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When a text from Liam arrived at Theo's phone, the chimera wondered if the boy was in some kind of danger. The Anuk-ite and Gerard were gone and Monroe might be far away from Beacon Hills, still some of their remaining allies were a considerable problem. Also, the city they were living in was a beacon for danger.
Can you meet me at the school's field now? Was what Liam had texted. But why would he reach out for Theo of all people? The older members of the pack would be in town for a few more days, weren't they a better option?
What for? The chimera texted back, but all he got in response was a vague you will see when you get here, leaving Theo unprepared for what he would need to do, he just hoped the beta was fine.
Deep down, the chimera knew that he would be left behind when things calmed down, when there would be no reason for the pack to put up with him anymore. Just like had happened when the ghost riders vanished, they appeared to leave with Theo's existence. It was just a matter of time till he was forgotten once again.
He parked his truck in front of the school he used to attend for a short while, the teachers there probably had already forgotten about his existence. Theo had never really tried to make an impression on anyone outside of the McCall pack or the chimeras, although none of them really had a positive point of view about him. Being dead for most of the school year, left him unable to graduate. Getting a GED was on Theo's to-do list along with getting a new job and an actual place to live.
When Theo arrived at the school's field, Liam was already there holding his lacrosse... stick, or whatever that thing was called. Theo couldn't care less about sports. That guy was definitely not in danger right now, the chimera was glad about that, but confused on why he needed to be there.
"You are here!" Liam shouted amused by some reason.
"Wasn't it the point of texting me?" Theo questioned. "What was that for? Some new threat?"
"Things have been chill for now, Sheriff, Parrish and agent McCall have been dealing with the hunters that are left." Liam explained, changing which leg was supporting his weight while he talked.
That was good to hear, the responsible agents of the law were putting an end on that whole situation. Nice to hear that bothering sleep deprived teenagers was not their only job. Still, it brought one question up.
"So, why am I here?" Theo knew that the pack just kept him around when he was necessary for some plan.
"Hum... could you play with me?" The werewolf asked embarrassed.
"Excuse me!?" The chimera grunted.
"Wait, I mean lacrosse, not in a sexual way." Liam blurted out, his cheeks were burning red.
"Yeah, I get that. Why would I think the other thing?" The chimera said. Where was that freaking conversation going? "I just don't get why you're inviting me to play, Liam."
"Training is going to start over this week." The lacrosse player informed.
"So..." What did Theo have to do with it?
"So... I need to be in form as a captain." Liam said awkwardly, his posture was of someone who wasn't at ease at all.
"Ask Scott or one of your teammates, someone who plays it, not me." The older boy suggested.
"Come on, you used to play with Stiles." The beta whined, leaving Theo with a confused look. "You said it, that day in the woods."
Oh, the day that Liam and Stiles followed him around, they were the worst stalkers Theo had been ever seen, especially considering they were following a werecreature who could easily sense their presences.
"Baseball. We used to play baseball as kids." Theo remarked, emphasizing that it was when he was a kid, an asthmatic kid who wasn't even good at it.
"Ah." Liam sighed with a pensative look. "You could just stay at the goal while I shot, then?"
Then, the chimera caught something in Liam's smell other than sweat and his nervously, something more intense.
"What is that actually about?" Theo tried to reach out. "It's not just about some game."
"Well..." The werewolf began to explain facing the ground. "last time I played was with Brett... on the day he..."
Liam didn't finish the sentence. Grief and guilt were what was emanating from the young werewolf, similar to how he was smelling like that night at the police station minus the anger. Brett Talbot, Theo never had the chance to meet him, still he knew what the hunters had done to him and how that affected the beta.
"Fine, I will do it." Theo gave in, only 'cause it meant that Liam would be feeling better. He had already risked his life so many times for that boy, a stupid game wouldn't harm him.
"Really?" Theo could notice Liam's eyes had lightened a little.
"Don't get too excited, you will have to teach me first." The chimera warned.
"I wouldn't be a good captain if I wasn't also a good teacher, would I?" The athlete remarked with a smile. It was good to see Liam smiling again.
"Wait. Did you manage to become captain again?" The older boy asked. The question made the captain in question raise his eyebrows.
"Oh, you remember about that." Liam asked, surprised. How could Theo forget how badly Liam's teammates had treated him and made him resign the position? "Nolan talked to me and we decided to be co-captains."
"With Nolan." The chimera gave a disapproving look. "The guy who beat you up?"
"He helped us at the hospital." The werewolf stated. "Not saying we become best friends, just that we solved our differences."
Nolan had been quite useful in that fight, he knocked out the hunter who was aiming at Liam and Gabe when Theo couldn't do anything to help due to the bullet in his shoulder. Still, he was the same guy who tried to kill the beta while he was acting out of fear and following someone else's orders. Theo didn't really trust that guy.
"You should still be careful around that guy, he was a hunter." Theo advertised.
For some reason the chimera's worries made Liam laugh. That boy should have more sense of self-preservation.
"And I'm here with the so-called chimera of death." The werewolf mocked.
"Never said that was a good idea, either." Theo recalled and Liam threw the stick to him, which the chimera clumsily grabbed.
Playing Lacrosse was certainly an experience, not that anyone could call what Theo was doing as playing. Liam had spent most of the time adjusting Theo's posture and his hold on the stick rather than actually playing, but he appeared to be having a good time making fun of how terrible the chimera was.
It was not like Liam was an actual bad teacher, but having the beta so close to him and with his hands all over him, made it so damn hard to actually concentrate on anything else other than Liam's touch and smell.
"You never said why you called me." Theo commented once they got inside of the truck. Liam was in the passenger seat like usually, Theo never thought he would get so used and comfortable about having someone at his side. Oh, and Theo really wanted that boy by his side a way more than he would like to admit.
"Cause I needed someone to play with me, I had already explained why." Liam said.
"Not that. Why did you call me, specifically?" The chimera voiced. "Playing with someone who doesn't have a clue on what he's doing is not the best scenario."
"It was funny, at least." The captain laughed. "Who would have guessed Theo Raeken was so clumsy when it came to sports"
"You might need to remember how good I'm at martial arts." The older boy challenged, making Liam shout his own mouth. "Seriously, why me?"
"Hum... I don't know." Liam muttered and the driver gave him an annoyed look. "It was like... Just felt like you would be a good option. Not sure."
"A good option?" Theo repeated, he felt he wouldn't get any more clarification from the beta.
"Don't let it go over your head." Liam said. "You need so much training before you get at least decent at lacrosse. So much."
"Oh, so you're gonna keep dragging me to those practices?" The chimera asked, pretending to be annoyed.
"I mean... if you are up to." The werewolf blurted out, waiting impatient for a response.
"Maybe, from time to time. Let's see." Theo smiled. He tended to smile more when was around Liam and he wanted to stay around that boy.
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Since he had started hanging out with Liam, Theo's life had drastically changed. He remembers so well when the younger boy had found out that he was homeless, mostly due the fact that he almost lost his hearing abilities 'cause of the way the werewolf was screaming at his face.
