d13 : [encrypted to all Specials]

[sanguinescry]

I want to know how to fight. Who's going to teach me?

( Scott and Stiles aren't here; Allison's dead. There's no one here to defend Lydia but Lydia and it's time. She's sick of being the sitting duck and she's not willing to let an ambush like the one she suffered happen to her again. Next time — and she's convinced that, no matter what Steve wants, there will be a next time — she'll give them a challenge and make them think twice about picking the youngest female Special just because she's young and female. )

Comments

[notasoldier]

[ He recognizes her from the video, even if they haven't met yet.]

There are lots of different ways to fight. If you want to throw a punch, I can help you. If you want something to help you earn some time to get away next time, I can probably help you more.

Lydia, right?

[sanguinescry]

( She holds her head high because if she doesn't, she'll fall. This is just like going back to school after being lost in the woods naked for two days. Everyone will stare, but no one understands how she feels about being the center of attention on someone else's terms. If she ignores it, then they can't hurt her anymore. )

I want to be able to rip them limb from cowardly limb the next time they come for me. That's what I want to be able to do. Can you help me with that?

Yes, and you are? I haven't met you, yet.

[notasoldier]

[ She's angry. Good. It's better than being scared.] Figuratively, yes. Literally, super soldiers are more Rogers' schtick.

Tony Stark.

[sanguinescry]

Whatever that means. ( It comes out a little more dismissive than she means it to, considering that would suggest looking a gift horse in the mouth, but she doesn't know what the hell 'super soldier' is and if it doesn't apply to something she can learn, then she doesn't honestly care. )

Nice to meet you. When do we start?

[notasoldier]

It's not important. [ Not here, anyway. Besides, that's Steve's story to tell anyway. Lydia here probably has other things on her mind.]

Whenever you want. Are you still in medical?

[sanguinescry]

No, I've been released with the instructions to stay in bed today and that I should be good as new tomorrow. So tomorrow.

[notasoldier]

Meet me in building M23 in the R&D sector tomorrow at noon. I can have something for you by then.

[sanguinescry]

I'll see you then.

[runsonwater]

I can show you what they taught us in the police academy in Central City.

[sanguinescry]

Perfect, thank you.

[runsonwater]

Are you okay?

[ Why does he keep asking her that when he knows the answer is no? ]

You're not coming back to work today, are you?

[sanguinescry]

I'm fine.

( She's always fine. She's Lydia goddamned Martin. She has to be. )

No, but I'll be back tomorrow.

[runsonwater]

Good. I'll stop by after work if you want some company at dinner.

[sanguinescry]

Okay, thanks.