Reliant- Bonus Part 2/2: Theo’s POV

Apologies for the delay in uploading this part, there was life drama and I couldn't rush my favourite boys ending. Some bonus scenes in this part that I hope you enjoy ????????

Thanks for reading! Love, Daisy x

TEN.

That night, Jamie had sent a photo. The next morning he was still gazing at it. His chest was took up most of the screen, his abs peeking out from under Theo's t-shirt that lay across them. Jamie held the end of it towards his nose, a small smirk on his face. His eyes were alight with mischief, as if he knew it would drive Theo crazy. It was undeniably flirtatious. And it was fucking hot. He had sent a photo back, but later that night he had returned to Jamie's image, unable to stop thinking about it. His body, that look in his eyes, that fucking smirk that drove him wild.

He'd let his hand drift down to his boxers, biting his lip as he gazed at it, thinking about Jamie. About kissing those smug lips, about running his hands over that bare chest, imagining him here in his bed, beneath him.

His.

He'd sent a text when he first woke up, asking to meet up at the park in town at 11. He'd checked his phone practically every ten minutes waiting for Jamie's reply, and when it finally came, he almost dropped his phone in excitement.

Jamie: Morning, 11 is great :)

It didn't take him long to get to the park, and his keenness to see Jamie had meant he was there far too early. The sun was blazing today, and he shrugged out of his jacket. He reached for his rugby ball, tossing it casually between his hands as he waited.

He heard footsteps behind him and he turned, seeing Jamie approaching him. At first Theo smiled, and was about to greet him when he paused. He took in Jamie's pale clammy face, his hair sticking to his forehead, his eyes glazed like he wasn't quite seeing him. He took a faltering step forward and Theo dropped his ball into alarm.

"Jamie!"

Jamie's legs seemed to buckle beneath him, and he was falling. Theo ran forward catching him against his chest as Jamie collapsed.

"Fuck, Jamie!" Theo cried, kneeling, taking Jamie down with him so that he lay across him, his mouth lolling. He was unconscious.

He gritted his teeth, pulling him around in his arms so that he lay with his back against Theo's chest. He wrapped his arms around him tightly, burying his face in his shoulder and closed his eyes tightly. He enveloped him in his body, hoping it was enough.

He could feel the heat prickling up his arms, building in his chest, but it was fear that was making his heart pound at a million miles an hour.

What the hell had happened? Was this normal? This had to be because of his Reliant symptoms but he had seen Jamie only yesterday, he had slept with his t-shirt. Surely that should be enough? And why the fuck had Jamie not rung him?! Why had he let himself get this bad?

He hadn't seen Jamie look like that before and it terrified him. To see someone usually so bright and confident and strong fall like a puppet with their strings cut. He pulled Jamie tighter against him, fear and worry radiating across him stronger than any heat.

He heard Jamie make a whimpering sound and stir slightly. He blinked and Theo let out a sigh of relief as he lifted a hand against the sun.

"Jamie," he breathed as Jamie blinked up at him, his eyes confused but back in focus. "are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Jamie mumbled, attempting to sit up, pulling from Theo's grip.

"Don't you dare," he growled pulling him back tightly against his chest. "You fucking fainted on me! What the hell were you thinking?"

Jamie laughed, actually laughed, as if he was some fussing mother hen.

"Theo, I told you I'm fine, you're doing that over protective thing again."

He clenched his teeth, his mind replaying the moment Jamie fell once again, the fear that had pulsed through him. But when Jamie tried to pull away again, he let him, albeit reluctantly.

He turned slowly, his hands still shaking slightly so that he was facing Theo. Theo could still feel his heat affecting him, their knees brushing against each other, but it still felt too far away. Jamie lifted a hand to his head, wincing slightly and Theo's eyes locked on the movement.

"Has this happened before?" He asked sternly.

"No," Jamie replied shaking his head," I've felt sick and headachey before but I've never fainted."

"Why didn't you call me?" He said, looking at Jamie helplessly.

"I was going to I just..." Jamie said, but then hesitated looking down as his cheeks reddened. His fingers pulled at the blades of grass between them, and Theo watched frowning.

After a long while he sighed, "I didn't want to be a burden."

Theo blinked. Jamie's eyes found his and they looked embarrassed, ashamed, as if he was going to judge him for fainting. As if he'd think he was weak.

"Do you really think I see you that way?" He asked, feeling all the love and pain and worry thick in his throat. Can't you tell I'm hopelessly in love with you?

"No," Jamie said quickly, "I know you don't I just," he hesitated, looking away again. "I like to pretend I'm normal okay? Next time I'll call, I promise."

He could understand, at least partly, why Jamie hadn't called. He had apologised that day in his living room for 'using him'. He didn't want Theo to think of him as weak, or as a Reliant. He wanted Theo to see him as just Jamie. But he didn't know that Theo had never seen him as 'just Jamie'.

Jamie leaned back, his elbows in the soft grass and grinned at him, his eyes twinkling in that was that made Theo's heart skip a couple of beats.

"So you liked my photo then?"

Despite what had just happened, and his clear attempt to change the subject, he couldn't help but smile at the reminder.

"I think I made that pretty clear. Did you like mine?"

Jamie's grin widened, "I think I made that pretty clear."

Theo chuckled, shaking his head. Jamie would either be the making of him or the death of him. He just had to hope it would be the former.

"You drive me mad you know that?" He said, feeling the desperate ache in his words.

"We drove each other mad all year, got to keep some things the same," Jamie replied with a laugh.

"That's true," he agreed, thinking back on the memories of their various arguments. He remembered how Jamie had glared up at him only weeks ago. 'Who do you think you are Evans?' He'd spat at him.

"You really did hate me," he said and Jamie rolled his eyes.

"Only because you hated me more," he retorted.

Theo smiled, knowing that it was a little bit more complicated than that.

"You were a bit of a dick sometimes though you have to admit," he teased and Jamie laughed, kicking him in the leg playfully.

"Fuck you Evans," he laughed.

Theo moved so that he could lie beside Jamie, and for a while they just lay together. He turned, looking at Jamie's face, his eyes closed, eyelashes splayed across rosy cheeks, a smile playing on his lips. In the sun, the slight glow of his skin was golden, and it was so strong right now. He wondered if that was because Jamie was happy.

Jamie's eyes opened, catching him staring and he smirked. God he wanted to kiss that smirk off his lips, and he was about to do just that when he heard a voice.

"Well, well. Fancy running into you two here?"

Theo sat up, instantly on guard as he looked up at Jamie's friends, Sam and Pete. Sam had a football under one arm and looked a little awkward, whereas Pete was eyeing them with a suspicious curiosity.

"Hey guys," Jamie said, his voice sounding a little strained.

"Fancy a game?" Pete said, gesturing to the ball in Sam's hand.

Jamie turned to Theo.

"Quick game?" He asked. Theo looked between them all, a little wary of the boys who had never been his friends, but who seemed to have buried the hatchet for Jamie.

"Only if you feel alright," he said, looking at Jamie's face, but his skin was flush with colour and his eyes were bright as he rolled them at his worry. He was feeling better. Theo had made him better. He liked that, he realised. He liked that he was needed.

"Stop worrying about me for five seconds," Jamie grumbled, standing and reaching out a hand for him. He looked at it for a moment before accepting.

After playing a couple of games, they all decided to head to a cafe for some food.

They walked through the park, and were not far from the exit when Pete paused.

"Why don't we go that way," he suggested casually, gesturing to a path that would definitely be a considerably longer route. Theo looked ahead to the bridge in front that would lead them straight to town and spotted what Pete must have already seen. Luc. He was there on the bridge, chatting with Kyle and Dan, his once friends, now turned fucking twats, and a few other faces he didn't know.

"But this way is faster?" Sam said, confused.

He watched as Jamie spotted Luc too, and then the boys on the bridge turned taking them in. He saw Dan sneer something, and then Luc spat on the floor.

"He really is a piece of work," Theo muttered, feeling anger more on behalf of Jamie than for himself.

"He'll come around," Pete said, "eventually."

Theo noticed the pained look in Jamie's eyes and wished he could do something to take it away. But then Jamie blinked and the look was masked, instead he hitched on his normal smile and continued to walk down the path Pete had suggested. Theo felt another weight of worry added to his gut.

They arrived at the coffee shop Pete suggested, ordered their drinks and sat in the large bay window. Sam was still chatting to the barista, clearly hoping to get her number, but Pete was looking at him and Jamie with that curious expression. Jamie, seemingly oblivious to Pete's gaze, handed Theo his coffee cup with a lingering smile that made his chest tighten slightly. He smiled back and Jamie's eyes flicked to it and he blushed slightly looking away. Theo drank from his cup, watching Pete's expression. It didn't seem unkind or disgusted, if anything it was an amused curiosity in his eyes.

"So," Pete asked, finally plucking up the courage, "without sounding too rude, what's going on with you guys?"

Theo's heart leapt. He's known the question was likely coming, but now it has been asked it felt more real somehow. This thing between him and Jamie. He glanced at Jamie, wondering what he would say. Were they 'just friends'? Or maybe he'd say it's none of Pete's business?

"Honestly, I don't even know man," Jamie said honestly and Theo relaxed, laughing. That was a fair statement, and so very Jamie.

"It's complicated," he added, pleased when Jamie grinned.

"Understatement much."

Pete smiled, "Fair enough. But, you're alright Jamie?"

Theo looked between them, realising he must have underestimated how close they were as friends. He felt respect for Pete rise. None of his friends had ever cared enough to notice this sort of thing, to ask these sort of questions. He was clearly a good friend.

"I'm alright, Pete," Jamie replied, and Theo smiled.

On their way back, having said goodbye to Pete and Sam, Theo and Jamie chatted about his friends.

"Yeah, they've always been good mates, they've had my back for years. I was surprised by Luc, obviously, but out of all of them, I knew Sam and Pete wouldn't just shut me out."

Theo nodded. He was glad that Jamie had these friends, although he felt a little envious that he had never experienced the friendship that Jamie had. The stories he told about them felt alive and a breath of fresh air compared to his own. Jamie had a caring loving family, and supportive and thoughtful friends.

He hoped that there was space in his life for one more. He looked around the park, and saw it was quiet, only a few people int he distance walking the opposite direction. He reaching for Jamie's hand, squeezing it gently.

"You obsessed with me or something?" Jamie teased and Theo smiled. God if only he knew.

"Yeah, kinda," he said, feeling that warmth tingle up his arm from his touch. A tree was approaching and he grinned, feeling that Tueri confidence rise in him again. He pulled Jamie towards it, pressing him up against it.

"There's no one about," he reassured him.

Jamie's eyes flicked down to Theo's mouth, and almost subconsciously he bit his lip. It made that hot desire flare in Theo as he saw it.

He reached forward, stroking it with his thumb.

"That's my job," he whispered, unable to stop himself from leaning forward and pulling Jamie's lip into his mouth, nipping it between his teeth. Jamie pulled his lip free and pressed them against his, kissing him hungrily. He felt Jamie's body press harder against him, as he reached a hand into his hair, another at his cheek. Jamie's fingers against his scalp and face were warm licks of flame that made his neck strain in hungry desire.

"What would you say to coming back to mine?" he panted, breaking the kiss before he began stripping him off right against this tree.

"Sounds good."

ELEVEN.

He lead Jamie in the direction of home. He hoped Dad would still be away, so that they could have the place to themselves. But as they approached, he started to feel sheepish.

He'd seen Jamie's house. It was cosy, warm, a proper family home. His house was a cold, austere mansion. He knew how Jamie would see it though, how everyone saw it.

They thought it was cool to live somewhere so grand, they didn't know how empty a house like that could feel.

As they walked up the drive, he could already feel Jamie's surprise, even though he didn't say anything. He took in the large house, the gardens beyond and his mouth lifted into a grin, his eyes wide. Theo unlocked the door, pushing it open, relieved that it seemed Dad wasn't home.

"Jesus, I didn't know you were like, rich rich," Jamie said, predictably, the moment he stepped through the door. To his surprise, Jamie approached the piano first.

"Do you play?" He asked gesturing to it with excited eyes.

"A little," Theo admitted. He hadn't had a lesson in years, but he still played for pleasure on occasion. It was his mother's piano, and something about playing it made him feel a connection to her. "I'm not very good."

Jamie made a snorting sound and raised his eyebrows, "I doubt that, you're good at everything."

"I'm really not," he laughed. He watched as Jamie touched a few of the keys, before turning back to Theo with a grin.

"Please play me something," he asked, his eyes a plea. How could he say no to him?

Sighing, he sat at the piano. He remembered Clair De Lune, his mother's favourite piece to play, and one he had learned by heart. His feet found the pedals and he began to play. The music, as always, pulled out a mixture of bittersweet grief and love from him. His mother who had always shown him nothing but unrequited love. He knew if she was here, she would have been making sure that Theo was coping with his diagnosis, probably fussing over Jamie, offering him brownies and tea.

But she wasn't here.

He finished the piece with a sigh and Jamie grinned. His eyes were bright with wonder and excitement and Theo realised he liked it when he looked at him like that, like he was something special.

"It's really not that hard, I could teach you it," he shrugged but Jamie just laughed.

"I think you're severely overestimating my musical ability. I can't even do chopsticks."

Theo stood, closing the piano lid and taking his hand gently.

"Come on," he said, "let's go to my room."

He led Jamie into his room, wincing slightly at the mess. But Jamie didn't seem at all peturbed. He looked around with a wide smile, gazing at the posters and photos on his wall. He knew that Jamie himself was in one of those photos, their rugby team photo. He had regularly sought out his face in that photo himself, kicking himself for wanting what he couldn't have.

And yet... now here he was.

Theo sat on the bed, just watching him. Enjoying seeing him here, in his room. He had dreamed of this moment for so long, it felt surreal now it was actually happening.

Jamie turned, moving to sit beside him on the bed. He breathed out slowly, his eyes looking slightly glazed as if drunk. Theo felt foolish suddenly. Of course this room must be almost

overpowering for Jamie, his Tueri scent would be everywhere. He wondered what it felt like. What would it feel like for Theo to be in Jamie's room. Would he ever find out?

"Are you okay?" He asked "Is it too much being in here?"

Jamie just smiled, his face looking so relaxed.

"No, it feels nice."

He leaned back, spreading his arms out so that he lay sidewise across Theo's bed, his legs still hanging over the side. Theo couldn't help but grin as he moved to lay beside him.

"I like you being here, I've thought about you here a lot."

"I did too, when you sent that photo last night. I wondered what it would feel like to be in your bed," he replied.

