Chapter Text
Stiles breathed out and looked down at his phone, realizing it had been awhile since he really talked to his dad. He called and talked to Greyson every now and then, but there hadn’t been a chance to really catch up. Stiles checked on Greyson, who was happily playing in his room, and then Stiles settled on the couch in the living room to call his dad.
“Hey kiddo, how’s my favorite grandson?” his dad picked up. Stiles chuckled.
“He’s good dad. He’s excited we’re going to a game again.” Stiles said, biting his lip.
“Yeah, I heard. From my deputy. Now I’m wondering, why I’m finding this out from my deputy, instead of my own son.” Noah said. Stiles rubbed the back of his neck.
“I know, Dad. Sorry, It’s just been a crazy couple of weeks.” he said, thinking about the conversations he and Derek had had. Stiles was glad they’d had them, but it had taken a lot out of him emotionally. He just hadn’t had the energy to try and then explain his relationship to his dad.
“Usually I’d assume that you were just headed to a game…. But from what my deputy says, I think there’s a little more to it than that.” his dad said. Stiles could tell, just from the tone of his dad’s voice, what face his dad was making, eyebrows raised and his ‘taking no bullshit’ look.
“I, uh, am still just headed to a game?” he tried.
“Uh huh. But I have a feeling it’s more to watch a specific shortstop than just your team.” his dad said. Stiles winced a little.
“Okay. Yeah. Uh, so things have kinda gotten more serious in the last month.” he admitted.
“And he treats you okay?” his dad asked. Stiles thought about the dinner Derek had delivered the other night with a note asking if they could have dinner together when the season was over. He thought about the way Derek had called him every night that week because he’d been too busy to see them in person and how he’d talked to Greyson at least twice during the calls.
“Yeah, he’s great dad. You know he’s been teaching Greyson how to throw a baseball? And he made dinner for us.” he added.
“Well, good. He better treat you well. I know he comes from a good family, but I still expect to meet him the next time he’s in town.” he said.
“Daaaad.” Stiles groaned
“Nope. You’ve been dating him awhile now, or so my informants tell me, I say it’s high time I met the boy.” Noah said.
“Scott and I need to have a talk again.” Stiles grumbled.
“If you’d actually pick up the phone, maybe I wouldn’t have to resort to calling your friends.”
“Define picking up the phone.” Stiles said with a grin.
“As in physically picking it up and hitting the call or answer button, Stiles.” his dad said, but Stiles knew there was no real irritation. “How do you define it?”
“You know, grabbing it, picking it up, putting it in my pocket.” he said.
“Shoulda named you Smart Alec,” his dad grumbled. Stiles laughed in response, but before he could say anything else Greyson interrupted, climbing onto the couch next to his dad.
“Whacha doing daddy?” he asked. Stiles smiled and tousled his hair.
“Talking to Grandpa,” Stiles answered. “You want to talk to him?” he asked.
“Yeah!” He said, making grabby hands at the phone. “Hi Grandpa! Guess what! We’re gonna go see Mr. Hale-y Hale win tomorrow! He’s gonna hit all the home runs and there’s gonna be fireworks and Daddy and I are gonna eat all the cinnamon stick things and hot dogs and pizza in the whole place!” Greyson said, holding the phone out in front of him. Stiles reached out to tap the speaker button so he could hear his dad’s response.
“Is that so? That’s a lot of food to eat for a little boy.” he said.
“I’m not a little boy anymore, Grandpa! I’m a big boy!” Greyson replied. Stiles smiled and leaned over, kissing Greyson’s head as he listened to his dad and son talk. He left them to talk and went to get their dinner ready.
That night, before he went to bed, Stiles peeked in on Greyson. His Mets lamp lowly lit the room, giving just enough light to see him. Stiles grinned and pulled out his phone to take a picture. He had his Wolf Met and Mr. Met stuffies beside him. He’d pulled out an old Mets blanket Stiles had and there was a children’s Mets book on his bed, the low light showing it still open to the page Greyson had been looking at when he fell asleep. He took a picture and posted it to the Baby Met account.
Babymet: headed to cheer on the @mets at tomorrow’s game. I think the excitement in this house is almost as big as Christmas Eve. This little dude wanted to go to bed this afternoon in hopes it’d mean tomorrow would be here sooner.