Liam claimed he was only doing his role as a stand-in alpha, but what he did for Theo was definitely way more than anyone had ever done for him in his entire life. Liam’s family welcomed the chimera with open arms, offering their guest room to stay as long it was necessary. They also helped him get a job at Deaton's clinic, Theo never thought he would like to spend his day surrendered by animals, but he actually ended up liking the job.
When Derek went back to town, Liam convinced him to give the key of one of his apartments to him, although the Hale still seemed to be skeptical about the chimera. Theo was really grateful for the time he spent at the Dunbar-Geyer house, but he needed his own space.
Liam kept dragging Theo to play lacrosse after his shift had ended once a week, sometimes he pretended to be bothered by it, but the chimera secretly enjoyed it. Not for the sport itself, but for the time he got to spend with Liam.
It was delightful to see the werewolf play, running on the field like it was his natural habitat. But on that day he didn't seem to relax, continuing to angrily throw balls at the goal with Theo only catching really few.
"What's up with you today?" Theo asked.
"Nothing." Liam retorted, eager to avoid that conversation.
"Something is bothering you." The chimera stated. "Don't try lying to me, I will know."
"I can simply choose not to talk, so." The werewolf pondered, making Theo roll his eyes.
"Come on, Liam."
"It's just something that the guys from the team said about me being captain." Liam gave out.
"Are they giving you a hard time?" Theo asked. "Nolan said something?"
"You can stop bothering about Nolan." The athlete remarked. "He actually stood by my side, okay."
The chimera sat still with the statement, he wouldn't be comfortable with someone who had previously beat him up in front of the entire school.
"It was the other guys, they said I don't deserve the title 'cause of my supernatural abilities." The werewolf informed. "They think I'm cheating."
"That's bullshit." Theo shouted. "It's definitely not all the werecreatures that are good at this thing."
"Yeah, you still suck." Liam smiled.
"Maybe, I should leave you playing alone and without a ride home." The chimera threatened, making Liam purposely aim a ball against Theo's chest. "You know that's not here you have no aim the ball, right?"
"When the goalie is a brat, it is." Liam stated, throwing another ball this time hitting the net. "Take this."
"Show off." Theo rolled his eyes. "Bet they are just jealous of you."
"But, lacrosse is a team effort." The athlete reminded. "We all have to be in sync for the next game."
"You better play well in the next game." The older boy demanded. "I would hate to lose my time with an awful game."
"Ah, are you going to see my game?" The captain said almost jumping in surprise, maintaining the strong hold around his lacrosse stick.
"Yeah, hope my favorite player won't let me down." Theo said, trying to get a read at Liam’s chemeosingals, but they seemed strangely neutral.
The comment made Liam lose all his focus and throw the next ball far away from where it was supposed to land, instead it went in the opposite direction by the bleachers.
"I think you should try baseball, Liam." Theo suggested giving the werewolf a smirk. "Given how far that ball went."
"Shut up!" The werewolf yelled with his cheeks burning red.
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"Wait, is this 'cause of me?" Liam asked smugly, when Theo started the engine of his blue Toyota Tundra.
"What?"
"The keychain." The werewolf explained while pointing to the pool ball keychain along with Theo's car key.
"Why would it have something to do with you?" The driver asked intrigued.
"It has my number on it." The lacrosse captain said as if it was something obvious. "Cyclone's number nine."
"It's a six, you dumbass." Theo laughed.
"It could also be a nine if you look at it from the right angle." Liam tried to argue.
"That's not how pool balls work." The driver stated and Liam pouted. "Did you really think it was because of you?"
"I mean, ain't I your favorite player?" Liam asked, embarrassed.
"That's debatable."
"How many players do you even know?" The beta shouted, making Theo laugh.
"That is 'cause of me, actually." Theo explained, dragging a curious look from the werewolf. "The six used to be my number when I played baseball."
"Makes more sense." Liam admitted. "Always so full of yourself."
"I stayed most of the time at the bench, actually." The chimera admitted. "But, I think making it to the team was the only time I made my father proud."
"So, it is important." Liam said softly, not teasing.
"It used to be, at least." Theo sighed. He knew that he didn't have anyone that could be proud of him anymore. Since he was a child he already was used to people looking down on him, his former coach, his father, the doctors, they only saw him as a failure.
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Lacrosse was supposed to be an outlet, his comfort zone. So why was it that difficult to be around his teammates? Why did everyone have to make it difficult for him?
At least they weren't trying to shoot him or lock him in a cell, anymore. How could he lead a team that didn't think he deserves his position? Liam had been working so hard for lacrosse long before he was bitten, the sport came naturally to him. So, why did everyone keep saying that him being a werewolf was cheating and unfair to the rest of the players?
Honestly, they should be grateful to have him on the team, Liam thought as he punched one of the doors of the lockers at the desert boy's changing room, he shouldn't be doing this, but it was a less violent option than punching Nathan's face.
"Has the locker said something mean to you?" Liam heard an unfamiliar voice ask. He shifted his attention to the ginger boy who appeared next to him, it was the newest addition to the Cyclone's team, Holden.
Great, the guy had barely joined the team and had already seen the so called co-captain lashed out because he couldn't handle his players. Liam rolled his head in the opposite direction, trying to hide his embarrassment and fixed his messy hair.
"I'm not judging, though." The younger boy blurted out, but Liam didn't buy it. "Those guys were being jerks."
"That's already an usual training session for me." Liam whispered. "But, don't worry, they wouldn't be that harsh on you. At least, I wouldn't let them. Captain duties."
"But how about you?" Holden asked.
"I will keep trying not punching their faces." The captain said with a fake smile on his face. "The important thing is for us to win the next game."
"Does it actually help you?" The question made Liam look at the younger boy with a confused face at Holden. "The werewolf habilites."
Sooner or later, Holden would come up with that question, too. Liam couldn't help but feel uncomfortable again.
"I'm not judging or anything." Holden blurted out nervously. "I just wanted to know, but you don't have to answer."
"It kind of helps with my senses." Liam admitted embarrassed. "But, I was already a good player before the whole... wolf thing."
"It's hard to not notice how good you are, the other guys are probably just jealous." Holden said and made Liam smile a little bit for the first time that day. Theo had said something similar to him, he couldn't wait for the chimera to pick him up.
"Thanks."
"So, I was thinking... I really need to train my game senses more." Holden informed. "If you don't mind... could you help me with that after the practices."
"Help you?" The werewolf was taken by surprise.
"Only if you want, I don't wanna be a bother." The younger boy stated.
"Maybe..." Liam wasn't sure if that was the best idea. He barely knew the boy, what if he was only trying to approach him to kill him. "But, now I'm waiting for a friend so I can't."
He couldn't wait to see Theo. They would go out to play pool against each other, 'cause Theo was determined to show Liam the difference of a six and a nine, and the werewolf was determined to beat Theo's ass. Also, going out and playing some stupid game would be good for the chimera who lost most of his teenage years. Honestly, he just wanted to see Theo smiling and being a normal kid for once.
"It doesn't need to be now. Only when you can." Holden said. "Rest well."
