I was afraid that Liam's parents would find me in his bedroom, so once I knew that he was sound asleep, I climbed out of his window. I would have gone out the front door, but I didn't have a key and I had no idea where Liam had his. So, once the rain had slowed and Dunbaby was fast asleep, I climbed out of his bedroom window. The drop to the ground was scary, but I managed to land on my two feet and not fall. I then walked back to my house and got a few hours of sleep before I had to wake up and get ready for school. It was a long day and I felt like a zombie for 90% of it. Plus, Stiles bailed on me after fourth bell because he was getting "sick".

When the final bell rang, I rushed straight home so I could get some sleep. I was the definition of exhausted. As soon as I got through the front door, I dropped my bag on the floor and made my way upstairs. Scott was off getting some big fancy date set up for him and Kira, and my mom was working as usual. I had the house to myself. Just as I reached the top step, my cell phone rang. 

I groaned as I pulled it out of my pocket and answered it, not bothering to check the caller ID, "Hello?"

"Hey!" Malia chirped happily on the other end of the line.

I rubbed at my eyes tiredly, "What's up?" 

"Well... Stiles' dad is taking me out for pizza. He said that Stiles told him he has to babysit because you two have something planned." she explained, I could hear Sheriff Stilinski asking someone about getting Deer on a pizza. 

My head reeled back in confusion, "Stiles and I don't have anything planned?" 

"I was supposed to tell you that you need to go to your bedroom and to have fun. Okay, bye!" she chuckled before ending the call. 

What the hell is she talking about?

I slid my phone back into my pocket and walked into my bedroom, my eyes widening as soon as I entered. There were fairy lights strung all around my room and an envelope on my bed. My heart was jumping around wildly as I made my way to my bed and ripped the envelope open. 

Kasey, 

We haven't gone on a date in awhile and I figured if Scott could do it for Kira, I can do it for you. Plus, you deserve it. Turn around, sweetheart.

I did as the note instructed and I smiled widely when I saw Stiles standing in the doorway, he had the keys to the jeep in one hand and an energy drink in the other. I let out a laugh as I walked towards him grabbing the energy drink and smiling brightly, "What is this?"

"This is me being romantic," he said with a grin, "I know that you're tired, and a nap is on the agenda... but I need you awake until we get there." 

"You're so cute," I chuckled as I popped the tab of the Monster can open. I glanced around at my room and instantly fell in love with the soft glow from the lights. It was beautiful and I was highly considering leaving them like this all the time.

Stiles shrugged, "I do what I can. So, you ready?" 

"Where are we going?" I asked as he pulled me out of my room and down the stairs. 

I didn't care if I was tired, because honestly the idea of going on an adventure with Stiles that wasn't dangerous and could only end in a good way was extremely more enticing than some sleep. Plus, he did say a nap was on the agenda... so I would get to sleep eventually. 

He laughed, "I can't tell you." 

"Did you help Scott set up his date for Kira? Is that why you weren't at school today?" I asked curiously.

Stiles opened the door of his jeep for me and I climbed in, he closed the door softly and then jogged around the front end and then he climbed inside as well. He keyed the ignition and nodded, "Yeah. He needed help setting all of the light bulbs up." 

"Light bulbs?" I echoed in confusion. 

He shrugged, "I'm not sure what he needed them for. But, all the bad stuff is over. The deadpool is done and we are all alive. So, I wanted to show you how much I love you and how sorry I am for being an ass lately."

"That's exciting," I mused as I tried to figure out where we were going by the turns he was taking out of my neighborhood. Stiles has never done anything like this before and it's extremely thrilling.

He nodded, "Very. I've been planning this for awhile, actually. Like, bits and pieces of it." 

"Really?" I asked, a smile forming on my lips. 

"Absolutely," he responded.

I was excited. I have no idea what he could possibly have planned, because trying to keep up with his thought process is nearly impossible. He can be romantic, I know he can... it's just a matter of what he's going to be romantic about. 

He turned into the reserve and I quirked an eyebrow in confusion, "We're going to the reserve?"

"Yep," he grinned as he pulled the key out of the ignition and jumped out of the jeep. He opened the back hatch and pulled a backpack out before slamming it shut and opening my door for me. 

I was confused as I jumped out of the jeep and stood beside him, the reserve isn't all that romantic of a place to go. Stiles grabbed my hand and tugged me along beside him, "What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this place?" he asked.

"Scott being bit," I responded. 

Stiles nodded, "Yeah, that's reasonable."

"Is that not what you think of?" I asked slowly. 

He chuckled, "Nope. Not even close." 

