Chapter Twenty-Seven

They think I'm insane, they think my lover is strange

But I don't have to fucking tell them anything, anything

Halsey

Mom darts around the kitchen like a lunatic. Her hair is all over the place, and she's got food smeared all over her nurse scrubs. She hasn't even changed from work yet. Apparently cooking peppers stuffed with cheese, pickles, bananas, eggs, and rice isn't considered edible. I think it sounds delicious.

I set the table, which makes me feel odd. I don't even remember the last time I sat and ate dinner at a table. Who knew we had floral place matts? Not I, that is for sure.

"Scott!" Mom yells. "SCOTT!"

"YES MOM?" He shouts back from upstairs. I glare at my mom's back. Gosh, why do they have to be so freaking loud all the time?

"ARE YOU ALL DRESSED?"

"UGH, YEAH?"

"ARE YOU DRESSED NICE?"

Scott stomps down the stairs. He shares a look of confusion with me. "What do you mean nice?" He looks down at his sweat pants and lacrosse teeshirt.

"I mean-" she turns to frown at his attire. "No. Go change. We are meeting your sisters boyfriend, you can't wear that."

"Mom, it's Derek Hale," Scott pointedly explains, like that says it all.

I motion to Scott. "I agree with him. I don't think Derek is going to care about what Scott's wearing. Or what you're wearing. Or even what I'm wearing, and he loves being all up on this right here."

Mom gives me a highly unimpressed stare. "Halden, go change. You can't wear that."

Apparently ripped jeans and a tank top aren't dinner attire.

"No, Mom, seriously. Derek is probably going to be wearing jeans that he hasn't washed in a week, with a blood stained shirt." The look of fear was totally worth saying that. "I'm kidding Mom. He always throws those out."

"I can't tell if you're joking. And that's what terrifies me," she deadpans.

"Well." I pass by Scott, giving him a playful wink. "I guess I'll go make myself pretty. Might wanna change out of your bloodstained scrubs, Mom. Not sure if that's sanitary for you to be cooking."

"As soon as I get these enchiladas in the oven, I'll be taking a quick shower."

When Scott and I reach the top of the stairs, I grab his shoulder firmly. I look at him firmly. "Scott," I start with complete seriousness that I've never expressed at any given time in my entire being. "We are going to be getting dressed up nice for dinner with Derek Hale. I want you to think about this very long and hard."

Scott laughs. Then I laugh. Both of us are laughing, Scott is leaning on the wall to hold himself up while I clutch my tiny baby bump at the hilarity.

"Oh jeez! I really hope there are blood stains on Derek's clothes," I giggle once I regain my breath.

"Can you not?" Scott groans.

I give him a shove before going into my room. Nice? Nice. Okay. Closet, win me over!

Yeah. Nope. In my closet, there are literally teeshirts and jeans. Half of them have holes in them.

A minute later there is a knock on my door. I find Mom on the other side with a knowing smirk. "You can borrow something of mine," she says as she peers at the mess I made within minutes of my closet.

"Thanks Mom."

Derek brings roses. White roses. They are full and beautiful.

He also is lacking blood on his fitted onyx button up and sans rips on his very expensive appearing slacks. Fucking slacks. He's even got fancy looking boots on his feet.

"You're so adorable, I might barf all over you," I tell him as he hands me the bundle of roses with a completely stoic burning red face.

Did I mention he knocked on the door? He's turning out to be quite the catch. Until he kidnaps more innocent teenagers and starts threatening to rip their throats out. With his teeth.

His eyes flow like a river over my body. Taking in the navy blouse and black skirt. He smirks. "You look nice."

"They are my moms. I really need to go shopping… Come on." Grabbing his hand, I lead him into the dinning room. Mom is finishing up in the kitchen, and she smiles nervously at Derek as he follows close behind me. "Mom, this is Derek. Derek, this is my mom."

