a l l i s o n

Talia knew she shouldn’t start to dwell on her old relationship with Xavier, but she was pretty high and she started to ramble without even realizing what she was saying. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion and she didn’t even realize she’d brought up Faye until Allison teased her for it, and she rubber her face and nodded. “Maybe, yeah.” She mumbled as she shook her head and laughed softly at the thought of all of it. “It’s just so ironic. My dad told me my whole life to never trust any hunters, and now I’m just… acting totally stupid for one. Angelo threatened my friends and family if I kept talking to her, but I don’t even care. Is that selfish of me?” She rambled some more as she glanced at Allison and frowned. “You and Scott dated, huh? How was that?” She couldn’t help but be curious, since she was partially worried that trying to potentially date Faye wouldn’t even work. It was hard to not feel that way after the way her dad raised her.

She couldn’t even really hide her smirk when Allison called Talia attacking Logan karma. Talia felt the same exact way, even if she’d apologize to Faye for it and felt bad for a moment. Talia’s moral compass was definitely skewed compared to some of her friends, and she didn’t see a problem with attacking him if they’d tried to kill her first. And even if they hadn’t instigated it, they’ve definitely killed countless other supernaturals. “Burning their wolfsbane would be nice, yeah. I’m just… hesitant to do much else about them, ya know? Even if they kidnapped Faye as a kid, they basically raised her. And she sees them as family.” And Talia wouldn’t have cared so much if she hadn’t gotten close to Faye, but still. “It’s fine. They’ve caused more pain to Kole and Faye than they ever could to me. And it’s not your fault either.”

“Just proves we all end up doing the opposite of what our dads want,” Allison laughed.  From the little Talia had mentioned of her dad, the huntress was fairly certain that she wouldn’t be a fan, but on this one count it sounded like her own father and Mr. Black could commiserate.  “I don’t think it’s selfish,” she admitted.  “Priorities get... fuzzy.  In new relationships.  Things are shifting, to make room for someone new.”  Allison tried to mime moving things around in the air, but ended up looking like she was playing some kind of invisible tetris.  She let her hands fall back down on top of her stomach.  “Besides, your friends and family are pretty well equipped to deal with threats, right?  The McCall pack at your back, at the very least.  I think I’d get tapped to come kick some ass on your behalf,”  Allison noted amusedly.  “It’s- it’s okay to want something like that for yourself again.”  She couldn’t exactly imagine it with Faye, but it was probably fair to say that she and Talia had had very different experiences with the angry young werewolf.  A wistful expression took over Allison’s features when Talia asked about Scott.  “Yeah, we did.  That was the beginning of it all, honestly.  He was my first love, and it was all so crazy...”  She glanced over at Talia.  “I know everyone says that, but I mean it.  It seems like all of the insanity of this town started at the same time that we did.  And it just got worse- but we had each other.  Even after we broke up.”  It made her nostalgic, to think of those times with him.  “I actually kind of dated Isaac, too,” she admitted.  “My dad and him got pretty close, which I think was weird for both of them.”  

“I’m planning on talking to her about it,”  Allison warned her.  “We’ve argued about them before, but the last time... It was different.  I think she might be a little more open to the idea of no longer being with them, if she sees an alternative.”  She’d been going back and forth about how to approach Faye about the situation for a few days, but knew she needed to do it somehow.  Hopefully, it would go well, and Faye would be on their side of the inevitable fight.  “I get the reluctance.  It’s sweet,” Allison teased.  “But I can’t let them keep doing what they have been.  Something has to be done.”  It was comforting to hear from someone that it wasn’t her fault, even though Allison still felt the weight of it.  She’d neglected the problem in her own territory for too long, instead fleeing to help others up and down the coast.  “Thanks.  I just want to keep them from hurting anyone else, especially other kids like Faye and Kole.  I know they won’t be the last kids the Accettas do this to if we let them go.” 

“The problem is that there are children with them.” Faye explained. She figured Allison had done enough research and encountered the Accetta’s quite a few times, so hearing this was not a shock. But it was important to Faye that these kids were not forgotten about. “Not kidnapped children either. Actual Accetta’s children. There’s a couple of them and their ages range from two to twelve years old. They’re good kids, Allison. Nothing bad can happen to them.” Faye was worried they’d wind up in some shitty foster home and end up being abused or just have a terrible life. That wasn’t what she wanted for them, and it was clear Faye really cared for these children. She had basically raised a few of them on their own. “Stiles told me that they’d be okay but.. it’s hard for me to just trust that.” This seemed to at least be going better than her conversations with Allison in the past. This time around Faye was more opening to listening. Albeit still stubborn and skeptical, but open. “So I’m only willing to help if I know they’ll be okay. If I know everyone is going to be okay.” Faye sighed. “And I don’t think that’s something that can be promised, right?” She knew it wasn’t that simple. Allison couldn’t predict whether or not someone would get hurt. “Because the fact is that they’ll leave Beacon Hills if I go with them. They told me they would and that’s a much safer resolution, isn’t it? I mean, do you really think this is all worth potentially losing your friends or family?”

