Where Ruby Stilinski and Eli Hale, two child hood friends but now strangers fall in love.
or
Where Ruby Stilinski, Lucas Argent, Eli Hale and Jane Whittemore form a pack: The Baby Pack, after the Nogitsune reunites they're family members.
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Ruby Stilinski opened her closet, feeling unusually indecisive. Dinner at the Hale house wasn't exactly a formal event, but it wasn't casual either. she wanted to be presentable—or risk his disapproving stare. Finally, she pulled out black leather pants, a vintage band tee that hugged her figure just right, and her favorite blue-and-white jacket. It wasn't over-the-top, but it felt confident, strong.
Sliding on her combat boots, Ruby turned to the mirror, eyeing her reflection critically. She started with her makeup—just a touch of eyeliner, a few swipes of mascara, and a dab of gloss. Nothing too dramatic. Her hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, completing the look.
"Ruby! We're going to be late!" her grandfather, Sheriff Noah Stilinski, called from downstairs.
"Two minutes!" she shouted back, grabbing her phone as it buzzed in her hand. Her mother's name lit up the screen, making her pause. With a sigh, she pressed accept.
"Hi, Mom."
"Hey, sweetie! I just wanted to let you know I'm visiting this Sunday," Lydia's cheerful voice greeted her.
Ruby blinked, her lips curving into a smile. "Really? That's amazing! I can't wait to see you, Mom."
"I can't wait either," Lydia replied, though her tone shifted, softer now. "Ruby, I just... I wanted to say I'm sorry for not being around more these past few months. Work has been—"
"It's okay, Mom." Ruby cut her off, her voice tight. "I've been fine. Anyway, I have to go—we're having dinner at Uncle Derek's house tonight."
"Oh... alright," Lydia murmured, the regret clear in her voice. "Tell Malia I said hi."
"I will. Love you, Mom. Bye." Ruby hung up quickly, not trusting herself to linger on the call.
Her chest felt heavy, but she forced herself to push it down as she bounded downstairs. Noah was waiting by the door, arms crossed.
"Finally," he said, exasperated.
"Sorry, I was talking to Mom," Ruby explained, slipping past him and grabbing her jacket.
Noah's sharp gaze softened. He didn't press her, though. He knew Ruby's relationship with Lydia was complicated. Instead, he opened the door and gestured for her to step out.
"Let's go."
The walk to the Hale house was quiet, except for the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Ruby followed a few steps behind her grandfather, who was already mulling over topics to discuss with Derek.
The Hale house loomed in the distance, its familiar structure bathed in warm light. As soon as they stepped inside, Derek and Noah launched into conversation, their deep voices fading into the background as Ruby wandered into the living room.
She spotted Eli Hale sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone. He looked up when she entered, his green eyes locking on hers briefly before darting away. Ruby smirked to herself and plopped down beside him.
