potus } { of media darlings and meeting the parents

[impetere]

Cora: [stares at the TV while feeling her phone continuing to vibrate and ... welp] Oh no.

Stiles: [in the kitchen making them coffee] What oh?

Cora: ... We're on TV.

Stiles: [blinks, going to shift to look at her more and spills coffee on his hand and lets out a stream of curses as he runs to put it under cold water] What do you mean we're on TV?

Cora: I mean someone caught us outside the club last night and got a picture and we're on TV.

Stiles: Shit. [and he will come out to join her before reaching over for his phone that's flashing] I guess the cat's out of the bag.

Cora: Yeah. [she glances over to him] I'm sorry.

Stiles: It's alright. It was bound to happen eventually. [takes a deep breath] So what happens now?

Cora: [and her phone rings and she sighs] I talk to my mom or Peter or whoever is calling from the white house and we probably talk to Freya and see how best to frame this.

Stiles: I should probably call my Dad and warn him because they will quickly figure out who I am.

Cora: [she nods as she gets up to go answer the phone]

Peter: Where are you?

Cora: At Stiles'.

Peter: It may not be safe there too much longer. You need to return now.

Cora: My house or the White House?

Peter: Preferably the White House. The press is working to figure out the identity of your young suitor and when they have it they will swarm his apartment wanting to find out everything about him.

Cora: I can't just leave him here.

Peter: You cannot take him back to your apartment. From what I've been told, there's already a group of press staking it out.

Cora: Can I bring him to the White House?

Peter: [deep breath] Probably a good plan until we figure out how to mitigate this.

Cora: Okay. We'll head over there soon.

Peter: Make sure he wears a hat and sunglasses to hide his face.

Cora: I will.

Peter: Do you need a car sent over?

Cora: Yeah, that's probably a good idea.

Peter: I'll have it sent right away. What's the address?

Cora: [and she rambles off the address] I'm sorry.

Peter: You don't have to be sorry. I just want you to be safe.

Cora: I know. We'll be there soon.

Stiles: [and as she's hanging up with Peter, he will finish with his dad and run a hand through his hair] Alright, he's warned.

Cora: We have to go to the White House. Peter's sending a car.

Stiles: Am I in trouble?

Cora: No, he just is worried that once they figure out who you are, they're going to start swarming your apartment, and I don't want you to be stuck here alone.

Stiles: Yeah, that's probably a good idea. Boyd leaves when you go.

Cora: And the press is already at my place, so ... the White House is the only safe place left.

Stiles: So... should I dress up?

Cora: ... It's up to you? But the car is going to be here soon.

Stiles: Well, I mean I'm going to be meeting your family. I should probably be in more than jeans and a ratty t-shirt.

Cora: Then I'd get dressed fast?

Stiles: [nods and heads back into his bedroom and comes out in a nice pair of khakis and a button down plaid shirt] Better?

Cora: [she nods] That's good.

Stiles: I guess we go then.

Cora: [nods and picks up a hat and sunglasses she found for him] You're going to want to wear these.

Stiles: Not really my style [takes them anyway]

Cora: Yeah, but it's for your own safety right now. [there's a pause and she swallows] I'm sorry.

Stiles: [thinks, then nods] Right.

Cora: [and she'll grab her own hat and glasses before leading the way down to the car and off they go to the White House!]

Stiles: [looking out the window] So am I supposed to address your mom as Mrs. Hale, President Hale, Madam President...?

Cora: Probably the last one to start with, since you've never met her before.

Stiles: Ok. Does she know about me at least?

Cora: She does. I'm sure it went through the family grapevine quickly enough when we first started dating.

Stiles: Yeah I may have just told my dad your last name today.

Cora: How did he take it?

Stiles: Shock, awe and telling me that I'm way out of my league.

Cora: [her head ducks a bit] Not that far out of it.

Stiles: Totally out of it.

