Souvenir [Complete]

Thirty-seven. Really Understanding

Luke had often realized while he lived in New York that the kids were sort of lonely. Lauren told him as much, but Luke had never really considered himself much of a care giver. He just sort of fell into a routine.

But that's what he was technically. And he kicked himself as he tucked Harry and Lauren into their beds in room 317 of the only hotel in Brightwitch. He kicked himself for not giving them more support. He wondered if it was too late.

Maybe it was. He had treated them as a priority, but barely. Past doing what he needed to do to keep them alive, and in-school, and passing, he looked kind of negligent. Sure he'd had days where he hung out with them all afternoon. But he'd never made a point to care extra all the time.

Luke caught Calum walking down the hall when he was going to get ice. "Hey can I ask you something," Luke cooed, bucket in hand.

"Anything," Calum cooed easily. He was so easy to talk to. It was easy to feel safe when he was around. Already he had that going for him.

"Do you think I take care of the kids poorly?"

Calum raised his brows as if to understand if Luke was really asking him that. "Uhh, I mean are you kidding? Those kids love you."

"I just feel like I haven't paid enough attention to them. I've been pretty selfish..."

"Alright, alright," Calum cooed with a little smile that made Luke feel instantly better—even under the eerie florescent hall light. "Luke, angel, they're teenagers. They'll let you know when they need you. As far as I've seen, those kids fucking love you. So don't doubt yourself."

Luke nodded, honestly feeling better about it. "Okay. Thank you."

"And honestly if it bothers you now, just make a point to show them around town. Give them some good parts to hang out. And if there aren't any, make it up," Calum cooed.

Luke giggled. "Thanks, Cal."

"Anytime," Calum gushed. "What am I here for if not to be a voice of reason to some Cancers in crisis."

Luke giggled and kissed Calum's cheek. "You're a good friend."

"Well," Calum cooed with that adorable little smile. "Actually I've got a way you can make it up to me."

Luke raised his eyebrows. "Yeah, anything."

"Okay so..." Calum paused like he was working up the courage. Which looked kind of comical for someone this easy going. "Alright, if anyone asks, I never asked you this. But could you give me Michael's address?"

Luke gasped. "Calum! Oh my god," Luke smiled. "Are you serious? How long has this been going on?"

"Oh, like a month. Maybe? I'm gonna try to surprise him," Calum smiled, and his dimples showed. He was so handsome and blushy. Luke could tell instantly that he really liked Michael. And Luke had never been more proud of Michael for chasing after what he wanted.

Luke gave Calum the address and the description of the house. "His window is the most left one on the second floor so you're gonna have to climb to sneak in, bad boy." Luke winked.

Calum smiled graciously and nodded. "You got a store that's open all the time?"

"No," Luke shook his head.

"Damn. I was gonna get flowers."

"Don't worry about it. Seeing you will be gift enough for him," Luke cooed sweetly. "I can't believe he didn't tell me. Little snake, we talk almost every day..."

"We're still working it out together," Calum hummed. "Nothing exclusive yet, but since I'm here...why not try it?"

Luke grinned. "Well, I'm not gonna hold you up forever. If you don't hurry, he'll leave for work or something." He teased.