recently read a few 'one person didn't know they were dating' trope and now I'm obsessed.
theo doesn't know they're dating while liam thinks they are totally in love.
| Nurse! Theo + Firefighter! Liam |
The first time Theo meets Liam (who Theo only knows as 'Dunbar' in the beginning), it's because he started a fire in his apartment because he left food in the oven and promptly fell asleep. It was so stupid of him, so out of character, that Theo still cringes when he thinks about it (he really tries not to though; not his finest moment of his life).
So, when his apartment is enveloped in smoke and his kitchen is in flames (although not super serious), the smoke alarm bursts into life, and a neighbor calls 9-1-1.
It's actually Liam who barges into Theo's apartment, and practically carries him out of there.
Like Theo said, not his finest moment.
But, when Theo sees Liam without his helmet once they get outside onto the steps where the firetruck and ambulance is waiting for them, he knows he is so screwed. Not only was Liam the one to basically save him, he is also so very handsome.
Theo will never forget how Liam looked that day, sweat crowding his temples and around his neck. His face was flushed from the helmet and heavy gear, but he looked fine. As if the immense amount of weight was absolutely normal for him (well, duh) and wasn't that much of a strain for him.
Yes, Liam was handsome and really nice to look at. Especially his blue eyes. Liam held eye contact with Theo, making sure he was alright when the paramedic was looking him over before they were to put him in the ambulance.
In that moment, Theo just knew (he just did) that this wasn't going to be the last time he would see Liam. He didn't know how or when or where this was going to happen, but it was going to.
It was a week later when they met again, and this one was not Theo's fault at all.
In fact, Theo was working a 12-hour shift at the hospital, and was about nine hours in. The shift had been kinda rough in the emergency department, patients coming in and never seeming to end. Some were more rough than others, and some were relatively simple with head lacerations that needing some numbing medication before a medical student could sew them up to the best of their ability.
While Theo wasn't a doctor, he was a nurse, and he was run ragged. Doctors ordering tests and shouting orders at him all shift long. Plus, since he was one of the few male nurses on shift, Theo was usually asked to help with the patients who harassed the female nurses.
He had just gotten back from his short break, body filled with coffee and a small blueberry muffin, when Melissa, the charge nurse who has taken Theo under her wing, slides up to him at the counter.
"Yes..." Theo asks slowly. He's a bit hesitant because Melissa has a grin on her face, which honestly scares him a little bit.
Melissa tucks a stray, curly hair that has gotten out of her ponytail behind her ear and still has that grin on her face.
"Your fireman is here," Melissa replies.
Melissa had been the only person he had told about his apartment fire because he had to schedule a couple days off due to the smoke inhalation. It was actually a miracle the ambulance didn't take him to the hospital where he worked. Theo would have never heard the end of it.
But, this also meant that Melissa had prodded a little bit, asking for some details, and, before he knew it, Theo was spilling the details about the handsome fireman named 'Dunbar' to her. He didn't go into too much detail, but obviously giving Melissa a name was a mistake.
"My fireman? What are you talking about," Theo scoffs, but his palms are starting to sweat a little bit.
"Does the name Dunbar ring a bell? He's in the waiting room right now," Melissa says. The grin hasn't left her face.
Theo's heart does not beat faster. Nope. It does not. "Why is he in the waiting room?"
Melissa grabs a chart, flicking through the pages with a pen in her hand. "Waiting for Dr. Geyer. That's his son, you know."
"What? His son? Oh my god, and you knew that, didn't you," Theo asks, but it's not really a question anymore. "You knew who I was talking about when I told you about my story."
"I might have. I mean, Dr. Geyer doesn't shut up about his son who is a firefighter. It's cute. It's like how I always talk about Scott in veterinary school," Melissa says, shrugging at the end. Her smile softens while mentioning her son.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me that," Theo asks, groaning. He rubs the bridge of nose in slight annoyance. Of course the crush he has on a firefighter has to be the one related to one of the best doctors in the hospital. And, of course, he spilled most of the details to the charge nurse that is very familiar with Dr. Geyer. Both of their sons have been very good friends since high school.
"Thought it would be more fun this way," Melissa says with no hesitation. She does rub his shoulder briefly, though. As if that would lessen the humiliation he feels burning through his mind.
"Oh, Melissa, Liam wanted to say "hi" to you really quickly," a deep voice says from behind them.
Theo knows who's voice that is.
When he and Melissa turn around, Dr. Geyer is there with his arm around his son, Liam.
His gaze flickers from Dr. Geyer to Liam, who looks a little shocked to see Theo right there in front of him. Theo turns his attention back to Dr. Geyer because he cannot believe this. He doesn't want to look at Liam who somehow looks even better out of the fireman gear he was in last time they saw each other.
The button down shirt Liam is wearing is black and fitted perfectly to him. His shoulders look broad, and Liam's arms look, for lack of a better word, huge.
"Hello, Liam," Melissa greets him warmly. She turns slightly towards Theo, but is still looking at Liam. "This is Theo Raeken. I believe you two have met before."
Theo stiffens up at Melissa's teasing, and he knows he must be blushing just a little bit.
"Ah, yes. Sorry, Theo. Liam, this is Theo, one of our best nurses here. Right after Melissa," Dr. Geyer adds on at the end.
Liam grins up at Theo before stepping forward, dislodging himself out of his father's grip. He sticks out his hand for Theo to shake. "Theo. So, that's your name, huh?"
It seems like almost everyone is in a mood to tease him today. First, Melissa and now Liam. Who doesn't even know him! What's up with that?
With just the slightest hint of hesitation, Theo reaches for Liam's hand, gripping it slightly. The feel of Liam calloused hands is insanely attractive, and Theo wishes he could hold the other man's hands in a not so platonic way. While Theo's fingers may be longer, Liam's are thicker and his hands are the slightest bit bigger.
It shouldn't be attractive, but it is. Very attractive. Liam's hands. Liam's everything.
