Derek peeked from behind his mostly closed eyelids as Drew made a pass of the open door again. He wondered briefly where Jackson was. Andrew Thomas Hale was nearly eight in human years. The more time he spent as a wolf, which he was more comfortable with, the faster he aged. But now he was human, socked feet shuffling over the floorboards as he paced.
"Well come in then," Derek said, voice hoarse as his sore vocal chords vibrated and shook. It was completely ludicrous he thought, that werewolves could still catch colds. It was all Jackson's fault really. And that cesspool of a community college he went to. But then again he'd wanted to stay close. Derek's half delirious mind went back to Drew as the small boy entered. His battered copy of The Hungry Caterpillar was tucked under one arm. Drew's blue eyes swept the room, never settling on one point. His dark hair was mussed adorably, the red of it hidden away in the dim of the room. His hair looked the same shade as Derek's just then.
"I thought – maybe – if y9ou were bored I could…um read to you," he paused, worrying his bottom lip. "Cause I always feel better when you read to me."
Derek smiled immediately, ridiculously.
"Of course," he breathed, "get in here pup." Drew smiled and ran forward, jumping into the bed and sitting next to Derek, leaning against the headboard. Derek pulled himself up, gaze riveted on the boy beside him.
"Ready Daddy?" Drew questioned. Derek's chest constricted unexpectedly so he nodded. Drew called both Jackson and Derek 'Daddy' without thought. It had yet to be a problem as they both came whenever he called. "The Hungry Caterpiller," Drew announced, opening the book. Derek could barely tear his eyes from their pup, only doing so when he heard Jackson at the door. He leaned in the doorway, watching them both. One hand covered his mouth as his eyes crinkled. Derek felt just a bit better looking back to Drew. He reached a hand out and ruffled his hair before settling back into his pillows.
A/N: So… This just sort of popped into my head. I might do more with this. It'll probably be very drabbleish and I can't promise they'll be in order. We'll see what else my brain comes up with.