"What do you think of then?" I inquired.

Stiles glanced at me brightly, "Falling in love with you." 

"Huh?" I responded dubiously. 

He laughed, the laugh that I enjoy more than anything because he can't control the fact that his eyes squint and his mouth opens fully. The laugh that sounds like music to my ears and I wish I could hear 24/7 because it alone makes me happy. The laugh that ultimately is the reason why I fell for him in the first place. His humor and ability to make light of any situation is a huge turn on.

"We would come here and play together when we were younger. Like, all the time. Spending all of that time with you was what kickstarted us. Playing hide and seek, tag, treasure hunt and spies... that's what made me realize I had feelings for you." he explained. 

My eyes widened slightly, "Really?" 

"Yeah... I've always loved you, Kasey. Even before I really knew what love was." Stiles said, the way he was looking at me caused my heart to melt. 

I grinned, "You're amazing." 

We came to a stop and I nearly gasped when I noticed what we were standing in front of. The lake that I had fallen in and nearly drowned when we played that one game of treasure hunt. Stiles twisted his backpack around so he could reach the zipper, I watched in confusion as he rifled through the bag before pulling out my treasure. The bird that my father had gotten me. I left it in the lake that day-- I never got it out, how does he have it? It looks brand new, a fresh coat of white paint on it. 

"How?" I gasped as he handed me the bird. 

He scratched at the back of his neck awkwardly, "I wanted to give it to you so many times, but I thought you would think I was crazy for going and getting it." 

"How did you even find it?" I asked in amazement. 

Stiles chuckled, "I came back everyday for nearly a month looking for it. When I finally found it, I took it home and my mom was supposed to help me paint it and fix it up but then she got really bad and we never did. I found it in a box under my bed a few weeks ago and I finally painted it for you."

I had thought the anchor necklace was the best thing that he has ever given me, but this takes the cake. This was something that he saved for almost ten years. This is something that he went and looked for every day for a month. This is something that I had thought I would never see ever again. I'm in complete shock that he actually has it. I can't believe that my treasure is actually in my hands right now.

"I--I have no idea what to say," I admitted. 

He smiled faintly, "I was afraid that you would be mad." 

"Why on earth would I be mad at you, Stiles?" I asked breathlessly, still completely thrown at the fact that he came to this spot every single day for a month trying to find the small figurine in my hand. 

He shrugged, "I don't know... because I never gave it to you when we were younger? We never played treasure hunters after that day and I thought it was because you didn't have your bird and I had it but I wanted to make it look good again but my mom never helped me." 

"Stiles," I sighed as I sat the bird on the ground, I then gently placed my hands on either side of his face, "I didn't play treasure hunters anymore after that because my dad left and I didn't want to be reminded of the game that I always played with the bird he gave me. It wasn't your fault, babe." 

He sighed in relief and wrapped his arms around me tightly, "Okay, that makes me feel better. I love you so much." 

"I love you, too." I chuckled softly. 

Stiles pulled out of the embrace and grinned, "You look exhausted... how about we skip to the nap and get a raincheck for the rest of the date festivities?" 

"That sounds amazing," I chuckled as he slung an arm over my shoulders. I bent down and snatched the bird off the ground before he led me back to the jeep.

▴▵▴

Stiles took us back to his house for the nap. Apparently his dad would have Malia out for another hour or so, which means it was the perfect time to get some sleep. I didn't waste anytime climbing into his bed and getting underneath the covers. He chuckled as he slid in beside me, outstretching his arms so I could lay my head on his chest. 

"Get some sleep, Kase." he mumbled as he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

I snuggled in beside him and let out a blissful sigh, "You do realize that your game starts in like three hours, correct?" 

"I know," he responded flatly, "but that's three hours from now. Let's focus on right now." 

I propped myself up on my elbow and glanced at him, "Have you heard from Scott?"

"I helped him set up the lights and then he texted me earlier saying that him and Kira are going to be late to the game." he stated. 

My eyes widened, "Oh my, Kira." 

"I know, but seriously babe... get some sleep. You don't have to come to the game tonight, you need to recharge. I'll come straight here afterwards and we can do whatever you want. I'll stay with you until I have to leave, okay?" he suggested.

My head fell back onto his chest, "Sounds like a plan."

Moments later, I had drifted off into dreamland.

