The Power Within [Narry]

--Chapter 17--

March has been a bitch. That's all I have to say.

"Where have you been?!"

"DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED WE WERE?"

"Are you with Niall at the school?"

"WHY DIDN'T YOU GODDAMN CALL US?!"

Nick and Ryan fire question after question at Liam, who simply looks ready to slip under a rock until this chaos passes over. No sooner had the pair of non-gifted teenagers hugged Liam that their rapid interrogation began. Niall has the courtesy to stop the pair mid-sentence and reprimand them for putting Liam in an uncomfortable position. "Look guys, he's already nervous. Just chill and let the man say what he has to say."

"BUT-"

"Shut up, Ryan." Niall squints his eyes at the offending boy, grabbing onto Liam and taking their seats across two chairs that were thrown aside mere minutes ago. Glancing at the seated boys, Nick and Ryan move to push their strewn chairs back to their respectable places before also sitting down.

Niall, in a heartbeat, has a menu in hand and gestures for a waiter. Without glancing at the menu, he recites his favorite chicken dish and if the waiter shakes his head in amusement, well, Niall doesn't bother to give him the time of day.

Once Liam and Niall's food arrive, the four friends dig into their meals and start casual chit-chat, Nick and Ryan carefully steering clear of any personal topics lest they want to make Liam uncomfortable. Niall mentally thanks them for that consideration, knowing that Liam would talk about it on his own soon enough. And that, he did.

When their food is near finished, the brunette explains his capabilities and what classes he's currently taking to help him secure control. The only thing he didn't touch upon is how it all began, which Niall picks up on. And apparently, so do the other two lads.

"So, how did it. . . you know, all begin? Or is that something you don't want to talk about? If it's not cool, I can just, you know, shut my mouth."

Niall doesn't know whether he wants to snort at Ryan's lack of brain-to-mouth filter or pity him for his nervousness. Thankfully, Liam doesn't seem to have any qualms with the question.

"Nah, it's completely fine. I feel weird talking about it but I've been keeping everything hidden from you guys, so it's only fair to give you the whole picture." Liam leans forward in his seat to get closer to the others, reducing the chances of someone eavesdropping.

"Remember that last day I attended class? We went and got some coffee before heading our separate ways?"

How can I forget. Niall thinks to himself, but keeps quiet as Liam continues.

"I went to check up on my parents before going back to my flat. And I was met with my sister crying on my mum's shoulder. She had a nasty bruise on her cheek and a black eye." Liam clenches his fists in pure rage as he recalls the memory. The table makes an odd cracking noise as Liam pushes his arms against the flat surface to keep himself leveled. In fear of the table breaking, Nick reaches over to place a firm, consoling hand on the brunette's forearm.

Liam shakes his head and releases some pressure. "Her boyfriend was abusive. She didn't outright say it then, but she didn't have to say anything; it was clear as day what had happened. In that moment, I just-all I could see was red. I wanted to beat that bastard for hurting my sister; I wanted to hit something-anything. I snapped, and next thing you know, heh, so did the marble table next to me." Niall wants to coo at the faint blush that's tinting his friend's face. But cooing would be inappropriate given the circumstances. Definitely not the right time to coo.