Fractured Fates & Silent Vows

Rating: T/M for some themes

Summary:

In another timeline, Liam triumphantly returns 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:

Foreign languages spoken

*Liam- Yoruba

*Tori- Yucatan Maya

*Katalaya- Yoruba

Chapter 16: Under the Moon

"Attention passengers, this is your captain speaking. I want to notify you that we'll be making our descent in about 20 minutes. We ask that you remain seated until we've touched down and as always, thank you for riding Nova Airlines."

Following the announcement, a few people returned to their assigned seats, but a couple remained still in theirs. The plane had started to descend steadily back to Earth, as the pilot had predicted, but it didn't matter because they were unconscious. Tori and Liam had been sleeping as much as possible since leaving that awful country, so it wasn't surprising that they needed it.

Unfortunately, only Katalaya would supervise the teenagers back as Garou chose to remain at their initial destination to report to the home base. She was disappointed, but she understood that work was work. She was now seated next to the teenagers, engrossed in a magazine article about a popular celebrity and their travel mishaps as the plane descended. When the announcement was made, she sighed deeply before the sleeping youth.

Seeing them snuggled against each other made her heart melt, especially given the events of the previous hours. Her kin smacked his lips comfortably, a lopsided grin calmly stretching his features, and Tori's tranquil smile brought a brightness that made the soldier giggle. Waking them from their slumber was a shame, but she did what she had to.

"Egbon...? Tori?" she whispered, not wanting to jolt the poor boy awake. "Wake up. We're nearly there."

"Mmmm... Five more minutes," he grumbled.

Katalaya carefully avoided contact with his injured ribs while reaching over and lightly shaking him. This did the trick as his eyes slowly fluttered open, a long yawn following close behind.

"We're nearing the airport. You can sleep when we reach the hotel."

More grumbling resulted but Liam nodded. He shifted slightly in his chair before turning his attention to his right. Lying next to him was an unconscious Tori, her arm draped over him as if he were her teddy bear. To him, she reminded him of a lounging, adorable cat at that.

He spared one more glance at her, taking in the peaceful smile. He tapped her, making sure not to alarm her too much. Thankfully, fluttering lids revealed those wonderful brown eyes he had grown to admire.

"Hey," Liam greeted.

"Hey, yourself..." she grumbled, a lopsided grin adorning her lips. "Are we there yet?"

"Almost. Katalaya said we'll be at the airport in a few minutes. She'll be taking us to the hotel to recover."

Tori smirked. She then pulled her body upward, stretching her limbs.

"Good! I can't wait to take a nice long shower."

"That makes two of us..." Liam let out his own yawn. "While I'm feeling a little better, I won't say no to a comfy bed. Too bad we weren't able to go straight home though."

Tori rested her head on his shoulder.

"Compared to moldy food and death threats, I'll take what I can get. It's not every day we get to explore a new country without paying."

Hearing Tori's 'silver lining' left Liam feeling lighter. He couldn't help but smile at her. Despite the hell they both endured, she always managed to find a way to brighten things up. Despite this, he could sense that something was off with the girl. Behind those bright eyes laid a dark cloud that'd been well hidden to this point. He would be foolish to believe she made it out of Yerba unscathed.

His wounds were mostly physical, Tori's was far deeper.

"Hey..."

"Hey, you."

"Are... Are you okay?"

For the first time since their arrival, her eyes fell downcast. The light that gleamed before started to fade into a dismal shade. Guilt. Fear. Humiliation. He could see glimpses of these elements flashing brilliantly, contrasting the depressing feelings left in their wake. Those sensations soon morphed into a silent panic courtesy of her gripping his shirt. Without a second thought, he rubbed her back, ignoring the screams from his body.

"You don't have to hide it, Tori..." he whispered, tracing circles with his thumb. "I got you."

[Belize-Hotel Parking Lot]

"You have some nerve calling us, ẹlẹtan!" a voice blared through the phone, forcing Kataleya to flinch slightly. "After all these years, did you think I'd welcome you with open arms? You're lucky I picked up the phone at all!"

"...and I'm grateful. If you'd just permit me the chance to explain..."

"Explain what?! How immature you were for leaving our family?"

"I already apologized for that years ago! This is urgent and..."

"Apologies mean nothing from an ẹlẹtan's mouth! You should be on your knees begging for our forgiveness! If only our..."

"Liam's with me!"

