Destiny

Liam hummed to himself as he chopped carrots for supper. Maya should be dropping Raph off soon and supper was almost ready. He heard the door open and shut and turned to put the carrots in a pot.

“Liam I’m home.” Raph called as he literally bounced into the kitchen.

*I’ve got to figure out how he does that. * Thought Liam with amusement.

“Good,” he replied, “Supper’s almost done. You can set the table.”

“Okay.” Raph began putting the cups and plates on the table.

They ate in silence, which was odd. Usually Raph was chattering away. Over the past month Liam had become quite fond of his little roommate. Raph was so bubbly and energetic; but today, although he was still energetic, he seemed nervous.

*I wonder what’s bothering him? *

It appeared he was about to find out when Raph finished eating, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and cleared his throat.

“Liam there’s something I wanna tell you.” Raph looked down at his hands, which were clasped in a death grip. He relaxed them. “Don’t take it the wrong way or anything. I don’t expect you to feel the same I just need to get it off my chest… I uhm…I…I think I’m in love with you.”

Liam was stunned to say the least. How do you react when someone says they love you? “I…I’m not sure…what to say,” Liam finally managed, “what can I say? Aside from the fact that I’m flattered but… it can’t work, I mean you… I… we… It just won’t work… it can’t work…”

Raph muttered from his lap, “why?”

“There are many reasons,” Liam replied, “like why do you love me? You've only known me for three weeks. Is it because I saved you? A…and I’m… you’re what, 8 years younger than me? People just wouldn’t accept that.”

Raph looked up from his lap, anger rising in his eyes. It scared Liam. He’d never seen Raph this angry before. Raph stood up so fast that his chair clattered to the floor. He took a deep breath. “Look, Liam, I already had this argument with Maya on the way here. Don’t treat me like a child. I’m not one no matter how young I am. And before you bring it up-and I know you will because Maya did. I’ve always known I was gay. I even had a boyfriend before I was taken. I know we only met each other properly a few weeks ago, but it feels as if I’ve known you forever. I couldn't imagine life without you and I'd gladly die for you.” Raph finished with a huff.

“I’m not going to question your preferences, because I have long since come to the conclusion that love has no gender.” Liam spoke softly. “However… did you ever consider that I don’t feel the same as you?”

A tear dripped down Raph’s cheek. The look on his face was almost enough for Liam to rush to his side to hug him and assure him everything was all right, but he held his ground because he knew that would only encourage him. A relationship between them would never work.

Raph’s face crumpled, “I...I said I didn’t expect you to love me back…but it still hurts.” He sniffed, trying to hold back tears as he ran from the room.

Liam sat still in shock and watched him go.

*Its not that I don’t love him. * Thought Liam. *It’s that I don’t love him the way he wants me to. *

Liam sighed and got up.

*He’s probably in his room. I should talk to him. I can’t leave it like this. *

As Liam opened Raph’s door he heard muffled sobs coming from the bed.

“Raph,” Liam gently called, “I never said I didn’t love you.” Raph’s head poked out from the pile of blue and white pillows and blankets on his bed.

He sniffed, “you didn’t? But then why…?”

Liam sat beside him on the bed and quickly interrupted him, “I don’t feel the same as you. I love you more like a little brother. Don’t feel bad. I don’t love you any less than you love me, just differently; with no sex involved.”

Raph’s face fell, “Is that what you think it is? Hormones?” tears sprang to his eyes again, he wiped them away stubbornly, “What can I do to show you how I feel?”

Liam felt like dirt. He knew he was making a mess of things; but he had never been in love before. His sex life had mostly consisted of him masturbating in front of his computer. Sex was only going to get him in trouble here, in more ways than one.

He cleared his throat feeling awkward, “I…I don’t know…look it doesn’t matter anyway your parents will be here in a few days and you’ll be leaving.”

Raph shot straight up in bed! “But I wont be safe! What about the barrier?”

“Well with that pendant on, Talison won’t be able to tell that you’ve left the city. You’ll be perfectly safe.” Liam replied calmly.

Raph’s placed a hand on his forehead. “I…I need to go for a walk. I’ll be back in an hour or so.” he muttered, then stood up and walked out the door. Liam let him go, he needed to think about a few things himself.

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Staring at the clock Liam wondered where Raph was. He’d been gone for over an hour. He looked away when the phone rang. He nearly screamed with relief when he heard Raph’s voice.

