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@theobaudelaire
𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕠𝕕𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕓𝕒𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕖
he was born twenty-seven years ago, he is a werewolf who lives in wolf crossing as a firefighter, and is in the pack. he looks an awful lot like oliver stark.
“Just once, I really want someone to choose me.”
Explore a hand-picked collection of Pins about Theo on Pinterest.
Roman stared out the window, towards his right and watched the street lamps go by until they were out in the country where the tree lines were filling the space. There was not a lot to be said between them, both knew the truth of what happened that evening and any discussion over it would only lead to more tension between the two Bauldelaire men. Or at least that was until Theodore spoke, saying dad.
Turning towards his son, he did not know what to say. If something happened to him, he truly believed with every fiber of his body his children would be sad for a moment. However, they would be relieved soon afterwards and never think about him again. Only exception might be Dario, but then again his youngest had only been in his life less than two years so it could swing either way.
He wanted to respond with his thoughts, but he decided not to. There was no need to put his own insecurities on his son. “I was fine,” he insisted once more.
Sighing heavily, he looked at his son baffled that Theodore was unaware all this time that he had been drinking. It had been nearly a year since he picked up the bottle again. “Sobriety is for people who have a problem, I don’t have a problem.” He commented.
Theo didn't even know half of what was going on inside his dad's head. If he did, his heart would probably break. He definitely wasn't stupid, it was hard to say why he had been so blind concerning his dad's sobriety being over for more than a year. Maybe he really wasn't paying enough attention or maybe he was just seeing what he wanted to see. What was the point in being aware of something that would only make him sad? What he knew for sure was that he wouldn't be able to move on so easily if he lost his dad. Or if anything happened to him truly. Maybe he wasn't showing it enough, but he really loved him. He had already lost too many parental figures, he couldn't lose the last one he actually had. ''Right...Look, everyone is fine until they aren't. Do you know how many accidents I've seen? Some were drunks who thought nothing could hurt them until they were proven otherwise.'' There was also the few that just didn't care, who thought the world would be a better place without them, but he didn't want to speak this into existence. He didn't want this to be the case for his dad. He scoffed at his last comment without meaning to. His dad clearly had a problem, he did for most of Theo's own life.
Charlie was nervous, this was his first date since his husband died. But he was also excited, for the date. Theo's company, was something Charlie was quickly enjoying. Charlie's smile grew as he stepped into the bowling alley with Theo. "I thought it could be fun, and who doesn't love bowling.' Charlie said as he nudged Theo softly before he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Theo's forehead.
Charlie squeezed Theo's hand softly, when he felt the others hand slip into his own. He smiled at the worker as they grabbed their shoes before he looked over to the people playing. He glanced at Theo before they headed towards their lane.
"Yes, a few times." Charlie pulled on the rental shoes before he laced them out. "But not for awhile, I never really had time."
''Exactly!'' he agreed, even if he could probably name a couple of people who might not appreciate this type of outing. But to him, it was perfect. He'd rather spend time doing an activity with someone he liked instead of sitting in front of them at a restaurant just talking…well, he would love that too. He smiled when he felt a kiss on his forehead. He knew he wasn't the most physical with most people, but he loved how different he acted with him.
He nodded at his words, ''I think it's important to take the time sometimes.'' He wasn't the best person to talk about taking time for hobbies outside of work these days, but he was already enjoying this. He wrote their names on the little screen and picked up a bowling ball, deciding to play first.
As he stood at the lane, he felt a wave of happiness wash over him. He glanced back at Charlie, focused on the pins and rolled the ball. It wasn't a perfect shot, but it wasn't terrible either. He managed to knock half the pins. Turning around, he grinned. ''Not a bad start, right?''
She was happy that he did enjoy what she had done, having little chances for things like this. And also she felt nice about spending time with the man, since he was always so cheerful and nice, such a contrast to the daily life. She was surprised that he did enjoy her company as well, but this was only due to all the insecurities that had grown within her with the years in the darkness and loneliness. If she better understood the concept of friendship she surely would be consider Theo one of the few she had made in Greywood.