Mom slips off the oven mit she's wearing and extends her calloused hand. He reaches across and shakes it way harder than I think he intends, because Mom winces. "Quite a grip you've got there Derek… um, my name is Melissa. Nice of you to join us after all these months you've been involved with my daughter."

Derek smiles (which is totally a grimace and not a smile). "Nice to meet you, Mrs. McCall."

She scrunches her nose. "Melissa will do."

"Ugh, sorry… Melissa." He winces.

"Have a seat," Mom urges, waving her hands at the almost set table. "Thirsty?"

Derek looks at me with a panic I've rarely seen. Gosh, he'd probably be happier fighting off the Kanima right now. It's like he didn't realize Mom is going to actually attempt at conversing with him.

"I'll get you some water," I say, pushing him into one of the seats at the table. He just silently obeys. If he had a tail it'd totally be tucked between his legs.

"SCOTT!" Mom screams.

"WHAT?"

I sigh, flopping down in the seat alongside Derek. I hand him his water and he chugs it all in seconds.

"COME ON DOWN!"

"ONE MINUTE!"

Derek winces at their screaming. I sigh, "They are always screaming. I hate screaming."

"Sorry sweetie," Mom apologizes with a cringe. "He never hears me."

If only that were still the case, I would have had some fun sexy times with Derek last night. But no. The kid has selective hearing.

He stomps down the stairs a moment later wearing jeans and the same lacrosse shirt. I quickly look at Mom, who is red in the face when she catches his wardrobe. She even dressed up in a nice red shirt that showed all her curves (hot damn Mama) and fitted black slacks.

"Oh Scottie," I mutter. "She's going to end you."

"Scott, bring the food to the table," Mom says in one of those voices.

I get up to start grabbing utensils, when Scott slaps my hand away from grabbing a butter knife. "What?" I snap as I clutch my hand to my chest. It wasn't hard, but just surprising.

"No sharp objects around the baby! What if you tripped and fell?" Scott asks sternly. "What if the knife impales the baby?"

"You need to calm yourself. It's a butter knife Scott. It cuts butter and other gooey things. Usually used to spread jam or peanut butter on sandwiches. Sometimes mayo."

Scott huffs, but hands the butter knife to me with the "sharp" point aimed downwards.

I take the knife with a sassy eyebrow, and decide that if Scott wants to nag he can finish grabbing the rest of the utensils.

Derek just sits stiffly, tenses even more when all of us finally sit at the table. Derek and I on one side, Mom and Scott across from us. It's hands down the most awkward moment of my entire life up to this point.

"So…" Mom starts as she starts nibbling on her chicken enchiladas. "How old are you Derek?"

He freezes, spoon filled with rice and beans half-way to his parted mouth. "Umm… twenty-two."

"Four year difference?"

"Technically three-ish? I'm turning nineteen in like two months," I say.

Mom nods. "Well, Derek, where are you living?"

Scott starts laughing under his breath, so I kick him.

"I actually just bought a place close to here. I'm going over some renovations with a few contractors, until that's finished I'm just renting."

Renting. So, that's what he calls squatting at an abandoned train cart.

"Really? Haldey didn't mention you just bought a place."

Derek's eyes go comically wide. "Well, we needed a place for the baby…"

Mom frowns. "What do you mean for the baby? The baby is going to be living with Haldey, right? I mean…" she sets down her spoon.

"About that…" I wince at the way my voice cracks. "Mom, did I tell you Derek and I are going to be moving in together? We bought a place the other day."

Scott and Mom both have the same exact reaction. There is a lot of gaping, a quick look of confusion that quickly morphs into a somewhat controlled rage.

Derek squeezes my thigh under the table.

"You what?" Scott questions with a glare pointed directly at Derek.

Mom presses her face into her hands. "When were you planning on telling me? God, Haldey. You just… you're throwing all these curves at me, and I'm trying to be patient. I love you, you're my daughter, I've been nothing but patient when it comes to you. Since you showed up at the house unexpected, the overdose, the pregnancy with-with… ugh, and now this? Are you ever going to tell me what's happening before it happens? Are you two going to get eloped? Show up married? Am I even going to go to your wedding?"

