puppy love } { of big news and meeting dads

[impetere]

Stiles: [and he jokes about how they are probably just doing it wrong. Not that Stiles is a flirter anyway, but he has his one female friend with benefits that isn't a really set relationship but they do things together on occasion type relationship. Yeah. He's not big on commitment or letting himself fall in love again, years later.]

Carter: Do you think you can do better, Stilinski?

Stiles: No, no I'm pretty sure that I'll crash and burn.

Carter: Then unless you're going to put up? I'd say you shut up.

Zach: Yeah, and it's your turn to buy the next round anyway.

Stiles: Fine, but not going to flirt so don't be watching and waiting.

Carter: Mmmm-hmmm. [finishes off his beer] Go on, get up there. I'm thirsty.

Stiles: You're a drunk, that's what you are. [laughs as he grabs the pitcher and goes up to the bar] Pitcher refill, blue moon. [and he will lean with his back against the bar, bopping his head to the music as a girl from the farm walks over]

Sasha: Hey Stiles, haven't seen you around the last few days. Where you been?

Stiles: Changed campuses. [and they will go into small talk]

Cora: [takes the pitcher and is about to start going through the motions, not really picking up the details of his voice in the crowded room, but there's no mistaking that name. Then she actually looks at him and oh god. oh god oh fuck oh god oh shit she's ... spilling beer all over herself because she left the tap running too long which leads to her dropping the pitcher with a slight yelp]

Isaac: [who is the other bartender for some reason but isn't a wolf] Hey, watch it! We've got to work back here.

Cora: Sorry. [and she'll go dart out to grab a mop so that he doesn't see her until she's finished freaking out. or at least she's going to try]

Stiles: [and he's going to turn around at the noise but nope, he missed seeing her. So he'll go back to talk to Sasha some more as he waits. It's busy, after all.]

Matt: Stilinski, what the hell you doing here?

Stiles: I'm drinking with my friends. What the fuck else do you do at a bar?

Cora: [and the door will slam to the storage room and she'll drop to her haunches a bit, taking deep breaths until she can compose herself. She's gotten better at it since Ben was born, or at least she likes to think she has, but clearly that is not the case right now. After a few deep breaths she finally grabs the mop and makes her way back out again, swabbing it up quickly before finally filling the pitcher and placing it down on the bar quickly behind him] All set. [and she'll try to duck into the closet again to clean out the mop]

Stiles: [and he will turn around] Hey wait, I have to pay still.

Cora: I'll put it on the tab. [so not turning around to face him]

Stiles: .... Wow, okay. And I wasn't even going to try and hit on you but sure. [and he will go to take the pitcher. Yup, ice queen]

Cora: [closes her eyes for a moment as she stops before taking a deep breath and disappearing into the back again]

Stiles: [and he will return to the table with the beer, Sasha going to join them and they all ignore Matt and go back to laughing and joking]

Isaac: [aaand he will stick his head into the back] Cora, you doing alright?

Cora: [glances back to him, before shaking her head] Yeah, fine. [totally not fine]

Isaac: [sees that] You need to bounce early?

Cora: It's crazy out there, I can't leave you hanging out to dry.

Isaac: You ain't doing me much help hiding back here either.

Cora: [she sighs and looks down before shaking her head] Just ... an ex I hadn't seen in a while. Kind of threw me for a loop, that's all. [and she's covered in beer] Just ... let me run upstairs and change and I'll be good, I promise.

Isaac: Need me to get Boyd to toss him out? You know he'd do it for you.

Cora: [she shakes her head] No, he hasn't done anything wrong. It's just ... been a really long time.

Isaac: Alright, but it's always an option.

Cora: I know. And I appreciate it. Just let me go change and I'll be okay.

Isaac: Alright. But make it quick. [and he'll go back out to work the bar]

Cora: [and she'll dart upstairs to where Malia is studying and Ben is hopefully asleep to change her clothes really quickly and return back down to the bar again]

Ben: [totally playing his video game in his room under the covers, but yeah, he's sleeping mom]

Cora: [don't you think she doesn't see those lights and she'll sigh as she makes her way in to pull back the blanket] I thought we had a deal.

Ben: [blinks, looking up at her with those light brown puppy eyes] I couldn't sleep! I tried really hard.

Cora: Yeah, and I don't think those video games are helping. [crouches down and holds out her hand] Hand it over?

Ben: [pouts and hands it to her] I was almost done.

Cora: You can finish in the morning. For now, this is going to Malia and you are going to sleep. [and she'll lean forward and kiss the top of his head] I'll make you pancakes in the morning, okay?

Ben: Oh-kay. [and he will lay down in his bed, looking at her] Can I have chocolate chips in my pancakes?

Cora: Only if you are good and go to sleep.

Ben: [and he will crunch his pillow up under his head] Goodnight, momma.

Cora: Night, kiddo. I'll see you in the morning. [and she will go back out and hand the video game over to Malia and Malia will growl in frustration and opt to not comment over the anxiety in Cora's sent because Cora always gets testy about it. and with that, she goes back downstairs to head back to work, much steadier on her feet]

Stiles: [and he's still sitting with his buddies, having a nice beer buzz now]

Cora: [and she'll be back behind the bar and presumably Stiles will come to settle up his tab eventually?]

Stiles: [yup, because he pays his bills because he's a good little united states citizen] Excuse me, ma'am, I believe I got a tab ta pay.

Cora: [and she doesn't know a drunk voice so she turns around on instinct and ... crap]

Stiles: [and his vision is blurry so he blinks a bit, but when it clears] Yeah, I think I drank too much. I'm seeing things.

Cora: [she could just leave it at that. She could just pretend to be someone else, but she's also missed him, and it comes out of her mouth before she can stop it] Maybe not?

Stiles: [blinks] Cora?

Cora: [exhales slowly before nodding] Hi, Stiles.

Stiles: [and his face will just break into a bright, sunshine happy grin] Oh my god, it's really you?

Cora: [well, at least he's happy to see her. that's something] Yeah. Actually me.

Stiles: [and he just smiles] I... I don't know what to say. You... you live here in DC?

Cora: Yeah. Have for a little while now. Malia's going to Georgetown.

Stiles: Oh, that's awesome. Scott... he and I live near there.

Cora: Oh. Cool. Guess it really is a smaller world than we think.

Stiles: I guess so. Guess we found our way back to each other, huh?

