Chapter Text
Prom night. Been a long time coming as the end of the year was nearing closer. Theo was sort of dreading it, not even planning to go. Then he heard that Liam didn't even have a date and he was still going, Theo wasn’t passing up a chance like that.
There was a problem though, Theo had a date, unwillingly. He was a popular guy amongst the girls, so one of them just leeched onto him and wouldn't let go when it came to asking for a date to the prom.
Theo was going to ditch her for Liam, that was the plan, even though he should be acting natural and not draw attention to himself. But was it so bad that he wanted all of Liam’s attention instead? He's a selfish prick, yes, but he really can't deny it. He’s had enough of denying everything, everything that's right in front of him. His everything.
This time, Liam asked Mason to drive him, not Theo. Which was odd, but he wasn't going to start arguing over who’s going to drive the guy. He was already dealing with a problem that had blonde hair and which was obnoxious, the complete opposite of Liam in every way.
He arrived at the decorated gymnasium in his lonesome. Surprisingly wearing a tailored suit, sleek black with a red cloth in the breast pocket, he was going all out tonight. No ripped jeans, no leather jacket.
He glanced around every corner of the gymnasium, colorful lights shining around and people already talking and eating with each other. Then he felt his breath get sucked out of his lungs, eyes landing on his favorite werewolf across the dance floor.
He was wearing a navy suit, white shirt and blue checkered tie above. It suited him perfectly, Theo could clearly see the outline of his muscles. Oh how he wanted to rip off all of those clothes that are in the way but also keep it on and dance with him silly.
He swallowed, mouth suddenly dry and carded a hand through his hair, adjusting himself then coolly walking towards him, heart beating quicker the moment Liam noticed him and met him halfway with a grin.
“Theo!” His voice called out and Theo turned to him with a small smile, trying to control his nerves internally. Stepping closer to Liam until they were face to face. “Hey, wow, you look…” Liam trails off, taking in Theo’s outfit, earning a chuckle from him.
“No words, Wolfie? Did I really make you speechless?” Theo teased.
Liam blushed but kept his wolfish grin, “Shut up! You wish.” He paused, “But seriously, I never imagined you in a suit before.”
Theo extended his arms for a moment as a gesture to show off and adjusted his sleeve, seeing an open button. “What can I say? I wanted it to be a surprise.” Theo replied, keeping his eyes on Liam. Seeing how his hair was still untameable.
Liam nodded, “Then it worked, I’m shocked. You look great.” He met Theo’s eyes as well, staring deeply like the countless times they have. Theo’s eyes dragged across his features and even glanced at his lips. Fingers twitching with the urge to just pull Liam closer and cut through the tension between them, broken through a kiss.
He broke the silence instead, “So, where's your date?” Liam asked, almost reluctantly and Theo sighed, not even peering around. “Not sure, gotta find her. Still no date?” Theo questioned.
“No, I’m just gonna have fun, date or not.” He shook his head, fluttering his eyelashes at him after glancing around. Theo huffed, “Yeah, prom night’s not that serious.” Theo added.
“Theo!” Their ears picked up on a feminine voice calling out Theo’s name, heels clacking on the floor leading up to them. “Oh, it's her.” Theo said in full disappointment, his smile dropped into a frown.
Liam picked up on his tone, but didn't have enough time to comment and just smiled at them, “Hey Vienna,” Liam greeted politely.
“Hey Liam! I almost thought you weren't gonna make it Theo!” Vienna exclaimed sweetly, sliding her arm into his and Theo wanted to just shove her off. Why did he agree to a date?
“No worries, I made it now.” He fake smiled at her, a thin line on his face, he could barely pretend anymore, and he knew Liam saw through him like glass.
“Uh, I’ll see you later Theo. Have fun.” Liam said and turned to walk away, Theo giving him a nod but stared longingly at him from behind. Vienna, unable to notice, dragged Theo to the dance floor.
