A few days later, Ashton recovered. Now, he's in my office helping me with paperwork, finishing in record time. We're preparing to search for Liam. As we canvass the apartments, we spot a drunken figure on the verge of passing out. Initially, we consider leaving him be, but then we hear shouting.
"LIAM!!" A stranger's voice echoes through the air.
I park the van, exchanging a look with Ashton before peering out the window.
The intoxicated young man, who we assume is Liam, glances nervously behind him and straightens up, attempting to appear sober.
"What are you doing here, Jackson?"
Ashton gasps beside me, looking apprehensive. Outside, the stranger named Jackson closes in on Liam.
"How dare you question why I'm here. What about you!?"
Jackson bellows in Liam's face, gripping his cheeks. Liam visibly trembles and shuts his eyes. Without hesitation, I jump out of the van and approach them.
"Hey! Why are you hitting him?"
"Mind your own business, nosy assholes."
"No, we won't. You can't just hit someone without reason," I retort firmly, my anger rising.
Jackson rolls his eyes and walks away dismissively.
Ashton and I turn our attention back to Liam. When he meets our gaze, he bolts. I give chase while Ashton jumps into the driver's seat and follows. Ashton blocks Liam on the sidewalk, disregarding potential consequences. Liam hesitates and tries to flee in the opposite direction, but I catch him, restraining his arms behind his back. Ashton rushes over to assist, and Liam struggles.
I look him in the eyes and gently touch his cheek. He flinches.
"You're still our little Lamb."
He's shocked; only his closest friends know that nickname.
"H-how do you know that name?" Liam demands, struggling against Ashton's grip.
We lift him and guide him into the back of the van.
"Let me go!! Please!" Liam cries, tears streaming down his face.
"You'll be okay, Liam. I promise."
"Did they tell you my nickname?" Liam asks, his voice wavering.
"Remember your best friends?"
"Yeah, and... wait, did Nathen and Ashton tell you?"
"Yes, it's us."
"Can we go home?"
"Yeah, let's go."
I drive us back to my house. Opening the garage door, I park the van inside and close it. We step out, and I give Liam and Ashton a tour of the house, realizing I never showed Ashton around before.
YOU ARE READING
The threesome~
RandomEthan, Liam, and Ashton were lifelong friends who supported each other through tough times. Ethan turned to violence, Liam found solace in cleaning, and Ashton sought therapy to deal with their shared history of parental abuse. After a falling out...
