Warning: Graphic depiction of sexual assault and graphic violence
Justin and Jessica are drunkly making out togeher while stumbling through the hallway to Jessica's bedroom. Justin opens the door behind Jessica before the couple continue to stumble into her bedroom, the two giggling in each others' hold. Lust and intoxication from the alcohol they drank earlier completely enveloped in their minds.
They fall onto her bed together, the two still making out passionately. "Justin..." Jessica giggles. "You're so hot. I can keep my eyes off of you!" Justin grins amorously, which arouses Jessica with a smile, giggling again "Or your hands." As Justin continues to kiss down into Jessica, she begins to go drowsy. The alcohol beginning to black her out "Hang on. Please." Justin notices this and asks Jessica in concern, "Hey, are you ok?" Jessica moans in response. "You need some water?" he continues to ask. "I—I'm just—just gonna close my eyes for a second..." she does a small laugh, smiling.
"You wanna—You wanna mess around for a little bit? Huh?" Justin giggles as he plays around Jessica's hand in her face, which earns a tired whine from Jessica in disapproval as she finally blacks out. Respecting her decision, he gives her a kiss in the forehead. Justin stares down into Jessica's sleeping face for a moment, a warm and loving smile in his drunken face. He feels happy and grateful being with her. The two months (and counting) being the one thing in his life that's completely worth to live for. He thought that Jessica will forever be his light in his completely dark and fucked up world.
After staring at his sleeping girlfriend for a moment, Justin gets off the bed and fixes himself before he proceeds to open the bedroom door and head out, wanting to make sure no other drunk guys and girls go stumbling into Jessica's bedroom while she's still knocked out. He closes the door behind him when he sees Bryce charging into him and tackles him to the door, the boys laughing together.
"Hey—Hey dude." Justin continues to giggle.
"You wanna—hang out?" Bryce asks, his tone sounding slur as he's also pretty drunk while he opens the door half open behind Justin.
"Oh. No—No dude, I'm all right." Justin notices the door and closes it softly, making sure not to disturb Jessica. He gives a small laugh, "I'm sticking around for Jessica. She's—She's so wasted." The boys laugh share together for a moment. "I'll bet you had some fun with her, didn't you?" Bryce asks before he proceeds to open the door again and try to peek at Jessica, "Let me see." Before Bryce can get in, Justin stops him and closes the door again, "Dude—Dude, she's really out right now." Bryce whines and persists, "Oh come on, man... Just wanna have some fun dude. We're just gonna have some fun..." he tries to open the door again, but Justin stops him, now starting to feel slightly annoyed.
"Dude, she's—she's my girlfriend."
"Buddy, come on. She's your summer hookup." he walks up to Justin, his grinning face right in front of Justin's face.
"What's mine is yours, right?"
Justin starts to feel conflicted, he doesn't want anything weird or bad happening to Jessica while she's still wasted, but Bryce have always gotten Justin's back. Letting Justin stay at his place whenever one of Justin's mom's shitty boyfriends is fucking with Justin, buying for Justin a lot of stuff that he couldn't afford like the clothes, drugs, food, even school. Bryce is all Justin's got as his mother's too neglectful of her own son. And Justin felt that he really owes his best buddy so much for helping him.
Eventually, Justin gives in and let's Bryce inside Jessica's bedroom, thinking that maybe Bryce is just gonna peek at his wasted girlfriend. After Bryce closes the door behind him, Justin begins to feel a sense of uneasiness boil up in his body. At first, Justin thinks that it's only for a couple of seconds that Bryce will check Jessica out, but as seconds tick by, the unnerving feeling grows ever more stronger. And when a couple of seconds turn to too long, Justin sighs and decides to knock on the door to let Bryce know it's enough.
Unfortunately, Bryce doesn't respond. Knowing that this is already getting too far, Justin decides to put his foot down and tell Bryce that it is enough. For once, Justin felt that this is already where he draws the line. He opens the door and barges inside the bedroom, seeing Bryce's pants already unzipped. "Dude, hey come on. Come on! Leave her alone, get off her." he tries to get Bryce out, but he snaps back at Justin and forcefully pushes Justin out, "Get the fuck out of here!"
"Hey! Hey! Dude, dude! Don't!" Justin panics and frantically yells at Bryce as he throws Justin out of the bedroom and slams the door shut before he locks the door.
Justin lays on the floor, his eyes beginning to well up as he realizes what he had done and what is now about to happen, his memories of his childhood trauma flashing in his eyes, and whatever had happened to him is now about to happen to Jessica. It's worse that the person who's about to hurt her is his own best friend. His very own best friend. The person who kept calling him brother like he means it. And he didn't stop him. The feeling of dread turns into fear. He felt helpless, weak, not sure what to do. He could call the police, but it would mean he'll lose Bryce. But if he doesn't do something, he will lose Jessica. It's a hard decision to make for Justin.
And then that fear turns into anger, Justin starts to feel himself get riled up. His blood beginning to boil. His best friend has betrayed him. He betrayed his own best friend. And for what? Just to do some hook up with his best friend's girlfriend, especially when clearly she's not giving consent. He hurt Justin. He hurt Jessica. He hurt Hannah. Hell. He hurt everyone. And the guy didn't give a shit of how much trouble, damage, and hurt he has done.
