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sapphireginger · 6 months

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Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)

Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"

Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.

Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?

I hate everything I write

Cringing while writing

My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

Give yourself permission to suck

Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft

Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later

People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later

Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing

Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase

Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail

It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page

Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

Head empty, no ideas

What do I even write about???

I don't have a plot, I just have an image

Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

Google writing prompts

If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out

Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that

It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing

Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them

If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later

Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt

Writing words feels like pulling teeth

I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted

I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.

Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or text-to-speech

Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score

Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group

Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph

Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer

Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop

I don't even know where to start

I love writing, but I can never seem to get started

I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)

Can't find the time or energy

Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)

Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started

Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)

Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person

Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement

The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene

I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going

I don't think I'm doing this right

What's an outline?

Drowning in documents

This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working

A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go

If you don't have an outline, write one

If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it

You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural

Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them

Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers

Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough

Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

Everything in boredom/understimulation

Everything in intimidation/procrastination

You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment

Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)

Seek out neurodiverse and neurodiverse writing communities for advice and support

Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch

Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)

And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

You have symptoms of burnout or depression

Struggling with all things, not just writing

It's more than a lack of motivation- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.

Seek professional help

If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic

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sapphireginger · 6 months

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Any bingos for readers and recs in teen wolf

Hello 👋🏻

I’m not completely sure what you’re asking. Could you elaborate please?

Thanks!

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sapphireginger · 7 months

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High on Zipping into Love: Full Story

Fully Posted

Summary:

Stiles Stilinski is the owner and alpha of Howlin' Heights. The zip line park is one of the most popular attractions in the country.

Seems a man and his son agree. The son? So. Freaking. Adorable. The man? So. Freaking. Gorgeous. Stiles may be crushing. Too bad they'll be gone by the next day.

Or will they?

AO3 Link

#teen wolf #stiles stilinski #derek hale #sterek #high on zipping into love #24/24 #fully posted #angst #fluff #alternate universe - human #zipline park owner stiles stilinski #single parent derek hale #single parent stiles stilinski #married sterek #olivia stilinski (oc)#zeke hale (oc)

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sapphireginger · 7 months

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If you're in the mood for something completely adorable, check out my mini Steter Bang partner @sapphireginger's Paw Patrol! + artwork by me

@steter-bang

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sapphireginger · 7 months

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Title: Paw Patrol - Chapter #15

Summary:

The twins cheered and urged Nia to come with them. She followed, still confused but after a glance at her daddy who smiled reassuringly, Nia ran to catch up with the twins, the three of them sneaking behind a tree. “What are they up to?” Peter asked Stiles. Said man grinned and tossed Peter a wink. “You’ll see.” Not even five minutes later, two little tiger cubs came tumbling out from behind the tree and to Peter’s utter shock—“Pup?” he whispered. The little wolf pup woofed and let out a little howl before running over to her daddy. She licked at his face and pawed at his chest.

Prompt: Mating

Warnings:

None

Fandom: Teen Wolf

Pairing: Steter [Stiles Stilinski + Peter Hale]

Word Count: 2,668

@mfbingo

It was safe to say that after a week or two or well maybe a week or three, that both dads felt more at ease about their relationship blossoming. Peter decided that instead of picking something solely for Stiles as his gift of court, he would choose something for all three of the Stilinskis.

That was how all five of them ended up in the park on a sunny but cool Saturday afternoon with plans to go swimming after they ate. They had a picnic with so many goodies to munch on. They all settled on a blue and red picnic blanket that Peter had chosen after Nia told him Cas adored blue and Reyn adored red. If the way Stiles’s scent shifted to pleased was any indication, then the wolf had done well.

Peter puffed out his chest in pride, preening at the way Stiles smiled and didn’t care one bit that he made the other man laugh with the action. He’d give anything to hear that laugh again for the rest of his life.

“Daddy?” Reyn said. He and Cas were barely able to sit still with how excited they were.

Stiles quirked a brow and waited until they settled. “Yes?”

Cas smiled sweetly. “Can we show Nia?”

“Pleaaaaaaase?” they pleaded.

Nia perked up, her nose scrunching up and glanced at Stiles. “Show me what, Mr. Tinski?”

With a soft sigh and a fond smile, Stiles nodded. “Go ahead.” His eyes briefly flashed, and Peter felt a sense of calm settle over them as well as a layer of magic, but he wasn’t the least bit afraid. Stiles was definitely powerful and not to be underestimated but Peter did not fear him like he had before.

