A few weeks after the pack created fun on the beach, Scott invited them over to his place. Kira had given Lydia a ride and when they got there Stiles and Scott were popping popcorn and pouring drinks. Malia and Cora were in the living room with some guys Cora apparently knew from before coming back to Beacon Hills. Derek and a girl who looked almost familiar to everyone were lounging on the ground in front of the sofa. Lydia had decided to bring a toothbrush and some shorts if they ended up staying over.

"Kira!" Scott already looked pumped, "Lydia!"

"Scott!" The girls shouted in mock unison.

Stiles pulled the popcorn out of the microwave and poured some butter into it.

The Banshee walked over to him and started adding salt to his concoction, "Hey."

He didn't say anything but he did send her a small smile.

Her eyebrows pushed together, "You okay?"

"Tired," His one word answer was left hanging because he snatched up the bowl and took it out to the others.

Kira grabbed Lydia's arm, "What's up with him?"

"Tired," Lydia walked away and upstairs to the bathroom.

On the main floor, Scott was delivering cups to everyone and creating a slight draft from all of his pacing back and forth. Derek and his girl were huddled together on the floor of one end of the couch, Cora sitting behind them with her feet under her. Malia was in the middle, in the same position. The two guys Cora had brought were sitting next to Derek and in front of Malia and the empty seat. Stiles had taken a seat on one of the chairs while Kira sat on the floor in front of the television stand. She was looking for a movie. Scott finally sat down next to her and made his opinions clear.

Lydia tiptoed down the stairs and into the kitchen, hoping she had gone unnoticed, even by the Werewolves.

She ignored the suicide beverage Scott had made and got some water. She sipped on it a bit, realizing how dry her mouth really was. A deep green sweater matched with floral leggings and grey ankle boots; she was starting to feel overdressed. Even in that. Her hair was in a low bun and a few curls fell into her pale face. Her feet started to tap to the opening music blaring out from the other room. She let out a sigh as she refilled the cup.

Lydia rummaged around the cupboards until she found some crackers, then she went into the fridge for some cheese.

"What're you doing?" It was Malia.

Lydia rolled her eyes as she closed the fridge, "Getting a snack."

"You're being really loud."

The Banshee huffed, "Sorry, I didn't think the movie was that important."

"I just haven't seen it. It came out when I was.."

"Yeah. Maybe you should go watch it. You might miss something," Lydia raised her eyebrows a little bit and motioned toward the living room with the crackers.

Malia's face turned to panic and she ran back out, "Oh!"

Lydia shook her head, not understanding how she could put up with people tonight. It seemed as though if Stiles was in a bad mood, so was she. The strawberry blonde opened the crackers roll and spread them out on a plate. She then made them prematurely with cheese and threw away all the plastic. Grabbing her water, she entered the living room. She didn't want to be next to Kira and Scott in the love-seat, by Derek and his girl on the floor, or by Malia on the couch. She decided to sit in front of Stiles. His legs were flopped over the armrest and he held a pillow in his lap. She sat her plate and drink on the coffee table in front of her. Her head relaxed against the seat.

An hour later and everyone was jumping. The horror movie was almost over and the single survivor was out hunting the murderer instead of leaving in the perfectly fine pickup truck. They were hiding in the bed of the truck, waiting for the serial killer to come over. This aggravated Scott and Derek, they were now yelling and cursing at the television. This bickering didn't wake up Cora from her nap but it did irritate Malia. Derek's girl was deep into his chest and Kira was holding on to Scott's arm.

Lydia finished her last cracker and looked back at Stiles. He was about to fall asleep and his eyes weren't even on the screen. He had been watching her.

She sent him a small smile and he returned the gesture.

By the time the credits were rolling, Derek and his girl were on their way out. Along with that, Malia had run to the bathroom and Cora was slowly waking up. Scott and Kira were debating on a second movie. Lydia was washing her dishes and Stiles was dumping out the popcorn bowl. Not many people had eaten any. Lydia turned and took the empty bowl from him, cleaning it and putting it away.

"Thanks," He mumbled, already walking to the door.

She called over her shoulder, "Are you okay?"

"What?" He turned around when she did, "Yeah."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Lydia."

She stared at him for a second, her eyes darting all over his face.

