bags.

"A bit." Lydia shrugged. "After I booked the carousel-"

"A carousel?" You questioned. "Lydia, she's a year old. She can't even ride carnival rides - she's not even going to remember any of this."

"It's for the photos. Obviously." Lydia sighed in return, rolling her eyes at you. "The theme of the party is Cotton Candy Princess, what kind of idiot would I be if I didn't include at least one classic carnival ride in my photos?"

"At this rate, she's gonna want a golden pony by the time she's five."

"Then she'll get one." Lydia cooed at Luna, kissing her cheeks again, smearing pink lipstick on her.

You couldn't help but to smile - you knew that this was Lydia's way of showing your daughter that to her, she was the most important little girl in the world.

Derek was annoyed - not with his son, with you.

Since the moment he had found out that you were pregnant, Derek loved his son more than anything in the world. He loved you just as much, he had right from the moment he had slashed Peter's throat and then turned you where you were dying, bleeding out, and used his newfound Alpha powers to turn you in order to save your life. Because that was the moment he knew he would risk anything and everything in order to keep you alive.

He loved you very much, but he was still annoyed with you.

You were determined not to let Derek sleep with his son - a tradition as old as pack life itself, now being marred by you shoving articles in Derek's face about how co-sleeping was 'dangerous' and how the baby should have his own crib. A baby of only three months old should not be damned to isolation. It made Derek's heart ache just thinking about it. He was used to the comfort of your body - he was used to the sync of your heartbeat, the sound of his voice and Derek's constantly nearby. He shouldn't be off in the corner by himself. You had made Derek feel like some criminal, sneaking out of bed at one in the morning to pluck his son out of that damned crib in order to spend some time with him.

And now, Alexander was sleeping peacefully on his bare chest, skin to skin as nature intended, feeling the peace of his father's heartbeat as Derek dozed into a gentle sleep himself on the sofa himself. He was - until he heard the distinct squeak of the bed springs on your side, a distinct huff from you as you got out of bed.

"Derek," You sighed when you saw what he had done, crossing your arms over your chest - it was an entirely appealing sight; the incredibly small baby perched in the middle of his bare chest, so tiny against Derek's large, muscled frame. But it did make you worry - Alexander wasn't secured in any way - he could fall, he could roll off. Even though Derek was an incredibly capable, loving parent, even in the haze of sleep, he could roll over and crush the baby.

It scared you.

"What - are you gonna take him from me?" He glared at you, deep betrayal in his voice. It was clear that the only thing keeping him from raising his voice further was the restraint not to yell so close to the baby's ear. "Do you honestly think that I would hurt my son?"

You held back tears, hating how much the insinuation clearly pained Derek.

"Never." You told him, your own tears choking your throat. "Derek, I know that you would never hurt him intentionally. But-"

"Exactly." He replied, cutting you off. "And there is nothing that will harm him. I am not going to let it happen."

You sighed, putting a hand to your forehead in frustration.

Derek shook his head, sitting up, putting a hand against Alexander's diapered bum to support him - able to hold nearly the entirety of his tiny body with one hand.

"Didn't you notice that all of those articles you read are written by humans?" He pointed out. "This is something that my family has done for generations. Our senses are honed for stuff like this. The moment that a baby is born, we sleep differently. Haven't you noticed?"

You had noticed - you felt like you had been sleeping with only half your brain, like a shark. You thought it was something your mother had warned you about, how you would never get a full night's rest again after having a baby. But it felt different. You did wake up rested, but you didn't dream anymore. You felt conscious nearly the entire time you were asleep - hyper aware of everything, your body responsive to every single coo, every little noise the baby made. You became hyper aware of the rhythm of his heartbeat while you slept, often using it as a white noise machine while you laid there.

"Yeah." You admitted - Derek gave you a subtle smug grin, and nodded.

"I'm not going to hurt him, not even by accident - because I can't." Derek told you firmly. "I will wake up the minute he cries, and I won't shift in my sleep. And this is healthy for us. Our heartbeats will sync up and this will help him sleep better. Please, just trust me on this."

Derek rarely pleaded with you about things, rather than outright telling you - so you knew that this mattered to him greatly.

"Yes. I trust you." You told him. "Come back to bed?" You posed. "All of us in the same bed."

He smiled, and leaned in to kiss you before he got up off the couch, bringing your son with him.

(When you woke up the next morning, the crib was smashed to pieces, and Derek - who was in the kitchen making breakfast with Alexander still pressed to one shoulder - claimed that he had no idea how it happened.)

...

Teen Wolf Masterlist

#sundrop answers #sundrop writes #anonymous #requests #requested #stiles stilinski x reader #isaac lahey x reader #lydia martin x reader #derek hale x reader #teen wolf x y/n #teen wolf x reader #teen wolf fanfiction #teen wolf

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hesalleyes · 2 years

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If you're a bit confused about Rusty Quill or what's been happening, hopefully this will be a handy guide.

Hello everyone, especially all newbies to the Rusty Quill family! I thought I'd talk a little bit about the company. There's a lot of information out there, some of which may be contradictory or difficult to find, and so I compiled it into what I think is a decent timeline. I've also included some of my thoughts on what Rusty Quill has been through, and where it's going.

(check the end for associated footnotes!)

A Brief And Mostly Objective Timeline For Rusty Quill Ltd.

Alexander J. Newall wanted to start a company for creatives. His father (presumably) laid down the starting capital and Rusty Quill was founded 29th June 2015. Alex owned 99% of the company, John Newall, 1%. (1)

Alex reached out to a bunch of his improv friends and asked if they would participate in an actual-play podcast. Alex hadn't seen a fully produced actual-play with sound effects and background music and he wanted to fill that niche in the market. James Ross, Bryn Monroe, and Lydia Nicholas all agreed. Tim Meredith was otherwise engaged, but said his brother Ben would be up for it. Rusty Quill Gaming (RQG) was born and started airing episodes in June 2015.

Meanwhile, besides running, editing, producing, directing, and mastering RQG, Alex also worked nights at an extremely boring data entry job James Ross set up for him. James also helped Jonny Sims get that same job (2). At the time, Jonny was playing gigs with his band The Mechanisms, but his passion was for writing. The Mechanisms were a folk band that reimagined classic stories/myths to music with hefty narrative pieces, which has obvious applicability to a podcast company. Because of this fortuitousness, sometime in 2013-14, Alex and Jonny met and found that they were both highly creative people who desperately wanted out of this job. Jonny invited Alex to a Mechanisms show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Alex loved The Mechs show. He was convinced he must work with Jonny on something. Jonny had a few ideas and pitched what would become The Magnus Archives, though it was first more of a Twilight Zone anthology, which is why the "narrator" had Jonny's name. Alex wanted to add more of a narrative framework and they shaped it together, all five seasons, so that it was cohesive the whole way through. Some things did, organically, pop up later. For instance, Martin started mainly as a foil to Jon, and only became the love interest after a bit of writing.

Around 2018, Patreon funding eventually allowed RQ to build a studio in Rusty Towers that enabled them to record their high-quality audio (3). Before that, they were - at various times - recording in a ‘yurt’ made of blankets and duvets for most of season one (usually at James Ross’ house or Martyn’s hallway, since Alex was - at that point - intermittently homeless due to asbestos problems).(4)

In 2016, RQ set up the Rusty Quill Forums, an official RQ fan-space where fans could interact with each other and RQ members. (5) This early arena for interaction would precipitate the more immediate (and much larger) Discord, Rusty Quill Official. Anil Godigamuwe, Community Manager, was the main force behind running and moderating the forums.

2016 was also the year that Mike Lebeau decided to gather a few people to play games and raise money for charity in what would become the predecessor to Rusty Quill Giving and Gaming. This event involved only Mike, Bryn, Ben, Anil, and Martyn Pratt (Chief Technology Officer). It only lasted twelve hours and they raised £700. (6)

Late 2017, Rusty Quill, in association with Historic Royal Palaces, released Outliers, a historical fiction podcast. Probably the least known of RQ’s podcasts, but very good and well-done. (Yes, this is a plug for Outliers. Go listen! It's great!)

In 2018, the Rusty Quill Official Discord server (RQO) went live and most of the fans from the forums moved there. (7)

February 15, 2019, Stellar Firma, the improv comedy sci-fi show starring Tim and Ben Meredith, began airing.

Mike wanted to explore more of the video side of creating. On January 25, 2020, RQ Streams launched, and soon there was a decent amount of content generated on RQ’s Twitch channel. Video content would gain traction in the form of New Player Challenge (NPC). Many RQ members would stream, including Anil, Autumn, several editors, and Helen Gould (member of Rusty Quill Gaming and later promoted to Head of Inclusion). The streams would get big enough that RQ would eventually hire a few mods specifically for the streams (30). RQ Streams wasn't fiscally sound as a primary source of income, but streaming helped encourage community engagement.

In February 2020, Alex gave an interview to Haggis and Dragons at PodUK. The host asked why, despite their success, Rusty Quill hadn't been present at many events such as PodUK before. Alex responded that the company was dedicated to making sure they took care of their people first, but now that all the finicky backend admin stuff was finished, they could do fun things like conventions. (8)

A month later, COVID-19 shut down the world.

At this point, TMA had been running for four years, and - while relatively successful and critically admired- was still a smallish podcast, especially when measured against engagement levels of other fiction podcasts at the time. Whether COVID, the whim of Tumblr, or a spark that refused dim, the fuse on TMA had been lit. It would jump sharply with the season four finale in Halloween 2019, but when season five premiered on April 2, 2020, TMA was at its second highest peak in popularity , its highest only a month away. It would maintain a high level of engagement until the series finale in March 2021. (9) Whatever the reason, TMA had exploded, and no one could've predicted it.

In July 2020, Hannah Brankin, Chief Operations Officer and spouse of Alex Newall, became a director in the Rusty Quill company. (10)

In August 2020, Autumn Jarvis (longtime fan of RQ) with a history of convention organization came on as Community Assistant. (11) This role promoted her to Head Moderator of the Discord (RQO), coordinating communication between the Discord mods and RQ admin. RQ hired her to help Anil, as at this point, RQO had nearly 8000 members.

The official Rusty Quill Discord server (RQO) went from a reasonable 1000 participants to nearly 14,000 before its shutdown in September 2021. In August 2020 (a few days after Autumn took over), a group raided RQO, proclaiming issues of racism, ableism, and other accusations directed at Rusty Quill, but also at the volunteer mods. It was the only major attack, but from time to time small incursions would occur thereafter. RQO’s many mods (at least 11, at one point) were unpaid. Whether or not that was a good business decision is debatable, but mods were responsible for monitoring content that was Patreon-exclusive, so one might think a Patreon subscription should’ve been included.

April 2, 2021, Patreon-exclusive Inexplicables began airing. The show was initially met with a lot of positive feedback and excitement. The RQO channels were full of theorizing and chat, which Alex could be seen reading. While Inexplicables seemed ripe for a sequel, there have been no indications of future content.

In May of 2021, Rusty Quill launched the Rusty Quill Network. Many felt the network wasn’t explained sufficiently, but subsequent clarification from Autumn verified that RQ was not doing any of the following for the new shows that would be included under the network’s umbrella: producing, funding, editing, or creating. Apparently, the RQN was designed to act as a distribution and collective bargaining service. Unfortunately, this aspect was never made explicit to the fans by official RQ channels.

In September of 2021, Autumn was terminated. While Autumn has stated the reason she was terminated, it was on a private server and because RQ has made no official statement regarding the termination, I won’t share that information. RQ did ask if she would like to appeal the decision, but Autumn declined. Later, the mods organized a walkout in protest and quit. Only the mod known as Crunchy remained, and was the last one to close out the server. Later, he would admit that the mods actively decided not to include him in this decision. (12) While there were RQ Streams mods, they, unfortunately, didn’t have as much power as the Discord mods and were unable to assist much (30). RQ released a statement on September 15, 2021 regarding the closing of the Discord and the mod walk-out, and RQO has been dark ever since. (13)

RQ Streams, it’s worth mentioning at this point, had some mods specifically for streams, but also relied on the Discord mods to moderate the chat during streams (30). Ultimately, when the mods walked out, RQ Streams was also forced to stop.

Since the mod walkout, any events run and sponsored by RQ have been modded by volunteers, and usually small enough that it hasn’t become an issue (RQGG21 being modded by some Discord mods, with other Gather events modded mostly by RQ employees) (30).

April 26, 2022, Chapter and Multiverse, the analogous successor to Rusty Quill Gaming run by Maddy Searle, the former lead editor of Stellar Firma, began airing. It would conclude its first season in August. While RQ has indicated that C&M will continue, it has been postponed until 2023. However, Maddy Searle posted a tweet (since deleted) indicating she is no longer employed at Rusty Quill. After claims that Maddy was reprimanded and forced to take down the tweet, RQ would later clarify that they have a 48 hour confidentiality policy regarding things like that, and that's why they requested the removal of the tweet for that time. Maddy hasn't reposted the tweet, or commented publicly on her reasons for doing so.

On June 10, 2022, Mike announced he was leaving Rusty Quill. (14) Although others had also streamed on RQ’s Twitch in the past, he was the primary force driving its relevance and the channel has remained mostly unused since the aforementioned Discord mod walkout, most likely citing lack of moderation as a main concern.

August 2, 2022, the original RQ production Trice Forgotten premiered. Trice Forgotten continues to update.

As per the September 21, 2022 Patreon email, Cry Havoc! and Neon Inkwell, the other RQ original productions, have been postponed to 2023. (29)

With their three original podcasts completed and many future projects postponed, Rusty Quill had reached a quiescent stage. Patreon emails were sparse and while RQ maintained a loyal base, activity around the company had slowed.

