(This was supposed to go up last night, but I just didn't get a chance to post it. Oh well, better late than never, right?)

Title: The Art of Dying Well
Fandom: Teen Wolf
Pairing: Derek/Stiles
Categories: First Time, Hurt/Comfort
Length: Epic (41,960 words)
Warnings: Graphic Descriptions of Violence, Underage (Stiles is a teenager)

Author on LJ:  kinneas
Author Website:  kinneas

Summary: "You said we're friends."

"Whoa, way to hold what a guy says in the heat of the moment against him," Stiles replies automatically, but... that's not what he wants to say, not at all, not to the quiet contemplation that is Derek Hale on his living room sofa. So he adds, "I guess, yeah."

Derek doesn't speak for a long moment. "Then it's inevitable."

"Wow," Stiles whistles, "you are the biggest downer."

Review: Just after season two, there's an Alpha Pack in town, Erica and Boyd are still missing, and Derek and Stiles seem to only tolerate each other at best. That sets the scene for many a Sterek fic in this fandom, but kinneas's well-paced plot and excellent characterization sets "The Art of Dying Well" apart. Although Stiles initially tries to back away from the supernatural, a near call convinces him that even an ordinary life has its dangers. Derek, meanwhile, is trying to deal with the Alpha Pack, and to convince Scott to work with him, through Stiles. The story alternates between Stiles and Derek's points of view as they work together to figure out how to handle the Alpha Pack. I enjoy the way their relationship gradually develops in this story from grudging allies, to friends, to more. Readers who enjoy hurt/comfort will get a kick out of one scene in particular, and the sex is well-written and smoking hot. I also enjoyed Stiles's friendships with Scott and Lydia. Scott's characterization seemed spot on to me -- flawed, but heroic and genuinely likeable, firmly on Stiles's side, even when he doesn't agree with his decisions. And I enjoyed the way the author explored the aftermath of Lydia's encounter with Peter in season two. All in all, the story is an engaging read with a strong plot and solid characterization. And, contrary to the title, there is no character death involved -- really, it's a story about living well. I also highly recommend the podfic by chemm80, which is beautifully produced with music and well-placed special effects.

The Art of Dying Well
(Podfic of) The Art of Dying Well