The line went silent for a moment, allowing Katalaya to take a much-needed breath. Her heart had been pounding in her chest from the moment she thought to dial the number, yet she managed to make it this far without losing herself. The military taught her well enough. Such relief wouldn't last long when the voice returned with a calm sigh.

"Is my arakunrin alright?"

"He was injured when I found him, but he and his friend are at the hotel resting. It'll be a few days before we can return to the States, but I've spoken to a guardian of his who will be waiting when we return to California."

"Why not just bring him back home? I'm sure the matriarch would welcome you back and..."

"I made it clear to her that I have no intentions of returning to that cult!" Katalaya erupted. She was grateful to be outside the luxury hotel as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "If you prefer to speak with the guardian, I'll gladly give you the number. If not, I'm going to make sure these kids make it back once we've secured the plane tickets."

Once again, the call went silent, only this time Katalaya was the initiator. She figured this would be difficult but the emotional pain she felt right now far exceeded her expectations. Returning inside, she spared a glance at the moon, reminiscing on times long past. For now, she wanted to ensure her nephew and his friend were taken care of during their stay in the country.

When she arrived at their room, the soldier found the pair huddled under one another. From the moment they left the airport, she noticed how clingy Tori had become with her nephew. She noticed this as the plane descended and now, it'd begun to manifest. From neighbors to cellmates to... were they a couple now? Katalaya couldn't help but smile as a warmth filled her chest.

The way he held her reminded her of a noble wolf protecting its cub. She noticed how any sudden shift in her positioning caused him to adjust without fail, shielding her from any danger, even as they slept. She knew they were safe now, but it would be nearly a week before they could get back home and the serviceperson didn't have time to babysit them.

Fortunately, Katalaya would have a plan.

Beams of gentle light peaked through the blackout blinds as the mid-morning made its arrival. The rays found themselves resting on the cheek of a content Tori Vega first, tickling her skin. She shifted slightly, savoring the warm contrast to the cool and tranquil room.

When she finally began to stir, her chocolate pools flickered open with the slightest realization. She was inside a hotel room, a rather luxurious one at that. The amenities surrounding her were a welcome change to her previous lodgings, not that she wasn't complaining. Compared to the dirty cells of Yerba, and even the plane's cabin, such an environment was relaxing, if not overwhelming at times.

The tiniest of grins graced her lips as she attempted to turn over only to find such a task difficult. Here, Tori discovered she wasn't alone. She tensed for a moment before noticing a heavy arm draped over her body. A tattooed arm. Following it, her gaze soon rose to find the sleeping form of her friend and, arguably, closest ally. Just like in Yerba, Liam was shielding her from the unseen dangers of the world. That's what she told herself at least.

Just like before... she blushed at how close they were. "The more things change..."

"...the more they stay the same?"

Tori flinched when she heard his voice yawn over her. She would've sprung out of the bed had she not been comfortably pinned by his limb. Her heart thumped louder in her ear before finally facing the inevitable. His dazed smile and heavy eyes gave her the sense that he was amused by her response.

"M-Morning..." she eked out.

"Good morning to you, binrin!" he chuckled before sitting up to stretch. She couldn't get over how many nicknames he'd given her in what she assumed was a native tongue. Of all of them, being called princess made her knees feel weak; Thankfully, she was already lying down. "Did you sleep well?"

"Considering we're in a plush queen-sized bed, I'd say that's an accurate assessment, príncipe."

Like her, Liam couldn't shake the joyful sensations fluttering in his stomach when she called him prince in her tongue. It was akin to how being around a certain someone, except, he could've sworn this went deeper. After cracking his neck, he shuffled out of bed, stepping over to open the blinds.

"You don't mind if I let some light in do you?" All he heard was a tiny hum that granted his request. As the morning scenery slowly filled the room, Liam felt his breath hitch in his throat as his eyes befell the beautiful city below. "Whoa! I... it's so beautiful! Tori, you have to see this... Tori?"

When only silence greeted him, Liam swiftly turned around, thinking she'd gone back to sleep. Instead, his emerald eyes were graced with the visual of his crush dressed in only an oversized t-shirt, inadvertently lying on her side like a supermodel posing on the beach. His mouth went dry at the image as he struggled to find the words to cover for his awkwardness. Thankfully(?), he noticed the reason for her silence when he noticed her gaping at his half-nude frame.

"Tori? Are you...?"

"Huh?" she finally ripped her stare from his body, specifically, below the belt. "I'm sorry! What did you say?"

