spamalot } { of returning fathers and unprepared daughters

[impetere]

Cora: [she jumps to grab the pull up bar over her head, using it to haul herself up and down until she can feel her arms burn. And even then she keeps going, because it's not making her feel better. After that she drops to the ground, switching to push ups instead]

Stiles: [enters and moves to let Scott in] So, you know, sometimes I don't want to stop her when she's doing that. I mean, she looks totally hot working out. Better than I'd ever look.

Scott: [rolls his eyes] Cora, we've come to find you.

Cora: [she catches that first part and she smirks a little, before pushing back onto her haunches and standing up. She swings her arm across her body to stretch it out before turning to face them] Laura tell you to come get me?

Scott: No.

Stiles: More like Malia said she thought something was wrong and I know your habits when you're upset.

Cora: [she crosses her arms in front of her chest because really, she just wanted some time to herself to not feel angry because she shouldn't care. It's been almost ten years] My dad is coming back to Beacon Hills.

Stiles: You're dad? I didn't know he was still around. Just for a visit, or like moving back or what?

Scott: [no, he gets this one and he crosses his arms] Stiles.

Stiles: What, I mean... [sees his look, then Cora's...] Oh. Not a good thing.

Cora: [she shrugs] From the way my mom was talking about it, he's moving back. And not just to the town, he's moving back to the house and ... [she makes a face] My mom says it's because it's the "right time."

Scott: How long was he gone? I mean, you don't have to talk about it but sometimes it helps?

Stiles: [not going to ask the obvious question as to why he was gone, though if it was like why Scott's dad left...]

Cora: [one hand rubs her arm lightly] I was eight. He told me that it wasn't working out with him and my mom and he made sure to make it very clear that it had nothing to do with me, but he was moving to San Bernardino. [there's a pause] And after that it was nothing but birthday cards and quick visits for graduations.

Scott: But he wasn't... you know... bad to you? Or your mom?

Cora: [she shakes her head] No. They were fine. I mean, nothing I really noticed. And Laura still kept going to see him, so I doubt she would have if he was a bad guy.

Stiles: Is he.... like you?

Cora: [she shakes her head] He was human. He didn't want the bite.

Stiles: [looks at Scott, then her] Um.... okay. So he left with no real reason, wasn't mean to you at all, and is the human father to three wolves... something's missing here.

Scott: You should tell your mom if you don't want him moving back home. It's your house too.

Cora: [she shrugs in response to Stiles's statement. She was eight. She didn't notice anything and she doesn't really care at this point. Her eyes fall to her feet in response to Scott however, because she shakes her head] I can't do that.

Scott: Why not? Your mom wouldn't want you to be upset.

Cora: And he's her mate, Scott. [which he probably doesn't get yet, because he's still too young, but her mom hasn't even looked at anyone since her dad left. She knows what that means, and she can't take that away from her, even if she is upset] And it's not even that he's coming back. But why now? Why not five years ago? Why did he even bother leaving at all if he was just going to come back?

Scott: Maybe he finally realized how stupid he was to leave? I mean, you guys do tend to be stubborn at times. No offense.

Stiles: [is thinking for his own answer, biting his lips]

Cora: [exhales slowly, leaning back against one of the supports for the pull up bar] I just ... wasn't expecting it. I didn't even know she was talking to him.

Stiles: How long were your parents together before he left?

Cora: she shrugs because she's not really sure] Laura was seventeen? So ... I don't know, twenty years, maybe?

Stiles: Twenty plus ten plus at least twenty so he was in his fifties when he left? Wow. That's kinda old.

Cora: [turns on him with a bit of a glare because does that really matter right now, Stiles?]

Stiles: [holds up his hands] I mean... I mean Cora, maybe because he was human and getting old and your mom wasn't... maybe he freaked?

Cora: So he should have just left his family and kids that needed him because he was worried about getting old? That doesn't make it okay.

Scott: Nothing will make it okay. [and he's totally on Cora's side. Sorry Stiles, he's giving you a look too]

Stiles: I'm just going to shut up then.

Cora: [she buries her face in her hands, because she doesn't mean to get angry at Stiles - Stiles isn't the one she's angry at. She's angry at her dad, and herself for being upset about it when she logically she doesn't think she should be. Even if she knows that emotions aren't rational.] It'll just be for a year. Then I can go to college and I won't have to deal with it.

Stiles: [sighs and walks over, putting a hand gently over her shoulder]

Scott: And until then, you can just come to our places and hang out. You got us and we'll take care of you. Right Stiles?

Stiles: Like I wouldn't take care of my girl.

Cora: [she glances up at them and smiles a bit, before pushing up and leaning into Stiles's hand, sliding her arms around his torso, because hugs need to happen now]

Stiles: [holds her tight.] I will just always keep my windows unlocked.

Scott: You already keep your window unlocked.

Stiles: But I'll make sure it can't accidently lock, okay?

Scott: [laughs and hugs Cora on the other side]

Cora: [she closes her eyes as she leans into both of them, just soaking in the feeling of pack and whatever comfort it offered] Thank you.

Stiles: [kissed her cheek] No problem.

Cora: [the anger is fading a bit, and while she has no reason to believe it's gone, she's going to just let it go for now, and she starts to pull back] I need a shower.

Stiles: [nods, letting her] So back to the rooms.

Scott: [takes Cora's hand and squeezes it knowingly] It'll get better.

Cora: [she glances to Scott and smiles a bit, squeezing his hand back because she knows he gets it, before nodding and turning to head back towards the elevators] Yeah, I know. I just wish I had been more prepared for it instead of it just happening out of nowhere.

Scott: I bet when you get home, that'll be answered. For better or worse.

Stiles: And either way, you got us.

Cora: [she nods a bit] And Peter. I wonder if he knows yet.

Stiles: [shrugs] he's with Derek. If your mom tells him, I bet he'll know.

Cora: [nods a bit] She probably will call him tomorrow. It's sort of late on the East coast.

Scott: Will Peter and Derek like this news?

Cora: [she shrugs] I don't know. Dad bought Derek his car. Peter always seemed to get along with him, but ... hard to really say. We never really talked about it.

Scott: I guess we'll just see where things are when we get back then.

Cora: Yeah. Guess so.

Stiles: So new topic? Something fun and fluffy. I think we need a fluffy topic.

Cora: [nods once in agreement] Did you guys find anything cool in the hotel?

Scott & Stiles: Hot tub.

Cora: [there's a huff of a laugh] Really?

Scott: Laura told us to bring our suits because there was a pool.

Stiles: Hot tub, Cora. Hot Tub

Cora: [she shakes her head before looking to Scott] Do you want to ask Allison if she wants to come with? [because she sees where this is going]

Scott: I do, but her dad is here too. And I don't think it'll happen if I ask.

Cora: [eyebrow raise] Just say we're going swimming. And she's staying in our room - why does her dad have to know?

Stiles: Her dad knows like, everything. He's got that creepy omniscient knowledge thing going when we try to do something.

Cora: [she rolls her eyes] If we ask Malia and Isaac to go, how can he say no? It's not like we're going to have an orgy in the middle of it.

Scott: No. Totally not.

Stiles: Obviously. I mean, six of us we'll barely be able to move at that point.

Cora: Exactly. So ... go ask Allison.

Scott: [deep breath] Okay.