“Well? Let's dance! Come on.” She encouraged happily and Theo just went along with her, his heart was aching, nothing felt right. They went on the dance floor, Theo’s hands on her hips as he was leading. He wasn't the best, but he was smooth enough. Her hands wrapped around his neck, not giving him a shiver since it wasn't warm at all. At least not as warm as Liam.
Apathetically dancing with the girl, the song Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls came on. This is a song Theo was not expecting to hear as he turned to the speakers, seeing how someone familiar recommended it to the DJ. Vienna nudged him back to reality but he didn't want to be pulled back into this harsh realm.
As they slow-danced, Theo caught sight of Liam talking with Mason and Corey in the corner of his eye, noticing a brunette beside him. She turned in his direction and Theo’s heart sank, it was Hayden. The one that broke up with Liam and left, when he needed her the most. What the hell is she doing here? Theo froze.
Theo’s heart was beating quicker, watching as Liam was smiling and laughing with her, like they're rekindling a fire that burned out long ago. His grip on Vienna tightened and his steps went a little uncoordinated due to the overwhelming thoughts and feelings: jealousy, jealousy, jealousy.
He’s starting to hate the emotion now, as much as he hates dancing with Vienna and Liam speaking with Hayden. The song’s lyrics were making it worse, ‘I just want you to know who I am.’
Like a stab in the gut, felt worse than a physical one. He knew how it felt. He clenched his jaw tight, shoulders tense, green eyed and narrowed at the two across from him.
Due to the blaring music and his own emotional turmoil, he wasn’t able to focus and hear what they were exactly saying. All he could hope for was that it wasn't anything similar to the nightmares his thoughts are making. He kept watch, heart clenching as he heard Liam laugh at something she said, and he wasn't the cause of that.
One touch. One touch was all it took to spike his heart. Hayden leaned in with a look in her eyes and gently grabbed Liam’s arm, unclear if she gave it a squeeze or not. And that was it, he’s definitely had enough of standing back and pushing his jealousy deep down, when it was truly never gone since the beginning.
He let go of Vienna, mumbling a quick apology and earning a questioning look from her, but he didn't care. He strode towards the two, Liam unaware, and his gaze burned into them. He caught up and huffed deeply, grabbing hold on Liam’s other arm and pulling him out of her hold, catching him by surprise. He gave a baleful stare, targeted at Hayden, whilst she watched in shock and pulled her hand back.
“Woah! Theo? What’re you—” Liam tried to reason as Theo pulled him away firmly yet gently, not fixated over controlling his chemo signals, and instead reeking of jealousy.
“We need to talk. Now.” Theo cut him off with no room for arguments. “Liam!” Hayden called out but Theo continued to pull him along.
He pushed and cornered the clueless boy into a secluded area of the gym, away from prying eyes. With Theo staring him down, heart racing with adrenaline in his bloodstream.
“Theo, that was rude! What's this about?” Liam exclaimed, furrowing his eyebrows and Theo sighed in frustration at his words.
“You were talking with Hayden. Your ex.” Theo stated the obvious.
“Yeah? I was… I get that you two don't get along, but is it that big of a problem for me?” Liam asked, Theo noticing how his heart began to beat quicker.
Theo almost growled out, but he wasn't angry at him. Everyone else but him. “Yes, it's a huge deal to me, Liam.” He stepped closer into his personal space, causing a spike in the beta’s heart rate.
“Why? Why does it matter to you? You just ditch your date to pull me away and what? Ruin my conversation with Hayden?” Liam bit back.
“This is not about Vienna or Hayden, I couldn't give a shit about them Liam. This is about you and me. I’m fed up!” He spat, addressing Liam and himself with a gesture simultaneously. Liam parted his lips to speak again, but his heart was stuck in his throat.
Theo continued, “All I’ve been feeling lately is envy over everything and everybody revolving around you, and I’ve had to withstand it and do nothing about it. Kieran tutoring you, the frat guy flirting with you at the Sinema, the valentines day letters, Talbot getting on my nerves, giving Alec all your attention and finally, Hayden. Your literal ex-girlfriend.” He counted six on his fingers.