Allison sighed, feeling weary already.  It was an issue that had been weighing on her mind since she discovered the Accettas’ inclination towards kidnapping.  “So I gathered.” She knew that Stiles really did believe in the system, and believed that kids would be okay after going into it but... Well, the huntress was a bit of a cynic.  She knew enough about the system to be skeptical.  “I think we should be able to do something about that, to help them,” she mused.  “There are plenty of adult couples in Beacon Hills, and I’ve been thinking that we should take a look to see if any are on any fertility or adoption lists that they might be on.  Staying in a town like this, where they have supernatural resources, could be good for those kids.  Or, we could look into the network to see if there are any supernatural-friendly couples looking to adopt.  I imagine it’d be even harder to get on that list than to get on the normal adoption ones.”  Knowing that Faye knew the children personally, that helped her to understand her investment in their safety.  “We can decide, together.  Whatever you think will be best for the kids.  And we’ll have Stiles as a guy on the inside, at the department, to help.”   Allison wasn’t surprised to hear that the Accettas had promised her the safety of her newfound friends if she just left with them. Annoyed, but not surprised.  “Faye...”  She pursed her lips.  “Let’s say you’re right.  Let’s say that you go with them, and the Accettas leave town without hurting anyone you care about, which, by the way, I don’t believe that they’ll do... But even if they do, they’re going to keep kidnapping kids.  They’re going to keep hurting innocent supernaturals, and tearing families apart like they did yours.  The safest resolution is to stop them.  Once and for all.”  

“Then you don’t know me very well.” Lydia retorted back lightheartedly as she rolled her eyes. “Lydia Martin is in full control of when she slips or doesn’t slip.” At least Lydia wanted to be. She had been that way her entire life, honestly. Lydia needed to feel in control and if she didn’t then it felt like her entire world was altered- hence why she was having so much difficulty right now. For five days she had lost complete control of her mind and her body and she was having so much trouble moving on from what happened. “Of course you belong in the pack. Humans are great for the pack. You and Stiles are two of the most important members. We just wouldn’t work without you.” They felt like they didn’t, when Allison was gone. At least to Lydia- something was always missing. And she definitely didn’t want to sound like she was saying the humans of the pack weren’t important. “I just mean that everyone has their roles. Mine was being the banshee. What do you need me for now? You already have two very perfectly capable humans.”

“Hmm,” Allison hummed, deciding to drop that particular part of their disagreement.  She was fairly certain that the universe had already proved that none of them had control over when they slip, but she didn’t care to remind Lydia of that at this precise moment.  The huntress nodded eagerly as Lydia got at her point, and then had to suppress a groan as she steamrolled right passed it.  She softened at the sweet description of her and Stiles’s place in the pack. “Roles change, Lydia.  Even when we don’t want them to.”  Allison’s certainly had changed a few different times.  Thankfully, the transition from Scott’s girlfriend to a member of the pack had been far smoother than she had anticipated.  And as she became the Argent matriarch, her role had changed again.  “There’s no quota on humans, or werewolves, or banshees, or anyone.  I mean, is Scott not allowed to welcome any more ‘wolves because we already have several perfectly capable ones?”  Allison figured that logic was the best way to approach this, even though Lydia wasn’t being very logical in her own argument.  Maybe she’d be able to see it in Allison’s.  “Your role hasn’t always been being the banshee, has it?”  She prodded.  “You were a part of all of this long before you learned how to scream.  You’re our Lydia.  Genius cunning bombshell with more loyalty than almost anyone I have ever met.  You don’t have to be a banshee to belong in this pack, Lyds.  You just have to be you.”

“I am starving, I didn’t really have lunch.” Burgers sounded really good to Malia right now. “Let me just clock out now. My manager isn’t here and I’m sure one of my coworkers wouldn’t mind covering for me. It’s pretty slow day. Hold on, I’ll be right back.” She grabbed her jacket from the desk chair and headed to the office to grab one of her coworkers. After convincing someone to cover her, she punched out and grabbed her wallet and keys from the small locker where she kept her stuff. She went back out to front where Allison was. “I’m ready. Should we go to the diner? I could just meet you there since we both got our cars.”

“Great,” Allison grinned.  She waited by the front desk, mentally rescheduling the training she had originally planned for this evening.  It wasn’t essential, and pack comes first.  Even pack you don’t know too well, though that seemed like an oxymoron.  “Sounds good!”  She made her way out to her car.  With the slam of her door and the twist of her keys, the huntress was headed to the diner.  In Beacon Hills, nothing was far, so she got there pretty quickly.  Allison figured she’d snag a table for them instead of waiting in the parking lot, since they were both hungry.  When she spotted Malia in the doorway she waved, despite the fact that she knew the werecoyote could probably track her on her own.  

