spamalot } { of team human and child swaps

[arbalete]

Stiles: [it's two days after the mating and Stiles is heading to the Hale house to pick up Dina. He's wearing a bulky sweatshirt, favoring the arm who's shoulder is a bit tender]

Allison: [is sitting on the porch with a sniffling Noah who is very unhappy for any number of reasons, up to and including his brother yelling at him when he smashed down his Lincoln logs house. Allison is rubbing his back gently, trying to calm him down and gives a bit of a relieved smile when she sees him] Hey, Stiles.

Stiles: Hey. Sibling rivalry issues again?

Allison: Ryan likes to build. Noah likes to knock them down, and Ryan doesn't appreciate that too much.

Stiles: Yeah, I can see how that wouldn't mix. Can you convince Ryan to build a city and then let Noah monster destroy it while he tries to fight the monster?

Allison: I'll try, but for right now, we're sticking with letting Ryan build when Noah is napping and putting them up on a high shelf where he can't get to them when he's finished.

Stiles: That's also a good plan. [goes to sit next to her] Ryan and Dina off playing somewhere?

Allison: [nods, continuing to rub Ryan's back] Yeah, they're inside with Talia.

Stiles: [nods] Good. Cause I was wondering if we could talk a moment. Human to human.

Allison: [her eyebrows go up a bit before glancing down to Noah in her arms] Yeah, sure. What's up?

Stiles: I know I'm venturing into a bunch of TMI, but I could use some help. [this is him not bottling things up and actively looking for help. be proud people]

Allison: [she already is very proud, and she's starting to get concerned] Stiles, what is it?

Stiles: Um... how often does Scott... you know, bite you?

Allison: Like ... play bite or ... really bite?

Stiles: Really bite. With fangs.

Allison: [shakes her head] It was just the once. I know that Malia and Isaac do it a lot but that's mostly because they don't scar. With us ... as long as the mark stays, the ... need isn't as strong, I guess.

Stiles: [nods to himself, looking at his hands in his lap] Okay. I just wasn't sure...

Allison: [pauses, shifting a bit to change Noah's position in her lap so that she can reach for his hand] Hey, are you okay?

Stiles: Yeah, I just... I think I freaked Cora out a bit.

Allison: What happened?

Stiles: She had told me that she would warn me when the day came, but I had kinda already figured it wasn't really something warnable. She was trying to hold off until we were actually married...

Allison: [nods a bit] But she didn't. And she's overcompensating?

Stiles: I wasn't expecting it and kinda froze. I could tell what it was and something clicked and told me just to stay still but I think she was worried about how I took it.

Allison: Have you guys talked about it?

Stiles: We did that night. I told her I was fine.

Allison: Are you fine?

Stiles: Mostly. I mean, yeah, in that instance I am. I just... I can separate this from everything else. I know what it means, why it happens, and everything. I just... I needed to ask if it was something I should expect often or if it's like a one time and done. Cause one time and done, I'm good then.

Allison: But if it had to be more than once?

Stiles: .... [he rubbed at his shoulder a bit, trying not to wince] I don't know.

Allison: [she nods a bit] It's a scary thing, for both of you. She doesn't want to hurt you, but on some level it isn't really something she can control either. It's something she needs. And it's okay if you're not okay with it, or if it makes you uncomfortable, because she understands. But you have to actually talk to her - not just let her think it's okay and carry on. Because eventually the scars may fade and that instinct may come back, and she needs to be prepared for what you want to do.

Stiles: That's why I wanted to talk to you first. To see how it's like long term before I figured out how to structure my concerns.

Allison: [nods] It's ... I guess it means more to Scott than it does to me. It's that animal part of him that wants to claim and the way we're connected ... in some ways it makes us stronger. But in other ways there are moments where I just want him to leave me alone when he's only trying to help.

Stiles: Yeah, I've heard that. We um... we've been halfway mated for a while now.

Allison: From when you were ... ?

Stiles: Yeah. [blushing a bit] I had just a few control issues in that short month.

Allison: [smirks] Well, the real deal is ... kind of intense. I mean, you saw it when we were in New Orleans and Scott got hurt.

Stiles: Yeah. I just.... I'm not worried about that connection. The thing that really freaked me out the most was just that feeling of being held still... and having to submit. [he drifts off again] Like I said, I get where it comes from...

Allison: Then I think you should talk to her about that.

Stiles: [nods] Yeah, I planned on it. I just... I don't want her to think that I think she's wrong, you know? I know it's her instincts. I just can't help the way my brain is wired after everything.