"Sure, man. You too." Liam said and left to meet Theo that was already waiting for him at the parking lot.
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Technically, there was no need for Theo to join them in a biology study session, although Liam and Nolan weren't doing really well with the subject, Mason and Corey were handling it well. Still, the older boy was dragged to their studying meeting by Liam who claimed that Theo also needed to study for his GED and offered break snacks that he couldn't decline.
"Hey, Nolan!" Liam tried to catch the attention of his co-captain. "Do you know something about the new kid in the team?"
"About Holden? Not much." Nolan replied.
"Like he wasn't with Monroe or anything, right?"
"I don't think he got involved." The former hunter responded after he had taken time to think about it.
"Good." Liam replied.
"Why the question?" Corey, who was also on the team, asked.
"He asked me to help him on extra pratices." The werewolf informed. "Just wanted to check if he was chill."
"Afraid he might stab you with a lacrosse stick?" Theo teased.
"I don't have the best track record with teammates." The captain admitted embarrassed.
"And, technically, Garrett used to attack people with his lacrosse stick." Mason added.
"Yeah, with wolfsbane on it." Liam exclaimed and turned his face to Theo. "See a reasonable fear."
"When did the Nazi physics teacher do that?" Corey asked, confused with the just dropped information.
"I don't even think he knew what lacrosse is." Theo stated. "I certainly didn't before moving back to Beacon Hills."
"Our physics teacher was what?!" Nolan questioned.
"A werelion who used to be a german army General in the 40's." Mason clarified, but Nolan was still in shock.
"But not that Garrett. It was the kid assassin on our team back in freshman year." Liam said. "He and his girlfriend were killing supernaturals for money."
"Ah, how could I forget about that one?" Nolan sighed, as if the people in that town weren't already weird enough.
"Never trust a Garrett." Mason noted.
"Why did Holden ask you that?" Corey asked, going back to the original subject.
"Come on, he wants to learn with the best captain." Liam stated.
"Really?!" Nolan exclaimed, raising an eyebrow. "Or maybe he really is into something."
"Corey, you decide." Liam demanded. "Who's the best captain?"
"He doesn't count, he's biased." Nolan protested.
"The one who didn't stab me." Corey clarified.
"That's a fair argument." Mason claimed.
"Wasn't Liam the only captain at that time?" Theo asked to be sure.
"Which side are you on?" The werewolf asked, offended.
"I'm not in the team, so I can't really have a side." The chimera defended himself.
"I have been teaching you how to play." Liam said offended, like Theo owned that one to him.
"But, I don't how it is to play with Nolan to compare." Theo alleged.
"So, who has the better qualities for a captain?" The werewolf asked.
"Are you still on that?" Corey asked.
"You should stop asking only people who have a bias." Nolan argued.
"Who more should I ask? The rest of the team have a bias against werewolves." Liam said. "The only other teammate who really likes me is Gwen."
"And she is also biased 'cause she knows Liam saved her and her sister from the wild hunt." Mason declared.
"Then, everyone should say I'm the better one." Liam declared. "The whole team was also there."
"Being self-centric is not a good quality for a captain." Theo said, giving a smirk to the beta.
"What do you even know about team spirit?" Liam asked, glaring at the older boy's face.
"I was on a baseball team."
"When you were eight!"
"Still, maybe I could be a better captain than both of you." Theo challenged.
"Yeah, 'cause the last time you played as captain went super well." Corey sighed and rolled his eyes. The whole room was silent after that comment.
Theo knew that there was nothing he could do to actually fix his relationship with Corey, he really wasn't cut out to be a leader, he would only end up hurting more people, like he had done with the other chimeras. He couldn't blame Corey for felling that way, especially when he was the one to blame.
"Maybe, we should go back to studying." Liam said, breaking the awkward silence.
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Staying in that hell of a town meant some regular meetings with the pack, technically, it meant that Theo was dragged to them by Liam. He didn't mind being around the younger members that he occasionally hang out with, even Nolan was beginning to grow on him. The problem was the older member of the pack that didn't see a motive for Theo to be around anymore and that was something that a certain beta would disagree.
So, Theo had found himself sitting in a corner of the Martin's house, trying to avoid dragging attention to himself. Liam was in another room catching up with Stiles and Scott. He couldn't wait for the beta to decide to leave the place, but he wasn't going to be pushing the boy, he knew how much Liam missed having his friends around.
He regretted picking that room to hide when Lydia entered to grab a bottle of wine.
"You want some?" She asked, sitting on the couch next to him.
"Nope, It wouldn't even have any effect on me." Theo said, surprised that she even talked to him.
"It wouldn't, but the taste is amazing" Lydia had said before taking a gulp.
"Not for me."
"I heard you have been spending a lot of time with Liam." The Banshee commented. "What are even your intentions with him?"
Unbelievable, after all the help he had provided they still thought he was up to something. Theo just wanted to get his GED and a better paying job, no offense to Deaton's hospitality, but he couldn't be a vet assistant for the rest of his life. Yeah, he first started helping to save his own ass in order to not be sent back to hell, but after the sword had been broken he decided to stay and keep helping even if they didn't care about him.
"Even If I was planning something which I'm not, Liam is not that dumb to fall for the same trick twice." Theo ruminated.
"Calm down, where did all this come from?" Lydia complained. "I don't know how following Liam around and playing Lacrosse with him fits in some evil scheme."
Theo cursed himself, he got so used to his former classmates lashing out on him, that a simple comment made him lose it.
"I... misunderstood." The chimera said, embarrassed. "Sorry."
"Still, if you are planning on using and hurting that boy again, I will burst your ears." The Banshee warned with a scary look on her face. If Theo hurted that werewolf he would bury himself into the ground.
"Massage received."
"Never took you for a sports guy." She said lighten the mood.
"Trust me, I'm not." The chimera guaranteed. "I kinda hate them. Don't see the point in running around with a ball. It's dumb and exhausting. "
"So, why are you playing?" Lydia asked with a curious look, but she appeared to have an idea on what the reason was.
"Liam kept dragging me around to the field." Theo informed. "Couldn't exactly just say no."
"Those damn puppy eyes." The Banshee whispered. "You better cheer him and Corey on at the next game."
"I will be there." He promised.
The chimera had decided to go outside for some fresh air, only to find Corey crouching by the pool playing with Lydia's dog. Theo considered turning around, but he didn't get the time to do it before Corey had his eyes on him.
"Oh, it's just you." Corey muttered. Theo rolled his eyes, how he envied Corey's ability to turn invisible.
"Unless, I have a secret twin or if the doctors made a clone of me." Theo mocked. Cracking a joke when feeling uncomfortable was an old habit of his.
"One is already too much." Corey said, visibly disturbed by Theo's presence.
"Look, I was just trying to find another place to hide, was not expecting to bump into you."
"Why did you even bother to come?" Corey asked, always straight to the point.
"Do I have to remind you how stubborn Liam can be?"
"How do you manage that?" The chameleon asked.
"Manage what?" He questioned, confused.
