Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Since he could remember, Theo did not have a favorite color. When asked, he always had a different answer ready. Even as a child, he could not understand the idea of choosing one color and then sticking with it forever. It was such a small detail which did not have any actual impact on his life, that he did not give it much thought at least for the better part of his life. It changed the day he entered the halls of Beacon Hills High School, blissfully unaware of the dramatic turn that his life was about to take.

After eight years of being away from his family town, Theo decided that it was time to come back and finish his education in the place he treasured the most. He left Beacon Hills at the age of ten, his poor young heart aching for his two friends and the memories they made together. Theo could still recall the day his parents sat him down and gave him the news about his dads promotion. He naively congratulated his father but the serious faces of his parents made him worry. It happened that the new position of Mr. Reaken was hundreds of kilometers from their home. Theo cried the whole evening and he was in no better mood the next morning when he had to announce it to Stiles and Scott. The two boys were devastated however, they both vowed to keep in touch with him and try their best to make their friendship last. Although childish promises are usually no good and are often broken, in their case it did not happen. Yes, they did not see each other every day like they used to, but they still could talk every other day and their group call could sometimes last forever. They made it work and now Theo was back.

He smiled and started to walk, ignoring the curious looks of other students. He was a “new” face in school so the attention didn’t surprised him. Theo passed a group of girls, who giggled once he looked at them. Not knowing what to do he checked his locker number and turned his gaze to search for it when suddenly he was pushed to the ground. He yelped in pain when two bodies fell on him seconds later, someone’s elbow hitting straight into his ribs. Theo was ready to throw hands at his attackers but the moment he saw their faces he grinned widely. Just like that, laying on the floor pinned by two bodies was not bothering him at all, it was actually quite nice.

“I can’t believe we waited for you in front of the school and you did not see us! Didn't even spare us a look! How could you?!” Said Stiles, once they stood up and hugged properly.

Theo looked at his friends, his brain not comprehending that after all this time they were back together again. Scott and Stiles did not change that much, he thought. They got taller since Theo last saw them, bigger, and they grew up. Definitely not looking like ten years old anymore. But for him, they were still the same dorks that spent hours with him, watching Star Wars and causing troubles every day.

“Well, why did you not call me?” Grinning, Theo asked. “I was not paying attention”.

“We thought since you rudely ignored us, that it's more fitting to welcome you in a more friendly way.” Answered Scott, with an innocent smile.

“You call jumping me a friendly way?” Laughed Theo. He could still feel his ribs aching but the pain was not enough to ruin his mood. Although he knew he would bitch about it to his friends, just to mess with them.

Once they got themselves in order they decided to walk to the boys' changing room since both Scott and Stiles had a lacrosse practice on the first period. With still a lot of time to spare, they happily chatted about everything, already making plans after classes. Theo could not shake the feeling of happiness, finally reunited with his friends he felt like he belonged. In his previous school, he was quite popular and there was always someone around him but he never managed to form a deeper connection with anyone. He never complained still, it was better than nothing, and at the end of the day, he had someone to hang out with.

Theo sighed, focusing on his friend's attempts to convince him to join the lacrosse team. He was never really a team player, and he couldn't imagine himself as a good addition to the team. Scott and Stiles did not push, they settled on making him promise that he would cheer for them from the benches. They entered the changing rooms, and immediately Theo was hit with the loud noise of teenage boys chatter. Ignoring the faint smell of an old sweat, Theo leaned on the wall. Stiles was ranting about his life problems, about some older guy who he was in love with who did not pay him any attention.

“But I am sure I can get through to Derek soon! I just need more time.” Declared Stiles, aggressively taking off his hoodie. His head got stuck in one of the sleeves but he continued. “ No one can resist Stilinski's charm!”

“Or you will annoy poor Derek into a relationship” Scott added.

“Yeah that's more likely” Chuckled Theo and quickly ducked his head to avoid being hit by Stiles's shoe. He gave the boy a look before throwing the shoe back, hitting Stiles right in the chest.

Stiles looked like he was about to declare war but before he attempted to do so, the door opened with a loud bang. Startled, Theo straightened himself as he almost got run over for the second time this day. A short blonde boy threw his gear and bag on the floor right by Theo’s legs. Without sparing him a look, he turned to Scott.

“ I am so sorry Scott! I know I am late again but this time it’s not my fault.” The boy pleaded. “I was about to be on time, I even woke up earlier and all, but Mason decided to not give me a lift today! And I had to make my mum drive me and she was not happy about it. She even used my second name and it never a good sign.”

