delivery service [max]

[Liam Sullivan]

Two whole days.

That was how long Liam had been in Toronto. Despite being a bit jet lagged still, he had been hyped up for hours. The last two days had been spent basically unpacking and rearranging his place, then there were church duties and getting integrated into the parish. He was far from finished and still feeling far away from home. But, he'd never been anywhere really before. The Dublin boy was a bit jumpy to see things. And he kept being told that he would get his chance. Apparently his talk was semi-amusing to the rest of the priests, but he couldn't stop talking about it. He had a list of things he wanted to see and things that he wanted to do even. He was sure that he would be completely out of it by the end of the week, ready to just fall into his bed and sleep for days. It was just after dusk when he pulled up outside of a church. Checking the directions on the scribbled map on a piece of paper he looked back up at the church and nodded to himself. That was it.

It was a non-Roman Catholic church, but he was told that they had ties to helping teenagers and while his church did too, they actually had an over-abundance of donated clothes and made arrangements to have the huge box dropped off there for them to use it. After all, as long as the clothes got to someone that needed them Climbing out of the car, Liam locked it up before going around to the trunk, popping it open and pulling out a massive box. He had to juggle the heavy thing while he haphazardly shut the trunk and grabbed with two hands again. While holding the box, it went well up to his chin, causing him a little bit of trouble as he walked up the steps and pushed the door open. Thank god it was a push, not pull. After almost shutting himself in the door, he dropped the box to the ground with an unceremonious thud.

Clothes were heavy, what could he say? The church was empty, but he figured the pastor was somewhere inside. He hadn't talked to him himself, but one of the older clergymen told him that he had called ahead of time. "Hello?" He called out, listening to his voice bounce off the walls. Waiting between the aisles of pews, he caught himself staring up at the vaulted ceiling, just gazing.

[Deleted]

Max hadn't slept at all the night before. With his apartment overcrowded, and constantly seeing Darcy, Max just couldn't be there right now. So, he dove headfirst into work. He decided to start up the PAL program again, since he now had an alliance with the police department. And with the drug problem he had seen in the congregation, and neighboring churches, he decided that he would volunteer for drug and alcohol abuse counselling. After all, he had abused drugs and gotten drunk....once. Looking back at that night, Max could hardly believe his foolish actions when he was a teenager.

There was also quite a homeless population in the area. Max's duties had always been helping out with teens in particular, so he waited for the clothing from the Catholic church and was going to sort them out and distribute them. What they lacked, he would buy. That was the way Max worked. Max was in his office, planning his activities for the weekend, when he heard the voice.

Instantly jumping up, he went out into the hall and smiled "Hi, there. Come on in," he said, taking the box from the boy. Setting the box down, he held out his hand "What's your name, son?" Max couldn't call him father. He knew it was the catholic thing to do, and normally he would respect it and call him that but come on! The kid didn't even have crows feet yet! He was a baby!

[Liam Sullivan]

Liam quickly directed his eyes from the ceiling and to the man that addressed him. When he took the box, he smiled, a bit in greeting and a bit out of relief to have that off his hands. Not to seem wimpy or anything, but he wasn't exactly used to carrying heavy things around, especially not when his body was running on excited energy rather than real tangible energy. Being called son didn't offend him in the least. He had only been allowed the title of father for going on a month now, plus, he knew he was young. He was already the youngest at his parish, but there was a 29 year old that he seemed to be getting along with well enough. It was rare to be too young, not because it was impossible to be finished with seminary at an early age, but because there had to be no doubts or weaknesses in a man's faith. This wasn't something he was in for a while and left once he got bored. This was a lifetime thing... Forever. He made a lot of sacrifices and had to keep to every last one of them. But Liam could, would, and had proven himself able. There were a few much much older priests that he noticed giving him a discouraging look, but everything was going well so far and others told him not to mind it. Even they had their petty little issues and dramas.

"Hey," He reached out his hand, shaking Max's briefly before dropping it back to his side again. "It's Liam. Quite the church you've got..." he complimented, his Irish brogue leaking out into his words. Oh no... What was his name? He was told it before he left, but he spent most of the time trying to memorize the directions, because while it might have looked like a small errand, it wasn't. Liam hadn't been to Toronto before. He didn't know the layout of the city and it was pretty intimidating. But, he made it, and he wasn't about to admit to how long it took or how much confusion he was left in until he got there. Cringing, he looked apologetic. "Sorry, they told me your name, but it kind of slipped my mind."

