The Drummer's Girl - A Scallison AU

Almost

Baby,

Whatcha doing today, what are you doing later?

I don't know my way through a maze of gray skyscrapers

But I'm willing to learn

The words to the song Allison had listened to as a child released effortlessly from her lips. The notes and runs were easily in her grasp.

If you want me to I'll stay just where I am

But I promise just to follow when I land

And you can take my word for that

She had gone to visit Derek in the city. Originally, the plan was for Scott to come with her, and for the two of the to look at cheap apartments they might have been able to get after high school. That morning, however, Scott had called Allison and told her that he wouldn't be able to accompany her - something about a workout class he "absolutely couldn't miss." Somewhat miffed that he was ditching their day out together to go hang out with a bunch of sweaty guys, she'd headed into Los Angeles anyways, and stopped by to talk to Derek.

The intent of her visiting him was to ask about his intentions with Stiles - to scold him for not taking Lydia into consideration - but he had been playing the song on the piano when she came in, and she couldn't resist. Music was a drug to her.

You are my Manhattan from the sky

You look so neat and tidy when I'm way up high,

But I know your streets are lined with a fine mess inside

And I wanna come down and walk around your mind.

She let her hand rest of Derek's broad, meaty shoulder as she belted the notes out. Her eyes squeezed shut involuntarily, and she found herself lost in the music. Out of all the instruments in the band, the keys were her absolute favorite, and she never got to jam with Derek. He was a downright amazing pianist. Then again, he was a music major, after all - something she'd learned when they'd sat down for tea when the song was over.

I know you want me to see, don't lie to me

Why you gotta go be so shy to me?

I ain't buying the false anxiety, let your fortress fall

From the time she was a little girl, the bridge had been the hardest part for her. That day, her emotions were so high that she didn't blink twice at the challenge. She loved Scott with all her heart, but there was still a small part of her that was hurt by him - by his pill problem, even though he couldn't help that, by his new workout craze, and by his habit of ditching plans.

What is it gonna take to get you there?

If fear was money you'd be a millionaire

Or all alone in a leather swivel chair counting stacks of gold, oh

Derek made the executive decision to wind the song back down at the point, instead of falling easily into another chorus. Just in time, Allison caught on to his plan and sang one final run.

And I wanna come down and walk around your mind.

Derek let his fingers rest on the ivories as he craned his neck to look Allison in the eye for the first time, "So, I guess Stiles squealed."

She gave a small, tentative nod, suddenly very embarrassed for confronting him.

Her shyness caused Derek to titter quietly to himself, "Allison, it's fine. I would be pissed at me, too. I am pissed at me."