As she walked in silently her stomach did a nervous flip at the closing of the door but she took a deep breath to remind herself that she's not trapped here. She quickly took off her Mary Janes, carefully lining them with the other shoes by the door, suddenly feeling even shorter standing by the tall man without the small heels. She followed him into the kitchen, her eyes observing all of it, the small items everywhere that made the place look homey and not sterile. These things were everywhere around the small apartment and she found it very cozy and lovely. "I don't think it's small, and even if it is, you are taking really good care of it," she said, looking at a photo on the wall with what she assumed was family based on similarities visible even in the small faces. One of them was familiar to her, which surprised her but after looking at it for a bit she let it go for the moment, unsure if she wanted to venture into that and ask about it.
As she strutted after him towards the kitchen she stood standing as he put the pie in a plate and searched for what she assumed would be something to cut it to. "Maybe I could try, to make sure it's good. And if it's not I could make a new one," she said leaning on the counter, but still visibly uncertain as to whether to stand, sit or lean somewhere. "You could also take some to your sister if she'd like it."
He loved her positivity. The apartment was definitely smaller than the homes he had been used to, but it was good enough for two people. "Thank you! We try our best," he said, modestly. He couldn't take full credit since he was sharing with his sister. He had contributed to the decoration and brought his own things into the living space. Here, nobody was around to criticize what he loved.
"Don't be silly! I'm sure it will be good," he reassured her. He trusted her talents, but even if the pie didn't turn out great, he knew she wouldn't have to make another one. He had never made a pie himself, but he imagined it must have taken her a long time. Noticing how she seemed uncertain about where to sit, he gestured to the stools displayed in front of the counter. "You can sit there. I'll just cut these..."
He cut two pieces of pie, placing them on plates before sitting down next to her. Taking a bite with his fork, he raised it close to her as if he were about to make a toast. "To a new friendship!"
He took a bite, and just as he had hoped, it was delicious. He savored the taste, the crust flaky and the filling perfectly sweet. "Wow, this is amazing," he said, looking at her with genuine admiration.
Thank goodness Uncle Theo was there to rescue Thaddeus and offered to take Norma to her karate lesson. Sometimes, he wondered what he would do without the people close to him in his life helping him raise his daughter. It was true what they said, it takes a village.
As he got off work, he made his way home and took a quick shower and got into some comfortable clothes before heading to the restaurant that Theo text to him.
“Always boring without you man,” he smile.
Thaddeus sat down across from his friend. “How was practice today?” He asked Norma.
“Dad, I’m busy.”
He lifted his eyes back up to his friend. “How did she do? Did she behave for you?”
Theo was always happy to help. He liked making his friends' and family's lives easier. Without kids of his own or a serious relationship, he had an abundance of free time and often used it to support those around him who were genuinely busy.
''Yeah, I know!'' He was only half-joking. He was aware that Thad enjoyed his time at work, even when he wasn't there, but he still hoped he was missed at least a little. They weren't best friends for nothing; their shared humor and fun conversations always made their time together enjoyable.
Theo chuckled at Norma's response. She was busy drawing, but not actually too busy to answer her father. That was just how she was, and Thad was obviously used to it. ''She did well,'' Theo said. ''Her teacher mentioned she's a quick learner and clearly enjoys it. I think some of the moms were flirting with me. Do they usually flirt with you when you go?'' He asked, curious to know if his best friend had met anyone interesting lately without directly asking.
She nodded with an exhale as he confirmed she had in fact not disturbed him from a nap which would always be helpful when someone was sick. The idea of imposing herself on someone honestly felt extremely nerve-wrecking to her, thus why she so rarely accepted an invitation. That and the loneliness was a daily thing for her, however suffocating it sometimes may feel. "I'm glad. And I really wanted to do so, it's just that you have been really nice to me and so I thought.... I can't really offer much for a thank you, but I thought something homemade may be nice," she offered quietly, looking down as she said it.
