Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Scott formed a reckless plan to destroy the Nemeton once and for all to stop supernatural creatures from being gravitated towards Beacon Hills but Stiles refused to let that happen. He couldn’t let Scott damage the tree. Why not? Because the tree spoke to him in his dreams and asked him for help. 

After saving the Nemeton with Derek’s help, Scott and his pack left Beacon Hills, leaving Derek and Stiles behind, but Stiles still dreamt of the Nemeton. That was what led him here. 

In the middle of the woods, in his pyjamas at one in the morning. 

He sat at the base of the tree, flashlight in one hand and placed his other one onto the Nemeton’s roots. 

“I’m here. Just like you asked.” He said into the night, “Now what?” 

Silence. 

Stiles took in a deep breath, “Come on, man! I’m here. What do you want from me?” 

“Stiles?” 

Hearing his name, he jumped and looked around and saw Derek in the distance. 

“What are you doing here?” 

“I was about to ask you the same thing, Sourwolf.” 

Derek placed his hands in his pockets, suddenly shy, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” 

Stiles folded his arms, “Try me, big guy.” 

A pause then, “I had a dream.”

That made Stiles gape at him, shocked. “You what?” 

“I had a dream that the Nemeton asked me to come here and then I woke up.” Derek’s eyes remained on the ground. 

“I had the same dream.” 

That made Derek’s eyes snap up to meet Stiles’ chocolate ones. “What?” 

“The Nemeton has been speaking to me. It asked me for help when Scott tried destroying it. That’s why I came back home.” 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” 

Stiles shrugged, “A part of me hoped I was wrong, that it was just a dream. But Scott was being a dick, the pack was falling apart and the big fight happened.” He sighed deeply, still hurt with Scott, “And I thought that after Scott left, the dreams would stop. But obviously, that didn’t happen.” 

“Why you?” Derek asked, “Why reach out to you when it was in danger? You were all the way in Washington training for the FBI.” 

“I have magic, Derek.” 

“Ma- Magic? How?” 

“The Nogitsune.” He said, “Deaton told me I had a Spark. A slither of Druid magic laying dormant inside me. He said I had potential to be quite powerful. When we defeated the Nogitsune and it left my body, it awoke my magic. Deaton offered to help me strengthen it but I said no. Instead, I went to Washington. Tried fitting in and becoming an agent but… I always wanted to come back home. I was drawn to Beacon Hills. To my dad. To the Nemeton. To… you .” 

Derek couldn’t look away from the man in front of him. Stiles had grown into his body. Lean muscle, sturdy shoulders, muscled thighs that told Derek he runs now. He stood tall and strong, with a power unseen. His hair had grown past his ears and framed his face. Derek wanted to grab it. 

Derek too had changed. Still muscular but he had put on a few pounds of fat. Still strong, but his waistline had grown a little. His stubble had turned into a full beard and his own hair had gotten longer, along with some grey at his temples. 

“And now?” Derek asked, taking a step closer to Stiles so they were almost chest to chest. 

Stiles’ heart thundered in his chest, “And now, what?” 

“Why did the Nemeton call us here?”

“I don’t know.” He said honestly, their breaths intertwining, pupils dilating as the air around them grew warm. “But I’m glad it did.” 

Derek’s reply was a quiet rasp of his voice, “Me too.” 

Their lips touch. An intoxicating cloud washed over them as their desperation grew. All the longing, lingering touches and stares, all of it broke with a simple touch and let the entire flood gates open. 

A groan gathered in Stiles’ throat as the wolf’s tongue parted his lips, slipping into his mouth and began a hot tango with his own. With one of his large hands on the back of Stiles’ head, fingers gathering a handful of hair. Their kiss was hungry. Starving for one another. Heads tilting left and right, tongues dancing as hands wondered. As Stiles’ hands landed on Derek’s chest, he could feel his knees weakening but Derek’s grip on his waist saved him from falling. 

Derek sucked Stiles’ tongue into his mouth, slid his hands down to Stiles’ ass and pulled his hips to flush their clothed dicks together. They moaned into each other's mouths and Stiles started to tremble in the wolf’s grip. 

Derek then started letting his kisses slip up Stiles’ jaw, down his neck and to his collarbone. Giving the skin he finds sharp little bites and teasing kisses before he moved to nuzzle the scent gland with a purring growl. 

“Mine.” 

Stiles was panting hard, feeling the beard burn against his soft skin, the wet kisses and sharp teeth. 

"D-Derek." was his only response. 

They pull back to stare at one another intensely. Derek’s eyes now glowing blue. Stiles’ were black with arousal. Their lips swollen and slick. 

Everything felt so intense. Their blood was buzzing, head spinning, cocks hard and eyes wild. 

“Derek. Please. Please.” Stiles’ panted. 

And that was all it took for their lips to reconnect. 

Stiles moaned against Derek’s mouth as he felt strong hands travel down his body to scoop up effortlessly, the human wrapped his legs around his waist as the kissing grew impossibly hotter. 

Derek placed Stiles onto the Nemeton’s stump, seemingly the two forgot where they were. Stiles teased at the waistband of the wolf’s jeans, long fingers feeling the tummy he found there. 

“Mate me. Right here. Please.” He begged. 

Hearing the words, Derek let out a roar, putting his teeth against Stiles’ neck. 

Stiles ripped the shirt off from Derek’s back, gazing at the glorious torso in front of him. Derek blushed slightly, looking down at his body. 

“I know that I’ve gained some weight since you left but-” 

Stiles cut him off with a heated kiss. “You’re beautiful.” He said against his lips. 

The wolf nuzzled his nose with Stiles’ button one lovingly, making Stiles smile. He moaned when Derek took off his jeans, revealing his bare body. Large cock standing proud and ready. Uncut, thick, hairy bush at the base that travelled up his stomach line and dashed out into chest hair. Stiles wanted to rub his face in it. So he did. 

Grabbing and licking and rubbing his cheeks into the hair he found and Derek’s teeth enlarged into fangs as he watched his mate. 

Using his claws, Derek tore off Stiles’ sleep shirt and tugged down his sweatpants, desperate to see the pale flesh hidden beneath. Stiles’ skin matched the moon above. White, silky, dotted with moles and illuminating any light shining his way. 

It was the wolf’s turn to lick as he crawled over Stiles’ body and started to eat Stiles out like a starving man. 

“Oh, Derek!” Stiles yelled, moaning as his body responded to Derek's mouth. He could feel the pleasure inside him build and build as Derek’s tongue sank deeper inside him. Then, a finger came in to join the tongue and then another. The wolf then crooked his fingers, sending fireworks to explode in his brain. Stiles’ eyes rolled back into his skull, head thrown back, hands fisting into Derek’s hair. “Shit! Fuck! Oh! Derek!” 

As the wolf wiggled his tongue against the magic button inside him, Stiles’ legs spasmed, almost kicking Derek in the head as his body convulsed, cum landing on his chest as his orgasm took over. 

Derek pulled back, watching. Fangs out, claws free and eyes blazing. Loving the sight of Stiles’ shaking body. He leaned forward and licked the cum from Stiles’ chest, reaching to lap over the pointed pink nipples which made Stiles squirm. 

Stiles’ used his thumbs to stroke the wolf’s cheeks, kissing his lips carefully around the massive fangs before reaching down to grab Derek’s cock. He stroked Derek, making the wolf’s chest rumble with pleasure. 

“I want it, Derek. I want you inside me. I want you. Please” Stiles’ pleaded, squeezing the cock in his hand, feeling the pre bubble over his fingers.

Derek snarled, snapping his hips down so that his cock head locks against Stiles’ rim. Stiles gasped, wrapping his legs around his wolf, forcing his body closer which resulted in the cock to bury deeper. The wolf’s hips then snapped forward again, burying his entire cock inside his mate. They both shouted in ecstasy, Derek roaring at the sky as he felt the heat of Stiles around him. 

Stiles then felt something. He looked down and saw that the Nemeton was pulsing, growing flowers and leaves under them. 

“D-Der?” 

The wolf opened his eyes, not realising he’d closed them, and forced himself to focus. Once he saw what Stiles was looking at, he gasped. “The Nemeton? What’s it doing?” 

Stiles gave a short laugh, tears filling his eyes, “It’s re-growing.” 

“That means…” 

“It’s restoring its magic.” 

Suddenly, something within Derek changed. A surge of energy bloomed from his chest and he roared into the sky before looking at Stiles. Blue eyes blazing then they turned into a different shade. They turned red. Alpha red . 

“Oh my.” Stiles whispered as he watched. 

Feeling the power, knowing it and it feeling so fucking right, Derek started thrusting his hips wildly. His thrusts were powerful and so were the roars and growls that came from his throat. Stiles’ entire body moved with the thrusts, up and down on the new grassy oak, making his back dirty. 

“Ah! F-Fuck! Derek!” Stiles moaned uncontrollably, “Yes! Yes! You feel- Oh fuck! So good!” 

Animalistic, Derek sped up, cock hitting the right spots with every thrust. His fiery red eyes watching his mate respond to the pleasure he was giving him, spurring him on. 

Derek then pulled out, making Stiles whine at the loss, then manhandled Stiles onto his hands and knees, bringing his ass up before re-entering. His thrusts were immediately powerful, claws holding his hips. 

Stiles lifted his torso up so that his back was against Derek’s chest, one arm reaching behind him to grab Derek’s hair. Derek mouthed at his throat and Stiles couldn’t do anything but take what the Alpha gave him, the pleasure making his bones turn to jelly. 

Having a good view of the Nemeton, Stiles watched the flowers bloom and leaves shine as the magic within the wood started to buzz a golden colour. The gold hue then travelled towards Stiles’ knees and that was when he felt it gloss over his skin. Gold vines of ancient magic climbed over his thighs, over his hips and settled at his stomach, where it collected in a ball of glowing light. 

Stiles glanced over to Derek to see if he too saw this but the Alpha didn’t. He was staring at Stiles, wolfed out and kissing everywhere, hands locked on Stiles’ hips. 

Stiles moaned, calling out as it felt so good. He looked back to his stomach. The gold was still there, swirling around. 

And Stiles couldn’t hold onto it anymore. He let go, orgasm rippling his body, cum dripping down onto the mud below. As he tensed up around the wolf’s cock, Derek growled, knot forming and stretching his mate wider. Derek then gave one last thrust, knot forming, cum spilling and his fangs sank into the sponge of Stiles’ throat. 

Stiles screamed, a dry orgasm following as black dots flashed his vision. 

After a few moments of panting breaths and shaking legs, Derek started to clean the mating bite with his tongue while Stiles looked down just in time to watch the golden magic disappear into his flesh. 

Chapter Text

Every Wednesday, Stiles would take lunch to his father at the station and eat with him during break. It became a tradition and one that Stiles started doing again once he came back home. He entered the station, giving his polite hello’s to those he knew, holding two tupperware containers filled with food. He didn’t bother knocking, just wandered into the Sheriff’s office with a huge smile. 

“Hey, Daddy-o! Got your lunch here for you!” 

John Stilinski got up from his desk and gave his twenty-one year old kid a big hug. The two settled down in their seats and started eating. 

“Have you heard from Scott?” John asked mid-chew.  

“Nope.”  

“Come on, Stiles. He was your best friend for so many years. Have you even told him about you and Derek?”  

“Was. Was my best friend.” Stiles pointed out, “That was before he got all Alpha macho douchebag. And no, he doesn’t know about me and Derek because it’s not his business. I’m not Pack. He made it very clear, dad.” 

“Okay, son. It just sucks knowing almost fifteen years of friendship is now gone like that.” 

“I know. It still hurts. I miss him - not who he is now, but the friend I used to have.” He took a deep breath, “But we all have to move on. Besides, I have Derek now.”  

“And how is he treating you?”

That put a giant smile on Stiles’ face, “Amazing. Been the best two and a half months of my life so far.” 

John shook his head at his son, seeing the love and adoration in his features as he went on telling the Sheriff about their latest date night. He let Stiles ramble on and on, liking that his son had found someone.  

“And any more weird Nemeton dreams?” Stiles paused on his bite, reluctant to answer. The Sheriff saw right through him. “Stiles?” 

“Okay.” He put his food tub on the desk and held his hands out in an attempt to be less threatening with what he was about to say. “Promise me you will just… hear me out.” 

Following his son’s lead, he put his food down and folded his arms, serious, “Okay. I’m listening."

Stiles went quiet - which was a big sign that this was big. He then said, “I think I’m pregnant.” 

The Sheriff burst out laughing. He laughed and laughed and laughed until he was red in the face but when he saw Stiles’ frozen face and watery eyes, he stopped. 

“Oh shit. You’re serious.”

Stiles nodded.

“H-How?”

“Remember how I told you about my Spark and how the Nemeton asked me for help…” 

“Yeah..” 

“And… uh... Derek, Me… We… uh..” 

“Stiles, just tell me.” 

“Me and Derek had sex on the Nemeton and while we were doing it, I saw magic leak out from the Nemeton and sink into my stomach, after that and our weekend of endless fuck fest, I started having dreams of me being pregnant and about having a baby in my arms and every time I wake up, I feel that in my bones that its true. I took five pregnancy tests and they all came positive. I am firmly in denial and have been dissociating ever since.” 

A moment of quiet then John Stilinski placed his head in his hands and gave a very long sigh. “Fucking werewolves.” He muttered in his palms. He stood up and rounded the table to sit next to his son, reaching out to grab his hand. “Have you told Derek?” 

Stiles shook his head. 

“Why not?” 

“I want this to be true so bad, dad. What if I’m wrong? And I get his hopes up? Or I’m just crazy and-” 

“Stiles.” John carefully stopped him, seeing that the tears had started to fall, “Derek loves you. I love you. Scott may be gone but we are still here and we’re not ever leaving you. I can see how much Derek adores you, he even asked for my blessing to marry you.” 

“H-He did?” 

“Yes. Poor guy was so nervous. I swear he thought I was gonna shoot him.” 

The two Stilinski’s laughed at that. 

“And if you are… pregnant…” The Sheriff took a shaky breath in, “then we’re here. We support you and I know in my soul that Derek will be over the moon with joy. But you need to know for sure so how about I try and get you an appointment with Melissa. Private room, just her, just for a check.” 

Stiles sniffled, nodding his head. “Okay.” 

****

For weeks, Stiles had been wrapped in a cocoon of uncertainty, a swirling mix of excitement and anxiety. Just the thought of being a parent had his mind in a whirl. But the Nemeton kept telling him through dreams that it was true. The golden magic that he watched enter his stomach. Not only did his dreams give him an idea of the outcome, it also gave him hope. 

Melissa appeared through the waiting room, she smiled at him. 

“Come on, Stiles,” Melissa said empathetically. “We’ve got a private room through here.”

The Sheriff followed Stiles and Melissa into a room. 

Melissa patted the bed, “On here for me. Just try and relax.” 

Stiles nodded and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He lied down and as he rolled up his shirt, he looked at his stomach. He swore he could see a little curve. 

He reached out for his dad and John took his hand in his, giving it a firm squeeze. 

Melissa turned on the ultrasound machine and collected a bottle of gel before looking at Stiles. “You ready?” 

Stiles nodded. 

She applied the cool gel to his abdomen, and Stiles shivered at the cold. Melissa then placed the transducer against his skin. The monitor flickered to life, and all eyes gazed at the blurred grey images, reminiscent of clouds in the sky.

For what felt like ages, Melissa moved the transducer around, her brow furrowed in concentration. Stiles’ heart thudded louder with every passing second, his mind racing with every ‘What if’ possible. 

Suddenly, Melissa’s expression brightened, her eyes sparkling with a mix of professionalism, shock and warmth. “Oh my god. There’s the heartbeat!” she exclaimed, refocusing the image on the monitor.

Stiles’ eyes widened, and gasped. The small flickering dot on the screen against the soft grey backdrop was unmistakably a heartbeat. He felt a rush of joy flood over him as tears welled in his eyes. He was pregnant.

“It’s real?” Stiles cried, smiling brightly, “It’s really real?” 

Melissa’s gentle voice came forth, pushing the screen closer to Stiles so he could see better. She pointed at the screen, “There it is. Your little baby.”

