Seeing Derek again was like a punch to the face. The once awkward and gangly teen had grown into a man in the years since Laura took off with him. Harper couldn't stop the tears when he approached the burned out shell of the Hale house. He had not been here since the day of the fire, but he knew Derek would be here.
Harper had pushed open the front door and made his way through the first floor until he got to the den. Within he found the sleeping form of Derek, now a tall bearded adult. Harper sobbed at the sight of him startling Derek awake. The younger stared at the dryad with wide disbelieving eyes.
"Harper?" He asked unsure if he was really seeing his would-be uncle before him.
"Oh Derek look at you." Harp sniffles reaching out and running his ash brown nails through the seated man's hair. "You're bigger than me now."
" what are you doing here? How did you know I was here?"
"My kid thought he saw you in the preserve tonight and I thought I'd follow up on my hunch. It's good to see you Der."
" since when did you have a kid?"
"Stiles." Harper huffed settling on the floor beside Derek's pallet. "The kid I toted around for 8 years. Remember, he use to follow you around when he was a toddler."
Derek frowned trying to remember.
"It's okay if you don't remember him. You've had a lot on your mind the past couple of years." Harper laughed.
The dryad glanced around the burned-out room with a frown for looking back at Derek.
"I hope you aren't planning to stay in this decrepit place." Harper said with a raised brow.
Derek avoided his gaze prompted Harper to stand up and grip the wolf's shoulder.
"Get your things and come with me. Your staying in one of my guest rooms."
Derek's brows rose in confusion as he was pulled abruptly to his feet by the obviously smaller man.
"How did you…."
"No questions brat. Let's get you home." Harper cut him off before leaving Derek to gather his things.
No way in hell was he letting him stay in this nightmare inducing house.