spamalot } { of bonding time and candyland

[impetere]

Stiles: [it's been a long, long day. Cora went to have time with her sister and he was working at home. It was his first time really alone, alone with Ben and they had bonding time while Dina was off at school. And then he went to pick her up and there was coloring and well, Stiles' energy started running out while he was feeding Ben and he laid back on the couch with Ben on his chest, one hand protectively holding him in place. Dina soon crawled up to join the Stilinski pile, and they watched My Little Pony until both father and daughter joined the baby in naptimes]

Cora: [after being abducted by Laura, Cora was taken back to Laura's house and promptly put to sleep in her and Jason's guest room. It was desperately needed, because she could feel the edges of her temper fraying with her exhaustion. It was only a few hours, but she woke up feeling a lot better about things in general. It's amazing what good sleep can do. So when Laura takes her home, she opens the door and spots the pile her family has formed on the couch and she can't help but smile. She studies the couch for a moment to try and figure out how to join them, but then she comes up with a better idea, making her way closer and brushing a kiss against Stiles' forehead as she reaches to very gently take Ben.]

Stiles: [there's a small groan and he opened his eyes, hands on auto-reflex to actually clutch Ben tighter. Then he saw it was Cora and he smiled, his grip loosening] You're home.

Cora: [smiles as she scoops Ben up, letting his head rest against her shoulder] Yeah. Wanna take this upstairs?

Stiles: Yeah, we can do that. [and he will shift, pulling Dina easily into his arms. She goes to hug his neck, cuddling close as he stands up and turns the TV off]

Cora: [and up they go to their bedroom, where she will slide in on her side of the bed with Ben cuddled against her chest, waiting for Stiles to put Dina down before settling the infant]

Stiles: [and he will put Dina between them, as young kids often go, but he will also angle himself so that he can still kiss his wife without reach awkwardly over child] You have a good day with Laura?

Cora: [she nods slowly] I slept. A lot. It was very nice. [and once Dina is settled and she's kissed by Stiles, she inches a little lower so that she's lying flat and can settle Ben on his back next to his sister.]

Stiles: [he just looks at this image and reaches across the kids to take Cora's hand] I love you.

Cora: [glances up at him with a smile and squeezes his hand] I love you too.

Stiles: [he's very happy. This right here - this was all he wanted when he was 18. And now he has it and he is so thankful for it every time he takes the step back to look at it.]

Cora: [she's happy too. Which is the other half of why her sister kidnapped her because a stressed and sleep deprived Cora is not a happy Cora. Her eyes drop from his after a moment and go to Ben, still try to sort out all the urges and instincts that come with him]

Stiles: [he looked at her a moment, tilting his head] You okay?

Cora: [she nods] Yeah. It's just ... a lot, sometimes.

Stiles: [chuckles softly] Yeah, yeah it is. But you'll get there. And you're not alone.

Cora: I know. It's just ... sometimes I don't want to let him out of my sight and other times I don't want him anywhere near me and I just ... wish it would even out already.

Stiles: [he squeezed her hand] I'm not going to be an expert on what are human and what are wolf instincts, but that is very normal. It doesn't really go away, it just makes more sense after a while.

Cora: I didn't think it would go away. I just ... wish it didn't yoyo so much.

Stiles: is there anything I can do to help? I mean, when you feel the pushing away part, maybe I need to come rescue you more?

Cora: Maybe. But I can't expect you to be home all the time. [there's a beat] Maybe it'll get better when I go back to work.

Stiles: Well, yeah, but if I'm here at least I can help. Or you can call me and I will reassure you over the phone. Too bad the mate bond doesn't come with telepathy.

Cora: [she laughs a bit] Yeah, too bad. [there's a pause as she glances up at him] Can you feel it? When I'm really stressed?

Stiles: I'm still trying to learn. Sometimes I get this like... just twitch? Like when I get nervous and my hands twitch but it's in my head and not my hands?

