The peyote trip left Liam in a weird fog for the rest of the week. Scott was furious with Deaton and made an effort to keep Liam away from him. That didn't bother Liam too much. Actually nothing had been bothering Liam that whole week. His parents credited his medication, while Mason theorized that Liam and Scott finally had sex. Liam of course denied this.
"It's been like four weeks now," Mason argued as they walked to second period that Monday mid-morning. "You still haven't let your boyfriend deflower you." Liam turned red with embarrassment.
"We're taking our time," Liam he stammered. Mason grimaced, knowing very well that wasn't true. Liam couldn't tell Mason the reason he hadn't had sex with Scott yet is because Scott was on a mission to stop the murders going on in Beacon Hills.
All Mason knew, all anyone knew was there was possibly an outbreak of some rare virus that attacks the central nervous system. The CDC had been all over the town testing water, air ducks and surfaces of all local establishments. Another theory going around was that there was some new drug, so the school did random drug checks daily.
Standing at their lockers, Liam and Mason got their books for the afternoon classes. Suddenly Liam felt an arm over his shoulder and found himself being spun around. Looking up he saw Eric standing there with a dreamy look on his face. Mason had also been interpreted by Eric's presence.
"Eric, what are you doing," Liam asked annoyed.
"So you two are going to tell me you can't appreciate that beautiful creature floating down the hallway," Eric said. Liam and Mason looked down the hallway and saw the French teacher Miss Ysabel Beaumont walking their direction. Liam looked at Mason who was frowning. "She's perfect," Eric continued as Ms. Beaumont passed them.
Liam could see what Eric was talking about. The woman was built like a supermodel and she always seemed so perfectly put together. What threw Liam off was her expression; Ms. Beaumont seemed bored at all times. It wasn't that she had resting bitchface because even when someone was talking to her, no matter the subject she still seemed bored.
"Sorry Eric," Liam said. "I can appreciate her beauty but I prefer a more manly look, really manly. A man." Eric sighed as he let go of his hold on the boys and walked away, the dreamy look still in his eyes. Once Eric made it around the corner Mason groaned in frustration.
"I want him," Mason proclaimed. "I want him so bad."
"You can't have him," Liam replied. Mason sucked his teeth and stared angrily at Liam.
"You bitch," Mason said hurt. Liam chuckled as he closed his locker.
"Mason, he's straight," Liam clarified. "He isn't interested in you or any dude."
"Don't be so narrow-minded, Liam," Mason said. "Maybe he isn't into dudes because he doesn't realize he's into dudes."
"Mason this isn't a gay porn storyline," Liam protested. "You can't convince a straight guy to get with you."
"It's possible he's bi, I mean Scott's bi," Mason pointed out.
"True but unlike Scott, Eric has shown zero interest in you beyond friendship," Liam exclaimed. "Besides there are plenty of out gay guys in the area, for insists your ex-boyfriend."
"Oliver moved," Mason replied. "I can't handle long-distance relationships."
"He moved 30 minutes away,"
"And gas is $4 a gallon" Mason argued.
"All right, what about Neal Finley," Liam suggested. "He seems into you."
"The guy with the braces and the huge mole on his eyebrow," Mason grimaced.
"Don't be so superficial," Liam said.
"I'm a 16 year old, gay guy, I don't think I can be anything else," Mason exclaimed. "Besides it's easy for you to tell someone to not be superficial when your boyfriend is sculpted like a Greek god.
"Scott has his flaws," Liam mused.
"Where," Mason said grabbing Liam by the shoulder and pointing him toward the staircase where Scott was descending down. Liam smiled at the sight of Scott who still had not noticed his audience. "The man is gorgeous, and charming, and perfect." Mason finished. Liam couldn't reply. Even with the whole werewolf thing Scott was pretty incredible.
"Mason, I'm going to be late for class," Liam said leaving his friend behind and moving toward Scott. Just as Scott's foot touch the last step, Liam grabbed his hand.