Cora: Yeah, guess so. [there's a beat] I'm still on for another few hours and you were heading out - I don't want to keep you. But I'm off tomorrow. Do you think we could talk? [she's not about to keep Ben a secret from him, but this isn't a conversation they should have until he's sober]

Stiles: Mmnnn... yeah, yeah we can. I can probably get off at a normal time. You want me to just meet you somewhere?

Cora: Meet me here? I live upstairs.

Stiles: I can do that. [squints a bit] Can you text me to remind me though? In case the alcohol wipes my memory.

Cora: [smirks a bit] Give me your phone?

Stiles: [and he will hand it over] It's still the same number I had in high school.

Cora: [she nods] But mine isn't. [and she'll put her new number in his phone, before setting a reminder for him to call her at what she assumes is normal quitting time]

Stiles: I figured that. But I kept it just in case. You know. [drunken smile]

Cora: [and that's still endearing. especially since she can see Ben's smile in there] Yeah, I know. [and she gives him his phone back] My new number and a reminder to call me.

Stiles: Thanks. [blinks] Oh, I owe you money.

Cora: [she laughs] Yes. [and she'll rattle off the price for the pitcher]

Stiles: [and he will hand her his credit card]

Cora: [and she'll ring him up and hand it back to him] You're good to go.

Stiles: [and he’s going to give her a good tip as he signs it] And thank you. See you tomorrow.

Cora: [she nods] See you tomorrow. [this isn't nerve-wracking at all]

Stiles: [and he will head outside where his Uber is waiting to take him home, and he will just collapse in bed when he gets there]

Cora: [and she will finish work, then go home and shower and collapse into bed herself]

Stiles: [and he will have the worst hangover EVER the next day, trying to stay awake at work and down all the coffee]

Cora: [but around 5 o'clock, his phone will go off with an alert to call Cora]

Stiles: [and he's mostly human by this point, and will blink because wait…what... oh that's right. He's going to stand up quickly] Hey Hayley, can I jet early?

Hayley: [looks at him, looks at all their paperwork] Really? [She was going to go home and see Hope]

Stiles: I'll owe you an "I'll do all the paperwork" night any night you want. [there is a begging look in his eyes]

Hayley: [takes a deep breath before she sighs] Fine. Fine, go, but I so will hold you to that.

Stiles: Thank you. Thank You! [and he will grab his stuff and head out, waiting until he was walking along the mall before dialing the number in his phone that was now designated as Cora's]

Cora: [picks up the phone as she's helping Ben with his homework] Hello?

Stiles: [and yeah, he knows that voice when he's not intoxicated] So it wasn't an alcohol induced hallucination.

Cora: [she laughs] No, not so much. [and she'll give Ben a squeeze before getting to her feet to put some privacy between them in case Ben decides to talk]

Ben: [no, he's going to focus on his math while biting his tongue. SO FOCUSED]

Stiles: So you have a job and gave me a way to contact you. Does that mean things are safer these days for you?

Cora: A little, yeah. Things have definitely been quieter and Laura's made some more allies so we're feeling a little steadier on our feet.

Stiles: Well, that's great. But are you sure it's still safe for you to see me? I don't want to put you into a bad spot.

Cora: No, it's fine. And we don't have to go somewhere public. Because there's actually something I really need to talk to you about.

Stiles: Oh, ok. Well, I'm leaving work and heading back towards the bar from last night. I think you said for me to meet you there?

Cora: Yeah, just text me when you get here. I live upstairs.

Stiles: Will do. [and about five minutes later she gets an I'm outside text]

Cora: [and she'll glance over to Ben] Hey, kiddo I gotta talk to someone outside. I'll be right back, okay?

Ben: I'm almost done though! [because after homework was dinner and TV time]

Cora: Good. Once you're done you can pick a movie, okay? I'm just going downstairs.

Ben: [sighs] Okay. [and he will go back to work]

Cora: [and she'll head down the back stairs to find Stiles, meeting him at the mouth of the alleyway] Hey.

Stiles: [turns as he hears her voice] Hey. So do you own the place or just work here?

Cora: Just work here. I get a discount on the rent because I'm an employee.

Stiles: Well, that's a good benefit. I have to have roommates to be able to afford my place.

Cora: [she nods and takes a deep breath because she had something she need to get off her chest first] So ... I have to tell you something, and I know it's probably going to go badly, but ... I've been holding onto this for six years and I need to tell you so ... I'm sorry in advance.

Stiles: [blinks] ........ Okay?

Cora: [deep breath. he's probably going to be angry, but let’s get this out:] I was pregnant when I left Beacon Hills. I didn't know, when I left, but by the time I found out, we had ditched our phones and shut everything down, so ... yeah. You ... we had a kid.

Stiles: [....... and that is his face just squinting because what?] Wait... you... we....

Cora: [and she'll nod, and just wait for him to process it. she doesn't give him more details than that, because if he doesn't want them, she doesn't want to give them to him]

Stiles: [give him a minute] You're not punking me, are you?

Cora: [she shakes her head] No, I'm not.

Stiles: We have a kid. You and I? Cora, I haven't seen you in like, seven years.

Cora: I know.

Stiles: This kid would have to be like... six. School aged. You don't look like you're a part of a PTA.

Cora: I'm ... not? But what does being part of a PTA look like?

Stiles: Frizzled hair getting no sleep Cora how could you keep from me that we have a kid! [it's caught up to him now]

Cora: [she figured he'd get around to it] My sister was too paranoid and there wasn't exactly an easy way for me to tell you.

Stiles: Um, there's the mail, e-mail, burner phones, western union, pony express, a fucken singing telegram?! All of the above would have protected your anonymity.

Cora: Are any of those really the way you would have wanted to hear this? Just some anonymous message from God knows where that you have a kid out there somewhere that you can't see and can't know?

Stiles: Well I would how you'd have written multiple ones and sent pictures at least. [but the heat is gone, a sign that he knows she's right but he's not wrong either]

Cora: [she knows that] I know. I just ... I couldn't do that this way. I wanted to tell you to your face. I wanted to be able to tell you, then have you meet him, if that's what you wanted, and I had hoped that it would be before now, but at least I didn't wait months of knowing we were in the same place to tell you?

Stiles: So you do want me to meet... we have a boy?

Cora: Yeah. His name is Ben. And yeah, I do, if you want to. I never lied to him about you or let him think that you didn't want to be there for him, it was just to keep him safe, and that he would be able to meet you when things were better.

Stiles: [and he looks up at the stairwell, taking a dep breath] I don't know if I can.

