Only He saw

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Stiles and Nadia trained every day, studying unknown magical creatures, learning the properties and effects of witches potions, and harnessing his powers. Over time, Nadia realised that Stiles was way, way more powerful than any spark she knew. But why? He was definitely a hybrid, he had another form of magic. She hadn't experienced anything like it, and that scared her.

He had finessed skills that had taken her years, and he continued to excel, in witchcraft, potions, and every other kind of magic she had covered. Deciding to wait until the end of his training, Nadia continued to teach Stiles, extending his knowledge, and hers.

As soon as she'd researched a subject to teach him, his ravenous thirst for knowledge consumed them, and somehow, miraculously, he'd mastered it. But the process was fun and exhilarating, and both of them slept with the knowledge that they'd both made a new, good friend.

Sometimes, they stayed in their clearing well after night had fallen, meeting the mysterious, ethereal forces guarding Beacon Hills Forrest. Peter and John came too, and the four created memories lit by candles and framed by the abundance of magical nature twisting through the forest, forming a strong, unbreakable bond, pack. Six months passed with Nadia visiting every few days, but it felt, odd. Seeing her leave after every lesson left a pang in the chest of all the awaiting members, and Nadia felt it too.

On a slow weekend, the four lay silent under the shade of the dense foliage, light dwindling and a cacophony of nightlife greeting their succumbing ears. The smell of damp greenery drifted through the air, and the hum of the animals habituating the forest created a familiar ambience, much preferred by them all to that of the town that remained, miles away. Sitting up slowly, Nadia combed tired fingers through her unruly hair, tugging through the knotted curls in exasperation. Stiles looked up at her worriedly, squinting through the dusky light at her silent frame.

"All good?"

She looked down at him, almost startled by his attention. Crossing her legs, she fiddled nervously in her lap. "Yeah. I am. But...I don't want to leave again." She looked pained, staring at the ground. Stiles eyes widened, and he smiled sadly at her. "I...I'm sorry for getting attached, I'm teaching you, I'm not supposed to befriend you!" She pulled angrily at her shirt and didn't see Stiles hurt look. Peter and John slowly sat up, looking at her now.

"You're, you're attached?" Stiles asked quietly, an incredulous look fleeting across his pale face.

Nadia blushed darkly, looking simply at the floor. "Yeah...I guess I am."

Stiles snorted, shocking her, she watched as his giggles turned into full-blown cackles, and indignantly pushed his shaking body.

"What?" She looked unsure, wondering if she was imagining the friendship she'd developed with him.

"You're attached?" Nadia nodded quietly at him. "So am I! We're friends, Nadia!" Stiles looked incredulously at her again and smiled softly as a small smile worked its way onto her face. "And I don't want you to leave either..."

Nadia hums in agreement. "Thanks." She says sarcastically, but Stiles sees her grin, and he knows she's grateful. "But I don't want to keep flitting between you guys and Penny." Her voice tapered off to a mumble, and Stiles nodded slowly, understanding how hard it must be, he wouldn't want to leave Peter-his pack, like that! Penny was Nadia's wife, and the two were inseparable, the empath and druid bonded happily for the past three years. Nadia never stopped talking about her, and Peter spoke highly of her- a feat which not many had achieved- she sounded lovely. But what was Nadia's point?

"I've spoken to her about this...and we thought..maybe if you didn't mind...we could find a house down here? We could live nearby! I can continue teaching you, and maybe...we could join the pack?" She sees Stiles shocked face and misinterprets it. "I'm really sorry if I'm not seeing things correctly, but I really thought we'd gotten closer, y'know?" She trailed, off but her quiet voice rung through the clearing. "It's kinda sad, but you guys are my closest friends. A lot of people stopped talking to me after meeting Penny. Her Vitiligo really seems to unnerve people. I guess it shows you my real friends are, huh?" Her voice turns angry, wobbles slightly, as she tries to stop angry tears from escaping over her hot cheeks.