Dr. Geyer looks at the two men, his gaze bouncing back and forth. He looks amused at the fact that the two men haven't let go of each other's hands. When Theo notices that he is still shaking Liam's hands, he quickly lets go. He is being so stupid right now, which is totally not him. They barely know each other, barely interacted, and Theo is already stupid because of Liam.
"You two know each other?" Dr. Geyer asks.
Liam doesn't look away from Theo when he answers his dad. "Yeah, I responded to a call at Theo's apartment not that long ago."
"Are you okay, Theo?" Dr. Geyer asks, concerned and definitely not amused anymore. He looks genuinely worried at the news that there was something wrong enough for his son to be called to his apartment.
"Oh, yes. I am fine. No need to worry, Dr. Geyer," Theo assures the older man.
His response makes Dr. Geyer relax significantly.
"I'm glad you're doing better, Theo," Liam says and it looks like he means it.
If Liam seems bothered by the very short response, he doesn't show it. He smirks at Theo as if he knows how much he's affecting him.
It's infuriating because Theo knows how to hide his emotions better. He works in a damn hospital. It's almost a must for him to somewhat detach himself from the patients and their problems so it doesn't weigh him down heavily. It also helps to know how to hide his emotion when dealing with cranky patients that walk into the hospital, and with other nurses or doctors, or any other hospital staff.
But in front of Liam, his facade is cracking ever so slightly.
Theo isn't really sure what's going to happen after this.
You know, there's just no way they keep meeting again.
Theo Raeken is a liar, not only to other people but also to himself. After that day at the hospital, meeting Liam again with his step-dad, the universe seemed to want the two to meet again.
They meet often enough, with Liam happening to pass by the hospital to talk to his step-dad.
("You know, Liam, you never used to visit me this much during my shifts. Anything you want to tell me?"
At some point, Liam asks for Theo's number, and they start texting. The texts consist of check-ins and asking to hang out. They mostly come from Liam. Theo seldom texts Liam first, but it's really because of a couple of things.
First, he sucks at texting. He'd rather text than call, but that doesn't mean he texts back in a timely fashion. Although he does text Liam back as quickly as possible. Without looking desperate. Well, he tries not to look desperate.
Second, texting Liam first is something that is pretty difficult for him. He never knows how to start the conversation. Theo feels so awkward, not because he is uncomfortable, but because he wants to make a good impression. Theo wants Liam to think of him as a good friend, or maybe even a potential partner.
Even though it's been a bit longer than a year since their initial meeting, Theo hasn't gotten any better at texting Liam. He has improved in managing to not blush as much around Liam, though.
They hang out a lot, more than Theo thought they ever would. It's nice. Really nice to be around Liam. Before, Theo didn't have a lot of friends. He probably only really had Melissa from work and a couple of acquaintances throughout the years from school and work.
It's different with Liam.
"Hey, Theo," Liam's warm voice shook Theo out of the ramblings inside of his head.
Theo looked up from where he was sitting at the receptionist's computer that he was clacking away at. "What are you doing here, Liam?"
There really was no reason for Liam to be at the hospital. They weren't hanging out tonight since Liam works for the next two days in a row. He would have to be at the firehouse in a couple hours, so Theo was definitely confused.
He didn't mind Liam's presence, though.
"You get off work soon, right?"
Nodding slowly, Theo continued to stare at Liam with confusion evident on his face. "Yeah, in 15 minutes..."
Liam brightened. "I wanted to take you home. Melissa mentioned to me how your truck is being looked over by a mechanic, so you had to take an Uber here earlier. I'll take you home once your shift ends."
To say Theo is shocked is an understatement. He can't fathom why Liam would take time out of his day to give him a ride home. It's not even super important that he take an Uber home. Shit happens sometimes. It's no big deal, so why is Liam making his heart feel all funny?
"Liam... it's really not a big deal. You really should go home and rest as much as you can before your shift," Theo says, frowning up at the younger man.
Theo isn't this important. He shouldn't be this important to someone like Liam. He just shouldn't, and it doesn't make any sense.
Yeah, they're friends, but still. This feels... weird. Like Theo is missing out on an important piece of information.
He just doesn't know what that is yet.
However, when Theo finishes his sentence, it's Liam's turn to frown. He sets his elbows down on the counter and leans forward right into Theo's space, who doesn't dare move. Theo stays as still as possible, but he feels his breathe hitch slightly at the closeness. At the way he can stare clearly into Liam's blue, starry eyes.
"Then, it shouldn't be a big deal that I am the one who takes you home."
Theo opens his mouth but it's hard for any words to come out of it.
"What does it matter to you if I take an Uber home?" Theo asks.
"Why would you when you have me," comes Liam's quick response to the question.
The response makes Theo stay as quiet as possible. Sometimes, Liam can be so smooth with his words. He can make Theo feel giddy and important with just his words, and when Liam backs it up with actions, Theo feels like he can't survive it.
What the fuck is Theo supposed to say to that? Genuinely, what kind of answer is that?
"I guess," Theo simply replies, turning his gaze back down to the computer. He begins to type again, but he has absolutely no idea what he is typing. All the letters on the keyboard have started to form together.
"Okay, 15 minutes. I'm gonna say 'Hi' to my dad really quickly, and I'll come back and we can go. Does that sound good?"
Theo nods his head and doesn't say anything. This is the first time Liam has offered to give Theo a ride home or to work, and even though this might not matter in the same way to Liam as it does to Theo, it still feels like some kind of major step.
When the fifteen minutes are up, and Theo is clocking out using the computer again, Liam appears next to him just in the nick of time. Theo rolls his eyes (because he can't seem to be too friendly and nice) and heads to the nurses and doctors longue that has his locker.
While Theo is twisting the lock to open it, Liam slides up next to him, leaning one of his shoulders against the locker right next to Theo's and just looks at him. Theo has to admit to myself that this does make him blush. Just a little bit. He wasn't lying when he said that he has gotten somewhat better at not letting his shyness show on his face. But— still. It's Liam.
