Work Text
“Pull over. Let me drive for awhile.”
“It reminded me of you.”
“No, no, it’s my treat.”
“Come here. Let me fix it.”
“I’ll walk you home.”
“Have a good day at work.”
“I dreamt about you last night.”
“Take my seat.”
“I saved a piece for you.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“You can have half.”
“Take my jacket, it’s cold outside.”
“Sorry I’m late.”
“Can I have this dance?”
“I made your favourite.”
“It’s okay. I couldn’t sleep anyway.”
“Watch your step.”
“Here, drink this. You’ll feel better.”
“Can I hold your hand?”
“You can borrow mine.”
“You might like this.”
“It’s not heavy. I’m stronger than I look.”
“I’ll wait.”
“Just because.”
“Look both ways.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
“Try some.”
“Drive safely.”
“Well, what do you want to do?”
“One more chapter.”
“Don’t worry about me.”
“It looks good on you.”
“Close your eyes and hold out your hands.”
“That’s okay, I bought two.”
“After you.”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“Can I kiss you?”
“I like your laugh.”
“Don’t cry.”
“I made this for you.”
“Go back to sleep.”
“Is this okay?”
“I picked these for you.”
“I’ll drive you to the hospital.”
“What do you want to watch?”
“You can go first.”
“Did you get my letter?”
“I’ll do it for you.”
“Call me when you get home.”
“I think you’re beautiful.”
“Are you sure?”
“Have fun.”
“Sit down, I’ll get it.”
“I made reservations.”
“I don’t mind.”
“It brings out your eyes.”
“There is enough room for both of us.”
“You don’t have to say anything.”
“Wow.”
“Happy birthday.”
“I’ll pick it up after work.”
“It can wait until tomorrow.”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
“It’s two sugars, right?”
“I’ll help you study.”
“Stay over.”
“I did the dishes.”
“You didn’t have to ask.”
“I bought you a ticket.”
“You’re warm.”
“No reason.”
“I’ll meet you halfway.”
“Take mine.”
“We can share.”
“I was just thinking about you.”
“I want you to have this.”
“Call me if you need anything.”
“Do you want to come too?”
“I’ll still be here when you’re ready.”
“Is your seatbelt on?”
“Sweet dreams.”
“I was in the neighbourhood.”
“Stay there. I’m coming to get you.”
“The key is under the mat.”
“It doesn’t bother me.”
“You’re important too.”
“I saved you a seat.”
“I’ll see you later.”
“I noticed.”
“You can tell me anything.”
“I hope you like it.”
“I want you to be happy.”
“I believe in you.”
“You can do it.”
“Good luck.”
“I brought you an umbrella.”
“I’ll pick you up at the airport.”
“Take a deep breath.”
“Be careful.”
I love you."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zombie Apocalypse
Arranged marriage
Amputee-AU. Some kind of meet cute.
Birthday celebrations.
Plane accident.
Asexuality
Sexual themes. Freaking out about sex.
New Year. Meet cute.
Relationship becoming long-distance
Slice of life, first Thiam in the collection. OMC trying to have sex with Liam against his will.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
They have spent at least twenty hours on the seats of a BMW. Before getting on the road Hunter yanked the corpse of an unlucky business man out of the car, and loaded their things on the back. He was willing to drive into the night, do anything to protect sanity of Sebastian who had just killed a ten year old with only a metal pipe, but Sebastian sat behind a wheel surrounded by an aura which didn’t encourage him to question that decision.Zigzagging past metallic corpses of abandoned cars – speeding up on the highway is impossible these days, they have been making it closer and closer to the border. If they needed to refuel, Hunter leaned against the back of the car in the cool air, letting his gun aim at the darkness. On their last stop three dark figures fell after his quick, practiced shots. Hunter never asks questions. He doesn’t really care if they are human or not at his point. Giving three seconds of mercy could mean seeing teeth sinking in the thin skin of Sebastian’s throat.Hunter knows this boy who had been his for almost a year before they saw the first blog posts of godless, blood-thirsty creatures. Skinny shapes of Sebastian’s shoulders are tense, they would be hard like a two by four if Hunter touched him now. He is about to reach out, offer a moment of hopefully comforting closeness when Sebastian suddenly stops the car, engine making a pained sound underneath his hands.His tired upper body falls against the steering wheel, and a powerless fist hits the dashboard. Hunter takes a careful look out of both windows, praying that a pack wouldn’t be hunting around them. Touching Sebastian’s temple with his forehead Hunter squeezes his boyfriend’s forearm gently. ”Beautiful?” he tries to find a contact, disliking it how he makes a sound a lot like a sob. If one of them breaks down, other one is supposed to stay strong and bright. They only have each other in this world after all.Allowing Hunter to see his tear-streaked face Sebastian turns towards him. ”I don’t want to die. I can’t lose you, and I don’t want to die. I’m so tired of this.”Trying to forget hypothetical terrors waiting for them in the darkness, Hunter just pulls other boy into his lap. ”We won’t die. We have made it this far, and continue keeping this together. After reaching the border we are at the safety sector.””What if there isn’t a fucking safety sector? What if it’s all lie?””Then we will create our own safety sector.” Sebastian laughs at that through his tears, a little hysterical, but looking definitely better than moments ago.”I have some Reese’s in my bag. Get on the back, and try to sleep a bit. I’ll drive for a while.”Hunter takes a long look at his boyfriend before turning on the engine. Sebastian has pulled Hunter’s spare hoodie on, and wrapped a blanket around his shoulders. He is munching a candy happily, and sends Hunter a flying kiss when their eyes meet. Simple, silly gesture makes his head feel light. He is so far gone for this boy, and would burn the whole continent down to keep Sebastian alive and safe.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
”It reminded me of you.” Hunter is normally never awkward or shy, but company of his sad-eyed husband always throws him off the track. Sebastian was about to leave the room when Hunter appeared at the doorway, tax free bag in his hand, and a wish to sit down together on his lips. Nobody marries from love these days. Hunter might have loved the story about his grandparents’ first meeting when he was younger, but he always knew that for him marriage would be a responsibility, not the last symbol of love. He just never expected to share his life, apartment, and future with someone whose spirit is as obviously broken as Sebastian’s.He was never told what happened to the boy who ran at the lands of the manor with Hunter, and his twin sister Stacey. In Paris they drove in the metro, and he watched Sebastian flirting with a boy who called him swan, and bought him chocolate hearts. Sebastian didn’t seem to be very impressed, and let Hunter eat most of the candy. On their wedding day something disappeared from lively green eyes when Hunter tried to rub some warmth into his ice cold hand before putting the golden ring where it belonged. In his own vague way Hunter always wanted this man. Sebastian was cute with his happy eyes and constellation of freckles when they were younger, absent-mindedly hot a few years later. The Smythes were family friends, and marrying their son who used to be his best friend seemed like the easiest way to cross the whole marriage obstacle. During hot summer nights Hunter was laying in his bedroom, eyes half-closed. He imagined it was Sebastian’s hand around his hardness instead of his own. In his imagination Sebastian kissed his chest, and called him gorgeous.Apartment is full of stealthy signs that some other person lives there too. Sebastian gets up early, and only a bowl and a spoon in the kitchen tell about eaten breakfast. He always leaves the newspaper on the table to wait for Hunter. Being seen reading a book from Hunter’s shelf or using the laptop always makes Sebastian startle even though he knows very well that basically everything in the apartment belongs to him too. Maybe he doesn’t want Sebastian in his comic collection, but leaving a pile of Hunter’s paperbacks in the living room floor is not a problem.”He goes to library. Volunteers at that place where teenagers hang out. He draws a lot, more beautifully than anyone I know, but of course you don’t know about it, because you are a jerk. Sebastian should be showing his art to people, not wasting his time by playing home with you.”Like he would stop Sebastian from chasing his passions. Having a discussion about his day with his silent husband who nibbles his chicken and vegetables seems impossible, but from Sebastian’s friend Jeff he manages to gather a little more information.In Hunter’s eyes they are equal, two almost-strangers who should work together to make this work. In Sebastian’s world Hunter is someone he needs to fear. After their wedding he spent a month sleeping curled up in the armchair in their living room before Hunter finally managed to be convincing enough. He worried of Sebastian’s back that had to be horribly stiff. ”I won’t touch you. For the love of gods, I’d never force you to do anything. Come to the bed, please. It will be so much more comfortable.”Hunter would love to explore his husband’s body, kiss and nip angles of his hips, and use his mouth to make Sebastian come, but as long as Sebastian’s personal boundaries are this strict, those things wouldn’t happen. Company of his right hand feels kinda miserable, but he is a grown ass man, and could handle it.Sebastian takes the small blue box in his skinny fingers. His job requires lots of traveling, meetings and conferences all around the country. Occasionally he flies to Europe South-America. He has always brought at least chocolate and cologne from the airport. Nobody knows what stoic husband of his has thought about them, but at least they weren’t thrown to Hunter’s face.Tape is cut, and lid of the box removed. Sebastian sees his present, small Eiffel Tower key chain which shined so prettily on the rack of a souvenir shop. He touches the trinket with one finger before closing it in his fist.”Thank you”, he mutters after a long, awkward silence.”Would it be so horrible not to hate ending up with me?” he asks before pulling the cover off, and sitting on the edge of their bed. At one morning he had woken up with someone snuggled up against his side. For few precious moments Hunter had enjoyed closeness, his husband’s arm on his chest, and listening to Sebastian’s steady breathing before other man opened his eyes, concern appearing in them immediately. He almost apologized for such a harmless thing.”I don’t hate you.” It’s not an answer, but maybe someone lowering his head on Hunter’s chest is. ”Is it okay if I’m here?” Sebastian’s voice is a little raspy, and his warm breath tickles Hunter's skin. ”You are warm and comfy.