"With Liam, how did you manage to get him to trust you so easily?" Corey asked, standing up and ignoring the little dog he was just playing with. "It's that some spy technique or what?"
"It's Liam, he tends to see the best in people or however." The older boy rolled his eyes, not even himself knew what made the werewolf have some faith in him. "Or maybe he's just a fool."
"It's not just that." Corey argued. "He gave me a harsh treatment only 'cause I was by your side for a brief moment. And then he goes and brings you back."
"He only brought me back 'cause everyone was desperate with Wild Hunt." Theo explained, if no one had found him useful, he would still be under the ground with his sister.
"So, why does he still keep you around?" The chameleon questioned. "Like, aren't there better options to help him with whatever bullshit he is pulling right now?"
"What? Are you jealous or something?" Theo should probably stop talking or he would make Corey even more pissed off.
"You are unbelievable!" Corey shouted. He had taken a step back, which wouldn't be a problem if Prada wasn't just behind him, making the chameleon lose his balance and fall straight on the pool along with the dog.
Theo watched Prada quickly return to the surface, he got worried when the chameleon didn't make his way out of the water.
"Corey!" He called, but got no sign of life, other than Prada braking.
After a second of radio silence, Theo jumped into the pool and dragged Corey back to the surface.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Theo shouted as Corey coughed. Luckily the other chimera was conscious and there was no need to perform CPR or mouth to mouth.
"I can't swim or dive." Corey managed to say.
"How so? It's a basic survival skill to have." The older chimera stated. "What if some water creature attacked you?"
"What? Do you care now?" The chameleon yelled back. "You sure didn't when you brought me and others back."
"What happened to you guys?" Liam asked when he spotted the two chimeras fully clothed inside of the pool.
"Late night swim. Wanna join?" Theo snarked while Corey stepped out of the pool.
"I would rather stay dry tonight." Liam answered and gave Corey a curious look.
"I fell, just that." Corey blurted out, still uncomfortable and also embarrassed.
"I have some spare clothes in my truck, you can take it." Theo offered, it was the least he could do after kinda being the responsible for Corey's wet clothes. Well, It was the least he could after everything he had put Corey through in the past, and it was not enough.
"I will just go home, already." Corey responded. "Bye, Liam."
"Good night. See ya at school tomorrow."
Corey went back inside the house, probably to look for Mason to drive him home. Theo just wanted to let go and drown for a moment. How could he even think about complaining about Corey's distrust after being the worst "alpha" in history?
"Enjoying the party?" The werewolf asked.
"You have no idea." The chimera responded.
"Sorry for dragging you." The werewolf said, sitting at the edge of the pool.
"I was not expecting it to turn out to be a swimming party for me." Theo laughed.
"Give me your keys." Liam required.
"Why? Are you gonna leave me here by myself?" The designated driver raised an eyebrow.
"I'm just going to get the spare clothes you mentioned." The younger boy stated. "And also found you a towel."
He swore that Liam's nonchalant kindness would be his end, especially because Theo knew that he didn't actually deserve all that affection.
"Here." Theo said, placing the key on Liam’s hand, making their hands brush for a brief moment.
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Tuesday was the day that Theo and Liam had picked for playing lacrosse together, Theo definitely didn't have potential to try playing first line, but he cherished the moments he spent playing with Liam. 'Cause it was with Liam.
When Theo arrived at the field Liam was not the only one he found, Corey and an unknown ginger boy were there.
"Theo!" Liam examined when he spotted the older boy and ran to his direction.
"Guess we have some company today." The chimera said awkwardly. Liam could had at least warned him.
"Corey and Holden wanted to practice a new strategy more." The captain said.
"So, what can I do?" The chimera asked, a little nervous. He wasn't used to playing with anyone beside Liam, especially due the fact the others were Corey and some strange guy.
"We don't need you playing, Theo." Liam stated, catching the older boy out of guard.
"I could stay at the goal." The chimera offered.
"It would be just a bother." The captain said. "Let the professionals play."
"He could stay at my place, I'm already tired." Corey remarked.
"Nah, I think me and Holden can manage to practice alone." Liam confirmed. "By the way, you're now completely dismissed from playing lacrosse, Theo. Don't have to bother anymore. Holden can play with me, now."
Why? He wanted to play, spending his time with Liam. Theo felt a hole in his chest, he thought he was just being dramatic, a whiny spoiled kid. There shouldn't be anything to worry about, right?
Was he not needed anymore? Echoed inside of the chimera's head. It was just a matter of time 'till Liam found a better option as Corey had hinted before.
"Fine." Was all Theo said while trying to look unaffected.
Not only was Theo rejected, he also had to wait to drive Liam home by the bleachers in an awkward silence with Corey by his side. Well, technically the chameleon kept a certain distance from him.
"You gonna stay here?" Corey asked.
"I'm going to drive Liam back home." Theo announced, hoping they would at least play some videogames afterwards.
"Why do you try so damn hard?" Corey asked, shifting his head towards the other chimera.
"Try what?" Theo asked, confused.
"This thing with Liam? Always following him around?"
"I don't do that." Theo remarked. What Corey thought he was? Some kind of dog?
"I wish you didn't." The chameleon rolled his eyes. "Do you have some ulterior motive? Like what is even your inten...?"
Corey stopped speaking when Liam yelled after scoring a point against Holden. The beta was silly smiling at the two chimera's direction, waving to them. Theo wondered how would be running in the captain's direction after he had won a game and throw himself in the other boy's arm, pushing him into a kiss. How sweet Liam’s lips must feel like?
Theo couldn't help but smile. He turned his head back to Corey that looked stunned like he had just realized something. Oh no, he might have been thinking way too loud.
"Please, don't..." Theo began to say in horror, but was interrupted by the chameleon.
"I won't say anything."
And they stood there in an uncomfortable silence with undeniable truths 'till Corey decided to leave.
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"I swear, lately this car has brought more problems than anything else." Jenna said, she had called Theo for help when her car broke down.
"Let's see if there is still any hope." Theo declared.
"Once again, sorry for bothering you." She apologized. Jenna had always been so sweet to him, letting him stay for a few days at the house, and even after he got his apartment she was always checking on him and occasionally preparing a meal for the boy.
"No problem." The chimera stated. When a Dunbar called, he ran to help.
Some minutes after Theo had begun to work on the car, he heard an unfamiliar car parking in front of the house. The car may be unfamiliar, but the faces on the driver's and passenger's seats weren't. Liam and Holden, together again.
"Oh, you are here." The werewolf said surprised when he got out of Holden's car and an image of a dirty and sweaty Theo caught his eyes.
"Your mother asked me to take a look at the car." Theo informed.
"Is it causing problems again?" Liam whined.
"Why are you acting like you actually drive it?" Theo mocked, the beta might have a driver license, but the chimera had never seen him making use of it. Not that Theo was complaining, he really enjoyed Liam's presence on his passenger seat.
"Very funny." The werewolf putted. Childish and cute.
"Very nice of your part." Holden, who had been quiet till then, finally said something in an almost passive-aggressive tone. It was visible for the chimera that the sophomore didn't like his presence at all. If someone asked Theo, their feelings were mutual.