Theo was reminded again of the picture that Jamie had sent, and what he had been doing this morning as he gazed at it. The heat of his presence was prickling on his skin again, but he didn't reach for him. He just gazed at him, as Jamie lay looking up at the ceiling. He took in the dark locks of his hair falling onto the bed, the shape of his nose and how it flicked up at the end, the plush pink of his lips slightly parted.

They lay there, not touching, but feeling each other's presence.

"Do you think," he asked hesitantly after a while, "we would ever have become friends without this whole virus thing?"

"I honestly don't know," Jamie sighed, turning to look at him, meeting his gaze with his own dark depthless eyes. "I doubt we'd have had any reason to."

"Then," Theo said quietly, "is it bad if I say that I'm glad? Glad that I was diagnosed, if it meant being here with you?"

Jamie didn't answer straight away, and he wondered if that had been a weird thing to say. But it was true. Being here with Jamie was the happiest he had been in years, and if it took a virus for it to happen then so be it.

"I'm really glad you were too," Jamie said quietly. "I don't know where I'd have ended up if you hadn't."

Theo pursed his lips, imagining Jamie being stuck with someone like David, or one of the other online predators. He felt that territorial part of him growl at the thought.

"You never did see any other Reliants, did you?" Jamie said, as if reading his thoughts.

"I know I should have and I did try to, but it felt all wrong. It didn't feel the same as when it's with you. I think because I actually do care about you Jamie."

"Yeah yeah," Jamie teased, "there's that protective instinct kicking-"

"No," Theo replied firmly, "don't just brush it off as a joke. It's not just the Tueri part of me that feels things for you Jamie."

Jamie swallowed looking away. He must understand by now how much Jamie meant to him? He wanted no one else, nothing else. He had hoped that maybe Jamie was starting to feel the same way.

"Do you... feel anything for me?" He asked tentatively, afraid of his answer. "Other than just the Reliant instinct?"

"I wasn't lying when I said to Pete I didn't know," he replied. "It's hard to tell what is just because of the heightened reactions from the virus and what is purely me. But, I do feel something, definitely. I just don't know what that is fully, yet."

'I do feel something, definitely.' That was all he needed to hear. He smiled, and reached out to stroke Jamie's cheek, and Jamie gasped at the touch. His cheeks reddening.

He was close. So close that he could... no. Not yet. Jamie had to be ready, had to want it as much as he did. He could wait.

But he did want to see him topless in real life...

"Fancy going for a swim?" He asked, not so innocently.

It wasn't long after that he was leading Jamie out to an outdoor pool in his garden, both in swimming trunks. Theo could feel Jamie's eyes on him as he walked and he smirked.

'I do feel something, definitely', those words replayed in his head.

He turned abruptly and delighted at the pink blush that spread across Jamie's face as he was caught. Theo slowly looked at Jamie's body, wearing only Theo's black swim shorts. His chest, his arms, his legs. Fuck. He wondered what it would feel like to touch him. Jamie seemed to be thinking something similar, his eyes almost hungry as they gazed back at him.

Theo had an idea. He threw down the towels and reached for Jamie. He cried out as Theo hoisted him easily up into his arms, Jamie wrapping his arms instinctively around his neck.

He felt the delicious heat of where their skin touched immediately. Jamie squirmed and as he did, the heat spread in little biting sparks across his skin.

"What are you doing?!" Jamie yelled.

"I'm throwing you in the pool," he said simply, enjoying the look of outrage on his face.

"Don't you fucking-"

He took a step closer to the pool and launched him into the icy water. He couldn't help laughing as Jamie rose to the surface, his face furious, hair dripping into his eyes, hugging his arms against the goosebumps.

"Oh my god it's so cold! "You dick! What was that for?!"

"You looked like you needed to... cool off," he smirked, watching Jamie blush, a smile creeping reluctantly across his lips.

Fuck. He needed to cool off too. He stepped forward, holding his nose and jumped into the pool next to Jamie. The cool water was refreshing as he reemerged, whipping his wet hair from his face. He grinned at Jamie's renewed scowl, feeling the heat emanate from him even in this cold water.

"You're insane," Jamie stammered, giving him a murderous look.

"It's not that cold," he laughed, "you'll adjust."

"Fuck you Evans," he grumbled.

"Sorry Princess," he teased, watching Jamie's reaction in amusement. He loved watching him get annoyed, watching him blush.

Jamie scowled, splashing Theo right in the face.

"Oh you're so going to regret that," he laughed and Jamie grinned.

"Game on."

They were both exhausted by the time dark fell, Theo's cheeks hurt from laughing and grinning so much. He didn't want to stop, but he could see how cold Jamie was getting, and he wrapped the towel around his shoulders before leading him into the kitchen. The fridge was depressingly empty.

"Wanna get take out?" He asked.

"Sure," Jamie replied before asking, "where are your parents?"

He didn't look at Jamie as he spoke, knowing what was next.

"Dad's away for a work trip, and my Mum passed away when I was little."

He watched Jamie freeze, he was used to this. It never got easier telling people about his mum.

Shit Theo, I'm sorry I didn't know."

"I know, don't worry," he reassured him, "I didn't exactly go around introducing myself as the kid with the dead mum. Besides, it was a long time ago."

"So it's just you here? Alone?" Jamie asked hesitantly.

Theo nodded, "He works a lot so I have the house to myself most of the time. I'm not complaining, when I was younger I used to have to have a nanny." He remembered the strict woman who would always be telling him off for something. For not practicing the piano, for not tidying the room. At least now he was an adult he had the peace and quiet.

"This is far better," he said.

Once he'd ordered pizza, he noticed that Jamie was still shivering slightly. He ran up the stairs to his bedroom, grabbing a couple of jumpers and joggers. He changed himself before handing the other pair to Jamie who took them gratefully.

He returned, and Theo felt a pleasant rush at seeing him wearing his clothes. It was nice.

He watched Jamie lift the jumper to his nose and asked, "headache?"

"No," Jamie said simply. Did he just, want to smell him? He couldn't hold back his smile.

The pizzas came and they headed up to Theo's bedroom to eat. They watched some reality tv show that Jamie picked, and ruthlessly judged every competitor. When the show finished, he glanced at his phone.

'Flight's delayed. Won't get back until tomorrow.'

"It's Dad, he won't be back tonight," he said to Jamie. He looked up at him, and smiled tentatively, "you could... stay over? If you want?"

Jamie paused, and Theo wondered if he'd said the wrong thing. Jamie had been flirty and playful all day, but he didn't want to force him into anything he wasn't ready for.

"I'll text my Mum," he said quietly.

He tapped away, and Theo flicked through the movie options as he did.

"Mum said it's fine," Jamie said after a while, and he gave Theo a look that made his stomach flip.

He grinned, trying to keep his voice casual as he said, "Cool."

He put on the movie he had chosen, a light hearted comedy that he'd seen a few times before and then took the pizza boxes down to the kitchen. He poured them both a drink and checked the front door was locked before heading upstairs.

He felt a nervous excitement as he climbed the steps. Even if nothing else happened, Jamie was still spending the night in his bed. He imagined waking up next to him in the morning and grinned stupidly to himself.

He returned to the bedroom, set the glasses down on his bedside table and settled down beside Jamie glancing at the tv.

Jamie moved closer, and Theo immediately lifted an arm so he could lean against him, delighting when he did. Jamie leaned against him, lifting his face to smile up at him. The look in his eyes...

"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?" He asked, and Jamie only smiled wider.

"Nothing, I just," he paused, his cheeks turning pink as he sighed. "Annoying as it is, I really fucking like you Theo Evans."

His words were what he had been waiting for, hoping for, for so long. He couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out of him as he reached to stroke his pink cheeks. Jamie wanted him. Jamie liked him. Maybe one day... he'd love him? He felt relief flood him, and the fire in his core was hotter than ever as he gazed at Jamie. His eyes were hopeful, open, a little embarrassed, and so so beautiful.

"Took you long enough," he whispered, and kissed him.

He pulled Jamie close, always needing more as he continued to kiss him, tasting him, devouring him. His hands ran through his hair, down his back, and it still wasn't enough. He rolled, so that Jamie was lying on his back.

Theo's hands shook slightly as he moved lower, slipping beneath Jamie's clothes to feel him, to press against his chest. He felt Jamie shudder at the touch and he paused, but Jamie moaned, pulling his face back. Not letting him stop for a moment.

Theo's hands slid up his chest further and further, feeling every inch of him. His chest hot beneath his fingers. He only broke the kiss for a moment to pull off the hoodie, wrestling his own off too. He gazed down at Jamie, pinned beneath him, his face flush, his lips parted as he panted. His bare chest was heaving and he he shone in the dark, that glow from his skin brighter than ever.

He gazed at him, unblinking, determined to commit this moment to memory. He looked so fucking perfect, and he was his. Only his. He wanted every inch of him, wanted him to moan his name, to make him beg for him.

He bent slowly, never breaking his gaze with Jamie, as he pressed his lips softly to kiss jaw. He kissed, featherlight, across his jawline and down to his neck. He would ensure that over time he kissed every milimetre of Jamie's glistening skin. That every goosebump would know his touch, his lips. He felt Jamie shiver again, and he closed his eyes. His breath catching. Fuck. He needed him.

"Tell me now," he murmured between kisses, his voice sounding husky even to himself, "if you want to stop, because if we keep going I don't know if I'll be able to."

He felt Jamie shudder again, and he clenched his fists into the sheets beneath them. He felt the flaming heat in his chest, his lungs, his limbs. It was taking over his body and his mind would be next.

"Don't stop," he heard Jamie say, and at those words he was lost to the flames.

He continued to kiss Jamie's neck as his hands moved slowly back down his chest, his midriff before finding the waistband of his boxers.

His fingers slid in and felt for him. He found his cock and he wrapped his hand around him, relishing in the gasp from Jamie in response..

He stroked his cock gently, enjoying every sound, every shuddering gasp from Jamie. Then he made a whimpering sound that made his own already aching cock throb in response.

He lifted his lips to Jamie's ear and whispered,

"Keep making noises like that and I'm never letting you out of this bed."

In response, Jamie whimpered again, louder. Theo sat up, needing to see him, needing to see his face as he made those noises, as he squirmed beneath his touch. Jamie's eyes were closed as he panted, pleasure evident on his face. He wanted more, wanted to give him more.

He moved lower, never taking his eyes off of Jamie's face. In a swift movement he wrapped his hand around Jamie's cock and brought his lips down. It was so warm, warmer than it should be, and he felt his mind fizzing from the heat swirling around his brain.

He sucked and Jamie groaned. He tasted good as he sucked him harder, deeper, licking his tongue up the length of him.

"Fuck, Theo," Jamie moaned. Theo didn't take his eyes off him for a second, watching every emotion cross his face. He could tell when he was getting close, his breaths coming in fast hitched gasps.

He sped up, and Jamie's moans increased. Every single moan sending his heart racing, his mind spinning. He squirmed beneath him, but Theo held him tightly.

"Fuck Theo, I- I-"

He didn't finish the sentence before he was shooting hard. Theo could taste it on his tongue, so hot it should burn him but it didn't. He swallowed every drop, still gazing at Jamie. His eyebrows furrowed, his mouth open and gasping until finally Jamie's head fell back, spent.

Theo moved up the bed, his face hovering over Jamie's before kissing him again.

"Get on the floor and kneel for me Jamie," Theo whispered in his ear, the words coming instinctively. But Jamie didn't hesitate. He slid from the bed, kneeling on the floor, gazing up at Theo with a willingness that made him feel like a God. Theo lifted his chin with a finger, gazing into his eyes.

"You know what to do," he murmured. "I know you want it."

Jamie's breath caught, gazing at him. He stared back, stroking his cheek

possessively.

Jamie's eyes lowered and slowly he reached down, pulling out Theo's cock with trembling fingers. He swallowed, looking from Theo's cock to his face in slight trepidation.

"Do you want to suck my cock?" Theo asked coolly. Jamie nodded eagerly and Theo smirked at the desperation. His. He was really his now. There was no turning back.

He watched as he leaned forward and gently licked the tip of his cock. Theo grunted a little at the touch, watching as Jamie licked his lips and shivered.

He closed his mouth on Theo's dick and sucked. His jaw locked in pleasure, his mouth so warm. He closed his eyes sighing. Theo's hand found its way into Jamie's hair and gripped it firmly.

"Fuck Jamie," he groaned, which only made Jamie suck harder, faster.

Then Jamie looked up at him, his cock still deep in his mouth, and fuck. It was the hottest thing he'd ever seen. It sent him over the edge. He clenched his jaw as he came hard, Jamie swallowed him down, moaning and shuddering too. He remembered, somehow in the haze of euphoria, that this was one of the listed substances that affected a Reliant. And clearly it was affecting him. When he finally finished, Jamie sagged limply against him like a rag doll. He reached for his face, lifting it in both of his hands, kissing him.

He paused. Jamie was so weak, and pale. He felt guilt sink into his gut, dampening down his happy euphoria of moments ago. He had lost control. Had Jamie really wanted this, or had it been his effect on him?

He helped Jamie back onto the bed, letting him collapse against him. He flashed back remembering some of the things he'd said and cringed. He leaned down to kiss Jamie's sweaty forehead and Jamie lifted his head.

Jamie frowned as he looked at him.

"What's wrong?" He asked, pulling himself up on an elbow to look at his face.

"I lost control," he said dejectedly, "I'm sorry."

Jamie laughed, and Theo looked at him surprised.

"Why are you laughing?" He asked hesitantly.

"Theo," Jamie sighed. "I'm fucking buzzing, that was amazing. Can you not ruin it for like five seconds?"

Theo blinked and then smiled.

"You. You liked it when I said those things?"

"Obviously," Jamie admitted, his cheeks going red.

Theo felt relief wash over him as he pulled Jamie back into his arms.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"Oh my god, stop apologising," Jamie laughed disgruntled.

Theo paused for a moment before saying a quiet, "sorry."

Jamie sat up to glare at him, but Theo just grinned back at him. He scowled but his mouth lifted at the corners before he lay back down, staring at Theo.

He smiled as he traced his nose with his finger, his chin, his jaw.

"Fancy me or something?" Theo teased.

"I just sucked your dick, what do you think?" Jamie retorted and Theo grinned wider.

"Yeah, you did. Was it your first time?"

"Sucking dick? Yes," Jamie laughed and Theo shook his head.

"No I mean, getting head."

Jamie nodded, "Yeah. You?"

Theo smiled, "me too."

Jamie raised an eyebrow, "Really? I thought you and Stacy Jones...?"