"Oh..." came out of her mouth at the invitation, unsure whether she should accept it. There was that distant memory in her mind of accepting an invitation and spending lots of time in someone's apartment and then... well then she'd lost the ability to leave. And Alexander had been very nice as well to her, back then, nicer than he was most of the time now. As he added that there was someone else inside, this calmed the nerves that were swelling in her belly and she gave another smile, thought tighter than the previous one. She clasped her palms together in front of her. "I... I might be able to for a bit. While it's still sunny," she said, thinking that as long as the sun was outside Alexander would be home and she'd be okay having maybe a cup of water and talking to the man. "To make sure you enjoy the remedy," she added, as if she needed a definitive reason to walk in and not just the nice friendliness of the situation, so casual for anyone but her.
Theo wouldn't have minded if she had woken him from a nap. Spending time with her was always a pleasure, and even though he knew he should be resting, he hated missing out on his days. "You didn't have to thank me, really! But it's really sweet of you," he said, his face lighting up with genuine happiness. He didn’t have many friends these days. Sure, he had his best friend and got along with almost everyone he met, but he often felt his friendships were one-sided. But with Helen, he was convinced their friendship was mutual and sincere.
"Perfect!" he exclaimed, not realizing she had to leave early because of her husband. He assumed she just didn't want to drive home in the dark, which made sense. The town was generally safe, but there were always exceptions. He moved aside to let her in and closed the door behind her. He placed the gifts on the kitchen counter and decided to give her a quick tour.
"So, this is the kitchen," he said, gesturing around the cozy space decorated in bright pastel colors. He then led her to the living room, where his blanket and pillow were still on the couch from his nap. The TV was on, displaying his paused video game. He showed her the bathroom and pointed out two nearby doors, explaining they were Sienna's room and his own. "It's not huge, but it's ours, so it's enough," he said with a smile, heading back to the kitchen.
Theo took a spoonful of the remedy she brought him and then unpacked the pie, already eager to try it. "Are you hungry? It smells so good!"
“For fuck’s sake, I’m tired and hadn’t had any rest. Of course, I was disoriented.” Roman tried playing off with his son. A sigh left his lips as he leaned his head against the cool glass and stared out into the distance. It wasn’t until Theo said something, that he rolled his eyes. It had been nearly a year since he stopped going to AA meetings and picked up the bottle again. For Roman, he tried being sober and slowly ease his way into his family’s good graces. But, it didn’t seem to matter the effort he put forth. So, he gave into temptation.
“Yeah, well I didn't see a reason not to.” Roman murmured under his breath. The wolf wanted to stop, but the emotional triggers and years of addiction tended to take over. The man looked over at his son, he could tell he wasn’t thrilled. Out of his children with Carina, it was always Theo that saw the best in him. But now, he wasn’t so sure anymore. Something felt different between them.
Theo gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white as he tried to keep his composure. The hum of the engine was the only sound that filled the tense silence between them. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of disappointment and worry pressing down on him like a heavy blanket.
He really wanted to believe that it was the truth. That Charlie had been wrong, that he made a mistake, but he knew the actual truth deep-down. He didn't want to argue further. "Fine, if you say so," he muttered, his voice strained, barely masking the bitterness in his words. He knew how to recognize someone who had been drinking, and he didn't appreciate his dad lying about it. His eyes darted to his father's face, searching for any sign of remorse, but he saw none.
Theo bit his lip, trying to control the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. His chest felt tight, a mix of anger and sorrow swirling inside him. He didn't know if he should feel more hurt or concerned, listening to his dad's words. Wasn't his family a good enough reason? Wasn't he enough? But he didn't want to make this about himself. He knew there was a lot he didn't know because everyone around him was always trying to protect him. It just felt like his dad was choosing the bottle over his kids, again.
“Dad,” Theo began, his voice soft but firm, his hands trembling slightly as he turned to face him. "I know you're angry, but tonight could've been dangerous. What if something happened to you? Or what if you hurt someone else?" His throat tightened, the words feeling heavy as he forced them out. Technically, he did hurt someone else. But once again, he didn't want to make it about himself. ''So, tonight wasn't the first time you broke your sobriety?''
