A/N: This took much longer then I expected but it's finally done. My second Nolan centric story I had planned. I still find him very fascinating and really sympathize with his character. So I wanted the chance to dive more into his character and explore. Primarily gen and friendship for both.
Warnings: Definite warnings regarding the references for suicides. There is the occasional swear word. Also this story is unbeta'd so future apologies for any grammatical mistakes.
Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Wolf and make no money from writing this.

Nolan had been slowly coming to the realization that he might not be on the side he should be. This was solidified, when Gabe informed him that he shot up Scott McCall's house just to keep him alive. To. Keep. Him. Alive. Even if that weren't true it's still a terrifying concept, and if that wasn't a red flag BACK OUT NOW he didn't know what was.

So he came to Liam, Mason and Corey making sure the locker room was completely empty and that they couldn't be overheard to tell them that he could be a double agent and play the hunters while feeding Scott's side info. Liam straight away called him a dumbass, while Mason said there's no way that plan would work, and Corey just shot him 'so you ARE insane' eyes.

"I can do it. I can feed you any plans I overhear and still pretend to be tttotally on board." Trying to cover up his stutter.

All three were still silently judging him skeptically, Mason at least trying to be diplomatic about it. "Nolan you're not exactly the most calm on a good day and your acting skills..."

"Weak AF" Liam finished with a nod to which Corey nodded in agreement.

"I," Looking between the three of them before firming his resolve. "I..I'll prove it to you." Moving to leave the locker room so he could begin planning on how to work that out.

"Wait," Liam called out, catching his arm to stop him before quickly dropping it. "Why are you so determined to do this? A few weeks ago you were just fine trying to expose us and terrorizing the student body."

That was fair. It wasn't that he couldn't see where they were coming from. Wrapping his arms around himself, Nolan decided to be honest before a voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like Monroe said that werewolves could tell when you're lying from your heart rate. He wouldn't mind that being true right now.

"Gabe said if I don't start being useful, then the hunters won't have a use for me." He felt himself fidgeting as his anxiety ramped up dwelling on his current reality. "So the way I see it I might stand a better chance of making it to graduation from the side that hasn't threatened to put me six feet under for not having a current kill count."

He could feel the three exchanging looks and sucking in breaths, but he didn't break his eye contact for anything.

"Look," Liam began putting a hand on his shoulder. "You might not be my favorite person, but that's pretty messed up. And I don't want you dead, so we're going to talk to Scott and see what we can do to protect you. Just don't do anything until after that, okay?"

This was something Nolan conceded softly. "Okay."

Scott's plan was one no one could have anticipated.

"You've got to be joking." Theo deadpanned, staring up at Scott with a disbelieving expression. Scott stared back seriously.

"You said you wanted to help. This is what I need."

"You want me to babysit an amateur hour hunter?"

"Is that a problem?" Scott asked before Liam piped up in the background. "Yeah Theo! Too difficult a job for you?"

Theo only barely resisted flipping Liam off before taking a calming breath. Reminding himself patience was one of his strong suits. "How long of surveillance are we talking about just at night or 24/7? Because it might look a little suspicious, if I park my truck repeatedly along his street every night."

"You can sleep with me." Nolan replied before realizing how that sounded and getting two wide eyed stares and one arched brow. Nolan's face now showcased horror. "I mean that isn't what I meant! You can stay at my house and sleep there. My parents are away on a business trip and aren't going to be home for a while. If...if you wanted."

"Interesting..." Theo allowed before turning back to Scott. "You do realize he can't go back to them, and it's going to look suspicious with me tailing him. So if Monroe's people are really as ruthless as you say. He's going to need round the clock protection."

"Actually," Nolan piped up trying to sound confident. "I was thinking I could maybe be a spy for your side? Take back information I learned from Monroe."

The silence in response to that was telling.

"Nolan-" Scott started to say.