Liam immediately caught her eyes drifting down again, following them until he found the source of her distraction. He was standing before in only his boxers, allowing her to witness a rather sizable print to show itself. As fast as he realized this, the boy moved at a blinding speed to hide this, finally snapping Tori from her stupor. Her face grew hot with embarrassment for staring at him so long, even more so for the thoughts that appeared in her head.

"I'm sorry!" she finally spoke up, hiding her face behind a pillow she grabbed. "I shouldn't have..."

"No! I should've paid more attention to what I was wearing..." Liam averted his gaze. And less on what you're not wearing!

After a few more minutes of awkward silence, Tori finally smiled again. Liam joined her and soon, the uneasy air surrounding them began to dissipate. They soon burst into laughter at all that had transpired.

"I guess we're both a couple of perverts, huh?"

"Wait, what?! I didn't mean..."

"Don't think I didn't notice the way you were looking at me just now, Liam," Tori hid her giggle behind her hand.

"Well, I'm not the only one!" he crossed his arms with a raised brow. "Or were you counting the threads of the carpet?"

Rather than defend herself, Tori flashed a grin that would rival Jade's. Predatory with a hint of mischief. Liam was all too familiar with this, except it wasn't the goth flashing her intentions this time. The normally innocent Tori was the one eyeing him; A familiar challenge from an unacquainted opponent. He stepped back several feet until his back touched the wall.

"What's the matter, in yaakunaj?" she closed the gap, her breathy tone countering her previously naive persona. "Did the cat get your tongue?"

Liam swallowed the lump in his throat and put on the bravest grin he could muster. The way Tori looked at him, he felt like a piece of meat prepared or that's how he would feel if he wasn't intrigued by this sudden turn of events. It was like she was in a trance, charmed by an unforeseen entity unlike herself. His mind told him to move away, but...

Why does this feel so right?"

Like her, Liam felt as if another side of him was revealing itself as his eyes settled on the young woman before him. His eyes narrowed and his arms instinctively snaked around her petite frame, drawing her close until distance no longer held sway over them. That's when his thoughts finally bore fruit to a truth.

"I've missed you, Awilix..."

"As have I, Eshu."

Wait...

Awilix?

Eshu?

At that moment, the pair pulled away, each with a look of confusion and unexplained longing. Despite this, they couldn't shake off the warmth that settled in them. Between the language shifts beginning in Yerba to now, neither of them was able to figure out what was going on. How did they understand languages that they'd never uttered until their capture? Now, they were calling each other names that weren't theirs!

"I... I um..."

Liam's attempt at an apology was short-lived when they both heard the sounds of a lock hissing. Katalaya arrived, entering with a pair of suitcases and a none-too-pleased demeanor.

"Sorry to wake you kiddos, but I need you to... Oh! you're already awake. Well, I was able to find you some clothes and I got us a meeting with some people who can get you both on a flight as soon as possible back to the U.S. It's in an hour so I need you two dressed in 15 so we can get this ball rolling."

"Thank you!"

"Thanks, Auntie..."

Katalaya turned to the boy, shocked at his reply. "You... You called me aunt?"

"Why wouldn't I? You called me your nephew before, right?"

"True! I just never figured you to accept that so quickly considering,"

"Considering what?"

At first, Katalaya was tempted to tell him the reason but stopped short when she recalled the call from the night before. If the person on the other line was anything to go by, she feared that the boy would do the same if he knew the truth.

"There'll be time for catching up later," she finally commanded. "For now, we need to get you to the embassy and then, maybe you two can explore the hotel or something while I do paperwork or whatever."

Liam could tell that the woman was hiding something but was halted from inquiring further when Tori stretched out a hand.

"We'll be down in a little while, and thank you for the clothes again!"

"No problem. I'll be waiting in the lobby when you're ready. Don't forget the room key too. It's on the nightstand by the bed."

When she left, Liam was left to ponder things while Tori took the first round in the shower. His mind was a jumble of questions, not just about the woman but his connection to Tori. Any answer he could conjure only left him with more inquiries as he sat on the edge of the bed. Without a phone or device to look into things, he simply allowed the queries to swirl around his brain, allowing one to settle in the forefront.

"Why did she call me Eshu?"

The afternoon had been filled with boredom as Katalaya did most of the talking at the embassy. Thankfully, it wouldn't take too long for the duo to get processed. Tori was abuzz, marveling at the many sights and sounds of the country. While sometimes distracted, Liam did his best to allow his senses to be taken in by their environment.