Cora: That's okay. He doesn't know you're here yet. And he is here if you change your mind. [she takes a breath] But I have to go back upstairs because I promised him dinner and a movie, so unless there's something else ...

Stiles: [rubs at his eyes] Does... does your sister know that I know where you are?

Cora: Not yet. She's not in DC, so we don't talk as much.

Stiles: [licks his lips] I just... it's not fair to him. [to any of them] If I uh... if I meet him and you have to bolt again. I can't... I just can't... [and he's going to retreat a step, anxiety starting to rise a bit]

Cora: I'll tell her. I'll tell her tonight. But I don't think we're going to leave again. Malia's in school here, and Derek isn't far and things really are quieter now.

Stiles: [nods, licking his lips] Yeah but still... he's a kid. I'd rather he not lose a parent, even if it's one he's never met. Just... I um... I should go.

Cora: Okay. I'll talk to her and text you.

Stiles: Alright. Okay. Well, nice talk. Thanks for the kid. [and he's going to just awkwardly turn and go, not sure where to go, feeling just lost]

Cora: [will just nod sadly before taking herself back upstairs to hang out with Ben]

Ben: [the kid who was not at all looking out the window after he finished with his homework and quickly jumps onto the couch with the remote]

Cora: [and she takes a deep breath and smiles as she sees him] Hey, kiddo. What'd you pick?

Ben: Big Hero 6.

Cora: Perfect. [and she goes to sit on the couch next to him and opens up her arms] C'mere.

Ben: [goes to curl into her, snuggling in]

Cora: [and she will happily just curl up and snuggle through this movie with him, and try not to let her worried feelings seep through]

Ben: [but he got his father's curiosity and can't really lie or hide things from his mother] So was that guy downstairs really my dad?

Cora: [and that startles her and she glances down at him] You were listening?

Ben: I finished my homework and went to look out the window to see if you were coming back. And it was open a crack. [so yes, he heard pieces of it that got loud]

Cora: [she sighs before nodding] Yeah. He's your dad.

Ben: He doesn't want to see me, does he?

Cora: No, sweetie, it's not that. He just doesn't want to have you and get to know you only to lose you - or have you lose him. Also that was big news for him, so he needs a little time to adjust to it.

Ben: Why would he be afraid of that?

Cora: Because when we broke up, it was because I had to leave, because it wasn't safe. And he lost his mom when he was about your age.

Ben: Oh. [and he's quiet a bit] Did you leave him because of me? Sarah says that her daddy left because she wasn't a boy. And Larry's adopted so neither of his parents wanted him.

Cora: No, no, no, no. I left him because where we were wasn't safe, and your Aunt Laura was worried that we might get hurt. I didn't find out about you until I was far, far away.

Ben: Oh. [and he will snuggle into Cora more, being quiet as he thinks and watches the movie a bit]

Cora: [and she hugs him tightly against her, pressing a kiss to the top of his head] He'll come around, bud. I know he will. You just have to be patient with him, okay?

Ben: You're all the parent I need momma. If he doesn't, that's okay too.

Cora: [and that makes her a little sad, but she doesn't argue with him about it] Well, you'll always have me.

Ben: I know. [looks up and kisses Cora's cheek] I love you, Momma.

Cora: I love you too. [she smiles a bit] How about pizza for dinner?

Ben: Yes! Can I get pineapple on mine?

Cora: [sighs dramatically] If you must. [And she'll get up to go grab the phone to place an order]

Ben: [grins, going to steal his mother's spot and stretch out to take up the WHOLE COUCH]

Cora: [laughs when she turns back and sees him] What are you doing?

Ben: Keeping both our spots warm.

Cora: [she grins as she makes her way over] Well, I appreciate that, but I'm back now.

Ben: But I'm comfortable now. [grins]

Cora: Well, that's too bad. [and she's going to scoop him up and toss him in the air a bit, and she goes to flop down on the couch with him]

Ben: [laughs as he's tossed, and he's going to go and wiggle around to find a comfortable position]

Cora: [and she will snuggle with him, just keeping him close as they wait for the pizza and probably snuggle through another movie]

Ben: [until he falls asleep against her, mouth open a bit as he breathes out of it]

Cora: [smiles softly, and she will very gently shuffle him off to bed, tucking him in comfortably, before heading out to talk to her sister. and when Laura reassures her that Stiles isn't going to blow their cover and they're fine to stay in DC, before she settles on the couch and texts him again] Talked to Laura. We're not leaving.

Stiles: [and he's been sitting out on the fire escape of the apartment with a beer, staring at the stars. When his phone vibrates, he looks over at it, and debates a moment before picking it up] Okay.

Cora: Okay. [and ... she doesn't know what to say otherwise] I meant what I said. It's up to you, Stiles. I don't have any expectations, and I'm doing fine taking care of him by myself. I didn't tell you because I needed your help, I told you because I wanted you to know. [and with that, she will put her phone to the side and probably try to sleep unless he texts her back fast]

Stiles: [nope, he won't text back right away. Mostly because he doesn't know what to even do or say. He was a father. He had a son he's never met. And he was going off into a career that he can't promise that he's going to make it home safe every night. A career specifically because he decided that he wasn't going to let himself get that kind of connection to a person again. A career he can't tell Cora what he's doing because that was part of the job. He knew that it would be better for them to just stay out of his reach... but he can't stop thinking about it. About her, and holding her on that last night together and just wanting not to let her go. About watching her leave out his window and knowing that she was never going to climb in it again. To touch her again. And even now, he wasn't sure he would get that again. Finally he just grabs his empty beer and phone and heads inside. He heads towards his room, but stops and goes to grab a notepad from the kitchen and scribbles out a note for Lydia to go to the bar tomorrow night, and to trust him. He slips it under her door, and then goes to his room and lays in his bed, staring at the ceiling until he falls asleep]

Lydia: [which Lydia will take him up on and there's a very happy reunion there which she will thank him for when she sees him again]

Stiles: [which will happen when he finishes all the paperwork and then go to work out afterwards that night because he's still caught up in his head]

Hayley: [and she'll see him there, before shaking her head] Go home Stilinski.

Stiles: [hitting the punching bag] I will. Just got one more set to do.

Hayley: Uh-huh. [she knows he's been off the past few days, and she's been waiting for him to let her in on why] That's what they all say.

Stiles: [and he's going to just grit his teeth and hit the bag harder] Don't you have a home to go back to yourself?

