Web of Deception: The Webbed Avenger

Chapter Sixty-five: From Father to Son

Friday, September 7th, 2012

"Hey, kiddo.  I hope that you never see this letter, but if you did... then I guess my plan to keep you out of that robbery went horribly wrong and now you're looking into it by yourself... because more than likely I'm dead.  I think it's time to come clean to you, Stiles... about everything." Stilinski wrote solemnly at the kitchen table that fateful morning.  The clock didn't even read 5 A.M. yet, but Stilinski couldn't sleep.  He was too nervous about what was going to happen.  Last night was what he needed though.   He wanted that memory to stick with him today.  The image of Stiles being so happy, it was something he wanted to make last, but... he knew what was happening to Stiles, the path he was already on.  "I know your secret, Stiles."

"I wasn't sure until the other night when you came home from the hospital.  There'd been moments where I knew something was going on with you.  You aren't someone who goes looking for a fight, not that it's stopped you from being in them.  I had my suspicions since that day on the bridge when you saved your classmate.  Some people saw you jump down from a height that should have injured you, yet you were fine.  Nobody actually saw your face, beside the one that took Flash from you.  I didn't want to believe that you had powers, Stiles.  You were right about one thing, I do still see you as that kid.  The little boy who lost his mother.  It's not what you think either.  I'll always think of you that way, but I know that you're not him anymore."

"You started coming home with injuries.  I know you tried to keep it a secret, but I saw the bloody gauze and bandages that you had in your trash can underneath your desk.  Instinctively I thought those kids from school were still going after you, but I had a gut feeling.  Between your sudden disappearances from school to the injuries, I didn't know what to think.  Then you called me last week.  You found Harris and managed to not only capture him, but you saved Erica's life.  When you stepped out of that house, dragging Harris... I barely recognized the man in front of him.

Stilinski watched the door open to reveal the teenager slowly stepping through the threshold of the abandoned home.  The lights from the officers watching the entrance focused in on his face.  For so long, all he could remember was the soft, baby-faced kid with the hopes and aspirations unlike any other, but this wasn't it.

"Stiles?" he choked out.  How had he not seen how much his son had grown?  The teen in front of him didn't look afraid, in fact it looked like he had no fear in his eyes.  Stilinski couldn't believe it.  With an audible grunt, Stiles let Harris drop onto the concrete, standing prominently with one hand lightly pressed against his stomach.

Before he knew it, Stilinski had Stiles in his arms.  "What were you thinking?!" Stilinski cried out as Stiles lowered his head into his father's neck.  "I can't lose you kiddo."

"You didn't..." Stiles started, wincing momentarily.  "and Dad, I couldn't just stand there and let her die... I couldn't.  Punish me if you want, just give me this one, please."

"Oh you got it..." he squeezed tighter, rubbing Stiles' back with a smile.  "I'm so proud of you."

He could feel Stiles shake for a moment, and a slight sniffle escaped as Stiles lifted his head up.  "Do you think Mom would be proud of me?"

"I would certainly think so, son."

 He still couldn't get that image out of his head, it was hard to believe how fast Stiles had grown up. Stilinski had always hoped that somehow he'd be able to hold that kid in his arms for the rest of his life, but reality hit him in the blink of an eye. How would he be able to tell him everything he wanted to? Laying the pen down, Stilinski slowly made his way up to the lab where Stiles was passed out. Stiles looked so peaceful then as Stilinski put his hand on his shoulder, squeezing ever so lightly as not to wake him.