[Deleted]

Max shook the boy's hand, and patted his shoulder when he said he forgot his name. "Max." short and sweet, and to the point. His smile grew when he heard the accent. "Welcome to our humble house of worship. I do appreciate these clothes, please relay my deepest gratitude to the other fathers." He picked the box up and set it where he needed it.

His gaze fixed upon his body. "I have to say, I admire you. Not alot of young men would chose a path of god. You're to be commended. How old are you?" he asked, making conversation. The kid couldn't be very old. Max remembered what it was like, trying to serve God as a young kid when the world around him treated him like an outcast. He well remembered the trials of serving God vrs. fitting in.

[Liam Sullivan]

"Right, Max." He grinned, slightly embarrassed for forgetting the name. It wasn't even a very difficult one. "Sorry been losin' my head a bit today. I'm surprised I didn't mistake my own name for a street name." He admitted, but was glad that he didn't find it offensive that he showed up without even knowing his name. Where the clothes were concerned, the young man nodded. "I'll pass it along, it's always nice to know they're going to people who need 'em." He admitted and while he might not have been there to gather them, it was nice to drop them off, or at least know that they weren't going to just go to waste. "It's beautiful," he commented on the church itself. And he thought it really was. Just looking at it, it was easy to imagine all the people that probably filled in there. He noticed him looking at him, but was more than aware of why, especially when he asked about his age. That was normal. "I'm about as admirable as anyone else, but thanks." He said modestly. He wasn't any different than any other man of God. It just so happened he was younger than many were when they were ordained.

"Twenty-five. It's young, I know. But it's the only path I can ever see myself on." He explained, honestly. It didn't feel like a decision had to be made with him. This was it. It was where he wanted to be and how he wanted to be. His faith was difficult to deny, if there was any question, he wouldn't have made it that far. He would not have taken his holy orders if there was even an ounce of uncertainty in him.
It was harder for some, than it was for him. And maybe it was all in his raising, or in what he exposed himself too. He liked to think of it more as a higher calling, that instead of just not having the chance to fight with the path of God that he was given it clearly to do some good. It was an idea that warmed him, to be honest. To think that this was the place for him, that this was what God planned for him... It was indescribable how it felt to him.

[Deleted]

"Well, as the good book says, treat younger women as daughters and take care of the fatherless boys. I consider every child that gets a piece of clothing to be one of my children," he said when Liam said that it was good to know that they were being put to good use. As he went on to explain his age and that it was the only thing he could see himself doing, Max nodded understandingly. "You sound like me when I was your age." he said endearingly.

"Well, let me be one of the first to welcome you to Toronto. If you should need anything at all, if you need advice or you just want to talk, my door is always open. Our differing walks of faith shouldn't stop us from being friends; after all, we're both being used by God. Besides, it's good to meet someone with partly the same heritage. I have an aunt and grandmother in Ireland." He nodded to him as he said this, referring to the boy's accent.

[Liam Sullivan]

Liam grinned a little bit; he seemed to do that a lot actually. It was unavoidable lately, or at least in the last few days. He was in a new place, starting a different life, so he was to say the least, excited. Sure, nervous too. There was that accompanying all of it, but the excitement seemed to slip in a lot more than the rest. And as he mentioned it reminded him of himself, he couldn't help but offer it again. It was promising to hear it from someone older than himself. Because, half of the time he was met with some form of doubt. He was told by quite a few established clergymen that they wouldn't have been ready at his age and that it would have been a big mistake. But some of it was just talk, or a little bit of scoffing at someone younger. They weren't above that in the least. "Well, looks like your faith is still intact, so maybe there's hope for me yet." He joked, but at the same time was serious about it being a bit of an inspiration. Sure, they were of different religions and being a priest meant that Liam had a whole lot of different sacrifices to make and rules to follow, but the faith was very similar. There were a lot of vows that he couldn't break and they were lifelong things. Though, he was also well aware that there were even more restrictions in different parishes. He opted out of things like vows of poverty.

"Thanks, never been to Toronto before. I'm excited to see everything. Haven't had the chance yet, but it's what I get for flying in on the weekend. Been about as hectic as can be. Not to mention I'm still stuck five hours ahead of everyone." He nodded, not at all opposed to friendships. "Oh, of course, we're not all as stingy as we seem." He joked, seeming to have a really easy time with them. But of course, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the separate categories getting along. And Liam really sought not to get involved with warring church politics that happened from time to time. "You noticed that, did you? Guess it must be a little hard not to. You been there?"

