Chapter Text
Liam yanks his jacket closer around his body, shivering as he walks through another puddle. “Why did we have to park around the back of the building?” He complains loudly. Theo doesn’t answer, tugging his beanie down firmly over his ears. It does little to fight the chill in the air, but it helps keep him dry. Liam lets out an exasperated huff and he suppresses a thin smile, just a tiny bit smug that he isn’t suffering alone. Liam is just as miserable as he is. “You know,” the beta says as they enter the alley to cut between the buildings, “delivery exists for a reason.”
“Neither one of us had enough money for a tip.” Theo reminds through a barely concealed growl. A pitiful whimper answers him and he hunches his shoulders, gritting his teeth. “You don’t have to be a baby about it. It’s rain.”
“Theo…” Liam starts.
“Seriously?” Theo turns as another whimper sounds. Liam looks just as confused, brows drawn together. “That...wasn’t you.” He says flatly.
“No.” Something to Theo’s right shuffles, a new sound of cardboard scraping across the ground. He spins on his heel and crouches down, lifting up a flimsy piece of cardboard. Dark eyes peer up at him, a brown and black spotted head cocking to the side. “What is it?” Liam asks, leaning down over him.
“A puppy.” Theo says quietly. He drops the cardboard to the side and reaches down, lightly brushing his fingers along the damp fur. The puppy whimpers in response and shies back from him, falling over another lump of fur. “Shit.”
“What are they doing out here?” Liam crouches down beside him, reaching out in caution. “They’re so tiny, Theo.”
“They were abandoned.” Theo says, his eyes flashing.
“How can you tell?”
“I can smell the guilt.” He clenches his jaw and picks up the brown and black puppy, noticing a few gray spots at well. “Here.” He hands the wriggling creature to Liam and lifts up the unmoving lump, lips pressed in a thin line. There’s a heartbeat, but it’s faint. “Hey, boy.” He murmurs softly. “I’ve got you. You’re going to be okay.” He promises, scratching lightly behind damp ears. “Liam, give me both of them. Take the money from my coat and go get the pizza.” He says, tugging his beanie from his head. Sliding the puppy inside of it, he cradles the beanie against the crook of his elbow and offers his hand for the other puppy.
“What are you going to do?” Liam asks, helping hand over the squirming mass.
“I’m going to take them back to the truck and get the heat running.” Theo says, angling his body so that Liam’s hand can slip into his pocket. “Then I’ll take these guys home and get them squared away.”
“I won’t be long.” Liam promises. He’s gone a second later, turning the corner as he reaches the edge of the alley. Theo spins on his heel, shifting the puppies so they’re held to his chest. He focuses on the two heartbeats and frees one hand to pull out his keys, nearly snapping his key as he starts the engine. The truck shudders to life and he cranks up the heat, relieved that it’s still warm from his ride over with Liam. He sets his beanie on top of the dashboard where he can feel the heat rising up and suppresses a grin. A small head pokes through the opening, shortly followed by another.
They don’t appear to be very old. Theo knows they’re too young to have been separated from mom, the smaller pup can barely open its eyes. It releases a whimper that tugs viciously at his heart and he cautiously reaches forward, lightly scratching under its chin. “I’ve got you,” he murmurs faintly. The bigger pup immediately pounces at his wrist, nearly toppling over the edge of the dashboard. He reaches up for a quick save and holds the squirming pup, lifting it up to look it in the eye. “Tough guy, huh? Trying to protect your little sister?” He asks. A wet mouth wraps around his thumb and he glances at the smaller pup, surprised that its sucking on his skin. “Sorry, girl. I don’t have what you need.” He smiles sympathetically.
It takes ten minutes for Liam to return. By the time he gets inside the truck, Theo’s decided that he’s going to keep the puppies. He’s an absolute idiot, but he can’t help it. The feisty male has fallen asleep in the palm of his hand and the tiny female is snuggled against his other hand, still trying to suck on his fingers. He’s terrified that they won’t make it on their own and he isn’t sure he trusts other humans around them. Not to mention the fact that he knows if he hands them over, he’ll risk never seeing them again. It’s a chance that he’s not willing to take.
“Are we going to the clinic? Deaton’s working a late shift, right-“ Liam starts. Theo cuts him off with a firm shake of his head, exhaling harshly.
“No. They’re coming home with me,” he says simply.