Theo practically bounced with excitement as he and Charlie walked into the bowling alley. The smell of freshly made popcorn and the sound of pins crashing filled the air, making Theo's heart race with anticipation. He looked over at Charlie, already smiling. This was their first official date, and he was determined to make it special. ''You had such a good idea, I haven't been bowling in ages!'' He grabbed Charlie's hand, leading him to the counter so they could rent their shoes. He glanced around, taking in the vibrant lights and the hum of activity around them. His hand felt warm and steady in his, and it sent a pleasant shiver up Theo's spine. ''You've played before, right?'' He asked once they were sitting in front of their assigned lane, lacing up his own shoes. @prettyboy-glowinggold
“Should I tell you that when we're apart, your body comes back to me in dreams? That when I sleep, I see you, the dip of your waist, the freckle above your hip, and when I wake up in the morning, it feels like I've just been with you, the phantom touch of your hand on the back of my neck fresh and not imagined? That I can feel your skin against mine, and it makes every bone in my body ache? That, for a few moments, I can hold my breath and be back there with you, in a dream, in a thousand rooms, nowhere at all?” ― Casey McQuiston, Red, White & Royal Blue
@theobaudelaire
Theo's favorite thing to do on his day off was spending time with his best friend and his daughter. Today, Thad had to cover for a coworker, just when Norma was supposed to attend her karate lessons. Theo offered to take her, spending the day chatting with the parents and cheering on the little girl he considered his niece. He wasn't sure who enjoyed the day more. Before he knew it, it was time to bring her to the diner where they were meeting Thad for dinner.
Theo chose a table by the window and asked for some colored pencils. He was busy drawing with Norma when Thad arrived.
"Hey! We were waiting for you to order. Not too tired?" Theo asked, knowing Thad had been working and unsure how busy his day had been.
"Wasn't too boring without me?" He teased. @thad-spaulding
Bad luck seemed to follow the wolf around, at least he thought it did. Easier to blame luck than it was yourself making poor choices that caused you to end up having blue and red lights in your rearview mirror. “You gotta be fucking me,” he grumbled to himself. However, he got out his license and registration for the cop, but the moment the cop requested a breathalyzer things started to get testy and before he knew it, he was being processed and placed behind bars.
The man had no idea that the officer reached out to his youngest son, because right now he was contemplating on who to call for his one phone call. Often it was Matthew, but the two of them had been having a difficult time lately…well more difficult than usual. Ryden came to mind, but that was his boss. Someone he went to for a job, telling the Alpha that he had sobered up and needed employment. This also left Marsden off the table given they were lovers. Fuck, he really was in a pickle. Just as he thought about Henry or Eris, he heard a familiar voice.
Still a bit drunk, he stood up, his body swaying a little as he came up to the bars. “Matty?” It was his first inkling given Matthew had been on speed dial for bars and probably even the jail over the last few years. Suddenly, he realized it was Theo and he squinted his eyes to confirm. “Nugget?” He questioned, completely baffled by his son being there. “I’m fine,” he mumbled.
When the doors opened, he was a bit confused by everything until Theo led him outside and made him get inside the vehicle. A sigh left his lips, annoyed and embarrassed by the situation.
As they drove off into the distance, Roman stayed quiet for some time before he finally spoke up. “I only had a couple of drinks, I was fine.” He commented. “The fucking cop was being an asshole,” he grumbled.
The fact that he thought of his oldest first made him think it probably happened a few times with Matty before. His brother did a good job at hiding whatever was wrong with their family, but nothing could stay secret forever. He sighed when he spoke, he really didn't want to lose his temper, but he didn't like that on top of everything else his father was lying to him.
''You couldn't even stand up straight when I arrived. I can't imagine how you were a few hours ago.'' He was quiet for a few seconds before he spoke again, throwing a look in his father's direction before he went back to focusing on the road. ''I thought you weren't drinking anymore,'' he decided to not say anything about the cop comment. He understood why his father was angry, but it wasn't Charlie's fault if he was drunk driving.