Allison: Yeah, but I also think that the thing she worries about the most is whether or not you feel like she's trying to dominate you when she's just acting on something instinctive. This isn't her trying to control you. It's her wolf wanting to tell everyone else to back off.

Stiles: I just wish it didn't also feel like "move while we have sex or I'll rip your throat out."

Allison: [nods] Me too. And probably so does she.

Stiles: I also wish it didn't hurt so much. I think she hit bone. [rubs his shoulder again]

Allison: [makes a face] It fades, eventually.

Stiles: [snorts a bit] Team human problems, right?

Allison: [nods her agreement] But the sex is awesome after.

Stiles: Really?

Allison: Oh yeah. You're feeling what she's feeling and she's feeling what you're feeling and it's just a ... giant feedback loop of awesome. [nods a bit as she tightens her grip on Noah as he tries to tip off her lap] Personally, I think it's good you got it out of the way now. This way you can work out the awkward parts and on the honeymoon you can just have lots of crazy hot sex.

Stiles: [laughs, feeling a bit better now] Well, that's one big bonus going our way then.

Allison: Exactly. [she grins] But even if she can feel everything you're feeling, you still have to talk to her, Stiles. Just ... keep talking to her, and you guys'll be fine.

Stiles: I will. Thanks, Allison.

Allison: Anytime. Team Human's got to stick together, right?

Stiles: Right. Especially when this is so something I'm not asking Cora's father about.

Allison: [shakes her head quickly] But hey - at least you're not Scott who had to talk to Peter about this.

Stiles: True. Though talking to Peter, or talking to your mate's father... kinda hard to choose which would be worse.

Allison: [she laughs] In your case they're kind of the same thing.

Stiles: Pretty much. The only person who's screwed is Isaac.

Allison: I think he talked to Derek.

Stiles: Yeah, smart move. [he hadn't been around for most of that]

Allison: [no, he hadn't. He would have laughed at all of them, probably]

Stiles: [and this wouldn't nearly bother him as much as it did with the whole submission thing]

Allison: [probably not]

Stiles: So I should probably collect my heathen and head home. Unless you want to keep her.

Allison: [takes a breath and glances down] I'll trade you for this one?

Stiles: [holds his hands out for Noah] You want to come home with Uncle Stiles, Noah?

Noah: [blinks up at him for a moment before taking one slobber covered hand and reaching for Stiles'] Maaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Stiles: [picks up Noah, wincing a bit as his shoulder moves but eh, and holds him up in the air] Trade accepted.

Allison: [laughs] Sounds good. [glances back and calls into the house] Hey, Dina - your dad traded you to me for Noah. Guess you're coming home with me and Ryan today.

Dina: AWESOME! [because it means she gets to go to Uncle Scott's right?]

Stiles: [Laughs]

Allison: Guess that's a done deal then. Enjoy our mini-Godzilla.

Stiles: Enjoy your own version of living Melissa's life raising me and Scott all over again. [and he's going to stand up, because nope he has a little one again that doesn't talk back]

Peter: [no, you get one better] You are not allowed to switch children with your pack mates, kids. Talia wasn't allowed to, and neither are you.

Allison: [laughs a bit as she turns to face him] It's not like they're leaving the pack.

Stiles: Or that Scott and Allison won't make another one.

Peter: [going to stand on the porch, shaking his head in amusement] And while I would enjoy seeing both Cora and Scott's looks when you bring home the other child and play that argument...

Allison: [there's a bit of a look at that, Stiles, before she turns back to Peter again] I don't think Scott would mind. We've been trying for a girl anyway.

Peter: Alright, you two plot your devious deeds. You just explain it to that one there. [and Scott is pulling up]

Allison: [gives Peter a salute, before turning to face the road while Noah ... plays patty-cake with Stiles' face. Enjoy that, Stiles]

Stiles: [oh, he is. As he's going to adjust the car seat to hold the toddler] Come on, buddy. [and he feigns trying to eat those little hands]

Allison: [heads over to meet her husband] Stiles and I decided to trade Dina for Noah.

Scott: [getting out of his car and gives her a confused look] But...but that's not legal...

Allison: [gives him a bit of a look that says she's not entirely serious] Maybe not, but it solves our sibling rivalry problem and we get a girl.

Scott: But I thought we were trying for a girl. Are we going to stop trying?

Allison: [she laughs, before shaking her head no] Okay, maybe this won't work, Stiles. My husband does not have a sense of humor.

Stiles: I could have told you that back when we were sixteen. But it's too late, I already have the child and Dina has expectations you two need to meet. [smirks]

Scott: ............. Oh.

Allison: [laughs] Alright, new plan. You babysit Noah for the night and we get Dina for a sleepover?