“I’m kind of still teetering on whether or not it is right now, if I’m being honest.” Talia admitted bluntly as she sighed and stared up at the stars, wishing she had solutions to all of her problems. But that unfortunately wasn’t how life worked. “I really had a good thing going with Xavier. Like, so good that I thought I was gonna settle down and have his kids. And then he just left and–” She forced herself to cut off, not wanting to really dwell on that anymore. He needed to leave and she knew that but God was she heartbroken for months after that. He was her first ever love and it had been so hard to get herself over that. “And I finally think I’m over him and I’m over anyone, and then now I meet a hunter of all people and I think it’s happening all over again.” Normally she wouldn’t just go around admitting these sort of things, but she was definitely not all there and honestly barely even knew what she was saying until it came out of her mouth. And then she realized what that sounded like and her eyes widened as she glanced at Allison again. “Not you, though! Not that I hate you but I.. I don’t like you like that. Sorry, that’s confusing.” Talia was rambling now and just wanted to shut up, but it was like she was on autopilot. The werewolf did smile softly though when Allison talked about how beautiful Washington was. “Maybe we could go one day. After all of this bullshit in town is over and we can just go across state lines and not worry about our friends dying.”

It was nice to get an apology back from the other girl, even if they’d both technically apologized already. This time it felt like they were both being pretty genuine and she knew that they’d hopefully be able to get over those biases and just be normal with each other. Now she definitely saw what Lydia saw in Allison after all this time. She was glad that Lydia had Allison back after she’d been gone for so long. And she was glad Allison also had a second chance at life. “Trust me, I do too. One of the strains of wolfsbane they used on me forced me into a full shift for three days. Thankfully I didn’t hurt anyone, though.” Talia paused when she realized that wasn’t true and sighed softly. “I mean, I did.. But it was one of the Accetta’s. So there’s really no sympathy there.”

“Fair,” Allison pursed her lips.  People leaving... That definitely throws a wrench in dreams about fairytale romance.  She knew that story well, though she had usually been the one being ripped away and across the country, moving to a new town for her dad’s job.  She burst into a fit of laughter, despite the serious topic they were on, at Talia’s panic.  “I’m devastated, really.”  It was easy enough to guess.  “But somehow, I’ll recover.  This town really has something for star-crossed lovers,” she mused.  “So, Faye, huh?”  Allison quirked an eyebrow at her.  God, she was tempted to tell her father.  Enough time had probably passed that he would laugh, but she could just hear his yelling when he realized she had started seeing “another werewolf.”  God, if it was even possible for the bullshit in town to end... “I would like that.  Though at this rate, we might just have to go up there when there’s a lull in activity.”  It actually sounded like a relaxing trip.  “Deaton used to say that there was a regression to the means... Sometimes I wonder if we’ll ever get back to average.  Or, scary option, this is average.”  

A weight seemed to lift off of Allison’s shoulders; it felt like the air was cleared once and for all.  She knew it would just take time for the two of them to figure out their tentative relationship.  That, and a lot of patience on her part.  She had had a lot of time before her death to unlearn the lies and biases that Kate and Gerard had taught her, and her pack to prove that the disgraced Argents were in the wrong on every count.  Allison liked to think she’d done a full 180 degree turn around from that dark time in her life after her mother’s death, but she knew there was always more to learn.  “That’s karma,” She said darkly, adding the offense to the long list of the Accettas wrongs.  As much as she loved Scott and Lydia, and their insistences about how people should always be treated, Allison didn’t operate on such a pure moral compass.  “I’m going to take particular pleasure in burning most of their wolfsbane supplies.”  She paused for a moment before continuing, managing to keep her voice serious despite her lingering high.  “I’m sorry for what they’ve done to you... For the pain they’ve caused you.  I never should have allowed them to stay in Beacon Hills for this long.  I take responsibility for that.” 

Faye was impressed with the way Allison was presenting herself. Maybe she wasn’t the huntress’ biggest fan but that didn’t mean Faye didn’t respect her. Allison was the type of person Faye wanted to be- and perhaps that was all the reason for her distaste. She knew she’d never be as brave or as put together. Regardless of anything though she didn’t like what she was hearing. “You want them gone? Then I’d have to leave town too.” Faye immediately said. Her thoughts went straight to the fact that she would go with the Accetta’s anywhere and not that she could possibly stay without them. But then Allison continued, and it was clear that’s what she was insinuating. Faye furrowed her eyebrows together and listened closely. She was intrigued by the offer but also a bit scared. Her entire life she’d been by the Accetta’s side. Was there really a life for her where she wasn’t with them? “Look, I know they have done some bad things. I’m not as opposed to hearing that as I used to be.” She admitted. “And just between the two of us I have been talking to some people about trying to put them in jail for kidnapping.” Faye couldn’t help but look behind her out of irrational fear that they might be listening. “But I don’t want anyone to get hurt. They already did hurt the only three people I care about once before. Kole, Talia, and Lydia. And Talia told me they threatened to hurt her brother Jake and Lydia if we even hangout. I can’t do that. Too many people have already been hurt because of me and it’s just not an option to get anyone involved.”