And then...
Fear turns into hate.
He hates Bryce. He hates what he's done that hurt people. He hates his fucked up life. He hates himself. He hates everything. HE HATES EVERYTHING.
Fed up with everything, Justin begins to feel himself lose control, his chest convulsing as his breathing get harder. He begins to shift, his warm greenish blue eyes turning into ferocious piercing yellow eyes, his teeth beginning to bare fangs, and his nails now baring sharp claws. His vision turns into a deep blood red, his bloodlust have reached its peak and completely overwhelms his humanity.
With wide angry eyes, Justin immedietly gets up and roars monstrously as he barges down the bedroom door. He looks up to see Bryce, raping Jessica. Bryce moaning in pleasure while Jessica cries and wails in terror of Bryce forcing himself into her unwillingly. He turns around to see Justin's snarling monstrous and angry face, a look of terror all over his face, "WHAT THE FUCK?!" Bryce exclaims in horror as Justin lunges at Bryce and throws him across the room with full werewolf strength. "JUSTIN?!" Bryce whimpers before he screams when Justin lunges at Bryce again and begins to frantically, mercilessly, and monstrously slash and tear Bryce apart.
Jessica looks on in horror at Justin just destroying Bryce, splattering flesh and blood everywhere, all over the pink bedroom. Bryce's blood splashes all over Jessica, covering her in blood. She begins to cry and sob at what is happening as she continues to see the monster that was Justin tear Bryce apart, his blood all over Justin's body, and Bryce's blood-curdling scream invading her ears.
Justin stops slashing Bryce, who completely stops screaming and his body have been torn apart by Justin's own clawed hands. He viciously snarls as he slowly turns to Jessica, her face completely covered in blood and in pure terror. He bares his fangs and growls at Jessica.
"J-Justin?" Jessica whimpers as she cowers back at the bed, at the corner of her room, trying to call out to Justin, but the boy is no longer there, standing before her is a beast that used to be Justin.
His beastly instincts and bloodlust having overtaken him, Justin roars and lunges at her as Jessica loudly screams in terror.
Justin shoots up from his bed with a startled gasp. He feels himself completely covered in sweat, his breathing shaky. His eyes wide open in shock.
Justin had been having nightmares of Bryce raping Jessica frequently before.
Now, this one's even more terrifying than before. His nightmare had been twisted into an even more horrifying turn. What used to be a guilt-tripping memory that haunts him most nights has now evolved into a monstrous gore. He never had these kinds of nightmares before. Just as he continues to think about the nightmare—
"Justin—you ok?" Justin is snapped out of his thoughts and turn to see Scott by the bathroom door, wearing a black jacket with a flag patch on his left sleeve, with a white v-neck shirt underneath, and blue jeans. Scott stares at Justin with a worrisome look, seeing how Justin looks startled just now when he came out of the bathroom. "I—I'm fine. Just—a bad dream it's all." Scott raises and eyebrow and tries to check on him. "Are you sure, Justin? You seem like you saw a ghost or something." Scott gives Justin a look, but he turns a way. "I said I'm fine. Ok?" Scott can sense Justin feeling bothersome and decides not too push it, but Scott knows he can't just leave it in the fire for too long or it'll be too late.
"Anyway, go eat first, take a shower, and get yourself dressed. We're gonna go out and hang out."
"Hang out?" Justin feels confused first, but remembers last night. Oh. Right.
"O-Oh. Yeah. Right uh—almost forgot about it. Yeah, I'll just eat, shower, and get dressed quickly." Justin quickly gets up, looking like he's going to miss something important. Scott laughs in amusement at how Justin looks, "Hey, there's no hurry, alright? It's not like you're going to miss the train or something. Take your time, I'll wait till you're ready."
Justin looks at Scott for a moment before he proceeds to do as he's supposed to do, "Ok. Just—I don't want to keep you waiting for too long."
"I know. Just saying no pressure." Scott gives a reassuring smile at Justin.
Justin and Scott rode on Scott's motorcycle to the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Park. When they park at the parking near the entrance, Justin notices where they are. "What are we doing here?" Justin asks, having no idea why they're at a park. "We're gonna go hiking." Scott puts away his and Justin's helmets inside his motorcycle before he and Justin head inside the park, Justin following Scott behind.
"Hiking? I—I'm not sure if I can—"
"It'll be fun. Trust me. And if ever you feel tired and need to rest, we can rest. Besides, we have the whole day to spend time together."
Justin furrows his eyebrows, seeing how this is going to go.
"I still don't want to talk about it."
"Talk about what?" Now it's Scott's turn furrowing his eyebrows.
"Oh, I don't know. Me?" Justin replies sarcastically.
Scott laughs in amusement again, "Well, it's not what I want to talk about, but it's an idea you just gave me since to be honest, I literally have no idea what to talk about." Justin looks at Scott in bewilderment before he eye rolls and sighs in annoyance. "I still ain't talking." said Justin as they begin trekking up into the trails leading into a forest. "Why not?" Scott glances at Justin behind him for a second before looking back at the forest trail in front of them. "Cause we like—only met two days ago. Just—feels really weird, dude..."
