Derek just growled and gave Lily a little bounce to wake her up. Clearly not at all comfortable with the question.
"Technically he can still date and possibly find another mate, but then Lily will be transferred to someone else's custody. You would be shamed and possibly killed. Because the only time a werewolf takes a mate and doesn't complete the circle is when they are coerced. Not a charge you want to go up against. Though he would probably just keep to himself and let you run around and do whatever you please. He's a martyr like that." Deaton said nonchalantly.
"Would it help, like at all, if I was going to confess my feelings to him in two weeks? Look Derek, I really like you, and yes, I mean like - like you. I can't say it's love yet and I can't say yes to forever. But I want us to give it a go. Deaton, is there any way we can postpone the co-parenting papers?" Stiles asked while looking deep into Derek's eyes.
"Stiles, no -" Derek started.
Stiles narrowed his eyes and asked again: "Is there a way to postpone it?"
"Yes, if Derek were the sole guardian. You could, by rights, be a babysitter or caregiver until you two are ready. That is if you are ever ready," Deaton explained.
"Do it. Though I am making it very clear that Lily is my girl. I am doing this to keep her safe and to make sure Derek wants me and not someone else. So, what do you say; want to be a Daddy? I get to be Lily's primary caregiver and we date?" Stiles asked.
"I don't want to take your pup away from you," Derek whispered softly.
"I know and you won't. However, we have to think of what is best for her and for us. She obviously already has you wrapped around her little paw, so are you going to suddenly dislike her if you are her parent? Or is it that you don't want to date me?" Stiles asked nervously.
"I do want to date you," Derek replied just in time for Lily to transform and for John and Melissa to show up.
"I thought you weren't going to tell him until after your birthday," John said with a frown.
"Dating isn't sex, you can't arrest him. Melissa, did you bring the bag?" Stiles asked while taking Lily from Derek's arms.
"Who's baby?" Melissa asked as she held out the diaper bag.
"Mine," Stiles informed her while digging furiously through the bag.
"WHAT?" John and Melissa asked in stereo.
"Dad, Melissa; meet Lillian Talia Stilinski," Stiles informed them as he grabbed a diaper to put on his little girl. He cheered when he also pulled out a can of infant formula. He handed the can to Derek. "Here, follow the directions and make a bottle."
"How?" Derek asked with a deer in the headlights look.
"Follow the directions Daddy. If you look in the bag I brought in, there is a gallon of water and a bottle."
"Don't I need to boil it or something first? Pretty sure my mom did that before she fed my niece," Derek asked while holding the formula like it was a highly volatile explosive.
"What a novel idea, really, I would have never thought that one on my own. Anyway, yes boiling it first would be good, but we don't have time for that. She's starting to fuss and I promise the crying is soon to follow," Stiles growled as he bounced Lily a bit more trying to prevent the tears from starting.
"Stiles, several questions. 1.) Why does this baby have the same name as your puppy? 2.) Where is your pup? 3.) When did you get a girl pregnant? I thought you were gay? Gay for Derek. Wait, is Derek actually a girl? Did you knock Derek up?" John asked in rapid succession.
"Oh my god, what is it with you two thinking that I have a kid with Derek? I'm flattered, really I am, but come on? Okay, I've never seen Derek naked, but I am guessing from the bulge he's sporting in those tight ass pants, he's all man. I did NOT get anyone pregnant. Thank you for thinking I would or could get that lucky. Again, for the record, I am a virgin. Dad this is Lily. Lily is a werewolf," Stiles rambled.
John let out an exasperated sigh and shook his head. "Stiles, I have work tomorrow and I don't have time for pranks. So, could you please just get to the point? I really need some sleep before I go to work tomorrow."
"Do you have your revolver on you?" Stiles asked as he handed Lily and her bottle over to Melissa. He had a feeling things were about to get hairy (no pun intended.)
"No, should I go and get it?" he asked looking between the two men.
"No, totally not needed. Derek, please help me out here," Stiles asked while edging closer to the older man. Though maybe he should have been inching closer to his dad. He had no idea how this situation was going to play out.
"I'm not sure this is a good idea Stiles," Derek hissed at the young man.
"Deaton, can you think of a better way to convince my dad?" he asked the vet.
"Nothing that would work as quickly or efficiently," Deaton confessed.
"You heard him Derek. Don't worry, I'm here to protect you," Stiles said with a grin; sparing a moment to look over at his daughter and Melissa.
"Idiot," Derek growled, almost fondly, before transforming and proving, irrevocably, that werewolves were real. Of course this caused John to grab a metal pan and reach for Stiles.