Slamming the locker shut after grabbing his backpack, Theo swiftly turns out of the longue, without waiting for Liam. A little smirk appears on Theo's face when he hears Liam scrambling after him, jogging to catch up with him.
As soon as Liam gets close enough, he takes the backpack off of Theo's shoulder and puts the strap on his own shoulder.
"Liam! You don't have to do that. I can carry my own bag," Theo complains. He tries to swipe at the backpack, but Liam successfully dodges the attempt.
"Just let me carry it for you, oh my gosh. You've had a long day," Liam retorts. The soft smile on his face has Theo looking away, putting his hands in the pockets of his scrubs and huffing.
"Whatever," Theo grumbles.
They finally make it out to the parking lot where Liam has parked. While Liam doesn't drive too often, with his IED always in the back of his mind (he doesn't like to drive that much), he still does like to have the option.
The drive to Theo's place is so uneventful, Theo dozes off to the rumbling of the car and the low-volume radio that has the latest hits from top musicians. Honestly, Theo didn't expect to sleep even if it was only a little bit. Even though he can hear Liam tapping along on the steering wheel to whatever pop song comes on the radio.
For just a brief moment, Theo imagines that this is how his life would be, how it would look like, with Liam as his boyfriend. Being important enough that he could ask his boyfriend to drive him instead of having to resort to an Uber. Being loved enough that Liam doesn't bat an eye about the ask. That Liam just does it willingly because Theo is important to him and, most significantly, because Liam wants to.
In that very brief moment, Theo feels happy. Legitimately happy and giddy and a bit warm in the face. Even in his sleepy state, he feels a small smile tug on his lips and he can't help it. He doesn't want to help it.
Theo hears and feels when Liam puts the car in park, but he doesn't open his eyes yet. He doesn't want to. He rather bask in Liam's presence as if he is the sun and Theo is the grass that thrives and survives from it.
Ugh, he sounds so sappy in his thoughts. But can anyone blame him?
"What are you smiling about?" Liam asks.
That's when Theo knows it's time to open his eyes and get out of Liam's car. He doesn't want to make the firefighter late for his shift. He really doesn't. But, he doesn't really want to leave yet.
"Nothing," Theo replies. He starts to stretch, a low groan escaping from his mouth when he feels his neck and back pop.
When he glances over to Liam, the firefighter is already look at him. Or rather, Liam is looking at his mouth. At his lips.
"Liam?" Theo asks, confusion laced into his voice.
Theo saying his name snaps Liam out of his daze, and the younger man suddenly looks sheepish. "Sorry."
Theo shakes his head, waving it off. Who knows how many times Theo has looked at Liam's slightly chapped lips... (many, many times). Maybe Theo should really look deeper into him comparing himself looking at Liam's lips (because Theo likes Liam and would like to kiss Liam) to Liam looking at Theo's lips. You know, because Theo just chalks it up to Liam staring platonically. Somehow.
"Thanks for the ride," Theo adds when the silence has gotten just slightly awkward.
Liam looks glad for the change in conversation. He rubs the back of neck and glances up at Theo through his long, pretty lashes. "It's no problem."
"Yeah, but still—" Theo shrugs, trying his best to convey that this meant a lot to him "— you didn't have to."
"Theo, when are you going to understand that I did it because I care about you and that it's really not a problem to me. If I can help you or make your life less stressful, I'm going to," Liam says almost like a promise. His words are so convincing that Theo just stares at Liam in shock.
He's not lying or exaggerating when Theo thinks that may be the nicest words anyone has ever said to him. Genuinely. His childhood sucked, and his adult years aren't that much better. No one has cared about him the way he thinks Liam does.
Words get stuck in Theo's throat, so Theo nods. He doesn't try to hide his blush. The blush that is growing steadily on his face.
When Theo nods, Liam smiles as if he accomplished something so much greater than Theo trying to accept that he is possibly important to Liam. His grin is bright, so bright, and Theo needs to look away now. Like right now.
Reaching for his backpack that is in the backseat, Theo yanks it to the front swiftly. "Okay, bye."
Theo doesn't glance at Liam as he fumbles with the latch to open the car door, and he definitely doesn't look at Liam when he hears him laugh quietly at him.
"Bye, Theo. See you later," Liam says right before Theo slams the door.
It's only when Theo closes his front door does he take a proper breath.
Melissa gets in his head the next day at work.
"You know, you could visit Liam at his workplace."
Theo pauses where he is administering an IV in his most current patient. The patient, a nice lady who had come in because she felt dizzy, looks away from the conversation. Theo appreciates that.
"Now, why would I do that?"
"As a way to say 'thank you' to Liam for picking you up from work," Melissa replies calmly compared to Theo's incredulous tone.
Theo pauses in his movements. "But I already told him 'thank you'."
He has to do more than that?
Melissa sighs as if she is talking to a toddler who doesn't know the difference between "no" or "yes".
"Because sometimes saying it isn't enough. Some people need to be shown, too."
"It's true," the patient interrupts. "My girlfriend likes when I clean our apartment before she gets home from work so she can come home and just relax."
Huh. Theo's not sure if he appreciates the lady on the hospital bed anymore.
"Yes, exactly," Melissa says, nodding. She doesn't seem as peeved about the lady interrupting as Theo is, so he decides to just let his irritation go.
"Okay," Theo says slowly (still trying to wrap his head around this), "but I don't live with Liam."
"You could bake him something and take it to his work. That's what I've been trying to tell you this entire time," Melissa responds.
Theo scoffs. "I don't bake."
"Don't lie to me, young man," Melissa tells him, sternly with a finger pointed at him. "You baked me a cake for my birthday when Scott couldn't make it down for the actual day. Don't think I forgot that. It was absolutely delicious."
Damn it. He was hoping Melissa never found out that it was really him who baked the chocolate raspberry cake for her.
Yes, Theo can bake. He actually loves to bake. Even though he doesn't do it often, when he does, it fills him with as much joy as a hobby can.
"What do I bake him then? Should I bake enough for his coworkers too?"