Allison listened carefully as Faye explained the new situation.  She was pleased to hear that the werewolf’s perspective seemed to have shifted quite a bit since the last time they’d talked, but not surprised to meet resistance.  “That... That might work,”  Allison mused.  Her mind kicked into gear, wheels turning rapidly.  She’d been planning on a more traditional approach to ousting the Accettas but she had repeatedly voiced concerns to her father that they would just move on and continue abusing the code, or even kidnapping another child like Faye.  The actual BHPD might be able to take care of this rather than the Argents.  “That’s a crime that they could actually be charged with.  Maybe... Maybe if the Argents protect you, Kole, Talia, Jake, and Lydia, we can just let the police do their job.  Stiles is on the force, so that should help.”  The thing was... Allison looked at Faye seriously.  “But this only works if you’re willing to help.”  She understood that the Accettas had manipulated and abused her for years, and that it would be an incredibly difficult situation for her.  “I’m involved no matter what, Faye.  The Argents are involved.  And honestly, I’d be surprised if the McCall pack didn’t feel obligated to be involved as well.  Beacon Hills is our territory.”  Allison reached out her hand, but let it settle between the two of them on the bench.  “We won’t let the Accettas hurt anyone else, Faye.  We can stop them.” 

“I don’t want to slip. I’m not going to.” Lydia shook her head lightly. She hated depending on others for anything, which probably went back to how she wasn’t allowed to need things as a child. Her mom would’ve done anything if Lydia asked but with her dad breathing over her shoulder growing up that was impossible. He was always ready to judge her or call her weak if she showed any sign of imperfection. And Ms. Martin was a great woman but at the end of the day it did take her an awfully long time to kick Mr. Martin out of their lives. It was something she never understood and also something she’d never get the chance to understand. The strawberry blonde scrunched up her nose at the mention of Peter. Even his name made her skin crawl. “It changes everything, Allison.” Lydia sighed. She wanted to believe the girl but Lydia simply couldn’t. It felt like her entire world had been altered. “I’m nothing without my powers. I’m just this weak, scared, mean girl.” She felt like it were true because of the way she’d lashed out at almost everyone recently. “I don’t even have a place in the pack anymore.” She had definitely been thinking that but hadn’t said the words out loud yet. It was scary to imagine a world in which she wasn’t in the McCall pack but she was their banshee. Now what?

“You don’t decide if you slip, Lyds.”  Allison had to fight an amused smile.  Sometimes she wondered if Lydia was like this as a little girl, refusing to fall off a bike or eat vegetables, when she was allowed to show that much defiance.  She raised an eyebrow at her best friend’s self-evaluation.  “You’re a lot of things, Lydia...”  Allison leaned down a little, making sure she caught Lydia’s gaze and held it.  “But you are not weak.  And you are not nothing.”  She shook her head, giving Lydia a slightly more stern look.  “And about your place in the pack?  You know better than that.  Humans are an essential part of packs- and I don’t have any special powers, but I belong in the McCall pack, right?”

Talia smiled along with Allison at the realization that third wheeling with Stiles and Lydia at the beach would suck as she nodded slowly and let herself get lost for a moment in the silence as she zoned out. But then Allison was talking again and Talia’s head slowly turned to the other girl as she blinked and nodded, feeling like she was moving in slow motion. That last hit was definitely the one that did her in. “It was definitely bound to happen. Those two are seriously the most in love people I’ve ever met in my entire life. It’s so cute. I hope I find someone like that one day.” She admitted as she laughed softly and nodded at the invitation to go to the beach one day. That sounded nice.. Just leaving Beacon Hills and sitting on some shore and staring at the ocean, not worrying about some nightmare demon terrorizing the town. Or evil Japanese snow spirit, or giant fire breathing snake.. God, their lives really were a horror movie. “You know, I’ve never even left California. Well, that’s a lie.. I went to China to see my mom. But I’ve never been anywhere else in the states. I’d love to go hiking somewhere super far up north.. Like Washington or something. Just completely immersed in trees.” She was rambling at that point and got lost again as she stared at the stars and imagined how nice that would be. Not that the woods in California were bad, but she was just dying to see something else. To not have to worry about the supernatural woes anymore. It was exhausting. 