Theo thought back to the memory of kissing Stacy. It hadn't really been his idea. She was his biology partner, and he thought she was nice. They chatted a lot, but he hadn't realised that maybe he'd been leading her on. They'd been talking outside class one day about the rugby when suddenly she was kissing him. He'd pulled away almost straight away, telling her that he wasn't interested, but the gossip was already spreading the school within the hour. Of course Stacy had already spun it in her favour, and he decided that he could at least give her that.

Although it had made him smug to know Jamie was jealous, to wind him up even more. Back when making Jamie angry was a plus, now he wanted the complete opposite.

He'd known he was gay before Stacy had ever kissed him, but it had all but confirmed it in his mind. Although tonight's activities would have certainly chased away any doubts had he still had them.

"Nah," he shrugged. "She kissed me but I turned her down."

Jamie scoffed, shaking his head.

"You turned down Stacy Jones? Fucking hell Theo, you know she was like my crush all year?"

Theo caught the past tense word and smirked slightly, "was?"

"Shut up," Jamie said, but his responding grin was answer enough for Theo.

Theo lifted an arm again for Jamie to cuddle against him, and reached for the tv remote. He found a show that Jamie liked, and they watched it together. Jamie's hand on Theo's chest, Theo's in his hair.

Theo smiled to himself. This was true happiness. Lying in bed, the boy of his dreams lying in his arms beside him.

He heard Jamie yawn, and he smiled, stroking his hair gently, watching as his eyelids fluttered closed. Soon his breathing turned heavy with sleep.

Scratch that. Lying in bed, the boy of his dreams sleeping in his arms. That is true happiness.

TWELVE.

The next morning he watched Jamie sleep for what seemed like hours. But he didn't wake. He chuckled as he rose from bed, made tea for them both, and the tea then turned cold before Jamie even stirred.

He began to worry whether something was wrong, but then Jamie rolled over, clutching at his jumper.

"Theo," he mumbled in his sleep, his mouth lifting into a smile. He mumbled some more words, but he couldn't decipher them. He just held him, kissing his hair softly and enjoyed listening to his steady breathing, letting him sleep.

Afternoon arrived and Jamie eventually began to wake up. He yawned, then stretched, then slowly opened his eyes.

"Good afternoon sleepyhead," Theo mused as Jamie rubbed his eyes, sitting up. His hair was on end and his face still scrunched with sleep. It was quite the adorable sight, and he grinned.

"It's already afternoon?," Jamie mumbled he nuzzling back into Theo's neck.

"You've been out cold all morning," Theo said, kissing his hair softly.

"Your shirts made me a deep sleeper," he sighed, "so I'm not surprised sleeping next to you was even stronger."

He yawned again, clutching him tightly.

"Plus," Theo said, "we did sort of tire each other out last night," Theo said and Jamie opened his eyes, grinning. Theo caught sight of that glow around him again, pulsing brightly.

"Just a little," Jamie chuckled. "Not that I'd mind doing it again."

"Glad we agree on that," Theo smiled.

Jamie just leaned up to kiss Theo, when suddenly the door slammed open.

His father marched into the room briskly, looking down at his phone, "Theo what are you doing still lazing about in bed at-"

Jamie gasped, pulling back from Theo and gripping the covers up around him as his dad lowered his phone, gazing from Theo to Jamie in shock

"Dad," Theo said, sitting up quickly.

"What is going on here?" His father asked curtly, his face turning that beetroot red which Theo knew meant he was really mad.

"It's not what it looks like," he said hastily, grabbing the clothes that lay scattered across the floor, pulling them on haphazardly.

"Who are you?" Mr Evans asked Jamie, who gulped seemingly frozen to the bed behind him.

"Jamie Watson," he stammered, "sir."

"He's a friend, Dad," Theo said quickly, standing between him and the bed defensively. They'd never had the 'I'm gay' talk directly, but Theo hadn't been that subtle in talking about men he fancied in films and tv. He hoped it wasn't a complete shock.

"Clearly not just a friend," his father scoffed, then looked from Jamie to Theo suspiciously.

"Hang on a minute, is this the Reliant you've been helping at school?"

Shit. He opened his mouth to say something, but he didn't know what. And now he had been silent too long anyway.

"Theo we spoke about this," his father cried, furious. "You told me you would distance yourself!"

"Dad, it's not like that it's-"

"It's exactly like that! The doctors told you the risks! I was sat right beside you! And now I find you in bed with one of them?" He hissed, looking at Jamie like he wasn't a person.

Theo felt the protective Tueri nature in him rise with that look. He wouldn't let him hurt him. Wouldn't stand for this.

"Dad!" he yelled, "Don't say that! He can't help what he is any more than I can!"

"You," Mr Evan's said raising a shaking finger at Jamie, "get out of my house. Now."

"You don't get to tell him what to do!" Theo roared, but Jamie was already scrambling from the bed, reaching for clothes..

"Theo," Jamie said hastily, pulling on his sweats. "It's fine, I'll go."

He looked from his father to Jamie and shook his head. Rage and hurt building in him. This morning had been so perfect. He had been so happy. It couldn't end like this.

"I don't want you to leave," he said. "I- I-"

He choked on the words. I love you. I love you. Why couldn't he say it? He knew it was true. And yet, standing in his room with his father glaring at him. He couldn't say them, but Jamie heard them anyway.

Jamie seemed to be blinking back tears as he said, "I know."

He smiled miserably.

Suddenly his father was marching past him and grabbed Jamie unceremoniously by the arm. The instant his hands touched Jamie the reaction inside him was instantaneous.

He felt hot fury race through his veins as he roared, "Don't you touch him!"

He lifted his hands and shoved his father in the chest hard, causing him to stumble back into the wall. pushing his dad hard so that he stumbled into the wall. He stared up at Theo in shock and disbelief. Never in all their arguments had Theo ever become physical. But he didn't regret it in the slightest, that was until he turned to Jamie.

"Theo," Jamie whispered, and as he turned, Theo took in the shock on his face, the horror and... fear. Was he frightened of him? Frightened of what he'd done. Theo blinked. Jesus. He was letting the Tueri rage consume him. This wasn't the way to handle this, he knew that, but.. god. He was so angry.

"This is exactly what I am talking about!" His father cried, getting to his feet with clenched fists. "You are completely out of control!"

Jamie stepped backwards towards the door and Theo noticed immediately.

"I'm sorry," he gasped, looking down at his hands. They shook, clenching almost of their own accord. "I just, I can't-"

"Theo, I'll go," Jamie said quickly, backing away another step. "I should go. You need some space, talk to your Dad."

His voice was calm, assured. It grounded him back in his body, and he nodded, feeling his shoulders sag as the fury abated.

"Okay," he whispered, not wanting him to go, but knowing he had to. Jamie took one more look at him, at his father, then left the room.

THIRTEEN.

"Let me out!" He begged, hammering on the door, his fists crying out in agony.

His voice was hoarse with yelling, with crying. But it was useless. His father had grabbed his phone and stormed from the room without a word, locking it behind him. It had been hours and he was still trapped.

He slumped against the wall, miserable. How long was he going to lock him up? He was hungry and he needed the bathroom. He couldn't keep him in here all day could he? Longer?

Eventually, he heard footsteps and a rattle in the door. He hadn't even known his bedroom door had a lock.

He stood, watching as the door swung open.

His dad stood in the doorway, eyeing him warily. Beside him was his Uncle Jack, his dad's brother, and two men he didn't know.

"Theo," his dad said gently as if taking to someone who had gone off the rails. "We're all here to help you. Uncle Jack is here, and two of my friends from work John and Andy."

Theo's eyes narrowed as he looked at the closer of the two men, John was it? He could sense a pulsing aura around him that meant only one thing.

"Yeah kid, I'm a Tueri like you," he said gruffly with a smile. Theo did not return it.

"I want out," he said, flicking his eyes back to his father.

"You can come out," his father said.

Theo pushed past him, feeling their eyes on him as he crossed the hall to the bathroom. Once inside he went straight to the toilet to pee, then when finished gripped the sink and breathed out heavily. He looked at his reflection, splashing water on his face to wash away the tear marks staining his cheeks. His hands shook as he did, and his eyes were still red rimmed.

"Be calm," he whispered to himself. "Don't give them what they want, don't lose control."

He took his time, but when he exited they were still stood waiting for him. He looked between them all.

"So... what's your plan? Lock me up in my room again?"

"Come on, let's go and talk about this civilly," his father said. Theo sighed, reluctantly following him down the stairs to the living room.

He sat in an arm chair, watching as they settled on various seats around him, Andy hovering back to lean against the piano. They were all giving him kind, understanding looks, but he didn't trust them. This all stank of shit.

"I asked John here as I thought he would be the best to help us all understand what you're feeling," his father began from where he sat near the fireplace. John, who sat closest to Theo nodded.

"People forget Theo, that being a Tueri is an illness as serious and as important as the Reliants illness. A Reliant may become unwell physically without close contact, but a Tueri becomes unwell mentally from that same close contact."

Theo scoffed, shaking his head. So this was the plan. To try and tell him that what he felt for Jamie wasn't real? They'd be better off telling him that his hands weren't real.

"It's an obsession Theo," his father said curtly. "It's not your fault, or the boys fault. But it needs to be addressed seriously."

"His name is Jamie," he said coolly. "And he's a real fucking person who needs my help. The doctors told me I am supposed to help those in need."

"Didn't they also tell you to see lots of different Reliants?" John asked. Theo's jaw clenched in response and he laughed softly.

"Yeah. Not as easy as they make it sound. I've been where you are Theo. But it's not love you're feeling, it's infatuation brought on by your illness."

"Who the fuck are you to tell me what I feel?" He spat, glaring at him. "You don't know me."

"I know you, Theo," his father said and Theo laughed bitterly.

"Do you? What do you know about me Dad? Other than what's on my end of year school report? Did you know that I was gay or was that a shock to you this morning too?"

His father's face blanched slightly but he shook his head, "You became aggressive. That is not like you. You are ill, Theo."

Theo sighed, "Look. I'm sorry. I lost control for a moment. But I'm not ill. I'm still me!

What I feel for Jamie is real Dad, I know it is. And he needs my help, he might get hurt. He seems to... struggle more than he should."

He thought about his fainting incident in the park, that had happened even though they'd been together the night before and he had Theo's t-shirts... Shit. He hadn't given Jamie any new shirts for this week. He could be struggling already.

"He can sort himself out another Tueri I'm sure," his father said with a waving hand. "He is not my concern. You are."

Theo breathed out slowly.

"I am fine Dad. Really. I appreciate this little 'intervention' you've planned but it's not necessary."

He stood, and he noticed Andy and his uncle straighten at the movement. If he ran, would they grab him?

"I'm going to go out for some fresh air," he said and his father shook his head.

"No. You're staying here Theo where we can keep an eye on you."

Theo laughed incredulously, "This is insane. You can't stop me leaving."

"We can and we will. I'd rather not do it that way but if we need to shut you in your room then we will do so for as long as it takes."

Theo paused, his heart racing. They were all staring at him, watching his reactions. Andy had moved casually from the piano to stand between him and the door.

He turned and darted straight for the window behind him, but before he could even pull the window open there were hands on him dragging him back.

"Get off me!" He roared, but his uncle was holding him tighty.

"No Theo," he said in his ear. "I want to help you!"

"This isn't helping me!" He yelled thrashing, but it was no use. He couldn't get out of his grip. He was forced to the floor, too many hands holding him down. He was panting and yelling and giving them all the reasons to think he was insane.

"This is concerning," he heard John say to his father. "He's clearly feeling the virus effects very strongly. He's really very ill."

"Fuck you!" He roared at him, but his father's face was gaunt as he looked at him.

"We should probably lock him in his room until he's calmed down," John said, and Theo thought he saw a shred of doubt on his father's face. He jumped on it.

"Dad please," he begged. "Please don't do this. I love him. I swear I do. I'm sorry I hurt you I didn't mean to. Dad. Dad?!"

He saw tears form in his father's eyes and he turned away from him.

"Right boys, let's get him upstairs to cool off," John said and Theo thrashed harder than ever. Yelling and bucking as they dragged him up the stairs and back inside his bedroom, they threw him on the bed and locked the door.

He lay curled on his bed sobbing, not even noticing when the door reopened and a bottle of water and a plate of bread and cheese were placed inside. He just cried. Afraid for Jamie, afraid for himself. Wishing that he could explain. That they'd understand. Eventually, sleep took him.

His dad didn't come once the next day. He was allowed out to use the bathroom but otherwise he was shut in his room. He didn't try and run again, knowing that it was useless.

He thought about Jamie. Wondered where he was, what he was doing. He wondered if he missed him, or was thinking about him too. He hoped he was okay.

But he also knew that time was ticking. The longer Jamie was away from him the more danger he was in. He may have gone onto the database and found another Tueri, but he had a feeling that Jamie was as reluctant to do that as he was.

He considered begging John or his uncle again, but knew they'd just ignore him. The more desperate he seemed, the more that reinforced their belief that he needed their help. It was a vicious cycle.

He wished he had his phone.

Sighing he rose from his bed, looking out the window. Could he climb down? Doubtful. He was pretty high up and it was unforgiving paving slabs beneath him. He couldn't help Jamie if he ended up in hospital. Still, he opened the window considering it, but there was no way he'd even fit through the opening.

He turned back to his bed, feeling antsy. He didn't know what to do with himself. He walked to the floor by the door, sliding down the wall and reaching for the lunch tray that had been left for him.

He ate the dry sandwich with slow miserable bites, knowing this couldn't last forever. He was eighteen. His father couldn't control him anymore, and once he got out he was not coming back.

He wished again that his mum was still alive. She would have understood, he knew it. She would never have questioned Theo's feelings, would have supported him without doubt.

But she wasn't here. Jamie wasn't here. And once again he was alone. He curled his legs up, hugging himself tightly.

FOURTEEN.

He spent days on his own. Sometimes they'd come to talk to him, but most of the time he ignored them. Too angry to risk the conversation in case he punched one of them.

It was almost always John, talking about his life as a Tueri. He spoke casually about the Reliant's he helped, the times he had 'gone too far' and had to get help distancing himself just like this. He acted like he was doing Theo a favour, like he was a friend. Theo's hatred of him only grew with every word from his mouth.

It was one morning a few days later that the door opened, but rather than John entering, it was his dad. He looked rough. He was surprised, not having seen him look like this in a long time. He was usually so put together and serious, but now his eyes were tired, and he looked like he had missed a few days shaving.

"Hello Theo," he said sitting on the end of the bed. Theo just glared at him. He wasn't going to let him think that this was okay, even if he knew he had to keep his emotions in check.

"How are you feeling?" He asked gently.

"Fine," he snapped, maintaining that cool stare.

