All Sharp Like Fox Teeth: Volume Two – Chapter 4 – quicksylver28

Reading Time:
25 Minutes

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Tony stood at the floor to ceiling windows looking out over the large covered pool and the manicured lawn beyond. This was the fifth house they’d visited for the day and the one that both Tony and Stiles liked best. It was bigger and a bit more over the budget Tony had allowed for but it was also in the best shape and needed the least amount of renovations to make it perfect.

It was a turn of the century Alpine Manor twenty minutes from the town proper with Victorian influence and a dash of European Country Manse and a shake of Gothic Revival. The main house was well preserved and chalet inspired whereas as the wood and glass wall extension was a later addition that gave spectacular views of the grounds and the forest beyond. It came with twenty acres of surrounding land, a third of which was virgin preserve.

They were lucky to even see it as the house had just been put up on the market and hadn’t even been listed yet on any public databases. It was only because the sellers were Lorenna “My good friends call me Lori, and you look like a good friend” Martin’s personal friends that they’d entrusted her with the holding. The mother and son wanted a quick turnover, the patriarch of the family having been one of the unfortunate victims of the massacre at the hospital and wanted nothing more to do with the town and it’s worsening history of violence.

They were looking for a fast sale and had listed the house at a loss, leaving Lori to deal with getting the best offer she could as the two had already flown across country to stay with the late husband’s parents.

Tony totally understood, his reading into the town’s history making him more concerned each day. He’d already poured over the stuff Rocky had been able to gather for him and a call into Ian had recruited Kevin from the FBI into his cause. He felt bad for not calling Aaron but he didn’t want to put his cousin into a tough position of having to choose between a personal favour and official interest in recent events in Beacon Hills. Luckily for them all, Tony had the funds ready to go and Lori had already stepped out of the room to get the ball rolling.

His gaze drifted down to the duo who were sitting on one of the pool chairs, heads huddled together as they chatted. Meeting Lydia Martin had been a surprise as the beautiful, gorgeous, genius, goddess redhead had been, in person, a pale waif compared to the vivacious teen his son had waxed poetically about.

Seeing her grab Stiles into a tight hug that neither of them seemed to want to break had both warmed his heart and alarmed him. He listened shamelessly as she chided him for leaving without letting him know and his heart twisted as Stiles sniffled into her hair as he weakly apologized. Lydia’s eyes were large and luminous against her pale skin and her red hair was flat and brushed away from her elfin face.

He saw the same trauma in her as he’d seen in Stiles and his heart ached for them both. Kids their age weren’t supposed to have that look in their eyes. From what little he’d read up on and witness statements recorded, he knew that Lydia had been caught up in a good few of the town’s shenanigans though her presence had been diminished as much as possible. Still, official reports didn’t paint a vivid a picture as seeing the girl cling to his son as if she was terrified he’d fade away before her if she let him go.

“She won’t tell me anything.” Lori’s voice came from his shoulder as she stepped up to his side. Her usual real estate smile was gone, leaving a worried mother in its wake. Her chuckle was hoarse and bitter. “Not that she used to talk to me about things before.”

It felt like the admittance had been torn from her throat. She combed well-manicured fingers through her vibrant red mane. “I was always so busy with work. Her father and I both. Even after the divorce… I think …. ” she paused and sighed. “… I think that she’s been basically raising herself while Joshua and I tried to prove which of us were better off after we split. We were so focused on each other that we forgot about our little girl.”

She hugged her arms as if cold, her eyes glued to the teens holding each other close as they gazed out into the tree line. “She’s always been so smart and talented. So well adjusted. I think I treated her like more of a girlfriend than a daughter and now she doesn’t come to me for things a kid would her mom. I regret that… I regret that a lot.”

Tony hummed in sympathy, honoured that the easy rapport they’d built over the past couple of days made the red head comfortable enough to share her feelings with him. They’d already talked about his situation with Stiles and how scared he was trying to be a new dad to a seventeen year old with his own thoughts and dreams and trauma. Stiles was his own person, already fully formed and with his own mind; not a tiny kid who could look up to him for guidance and growth.