Cora: [she nods a bit] I guess it manifests differently for different people.

Stiles: How do you know when I'm panicking?

Cora: [she considers for a moment, gesturing with one hand] Kind of like a knot in my stomach? The heavier it gets, the worse you are.

Stiles: Huh. I get that when you're in pain. Like the twenty million contractions.

Cora: [she laughs] Sorry about that.

Stiles: Not your fault. I totally blame Ben for taking his sweet ass time. [he purses his lips] Oops. [trying to stop cussing is not working]

Cora: [she laughs again] I don't think he understands it. You're safe for a little while.

Stiles: Well, I'm worried about my six year old clone. Melissa says I cuss too much and need to stop around her.

Cora: Ahhh. Good point.

Stiles: I was cussing by her age per my parents. Mostly because I listened into Dad's phone calls when no one was looking.

Cora: [she laughs] I didn't really start until high school.

Stiles: Yeah, I was already completely evil at that point.

Cora: [she laughs] You weren't that bad.

Stiles: You were completely biased.

Cora: If you were completely evil, I wouldn't have fallen in love with you in the first place.

Stiles: Well, you're obviously just a glutton for punishment. [grins]

Cora: If you hadn't figured that out already, you clearly don't know me that well. [and as she finishes there's a fussy noise from the baby next to her, as his arms and legs start to kick and he starts to wake up from his nap]

Dina: [and one of those legs kick her head] Ow!

Stiles: Looks like naptime is over.

Cora: It was good while it lasted. [and Ben opens his eyes and immediately demands to be attended to, which leads to Cora sitting up and scooping him up to try and quiet him]

Dina: [fussy noises, going to curl up with Stiles] Ben kicked me. That's mean.

Stiles: He's too little to know it's not a good thing, Dina. You used to kick me all the time.

Dina: [whines and snuggles still]

Cora: He's just trying to find the ground, sweetie. He didn't realize your head was in the way.

Stiles: [shakes his head] Come on, princess. Why don't we go look at what we can make Mommy for dinner?

Cora: That'd be good. And I can see if I can make Ben less cranky.

Dina: Can we has mac and cheese? With hot dogs?

Stiles: Can we HAVE Mac and cheese.

Dina: That's what I said!

Cora: [laughs softly] I think we might be outta hot dogs.

Dina: NOOOOOOOOOOOO. [dramatic flop onto the bed]

Cora: Tell you what, after I drop you off at school tomorrow, I'll go to the store and make sure we have them for dinner tomorrow. How's that sound?

Dina: Okay. But what are we gonna have with the mac & cheese now?

Stiles: Almost any meat in the world?

Dina: [thinks] Bacon?

Cora: We definitely have bacon.

Stiles: I think I can find a bacon mac and cheese recipe. But we need a veggie.

Cora: Peas and carrots!

Stiles: [smiles at Cora] I think we have a menu.

Cora: Perfect. I'll be down in a little bit.

Stiles: Come on, kiddo. I cook, you stir. [and off they go to make the dinner in which Dina INSISTS that the veggies get mixed into the Mac and Cheese so that they can all eat out of bowls]

Cora: [doesn't really have a problem with that as she takes care of baby things and eventually comes down with a much calmer but still wide awake Ben who is just looking around like crazy over Cora's shoulder] Smells good down here.

Dina: [stirring the bowl and then takes a big taste before going back to stir] Tastes good too!

Stiles: [winces as he sees that] Good thing she doesn't have a cold.

Cora: [she laughs] I'm sure we'll survive. Lydia's in Palo Alto for a couple days - do you know if Jordan is working?

Stiles: [looks over at the fridge] I guess he forgot to post his schedule. I can text him.

Cora: [she nods as she puts Ben in the baby swing near the dinner table so that he can bounce around] I'll set the table.