"So... we will be upstairs." Liam informed, the boy smelled nervous. "Studying. A math study session."
Theo couldn't deny to himself that he felt a little betrayed. That stupid guy already had stolen the time Liam used to spend playing Lacrosse with Theo, now they were having study dates... study meetings. Though, the chimera knew that math wasn't his strongest subject and wouldn't be that much of a help for the beta. He didn't enjoy being left out, helping with things was Theo's way to show that he cared. It was also the way he guaranteed people wouldn't get ridden of him, once he was no longer useful.
"Okay." Was all that Theo said.
"Good luck with... the car thing." The werewolf awkwardly said, doing a fist bump into the air.
For a brief moment, Theo felt a different smell from Liam other than the nervousness, one that he wished he hadn't caught on. Arousal, but then the sense vanished and the chimera began to think if that was just in his head. If the two lacrosse players were going to do anything other than studying upstairs, Theo didn't want to know.
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Getting a rent free apartment definitely didn't mean that Theo didn't have to spend that much. The boy needed to pay the bills and the grocery shops all by himself. He observed the prices of different brands to usually go with the cheapest option.
He passed through the sweets hallway, when he spotted Liam's favorite chocolate, the chimera didn't think twice before grabbing some, both for himself and for the beta. Theo smiled thinking what would be the werewolf reaction, Liam's face usually lightened up when he was gifted with something he liked.
"What can I say, he's the coolest guy I ever met." Theo heard a familiar voice, a voice he wanted to avoid.
That guy was getting on the chimera's nerves. What was next? Holden would steal Theo's spot in the pack meetings, he knew some people would enjoy the idea.
"But, I don't want to screw things up with Liam. He probably doesn't feel that way." Holden said to someone with a worried voice.
Yeah, the chimera had already noticed that, and if Liam was paying attention to his teammate's chemosignals, he was supposed to know that Holden liked him by then. But that werewolf was so damn oblivious.
"He has been so kind to me since I joined the team."
Liam had also forgiven Nolan, the hunter that had publicly humiliated him in front of the entire school and kept the chimera of death around him and gave him a home. You are not special, Holden. Liam was just overall kind.
"He's really smart."
The werewolf was surprisingly good at making plans, although Theo wouldn't deny that he first had thought that the stealing the horse plan was stupid, mainly because it was risky. But, Beacon Hills was not a ghost city thanks to the beta. Although, he wished the Wild hunt had permanently erased Holden's existence. Theo knew that he shouldn't think stuff like that anymore, but he couldn't avoid it when the question was Holden.
Theo also liked to hear Liam rambling about his interests, telling him about history facts and Greek myths. Oh, he could hear that boy speak for hours.
"He's such a badass."
Liam is also stupid and clumsy. Sure, the werewolf knew how to play and fight well, but Theo would always make fun of him for tripping or crashing into something. "Use your wolf senses, Liam", Theo used to say to him.
"Plus, he's hot."
That was undeniable.
"I know he has been having problems with the rest of the team. I don't want to give Liam even more problems with my feelings." Holden confessed, he was actually worried for Liam.
Holden was a good guy, the better option. The chimera wanted the best for Liam, to see him smile and not be afraid to be himself. Theo knew he didn't deserve someone so sweet and altruistic as that werewolf, not after everything he had caused, he would only end up hurting even more the boy that he... loved.
Anyways, there was no way that Liam would fall in love with the chimera of death. It would be dumb of his part, especially with someone like Holden standing right there.
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Theo might had been discharged from lacrosse after hour practices, but he still proceeded to pick Liam up. The school was on the way to his apartment, anyway.
When he arrived, Liam and Holden were still playing, Theo could catch a glimpse of the captain's actual skills while he was playing against someone who actually knew what he was doing. Maybe playing with him was slowing Liam down, Theo began to think about.
"Just 5 more minutes!" The beta exclaimed when he spotted his personal driver by the bleachers.
"Fine." Theo responded.
It was no problem to wait a few minutes more if it meant to watch Liam have fun. To be so loose in his natural habit, when the werewolf began to play was like all his problems vanished from his mind. The chimera caught on the werewolf's senses, beyond the sweat that would normally disturb his nose, Theo smelled the competitive spirit in the boy's veins, the happiness after scoring a point and the... love.
Oh. Good thing the chimera was taught how to hide what he was feeling, it would be a disaster if the werewolf found out how he was feeling right now. When Liam looked at him shortly after scoring, Theo looked away, avoiding meeting those blue eyes at the moment. Those blue eyes that wanted to be with Holden.
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Theo's shift had barely started when the first person to enter the clinic early in the morning was Liam. It wasn't that uncommon for the werewolf to make him a visit, but it wasn't frequent, especially at that hour.
"Shouldn't you be at school?" Theo asked.
"Yeah, but I found this poor thing close to home." Liam said, holding a small bleeding cat in his arms. "I took her pain, but Deaton needs to take a look."
"I will get her to him." Theo promised, taking the cat on his arm and walking to Deaton's office.
When Theo came back to the reception room, the werewolf was still there sitting on the couch with his legs bouncing.
"Is she going to be okay?" The beta asked.
"She will, Deaton is taking a good look on her." Theo informed.
"And what about you?" Liam asked, there was worry on those beautiful blue eyes.
"What about me?"
"How are you feeling?" The werewolf questioned.
"With the cheesy feeling talk that early in the morning." The chimera joked.
"Not like that. It's just that you look tired... kind of exhausted."
"It's nothing, just some headache and the lack of sleep." Theo said, but Liam still had a worried face.
"You should ask for a break today." The werewolf suggested.
"I'm fine." The chimera guaranteed.
"You look terrible."
"You have such a way of pleasing a guy, Dunbar.' The chimera mocked.
"That's not what I meant." Liam blurted out, his cheeks were lightly red. "I'm sure Deaton would give ya a break if you asked."
"I still can work just fine." Theo reassured, despite the fight to keep his eyes open. "Now, go to school, Liam."
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Good news, the kitty would be just fine after some days of recovering. Theo's shift was almost ending when he got a call from Liam.
"Hey, the cat you brought is doing fine." Theo informed.
"Really? That's great!" The werewolf exclaimed.
"That's thanks to you... And Deaton of course.'
"Wait, you didn't go home, did you?" Liam questioned with a scolding tone.
"Why would I? Already said I'm fine."
"Not convincing me." Even through the phone, Theo could feel that Liam was pouting.
"Gosh, you're stubborn." The chimera complained. "You will be practicing today?"
"Yeah, I need to rehearse some new strategy with Holden."
"Fine, I'll pick you up later." Theo promised.
"No, there is no need." The werewolf affirmed. "Holden can give me a ride. Just go home, Theo."
So, that was it? He was just that easy to be replaced. Was he kept around just when there wasn't any other option? Did Liam only put up with him when there was a lack of better options? Now, Liam had Holden, there was no need to keep the chimera of death around. It probably wouldn't take long for the werewolf to forget about him, just like he had been forgotten when they managed to get the Ghost Riders out of town.