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It’s such a bad idea, but sitting across the guy, and letting himself bask in the warmth of his good-humored flirting reminds Hunter of older times. Two years ago he would have asked for dark-haired stranger’s phone number about half an hour ago. Now Hunter is a guy whom attractive strangers with smiles full of white, shiny teeth, an tired forest green eyes wouldn’t want to take out to dates.This stuffy coffee shop which has definitely seen its best days about twenty years ago hadn’t been even half-full when this guy had walked inside, owning the room with one steady look. He could have picked one of the empty tables which were meant for one person, or engage in a conversation with two college hipsters who argued about politics at one of the bigger tables, but these easier options he had walked straight towards Hunter. He hid behind the Times, and a huge mug of black coffee, safety of the wall behind his back. These days Hunter admires people who let control fall in unknown hands, and don’t mind turning targets of their backs towards people.”Does grumpy and gorgeous mind if I sit down?” He looked at the wet, red Converse shoes at first, slightly scared of the urge inside of him. Hunter hasn’t forgotten rhythm of his dance. In his mind he is still intact, a man a who could find rainy kisses, and a person to sit at his breakfast table from a coffee shop. Heart aching he imagines a man in his bed, fingers on the back of his head, pulling him closer.”It’s a free country.” Hunter pretended to be focused on his paper, and other guy had been typing furiously on his mac. He had definitely been caught staring, when the man stretched that gorgeous upper body, and shot Hunter a curious look. ”Trying to get lost in the city too?”His companion works as a journalist. He drops baseball trivia easily, making Hunter slightly impressed with his wide knowledge. When rain gets heavier outside, Hunter learns about his best friend Jeff, and twin sister Stacey. It’s obvious that they are the most important people in this stranger’s life. He is a sport and pop culture junkie, spending most of his evenings at movie theaters or sport stadiums instead of his Manhattan apartment.The stranger doesn’t care that Hunter is uncomfortable with talking about himself, and his reasons to be in the city. Through their discussion he is giving heavy hints how much he loves seeing good Broadway shows, and having company for a change would be awesome. Taking the offered words would be so easy. Hunter bets he could have a date arranged for next weekend. Then his right foot touches the left one, reminding him what he isn’t, and what he doesn’t have.Slowly Hunter gets to his feet, picking up his cane. ”I’ll get something to eat”, he mentions his companion before forcing his muscles to obey. After waking up in the hospital Hunter had sewn his life back together from lines of stitches, chapped lips, and countless painful hours with his physiotherapist. He lives in the routine of gym and library visits, and afternoon walks. Maybe it’s not an interesting life, but it’s safe and familiar one.He is definitely looking when Hunter checks, trying to harden himself for a quickly spitted nasty name, but the stranger doesn’t seem to be interested in the thing which should be Hunter’s left leg. Actually. If Hunter is not imagining things, he had definitely been looking at Hunter’s ass.”I’m sorry if I read the situation wrong”, he apologizes quickly, green eyes serious when their gazes find each other. ”I thought you were into me too, but I’ll stop if I’m making you uncomfortable.””Don’t you see?” Hunter asks, forgetting a possible sandwich, and bringing his unwilling, stiff body back to the table. Frustration is making his voice hoarse, but he wouldn’t make this an embarrassing, public discussion. Sitting down back on the spot he had left a moment ago, Hunter pulls his left pant leg up a few inches, showing other man what he has underneath the denim.”Oh.””That’s right. Oh. No you can go freely. I know you don’t want to hang out with the cripple.” The stranger licks his lips, his face steady, but there is no disgusting pity in the air.”I think you are sad, interesting, and beautiful. It’s said firmly, like he would love to carve those words into stone.”I never caught your name”, he replies softly, suddenly hoping that the weekend date could still become true.”It’s Sebastian.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
”Happy birthday.” Hunter is still nearly sleeping, struggling to open even one eye in bright sunshine – someone had forgotten to close the curtains – when those words are whispered in his ear. Whisperer is obviously in a good mood, he chuckles lips brushing Hunter’s cheek before sliding one long leg over his body.”Sebastian”, he groans softly, enjoying a quick kiss his lover plants on his lips. Dark-haired man laughs quietly, fingers drawing circles on his chest, and hips making small movements. Solid, warm weight of another man grinding against him awakens Hunter properly. He enlaces their fingers, hoping that Sebastian would kiss him again.That damn tease doesn’t. He grins, nearly proud now when he has Hunter’s full attention.”Doesn’t the birthday boy want his present?”Said birthday boy can’t do anything but watch when Sebastian prepares himself, pleasure pushing his eyes closed. Hunter has had those fingers inside him more than a couple of times. He knows exactly how Sebastian is playing with his hole right now, stretching his body for Hunter’s cock. Bony fingers of his left hand are on his chest, tweaking and teasing his nipples until they look perky and pink in the cool air of their bedroom. Self-control disappears from Hunter’s vocabulary when Sebastian is like this, shameless, and eager like this would be their first time together. He tries to reach out and touch, but every time his lover pushes his hands away.Condoms stay in the drawer of the nightstand. Sebastian finds barebacking too messy, but today Hunter would get a special treat.Finally he decides to give up, letting Hunter’s cock fill him. Heads rolling in his head Hunter grabs his lover’s thigh. It’s a little too much, and exactly enough. For a while they just look at each other, laughter falling from their lips. It’s still a surprise how intimacy is something they can handle together. With the man in his lap Hunter is never worried. If he is showing signs of insecurities, Sebastian kisses them away, convincing him that in this bubble of theirs it’s okay to stop and take a deep breath. Maybe the world wouldn’t want to wait for him, but Sebastian would.Sebastian starts moving, failing to keep a moan inside him. ”You are so fucking good. You have no idea.” His voice breaks to pieces when primal need takes control. It’s messy and simple. Hunter doesn’t know anymore where he ends, and Sebastian begins.”Hunt, baby. Please.” Sebastian’s small desperate sounds are almost like tiny sobs, and Hunter obeys, knowing what his boyfriend needs. He flips them over, and fucks into Sebastian, admiring his deep, uncontrolled moan. His boyfriend is gorgeous when he comes, darkened eyes staring into Hunter’s own like he would know all the secrets of the world. Maybe he does in that moment.Hunter grimaces at the stickiness on his skin, but that turns into a lazy smile when a pair of lips touches his forehead. ”Shower with me, love?They do exactly that, managing to keep their hands to themselves, or they’d never make it out of the room filled with warm air. Hunter walks behind his boyfriend, eyes fixed on his ass that looks especially delicious covered with tight, black underwear. He might be planning to smack it until Sebastian turns around, sunny grin on his face.”There might be another present to the birthday boy.””Seb, I’m turning 25. Don’t you think I’m little too old to be spoiled with presents?”His boyfriend doesn’t reply, only walks to the living room, and pulls out a small, velvet box from the well-organized bookcase of theirs. Hunter is a neat freak, and Sebastian wants to satisfy his reading urges easily, so all their books are arranged by size, author, and age.They have been together for seven or eight years, depending if it’s counted from their first kiss, and all the emotionally complicated situations after that, or that day when Hunter got his head out of ass, and asked Sebastian to be his official boyfriend. Dating a Smythe, and spending holidays with his wide family has taught Hunter to recognize brands and quality.Black squares qith golden rims rest on the palm of his hand. Hunter is quite sure he is currently holding four digits in his hand, and the first one of them is not 1. Hunter dates money, lots of money, and old, herited money. Sebastian wouldn’t need to work even a day in his life if he didn’t want to.Many people assume it’s his reason to be in this relationship. ”C’mon. I know Smythe. He isn’t that charming personality.” But the thing is, Sebastian is charming and everything else if he wants to be. He is furiously loayl for those he cares about. With him Hunter has spent lazy Sundays in bed with breakfast trays and comic books. At his parents’ place he takes out a horse, and three dachshunds. In the evening Hunter welcomes back a man who has hay in his hair, and mud on his flawless, white riding pants. Sebastian loves Disneyland, morning jogs, hot chocolate, and old horror movies. Hunter doesn’t go to art museums with him, because after Hunter has walked through whole place, Sebastian is still in the first room, probably listening to some professor type’s lecture with fascinated eyes. Once Hunter saw him almost breaking the wrist of a guy, who didn’t believe when a pretty blond with a ponytail said no. About half a dozen times.He is a good person. Most people just chose to ignore it. Only thing that would probably give Hunter his first gray hairs is his boyfriend’s tendency to get a little wild with his credit card when he wants to delight the closest people in his social circle.”Hey, don’t show that pouting face to me. I know I slipped a bit, but I wanted to give something pretty to my honeybunny. I swear I won’t be buying more shiny things before Christmas.”Nickname silences slightly unpleasant thoughts in his head.”Fine, fine. Buy me a diamong ring next or whatever, as long as I’ll never hear you calling me honeybunny again.”Sure thing, sugar pumpkin.”He can’t win with Sebastian.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Days are quiet in these rooms where 34 lucky survivors try to prepare for entering the real world again. Three men – business types who have been ripped off their suitcases, smart clothes and essential phones have pushed three beds together, and are talking quietly. At least one of them is probably a lawyer, helping the others to plan suing of the airline. From the next room he can hear voices of the kids who had been brought a couple of video game consoles, and a pile of board games. Even teenagers suddenly became interested in a round of memory when it was the only available form of entertainment. Three times a day they are offered food. Hunter shares his table with three college guys, smiling and nodding like he is expected to do. After that politely refuses when they ask him to hang out, and returns to his bed. On the blue cover he sits, pretending to be engrossed in a book.Hunter is not interested to socialize with anybody. He is interested in their return flight, and that moment when he could rip this experience off like a band-aid.
Violent wave throws Hunter in the water, pulling him out of unconsciousness efficiently. He is a fighter, already swimming even though he is disoriented, trying to put pieces together, and fully understand what has just happened. Around the corpse of the plane people are fighting in the water, strongest and fastest of them heading towards a nearby island.