Stiles: [he goes to text Parrish for a 411, and then adds more bacon for Dina to stir in]

Cora: [and she'll start setting the table for three with a fourth place sitting on the counter if Parrish will be joining them]

Ben: [making happy baby noises as he is free to kick and wriggle as he pleases]

Stiles: [and he's going to crouch down, going to tickle his son] You having fun there, kiddo?

Ben: [hasn't gotten to actually syllables yet but that's a big grin for Daddy]

Stiles: [he's an infant. they have a long time to go. but that grin is adorable and Stiles will keep tickling]

Ben: [and he will start kicking more and there's breathy baby giggles]

Dina: [will notice] Daddy - I need more bacon!

Stiles: No, I think we have enough in there, kiddo.

Dina: But I want more!

Cora: [comes over to have a look] I don't know, that's a lot of bacon.

Dina: Liam says there is no such thing as too much bacon though.

Cora: Liam is a teenager who just wants to shove as many calories in his face as he possibly can. We don't need that much bacon.

Dina: Okay. [and she will just stir, but she's looking at Stiles and Ben]

Cora: [sees that and slides an arm around her waist to give her a small squeeze] Everything okay? [she keeps her voice low as she watches her]

Dina: Yeah. [leans into Cora a bit]

Cora: [nods and rubs her back gently] You can tell me if it's not, okay?

Dina: I know.

Cora: Good. [she kisses her temple, before peering into the pot again] I think this is good to eat.

Dina: [holds out a spoonful for Cora] Want to taste?

Cora: I would love to, but I think I'm gonna wait until we get everything served at the table. [glances over to Stiles] You hear from Parrish?

Stiles: [looks at his phone] No, he's not answering. Maybe he's on a call. I'll text dad. [does so]

Cora: [nods as she turns down the gas and takes the pot off the stove] I'll make him up a plate just in case.

Stiles: Good idea. Come on, kid, let's wash your hands.

Dina: Okay. [and he will pick her up and airplane her over to the kitchen sink so she can scrub her hands]

Cora: [and Cora will be dishing out plates and putting one aside in the fridge for Parrish in case he comes home hungry]

Stlies: [and then there is a text back from the Sheriff 'will call later'] .... I'm not sure I like that. [holds it out to Cora to see]

Cora: [frowns slightly] No, that doesn't sound good.

Stiles: [and texting]

Dina: What's wrong?

Cora: Nothing, sweetie. Your grandpa is just sending cryptic texts. I'm sure everything's fine.

Dina: Okay. [she finishes drying her hands and gets up in her seat]

Stiles: [it's a bunch of back and forths with Stiles scrunching up his nose before sitting at the table] He said he will call us in an hour.

Cora: [nods as she goes to sit as well] Then let's just enjoy dinner.

Stiles: [nods] Yes, out bacon and cheesy pile of salt. Looks amazing, Dina.

Dina: Thank you!

Cora: [swirls her food around and takes a bite and nods] Tastes good too.

Dina: [bright grin and goes to dig in]

Stiles: [is eating, but his eyes keep going back to his phone]

Cora: [reaches over and gives his hand a soft squeeze. Parrish is fine. Probably.]

Stiles: [gives her a small smile at that, then takes a deep breath.] so, what are we doing tonight after dinner?

Cora: [gives a small shrug] Watch a movie? Or we could play a game?

Dina: Game! Can we play Candyland?

Cora: Sure. I love Candyland.

Stiles: I can give Ben his bath and put him to bed and then come join you. Save the blue character for me?

Dina: [sighs] Okay.

Cora: [smiles softly as she gathers up the plates] Wanna help me with the dishes, Dina? I'll wash, you dry?

Dina: But they are bowls, not dishes.

Cora: I stand corrected. Want to help me with the bowls?

Dina: Yes. [and she will reach over the table to get the forks]

Cora: [and she will gather up the bowls and head to the sink, getting a good froth going as she pulls up a stool for Dina to stand on. She'll wait until they get all the silverware done before glancing over to her] So how are you doing with your new brother, Dina?