The Sheriff sniffled, “How is this possible?” 

“The Nemeton.” Said Stiles, “It’s a gift from the Nemeton. Because I saved it. Because we saved it.” 

Melissa took the wand and moved it all over Stiles’ stomach and hummed with intrigue, “It looks like you have a fully functional womb but no ovaries. And the actual vaginal opening is connected to the reccdum.” 

“So I give birth through my ass?” 

Melissa gave him a face that was apologetic.

“Fantastic.” 

“But he’s healthy?” John asked, cradling Stiles’ hand in his. 

Melissa smiled and nodded, “They both are.” After more looking around, the baby back on the screen, Melissa asked, “Would you like to see if you can hear the heartbeat?”

With a shaky breath, Stiles nodded eagerly. The nurse adjusted the equipment, and the room filled with a rhythmic thump-thump, echoing like a drumbeat inside him. Stiles’ heart raced to synchronise with the tiny heartbeat they were listening to, and he felt a wave of profound happiness bloom within his chest. 

“It’s perfect,” He whispered, assailed by an overwhelming mix of emotions. He could scarcely believe that this tiny life was inside him, growing and thriving. A part of him. A part of Derek. 

After what felt like both a fleeting moment and an eternity, Melissa printed out pictures of the ultrasound to take home. 

Stiles held the photos like he was terrified of them disappearing. Eyes scanning the little blobs found in the grey. 

As the Stilinski’s prepared to leave, Stiles could sense Melissa’s kindness enveloping him like a toasty blanket on a cold day. Stiles hugged her and she hugged him just as tightly. 

“Congratulations,” She said softly when they pulled apart, “I’m so sorry about Scott but this-” She pointed to the ultrasound pictures, “-this is the start of something so amazing. I am here for you all the way. Just call me and I’ll be there.” 

Stiles hugged her again, “Thank you.” 

When Stiles walked out of the clinic, clutching the precious photographs to his chest like a fragile promise. The sun shone brightly outside, illuminating the world in vibrant colours, and as he stepped onto the sidewalk with his dad, he felt a sense of clarity and purpose. He was going to be a father…mother?

“I need to get back to the station.” Said John as he walked Stiles back to his jeep. “Are you going to be alright?” 

He nodded, sniffling. “I’m so happy, dad.” 

The two hugged for a long time. The Sheriff kissed his son’s head before he left. 

For a while, Stiles just sat in the car, lovingly looking at the pictures, stroking the little dot. He looked down at his stomach, patting it. 

“Now that I know you’re in there, we need to tell Sourwolf.” He giggled to himself. “You’re gonna be so loved, little one. I promise you that.” 

Chapter Text

“I got you a present.” 

Derek looked up at the voice and smiled when he saw Stiles walk into the room. 

They had settled down in a cabin Derek had built in the preserve. Before Scott and the Nemeton, Derek had the burnt carcass of his family home condemned and had a bronze plaque put in its place, engraved with all nineteen names of those who died in the Hale House fire - including Laura’s. After that, Derek had started building his cabin along the east of the preserve, next to the small stream that cut through. 

Stiles had moved in a couple weeks beforehand and had truly made this cabin a home. He got pillows for the couch, wallpaper for the bedroom and everyday he makes amazing home cooked meals in the kitchen. Without Stiles, the cabin was cold, empty and quiet. With Stiles, its warm, filled with life and laughter. 

Derek had never smiled so much since before the fire. When seeing Stiles bounce into the cabin and hop over to where Derek was sitting on the couch. He hopped into the Alpha’s lap and gave the wolf a big kiss. Derek’s arms wrap themselves around Stiles’ waist and hold him close to return the kiss. 

“That was a nice present.” The wolf said when they pulled apart. 

“That wasn’t your present. This is.” Stiles chuckled then, still sitting in Derek’s lap, took out a small gift from his back pocket, wrapped in a forest themed wrapping paper. He gave it to him and Derek smirked at it before opening it up. 

His brows furrowed in confusion at what was inside and held it up to properly see it. It was a baby onesie. Grey and soft and tiny. Black lettering on the chest and belly. ‘ Wolf Pup ’.

Derek stared at it then looked to Stiles, who squirmed in his lap in anticipation. 

“Are we adopting?” 

Stiles let out a little laugh, shaking his head. He went back into his pocket and took out the sonogram and showed it to the wolf. Derek stared at it, examining every shade of grey. 

“Surrogate?” 

Stiles face planted. “No, Sourwolf. I’m pregnant. Surprise!” 

Derek’s jaw fell open, eyes going to the onesie to the sonogram then to Stiles. 

“The Nemeton gave us this gift as a ‘Thank you’ for saving it.” Stiles spoke, unable to stop. “My magic and the Nemeton’s mixed the night we had sex on the stump. I saw it. The magic was gold and so pretty and it sank itself into my stomach when you knotted me and ever since I’ve been having dreams about being pregnant - y’know, big belly bump and all - and then the back aches and nausea and headaches. I thought I was placebo-ing myself. I just wanted it so badly to be true and I-” 

He was cut off by Derek, finally unfreezing and hugging Stiles tightly, nose against Stiles’ pale throat, kissing and licking at the mating bite placed there. And to Stiles’ surprise, Derek started to sob into his shoulder. He cradled his wolf and rocked him as he cried. Derek looked at his mate, tears streaming, cheeks rosy and the biggest grin on his lips. 

“We’re gonna have a pup?” 

Stiles sniffled, emotional too. He cupped Derek’s face, thumbing the tears away. He nodded and whispered, “We’re gonna have a pup.” 

Derek kissed him passionately, holding Stiles close. Chest to chest, one hand sliding down to put it over Stiles’ belly. Just to touch. Just to feel the warmth. 

“I love you.” The Alpha said, like a prayer. “I love you so much.” 

Stiles kissed him again and muttered into his lips, “I love you too.” 

The kissing soon became hot and open mouthed, Stiles sliding his tongue into Derek's mouth. Derek's hand slid from Stiles' face to his hair, and Stiles let himself slide his own hand up one of Derek's arms, then across his chest to the buttons of his shirt. 

Derek's biting Stiles' lip, something which turned the heat up inside Stiles. Soon Derek’s shirt was off and Stiles ran his fingers through the dark hair that lay on the torso, feeling the strength of his wolf, making his hips rock down. 

Derek's hands were working on Stiles' jacket, and then tugging his shirt up and over his head. Stiles had that feeling of inadequacy again, but it's quashed when Derek positively growled at the sight of him. His big hands went back to the little bump found there. Derek watched it in his palm, eyes glossy. 

“Our pup is in there, Stiles.” He said, voice filled with wonder. 

Stiles put his hands over Derek’s and smiled, resting his forehead against the wolf’s. They breathed that moment in, smiling like idiots. 

Soon they both were naked. 

Derek's large hands were running light patterns over Stiles' legs, from his ankle to his knee to the top of his thigh, mole dotting on the shorter man's sensitive skin. “So beautiful,” He said, popping two fingers in his mouth nonchalantly. Stiles watched, panting as Derek sucked them. Derek's other hand was on Stiles' ass, tilting his hips up, and when a cool, spit-slick finger pressed against his entrance, Stiles let out a long drawn out moan. When he looked up, Derek's eyes were red and dark and he's biting his lip as he pressed the digit in.

Stiles shuddered, enjoying the now familiar feeling of Derek’s fingers inside him.

The next few minutes were filled with pure pleasure, a spurt of precome dribbling from Stiles' cock as Derek found his prostate. By the time Derek's got three fingers in him, Stiles' a moaning withering mess, his hands on Derek's broad shoulders. The room was filled with Stiles’ calls of lust.

“Fuck, Derek!” He yelled out when the wolf buried his cock inside him to the hilt, his head tossed back. The action too tempting for Derek, his lips going onto the exposed neck, grazing his sharpened teeth along the curve.  

Derek pulled out almost all the way, hands on Stiles’ hips and lifting him up, then pressed back in. Stiles couldn’t keep his eyes off Derek's face, eyes red, teeth long, nose wrinkled as he growled in pleasure. 

When Derek brushed his prostate, Stiles lost it, leaning down to tug lightly on the hair at the base of Derek's neck. Derek kissed him, his hips stuttering as their tongues met. 

“D-Der.” 

“You’re so beautiful, Stiles. Fuck, sweetheart, you’re amazing.”

Derek's ratcheting up the pace now, his grunts becoming louder as Stiles rolled his hips in circular motions, calling Derek's name.

“Fuck!” Stiles yelled, riding Derek like a prized stallion, hips rocking, bouncing up and down over and over. The flesh of his ass slapping against Derek’s thighs, making the most pornographic sounds. 

Derek’s claws dug into Stiles’ hips, moaning out as he watched his mate bounce on his cock. 

“My perfect mate. My perfect pregnant mate. Carrying our pup. You’re so fucking good, sweetheart. So good.” The Alpha grunted out and with one big hand, he grabbed hold of Stiles’ cock and after just a couple of strokes, Stiles was gone, keening loudly as he arched his back. He called out Derek’s name as he finished over the wolf’s slightly chubby belly. 

Stiles' release triggers Derek's, and the noise he made was so fucking animalistic, it sent shivers down Stiles’ spine. Snapping his hips once more, knot popping and emptying into Stiles. 

Derek's sweat was drying on his skin, his chest heaving as he pulled Stiles into a loving embrace. They snuggled together, scenting one another and kissing. 

The rest of the night they celebrated. Stiles cooked steak, veg, fries and blueberry muffins. They snuggled on the couch after dinner and just held one another as they talked about their pup to be. That night they made love again, this time making it slow, sensual and almost hypnotic. And Stiles fell asleep in his Alpha’s arms and Derek had one of his hands sprawled on Stiles’ back, holding him against his chest, while the other hand rested on Stiles’ growing belly. 

Chapter Text

The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting delicate patterns of light across the room. It was a lazy Sunday, the kind where time seems to stand still and the world outside fades away. Stiles stirred, gradually swimming to the surface of consciousness, his senses awakening to the warmth enveloping him like a gentle hug.

He stretched out, feeling the comforting embrace of his soft duvet, the familiar weight of it both grounding and soothing. The light danced playfully across the walls, and he watched as it shifted and changed, energising the small, cosy room that he had lovingly decorated after moving in with Derek. With a contented sigh, he let himself relish the blissful stillness that surrounded him.

It wasn’t uncommon to find that Derek wasn’t in the bed. The Alpha liked to go for morning runs while Stiles loved just lying in and ever since his pregnancy, he’s felt tired a lot and sluggish so he had found himself sleeping more than usual. 

He looked down at his stomach, seeing the little curve found there and smiled down at it. His fingers grazed the skin of his belly, lightly tickling. 

“Hey there, little pup.” He whispered, “You’ve grown! Keep at it, little bee. Grow big and strong just like your daddy.” 

He felt a flutter inside him and Stiles’ eyes teared up, knowing it was his child responding. 

The world outside was slowly coming alive. Stiles could hear faint sounds of birds chirping. The smell of fresh coffee wafted from the small kitchen downstairs, weaving through the air and wrapping him in its aromatic embrace. He smiled to himself at the thought of Derek bustling about down there. 

With a stretch that felt almost cat-like, Stiles finally decided to leave the cocoon of his bedding. He slipped his feet into his soft Batman slippers and padded across the cool floor, the texture of the wooden boards grounding him as he made his way to the kitchen. The sunlight bathed everything in a warm glow, illuminating the framed pictures on the walls—smiling faces of friends from countless adventures, a snapshot of laughter with him and his dad, and the newest one being a picture of the first ultrasound. 

As he entered the kitchen, he found his wolf pouring the freshly brewed coffee into two mismatched mugs, a playful smile dancing on his lips. 

“Good morning, sweetheart,” He greeted, his eyes sparkling like the sun’s reflection on water. He turned to Stiles and leaned over to kiss him sweetly, he then leaned down and kissed over his stomach. “Good morning, pup.” 

Stiles felt like he was going to cry every time the Alpha did that. He felt an undeniable warmth spread through him, a sense of gratitude and love settling in his chest. They hugged and nuzzled in each other’s scent. Derek smelled like soap, obviously freshly showered after his run. 

“I smelled coffee.” Stiles said against the wolf’s shoulder. 

Derek chuckled, reaching for Stiles’ mug and handed it to him. “Here. Your daily dose of decaf coffee. Just like the doctor ordered.” 

“I’m so glad Melissa said I could have one cup a day. If I had to go cold turkey, I would’ve cried.” 

“You cried when she said you could have a cup a day.” 

“I was relieved!” 

The pair soon sat on the couch with their steaming mugs, Stiles’ back against Derek’s chest, the two just enjoying the morning silence. 

After finishing their coffee, Derek got up to put the cups in the sink then when he came back into the room, he knelt down at Stiles, lifted Stiles’ shirt a little then placed his head against the slight swell of Stiles’ belly. He stayed quiet but the biggest smile spread across the Alpha’s lips. Stiles ran his fingers through Derek’s hair, smiling at the gesture. 

“Hearing the heartbeat?” 

Derek hummed. “It’s amazing.” 

“They’ve grown too.” 

“I can tell. They’re going to be strong.” 

“Yes they are.” After a blissfully silent pause, Stiles said, “I wanna go see the Nemeton today.” 

Derek lifted his head, “Why? Did you have another dream?” 

“No dreams.” Stiles petted his Alpha, voice quiet, “But I want to see it. I have this feeling that I want to give it an offering. Maybe some flowers. As a thank you for our Bumblebee.” 

“You’re gonna keep calling our kid that, aren’t you?” 

“What? It’s cute!” 

Derek playfully rolled his eyes. “And you want to give the tree some flowers?” 

“Yes. I just keep wanting to go back. See the thing that gave us something so precious.” 

Derek sighed, giving Stiles a kiss then rested his head against Stiles’ and said, “Okay. We’ll go.” 

***

Stiles and Derek strolled hand in hand along a winding path in the ancient woods of the preserve. The canopy of trees above them stretched like a cathedral, their leaves whispering secrets in the gentle breeze. It was the kind of evening that felt suspended in time, each moment draped in a soft embrace.

The air was fragrant with the earthiness of pine and damp moss, and the sounds of singing birds and rustling leaves created a serene backdrop to their quiet adventure. With each step, they exchanged glances filled with unspoken words, the kind that only lovers could understand. The beauty of the woods matched the beauty of their shared laughter, like a playful echo of joy bouncing off the trees.

In Stiles’ free hand was a bundle of sunflowers. The yellow flowers reminded him of the golden hue of the magic he saw that night. That same yellow was the reason he called the pup growing inside him ‘Bumblebee’. 

The two gasped when seeing the Nemeton. 

What once was a decaying stump was now a resurrected tree. Almost six feet tall. Strong oak, small branches with little leaves curling. It was alive. And growing. Just like the child in his stomach. 

Stiles all but ran up to the Nemeton. “Look at you! You’re beautiful!” He reached out and placed the palm of his hand onto the newly grown bark. His body shuddered, his blood buzzing with the familiar feeling of the magic that lay there. He looked at Derek, beaming, “Look, Derek! It’s grown!” 

Derek watched the tree in awe, going over to it, side by side with his mate. 

“It’s magic is returning, Der. I can feel it. Its getting stronger.” 

“Like our pup.” 

“They’re growing together.” Stiles’ eyes were filled with tears as he spoke, nose sniffling. 

Derek kissed Stiles’ head, wrapping an arm around him, “They are.” 

Stiles let the tears fall as he placed his head against the Nemeton. “Thank you for the wonderful gift.” He whispered to it, “Thank you so much.” He placed the flowers at the roots of the tree. 

As Stiles stepped away, he saw something that made him gasp once more. 

The golden magical swirls were back, dancing around the trunk. 

Derek looked confused at his mate, “What is it?” 

“Can’t you see it?” 

“See what?” 

“T-The magic. It’s back. The same gold.” He pushed his hand out to touch the sprinkles of magic. It tickled his fingertips. 

“What’s it doing?” 

Stiles watched it in amazement, “It’s making a picture.” 

“Of what?” 