But as grown as Stiles was, Tony knew that the teen still needed steady parental guidance and support. He needed Tony just as he needed Noah and Melissa and any other grown up in his life. Tony believed that too many grownups had let the boy down in his lifetime and Tony didn’t ever intend to be one of them.

“The thing about regret… ” he murmured into the quiet between them, “… is that, in this case, it’s not too late to do something about it.”

“Lydia’s right there.” He gestured at the teens, “… just as Stiles is. They may not trust us just yet but it’s on us to prove to them that they can. We just have to keep being there. Keep showing up every day to do the work. I think these kids have had a lot of words thrown at them all their lives… so much that they don’t carry the weight for them anymore like they used to as kids. We have to show them that, without doubt, that we can be the parents they need… the parents the deserve.”

“How in god’s name do we do that?” Lori’s words were a bit breathless.

He turned to look at the woman beside him, his expression solemn. “We listen, we don’t judge or get mad or lose our shit as a fear response. If they can’t talk to us… we find someone they can talk too. We learn the tools to handle our own shit and then better ones to handle theirs when they eventually start to feel safe enough to lash out and test our limits. We don’t turn our backs or threaten to abandon them. Ever. ”

He let out a heavy breath. “If we fuck up, we own up to it and apologize sincerely so that they know that we’re not perfect nor do we expect them to be. And we love them… through everything and anything… without pride or expectation… we love them.”

“Sounds tough.” Lori exhaled slowly then elbowed him gently, “Sounds like someone’s been reading parenting books.”

“And child psychology books and health and nutrition books and everything I can get my fucking hands on. ” Tony huffed and shared a small grin with his new friend. “I don’t want to be the kind of father Senior was… I can’t be. It would kill me. But I’m also trying not to go overboard and lean to far the other way. I want to keep us all balanced… Me, Stiles and Noah.”

“That’s seems like a lot of work to take on.” Lori’s voice held no judgement. Just observation.

Tony grinned in return. “The kid is worth it though.”

She smiled back at him before turning her gaze back to her daughter. “That they are.”

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The hectic morning had Stiles in the mood for curly fries to Tony let the boy drag him to his favourite diner for ‘the best burgers this side of the Rockies’ according to his son. It was good to see the teen smiling after the reluctant parting with Lydia. They hadn’t seemed to want to let go of each other and it was only Tony inviting mother and daughter over for dinner that had cheered both kids up.

They chatted idly over the evening’s menu, after sending a message Noah’s way of course… it was the man’s house after all; while making steady work of the burger platter. The teen’s cheeks went pink then pale when he realized that he couldn’t finish the meal and Tony soothed him easily by making no big deal about getting the rest of it wrapped up to go.

Judith, the tired yet smiling waitress was quick and efficient in getting it all packed as well as preparing the extra food they’d ordered for the sheriff. It was Noah’s only caveat for the impromptu dinner and though Stiles had negotiated the man down to a few more heart healthy options, it was still a good haul.

Forgoing the usual beef, they’d opted for a seasonal reindeer burger with baked, seasoned wedge fries and mushroom and veggies kebabs. Healthy enough for Stiles yet hearty enough to stick to the ribs and power the Sheriff through the rest of his day. The ride to the station was filled with the history of how wild reindeer turned up out of the blue in the preserve one year and boomed in population until limited hunting was permitted to keep the population under control.

Tony smiled at Stiles’ animation, happy to see him grinning as he spoke. It also made him sad because he was pretty sure by now that Stiles was forcing himself to put on a show so that no one had time to even get a word in to ask him how he was really doing. Only Lydia seemed to reach through to that part of him and if having her close helped Stiles… helped them both… then Tony was all for it.

The sheriff made grabby hands at the food, causing the surrounding deputies to all chuckle. Stiles seemed a bit taken aback at the new faces but covered it quickly enough as they followed the Sheriff back to his office. There Stiles seemed to relax, sprawling boneless on the couch while Tony perched on the arm.

He inspected the space, his eyes taking in each detail hungrily. This was Noah space as much as his home was… maybe even more. This was where he spent most of his day and spoke of him beyond what words ever could.