"Okay, nurse Dunbar." Theo mocked, but with a weak voice.
"Take care of yourself." Liam had said before Theo ended the call.
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For the past week and a half, Theo had been distant, Liam didn't want to push him, especially knowing the chimera wasn't feeling well the last time they had properly talked. Theo hadn't appeared to pick him up after practice on the following days and canceled their last study session. Well maybe he needed some time to himself, Liam got that. What he couldn't get was Theo not answering his last messages. Theo's shift must be already ending by then, and even if he was still working, Deaton wasn't the type to forbid a cellphone at work, especially knowing his employee could receive some call about a possible life and death situation.
There wasn't any life and death situation, fortunately. Liam just wanted to spend time with Theo, they barely had seen each other lately and that was killing him. He wanted the chimera around him, wanted to see how he was doing and make him laugh.
It was definitely unlikely for Theo to not had seen the massage after all those hours of silence. There were some options that Liam could think to justify this silence, option one: Theo had lost his phone or it was broken, option two: Theo was in danger or option three: Theo was simply ignoring him.
Liam hoped that it was option one. Luckily, Theo didn't decline the phone call from the beta.
"Hey, Theo! How are you doing?"
"Had a busy day at work, but I'm just fine." The chimera informed.
"Great!" Liam said. "Do you have any plans for the weekend?"
"Other than buying more food for Athena, no." The chimera informed.
"Athena?" Liam frowned with the sound of the unfamiliar name.
"The injured cat you brought is the newest resident of Derek's building." Theo informed, he seemed happy with the new company.
"Good that she found a home, even though her company sometimes is a grumpy old man." The werewolf mocked.
"I'm grumpy only when the people around me are being dumbass."
"So, Corey's birthday will be on next Wednesday." Liam informed. "Could you go with me to the mall to buy him a gift?"
Corey's birthday coming up was the perfect excuse to drag Theo around, he always enjoyed their time together going from store to store. Also, Liam wanted to buy the new book from an author he knew that Theo liked for him, that chimera deserved something after he had been dealing with Liam's shenanigans.
"Ah, you called because you need a ride." Theo remarked, but not with his usual smugness and teasing, he actually sounded annoyed. Why? Liam just wanted to hang out with him.
"Well, I kinda do..."
"Why don't you just go with Holden, then?" Theo unexpectedly asked. Why would he want to go with Holden?
Sure, Holden was a good friend and he enjoyed practicing with the guy, but he was definitely not Theo. Holden didn't have Theo's smug attitude, he wasn't a science nerd like Theo, although the chimera would deny being a nerd, Holden wasn't that thoughtful like Theo and couldn't read Liam like an open book. Also, with Holden he couldn't laugh at the boy being clumsy playing sports, but still trying his best because his friend was probably being too pushy.
Liam shouldn't have made Theo feel like he was obligated to play, 'cause of some debt. He might had brought the chimera back just to use him, but that was not their dynamic anymore.
"Why would I go with him?" The werewolf asked, confused.
"Just call Holden and stop bothering me." Theo yelled, hanging up the phone.
Where did all this come from? Had Liam done something wrong? Was Theo really angry at him? Had he pushed too far and now the chimera didn't even want to hang out with him anymore? Or had Theo finally noticed that Liam was stupidly in love with him and was so bothered that he didn't want the beta's company anymore?
How could Liam had messed up their relationship that much? He needed a way to fix things up, he didn't want Theo ending up stopping being around him and the others too, the chimera deserved to be surrendered by his new friends.
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Theo expected it to be a calm and quiet night, studying for his GED and maybe watching the movie Mason had recommended him. But the silence was disturbed when a car parked in front of the building, the wolf/coyote ears were good to alert him when something was approaching. By what the chimera could see through the window, the car belonged to Jenna, the confirmation came when he saw Liam getting out of the driver's seat and entering the building.
What surprised Theo the most wasn't the younger boy showing up uninvited, it was the fact that Liam had driven by himself to see him. He knew how much the beta hated driving, it made him feel anxious that he could crash at any moment that he could barely think straight. And things that tend to make Liam anxious or afraid also ended up making him angry, so he usually avoided driving most of the time.
"The hell are you doing here?" Theo asked when he opened the door for the beta.
"Oh, hello to you, too." Liam said looking very offended with the way he was greeted. "Can I at least get inside?"
"Sure." The chimera rolled his eyes, but gave space for the boy to enter the apartment. "You drove till here?"
"Yeah, I have a license in case you forgot." Liam recalled, making his way to the couch.
"You're the one who seems to forget that." Theo ruminated.
"Just spit it out, Theo." The werewolf ordered.
"What?!"
"Come on, I know something must be bothering you." Liam stated. "And don't come with that 'I'm fine' bullshit."
"Don't know what you are talking about." As all Theo said, taking the spot next to Liam.
"Thought you were some master at reading people." The werewolf mocked crossing his arms and raising one eyebrow.
"If that is about going to the mall, I just ain't in the mood to go shopping for a birthday I'll not be attending." The older boy clarified, but Liam could feel there was more to it.
"You could've just said it, instead of being an asshole." Liam suggested.
"How am I the asshole here?" Theo shrugged his shoulders.
"You have been giving me a cold shoulder for the past week and I don't know why." Liam said angry, but with a hurt face. "Have I done something wrong?"
There was a hurt expression on Liam's face that Theo hated to see, and he had caused it. Oh, Lydia was going to kill him.
"It's... not like that." Theo said, trying to be careful with what he was going to say to Liam's face. "Why don't you just go with Holden?"
That only made Liam even more furious, almost growling at the chimera's face.
"Again with that? Tell me why am I supposed to go with Holden?"
"You've been spending so much time with the guy, go with him." Theo insisted.
"Yeah, we've been practicing and studying a lot." The athlete admitted. "And I've barely been with you."
"And why is that, Liam?" The chimera challenged. "I can get a hint, okay. You don't need to put up with me, now that you've someone else to finally replace me."
"When did I even... replace you or whatever?" Liam couldn't even process all the things that came from the chimera's mouth, so absurd as all it seemed.
"You don't have to pretend, Liam." Theo informed. Liam was confused, when had he pretended something? "That guy is driving you around now and you spend all this time playing Lacrosse with him, I was even discharged from learning that damn sport."
The werewolf frowned.
"Why do you care about the lacrosse thing, now?" Liam asked.
"Oh, that was all that you got?"
"No... Wait, actually I didn't get anything at all." Liam admitted. "I just don't get how you are bothered because I'm not making you play lacrosse, anymore."
"I get that it is better for a kinda of professional athlete to practice with someone at his level." Theo watched Liam roll his eyes at the word "professional". "I just felt that... you don't need me anymore, now that you have better options."
"How can you be upset by something you don't like?" Liam asked, not angry, just concerned.
"Something I don't like?" The chimera repeated.
"Come on, dude. I heard ya talking to Lydia." Liam confessed what he felt guilty for. "Sorry if I forced you into playing something you hate that much. Sorry if I made you believe that I was just keeping you around 'cause I didn't have 'better options', that's far from true."
