new york wolves } { of big annoucements and moving forward

[wildkingdom]

Peter: [gives her a few minutes, and then goes to knock on her door] Malia, sweetheart... can we talk a moment?

Malia: [pokes her head up from her laptop and nods] Sure.

Peter: [slips in, closing the door behind him] Are you working on anything important?

Malia: [shakes her head] Just assigned reading.

Peter: Okay. [he goes to sit on the edge of her bed next to her] I wanted to come and talk to you about a change that's going to be happening to the pack soon, and I wanted you to hear it from me.

Malia: [her brow furrows as she sits up more] Is everything okay?

Peter: Yes, everything is fine. [he reached over to rub her knee gently] I've just been talking with both Nadia and Laura about something, and I've made a very hard choice. [he thinks] Do you remember what I was like when we first met?

Malia: [thinks back and nods] Yeah. You were a jerk.

Peter: Exactly. I was angry, in pain, and very much a jerk. [he nods] and very similar to how I had been with you a few weeks ago.

Malia: [glances down and away, not really sure what to say to that]

Peter: I did a lot of thinking when I hurt you, and Laura and I have talked about how with the fire and the Ivanovs and the Argents... I've not given myself time to really heal and do something for myself to find a purpose in my life yet. You have your dancing, Derek has his job... but I've not let myself do anything but think of the pack and it's taken a toll on me.

Malia: So what are you going to do?

Peter: Nadia is going to be going to London for six months on an art installation. I've known for a while, but she asked me the other day if I would join her. And after thinking about it... I think it would be good for me to get out and travel a bit and see the world. It's something I always wanted to do, but never was able to because of my place in the pack.

Malia: [okay. He's leaving. It's not what she wants but people leave sometimes] But you're coming back.

Peter: Yes. It will only be for six months, and then I'll be back. And I'll be in touch, and we may even come back and forth if we're needed since Nadia is Victor's second.

Malia: [she takes a breath and then she nods.] Okay.

Peter: I'm sure I can also convince Nadia to fly you, and even Jeremy, over to visit and do some traveling with me if you want to this summer.

Malia: I have a competition circuit this summer. [so that probably won't happen, but she appreciates the thought] But there's Skype.

Peter: Yes, and unlike your brother, I know how to use it.

Malia: [nods quietly, then glances back to him] Who's going to be the new second?

Peter: That's something we're going to probably talk about at dinner tonight. It's not my news to tell. But I think this is going to help even me out a bit more, and make it easier on all of you dealing with me.

Malia: [nods again] You weren't that bad to deal with. [last week aside]

Peter: I know, but I haven't felt like who I used to be in a long time. I want to see if he's still in there. And I really like Nadia, and she brings out a lot of good in me.

Malia: [nods a bit] Just come back. [don't run away to London because then she will be upset]

Peter: Oh, I will. I'm not abandoning my pack, sweetheart. I'm just taking an extended vacation.

Malia: Okay.

Peter: [he watches her a moment] Are you going to be okay with me being gone, sweetheart?

Malia: [glances up and she nods] Sure. [just as long as he's not leaving for good.] Why wouldn't I be?

Peter: Sometimes people don't like change. And I worry about you and how you will take it since you are my daughter.

Malia: It's not like you're leaving for good. [she doesn't really care about his status in the pack, just that he's there]

Peter: [he nods, and leans in a bit closer] And if you do need me back... you just have to ask and I will come home for you.

Malia: [she glances up at him and nods] Okay.

Peter: Well, I still need to tell Cora before dinner. And I'm still going to be here for a few weeks so you haven't lost me yet.

Malia: [nods] I should do my homework.

Peter: You do that. [leans in to kiss her forehead before getting up] Want me to leave the door cracked so you can hear us call?

Malia: [nods] Thanks.

Peter: [and he will slip out, doing just that, and go to see if Cora is home yet]

Cora: [is coming up the stairs as he's coming out of Malia's room and she tosses him a smile] Hey.

Peter: Just the girl I was looking for. How was school?

Cora: It was school. Same as usual.

Peter: Then you won't be bothered much if I take a few minutes of your time?