#LGM #gomets #babymet #worldseries
As Stiles pulled back the covers, he heard his phone go off. He got himself settled before looking at his phone to find a text from Derek.
-- Text Message 10:15 pm--
Derek: it definitely feels a little like Christmas eve
Stiles: lol. Greyson was bouncing off the walls today. I finally had to make him play on his own in his room.
Derek: did it help?
Stiles: kinda. But then my dad called to interrogate me about our relationship.
Derek: speaking of parents…
Stiles: ??
Derek: mine are in town and want to meet you. I just don’t know when there’d be time
Stiles: oh shit.
Derek: Yeah.
Stiles: I could take them out to eat somewhere? I’m a great tour guide.
Derek: I believe it, but, I don’t want you to have to meet them on your own.
Stiles: I don’t mind. I’m great with people. I’ll charm the pants off of ‘em.
Derek: I’d rather my parents’ pants stay on, thanks.
Stiles: 🙄 no sense of humor.
Derek: I have humor. Your jokes just aren’t funny.
Stiles: Uh huh, or your sense of humor needs some recalibration.
Derek: you excited for the game?
Stiles: smooth, trying to change the subject. But I guess I’ll allow it.
Stiles: DUDE. YOU HELPED US GET TICKETS TO THE WORLD SERIES. OF COURSE I’M EXCITED
Derek: lol. I just hope it’s a good game.
Stiles: It will be. It definitely will be. But, you should probably get some sleep. Baby Met is expecting you to hit a lot of home runs.
Derke: is he? Well, I can't disappoint him.
Stiles: get some rest Derek. You’ll knock em dead.
Derek: The balls or the players?
Stiles: I think the fans would be happy with either.
Derek: and you?
Stiles: well personally I prefer kisses and cuddles, but I could settle for a home run or two.
Derek: hmmm I’ll see what I can do.
Stiles fell back against his pillows, grinning like an idiot. He loved how giddy Derek could make him feel over something as simple as text. He went to sleep happy, and excited to see his boyfriend play in person.
The next day was long and Stiles did everything he could think of to help the time pass by. They read through almost all of the books Greyson had checked out from the library, they cleaned up around the apartment, and went on a walk in the afternoon. Even then they still found themselves a little at loose ends
Finally it was time to leave, Greyson calling out to make sure Stiles had grabbed their gloves as they left. They made it outside the ballpark by about 6:00 pm. Stiles took out is phone to pull up the electronic tickets and noticed he had a missed call. Once they had gotten through the gates, he pulled Greyson to the side of the crowds and pulled up the missed call. It was from Erica and she had left a message.
“Hey! My parents have gone gaga over this whole World Series thing and they bough-” Greyson tugged on Stiles’ hand whined.
“Daaddyy, why are we standing here? We gotta go find our seats so we can watch em warm up.” Greyson said.
“I know, hang on bud,” Stiles said, trying to hear Erica’s message over the sound of the people walking by and Greyson.
“It's super nice. And I know You haven’t met Derek’s parents. But actually it’d be hilarious to see his face when-”
“Dadddyyyy.” Greyson whined.
“Greyson! I’m on the phone-” Stiles snapped, before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. When he opened them again Greyson’s eyes were watering. Stiles registered Erica saying something about letting her know when they got there. But he ignored it and pocketed his phone as he crouched down so he was eye to eye with Greyson.
“Hey G, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped.” Stiles pursed his lips for a moment, “I was overwhelmed trying to listen to the phone, you, and I couldn’t understand because of all the people around. But I shouldn’t have taken that out on you. Okay?” he asked. Greyson nodded his head, though Stiles could tell from the slightly stubborn look on the boy’s face he would not be easily forgiven.”How about we go find our seats?” he asked. Greyson nodded his agreement, but didn’t say anything else. Stiles left his phone in his pocket, deciding he would text Erica when they had gotten settled in their seats.
As they walked, Stiles pointed out things to Greyson, like a photo that had the starting lineup and Derek’s photo. They slowly walked by one of the shops with jerseys and shirts, Greyson eyeing them in wonder. Stiles stopped when he felt Greyson drag his feet.
“Look, Daddy! It has two 8s!” Greyson said.
“Yeah bud, it’s 88, that’s Derek’s number.” he said.
“Oh yeah!” He said, his eyes lingering on it. Stiles let him have a moment before they continued on their way to find their seats.
