Fractured Fates & Silent Vows
Rating: T/M for some themes
Summary:
In another timeline, Liam makes a triumphant return to his hometown for a fresh start. His time at Hollywood Arts is a whirlwind of success and new friendships. Despite keeping a few secrets, he's on top of the world. But just when he thought everything was going smoothly, an old friend reemerges, hellbent on reigniting the past.
Author's Notes:
Chapter 1: Girl Next Door
I never thought that it would come to this... I gave up! I lost you and to that thing no less. I should've stopped you from leaving or at least left with you. It's unfair that you just decided to run off as you did. It's frustrating, but I'm not mad at you. I'm angry with myself. I'm ashamed to call myself your friend, yet it's the only thing that brings me solace nowadays. Waking up knowing that you're not around, makes me sick to my stomach, and still, it hurts, even more, knowing that I cannot fully express how that makes me feel. I know your heart is with her but, I want to say that she doesn't deserve to hold it. I wish I could tell you these things to your face, but, that'll have to wait until I see you again...
If I ever see you again...
I'll try to make it right.
No, I'm going to make things right!
I promise...
"If you cared about me, you'd support me no matter what!"
The words spoken were deeply affecting, a poignant reminder of a past that still haunted the heart. The speaker had been through a great deal of pain and their words expressed their grief in the mind of the listener.
It's easy to forget the power of words and how they can affect the ones on the receiving end. The heart ached with empathy, as it could feel the weight of the speaker's emotions. The owner of these emotions wished they could do something to ease the speaker's pain, to offer a comforting embrace or a listening ear.
They knew that sometimes it takes a little kindness to help someone through their darkest moments; Such a sentiment was long gone, however.
"Attention all passengers, we will be departing for Los Angeles shortly so we ask that you take this time to fasten your seatbelts and turn off all cellular devices until we have reached our intended altitude. Thank you for choosing LAX and enjoy the remainder of your flight."
As the young African-American boy settled into his seat, he blinked several times as if waking up from a dream. He ran his fingers through his brown locs and sighed deeply. He wasn't mentally prepared for the flight to L.A., but he had no other choice. He knew he couldn't show any weakness, but his stomach was churning with anxiety. As the plane finally took off, he felt a lone tear escape his eye, and the reality of his situation set in.
Shimmering orbs stared at his left arm, carefully studying the bandages and beaded cords wrapped around the limb with a steely smirk. While he flexed his fingers, he let out the tiniest of winces before leaning back in his seat. The pulsing agony paled in comparison to the ire he felt in his stomach as he tried to focus on anything else besides the swathed limb.
This only proved to strengthen the young man's frustrations as he began to think back to those words, full of suffering and desperation. Coupled with the location he was headed, the boy was left with a growing sense of dread and woe.
Why did it have to be here...?
Returning to L.A. was the last thing he wanted to do, but he didn't have a choice. It was by the will of his mother, arguably something she'd planned for years. He tried to fight back; There was no shortage of fire in his spirit when he received the news, yet it all fell on deaf ears of the matriarch. The anticipation he once felt had turned into bitter disappointment and uncertainty.
Los Angeles, a city of contrasts, where stunning views collide with bustling streets. But beneath the facade of beauty lies a dark and treacherous underbelly, ready to turn an ordinary life into a nightmare. Nevertheless, the city teems with potential, offering opportunities that can ignite a spark of hope in anyone's eyes. Yet, even in the tranquility of night, the looming dangers of the city refuse to be silenced, casting a shadow over every dream.
We know she's there! What if she finds me?! This was a mistake...
"Attention passengers, we have now arrived at our destination. Please return your seats to the upright position and thank you for flying Lakefront Airline. Lastly, make sure to gather all your belongings before departing the aircraft as well."
The boy woke up with a yawn that did him some good all things considered. Stretching, he groggily gathered his things and headed through the terminal.