Then -

October 10th, 2022 a string of strange letters appeared in a Patreon email. (15) Fandom quickly deduced that it wasn't a mistake, but rather a cipher. A Discord server dedicated to cracking the code sprang up almost immediately and fandom deciphered the cryptic letters in a few hours. This began a mini-ARG leading to the announcement of a Magnus Archives "side-quel": The Magnus Protocol. On a subsequent livestream, Alex confirmed the sequel and announced that the project would be fully funded by a Kickstarter. No money would be taken from Patreon, current or proposed shows, income generated through ads, agreements, merch, RQN residuals, etc. (16)

The Magnus Protocol Kickstarter launched November 22. It was fully funded in less than one minute, and as-of publishing this post is currently at £ 624,268, 4162% of their original goal. Release for the project is expected in October 2023 and is said to follow two British civil servants, Alice and Sam, as they deal with the legacy of the burned-down Magnus Institute of Manchester. Curious, as the Magnus Institute from the original series was very much based in London. (17)

On December 12, 2022, Newt Schottelkotte - marketing director for the Fable and Folly podcast network - released an opinion article on Medium detailing several allegations against Rusty Quill. (18) Schottelkotte submitted the article to several publications that declined to publish it. They decided to self-publish on Medium, which allows for independent publication. In good faith, I won’t presume this was a targeted attack by another network, but rather the opinion of a contingent of industry professionals who tried to represent those allegedly wronged by Rusty Quill as a production company (perhaps taking advantage of the timing of the new Kickstarter to gain traction for their post - but that one can only leave to speculation). The testimonies were anonymous.

December 13, 2022, after a resulting influx of polarizing social media posts, RQ released an official response to the Medium article, refuting most points raised. (19)

Now, before I get into less fact-based territory, and knowing RQ intends to announce a more recent Operations Update in the new year, I feel it's relevant going forward to mention that for all the talk surrounding both sides of the story, the composition of Rusty Quill is not as large as some might think, considering the assumptions of some of the claims. In 2021 the company conducted a voluntary internal census on company makeup and satisfaction. (20) At the time they had 28 employees. 23 responded, and here are a few interesting tidbits they had to say:

91% identify as Neurodivergent

30% identify as non-cisgender; 48% identify as female, 26% as male, and 26% as not exclusively one of those categories

30% are people of color

30% identify as bisexual, 9% pansexual, & 9% queer. 26% identify as heterosexual. These numbers may or may not include the 17% who identify as asexual.

This census doesn’t include individual contractors (which comprises most of their editors and voice actors). In the census, RQ recognized their huge deficit in hiring people of color. RQ maintains a flat pay structure across all departments (including leadership), which - thanks to Patreon funding - stands above the London cost of living rate. (21)

The Less Than Objective Part

Rusty Quill is a small company. The average number of employees for 2022 was 21. (22) This number doesn't reflect possible layoffs/terminations since then. Most of its voice actors and editors are contracted. This is intended partially to allow flexibility on both RQ and the contractors’ part as well as enable RQ to diversify their talent without the contractual obligation of employment (the UK doesn’t recognize ‘at-will’ employment; termination must be for a cause). Meaning that even if the company finds itself in the position of having to terminate employees, it maintains the possibility of working with those same people as contractors to help out RQ financially, but also to allow those employees to find more stable or long term jobs in the interim.

However, holding onto only an essential team of staff (as you find in any small company, but especially in an industry without historical regulation - often relying on a presumed integrity of nebulous industry standards, as opposed to codified protections) employees are often forced to wear many hats. Most often voluntarily, but often to their detriment. This manifested in such things as Autumn transcribing Stellar Firma, without any transcription experience, or the continual mishap of Alex or Hannah responding to delicate situations with off-the-cuff inexpertise (generally sweet and earnest, but not as diplomatic or clear as needed - something that larger companies potentially avoid with dedicated teams regarding media training), but is perhaps most apparent in the early stages of RQG and TMA where Alex, in addition to being a primary player/voice actor, did the majority of the editing and mastering until Lowri Ann Davies joined halfway through RQG. Based exclusively on the runtimes of RQG episodes/specials (not including how long it actually took to edit down recorded footage to what we hear), Alex edited a total of 217 hours of RQG, over 9 whole days, or nearly 83% of the content. (23) Early specials, behind the scenes specials, and Q&As often contain jokes about Alex needing to sleep. This sort of work-life balance should not be necessary for success, but many creatives know that it’s the unfortunate reality for many startups without the resources of a major media network backing them.

And, as evidenced here, despite its exposure and popularity Rusty Quill’s resources were limited from the start. Alex and Hannah, as directors and main shareholders in the company, are solely responsible for the company’s fiscal viability. As such, I think this has led to some decisions where one or both of them have taken over projects or refused to delegate when it would have better served that project or even themselves. But there’s also something to be said for a duty of care, and the difficulty of giving that up.

In such an environment, it’s not surprising that a large part of smaller podcasting companies’ revenue is generated through fan-funding. The grassroots organization of a devoted fanbase can help grow a company without access to other funds or a robust marketing budget. Steady patreon subscriptions can make up for periods of instability in advertising returns, but issues begin to arise when companies encounter something like RQ did: an explosion in popularity that lacked sustainability, and the contingencies and strategies to deal with that. However, it’s a double-edged sword. The importance of Patreon and fan goodwill can help create the mentality that RQ owes the fans something. Nothing in Patreon's TOS requires artists to offer rewards; the idea behind Patreon - at least to me - is that in exchange of supporting someone making art you enjoy, you occasionally get glimpses into the creative process behind that art. This idea has evolved over the years, but I think Patreon has become, to some people, more transactional: I pay you five dollars, you give me one piece of art. This more give-take mentality can lead to feelings of ownership; fans pay for RQ to exist, therefore they should have a say in how RQ conducts its business. Whether RQ views it that way or not.

RQ has begun to diversify their income, however, with the creation of the RQN, where they get fees from providing marketing and distribution services for other podcasts. Although RQ has experienced a drop in Patrons, it has returned to subscription levels similar to those before the meteoric rise of TMA and is hopefully navigating towards finding a balance between delivering what fans want without enabling an unhealthy relationship of catering to what’s profitable instead of what they want and are excited about making. (24)

Fandom and The Illusion of Closeness

There’s no denying that many creatives have an intimate relationship with their audience, especially smaller and/or newer ventures. RQ had, for a long time, quite a close relationship with its fans. It’s still visible in the old forums, where Alex, Mike, and Anil could be seen posting with regularity. There are many images from past RQGGs (even up to RQGG19) where RQ staff and fans casually mingled.

However, there is an issue with something like Discord where the immediacy of contact creates the illusion of intimacy. The ability to ping a creator facilitates the idea that the creator is therefore available and willing to be pinged. It’s not so much an issue when there are 1000 people on a server with only a hundred or so active, and only a fraction of them irregularly contacting creatives. When that number goes up, even proportionally, it results in a huge uptick in forced contact. It’s been theorized that both Jonny Sims and Ben Meredith stepped back from the Discord server because of crossed boundaries. Another staff member had a fan harass them to the point of needing to block said fan and the fan was eventually banned from RQO by the mods.

On the other hand, Community Manager Anil continued to always be available and Alex & Hannah would occasionally hop on and respond when they were active. This apparent ease of access can trick people into believing that they are close to the creators, and the illusion of this perceived relationship can be problematic for both parties.

In these circumstances it’s natural for creators to develop a persona to protect themselves. There’s nothing wrong with this and it is, in fact, a healthy and smart thing to do; the person fans interact with is not, exactly, who that person is. Not to say they’re fake or lying, but that creators deserve a degree of privacy that comes from concealing certain things about themselves that fans aren’t - and shouldn’t be - privy to. Fans’ insistence on access to creators and their secrets can be extremely difficult and exhausting, especially for creators who don’t have a publicity or security team. For instance, Jonny was forced to reveal his past with drug abuse when people incessantly questioned and berated him about his portrayal of drug abuse in "Strung Out," a season five episode of TMA (notably also when the fandom had exploded beyond the comfortable community of its earlier seasons). Fan entitlement to knowledge about creators and access to them can be particularly egregious in this sort of setting where the creators are trying to maintain the intimate community they used to enjoy, one that (at least in the initial stages) they relied on financially, while dealing with a huge influx of new fans. Even Critical Role, arguably the largest podcast in the actual-play genre, has suffered from a similar issue, though the actors in CR have much more experience than RQ.

Rusty Quill is a business and their dealings are of proprietary interest. Like any other entertainment company, they produce a product for consumption but the way they run internally isn’t something consumers are (or should be) privy to - barring gross mistreatment which, despite claims, hasn’t been proven. When Autumn was terminated, RQ didn’t release an official statement on what led to the termination. While many fans wanted to know, RQ has no obligation to reveal internal processes like hiring/firing, especially if details of such could affect an employee’s future employment. Identifying particular employees as responsible for certain policies or potentially upsetting updates could open that employee to threats or harassment (which RQ experienced before).

The Disproportionate Critique of Small Creators

It would be ridiculous to assert that Rusty Quill has never made a mistake - sometimes repeatedly - or a misstep. They’ve issued an apology multiple times for the lack of sensitivity in their content or a miscommunication on their end. Miscommunication was, in fact, a key factor in why the Discord mods left. RQ tried to preemptively combat these issues by hiring Helen Gould as a sensitivity director to ensure their content had been looked over for things that could be harmful. Given their company makeup and the composition of their talent - both writing and on-air - RQ has tried to diversify itself so that their content doesn’t come solely from the perspective of cishet white male. Stellar Firma would be the only show to suffer from this, however, it’s worth mentioning that on the production side Maddy Searle and Katie Seaton seem to have been brought on intentionally to avoid, or at least ameliorate this issue.

There is a pervasive issue with fandom as a whole to apply a more rigorous rubric against smaller and/or indie companies producing entertainment because they’re accessible. It’s easy to see why this phenomenon exists; when a person sees that they can speak to a creator directly, that the creator might respond specifically to those critiques. It can feel as if the consumer has more power in the relationship. Complaining about Disney cutting out a lesbian kiss in Star Wars, for example, will never reach Bob Iger, but if you want to talk to James D’Amato about a choice he made in the most recent Skyjacks episodes, he’s almost certainly going to respond. By feeling more intimately connected to creators, fans can feel empowered to be more aggressive in their criticisms.

A sustainable medium must exist between the two extremes of critique. A small indie company like Rusty Quill cannot be above criticism because of its size or its intention to do better - at some point, it must actually be doing better (which, I believe, it has and is consistently endeavoring to). Conversely, it can’t be upheld to a stricter standard than a larger company purely because its creators are accessible and will directly encounter the critique aimed at them. Rusty Quill has expanded their base of collaborators - which includes having an open pitch form to allow anyone to submit ideas - and made headway on wider and more accurate representation in their shows. There are certainly other shows and companies tackling and portraying difficult issues and diversity with a better outcome than Rusty Quill. That doesn't detract from the efforts RQ is making and shouldn't invite a disproportionate level of critique.

So What Now?

While it is fair to offer critique aimed at Rusty Quill and what it does, I think the benefits of this coming from a large audience diminish due to a few factors: quantity with no control for quality, purity culture, and entitlement. These things could comprise a much much longer essay, but I’ll be brief.

One of the huge benefits RQ got out of early Patreon release on the Discord was a limited quantity of feedback. Alex would show up to ask about the sound quality: if anything seemed off or if we had comments or noticed something. Anil would collect extra content warnings if needed, and some titles even changed when fans pointed out redundancies. Both Alex and (to a much stronger degree) Helen interacted with patrons about Inexplicables, including thoughts and theories. At one point, RQ created a gaming system called Ensemble and elicited feedback from people, encouraging them to play. These comments and critique are very helpful for RQ because of their pointedness. Contrast this to the response to the s5 TMA episode “Strung Out" - or the controversy surrounding a later episode’s perceived insensitivity to current events, necessitating a warning and apology before the usual opening theme (a perception generated before the public launch of the episode, stoked by assumptions and Twitter discourse).

Fandom as a whole has veered bizarrely into an obsession with purity - if something isn’t perfect, then it shouldn’t exist. RQ will not and cannot get everything right. It’s not a format made for easy editing and revision after the fact. It can be lauded for its achievements and persuaded to do better in a way that isn’t overly aggressive or hyperbolic. People tend to forgive mistakes if they like something and focus on them if they don’t, but it’s better to avoid assigning a moral value to something like representation - the effort and commitment is important. (For clarity - I believe it is moral and ethical to do everything you can to achieve accurate and diverse representation. The morality I reference here is more in regards to labeling something, irredeemably, as bad just because it doesn’t live up to your expectations).

Not to be repetitive, but fans in smaller fandoms often feel a sense of entitlement because of their ease of access to creators. If Alex is right there talking about the Trice Forgotten schedule, why shouldn’t he answer a prod about the continuation of Chapter & Multiverse??? The answer is that he’s updating you on Trice - not Chapter. Fans are not, and shouldn’t be, part of the internal machinations of a company, however close they feel, and why certain things happen or when isn’t always going to be obvious. RQ has varying degrees of success when it comes to updating their fans about timelines or happenings in the company, and while there is definitely room for improvement, overall, it shouldn’t be a requirement or expectation. That is to say - the relentless inundation of tangential comments or questions offers no benefit and can impose an increasing feeling of frustration: for the company, for the fan asking, and for the fans witnessing. Not even mentioning the personel issue. RQ has shown a willingness to acknowledge, apologize, and modify their content when there are complaints made against it. Because RQ has acted this way, it might invite the idea that they should have the same transparency and openness to comment about the way their business runs; of which they have no obligation to do so, and in many instances, definitely should not.

For instance, several people may have been let go from Rusty Quill recently, probably because of financial issues due to the downturn in the UK economy (see RQ’s statement for more specific reasoning). Although it is tempting to be angry or upset about it, businesses make decisions involving structure and the reorganization of employees in their company all the time. For a variety of reasons. Lay-offs or terminations may be needed in order to keep a company afloat. Often these legal reasons and internal processes cannot be disclosed, and barring that the individuals involved may not have consented to their information becoming public - despite audiences wanting to see corporate due diligence. The point is that while it might be comforting to know why things happened, ultimately it isn’t reasonable to expect a company to share those details or any others that have to do with its internal running or function.