“What are they up to?” Peter asked Stiles.

Said man grinned and tossed Peter a wink. “You’ll see.”

Not even five minutes later, two little tiger cubs came tumbling out from behind the tree and to Peter’s utter shock—“Pup?” he whispered.

The little wolf pup woofed and let out a little howl before running over to her daddy. She licked at his face and pawed at his chest.

Peter couldn’t hold back his tears. “H-How?”

Stiles smiled softly and cleared his throat, making Peter glance over at him. The tiger spark’s cheeks were pink, and his scent had an undercurrent of nerves to it. “I-I thought I would offer it as a gift. I know that it’s special and I hope I didn’t overstep.”

The wolf started to cry and shook his head. “No. No, not at all.” He watched the wolf pup, watched his daughter, tumble off of his lap and scramble to play with the twins. He sighed wistfully, wishing he himself could still shift but he hadn’t done so in years.

Perhaps Stiles read his mind or maybe he had already intended to offer such a thing but between one moment and the next, Peter felt his body tense and then it seemed to liquify before he found himself standing on four legs instead of two.

A soft rumble reached the wolf’s ears and when he looked over to where Stiles had been sitting, he was shocked to see a tiger instead. The rumble grew louder but Peter knew it was more of a purr. Slowly he walked over to the other supe, unaware that the three little ones had stopped to watch.

After a cautious scenting, the two adults smiled and relaxed. Then, Stiles decided to grace Peter with a lick from his snout to his ears. The wolf huffed and narrowed his eyes before pouncing. They rolled around together, play fighting as easy as breathing, eliciting two small roars and a soft howl before the kids joined in.

If anyone had been able to see the five supes they would’ve found themselves gazing upon two cubs, a wolf pup, an alpha wolf and a tiger spark playing as one big family in their full shifts. It was indeed a sight to behold and neither adult could believe they got to have this after all they had lost. Now that they had it though, they would hold tight to it with everything they had.

✶ 🐺 🐾 ❤︎ 🐾 🐯 ✶

Though the day at the park had been Peter’s idea and his gift, Stiles had offered a small gift as well. Therefore, when Stiles revealed that his gift would be a sleepover and movie night, Peter made sure he had something to offer as well. He liked the idea of a joint gifting just as much as a single gifting.

After a little convincing, the dads agreed to the movies chosen by the kids. After all, they didn’t really mind what movie they watched as long as they got to watch it together, as long as they got to watch it as a family.

Thus, they all curled up together and watched both versions of the Parent Trap. They started with the Hayley Mills version that was released in 1961 and then watched the Lindsay Lohan version that was released in 1998.

About halfway through the first movie, Peter and Stiles noticed that their kids were acting a little odd but didn’t think much of it until the same thing occurred halfway through the second movie.

“All right,” Stiles said. “What’s going on with you three?”

The twins shrugged and then Reyn pointed to the tv where Annie and Hallie were going over details about their houses. “We tried to do that.”

Cas nodded. “And that.”

“That too!” Nia said with a smile.

Peter and Stiles exchanged a confused look, the wolf fixing his kid and the twins with a quirked brow. “What do you mean?”

The twins quickly averted their gazes, sipped at their apple juice and were suddenly way more invested in the movie.

“Cubs?” Stiles chided softly.

Unsurprisingly, Nia piped up and said, “We were gonna trap you, Mr. Tinski. We wanted to trap you with daddy like Susan and Sharon and Hallie and Annie did with their mommy and daddy.” She then munched on some popcorn, her focus once more on the movie.

After exchanging a quick look with each other, Peter immediately texted Cora and Stiles immediately texted Lydia.

[Stiles] What did you do? [Peter] Really Cora dear?

A notification appeared for both men and they realized the girls had added them to a group chat. Of course, they named it too and it brought a bright pink blush to both Stiles and Peter’s cheeks.

Parent Trapped Idiots in Love [Cora] Really really, Uncle Peter. Sorry not sorry. [Lydia] I did what would’ve taken you another decade to do, Stiles. Though honestly it wasn’t us exactly who came up with this. [Cora] Indeed. Those Twinskis came up with the general idea and little Nia decided on the name.