"Are you feeling... more yourself?"

Theo wanted to sigh, to roll his eyes, but he just continued in a wooden voice, "yes."

His father looked a little relieved at that.

"Good. Would you like to come back downstairs? As long as you promise no wild escape attempts like the other night?"

Theo fought the disgust that rose in his throat as he replied, "okay."

"Good," his father said again smiling weakly.

He genuinely thought he was doing something kind here, didn't he? It was the worst part of it all.

He stood walking from the room and hesitated at the door. Theo sighed and stood, following him out into the corridor. He walked down the stairs and could see John, Andy and Uncle Jack were still here, still watching him with those wary eyes.

He glanced at the front door as he passed, itching to reach for the handle even though he knew it was likely locked.

"You look better, Theo," John said as he entered the living room. He fought down the withering look he wanted to give him. His feelings towards Jamie were the same as they'd always been, the same as they would always be. He had known that. Why couldn't they see?

"I told you Henry," he said to his father as if Theo wasn't even there, "a few days distance and the obsessive faze usually passes."

His father nodded, looking from John to Theo with a worried face.

"I'm sure you can feel it now yourself Theo, how your previous feelings were false?"

They all looked at him. He clenched his jaw, looking down. Unable to lie, unable to tell the truth. But John just laughed clapping his back.

"It's okay Theo! I've been there, I know what it's like. No one here is judging you."

He forced a grimace that looked somewhat like a smile to his lips, and let them carry on their conversation, sinking into the armchair between them.

After a while he asked, "can I have my phone back?"

They paused their conversation to look at him. His father glanced at John for guidance who shook his head slightly.

"Not yet," he said.

Theo looked between his father and John, "Why? You said yourself I'm better?"

"Soon kid," John said, "you're doing so well, we don't want to risk a backslide. Think of it like a withdrawal process."

"I'm not a kid, I'm eighteen," he said through clenched teeth.

John only smiled, "I know. You'll get your phone back soon."

He glared at him, crossing his arms as he sunk back into the armchair. He reached across for the tv remote, switching it on and turning the volume up loud. His father gave him a reproachful look which he ignored, gazing adamantly at the tv.

He sat like that for some time. Pleased when his father sighed and walked into the next room with John. Glancing over his shoulder he saw that Jack and Andy still remained in the room, casually watching the tv show too as if they weren't there to catch him if he legged it.

He flicked through the channels, just to annoy them.

He jumped when there was a hammering on the front door. He looked over and saw Jack and Andy frown. They weren't expecting a visitor.

The hammering continued and a voice sounded.

"Open this door! Evans! Evans!"

He stood, watching from the living room behind Jack and Andy as his dad hastily unlocked the front door. A man stood in the doorway that Theo didn't recognise, and neither it seemed did his father. And yet, as Theo looked at him, there was something familiar in his face, in the way he glared at his father his fists clenched.

"Can l help you?" He asked curtly, "why are you hammering on my door?"

"You. You're Mr Evans yes?" He asked.

"Yes?"

"Your son is Theo Evans?" He said, and both Jack and Andy glanced back at him as if he had somehow arranged this.

"Yes," his father answered. "What business is it of yours?"

"You piece of shit!" the man yelled, his face full of agonising rage so strong his father stepped back a little.

"How dare you?" He continued, raising a quivering finger to point at his father. "If your son was in need I bet you'd be the first to insist the whole town line up to help."

His father lifted his hands gently, "I don't know what you're-"

"My son is in fucking hospital because of you!"

Jamie. Theo felt his vision tunnel, his chest tightening. Jamie was hurt? He was in the hospital? Suddenly it was blindingly obvious that this man was Jamie's father. He had the same dark hair, same nose, same furious glare that he had recieved so many times.

"He fell down the stairs because you wouldn't let your precious son be near him. Do you have any idea how hard it is having your child be diagnosed as a Reliant? To know he is dependent on the kindness of strangers to fucking survive?"

"I don't see how this is entirely my fault, there are plenty of other-"

"Don't you dare. He's a fucking kid! He's barely eighteen! He doesn't deserve this."

Everyone was staring at Jamie's father as he yelled. Speechless and possibly even a little ashamed. He wondered if they would let him go. But he didn't have time to find out. He needed to get to Jamie, now.

Sickening churning worry was filling his gut, his lungs and he knew if he didn't move now he'd possibly forget how to breathe. Jamie was hurt. The hospital. He was in the fucking hospital?

He glanced at their backs and realised that this was the first time no one was watching him. This was the perfect distraction.

He stepped backwards, through the living room to the adjoining room, heading for the back door. He went into the utility, feeling around on the top shelf for where he knew the spare key was always hidden in an old flower pot. He grasped it and relief flooded through him, still marred with thick cloying worry.

Jamie's father's voice was still echoing from the hall, "And I know that Jamie would be the first to help your son if it was the other way around. How would you feel then huh?"

Theo slid the key into the lock, and opened the door, grabbing a hoodie and a pair of trainers from beside the door, he threw them on as quick as he could and started running.

He ran like his life depended on it, feeling that pull stronger than ever in his gut. The hospital was out of town, and hours walk maybe more, but he didn't care. His feet slammed on the pavement, his breaths coming fast. It felt good to run, to be doing something after all this time cooped inside.

He thought about Jamie, his eyes prickling with tears. His dad said he'd fallen down the stairs? He could have broken something, he could have broken his neck... Shit. Shit! Somehow, he pushed his lungs, his legs to run faster.

He didn't slow until he could see the lights of the hospital ahead. He bent over, wheezing slightly as he tried to catch his breath before continuing on at a jog.

The doors slid open as he approached, and he scanned the lobby before him. He could feel him close now, somewhere in this building.

"Hi," he said breathlessly to the receptionist at the desk. "I'm looking for Jamie Watson? He fell down the stairs, and has been brought here."

"Okay, one moment," she said in a friendly professional voice, not questioning Theo's panting and sweaty face. She tapped on her computer keyboard and scanned the screen before glancing back up at him. "Head to the desk on the third floor, they should be able to help you."

He nodded, thanking her before heading to the lift and jamming the call button. He stepped inside and pressed the button for level 3.

"Hi," he said to another receptionist the moment he exited the lift. Repeating Jamie's name, craning his neck to look around as if he may just magically stroll around the corner.

"I'm sorry, but if you're not family then really we can't-"

"Please," he begged, "I know he is at this hospital somewhere. Please just tell me where he is!"

The receptionist sighed but he didn't stop. He'd come so far. If she didn't help him then he'd start checking bed by bed himself. They'd have to throw him out.

"His name is Jamie, Jamie Watson. Please just check if he's on this ward I'm begging you."

"I'm sorry sir but I need you to calm down. We have a protocol in place, if you come back another time then we-"

"Theo?"

He turned at the sound of his name, seeing a woman with soft brown hair and a very familiar face despite being sure he had never met her before. For the second time tonight, he could see the boy he loved echoed in another face. His eyes, his cheeks, were just like hers.

"Are you Theo?" She asked, and he nodded.

"Yes," he said helplessly, and she smiled. He knew that smile. This must be Jamie's mother.

"Come on, Jamie's here," she said gently, beckoning him to follow her.

He followed her down a short corridor and then to a set of doors that she held open.

"Second bed on the left," she said and he nodded.

He followed her gaze to a bed with curtains partially pulled across. He reached it and gazed within.

Jamie lay on the bed. His arm was in a cast and sling, and he had an IV tube into his other hand. And his face?

His eye was purple and swollen, he had a bandage around his head and his jaw and cheek were bruised, his lip split. Fuck was there any part of his face that wasn't broken and bruised?

"Theo," Jamie whispered, and Theo saw the agony in his eyes. It wasn't a physical agony, but an emotional pain that Theo felt echoed in his own chest. A heart aching love deep in his soul.

Theo moved to him in an instant, wrapping his arms around him, afraid that he might hurt him, but knowing that he needed to be held in this moment as much as Theo needed to feel him in his arms. He felt the heat of him flair across his skin but gave it no mind. Jamie shook violently in his arms, crying silently. He felt his own tears falling, not knowing when they'd started.

He closed his eyes, burying his face in his hair, rocking him gently.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so fucking sorry," he whispered, hating that he had let this happen. Hating that Jamie had been hurting so much.

Never again, he vowed to himself. Never. Again.

When he finally let Jamie go, he did so unwillingly. He desperately wanted to kiss him, but his lip looked sore, to hold his hand but it had the canular in it. Helplessly he settled for stroking his arm as he sat beside him, Jamie's mum settling on the other side.

"I tried to get away," he explained, "but Dad invited a load of his mates around to pose an 'Intervention'. They were watching me round the clock, they took my phone. I was so worried about you, but they kept dismissing it as 'my illness'."

"How did you get away tonight?" Jamie asked and Theo smiled to himself remembering his dad's face when Jamie's father was yelling at him. Now, he was back with Jamie he could finally smile in satisfaction.

"Your dad."

"What?" Jamie's mum said, looking horrified.

"Yeah," Theo laughed, despite himself. He was drunk on relief and happiness to be back with Jamie. "He came and started yelling at my dad."

But as he recalled the moment he had screamed that Jamie was in hospital, his happiness faded.

"He said that it was my dad's fault you were in a hospital bed right now. That if the roles were reversed he'd have expected you to help me without a second thought. He probably said some other stuff too, but they were all so surprised that for the first time in days no one was watching me so I slipped out and came straight here."

Jamie shook his head, "I told him not to."

"Well I'm glad he did," his mum said briskly. "Sounds like he needed to hear it."

"Agreed," Theo replied before asking, "your dad said you fell down the stairs?"

"Yeah," Jamie replied, his voice so weak and tired as he smiled miserably. "I fainted again."

Fainted. Like last time. But this time he wasn't there to catch him. It was his fault. His fault for not being there. The one good thing in his life and he let this happen. He should have fought harder, should have smashed and jumped out of the bedroom window to get back to him.

"Look at you Jamie, your face is all bruised and your arm..." he faltered as he looked at the cast. What if it had been worse? What if that had been his neck?

"I'm okay," he said in a reassuring voice. Somehow he still looking out for him even from his hospital bed.

"I'll give you two some alone time," Jamie's mum said quietly, kissing Jamie on the head.

"I love you baby."

"Love you too," he replied.

Theo felt a twist in his own gut at the display of affection. The parental love he had craved for so long, but had long since known he would never have again.

Jamie smiled at him and said, "I'm so glad you're here."

"I wish I could have been here sooner, could have stopped this from happening," he said bitterly. "Tell me everything that I missed."

Jamie did. When he told him about going back to David at the cafe he felt bile rise in his throat, but he nodded at him to continue. Jamie told him about how he felt when he was under his influence, and how he had tried to make a move on him, blackmail him into kissing him.

"Jamie," Theo said horrified, "please tell me you didn't let him do that to you?"

His mind filled with images of David pinning him against the wall, smiling that horrible cruel smile as he forced Jamie into kissing him, maybe even worse.

"I started to," Jamie said grimly. "What choice did I have? But only for a second. When it came to it, I couldn't. I shoved him and he fired me, and I went home. I was upset, and scared because I didn't know where to go. Then the next morning, I had an attack and..." he paused, "fainted down the stairs."

Theo swallowed, trying to stop his mind from imagining Jamie falling. The snap as he broke his arm, the thud of his face on the steps.

"It will never happen again, Jamie. I promise," he said gravely. His heart aching with sincerity. He would never let this happen. He would rather die than see him hurt like this again.

"You can't promise me that," Jamie said sadly, "You can't promise you'll always be there. That's not fair on you."

Always trying to put him first. He was too fucking good for this world, for this illness.

"I don't care. I-" he felt the words bubbling up in him as they had so many times before. But this time, there was nothing stopping them. "I love you Jamie, and it's killing me to see you this hurt."

Jamie stared at Theo, and he just gazed back. Relieved that he'd finally said it, his heart seeming to ache all the more now he had. For he knew it was true, he had loved him since that first day on the rugby pitch, through every argument, every snide comment, and then all the more with every touch, every kiss, every long glance and mischievous beautiful smile.

He didn't care if he never said it back. He would always, always love him.

Jamie's mouth began to form a version of that smile as he asked in a small voice.

"You love me?"

"Yes," he sighed, squeezing his hand. "more than anything. You know I do."

He felt his voice break on those last words, and Jamie's grin grew.

"I love you too you idiot," Jamie grinned and Theo laughed, feeling relief wash over him, watching as Jamie's gentle glow returned as he grinned up at him.

That fucking perfect grin. He leaned forward, being careful of Jamie's split lip, his injured face, as he cupped it gently, kissing him as softly as he could, with all the love in his heart.

*

He was relieved that Jamie was allowed to go home that night. He helped him to his dad's car and then woke him up gently when they reached his house. Jamie was so weak and tired, and every second he cursed himself, cursed his father for letting this happen to him.

When they went inside he paused for a moment at the stairs, feeling his stomach flip as his mind replayed the nightmare Jamie falling once again. Suddenly, his mind filled with a horrible image of what could have happened. Jamie, lying right there on the floor before him, eyes unseeing, body still. He swallowed and pushed the vision away. He gripped the real Jamie tighter as he helped him step by step to his bedroom.

He opened the door, looking around at the room. He had never seen Jamie's bedroom and took a brief moment to take in the cosy space. A cluttered desk, a wardrobe, dozens of photos of him with Sam and Pete and Luc stuck to the doors. He felt his presence strongly here, making the room feel warm and welcoming. It felt like coming home, more than his own home ever had. Jamie was his home now.

He helped him into his bed, flicking on the beside lamp. He saw the pile of familiar looking T-shirts poking out from under the bed. All long since opened and in need of replacement.

He pulled the covers over him, making sure he was comfortable, kissing his forehead lightly before heading back downstairs. Jamie smiled weakly, the lack of teasing or complaints proof of how much he needed him right now.

He walked into the kitchen, finding both Jamie's parents sat at the table. His mum looked tearful, but wiped her face as he came in, smiling.

"I was just getting Jamie some water," he said and she stood.

"Of course," she said, reaching into a cupboard and handing him a glass. "Here."

"Thanks," he said, filling it from the tap.

"We're so glad you're here Theo," she said as Jamie's dad stood, turning to face him.

"Thank you for looking out for him," he swallowed, glancing at Jamie's mum briefly, "it was hard for us all seeing him struggling."

"I promise I'll look after him," he said sincerely.

"You're a good kid Theo," Jamie's dad said, reaching up to squeeze his shoulder, giving him a nod.

"He's lucky to have you," his mum smiled, her tears beginning to fill her eyes again.