“But they’re puppies-“
“And here I was, thinking they were kittens.” Theo remarks flatly.
“How old do you think they are? Don’t they still need their mom?” Liam asks, leaning forward. “Are you prepared for this?”
“Not in the slightest. Look, the pet store is still open and we can go get a few things while we’re there. I can’t just take them to the pound, Liam. And a vet will make sure I don’t see them again.” Theo says, feeling the heat rising in his cheeks.
“You really want to keep them?” Liam asks, a touch of wonder in his voice.
“It’s a stupid idea.” Theo says, biting the inside of his cheek.
“It’s not. I think it’s sweet. And you’ll take care of them.” Liam smiles and pats him on the arm. “Let’s go to the pet store.”
“You don’t think I can do it.” Theo says, an edge of doubt in his voice.
“No. I know that you can. I just...taking care of puppies is a lot of work. And just the other day you were complaining about rent going up and how that was going to cut into the money you have. But you’ll make it work. And I’ll help, it’s not like campus is all that far from here.” Liam’s smile stretches and Theo nods, trying not to read into things. Liam just wants to help with the puppies. It’s nothing more.
When Theo parks them a second time and runs into the pet store, Liam stays behind to keep an eye on the pups and the pizza. He scarfs down one of the piping hot slices and swears as he burns the roof of his mouth. One of the bundles of fur stirs at that and Liam closes the pizza box, shaking his head. “No for you. You don’t even have real teeth yet,” he says. Settling the pizza box on the dashboard, he reaches for the wriggling pup that’s burrowed in Theo’s beanie. “You’re pretty cute,” he comments as he lifts the black and blonde female. A whimper answers him and he melts, stroking the length of the puppy’s back.
“You’re pretty smart, aren’t you? You know how to be awake when the food is out. Just wait until you’re big enough to beg for table scraps. No one is going to be able to resist you.” He tells her, cradling her up to the side of his neck. There’s a lapse in conversation as he soaks in the spot of warmth and new puppy smell, relaxing back into his seat. He’s half asleep when he hears a squeaky cart roll up beside the truck and Theo’s boots slapping the wet pavement.
He turns as Theo opens the door directly behind him, mouth going slack. “What did you buy ?” He asks as Theo begins unloading bags into the backseat. “We didn’t even have enough money for a tip and you bought all of this?!”
“Emergency credit card,” Theo grunts as he lifts another bag from the cart. “Don’t be so whiny.” He shuts the door a moment later, presumably to return the cart. Liam readjusts the pup that’s fallen asleep on his shoulder and sets her down in his lap, lips pursed as Theo returns. “What?” The chimera huffs as he starts the truck. He takes the puppy that’s still resting inside of his beanie, draping the slumbering pup across his lap. “I had to get food, toys for when they start to teethe, puppy pads, beds for them to sleep on, crates…” He ticks off, clenching his jaw briefly. “They need these things.” He says defensively.
“You’re right, you’re right.” Liam says quickly. “I just...didn’t expect you to think so far ahead.”
“I said I was keeping them, didn’t I?” Theo snaps. Liam takes a cautious sniff of the air, brows furrowing. He doesn’t understand the scents of guilt and frustration and fear that are clouding Theo.
“Hey.” He reaches over, lightly setting a hand on Theo’s arm. “You’re going to be a great dad to them. That’s not what I was saying at all.” He quickly assures. “You’ve always been good at planning things. I’m terrible at it, I’m always flying by the seat of my pants. That’s all. It’s hard to imagine someone that can plan for the future.”
“Whatever.” Theo scoffs, but the acrid scent begins to dissipate and there’s a blip in his heartbeat. Liam keeps his mouth firmly shut for the rest of the drive, determined not to shove his foot back inside. They park outside of Theo’s apartment building and Liam takes the puppies and the pizza upstairs, leaving Theo to do the heavy lifting. By the time everything is inside and they’re ready to eat, the pizza is lukewarm. Theo grunts an apology and take the puppies, going to the kitchen while Liam opens the pizza box at the coffee table.
“Do you want any?” Liam asks, lifting a slice. He hears sink water turn on and frowns, getting up to check on things in the kitchen. Theo’s filling the sink with water, the puppies slumbering away on the counter beside him. “Bath time?”
“Who knows what kinds of bacteria they’re carrying? Gonna clean them up and get them settled for the night. Then we can get back to your research paper.” Theo explains. He runs his fingers beneath the water, adjusting the faucet until he’s satisfied. “I can eat when I’m done.”