I gap, the overwhelming sensation of guilt crawling up mine. "We aren't going to be getting married anytime soon…"

"I wanted…" Mom sighs. "I just wanted to be here with the baby."

"Mom, Derek and I picked out a place that's literally fifteen minuets away. There's a guest room, you can stay with us whenever you want. We can turn my bedroom into a guest room-or even a playroom for the baby."

Mom shakes her head, but I notice the wetness in her big brown eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. We are supposed to be having a nice dinner, finally meeting Derek… and…"

"Mom." Reaching across the table, I hold out my hand. She takes it unexpectedly, and I squeeze gently. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just… got so excited. We were just looking for places and fell in love with the house. Then, I just… I didn't want you to get upset that I didn't tell you that we were looking, so I didn't tell you. I was going to, but not until… I don't know… until I thought the time was right."

She nods quickly. "No, no… I'm sorry, we can talk about it later."

Scott shakes his head. "I think we should talk about it now. There is no way you're going to be living with-with him."

"Scott. Not right now, please," I groan. "I'm totally done with this conversation."

Thankfully, Mom agrees and switches the topic before a fuming Scott can pursue it. "Derek, so where do you work?"

Derek tenses even more. "I am unemployed."

Mom takes a deep breath. "And you bought a house?"

"I have a large inheritance from the fire…"

"The fire?" My mom asks.

My hand sneaks under the table to squeeze Derek's hand resting on my knee. "Umm… remember the Hale fire, Mom?" I question hesitantly.

Derek's expression doesn't change. But I'm sure if I had super werewolf hearing I might pick up something. Maybe a scent or whatever. Maybe I'm just overthinking it, but his eyes are always so sad when they are mentioned.

Her face pales. "Oh… I-I'm so sorry, Derek… I didn't even think…"

He shrugs awkwardly.

She clears her throat, but it doesn't deter her from the interrogation. "What are you planning on doing when the money runs out?"

"I have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering."

I widen my eyes. "You went to college?"

"In New York," he explains.

"So… you're not a fugitive?" Scott adds.

Derek sighs, letting his tenseness slip in order to shoot Scott a dirty glare. "No, Scott. If I were a fugitive the Sheriff wouldn't have released me from custody the multiple times you accused me of murder."

Mom's fingers tighten around her fork.

Dear lord.

"Put the claws away," I joke.

Scott at least finds the pun a little funny and snorts.

"How's your job going, Haldey?"

I smile at Mom. "Good. I made a friend."

She perks up at my enthusiasm. "Who?"

"This kid Matt. He goes to Beacon Hills, actually."

"Matt?" Scott frowns. "Last name?"

"I don't know actually. He knows who you are, though. Likes to take pictures," I say.

He sighs. "Matt Daehler? That's your new friend?"

"I don't know? Maybe?"

Derek scowls. "Why did you sigh like that? Is there something wrong with him?"

"He was in detention with us the other day. He's just weird."

"You were in detention?" Mom snaps. "When?"

I smirk at Derek. Finally the tables have turned in our favor. Mom being mad at Scott eases the tension on us a little.

Scott winces. "Umm… there might have been a fight?"

"There might have been a fight? Why is this the first time I'm hearing of this? With who?"

"Jackson…"

I roll my eyes. "You got into a fight with Jackson? What the hell is with you guys and him?"

"Jackson is a jack ass," Scott clarifies.

Derek huffs. "I agree."

"He's nothing but a sweetheart," I object. "Maybe a little rough around the edges, but he's been nothing other than nice to me."

"Jackson. The same Jackson that has a restraining order against you."

Scott looks at her impishly. "Maybe… yeah…"

Her face is in her hands again.

This is officially the most awkward moment of my life.