The team had already started their in-field warm ups by the time they were seated out in their left field seats, and Greyson eagerly ran up to the railing to watch. It wasn’t long before he came running back to Stiles.
“I seed him Daddy! Mr. Hale threw the ball hard!” he cheered, before asking to clamber into his lap.
“Hey bud,” Stiles said, closely watching his son, studying the warm ups. “I really am sorry about snapping at you. It wasn’t nice and I shouldn’t have done that.” he said. Greyson nodded.
“It’s okay. You can make it up with cinnamon sticks.” he said, a little happier now the moment was behind them and he was watching the Mets warm up. Stiles chuckled.
“All right. Sounds like a deal.” he said. While Greyson continued to watch, Stiles pulled his phone out. He took a picture of Greyson’s back before asking him to turn around.
“We can send it to Mommy.” Stiles explained, so Greyson gave a big cheese before turning back to watch. Stiles opened his text messages and started one to Erica first.
--Text Message: today, 6:21: pm--
Stiles: hey, sorry I couldn’t really hear the message you left. Texting works better at games while I’m trying to chase down Baby Met
While he waited for a response he texted the photos to Lydia and uploaded the one of Greyson’s back to the Baby Met account.
Babymet: Ready to catch some homeruns tonight and cheer on our favorite team @mets and our favorite player @dhale88
#LGM #gomets #babymet
He opened his text messages again and sent his usual good luck text to Derek. Though he added a couple of photos from their seats. Just as he went to put his phone away, he got a message from Erica.
--Text message: today, 6:35
Erica: No worries. I was just saying my parents had gone crazy. We have some of those fancy seats with the room behind them. You’re welcome to join us!
Stiles: Oh. Wow. Um, I appreciate the offer. Seriously. But I think Greyson might get upset with me if I make him move seats. He’s really excited with where we are.
Erica: well, the offer stands for the entire game! If he gets restless or anything, feel free to come join us!
She sent them the specific seats and Stiles pocketed his phone. Derek had offered to get them better seats, but Stiles had known he was paying for his parents' seats and had balked at the price of the seats Derek was getting. So they had compromised and Derek had let Stiles pick the seats and they’d split the cost. Stiles didn’t regret it either. It was fun to be in the closer seats and be able to see the game more clearly, but being out in the outfield brought memories back of his own dad taking him to games as a kid. He also knew Greyson would not appreciate getting moved from the spot he had made for himself as he studied the players warming up.
When the teams disappeared and they were just waiting for the game to start, Greyson wandered over to him.
“Are we gonna go get food, Daddy?” he asked.
“I think we’re gonna wait until later bud. There’s a lot of people back there getting food and finding their seats. When it’s calmed down we’ll go find something.” He said.
“Okay.” Greyson agreed easily, before turning to watch people before the game began.
The first inning always kept Greyson’s attention. It went by pretty quickly a lot of the time, and Greyson always enjoyed listening to the walk up songs of the players when they came for their first at bat. There were already 2 outs, and Derek had yet to go up to bat. Stiles’ leg bounced as he watched. He knew it wasn’t a big deal since it was the first inning, but he was ready to see Derek bat. He’d never paid much attention, at least not this much, to when he batted. So he held his breath as he watched the batter before him swing and thankfully connect for a single. And then, much to the confusion of many fans, the familiar tune of Baby Shark came over the speakers as Derek took a couple of practice swings. Greyson jumped up and down singing.
“Do do do Baby Met, do do do do Baby Met!” Stiles laughed a little as he watched his son change the lyrics to his own personal theme song, completely distracted from actually watching Derek bat.
“Daddy! He remembered!” Greyson said.
“Remembered what, G?” Stiles asked.
“When he called me he asked me what song I would bat to and I says Baby Shark cause it’s my song. So he said he’d do it for me!” Greyson grinned. Stiles shook his head and felt his eyes widen in surprise. It was hard to believe that a grown up, professional ball player, was so wrapped around his son’s finger, that he’d choose Baby Shark as his walk up song. But it was also Derek and Stiles was quickly learning that Derek was that kind of man. It made him smile to realize Derek had chose a child’s song, just to make Greyson happy, not caring about the thousands of other fans in the stadium and what they would think.