"Hell no," Theo interrupted. "No offense," Turning briefly to Nolan before turning back to Scott. "He wouldn't last one day as a spy. It'd be like sending a mouse into a snake pit." Liam and Mason looked like they didn't want to agree with Theo and also maybe wanted to try to defend Nolan but reluctantly couldn't.

"Cccould you at least llllet me try?"

"Nolan," Scott began again about to put his hands on Nolan's shoulders before thinking better of it. "I appreciate you wanting to help. But Monroe and Gerard? They're not like us, especially Gerard. They have no problem using people to get what they want, even sacrificing them creature or human. It doesn't matter. It's too risky to try to use you like that, and I don't want to put yourself in danger if we can prevent it." He turned his focus back to Theo.

"Can you keep him safe without killing anyone?" Holding Theo's gaze they stared at each other for a moment, before Theo's face changed minutely and his posture seemed to form into himself.

"I can't promise nothing won't happen in a case of self defense, but I'll try."

Scott graced him with a small smile. "Great Liam, Mason, and Corey will watch him at school and you'll keep an eye on him outside of that."

"Yippee."

Ignoring that Scott turned back to Nolan once more trying to impress his sincerity. "I'm glad you've come around Nolan. It gives me hope for the rest of the town." Patting his shoulder softly he continued. "We'll do our best to keep you safe."

That's easier said than done. Per Scott's request Liam, Mason, and Corey do try to keep an eye on Nolan at school, but it's difficult to manage discretely or at least it is for the first two. Corey cloaks, when he can. But even he can't manage it for long with Gabe and the others keeping an eye on him as well. None of them can get caught or else it will raise suspicion why they're seeking Nolan out but not doing anything to him. So Nolan is for some parts of the day left on his own. Which is where he is when Gabe corners him in the locker room gently pushing him right up against the lockers and up in his face.

"Hey Nolan missed you at the warehouse last night and the night before." Gabe asked their faces inches apart from each other. "Not chickening out are you?" Nolan tried to keep calm repeating the mantra in his head he overheard Liam saying once.

"No I, I just wasn't feeling well. I'll be there tonight."

Gabe studied him coldly and intensely before responding. "Good because Monroe has a special demonstration she wants you, present for. If you don't show I can tell you it's not going to end well for you."

Nolan knew Gabe well enough that he wasn't even saying this as a threat at this point it was just a statement of fact. His threats were much more creative. He tried to convey an enthusiastic smile despite his stomach in knots.

"I promise I'll be there."

"Good." He brushed past Nolan leaving him alone to which he let out a sigh of relief that turned into a startled squawk, when he heard Corey's voice say as he reappeared. "I don't like this. They're planning something."

"Can you please...not do that?"

Corey shrugged carelessly. "If it helps our side then no. And you realize they probably don't have anything good planned. Why does Monroe need you specifically?"

"I don't know." Nolan replied though in his head he was thinking the same thing. Monroe was changing from the person he once knew. He knew he was falling out of favor with her, while she was thinking less and less of him as time went on. Whatever was going on he got a bad feeling too. "But it's going to look more suspicious if I don't show up. At this point they have no reason to suspect anything right?"

Corey didn't say anything, appearing to be thinking it over before advising. "Be careful."

Nolan didn't think that was possible at this point. A few hours and one exhausted practice later he finally made it home.

"Finally back from practice?" Theo asked from the sofa he was sprawled on nearly bored to death as he had been confined to Nolan's basement for an unknown duration of time. None of them knew if Monroe's side had their suspicions that Nolan had changed sides but just to be safe Theo needed to be kept out of the public eye in case they did have eyes and surveillance on Nolan's house.

"Yes and I think I have a plan." Before explaining what he had come up with at lacrosse practice today.

"You want to do what?" Theo asked in shock leaving him with an unflattering gape. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. This was Liam levels of stupid.

"We pppretend I've captured you, and then when they interrogate you I blow up the armory and with that distraction going on I come back and let you out and make our escape."

"You know just when I think we've reached new heights for your stupidity we keep going higher."

