inevitable entanglements » a.i. + l.h.

15 (here's the fluff you all asked for)

Luke wanted to ask Michael about the fairytale, even though there wasn't much to ask. He felt the strange desire to tell him about his own parents and wanted to ask about Ashton's mother.

But when Luke crawled out of bed the sun hadn't risen yet and Michael was still fast asleep. And after worship, he wanted to spend time with Ashton, so he figured his conversation with Michael would have to wait until the afternoon.

As soon as the priest had muttered the last words of the worship, Luke got up from his chair. Unlike before he met Ashton, he didn't try to hide himself anymore. If both Ashton, Michael and the duke had noticed him, what was the point in trying? Instead he hurried away, pushing past other servants. He made his way to the end of the corridor where he knew Ashton would be awaiting him.

"There you are."

The curly haired lad beamed as if he could sense Luke's excitement. Luke didn't even bother to greet him, he was too thrilled.

"I'd like to show you something."

He announced with a hint of pride in his voice. No doubt Ashton would be happy to see Luke opening up. He took his hand in his to guide him through the labyrinth of corridors and doors. It was a gesture Ashton often made, so Luke figured it would be okay if he did it too. He liked the feeling of Ashton's slender fingers entangled with his own and perhaps Ashton did too.

"Where are we going?"

The older boy asked without letting his bright smile drop. He seemed equally excited, both because of Luke's initiative and the tingling in his hand.

"I'm not going to tell you. Just follow me."

The change in Luke's appearance didn't go unnoticed by Ashton. He was still awfully skinny and his feet still hit the ground ever so silently, but despite his limping, there was a bounce in his step. He was a little less invisible and it didn't seem to bother him in the slightest. Ashton was so captivated by the boy who was dragging him through the corridors that he bumped into him when he came to a halt. He looked up to take in his surroundings, only to find out he had no idea where he was. 

"Where are we, Luke?"

He asked the boy who was busy removing a plank from one of the walls. 

"I'm not sure what this room is called, but I'm sure no one will find us."

For some reason this melted Ashton's insides. He was going to be alone with Luke. Luke's next movement changed the feeling into a feeling of sickness though. He crawled into a hole that had been covered by the wooden plank. Spiderwebs and moss framed the opening. It was utterly small and Ashton didn't think he'd fit in there. Of course that was no problem for Luke, that boy couldn't have been thicker than that goddamn plank.

"What're you doing?"

He asked, gobsmacked. Luke somehow managed to turn around in the opening so he could look him in the eyes. 

"I'm letting you in."

Both figuratively and literally, Ashton thought, but he didn't say it out loud, because he doubted Luke knew what it meant and he didn't want to make him feel stupid. 

When he opened his mouth to protest, Luke added: "Do you trust me, Ashton?" The question sent shivers down his spine who were good nor bad. He didn't know whether it was because of the seriousness seeping through his deep voice or because of the actual question. 

"These past days I let you drag me all over the castle. I let you introduce me to people. I question my religion for you. I put my life in your hands. You could've gotten me killed. I trust you, Ashton. Now I'm asking you to trust me. To let me take you somewhere I've never taken anyone before."