The werewolf burst into laughter at Allison’s words as she nodded and threw her head back, knowing that dropping the ring daggers was a pretty tense situation for Talia of all people to stumble upon. She was kind of curious to know what Allison meant by learning the hard way, wondering what the huntress had learned from her family, but she didn’t want to pry. And she had a pretty good feeling she knew the basis. Blah blah blah–evil hunter family–blah blah–learned that not all werewolves were bad–blah. “I think both of us were kind of assholes that day, honestly. But I’m sorry. I dunno if I’ve ever said that to you.” She probably has at this point, but she couldn’t remember. And it felt right to say it again. Her eyebrows shot up at Allison’s words as she laughed softly to herself again and nodded. “I wish I could say the same but they’ve handed my ass to me a few times now. They have wolfsbane that I didn’t even know existed.” 

“You will,” Allison said softly.  “I used to think it was all bullshit... That stuff people always tell you about love and fate...”  She trailed off for a little bit longer than she meant to.  Her relationship with Scott had been just as tooth rotting as Lydia and Stiles were now, and when it had ended, she thought that was it.  That she’d blown her only chance at an incredible romance.  But then... Well, then, Isaac.  Allison had just been starting to learn that love was around every corner.  For everyone.  But god, that sounded even more like an inspirational poster now than it usually did.  “It’s not all bullshit,” she finished lamely, waving her hand in the air.  She perked up a little when Talia told her that she’d barely left the state.  “For real?”  Allison gaped.  Her foot seemed to move of its own accord, reaching out to nudge Talia’s in a little jerky motion.  The command must have skipped her brain and gone straight into action, not that she disagreed with it.  “I’ve moved all over the place.  But actually... We did a stint in Washington actually, right after I was brought back by the nemeton.” It was when her dad was looking into her resurrection, trying to decide if it would stick, and if she was really his daughter.  A lot of that time had been filled with so much confusion, Allison hadn’t given much thought the scenery, even though her dad had picked the place because it was on her bucket list she made as a little kid.  “What I remember was beautiful... I think we were near Mount Rainer National Park.  I’d give a lot to go back under different circumstances.  Just hike a little.”

High as a kite or not, Allison was delighted that she got Talia to laugh like that, especially about their disastrous first meeting.  At the time, she hadn’t been sure if they would ever speak again, let alone laugh about it some day.  Even though they’d talked about the encounter before, Allison appreciated the apology.  “Thanks,” she said a little wistfully, rolling onto her side so she could look at Talia while she .  “I’m sorry too.”  This time, it felt more real to Allison, like they were really putting that past encounter to rest, and doing it the right way.  “Well luckily wolfsbane is a lot less effective on hunters, which is what is about to oust these menaces from town.”  She shook her head, acknowledging the nagging sensation that she’d waited far too long to send them on their way.  “I’ll try to confiscate it so they can’t take it anywhere else with them...”  The huntress pinched the bridge of her nose.  Usually, the planning of trickier hunter missions like this gave her a migraine- but maybe the weed was helping.  “Ugh.  I really really hate them.”  

“I hope that went well with you?” She tried to continue the conversation but realized she made it sound more like a question. “I’m assuming it did since you’re back in town.” She shrugged, playing with the pen that sat in front of her. They were silent for a moment before Allison asked her about her shift. She checked the clock on the computer screen realizing she didn’t have much time left before she was able to go home. “I’ve been here for like about six hours? I only have like ten minutes left on my shift.” Malia was ready to get out of here today. Usually, her last hour she was zoned out and just waiting for the next person to take over the counter. “Did you need me for something?” She wasn’t sure what the purpose of her asking was, but she offered herself for help if needed. She was apart of her pack.

“We got it done,” she nodded.  It was nice of Malia to remember, especially with what Allison knew about the other girl’s bumps in the road of adjusting to normal society.  The awkwardness was almost palpable for a moment, but Allison pushed through it.  After the series of moves she’d made throughout her life, she was used to forging new friendships.  “I mean not need, but a burger sounds a hell of a lot better than a workout right now.  Want to get dinner together?” 

Malia waved back to Allison. “Hey, yeah I just got this job recently. I’ve only been working for like three weeks?” She wasn’t sure about the exact time because it all kind of blurred together for her. She was just glad she no longer have to go around town asking for applications. It had been a struggle getting interviews especially cause she didn’t have any work experience. “How are you?” Malia awkwardly asked, not knowing where to take the conversation. Even if they were apart of the same group, they never really go to interact much even after she came back to life. She knew she was a good person, she just had bad social skills. 

“I’m alright,” Allison gave her a small smile.  “Been gone for a couple weeks, dealing with some stuff down the coast.”  She tapped her fingers on her thigh, thinking.  Her and Malia were in a pack, damn it, it shouldn’t be awkward like this.  But she had plenty of blame to take for that.  Allison had been alive again for a year, and that left more than enough time to reach out to the werecoyote.  “Hey, how long is your shift?”  She asked impulsively.

