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WARNING : there is some physical abuse and a small allusion to suicide in this chapter (last segment)

Part 1 ; Chapter 4
Buses and Group Dates

01x03 Pack Mentality

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"Soph—"

"Stop," Sophie cut Stiles off by raising her index finger in front of her when he burst into her kitchen to pick her up from school. "Before you say anything, let me have some coffee."

He furrowed his eyebrows, pausing at the kitchen island, stealing a strip of bacon off the plate that still sat on the counter. "You hate coffee."

"What did I just say ?" Sophie whined as she filled a thermos up, spooning in sugar like there was no tomorrow and adding in at least a quarter of milk. She really hated coffee. Couldn't stand the taste. Even with all this, it would taste terrible to her.

"Sorry. But why.....?"

"Didn't get much sleep," she confessed, stirring the liquid before pulling the spoon out and tossing it into the sink. She screwed the thermos shut and took a sip, immediately pulling a face. "But, it's the only way I'll stay awake. Stop eating Mum's bacon," she reached over to slap his hand away.

"Ow !" He rubbed at his hand. "Okay, fine. You ready to go ?"

Sophie nodded, reaching for her bag when she walked around the island. She slid it onto her back as they walked towards the front door. Once they got there, Sophie called "Bye Mum !" over her shoulder.

"Bye Honey !" Lilith called back, popping her head out from upstairs when she was pushing an earring through her pierced ear and sending her daughter a flying kiss. "Bye Stiles !"

"Bye Lily !" Stiles waved as the two teenagers walked out the door. His arm came and fell over Sophie's shoulders as they walked to the Jeep that was parked in the driveway. He shook his head at Sophie as she took another sip and grimaced. "Come on, coffee isn't that bad."

"It is to me."

"How come you couldn't sleep ?"

"Nightmare," Sophie told him as she climbed into the passenger side seat, slumping back after she put hers and Stiles' backpacks on the floor next to her feet.

"Damn. Want to talk about it ?" He wondered as he started driving.

Sophie shook her head. "Not particularly. Now," she sighed, "what did you want to tell me earlier ?"

"Scott—"

Sophie groaned, her head tilted back into the headrest. "I should have added some liquor into this infernal drink too. It's too early to talk about your wanker of a best friend, Stilinkski."

Stiles chuckled lightly. "I know you don't like him."

"Understatement of the year."

"But he isn't that bad, Sophie," he defended.

"I know," Sophie sighed heavily. "He's just hormonal teenage boy who got bit by a werewolf which makes his hormonal teenage life harder. I can understand and sympathise with that. What I can't sympathise with is when multiple people tell him not to do something because it's dangerous, he still does them because he wants to. He's selfishly and unnecessarily putting people's bloody lives in danger."

"I'm sorry, Soph."

Sophie waved him off. "Not your fault."

"Well....it kind of is," he shrugged as he drove. "If I hadn't dragged him to the preserve the other night, he wouldn't have been bitten."

"Stiles, the only person to blame for Scott getting bitten is the bloody werewolf that sunk its teeth into your boy in the first place," Sophie told him gently. She took another swig of coffee, cringing, "Urgh. How do people like this ?"

Stiles chuckled at her, reaching out a hand and putting it onto her thigh, comfortingly. Sophie took it in her own, squeezing it tightly. "It'll all work out for the better," she assured.

"I hope so."

They reached the school, pulling up in the parking lot where they saw a very anxious Scott McCall racing to where the Jeep was pulling up into a spot. Stiles got out first, followed by Sophie who held out his bag to him.

"Dude, I gotta talk to you," Scott told him.

Stiles pulled the bag on at his front, holding his arms out behind him and crouching slightly. "You can tell both of us," he shrugged. "Hop on, Soph."

"Really ?"

"Yeah, come on."

Sophie grinned, easily jumping onto his back and holding around his shoulders as Stiles hoist her up onto his back. For a scrawny guy, he was pretty strong. Stiles Stilinski often gave her piggyback rides when she was tired.

"What ails you, McCall ?" Sophie asked, drinking up the last of her coffee and pulling a face, shaking her head. "That is vile."

At least she was more awake.

Scott didn't seem overly pleased about her presence but he was smart enough to realise that Sophie wasn't going anywhere. So he started.

He told them about his dream, about how he had dreamed that he and Allison snuck into one of the buses behind the school for a date. Things were going great, until they weren't. In his dream, Scott turned and started attacking Allison.

"So you killed her ?" Stiles asked, pushing the door to the school open.

Scott shook his head. "I don't know. I just woke up. And I was sweating like crazy, and I couldn't breathe. I've never had a dream where I woke up like that before."

"Really ? I have," Stiles said nonchalantly. "Usually ends a little differently."

Sophie scrunched up her face in disgust, hitting him on the back of the head. "I do not want to know about you in bed, Stilinski. I beg of you, never give me that much detail again. Please."

"Noted," he allowed.

"Now, what did you mean, McCall ? That you've never had a dream like that ?"

Sophie might not like him but she wasn't going to leave him helpless and stranded if he needed assistance. She would do her best to help however she could.

"I meant I've never had a dream that felt that real."

Sophie thought about it carefully, trying to recall if she had ever heard of anything like that. She hadn't really but the dream in itself.....it was familiar to her in a manner of speak.

"Let me take a guess here—"

"No," Scott cut Stiles off, "I know, you think it has something to do with me going out with Allison tomorrow, like I'm gonna lose control and rip her throat out."

"No, of course not."

"Liar," Sophie scoffed. "I feel your distrust and worry."

Stiles sighed, conceding, "Yeah, that's totally it." He then encouragingly nudged his friend's shoulder. "Hey, come on, it's gonna be fine, all right ? Personally, I think you're handling this pretty freakin' amazingly. You know, it's not like there's a lycanthropy for beginners class you can take."

"Yeah, not a class," Scott agreed before hesitantly adding, "but maybe a teacher."

"Who, Derek ?" Stiles asked in disbelief. "Soph, hit him on the back of the head for me, will you ?" The girl shrugged, reaching over and letting her open palm hit the back of Scott's head. She a had no qualms hitting him. "You forgetting the part where we got him tossed in jail ?"

"Yeah, I know," Scott explained, rubbing the back of his head before he desperately said, "but chasing her, dragging her to the back of the bus, it felt so real."

"How real ?" Sophie questioned.

"Like it actually happened."

They reached the back of the school for some reason, opening the doors to see carnage. "Bloody hell," Sophie breathed, slipping off Stiles back as to get a better look. She landed on soles of her navy blue high tops, gray eyes wide as she stared at the wrecked bus.

"I think it did," Stiles gaped.

Scott stormed right back into the school, making Sophie hit Stiles in chest with the back of her hand. "Nice job," she scowled. "That's exactly what he needed to hear."

She followed the werewolf in, calmly assuring him that, "She's probably fine."

"She's not answering my texts, Sophie."

"Maybe she's driving," Sophie offered.

"It could just be a coincidence, all right ?" Stiles added, having followed the girl in. "A seriously amazing coincidence."

"Just help me find her, okay ?" Scott begged. "Do either of you see her ?"

Stiles shook his head. "No."

Scott's breath became laboured as he leaned against the lockers, holding on for support. "Shit," Sophie swore as she approached cautiously. "Scott ?"

He responded by pounding his fist into one of the lockers leaving a giant dent in it. Sophie's eyes widened slightly as she pulled him away from it, making the boy face her. "You need to calm down," she instructed.

"I—I can't. What if—"

"Scott."

His eyes shifted to hers, blinking as Sophie stared at him. Her eyes shone like moonlight, steely silver. Like magic, his shoulders slumped slightly, his breath calming down. It was only when she was absolutely convinced that he was calm that Sophie let him go. She lowered her head, blinking rapidly and let her eyes shift back to their natural blue-gray, praying that no one saw.

Scott stared in amazement and surprise. "How...?"

"I'm a guardian, McCall. It's my job. Now come on," she took his arm, starting to lead him around the corner. "I'm sure your girl is fi— Oh my God !"

Sophie panted, a hand placed on her racing heart as she knocked into Allison Argent. Allison stared at her friend with a startled laugh. "You scared the hell outta me."

"You scared the hell out of me !" Sophie exclaimed, letting out an exhale before getting down to help pick up the books Allison had dropped.

"You're okay," Scott breathed, also getting down to help.