When a heavy, middle-aged lady seizes his forearm, begging for help, extra weight pulling him down, towards deathly darkness doesn’t push Hunter to panic. He is stronger than the woman, twisting her arm painfully until she lets Hunter go. Without looking back he just swims, fully convinced that nothing would keep him from reaching the safety of the ground.
Little closer to the beach a teenager girl is struggling in the water, her left hand only a limp, useless weight. He remembers the girl from the airport and the plane. There had been only a couple of seats between them. She is lean but strong in the water, muscles strenghtened by some sport helping her to fight for her life.
After three strokes Hunter is right next to her. ”What’s your name?” he shouts over the waves.
”Jenny”, she replies, dark bangs almost covering her blue eyes. After accidentally swallowing some water she coughs loudly, but the gutsy sparkle doesn’t disappear from her gaze. Hunter could definitely work with this.
”Okay, Jenny. You are going to help me to help you to get out of here, alright?” Steadily they swim towards the island, Jenny on his side helping by moving her three still working limbs. At the waterline Hunter collapses, just trying to pull air in his lungs which feel like they would be on fire.
RIpping his own already damaged shirt Hunter ties bleeding hand of one guy. He doesn’t notice blood on his own side before an old, but determined-looking Japanese man points at it. They don’t really have a shared language, but the man smiles like surviving a plane crash wouldn’t have been a big deal, when Hunter greets him in Japan, using his whole knowledge of the language.
That lady is not among the survivors.
At the airport Hunter understand why they had been isolated for so long. Journalists and photographers are pressed together, hungry mass ready to devour the survivors, who are weak like newborn foals, some of them marked by arm slings, and plaster casts, a few supported by crutches. Through photo flashes and demanding, almost angry questions it’s hard to find faces of loved ones who have arrived to take them home.Well, naturally Hunter doesn’t even have anybody waiting for him.”Hunt.” His voice is electric, lifesaver in that moment when images from the plane and sea are trying to hammer the walls he has carefully built around his mind. Sebastian Smythe is standing at the front row of the group, and had probably used mild violence to a couple of people to win his spot there. Hissing a word he wouldn’t repeat in front of his mother to one of the journalist, his long-time friend pulls Hunter behind himself.”Back off”, he barks at another man, tightening his grip of Hunter’s hand. Wordlessly Hunter follows, painful memories filling his mind. Two weeks ago he was sitting in a plane that was thrown back and forth, becoming more and more convinced that his death was only minutes away. Around him other people spoke quick words into their phones, saying tearful goodbyes to fathers, mothers, spouses, siblings, and best friends.Sebastian stomps on the toes of some poor guy, and curses in low voice when a blond woman pushes her camera straight to his face. Dragging Hunter behind himself he starts running, and doesn’t stop before they are on the seats of a rented Mercedes.
Sebastian comes home with autumn wind on his skin. He is eager to get out of his clothes, and curl up underneath a blanket. He had spent the free day wandering in the city. In Central Park Sebastian listened to the flirting of an almost attractive guy, but lost last bits of his interest when he was told how good he would look on his hands and knees.
”Fuck men”, he mutters on his way to the living room. lowering his shopping bags on the floor Sebastian decides to check his messages. His best friend’s tense voice fills the apartment. Connection is really bad – it sounds a bit like Hunter would have been calling from a loud construction side.
”Well, Seb. I guess this is the end. I don’t think this plane is going to make it. I just wanted to say that I love your laugh. Don’t you ever dare to stop laughing to the face of the world, alright?”
It has to be a sick dream, his best friend can’t be saying that he is about to die. Pulling himself out of the nightmare of Hunter’s words, Sebastian reaches out for the remote, turning on the tv.
It’s everywhere. Instead of normal daytime shows they are repeating the story about missing plane. Sebastian had been sipping his iced tea when the guy who had apparently been in love with him all this time had lived the last, horrible moments of his life. Shriek full of pain echoes in the room, and Sebastian doesn’t understand that the sounds is really coming from his own mouth. Pushing the forgotten glass on the floor from the table he screams, trying to push the pain out of his mind and body.
At the early hours of the day he wakes up on the living room carpet, noticing bloody lines on the soft palms of his hand. Staggering to the kitchen Sebastian gulps down wine straight from the bottle, annoyed because he doesn’t have anything stronger in the apartment.
”It killed me. It killed me so many times until you were located on that damned island.” Now adrenaline and protective rage have left Sebastian. Hunter sees the shadows under his eyes, and notices skinny fingers rubbing his forehead like he would sense a headache arriving. Sebastian has a silver bracelet around his wrist, and shapes of his collarbones have never been that sharp. Old leather jacket around his body is like kid’s safety blanket.”I’m sorry.”Hunter isn’t even sure what he exactly said, when words of longing, and hopeless desire fell from his lips. He had hoped for little more time, little more courage, and a change to hug Sebastian for one more time. With Sebastian he has never asked for too much, always knowing where the borders are. Hunter is many things, but he is not a daydreamer.Sebastian’s slap on his cheek is weak, only a way to show his frustration, not an attempt to really hurt him. ”Almost dying in a plane accident made you even hint that we could be more than friends. Make it a little easier to the guy next time, will you?”Surprised noise from other man breaks the silence when Hunter pulls him to his lap. ”Can I kiss you?” he asks, deciding to take all the changes if he is allowed to do that.”Fucking finally”, Sebastian replies, eyes shiny.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
”I dreamt about you last night”, someone tells him, a little humour in his voice. Hunter had just came here to blow off some steam after a hard week at work. He had barely gotten any actual work done, because Jeff had decided it would be appropriate to spend hours sitting on the corner of Hunter’s desk, pouring all his love life issues in his friend’s ear with the most dramatic hand gestures Hunter had ever witnessed. Someone had also stolen the most delicious pieces of his lunches too. More than once this week Hunter had munched dry bread, and half-seriously wondered where he could hide Jeff’s body.He loves the guy like his own brother, he really does, but with men Jeff has always been a glorious idiot, wasting his time by dating jerks from all the sides of the scale even though Nick from sport pages would be only happy to worship him.He doesn’t have time for this, guys who think Hunter would be interested to get pushed on the bed, or have any contact with any man’s bare private parts. For some reason cold drinks and Netflix without any chill had never held the same fascination as likely orgasms in the near future. He is fine with what he has even though it stings a little to come to his empty apartment where nobody is waiting for him. He had browsed the internet forums, and eyed the information for the meetings of local group, but Hunter is not really a people person, and it would be a relief to everyone if he wasn’t present with his chronically bitchy face, and poor attitude.The stranger is still behind his back, but thankfully he understands that keeping his hands on his side is vitally important. Hunter has had hands on his ass too, and voice in his ear telling that a good fuck would really help him not to be such an uptight bitch. That guy had been given a prediction of his near future, and simply instructions how to avoid broken bone threatening him.Still he loves night clubs, those random moments when a couple of girls dance with him, their hair shiny, and skin smelling like flowery perfume. Sometimes he just sits at a corner table alone, watching the drama unfold in front of his eyes. So many relationships have begun or ended under the sensual lights of his favourite club. Hunter forgets to tell the guy to go away, when he faces lovely, green eyes, and a million dollar smirk. ”What kind of dream was it?” he asks instead, little breathless. This guy is beautiful and knows it too.Other guy clears his throat before giving him a reply. ”I was the best one you had ever had, and the last one you ever wanted to have.”Despite his obviously sexual comment Hunter is not willing to send this guy with long legs, flawless sense of rhythm, and deep gaze away. It’s a long shot, but he finds himself pulling the guy away from the dance floor, to the table where they could actually talk.”I don’t do this. I don’t have sex. With anybody. But…” Hunter doesn’t know how to continue. Explaining his simple desires to this unknown guy is silly. Hunter’s voice is untypically nervous, every letter of every word a challenge.Dark-haired stranger just raises one elegant eyebrow. ”Alright. You want to grab a coffee then? I know a great place where we can get some muffins too.”Suddenly it’s five am, and the employee behind the coffee shop counter seems to be struggling against falling asleep. They have played two rounds of memory with worn animal cards, and learned tons of silly facts about each other. Sebastian lives on coffee and salads, and couldn’t cook to save his life. He has been to fifteen different states, and slips to speak French when he gets excited about things. Hunter would love to take him to a baseball game, and buy hot dogs together.Before they finally leave, Sebastian buys him a perfect, salty pretzel, and says he has a pretty laugh.It’s a new and fascinating feeling to have someone else in his sheets. Hunter had fussed a bit, choosing the nice, dark blue ones from his linen closet instead of the old sheets with pictures of cartoon characters. Sebastian wants to watch the IT remake before he cuddles into Hunter’s side, throwing one long leg over his body. ”I’ll keep you from running away”, he explains in a sleepy voice.”Why do you want me?” Sebastian had been basically laying in his lap, laughing and commenting the movie like his habit is. Hunter had just been delighted every time when he was able to feel Sebastian’s laugh in the contact of their bodies. Letting his fingers run through thick, dark brown hair, he wondered why he had been blessed with the company of someone who makes him feel so peaceful.Now Sebastian pulls himself up, face serious, and movie forgotten. Do we really have to have this discussion right now? his face asks, but his tone is gentle.”With you world stops. In a good way. I see everything clearly, and I know what’s important to me in life. I like falling asleep with you, and eating your pasta together. You complete my life. This is my first real relationship, and it’s so precious to me.””You could do it, you know. I wouldn’t mind.” Hunter would mind a lot actually, and when he is loathing himself especially badly during long, empty afternoon hours in the office, Hunter has this game he plays. In his imagination Sebastian finds a man who is whole, and doesn’t freak out even at the idea of touching other man’s penis.”Do what?” Sebastian is sitting at his desk which is currently covered with layers of papers, highlighters in all the colours of rainbow, and a couple of thick text books. Hunter likes these days, quiet moments when it rains outside, and both of them are doing their own thing in the same room. He has his reading glasses perched on his nose, and when Hunter watches, dark-haired man uses his middle finger to push them up.”Have sex with other guy.””Have you been reading those articles about keeping your man satisfied? Baby, it’s nonsense.” Sebastian gets to his feet, and covers his torso with a thick, over-sized sweater before walking to Hunter. Instinctively he opens his arms, welcoming all Sebastian’s warmth in his lap.”I want to be faithful. I know some couples like us do that, but it would be wrong in my eyes. I’m with you. I won’t go and give my body to someone else to have a few moments of pleasure. Besides. I know very well what to do with my credit card online. I’m more than satisfied, baby. Don’t worry, it doesn’t suit you.”Three years later Hunter gets a phone call. ”I had a dream last night.””What kind of dream was it?” he replies, drawing a vague shape on his notepad. This play is familiar, silly part of their relationship, and they usually engage into it when one of them is not feeling well, and needs some kind of comfort. Once Sebastian had agreed to drive to Vermont without a blink when Hunter’s shoulders were shaking under the burden of work, and his stress levels were so high that he couldn’t get even the simplest task done.”I came home from work with a terrible headache. My beautiful fiance had bought my favourite ice cream, and wanted to cuddle with me in a dark bedroom.””We already have mint ice cream, silly”, Hunter replies, smile tugging the corners of his mouth when it’s nothing too serious.”Oh. Love you, baby. I’ll be home soon.””Love you too”, he replies, always feeling comfortably warm when he has a change to say that.