Lydia tried to smile at Allison’s joke, but it fell flat on her lips. She appreciated the effort however nothing seemed to make Lydia even slightly laugh these days. “It’s not your fault.” Lydia said softly with a sigh. She did wonder what could’ve happened if Allison had been in town, but Lydia tried not to dwell on that too much. Ultimately Lydia knew that if Stiles couldn’t get her out of Eichen no one would be able to. And it was Lydia’s own fault for brushing the situation with her father and Charles under the rug for so long. She felt like something bad was going to happen, but once again Lydia’s inability to ask for help just made things so much worse in the end. The worst part was that she could feel herself doing it again with the Eichen aftermath but simply couldn’t stop herself. How much spiraling would happen this time? “Really wish that were true.” Allison’s optimism was inspiring but Lydia had none. The end of the tunnel just seemed bleak right now. “I’m not..” She sighed. “They took my powers away, Allison. I’m not a banshee anymore.” The admittance made Lydia’s voice crack as she looked down. It was impossible for her to even think about. “So I just don’t see a way in which this ends up okay.”

“It’s not yours either,” Allison countered easily.  It wasn’t a far jump to make, considering who she was talking to.  Lydia was like Beacon Hills’s own Atlas: always putting the weight of the world on her shoulders.  “It is true, Lydia.”  She insisted.  “You’re in a pack.  We’re here for you, whether you want us to be or not.  You’re always going to have people standing behind you, with our arms out in case you fall, even if you never do.  It’s okay to slip sometimes.”  Allison heard her best friend’s quiet admission, but the meaning took a beat to sink in.  On a base level, she was horrified.  How could it be possible?  To take away a person’s species- what made them what they are... It was almost incomprehensible.  But Allison was nothing if not a leader, and she knew better than to let those feelings show on the surface.  “No.”  She shook her head, touching Lydia’s wrist gently to draw her attention.  “Even if they took away your powers... You’re still a banshee, Lydia.  That’s not something that can be taken away from you.  Even before Peter, you were a banshee.”  Allison said his name a like a curse word.  “Just because your powers weren’t presenting, doesn’t mean you weren’t a banshee yet.  And even if you can’t access those powers now, that doesn’t change what you are....  Who you are.” 

“Wish I could say the feeling was mutual.” Faye retorted back as she rolled her eyes. There was something about Allison that made Faye go back to her defensive side. The friends she had begun making in Beacon Hills had no idea how cold she could actually be at times. Allison had definitely been on the receiving end over the years. “That’s fine. Just try to make it quick.” She shrugged her shoulders. It wasn’t like Faye actually had anywhere else to be, but she had heard people use that line in books when meeting with someone they didn’t like. It just seemed right for the moment. “Which means getting straight to the point.” Faye had figured it was about the Accetta’s. They didn’t exactly get along with the Argent’s and Angelo would be pissed if he knew Faye was meeting with the huntress. “What is it about them that you wanted to say? Did they.. do something?” She was a bit different since the last time she spoke to Allison, honestly. Faye was more willing to accept the fact that they weren’t great people, despite it still being hard for her.

“It’s less of a specific incident, and more of their generalized behavior,” Allison sighed.  “I know this isn’t something you want to hear, Faye, but the Accettas are... They’re not good people.”  That much, Allison was certain of, but unfortunately she didn’t have ruling power over all cruel and manipulative souls.  Cruel and defiant hunters however... Those were her jurisdiction.  “And they aren’t good hunters.  They’ve been in Argent territory for too long, and disobeying the code and standard that I have set, for far too long.  I was patient with them, despite the fact that they have done nothing to earn that generosity.”  She leveled Faye with a serious look.  This was no longer a conversation between Faye and a teenage girl, but a meeting between the young werewolf and the Argent matriarch.  Allison was young but she had earned her power, and the grace with which she yielded it.  “My tolerance has run out.”  She softened slightly, watching Faye carefully.  “My tolerance for the way that they hurt supernaturals, and the way that they have hurt you.  I know that they have raised you, and there’s a lot to overcome there... But you and Kole could stay here.  You would be safe, under the protection of the Argent clan and the McCall pack.  I’d like to extend an offer to you along those lines... If you’re willing to hear it.” 

