Luca de Leon

[councilluca]

The rapping of knuckles against their front door roused Luca from his sleep. He stood up shakily and walked through the bedroom he shared with Beckett, through the living room and to the door. Opening it he expected to see a person on the other side, but became confused realizing no one was there. Looking down his eyes landed on a large floral arrangement placed neatly on the ground. Bending to pick it up he plucked the card from its holder, reading the cryptic message. His eyes went wide, tears coming immediately and nearly spilling over. Slamming the door with his foot he walked slowly back to the bedroom trying to get control of himself. But he was already upset, his mind already full of what ifs and whys, his insecurities already taunting him. Outside the once bright and beautiful sky turned dark, almost black, and thunder so powerful shook their windowpanes. Coming into the bedroom Luca thrust the flowers at Beckett and signed, “do you know what this is?” He tossed the card down next to his soulmate before he crossed his arms over his chest. The windows and room itself continued vibrating as the thunder got more powerful.

@protectorbeckett​

[councilluca]

protectorbeckett​:

I hadn’t, I wasn’t paying attention. I wouldn’t mind going though. Do you want to go?

I think it could be fun, and a good opportunity to mingle. Socialization has not been quite as important since they have canceled classes, I know you’re probably interested in seeing some people. 

[councilluca]

I am not sure if you have seen, but it appears as though Sebastian Foster is planning to throw a party. Would you like to go?

@protectorbeckett​

[councilluca]

Have any of your ex’s told you they regret breaking up?

I do not have any ex’s to have told me anything like that. Beckett is my first relationship, and now we know he will be my last. I think that is perfect. 

[councilluca]

What is your favorite part about being at Brightwood?

Being at Brightwood is a nice experience. The campus is divine, and that is one of my favorite parts. Now, also, having met my soulmate, and knowing that he is also here. 

[councilluca]

protectorbeckett​:

With all of the anxiety surrounding what might or might not happen during their exam that might ruin their relationship, it was almost nice when it was finally time to focus on the exam itself. Talking to Luca and fearing that he would end their relationship if they didn’t bond was stressful, watching Luca get taken was even worse. He had almost triggered their bond right there, trying to protect his boyfriend, but the staff had expected he might get aggressive and there were enough staff there to take Luca that Beckett never got a chance to get close. Then he was gone and it was all about the hunt, he followed clues and worked as quickly as he could. When he finally found Luca, he watched for a moment to make a plan and when he moved in, he felt it. It was enough that he almost stopped right there and didn’t finish the exam. With Luca saved, the staff gone, and the two of them standing face to face along, Beckett almost didn’t know what to say. He was excited, it felt like he was in love. His mind was rolling a mile a minute, but even moreso he could hear Luca’s voice in his head and he thought he might melt right there if his heart didn’t stop first. I can hear your voice… I…. Wow.,

Luca heard Beckett’s response in his own mind, something he had heard would happen with soulmates but wasn’t sure he thought was real. It’s real, he thought while he blinked slowly. I can hear yours. Do you like mine? Is it okay? It would suck to be stuck with a voice in your head forever that you didn’t like. Naturally Luca felt everything he was supposed to feel in the moment. Love, passion, care. They were all things he had been feeling for Beckett already, but it was like they had all been amplified. Turned up to 5,000 while they circulated through his mind and body. Beckett...You are my soulmate. Luca wanted to say so many things, and he thought about saying them, but instead he opened himself in his heart and mind, allowing Beckett entry. The two had been through some things together in their time together, and Luca had known he was in love with the Guardian the night he had taken care of him after the poisoning, and even more when Beckett had laid him down and given him everything he’d needed, filling a powerful and long empty void within Luca. I’m not so great with words. You know that already. That’s why I do not say much. Most of the time I don’t know what to say. But I know you know now. You can hear me. Feel my emotions. You know I am in love with you, there is no need to wait, no hesitation. My soulmate. 

[councilluca]

Their exams had been tough, and Luca and Beckett were both nervous. They had only just gone public with their fake relationship, then gone through the poisoning and everything else that had been thrown at them, then between the two of them they had figured out that they had real feelings for each other. The real possibility that all of that could come crashing down and that they’d both be back to their separate square ones loomed and through the entire exam Luca had felt nauseous and kind of off balance. All of that ended when Beckett came charging onto the outdoor patio. As soon as he saw Beckett’s face Luca knew, his body heating and his face flushing while concentration broke the second the Guardian started towards him. They had bonded. They were bonding. Beckett really was his. Just as pure dumb luck would have it. After Beckett had overcome the staff member as intended, Luca rushed to him and wrapped his arms around the man, not needing to say a word. Although he did nearly pass out at the ability to hear Beckett’s words in his mind. 

@protectorbeckett​

[councilluca]

protectorbeckett​:

May or may not end up with a full circus worth of animals, thanks to the pet fair event. Anyone else having trouble narrowing things down? I wonder if we can have more than one…

You are so funny, Beckett. Watching you with the animals has been a real treat I must say. Tell me what you are torn between. You can have one, and I can get another. 