"Dad, calm down. I told you that werewolves are real. Okay, Derek is a werewolf and so is Lily. I'm not willing to give her up. Please, accept this."
"Jesus, I know I said I thought you would be a good dad, but I thought you would wait a few years at least. Shouldn't you try to find her mom?" he asked with a whine clear in his voice.
"According to your son he found her in a trash bag. That doesn't sound like a mother who wants to be found. Besides, Lily has bonded with your son, separating them now would be far beyond cruel. I assure you this is not the oddest thing young Stiles here has ever had to deal with," Deaton said calmly giving the young man a push toward Lily and Melissa.
"This can't be legal," John moaned as he looked around for a place to sit. He watched through shuttered eyes as his son claimed his daughter and proceeded to burp her as he had the pup. He cooed and made sweet little baby noises and took to parenting far better than John had when Stiles had been born.
"Technically, no, it's not legal. However, we cannot just place a werewolf pup up for adoption and handing her over to a random pack would get her killed. Derek has accepted them into his pack. I know this is a lot to take in, but Stiles needs you now more than before. Do you think you can handle this Sheriff? If not, I will look into other provisions for your son and granddaughter," Deaton explained coldly, knowing that he was giving the Sheriff an ultimatum.
However, the situation called for it and they did not have the luxury of easing the good man into a messed up situation. Things with Stiles always went one speed. Fast. If you wanted to keep up with him and his trouble, you needed to be prepared for a rough roller coaster ride.
"I'm the Sheriff, I'm supposed to avoid scandal and illegal activities. Is this what you've been doing these past few years Stiles? Is this why you keep getting into trouble?" John asked.
"If you can't accept it, Stiles is more than welcome to move in with me," Derek growled.
"Would everyone calm down? You're upsetting Lily," Stiles chastised the growling pair as calmly as he could while hushing his precious girl. "Now then; Dad, I am keeping Lily. Derek is going to help me, because I can think of no one better than a werewolf to help me raise my werewolf pup. He and I will be spending a great deal of time together. Either in my room or at his apartment. We will be dating, this does not mean sex. I have been dealing with werewolf hijinks, and so much more; for almost two years now. Not going to give it up. The pack needs me as much as I need them, or at least I like to think that they need me. If you need time to get your head straight, I'll stay with Derek -"
"Why not Scott?" his dad asked.
"Because I said I will stay with Derek. Lily, she hasn't had any of her shots and for the first week of trying to figure out what to do with my life and hers I want to limit her contact. I want you to be in that circle of people, she's your granddaughter, but it can wait if you need time," Stiles said soothingly.
"I do need time, but not away from you and Lily. Derek, come and stay in our spare bedroom. Stiles is right, he's going to need help and it seems like you have been drafted for the position. Look, I need to get back home. Melissa, you need a lift back home?"
"No thank you John, I think I need to stay here and run Stiles through some basic infant care. I'll see you around. Call if you need me," Melissa told him as she comfortingly placing her hand on his shoulder.
Stiles didn't want to admit just how much his dad's actions had hurt him. Though he was confident that he would come around. Lily was too cute to avoid for long. Still, it hurt to hear and to watch his dad walk out the door.
"Stiles," Melissa said softly. "Give him time, it's a shock to the system for people of his age and he said Derek was to stay over there with you. So, he will probably come around quicker than I did with Scott. Besides, he has a good reason to come around. Alan, do you happen to know of a pediatrician or general practitioner that could help these two? I'm only a nurse and there is only so much I feel comfortable doing."
"Dr. Kyo Okami in Watsonville is in the know. His grandmother was a werewolf. He went into medicine due to the lack of werewolf knowledgeable medical help. So, I suppose I would suggest him. I don't know him first hand, but I have heard he is good," Deaton said as he rubbed his chin.
"He's a good doctor. My mom went to him with Maria. He was nice and didn't mind our antics when we visited him," Derek supplied softly.
"Looks like you might have a Doctor for Lily. Call him tomorrow and see about setting up an appointment. If you will come to my house; say around 3ish, we can pull out some of Scott's old baby stuff for her. You're going to need a crib, clothes, bottles, sheets, eventually a Highchair, toys, binkies, blankets, a car seat... you're going to need a lot. Maybe we could throw a baby shower, once you and Derek feel comfortable with that many people. Scott, I know Scott will be thrown for a loop, but I also know he will fall head over heels for her," Melissa smiled softly as she watched Stiles and the young werewolf. "Please, feel free to call me day or night if you have questions."
"Thank you Mrs. McCall, you are a saint amongst heathens. Derek or I will pop in tomorrow. Derek, could you take her home, well no; can we drop her off before we head home?" Stiles asked.
