An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Chapter 8: Face of a Killer: THEO
Theo’s chest tightens with panic, seeing the blood on Liam’s hands. “What are you doing here?” Theo’s usually masked demeanor was slipping at the seams. He couldn’t hide his paranoia. “Did you follow me again?” he asks through slitted eyes.
“No! I mean, yes, but… Didn’t you get my text?” Liam’s voice was pleading with a defensive tone.
Theo looks at him without humor. “No, I was too busy running for my life.” His eyes dart around the room, looking out for anything else that might be hiding in the shadows.
Liam’s gaze falls on the bloody body and he sighs deeply. “I was trying to warn you. I saw him follow you out of the club.”
“Am I supposed to thank you, Liam? You just killed a guy.”
Panic looms over Liam’s eyes, but is quickly replaced by anger as he shoots back, “Hey, I just saved your ass, so yeah, maybe a little appreciation would be welcomed.” Theo replies with a harsh scoff and turns to leave with a pounding heart and unsteady feet. Liam lays a hand on his shoulder with a “Dude, what is your problem?”
Theo is quick to withdraw Liam’s hand and pushes him away. “You are!” his voice bounces off the walls. “You’re my problem, Liam!” he shouts.
Liam looks back at him with a new confusion, shaking his head. “I haven’t done anything to you.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong. From the moment I came back to this stupid town, you’ve been my problem.” Theo’s eyes flash with anger and he looks away at the lifeless body that lay meters away from them. He thinks that could’ve been his lifeless body lying there.
Liam reaches out, his hand gentle on Theo’s arm. “Are you okay?”
Theo laughs bitterly, coming out as almost a sob. “Am I— Are you seriously asking if I’m okay right now? I just nearly escaped a crazed maniac with jaws for a hand and you’re asking if I’m okay.”
Theo’s little outburst didn’t faze Liam. Instead, he says softly, worries etched on his face, “You just… you seemed scared.”
With a furrowed brow, Theo replies, “I wasn’t scared, so you can save your sympathy for someone who cares.” He winces as he turns again, clutching his shoulder.
Liam’s eyes flash and he reaches a hand to Theo’s arm. “You’re hurt.” Theo touches the bite mark he had completely forgotten about. “Here,” Liam says, “can I try something?”
Theo hesitates, his eyes burning into Liam’s. He just nearly evaded one killer. How did he know Liam wasn’t going to kill him, too? Something about the sincerity in Liam’s eyes made Theo want to say yes, though. He found himself nodding, his eyes never straying from Liam’s. Liam places his palm on Theo’s wounded shoulder, his eyebrows knitted together in concentration. He closes his eyes with a frown, his grip on his shoulder light and steady.
Theo glances at Liam’s hand, his fingers dancing under Theo’s shirt. When he meets Liam’s eyes again he’s looking back at him with dismay. Theo looks back with confusion.