"Hmm. Well, good point. If you don't want to tell me about yourself, it's ok. As long as your ready. Just—need to get to know you."
"And why's that?" Justin narrows his eyes and stops following Scott, the feeling of uneasiness creeping inside him. At the same time, Scott stops as well and looks at Justin with a stern look. "So I can help you, Justin. So I can help you get through this. But if you don't feel ready, as I said, I'll wait. It's up to you when you're ready. Just—don't take too long until it's too late. Alright? In the mean time..." Scott turns back and continues hiking through the forest and gestures around the peaceful and empty forest, "let's talk about just how beautiful nature is. Some fresh air, some warm sunlight, the tranquility. Away from the bustling city and in a place where we can clear our heads."
Justin looks on at Scott, still continuing to hike on the trail, not looking back. He still isn't sure how they can get along. He did only cpme so he can learn to control his werewolf powers and nothing else. He didn't want to have some bonding time with his supposed savior since they only know each other for two days. But at the same time, he starts to feel guilty that he's starting to act like an asshole, noticing himself that he's being bitter like he was before back in Liberty. If the Justin before he ran away is another person, the Justin now would beat the shit out of the past Justin for being a total dick to everyone.
Sighing, Justin reluctantly follows Scott through the peaceful and empty forest trail. The two hike together through the tranquil forest, not a single soul in sight, which seems to make Justin feel uneasy as anything can happen to them since they're alone. But as time goes by, the peaceful aura of the forest gradually grows on Justin. Helps that Scott is commenting at how beautiful and tranquil the forest is, which allows for Justin to feel like he's not in the dark all alone, but instead someone leading him through the dark and towards the light that seems so far out of reach for Justin.
It's...comforting...
It's what Justin is beginning to feel now...
The echoing voice in his head telling him he can always take another shot being far from his mind right now...
While still praising the beautiful forest, Scott looks back while hiking to see Justin trailing behind him, from the look of his face, he can tell he is lost in his thoughts. From the way he looks, Justin looks like a lost puppy trailing behind the strong wolf that is the Alpha. It warms Scott in sentimentality seeing Justin look...well...
Baby steps, Scott... Baby steps... Scott is glad that this is progress, seeing Justin at least more stable than before. With the vibe of the forest helping them, Scott knew bringing Justin here for a hike will help him feel better, at ease.
Then, a random idea pops up in Scott's mind. It would be a fun thing to do while also teaching Justin of his werewolf powers. "Hey, Justin. Come." Scott calls out and gestures Justin to follow him to a nearby sturdy tree, it snaps Justin out of his thoughts. "Um—ok?" Justin follows him, although not getting the idea of what Scott is asking him to do. When they both reach the tree, "So why are we at this tree?" Justin asks and Scott flicks his claws and shows them to Justin with a smirk, "Let's carve something."
"O-Oh. You mean—carve something on the tree?" Justin asks.
"Yep. Let's carve something on this tree."
"Is it kinda considered—vandalism?" a hint of hesitance is in Justin's voice, but Scott reassures him.
"Not really. Some people who hike around the forest also carve something on the tree. So it's fine."
"Ok."
"I'll go first." Scott proceeds to carve the tree with his name, labelling it "SM" for Scott McCall. He turns to Justin, "Your turn." Justin goes to the tree and tries to copy how Scott flicks out his claws. His claws didn't come out. Justin sighs and tries to do it again a couple of times. Unfortunately, his claws still didn't come out. "Fuck's sake." Justin curses in frustration, repeatedly attempting to try again with no luck.
Scott sees the struggle Justin is going through and grabs his wrist to stop him from throwing his hand carelessly, freezing Justin for a moment and he sighs in defeat. "Ok. How you can flick out your claws, you need to concentrate on it, you have to want to bring them out."
"Yeah, sounds so fucking easy." Justin scoffs.
"I know, easy said than done. Just concentrate, Justin. And you flick your claws out like this." Scott demonstrates Justin on how to flick the claws out, swiftly flicking them out of both his hands and shows his claws to Justin before Scott retracts his claws. "Now you try. Try again. Just relax. You got this." Scott encourages Justin as he tries to concentrate himself of wanting to bring out his claws. With a deep breath, closing his eyes to ease himself, he flicks his hands.
When he opens his eyes and looks at his both his hands, he sees his werewolf claws protruding out of his fingers. His breath hitched for a moment, surprised to see his own claws. But didn't take a moment until he smiles at himself, "Oh shit." Justin exclaims as Scott smiles at Justin, proud of him. "Good job, dude. Good job." Scott moves aside and gestures Justin to carve something on the tree as well. "Now go ahead, man. What do you want to carve on this tree?" Justin goes to the tree and looks at where the "SM" initials are. Justin ponders what he can carve on the tree. At first, he though of doing "S + N" for Sid and Nancy or "J + J" instead. Both of them referring to Justin and Jessica. However, Justin felt the guilt hitting him again.
