Liam was acting weird when Theo picked him up that evening. Suspiciously so. "Are you ok?" Theo asked him.
"Huh- oh... yeah I'm... just excited about the movie," Liam tried to assure him, but Theo knew a fake smile when he saw it. Hell, he practically perfected the art, himself.
"Liam, you're acting strange. Even for you. What's going on?"
"Nothing. Really. I'm just... we never really hang out."
"Liam. We've hung out practically every day since we've met" Theo deadpanned. This kid.
"No- I know- but... we don't go places and do things. It's almost like we're-"
"Friends?" Theo laughed. "Liam. Just because I do what I do doesn't mean I'm not allowed to have a real life or real friends. I just... don't. It's just easier. I don't have to deal with judgmental people telling me how to live."
"So... what made me different?... Why are we friends?..." Liam was honestly scared of the answer. He wasn't sure about a lot of things right now and Theo making exceptions for him when he didn't have to, was a big deal. He didn't know what that meant, and he wasn't sure if it meant anything, or if he wanted it to.
"Well, I figured if we were friends, you'd be less likely to rat me out to the police" Theo smirked to him as they turned into the movie theater.
Liam laughed at that response. It was, to Liam, perfect. It was easy. It lessened the tension and left him room to breathe without making more questions. The awkwardness died until they were paying for tickets. "Two for..." Theo looked at him "What did you say you wanted to watch?"
Liam blushed because it was a Channing Tatum movie either way, so he chose the one with Sandra Bullock to justify it. "The lost City? If that's ok with you?" Liam was trying not to fidget. He knew it was a romantic comedy in comparison to the other one but the other one was about a dog, and it was going to make him ugly cry and he couldn't do that. Not the first time they hang out.
"Completely. I love the actors in that movie. Two for the Lost City."
By the time Liam got his wallet out to pay his half, Theo had already paid for their movie tickets. "Wait I was gonna pay for mine!"
"Liam, it's ok. I got it."
"You two are such an adorable couple!" the woman at the booth, her badge said Erika, said to them as they were walking off.
"Thanks!" Theo said back to her, not even phased. Liam gaped at him. Theo just shrugged, "What? Why make her feel bad?"
"I'll pay you back."
"Don't worry about it. You can pay for dinner." Theo smirked.
Liam could hardly sit through the movie. He kept looking at Theo out of the corner of his eye trying to make sure he was enjoying the movie and not weirded out by the choice he made. Theo seemed to be laughing and enjoying the movie, but Liam thought it was cringy. It was mostly due to the fact that he brought some guy he barely knows and was now making him have a sexual identity crisis.
"Are you ok?" Theo whispered to him about halfway through the movie.
"Yeah. Why?" Liam answered too quickly for it to be believable, he realized.
"If you don't like the movie we can-"
"No!" he whisper-shouted. "I mean, I like the movie. It's really... I just- do you like it?" Why are you such a nervous wreck?
Theo smirked at Liam, "I'm sure that I'd like it if I could watch it without feeling someone staring at me the whole time."
Liam was glad it was dark. His blush was going to stay for hours. "I wasn't- I mean I- I didn't-"
"Liam. Calm down. I'm a regular guy doing a regular thing with a regular friend. I'm having fun."
"Ok" Liam breathed out, not even realizing he had been holding his breath.
"Oh my god I'm staaarviing" Liam expressed with an exaggerated groan. "This is why we should have gotten popcorn for the movie. Who goes to the movies and doesn't get popcorn?! Crazy people! That's who!"
Theo just laughed at him. He really is a child. "How would we eat dinner if we had popcorn?"
"Oh..." Liam had forgotten about dinner. He didn't even know where to go that wasn't a fast-food place. "Where do you want to go for dinner?" Liam asked him after they walked out of the theater and climbed into Theo's truck.
"Honestly, I haven't thought about it. I don't really know any places around here. I mean I've lived
here for a while, but I hadn't been able to afford it when I was with Brett, and after we split up, I never really went out by myself. I didn't want to."
"I get that. I'm always at the mercy of whoever is with me" Liam cringe laughed. Wow. Now you're not only a creepy 'stare at people during the movie' PSYCHO... Now, you're a loser who can't make a decision too. Liam rolled his eyes mentally.
"Well, at the bar, I hear people talk about a restaurant that isn't too far from here. It's called Damian. I think it's a Mexican restaurant?" Theo offered.
"Sounds good. I love Mexican food!"
"Great!"
"Wow! This place is... different than any other Mexican restaurant I've been to..." Liam looked around in awe. It was California, so even the McDonald's was nice. This wasn't like a Mexican restaurant at all. Not that he liked to stereotype, but it seemed more-
"Thiiiss looks more like a Japanese place" Theo laughed. "Oh well. I'm good either way. You?"
Liam was looking forward to Mexican, but he'd never really had Japanese, so he nodded. Maybe it would be good.