@theobaudelaire
Having another fight in another night of many, so many and yet she always found herself feeling guilty and sad, and remorseful, but also she felt like she wanted to run and to hide, and to just escape somewhere where she'd either be forever alone or would just be able to see others and them to not see her.
Those were the thoughts that were going through Helen's head as she had woken up, eyes puffy after Alexander and her had had a fight before he had gone to sleep in the morning, arguing over the fact that she seemed to be the one with issues and unable to get pregnant, while in fact she had tried to explain that the doctor had told her everything was perfect in her. And he had broken another one of the new lamps she had bought to brighten up the place and he had bruised her wrist which she now slowly massaged as she walked through the street, a bag over her shoulder in which the pie she had managed to finally get almost perfect last night was wrapped up and ready. She had a list of a few faces and names she had wanted to give one to, Xiomara for one, who she had not spoken to in a while but still was thankful for, she also would have liked to do something for Maya who had been so kind to share a few recipes with her and to Abraham and his lovely Andalusia. She was sure there were others but her phone consisted only of so few names and the first she had tried tonight had received a response and so this is where she was heading now.
She also had with her one of her jars of lemon, ginger and honey which she made for herself as she often got sick, something she found odd but realistically, with her way of life and the frequency with which Alexander fed on her, it wasn't so strange that her body wasn't in peak condition. So she carried the bag, trying to find the address she had been given, her long dress twisting around her ankles as she hurried, aware of the fact that it was late afternoon and Alexander would wake up soon enough.
As she finally found the correct street number she took out her brick phone from the pocket of her cardigan and looked at the message again to confirm the correct doorbell, however someone opened the door of the building before she could ring it and held the door for her so she smiled and thanked and awkwardly walked into the building then slowly walking up the stairs until she again found what she was looking for, knocking and patiently waiting by the door, really hoping she was not imposing despite being assured over the texts that she was not. "Hello! I do hope I didn't wake you if you fell asleep," she said as the door opened and the man showed, looking sickly but not as much as she had thought in her head. Which made her sigh in relief. Instead of a shake of hands or something that may be more appropriate she took the bag by its handles and lifted it towards him, in her head thinking that she would just leave her thank you gift and her get well gift and be on her way home.
"I did bring.... uh, it's a remedy for sickness, it's filled with vitamins and it can really help if you eat a spoonful from it," she said as she smiled.
Theo had been sick for a few days, which wasn't something that was normal for werewolves. He had tried to fight it at home, he was stubborn and thought he only needed a few days before he felt better, but when it was obvious that wouldn't work he went to the hospital and was told he was fighting some kind of nasty infection because of that bug that attacked him. It made a lot of sense, way more sense than being the first werewolf to catch a cold. He was given some pills and now could only rest at home until he would feel better. His injury was finally healing and he was now only feeling a little weak and his throat was hurting. No other symptoms, which was really good. He could eat again and was regaining his strength. He got dressed, knowing Helen was on her way. He put on a yellow hoodie (his favorite), kept some black joggings on. He tried to clean a bit even if he was more slow. Thankfully his sister kept the apartment clean while he couldn't. ''No, don't worry! I was only cleaning a bit.'' While she thought she would only drop some things off, he assumed she would come in. ''Thank you, that's so kind. You really didn't have to, but I appreciate it.'' He liked the gift, but also thought the remedy could actually help with the last symptoms he had. ''Thank you,'' he said again and then opened the door a bit more. ''Do you want to come in?'' Helen was really sweet, he always liked to spend time with her. He thought she looked pretty, but somehow she looked even more tired than him. He never wanted to push too much, but he wondered how she was truly feeling. He wanted nothing more than to be able to know what was troubling here, hoping he could help. ''My sister is in her room,'' he added so maybe she would feel more comfortable knowing there was another woman in the apartment.
