Thank goodness Claudia also supplied them clothes. Looking through the closet of the guest room, Stiles chose a simple button up shirt and khakis as he showered, and got ready for his date with Derek. Examining his pregnant belly in the mirror, he wondered what he would look like when he hit the full nine month period as he rubbed his belly and sighed.

This is too weird. Stiles said to himself. I hate to think what labor will be like. He glanced down at his stomach again. "I hope you appreciate that I'm bringing you both into this world, Eli and Eli Junior! You owe me big time!"

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts as Derek entered looking dashing and handsome in a cardigan and slacks. The FBI agent swooned. It's illegal to be that damn gorgeous.

"You ready?" The Alpha asked him. "Our reservation is in an hour but it's just across the street so we don't have to rush." He took in Stiles's appearance. "By the way, you look good."

Stiles smiled. "I can say the same to you, stranger." Derek grinned proudly.

"One more thing," Derek pulled out a box from behind him and opened it. "Claudia is giving all of us burner phones to use temporarily since your regular ones don't work in this universe. It's also not traceable so the Beast can't find us with these. Contact info is already listed but texting is going to be a bitch on these." He handed him one.

"Thanks," accepted Stiles. "I guess we're going old school."

"For now," the Alpha smiled. "Right now, let's just enjoy this evening so we can get to know each other."

The duo exited the guest room only to be greeted by Harry the pug who danced around excitedly.

"Are we going somewhere?" Harry jumped gleefully. "I hope it's Disney. I want some mouse ears!"

Derek glanced at him sternly. "No, you're staying home to watch the place. We'll leave the t.v. on for Bluey and filled your water and your food bowl. You'll be fine."

Harry the pug scoffed. "You're no fun! I'll remember this! A dog never forgets!"

Stiles scratched his chin. "I thought that was an elephant."

The pooch scowled. "Now you're insulting me! Mark my words, I'll remember this!"

"We'll love," smirked Derek.

The pair exited the apartment and began to date.

Chez Paolo was decent. Compared to most Italian fast food, it was a step up from an Italiana Olive chain. The pair ate in silence before Stiles grabbed a third breadstick and fed his hunger.

Derek noticed this and commented. "Hungry, huh?"

Stiles stuffed his mouth with the garlic bread. "Sorry, this kid is famished. I'm not eating for two. I'm feeding an army."

Derek snickered. "How's your alfredo?"

The FBI agent twisted his mouth. "Salty as fuck but this hormonal thing are out of whack. Everything is either too sweet or the latter. How's your pasta?"

The Alpha shrugged. "The noodles are overcooked." He pulled a piece of spaghetti and let it hang from his mouth. Stiles giggled, pulled one end of the pasta and began chewing on it. Derek got the hit and began chewing the other end until…

Lips connected and a Lady and the Tramp moment occurred. Stiles blushed and pulled away.

"Sorry," the FBI agent said with a grin. "Couldn't resist."

Derek smiled back as he wiped a little bit of sauce off his chin. "It's okay. I like that you're not as aloof as my Stiles. It took him a while to open up when we were dating."

"I'm assuming your Stiles was a bit more introverted?" The FBI agent pointed out in regards to his late twin.

"A bit," answered the Alpha. "I can't blame him. He was forced to grow up too young and take care of himself since Claudia was always trying to climb up the department ladder. He confided in me that he didn't have very many friends during his childhood."

Stiles sighed and looked away. "That is quite sad. Luckily, I had my best friend, Scott, to deal with my issues of ADHD and my quirkiness. In a way, we balanced each other out.

Can I ask how you two met?"

"Business event," replied Derek. "Stiles was working in pharmaceutical research and the Hale company was one of the investors that was sponsoring and funding the field study. It was one of those boring charity galas where everyone was in black tie and gowns. My family does plenty of philanthropic work and I was there to represent. We bumped into each other and immediately ignited this connection. I asked for his number and the rest is history." He stared intently at Stiles. "And your Derek?"

Tossing his head back, Stiles began to laugh. "Don't get me started. There was never an us." He paused and released a breath sadly. "At least, we never tried to. As soon as Scott and I discovered the supernatural and the world of werewolves, we ended up as sidekicks to our version of Derek Hale. If anything, we ended up more as enemies than allies."

