"Your gut knows what's up. Trust that bitch" for Ari and Malia please!
“I just…I know I’m close to working it out. I just need some time,” Ariana said softly, frustration seeping through her words as she stared at the pile of books spread out across the floor, several of which she’d just thrown in a huff as Stiles had strode out of the room, making it clear that Ariana’s needs were not a priority right now, or ever.
Malia was sitting in the corner where she’d been the entire pack meeting, uncharacteristically quiet. She inhaled slowly as she stretched her legs out, watching Ariana as the young druid sunk back on her knees. The two girls had become closer recently although Ariana still wasn’t sure why Malia hadn’t followed the rest of the pack out moments ago. They weren’t exactly good friends, then again maybe Ariana needed someone blunt and honest right now. Someone who wouldn’t tip toe around what they really meant, unlike everyone else these days.
“You think I’m being stupid. Naive. Just say it,” Ariana said after another moment, pulling her gaze up to Malia.
“I don’t think you’re naive,” Malia said simply, frowning slightly as if the concept confused her. As if the rest of the pack hadn’t just declared the same thing as they all walked out, refusing to listen to Ariana yet again. “I think you’re smart and I think they’re all too stupid to understand you. So explain it to me.” Her voice softened slightly at the end as she placed her hands in her lap, almost expectantly as she watched Ariana.
Ariana inhaled sharply, gazing back at Malia as she took in the truth in Malia’s eyes. “Well I know I’m close to working it out. Whatever is happening to her, there has to be a way to fix it. And I think it has to be me. I just need more time-”
“She doesn’t have time.” Malia’s words were blunt.
“That’s why I need you all to give me that time. Get me the time and I think I can save her. I just need you to trust me, but right now no one will.” Ariana stopped herself, reaching out to close one of the books in front of her, faltering slightly. “I mean I can’t blame them,” she admitted quietly, not meeting Malia’s eyes now. “I barely trust myself these days.”
Malia sat up a little straighter, edging forward to stare intently back at Ariana. “Your gut knows what’s up. Trust that bitch.”
Something told Ariana that Malia understood her more than she let on, and the young girl nodded firmly, her heart thudding in her chest as she took in the feeling of acceptance and trust for the first time in a long time.
