Jace arrives, Derek gets emotional, and a mess is made

Today was the day, and Ashley couldn't have been more excited.

She was, in fact, so excited, that in fact of going on ahead with the lesson she had planned for that day, she let Lydia control the laptop attached to the projector, and told everyone to choose a favorite music video to share with the class, as she didn't think that she would be able to concentrate on question and answer time about the alternate version of the phantom of the opera that she had planned to have. It was called Phantom of the Paradise(Which I highly suggest my readers check out), and they had finished it yesterday. There was a few mixed feeling about it in the beginning, but she could tell they were starting to get more into it by day two.

As the class started watching a music video for white and nerdy, Stiles, Scott and Allison snuck around to the desk, where Ashley was checking off lists of everything she had prepared, along with texting her mom to find out how close they were. She was a bundle of nerves, which already had Gwaine half-in and half-out of her lap, head peeking out from the desk and nudging her hand every once in a while. He had so far helped relax her quite a bit, as she would go to stroke his head every time he nudged, feeling the soft fur and letting it calm her down.

"Hey."Stiles whispers as they make it around to her and crouch next to her."Are you ok?"

"Yea, I thought we were finishing up on the movie stuff."Scott added in.

"Yea guys, I'm fine, just nervous about getting to see Jace again, have him here for a while. Before I moved here, I was his babysitter for two straight years. You miss that after a while when you don't do it anymore."

"What time are they supposed to be here?" Allison asked, having warmed to her quite a bit since the dinner they had a couple of night ago, so much so that she had volunteered to help watch Jace if she needed it, at school and afterwards.

"About five I believe. They are going to stop by the house on their way up state, then pick him back up on their way back. I am going to the store to pick up some things after class, then straight to the house to make sure everything is set."

"Um, I've seen your list...How do you plan on carrying some of that stuff on the bike?"Stiles asks, confused lok on his face.

She frowns, then looks at her list again, face paling a bit."I..crap. I didn't think of that. I need to find someone with a car I suppose. And no Stiles, you don't count as you still have class, and also can't drive my bike."

"I wouldn't want to, bad enough Scott rides one, least he has super healing."

"Why don't you ask Derek or ?"Scott throws in, and she considers that.

"My dad is out, he had to go out of town for a couple of hours, something about picking up a package."

"Well, Derek then. He probably wouldn't mind, he hardly ever leaves the loft, and you could use him as a bag carrier."Stiles says, determined grin on his face."I gotta admit, I like the idea of him trailing behind you with a million bags, piled high enough he can't see anything and runs into people."

"I'm not getting a million bags worth of stuff Stiles."She says as she pulls out her phone to text him."That is a good idea though, thanks Scott."

"No problem. Is it ok if I come over later to meet him? I like kids, and need to work on some homework with Stiles anyway."

"Yea sure, I don't mind at all, Jace will probably like the attention from some big kids."She says, smiling."He will definitely want to show you his zombie killer."

"Zombie killer?"

"Yea, it's a Nerf crossbow he got for Christmas. He says that its his zombie killer, and he even has zombie targets he likes to stick around the house and shoot at."

"That's kinda awesome."

"Yea well, he is a pretty awesome kid."She says, chuckling."You guys better go back with the rest of the class and choose a video before Lydia chooses for you." As they glance over at the mutinous looking Lydia they giggle and sneak back, while Ashley starts a quick text to Derek, getting a nearly instant response. Apparently that's something that happens when you have a bunch of teenage werewolves constantly needing to talk to you.