Liam’s lips were parted with no noise made, heart racing rapidly against his ribcage. “You're saying… you've been jealous? That's why you pulled me away?” He raised an eyebrow and Theo felt his pride crumble, but the truth is out now.
“Yeah, I am jealous. That's the problem here, it's been proven to me over and over again how great and desired you are. And I want nothing but to keep you for myself instead, selfishly.” He admitted possessively, staring at Liam with hunger and intensity.
Liam visibly tensed up and was in shock, cheeks warmed into a rosy tone. “Uh, wow… I- I didn't think it would work.” He stammered, almost breathless.
“What? What do you mean by that?” Theo questioned, confusion adding to his mix of emotions. Are they even on the same page?
“Um, this is embarrassing. God.” Liam sighed.
Theo could see right through him, “Liam, whatever you're hiding, spill it.”
Liam rubbed the nape of his neck nervously, cute, but that's not the time for that. “Well, those situations you just mentioned… they were all on purpose.” He looked back at Theo, chewing on his bottom lip.
“On purpose? Do you… you did all of that to make me jealous? This was planned?” Theo’s heart skipped a beat at Liam’s confession. His mind swirling with confusion and added disbelief.
Liam shamefully nodded, “Y-Yeah, it was planned, even Hayden’s part…” he trailed off and watched the frozen look on Theo.
“Why?” He asked, his tone a little softer cause he felt confused and even hurt. He didn't want to be part of any of Liam’s games if it was meant to deceive and belittle him.
Liam could sense his thoughts and was on alert. “I’ll explain, it’s really not all done for a bad reason! It's just… I got some advice from Mason and the others on how to catch your attention, and they suggested I make you jealous.” He explained, holding his gaze, “You weren't doing anything about it the first few times and I just… I went too far. I didn't know how else to figure out if you like me back.”
The revelation hit Theo like a ton of bricks, one bigger brick after another. “Wait wait, like you back? You mean–”
“Yes! I like you Theo! This was all just a ploy to get your attention and like… maybe ask you out? If you didn’t ask me out, and you haven’t.” Liam interrupted, earning a slight flinch from the other.
Theo’s heart hammered against his ribcage and just had to take a moment to process it all. Then he spoke again, “You're saying, you went out of your way to purposefully plan all of these interactions in the span of months, in hopes of making me jealous and catching my attention? So you can ask me out?” He sighed, “Do you know how ridiculous that sounds!” Theo exclaimed.
“Well it worked for Brett and Nolan!” Oh now he's bringing others into this? “Liam, I don't care about Brett and Nolan!” Theo replied, taking another step closer, almost towering over him.
“Idiot… you absolute idiot.” He harshly whispered and pinched his nose bridge for a second.
He felt a little hurt and angry over the choice of being deceived, but another part of him felt almost satisfied over the fact that Liam liked him so much, he had to resort to these methods just for his attention. “You didn't have to do all of that. All you had to do was come up to me and ask me out.” He simplified.
“It wasn't that easy! I jumble over my words every time I’m with you. I was too nervous!” He reasoned and Theo just wanted him to shut up at this point. “You could've saved us a lot of trouble, anxiety in the way or not. You didn't have to toy with me or anything. You’ve had my attention, my affection, my desire ever since you saved me. And you're an oblivious idiot for not noticing earlier.” He confessed, it was all out now, he couldn't take it back.
Liam’s heart skipped an obvious beat and he stared, wide-eyed and similar to a deer in headlights, his cheeks crimsoned under the disco lights. “But it's endearing, isn't it?” Liam whispered with a slight smile and Theo’s firmness softened, “That you're a total dumbass? Yeah, it is, absolutely.” He smirked and leaned closer. Noticing the way he’s nervously fidgeting, both of their hearts racing in unison.
He took matters into his own hands, literally, just to stop his fidgeting and Liam shivered but held his hands back. “Can I kiss you now or is this another part of your grand plan?” Theo raised an eyebrow.
