Chapter Text
“What the hell was that for, asswipe?!” Liam growled angrily at Brett, who had tackled him to the ground and was about to get up again. After Liam’s ’incident’ with the goalie, he needed someone who could keep up with him during his lacrosse training-sessions. That only left Brett, since Scott was always busy with school, work and dating Kira.
“Language!” Brett joked as he knelt and stood up, bringing Liam with him by grabbing his hand. “It really isn’t hard to knock you down. You should focus more on your defense.”
“My defense is just fine.” Liam snapped at him. This was the third time the taller beta had brought him down. “After all, attack is the best defense.”
Brett chuckled. “Yeah, maybe you should watch your attack, too. Don’t wanna send the goalie flying again.” He caught the annoyed look that passed Liam’s face and watched him wipe his hand over a grass stain that got on his sweatpants.
“Why do I get the feeling that I’m gonna hear about this for months?” He gave up on trying to convince the stain to just disappear and sent a glare in Brett’s direction. The blond simply flashed his trademark smirk in return, “Bet on it. It was pretty hilarious, after all.”
As quick as his smirk had appeared, it vanished and was replaced with a scowl that spread all across his forehead. Brett thought back a few days to when Liam was training on the field, while he and Mason were watching him from the stands. As hilarious as it was to see the smaller werewolf trying to impress Hayden by nailing every goal, even to go as far as to use his werewolf-strength, it also stirred a feeling inside him he couldn’t place. It was like a light tickling somewhere in his stomach. A bit like the feeling you get when you go down stairs and miss a step. The repeated looks he threw her way, the showing off, the muscle play. Brett didn’t like it. Not one bit.
Liam noticed the change in Brett, whose chemo-signals went from cheerful to stressed in seconds. He wasn’t very practiced in reading the taller werewolf yet, but if his stiff posture was anything to go by, it seemed like he was pissed at something. Liam had no idea what it could be, since he should be the angry one after all the bruises he received from Brett’s so called training methods. And no, it absolutely didn’t matter that they healed in seconds. After 30 seconds of watching Brett stare holes into the air he tried to get his attention. “Still with me?”
In response, Brett’s head snapped up and he looked Liam directly in the eyes before saying “Yeah, yeah. Always ready to kick your ass back into the dirt.”
With that, the smirk was back. Liam couldn’t help but think that something was bothering his lacrosse partner. But despite their recent bonding, he still thought it inappropriate to ask him about his emotional state. Something Scott would laugh at, since his ‘alpha-plan’ obviously included knowing everything Liam was going through and trying to help wherever he can. Liam brushed it off for now and went back to focusing on his training. Brett had already picked up his stick again and was playing around with the ball in his hand.
“Ready for another round, Dunbar?” he called to him, taking steps back so they could practice the next defense move.
“Ready when you are.” Liam called back and then took off running in Brett’s direction.
They stayed on the field for almost two hours. By that time they were both sweaty and exhausted. No use being a werewolf if your opponent is one, too. While they tried to catch their breaths, Mason, who had been waiting on the stands and focused on his homework, called over. “Guys, are you finally ready? It’s getting cold.”
Brett and Liam looked at each other. Neither had noticed the drop in temperature, both too focused on their training which kept them warm. Plus, it never really gets cold when you’re a werewolf. They picked up their equipment and started strolling over to where Mason was waiting.
“A bit more speed please, I’d like to get home. And I know you can walk faster, I’ve watched you super-speed-running for hours.” Liam’s best friend complained, while rubbing his hand over his arms before hugging himself. Brett smirked down at Liam. This height difference was getting ridiculous. No one needed to be that tall! He signaled him to slow down, just to annoy Mason.
When Mason noticed what they were doing, he threw his arms in the air while saying “Why do I even socialize with these people?!” He stormed off in the directions of the locker rooms, probably to wait somewhere warmer. Getting home himself wasn’t possible because all the buses were gone, leaving Brett’s car as the only option, aside from walking, which wouldn’t happen considering how cold it is.
Sensing this was his last moment alone with Brett, he turned around to face him, “Thanks for taking the time to practice with me.”
Brett flashed him a small smile, “Don’t mention it. It’s good for me too, after all. Anytime you want, just ask.” He gave Liam a pat on the shoulder before resuming his walk.
Liam let himself fall behind, thinking. Such a small touch shouldn’t let him feel this …electrified. He stared at Brett’s back while trying to figure out what this feeling was. After a few seconds he shook his head to clear it. No use thinking about that now.
When he caught up with Brett in the locker rooms, he heard Mason's bickering and begging for them to move faster and that he was hungry. He had been waiting for them a long time, after all. Liam rushed into the shower, going as fast as he could for the sake of his friend. When he got back he pressed himself through the small space between the lockers and Brett, who was leaning back against another row, his phone in hand. Liam never noticed how Brett closed his eyes and took a deep breath when he passed, savoring the younger boy’s scent. He was too caught up in throwing stuff around in his bag, trying to find his T-Shirt.
“SHOTGUN!” Liam called out when he was done, causing Brett to laugh and Mason to roll his eyes.
Brett drove them home, Mason’s house being the first on their way. When they came to a stop in front of Liam’s house, the younger teen turned around and smiled at Brett, thanking him again for the training and the ride home.
The older teen just waved it off, “Wanna go again on Saturday?” He had a hopeful look in his eyes.
Liam shook his head, “Sorry, I’m going shopping with my mum. She wants to find me a nice outfit for the homecoming-ball.”
Brett felt disappointment settle in his stomach, quickly followed by confusion. “Beacon Hills is having a ball?”
“Yep. And it’s mandatory for all the players. So as much as I don’t want to, I have to go. And I don’t have anything to wear for that, which brings us back to the shopping trip with my mum.” Liam grumbled, letting his head fall back against the headrest, lack of enthusiasm clearly written on his face. “Anyways, thanks again. Till next time.”
Liam got out of the car and headed to the door, desperately trying to find his key in his bag. Brett watched Liam until he reached the house, a smile on his face, before he drove off.