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Even at the beginning he didn't have a good feeling about this, but Hunter has a habit of pushing the things his heart says away, and following his clinical mind. Sebastian had grinned happily in the sex shop, completely comfortable among people who avoided eye contact, and barely kept themselves from hiding their purchases behind their backs. They agreed about not wanting to try anything too kinky or extreme, some things in the darkest shelf of the shop were only scary, but underneath Hunter's thoughtful blue eyes Sebastian had picked up flavored lubes – he had never known there were so many, dark blue feather tickler, and... Handcuffs.Lubes had been fine. He might not get on his knees in front of any other guy, but Sebastian is his exception. Hunter takes his time, his palm pressed against the bulge in his lover's jeans before pulling down his zipper. He is warm and heavy, neatly shaved, and keeps his hands in check, letting Hunter decide the pace.He enjoys all that, seeing Sebastian's simple, pleasure, and sensing that exact moment when he is about to come, abs tense, and eyes blank when he rides through the last spikes of electricity in his core before giving up. Flavored lubes are something they can laugh at together when they are picking up a tube to use.With the feather tickler whole thing had switched to something else than not so vanilla sex. He liked it, the gentle toy kissing his hip bones, and soft skin of his lower back. Sebastian's smile was fragile, like it would have been painted on a porcelain cup when he whispered sweet words.”You are beautiful.”He was surrounded by safety, body relaxed inside the pillow walls. Hunter knew nothing could hurt him on that moment, and that's why he dozed off, ensuring that no sexy times would happen. He was woken up when a body slid next to him, and a hand pulled the blankets to cover them. ”Let's nap then, babe. I don't mind.”They both liked it, all that naked skin, and silky touch of the feather. They just lacked the ability to turn it into a sex thing. So many Sundays they spend in bed, just caressing each other, and talking about everything on the earth. Sebastian kissed the half moon shaped scar on his hip, and wanted to play kiss, marry, kill. On another day he was in the mood for a discussion about the capital punishment.”You haven't seen Polar Express? Are you serious? It's a modern classic.”Nobody knows about those winter days when they snuggle in a nest of pillows and blankets, sharing their time between silly movies, and hot chocolate. Sometimes they end up having sex right there. Sebastian reaches to him, body needy, and Hunter responds by taking his shirt off, enjoying the way how his partner's eyes widen.
”Wow.” Sebastian still looks at him like it would be the first time they are seeing each other. ”I haven't seen it, but I had a change once. Cute boy asked me out to a date. We were supposed to watch it together. He had a DVD.””What kind of boy wanted to watch Polar Express with you? Sounds adorable.””Well”, Sebastian grinned, sitting up, and gathering the blankets to cover his lower body, ”He was handsome. Such a gentleman, opened the car door to me, and took me to to a super cute ice cream place. I expected getting on my back on the backseat of his car, but for once I was wrong. I think he was genuine when he talked about only watching the movie and cuddling. But of course I convinced him that making out was a lot funnier.”Hunter thought about the Polar Express-boy, liking the happy shine in Sebastian's eyes even though he was a little jealous too. If this unknown boy was able to make Sebastian smile like that, Hunter would bury him in kittens, marshmallows, cotton candy, and bunnies, making him forget every silly date he had experienced before sailing to the arms of his one true love.”It was you, dumbass. We were seventeen, and I never planned to keep you. But I'm so damn glad I did.”Those happenings had resulted in the current situation. He is hand-cuffed at the metallic headboard of the bed, and trying to convince himself that it's super hot. Not being able to move the dynamics of the moment doesn't bother him at all. He is a wild animal in bed, who is always ready for new experiences.Well, okay. Hunter definitely doesn't think that they should only fuck in missionary under the blankets, and with lights out. He has always been creative with the places they should have sex in, and has never recovered from that one time when Jeff had walked in on the two of them on the living room sofa.”Why does he has a key here? Please, tell me”, Hunter begged, voice thick from lust, because Sebastian's dick hadn't magically disappeared from his ass. Other man moved restlessly underneath him, making his dick twitch inside Hunter, and the surprised man couldn't keep a moan in his mouth. He picked up a pillow, trying to save all of them from extra traumas.”Jeff, buddy. I love you, but can you just disappear? That key was for emergencies, not for you to use when you are bored and want to hang out.”Man up, Hunter tells himself. He has taken way worse than slightly uncomfortable sex. Kisses he doesn't mind. They always vary with Sebastian. Sometimes he only pecks Hunter's lips before going for a deep kiss, knowing so well what breaks Hunter's self-control. Just when he thinks he could get through it, Sebastian's weight disappears, goosebumps appearing in its absence.Leaving his half-hard cock without attention Sebastian sits on the bed next to him, pulling one of the blankets to cover his lower body. ”You are freaking out”, he tells, pulling the necklace over his head. On a thin chain hangs the key of the handcuffs.
Muttering apologies Sebastian rubs his wrist even though there is no marks on his skin.”Come, baby.” Silence between them is a little nervous but not awkward or angry when they pull a couple of pieces of clothing on. In the kitchen Sebastian pulls out their sandwich maker, and shakes his head when Hunter tries to help. ”Sit down. I want to have food and a talk.”Food calms down them both. The sandwiches are his favourite, tuna and cheese. Sebastian had chopped some vegetables too, and brings a can of iced tea on the table.”You wanted to try it”, Hunter opens the discussion.”Yes, I wanted that. I really like exploring together, and figuring out our likes and dislikes in bed. Sex is fun and easy. But if you hate something I might like, we are not going to do that thing again. This is not the same thing as you agreeing to to the Simpsons marathon even though you hate Itchy and Scratchy, or me watching your goddamn American football with you only because I like seeing you cheering for your team.”Hunter recognizes the signs, and knows Sebastian is about to jump head first into some very dark mental gorge of his. Gently he pulls his boyfriend's cool hand between his own. Seconds later they are on the kitchen floor, Hunter holding the man who lets out a small sniff. He doesn't try to look for eye contact, but lets Sebastian have his piece of privacy.”I'm scared I'm going to fuck up.”We are in this together, his hug promises.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
”Tell me again what we are doing here”, he complains in Kurt's ear. He is freezing his butt off, and hasn't felt his toes or fingers for a while. His best friend glances over his shoulder, and lets his right hand find Sebastian's own. Mass of people is a little scary around them, and Sebastian tries not to think what would happen if general panic struck, or some idiot saw a nonexistent bomb.He has lived in New York for five years, but this is his first New Year in the crowd at the Times Square. Usually Sebastian has been in a club, happily tipsy long before midnight. It has never been a problem to find a cute guy to kiss when the countdown has reached zero.”We are here because Seth Miller is a terrible reason to be miserable”, Kurt replies, an adorable wrinkle appearing on his nose. Oh yes. Yeah, maybe Sebastian had just spent a week in bed, listening to gross love songs, and consuming too many slices of cheap pizza, but had it really been necessary to drag him to shower and then out of the apartment like a grumpy toddler? He would have got a grip of himself soon. Hopefully. Maybe.The thing is that Seth Miller was far from perfect. He used ugly shoes, and liked reading philosophy for fun. When they were having sex, Sebastian desperately tried not to notice his belly or man boobs, because the guy really treated him like a prince, but it couldn't be a good sign for their relationship, when seeing his boyfriend naked made Sebastian a little nauseous.Still getting dumped had given a massive bruise to his ego. Sebastian had sunk in that black hole where he was convinced that there simply wasn't a guy who'd like to have him around, and get totally serious.Sebastian shrugs, but squeezes Kurt's hand, thankful for his concern.It takes full ten minutes before he is in a bad mood again.”I'm cold. And hungry. This is terrible”, he groans at Kurt who has seen it all hundreds of times before, and is not going to be impressed before Sebastian is like bleeding to his death or something.”I have food, and a blanket”, low voice tells from behind Sebastian's left shoulder. The person who had spoken elbows one guy to get an access into that tiny area of space Sebastian doesn't really have. Someone else might be given firm instructions to continue his journey as soon as possible, but not this guy with boyish, excited smile and broad shoulders. He looks warm and cozy in his grey beanie, and scarf. Those arms are definitely strong enough to hold a man up against a wall so he can get fucked silly.He didn't lie. In front of Sebastian's surprised eyes the pretty man unfolds his blue blanket, and covers his shoulders with it. Food is only Reese's peanut butter cups, but Sebastian is starving, and his eyes the candy looks like a full meal.Kurt clears his throat, never a fan of being left out. Their gazes meet, and Sebastian's savior grins, all sunny.”I'm sorry gorgeous, but you are not really my type. I like them green-eyed and grumpy.”With a calm smile Kurt welcomes the compliment to his looks, knowing well what he tends to do to guys who swing that way.It's pretty obvious that the cute stranger wants to swipe Sebastian away, and his best friend finds his eyes, wordlessly wanting to know if he is okay with that. Sebastian gives him a tiny nod. Kurt accepts it.”Be careful”, he reminds before pushing a condom into Sebastian's ice cold hands with a grin. It's not only teasing. If he didn't text Kurt, telling him that everything is alright, he wouldn't hesitate to contact the police. They always look out for each other. They are about thirty minutes into new year, and Sebastian is splayed on the hotel room bed, his new very good friend watching him like he wouldn't know where to put his hands first. Sebastian is secretly impressed too, but controls his facial expressions better. It's obvious that this guy, Hunter, he reminds himself hasn't spent most of the weekdays ending with y lounging on the sofa and stuffing his face with burgers and potato chips. Sebastian's fingers itch to get familiar