Moving Forward

Rusty Quill is in a precarious position. The unexpected juggernaut of The Magnus Archives turned them from a small, emergent company to a well-known name in the podcast community. They were unprepared for it, very few people could be, and nearly three years later they’re still struggling to find a sustainable balance. RQ has had to adjust to the influx of fans, fan opinions, money, and the resulting issues of accountability. And now that TMA is over, they’ve had some time to try to adjust to not having that same monetary inflow. Whatever outward critique can be placed on them for how they’ve handled the transition, the formation of Rusty Quill Network seems to have leveled out their income in a way that will enable them to stay solvent, even if it means occasionally stopping to restructure and reorient. There is no provable model for success.

While some detractors may claim that the Magnus sequel Kickstarter is a huge windfall, it isn't necessarily so. Money made from a Kickstarter must go toward what is promised - hence the use of clearly stated stretch goals. It is against Kickstarter policy to give funds to charity, so the KS money will be used solely for projects relating to TMP. That money is spent and should be treated as thus and not a surge of new money into RQ’s coffers. It’s not a bail out. (25)

RQ has a brand that people trust and they should lean into that reputation, heavily promoting their new shows and focusing on getting those running. RQN seems instrumental in keeping the company afloat and therefore it’s understandable that so much time is spent introducing and promoting the shows taken under that umbrella (that’s part of the incentivizing service they offer RQN shows anyway), But RQ cannot expect the ad revenue from their new shows like they did with TMA and have to adjust accordingly. I hope RQ recognizes that they’re still mostly a small indie company with a surprise hit and allow themselves the restrictions - and responsibilities - of that.

As for fans, I think RQ should capitalize on the good favor they have and reengage the fandom in an appropriate manner. Livestreams are wonderful, but should automatically have slowmode to at least 30 seconds on any stream, 60 on a huge one (like the KS promotion livestream). It not only allows the on-air talent to catch some messages, but it allows the mods to filter easier. How they reestablish a team of mods is theirs to outline, but with better communication and potential benefits (i.e. a patreon subscription) it’s likely folks would be willing.

Secondly, I believe RQ should reinstate the forums. The benefit to something more static like forums (or reddit threads or whatever is similar) is the ease of moderation and the forced expansion of time. Without the instant chat function of Discord, it isn’t as overwhelming to participate in forums or threads. These should be official RQ forums and moderated (which won’t be as difficult as a Discord). As mentioned, compensation is a tricky subject because when you start paying ‘volunteers’ they can claim employment and it opens up RQ to a whole swath of responsibilities. A “Mod Team” shirt or pin, a patreon subscription, maybe some mod-creator meetups could be provided for services rendered.

RQ could possibly look into reopening the Discord, perhaps limiting it to patrons. While that would make it more manageable, it potentially leads to issues involving classism or elitism. It could also exacerbate the earlier issue of fan entitlement. If RQ decides to reopen the Discord, they should do so with a lot of consideration.

I'm a huge fan of Rusty Quill. There are plenty of times I’ve been frustrated or disappointed with them, but at its heart, it tries to accomplish what I think to be a noble and admirable goal. Rusty Quill seeks to create good art with an emphasis on highlighting diverse voices that might not otherwise get a chance to perform. And, from what I’ve seen despite some ups and downs, tries to do their best to create sustainable income for those they bring along as collaborators. The love the team has for storycrafting is obvious and that - along with their community - is where they should focus.

EDIT:

I started this post about three weeks ago, so the Medium article was a big surprise. I won’t dissect the article because that’s not my goal, but I do have a few thoughts.

So, let's address the article on Medium.

Here is the article so you can read it for yourself. https://medium.com/@newtschott/whos-afraid-of-alex-j-newall-ae3a67f3a5e1

Here is Rusty Quill's response: https://rustyquill.com/2022/12/13/public-response-to-an-opinion-piece/

This tumblr post speaks about an inaccurate quote that the article mentions, and I think is relevant: https://www.tumblr.com/dadhuddle/703488191401984000/journalistic-integrity-re-newt-schottelkottes-rq?source=share.

Here is a link to a tumblr post from Harlan Guthrie, creator of the Malevolent podcast, which is part of the RQN. I felt it important to get a point of view of someone involved in the network. https://www.tumblr.com/malevolentcast/703493906802868224/you-probably-already-know-about-this-but-an?source=share

The issues the article raises are very important. If these allegations are true, they need to be addressed. Newt being the marketing director of a rival podcast company and failing to disclose this for several hours casts the entire article in doubt because the conflict of interest is something ethical journalists would've avoided. (26) Newt also favorably compared RQ's practices to Fable and Folly. (27) Newt and the other two editors of the piece also provided their contact information to provide help with "research, job searches, and more" to former/current employees of RQ. (28) Neither of these things are inherently wrong, but Newt's connection to F&F casts them in a different light. This could possibly be construed as encouragement for current RQ employees or network shows to leave RQ for F&F. It's unfortunate, because this conversation needed to happen, especially if the purported issues are factual. Now there is a haze over the veracity of this article because of this lack of disclosure and the conflicts of interest from the author.

There has been some talk stating that podcast networks are not rivals. They can be friendly, they can share actors, they can share spaces. They almost certainly don't share profits. Every show added to a network brings in income for that network. If one of these networks dissolves, then the shows under its umbrella can move to one of the other networks, raising its profits. It's difficult to deny that one podcast network would benefit from the dissolution of another. I would identify that as rivals, even if they're friendly.

I don't believe that Fable and Folly had anything to do with this article. I don't even think Newt intended for them to be involved at all or for people to make that connection. It's the appearance of bias that muddies the waters. Most journalistic codes of ethics tell journalists to avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. If it seems a journalist has a stake in the outcome of a story, it compromises the neutrality and the authenticity of the piece.

And unfortunately, despite Newt's claims of a background in journalism (unverifiable at the time of posting this blog outside of editorial publications), the necessary practices to lend credence towards these allegations weren't followed.

This post represents my own opinions, based in my involvement in the community. I've tried to provide sources whenever I could, though much of it was lost when the RQ Discord shut down, or mired in the sheer breadth of content. If there's a blatant untruth, please let me know with supporting evidence so I can correct it.

Footnotes:

1. Establishment of the company and ownership as per the foundation documents.

2. Alex & Jonny working the same job James Ross gave them (160 Q&A)

3. Patreon funding builds new studio via Studio tour video: (the video is patron-only, so here is a screencap of Alex stating that Patreon funded the studio)

4. Alex was homeless for a while, retrospective 189.5 (amongst others)

5. Rusty Quill Forums https://rustyquill.proboards.com/board/1/general-board

6. RQ Forums post celebrating the first RQGG

7. Rusty Quill Official Discord goes live, via RQ Forums.

8. Haggis and Dragons interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkYsA50Ts9M&list=FLaf41raWk5sb2VhQcEcPpsg&index=27

(Alex talking about the company stepping back from the public 12:30)

9. Popularity of the term “the magnus archives” from Google Analytics

10. Hannah becomes director, via RQ filing documentation

11. Autumn becomes Community Assistant, via Patreon email

12. Rusty Quill’s official statement about mods walkout.

Announcement - plain text 15-09-21.pdf

13. Crunchy's tweet

14. Mike LeBeau leaves RQ, via his twitter

15. The first Magnus sequel ARG prompt, via Patreon email

16. Oct 24 Pre-Kickstarter Announcement Livestream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLOj5JKq-QU&t

17. The Magnus Protocol Kickstarter launch livestream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xk1hgVY2cc&t

18 Newt Schottelkotte's Medium piece: https://medium.com/@newtschott/whos-afraid-of-alex-j-newall-ae3a67f3a5e1

19 Rusty Quill's response to the Schottelkotte piece: https://rustyquill.com/2022/12/13/public-response-to-an-opinion-piece/

20. Rusty Quill internal census

21 The end of the RQ census summary:

22. Average number of employees at RQ in 2022, via RQ filing documentation

23. RQG editing stats, courtesy of the LOLOMG: A performance review by Oscar Wilde team (the team theorizes that Alex was still mastering during that early gap, but forgot to credit himself) [additional note: LOLOMG was a fan project to celebrate the end of Rusty Quill Gaming] note added 10am - incorrectly attributed, my deepest apologies to Straw and their team

24. Patreon retention stats, via Graphetron

25. Kickstarter use policy

26 The lack of disclosure on the initial posting of the Schottelkotte article.

27 Comparison of Fable and Folly's practices to Rusty Quill's.

28 Contact information for the writer and two editors given to current and ex Rusty Quill employees and network shows.

29 Patreon announcement of Cry Havoc! and Neon Inkwell postponement (I knew I had this lying around somewhere!)

30 Some additional information from Crunchy (thanks Crunchy!). sorry for the awful paint edit job (added 16/12/22 7pm)

#rusty quill #rusty quill drama #the magnus archives #rusty quill network #the magnus protocol #that's like just your opinion man

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buckybarnesss · 1 year

Note

How do you think Lydia perceives the whole Sterek relationship? I just know that it was the huge elephant in the closet during her and Stiles's relationship.

this particular question is something @dear-massacre and i have discussed before and i've given it some thought.

admittedly it's actually a lot of thought. in my opinion the answer to this is more complicated than you would think.

i have a lot of thoughts on the subject.

lydia martin and the memoir entitled me, my boyfriend, his unresolved feelings for derek hale and my repressed feelings for my dead best friend.

i don't think lydia quite knew what she was getting into with stiles initially. she doesn't know there's something to perceive.

on the whole i think the romantic relationship lydia and stiles have is one based on a shaky foundation of idolization, trauma, obligation and confused feelings.

i do not consider it healthy for either of them. especially at the time they enter into it. there's no time or space for them to process their emotions or feelings about what has happened to them let alone their actual feelings for each other.

lydia also didn't really interact with derek very much. in season 1 lydia is on the outside of the main plot and in season 2 she's in the main plot but she doesn't know it because she's purposefully isolated.

so her and derek's interactions are incredibly limited. does she even know derek hale exists lol?

their first barely there interactions are when he's trying to kill her when he thinks she's the kanima and than when she wolfsbane roofies him to resurrect peter?

when derek brings this up in chaos rising during one of his rare interactions with allison and lydia her reaction is so funny to me though. the judgement.

she also isn't there for much of the development between stiles and derek. she doesn't know the derek-n-stiles part of derek and stiles.

she knows stiles likes derek and is friends with him i don't think she necessarily understands that stiles has feelings there let alone about possible reciprocation.

even when she sees them in the finale she's amused by their banter. or that could be holland delighted to see her ship interacting.

the narrative often puts derek, stiles and lydia into this sort of odd love triangle. except it's not a love triangle in the traditional sense. it's almost like they're put up parallel to each other and stiles is forced to chose one path or the other.

lydia and derek are very similar. they both even have defrosting the ice queen arcs becoming two of the most compassionate and selfless people on the show.

in code breaker he's kidnapped by peter to locate derek and forced to leave lydia on the lacrosse field. in abomination stiles leaves lydia crying in her car and cannot return because he gets trapped in the pool by the kanima with derek.

derek even uses stiles's words about lydia being cold-blooded as justification for him attempting to kill her thinking she's the kanima.

there's the scene that plays over peter's love monolog in battlefield that's focused on derek, stiles and lydia despite peter talking about jackson.

lydia is the one who goes with stiles to try and pay for derek's release in mexico in the dark moon.

it's an interesting repeated thing all the way up until derek leaves.

however i don't believe this was the only issue as stiles's unresolved feelings for derek isn't the only elephant in the room. there are actually two elephants in the room. the other elephant is named allison and before you ask yes i'm saying exactly what you think i'm saying.

i've said it before and i'll say it again. there are three woman who haunt the narrative of teen wolf. laura hale, allison argent and claudia stilinski.

laura hale's murder was the inciting incident that started the events of the show, allison's death in the middle of the narrative is transformative to the story and claudia's ghost being exercised is the close.

the more i watch the show for my deep dives the more i notice just how profoundly changed lydia was by her friendship with and her love for allison.

allison was the great love of lydia's life and she is never able to fully move on. it's a wound that won't heal.

like, i'm not gonna get into a treatise about it but the subtext in season 4 about lorriane martin and the loss of her wife maddie compared to lydia and her loss of allison. 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀

allison died to save lydia and lydia has never, ever forgiven herself for it.

the death wail that lydia let out for allison was so powerful, so full of pain and terrible that it spurred meredith's benefactor plan. meredith obviously isn't completely mentally sound but hearing that come lydia made her think they were better off dead than experience that.

lydia learning to use her powers to save malia is like watching a mother lift her car off her child. lydia cannot lose another person she cares about. this also fuels her desperation to bring stiles back.

lydia tells lenore in ghosted when they're in cannan that she doesn't have a caleb except yes she does. it's allison. not to mention the symbolism in lenore's name. the lost lenore is a trope is a reference to poe's poem and usually is about the main character's deceased love interest.

as for stiles. well. there's been a lot of words written about him and derek. i don't know how many people have watched how i met your mother but in the words of robin sherbatsky "if you have chemistry you're only missing one other thing -- timing. but timing is a bitch."

that's stiles and derek. derek is the great what if for stiles.

it's not that lydia and stiles didn't love each other. of course they did. that isn't in question. it's just that love isn't always enough. ultimately they were both carrying love around for other people that they couldn't let go of.

lydia let go of stiles because she recognized how unfair it was for the two of them.