“Yeah, I guess that’s just what things have come to at this point though.” Talia sighed as she shook her head at the thought of everyone who had died in Beacon Hills up to this point. It was well into the hundreds, and was honestly just heartbreaking to realize that they couldn’t save everyone. “I definitely would’ve changed how I went about it, but still. Being gone was surprisingly pretty peaceful once I got over that initial worry.” She wished she hadn’t left, but she liked to think she learned a good lesson and got a nice break from it, so she’d just accepted her mistake and was focusing on coming back from it. “Oh yeah, you definitely shouldn’t go by yourself with them. Take it from me, third wheeling isn’t fun at all. I’d definitely be down if you could ever convince them. But sometimes I think they forget that we can leave for a bit and things won’t completely implode if it’s not that long.” She admitted with a soft sigh. Not that she blamed them, especially Lydia who had already lost so many people. That fear was totally valid. She nodded and raised her eyebrows in surprise when Allison said that the Argents had been around for 400 years as a clan of hunters. That felt like a really, really long time, but Talia was way too high to try and think any harder about it as she simply continued to nod. “You are. I think I just came off really hot that first time we met and it kinda went downhill from there. I never really thought you were evil, though. It’s just.. hard to overcome that sort of bias I guess.” She’d been taught her entire life to never associate herself with any hunters unless she wanted to end up dead, and that was a pretty hard habit to break. But God would her dad be rolling in his grave if he could see what she was up to now. She couldn’t help but laugh softly as she glanced at the other girl and nodded before looking up to the sky again. “I’ve honestly never met a group of hunters that aren’t disrespectful and lowly if I’m being honest with you.” She admitted with an eye roll. “But yeah, they hate my guts. And I don’t blame them honestly. I’m not exactly the friendliest werewolf that I know.”

Even though Allison had moved to Beacon Hills part way through high school, she often found herself struggling when she tried to leave.  She couldn’t imagine how difficult it would be for people like Talia who were born in Beacon Hills.  She couldn’t help the laughter that escaped her at Talia’s warning.  “Oh god...” the brunette continued giggling, “I hadn’t even considered that.”  Her smile faded slowly, like a a sunset melting into the darkness as she remembered why, almost on a delayed timer.  “Sometimes I forget...”  Allison hesitated, faded into silence for a pregnant pause before continuing more quietly.  “Sometimes I forget that I missed that...  Them getting together....”  It was bittersweet, to know that Stiles had finally won Lydia over, the mission that Allison herself had played a part in sophomore year, and she wasn’t there.  “Thanks for the warning, though-  I can’t imagine that would be much fun to vacation with.  Though it might be some pretty good payback after everything Scott and I put them through.”  That at least brought a small smile back to her face.  “Please, don’t subject me to their gush all by myself.”  

Allison leveled her with a flat stare.  “I dropped ring daggers in a grocery store, Talia.  I deserved at least a little heat.  Besides,” she redirected her gaze to the sky before continuing, “It takes a lot of courage, and willingness to change, to move past the biases your family has taught you.”  The huntress picked at the skin around her thumbnails absently, as she spoke.  “I should have been more understanding.  Especially when I learned that the hard way.”  She peeled back a layer too far, surprising herself as it started to bleed.  If that isn’t a cue to change the subject... “Unfortunately, I believe you,”  Allison sighed.  She had had her work cut out for her, reforming the defiant clans of the West Coast when she picked up where she’d left off after her resurrection.  “Unfriendliness is hardly a reason to harass someone.  I expect better of hunters.  After all, if regular humans can be expected to work retail and not murder anyone, I think hunters should be capable of treating even slightly hostile werwolves with respect.  So whether you blame them or not, I am not so forgiving.”  She grinned a little dangerously at Talia.  “And unfortunately for them, I’m the one they need to worry about.  

“I’d love to help you with that.” Lydia retorted back, though her voice lacked that usual Lydia Martin confidence. She felt like a completely different person these days- so unaware of who she was without her banshee powers. Which also reminded her that was something she was going to need to explain to Allison too. This was all just so screwed up and Lydia wanted to pretend none of this ever happened. But her inability to kick someone’s ass with her scream was a constant reminder that it was in fact very real. The gentle touch from Allison’s hand relaxed Lydia slightly, though. She didn’t let anyone touch her except for Stiles after Eichen, but with Allison she wasn’t as nervous either. “I.. yeah, I know.” Lydia sighed softly. She didn’t want anyone to help her with this. She didn’t even want anyone to know. “But I haven’t told anyone other than Stiles the full details of what happened and I don’t plan on doing so either.” Lydia admitted. She looked down at her feet before going to sit on the couch and hoping Allison would follow. She wanted to be honest- to let Allison in- which was something that was difficult for Lydia. Allison was right though. Lydia helped the huntress and she knew Allison would do the same for Lydia if she just let her. “Things got really, really twisted while you were gone, A.” Maybe Lydia should have reached out sooner but the damage was already done.

Allison’s brow furrowed involuntarily as she automatically followed her best friend to the couch, sitting down next to her.  “That’s your decision, Lyds,” she nodded slowly, as her mind raced.  She knew that Stiles was Lydia’s rock, and that it was probably a miracle even he had gotten the entire truth from her, but it still made Allison’s chest ache, to think that Lydia couldn’t tell her everything that had happened to her while she was gone.  But she knew when to push the banshee and when to let it slide.  Right now, it didn’t matter if Lydia couldn’t tell her what happened, she just needed to be there for her.  “My timing was not good on this one, huh?”  she tried to joke.  But part of her did feel the weight of Lydia’s pain on her shoulders, knowing that if she had been in Beacon Hills she might have been able to do something.  Anything.  Even if it was ripping Eichen down brick by brick.  Allison had died to rescue Lydia when she’d been taken captive before, and she had no doubt that she would do it again.  “We can straighten it out,” she promised gently.  “Together.” 

