Chapter Text
Stiles shoves the last of his winter clothes into a cardboard box and seals it with packing tape. “Last one to be moved,” he says, stacking it on top of the other two and shoving them into a corner. “Peter gets to carry these to the car, gonna put that werewolf strength to use.”
“When are you guys driving out again?” Scott asks, picking at a snagged thread on the bedspread. “Orientation doesn’t start for another couple weeks, right?”
“Yeah, but I want to get the apartment organized and get things unpacked. Figure my way around town, all of that,” Stiles replies, sitting next to Scott on the bed.
“You’re not on campus?”
Stiles shakes his head and says, “Nope, too late to get campus housing and besides, probably better to have a place a little away from the other students. No roommate, the place is furnished and there’s more privacy. We’re still kind of newlyweds you know.” He grins at Scott, who wrinkles his nose in return.
“Yeah, I know, thanks. I’m not going to mention how much your room stinks, even with the window open,” Scott says with a grimace.
Stiles grins and adjusts the pendant down his shirt. “Thanks, dude, because that would be awkward. So when are you heading out to Davis?”
“Just a few days before orientation. I already did the campus visit and since I’ll be in on-campus housing, there’s not a lot of unpacking to do.” Scott gets up and walks around the room that’s felt like his second room; Stiles’ home has been his second home. “What do you think your dad will do with your room when you move out?”
“Do with my room? I don’t know that he’s going to do anything with it,” Stiles answers, scratching his head and rearranging some of the books that he’s leaving behind. He packed his personal photos from the dresser, and took down posters and other things he’s tacked to the walls. He moved out two boxes of trash and one box of ‘not moving it with me, but not throwing it out’ to Peter’s apartment a few days ago. He sits down at the desk chair, looking at the nearly empty desk. There’s a can with some pens and pencils in it, a stapler that works half the time, a few empty files and a ream of paper. “Wow. I guess it does kind of look like I’m moving out-moving out. He could turn this into another guest room or maybe an office if he wants.”
Peter opens the window and enters silently. “Your father will keep this room for you when you come back and visit.” He looks around and sits on the twin bed, smirking. “Maybe you should suggest a double bed, I’d certainly appreciate it.”
“I think he’d appreciate it if I stayed at your house when I’m home for holidays,” Stiles says, moving to the bed for a kiss.
“Well this is making me a little ill,” Scott says, wrinkling his nose. “When are you guys leaving?”
“In the morning. How about we meet for breakfast?” Stiles asks, glancing at Peter to see if he has any issues with that plan.
“I can make us breakfast at Derek’s if you’d like. Invite the pack,” Peter suggests. “Be nice to say goodbye.”
“So Laura’s okay that we’re here?” Allison asks Stiles. She’s sitting in the big recliner, normally Derek’s chair, balancing a plate on the arm of the chair.
“Yeah, she’s fine with it. As long as we clean up the dishes and take out the garbage and all that stuff,” Stiles answers, carrying a cup of coffee into the living room. “I don’t think she’s going to be here for another couple of days anyway.”
Scott grabs a coffee and puts together a bacon and egg sandwich, saying, “It’s so strange being here without Derek.”
“Yeah, but I guess he’s doing okay with Annabelle and likes the pack a lot, which is great. But I don’t think we’re going to lose him to Montana though, he says it’s too hot,” Boyd says.
Isaac finishes his toast and leans back on the couch stifling a yawn. “I know it’s only been a couple of weeks, but is Annabelle able to control her shift yet?”
“Not yet,” Boyd answers, moving to the floor next to Erica. “I guess the full moon last week was kinda rough, but he’s still feeling like he’s making progress and can help her.”
“Well, I’ll give you the next update,” Isaac says slowly, “I’m going out there for a week before school starts.”
“Really?” Scott asks, sitting up and looking at his friend. “Did he invite you or did you invite yourself?”
“I’m not exactly sure. I told him that I was set for school and don’t have a lot to move,” he pauses, looking thoughtful. “And the next thing I know we’re talking about me visiting. But it’s good. I’m looking forward to it. Derek says he’ll teach me to ride a horse, which should be fun. I guess.”