Charlie pushed the door open and walked into Theo's place. Frowning as he didn't spot his friend. Charlie closed the door, and stood there for a moment trying to pick up any movement. Charlie moved through the house, he entered the kitchen first and placed the soup on the bench before he moved walked through the house, following the small noises of Theo breathing before he walked into the other wolf's bedroom.
Charlie smiled softly as he ran his eyes over Theo. Blankets piled over him, phone still lit up on the bedside dresser. Charlie walked across the room, dropping the duffle bag by the end of the bed before he knelt down beside the bed, so he level with Theo. He moved hand and pushed it through Theo's hair gently. "Luz Solar." Charlie said softly, not wanting to scare the other as he woke up. Charlie shifted forward slightly, his eyes wandering over Theo again. Taking in every detail of him, trying to figure out how sick he was.
He frowned as he saw the bandaged still wrapped around Theo's arm. That was....odd. He should of healed by now. Charlie looked back at Theo's face, as he stopped moving hand and pressed it Theo's forehead. Theo felt hot, hotter than he should. This was more than a cold, but why wasn't Theo doing anything. Charlie pushed his hand back through Theo's hair again ."Theo.." Charlie said a bit louder than before as he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Theo's forehead. "It's time to wake up."
Theo didn't hear him when he walked in his room, he sighed happily when he felt a hand into his hair, but he thought he was dreaming. He even thought he imagined that sweet nickname. It wasn't like he didn't think about it often these past few days…
It was only when his name was softly uttered that he finally peeled open his eyes, just in time to feel his lips brushing against his forehead and to see his face really close to his as he leaned back. A smile tugged at Theo's lips as he looked at Charlie, that was until he remembered how bad he felt and looked.
He hid under his blanket for a second, groaning. But he had to go out to the surface when he quickly felt like he was sufocating. ''Sorry I fell asleep while you were on your way,'' he forced himself to sit down, his covers falling down, revealing his bare chest. He had removed his shirt when he felt like he was way too warm, now he felt like he was freezing. ''Would you mind passing me a hoodie from behind my door there?'' he asked, pointing at his collection of hoodies that were displayed on different hooks behind his door.
''How have you been since last time? With work and everything?'' He realized he didn't know him that much yet, but it was fine. He would have many more opportunities soon hopefully with their planned date. His smile was quickly back on his face as he thought about it.
The old vampire was usually terribly dismissive towards anyone really - after all, why invest into mortals who would be around for merely a fraction of Duncan’s infinite lifespan or bother with someone who didn’t have Duncan’s mileage behind them. Even most humans would not go out of their way to hang out with children. Unless they were their own. Done staring and committing how Theodore had grown up to a fine young man to memory, Duncan proceeded to display interest and patience he rarely had for anyone, which to someone who did not know him would just come off as moderate politeness really, when in fact it was a rare honor. More important people had been in Duncan’s company and it had only earned them the vampire’s early exit out of the room they both occupied, no better treated than a piece of furniture collecting dust on the side. But the difference was with whether they were important to Duncan or not, and there was nothing more important to Duncan than family.
“Ah, a first time divorcee?” He inquired, completely glossing over the awkward apologies. “So this time, you may pick whatever you like.” The vampire sauntered closer, hands neatly tucked behind his back. There was no smile on his face but there was a trace of it in his tone. “Walk around some more. Pick what you like. Do not think too deeply on it. Be a man free of a spouse's judgement to your heart's content.” He suggested with a small nod of his head.
He nodded his head, small smile quirking the corners of his lips. The casualness with which he asked the question almost felt amusing to him. It was a pretty normal sentence, but to him a divorce was something serious, something that hopefully only happened once, if at all. To imagine that it could be only the first time out of many was absurd to him, but that was only because of his romantic nature. He also wasn't immortal. He would live longer than humans probably, but that thought hadn't crossed his mind yet.
