Chapter Text
Slumping a bit lower in the seat, fingers drumming a lazy, offbeat rhythm on the steering wheel, Theo watched the rain pelt down the windshield. It would have been calming, if not for his frustration bubbling beneath his skin. Or rather annoyance.
The dry cleaner’s doors stayed closed, didn't matter how unimpressed and annoyed he glared at them. His eyes flicked up to that dumb “Lunch Break: Back at 2” sign.
Twenty minutes. Twenty fucking minutes, he’d been sitting here, watching water snake down glass. And all that because Liam absolutely had to stop for new sneakers first. Something about lacrosse and the old ones being “cursed” or, hell, maybe he just wanted an excuse to drag Theo into a shoe store, and then later get smoothies by the store that was conveniently right next to Foot Locker.
Who knew? Theo couldn’t care less about the shoes or the smoothies, honestly. He just cared that the detour had landed them here. Right now. In the middle of nowhere. Nothing to do but wait for a stranger to finish their sad lunch in some back room.
Meanwhile, Liam didn’t seem frustrated at all. No, he was deep in Radio Roulette mode, spinning through stations like the fate of the free world depended on finding a song that wasn’t a sappy breakup ballad or, God forbid, some car dealership jingle. Every now and then, he’d mutter something about “garbage playlists” or “who even likes this stuff?”. This was classic Liam—never able to sit still, always chasing after some distraction.
Still, despite the exasperation that tugged at him, Theo couldn’t bring himself to be truly mad. Not really. Part of it was because, in the months he’d been living with Liam and his parents, he’d learned to deal with Liam’s random whims. The other part was… well, Liam. Theo would deny it if anyone asked, but he didn’t mind being near him. Didn’t mind the way Liam’s energy filled the spaces between them, making the waiting game more tolerable.
Finally, after what felt like a hundred failed attempts, Liam landed on a pop rock song and immediately grinned. He looked so proud of himself like he’d just solved world hunger.
“I keep telling you, just let me have the aux,” he said, bumping the volume a little too high. “My playlist is way better than whatever boring stuff you usually have on.”
Theo raised an eyebrow, glancing at him sideways, deciding to not comment on the fact that the only reason they had to listen to the radio was because Liam had gotten into a fight with Alec over it and teared the cable.
““Yeah, ‘cause nothing says ‘good music’ like a playlist that’s 90% 2000s pop-punk. Forgive me if I’d rather listen to something that doesn’t make me want to claw my ears off.”
Shooting him a wounded look, Liam tried to look hurt, though the smile tugging at his lips ruined any attempt at that. “Hey, nothing wrong with a little nostalgia! At least it’s got some life to it. Unlike your… uh, whatever you call your taste.”
Theo just groaned, letting his head rest against the headrest with an Oof “Whatever. Just—please—stop touching the volume. My eardrums are begging you.”
The younger boy nodded, the grin never left his face. It would probably take only a few seconds until his hand would rach out to fiddle with the radio again. He was restless, Theo could tell—Liam was bouncing his leg, drumming along with the beat. Practically vibrating with pent-up energy.
And yet... Theo felt himself relax, despite the rain, despite Liam’s restless moving, and despite the fact they were stuck here because of some dumb shoes. The heater’s hum, the music, and the way Liam just kind of filled the cab—it all made the wait less miserable. He almost forgot he was supposed to be annoyed, closing his eyes and letting the music fill the cab.
But that’s when Liam twisted in his seat, eyeing Theo like he’d just remembered something important. “So, what kind of music do you actually like?” His eyes big and questioning like this was some crucial missing piece in his mission of Figuring out Theo Raeken.
The question caught Theo off gaurd. Opening his mouth to respond, but no immediate answer came to mind. What did he like? No one really asked him that before. Not when he was living with the Dread Doctors, scrounging for survival in the dark. And even not as some tag-along from the True Alpha's little beta. Music was just… background noise.
But, he had to admit, since staying with Liam’s family, since hanging around with the pack, he had started to pick out things he liked. Songs and bands he didn’t hate, even some he actually looked forward to hearing.
“Uh,” Theo said, glancing out the rain-streaked window, buying time by watching the raindrops chase each other down the glass. “I don’t know. I guess I like a bit of everything.”
“Nah, come on, you gotta have a favorite band or something. You’ve been living with us for months, and I’ve heard you talk about music with my dad. So, what do you like?”