"Hey," Scott said with a big smile, but before he could say anything else Liam began dragging him quickly down the hall. "Where are we going? Is something wrong," Scott questioned but Liam didn't answer. Turning down a small hallway, Liam lead Scott into the janitor's closest. "Seriously Liam what's happening," Scott asked. Liam replied with a kiss; wrapping his arms around Scott's neck and pushing his body into the older boy. Scott responded in kind, grabbing Liam's waist and grinding into his hips. The friction caused both boys to become very much aroused
Scott's lips moved to Liam's neck as he licked and sucked on the flushed, taut skin. Liam moaned deeply and Scott replied with a growl. Desperate to feel the skin underneath, Liam pulled Scott's shirt up, Scott complied allowing the younger boy to pull the shirt completely off. Scott took Liam's shirt off as well, and for the first time in weeks the two were half-naked, and completely alone. They continued to kiss, encouraging each other with a moan or a growl.
Liam pushed Scott up against the shelving unit and began kissing his way day the older boy's boy. Scott's body was indeed perfect. Even in the dim light of the janitor's closet Liam happily admired Scott's muscular body and his flawless olive skin. The closer Liam kissed his ways to the top of Scott's jean the more labored Scott's breathing became. On his knees, Liam was face-to-face with the one thing he'd been waiting for, for months. Scott's erection was visible through his jeans, large and ready to be freed. Liam's heart began to beat even faster. His hands were tingling, his armpits were sweaty, his stomach was doing flips and his mouth was dry. Quickly Liam swirled his tongue around in his mouth to produce saliva. He had never given a blow-job before but he was sure a dry one would not be appreciated.
Sweetly Liam kissed and licked at Scott's happy trial, just below Scott's bellybutton, as his hands worked to undo Scott's belt. Just as the leather strap of Scott's belt came undone, Scott reached down and grabbed Liam's hands.
"Wait," Scott breathed. "Not here."
"No one's going to come in," Liam said assuring. This janitor's closet was a well-known make out spot throughout the school and everyone knew that the janitor took lunch around that time and wouldn't be back for a while.
"That's not it," Scott stated. He pulled Liam up on his feet. "I don't want our first time to be in a janitor's closet." Liam smiled. He also didn't want their first time to be in such an unromantic setting, but he was ready and at this point he'd do it in a dumpster if he had to.
"Well my parents were thinking about going out of town this weekend," Liam said as he kissed along Scott's neck. "I'm sure they wouldn't mind you spending a couple of nights over."
"I don't," Scott began. Liam pulled back. "I don't think we should right now." Scott stuttered. Liam stepped back. He was hurt and confused. He knew that Scott wanted to have sex with him, so he couldn't understand why they needed to wait.
"With everything going on Liam, I just don't think it's the right time," Scott explained. "Let's wait until things calm down."
"Did you wait with Allison or Isaac," Liam snapped. He was angry and the fact that Scott was using the incidents of recent weeks to get out sleeping with him infuriated him.
"That's different," Scott proclaim.
"How is it different," Liam asked getting angrier. "Everyone said that you and Isaac were all over each other, all the time."
"I didn't love Isaac," Scott looked as Liam with sad eyes. He looked as if he was trying to be very careful with his words. "What Isaac and I had was just sex. That's not us."
"And Allison," Liam questioned. "Was it just sex with her?"
"No," Scott confessed. "But it's not the same. What you and I have isn't the same as what Allison and I had." The more Scott tried to explain the more upset Liam became. In a fit of rage Liam took a swipe at some supplies on a shelf, knocking them to the floor. Then he grabbed the structure and shook it as hard as he could, causing more items to fall from the top shelves. Scott reached out to Liam, but at his touch Liam quickly moved away. He glared at Scott through tearful eyes.
"Stay away from me," Liam shouted. He pushed Scott as hard as he could. Scott stepped back but overall the push didn't seem to affect him.
"Liam, please just calm down," Scott said in a soothing voice. Liam's breathing was heavy as he tried to remember his relaxation technics. His head was so full of information, such as what he knew about Scott's world, everything that he had wanted to say to Scott but was too afraid to, how shitty he'd been treating Mason and his parents in order to keep Scott's secret. Liam knew in that moment his attempts to handle everything were failing. He just needed to know that everything he'd been through over the last few weeks would be worth it all in the end. That Scott was worth it. The room got quiet again, or at least Liam's head became quiet, his breathing was still labored. He had his hands over his ears and was leaning his head again the shelving unit. Suddenly felt Scott's hand on his back, and he winced.
"I'm tired of always coming last in your world Scott." Liam confessed. He didn't look at Scott when he said this, but Liam knew his words hurt the older boy.
"Liam," Scott began. "I love you." Those words meant everything to Liam, but he knew it wasn't enough, and that if he was truly ever going to have the relationship he wanted with Scott things would have to change. He turned to Scott and did his best to hold himself together.