~Hey, question.~

~Shoot.~

~That was quick. You going to be busy in about an hour?~

~Probably not. Just finished a bit of training with Cora. Why, what's up?~

~OOOh training, I miss that. Well, I need to get some stuff at the store after my class, and as Stiles so smartly pointed out, I can't fit it all on my bike. I was wondering if you would be willing to give me a hand, help me carry the stuff back to the house.~

~Sure, don't see why not. Today is the day your nephew gets here, right?~

~Yea, bout five tonight. I'm picking up some food I know he likes, as well as some koolaid, pringles, stuff for cupcakes, and some other stuff to just make him more comfortable there. I promise there will be a cupcake in it for you if you help.~

~...What flavor?~

~Red velvet with cream cheese icing.~

~Done. Do you want to just park the bike at the house and have me pick you up there?~

~That would be great, thank you so much.~

~No problem, pretty sure I don't have to worry about Deucalion or his goons attacking me if I'm with you, so it's all good.~

~Good to know I'm good for something. See you about 1:30?~

~See ya then.~

She puts down her phone and sighs with relief, glad to get that little problem out of the way, and glances over to see a scene from the nutcracker up on the projection screen. She gives a small smile, knowing it was one of the twins, probably Aiden, who had picked this, as he had shown a real love for ballet, in particular the many incarnations of the Nutcracker. Kid had taste, that was for sure, if not common sense at times. She gets another text on her phone and glances down at it. Stiles, this time.

~Well, what did sour wolf say?~

~He said ok. And don't call him that, he isn't that bad.~

~Dude, he totally is. I mean, sure, he has gotten a little bit better, but not much. And his sister is like a mini Derek.~

~Yes well, I promised cupcakes for helping me. Keep on and your cupcakes become his cupcakes.~

~What? No! I asked for that flavor especially! Truce!~

~Fine lol. Just pay attention to the screen, class is almost over. I promise you both at least one, and even Scott one.~

~Ok, geez, scare a guy. But know I'm silently grumbling over here.~

~I know, I can see you from the desk.~

She puts down the phone once more, five minutes left of class, and starts to put her stuff up silently. Gwaine growls lowly under his breath for a moment, startling her, and she looks up and around to see what could have gotten him like this. The only thing she sees is a flash of dark hair exiting view as she looks towards the door, causing her to frown and unconsciously put her hand on the blade charm. After a while Gwaine stops growling and nuzzles closer, but as she looks to the class she notices every one of the wolves have gone still and looked at her and Gwaine, most likely in response to Gwaines growling. She shakes her head gently at them and one by one they look at the door and look away, ending with the twins.

Sighing she looks down at Gwaine and gets close."You sensed something, didn't you?" She asks, and she could swear he nods his head at her."You know, I swear some days I wish you could talk, it would save a whole hell of a lot of trouble."Gwaine almost seems to huff in expiration and nod again, and she places her forehead against his to try and calm him. A moment later the bell rings, letting the class out, and as she gets her stuff to leave, most of the class gone, she notices the twins are standing next to her desk with worried expressions on their usually serious faces.

"Is something wrong?" Aiden asks her, and looks down at Gwaine."We heard him growling, and Deucalion told us to pay close attention if we ever heard him doing anything like that. Did he sense something?"

She looks at them strangely."I think he did. Usually he growls when something...not quite right is nearby, or something evil. I think there is someone or something in this school that is making him do it. Deucalion told you to keep an eye on him?"

"Yea, said he would be the best way to know if you were in danger."Ethan says, and she blinks at him.

"That still confuses the hell out of me, you know, that he is concerned about my safety, when everyone else has tried to say that he is just a straight up killer. Any insight into that?"

"Heh, it confused us at first as well."Aiden says, and Ethan glares at him a bit."But spending as much time with you as we do now, we can kinda see what he sees. Not only that, Deucalion doesn't give out his respect or trust easily, so the fact that you have after a couple of days means something. Are you sure you don't really know why?"

"No, not at all. Except for the fact that Gwaine here trusts me and sees me as his alpha, apparently."

"That's a big part of it, yes. You also have garnered the trust of two diffrent packs, have halfway tamed a at one point insane wolf, you're not afraid to fight, and you talk, listen, before making a judgement on someone, usually fairly from what I have heard. That is rare now a days, especially with those who have trained as hunters. Still not seeing it?"

"I see that you do, at least."

"Both of us do."Ethan says, and Aiden nods with him."We're going to tell Deucalion what happened. Know to call for one of us if you need us. Especially with your nephew coming to visit. He is very protective of children, no matter what they are."

"Thank you."She says, standing up with her stuff, and she notices both the twins offer a hand to Gwaine, letting him sniff the both of them, and she smiles."Shouldn't the two of you be getting to class?"

