LIAM

It was one of those days when Liam decided to run to school. "Decide" was more of an understatement. If his wolf had its way, he would've been naked, so he can count himself lucky. He could resist his other half that much, but the feel of the wild still called his name. His wolf comes out more when he's under a lot of stress. Although he can thank his furry half this time because if he hadn't been running to school, he never would've found Theo.

Liam heard Theo before he saw him. He listened to the swift glide of the rubber wheels as they stuttered against the pavement. His ears pick up on the rough beating of his heart against his chest. He hears Theo let out a yell as he falls off his skateboard and skids down the pool. Liam's feet immediately start taking him in the other boy's direction like they had a mind of their own.

It was still early, the sun just coming up. Liam wondered how long Theo had been out there. He was skating in Mrs. Fredrickson's empty pool. She was gone for the week, so she probably didn't even know Theo was there. He didn't know whether Theo didn't care or was just plain dumb. Mrs. Fredrickson was a mean old woman, but she's always had a soft spot for Liam's innocent attitude. She clearly didn't know Theo was using her pool as a halfpipe.

Liam watched Theo get back up and pick up his board. He didn't even let the fall phase him. Liam didn't mean to stare. It's not like he was any good. He was actually awful. He had the gliding back and forth across the pool down, but if he tried to do anything else he'd fall flat on his face. Liam definitely wasn't staring for his impressive talent.

In all his gazing, the realization that this boy looked familiar struck Liam. He recognized him from last night. He was apparently an old friend of Scott and Stiles. Stiles doesn't seem to trust him, but Scott hasn't said anything against him. Come to think of it, Scott hasn't really said anything about him. Stiles, on the other hand, always thinks somebody is up to no good.

There was nothing wrong with Liam just looking at him, though. And look, he did. Liam liked the way Theo's body moved on his skateboard. He looked so carefree. Liam hid a snort when Theo fell again, trying to do a handplant. He leaned against a tree, branches slightly covering him from the other boy's view. He doesn't know how long he stood there, watching him. Liam decided he should probably get to school, but in his haste to leave, he made a loud rustling and snapping of twigs noise. The noise surprised Theo into whipping his head in Liam's direction. Liam must've spooked him because, with one look at him, Theo was falling off his board, hard. Liam hears a small crunching noise once he hits the bottom, but he's not sure if he broke anything. Theo gasps in pain from the bottom of the pool. Liam scurries over to the edge, looking down at him.

Theo is clutching his elbow but seems to recover quickly. He slowly sits up before blinking up at Liam. Theo looks at him, shocked to see him there. Liam gives him an off smile, still feeling bashful from being caught staring. He leans over the edge of the empty pool.

"Are you okay?" Liam calls down to Theo.

"Yeah. I'm fine," Theo replies, although he looks at Liam with confusion on his face. Probably wondering what a freak like Liam is doing watching him skate up and down a vacant pool.

"Are you sure? It looked pretty bad," Liam asks again.

"Yeah, it's just a scratch." Theo stands up, getting ready to grab his board when he realizes it's not there. He is startled when Liam jumps down into the pool in front of him, holding his board.

"Drop something?"

Theo takes it from him hesitantly. "Thanks," he murmurs. He looks at Liam, a little wide-eyed. Liam thinks it makes the green in his eyes sparkle. He can hear Theo's heart beating really fast, and the underlying scent of fear catches his nose.

"I didn't mean to stare," Liam rushes out before Theo can move, holding his hand out in front of him. "I swear I wasn't trying to be a creep or anything."

Theo shrugs and the side of his lip twitches up. "It's okay. Not much of a show, anyway. As you could see, I suck," Theo snorts.

"I wouldn't say that," Liam's voice squeaks.

"Call it what you want, man. Anybody can see how truly awful I am."

Liam smiles at him. "Okay, yeah, it was pretty bad," he laughs. He looks at him for a moment before saying, "Theo, right?"

Theo blinks. He narrows his eyes at Liam as he starts to say, "How do you—"

Liam is quick to correct his mistake and says, "I-I'm friends with Scott and Stiles."

Theo's shoulders sag, and he nods. "Oh. Right, yeah, I think I saw you there last night. Sorry, my brain doesn't really function right until after 9 am."

Liam chuckles. "Not a morning person?"

"Not usually." Theo glances down and sighs before saying, "They don't like me, do they? Scott and Stiles."

Liam blinks at the sudden question. "They do. At least I think so."

Theo shrugs. "I don't know a lot of people around here and I don't know. I thought at least one familiar face would've been nice."

"No, I get it," Liam says as he turns back to get out of the pool.

He had to use all his upper strength to lift himself out. He would've used his super strength, but he didn't want to make it look too obvious in front of Theo. He turns back and crouches down, stretching out a hand toward Theo. The other boy looks at his hand like it was diseased.

Liam shakes his hand a little. "I won't bite," he tells him.

Theo sighs and throws his board up. It hits the top of the pool with a small clank. He pulls himself up, holding onto Liam's hand. Liam grabs onto his bicep and in one swift pull, Theo is on the upper ground. Liam couldn't help showing off just a little.

"Woah!" Theo gasps. "Thanks. You're like crazy strong." Liam shrugs and Theo smiles at him. Liam leans down and picks up his board again.

"I wouldn't worry about Scott and Stiles too much," Liam says, handing Theo his skateboard. "They're good guys. Especially Scott. When I started at Beacon High last year, he took me under his wing. I was having some trouble adjusting, and he's been there for me ever since."

Theo nods. "Thanks, um..." Liam realizes he never actually introduced himself to the other boy.

"Oh!" Liam struck his hand out for Theo to take. "Liam Dunbar."

Theo chuckles before shaking Liam's hand. "Theo Raeken." He chances a glance around before sitting down, swinging his legs over the side of the pool. Liam sits down next to him. "How'd you find me here, anyway?"

"I like to run to school sometimes; clears my head. Mrs. Fredrickson lets me cut through to avoid the intersection."

"Oh, I saw the for sale sign; it looked empty. I figured it'd be fine."

"For the most part, it usually is empty. I think you're good."

"So, do you skateboard?" Theo asks Liam, trying to make conversation with him. Liam knows he should get to school, but he wants to stay and talk to Theo.

Liam smirks, "Not really."

"Yeah, me neither."

"Yeah, I could tell," he chuckles.

Theo looks at him with a grin. "Oh, he's got jokes, does he?" He pushes Liam with his shoulder and they both laugh.

Liam looks at Theo and thinks he has a pretty smile. He wants to stay, get to know the other boy and make him smile some more. He knows he needs to go, though. He's supposed to meet Mason before school so they can compare their new schedules.

"I should go," Liam announces. Theo looks disappointed as he stands up, and it makes Liam want to kick himself. "School."

"Yeah, I should get going, too." Theo looks down at his watch and his eyes widen. "Guess I lost track of time."

Liam is already heading for the fence as he says, "See ya, Theodore."

"It's Theo!"