"So that was because you heard me talking with Lydia." Theo whispered, passing his hand through his hair. "Yeah, I'm not a sports guy, but you weren't punching me into playing, Liam."
"I kinda did..." The werewolf began to talk, but was quickly cut off by Theo.
"I liked it, okay." The older boy reassured. "I was enjoying playing with you before I was ditched."
"Guess I messed it up, then." The captain said. "Why didn't you tell me that before?"
"I just thought you didn't need me ." Theo admitted. "Like you even ended up replacing me with Holden for driving you around."
"What? I kept waiting for you after my practices after that." The athlete said confused.
"You literally said you didn't need my chauffeur services." Theo retorted.
"When did I even..." Liam stooped the question when he realized what the chimera was referring to. "I told you not pick me one day when you were sick and too stubborn to take care of yourself."
Theo opened his mouth to speak but closed it 'cause of what Liam said afterwards.
"You know, I care for you, Theo. Wouldn't actually bother you into doing something for me when you were not feeling well."
The werewolf played more attention to Theo's face who seemed unusually quiet, he looked surprised, stunned, that made Liam realize something.
"Oh, you didn't know?" Liam asked and Theo only turned his head to face the wall and remained in silence. "How could you not realize that?"
"I guess... I'm just not used to it." Theo confessed.
After so many years isolated being told he was worthless, it was foreign to finally have someone who just wanted the best for you. He doesn't even remember his own parents caring that much about him.
"You remember what to asked me the first time we played together?" Liam asked and Theo nodded in response. "Well, there as kinda of a reason for me calling you. Specifically you, Theo."
Liam already had an idea on what the reason was back then, but he was too angry at himself to.... no, he was too afraid to admit. Afraid of what it meant about him, about them and how the chimera would react if he ever found out.
"I really didn't want to admit it even to myself back then." The werewolf said, he could feel his own heartbeat increasing. "I reached out because I was sad and angry at myself for everything that happened to Brett and Lori 'cause of me."
"It wasn't your fault, Liam." Theo's statement made Liam give a soft smile. That summarized the reasoning for the werewolf calling him that night.
"That night I need someone by my side to comfort me, to anchor me."
Anchor. Then the realization came on why Liam kept him around or was Theo his anchor because he had stayed? Theo had stayed because he needed Liam as much as Liam needed him
"I don't know what to say." Theo confessed.
"You don't need to say anything, just accept it." Liam said, hoping that Theo could finally feel that there were people that cared for him. "Plus, why did you say you aren't going to Corey's birthday?"
"Well, I don't know If I'm exactly welcome there." The chimera explained. "Me and Corey, it's still a complicated topic."
"Of course you're." Liam guaranteed. "Mason is throwing a surprise party for him and he said Corey would like you there."
The older boy rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, he may be a little skeptical, still. But, he's starting to feel more comfortable around you after our group studies." The werewolf informed.
"So, I guess I have a party to attend."
"I don't want to push you, but I still have to go to the mall." Liam declared. "You don't have to go with me if you don't want to, but I would like to go with you."
"Sure." Theo said finally letting himself smile. "Can't believe you drove just to yell at me."
"Someone wasn't really talking to me through the phone, so." Liam pondered. The chimera gave him a judgmental look. "What? I can drive sometimes."
"I can count on my hands the times I saw you driving, Liam." Theo said while gesticulating a three with his fingers. "You hate it."
"What can I say, the passenger seat loves me." Liam stated playfully. "But If you're tired of driving, I could drive us when we go to the mall."
"I will not risk that." The older boy mocked, but his expression got more serious afterwards. "I actually like it, driving with you by my side."
What was he even saying, Theo thought to himself. What he was saying was true, but he couldn't keep saying things like that, especially knowing Liam’s feelings towards Holden. Theo couldn't split anything that indicated his actual romantic feelings.
Theo's comment made Liam blush, the chimera tried not to think much about it, other than how cute the boy looked.
"I know you're already busy with your regular practices and with Holden, but would you like to return teaching me, again?" Theo guaranteed the courage to ask.
"Yeah, sure." The athlete said excited, definitely more excited than Theo could imagine. "But, why are you still with Holden in your mind?"
"Come on, I know you would rather play with him instead." The chimera said. "He's an actual player, all athletic and fast. It has its vantages"
Liam frowned. What could had gotten Theo so obsessed with Holden?
"The only advantage I can think of it's that I don't feel nervous around him." Liam let it slip, only realizing his mistake afterwards.
"I must be such a shitty anchor if I still make you nervous." The chimera jocked, trying to masquerade how hurt he was.
After everything they had gone through together, Liam still didn't fully trust him. Really? Theo was still a motive to make someone nervous.
"That's not what I mean." The werewolf blurted out. "Stop assuming the worst. You're my anchor and I trusted you with my life."
That annoying chimera had already saved Liam so many times and in so many ways for him to try to deny it.
"So why do I still make you nervous?" Theo asked.
"It's just that... You and Holden are different." Liam said, still not sure on what he was going to say to escape the situation.
"Of course, since you're in love with him." The chimera's statements almost made Liam jump from the couch.
"In love with who?!"
"Holden?"
Liam grabbed the cushion next to him, crashing his own face into it, and the beta screamed.
"You okay?" Theo asked, standing a hand in Liam's direction.
"No, you idiot!" The werewolf yelled and threw the cushion against Theo.
"What was that for?" Theo asked in disbelief.
"How can you be so stupid?" The younger boy aggressively asked. "Weren't you supposed to have super spy skills?"
"I'm not getting it." Theo confessed.
"How could I be in love with Holden?"
"You don't have to deny in front of me, Liam." Theo assured, making the beta even more incredulous. "Your chemeosingals around him were giving it away."
The werewolf grabbed the cushion again, squeezing it, and started to laugh.
"What is so funny?"
"I was worried about nothing." Liam said while he continued to laugh. "Like I was trying really hard to cover my chemosignals around you. But for what? You would come up with the most stupid reasoning, anyway."
"I know what I smelled, Liam."
"Yeah... like Holden was the only one around." The werewolf sighed. "Anyways, I have to go."
If Liam's feelings weren't direct at Holden that meant... The chimera cursed himself for being so slow.
Liam got up from the couch and was about to make his way to the door when Theo grabbed his wrist, making him stop and face the chimera once again.
"Wait!" Theo pleaded. "Did you mean it?"
"I can't really answer it if I don't exactly know what you mean." The beta reasoned. "You have been tending to get the wrong idea, lately."
"The one you're in love with..." Theo seemed helpless, like a deer in the highlights.
"Is definitely not Holden." Liam guaranteed. "I know it can be inconvenient for you, but it is you, Theo."
"How can it be inconvenient?" Theo asked, letting a smile finally appear in his face. That made Liam’s face go bright red.
"I don't want to bother you with my fellings." The werewolf guaranteed, releasing his wrist from Theo's grip. "I already know that the anchor thing might be a lot to handle. So, you can pretend that I never said any of that, and go back at being buddies."