"Once my heart starts beating again, yeah," the girl joked. She then caught the way Scott was looking at her making her furrow her eyebrows slightly. "What ?"

Scott shook his head as all three teenagers straightened up. "I'm just happy to see you."

Sophie rolled her eyes. "There was an accident in the bus parking and he was worried about you. Hounded me into helping him find you and then we quite literally ran into you."

Allison smiled up at Scott. "Aw, you were worried about me ?"

Scott shrugged, shyly smiling. Sophie also begrudgingly smiled at the couple. She might have had her reservations and worries about them, but the girl had to admit that they were cute.

"Here you go, milady," a familiar voice sighed out. Anthony arrived through the school door, holding a set of car keys out to his sister. He dropped them into her open palm and smiled upon spotting Sophie. "Hey Sophie."

"Hi," she greeted, tiredly.

His brown eyes shifted and his smile slipped as it fell on Scott. "McCall," he acknowledged.

"Hey Anthony," Scott greeted awkwardly.

Allison hit her brother in the chest with the back of her hand. "Can't you even try to pretend to like him ?"

"Hmm," Anthony pursed his lips as he pretended to think before shaking his head. "No."

"Ant !"

"Allison, as your older brother—"

"We're twins."

"—by forty four minutes, it is my solemn duty to hate any guy you date for at least two months," he continued as though his sister hadn't spoken.

Allison rolled her eyes, looking at Sophie. "Can you please explain to him he's being ridiculous ?"

"Why me ?" Sophie chuckled in confusion.

Allison stared at her friend as though the answer was obvious. "Because he listens to you."

"He does ?"

"I do ?"

They both chorused with pinched faces, sharing a glance. Allison rolled her eyes as she shook her head in exasperation. "Honestly," she mumbled. "Soph, if you wanted to, you could walk him like a dog."

"Huh," Sophie hummed in thought, her head tilted to the side. She smirked at Anthony with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Good to know."

"Oh, please," Anthony tried denying. "You could—"

"Shh, Anthony," Sophie cut in, raising her index. "Let's not ruin this moment."

Oh, she's got you, mate.

Sophie blinked, looking around slightly. It was that voice again. The one she had heard at Lydia's party a couple weeks prior. Sophie hadn't been sure if she'd imagined it back then with the noise and the alcohol and the full moon. Now, she knew she hadn't.

Maybe she finally was going insane. She was sure it was going to happen sooner or later. With her family history, it was more than likely.

The speaker squawked, making her blink and shake her head, glancing up. "Attention, students," it said, "this is your principal. I know you're all wondering about the incident that occurred last night to one of our buses. While the police work to determine what happened, classes will proceed as scheduled."

Allison pulled a small face before nudging her boyfriend (were they official ? Sophie wondered).  "Save me a seat at lunch ?" She requested coyly.

"Yeah," Scott nodded like a happy little puppy.

Anthony and Sophie shared a glance. "Chemistry ?"

"Chemistry," she confirmed, easily falling into step next to him and finally sliding her thermos into the side pocket of her bag. "Though can we pass by my locker on the way ?"

No response.

"Anthony ?"

"Sophie." She hummed, looking up at him. But Anthony was looking at something behind her, looking very very amused. He nodded over, making her turn and let out a small chuckle, covering her mouth with her hand.

In the worry of Scott turning into a werewolf in the middle of the school, Sophie hadn't stopped to realise who's locker he had punched. But the confused look on Jackson's face was so worth it. He turned his head, the dented door in his hands, and saw Scott staring with wide eyes.

"What are you looking at, asswipe ?" Jackson growled with a glare.

Scott shook his head, quickly turning away. His eyes met Sophie's both sharing an amused look.

[•]

Scott McCall and his friend were really getting on Anthony's nerves. He already didn't like the boy much because of the whole dating-Anthony's-twin-sister and being-a-weird-little-shit situation. And then, he was being a nuisance in Chemistry class where no matter how much Anthony tried to block it out and focus on Mr. Harris and his very punchable face, he couldn't focus because of Scott and Stiles and whatever conversation they were having.

A conversation he couldn't even hear. The boys were being loud enough to disturb everyone but not coherent at all.  At least not to Anthony who sat in the back, on the line towards the wall instead of the window with Sophie next to him.

Scott and Stiles seemed to be bothering her too. She would keep glancing up with furrowed eyebrows, gray eyes glued to them. Though, Anthony noticed that while her eyes were gray, they seemed to be leaning towards blue because of the high waisted blue jeans and navy crop top she was wearing under a zip up hoodie that looked much too big to be hers.

It was quite literally sagging off her shoulders and revealing her arms and the shoulders.

"Mr. Stilinksi," Mr. Harris drawled making Anthony blink and quickly look away from where he had been shamelessly staring at Sophie. He faced the front, quietly clearing his throat and hoping his face wasn't too red. Maybe she hadn't noticed. "If that's your idea of a hushed whisper, you might want to pull the headphones out every once in a while." The teacher tilted his head evilly, a small smirk playing on his lips. "I think you and Mr. McCall would benefit from a little distance, yes ?"

"No," Stiles whined.

Harris wasn't having it though, pointing at two free seats on either end of the classroom. "Let me know if the separation anxiety gets to be too much," he mocked, turning back to the front.

Stiles scowled as he sat down at the table in front of Sophie and Anthony. Anthony watched as Sophie leaned forward and hit the boy on the back of the head. "Seriously ?" She hissed as he turned around with narrowed eyes. His retort was cut off by a look from Sophie. "Don't you have anything better to do ? Like...I don't know, paying attention in class so you don't fail this year ?"

Anthony had to agree as he leaned closer and lowered his voice. "What's so important you had to discuss it now and disturb the entire class ?"

"We were just trying to figure out what happened at the buses," Stiles shrugged. He then look over at Sophie with furrowed eyebrows. "You weren't wearing the hoodie earlier."

"I got it from my locker before class," she shrugged.

"That's where my hoodie disappeared to ?" Stiles raised offended eyebrows. "Your locker ? You didn't even tell me you took it."

Sophie rolled her eyes, waving him off. "You never wear it anyways. Now stop changing the subject."

"Why are you so worried about the bus ?" Anthony wondered, trying not to think about the fact that Sophie was wearing Stiles' hoodie and the anger and frustration that the knowledge of said fact flared in him. "Shouldn't that be the police's problem ?"

"Well, my dad's the sheriff," Stiles explained. "I want to know it's not something too dangerous. I don't want him to get hurt."

Anthony softened upon hearing that. He might not have the best relationship with his own father but he definitely worried about Christopher Argent whenever the man went on hunts without him. He didn't want to lose his father. Not now, not ever.

So Anthony understood where Stiles was coming from. And he also understood better how Stiles and Sophie were so close. She had mentioned that she had memorised the Sheriff's personal cellphone number which meant she had to have a good relationship with the man. That probably meant having a good relationship with his son too.

"I'm sure it'll be fine," Anthony assured him. "They'll find something sooner or later and your father will come out of it perfectly fine."

Stiles sent him a small smile. "Thanks Anthony." His eyes shifted to Sophie, becoming big and imploring. "Come to the station with me after school ?"

"If it'll make you feel better, sure," she agreed with a small smile holding out a hand, her fist closed and her pinky finger outstretched.

Stiles wrapped his own pinky around it and they held it for two seconds. That was that. Anthony smiled slightly. He and Allison used to do pinky promises when they were younger.

It had changed though. Now, it was different. Not necessarily bad, but different. He missed the old days of innocence and sweet laughter.

"Hey, I think they found something !" A girl sitting towards the window exclaimed.

Much to Mr. Harris' despair, all the teenagers were rushing over trying to catch a glimpse outside. Sophie and Anthony looked at each other and followed after Stiles. Anthony was tall enough that he could peek out without any issues. Sophie however, being at least a head shorter than him struggled, holding his shoulder for support as she pressed onto the tip of her toes, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration.

They all watched as the police came out of the forest near the school, a stretcher by their sides. And a man laid on it, still and covered in gashes.

"That's not a rabbit," Anthony heard Scott mumble near where he and Sophie stood. That made him furrow his eyebrows.

Scott thought that there might have been a dead rabbit around because of the bus ? That didn't make any sense.

This boy was getting weirder and weirder.