"If you love me, Scott why do you keep me out," Liam asked. "It's like you don't want me to be a part of your life, at least not all of it." Scott wanted to say something, but Liam wouldn't let him. He couldn't. "How can I make you understand that I want to be a part of everything? I want to be in a relationship with you and the wolf, Scott. I don't care how dangerous it is or what I'd risk."
"I can't," Scott replied. Tears were falling from his eyes. "I can't lose you too." He finished.
"You're pushing me away, Scott," Liam said. "You are losing me." Liam opened the door to the closet and left Scott standing there. Even though he made the statement, Liam wasn't sure what he meant by them. Did he just break up with Scott? Even if he didn't after the freak out he just had Liam couldn't imagine Scott wanting to try and fix things between them. Maybe it was better that way. Scott had been through so much over the last 3 years, Liam didn't want to make Scott's life any more difficult. But there was also a part of him a huge part that didn't want Scott to close himself off to the world around him. Scott deserved to tell someone he loved them without being afraid if he had just issued their death sentence.
All of this rolled around in Liam's head for the reminder of the day. He hadn't seen Scott after their closet fight and practice had been canceled since there wasn't a game that night. Liam decided that the best thing for him to do was focus on relaxing for the rest of weekend. He parents going out of town meant he could lock himself up and play hours upon hours of Call of Duty. He decided he wanted to walk home and enjoy the crisp fall weather, but at about a block from the school Stiles and his trusty Jeep pulled up next to him.
Liam stopped and looked at Stiles who was waving like an idiot. Stiles started to say something, but it was muffled by the closed window.
"What," Liam shouted. Stiles realizing the problem stretched out and rolled the passenger side window down.
"Hey need a ride," Stiles asked.
"I'm just going to walk it," Liam replied.
"Oh come on," Stiles insisted. "It's getting cold out there."
"Stiles, I don't need you to talk me into giving Scott another chance," Liam proclaimed, knowing full well that Stiles was caught up on what happened in the janitor's closet.
"That's not why I'm here," Stiles scoffed. "I totally think you were right to break up with Scott." This intrigued Liam, enough for him to get into the Jeep.
"Why would you say that," Liam asked as they drove off. Stiles sighed heavily as he thought about what he wanted to say to Liam.
"I love Scott, he like my brother," Stiles began. "But ever since I've known him he's never done anything without a push."
"What do you mean," Liam asked.
"Well any time there's something that Scott wants, he waits until it's too late before responding. It's like he just hoping that everything will magically sort it's self out. I mean, I understand the idea of being cautious, but I've seen slugs with better response times." Liam thought over Stiles' words.
"So you think, me breaking up with him, well cause him to treat me differently," Liam asked. Stiles made a thoughtful look.
"It will cause him to re-evaluate how his been going about the two o fyou," Stiles suggested. " He'll realize keeping you in is better than keeping you out."
"You really think so," Liam said with hope in his voice. Stiles smiled.
"Scott loves you, Liam. Anyone can see that, and anyone can see you love him too," Stiles explained. "Scott's lost so much. Soon he'll realize giving up everything in his life isn't protecting it."
"How soon do you think he'll come to that conclusion," Liam asked. There was a sense of annoyance in his voice.
"Well, maybe not today, or a week from now, or a month," Stiles explained. "But he'll get it eventually. You'll have to be patient." Liam laughed. The two continued to talk for the rest of the ride to Liam's house. It wasn't all werewolf related though, which Liam liked. Once they reached his house, Liam invited Stiles in for a thank you soda.
"I can't, I've got to meet my dad and Derek," Stiles explained. "They've got some information about the victims." Liam sighed heavy.
"Should I come," Liam asked but immediately regretted. He and Scott weren't together anymore as of that afternoon. Did Liam still need to be involved in world of werewolves? Liam could tell that Stiles was also wondering the same thing.
"How about I come over tomorrow and fill you in on all the details," Stiles suggested.
"Really," Liam asked surprised. "Sure." The two exchanged goodbyes and Liam went inside.
That weekend Liam did nothing as he had planned. With every phone call that wasn't from Scott his depressive mood became worst. Mason came over and tried to cheer him up but failed. His mother offered to come home early from their weekend getaway, but Liam talked her out of it. As much as he'd love to have her home, he knew she and his dad needed alone time. Stiles hadn't come over, but did text Liam that he couldn't. Stiles didn't explain why but Liam had a feeling that whatever was going on in the town was keeping him busy, keeping them all busy. All the friends he'd made, Kira, Lydia, Malia none of them had reached out to Liam. But then again why would they, Liam thought. They were Scott's friends, his pack. Liam wasn't a part of that world anymore.