The office was big, spacious and smelled of lavender disinfectant. Much nicer than the dubious stench that seemed to cling to big city police stations. Guessed they had less bums and drunks and more… well… more killers. Even though the place must have been deep cleaned and maybe even power washed in the after math of not one but two massacres at the very same station; Tony’s sharp nose still picked up the faint lingering scent of blood.

It sent a chill down his spine and reminded him sharply that there were still so much that remained a mystery to him. The thought sobered him and he slid down from the arm of the chair to slouch alongside his son, taking comfort from having the boy near; safe and sound… relatively. God, not knowing was driving him crazy but being trained under a former marine sniper had given him the patience to wait out his quarry without giving himself away.

A large wooden desk centered the space with two wooden visitors chairs made for function, not comfort. The sheriff’s chair was and old leather thing that had been carefully oiled and maintained even though it still squeaked when the man leaned back too far. Behind him, a large cork board covered most of the wall, flanked by filing cabinets. The board was covered in pinned papers and notes, mostly with forest and weather notices, animal alerts and road blockages.

No sign of crimes or case notes. Those were most likely neatly filed away and out of curious eyes and hands, if the man’s tales of his son’s curiosity rang true. Tony had seen the scraps of paper and red thread that had been heaped in a pile in Stiles’ bin, ready for the trash. He’d said nothing as the boy had stuffed it all into a large bag and shlepped it out unto the curve, his face expressionless as his body went through the motions.

It was another topic Tony wisely noted for later discussion, silently sweeping up the fallen pins and scraps left behind on the floor and on the now bare bedroom wall. The space felt uncomfortable to look at and with Stiles grudging permission, he’d put up a few of the rolled up movie posters they’d found in the hallway closet. They were old and creased but at least the wall didn’t look like a piece of the teen’s life hadn’t been carved out of it cruelly.

Noah’s office had a good couch and chair, perfect comforting witnesses or catching a nap or two. Stiles looked comfortable on the thing, like he spent a lot of time there and knew the perfect spot to wiggle into. Tony could easily imagine kid stiles bouncing into the station after school and doing homework on the thing, if he wasn’t haunting the rest of the station trying to weasel case info out of unsuspecting deputies.

God, how awful it must be to enter someplace that seemed like a second home and miss all those old familiar faces. Tony knew all too well how it felt when fellow LEOs died in the line of duty and could only imagine what both Stilinski men were going through… had gone through … twice.

“You should also invite Melissa and Scott…” the sheriff mumbled around a mouthful of mushroom, pulling Tony back into the present, “… make a night of it. I’m sure Mel would like that and I haven’t seen Scotty in a while.”

Tony noticed Stiles face fall but he boy ducked his head too fast for the Sheriff to notice.

“Scott’s been hanging around where Ally… Allison died lately. Since Chris took her bo… took her back to France with him along with Isaac; there’s no grave for him to visit so he’s been… yeah…”

Stiles face was pale and his knee began shaking. Tony calmly reached over and placed a hand on the jittery limb and the teen gave him a small, grateful smile before speaking once again, his eyes on his fingers as he picked at his nail. At least he wasn’t pulling at it so Tony didn’t reach over to take his hand. He’d only intervene if the teen began tearing or biting at them until they bled.

“I’ve tried calling him a couple of times but he’s always busy with work and stuff.” Stiles shrugged, still not looking up. “If he’s not where it happened, he’s with Deaton.”

Tony looked to the sheriff for a reaction. He’d heard little about Scott in passing and even less about Deaton. He really needed to have another talk to Noah about the people in Stiles life. Alan Deaton had been mentioned in a few reports but always on the edge of the matter. Enough to note but not enough to pay attention for most people. But Tony wasn’t most people and the way Stiles said the man’s name was enough for him to put a red sticker of the matter for later.

The sheriff had stopped eating as was looking at his son, an expression of almost loss on his handsome face before he slowly nodded. “I’ll still call Melissa. See if she’ll come. I want her to meet Tony in better circumstances than the brief health visit from the other day. Her shift at the hospital should be over in time for dinner. If Scotty….”