with the slopes of his upper body, and he wants to bite that smooth skin, leave his marks there.”I want you to be here in the morning”, he mumbles before leaning down to kiss Sebastian. Sebastian wants that too. For a while they just make out, fingers dancing on each other's bodies. He is warm everywhere, feeling Hunter's dick poking his thigh making his mouth water. Sebastian wants badly. On the moment of confusion, when desire is about to rip him to pieces, Hunter's reaches him.He is immediately steadier, trusting. Usually Sebastian doesn't bottom with a completely new guy, but there is something in Hunter that makes him want to open his legs, and leave his body in the hands of this man with gentle blue eyes.It's a decision he almost regrets. Hunter is not a bad lover, or an asshole who wants Sebastian turn over and get his ass spanked, but he is a goddamn tease. With every thrust he nails spot of pleasure inside Sebastian, and when he feels the knot of orgasm tightening inside him, and thinks he could let himself fall freely, Hunter slows down or stops completely, only power of will keeping his still.”I hate you”, Sebastian mumbles, voice hoarse, and reaches out to pinch his nipple.”You are not going to hate me anymore when I let you to fuck me.” It seems like a honest promise, and Sebastian could purr at the images in his mind. He is not a man who always lets control slip from his hands, but finds passive boys who always expect their partners to do all the work hopelessly boring.His new year stars when a gorgeous guy wearing only a pair of underwear, and smelling of something fresh brings him a breakfast in bed. Hunter feeds him a piece of apple, and Sebastian is kinda considering nibbling his fingers, and taking his thoughts back to the last night.”I would really like to take you on a proper date.” He is leaning on a pile of fluffy pillows, face serious and little flushed like he would be expecting automatic rejection. Sebastian chuckles, moving closer. Lower part of his body is meeting the hard lines of Hunter's hip underneath the covers.”I would love that”, he tells before meeting Hunter's lips in a chaste kiss.It turns out Hunter sounds beautiful when he screams Sebastian's name, and doesn't complain about watching romantic comedies.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
They have a routine. Two episodes of whatever show they are currently watching on every Friday night, daily breakfast together even if one of them has a late morning, and Sunday in the park. If it rains, they spend hours in the library and coffee shops, Hunter reading one of the terrible erotica novels he secretly loves, and Sebastian updating his blog with nameless love stories. People are eager to tell their secrets if there is no change of getting caught.After two years sex is still good, even exciting. Like ”I got a raspberry-lube, want to try it?”-exciting. They don't wander to area of bondage or actual sex toys – their only visit to an actual BDSM club is something they prefer to forget. Sex is vanilla with occasional chocolate chips, or jam, but they both like vanilla, knowing what they can do together, and what both of them expect in the bedroom. Hunter knows Sebastian hates dirty talk, and Sebastian is aware of Hunter's issues with his dick. There is nothing weird in him, he is not fanfiction thick and long, but he is as basic as basic can be.”You don't want me to look at your dick?””You can look. Just not too much. Don't take it in your hand, and make comments. And I don't like blow jobs.” Yeah, Hunter is completely ordinary between his legs, but wrong kind of attention from his last boyfriend had made him a little unsure.Now the routine is crashing down. He had done the right things, been the supportive boyfriend. Of course you need to do this. Not many people get that kind of opportunity. Like a robot Hunter kept it together, toiling at work even though his throat was tight with emotions he hadn't addressed.First there was summer, then six weeks, month, two weeks, and Hunter started paying attention to the last times. It was the last date night in that restaurant where they both always dress up a little. Last time in that bookstore they both love. Hunter slipped, arms full of books and lips pressed together he joined his lover who was observing rows of French literature.”Some reading material”, Hunter smiled weakly, knowing that he was one step away from getting hysterical. Following Sebastian was impossible so Hunter wanted to put pieces of himself and their history together in his luggage, pack books, boxes of hot chocolate powder, and trinkets from every month of their relationship. Small American flag from the diner where they had burgers and fries, zodiac birthstones from the fair, flyers, photographs, and postcards. Little things which only mean something to the two of them, Hunter remembering numerous dates and travels together.Once he had to fly to San Francisco after an argument. Hunter stood watching the Golden Gate bridge, and wrote a postcard. I wanna take you to California. They haven't been to California yet, and it's a possibility that they are never going to see it together.”What if you meet some sexy, brown-eyed Pierre who makes you macarons?” he asks in the bathroom. They are both in the tub, water smelling of vanilla and flowers. Sebastian had been hot and bothered in his lap, Hunter's dick getting interested in his squirming.”I like blue-eyed Hunter who is a catastrophe in kitchen better”, he smiles, sad. They don't mention it how imaginary Pierre wouldn't have several time zones, and an ocean keeping him away from Sebastian. On his most vulnerable moments Hunter's only wish is he wouldn't be invited to their dream wedding.”Have fun.” Hunter doesn't know how he is supposed to let go. He knows every curve and line of this body, owner of it has comforted him in the days of sickness, and taken him to a date in an amusement park. There, after buying him a huge teddy bear Sebastian gave him a serious look.”Are we boyfriends?””Definitely, but I don't think this guy has space in the relationship.” Sebastian snorted at that. The teddy is still sitting in the living room between the bookcase and the sofa.”I can't leave you. What the fuck I was thinking? Let's go back home. I'll call them.” Sebastian has flown dozens of times, but now he stares at the security control like an unknown beast. He is about to bolt and disappear from the airport. Hunter wouldn't love anything more than taking a cab back home, and building a blanket nest in their bed. Letting Sebastian convince himself how bad this idea had been wouldn't be difficult, but he is not going to be selfish about this.”Baby, calm down. You can't skip this opportunity, working with the best ones. If it takes you to Singapore or Alaska next, I'll follow you then, alright?” Hunter doesn't recognize his voice anymore. It's higher than usually, every word barely understandable.”Okay.” They don't torture each other with asking for promises. Hunter keeps his head turned away, but squeezes his hand for the last time, wanting Sebastian to know he is not angry, only overwhelmed with the new situation, trying to keep other people from noticing how terrified he is.One more time Sebastian jogs back, whispering his words against Hunter's lips.”I'm going to work for us.” He finds the right words, a lovely assurance that they wouldn't just give up the relationship. That much they could promise fearlessly. Hunter steals one quick kiss, and wants to whine. First his fingers are touching Sebastian's hands, then his jacket, and then nothing. Distance is growing between them. Hunter closes his eyes, not wanting to watch the love of his life walking away from him.”It never gets easier, huh.”Hunter opens his eyes, finding a pretty Asian girl talking to him. Restless fingers play with her short black hair.Her red-rimmed eyes tell the story. ”My boyfriend just flew to Scotland. He is coming back for Christmas. Do you want to sit down, and talk about it? We could grab coffee.”Hunter never warms to strangers easily, but the girl's suggestion is a lot more tempting than going home alone, and crying into Sebastian's pillow.”Sure.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
”Stay there. I'm coming to get you.”Pocketing his phone Liam walks closer to the brick building. He avoids looking at the few remaining late night wanderers, a lady walking a tiny dog, and a couple of men talking about their work issues. He doesn't want to be there, on an unfriendly street in the part of the city he had never visited before.He is capable of defending himself, the wolf looking at the world warily through his eyes, but it doesn't stop simple fear from making knots in the bottom of his stomach.Just half an hour earlier it didn't seem to bad. Maybe he wasn't that into Troy, his sly grey eyes, and too slick words from his lips, but he had seemed harmless enough, actually listening to Liam's opinions about things, and making questions instead of giving monologues about his own excellence as a human being.He doesn't do it for sex. Liam has no critical words about people who like to experience a few hours of casual fun, but he is serious, his brave strong heart trying to find real romance.It was never his plan to have Troy from swim team pulling down his jeans on the back seat of his car after their first date, but Troy had a different map.”Relax a little”, he murmured, licking Liam's earlobe, and trying to unbutton his shirt.He was never in danger. Troy was a human, and Liam's wolf was very much awake, hackles rising, and fangs threatening to drop, but the hot humiliation burned on his cheekbones, when the unwanted hand played his belt buckle, absent-mindedly touching his stomach. He had never experienced that, a guy being handsy, and pretending he was deaf when the word no was used.The wolf wanted to go for the eyes, leave a permanent mark on Troy, but Liam got the reins in his hands just in time, controlling the animal inside him.Troy could have done it to someone else, someone human who didn't have the ancient power on his side.”What the fuck?” he howled after getting Liam's knee into his groin like he would have been perfectly innocent. Wolf still wanted more, taste of Troy's fear, but the creature had to be satisfied with Liam's fist connecting with the guy's nose.About half a hour later a familiar truck arrives, the driver flashing the flights to him.Liam knows him and his scent are still a mess. The chimera would smell everything, his embarrassment, fatigue, and the simple fear he had felt under Troy's muscular body, but there is a reason why his finger had found Theo's number on his phone. He never fusses.Others would be empathetic, offering him hugs and comfort and soft words, but they'd make a big scene, always returning to the topic, and never letting him forget how small and vulnerable he had felt in Troy's car despite all his glorious werewolf strength.They are friends, really good friends these days. He worries about Theo and Theo does the same to him, but Theo's concern is never suffocating.Theo Raeken looks collected, like nothing in the world could disturb his peace of mind. Liam's call had pulled him out of the bed, but still the chimera looks ready to destroy the world with his bright eyes and shiny hair.”A word, and he is a dead man walking, darling.”Liam shakes his head. He is helpless against the tiny smile appearing on his lips.”How about a broken bone or two then?” the chimera suggests, and unzips his leather jacket, covering Liam's still shivering body with it. His big warm hand lingers on Liam's neck, giving the tiniest squeeze. Theo slides the hand down to his shoulder, like he would be checking Liam is still in one piece. He feels the energy, the chimera checking his pain levels, but there is no physical pain, only mental. He leans closer, needing the comfort and hoping Theo wouldn't find it annoying, but the chimera silently responds, just hugging him for a while, and letting the wolf put his nose in the curve of his neck, where Theo's natural scent is strongest.Liam focuses on the silence, pair of hands resting on his back, and Theo's familiar scent. The embrace, and the presence of a pack mate and a friend soothe him, helping him cross the obstacles in his mind, and take his emotions back under control.”You smell better, baby wolf. Calmer.”Liam is quietly hoping he would be taken care of, and Theo does that, massaging