The twins and Nia watched and giggled as their daddies blushed an even darker shade of red. Cas took pity on their daddies and hurried to the bedroom to grab their secret research notes. She came back with a small but thick notebook and placed it on Peter’s lap.

Watching their daddies open the book was painstakingly hard to do patiently but the twins each grabbed one of Nia’s hands and squeezed.

“Would you like to do the honors?” Stiles asked, gesturing to the book.

Peter smiled and laced his fingers with Stiles’s own. “Together?”

Stiles grinned and bit his lip as he nodded. “Together.”

With their linked fingers, they opened the notebook and began to read. As they turned each page, both Peter and Stiles got to see themselves through the eyes of their children.

Daddy is brave and gives the best hugs. He reads us bedtime stories and always does the voices. He sings to us when we're sad and kisses our foreheads every night. He taught us how to be strong, brave and tells us just how much he loves us. Mr. Hale makes our daddy smile. He gives us piggyback rides and made us our favorite cake for our birthday. He protects us just like daddy protects us. Mr. Hale makes daddy happy and though he loves our daddy and wants to make daddy his mate, we are just as important to him, and he makes sure to never lets us forget it. We love Mr. Hale and want him to be our daddy too. Our daddy deserves to be happy and so does he.

Both Stiles and Peter had to brush away tears that were now slipping down their cheeks, but they kept reading as they got to Nia’s entries.

My daddy is brave, smart, sarcastic, funny and protective. He shows me every day that no matter what you face, you can always overcome it. He fought hard to be the daddy he tells me I deserve, and I hope he knows he's always been the best daddy a pup could ask for. He's never let me down. Even though he sometimes drinks the last of the milk or eats my candy, I still love him. He's my daddy and I'm his pup. We're pack. We're family and I know no matter what happens, I'll always have my daddy, and know he'll always be there for me. Mr. Tinski brought light into our life and made my daddy preen and laugh. He gave daddy hope that he could love and be loved by a mate. When I had a panic attack, Mr. Tinski didn't hesitate to step in and comfort me. He smells good too and I know that he will keep me safe as if I was his pup too. Because of how happy he makes my daddy and because after watching the twinskis I know he's a good daddy too, I want Mr. Tinski and daddy to be mates.

Every page that they turned brought more warmth to their hearts and tears to their eyes. The next page was a joint entry from all three kids.

There will be good days when we get pancakes, cuddles and laugh a lot. There will be bad days when we're late for school, don't talk for hours and cry a lot. But together as a family, a pack, a pride, together as one unit, we will overcome it. So, we've decided to help our daddies be mates. Auntie Liddy and Cora said they could lock our daddies in a closet until they kiss and make up, but we think we have a better idea. Then again, we believe that our daddies will figure it out themselves because that's who they are. Our daddy has never looked at anyone like he looks at Mr. Hale. My daddy has never looked at anyone like he looks at Mr. Tinski. So, even if they have bad breath, stinky feet, laugh loudly, snort, leave their towels on the ground, don't let us stay up late, put us in timeout, make us eat broccoli, forget to buy groceries or any other stuff like that, we don't care because at the end of the day, they are our daddies, and we wouldn't want them any other way. We love you! Love Nia, Cas, and Reyn Your Pup & Your Cubs. 🐾 🐾 🐾

✶ 🐺 🐾 ❤︎ 🐾 🐯 ✶

“Oh, my goddess,” Stiles whispered, choking on the lump of emotion in his throat and Peter wasn't faring much better. The wolf and tiger spark looked at their kids, looked at each other and in that moment, they knew this was forever. They had already known it but in this moment, they fully acknowledged it. They could see it in each other’s eyes, feel it in their souls and without hesitation they kissed. It was a soft thing, a promise and a declaration all at once.

They pulled away and were graced with cheers from the three kids who started to sing.

“YOU’RE WELCOOOOOOOOOME!!!”

✶ 🐺 🐾 ❤︎ 🐾 🐯 ✶

The following weekend, Stiles and Peter decided to take the kids to the zoo for their first official outing as a family. While they were there, Nia noticed something about the tour that confused her. So, during a break, while Peter took the twins to get snacks for everyone, Nia stayed with Stiles and gently tugged his hand.

“Mr. Tinski?”

“Yes, kiddo?”

Nia bit her lip and mumbled something too soft for even were ears to catch.

