Before the reckoning...
Guilherme swore that he had put an end to the ridiculous rumours about him being Nathaniel's boyfriend at that pool party. But it seems that there were still people who believed in it. It was tiring to have to explain about their relationship with the omega, especially because they are so different from each other and carry different surnames.
What he did not expect was to see Caspian at the college's June party. Even worse, accompanying Bianca.
As soon as the beta had seen the red alpha, he turned around and pretended not to see anyone. However, Caspian saw him.
— Hey, Guilherme!
Standing in place, the beta bit his lip and silently scolded himself for not being quicker to run from the alpha. There was still time for him to run away, wasn't there?
Ignoring Caspian's call, the beta tried to sneak into the crowd and go to a less crowded place. But the alpha seemed to have contrary plans, and followed him until he could hold Guilherme's shoulder.
— Hey, we need to talk.
— Let me go!
— Listen to me first.
— I don't want to!
Guilherme let go of Caspian and got between the people, managing to lose him again. When he checked over his shoulder that the alpha had lost its trail, the beta could sigh in relief and run away once again.
Why did Caspian want to talk to him? What else could be said after all these years? Guilherme no longer felt that hot heartbeat when he saw Caspian. That alpha had the feat of turning such a beautiful feeling into an uncomfortable feeling.
As he walked, Guilherme sighed discouraged.
His brother was blessed to find such a reliable and cool alpha to date. Guilherme envied him at that point.
— I wish I had someone like that...
On his way, Guilherme saw Bianca talking to some girls while they were laughing. He was about to turn his back and start his third escape when his ears caught something disgusting.
— I'm telling you, Jake was seduced by that joker.
— I heard he's an omega. Did he do the same thing with that fighter?
— I don't doubt anything — Bianca replied.
Guilherme's blood boiled at the time. His wrists closed trying to contain the sudden anger that suddenly arose.
— Hey, you better be careful what you say.
And so began the heated discussion that drew attention from several people. And later would be resolved by Nathaniel.
Guilherme felt slightly guilty for starting a fight and eventually being protected by his brother. At least now, Jake and Nathaniel could have fun for the rest of the night.
Sitting on a bench looking at his own feet, the beta sighed low.
— Haa... What a mess.
— You seem to be a trouble magnet just like your brother.
That charming and playful voice caught Guilherme's attention. Raising his head, the beta was surprised to see Matheus in front of him holding two paper's cup. The brown alpha stretched out one of the cups, which Guilherme readily accepted.
— Thank you, captain.
Matheus sat down next to him and drank a sip, looking more relaxed. Guilherme looked at him through the corner of his eyes, then he looked at his glass and drank a sip. Hot and with strong ginger flavor.
It was welcoming.
— Feeling better?
The beta opened a thin smile.
His captain was someone worth trusting. Matheus always comforted him and accompanied him home, took care of him as if he were his brother. Obviously Guilherme did not see his captain in such a way, but still liked how he was treated.
Only with his presence, Guilherme no longer felt alone.
— Hm... much better.
Matheus looked at him from the corner too, but smiled at the glass.
— Good.
Both of them drank alcohol, watching from a distance the huge fire that lit the parking lot where the party took place. Everyone had fun, some even danced some forró dance. The tense and annoying atmosphere was cleaned up in a matter of minutes. Guilherme even closed his eyes to feel the cold and refreshing breeze hitting his face.
He wanted to keep that day forever in his memory.
It's okay that there was a fight, and that Caspian almost ruined that night. But still it was a memorable night.
Matheus crossed his legs and supported his chin in his hand as he stared at Guilherme with an unexpressive face. When the beta felt the weight of his gaze, he opened his eyes to face him back, they seemed to see something beyond each other's presence.
— What is it, captain?
— Matheus.
— Hm?
— Call me Matheus when we are out of court.