“Bees.” Stiles laughed, happy tears dripping. “Bumblebees.” 

It was true. The magic swirls turned into little bees, buzzing all around Stiles. One landing at the tip of his outstretched finger. He could feel the wings of it flutter against his skin. 

Derek watched Stiles closely as he interacted with the tree and he swore he fell in love with his mate all over again at that very moment. 

Chapter Text

“I am so fucking hungry!” Stiles yelled, rummaging through the kitchen cabinets like a tornado. He tossed things around, sniffed things, licked things but untimely threw said things across the room. He was currently four months pregnant. His little swell of a bump had now formed into a solid dome, just poking out of the bottom of his shirt. He had to get bigger jeans. 

Derek watched his pregnant mate, honestly a little scared, from the doorway to the kitchen. He had noticed recently that Stiles’ moods kept going up and down like a yo-yo. One moment he was happy, the next he was sobbing, then he was horny then so angry but all those emotions, the wolf could deal with. He was hold him when he was sad, fuck him when he was horny but the big emotion he was wearing now… he didn’t even realise it could be an emotion. Stiles was hungry. So hungry it consumed him. But the worst thing was he didn’t know what he was craving. He bit everything edible only to spit it out in disgust. Derek tried to help by going to the store and buying whatever he could just for Stiles to try but nothing worked so far. 

“I don’t know what Bumblebee wants, Derek! I’m a terrible mother! I can’t give our pup what it needs because I don’t know!” Stiles started to cry, fat tears leaking down his red frustrated face. 

“You are not a terrible mother, sweetheart.” Derek said, voice calm but firm, taking a risky step forward towards his mate, “It’s okay. It’s going to be okay. Take some breaths.” 

Stiles huffed out some deep breaths, shoulders deflating in defeat but the tears continued. “I don’t know what Bumblebee wants, Der.” 

“It’s okay. We’ll figure it out, I promise.” He kissed Stiles’ forehead. He then thought of something that lit up his eyes. “Y’know, when my Mom was pregnant with my little siblings, she used to say that her favourite meal was whatever my father would hunt for her. So why don’t we try that?” 

“You hunt for me? For us?” Stiles put his hand on his stomach, feeling the familiar fluttering. 

Derek smirked, “Yeah. I’ll get you two something fresh, something tender. I’ll bring it back and cook you the perfect meal.” 

Stiles smiled softly, melting into the Alpha’s arms as all the anger sank away. “That sounds nice.” 

****

Two hours later, a wolfed out Derek came back to the cabin, covered in blood and dirt. He had a dead elk draped over his shoulder, its antlers in the dirt and making a trail behind him. 

With practised hands, he began the solemn task of preparing the elk. This was both a privilege and a responsibility, a rite of passage that linked him to the generations of wolves before him. It brought him back to his childhood. Of full moon runs with his family, playful hunts and grand feasts made with the game. He set to work efficiently, carving the animal with his claws, each cut significant. He paused for a moment, allowing himself to reflect on the life that had been taken and the life soon to come. The richness of the woods poured into his thoughts—the whispering winds, the crackling of branches, the rustle of creatures hidden in the underbrush.

After hours of focused effort, Derek emerged from his task, his clothes speckled with the remnants of his labour, the air filled with the scent of earth and musk. He changed his clothes then had dressed the elk, sectioned its hearty cuts into manageable pieces, and was now ready to transform this bounty into a meal worthy of his pregnant mate. He imagined the smile on Stiles’ face as he lit the fire in the hearth, the warmth radiating not just from the flames but from the love embedded in every inch of their humble home.

As he gathered twigs and branches, thoughts of the meal danced in his mind. He envisioned a rich stew simmering in the cast-iron pot—the tender meat marinating in a deep broth of root vegetables, fragrant herbs, and wild mushrooms, each flavour mingling and intertwining, just as their lives were beginning to weave together into something greater.

He could hear Stiles in their shared bathroom, relaxing in a bubble bath. The heartbeats of both his mate and unborn child were steady and calm. 

The stew bubbled and hissed, releasing a savoury aroma that would wrap around them like a warm embrace. Whilst it simmered, Derek went to the kitchen. He cleaned up the mess found there and set the table. He switched on the battery candles in the middle - since the fire, he didn’t allow any candles in the house and only allowed the fire to grill outside, so Stiles suggested the battery candles for romantic dinners. They worked like a treat. 

When he heard Stiles get out and drain the tub, he poured the stew into two bowls and put them on the table. He was pouring Stiles a glass of apple juice - his current favourite - when Stiles walked in. He was wearing his well worn ‘I support Single Moms’ shirt and his chequered pyjama pants. His hair was still wet. He looked relaxed. 

“Something smells wonderful.” He commented as he entered the kitchen. 

Derek guided him to sit at the table, holding his chair out for him. He took his own seat when Stiles was settled. 

Stiles looked at the dish in front of him and asked, “Do I want to know what’s in it?” 

“Elk, Stiles. Nothing bad. Some veg, herbs, mushrooms. Its a family recipe.” Derek said. 

Stiles felt his mouth water as the smell of the meal engulfed him more. He grabbed his fork and collected a piece of meat and ate it. As soon as it touched his tongue, the flavours made him moan, closing his eyes in bliss. The flutter in his stomach returned and he couldn’t help but chuckle. Also, the tears came back. Derek watched, terrified, as Stiles cried and laughed over his food. 

“Are you… okay?” 

“This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” Stiles said, crying. 

Derek smiled and reached over to rub Stiles’ back. “Is Bumblebee happy?” 

“Y-Yes.” He sniffled, “Thank you, Derek.” 

The wolf inside him was puffing his chest out in pride. Derek couldn’t help but put on his biggest smile as he leaned over to give Stiles’ temple a tender kiss. 

As Stiles ate, he kept moaning out how good it was, rubbing his rounded stomach. 

And Derek swore he had never felt so in love, watching his pregnant mate eat the meal he prepared. 

Chapter Text

Stiles was glad that it was still cold enough for sweaters. Otherwise, his pregnant belly would be getting some questionable looks from passers-by. He and Derek were strolling through the mall, originally out for a gift for Melissa’s birthday. They had gotten her a new laptop, some bath smellies and socks with stethoscopes all over them.  After eating lunch, they were making their way back to the car when Stiles suddenly stopped, eyes fixed on a window display. Derek smiled when he saw what his mate was fixated on. 

A baby clothes shop. With a poster in the window saying in big bold letters ‘SALE’ . 

“Wanna go in?” The wolf asked. 

“Isn’t it a little early to shop for baby clothes? We’ve got five months.” 

Derek shrugged. “Never too early to prepare.” 

Stiles hopped on the spot in excitement and all but pulled Derek inside the store. 

Seeing all the tiny clothes for tiny people, made tears fill Stiles’ eyes. And when he saw some little baby booties, turned to Derek all emotional. “L-Look, Der. We’re gonna have something this small soon.” 

Derek too got a bit teary eyed too as he looked at the shoes in the palm of his mate’s hand, his heart doing excited spins in his chest. He beamed at him, “We sure are, sweetheart.” 

Those booties were the first things to go into their basket. 

Stiles looked at everything in awe, showing Derek those he found adorable, and when some tears did fall, he let them. He was just so happy. 

They got some wolf themed clothes including a tiny t-shirt that said, ‘Little wolf’ and a baby blue pyjama onesie that said, ‘Baby Wolf’ . And Stiles made sure to get some woodland themed stuff. 

Onesies with trees, squirrels and acorns on them. 

Shorts with cute bears on them. 

A few skirts and dresses with leaves, trees, foxes and deers on them. 

Jumpers that were so soft and warm, a few with bees on them and honeycombs and a couple with movie references on them that made Stiles smile. 

Baby yoda, R2D2, Lord of the rings, star trek and one that had a picture of Thor's hammer on it with the words ‘Only The Worthy Shall Hold Me.’ printed underneath. 

Derek liked the knitted cardigans and so got a couple, liking the texture of the soft wool against his fingers. While Stiles got some mini dungarees. Then they got the necessaries. Socks, vests, hats, mittens, ect. 

Just as they were about to finish up, their basket filled to the point of it overspilling, Stiles found something and hid it behind his back. He went to find Derek waiting in line at the checkout. 

“I found something I think you’d like.” 

Derek smirked. “Well, I did too.” He said, reaching into the basket. 

“Okay. Okay. We’ll show each other on the count of three. One. Two. Three!” They both had a four to six month old T-shirt. Stiles’ was a plain white with a big text saying ‘I <3 My Daddy’ on it, the heart coloured red - the same red as the Alpha’s eyes. 

While Derek’s was a deep forest green with a picture of a Hobbit door in the middle, the words underneath it read, ‘Mama’s Little Hobbit’ . 

Stiles cried at the shirt Derek picked and cradled it in his hands as he stroked the words. Derek felt butterflies in his stomach when seeing the shirt Stiles picked, his throat squeezing with emotion. 

They got to the checkout and the young girl at the register smiled at the pair. 

“Hey! Are you two expecting or is this for a friend?” She asked as she scanned the tags of the clothes. 

“We’re expecting.” Derek said, happy. Stiles leaned his head against Derek’s shoulder in contentment. 

“Congratulations!” She said, “Surrogate or adoption?” 

The couple looked at each other, then Stiles said, “Surrogate. We’re only four months in but we got excited about the sale sign and decided to do a bit of shopping.” 

“That’s amazing. I’m actually a surrogate baby.” She said, bagging up the clothes. 

“Really?”

“Yeah. My mom was pregnant but they used my other mom’s eggs.” 

Derek smiled, giving Stiles a kiss on the head when Stiles began talking to the girl about the whole surrogate thing and when the total was announced, Derek paid and collected the bags. They said their goodbyes to the lady and as they went to the car, Stiles hugged Derek’s arm, his smile so big it could replace the sun itself. 

The wolf saw his happy mate and asked, “What’s with the smile?” 

“We just did our first lot of shopping for Bumblebee.” He stated, “I’m just so happy.” 

Derek kissed Stiles sweetly, “Me too.” 

Chapter Text

Stiles groaned from the other room. A groan of frustration and disgust. 

Worried, Derek went to the bedroom only to find Stiles in only a pair of boxers in front of the mirror looking sadly at his body. 

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" He stood behind him, rubbing his shoulders.

"I've got stretch marks."

Derek looked down at the swollen abdomen and, sure enough, pink and purple lines could be seen scattered on the pale skin. They laid at the bottom of his belly where the skin had stretched in order for the pup to grow. 

"This sucks!" Stiles moaned in frustration, "Look! They’re even on my thighs!” He showed off his thickened thighs and the lines could be seen on the outer hips. “This better not be a ten pound baby!"

Derek just stared at the exposed skin, his eyes flashing red. 

"Well… do you wanna know what I think?" Derek said in a husky voice and Stiles shivered as his wolf started grinding his clothed cock against his ass. Feeling Derek getting harder had Stiles grinding backwards.

“D-Derek?” 

“I think you’re gorgeous.” Derek tells him, breathing deep in his ear. “Getting me all worked up.” 

“Really?” Stiles’ cheeks turned bright pink, his breathing stuttering. He let out a little yelp when Derek’s hands squeezed his ass before pulling down Stiles’ boxers to leave him naked. 

Palms rubbing over the soft flesh while the fingers ghost over the entrance. Derek then knelt behind him, spreading his cheeks apart, and licked the skin and kissed over the cheeks.

"So fucking sexy." The Alpha growled against him, making Stiles shiver. Derek grabbed his hips to keep him still so he could kiss the markings found on Stiles’ thighs and hips. 

“Derek.” He sighed the Alpha’s name like a prayer. 

“These marks.” He kissed them gently, “They are proof of the magic you hold, Stiles. You’re growing our pup, our Bumblebee. These marks are proof of your body changing so that our Bumblebee can grow strong. I love them. Every. Single. One.” He stood so he could kiss Stiles’ neck and shoulder, arms wrapping round to cradle the bump. They stared at each other through the mirror. Their eyes were dark with lust and Stiles’ chest panted up and down. 

“Derek, please.” 

“Please what, sweetheart?” 

“Get inside me.” 

Derek grinned wickedly, all fangs shining in the light. “With pleasure.” 

Derek manoeuvred them onto the bed. 

"On your hands and knees," he directed, and Stiles shivered against him, then grinned before complying. Derek crawled onto the bed, eyes red, like a predator stalking its prey. He kissed Stiles’ hip. "Is that comfortable? Does it hurt you or Bumblebee?" 

Even before Stiles answered, Derek took their pillows and wedged them beneath Stiles to take some of the weight. "It's fine," Stiles said, reaching out to tug at Derek's arm. "We are okay, Alpha. Now hurry up and take me."

And Derek was only too happy to comply. He knelt between Stiles' legs, running his hands down Stiles' back and over his ass, pulling them apart slightly to run a clawed fingernail around the edge of Stiles' opening. Stiles shuddered, then yelped when the claw was replaced with tongue, gliding over the opening, then dancing around it, then probing wetly in its centre. Derek cupped Stiles' balls and squeezed them gently as his tongue thoroughly soaked the hole and carefully insinuated its way inside.

Stiles panted and gasped, sweat beginning to pool between his shoulder blades and down the sides of his face as pleasure consumed him. Finally, when he didn't think he could bear the teasing any longer, Derek ceased touching him entirely. Stiles whined at the loss and Derek chuckled darkly, licking at the sweat on his back. Two oily - thankfully blunt - fingers replaced Derek's tongue and Stiles pushed back as they entered him, taking them deep, and a third was soon added, sliding easily in.

Derek pressed his chest to Stiles' back and winding one arm around him to spread his palm on Stiles' stomach as his other hand held his cock steady, and slowly sank into Stiles. He sighed when he was fully inserted, his breath raising goosebumps on Stiles' pale, mole dotted skin. He stroked Stiles' thigh, the muscles quivering under his fingers, then took hold of Stiles’ hip. Kissing Stiles’ neck and letting his beard tickle Stiles’ nape, Stiles moaned low in his throat at the burn.  

“Ready, sweetheart?” The wolf asked, speech slurred as his fangs lengthened. 

“Yes. Yes. Please.” 

At the words, Derek slowly began to ease out.

He started up at a slow pace, carefully aimed and timed. Stiles hung his head and whimpered, quivering every time Derek brushed his lips or beard against his sensitive skin. Derek continued the steady onslaught, finding it increasingly difficult not to succumb to his instincts to pick up the pace and fuck his mate into oblivion. 

“D-Derek.” He mewled, making the wolf above him growl. 

Derek pressed both palms against the curve Stiles' stomach and began thrusting a little faster, ball slapping against Stiles’ thighs. Stiles' arms couldn't hold up any longer and he had to rest his forehead on his hands, groaning and panting as he pushed back to meet Derek's thrusts.

“Never question how beautiful you are, Stiles.” The Alpha said, voice rumbling like thunder. 

“Derek. Fuck .” 

When he could feel Stiles shuddering around him, Derek took Stiles' cock in his hand, rubbing the pad of his thumb over the tip before closing his fist and stroking him hard. A sharp intake of breath, then Stiles stopped breathing entirely for several heartbeats, nearly convulsing as warmth flooded over Derek's hand and onto the pillows beneath him. Derek roared out as he knotted and emptied himself deep into Stiles, riding the sockwaves together in gentle sways of their hips. 

After getting his breath back, Derek guided them to lay down on their sides, one of his biceps used as Stiles’ personal pillow. He buried his nose into Stiles’ neck, kissing along the groove of it before sucking lovingly at the mating bite. His free arm wrapped around his mate, his large hand resting on the bump where his unborn pup rested. 

Stiles snuggled into his wolf’s warmth, wrapping his fingers around the hand connected to his makeshift pillow. 

“That was wonderful.” He whispered into the room, feeling Derek smile against his neck. 

“It was.” 

“I can’t believe in a few days, I’ll be officially five months along.” Said Stiles, looking down at his belly. 

“Me either. Sometimes I want time to freeze for a moment so I could hold this little bump forever but another part of me wants time to speed up so we can finally meet our little one.” 

“I know that feeling. But just wait for-” He was cut off by something magical. 