Stiles caught her scent, and it was worrying enough that he slowly squatted down in front of her. “What is it, sweetheart?”

“Um well I had a question.”

“I love questions.”

Nia scrunched her nose and smiled softly. “Well, um the guide lady said that a group of lions is called a pride, a group of wolves is a pack b-but when she said the word about a group of tigers I got confused.”

Stiles tilted his head and then stilled. “Ambush.”

“Yeah,” Nia whispered. “That’s what she said but you say pride and you’re very smart. Why did she say the wrong name?”

A heavy weight settled in Stiles’s chest. “Well, she didn’t say the wrong name, sweetheart. A group of tigers is called an ambush but when I lost someone very important to me it was because of a Hunter ambush. I couldn’t use that term anymore after that.”

Nia searched his face and frowned slightly, her expression sad and way too knowing for an almost seven year old. “Cas and Reyn’s mommy?”

Stiles teared up and nodded. “Yeah.”

With a soft whine, Nia threw her arms around his neck and scented him fiercely. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Nia.”

The little pup pulled back and shook her head. “It’s okay not to be okay, Mr. Tinski. Daddy still hurts right here,” she placed her palm over Stiles’s heart. “When he thinks about Auntie Lia and Cousin Laura. You lost your mate and that’s like losing your heart. That’s what daddy said.”

Stiles nodded sadly. “It’ll always hurt but I’m going to tell you what I told your daddy. Okay?”

“‘Kay.”

As he spoke, Stiles fixed her braid. “Even though I will always love her, my heart has room for you and your daddy.”

Nia perked up and wiggled excitedly but tried not to get too worked up. “Really?! That means that you’re gonna love daddy and me?!”

Stiles met Peter’s gaze over her shoulder and smiled. “I already do.”

✶ 🐺 🐾 ❤︎ 🐾 🐯 ✶

Sporting mating bites high on their necks, the two mates returned from two and a half months away to three very unhappy kiddos. However, once Cas, Reyn and Nia saw the bites they were ecstatic. Congratulations were given all around with a promise to get together as a pack, as a pride, to get together as a family next weekend. They decided to keep another bit of news to themselves for now, though they knew they wouldn’t be able to do so for long.

Peter kept subtly placing his hand on Stiles’s stomach when he thought no one was looking, though Stiles was pretty sure the wolf didn’t care who was watching. He just kept rumbling happily and nuzzling at the tiger spark’s mating bite. Despite no outward change, the wolf couldn’t wait to meet their children, and neither could his mate.

They found out that they were having three girls and one boy and had already decided what to name their little ones. They chose Novalee Talia Stilinski-Hale for the first girl, Laura Claudia Stilinski-Hale for the second girl, Petra Naomi Stilinski-Hale for the third girl and Dubeaux Noah Stilinski-Hale for the boy. In doing so, this would be a way to honor the ones they had loved and lost, making sure they were never forgotten. They had a bright future ahead of them full of endless possibilities. While they would never forget the past, they would no longer let it keep them from the future and oh what a future it would be.

#mfbingo #multifandom bingo #mf bingo #square filled: mating #teen wolf #stiles stilinski #peter hale #cora hale #lydia martin #full shift tiger cubs #full shift wolf pups #alpha peter hale #spark stiles stilinski #weretiger stiles stilinski #mating #steter mini bang 2023 #mates peter hale/stiles stilinski #paw patrol: ch. 15 #chapter 15

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sapphireginger · 7 months

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Paw Patrol: Chapter #12

Summary:

“I never knew my family. My pride was wiped out when I was barely a year old. I was just a cub when I lost everything. It’s not the same but, like Cora, I had an uncle take me in. He was a stern man, cold to most, but then he took me in, and he softened up. No one knew a cub had survived from that pride and so no one came looking for me. I was safe with my Uncle Dubeaux. “For sixteen years, I knew nothing but safety though I was still haunted by nightmares and my matka’s death meant that her magic was passed down to me. It ignited one day by pure instinct. It was the day I met my future wife and mate. Her name was Naomi. Her eyes were like emeralds, her hair black like the feathers of a raven and her smile just stole my breath away. She was it for me.”

AO3 Link

@badthingshappenbingo

Prompt: Fantastic Racism (Speciesism)

Peter felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, but he stood frozen, getting more anxious the longer Stiles was silent. Just as the wolf went to open his mouth and say something, though he had no idea what that something would be, Stiles spoke up.