warmth into his shaking fingers, and lifting a bag from the bag seat. He is offered an iced coffee in a glass bottle, and some chocolate, the chimera seeming satisfied, when the snack has disappeared.”Let me treat you right”, Theo suggests next morning. They had both slept late, and padded into the kitchen around noon, deciding to spend the day at home. The chimera is standing at the stove, frying eggs for the meal they are about to have.Sometimes Liam just enjoys the eye candy, Theo's delicious arms in the tank top, and the sweatpants showing the perfect curve of his ass. He really has a nice body. His personality is not that nice. Theo is a calculative person who likes keeping the cards in his hand hidden, but when he has decided to be loyal, nothing could break that bond. Theo is the person he could call in the middle of the night if he needed to bury a body.”What do you mean?” Liam wrinkles his nose, trying to read Theo's scent. He finds the combination of dust and autumn forest everywhere in the apartment, even in his own bed, where they have shared numerous movie nights. Theo has mastered hiding his scent a long time, but usually the younger wolf has been allowed to read him like an open book. They only have a few secret, private thoughts between them.The emotion on Theo is a little bitter, but sweet too. The mix is familiar, something he has often smelled on other people, but not his close friend.Usually cool as icicle Theo Raeken is nervous, worried of Liam's reaction.”I have been watching you going on dates with all these losers, like Jack, and Oliver, and this Troy dude,but I want my change too. I know I would be better than all of them together.” Theo moves the eggs on the plates, and turns around, giving him the earnest, honest gaze of his green eyes.Jack was nice enough. They went to dates, and shared love for history and iced vanilla lattes, but learning about the guy's sexual preferences, chains and toys in his bedroom killed all the romance between them. He tries his best to be open-minded, and doesn't care what adults do together, but Liam couldn't participate in that. It's out of question to have anything else than a penis attached to a guy with good manners, and pretty looks in his butt.Then there was Oliver, nervous Oliver who called him beautiful, and liked reading Liam poems. That was finished, when he was introduced as Oliver best friend to his parents and two sisters. He understands the pressure, the fear of coming out, but Liam couldn't lie about himself.Of course he had wondered about Theo and their unique bond, feeling so easy around the chimera despite his spiky attitude – Theo can be nasty, and likes to attack before risking his heart, but that nastiness is rarely directed to Liam. He had buried the idea, concentrating on their friendship, and the fondness he feels towards Theo's physical assetts, but the feeling is right there, just around the corner. It's the smile tugging his lips, and the extra warmth he feels when the chimera takes his hand in his light hold, thumb rubbing his wrist.”I want to treat you right too.” Theo should never imagine Liam is the only one deserves romance.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Theoretically he had known they would be celebrating his birthday. That's what couples do, but it's still new, having all these feelings, and attraction that's not only physical.”Don't you dare to make plans for Saturday”, Liam murmurs on Monday morning. It had quickly become a little routine, sharing the mornings until the first bell, and going their separate ways. They don't share any classes, and on lunch they'd be met by the boys, Liam's little ragtag pack. He doesn't mind at all – they are Theo's friends too, and have his loyalty, but he wouldn't lie about mornings being his favourites.Liam makes sunny smoothies at the kitchen counter, and the radio is playing quiet music. He'd never try to keep the world from having Liam too, but Theo loves the private moments, quiet rooms around them, and having the wolf's full attention.”I like you”, he simply says behind his bowl of oatmeal and berries, and watches a smile lighting up the beta wolf's face. It's almost a childish confession, and maybe Theo should do better, wax poetic about the beauty of the wolf, and the fire burning in his chest when Liam is nearby, but the wolf never demands those things.”Why?” he asks, tightening his grip around the sleepy werewolf.”We will do something for your birthday.”His actual birthday is on Thursday. Two minutes into the lunch Theo gets kidnapped, but the kidnapper is his adorable boyfriend, not a hunter fantasizing about his screams, and hoping to gain information. Instead of enjoying lumpy mashed potatoes, and tasteless chicken for lunch, he is bought a cheese burger and a bag of fries with a chocolate milk shake.Theo swallows the words just in time, when a messily wrapped present is given in his hands. He is not going to be that person saying anything like ”you shouldn't have”, when someone is trying to do a nice thing to him. After the dark blue paper is peeled off, he is faced with a 1000 piece puzzle showing a detailed Paris view.”I know you don't always sleep well. Maybe this could be a good distraction.” It might help during those nights, when his bed is a desert filled with horrible memories and nightmares, and cold sweat covers Theo's skin. Sharing a bedroom with Liam would ease his fears, but even though his parents' have been cool about the two of them dating, sleeping in the same room is not going to happen, when the house is not empty.”And maybe we will travel to Paris together one day”, Liam continues, eyes a little glassy, and his scent shy.”Something for his birthday” turns out to be an actual birthday party, something Theo hasn't experienced in years. There are friends, Brett who is trying to look all cool and bored, but smiles broadly, when nobody is watching, and smells fond, when he quickly hugs Theo. Nolan is a too quick heartbeat, cold fingers, and smell of sugar, and apple shampoo, but his hug is tight and honest.He has seen their usual parties, the boys getting wasted, and doing things that are not talked about next morning, but this light-hearted time together is more Theo's genre. It's nice to see them all in the same room, know that all the important people of his life are safe. All of them, Corey and his quiet friendship, and Mason and his dry humor have taken a place in his heart.They had all pitched in, buying a painting from Lori, who has captured two wolves on a beach. It's one of his favourite memories. After feeling so itchy and stressed in his human form, he had driven to the lonely beach, needing to leave human behind for a while.Almost silver wolf appeared out of nowhere, freaking him out first before Theo inhaled his scent, recognizing Liam's shift. Under the friendly shape of the moon they played and chased each other, letting the animals lead for once. Liam had seen his vulnerability, noticing the dark shados under his eyes, and his inability to sit still. He had followed the chimera, wanting to make sure he was safe.It wasn't scary to stop the boy at the cars, and put him in the gentle cage of Theo's arms. Liam knew Theo and trusted him, was well aware that the chimera wasn't forcing anything on him. He looked a little hopeful with his wide eyes, and slightly parted lips.”Can I kiss you?”Liam tasted of summer, and iced tea.”Try some.” Theo has a banana muffin in front of him, but the wolf is offering him a piece of his own, chocolate one. Theo is capable of feeding himself, but it makes him happy to do little couples' things with Liam, like taking him on a date at the amusement park, and kissing on the top of Ferris wheel, or spending a whole Sunday in the wolf's bedroom, playing board games and talking about everything between moon and ground.Around midnight his boyfriend swiftly kicks the guests out, promising to meet Brett for a run soon, and giving the longest hug to Mason who gives him a meaningful look, and throws a smile meant to Theo over his best friend's shoulder.The air in the house is different, heavier when they listen to their friends leaving. Theo takes a hold of the wolf's hand, feeling his cold fingers, and the little nervous change in his energy.”It's me”, he quietly says, kissing Liam's forehead, ”it's me and you have nothing to worry about.”It does the trick, opening the metal gate Liam had built of questions and insecurities in his head. Only seconds later Theo has his arms full of a beautiful, warm werewolf who is so eager to feel skin against skin.”Liam, babe, wait a minute.” Theo wants him. Of course he wants the gorgeous wolf, but he needs to know they are on the same page before letting Liam's eagerly wandering hands get any closer to his private parts.It was wonderfully horrible at the beginning, when Theo and his wolf both understood that wanting Liam was allowed and encouraged. He was out of control, terribly turned on by the sweet dark scent that was like hot chocolate, simultaneously soothing and sensual. In a few days the beautiful wolf destroyed him without even raising his pinkie. There Theo was, trying to get through his every day activities, when he was constantly one wrong kind of thought away from popping a boner.”He really is a quiet boy, isn't he?” Liam's mom asked his son once, when she assumed Theo couldn't hear them.”Theo can be quiet shy”, the wolf replied, laughter colouring his voice.”We don't need to have sex only because it's my birthday.”The werewolf blinks. He knows exactly what his reddish, pouting lips are doing to Theo, but he is staying in control, telling his dick that jerking off is a fine activity.”It's something I have been thinking about for a while now.” Liam leans closer, whispering quiet words in his ear. Warmth of his breath makes the back of Theo's neck tingle. ”You know, touching myself, thinking about you touching me. I bet you have heard me.”Liam knows how to be quiet late at night, but Theo's supernatural ears had still picked up his little moans and sighs, signs of the wolf pleasuring himself. The wolf had known about it happening, the chimera silently wanting him and hoping to be the one touching him. Theo would have taken the control, giving the blue-eyed wolf pleasure he had never before.Finally Theo had given up, sliding down his underwear and wrapping his fingers around his dick, coming only moments after his boyfriend on the other side of the hall.Theo surrenders, his hands finding the wolf's hips under his clothes. He undresses Liam slowly, opening a whole new world to them both. On his bare thigh Theo spreads his fingers, scratching a little.He steals a moment just to look, taking in Liam, his strong shoulders, and flat stomach. He is familiar with the pieces of his body, his tanned calves, and shirtless torso, the long fingers combing through Theo's hair, and the bright blue of his eyes, but it's different, positively overwhelming to get all of it at once.He is gentle with all that strength, always knowing how to touch Theo. The sight of his hardening cock makes the chimera's mouth water. He wants to take Liam, make the wolf completely his, but next time Theo would love to have that gorgeous dick inside himself, and the wolf taking care of him.Its better, he decides. So much better to be with someone who truly cares about making it good to them both. His past lays had only wanted, and taken things, but Liam gives too. Theo is familiar with sloppy orgasms, and being desperate for a shower afterwards, but now the white, empty moment between them is satisfying, powerful and perfect.”I want you to have me too”, he whispers, knowing Liam is close. The words push his lover over the edge, but Theo is there too, holding his hand.Liam waits until the chimera has returned back to earth too before reaching out a hand, and touching his bare shoulder, quietly asking for closeness. Theo raises his arm, welcoming the werewolf back into their bubble. Lips touching the werewolf's forehead Theo wraps himself around his boyfriend, feeling a burning need to protect him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Theo is still trying to understand what he had watched going down just a couple of hours earlier. He is sitting on the bed in the guest room of the Dunbar-Geyer household, wearing an over-sized soft hoodie that belongs to Liam, while his own clothes are making a visit in the washing machine. With a blanket