Stiles was too distracted to notice the last out being made and the teams running back to their dugouts, signaling the beginning of the second inning. But Greyson was quick to bring his attention back as it was now well past his dinner time. So they left their seats to grab some food.
It was the middle of the third inning, before they got back to their seats, just in time to watch Derek make a beautiful jump to catch the third out. The next at bat for the Mets was a little more exciting as a couple of Mets players got on base with single hits and then Boyd came up to bat. He got up to a full count, before he finally got a good hit to the outfield. Greyson jumped up and down, cheering, as the players rounded the bases, and Boyd had a triple.
“Did he score, Daddy?!” Greyson yelled.
“Almost, he got two of his buddies to score though.” Stiles said.
“YAY MR. BOYD!” Greyson cheered. A couple of people around them chuckled and Stiles grinned.
The other team caught the third out before Boyd could score, sending the game into the 4th inning. Greyson and Stiles happily joined in the cheer of “Let’s Go Mets!” around them, easily taken with the excitement that threaded through the crowd. The other team got 3 runs in, before the Mets were able to make the third out and get their turn to bat.
Greyson and Stiles danced to Baby Shark as Derek walked up to bat again and Stiles made sure to video it this time to post on Baby Met’s stories and to tag Derek. They both watched closely as Derek swung and missed. It was a little hard to really make out the specific movements from so far back, but the atmosphere and seeing everything live made up for it.
Two balls were called next, but the next pitch Derek connected with the ball and sent it sailing out towards left field.
“Catch it Daddy, Catch it Daddy!” Greyson yelled as the ball headed their way. Stiles scrambled around and joined the frenzy of fans running towards the ball. He stuck his glove up and watched as the ball started to fall and lunged backwards over the seats, before the ball landed in his glove. Stiles jumped up, cheering, as he held the ball in his glove and the fireworks went off, announcing the home run.
“Good job Daddy!” Greyson cheered with him, before Stiles picked him up and spun in a circle. Other fans clapped him on the back as he and Greyson took a few steps back to their seats. Stiles had just enough time to glance up at the jumbotron to see the camera showing Derek crossing home, kiss his gloved hand, and point out to left field, in the direction of their seats.
When they sat back down, Stiles handed the ball to Greyson to look at. The boy studied it carefully, rolling it around in his hands. A couple of other kids near them asked to see and Greyson proudly showed it.
“My Dad caught Mr. Hale’s ball!” He told them excitedly. Stiles grinned and shook his head.
The fifth and sixth innings passed by with good plays, though Greyson and Stiles were a little distracted. By the time the seventh inning came around, the Mets were leading by one point. It had been a good game and definitely one Stiles had enjoyed. But he knew he needed to start planning when they’d leave for churros.
Stiles grinned as the music in the 7th inning started to play and Greyson asked to be held up on his shoulders. It had started as something when Greyson was a baby and Stiles wore him in a carrier at the games. Whenever the song had come, Stiles would sway to it as he sang along. As Greyson got older, it had stuck. Stiles had laughed the first time Greyson had said “up!” demanding to be held during the song and he sang it at the top of his little voice.
He was getting a little too big to be held comfortably for a long period of time and most of the time he insisted he was too much of a big boy. But he clearly still held to this tradition. So Stiles squatted down to help him clamber on his shoulders. Stiles swayed to the song, listening to his son sing along at his boyfriend’s baseball game.
“Look Daddy!” Greyson said, excitedly pointing to the jumbotron at the end of the song, where he and Greyson were now on display.
“Well wave buddy!” Stiles said with a smile. Stiles kept a firm grip on the little boy but turned to look for the camera, and sent it a wink, before it panned away. When the song came to an end, Stiles helped Greyson off his shoulders as they watched.
Derek got on base again and caused excitement when he stole a base. But he didn’t get a chance to score before getting tagged out. When Greyson sat in his chair for the majority of the inning, Stiles knew it was probably time to get him his churros. Stiles could tell he was still enjoying the game, but he was definitely reaching the point where he got tired. He pulled his phone out to text Erica.
--Test Message: today, 9:21 pm--
Stiles: I think we may make a churro stop and then head your way in the 8th inning… if that’s still okay.
He had to wait a few minutes before he got a response.
Erica: YES! Bring me one of the sundae ones please. Just let me know when you’re near by and I’ll come get you
“Hey bud,” Stiles said, poking Greyson gently. “You want to go get some churros?”