“For sixteen years, I knew nothing but safety though I was still haunted by nightmares and my matka’s death meant that her magic was passed down to me. It ignited one day by pure instinct. It was the day I met my future wife and mate. Her name was Naomi. Her eyes were like emeralds, her hair black like the feathers of a raven and her smile just stole my breath away. She was it for me.”

Stiles swallowed thickly and pushed on as they kept walking, though their pace was much slower now. “I-I called her Nomi. She was everything I had ever wanted, and we bonded instantly. Her pride had been targeted too and she was rescued by my uncle’s sister’s pack. She and I were the only two felines though. Strange I guess but true, nonetheless.

“When we turned nineteen, after receiving the blessings of the alpha’s, we began courting and then at the age of twenty, we mated. I never knew such happiness existed. Of course, I had the pack, but she was mine. She was my family and together we began planning our future.

“It wasn’t easy of course, very few things worth having come easily but we fought for what we wanted and in time by the age of twenty-two, we were ready. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to my uncle and his sister, but it was time. Wolves remain in their packs but tigers? Well, we don’t. We’re much more exclusive and particular, very rarely seeking out those who are not like us.

“There was a beautiful preserve, a three day journey from our former home and we made the trek together. Once we arrived, we started building our home from the ground up. After that we built our den. It was a close call that winter as we almost didn’t have it ready in time but when she began to nest…” Stiles trailed off, the scent of joy sharply cut with grief engulfing Peter’s senses.

“Nomi told me she was expecting our first cub. We only learned upon hearing a second heartbeat that we were expecting twins. We would lie awake at night, stargazing while discussing names. She had always loved The Chronicles of Narnia and wanted to name a boy Caspian. She admired my cleverness and chose Reynard should we have more than one boy since Reynard means fox.

“I loved both names, only adding in a suggestion that we use Noah for a middle name should we have a boy and use Claudia for a middle name if we had a girl. Both names were ones she loved as well, and she of course knew what they meant to me. I still remember the scents of my mother and father.”

Stiles closed his eyes and inhaled sharply. “My mother’s scent was a mixture of violets, lavender, cinnamon and petrichor. My father’s scent was earthy like the ground after a storm, sweet like honeysuckle and burning birch wood and had an overwhelming layer of strawberries. I’ll never forget their scents. It’s comforting to me even after all these years.”

For a moment Stiles seemed to sway as though he may fall but Peter caught his elbow to steady him, and Stiles gave a whispered thanks, guiding them to a smooth rock, overlooking the waterfall at the river’s end. This next part was the hardest.

“When the twins were born it was the happiest day of my life and I knew my wife felt the same.” He fiddled with a chain around his neck on which sat three rings, but Peter couldn’t tell what they looked like as Stiles clutched them tightly as if to give him strength to keep going.

“We named our son Reynard Noah Stilinski and named our daughter Caspiana Claudia Stilinski. Nomi was in love with them from the moment she knew she was expecting but she fell even more in love with them when she held them for the first time. We brought them to see their uncle and aunt when they were six months old.

“My Uncle Dubeaux was smitten with little Cas and though she was usually shy and a total daddy’s girl, she loved him. Reyn was more outgoing, and his sister followed his lead. We spent the full moon with them and then made the trek back, promising to visit again after the winter passed.”

Stiles pulled his knees to his chest resting his chin on them and continued, his voice softer and full of barely disguised emotion before he shut that part off. If he let himself feel, he would never get through it.

“We never returned. A few weeks later we learned that the two packs had been slaughtered by rogue hunters and caught wind of them heading further north. We thought we were safe further south, but we weren’t. Nomi had insisted the twins needed bonding time with their daddy and she would gladly take over the hunt. I never should’ve let her go but when Nomi made up her mind about something well, she was even more stubborn than me. It was one of the things I loved about her, that she could go toe to toe with me.

“One moment I was watching my cubs learn to roll over and start to crawl and the next I let out a roar full of grief as I felt my mating bond snap. I knew at that moment Nomi was gone. It was like I died too in a way when our bond was severed. Time stood still and then I smelled smoke. I was heartbroken but the cubs were whimpering, and I had to keep them safe. I scooped them up by their scruffs and darted into the underground den just in time. I hushed them, using some magic to make them sleep as I watched the men, the men who murdered my mate, stalk into our clearing.

