Conflicting modification on 4 July 2013 23:12:25:
'Hey,' Derek said as he wrapped his arms around Jennifer and hooked his chin over her shoulder.
'Hi,' Jennifer leaned back against her husband. It had been a warm day, a good Fourth of July, but the air was cooling now and the whole pack seemed worn out after a day of fun, games and eating. The fireworks were due to start soon and Jennifer was looking forward to them.
'I got us a blanket, but my previous offer of making our own fireworks still stands,' Derek whispered the last part.
'I'd rather watch the ones in the sky,' Jennifer said.
'Not what you asked me for this morning,' Derek teased as his hand slipped over her rounded belly.
'Yes that was this morning, this is now,' Jennifer scolded. 'Look at Stiles, isn't he the best boyfriend you've ever seen.'
'Don't remind me,' Derek scowled. 'It's rude you know, hearing your little sister-' Derek trailed off and Jennifer giggled, remembering how Derek complained vehemently this morning about how Stiles was ruining his afterglow. Jennifer had pointed out that an hour was a long afterglow and Derek had got out of bed in a huff, giving her a delicious view of his naked ass as he stomped to the bathroom.
'You don't really hate him,' Jennifer said watching as Stiles ran his fingers though Cora's hair, loosening the braid she'd put in before the games started. He whispered something to her and Cora turned to smile at him, pecking his lips. 'He's done a lot for her, emotionally.'
'I know,' Derek said.
'I mean, she was so rough when you found her, you said it yourself, she toughened up, she was hurt a lot, she thought she was alone,' Jennifer carried on.
'I know this,' Derek complained. 'I just don't want him to break her heart.'
'He may never break her heart, he may do it next week, and perhaps she'll break his heart.' Jennifer suggested. 'You broke my heart more than once, doesn't mean things end that it's over. Hurt can come in different ways.'
'Christ it's the Fourth of July woman, shut up!' Derek pushed back a little to meet her eyes. They both burst out laughing at the same time, drawing the attention of the curious pack.
They were quiet for a while, Derek moved them slightly so his back was against a tree, Jennifer tucked safely between his legs. The rest of the pack moved closer as well. Cora looked away as Isaac lit the fire pit, hiding her face in Stiles's shoulder. Stiles reached a protective hand up to hold her head and Derek's arm tightened around her. She felt him send Stiles a thank you nod and smiled to herself.
Scott sat close by and Jennifer felt Derek shift. She knew what he wanted, had wanted for a while now. 'Ask him,' Jennifer said.
'Ask me what?' Scott said.
'I know it's a bit soon but,' Derek tensed and Jennifer squeezed his wrist, 'would you be godfather for us?'
The first firework went off, and Jennifer dragged her attention away to watch, but a small part of her mind knew Derek and Scott were sharing some silent communication. Scott practically climbing on top of her made her laugh as he wrapped his arms around them. 'I love you both so much!'
'We love you too!' Derek said, and Jennifer noticed his voice catching as he reached a hand around to cup the back of Scott's neck. Scott had tears in his eyes.
Jennifer couldn't help but think of how far the two of them had come in the last couple of years. They were friends now, honest and genuine. Scott was like a baby brother to Derek and Jennifer felt warm and safe in the knowledge that as both their strengths grew they would create a perfect and safe haven for their families in the future.