From food markets to themed festivals, each location was full of enjoyment and laughs. From art museums to bird watching, there was plenty to keep them busy within earshot of their impromptu chaperone. Neither was willing to go too far without the woman's knowledge, but one thing that held Tori's attention was how much at home she felt.

By the evening, Liam couldn't help but chuckle to himself at this whenever he caught her smiling extra hard or trying her best to resist dancing with the locals.

"What a wonderful place! It's a shame we can't stay longer though."

She's adorable... he mused at her excitement, noticing just how many people were coming into the area. "I wonder what's going on? It wasn't this crowded before. "

"It's U k'iinbesajil le lunao', young man; The Moon Festival." the pair turned to find an elderly woman. Her wrinkled smile was full of life and vigor despite her years. "It's a celebration of one of the most popular Mayan deities where we await the full moon's blessing and guidance from Awilix."

"Awilix?" Tori jumped in front of the woman with eyes as wide as a dinner plate. "Could you tell us more?"

The woman tilted her head momentarily with a soft frown. It was as if she was staring into the girl's soul, reading her past and future all at the same time before straightening up slightly. She then turned to Liam, studying him closely while he flinched back. When she was through, she let out a hearty laugh that took them both by surprise.

"Um, ma'am?"

"Never in my lifetime did I ever think I'd see the day where I'd meet two-thirds of the legend! These old bones are giddy with joy, I feel I could live another 70 years now! A shame that the other one isn't around or else I'd feel immortal hehe!"

"What do you mean?" Tori pleaded.

The old woman did her best to compose herself before addressing the subject. "Very well. I can't stay long, but I can say that there was a legend surrounding three souls from different parts of the world who were brought together. While they weren't actual descendants of the gods, they were held in high regard as warriors unmatched. For that, they were believed to be blessed by their pantheons, or cursed, depending on how you would view things."

"What do you mean cursed?"

"Well, you, young lady, remind me of Meztli the Mayan princess who was born under the full moon. While her name was given merely based on the circumstances of her birth, it was what happened soon after that truly marked her as blessed by the heavens. You see, a few years after her birth, she wandered into the jungle, far from the eyes of her guards. It was there that she encountered a family of panthers," the woman emphasized this, earning a satisfactory gasp from the teens. "Normally, this would be the end of our story, but Meztli was approached by one of the cubs who took a liking to her. As a result, she wandered back to her family who were distressed, alongside her new partner. As they grew, they both became capable hunters who were masters of the art of silence. Meztli even found herself surrounded by members of rival clans who sought to use her as a way to the throne. Needless to say, fate had other plans..."

"Then what happened?"

"Against her father's wishes, the princess would become one of the fiercest warriors with the kindest of hearts. She never killed a weaker opponent unless it was absolutely necessary. For this, she was granted the title of 'daughter of Awilix' as she did most of her battles and hunting under the moonlight. She possessed immense speed that would lead her to..."

"Eshu?"

The woman spared a glance at Liam once more, her smile growing larger as she nodded in approval.

"Mhmm. Her journey took her to new lands after refusing marriage to a suitor chosen by her father. Running away with her companion, Meztli found comfort with a like-minded soul. This warrior had been exiled by his kingdom for refusing the orders of an accomplished general. While his name is unknown to us, his strategic mind and balanced approach to battles and missions were enough for his moniker to be known far and wide. He was known for using brute force when he had the advantage and traps when he didn't, causing many to believe he was the son of Eshu himself."

Liam and Tori exchanged a glance before turning back to the woman for fear their thoughts would link up. Sensing this, the woman believed it was time to conclude her story.

"When the pair met, they got along right away."

"How did they meet?" Tori looked like a child eager to open her Christmas presents.

"Unfortunately, Meztli and the young warrior met under the worst of circumstances, enslavement. They were captured at one point by Englishmen only to be rescued by another warrior. This woman was said to have skin like porcelain and will as strong as iron! She was what you would call a Viking who earned the reputation of 'Daughter of Hel', the goddess of death in Norse mythology. Unlike the pair, she was unmatched in strength, albeit reckless. After rescuing them, somehow the three became a team who would go on to be legends, forgotten by all except a few who were willing to explore the deepest caves of knowledge, or so the legend says! Hehe!"

