text;

[garou]

for those that knew her cora hale has gone home

[ No, he's not particularly happy about it; in fact, he's even skipped out on going to work to stay home and mope. ]

Comments

[skybluejeep]

[His expression softens, and he knows he's accomplishing nothing by being defensive. So he sits down next to Derek on the couch, and slowly peels his hands away from his face.]

I know, Der. I know. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

[garou]

[ It's a testament to what they have that Derek even lets Stiles touch him, let alone pull him out of his defense mechanism and open him up. ] You have nothing to be sorry for.

[skybluejeep]

I can still express sympathy.

[He holds both Derek's hands in his, and tilts his head at him.]

I'd suggest my usual coping method, but it doesn't really work for you. Your healing factor is damn inconvenient sometimes.

[garou]

[ Derek smirks just a little, turning his hands so he can link their fingers together. ] I don't think it would help, anyway.

[skybluejeep]

It really doesn't. But...I'd love to see you really rip-roaring drunk. Just once.

[He squeezes Derek's hands, a real and practical concern rearing its head.]

Are you gonna be okay? I mean...you really don't have a pack anymore.

[garou]

I have you. It's enough.

[ It wasn't, not really, but it would be. Derek had dealt with only one person in his pack before. He could do it again. ]

[skybluejeep]

[He looks surprisingly touched by that, and he smiles. It's got a lot of sadness in it though.]

Yeah? Okay. Keep me posted if it's not. I mean, I can't see you adding anybody to the werewolfy ranks here on the turtle. But...well. I guess if you really need me to I will.

[garou]

[ And Derek is visibly shocked. He's never once heard Stiles ask for the bite, not from Scott, not from him, not from anyone. This is a Big Deal for both Stiles, and he, and Derek... Derek doesn't want that. He likes Stiles as he is, doesn't need him to be a wolf to be in his pack. He leans forward, bumps their heads together. ] I won't. Besides, you as a werewolf? Frightening.

[skybluejeep]

[Stiles has never wanted that. He'd never ask for it. But...to help Derek? He'd do it in a heartbeat and never regret it for an instant. But he will admit he's relieved that Derek didn't take him up on it.]

This is true. I'd probably be the worst Beta in the history of the world. If this True Alpha stuff is legit, then I'd probably be your Alpha in about ten minutes. And that just wouldn't stand.

[garou]

[ Derek chuckles. ] You don't listen to me now. As a Beta, it'd probably be worse.

[skybluejeep]

I listen to you!

...Okay, I listen to the important stuff. The rest is just unnecessary angst or grumpy brooding.

[garou]

I don't brood.

[skybluejeep]

If there were a brooding Olympics, you'd get the gold eight consecutive games in a row. If you were a Springsteen album, you'd be Born to Brood. I have never seen such brooding in my life. You're a champion brooder.

[garou]

The more you repeat that word, the more it loses it's meaning.

[skybluejeep]

This is true of any word. Broody McBrooderson.

[garou]

Then I'll just brood alone tonight.

[skybluejeep]

[He pauses, thinking that maybe this backfired on him a little. But then he realizes that Derek always threatens that. So maybe he's gonna be okay.]

I'm not leaving you alone. So you'll just have to brood and angst on my shoulder.