spamalot } { of first steps and recovery periods

[impetere]

Stiles: [is in the kitchen with Dina teaching her to help with making dinner when he hears the shout. He tells her to keep stirring and runs to do so, skidding to a stop in the living room]

Cora: [standing in front of her is Lucy, balanced precariously in the middle of the room. She's only a few steps away from the table she used to pull herself up with, but when she sees Stiles she giggles at him] C'mon Derek, answer the phone.

Stiles: Is she... oh my god is she doing what I think she is? [and he doesn't need any prompting to just start recording on his phone] Hey Lucy girl, look at Uncle Stiles...

Derek: [is at the coffee shop writing, but answers because it could be an emergency] Everything ok?

Cora: Look. [and with that she'll just turn the camera so that it's facing Lucy, who is definitely distracted by Stiles at first, but then she hears her dad's voice and her head turns back to Cora just in time for Derek to come into view. She gives a bit of a happy babble before she starts to take another shaky step to where her aunt is sitting cross-legged on the floor]

Derek: Holy crap... [oops, yeah that is Derek shocked and picking up his phone to look at the image better] She's... Hi baby girl, walk to Daddy... [a few heads chuckle in the background of the coffee shop]

Lucy: [grins wider at him, and keeps taking step after step towards Cora. She isn't that far away, but Lucy is taking her time, trying out this new walking thing. She kinda likes it.]

Derek: Is someone recording this for Fiona?

Stiles: Got you covered, wolf daddy.

Cora: [just gives Stiles a bit of an amused look at his word choice there while Lucy keeps ambling her way forward. She makes it about three-quarters of the way, starting to lean forward a bit and reach for the phone with her hands but that tips her center of gravity just enough that she loses her balance, tipping forward so that she lands on her hands and knees. Which ... is actually okay with her because she's much faster at crawling and it isn't long before she's scuttling over to her aunt's lap] Good job, Lucy. Look at you, you were walking. [and now there's going to be tiny baby fingers blocking the camera for a second, sorry Derek]

Derek: [is so ridiculous proud daddy at the coffee shop, packing his stuff up] I'm on my way back. I should be there in fifteen minutes. You're such a good girl, Lucy. Daddy’s coming home and you can show me in person.

Cora: [laughs as she scrambles the small toddler into her lap, and Derek manages to get one last glance of the two of them before she hangs up] See you in a bit. [once Derek is gone, she glances up at Stiles] Did you get all of that?

Stiles: Yup, and I'm sending it to your brother so he can send it to Fiona.

Dina: [wandering out, holding a dripping spoon] Daddy... I'm done stirring. It's boring.

Cora: [laughs a bit before scooping up Lucy to head back into the kitchen] I think you're done, sweetie. Don't worry.

Dina: [wanders over and leans against her Dad's legs because Lucy has his attention and that's not nice] Can we go play now?

Stiles: Well, you may be done making dinner, but I still need to cook it all. But we can play after dinner.

Dina: [pouting] but I want to play with you nooooow.

Cora: [and she'll just give a silent eyebrow raise in Stiles’ direction as she balances Lucy on her hip. She can take over dinner if he wants, but she isn't sure if he wants to succumb to Dina being bratty so she's not going to verbally state the option.]

Stiles: [he sighs and shakes his head. No, this is going to be something he needs to deal with so he kneels down, hands on her shoulders] Dina, daddy needs to cook dinner. We can play later. You can play with Cora and Lucy right now.

Dina: I don't wanna play with Lucy. I wanna play with you.

Stiles: Dina.

Dina: You're always busy now. I want to go back to live with Ms. Talia where you had time for me when you weren't at work. I hate it here.

Stiles: [firmer] Well, that isn't an option. This is our home now, and I have to cook again, just like I did back when we lived in Mountain View.

Dina: [throws down the spoon] No!

Stiles: Okay, I think someone needs a time out now...

Dina: I don't want a time out!

Stiles: If you don't want a time out, then you can either help me cook, or play with Cora and Lucy...

Cora: [sighs softly] Uncle Derek should be here soon. If you want, when he gets here we can go read a story. Just you and me. Okay?

Dina: [looks at Lucy, then nods] Okay.

Stiles: [looks up at Cora because oh great, this is going to get interesting in a year or so] Why don't you go up to your room then and look for a good story for Cora to read you. Okay?

Dina: [nods and goes off to her room, dragging her feet.]

Stiles: [picks up the spoon and stands up] Yeah...

Cora: [nods a bit] Regina threw the same kinds of fits after the twins were born. Not ... quite as dramatic but the girl could give a stink eye. A little one-on-one time should help her calm down a little.