“The pizza will be ice cold by then. I can feed it to you.” Liam says, flushing almost immediately as Theo arcs a brow in his direction. “Not in a weird way. In a totally helpful, platonic way.” He says, feeling the flush crawling along the back of his neck.
“Fine. But if you try and choke me on the pizza or get it on my clothes, I’m going to kill you.” There’s no real bite to his words, but Liam finds himself agreeing quickly all the same. When the sink is half full, Theo cuts the water and leans down to take a bite of the pizza in Liam’s outstretched hand. He grabs a bottle of dog shampoo from a bag on the counter and squirts a dollop on the tip of his finger, lifting the male pup and easing him under the water. The pitiful squeals tug at Liam’s heart and he watches, captivated by Theo’s gentle murmurs of comfort and the way he slowly rubs the puppy’s fur. He takes another bite of the pizza and starts to rinse the puppy, continuing in a low tone that sends shivers down Liam’s spine. Once he’s finished, he dries his hands and lays out a towel for the puppy to lay on before picking up the female. He repeats the process, but she cries the entire time and Theo’s focus stays steady. He finishes the pizza that Liam offers, smearing sauce across the corner of his lips as he turns to set the puppy down beside her brother.
Liam cautiously reaches out to clear the mess away, but Theo’s tongue comes out at the same time and the touch makes them both freeze. Embarrassment floods through Liam and he yanks his hand back, wiping his greasy hand against his thigh. “Sorry. You need anything else?” He asks.
“Can you set up the heat lamp in the corner? I’m going to put the pen up as soon as I get them dry and put down some blankets.” Theo says. “The bag is on the floor behind the bar.” Liam nods and goes to collect everything, glancing back to watch Theo rubs the towel gently against the puppies. His heart does a little flip and he turns before Theo can catch him staring, hurrying to set things up. By the time Theo comes over, Liam’s set up everything and is busy laying out a blanket from Theo’s linen closet. “You didn’t have to do that.” Theo says softly.
“I know I didn’t. I just thought it would help.” Liam replies, smoothing down the edges of the teal blanket. “I put the heat lamp on the table and just dragged it closer. I was reading the instructions and it said the make sure the puppies can’t get burned on it. This way, they can go under the light if they need to warm up but there’s plenty of places to get cooled off. Is that okay?”
“It’s perfect. Thank you.” Theo’s sincerity throws him for a moment and Liam scratches the back of his neck.
“Yeah. Do you need to feed them?” He asks, gnawing on the inside of his cheek.
“Did that while you were setting this up.” The chimera smirks slightly. “They should be able to sleep for the night. By their lack of teeth, I peg them at about three or four weeks old. They should start growing them any day now. In the morning, I’ll take them to Deaton’s to get checked out.”
“And you’ll keep me posted on them?” Liam asks. Theo nods, setting the puppies down and tucking them in before getting to his feet. He offers a hand to Liam, gently squeezing as he helps the beta upright.
“You can even have visitation rights when you’re back in town.” He teases. Laughing, Liam knocks their shoulders together and tries not to read into it too much. He doesn’t want to presume that Theo wants him to come around more. He’s offering for Liam to come and visit the puppies, that’s all. If Liam could swing it, then he would be here every weekend to help and spend time with Theo...and the puppies. Of course. Still, he’s away at university now and it’s a two hour trip with Mason or his parents as his ride. He can’t ask them for rides every weekend and asking Theo to pick him up is out of the question. He knows money is tight for the chimera and he doesn’t want to ask for any favors. Asking for help with his biology midterm does not count as a favor.
“As long as I get to see them.” Liam says, shaking himself out of it and following Theo back to the couch. He sits down and they both pick up a slice of cold pizza, chewing in silence. Once the box is finished, Theo throws it in the recycling and Liam lifts his laptop from where they’d left it on the coffee table. He pulls back up his research paper and offers the computer to Theo when he sits again. “So, any thoughts on names for them?” He asks as Theo begins to skim the document.
“Not a clue.” Theo says, eyes glued to the screen. He shakes his head and taps at the keyboard, face pinching briefly. “Do you even know what an introduction paragraph looks like?” He asks.
“Rude.” Liam knocks their knees together, a smile tugging at his lips. “Seriously though. They need names since you’re going to keep them.”