“I could smell her blood on their hands, could smell the poison and had to lie there listening to them brag about their successful hunt. It was sick to hear them gloat, but the worst part was seeing a teenager at the center of attention. They killed my mate for a coming of age ritual and celebrated long into the night. I heard it all, every cheer, every laugh, every bigot and speciest slur. All the while I was tending to my one year old cubs in a secluded den that would never again bear witness to the most beautiful soul to ever live.”

Stiles shuddered, ignoring the tears on his cheeks as he subtly dug one shifted claw into his arm to ground himself. “W-We couldn’t stay there, and I had to leave everything behind. The only thing I couldn’t part with was our rings and the two small quilts Nomi had sewn for the twins.

“Once more it was me against the world but this time, I had the cubs to think about. I had once heard of a haven and tried to make my way there. I was a day away at most when I smelled smoke and heard gunfire. I froze and I would’ve died if not for another were and his mate.” Stiles smiled slightly. “You met one of the two at the bar. Theo was at their den, but Jackson found me and urged me into hiding.”

Peter was slack jawed at the information. Letting an unknown shifter into your den was serious and he didn’t know whether to think this Jackson person foolish or very brave.

Stiles seemed to guess his train of thought. “He wasn’t suicidal, but I sure thought him insane. There I was, a fully shifted tiger and he didn’t bat an eye or hesitate to offer me refuge. We stayed with him and Theo until the twins were five years old and then we reached the haven and were offered sanctuary here in Beacon City. It’s where I’ve been ever since.”

For a moment, Peter was silent, both men absorbing everything the other had shared and then the wolf asked, “She was killed with poison wasn’t she.”

It was less of a question really and Stiles could only nod once. “Yes. It was a cocktail mix of wolfsbane, foxglove and catnip. They didn’t care to know exactly what being they were going after; they just wanted the beast dead. So, when you offered me the very thing that killed my mate, I was terrified, angry and so hurt. I loved you and wanted desperately to accept your court, having been waiting for it but then…” he trailed off.

Peter nodded, swallowing the words he wanted to say, the questions he wanted to ask and softly voiced only one. “Loved?”

Stiles flicked his gaze to meet the wolf’s intense but open expression. “Love.”

“Love as in present tense?”

A subtle nod was Stiles’s response as he subconsciously turned his body to face Peter. “Yes.”

Slowly Peter leaned closer to rest their foreheads together and shuddered. “Oh, Stiles,” he whispered.

Stiles too shuddered, his heart in his throat. “I know but I’m broken, Peter Wolf. I’m damaged and broken and a fucked up mess, sometimes failing as a father. I can’t burden you with that.”

Shaking his head Peter cupped the amber eyed man’s face and gave him a serious look. “As am I. Does that make me undesirable?”

“No,” Stiles negated softly. “As odd as it may sound, it makes you more desirable to me.” He huffed a bitter laugh. “We’re both hot messes, aren’t we?”

Peter echoed the huff of laughter and shrugged, placing a kiss on Stiles’s forehead. “Maybe but who better to love and call our own than someone who knows us down to our very soul and loves us regardless. We may be broken and bear both grief and darkness in our pasts, but we understand each other better than anyone else ever could.”

“Are you sure this is what you want, that I-I’m what you want?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Are you sure?”

Stiles exhaled heavily and nodded. “Yes, but I-I need—I can’t just—I know it’s a lot to ask but please can we go slow?”

Peter nodded and felt relieved. “Yes. I would prefer we go slow. I don’t want to rush this when it feels like fate.”

“Fate?”

“Mhm. You love her and I will never ask you not to, but I’d like to think I can make you happy and love you too if your heart has room for me and for Nia.”

“It does. Can you love my cubs too?”

Peter smiled. “Already love them as much as my own.”

“As do I. Nia is such a sweetheart.”

“Your kids are as well.”

Stiles smiled and met Peter’s gaze. “For two messed up, broken people we have been good daddies, haven’t we?”

Peter nodded, returning Stiles’s smile with one of his own. “The best.”

“Thank you for opening up to me.”

“Thank you for being vulnerable.”

“You’re welcome,” they said simultaneously, laughing softly and then slowly they brushed their lips together.

It was soft, barely a grazing of their lips but it was enough, and it was a promise.