"Probably, but we really aren't that worried about it."

"Argh, you are as bad as Stiles. Shoo!" They both nod and smile, walking away as she heads towards the doors and her bike with Gwaine, feeling a bit better as she exits the school and breathes in the fresh air, ready for a relaxing ride. Gwaine seems to feel the same, as he bounds up excitedly to the bike after a brief bathroom break, barking for her to strap him in. She laughs and does so, climbing on herself before racing off towards the house.
******************************************

Thirty minutes later after parking the bike and changing into a bit more comfy clothes, she walks out to Derek parked outside the house, driving his black Camaro. At she wouldn't have to worry about him complaining about hair on the seats, considering.

"You ready?" He asks, looking out at her from inside the car.

"Yea, thanks again."She says, opening the door to let Gwaine in, then climbing in herself and strapping in."Where's Cora? I figured you would be dragging her out as well."

"Nah, she wanted a nap after training. Plus she isn't really a people person."

"No offense, but half the time you aren't either. Come on, I've seen you in public, you glare enough that if looks could kill half the town would be dust."

He glances at her, amused, but doesn't contest the fact."Yes, well, it doesn't help she was trapped for so long. That can suck any peope skils you have right out of you."

"Good point."She says, looking out the window as they drive through town to the store, Gwaine, laying down in the back taking a nap.

"I have to ask, why did you ask me instead of Peter?"

She jerks out of her thoughts and glances over at him."What?"

"Why didn't you ask Peter? You two seem awfully close lately, I figured you would want some time with him."

She sighs and looks out the window again."I thought about it, but you seemed like the better choice. For one, he has seemed kind of off when I mention Jace, and I'm not actually sure what he wants with me, and he didn't volunteer when I told him I needed to yesterday. Two, last time I was in a car with him, it barely had room for me, much less a wolf and groceries. Three..can't I just want to spend time with you? Are you jealous of Peter?"She says, looking at with with a grin on her face and batting her eyelashes, enjoying baiting him.

He blushes and looks ahead, but she can see the hint of a smile on his lips."You're right, his car sucks for stuff like this, not that he would have volunteered it now that I think of it. Jealous, me? Maybe." He adds in silently, and she can barely here it, though she does in fact, here it.

"Wait, you're really jealous?"She says, incredulously."Is that why you have been so weird and moody around me lately? You're jealous?" They turn into the grocery store lot as she says this.

He sighs and parks his car in the parking lot, then turns and looks at her."I am, all right? When you had left on your vacation I was all sorts of mixed up emotions."He says, growling slightly."Hell, you came back for a couple of days, and even after all the fighting we had done while you were gone they all came back! You came back after the summer with all sorts of new smells attached to you, and my pack was kidnapped, and I didn't know how to react, so I just kinda tried to stay away. Then I try to find out you have a date with my crazy uncle of all people, and the alpha pack is following you? It's all a big fucked up mess."

"Is that one of the reasons you wanted to keep me out of all this supernatural business?"

He nods jerkily, still a bit angry."Not that it helped. Kate got a hold of you, the alphas cornered you, and somehow you became a hunter in three months?"

"Oh Derek."She says, sighing heavily."So basically you were staying away to try and keep me safe? That never really works, I know from experience. Also, I had no idea he was your uncle when I accepted."

"I know that now. Still doesn't help much."

"Does that mean you are done being all angry and silent with me now? Not quite so emotionally challenged?"

He smiles, finally breaking off from his rant."I can definitely try. I still don't like you dating my uncle though. He's a bastard."

"You and everyone else it seems. In my defense, it's not like you actually asked me yourself for a date. I probably would have said yes. And we aren't exactly dating...we have been on exactly one date, with a couple of stalkings from him."

He narrows his eyes at that."He's stalking you?"

"In a way. He peers at me from across the street, says he is keeping an eye on me. Kinda weird, but hey, who am I to judge."

"I'll talk to him about that."Derek says, getting out of the car and coming around to open her door, letting both her and Gwaine out."That's creepy from someone who says he isn't crazy anymore."