How do I have the audacity to think I deserve her...? Justin chastises himself. Added, Scott might ask him about what the initials mean. He turns to Scott, a look of indecisiveness all over Justin's face. Scott shrugs at Justin, telling Justin it's up to him on what he wants to carve. Not wanting to overthink, Justin decides to do the same as Scott. He carves his name beside Scott's, the initals "JF" for Justin Foley, next to "SM".
Justin sighs at himself while he retracts his werewolf claws, knowing it's the best he can come up while also knowing Scott is going to ask him about what the initials mean and find out his full name. He begins to feel anxious if Scott would be familiar of his name since Hannah's suicide and trial is the current big news in America as of now. "Does your initials mean your full name?" Scott eventually asks the question Justin feels anxious of. He nods at Scott, his lips closed tight, looking away from Scott in shame of himself. "Ok." is all Scott says as he turns back to the forest trail leading up to the peak of the valley, Scott decides it's up to Justin if he wants to tell Scott his full name to get to know him, not wanting to be pushy and overbearing to Justin.
"Come on, dude. Let's go. Gotta reach the peak before the sunset comes."
Justin takes a deep breath and hikes back to the trail with Scott, "Alright."
It only takes a couple of hours until the Alpha and his Beta reach the peak view of the valley.
The clear bluish orange sky shining over the valley. The view is breathtaking. Justin feels pretty tired from the hike and sits on the log bench that's facing the view. After a moment, Scott steadily goes to the log bench and Justin turns to his right to see Scott beside him, still standing. "You don't mind me sitting beside you, Justin?" Justin takes a moment before he nods to Scott, allowing him to sit beside Justin. Scott gives a small smile and sits on the bench with Justin.
The two sit together in silence for some time, both of them taking in a moment to admire the beautiful view of the valley. At this moment, Justin feels at peace, in tranquil, breathing in the valley air freely. When Scott glances at Justin, he can see his face all relaxed, which makes Scott feel glad that Justin is doing good. He turns back to the view of the valley.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" said Scott.
"Yeah...it is... This—This view is actually awesome."
"I know right. If I had a girlfriend, I'd bring her up here every now and then."
Justin turns to look at Scott with a curious look, "You ever had a girlfriend?" Scott turns to look back at Justin, taking a moment before he eventually answers, "Yeah... Thrice..." That catches Justin off-guard, never did he thought Scott had three girlfriends. "But I'm single right now so..." Scott shrugs, trying to dismiss the subject. "How about you? Do you ever had a girlfriend before, Justin?" Justin starts to feel anxious again, not really wanting to talk about Jessica. Just bringing up her name already pains his heart. When he glances at Scott, looking in his eyes, he gives off a gentle and benevolent vibe.
Eventually, he answers, "Y-Yeah. I have..."
"Are you two still together?"
Justin sighs and looks down, his eyes slightly welling up before he blinks away the tears and wiping the some tears away, hoping Scott didn't see. "No... Not—anymore..." Scott sees Justin beginning to feel upset. "Hey, it's—it's ok." Scott tries to reassure Justin. "No..." Justin's voice croak, shaking his head in disapproval. "No, it's—not ok." he begins to sniff and he tries to wipe away his tears that are starting to slip out of his eyes.
Scott gives a sympathetic look at Justin, "What makes you say that?" Justin couldn't bear saying anymore about Jessica, he couldn't open up about why he lost her. Why he failed her. However, Justin tries to suck it up, not wanting to pry himself open, feel too vulnerable. "It's—It's nothing." Justin coughs and brings up his wall to cover himself up. Noticing that he's making Justin feel more upset and uncomfortable, Scott doesn't push the question any further, but proceeds to give Justin a comforting hug. It catches Justin off-guard and tries to resist it, feeling a hint of embarrassment welling up inside him. "Um—Scott, I'm—ok. Really. It's nothing." Scott doesn't know why Justin and his girlfriend aren't together anymore, but he understands how Justin feels.
"I understand. I know I don't know you at all and why you and her aren't together anymore. But...I understand..." Scott doesn't let go of the hug despite Justin feeling really bewildered and bothered. But the longer he hugged Justin, the more comforting Justin started to feel. Eventually, Justin embraces Scott back, holding each other tight. He feels his eyes welling up more and ends up letting a tear slip down and landing on Scott's back. Scott felt something wet on his back, but doesn't react to it as he continues hugging Justin while he pats Justin's back, feeling the need to comfort him.
When the two break off the hug and look at each other, no longer feeling hesistant "Foley. Foley is my last name..." Justin reveals what the initials on the tree he and Scott carved earlier mean. "Justin Foley? That's your full name?" Scott clarifies Justin, who nods at him, saying yes. Justin prepares for whatever reaction Scott will make, feeling anxious if Scott will still care for Justin despite likely knowing that he's involved in Hannah's case.
"Ok." Scott shrugs, his face showing no signs of judgement, but doesn't seem to recognize something about Justin either. He never expected this kind of reaction. "Ok?" Justin feels confused, but doesn't really show it in his face. "Yeah. I mean—it's just your full name, right?"
Justin blinks for a moment and answers to Scott, "Yeah. It's—my full name."
"Ok then." Scott brings up his hand to Justin, a smile on Scott's face, which makes Justin feel more confused.
"Nice to meet you, Justin Foley. I'm Scott, Scott McCall."