[councilluca]

lorrainemelwood​:

PM: In light of the recent revelations the Headmaster has shared, I believe now is the time for us to begin acting again. I’m certain we have all been doing our own investigations, and have our own thoughts about this. Despite there having been a bit of discord as of late, it is imperative that we all set these things aside and focus on moving forward, collectively, Following this morning’s announcement I have been thinking about what it is campus needs most at this time, what we can do to assist in keeping things as calm and normal as possible. From what I can see already on the dash, it appears as though people are frustrated with the lack of ability to do the types of activities they normally would. I’ve had the thought that perhaps we could take something off the Headmaster’s plate, perhaps take over the organization of the ‘buddy system’, organize nightly group walks or workouts, help organize and sponsor more group events while classes are canceled. Things are only going to get worse if everyone begins losing their minds from being cooped up, especially those who may not feel comfortable reaching out to anyone and specifically requesting an escort. Does anyone have any thoughts about something like this? Of course, in the meantime, I believe it will be prudent for us to begin carving out set times to meet among ourselves, to talk through progress and any issue or concern that may come up. Finally, I think it might be a good idea for us to go ahead and add our partners/bonds/significant others to this chat, considering they given the current circumstances they will most likely be attending meetings revolving around this topic. Though, I’ll wait to get everyone’s opinions before I actually do that, though. Let me know your thoughts, I’d like to begin pulling ourselves back together as soon as possible.  @thebijoubelmont​ @themadisonmontgomery​ @councilluca​ @councilbenji​ @maconmontgomery​, @zachcamden​ 

[PM]: I am in agreement as well, Lorraine. Nice initiative, it is marvelous to see you feeling better and back in the game. I believe organizing group activities is a great first step, I will take some time today to brainstorm and see what I can come up with in terms of suggestions. The Pet Fair is already happening this weekend, maybe making our presence known there would be a good first step. Supporting the adoptions, things like that. It sounds like Benji has some great ideas on the sports side of things. I wonder if we could hold something akin to arts and crafts or something of that sort. 

[councilluca]

protectorbeckett​:

Are you nervous? For this weekend. I saw the note too, please let me know if you want an escort anywhere. I’ll be here in a flash, to take you anywhere that you want to go.

@councilluca​

I am not sure how to answer that. I am, and I am not. I am not because I trust you and I know that we will do well together. But...We both know the idea of bonding is looming. Or, rather, the idea of not. The fear of not. That’s such a nice offer, Beckett. I think we should do something today. How would you feel about checking out the yoga?

[councilluca]

protectorbeckett​:

It was easier for Beckett to accept the idea of helping Luca into the shower, he wasn’t a stranger to seeing other men naked and he couldn’t lie to himself and say he wasn’t actually fully into Luca. After the date the Guarded had taken him on, he’d been pretty smitten. It was so romantic and sweet, and they had gotten to talk a lot and really spend quality time together without the stress of expectations or responsibilities. Like two normal people. And now here he was, about to help the other man into the shower. The man he was pretending to date. When that was called out, it was his turn to be embarrassed and he chuckled softly to cover that up. ”It’s not hard to be your doting boyfriend, babe. You make it easy.” He saw that sad smile and couldn’t help but wonder what was behind it. Then Luca was speaking again and he focused as best as he could, lip reading and taking in the few signs the other man knew. “You don’t have to apologize for waking me up, I’m glad you did. I don’t want you suffering alone. I’ll get in with you, if you’re comfortable. You can lean on me, I’ll clean you up. Maybe the shower will help you feel better too, a little. And I want to stay, I hope you wake me again if anything else happens.”

Beckett’s sentiments had Luca reeling, but not in a bad way. What he’d suggested to Beckett, that the two proceed within a fake relationship, had been what felt like a stroke of genius. But, the past several days of being with the other man, having someone there as a partner that Luca never really had, getting comfortable with him in so many ways and learning everything he could had left him nurturing feelings of his own. “Babe?” He signed, eyebrows raising. They weren’t in front of other people, Beckett had no reason to keep up the facade. Luca’s heart jumped, and he stood shakily, holding onto the counter while he moved to brush his teeth. “I do feel badly about it, even if I shouldn’t. I feel like I should have dealt on my own but I...Was scared. I guess. I haven’t been sick like this here. It was frightening. Thinking that I might not have anyone. But you’re here. You are here.” Luca’s eyes found Beckett’s slowly while he leaned against the sink for support. “I am comfortable, you can get in with me.” Luca’s mind raced. Even though he felt worse than he maybe ever had, his mind couldn’t let go of the fact that he was about to see Beckett naked, just like the Guardian was about to see him. Reaching up, he tugged his shirt off and over his head, throwing it carelessly to the ground while his hands moved to his boxer-briefs and pajama pants. 

[councilluca]

protectorbeckett​:

Beckett nodded when Luca told him what he wanted and what he needed. He appreciated the sign as well, it was cute and sweet. “Let me help you shower. I’ll help you get clean, and then we can go back to the spare bedroom- the sheets are clean in there. I want to stay in the same room with you tonight anyway, to make sure you’re okay. Should I call the infirmary before I get you in the shower?”