@allyxargent​

Faye was surprised when she got a text message from an unfamiliar phone number. The only people that texted her burner phone were Kole, Talia, and Lydia- and Lydia hadn’t spoken to Faye in weeks. It made sense when the number was revealed to be Allison though. She was sure Lydia was the one who gave Allison the phone number. Which she wasn’t thrilled about. That meant she had to meet up with an Argent which wasn’t on the top of her bucket list. Allison wasn’t a terrible person to be around but they just had different views. Still, Faye found herself agreeing to meet anyway. Maybe there was some part of her that didn’t totally hate the Argent girl. Though that didn’t mean Faye was going to be warm and fuzzy. “What did you want?” Faye said when the girl approached the park bench. “Also did Lydia give you my number? Because I haven’t heard from her in awhile and I kind of thought she was dead so.. that’s good if she’s alive I guess.” Faye shrugged her shoulders. Maybe concern for the redhead should’ve been a first priority but Faye wasn’t great with stuff like that.

Allison’s eyebrows rose slightly at Faye’s greeting.  “Hi Faye, pleasure to see you, as always.”  It was wrong, but there was something about Faye’s constant dislike of and impatience with her that put Allison at ease.  Now there’s one for a psychologist.  “Yeah, Lydia gave it to me,” she nodded, “but only because I told her it was really important.”  Her blasé attitude towards Lydia’s life did surprise the huntress a little, considering the fact that Faye had trusted her enough to give Lydia her number in the first place.  It also pissed her off a little, that anyone could be so indifferent about her best friend’s life, but she smothered that feeling before it could take root.  It wasn’t going to help her with the conversation she had come here to have.  Allison sat down next to Faye on the bench, crossing one leg gracefully over the other.  “I know it’s been a while...  But I need to talk to you about the Accettas.”  

“I feel like shit hasn’t hit the fan yet with whatever this nightmare demon is that’s in town, so you’re good. I don’t think anyone else has died yet, at least.” Talia considered that a win at this point, given everything they’d all dealt with in the past. Less death was a good thing. “I get it, though. That’s kind of part of the reason why I left a while ago too. Even if my mom was sick, it was still nice to not have to worry about Beacon Hills for a little bit.” Not that that really stopped Talia, though. In fact, all she could think about was the people she’d left behind and how they were doing. If she could go back in time, she probably would’ve stayed. But she couldn’t change the past, and she was just thankful that she got a second chance. “So are you guys like.. pretty high up then when it comes to hunter clans?” She asked curiously as she glanced at Allison and raised her eyebrows. She couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the girl’s observation as she nodded. “Yeah we are. I dunno, I’m a little more understanding now. Or I’d like to think so at least.” She definitely didn’t absolutely despise Allison anymore, so that was progress. “I haven’t been up to much besides getting harrassed from a group of hunters in town. I dunno if you’ve heard of them. The Accettas.”

“You know it’s bad when that’s how low the bar is,” Allison groaned, propping herself up on her elbows.  She snuck another glance over at Talia as she confessed about her own time away from Beacon Hills, studying the werewolf’s profile.  “It’s okay to need to get away for a little while,” she hedged, watching Talia’s expression.  It seemed like there was still some guilt there, or that for some reason she still felt bad about it.  “I’m always trying to get Lydia and Stiles to go to the beach for the weekend or something... Sounds like I actually should be recruiting you- maybe we could convince them.”  Allison was a little surprised to realize that actually sounded like fun- the four of them on a trip out of Beacon Hills.  Even though she still didn’t know Talia well, that was her own fault.  And, well, so far so good tonight!  A half smirk curled Allison’s lips up at the mention of the Argents.  “Yeah, you could say that.”  Part of her was tempted to give Talia the whole story- La Bête du Gévaudan, Marie-Jeanne Valet... Marie-Jean Argent.  But it seemed braggy.  “The Argent clan has existed for over 400 years,” she compromised.  “We’re one of the oldest clans.  Luckily for me we’ve always held sway over others... I’m just using it differently than my ancestors have.”  Allison nodded, but ducked her head a little sheepishly.  “I hope I am too.”  Their first few encounters certainly weren’t ones she was proud of, but even then the huntress had seen a glimmer of potential.  Now, she saw it even more brightly.  The brunette groaned at the mention of the Accettas.  “Ok, that’s it.  That’s the last straw!  I’ve held off to be respectful, and as a favor to my father but I’ve had enough of those code-defying, disrespectful, lowly excuses for hunters on my turf!”