The moment he entered the airport, his eyes darted around, eager and thrilled to discover what awaited him. The lively atmosphere and the sea of people took him by surprise, yet he couldn't help but be amazed by the vibrant energy that enveloped the terminal. Despite the chaotic scene, he maintained his cool and composure, soaking in the exciting spectacle unfolding all around him.
"Home sweet home..." he quipped sarcastically.
"It's a toilet..." A thick but enthusiastic accent drew the boy's attention. "...but you could do a lot worse!"
His gaze met with that of another like himself standing before him with the biggest smile. While the similarities were obvious, it was the contrasting features that surprised the other.
"Darius?!"
"Good to see you again, Liam!"
The two friends charged towards each other, feigning a heartfelt embrace. But instead of hugging, they each threw a powerful right hook, knocking each other to the ground. Onlookers gave them puzzled looks, and some even contemplated calling the authorities. Fortunately, the boys simply laughed it off and got back on their feet as if it was all just a big joke.
It had been years since they had last seen each other, but it felt like nothing had changed. In comparison to Liam, Darius was still a wise and seasoned warrior who always stood up for what was right. He served as a great friend and mentor to Liam during their time in Louisiana. Despite their time apart, Liam and Darius shared a close bond, evident in the way they interacted with each other.
"Boy, are you a sight for sore eyes, Brahda!" the Caribean elder ruffled Liam's locs, earning a playful shove. The two laughed as they headed toward baggage claim.
"I know! It's been years since you were in New Orleans! How have you been?" Liam elbowed him in the ribs with equal vigor.
Despite the situation, Darius couldn't shake the feeling of anxious anticipation that seemed to permeate the air. He had always been perceptive to such emotions, and despite his concern, he greeted his new charge with a warm smile, cautiously eyeing the wrapped arm while concealing his unease.
"If you're worried about being back, trust me, Liam, I got your back," he placed a hand on the teen's shoulders. "I know I have college and my duties, but I can assure you that you're not here for some mission or 'higher calling'. I asked your mom to send you here so that you could have a fresh start by living a normal life... But, that doesn't mean that we aren't going to have to get a little work done."
Liam briefly paused, and the atmosphere felt slightly tense.
"What do you mean?" he tilted his head, a brow rising. "Are we about to... You know...?"
The older male shook his head with a sly grin.
"Nothing like that, kid. We just have to get my little brother registered for school."
[Hollywood Arts]
Principal Helen was in a foul disposition, to say the least. It was nearly three o'clock and she hadn't found anybody worth accepting into the recruits program. Even now as she viewed the latest in what had been a long line of talent rejects, she was busy wondering how much longer would it be before attempting to bash her head in with her clipboard.
"I'll catch a grenade for yoo-hoo!" the young girl squawked as she finally finished her rendition of Grenade by Bruno Mars.
There were a few questionable claps from Helen, Lane, and even Sikowitz but, anybody with half a brain could tell that this was merely out of pity. "Thank you, uh..."
"Katie." the girl finished for her.
"Right, Katie... We'll call you if you are accepted."
The girl looked a bit dejected but in an instant, she was back to her perky mood and skipped off through the doors of the Blackbox theatre paying no mind to the sigh of relief from the faculty members.
"That... was... DREADFUL!" Sikowitz blurted before taking another sip from what was his 20th coconut of the day; he'd hoped that drinking enough would give him visions again while enduring this torturous occasion.
"Now, we have to give these kids a chance." Lane protested. "Even if they are... terrible..."
"Listen, I agree with... coconut man over here and I for one am not sticking around to see another untalented loser tonight." Helen declared as they all prepared to leave. "Shapiro, you shut down we're getting ready to..."
At that moment, the door behind them opened revealing two young men.
"Oh! Darius!" Helen giggled while straightening her hair. "What brings you here, sweetie?"
"Hi, Mrs. Helen, Sikowitz, Lane. I was wondering if the auditions were still open for the day?"
Helen's smile softened into a sad shadow of what was a slight frown. "Sorry sugar, but we were just about to..."