"No," he said shaking his head at them, "I'm the lucky one."

They both smiled at him before glancing at each other with a look of relief. He walked away, leaving them in the kitchen and heading back up to Jamie.

Jamie looked like he was already half asleep as he came back into the room, but he opened his eyes, shuffling up in the bed weakly as he approached.

"Here, drink something," he said, lifting the glass to Jamie's lips. Jamie drank a little and then leaned back into the pillows, wincing slightly.

Theo pulled his hoodie off. It wasn't like he'd need it with the warmth Jamie's presence and this room were building inside him.

"Put this on," he said, holding the jumper out to Jamie.

He chuckled, "I think that's a bit overkill."

He stared him down, holding the hoodie out, his eyes flicking across his bruises and black eye.

"So bossy," Jamie teased, and Theo saw the twinkle in his eyes. He couldn't help but smile to see it, to see Jamie through all the painful bruises.

"You must be feeling better if you've started teasing me again," he said, relieved to see Jamie grin back.

"You just make it too easy, Mr Overprotective. I'm beginning to think that's not just the Tueri part of you is it?"

"Put it on or I'm going to force it on you myself," he grumbled. Jamie chuckled softly, accepting the hoodie and slipping it over his head.

"Thanks," he said.

Theo shuffled under the covers next to him, extending an arm immediately for Jamie to nestle into.

Jamie yawned, closing his eyes as he mumbled, "I'm so tired," into Theo's chest.

"Then sleep, Jamie," Theo said softly, his hand stroking his hair. Jamie closed his eyes and in a matter of seconds, his breathing slowed, and he began to snore softly.

Theo smiled, continuing to stroke his hair, closing his eyes and listening to his light snuffling snores, better than any music.

FIFTEEN.

Theo loved Jamie's family. His mum, Jenny, was kind and incredibly loving. She was always trying her best to make Theo feel welcome in their home, going above and beyond. His dad, Robert, was a caring father with terrible jokes that Theo always laughed at politely even as Jamie rolled his eyes. He loved chess, and had taken it upon himself to teach Theo nightly.

But best of all was getting to spend every minute with Jamie. He watched as he got better day by day, his bruises and black eye fading, his lip healing, and his spark return.

He knew that sometimes he got on Jamie's nerves because of how much he worried, but he didn't care. He wasn't the one who had to find the person he loved in a hospital bed. And he knew that Jamie wanted him here really.

Nights were his favourite. It had become an unspoken agreement that Jamie would sleep in Theo's clothes. Jamie slept deeply, and it meant he had plenty of time to enjoy watching him sleep. Jamie would often reach for him in his sleep, burying his face into his chest or neck and mumbling softly. It was the best feeling in the world.

One day, at Jamie's insistence, he had returned home to collect his belongings. His dad's car was missing, and when he unlocked the front door, the house was deserted. He headed straight to his room to pack a bag of clothes, before going in search of his phone.

He found it in his father's study, in the top drawer of his desk. He took it, his eyes lingering on the framed photo of himself as a young child hugging his mum tightly as she laughed, lifting him into her arms. His jaw tightened and he grabbed the photo, stuffing it in his bag too.

His dad clearly discovered a few days later that he had retrieved his phone, because he rang him a few times. But each time he ignored them, and soon he seemed to stop trying.

Jamie's parents went out for a date night, leaving he and Jamie home alone. They ordered enough food to feed a family of four and ate every bite. Jamie lay back on the sofa massaging his aching stomach and Theo didn't feel much better.

"I don't think I'll ever eat again," he groaned, as Jamie subdued a belch and laughed.

He reached for the tv remote and put on a movie, letting their stomachs recover. About half way through the movie, he noticed Jamie glancing at him and looking away quickly.

Eventually, Jamie seemed to pluck up the courage for whatever he was thinking as he reached over to graze his fingers up Theo's arm, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.

"So," he said softly, his eyes twinkling, "free house. Maybe we... go upstairs?"

Theo felt his stomach tighten again, despite the fact he had long since recovered from their feasting. His eyes grazed his cast and he hesitated.

"What about your arm?" He asked, but Jamie just smiled, shrugging.

"I'll be careful. You know you won't hurt me, I don't think you're physically able to," he laughed.

It was true. He would rather hurt himself than hurt Jamie, but it was even more meaningful coming from Jamie. That fact that he noticed.

"What are you suggesting?" He asked curiously, watching as Jamie's blush crept up his cheeks. For the first time in a long time, he seemed to find it hard to meet Theo's gaze.

"I may have bought some lube on Amazon. You know, just in case."

"You dark horse," he whispered, feeling the jump of excitement not just from himself but from the Tueri part of him, always lurking inside. The part that he was beginning to accept as part of himself slowly with Jamie's love. He let it roll over him, guide him, as he moved closer to Jamie, lifting his chin.

"Are you saying you want me to fuck you Jamie?" He asked. He watched in pleasure every minute reaction across Jamie's face. The small gasp as he parted his lips, the flicker of fear mingled with excitement in his eyes, the quiver at his touch that he described as being like electricity. He smirked, enjoying the tease.

He knew Jamie wanted it, the way he gazed at him was answer enough, but he wanted to hear it.

"Say it."

"I want you to fuck me," Jamie whispered, his eyes wide, and god. He wanted to hear those words every day until he died. He couldn't hold back his grin, and Jamie let out an embarrassed laugh. As if Theo would judge him for saying the words he had never even dreamed of. Months ago, he was still thinking of a kiss as an impossible dream, this was beyond impossible. It was inconceivable. And yet...

Theo scooped his arms under Jamie, lifting him off the sofa with a cry of alarm.

"Will you stop doing that," he grumbled up at him, but he could see that despite his words, he liked it. His mouth lifting reluctantly at the corners, his eyes sparkling in excitement.

"But that's what princes do to princesses," he said, carrying on the charade, before leaning down to kiss him.

He carried him up the stairs, laughing when he tripped on the steps before lowering him gently onto the bed, standing up to gaze down at him.

"The lubes in that drawer," Jamie said sheepishly, his cheeks burning as he gestured to his bedside table.

Theo couldn't hold back his grin, "I don't think we need it yet."

"Done your research?" Jamie teased, though a hint of nervousness shook his voice as he did.

"A little," he said, "I've thought about this... with you... a lot."

"You have?" He said and Theo laughed.

"More than you know," he said.

One day he would tell him how long he had loved him, how long he had dreamed about being able to love him. Let alone everything that came with it. But right now he wanted to savour every second of this.

"You're all I think about Jamie."

He leaned down slowly, kissing his beautiful lips, tasting him, feeling the warming heat of his skin.

"Every day," he whispered into his mouth, kissing him deeper. Jamie moaned in response, wrapping his arms around him so that their bodies pressed close.

"Every night," he breathed, and Jamie opened his eyes to look at him.

"I love you," Jamie said, gazing up at him. He was so beautiful, the shimmering glow playing in his hair almost looking like a fucking halo.

"I love you too," he replied, straight from his soul. He knew he loved Jamie better than he knew his own name.

He kissed him again, and again, letting the relief of his words crush him, destroy him, and rebuild him anew. I love you, I love you, I love you...

They undressed, and he had enough mental faculty left in the swirling drunken desire for Jamie to take care of his arm as he pulled his hoodie off over it.

He looked down at him naked for a moment, before sinking down on top of him, delighting in the flaming heat that erupted where their bare skin pressed together. He reached down, hearing Jamie's breath catch as he found his cock. He played with it carefully, stroking up its length and feeling it quiver at his touch. He bit Jamie's lip and chuckled, lifting his head to look down at him.

Jamie's mouth was open, his eyebrows furrowed, his eyes unfocused in pleasure, cheeks rosy as he continued to stroke him up and down.

"I love watching when I touch you," he said softly. "How you react. The way your eyes glaze over, and your cheeks go all pink."

Jamie moaned softly at his words, biting his lip and closing his eyes. Theo chuckled, reaching into the drawer beside the bed for the lube as he moved close.

"And that," he whispered into his neck, "I love it when you do that."

He feathered kissed down his neck, making Jamie twitch in delight at the sensation it triggered across his skin.

He opened the bottle, squeezing a little of the cold lube onto his fingers before moving his hand down, down. Jamie gasped in surprise, his eyes flying open as he felt the coolness at his asshole.

He smirked, still circling his fingers, "sorry, should have warned you it's cold."

"Fuck," Jamie moaned, his eyes closing again and his breaths coming fast and sharp. He reached out a trembling hand to grip Theo's arm, and he paused.

"You want me to stop?" He asked

Jamie shook his head.

"More," he breathed. "More. Don't stop."

Theo obeyed, adding a second finger and beginning to stretch him open. Slowly, slowly he continued, watching Jamie's face carefully for every wince, every breath. Eventually, Jamie gave him a desperate looks

"Please," he begged, whimpering. "I need to feel you, now."

The words sent his body aflame. Every inch of his skin felt on fire, his chest tight, his mind turning white, every thought erased except for an all consuming need.

He had been clinging on to his control with a last desperate fear. Afraid of what the Tueri side of him would do if he let it completely fill him. But now, he felt his grip slip, and he let it. He was consumed with an animalistic want.

In an instant he plunged down, kissing him again. Tasting him, claiming him. He gazed at him, at the glistening glow around him that shone brightly in the dark. He was about to truly make him his. The Tueri part of him purred in delight, and his own heart too skipped a beat.

He lifted Jamie's legs so that they were resting on his hips, and leaned down. He didn't blink, didn't say a word, just gazed at his face, eyes wide, cheeks flushed, as he slowly pushed forward.

He pressed his cock against Jamie's asshole, feeling the cool lube on the end of his cock. It tingled, or was that Jamie's skin affecting him?

"Ready?" he whispered.

Jamie gazed at him, and his eyes shone as he replied, "Ready."

Theo pushed forward, instantly pausing as Jamie hissed and winced. He watched him, waiting for his face to relax, his breathing to slow, and then continued. He rolled his hips slowly, so slowly, feeling him slowly open for him.

He didn't need to rush. He had waited for this for so very long. He could wait a few minutes more. He wanted Jamie to enjoy this as much as he would, for him to crave this.

When he finally bottomed out, he moaned in ecstasy.

"Fuck," he breathed, burying his face in Jamie's neck. "Jamie you feel incredible."

"You feel... big," Jamie gasped, and Theo could see he was still feeling quite uncomfortable.

"Let's see if we can start making you feel good," he said gently.

He pulled out a little and then back in, thrusting in a gentle motion that made Jamie groan. He took that as a sign to thrust a little harder and a little deeper, watching as Jamie took it, biting his lip.

Suddenly on one sharp thrust he gasped loudly and Theo paused.

"Okay?" He asked, looking at Jamie's face carefully..

"Mmmbhmmm," Jamie moaned, unintelligibly and Theo could see the lust in his eyes. He smiled.

"Good?" He asked.

"Yeah," he said breathily, his hands reaching to hold him, "that spot there."

Theo thrust forward again, watching as Jamie gasped again, his legs shaking in delight, his hands fisting the bedsheets.

He was enjoying it. He wanted more. This was all he needed to know.

"I'm going to fuck you now, Jamie," he whispered, smirking as Jamie moaned in response, his cheeks red.

"And you are going to moan for me just like that as I make you mine. Aren't you?"

He pumped once and Jamie whimpered nodding quickly.

"Good," he whispered into his ear and then pulled him close. He began to thrust into him hard and deep, and Jamie cried out as he dug his nails into Theo's back.

"Fuck, Theo," he moaned. His name, moaned like that. Fuck he could almost cum from that alone.

"I love it when you moan my name," he breathed and Jamie continued to moan and whimper in ecstasy.

Theo didn't stop, increasing his intensity until he was slamming into him in fervour. Jamie was garbling sounds somewhere between moans and expletives, clinging to Theo tightly. He felt his own pleasure building, his breaths coming fast and ragged.

"I'm close," he mumbled into Jamie's neck.

"Cum in me," Jamie moaned, and Theo knew the high that Jamie's body would give him. He wanted him to experience it, to watch him.

He thrust once, twice, and then pleasure washed over him so hot it felt like he was burning alive. Jamie was moaning and shaking beneath him, and Theo held him tightly. His eyes were glazed and his face locked in an expression of pure ecstasy. Theo held him, careful of his arms, and closed his eyes tightly, never wanting to let him go. Their bodies and souls entangling in that pure blissful moment.

After a long, long time Jamie had stopped shaking, and his breathing had slowed. Theo released him, extracting himself carefully and collapsing onto the bed beside him. They didn't speak.

Theo reached out his hand for Jamie, who took it, squeezing it gently. This was it, he knew. This was forever.

SIXTEEN.

Theo was happy. Jamie's family had accepted him, his friends had become his friends too. And Jamie loved him. He told him he loved him often, not always in front of lots of people, he wasn't that sort of person. But in quiet moments in bed, a whisper in the ear at the dinner table, or during walks together hand in hand through the park.

He had always loved Jamie, but he was loving getting to know the side of Jamie that he had never got to see before. The vulnerable, quiet side that got embarrassed easily and loved deeply. His family, his friends, and now Theo too, were everything to him.

They would spend most of their days busy, but their nights would usually be spent entwined together. The sex only seemed to get better everytime.

Sam and Pete knew that they were together, and slowly Jamie was becoming more used to public displays of affection. Even once initiating a kiss right in front of his friends, neither seeming bothered as they argued over the result of a recent football game.

As the Summer holidays progressed towards September at an alarming rate, the only grey cloud was his father. He was determined to speak to him. Whatever brief rest bite he'd had over the last few weeks was over, as now he was ringing and texting on a daily basis. But each time, they would go ignored.

As far as he was concerned his dad had fucked up too far this time. He was done giving him second chances. He had locked him up. It was his fault Jamie ended up in hospital. He hadn't even given Theo a chance to explain. That hurt most of all.

But he continued to call and call, sending streams of apology texts. Theo hadn't bothered to read the messages, but one snagged his eye as he deleted it.

'I spoke to your Aunt Mel, she told me everything. Please talk to me Theo, I'm sorry.'

He had no idea what his aunt had said to change his mind. To come back grovelling. Theo didn't care. He blocked his number.

His aunt had texted too, asking if he was okay.

He told her that he was safe and happy at Jamie's.

After a while she replied: 'Told you he'd forgive you didn't I? ;) Keep safe Theo, I'm here if you need me x'

A few days later his phone rang, and he saw Aunty Mel's name across the screen. He picked up, smiling at Jamie at the other end of the sofa, who gave him a questioning look.

It was a video call, and as he looked at his phone he saw her face appear on the screen.