Both he and Derek gasped when feeling it. A kick. A firm kick coming from Stiles’ domed stomach. 

The Wolf sat up slightly to lean over Stiles to look at his hand on the stomach. “Was that-” 

Tears gathered in Stiles’ eyes as he smiled brightly, “Oh my god! Derek! Our Bee just kicked!” 

At that moment, another kick happened against Derek’s palm. The parents-to-be squealed with excitement. Derek just started kissing all over Stiles’ face, neck and shoulders, making him giggle like crazy. They were so happy. And they reminisced in that happiness for hours until they fell asleep with a smile on their lips. 

Chapter Text

Ever since Stiles got pregnant, Stiles and Derek would be ordered to attend dinner at the Sheriff’s home every Friday evening. 

Now they all sat around the table in the Stilinski household, eating spaghetti and meatballs.

After taking a sip of water, John asked, “How’s the garage going, Derek?”  

A few months ago, Derek decided to start a car restoration garage with the trust fund given by his parents when they died. Stiles had been supportive all throughout and even helped with picking a location and the paperwork. The ‘Hale Repairs’ garage had only been open to the public for a week or so but he’s already got happy customers. And thanks to the engineering degree he got when in New York a few years ago, he enjoyed what he was doing in earning an honest living. 

“It’s good.” The Wolf said, “I’ve hired a couple people so I can be flexible with my hours, to be there for Stiles and the pup.” 

“Who have you hired?”  

“Henry Dawson, Jullian Keane, Joseph Ludo and Olivia Maeson.” 

The Sheriff nodded, “I know them. I used to go to school with Henry and Joseph's parents. Jullian used to be a firefighter, I heard.” 

“Yeah. but he got injured and couldn’t go back to the station so he went to school to get an engineering degree. Good guy.”  

“And Olivia? How she doing?” 

“One of the best engineers I’ve ever met. A sarcastic spit fire. Reminds me of Stiles.” He said, nudging Stiles’ arm with his.  

John looked at his son, “Have you met her?”  

Stiles nodded, a mouth full of meatball, “Yeah. She is really cool! And she’s buff as hell. I call her ‘She-Hulk’.” 

They all gave a little chuckle, eating a few more bites before John asked about the next ultrasound scan. 

“Melissa said we can find out the sex of the baby next week!” Stiles announced excitedly. 

John queried an eyebrow, “You two wanna know?” 

“I wanna confirm that I'm right.” Said Stiles. And the Sheriff looked at Derek in confusion. 

“Stiles thinks the pup is a boy.” He explained.  

“He is!” Stiles urged, “I had a dream. And you should know by now that my dreams often come true.” 

Derek playfully rolled his eyes and reached out to squeeze Stiles’ thigh under the table.  

“Well, boy or girl, I’ll love my grandchild no matter what.” A pause. “Have you heard from Scott?”  

Stiles’ smile faulted, “No.”  

John sighed sadly, “I’m sorry, son.” 

“It’s fine. I’ve got more important things to worry about.” He said, stroking his stomach, only to gasp out. “Bumblebee’s kicking! Dad, come here! Give me your hand!” 

John passed his hand over and Stiles placed it onto his bump firmly. A couple of silent seconds ticked by then a cry of joy from both Stilinski’s as the pup kicked. 

“Wow. A strong little kick he has there.” 

“I know, right? Try being kicked like that right in the ribs. It’s no easy job, I’ll tell you that.” John’s eyes became watery, making Stiles concerned. “Dad? You alright?” 

“Y-Yeah. It’s just… I remember putting my hand on your mom’s stomach and feeling you kick. I never thought my son would be pregnant one day but,” He took a deep breath, “It’s still just as magical. This gift. It’s so unbelievably amazing, Stiles. Your mom would be so proud of you.” 

Tears leaked from Stiles’ eyes with the mentioning of his mom and the two Stilinski’s hugged tightly. Derek watched with a soft smile. 

****

Stiles fell asleep on the couch, leaving Derek and John to clean up in the kitchen. 

“It’s wild, isn’t it? How in just four months, you two will be parents. I’ll be a grandpa! Haha.” He laughed to himself as he washed up the pots and pans.  

Derek would collect the wet pots and dry them using a dishcloth before putting them away. “I can’t believe it sometimes.” He said, “For a long time, I thought I would never be happy again. Now, I have Stiles and a pup on the way.”  

The Sheriff hummed, then said, “Are you feeling ready for it?” 

Derek paused then spoke, “I thought no one is truly ready.” 

“True, in some sense. I think people are always unprepared no matter what but being ready is definitely important.”  

“I guess… I feel a little overwhelmed.” The wolf admitted, eyes on the floor as if ashamed.  

“That’s completely normal, Derek.” John reassured, “I think every expectant parent feels that way. Just remember, it’s okay not to have all the answers. Parenting is more about learning as you go. You think me and Claudia had everything under control when Stiles came along? Nope. Stiles wasn’t even born in a hospital. He was born right there.” He pointed a wet finger to the other side of the kitchen, “Right on the kitchen floor.”  

Derek’s eyes widened, “Really?”  

“He never told you? Well, I was on the night shift. I wasn’t supposed to be as Claudia was so close to her due date but the station was understaffed so I went in. Five hours into my shift and Claudia calls, telling me she’s having contractions but not to worry as they were very far apart. Anyways, I begged my boss at the time to let me go and as soon as I got home, Claudia was yelling for me to get there. I ran into the kitchen and she was leaning against this very counter. She smiled at me and said ‘He’s coming!’ and I quickly knelt down and caught Stiles. It was the best night shift of all my years on the force.”  

Derek smiled, “He truly knows how to make an entrance.”  

John cackled, “Right from the start.”  

 After a few more bits were washed, dried and put away, Derek gathered the courage to ask, “Any tips for an expecting father?”  

“Well, first, embrace the chaos - especially it being Stiles’ kid.” John had that far away look that told Derek he was going down memory lane, revisiting life with Stiles as a child. “Kids are unpredictable, and that’s part of the fun. If you try to control everything, you’ll drive yourself crazy. Discipline is important, but it’s just as crucial to show love and support. Kids need to know they can come to you with anything. I always stressed the importance of communication.” 

“I want my child to feel they can talk to me about anything.” 

“Exactly! And don’t forget to have fun. Spend time playing, reading, and just being silly together. Those moments create the strongest bond. Just be present. Life gets busy, but those little moments will mean everything.” 

“Thanks, John. I feel a lot better talking to you about it.” 

They finished up cleaning. John dried his hands and wiped the sides while Derek tucked the chairs in. 

“Anytime, son. You’re going to be a great dad. Just remember, you two aren’t on your own. You’ve lost a lot of people, Derek. But you have me and Melissa. Its not a lot of people but its something, so don’t hesitate to lean on us when you need it.” 

Derek looked at the Sheriff and nodded, cheeks a little pink, “I appreciate that. I really do.” 

As they walked out of the kitchen and into the living room where Stiles was snoring on the couch, John asked, “Will the kid be human or…?”  

Derek answered as he took a seat next to Stiles, “We won’t know for sure until he opens his eyes for the first time. If they flash gold in response to me, then he’s a werewolf.”  

Stiles, sensing that the wolf was near, turned around and snuggled into Derek’s side, still fast asleep. Derek wrapped him in his arms when he heard John give a little laugh. 

“What?”  

“You keep saying ‘He’ .” John reminded.  

“Well, Stiles has a feeling and normally he’s right so…”  

John shook his head, “He’s got you wrapped around his finger.”

Derek turned back to his mate and kissed his forehead before reaching out to stroke the belly bump.  

“And soon, he won’t be the only one.” 

Chapter Text

Stiles and Derek had been eagerly counting down the days to this monthly ultrasound appointment. Each day had felt like an eternity, filled with a blend of excited anticipation and the usual jitters that accompanied the prospect of becoming parents for the first time. As they entered the clinic, Stiles’ hand found Derek’s. They shared a glance filled with warmth- a silent promise that they would navigate this journey side by side, no matter what.

“Are you ready?” Derek asked, his voice a mix of excitement and nerves.

Stiles nodded, his heart fluttering. “Are you ready for the biggest ‘I told you so’ ?”

After a brief wait in the brightly coloured lobby, they were called back into the private examination room by Melissa. She greeted them with a friendly smile, “Alright, you two! Are you excited to see your little one?”

“More than you know!” Stiles replied, his cheeks flushing with happiness as he climbed onto the cushioned exam table with Derek’s help. 

Derek settled into the chair next to him, unable to suppress his grin. He squeezed his hand once more, reassuringly. “Apparently, if Stiles ends up being right, I have to take him to the fair that's happening this weekend.”

“And…” Stiles encouraged. 

Derek sighed deeply, “And win him a giant teddy bear.” 

Melissa laughed as she applied the cool gel to Stiles’ belly and began the ultrasound, the sound waves creating a live image of their child on the screen. For a few moments, they were both transfixed, watching the gentle movements of the tiny figure they had anxiously awaited to meet.

“Look! Our Bumblebee is rolling!” Stiles exclaimed, his eyes glimmering. “He’s so active!”

A heartbeat echoed in the room, a rhythmic thumping that filled them with an indescribable joy. Melissa expertly navigated the wand across Stiles’ stomach, capturing images and measurements of their growing baby. “Your Bumblebee is growing well, he’s a bit on the bigger side but that’s okay.” She laughed.

Stiles looked at his wolf, “That’s your fault.” 

“You’re the one eating curly fries at three in the morning.” Derek argued. 

“You ate some too!” 

Melissa shook her head at the pair, continuing her examination. “Now look here.” She adjusted the screen, highlighting an area that brought Stiles and Derek to the edge of their seats. “Here’s the head, and just… there...” She pointed with a gentle touch on the screen. “You see that? That’s your baby’s boy part. Congratulations! You’re having a baby boy!”

Stiles felt a rush of emotions as he cheered, “I was right! Ha! A boy!” 

Joyful tears sprouted from Derek’s eyes as it was confirmed. A boy. A son. His son. 

The mated pair shared a tender kiss and just took in the information, staring into each other's watery eyes. 

“I love you.” Derek whispered. 

Stiles kissed him again, “I love you too. But I told you so.” 

Melissa cackled with a loud laugh when hearing that while Derek groaned, putting his head into his hands in defeat.

****

That weekend: 

They found themselves at a stall boasting a massive hammer high striker. The wooden contraption stood tall, the bell perched at the top glistening in the fading sunlight. 

“Now its time to fulfil your promise, Sourwolf!” Stiles urged, his eyes shining with mischief. Because he was nearing six months pregnant, he wore Derek’s already baggy baseball jersey which swamped him but at least it helped conceal the dome that currently occupied his stomach. 

Derek put on a slight scowl. 

Stiles nudged them, pouting, “You promised.” 

“Fine.” The wolf said, approaching the stand. 

He handed over a few bills to the operator, who grinned and handed him the mallet. After a quick wink to Stiles, Derek stepped back, feeling the weight of the mallet in his hands. 

Focusing on the bell, he remembered the way Stiles’ eyes lit up when it was confirmed that the pup inside his belly was a boy. The sparkle in those doe browns. 

He raised the mallet, and with determination, he brought it down with his supernatural strength. The sound of wood meeting metal echoed through the fair, the bell rang out with a triumphant clang, blood rushing to his cheeks as a small crowd began to cheer. Stiles yelled out and clapped. 

The operator, a burly man with a friendly smile, turned to Derek, nodding in approval. “Well done, young man! You’ve won! Choose your prize!” He gestured to the wall of prizes. 

Derek spotted the giant teddy bear sitting proudly among the smaller stuffed animals. Its plush fur was a delightful shade of cream, and it wore a bright red bow around its neck. He pointed out the teddy and the operator gave it to him. Derek then turned to Stiles, who was beaming with pride, his cheeks flushed. 

He handed Stiles the bear, “There. Promise met.” 

Stiles hugged the bear close and laughed, rewarding Derek with a kiss. 

“Thank you, Alpha mine.” 

They spent the rest of the day strolling through the fair, the giant teddy bear tucked safely between them. As they rode the Ferris wheel, Stiles held the bear close, his laughter ringing out as the ride creaked and swayed through the sky.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, they found a quiet spot on a grassy knoll. The lights of the fair twinkled around them like stars, and Derek took a moment to take it all in—the sounds, the colours, and the joy radiating from his pregnant mate as he nestled the bear against his side.

“Next year we’ll be here with our son.” Stiles said softly, looking out at the fair. 

The words made Derek’s heart boom inside his chest. He took Stiles’ hand in his and kissed the back of it. 

Gazing into Stiles’ eyes, Derek knew the evening had been more than just a celebration of fun or fulfilling a bet; it had been about making memories. And as the laughter and music played on, he was grateful for this moment, for Stiles, and for the giant teddy bear that symbolised not just affection, but the playful essence of their love. And for the pup inside Stiles’ belly, their son, who next year will be able to enjoy the fair with them, he couldn’t be more grateful to the Nemeton - the tree that made it happen. 

Chapter Text

Stiles was waddling now and Derek’s oversized shirt no longer concealed what he had underneath. So he held onto Derek’s arm for dear life as they slowly made their way to the Nemeton. They go to visit the tree every few days, leaving simple offerings and Stiles just likes to update the tree with Bumblebee’s progress. The tree would respond, using its magic to give Stiles pictures or feelings. Today's offering was a bundle of daffodils, taken from their garden. 

“Hello!” Stiles greeted the tree when they approached it. It had grown eight feet high, branches spreading and leaves bushing the twigs. As Stiles spoke to the Nemeton, telling the ancient tree about Bumblebee and the news of their latest ultrasound, Derek watched from a couple feet away. He loved to watch his mate interact with the tree, it brought him a sense of peace and love that overwhelmed his senses. 

Suddenly, Stiles gasped. 

Derek’s instincts perked up, rushing over towards the pregnant man. “What is it? What’s wrong?” 

“The Nemeton. It’s showing me something.” He had his palm against the oak, eyes closed as he concentrated on what the Nemeton was showing him. 

“What is it?” Derek urged, worry blooming in his chest. 

Stiles turned around and looked at the Alpha and said, “It’s Scott. He’s back in Beacon Hills.” 

****

Scott was shocked when seeing Stiles’ pregnant belly. He was even more shocked when seeing Derek and Stiles’ hands together as they walked in through the McCall living room. 

“What the fuck is this?!” Scott jumped up from his seat. 

Melissa placed her hand on her son’s arm, “Scott-” 

Scott took his arm out of her grip and took a step forward, making Derek’s eyes glow red with warning. Seeing the red while expecting blue, it made Scott stop and gape at the pair. 

“What is going on?!” 

Stiles explained everything and the entire room grew silent as Scott wrapped his head around the information. 

Scott started to pace the room, “I can’t believe you’re actually going through with this, Stiles. Do you even care what this means for us?” 

Stiles frowned, “Us?” 

“You’re throwing everything away!”

“Scott-” Melissa tried again but Stiles cut her off. 

“Everything? What exactly am I throwing away? You left, Scott! Six months of nothing!” Stiles stepped forward, one hand on his stomach as if to protect it as he pointed a finger at his best friend. 

“You’re leaving me behind while you play house! What am I supposed to do? Watch you build a perfect little family without me? With Derek of all people?!”

“It’s not about building a ‘perfect family’! I fell in love with a wonderful man. I became pregnant by magic and I’m happy. And I thought you’d be happy for me, not throw a tantrum!”

“Happy?” Scott scoffed, “How can I be happy when my best friend acts like I don’t exist anymore? You think I’m jealous?”

Tears gathered in Stiles’ eyes as he shook his head sadly. “I thought we were stronger than this.” 

Scott gave a harsh laugh, “Stronger? You’re the one who’s changed! You act like getting pregnant is a good thing! This isn’t normal-”

“None of our lives are normal, Scott! Ever since you got bitten, our lives are on the opposite scale of normal!” He took a deep breath, “Look, you need to understand that this,” He cradled his stomach lovingly, “is amazing. A good thing.”  

“Understand? Understand what? That you’re choosing this new life over our friendship?”

