Milk And Cardamom | S. Brown ✔

[16]

The first year at Yale was very different from what Luke had initially expected but it was not bad by any means. By the end of his second semester, he had a break of two months and as promised, Luke had to return to Bludhaven.

But he had been troubled since the past few days as he had found out that Deathstroke had broken out of Belle Reve prison. The break out was all over in the papers in Gotham and he had just happened to catch sight of The Gotham Daily's issue from a class fellow who originated from that city.

Ever since then he had gotten more reclusive, though his friend Ashton didn't know the reason and tried to cheer him up by all means. When semester break arrived, Luke took the train to Bludhaven but all the way he was thinking of what would happen if Slade found out where he was.

Lucas might not have spent more than five years with his biological father, but those five years were enough for him to know that Slade was highly stubborn and once he set his mind on achieving a target, he didn't back off nor did he care for fair play.

And even though by then, a lot of his memories from the past had faded, he could still recall the terrible day he was forced to kill a woman who reminded him of his own mother as well as the day he had lashed out under effect of the serum.

Those were parts of his life that he never wanted to get repeated but with news of Deathstroke on the loose, he wasn't certain of it anymore.

At the station, George had come to pick him up himself and soon as Luke spotted him, he had rushed towards him, catching him by surprise with a tight hug.

George was aware of Deathstroke's escape from prison but hadn't known whether Luke knew about it or not. But right then seeing him as such, he could guess that the boy was troubled. He knew normally Luke would have never done that and there was something definitely wrong.

"Everything okay, son?" He asked gently as he let go of him.

Hazel eyes looked at him in uncertainty. He wasn't sure whether George knew about the break out or not and he didn't want to trouble him.

"Of course, I... I just missed you."

His eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion but he nodded, "come now, Camille is waiting for us at lunch."

Luke followed him to the parking lot where his car was parked and stuffed his luggage in then took the passenger seat. George drove it out of the station and the two were headed back home.

However, throughout the car ride Luke had been distracted and it was so clear that there was something bothering him so George finally asked, "I think you've seen the news."

He stiffened but then replied shortly after, "I did."

"And you're worried Slade will come and take you away with him."

"I know he will," his voice was muted as if even saying the words out loud was terrible, "he won't let go of me that easy."

"But you do know that I'll do all in my power to stop that from happening, right?" George's tone was gentle and reassuring though deep down even he knew that if the mercenary came for his son, it would be very difficult to stop him.

"I know... Thank you for all you're doing for me but... I'm scared."

Flashes of orange and black swirled on front of his hazel eyes, fire blazed and screams pierced the silence within him. His eyes dropped shut as he tried to drive out the clamor, one hand reaching up to massage his throbbing temples.

The car came to a halt at last and George got out first, taking Luke's luggage out of the trunk. The boy had stepped out as well but he looked paler than usual, uncertainty evident on his face.

"Lucas, nothing will come out of getting scared," his hand gently rested on his shoulder as he spoke, "Deathstroke probably doesn't even know you're here. Don't stress yourself."

"He'll find out..."

"I will make sure nothing of that sort happens, okay?" He repeated, knowing that he had to be there for him. Luke counted on him as a support and he couldn't let him down. "you're safe here, don't get so worried."

Luke nodded in reply but he couldn't get rid of the dread in his heart. He knew Slade wasn't going to give up without a fight and that could endanger George and Camille as well, which was what he didn't want to happen.

He let George lead him in the house and Camille had engulfed him in a warm motherly embrace, smiling as she asked him about his semester. But he was slightly unresponsive, getting startled when she repeated the question.

Honey shaded irises flickered towards George as if to ask what was wrong with Luke. But he nodded his head slightly to let her know that he'll explain later.

Lunch was an unusually silent affair with both George and Camille stealing glances towards Luke who was forking his food but not really eating it. The fact that he was troubled was evident from his features and his stiff demeanor.

"Lucas..."

"I'm sorry," he looked up, "can I eat later? I... I'm tired, I think it would be better if I take a short nap."

Camille nodded, "sure, I've got your room prepared for you. Take your time, we'll wake you up at dinner."

"Thanks."

He stood up and took his bag, ascending the stairs that led to his room. Shortly after, the distinct sound of the door closing was heard.

Camille looked at her husband questioningly to which he paused a little before answering. She didn't know about Luke's connection to Deathstroke so George had to answer carefully.

"It's his mother's birthday today," he spoke up at last, "he doesn't like to talk about it but he misses her and is probably a little upset due to it. He'll be fine, don't worry."

"Oh," an understanding look spread on her features, "poor dear child."

"Don't bring that up in front of him please."

She replied, "I understand, I'm not going to ask him anything that will make him uncomfortable."

He nodded, "thank you."

Though deep down George too was troubled that if Slade did come for his son, he would not only have to deal with him but also have to deal with the fact that he had kept such a huge truth from Camille.

***