“Oh yeah! I forgot!” he said, jumping up, baseball game forgotten. Stiles chuckled and took his hand, double checking they weren’t leaving anything behind as they made their way to the churro stand.
“Is that for us too, Daddy?” Greyson asked, eyes wide as the cashier handed over two sundaes.
“One of them is.” Stiles said, “Do you remember Miss Erica? Derek’s friend?” Stiles asked. Greyson’s eyebrows scrunched in confusion.
“The pretty lady who helped me pick a book?” he asked.
“The one and only. She’s here too. She wanted to know if you want to sit with her and if you could bring her a churro sundae.” he said. Greyson’s eyes got big and he slowly nodded his head. Stiles handed him one of the sundaes and took his other hand. He didn’t usually have Greyson carry it, but he only had so many hands.
When they got near the section, Stiles sent Erica a text and it wasn’t too long before she made an appearance.
“Baby Met!” Erica said with a smile, “We meet again!”
“Here! We got this for you!” Greyson said, shoving the dessert at her before Stiles could do anything.
“For me? That’s so nice!” Erica said, accepting it and starting to lead them to their seats.
“I’m so sorry. I was going to give you the one I carried, that one is a bit of a mess.” he said a little sheepishly.
“I like it messy. The messier it is, the tastier it is.” She said, sending a wink to Greyson who giggled. They stepped through the door and Stiles let out a low whistle.
“Right?” Erica asked with a smirk, before Greyson interrupted.
“Daddy, I wanna eat the cinnamon stick.” He said, tugging at Stiles hand.
“Okay, but, hold on,” he said, before settling him at a coffee table in front of a couch. There was a TV on the opposite wall, playing the game, happening outside.
“Like I said, my parents went a little crazy. Well, not just my parents, I think all of them chipped in.” she said.
“This is insane.” Stiles murmured, looking around. There was a table in the corner by the door they had walked in through, the little sitting area where Greyson sat, and then a wall of windows with a little counter to sit at and a door that led out to the seating in the ballpark.
“Perks of dating a ball player.” Erica said, shrugging.
“I don’t think I could ever get used to this.” Stiles said, shaking his head. Erica laughed, but before she could respond a few adults trailed into the room.
“Looks like there’s going to be at least one extra inning.” one man said, gesturing back over his shoulder. Stiles glanced up at the TV to see a Mets player strike out, with no one on base. The score was tied and it was the bottom of the 9th.
“There’s still room for a homer.” Stiles said, unable to help himself. The man raised his eyebrows and took in Stiles standing beside Greyson who was eyeing the adults as he ate his churro sundae.
“You must be Stiles, I’m Eric Hale, Derek’s dad.” The man said with an easy smile.
“I, yep, that’s me!” Stiles said, trying to wipe his sticky hands off before shaking hands with him.
“And I’m Talia Hale, Derek’s mom.” the woman beside him said. Stiles swallowed thickly and smiled.
“Nice to meet you both.” he got out. Erica smirked and Stiles shot her a look, knowing full well she had purposefully ambushed him. But he didn’t say anything and just smiled as she introduced her own parents, along with Boyd’s.
“That was some catch you made.” Erica’s dad said.
“Hah, saw that, did you?” Stiles’ asked, a little embarrassed. It was one thing to be in the thick of it with the crowd and just be another fan. It was entirely different to know that him falling over the back of the seats was the first impression he had made to his boyfriend’s parents.
“Don't mind him. He's just jealous his fancy seats don't get him near the action." Erica said, rolling her eyes.
"Well, Let’s see it.” Eric said with a smile, so Stiles dug out the glove and pulled the ball out of it. Derek’s dad took it with a smile and nodded approvingly, while Talia eyed his glove. Stiles’ cheeks burned as he remembered he had brought the glove Derek gave him.
“He’ll be happy to know you caught it.” Talia said with a smile. Stiles returned the smile. Before further conversation could be made, a resounding “booooo” echoed from the crowd and their attention turned back to the game.
After Greyson finished the dessert, they had stepped outside to watch the game. Stiles had picked his son up when he started to recognize his tired clinginess. Greyson rubbed his eyes and tiredly rested his head on Stiles’ shoulder. Stiles glanced out at the game, and was starting to think he needed to leave. He hated to do that to Derek, but Greyson wasn’t used to being up this late and the game didn’t seem to be ending any time soon. He turned to start saying goodbye, but Erica dragged him back into the room behind him.