#my blog #thoughts on teen wolf #teen wolf #sterek #allydia #otp: you need me to survive #teen wolf is so queer and yet so mad about it

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averagewriter-inthedark · 2 years

Text

Heart of the Ocean 💙 | Teen Wolf Miniseries Part 2

Takes place in between 3A & 3B of Teen Wolf

Teen Wolf Masterlist | read part 1 here

Characters & Pairings: Hale/McCall Pack x vampire!reader (female/platonic), eventual Peter Hale x reader (romantic), reader x male!oc ( past romance) & reader x supernatural!reader (platonic). Characters in this imagine: Scott McCall, Stiles Stilinski, Lydia Martin, Allison Argent, Isaac Lahey, Derek Hale, Peter Hale, Chris Argent, Alan Deaton.

Content Warnings: light angst, profanity, references of historical event disaster, mentions of death, blood, and murder | female!reader (she/her) | ws: 6.4k

Requested 📨 yes/no (rules for requests)

Premise: with the riddle solved the pack now have to face the truth their English teacher is not who they thought she was. To find out who’s responsible for the chaos in Beacon Hills they have no choice but to confront Y/n about her identity and nature. Even if it could cost them their lives.

——————————

*tick* *tick* *tick*

Scott’s eyes were on the clock, flickering over to Stiles who wore an expression similar to his. Filled with unease and wondering if what they were about to do was a mistake. The minutes were ticking away as the school day approached its end. Glancing to Allison and Lydia in the front of the classroom he could see in their neck and shoulders how tense they were, Allison nervously chewing on the tip of her pen. All throughout the lecture none could stay focused. Not when the person teaching had a harrowing secret they were about to confront.

How would she react? Better yet, how were they going to even breach the subject.

Scott could see them fucking everything up in the blink of the eye. He couldn’t help but recall Peter’s warning from the night before. “Vampires can be hostile creatures—especially if they haven’t fed for a while. They can go maybe….weeks without drinking blood before they start to lose their control. Considering Loretta—or should I say, Y/n, has been in Beacon Hills a few months I can only assume she is getting her blood by some other means than preying on its citizens. Still, approach her with caution if you decide to confront her. If I was a 130 year old vampire who was a wealthy socialite that survived one of the most famous shipwrecks in history and was being hunted by my creator…well let’s just say I wouldn’t let you leave still breathing.”

The more the seconds ticked by the more Scott was regretting the plan. After much debate the pack wanted to get to the bottom of everything quickly and that meant confronting Miss. Andrews at school. Which was very unnerving. Discovering she was a vampire only made her more intimidating after already establishing herself as someone who came off as unapproachable. Though they had few interactions, Scott found Miss. Andrews to possess an aura that reads, ‘better to wonder in silence rather than search for answers.’ Appearing no older than the age of thirty, sometimes she’d say words or phrases that made her seem much older.

Thankfully their English section was the last period of the day. Isaac wasn’t in the class but he had Miss. Andrews that morning and kept his eyes out for the necklace, however, he was unable to tell if the woman was wearing it.

The Heart of the Ocean.

What led them to her.

If she was wearing the necklace it had to have been beneath her high collared shirt that was paired with a black blazer and dress pants. Now knowing what they know, they realized Miss. Andrews always wore clothing that was sophisticated and concealed her neck area. Whether it be a turtleneck or a collared shirt, they wondered why they hadn’t found it odd before. California was hot even in the early months of the year—especially in April as they approached summer.

Peter’s words echoed in Scott’s mind, “Vampires are cold-blooded creatures. The warm weather has little effect on them and though the glimmer acts as a camouflage to other supernatural creatures it doesn’t change their nature. They’ll be cold to the touch. Faster than the speed of sound. Stronger the older they are. And some even have little gifts that separate them from others.”

“Gifts?”

“Abilities. Very rare among their kind but those who possess them are more enhanced in every aspect than others. I’ve heard stories about one who can read minds. An old…acquaintance, of mine said he once encountered a vampire who could compel anyone to do anything for them. Let’s hope neither your killer or his little creation have any talents. Otherwise your odds of coming out of this in one piece are going to be very low.”

The hairs stood on the back of Scott’s neck when Loretta…Y/n… passed him as she walked in between the aisle of desks. It was like his senses were trying to warn him despite his others unable to detect she was not human.

“What people fail to understand about Romeo and Juliet…” Loretta moves between Lydia and Allison, missing how both girls tense up. “Is that it is not a romance despite having a prominent theme of love thorough out the play. To be considered a romance it must have what you would call, ‘a happily ever after,’…” Turning to face the class, Loretta leans her back against the desk with her arms crossed over her chest. Scott almost perches up, straining his ears to see if he could pick up movement around her neck.

Her eyes scan across the room, lingering on Scott and Stiles when they quickly look away, “Specifically for the protagonist—or protagonists in this setting. Romeo and Juliet die at the end of the play, therefore there is no happy ending. Yes, their families end up putting past their differences due to the loss of their loved ones. But the protagonists did not get to ride off into the sunset and live out their lives in peace. So the more appropriate term for the play would be a tragedy. A genre focused on human suffering and sorrowful events that happen to the protagonist. And as we have learned these past weeks, Shakespeare was known for his tragedies. Romeo and Juliet is just one of his many—Macbeth, Othello, Julius Caesar to name a few.”

There were only two minutes remaining in the class. Scott tapped his pen against the book anxiously, eyes back on the clock as Siltes sent him another look. Isaac’s scent soon filled his nostrils, indicating he was outside the door. And glancing over her shoulder, Allison gave a slight nod of, ‘it’s gonna be okay,’ to try and ease his nerves.

“Tragedies can be inspired by an array of things,” Loretta moved her arms so her hands were clasped in front of her. Again, Scott couldn’t help but listen for the rustling of jewelry. All he got was a usually steady pacing of her heart. If that even was her heart.

“Personal lives and historical events.” Lydia and Alice glance at each other as do Scott and Stiles. “They dive into the catharsis of their audience. Bringing pleasure through pain because we as humans—,” the teens share another look, “cannot help but find a sense of enjoyment in seeing the main character fail. Witness their downfall. Does that say something about us in how we view others?” The question was rhetoric, Loretta watching the students think in silence before shrugging. “That is for you to decide.”

*ring* *ring* *ring*

In a hurry students gather their belongings and make their way out the door. For the four teenagers planning to stay they are slow in their movements.

“Don’t forget tomorrow’s quiz is on Act five,” Loretta shouted lightly, pushing off from the desk only to walk around it. “Then we will begin our unit on Poe so be sure to have your textbooks with you.” As Loretta starts to erase the chalkboard the teens draw to the back door of the class to make it look like they're leaving but really they stop once Isaac enters. Then with a nod, “let’s do this,” they make their way back into the classroom.

Reaching the front row of the desks, the sound of Stiles bumping into a chair catches the woman’s attention, turning to face the group with perplexed eyes making them freeze like deer in headlights.

“Well hello,” Loretta places the eraser down, surprised to see five of her students behind her. “Wasn’t expecting you all to stay after the period ended. Everything alright?” She connects eyes with all, sensing their distress.

Scott is the first to speak, “We’re sorry to bother you when you’re busy, Miss. Andrews,” he felt his heart pick when he nearly addressed her by her real name. “We were just wondering if you could help us with something.”

“Is it about tomorrow’s quiz?” Loretta is calm, collected, and shows no signs of nervousness. “Because unfortunately if that’s the case I can’t—.”

“It’s about our history project,” Allison cuts in, causing the boys to give her a look that read ‘what are you doing?’ She gives a smile when Loretta tilts her head.

“Are you asking me to read over your report? Check for any grammatical errors? That I can do for you if you have a rough draft.”

“No,” Lydia rubs her neck, watching Loretta take a piece of chalk in her hand while bidding a glance at her lesson plans on the desk. Lydia licks her bottom lip, “more like we would like some advice if we have the facts right on it.” Loretta makes a sound between a laugh and scoff.

“I think you’re better suited asking your history teacher,” she raises her brow at them. Her heartbeat is steady against Scott’s ears, the werewolf catching Isaac’s eyes to see he heard the same. “I’m afraid my knowledge on whatever the topic of your project is will be limited compared to your teacher.”

“Actually,” Scott swallows, “We think you’re the best person there is to help us.”

Lorretta makes another sound, smirking lightly like the teens were humoring her, “Oh really?” Chalk in hand she faces the board to begin writing Friday’s plan. “Why is that?”

“Because it’s about Titanic.”

Instantly they watch her hand stop mid air, clutching the chalk in a grip they’re afraid it was going to snap in half. In fact, it did break in half. Not even two seconds after the words leave Scott’s mouth, however, her hand remains in the air. A slight tremor replacing the chalk as it clunks to the tile floor.

Silence fills the room as all time stops. Loretta was paralyzed where she stood. Back facing the group where they couldn’t see her face. But considering she was frozen like a statue, it wasn’t difficult to assume she had the same expression they did when they saw her picture the night before.

Scott takes a hesitant step closer, tone cautions as he mutters, “Y/n.” Her low gasp fills his ears, physically reacting to the name. Behind him the others tense, Isaac consciously moving closer to Scott as Stiles pushes the girls back. They all wait for her next move.

“Y/n—.”

Slowly her hand comes down, head dipping slightly, “How do you know?” The question sounded like Y/n knew this day would come. That in a town where supernatural beings resided she was bound to be discovered but hoped it would be some time before she did.

The teens couldn’t hold back the shudder when Y/n faced them. Her eyes lacked any color. Pitch black like onyx and void of friendlessness. It made them wonder if she was wearing contacts or the glimmer had seeped away to show what her real eyes were. They prayed for the former, for Peter had mentioned when a vampire was hungry their eyes would darken.

Her jaw clenched and Scott instantly straightened to prepare for any sudden attack. She was stronger than him—he knew just from Peter’s warnings. While he had Isaac and Allison armed with a silver dagger, they were no match for a 130 year old vampire who could move faster than they could blink. And if she had abilities….they were straight fucked.

Instead Y/n’s voice went low, repeating her question, “How. Do. You. Know.”

Scott gulped, finding his voice, “Stiles,” with his hand out he motioned for riddle. Stiles fumbles through the front pocket of his backpack, finding the paper and passing it over as Y/n stares the entire time. Carefully the alpha drops the riddle onto the desk, using his fingers to slide it towards her and watches as she picks it up. They are silent the entire time Y/n reads the written words, her mouth tightening as though she recognized the handwriting the moment her eyes met the first line.

Her eyes then close when she finishes the final verse. “He’s found me,” she doesn’t need their confirmation, “it’s been him all along.” Him all along referencing the murders. “I should’ve known.” Her eyes open and lock on Scott, “When did he leave you this?”

“Last night.”

“Where.”

“U-uh Derek Hale’s loft.”

“Hale,” Y/n whispers, the name familiar on her tongue. “Thalia’s son.”

“You know them?” Stiles was flabbergasted. “Y-you know what they are.”

“Of course I do,” Y/n sounded offended, causing the teen to wince. “I’ve been alive 130 years. I knew of the Hale pack when Thalia's grandparents were the leaders.” There’s a pause as her gaze moves to Scott, “And I know Scott is an Alpha. Isaac is a beta. Allison is a hunter—part of the renowned Argent family,” there was a hint of distaste behind Y/n’s tone causing Allison to stiffen. Y/n rests her eyes on the redhead before ending with Siles, “and Lydia is a banshee. But you are the only human, Mr. Stilinski. Which might I say is quite the surprise.”

Stiles scratches his neck, “R-really?”

“Yes. Usually humans don’t last long with supernaturals. Would’ve thought you’d be a beta by now—seeing that your best friend is an alpha.” Seeing his friends become uncomfortable with the assumption, Scott switches the subject.

“Next week is the anniversary of Titanic sinking,” her expression instantly changed. “You were there.”

“I was,” it came no louder than a whisper, a distant look within her eye indicating Titanic was still a painful memory for the woman. “And you know then—from this,” she holds up the riddle, “What I am? What I do?”

Each of them nod, “we do.” They still couldn’t wrap their heads around it. That their English teacher, of all people, was an immortal who was aboard Titanic.

“And you’re not running for the hills,” she hums, not sure whether to find them idiotic or courageous. “How interesting.”

“Well when you live in a town like Beacon Hills…you try to get used to it,” Stiles shrugs, a little terrified when Y/n’s expression reads that of, ‘you think you’ve seen it all? You have no idea what else is out there.’

“This is how we found you….” Lydia removes the printed article with the picture of Y/n wearing the necklace. Handing it to the woman, Lydia sees her face soften, eyes lingering on the pictures of her with Theodore and Benjamin.

“Forgot this existed honestly,” Y/n mutters, finger brushing over the image. “It’s the only picture we ever took as a family. And this one,” she points to the one of only her, “this was the first and last time I had a portrait done.” A hand comes up to her neck area, all eyes following the movement where they watch her remove the Heart of the Ocean from beneath the material. It was more exquisite in person than they imagined. A stunning blue diamond in the shape of a heart surrounded by white diamonds and all along the chain.

No wonder she kept it hidden. Anyone would’ve been drawn by the beauty of the jewelry if they were to see it. Then of course there was the tiny fact it was worth 350 million dollars and the link to her past.

Y/n lets out a pained chuckle, “I’m impressed you managed to piece it together. So quickly might I add.” Her finger runs along the surface of the diamond, “but then again, Heart of the Ocean is not something you hear everyday.”

“It’s the source of your glimmer, isn’t it?”

Y/n narrows her eyes at Scott’s question, “How do you know about the glimmer?”

Stiles is the one to answer, “Derek’s uncle seems to know everything about supernatural creatures. He was the one who figured out you and your creator were vampires. Then he explained how you were able to pass as human—why they wouldn’t be able to pick up on your scent.”

“He said vampires will sometimes wear enchanted jewelry,” Allison’s gaze went back to the necklace, flicking back to Y/n who had straightened her posture, “That Druid’s can make it so you’re not affected by the sun and give off a human scent. He suspected the Heart of the Ocean was it for you.”