When Beckett offered to help him bathe Luca thought about protesting. But, he soon realized he was in no position to do even that, knowing he didn’t have the energy to stand in a shower or get out of a bath on his own. “That would be fine, thank you.” He signed, nodding, a little embarrassed. “You are really taking this boyfriend role seriously.” He said, looking back at Beckett. Luca smiled sadly, a pang within him almost wishing their relationship was real. It would be nice to have someone to care like this all the time. He’d settle for someone to just cuddle with. Luca kept to himself mostly, never sharing his feelings or thoughts or wants and definitely not his needs. Having Beckett here was comforting and he didn’t want that to end. Luca almost asked for more, but stopped himself. “You can if you think it’ll help. You can stay, I think it would be a good thing, having someone with me. My apologies for waking you.” After a few seconds of thought, he added quickly, “You can shower with me if you want. If it’s easier.”

[councilluca]

protectorbeckett​:

Beckett remained quiet as Luca got sick, watching in concern and comforting him as best as he could with his hands, massaging and caressing the Guarded’s arms, shoulders, and back. He conceded to what Luca needed from him in the moment, appreciating the sign, and spoke out loud without signing along. It was something he didn’t make a habit of doing, he just didn’t want to confuse or push Luca right now. When his name was spoken, he saw the way the rest of Luca’s face and body language spoke and his heart sank. “Stay here, let me get you some water.” He zipped out with super-speed and grabbed a glass of water. With everyone getting sick, he wondered if it wasn’t something they had eaten and if that was the case then Luca was going to have to let himself keep throwing up to get it all out, so he skipped medicine for that. “I wish I could help more,” he admitted out loud again, handing over the water and returning his hands to his fake boyfriend’s back. “Luca… I’ll stay right here with you.”

Luca groaned but relaxed a little while Beckett massaged him. There was no chance of denying that it helped, and he felt better with the Guardian there at his side. When Beckett brought him the glass of water Luca accepted and sipped slowly, leaning against the bathroom cabinet for support. “I just want to be in bed.” He said, trying to sign and look at the other. “But it is sweaty there, and I still feel like I could be sick again at any moment.” Luca wrapped his arms around himself, his body felt cold and he was still drenched in sweat. “I need a shower.” He said, shivering. 

[councilluca]

poorjamesmoore​:

Lorraine, yes. The others, no. I guess I’ll reach out since I’m doing that lately. 

[PM]: It could be. It definitely could be. So far no notes or insignia, though. Last time, they left their insignia. A live version, a snake and a dagger. Yeah, I’m with him. 

That does not bode well, James. Please let me know if you do hear anything, but rest yourself. If you are sick too, I can guess at what you are feeling and it is not pleasant. 

[PM]: You are right, but it is still an awfully big coincidence otherwise. Maybe we will find more information, once this has passed, whatever it may be. Good, let me know if you need anything. Beckett does not appear to be sick, I can send him with provisions in the event that you require them. 

[councilluca]

protectorbeckett​:

Honestly, Beckett wouldn’t have minded sleeping in bed with Luca, but he knew that to the other man their relationship was a façade so he understood that he wasn’t interested or comfortable. So he’d gone into the spare room and gotten comfortable, then allowed himself to fall asleep. He wasn’t fully there yet when Luca started to call for him. Being Deaf, he didn’t hear, but he did feel the footfalls of the Guarded as he came in and the way he was tapped shook him from sleep. He sat up, looking down at Luca on the floor and instantly got up, picked the other man up, and carefully carried him into the light. “What happened? What’s wrong?”

Unable and unwilling to protest Luca tried to relax into Beckett’s hold and his eyes closed slowly while he tried to make the room stop spinning. “Bathroom, please.” He signed, using the little bit he had started to learn in preparation for being with Beckett and the time they’d spent together. When he was taken to the restroom he moved as quickly as possible to the toilet, getting sick two more times. “I’m sick.” He signed. “Are you sick? Other council members are sick. Benji, Lorraine, James was at dinner and he’s sick too. This does not look good.” Luca was still shaking, his stomach turning and flipping over and over again. “Beckett...”

[councilluca]

poorjamesmoore​:

It looks like a lot of people are sick as fuck, myself and Benj included. I was going to keep that theory hush hush, to make sure I didn’t influence anyone in what they say, but it’s a solid at this point. Now we figure out what we all came in contact with that might have done this, as more people ring in about being sick.

PM: I hadn’t left bed in a week before this Council dinner, so that narrows things down quite a bit. Is someone there with you?

Yes, I am seeing more of that now. You are right, I am seeing the same. Have you heard from Bijou, Zach, Madison, or Lorraine? That may be a place to start. 

[PM]: It does, indeed. This is disconcerting James. Do you believe this could be another attack? I do, Beckett is here with me. I take it you are with Benji?

[councilluca]

poorjamesmoore​:

Show of hands if something weird happened to you tonight. For science.

You too, James? How is Benjiro? Are you both ill? I am ill as well. Very suddenly.