“Liam, you still have a few minutes left.” Scott gave him a reassuring smile. “How about you start changing and meet us outside for the warm-up? Just be quick.”

Theo was not surprised by Scott’s kind response. After all what else could anyone expect from Scott, the most sympathetic and generous person who ever entered Beacon Hills High School? He was born to be a captain, to inspire his teammates and lead them to victory during matches. Theo saw videos of the team in action, all of the players moving in sync, following Scott’s orders. The times that Stiles was on the pitch as well, were Theo’s favorite ones. Not only because Stiles usually ended on his ass, tackled by someone which was always hilarious to watch. Theo liked to see his friends having fun together, their joyous shouts at every point. Over the years he probably got more than a hundred lacrosse video content, so he was up to date with the team's achievements.

On Scott’s words, the late boy, Liam quickly turned around and bent down to get his bag. When he stood up, bag in his hands, he found himself face to face with Theo. For Theo, it felt like the world stopped. For the first time in his life, he was mesmerized by a color, the prettiest shade of blue he had ever seen. Theo could not help it, he stood there, in the boys' changing room, and he was completely lost in the strangers' eyes.

“Liam, this is our best friend Theo Reaken.” Said Stiles, clueless to the building tension. Startled, both boys woke up from the trans, Theo’s poor heart beating so strong he could feel it in his stomach. “And Theo, this is Liam Dunbar, freshmen and the newest addition to the lacrosse team.”

No one said anything for a long awkward moment before Theo gathered his strength and managed to greet the other boy.

“Hey” He said, giving Liam his most charming smile. “ It’s nice to meet you.”

“Hi?” Liam’s response sounded more like a question and Theo found it so adorable.

Now that he was no longer stuck on Liam’s eyes, he noticed how attractive the smaller boy was. Liam was shorter than him, but he had a very athletic body. His hair was a mess, probably due to the running late, and on his cheeks Theo could see a blush. It made him more confident knowing, that he was not the only one affected by their meeting.

Liam hesitated for a moment and then turned around to prepare for the practice. The atmosphere became less awkward, especially after Stiles went straight back to complaining about his unrequited love. But this time Theo was not paying him attention, his stare glued to the younger boy back. There was something about him, that made Theo curious. Theo observed how the boy moved and when Liam turned his gaze in his direction, he was once again blessed by the beautiful sight of the baby blue eyes. Yes, Theo was definitely making it his favorite color.

Suddenly the bell rung, announcing the start of the first period. Not wanting to be late on his first day, Theo reluctantly bid his friends a goodbye.

“I will see you guys in an hour, we have English together.” He said.

Scott and Stiles were already running out of the locker room, so the only response he got back was distant shouts of agreement. The only person left was Liam, still in the middle of changing. Theo turned to him, giving him one last look.

“See you soon Baby Blue,” He said quietly, leaving Liam with his mouth slightly open in shock.

Theo was so glad he was back.

Chapter Text

Liam was no stranger when it came to weird situations. Hell, he was usually the one to blame when they happened, with his short temper and pure talent of finding the trouble. But for the past three months it was the trouble that found him, not the other way around.

The trouble, because what else could Liam call the most annoying, stubborn and narcissistic person he had to deal with on a daily basis. Theo Reaken, the bane of Liam existence. Not a day went by without a confrontation between them, and Liam was sure that there was no place in school he could hide in to avoid the other boy. Every time he turned his head, Theo was there, already looking at him with this smirk that Liam would love to wipe off his stupid face. It also didn’t help that the times that Theo approached him, Liams’ brain just shut off. Gone were his snarky remarks and instead he was left to fight for his dignity with just his angry looks and eye rolls. Theo however, seemed unbothered always leaving Liam flustered with heart beating out of his chest. Liam thought it was an allergy reaction to Reakens stupid attractive looks, Mason on the other hand, claimed it was pure admiration. They had to agree to disagree on this one.

“I can’t believe him!” Sighed Liam, his body dropping next to his best friend. He leaned his head against the top of the table, assuming the most resigned pose he could managed. He wasn't concerned about drawing unnecessary attention to himself, although he preferred not to embarrass himself in front of the whole school any more than he already had. For the good measure Liam put his hands over his ears, the voice of Theo calling him Baby Blue still ringing out in his head.