"What about lemon squares?" The lady asks.
Melissa "oohhs" at the suggestion. "That sounds yummy. And yes, bake enough for them all. It'll give you brownie points with his coworkers."
Theo places the IV pole right next to the lady so it's within an appropriate distance to her bed. The liquid inside the bag starts to slowly drip into the IV line. Satisfied, Theo turns back to Melissa and the lady.
"What do I care about his coworkers liking me?"
"Because they're his friends, practically his family," Melissa explains but she looks a little confused at his question. One of her eyebrows is quirked up and her head is tilted a little bit.
What does that have to do with Theo? He's never met Liam's coworkers before, and he didn't think he ever would. There has been times when Liam has invited him to parties the firehouse throws, but it is pure coincidence that Theo is always working on those days and can never get out of them.
At this point, Theo believes it's for a reason and doesn't try to push it.
"Yeah, I understand how close Liam is to all of them, but still. I don't get what that has to do with me."
"Just do what I say, Theo," Melissa says tiredly, "Bake the lemon squares tonight and bring it to him tomorrow." She walks away after giving his patient a small smile.
She leaves Theo there confused. When he turns to his patient, she just shrugs at him.
The next day comes sooner than Theo thought, and he is fucking nervous. He already had his car back from the mechanic's shop, so he was able to drive himself to the imposing firehouse. Driving there with the lemon squares on the passenger seat had Theo feeling a little ridiculous and a little bit like he wanted to faint.
He cannot believe he let Melissa and his patient (who is doing much better) talk him into doing this. Into bringing fucking dessert to a firehouse he has never been to before. Gosh, is Liam going to make fun of him? Is he going to get upset that he is interrupting him and his coworkers?
Fuck, Theo didn't even think about texting Liam to see if they're even at the firehouse and not out on a call.
He's here already. He's gotta gather the little bit of courage he has and walk into the open bay doors where the firetruck and ambulance can easily exit out of.
Getting out of his truck has Theo's heart beating out of his chest, and he squeezes the sides of the tray that is carrying the good amount of lemon bars on top of it. It does nothing to calm his nerves or his heart.
Walking through the humongous doors and into an even bigger space that has an open floor concept with a large staircase leading up into what Theo can only think is a space where they can sit and eat. It's all so nerve-wracking that Theo almost misses footsteps getting closer to him.
If Theo is lucky, it's Liam that is going to come around from the firetruck and Theo can shove the tray into Liam's hands, try not to stutter through his reasoning for being here, and walk out before anyone else can see him.
It's not Liam who comes into Theo's line of sight, but, instead, a very handsome-looking man who is tall (taller than Theo) and has a very chiseled jaw and really good bone structure.
"Um, hello. Have you seen—"
The stranger interrupts Theo as he's in the middle of his sentence (which does annoy Theo) and snaps his fingers. "Wait, I remember you. You almost burned down your apartment."
Theo blinks. "You remember me? That was a long time ago, man."
The stranger shrugs. "I never forget a pretty face," he replies, smirking at Theo. "What are you doing here? It's pretty late for a thank you gift."
The more the man talks, the more Theo remembers that this is the paramedic that helped him after Liam had gotten him out of his apartment. It's the same one that had put the oxygen mask on his face and stayed in the back with him as his partner drove them to a hospital. He doesn't remember his name, though.
"I'm actually looking for Liam. Is he around here?"
The more Theo and this guy talk, the more nervous Theo is getting. How does he know his name? He doesn't know this guy and it's kinda annoying him that he won't just tell Theo where Liam is.
"Oh my gosh. This is fantastic. Lori! Come here!"
"Lori? Can you just tell me where Liam is?" Theo asks. At this point, he is getting fed up with this guy.
He just wants to see Liam.
Not interact with people he doesn't know.
"Yeah, hold on," the paramedic says, dismissing him.
Lori, or who Theo can only assume is Lori, appears at the top of the stairwell but doesn't go any further than that. They can see her and she can see them from this vantage point. Lori has short, blonde hair that is pulled into a small ponytail and is wearing the same thing as the guy Theo has been trying to talk to so he can find out where the hell Liam is.
The paramedic sounds way too excited for Theo. He still doesn't know this guy's name.
Lori's eyes widen instantly. She turns on her heels and says the name that has Theo wanting to sag in relief. "Liam, Theo is here."
A ruckus is heard from the top of the stairs, but nothing can be seen. (Theo has no idea that Liam was so surprised that he stood up so quickly, his seat had become knocked down on the floor). A few seconds later, Liam appears next to Lori and peers down the steps, as if to see if Lori was telling the truth about Theo being there.
Liam and Theo stare at each other for a few seconds before Liam races down the steps so fast that Theo gets scared for a second that Liam is going to trip and roll down them.
The firefighter skids to a stop next to the paramedic that Theo still doesn't know the name to.
"Liam, why didn't you tell us Theo was the handsome guy we saved from his apartment fire?" The paramedic asks but his tone seems a bit flirty, a bit as if he's trying to goad Liam.
The glare Liam sends to the taller man is prominent. "Shut up, Brett," Liam grits out.
Ah, so this guy's name is Brett. Good to know. Although, Liam doesn't seem particularly happy about him and Brett talking.
Brett raises his two hands up, as if trying to placate Liam. "What? I'm just saying. You talk about Theo so much. I'm just wondering how you managed to bag someone as pretty as him."
What in the actual fuck does that mean?
Theo knows he's handsome, or pretty. It's not that he's flaunting his looks everywhere he can, but he does know he gets some pretty privilege here and there. Plus, a lot of patients try to flirt with him and hit on him at the hospital.
But still, Theo doesn't like what this Brett guy is saying, or, more specifically, the way he's saying it to Liam. As if he's trying to push Liam's buttons.
Liam huffs and keeps glaring at Brett, and he looks ready to wind up and argue (talk?) with Brett about whatever the fuck he means by "bagging him", and Theo doesn't want that. He wanted to give the dessert to Liam, maybe talk to him a little bit before leaving.
