Emotional Tethers

Chapter 18 - Unsure?

Stiles and Lydia were sitting in his living room while they were busy watching a movie. Lydia had spent most of her time trying to figure out what kind of movies and things Stiles liked, but this time, Stiles decided to make a night all about Lydia. They've done the whole burgers, milkshakes and Star Wars thing before. And tonight, Lydia decided on the event for the night. Lydia looked over to Stiles where each had a slice of pepperoni pizza in their hands along with some soda and was busy watching Little Mermaid.

"This used to be my favorite movie. Me and Grandma watched it over and over again. I was so obsessed with it that I wouldn't respond to anything but Ariel for 3 months. My parents got so annoyed with me, but Grandma thought it was adorable," Lydia said finishing her piece of pizza.

"I can definitely see a Lydia version of Princess Ariel," Stiles said holding out the pizza box so Lydia could take another slice as she shook her head.

"Lydia, are you eating enough? Because you can't be full from two pieces of pizza," Stiles said.

"Don't you also start with my eating habits. Scott is already on my case about it," Lydia said as Stiles paused the movie and looked over at her.

"Meaning there is reason to be concerned. I know we've been through a lot with all of the deaths and the Jackson/Malia saga. But I didn't think you stopped eating because of it," Stiles said.

"I didn't stop eating. Now let's continue watching the movie," Lydia said reaching for the remote as Stiles stopped her hand.

"Lydia Kate Martin, this is serious," Stiles said as he looked at her.

"I haven't stopped eating. I'm just not eating as much as I used to," Lydia said.

She tried getting the remote again, as Stiles pushed her to the couch. Pinning her down, he was on top of her. Their bodies nearly touching. Both were out of breath, their breathing almost acting like one. Lydia looked at Stiles as his eyes searched her face. As he got off her, she sat up, while she could instantly see that something more intense happened. She exhaled as she moved closer to Stiles, throwing her legs over one of his, their foreheads touching and Stiles throwing an arm around her shoulders.

"I know you guys are worried. And I appreciate it. But my appetite has been a bit out of place since everything that happened. It's no one's fault tho. Don't blame yourself," Lydia said.

"I want to help you so badly. To get over all of this," Stiles said.

"You've done more than enough. Stiles, you've been there for me more than anyone ever has been. And that includes Scott. And trust me, he could tell you stories about how vulnerable I've been through the years," Lydia said.

"But we aren't Allison. And that's who you really need at this point," Stiles said.

Both Scott and Stiles knew that there were times when Lydia needed someone to talk to and got the feeling that she couldn't be completely honest with them. But it also came to both of them that it wasn't as simple as that. Lydia missed Allison more than anything and she needed her best friend.

"You're right. You guys aren't Allison. Because she would tell me that I need to grow up. Figure out what I want in life and grab it with both hands," Lydia said.

"Sounds like Allison," Stiles said.

"But, then there's you, who supports me through every decision I have ever made and who fights to keep me from failing. Stiles, I really do miss Allison, but I also have two of my best friends still with me. And I'm okay with that," Lydia said as Stiles softly scoffed.

"Okay then. I'll forgive it then," Stiles said.

"Can we continue watching the movie now, please?" Lydia asked as Stiles nodded.