Is this destiny?

In the study…

Sarah is observing Julius who is fidgeting nervously. He came here to talk to Sarah about the possibility of him and Allen living together, and he practiced his speech in advance, but now that he is facing Sarah, he forgot how to start.

"You wanted to talk about something?", Sarah asked after few minutes of silence.

Julius nodded in response, and Sarah can see that he is uncomfortable.

"Boss! Is it possible that Allen and I get a joint room?"

Julius spoke so quickly that it took Sarah few seconds to understand what he said. But she had to confirm.

"You want to share a room with Allen?"

Julius confirmed with a nod.

"Does Allen want to share a room with you?", Sarah asked.

Julius confirmed. "I believe that he wants that as well."

Sarah was curious about Julius\' choice of words. If Allen wants the same, why is only Julius here? If she is going to decide if two people can share a room, first she needs to make sure that both of them want the same thing.

She got her phone and sent a text message to Aiden asking him to bring Allen to the study before turning to face Julius.

Sarah wants to understand Julius\' motives behind this request. She knows that Julius and Allen are together most of the time, and she noticed that they treat each other kindly, but… is there more to it? Usually, she would not probe into crushes her kids have, but if they want to live together, then she needs to understand the situation.

"Current arrangements allow you to have your private space. If you want to be with someone, there are many common areas, or you can just visit each other."

"I don\'t need a private space from Allen. You see… we are inseparable for thirteen years and we are used to do everything together. We study together, train together, do chores together, and… sleep together."

"You guys are here for more than six months. Why are you telling me that now?" Sarah saw that Julius lowered his head. "Hey, in order to help you out, I need to understand the situation. Is there something preventing you from just going to his room to sleep?"

"It will look like sneaking around. Others will say that we are doing something wrong…"

Sarah narrowed her eyes. More than Julius\' words, she was alerted by him shrinking, like he is afraid. "Why would others think that it\'s wrong?"

"Because we are both boys."

"Did anyone say anything?", Sarah\'s voice hardened.

She had enough of kids teasing each other. Jokes are one thing, but she knows that Haru and Nala are having a hard time just because they are a couple. Ron is fending off most of the teasing related to him and Zula, but both Julius and Allen are good and kindhearted boys. If someone is teasing them, that is no different than bullying.

Sarah took a mental note to include few mandatory lessons about bullying and how to stop it. She knows that they are kids and they are having fun, but this is their home, and Sarah wants for everyone to be free to express himself (or herself) without fear of ridicule.

Julius saw that Sarah is upset and he quickly explained: "Not here. But… at the mine we were scolded and got beatings because we are boys and it\'s not right for boys to stick so close to each other."

Sarah relaxed a bit and thought about Julius\' words before asking: "Is he the reason why you are studying so hard?"

"You noticed?"

Sarah smiled, happy that she was right about this. "Of course, I did. I\'m managing your studies since day one. Honestly, I was surprised with your progress after first month. I apologize for not visiting you in person at the Beach house while Aiden was sick, but I paid attention to your scores, schedule and activities. Your progress is the strongest one out of all nineteen kids who came together from that mine, and I wondered what is your motivation… Does Allen feel the same?"

"Yes. I am helping him with training so that he does not fall behind. We want to be the best, side by side, so that we can be your personal bodyguards and partners on missions..." Julius suddenly stopped talking, fearing that he said too much. He noticed that Sarah is smiling. "You don\'t hate us?"

"Why would I hate you?"

"Because people told us that two boys being together is wrong."

Sarah sighed. Just by looking at Julius, she can see that he really likes Allen. This boy is not aware of his feelings for his best friend, but others already told him that it\'s wrong. "Do you like being with Allen?"

Julius nodded.

"What do you like about him?"

Julius smiled and responded: "Allen is observant, and kind, and attentive. He remembers what I like and what I don\'t. When I did a mischief in the orphanage, he would say that we did it together, and then we ended up sharing the punishment. He helps me with my studies and does not complain when he needs to repeat five times in order for me to understand. He makes me feel relaxed and… happy."

Sarah listened to Julius and her mind wondered to when her feelings for Aiden were growing, and she described them as relaxed and comfortable. Really, this boy has no idea that he is in love with his \'best friend\'.

"How would you describe your relationship with Allen? Friends? Partners? Lovers?"

Julius widened his eyes, shocked by Sarah\'s choice of words. "Why did you say lovers?"

"Why not?"

Julius was surprised by Sarah\'s questions. Does she think it\'s OK? Not possible. Everyone who shared their opinion about Allen and him, told them that it\'s wrong. "Because it\'s wrong. We are both boys."

"Two people who love each other are lovers. When you told me what you like about Allen, you didn\'t mention his gender. Love is about the feelings, about a person, how two people resonate with each other… it\'s not gender related. I\'m hearing you talk about Allen with a gentle tone laced with pride. Stop saying that it\'s wrong because you are both boys. Relationships can be wrong for many different reasons, but gender is not one of them."

Julius looked at Sarah and he was not sure how to respond to this.

There was a quick knock on the door and Allen entered with Aiden.

Julius was all flustered. Why is Allen here? He observed that Sarah gestured to Allen to sit on the sofa next to Julius and she hooked her arm around Aiden\'s.

"Julius told me that he would like to share a living space with Allen. Any objections?", Sarah asked Aiden.

Aiden thought for a second and then shrugged. He does not care one way or the other.

She turned to Allen. "How about you? What are your thoughts?"

"I…", Allen paused while his eyes darted between Sarah and Aiden nervously.

Julius pinched Allen. "Why are you spacing out? Sarah said that the two of us being together is not wrong. Do you want to move in with me or not?"

"Of course, I do!", Allen exclaimed in response.

Allen was still processing the part that Sarah said how the two of them being together is not wrong. What was Julius talking to Sarah?

Sarah thought how they are cute. "OK. We have one non-occupied suite. That will do for now. It\'s late, but if you help out Gennie to set it up, you can move in tonight. Or wait until tomorrow…"

"Tonight? Really?", Julius was unable to hide his excitement.

Sarah smirked. "Do you want me to change my mind?"

Julius bolted up from the sofa. "No, no, no…"

Allen stood up and he was happy about it, but…"What will others say?", Allen asked Julius.

Julius glanced at Sarah, silently asking for help.

"Others will always have their opinions, even if it\'s none of their business.", Sarah answered Allen\'s question and added: "As long as the two of you agree that you are not doing anything wrong, keep your heads held high. And if you think that it\'s wrong, then you should not do it. Haru and Nala got their share of teasing before and after they moved in together. Ron and Zula don\'t share a living space, but they are being teased because they are a couple. I recommend that you two talk with them and get tips how to handle it. In next few days, we will have few lessons against bullying. Until then, if anyone says anything rude or inappropriate because you are boys and living together, let me know…"

Julius and Allen thanked Sarah and Aiden and rushed to talk to Genie. They need to set up their space, and to move their things!

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