"What's wrong with it?"

"WHAT'S-" Theo cut himself off and pinched the bridge of his nose releasing an uneven exhale. "Alright let me ask some questions. Do you really think they still trust you enough not to shoot you on sight? And even if they do how do you plan to explain my car at your house or your absences from their meetings. Also blow up the armory? And you're going to do this what exactly? Because I appear to have missed the dynamite you have total access too."

"Well what am I supposed to do?!" Nolan shot back feeling everything that had been bottled up splitting over. "Gabe cornered me in the locker room today and apparently there's a special demonstration tonight that I need to be there for. And if I don't show up, it's going to end up even worse for me. So either I come in tonight with something, or I go in and wait to see if this demonstration is code for trap. Or I don't show up and definitely tell all of them Hey! FYI I don't support your cause anymore. Could I still be granted immunity?"

By the end Nolan was breathing hard and waiting for Theo to react while the latter stared impassively.

"Feeling better?"

"A little bit." He admitted. Theo let out a sigh, moving to sit up on the couch.

"Look I don't know if Scott wants to pull you from school yet. But if that turns out to be the only way to keep you safe then he'd do it. I think the smartest move would be for you to not go make your statement and call in sick to a hunter lackey, until we can relocate you. But I have a feeling you're not going to do that. So if you insist on going, then you're taking me with you."

Nolan stared at him in confusion feeling somewhat off balanced. "I don't think it's a great idea to take the supernatural to a hunter gathering party. What if they catch you?"

Theo smirked. His pose went relaxed. "They can try and also I don't care. Me coming with you is non-negotiable."

Knowing a losing battle when he sees one Nolan agrees for Theo to come with him as long as he stays out of sight. Theo kept back behind the car listening for anything that he could catch and trying to monitor Nolan's heartbeat. He knew it was going to be bad, when Nolan came out a few hours later covered in blood, face the color of stick chalk and reeking of vomit.

"Welcome Nolan," Monroe greeted when he finally entered their usual meeting place loaded with old and new faces. "I was beginning to worry about you, but Gabe assured me that you just needed a few days to take care of a few personal matters." Seeing Gabe out of the corner of his eye nod at him. "I would hope next time you'd feel comfortable enough to share those with me, as I'm still your guidance counselor." Raising a speculative eyebrow but responding in a coy tone. Nolan gulped but managed to keep his voice level.

"I'm sorry. I have had some family issues I've been dealing with, but I'm here now."

"I'm glad to hear it." She smiled at him but one that lacked its previous warmth. "Because I think it's time we move to training in manners of interrogation." She lead them all to where a young werewolf a few years younger then Nolan appeared zip tied to a stretch of fence yellow eyes wide in terror fangs out with her blond hair pulled back by purple butterfly clips and ribbons, and Oh God Nolan was going to be sick.

"You see, the thing you have to remember is you can't be fooled by anything, especially not their age." A voice that Nolan had become trained to go cold at echoed behind him. He watched Gerard move with purpose in front of the crowd and the little girl. "A monster is still a monster no matter how their looks belay that."

He truly didn't know what to do. He couldn't rescue her in front of these people, and if he tried to stop them. They'd kill him too.

Gerard picked up a knife examining it, still addressing the crowd. "We found this one wandering alone in the woods at night. You think they'd know better but then...what can you really expect from an animal?"

The werewolf picked up her head pleading with him. "Please just let me go. I just want to go back to my pack."

"Your pack is dead." Watching the girls' eyes fly open and fill up with tears. "You're the only one left have been for awhile now. Some might call you a stray, and Scott McCall definitely has a thing for picking up strays." Faster then one would expect he jammed the knife between her ribs listening to her gasp of pain. "Tell me where he is."

"I," She panted. "don't..know...him."

"Are you sure about that?" Twisting the knife next to him he felt Sydney closer her eyes, but Nolan couldn't tear his eyes away from the horrifying scene for the life of him. It continued until Monroe cleared her throat.

