Jun 9
i fucking love luke in his all black attire. the black cape. the black boots. oh he's so sexy
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i fucking love luke in his all black attire. the black cape. the black boots. oh he's so sexy
luke wouldn't have gone off the deep end if he'd gone down the sammy valdez route after thalia exploded or whatever happened
Damn, you took an L?
As in Luke Skywalker?
And you’re complaining about that why?
The artists did not have to make him so ✨voluptuous✨ and yet….
SIR—
From Star Wars (2020): Quests of the Force
backbiter isn't even an evil badass name it just sounds like a gay sex thing. this is literally why luke didn't win the war
Ch.10 - The Summer Festival
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It was that time of year again, at the peak of summer, your area held a festival over the long weekend. It was a mid-range big deal for everyone who lives here, kids love it for all the carnival style games and rides, the teens and adults love it for the performances of up-and-coming bands and the occasional known artist headlining. It’s a great time for everyone involved.
“Whaaat? it’s that time of year already?” Vanessa’s lazily remarking to no one in particular.
“Hm? What is?” You were currently preparing lunch for the two of you, busy chopping up some vegetables in the kitchen.
“The festival’s this weekend! Looks like the opening night is going to be good this year!” Looking up from the cutting board you see Vanessa very comfortably sprawled out on your couch scrolling through the event’s page. You hear some gasps and mutters as she sees the lineup of events, she always was one to get excited about local bands and solo artists. She frequently dragged you to dimly lit venues, cheering on bands that have eccentric names with performances that left you feeling electric, if anyone had good taste it was her.
“AHH! YOUNG ASTRAL IS PERFORMING?!” Vanessa exclaims as you set down various plates on the table.
“Remind me again? Young Astral?”
“How can you forget, ughhh come on they were so good! And don’t get me started on their bassist…” She gets up off the couch to sit down with you. Placing some chicken on her plate, you smile as you let her go on about the latest band she’s crazy for. You’re certain if she put on one of their songs, you’d recognise it, but by titles alone there was no way.
“Anyways, I am absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, going to go see their set.”
You go with Vanessa to the festival pretty much every year, sometimes her other friends join you and it becomes a group outing. It’s always a lot of fun. You serve yourself some of the chicken and settle down to eat. Just as you’re taking your first bite, Vanessa switches subjects.
“So….” Vanessa’s tone of voice has a hint of teasing in it. “You going with anyone this year?”
You raise an eyebrow at her, what is she trying to suggest?
“You?”
“Nope. Wrong answer.” She pokes around her food, staring at you with eyes that say ‘You know.’
You do not know.
Okay that was a bit of a lie, it would be nice to go with Luke but you’re sure he’s going with all his friends and you really don’t want to intrude if he already has plans.
“Ask him.”
“What? No. I couldn’t, I’m sure he’s busy with plans to go with his friends…”
“Ask.” Vanessa takes another mouthful of the chicken with a finality that left no room to argue.
After that the conversation shifted to something else. Topics of work and Vanessas current projects filling the quiet apartment with laughter and enthusiastic conversation. With lunch finished the two of you moved onto having some drinks on your balcony, exchanging jokes and fond memories of college as the sun started to set.
Vanessa’s phone buzzes.
“Shoot, is that really the time?” She exclaims. You turn to look at her just as she’s getting up, you vaguely remember her saying something about a date tonight. You’re up and out of your seat along with her, taking her half empty drink off her hands as she scrambles inside to grab her things.
“Think about what I said m’kay?” Vanessa reminds you as she gives you a hug goodbye.
“Sure.” Waving her off, only shutting the door when the elevator closes. Turning around back into your apartment, you start to tidy up a bit.
Thinking about it was easy, deciding to do it is another thing. On one hand, it sounds like a lot of fun; you enjoy his company. On the other hand, you really don’t want to intrude if he has any plans, and you don’t want to be that guy that gets retroactively tacked onto plans just because they asked if the other one wanted to hang out at the same time. Overthinking is a beast you haven’t quite tamed yet.