After dinner, Mom forces Scott to do the dishes to punish him for getting a fight with Jackson. She then explains she has the morning shift, tells Derek goodbye, and disappears upstairs into her bedroom.

"Well. That was awkward," I announce to Derek as we flop on the couch in the living room. He wraps an arm around my shoulder and tugs me against his frame.

Derek frowns. "Do you think she will allow me to come over again?"

"Of course." I peck his cheek. "Not like you wouldn't sneak through the window anyway."

"I'd prefer if she wasn't threatened by my presence."

"Oh, hun, everyone is threatened by your presence. Except me. Because you're kinda fluffy, aren't you?" Poking his stomach, he growls playfully.

Scott is drying off his hands on a towel in the hall between the kitchen and living room. He presses a shoulder heavily against the frame, and eyes us with contempt. "You both are so nauseating. It's so gross. I'm kinda glad you're going to be moving out. I'm tired of this already."

"Don't worry Uncle Scotty, you can spend the night with us whenever you want."

"Ugh…" Scott sighs. "I really want to say no thanks, but what kind of uncle would I be if I didn't spoil my niece?"

"You're niece?" Derek's eyebrow raises.

"Or nephew," he says. "Whatever."

I rest my head on Derek's shoulder. "We are gonna know in a few weeks. Wanna go to the appointment with me?"

"Of course."

Scott scowls.

"I should get going. Isaac is waiting up for me," Derek declares. He grunts as he stands from the couch, shoots Scott a look. "Remember our plan Friday?"

There is an eye roll involved.

I walk Derek to the door. He presses his lips firmly against mine, mumbling a soft "Night" against my lips. I smile when I see the Camaro parked in front of the house.

"I hate that you guys are so adorable," Scott tells me with a frown. "It's like, I want to be so angry because it's Derek… but then… he's actually smiling, and it doesn't look as painful as I pictured it would look on his face. It's a good look on him actually."

"You sound so surprised. Have you seen him shirtless?"

My brother gags. "You're awful."

"Being pregnant makes me a pervert."

"I think you might've been one before, which is probably why the baby happened."

I shrug. "Guess I can't argue with that."

"Whatever… just, be careful. Derek does weird things to protect people. He's kinda backwards on a lot of things."

"No kidding."

"I don't think he'd ever hurt you on purpose," Scott admits. "But I think he would in order to protect you."

"Seems like the kind of reaction a grumpy werewolf would have. Including yourself, Mr. I-Broke-Up-With-My-Girlfriend-But-My-Sister-Knows-We-Are-Still-Secretly-Dating-Because-I-Suck-At-Secrets."

Scott scratches the back of his head.

"You're secrets safe with me. It's not like I'm going to run to her family and tell them. You're my brother, Scott. I would never willingly put you in a position that could get you hurt."

"Same from me. I'll do everything to protect you, and your baby." I slide over to him and wrap him in a firm hug. "Haldey, are you crying?"

Sniffling, I pull away and wipe at my eyes. "Sorry, sorry! It's just, this is such a Hallmark moment I want to puke all over it."

He steps away from me. "Ew?"

Officially hating my pregnancy emotions right meow.

"Okay, I need to go to bed… this is awful."

Scott follows me up the stairs. Because like Derek, he thinks I'm going to collapse and die at any given moment. He kisses my cheek and makes sure I don't need anything; water? Check. Blanket? Obviously, it's on my bed, Scott. Would you like any late night snacks? I don't want you going downstairs in the middle of the night. No thanks.

He goes back into his room. Only to rush out a few minutes later when I'm hacking up dinner. Apparently "morning" sickness is really an any and all day sickness.

Scott brings me a glass of water and some crackers. He tucks me into bed and reminds me to call his name if I need anything, because he will be listening (kinda creepy, but super sweet). I go to bed wondering when my life started to become so great.