Hayley: [shakes her head] Hope's at a sleepover. All I have left to go home to is a giant bottle of bourbon and terrible late night TV.

Stiles: [one, two... and one final punch before he backs away from the punching bag and starts to unwrap his hands] Sounds like a normal weeknight for me.

Hayley: Yeah, well, for me it's kind of depressing.

Stiles: [and he will look at his hands a moment] You said you were in this to protect Hope's father. Where is he?

Hayley: [takes a deep breath] Clean up and meet me out front. This is a conversation that requires the giant bottle of bourbon.

Stiles: Give me ten. [and he will go hit the showers and come out in a non-descript sweat suit, backpack over his shoulder]

Hayley: [is waiting by her car, and when she sees him she nods towards the passenger's side] Get in.

Stiles: Nice car. [and he gets in]

Hayley: Thanks. [and with that, they drive over to Hayley's place and she walks them up. The apartment is also fairly nice, with pictures of a little girl with various people strewn around the room. Most of the ones with Hayley are closest to her real age of seven, but there are ones of various people with a smaller child that doesn't exceed the age of two. Hayley pulls out the bottle and pours them two glasses, before moving to the side and picking up a picture of Klaus holding baby Hope, before handing it over to him] Did you pay attention when Matt was giving Vamp History 101?

Stiles: Probably as much attention as he gave during werewolf 101.

Hayley: [sighs] Hope's father is Klaus Mikaelson. [she'd hope that at least information about Klaus had gotten through to him]

Stiles: [was about to take a sip and he stops] No shit?

Hayley: [shakes her head as she moves to sit next to him] No shit. Some kind of mystical loophole of him being a hybrid. Vamps are dead and they can't procreate, but werewolves can. Since he's both, and he was sleeping with a very dumb, very drunk werewolf at the time, it somehow resulted in Hope.

Stiles: Wasn't he a mass murdering psychopath?

Hayley: I never said I made good life choices before I became a mom. There are reasons Matt doesn't trust me and they're well deserved.

Stiles: That part aside... [motions with his glass to the picture of Klaus and Hope] You still let him see her?

Hayley: [she pauses for a moment as she tries to figure out how to phrase it] I spent most of my pregnancy with him and his family, and went through a lot with them. My unborn daughter was used as a bargaining chip to try and control them, I died giving birth to her, and most of the first year of her life was spent in the care of his sister, far away from me, because him being her father made her a target. Klaus and I didn't even get along ninety percent of the time but ... he changed. She changed him. And at the same time, he wasn't what people thought he was. It was complicated.

Stiles: [and he will take a sip of the alcohol] Where's he now again?

Hayley: Marcel Gerard has him bricked in a wall in New Orleans. [she downs her glass before reaching forward and pouring herself another one] He stabbed him with this dagger infused with dark magic that basically renders him catatonic.

Stiles: So I take it Hope doesn't know anything about her father then. [and he's going to look at the drink, thinking]

Hayley: Personally? No. She doesn't remember a lot. But he left her letters and I have videos and pictures. But it's not just her dad who's gone. I'm trying to save her uncles and aunts too. Right now, the only family she has is me, and she used to have so much more than that. I don't want her to grow up alone the way I did.

Stiles: [nods] But at the same time, you have to protect her from her father's enemies.

Hayley: Hope doesn't need my protection. She's been protecting herself since she was six months old. Her magic ... it's beyond anything I've ever seen. That's another reason why I need Freya and Kol back. And with Klaus being gone and everyone knowing where he is, no one seems to have bothered looking my way. I've been staying under the radar.

Stiles: [nods] Makes sense.

Hayley: Look, I know Klaus is a bad guy. None of the Mikaelsons are good people. But they're still people and they're my family. So I'm gonna do what I have to do to get them back, and if part of it involves selling my soul to CONTROL then so be it.

Stiles: Well, hopefully it won't come down to selling away our souls. [and he looks at her, meaning the we]

Hayley: They don't seem all that into those kinds of deals.

Stiles: Thank god.

Hayley: Yep. [and she downs and finish another glass] And that's the Hayley Marshall story.

Stiles: [and he will finish his glass, holding it out for a refill] So I have to ask, how much research did you actually do into me and my connections with the Hale family before you recruited me?

Hayley: I did my homework. I wanted to make sure I knew who I was recruiting and if they would be up to the task.

Stiles: [nods] Do you know where they are now?

Hayley: [she shakes her head] They weren't on the table, as far as recruiting was concerned.

Stiles: [nods, leaning back in his seat] Well, forget recruiting. They don't need to be involved in this. But if we're going to work together... we'll work to get your family back together... but I also want to figure out what threats still exist against them and eliminate them.

Hayley: [her eyebrows go up at that] Do you have a list?

Stiles: Not recent. It's from seven years ago. Someone called a desert wolf. And something called an alpha pack. I'd also point at Allison's grandfather but that's something she's worked on stopping on her own so we don't need to go there.

Hayley: [swirls her glass for a moment] Desert Wolf is a werecoyote assassin for hire, so that definitely won't be something difficult to put on the table. The Alpha Pack though? That I don't know.

Stiles: I need to figure this out. I just... [and he leans forward and runs a hand along his face before downing his drink] I just can't let myself get close again until I can guarantee they won't run again.

Hayley: [her eyebrows go up] Get close again?

Stiles: [nods] Yeah. I ran into Cora the other night. Didn't even realize it was her at first.

Hayley: [she pauses for a moment before inching closer and letting her voice drop a bit] Can I give you some advice?

Stiles: Sure.

Hayley: Nothing is guaranteed. Not even immortality. Eventually the world is going to hurt, no matter how safe it is. My first husband was killed right in front of me, and I'm currently carrying around the man I love in a box until I manage to find a cure for a venom that I may never be able to find, and he's supposed to be an unkillable, unstoppable Original vampire who should have forever, and he doesn't. No matter what you are or how safe you may think you are, you'll never know what kind of curveball the world is going to throw at you. So if there's something you want, if there's something that you know in your gut that will make you happy? Go for it. Take it. Get it while you can, because life is shorter than you think, so there is literally no excuse not to go after what you want.

Stiles: [he's quiet for a moment, and then softly] She has a son. We.... we have a son.

Hayley: [her eyebrows go up] You okay? [because she knows that's a load to drop on anyone]

Stiles: Not really. [and he's going to finish his drink] And while yeah, I could go after what I want, but if they run again... if I let myself get attached like I know I do, and they just disappear into the wind... I don't think I can live through that kind of pain a third time. I can't put that kind of pain of losing me onto my son. [he looks at Hayley] I hated not having any control over this last time, but I'll be damned if I don't do something this time to protect them.