Dina: He's okay.

Cora: But it's not as exciting anymore?

Dina: Daddy's always with him

Cora: [she nods] I know. But he's a baby. Unfortunately, he needs a lot of attention. [she places one of the bowls in the drying rack as she watches her] But you miss your dad?

Dina: Uh huh.

Cora: I'm sure he misses you too. And it'll even out soon, I promise. [she finishes the last of the dishes and puts them in the strainer before turning back to her] Why don't you run up and get the board and set it up, okay? I'll finish up here.

Dina: Okay. [she thinks a moment, and then gets on her toes and kisses Cora's cheek, and then takes off for her room]

Stiles: [in the master bath, washing ben in the sink. Phone is at his side]

Cora: [smiles a bit at that, before she finishes cleaning up the kitchen and making her way up to find her husband] Has he got you completely soaked yet?

Stiles: Nope, but he did pee on me so I'm going to be taking a quick shower after myself.

Cora: [makes a face] Ben that is not nice.

Ben: [grins up at his mom and splashes his hands in the water next to him]

Cora: [laughs at that, before stepping in and closing the door behind her] I know things are crazy and busy, but if you manage to get a free weekend sometime soon, I think Dina could use a Daddy and Me day.

Stiles: Oh? [capturing Ben's hand to wipe it with the soapy cloth] What's wrong?

Cora: I think she's just feeling a little left out. You're spending a lot of time with Ben because he's Ben and I think she just wants some dad time without baby interference.

Stiles: But I've been spending time with her too? [and he looks at her, confused.] I mean, we spent an hour coloring before we fell asleep.

Cora: Yeah, but Ben was still there. And you guys do that all the time. I think she needs ... something special. Where you're not splitting your focus and it's just about her.

Stiles: [purses his lips, then nods] I can try and get a free weekend soon. Or at least Saturday and then meet you and Ben at Dad's for dinner...

Cora: [she nods] Yeah. It doesn't have to be a super huge thing, but like … take her down to the pier for the day. I can manage Ben on my own, and if I'm having trouble I'll call my mom.

Stiles: If you're sure, yeah, I can do that.

Cora: I'm sure. I think she's trying really hard not to be the bratty big sister, but she misses you.

Stiles: I said I would do it, Cora! [it's a sharp snap, and he instantly closes his eyes] I'm sorry.

Cora: [she recoils a little into the door, watching him for a moment, concerned.] Are you okay?

Stiles: [he takes a deep breath] Can you... I need to get some air.

Cora: [she nods] Yeah, I'll finish here. You go.

Stiles: [he carefully hands Ben over in the bath and goes, heading out to the balcony to cool off, fingers gripping the edge of the balcony as he tries to push that spark of anger away]

Cora: [and she will finish cleaning up Ben and put him to bed, before heading down to check on Dina and see how she was setting up]

Dina: [and the board is all set up, and she's talking to herself, making the characters dance with each other as she waits]

Cora: [she smiles to herself at that, before moving to sit next to her] What's happening?

Dina: The pink princess is trying to get the blue prince to marry him, but the princess says she wants a pony first before she would ever marry a blue prince.

Cora: [she nods in agreement] Standard demands. I wouldn't settle for anything less.

Dina: Did Daddy give you a pony too then?

Cora: He did. Her name was Sparkles, and she's in my room back at my mom's house.

Dina: Really?! I didn't see him buy you a pony!

Cora: [she laughs] Stuffed pony. Technically, he won her for me on my birthday when we went down to the pier. When we go to my mom's on Sunday I'll show you.

Dina: But I want a real pony before I will marry anyone.

Cora: Those are very high standards that I'm sure your father will find very acceptable.

Dina: [nods] Jonathan said he was gonna save his allowance for one for me.

Cora: Oh really.

Dina: Uh huh.

Cora: Do you want him to buy you a pony?