Derek simply nodded and headed out to his car with Melissa following close behind. "Thanks Doc, I suppose we'll be back tomorrow for the papers and everything."
"No need, I already have them done. Also, here is Doctor Okami's number. Good luck Stiles, be sure to come back here when you and Derek are ready to seal the deal. Oh, and for the record, I think you will make a formidable mother wolf."
"You're awful," Stiles said with a smile as he tucked Lily close to his chest and headed out to the waiting car.
The drive to Melissa's and then home was silent, yet oddly comfortable. "You know I can help you buy some of Lily's supplies. We already verbally agreed to be co-parents and you have school to worry about. So let me help," Derek said softly.
"Thank you, I didn't mean to cause you any problems by picking up Lily, I was; um I was just looking for a companion and she needed someone," the young man confessed.
Derek smiled a small and honest smile before saying; "New life is to be celebrated. Even if Lily came to us without intent, she will still breathe new life into it. Possibly, even settle some of the more fidgety members of the pack. I wish I knew who threw her away so I could go and ask them why. Why would anyone do that?"
"It's possible that she was excited about her child, but didn't know about werewolves and got scared when her baby girl was suddenly a puppy."
"You think it was a human mother?" Derek asked.
"You were genuinely shocked at how I found her, as was Deaton, so I suspect that a wolf mother would have had a place for her. A human mother would be terrified if she suddenly had a puppy instead of a baby. I can't really judge her tough. I got Lily and that is all that matters."
"What if the father comes looking for her?" Derek asked nervously.
"What if a hunter killed her father? What if the father was a one night stand? What if the father died of natural causes or the mother killed him? There are a lot of 'what ifs' Derek. Anyway it goes, we have custody of Lily, and Deaton fixed the papers for us. We won't lose her. You will make an excellent Daddy and I will do my best to be a good Papa," Stiles said softly placing his hand on Derek's forearm.
Derek nodded as he pulled into the drive, next to Stiles jeep and stroked her forehead. "She's beautiful. Thank you for choosing me to help instead of Scott. I promise I will do right by you both."
"Jesus, this is like a fucking romantic comedy," Stiles said as he snuggled his little girl closer.
"Is that a bad thing?" Derek asked quietly.
"Come on, let's get you settled in," forgoing an answer to Derek's question.
"I actually have something to do. I'll be back in a few hours. If you'll leave your window unlocked I'll just slip inside," Derek said while avoiding looking at Stiles.
Stiles just grinned and shook his head. "Tell you what. You help me get Lily and her stuff in and I'll hand over my keys. This way you can make yourself a set while you're out."
"Deal," he said evenly as he slid out of the car and walked around to help Stiles and Lily out of the car.
"You know, I am very capable of standing. I'm a new parent, but I didn't just give birth. I just need you to grab the bags and help me carry them inside," Stiles said with a grin as Derek helped him from the car.
"Sorry," the older man rumbled, reaching in to grab the bags Stiles had asked for. It was... adorable how his ears turned a light shade of pink. Or at least Stiles thought it was adorable.
"Shhh, it's okay Lily. Papa is going to go inside and we're going to settle you in and after I feed you again. I can actually sterilize your bottle. We'll have to get you more, yes we will," Stiles cooed as he let them into the front door. "Umm, you can just put the bags on the couch."
"Do you need anything else?" Derek asked after he put the bags down.
Stiles bit his lip and did a little dance. Derek could tell he was warring with the question and he was pretty sure what the question was too. "Would you like me to hold Lily while you run to the restroom or something?" he asked, deciding to put the younger man out of his misery.
"Thank you," Stiles said sincerely as he handed off Lily and then took off for the kitchen area.
"You're very lucky to have Stiles as your Papa. He's a very good man and will do everything in his power to make sure you're safe and happy. Don't tell him I said that. It's our secret," Stiles heard Derek telling Lily as he made his way back into the living room.
"You know what Lily? I think your Daddy will be awesome. He has a rough exterior and grumbles a lot, but he's a total marshmallow inside," Stiles said in retaliation to what he had heard.
"I'll be back, don't wait up," Derek said with a full blown smile on his face as he handed Lily back to Stiles.
"Bye-bye daddy, take care," Stiles said while waving Lily's hand after Derek.
Stiles carefully laid Lily on the couch and got out her bottle. He quickly cleaned out the bottle with soap and water and then popped it into a bowl of water and microwaved it for a few minutes. After a few minutes he dumped the scalding water into the sink and ran the plastic bottle under cold water. All the while hoping that the microwave didn't warp the bottle.