She nodded her head, "Kay."

Lydia walked out of the other door before he could do or say anything. Her mood was lowering even more.

"I think we're going to go. I'm way too tired for another one of these," Cora grabbed her keys and slipped on her Chucks. Malia put on her combat boots and followed her out the door. The guys with them did the same. Lydia, Kira and Scott watched.

Scott stepped into the kitchen.

"Did you like the movie?" Kira said, looking over two DVDs at the same time.

Lydia sat in the chair Stiles had previously occupied, "I've seen it before. Still solid for being so predictable."

"Sometimes those are the best movies."

The boys voices rose and Lydia only made out what Stiles said, "My dad is way behind on the bills, Scott. Sorry if your little movie night isn't enough to keep my mind off of it! There are more important things. Like getting a job."

"Did you hear that?" Lydia whispered to Kira.

"Hear what?"

"Never mind," Lydia's mind was already racing.

When the guys came back out, they took each end of the couch. But by the time their third movie was over, Scott was back in Kira's seat and Lydia was sitting in front of Stiles. He was playing with her hair for a long time; it somehow soothed him. Neither one was in a good mood but just knowing the other was there was good enough and the groups overall atmosphere lightened. Right around three in the morning, they were laughing and joking about the last movie.

A picture and a few hours of sleep later, Lydia was home and waiting for the week to be over.

A few days later, her might was put to rest when she was treated to lunch by the Stilenski men.

"So, Lydia, what's the plan for after High School?" Sheriff Stilenski asked before stuffing more steak fries into his mouth. He wiped his greasy hands on a crumpled napkin.

Stiles wanted to cover his face and go live under a rock. His father had been practically begging Stiles to let him take the three of them out to lunch. Stiles knew they didn't have the money but still protested, trying to keep his dignity too. But, the Sheriff had cut out the middle man and asked Lydia. Now, they'd been at the restaurant for nearly forty minutes and the Sheriff had used every second to either pry into Lydia's life or embarrass Stiles over his childhood.

"I'd like to go to college and get a master's in Biomathematics or Computer Engineering," Lydia said rather matter-of-factly. Her hands in her lap, waiting for the waitress to bring her more caesar dressing.

The Sheriff nodded his head in approval and swallowed his bite, "So you'll be winning one of those Nobe-"

"Fields Medal, dad. She'll be winning a Fields Medal," Stiles cut him off. The boy was moving his fries around aimlessly with his fork, barely registering that he'd just cut off and corrected his own father. The Sheriff.

Lydia was proud and let it show, "Don't let him fool you. I had to correct him a few times before he remembered that it was the Fields Medal."

"You won't have to say it twice to me," The Sheriff smirked between his son and the young woman who was always with him, sometimes staying over.

Lydia smiled politely and finally dug into her salad.

The meal went on, a picture was made, and the trio exited the building.

"I'm going to drive her home, okay?" Stiles asked, laying a hand gingerly on her back.

His father chuckled, "Alright. See you soon, Lydia."

"You too, Sheriff," She waved and let Stiles lead her away from the police cruiser.

Stiles helped her in, hopped in himself, started the engine then stared over at her.

"What?"

"Wanna go to a movie?" His eyes were pleading.

She laughed and motioned outside, "It's still light outside."

"So? You can't see the sun inside!" Stiles' face reflected only his desperation.

Lydia sighed and threw her hands up over-dramatically, "Oh, why not?"

"It's official. I am the puppy dog eyes champion," He gloated as he drove to their next stop.

She rolled her eyes, "What are we going to see anyways?"

"A horror movie," His voice was level.

Hers was not, "What? No. Nope. No we're not. Not at all. Nein."

"Did you just 'no' me in German?" He chuckled.

"Shut up and please tell me you're joking!"

"I'm joking."

She let out a sigh of relief and leaned back into the chair.

"We're going to see a thriller."

"That's better."

Stiles helped her out of the car and into the theater. She made him take a few pictures with her before and after the movie, her favorite being the first one just before the movie came on. Lydia was smiling brightly while Stiles was looking up at the screen expectantly, oblivious to what she was doing. She believed he looked utterly handsome in the dim light.

The movie eventually ended and so did their day together. ϟ