"Ah!" Derek snickered. "The enemies to lovers trope. Those are the best kind."

Stiles corrected him. "More enemies than anything. Allies? Maybe. We didn't always see eye to eye."

"What changed?" The Alpha asked.

The FBI agent shrugged. "I don't know. I guess after saving our universe and battling Big Bads, we started to see each other differently. It's like this switch in my brain turned on and I suddenly found myself developing feelings for him. However, I don't think or even know if he ever felt the same. Then over time, things happened and we started getting close but the constant mixed signals we kept giving each other got in the way and each of us kept a safe distance. I don't even know where we stood when he died."

Derek looked down for a second to process before returning his gaze back to Stiles. "If he's anything like me, then we share similar feelings. He felt the same way. He was just too scared and too guarded to tell you because he always had to remain strong. I know I would be. I appreciated that my Stiles was patient and waited until I was ready and eventually I came around. I know losing him was the worst thing I could go through and I'm sure he felt the same way with you."

A tear shed from Stiles's eye. "I want to believe that. I guess I'll never know."

Reaching across the table, Derek pulled him close and kissed him. Their lips contacted and it felt heaven as Stiles's stomach danced with butterflies. He did not want it to end.

With his eyes still shut, the Alpha pulled away from him.

"Feel better?" Derek teased.

Stiles simply nodded.

"Care to continue this back at the apartment?" The Alpha purred.

Once again, Stiles nodded.

Derek paid the bill and escorted the FBI agent outside and back to their place. Their hands were all over each other as they entered the elevator and began making out into the hallway to their door. In the midst of them getting all hot and heavy, they heard the interruption of someone clearing their throat only to see Director Claudia glaring at them with her arms folded.

"Claudia!" Stiles gently pushed Derek away. "What a pleasant surprise!"

Claudia rolled her eyes. "I'm sure. Stiles, can we talk in private?"

Stiles nodded as he addressed Derek. "I'll see you inside in a bit."

"Are you sure?" The Alpha asked him. "I can come with you for support." He scowled at the Director. "I still don't trust her."

"I'll be fine," Stiles reassured him. He gave him a sweet peck on the lips for reassurance. Derek agreed and went inside leaving the FBI agent alone with Claudia.

"Let's talk outside." She stated. Stiles followed the woman down the elevator and walked in silence outside of the building. Now on the sidewalk, she talked to him firmly. "I can't say that I approve of you going after my dead son's husband but it really isn't my place since you're technically carrying my grandchild."

"Why don't you bite me, lady!" Stiles snapped. "Whatever is going on between me and Derek is none of your business! Besides, you never had a good relationship with your son to begin with so you can't judge my choices and decisions with some misguided motherly advice!"

Director Claudia sighed. "You're right. I never was a good mother to my own Stiles! Ever since my husband died, I didn't know how to cope so I threw myself into my work and career. I figured that if I taught Stiles independence at an early age, he'd appreciate everything I sacrificed for him to make him successful."

Stiles rolled his eyes. "Cry me river!" He tore into her. "I lost my mom too, remember? Was it sad? Did I cry? Of course! But my Dad stepped up and made sure I was loved and always became my hero in raising me. Sure, it wasn't easy and I was a shitshow sometimes but he was always there for me and always was supportive! I wouldn't be the man I am today without him!"

"But not when it comes to matters of the heart," said Claudia bluntly. "I'm assuming once this child is born, if we do defeat this monster, that you'll give up your parental rights to Derek."

Stiles swallowed hard. "Certainly…I promised that Eli will have a chance and be raised by his other dad. I can't go back on that promise to him. It wouldn't be fair."

"And then you will return to your universe without any attachment to this child?" Claudia smirked, turning the knife in his emotions.

"What choice do I have?" The FBI agent stated. "I don't belong in this world!"

The Director frowned. "Easier said than down. The thing is, Stiles, that the moment you become a parent, you will have to make sacrifices that not everyone will agree with for the best interest of your child. Can you say without a shadow of a doubt that you are ready to make a sacrifice?"