He had timed it just right. Because just as soon as soon as the bottle had cooled Lily started to fuss. "Shhh, it's okay sweetheart. Papa will be as quick as bunny with your bottle," he whispered soothingly as he rushed around to prepare the bottle. He would be forever thankful that the diaper bag came with powdered formula. He made the bottle in near record time and set about cuddling his daughter and feeding her.
"You're definitely a werewolf. You eat like your Daddy," Stiles said with a laugh as Lily made a slight whimpering sound.
After she had finished her bottle he put her on his shoulder and wrinkled his nose. "We're going to have to change you after you burp. Pee hew sweets. How did such a big stink come from such a cute little girl?"
Once she was burped Stiles set about doing the difficult task of changing his first dirty diaper. "Oh my god. Remind me to pick up a gas mask. I am going to need it if you keep dropping bombs like that."
He gagged his way through the task. He wondered what it said about his character. He could face down werewolves, harpies, witches, and his Dad, but a baby's dirty diaper had him questioning his life choices. Once the toxic waste had been disposed of and Lily was well on her way to sleep. He laid her back on the couch and covered her with the shirt he had been wearing. He knew how much Derek relied on smell and he wanted her to feel safe. With one last lingering touch to her tiny back he set about cleaning and sterilizing Lily's bottle. He really did need to get more bottles.
Once the bottle had been boiling for a while he went through the process of cooling the bottle down, this time setting it aside on a dish towel to dry.
He still had an hour and a half before he needed to feed Lily again, though he was tempted to just wait until she woke up. Still, she needed to be fed and until the good doctor gave him the clear he would stick to the every two hour feedings. That didn't mean that Stiles had to stay awake, he did need some sleep so he decided to lay on the couch and let Lily sleep there on his chest as he had the night before. It could only strengthen their bond.
When Derek finally arrived back at the house, he let himself in, and then did a double take at the scene before him. There was Stiles sprawled across the couch carefully cradling their daughter to his chest. The sight both surprised him (because who knew Stiles would have hair on his chest.) and melted him. It was that moment that sealed the idea of wooing his mate and making sure the man would eventually feel the same way. He wouldn't rush it, but he could hope for it and work for it.
"Stiles," he whispered while running his hand through Stiles' thick brown locks.
The young man blinked in confusion a few times before smiling and whispering "Hey, what time is it?"
"Hmmm, almost two. Why?"
"I need to get up and fix Lily's bottle," Stiles said with a yawn.
"Let me get it. I mean, I need more practice if I am going to take care of her when you're at school," Derek said.
"Bottle is in the kitchen, water is over here beside me, powder is on the coffee table at my feet, and I didn't know you were going to be taking care of her when I was at school," Stiles said while slowly sitting up doing his best not to jostle Lily too much.
Derek just snorted as he gathered the things for Lily's bottle. "Who else was going to watch her? You weren't going to drop out of school were you?"
"Wasn't really thinking. I was thinking of a daycare or something, I guess."
"That would have been a monumental mistake. Imagine Lily under the care of a normal human when she starts teething. Nightmare doesn't even begin to cover what the scene would be," Derek said as he shook Lily's bottle making sure the powder was dissolved.
"Good point. I need to look into buying some caffeine pills or something. I have a feeling that I am going to need them before the week is out," Stiles said with a yawn.
"Here, let me feed Lily, you get some more sleep," Derek said while reaching for the slumbering babe.
"No, I don't want to impose. I feel - I don't know how I feel about this. Like I forced you into something you might not be ready for," Stiles said while shaking his head.
Derek didn't even try to hold back the urge to roll his eyes. "I volunteered and I already said thank you. I meant it, I'm just nervous, but excited about being a father. I agreed to this knowing full well what I needed to do. Now, shut up Little Momma and let me take care of our little girl."
Stiles wordlessly handed Lily over and looked around the room as he tried to get his mind to settle with everything that Derek had said and the fact that his cock had given a twitch at being called Little Momma, not something he would have suspected, ever. It could just have been because Derek was so close and being very sincere. It was something he would have to explore in his own mind and time.
Once his mind settled he finally noticed the mini mountain of bags sitting near the front door. "Jesus Derek, what did you do; buy the whole store?" he asked debating over if he should go through the bags or not.
"Lily needed some things. I didn't think you would mind me helping out in that area," Derek said defensively.
Stiles shook his head and laughed a little bit. "I'm not complaining. I was just surprised. Am I allowed to look?"
"I thought you were tired," Derek teased just as Lily opened her eyes to stare at him.