Wooohooo! Another fluffy chapter. I'm so glad you guys are digging cuddly Derek. I hope it's not too OOC appearing, but I kinda feel that Derek got super cuddly with every girl he had relations with on the show-even if his relationships weren't shown in complete depth like other characters. I can't believe it's almost the end of writing season 2! Like technically 3-4 more episodes to get through at this point. Of course, that might end up being more than that? Not sure how I intend to write those chapters yet. I don't have a complete mind set of what those chapters entail, just minor detail. SO. If you have any REQUESTS or SUGGESTIONS they will be GREATLY appreciated! :D

THANKS SO MUCH GUYS FOR REVIEWING: LunaAnneCeleste, megldon1616 #HAREK, Lucy Greenhill, SilverShadowWolf46, Guest(s), Emmettluver2010, Lightningsca!

Samcasdean: Scott is super cuddly with Halden now! It's something I was really looking forward to start from the beginning, since their relationship started so shaky. And now that they are becoming a real family again I just can't stop the fluffiness between them. I'm a total sap. I'm not saying it's directly related to her being "pack mom" for Scott, but more on the lines of her being pregnant above all. One thing I will start to kinda add subconsciously in the story is the wolves are able to scent the pregnancy, so they are going to be more territorial over Halden because they want to keep her safe.

saltysalsa: I TOTALLY know what you mean about them giving you hope. That's one of the main reasons I love the Winchester's so much as well. Because they've been through so much shit, and then they take it in stride and deal with the hand their dealt as well as they can. That's one thing I'm kinda relating to Scott & Halden. Not saying they are the Winchester's or anything, but I kinda see the similarities that I might've unconsciously did? Lol. Like, how in the start Scott & Halden were very rocky, and in the beginning Dean & Sam had a lot of trouble with each other. Then they started getting all "I love you so much man" and ya know. Then Halden is there with the kid, and she's a lot more self-destructive than Scott is-kinda like Dean. Then Sam is all "we gotta save people Dean" like Scott. Hopefully Scott doesn't get any demon blood ever. BTW your email didn't show up because ff doesn't allow people to post e-mails in comments unless you spell it out like winchesterATyahooDOTcom lol

NikiReedfan: I NEED to do the pizza man line. Totally throwing that in there at some point. Not sure when, but it's a thing that will happen. AND YES! I'm meeting all of them soon, I'm super super excited. I heard they are super nice! Did you enjoy meeting them? I can't see how you wouldn't lol! I love long reviews BTW so it's totally fine that you wrote them.

Micky-Moo: OMG that's super crazy! I'm so glad that everything turned out okay with Rilee! That sounds really, really painful. I'm sorry for the pain, but not sorry that everything went well in the end. It's great that you had your dad also :) I'm really not sure how the birth is going to happen quite yet. I'm debating it either being in a very unwelcoming time where there's a bunch of chaos, or maybe in a way where Deaton has to help her give birth. Not quite sure yet. Hopefully Derek will be there, but if not him, then Scott will definitely be there. But it's gonna happen in Season 3.

Leah Tatyana Nicole: The baby is going to be born in Season 3! 3A. She's currently around 12-14 weeks at this point in the story (because at chapter 22 she was around 10-12). It's difficult to figure out a timeline since Teen Wolf doesn't necessarily follow one. I mean, it does, but it's not very obvious at points how many days have passed and whatnot. And I want the baby to be born when she's either 5-7 months (which would end up being about 25-30 weeks). So, it's coming sooner than later, that's for sure. And it needs to happen before a certain point in the story that's going to be coming up in 3A.

ONE THING THAT NEEDS TO BE CLARIFIED. I know these chapters might be misleading, but quite a few of you have expressed a concern involving Scott. HE IS NOT GOING TO BE A BETA AND JOIN DEREK'S PACK. Don't fret! I personally don't really like the stories where he becomes a beta and submits, because I don't agree with that being in his character. Just think back to season 2 where Scott said he'd join Derek's pack, but never actually did. Just following that course of action :D