“What has this bastard done this time? Did he smile at you? Or did he dare to wave this time?” Spoke up Mason, unfazed by the life crisis his best friend seemed to be going through. He didn’t even have to guess who it was about, there was only one person that Liam talked about for the past three months.

“He asked me out.” Liam answered and changed his position, turning fully in Masons direction. “Again.”

“No he did not!”

“Can you at least pretend to be a good friend? I can literally feel the sarcasm.”

In Masons defense there was nothing special about Theo asking Liam on a date, since he did it multiple times a week. When it happened for the first time, two weeks after they met Liam was going to say yes. He didn’t get to do that only because Coach materialized next to him and loudly rushed him into the practice. The next time Theo approach him with the same question a crowd of students emerged from the classroom and separated them before Liam opened his mouth. It was unfortunate, but Liam still felt pretty happy. Theo was one of the most attractive people he ever met and there was something about him that made Liams heart beat faster. But he was not the only one affected by the older boy, the whispers of adoration following Theo to every class. With such a competition Liam realized that he had already lost. He was almost at peace with his pathetic crush but Theo could not gave up. He asked and asked, every time making Liam more mad. Surely, Theo couldn’t be serious and Liam did not want to end up as a joke, especially when his feelings were at the stake. So there he was, frequently asked on a date but unable to agree to it.

“He asked me while I was not paying attention.” Liam continued, shaking Mason arm to get him to focus. “I got startled and dropped a book by accident. It made a lot of noise and the girl next to us got scared and jumped. I think she was drinking water because next second I looked at her she was soaked.”

“Only you Liam, only you.” Muttered Mason.

“Listen because it gets worse. The girl was super mad, she stomped off somewhere and everyone was looking at me. And you know what I realized? That out of all the places I could move when I dropped the book I miraculously ended up in Theo Reakens arms.”

Mason could not hold back the laughter which earned him an angry glare and light shove. Liam could give him that, the situation sounded ridiculous and he would also find it funny if it didn’t happen to him particularly. He really was a walking disaster.

“Before you asked, I ran. I have no dignity left anyway but that was too much even for me. And it’s all stupid Theo Reakens’ fault. I only embarrass myself when he is around.”

Mason dramatically rolled his eyes.

“You embarrass yourself plenty. Also, you are so stubborn. The hottest guy in school chases after you for months and you still won’t give him a chance. If this man was making fun of you he would give up long time ago. I am telling you I saw him getting asked out on multiple occasions and he always declines. It’s obvious he has eyes only for you, you dumb idiot. Relies him from this misery and make out with him already, I beg you.”

Liam opened his mouth in shock, words not forming. He really should find new friends, the nice kind ones that would give him pats on his back and would feel sorry for him. Although, he could already feel a blush forming on his cheeks. Mason was obviously wrong, but Liam could not help to feel a shadow of hope that maybe Theo was trying for real. However, he quickly reminded himself of the sad reality. Even if Reaken was at some point interested in him, after the countless rejections and todays incident he surly gave up. Frowning Liam turned his gaze on the floor. Looking at his untied shoelaces he replied.

“Yeah, whatever”.

“Liam, man.” Said his friend, pulling him in half hug. “Stop worrying, I am sure it is not as bad as you think it is. No one will remember what happened okay? You are cool, and kind and have a lot to offer. Don’t pull yourself down.” Mason phone biped, announcing a message.

“I’ve got to go, Coray is waiting for me. Will you be alright on your own?”

“I’m gonna head home anyway, its fine.”

“I will give you a call in the evening. Really man, cheer up” And with that, Mason was off running to meet up with his boyfriend.

Liam planned to sit and sulk for five more minutes and then go home but then he looked at the window. It started to rain so hard, that the parking lot was not visible at all. When Liam focused, he heard the wind raging the trees, smaller branches hitting walls of the school building. It was not a great weather to walk in for forty minutes which is exactly what Liam had to do to get home. He looked at his phone and checked the time. If he waited for two more hours he could catch a lift from his stepdad, however considering his current situation he really wanted to get out of the school as fast as he could. Maybe it was worth it, to just risk it and get soaked. Worst case scenario he would catch a cold and feel miserable for couple of days. Then at least he could skip school for a good reason.

“At least the girl who spilled water on herself should be happy. If she has so uncaring friends like I do, she will get wet either way”. He mumbled to himself.

“Well, I can tell you one thing Baby Blue. You are not walking in that weather. I will drive you.” Said a voice from behind him.