Dina: I'll let anyone buy me a pony.

Cora: [that makes her cringe] Maybe not anyone. Especially not if you're going to marry them.

Dina: But if they can afford a pony, they are a good provider, right?

Cora: True, but it should be about more than how they can provide for you. You should love them so much that what kind of pony it is shouldn't matter. He can win you a stuffed pony in a dumb claw game, and that's just enough pony for you.

Dina: [shakes her head] No, I want a real pony.

Cora: [she laughs] Okay. But keep an open mind, okay? Someday someone might surprise you.

Dina: Okay. [looks at the door] Where's Daddy?

Cora: He'll be down soon. He said he wanted to go get some air.

Dina: Can we play a round without him?

Cora: [she considers before nodding] Sure. If anything he can jump in late.

Dina: Okay! [and the figures are put at the start place and downstairs, Stiles' phone rings]

Cora: [she glances up] You go first. I'm going to go see who that is.

Dina:]sighs and just pouts] Okay.

Cora: [leans forward and presses a kiss to the top of her head] I will be right back. [and she'll head over to the counter to glance at the caller ID, then assuming it's the sheriff she answers the phone] Hey, Sheriff.

Sheriff: Hey, is Stiles nearby?

Cora: He's getting some air. Is everything okay?

Sheriff: Well, I take it neither of you have the news on. There was a shootout at a gas station on the edge of town.

Cora: [her eyes widen and she takes another step further into the kitchen, out of Dina's range of hearing] No, we've been doing kid time. Parrish?

Sheriff: Yeah, he was going in to deal to help an argument in the parking area and... well, Jason has him in surgery. But his... well, his dragonness is causing problems.

Cora: Okay. Uh. Lydia's in Palo Alto, she won't be able to get here right away. Do you need me to call my mom? Or me to come down there?

Sheriff: I don't know what you guys can do. Jason is trying everything he can but from what he told me, his body tries to cauterize the wounds but it's melting the bullets before he can get them and getting into the flesh and poisoning him. [rubs at his eyes] And the heat is making it impossible to work in the room or keep him sedated.

Cora: [pauses for a moment, considering] Well, maybe that's part of his healing process. Tell Jason to just step back and let his body do it's thing and see what happens.

Sheriff: Yeah, you want to tell the man who can turn into an 8 foot raccoon dog to stop doing his job?

Cora: I will if you can get me on the phone with him.

Sheriff: Hold on, he just stepped out for another robe change.

Jason: [ exchange between them, and then Jason's voice is tired] Cora?

Cora: Just let him heal, Jason. We still don't really know how his biology works, you might be hurting him more than you're helping him.

Jason: Yeah, I would if he wasn't destroying his kidneys and liver in the process. I'd like him not to die on my table.

Cora: Okay, so what's happening exactly?

Jason: He took ten slugs to his chest. His body started to heat up to cauterize the wounds while on the scenes but the bullets were still inside. They've got copper in them, and it's melting and getting into his muscles and bloodstream. I'm trying to syphon the liquid metal out from the ones around his heart and lungs because I don't think he will heal from metal getting into his brain through the bloodstream. We heal, but we're not immortal.

Cora: Yeah, but he's a whole other kind of breed. Technically he's not even supposed to exist, so we have no idea what he can heal from.

Jason: [and there is a very painful Parrish scream in the background] I need to go. I'll see what he wants. Not like I can knock him out.

Cora: Okay. Keep me in the loop. [and with that she'll hang up and go back to Dina] Sorry, sweetie. My turn?

Dina: Is Uncle Parrish hurt?

Cora: [her face softens a bit, but she can't bring herself to lie to her when things weren't looking good] Yeah, he is. But he's with Uncle Jason, and they're going to do everything they can to make him better.

Dina: [nope, she's going to run and just hug her tightly] I don't want him to be hurt.

