Once in a Lifetime

02

Tabitha frowned, staring at the younger Derek Hale. "Maybe we should take him to Scott's boss."

Scott glanced at her and nodded. "Good idea."

When they reached the Animal Clinic, Deaton took one look at Derek and his eyes widened. "Wow."

"Wow?" Stiles questioned. "Wow as in, "I've seen this before and I know exactly what to do" kind of wow? 'Cause that's the kind of wow we were hoping for."

Tabitha glanced at her boyfriend. "I'm pretty certain it's the other kind of wow."

Deaton turned to Stiles. "I think you might be overestimating my abilities."

Lydia took Derek's hand. "He's cold. Really cold."

Scott looked up at his boss. "Do you think this is permanent?"

Deaton shrugged. "I'm not sure a medical diagnosis is even adequate. This is well beyond my experience."

While staring at Derek, Tabitha asked, "Okay, what are we going to do with him?"

"Until he wakes up, probably not much. It might be best to leave him with me. He'll be safe here."

"You mean from Kate?" Stiles questioned.

Deaton glanced at Stiles. "If she's alive and she is what you say she is, she won't be able to walk past that gate."

Lydia frowned. "Why would she want to do this to him?"

Tabitha frowned. "Knowing Kate, it's good for her but bad for us."

Deaton looked between them. "You guys should probably go home. He doesn't look to be in any danger. So maybe the rest of you should get some sleep. It's a school night... And you all need to start taking care of your own lives again."

Scott looked up at the druid. "Someone should stay with you."

Lydia glanced down at Derek who was still holding her hand. "I'll stay. My grades are fine... Despite missing a few classes."

Tabitha shook her head. "I don't like that idea."

Lydia looked at her as she said, "Guys, go."

Tabitha narrowed her eyes. "No."

Scott dragged her out and said, "Text us if anything happens."

Outside the clinic, Tabitha put up a fuss. "Scott, we know nothing about this Derek! I don't trust her alone with him." She started back and Scott grabbed her, holding her tightly.

Tabitha's eyes flashed purple and unknowingly a faint red.

Stiles stepped between them and gently pushed Tabitha back. "Hey, Tabi, it'll be okay. Lydia can handle herself. What's going on with you?"

"What do you mean?" the witch asked bluntly.

"Your eyes. They turned purple and faint red."

"They did?"

"Yeah. Are you okay?"

"I don't know. Ever since I tried resurrecting Allison-"

"That was like four months ago."

"I know. Stiles, I don't know what's going on with me!"

"Hey, shh. Shh." He rubbed his hands up and down her arms. "We'll figure it out, okay?"

She nodded slowly. "Okay. Can you take me home?"

"Yeah."

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