"Please? My brother, Liam, just came here from New Orleans to audition for your school. Please? For me?" Jacob put on his best puppy dog pout.
Helen, normally known for sticking to her guns, just couldn't resist. "Oh, why not? One more tryout couldn't hurt. Come on, um... Liam was it?" he nodded.
"Yes, ma'am." he nodded immediately, not wanting to arouse her wrath.
Liam walked onto the small stage and sat behind the piano, cracking his knuckles. He started to play a tune that was unfamiliar to everyone in the council chamber. It had been a while since he had played the piano, but he was determined to do his best. Each key he hit flowed seamlessly, masking his nervousness about the sudden task.
Unbeknownst to him, Helen and the others were merely captivated by his voice and the feeling behind each word. It was as if he was telling his life story. Darius could only nod in approval as he watched his sibling sing his heart out. He continued to play the piano; filling in the gap between verses, unaware of the others that occupied the theater.
Taking a deep breath, he continued without hesitation.
The desperation and pain evident in Liam's voice proved to the judges that he was more than just a worthy candidate. He was a triple threat. Liam's audition was a song that he performed flawlessly and with passion, and his spirits appeared to lift as he finished the arrangement. The theater erupted in applause as he stood up.
"Bravo!" Lane yelled out, surprisingly enthused after the performance he'd just witnessed. "Marvelous work, Liam!"
Helen was busy wiping a tear from her eyes while Sikowitz continued clapping with equal energy.
Liam's face, despite being of chocolate complexion, had now flashed a bright red from embarrassment but he beamed at the praise nonetheless.
"Does that mean I can expect a callback?"
"Oh no, sweetie. You're in! You are exactly what Hollywood Arts is looking for!" she gleefully announced then without warning captured him in a bear hug that nearly took the breath right out of him. It took a moment, but the others managed to pry her seemingly iron grip from the boy who was caught in a mixture of happiness and breathlessness. "Just report for your official registration papers a week before school starts and you'll be set up with a scholarship. Congratulations!"
Liam was at a loss for words, but he nodded to show that he understood. He felt a huge burden lifted from his shoulders and his stomach finally settled since arriving in the city. Despite his initial fears, for the first time since leaving, his mind was entirely focused on the present moment, forgetting completely about the only problem that had troubled him before.
The sun was setting, casting a beautiful orange glow over the city, which was still buzzing with activity. As they pulled up to their neighborhood, they couldn't help but notice the elegant houses that lined the streets. Their home was no exception, with its beautifully crafted exterior and well-manicured lawn. After the stress of his impromptu audition, he was eager to get some rest.
However, their plans for leisure swiftly shifted to unease as they noticed a police car parked in the driveway next to theirs. What had happened? He couldn't help but wonder.
"Speak of the devil," Darius muttered under his breath.
"What's wrong?"
"Don't worry about it, Liam. Just head on inside... I'll be there soon" he huffed, finally showcasing the other side of himself as he exited the vehicle. On cue, a police officer stepped out of his automobile, frowning deeply at the two. As he approached, Darius carefully handed the house key to his younger brother. "Head inside, Liam. Your room is upstairs, second door on the left."
Despite his initial urge to protest, Liam complied with the instructions, gathered his belongings, and entered the premises. However, he continued to perform the task sluggishly, occasionally pretending to check a bag to confirm he had everything. Despite his efforts, he received no more than a few scattered words here and there.
The atmosphere was tense between Darius and the officer. Both of them were hesitant to make a move, creating a standoff between them. The situation reminded Liam of an old western showdown between a sheriff and an outlaw. As much as he found the idea entertaining, the reality was far less delightful. Eventually, the cop broke the staredown, ending the tense situation.
"Darius..."
"Mr. Vega..."
"Looks like moving day," he spoke such aimless words with barely any emotion, cleverly concealing his motivations. "Could my prayers have finally been answered?"
"Haha..." Darius rolled his eyes. "...and here I thought humor wasn't a part of your programming."
"I hope this one doesn't end up like the other... projects."