Sunday night Liam got out of the house for a little bit. Mason convinced him to go to the bowling alley. Liam went though it made him completely nervous being there. He couldn't very well explain to Mason that he was almost murdered there so Liam tried to stay focus on the night. It worked, hanging out with Mason, Eric and other kids from school made Liam feel normal again. Being around teens whose biggest problems were the tests they hadn't studied for and knew they would fail was refreshing.
"I think that guy is checking you out," Mason whispered to Liam after Liam made a strike. Liam looked in the direction Mason's eyes looking in, he talking about Derek.
"Shit," Liam exclaimed.
"What he's hot," Mason protested. "Ridiculously hot."
"He's also 28, and straight," Liam said then walked over to Derek. Derek stood with arms folded near the entrance of the alley. He didn't seem at all bothered by Liam walking toward him and in fact never brought eye contact with the youth. "What are you doing here," Liam snapped. "Isn't there some fat sucking monster you're supposed to be hunting?" Derek's face never changed despite Liam's efforts to piss him off.
"I am hunting," Derek replied. "This is the last place the creature was seen. I'm trying to see if there's something we missed the night it tried to attack you." Derek was scanning the alley, brow furrowed.
"Really, well so far there haven't been any dried up bodies lying around," Liam. "Unless you count the senior citizens' bowling league, so why don't you take your creeper stare elsewhere." Derek stopped scanning and looked at Liam sternly. His jaw got tight, and he pursed his lips. Liam suddenly regretted going over to him. Suddenly Derek smiled, which creeped Liam out even more.
"I see why Scott likes you so much," Derek said. "You're bold and strong-willed. Those are qualities he struggles with at time. You bring them out of him. He could definitely use you right now." Liam was confused.
"I thought you hated me," Liam grimaced. Derek unfolded his arms and sighed deeply.
"I don't hate you, Liam," he said. "In the past romantic relationship have made Scott weak, which isn't good for an Alpha."
"Are you saying I make him stronger," Liam asked.
"I'm saying that Scott seems to be a better leader with you around," Derek answered. Liam worried about how Scott was doing which annoyed him because 10 minutes ago he wasn't thinking about Scott at all. Then he felt guilty for not thinking about Scott. "Look, romantic relationship don't work for me, they never have and they never will. But Scott does better when he has someone to love and someone to love him back, and I think you love him back."
"I do," Liam quickly replied. "But I can't if he won't let me." A small tear fell from Liam's eyes which he quickly wiped away.
"Well I guess that's it then," Derek said and turned to leave. Liam watched him, but suddenly he thought of something.
"You know you could be in a relationship," Liam shouted at Derek. Derek stopped and looked back at Liam. Liam became red with embarrassment as he realized how loud he got. He closed the gap between them so others couldn't hear the rest of what he was going to say. "You and Scott are a lot alike. You won't let those who are clearly into to you, be into you."
"What are you talking about," Derek asked.
"Kira," Liam answered. "You must know how she feels about you." Derek's brow furrowed intensely. The look on his face made Liam realize perhaps Derek wasn't as perceptive as he himself out to be. Without a word the older man walked away.
That night was full of tossing and turning for Liam as he dreamed about Scott. Dragging himself out of bed that Monday morning was torcher, especially without his mother's breakfast cheer. His parents would be home that night, and Liam couldn't wait. The house was too sad without them.
School was even sadder. Liam kept catching glimpses of the back of Scott's head, rounding corners, going into classrooms, walking up staircases. It was torcher. Monday he had a free third period and instead of hitting the weights, where he knew Scott would be for his free period, Liam went to the library.
"What are you doing here," Mason's voice called out to Liam. Liam's head was buried in a math book as he read over algebra 2 homework. "Shouldn't you be beefing up that bod for Friday's game?" Mason sat down in front of Liam but his eyes were roaming the library.
"I can beef up at practice," Liam replied. "Who are you looking for?"
"Nobody," Mason said, still scanning the room. Liam rolled his eyes.
"He isn't here," Liam said.
"Who isn't here," Mason asked innocently.
"Eric," Liam responded willing to play the game.