[Deleted]

Max chuckled "Are you kidding? There's more hope for you than the old dingbats," he jested before getting serious. "You're young. That means you have alot more energy and vigor. I've seen young ones excel and go far in the work of the lord. Just don't lose your joy. Whatever you do for God, be happy doing it. It's the only way anyone can stay strong in the faith." Max knew that for a fact. He had seen his family leave the faith because they didn't really want to do it. That was why he liked leading activities and games and such. He wanted to show his sheep, as well as the children who lived in his household, that serving God could bring a person the greatest happiness they could ever know.

Of course, he noticed the accent. How could he not? When asked if he had ever been there, Max nodded. "It's been a while. I haven't visited in almost thirteen years. But trust me, when it comes time for me to retire, Dublin will be my retirement home." He heaved a sigh "There's something about it that's just...magical." He took a deep breathe then looked at the boy. "So what else do you have planned for today?"

[Liam Sullivan]

"Try explaining that to said old dingbats," jested Liam. It was easy to understand that concept, although he knew that most of the older men looked at it as if he just had more room to make mistakes. Which, was okay, he thought. He was allowed to make mistakes, just not giant ones that threw his faith under a bus. "They'd say that energy leads to distractions and that's a whole years worth of a lecture right there. I started wondering if I needed to start punishin' myself for having potential." It was a joke and said with that light-hearted air of his. The moments like that only proved just how young he was. As much as he was able to hold a casual and nonserious conversation, the boy took his faith incredibly seriously. There was no way he could have made it where he was otherwise. "But thank you, I don't plan to. It's all too important to me, it's my life, quite literally now. And I'm happy. Thrilled even." He wasn't weak in the least in what he believed. He knew there might be moments though, where things fell apart a bit. He counted on tests of faith and the like. That was normal and it would happen, even if it felt far away right now.

"It's gorgeous really, I'm gonna miss it, I'm sure." But, he would be back, of that he was certain too. And he was ready to see more than Ireland. He needed to see it. There was no way he could have stayed there forever without seeing anything else. As he asked about his plans for the rest of the day, he shrugged a little. "This is the extent of official plans for the rest of the day. I figured I'd check things out, try not to get lost and hopefully be able to find my way home again." He had the rest of the day free to do whatever he wanted to do with it and while he planned to, he was well aware that the odds of him winding up lost or completely turned around were high.

[Deleted]

Max chuckled at his jokes. "I like you, boy. Your spirit is just what this community needs!" Max didn't throw compliments at just anyone. But he could tell the boy had a good attitude. He would prove to be a fine role model. "I'll have to introduce you to my son, Asriel. He can use an association such as yourself. Max wasn't stupid. He knew kids responded better to their peers than their parents. He remembered being able to help his peers when he was young. Heck, he even managed to talk Johnny DiMarco down off a bridge. Sure, he wasn't swayed to walk a path of righteousness. But he still helped him. Maybe Liam would be able to save Asriel spiritually speaking. Max was at a loss at what to do for his son and daughter both, since Sam killed herself. Maybe a person with a whole different perspective could help.

When he mentioned roaming the city, Max snapped out of his thoughts and looked around. There was nobody he was expecting, and he had already taken the donations to the bank. Why shouldn't he show the boy around? He could make sure Liam didn't end up on the wrong part of town and in a very embarrasing situation with a cross dressing prostitute like he had when he first moved to Toronto. "why don't I play tour guide for the day? Unless being lost is a necessary item on the itinerary" he offered with a smile.

[Liam Sullivan]

"Thank you," he smiled, grateful for the compliments. It helped make the whole experience look a little bit more promising. After all, Liam still had a lot of unknowns about how his life was going to be. Sure, he had the basics but it was a whole different world he hadn't lived in yet. He was excited and nervous and all of that mixed together. He couldn't wait, however, to be really settled. "I would love to meet him," Liam said, despite not knowing anything about him. Normally, when someone wanted him to meet someone else in order to be an influence it was because they were led astray. And that was normal, especially for somebody young. And Liam was still young enough to know exactly what that tug in the other direction felt like. But, he also knew that people had to come around on their own as well. He could talk his lungs out and get no where if someone was incredibly set in how they were. Though, Liam was also talented and not talking to people with the influencing manner of a priest. With some people, it turned them away.

The offer was surprising, but accepted almost immediately. He would have liked someone to show him around. He supposed he could have tried to drag someone along from the parish, but most of them were busy and didn't have the time to go wandering around the city with him. "Oh no, I've been tryin' to find a way to be rid of it all day. Been lost enough lately." Liam laughed, "I'd be grateful if you could, as long as I'm not pulling you from any other obligations." He didn't want to bother him, or interrupt anything that he already had planned. But, it felt like a good start to meet someone he got along with and have someone to show him around.