Once again Y/n appeared impressed, “well he was right. Which is unfortunate for me,” she mutters almost annoyed, eyes going back to reread the riddle. Scott leans more against the desk.

“We need to know who is doing this, Y/n—Loretta, if that’s what you prefer,” he corrects when her hand flexes. “And why. He gave us this riddle to find you and now that we have we have no idea what’s gonna happen next. Do you have any clue why he’s doing this?”

Y/n let out a loud exhale—prompting Scott to remember it was for show since vampires didn’t need to breathe. Having to put up the facade of being human for so long likely had the mannerisms come naturea. The riddle drops onto the table. “His name is Sebastian Lavigne. Don’t bother trying to find him on the records of passengers aboard that night—,” Stiles’ hand pauses as he jots down the name. “Sebastian didn’t have a ticket. He was a stowaway who snuck aboard when the ship docked in France. Disguised himself as a crew member so he wouldn’t get caught.” She paused to sigh again, “Quite frankly I’m not even sure if that’s his real name—he’s likely going by another alias.”

“Kinda like you?”

Y/n made a face at Stiles’s question, but answered nonetheless. “If you haven’t noticed, Mr. Stilinski, I do not age. If we stay in a place too long people start to suspect, therefore we have to move consistently and with that comes an identity change. But I always knew him by Sebastian though to the public he went by a different name. And so did I,” she glances at photos of her. “I couldn’t go by my real name after Titanic because of who my family was and everyone thought I was dead. Then of course the fact I was now a blood-sucking creature.

“Sebastian is a deceitful man. And this riddle—,” a finger aggressively hits the paper a few times, “is just one of his many games. He knows exactly where I am and only did this to mess with you. Probably because he knows you’re onto him. He wanted you to figure out what he was. Leading you to me…it was to warn me he’s coming.”

Lydia tenses, feeling a wave of dread course through her, “why is wanting to find you?” Y/n crosses her arms over her chest, glaring at the floor.

“Because he’s angry I left him. That I broke away from him. Vampires are usually nomadic—hardly ever join up together. Kinda like how werewolves have packs to make them stronger, well….a group of vampires would decimate anything that stood in their way. Sebastian’s a man who desires power,” Y/n rubs her hand on her forearm. “And together we were powerful—especially with our gifts.”

“Gifts?” Scott’s heart skipped, thinking of Peter’s warning. “You both have gifts?”

“Yes,” Y/n didn’t sound proud of it. “Sebastian can compel you to do anything—you’ve heard of him,” Y/n’s shoulders slumped at their reaction.

Stiles flexes his hand, unease in his voice, “Peter told us about a vampire like that. Said he knew someone who encountered them. Is he the only one who can?” Y/n’s nod of confirmation only increases their anxiety.

“As far as I know, yes he is. His gift is powerful, but it only works close range. Meaning in order to be affected you have to be directly in front of him. Sebastian has to stare into one’s eyes to compel them,” Y/n glances to her feet again, “but once he does they have no choice but to do what he says. And combined with mine…..” she shudders, making them frown. “No one could stand a chance against us.”

“What can you do?” Allison asks, a little unsure if she even wanted to know.

“Make you see anything I want. Whether it be tapping into your memory or my own, I can conjure illusions. Illusions derived from your greatest fear causing you to become incapacitated,” everyone’s demeanor became that of concern. “As you can imagine it came in handy when traveling with Sebastian—especially against our enemies,” Y/n comes around the desk so she’s closer to the group, “or more like his enemies since it was always him who had to instigate conflict.”

Lydia’s eyes draw in suspicion, “Why’d you leave him?” It was the question everyone wanted the answer to. And Y/n didn’t appear happy to answer it.

“He’d been keeping things from me. During my time with Sebastian he liked to isolate me—keep me from interacting with others of our kind. He didn’t want me to know I could feed without preying on humans. Or about glimmer which is why I spent most of my days locked in doors and only came out at night. He kept me from my son,” her lips tightened, “I understood why at the time…but then I found out his motives.”

The air thickened in the classroom.

“Things that could have made my fate turn out different than what it was,” her voice turned cold, eyes darkening even more. “Yes, he pulled me from the water that night…but he didn’t have to turn me into this to save me. There was another way and he chose to turn me for what I was worth to him. So when I found out decades later the truth—that he had turned me for his own selfish gain. Robbing me of the life I could have had with my son and family…”

Y/n’s hand moves to the jewelry on her neck, “I found the closest Druid I could find and had them enchant this. That way he’d lose my scent and be unable to track me.” Her hand comes back down with a sigh, “But somehow he always manages to be a step ahead of things.”

“How long ago did you escape him?” Scott wonders aloud.

“Forty years ago.”

Stiles’s jaw drops, “He’s been hunting you for four decades?”

“Likely so. With me he was more powerful. With me he was more rich,” Y/n explained, tone bitter with each word. “Shortly after we returned to New York he compelled me into robbing my own home. The amount we stole still hasn’t run dry—at least not for me,” a tinge of a smirk indicated Y/n left him with nothing when she escaped. “So I wouldn’t put it past him for devoting this many years to find me. But it’s not to get me into his good graces, no, he wants to punish me. And the best way to punish me is to play games like this,” lightning fast her hand grasps the riddle and crutches it between her fingers. “To cause chaos and hurt innocent people because he knows how much I hated it when we did. The murders. Leaving you this riddle. He won’t stop even after he’s got what he wants.”

Scott’s shoulders drop slightly, “And what does he want?”

“To kill me. Scott,” Y/n’s words send a shiver along his body. “I’ve made a life of myself without him—one where I try everyday to make up for the things I did with him. Preying on humans. Torturing the minds of those Sebastian hated. He wants me to feel that shame and regret before he finishes the job. Because that’s what he does, however, now that he’s brought you all into his game there’s not going to be an end until he’s satisfied. Once he’s through with me you will become his prime source of entertainment. Or, he’ll see you as a benefit and want to corrupt you. Just like he did to me.”

Silence fills the room as the teens take in the new information. All deep in thought wondering what to do or say next. The reality of Sebastian’s cruel nature and games proves beyond their expertise. They weren’t sure exactly how to go about it. Finding Y/n was the first step, but from what she’s told them it would not be enough.

He’ll still kill. He might even target them next—especially if they refuse whatever offer he could be planning. Y/n didn’t have to go into detail that Scott’s status as a True Alpha with a pack of unlikely allies would be something Sebastian would want to control.

And with his gift of compelling….

“We need to know what he looks like,” Scott’s the first to speak. Determination fills his gaze, “He’s got the advantage right now—a-and if he’s glimmered like you then he’s probably been passing as human.” He turns to Y/n, pleading with her for help. “You said you can show illusions. Ones that can be from your memory—can you show one with him?” The sound she responds with is one of defeat.

“He compelled me, shortly after he turned me, to erase his image from my memory because he was paranoid about us running into vampires who could read minds or Druids who could make me tap into my subconscious.” Everyone deflated at the news, but then Y/n perked up causing them to do the same. “But….he when did, he only said, ‘from this moment on.’”

Scott took a step closer, eyes full of hope, “What does that mean?”

“It means I can show you,” Y/n’s voice is low and tainted with slight dread. “I can show you the night he turned me. The night Titanic sank.”

Later that evening the pack gathered at Deaton’s clinic. It was just after sunset, around 8pm and some were starting to become impatient.

“Is she coming?” Peter grunted from where he stood leaning against a wall. “Or was this all a distraction.”

“She’s gonna be here,” Scott insisted, eyes narrowed slightly. Truth be told he was starting to worry. Y/n had promised she’d be at the clinic by nightfall but had yet to show.

“Well the clock is ticking,” Stiles fiddled with his fingers nervously.

Allison looks at the man beside her, who was checking to see if his gun was loaded with the proper bullets. “You know you didn’t have to come, dad.” Chris raises a brow, putting the safety on and placing the weapon back in its holster.

“And leave you and your friends alone with a gifted vampire who’s the reasons a psychotic one is causing hell around town? Not a chance.”

“Have you ever hunted one before?” Her voice drops to a whisper, though it doesn’t do much for those with enhanced hearing. Derek, Peter, Scott, and Isaac heard the question loud and clear.

Chris shakes his head, “No. They’re rare and not many are in America—but your great-grandfather came into contact with one in the fifties. Left us with what to do if we ever dealt with one.”

Allison gives her father a look of warning, “You can’t hurt her, dad.”

“If she gives me a reason to, I will.”

“She won’t,” she presses, aware Scott and Derek had their eyes on them. The former looked anxious.

“You don’t know how unpredictable and manipulative vampires are, Allison. None of you do.”

“She’s been in Beacon Hills for months. We asked her how she gets her blood and she said she’s been taking bags from the ER—not feeding on the town’s people,” the teen pleads, surprised with herself for defending Y/n so easily. Maybe it was the fact the vampire had been robbed of her life that made Allison sympathize. Or because she could feel the anger and fury Y/n had for her creator that she believed Y/n would stop at nothing to take him down. “And she hasn’t given any reason for us to believe she’s been working with Sebastian. She hates him, dad.” Chris doesn’t appear convinced.

“She was with him for sixty years—.”

“And she’s been without him for forty,” Allison cuts him off, promptly ending the argument. Another minute passes before all freeze at the sound of Deaton’s door chime ringing. Motioning with a hand, the doctor enters the lobby where he is met with a woman wearing a tan trench coat and boots. She spun around when she heard him approach, allowing Deaton to see the stunning jewelry around her neck. Instantly he felt the magic running through it.

“You’re the Druid,” were the first words from her mouth. “Scott told me about you.” Deaton offers a small smile.

“You must be Y/n,” when she visibly reacted to the name he apologized, “I’m sorry, would you prefer to be called—.” Her hand lifts to stop him.

“No, no. It’s fine—I’m just getting used to hearing that name again. It’s been so long since anyone other than ....” She trails off, not wanting to say his name. Deaton understands with a light nod, moving to open the gate.

“You don’t have to explain. Please, come in.”

“Did Scott inform you what to prepare?” She asks as she passes, receiving a nod from the man.

“Yes. I’m quite familiar with its effects—but I made sure to not make it too strong.” Leading Y/n into the back room, she stills at the sight of those she didn’t recognize, namely the man beside Allison and the two leaning against the wall. Everyone straightens when she arrives and her eyes go straight to Scott.

“You didn’t say we’d have guests.” Her tone is weary, making Scott move closer to show her it was okay.

“That’s Derek Hale and his uncle Peter,” a finger points to the two, glaring when he notices Peter’s eyes linger on Y/n’s figure. While he couldn’t blame him given Y/n’s striking beauty there were more important matters at the moment. “He’s the one who helped us figure out what you were.” He hears the woman make a sound similar to ‘hmph’, causing Peter to smirk and give a mock wave. Scott rolls his eyes, motioning to Chris, “And that’s Allison’s father, Chris Argent.”

Y/n’s expression tightens, appearing slightly uncomfortable with the lineup. Four werewolves, two hunters, a Druid, and a banshee? Vampires were strong creatures but even they could become intimidated. “Quite the party we have going on then.”

Stiles clears his throat to appease the tension, “uh what took you so long?” The question snaps Y/n out of the intense staring contest going on between her, Peter, and Chris. She removes her gloves to place them in her pocket.

“Well considering I’ve been out of practice I needed a pick me up to ensure my power would be at its best,” lips curl up, almost menacing which has Chris inch his hand closer to the holster. She sees the gesture and raises a brow in challenge, “Don’t worry, hunter. I didn’t sink my teeth into anything other than a donation bag.” She pays no mind to his glare, instead removing the Heart of the Ocean from her neck.

When Y/n does this a new smell enters the room right as the unusual steady pacing of her heart stops beating. The aroma is overbearing with vanilla and lavender—even for those without an enhanced sense of smell. For the werewolves, they perked up as they had never smelled anything so delightful.

“You smell that?” Y/n closes her eyes as she drops the necklace into the other pocket.

“Yeah.” Scott takes another waff of the scent, turning to her only to draw back in surprise when she opens her eyes to reveal deep red eyes replacing the color they once were. The lights from above almost made them glow. “Woah.” From behind Scott the others react to the changes of Y/n’s appearance.

Stiles and Isaac had to do a double take to make sure what he was seeing was real. Lydia and Allison shared a glance, both shuddering when Y/n made eye contact with them. Chris straightens his posture again, only amusing the vampire and Peter appears rather intrigued.

“Vampires have to lure their prey somehow,” She starts to explain. “It’s stronger for you wolves, but even you who are not are drawn by it. Makes you want to get closer, huh?” Y/n steps away, moving towards Deaton who reappears after going to the back closet to retrieve an object resembling a goblet.

“I can’t hear your heart anymore,” Scott’s tone is laced with confusion at the sudden decrease of heartbeats in the room.

“You never did. It was an illusion from the glimmer—so any creature I come into contact with would think I’m human. My heart stopped the night I turned,” the smirk she wore fell to a tight frown, “it won’t ever beat again.”

An eerie silence fills the room, her words lingering in the air. No doubt causing suspicion now that they were aware Y/n could lie and they would have no way of knowing. She could’ve been lying about everything honestly. Now they were left to wonder if any of what she said before was true.

But why would she lie? She’s made it awfully clear of her resentment for Sebastian.

The attention goes to Y/n as she removes the scalpel from Deaton’s tray and raises it to her palm. “W-what—what are you doing?” Stiles nearly gags when the skin breaks and a dark liquid like blood flows from the wound. It spills into the goblet, where a smell that could only be described as death replaces the once vanilla aroma. Deaton begins stirring the substance with a spoon while Y/n explains.

“As I’ve mentioned…” The cut disappeared without a trace not a second after Y/n lifted her hand away from the goblet. “I haven't used my power in ages—and while I fed earlier it may not be enough for it to be at its full potential. So to do this I need to remove any mental barriers from your mind.”