Cora: [shakes her head before pushing open the door to her room] No, not at all.

Peter: Good. [he follows, closing the door behind her] How are you doing lately, Cora? Not in school, but in other parts of your life?

Cora: [she shrugs] Fine. Things with Stiles are good and we're going to go hang out with the kids from Mystic Falls for spring break.

Peter: When is that going to be again? [because this may make Stiles need to cancel...]

Cora: Not until middle of March.

Peter: [which would but it right in the middle of the transition period. Peter isn't sure he wants the boy gone, but he remembers being trained, and the need for a vacation. It may help] Well, I was coming to talk to you about something that will be happening come April.

Cora: Oh?

Peter: [he nods, going to sit on her bed] Well... you know how I've been spending a lot of time with Nadia when I'm not needed here, right?

Cora: Yeah. She's your girlfriend. [obviously you'd want to spend a lot of time with her]

Peter: I think it's more than that. I'm pretty sure from what I've been feeling... she's my mate.

Cora: [her eyes widen a bit with a small smile] That's good. I'm happy for you.

Peter: Thank you. But it's also making me have to make some decisions that are going to have an impact on the pack.

Cora: [that makes the smile fade a bit] Like what?

Peter: [he sighed] Lately I've had to face some facts about myself. Things since the fire that I have, but mostly haven't done. [he paused a moment] Do you remember us before the fire? Who I used to be?

Cora: [pauses and nods slowly] Yeah, I remember.

Peter: I haven't been that way in a long time, so long I think I've forgotten who that person was. Ever since the fire, I've been always focused on the pack that I never really took the time to focus on me. I kept saying that I would do it later, but I needed to make sure you kids were safe. Were happy.

Cora: And we are now.

Peter: I know. And I think that means it's time I can finally work on myself. [he reached over to pull her to sit next to him] Nadia is going to be working on an art installation in London starting in April, and it will last six months. I've talked with Laura... and I'm going to go with her.

Cora: [she goes to sit next to him but when he actually gives the news, she straightens in surprise. She's all about him getting better but London is very, very far away] For six months?

Peter: Yes. And then we'll be back in the city, so it's not forever. Just some time for me to figure out who I am and who I want to be, and what Nadia and I want to be. Plus I've always wanted to travel, but was never given the time or opportunity before.

Cora: No, I know, it's just ... it's a long time.

Peter: I know. I won't be back in the city until mid October. We make come back to visit if Victor has need of Nadia, but otherwise we will have to just plan on time together over Skype or on the phone for that time.

Cora: [nods, not really sure what to say, but it's obvious she's taking it harder than Malia was]

Peter: [goes to take her hands] Cora, sweetie... talk to me. I still have yet to evolve and develop telepathy. [small smile]

Cora: [glances down at her hand and gives a small shrug] I want you to be you again. But I don't want you to be that far away.

Peter: I'm not all that fond of being that far from the rest of you, to be honest. But I think it would hurt me more to be here and have Nadia that far from me. [he squeezed her hand] You here are the only one who knows what that feels like.

Cora: [she keeps her eyes focused on her hands for a moment, because she does know what that's like, and it hurts like hell. She wouldn't want him to go through that either.] I know.

Peter: [inches closer] You've had me at your side since the day you were born, Cora. I know it's going to be strange without me here, but the time will pass quickly, I promise. And you can even come to visit if you find time in your studies. This is going to be a good thing for all of you, I promise.

Cora: [she nods] I hope so.

Peter: I know so. And I've yet to really ever be wrong.

Cora: [gives him a skeptical look at that because Peter, that may be your ego talking]

Peter: [smirks because he knows that look] And it's not going to be for a few weeks before I leave, so we still have plenty of time to spend together before I go.

Cora: [sighs softly and nods] Okay.

Peter: [pulls her closer and hugs her] I promise you, if you need me I will be on the next flight home.

Cora: [closes her eyes as she leans into him, burying her face in his shoulder a bit]

Peter: [holds her tightly] It's going to be okay, little wolf. [kissing her forehead]

Cora: I know.