This is not going according to his plan.
So, before Liam can argue with Brett, Theo slides the tray so it's balanced in one hand and grabs Liam's wrist and tugs him closer to himself. It definitely catches Liam off guard because he goes almost too willingly and stumbles closer to Theo.
Putting on a fake smile that he uses when patients or doctors have annoyed him, Theo addresses Brett. "Sorry, I need to talk to Liam. Privately."
All this does is make Brett smirk, but he doesn't protest when Theo drags Liam outside, where other paramedics and firefighters can't interrupt them. Or see them.
When they get outside, Liam starts muttering, "Brett is so fucking annoying. He is totally flirting with you to annoy me. Ugh!"
Theo squeezes Liam's wrist that is still in Theo's hand (eek!). "I don't care about Brett flirting with me."
"Really?" Liam asks and Theo hates how timid it sounds. Even though Theo doesn't really understand why Brett flirting with him is annoying Liam this badly or making him seem almost insecure, Theo isn't lying to Liam.
He really doesn't care about Brett flirting with him or trying to get his attention even if it is just to mess with Liam (for whatever reason). The simple reason is because he doesn't want Brett. He wants Liam.
"Yeah," Theo says and because he just can't help himself sometimes, he continues, "He's not the one I want flirting with me."
This causes Liam to grin. Like really grin. It's almost bashful the way Liam smiles, his cheeks turning a little pink, and he looks away for a few seconds before returning all of his attention to Theo.
It's Theo's turn to become a little pink in the face.
"So, what are you doing here?" Liam asks.
Theo let's go of Liam's wrist and goes back to gripping the tray with two hands. "I baked you something. As another 'thank you' for the other day."
"Theo, I told you. It's no problem. You didn't have to do this," Liam says and even though Theo knows Liam is telling the truth, the amazement in his eyes at the fact that Theo baked him something is clearly evident in his face.
"Yeah, well. Do you want them or not? I'll take them to my workplace if you don't," Theo threatened, leaning back with the tray.
Liam slightly lunges forward, hands flying up to grip the tray himself. In doing so, Liam grabs onto Theo's hands that are holding the baked goods, but that doesn't deter him. He stops Theo from leaning further back and stares him right in the eyes.
"No, I want them. Please, give them to me," Liam says, but he looks too genuine for Theo. It makes him break the eye contact in nervousness.
Theo shoves the tray into Liam's chest and mumbles a quick, "Fine."
The smile that lights up Liam's face is so bright. Theo doesn't know what he's done to deserve a smile like that from Liam. Just from bringing him baked goods? Is that why Liam is smiling at him? He doesn't really know, and it's freaking him out.
Not because Liam looks weird (absolutely not), but because Liam looks too good. Theo doesn't really know anymore; he doesn't really know how to even articulate to himself what he's feeling right now.
All Theo knows is that he should probably leave now.
"Okay, well. I'm going to leave now," Theo announces to just the two of them.
"Okay. Thanks again, baby," Liam responds with. There's a small little smirk now, but Theo hardly registers that after the pet name Liam used for him.
He's never been called that before. Not by a stranger and definitely not by Liam. Theo thinks about that one word (baby) when he walks away and back towards his truck with a red blush staining his cheeks.
It probably really boils down to the summer barbecue that Dr. Geyer decides to host with his wife at their house. Melissa intentionally flubs the nurses schedule so that she and Theo don't get scheduled for that specific date.
In the few weeks that Dr. Geyer had announced the barbecue, Liam has probably doubled (tripled) checked that Theo was going to be there since Liam will be in attendance since it is his parent's house.
The day before the barbecue, Melissa slides up next to Theo in the nurses' lounge and sits opposite him at the table. Her hair today is pretty, with half of her curly hair pulled back into a clip. The long-sleeved shirt underneath her scrubs is the same color as Theo's, so it looks like they're intentionally matching at work even though they weren't trying to.
Theo looks up from his phone (where he had been texting Liam) and raises an eyebrow at the other nurse. Recently, it feels like whenever Melissa talks to him at work, it's to make him second-guess himself or give him a slight panic attack. So, it is making him slightly on edge at how collected but slightly worried Melissa is looking at him right now across the table.
"So," Melissa starts with, trailing off a little at the end. "Are you nervous about tomorrow?"
"About tomorrow's barbecue?" Theo asks, a little confused because it's just a barbecue. He'll get to see Liam, who he hasn't seen this week because both of their schedules have been off. So, he is excited about that prospect even though Theo will never admit that that to anyone. Ever.
Melissa shrugs before answering, "Yeah."
Theo frowns, looking at Melissa from across the table. As he looks at her, she starts to unpack her lunch, pulling out a small bag of chips. Now, he feels even more confused.
"Why should I be nervous?"
At his question, Melissa freezes and glances at Theo. "Maybe because you're meeting Liam's mom for the first time?"
This thought had occurred to him a few times (more than a few) when he thought about tomorrow. He already met Dr. Geyer because they worked together, and the older man seemed to not mind him, maybe even enjoying his presence and giving Theo some advice after a hard shift sometimes.
He's never met her in the year that Theo has been friends with Liam. It could be weird but also not. It just never happened where Liam would invite Theo to his parents' house.
It does make him a little nervous because he has never had any friends where he was close enough to them to be going to their house and being introduced to the parents. He didn't have any close friends like that in middle school and high school. Theo only had his sister at the time, which didn't bother him because having her was more than enough. Tara was his best friend.
Itching to spill just a little bit of what was inside his brain, Theo answers Melissa a bit more truthfully than he probably would like, "Honestly... I am. I've never meet anyone's parents before."
"Wait, never?" Melissa asks.
Theo shakes his head. "Never," he says and the word tastes a little bitter on his lips.
He has never been that special before.
Reaching over, Melissa rests her hand on Theo's forearm, trying to get his attention where he drifted off to look at the table. He feels a bit humiliated acting this way in front of Melissa, but who else? Theo doesn't really have anyone else.
You have Liam, a voice pops up into his head.