"Mr Argent I believe we spoke that this would be a learning opportunity to give Nolan and a few others the chance to learn how to properly interrogate? He can't do that without a practical demonstration."

Gerard gave her a wan smile before agreeing. "I'm afraid you're right. Old habits die hard and it's sometimes difficult not to get taken away. Let's give the young man a chance to shine."

'Now Nolan." As she pulled him further forward to right in front of the little girl. "We need information on Scott and his pack. Pressure points are the key to doing that, think of it like hard boiled eggs without a little shell breaking you'd never be able to get what you want underneath. Any of the tools in front of you are at your disposal. It doesn't matter what you use but how effectively you use it because." Now staring at the little girl. "even monsters have breaking points."

Nolan was beginning to lose his battle with panicking as anxiety flooded through him. He still had no idea what to do. Theo wasn't supposed to come in unless it turned into mass destruction chaos and he was dying. If he played his part, then he might gain their trust and be able to rescue her later. They weren't asking him to kill her. Maybe by doing this Nolan could keep both of them alive.

However staring down into her eyes that were flowing with tears he knew he'd never be able to and felt his own fill up. The knife in his hand Monroe had thrust at him was shaking badly and he felt frozen. Everyone was staring at him waiting for him to do something. Joke's on them because not even he knew what he was going to do. Once again he was saved by Gabe.

"Let me do it and give Nolan a chance to observe a bit more." Throwing a practiced smirk. "Some people are just a tad slower learners than others."

Monroe didn't say anything for a minute looking between Nolan and Gabe face frighteningly blank, before she responded. "That's true Gabe, however sometimes you learn that some people just can't be taught. I hope this isn't true in your case, Nolan."

Feeling the knife ripped from his hand he was then shoved back and stared blankly at the scene in front of them. After they deemed Gabe experienced enough, they let another take his place before multiple people had tried. Then they moved onto another captured werewolf, this one middle-aged snarling furiously. They tortured him for hours, before Monroe finally chainsawed him in two. As punishment for failing the interrogation test she had Nolan and Sydney stay behind and clean up all the blood, while others disposed of the bodies. It was definitely dark by the time he got to leave.

Nolan couldn't remember making it to his car just one second he was leaving and the next Theo was screaming at him to pull over before they hit something. Yanking over to the shoulder of the road Nolan got out and let his knees hit the concrete. Sobs startled bubbling up out of his throat.

"Nolan what the hell happened in there?"

That was a question Nolan didn't want to answer and currently couldn't because he was crying too hard.

"Nolan, you have to calm down. Your heart rate is getting insanely high, and you need to breathe."

That for some reason Nolan found funny and was now laughing and crying to the point of almost not being able to breathe.

Theo tried a few other suggestions in between muttering that he was the worst person for this and was so out of his depth. Finally Nolan heard music piercing through his break through. A soothing tone with a warm melodic voice.

"Oh won't you come with me. Where the moon is made of gold. And in the morning sun we'll be sailing. Oh won't you come with me. Where the ocean meets the sky. And as the clouds roll by. We'll sing the song of the sea."

As if tied to it instinctively he felt his body calming down and listened to the rest of the song sobbing, dying down to nothing and feeling marginally back in control.

"How." He sniffed, rubbing his eyes. "did you know that would work?"

Theo just shrugged from his seated spot next to closing that app on his phone before sticking it back in his pocket. "I didn't. I just typed in lullabies into my phone, and that's one of the first results that popped up. I figured I don't know what else to try, and it couldn't make things worse."

It was so awkward despite the way Theo said them that Nolan couldn't help another laugh half hoping it didn't come out hysterical. He found Theo's eyes still on him.

"Do you want to tell me what happened now? And what was that about?"

"Can we do it in the car? I really just want to get home to shower and change."

"Fine but I'm driving as you nearly killed us 10 minutes ago."