Theo shrugged, trying to hide how flustered he felt under Liam’s expectant gaze. “I mean… I’ve been listening to some stuff. The Neighbourhood, Tame Impala...”
“Tame Impala?” Liam’s face practically lit up. “Seriously? I I didn’t peg you for that indie vibe.”
“And why's that?”
The other boy shrugged. “I don't know, I just figured you’d be into something darker.” A sheepish grin overtook Liam’s face. “Like metal or something moodier that screams 'guy with a dark past', you know.”
Theo tilted his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. “So I give off tragic antihero vibes, is that it?”
“Kind of your thing, dude.” Liam agreed, nodding and grinning. “Just—I didn’t expect you to like anything so… I don’t know, normal.”
Theo scoffed, but the corner of his mouth twitched in amusement despite himself. “Suprise, Suprise. I'm not as predictable as you think.”
Liam chuckled, turning back to the radio and messing with the dials again. “Alright, so you like Tame Impala. What else?”
Theo sighed. “Fine. I like Arctic Monkeys.” He looked back out the window, before continuing. “And I’ve been listening to some of your dad's music, too. He's got decent taste.”
Liam’s grin practically split his face, looking so pleased with himself it was almost embarrassing. “See? You’re getting more ‘normal’ every day.”
“Normal? Really?”
“Yeah, you know, normal stuff.” Liam gestured in the air. “Favorite music, favorite color. Basic questions, you know.”
“Hmm,” was all that Theo left before Liam leaned forward and asked, “So—spill. What’s your favorite color?”
Theo stiffened. What was this—small talk lesson? But still, he thought about it. His favorite color... That was a trickier one. That was one of those questions you got asked when you were a little kid, and not when your childhood had been ripped out from under you and replaced with late-night experiments and being poked with needles and learning how to properly kill someone. It was almost funny, in a twisted way, how foreign this question felt. But Liam was still watching him, waiting, his eyes bright and a little too expectant.
“So? What’s your favorite color?”
Theo’s gaze slid toward the window again, to the rain sliding down in messy little rivers. After another pause, he said, “Blue.”
“Blue?” Liam questioned, sounding genuinely curious. “Why blue?”
Theo hesitated, chewing on his answer. His thoughts trailing back to the reason he had chosen that color—to blue expectant eyes watching him. Of course, there was no way he was going to say that.
So instead, he kept his voice calm, neutral and replied, “I dunno. It’s just…nice. Calming. Makes me think of the sky, I guess. And maybe because blue feels… hopeful. Like, when you look at it, anything could happen.”
Liam let that hang there for a second, turning it over in his head. Then he smiled, softer, almost like he was letting Theo in on a secret. “Huh. I always thought yellow was the color of hope.”
“Yellow? Really?” Theo glanced at him, a small smirk tugging at his lips.
Liam shrugged. “Yeah, I dunno. Yellow just—feels happy. Like sunlight, or… I dunno, flowers or something. Makes me think of summer, when things actually feel good.”
Theo considered that for a moment. He didn’t really have anything against yellow. Actually, he kind of liked it—especially when Liam’s werewolf eyes did that thing and turned all golden-yellow. Not peaceful or calming, but it was undeniably captivating.
“Yellow’s alright,” he admitted, voice dropping softer than he meant to. “But blue’s better.”
Liam’s smile lingered. And for a second, he just watched Theo, like he was seeing something new. Then he turned back to the radio, fiddling with the dial like he had to do something with his hands. “My favorite color’s green.”
“Oh yeah?” Theo raised an eyebrow, glancing at Liam’s outfit. “Is that why you’re wearing my green hoodie again?”
Liam went bright pink at that, fidgeting with the sleeve like he might disappear into it. “I—it was just there, okay? Mom was on my case about going out without a jacket. She said to grab something warm.”
“So you’re blaming your mom now?”
Liam huffed, crossing his arms defensively.
“Like you never steal my stuff! Mom always mixes up our laundry.”
Leaning back agaisnt his seat, Theo smirks. “Maybe you should try doing your own laundry for once then... You know, like an adult.”
Liam pouted, and Theo found it impossible not to be amused. The hoodie hung loosely on Liam’s frame, just a little too big. But it looked good on him. Not that Theo would admit it, but he liked seeing Liam in his clothes. It was… something. Like proof they were in each other’s lives, for better or worse.
After a moment of silence, Theo sighed. “If you like it that much, you can keep the hoodie.”