A chorus of screams and gasps echoed through the class as the man sudden jolted up and started moving around like a rabid dog. Anthony flinched slightly with a deep inhale, only then noticing the restraints that were fastened all across the man's chest.

"Holy mother of God," Sophie breathed, a hand on her chest, presumably over a fast beating heart.

Anthony looked down at her, his hand immediately going to her arm as if to steady her when Sophie dropped down to the balls of her feet. They turned away, heads bowed together slightly.

"Are you okay ?"

"Yeah," she breathed with a nod, her arm twisting in a manner that let her hold the same arm that was holding hers comfortingly. Sophie used her free hand to come and mess with her fringe. Anthony noticed that she did that when she was nervous. That and biting her nails. "Yeah, I'm good. Just wasn't expecting that."

"I don't think anyone was," he noted.

Anthony looked back at the crowd of teenagers shoving and pushing still trying to get a look at the ambulance. High schoolers would do anything to not study. The only people gone were Scott and Stiles who were discussing something in hushed whispers that were actually hushed this time. Probably theorising what happened.

Anthony was pretty curious about it himself. "What do you think happened ?" He inquired looking back at Sophie.

Sophie detached her arm from his and hugged around her waist as she shook her head, eyes unfocused as she looked in the window's general direction. "Nothing good."

[•]

Sophie was pretty sure she knew what happened to whoever the police found in the forest. Because guess what, Scott hadn't been the only one to have a strange dream the previous night. Sophie had too.

A nightmare filled with red eyes and blood.

That was why she hadn't been able to sleep. The nightmare kept coming back and making her wake up in a cold sweat, panting and glad she hadn't woken up her mother in the next room. Sophie knew she probably should have mentioned it to her mother but.....

She couldn't bring herself to. Lilith already had enough things to worry about without adding the actions of their unknown alpha werewolf to the mix. Sophie had told Derek though. She'd texted him when she woke up. If he was creeping around town doing God knows what, he might as well look for the alpha and figure why it was doing all the things it was.

Biting Scott, attacking someone. Who knew what else it was planning and how many more people would get hurt ?

"But dreams aren't memories," Sophie heard Stiles telling Scott in the cafeteria as the two boys sat down at a table. She already knew Scott was convinced he was the one who had attacked the bus driver. The girl hadn't had the occasion to tell him that he actually hadn't without seeming suspicious.

"Then it wasn't a dream," Scott countered. "Something happened last night, and I can't remember what."

"What makes you so sure that Derek even has all the answers ?"

"Because during the full moon he wasn't changed," the werewolf explained. "He was in total control while I was running around in the middle of the night attacking some totally innocent guy."

"You don't know that," Stiles reminded.

"I don't not know it. I can't go out with Allison. I have to cancel."

"No, you're not cancelling, okay ? You can't just cancel your entire life," Stiles reasoned supportively. "We'll figure it out."

Lydia let her tray drop onto the table, in the seat next to Scott. That jolted Sophie out of her spell, realising that she no longer had to use her enhanced hearing to.....well, here what the boys were saying.

"Figure what out ?" The strawberry blonde demanded, taking a seat.

"Just, uh, homework," Scott lied.

"Yeah," Stiles nodded, confusedly looking around. He turned to his best friend demanding, "Why is she sitting with us ?"

Scott shrugged, looking over at Sophie in confusion when she dropped into the chair next to Stiles. Sophie shook her head, "Don't look at me. This is all your girlfriend." She nodded to Allison who slipped into the chair next to Scott with a whipped smile. Sophie titled her head as she observed them. "Are you guys official by the way ?"

"No." Everyone turned to look at Anthony who sat on this sister's other side. "They are not official and they will never be as long as I live."

"Oh my god," Allison dropped her face into her hands. "Will please stop ? I will beg if that's what it takes."

"No, you won't," he scoffed.

"Sophie !"

"Leave your sister alone," Sophie instructed, like the dutiful friend she was, though there was no real scolding or conviction behind the words.

Anthony narrowed his eyes slightly. "Fine," he grumbled. "All of you gang up against me."

Sophie laughed, shaking her head in amusement. At that, Anthony managed a small smile.

You are so whipped.

Sophie furrowed her eyebrows, discreetly glancing around. There was the voice again. She looked back to Anthony, finding that his head was bowed and his eyes were shut. His jaw was clenching.

"Get up."

Sophie turned her head towards the head of the table to find Jackson there, glaring at a guy who'd sat down. Sophie recognised this guy, vaguely. He hung out with them sometimes.

Here, he was looking at Jackson with a scowl. "How come you never ask Danny to get up ?"

Danny, who sat on Stiles' other side, chuckled as though it were obvious, replying. "Because I don't stare at his girlfriend's coin slot." The guy rolled his eyes but owned up to it and got up, stalking away. That let Jackson easily drop into the seat at the head of the table.

There was silence for a minute, no one too sure what to say. Danny decided to break it with small talk, announcing, "So I hear they're saying it's some type of animal attack." Everyone knew what he was talking about. "Probably a cougar."

"I heard mountain lion," Jackson stated.

"A cougar is a mountain lion." Noticing the strange looks she was getting, Lydia pitched her voice up and added. "Isn't it ?"

"It is," Sophie confirmed, raising her eyebrows at her friend.

Again with the changing one's true self. Hiding who she actually was for the sake of appearance. Sophie hated it.

Lydia smiled at her, her eyes threatening.

"Who cares ?" Jackson scowled.

"I'm sure his family does," Sophie stated.

Jackson rolled his eyes, waving her off. "The guy's probably some homeless tweaker who's gonna die anyway."

"You—"

"Actually, I just found out who it is," Stiles cut in. It was probably for the better because Sophie might actually have killed Jackson. He might be her friend and he might have his moments of kindness and goodness, but the guy was an arsehole. "Check it out."

"You need to get a hobby," Sophie told him as she leaned closer.

"No, I don't."

"Mmm," Sophie winced, lifting her hand flat and tilting it, side to side as if to show that his statement was iffy.

Stiles nudged her. "Shut up."

"You shut up," she nudged back.

Lydia furrowed her eyebrows, face almost distrusting and disapproving. "Since when is this," she used her index to point to the pair, "a thing ?"

"They're friends," Anthony rolled his eyes. "Now, can we please watch the news report ? Stiles ?"

"Yeah," Stiles nodded, shifting his phone so that practically everyone could see. It was footage of the sheriff and his deputies walking around the crime scene, investigating.

"The Sheriff's department won't speculate on details of the incident but confirmed the victim, Garrison Meyers, did survive the attack." A picture of the man showed up. "Meyers was taken to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition."

Scott leaned back in his chair, his face slightly panicked as he looked at Stiles and Sophie. "I know this guy."

"You do ?" Allison asked.

"Yeah," the boy nodded, "when I used to take the bus back when I lived with my dad : He was the driver."

Stiles and Sophie shared a look. This was getting strange.

Sophie knew that Scott wasn't the reason for the attack. But the fact that he knew that man ? She hadn't been expecting it.

Sophie did not like this one bit.

"Can we talk about something slightly more fun, please ?" Lydia requested, pouting. She perked up with a smile. "Like, oh, where are we going tomorrow night ?" She looked at Allison with curious eyes. Allison looked back like a deer caught in headlights, chugging her small bottle of water unusually fast. "You said you and Scott were hanging out tomorrow night, right ?"

"Um, we were thinking of what we were gonna do," the brunette stuttered out.

Sophie had to say she understood Allison's discomfort. She had been in that very same position at one point. Here, she was happy to lean back and watch the entire thing unfold, stealing fries from Stiles' plate.

"Well, I am not sitting home again watching lacrosse videos," she informed the table with a pointed look to her boyfriend, "so if the four of us are hanging out, we are doing something fun."

"Hanging out ?" Scott repeated, glancing at Stiles who looked confused and pitying and Sophie who was shamelessly enjoying this. He then looked at Allison, clarifying, "Like, the four of us ? Do you wanna hang out, like us and them ?"

Allison shrugged. "Yeah, I guess."

"You can say no if you don't want to," Anthony spoke up, raising his eyebrows. He motioned between Scott and his sister. "As much as I hate this, it doesn't mean you should do something you don't actually feel like."

"No, it's fine," Allison shook her head. "Sounds fun."

Jackson didn't seem to share her opinion. "You know what else sounds fun ? Stabbing myself in the face with this fork."

"Want me to do it for you ?" Sophie teased with a smirk.