In that moment, as he stood in the store, the realization washed over him, even when he could choose for himself, he still tried to ask for someone else's opinion. It was almost ironic how he told him that he wanted to pick something without help for once and then immediately asked for his help. Maybe the fault wasn't totally on his ex-wife after all. He fully smiled at him, at his encouragements and started looking around.
His gaze wandered, landing first on a beautifully crafted bookshelf. He loved reading in his free time and thought this could add character to his living space while also being a great way to display his book collection.
He noticed something was engraved into the wood of the old bookshelf, when he got closer he could read: ''To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.'' Right next to the quote was an even smaller inscription, barely discernible: ''For Evelyn, with everlasting affection - J.W''
''Wow! I wonder who are these people.'' Even after his divorce, he still found this gesture beautiful, he felt lucky even to be able to witness it. He was hoping this story didn't have a terrible ending. ''Did you know them?'' He asked the owner curiously.
"Are you kidding? This'll probably have me real popular some day," Jesse said dryly of the injury, though he made no more attempts to see it. That was going to require a mirror before he could have a decent look of anything. Maybe the adrenaline hadn't quite worn off yet if the man still had some fortitude to toss out jokes on future scars. That may have been a good thing, too, because the human could imagine the coming days were not going to be that fun. How long did it take to heal up from a bug attack? A giant bug attack?
In truth, Jesse himself had no idea how bad things were either. That thing had tossed him straight into a brick wall, sliced up his back, nearly burned him to death... And there he was, trying to power through like this was just another Tuesday. "No they can't," he murmured, more to himself as he gave the destroyed jacket a vicious kick aside and left it for trash. His sister had given him that jacket- it's why the thing had been so worn out and faded, with how often it went everywhere with him. And now that was gone, too. Maybe the universe was doing its best to tell him just to hang it up already.
His brows came together, staring at the other like he, too, might be a strange bug in disguise. "Oh," understanding dawned on him then, "that explains it. You're a firefighter, no wonder." Jesse shook his head. Those guys were like basically Boy Scouts all grown up, weren't they? So eager to take care of everything and everyone, and show how capable they were. "Look- uh, Theo?" he repeated the man's name as his hand came down heavily on Theo's shoulder. "Thanks for the help n' all, you did good. I'm fine, as you can see- all in one piece, to the dismay of some people, I bet." The human gave the firefighter a couple of quick, mollifying pats on the shoulder before he stepped away. "But what I need right now... is some more booze, because what I had is all over the damned ground," Jesse sighed heavily as his boot crunched over some of the glass he spoke of, " and I don't know about you, but yeah... Gonna need a drink after this." The man started back towards the very grocery he had come from before he paused and seemed to rethink this. "Actually..." He turned back towards Theo. "You really want to help? You could go in there and grab some for me. Maybe something harder than bud, too. Smirnoff's cheap?" Jesse shrugged, then winced to himself because that little action caused some discomfort. "I figure they'll refuse to sell to me if I go in there looking like this... you stand a better chance."
Honestly, Theo didn't exactly look in that great of shape right then either but, he still looked a sight better than Jesse.
''Uh, yeah. Maybe...'' He didn't know if he was serious or not. To him, his injury was more something to worry about than something that was meant to attract. As a first responder, Jesse's behavior was worrying.
He didn't keep arguing that things could be replaced, that he was more important than a piece of clothing. He knew how special people's personal items could be sometimes. In his career, he's seen people risking their lives to protect certain objects way too often. He could understand that. He probably would do the same to protect the things he had that were owned by his mother before she died.
He frowned a little at his reaction when he mentioned he was a firefighter. Usually people were a bit more impressed, or they were indifferent. That reaction was definitely new. He didn't ask any questions, still in his firefighter mindset. Wouldn't be professional. ''No offense, but you don't really look fine,'' he said as he took a good look at him. He could easily name a dozen different injuries and that was only was he could easily see. ''Wait, you're this hurt and all you're thinking about is drinking?'' He didn't mean to look judgmental, he actually was someone who was usually accepting of everything and everyone, but that was the one behavior that always was easily bothering him.