“Dexter and...Yvette. There, they have names.” Theo says, still grimacing at the paper. “Liam, do you even know the meaning of the words you’re using?”
“Shut up and fix it.” Liam huffs. “They need good, strong names. They’re going to be family, Theo.”
“Fine. You name one and I’ll name the other.” Theo says, fingers flying across the keyboard. “Dibs on the boy.”
“That’s good. Anything I come up with is better than Yvette.” Liam snorts and pulls out his phone, opening the internet. He pulls up a list of female dog names and begins to scroll through them, fingers tapping against his thigh as Theo works on his paper. When his laptop is returned with all of Theo’s comments in the margins, he flashes a grin at the chimera. “Athena.” He says.
“Greek goddess of wisdom?” Theo frowns. “What does she have to do with your paper?”
“No, not that. A name for the puppy. Athena.” Liam says, beaming. “She’s going to be a little warrior.”
“You’re saddling her with greatness and she doesn’t even have teeth.” Theo rolls his eyes. “Fine.”
“You think of anything?”
“I was a little busy reading the worst paper ever written.” Theo reminds. “I’ll think of something. I just...need some inspiration.”
“Wow. I’m shocked.” Liam shakes his head and sighs. “Fine. Hey, you wanna pick up on your Disney education before I have to go home?”
“Pick one from the stack.” Theo gestures vaguely at the DVDs that Liam has stocked on his TV cabinet. “But for the love of god, don’t pick something with a Disney princess again.”
“Thought you were an atheist?” Liam asks. He doesn’t manage to not get hit by the throw pillow on the couch, but he laughs and hurries to the entertainment center. He puts on the third movie in the stacks and returns to Theo’s side, offering him the remote as the movie loads up.
“Oliver & Company?” Theo asks, skipping the previews and starting the movie. “What’s it about?”
“It’s a story about a cat being adopted into a loving home and his street family wanting him back. Just watch, you’re gonna love it.” Liam promises, leaning back and making himself comfortable. The scene starts and no sooner has the music begun than there’s a loud whimper from where the puppies are sleeping. Theo sighs and pauses the movie, getting up and running to check on them. Liam listens to his soothing murmurs again and the rustle of blankets before Theo returns, his features soft and vulnerable. “They okay?”
“Just got tangled together, that’s all.” Theo says, starting the movie. He kicks up his feet and drapes them across Liam’s lap, crossing his arms over his chest as they settle in to watch the movie. Liam dozes off sometime after the street dog starts singing on top of a grand piano being lifted in the sky and doesn’t wake until the end credits when Theo shakes him by the ankle. He blinks groggily at the chimera, lifting his phone to check the time. It’s nearing midnight and he knows that he needs to get a move on. Mason’s picking him up at eight the next morning to go back to campus so they can meet up with a study group for brunch.
“Thanks for letting me sleep.” Liam says, getting to his feet with a yawn. He stretches his arms above his head and peers behind the couch where the puppies are slumbering. He can’t see them very well, but there are the soft sleepy snuffles that let him know they’re still sound asleep.
“Oliver.” Theo says as he packs Liam’s laptop away for him. “What about that for a name?”
“That was the name of the orange cat in the movie.” Liam says dumbly. It takes a second for the connection to hit and he grins instantly. “Because he was a street pup and found his forever home with you. It’s perfect.”
“I’ll get tags made and send you pictures.” Theo tells him. “And Liam? I...I just want to keep this between us for now.” He says hesitantly. Before Liam can ask why, Theo barrels on with his explanation. “If the packs finds out, I’m sure they’ll want to be involved and get in my business and it’s a guarantee that Stiles won’t want me raising them in fear of corrupting them and whatever other bullshit he can come up with. So just between us, okay?”
“I’ll keep it secret.” Liam says. “But Theo? We won’t be able to keep it a secret forever. Once the puppies are big enough to go on walks, someone is going to see you taking them out.”
“Just for a few weeks. As soon as I’m settled with them and have them cleared by a vet,” he promises. Liam nods and takes his laptop case, sliding it over his shoulder.
“I’ll see you when I’m back for fall break.” Liam says. Two weeks away, he can survive that. The puppies will be even bigger by then and Liam’s excited to see them when they’re old enough to start playing with him. “Send me pictures?” He asks, glancing back at the puppies.
“Deal.” Theo chuckles quietly. With a smile that he can’t shake, Liam leaves.