Peter: [and he will just snuggle with her silently until she either talks or they are summoned to dinner]

Laura: [which they will be very shortly!]

Stiles: [and he's helping Laura, trying to learn this thing called cooking now that he's all showered and not stinking of boy]

Laura: [and when they're ready to set it on the table ...] Go knock on doors.

Stiles: Sure thing. [and he's going to super speed up to knock on Cora's, and then Malia's. They know what it means. He pauses in front of Derek's door...] Derek still at work?

Laura: [glances at her watch] Yes, but he should be here soon.

Stiles: [he goes back to her] Are we going to... you know? [tell them about him?]

Laura: Peter just told them about him, so if you're ready to, yeah.

Stiles: Yeah, I mean... sometimes it's better to just put out all the cards on the table so everyone knows all the cards in play at once and can figure out their hand.

Laura: Okay. Then we'll tell them.

Stiles: Okay. [and he's going to go and make his and Cora's drink and put them on the table.]

Peter: [guiding the girls downstairs]

Derek: [yes, he got the text message, Peter. Yes, he's home on time.] Did I make it for dinner?

Laura: [glances over with a smile] Yep. C'mon in.

Cora: [is looking a little despondent, but she'll just slide into her seat next to Stiles and wait for dinner to start]

Stiles: [and he's going to look over at her, and then just inch his chair over a hair and take her hand under the table, squeezing it.]

Derek: Good. [and he will hang up his jacket and suit jacket, loosening his tie and tossing it on the couch before joining them at the table taking his seat next to Malia and across from Cora]

Peter: [obviously is at one head of the table. Daddy wolf and all]

Laura: [is at the opposite head and after she finishes putting everything on the table she sits down before gesturing for everyone to serve themselves] Dig in.

Cora: [glances over and gives his hand a squeeze in return. they will talk about this later]

Stiles: [oh yeah, because she hasn't heard the rest of it yet. but for now, the boys are all going to just om nom nom because hungry pack of wolves]

Cora: [Yep, so are the girls, though Cora's more pushing her food around her plate]

Peter: [and he's going to just give Laura a nod after the majority of the food is gone and the others are slowing down]

Laura: [deep breath] So. By now all of you know what's going on with Peter, right?

Derek: Yes. The American werewolf in London. Very cliché.

Peter: [rolls his eyes] Thank you for your support, Derek.

Laura: [the girls just nod their agreement so she continues] Well, because Peter is also going to be stepping down from his role as second. Before he leaves he's going to be training a new one.

Cora: [nods because she can guess who] Derek?

Derek: [shakes his head] Actually, no. I talked with Laura and Peter and while I know it's what I was supposed to be... I don't think I can anymore. Plus it would make my job a lot harder trying to find middle ground between human law and supernatural rules.

Cora: [her brow furrows and she glances back to her sister, confused] Then who?

Laura: [will glance to Stiles, giving him the chance to tell them himself.]

Stiles: [deep breath] Yeah... Um... actually Laura asked me.

Cora: [both girls heads snap to him, and Cora watches him for a moment, before giving him a small smile] Really?

Stiles: [nods] Yeah. I mean, it's pretty big shoes to fill... but I mean I pretty sure I can do it. Laura and I do work well off each other, and I kinda like the idea the more I think about it. I know I can do it, if you guys are okay with it, I mean.

Cora: [she nods, squeezing his hand gently] I'm okay with that.

Malia: [shrugs] Sure.

Derek: I'm good with it.

Peter: You're probably going to regret it when the training is done. [smirks]

Stiles: Hey, if it even makes you happy, Peter, it's obviously the right choice. You have very wicked reasons for it, but bring it.

Peter: [that smirks just grows]

Laura: [reaches over and pets his shoulder] You'll be fine.

Stiles: Just keep reminding me that every night after he finishes kicking my ass, okay?

Laura: Will do.

Peter: [he looks at Laura, wondering if she's going to tell the m the other bit of news]

Laura: [she pauses, before shaking her head. She hasn't spoken to Victor yet, so she doesn't want to get their hopes up]

Peter: [he nods] So do you girls have any questions about what's going to happen next?

