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They were snuggling in the back of Theo’s truck bed. Liam laying in the middle with Brett’s and Theo’s land lace together on top of him. It was a nice and quiet day. Nothing threatening to kill them or them to worry about. That was until Liam started speaking.
“My dads want to meet you two.” It was completely out of nowhere breaking the silence. He could feel Brett tense next to him, before he quickly relaxed. Theo was unphased by the statement but could tell there was something deeper than just meeting the parents. Not like Brett or Theo will have to introduce any of them to their parents.
Brett was the one to break to further the conversation. “When?” Brett and Theo could communicate through chemo-signals due to Liam’s utter lack of attentiveness and familiarization. He could tell that Brett had a history with one or both of them. What they both didn’t know is that Theo actually already was pretty close with one of his dads, but that was not something he’s going to reveal before it’s time.
“Next Friday.”
Theo gave Brett a little glance that suggested they will talk later, and it'll be okay. Theo may have not had as much of a history with the other two, but he knew that if it wasn’t for him that these two boys would tear each other apart. “We’ll be there,” Theo gave Brett a look, so he gave a quiet nod instead. “Let’s drop you at home, I still have to do homework before the week starts.”
Theo got into the driver’s seat as Brett got into the passenger seat, much to Liam’s protests. “Why do you always take the front?” Liam whined with a pout.
“Children should sit in the back. It’s safer.” Brett gave a cocky smirk that Theo just laughed to. Theo just continues driving as Liam tries to choke Brett, smiling to himself as he wonders what he got himself into.
The moment that they both waved as Liam ran inside with the same grin he always has, Theo turned and looked at Brett with soft eyes. “What’s wrong? And before you try to say it’s nothing, just remember I’m not Liam.”
He let out a sigh before trying to speak. “I was an asshole to him.”
“Was?” Theo teased trying to lighten the situation.
“It was bad before.” Theo could see the tears that were welling up just thinking about it. “I hurt him, made him lash out. I got him kicked out of school.”
Theo still just sat there putting a hand on his leg. He was completely unphased about what he had said. “I’m not going to tell you stupid bullshit to make you feel better. That’s Liam’s job. My job is to tell you to get your head out of your ass.”
“That’s fucking easy for you to say.” Anger was easy for Theo.
“What do you mean?” Theo was playing it dumb, because as much as they like to think they are different, they are exactly the same to Theo just in different bodies. Teasing and poking until they just tell him what he wants, so he doesn’t have to beat around the bushes.
“I hated him! I wanted him dead.” Theo could see the shift as his usually blue eyes turned yellow. “He made me look like a fool!” The tears started welling up in his eyes.
“But.” It was calm in the storm. It was so weird it shocked Brett. His glossy eyes scans over Theo’s hand that was holding his now, rubbing softly.
Brett was confused. What did Theo mean? “But?” The softness and fear in his voice made him look small despite his size.
“You’re an idiot,” he responded with a small smile. The little confusing head tilt is not something that he thought he would see on Brett, who always acted cool and cocky. “You wouldn’t be here right now if you didn’t care. And on the bright side at least you didn’t murder or attempt to murder his whole pack.” He said the last part so casually as if it was like talking about the weather.
“Thanks Theo.” Theo just kissed his knuckle and started the engine.
Brett could tell something was off when they got to school. After some glancing around he could confirm his suspicions, because in the middle of the parking lot was a black van and he knew exactly who was in there.
Theo didn’t realize anything was going on until they entered the door. He was a little too overwhelmed by Liam jumping him at any moment he had that he couldn’t focus his usual attention on danger.
They all separated as the bell rang to go to their respective classes. Theo knew where he needed to go. He looked around before slipping into the dark janitor's closet. “You don’t need to act all mysterious. I know you are here,” he said as he flipped the switch to turn on the lights to see the ex-alpha standing in front of him.
“It takes all the fun out of it.” He gave a fake pout similar to the one that Liam likes to give. At least he knows where he learned that from. Theo just gave a scowl in response. “Don't pretend like you don't like to see me.”
“It's not you. Liam is stressed about us meeting you and Chris and Brett is stressed about how you two are going to react. About the you know,” he gestured in the air like it would show his thoughts.
Peter let out a small sigh. “I knew this would happen. I am surprised that Liam told either of you. Thought he would tell us he told you and made up an excuse that you two couldn’t go.” They both let out a laugh at the idea. They both knew Liam was the worst liar, even without their supernatural hearing.
“Taking the guessing out of the game. Why are you and Chris here?” Raising an eyebrow seeing right through their plan.