The waitress waved them to their table which was lovely. Away from other people where they wouldn't have to deal with anyone recognizing Theo. They didn't really realize that would be a possibility. The table was dimly lit on the garden patio that seemed like it was a greenhouse, but not as hot or humid. Ther was a massive skylight that covered most of the restaurant and the walls were mostly all windows. It was equally industrial and yet charming. The vibe in this place was great. The music wasn't too loud or too quiet. It was just right for the ambiance. The only complaint Liam had was that it seemed very romantic. Maybe Theo thought this was a date after all?
"You're being weird again. What is it? You don't like Japanese?"
"Oh no sir. We are a Mexican restaurant." The woman corrected as she seated handed them their menus when they were finally seated.
"Well, there you go. Now you don't have to worry" Theo laughed a small huff.
"It's not that" Liam assured him. "This place- it's really nice. I don't think I fit here."
"Liam. I'm a stripper." Theo deadpanned but still laughed. "If either of us doesn't fit, it's definitely not you."
The waitress came back for their drink orders. "Have we decided what we want yet?"
"I think I'll have a 'Ride or Die'. What about you?" Theo said looking to Liam.
"I didn't realize there were so many choices for alcohol. I don't even know what half of this is" Liam looked nervously to Theo and then at the waitress.
"Do you need another minute?"
"Uh- no. I'll have a classic margarita" Liam said.
"Alright can I see some IDs?" She checked their IDs and walked off letting them know she'd be right back with their drink orders. Meanwhile Liam couldn't stop fidgeting and looking around. He looked like he was a drug dealer, he was sure. He wasn't sure what to do with his hands or legs or arms. Everything felt unnatural. He wasn't normally this self-conscious. He had been to nicer places with Hayden. He didn't understand why he was so anxious. Maybe the alcohol would help.
"Liam. If you don't want to be here, we can leave. It's not what I thought it would be either." Theo's look of concern made Liam's anxiety dissipate slightly. Not much, but enough to make him feel like he'd be able to get through dinner.
"I'm good. I'm really good. I'm just... I don't know."
"Is this still about earlier? Liam I'm just a regular guy. I like hanging out with you. It's not a big deal" Theo reassured him. It was weird, how much he worried about hanging out with Theo outside of their homes. It shouldn't feel different. He knew it shouldn't. But for some reason it does. He didn't know why. Mason told him to hang out and see if he liked Theo as more than a friend, but he feels the same toward him as he did from the start. He feels... close. Closer than he probably should, but people said the same for him and Mason. It was just different for him and Mason. Theo was a stranger that trusted him with something... so completely unguarded... not knowing what Liam would do with it. Mason would forever be Liam's best friend, but Theo was something just as close, but not on the same scale.
Getting their food was easier and more normal than Liam thought. It was just like hanging out with Mason. It also kind of felt like it did when he dated Hayden. Oh my god he thinks I'm a total psycho. Liam shoveled his food in his mouth in attempt to avoid conversation. At least until Theo brought up a subject. This was when he noticed the look Theo gave him. He had been sipping his cocktail and looking at Liam in disbelief.
"I'm sorry I've been weird all night. I'm just..."
"Uncomfortable. I get it."
"No!... No. It's not really that... It's ju-"
"Liam. We're still new friends. Everything I've told you is... a lot, to say the least" Theo laughed. That eased Liam's nerves. At least for the time being. Then he started getting uncomfortable again. What if Mason was right? What if he did like Theo? Well this won't help me figure it out. Liam rolled his eyes. Mason is an ass. "What?" Theo asked quietly. Well nice going. You rolled your eyes out loud.
"Just- Mason. He- pissed me off earlier" Liam blushed lightly, not enough for it to be obvious.
"Ah" Theo nodded in understanding. "Anything I can help with?"
"Uh- no. He just... I love him, don't get me wrong, I mean he's my best friend... but he's too nosy for his own good."
"I get that. Corey and I have had some similar conversations" Theo smiles, becoming visibly more at ease. Liam didn't even realize how tense Theo had actually been the whole time. "I mean he doesn't know what I do, but he knows I have one-nighters. At least that's what he thinks he knows."
"So, he pushes you about relationships too" Liam said as more of a statement than a question, but the curiosity was still there.
"He 'just wants me to be happy'... but I'm happier being single. I don't ever want to chance going through what I went through with Brett again" Theo somehow looked sad and happy at the same time. "That's not to say relationships are a waste of time in general" he laughed. Theo was definitely a mystery. He was pretty much out on display, but also completely guarded at the same time. So open, yet so closed. He was impossible for Liam to read even if he was an open book. It was as if he was an open book, but the book was in code.
"So how did your day go by the way?" Liam asked, in effort to change the subject.
"Well, of course I saw that guy again" Theo's eyes squinted and his mouth turned to a mischievous grin. "It was even better this time." Theo detailed his afternoon with 'J' to Liam and Liam tried to feel normal, but he couldn't hear this. Why does everyone feel like it was appropriate to tell him in explicit detail and in public by the way... every position and fantasy that they are exploring with someone. Especially after he just got out of a relationship. Theo must have noticed his change in demeanor because he instantly apologized.