It didn't take long for Justin to see what's going on. He chuckles at how this feels pretty ridiculous, albeit he gives a small smile and takes Scott's hand, earning the two a handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Scott McCall." the two let go of their handshake.
"Are you ready to learn?"
Justin takes a moment to think what Scott meant, but remembers why they're here.
"Yeah. I'm—I'm ready."
This earns a smile from Scott as he stands up, "Alright then, let's get started."
Scott pats Justin on the shoulder as Justin stands up and follows Scott. He begins to learn the werewolf 101 from Scott.
Justin's first training with Scott went pretty well, not really amazing, but not shabby at all either. He was struggling at times, but Scott have been helpful to Justin. And with how Scott was teaching him, it felt serious, but at the same time, it was like he was learning himself. Seeing how he has those werewolf abilities, it felt amazing to Justin. And it's just the beginning.
Guess being a werewolf is kinda awesome. Justin thought as he rides with Scott on the motorbike on the way back to Oakland, the sun already almost setting as they arrive back in the town. However, when they arrive back, Justin notices that Scott is taking a different direction instead of going to the motel.
"Where are we going?"
"Figured we could go have dinner somewhere. At least to mix things up since we kept eating in the motel room so yeah."
"What about Alec?"
"Already there waiting for us."
The two arrive at a diner where they park the bike by the sidewalk, Justin sees through the diner window to see Alec already sitting inside, waiting for them. Justin and Scott get off the bike and proceed to go inside the diner. When they're inside, Alec turns to see Scott and Justin already walking to the table he's in, he gives a small smile.
"Hey."
"Hey, Alec."
"Hey..." Justin nods a Alec before he and Scott sit done with Alec, Scott sitting beside Alec while Justin is sitting across them. The three order together their dinner, Scott and Alec both order a steak and burger with fries while Justin only orders a burger, which bothers Scott. "Dude, why only a burger?" said Scott. Justin gives an apologetic look, "I—I'm ok. I can just have a burger. Don't want you to pay too much." Scott furrows in concern. "Dude, you are having a steak and burger with fries too. Look at you, you're really skinny right now. You being homeless for I don't know how long definitely gave you a hard time eating enough." Scott insists to Justin.
"It's fine. I don't mind if it helps you feel better."
"Am I?"
Scott doesn't answer and sighs, "Look, I don't know what's up with you, but you still need to eat enough. You look like you barely ate for years. So Justin—it's ok. I'm ordering a steak and burger with fries for you."
Justin tries to insist more he'll be fine with the burger only, but decides to give up on it and just let Scott do it, feeling that he'd be rude to decline Scott. Although Justin still feels despondent of himself, thinking himself how they could still be here for him. They don't even know him, they only know him for three days now. It felt...off...
Justin knows it'll only be a matter of time until Scott and Alec will know who he is and what he has done that got him in the streets for three months. He simply sits in silence, looking out through the diner window while Scott and Alec chat together, focusing on Alec's plan for his life. He pays no attention to them, only staring out through the window with his head resting on his hand. He notices a group of high school guys, looking like jocks as they're wearing varsity jackets. He stares blankly at them, memories of his time in Liberty flashing in his mind. Seeing them reminds him of why he hates himself so much now, his nose flaring up in anger of himself.
As the jocks pass by, he sees a couple walking by a couple of minutes later. Justin sees the couple laughing together, holding each others' hands. The guy pulls out his phone and does a selfie pic with his girlfriend. The flash of the phone flashes in Justin's already glassy eyes. He shuts his eyes off, trying to keep himself from letting a single tear fall. How the world is being so much of a torture to Justin. Always reminding him of the sins and wrongdoings he has done in his life.
"Hey, Justin." Scott calls out to him, snapping him out of his self-hatred turmoil that's been going on inside of himself. "Yeah?" Justin asks. "Since Alec is going to be busy with figuring out with his life..." Scott turns to Alec, giving him the look, who is already giving him a glare at Scott, before turning back to Justin "...I'm gonna need a new assistant, part time."
Justin frowns in confusion, "So what are you telling me?"
"I'm hiring you." Scott gestures at Justin.
"Wait, what? Why me?"
"Because one, as I said, Alec needs to focus on himself, figure out how to start his life. Two, it can be pretty lonely not having someone with me to assist me at least. Three, so I can keep an eye on you since Alec has to focus on himself. Four, so we have more time helping you. And five, at least you won't feel bored sitting in the room doing nothing. Since you want to do something, this is the best I can give you."
Scott definitely gives a good point. Justin respects that at least. Whatever Scott says and does to Justin, so far, has always mean well, genuine. Alec is really right, Justin is lucky Scott McCall found him. And all the more, it makes his stomach turn in anxiety, his thoughts of how long will this genuine hospitality and consideration last until they learn the dark truth behind Justin.
Justin didn't realize he hasn't said a word, too focused on his thoughts, earning a call from Scott, "Justin?" Justin looks back up at Scott and composes himself. "Um..." he turns to see Alec, looking away, not looking too pleased. "W-What about Alec? He doesn't get a say in all this?" Justin starts to feel guilty.