Liam’s eyes widened, and he shook his head quickly. “No, you should keep it. It’s yours.”
“Doesn’t matter” Theo shrugged, glancing away like it was no big deal. “I’ve got others. If green’s your thing, you can have it.”
“I don’t want it,” Liam blurted, face turning even redder. “You should keep it.”
“Why not?”
The blush on Liam’s face deepened, and he fumbled for words, glancing anywhere but at Theo. When he finally spoke, his voice was small. “Because it looks good on you. Like, it brings out the green in your eyes.”
The compliment shut him up for a good minute. His heart did an odd little flip in his chest, and he could almost feel his owm face heat up. “I didn’t know you paid that much attention to my eyes.”
Liam’s blush was basically a stop sign now. “I mean—I look people in the eyes when I talk to them. It’s, like, manners or something. And with you, I kind of have to. Otherwise, I can’t tell what you’re thinking.”
Theo’s eyebrows raised, his amusement outweighing the suprise.
“You think you can read me, Dunbar?”
Liam’s gaze didn’t waver, even if he was blushing like crazy. “I have to try. You control everything—your heartbeat, your scent, all of it. If I want to know what’s actually going on in your head, I gotta look you in the eyes.”
Leaning in, Theo almost daring Liam to flinch. “And what is it you see when you look at me, genius?”
Liam stiffened, clearly not expecting Theo to push him like that. His blue eyes flickered with hesitation, but then, as usual, Liam’s stubbornness kicked in. He lifted his chin slightly, refusing to back down from the stare-off.
“I dunno. Just… a lot. You don’t show it, but there’s always something going on in there. You just gotta look close enough.”
Theo’s smirk faltered slightly as he felt a strange tug in his chest. Liam was… serious. More serious than usual, and the intensity of his gaze made Theo’s heartbeat almost speed up. For a brief moment, Theo wasn’t sure how to respond. His usual sarcastic retorts felt out of place, and for a second, he found himself almost yearning to say something honest. Something real.
But then, before he could think of anything to say—to open up to—Liam broke the silence with a huff. Crossing his arms, he looked away, glancing out the rain-streaked window with a frustrated expression. The sour stench of shame and frustration coming off him now instead of the playful scent of popcorn.
“Whatever. It’s not like I’m some trained psycho who hides every feeling and reads people like open books... I’m just trying to figure you out, and you, you make it impossible.”
The words hit Theo harder than he cared to admit. A sharp stab in the chest. He’d heard worse—hell, he’d been called worse—but hearing it from Liam, in that frustrated, tired voice, made it sting in a way he hadn’t anticipated. Maybe because it was true. Maybe because Liam actually gave a damn. Maybe because he thought he'd gotten better at opening up.
He looked away, jaw tight, staring at that dumb dry cleaner across the street, the neon sign flickering like it could short out at any second. “Yeah. You’re right.”
And then—just rain. The kind of rain that sounded heavier than it actually was. It drummed on the truck roof, filling up the silence until it was all Theo could hear. The air got thick, uncomfortable, like someone had sucked all the oxygen out. That back-and-forth vibe they usually had? Dead.
And Theo hated it. Hated the way it made him feel raw, like he’d peeled off a layer of skin just for Liam to poke at. Hated that Liam noticed. Hated that he cared enough to bring it up.
Liam shifted in his seat, clearly feeling the tension as well. He glanced over at Theo, guilt flashing in his eyes as he spoke again, his voice softer now. “Theo… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
Theo didn’t answer. What was there to say, anyway? He just stared out at the rows of shops. He knew Liam meant it, but apologies like that didn’t really fix anything, did they? You could mean it, and it could still hurt. You could try to make it all up but it still wouldn't bring back the people you killed.
Finally, he let out a sigh—barely even a real sound, more like letting the air leak out of his lungs.
“It’s fine.”
But Liam wasn’t convinced. Theo could see it in the way he fidgeted, in the way his gaze flickered uncertainly between Theo and the console between them. Liam was always terrible at hiding how he felt, and right now, Theo could tell that he was still bothered by the whole exchange.
A little awkward, Liam reached over, hand brushing against Theo’s wrist. It wasn’t a big gesture—just a light touch, fingers barely there. But it was different. Grounding, almost. For a second, neither of them moved. Just sat there, Liam’s hand warm against Theo’s skin, like he was debating what to say next but couldn’t quite get the words out.