“And we have to drink your blood for it to work,” Peter rolls his eyes at how ironic it sounds, “how fitting.”

Y/n narrows her eyes at the man, “If you’re worried about it becoming a vampire you need not to worry. There’s no venom—that only comes from a bite. Sound familiar?” The air becomes thick and Scott moves between the two when Peter's eyes flash blue.

“What’s it going to do, Y/n?”

The vampire takes the goblet from Deaton, passing it to the teenager first, “Open your mind. To do so my blood is mixed with decade old sap from the Nematon and a rare form of wolfsbane. You’ll feel some discomfort,” she points out when all the wolves instantly become hesitant at the mention of wolfsbane, “but it won’t kill you. I need your mental state to be vulnerable. Ignore the smell—I know it’s revolting but it’ll taste like dry, bitter wine.”

Scott stares at the goblet before taking it in his hands. Inside the contents was a dark liquid with a smell that made him want to gag. He couldn’t help but ask Deaton, “You’re sure about this?”

“I’ve never worked with this before but I know someone who has. It’s potent but short lasting and won’t affect you once it’s out of your system in a few hours.” Deaton gives a look of assurance, “You might feel a pressure in your head that’s like a headache.”

Y/n adds on to the vet, “that’s so show your mental walls are dropping. But like your emissary said it’s temporary. Allowing me enough time to show you my memories in the form of illusions. But I must warn you all,” she pauses to glance at each of them. “My illusions are like vivid dreams. Where it feels real. Your body will remain paralyzed here, but your mind will be somewhere else. Not only will you see what I have to show you,” Y/n’s entire demeanor becomes serious once more. “You’ll be able to hear everything. Feel everything. The sun's rays. The cool breeze. The freezing waters…..It will be as though you’re experiencing it in real time.”

There’s a pause, letting the reality sink in on what the vampire was implying. “My question is….are all of you wishing to see what I have to show you? Now is the time to step out if you’re having second thoughts.” When no one objects, despite all looking relatively nervous, Y/n clasps her hands in front her. “Well, Scott, start us off.”

“We all have to drink it?” Stiles cringes when he’s passed the cup, Scott letting out a gag after the taste hits his tongue. Y/n smirks as she nods.

“Unless you would like to sit this out, Stiles, then yes.” Groaning, the teen plugs his nose and takes a swig before handing it to Isaac. Even after taking several gulps of water the awful taste of iron and wood remained.

One by one each person took their turn of downing the potion, with Deaton as the last one to do so. Within seconds it took effect, the most notable sign being the headache forming. Then a light feeling started to swirl all along their body. Like they were on cloud 9.

“Is this what it’s supposed to feel like?” Derek moaned, squinting when the light suddenly started to become brighter.

“You’ll get used to it in a moment,” Y/n’s closes her eyes, taking a deep breath despite not needing one. It was mostly to calm her nerves as she allowed the memory dug deep within her mind to surface. A moment later the warmth of the sun hit her skin. The smell of fresh paint and sea salt filling her nose. And the sound of a ship's whistle and people shouting echoed in her ears.

The others gasped, making Y/n open her eyes where she found them all, mouth agape and eyes bulging as though they couldn’t believe what they were seeing, staring at whatever was behind her. And when she turned around, Y/n’s lips curled up into a sad smile.

Seeing the ship of dreams again after decades filled her with an emotion she couldn’t describe—she couldn’t imagine what the pack were thinking. Probably wondering if it was a dream and they’d wake up any second. The memory was as clear as the day it was made—everything around them was exactly like it was that bright sunny Wednesday afternoon.

It was like they traveled back in time to April 10th, 1912.

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thotpuppy · 10 months

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Untitled Swan Stiles by Definitively_Different_Drivel

Chapters: 5/5 Words: 18,592 Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, Allison Argent/Isaac Lahey/Scott McCall, Danny Māhealani/Lydia Martin/Jackson Whittemore, Vernon Boyd/Erica Reyes Characters: Stiles Stilinski, Derek Hale, Sheriff Stilinski (Teen Wolf), Scott McCall (Teen Wolf), Allison Argent, Isaac Lahey, Danny Māhealani, Jackson Whittemore, Lydia Martin, Erica Reyes, Vernon Boyd Additional Tags: POV Multiple, Comedy, Drama, Side ship central station, Swan Stiles, Sheriff Stilinski's first name not specified, Allusions to Melissa McCall/Sheriff Stilinski Summary:

“Also! I don’t appreciate you entering the territory unannounced, magic tree stump be damned, and I sure as fuck don’t trust you with our territory, no matter what Derek says,” Stiles yelled, mid-rant, arms waving in not so silent fury. He breathed deep, winding up for another string of his aggressive tirade when he felt a shift. He stumbled, slightly, but continued, unphased, when it happened. His mouth opened and a god-awful sound poured out, angry and harsh, like a rubber chicken in an industrial press. ----- This fic started as Stiles + swan princess curse = untitled goose game shenanigans with a bigger, angrier bird. It then spawned side pairings/POVs galore. Note it's Sterek, but each side pairing has at least one POV scene and the Derek/Stiles pairing only occurs at the end of the fic. No worries though, there's plenty of Stiles' POV, a bit of Derek, and it's capped off with some Sterek. Enjoy!

Read Here

oh my gosh!!! this was SO fun!!! Drivel never disappoints. Love the ensemble treatment, lots of wonderful character interactions, and definitely a roaring good time. I meant to make an independent promo post for this ages ago but i am a fool and completely forgot but! ah well. it happens?

I'd wanted to do a cover for this from the start! I obviously had to do a callback to the video game that loosely inspired it, so of COURSE nothing more fitting than a video game cover haha

The AlliScIsaac is only one part of a greater whole, but the poses are all directly referenced from the official art from the game, and those three just fit the trio so well.

Anyways... make sure yall are properly identifying your local waterfowl before you go making any assumptions, yeah?

#sterek #teen wolf #fic rec #my art #blowing so many platonic kisses to drivel #been obsessed w this fic since before it was even started #so glad i got to make art for you

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sterek-ao3feed · 5 days

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Lay My Curses Out to Rest

Read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/58995379

by sponfawn

"Are you there, God? It's me, Stiles. Look, I know I never really went to Mass or anything like a good Polish kid but could you do me a big one and have this whole thing be entirely Not related to the supernatural - hell, it could be super cartel related but no shapeshifters, or chaos spirits, or fear monsters, or deranged Hunters, or fucking human sacrifices of any kind. Just do this for once and I'll do whatever. Well, not whatever, but I dunno I'll be a good son. You like that “honor thy father” stuff, right? I'll honor the fuck out of my dad, even come to visit more often! Confucius will weep at the intensity of my filial piety. Deal? Just. PLEASE."

It's 2027 - a decade since Stiles was last in Beacon Hills - and the FBI has sent Stiles back to investigate a smuggling case.

In which I attempt to write the kind of story I want to read. A future Sterek fic that: 1) is in character, 2) doesn't bash any characters, 3) fixes Davis' timeline, 4) doesn't have sex, 5) has some character interactions that don't just revolve around Sterek/Stiles/Derek, and 6) addresses Derek and Stiles' unique traumas.

Words: 4111, Chapters: 1/14, Language: English

Fandoms: Teen Wolf (TV)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Stiles Stilinski, Derek Hale, Scott McCall (Teen Wolf), Lydia Martin, Malia Tate, Malia Hale, Corey Bryant (Teen Wolf), Liam Dunbar, Mason Hewitt, Eli Hale (Teen Wolf), Original Characters, Sheriff Stilinski (Teen Wolf), Noah Stilinski, Jordan Parrish

Relationships: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, Lydia Martin/Malia Tate, Corey Bryant/Mason Hewitt

Additional Tags: Future Fic, Canon Compliant, mostly - Freeform, Except for the movie, FBI Agent Stiles Stilinski, Trauma, Derek Hale Deserves Nice Things, Stiles Stilinski Deserves Nice Things, Pining, Slow Burn, Good Parent Sheriff Stilinski (Teen Wolf), Good Friend Scott McCall (Teen Wolf), Fix-It of Sorts

https://archiveofourown.org/works/58995379

#Sterek #Stiles Stilinski/Derek Hale #Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski #ao3feed Sterek #ao3feed #fanfic

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emilykaldwen · 9 months

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thanks so much for the tag @theladyelizabeth!

tagging: @acrossthesestars, @stannisfactions, @arrthurpendragon, @mercurygray, @alicentive, @nyctophilic0vitnir, @selfproclaimedunicorn, @themaradwrites, @lya-dustin, @dragonsoftheeast

1. How many works do you have on AO3?: I have 9 so far! I ended up deleting some old works that were abandoned and didn't have a lot of interaction that were over a decade old (and they didn't have bookmarks either so I wasn't worried)

3. What fandoms do you write for?: Currently, House of the Dragon is the hyperfixation

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

The Maiden and the Drowning Boy - HotD Canon Divergent

Soulmates Never Die - The Borgias (my oldest fic)

Fight For Me (If It's Not Too Late) - Teen Wolf

Boy With a Broken Soul (Heart With a Gaping Hole) - HotD Fae AU

You're the Lighting of the Blaze - Hotd Canon Divergent

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not? Always! (and if I don't it's legit cause I forgot/thought I did and AO3 ate the comment). I love the community aspect of fic writing so if you take the time to leave me a comment, I love to engage. I especially love it when commenters ask questions and look for discussion.

6. What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? probably one of the old Prequel Star Wars Fics I wrote way back in the day.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Right now, it's a tie between You're the Lighting of the Blaze and Bright Star

8. Do you get hate on fics? Not on my fics directly but I have gotten some rancid hate in my inbox re: Abby (And then that escalated to telling me to end myself so). This is why I now have anons turned off. Sorry guys.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? I do write smut! I'm not sure what it means by 'what kind'? I've done a few solo smut-shots, and Maiden will have a few explicit scenes when this arc is completed. I'm definitely someone who loves Plot with a side of Porn, and as long as the smut flows well and isn't overly repetitive, I'm here for it.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? I have written a crossover! I had a mini-series of Whedon-verse/Supernatural called It Must Be Tuesday back on LiveJournal. Sam and Dean meet River Tam in a bar and the apocalypse happen. Dean and Buffy hooked up. I was acutally very proud of that LOL

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? Not stolen but I did have some concepts lifted from a Once Upon a Time fic

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? Not that I'm aware of!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? Yes! Soulmates Never Die was co-written with a friend at the time (we've lost touch since then), and then when I was in the Charmed fandom, I adopted out an abandoned fic of mine and was the beta/co-writer on a big future Fic series with Wyatt, Chris, and Chris' friends. Those were some fantastic stories.

14. What’s your all-time favourite ship? Oh man. I really love me Jacelaena and Helaemond still has a soft place in my heart (but the trajectory of a lot of the fics has just been... a turn off). Harry/Luna will always be warm and fuzzy for me (I used to be the ship captain back in the Fiction Alley days). Buffy/Angel was my first real Fandom OTP.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will? Hmmm... I don't have anything right now that fits that. I did have Isabelle Martin's Life is Totally Over which was a Derek/Lydia future Kid fic that I was actually enjoying but the fandom was such an utter turn off by that point.

16. What are your writing strengths? God fuck if I know. I think I'm really good at tying things together/call backs and really emphasizing those themes. I like to think I'm thoughtful at cause/effect of character action and consequences.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? I feel like my descriptions are lacking and I get lost in the weeds. I struggle with finding the stakes in a story. Conflict is difficult.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic? me crying with dote on doing some appropriately translated high valyrian for Maiden instead of just copy/pasting from one of the online translators. Only very, very, VERY few people will know that they're grammatically correct and honoring the original development of HV, but it was important to ME.

19. First fandom you wrote for? Star Wars back in the late 90s.

20. Favourite fic you’ve ever written? Maiden obviously holds my heart and soul, and it's always going to be everything for me, but I'm actually incredibly proud of Fight For Me (If It's Not Too Late). It was a two parter, and I wrote it in the span of a week? Maybe two weeks? and it was the last thing I wrote for a very long time.

#this was fun thank you!

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htsdfferent · 5 months

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@fatesalign for isaac !

she’ll admit, she hasn’t been paying as close attention as she said she would. of course, that might be the whole reason he’s admitted it. ‘ he’s just so nice, and he’s pretty. ’ there’d been more, like a waterfall of compliments for the boy they call their alpha. ( she gets it, sure. but, this, isaac’s words sound more like those of allison’s than her own. ) lydia spins slowly towards her bed, where isaac is laying opposite the correct direction. his head laying off the edge as he fidgets with -- “hey !” hands snap forward to rip the paper rose from his hands. “don’t play with that.” she moves to place it back into her pencil holder, adjusting the bent petal back into place. eyes return to isaac, finding him flipped from his previous placement, his gaze on her ceiling. “okay, so, wait. you like scott -- like you,” she huffs out a breath. there has to be a better way of saying this. “you like - like scott mccall.” mouth drops softly, as she scoots her rolling chair closer. “oh, my god, you have a crush on him.”

#she’s calling him out #anyway lydia isaac bestie agenda starts NOW #it’s too early and i haven’t finished my first cup of coffee sorry if this is bad writing #paper flower from stiles obviously #fatesalign #fatesalign / isaac lahey.#interaction / lydia martin.

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softranswolves · 10 months

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Dear @teenwolfholidayfest

All I want this year is...

(Any format would be amazing for these)

- aromantic Lydia Martin

- asexual Derek Hale

- Scott/Lydia getting together

- Stiles/Malia getting back together

- Mason and Derek interacting

- Isaac/Kira library au

- platonic cuddles, literally any ships/characters

- Stiles and Allison as twins

Thank you!

@softranswolves

#i had to add a couple other ideas lol #teenwolfholidayfest #requests

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scribeoffate · 2 years

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Teen Wolf Tier List

a03 is down, why not spend this time explaining my Feelings about Teen Wolf characters in a different format. <3

This is basically a love letter to all my favorite characters. Which is uh, well you'll see. 🥰🥰

So many thoughts behind the cut!