Cora: [stoops a bit to wrap her arms around her and hug her tightly] I know, honey. I don't want him to be hurt either. But he's awake and conscious, which is a good sign, okay? He just needs us to send him good thoughts right now.

Dina: Okay. [but she's crying into Cora's arms]

Stiles: [comes back into this] ...... What happened?

Cora: [rubs her back gently as she looks up at Stiles over Dina’s shoulder] Parrish got hurt on the job. He's in surgery right now.

Stiles: Crap. Do we need to...?

Cora: [shakes her head] Your dad said he would keep me updated.

Dina: [sniffles, looking over at her dad] You said a bad word, Daddy.

Stiles: I know, honey. I'm sorry.

Cora: [smirks a bit because at least she's focusing on that. she pulls back and uses her thumb to brush the tears from Dina's cheeks] Do you still want to play, or do you want me to read you a story and get ready for bed?

Dina: Daddy?

Stiles: I'll read the story. We can play tomorrow, okay? [walks over and kneels down] I'm just going to smell like your brother's pee. Is that okay?

Dina: Ew. That's gross daddy.

Cora: [wrinkles her nose a bit] That is really gross.

Stiles: I got sidetracked from my shower. I'll go change my shirt at least.

Dina: Okay.

Cora: [she gives Dina another squeeze] C'mon. I'll help you get in your pajamas while your dad gets changed.

Dina: Okay. [and she will go with Cora upstairs while Stiles changes and joins them in a moment]

Cora: [and she will get Dina changed and snuggled into bed before moving to the bookshelf] What story do you want?

Dina: Batman and Robin Save the Day.

Cora: Got it. [and she slides the book off the shelf before moving back to the bed and curling up on one side of her]

Stiles: [and he's on the other, and they can read the story together until the little girl is out cold]

Cora: [waits a bit, making sure she's completely out before slowly sliding out of bed and going to put the book away]

Stiles: [and he will gently readjust Dina and tuck her in before slipping out with Cora into the hallway]

Cora: [sighs as she closes the door] I have no idea if I should call Lydia.

Stiles: When is she coming back?

Cora: Not until Monday.

Stiles: We can wait to see his condition in the morning and see then?

Cora: [she nods] No use worrying her when she's so far away.

Stiles: And if it's bad, we'll call her.

Cora: [she nods] Or call her and be like "he's fine, don't rush."

Stiles: You want to call her then, or should I?

Cora: I don't know. We'll figure it out when we know what the news is.

Stiles: [nods, licking his lips] Good plan.

Cora: [she nods again] Right now we should probably sleep - or at least pretend to.

Stiles: [nods] Before that though... [he takes her hand and guides her away from the bedroom door] I'm really sorry I snapped at you.

Cora: [she glances up at him before shaking her head] No, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was pushing.

Stiles: You weren't really. I just... I guess I just hadn't had a bad day in a while and we were working up to one.

Cora: [she nods, considering a moment] Do you ... not want me to tell you stuff like that with Dina? Because I think sometimes she might have an easier time saying that she's upset with something with me than she is with you.

Stiles: No, no I want it. That's not it. [he reached up to rub at his neck] And you're right, I do need to spend time with just her. And I want to know when my daughter is upset at me so I can fix that. I just... [sighs, not wanting to say the reason]

Cora: [she tips her head to the side, taking a step closer] Tell me.

Stiles: When Dina was a baby, I had the same focus on her... and Suzanna felt she had to remind me all the time she needed her time too.

Cora: [pauses, before nodding slowly] Look, I'm not trying to nag you. And if it feels like I am, just ... tell me and I'll back off, okay?

Stiles: [nods] Okay.

Cora: Okay. [she steps in and leans in to kiss him softly] Let's go to bed.

Stiles: [kisses her back] Let me really shower first.

Cora: [she nods] Okay. I'm going to go check on Ben then head to bed.

Stiles: I'll meet you there.

Cora: [nods and off she goes and we will resume these shenanigans in the morning]

Stiles: [yup]