They remained close to each other as the sun continued its journey across the sky until it began to set, and they knew they had to return home. When they reached their cars, they paused and held each other's hand for a moment longer. Peter squeezed Stiles’s hand and mouthed, ‘I love you.’

Stiles blushed and smiled softly as he mouthed back, ‘And I love you.’

The two hopeful mates left their meeting place and went to see their kids. Both needed time to think things over before moving forward and both needed to talk to their kids. Despite the heaviness of the day and the tension they had felt, both Stiles and Peter felt lighter, and they knew this was just the beginning.

#bad things happen bingo #bad things happen #square filled: fantastic racism (speciesism)#steter #steter mini bang 2023 #steter bang 2023 #stiles stilinski #peter hale #past character death #past murder #death of a mate #injury #poison

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sapphireginger · 7 months

Text

Paw Patrol: Chapter #4

Summary:

Lydia’s nails gently scraped at his scalp as she crooned softly to him. She was in pain watching how hurt her friend was. She knew now why he was ready to run and as much as she hated the thought, she didn’t exactly blame him. Goddess knew the cocktail of poison that had killed his wife, that had killed his mate, and now the first time he let himself open up to someone else, he was met with the same poisonous combination. No wonder he was so distraught. “I’m so sorry, Stiles,” she whispered.

AO3 Link

@badthingshappenbingo

Prompt: Poison/Venom

Stiles was shaking with rage and trying to push down the fear. He quickly pulled out suitcases and boxes to pack their things, refusing to even consider staying now. He missed the knock on his front door as Lydia let herself into the house.

“Stiles?” she called out but received no answer. So, she followed the sounds she could hear until she reached his room. When she saw him haphazardly packing, she shook her head. “No.”

The amber eyed man froze with his back to her and hissed. “No? No?! What the fuck do you mean no?!” he demanded and spun to face her. His ears were back and his fangs glinted dangerously in the light. It had been nearly a year since she last saw his beta shift.

However, Lydia didn’t so much as flinch. “I mean no. You can’t run away. You can’t leave. Not again,” she said, her voice almost cracking on the word again.

Stiles clenched and unclenched his fists, his tail popping out and swaying dangerously. He was close to fully shifting. “I have to. It’s my choice! The twinsssss—Peter wasssss—I need to—I can’t ssssstay!” he hissed through furthering lengthening fangs.

With a look of compassion, Lydia took a seat on the end of his bed. “Talk to me. What happened, Bambi?”

With tears of frustration, heartache and more in his eyes Stiles began to pace as he recalled all that had happened. He started with the fight between the twins and Peter’s daughter, about learning what the girl and her father were, about the girl’s panic attack and subsequent friendship with the twins, about Peter’s blatant flirting and attempt to court Stiles but the gift of court being poison. When he finally finished explaining, Stiles had ended up on his knees, his head on Lydia’s thigh and was weeping.

“I’m so sorry, Stiles,” she whispered.

He sniffled and whimpered. “I had started to hope that he—That w-we—I’m scared, Lyds and I-I don’t know what to do,” he admitted softly, hating how weak and small he sounded.

Lydia sighed softly and after hesitating for a moment, she guided him to get up and curl up with her on the bed, shooting off a text to the group that she’d be missing their dinner plans. “Just let me hold you and just rest for a bit. The rest can wait. Okay, Bambi?”

Stiles nodded, burying his nose in her throat and scenting her as he tried not to cry anymore but he couldn’t help it. He was so tired, so broken and so scared. “I’m sorry.”

“No,” Lydia softly scolded him. “Don’t be sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“I know.”

They stayed in their two person cuddles for a good hour, Stiles taking comfort in the closeness and scent of his best friend and Lydia mulling over what she could do to help her best friend.

Neither adult was aware that Cas and Reyn had heard everything and were hiding in their room under Cas’s bed with beta shifted ears and tails.

“Mommy died cause of posin’?” Cas whispered.

Reyn sniffled. “I think so. Why didn’t daddy tell us that?”

Cas curled around her brother and tried to purr softly but it was more of a shaky vibration. “I don’t know. Maybe cause we’re still cubs.”

“We are almost seven,” Reyn huffed.

“I know but to daddy we will be cubs forever. That is what Uncle Jax said last time.”