The man inhaled sharply, causing his son to look up at him. A whole silent conversation seemed to pass between them both that flew right over Tony’s head. “… If Scott can’t make it … then that’s ok too.”

Stiles blinked rapidly and gave a shaky nod, “Thanks, Dad,”

Noah could only give him a small smile in return. “You got it, kiddo.”

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“Ca we do Marry Me Chicken?”

Tony mentally reviewed the Stilinski kitchen cupboards as he navigated a lane change. “We’d need a cast iron skillet for that… a good one.”

Stiles gave a gusty sigh. “Back to Trader Joe’s then.”

“Don’t sound so depressed, Mimmo.” Tony barked a laugh. “I know you love their Ghost Pepper Potato Chips.”

The teen flailed against his seatbelt. “It was just one pack!”

“Yeah… the mega jumbo family pack… ” the older man retorted, ” AND you ate all of it in one sitting. I’m Italian and even I thought that shit was hot as fuck. The oil really builds after that first handful. I’m surprised you didn’t burst into flame right there on the couch. ”

“Hah. Guess mixing Polish and Italian blood gives me an edge.” Stiles scoffed, “Still… you can’t talk, Mr. Sesame Honey Crusted Cashews. Those suckers disappeared awfully quick if I recall correctly.”

“Touché” Tony conceded easily then went thoughtful. “We’ll have to pick up some more of those as well. Those are really good.”

“I’ll add them to the list.” the teen nodded as he quickly typed into his phone.

Dinner was decided quickly after that. Marry Me Chicken Baked in a Skillet, Italian Rice Ball inspired Stuffed Bell Peppers, One Pot Skinny Lemon Shrimp and Orzo with a side of Insalata Verde Salad. Classic Tiramisu would be served for dessert along with crowd favorite, almond Biscotti Alle Mandorle to take home after.

It was a bit much, Tony could admit, but he wanted to make an impression on two important ladies in Stiles’ Life. Melissa had been a long standing mother figure in the teen’s life in the years since his mother’s passing and Lydia had been a focal point of obsession, then care then friendship for his formative years. Tony wanted to get to know the awesome and amazing women that his son cared for deeply.

They made it back to the house with enough time to get prep done, working easily around each other as they’d done since the first day. Stiles was taking to things wonderfully, learning the new skills and techniques Tony carefully showed him with only a few requests for repeats. They talked about the house and what renovations Tony wanted and how Stiles would eventually decorate his space there.

It still awed the young man that Tony would so simply carve out a space in his home and his life for him, accepting his presence so easily and even yearning it. It escaped no one how much time Tony was spending at the Stilinski house or with the father and son. Tony just smiled back warmly, determined to prove with actions and not words that he was in it for the long haul.

They were peeling the shrimp for the One Pot Lemon Shrimp when Tony brought up the teen’s first meeting with his therapist which was scheduled for the next day. He knew the boy was nervous to be talking to someone else and was glad that at least Noah would be with him for it even if Tony couldn’t go.

I’s not that he didn’t want to but they’d all felt it better if they kept things simple for the first meeting. And didn’t have to explain Tony’s presence on top of it all. There would be time enough to unpack all of that in subsequent sessions.

Stiles seemed to fold in on himself at mention of therapy and Tony frowned as the boy’s head bowed lower. He’d welcomed the topic of therapy before so it was a bit alarming to see him shut down like that.

“Talk to me, Tesoro.” Tony gently nudged the boy’s shoulder with his. “Are you just nervous about actually talking to someone or is there something else bothering you?”

“It’s more like I feel that I’m a bother to all of you.” the teen all but whispered, biting his lip nervously and he all but mangled the shrimp in his hand. “Everyone is so concerned… so careful not to push me too hard or ask me what the hell is wrong with me. It’s weird to be treated like spun glass. Like I’ll break if spoken to too harshly. Usually, it’s me having to take care of other people … to take other’s feelings into consideration.”

He slapped the crushed shrimp down into the trash bowl with a disgusted huff, flicking his glove covered hand to get rid of the bits of fleshed left behind. “I’m not sure how I feel about being the one people have to take care of… it reminds me of when I thought I was sick. Everyone looked at me as if I would shatter apart and it felt like shit. I was so scared Babbo… I ….”