Nolan handed the keys over without complaint. By the time they got home Nolan had explained exactly what happened, and Theo's face was once more unreadable. Nolan was starting to believe that was just his default expression. But all he said was to get some sleep, and that he'd talk to Scott in the morning. Though come by morning Nolan had gotten no sleep.

Her face was etched in his brain. He couldn't get it out no matter what he did nor the screaming and pleading cries. So two nights later when Theo was asleep he took off at 3 in the morning taking Theo's keys so he couldn't be followed and drove back to the warehouse with nothing but a barely thought out plan.

Making his way quickly to where she was thankfully still alive Nolan saw she was fast asleep still zip lined to the fucking wall. He made some noise hating the way she flinched when she saw him holding the knife. This is where his non-existent acting skills would need to come into play for the security cameras watching him in the room.

"Monroe said you've outlived your use and we need to get rid of you."

She didn't even beg anymore, just stared up at him sadly waiting for him to do it. He walked closer so he could lean right next to her ear. "I'm going to get you out of this but you need to do exactly as I say, or this won't work. I'm going to pretend to stab you, and you need to play dead. PLEASE if you can pretend for just a little bit I think we'll be able to leave here, don't say anything just wait a few seconds."

She didn't say anything, and he nicked her side but didn't stab her but from the angle you couldn't tell from the camera. He gave her credit, as she was a much better actress than him and gave a loud cry of pain before playing unconscious. Grabbing a bolt cutter he cut her loose before finding a body bag to put her in. The patrolling guards stopped and questioned him, but he just advised he was working on Monroe's orders to dispose of this one personally and no one questioned it.

Nolan lifted her into his trunk and unzipped it an inch so she could do the rest herself on the way home. When he pulled into his driveway he noticed two things. The first Theo was awake and sitting on his front porch steps. The second was by the look on his face he was absolutely furious.

"Where the hell have you been?" He spat out from gritted teeth. "And where are my damn keys?!"

He tossed them over which Theo caught in one hand, before Nolan opened the trunk quickly bringing the little girl out. Theo's face stuttered in shock.

"Nolan...what the hell did you do?"

"Um about that," Nudging everyone inside and out from the possibly public eyes of the street. "I managed a rescue mission."

By the time he finished explaining the girl was curled up on the couch asleep and Theo appeared torn between disbelief and exasperation which felt unwarranted.

"You," Theo pointed seriously at him. "have the self preservation instincts of a suicidal lemming. Seriously, how you have made it this far is mind blowing."

"I got her out." Because that seemed important to note. "without alarm bells raised."

"You Tipped Your Hand. There's no way Monroe and Gerard won't review that footage and know that you're not aligned with her. Unless they're complete idiots which spoiler alert they aren't!"

"Don't yell." Nolan mumbled glancing over. "You'll wake her up."

"Oh I'm sorry should I be whispering how much of an idiot you are because I can definitely do that. You can't go back to school now and you definitely can't go back to them. Not after saving a captured werewolf on camera. Scott and Argent were working on a plan to get her out undetected, but you just couldn't wait for that could you."

"No,"

Throwing up his hands in exasperation Theo couldn't help but complain. "Honestly I'm not surprised you belong in this pack more than I do impulsive heroic gestures are trademark McCall and Dunbar moves if I've ever seen them. Just," Shaking his head and releasing a much aggrieved sigh Theo added. "Go to bed I have calls to make and we'll need to figure out what to do with you both."

"Alright." At this rate Nolan wasn't even going to argue, because he was both physically and emotionally exhausted. He was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

He didn't go to school the next day and got his homework and updates via Liam, Corey, and Mason. Him and Theo were pretty content to stay out of each other's way, having absolutely no desire to try the other's patience or risk a confrontation.

It's been a few days of Nolan trying his best to do everything he could to pretend nothing had changed ignoring the texts he was getting from Gabe and some of the others. It left him alone with his thoughts. Was sticking a knife in his hands supposed to make things better? Make him feel empowered slicing into a weakened and tortured werewolf? The only thing it made him feel was more conflicted and distressed. He wanted no part in this war but being neutral wasn't really an option, because in Monroe's mind if you weren't with her you were against her.