“Oh,” Reyn said. “I like being daddy’s cub and he’s the bestest but I wish he told us bout mommy.”

Cas tilted her head considering and shook it, her ears drooping. “No. I am glad he didn’t cause it is really sad and whoever hurt mommy might try to hurt us and daddy is keeping us safe by not telling us.”

Reyn looked at his sister, his brow furrowed in confusion. “How?”

“Think bout it. Daddy taught us to hide our scent, taught us how to fight, to find a safe place, told us who to trust, what scents to avoid and more. I think he did that to keep us safe.”

“Why? Daddy will always be there to keep us safe.”

Cas whined softly. “What if he isn’t? What if something happened to daddy like it did to mommy?”

The twins gasped in horror and scurried out from under the bed, darting down the hall and into their daddy’s room. They paused when they saw Auntie Liddy with their daddy who was asleep, his tail swishing and a soft rumble sounding in his chest.

When Lydia saw them she smiled and gestured for them to join her. The twins slowly got on the bed and their ears laid back as they curled up with their daddy. Even in his sleep, Stiles recognized his cubs. His arm slipped from Lydia’s embrace and guided the cubs closer so he could wrap around them.

Nothing ever felt safer for the twins than being held by their daddy. Lydia smiled at them and tilted her head when she saw them watching her. She glanced at Stiles and, upon realizing he was still asleep, she looked back at the twins and quirked a brow.

Cas sniffled and pawed at her daddy’s chest, Reyn kneading their daddy’s side. “Cubkins?” Lydia whispered. “What’s wrong?”

“We heard daddy talk bout mommy and posin’, Auntie Liddy,” Reyn whispered, while Cas started kneading at their daddy’s chest.

Lydia stilled and grimaced guiltily. “Oh,” she said softly. “Are you okay?”

Cas shook her head. “No. We came here cause we don’t want to lose daddy like we lost mommy and what if the bad people come for daddy?”

Stiles shifted as he started purring, able to sense the distress of his cubs and when it didn’t lessen, he began to rouse. “Caspiana? Reynard? What’s wrong, my małe młode?” His eyes snapped open upon realizing the twins were kneading. “What happened? Are you hurt?”

The twins started to cry, talking over each other as they tried to explain.

“We didn’t mean to listen–”

“—don’t want to lose you–”

“—heard bout mommy and posin’ and—”

“—we were scared we’d lose—”

“—you too!”

Stiles’s eyes widened and his already pale face went white as a sheet. He looked at Lydia who tried to reassure him. She stepped out of the room, making a soft comment about making something to eat and gave the small family of three some privacy.

It took nearly an hour and a half for Stiles to calm his cubs, tell them about their mommy and why he was so upset today. It was a heavy conversation and they were all exhausted by the time Stiles got to the reason there were boxes and suitcases.

“I don’t want to leave, Daddy,” Cas said, her head on Stiles’s chest.

“Me neither, Daddy,” Reyn agreed, his head resting on Stiles’s stomach.

Stiles sighed softly, running his clawed fingers gently through his cubs’s hair, their ears twitching with the ministrations. “I know. Truthfully, I don’t want to either but daddy is scared and when daddy gets scared he wants to run away and keep you safe.”

The twins looked up at their daddy and Cas asked, “What about Nia and Mr. Hale?”

“You can still be friends with Nia. I don’t want to take that away from you but you can’t be alone with Mr. Hale.”

“He won’t hurt us, Daddy,” Reyn said. He hesitated and looked at his sister and then back at their daddy. “Right?”

Stiles bit his lip and looked away. “No, he won’t but I-I can’t go back to the way it was. I just can’t.” His ears drooped and he sighed. “I’m sorry, małe młode.”

They shook their heads and wrapped around their daddy. “It’s okay, Daddy. We understand,” they said softly in sync.

Stiles let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, relieved and after a thorough scenting, urged his cubs to go clean up for supper. They only did once he agreed to go with them and then all three of them joined Lydia downstairs for supper. The heaviness that had been hanging over them had all but disappeared leaving behind melancholy and uncertainty but for now, they focused on their family. Tomorrow they could worry about play dates and the Hales.

#bad things happen #bad things happen bingo #square filled: poison/venom #teen wolf #stiles stilinski #peter hale #steter #lydia martin #caspiana “cas” stilinski (oc)#reynard “reyn” stilinski (oc)

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