"Hey Aunty Mel," he said and Jamie smiled. He had told him about his aunt already, about how she was the nearest thing he had to a mum of his own.

"Hello darling," she answered. "How are you?"

"I'm okay," he replied, but he could see her face was worried.

"Are you? I.... I've spoken with your dad. I heard what happened. Theo, I'm so sorry I didn't know. I told him your mother would be ashamed of him."

So that was why his dad was trying to speak to him. His conversation with his aunt had clearly triggered a guilty complex. Theo glanced at Jamie who gave him a sad smile, squeezing his hand.

"Thanks Mel," he said, "I knew you wouldn't have known. And I am okay now, I'm staying at Jamie's."

"The Jamie?" She asked with a grin and Theo laughed. Jamie grinned too in response to her words, and Theo moved the phone so that Jamie was in shot.

"Yes, 'The Jamie'. Say hi," he said and Jamie waved at the screen.

"Hello," he smiled and his aunt grinned wider.

"Oh it's so nice to see you Jamie! I heard lots about you when Theo came to stay with us."

"Mel," Theo mumbled, feeling the embarrassment burn on his face but Jamie's eyes only twinkled with that mischievous amusement.

"Oh really, what did he say?" He asked.

"Just lots of pining, and worrying that you didn't like him anymore, which clearly wasn't the case."

"No, it definitely wasn't," he chuckled and Theo smiled back.

"So tell me everything that happened," Mel said, "as I think your father may have been tactfully avoiding some key information in his retelling."

Theo did, Jamie chipping in with things he forgot. When it got to the part about Jamie having broken his arm and ending up in hospital his aunt gasped and covered her mouth, shaking her head. By the time he had finished she looked furious.

"I am so sorry, both of you. That is... honestly

I'm speechless. I will speak with him Theo. He should apologise for his behaviour."

"I don't want him to apologise, I'm done with him," Theo growled and his aunt gave him a long sad look.

"I understand why you'd feel that way Theo, but he's your dad. You-"

"Mel, I love you, but please don't. I can't talk about this yet."

Jamie looked between them, his expression torn. She pursed her lips but nodded.

"Okay. Okay," she said with a heavy sigh and then smiled. "So, when are you boys going to come down and visit?"

Since the call, Jamie brought up his dad casually a couple of times. Each time, Theo shut the conversation down immediately. He knew his anger was partly his Tueri protectiveness, but it wasn't all of it. Jamie didn't know the years or arguments, bickering and downright neglectful parenting that he had already dealt with. His parents were loving, kind and present, he couldn't understand what it was like to live without the reassurance of unconditional love and support behind you.

A few days later he had just stepped out the shower, when he heard Jamie's voice through the bedroom door.

"... coffee shop on Baker Avenue, in an hour. If we're not there then I'm sorry, that's all I could do."

He pushed open the door to the bedroom, watching as Jamie hastily hung up his phone.

"Who was that?" He asked, eyeing Jamie's guilty expression.

"Actually," Jamie said carefully, "it was your dad."

Theo felt indignation fire in his gut. How dare he?! He called Jamie after everything he did to him?!

"What? How? Why?"

"He really wants to see you Theo," Jamie said softly.

Theo clenched his fists and turned away from him sitting on the bed, grabbing his clothes.

"Theo?"

Theo ignored Jamie. Rage, more intense than normal rage was racing through his veins. His father really was something else. And Jamie had said that he'd meet him? He would be happy if he never saw his face again. For the first time ever he felt resentment towards Jamie, for going behind his back.

"Theo!"

Jamie's voice cut through his thoughts and he turned.

"What?" He snapped, "What do you want me to say Jamie?"

Jamie looked at him helplessly, "Just say something. Don't just shut me out."

Theo breathed out heavily closing his eyes. Flashes of Jamie falling down the stairs, lying in a hospital bed haunted his vision. Then the nightmare of what could have happened. The same vision he had seen the first night he had brought Jamie home. Jamie lying still and unmoving on the floor at the bottom of the stairs.

He opened his eyes, his gaze falling on Jamie's cast up arm, then up to his pleading face. One look at those eyes and he melted. He could never stay angry with him.

"He's the reason you're hurt," Theo said miserably, his anger fading into a painful grief. "What if you'd died Jamie? What then? I told him again and again whilst he had me shut up in that house that you needed me and he didn't care! He didn't listen!"

"I know," Jamie said softly, "but... he's still your dad. He doesn't deserve you, I know that. But you should hear him out. And then if you still decide you never want to see him again, then I'll be right there beside you. I'll never say another word about it."

Theo looked away. He continued to dress in silence, mulling over his words. Jamie was a better person than he was. Theo was always angry and held his grudges fiercely. Jamie didn't. His aunt too, had told him not to shut his dad out. But did he feel strong enough to face him? And if he did, what then?

He thought of his mum, imagined what she would say if she was here. Her voice filled his mind as clearly as if she was in the room.

"Follow your heart my love," she said, her voice sweet and soft.

Well, his heart belonged to the boy who was sat right here on this bed watching him. He was telling him to try.

He stood, and looked at Jamie, his jaw tight. Jamie's expression was tentative, worried. He waited for Theo to speak.

"Well are we going or not?" Theo sighed.

The whole walk to the coffee shop, he couldn't stop his mind racing. Thinking what he would say, what he might do. Jamie let him think in silence, squeezing his hand in support.

It was only as they approached the coffee shop and Theo slowed, looking at it apprehensively that Jamie spoke.

"You okay?" He asked, concern in his voice and eyes. He nodded curtly, not wanting to let himself get angry or upset before even stepping through the door.

"Let's just get this over with," he muttered, gripping Jamie's hand tighter as he pushed through the door inside.

He spotted his dad immediately. Sat at a small table by the window, he immediately stood, his eyes drifting to where Jamie's hand was clasped tightly in his and smiled nervously. Smiled? It felt like a bit of a kick in the teeth after their last interaction.

"I'll get drinks," Jamie said quickly, and Theo let go of his hand reluctantly. Sighing he walked forward to the table alone, sitting down abruptly. His father sat too, looking oddly nervous.

"I'm only here because of Jamie," he said icily.

"I understand. I am grateful he helped arrange this, he's clearly a very good young man."

Theo said nothing, just stared at him, eyebrows raised.

"So? What is it you want to say Dad?" He asked.

"I-" he paused, sighing heavily. "I wanted to apologise for what happened. I was acting on poor advice. I have had... many rather heated conversations with your aunt and she has made it clear just how wrong it was not to trust you."

"You locked me up," he said coolly and his dad swallowed.

"I know. That was wrong."

"Jamie ended up in hospital because of what you did," he added, his voice shaking with anger.

"I understand. I have no defence for my actions. I was.. frightened for you."

He waited as if expecting Theo to jump in, but he sat back in his seat arms crossed. So he continued on.

"I was shocked when I found you in bed with a boy. I didn't know that you... liked men. And when I discovered his nature I'll admit I perhaps judged too quickly. I should never have got angry like I did, and I categorically should not have forced Jamie out the way I did. For that I am deeply sorry, Theo."

He gave him an imploring look but Theo just stared back.

"I regret that you didn't feel like you could talk to me about your sexuality. I realise now that my mistakes extend far beyond just recent events."

Jamie approached the table, his eyes wary as he looked between Theo and his dad.

"Thanks," Theo said accepting one of the drinks as Jamie sat down.

"I was just telling Theo how sorry I am about how things went the last time we met," his dad said, pushing his glasses up his nose and giving Jamie a guilty look.

"I can't imagine walking in on your son in bed with someone was what you'd planned," Jamie said with a tentative smile and Theo flashed him an annoyed look. He loved Jamie's kind and easy nature, but he didn't need it right now. Not aimed at him.

"No," his father laughed awkwardly, "no it wasn't. I- When I said those things... it was only because I was worried. I was being perhaps an overly concerned father."

"Overly concerned?" Theo laughed bitterly. "You're never around Dad. You can't just decide when you do or don't care what I'm doing with my life! After I was diagnosed, you stayed for what? Two days? Then just left me to deal with the shit alone. Where was your 'concern' then?"

"I'll admit," he said quietly, "that perhaps I leave with work too much. I find it hard being in the house without your mother."

"How do you think I feel?!" Theo asked. "Mum died ten years ago, Dad. At some point you have to stop using her as your excuse for your shitty parenting."

He felt Jamie's hands on his thigh under the table. He moved his own hand on top of his still glaring at his father as the anger he'd tried to hold in began bubbling to the surface.

"I never called you out on it," he continued, his voice shaking, "I never complained. I worked my ass off at school, earned captain of the rugby team, did everything you asked of me. But when I finally do one thing you don't like, that's when you decide to jump in."

"You're right," his dad said, breathing heavily. "I'm sorry Theo. I have been a poor excuse for a father."

Theo blinked. He had been expecting his dad to yell back; to defend himself.

"You're actually admitting it? You're actually apologising?" He gaped.

"I am," he said, and he could see the regret, the apology in his eyes. He paused for a long moment before asking softly, "But can I just ask this one question?"

Still in shock, he gazed at him nodding stiffly.

"How can you be sure that this is real?" He said gesturing to Jamie. "That this isn't just your illness? I want you to love, Theo, to love someone as much as I loved your mother. Not be bewitched by some false attraction caused by what you are."

Theo thought of every moment with Jamie before and after the diagnosis, before and after that first kiss. If this wasn't real, then nothing in his life was.

"It's real," he confirmed, trying his best to convey the sincerity of his words as he stared resolutely back at his father. "I love Jamie, and Jamie loves me."

He glanced at Jamie. He had intended to tell Jamie the truth of quite how long he had had feelings for him. But the longer it went without saying it, the harder it had become. Maybe this was the time. Finally, he was going to confess the secret that had burned in his heart for over a year.

"I know without a doubt, because I've liked Jamie long before I even got diagnosed as a Tueri, before I ever started feeling any of the side effects. I've had a crush on him since the first day I met him."

Jamie's eyes were saucers as he stared at Theo. He forgot about his father, turning to look at him, smiling sadly.

"What?" Jamie whispered, confused.

He sighed, holding Jamie's hand tighter.

"I turned down Stacy Jones because I was gay. And because it was you I had a crush on, not her."

Jamie shook his head in disbelief.

"But you never said anything. I never knew!"

Theo laughed grimly, "you forget how much you hated me then."

He smirked, remembering when Jamie used to glare up at him with eyes full of undiluted loathing. How things had changed, the eyes that gazed at him now were full of something very different, but equally as powerful.

"Like I would confess that to you just to get it thrown back in my face."

"I-" Jamie stammered, "I thought you hated me too, you were always so moody and angry around me and..." he paused, frowning for a moment, then sagging in realisation.

"Because you liked me and there was nothing you could do about it."

Theo smiled, the relief of the truth finally out was another weight in his gut he hadn't realised he'd been carrying.

"It was torture," he confessed. "And then I got my diagnosis and suddenly out of nowhere you started being nice to me. It was killing me. But then I realised what you were and..."

"Things changed," Jamie murmured, still gazing at him with that agonised, heartbroken look, his eyes sparkling with tears.

"Things changed," he repeated, returning the same look. Jamie reached up to stroke his cheek.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice breaking on the words, tears falling down his cheeks, "for never realising. For everything I ever did or said that hurt you. I love you, so much."

Theo leaned forward, kissing him softly, tasting the salt of his tears on his lips. God, he would die for this boy. His heart swelled, and he didn't know how he could be capable of loving him anymore than he already did, but somehow it had happened.

Theo's father cleared his throat and Jamie and Theo instantly parted. They had both forgotten he was there, and he saw Jamie' s whole face turned beetroot red. Theo was not embarrassed. He was proud, and he hoped that maybe now his father would believe him.

If he didn't, then... well, he didn't need his father in his life really. He was an adult now, he could do it alone.

No, he corrected himself, not alone. Never alone anymore.

He waited, as his father slowly looked between them and his face broke into a smile. It was a warm smile, the sort of smile Theo hadn't seen in a long, long time. Not since his Mum had been alive. He felt it like a twist in his gut.

"I believe you," he said gruffly, and Jamie wouldn't notice. But Theo knew he was trying to hold back tears. He looked to Jamie and extended a hand.

"Can we start afresh?"

"Absolutely," Jamie said, hastily wiping his tears and then reaching out with his good arm to shake it.

"It's great to meet you Jamie," he said, then looked at Theo, "I'm very happy for you son. Can I have you both over for dinner tomorrow night? Theo, your room is always there if you want it. If you both want it."

Theo smiled back, still shocked to see his dad looking like... his dad again. It brought back forgotten memories of his dad laughing, taking him fishing, lifting Theo in his arms and swinging him around until he shrieked. They had been happy once. Maybe they could be happy again.

"Thanks Dad," he whispered and when his dad stood, he opened his arms tentatively. A hug. When had they last hugged?

He stood and accepted the hug, feeling his jaw work to hold back his own emotion. When they parted, tears undoubtedly glistened in his father's eyes.

"Well," he said briskly, "I won't keep you boys any longer. I'll see you for dinner tomorrow where I can get to know you better Jamie."

"I'd like that," he said and with one final nod and a small sniff, he walked away.

Theo sat back down, turning to Jamie.

"That was insane," he said in disbelief. "I can't believe he actually came around."

"I can't believe that you had a crush on me all year and you've only just decided to tell me," Jamie replied indignantly.

"It's embarrassing," Theo grumbled, but he smiled reluctantly.

"Shut up," Jamie said hitting his arm.

That mischievous grin spread across his face as he leaned forward.

"So, when exactly was it that you realised you fancied me?" He asked with a smirk. "Was it before or after you got the captain spot and I called you a big headed wanker?"

"Mmm," Theo considered, "somewhere between you calling me a wanker and me calling you a pathetic loser, I think."

"Ah yes," Jamie chuckled, "such a well known term of endearment. How could I forget."

Theo laughed and reached for his hand, kissing it softly.

"Ah well, I got there in the end didn't I?"

"Yeah, I guess so," Jamie grinned, "you wanker."

SEVENTEEN.

He wasn't sure who was more nervous as they approached Theo's front door the next evening for dinner, Jamie or Theo.

Theo gripped Jamie's hand as tightly as a vice as he rang the doorbell.

"You're okay," Jamie reassured him gently. "I'm here, we'll do this together."

He breathed out slowly, giving him a grateful smile just as the door opened. His father looked between them and smiled.

"Hello, I'm so pleased you came."

Theo stepped inside, already surprised at how quickly his home had become unfamiliar. Jamie's bedroom, his house, had become such a place of comfort that he saw this place as less of a home than ever. Even his bedroom, once his sanctuary, was tainted by the days of being locked inside with no escape. He felt his breathing quicken as he remembered how desperate he had been to get away, how trapped he had felt.

