We're Just Misfits

Chapter 15 - Puffy-lipped

i was bothered incessantly. so here you go, three updates in one day, and this one's even a long boi. its also not so depressing. sorry about that.

-

Liam was sobbing.

Upon leaving Elisa without even saying goodbye, the tears had started. At first, it had been a small trickle: his anger overpowered any sorrow he could feel. But once the boy got home, once he fell face first onto his pillow, the tears started pouring. Everything had hit him in one moment: his mum's death, how rude he'd been to Elisa, and how he'd fucked up with Jack, again.

And the boy stayed like that for hours. He didn't remember falling asleep.

*

Liam groaned as he was shook awake, vaguely aware of someone calling to him to get up. He rolled over, trying to escape from the incessant noise, but failed as frigid water was dumped over his head.

"Fucking hell!" He shouted, immediately torn from his peaceful rest. Opening his eyes, the boy was met with a smirk from his dad.

"Language, dickhead." His father said, laughing at Liam's pissed expression.

"You're so annoying." The teenager, but his dad just ignored him.

"Get dressed. It's midday. I'd genuinely rather you get laid with a random guy than still be in bed by the afternoon." Came a response from the other room. Liam couldn't help but laugh. Most people would be dying of embarrassment if their dad said that to them: not Liam. Him and his dad had developed a really strong bond – the teenager wasn't over exaggerating when he said his dad was one of his best friends.

So, as much as he really didn't want to, the guy got off his arse and got ready, deciding maybe a trip to the gym would force him to get a grip – because lord, did he need to.

*

Liam was thankful as he arrived at the gym that the place was basically empty. He walked through the doors armed with his water bottle and a half-eaten granola bar, ready to beat the shit out of some punching bags. But first, he wanted to run. He had already run to the gym as his transport, but the boy was fit – a 10-minute run by no means tired him out. So, he set up the treadmill, and ran as fast and hard as he could, glad to finally get out some of his pent-up stress.

After sprinting until his legs felt like they were made of paper and he was sweating so much he might as well have just got out the shower, Liam walked over to the more violent part of the gym.

He was just about to start punching a bag when out the corner of his eye, he recognised a familiar face. Turning his head, he saw Bryan and Samuel on the other side of the gym, the latter training the former's accuracy. As he'd only talked to them briefly over the past few days, Liam decided to walk over and have a chat.

As he got closer, Sam noticed the teenager and smiled broadly towards him, causing Bryan to turn and smile as well.

"Hey, wassup dude? I've been missing you." Sam's deep voice joked as he hugged Liam.

"If I'm brutally honest, I've been quite shit. But I'm better now I'm here." Replied the smaller teenager, and Samuel knew not to question any further – he'd been friends with the kid for long enough to know that when Liam doesn't initiate conversation, you shut up. "Anyway." Said Liam, turning to Bryan and ruffling his hair. "How's squirt been, aye?"

"Not missing you, that's for sure." The little guy replied, combing his hand through his hair. "And what did I say about the damn hair?!"

"Sorry." Liam said, smirking as he ran his hand through the boy's hair once again. He got an annoyed squeak in response, which made the taller guys laugh. "On a serious note, how have you two been?"