Jackson narrowed his eyes at her, pointing the fork in her direction. "You're enjoying this too much."

"What ? Watching Lydia prepare a double date I don't have to be a part of ? Of course I'm enjoying it."

"How 'bout bowling ?" Lydia interjected, snatching the fork from Jackson's hand. She added, "You love to bowl."

"Yeah, with actual competition."

"How do you know we're not actual competition ?" Allison demanded before turning to Scott and asking more gently, "You can bowl, right ?"

Sophie and Stiles shared a look. Scott most definitely could not bowl. Stiles had only told her as much every time Lilith had left her with the Stilinkskis on the weekends she had to move around for work. Noah learned that bowling used to be a family tradition for the Ward family back before Sophie's father died and had wanted to maybe cheer her up from the awkward and gloomy states she used to be in at the beginning. So he used to take her and Stiles to bowl. The tradition stayed alive, Lilith joining them too when they could.

Scott attempted to deflect. "Sort of."

"Is it sort of, or yes ?" Jackson goaded.

At that, all hope was lost. Never challenge a man like that in front of the girl he likes. "Yes," Scott glared, confidently declaring. "In fact, I'm a great bowler."

"He's screwed," Stiles whispered lowly to Sophie.

"He's an idiot."

"We agree there."

"Oh !" Lydia squealed making everyone at the table watch with wide eyes and worried smiles. Someone was about to get news they didn't want. "Let's make it a triple date. Soph-"

"Why ?" The girl groaned.

"You and Anthony should come."

To that the pair looked at each other, stuttering and trying to make excuses why they couldn't. They both fell short.

Looks like they were going on a triple date.

[•]

Sophie was sitting in the armchair by Allison's window, her knees pulled to her chest as she read her book. She had finished the Screaming Staircase and was now towards the beginning the Whispering Skull, completely engrossed in the story.

She knew she was supposed to be helping Allison pick an outfit for the triple date but.....she wasn't. Sophie considered this acceptable since she was being forced on the date begin with.

She could however hear Lydia giving her opinion on every option Allison held out.

"Mmm, pass."

Pause.

"Pass."

Finally Lydia lost patience and got off the bed, marching to the wardrobe. "Let me see. Pass. Pass. Uh, pass on all of it," Lydia sighed loudly. "Allison, respect for your taste is, uh, dwindling by the second."

"I think you have lovely clothes," Sophie piped up from her seat, straightening slightly. Shit was getting real in her book.

"Sophie, I love you, but I don't think you're the best situated person when it comes to fashion."

The girl lifted her head with furrowed eyebrows. "What is that supposed to mean ?"

"You literally only have three colours in your closet. Two of which aren't even colours."

Sophie rolled her eyes, sliding her bookmark between the pages and getting up, the book in her hand. Yes, she practically only own black, white and blue. Even at that moment, Sophie was sporting light blue bootcut jeans with a black crop top and oversized navy blue hoodie/sweater on top. But there was a reason for that. "My dad said blue was my colour," she shrugged before peeking into Allison's wardrobe. She nodded to a particular top, a deep brown with sequins on it. "What about that ?"

Lydia glanced at it, studying it before nodding and holding it out to its owner. "This." She looked at Sophie with a slightly sheepish smile. "So maybe you do know a thing or two about fashion."

Sophie lovingly scrunched up her nose at her friend before sitting down on the bed and opening her book again. Her work was done after all.

A knock echoed and the door opened. Anthony poked his head in. "Is it safe for me to come in ?"

"Yeah," Allison chuckled. "We were just picking what I should wear this evening."

"Why can't you just go as you are ?" He furrowed his eyebrows, tossing his jacket onto the bed next to Sophie.

"For fuck's sake, Anthony !" She exclaimed in frustration.

Both girls turned to their friend with wide eyes. "Soph, isn't that a little exaggerated for a normal guy question ?" Allison wondered, with pinched brows.

Only Anthony laughed, his hands slipped into his pockets as he leaned his shoulder onto to wall next to his sister's desk. "She's not talking to me."

"What ?" Allison turned him.

"She's talking to book Anthony," he told her before looking back at Sophie with a fond smile. "What's he doing ?" The boy wondered.

"Being an idiot is what," Sophie scowled at the pages of her book, shaking her head. "I love you but get your act together, you arsehole. She didn't deserve that."

Anthony laughed slightly. And it stopped. So abruptly as though it were never there in the first place. That made Sophie glance up, blinking at the sight of Christopher Argent. She hadn't even heard him come in. It was as though he just materialised from thin air.

"Dad, hello ?" Allison watched him, her eyes slightly widened.

Christopher was putting his jacket on, noticing that the four teenagers were staring. He suddenly seemed to realise that he had just entered with no warning. "Right. I'm sorry. I completely forgot to knock."

Lydia giggled slightly, dropping onto the bed on her side, legs slightly bent and hand on her hip as she twirled her hair with the other hand. "Hi, Mr. Argent," she greeted in a flirty manner. That earned her a look of confusion from both Sophie and Anthony.

Allison shook her head slightly before turning to the man. "Dad, do you need something ?"

"I wanted to tell you and your brother that you'll both be staying in tonight."

"What ?" Allison exclaimed.

"Oh boy," Anthony rolled his eyes, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall with his back instead of his shoulder.

It looked like Anthony Argent was trying to make himself the least noticeable he could. Which was a rather difficult feat since he was quite tall and his presence just demanded attention despite him not wanting it.

"Anthony and I are going out with our friends tonight."

"Not when some animal out there is attacking people," Christopher immediately countered.

"Dad, dad, I'm—uh—"

"It's out of my hands," her father cut in. "There's a curfew. No one's allowed out past 9:30 P.M. Hey," he dropped with warning eyes, his voice stern, "no more arguing."

Christopher gave his son a pointed look. Anthony clenched his jaw, nodding his head. His arms were firmly crossed over his chest, almost like a shield. Sophie wondered what that was about.

The door clicked shut. Sophie stood up with a deep breath and went to get her bag, sliding her book in. Maybe she was getting out of this triple date after all.

Lydia's gaze was on door, her voice both teasing and slightly judgemental. "Someone's daddy's little girl."

"Sometimes," Allison admitted before shaking her head. "But not tonight."

"Allie," Anthony cautioned. "Think about this for a minute."

She wasn't listening though, pulling on a jacket and her beanie.

"Allison ?" Sophie furrowed her eyebrows as she watched her friend breeze past her towards the window.

"What are you doing ?" Lydia questioned as they watched the girl get onto the roof.

Anthony arrived behind the two girls who watched with bewildered confusion. "She's sneaking out," he sighed in exasperation.

Allison reached the ledge and did a front flip, easily landing on her feet on the grass outside. She saw the look on her two best friends' faces. "Eight years gymnastics," was what she offered as an explanation before tilting her head towards the driveway where Lydia and the Argent Twins' vehicles were parked. "Are you coming ?"

"Yep," Anthony grumbled, going to get his jacket. "Not like I have a choice. I'll get in more trouble if I stay."

"What do you mean ?" Lydia furrowed her eyebrows.

"If my parents find out," Anthony began as he tugged at the collar of his peacoat. "And trust me, they will find out somehow, they would be more mad that I didn't go with to keep her safe."

"Keep her safe ?"

He lifted his shoulders, moving back towards the window. "I've been training and hunting with my dad since I was a kid. They feel better if they know I'm there with her."

"I could keep her safe," Sophie shrugged. "If that's what we're worried about."

Lydia raised a dubious eyebrow. "You know how to fight ?" Sophie nodded. "Yeah but you're so tiny. What could you do if you were up against.....like a tall quarterback ?"

"I could beat him," Sophie shrugged. She then faced Anthony, her arms crossed and head tilted as she studied him. "I could take Anthony too."

The boy pointed at her. "I'll hold you to that," he agreed. "You and me, sparring next week."

"Done."

"Guys," Allison's voice came, making them all glance down at her. "Hurry up."

"We're coming," Anthony assured with and eye roll, gracefully climbing onto the roof and effortlessly sliding off.

The twins expectantly looked up at the girls who shared a look before pointing towards the door of Allison's room. "We'll take the stairs."

[•]

"I did not have you pegged as a Swiftie," Sophie gently chuckled as she looked at the music system in Anthony's car.

Anthony scoffed in amusement. "Come on, that woman is a goddess. I love her music."