Cora: [shakes her head and so does Malia]

Peter: Good. Then we're going to have a very interesting next few weeks, I think.

Cora: [nods, her hand still tight in Stiles’ before she glances over to Laura] Is that everything?

Laura: [nods] Yep. You can go.

Cora: [nods, and with that she will glance to Stiles and silently ask if he's finished, because if he is, she's going to drag him up to her room]

Stiles: Um.... [he finishes up the slice of pizza in front of him and grabs another and a new napkin.] Yeah, I'm good to take this to go.

Cora: [smiles a bit, before lifting their hands and pulling him back up the stairs with her]

Peter: Our future second... you do realize that means Cora has a lot of influence over how he's going to make decisions.

Derek: Like she didn't have any over yours?

Laura: He's right. She's had us wrapped around her finger since she was eleven.

Derek: Benefits of being the baby of the family.

Laura: Yep. Luckily she never asked for much.

Peter: From us at least. Pretty sure she gets whatever she wants from Stiles without even asking.

Laura: That is true.

Stiles: [meanwhile, still being dragged]

Cora: [into her room and curling up in bed with him because she needs it, though she isn't really sure what to say yet]

Stiles: [good thing he finished the slice before getting to the bed. He's going to hold her though, worried but keeping quiet]

Cora: [she closes her eyes, curling closer and exhaling] It's going to be weird with him gone.

Stiles: He's only going to be gone six months. Then he'll be back and judging us all again like he was never gone.

Cora: I know. But ... we haven't been apart for that long before. Not even after the fire.

Stiles: Well, maybe it's time to try. See how it works.

Cora: [she nods once] I just hate that he has to go away to get better. [pack is supposed to help, not be the thing that drives them away. It was different with Derek at least he was still in the same city.]

Stiles: I don't think it's just that, Cora. I don't think he wants to leave, or wants the space. I just think he is torn between wanting to be here and wanting to be with Nadia. And he's had ten years with you guys, but what, maybe a year with her? He wants to be with her for a bit.

Cora: I know. And I want him to be with her. She makes him happy.

Stiles: She makes him an actual human being. And then there was the whole healing his scars thing too

Cora: I know. [she sighs softly as she shifts so that she's resting her chin against his chest and looking up at him] It's just ... it's London. There's a whole ocean between there and here.

Stiles: And these amazing machines capable of flight. One that Nadia's family owns, if I remember right.

Cora: [she laughs] I know that too.

Stiles: And I may need you a bit more during the next few months. Because, you know, I have no idea what the hell I'm doing.

Cora: [she smiles a bit, before pushing up to kiss him] You are going to be good at this.

Stiles: That's what Laura said.

Cora: Well, she's right. You're practically Peter 2.0.

Stiles: Oh god, please don't say that. Otherwise I'm going to have concerns about how close you and Peter are. [teasing]

Cora: [rolls her eyes] I meant for Laura.

Stiles: Oh. Well, yeah. I mean, I guess maybe when my brain was fixed when I got the bite... maybe it kinda formed a bit to work like that for her. Like it knew what she needed me to be?

Cora: [she shrugs] I don't think so. I think you and Peter are just a lot alike.

Stiles: Could explain why we butt heads so much.

Cora: Probably. That and you shot him in the face with kanima venom.

Stiles: I don't think I ever told him I dulled his down so it only lasted five minutes. Just in case things did go south...

Cora: That might be something you should mention one day.

Stiles: I probably will. One day.

Cora: [she nods, letting her head rest against his chest again so she can hear his heartbeat] I'm glad you decided to do it, though.

Stiles: I'm scared out of my mind, to be honest. But I talked it through with Scott cause I couldn't tell you yet. And he made me realize I could do it if I believed in myself. So I just hope I don't freak myself out

Cora: You won't. [she pauses as she pushes herself up] I know Peter's going to put a lot of pressure on you, and I'm not saying it isn't important, because it is, but Laura isn't going to need some kind of fancy advisor or formality. Just talk to her like you'd always talk to her.

Stiles: Dispensing wisdom while talking about zombies. Yeah, you guys may regret this.