“Liam? It’s me. Raph. I’m at The Rose and Crown. Do you know where that is?”

Liam nodded then answered, “yes.”

“Good be there at 8:00.” Raph hung up before Liam could ask him why.

*I was so worried. I wonder what he wants? * Liam wondered. He glanced at the clock again.

*Jeez its 7:45 I’d better get going.*

He grabbed his keys and left the house.

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The Rose and Crown was one of those karaoke bars. When Liam walked in a balding middle-aged man who’d obviously had too much to drink was massacring a perfectly good song. At least it was clean and no one was fighting. Also, aside from the caterwauling going on onstage and the general background hum of voices it wasn’t loud either.

*Where’s Raph? I don’t see him anywhere. * Liam glanced at his watch. *7:58. It’s almost eight where is he?*

The drunken man finished his song and stumbled off the stage. Liam decided to take a seat and wait for Raph.

As he sat down a familiar voice made him look up.

“Hey everybody.” Raph called from the stage. He was wearing a red silk shirt that slipped off one shoulder and didn’t cover his stomach. Black leather pants, gloves, and boots completed the ensemble.

Liam pondered Raph's attire. *When did he get that outfit? *

“Tonight I’m going to sing a song to someone I care about very much. I hope they understand its message. Of all the songs out there, this one says how I feel the best.”

*Don’t tell me he’s going to sing*

With that Raph selected the song on the machine and began to sing “I Don't Want To Miss A Thing” by Areosmith. Liam felt rooted to his chair. Raph’s singing was okay, except his voice cracked a few times. Liam squirmed with embarrassment. He couldn’t believe this at all, but Raph had obviously gone through a lot of trouble to prove himself.


When the song ended Liam rose. He wasn’t sure how he was going to word this.

Raph stood on the stage panting. Everyone in the bar started clapping. The hyperactive blonde jumped off the stage and grabbed and hung off Liam’s neck.

Raph smiled at him and said. “What’d you think?”

Liam was at a loss for words. “Lets talk at the car.” He finally managed.

“Okay!” enthused Raph as he bounced off to the car.

Liam chuckled and followed.

As they reached the car Raph spoke up. “So…I’ll repeat my question what do you think?”

*How should I put this? * Liam thought as he leaned against the door.

“Uhm… I… err…” Liam sighed, “I’m touched, and I do love you Raph it’s just not how you want me to.” He smiled, “I’ve only known you for a short time but you’re quite loveable. The way you bounce everywhere and the way that you’re always smiling. And you’re incessant chatter has let me know a lot about you. I don’t know what I’m going to do when you leave and I love you more than anyone but
sex is a big issue.”

Raph frowned, “if you’re worried about it hurting or something. Then you’ve got nothing to worry about. Sex is supposed to be fun and I think I’d rather be uke anyway.” He smiled.

“I know sex isn’t…” Liam frowned, confused. “What’s an ‘uke’?”

“Sorry,” giggled Raph. “An ‘uke’ is Japanese for ‘bottom’. I forgot that most people don’t watch anime. I was obsessed before…” he trailed off.

Liam, blushing, shook his head.

* Shouldn’t have asked.*

“No. That’s not what I’m worried about.” He sighed, “It’s hard to explain, but a big part of my issues is the law.”

Raph looked disappointed, “Oh, well, it doesn’t matter. Sex isn’t everything.” He then looked up at Liam shyly. “But…could you…kiss me?” he was blushing furiously.

Liam had to think about that for a minute.

* It couldn’t hurt. It’s just a kiss…right?

He finally nodded and as Raph squealed and bounced around with joy. Liam felt elated as well, but also awkward and just a little apprehensive.

Raph leaned up and wrapped his arms around Liam’s waist. Liam gulped and bent to take Raph’s lips in his own. His lips were soft and warm beneath Liam’s.

As he began to pull away arms snaked around his neck to hold him there. Lips parted and tongues clashed. When they finally pulled apart Liam was panting.

“Lets go home.” He said once he had caught his breath.

“Okay.” Smiled Raph, “Let’s go”

As Liam got into the car he berated himself on giving in to Raph like that. It had affected him more than he thought it would. If he was going to get through this ordeal with his dignity at least partially intact; then he would have to be more careful.