"You don't have to."She says as they start walking towards the store."He isn't hurting anyone."

"Not yet he isn't." He says, then glances over at her."So if I had asked, you wouldn't be opposed to a date?"

"No, I wouldn't have. Aren't you interested in that teacher right now though? Jennifer?"

"Yea, kind of, I guess. It's complicated."

"Everything is complicated with you, no offense."She says as they get a cart and start pushing it through the store."Just be careful around her, all right?"

"Now who's jealous?"Derek says with a grin, tossing two containers of koolaid into the cart.

"What? No, I..ok maybe a bit. But it's not just that. Somethings not quite right about her, and every time Gwaine is around her he starts growling and gets very protective. The only other time he has done that is when he was around something evil, it came in handy quite a bit when we were on a hunt this summer. I just don't want you hurt, in more ways then one."

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you."He says softly as she throws in some spaghetti's."Guess we are both attracted to people we don't like the other being around, huh?"

"Seems that way. Not saying I'm not attracted to you though."She says as they move through the aisles. "I gotta say, you know how to wear a leather jacket."

He laughs and whispers in her ear."I know how to take one off, too."She shivers as heat rushes through her at that, and she has to go through the frozen section to cool down.

"Yep, we should probably talk about something else now."She says, and he can't help but laughing at her blush. She glares at him and gets some kid cuisines, and with some frozen french fries, then turns to face him."Hey, its not funny you. How would you feel if someone got you all hot and bothered in a grocery store, just to see you react? Do you know how long.."

She stops, the blush going even redder as she keeps herself from blurting something out something she really doesn't need to, before turning around and pushing the cart to the next aisle so he can't see her face. However, he beats her to the next aisle, arms crossed over his chest, big grin on his face. Gwaine bounds next to him, sensing the fun coming from Derek and wanting to join in."I get you hot and bothered huh?"

"Nope."

"How long has it been exactly?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"How do you know I'm just doing it for a reaction?"

"Cuz you're an ass."

"You saying I'm a tease?"

"Maybe. No. Wheres the alcohol in this damn place? I need a drink."

He laughs and catches up to her, having followed her up and down each aisle, Gwaine next to him, as she picked things up, finally stopping her and putting his hands on her shoulders as he looks down at her."I promise, if I say I'm going to do something, by god I do it. No teasing from me, unless I mean to eventually deliver. Got it?"

"By Chuck."

"What?"

"Nothing. You saying I need to watch you take off a leather jacket then?"

"To start off yes."He says, winking at her, and she finally loses her glare, shaking her head at him and laughing.

"Come on you, I still have some stuff I need to get before getting the house ready for Jace, let's go before we scandalize the little old ladies." He looks around to see a gaggle of older ladies watching them and giggling, then turns a bright red and follows her to the home section, where she gets Jace a Batman blanket to sleep with while he is there, along with his own towel and pillow, stopping by the alcohol section and getting a case of Redds Apple Ale before finally heading to the check out line, both of them in much better moods than they had been, Gwaine happy that they were happy.

Of course that was when things had to go sour.

As they all headed back to the car, stuff in tow, an hour left before Jace was set to arrive, both of them laughing at a guy who had been wearing a kilt and a pirate hat in the store, a cold, calm voice sounded behind them.

"My, this just looks like a happy little party. I feel horrible for not being invited."Derek goes stiff, his face loosing any measure of happiness that it had on it, before turning to face the owner. Gwaine actually tenses up as well, mirroring Derek's body language.

Ashley, not understanding what the big deal is, speaks first."Hey Peter, whats up?"

"Nothing much, needed some Alfredo for dinner, and saw your happy little group. If you needed someone to help you shop, why didn't you say so?"

Derek growls under his breath, and Ashley puts a hand on his arm to calm him down."Hey, not here, there are people watching. Peter, I told you yesterday I needed to pick up some things, remember? You didn't really volunteer your time."

"Not to mention you wouldn't be able to fit Gwaine and the groceries in that car of yours."Derek adds in, calming down a bit for her."I told her I would help. Is there a problem with that?"

"Oh, I'm sure we could fit them if we left Gwaine at home."

