"Then You Think Again" by Leah K. (R)
Title: Then You Think Again
Fandom: Teen Wolf
Pairing: Derek/Stiles
Categories: Marriage of Convenience, Romance
Length: Long (22,552)
Warnings: Implied underage because Stiles is 16
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: AO3
Summary:"Holy crap! Why the hell did you lie to incredibly powerful magical beings with trust issues? How was that Plan A?"
Derek says, "We're not arguing about this, it's already done."
"Like hell we're not fighting about this," Stiles says, indignant. "What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking it was worth the risk if it kept you alive! And it worked, so drop it."
"You had no idea that it was going to work!" Stiles throws his hands up. Why is Derek the most frustrating werewolf in the history of ever, why is Stiles even helping him, why is this his life? "Why did they even believe you in the first place?"
Derek says, "You reeked of me," which is unfair. Stiles only smelled because he'd gotten covered in Derek's bodily fluids trying to staunch the bleeding.
Review: After an encounter with a group of hags forces Derek to claim Stiles as his mate, Stiles finds himself living a crash-course in Werewolf Marriage 101. The author uses the mystical werewolf mating bond to great effect here. This is no Pretend Mates fic -- for all intents and purposes, Derek is bonded to Stiles for life. That is where a lot of Teen Wolf mating bond stories end, but in "Then You Think Again," that's only the beginning.
Leah K. charmingly (and sometimes hilariously!) introduces Derek as a permanent fixture in Stiles's life, with all of the difficulties you might expect. The reactions from the secondary characters are perfect. Scott, especially, is well-characterized in his post-season two attitudes towards Derek. I also loved the interactions between Derek and the sheriff. But my favorite thing about this story is the developing relationship between Derek and Stiles as they slowly fall for each other, despite their initial plans to keep their relationship platonic. For the most part, this is a light-hearted read, but there are some bittersweet moments that really spoke true to my own experiences of being in a relationship, the sting of arguments and words snapped without thinking. Leah K. does a great job of illustrating that marriage is work, although entirely worth it. Because of that, I think this story might appeal to readers who typically prefer established relationship stories, as well as to first-time fans like me. This story includes the thrill and obsession of first love, but it's layered over quiet domestic moments (and the occasional supernatural menace). This is a story I turn to again and again when I need a pick-me-up.
Then You Think Again
Fandom: Teen Wolf
Pairing: Derek/Stiles
Categories: Marriage of Convenience, Romance
Length: Long (22,552)
Warnings: Implied underage because Stiles is 16
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: AO3
Summary:"Holy crap! Why the hell did you lie to incredibly powerful magical beings with trust issues? How was that Plan A?"
Derek says, "We're not arguing about this, it's already done."
"Like hell we're not fighting about this," Stiles says, indignant. "What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking it was worth the risk if it kept you alive! And it worked, so drop it."
"You had no idea that it was going to work!" Stiles throws his hands up. Why is Derek the most frustrating werewolf in the history of ever, why is Stiles even helping him, why is this his life? "Why did they even believe you in the first place?"
Derek says, "You reeked of me," which is unfair. Stiles only smelled because he'd gotten covered in Derek's bodily fluids trying to staunch the bleeding.
Review: After an encounter with a group of hags forces Derek to claim Stiles as his mate, Stiles finds himself living a crash-course in Werewolf Marriage 101. The author uses the mystical werewolf mating bond to great effect here. This is no Pretend Mates fic -- for all intents and purposes, Derek is bonded to Stiles for life. That is where a lot of Teen Wolf mating bond stories end, but in "Then You Think Again," that's only the beginning.
Leah K. charmingly (and sometimes hilariously!) introduces Derek as a permanent fixture in Stiles's life, with all of the difficulties you might expect. The reactions from the secondary characters are perfect. Scott, especially, is well-characterized in his post-season two attitudes towards Derek. I also loved the interactions between Derek and the sheriff. But my favorite thing about this story is the developing relationship between Derek and Stiles as they slowly fall for each other, despite their initial plans to keep their relationship platonic. For the most part, this is a light-hearted read, but there are some bittersweet moments that really spoke true to my own experiences of being in a relationship, the sting of arguments and words snapped without thinking. Leah K. does a great job of illustrating that marriage is work, although entirely worth it. Because of that, I think this story might appeal to readers who typically prefer established relationship stories, as well as to first-time fans like me. This story includes the thrill and obsession of first love, but it's layered over quiet domestic moments (and the occasional supernatural menace). This is a story I turn to again and again when I need a pick-me-up.
Then You Think Again