After that, Stiles must have moved closer, because when she finally inhaled...Lydia remembered being surrounded by the soothing scent of pine needles. Just like at the dance, when she had her head on his shoulder.
“Lydia... Lydia, hang on,” he whispered while his gentle hand brushed her hair away from her face. “You’re going to be okay. You have to be. Please, just keep breathing. Please, Lydia.”
Droplets were splashing on her cheeks. For a moment, she thought it had started to rain, but then she realized they were tears. His tears. Stiles was crying...for her. He cared about her that much. He had risked his life, put himself between her and the monster, and was still seeking to reassure her. His courage gave her the strength to open her eyes long enough to see him.
He was kneeling in front of her, tears sprinkling off the ends of his lashes, radiant gold in his eyes. It was beautiful – like being caught in a sun shower.
“Lydia, can you hear me? Please, don’t let go.”
She remembered the way his hand was clutching hers, anchoring her to life, to him.
Gradually, his warmth spread through her, and she didn’t hurt anymore. She remembered the calm that blanketed her.
She squeezed his hand and smiled.
And she was safe. There was music, slow and soulful. There were pretty lights all around her, swirling like her stomach...while she danced with her head nestled on the shoulder of a boy who held her like she was the most precious thing in the world. Stiles.
Read more: ao3 & ffnet