“I’m not choosing anything. You were the one who left. You were the one who became someone they’re not. You are the one who destroyed this trust.” 

Scott stormed out of the room and up the stairs. A door slammed. 

Stiles sighed and watched him go. He went to follow his best friend but Derek stopped him. 

“Are you sure you wanna go up there? He’s angry and not in the right headspace.” He said, “I don’t want you - either of you - to get hurt.”

“He won’t hurt me.” Stiles said seriously. Derek looked hesitant. Stiles kissed him and gave him a sad smile. “I need to do this, Der.” 

Derek nodded and reluctantly let his pregnant mate hobble up the stairs.  

Stiles knocked on Scott’s bedroom door. No response. But that didn’t stop him from entering the room. Scott sat at the foot of his bed, looking down at the floor. 

The pregnant man leaned against the desk that rested in the corner of the room. 

“I can’t believe this is who you’ve become, Scott.” Stiles spoke with a quiet voice, filled with emotion. “You’ve changed so much—it's like I don’t even know you anymore.” He sniffled, tears returning, “Ever since you’ve become an Alpha, you’ve just become this… this…”

Red eyes glared at Stiles. “Say it.” 

“A selfish arrogant asshole.” 

Scott scoffed and crossed his arms, “Come on, Stiles. Don’t act so high and mighty. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. You wouldn’t understand what it takes.” 

Stiles narrowed his eyes, holding in a laugh, “Worked hard? Or stepped on everyone around you? You’ve pushed away all the people who cared about you just for your ego.”

“And what? You think I should have stayed stuck in our little town, waiting for life to happen? I didn’t sell out; I evolved.” 

“Evolved?” Stiles could not believe what he was hearing. “Is that what you call it? You’re so consumed by your Alpha-ness and image that you’ve lost sight of what really matters. You wanted to be a veterinarian, remember?” 

Scott stood, fangs enlarging, “Those were childish dreams, Stiles! I grew up! Not everyone can afford to live in nostalgia. Some of us want to make something of ourselves!” He laughed harshly, “You were in Washington! You were going into the FBI but look at you now, barefoot and pregnant. You’re like a washed out whore!” 

Stiles swore he could hear Derek growl from downstairs. But Stiles stayed strong and stood tall. 

“I’m still in the FBI program, Scott! I’m going back after the pup is born. And I am not a whore! I love Derek and Derek loves me. This pup, this child inside me, is a gift from the Nemeton - after saving it from your stupid actions.” His anger boiling and he felt his fingers vibrate with his rage. “You think abandoning your friends and laughing at their struggles is the mark of success? You’ve turned into a shell of the person I used to know. I thought we were in this together.” 

“This is exactly why I can’t have you around! You’re dragging me down with your guilt trips and your wannabe triumphs. Stop living in the past—I’m not the one who needs to change here!” 

“Change? You don’t even see it, do you? It’s not about me trying to hold you back. It’s about you losing yourself, and I can’t watch it anymore.”

“Is that what this is? A pity party? If you can’t handle who I’ve become, then maybe you should just walk away. Go to Derek, push out his brat and live happily ever after.”  

Stiles wiped away the tears that fell. “Maybe I will.” He hated how his voice cracked when he spoke. “You’re right, Scott. Maybe it’s time I wipe my hands of someone who I don’t even know anymore. Someone I would never want around my son.” 

Scott’s own eyes danced with water, biting the inside of his cheeks so hard it produced blood. “Fine. If that’s how you feel. Maybe our friendship was just a phase, anyway.” 

“It wasn’t a phase for me.” Stiles sniffled, tears uncontrollable. “Our friendship was forever to me. But what can I do if you refuse to care anymore? My son is my everything now. He’s going to be so good and it breaks me knowing that you won't ever be a part of his life because you chose to. My life will continue to be great, with or without you. I’m gonna be happy with my son, work in my dream job and marry the person I love.” Stiles went to the door but before he stepped out, he looked in at Scott and said, “Just remember—you can chase your ego, but it won’t fill the void you’ve created for yourself. Goodbye, Scott.” 

And he left without another word. 

Chapter Text

After the whole ordeal with Scott, Derek decided to cheer Stiles up by showing him an emptied out room in the cabin. It used to be a little storage room. 

Stiles looked at it with a raised eyebrow, “What is this?” 

“Our Bumblebee’s nursery.” Derek said, wrapping his arms around his mate from beyond, hands cradling the bump and his nose buried in Stiles’ neck. He breathed in his mate’s scent while Stiles gasped out and looked around the room in awe. 

“Oh, Der. Our pup is going to sleep here! When are we going to start decorating?” 

“How about today?” 

Stiles squealed with delight, turning round and hugged the wolf tightly. 

***

Stiles decided to make the pup’s room Bee themed. Something Derek should’ve seen coming but he just kissed him and told him he could get whatever he wanted for their child’s nursery. 

The paint for the walls was a shade of yellow called Crayola. Yes, after the crayon. It wasn’t too in-your-face yellow. It was pale and subtle and adorable. 

Derek and Stiles stood amid an array of painting supplies, their knees resting on the drop cloth stretched across the wooden floor. 

“I can’t believe we’re finally doing this!” Stiles exclaimed, his voice a mix of excitement and anticipation. His pregnant belly snugly fit between him and the wall.

Derek smiled, rolling a can of paint across the floor. The bright colour would surely bring warmth and joy to their child’s space. “I can’t believe that our son will be here soon.” He said, mixing the paint as he spoke.

“I know!” Stiles sniffled a little, getting emotional. 

They were applying strokes of paint onto the walls. Derek’s strokes were deliberate, while Stiles swung the roller with affection and slightly exaggerated motions. The fresh scent of paint filled the air, igniting memories of childhood projects and carefree days.

“Oh, I love the colour we picked.” Stiles said, stepping back to admire the first outlined walls of sunshine. He then gasped, putting a hand to his stomach. He chuckled. “And I think our Bumblebee likes it too.” 

“How can he possibly know what colour this is?” Derek asked, gripping the roller and applying more paint to it. 

“You never know how magical this baby is! He came from a tree. He might have x-ray vision or something.” 

Derek rolled his eyes. 

As they painted and shared laughter, a playful competitive spirit began to brew between them. A little too much paint here, an absent-minded swipe of the roller there, and soon enough, Derek’s arm accidentally brushed against Stiles’ as he leaned in for more paint.

“Oops!” Stiles giggled. “Looks like you’ve gotten a bit of paint on your shirt!”

“Me? I think you did that on purpose!” He gasped, mocking shock with eyes wide.

“I would never!” Stiles feigned innocence, his round belly bouncing as he giggled.

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Stiles picked up a handful of paint and, with the conspiratorial wisdom of a seasoned rebel, flung it toward Derek’s face. The yellow splattered across his cheeks, and his expression of astonished disbelief instantly transformed into laughter.

“Oh, now you’re in for it!” The wolf declared, his voice laced with mock fury as he returned fire, flicking paint right back at his mate. The playful war erupted.

Colour flew in whimsical arcs as they dodged and weaved, giggling uncontrollably. Just as Derek ducked behind the covered furniture, Stiles managed to graze his arms and shoulder, painting him in cheerful strokes of yellow. The two of them were a riotous display of splattered paint and unrestrained joy.

Derek poked out from around some furniture and slapped Stiles’ ass, leaving a big yellow handprint. Stiles looked at the print and pouted as he laughed. “Rude!” 

“Surrender!” Derek finally shouted, breathing heavily and nearly doubled over with laughter.

“Never!” With that, Stiles threw the last of the paint from the roller straight at him, leaving both of them in fits of laughter.

Finally settling down, they collapsed onto the drop cloth, paint splattered and breathless. The room was a colourful chaos, and they looked at each other, their faces smeared with yellow. It didn’t matter; this was the memory they would look back on.

“I can’t believe we just did that,” The wolf said, wiping paint from his cheek and chuckling, his eyes glistening with happiness. “Our son has some weird parents.”

“The weirdest.” Stiles agreed, a soft smile forming on his lips as he stroked his belly. 

Once the laughter died down, Stiles rested his head on Derek’s shoulder, staring at the bright walls they would soon fill with love. Together they envisioned the future—a room filled with laughter, first steps, and bedtime stories. But more than that, it was a place that would always remind them of this day; the day they painted not just the walls but indelible memories into their hearts.

Chapter Text

While Derek was at work, Stiles was doing the finishing touches on the nursery. 

Above was a honeycomb shaped lightshade and on the floor was a wildflower cream rug. In the corner was an old wooden rocking chair with a pretty pale green blanket draped at the back. White curtains and a cartoon bumblebee blind. On the windowsill were plants in yellow and green pots, one of which was a vine that climbed along the sill’s edge. In the opposite corner of the chair was the crib. Simple and wooden, one which Derek built himself. Inside the crib was a comfortable baby mattress that had micro-holes in it so it can breathe and a bee blanket that the Sheriff had brought for the pup. 

Alongside the crib were a small chest of drawers. The bottom drawer was filled with pacifiers, binkies, bibs. The third drawer was filled with tiny socks, vests, hats and mittens. The second drawer was filled with diapers, all stacked neatly in a line, and the first drawer was for all the creams, cotton-buds, wool and wipes. On top of the chest was a green and white changing mat. Next to the chest of drawers was a bigger set of drawers with fourteen drawers. Each one was filled. Spare bottles, formula, onesies, shorts, trousers, jackets, shoes, medicine, creams, bibs, brushes, toys and teething rings… etc. The clothes were organised by age requirements, much to Stiles’ standards. 

The main bottles, formula cans and all were in the kitchen. But Stiles’ nipples had started swelling and aching, making Stiles fear that the formula would just be an in-case-of-emergency deal. It took a while for him to accept that concept of breastfeeding. And after visiting the Nemeton and talking out loud of his fears, the ancient tree gave him visions of him and his pup, rocking on the rocking chair, the baby against his naked chest while Stiles played with tiny hands that reached out. The image gave Stiles comfort and he cried with happiness. He learned to love his body. This incredible body did the impossible and not only does it host the pup, keeping it warm and safe, but soon it will create food for the pup. Its life. Its absolutely magical. 

Pottering about in fluffy slippers, an oversized knitted jumper and a pair of dungarees, Stiles was cleaning the nursery for the second time that day. He was officially nesting. Seven months pregnant and he felt huge. The big belly would bump into things as he moved and the kicks the pup was giving from the inside made Stiles a little breathless but still he straightened the blankets again and polished each leaf of the windowsill plants. 

Seeing a bare spot on the wall, Stiles decided to ring his dad and ask if he could take Stiles to the local goodwill. 

“Why are we here again?” The Sheriff asked as he went down the aisle, pushing a small trolley as Stiles led the way, wobbling from side to side. 

No matter how many clothes he put on, Stiles looked pregnant so he had stopped trying concealing the bump. He wore what he wore and when someone started staring a little too much - normally he would get Derek growling at them but without his Sourwolf, he would just glare right back at them until they grew uncomfortable and moved along. 

“I have this bare wall in the nursery so I need to get something to hang up there.” Stiles explained. “Maybe some photo frames or a canvas.” 

As they looked around, John spoke up, “You know, it feels like just yesterday you were this little kid dreaming about wizards and superheroes. And now, here you are, about to become a parent.” 

Stiles chuckled, feeling his son move from inside him. “I know. It’s surreal. But I’m so happy, dad.”  

“I know. I see it on your face. It makes me so proud.” They grinned at one another and carried on walking through. While Stiles glanced through the books for children’s books, the Sheriff said, “Do you have any concerns or worries?” 

“About becoming a parent? 

“Hm.” 

He sighed, “I guess I’m just wondering if I’ll be a good mama. What if I mess up?”  

Placing a hand on his son’s shoulder, John said, “Listen, no one is perfect. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay. What matters is that you love your child and learn from those mistakes. Just remember, it's a journey—a growing experience for all three of you.”

Sniffling, Stiles said, “But how did you and Mom handle everything? It all felt so effortless growing up.” 

John gave a laugh, “Effortless? We definitely had our moments! There were sleepless nights, tough decisions, and loads of uncertainty. But we leaned on each other. Communication and teamwork are key. Make sure you and Derek are on the same page. And look at you, you’re glowing and already so excited. This baby is so lucky to have you as their parent, Stiles. So lucky.” 

Stiles quickly wiped away a stray tear that fell. “Any other words of wisdom?”  

After thinking for a minute, he said, “A well-rested parent is a better parent.” 

Stiles laughed, shaking his head, “That’s solid advice, dad. You should put that on an inspiration poster.”” He then turned serious to his father, “I’m really glad I talked to you about this.” 

“Anytime, kid. Just know that you aren’t alone. We’re here for you, every step of the way. And one day, when your child asks you the same questions, I hope you’ll feel just as ready as I do now watching you.” 

The two hugged and took a moment to feel their hearts beat together before feeling the pup kick the Sheriff through Stiles’ stomach. That made the two Stilinski’s laugh loud and long. 

About half an hour into their shopping, the cart filled with nothing but some children’s books, a couple of yellow lampshades and some children’s DVDs. They made it to the photo frames stack and Stiles started going through them, selecting a couple that he thought would be good for some family photos when he yelled out with glee.  

John asked what was up and Stiles quickly showed him what he found. It was a big A2 gold frame and inside was a print. The print was of Bumblebees and wildflowers with a giant tree in the background that looked like the newly grown Nemeton. 

John watched his son’s smile so big that it made his own heart squeeze tight. He looked like his mother. The same smile. The same crinkled eyes. The moles. 

“It’s perfect, son.” He said but thought, ‘Just like you.’ 

****

When Derek got home from work, sweaty and exhausted, he just wanted to shower and take a big fat nap with his mate but when he heard a hammer being pounded against the wall, he quickly got running to the noise. 

In the nursery, he saw Stiles balancing on a step ladder, hammering nails into the wall. 

“Stiles?!” 

Stiles looked to where the wolf was standing and waved. “Hello!” 

“What are you doing up on a ladder?!” Derek rushed to him, lifting him up and off the ladder.

On solid ground, Stiles pouted. “I can go up a couple steps, Der.” 

“Not on my watch.” 

“You weren’t here.” 

“Well, I am now.” He huffed, “Give me the hammer.” 

Stiles sighed and gave the tool to the wolf before going over to the rocking chair to sit down. He softly rocked as he watched his wolf put up the rest of the frames. As he enjoyed the show of Derek stretching, Stiles stroked his stomach, loving the kicks he got in response. 

When all hung up, the Alpha stepped back and waited for Stiles’ reaction. 

“Oh, Derek.” He said, doe eyes growing watery, “I love it.” 

In the centre of the wall was the big bee print he found in the thrift store and dotted around that frame were a bunch of little frames with family pictures inside. One of Derek and Stiles, one of Derek and the Hales before the fire, one of Stiles and his parents, one of the newest ultrasound and another one of Derek and Stiles - this time with Stiles showing off his belly bump. 

Derek smiled down at his mate, who looked so content and happy, still rubbing his enlarged tummy. His inner wolf wanted to puff his chest out with pride but instead, he leaned down and gave a tender kiss to Stiles’ head and the stomach that housed his unborn pup. 

Chapter Text

In the glow of the late afternoon sun filtering through the sheer curtains, the living room looked like something out of a dream. Golden flecks danced in the air, settling on Stiles as he fluffed the couch pillows. He had music on in the background, a little love song playing from the speaker that sat on the coffee table, the room felt alive, wrapped in a gentle warmth.

After tidying the living room, Stiles, cradling his round belly with one hand, leaned against the wall as if it was his anchor. He wore his stretchy chequered pyjama bottoms and Derek’s sport jersey. He didn’t feel it but he looked beautifully radiant, though there were moments where weariness crossed his features, gesturing to the long journey to bring new life into the world.

Across the room, Derek stepped away from the kitchen, a towel draped over one shoulder and a playful glint in his eye. He caught a glimpse of his mate, and for a brief second, time stopped. Their eyes locked, and in that silent moment, all the chaos of the outside world melted away. A smile spread across his face—a mixture of love and mischief. He extended his hand towards Stiles, invitingly.

“Dance with me?” He asked, his voice gentle and soft.