covering his legs, and the wolf basically glued to his side Theo is warm and comfortable, almost ready to conquer the world.At the clearing he had been about two steps away from death. The whole thing, Stiles Stilinski having a vampire sinking his claws in his side had been caused by Theo's honest mistake. Too bad, that he is the only person in Beacon Hills who isn't allowed to make those. The plan was simple. Probably horrible, but still simple. He was supposed to guard Stiles' left side, while the guy prepared the spell, but that was before one of the younger, less experienced vampires took an interest in Liam, trying to sneak up on the beta wolf.Liam turned around, growling with his fangs out. Otherwise Theo wouldn't have hesitated to abandon his position. Only Stiles' scream reminded him of his original responsibility.Later, when the den was destroyed, and Stiles was convinced he wouldn't be dying or turning into a vampire, the debate started. Coolly and casually they discussed putting Theo to sleep like a race horse with a broken leg.”He is too dangerous to have around.””Ready to slit our throats, when we are sleeping.” Too tired to care Theo hugged his own knees, staring down at the light blue denim of his knees. He wouldn't beg, but go on his own terms, keeping his head high and back straight. They'd never know about the tears burning in the corners of his eyes, or the fear squeezing his heart.Without Liam, who sometimes came to his truck, wanting to have an evening drive, Theo would have ditched this hellhole weeks ago. Liam had been a friend, and the things he had been leaving in the truck had made his life a bit more bearable. First gift was a blanket, wonderfully heavy and warm blanket. Other time he found a box of hygiene products on the backseat, but mostly Liam has been bringing him food, protein bars, crackers, peanut butter, and fresh water bottles, anything that could help him to see the next morning.He never expected help, someone smelling of toffee and electric adrenaline walking between Theo and his best friends, making sure his strong body hid the chimera.No no no no. His tongue felt thick and clumsy in his mouth, the word no suddenly so heavy and complicated. He wasn't worth that, Liam sacrificing bonds with his pack mates for Theo. The beta wolf turned around, reading Theo's intentions just right.”You shut up”, he hissed, cool blue fire burning in his eyes.His dick was quite interested in that. Theo is not into being dominated in the bedroom, but he could still appreciate art, the whole masterpiece that was Liam Dunbar.”You come through me first before hurting him”, Liam told the others, his voice firm. Other figures stood up, joining Liam, and forming a protectice half-circle around Theo.They were allowed to leave in peace. Theo was half-blind and almost deaf, his mind begging for the relief of unconsciousness, but his body still fighting, trying to keep going. Liam and Brett helped him to walk back to the cars while Nolan kept glancing over his shoulder, expecting an attack that never came.”Relax”, Liam told him in the car, his hand resting on the back of Theo's neck, ”I got you.””I talked to my mom”, he told, when they were alone. Others were upstairs in Liam's room, obviously trying to give them a moment of privacy. Liam moved around the kitchen, collecting snacks on the tray, and pouring water in the glasses. If Theo hadn't known him as well as he did, he couldn't have picked up the faint scent of anxiety covering the younger wolf.”You can take the guest room. You can have a home.”Theo would have bitten anybody else using that word, but not his baby wolf, who had invited him for sleepovers, offering Theo grilled cheese, hot chocolate, and comic books from his step-dad's massive collection.”Okay”, he replied, surprising the werewolf.Holding a hand on the small of his back Liam guided him into the guest room. It was decorated with a gentle shade of mint, and the blank scent of the room told about the space being empty and quiet at most nights.Others have been in and out of the room too. He is used to Liam marking him with his scent, but now they were all doing it, also humans learning what it really meant to share a pack with wolves. Nolan placed five fingertips on his shoulder, nervously asking if it was okay to touch him. Mason was more confident, taking a proper grip of his wrists, and holding Theo's hands for a long time.”What actually happened back there?” His energy is nervous. Nolan reminds Theo of a rabbit who is always ready to jump, but even he had defended the chimera at the clearing, deciding to take his side. Theo could get used to calling him a friend.”Loyalties shifted”, Brett replies from the armchair in the corner of the room. As a born werewolf he has more knowledge than the others. ”He got enough power behind himself, and a new alpha was born.”Theo turns, finding a pair of bright alpha eyes looking at him. The idea had already been in his heart. Liam was a little more wolf, his scent a little stronger in Theo's nose, reminding him of shadowy forest and bonfires, but the red in his gaze makes everything real.Slowly the alpha wolf offers Theo the palm of his hand, waiting for the chimera's reaction. Others had already done that, accepted him as their alpha, but he is still waiting for Theo. It's easy to grab his hand and tilt his head, offer his neck to the wolf. Nobody else would get that kind of submission from him.”We need to leave”, Mason, the brain of the group is the first one to say it aloud. Of course they were leaving anyway, their eyes locked on college and normal things like parties, and all-nighters in front of the laptop, but Liam being an alpha changes everything.They need an available area, a territory where their alpha and pack could thrive. Some suggestions are thrown in the air, but it's not time to make solid decisions. Brett promises to contact some wolves he knows in different states, and soon after that others leave the room, talking about getting ready for bed. It's late, between two and three am, but they had been too tightly wound to even think about sleeping.”Are you afraid of me?” Liam's question is breathless, nervous. He doesn't mean exactly that, but is worried that their relationship wouldn't be as easy-going as it had been before his status change.”You are still my baby wolf.” Still the baby wolf he teases. Still Liam's presence makes him believe that the world can be a beautiful place. He is still the boy who made Theo believe he could be a good version of himself. Not great, perfect version, but good and humane.”Sleep now. I'll watch over you.” Theo makes a happy sound at the fingers combing through his hair, and turns to his side, the sharp ears of his wolf finding the others. Mason and Corey are having a quiet conversation in Liam's room. Those two don't worry too much as long as they have each other. Nolan and Brett are going to sleep downstairs, curled up under the blankets on the living room sofas.”Why did you do it?” he asks before surrendering to sleep.”You are important too.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
First it truly is only about getting the fuckable werewolf in his bed. Theo flirts and seduces, winning Liam's friendship, and thinking he is so fucking smart, above all the normal human emotions.The werewolf has a fresh breakup in his history, but that doesn't seem to bother him, when the wolf straddling him hides his cool hands under Theo's hoodie. Theo startles a little at first – his hands shouldn't be that icy, but doesn't pull back. He is willing to share his body heat, and so much more with the little, pretty wolf.”I'm always going to care about her, but I hadn't been...” Efficiently Theo swallows the words. Love is a dangerous word.Liam is dangerous.He is getting off at the idea of being the first guy. The first person who is inside Liam, and sees the insecurity of pain in his eyes, when it hurts a little.”You want me to stop?” Theo asks, caressing his cheek, and stealing the pain.”No.”He wasn't supposed to get soft, worry about the comfort of Liam who is strong and muscular, and can take much worse. He watches the wolf growing, getting comfortable with the things he likes in bedroom. There isn't a thing they can't say aloud, when they both lie naked on the dark blue sheets.The word daddy is dropped only once. It's definitely a boner killer, but Theo doesn't mind, when Liam giggles underneath him, pulling the chimera down for a clumsy kiss. Being tied up freaks them both out a little too much, but Theo loves the occasional visits to the clearing in the forest.Liam strips easily, confidently and runs, Theo chasing after him. It's playful and natural, and the wolf couldn't smell better, when he is warm from sunshine, golden on the lush grass. Theo kisses him, hard, wanting, sending a clear message, and the wolf follows, wrapping strong fingers around his lover's dick, knowing how to make it slow and wonderful to Theo.First sign of him being in big trouble is Theo's willingness to bottom, let Liam have that side of him too.His eyes dark with the mix of worry and lust Liam picks up the lube, and carefully touches his cheek, asking Theo to look him in the eyes.”Is this okay?”It is. An experience he is happy to have, but would rather not to repeat. Liam moves slowly. He is a gorgeous, lethal predator, but Theo doesn't feel trapped under him, only treasured, when Liam takes his time caressing Theo, following the paths and roads of his body with his fingertips, doing his best to make him feel good non-sexually even though the burning warmth of his body, and his rock hard dick tell how aroused he is.”You don't need to worry”, Liam promises, giving a kiss on his forehead while he slowly thrusts, Theo's body opening to him.At the dinner table Theo thinks about their morning alone in the house, and pushing the wolf against the kitchen counter. With his pants around his ankles, and Theo's mouth on his thigh the werewolf forgot all about his little complaints. We'll be late for school turned into Oh, fuck, Theo. They arrived late, smelling of each other, and wearing smug smiles.Liam's mom asks him about school, and Theo has to hide his smile with the palm of his hand. Sharp kick on his ankle tells that the wolf has read his scent exactly right.He is supposed to love Liam's gorgeous body, not to fall in love with his soul and mind too.When he blurts out the question Go on a date with me, Liam is not the most surprised person in the room.”Are you sure?” he slowly asks, blue eyes peeking over his book.”Yeah, I am.”They do a dinner and a movie. It seems safe, easy. Theo puts on one of his few nicer shirts. It would probably be okay to arrive in a hoodie, but he wants to dress up. Look good for his wolf.Theo doesn't expect an arm being placed around his middle, Liam holding him close so naturally while they are choosing snacks for the movie. The werewolf carefully kisses his neck, and pets his waist, being sweet like a mate would.He hates the idea of Liam walking into things blindly and trustingly. He is letting the wolf inside him lead, and the wolf is so so comfortable in Theo's presence."like this, baby”, he confesses, watching a delighted smile pulling up the corners of the boy's mouth. Maybe he shouldn't encourage Liam, pull them both deeper, but Theo would destroy himself before hurting the werewolf. Liam would survive.About a month later he pushes open the door to Liam's bedroom without knocking first.”What do you want?” Liam asks, unsure, when Theo lies down on the bed, and picks up his book even though he knows that he'd get sleepy in a few minutes. The wolf is sitting at the desk, his body a little tense. He is trying to appear all relaxed, but Theo reads him well, knowing Liam was expecting a physical contact, Theo wanting to get his hands in the wolf's pants, and in the end devouring him like the finest dessert.I don't know, and it scares me, Theo could respond, but now he only shrugs.”I missed you.” He likes it there, being surrounded by Liam's scent in the room where he is most relaxed. The wolf studies his face for a long time before picking up his laptop, and joining the chimera on the bed. Letting their sides touch he puts on a movie, and allows the friendly silence cover them like a fluffy blanket.Soft nudge wakes up Liam Dunbar at two am. Feeling heavy from sleep he opens one eye and then another, looking straight into a pair of intense green eyes.
