Nearing the end of his shift, Liam got a text from Theo. It shouldn't have been a surprise. They were friends, after all. Theo had said he forgave him. Maybe it was because he said he was going to pick Liam up from work. They needed to talk. This made Liam nervous. It was still up in the air, and this would be what would make or break their friendship.

Hey. I'm picking you up after your shift. Hope that's ok. I think it's time for us to talk. -T

Yeah sure! I get off at 6 -L

Wow. Long day? -T

You have no idea -L

Should Liam tell Theo what he knew about Brett and how Brett still tried to convince him that he was the innocent one? Should he even bring Brett up at all? Should he apologize for the kiss? It wasn't like he actually kissed him. It was a drunken happenstance. If he was still mad, then he'll have to just get over it. Wow Liam. You are a dick. If you don't want him to think you're a predator, then you probably shouldn't act like it. Liam looks at the time. An hour for me to get my shit together, and I don't even know why I'm like this. I can probably just explain the truth and he won't hate me.

The weirdest part was that Brett hasn't even bothered him after their confrontation that morning. Did he really not think Liam would get curious? You find out someone has been to prison... it kind of raises suspicion. Especially when you seem to be explicitly under that person's radar.

The hour goes by slowly, but Theo texts him letting him know he's parked at the entrance. Liam gets in the truck silently, waiting for Theo to rip his insides out for his inappropriate behavior. It never came.

"You ate yet?" he asks instead.

"What?"

"Food. Dinner. Have you had any?"

"Uh. No. Not yet."

"Good. I'm making dinner."

Liam was baffled. Theo was going to take him back to his place? He knew that he wanted to talk, but he could easily reject his friendship over the phone or in a text. What on earth could he possibly need to say that he needed to take Liam back to his place for... unless... is he going to murder me?

Liam turned pale. He felt his throat close up. He was having a panic attack.

"Liam! Liam, what's wrong?!"

"Please don't kill me! I promise I'll never try to kiss you again, just don't hurt me!"

Theo stopped the truck in front of his apartment. Liam didn't realize he was in his head long enough to make it there. "What? You think I'm going to do WHAT to you?!"

Liam just clutched his chest. His panic attack being surprisingly minor considering what he probably looked like. Theo looked at him. Questioning face, but no words. Liam had messed up again. He knew it. He didn't know how to shut his thoughts out. They intruded at the worst times and this was the WORST time.

"Liam. Just come inside. Get some water. Calm down" Theo still looking skeptical.

After Liam's freak-out was over, Theo had started preparing what he was making for their dinner. He was washing and chopping and peeling and every few minutes, he looked over Liam to make sure he was ok.

"Need some more water?"

"No. I think I need to go pee actually."

"Bathroom's-"

"I think I remember. Thanks."

Liam was trying to think of any sign or any behaviors he could see to determine if Theo was acting weird. So far, the only thing he could see is that he had been way too cool with Liam accusing him of plotting murder. He could only do one thing now.

"Mase. It's Liam."

"Yes. I know. You know, cellphones have caller ID. Since like... they were invented."

"Shut up and listen. I'm at Theo's-"

"Wait. He invited you over after you acted like a total weirdo?"

"I did NOT and he said we needed to talk"

"Too bad. I was really routing for you two."

"Mase. Be serious. I think he wants to kill me."

"Oh MY god! Liam. You have GOT to stop. You are not in danger. Theo is probably just going to talk to you about boundaries."

"...Mase"

"...What?"

"I sort of had a panic attack."

"Are you ok?!"

"No. I mean it was a small one, but I kind of... asked him not... to murder me..."

"Oh my god! Liam... You can't just ASK someone not to murder you"

"...You're watching Mean Girls with Corey aren't you?" Liam said in an accusing tone.

"Listen. You canceled on me to go get 86'd by your boyfriend. You get replaced too."

"What is 86'd?"

"Offed. Canceled. Thanks-but-no-thanks... MURDERED."

"Hey! He's not my boyfriend!"

"A little slow on the draw there."

Theo wasn't listening to Liam's phone conversation, but he did go to see if Liam wanted anything special. He did hear part of it. Enough to know that the kiss the other night was more thought out than he'd initially thought. Interesting.

It was unclear to Theo, however why Liam would put a private phone conversation on speaker. He truly was naïve. He trusted Theo even if he accused him of conspiracy. It was... odd. It was also refreshing and completely Liam. The man stood up to Brett regardless of their history, and he still didn't own up to what happened with him and Brett. Tonight he would change that... hopefully. If Liam would calm down.

Liam came out of the bathroom after a few minutes and Theo could have made jokes about him falling on or needing a laxative, but the look on Liam's face was one of dread and panic and unease. Theo just wanted Liam to feel safe and relaxed.

"There's beer in the fridge. Don't worry. I didn't touch it." Theo said with his arms raised.

"Thanks, but I'm gonna 86 the influencers."

"Alright then." Theo snickered. Five seconds ago he didn't know what 86 meant.

It was adorable. It really was. Liam was nervous, but not like he actually thought something was going to happen to him. He was just jittery. Like when Stiles had too much Adderall. There was something else there. Something Theo couldn't quite put his finger on.

"What did you want to talk about?"

Theo sighed. Here it is. "Brett."

"What?"

"You're my friend. You deserve to know what happened. Especially if he's making advances-"

"I already know. His... public record..."

"You don't know the whole story. He's... it's complicated."

"Theo. I've told you. You don't have to tell me this. I believe you. I believe you had reasons."

"Liam... I didn't turn Brett in..."

"What?"

"I didn't turn Brett in. That's why he thinks I set him up."

Liam was expertly confused. How does that make sense? What could be the reason Brett would feel that way?

"That doesn't make any sense"

"Well. Allow me to give you the dirty details." Theo said as he gave Liam his plate and the beer he declined before. This time Liam accepted, no longer worried about possible murder.