"Well, that gives me all the more reason to like you," Sophie smiled. "Lydia's not a fan."

"Yeah, well given her choice of boyfriend, Lydia's taste doesn't hold much weight for me," Anthony shrugged as he dropped a hand from the wheel and reached into the pocket of his coat. He pulled out his phone and held it out to Sophie, eyes still glued to the road. "Pick a song. Code's 1512."

"Oh, okay." Sophie gingerly took the device and unlocked it.

Anthony had declared she was coming with him in a separate car because he didn't want to drive alone. He didn't like Lydia enough and while he loved his twin, he also didn't want to hear Allison complain about their father. His logic was that he would hear it all again later at home so why should he already suffer through it ? It wasn't bad logic. Not to mention, Sophie was supposed to be his date.

He immediately connected his phone to the Bluetooth in the car, Taylor Swift lowly singing in the background. Sophie scrolled through his Taylor Swift playlist, smiling as she selected one of her favorites.

Anthony chuckled slightly, seemingly recognising the song. Sophie smiled, obviously proud of her choice.

"So, how old were you ?" She questioned.

He pinched his eyebrows, glancing at her. "How old was I when what ?"

"When you became a porn star," Sophie deadpanned.

Anthony laughed, throwing his head back, a hand coming to ruffle his hair. Sophie's falsely serious façade cracked as she also started laughing.

"What was the actual question ?" He wondered once they'd calmed down.

"How old were you when you started hunting with your dad ?"

"I'm not telling you that."

"Why not ?" Sophie gaped.

"Um, maybe because you are my competitor, Sophia Ward," he pronounced as though it were obvious. "I can't give an advantage like that."

"How is this random piece of information an advantage ?" Sophie inquired incredulously.

"Because then you could adapt your skills by training more or less."

Sophie laughed in disbelief. "You are being ridiculous."

"Am I ?" He hummed, sending her a small smirk. "Or am I actually a genius who won't fall into your trap ?"

"What if I told you when I started ? Would you tell me then ?" Sophie inquired.

"Okay," Anthony nodded after a brief second of contemplation. "But only after the bridge. Sing with me ?"

"Duh," Sophie intoned. "It's Taylor Swift."

"3, 2, 1, and..." he counted under his breath and both started exactly with Taylor, their voices purposefully terrible.

"This is looking like a contest
Of who can act like they care less
But I liked it better when you were on my side"

They both looked at each other and pointed with one hand before dramatically pulling back and continuing.

"The battle's in your hands now
But I would lay my armor down
If you'd say you'd rather love than fight"

"So many things that you wish I knew" Anthony sang alone stopping as Sophie swooped in and sang, "But the story of us might be ending soon"

"Now I'm standing alone"

"in a crowded room and we're not speaking"

And they picked up together again, loudly belting out the rest of the song while moving their heads to the rhythm,

"and I'm dying to know
Is it killing you like it's killing me yeah
I don't know what to say since the twist of fate
When it all broke down and the story of us
Looks a lot like a tragedy now,"

"the end"

The song cut off, letting the chords of Love Story fill the car (the playlist was on shuffle). The two teenagers sat there before bursting into laughter.

"That was awesome," Sophie delighted, leaning back as she tried to catch her breath. Singing could really take your energy from you.

"It was," Anthony beamed. This was the largest Sophie had ever seen him smile. "Now, spill, Sophia. When did you start taking self defense ?"

"When I was six."

"Six ?" Anthony repeated, clearly not expecting that.

Sophie shrugged. "My dad was a little paranoid. He wanted me to be safe. He kept telling my mum they had to teach me how to defend myself because what if something happened to me after dark." Sophie paused, letting out a soft, nostalgic chuckle. "I remember mum told me that when he'd brought it up, she had asked him where exactly he thought their six year old was going after dark that wasn't her bed. But eventually, she gave in and that's that."

Anthony sent her a small smile. "Your dad sounds great."

"He was."

A comfortable silence enveloped them. Sophie felt a hand on her thigh, noticing that Anthony had slid it over. He wasn't doing anything else. He just rested it there, as a means of comfort, a means of companionship. Sophie didn't know who Anthony Argent lost, but it hung over him.

He understood her pain. Maybe not exactly, but to some degree.

"How did he die ?" He wondered. "If you don't mind..."

"No," Sophie waved off. "You're fine. It's been three years. It was..." she licked her lips before gulping and replying, "It was a hunting accident."

"I'm sorry."

"Thanks," she smiled slightly, turning his hand with hers and intertwining their fingers. The girl cleared her throat, shaking her head to rid herself of the remnants of memory lane. She turned her frame to face him, her shoulder against the seat, but still keeping his hand on her thigh, tangled with hers. "Your turn."

Anthony chuckled slightly, shaking his head. Sophie couldn't help but notice how attractive he looked. The streetlights haloed his frame slightly, the shadows sharpening his features. His hair was slightly mussed up, looking soft and fluffy. The upturned collar of his peacoat brushed his sharp jawline. His deep brown eyes looked at the road in front, one hand lazily holding the wheel, the other in Sophie's soft grip.

He was wearing a white t-shirt inside paired with black jeans and his usual black peacoat. He was handsome without even trying.

"I was seven," he finally answered. "I was curious about what my family did and stumbled into the basement where my father keeps all the weapons —he's a licensed arms dealer and security consultant," he added hastily. "So when I asked, they told me because I was the kind of little shit who would keep asking questions if they didn't. Then, mom and Gerard —that's my grandfather— thought it would be a good idea to start me off in the family trade. I have been training and hunting since."

Sophie nodded along slowly, humming. "So....you've essentially been your sister's bodyguard for the past....nine years ?"

"Ten," Anthony corrected. "Allison and I got held back a year because of how much we move so I'm a year older than you. My seventeenth birthday's in a few weeks."

"Doesn't it bother you ?"

"Turning seventeen ?" Anthony glanced at her with pinched eyebrows before shaking his head and shrugging. "Not really."

"Anthony."

He chuckled slightly, shutting up as soon as he saw that Sophie didn't look amused when he glanced over again. Anthony sighed. "No," he shook his head, his thumb drawing circles onto Sophie's knuckles. He didn't seem to realise he was doing it or just how much comfort it was bringing Sophie. "Though," he allowed, "it might just be because I was basically raised that way. I've never known to be anything different."

"I don't think it's fair of your family to do that to you," Sophie confessed. "I mean, I might be overstepping or something but.....what if you don't want to be....an arms dealer ?"

Anthony pulled up into the car park of the bowling alley, easily sliding into a spot and turning the car off. He exhaled again, leaning back and turning his head to look at Sophie with a sad little smile. "I don't really think I have a choice in the matter."

Sophie's heart hurt when she heard that. When she saw how downcast and tired he looked. "Do you like it, at least ?" She wondered. "The family business ?"

His eyes looked downwards, hazing over with memories and thoughts. Anthony's free hand slipped into his pocket. "I used to," he admitted. "But now...I dread it."

[•]

Anthony was ready to put a bullet through Jackson's brain. The evening might actually be fun and enjoyable if it wasn't for Jackson fucking Whittmore. The guy was a total pill.

First, his and Lydia's PDA was nauseating. Sure, Lydia didn't quite seem to mind. In fact, she even enjoyed it. But Anthony found it extremely annoying and disturbing.

Then, any chance he got, Jackson would make a passing comment to put an already nervous and uncomfortable Scott down. Anthony didn't like Scott much but even he recognised that Jackson was being a bitch for literally no reason.

"Please let me kill him," he whispered, leaning closer to Sophie's ear from where he sat besides her.

He was glaring slightly as Jackson went to help Lydia launch her ball. Sophie chuckled gently, leaning back into her seat, the nape of her neck resting comfortably on Anthony's arm which had been slung over the back of the chair. "You're not killing him."

"Come on," he pleaded. "I could just take a bowling ball and—" he made a hitting motion with his free hand.

"No," she said firmly, taking his free hand and lowering it mid motion with a soft chuckle.

"I'm so bad at this," Lydia pouted as she came back to her seat.

Jackson sat next to her, looking at the screen and announcing. "Sophie, you're next."

"Yay," the girl said without much enthusiasm.

"You'll do great," Allison encouraged. "I mean, you bowled all the time with your parents right ?"

