Lahey brothers incorrect quotes, headcannons, and one shots

When we were younger...

“When we were younger, Cam said that he would take Jordan, Isaac, and I anywhere we wanted to go when we were all out of highschool. We were gonna travel the world.” Liam says, breaking the silence, “What?” Theo asks, “You asked me to tell you some stuff I remember from my childhood.” Liam explains, “Right, I did.” Theo responds, “D’you have anything else?” he questions.

“Every break from school except for winter break and Thanksgiving break, after Cam got his driver's license. We would all pile into the car that David got him and go on a little road trip to Nevada, Arizona, or Oregon. It depended on where we had gone the last time.” Liam answers, “We- we would take some tents and a couple of sleeping bags, and, if it was nice enough, we would sleep outside under the stars.” he adds, smiling fondly at the memory.

“Anything else?” Theo inquires after a little while, “I’m thinking.” Liam responds.

“On one of the trips, Isaac left his shoes outside the tent he and Jordan were sharing, because he jumped in a lake we were nearby with them on, and his shoes got stolen. We had to go to a store and buy him some new ones.” Liam says, when he remembers another thing, “W-we also- whenever mom called to check in on us during the trips, Isaac and I would practically fall over each other to be the first to say hi.” Liam has a genuine smile on his face, “She always laughed at us when we did it, saying that we didn’t have to race to do stuff before the other.” he continues, laughing happily.

“Isaac and I were very competitive kids, always fighting to be the first one to get mom’s attention, or her help with our homework. Probably because we’re only two years apart, but still.” Liam states.

“Do you have any pictures from the trips?” Theo asks, “They seem like very nice memories, I would love to see some if you do.” he adds, “Yeah! Uh, yeah, I do.” Liam responds, “Give me one second?” he asks, Theo nods in response.

Liam rushes out of his room and grabs a box from the top of a closet. It’s labeled “The kids’ road trips” in red sharpie.

Liam sets the box on his bed and opens it. Theo eyes the box with a furrowed brow.

“We took a lot of pictures.” Liam explains, picking up a picture of he and Isaac at a campfire with smores in their hands, chocolate on their faces, and wet hair moved out of their eyes so they don’t get food in it. “This was the summer I re-learned to swim.” he says, “Re-learned?” Theo questions, “I don’t swim much, so I forgot.” Liam answers, “It’s also the summer Camden got swimmer’s ear.” he adds, “Really?” Theo asks, “Yeah, he swam too far down and mom had to help him put drops in his ear when we got back.” Liam responds, picking up another photo.

“This picture was taken while Jordan went to get more wood for the fire, when he got back he set the wood down quietly and snuck up behind me and Isaac scaring us by tapping on our shoulders.” he says, Theo laughs a little and grabs another photo, “What’s the story behind this one?” he asks.

“Oh!” Liam shouts, “Oh no, I didn’t know that one was in there!” he adds, taking it from the other, Theo’s interest obviously peaks, “Now you definitely have to tell me the story.” Theo states, “That was the summer before Cam left, I spent most of the time clinging on to him, I just- I wouldn’t let go of him. I knew that it would be the last trip of the year, because Jordan, Isaac and I promised to not go on another trip until he got back. This was the last photo we ever took with him. Even after we got back from the trip, I would ask to sleep in his room with him. It was like I knew something bad would happen, but  I obviously couldn’t ask him to stay. It’s weird, because I was eight in this picture, he didn’t die till I was ten.” Liam explains, “Maybe it was some sort of intuition?” Theo says, “You think I’m psychic or something like that?” Liam questions, “Maybe.” Theo answers, shrugging. Liam rolls his eyes.

“Let’s move onto other photos, okay?” Liam asks, Theo nods.

“What about this one?” Theo inquires, holding up a picture of Camden and Jordan lifting Liam up while holding his hands. “Izzy took that one when we went to the store to get snacks on our way to grandma’s house. When I was younger I liked when people would swing me, but only Cam and JJ could lift me as high as I would like.” Liam answers, “That one isn’t really from a road trip with just us, but Cam, Jordy, Iz, and I were all in the same car, so I guess that’s why it ended up in this box.” he adds.

“Was it nice?” Theo questions, “Yeah, yeah it was.” Liam answers, “I miss these moments, but, Cam’s dead, Jordan, he’s doing his own thing at the police department, and Isaac, well, let’s just say we stopped arguing about who’s gonna get mom’s help and attention first. I know that he needed to leave, get this town in the past and everything, but… I wish he would’ve waited. Y’know?” he continues, “Yeah, I know what you mean.” Theo responds.

A silence falls across the room, the only sound being soft breathing coming from the two.

“I miss them.” Liam whispers, “What?” Theo questions.

“My family… I miss them. I know that they’re not really gone, well, except for Cam, but… I miss being a kid, and only worrying about when the next trip we are gonna go on is, n-not worrying if I’m gonna lose anymore friends, or family… I miss going around the mall on Camden’s shoulders because I get tired of walking. I miss being carried to my room after pretending to fall asleep in the car on the way home. I miss sleeping under the stars with my big brothers next to me, knowing that whatever happens they will always be there for me. I miss being a kid. I miss Cam. I miss Camden, Jordan, and Isaac laughing at the stupid jokes I make. I miss being told I’m gonna be okay after I fall off of my bike. I miss my brothers always being able to cheer me up no matter what. I miss getting stuffed animals from Cam on my birthday, stuffed animals that I still have no idea how he bought. I mi- I miss e-everything.” Liam responds, crying by the end.
“Liam,” Theo starts, pulling the younger one into a hug, “You’ll be fine, everything will be fine.” he continues, “Leave town.” Liam says, pulling away from the hug, “What?” Theo asks, “Leave town.” Liam repeats sternly, “No why?” the taller questions, “Because, everyone that I care about always ends up getting hurt or dead, I don’t want that to happen to you.” he explains, “And, as much as you leaving will hurt, you dying will hurt so much worse.” the younger adds, “I am not leaving, and nothing you say can make me. I am not running from my problems, Liam.” Theo says, “Besides, you just said me leaving will hurt you, and honestly, I don’t want to hurt you anymore than I already have.” he continues, pulling Liam back into a hug.

“I want Camden to come back.” Liam whispers, “I know you do, Li.” Theo responds, holding the younger closer, “I didn’t mean what I said, I don’t want you to leave… no matter how much it seems like I do.” Liam states, “I know. I’ll always know.” the taller says, “Good, you should know that.” Liam answers, Theo chuckles, “I’ll make sure I don’t forget then.” he responds, “Awesome, will you pick up the pictures?” Liam questions, “I want to sleep.” he adds, “Of course I will, you didn’t even have to ask.” Theo answers.

After Theo takes the box off of Liam’s bed and puts the pictures in it he goes to ask Jenna where to put it. “Stay?” Liam asks before the other leaves, “But the box?” Theo inquires, “Leave it, I’ll deal with it in the morning. Please, just stay?” the younger responds, “Okay, Liam.” Theo answers, “Good, lie down.” Liam says, pointing to the spot in front of him. Theo lies down wordlessly turned towards the younger and Liam moves closer to him.

“Thank you.” Liam says sleepily, “You’re welcome.” Theo responds.