"Oh look at me! I'm Derek and I'm such a busy busy man with a busy busy mind that I just always forget to buy my kid some new story books from the dollar store right around the corner."

Stiles is huffing and puffing as he paces back and forth in the giant bedroom he shares with Derek. Giant because they live in a house. Because they're married. And have a family. That they're supposed to care and provide for.

He turns around and glares at Derek when he finally enters the room and closes the door behind him. Good, now Stiles can beat the shit out of him without his innocent child being witness. "I said I was sorry!"

"Yea well, that doesn't cut it when it's, like, the fourth time I've reminded you."

"I know. But I still am."

"Do you know how much he likes bed time stories?"

"I do!"

"Enlighten me, then, with today's excuse."

"I had a lot of online meetings and interviews. The day just passed by way too quickly."

Stiles rolls his eyes. He wishes he could take control of the situation and buy Leo as many story books as possible - Stiles doesn't blame him for getting sick of the 30 they already circulate through. But every day, he comes home from work late and by then all the stores are closed for the night. Derek, however, works from home and takes care of their son when he's back from pre-school so you'd think that their routine is simple but no! Derek has online meetings.

"Whatever. But tonight you have to tell him a bedtime story of your own. I don't care if you have to do a circus act to be entertaining enough, but it's your duty." He stomps away without waiting for a response from Derek.

Later that night, Stiles is suspicious about which 'story' Derek is telling so he shamelessly stands outside of Leo's room and listens in.

"-all over the flowers!" Leo let's out a worried gasp and Stiles smiles because he can almost hear the animated frown on Derek's face. But wait, what? He's telling that story. "And you know what? I don't even think there was a raccoon there after all!"

"Yes there was!" Stiles marches right in.

Leo squeals, "Dad! Were you spying on us!"

"Yes, and looks like it was for good reason." Derek and Leo are cuddled up in the small bed under the covers, so Stiles joins them on Leo's other side. "Derek, I was trying to get the Raccoon away from your garbage!"

"I was there. I saw zero raccoons."

This was way back when Derek had moved back to Beacon Hills to re-build the Hale house and Stiles' obsession with him went from zero to infinity in less than two milliseconds. So, yes. He was stalking him and that's why he was there in the first place. "What do you think I was doing, then? Rummaging through your garbage for the fun of it?"

Derek laughs, "Isaac planted the idea in my head that you were looking for my... magazines in the recycling bin."

Leo pulls a look of disgust and falls back, laughing. Stiles tilts his head in confusion so Derek tickles Leo to distract him as he mouths "porn".

Stiles eyes bug out. This is a new one. "He what? Ew! I wouldn't- why would I- Derek!"

Derek laughs along with his son and Stiles' heart melts because their bobbing heads synchronize and their laughter harmonizes - since when is that even a thing.

"Whatever," Derek calms down and pets Stiles' cheek. "We all know you spent a whole year stalking me one way or another."

Stiles rolls his eyes. Twice. "Okay sure, Mr. I Act Grumpy All The Time Even Though Gardening Is A Great Relaxing Hobby Which I Partake In When I Want To Let Out My Frustration."

"It was my mother's garden, and my therapist told me it would be good for me."

"Is that why you continued to do it for three years?"

"Shut up. You spilled garbage all over my freshly planted tulips and that's the end of that."

"Get off my lawn!" Stiles mimics in fond memory.

"I did not say that."

"Well, if we're going to alter the story then we may as well add some interesting references for Leo to learn about."

Speaking of, Derek and Stiles both look down only to find that the space between them is empty. Two seconds later the little four year old barges back into the room with one house plant in each arm, "I want to make my own garden!"