Epilogue

Dinner went by smoothly. The four ate and talked. Most of which Rafael asked questions to which Scott primarily answered. When it was all over, they cleaned up and put everything away, except for the plate Stiles prepared to take to his dad.

During that time, Raf pulled Stiles aside quickly. "I meant what I said. And I know what it's like to live with the guilt. It's something I've been dealing with since I walked out of this house years ago. And it was Scott who reminded me that what I may have done was bad, the fact that I ran away from the problem and tried to ignore it was even worse. You're too young. You shouldn't have this kind of trauma in your life. But I see now there won't be anything we can do to stop it. So, if this is what life is going to be, for all of us, then we need to stick together, help each other. I know we haven't gotten along most of the time, but I'm here if you want to talk. No judgments, no criticism, cause I'm not really one to judge; just an open ear. Anytime, okay?"

Surprised at the honest invitation, Stiles accepted, "Thanks, Mr. McCall. I appreciate it."

The two separated and soon the boys found themselves in Scott's room doing homework. It was late but late nights were norm for them now. They allowed dinner to settle and to get some work done before Stiles decided to bring up what they had been trying to get together for to begin with. "So if what Lydia said was true, then we were right and Peter was the Benefactor from the beginning even if he didn't remember."

"Yeah and Meredith and Brunski were just pawns in Peter's game," Scott concurred.

"Which leads us to the real reason we've been trying to talk. Now that the dead pool is gone, what are we going to do about Peter? My dad said he had to let him just walk away. And was the only connection Peter had to Lydia's grandmother through Brunski and Eichen house or is something more still going on here?"

"Yeah, all really good questions," Scott readily agreed to Stiles' thought process, however he had his own agenda for their talk. Clearing his throat, he pressed on, "But that isn't the reason I wanted to talk to you."

Curious now, Stiles leaned forward. "Then what did you want to talk about?"

Taking a deep breath, Scott summoned the courage to reveal what had been plaguing his mind. "Before you stopped the dead pool, at the warehouse, we were fighting a whole bunch of assassins. I wolfed out."

"Good," grinned the lanky teen, not really seeing an issue with that. "Those bastards deserved a few claws up their asses for taking out kids."

Scott's teeth worried at his lip. What had happened back there had really bothered him and he wanted Stiles' take on it. "I didn't just wolf out though. I changed. I even scared Brett's sister."

Realizing this was more serious than previously assumed, Stiles cautiously asked, "Alright, so I'm guessing a little more than some glowing eyes, teeth, claws and hair then."

"I could feel my entire face changing. And I felt different. More angry. Like all I wanted to do was rip those guys apart – literally." Even the memory left the Alpha feeling anxious. Glancing down at his hands, seeing the red painted on them still even though they had been scrubbed clean, he scowled. Softly, he admitted, "I was ready to rip them apart."

Watching his best friend carefully, Stiles shifted to the edge of his seat and pointed out, "But you didn't Scott. You stopped."

"Only just. I stopped because I saw Chloe's face and how scared she was. What if next time, no one's there to stop me. I might kill someone." Groaning, Scott jumped to his feet and began pacing. His hands tangled in his hair.

"First off, there's no way you would kill anyone." Stiles joined him in his pacing, allowing his own nervous energy to escape with the motions. "You're better than that Scott. And second, you never have to be alone. One of us will always be there with you."

"But what if you're not? If I'm alone how will I stop myself?" Scott allowed the question to hang in the air before he went on, "Remember when I first got bit? Remember what Peter was like? What if I turn into a Monster like him?"

"Woah, buddy, that will never happen. And if you ever change into something like Peter's fugly half, we can deal with that. But in no way will that ever make you a Monster like him. You're a true Alpha. Remember? But more importantly, you care about people Scott. Peter never did. That's why he was a monster. You? You go out of your way to save people. You saved me when everyone else told you I couldn't be saved. And that's why you will never be a monster like Peter. Cause you have friends and family that care about you too. We would never let you go down that path. No Darkside for you, okay? So stop worrying."

For a long time, the two stood there looking at each other, searching for any sign of doubt in what Stiles said. But seeing only that conviction, that trust in his best friend/brother, Scott allowed himself to smile which the other teen happily returned in his own geeky way.

"Thanks man. Just promise me you won't let me turn into Peter."

