Why Come Back?

What The Hell Was That?!

          The day went by quickly, Luke helped Spider settle into his new house. Weirdly enough, it was just down the road from his trailer. After all, was said and done, it was too dark out for Luke to make it home.

          "Hey, you can stay with me," Spider says, putting a hand on Luke's shoulder.

"I wouldn't want to be a bother, and I'm sure it'll be okay... ."

          "Yeah, being attacked by a bunch of assholes is being okay."

"That was high school. Besides, no one will be here for a while. That festival won't be over until Friday."

          "Please don't go. I don't want to be alone," Spider softly whines, "Not again, please."

Luke freezes up, his hand on the doorknob.

          "Please, I don't want to be alone again," He whines once more.

Luke turns with a sigh.

"You know I can't resist helping."

          "Yep~. It's the best part of seeing old friends," Spider says, hugging Luke.

Luke pouts and crosses his arms. Spider grins and holds him close. Luke's face begins to burn as his heart pounds against his ribcage.

          "I have an extra bed if you wanna sleep there."

Luke just nods, unable to get any words out.

          "Perfect!"

          Spider keeps his arms around Luke. The flutter in his heart was almost a drug to him, a drug he had missed for years. With the smell of baked goods and smoke, the soft and caring eyes that held the sorrowful smile, all of it was Spider's drug. Something he knew he'd regret leaving, and like an addict, he returned. His world was in his arms, and he hated the idea of letting it go again.

          Luke began to relax, finally remembering the only friend he had in this world. The night his wings were ripped to shred, he heard a voice. The voice demanded his attention, halting the beating from his attackers. He feared the pounding of his heart was echoing through the alley as the darkened figure ripped the men off him. It was a monster. Hairy spider legs peered over his shoulder from its back. Luke's breath hitches at the sight of this creature. It offers him a hand up, which Luke happily takes. Monster or not, the person helped him. The streetlights reflected dimly onto the alley. In the softly cast light, a raven-haired boy stood. Spider legs outstretched from his back.

"Are you okay?" The voice mumbles quietly.

          "Healer Boy, are you okay?" Spider waves a hand in front of Luke's face. Luke snaps out of it and looks at Spider with a smile.

"Yeah, just got-."

          "Lost?" Spider interrupts.

Luke nods, subconsciously leaning into his hero's arms.

          "I keep calling you Healer boy. Is that okay?"

"I don't mind it!" Luke's smile brightens, making Spider freeze up.

          The world seems to stop as they look at each other. Luke's heartbeat begins to race once again.

          The first time he felt something like this, he was in a garden. He was dancing, he couldn't remember who with anymore, yet it was gentle. The wind swept them into the air and held them locked in the other's arms. He was happy.

Suddenly a shout snaps him out of it.

Spider is on the floor, staring at him.

In the reflection, a soft white glow begins fading.

"What just happened?" Luke whispers.

"Uhhh, I'd say a flash of light." Spider nervously chuckles.

"What? Oh no! I am so sorry. Did I hurt you?" Luke offers him a hand up.

"Nope! Just startled me, thankfully. That was some light show, what was it?"

"I have no idea. I was just-, " Luke pauses. "Somewhere in my head."

"Well, wherever it was. It made an impression," Spider takes Luke's hand and stands, "I'd love to see just what goes on in there sometime."

Spider ruffles Luke's hair jokingly.

"I'd love to show you one day," Luke whispers and puts a hand over Spider's heart.

Beat.

          Beat.

                    Beat.