Hayley: Well, two things. One, Cora isn't a scared eighteen year-old kid, and I'd assume that if you'd do this again, it'd be a little more serious than a high school romance. Two, Laura isn't the same alpha she was seven years ago. That can make all the difference on whether they fight or fly.

Stiles: Still doesn't mean that stacking the deck in my favor is a bad thing.

Hayley: No, it doesn't. And I get why you're focusing on the negative, but did you ever stop to consider that nothing may happen at all?

Stiles: [shakes his head] No, because I'm not that lucky. Because the moment I do stop and believe that - that's when the bad happens and I'm unable to do a thing.

Hayley: [she nods because she gets that] Look, you aren't the same kid you used to be either. You have resources and capabilities that you didn't have before. And at the end of the day it comes down to this: you've already missed six years of this kid's life. That's a lot of years. That's first steps and first words and watching them become a little person all their own. Do you really want to miss any more of it? Bad end or not.

Stiles: No. But in the end - it's not about what's best for me. it's what's best for him. And obviously Cora's felt me being out of the picture was the best thing.

Hayley: How do you know that? From what you told me they were on radio silence, so reaching out to you may not have been possible. How long between you finding out she's in town and her telling you the truth?

Stiles: A day.

Hayley: Yeah. From a mom perspective? That is not someone who wants you to stay out of her kid's life. If she did, she wouldn't have even told you.

Stiles: [leans back into his seat] Yeah, I get that. But six years before that? And now it's all on me to make this choice and I don't know what to do because what if what I want puts them in danger and then I lose them? What if I stay away - I just go on knowing that there's a kid out there with my genes and what is he going to think of me? Or what if this job ends up putting new targets on their backs because of me?

Hayley: Stiles, what do you want? No consequences or caveats, what do you, Stiles Stilinski, want?

Stiles: Right now? Part of me wishes I had gone to a different bar last night.

Hayley: So you don't have to make this decision now?

Stiles: Ignorance is bliss. None of us would be in this place right now.

Hayley: Now, is that because the decision is hard or because you don't want to be involved with this kid? Because if it's the latter, then that's fair. And I'd tell her now that you don't want to be involved, and cut ties. But if it's not, and you really do want to be part of this kid's life because it's what you really do want? If she's what you want? Then do it. Because now you actually have the chance to be partners, rather than just her human high school boyfriend.

Stiles: [nods] That's what I'm still working on trying to figure out. Because I don't know about her. My son - yeah. I'd like to get a chance to be with him. But I don't know if I can let her into my heart again. I don't know if I should.

Hayley: That's totally fair. Just be clear with her and it should be fine.

Stiles: You think she'd be okay with just that? [because he doesn't want to hurt Cora either]

Hayley: I think it's been seven years, and if she's expecting anything, she's an idiot. But did she say anything to you about wanting to get back together?

Stiles: Never came up. It was all about the kid.

Hayley: Then I think it's safe that you getting to know your kid is all she cares about right now.

Stiles: Okay. [and he's going to stand up] Though this means you and I are going to have to work out a schedule of nights off to see our respected kids.

Hayley: We can do that.

Stiles: [he sighed] Thanks... for this. I didn't really know who I could talk to about it. My friends have their own opinions about Cora and I just needed someone who didn't know her to help me look at it from a different angle.

Hayley: Anytime. I'm happy to help.

Stiles: [and sometime later he's going to head out, planning on taking the underground home. But first he had to do something, and he texted Cora back] I want to get to know my son. How do you want this to happen?

Cora: [she considers for a moment before] I have another day off Saturday. We were going to go to the zoo. You could join us, if you're free.

Stiles: I'm off Saturday. I'll meet you there. [and a moment later] Can you send me a picture of him?

Cora: [there's another minute before she sends him a picture of Ben from his school Christmas play, all decked out as one of the shepherds and a big Stilinski grin on his face. she had to look to find one without her in it]

Stiles: [and he sees it and smiles] He looks like me.

Cora: Yeah, he does. Even likes pineapple on his pizza.

Stiles: Good kid. I like him already. [and he looks closer at the picture] He has your eyes though.

Cora: I guess. He's still a lot like you though.

Stiles: I'd apologize but I guess it was just fate making sure you got to keep a piece of me.

Cora: Something like that. [and a beat] So we'll see you at the zoo around eleven?

Stiles: I'll see you then.

Cora: [and the next morning she'll be making Ben chocolate chip pancakes ... without him asking for them]

Ben: [and he will wake up all excited and go kneel in his seat, bouncing]

Cora: [And she will serve him up a stack.] There you go, kiddo.

Ben: [and he's going to reach for the whipped creme to squirt on them - mostly] Thank you thank you thank you!

Cora: You are very welcome.

Ben: [and he is going to dig into those like a starving man]

Cora: [and she'll go and sit with her own plate. She'll wait for him to be happy and chowing down, before she'll pick up her coffee] So ... about Saturday ...

Ben: We're still going to the zoo, right? Because I told my teacher and I can write a paper about the animals for my science paper this week. I need to choose one and then write about what it does while I'm there and then look at a book to know when it sleeps and what it eats and colors it comes in and if it's endangered or not.

Cora: Yeah, we're still going to the zoo. [another beat] But your dad is coming too.

Ben: [and he's going to look at his mom with wide eyes, swallowing the huge bite he took] My dad?

Cora: [she nods] Yeah. He said he wanted to meet you and spend some time with you, and I thought the zoo would be a good place to do it.

Ben: But you're going to be there too, right?

Cora: Yeah, of course. It'll be the three of us.

Ben: Okay. [and he's going to take another bite] He really wants to spend time with me?

Cora: [she nods] Yeah, he does. He has a dad too, so maybe eventually you'll be able to meet him too.

Ben: [his eyes open a bit more] I have another grandpa?!

Cora: [she laughs] Yeah. He lives back in Beacon Hills, where I used to live.

Ben: Back where the bad people are, right?

Cora: Or were. I don't know if they're still there now.

Ben: But we don't go there so they can't find us.

Cora: Exactly.

Ben: [takes another bite and talks with the pancake in his mouth] Am I going to like my dad?

Cora: [smirks a bit] You two are a lot alike, so I think so.

Ben: Do you think he'll like me?

Cora: I think he'll love you.