Sophie shrugged, going to get a ball. She tested a couple out to be sure. She finally grabbed a nine ball and went towards the lane. The girl paused, taking a deep breath before getting a small running start. She stopped right before the line and launched her ball. It easily slide down the middle, hitting all the pins.

Sophie smiled as she turned back to the group, proud of herself. Allison smiled widely, clapping. "That was great."

Sophie shrugged again, though here it was more cute and falsely modest. She went back to her seat next to Anthony, pulled her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.

"You were awesome," he whispered. Sophie smiled at him shyly. He smiled back.

There was silence between them as they just looked at each other. Neither seemed to be able to look away. Their faces were close together as they looked into each other's eyes. So close that their noses could kiss. Anthony could see that her gray eyes were circled by shadows. The blue in them popped as it always did thanks to her attire. Her fringe was messily brushed to either side of her forehead, her light brown hair pulled into a half ponytail.

"Anthony, you're up," Jackson called once Allison took her seat next to Scott again after high fiving him.

Anthony blinked, quickly coming back to reality. He cleared his throat as he moved away and went to get a bowling ball. He easily went through the movements and sent the green ball down the lane, hitting all ten pins with a violent clang.

Anthony smirked. He wasn't surprised, though. Not really. His method never disappointed.

"Looks like you two brought your 'A' game," Lydia complimented looking between the twins. "How are you both so good ?"

"We used to bowl a lot with our dad," Allison explained. "And Anthony has this 'method'. He won't tell me what it is but it always works with him."

"Well, surely he'll tell us if we ask nicely," Lydia smirked, twirling her hair as she looked at the boy.

Anthony raised his eyebrows at her with disbelief. The strawberry blonde had insisted that he and Sophie come on this date and she was flirting with him while her boyfriend went to bowl ? In front of her supposed best friend ?

Sophie deserved better than that in his opinion.

"I'll tell you," Anthony shrugged, leaning back and throwing his arm around the back of Sophie's chair again. "I picture the face of someone I don't like and throw the ball towards them with all my strength."

Lydia blinked, clearly not expecting that and not expecting the nonchalance with which he spoke. "Who were you picturing ?" She wondered.

"Your boyfriend."

"What about her boyfriend ?" Jackson asked as he swaggered back. Nobody had seen his strike.

"Nothing," Sophie spoke up. She turned her head to Anthony with a warning look.

Anthony only smirked down at her. She narrowed her eyes, shaking her head as she elbowed him in the stomach. Anthony muffled a groan of pain, hiding the cough that came from getting his breath knocked out of him.

Luckily no one was paying attention, Jackson announcing, "You're up, McCall," with so much condescension Anthony wondered how he didn't choke on it.

Allison smiled at him encouragingly with an affectionate nudge. "You can do it, Scott."

It was the complete opposite of Lydia and Jackson's judgemental looks. Scott nervously looked at Anthony and Sophie. Sophie sent him a soft smile, nodding supportively. Anthony waved at him, "You'll be fine."

Scott nodded, getting to his feet and going towards the lane. He took a deep breath and rolled the ball onto the lane and......straight into the gutter. Sophie and Anthony cringed at the sight. Lydia was laughing but she still had the decency to try and hide it, unlike Jackson who was practically howling.

"Hey, asshole," Anthony insulted. "Mind shutting up ?"

Jackson shook his head. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm just flashing back to the words 'I'm a great bowler'."

"Maybe he just needs a little warm-up," Allison defended.

"Yeah, maybe he just needs the kiddy bumpers."

"Enough," Sophie scolded. "Let the poor boy play."

"Just— just aim for the middle," Allison suggested.

"How about you aim for anything except for the gutter ?" Jackson taunted.

Anthony straightened, ready to pounce as he grumbled, "Jackson, I swear to God—"

"You, sit your arse down," Sophie ordered as she pulled him back into his seat. She then glared at Jackson. "And you, shut up."

"Let him concentrate," Allison instructed.

Scott gulped as he turned back towards the lane. He took a deep breath. And just as he left the ball, there seemed to be hope. But alas, the ball devieted at the last moment, falling into the gutter.

"Great job, McCall," Jackson laughed, shaking his head as the boy came back towards them with his tail between his legs. "Man, you are a pro."

"Jackson," Sophie warned.

Jackson rolled his eyes but shut up. Anthony clenched his jaw. He looked everywhere so that he wouldn't look at the stupid boy, finding himself looking down at Sophie. She was already look at him. "Don't do anything stupid," she cautioned.

Anthony clenched his jaw. "I'll try."

And the game continued. It continued with everyone but Lydia doing well and Scott sucking even more than the strawberry blonde. It was his turn again now.

Anthony had had enough, leaving his seat and going to his sister to whom he hissed. "Go talk to him."

"Why ?"

"Because if there's anyone who can help, it's you."

Allison looked at him, eyes narrowed. "You hate him."

"Yeah. But right now, I'm pitying him more than anything. And I don't trust that I won't shove my fist in Jackson's face if he doesn't shut up," Anthony informed with a meaningful look. "Go help your boyfriend."

Allison smiled at him. He smiled back a small, begrudging smile. Yes, he hated that his sister was dating and most of all, that she was dating a strange boy he knew nothing about. But he wanted Allison to be happy and if Scott made her happy, he would suck it up.

Though Anthony still planned to be playing the protective brother card for a little bit.

Allison kissed his cheek before pushing off her seat and going to whisper with Scott. He immediately looked more relaxed. Sophie smiled at Anthony when he sat back down next to her, pulling his arm from where he draped it over the back of her chair to her shoulders.

"You're a good guy," she whispered to him.

Anthony shook his head with a small smile. "I don't know how true that might be," he confessed. "But I try."

They smiled at each other.

However their heads quickly snapped towards the lane when they heard the sound of pins falling. Sophie gaped, pointing towards the empty space. "Did he just....?"

"He did."

"What did you say to him ?" Lydia demanded as she also turned to Allison, absolutely shocked.

"Uh, I just gave him something to think about," Allison shrugged.

"Must have been quite something," Anthony chuckled, smiling roguishly at his twin. "Nicely done, Allie."

She smiled proudly. And for the first time since reaching the bowling alley, Anthony felt like maybe the evening might just end up being okay.

[•]

Lilith Ward had not been planning on leaving the house that evening. But Derek had showed up to talk about the ongoings of their town and of course, they needed dinner. Lilith however was in no mood to cook and that fact that her daughter was out meant that she could get Thaï for once (Sophie hated it). Derek agreed. The one big problem was that her favorite ThaÏ restaurant didn't do home deliveries for food so they had to go and pick it up.

"Where is Sophie ?" Derek wondered, driving his black Camaro.

"She's on a triple date against her will," Lilith chuckled, remembering her daughter's many complaints as she had gotten ready earlier before going to Allison's. Lilith thought it best not to point out that for a date Sophie cared nothing for, she had put on her favorite sweater like hoodie.

"I didn't know she liked someone," Derek furrowed his eyebrows, his mouth turning downwards into a protective frown.

"She doesn't," Lilith assured. "She's going with the Argent boy because her best friend jumped it on her and Sophie couldn't find a way out of it."

Derek glanced at Lilith, his eyes slightly wide with worry. The woman put a hand on his shoulder in reassurance. She was worried too but she trusted that her daughter could take care of herself. Not to mention, Hunters didn't tend to hurt Guardians. It was one of the unspoken rules of their world.

"Damn," Derek swore, turning to his godmother. "Do you mind if we stop for gas ?"

"I would be a very irresponsible adult if I told you no," Lilith chuckled.

Derek cracked a small smile. Luckily, they weren't very far from a gas stop, making Derek swerve and pull in. Lilith got out, checking the number and informing the young man she was going to head in and pay for the gas and see if they had any miniature oreos or chips ahoy. Derek knew better than to argue and nodded, informing her of how much he was going to fill the tank.

Lilith smiled at the cashier, browsing through the aisles with narrowed eyes, looking for the biscuits. Her and her daughter loved them but both struggled to have the normal sized biscuits for some reason so whenever she could find them, Lilith purchased the mini version.

"Aha !" She beamed, finding a box of mini chips ahoy.

She walked to the till, smiling, requesting a packet of cigarettes. That made the cashier smile back at her.

Lilith Ward was just one of those people who always seemed happy. She wasn't of course, who could be happy all the time ? But she did like to think that she was a content and positive person. She had to be. With all the sadness she had been through and the nature of her job as a prosecutor, Lilith tried to cling to all the good she could.