"You brought goodies and I want to snoop. No better way to wake up than to pressies." Stiles grinned as he inched his way to the bags.
"They're for Lily, not you." Derek informed him with a scowl on his face.
"Oh, sweetheart, you don't really think that do you? No, see all babies care about is warmth, a dry bottom, and food. Later you can add toys to the list for distraction. All cute clothes, blankets, bottles, carriers, cribs, etcetera... those are for the parents. THEY want their baby to look cute, they want them to have the best of everything. When it's form over functions, it's all on our egos. Lily wouldn't care if I dressed her in Scott's hand me downs or an old flour bag. However, Daddy is firmly wrapped around her little paw and I get to snoop and see the pressies!" Stiles crowed as he made his way over to the bags and boxes.
"Are you sure you're almost eighteen? I swear you are actually a child. You hear that Lily? Your Momma is a little kid, but not as little or as cute as you," Derek cooed to the bundle in his arms.
Stiles froze when Derek called him Momma yet again. He thought it over and found he didn't object to it... but he needed to know a few things. "So, is that what we're going to go with? I'm Momma and you're Daddy? You do realize that I am a man, right?"
Derek winced and looked like he was begging the earth to swallow him whole. It was the most uncomfortable Stiles had ever seen the man. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. Look, Isaac got lonely after you left. I didn't even know you two were close, but he kept asking after you. Only he wanted to know when Momma would be back, because the house didn't smell right with you gone."
Stiles couldn't help but to snort at what he had been told. "I didn't know I was that close to him either. I don't mind it, I just wanted to be sure you remembered that I'm a boy. Jesus, this is totally fu- messed up. You're Daddy, I'm Momma, we just started going out and I have never kissed anyone. Oh and it would appear I have another child near my own age... I wonder how my dad will react and what Isaac will think of Lily. Nope, going to stop thinking about that and I am going to sit here and see what goodies our dear Alpha couldn't resist."
Derek placed his young daughter on his shoulder and set about burping her as he had witnessed his mother and his mate do during Stiles' rambling. He could understand exactly where the young man was coming from, but he wasn't sure what he should do. Once Lily was burped Derek laid her on his lap and said, "You know what Lily? Daddy has always thought Mommy was the mostly loyal and beautiful of men. He was a pain in my side from time to time, but I fell for him long ago. His Daddy loves him and will come around quickly. The pack adores him, heck they get frustrated and lost when he's not there, and I bet that they will love you. If things go well, like I want them to, then when you grow up you can brag about how you brought Mommy and Daddy together and maybe, just maybe we can have more children. Get you some little brothers or sisters to go along with your big brother."
Stiles crawled over to the two, opting to ignore the bags for now. Stiles looked down at Lily and said, "Did you know your Daddy is a big softie? He likes to growl and threaten people, but look at him. He's baring his soul to you to cover it up. I think he's afraid. Afraid I'm going to run, just because I want to take the mating part slow. But you won't let me run, will you sweetie? He and I are going to date, fall even more in love, and then we can become mates. No promises on any siblings though kiddo. We'll have to see how Mommy handles being a mommy with you first. Derek, I care for you and I am not planning on running, calm down, we'll be fine, I promise."
He sat there doing his best to calm the older man by running his hand through his hair and caressing their daughter's face at the same time. He knew that they would be together eventually, it didn't mean that he didn't want and need a little wooing and a semblance of normalcy. Even if it was only a month or two.
"Does this mean you're not going to go through the bags?" Derek asked to get away from the subject he had brought up.
Stiles' grin was far more wolf like than any Derek had ever seen before. "Nice try wolfman, still going to snoop and see how twisted she has you."
He gave Derek a quick kiss on his nose before sticking out his tongue, then he jumped up and headed back to the pile of goodies. He frowned at the car seat and then looked at Derek and asked, "Will this car seat fit in your car?"
"Front seat, I already checked it out," Derek said while playing with Lily's tiny feet.
"Not in the back?" Stiles asked semi frozen with horror.
"No, Camaros are about form, not function. I mean, Lily is a nice surprise, but a surprise nonetheless. Plus, could you imagine me in a minivan? I would look out of place, wouldn't I Lily?" Derek asked.
"Right, I'll ask my dad if I can trade in the jeep for a more family friendly car. Oh, I can ask if I can have my mom's old Stratus. It's not a great car, but car seat will fit into the back and Lily will be safe."
"What's wrong with the Camaro? I wouldn't hurt her," Derek growled.