Ben: [and he grins at that] Awesome.

Cora: So we're still good for Saturday?

Ben: Yeah! I can't wait.

Cora: Good! Time to get ready for school.

Ben: Can I take the rest of the pancakes for lunch?

Cora: Sure.

Ben: Best. Day. Ever.

Cora: [and with that she will pack it all up and ship him off to school]

Ben: [and he's going to talk to everyone about how he's going to get to meet his dad for real on Saturday and he's never seen him before but mom's talked about him so much and he's supposed to be really cool and OMG BOUNCE BOUNCE BOUNCE]

Malia: [and she will be picking him up after school, as per usual for this point in the week, sitting on the bike rack as she struggles through her textbook reading]

Ben: [and he's going to come running out of school] Aunt Malia! Aunt Malia!

Malia: [looks up and grins brightly] Hey, buddy. How was school?

Ben: It was great. We are hatching chickens and I got to turn the eggs in the inkabater today!

Malia: Nice! That's way more fun than my classes.

Ben: When the chickens hatch, we get to keep them for two weeks and there's a raffle for us to be able to take them home for the weekend. I have to ask mom though if I can because I don't want them to get hurt.

Malia: Well, you'd have to ask Uncle Thomas too since you'd have to take them to his house on Friday.

Ben: Grandpa would totally let me. He's a vet! He likes animals.

Malia: You still have to ask him, just to be sure.

Ben: I will.

Malia: Good. [reaches over to ruffle his hair, before holding out her hand so he can take it and they can walk back to Cora's apartment] So what have we got on the homework front today?

Ben: Spelling and maps. I have to put the names of the condiments on the right parts of the map

Malia: You mean continents?

Ben: That’s what I said, condiments.

Malia: Con-TIN-ents. Con-DI-ments are the things you put on sandwiches.

Ben: .... Oh.

Malia: [her tone isn't malicious, because she remembers how people used to correct her when she was first learning] It's okay. You've only had six years to learn English. There are some people who've had sixty and still can't speak it.

Ben: Why do so many words sound alike?

Malia: Because English is weird.

Ben: Totally weird.

Malia: You'll get it eventually.

Ben: So did Mom tell you about my Dad yet?

Malia: .... No, she did not. What about him?

Ben: He's coming to the zoo with us Saturday!

Malia: Yeah? That's ... great. [literally does not know how to respond to this but will be texting her father once Ben's doing his homework]

Ben: Uh huh. Mom says he wants to get to know me. I thought that maybe he didn't want me but Mom says he does want to know me and I can't wait to meet him. [is all but skipping]

Malia: Then that's good! I'm glad you get to meet him.

Ben: Did you ever know him when you lived in Beacon Hills with mom?

Malia: Nope. I only got adopted just before they left.

Ben: Oh. Well mom says he's from there. And I have another grandpa!

Malia: Cool. Maybe your uncle Derek knows him.

Ben: Maybe! Can we facetime with him when we get home? Uncle Derek knows EVERYTHING.

Malia: Sure. I'll text him and make sure he's not in class. [to which she will grab her phone with one hand and shoot off "free to facetime with Ben?"]

Derek: [and thankfully he's not in class, but he pulls his glasses off and rubs at his eyes because he's been staring at tiny, tiny text for hours now and could use a break.] Homework or hangout?

Malia: Hangout. He wants to ask you about his dad because they're hanging out on Saturday.

Derek: [yeah, that gets his attention] Wait, Cora's talking to Stiles again?

Malia: I guess? I am hearing all of this from Ben, but I don't think he would make this up?

Derek: [bites his lip] Let me talk to Cora first before I talk to him. In case there's stuff she doesn't want me to tell him.

Malia: [text: "Cool. We gotta get home and start homework anyway." to Ben:] He's in class still, so he'll call in a couple hours, okay?

Ben: Okay. [nope, still bouncing]

Malia: [and with that she will shuffle them back to the apartment and they will get to work on homework]

Derek: [and Cora will be getting a text to call her brother when she has 5 minutes]

Cora: [which she will squint at, but eventually she'll get a break and ring ring ring Derek phone]

Derek: [and he will walk outside, answering the phone] So Ben wants to talk to me about his father.

Cora: ... Oh.

Derek: They are hanging out on Saturday, apparently.

Cora: Yeah. We're going to the zoo.

Derek: When did you start talking to Stiles again?

Cora: Tuesday?

Derek: Tuesday. And Laura's okay with you talking to him again?

Cora: Yeah, I talked to her about it already. But he found me - it's not like I sought him out. And it's mostly just for Ben.

Derek: Still, he's going to tell his father about Ben, which means ears in Beacon Hills are going to know. Are you okay with that?

Cora: I don't think that Stiles is going to be filling his dad in while he's at work at the sheriff's station. He knows we left for a reason and that the Argents had deputies being double agents.

Derek: I just want to make sure you're both safe.

Cora: I know. But we'll be okay. And I've been wanting to tell Stiles about Ben pretty much since I knew he existed, so I guess I got lucky.

Derek: Yeah. Well... let me know how it goes, ok? And if you need to bail, I can text you a fake emergency.

Cora: Yeah, sure. Why is Ben asking you about Stiles though? I've never held back when he's asked before.

Derek: Yeah, but you're his mom. Plus he's probably just corroborating what you've said so that he knows it's real and that you're just not telling him things that he'd want to hear because the guy is his dad and you want Ben to think he has a good father. He doesn't know he's doing it, but it's what he's doing.

Cora: [sighs] Okay. I know he's excited about it, I just hope it goes well.

Derek: Me too. For his sake.

Cora: Yeah. [glances back over her shoulder] I gotta get back. But just ... tell him the truth, but maybe gloss over the fact that he punched you in the face once?

Derek: [snorts] Yeah. Anything else I should gloss over?

Cora: No, I think that's the big one.

Derek: Alright. I'll keep it clean too.

Cora: [squints] That went without saying.

Derek: Hey, we're guys. We're gross by default. [you can hear the smirk]

Cora: [the eye roll, Derek. Such an eye roll] Okay, I really gotta go. Do not traumatize my child. [and with that she will hang up and head back to work]

Derek: [and he will talk to Ben later about how much of a geek his father is, but he was a good guy and really loved Cora and was very sad when they left. And Ben will want to know what kind of geek Stiles was and Derek isn't sure and that his mom knows that stuff better. But he does mention something about Batman and how he and Cora used to watch Spiderman a lot]

Cora: [Accurate. and thank god he didn't mention Star Wars]

Derek: [nope, Derek doesn't know about Stiles' SW obsession]

Cora: [good. and since all goes well, we can skip to Saturday and the actual dad meeting?]