Before Tori and Liam could ask anything further, the old woman departed when a little girl called out for her. She bid the pair farewell with a little piece of advice before disappearing into the crowd of locals and tourists.

"You don't think..."

"I don't know what to believe at this point," Liam smirked to himself. "Whether it's true or not, it was an interesting story!"

"Yeah, but say it was true. Wouldn't it make sense that we'd be their descendants?"

Liam wanted nothing more than to shoot down the idea, but even he had to consider the possibilities. Three people from different walks of life come together as an unstoppable force. Some part of him felt that not only was there some truth behind this, but that there might be more to the story than only what was given. His brain reminded him of his initial reason for coming back to L.A. in the first place.

If he could battle spirits and demons while tangling with an archaic curse, why couldn't this be feasible? For now, he would settle on keeping his opinion neutral.

"We have the internet, so we can look into things once we're settled back home. Alright?"

"Fine. But, that means you have to come over more often too! Deal?"

"Deal."

Liam extended his hand as a way of commemorating their agreement only to be pulled by the girl. By now, the dusk had nearly given way to the blanket of night, shrouding the land in a beautiful, calming shroud. The night was clear, full of stars and the rising moon illuminating the festive crowds. The scent of the flora captured his senses, ensnaring him in a rush of blossoms and beauty.

Even more enticing was how well Tori took the lead. She was grateful that Katalaya could only find long skirts due to the festival season as she took hold of the hem and used it to her advantage, letting it sway and flow in a wave of magenta. Liam did his best to follow, partially stunned at how his feet hadn't betrayed him yet. Perhaps she was a great teacher in secret.

"You've never danced before, have you?"

"Not unless you count the running man when I was six. You?"

Tori giggled at his stiff movements. Fortunately, the music slowed down, sparing him from further embarrassment. This time, she rested her arms along his shoulders, relinquishing control to her dance partner. Liam could only sway back and forth with the occasional steps but Tori didn't mind. She felt comfortable as they flowed with the melody, lost in the moment as if they were the only ones there.

When the song finished, she and Liam remained there for a few moments. When they were satisfied, they walked hand in hand back to the hotel, taking in the sights around them.

"That was fun!" she finally chirped. "Even if you were as rigid as a plank."

"You caught me off guard, that's all! I was... I..."

"It's alright! I still enjoyed being your dance partner. Maybe we could do that more often after we get back?"

Liam was keen on spending more time with the girl, especially in better circumstances. They hadn't had much time to explore the beautiful country due to his lingering injuries. Any sense of normality was a welcome change for him. Despite a previous conversation, he was now willing to handle homework and teenage drama with grace.

Even...

"Liam?"

Blinking away the dreadful thoughts, he turned back to find Tori standing in front of him with questionable eyes. He let out a sigh as if knowing that he was caught. It was too late for him to mask his fears. There was something he wasn't telling her and it was related to their return home. Was he afraid of her father? Was it connected to his brother?

Before he could answer her, Tori Vega looked deep into his eyes. Her hands cupped his face as she wordlessly assured him that she wouldn't judge him. Without protest, Liam allowed her into his inner sanctuary where she found the truth, a truth she was all too aware of. Seeing this, she flashed a knowing smile that perplexed him as much as her behavior earlier that morning.

"Tori...?"

"If you're worried about Jade, I already knew she has... a bond with you."

"You did?" he blinked. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea and think that I'm playing games or..."

Tori took his hand and pulled him inside the building, remaining quiet until they made it inside the elevator.

The elevator doors closed with a soft chime, leaving Tori and Liam alone in the small space. Her heart raced as she stole a glance at her conflicted friend. Liam's locs fell across his face, blocking most of his features, and she fought the urge to brush them out of the way.

She took a deep breath. It was now or never. "Liam, I... I need to tell you something."

"What is it, Tor?"

She stepped closer, her old self melting away as determination took over. "I've been thinking a lot lately, about us, about... how I feel about you."

Liam's eyes widened slightly. "Oh?"

Tori's gaze flickered to his lips, then back to his eyes. "I don't want us to return home without you knowing how much you mean to me. I care about you, Liam. More than just as a friend."

Before he could reply, Tori Vega closed the distance between them. She placed her hand on his chest and pressed her lips to his. This was different than before where aggression and desperation took hold. This was the Tori he remembered though with a bit more confidence. After a moment of surprise, Liam returned the favor, wrapping his arms around her waist and deepening the kiss.

As they parted, both slightly breathless, Liam smiled. "You have no idea how long I've thought about doing that," he whispered.