Stiles looked away and said nothing.

"I see," Claudia replied emotionlessly. "As harsh as I am right now, I want you to know that I have to make the difficult choices for my world and if that means protecting both the unborn Hale and his father, I will do so. Until then, I really want to detach yourself and not get emotionally involved with Derek Hale. It would be best for everyone."

With that said, she marched back inside the apartment building. Left alone, Stiles pondered her words.

Can he really leave Derek and Eli behind?

Once back inside the apartment, Stiles noticed a sleeping Harry in the corner of the kitchen. Hearing the sound of the shower running, he kicked off his shoes and sat on the couch while he rubbed his belly, thinking about the life growing inside of him. The deep connection between parent and child made him meditate as a small tear ran down his cheek. He had come to realize that the outcome would eventually come.

"Everything go well with Claudia?"

Stiles turned around to see a wet and chiseled Derek wrapped in a towel coming out of the bathroom. The FBI agent shyly looked away as he quickly wiped his crying face. "Um…as well as can be expected," he answered. "She always seems to find a way to bait me."

Derek scowled before letting out a purr. "There's one way I know that will make you feel better." Without hesitation, he dropped the towel, displaying his amazing physique and everything else. "Care to join me in the bedroom?"

You did not have to convince Stiles twice, as the FBI agent furiously pulled off his clothes, socks, and underwear and jumped into the Alpha's arms. Soon, they were in Derek's bedroom. Then in Derek's bed. Later, on Derek's floor.

Suffice it to say, a good time was had by all.

The next morning, the pack decided to play hooky and spent the day at the beach, much to the disapproval of Director Claudia. Without any alert of the Beast in sight and everyone becoming stir crazy, the group opted to go to Crissy Field East Beach and just have a relaxing day without the worry of impending doom. Chris and Melissa went out for a swim while Noah Stilinski sunbathed and Derek fell asleep reading his book. Stiles relaxed in his beach chair and umbrella as Allison playfully pulled up his swim shirt and decorated his belly with happy face from the sunscreen.

"I'm still not showing, Allison," Stiles frowned. "I'm only six weeks preggers."

"Oh let me have this," teased Allison as she rubbed the lotion on and kissed his belly. 'It's not everyday you get to witness a pregnant man."

Stiles sighed. "I know I'm the freakshow here but can we stop looking at me like I belong in a carnival. This whole situation is already weird."

"Well," giggled Allison. "If it happens to be a girl, name her after me."

"It's a boy, I assure you," the FBI agent defended. "Kuza reincarnated their souls and transferred them into my body. It's staying as Eli."

"Maybe," Allison teased again. "The water looks good. I'm going out for a swim. Want to join me, Scott?"

"In a minute," Scott McCall answered. "I just want to chat with Stiles for a bit."

"See you in then," Allison told him as she pulled off her t-shirt to reveal her swimsuit and raced toward the ocean. She dove in and began doing the breaststroke.

Now left with the two of them, Scott tried to catch up his bestie.

"You doing okay, Stiles?" The Alpha wolf asked his friend. "With all this craziness, I wanted to check up on you to see how you're doing."

Stiles clutched his belly. "What do you think? I'm pregnant, scared shitless, and have to deal with, not only a Big Bad, but all these crazy hormones. Do you want it's like getting morning sickness, Scott? It sucks! Now I empathize with what all women go through!"

"Yeah," Scott agreed but really not sure how to react. "I know you're going through a lot, but we're all here for you." His eyes drifted toward a sleeping Derek. "What about Eli's dad? How's this Derek treating you?"

Stiles sighed. "Much better than Derek back home. I know Mr. Sourwolf was never really all feels and showing emotion but this Derek from this universe is a step up from than the one we knew. He's definitely involved."

"Sounds like you're catching feelings," Scott smiled at his friend. "You know this will complicate things."

"I know," Stiles sighed again. "I'm trying not to get emotionally invested but it's hard. I'm sharing a kid with somebody that I had feelings for that went unrequited. Now I'm getting a second chance with this person even if he is a little different. I don't know what to do.