"No. He has to really focus on himself and his life." Scott sighs, knowing that he has to be hard to Alec as he doesn't seem to really think and care about his life. He really wants Alec to live his life, even if it means he won't be there. As long as Alec gets to live the life he deserves, Scott is happy.
Seeing how Alec is obviously upset at the moment, Justin feels guilty all the more, feeling as though he took away something from Alec. He doesn't want to do that to Alec.
"W-What if I don't know the things I have to do?"
"I'll teach you, alright?"
"What if I-"
"It'll be ok, Justin." Scott gives a reassuring face at Justin, "It'll be ok. Just don't pressured yourself too hard. If you're having trouble, we can help each other. So now, you're hired." Scott pats Justin on the shoulder, letting Justin know he's already hired and Justin decides to just go with it. "So does that mean I'm fired?" Alec huffs, looking away at the window with a despised look, resting his head on his fist. Scott looks at Alec with a firm face, "You are not, Alec. You're off-duty indefinitely until you come up with a plan for your life, find yourself a college to apply for."
Alec turns at Scott, frowning at what his Alpha is telling him. "What the fuck? This is bullshit! You can't just place me aside!" Alec complains, not agreeing with Scott leaving him by the side. "I'm sorry, Alec, but this is really serious. What will happen if, by any circumstances, will we end up being separated? What will happen when you don't have me anymore?" Scott eyes at Alec seriously while Alec could not find the answer for Scott how he'll take care of himself when Scott wouldn't be able to be here for him.
Alec doesn't say anything, a sign of defeat that Scott can sense and Scott shrugs at him. "You see now? Alec, I don't want you to end up feeling lost if we end up getting separated for some circumstance that will happen." Alec turns away, frowning and looking away from Scott. "Alec—" Scott tries to find some way to comfort Alec as he can say his eyes starting to well up, but Alec shuts him up, raising his hand between himself and Scott to tell him to shut up, "Just leave me alone. I'll look..."
Scott sighs and decides to leave Alec be, not acknowledging Justin looking at them awkwardly. Justin feels all the more uneasy, feeling that he's responsible. "L-Look, Scott. I appreciate it, but-"
"No need to apologize. You have nothing to do with this."
"But-"
"That's enough." Scott raises his voice to Justin, not too loud to the point of yelling, but in the least command him to stop. "You'll start working tomorrow. Clear?" Scott eyes at Justin and he nods, not letting himself push more in declining.
Their dinner arrives on time and the three sit down eating together in silence, which bothers both Justin and Scott. Their time together in the pack is supposed to feel special, especially for Justin as Scott wants Justin to feel comfortable and welcome here in the pack no mater what. But the dinner had ended up taking an awkward turn, not what Scott had have in mind just now. But Scott really has to be firm with Alec in looking for a college to apply as he seems to not be taking this completely serious.
Although, he feels that right now, this pushes Justin away. It only made Justin feel bad of himself, guilty of himself cause he's low-key "replacing Alec". Scott doesn't want to replace Alec, but he has to really focus on his future, his life. He can't spend the rest of his life just staying with his Alpha, especially if something were to happen to Scott, Alec will end up becoming an Omega and he'll easily be vulnerable without Scott. Although Scott winces at himself as he knows that he ended up making Justin take steps back in the relationship when this happened.
Nice one, Scott. Just when we made some good baby steps, we make big steps back. Scott sighs in disappointment at himself.
Justin looks down on his food, only focused on eating his steak, burger, and fries, ignoring Scott's and Alec's presences. Remorse sinks down into Justin's feeling. Despite Scott's insistence of letting Justin work part-time with him, Justin still feels guilty that he's taking Alec's place, especially when Alec isn't willingly going to go off-duty. He also can tell that Alec is close with Scott. It makes sense since Alec had been with Scott for a long while, definitely a lot longer than Justin being here for only three days. It feels unfair.
I shouldn't be Scott's priority. He doesn't know.
He begins to think that he's getting in between Scott and Alec, making them stress at each other. That's definitely something Justin himself does not want to do. The guilt and self-hatred of himself makes Justin want another hit, he couldn't stand feeling this way right now. The more he thought about it, he realizes that he's letting himself get attached to Scott and Alec. The more he gets attached to them, the more painful it'll be if they reject and hate him. He doesn't want to deal with this shit, not when he already ended up losing everything his life.
He'd rather be alone than let himself get close with them until they find out and kick him out of the pack.
"Justin..."
Justin glances up at Scott, his cold and guilt-ridden eyes looking into Scott's.
"Whatever you're thinking, it's not true..." he eyes at Justin apologetically.
Justin doesn't say anything and goes back to finishing his food.
The three didn't take long and finish their silent and awkward dinner before Scott immedietely asks for the bill from the waitress. He pays them the exact amount while also leaving behind a tip. "Alright guys, let's go." Scott stands up and puts on his jacket while Justin and Alec follow. The three exit the diner and Justin decides to offer Alec to let him ride with Scott instead.
"Hey Alec, you can ride with Scott. I can just walk all the way back to the motel" he offers Alec to ride with Scott instead.
"No. Thanks, but I'll just walk. You should ride with Scott." Alec declines the offer with a scorn face.