“Don't worry, none of this was in my plan. I’m scared I’m dreaming.” He laughed, nervously but also in relief. “Hm, wanna prove if it's a dream or reality?” Theo whispered in a sultry tone and Liam sighed, “Yes please, come here.” He smiled affectionately and closed the distance, pressing his lips against Liam’s after only dreaming for so long.
Months of pent-up emotions and feelings all poured into a shared kiss: slow, barely hesitant and achingly tender. A shiver ran down Theo’s spine, letting go of his hands and cupping Liam's face delicately instead, as he tried his best to kiss him. Since he wasn't as experienced as Liam was with relationships and affection. Liam’s soft lips against his own felt heavenly, licking over his bottom lip and into his mouth for a full taste. He was craving and aching and desperate for it.
Liam wrapped his arms around Theo’s waist and tilted his head to angle it better, returning the kiss with equal passion and need. His lips moved tentatively, savoring the warmth, the closeness, the way Theo’s breath hitched against his mouth. Theo sighed softly into the kiss, losing breath but not caring. His hand slid up, curling around Liam’s nape, cradling it so he didn't pull away.
The world’s worries and problems surrounding them dissipated since the start of the kiss, which left them breathless as Theo reluctantly pulled back. Their noses nuzzling against one another, the detailed touch giving either one a shiver. Liam fluttered his blue eyes open, meeting hazel ones with pupil’s widened. Breaths mingled together as they remembered to breathe again.
Theo swallowed, resting his forehead against Liam’s.“Not a dream is it?” He teased and Liam shook his head, “It's a dream come true, as cheesy as it is.” They both chuckled.
Theo cut in, “Just so you know, I’m not letting you go now that I finally have you. After the shit you put me through, I’ve become possessive.”
“Mm, I don't mind, just what I wanted.” He pressed soft kisses against Theo’s already kiss-swollen lips, Theo just smiled and returned them. Lowering his hands to his shoulders.
“Wanna dance?” Liam asked out of the blue, “Seriously? We just made out and you wanna dance? I’d say screw prom.”
Liam pulled back enough to look at him, Theo tightened his hold so he didn't slip away. “But this is our only one! Come on, I promise I won't step on your feet.” He reasoned.
“Oh you better not, these are my only dress shoes, Wolfie.” Theo teased, then saw the puppy-eyed look from Liam. He didn't even have to try. Theo sighed, pecking his lips, “But fine, one dance… as long as I get to be with you all night long.” He added a condition and Liam grinned.
“Bet, I’m not going anywhere, I’m all yours.” He pecked his lips back and pulled away from the corner where he was pinned, lacing Theo’s hand with his own. Theo squeezed it back and smiled, relaxed and content with the knowledge that he gets to make others jealous instead.
He got pulled onto the dance floor, holding Liam’s waist whilst he held Theo’s shoulders, slow-dancing together with Theo guiding him off his feet every few seconds.
“I’m sorry about the stupid plans and everything, by the way.” Liam interrupted the moment. “You’ll have to make it up to me then… and you enjoyed it, didn't you?”
Liam smiled, “Guilty as charged,” he poked Theo’s chest. Theo chuckled and shook his head, “Also, you look amazing, beautiful even. You always are, but the suit really… suits you.” He joked and Liam rolled his eyes, blushing.
“Oh god, that was so bad.” He laughed, smiling brightly and Theo returned it. “You look handsome yourself, I got a little jealous earlier myself.” Theo hummed in response, “Did you now? Good. It’s payback.” Theo teased.
He glanced around and found Hayden staring at them and he smirked mischievously, “Mind reminding me if this is real?” He raised an eyebrow and Liam scoffed softly, cupping his cheek and pressing his lips back where they belonged.
They stayed like that for hours in Theo’s mind, he couldn't ask for anything better. Slow-dancing with the boy of his dreams, where he— they truly wanted to be.