Technically, Liam never really said anything. Although, it was really too much information thrown at him all at once, but Theo didn't fell like just going back at being only "buddies"
Liam stopped talking when Theo got up from the couch and cupped his cheeks with both hands, pressing it softly.
"And you say that I'm the dense one." Theo mocked. "Remember when you asked me why I kept saving you?"
"Yeah, you never answered." Liam pouted, trying not to look that embarrassed by the hold of Theo's hand on him.
"You thought it had something to do with Scott and the pack." The chimera recalled the conversation at the boy's locker room. "Technically, at first it was just about me surviving, about trying to find a place where I could be safe."
Theo took a moment to breathe, he was overwhelmed, he wasn't used to letting himself be that honest and definitely not that vulnerable.
"But, then with you, I couldn't simply just roll my eyes and only think about myself like I always did." Theo stated with a trembling voice. "You brought me back and made me want to be better, Liam. I kept saving you because I care about you, I don't want to see you getting hurt and I would stop you from hurting someone 'cause I know how guilty you would feel."
The only thing that made him turn back that night when the hunters had taken over the hospital was only 'cause a certain werewolf was in danger.
"My relationship with you might have started in a selfish way, but I stayed 'cause I genuinely cared. And also because I ended up falling in love with you."
"So, the actual reason you were mad about Holden, was 'cause you were jealousy?" Liam guessed, of course he would ruin the moment by making fun of something.
"Can we just stop talking about this guy?" Theo asked.
"Of course, I would like to talk more about you." The beta confessed resting his hands on Theo's dense shoulders. "About how you always seem to know what I need and how to calm me down. You don't let me be pulled away from the shore."
"Are you that down bad?" The chimera asked teasingly with that damn smirk in his face.
"When we played together, sometimes I barely could concentrate on the game." The athlete confessed. "I still don't know how the super spy kid hadn't noticed it before."
"To be fair, you also didn't notice how I felt." Theo recalled.
"Guess we both are idiots, then." Liam laughed.
"Shut up!"
"You know, there is a way to make me stop talking." The werewolf said. If he was trying to pass as sly, he was falling.
"There is?" Theo raised his eyebrows, knowing exactly what the beta was into.
Liam nodded with a smile. Gosh, how much Theo loved that smile.
Theo leaned, taking Liam's lips on his own, moving one of his hands to hold the shorter boy's waist. Kissing Liam looked as natural as breathing, he questioned why he hadn't accumulated the courage to get a taste of the werewolf's sweet lips before.
None of them seemed to want the other to let go, the kiss was slow yet passionate. They only separated when a noise got Liam's attention, a "meow" coming from the mouth of a small kitten wanting attention.
"Hey, Athena." Liam got down to pet the cat he had saved the previous week, she looked way more healthier.
"So, I don't need to worry about Holden, but I have to worry about being ditched for my own cat?" Theo laughed, still standing behind Liam.
"Look Athena, someone's jealous." Liam mocked, still petting the cat who seemed to be enjoying it.
"I kinda lost the attention from both my boyfriend and cat, so."
"Boyfriend?" Liam asked with a curious look.
"I mean... If you want to." The chimera didn't know where to bury his own red face.
The younger boy got up with a bright smile on his face, shifting his attention back to Theo.
"Thought I had already made it clear." Liam said, holding Theo in his arms. "But, my boyfriend right here is kinda slow."
"Hey!" Theo yelled, not knowing if he got offended by being called slow or simply happy by being held by the boy he loves. "I hate you."
"That's not what you said a while ago." Liam argued.
"Maybe, people can feel more than one emotion at a time, actually." Theo pointed out, but dragged Liam into another kiss.
Theo didn't have to worry to be left behind anymore, not with Liam by his side, always making sure that his boyfriend had a place to belong and he wasn't letting the chimera go that easily.
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On that night Beacon Hills High was playing against Devenford prep, Liam couldn't deny he was still a little unsettled about comforting them. He definitely hadn't forgiven his former teammates for all the bullying he had endured in his freshman year and not seen Brett cut deep inside.
Despite all that, Liam had his mind only on the game, well on the game and on his anchor and boyfriend cheering on him at the blenchers along with his best friend. The werewolf couldn't ask for more.
Nolan passed the ball to his co-captain that marked the point that assured the victory to the cyclones.
With the rest of the team celebrating the victory, Liam ran in direction to the bleachers, he directed himself to his biggest win to Theo that was already running into Liam. The two boys met in the middle with Liam jumping into the chimera's arm.
"Guess my favorite player didn't let me down." Theo said with a smile on his face.
"You know I'm the best." Liam remarked, pulling his boyfriend for a kiss.
"I'm proud of you." Theo said, running his finger through the werewolf's hair, winning a bigger smile from his boyfriend.
"I have a little surprise for you."
"Really?" Theo raised one eyebrow.
"Technically, it is a thing for me, but I think you will like it." The captain rambled.
"Impress me." The chimera challenged with a playful smile on his face.
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It was only when they were in Theo's truck, preparing to go to the game after-party, that Liam showed is little surprised to his boyfriend.
"Tadam!" Liam said while holding a keychain that hold a yellow pool ball with a nine in it.
"A pool ball with your number on it, isn't a little egocentric?" Theo queried, rembering what Liam had said to him about his own keychain months ago.
"Don't ruin the moment." Liam pouted.
"And the moment would be you finally learning the difference between a six and a nine?"
"Now, we"re matching." Liam said with a bright smile on his face.
"You're so chessy." Theo laughed.
"Don't pretend you don't love it." The werewolf protested.
"Okay, it's cute." The chimera finally addimited rolling his eyes. "Now, we should get going. You wouldn't want they starting the party without their biggest star."
"Are you sure you want to go?"
"You aren't trying to get ridden of me, right, Liam?" Theo asked, but only joking at this time, he knew that the werewolf's intention were quite the opposite.
"No, it's just that you hate those loud high school parties." Liam stated, wich was true, being surrender by druken hormonal teenagers wasn't the best activity, especially when you can't get drunk yourself.
"Yeah, but it's kinda of your party." The driver reminded. "I'm going 'cause of you."
"Or you could go somewhere else." The lacrosse player suggested.
"You sure, you want to miss it? They only won 'cause of you." The chimera remarked, although he was little biased towards his favorite player.
"It was team effort." Liam stated. "Besides, I'm not the only one with a big acomploshement this week."
"I didn't do anything big." Theo's remark made Liam sighed.
"I would say getting a GED after spending most part of your senior year dead is a huge thing."
"It isn't." Theo said with the red covering his face.
"I'm proud of you, Theo." Liam affirmed, taking Theo's hand into his own. "Not only for the GED, but for everything you have done. Helping the pack, your job, putting up with me and becoming a better person. I'm proud."
"You should stop saying those thing and catching me out of guard." The chimera hinted, that boy would surely be the death of him.
"You have a strange way of saying thank you, Theodore." The werewolf mocked.
"So, how about we stay a little at the party and then we sneak out to go to McDonald's?" Theo suggested.
"Deal!"