Jamie squeezed his hand, and Theo realised he hadn't heard whatever his father had said.

He gave him an embarrassed smile as his father repeated, "I said dinner will be twenty minutes, would you like a drink?"

"Er yeah, just a Coke or something? I can get it?"

It felt odd to be served in his own house, but his dad shook his head.

"No, no. Please, you both go sit down. Two cokes?"

"Yes please," Jamie said.

Once his father had left, Jamie tugged him towards the living room, pulling him down to the sofa with him.

"You need to breathe, Theo," he said and Theo shook his head.

"I just- it's weird."

"I know," he said, stroking his leg, "but you look like you're going to be sick."

He felt like it too. But he breathed in deeply and nodded.

"Just... don't let go of me," he said desperately and Jamie smiled, taking his hand again.

"I promise," he whispered.

His dad returned, handing them both their drinks and settling in the armchair across from them. There was a moment of awkwardness, Theo still wary that his father would snap back into his prior self and suddenly force them apart again.

But he just smiled and asked, "So, tell me how you met. I want you to catch me up on all I've missed."

Theo blinked, struck speechless. Jamie glanced at him before he spoke for them.

"We are in the same year at school, and we're both on the rugby team sir," Jamie said, his voice nervous.

"Please Jamie, call me Henry."

"Okay... Henry," Jamie said, as if the name seemed far too casual for someone so intimidating.

"Excellent, do you enjoy playing Jamie?"

"Yes, very much," Jamie grinned, "although I'm not as good as Theo."

"He's being modest, Jamie's a great player."

His father nodded, "so you have been friends a while then? Before things progressed?"

Jamie laughed nervously, and Theo smiled, "Jamie hated me for most of the year."

"I was jealous," Jamie admitted. "Theo's annoyingly talented at everything, and I used to hate it but now," he shrugged, "I think it's kind of cool."

"Ah of course," his father nodded, "I did pick up on something about 'hating each other' at the cafe."

They continued to chat amiably, and slowly Theo felt the tight knot in his gut begin to unravel. They ate in the dining room, and by the end of the meal he could tell that despite whatever grievances his father had held, he liked Jamie.

Jamie was such a bright, cheerful presence in the house compared to he and his father's usual dower moods. It was like a breath of fresh air, a reminder of what once was.

His father laughed, a real surprised laugh at something Jamie said, and Theo smiled, finally feeling like he could relax. He was safe, Jamie was safe. Things were actually going to be better now.

When it came time to leave, Jamie hovered a little distance away as Theo lingered at the door. He looked at his dad, and gave him an awkward smile.

"Thanks Dad. I... tonight was great."

"It was wasn't it?" He said, "I don't remember the last time..." he trailed off as if lost in memory and then blinked. "Jamie is a very nice young man. I think he'll be good for you."

Theo raised his eyebrows, "Really? You mean that?"

"I mean it," he said, and Theo could hear the fervent honesty in it. "I..." he hesitated and smiled sadly, "I haven't seen you happy like that in a long time Theo. I don't think I truly realised until today how hard it has been for you. You are both welcome here, whenever you want to be here. And..." he paused, "I'm going to try to travel away less. Be more present in your life."

Theo felt hot tears build in his eyes, his throat burning. It was all he'd ever wanted. He flung his arms around his dad's shoulders, hugging him tightly. Initially he made a noise of alarm, but Theo didn't let go. Slowly, he felt his dad's arms lift and hold him tightly. When they parted, his father had tears of his own falling down his cheeks.

"We'll come stay, soon," Theo promised and he nodded.

"I'll look forward to it."

SEVENTEEN.

Jamie looked across the bedroom at him with a sheepish grin, his tie a knotted mess at his neck. Theo raised an eyebrow at him and smirked.

"Need help there?" he asked, chuckling as he walked towards Jamie.

"Look, it's hard with this okay?" Jamie complained, gesturing down to his cast arm. "Besides, I usually just leave it tied and just reuse it you know?" He shrugged.

Theo had already learned that Jamie was a messy person, this didn't surprise him. But he still shook his head with a smirk.

"That is... chaotic. Here."

He reached down, picking at the knot and untangling it before carefully retying it at Jamie's collar. Jamie grinned up at him the whole time, his gaze burning into his face. Theo concentrated on the tie, but once he was finished he looked up to meet his gaze, smiling.

"There," he said, resting his hands on Jamie's shoulders. "Much better."

"Thanks," Jamie said, pulling him in for a kiss.

Theo returned the kiss, slow and deliberate, and after a few moments he groaned, feeling the tension rise in his gut, the heat beginning to blister his skin.

He broke the kiss, his breathing already heavy as he murmured, "You have to stop or we are going to be very, very late."

Jamie just laughed.

"Damn school," he grumbled. "Can't we have some medical exemption or something?"

Theo chuckled. He never had to worry if his increased Tueri libido was too much for Jamie. He only had to give him a look and Jamie would be in the mood.

"You're insatiable," he grinned.

Jamie blushed as he shrugged, "Can you blame me? You look good in a tie."

Theo pulled him in close, whispering into his ear, "How about if we go to school right now, later I'll wear just the tie."

"I could get behind that," Jamie laughed, wrapping his arms around his neck and kissing him once more.

It was a sunny, beautiful day. They stepped out of Jamie's house, his mum kissing him goodbye on the cheek and giving Theo a cheerful wave.

"Have a good day boys," she called, before heading inside.

Jamie rubbed at his cheek, his face a little pink as they started walking towards school.

They walked to school hand in hand, and as they approached the school gates, Theo looked at Jamie who was eyeing the nearby students warily.

"Are we doing this?" He said, glancing down at their clasped hands.

Jamie swallowed, but steeled his expression, gripping Theo's hand tighter.

"Yeah," he replied, "We're doing this."

Theo grinned, god he loved him.

He squeezed his hand in silent support, before walking through the school gates together.

The reaction was immediate, building like a wave as more heads turned, more whispers spread.

"Oh my god, look!"

"Why are they holding hands?"

"Are they gay?"

"Is this a prank?!"

"I think we're going to be the talk of the school," Theo sighed, glancing around at the sea of students staring at them. So much for starting the year off differently. At least they weren't glaring this time.

Jamie scowled, "well, why don't we give them something really to talk about."

And in one quick move, he pulled Theo's face to his. Theo was momentarily stunned, the heat exploding in him, as it always did when he kissed or fucked Jamie, not helping to get his brain into gear. He heard the reaction of the crowd around him and felt Jamie grin against his own mouth. He chuckled, and pulled him in tight.

"Alright break it up folks, ain't you guys seen a couple of guys kiss before jeez! You all homophobic or what?"

Jamie broke off the kiss, surprised laughter bubbling from him. Theo looked around for the source of the voice and saw Sam and Pete pushing through the crowd. Sam looked annoyed, Pete looked amused.

"Yes, Jamie!" He called, and Theo heard other noises and shouts of encouragement.

Jamie looked up at Theo, laughing,

"Well, I guess the truth's out."

"I guess it is," Theo replied, pulling him into a hug. "I love you, Jamie."

"Yeah yeah, I love you too," he grinned.

They parted as Sam and Pete approached, Pete clapping Theo on the shoulder as he did so.

"Well done guys, proud of you both," he said with a genuine smile.

Sam grinned, "way to kick off the year with a some juicy gossip."

Theo sighed, "how long do you think it'll take for the whole school to know?"

"A day?" Pete laughed.

"More like a few hours I reckon, " Jamie amended.

Jamie had been wrong. By the start of lessons everyone knew about Jamie and Theo.

Theo had been pleasantly surprised to discover his first lesson of the day he shared with Pete. He sat beside him, and they chatted easily. He couldn't pin point exactly when Pete had transitioned from 'Jamie's friend' to a friend of his own, but he was glad he was. He was smart and a good laugh.

"I am glad though," he said after a while his voice turning serious.

"About what?" Theo asked.

Pete shrugged a little awkwardly, "That you and Jamie worked things out. He's my best mate. When I found out about his diagnosis I was terrified he'd get sick or leave like Harry did. But he seems really happy, happier even."

Theo smiled, not needing to reply, but quietly grateful for Pete's words.

In the lesson, he had expected that he would get avoided again, or be glared at. But it was entirely the opposite. People were fascinated by the new gossip, asking him about what had happened, how it had happened, and was Jamie a Reliant.

He avoided the last question, but it didn't seem to matter. People had managed to piece together Theo's diagnosis and speculate Jamie's. There were of course the odd sneering remarks, but on the whole everyone was much less negative than they had been when Theo's diagnosis had first spread. He wondered why? Maybe the sight of the first openly gay couple in the school had been so exciting that they were willing to sideline the rest.

By the end of the first lesson he was beginning to get antsy. He didn't like being away from Jamie. Of course there was the young love, honeymoon phase reasons that everyone would smile and fondly wave off. But there was also the genuine fear that he was deteriorating without him.

Flashes of that nightmare of him falling down the stairs, the sound of his neck breaking, the real memories of him fainting into his arms in the park, of seeing him lying in that hospital bed. They all played on loop in his brain like an endless torturous agony.

Pete gave him a look towards the end of the lesson and smiled grimly.

"You alright?" He asked.

He nodded, forcing a smile.

"Sam just did a walk-by of his classroom. He's fine," Pete said quietly, flashing the text from Sam on his phone screen before hastily tucking it back in his pocket before their teacher saw. "Don't tell him, he'd hate to think we're all being mother hens."

The gratefulness that others were looking out for Jamie too, that he wasn't going crazy, made him sigh in relief.

"Thanks."

He parted ways with Pete for the next lesson of the morning and spent the entire period counting down the clock until lunchtime.

When they were finally dismissed, he headed out to the spot by the rugby field where they had agreed to meet.

He spotted Jamie instantly as he began walking across the quad in his direction. He walked forward to meet him, taking in his appearance.

Did he look paler than this morning or was that just his imagination?

"How are you?" He asked, failing to keep the worry from his voice. Jamie smiled, squeezing his hands as he looked up at him. He felt the heat build inside him, making him feel hot combined with the already warm September sun. It's funny how just a little time apart made the feelings all the more intense again.

"I'm fine," Jamie said reassuringly. "Honestly. Not even a slight headache. I think we spend enough time together that I can cope for a few hours. You really don't need to worry so much."

"I can't help it," he grumbled, tracing Jamie's broken arm, holding back the images that crept into the corners of his mind.

Jamie rolled his eyes, and smiled. "Come on, let's have lunch."

They sat on the grass, Theo pulling off his blazer as Sam and Pete approached. As Jamie rifled through his bag for his lunch, Theo was relieved to see an unopened zip lock bag tucked inside, clearly unneeded.

He lifted his gaze just in time to see Pete shoot him a questioning look. He knew immediately what he was asking.

Was he okay?

He nodded quickly and Pete looked relieved, Sam too picked up on the nod and uncharacteristically seemed to understand and discretely keep his mouth closed.

They both sat and began getting out their own lunches, instantly launching into complaints about their morning lessons. Jamie smiled, and Theo smiled too. This was good. Maybe school didn't have to be such a worry after all?

He had just taken a bite of his sandwich when he saw Jamie stiffen. He froze immediately in response, but Jamie's warm presence was strong and unwavering. It was only when he followed his gaze that he realised what was wrong.

Luc. Stood only a few steps from them, his bag clutched in his hand, and for once, not looking at them in disgust. He raised an eyebrow, just as Sam and Pete turned too. Luc seemed to flinch slightly at the dark glares that twisted their usually cheerful relaxed faces.

For a moment, he felt an odd sense of warped reality. It had been only a few months ago, that this scene would have been reversed. Theo would have been the one stood at a distance, as Jamie, Sam, Pete and Luc glared at him. It made him feel strangely sorry for Luc, despite everything.

"What does he want?" Pete spat angrily.

Luc seemed to steel himself, taking a deep breath and stiffly walking towards them, his curly hair bouncing with each step.

"Can we help you?" Sam asked, scowling as Luc finally stopped before them.

Luc looked at him, and then back to Jamie and even glanced at Theo to his surprise.

"I wanted to..." he paused, looking down at his feet. "I wanted to say... I'm sorry."

Jamie scoffed, "sorry?"

"Yes," Luc said, swallowing and looking at Jamie awkwardly. "I was out of line."

"You were more than just out of line," Pete growled.

"I know," he said, his expression turning miserable.

"Why the change of heart? I thought you didn't want to be near 'freaks' like us?" Jamie asked and Luc flinched slightly.

Damn. Jamie hadn't told him that part.

"I-" Luc paused, his face agonised, "my parents took us to stay with my cousins for most of the summer. One of them has been diagnosed a Reliant too and... I realised how crap it is. I got schooled pretty quick on my shitty behaviour and... realised that I had been the worst friend ever."

"I'm really, really sorry Jamie. And you too, Theo. I've been a huge dick but I swear I want to make it up to you if you'll let me."

Theo looked to Jamie, as did Pete and Sam. At the end of the day, Theo wasn't particularly keen on Luc. He'd been a pain in his ass all last year and he'd be quite happy to never see him again. But he was one of Jamie's oldest friends. If he decided he wanted him in his life then Theo would accept that.

Pete and Sam too seemed ready to follow whatever decision Jamie made, watching him carefully as he stared up at Luc. Luc looked uncomfortable, and if not for his tanned skin he'd probably be blushing fiercely.

After what felt like an age, the corner of Jamie's mouth lifted.

"Sit down already," he said, taking a bite of his apple. Luc settled slowly, his face a mixture of disbelief and nervous excitement.

Jamie swallowed his apple and smiled, "Are you watching the game on Saturday?"

Luc grinned, and both Sam and Pete seemed to let out a sigh of relief as the tension broke.

"Obviously," he said, then added slightly cautiously. "Did you know Northy is injured? Could be our in."

"No way!" Jamie said eyes wide. "He's their best player by a mile."

"I know right!" Luc mused, his grin widening.

"Hey," he suggested with a shrug, "we could all watch the game at mine if you like?"

"Yes!" Jamie said enthusiastically, turning to his friends. "Did you guys know Theo is like proper rich? He has a massive tv and a pool!"

Theo scowled at him whilst Pete, Sam and Luc all laughed.

"I want to go in the pool!" Sam said excitedly,

"I'm there," Pete grinned.

Their eyes all fell on Luc who nodded, smiling gratefully. "I'd love to come."

EIGHTEEN.

Theo laughed as Sam cannonballed into the swimming pool, sending a torrent of water crashing over Luc's head. Luc dived for him, and they wrestled with each other in the water, laughing and cursing, as Pete dashed to the far side for cover from the spray.

