Chapter Text
Moving day, if Liam’s supernatural life wasn't already a mess, then this was worse. He dreaded packing up all of his belongings and everything else to move somewhere new since he was so used to living in Beacon Hills, this was his town to protect and everything, but now he was leaving it. He was leaving his family and friends to move to his new college dorm.
Mason and Corey were coming with him too, but instead of Mason being his roommate (like they've always said they would be) he was committed to share a dorm with his boyfriend. The betrayal.
He would live only a couple of hours away from Beacon Hills, which wasn't all bad. He didn't have a specific university that he dreamed to be accepted into, just wanted one that had his major in mind. Which is history, of all things. He always enjoyed history and despised the sciences for obvious reasons. He picked history after much needed help and reassurance from his parents due to his skilled overthinking.
But there wasn't enough reassurance to help ease his worries of moving away, he didn't think it would affect him this much, but it is a big step in his life. Minus the chaos of being a werewolf and a true alpha’s beta brings.
The drive there was filled with anxiety, Theo’s senses blocked by it. He was being the usual passenger princess with Theo driving them, luggage in trunk and backseat. Though it didn't take so much space, since Liam had more stuff than Theo did.
Since Mason was ditching him for Corey, Liam knew he didn't want to deal with a stranger being his roommate, and since Theo was already accepted… he convinced him to room together.
It sounded like a bad idea, the worst they've had. Chaos would ensue in that apartment. Liam did think it through yes, but he’d rather have the chimera living with him instead of somebody unfamiliar.
He was already used to being around Theo, since he forced him to move into the Dunbar-Geyer household shortly after finding Theo ‘casually napping’ in the backseat of his truck. Liam’s dumb, but that was the dumbest excuse he's heard in a while.
So this wouldn't be all that different. Yeah. Okay, Liam hopes it isn't that different. They have their own rooms, sharing the living room, the small kitchen and being in each other’s space.
But Liam’s calm facade is transparent, to Theo anyway.
“Can you quit being so anxious?” Theo broke the silence, even though music was already playing in the car, Fake Tales Of San Francisco by Arctic Monkeys. Theo was a big fan of the band, Liam thought it was endearing.
Liam’s leg was bouncing up and down, betraying his calm front. “I’m not anxious, just fine.” Liam responded, his heart spiking and giving him away. “Sure you are. It's just moving away, what's the big deal?” Theo asked, tapping his fingers to the bass of the song on the leather steering wheel.
“The big deal is that I’m moving away from home.” Liam explained, turning to look at Theo’s side profile. “But you have company.” Theo said, smirking.
“Insufferable company.” Liam added and turned away. “Hey, you're the one that asked to be roommates with me. If you start complaining, blame yourself.” Theo responded.
Liam just rolled his eyes, he knew he was right though, “I know, stop reminding me. You wouldn't want to be dealing with an annoying roommate otherwise.”
“You already are that annoying roommate. But living with a stranger? Sure, why not?” He continued the teasing, earning a look from the beta that indicated he just wanted to punch him in the face for the fourth time.
“Shut up.” Liam hissed and turned the music up a few notches, enough to drown out Theo’s voice as he tuned into it. Theo just shook his head in amusement, glancing at Liam’s now relaxed knee, the conversation somehow able to ease his nerves. Theo looked back on the road with a slight smile.
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Soon they both got their keys to the place, it was a big building near the university where other students were also moving in. Ones with friends and others with complete strangers. The place was actually pleasant, walking in with his suitcase, Liam saw on the left was the living room where the dark green couch was already set up, along with a coffee table and other things. On the right, he was met with the small kitchen and a round oak table with two chairs, matching the coffee table as a set. Pantry on the side.
Then a hallway leading to two bedrooms in front of each other and a bathroom in between. It was a good dorm, Jenna had helped them to make a good deal. A lot of people helped actually. Scott with the couch and pillows, Lydia with the countless lamps and little lights around, Stiles with the emergency kit and a pep-talk over safety and how college goes, etc.
Liam appreciated it all and knew Theo did too, even if the chimera didn't let a hint of appreciation slip, he was glad the others were trying to warm up to him. It’ll definitely take time, but it's a good start. Stiles kept trying to change Liam’s mind or warn him, but he's the most stubborn person alive, so it takes a lot of convincing.
Takes a certain chimera, actually. But he wouldn't admit it. Theo can make a lot of good points when it comes to convincing or arguing.
They both began unpacking their things, clothes in the wardrobe, necessities in the bathroom and packed boxes.
As Liam is organizing his wardrobe, hanging up clothes and whatnot, the strong smell of coffee reaches his nose, catching his attention. He drops what he’s doing with a beat and follows the scent of coffee as it wafts through the air. He spots Theo standing beside his coffee machine that he brought, and taking out two odd mugs.
“Coffee?” Theo asks Liam, raising one of the mugs, it’s black and has ‘soup’ written on it, though it's clearly used for any drink but soup. The other one is square-shaped and has a spooky pumpkin on it.