“You can put him on the couch, no one will mind.” she said. Stiles thought for a minute before slowly nodding. He settled himself on the couch and Greyson immediately relaxed into his chest. Stiles couldn’t help but smile. He couldn’t remember the last time Greyson had fallen asleep in his arms like this. He knew there’d likely be hell to pay for it the next day when Greyson was cranky, but he enjoyed the snuggles for now. Erica stayed until her mom called her back out, asking her to explain something.
Stiles stayed on the couch, watching the game on the TV, not really believing what was happening. But he tried to keep his mind off the fact he’d just met Derek’s parents, and focus on the game. Eventually, Talia joined him, smiling at him.
“I remember when Derek was that age. It both seems like it was years ago and just yesterday.” she said. Stiles smiled.
“I know the feeling. Tonight, I kept thinking about the first few games I took Greyson to. Strapped to my chest in one of the carrier things.” he said, shaking his head.
“Greyson? I like that name. It’s a good one.” Talia said.
“We think so.” Stiles said with a smile. Talia watched them again, and Stiles’ eyes darted back to the tv to see Isaac make another out, bringing them Mets up to bat again.
“Thank you.” Talia said quietly. Stiles turned to her with surprise. “I haven’t seen Derek this happy in a long time. He’s been happy and enjoyed playing baseball. But this, this is a different kind of happiness.” she said. Stiles nodded his head, not really sure what else to do.
“Well, he’s done the same for us.” Stiles said, before a loud cheer from the crowd brought his attention back to the game and saw someone had gotten a double.
The next batter up struck out and the next hit a single. Then Boyd was up to bat again. He watched the first pitch go by, and then hit the next one far and high, for a double that brought the winning score in. Stiles couldn’t help the loud cheer he let out, and Greyson picked his head up and frowned at his dad.
“Too loud, Daddy.” he mumbled. Stiles just laughed and kissed his forehead. Greyson glanced around, sensing something was happening, he looked back to Stiles. “Did we win Daddy?” he asked.
“Yeah buddy, we won.” Stiles said.
“Mmm that’s good.” Greyson said before settling back against Stiles again.
The others came back in and Stiles saw most people leaving as they passed by the door to the hallway.
“You going to wait with us for the guys?” Erica asked excitedly. Stiles sadly shook his head.
“As much as I’d like to, I need to get this munchkin to bed.” he said.
“Oh, right! That makes sense.” Erica smiled. Stiles returned the smile before trying to gently rouse Greyson. The little boy grumbled a little, but eventually he was awake enough to sit up.
“How are you getting home?” Eric suddenly asked. Stiles glanced over at him and shrugged.
“The subway probably.” he said. He watched as the Hales seemed to have a silent conversation before Talia turned to him.
“Let us pay for a taxi or something for you.” she said.
“Oh no, it’s alright. We’re used to it, it’s how we get around most places.” Stiles said with a smile.
“Sweetie,” Talia said gently, “we don’t mind. I’ve been there. I know how hard it can be navigating sleepy children, I can’t even imagine trying to do it on a crowded subway.” Stiles shrugged.
“I appreciate it, but it’s not a big deal.” he said.
“Well, for our peace of mind?” Eric asked, “Derek would never forgive us if we didn’t offer and well, we worry. We aren’t used to this big city like you boys are.” he said. Stiles opened his mouth to reassure them it really was fine, but Greyson chose that moment to lean against him tiredly. Stiles thought about all the stairs and loud fans he’d have to drag his son through and he remembered one of the games where some fans who’d had a little too much to drink had been too pushy. He slowly nodded his head.
“Uh, sure, thank you.” he said a little shortly. Talia beamed and Eric immediately turned to his phone to order the car.
Erica walked him back out after Eric had given him the information for the car to look for.
“So, thanks for ambushing me.” Stiles said sarcastically. Erica just laughed.
“Oh don’t be so upset. I knew Derek was just going to over think the whole thing. It all worked out so much better when the two of you just happened to meet each other. So I figured I’d let you and his parents just bump into one another.” she explained with a shrug.
“Uh huh.” Stiles said, rolling his eyes. “You owe me for this.”