Stiles: And we haven't even had kids yet. [goes to tickle Lucy's belly] Look at you, causing me all kinds of trouble and you're not even mine.

Cora: [Lucy giggles shamelessly, and Cora smiles] Well, maybe Lucy jealousy can be a good thing. It'll help ease her into the idea of there being other kids around before the actual sibling gets here.

Stiles: Maybe. I hope so.

Derek: [and he's going to his place first to drop off his stuff, and then downstairs to his sister's place, knocking on the door]

Cora: And that is Derek. [leans in to kiss him quickly] Go make dinner. [and with that she'll head over to open the door, Lucy still balanced on her hip so that her smiling face is probably the first thing Derek sees]

Stiles: [kisses her back] I have enough if he wants to stay for it, by the way. [goes off to the kitchen]

Derek: [and he's all smiles at seeing two of his favorite girls] You two have been busy today.

Cora: Oh, you have no idea. [she shifts a bit so that she can hand off her niece to her father] Stiles says you're welcome to stay for dinner, which means you’re welcome to the living room if you want to stay, but I have to go soothe a needy four year-old with a little quality reading time. But, at the same time I figure you can keep yourself occupied.

Derek: [takes his daughter happily] Yeah, we'll be good. I got the video from Stiles so we will call Mommy and let her know what's happening. And I may just take you up on dinner.

Cora: [she nods a bit in agreement] Okay then. Have fun. [and with that she'll close the door behind him, before making her way upstairs to find Dina]

Derek: [and he's going to sit on the floor against the couch and pull out his phone. He forwards the e-mail to Fiona first, and then calls her]

Fiona: [starts a bit at the sound of her phone, one hand coming up to stop at the back of the five year-old resting against her chest. they were getting some quality aunt-nephew time and passed out watching a movie. Her hand fumbles for her phone and she glances to the caller ID before answering it] Hey, honey.

Derek: Hey beautiful. You busy? [he puts the call on speaker and puts it on the table next to him, and then holds his hands out to Lucy to help her stand]

Fiona: [rubs her eyes a bit before shaking her head. Her voice still has that sleepy edge to it] Nope. Well, not technically.

Derek: I sent you an e-mail with a video attached. You should watch it.

Fiona: Mmm. 'kay, gimme a second. [and she'll pull back to go through her phone]

Derek: Take your time. [and he's just going to play with Lucy, hoping she will try and walk again while he's there]

Fiona: [doot doot doot, cueing up the video, watching it for a moment before she sits up with a start. Derek will hear, from far away] Oh my God! [as she shoots up into a sitting position]

Warren: [groans as he's finally jostled awake] Aunt Fiiiiiiiiiii.

Derek: [laughs] Sorry Warren.

Fiona: [there is a grumbling five year-old as Fiona slides out from under him, putting her phone to her ear] Has she done it again?

Derek: I'm trying to coax her to do it. I was at the coffee shop so that was Stiles and Cora recording.

Fiona: [sighs] I can't believe I missed it.

Derek: You obviously need to come home or we need to fly out there immediately.

Fiona: [makes a discontent noise] That might not be a good idea. I've been feeling kind of under the weather and I don't want to expose her when we don't know if her immune system is wolfy yet.

Derek: [small sympathetic whimper] Yeah, probably best. But you've got that doctor appointment set while you're out there, right?

Fiona: Yeah, but I'm sure I'll be fine. Just a little stomach bug.

Derek: Take care of yourself, Fi. Or I will have to go out there and feed you soup myself.

Fiona: I will be fine. I'm feeling better already. Besides, I have the best helpers taking care of me, isn't that right, Warren?

Warren: [sleepy grumbles]

Derek: [chuckles] They better. Uncle Derek worries a lot, but if they think they can take care of you, then I'll be okay.

Fiona: They can. Don't worry.

Derek: Okay. But if you still feel bad or the doctor thinks it's more than the flu, call me okay?

Fiona: I will. But I will be okay. Don't worry so much.

Derek: You knew I was a worrier when you married me, babe. Sorry, can't promise that. [trying to prod Lucy along]

Fiona: Don't lose any sleep over it, then.

Derek: I won't. Though Lucy is completely spoiled sleeping with me at night again.

Fiona: [a sigh] Well, she's just going to have to get used to sleeping without it again. I was there first.

Derek: And you're a much better pillow.

Fiona: I'm sure Lucy would much rather use you as one.

Derek: That's usually how it goes. Such a needy little thing who is now playing cute and won't walk for daddy.

Fiona: She'll do it again. She just doesn't want to do it just because you want her too. You're there now, mission accomplished.

Derek: Seriously, am I really that easily manipulated?