"Look I-"
"For fuck's sake dude, I don't want to ride with Scott right now!" Alec yells at Justin, which stings Justin hard.
"Go ride with Scott. He wants you more than he want me right now."
"But-"
"Just fucking go, Justin! Seriously, are you being dense right now?" Alec glares at Justin, "I'll be fine." Alec walks past Justin, not saying a word to him. Justin has no words to say and can only look at an upset Alec just walking away to head back to the motel all by himself, his hands tucked in his pockets. His guilt ends up skyrocketing and now, the urge to get himself a hit to level himself finally getting to him.
"Justin!" he turns around to see Scott calling for him, "Come on. Hop in." Justin sighs and quickly walk to the motorbike and hop in with Scott to ride back to the motel.
The pair arrive back at the motel and went inside their room. Unfortunately, Alec isn't inside. "Where's—Alex?" Justin asks, feeling worried and anxious. Scott sighs as he takes his jacket off and place it on the chair nearby, "He's probably just strolling around town by himself. He usually does that whenever he feels upset and would rather be alone. He'll come back, I assure you if that's what you're worried about."
"I see." Justin takes his hoodie jacket off and throws it at his bed. They hear a ringtone coming from Scott's laptop.
It's another Skype call and this time, it's Liam calling.
Scott sees his laptop calling him to answer the video call from Liam and turns to Justin, "Justin, would you try to hide somewhere please?"
Justin furrows in confusion, "Why?"
"Just hide, Justin. Can't explain right now."
"Why should I hide?" Justin demands an answer from Scott, "Why?"
"You have to trust me, Justin. I'll explain to you when I finish the call. In the mean time, hide. Hide in the bathroom or closet."
Justin frowns at Scott for a moment, but decides to just obey and proceeds to take his gym bag and hide inside the bathroom. When he enters the bathroom, however, he realizes that he still really needs that hit, so he proceeds to lock the bathroom door and grab another small syringe of heroin from his bag. He sits on the floor and sits back on the bathroom wall and positions the syringe between his toes, the usual spot where he injects. He takes a moment and injects heroin into himself. It didn't take too long until the heroin effects manage to level him out, feeling a lot more at ease. He hides the syringe away in his bag and zips it close completely before he relaxes himself against the floor.
Scott turns to his laptop and sits down. He takes a breath to ease himself and answers Liam's call. It has been a long while since the Alpha and his first Beta had gotten together just like Stiles. He knows Liam still misses him and still needs him at times, but Scott knows Liam is handling things back in Beacon Hills really well. He hopes that there aren't any problems going on back in Beacon Hills, however, when the pack had split. And should something really extremely serious happens, Liam should be contacting Scott.
Scott hopefully thinks Liam hasn't been hiding any problems in Beacon Hills just to let Scott focus on his business when Liam can't really handle it himself. He was planning to call Liam himself as he wants to check on him since, again, he misses Scott and Scott misses Liam back.
It didn't take long until Liam's grown up face appear in Scott's screen, he looks much older than when Scott had first seen Liam when he was a freshman. He looked so young before. Now he looks all grown up.
"Hey, Liam." Scott smiles and waves at his little Beta now all grown up.
"Hey, Scott." Liam waves back at Scott, feeling glad to see his Alpha after so long. "Man. It's—been a while." Liam laughs nervously as he it had been a long while and he despite being grown up, he still feels like himself when he was younger back in high school, like it had only been yesterday since he and Scott were together.
"Hahaha yeah, it has, dude. It has." Scott laughs amusingly at Liam, feeling that they're back in their high school selves.
"How are you doing, Liam?"
"I'm doing good, yeah."
"Ok. That's great. Is anything happening in Beacon Hills right now?"
Liam shakes his head, telling Scott a no, "None, which is good."
"So why did you call, Liam?"
Liam sighs and it took a moment till he replies, "I—I just—miss you, that's all... I'm doing ok though, just...it feels lonely here right now."
Scott looks at Liam sympathetically, seeing Liam missing Scott, he gives his little strong Beta a smile, "I miss you too."
Liam smiles back at Scott, just happy to at least see his father/brother figure right now. Liam deeply exhales and let's himself speak first. "So—how you been doing lately, Scott?" Liam asks Scott how he is, wanting to hear how his Alpha is doing.
"Nothing much. Just visiting families to help treat their pets, nothing else going on."
"Guess things are doing good right now."
"Yeah. Admittedly—it can be boring."
Liam laughs, not thinking his Alpha can feel bored at times when he doesn't have much else to do.
"I guess we both feel bored right now."
"Yeah. I actually was planning to call you recently, see how you're doing. Especially when Stiles asked about you. But well, you called so..." Scott gestures at Liam at how Scott was going to call him, but Liam calls him just now.
"Oh. So—you really do miss me back huh..."
"Yeah, Liam. I do. And I really hope you're handing yourself really well."
"I am. Again, just feels lonely not seeing you guys."
"You ever thought of coming up with a pack of your own?"
Liam gives a confused look, "Don't I need to be an Alpha to make my own pack?"
"Not necessarily. I started the pack with only Stiles and Allison, I was only a Beta at the time and neither of them are werewolves, but they can handle themselves."