He had the habit of calling him captain precisely because they were rarely seen outside the court. Although from the beginning of his brother's relationship with Jake, Guilherme did not realize his habit in calling Matheus captain even when they saw off court.
Well, he was giving permission for them to talk more comfortably, wasn't he?
— All right, Matheus.
The alpha opened a happy smile and returned to drink his glass.
— I've always been curious to know what your bullshit is with that guy. — Commented the alpha, however he did not look directly at Guilherme, which made him comfortable and without feeling pressured.
— Ah... we studied together in high school and... I confessed to him.
Surprised, Matheus turned to beta.
— Do you like him?
— At school. We were friends and then I got interested in him. Nothing too much.
Matheus took his hand to the chin, thinking about something.
— Apparently he did not take your confession well, is it?
Releasing a low and slightly embarrassed laugh, the beta agreed.
— Yes. Soon after I declared myself, Nath returned to the country and studied at the same school as me. Then things started to get tense between me and Caspian.
It was not necessary to say more, Matheus had already understood what had happened. And on top of that, Guilherme had his cheeks a little pink with shame for admitting it.
Or they would be pink for talking about it with Matheus.
Or it was by the quentão drink.
— Now he must settle his ass for a while. — commented the alpha holding the glass already empty — I doubt very much that he will show his face after having caught.
— I hope so. He always appears when I'm alone, it seems a ghost chasing me.
— In that case you are no longer alone.
Guilherme blinked a few times, not understanding what those words could mean. Matheus noticed the confusion in his face, and let out a hoarse, low laugh.
— Did you enjoy the party at least?
— A little, why?
Matheus stood up from the bench and put his hands in his trouser pocket.
— Let's eat a hot-dog.
As he watched Matheus walk in front, Guilherme felt a tickle on his chest. The starry sky, a huge fire in the background and the alpha walking on its back...
Yes, it would be a vision he would never forget.
Getting up quickly, Guilherme gave a little run to follow the alpha. And as other times, the two talked about common matters and had fun with small things.
Well, Matheus seemed to like the naive reactions of Guilherme, and so he provoked him with jokes that he always fell. However, the alpha spoilt the beta by buying snacks and sweets, as well as touching his shoulder and pulling him close before anyone else bumped into him.
There were small details like those that made Guilherme react to Matheus.
When it was already late and the party began to give signs of its end, Guilherme was already more relaxed and comfortable next to Matheus. Perhaps the other cups of quentão had risen on his head, since the beta did not have the habit of drinking alcohol.
And so some words escaped from his small mouth.
— It would have been easier to fall in love with you than with Caspian.
Caught unguarded, Matheus turned to Guilherme.
— Is that a compliment?
— Hehe, you're cool, carismatic, popular and kind. And you've been helping my brother all this time, so doesn't that make you the best match?
Matheus opened a satisfied smile.
— Hmm... So I'm a good catch for you?
Guilherme leaned the glass against his mouth, trying to take out the last drop of quentão. Making a slight spit on the lips, he answered without much commitment.
— It's much better than the Caspian, at least.
Matheus leaned forward, staring into the bright eyes of Guilherme.
— Something tells me that I am better than any other possible party. Can admire me the will, I allow you.
Matheus was beautiful, that was a fact. Her tanned skin, dark and short hair certainly were attractive, but his muscular body and shameless face were the greatest charm. Although Matheus was, in fact, a playful and careful guy.
It would not be a lie to compare him with a rich character who came straight from a story.
— I admire you, captain — Guilherme smiled with a certain naivety. — Ops, I mean, Matheus.
The alpha let out a low laugh and stroked Guilherme's head.
When the alpha walked back in front, Guilherme could still feel the warmth of his hand on his head. Then, Matheus turned to look over his shoulder.
— Feel free to fall in love with me, then. I will receive your affection gladly.
Matheus had no idea that his words caused a great stir within Guilherme.
The beta's heart has accelerated.
His body warmed.
And Guilherme really fell in love.