Stiles: Deal. I don't have to work tomorrow anyway. Meet you at the playground around ten?

Allison: Sounds good. I'll swing by to pick up some clothes for Dina and drop off stuff for Noah so you don't have to run out for diapers.

Scott: Can I say goodbye?

Stiles: Yes, Scott, you can say goodbye. Enjoy the night and try and make another one while the kids wear each other out.

Allison: [smirks] I'll go get the other two.

Scott: [looks at Stiles, shaking his head] You really sure about this, bro?

Stiles: I can handle Noah for a night. Plus Cora can get some experience with a little little one.

Allison: [heads up to the house to great the two children who can talk] Who's ready to go home?

Dina: Me!!!!! [bounces up]

Ryan: Me too! [and he's getting his toys together into his backpack and getting to his feet]

Allison: Okay. Say goodbye to Talia before we go.

Ryan: [calling loudly] BYE TALIA!

Dina: No, you doofus. We have to go hug her goodbye. [and she pulls him to where Talia is]

Talia: [and that is the kitchen, fixing dinner for her and Thomas]

Dina: I'm going home to live with Aunt Allison and Uncle Scott now, Grandma!

Talia: [eyebrow raise] Are you really? That's very exciting.

Ryan: Yeah! She's gonna be my sister.

Dina: Daddy said I could live with them which is awesome. Ryan and I can play all the time now.

Talia: Then I hope you two have a lot of fun. Don't drive Aunt Allison too crazy.

Dina: We won't. [goes to hug her]

Talia: [hugs her back, rubbing her back gently] Good. [kisses the top of her head] I'll see you tomorrow.

Dina: Can I still call you grandma if Allison is my mommy now?

Talia: You absolutely can.

Dina: Okay. [and she's going to smile and wait for Ryan to hug Talia before they run off back to Allison and Scott]

Allison: [which he will do quickly before they dart to the door] Say goodbye to your dad, Dina.

Dina: Which one? [looks at Stiles and then Scott]

Scott: Sorry, sweetheart, the trade is off. But you get to come over for a sleepover instead.

Allison: Uncle Scott is not as adventurous as Aunt Allison is.

Ryan: So does that mean I have to keep Noah as my brother?

Stiles: Yes, but he's going to come stay with me for a night. You get one night completely brother free.

Dina: He doesn't get to sleep in my room.

Stiles: Well, for one night, it would be his room. If we have swapped, it would be his room

Allison: As a trade off, you would be getting Noah's room.

Dina: But Noah's room doesn't have a swing.

Allison: No it does not. Living with us has some downsides.

Stiles: [leans down] Guess I'm still the better dad?

Scott: Hey.

Stiles: For you. The better dad for you.

Allison: [smirks a bit as she goes to get Ryan in the car to let Dina say goodbye]

Scott: [slaps Stiles upside the head and goes to kiss Noah goodbye]

Stiles: So you and Ryan have a lot of fun, and I'll see you tomorrow, okay?

Dina: Oh-kay.

Stiles: Hugs?

Dina: [hugs stiles tightly] Love you, Daddy.

Stiles: Love you too, princess.

Allison: [to Scott] You get in your goodbye?

Scott: Yeah. And a punch in the nose.

Allison: I think coordination is going to be an important stepping stone with this one.

Stiles: I don't think I can do much in one night, but I'll keep him from breaking himself.

Allison: That's all we ask.

Stiles: I'll see you all in the morning. [looks in at Noah] Ready to come visit with Uncle Stiles, Noah?

Noah: [a jumble of syllables that was mostly gleeful]

Stiles: [and he is going to take the toddler home, and carrying him upstairs with the diaper bag] Cora? You home?

Cora: [is sitting on the couch grading papers] Living room. [she looks up and ... frowns] Honey - I hate to tell you this, but you brought home the wrong child.

Stiles: Really? [looks at Noah] Are you sure?

Cora: [nods a bit] Pretty sure.

Stiles: Well, Allison and I were trying to orchestrate a swap, but Scott and Peter objected. So instead we're having a sleepover. I take the toddler, they get the kids who can entertain themselves so they can work on baby number three.

Cora: Ahh. I see. [she gives Noah a bright smile as she shifts her papers to the side] Do you think he'll be okay here?

Stiles: Yeah. I just need to put some of Dina's stuff up out of reach. Can you watch him a moment?

Cora: [nods and once her papers are out of the way she gestures to give him to her] Yeah, I got him.