Ben: [YES YES YES YES YES]

Cora: [so they'll get the tickets and are going to wait outside the gate, Cora keeping her hand in Ben's so that he doesn't run off and scanning the crowd for Stiles]

Stiles: [and to say he's nervous is an understatement. I mean, really how do you just walk in and go to meet your son for the first time when he is a tiny human being with his own personality and likes and dislikes and for a moment he almost chickens out but no, he's going to go through with it. So he will be in the thick of the crowd looking for them.]

Cora: [and her eyes will find him and she'll wave to get his attention] Stiles!

Stiles: [and his head will snap to the sound of her voice, and he will smile and hold up his hand, and then start making his way through the crowd]

Ben: [can't see because too many tall people. But now that it's about to happen he's suddenly nervous and going to just inch behind Cora a bit, hiding]

Cora: [since Stiles saw them, she'll turn her attention back to her son, and give his hand a soft squeeze] It's okay. You have nothing to be worried about.

Ben: What if he doesn't like me?

Cora: There is no way that he isn't going to like you. I promise. [she leans in a little closer] And I'll tell you a secret - I think he's worried about the same thing.

Stiles: [oh yeah, big time. Which is why when he gets there and sees the mini version of him - holy shit she wasn't lying - he gives them still a good distance until he's sure he should come over. He'll hold up a hand though] Hey.

Ben: [nope, just going to retreat behind Cora a bit more. He's more like his mom than anyone gives him credit for]

Cora: [looks up and smiles] Hey. [and she'll sneak back behind Ben, moving him in front of her but resting her hands on his shoulders to steady him a bit, as though to say she's not going anywhere but he can't use her to hide behind] Stiles, this is Ben. Ben, this is your dad.

Stiles: [and he's going to crouch down to be at eye level with him, because he remembers not liking being the shortest person in the room] Hey kiddo. I promise, I'm not going to bite. I gave up that habit a long time ago.

Ben: You used to bite?

Stiles: Oh yeah. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a velociraptor. I'd run around screeching and trying to bite people. My dad was so mad because it was my best friend's dad who let us watch Jurassic Park.

Cora: Ben loves dinosaurs. But he hasn't seen Jurassic Park yet. Right, kiddo?

Ben: No. Mom says it's too scary and I have to be eight before I can see it.

Stiles: Well, she's a smart person. But I bet I can talk her down to seven. [winks]

Cora: [deep, put upon sigh] If you're planning on doing that, you better be the one prepared to deal with the nightmares.

Stiles: Well, it'll have to be when we get to the point that you want to sleep over. So we'll save that until then.

Cora: [nods a bit before glancing down at Ben] So how about we start walking around. You guys can talk as we go.

Ben: Okay. Can we go to the snow section first? I want to see the penguins!

Stiles: [stands back up] You two lead the way.

Cora: Penguins it is. Do you remember where they are?

Ben: Yup! [and he's going to grab both their hands] This way!

Cora: [will nod and let Ben lead her to where he wants to go]

Stiles: Whoa, careful there buddy. I need that arm. [but he will go along, chuckling]

Ben: But we have to move quickly! [nope, to penguin town they go]

Cora: [she laughs as she follows him] Everything is a race. Even when there's no one we're racing against.

Stiles: I'll remember that.

Ben: [and once they are within sight of the penguins he will let them both go, parents forgotten as he rushes to the railing and steps up to look into the enclosure] HI PENGUINS!

Cora: [and she will hang back a bit, just to let him spend some time with his flightless friends but still keeping an eye on him so that he doesn't pitch into the enclosure] So how are you doing? [because Ben can be a lot all at once, especially once he's warmed up]

Stiles: [he's just watching Ben, listening to his dad in his head telling Stiles about what he was like as a kid, and seeing it all now in front of him. When Cora talks, he shakes himself back into focus] Me, I'm good. You?

Cora: [she nods] As long as he's good, I'm good.

Stiles: Good. Then we're all... good.

Cora: Good. [and now she doesn't know what to say]

Stiles: [and neither does he, so he just distracts from himself] My dad says you owe him a photo album of pictures if you ever want to earn his forgiveness.

Cora: I will send him that and raise him a few videos too.

Stiles: Good. He'll like that. He said he will probably come out here in November anyway. He's been thinking of moving down here since I got my job.

Cora: [she nods] We could have you guys for Thanksgiving at the house, if you don't have any other plans. Laura cooks.

Stiles: We never really did a thanksgiving after my mom died. We ate at the diner.

Cora: Well, you guys are welcome.

Stiles: It'll depend on if I'm not at work, but I'll let him know for sure.

Cora: [nods] What are you doing now?

Stiles: Standing in the zoo?

Cora: I meant job-wise.

Stiles: Oh. [he spent a week being taught how to keep his heartrate calm during stressful situations. Or when he has to lie and there is a lie detector around. It became second nature to breathe through his lies that already came easy] Research and analysis mostly.

Cora: The good kind or the boring kind?

Stiles: A mixture of both. It only sucks when I have to work with this one coworker who needs to have the stick removed from his - [they are in a zoo] Um... yeah.

Cora: [she laughs] Do you have to work with him often?

Stiles: No, thank God. He's partnered with someone else. I only see him at team meetings for the most part.

Cora: That's good, at least. Do you have a good partner?

Stiles: We're still getting to know each other. But she and I work well together.

Cora: Good. That's the important thing, I guess.

Stiles: [and he's about to say something but they are interrupted as Ben comes over and grabs Stiles' hand] I want you to meet the penguins. I gave them all names!

Cora: [she smiles] I'll go grab some drinks while you guys get acquainted.

Stiles: Okay. I'll text you if we move on.

Cora: Sounds good. [and she'll go to find a vendor]

Ben: [and he will lead Stiles to the penguins and he will point at each one and tell Stiles; it's name, and what kind of penguin it is and if it was in Happy Feet or not.]

Cora: [and she will wander back, but hang back and just watch them for a moment, and this finally feels right, for the first time in a long time. Even if it wasn't completely the way she envisioned it, seeing the two of them together is something she's wanted for a long time, and now that she has it, it's like something she's been waiting for has finally clicked]

Stiles: [and he's leaning against the rail, listening to his son and just smiling, taking everything he says in. And then before he can say anything else, Ben has his hand and is dragging him to the side because someone said that the polar bears just came out into the exhibit area and they have to go NOW NOW NOW]

Cora: [laughs as she goes to catch up with them] Slow down, kiddo. The polar bears will still be there and your dad's human. His arm won't grow back if you pull it off.

