Destiny

“Now focus your energy into your hands. They're supposed to glow, so don't be alarmed if they do.” instructed Maya as she and Raph sat in the garden behind the magic shop. It was a very small garden but there were a few trees and an assortment of ferns, hydrangeas, irises, and lilies.

Raph concentrated and smiled triumphantly when his hands began glowing a faint blue. “I did it!” he exclaimed.

Maya smiled, “good, I think yer ready to learn how to scan someone.”

“Scan someone?” wondered Raph.

“Yes. It’s not hard,” replied Maya, “here, now that ye have energy in the hands hold them over me and concentrate on me.”

Raph did as she asked and held his hands over Maya, clearing his thoughts to fill his mind with everything that was her. He began to receive bits of information; thoughts that he only knew were not his because he could not possibly know that her blood pressure was 120/80 or that her body temperature was 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. She felt distinctly healthy to him and he smiled and opened his eyes. “Wow!” he exclaimed. “That was…”

Maya laughed as she stood up from the bench they had been sitting on, “Cool ain’t it? Well, that’s enough for today lad. Ye best be getting home. Ye’ve dinner with Liam’s folks tonight no?”

Raph nodded, “Yeah I’m kinda nervous. Liam hasn’t told me much about them…actually Liam doesn’t tell me much about anything. He doesn’t talk much, does he Maya?”

Maya glanced at him, sighed and sat back down on the bench, “No that he don’t. Don’t take it personally lad, he’s never been much of a talker.”

“How long have you known him anyway?” queried Raph, “Liam said he knows you through his job but you make it sound as if you’ve known him longer.”

“Oh I’ve known him a while,” Maya smiled, “I met him the week after my father finally settled on America as our place of residence. I was 14 and he was 12. We went to the same junior high. He was the only person who would sit with me at lunch. He just walked up to the table I was sitting at and sat down. He didn’a say a word to me, just sat down. We went on like that for at least a week before I asked him why he sat there. He just shrugged and said ‘no one else was’. Even though he tried to brush it off and make excuses for why he chose to sit with me when no one else would, I could see that he was a very kind person. Aside from those times at lunch, we never really talked. He was so focused on becoming a policeman. I on the other hand helped my father run this place; and when he decided to return to Ireland I decided to buy it from him. I’m the one who turned it into a magic shop though. My father would have a fit if he knew that’s what I was using it for.”

Raph smiled, “That sounds like something Liam would do. He doesn’t say much but when someone is down or in trouble he’s there for them.”

“Aye,” agreed Maya, “and he’s certainly here for ye now ain’t he?” she added looking up.

Raph looked up to see Liam standing in the doorway. “Come on then.” He said before turning and walking inside.

“Coming Liam, wait up.” Called Raph as he ran to catch up, “See ya later Maya! Thanks for the lessons!” He called waving back to her.

Maya smiled and waved back, “Bye lad, have fun.”
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Liam’s family was a lot different than Raph thought. His father had died a few years ago taking a bullet for a politician, and his mother and sister were very outgoing and friendly although his sister was very tough looking and slightly intimidating. They were just so different from Liam that it was hard to tell they were related.

“So you’re Raphael. Liam hasn’t told us a thing about you.” Said Liam’s mother as she answered the door.

Raph smiled, “Sounds like him. He’s gonna be my bodyguard for a while.”

Liam sighed as his sister hugged him enthusiastically.

“Bodyguard?” Liam’s mother sounded worried. “Why would you need a bodyguard? You seem so young.”

“Well…” began Raph.

“He was kidnapped,” interrupted Liam, “the kidnappers were members of some cult. They believe Raph to have some mystic powers of some sort, so they may try to find him. I’m here to prevent that.”

“Well at least you’re talking Liam,” smiled Mrs. Monroe, “you’re so quiet sometimes.”

Soon they were all seated around the table and Raph was surprised to note that Liam was actually talking. He seemed at ease here and Raph felt a pang of regret that Liam didn’t trust him enough to talk with him.

About halfway through the desert Liam got a funny look on his face and ran from the room. Raph followed him to the bathroom where he begain heaving.

“Liam,” gasped Raph. Liam looked up from the toilet and then resumed throwing up.

“Are you okay? what’s wrong?” asked a concerned Raph.

“Yeah.” said a voice from the doorway, “Liam! I thought I told you to get your butt down to the clinic.”

Liam and Raph looked up to see the rest of Liam’s family standing in the doorway.