"Maybe, but why would I leave Gwaine at home? They know him here by now, and he doesn't cause any trouble." She says, cocking her head to the side and looking at him strangely."Look, I needed help and Derek offered. I'm sorry if you don't like that, but I need to get home and get ready for Jace. So, if you don't mind.."

"By all means, go and prepare for him, I won't stop you."Peter says, smiling and picking up her hand for a kiss, and she can feel the tension radiating from Derek."Nephew, be safe going home, won't you? There is a killer on the loose, after all." With that he walks away, swagger in his step, heading into the store. It isn't until he has walked in the doors that Ashley turns to Derek and sees his eyes glowing red, body shaking.

She turns white and pulls him and the cart to his car, putting her hands on his face and looking up at him."Derek, calm down, he's gone! Derek!"When he immediately doesn't calm down she pulls him down and kisses him softly on the cheek, whispering into his ear."Derek please, calm down, for me. He left, and your eyes are blood red."

That seems to do the trick, and he gradually stops shaking, eyes bleeding back to his normal color, breathing returning to normal."All better now?"

"Not really, but I will manage. Thank you."

"So, what just happened?"

"Peter...I could smell it on him, he considers you his. He was practically marking his territory in front of me. You may not have been able to tell, but he was pretty pissed off you were here with me."

"I so do not belong to him, or anyone for that matter. And it's his own fault for not volunteering in the first place, so he has jack shit to be pissed about."

"I know..he just has a way of pushing my buttons. I'm sorry."

"It's fine, at least you managed to calm down."

"Yea, thank you again. Next time, try a little more towards the middle when you kiss me though...way more efficient." He grins when she slaps his chest, laughing.

"Come on you, help me get this in the car, I have a kid to get ready for. I swear, all the men in my life are crazy."

"Yes, but so much more interesting for it. Do you want some help getting ready? I have nothing better to do, and maybe you will let me lick the bowl if I'm good."

"Too true my sometimes hairy friend. And yes, that would be amazing." She says, and they get the stuff packed into the car, then head back to the house, both pondering what had happened the entire ride back.
******************************************

"So why is he still here again?"Stiles asks as he comes home to Ashley putting away the groceries and Derek putting Jaces stuff up in her room."Give you a ride, sure, but I thought that would be the end of that little trip."

"Because Stiles, he offered to help, and who am I to say no to an extra set of hands?"

"What am I, chopped liver?"

"You live here, I would make you help either way. Besides, I'm pretty sure he is partly doing it to piss of Peter."

"Why? Not that anyone really needs a reason."She glares at him and he shrugs."What?"

"Keep it up mister, your cupcake numbers just dwindle away as you do."

"More for me."Derek says as he walks up behind Stiles, chuckling when the teen jumps."Jeez Stiles, you even knew I was here. You can be way too twitchy for your own good, you know that?"

"Actually, I'm just enough twitchy for my own good thank you. And you have another thing coming if you think you are getting my cupcakes, I will defend them with my life. And my bat. And a conveniently placed circle of mountain ash. And Scott."

"Scott will jump sides if it means more cupcakes." Ashley throws in from the pantry, snorting.

"You're all against me, I swear!"

"Just hush and hand me the koolaid. Jace will be here any moment now, and I need to make sure his bed is made."

"Already done."Derek says, grabbing an apple from around Stiles and grinning at him as he bites into it."It was already halfway made anyway, so I threw on the blanket and pillow you got him, then put the towels in the bathroom."

Stiles looks at him curiously."All right, who are you and what have you done with the sour wolf? I don't remember you ever being this helpful before."

"You never really gave me a reason to."He says, taking another bite.

"You mean helping get you out of jail and helping you find Peter in the first place wasn't enough?"

"You also put me in jail, in case you don't remember."

"Oh. Right. Carry on then."

Derek sighs loudly."If you must know, she promised to send me home with food for me and Cora. Most of the time we live on carry out, as the kitchen in the loft sucks, so having something homemade is kind of a luxury. And she's right, it is pissing off Peter to know I'm here."