"Huh..."
"So, you can make a pack of your own. Just need to find the people you really trust, friends."
"Well, if only Mason, Corey, and Hayden are here right now..." Liam sighs, he feels like a lone wolf (literally) without his friends. While he can handle himself despite being an Omega, Liam still feels alone, vulnerable.
Sure there aren't any hunters nor supernatural threat chasing after him, but he still feels like an open wound just not having at least someone in his life with him, not even his family. He feels all alone without the pack, but he grew and trained himself to be stronger, strong enough to not be just a weak and lonely Omega, but be a strong and capable Omega who can handle himself. Then again, Liam feels lonely without his friends no matter what.
"I know..." Liam looks back Scott to see him look at Liam sympathetically. "I understand how you're feeling."
"Scott, you have Alec at least though."
"Oh I know. But I know how you feel nevertheless. Especially when Stiles isn't with me, gets really lonely without him."
"Alright then. Oh—how's Alec by the way? Where is he?"
"He's doing good. He's just strolling around town right now."
"I see, can you say hi to him for me? I miss him."
"Will do." Scott nods at Liam.
"Also, Liam. If ever, we can hang out some time. Me, Stiles, and Lydia agree to figure out when we can come back together for a reunion. So, whenever you're free Liam."
"Oh, sure! I'm definitely on board with it. I'll—keep you guys posted."
"Sure thing, dude. Just let me know when are you free."
"Will do." Liam begins yawning, as he feels himself getting pretty sleepy.
"Anyway uh—it's starting to get late. Gonna have to sleep early right now."
"Ok, Liam. Might as well get some rest too, especially for work."
"Think we can talk again soon?"
"Yeah. Sure, definitely. Just give me a call or message. I can be busy due to my appointments."
"Alright."
"And Liam."
"Yeah?"
"Go find more friends. If you're really looking for company and to build your own pack, find someone, friend especially and particularly you can trust.
"There's no one else here who I can consider friends. Pretty sure most people on campus don't really want to have anything to do with me."
"You sure, Liam? You may not be looking enough."
"And how would you know?"
"Cause there's always at least someone who likes you nevertheless. It's not like everyone doesn't like you."
"Fair enough..."
"So go make yourself new friends. Don't just sit around. Find new friends so you can have a pack of your own. You got this."
"Alright. I'll try."
"Don't try, just do it. Again, you got this, alright? My strong Beta?"
Liam giggles in amusement of what Scott called him just now, "Yeah. You're right. I got this."
"Yeah, Liam, you really got this. I believe in you."
"Ok..." Liam yawns once again, feeling himself really needing a good night sleep for tomorrow, "I gotta go now, so uh—night, Scott. It's nice seeing you again." Liam smiles at Scott, who returns the gesture back at Liam.
"Good night, Liam. It's nice seeing you again too. If something serious happens, contact me first, alright?"
Liam salutes at Scott playfully, "Yes sir."
The two share a laugh together for a moment before the two say good night to each other and wish each other good luck, ending the Skype call.
Shit. I have to tell them at some point. Scott thought to himself of how he can talk to his friends about Justin, break the news to them that they have a new pack member, as he heads to the bathroom to look for Justin. He tries to open the door, but notices the door is lock. "Justin? You there? Can you open the door? It's safe now, so you can come up now. Although he tries calling him out, but no respond. "Justin?" still no response, which worries Scott as the silence inside the bathroom is legit. So he flicks out one of his claws and proceeds to use the claw to enter the keyhole and and unlock the room.
When he opens the door, he turns to the left and looks down to see Justin laying on the floor, sitting back against the wall. Apparently, Justin's out cold. Scott smiles a little bit, seeing that Justin is fast asleep already and looking at ease. Of course, Justin can't just sleep on the floor like, Scott thought himself. So he decides to carry Justin in his arms and carry him to the bed. He lays Justin on the bed and places a blanket over him.
As he sits back on his bed, he stares for moment at Justin, still already fast asleep, completely peaceful, likely not having any nightmares or bad dreams.
For now at least...
Scott ponders himself on how he can help Justin, he hasn't really open up much and all he got is his full name. Still, baby steps at least. He also ponders how he can tell the rest of his friends about Justin as while he doesn't want them to worry about it as he had only bitten Justin to save him, they all do deserve to know about Justin since he's with them now.
I'll think of a way eventually. Scott decides that he'll think more about the situation another time, not wanting to feel stress about it right now, trying to keep things stable at least.
He gets himself washed and dressed in his sleepwear and goes to his bed. He takes one last look at Justin to see if he'll be ok, which from the calm look in his sleeping face, he should be. He turns to switch off the lights and lies down in his bed.
Right now, as Scott begins to fall asleep, he hopes that in the coming days, Justin will feel better and be close with them so they can help him. They have to, they're a pack after all.
For now, Scott just needs to take baby steps. Justin will be working with Scott starting tomorrow, so they should be able to spend time together more and gradually get to know each other.
Justin... I know you haven't been completely comfortable with us till now... But I really hope you know we're here to help you... No matter what... Scott glances at Justin one last time before he turns the other way and let's himself fall asleep.
Reviews and constructive criticism are appreciated