Who: Avery, Derek, and Milo What: The Little Mermaid and her prince have a chat. Or at least that was the plan until the kid showed. Oops? Where: D3 When: After this Warnings: Swearing. Panic attacks. Awkwardness. Who knows?
It crossed Derek’s mind briefly that being this ecstatic over Avery being the mermaid might be a bit rushed after the news that Finn was apparently a madwoman. Possibly. But like most things that were simply too disturbing, too off from what should have been normal and what suited him, Derek ignored it. He could deal with it later if at all.
Once Avery said she was coming up, he slammed his laptop down. He did a quick walk-through – not neatening things, as much as shoving some travel bags into a closet. He hadn’t had time to unpack or take care of anything other than the forums. Funny where his priorities were but…Derek allowed himself a moment to panic.
If it went right he could fix it. The prince’s screw-up, the fact that he couldn’t remain still or in one place – all of it. Hell, he might not even need what was in P3. But it had to go right - he couldn’t screw this up again.
At least he already knew Avery. Somewhat.
Derek tried to reassure himself with that thought as he heard the bell. It seemed too quick – even for Avery to get up the stairs – but he rushed towards it anyway. He combed a hand through his hair, adjusted his jacket, and then opened the door with his best grin.
The woman on the other side, was lucky with what she got. Derek could only stare at her – the fact that definitely wasn’t Avery’s or anyone he ever knew – and then he heard the gurgle. His eyes fell to the baby in her arms. Immediately he tried to place the woman. Please not be his kid, it was the last thing he needed, not when Avery would be there any moment – and then he actually looked at the kid. Milo, he realized.
This was all in three seconds. By the fourth the woman went on a long-winded speech about how Derek hadn’t been there the last few days and she’d nearly called protective services. By the fifth the kid was in his arms and Derek had to struggle to not drop him. A minute later the bag was on his shoulder and the woman shut the door on his face, the baby left with him.
Derek could only stare at the kid, feeling an overwhelming sense of panic overtake him. Bigger than anything he’d felt before – not when he’d face near-death situations, not when he couldn’t find the voice, and not when he learned Finn was insane. No, he was now suddenly strapped with Finn’s kid without so much as a…
Actually there was a note, tucked in the edge of the bag. Derek frowned before he unfolded it, reading over the words. Once done he shut his eyes, mentally screaming. Damn it, damn it, DAMN IT.