Liam agreed, though he has more energy than caffeine could give him. “Sure, where did you get those mugs?” Liam raises an eyebrow, amused at the sight of mugs he hasn't seen before.
“Oh, these? The vintage store down the street had half of them on sale. We needed some dishes anyway.” Theo explained, then watched as the coffee pot was half-filled, so he pulled it out and poured it into the two mugs, watching the hot glass.
“You had enough time to go shopping? Well, good thinking… I’m taking the soup one. It's funny.” He says and takes said mug of coffee from him, the steam curving up into the air. He pulled out the carton of cold milk and sugar they had, pouring it into the black coffee since Liam doesn't enjoy bitterness. Meanwhile Theo drinks straight from it, like shots of espresso, the psycho.
They both take a minute to relax and unwind from the day since they’ve done a lot of work already. Theo stays in his space and so does Liam, what’s new is that they’ll have to share the space from now on. The lease and moving in is done. No turning back.
“Are you done with unpacking? It’s basically evening now.” Liam broke the silence, the tiny buzzing of the light above irritating him. Theo looked back and nodded, setting his empty mug down inside the sink. “Almost, I just needed a break.” Liam agreed and noticed how he didn’t bother to wash the mug, seeing him turn and walk back to his bedroom. Liam sighed at the thought of having to set chores and rules for each other, he ignored it for now and set his empty mug down beside Theo’s.
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In the middle of unpacking, they ordered some takeout to ease their hunger. Regular Chinese takeout did its job well. Now Liam looks around his set up bedroom, a box still unopened but he is ignoring it till tomorrow, the messy label ‘Memories’ making him frown, and he isn’t in the mood for an unpacking like that. Packing it all up was saddening enough.
Something was missing from his room, something obvious. He walks out of his bedroom and walks across the hallway, since his bedroom is right in front of Theo’s, convenient. “Theo? Where are the mattresses?” Liam called out and stood in the doorway.
“What mattresses? I thought you dealt with that.” Theo replied, placing a picture frame on his shelf with few items on it. “Me? The moving company was supposed to replace the old ones today.” Liam furrowed his eyes and Theo sighed, “You idiot, did you see anybody from the company even come in or call you?”
Liam pulled out his phone and checked it, seeing only a few unanswered messages from his mom and Mason doing a checkup. “Nope, no call.” He groaned and dialed in the number of the company, walking out of the room. Hearing Theo’s soft sigh, thanks to his super hearing.
After much talking and the scent of annoyance and inconvenience mixing in the air, Theo walked into the small living room. “Let me guess, it didn't go well?” Liam shook his head. “Nope, we gotta wait till tomorrow, moving day can be ‘busy’ for them.” He groaned, and it was clearly words from the employee on the phone he spoke with. “Yeah because who needs mattresses on moving day, right?” Theo sarcastically remarked.
After a minute of silence, Theo asked the questions they were both wondering about. “Where are we sleeping then?” Slowly coming to a predicament. Liam looked at him, “I don’t know!” he exclaimed and looked around the almost-furnished dorm. Then his eyes landed on the green couch and got an idea. Theo watched the idea form behind the werewolf’s eyes and instantly reach around and beneath the couch.
Theo raised an eyebrow, “What are you doing?” He asked.
“Hold on.” Liam responded and failed in finding the lever that extends the sofa.
Theo rolled his eyes after watching Liam struggling and pointed to the small lever behind the armrest. “Hey, dumbass. It’s right here.” Theo huffed and pulled on it, extending the sofa into a bigger space. But still not enough to fit both of them on it if they lie down.
Liam stood back and groaned at Theo’s words then looked at the extended sofa. “I’m not sleeping on the floor.” Theo announced, “Neither am I.” Liam agreed, then turned to him. “Maybe we could… share? It works!” He suggested and earned a look from Theo.
“It’s not exactly a king-sized bed, Liam. We’d be practically spooning if we tried.” Theo raised an eyebrow, making a good point. They weren’t one hundred percent comfortable with sharing a dorm yet, let alone sleep on a couch, together.
“Better than sleeping on the hardwood floor, Theo. Even if we get back pain in the morning.” Theo groaned at his words, “It’ll do for the night, it's all we got.” Liam shrugs, having no other choice to pick between.
Theo contemplates the decision for a moment, “Fine, couch it is.” Liam slightly smiles and nods at that, “I call the inside of the couch privileges, you're taking the edge.” Theo announces.
“What? You can't just call that!” Liam exclaims, totally annoyed with the decision.
“I just did. Deal with it.” Theo slightly smirked and Liam huffed.
Liam reasoned, “Not fair, I got the idea.”
Theo raises an eyebrow, “And you got us into this mess. You're taking the edge, end of story.” He leaves no room for discussion.
“Fine, great,” He agrees reluctantly, “I’m just gonna brush my teeth and bring a pillow.” He walks past Theo and towards the bathroom, shutting the door behind himself, seeing another one of Theo’s stupid mugs that has both of their toothbrushes inside.
Theo watches him walk away and pulls his hair back, looking down at the couch for another moment before sighing and walking into his own bedroom, getting his own pillow and throwing it over the couch.