“Derek’ll be able to do that, he is frighteningly outdoorsy,” Peter says from the kitchen, as he checks to be sure that all the platters are full before dishing up a plate for himself.
“You’re not a horse guy?” Stiles asks and then grins as Peter winks at him. “Or maybe forget I asked that in mixed company.”
“Please don’t,” Lydia comments eyeing them over her morning tea. “So Stiles, your dad is okay with Peter driving you to college? He doesn’t want to do it himself?”
“No, he’s been working and he’s seen the campus already. He said he’ll come visit in a couple of weeks when I’m settled in and things have quieted down,” Stiles answers, smiling as Peter kisses his temple.
“That’s probably better,” Scott says. “My mom is insisting on driving me and I know she’s going to be super-weepy. Not that your dad would be crying, but…”
“No, he’d be all stoic, but wiping his eyes and complaining about the dust,” Stiles says. His friends are grinning, all except Isaac, who is studying his coffee carefully. He’s only going as far as Redding, just an hour away, but he’ll be living on campus. “You’ve got a place set, right, Isaac?”
“Yeah, sure,” he replies, and sets his cup on the table next to him. “Actually, when I get back from Montana, Talia is driving me. There’s a few omegas who go to Shasta and since Redding is in her territory, I guess she’s going to check in on them.”
“Actually, we both will be taking you,” Peter says and smiles showing lots of fangs. “No pressure to anyone there, just making sure everything’s still on the up-and-up.”
“Ooo, you have a watch dog!” Erica crows. “Talia phoned the alpha who has the Cal-Poly area and let her know that I’d be going there. I spoke with her on the phone and she seemed cool, said I should drop by if I felt lonely. I’m not sure that I will, it seems kinda weird, you know?” she says, looking at the others. “I’m not sure if I want to be friends with another pack.”
Boyd scratches his head and rubs Erica’s leg gently. “I don’t know; maybe it’ll be nice to have some pack to run with occasionally. Apparently there isn’t any official pack in Fresno and Talia doesn’t know of any omegas there either. Guess I’ll find out.”
“Well, she called the alpha who has the Silicon Valley area and he wants to meet me. So I’ll probably go down a day earlier than I planned for my audience,” Lydia says. She wipes her fingers on her napkin and looks up to see everyone looking at her. “What?”
Stiles pokes Peter’s side and Peter quickly says, “Do you want me to go with you? It’s not a problem, I can do that. Or Laura, if you’d prefer. Although the alpha there, his name is William something, I don’t remember, he’s nice. Little full of himself, but okay. He’s been an alpha almost as long as Talia.”
“No, but thank you, I’m sure I’ll be fine. Talia told me to be polite, but to not act intimidated, which shouldn’t be a problem.”
Scott goes back into the kitchen to refill his plate and asks, “How’d you end up at Stanford? I thought you were all set for Harvard, like a year ago?”
“I was, but then Stanford kept on offering more and more for me to go there. Frankly, it was getting embarrassing. I thought I was going to have to call the admissions office and say, ‘You’re a prestigious one hundred year old university – have a little self-esteem.’ But, their program is as good and,” she stops and rolls her eyes with a sigh. “Okay, I admit it; it felt a little weird leaving my mother alone here. Besides, I make an adorable snow-bunny for a weekend in Tahoe, but I don’t think I could find enough cute clothes for a whole winter in Boston.”
“Yeah, I don’t think your heels would be that great in the snow. But did you notice, we’re all ending up in California, I didn’t think that was going to happen,” Stiles smiles at his friends. “Maybe it’s a pack thing.”
“I’m sure it is. If there was a California option that gave you the curriculum you wanted, you probably chose to be closer to home,” Peter explains, earning several eye-rolls. “Don’t blame me for stating a fact. I do know a little about wolves’ minds.”
“Stiles, how did you end up getting into Chico State so last minute?” Allison asks, moving to sit on the floor by Isaac.
“Well, it does help that David’s sister is best friends with someone in the admissions office,” he says, taking hold of Peter’s hand. “They’re in Talia’s territory, too, so Peter’s going to check on a couple of omegas who go there.”