"I trust you, but I don't trust other drivers. The Argents have proven that they don't exactly care about your safety and I would not put it past them to have one of their hunter friends deliberately cause you an accident. You have air bags and they could kill Lily. I'm not - I'm not suggesting anything other than wanting to keep Lily safe. I'm glad you thought about her safety and got a car seat. Which is a lot safer than her riding in my shirt. I'm just going the extra step. You did notice I did NOT suggest we use my Jeep didn't you?" Stiles tried to explain. He didn't want to hurt Derek's feelings, though it was obvious he had somewhere along the way.
"I'm not very good at this,' Derek said with a frown and sadness creeping into his eyes.
"You're better than Jackson. When we had to take care of eggs for health class, do you want to know what he did."
Derek creased his eyebrows and asked; "Why were you taking care of an egg for health class?"
"To help us prepare for being parents. Yeah, I don't get it either, but we had to take care of the egg. Make sure it was changed, dressed properly, fed, and remained undamaged."
"How would they even know if you did it?"
"For the most part they didn't know what we were doing with them outside of class. However, we had to show Mrs. Arlington our egg every day for two weeks. If the egg showed up in the same diaper or clothes we got points taken off and she might have been a witch or an alien because she totally knew when we didn't fake feed the eggs," Stiles explained with wide eyes as if the witch thought had just crossed his mind.
"How badly did you fail?" Derek asked with a smirk.
Stiles frowned at Derek's accusation. "I made a higher score than Lydia did. I had points taken off for not changing the diaper and clothes on the first day. Everyone did. Though not a lot of points because she hadn't told us to. She was just seeing who would take the initiative to do so. Anyway, I aced it and I was talking about Jackson, not myself."
"Sorry, Lily, you should listen to Momma, he tells some amazing stories. Though this one smells and sounds like the truth," Derek teased.
"Hey, one hundred percent true here. Jackson got hungry, boiled her and ate her. He nabbed an egg out of the fridge and tried to dress it up the same. Totally failed. She even gave him a second chance. He played Lacrosse with his egg baby as the ball! I don't see you trying to use Lily as a ball or a snack, so you are way better than Jackson," Stiles said earnestly.
Derek frowned at the younger man. "One is a living breathing being, one was an egg. I eat eggs for breakfast, not children. So your comparison... doesn't exactly instill a sense of confidence."
"Fine, want me to ask Mrs. Arlington to test you with an egg? Bet I could talk her into it. Offer to grade her papers or something. 20 to 1 you would pass with flying colors. Oh, a pink wolf onesie. Totally cute and appropriate. I love it. I'll wash it tonight and she can wear it when we go to the doctor."
"You're not going to take any of this seriously, are you?"
"Probably not. I mean I'll take raising Lily seriously. Your insecurities? Yeah, not buying them. You are awesome. You know this, I know this, and the whole world knows it. I won't stroke your ego just to get a rise out of you. You did good and you did right by Lily. Me wanting to put Lily in a safer vehicle is on me, not you. Now, your turn to change her diaper. I'm going to go and throw these clothes on to wash, then we are both going to get some sleep. You can take my room and I'll sleep on the couch with Lily. This way I can feed her later and talk to my dad about the car when he comes down stairs."
Stiles walked away to sterilize the bottle again, the baby clothes on to wash, and did his best not to eavesdrop on Lily and Derek. He knew Derek was as insecure as he was, but they had agreed to sail this ship together. Besides, he thought that a baby might actually help the pack as a whole in the long run.
He paused just outside the living room door and listened, positive that Derek knew he was there. What he heard, warmed his heart and brought a smile to his face. "Your Momma, he's got a good heart. Sometimes it gets us into trouble, but he's just doing his best. He saved my life more than once too. So he's brave and my Uncle was right I should never underestimate the power of human love. Luckily the outcome of that doubt hasn't ended badly. It brought us you. Lillian Taliaa Stilinski-Hale our beautiful daughter. Shhh, don't tell Momma I used that last name, I don't want him to feel pressured or anything."
"I like it," Stiles said with a soft smile playing on his lips as he entered the room. "We'll have to use it when we get official. When Derek, not if. Now, time for bed."
"I feel bad about taking your bed," Derek sighed as he nuzzled his sleepy daughter's neck.
"I've already given you my reasons. After I talk to my Dad, Lily gets settled in the morning and I call the doctor; we can set about sterilizing all of Lily's things, cleaning out the spare bedroom, and then heading over to Mrs. McCall's to see what she has for us. If things go well and the doctor gives it the all clear and then maybe we can introduce her to the pack in a few days. Not all at once though. I don't think I'm up to it, let alone Lily and I'm not sure about telling Allison. We'll see when the time comes," Stiles took their sleepy daughter carefully and smiled at his boyfriend. They had only been a couple for a few hours and he was already forgetting what life was like before Derek.