Tony ripped off his own gloved and pulled the shaking boy into a tight hug, already humming a song low in his chest as the teen’s breath began hitching.

“I keep thinking that I’m all dried out…” Stiles’ voice was muffled into Tony’s neck. “… but I keep crying on you. This is like the seventh time I’ve left a wet spot on your expensive shirt.”

Tony chuckled gently, rubbing his hands along the teen’s bony back. “You’re welcome to cry all over all my clothes, Bambino, bespoke suits included… it is my honour as a dad that you trust me enough to cry in front of me. I couldn’t do that with my dad and there’s nothing that warms my heart more than knowing that you will always have that with me.”

He pressed a kiss against the boy’s temple. “You will never be a burden or a bother… not to me or your father. Not to your true friends either. Stuff like this is a test and the truth is some of the people in our lives don’t stick around for the long haul. And although it hurts like hell in the moment and all through the aftermath, the ones who ride it out and stick around are the ones worth keeping. ”

“How do you always know what to say?” Stiles sniffled and pulled away, his whiskey eyes wide and watery.

Tony made a face of chagrin. “Most of the times I say the things I would have killed to hear as a kid. Don’t worry, Mimmo, I am fully capable of sticking my whole foot in my gob on occasion. You’ll have to spare your old man some grace when I do, ok?”

“You?… Mister Suave Italian Federal Agent Man?” the teen made a face.

“Yes, especially me.” Tony snorted, turning back to get new gloves as he gave the teen a moment of privacy to pull himself together. “The thing was learning how to talk myself out of the very trouble my big mouth got me into. I can’t tell you how many times I fucked up royally before I got that part down.”

“Besides, ” He got back to peeling shrimp. “We all have moments where we need a hand up. Falling down is a part of life and being strong enough to keep getting up, either by your own volition or will a bit of help; it shows a strength of character that a lot of others will never possess.”

He gave a soft sigh, lost in his own memories for a moment. “You’ve been through a lot… more than I can probably imagine. And maybe, one day… when you are ready…  you will be able to share some of that with me.”

He held up a hand at Stiles’ denial. “We both know it’s true. Despite how well we get along, we’ve practically known each other for about a week. Hardly enough time to build real trust about what happened to you and this town. I know that and I’m okay with it. I am willing to wait for you, Mieczysław and yes, I’m pulling out the government name so you know how serious I am about this.”

He grinned as the boy blushed and ducked his head. “I am fine with you sharing what you can with your therapist and learning the tools you need to cope in a way that’s healthy for you. If you can’t talk to me or your dad right now then a therapist is the person you need who can listen without the emotion that, as parents, we may not be able to provide right now.”

“I know for sure that I need therapy, myself.” Tony started cleaning up the shells, “I’m all kinds of fucked up behind my pretty face and megawatt smile. It’s gonna take me time to get myself into a position to be the kind of father and friend that you deserve. And if I can give myself the grace and time to do that… I could never deny you the same.”

“And neither will I.”

Noah’s voice came from the doorway, his eyes full of love for the son they shared. They hadn’t even noticed him coming home but were glad that he’d heard enough to agree. Tony watched as Stiles stripped his gloves and ran for his dad for a hug that lasted long minutes, both their eyes wet as they sniffled. Tony sent them both upstairs to freshen up and change for dinner as he put the finishing touches on the meal.

They set the formal dining table for the dinner, Noah bring out Claudia’s good china; while Stiles ran around making sure the house was clean enough for guests. Lori and Lydia arrived on time, bearing two bottles of good wine and an anti-pasto platter from a local Italian restaurant. Tony, as host, welcomed them in with his usual charm; smiling as Lydia made a beeline for Stiles and pulled him into a hug.

Melissa turned up right before dinner, looking tired and exasperated as she tried to explain why Scott wasn’t by her side. Stiles didn’t look very surprised with the piss poor excuse while Lydia didn’t try to hide her disdain at all. At least she didn’t voice it in Melissa’s face so Tony let it slide and invited all to dig in.