"I'm not looking for Eric," Mason said in a disgusted tone.
"You're always looking for Eric."
"No, no Honey, Eric is always looking for me, girl…friend," Mason scoffed.
"Girlfriend, really we're going to be those kind of gays," Liam mocked. Mason sighed deeply and laid his head on the table.
"Fine," he grumbled. "I overheard him tell Halie Reiner he was coming to the library to study for French, so I thought I would come and causally bump into him and we could study French together and you know, fall in love, get marry, and adopt a Haitian baby."
"Don't you have literature, third period," Liam asked.
"We have a sub," Mason snapped. Liam laughed. "Yes, that's right, laugh at my pain. My unrequited love. You have no idea the anguish I'm going through."
"I think I can imagine," Liam replied. Mason grunted annoyingly.
"Scott loves you and you love him," Mason protested. "The only reason you're not together is your unwillingness to respect his old-fashion wishes and wait for marriage to bang."
"That's not really…whatever," Liam countered. "Scott and I"
"No," Mason interrupted. "No more Scott and you. It's my turn to wallow in self-pity, your turn to fill my head with unrealistic ideas of finding the perfect guy and to tell me things are going to get better." Mason looked at Liam with desperate eyes.
"How about we just Youtube clips from RuPaul's drag race instead," Liam offered. Suddenly a loud scream came from the back of the library. Liam and Mason looked at each other and quickly bolted in the direction.
Others were rushing to the sound of the screaming as well which was coming from the non-fiction section. Liam weaved through the bookselves until he finally came upon a girl who was freaking out. She was staring mortified in the direction of a quiet room.
"What's wrong," Liam grabbed hold of her. She stopped screaming but she was shaking terribly and was in an obvious panic. A small crowd had gathered around. "What happened," Liam asked looking back and forth between the girl and the room.
"I just went in to," she began and suddenly fainted into Liam's arms. Liam caught her and tried to hold her up.
"Help me lay her down," Liam said to those around him. The crowd moved back to give the girl room to lay down. Liam looked up at the room and saw Mason heading toward it. "Mason don't." Liam shouted. He got up and pushed his way in front of his friend. He didn't know what was in that room, but didn't want Mason to get hurt.
"What are you doing," Mason protested as Liam pushed him back. "Someone needs to see what in there."
"It could be dangerous," Liam explained. "Let's just wait for someone to come."
"It's probably a big bug or something," Mason spat. "Don't be a wuss." Mason pushed past. Liam, reluctantly followed. The quiet room was a small space and had a one-way window with the mirror facing the library. It was also sound proof so some students used it as a place to hook up, though the librarian made a point to check in every thirty minutes or so. Whatever horrific thing that was in there couldn't have been in there for long. Liam and Mason cautiously walked up to the closed door and stood.
"Now who's being a wuss," Liam sneered as Mason's hand hovered over the doorknob. Mason rolled his eyes at Liam then took a deep breath. He turned the knob and pushed the door open, but his eyes were closed. Liam leaned into the room however and quickly saw what the girl had been freaking out about.
"Holy shit," Liam said under his breath. It was another body, sitting in a chair in front of the desk but it looked different than the others. It was definitely emaciated, but it wasn't dried up, it still looked wrinkly, like a raise. The eye balls were bugling from the head and the tongue was hanging from its mouth. The clothes were falling from the body's shoulders.
"Oh my God," Mason yelled. Liam jumped at the sound of his voice. "What the hell happened to him?" Mason screamed. Liam could feel more people gathering up behind him and chorus of scream and sounds of disgust ringing out. He just stared at the body realizing that whatever did this could probably still be there. He watched as the body continued to shrivel up. Suddenly he had an idea.
He dung his phone out of his pocket and went into the room. He started snapping pictures of everything, the body the stuff on the desk. "Liam what the fuck are you doing," Mason shouted.
"I'm getting pictures before it dries up like the others," Liam answered. Then he saw the name on the notebook on the desk. "Oh god no," he shouted. "No, no, no." Liam's eyes began to well up. Everything grew smaller and he found himself becoming dizzy.
"Liam," Scott's voice broke Liam's daze. "What's wrong?" Scott grabbed Liam by the shoulders and pulled him back toward the entrance. Liam's eyes didn't leave the corpse.
"Eric," Liam whispered.
"What," Scott asked.
"It's Eric," Liam repeated. "That thing killed Eric."