At that point Ashley's cell phone messages her, and she looks to see that her mom is coming down the road now."Hey, she's coming down the road! Gwaine, come on down!"She looks over her shoulder as she heads down the hallway to the entrance, smiling as Gwaine comes bounding down the stairs."You guys coming?"

"Yep."

"Right behind ya."

"You just want to stare at her ass."

"Whats your excuse then?"

"I'm a follower, not a leader."

"Will you two shut up?"

Derek smiles as he follows them both out the door, knowing she is nervous about seeing her family again. He knows he would give anything to see certain members of his family once more, so he would never make anyone feel bad about missing their own. Watching her stand there in front of the house, Gwaine by her side, bouncing up and down on her feet, he can't help but be a bit jealous of her.

Ashley finally sees their vehicle coming down the road and grins widely, Gwaine feeling her excitement next to her and bouncing around like a puppy again, eager to meet her family as well. Once it stops, she can't help from running up to it and flinging open the door happily.

"Jace! Mom! Donald! I'm so glad to see you!"

"Ashee! Am I gonna have a sleepover here?"

"You sure are kiddo, lets get you out of that seat belt."She unhooks him the seat and stands back as he practically tumbles out of the car in his excitement to get out, Stiles muffling a giggle as he immediately bounces back to his feet. Ashley just shakes her head and smiles as her mom and stepdad get out as well, watching as Jace and Gwaine gingerly approach each at first, before Gwaine licks him on the face and Jace starts giggling, breaking any ice there might have been between the two as they start chasing each other around the yard. Ashley turns to her mom for a tight hug as Donald takes Jaces bag out of the car.

"Honey it's so good to see you! Is that the wolf you told me about?"

"Yep, that's Gwaine, my best friend on earth.(Not counting her best friends not actually on earth at the moment)"

"Well, it looks like he and Jace are going to get along just fine. I was a bit worried at first, usually Jace doesn't do well around dogs."

"Gwaine is definitely the exception. Mom, you remember Stiles?"Ashley drags Stiles up in front of her mom, and he actually looks a bit bashful, much to Derek's glee.

"Of course, you have grown so much! I still remember that little boy constantly questioning everything."

"That really hasn't changed much."Stiles says, and looks embarrassed as her mom gives him a hug as well.

"And who is this?"Donald asks as he drops the bag at Ashley's feet, glancing over at first to where Jace had sat down on the grass ans was letting Gwaine pounce on him and lick his face. Ashley looks over to where her step dad is looking and smiles.

"Hmm? Oh, this is Derek. He is one of the first people I met when I moved here, and a good friend."Derek seems to start when she says that, and she gives him a soft look."He helped me get some stuff from the grocery store I couldn't fit on the bike, then helped me put everything up and get the house ready for Jace. Derek, this is my mom and step dad."

Donald immediately steps up and shakes Dereks hand."Well, I thank you for helping her out, we keep trying to convince her to get a real vehicle, but she just loves that bike of hers. That Camaro yours son?"

"Yes sir."Derek says, looking like he doesn't know quite how to react.

"Nice car. You keeping our girl out of trouble?" Ashley groans, and Derek grins at the question.

"I try sir, but I'm pretty sure it would be hard to stop her from doing anything she really sets her mind to."

"Thats a woman for ya!"Donald laughs slapping him on the back."Well Ashley, I hate to drop him off and run, but we got to make it to out hotel before clock in time. You got everything?"

"Yes sir. Jace, you going to say bye to your momma and papa?"Jace looks up from where he is planted on the grass and gives a big smile, jumping up and running over to give each of his parents a big hug, in a very good mood.

"Bye momma! Bye papa! Don't get lost!"

Her mom smiles indulgently at the toddler and kisses him on the forehead."We won't honey. You be good for Ashley, all right? Listen to her like a good, big boy, and I bet she will make you a treat. We will be back next week."

"I will momma. I really like her wolf, it licked my face and played chase with me."

"Yes it did baby. Ashley, take good care of him, all right? We will text you as soon as we get to the hotel."

"I will mom. Love you, and have a good trip."

"Love you too honey. Bye Stiles, nice to meet you Derek!"She waves as she climbs back into the car, and they all watch her drive away before looking back down at the now dirty little boy.