“Hmm,” he says with studied casualness, which they know by now is anything but. “One student and one teacher, both without pack affiliations. Two other students who are in another pack. I’ll just say hello and make sure they know that you’re spoken for. In every way.”
“How about anyone at Davis or Berkeley?” Scott asks, looking towards Allison.
“Technically, Davis isn’t in anyone’s territory, so you won’t be stepping on any toes,” Peter answers. “I don’t know of any wolves there; I’ll put out feelers for you.”
“Berkeley is connected to the pack in the Bay Area,” Allison says quietly. “Not the same alpha as Lydia’s, the territory splits just south of San Francisco. Then there’s unclaimed territory north until you reach here. Talia made calls for me and I’ll meet with the alpha who has the Berkeley area when I go there. I’ve already talked with her on the phone a couple of times. Even with Talia’s assurances, an Argent in her territory doesn’t make her happy.” She sighs and rests her head on Isaac’s leg and he brushes a hand on her shoulder before he quickly pulls his hand away.
Everyone sits silently for a moment thinking about splitting up their pack, even temporarily, and all the new wolves they’re about to meet.
Peter sighs loudly and raises an eyebrow. “Allison, do you need me to drive you down and meet with Alpha Mabini? I’m sure I’ll have a few days between drop offs, I can schedule in another teenager delivery.” Stiles beams at Allison and nods encouragingly.
“No, but thank you. I think.” Allison answers with a nod and tight smile. “Actually, I’m driving on my own, I need my car and having my dad there right away probably isn’t a great idea. We have a treaty with the Hales and the Hales have a treaty with the Mabinis so, I’m trusting things will go smoothly.”
“Well what I’m worried about,” Stiles says, unbuttoning the top button of his jeans, “is avoiding the freshman fifteen. Without you guys around to run around with and no time to exercise, I’m sure I’ll turn into a blob.” Peter rubs Stiles’ flat tummy with a smirk, but says nothing.
“Once again, darned werewolves,” Allison says, smiling up at Isaac. “We’re working on an exercise program that we both agree to stick with and we’ll check in with each other daily. We’ll be posting our schedule on-line if you want to join.” She quickly looks around the room. “I mean anyone, of course. It’s just so that we don’t get so bogged down with studying that we neglect our health.”
“Really?” Scott asks. “Really, Isaac?” He lets his fangs and claws out, but Stiles can tell from both the bond and everyone’s grin that he’s not seriously upset. He’s moving on.
“Well, yeah, Scott,” Isaac says, flicking out his claws. “Gotta keep in fighting shape.” With that, he practically flies across the room almost toppling Scott out of his chair.
Before anyone can say anything, Erica jumps on Isaac’s back and Boyd has Scott in a headlock. “Out! Out with all of you, no breaking Derek’s house!” Stiles yells and starts herding them towards the door, with Allison laughing as she follows them out.
“They’re children with too much nervous energy,” Lydia says with a pained sigh as she gathers the last of the dishes and carries them into the kitchen.
Stiles pulls Peter in front of the window so they can look into the back lot and watch their friends chase and tackle each other. They’re too far to hear what they’re saying, but Stiles can feel their happiness through the bond and knows that Peter does, too. “We should get going soon,” he says into Peter’s neck.
“Yes, in a bit. There’s no real rush, you’re not that far from home,” Peter replies back, whispering into Stiles’ ear, nibbling on his ear lobe. “I hope you made the choice for yourself and not for me?”
“Yup. Glad to be closer to home, of course, but I like the program I can get into and I like the smaller city. I’m a small town guy.” Stiles rests his forehead against Peter’s and kisses him quietly, aware that Lydia’s in the kitchen. “Hey. This is all gonna be okay, right? With everyone going away, Derek’s pack…”
“Our pack. The Hale pack,” Peter corrects him with a kiss.
“Yeah, our pack. We’ll be okay, right? And you and me, we’ll be okay?”
Peter just chuckles and bites Stiles’ lower lip gently. “Of course, Burrito. We have the rest of our lives for happily ever after.”
“That’s for later,” Lydia says, taking each man’s hand in hers. “For now, let’s go outside with the pack for a run with the wolves.”