Getting up from the couch Derek asked, "Are Lily and I going to cause a rift between you and your Dad?"
Stiles smiled sadly at the question. "My Dad and I have been having issues since Scott was bitten and changed, probably before that even. I think once the whole werewolf shtick has fully settled in as a real deal not an elaborate hoax; we'll grow closer. He's got a good head on his shoulders Derek. Just give him time to adjust. He actually has that luxury, nothing life threatening is happening."
"No, just life changing. Do me a favor and remind me to call a contractor tomorrow. It's time to fix up my old house," Derek said as he ran his hand down Stiles' cheek.
"Really?" Stiles asked with an undisguised glee in his voice and eyes.
Derek smiled and ran his hand over Lily's head and then through Stiles hair. "I'm a Daddy now and I need to attract my mate. Wouldn't do to have either of you in a house that might fall down around your ears."
"Good, now sleep. If we stay up all night, we won't get anything accomplished. Shoo," Stiles said as he settled down on the couch.
Derek leaned down and softly kissed Lily's head and then looked up and planted a soft chaste kiss on Stiles lips. "Good night," he whispered before whisking away to Stiles room.
Stiles just lay there with his fingers ghosting over where Derek had kissed him. It was far different than what he had expected his first kiss to be, but it was perfect. Oh god, he was so totally screwed.
Sleep was actually, surprisingly, good. He had set his phone clock to get up to feed Lily every few hours and was awake when his Dad came down to go in to work.
"Are you mad at me?" Stiles asked as he played with Lily.
John sighed and shook his head. "No, it's a lot to take in though kiddo. Being a parent is very different from being a pet owner and I am worried that you might be in over your head. You haven't finished high school yet and you have no job. Taking care of a baby is expensive and difficult. Also Derek Hale; wow, he seems awfully accepting of a child that isn't his."
"Dad, his pack - his family all but one are dead. He's rebuilding his pack, so why can't he start rebuilding his family too? I know how it feels to lose someone, to keep a stiff upper lip and hide my feelings, hide myself. Around him I can be - I can be me," Stiles confessed.
"He's young too. How is he going to make it? Is he planning on moving in here? I'm not sure how I feel about that," John said honestly.
"If he moves in it will be temporarily. He said he wants to rebuild his house for us. I won't; I'm not going to move in with him right away. I won't say I'll never move in with him, but I might after I finish school. I would really love it if you two would talk and try to get along. I know it's a pipe dream of mine. I just, I want a family too dad and this is a chance at that. I mean, when I figured out I was gay I knew I wanted kids, but knew it would be harder for me as a gay man. Also I didn't know if Derek would like me and if he did if he even wanted children. Everything just fell into place. Derek isn't a bad man and I know becoming a Mom during my senior year was in no way in your dreams. Hell, it wasn't in mine either, but it has happened. Can you please - please try to accept this?" Stiles pleaded.
John gave a humorless laugh. "Jesus kid, do you hear yourself. A mom, really? You're a boy Stiles, why would you call yourself a mom? Did Derek force you to think this?"
"Derek hasn't forced me to do anything! He was willing to give up his freedom; his chance at love with someone other than me to keep me and Lily safe. He called me Mommy as a joke and I like it. I know I'm not a woman, but I feel special and I feel a little more connected to my mom. Even though he hasn't said anything I suspect Derek likes being called daddy just as much as I like calling him that and before you think anything is wrong or perverted, no I do think of him as my daddy in any way shape or form. I bet Mom called you Daddy while you were holding me. So I am sure you know what I'm talking about. So please, this is not the end of the world. I will finish high school and do my best to get into college. I'll just be doing it with a baby and a boyfriend. For my sake and Lily's can you try to get along with Derek?" Stiles begged.
"Shit, fine, I'll try. No promises that I will ever like him though. You're my only child Stiles no one will ever be good enough for you. BUT, he makes you happy so..." John said with a shrug of his shoulders.
"You're the best Dad. You hear that Lily? Your Grandpa is the best in the whole wide world. And hopefully my next question won't turn Daddy into a single parent. Dad, may we use Mom's old car?" Stiles asked as he nibbled nervously on his lips.
"Derek will have to take it to the shop or fix her himself. I haven't even turned it over; not since... she would be glad you were using it. You should use it. The - the keys are on my dresser table. Be sure to take care of her. Gretel was your mom's pride and joy, outside of you," John said softly while looking at Lily nuzzling Stiles chest. "And I accept you like being called Mommy, but if you don't get Lily a bottle soon she going to latch onto your nipple."