Liam slowly turned around, cursing himself for not leaving a minute earlier. Theo sat next to him, close enough that their thighs were touching. He raised his eyebrows, signaling Liam to get his stuff together. The younger boy complied but then a thought went through his mind. If he gets himself stuck in the car with Theo, he will for sure say something stupid and the memories of it will hunt him forever.

“You know what, that won’t be necessary.” Liam said standing up. “I actually love the rain, it’s so refreshing, really I will take a nice walk, thank you very much.”

Theo caught his arm, hand curling firmly on Liams biceps.

“No way. This was not a question, you are coming with me.’ He said pulling Liam with him in the school exit direction. “ I have your book in the car anyway.”

Liam send him a puzzled look, mind racing.

“You know, the book that you dropped earlier in the hall? You left it on the ground and fled my arms so fast I figured it would be a good idea to give it back to you later.” Theo smirked, evidently proud of succeeding in getting Liam alone. He then dropped his hold on Liam arm just to replace it gently on the small of his back, guiding him further.

“Come on Baby Blue, let me take you home.”

Honestly, what the fuck was Liam life right now?

Chapter Text

Theo Reaken was not a fool. He knew when he was being played and he could get a hint when someone was not interested in him. He understood what “no” meant, and he was not a type to harass anyone after being rejected. Firmly he stood by it.

Theo was also not blind. The attraction between him and Liam was mutual, both sides surely felt it from their first meeting. The tension between them so thick, you could cut it with a knife, all the glances caught across the halls filled with unsaid words. The blue of Liam’s eye was for forever coded in Theo’s brain, any future questions about his favorite color to be damned when the answer was so easy. And yet, after three months Theo was no closer to getting Liam alone. The frustration was killing him.

He lost the track of how many times he tried to ask Liam out just to be interrupted before he could hear the answer. There was always something or someone in their way, his friends, Liam’s friends or which was probably the most disturbing, the Coach. Really, Theo suspected that Coach Finstock had a special sense dedicated just to make Theo suffer. Then the exams and papers started coming and he was forced to put his crush aside and focus on education for a while. The feelings didn’t go away, he still looked for Liam in the crowd at school and sent him his most charming smiles whenever he caught his gaze.

And then one day he finally managed to catch the younger boy alone and properly asked him for a date. Liam flustered, his baby blue eyes going wide, and the most adorable blush formed on his cheeks. Yeah, Theo was smitten. But the awaited answer never came. Liam stuttered, his words not making any sense and before Theo knew it, the younger boy was gone, leaving him very confused. So, he investigated. It didn’t take much to grasp what was happening. Apparently, he has unintentionally became the school top one boyfriend material. He was so focused on Liam, reconnecting with his friends and keeping up with his good grades, that he completely missed the stares that followed him everyday.

“Oh my god. Am I the hot girl?” he asked Stiles, when he realized.

Stiles sighed and left the room without an answer. Which, by the way, was quite rude. When minutes later Theo was joined by Scott he repeated, this time with new confidence:

“I am the hot girl.”

“Yes, yes you are.” Scott just looked at him confused for a moment but there was not doubt in his voice.

So it was decided, Theo was the new most wanted bachelor in Beacon Hills High School. Which was flattering but also caused him a lot of issues considering that he was only interested in one person. One person that apparently decided that anyone in the whole school would be a better fit for Theo. First, Reaken thought that this could not be the reason, truly Liam didn’t seem to be struggling with his confidence. The way the younger boy walked through the halls, with his beautiful smile should not leave any room for doubt that he was desirable. However, Theo’s popularity seemed to affect the younger boy, making him unsure about his own worth and even worse, the innocence of Theo’s intentions. Stiles and Scott did what they could to subtlety (well, maybe not in Stiles case) ensure the younger boy that Theo was a good guy. They also very firmly declared Theo’s status as “single” to not leave any doubt there because no matter who asked, Theo was not free to go out. He had eyes only for one guy. And so Theo decided to not give up. Because he could feel Liams gaze, even though he pretended not to look at him. He persisted because Liam did seek him out, just not in the most direct way. Liam’s strategy was huffing at him and shooting him heated looks anytime he spoke to him but the blush on his cheeks was not fooling anyone. The infamous nickname worked wonders in making a reaction out of Liam. It led to many comical situations where Liam usually ended up to doing something dumb like spilling water at random people. But Theo could roll with that if it meant that he could learn more about the other boy. The more he learned, the more his crush was growing.