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On the way home Liam was quieter than usual if that was even possible. “You didn’t have to do that.” He finally said.

Raph looked up, tears streaking his cheeks. “I’m sorry Liam. I just wanted them to believe you; I didn’t think…” he trailed off.

Liam had told his mother and sister the truth. They hadn’t believed him. Then Raph had jumped up and grabbed a razor from the medicine cabinet. He had shouted, “Watch, it's true! I AM a healer I DID get Liam pregnant!!” then he had slit his wrist. It was obvious that it had hurt a lot but Raph had held his other hand over his wrist. As his hand began to glow the wound on his wrist had slowly closed up.

Liam glanced over at Raph, noting his tear streaked face, and sighed. “Well they believed you alright.” And they had. Then, his dumbstruck mother had quietly asked them to leave. Liam was certain that after his mother had a chance to think about it she would be happy; but they had scared her and she had reacted without thinking.

Liam leaned over and wiped the tears off Raph’s cheeks, “It's alright we just scared them. Once they have time to think about it my mother will be over in no time to start talking about baby things. You’ll see.”

Raph sniffed and looked up at Liam, “You’re sure?” he asked suspiciously.

Liam smiled and nodded.

“Good,” said Raph he sat up straighter, “I cant wait.”

Liam sighed relieved that Raph wasn't upset, "Maya has sure taught you a lot..." he mused.

Raph blushed, "Well...I knew how to do that already. It kinda started when I was little. Back then I healed myself when ever I got a scrape or a cut."

"Oh," Liam concentrated on driving and silence came again.

When they got home Raph pulled out Liam’s diary. He was certain that it was Liam’s now -he had named himself a few times. Liam had a very boring life. Raph wasn’t sure how he could stand it. Because of his grandmother’s influence, Liam had been obsessed with learning things. Because of his father he wanted to be a policeman. So mostly Liam’s life had consisted of reading, doing homework, visiting grandma, and training so he could pass the entrance tests at the police acadamy. As far as Raph could tell he hadn’t had any real friends except Maya. And he’d never even had a girlfriend; He’d had quite a few thoughts about men, however. Though he’d never acted upon those thoughts. Raph was on the last entry, it was right after Liam’s father died.

March 12th, 2008
Since my father died I’ve decided to move out. Mom’s got enough on her plate with my sister. I’ve found a nice apartment on the other side of town. It’s a bit far from work but it’s really nice and not very expensive. This journal has been a good friend to me over the years and I feel strangely sad to write on this last page. Maybe I’ll give you to grandmother. She was hit very hard by dad’s death maybe you’ll cheer her up. Well the moving van is here for my boxes and bedroom furniture. good-bye journal.

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True to Liam’s word the next day Liam’s mother and sister were at the door with some cookies and smiles.

“I’m sorry Liam,” apologized his mother, “you caught me off guard last night. Let us make it up to you. Have you done anything about a nursery yet?”

The next few days were a blur of activity as they sorted out stuff for the nursery Over the past month they had been there, the house had gradually been refurnished with things from Liam’s apartment, some new paint, and where necessary, new furniture. Liam’s room was no longer shades of pink but dark blue, silver, and black. The living room was no longer a flowery nightmare but was still green and covered with plants. The sewing room had become a den and actually had a TV as well as a computer, DVD player and gaming consoles. The kitchen was de-frilled and left alone mostly. The downstairs was cleared and a pool table installed. Liam had actually owned one, much to Raph's delight.

Raph’s room was moved over to the one with the balcony because Liam wanted the babies’ room to be closest to his. So they painted it blue and grey with some red pieces of furniture.

The babies’ room itself was furnished with two cribs one on either side of the door. At the foot of each of the cribs there was a chest. A change table was between the cribs on the far wall. On one side of the change table was a bucket of stuffed animals on the other was a garbage can. The room was white with teddy bear stickers on the walls because Liam didn't believe in the baby blue and pink.... besides he didn't want to know the genders till they were born.

*I wonder which kid will get the animals and which will get the garbage. *

Raph thought idly as he placed the last animal into the bucket. He looked up as Liam entered the room. He was struck by how right it felt, to be standing here, in this room, with Liam.

Liam spoke, “The police have contacted your parents. They should be here in a few days. That’s the soonest they could get a flight.”

Raph gasped, “Really? Both of them?”

*He couldn’t be…*

Liam arched an eyebrow, “Yes. Some reason they shouldn’t?”