“Sourwolf? Dancing? Are you sure?” 

“I can dance.” 

“Really?” 

Derek raised a bushy eyebrow, “You don’t believe me? Then let me prove you wrong.”

With a soft laugh that echoed around the room, Stiles moved towards him, his feet light despite the weight he carried. When he placed his hand in the Alpha’s, it was as if he was grounding himself amidst the whirl of emotions and anticipation. 

Derek pulled him close, fitting his arms around his waist with a tenderness that was almost reverent. Stiles nestled her head against his shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The wolf started to move them gently, swaying as though they were the only two souls in the universe, a rhythmic dance that felt as natural as breathing.

“I can’t wait ‘till our son gets here.” Derek murmured, his breath warm against Stiles’ ear. 

“Neither can I,” Stiles replied, his voice muffled slightly as he took in the scent of his wolf, a comfort he had known for years but now could freely enjoy. “It feels like a dream.”

“A good one?” 

“The best.” 

As they swayed, they talked quietly, their words flowing easily as they carved out this precious moment amidst uncertainty. Derek laughed softly, recalling the fun yet frantic preparations - a thousand little things to buy and do. Stiles smiled at his animated expression, loving how he immersed himself in every aspect of this journey.

“We still need a name.” Derek reminded. 

Stiles pouted, “Is Bumblebee not good enough?” 

“Stiles.” The Alpha nudged him, making the other man laugh. “Have any in mind?” 

“A few.” 

“Can I hear them?” 

Stiles leaned his weight against the wolf, knowing he had the strength to hold him up. He closed his eyes as they swayed. He answered, “Eli.” 

“Eli.” Derek let the name roll off his lips, testing it with a smile. “Eli. I like it.” 

“Eli David Stilinski-Hale.” Stiles said, eyes still closed. 

When hearing the middle name, Derek tensed up for a moment. “David… after-” 

“Your father? Yeah. Eli is Elias, after my grandfather so it seemed fitting.” 

Derek felt tears well up in his eyes as he breathed out, kissing the crown of Stiles’ head. “I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

In that moment, nothing mattered except the closeness they shared—the soft echoes of their words and the rising hope in their hearts. The music soared, wrapping around them like a blanket. They danced slowly, cherishing the feeling of the new life nestled between them, a connection so profound it felt like a secret between their family and the universe.

As the song reached its crescendo, Derek squeezed his mate a little tighter, holding him as if he could protect them both from the whirlwinds of life. Stiles looked up, meeting his gaze, eyes shimmering with tears- tears of joy. 

“I love you and I can’t wait to raise our son with you.” He said softly.

“I will always be by your side. No matter what.” Derek promised, brushing his lips against Stiles’ forehead. “You and Eli are my world.” 

“And you’re ours.” 

With the sun setting behind them, casting a beautiful hue across the room, they continued to sway softly, lost in each other and the melody. A perfect dance in the warm cocoon of their living room. 

Chapter Text

It was late at night and Stiles couldn’t sleep. 

Outside, the woods hummed with life—a stark contrast to the stillness that filled the dimly lit bedroom. He rolled over for what felt like the hundredth time, adjusting his position in the oversized pregnancy pillow that shaped itself around him. His swollen belly, an ever-present reminder of the little life he was nurturing, his little Eli, seemed to have a mind of its own, propelling him into discomfort with every slight movement. 

He glanced at the clock, its numbers glowing a relentless 2:47 AM. He sighed softly, a mixture of frustration and resignation. Sleep, which had once felt like an effortlessly simple joy, had transformed into a cherished fantasy, one just out of reach as his body hosted his Bumblebee. 

He looked over to see a sleeping Derek. His features calm and relaxed, mouth open slightly which made his adorable bunny teeth poke out from his upper lip. Stiles couldn’t help just watch the Alpha dream for a bit but soon, Stiles’ mind restarted again. 

Each night brought a new wave of anxieties: Would he be a good mother? Would their relationship survive the stress of a newborn? What would labour be like, and how would he manage the pain? His mind kept him up more than Eli did with his rolling and kicking. 

As he laid there, his belly hardened with a gentle kick from the baby inside, in that moment, all his fears faded slightly, replaced by a warmth that spread through his swollen chest. He placed his hand on his belly, feeling the rhythmic movements. 

“Not sleepy either, Bumblebee?” He whispered to his stomach. 

The baby responded with another kick, and Stiles couldn’t help but chuckle a little. 

“Stiles?” The tired raspy voice of the Alpha, made Stiles look over to see Derek rising on his elbow, tired eyes blinking slowly, his hair sticking up. “What’s going on? Why are you awake?”

Stiles reached over to flatten Derek’s bedhead. “Can’t sleep. Our son seems to like doing somersaults at 2am.”

Derek gave out a throaty chuckle, putting a hand over the belly to feel for himself. “Is that all?” He asked, seeing through Stiles. 

Stiles rolled his eyes with a deep sigh, “My mind is just filled with thoughts.” 

“What thoughts?” 

After a moment of hesitance, he asked, “Do you think I’ll be a good Mama?”

That woke the wolf right up, sitting up straighter, hand still on the bump. “Sweetheart, listen to me.” He said gently, only continuing when Stiles’ big brown eyes landed on his, “You’re going to be an amazing Mama. I’ve seen how kind and nurturing you are. Just look at how you take care of those around you.”

“But being a Mama is different. What if I don’t know how to comfort him when he cries? What if I don’t know what he needs?”

“You won’t always have the answers, Stiles, and that’s okay. It’s about figuring it out together, and I’ll be right there with you. We’re a team.” 

Stiles sniffled, pregnancy hormones settling in, “You make it sound so easy, but I can't help feeling like there’s so much pressure to get it all right.”

“There’s no manual for parenting, and no one expects you to be perfect.” Derek reached over to wrap his arm around Stiles’ shoulders, bringing him against his side. “Our mom’s probably felt the same way when they were pregnant with us. It’s all a learning process.”

“I just worry that I’m not cut out for it.” He said, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. “What if he needs something I can’t give him?” 

Derek kissed his temple, “You’re going to love him fiercely. That love will guide you. And if you ever feel unsure, we’ll figure it out together.” 

“You really believe that?” 

“Absolutely. You’re going to teach him so much. About kindness, about strength, about how to face the world, about how to break into the police files.” The two chuckled at the last bit. “Just look at how you’ve supported me, through everything. You’re already a wonderful role model. And the Nemeton thinks so too, else it would never have given us this.” 

Stiles smiled, though tears still fell, “When you put it that way, it does help. I just want to do right by our Bumblebee.”  

“And you will.” The wolf said confidently, “Just trust yourself. There will be hard days, and there will be great days. We’re going to figure it out, one moment at a time. Together.” 

“Thank you, Derek.” He kissed the Alpha, “I needed to hear that.” 

“You love our Eli so much already, Stiles. Just know that when he’s here, in our arms or sleeping in his crib, he’ll love you just as much. I just know it.” 

“I really love you.” 

Derek kissed his mate again, “I love you too, Stiles. I promise when I say that you’re going to be a fantastic Mama.”  

“And you’re going to be a great Dad, Der.” 

Derek’s chest rumbled with pride at the statement and kissed Stiles again, this time more passionately and hungry. When they pulled apart, Derek was smiling like a laughing hyena. 

“Why are you smiling at me like that?” Stiles questioned.

“You’re just so beautiful, Stiles.” 

Stiles rolled his eyes, “I’m really not, Der.” 

Derek rubbed at Stiles’ sides, rolling the shirt he was wearing to expose Stiles’ bump. He kissed it sweetly. “You’re growing our child, Stiles. You’re a miracle and you look so fucking sexy carrying my pups. I can hardly keep myself from kissing you all over every time I see you.” He gave the bump another kiss, feeling the pup moving from inside. Derek, giving him a tender kiss, said, “Let me show you how sexy you are to me.” 

Stiles was wearing one of Derek’s shirts which became the new norm as Stiles had gotten so round with Eli that he could hardly get his own clothes on. His nipples had started leaking randomly throughout the day, chest heavy with milk, ready to feed. And due to the leaking, Stiles wore a sports bra with nursing pads inside to keep the milk from soaking through. But he doesn’t wear them to bed which resulted in scenes like this. When Derek pulled back from a heated kiss, he looked down to see two wet spots seeping through the shirt. 

The Alpha growled nuzzling down at Stiles’ collarbone before reaching up to cup the breast through the shirt, thumb grazing the nub and making more liquid spill. 

“D-Derek, stop!” Stiles shivered, widening his legs so Derek could roll his hips between them. A blush on his cheeks. 

“Do you really want me to stop?” The wolf asked as he kissed his mate while continuing to grope, the bulging stomach hitting against his abs as he rocked his hips forward. 

The sound that came out from Stiles’ lips was a mix between a whimper, moan and mewl as he pushed his chest towards Derek’s wandering hands. 

Clothes were thrown and lube was used and in moments, Derek’s fingers were inside his moaning mate. Stiles’ nipples glistening with liquid, droplets falling down the small curves. 

Stiles' pupils were blown out, eyes black with arousal, and his breath was heaving, as Derek leaned in with a snarl. Then Derek latched on to one of those puffy nipples and gave a faint pull for milk. He yelled out, and Derek could feel him gush out an orgasm, right into the palm of Derek's hand. The wolf was delirious with lust and he sucked again, harder. Fluid beaded onto his tongue, sweet and watery but undeniably milk.

"Derek, Derek , please," Stiles begged.

Instead of answering, the wolf sucked again, in long hard pulls, liquid spilling, warm and sinful. 

“Fuck!” Stiles’ thighs quivering with need, moaning louder. “Derek! Derek! Ah !” 

Stiles whimpered in response as Derek lifted up to stare into Stiles’ glazed over eyes, at his pretty open mouth and flushed cheeks. 

"I want you inside me." Stiles whined out, tears in his eyes, “ Please .” 

Derek’s throat gave out a thunderous purring sound as he removed his fingers and reached down to hold himself, steadying himself to where he needed to be. 

The Alpha pushed Stiles’ legs further apart, baby bump on full display to him, along with his engorged chest. He sank inside easily, one continuous thrust forward. They groaned together at the feeling. 

“So beautiful. My perfect mate.” 

Stiles could only pant in reply. He was pink and raw around Derek. The way he fit around Derek's cock was hot and perfect and the muscles spasmed with pleasure.

Carefully gripping both of Stiles' hips, Derek worked his way out slowly, then snapped back in hard. Stiles let out a cry, music to the Alpha’s ears. 

"So good, sweetheart." Derek growled out, holding Stiles' hips tighter and angling his thrusts upwards. 

"Y-Yes, Derek , don't stop, don’t stop, don’t stop ." Stiles moaned, taking the ruthless rhythm of Derek's thrusts. He threw his head back against the pillow, showing off his neck to the wolf. Derek fucked into Stiles, red eyes staring at his mating bite and jostling pregnant belly, and Derek knew both of them were close. Stiles' walls were squelching wetly with every thrust, knot threatening to swell. 

Stiles came first as he yelled out and tensed up before shaking uncontrollably. Derek kept fucking into him, trying to hold on, but Stiles felt too damn good, all tight and wet and hot around him like that, and finally he came too with an animalistic roar. 

The knot slipped in as Stiles started to come down from his climax, spreading Stiles wider and wider. Derek was still in the midst of his own orgasm, pumping come uselessly into his already pregnant mate. 

Derek collapsed tiredly, gently lifting Stiles leg up so he could slot himself beside Stiles before twisting his mate on his side so he could spoon him from behind. 

Derek kissed the back of Stiles’ neck, “Feeling better?” 

Stiles hummed with contentment, snuggling into the embrace. He yawned, eyes fluttering.

Maybe now he’ll get some sleep. 

Chapter Text

Derek helped Stiles up the path to the Stilinski house. 

Stiles was eight months pregnant and he felt it. Large and tired. Sweaty and emotional. 

The wolf went to ring the doorbell, making Stiles frown. 

“What are you doing? When have I ever rang the doorbell?” 

“That’s because you have no manners.” 

“I was born in this house-” 

Derek quietened him with a kiss. One of surprise, passion and adoration. It made the pregnant man’s pant when they parted and with that, with his large belly and a smile that lit up his face, the door opened to find Melissa McCall and John Stilinski standing there, hands full of balloons and brightly wrapped gifts. "Surprise!" They shouted, overwhelming him with confusion. 

“W-What is this?” 

“This, Stiles,” Melissa stepped out, giving the pregnant man a kiss on the cheek, “is your baby shower!” 

The two urged him inside and Derek beamed from behind him. Stiles looked back to the wolf and huffed. “You knew about this, didn’t you?” 

Derek just shrugged innocently. 

Stiles’ heart swelled as he realised the effort they had put into this unexpected celebration. Blue streamers hung from every corner, and a large banner read, ‘Welcome Baby Boy!’ There was a table piled high with gifts and a delicious spread of snacks. A giant cake adorned with baby-themed decorations took centre stage, and Stiles hugged the pair tightly, chanting his thanks for the everything. 

“This is amazing!” Stiles wiped away tears as he looked around the room. He swiped some icing from the cake and tasted it, humming with approval. 

“Cake is after presents!” John called, pulling Stiles away. 

“But I’m hungry!” 

Derek came over, “I’ll make you a plate. Go sit and relax.” 

He kissed the wolf in gratitude before making his place on the sofa, still speechless of the decorations around him. 

“I can't believe this is for me!" He exclaimed, tears still brimming in his eyes. The warmth of their love enveloped him, and he felt grateful for the steadfast support of these incredible people. 

Derek gave his mate a big plate full of his favourite party food and Stiles ate with a large grin while Melissa and John spoke to him about stories of the preparation.  

When Stiles was done eating, they brought the gifts to him and one by one, the expecting couple opened them. They got the necessities like diapers, bottles, bibs and more. The exciting stuff came after. A baby blanket that Melissa knitted herself - orange and brown acorns stitched in the pattern. Lots of shirts, vests, shorts, trousers, shoes, socks, hats, jackets and so much more - all with different patterns, colours, media references and quotes. The toys and games - many woodland stuffed animals, wooden shape sorters, a pull along caterpillar, rattles, teething toys, walkers, an entertainment cube and a wooden duck pull along. But one of Stiles’ favourites was the Bumblebee crib mobile - all with the little bees, honeycombs and flowers that spin. 

The mood was light and joyous, a beautiful distraction from Stiles’ worries about impending motherhood. Derek beside him, lovingly squeezing his thighs as they enjoyed each gift. 

Just when Stiles’ thought all the presents were done, Derek stood and announced to him, “There are a couple more and they are from me. So close your eyes and wait.” 

“If this is a sexy thing, you should’ve waited until we got home.” He said, making his father hide his head in his hands. 

Derek just ignored the comment, while Melissa giggled, and left the room. Stiles closed his eyes and waited. 

“Okay. Open.” When the wolf said that, Stiles opened his eyes to see his Alpha standing in front of him with a stroller. 

It was a Diono Flexa Stroller, yellow and black. Yellow hood and storage space beneath. Also knitted bumblebees could be seen on a chain of string, strung across the hood for little Eli to reach for and grab. 

Tears returned as Stiles took in the stroller. “Oh, Der. You got the one I wanted.” 

“Yeah. I saw you eyeing it that day and put a deposit on it while you were distracted by the picture books.” Derek said, proud of himself. 

Stiles stood and went to the stroller, feeling the material and holding the handles as if to practise. He went to the Alpha and hugged him. 

“I love it. Thank you.” He muttered into Derek’s shoulder. 

The wolf kissed his mate’s head, “You and our Bumblebee deserve it all and more…. Including….” Derek went and got something from behind the couch. Stiles gasped when he saw it. It was the matching car seat. 

Stiles kissed Derek in gratitude. They held each other with joy and took in all the gifts around them. 

Melissa then brought forth the cake with a lit candle on top. 

“Make a wish!” She cheered. 

“All my wishes have already come true.” Derek said, kissing Stiles’ temple. 

Stiles then announced, “I wish for a painless birth!” He then blew out the candle. 

“I don’t think all the wishes in the world can grant such a thing, Stiles.” John half-joked. 