"So Jace, are you hungry?"

"I'm so hungry Ashee! Do you have Pringles?"

She laughs and takes his hand."I do, actually. I got them especially for you. Why don't we go inside and put up your stuff, then fix you some dinner? I bet you are tired of being in a car all day."

"I am. My game died. I had movies though! Is the wolf coming with us?"She glances up at Derek, staring down at the two of them with an unknown look on his face, before smiling and looking back at the little boy.

"He sure is, he sleeps on my bed. His name is Gwaine."

"Gaine?"

"Ga-waine."

"Gwaine?"

"You got it! Good job!" She says, and Derek just shakes his head at the two of them."Well, lets go inside, and see what we can scrounge up.
~~~~~~

Dinner turns out to be homemade pizza, Bacon Chicken Ranch to be exact, and once the sheriff came home and introduced himself to the sauce covered child who had helped make them, the sauce covered Derek who was the childs first victim, Stiles and Scott with flour in their hair, and Ashley with shredded cheese in her hair from Derek noticing her being the only one who wasn't messy and fixing the problem, they went through three pizza, half of one being saved to take home with Derek.

Derek had forgotten how much fun it was to be around children, and had thoroughly enjoyed playing with Jace as they all made dinner. Enjoyed watching Jace sneak the crusts to Gwaine while they were eating, thinking no one could see him. Enjoyed glancing over at Ashley to see that loving look in her eyes as she watched the child. In fact, after helping clean up the dinner mess and following her to talk while she fixed Jaces bath, he let her know.

"Thank you for letting me stay."He says softly as she shuts the door to the bathroom to let the child have some bath privacy."I really enjoyed myself."

"Well, thank you for helping me today."She says as she takes out some pajamas for Jace."It was the least I could do."

"Well, I kind of meant thank you for letting me stay, after the little incident earlier, first in the car and then with my uncle. I'm not real big on drama, but it seems to follow me around the plague. It means a lot that you just kind of swept past all of it."

"That's what friends do."She says, looking at him and handing him a baby wipe to get the remaining sauce off of his face."They forgive each other, look past each others faults, help them out when they need it. I've been told I have an affinity for broken people, whatever that means, but if it means I can help them I will."

He laughs softly and shakes his head at her."No wonder Deucalion is taken with you, you're definitely one of a kind."

"Thank you?"

"Don't worry, it was a compliment."Derek says, then reaches into her hair gently. She feels a shudder go through her, wondering what he's doing, letting out her breath when he brings it back with a small piece of shredded cheese."Forgot something. Anyway, I better get this pizza to Cora, before Stiles decides to finish it off."

"All right. Be careful on the way home, Derek, you know whatever is out there is still killing."

"I know, and I will."He says, giving a kick kiss on her forehead them stepping back to the door."By the way, let me know when you are finally tired of Peter being a creeper."He says, grinning, but there is a slight hard look in his eyes."

"Yea yea yea. Talk to you later Derek."She says with a brief wave, watching him leave then head down the stairs. She takes a deep breath, wondering where the hell this day came from, then glances over to see Gwaine sticking his nose under the door, waiting for Jace to get out of the bath, and laughs."You waiting for your new friend to get out?"She asks, and Gwaine jumps up in a circle, nudging her hand before going back to the door."Be patient, he will be done soon, he was a messy little guy. Plus hey, as soon as he gets out and gets dressed, we can call Crowley and let him know Jace is here."
~~~~~~~

Ten minutes, a race around the bedroom to put his pajamas on, and a promise of a bedtime story later, Ashley has Jace on the bed, and is leaning forward towards him, whispering loudly to him with a grin."So, Jace, did you know I have a very special friend that wants to meet you?"

"He wants to meet me?"

"Yep, he is a good friend of mine, and his name is Crowley. Would you like to meet him?"

"Yes! Where is he? Is he invisible?"She smiles at his close to the truth question.

"No, but if I call out to him, he might show up. Should I try it?"

"Oh, yes please! Crowy!"

"Haha, silly goose, his name is Crowley. Crowley, could you please grace us with your presence?"