Theo met Liam’s gaze, raising his eyebrows, waiting for… something. Maybe another apology. Maybe a joke. Instead, Liam’s lips quirked into this weird, crooked smile—half apology, half nervous energy.
“So,” Liam said, his voice lighter now, almost like he was forcing himself to push past all the heavy crap, “since we’re stuck waiting for the clothes or whatever, wanna figure out dinner? Maybe that’ll make up for dragging you into shoe store hell.”
Theo blinked, surprised by the sudden change in tone, but then he couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. Leave it to Liam to try and diffuse the tension with something related to food.
“Pretty sure it’s your turn to pick Sunday take-out.”
Liam perked up, relief all over his face at the fact that Theo went along with his not-so-subtle change of topic.
“Yeah, but, y’know, figured I’d give you a shot.” His smile widened. “Maybe even let you choose pizza toppings or something, just so you don’t complain about my predictability for the rest of the night.”
Theo chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Generous. So, that means we’re definitely not having pepperoni pizza again tonight.”
“Yeah, yeah, because apparently liking pepperoni pizza is a crime in your world.”
“I’m just saying there are other toppings in existence. Branch out a little.”
“Look, you should be thankful I’m even letting you choose the toppings this time,” Liam teased, nudging Theo’s arm again. His fingers slowly left Theo’s wrist, but instead of pulling away, he let his arm rest on the console next to Theo’s. Their forearms brushing against each other. Theo’s skin buzzed at the feeling.
“Thankful? I didn’t ask for that. You’re the one trying to make up for making us wait here forever.”
“Yeah, but I figured you’d appreciate the gesture.” Liam grinned. “You know, since I’m such a nice guy and all.”
Theo rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “Right, I’m sure you’re doing this out of the kindness of your heart.”
“Exactly,” Liam said with a laugh, letting their forearms brush again, this time with a bit more intention. There was something casual but intimate about the way Liam did it, and Theo could feel the quiet affection ripple through him once more.
“Well, in that case, I’ll take advantage of your generosity. But just so we’re clear—I’m vetoing pepperoni.”
Liam gasped dramatically, putting his hand over his chest. “Vetoing pepperoni? That’s practically treason.”
“Too bad. You offered, and I’m taking full advantage.”
Liam leaned back in his seat, still grinning, but there was a softness to his expression when he glanced at Theo. “Guess I did offer.” He let his hand rest on the console between them, their fingers almost touching but neither of them making the move to pull away.
Before Theo could dwell on the moment for too long, the sign on the dry cleaner flickered back on, and the door swung open, signaling the end of their lunch break.
“Finally,” Theo muttered, grabbing his keys and glancing over at Liam. “Come on, let’s get your mom’s stuff before we’re stuck here any longer.”
Liam nodded, unbuckling his seatbelt and hopping out of the truck, pulling the hood of Theo’s green hoodie up over his head as they made their way through the rain.
After grabbing the dry cleaning and stuffing it in the back of the truck, Theo climbed back into the driver’s seat, grumbling as he shook the rainwater from his hair. His sweatshirt was damp, clinging uncomfortably to his skin, and the cold air in the truck didn’t help.
“I swear, I hate rain,” Theo muttered, wiping a hand over his face as he started the truck again. “And now I’m soaked.”
Liam laughed, his own hair wet and sticking up at odd angles under the hood of Theo’s sweatshirt. “Yeah, you do look like a miserable wet dog.”
Theo shot him a glare. “You’re one to talk. You are a wet dog, and you smell like one. So better shut up.”
Liam grinned, leaning back in his seat, completely unfazed. “Fair enough. But hey, if you want, you can borrow my blue hoodie when we get home. Since, you know, your sweatshirt’s all wet.”
Theo raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Liam as he started pulling out of the parking lot.
“I have my own clothes, you know.”
Liam shrugged. “Yeah, but mine’s blue. You like blue, remember? And it’s nice and warm. Plus, we’ll be even since I’m wearing your hoodie right now.”
“So you’re saying I’m owed your hoodie because you’re stealing mine?”
Liam’s grin widened, his blue eyes sparkling as he met Theo’s gaze. “Exactly. Fair trade, right?”
Theo chuckled softly, shaking his head as he turned his attention back to the road. God, he was so deeply in love with this idiot.
“Only because I like blue,” Theo said quietly, a soft smile playing at his lips.
Liam nodded, still smiling as he looked out the window, rain tapping softly against the glass. “Yeah. Only because it’s blue.”