Getting up to get a glass of water Nolan wandered downstairs in the dark using his phone to see. After quenching his thirst he wandered over to the giant glass windows in his living room as he was distracted by a light from outside. Wandering closer to get a better look his eyes widened as he barely made out the rifle being aimed in his direction. The gunmen appeared to be hesitating before firing.

"GET DOWN!" Theo shouted before Nolan felt his body instinctively move. Unfortunately where he moved was just on the floor in open space.

"Nolan get over here." Theo demanded from a protected corner as the bullets continued to fly and shoot up the inside of the house. He took one quick stock outside with his senses. It appeared to be just one assailant.

"I can't!" He screamed helplessly in fear, curled up in a ball and covering his head.

Gritting his teeth Theo army crawled over to him dragging him backwards away from the open space, so they were better protected from ricochets when it appeared to have stopped. Nolan made a questioning noise. Theo quickly shot his hand over to cover his mouth, as he concentrated on listening just in case they were reloading.

Apparently Monroe had changed things from when Gabe had shot up Scott's house, as this one was approaching to come inside to verify the kill rather than just drive away.

"They're coming inside." Theo murmured to Nolan, feeling him jerk in fear, eyes wide, and breathing rapidly through his nose. "Just stay here. I'm going to catch them behind the door. Don't move and stay quiet okay?"

Not waiting for him to respond Theo moved behind the front door and waited for the hunter to come inside. After picking the lock they kept their gun out in front of them. not even letting them get in four steps Theo grabbed them around the neck resisting the urge to twist it before kicking out their knees and bringing his fist down on the back of their head to knock them out. He next picked up the gun, bending it, so it wouldn't be usable before tossing it away. Theo finally glanced at Nolan.

"Do you recognize him?"

Nolan didn't appear to have heard him still staring now glass eyed off in the distant breathing not as rapidly as a panic attack but still off. Theo moved closer in confusion crouching right in front of him carefully grabbing his chin, turning his face slightly and studying his face before it dawned on him.

"Oh shit I think you're going into shock." 'Fuck' He thought as he ran to grab his phone from downstairs and sprinted back already having Scott's contact and dialing it.

"Theo? What's wrong?" He asked sleepily.

"Put your mom on, I need to talk to her."

"Why what's wrong?" Tiredness vanishing in a second after hearing that.

"I think Nolan's going into shock now." And he didn't know what to do.' is what he didn't say. He never experienced it himself, but he's seen it happen enough to know that the Doctors would have just deemed that a failed condition before terminating it. He then heard a few background noises before Melissa was put on.

"What happened?" She demanded, needing to know the cause of Theo's speculated guess.

"We were just shot at just like your house. So any advice on how to treat shock symptoms?"

He heard her suck in a breath. "Okay Theo I need you to tell me if Nolan has any of the following: cold and sweaty skin that may be pale or gray, weak but rapid pulse, irritability, irregular breathing, dizziness, profuse sweating, fatigue, dilated pupils, dazed eyes, anxiety, confusion, or nausea."

Theo studied him for a few moments longer. "Most of that he's not answering me and doesn't seem to have much awareness." Nolan then fell forward and Theo cursed as he dropped the phone to catch him.

"Is he bleeding anywhere?"

Laying him down before turning on the light even though Theo could catch the tiniest whiff of blood. He confirmed said catch at the sight of a tiny red streak across Nolan's shoulder. "Yes it looks like he got nicked, but I don't think it's serious enough to need stitches." Doing one more glance over he was satisfied he wasn't bleeding anywhere else.