Stiles: [from the kitchen] Don't answer that Fiona!

Derek: Shut up, Stiles.

Fiona: [she laughs] She doesn't see it as manipulation. She just is learning what works and what doesn't.

Derek: Yeah, I know, but still.

Fiona: Wait until she actually learns how to manipulate. Then you'll really be in trouble.

Derek [groans and leans his head on the back of the couch] Lucy, don't ever learn that, okay? For daddy's sanity.

Stiles: [laughing]

Derek: Shut up, Stiles.

Fiona: [is laughing too] I don't think she can promise that at this age, honey.

Lucy: [just looks up at the sound of her name with big innocent eyes]

Derek: No, but I can hope. [picks Lucy up and puts her in his lap, kissing her] Say hi to Mommy, baby girl?

Lucy: [settles into her dad's lap and babbles a bit over the phone, before she shoves her toy into her mouth again]

Fiona: [smirks] Hi, baby. I miss you too.

Derek: [goes to rescue his phone from her mouth] No, Lucy, daddy's phone is not your toy. We talked about this.

Lucy: [looks ... distressed as her hands follow after it. Noooooooooo give back!]

Derek: No, the phone may be water proof but that doesn't mean it's a teething toy. Your mommy doesn't need to buy daddy another phone after he just learned to work this one.

Lucy: [and now she's making more unhappy noises because whyyyyyyy are you doing this to her]

Fiona: Has she napped yet?

Derek: I was out at the coffee shop. Hold on. [gets up, picking up Lucy and putting her on his hip, handing her a toy giraffe from the floor and walking to the kitchen.] Hey Stiles, did she nap while you had her?

Stiles: [pauses the cooking.com video and looks over at Derek] Um, no. We tried to put her down but she didn't want to sleep.

Lucy: [will take her toy and curl into Derek's shoulder, burying her face against his neck]

Fiona: That would explain the crankypants.

Derek: What time is dinner?

Stiles: Um.... [looks at the website] An hour?

Derek: Let me go upstairs and try and put her down. If she's up by then, I'll come down...

Stiles: And if you miss it, we'll send a plate up. Don't worry about it.

- - - - -

Cora: [gets in a little nap time with Dina, there's dinner, and when her brother doesn't come down, she volunteers to take the plate up to him. She knocks lightly before letting herself inside, poking her head in the living room.] Derek?

Derek: [comes out of his bedroom rubbing his eyes] Hey sorry naptime became a family affair.

Cora: [she shrugs] It's okay. Brought you up the plate, as promised.

Derek: Thanks. How's Stiles doing with the cooking lessons?

Cora: Good. This came out pretty well.

Derek: Good to hear. He's been very big on learning to be self sufficient.

Cora: I think he's trying to work on not relying on other people so much.

Derek: It's a good goal to aim for. How have you been?

Cora: Good. Summer downtime has been good. It means I get to work on a few projects.

Derek: Tell me about it. I've been trying to write for the last few weeks. I think this draft is almost done.

Cora: That's good! It kind of makes up for the lack of productivity when school is actually in session.

Derek: I haven't really written anything since... well before I got Lucy. [he was thinking more since the nogitsune, but realistically he didn't write much since the baby]

Cora: A worthwhile distraction, I think.

Derek: Yeah, she's cute so I think we'll keep her.

Cora: It's hard to fight that kind of adorable.

Derek: Yeah. [he waves for her to sit with him in the kitchen] So how are you and Dina doing sharing Stiles?

Cora: It's not me that she has trouble sharing with. [she sighs as she settles in the seat across from him] It's the other kids.

Derek: What do you mean?

Cora: What set her off today? Was us making a fuss over Lucy. Stiles told her he had to finish making dinner, she wanted to play when Stiles suggested she play with me and Lucy instead, it went downhill from there. I got her to calm down by saying we could read together, just the two of us, which makes me think that for now, at least, I can give her the parental attention she wants. But I don't know how long that's going to last.

Derek: I guess with Liam being a teenager I didn't have to worry about that so much. Maybe you should talk to Mom about how she dealt with Laura when I was born?

Cora: [she nods] I think she's just feeling a little neglected. She likes having all the other kids around, but she misses the one-on-one parent time. I might try and see if Mom could take Noah and Ryan this week and have it just be me and Dina while Stiles is at work, see if that helps.

Derek: That could work. You two do need to really start developing that bond anyway.

Cora: Yeah. I mean, I think we've definitely got a good start, and I think it helps that most of the time when I'm hogging Stiles happens when she's asleep, but as the wedding gets closer, things are going to get busier, and I don't want her to think I'm another thing competing for her dad's attention. The wedding is for her too, you know?

