canon au } { post-s4, of awkward conversations and important information

[impetere]

Cora: [is in her dorm, studying for an exam coming up. She's perched in her bed, book in her lap when the phone rings. She glances at the caller ID to make sure it's someone she has to talk to before placing the phone to her ear] Hey, Uncle Peter.

Peter: Hello, Cora. I'm not interrupting anything, am I?

Cora: No, I'm just studying. What's up?

Peter: [deep breath because nope, this is not going to be awkward at all] I think we need to have a talk. About Stiles.

Cora: [her brow furrows a bit at that and she sits up more, shoving her notes in the text book so she can close it without losing her place] What about him?

Peter: The mark on his neck that he insists was from a bad lacrosse incident.

Cora: [yeah, she's glad this is over the phone, because she's seriously blushing right now] ... Oh.

Peter: Have you been told yet about things werewolves go through different than humans when in relationships?

Cora: [and now she's confused] ... No? I mean, I haven't exactly had a lot of adult werewolves around when I was going through ... that stuff. But last I checked human girls gave their boyfriends hickeys all the time.

Peter: Do you know why humans do that though?

Cora: No?

Peter: It's a mark of possession. You leave a mark to show others that they are taken.

Cora: Well ... Stiles is. So what's the problem?

Peter: It's not exactly the same for us.

Cora: [tips her head back and exhales slowly, leaning back against the wall more] So what's the difference?

Peter: Well, there's two levels. Thankfully, I didn't see any puncture marks so I'm assuming you used your human teeth on him, yes?

Cora: ... Yeah? [why would she ... bite him with her actual fangs. Why would she hurt Stiles ever.]

Peter: In werewolf norms, that is a symbol of possession similar to an engagement ring in human cultures. You've marked him in a way to tell others of our kind that you are claiming him as a potential mate.

Cora: [there's a really long pause as she processes the heaviness of that statement before ...] .... Oh.

Peter: Did something happen over the weekend where he did something to show himself as a protector to you? Something that made you fall just that bit more in love with him?

Cora: I guess? It was a dumb frat boy at a party.

Peter: [chuckles a bit] Emotions and hormones are very confusing, especially at your age, but to be fair I'm still learning to adjust again. But just be careful because if you walk down this path, two things are going to happen. First, you are going to find yourself more protective of him, especially since - and let's face it - Stiles is a fragile little human.

Cora: I was already protective of him.

Peter: This will be more so. Like the wanting to rip people's throats out if they try and flirt with him.

Cora: Oh. Okay.

Peter: Secondly, you're going to not like it when the mark fades, and you're going to constantly want to make sure it's visible. Now if he's okay with it, that's fine, but you make want to move it just a bit further down his neck to his shoulder so he isn't doomed to wear scarves and turtlenecks.

Cora: Okay. [yeah, she was already planning that anyway, but now she's second guessing it, wondering if she should do it at all]

Peter: And finally, phase two, which I really suggest you at least wait for a few more years for if at all possible.

Cora: I didn't really mean to do this one in the first place, so I don't think that'll be a problem.

Peter: Well, that depends. When you did it, for a moment did you think about using your fangs?

Cora: [she wasn't really thinking at all, but ...] No, I didn't.

Peter: Well, let's put it this way. Human teeth is to an engagement ring, as fang biting is to a... [figure it out, Cora]

Cora: [she figured] Yeah, I get it.

Peter: And while it won't make him a wolf since you aren't an alpha, it will still change both of you a bit.

Cora: How?

Peter: You'll make a mate bond. Similar to what the twins shared: you'll know when each other is in pain - physically and mentally - even if you aren't near each other. He will actually get a bit of a better immune system though not really any healing or extension of life. His presence will help you heal better, similar to how your pack does now. And there are myths of other side effects but I've not witnessed them to confirm or deny the truth to them.

Cora: Side effects like what?

Peter: [licks his lips] Well, the most concerning one about mating is the swan story. About how when one mate dies, the other follows swiftly from the pain of the loss.

Cora: [Oh. Yeah. That would be bad. Especially with how crazy things get in Beacon Hills. Cora is quiet for a while, not really sure what to do with any of this, but at the same time] Did you tell him?

Peter: No. I felt that was a discussion best coming from you. As it is, I'm going to have to see if your brother ever learned this since he has taken to calling Dawn his mate.

Cora: Thank you. [for telling her before she got in over her head and for letting her deal with this herself]

Peter: You may want to talk to your sister about anything more specific. Since I'm sure there may be things I don't understand from the female perspective.

Cora: [there's a half-laugh at that] If she doesn't kill me first. She's ... not that fond of Stiles yet.

Peter: Neither was your brother, but Derek grew to appreciate him. Your sister will too. She's probably just dealing with a lot of things to process at one time, and it will take her some time to even out.

Cora: Yeah, I know.

Peter: [nods to himself, quiet a moment] And if it means anything, Cora... Stiles is a good person, and he's good to you. So if he is the one you choose, you will get no complaints from me on the choice. And while I can't speak for your brother, I'm sure he will feel the same.

Cora: [sighs softly] I just ... I'm not even thinking about that right now. I didn't mean to ... put him in that situation. [because she wouldn't mind it being just him forever, and they've talked about being together for a long time, they're also seventeen and kids and it's too soon.]

Peter: You have all the time in the world, Cora, to make these choices. But you deserve to know what your biology gives you clues to.

Cora: Yeah, but what if that's not what he wants.

Peter: I've watched you two together, Cora. I'm pretty sure Stiles knows what he wants. But I think for both of your sake, even if it's what you want, wait until you're finished with college before taking that final step. You can resist the urge, but once it's done, it's final.

Cora: Yeah. Yeah, I wasn't ... [there's a sharp breath] I'm not doing that anytime soon. I'm not ready for that.

Peter: Good. You need to enjoy life for a bit as well.

Cora: I am. When there isn't some great looming evil trying to kill us, anyway.

Peter: [nods] Well, I'm going to let you deal with this information how you see fit, and I will talk with you later.

Cora: Yeah. Thanks, again.

Peter: You're welcome. [and he will hang up, chuckling and shaking his head]

Cora: [yeah, Cora isn't so amused. She just sits and stares at her phone for a long time. And then she goes for a run. Neither of those things help much. So after she's showered she's back on her bed and studying again but to anyone that knows her it's very clear she's stewing]