"I'm being dramatic. Meeting parents isn't even that nerve-wracking," Melissa tries to reassure him, a soft smile on her face, "Dr. Geyer already likes you. I'm sure Liam's mom will, too."
It's quiet for a few seconds.
"You really think so?" Theo asks. He hates how small his voice sounds, but he can't seem to hide it. Not right now.
"I'm positive. I'll be there with you. You won't be alone, Theo. I'm sure Liam will have your back the entire time."
Her words mean a lot to Theo, so he gives Melissa a hesitant smile. She retrieves her hand, and the two of them go back to gossiping about the ICU nurse and doctor who may be secretly going out.
When Theo wakes up the next day, a surge of panic shoots through him. It's the dreaded day of the barbecue, and he is nervous despite Melissa trying to cheer him up the day before at work. He rubs his eyes and reaches for his phone that is on the bedside table.
As soon as he turns on his phone, there is already a message from Liam. Theo will absolutely deny that a smile instantly rose to his face at the words he's staring at. He did sleep in a little bit today, with it being his day off and because he might have stayed up watching a true crime documentary to help him go to sleep. Instead of sleeping, he binged-watched the entire season.
Liam >> can't wait to see you :D! let me know when you're on your way
The two of them actually got into a heated argument about whether Liam was going to pick up Theo to head to his parents house together. Theo had already asked Melissa if they wanted to carpool together (who gave him a funny look when he asked her but still accepted), but Liam was pretty upset he did that. Theo still doesn't understand why it was such a big deal. They would end up at the same location whether or not Liam picked him up or if Theo went with Melissa.
Even though Theo's response is short and perhaps clipped, it doesn't really show the nervousness and excitement he has. The two of them haven't been able to meet with each other this week so far, and honestly... Theo misses Liam. He really does.
Yeah, he does still text Liam, and sometimes Liam will call him from work when he is supposed to be sleeping. (It annoys his coworkers because it's one large room, and Liam is awful at being quiet, and they hear everything). But it doesn't matter to Liam. He will still call Theo when he has the chance and if the older is free.
It makes Theo feel... special. As if he's important to Liam. As if he has a huge chunk of Liam's time and attention dedicated solely to Theo. Just for Theo.
Liam makes him feel all of this, and they're just friends.
Sometimes, Theo will think about how because he really likes Liam as more than just a friend, and Liam treats him so good while they're just friends, how the hell is anyone he potentially dates in the future supposed to do better? How is anyone supposed to do better than Liam, who does so much and they're not even dating?
Guess no one will compare to Liam for Theo, which is more than embarrassing and a little sad since they aren't anything. Nothing romantic.
Heading to the shower, Theo groans outloud at his depressing thoughts. He turns on the knob and steps inside once it gets to the perfect temperature.
He probably spends way too long in the shower, making sure he feels clean after a long shift at the hospital where a patient unintentionally threw up on him, and another patient gushed blood all over him (he had to change his scrubs to the one's provided by the hospital that make no one look good).
Then, again, he spends too long getting dressed, trying to find the perfect outfit. He ends up in a soft, grey long-sleeve shirt with some jeans. He hopes it's just the right blend of dressed up and still comfortable enough that he doesn't stand out too much with how everyone else is dressed. He puts a small amount of gel, pushing his hair out of his face with some strands falling on either side, framing his face in a way Theo thinks is nice.
Standing in front of a mirror, moving this way and that, Theo feels ridiculous. He stops and stares at his reflection. He looks fine. He looks, actually, pretty fucking good, and this is just a barbecue where multiple people will be.
Theo is fine. He is fine.
Theo grabs his phone, keys, and wallet and books it out of his apartment before he tries to look at himself in the mirror again.
It doesn't take long to pick up Melissa on the way to Liam's parents house, and, before he knows it, Theo is trying to find a spot in the street to park his truck. It makes him a little nervous, and, for a split second, Theo regrets not saying yes to having Liam pick him up.
But whatever, Theo and Melissa have made it this far in the afternoon, and some parking is not going to be the final nail in the coffin for Theo. He refuses to have this break him out into hives.
Melissa helps him find a parking spot that isn't in the way of any other neighbors' cars, and with the crisis diverted, Theo is supposed to turn off his truck. It's already in park, but he hasn't turned it off.
Of course, Melissa notices.
"Come on, Theo. It'll be fine. You look very handsome!" Melissa tries to reassure him. Her voice is gentle but strong, not wanting any of Theo's nonsense.
"You're right. Probably the best-looking one here," Theo jokes. He turns off his truck.
His response has Melissa laughing as they round the front of the vehicle so they can walk towards the front door of the house together. Melissa pats Theo's back a few times, still laughing.
"Exactly. Keep that mentality."
Theo starts to chuckle a little, glad that some of his nerves are gone with his short conversation with Melissa.
They get to the front door and knock a few times. The door opens shortly after and it's Dr. Geyer.
"Melissa! Theo!" Dr. Geyer announces, pulling Melissa and Theo in for a hug, which startles him. He didn't think they were on that level of friendliness, but Theo isn't complaining. He doesn't get hugged very often.
Dr. Geyer steps aside and ushers the two of them inside and closes the door after them. "Liam went to pick up some more ice, Theo, but he should be back shortly," Dr. Geyer voices to Theo (who had been scanning the area to try to find Liam).
Feeling a little embarrassed the older man was able to read him so easily, Theo blushes slightly and pops a few of his knuckles to ease some of his nerves. He nods at Dr. Geyer, and starts to follow him and Melissa into the backyard.
The backyard is decorated nicely, with hanging lights strung above them (waiting to be turned when it gets darker), a long table covered in a blue and red tablecloth. There are large coolers that Dr. Geyer points out that have all kinds of drinks. There's even another table, closer to the door, that has bags of chips, napkins, and utensils.
"The burgers and hot dogs are almost done, I promise, and the stuff to put on top of them is inside the kitchen," Dr. Geyer points back inside.