And there he was, blessed by the awful weather, out of all the things in the world. Theo thanked the god’s of rain for finally giving him the chance to woo the younger boy. His patience was rewarded, the rainstorm and Liam leaving his book behind opened a great opportunity to spend more time together.

“You seem awfully quiet today Baby Blue.” Theo spoke up once they both sat in the car, clothes already wet from the quick run to the car.

“Hard to be in talking mood when being kidnapped.” Liam muttered provocatively.

“I’m pretty sure it is not kidnapping if you willingly entered my car.” Theo smirked, dropping Liam’s forgotten book at the other boy lap. “Now, seatbelts please.“

Annoyed, Liam scrunched his nose but complied. Once the seatbelts were fasten, Theo started his car. Liam house was not very far away but the weather conditions and the traffic hours meant that the ride may take a while. Theo was not complaining. The rain was so strong that the windscreen wipers could barely keep up.
Theo was therefore forced to pay a lot of attention to the road, only getting a chance to look at the younger boy when the traffic lights turned red. But what a sight he was.

“You held my book hostage I had to follow you to your car” Said Liam, continuing the conversation after a longer pause.

“Well if you didn’t run away from me today you wouldn’t have this problem.”

“You know that what happened there was absolutely your fault. You startled me and now that girl will despite me forever.”

“Was there even a girl there?” Theo asked, turning his gaze back on the road when the light changed to green. “I didn’t even notice, must have been completely occupied with you in my arms.”

Liam gasped, surprised by the direct statement. From the corner of his eye Theo could notice that the younger boy was playing with his hands on his lap, too flustered to shoot a sarcastic replay back. Theo smiled, his heart biting faster at the adorable response. He took a minute to calm himself and started again, this time in more serious manner.

“How do you feel about tomorrow’s match against Devenford Prep? I heard from Scott it will be a tough game.”

The younger boy turned his head in Theo direction, surprised by the change of the topic.

“I hope we will crush them.” He simply replied, his tone sure. “Those guys may be good but they play dirty and it never works out for them at the end. We’ve been practicing a lot lately and I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow but we are as ready as we can be.”

“I’m sure you will put up a good fight.” Theo said, glad that they are having a proper conversation without the cat and mouse play. “How did you get into lacrosse anyway? I saw you at the practices and you’ve been amazing.”

Liam launched into explanation, gesturing wildly with his hands. Theo found himself memorized by the voice, soaking every fact that Liam shared with him. It was a nice change to their usual relationship, where it was usually Theo that had to stir the conversation. But like all great things, the ride must had come to an end.
Theo arrived at Liam’s address and parked his truck on the driveway. The rain was slowing down, and the streets were full of puddles. It was one of these neighborhoods in which the houses looked extremely similar to each other. It took Theo one glance to see that the Dunbar’s household was standing out. Although the house did not differ from the others that much, the garden made the place unique. The flowers, now slightly crushed under the weight of the raindrops, were scattered around the whole front, making the grass vibrant with colors. It seemed like complete chaos and yet everything looked perfectly in place in Theos opinion.

“It’s my stepdads work” He heard Liam say. When Theo turned his head in the other boy’s direction he noticed that Liam was already unbuckled in his seat. “First my mum was sceptic since the flowers are all over the place but now she helps him plant them every season.”

“I love it.” Theo replied honestly.

Liam looked surprised for a second and then his gaze soften. He smiled shyly and then slowly gathered his backpack.

“Thank you for the ride.” He said, putting his hand on the handle and ready to leave. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“You know I enjoy your company. So really, anytime Baby Blue.” Theo said, desperately hoping for the moment to last longer. He quickly gathered his thoughts and decided that he had nothing to lose. He had a good feeling that today might be the day.

“Baby Blue” He said, which made Liam withdraw his hand from the car handle. “I promise that If you say no I will leave you alone. I would love to take you out after tomorrows match. We could go for burgers and fries to the new dining place. I heard they serve a mean shake there. I promise to be on my best behavior and that you will have a good time.”

Theo hold his breath, seeing that Liam was thinking through his proposition. Honestly, at this point Theo was not above locking them in his car if Liam tried to run again.

“Yeah, okay. Take me out on the date.” Came a replay.

Seconds later Theo was left alone, Liams notebook once again left behind, forgotten. Theo touched the book, the only remainder of what finally happened just seconds ago, so fast that if not for the book, Theo would not believe it was real.

“War is over.” He thought and with a smile he started his truck.