"I assure you, my brother is here for a fresh start and nothing more."
David Vega was annoyed when the young man addressed him by his first name. Although they were both in law enforcement, David was older and more experienced than the young man and felt disrespected by his casual attitude. He tried to ignore the young man's smug grin, but couldn't hide his irritation when his left eye twitched. David knew he had to swallow his pride and exercise wisdom in the face of such disrespect.
"I would hope so. Your reputation for leadership has been called into question unless you'd like a reminder of the last few 'fresh starts' you brought into the city. I can pull up the police report; So many young lives... Each one fell to waste by your piss-poor efforts and teaching. How does it feel knowing that every attempt you make only results in ruined lives and a larger juvenile hall populace?"
"About the same as how you manage to sleep at night knowing that each one you took in still accomplished more in their brief time than your entire force could do in a year..."
Liam swiftly made his way back to the car for the third time, his heart racing as he felt the air around him thicken with tension. The unease in the atmosphere was palpable as if an invisible force was challenging the day's warmth, sapping the energy out of anyone within its grasp. Despite knowing better than to interfere, Liam couldn't tear his eyes away as the staredown continued, the silence broken only by the creaking of a nearby door.
As his attention shifted, the first thing that caught his eye was a dark curtain of luscious, mahogany hair that cascaded over her olive-toned, heart-shaped face. She possessed a slender, graceful build with gentle curves that only served to enhance her natural beauty. The concerned expression etched on her features was nothing short of captivating, stirring a flutter of affection in his chest. race with affection.
"Dad!" he heard her call out as she rushed over to his side. This allowed a disgruntled Darius to walk toward the house while the man focused on his daughter. "Mom said you forgot your lunch again! She said you'd know what that means?"
Liam didn't wait for the man's response. He positioned himself carefully to look like he was leaving the house. Darius passed by without a word, either because he didn't notice or didn't care. Liam then casually gathered more of his bags from the car. To his surprise, the officer was nowhere in sight, yet the girl remained outside...
...staring at him...
As he watched her sweet smile, the pounding in his chest traveled upward and lodged firmly in his throat. Despite her undeniable cuteness, all he could do was return an awkward smile. But to his surprise, she didn't seem turned off by his graceless response and walked up to him.
"Hi..."
"Hi..."
"You're new here?"
"Isn't it obvious?" he nervously laughed, lifting a suitcase to emphasize the joke. However, this ended up making the girl frown, making his worries increase with each microsecond. "Sorry! I didn't mean to be rude!" he quickly pleaded. "I was just fooling around... A joke... A terrible joke... But I..."
"It's alright. I'm not offended," she giggled at his panicky flailing. "I was just confused at something my father said earlier."
"Oh, thank God!" he let out the air he'd been holding in. "That's what I get for trying to play things cool, huh?"
"It was a little cringy..."
"Maybe I could get a redo?" he rubbed the back of his neck before extending a hand. "I'm Liam. It's nice to meet you..."
"Victoria, but my friends call me Tori. It's good to meet you too, Liam."
"Does that make me your friend then? If so, I'm honored" he chuckled, making her blush.
"Maybe... If that's what you want."
As the two individuals shook hands, neither of them was willing to admit the fact that they felt a sudden burst of energy. However, it was clear from the friendly smiles they exchanged that something had clicked between them. There was even a moment of mild flirting, which made them feel like everything was just right. Little did they know that they had been standing there, shaking hands, lost in the moment until the door opened. It was Darius calling for one of them to come inside. Thankfully, they managed to release their hands just in time before he noticed anything.
"I'll be right there!" he put on a grin that made the older male frown at the forced countenance. Nevertheless, they both knew that such a gamble wouldn't pay off twice. Liam decided to end the engagement with a sigh. This was the second dose of peace he'd felt since arriving, but knowing that they were neighbors more than made up for it. "I guess I should go. I um... I hope to see you around, Tori.
"I can say the same, Liam. Have a good night!"