Tori beamed, her heart soaring and mind at ease. "Me too."

The elevator chimed again, and an older couple appeared, catching the younger couple in their embrace. With a knowing smile, the older couple offered to take the next one, giving the pair a moment to recover from their slight embarrassment as the doors closed again. Left in privacy, they shared another kiss, completely lost in the moment they were finally experiencing together.

When they finally made it to their floor, they playfully rushed to their room, filling the halls with laughter. While they weren't certain that things would be official anytime soon, at least Tori had made her mark on the heart and mind of Liam.

[L.A.X.]

The airport terminal was alive with motion and noise, a sharp juxtaposition to the isolating seclusion Liam and Tori experienced in Yerba. They strolled together, their hands occasionally meeting in passing, as Katalaya confidently navigated through the throng of people, her purposeful steps carving a path through the bustling crowd.

"Almost there," she announced over her shoulder. "Just need to grab our bags and..."

She stopped abruptly, causing the teens to nearly bump into her. Following her gaze, they saw two women standing near the baggage claim. The older one, with streaks of silver in her dark hair, locked eyes with Katalaya. The younger, who bore a resemblance to Liam, crossed her arms and scowled.

"Celeste," Katalaya breathed, her voice tense. "Lucille."

Liam stiffened beside Tori, who instinctively gripped his hand, her thumb brushing it gently. She never knew much about his family aside from Darius, but seeing his reaction was enough to send a chill down her spine. Unlike the Butcher of Yerba, this was a command of respect.

Celeste's sharp emeralds narrowed as she approached. "Well, well. If it isn't my dear half-sister, playing savior after all these years." Her gaze shifted to Liam, a mix of emotions flashing across her face. "Liam. You look surprised to see me."

"Is it that obvious?" he muttered, squeezing Tori's hand.

"You haven't reported in since Darius' departure. I'm beginning to think you've forgotten your role." the woman scolded, watching as his face clenched in frustration.

When he didn't speak up, Lucille stepped forward, her eyes darting between Liam and Tori. "You may be right, mother. Looks like he was more concerned with a girlfriend than fulfilling his purpose. How touching."

Tori noticed a subtle change in Liam's body language, a tensing of his muscles that she had come to recognize as a sign of unease. She instinctively remained quiet, knowing that the situation was hanging by a thread. It was an unfamiliar sight - usually, Liam was the one exuding strength and fearlessness, always protecting her in moments of danger. But now, he seemed as vulnerable as a scolded child, his usual confidence and determination nowhere to be found.

Katalaya moved slightly in front of the teens. "This is the place for a family reunion, Celeste. We've had a long and arduous journey and..."

"Oh, I'm sure you have," the older woman interrupted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Always ready to swoop in and play the hero, aren't you? Tell me, does it make you feel better about abandoning your family?"

This time, Liam stepped forward with a smoldering rage. "That's enough! We're leaving. Come on, Tori, Aunt Kat."

As they moved to leave, Lucille called out. "Running away again, little brother? Guess it runs in the family. Some things never change."

Victoria could feel Liam's hand tightening its grip as they walked away, hoping to put some distance between themselves and the other two. They hadn't noticed the interaction between them, and Liam didn't seem to mind. The happiness of coming home had disappeared, replaced by a tense uneasiness that loomed over them like an impending storm.

As they exited the airport, Katalaya turned to them, her expression apologetic. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. I never expected..."

"It's not your fault, Aunt Kat," Liam cut in, his voice tight. "I guess it's another thing we have in common."

"Still, I never expected them to come and ruin the surprise."

"Suprise?" Tori cocked her head.

"Yes. After talking with my superiors, I'm retiring from active duty, effective immediately. Starting in a few weeks, I'll be moving in full-time so you can remain next door to each other."

Despite her somber tone, Katalaya was gifted a big hug from Liam and Tori. She hadn't expected this but matched their energy before they made their way to the car. As her neighbors explored the details surrounding their arrangement, she couldn't help but wonder what other challenges awaited them now that they had made it back. Given this unexpected encounter, what would the future bring?

[Finish the scene then end with Tori and Liam arriving back home only to be confronted by his mother and Lucille. Jade and Lilith will argue with the pair for Liam to stay while Celeste and Lucille will advocate for him to return to New Orleans. Things end with Liam running away after a revelation of familial strife breaks him. While Tori doesn't know where to find him, Jade does.]