My eyelids slowly peeled open, the exhaustion fighting to pull them back down. I was looking at the ceiling in my bedroom, I recognized it by the small glow in the dark moon that Stiles and I had stuck up there as a joke when we came to terms with Scott being a werewolf. If I'm looking at my ceiling then that means I'm in my bedroom. I don't remember getting to my bedroom. The last thing I remember is Lydia's voice saying, she's breathing. I shouldn't be breathing. I should be dead, maybe I am. Maybe my form of heaven has me in my room? I don't know. The plan should have worked.

I had met with Kira beforehand, way before the Nogitsune had full control. I knew that she would be the only one able to go through with what needed to be done. I knew that I would need to be killed, with the Nogitsune inside of me. The bite from Scott would change the host and the sword going through me would expel the Nogitsune once and for all. Everything would roll over smoothly after that; I would die, the Nogitsune would be gone and Stiles would be alive.

Which is why I'm confused because if that all did happen, then I should be dead... not laying in my bedroom.

I needed answers or an explanation. I need to find out if I'm alive or dead. I need to find out if Stiles is okay. I need to find out if the plan worked completely. I need to find out if Scott's alright, because I can remember everything that happened as soon as the Nogitsune took over. I can remember having the Oni kill Allison. I can remember feeling like Scott was going to hate me for the rest of his life because I was the reason that the love of his life was killed.

My body was aching as I struggled to push myself up on my elbows, my bedroom was lit up by sunlight pouring in from the drawn back curtains on my window. I glanced around my room, to find Stiles sleeping beside me in the bed and Scott snoring lightly in my desk chair pulled up to the side of my bed.

I could feel my heart swell in my chest upon seeing them. I had gone into the decision about dying knowing that it meant I would never see them again. That I would never see my best friends or mom ever again. I would be alone until they decided to join me in the afterlife. God, seeing them is the best medicine I could have ever hoped for.

Without hesitating I adjusted myself properly so I was sitting up, rather than a mix of sitting and laying down. My hand found it's way to Stiles' face and I gently cupped his cheek, running my thumb beneath his eye. The skin beneath it was smudged violet and crimson. His hair was disheveled and pushed out in all directions. His skin was sickly white. Through all of that though, I sill found him to be the most handsome man I've ever laid my eyes upon. I smiled as I watched him sleep, for the past month or so he hasn't been able to sleep properly... but now, he's sleeping soundlessly.

At the sense of my touch his eyes shot open and he sat upright quickly. We were both silent as he stared at me with wide eyes. I didn't know what to say to him. What do you say to your boyfriend after you just woke up from supposedly dying and coming back to life? If that's even what happened. I'm still not sure.

"Kase?" he whispered in disbelief.

I nodded slowly, words completely escaping me. All of the air in my lungs was sucked up through a vacuum.

Stiles let out a heavy sigh before he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his chest roughly, I couldn't find it in me to tell him that he was squeezing me too tight and hurting me. I forgot just how heavenly being held in his arms felt. I didn't know what to do other than wrap my arms around him as well and squeeze my eyes shut, relishing in the fact that I was once again in his embrace.

We were silent. I heard nothing apart from the beating of my heart, thrumming loudly in my ears. I never thought I would be able to hold him like this again. I never thought that I would feel my heart beat this fast ever again. I never thought I would feel anything again. Any other time I would hate to be wrong, but in this instance, I couldn't love the fact that I was so far from wrong anymore than I am right now.

Stiles slowly pulled out of the embrace, keeping his arms wrapped around me just enough to keep me from moving. His eyes were bloodshot and a single tear had rolled down his cheek, "We all thought you were gone. Then Lydia brought you back, and—and, I don't really know what else happened. I'm just so glad that you're okay. I was so scared."

"So this is real?" I asked hesitantly.

He nodded once, choosing to leave his response as just that... no reply whatsoever.

I'm alive. Somehow we were able to expel the Nogitsune and have me be alive all in the same plan. How did Lydia bring me back? I want to call and ask her... but now probably isn't the time to ask questions about what happened. They all probably want me to just shut my mouth and let them see that I'm okay, so they can all relax and stop worrying about me.

As if he sensed my thoughts about worrying, Scott jolted in his chair. I watched with wide eyes as he realized I was awake. I had never seen him move so fast in my life. He sprung on my bed, snatching me up out of Stiles' arms and pulling me against him. I laughed lightly at

 his affection, wrapping my arms around his midsection and squeezing him as tightly as I possibly could.

"I'm so glad you're okay, we were so worried. I could hear your heartbeat, so I knew you were alive, we just weren't sure when you were going to wake up." he mumbled quickly as he tightened his hold on me.

I swallowed thickly, trying to breathe through his suffocating embrace, "I won't be alive much longer if you keep squeezing me like this, Scott."