"Okay that will need to be cleaned and bandaged but otherwise fine. You should make sure to lay him down and keep him warm. Raise his legs about one to two feet to get the blood returning to the heart and check his breathing. Keep his head turned to the side to prevent him from aspirating on vomit in case he's very nauseous. And don't give him anything to take by the mouth. We're on our way and should be there shortly. I'd normally say call this into the hospital immediately, but at the moment unfortunately I don't know who to trust over there at the moment."

"I understand. See you in a few." Before hanging up Theo did everything Melissa recommended trying a few times to talk to him, but Nolan appeared very confused. He was relieved to be taken off stand by as soon as Scott and his mom arrived, the latter immediately flocking Nolan to check on him. Scott however went straight to him asking to know more about what had happened. After relaying the events Theo couldn't help but state the obvious.

"We need a plan B Scott neither of us can stay here. We'd just be sitting ducks."

"I know you'll have to come with us, and I don't think it's safe for Nolan in school otherwise. I'm still working out a plan."

Their attention drew to the knocked out gunman on the floor, and Theo asked flatly. "And what do you have in mind for him? Interrogation?" Voice turning curious.

"Talking to him." Scott corrected forcefully. "I'm not torturing anyone for information or having you do it."

"I never said torture." Theo added glibly. "But the roof's high enough I think hanging off of it would work as an incentive."

Scott just looked unimpressed before responding no.

"Fine I shall leave that to you, but I'm ready to get out of here in case reinforcements arrive."

"One more thing." Scott said before smiling and giving Theo a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Thank you."

Theo eyed the arm before raising an eyebrow. "For what?"

"Saving Nolan's life twice I might add. I feel like we've lost enough to last a lifetime, and I'm not looking to lose anymore no matter how New they might be."

They both shifted to cast a quick look at Nolan and Melissa who was talking to him quietly while taking what stats she could before sharing a glance. Theo took the appreciation and gratitude for what it was at face value. He might not ever deserve Scott's forgiveness, but he wouldn't really say he was now ever prepared to stop wanting to try. It unexpectedly felt like it meant more than the dread doctor's approval ever did.

"If it helps he hesitated." At Scot's furrowed brow he elaborated. "Before he was about to shoot Nolan he hesitated, which I think gave us enough time to act. If he didn't well...the windows were open, Nolan was frozen, and he had a clear shot. So at least that's something."

"You're right. It's something."

Announcing he was going to get his stuff Theo got in his truck and followed the McCall's to their new secure location where hopefully he'd have a plan for what they were going to do next about all of this.

The plan was apparently that he was permanent bodyguard and babysitter to not only Nolan but Mason now too as the three descended into the tunnels to track Aaron one half of the Anuk-Ite. It didn't take long for it to all go to shit and now Mason was injured on his watch which he would no doubt get blamed for. He tried to take his pain to frustratingly no effect. Even after all of his research and knowledge of werewolves Theo had no idea how to do this.

"You can't take pain if you don't care." Mason told him with an almost pitying expression. It made Theo release his arm, no longer wanting his expression to be studied. By the time they returned the overall morale over everyone was at an all time low.

At this point Nolan felt almost past being completely drained, as if everything now was just numb. After being shot at, living in constant fear and getting threats the last few weeks he just wanted to be done. But in order to be done their side had to win and end Monroe and Gerard's war once and for all.

Seated on the back steps of one of Chris Argent's safe houses Nolan leaned his head against the railing post. Scott and Malia were out training with Deucalian. The others were all inside preparing to take off on their own missions soon, if they hadn't left already. He and Theo were supposed to hang back as backup and await further instructions from Scott.

"Thought I was supposed to be the loner in this group, though you're really giving me a run for the title." If he had the energy Nolan would have startled as Theo rarely sought him out unless he needed to. The other took a seat on the same step next to the opposite railing post. "You look about as good as all of us feel."

He bit back the out of place giggle before it could get out. "Well spotted Theo."

Theo ignored that, leaning his arms on his knees and staring out at the expanse of the backyard. "So let's talk about it."

"Why?" What good had sharing anything ever gotten him in the past.