"Oh shit! My bad Liam. I'm sure you don't like to hear about two guys together" Theo rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"It's not that... It's just..." Liam went quiet. He truthfully didn't know why he was uncomfortable. He didn't want to lie.
"Oh. Right. Hayden" Theo assumed. "Here we all are talking about these things in front of you when you're fresh out of a breakup. I'm so sorry" Theo looked at Liam with a soft smile and Liam couldn't help himself from grabbing his hand.
"It's ok. I'm a big boy" Liam snatched his hand away and his eyes widened. Who. The fuck. Says that?! WHY CAN'T YOU BE NORMAL?! Theo didn't do anything to acknowledge it except huff out a small laugh and then the conversation for the rest of dinner flowed more easily, regardless of the buzz factor.
Liam wasn't drunk when they left the restaurant, but he had a decent buzz going. The dangerous kind. The kind that makes you a little bit braver than you should be, but not so drunk that you can't remember it the next day. When Theo dropped Liam off at his house, Liam did the unthinkable. Theo had walked Liam to the door, which was normal. They were going to talk more. Sober up more before Theo went home. Liam got a text from Mason as he was getting out of the restaurant saying, 'make sure to get a goodnight kiss' and Liam ignored it.
The drive from Los Angeles to Beacon Hills wasn't long, but it wasn't short either. It also took even longer if you were drunk. On the ride to Liam's house, they had started to bond more. Liam felt bad for being awkward the whole time. Especially when it was supposed to be an apology/thank you. Then on top of everything, Theo paid for it all. They hadn't expected the Mexican restaurant to be so expensive. It was worth it though, but next time he'd definitely have to make up for it.
"Hey. Thanks for today" Liam said, drunk but still timid.
"Thanks for actually hanging out. Corey always bails on me. Even before Mason" Theo laughed, eyes focused on the road.
"You still shouldn't have paid for everything. I told you I'd pay for dinner."
"Liam you would have to sell your house to afford what they charged" Theo chuckled, unbothered,
like he did this all the time. "It was worth it, though, wasn't it?" Theo's eyes turned to Liam, hopeful now.
"Oh definitely!"
They turned into Liam's driveway and parked the truck before Theo said "good. Then the money was well-spent. So, it's not an issue."
When they exited the truck, Liam's phone goes off. It's a string of emojis and gifs from Mason. All of them were to do with kissing. Liam stopped abruptly outside the truck looking at the texts.
"... Liam?"
"Huh" Liam snapped his head up at Theo and back to reality.
"I said you're gonna need to unlock it... and also what did you want to do... are you ok?"
"Yeah..." Liam looked at Theo's eyes. They were really green in the daylight... in the moonlight, though... they were a silvery gray, still with flecks of green and gold. It was mesmerizing. "Yeah!" Liam cleared his throat and shuffled in his pockets for his keys. Smooth.
Liam chanced another glance at Theo. "Thanks again... for today... and in general..."
"What do you mean?"
"Not thinking I'm a nutjob..."
"Liam... IED is a medical thing. You literally can't help it"
"If I took my medication I probably could..." Liam looked down at his feet, guilt radiating from him.
Theo grabbed his shoulders and made him look back up. Liam stilled at the man's eyes. They were so beautiful.
"Liam, if you don't feel like medication is necessary or even helping, then no. You shouldn't take it." Theo smiled at him and said "besides, I think you have more control than you think."
"That your professional opinion?" Liam smiled up at him and continued looking into his eyes, not caring if Theo thought he was flirting. This was probably weird, and he probably looked like an idiot, but he didn't care.
Theo just laughed heartily "oh absolutely! Trust Dr. Theo. I come highly recommended!"
"If you call yourself 'Dr. Theo', it's gonna be a 'no' from me. Automatic red flag on doctors using first names."
Theo laughed even harder at that "That is gonna be where you draw your line? Seriously?"
"I just think it's unprofessional. There's something very... Dexter about it..." Liam laughed but with an air of seriousness.
They laughed for a few more seconds until they both realized they were still outside. They both moved slightly closer to the door, more Theo than Liam. Liam was beside the door, blocking it, while Theo had been about a foot away from him. Theo was reaching for the doorknob, not slow but not fast, and Liam, still caught in Theo's eyes. moved forward toward Theo. Liam reached up to
grab Theo's face and pull into a kiss when suddenly, he was being shoved away.
"Whaaat do you think you're doing?" Theo asked calmly.
"I- I'm sorry... I thought..." Liam floundered. He didn't have an explanation or a good reason for trying to kiss Theo. He froze, mortified, Theo looking at him expectantly.
"Yeah... I'm just gonna be going" Theo said, eyes wide as saucers.
Liam just stood there as Theo drove off, replaying the whole scene. He sobered up really quickly and went inside to call Mason.