Instantly and in a panic he released his hold on me and chuckled nervously, "Sorry, sorry. I was just so worried."

"I know, and I'm sorry for putting you guys through that." I admitted awkwardly. 

There was no doubt in my mind that they were angry with me. What I did was inconsiderate and the definition of going behind their backs. I feel bad for what I did, but at the time it was the only way to ensure everyone else's safety. I would much rather have everyone be okay and die myself than have them die to save me. I hope they aren't too upset with me.

Scott let out a labored sigh, "I don't know why you thought that was the only way, Kasey. What if Lydia didn't give you CPR in time? What if the stab wound from Kira hit your heart? Did you think any of that through?"

"No," I admitted sheepishly, "no, I didn't think about any of that because I wasn't thinking about trying to stay alive. For once, I was able to save you guys and I'm sorry that the route I took wasn't what you would have done... but it was really the only surefire way to kill the Nogitsune, and you know that."

My boyfriend gripped my hand tightly, "I understand why you did it, Kasey. I'm not mad at you. I'm just asking that if something like this happens again, I don't want you to make the same decision."

"Stiles, I can't say that I won't." I breathed out as I glanced between him and Scott. 

Scott swallowed thickly, "Kasey--"

"No, I'm sick and tired of your guys thinking that I can't save you, because newsflash, I can. I can and I did and everything turned out okay, so can we please just move past this because I don't want to spend the day arguing about something that already happened and can't be changed." I stated evenly, my temper flaring up slightly. 

Stiles nodded, "I think that's a good idea." 

"Fine, but Kasey... I want you to know that next time, I'm not going to let you die. I'm going to save you because almost losing you was enough to send me to Eichen House." Scott explained as he pulled me into another embrace.

I sat up with a gasp. I could feel my heartbeat in my ears and my stomach felt like it was in my throat. As I took in my surroundings, I found myself in Stiles' bedroom. The lights were all off and the house was completely silent. I ran my hands over my face and let out a muffled groan. That dream wasn't really a dream, it was a memory. My first memory I had after waking up after the whole coming back to life thing.

Normally, my phone would be in my back pocket but it was sitting on Stiles' nightstand. There was a piece of paper with scribbled handwriting laying next to it. I snatched the paper up and squinted through the darkness to read it; Went to the game with my dad and Malia, I'll be straight home afterwards. Love you!

My throat was dry, more than likely because Stiles had his bedroom window open and his ceiling fan running. I climbed out of bed, grabbed my phone, and slipped my shoes on before heading downstairs to the kitchen. If I hurry, I should be able to make it to the game before it's over. Stiles would be surprised to see me there, and I love surprising him. 

I grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and gulped about half of it down. My phone was vibrating in my pocket once again. I've received more phone calls in the past 24 hours than I have in a month. I checked the caller ID and found that it was Scott calling me. 

Without hesitation I hit the green circle on the screen and pressed the phone to my ear, "Hey? Shouldn't you be playing Lacrosse right now?" 

"He should be," 

My heartbeat stopped. My stomach dropped. My brain was fried. 

Kate Argent was speaking on the other end of the line. 

I swallowed thickly, "What the hell did you do to him?" 

"He's okay for now, if that's what you're worried about, but he won't be unless you step outside of your little boyfriends house and come out front." she remarked with a sadistic laugh. 

This is not good. I have a feeling that if I try to call for help, it won't do any good because Kate will kill whoever I call. I ended the call with Kate and placed my phone on the counter. I didn't have any other options other than to comply with her request. I took a deep breath before making my way through the kitchen to the front door. I closed my eyes briefly before pulling the door open and stepping outside. I could see Kate standing at the end of the driveway with two of her Berserkers behind her. Scott's phone was in her left hand. 

"You're so much smarter than your brother," she mused with a smirk.

I clenched my jaw, "Everyone keeps saying that lately."

"Probably because it's true. You see, while Scott's over there trying to play hero... you're staying over here thinking more about yourself." Kate taunted viciously. 

She was wrong. I think about protecting my friends-- I died for them, for Christ's sake!

"That isn't true," I argued. 

Her Berserkers approached me and I wanted to run away, but I knew they would catch me. I had to let them take me wherever she wanted me. Kate grinned, "It's about to be." 

"What the hell is that supposed to mean--" I was cut short as something hit me in the back of the head with enough force to knock me out cold.