Category One: VERY FAVORITE

It's what it says on the tin. My very favorite characters. Spoiler alert: I am Bad At Favorites.

Lydia Martin I fell in love with her the instant she was good at bowling. Perfect even. And then the "sucking for his pleasure line," and then, and THEN we get her arc in s2? She's alone, and a little brittle and I have so many theories I've rambled about a million times regarding her childhood and how her powers have manifested before. I could write an entire tumblr post just about Lydia and my thoughts. I love her so much.

Malia Tate

I knew I was going to ADORE her the instant she punched Stiles for turning her back to human. I'm only sad we didn't get to see her initial reunion with Scott. I do firmly believe she throws Scott around in bed while they're together. I love how "yeah i don't really care about your social norms" she is about everything. And how she learns!! And then how much she loves Kylie. She leaves the safety of her den to get Kylie's doll back!!! I love her.

Scott McCall

I liked him at first. I definitely enjoyed seeing him hurt. I always gravitate to the prettiest men with blood on their face in any given fandom. And in Teen Wolf, that is definitely Scott. And then by about my third rewatch I was even more in love with his character, his willpower, persistence, stubbornness, empathy, and leadership. Many of you know Fury is my favorite episode and I love Scott in it so much. I love him.

Mason Hewitt

I was in love with Mason IMMEDIATELY. He was just so clearly such a good friend to Liam. And his smile. And then he helps Scott at the bonfire with no questions asked. And then he helps Lydia. That boy with ZERO spn powers helps Lydia charge berserkers. And then he is so excited for Liam to be a werewolf. And in the inner circle. And then he's the Beast! And he's with Corey! And he helps in s6. I love Mason. Love, love, love. <3

Kira Yukimura

Literal ray of sunshine. Awkward, nerdy, new girl! bad ass, katana-wielding kitsune. I was in love with her from the first interaction with her dad. And then she has fun with Scott at the sheriff's station! And then she learns what Scott is and is the first person to be tender and gentle about it? Ahhh. And then she has angst and the way were *robbed* of a s6 Kira arc. Still mad. Forever mad. But I ADORE Kira so much. She's amazing and I love her.

Vernon Boyd

Loved him when he wouldn't let Stiles pull one over on him with the money. Loved him when he wanted to be like Scott. Loved him when cared sooo much about Erica. Love the angst with Alicia and hate how little we get. He went and worked at an ice rink!!! I just. He's caring and kind and compassionate and observant and quiet and I love him for it.

Melissa McCall

!! The way she is trying so hard. And the way the world is just conspiring against her. She clearly loves Scott so much. I loved their s1 and s2 scenes sooo much. I really wish we'd gotten more of those little intimate mother/son moments later in the series. But I also love how she's still human. Is just trying her best. She's amazing.

Satomi Ito

I love her. She's a badass. And friends with Deaton. And I love how she interacts with Noshiko. And she has so much anger but she does eventually learn one way of expressing it. And Iove that she cares so much for her pack. Love love love love so much love. I watch all of like four Satomi parts soo closely every time.

Ken Yukimura

"Here's all that research you did for that boy you like." What is not to love, though? He's a history nerd! Married to a 900-year-old kitsune! And he loves his daughter so much. He's a good cook! He's so cool. Maybe Ken is what I want to be when I grow up. Even if I am technically older.

Alan Deaton

!! He's so great. While I can see an argument for him withholding information in the first two seasons- I feel like it makes total sense why he does. For so long, this supernatural part of his life has been on the back burner. Since the Hale fire, which he couldn't stop, and then suddenly it's back.

And by s2 he's actively helping Scott figure things out. He's teaching him and Isaac to take pain. Something it never dawned on Peter or Derek they'd like to know. In s3 he saves Stiles, in s6 he faces the fear of the anuk-ite with more grace than anyone. I love. Love always.

Noshiko Yukimura

I adore her so much. I loved younger Noshiko and I love how she's clearly matured since those events. She's also sooo hot. And so badass. And has STELLAR taste in men. So much love for Noshiko forever. <3

Braeden

She shows up on a motorcycle, rescues Isaac, almost dies, FACES DOWN A PACK OF ALPHAS and survives it! And all while looking So Good. I love how she deals with Scott and Derek. I love that she worked for Deucalion after he slashed her throat open.

(quick note if you are tired of me talking about how much i love these characters, this is not the post for you, it doesn't change much)

Erica Reyes

Complete stubborn af BADASS of my dreams. I loved her when she was epileptic and still trying to climb up that rope. I loved her when she showed up and slammed Scott into a locker. I adored her when she hit on Allison. I love how she was so fierce and protective of Boyd and how she terrified Derek. I love her.

Hayden Romero

The way she looks at Liam in her intro. She is going to *destroy* this boy, that she has a crush on, so hard. She's also stubborn and strong-willed, and responsible. She's working so hard to help her sister, who she loves with her entire heart. She's great, and I love her.

Danny Mahealani

Everyone loves Danny! As they should. <3 He has terrible taste in men (relatable tho), and he loves to look disrespectfully (also relatable). I love his interaction with Stiles and Derek in s1 as well as his friendship with Jackson. I love that he's the one doing research on the ley lines! I hate how he disappears after 3b. I wanted more with knowledgable about supernatural Danny.

Meredith Walker

Meredith can leave Eichen any time she wants. She does. She generally stays there: to protect everyone else from herself. Meredith is what Lydia looks like when we don't see her perspective and I think about that soo much. I also love her and Lydia's interaction: "Not all monsters do monstrous things." My heart.

Category Two: VERY FAVORITE ALSO but fandom tries to ruin them for me

I love these characters so much, but the way fandom tries to make them into shells of their actual selves. Or just make everything about them always. There are so many great characters in this fandom!! It's an ensemble show with fantastic characters and actors!! So to be clear: I love the canon versions of these characters.

Stiles Stilinski

-would fall directly under Kira in favorites category.

I fucking love this dude. He's sarcastic and rough around the edges, and awkward. His fingers are impossibly long. He's just the right side of morally gray. And terrified he's going to fall too far the other direction. He's a little broken inside from the way his mother died and is codependent with Scott. Love love love him.

Peter Hale

-Would fall right after Araya in the villain category

I love him. He is ruthless. Selfish. Tits out. He's funny. I love how he's so obsessed with Scott. He spends a whole season working with Kate because of it. Kate who he kills in s1. Iconic villainy. Tbh, he's one of the villains I wish they'd leaned away from the redemption arc on. But I still like his commitment to family (in his mind). And the bravery it takes to step through that fire in s6 knowing exactly how it feels is damn impressive.

Derek Hale

-would fall after Isaac in love them so much category

He's super hot. Like all kinds of hot. Broody. He's such a mess that first season especially. His entire family was lost, he's been gone six years. He comes back and his sister dies first thing. Why he's a broody mess makes sense. And then, for a change, he can save his family! He saves Cora. It sucks to be at the expense of Erica and Boyd. But I feel like he makes his peace with things as best he can.

Young Derek Hale

Is just Derek only younger, really usnure why they are separate tbh.

Chris Argent

-would fall after Derek in love them so much category

Of all the villains, he has the most convincing redemption arc. Possibly because he's just around more on-screen tbh. And he loses so much. By the end of the series Chris has lost everything. And he's such a mess about it. Also he's so stupidly hot.

Noah Stilinski

-would fall after Melissa in favorites category

I love him. He's another single parent trying his best. He clearly cares deeply about Stiles, even though he's often out of his depth. I love the bit where he's watching the kids just run Rafael in circles in 3b. The look on his face is so clearly: "it's about time you had to deal with their nonsense."

Jackson Whittemore

-would fall after Chris in love them so much category

He's such an asshole, and I adore him for it. He's so mean. He's terrible for Lydia (and her for him) but I love that they end up friends. I love Jackson's relationship with Allison especially, and it haunts me who had to call him and explain what happened to her. I love his s2 arc because a "be careful what you wish for" arc always gets me.

Claudia Stilinski

-would be first in neutral category

Only because we just know so little about her. I enjoy my fanon interpretations, but that's all they are.

Very Favorite Villain Edition

Quite likely to be a controversial category. And my absolute favorite. I love OTT villains and does Teen Wolf provide me so well <3

Deucalion

I mean. If you're here. Chances are really high you have some idea how I feel about everyone's favorite British Drama Queen of a Demon Wolf. He calls himself Destroyer of Worlds. Alpha of Alphas. He's a hot fucking mess too. His corruption arc implies less megalomania, and yet.... and his redemption arc is... shaky, but I'm into that. He's not all that redeemed, and the look of pure glee on his face when he's about to beat Scott in 6b supports that. I love how obsessed he is with Scott, too. It's this delusional obsession and gyahh, I am here for it. He does help Scott in 5b, but I contend he did it for a price. <3

Kate

I stan a hot, evil woman always. You will uh, see that theme repeated on this list. And she's pretty unapologetically evil. Though you have to wonder ofc, how much Gerard shaped that. And she does have that little redemption saving Allison in s1. And really does clearly care for her. She's fun! And hot! And creepy and I am here for it.

Violet

Speaking of really hot, evil women. Hello! And she's reckless too? My heart can't even take that kind of thing. And she strangles Scott. The fact that we never got nagaul! Violet is criminal. To me. Personally.

Araya Calavera

Evil Mexican grandma shoots a person. In the street. In broad daylight. If that isn't badass af, I don't know what is. I also really love her interactions with Chris. She's fabulous.

Tamora Monroe

Once again pointing out the hot, evil woman theme. Though I think she's more nuanced than some of the others. She's one of the villains who deserved a redemption arc the most. She's also such a good leader and organizer. She's a good counselor and listener. Love her.

Jennifer Blake

Hot. Evil. Women. It's a whole thing okay. And while I will admit to being one HELL of a Deucalion stan, Jennifer deserved the redemption arc so much more. Her reasons for evil are far more valid. She wants to destroy the people who destroyed her and who wreak devastation in their wake. And get revenge on her ex. Valid of her.

Kali

Speaking of said ex. And hot. And evil. I wish we'd gotten more Kali. I think she feels more remorse than she wants to admit. I love, love, love the way she interacts with Deucalion. I accept "Deuc" from her only. And probably him too.

Ennis

He isn't on here, I'm more neutral on him. But because we get next to nothing about him. Very sad. I bet he's fun. Kali joins the alpha pack for him. Gotta be a reason.

Victoria Argent

Are you prepared to hear me go on about hot, evil women again? AND she bakes cookies. I love when she calls Stiles "the odd one". And she so clearly cares about Chris and Allison. It's utterly devastating when Allison blows her off right before her death. Love.

Void/The Nogitsune

He's just hungry. I love the potential of the nogitsune. And the angst it brings to Noshiko and Stiles especially. I am v excited to see where the movie takes this. But really, he's just hungry. That's not evil. As a favorite bounty hunter once said: "A girl's gotta eat."

Corinne

I think half the reason I fell in love with the show was all the hot, evil women. Jeff may be a gay man but he and I clearly have the same taste in women. I wish we knew more about Corinne to be honest, but I love her relationship with Braeden and am forever wondering about her relationships with Talia and Peter.

Matt Daehler

If he were a woman, he'd be higher. As it is, he's a creepy stalker dude and a lot of fun. I like when he shoots Scott, uh, a lot. I think there is definitely so much more room for exploring his relationship with Jackson. And he was a kid. That deserved redemption every bit as much as anyone else. Maybe more. He was a kid. His death is tragic af.

Gerard Argent

Evil manipulative cockroach. He's fun and serves his purpose.

Category Four: LOVE THEM SO MUCH

aka: Very Favorite Part 2

Allison Argent

She's so great! I love her dark arc. I love her struggle to figure out who she is and her friendships with Lydia and Scott and Isaac and Stiles. I love how she tried so many hobbies and her conflict with her family, internal and external. I hate/love her death. I love her.

Isaac Lahey

He's so tall. And sarcastic. And he's not witty, and he's just a little mean. I love how he still wants to trust people, even after everything he goes through with his dad and then Derek. I love his relationships with Allison, Scott and Chris and Erica and Boyd. A lot like Chris, Isaac loses soo much.

Marin Morell

She's so interesting! I want to know about her life pre-canon so BAD. I feel like it's implied that she's Deucalion's emissary pre-corruption. Why does she stay? How does she feel about it? Why was she with him in the first place? How have her hands gotten dirty before? I have so many questions and theories, but I'd love to know more.

Cora Hale

!! She's a badass. She's basically girl-Derek, so what's not to love there? Broody, broken, angry. I love her back and forth with Lydia and Stiles so much.

Coach Bobby Finstock

What's not to love? This man is the living incarnation of Hot Chaotic Mess and I know I'm always in for a good time.

Mrs. Finch

What is her first name? I love her though her storyline vexes me. I know that it's probably just retconning, but the way I like to consider explanations for *why* she's head in the sand about being an alpha werewolf. Oh! I wonder if I will see parallels to that attitude in movie!Scott. Ohh. I'm gonna have Feelings. I love that she believes in Scott in AP Bio, when even some of his friends do not. I think about her fear a lot when Liam is beaten in science class. She knows he'll heal, ofc, but I think about her a lot for a minor character.

Brett and Lori Talbot

Beloved Satomi pack frens. Brett is a tall drink of water and Mason has rights. Like man. That eight-pack. And Lori is a bad ass. And she tries to help Kira. I enjoy them a lot!

Sydney

She wants to do well on her test. She's sick and still needs to take it! She gives Scott the picture of him, Lydia, Stiles and Malia. My heartttt. She's great and I love her. I have a lot of thoughts about her being friends with Brett and Lori.

Jordan Parrish

He's a cinnamon roll but on fire. Instant love. Plus he's half-naked A LOT, and I'm not mad about it.