“Sure, sure.” she agreed easily with a laugh. “Don’t be a stranger, Stiles.” she said, before darting forward to kiss both he and Greyson on the cheeks. Stiles gave a single wave before herding his sleepy son out the gates and to the waiting car.
Stiles was thankful the Hales had insisted on the car. While he would have managed just fine on the subway, it was definitely easier in the car. It wasn’t too long before they were climbing the steps of their apartment and walking in. Stiles made sure Greyson had washed his hands and helped him clean up his face before tucking him in. He knew a bath would not be worth fighting at this point and he could just wash the sheets the next day.
Just as he got Greyson settled and was getting ready for a nice, long, hot shower, his phone rang. He picked it up, knowing it could only be one person this late.
“I’m sorry for Erica ambushing you. I’m going to talk to her about it.” Derek greeted.
“Uh, yeah, not exactly how I thought tonight would go.” Stiles chuckled.
“Well, despite how you met, they like you.” he offered.
“In the hour I spent watching you play while my son slept on me?” Stiles asked incredulously.
“My dad has always been a firm believer that you can tell what kind of person someone is by how they root for their team.” Derek said.
“Right.” Stiles said, a little dubiously.
“Really, I’m serious.” Derek said, “Like you, you’re passionate about the game and the players. You really care about the outcome. Just like you’re passionate about the people in your life.”
“You’re all a bunch of sappy nuts.” Stiles said. Derek chucked. “Oh shit, don’t tell your parents I called them nuts!” Stiles said, causing Derek to actually laugh.
“So, I actually had another reason for calling.” Derek said.
“You mean other than getting me to call you parents names?” Stiles asked. Derek snort.d
“Yes. I was calling to tell you that Erica is probably going to call you and try to get you to join us for brunch. I tried to explain that Greyson does better with a schedule, but I don’t think I got through.” Derek said,
“Gotcha. Thanks for the heads up. Hasn’t been around kids much, has she?” Stiles asked.
“Uh no. Not really. Her heart is in the right place, I swear.”
“I believe you.” Stiles said. He sat back and ran a hand through his hair. “Look, I’d love to. I really would. But I shouldn’t have stayed as late as I did. I have no idea what Greyson is going to be like tomorrow after being up that late. So. I really need to keep him on his schedule the rest of the week.” he said.
“I get it.” Derek responded. “You need to do what’s best for Greyson. I’ll try and talk to her again.”
“No, it’s okay.” Stiles said, “I can talk to her. It’d probably be good for me to explain things a little more. You need to stay focused on your games.” Derek sighed but didn’t argue. “So, Baby Shark?” Stiles asked. Derek chuckled.
“Yeah, I forgot how badly that song gets stuck in your head.” he said shaking his head.
“Yeah, maybe go with like circle of life or Hakuna Matata next time.” Stiles offered.
“It was worth it if it made Greyson happy.” Derek said.
“Well it did, but I’m holding you responsible for him singing it for the next week.” Stiles said.
“Okay,” Derek agreed with a chuckle,
“And I’m videoing it every time so you can share in my pain you’re creating.” he said. Derek laughed then.
“I guess that’s fair.” he said. “So, I hear you performed acrobatics to catch my homerun.” Derek said.
“Hey, I caught that ball fair and square.” Stiles defended.
“Yeah, but is your back gonna be alright?” Derek asked. Stiles grimaced. He’d definitely felt it twinge a couple of times and knew there was likely a bruise already formed.
“Sure, just a little bruising.” he said lightly.
“And yet, I don’t believe you.” Derek said. Stiles snorted and shook his head.
“I’ll be fine, really. I’m a little sore and it’ll hurt but, I’ve had worse. And totally worth it to have caught my boyfriend’s homerun in the World Series.” he said.
"Now who's being a sap?" Derek asked with a chuckle. They continued talking for a little longer before Derek finally said he should get some sleep.
Stiles pulled up the video of Greyson singing along with Baby Shark at the game and grinned as he posted it on Baby Met’s stories, tagging Derek. If the shortstop was gonna get the song stuck in his son’s head, then he would get to hear it every time Greyson sang it. Stiles shook his head and finally got in the shower humming the song. He groaned as he realized it was already stuck in his head. His boyfriend was sweet, but he could have chosen a different song.