Raph shook his head, “No, its just… my dad was diagnosed with cancer before I was taken. I thought that…he…” Raph’s hands flew to his face as tears poured out of his eyes. Then Liam’s arms were around him, comforting him. He clung to Liam’s shirt and sobbed with relief.

After a while Raph felt Liam’s hand in his hair and he pulled away. He smiled at Liam.

“You should get it cut.”

Raph blinked, “Huh?”

“Your hair.” Clarified Liam, “The edges are really ragged. Even if you don’t want it short it needs a trim.”

Raph ran his fingers through his long golden locks. He had never thought about his hair before. His parents had kept it cut short, but while he was in captivity it had grown really long, almost past his waist.

“You’re right,” he finally replied, “It does need a trim; and I think I might like some bangs to keep it out of my face.” He played with the ends of his hair for a few more minutes before dropping them and turning to leave.

“Don’t I have to go to Maya’s now?” he queried as he stopped by the door.

Liam followed him to the door, “Yes. Why don’t I kill two birds with one stone and ask if we can be late. We can stop and get your hair cut on the way there.”

“Okay!” Raph ran downstairs to get Liam’s keys. He would wait in the car.

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“Okay, yesterday I lectured you about using your powers without consulting me. You could have hurt yourself.” Began Maya, “today I will show you how to heal properly.”

Raph sighed and played with his hair. He wished now that he hadn’t cut his bangs; then he could hide behind the long strands. , “But I did heal myself Maya why do you have to show me? I know I wasn’t supposed to do it and I could have gotten hurt but I did it right so why do we have to…oww.” Raph rubbed his head.

*Man, why’d she have to hit me? *

Maya grabbed his hand and held his wrist up exposing the thin white scar that graced it. “Ye call this doing it right lad?”

Raph blushed and pulled his hand away. “Okay, okay, you win. How do I do it right?”

Maya smiled, “Well, you had the basics right but if you concentrate on the tendons and blood vessels rather than the skin it wouldn’t leave a scar.” Maya turned behind her and grabbed her bag. “Now come on there’s an animal hospital nearby. I want you to have some practice. Don’t worry I know the vet; it’ll be fine.”


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Later as Maya drove Raph home he chattered on about how he, Liam and Liam's family had redecorated his room and the nursery. His chatter was strangely comforting but as Maya listened she could feel something about what he was saying.

“You like him a lot don’t ye lad?” she finally said.

Raph’s chatter ceased and he got a thoughtful look on his face.

Maya’s eyes softened, “it’s alright to admit it lad. Ye can’t hide it anyway, I can feel yer emotions.” Raph’s face didn’t change from its thoughtful expression so she continued, “besides yer not the first one to have a case of hero worship. Liam is quite the stuff of comic books ain’t he?”

Raph’s expression changed as he gained comprehension. “ I don’t know how I feel about Liam but it isn’t hero worship. I…” he hesitated, “ I…I think I’m falling in love with him.”

*There I said it. * Raph gulped. *Now what?*

Maya’s eyes widened. “Well, now. Are ye? And how do ye know that lad? Are ye sure ye want to be judged?” She cocked her head, “and ye seem a bit young to know whether or not ye’re even gay. Why don’t ye find yourself a girl, see if that works out before…”

Raph who had been steadily getting more irritated by Maya’s words finally interrupted her. “Why do you think you know what I want? How dare you treat me like a child! I spent the last three years with a demon inside me. I’ve seen more horrors than you can even imagine.” Raph took a deep breath and continued in a calmer tone. “I know I’m gay. I’ve always been it seems. Before I was kidnapped I had a boyfriend,” Raph blushed, “his name was Joey. We grew up together and I’d always had a crush on him. Then a few months before I was taken I finally worked up the courage to kiss him.” He bowed his head ashamed that he had lost his temper with Maya. “So…don’t say things like that.” He finished.

Maya was stunned. “Oh.” was all she could think to say. Then gathering her thoughts she spoke. “I’m sorry lad. I shouldn’t have assumed. Can ye forgive me?”

Raph smiled, “Of course.”

*I’m glad though. She helped me figure out how I’ve been feeling. I’ve only been living with him for a few weeks but I know I love him. Maybe it’s because Talison encountered him and I learned about him even though I’d never met him as me. Maybe its because I know what Talison did to him. Despite what’s happened to him he can still smile and look forward to life. I wish I could be that strong. Should I tell him? I want to try. Yes. I’ll tell him when I get home, maybe over supper? *