Stiles gave a face of mock offence, hand on his chest, “Excuse me! My son has the magic of an ancient tree in him, you never know, he might just teleport out of me when he’s ready.” 

Melissa cut the cake and gave a piece to each of them, laughing at the statement. 

The rest of the evening was spent eating, laughing, talking and watching movies. Also, Stiles took his time, looking at and holding each gift while stroking his belly, as if making sure Eli approved of all the presents. 

****

That night, Derek found Stiles in Eli’s nursery, lightly rocking in his rocking chair as he folded the new clothes he had gotten from John and Melissa in his lap. 

Seeing Derek, he smiled “Hey.” His voice was quiet and warm, filled with contentment. 

“Hey, Sweetheart.” He took steps forward, watching Stiles fold some duck patterned socks. Derek couldn’t help the large smile to appear on his lips. 

Stiles noticed. “What?” 

“You look so beautiful right now.”  

Stiles rolled his eyes. “Stop.” 

“Honestly, I’ve never seen you more radiant. It’s like you’re glowing.” Derek knelt at his mate’s feet, reaching up to stroke Stiles’ hips and thighs tenderly. 

“You’re just saying that to be nice.” He said, putting down the clothing he was holding, settling it on his belly like a table. “You say that nearly every night now.”  

“That’s because it’s the truth. I’ve always admired you, Stiles. Admired your bravery, loyalty, your weird yet incredible brain… but right now, I admire you more than ever. Each little movement you make, every glance at this belly bump… it just reminds me of how amazing you are.” 

Tears appeared in Stiles’ eyes and teased, “Even when I waddle?” 

“Especially when you waddle! It’s you. You and Eli.” He rubbed the stomach, feeling his son kick at his palm, “It’s perfect. I mean it. And just wait until you see how beautiful you are when you hold our Bumblebee.” 

The tears he was holding fell down his cheeks, though he was smiling. “Don’t make me cry, Derek.” 

“Come on now, no tears.” Derek reached out to wipe away the droplets from his mate’s face before resting his hand against Stiles’ face. “You’re my heart, Stiles Stilinski.” 

The pregnant man tugged Derek close by his shirt and the two shared a kiss.  

“And you’re mine, Derek Hale.” 

Chapter Text

As sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, it illuminated the vibrant colours of the various craft supplies spread across the table. Stiles sat perched on a stool. His upper body dressed in only one of his maternity bras, his belly looking like an expansive canvas waiting to be decorated. 

Derek looked over the instructions to the ‘Belly Casting Kit’ for the fourth time before nodding his head and putting the box down. 

“Are you ready for this, Sweetheart?” He asked, his eyes sparkling with joy as he held up the roll of plaster strips.

Stiles chuckled, his hand instinctively resting on his round belly. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Just promise me you won’t end up with plaster everywhere.” 

“I can’t promise anything.” 

As Derek got to work, he meticulously measured and cut the plaster strips while Stiles prepared himself for the first application. The air filled with a sense of closeness and warmth. They had spent countless nights dreaming about what it would be like to be parents, and now, in this moment, it felt so wonderfully real. 

“Alright, my beautiful canvas,” Derek said, mixing the plaster with water. “Time to put my artistic skills to the test!”

“You have no artistic skills.” 

“I do!” 

“Remember when we played Pictionary at my dad’s?” 

“That was a rocket and you know it!” 

“It looked like something else phallic shaped.” 

Derek rolled his eyes and dipped the first strip before he gently laid it over his mate’s belly. A shiver of surprise raced through Stiles as the cool plaster touched his skin, but it quickly melted into a warm sensation as Derek worked carefully, ensuring that each strip hugged his shape perfectly.

“Is it too cold? How does it feel?” He asked, his face serious. 

“It feels... strangely soothing,” Stiles replied, biting back a giggle as Derek fumbled slightly, trying to get the plaster just right. “You’re doing great, Picasso.”

As he layered on the strips, they chatted about everything — more like Stiles talked while Derek happily listened, chiming in whenever he had something to say. The conversation was punctuated by bursts of laughter as Stiles made witty remarks and the pouts on Derek’s grumpy face. 

Finally, after what felt like a whirlwind of laughter and creativity, Derek stepped back, surveying his work. “Ta-Dah! A masterpiece.” Derek said, dramatically gestured like a proud artist unveiling a painting at a gallery. 

Stiles looked down at his plaster-covered belly, and he couldn’t help but smile. It was an intricate, textured representation of his journey towards motherhood, a testament to the love and joy he felt. "It’s beautiful. Thank you, Sourwolf!"

Derek, unable to contain himself, grabbed his phone and snapped a picture. “This is going straight into the baby book.” For the past few weeks, Derek had been filling out a baby book for Eli to look through when he’s older, capturing moments of Stiles’ pregnancy journey and Derek’s own journey of becoming a father. It was a little project he would do when Stiles would fall asleep after dinner and he had a few hours to kill. 

He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Stiles’ forehead, a tender gesture filled with love and promise.

“But It’s not over yet.” Derek reminded, rummaging through the craft supplies. He pulled out colourful paint tubes. “It’s time to decorate.”

Stiles all but squealed with excitement, making grabby hands at the paint tubes. 

Derek guided Stiles to the table, where they squeezed vibrant colours onto palettes. Together, they dove into an art project like no other. Stiles painted whimsical flowers, while Derek splattered stars and little moons around the curves of his belly. They were oblivious to the mess forming around them; laughter and playful banter filled the air like a comforting  embrace.

As the sun began to set, casting soft hues of orange and pink across the kitchen, they sat back to admire their work, matching wild smiles on their faces. Stiles’ heart swelled with happiness; this was a memory that would last forever- one that would remind them of the joy, love, and anticipation they felt as they prepared to welcome their little Bumblebee.

Derek took Stiles to the couch so he could relax and watch Tv while the paint and cast fully dried. 

When dried, they carefully removed their colourful canvas from Stiles’ belly and admired it together. 

The two placed the plaster dome on top of one of the chest of drawers in the nursery and while Derek made dinner, Stiles rocked on the rocking chair in the corner of the room and stared at the plaster belly bump with a smile of contentment, stroking his belly and feeling Eli kick against his palm. 

****

Derek sat cross-legged on the living room floor while Stiles was sprawled out on the couch, his pregnant belly prominently displayed. He looked at Derek, eyes sparkling with affection. “Are you really going to read to Bumblebee?” He teased lightly, a smile playing on his lips.

Derek grinned, his heart fluttering with a mix of nervousness and excitement. He nodded enthusiastically, holding up a beloved children’s book, ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ . It was a classic, and he felt a strange sense of joy in sharing this moment.

“Why not? I talk to him all the time so what’s the difference? I need to practise on my storytelling abilities too.” He explained, glancing down at Stiles’ belly, at the evidence of his son. “What if this becomes his favourite story?”

Stiles chuckled, adjusting his position to get more comfortable, one hand resting protectively over his bump, the other reaching out to stroke Derek’s hair. “Then that’s proof that Eli has been listening to us the entire time.”

Taking a deep breath, Derek opened the book, savouring the familiar scent of worn paper. He began to read, his voice soft. “ ‘Once there was a boy named Max, who wore a wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another…’ ”

As he read, he felt like they were all enshrined in a magical bubble, a secret world woven from words and imagination. The cadence of his voice filled the room, wrapping around them like a knitted sweater. He glanced at Stiles, who listened intently, his smile wide as he imagined their child revelling in the story.

“‘ When Max got to the land of the Wild Things,’ ” he continued, “‘ he danced and roared like a wild thing, and they made him their king! What a fun adventure that must have been.’” He glanced down at Stiles’ belly, wondering what adventures awaited their child, who would soon join this world bursting with wonders.

Stiles chuckled and put his hand against the lower part of his stomach, “Eli’s wiggling. He’s enjoying the story.” He said, his voice thick with emotion.

Derek put his own hand onto the bump so he could enjoy the movements of his unborn son as he continued the tale. 

“ ‘And when the wild things got too wild, Max said, ‘I’ll eat you up!’ But really, he didn’t want to be that scary. He just wanted to go home.’ ”

As he reached the story’s conclusion, Derek’s own eyes became misty, “ ‘And so Max, the wild king, sailed back home to find his supper waiting for him—still hot. He had been loved, and that made all the difference.’ ”

Closing the book, he felt a sense of warmth rush through him. He looked into his mate’s brown eyes, which shimmered with tears of happiness. 

“Do you think Eli knows how much I love him?” It was a genuine question, a peek into the vulnerability of a father’s heart.

“Absolutely,” Stiles replied, leaning over to kiss Derek. “Every time you’re near or you talk, he wiggles and kicks like he’s demanding your attention.”

Derek chuckled softly, a mix of joy and disbelief. “I can’t wait to read him more stories… about adventures, love, and the wild things that come our way.”

A lull settled over them, filled with quiet peace. They exchanged glances, kisses and tender touches - a shared understanding of the journey that lay ahead. Soon, their little Bee would be there, only a few weeks to go, ready to explore the world beyond. They would read stories together, build forts, and share secrets under the twinkling fairy lights that illuminated their home.

In that moment, under the twinkling light of a cosy cabin, they found gratification in the uncertainty, joy in the unknown, and love in the most magnificent adventure of all— parenthood.

Chapter Text

With his due date only days away, Stiles struggled sleeping but on this night, he was deep in slumberland. 

The moon hung high in the sky, casting silvery beams through the trees, illuminating the cosy home. But that night, something stirred within him- a whisper from the woods beyond.

As the clock struck two, Stiles, still asleep, slipped quietly from his bed, his feet padding softly across the wooden floor. He moved past the oblivious Derek, who was still snoring. He opened the front door and stepped onto the dewy grass, feeling the cool air envelop him. It was serene and enchanting, almost as if the night itself called out to him. With each step deeper into the forest, he felt as if he were dreaming, swept away by a force he couldn’t resist. Consciousness was very thin yet his body moved like he was a puppet being controlled by something unseen. 

The moonlight illuminated a narrow path twisting through the trees, his heart keeping a steady rhythm as he walked. The sounds of the forest- rustling leaves, distant hoots of owls, and the gentle crunch of twigs underfoot- created a symphony. Yet, it was another sound that caught his attention: a low, resonant voice that seemed to hum through the air.

“Stiles…”

He paused, blinking as he searched the darkness. The voice wrapped around him like a warm blanket, guiding him further into the heart of the woods. When he finally arrived at a small clearing, he gasped. There stood an immense tree, its gnarled trunk twisted and ancient, branches reaching out like welcoming arms. The tree's bark glimmered faintly in the moonlight, and it felt alive, pulsating with wisdom.

“The N-Nemeton?” He stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’ve grown so much since I last saw you.”

“My power is at its fullest,” The tree spoke, its voice low and melodic, resonating like the heartbeat of the earth. “All thanks to you and your wolf.”

Stiles felt a shiver of awe and trepidation, never having heard the Nemeton’s voice before this night. “Why have you called me here?”

“Your journey is almost complete, dear Stiles. The new life that stirs within you, destined to be a part of this world and this forest,” The tree said, its branches swaying gently, as if beckoning him closer. “He is on his way.”

In that moment, Stiles placed a hand over his rounded belly, feeling a soft kick as if Eli recognized the presence of magic. “He’s coming? Now?”

“Tonight.” The Nemeton confirmed. 

Tears shimmered in Stiles’ eyes as he absorbed the weight of the words. “What must I do?”

“Trust your instincts, entrust the magic, allow me to aid in the journey.” 

As it spoke, the forest began to come more alive, every leaf and branch dancing in a gentle breeze, wrapping Stiles in comfort. For a fleeting moment, Stiles felt the essence of motherhood swirl around him like a cocoon—a protective barrier woven from love and wisdom. Eli kicked again, this time more energetic. 

But soon, a distant sound jolted him back to reality—the urgent chirp of crickets, the low growl of the wind, and an echoing call from the depths of the forest. He looked around and saw Derek, shirtless, barefoot and half shifted, full on sprinting towards him, calling his name. 

Now fully conscious, awakened by his Alpha, he stumbled. Derek caught him, chest panting. 

“Stiles! I woke up and you weren’t there and I followed your scent and-” 

“Derek. Derek.” Tears of happiness came sprouting from Stiles’ eyes as he cupped Derek’s cheek. “The Nemeton brought me here. It said that Eli is coming. Tonight.” 

Taking in what his mate had said, Derek’s eyes widened, “T-Tonight? How can you be so sure?” 

At that moment, Stiles felt a pop inside him and the pair looked down at the ground to see water dripping down Stiles’ legs, gathering a puddle in the mud at his feet. His water had broken. 

Stiles looked at Derek, mouth open wide with shock, “I-I think I’m sure….”  

“W-We should get you inside-” 

“No!” Stiles’ cut him off, almost fearful, “No. I must be here, with the Nemeton.” 

“Stiles-” 

“No. Derek, please trust me on this.” 

Looking at the face of the man he loved, the man that was about to bring his son into the world, Derek couldn’t do anything but put all his trust into Stiles. “I trust you.” He told him, “And I’m with you, by your side.” 

Tears continued to stream down Stiles’ cheeks but he was smiling, “Ready to meet our Bumblebee, Derek?” 

His own eyes began to tear up at the question and replied, “Never been more ready in my life.” 

****

The air around the Nemeton was thick with an otherworldly energy. As Stiles rested at the base of its massive trunk, placing his hand against the rough bark, feeling the pulse of the magic echoing against his palm. It was as if the tree could hear his heart, matching its speed. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to breathe in the scent of damp earth and aged wood.

“Please,” He whispered into the night sky, “help me bring my son into this world safely.”

In response, the tree seemed to tremble, its leaves rustling though there was no wind. Shadows danced around him, deepening as twilight settled in. Before he knew what was happening, the ground beneath him shuddered, roots stretching outward as if to embrace him.

Derek, kneeling beside him, yelled out in worry, “Stiles! What’s happening?!” 

“Shh.” Stiles said softly, seeing the roots glow with that same golden magic. “It’s okay. It’s okay, Der. Don’t be afraid.” 

Stiles felt no pain, just joy, nervousness and anticipation. Derek wanted to stop it but instead he had to watch his pregnant mate be enveloped in the vines of the Nemeton. The roots coiled around him, soft yet firm, bringing him closer to the heart of the ancient being. There was no fear in Stiles, only a profound sense of connection - a merging of life and nature.

As the roots pulled him in, visions flooded Stiles’ mind. He saw his own mother's face. Her kind eyes matched his own brown orbs. Her joyous smile that always had a hint of playfulness. The light freckles on her cheeks. And her brown curly hair that framed her face. She was looking at Stiles with so much love and she reached out, grazing her hand against Stiles’ cheek. He felt it and gasped. 

“M-Mom?” 

“Hey, Mischief.” 

Stiles let out a wet sob, reaching out like a child and after years, he was hugging his mother. He held on tight, not wanting to let go but eventually he did and his mother was cradling his face in her hands. 

“I am so proud of the person you’ve become, Stiles.” She told him, kissed her son’s forehead, then looked down at the bump between them. She lightly touched the dome. “Your Eli is ready.” 

“I miss you, Mom.” 

“I know, Honey. But I’ve never stopped watching you grow.” 

“Even during the naughty parts?” Stiles said, smirking. 

Claudia wetly chuckled at her son, shaking her head fondly. 

The two just stared at one another, taking in the face in front of them as if memorising each and every inch. 

Then she said her goodbye’s, her last words being, “Never stop believing in magic.” 

As soon as those words were said, Claudia vanished in soft golden light. 

Being brought back to his situation, he hugged his rounded belly as the Nemeton’s vines hugged him closer. With each heartbeat, Stiles felt the pulse of the tree, stronger than ever. He gasped as a torrent of energy rushed through him, intertwining his spirit with the life within him. The tree was alive around him, its wisdom cocooning him, promising protection and encircling warmth. In that moment, as twilight deepened, a flicker of golden light burst from inside him, illuminating the darkness. Still, he felt no pain, the Nemeton taking all discomfort so Stiles could enjoy the journey he was on. 