▴▵▴

My eyes were burning as I began to blink rapidly. What the hell happened? It's dark wherever I'm at, and the ceiling looks like rock. Am I in a cave? I attempt to sit up, but I can't because my wrists and ankles are restrained by belts. I'm a werewolf for crying out loud, why can't I break through the belts? I turned my head to the side and let out a sigh of relief when I see Scott laying on a rock structure similar to the one I'm on. He's restrained identical to the way I am, only he's looking the opposite way. 

"Scott?" I coughed out, my throat burning. 

He turned to face me with wide eyes, "Kasey?" 

"What is going on?" I asked breathlessly, it felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. Which is a sensation that I haven't felt in quite some time. 

My brother tugged against his restraints relentlessly, "I don't know... Kate showed up during mine and Kira's date and she brought us here." 

"Yeah, she came to Stiles' house and got me." I added as I began to pull on the leather bindings. There has got to be an explanation as to why we can't break through them. 

I lifted my head slightly to try and get an idea of where we were, but when I looked down at my chest, I noticed I was strapped down there as well. There were several different plants woven around the belts and I had a feeling that's why we couldn't break them. This is some kind of voodoo that Kate is performing, which means that we are in The Church in Mexico. This is so not good.

Footsteps echoed around the room and Kate made her grand entrance, "Did they ever teach you the myth of Artemis and Actaeon in school? No? I didn't think so. Well... Artemis was a Goddess and Actaeon was a hunter that happened to see Artemis bathing naked one day. That did not make the Goddess too happy. In fact, she was so angry, Artemis turned Actaeon into a deer and this sent his own hounds into a frenzy. He was actually torn apart by his own hunting dogs." 

Scott jerked in his restraints, "What are you doing?" 

Kate began to laugh, "I'm not going to turn you into a deer. But, you are about to become something unrecognizable to your friends. They won't know what they're fighting, or killing. You see, this is killing two birds with one stone... I get what I want and so does Peter." 

"Stop! Kate, stop!" I shouted as I watched her pick up a skull that her Berserkers are wearing. I knew what she was doing. She was about to turn Scott into a Berserker. 

She turned to face me viciously, "Don't worry your pretty little head, I'm not turning you into something else, in fact I'm about to change you for the better." 

"Kate, stop! What're you doing?!" Scott shouted as Kate approached the top of his head. 

As Scott continued to scream, my heart began to shatter. Several of Kate's Berserkers appeared in the room and bean to hold Scott and myself still. Why can't I break through these damn straps? Kate smirked as she positioned the skull on Scott's head properly, he continued to scream. She then spun on her hell and approached me, the smirk still stuck on her face. 

"I don't know much about ancient rituals... but, I did some research. Can you guess what I came across?" she inquired as she ran her finger up my forearm. 

My body attempted to pull away from her but I couldn't, "Kate, let him go, please." 

"An Admonere's blood, when completely drained and mixed with the right amount of herbs and paired with a incantation, can create the most amazing gift." she stated, making her way around the structure I was on. 

I clenched my jaw, "And what's that?" 

"Immortality." she breathed out in amazement. 

My eyes widened as she grabbed a blade off of a Berserkers belt and dragged it across my forearm lightly, "I'm going to drain every last drop out of you sweetheart, and I'm going to enjoy knowing that it was the blood of the one responsible for killing my niece that allowed me to live forever." 

"NO, WAIT--" I screamed as she sunk the blade into my forearm. She then walked to my other arm and created an identical wound. 

Tears pooled in my eyes as the gashes on my arms burned. I glanced at Scott, he wasn't screaming or moving anymore. Kate smirked, "Don't worry, it'll start to go numb soon." 

"Kate, immortality doesn't exist." I whimpered, praying that maybe she would end this and possibly spare me the expense of bleeding out. 

She shrugged, "Even if I don't get to live forever, knowing that you and your good for nothing brother will be dead by the end of the night is enough for me." 

"Kate, listen... I didn't kill Allison--" 

She cut me off hatefully, "You know, Kasey, what I don't understand is how the two of you were able to decimate a family that lasted generations. A family of strong and intelligent hunters that would never let anything get between them. Let alone a werewolf or an Admonere. Which got me to thinking, what the hell is so damn special about the McCall twins? Absolutely nothing. And I'm going to avenge the deaths of every single Argent that the two of you murdered. And I'm going to enjoy every last second of it."

__________________________________________________________________

agh two more chapters is this real life? i'm so close to the end and it makes me so happy. i'm hoping to have it finish by thursday because i'm going to buy season five and hopefully binge watch it all that day (it's my only off day this week) so i would like to get the ball rolling on haywire because season five is calling my name and season 4 is driving me up the wall, lol. be sure to fan vote and comment what you thought! xx