001} video: if love is what you need, a soldier i will be

[theresalwayshope]

[When the video switches on, Allison's face fills the screen in extreme close-up, an intensely thoughtful look on her features as she struggles to navigate the function of her communicator.]

C'mon...are you even on? [Her voice is low and impatient...then her expression comes alive when she realizes she's on display. Flinching a little, then smiling at her work, she backs up enough to be seen, visible seated at the desk in her cabin.]

Hi. [She smiles and offers up a little wave, then pauses for a moment before laughing as she lets her gaze drop.] Okay, this is way weirder than I thought it was going to be.

[She starts talking with her hands a little, not quite speaking to the communicator anymore.] I guess...I'm just restless. Out of practice, I haven't had to move around for a long time. I haven't been assigned to anyone just yet, but I know I will be. And I just want to introduce myself, you know? Put myself out there for anyone who wants my help. And I honestly do want to help. It's why I came.

[She lifts her head more fully, looking into the communicator with something a little different in her gaze...a little less friendly teenager and a little harder, a little older.]

It's...one reason I came.

[The moment passes, the look fades, and her smile brightens again as she takes a steadying breath.]

But I'm not here to complain about myself, right? So! Um... [A hand goes to her chest as she gestures to herself.] My name is Allison, I'm from Beacon Hills, California...and if any of you need anything at all? Just let me know. I look forward to getting to know everyone!

[She shifts, and part of her body moves out of the picture.]

Now if you'll excuse me...I still have to get settled in.

[She turns around to survey the rest of her room...neat as a pin, in perfect order...not a lot to be settled, really.]

Or...not...

Comments

[theresalwayshope]

[She nods as Lydia looks into her face...and she can see something there, something she thinks was part of the earlier confusion and odd behavior, and none of it does anything to lessen her worry.]

I'm fine...Lydia, I'm okay. [Taking Lydia by the shoulders, she steers her over to her bed, making her sit down on the edge. Her eyes are too bright, and she's too emotional because she has Lydia back, she's not alone and Lydia is here, so she falls back on something familiar and comfortable: she takes charge, she takes care of her best friend. It takes away from how adrift and overcome she suddenly feels without that cold fury to ground her, it keeps her from falling apart.] I just don't understand how this is possible.

[She sits on the edge of the bed beside Lydia, turning to face her as she tucks one leg up underneath her body.]

After the armored car heist, I didn't...I didn't know the Admiral came to anyone else. Why didn't you tell me? You didn't have to do this, I can do this for Stiles. You know that.

[lydiascreams]

[Lydia isn't really used to being taken care of. She wasn't even used to taking care of people until the pack. Even with Jackson, who she really did love, they had their moments but normally they were bickering and trying to one-up each other.

With Allison though, they take care of each other. It's not always obvious because they are both strong, but it is there when they need the other. And right now, she lets her best friend sit her down on her own bed.

And then, with what Allison says next, it all makes sense. She has no idea.]

Stiles will be okay. I came to help him, too. We'll make it right.

[theresalwayshope]

[Allison frowns and smiles at the same time at Lydia's admission...that she made a deal for Stiles, a bargain to save him. It doesn't surprise her, but the thoughtless motivation behind the act does.]

You came here for Stiles? [She huffs with laughter, swatting at Lydia's arm lightly.] Lydia, I love you? But you're an idiot. I mean...what good is having a hunter in the pack if you don't let me do my job? [She's grinning now as she gestured around them.] Stuff like this for instance.

[lydiascreams]

Allison, no. [She grows serious and shakes her head. This isn't fair, after all. Allison can't think she can just sacrifice herself for the rest of them. Again.]

We're a pack for a reason. It isn't on you to protect all of us all the time. We need to protect each other. [She needs to make sure she's alive when her deal is through.]