"Only because you say please luv."Says a voice to their right, and she looks over to see Crowley, as impeccably dressed as ever."Is this the lad?"

"Sure is. Crowley, this is Jace. Jace, this is Crowley."

"Are you magic?"Jace asks, and she can't stop the giggle that pops out of her. Crowley merely looks at him with a raised eyebrow and gives a very Crowley like smile.

"I am indeed lad. My mother was a witch, and I got my skills from her."

"That's so cool! Can you teach me?"Jace asks, and that gets a very real smile from the king of hell.

"Maybe when you are a wee bit older, Ashley here might not like you cursing your classmates if they upset you, or your teachers. I do, though, have something for you while you are here."

"Really? What is it?" Crowley snaps his fingers, and Growly appears next to him. Jace starts, then looks excitedly at the hellhound with a tired gleam in his eyes.

"How is the doggy for me?"

"Why, while you are here, Growly here is going to protect you."

"Protect me? From what?"Crowley glances at Ashley, not expecting so many questions from the toddler, and she takes over for him.

"There are bad guys here, and Growly here is going to make sure none of them get you. She even has a secret power. She can turn invisible. But, when she is, you can't tell anyone about her, or else she can't protect you. Ok?"

"Ok Ashee, I won't tell. Can I pet her?"

"Yes baby, you can."As Growly jumps on the bed to join Gwaine and Jace in a cuddle session, Ashley and Crowley walk over to the corner with the window and look out of it."Thank you again for this Crowley."

"It's not a problem poppet, the lad actually reminds me abit of myself at that age, especially with him taking to me just popping out of nowhere like that, as well as Growly."

"Should I be worried about that?"She asks jokingly.

"Not at all, it just means he will be a smart lad."He says, then glances at her."Have you felt anything from the wards since I put them up?"

"No..well, maybe just a echo from them here and there, but nothing big, like something trying to get into the house that shouldn't. Why, should I be worried?"

"No, just curious, that's all. Wondering if you still saw them, felt them."

"Yes, just not as strongly as when they were first put up."

"That's good. Anyway, I can't stay too long, there have been some revolts down in hell, some people not liking the changes, and I have actually had work to do."He glances over at the group on the bed and smiles."This should be good for Growly, she is about ready to settle down and have some puppies as it is, and will enjoy being around what she will consider a giant hairless puppy. Look, the lad is almost already asleep."

Sure enough, Jace's little eyes were beginning to droop, and smiling she gently picked him up and placed him in the toddler bed next to her own, away from the window, and Growly immediately climbed on the toddler bed with him and placed her head on his lap, Jace asleep in a matter of minutes.

"Now that is a magic in itself right there."She says quietly, looking over at Crowley."Maybe I don't have anything to worry about after all."

"Even so, better prepared than not."Crowley says, bidding her goodnight and popping out of the room, leaving her staring out the window at the glowing blue eyes watching her once more. She shakes her head and gives a little wave, mouthing the words goodnight to the figure outside, before closing the window and heading to bed herself, Gwaine snuggling next to her.
~~~~~ Outside, Peter watched her wave goodnight, still upset at her for being with Derek, then ran off quickly, not wanting to think about the kiss he had seen Derek plant on her forehead. Not wanting to think about Derek touching something that didn't belong to him.

Watching the entire scene unfold from the time that Jace arrived, the pair of red eyes watched with interest as the child entered the house with the bitch, then stayed long enough to let the startings of a plan unfold. Finally, there was a way that he might get her out and in his path. The only problem now was to find someone to help him with it.
~~~~~ Meanwhile, somewhere in the depths of Heaven, Lucifer had finally began to finish up his new host body made from scratch, and was looking forward to seeing Ashley again, mad at himself for worrying her so.

Finally, The child is here! I have been looking forward to this part for qa while, and hope you keep enjoying the story as I go. I didn't actually mean for it to get as long as it has, but I'm glad that it has. As usual, comments keep this story going, so tell me what you like, dont like, and want more of. Oh, and if any of you have seen some of the musicals I am talking about, let me know I'm not alone!