He leaves the two to mingle with some people that have also just arrived, and Theo feels like he could breathe a little better. He likes Dr. Geyer a lot, but the entire situation still has him a bit more nervous than he really should be.
"Are you good? You want to come with me to talk to some other people?" Melissa asks him.
Theo waves her off, "No, it's okay. I'm going to get a water first. You want anything?"
Melissa declines and gives one last reassuring smile and thumbs up before heading to some of their coworkers, who readily accept her into their circle.
He watches for just a few seconds, before turning to one of the coolers closest to him, but he bumps into someone's chest. Theo takes a quick step back, an apology on the tip of his tongue (when he doesn't really think is a big deal, but some people think they deserve apologies for something that is clearly an accident), when it dies down.
It's Brett. From the firestation.
Fuck, Theo should've known Liam was going to invite some of his closest friends to this get together. He just didn't expect it to be Brett, who Liam doesn't even really like.
Not waiting for a response, Theo tries to walk around Brett, still trying to get some water, when Brett steps with Theo, blocking him again.
"Wow, you look even better than you did the last time I saw you," Brett says.
Putting on his blank face, Theo cringes inside his head. What is with this guy and hitting on him? It doesn't even really feel genuine. Theo doesn't think this Brett dude actually likes him and really only flirts with him when it can piss Liam off.
Where the fuck is Liam then?
When Theo tries to step around, again, Brett stops him.
Brett continues to talk, "You know, I still don't understand how Liam is with you. You're way out of his league, honestly. Not that Liam is a bad guy, but, I mean. Just look at you."
Even though he rather get as far away from Brett as possible, Theo is definitely intrigued now. Brett had said something similar the first time they met, and Theo still doesn't understand what he means by that.
A question is on Theo's tongue, ready to ask Brett, when an arm slides around his waist, surprising the fuck out of Theo. But he doesn't pull away. Not when he realizes that it's Liam's arm around him.
Gently, Liam pulls Theo closer to his side. The two lock eyes and Theo swears he sees softness in Liam's eyes that should not be directed to him before Liam looks away.
"Alright, Brett. We get it. Can you let it go now?"
Liam doesn't seem... angry, but it feels like he is definitely annoyed, which Theo is too.
Not bothering to wait for a response, Liam moves his arm so it's now resting on the small of Theo's back and leads him inside the house. They make it past the sliding door and into the kitchen, where a very pretty woman is there. She seems to be chopping up some tomatoes for the burgers.
Oh, gosh. Is this Liam's mom? It has to be. By her body language, she is definitely very comfortable in this house because it's hers.
Liam clears his throat, getting his mother's attention, who turns towards the two of them. Her face brightens at her son, and then she fixes her gaze onto Theo. It's obvious she's assessing him, and Theo tries not to squirm under her gaze.
"Hi, dear! You can call me Jenna, don't even worry about it. So, you must be the boyfriend my son will not stop talking about."
"Oh, no, we're not dating—"
Immediately, they both stop talking. It's instantaneous the way they cut off their sentence when they hear the other person.
Liam's mom, Jenna, darts her gaze between the two of them. Her face is full of surprise.
Theo feels shocked. He doesn't even understand why Jenna would think they're dating, and why Liam would be agreeing.
They are not dating! Theo would know if they were dating. It's what he's been wanting since he first met Liam when his apartment was on fucking fire.
"Um, yeah! Did you hit your head or something? Why are you so shocked?" Liam asks. He seems shocked, too, but also worried. Worried about Theo.
That Theo somehow got amnesia that would make him forget they were dating.
Liam's hand on his back is warm and big and starts to rub up and down his back slightly as if to comfort Theo.
Theo cannot wrap his brain around what the fuck is happening to him. It feels as if he's in another dimension.
They're not dating. Theo would know! Wouldn't he...?
"I— Liam, we're not dating."
His response has Liam narrowing his eyes at him. He turns back to his mother, who hasn't moved an inch, and addresses her, "We'll be right back, Mom."
"Take your time, sweetie," Jenna replies.
Liam drags Theo by the wrist, and Theo misses the warmth on his back, up the stairs of the house. They pass by a door in the hallway before Liam opens the one right next to it and yanks Theo inside. He shuts the door once the two of them are inside.
Before Theo has the chance to look around in-depth, Liam releases Theo's wrist and starts talking. "Theo, we are dating. Why are you denying it? Are you scared or something? Because that's fine, but just tell me."
Theo shakes his head and holds up a hand. He's still trying to process why Liam is so adamant that they have been dating. Who even knows for how long?
"Liam, we are not dating. I would know! We're just friends," Theo stresses, and he feels like pulling out his hair.
"Just friends? We've been dating for almost three months."
"Three fucking months?! What the fuck are you saying?"
Liam rolls his eyes, but Theo can tell he's looking a little nervous. He crosses his arms against his chest, and Theo has to look away from where Liam's muscles bulge.
"Yeah, three months. Why do you think we're not dating?"
"You... you never asked me out," Theo replies weakly.
Theo shakes his head again. He would know if Liam asked him out. "No, you didn't."
"Okay, stop!" Theo shouts. "When did you ask me out, then?"
Liam furrows his eyebrows and shifts a bit on his feet. "When I got hurt on the job a few months ago, remember? I ended up at your hospital after some falling pieces of wood hit my head."
Oh, Theo remembers that day almost too well. When Theo saw Liam on a stretcher, he almost lost it. Liam had a palm pressed to his forehead, blood seeping out. He was still in his gear, but his helmet was off already, and his coworkers had put a hospital neck collar on him to stop Liam from moving too much.
They wheeled Liam towards one of the trauma rooms the ER has, and Theo was moving way before that, keeping close with the stretcher.
When they moved Liam from the trauma room to one of the hospital beds they provide in the ER, Theo had never felt more relieved in his life. Liam was breathing, an oxygen mask on his face to help, and now that the worst was behind them, Theo took it as his responsibility to wipe the soot and sweat and blood from Liam's face and neck.