Letting out a scoff Theo explained. "Because the way I understand it that's how all of this started right? Being able to talk about what you're feeling and confide in someone? You're a sixteen year old kid, and your introduction to the supernatural was terrifying and traumatizing for you. And the one person you were supposed to be able to trust used that against you in order to get what she wanted."

Nolan looked down, unable to add a comment on that.

"I also think these past few weeks I've watched you shy away from everyone in Scott's pack. Your old friends have turned their backs on you, and your family from what I've seen is never around."

"What's your point?" Nolan whispered around a lump in his throat having more depressing reality shoved in his face.

"The point." Theo said slowly as if stressing. "Is that you feel you have no one to turn to. You've closed yourself up to everyone, and if you keep at it eventually you'll break. So talk to me."

"You...want me to talk about how I'm feeling?"

"Yes because if we go out tonight. I want you in the right head-space."

"But again...why?" Nolan couldn't help but ask one of his many buried worries rising to the surface and out into the light. "I mean wouldn't all of your lives be easier without having to worry about me being around?" He began fidgeting with his cuffs around his wrists from his sweater. "I know I'm not pack , I don't fit in. I'm human but not a capable one. I can't handle a weapon, I can barely shoot a gun. I don't have any purpose here and." His voice breaking up towards the end as hot tears ran down. "I'm just so tired."

It was quiet for a few moments as Theo gave Nolan a chance to collect himself. "I'm not great at comforting people, not genuinely at least, and any of those people in there would probably know exactly the right thing to say and not muck this up." Pausing at Nolan's snort. "But honestly forget about what your value is here and if you have a purpose. What made you decide to switch sides in the first place?"

He didn't have to think long for his answer. "Because I was tired of being afraid and thought I stood a better chance with your side. And...I started to question if what Monroe was doing was really right. When I decided it wasn't then I didn't want to be a part of it. I had this idea that I might be able to help."

"Exactly. You already demonstrated that you belong here and are capable when you try. Pretty sure that's the only thing that matters. Not to mention you saved that kid werewolf's life."

Maybe it did. Maybe it didn't Nolan honestly couldn't say. "Can you promise me one thing?"

Theo turned his upper body to face him and gave him a serious skeptical look. "I'm not going to agree, until I hear what it is."

Releasing a sigh Nolan continued. "I don't know what's going to happen tonight. If I'm going to make it out, or if I even want to at this point. But can you let my parents know just in case something does? They...they deserve to know from someone other than the police what happened."

With a look that bore into him Theo replied. "I'll make one promise that tonight you are my number one priority. Not Scott or Liam, not Monroe, not even Gerard. You. Because if anything I can enlist someone else to work on your non-existent self esteem and self worth and get you to value your life again. At the very least I can keep you safe."

Somewhat curious what was driving the other Nolan kept his questions to himself. Theo was a mystery he could work out on a later day if he made it to one. Before he could close his eyes again and lean back against the pole he felt a hand wrap around his bicep and pull him up in one move. "Hey-"

"Come on. We're going for a drive. I'm not waiting here any longer for further instructions. We can get them on the road. And you said you're tired so you can sleep in the passenger seat."

Pulling open the door to said seat Nolan slid inside. "This is just a normal drive right? Not secretly code for your going to kill me and dump my body in a lake right?" He tried joking but Theo just narrowed his eyes at him.

"How much did Liam tell you about me?"

"What? I wasn't serious wait...have you done that before?!"

Theo didn't answer but instead tossed his jacket at him. "Get some sleep Nolan."

Sleep 'ha' that was a hilarious joke especially with a potential killer driving him. His body however disagreed and 37 minutes into the drive he woke up to drool on his face and a call that Theo was wrapping up from Scott.

It seemed things were finally coming to a final point. And while there were many uncertainties Nolan at least knew his days of being a pawn were over. Because at least on Scott's side he knew where he stood and had the freedom to make his own decisions. What was considered a monster in his mind was defined a bit differently than it was at the start of last year.