The cashier sent her and apologetic smile and went to look for the fags in the back. Lilith put her hands into her pockets as she waited, lips gently pouting. Her eyes were pulled towards the window, noticing two cars stopping as though they were trying to corner Derek.

Lilith ducked her head slightly, opening her ears.

"Nice ride. Black cars, though. Very hard to keep clean." One of the men, hunters, approached. The cashier showed up again and started ringing Lilith's items up. The woman took her card out, still listening and watching as the man outside picked up a wiper. "I would definitely suggest a little more maintenance. If you have something this nice, you want to take care of it, right ?"

"Okay," the cashier smiled. "This is your total."

Lilith smiled back, holding up her card and the man started punching the numbers into the machine. He held it out to let her pay.

"Personally, I'm very protective of the things I love," the man outside continued, wiping Derek's windshield as he spoke. "But that's something I learned from my family. And you don't have much of that these days. Do you ?"

"Family isn't necessarily blood," Lilith declared as she walked out with her things, confidently striding towards her godson. She looked the man straight in the eyes. "He has family."

He blinked at her. Once. Twice.

"Lily." Christopher Argent sounded surprised.

Lilith smiled at him. "Hello Christopher."

"I didn't know you were in Beacon Hills."

"Well, now you do," the woman shrugged. "And since you know that, you should know something else too." She leaned close to his ear, her voice hushed. "If you hurt my godson, so help me God, I will end you."

Christopher pulled away, looking at her face. Lilith knew that he would take her threat seriously. He knew her after all. He had known her more than half his life.

He used to be her best friend.

But that all changed.

Christopher took a step back, looking at the car with a smile. "There we go. You can actually look through your windshield now. See how that makes everything so much clearer ?"

He turned to leave. Lilith crossed her arms over her chest. "You forgot to check the oil," Derek called.

Christopher paused before calling over his shoulder. "Check the man's oil."

One of the hunter approached the back of the car, breaking the window with the back of his gun and peering in. "Looks good to me," he announced.

Lilith smiled sardonically. "Cute."

"Drive safely," Christopher wished with a taunting smile as he sat back into his SUV.

The hunters left. Derek and Lilith both stood there.

"Fucking hunters," Lilith shook her head, going to the passenger side with an eye roll.

[•]

"That is seriously amazing," Allison awed as Scott sat down after yet another strike.

Anthony smirked provocatively with his arms crossed and legs stretched out in front of him as he wondered, "Jackson, uh, how many strikes is that ?"

Jackson glared. "It's six. In a row."

"Something just clicked, I guess," Scott shrugged modestly, smiling like a happy puppy.

"Maybe it's natural talent," Allison smiled.

"I could use some natural talent," Lydia said suggestively, standing in front of Scott and twirling her hair. "You mind helping me out this time, Scott ?"

Sophie raised her eyebrows but said nothing. She did however put her hand on Anthony's thigh. He seemed to relax under her touch. Sophie had come to notice that Anthony Argent was a very angry human being. He hid it well. So well that Sophie wasn't even certain his twin sister, someone he seemed particularly close to, knew. But Sophie was observant.

In her and Lydia's friendship, she had always been the quiet friend who stayed out of the spotlight. She never minded. If anything, Sophie felt it trained her skills. She was more observant, more attentive, more understanding. The girl honestly felt like she was better for it.

Which is why Sophie knew why Lydia was flirting with people who weren't her boyfriend. She didn't think it was right, but she knew why.

Anthony didn't. And he already didn't much like Lydia and the last thing anyone needed was a scene.

Scott smiled at her awkwardly, shaking his head. "No, you're good. Go for it."

Lydia rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," she grumbled before turning to Anthony and batting her eyelashes. "What about you, Anthony ? Think you could help a girl out ?"

He too had mostly only been getting strikes.

"I think you're fine," Anthony smiled at her falsely.

She returned the smile before rolling her eyes again and grabbing the pink bowling ball. She started striding towards the lane when Jackson straightened up, sounding like a needy puppy. "Hey, I'll help."

"Your help hasn't been doing much good," Sophie noted, pushing to her feet. "I'll help."

Lydia looked at her friend with furrowed eyebrows but said nothing upon seeing the look sent her way. Jackson also saw that he wasn't needed. He sat back down, dejected and scowling like a petulant child.

They both waked to the lane together. "What's up ?" The strawberry blonde raised her eyebrows.

"You know you don't have to suck just for his benefit, right ?"

"Trust me, I do plenty of sucking just for his benefit," Lydia replied coyly.

Sophie rolled her eyes, shaking her head in exasperation. "Honestly, I don't even know why I bother," she mumbled. "Fine, do what you want then. You always do, anyways." She started walking away before turning back and hissing, "But in case someone else's opinion matters to you for once, you should consider yourself lucky that Allison and I might still want to be your friends after this evening. We love you for you, Lydia. Not the airhead you pretend to be."

With that, she strode back to her seat. Anthony leaned closer, his voice lowered. "You okay ?"

Sophie shrugged, crossing her arms as she slumped back. One of her legs bent up to the edge of the chair. "Gave her a small piece of my mind. Don't know how much of it she will retain."

Their conversation was cut off by the loud clatter of pins falling. Everyone stared as Lydia got a strike, her first strike of the evening at the last play. She skipped back towards her seat, an index coming to twirl a lock of curly hair. "I think I'm getting the hang of it," she mused.

Allison stared with wide eyes. "That was sort of perfect form."

"Was it ?"

"It was," Sophie sighed out as she got up, grabbing a ball for her turn.

"I'm glad I took your advice then."

Sophie glanced over, softening slightly. She nodded and that was that.

Everyone went one last time and it was the end of the game. Anthony won with Sophie and Jackson tied right after then Scott (those beginning gutter balls cost him) followed by Allison and finally Lydia.

That lead to the group going to retrieve their things. Anthony was the first done, though he got a call and informed the group he was already going to step outside to take it. Jackson and Scott were done next, both heading to the arcade area.

Sophie had finished too, sitting with the girls as Allison laced up her boots with her book out. She could hear Jackson and Scott's conversation thanks to her enhanced hearing and bit back a groan. Where it was leading wasn't a problem for now though. Now, she was going to focus on her book and the meeting Lockwood & Co. had with Inspector Barnes.

"Hey..." Sophie glanced up upon hearing Lydia's voice. It wasn't her usual voice though. Here it was quieter and nervous. "Sorry if I've been a bit of a bitch tonight."

"Oh ?" Allison pronounced, sharing a look with Sophie. The girl might not have said anything but Sophie knew that Lydia's behaviour had been bothering Allison as much as it had been her and Anthony.

Lydia pursed her lips. "Yeah. I just...I got jealous."

"Jealous ?" Sophie repeated with pinched eyebrows.

"Well, both your dates were so sweet and thoughtful while mine was....Jackson."

"He's your boyfriend," Allison furrowed her eyebrows.

"Yeah he is. And he's great, most of the time. But sometimes a girl just wants a guy to smile at her the way Scott smiles at you. Or to have his own secret little conversation with you like Anthony was having with Sophie. Look," Lydia held her hands out. "I'm sorry. I am."

Sophie exhaled through her nose. "It's okay, Lydia. I only beg of you, please stop acting like an incompetent idiot when you aren't."

Lydia smiled at the British girl before looking to Allison with hopeful eyes. "You forgive me ?"

Allison seemed to think about it before nodding. "I do. Just don't do this again, okay ? Talk to us instead. We're your friends."

Sophie nodded in agreement. Lydia smiled at them widely, glad that they forgave her. She then clapped her hands together. "Now, let's talk about something interesting."

"Like Sophie and my brother ?" Allison suggested as she set her foot down.

"What ? No," Sophie shook her head. "How is that interesting ?"

"Because you're both totally into each other," the brunette shrugged.

"We're friends !" Sophie let out a disbelieving chuckle.

"And you could be more," Lydia teased.

Sophie shook her head, raising her hands and waving them in front of her to show her denial. She went to deny it again when a voice grumbled, "Are you girls ready to go ?"

Sophie was so grateful for Jackson in that moment. She nodded vigorously. "Yep."

