(no subject)

[whatisastiles]

Elsewhere in the country, students might dream about a snow day delaying their return to school in January, but Stiles has lived in Beacon Hills, where the temperatures seldom fall below freezing, his whole life, so he grew out of hoping for snow a long time ago. He expected to spend his last night of freedom at home with his Dad. Dad would watch college bowl games on TV while Stiles finished his winter break homework—he's only halfway through reading The Metamorphosis—while providing commentary on why lacrosse is superior to football.

It's after dark on Tuesday evening when ESPN's halftime commentary is interrupted by Dad's ringing phone. He glances briefly at the caller's name on display before answering, "Sheriff Stilinski."

Now clearly in Sheriff mode, Dad frowns, then leaves the room. Stiles knows that's a clear symbol that something serious is going on, because Dad only ever tries to hide the good stuff. This isn't just shoplifters at the 7-Eleven. As soon as he's sure Dad's not looking, Stiles slides his book onto the coffee table and stalks after him as quietly as possible. Dad's pacing the kitchen, but if Stiles stands just to the side of the doorway, Dad shouldn't see him. Not for the first time, he's thankful that Dad keeps the volume on his phone so loud. It's just loud enough that Stiles can follow most of the conversation.

Some of the world's dumbest joggers—the deputy doesn't use those exact words, but they went jogging in the Preserve after dark, so it's apt—found a dead body in the woods. Or, more accurately, half a dead body. They think it's a woman, probably in her 20s, possibly murdered, definitely gruesome looking.

As Dad puts in a call to the state police requesting extra manpower to look for the other half of the victim, Stiles retreats back to the couch. He props his feet on the coffee table casually and feigns interest in his book. Even if he hadn't listened in on the conversation, it wouldn't be surprising when Dad comes back into the room and apologizes that he's been called back in to work. Stiles is the only son of the Sheriff, so he's used to shit like this cutting into Stilinski bonding time.

Scott has to hear about this. Dad's barely out the door before Stiles is pulling out his phone to alert his best friend. Why isn't Scott answering? The night is still young, and they've got half a dead woman to find!