Not A Monster [LIAM DUNBAR]

Mentally Scarred

Scott's fingernails dug into Aspen's arms as he pulled her out of the well. She was freezing, Scott noticed, her lips were blue, and her red streaked hair hung loosely around her amazingly pale face. Scott silently thanked the gods that they were okay, and that Lydia didn't know her sister was ever missing. Of course they would have to tell her eventually, but at least he wasn't telling her she was dead. He didn't think Lydia could handle more at the moment.

Scott took the small girl in his arms as she shivered against him, assuring, "You're okay. It's okay.." Scott could smell the relief radiating from her body. They let go of each other, turning to Liam, who looked even worse than before. By just looking between the two, Scott could tell something had changed.

"You're both okay?" Scott asked, "I mean, you're not hur-" Scott's question was cut short by Liam doubling over and falling to his knees. Aspen's eyes widened and she said, "Scott, the wolfsbane."

"We need to get him to Deaton," Scott announced, taking one of Liam's arms and draping it over his shoulder. Aspen did the same, keeping one eye on the unconscious werewolf. "He's going to he okay right?" she whimpered, looking to Scott.

"Deaton's a professional," Scott said uneasily, "If anyone can save him, it's Deaton." Aspen furrowed her brow. "Wait. You mean Deaton the veterinarian?"

Scott shot her a grin. "Who else?"

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When they arrived at Deaton's, he instructed them to lay him on the cold metal table after removing his shirt. Oh god, Aspen thought as they stripped him of his shirt. Chris Argent was there and Aspen couldn't help but have some sympathy towards the man. He looked terrible- his dark stubble was more prominent on his face, his blue eyes sunken. Aspen didn't blame him either; he only had himself left, considering his wife, daughter, sister and father were all dead. He sent her a half-hearted smile.

"You'll need to hold him down," Deaton informed them. Scott took one of Liam's shoulders as Chris took the other. Aspen cringed as Deaton cut a thin, red line in Liam's chest. Puffs of yellow smoke came out and Aspen swallowed hard, nibbling on her fingernail nearby.

"I don't want to keep watching people die," Scott said after Deaton had finished. Chris replied, "I'm not sure you have much of a choice."
"Maybe I do," Scott murmured. "That's a lot of burden to carry Scott," Deaton added. He does have a point, Aspen admitted.

"I don't care," Scott said with a small shake of his head, "No one else dies. Everyone on that list- It doesn't matter if they're wendigoes, werewolves, or whatever. I'm going to save everyone."

"Everyone's a big number Scott," Aspen said suddenly, "You can't possibly save everyone." Her mind had wandered unwillingly to Allison.

You can't save everyone.

"I can try," Scott said, brown eyes burning holes into the table. A horn honked from outside, causing the group to jump. Scott checked his phone. "That's Stiles," he announced, "You need a ride Aspen?"
Aspen shook her head. "I'm gonna stay until he wakes up." Scott nodded and walked out of the door.

"Could I speak with you Chris?" Deaton asked. The Argent nodded and they left as well. Aspen watched them go with unblinking blue eyes.

Once they left, Aspen pulled up a stool to the metal operation table where Liam lay, sitting down and taking his hand in hers. She brushed the damp hair out of his face gently. Her eyes fluttered to his chest where the cut had once been. It had healed so she guessed that meant he was going to be okay. Mentally scarred, but okay.

"Mhmmh," Liam mumbled as he came to. His eyes opened slowly as he stared up at Aspen. "Hey," she smiled softly. He noticed she still had on her wet running clothes, trembling slightly.

"What happened?" he asked, sitting up on the cold table, legs dangling off the sides. Liam scooted to the edge so his feet were barely touching the floor as she explained.

"You passed out," she said, "So we brought you here and Deaton fixed you up." She hopped up beside him, their hands still entwined. He took a deep breath, nodding. "And you?"

"Mild concussion," she replied with a shrug. Her blue eyes looked up into his and the thumb that was rubbing her knuckles froze.

Liam had to admit- he hadn't planned on kissing her. It just seemed like the right moment. Their lips met and the cold that once filled Aspen was replaced with warmth. One of Aspen's hands found it's way to the back of his neck, pushing him closer as the other stayed clasped in his. His hand found her elbow, pulling her closer. It was soft and slow, exactly how Aspen thought all first kisses should be. But she couldn't help but want more. She wanted to kiss him harder and harder until her lips hurt. She wanted to be with him.

But she simply couldnt.

Dread iced through her veins and she pulled away, the disappearance of the heat of Liam's lips leaving her with an empty feeling.

"What's wrong?" Liam asked her, not moving his hands from her waist. He thought he had done something wrong or maybe worse- his breath stunk.

"I.." she stammered, blue eyes flitting around, "I'm sorry.. Liam, I just can't.."

"Can't what?" he asked, electric blue eyes boring into her. "I can't do this. We can't do this. After Allison died.." her voice cracked and she looked at the floor, "After Allison, I-I promised myself I wouldn't get too attached to anyone anymore.. And yet here I am practically making out with you in the vet's office.." Aspen laugh half heartedly and her eyes stung with tears but she was determined not to cry.

Liam's squeezed her hand reassuringly and she continued. "My point is, I can't afford to lose anyone else I love, Liam.. A-and if you died when we're just friends.. God, I'd be devastated.. But if we were more.." Aspen paused.

"I'd lose my freaking mind," she choked out. Liam had stayed silent the whole time, and when he did speak up, all he said was, "Oh."

There were so many meanings of "oh" in that situation that Aspen couldn't decide which one Liam meant. Oh, I understand. Oh, so that didn't mean anything to you. Oh, you'd be devastated if I died.

"I wasn't lying when I said I really liked you," Liam said gently, "Because I do. And if you don't want to.." He waited for the right words."To be in a relationship right now, then I understand that." Liam looked up to see her reaction. She had a small smile on her pale lips, making a matching one appear on Liam's.

"So you're okay with waiting?" she asked shyly. Liam smiled. He didn't want to wait, but putting a little more thought into what Aspen said, he wasn't sure he could live with himself either. "I'll deal," he finally replied. Aspen laughed lightly. "I probably need to catch a ride with Chris. I'll see you around Liam."

"You too Aspen," he said with a goofy, Scott McCall smile. She smiled back softly before getting up and walking to the door. Hand on the knob, she froze.

"Once it's over," she said to him over her shoulder, "The deadpool I mean." Liam raised an eyebrow. "Is that a promise, Martin?"

Aspen grinned at the werewolf boy. "I think it is, Dunbar."

A/N-
1. This chapter probably made no sense. It was also very short. Probably some typos. But who gives a crap.
2. Episode 5x04 was awesome. Theo is an evil little cupcake. And if Donavan huRTS MY STILES... Jeff better start running.
3. I have major writers block but I wanted to update really bad so this is it. They kissed but it was really crappy writing so yah.

I think I'm going to do the authors notes like this from now on. Its cool.

Laters

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