She put her book in her bag and pulled her black jacket on, purposefully making for the exit and ignoring Lydia and Allison's laughter behind her. Sophie walked out of the building, pulling her phone out to send her mother a message. The girl glanced up after sending out her message and blinked, seeing Anthony. He stood by his car, his arms crossed on top of the roof on the driver's side, head lowered into them.

He must had heard her footsteps because when she was barely two feet away, he looked up. His brown eyes softened when he noticed her. "Ready to go ?"

Sophie nodded, moving towards the passenger side door. "Is everything okay ?"

"Yeah," Anthony smiled at her, opening his own door. "Everything's fine."

[•]

Everything was not fine. Anthony wasn't sure what everything was but 'fine' wasn't the word he would use to describe it. Not after the strange, out of character phone call he got from his father.

Christopher Argent, for some strange reason, was asking questions about Sophie. And that worried Anthony because what other reason could he have of asking about her other than he suspected she was a werewolf. And Anthony really hoped she wasn't.

He didn't think he would survive if he learned that this girl was a werewolf. His family would kill her.

And to make things worse, that stupid voice in his head was being annoyingly active. Two whole fucking days, Anthony endured the comments and quips without being able to say anything because he was surrounded by other people.

When it decided to open its metaphorical mouth after his father's call, warning him that it couldn't be good, Anthony leaned his head against the cold roof of his car.

"Shut up," he breathed, his eyes closed. "Please. Leave me alone."

He was cut off by the sound of footsteps approaching making him look up. And there she was.

Sophia Ward.

Anthony already felt so much calmer, his breathing regulating and his entire being melting from the high strung and tense state it was in. She did that. He didn't know how. He didn't know why.

But Anthony was just happy for it.

They drove to Sophie's house, singing to Taylor Swift's Speak Now, laughing and dancing. When they finally reached her house, Anthony stood up and leaned his arm on top of his vehicle with his door open as he wait for Sophie to enter.

He smiled a hesitant and tight lipped smile as offered her mother a small wave. Lilith Ward smiled back with a wave too.

She had come and opened the door as soon as they pulled into the driveway. Sophie smiled a waved over her shoulder, gesturing that she'd text before letting her mother guide her inside.

The door closed and then, it was just Anthony. Alone.

His smile slipped and he gulped, sliding back into the car. The boy tentatively turned it on and headed for his house, not hurried at all.

You could maybe stay at a hotel.

"Shut up."

I'm just saying—

"You shouldn't be saying anything," Anthony cut in. "You are a voice in my head."

There was silence other than the road rolling under Anthony's wheels. Then, the distinct British accent spoke up again.

I'm not just a voice. And you know it.

Anthony clenched his jaw. His fingers tightened and flexed around the steering wheel. "Leave me alone."

I'll see you around, mate.

It almost sounded sad.

Anthony hated that stupid voice. But not only because he was sure it was a sign that he had absolutely lost his mind. Not even because it was a reminder of what he had lost because of hunting. But because it knew that he didn't want to go home. It knew what was waiting at home just as well as Anthony did.

Unfortunately, he had to go back. Anthony didn't have a choice in the matter because, not only was his sister there, but things would be way worse if he avoided it.

He had tried once.

His driveway still showed up much too early in his opinion though. Anthony gulped, licking his lips as he turned the car off. His movements were slow and almost robotic as he went through the motions of getting out and locking the car. He couldn't hear his steps or the front door opening with his key over the heartbeat racing in his ears.

He entered the house, looking around. There was only light in the dining room. Anthony gulped again as he slowly stepped towards it, gently poking his head in. He was hoping to find his father.

"You're home late," Victoria Argent noted, her eyes not leaving whatever magazine she was reading. It was probably one of those stupid gossip sheets Anthony loved stealing from her stash when he was younger.

"I was out with friends," Anthony explained quietly.

"I know. Your sister told me when she came back home." Victoria looked up, her piercing blue eyes meeting Anthony's. It took all of his self restraint not to flinch and look away. "Alone."

"Scott drove her."

"I don't want to know who drove her home, Anthony," the woman stated as she got up and approached her son. She stopped in front of him, her hands tenderly coming up to move stray strands of his brown hair from his forehead. She then settled it onto the side of her son's throat.

Anthony gasp when he felt the pressure on his windpipe. "Mom," he choked.

"I want to know why you didn't."

The pressure was gone, leaving the boy heaving with wide eyes. His hand gripped at the doorway he hadn't left as he tried to regain his breaths through greedy gulps.

"I—I had to take Sophie home," he rasped.

His mother's glare felt like ice chips needling into his skin. That cold sensation was replaced by tingling heat when she slapped him hard on the cheek. Anthony's head turned, hit into the doorway he stood a little too close to as his mother seethed. "A random girl was more important than your sister ?"

"No ! No, that— that's not what I—"

"You couldn't let that girl find others means ?" Victoria demanded as she pulled her son away from the doorway and into the dining room and shoving him towards the table.

Anthony barely caught himself before hitting his head again. His hands fell flat onto the edge of the polished table. Unfortunately, he hadn't been able to avoid getting a sharp jab in his abdomen by one of the chairs. He could feel the blood starting to trickle down the side of his head when he turned to face his mother, hands held out in a pacifying manner. "Mom—"

"Or maybe brought your sister with you ? Isn't Sophie a friend of hers ?"

"She is. But—"

"You abandoned your sister !" Victoria shouted, shoving her son to the side. Anthony unsteadily kept his footing, his hand pressed onto his tender stomach. The other was still held out as though trying to ward his mother away. "You had one job ! Keep her safe when we can't !"

"Mom—" Anthony tried, a sob choking in his throat.

"What if something had happened ?" Victoria demanded angrily, her voice raised as she pushed his again. This time, Anthony's training wasn't enough to keep him upright. He tripped, falling backwards. Pain shot through his lower back and wrist, eliciting a whimper. He tried to back away on the ground, his head bowed as his mother furiously threw things that laid on the table at him. The ornemental metal plate and clean spoons hit just as hard as her words. "What if she had gotten hurt ? Or someone had tried to force—"

"MOM !" Anthony yelled, his eyes wide with terror as he stared at her hand.

Victoria paused, looking at her hand. Footsteps echoed over the stairs and Christopher's voice came in as he called, "What is going on he—" he cut himself off as he reached the doorway.

Anthony almost laughed.

He could only imagine what his father was thinking as he found his son sprawled on the floor with tears and blood rolling down his face and his wife stood over the boy with a knife in her hand. Christopher quickly jumped into action, blinking out of his stupor. He went to Victoria, lowering her arm but his eyes, eyes that were filled with such pain, were focused on his son.

"Go to your room, son."

Anthony wasted no time scrambling to his feet and heading upstairs. He dashed into his room, quickly closing and locking the door when he heard the key to Allison's turning as though to unlock her own room.

She couldn't see him like this. If she saw him like this, she would want answers and answers they wouldn't be able to give.

Only when he was alone in the darkness of his room did Anthony stop to breathe. He slumped back against the dark wood door, sliding down to sit on the floor and lean his head back. He stared out in front of him, the numbness starting to set in.

He had lied earlier.

When he told Sophie he didn't mind essentially being his sister's bodyguard, he had lied. Truth was, he lied to himself about it too. He told himself it was fine. That he was okay with it. That he didn't mind.

She was his sister. She needed this. She deserved it.

Because it's not like he had a choice anyways. And if he didn't lie, Anthony would grow to hate. He would hate his sister and hate her perfect and ignorant life.

In moments like the one he was living, ones where he sat on the cold floor of his room, low and alone, feeling his skin bruising under his clothes and blood dripping down along his face like a tear, Anthony did hate her. He wanted to go and yell every hateful thought running through his head and tell her that she had no right to complain about the things she did. He wanted to take of his shirt and show her every single scar that marred his body instead of hers. He wanted to rip open his aching chest and show the heart that was brokenly beating, trying to survive even when its owner didn't want to.

But he couldn't. Anthony wouldn't.

So he just sat there, alone in the darkness and cried into his hands, hoping to muffle his pain.

Wow, this one turned out so much longer than I was expecting it to be.  Sorry it took me so long. First and primary reason is exams (last one tomorrow ! Whoo !). The second reason is that I started working on another plot line to include in this chapter but I realised it was unnecessary and wouldn't have been properly written or brought out by me and I don't want to offend anyone by misrepresenting or accidentally romanticising a serious issue.

Anyways, I hope you all liked this chapter ! Please let me know your thoughts.

Bye my lovelies !

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