Thiam - The War Is Over

Chapter 15

"It's been way too long since we've last hung out and not be worried about dying," Mason sighed, flopping down on Liam's bed. Liam nodded in agreement, though he knew that wasn't entirely true on his part. He was still thinking about the hunters that had almost succeeded in killing him, but he didn't want to talk about that, not right now.

"It has," he instead agreed, settling himself down beside Mason. After a pause of silence, Liam spoke again. "How're things with you and Corey?"

"Great, actually. He's really understanding, and, uh, he gets me." Mason had a small smile on his face and Liam nodded thoughtfully. "We, um, we really get EACH OTHER, you know?" He looked up at Liam, his gaze... scared? Worried? Hopeful? Perhaps it was a mixture of all three. Whatever the case, Liam felt his heart ache for his best friend. It was almost as though Mason were hoping and looking for his approval.

"Mason, you know I... I love that you two make each other happy, right?" Liam said, his brows furrowing. "I've never had a problem with you guys."

"I know that, I know. I just..." Mason cut off and sighed, his smile changing to a sad one. "I do not know, I guess I don't want you guys to hate each other-"

"I don't hate Corey!" Liam interrupted. "In fact, I- I'd really like it if the three of us could be together, and- and be friends again. I've been so long and it hasn't even been that long! Hell, I've hung out with BRETT, man! BRETT! I hate the guy!"

Mason burst out laughing and he sat up. Liam sighed exaggeratedly and ran a hand through his already swept back hair.

"YOU hung out with BRETT?" Mason asked in between his laughs. "Was it voluntarily, or who'd he have to kill to get you to?"

"Surprisingly, no one was killed," Liam snorted, rolling his eyes. He missed being able to talk like this, jokingly and unbothered.

"Speaking of Brett, I saw him walking away from your house before I came in," Mason said once he'd calmed down. Liam felt his hands immediately to sweaty.

"Did you now...?"

"Did something happen? He seemed upset-"

"Too much happened, Mason, and yet not enough." Liam forced a smile. "Let's not talk about it right now, though. Talking about Brett ruins the mood."

"HA, yeah, it does, doesn't it?" Despite his laughter, Liam had a feeling Mason wasn't ready to drop the subject yet, so he was quick to change it.

"You know, I read online about mysterious animal killings being theorized to be vampires out in New Orleans and Virginia." Liam wiggled his brows mischievously, ND it was Mason's turn to roll his eyes.

"VAMPIRES?" he scoffed. "REALLY, Liam? Supernatural creatures SO do not exist. What's next? WEREWOLVES?" The two grinned at each other. "No, but seriously, what kinda weird blogs are you reading?"

"I AM being serious! We should go see if these suspicions are true!" His eyes shone with newfound excitement. "We can start a new adventure, get outta Beacon Hills for a while-"

"Liam, Liam, Liam," Mason laughed, holding his hands up, shaking his head. "California and Louisiana are waaay far from each other, and Cali and Virginia aren't any closer," he chuckled.

"But I've never been to either place!" Liam complained, putting on his best puppy dog eyes. "Pleeeease? Let's go on a road trip-"

"Sounds fun. When are we leaving?"

Liam and Mason both stood up at the same time, glaring at Theo as the chimera entered through the window. A mocking smirk was plastered on his seemingly always smug face, and this irked Liam more than just the mere presence there. God, this guy had a knack for being annoying!

"Why the angry faces?" Theo's tone was almost teasing. "Aren't we gonna do some tag-team vampire hunting?" He threw small, playful punches, then scoffed at Liam and Mason's lack enthusiasm. "You guys are no fun." He crossed his arms, smirk still well on his face, seemingly waiting for either of the two to say something.

"What're you doing here?" Liam finally asked, his voice snappy.

"I just wanted to come check on you, PAL. BUDDY. AMIGO." Theo gave a pointed, very false smile. "You know, I'm the one who saved you from those hunters. I could've left you to die! But I didn't. I'd say... you owe me one."

"Hunters?" Mason echoed like, and Liam winced; so much for keeping that a secret.