Stiles: He's going through his Godzilla phase. Enjoy. [and yup, he's smirking and heading up to the other room to get anything breakable up on the high shelves]

Cora: [and Cora will just hang out on the couch with Noah trying not to wince when he grabs hold of her hair and tugs with all of his little toddler strength]

Stiles: [he is highly amused. Welcome to parenthood when the kid isn't well trained. or trained at all]

Cora: [that is very rude, Stiles, but she'll gently extract her hair from his grip] What are you smirking at?

Stiles: Nothing. Just enjoying the idea of you with a little one.

Cora: [rolls her eyes a bit because she knows he's totally teasing her, before shifting Noah around so that he's facing Stiles] So we're having a quiet night.

Stiles: One in which Noah gets to crush all those recyclable cans we have yet to take out.

Cora: Oh-ho. [she grins as she looks down at him] Did you hear that?

Noah: [grins widely and waves his arms up and down]

Stiles: [and they will totally wear that toddler down with cans and boxes to smash all to his little hearts content]

Cora: [Yep, and once that's done, off to sleep he goes in Dina's bed, which is a little big for him, but he's already out cold] Do you think he'll be okay on the bed? It's not too big?

Stiles: We can put the extra pillows from the bedroom around him to keep him from rolling.

Cora: Okay. [and she'll go get those]

Stiles: [and he's going to sit there, gently running his fingers through Noah's hair]

Cora: [comes back in and leans against the doorway, watching him quietly, just for a little while]

Stiles: You know, when Dina was this little sometimes after a fight I'd come into her room and just sit here and do this to get her back to sleep. It made me feel better too, seeing her face and how peaceful and innocent she looked when she was sleeping.

Cora: [smiles at that] Now you're both safe.

Stiles: Yeah, we are. [he leans over and kisses Noah's cheek, and then stands up and looks at her] Let's escape while we can.

Cora: [she quickly braces Noah with the pillows before nodding and taking his hand and pulling him back with her to the bedroom]

Stiles: [walks with her, holding her hand] So I wanted to talk to you a bit.

Cora: [glances back to him, giving his hand a squeeze] Okay.

Stiles: [waits until they are in the bedroom and gets the baby monitor on] It's about the other night. I know you're still a bit worried about me.

Cora: [turns and faces him more, taking his other hand as she pulls him closer] Yeah. [she can't really hide it now, he's going to know] I just ... I feel terrible that I didn't hold up my end.

Stiles: [and he's going to press his forehead to hers] Cora, I know you are. But after going through it on my end, I figured it wasn't going to really be something you could fully control. So I've actually just been waiting for it. I'm not upset at that.

Cora: [she exhales a bit, trying to let those worries go] But you are upset.

Stiles: Yeah, but not that you did it. I just... I wasn't expecting the forced submission.

Cora: [swallows a bit] I ... I didn't realize it would be like that either.

Stiles: I know, baby. And I know you would never do anything to hurt me. And except for a bit of soreness and bruising, I actually am fine. Except for this little piece that we can look at.

Cora: [she sighs as she looks up at him before pulling closer] You always are in control with me.

Stiles: Which is why it threw me through a loop for a bit.

Cora: [nods] It'd probably be the other way around if we were both wolves. Me submitting to you. I mean, I do it all the time, but you can't actually ... [claim her the way she claimed him. She wears the marks of the time when he could]

Stiles: Do you think our talk about babies may have spurred it on?

Cora: Maybe? That was the only thing that was really different.

Stiles: Well, getting you pregnant is a way of staking a claim.

Cora: [glances up at him at that] It is.

Stiles: So I'll get my chance again. But until then... maybe we can even this out.

Cora: [glances down before nodding a bit] I'm sorry.

Stiles: Don't be sorry for who you are, Cora. I love you... better or worse. ...... Even when your wolf sometimes makes me feel like a fragile little human and why the hell you put up with me.

Cora: [smiles a bit] Because I love you. And I don't feel like myself when I'm without you.

Stiles: And considering we're permanently tied to each other now, pretty sure neither of us will.

Cora: [shakes her head, pushing up to kiss him softly] No one else I'd rather be tied to.

Stiles: [kisses her back] Just remember that sometimes there are days, or things that might make me wig out a bit. But you are never wrong, we are never wrong. Better or worse, I'm never going to stop loving you.

Cora: [nods a bit, not pulling back too much from the kiss] Good.

Stiles: I am, however, going to make love to you right now, and then you can kiss my boo boo and we can go to bed before Noah wakes up and realizes he's not in his own bed and needs us.

Cora: [smiles a bit at that before nodding] I think that is an excellent plan.

Stiles: I always have great plans.

Cora: You do. I never doubt that.

Stiles: [and they go off to do their plans]

Cora: [And great plans they are]