Cora: [she glances over at him for a moment, before glancing down at her hands again] Look, if this is too much ... I'd understand if you wanted to ... [she knows the press can be a lot. she's been dealing with them since she was a kid]

Stiles: If I can survive boot camp, I think I can handle this.

Cora: Okay. But just ... know I won't take it personally, if you decide it's not worth it.

Stiles: [leans in close to her] You're worth it.

Cora: [glances up to him] How do you know?

Stiles: You haven't proven not to be yet.

Cora: You haven't dealt with the press that much. You might change your mind.

Stiles: If I do, you'll be the first to know.

Cora: [she nods, looking down again] For the record, I really hope you don't. But they can be ... really terrible. So I don't want you to feel like you have to stay because of me.

Stiles: I'm more worried about being the one to embarrass you to be honest.

Cora: Why would you say that?

Stiles: Have you met me? I'm awkward and say the wrong things. I have a long history of that.

Cora: Well, the goal is to not talk to them. And Freya can prep you.

Stiles: Don't talk to the press. Check.

Cora: And don't let them rile you.

Stiles: Like how?

Cora: They'll sneak into places they're not supposed to. Say things to get a reaction out of you. Stuff about me.

Stiles: Huh. Well if they say bad things about you, I'm going to want to put them in their place.

Cora: I know. And you need to ignore them.

Stiles: Have I also mentioned I have a compulsion problem?

Cora: I know. I know it's hard. But ... you're going to have to try and not give them anything to manipulate you with.

Stiles: [sighs] I'll try. What would happen if I screw up though?

Cora: Freya will do damage control.

Stiles: But no, I mean between us? Will your family tell you to stop dating me if I screw up?

Cora: Depends how bad and how often you screw up. But I think you'll be fine.

Stiles: I'll try my best. Just don't hate me if I mess up once or twice as I get used to this.

Cora: I won't. I promise.

Stiles: Good. Because I like what we have.

Cora: Me too. I don't really want it to go anywhere.

Stiles: I'll be on my best behavior then.

Cora: Thank you. [and as she says that, they pull up to the private entrance of the White House, only used for the first family and staff]

Stiles: [and he sinks down a bit in his seat, seeing the paparazzi waiting at the gate taking pictures of the car, trying to have his face obscured by the door]

Cora: [gives his hand a squeeze, and waits for Boyd to open the door before she escorts them out and walking quickly to the doors and not letting go of his hand until they close behind them]

Stiles: [and he is going to just look up and around at the hallway because whoa, he's in the White House] You know, I'd thought there'd be more white on the walls.

Cora: So we can blind everyone as they walk in?

Stiles: I'm sure the Secret Service wouldn't mind that.

Cora: Everyone else would though.

Stiles: Nah, you develop special sunglasses to wear. Transitions type things.

Cora: [she shakes her head] I'm not sure it's the best style choice.

Stiles: But it could be all futuristic.

Cora: That's not the vibe the White House is usually going for.

Stiles: [dramatic sigh] i guess you can stick with the boring relics.

Cora: [smiles as she squeezes his hand, before turning as they're led to Peter's office]

Peter: [and he is on the phone, but will wave them in and motion to a couch in the room] Yes, I'm aware that we have not spoken about this relationship. We do prefer to allow the first children to have a personal life outside of the spotlight when possible. No, she is not available for a statement.

Cora: [nods and goes to sit across from him, gesturing for Stiles to sit as well]

Peter: [has a few more uh huhs and nos, and then ends his call before putting the phone on his desk and rubbing his forehead] I really dislike the press sometimes.

Cora: Only sometimes?

Peter: When the press is good, I love them. [sighs and looks over at her, smiling] You both made it here safely?

Cora: [she nods] Stiles, this is my uncle, Peter, Peter, this is Stiles Stilinski, my boyfriend.

Peter: A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Stilinski. Or do you still use your rank?

Stiles: Stiles is just fine, sir.

Cora: Does Freya have a game plan yet?