Theo was the first person Liam saw when he woke up at the hospital. It was after Theo's shift had already ended, but no one tried to get him to leave Liam's side. No one dared to. He was holding one of Liam's hands, sitting on one of the stools the doctors use when talking to patients, when Liam woke up, eyes darting around.
"Hey, it's okay. Liam, I'm here. You're fine. Let me get your dad, okay?"
Liam didn't let him go, though.
So, yeah, Theo does remember that day vividly. He would never forget that day. It was the first time Liam had come into the hospital in such bad shape, and it scared Theo so badly. He never wanted to go through something like that again.
"No, I remember that day, Liam," Theo replies, glaring at the younger man.
"So then you remember when I asked you out at the hospital."
Theo continues glaring. "You just had a head injury."
Theo pokes Liam in the chest, pushing him slightly backwards. "You came into the hospital with a head injury," he pokes Liam again, "you didn't wake up for a few hours," he pushes Liam back again, "and you expect me to believe that you were in the right state of mind when you asked me out?"
Liam looks a little sheepish, and Theo loses it.
"Liam! The exact words you said to me the minute you woke up were 'Would you like to go to dinner?'. How the fuck is that even asking someone out? You never said the actual words!"
"Well, it was implied!" Liam shouts right back.
Why are they shouting? Why is Liam shouting at him?
"Implied for who? Because it definitely wasn't for me!"
"Stop shouting at me!" Theo kinda wants to cry. Not because Liam is shouting at him. He wants to cry because does this mean Liam likes him? Enough to want to date him?
Liam stops shouting at him instantly. His mouth clicks closed, and he looks up at Theo with sad, puppy eyes.
When Theo pushed Liam up against the wall, it made them so close together. Realizing it at this moment, Theo places a foot behind him to step back, but Liam grabs his hip with one hand.
So, Theo doesn't. He doesn't move back even though his chest is rising and falling rapidly because of the shouting and because of all the emotions swirling in his chest.
Does this mean Liam wants to date him?
"Let me start over. Is that okay?"
All Theo can do is nod. He doesn't want to speak yet. He wants to hear what Liam has to say first, in what Theo assumes is his childhood bedroom, and after making a fool of themselves for months.
Liam lets out a small breath before he looks up again at Theo, and his puppy-dog eyes are hopeful now. They don't look sad anymore, not the way they did just a few minutes ago. Liam's eyes are so blue and so pretty, and Theo cannot look away.
The one hand on Theo's hip tightens, and Theo swallows at the motion. That felt... nice. Good.
"Theo, I will never forget the day I meet you. I knew that day that I had to see you again, and I am so glad I found out you worked with my dad," Liam chuckled a little bit, "I didn't know when I wanted to ask you out, but I did know I really wanted to."
Theo's breath hitches at the confession. His body feels warm all over, but he doesn't dare stop Liam from talking.
"But when I ended up in the hospital when I got hurt, and the first person I saw was you, I knew I had to. It's why it was the first thing out of my mouth. Seeing you next to me when you didn't have to be made me realize I didn't want to wait any longer to be your boyfriend. I'm sorry you didn't believe me," Liam says. There's a slight pause where it feels like neither of them breathes before Liam asks a question, "Would you believe me if I asked you again now?"
Yeah, there's no way Theo is letting another opportunity of Liam asking him out to end up in anything but them actually dating. With both of them knowing it this time.
"Yes. Ask me again, Liam," Theo didn't hesitate to say.
A deadly smirk that has Theo blushing forms on Liam's lips, and oh. Theo can look at Liam's lips now and not feel like he's a terrible person.
"Would you go out with me on a date, Theo?"
"Now, that's how you ask someone out."
Liam groans in faux annoyance. He reaches up so now both hands grip Theo's waist, tugging him even closer. Theo's hands end up on Liam's chest, sliding up, up, up before landing on his shoulders. "Can you just answer?"
They should've been doing this a long time ago.
Theo brushes his lips against Liam's now that there's nothing stopping him. Not himself or his thoughts that kept repeating that there was no way Liam liked him or wanted to be his boyfriend. Those thoughts are pushed to the back of his mind.
"Of course I will, Liam."
And that's all he says before he tilts his head and leans up to place a bruising kiss on Theo's lips.
Because they've been waiting so long, there is nothing soft or gentle about Liam and Theo kissing. Theo's grip on Liam's shoulders tightens when Liam nips at his bottom lip, and the air feels hot and heavy, almost suffocatingly.
Theo arches up into Liam, feeling Liam's chest beneath his. Their hips align just perfectly, and Theo cannot stop the whimper that escapes his lips, jerking up slightly. The slight drag has Theo gasping, and Liam slips his tongue inside his mouth.
In the back of his mind, Theo knows they should stop sooner rather than later. There's a party happening just downstairs, and who knows if Jenna is waiting for them to go back down to tell her about the misunderstanding.
Theo doesn't want to stop kissing Liam, though, who's tongue is in his mouth. It feels so good, how slick their tongues and mouths are together.
It catches him off-guard when Liam flips their position so Theo is now against the wall. It also makes him groan. He shouldn't be blamed for how hot Liam is when he shows off his strength. The grip Liam has on his hips is even tighter, and Theo wishes there was no clothes in the way. That would make it easier for Liam to leave bruises on him in the shape of his fingertips. Theo really wants that.
But he knows they should stop kissing now. Theo pulls back and smiles when Liam tries to chase his lips. "Wait, wait. We should go back downstairs," Theo says, breathless.
Liam groans and rests his head on Theo's shoulder, and wraps his arms around Theo.
"Don't want to," Liam grumbles.
"Well, we have to," Theo replies fondly.
They really need to cool down first before opening this door.
"You'll become my boyfriend? I don't want any more misunderstandings," Liam asks, lifting his head to look Theo in his eyes.
"I will. Just make sure you properly ask me that," Theo teases.
"Haha, you're so funny," Liam mutters.
But his voice is filled with nothing but fondness.
Yeah, they'll be fine. Even if they are kind of a hot mess.