With a soft sigh, Stiles surrendered to the experience. The tree hummed with energy, the sound vibrating through his every cell. Just as it held him, he felt Eli within him stir and respond. The world faded away as he grew weightless, unbound by earthly concerns. In that sacred space, time lost meaning, and the essence of life transcended human understanding.

Derek watched the Nemeton glow a golden light. The same light Stiles had described to him a million times. Seeing the beauty for the first time, it made his heart race and inner wolf howl. 

“Stiles!” He called. 

The only response was the light getting bigger and brighter, causing Derek to squint. It continued glowing brighter and brighter and brighter and brighter until- 

WHOOSH! 

The light burst out and the force of it threw Derek back and to the ground, leaving the wolf unconscious. 

Chapter Text

Derek blinked awake after a moment of unconsciousness and for a moment, he forgot where he was. 

The sound of a baby crying brought him out of his haze. The wolf quickly looked towards the noise and saw Stiles, now free from the Nemeton’s branches, leaning against the bottom of the stump. He was exhausted, sweat shining his pale skin, his eyes blinked slowly as the brown orbs stared at the crying new-born baby cradled in his arms. 

Eli. 

Eli David Stilinski-Hale. 

Red faced, nude, little hands scrunched up to the sky as if angry to be taken away from the warmth of his Mama’s stomach. Deep brown hair covered his tiny head, chubby cheeks and the same small nose and beauty marks as his Mama. But the strong brow and thick lips of his Daddy. The perfect mix of them both. 

Derek stumbled to his feet as his eyes were fixed on the two. Frozen for a moment. His mate. His son. 

Stiles looked up and smiled weakly at the other man. “Look, Eli. It’s your Daddy.” 

Derek took a shaky step forward, as if in some sort of shock. “S-Stiles.” 

“Well, come on, Sourwolf. Come meet your son.” 

That made Derek rush over to the pair, kneeling down at them. He stroked Stiles’ face with one hand as the other reached out to gently touch Eli’s cheek. The baby then stopped crying, sensing his Alpha. The babe then opened his eyes and they shined a beautiful gold - the same gold as the magic, the gold of a wolf. 

Derek’s own eyes glowed red in response and leaned down to nuzzle his son in his scent, gaining a whine from Eli, wiggling his little body. 

Stiles watched with a small laugh. 

The new found parents looked at one another, their son between them, and shared a loving kiss that told so much emotion. Love, trust, devotion, gratitude, pride. 

They rested their foreheads against one another, taking in a moment to breathe. 

“It came true.” Stiles whispered. 

Derek frowned, “What came true?” 

“My wish. At the baby shower- I wished for a painless birth.” He said, still smiling like a lunatic, “It came true. I felt no pain. Only joy and- and - oh, Derek - I saw my mother.” Tears streamed down his smiling face, reminiscing in the memories of being inside the tree. 

Derek kissed him once more, running his fingers through his mate’s sweaty hair. Eli let out a small noise of hunger, mouth opening and closing, head moving to find milk. 

Stiles and Derek watched their son and let out a chuckle. 

“Let’s take you two home.” Derek said, lifting up his family and taking them back to the cabin. 

****

Derek knew he was staring but he held no shame in it. 

He was watching his mate, the love of his life, cradle their new-born son to his chest. The outside world quickly fading as their home was finally complete. 

To him, Stiles had always possessed a certain grace, an effortless beauty that radiated even when Stiles couldn't see it. Today, freshly showered, a hint of sleep still lingering in his face, he seemed more radiant than ever. It was a sight he had dreamed of for months, yet nothing could have prepared him for the profound joy that flooded his heart.

Eli nestled against Stiles’ small breast, tiny hands fluttering like delicate butterflies against pale skin. The rhythmic sound of his gentle suckling filled the room, punctuated by the soft rustle of blankets, creating a melody of love and tenderness. Derek could hardly believe this was his life. It felt amazingly weird but overwhelmingly real, a beautiful blend of the ordinary and extraordinary.

He recalled the countless hours they had spent preparing for this moment: the late-night discussions about parenting, the endless shopping for baby supplies. And now, here they were- a family. His family. 

Seeing Stiles’ eyes sparkle with an indescribable mix of pride and contentment. He looked up at him, his smile soft, as if they shared an unspoken secret, a bond forged in the tiniest moments of their new life. Derek felt a swell of emotions rush through him, an overwhelming desire to freeze this moment forever.

“Isn’t he perfect?” Stiles whispered, his gaze returning to Eli, who had gently drifted off to sleep, nipple still in his mouth, his tiny features serene and angelic.

Derek felt a lump form in his throat as he nodded, unable to find the words. Instead, he pushed himself up from where he was leaning against the door frame and crossed the room to sit beside Stiles on the bed. 

Eli woke, realised that he was still hungry and carried on suckling. 

Stiles looked at Derek, gaining a kiss from the wolf before they both went back to watching their son nurse. 

“He really is perfect,” Derek murmured, finally finding his voice, “and you—you’re incredible, Stiles. I can’t believe how strong you’ve been.”

Stiles blushed lightly and looked at him with love-soaked eyes. “It took two to tango, Sourwolf.”

“On top of an ancient magic tree stump, yes,” He replied jokingly, squeezing Stiles’ hand tightly. “But watching you care for Eli... grow him and now nurse him… you’re just… I love you so much.”

Stiles kissed him again, and for a moment, they basked in the calm after a hectic night. 

Eli fell asleep again, his time unlatched and snoring. And seeing this, Derek helped Stiles cover his chest with the blanket that covered his shoulders. 

Derek could hardly shake the feeling of luck that enveloped him. It was more than just the privilege of being a father; it was witnessing the seamless, beautiful transition of Stiles into motherhood. Each day promised new challenges, but at this moment, all he could feel was gratitude.

“Thank you for making me the luckiest man in the world,” He whispered, the words carrying the weight of his heart.

Stiles turned his gaze to his wolf, his smile widening, and in that gaze, Derek saw a reflection of the beautiful future ahead of them, filled with laughter, challenges, and an unbreakable bond. 

For now, they were exactly where they were meant to be- together and holding their precious tree gift. 

Chapter Text

When the front door rattled with excited knocks, Derek didn’t need to use any of his sharp senses to know exactly who was on the other side. 

He swung open the door with a proud smile, his shirt fresh and his hair still wet from his shower, and there - on the other side of the door - was a very happy looking John Stilinski and Melissa McCall. 

“Hey!” They exclaimed, pulling Derek into a heartfelt embrace. The excitement in their eyes was contagious, and Derek felt his heart swell with joy.

“Where’s the little man?” John asked, his voice filled with the gentle bravado of a grandfather. 

“Right this way!” Derek led them into the cosy living room, where soft light filtered through the windows, illuminating the serene space. In a comfortable armchair, Stiles cradled a bundle swaddled in a blanket, his smile big as he looked up at them entering the room. He looked tired but was showered and dressed. 

“Hey, Dad.” Stiles whispered, arms rocking the sleeping baby gently. “Hey, Melissa.” 

Melissa felt her breath catch in her throat when seeing the baby. There he was—the tiny being that had changed all their lives in ways they hadn’t yet imagined. Stiles gently shifted his son, revealing a cherubic face. His cheeks round, and a tuft of dark hair peeked out from the blanket, his tiny fists curled in slumber.

“H-He’s here.” The Sheriff whispered, almost unbelievable. “I can’t believe- Oh, Son, He’s amazing.” 

Stiles, with Derek’s help, stood up and went up to the pair and properly showed them the newest member of their little family. “Here he is. Dad, Melissa, meet Eli.” 

“Eli,” Melissa repeated, her voice a gentle melody of love. “What a beautiful name.” 

“Hello, Eli.” John said and he reached out his hands, and Stiles carefully placed Eli into his arms. The moment their skin made contact, a rush of warmth enveloped the Sheriff’s heart, and he felt an overwhelming sense of connection. Tears gathered in his eyes as he looked at his grandson, seeing bits of his son, himself and his late wife in the features. He looked at the new parents with glee, “He’s adorable.” 

Derek wrapped his arm around Stiles as they watched the two fond over their son. 

“He’s named after Grandpa Elias?” John asked as he and Melissa sat down, their full attention still on the sleeping pup in front of them. 

“Yeah.” Stiles said, sipping his coffee next to them on the couch, “And his middle name is David, after Derek’s father.” 

“You’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill.” Melissa said to Eli, teasingly. 

Derek laughed quietly, taking a seat next to his mate. “We’re just hoping he fills his own shoes.”

“I can already tell that he’s going to be incredible.” She said. 

And John nodded to that and added, “Especially with you two as his parents.”

The Sheriff then gently gave Eli to Melissa and she held him with skilled hands, instinctively rocking the baby as if he were an extension of her own heart. 

That was when Eli squirmed and blinked open his wide brown eyes. 

They looked into the familiar oak eyes, which fluttered as he yawned, revealing a gaze so innocent and full of wonder.

“Look at those eyes,” She said, her voice thick with emotion. “I know those eyes anywhere.”

Derek kissed Stiles’ temple as he said, “He’s got his Mama’s eyes.” 

“And his nose,” John quipped. “Fell right down from the family tree.”

“But look at those brows!” Melissa laughed. Eli was frowning as he inspected the person holding him, seemingly deciding if he was safe or not. “Those are your Daddy’s, aren’t they!” 

The adults chuckled at that.

As they passed the baby back and forth between them, taking pictures. Laughter and stories filled the room—their dreams of future adventures with Eli, hopes for his education, and heartfelt promises of love and support. They talked about the days ahead: picnics in the park, bedtime stories, and teaching him how to ride a bike.

And when Eli started crying, demanding his Mama, Stiles took him and as soon as Eli could smell Stiles’ scent against his nose, he quietened and started looking for a nipple. 

Once Stiles got comfortable, resting on the couch with Eli on a nursing pillow, the blanket Melissa knitted covering the chest and feeding child for privacy, Stiles told Derek to get the gifts from the kitchen. 

“Gifts?” John asked, confused. 

“Just a little something to say how thankful we are for you two being there for us.” Stiles explained. 

Derek came in with two gift bags, one blue, one pink and handed the pink to Melissa and the blue to the Sheriff. 

“Oh, Honey, you didn’t need to get us anything.” Melissa insisted, holding the bag on her lap. 

Derek shrugged, “It’s the least we could do to let you know how amazing you two have been. Especially when helping Stiles and Eli.” 

“Enough of the mushy emotional things!” Stiles called out, sniffling, “My post-partum hormones can’t handle it. Just open them!” 

They smiled as they opened their gifts. John exclaimed with joy when seeing his. It was a mug. It was blue, white and grey with the words ‘World’s best Grandpa’ on it. 

“Thank you. I’ll never use another mug.” He half-joked, making the new parents chuckle. 

Melissa was quiet. 

They turned to her and saw her silently crying as she stared at her gift. It was a matching mug. Pink, white and grey. The words ‘World’s best Grandma’ written on it. 

“Melissa?” Stiles said, voice a little hesitant. 

She looked up, tears flowing, a hand over her mouth. “R-Really? You’ll let me be Eli’s Grandma?” 

Stiles smiled, “Only if you want to…” 

“Of course I do! Oh, Stiles! I’d be so honoured.” She side hugged Stiles as best she could, not wanting to disturb Eli, who was oblivious to the rest of the world - his only priority being milk. Melissa then hugged Derek tightly, whispering her thank you’s to him as he held her just as tight. 

It was a joyous day filled with peace, love and family. 

Chapter Text

Birds chirped a melodic symphony overhead as Stiles, Derek and Eli made their way through the woods, the air rich with the smell of earth and pine, making the whole world outside the preserve seem distant, unimportant. 

Stiles cradled Eli, wrapped in a bee blanket, his heart swelling with joy as they approached the Nemeton. The tree stood towering and majestic in front of them, a wise sentinel with gnarled roots and branches that stretched out like welcoming arms. Its magic now fully powered and the air around it swirled with a new layer of energy that sent shockwaves through whoever entered the Nemeton’s space. 

Derek stepped forward, his eyes sparkling as he gazed up at the tree with pride and wonder. "Thank you,” He whispered to the oak, “for our little Eli."

Stiles smiled, feeling the soft weight of Eli against his chest, the babe’s soft breaths grounding him. and added, "This tree has been a part of our lives for so long. I can’t wait to tell Eli about everything that happened here."

As they approached the massive trunk, Derek gently took Eli from Stiles’ arms, cradling him as if he were the most delicate treasure. Stiles held his breath, his heart fluttering as he watched them scent one another. 

From his pocket, Stiles took out his latest offering for the Nemeton. Poppy seeds - harvested from their garden. He went over and buried the seeds beneath the soil at the tree’s base, humming softly. 

Derek drew closer to the tree, leaning against its rugged bark, a smile gracing his face as he whispered something to their son. He then looked at Stiles, his gaze intense and full of promise.

"Stiles?" He said softly, "Come here, Sweetheart."

Frowning with confusion, Stiles stood, dusting the dirt from his hands as he went over to his mate and son. “Der?” 

“This place used to resemble something terrifying. But now… look at what its given us.” 

“Powerful magic is always terrifying, Derek.” Stiles Said, reaching out to stroke Eli’s sleeping face, smiling when the pup reacted to the touch. 

“That’s true but… I've never seen a magic more beautiful than seeing you grow our son, Stiles.”

Stiles shrugged, “That was the Nemeton.” 

“Not just the Nemeton, Stiles. It was you. You.” Derek held so much love in his eyes, it made Stiles squirm as the wolf kept talking, “Every day with you is a new adventure. I love how you see the world, the way you find joy in the little things. Being around you just… makes me happier than I ever thought I could be.”

Stiles’ cheeks turned bright red, voice suddenly shy, “You’re making me blush.” 

“Good!” The Alpha said, excitedly, “You deserve to know how amazing you are.”  

He rolled his eyes at that. “You tell me all the time.” 

“And I’m gonna keep telling you.”  Derek reached over to hold Stiles’ hand, squeezing it tight, “I love you so much. You’re my best friend, my confidant, my mate, the Mama to my son."

“Der?” 

Derek gave Eli back to Stiles then took something out of his pocket and lowered himself to one knee. Stiles gasped and the air around them grew with a warm glow. 

“I don’t want to imagine my life without you by my side. You make everyday brighter, and I want you to be mine, and I want to be yours, in every way possible.” 

Tears of joy fell from Stiles’ eyes as he listened to Derek - and sensing the attention not being on him, Eli woke up and started wiggling and cooing in his Mama’s neck. 

Derek opened his hand and presented Stiles with a ring. A gold band with Triskelion's carved into the sides where a natural Moss Agate stone was welded onto the band. It was beautiful. 

More tears fell as Stiles saw the ring, hand over his mouth in stunned shock at its beauty. 

“So Mieczyslaw Wojciech Stilinski, will you marry me?” 

At that moment, time had suspended. Stiles could hardly believe this was happening, here, beneath the sprawling branches of the ancient tree that symbolised their journey.

“Yes.” He sobbed. 

“Yes?” 

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” He exclaimed, bursting with joy.

Derek slipped the ring onto his mate’s finger, and it fit perfectly, as if it had always belonged there. Stiles’ knelt in front of him, and they shared a tender kiss as the ancient tree stood witness to their promise- a promise of forever, of family, and of love that would only grow stronger with time.

As they embraced, Eli gurgled happily between them, unaware of the magic swirling around him. The preserve seemed to echo their joy, the leaves rustling softly like a gentle applause - though there was no wind. This place, so rich in memories, now cradled their future in its embrace, and together they began to weave the next chapter of their story, surrounded by nature, love, and the endless possibilities that lay ahead. 

“I love you, Derek.” Stiles whispered, the bubble they’ve created so tender, not wanting it to break by too much noise. 

Matching his tone, Derek said, “And I love you, Stiles. So so much.” 

Just as they were about to kiss again, Eli let out a little whine, making his parents chuckle and look down at him. 

“We love you too, Eli.” The Alpha reassured, kissing Eli’s head. 

Stiles followed along, giving Eli his own flutter of kisses, “Our most precious gift.” 

“A gift we’ll cherish.” 

“Forever.” 

The End :3