Peter: She is still working on one, but I'm sure she will reach out soon. Though I feel that your rendezvous at Mr. Stilinski's apartment will need to be scheduled now so the proper security can be arranged. As well, we may need to upgrade both the apartment building and unit that you live in so that it is secure for when Cora is visiting.

Stiles: Will my landlord let you do that?

Cora: We can be very persuasive.

Peter: A government paid upgrade to the building? I'm sure the management will believe they won the lottery. Of course, the other option would be to help move you to a more secure location, preferably in a building with a doorman.

Stiles: I can't afford that kind of apartment. I'm lucky I can afford the one I'm in now.

Cora: We can. [which isn't necessarily saying that he has to take it, but she'd rather he be safe]

Stiles: [licks his lips, because there is a bit of pride in being his own man] I will think about it.

Peter: Well, for now, you are welcome as the guest residence until we come up with a plan. It is a good thing your spring break just started.

Cora: [she nods] Remember, if it's too much, you just have to say so.

Stiles: Yeah, but if I felt it was too much, what are my other choices?

Cora: [a beat] I could see if Kol wants a roommate?

Stiles: Kol Mikaelson?

Cora: He has a really big place, and he has a girlfriend so it's not like he'd be throwing a party there every night.

Stiles: But would you be comfortable spending the night there with me?

Peter: [clearing his throat]

Cora: [gives Peter a sympathetic look] We can talk about that later.

Stiles: Okay.

Cora: [they can discuss all of this in private. back to Peter] Do Mom and Dad want to see us?

Peter: Well, I know they would like to finally meet your boyfriend. [there's a small smirk there]

Cora: [sighs] I'm guessing lunch?

Peter: In the usual place. Until then, why don't you go freshen up?

Cora: [she nods] Okay. [and she'll take Stiles' hand and lead him towards the guest room where he's going to be staying for right now]

Stiles: Is this the Lincoln bedroom?

Cora: Yes it is.

Stiles: I can't stay here.

Cora: Why not?

Stiles: It's the Lincoln bedroom, Cora. Important people stay in this one.

Cora: It's where the guests of the president stay, and currently you are a guest of the president.

Stiles: [and he is going to just look around, taking everything in] But... but...

Cora: But nothing. Guest of the president.

Stiles: [whimpers] I am afraid to touch anything.

Cora: [makes sure the door is closed before places her hands against his chest and pushes him back towards one of the chairs until his knees hit the back and it forces him to sit]

Stiles: [and he will sit on instinct, but he's breathing quickly, a hint of a panic attack rising]

Cora: [and she will then sit in his lap, just like they would have at home] Breathe, Stiles.

Stiles: I.... I'm okay. [taking a deep breath]

Cora: [she nods] Good. [and she leans in to kiss him softly] Just relax.

Stiles: [and that will help him relax]

Cora: [even better] It's just a room.

Stiles: It's an original room.

Cora: It's not. It's been restored and refurnished like five times. It even was an office at one point.

Stiles: Oh.

Cora: Yep. They tried to make it as close as possible, but it's not like this furniture has been sitting here since the 1860s.

Stiles: You're sure about that?

Cora: Positive. I got the whole tour when I lived here during my mom's first term.

Stiles: [and he will take another deep breath and then nod] Okay.

Cora: Okay. [she shifts to rest her head against his shoulder] And I'll be in here with you, at least for tonight.

Stiles: Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, we're under your parents roof and all.

Cora: I'm twenty five years old, not sixteen.

Stiles: God I hope you're not sixteen.

Cora: [she laughs] I'm not sixteen. I'm an adult and can sleep where I want.

Stiles: Well good. But do you feel comfortable doing that in the White House?

Cora: Do I feel comfortable sleeping next to my boyfriend?

Stiles: Or doing the things we end up doing in bed when we're together?

Cora: Well, it's not like my parents are going to be standing over us watching us do it.

Stiles: The ghost of Abraham Lincoln may.

Cora: Abraham Lincoln had four children, I don't think it would be anything he hadn't seen before.