[Deleted]

It had been a long time since Max had gone out and done anything with a person his age. Ok, so twenty-five wasn't exactly his age. But it was closer to his age than ten or fifteen. The last time Max had been able to do anything with anyone was with Darcy, a while back. All that had done was open up a can of worms and introduce Max to a whirlwind of emotions he had completely forgotten about. He needed a friend to go and do wholesome things with. Maybe then he can forget about how he feels about Darcy.

Max scoffed at the idea that Liam could be pulling him away from something important. "If I don't go with you, I'll end up stuck in my office all day memorizing hymns for the thirty-hundredth time" he joked with a grin. Picking up the box, he added, "Let me just put this in my office and lock up. Even an old Pastor like me needs a day off sometime." Of course, Max was not saying it begrudgingly. Everything he said had a light tone to it. It was truly a miracle. Max had been grumbling and depressed for the last seven months, since Tyler was killed and Sam lunged herself off the bridge. Now, he was himself again. And all it took was a friend.

[Liam Sullivan]

"Couldn't have that happenin' at all." Liam chuckled at the information of what he was keeping him from. As long as he wasn't putting a burden on him, then he was perfectly fine with dragging him away from the church. It sure beat exploring on his own, not only because it wasn't as fun when you were alone, but because he would get lost a lot easier by himself. And he didn't want to get completely lost and wind up calling someone in the parish in the middle of the night whining because he was lost. Oh, that would prove himself very well and then everyone that had been sceptical about his age would have a reason to look down on it. Age had nothing to do with it. It was inexperience in the area. But, since Max was agreeing, he grinned.

" S'right, can't be working all the time." And really, that was just enough to wear anyone down. "Sure, I'll wait out front." He said, so that he could lock everything up and put his things away. While he did that, Liam walked back out the front door and to the steps of the church. He looked around, eyeing the streets, the parking lot and even the structure of the church itself. Everything was so new to him, and he realized his heightened observance because of it. Back home, he barely noticed anything like that. Something new could spring up right under his nose and he would have never noticed that it did. But here, he noticed every building, car, and road sign. He was getting used to it, but imagined that it would eventually settle.

[Deleted]

Max went into the office and set the answering machine. He usually occupied the church 24-7 and kept it off. But since he would be out and about for a little bit, he turned it on. Next, he put the boxes in his closet and locked it, shoving the key in his shirt pocket. He put the papers away that he had been working on and looked around his office. Everything was perfect, the way he liked it to be.

He lcoked the office and looked over at the candles burning. A few of them were out. He relit them before gazing over at the pews. He picked up a couple of stray collection baskets and put them in their designated space. He looked back over and everything seemed to be just right.

Max would not lock the front door. Doing so would be locking God's lost sheep from being able to reach him. That was the only door he did not lock. After all, a person did not need him there to pray and repent for their sins to be washed away.

Max now fixed his gaze back on Liam. Walking down the steps, he addressed him. "Do you want to drop your car off at home?" It seemed to be the easiest way to do it. Max knew the city better than he did; he had seventeen years of experience with Toronto. Once he followed Liam to his home, he would be able to remember where he lived, and he could make sure he got home safely.

[Liam Sullivan]

Toronto was a captivating city. He saw very little of it from his view point from the church steps, but it was how many more buildings were past those few blocks that drew him in—the amount of people—diversity... All of it. Liam had been to cities before, but there was something about being in a new country, in a city that he never ventured onto before that made the excitement that much more rich and pulsing. He waited outside, letting his eyes wander, but not half as much as his thoughts did. When the door opened behind him, the young man turned halfway and smiled at Max. "All squared away?" He asked, but figured as much given that he actually retreated from inside. Liam hadn't been certain how he planned to go about heading into the city. How they would split up transportation didn't cross his mind until Max made the suggestion and it sounded like the best one at the first try. It would be easier that way, especially with his knowledge of the city. "Sure, that sounds a lot easier than what I'd conjure up." He joked, taking a few steps down and heading to the parking lot where his car was waiting for him.

"It's not too far of a trip." At least Liam had that on his side. It could have been a lot farther, and he would've hoped that if it was, that he wouldn't be sent on an insane hunt around the city. It was still enough that he feared getting lost, but not to the point of being stuck deep in the city for hours. He unlocked the car door and climbed into the driver's side and started the vehicle. Before he pulled out, he grabbed the directions he used to get there from the passenger side, deciding to give them a look over backwards. He pulled towards the road, but waited until he saw Max before he'd leave.