Stiles squeaked and stood up in a hurry to get his daughter's bottle, cursing softly at himself for forgetting to take the bottle out of the water last night after turning off the heat. He made the bottle in near record time and sighed as he sat down to feed his wolfling.
"Dad, thank you. For everything. I know I am not an easy child and I get in over my head more often than not, but I do try and I hope that one day I can make you proud to call me your son."
"Ah hell Stiles, I was proud to call you son as soon as you were born. Your antics might drive me up the wall and I may sometimes bang my head against the wall, but I have always been proud to call you son and I always will. Though I ask you not to test that theory by becoming a serial killer," John quirked his lips into a reluctant smile.
"See, I told you Lily, best Grandpa ever. After you finish up your breakfast Mommy will make Grandpa his breakfast and lunch for today. Because becoming a Grandpa is even more reason to stay healthy. Isn't that right Lily?"
The rest of the morning went surprisingly well and without even a glimpse of Derek. Stiles suspected the man was hiding from his dad, not that Stiles blamed him. His dad could be scary and intimidating, but just like his Dad, Derek would have to get over it. Stiles couldn't have a family without his Dad any more than Derek could cast out Peter... and Peter was far creepier.
The day went smoothly, mostly anyway. The only hiccup happened when Stiles asked Derek to change Lily's diaper so he could catch a shower. The sound of the older man retching loudly brought Stiles out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel.
"I think something is wrong with Lily. There has to be. Nothing that ripe could come from a healthy child," Derek choked as Lily giggled and kicked her legs.
Stiles could only laugh and go finish changing his little girl. Thankful, for once, that he wasn't a werewolf. "It was worse yesterday. I've already Googled it, stinky poop is normal for babies, but we have to make sure there is never any blood, mucus, things of that nature. I promise not to become a mom who talks about his baby's poop unless I think there is a problem."
"Tell it to the doctor not to me!" Derek said loudly from another room.
"Lily, your Daddy is a wimp. All this time I thought he was the big bad and baby poop is his weakness. Guess that makes me the Alpha in this area," Stiles laughed as he cleaned Lily and secured a clean diaper on her. "There you go, all dry, now it's time for Mommy, Daddy, and you to get dressed and go see Grandma. I should probably tell her I am naming her Grandma, but I think she will accept it quicker than Grandpa did. You hear me Daddy?"
"I heard you," Derek grumbled. "After we finish with Melissa we're going to go get some candles. Are you sure she's not possessed or something?"
"Go get dressed because I swear I'm telling Grandma what you said. I bet she laughs her afoot off at you," Stiles said with a grin.
"You do realize Lily isn't old enough to understand curse words yet, don't you?" Derek asked as he dug through the bag he had brought in the night before.
"It's never too soon to adapt to creative cursing. I do not want her first word to be an F-Bomb. Come on sweetheart. Let's go pick out a cute outfit for you to wear," Stiles told Lily as he got up and went to the dryer. He made a mental note to pick her up a little dresser. Maybe Melissa would have a spare.
He opted for a cute little pink onesie the said 'Raised by Wolves' on the front and had a little pink plaid skirt sewed onto it. It truly was adorable and was perfectly fitting for his little princess.
He wrapped her in a purple blanket Derek had bought and waited for Derek to come back down the stairs. He looked the man up and down and shrugged. He wasn't sure why he expected Derek to look different and in a sense he did. His, I don't know, his presence was calmer and happier, for a lack of a better word.
"Here, my turn. You hold Lily and I will be back down as quick as Lily can say 'Dad'," Stiles smiled as he handed over his precious bundle. He kissed her forehead and smiled at Derek before rushing upstairs to get dressed.
He grabbed his newest pair of pants and his white button up shirt. He dressed quickly and then ran back down stairs. He grabbed a few bottles, some liners for the bottles (and boy was he glad Derek had discovered those. He had a feeling it would make his life easier in the long run), and anything else he thought he would need for this short trip and announced that it was time to go.
Derek hadn't had the time to check over the car Stiles had talked his dad into loaning them and there was no way he would let Lily in the Camaro or the Jeep. So, he handed over his keys to Derek and started to walk to Melissa's house. Happy that they only lived a few blocks away and that the weather was beautiful.
Even with the weather and his happiness, Stiles soon learned that even seven pounds can wear your arms out if you carry it for long enough. He added a stroller and a baby pack to his growing mental list of needed things.
It was amazing that anyone could raise a child by themselves. He had only been a parent for a few days and he was almost positive he would have been lost without Derek's help. He had a newfound respect for Mrs. McCall.