Ben: [blinks, looking up at Stiles] You really are only human?

Stiles: [shrugs] Sorry, kiddo.

Ben: That sucks.

Cora: Hey. There's nothing wrong with being human. Both your grandpas are human too.

Ben: But that means he's going to grow old. Or get hurt. And he's weak.

Stiles: Weak, huh? [and he's going to grab Ben from behind and toss him up in the air a bit, making the six year old squeal]

Cora: [shakes her head as she leans in closer to look at him when he comes down] There is nothing weak about being human. I taught you better than that.

Ben: [bites on his lips] I know, but Uncle Peter says that being a wolf makes you stronger and live longer and you heal faster from being hurt.

Cora: And that is true. But that doesn't mean that you're weak if you're not. So get that thought out of your head right now, got it?

Ben: Yes, Momma.

Stiles: [and he will lift Ben up and put him on his shoulders] But if it makes you feel better, kiddo, I'm not nearly the weakling that I was when your mom knew me. College is a great thing.

Cora: Not that he was a weakling then either.

Stiles: No, I was pretty pathetic. Gym classed sucked.

Ben: What's gym class?

Cora: You'll learn about that next year. [and she looks back at him] And there are different kinds of strength.

Stiles: Never doubt your mother, Ben. She used to kick my butt in school.

Cora: That I will agree with you on. Don't doubt me.

Ben: Okay, okay. I'm sorry. Is that a root beer for me?

Cora: [nods and holds it up to him] Don't spill it on your dad's head.

Ben: I won't. [and he is going to set it on Stiles' head to help hold it as he drinks]

Stiles: Even if he does, it's fine. I won't melt.

Cora: [she nods, before handing him his own soda] Here you go.

Stiles: Thanks. So polar bears, right?

Ben: Polar bears!

Cora: Let's do this. [And off they go to wander the zoo for the day and eventually Ben's getting tired so Cora gets ready to take over] I should probably get him home.

Stiles: You sure?

Cora: Yeah. We're not far, so I'll just walk him back. [there's a beat] You can come back with us if you want.

Stiles: [he thinks about it] I can at least help carry him to the door for you.

Cora: Are you sure? I've got him. And he's a wriggler.

Stiles: There's something I wanted to talk with you about. I think it's better to talk about it now than wait. So I can keep carrying him as we walk.

Cora: Okay. [she nods, sliding her hands into her pocket before starting to lead the way] So what's up?

Stiles: [taking a deep breath] In debating about all this, I got some advice on how to approach this. Just to make sure we all stay safe. And um... I really do want to get to know Ben and spend time with him. But um... [another deep breath] I think you and I should just... keep it on the friend level. I'm not really in a place where I want a relationship with anyone... so I think it's best I get it out and lay that down now.

Cora: [she won't say it doesn't sting a little, but she also wasn't expecting anything either] I wasn't expecting us to get back together. I mean, I get what you're saying, but this was about Ben. It wasn't for me. [though part of her might have hoped a little] It's good that you said it, though. Now we both know where we stand. Make it easier to move forward.

Stiles: [nods] Yeah. I mean, I still want to be friends. And I'm going to be here for you and Ben both. I just didn't want to get any hopes up. [hers or his]

Cora: [it's a good plan] Good. Now we're on the same page.

Stiles: Yup. [he relaxes a bit] Oh, so I know you said Malia's around, and I'm assuming your dad, Laura and Peter are. Where's your brother?

Cora: GWU. He's decided to go the eternal student route.

Stiles: He always was a closet nerd. Not even going to try and teach?

Cora: I don't know. Maybe? Or he might just Flynn Carson it and hope he gets recruited into a mystical library.

Stiles: [laughs] Yeah, I could see that happen.

Cora: He's happy though. Whatever he's doing, it's good for him.

Stiles: That's good. [and they are at the bar and he will look up at the stairs] Well, here we are.

Cora: [she nods, before reaching over to gently take Ben from him] You sure you don't want to come up for a cup of coffee or something?

Stiles: I'm sure. I've got to actually check in at the office for a few things before I head home. Maybe next time?

Cora: Okay. My dad has him Friday nights, and I have Tuesday and Saturday, but if you want to grab regular nights with him, I'm sure Malia would like the nights off.

Stiles: I'll check with my boss and see what my schedule is coming up. I usually work when we have work, but I'm promised at least a full day off a week. But I'd like that. [he makes sure Ben is secure in Cora's grip] He's a good kid. You did a good job with him.

Cora: Thanks, but I had help. Takes a village and all that.

Stiles: Which I'm glad for. [he slips his hands into his jacket pockets] Tell him I said goodnight, and I'll text you when my next day off is so we can figure something out.

Cora: [she nods] Okay. Get home safe.

Stiles: Yes ma'am. [and he will head out, making his way indirectly to CONTROL. When he gets down there, he's going to get into his computer and log into the CIA access he still has. He has GWU, and that's enough to start cross-referencing social media and websites for mentions of Derek. When he finally has something solid, he grabs a piece of self-destruct flimsy and writes on it]

Allison: [Matt has gone home for the night because it was her turn for paperwork, and when she spots Stiles she frowns and turns to meet up with him] I thought you were off today.

Stiles: I was. [he logs off his computer, having just put the flimsy in the activation envelope and sealed it. He turns to her, leaning back a bit] Lydia tell you yet about who she ran into the other day?

Allison: [she nods] Cora, yeah. She said you told her.

Stiles: Yeah. We're going to need to have a loft meeting soon because there's something I need to tell you all. But before that. [he held up the envelope to her] Where one twin goes... you didn't get this from me. You don't even have to open it if you won't want to. It will self-destruct 30 seconds after you do though.

Allison: [she looks at it for a moment, and she almost doesn't take it, but she takes a deep breath as she takes the envelope from him] Does he know I'm here?

Stiles: I haven't told her anything about you. She doesn't even know about Scott, but she can probably assume about my telling Lydia. [stands up] So like I said, you didn't get that from me, Ms. FBI agent.

Allison: [she nods before folding the envelope and tucking it into her pocket] Thanks.

Stiles: You're welcome. I'll see you later at home.

Allison: [she nods] See you there. [and with that, she'll head out herself]