Stiles: [chuckles] Well, one would hope.

Cora: But we also don't have to do anything. We can just sleep.

Stiles: True. But sometimes I just can't resist.

Cora: Can't resist, huh?

Stiles: Especially when you're dressed up and all sexy looking.

Cora: Well, I think I can do my best to refrain from being sexy looking.

Stiles: [sighs] Then I guess I can behave.

Cora: [smirks and leans in to kiss him again] I appreciate your efforts.

Stiles: [kisses her back] Do you really think I'm going to have to move?

Cora: I think it depends on how fast they get bored. Or how long we keep dating.

Stiles: I just don't want to be a problem. I mean, if the press found out your family was paying for an apartment for me...

Cora: Then maybe living with Kol would work better. You could pay part of the rent and he'll pick up the rest.

Stiles: I guess it could work.

Cora: I just want you to have some projection. In your building, there's nothing keeping them from getting into your place.

Stiles: No, I get it. And I bet I can learn a few things from the Mikaelson's about dealing with the press. I just don't want to be a burden.

Cora: You're not. I promise.

Stiles: Okay. [he'll get used to it]

Cora: [she hopes so. and they'll just stay there and snuggle until one of the secret service agents knocks on the door to tell them lunch is ready]

Stiles: [and he will take a deep breath] Time to meet the parents.

Cora: [nods as she gets up to let him up] You'll be fine.

Stiles: I hope I just don't say something stupid. [takes her hand]

Cora: [squeezes his hand gently as she leads the way to the dining room where Thomas and Talia are already waiting] Hi guys.

Thomas: [from where he is standing, smiling at his youngest] Sweetheart, glad to see that you made it here okay.

Cora: Peter sent us a car. [glances back at Stiles before giving his hand a squeeze] This is Stiles.

Talia: [looking like the cat that ate the canary over her drink] Hi, Stiles.

Stiles: Sir. Madam President. [nods to both of them] It's a pleasure to meet you both.

Thomas: [smirks a bit because the boy at least has manners] Come sit. Can I get either of you a drink?

Cora: Please. [and she goes to sit across from where her parents usually sit]

Stiles: [and he will go and sit with her] What do you have to drink?

Thomas: Pretty much whatever you want.

Cora: Soda? [asking Stiles more than for herself]

Thomas: We also have Beer. Whiskey.

Stiles: Coke would be fine. [sees what you're trying to do there]

Cora: I'll get it. [and she'll get up to get sodas for them both, though she kind of wants a glass of wine if that's how her father is going to behave.]

Thomas: [smiles and goes to refill his and Talia's drinks before sitting]

Cora: [and once they're all settled, Cora will just glance up with a smile] So. Anything new? Other than my love life, anyway?

Talia: Nothing too exciting. Just the usual political rigamarole.

Thomas: Don't let her fool you. Senator Argent has been testing his limits again, seeing how far he can get away with things.

Cora: Of course he is. Probably because he's annoyed that his granddaughter is marrying Derek.

Thomas: That or he believes he will earn some kind of privilege become in-laws to the president.

Cora: That's true too.

Stiles: How is Corporal Hale doing?

Talia: Very, very well. He and Allison are quite happy.

Stiles: That's good.

Thomas: Now you served under him, right?

Stiles: Yes sir, overseas.

Cora: Derek thinks very highly of him.

Thomas: Mm, hmm.

Stiles: I'm pretty sure we kept each other from dying on more than one occasion.

Talia: As his mother, I appreciate his not being dead greatly.

Stiles: My father feels the same way, ma'am.

Talia: What does your father do?

Stiles: He's the local Sheriff.

Talia: Oh really? Small town or large county?

Stiles: Small town. [and he will rub his nose a bit] Beacon Hills, California.

Talia: Oh, I know Beacon Hills. I had family there for a long time. It's a lovely little town.

Stiles: Cora mentioned something about that, ma'am. It hasn't changed much, I'm sure.