The spread was well appreciated as usual and he got to know both Lori and Melissa much better over easy dinner conversation. Melissa was a no nonsense woman with a big heart and a spine of steel for raising a son alone after such a nasty divorce. She was a good friend to Noah and a positive influence in Stiles’ life. Lori was more flashy and dynamic but loved her daughter fiercely and was genuinely trying to make up for her previous neglect.

All in all they were people worth getting to know better and potential allies in the parental coalition he was contemplating forming in order to parent teens in the crazy town. They shared after dinner desert while the teens absconded up to Stiles room with a third of the cake and Tony popped open the second bottle of wine when Lori announced that Tony’s bid for the house had been accepted and would soon be in escrow. He could only grin, another step in building a life here with his son and boy’s other father.

They ended the night with sharing of biscotti… so many biscotti. Tony was a nervous baker after all. Watching their guests leave with bulging bags of Italian cookies gave him a sense of satisfaction that was unlike any other and all three remaining men made quick work of the cleanup. Noah sent Tony up to see Stiles to bed, giving him a smile and nod as he waved him away from the last of the dishes.

“Those who cook don’t wash dishes.”

“Noted.” Tony laughed before bounding up the stairs behind his sleepy son.

Stiles feigned reluctance at being tucked in by his dad but it was a token protect at best. He snuggled under his blanket and blinked up at Tony, his whiskey eyes warm and sleepy.

“Thank you, Babbo…” he yawned and gave a small stretch, his eyes already drooping. “I’m glad I found you.”

Tony had to wipe away quiet tears, his heart full to bursting. Dio, amava moltissimo questo ragazzo.

He made his way back downstairs after making sure Stiles sleep was deep and undisturbed. Noah was at the table with the last of the cake and two forks. He handed tony one as he sat, neither of them speaking as they dug in.

“Thank you.” Noah spoke after a long while. “For what you said this afternoon. For everything you’ve done for us since you found out about all of this.”

He played with his fork as he met Tony’s steady gaze. “Other men would never have forgiven Claudia and I for what we’ve done. The lies we told and the secrets we kept. Lesser men would have turned Stiles away and sent him packing right back across the country. They wouldn’t have uprooted their whole life and moved to this small town just to have a relationship with their kid.”

Noah shook his head. “I can’t ever express how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for Stiles… for me… and everything you continue to do for him… for us. So… thank you, Anthony DiNozzo. Thank you for coming into our lives and saving us because we were drowning.”

Tony reached over and took the older man’s hand, squeezing it gently in comfort. “You’re welcome.”

They finished the cleanup in silence and didn’t speak again until Noah saw Tony to the door.

“Big day tomorrow.” Tony turned to face the other man as they stood on the porch. “First appointment with the therapist. You ready for that, big guy?”

“Not in the least…” Noah sighed and leaned against the door frame. “… but I’ll do it anyway. For Stiles.”

“Amen to that.” Tony agreed readily. “You get him through tomorrow morning and I will handle lunch. How’s that sound?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Noah gave a slow smile that never failed to make Tony blush. Thank god for the harsh light of street lamps. It was definitely time to go. Before he did something he would regret like kiss the man stupid. The ride aback to the hotel was spent smiling like an idiot and humming merrily as he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel.

Today had been a good day… a really good day. Another in a series of good days he’d been experiencing. Despite the mystery of the town, the spotty official reports and the trauma his son, and most likely his friends as well, had been subjected too; he was in a good place.

Yes, he needed therapy himself and had a long and difficult fight with his insecurities and shitty lungs; but he had a chance to make things better… to make things right for himself… his son… for Noah… and the small group of local friends and loved ones he was hoping to build.

Things were coming together… slowly but surely. It was just like he told Stiles earlier that day. It took strength of will and character to get back up after a fall. Something that the Stilinski men seemed to have in spades. Something that he was proud to see in himself as well.

So he’d pick himself up and help his son do the same. And again and again and again. As many times as they fell down. He’d be there to see them get back up. As long as he could. As long as his lungs allowed him too.

He’d be there.

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