Natalie Martin

She's trying in her way. I really think in her mind, Natalie is doing whatever she needs to do to prevent Lydia from becoming Lorraine. She wants to do the right thing, but isn't so good at seeing what that is.

Tracy Stewart

She's a badass. Hot and almost evil. And she has a tail. Only wins here.

Aiden and Ethan Steiner

They're fun. I like Ethan slightly better. Aiden is a subby straight boy though, and that's hard not to love.

Valerie Clark

Hayden's hot, badass deputy sister. Love her. I head canon she comes back to Beacon Hills to be the sheriff. <3

Liam Dunbar

Cute angry little shrimp and Mason loves him, so I do. <3

Corey Bryant

Love him with Mason so much. Think about him and being invisible. I wish we got more with him but I enjoy what we have.

Talia Hale

Endlessly fascinating. Mostly questions. I love that she's a dramatic! Bitch. Her intro is Superb. You can see the family resemblance. She's def Peter's sister.

Theo Raeken

I struggled with Theo. I love him as a villain and have begun to appreciate his more redeemed version. He's basically boy-Lydia, so of course, I adore him in that context. I just wasn't sure what category to put him in. So here he is. He's fun, and wow, is he just so compact. Talk about pleasing to look upon abs.

Category Five: neutral but i'm willing to be swayed to loving them more

this is a handful of characters in no particular order than im not super invested in. but people sometimes make very convincing arguments

Alec

We just don't anything about him.

Nolan Holloway

I think he's been through some shit and I love the scared child aspects of his character.

Paige Krasikeva

I don't hate what little we see. I just now learned she had a last name on the wiki.

Josh Diaz

He's cute, violent, and likes electricity.

Gabe

He gives Theo and Nolan nice character moments.

Garrett

He loves Violet.

Donovan Donati

He does what he's supposed to do as a peek at dark Stiles.

Adrian Harris

He exists to be disliked, and it works.

Rafael McCall

He exists to give Melissa and Scott character development.

Brunski

Boring serial killer dude. Other villains do it better. I do like when he ties up Stiles and Lydia.

Category Six: why is there a nazi werelion, no really

Douglass: Meh. Boring.

Thank you to anyone who read the entire thing. I had fun and hope you did. I'd love to see your lists!

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hersie44 · 1 year

Text

Old Friends (Derek Hale x Reader)

Characters included: Derek Hale, Stiles Stilinski, Scott McCall, Lydia Martin, Kira Yukimura, Malia Tate, Jordan Parrish, Noah Stilinski, Chris Argent, Peter Hale, Liam Dunbar.

Requested: No

Type: Reader insert (no use of y/n though), fan fiction.

Word Count: 2480 words

warning: Strong language used, SMUT (Oral - Female receiving, P in V and dominance kink, slight choking kink), 18+ content. Minors do not interact.

Note: Sorry for no chapters these last few weeks, I am terrible at time keeping honestly. I was also dying from a lung infection for a month or so but I lived so here we are.

Chapter Four: Final Chapter.

A drive to Mexico was definitely on my date list but not to save a kid from becoming a “monster.” Derek has been silent the whole trip, hand on my thigh while I play with his fingers. I could tell that he was worried, there was nothing we could do as humans besides shoot things, I guess that’s why Derek had a handgun in my lap.

It made me nervous, having a weapon in my lap. Something about the thought of killing someone or something is making my stomach turn in knots, not in a good way. But this was Derek’s pack in some way, he'd deny it if I said it out loud, but he was never made to be a lone wolf. His mom, his sisters wouldn't want him to end up all alone. I wouldn't want him to be alone.

“It’s okay, Scott is strong.” I finally spoke and I could see Derek’s eyes glance at me before focusing back on the road, his hand squeezed my thigh in response.

"Derek...please say something." I pleaded, I hadn't heard his voice in hours, and it put me on edge. Were we really going to be okay without any supernatural abilities?

"You'll be safe. I promise." His hand moved away from my thigh and gripped my hand, our fingers lacing together. Then there was silence again...

When we got close to the temple there was a lot of people, hunters I was assuming. Derek stopped the car a bit further away, the breath he was holding in finally left his lungs. That was when he looked at me, his hand gripping the gun tightly before placing it in my hands.

“Keep yourself safe, don’t leave the car. Promise me.” He was looking directly into my eyes, and I could see the silent plea in them.

‘Don’t leave me, don’t die.’

I nodded. Somehow, I knew that if something happened to him, I would run in without a thought, I knew that he knew that too. But he didn’t make me say that promise, he sealed my lips with his instead. It felt different, not like our usual kisses that sent a delicious sensation up my spine. It felt like a good-bye.

When he pulled back, he moved me into the backseat, making me lie down and covering me with a blanket. It was hard to breathe, an elephant sitting on my chest that got heavier with each soft caress of my skin from him.

He lifted his hand away from me and I instinctively grabbed it. My heart was pounding in my ears, adrenaline rushing through my veins.

"You have to promise to be safe too, I can't lose you. I just got you back, Derek. Please." He smiled slightly, leaning down, and pecking my lips.

"You know I struggle to keep promises. But...how about I promise to come back to you, no matter what. I will come back to you, I promise." I nodded; I was satisfied with that. He will come back; he will come back. I repeated that to myself over and over again.

Then his hand left me, the door of the car closed and then there was silence. A deafening silence. His presence wasn’t there to keep me company, to keep my mind away from all the terrible things that could happen to the kids. That could happen to him. I started to count the seconds…

1…2…3…

I heard the voices in the distance getting louder…

4…5…6…

There were several gun shots going off…

7…8…9…

I sat up, looking in the distance at the temple. There stood a blonde in front of Derek, but then she changed. Shifted into something that I didn’t recognize, then she pounced on him. I screamed, banging on the car door, and pulling on the handle to try and open it but it wouldn’t budge. Without thinking I lifted my legs, kicking the back window as hard as possible. I kicked and kicked, then finally it launched off the car and I crawled out.

I ran towards them, my heart pounding in my ears. I was too late. Derek laid there bloody, his hand on his stomach and breathing heavily with the woman, the monster in front of him. It was like it sensed me, it turned around and that was when my blood ran cold.

“Kate…” Her eyes roamed all over me, a chill going up my spine as she grinned.

“Hey bestie, long time no see.” As she stalked towards me, I held up the gun, she paused and feigned a sad look.

“Really? A guy over your best friend? What happened to letting me have him?” I gritted my teeth; I remembered that promise. That she had liked him for longer than I did, so I was a good friend and promised to help them get together. After hearing what she did, I’ve regretted that every single moment. I hate her.

I hate her.

One gun shot went off.

Then two, then three. I saw red, I didn’t stop firing as she bolted towards me, she tackled me, and we went to the ground. Her sharp claws were digging into my skin, holding my arms in place.

“You’re such a bitch, fucking backstabber. You shot me over a guy!” I moved my legs and kicked her off me, getting up and hitting her in the face with the gun, she growled and pounced for me again. I punched her in the face, managing to catch her off guard and making her stumble back. I had a lump in my throat, Derek was dying or already dead because of her. His family was dead because of her, I felt something in myself snap as I walked towards her. I picked up the gun again and pointed it at her. No, not her.

This wasn't the Kate I knew; the Kate I knew was fake. She was never my friend, she used to me get close to Derek. To kill him and his family, I will never forgive her for that. I hope she burns in the deepest depths of whatever hell the afterlife has to offer. I hope the Hale family gets to watch her beg for forgiveness before she burns for the rest of eternity, so she can feel what she did to them.

But before I could pull the trigger a dark shadow slammed into her, knocking her to the side. I looked down and saw a wolf standing in front of me, growling at her. I took the chance to look over where Derek was, but to my surprise he was gone.

"Derek?" The wolf huffed as I called out his name, suddenly my grief left my body. He didn't die, he was standing right in front of me. As a wolf.

The wolf, Derek, lunged at Kate. I felt my rage turn into happiness, but a smile took over my lips.

“That’s what you deserve, bitch.” I spat out, watching as he tore her apart. I hoped his family was proud of him, he finally got revenge for the things she did to them. May they now rest in peace.

When it was over, Derek shifted back. I blinked a few times, then red decorated my cheeks. He was naked, completed naked. Though I didn’t have long to admire him, his arms were around me before I could shout at him to cover up. My face was buried in his chest, breathing in his delicious and familiar scent.

“I’m glad you’re safe.” He whispered to me, his hands finding a way under my shirt. His fingers gripping my bare waist tightly. I smiled.

“I’m glad you’re alive and…a wolf?” I glanced up at him, he had a wolfish grin on his face. He has clearly gotten his werewolf abilities back and was ecstatic about it.

“I evolved.” He leans down, kissing my neck.

“Derek…what about Scott?” I bit my lip, his touch was driving me crazy, but we were here for the kids. Not to get his wolf abilities back and then fuck.

“Over here.” I looked over at the entrance to the cave and sighed in relief, there were the kids. Scott, Stiles and two girls that I didn’t recognise but was nevertheless happy to see safe.

“Good.” Without a second thought Derek picked up and threw me over his shoulder, I laughed and screamed a goodbye to the kids who were all fake gagging and laughing.

When we arrived back at the loft, Derek pinned me against the door and kissed me. I let out a moan against his lips, his tongue invading my mouth as soon as my lips parted. His one hand gripped my hair, the other ripping my jeans down the front. His lips moved down to my neck, leaving hickey after hickey on any exposed skin he could find.

“I’ve been waiting for this.” He growled into the crook of my neck, his hands gripping my thighs and lifting me up against the door.

"I don't believe you." I grinned, a defiant look in my eyes as he stared down at me.

"Show me how much you want this."

His eyes changed colour, that deep blue that I saw in the wolf’s eyes appeared and that’s when I knew I was in trouble. With one swoop he ripped my underwear off and lifted me up further, my thighs rested on his shoulders before he buried his face between them.

His tongue flattened against my slit, moving up towards my clit. He let out a low groan, his fingers digging into my thighs.

“Already so wet for me, huh love?” He looked up at me, his tongue swirling around my clit like he was licking the icing off of a cupcake. The way he held me close, the soft groans and growls he let out was driving me more insane than his tongue. My fingers tangled themselves in his hair tugging on them as his tongue moved down to my entrance, my eyes rolling back as he pushed it in.

“Derek!” His right hand gripped my ass and smacked it hard, a loud moan leaving my lips after the contact. His tongue moved expertly inside me, brushing all the right places just as his left hand decided to join his mouth. His index finger found my clit, circling it. Playing with the sensitive bud. Each little movement building me higher until-

He pulls back. I looked down at him in a daze, my chest heaving but not as much as it should be.

“You wanna tease me? Then you only get to cum on my dick.” I was about to protest when he gripped my thighs again, he walked over to his bed and threw me down on it. I left out a little huff and sat up to protest again, that was when his hand wrapped around my throat.

“I know you want to be good for me, so take off my jeans and boxers. I promise to make you cum if you listen.” A shot of arousal went through my body, he sounded so commanding, and I loved it. I loved having him take control.

My hands made quick work of his jeans; the palm of my right hand pressed against his bulge. He let out a low moan, his eyes focused on me as I leaned forward. I could tell he was aching to be inside me, that he probably hasn’t slept with someone in a while. I pulled down his boxers and kisses his tip, licking it lightly which made him hiss and push me down onto the bed. I was pinned, his hand around my throat.

“You are so much of a tease, you know that?” His free hand pushed my thighs apart, “Keep them open, you move them, and I will stop.”

Despite the rough tone he took on, he lightly pressed his tip against my entrance. My breath hitched in the moment, having him slowly push into me felt like I had reached euphoria. His teasing from earlier made me eager and sensitive, he knew that. I could see that he enjoyed the look of pure lust on my face, he leaned down with his free hand propping him up as he began to thrust.

“Fuck…you feel so good around me.” His grip on my throat tightened, restricting just enough oxygen to my brain to make me see stars with each stroke from his dick. He reached heavenly places inside me, knowing how to angle each thrust to hit that delicious spot that had me moaning his name like a prayer.

“Derek…please…” I managed to stutter out a plea as the pleasure continued to build up in my body, that was when his hand left my throat and found it’s way to my lower back. He lifted me up easily and started to thrust faster, practically pounding into me. I clung to him, my nails dragging down his back. Another groan left his lips as he kissed and nipped at my neck, his muscles tightening under his touch.

“Together baby…” I barely held in a scream as I met my climax, my vision blurring while my mind was filled with fog. But I felt it, his seed releasing inside me before his hips stilled. Oh, and it was the most mind-blowing feeling, being claimed as his in such a way.

We were both silent for a moment, only the sound of us breathing filling the air. Then he laid on his side, his arms pulling me with him. He cradled me against him, one hand in my hair and the other wrapped securely around my waist. His thumb drew shapes on my hip, his lips pressing lingering kisses on my jaw and cheek.

“Are you okay?” He spoke softly, as if not to disturb the tender moment that we were having.

“You mean…after the amazing sex or everything else that happened today?” He chuckled, his fingers lifting my chin so that our eyes met.

“Both.” I smiled.

“Yeah…I’m just really happy that we didn’t lose each other again.” He leaned in, resting his forehead against mine.

“Me too. But you know you’re mine now, right?” I laughed, my hands cupping his face.

“You suck at asking people out, Hale.” He raised an eyebrow.

“I bought you books, took you to Mexico and fucked you good. How do I suck?”

“Okay…fine, it was pretty great besides the part where I thought you died.” I pushed him onto his back and straddled his waist, looking down at him. “But ask me properly.”

“Will you be my girlfriend?” He smiled up at me, his hands on my hips. He knew I couldn’t resist him when he smiled.

“I thought you’d never ask.” I laughed and leaned down, sealing our long-awaited relationship with a kiss.

THE END.

#derek hale #teen wolf #derek hale x reader #teen wolf fanfiction #teen wolf season 4

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