Scott nodded. "I understand, Stiles, but I'll support whatever decision you make. But remember, when we defeat the Beast, we will have to go back to our universe. Are you ready to leave all of this behind, including this kid?"

Stiles whispered. "I don't know, Scott. I don't know."

"I hope whatever decision you make is the right one for you," Scott added. "I don't want you to live with any regrets."

The FBI agent laughed. "The only regret right now is you standing up Allison." He pointed toward the ocean as Allison was waving at him to come. Stiles nodded to his bestie. "Go! Have fun!"

Scott followed his friend's advice and raced toward the water. Stiles watched as both lovers frolicked in the waves. Staring down at his belly, Stiles rubbed it and whispered. "I hope you know, Eli, that both your dads love you and I don't regret one second bringing you into this world." He watched the rest of the beachgoers having fun as he drifted off to sleep.

A few feet away, a resting Derek Hale feigned napping as his wolf ears picked up everything. A sense of pride and joy filled him as he thought up his son being born again but the twinge of dread that Stiles would eventually leave him. He knew this arrangement was temporary but can he and would he deny his own emotions stirring with himself to be given a second chance?

He sure hoped so.

Four days had passed. Still no sign or hint of the Beast's whereabouts. The ASA was getting restless and Director Claudia was overworking many of the mages and seers in their employ trying to find this monster. Nothing was yielding any results.

The pack relaxed to some down time while Derek and Stiles began bonding more intimately. Actually, almost everyday as both their hormones kept them engaged to alleviate the boredom. Despite this, no one was complaining.

Derek sat on the couch with his laptop as he checked something online right as Stiles exited his bedroom casually dressed.

"Going somewhere?" Derek asked him, pursuing his appearance. "You know I prefer naked and in my bed!" He growled.

"Don't tempt me," smirked Stiles. He leaned in and gave him a peck on the lips. "I'm bored and thought I would cook dinner tonight. There's a farmer's market across the way and I thought I'd grab some ingredients."

"Nothing gourmet, I hope," Derek eyed him suspiciously. "You're no Martha Steward."

Sitles laughed. "I know. I'm thinking of a basic pasta dish and some garlic bread. I can't mess that up and it has to be better than Chez Paolo's."

"All right, you're on!" Derek supported him. "How long will you be gone?"

"Give me an hour," the FBI answered. "It's just across the way."

"And when you return in an hour," Derek purred. "I get to do wicked things to you again!"

"Like last night," Stiles cooed. He leaned in and this time kissed Derek harder and longer. "At this rate, nothing is going to get done."

"Is that a bad thing?" grinned the Alpha.

"While you're at it," Harry the pug suggested. "Pick up some treats for me at the market!"

"Will do, Harry," smiled Stiles as he placed a large tote bag over his shoulder. "My burner phone will be on but this should only be an hour."

"Have fun," said Derek as he watched his lover leave. He returned to his laptop and began shopping for engagement rings.

The Farmer's Market

Fresh produce and even scrumptious bread caught his eye. Stiles grabbed a nice baguette, some garlic, onions, and tomatoes from one of the booths and even talked to a vendor who sold homemade pasta noodles, all of which he crammed into his tote. After grabbing a fresh acai bowl, he pulled out his burner phone to call Derek that he was heading back.

A sinister voice came up from behind him.

"Come with me, Mr. Stilinksi. This is not a request."

The FBI agent turned around to see a recognizable Sebastien Valet grinning with an evil look at him.

"I'm not alone." Stiles said sternly, hoping to lie his way through this situation.

Sebastien did not seem impressed. "I don't doubt it. You're a valuable object to them." He stared at his belly. "Especially the unborn child you carry which I covet. It doesn't matter. You're going to come with me willingly or else I will be forced to do something drastic."

"There's too many people around," Stiles pointed out. "You're going to expose yourself to this many people?"

"I will kill all of them!" The Beast sneered. "Just to get what I want! Now come with me!"

Stiles hesitated. He knew there would be casualties and the monster was not bluffing. He began to follow the Beast through the crowd.

"STILES! GET DOWN!"

The FBI agent looked behind him to see Director Claudia aiming her gun at the Beast. Stiles ducked as she fired several rounds.