Thiam - The War Is Over

Chapter 7

Liam groaned.

He most definitely did not beat Brett's ass, that was for sure.

The practice hadn't gone at all as Liam had hoped it would. As soon as they'd started, Liam seemed to have lost any ability to play lacrosse.

He now lay in the middle of the field, a sweaty mess, his hair all tousled. His lacrosse stick lay next to him, barely in his grip.

"I give up," he panted as Brett walked over to his, his lacrosse stick held on his shoulders, his hands resting on it.

"I didn't expect that from someone who spoke so big earlier," Brett sneered. Liam tried to glare at him, but he had no will to even move his facial muscles anymore. He narrowed his eyes as Brett stood over him. "Are you okay?"

"Just dandy," he said dryly.

"Are you hurt?"

"Nothing that won't heal."

"Then get up." Brett offered Liam his hand. "Giving up won't make you team captain." Liam wanted to argue, but he couldn't ignore the fact that Brett was right; that annoyed him, but he accepted his hand and hoisted himself back to his feet.

***

The sun was setting by the time the two agreed it was time they should end their practice. Liam hadn't been able to focus much, so, unfortunately, no improvement seemed to come out of all his suffering.

They went back into the locker room, and Liam immediately went to the showers, turning one on and letting the cold water hit him, clothes and all.

"Isn't that uncomfortable?" he heard Brett ask from behind him. Liam glanced over his shoulder to look at him.

"Nah," was his simple answer. He ran his hands through his now soaked hair, relishing the cool feeling when he heard someone enter the locker room. He immediately turned around and exchanged a look with Brett, the two silently agreeing to investigate. They crept forward, only to be greeted by a startled Mason, Corey trailing behind him.

"Mason? Corey? What are you guys doing here?" Liam asked, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"You were gone for a long time, we got worried," Mason explained sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.

"I thought you guys had a date planned."

"You told him about our date?" Corey asked, looking at Mason.

"Sorry. He's my best friend, I tell him everything." Mason gave Corey a wincey smile, and Corey rolled his eyes.

"I'm always out late, I'm fine," Liam scoffed, turning away and walked back to his locker. Mason and Corey followed, and Brett went to where he had put his own belongings.

"I thought maybe you had finished practice and had gone out to do something stupid." Liam pulled off his jersey and gave Mason a raised brow look, to which Mason replied with,"I have all rights to be concerned, okay?"

"Gee, sorry, mom," Liam snorted.

Mason looked a bit hurt by Liam's tone, but said,"Sorry." He turned away, adding,"I'll wait outside."

"Just go home, I don't need you waiting on me." Liam tugged his shirt back on, not bothering to look at Mason as he and Corey hesitated, then said a small "Okay," and left, leaving Brett and Liam in silence.

Liam much appreciated the silence, glad that, for once in his life Brett wasn't speaking. He continued to angrily redress himself in his regular clothing, and, once finished, he snatched up his things, and proceeded to storm out, only to be stopped by someone grabbing his arm. He turned to glare a Brett.

"What?" he snapped tautly. Brett opened his mouth as though about to say something, then shook his head, letting go of Liam's arm. Liam scowled and turned away once again, finally leaving the school. As he walked further from it, he began to get the feeling that he was being followed, causing him to keep glancing over his shoulder.

Finally fed up with the nagging feeling, he stopped walking and fully took in his surroundings for anyone, but saw nothing.

"Looking for someone?"

Liam jumped at the voice.

Theo.

He looked around again, not replying, until he finally caught the other's scent. He edged towards it until he was only feet away from none other than troublemaker Theo Raeken.