Derek: I know and she knows too. She tells everyone how much she likes you being her new mommy. She just doesn't know what a healthy relationship is between a mommy and daddy yet.

Cora: I know. Hopefully she'll stay Team Cora.

Derek: So after the wedding, are you going to adopt her too?

Cora: [she nods] It'll make it easier if something happens and she needs to go to the hospital or something.

Derek: It will also show her that you want her and she's not just something that came with Stiles.

Cora: [she nods] And I do. Want her.

Derek: She's very lucky to have you. You're going to be a wonderful mom.

Cora: [she gives a bit of an awkward shrug, rubbing the back of her neck] I hope so. I'm still kind of winging it.

Derek: That's pretty much how you do it, pup. You think I know what I'm doing?

Cora: I never think you know what you're doing.

Derek: [eyebrow up] thanks. Love you too. [but he's smirking]

Cora: [grins] No, I know. I just ... hope my instincts are right.

Derek: They usually are. Don't second guess yourself and you'll be okay.

Cora: [she nods, exhaling slowly] I'll try to remember that.

Derek: and eventually she'll get to an age where she will hate both of you equally too.

Cora: I think I'll revel in this one while I have it.

Derek: Good plan. [eating] This is good. Really good.

Cora: [nods] I think he really likes cooking.

Derek: he's picked up a lot of skills I've noticed. [because Derek doesn't spend nearly as much time with Stiles than Cora or Talia had]

Cora: [nods a bit] He's a jack of all trades.

Derek: And he makes you happy.

Cora: He makes me very happy.

Derek: Good. [smiles and goes back to eat] Because you being depressed sucks for the record.

Cora: Really?

Derek: Yeah. I mean you're my baby sister. I only want you to be happy.

Cora: Well, I am. So no worries there.

Derek: Good. [he finishes the dinner and sits back] Has Stiles been doing better overall?

Cora: [she nods with a small smile] Yeah. He's been doing really well. He hasn't had a bad episode in a while.

Derek: That's really good. I was um... worried. [after what happened between the two of them during the whole possession thing] His hand healed well.

Cora: Yeah, it did. It helped that he had me and Allison getting on his case to make sure it heals well.

Derek: Yeah, and not going around punching werewolves in the face.

Cora: I don't think that's a habit I can break him of. He's done it twice now.

Derek: Hopefully he won't have a reason for a third time.

Cora: I really hope so.

Derek: You know, I miss this sometimes. Just you and me.

Cora: [small smile at that] Me too.

Derek: I will tell you I was secretly happy you chose to move into the building. Things are so crazy I don't get to see you or Laura as much anymore, but at least we can be close.

Cora: [she smiles a bit] I'm just glad the space was available. I think trying to find anywhere else we'd be able to customize like we did would be next to impossible.

Derek: Good thing you know the owner of the building.

Cora: Yep. He's a pretty good guy.

Derek: He tries. [thinks] Oh, I meant to tell you - when you guys figure out when your wedding date is, let me know cause our tenth year is coming up soon too, and I was going to actually thinking of doing a recommitment ceremony. Since you know, we didn't have a full wedding, I wanted to make this something that the whole family could be a part of.

Cora: [her eyes widen a bit and she smiles] Mom would love that.

Derek: I know. I haven't told her yet because I want to get some of the groundwork done first. But like I told Laura back then, I wasn't going to spoil her big day, and I'm not going to spoil yours either. So I'm going to figure it out around your schedule.

Cora: [she nods] Well, when we set a date, you'll be the first to know. Right now, we're still playing it by ear.

Derek: [nods] Don't tell Fiona either just yet. I'm going to tell her on her birthday when I re-propose.

Cora: Secret's safe with me.

Derek: [chuckles] You know, what, twelve years ago we were debating on if either of us were ever going to look into being in a relationship at all. Crazy how things change.

Cora: [shakes her head] It feels like so long ago.

Derek: Both of our lives changed when Deucalion bit Scott. If it wasn't for all the death and destruction that followed, I'd actually thank him.

Cora: Yeah. I'd rather not have been eviscerated by his lackey. [that really sucked. Even if Stiles did kiss her afterwards]

Derek: Pretty sure I could do without the eternal bond to the nemeton myself...

Cora: You should talk to my friend Bonnie about that. Nothing against Deaton, but she had an ancestor that actually harnessed a nemeton once. Maybe there's something in her grandmother's stuff about it.

Derek: Fiona's much better at the magic stuff than I am. But I'm sure she'd love the lead. After what happened... she's probably been trying to find a way to do it when she's not working on a job or with the kids.