By the time they both finish their routine in preparation of spending their first night at the dorm, Theo walks back into the living room and sees Liam adjusting the pillows. A few blankets have been messily thrown over the sofa in an attempt to make it cozy.
“It's not the middle of winter.” Theo comments, walking over to Liam after turning off the lights in the hallway. Liam looks back at him, “It's about to be.”
Liam yawns and covers his mouth, the strain of the busy day washing over him and exhausting him further. He sat down on the sofa and patted the cushion, “Come to bed?” He questioned sarcastically.
Theo snorted, “Sure.” He just got a snort out of the chimera, making him smile softly and Theo stares before averting his eyes and walking over, crawling into the space. Bound to be squished between Liam and the back pillows.
Liam lied down beside him and tried to get comfortable under the shared blankets, inevitably having his body up against Theo on the side. “Can you move?”
“Do you want me to fall off?” Liam replied in a sarcastic tone, one used against him too, whilst trying to make space.
“I’m gonna kick you off myself if you don't at least move an inch.” Theo lightly threatened.
Liam exhaled deeply, nostrils flaring, “Blame the damn couch!” He exclaimed and moved away enough to be on the sofa and also have just enough tiny space between them. It was already awkward enough.
Theo rolled his eyes back and rested his hand underneath his pillow, “Don't start moving in your sleep, you're restless.” He demanded, “Like I know what I’m even doing in my sleep.” Liam responded, turning to his side, back facing Theo and Theo did the same, their backs facing each other.
“Just saying, I’m a light sleeper.” Theo said.
“I know that already.” Liam sighed, surprising Theo without a thought, but Theo didn't press on.
They both felt really awkward and hyper-aware of the other and their movements, listening to each breath and heartbeat. Theo noticed that the dim light on the table by the armrest is still on, giving the space a more intimate and cozy look, but that just meant more tension for them.
“You gonna turn that off?” Theo asks, referring to the light.
“Uh, I sleep with the light on, actually.”
“Scared of the dark, Dunbar?” Theo teased, his voice a little rough due to being tired.
“No I’m not, just used to it.” It was the half-truth, and he wasn't going to admit to having a slight fear of the dark. It sounds childish, but ever since his first encounter with a Berserker that one night, he's slept with a nightlight on ever since.
“Sure you are.” Theo continued. Liam knew the corners of Theo’s lips curved up into a smirk without needing to see it.
Liam yawned again and adjusted the blanket, “Just get some sleep already, god.” He huffed and Theo didn't respond. “‘Night, Theo.” Liam said softly after a beat of silence.
“‘Night, Dunbar.” Theo replied, not moving a single muscle in his position. Liam shut his eyes after a minute and soon fell into deep sleep without a problem, as long as the light was on. Theo heard the way Liam’s breathing calmed along with the steady beats of the boy’s heart, signaling that he’s in deep slumber, leaving Theo awake and alone.
Theo knew he was exhausted, but he just couldn't bring himself to sleep with Liam so close to him, it felt unnatural and just… weird. Choosing to live with him was already awkward, as hard as Theo tried to not make it that way. After a moment of consideration, he flipped positions and was facing Liam’s back now, seeing the sight of him wrapped up in the blanket like a cocoon and shifted ever-so-slightly here and there, nearing the edge.
Theo rubbed his eyes and sighed deeply, he wasn't even yawning in exhaustion like Liam did, he was on alert way too much. His eyes dragging over Liam’s sleeping figure and his ears perked up at the sudden creak of the sofa, watching the way Liam is slowly slumping over and about to drop onto the floor. His eyes widened.
Almost on instinct, Theo wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him back onto the sofa, closer against him. He froze, watching Liam for any further movements or reaction, but he remained asleep. He sighed in some relief but didn't think of letting him go anytime soon. He would just start moving again and even fall off if Theo’s not watching, so he’ll just keep holding him, there are no other reasons attached to it.
His face was one lean away from nuzzling into the back of his untamed head of hair, just by inhaling the air he caught Liam’s blueberry shampoo mixed with mint soap and his natural scent. He slowly relaxed back into the cushions thanks to it, and felt the warmth of the werewolf under his touch, hot in contrast to Theo’s usually cool temperature. And even demeanor.
He felt Liam shift again, the guy was restless even in his slumber. He watched in interest as he rolled onto his back with a huff of air, pressing against Theo’s body and basically thrashed around. Theo sighed quietly, getting annoyed by the continuous movements.
“That's it.” He muttered after Liam threw his leg over Theo’s and elbowed his chest, completely denying the way his heart quickened. He let go of Liam’s waist and gave him a hard enough shove, causing him to hit the floor, quickly turning and facing the cushions, pretending to be asleep. Should've let him fall the first time, he thought.
He heard a grunt and a whined ‘ow’ from the boy, causing him to slightly smirk. Liam slowly got up and off the floor, looking down at Theo before muttering an insult and getting back to the shared couch, rubbing his shoulder where it hit the floor. Theo fell asleep satisfied after that.