”What is it, babe?””I'm in love with you.”Good. It would be a little awkward if he wasn't. They have an apartment, and a kitten, Windy who likes napping on Theo's stomach.It's Theo though, and to Theo talking about love in the middle of the night is a big deal. Sitting up on the bed Liam switches on the light. He might tease the chimera on any other moment, but not now, when he is so emotional, and smelling of nightmares and anxiety.The bedroom is their sanctuary, the oasis of comfort in their lives. Their friends are welcomed in their apartment, knowing that they can just arrive, having a snack in the kitchen, and spending the night on the sofa, but the bedroom is private area, the heart of their relationship.The walls are painted dark blue, and opposite the bed Theo has hung a collection of his own photography.Theo had mixed wine and herbs, messing with his healing just enough so the bite marks on his body could be captured with the camera.
”You don't need to do this”, he had said, when the glass stood on the table between them. His concern, fear of weakening his lover in any way touched Liam's heart, but he wanted to be a part of this passion of Theos.First picture shows the bite mark on his shoulder.”You still with me?” Theo had asked, fingers resting on his bare waist, on the spot where he wanted to bite Liam. He was. He didn't mind the camera kissing his bare skin as long as the frames didn't show his private parts, or face.When he felt Theo's mouth on his calf, Liam had actually giggled, breaking the heavy atmosphere in the room.These days Theo has a solid number of followers inside and outside of social media. He is building a name to himself, making his photography a solid business. Liam hasn't been the only one who has felt tears tickling his eyes in front of Theo's emotional black and white photography.He hasn't heard that many vocal love confessions during their four year old relationship, but there has never been a need to doubt Theo's dedication or love. He has taken claws and fangs for Liam, always ready to give his life for the werewolf, and Liam has returned the sentiment, showing that he is ready for sacrifices too.One memorable occasion was being called a muse by his boyfriend, when he was interviewed during the opening his first exhibition.”Who is the person in these beautiful pictures?” the young lady asked.”It's my partner in crime. My muse”, Theo confessed, giving a dazzling smile to the camera.”I love you”, the chimera repeats, sounding like he would be confessing a murder.”Come here”, he murmurs, turning to Theo, and waiting patiently. Letting out a sight, he is actually shaking a little, Theo comes closer, letting Liam wrap an arm around his shoulders, and run his fingers through the brown hair.”I love you too.”
It's okay. I'm not going anywhere.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
”I'll drive you to the hospital.” Her small hands had been gentle on his face, his bloody lip, and a black eye. He had been shaking through the day, just barely making the drive to the other side of the town. Nolan sat in his car, unable to raise even a finger until his friends arrived, called by the quiet shape of his vehicle. A motherly hug from Mrs. Geyer had stopped the shaking. That was what he craved, an adult who was concerned for his well-being, and didn't treat him like a mildly disgusting rodent. ”You are safe here. You don't have to be scared.”Nolan is staring, being a tad too intense, and just a little bit too much, but he can't help it in this case. During the last two years, when they had been friends with Liam, he had always Mrs Geyer endlessly mysterious. She is real. A real mother who'd walk through fire for her only child, and also cares about Liam's friends and their messy problems. It always felt safe in the Dunbar-Geyer household. Nolan's shoulders relaxed, when he didn't need to wait for verbal jabs all the time. Mrs. Geyer gave them space, but they always knew that whatever had happened, they could come back to Liam's house. ”I'll come with you.” Liam puts his hand around his waist, helping Nolan up from the bed, and letting the human lean on him on the slow walk from the house to the car. He is nauseous, and has a headache, his body still carrying the marks from his father's violence.He has a concussion but is allowed to leave the hospital under the care of an actual functional adult. Life had never been good at home, but his parents used to be only unloving. No grade or an achievement would have been good enough to buy him their affection. There were boundaries they would have never crossed though, and Nolan has no idea how his secret was figured out anyway, how his parents understood that he found boys beautiful. But that had been the last straw. In the kitchen, where the gentle warmth of the sun kisses his tired shoulders, mrs. Geyer pulls out a chair for him before starting the dinner preparations. ”Do you have any plans for next year? You going to New York with the boys?”Nolan had no plans. He had assumed that he'd be moving out of his childhood home, and taking more hours at work, trying to learn more about himself.”You should come. Seriously.” Liam seems genuine enough. Always on the fringes. Kinda there, but still distant. Liam had pulled him inside the circle, always ensuring that Nolan felt seen and heard. The city of dreams. The city of opportunities. It doesn't sound any better or worse than the dull life in Beacon Hills. Nolan doesn't see Broadway lights, a change to fall in love with a handsome stranger, or exploring a different area every week. He sees neat boxes. Shared apartment. Job. Hard hours, aching feet. Existence wouldn't be easy, but it could be simple and logical, and peaceful.”There will be only one bedroom, but we could build you a space in the living room.””You can take the guest room here. It's only a few months until graduation after all.” She is comfortable in her kitchen, cutting vegetables with a well-oiled routine. Nolan's heart has a special spot for dinners at this house, watching a real family getting together for a mealtime, and being genuinely interested to hear about one another's days. Liam's mouth opens, the protests resting on his tongue. His mother is firm but kind while she kills them. ”Theodore spends most of his nights in your room anyway. There is enough space for your things.”The name takes Liam's eyes to his mate, his whole face becoming softer. It's scary, but wonderful to see the mark on his neck. Not even 20 years old, and he is so sure, so confident that Theo is his today, tomorrow, and forever. The chimera shares the faith.”I'll get you some pajamas.””I have my own.”The boxes had been waiting, when he woke up. First packing up his whole life, then the beating. His fear froze his body, keeping him from trying to run or fight pack. Liam's mom brings him a glass of water for the night, and turns on the diffuser, soft vanilla scent spreading into the air. ”Sleep well, sweetheart.””Thank you”, Nolan clumsily replies, hoping that she understands what her generosity means to him. ”You are welcome. Don't worry about any of that.”Nolan wakes up to the tears on his cheeks, and the quiet knock on the door. ”Nolan?””Liam?””Would you like a midnight drink?””Yeah.” Anything to get out of the sweaty sheets, and the room where his sadness still makes the air stuffy. Liam waits him at the door. At this point it's all familiar, the werewolf's nose touching his temple, and him holding Nolan's hands in his own. All wolves have the need to mark their people with their scent, but as an alpha Liam has a stronger tendency to protect.He follows the wolf to the kitchen, where Liam opens a window a crack, understanding Nolan's need for fresh air. He is kind enough not to say anything the wetness on the human's cheek, but gives him a brief hug before getting around preparing the drinks, some iced tea to make the night a little lighter. ”I think something is bothering you.””Why is your mom doing this?” Hopefully it doesn't come out accusatory. He is curious, not suspicious.”It will never be possible to save everyone, but two people is better than nothing to her. She doesn't want to give money to charities, but wants to do something real.”He accepts the explanation, seeing her logic there, and being grateful.”I wouldn't have said that if I wasn't serious about New York.””I wouldn't disturb you?” Nolan can't imagine adding another person to the new life that's waiting for Liam and Theo. It's supposed to be their new beginning away from the trauma and grief of Beacon Hills, and having a roommate would definitely break the intimacy.”No. You are our friend, our pack.”