Cora: Bonnie'll be out here for Tyler and Caroline's wedding. You can talk to her then. I'm sure she'll love the break from Bridezilla.

Derek: Caroline really that crazy of a bride?

Cora: Caroline is an event planner and a bit of a control freak. Everyone usually gives her a wide berth on the day of events that she's just running, on one she's actually invested in? It's going to be ... fun.

Derek: So should I invest in Kevlar under my suit?

Cora: No. Just entertain her bridesmaid for a couple of hours to keep her from killing the bride.

Derek: I think I can do that.

Cora: I'm sure both sides will appreciate it.

Derek: Just make sure you don't match her with me for your wedding, alright?

Cora: [shakes her head] Don't worry. If anyone, it will probably be Laura.

Derek: Yeah, I think I can handle her.

Cora: Good.

Derek: [sits back a moment, thinking a moment and looking around the living room a bit. He knew he had been hiding inside a lot and not leaving the safety of the walls since he had been unpossessed - the coffee shop today had been his first solo venture out since May - and he wasn't really sure what else to talk about. He knew he needed to talk about the whole "incident" eventually with people, and everyone was giving him space, but he had to broach it soon. He just wasn't sure really how to]

Cora: [watches him for a moment, before reaching forward and placing her hand over his] Hey. Where'd you go?

Derek: [his eyes focus back on her, and he sighs] Just, thinking about things. From you know... the last few months.

Cora: [nods a bit] Anything you want to talk about?

Derek: I just... [he licks his lips, linking his fingers on top of the table] I just have been trying not to talk about it. I know I need to, but I just don't want to.

Cora: Well, I am not the family shrink, but ... if you need to, maybe you should just try?

Derek: Problem is, I don't want to burden Laura with all this.

Cora: You aren't a burden, Derek.

Derek: Cora... I remember it all.

Cora: [her face softens a bit] Oh.

Derek: And it's not that I just remember it... it actually was me. I remember liking the power. Reveling in it.

Cora: [gives his hand a squeeze] There's nothing wrong with wanting to be stronger.

Derek: But what I was willing to do to get it?

Cora: Did you willingly agree to be possessed by a nogitsune?

Derek: No, but I willingly let him take control.

Cora: To protect Fiona.

Derek: Yeah.

Cora: Derek, you were protecting your family. You did what you had to do.

Derek: [nods. He knows, but he doesn't feel like he did a good job of it]

Cora: [she looks at him for a moment, tipping her head to the side] Derek, if you hadn’t done what you did, Dad would have killed Fiona. The nogitsune probably would have killed him too. Sometimes the only thing we can do isn't the best thing, but at least it's doing something. And the important thing is that in the end, we still won.

Derek: That's what I keep telling myself.

Cora: Then what do you need?

Derek: [shakes his head] I don't know.

Cora: Then maybe you do need to talk to the actual shrink to figure that out.

Derek: [just nods]

Cora: [gets up and makes her way around the table to slide her arms around his shoulders] You're never a burden for us, okay? You're family.

Derek: I know, but how much can I do to hurt my family where I start becoming one?

Cora: I don't know. We haven't gotten there yet.

Derek: [leans back into her] I'm just glad Lucy won't ever remember this.

Cora: Me too.

Derek: But I'm going to worry for the rest of my life if something else will happen that will make me hurt her.

Cora: I think we all worry about that.

Derek: I hate this feeling. Like I can't know if I can trust myself fully.

Cora: You're never going to know that until you're back out there with the rest of us again.

Derek: And yet I can't do it. Not if I can't be sure.

Cora: [sighs as she pulls off to the side, moving to sit in the chair next to him. She tugs on the arm of his chair a bit, turning him to face her] Nothing in this world is sure. If you lock yourself away, the only thing you're guaranteeing is that you'll miss more than you want to. Some things have to be worth the risk.

Derek: I'm sure I'll get there. I just... I don't know right now.

Cora: [she watches him for a minute before nodding] Just don't wait too long. Because if you keep putting it off, you'll never get there.

Derek: [nods]

Cora: [pushes up and presses a kiss to his forehead] I should get back down. I told Lydia we would go out for drinks so that the boys could have some boy time.

Derek: [nods] You girls have fun.

Cora: [nods, giving him a small smile] When does Fi get back?

Derek: Monday.

Cora: Then enjoy your alone time with Lucy. She'll be back soon and it'll be easier when she's here.

Derek: I'll admit, it's hard without her here. It's like losing a limb when she's out East, or on a job.

Cora: I know. But she'll be home before you know it.

Derek: [nods] She will. [his ears perk] And speaking of the little one, she's waking up. Escape while you can.

Cora: [small smile] See you later.