''I'll go if you let me help you,'' he said suddenly, thinking that was an offer the stranger couldn't refuse. Truly sounded like a win-win for him, he was getting drinks and help, but something was telling him he wouldn't see it like that.
Charlie laughed softly as he listened to Theo explained what was happening to him. Sure Charlie could just look at the tv or you know google the movie, but where was the fun in that. Beside he liked this view better than tv. "I'll take your word for it, Luz Solar."
Charlie was enjoying how relaxed Theo was. How at ease Theo was, leaning into his couch. Charlie ran his eyes over Theo, noticing how tired he was suddenly looking. He couldn't imagine that Theo got much sleep last night, what with coming out in the middle of the night. Charlie hummed softly, as he felt Theo leaning into him, he moved a hand and it through Theo's hair gently. "You've had a long night, and I'm sure you've also had a long day." Charlie said as he dropped his hand out of Theo's hair. "You can stay here." Charlie said softly as he squeezed Theo's shoulder gently. "Come on, come lie down." Charlie said softly as he wrapped his arm around and tugged Theo back towards him.
It's been a long time since Theo last experienced such close physical intimacy with anyone. He was easily giving hugs and touching people platonically, but cuddling with someone? Last time had probably been with his ex-wife months ago.
Charlie was so understanding and even if he knew some things about himself that he didn't want to talk about it, he didn't insist to know more and wasn't making him feel uncomfortable about knowing about it like he thought he would.
"Are you sure?" Theo needed confirmation, even though it was Charlie who suggested it. Without a word, Charlie enveloped him in a warm embrace. It took a moment for Theo to relax into it, but surprisingly, it felt natural, far easier than he anticipated. As they settled in to watch the movie, Theo found himself drifting off to sleep, nestled comfortably against Charlie.
Charlie packed up the last of the soup before he grabbed the duffle bag that sat by the door before he left his apartment. When he didn't see Theo for the past few days, Charlie grew concerned and after asking around and finding out he was sick. Charlie knew he could do something that might make him feel better and after their small chat conversation. Charlie's smile grew as he remembered that Theo had agreed to go on a date with him.
After making the short trip to Theo's place, it helped they lived in the same neighborhood. Charlie took a deep breath as he stood outside Theo's place, he raised a hand to knock but heisted for a moment. What was Charlie doing here, really. Sure Theo was sick, but it wasn't Charlie to look after him. But something pulling Charlie towards Theo. Charlie wanted to help Theo. Charlie took another breath before he knocked on the door gently before he tried the door and found it unlock. "Hey Theo." Charlie called out as he pushed the door open. "It's just me."
@theobaudelaire
Theo convinced himself this was just a simple sickness, unable to imagine anything worse. He was stubborn and he wanted to fight it at home, he thought it would be ridiculous to bother the doctors and nurses for a cough. Right when Charlie stopped texting him, he rolled over in his bed and drifted off to sleep. He had been so exhausted these past few days.
He pushed through work until he physically couldn't anymore, probably would've passed out if he wasn't sent home for his worsening condition. A pang of guilt struck him as he realized the risk he'd imposed on others with his selfishness, vowing never to repeat it. Initially fearing the quiet of home without distraction, he found himself too ill to even contemplate such thoughts, spending most of his time asleep.
He had Sienna taking care of him, he was lucky since she was actually working at the hospital, but it also meant that she wasn't home much. He didn't mind. He didn't like to make her worried. He didn't like to make people worry in general, he tried to pretend like nothing wrong was going on when Charlie texted him, but of course he already knew! He was surprised when he asked him out, but he was also smiling down his phone like an idiot, though a part of him feared it was a fever-induced hallucination.
He was too exhausted to notice the faint sound of footsteps as someone entered his house and didn't hear his voice either. Lying in bed, he felt beads of sweat forming on his forehead, yet his body trembled from the chill, despite being cocooned under layers of blankets. His arm still had it's bandage on because for some reason it still wasn't healing. The oitment Charlie gave him was on his bedstand and his phone was still open on their conversation from before.