Jamie had already got out of the pool, and was tying a towel around his waist, brushing away his wet hair that dripped into his eyes. He beamed at Theo as he walked towards him, the tray of drinks and snacks in hand.

"Dad said that there's plenty more if we want it," he said as he placed the tray down.

"Thanks."

Jamie eagerly grabbed a handful of crisps and began to munch, sitting on the plastic chair and watching the chaos in the pool with amusement.

Theo sat beside him, taking one of the large glasses of lemonade.

"And thanks for suggesting this," Jamie said, "I feel like it was what we needed to break the awkward tension."

Theo smiled as he watched Luc and Sam still in the pool staring each other down, grinning ear to ear, waiting for who was going to strike first.

"It's nice to have people here to enjoy it before it gets too cold," he shrugged.

Pete collapsed onto a chair beside Jamie and huffed, "they're no better than children those two."

"At least you've got Luc back to keep Sam entertained, so you can go back to sitting and watching from afar with the rest of us."

"You make him sound like a labrador," Theo chuckled and Jamie gave him a look.

"I mean, he is," he said.

"A loveable, sometimes slow, labrador," Pete agreed.

"Hey, I heard that!" Sam grumbled from the pool and they all laughed.

"Yes but are we wrong?" Pete asked, but Sam didn't reply, instead using the moment of distraction to tackle a startled Luc into the water.

"Fair enough," Theo said as Pete slid his eyes back to him with an 'I told you so' expression.

They sat for a while enjoying the food and the September sun, before all heading inside for kick off. Theo' dad entered, beers in hand.

"Can I watch the game in exchange for beers?" He offered and Jamie grinned.

Theo smiled too, "thanks dad."

He took a beer, and his dad sat down on the other end of the sofa in the spare seat beside Jamie.

"So, who are we playing?" He asked, handing Jamie a beer too, before leaning over to pass the final bottles to Pete.

"Tigers," Jamie answered and Theo's dad smiled grimly.

"Tough team to beat," he said.

"Nah," Luc replied. "They're not playing North, without him their defence will be in a shambles."

The intense game chat began in earnest, only stopping when the game started. They all watched as it immediately turned heated. Even Pete and Sam, who regularly claimed they were far more into football than rugby, were on the edge of their seats.

When their team scored the winning try in the last few minutes they all jumped to their feet. They roared and cheered and Theo couldn't help but be transfixed as Jamie beamed at him, his face flushed his eyes full of excitement. He pulled him into a kiss before he could think twice about it. Right there in front of their friends, in front of his dad. Jamie seemed surprised for a moment but kissed him back before pulling back with a laugh and a grin. His eyes sparkling up at him in pure joy.

He grinned too, feeling more alive than ever.

The following week was team try outs. Of course, Jamie couldn't play. But the coach had told him that she'd been impressed by his progress at the end of the year and would keep him on once his arm was fully healed.

But Jamie being Jamie, still couldn't stay away. So she had allowed him to watch the try outs and roped him in to help by setting up cones across the field for the practise drills.

Theo watched him across the field as he stretched. Jamie was placing each multi-coloured cone carefully at regular intervals in a long line. Even at this distance, Theo couldn't help but admire him.

Theo bent down to stretch his quads when suddenly he felt someone's presence loom over him blocking the sun. He looked up squinting, to see Kyle scowling down at him.

He stood, facing his once friend. The expression on his face made his heart sink. Not more of this, he thought, surely everyone was over it by now? The hatred for something he had completely no control over was exhausting.

"Look who it is," Kyle smirked and Theo glared back.

"What do you want Kyle?" He sighed and Kyle smiled cruelly.

Before he could continue however, someone pushed between them, standing in front of Theo defensively. At first he thought it was Jamie. But Jamie was on the other side of the field, still laying out cones. There was no way he could have got there that fast, let alone probably even noticed something was wrong at such a distance.

"Kyle," Luc said coolly. He stood straight backed between them, despite being significantly shorter than them both. Theo could only gape in surprise. Luc? Defending him?

Kyle's eyes widened almost as much as Theo's.

"Luc?" He spluttered, "What the fuck are you doing? Are you friends with him now?"

"Well," Luc sighed his voice sounding bored, "there's only so long someone can put up with the endless stories about your pathetic love life."

Theo couldn't hold back the snort of laughter at the indignation on Kyle's face as Luc spoke, his cheeks turning beetroot red.

But Luc only seemed amused as he continued, "To be honest being friends with a lamppost is preferable to you. And don't even get me started on Dan. So yes, I guess I'm friends with Theo now instead, so you can carry on walking."

"Fuck you. You'll regret this," Kyle hissed, fists clenched.

Luc's eyebrow raised, "Really? I don't think I will. I'd suggest you stay away from my friends, Kyle. Because I can really be a pain in the ass towards people I don't like. Can't I Theo?"

"Yes," Theo agreed with a grin. "A-class knob head."

Luc turned to him with a smirk, "I'll take that as a compliment."

Kyle looked between them and clenched his jaw, deciding that this was not the time. He stalked away but Theo got the impression that he would certainly be gunning for Luc from now on.

Luc turned to him, still grinning in dark amusement.

"That should keep him off your back for a little while, he'll come for me instead. Hopefully he'll think better of joining the team too."

"You didn't have to do that," Theo said and Luc shrugged.

"I don't mind," he said, "I quite enjoy having someone to wind up. Not my proudest confession, but I'm rather good at it. So someone had to take your spot."

Theo felt gratefulness for him surging in his chest. He knew that Luc had made up with Jamie, but he'd never expected this.

"I'm relieved that I'm no longer on the receiving end of it that's for sure," he chuckled.

Luc nodded, "Yeah, well. I look out for my friends."

His eyes lingered on Theo as he said the words, as if he too knew the weight they held.

Theo had got to know Jamie's friends much better over the last few weeks. Pete was the constant, calm one. He was mature and smart and was the foundation of their friend group. Sam, he was unfalteringly loyal and always ready to brighten any situation. He was undoubtedly the heart. Luc was headstrong and silver tongued. He would argue, he would push buttons, but really he cared deeply. He fought fiercely for what he believed in. He was the firey spirit. And that left Jamie. Jamie was the centre of it all, the linchpin that held them all together without even knowing it. The steady, bright soul that held them all in orbit with one another.

So where would Theo fit in? He hoped he would find his place, because he had come to love not just Jamie, but Pete's steady support, Sam's infectious positivity, and now... Luc's fierce commitment to making things right.

They were all good people, people he wanted as friends.

Luc stuck out his hand, smiling at him with a twinkling knowing look in his eye.

"Here to help whenever you need me, Captain," he grinned.

Theo shook his hand, "thanks mate."

Luc's smile grew at the word just as coach's whistle blew. He turned to stand beside him, draping an arm casually over his shoulder as they began walking towards the huddle forming around coach. Theo saw Jamie clock them as they approached and his eyebrows lifted in surprise, his face breaking into a smile.

"So," Luc said as if this was a totally normal thing he did every day, "before coach gets us running laps, tell me all the shit I can use against that wanker."

"Oh, gladly."

NINETEEN.

Months passed and Autumn drifted into a cold winter and then into a bright spring. Jamie's arm healed and his cast was removed. He was back on the rugby team and had played in every match. Theo's Dad was still being present, still making an effort, and Luc, Pete and Sam had become his best friends. Luc in particular was the first to jump to their defensive if anyone so much as looked at Theo or Jamie the wrong way. Jamie would roll his eyes and call him insane, but Theo was always grateful.

Jamie had been delighted when his patches arrived. Newly designed, they would enable him to ease his symptoms without needing Theo's presence.

They weren't perfect. Reliants still needed to mix with Tueri's to stay healthy long term, but they could now go days, sometimes weeks between contact.

Not that that mattered for Jamie and Theo, who spent every day together anyway. At first, Theo had felt a bit deflated when Jamie wore them. But over time, he began to appreciate the freedom it gave Jamie to live his life without worry. And, his own too. He also realised that Jamie didn't treat him any differently whether he wore the patches or not.

He still often stole and wore his clothes, he still slept cuddled close at night, and he still enjoyed regular intimacy and physical touch. He still loved him. It had never been about the virus for either of them.

Jamie didn't wear the patches all the time now. Finding that really he didn't need to with Theo so close. But he always had them on him for emergencies, or days when he was needing a little extra fix.

Theo was even a plan in motion with his dad about Theo going on a work trip with him to Barcelona for a few days, something he would never have been able to consider before. But now, he knew that he could go and Jamie would be fine without him, even if he knew he'd miss him terribly.

They were currently sat on the train fast approaching Cornwall to visit Theo's aunt. She had been begging them to visit and when their next school break came around, and Jamie had suggested they go.

She had been over the moon when they had told her, and Jamie had been excited to visit Cornwall for the first time. Theo looked forward to showing him his favourite spots, and having a week of relaxing.

When they stepped off the train, he immediately spotted his aunt. Her blonde hair in a tousled bun, her face bright with a beaming smile as she held out her arms.

"Theo, my darling!" She cried pulling him into a bone breaking hug. "God I've missed you. And you must be Jamie!"

She turned to Jamie, pulling him into an equally tight hug. Jamie was taken by surprise but laughed as he hugged her back.

"It's lovely to meet you," he said prying himself out of her arms politely.

She eyed him with a smirk, "Oh I can certainly see why Theo likes you."

"Mel," Theo grumbled and Jamie blushed. But Mel just giggled.

"Come along then, let's get you two home."

Jamie got on very well with Theo's aunt and cousins. Not that Theo had expected any differently. Jamie was just one of those people that everyone around him couldn't help but like. Theo loved that about him, loved that out of all the people in his life, Jamie had chosen him.

As if reading his mind, Jamie caught his eye across the table at dinner, and smiled softly at him. It was a small smile, barely even a movement, but the look in his eyes communicated more than words could express. Support, happiness, and so much love it hurt.

Seeing him sat here, with his family, he really could believe that this was forever. He didn't know how he had ever got so lucky.

"Mel," Theo asked at the end of dinner. "I want to take Jamie down to the beach for sunset, is that alright?"

She smiled, "How romantic, of course it is! Have fun."

Theo beckoned Jamie to follow him, and he did, saying his thanks to Mel as he passed her.

They stepped out of the house and Theo tugged Jamie by the hand towards the beach.

"Quick, the sun will be gone soon."

He knew these roads so well, and it felt exhilarating to be running down them hand in hand with the love of his life. Jamie laughed as they ran, and Theo could feel the familiar heat creeping up his arm from where they touched.

Finally they reached the beach, breathless but grinning. Jamie gasped a little and Theo smiled at the sound.

The sight really was something special. It was a small beach, almost secret as so few seemed to know it was there tucked away, the tourists much preferring the large sandy beach only a couple of minutes further along.

This beach was pebbled, a couple of old fishing boats squatted on the stones. Across the rippling calm water, the sun had turned the sky a blazing wash of orange and pink reflected back into the water beneath.

"It's beautiful," Jamie whispered. Theo looked at him, the golden glow around him so bright in that moment, blending with the sunset sky behind him. He couldn't agree more. He was so, so beautiful.

Theo silently led him down the winding path and onto the stones of the beach below. Their footsteps were loud in the silence, the only other sound being the soft lapping of the waves and the distant cries of gulls heading back to their nests for the night.

They gazed at the sky, hand in hand, not saying a word as the sun slowly faded and the colours of the sky faded to a twilight blue.

Jamie bent and picked up a small handful of stones, he began to throw them across the water. Theo watched as they skimmed the waves. One, two, three, four, sometimes five or six skips before disappearing beneath the darkening depths.

When Jamie had finished, he stood and took his hand again.

"I want to show you something else," he said, guiding Jamie back up the rocks towards the cliffside. They followed the cliff edge, the towering rocks disappearing into the ever darkening sky above them. Soon it would become dark, and it would be a waste of time. He sped up his steps, and Jamie sped up too.

Finally, they reached the cave he had been looking for. It wasn't a deep cave, more an overhang beneath the cliffs above. He turned on the torch on his phone and shone it inside.

It had been his favourite hiding place for years, a sanctuary of sorts from the world. Coming here to his aunts, and coming to this cave, it felt like a reset, a special place that he had never shared with anyone. Until now.

He settled on the floor of the cave, looking out at the sea that was glistening across the pebbles. Jamie sat beside him, quiet, as if sensing the magnitude this place held for Theo.

Jamie rested his head quietly on his shoulder and squeezed his hand.

"My mum showed me this place," he said after a long silence. Jamie lifted his head to look at him, but Theo just gazed across the waves.

"This is where she grew up, in Cornwall with Mel. I think I feel closer to her here. Even though while I knew her we only came here on holidays. It's silly really."

"I don't think it's silly," Jamie replied. "There's something magical about this place."

Theo smiled, "I'm glad you like it."

"I do," he nodded, "and I like your family. And I like being here with you."

"I'm always with you," Theo laughed.

"I know. That's how I like it."

Theo looked at him and smiled, he saw Jamie shiver slightly and knew he was feeling their closeness like he was. As always Theo felt the warmth from Jamie tingling pleasantly across his skin, addictive and exhilarating. It made him want more, always more.

"It's never going to fade is it?" He said, "This intensity between us?"

Jamie smiled back, "I hope not. It's the one good thing about this virus crap. That how much I love you is made even stronger because of what we are."

"You know people find us insufferable," he teased and Jamie laughed.

"The ones who really matter understand," he shrugged and Theo couldn't help agree with that. Both their families, their friends, none of them ever complained that Jamie and Theo came and went as a pair now.

Not that Jamie and Theo were openly making out in front of their friends and family on the regular, neither were massively into PDA. But passing kisses, touches, hugs, close and regular physical touch was necessary to cope with their bodies overwhelming need for each other.

Right now though, they were entirely alone. Theo leaned forward, kissing Jamie softly.

"I love you," he whispered, kissing him again, and again, more insistent with each kiss.

"I - love you- too", Jamie managed to breathe between each kiss, leaning back against the cave wall as Theo moved closer, his hands wrapping around him.

Jamie sighed slightly as their bodies pressed against each other. Theo's hand found his hair, nestling in it and gripping tightly, protecting his head from the jagged rocks on the cave wall behind him. His other hand crept under his clothes, splaying across his bare skin beneath and curling round his back.

Jamie's own arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him into an inescapable kiss, not that he was planning on going anywhere.

He was his forever. And as they made love beneath the twinkling stars, he couldn't wait for the rest of their lives together and the adventures that lay ahead.

Adventures that he would face, hand in hand with the love of his life.