Runaways »»L.H.««

Chapter 28

Luke explained to me the situation of Ashton's discovery of him and his cousin's.

"Well Luke you have to go see them." I tell him.

"No I can't." He said shaking his head.

"Why not?"

"I just can't." He said, "You won't understand."

"What are you talking about? Of course I understand. If I had the chance to see my parents I would snatch it up in a heart beat."

"Nezbit." He said shaking his head, "I can remember the house we lived in when I was younger. It was massive. I'll just be a disappointment to them."

"They are your parents-"

"I'm not going, so drop it."

I frowned, staring to him. He didn't have the stern expression that you'd expect him to, instead it was soft and tiered.

"No." I said.

He sighed. "Nezbit-"

"I will never be able to see my parents again, Luke. Never. You have the opportunity to see them, and in the future you'll regret it if you don't."

He closed his eyes.

"Just once, Luke. You never have to see them again."

He didn't reply. He was silent, probably trying to block me out.

I rested my hand on his shoulder. "Luke?"

He licked his lips, and grabbed the same hand, holding it in both of his, and finally looked at me. "Would that make you happy, babe?"

I nodded.

He nodded back. "Just once. Under one condition."

I intently stared at him, waiting for him to continue.

"You go with me."

I was pleased by the idea that he wanted me to go. It made me feel as if I helped him. Helped him feel comfortable, and that he really did trust me. And in a way, it made me feel like he wanted me there, just as much as I did him.

I nodded. "I will."

~*~

The day went on with a lot of awkward silence, and heads down. Well most of that came from Luke, but that was fine with me, I know  he was only thinking about his parents.

In bed, he wrapped himself around me like a koala bear, playing with my finger tips.

"I have not the slightest clue what to say to them, Nezzy." He spoke.

I let out a sigh, not knowing what to say myself. "Just be yourself."

He chuckled.

"What?" I asked.

"That is so cliche for one. For two, I fucking suck. I can't be myself."

"Luke, if they want you in their life they'll accept you for you."

"Yeah, okay. Maybe you're right, how's this sound... 'Hi I'm Luke, your long lost son. So great to meet you. Meet my girlfriend who is four years younger than me. Did I mention I'm homeless and a male prostitute?'"

I turned my nose up at the last sentence he said.

I didn't like thinking he was having sex with random people.

"Okay, well don't say that you're a prostitute, because you're not anymore. And there are plenty of other ways to introduce yourself."

"Not a prostitute anymore, ay?" I could almost hear the smile on his face. "Are you claiming me now?"