Chapter Text
It had been almost six months since Kira had put Theo in the ground.
Liam had visited the spot every day, sitting down on the spot where Theo had been pulled in, running his fingers over the cracks of the divide.
“Hayden and I hooked up.” He admitted, voice sounding loud in the eerie quiet.
He knew Theo wasn’t going to answer, knew he wasn’t alive. But Liam was still caught up on him. He had been doing better, but he had his days. Days where he wondered if he had been a few seconds early, if he could’ve saved Theo. Days where he cried himself in and out of sleep. He had good days though. Days where he felt like he could pursue life again. Yesterday was one of those days, Hayden pulling him out of his depressed stupor. It ended up with them hooking up, then feeling awkward about all of it after they had finished.
They realized they were better off as friends, better off without kissing, without sex.
“It didn’t mean anything, anyways. I mean, you don’t even know I’m here, can’t hear me, aren’t even alive. I wish I could’ve saved you.” His voice broke on the last sentence, and he brought his hand to his mouth. He needed to stay strong.
He talked about a few other things, ranging from school to the divorce that was going on between one of his friend’s parents. He checked the time, seeing it was almost eleven at night. He stood up, and wiped his pants off. He left the tunnels, making his way home.
His mom and stepfather had been nothing but supportive, always listening to him, always holding him.
He got home around eleven fifteen, and he closed the door quietly. He made his way to his bedroom, kicking off his shoes, setting them on his shoe rack. He peeled his sweater off, laying it over the chair, then proceeded with his jeans.
He laid in his bed, tossing and turning, trying to find the right position for him. He found one, the one he used to sleep in all the time. Laying on his stomach, leg hitched out, making a sideways V, arms under his pillow.
He was out in an instant.
------------------------------------------
He startled awake from his dream, eyes looking around the room, searching. He had a dream about his biological father and Theo. His dad had hurt Theo, told Liam it was his fault. Liam had been terrified, his accelerated heartbeat had woken him up. He realized he was alone, and took deep breaths.
He needed to see his therapist again.
------------------------------------------
The school day was cancelled, teachers needing a professional development day. He groaned, seeing as he was already awake at five this morning from his nightmare.
He went downstairs when the scent of cinnamon rolls wafted into his room. His stomach had growled angrily at him, so he reluctantly got up. He sat down in one of the chairs at the table, watching his mom work with the frosting.
“Thank you for breakfast,” he said softly, “I appreciate it.” His mom had smiled, nodded, and went back to working on the frosting.
He ate them in silence when his mom served them to him, giving her a smile and a thumbs up when she looked for approval.
-----------------------------------------
He got ready that night, going to head for the tunnels, but Scott had called.
“The… huh?” He asked.
“Ghost riders.” Scott said, repeating his previous statement.
“What the hell are ghost riders?” Liam had asked.
“I don’t know, but one person might.” Scott said, sounding hesitant.
“So, go get them.” Liam stated. He didn’t see the big deal.
“They’re in the ground, Liam.” Liam was confused.
“So the person is dead?” Scott sighed.
“It’s Theo, Liam. It’s Theo.”
Theo.
------------------------------------------
He skipped his nightly stroll to the tunnels in favor of going to Scott’s.
He would do anything to get Theo back. Anything.
“What do I have to do?” He asked.
“It’s… the sword. You’d have to go back to where the divide is, and use the sword again. But you need Kira’s mom’s blessing.” Liam rolled his eyes. He and the Mom were on semi good terms, he hadn’t done anything to hurt her or her feelings.
“I can do that, don’t worry.” Liam said, already pulling out his phone.
Scott put a hand over his, lowering the phone.
“Not tonight. Tomorrow.” Liam sighed softly, but nodded.
He just wanted to see Theo again.
Theo was alive.
-----------------------------------------
The next night could not come any faster, the time passing by like molasses. He was so antsy, he had to leave the same class three times.
The energy was buzzing through him.
He would get to see Theo again. He was getting to see his boyfriend again.
Were they still boyfriends? He didn’t know.
But he needed to see him, needed to feel, to touch, to kiss, to hold, to cherish.
He needed it.
-----------------------------------------
Liam had brought Hayden with him, needing some other support. Scott had been helpful, but really hadn’t wanted to see Theo.
“You really think that this is a good idea?” Hayden asked softly.
They had just received the sword from Kira’s mother, getting her blessing. She had warned them that whatever Theo did would be on Liam, whatever acts were committed.
Liam had nodded, and had taken the sword from her gently.
Liam looked over at Hayden, and nodded.
“I do.” He replied.
He drew the sword out of it’s holster, marveling in it’s elegance. He loved it, but hated it at the same time as well. It had put Theo in the ground. But the way it shined was so beautiful.
He looked over at Hayden one more time, earning a small nod. He took a deep breath and crouched down, shoving the sword into the divide, watching the power flow through the ground. He watched it crack and crumble, the power igniting a dark blue hue from underground. He was so distracted, he flinched at the sound of a hand punching through. The hand was clawed. Liam looked up quickly, watching as Theo pulled himself out.
“Theo…” He whispered. He was amazed. Theo’s eyes, claws, and fangs were all out, all of them showing off how beautiful he was.
He looked amazing.
Theo looked around, and his eyes locked on Liam’s. Liam felt his breath hitch, not wanting to move a muscle under the watchful gaze.
“Li…” Theo replied back, raspier.
Liam shot up, moving around the crack in the floor, throwing himself at Theo. He wrapped his legs and arms around the form, Theo supporting him.
Liam carded his fingers through the man’s hair, gripping it tightly. He felt a smile bloom on his face, tears streaming down his face.
“You’re here.” He said, not believing his own eyes.
“I’m here.” Theo responded.
He was right where he belonged.