Talia: Oh, it's probably changed just enough. When was the last time you went home?

Stiles: Christmas, actually. School break.

Talia: Good. I'm sure learning about all of this has been a bit rough on you both.

Stiles: Dad's used to dealing with small time press. Pretty sure he can put big time press in their place. Or just sleep at the station.

Talia: [makes a face] Oh, that doesn't sound fair.

Stiles: I'm sure that he will be fine, ma'am. He's just happy I can tell him who my mysterious girlfriend is now.

Talia: Mmmm. Well, speaking as the parent of the other half of this equation, I'm afraid I can say the same. [looks at her daughter, as her daughter looks elsewhere]

Thomas: You have been quite a mystery to us, Mr. Stilinski. Even Derek has been good at keeping information about you out of our knowledge out of respect to his sister.

Cora: [and she looks down a bit at that, because while she knows she's not being scolded, she just wanted something for herself]

Stiles: [and he will notice that and reach over to take her hand under the table and squeeze it] Well, we didn't want to make a big production of it, sir. It would make it hard to attend classes after all.

Cora: [she squeezes his hand back in return, and glancing back at him with a small smile] It's kind of hard to have any kind of relationship with cameras everywhere.

Thomas: We know. And you know we have tried to make sure they leave you alone.

Cora: I do. [and she means that, looking back at her father with a nod.] It just doesn't always work. And that's not your fault.

Stiles: And the secret service gentlemen were very gentle.

Talia: I'm glad to hear that. They should only be rough when they need to be.

Thomas: [mutters something softly about Secret Service men and Laura to himself]

Cora: [smirks] Dad.

Thomas: I didn't say anything untrue.

Stiles: [gives Cora a confused look]

Talia: [notices that] My oldest daughter has a very ... special relationship with her secret service agents.

Stiles: ... Oh. [blinks, because wow.] Um, that I was not expecting.

Cora: It's her own quiet form of rebellion, though it's not as quiet as she thinks it is.

Stiles: I see. I hope they have their own protection.

Thomas: [chokes on his drink]

Cora: [giggles a bit]

Talia: [amused] One can only hope.

Stiles: [and he is going to just take a sip of his drink]

Thomas: [looks up at the chef and nods for the food to be brought in. Trying not to think about his daughter and her secret service men]

Cora: [Laura loves you, Thomas]

Stiles: [and thank god it's real food and not something overly fancy he won't know how to eat]

Talia: [she never claimed to be that fancy]

Stiles: This looks delicious.

Talia: Thank you. I'll be sure to let the cook know.

Stiles: So do you actually have like, someone who tastes the food before they serve it to make sure no one's trying to poison you?

Talia: Not that I'm aware of.

Thomas: There's a process to make sure everything that comes into the White House is safe so the chef doesn't have to worry about that.

Cora: We're very careful with the President's food around here.

Stiles: Which is good because that also means our food is safe too.

Talia: Indeed. It would look pretty bad if my guests got poisoned.

Thomas: [and he will sip his drink as the table goes silent from the men's side]

Cora: [and the ladies will chat about things not related to her love life like school and work and the Mikaelsons and gossiping about Peter and Freya because that's what the women in this family do]

Stiles: [and he will just sit there awkwardly after he finishes eating, not wanting to speak up]

Talia: [and they'll get bored with that to ...] So, Stiles, what are you studying at GW?

Stiles: I'm in the pre-FBI program, ma'am.

Talia: Oh really? Like father, like son I suppose.

Stiles: My best friend's father is an Agent. He was able to put in a good word for me.

Talia: Do you have an idea of which branch you'd like to work in?

Stiles: No, not yet. I figured I could try a few and see what works best

Talia: Always a good idea.

Stiles: You never know what you're really good at until you try, right?

Talia: Precisely. Sometimes things will take you by surprise.

Stiles: [looks at Cora a second and smiles] Very true, ma'am.

Talia: [awww, isn't that cute]

Cora: [just misses it, picking at her food]