"Done." Stiles clapped him on the shoulder and held him for a few moments. "You're stuck with me. And believe me, I do not want to have to deal with another Peter out there. One psychopathic werewolf running around Beacon Hills is more than enough." Stiles wiped his other hand down his face, a slight sheen of perspiration on his brow.

Satisfied with Stiles' vow, Scott watched his friend and noted the paleness of his skin. Cautiously, he asked, "So how are you feeling?"

Even before they started this conversation, Stiles had noticed how the ache was deepening in his bones. He was hoping they would finish this heart-to-heart up quickly so he could head out without the werewolf realizing what was happening. But now that it was out in the open, Stiles sighed. No point in hiding it, he answered truthfully. "It's not that bad," Stiles shrugged, quickly adding when Scott scowled, "I mean it. Sometimes I barely feel anything. Then there are some days when I feel like every cell in my body has been bruised and beaten. Today isn't one of those days. I can manage."

Still coping with the sense of betrayal Scott felt from Stiles' lack of sharing, the teen pouted. "Why didn't you tell me you were still hurting? I could have helped you."

"Like I said, I didn't want help." Sighing, he fell back onto Scott's bed and spoke to the ceiling. "Ok, so maybe I did feel like I deserved the pain but it was more than that. It reminds me that the Nogitsune was real and what it did while wearing my body was real. I don't want to forget that. I don't want to feel weak or vulnerable again. I may not have wolf powers but I'm not going down without a fight the next time some supernatural demon comes knocking. So if I can use that pain to keep me fighting then the Nogitsune doesn't win. Because I'm alive and I'm not going to give up again. I'll keep the pain for now."

In a roundabout, twisted way, Scott understood Stiles' logic. In a way he probably would have done the same. "Just remember to tell me if you have one of those bad days and need the edge taken off. With our healing abilities it goes away pretty quick. I just don't want you to suffer in silence, not when I can help."

"And I don't want to have to rely on you or some other medication when I can handle it. But if it will make you feel any better, here." He offered Scott his hand again. "It's hard to sleep sometimes when it's like this. A little off the top might be helpful before I head home."

"Sure, no problem." Scott flopped down next to his friend and easily took up the hand. Always amazed by this particular gift, he thoughtfully considered the pain seeping into his veins. It wasn't as bad as he expected but it was way more than a dull ache. Absently he wondered what Stiles' pain tolerance was now with the Nogitsune's parting gift constantly affecting his friend. He didn't think on it long as Stiles' bizarre sense of humor kicked in.

"God, it sounded like I was asking for a haircut. No way am I going back to the buzz look now though. Chicks dig the hair."

They shared in a moment of laughter. "By chicks, you mean Malia."

"Not just her, I've caught some stares directed my way around school."

"Was I with you? Might not have been you then that they were staring at."

"Wow, dude, low blow. You know not every girl thinks that goofy jaw of yours is cute, ya know."

The rest of their conversation fell into familiar teenage banter. Soon though Stiles pulled away and Scott let him go. It was late and Stiles decided it was best he head home and sleep, something he hadn't done in almost 2 days – not that Scott had either. It was best they catch up because who knew what tomorrow would bring.

Yeah the dead pool was done but Peter was still out there and so was Kate, for that matter. Derek was still losing his wolf abilities and they needed to find a way to stop it. And of course, the Nemeton was still powered on, who knew what other creatures would be drawn to it. Only the future would tell. And with their pack, they would face it head on.

- The End –

- TW – TW – TW – TW –

So there you have it, the end of Silencer. It has been a surprising and fun ride. Thank you all for taking the journey with me.

At this point, I have given the story leave to rejoin the show's story arc. It can carry on and head off to La Iglesia and the season finale. Although, I am still curious to see how exactly Agent McCall's enlightenment will actually go on the show, but I guess that will have to wait at least til next season. In the mean time, I can reflect back on this.

I do still plan on posting a new chapter to Penance and Damnation later tonight, so if you need a fix of Stiles angst go check it out. I also still plan on posting there Fridays now that this is done.

On to Shout outs – Sarah-Thank you so much sweetie for all the reviews. I really appreciate your comments and encouragement! You Rock! Jo- Thank you. I'm happy you have enjoyed the story. I really appreciate it.

I will edit for Final Shout outs next Friday. After that you will need to log in for signed reviews for me to reply.

Fare thee well, my lovelies! Until the next adventure!

Your humble author,

~Ari :D