“Chris wanted for us to ‘talk’ to you two. And I volunteered to talk to you.” He gave him a fond look. “Look, you know I don't care that you are dating Liam. Well, I do, but I see you like my son already. I don't know if it's because our pasts are similar or because you are a were-coyote, but I see myself in you. I know that you sometimes feel like you don't deserve this or anything, but you do. This is mainly for Chris. After Allison and everything he’s just scared of losing another kid due to werewolves.”
Theo could see the tears threatening to fall. When did he become the person to comfort everyone? He should be the chimera of comfort at this point. He stepped forward and pulled him into a hug, because he knew that if he was in the same position this is all he would want. The embrace of something that feels like a father figure was new to Theo, but it felt right.
Liam has been looking around but hasn’t seen either of his boyfriends the whole time. Theo missed his first class and Brett was almost avoiding him. It was weird, because they usually were together all the time. There was something clearly wrong. He was determined to find them but was unable to locate them anywhere in the school which is weird. He usually would be able to smell them unless they were outside of school or purposely hiding their scents. It was a bit concerning, but he didn’t want to feed into his own paranoia.
At lunch he met with Theo like usual, but Brett was missing.
“Do you know where Brett is? I haven’t seen him all day.” Theo looked up from his sandwich to look back at Liam. He always looked so soft when he was concerned. He wanted to nuzzle his cheeks and just protect him.
“I haven’t seen him all day, but I’m sure he’s fine. Probably just studying or doing homework today. It’s not like we exactly gave him time to do that over the weekend.” The last comment made Liam’s face heat up as he looked down at his food. Taking bites as he was thinking about where Brett could be.
Theo bumped his shoulder against Liam’s to get him out of his own head. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll make sure you see him at the end of school alright?” He got a small head nod for an answer as Liam was still stuffing his cheeks with food.
Brett was in the locker room, when he heard the footsteps of someone ominous familiar. He turned around to see Mr. Argent leaning against a locker looking at him.
“Mr. Argent,” the blond said after clearing his throat.
“Mr. Talbot,” the older man said back a little too seriously for being his boyfriend’s dad. “I’m assuming Liam told you about the dinner this Friday?”
“Yes, Sir. We plan to be there,” He made an audible gulp. This was supposed to happen on Friday when he was with his boyfriends where he could at least have some kind of anchor.
“Good,” looking down at his gun as he wipes off a smudge. “I wouldn’t want you to disappoint Liam.”
“No, sir. I like your son a lot. I don't want to do anything that would hurt him.”
His jaw was tense from the situation but noticed that Argent’s posture hadn't changed. “Is that right? I remember that a little differently.” This was the part that Brett was scared of. His past coming back to bite him in the ass. “But for Liam’s sake, and because Peter won’t stop harassing me otherwise, I am willing to give you another chance. But if I see a single thing I don't like, you're gone. I doubt I will even get to you before Liam does it himself or even Theo, but you should always have a last resort.”
Brett was a little stiff still, but it went a lot better than he expected. “Thank you, sir. I really do like Liam.” Chris could see the genuine look. He has been around and had enough teenagers to tell. Reminded him of how Scott talks about Allison.
“I don’t hate you; you know? I think you are good for Liam. Challenging him and making him grow. Helps him understand everything that I can’t always understand. It’s just,” letting out a long sigh thinking back to Allison. “He’s all I have left,” for once in this entire conversation the hard-ass facade was dropped, instead showing a softer exterior. His voice filled with fond memories of a long-lost child. “You should get to lunch. Knowing Liam, he’s probably freaking out that you haven’t shown up yet.” He gave a weak attempt at a smile before walking away leaving Brett to process everything he had heard.
Brett walked out of the locker room still lost in his own thoughts. It was just too confusing. As he came into view of Liam and Theo, he was almost tackled with the force of Liam throwing himself at him.
“Are you okay?” Concerned laced in the beta’s tone. Blue eyes wandering his face trying to find any imperfections or signs of distress.
“Give the man some space. School has been stressful and probably just wanted to get away from your chaotic energy for a little bit.” Theo teased trying to draw the attention away from Brett. Liam, taking the bait, gave an offended look at Theo as he was guided back to the table as the other beta followed closely behind.
Theo knew that Brett had a talk with Chris and considering he isn’t dead he assumed it went well. He didn’t want to push because he knew that Brett would talk to them when he was ready. So, his only job right now was to make sure Liam didn’t get him or anyone else killed. Since none of that has happened, he would say he’s doing a pretty good job.