Liam waited until she entered the house before doing the same. He'd find himself greeted by the crossed arms of Darius. His face told him that he was caught in the act, yet there was a sense of sport dancing behind his eyes.
"Wanna tell me what that was all about?"
"It was nothing!" Liam held his hands up defensively. "I was just getting to know my neighbor. My cute neighbor..."
Though he said the last part under his breath, it only fueled the older male's unease. Unlike Liam, he knew the dangers of getting involved with the Vega family, hence his strained relationship with the patriarch of the family. The naivety of his ward was precious, making what he was about to tell him one of the hardest things he ever had to do.
"Look, Liam... I need you to be careful around that girl."
"What's wrong with her?"
"She's not the problem!" he pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's her dad who's the one to look out for! She's his daughter and we both know how protective dads can be with their daughters, especially the youngest. All I'm saying is that it would be wise if you maintain a healthy distance. I wouldn't forgive him or myself if anything happened to you due to a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding? All we did was shake hands and give each other our names!"
"To him, that's practically a declaration of war!"
"If I'm supposed to be afraid of some cop when I haven't done anything, you're wasting your time."
Darius was starting to feel like he was losing control of the situation - Liam was proving to be one of the most stubborn charges he had ever encountered. Despite all his training and efforts to break him out of this behavior, Liam's willpower seemed to be unbreakable. Part of Darius couldn't help but admire his tenacity, but the reality was that he needed to put his foot down and get Liam to see reason. It was a tough situation, but Darius was determined to see it through to the end.
"Listen, Liam," he sighed heavily, leading him into the living room. They sat on the couch, letting the pressure set in before Darius spoke again. "I'm not saying that you can't see her around the neighborhood, I just need you to lie low for a while. Of course, this means no getting involved in any activity that could get you thrown in the slammer, understood? That cop is going to be watching you during your trial..."
"Trial?"
"Mhmm... Every recruit has to undergo a probation period. That means no fights. When you're out there, try to avoid encounters with the boys in blue, alright? I need to know that I can trust you to practice patience and self-control. If you succeed, then we can talk about extracurriculars."
"And if I fail?"
"You'll be putting a huge target on your back," Darius frowned, his eyes narrowing with frustration. "...Most of those before you couldn't last a week without getting involved with conflicts and were taken away. That's why I had you audition for Hollywood Arts! Plus Madame Celeste said it's one of the best schools and it'll keep you occupied while you go through this. A lot is riding on this, even if it is a stupid trade-off."
Liam sat quietly, trying to process everything that had just been revealed to him. He realized that he had been naive to think that he could simply walk into the city and start his mission right away. His mother suggested that he return to Los Angeles, and it came as no surprise to learn that she had been keeping an eye on him since he left home. Despite this, Liam wouldn't make a scene. Darius jumped in surprise when Liam suddenly burst into laughter.
"So, you're telling me that I have to get used to being a normal teenager for a while to avoid suspicion from a cop who has suspicions?"
"Mhmm..."
"And many of the others couldn't survive this period so they're rotting away behind bars?"
"Yep."
"Fine..." Liam relented, still battling through a few stifled snickers. "This shouldn't be too hard. Honestly, being around Tori will be easier to handle than... Nevermind..."
Darius didn't miss the sudden blunder in the young man's acknowledgment.
"Something wrong, Liam?"
"No. It's nothing, Darius. I'm off to bed!"
Liam hurried to his room, leaving the older man to contemplate the situation. Was this a mistake? Could things have turned out differently? Fear gnawed at Darius as he pondered the future. David Vega wasn't just a cop; he was an obstacle and a potential threat. Darius had witnessed many of his proteges see their careers end abruptly due to their reckless behavior, leading them to go too far and be apprehended by the police captain for their actions.
He was a man of secrets himself, but that only made his neighbor more ominous. He respected the man's devotion to his career and family, even if that hidden aspect of him still haunted him.
Darius leaned back in his seat and rubbed his forehead in hopes of holding off a headache.
[Later that night]
"48... 49... 50!"
