Destiny

Liam was sorting through his report. The captain had wanted him to file one so that Raph’s parents could see what was going on and what the plan for the future was.

He sighed and paced as the printer printed the report. When it was done he added the receipts for the things he had bought for Raph. Then he grabbed his coat and keys and headed for the door.

On his way out Liam saw Raph sitting on the couch reading a book. He tossed Raph some money and a grocery list and told him to go shopping while he filed his report. Raph's parents would be here for supper and he wanted to make something special.

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Raph hummed to himself as he skipped down the sidewalk. His mom and dad would be here soon and he could introduce them to Liam. He turned into the driveway of the old house. It still looked pretty rundown on the outside. Weeds were growing everywhere and the grass looked like it hadn't been cut in almost a decade. The paint was peeling and the porch sagged in the middle as if it could fall down at any moment.

Raph absently pulled the keys from his pocket to open the door, when he was interrupted.

"Excuse me, young lady?" said a woman’s voice, "do you know a Liam Monroe? We were told that he lives here."

The hyperactive blond turned at the voice and his mouth fell open in shock.

"Mom...Dad?" his voice shook as he spoke.

Mrs. Johnson blinked and then clapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh. My. God RAPH!!!!" she flung her arms open and hugged him enthusiastically. Raph looked at his father’s joyful face over her shoulder and sighed in contentment.

Pulling back Raph wrinkled his nose. "Do I look that much like a girl?"

Raph's father chuckled, "I think it's the hair son."

Raph fingered his hair, "I like it long" he frowned, "but...."

"Oh it's not that bad sweetie. You're just young and I didn't expect you to have long hair." his mother soothed, "Now that I can see your face I recognize you. It's just with your head turned and those clothes on I just assumed...."

"What's wrong with my clothes?" said Raph looking down at his large Green hoodie under which he was wearing a black tank top. He was also wearing black skinny jeans and brown cowboy boots that he’d found while cleaning.
"Well...” his mother began.

She was interrupted by the sound of a car. They turned as Liam's black Mercedes pulled into the driveway. Liam got out of the car and walked up the path to the house. He was wearing a dark blue T-shirt and jeans.

"Hello." he said as he shook their hands, "Mr. and Mrs. Johnson I presume? I'm Liam Monroe. Welcome to my house. Don't let the outside fool you. I just haven’t gotten around to yard work yet. Please won't you come in?"

Raph stared at Liam. He had never heard Liam speak like that before.

*He's talking...and he sounds...happy? *

They entered the house and Liam took the groceries from Raph, telling him to show his parents around.

"Not the baby's room," he whispered in Raph's ear as he passed him on the way to the kitchen. Out loud he said, "I'll start supper while you do that."

So Raph showed his parents the house. He started in the basement. His father was impressed with the pool table, while the washer/dryer unit awed his mother. On the ground floor his mother fell in love with the living room and his father just had to turn on the xbox in the den. They both liked the kitchen and after a short chat with Liam on the progress of supper (Spare ribs with baked beans and rice) they moved upstairs.

Raph opened the door to his room. He was really proud of it. With slate-blue walls and a gray ceiling and carpet it was very calming. The red pieces of furniture gave it some fun though.

Raph's parents were in awe; his mother actually had tears in her eyes that someone would do this for her son. After a brief glance onto the patio and telling his parents that the door to the baby's room was a closet Raph opened Liam's door.

His parent’s gasped and Raph couldn't blame them. Liam's room looked so cool. The walls were dark blue and the ceiling was silver. To the right of the door was Liam's black rail canopy bed. The canopy itself and the blankets were silver with both silver and dark blue pillows. On the right hand wall was a window seat with dark blue curtains and dark blue and silver cushions. To the left was a black TV cabinet between the doors to the bathroom and the walk-in closet. The bathroom itself was awesome. It had a Jacuzzi as well as a sink and toilet.

After the tour they went back downstairs to eat.

"So Liam," began Raph's father as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "How much longer before the threat to Raph is over and we can take him home?"

Liam stood up and began collecting the empty plates, "Honestly.... I don't know. We could have word tomorrow that the criminals have been caught or they could never catch them."

"So we might never get our Raphael back!" Mrs. Johnson held back a sob.

"Mom!" cried Raph, "I'm perfectly all right here with Liam. He's even signed me up for school in the fall."

"I know sweetie but I hate to impose," his mother smiled sadly, "and besides we live over in Canada now. It was less expensive for your father to get healthcare. So I’m sure you’ll be safe with us. If you stay here I don't know how we'll be able to see you often."

Raph stood up and slammed his plate down on the table. Liam was quickly beginning to realize that, as happy and bouncy as Raph was, he had quite a temper. "I haven't seen you guys in three years and I missed you but I'm not a child and I don't need, or want to see you all the time. I'm my own person now god damnit!" Raph sniffed as tears ran down his face," Why? Why does everyone think I'm a child? Why do they think they can make all my decisions for me." Raph turned and stormed upstairs.

Liam sighed and stood up. "I'm sorry, I'll go talk to him. Why don’t you put your dishes by the sink and start a movie in the den. We have a big selection."

After leaving Raph's parents to select a movie in the den, Liam quietly knocked on Raph's door and opened it. Raph was lying on his bed crying and Liam was reminded of the last time he was like this. Ignoring the guilty twinge he settled himself on the bed beside Raph.

"You shouldn't have blown up like that. You hurt their feelings,” he finally said.

Raph sat up and dried his tears, "I know but I don't want them to take me away. I don't want to go. I want to be with you."

"But they're your parents Raph. "Liam pulled Raph into his arms, " No matter how old you are you should see them and talk with them. You don't just stop loving people because you don't need them anymore."

Snuggling into Liam's chest Raph sighed, "I know it's just...I love you Liam, more than anything! Even them...and I don't want to lose you."

Raph reached up and pulled Liam down for a kiss. It was warm and gentle and Liam found himself once again lost in the sensations that were affecting him. Raph's hands were in his hair, his own arms still wrapped around Raph's waist. Then Raph pulled him down on the bed and he broke off the kiss to stare down at the beautiful blond boy. Raph smiled at him and then...something hit him.

Something screaming and furious that made him back away from the bed. Something that he soon realized was Raph's mother. As she pushed him out of the room he could hear Raph protesting at the top of his voice and her words registered on his stunned brain.

"How dare you touch my baby like that, you pervert. No wonder he spoke to me like that! You corrupted him. I'll have you put in prison for life you child molester."

Backing away from her onslaught he found himself tripping over the edge of the stairs. The last thing he thought before he lost consciousness was *Oh Shit! *