Phoenix || Malia Tate

30

There are a few things that need be sorted out before the pack can spring into action and save Beacon Hills once again. Phoenix's current homeless situation is one of them. Malia is still so angry at him, still does not want anything to do with him, but she doesn't want to leave Phoenix stranded, either. Thankfully, she doesn't have to. Scott offers Phoenix a place to stay before Malia can. She's grateful because she doesn't know what would've happened if her and Phoenix had to sleep under the same roof, and slightly angry because there are things going on in Phoenix's life, and in spite of the anger and hurt, she still cares enough to want to be there for him. And she hates herself for it.

The next thing on the list is to gather the pack. Messenger Group Chat is truly a godsend (Stiles named it the Scooby Gang but Kira changed it to Beacon Hills Protection Squad). Argent and the Sheriff agree to take shift on patrol while Peter, Kira, Lydia, and Liam all rush to Scott's house where their alpha awaits with the tragic news.

He makes Phoenix tell it this time. The atmosphere is tense with seething hatred. Everyone here knows what Phoenix did – or kept – from Malia. Malia tells them all that it's okay – that she's okay – but it takes a while for the odd looks and pestering questions to subside.

Phoenix explains what Ellie has done and what she is planning to do. Reactions are shocked, scared, and then determined. Liam asks what the plan of action would be, and Scott says there is not much more they can do until Phoenix gets an exact plan. At that, Lydia speaks up and says, "it would just be easier if he went back home. Gained her trust again and got her talking."

Phoenix does not look happy. In fact, he looks a little bit offended. No. Scared? Malia's not sure. Phoenix is so complex, so secretive and so hidden, especially now, that it's almost impossible to distinguish a single emotion. Still, that look, whatever it may be, concerns her even though she knows it shouldn't. Not after everything that's happened.

Scott seems to have picked up on it too, because he shakes his and goes, "No. No, he's not safe with her anymore. Phoenix will just have to figure out another way. Right, Phoenix?"

Phoenix just manages a nod.

The meeting does not last much longer than that. Lydia, Kira, and Liam all come up to Malia afterward, no doubt bursting with questions, but she can't bear to hear them.

Peter comes up to her and asks if she would like to be his patrol partner for the night. Malia is more than happy to accept. She needs the distraction.

They walk out without saying goodbye. Phoenix watches her leave. His heart is bursting with all the words he wants to say, but he silences it.

Hi, it's been like 2000 years, I am alive and school can suck it.