Liam Marshall's intense workout session filled the space with the sound of clinking metal as he completed his curling reps. Despite the sweat pouring down his body, he confidently put the dumbbells back on the rack and proceeded to the weight bench, where the barbell awaited him. He allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction but quickly refocused his mind to continue his challenging routine.
The cool breeze whistled around him as he sat in the backyard and caught his breath. He toiled to rest and needed something to alleviate the thoughts circulating through his mind. A new home. New school. A renewed purpose and...
"Excuse me?" he happened to catch the sweet voice through his earbuds. When he turned around, he found the best part of his day. Liam carefully sat up and got a good look at Tori. Seeing her dressed in a loose-fitting Hello Kitty t-shirt that hung off of her right shoulder, he was even cuter than hours before. "Was I disturbing you?"
"Not at all, Tori..." he turned away, chuckling at the appealing girl in the upstairs window. He was grateful that his locs hid his heated cheeks when she smiled. "How... How can I help you?"
"I couldn't sleep so I came out here to clear my mind. I... see you're working out."
"Great minds think alike, I guess..." Liam stole a glance at her, noticing her gazing at the moon above. His face grew warmer, forcing him to clear his throat for fear of making things worse for himself. "I'm glad to see you again so soon. I feel like we didn't have enough time to talk because of... earlier."
"Right... Sorry, my dad can be a bit... protective. He has this thing about living next door to your... brother. I'm sorry about that too."
"No need to apologize! You can't blame him for being a dad." Tori couldn't help but giggle as she shrugged off the rude gesture of the patriarch. She casually tucked a stray piece of her hair behind her ear, stealing glances while pretending to pay attention to the lunar symbol above. His hair reminded her of a musical friend she knew. "I can't blame you for how your dad feels about something. Besides, Darius isn't a saint himself. Sounds like they're more alike than they'd like to admit."
"No arguments here..."
The rest of the night was spent with the pair sharing a little about themselves before Tori felt the sandman's touch. With a yawn and stretch, she and Liam went their separate ways, bidding each other a 'goodnight' and heading inside their homes. For the Latina, she would drift into a peaceful slumber that lulled her into the dream world.
On the other hand, Liam took longer to go to sleep as he thought about his new neighbor. His mind was captivated by her but it was that imagery that prevented him from acquiring respite. From her smile to her serene energy, he couldn't shake off the tingling sensation that wrapped around him.
"Tori..."
The mere mention of her name brought a sense of tranquility that he had only experienced in a few casual conversations. Despite this positive feeling, there was still something keeping him from sleeping.
As he lay awake, his mind conjured up the image of those warm, brown eyes that always filled him with hope and motivation. But as soon as he closed his eyes, a dark and chaotic force took over, sending shivers down his spine. The same brown-haired figure was there, but now her wild and disorganized energy was palpable, radiating off her in waves of unsettling energy. Her once sweet smile transformed into a smirk that was both familiar and terrifying, leaving him feeling uneasy and unsure of what was to come.
The stability of terra began to give way to the frozen acrimony of hoar.
"Gaah!" he gasped, shooting up in his bed. "Fuck..."
The young man's skin was covered in a layer of sweat, and his chest rose and fell with each difficult breath. His wet hair stuck to his forehead and neck, like a scared child clinging to their mother in a nightmare. Despite his desperate need for comfort, there was only silence, except for the gentle chirping of birds outside his window. The first light of dawn seeped through a narrow gap in the curtains, casting a soft pink glow over the room.
Almost sunrise? How long was I out?!
Liam refused to succumb to sleep, so he promptly rose from bed and made his way to the bathroom. After a quick wash, he dressed and set out for a brisk jog. Unfamiliar with the neighborhood, he fearlessly circled the block multiple times. As the sun ascended, he valiantly confronted it, relishing in its warmth and the exhilaration of the run.
No amount of preparation could shield him entirely from doubt's inevitable intrusion, especially when he felt a familiar throbbing from his left arm.