Grabbing your phone, you type out the message.
‘Want to go to the opening night of the festival with me?’
Your thumb hovers over the send button, somehow your phone feels heavy in your hand as you run through the possibilities of sending versus not sending the message. You felt stupid for overthinking asking a friend to hang out, rationally you knew it was harmless. Steeling your nerves, you press send just as you receive a text from him.
‘Would you like to go to the first night of the festival with me? Heard there was going to be fireworks’
No way.
Three dots appear underneath his message, he’s writing something.
‘Haha no way! At the same time too!’
‘Does that mean you’re down to come with me?’
He’s a double, triple, quadruple texter. Your phone buzzes with each message back-to-back.
Your shock leaves you motionless for a second, you just had to text him the exact same thing at the same time. You were agonising over nothing, just to end up in an awkward situation. Only you see it as awkward though, on the other side of the screen Luke was beaming at receiving pretty much the same message he just sent looking back at him.
‘???’
Right. You were texting him.
‘I’d like to go with you if you’re down for that?’ You finally reply.
‘Haha how fucked up would it be if I said I didn’t want to?’ He’s teasing you. ‘Of course, I’ll pick you up from your place at about 6?’
‘Sounds good to me.’
‘It’s a date then 😎’
‘haha, sure👍’ Leave it to him to say something like that, you knew he didn’t mean it that way.
Vanessa was right. She was also currently gloating at the fact that she was correct. Once again on your lunch break, you were relaying to her that you ended up inviting Luke at the same time he did. Vanessa scoots closer to you, her voice dropping to just above a whisper “I never did mention him by name yesterday y’know…”
Your eyes widen, she didn’t.
“Yeah? Well, uhh…” You’re caught off guard, not sure what to say. Vanessa was holding onto that fact until after you told her about your plans, she was enjoying this. Whatever this was.
“Haha relax! I’m glad you’re going; besides I would have felt a little bad if you didn’t have plans since I do…”
“Oh? Plans?” This piqued your interest.
“I’m going with someone to the Young Astral set!”
“Anyone I know?”
“Hmm, no I don’t think so but they were at Luke’s party. We are into a lot of the same bands!”
“Nice! I’m glad you guys share interests; how dare you leave me to fend for myself though. Whatever will I do without you?” You playfully jab her; you couldn’t really get mad at her for that.
“Oh please, like I’d leave you hanging. Text me your outfit options later.”
Finishing up lunch, you return back to your desk and the pile of tasks left waiting as you mentally rummage through your closet. You wonder what Luke was going to wear, he’s probably way less worried about it than you are.
The weekend rolls around in the blink of an eye, work was busy enough to keep you occupied all week. Now was finally the time to have fun and unwind a bit. It was just past 4 PM, you’re putting away the last of the groceries when your alarm reminder to get ready goes off. Texting Vanessa to make sure she’s not going to be late to her date, you scurry off to have a shower. Taking your time putting on the outfit you and Vanessa agreed upon the other day, you add the finishing touches to your look as your phone pings. It’s Luke, he’s on his way.
For some reason, nerves settle in your stomach.
Why were you nervous? This is a hangout just like any other. Don’t be silly.
Shaking your head, you will yourself out of your train of thought. Grabbing your things you head out the door and into the elevator, you fiddle with your hair in the mirror, brushing down strays as the numbers get closer to the bottom floor.
Ding!
Stepping outside of the apartment building, you find a spot to wait for Luke. Your mind drifts elsewhere, running through scenarios and mundane tasks you need to get done at some point. Your eyes barely register his red car pull up right in front of you, he waved but you didn’t notice.
Honk!
You startle.
Winding down the passenger side window, Luke leans over the centre console of the car and beams up at you.
“You gonna daydream all day or are you going to get into this handsome stranger’s car?”
“Oh, shut up.” You roll your eyes; he took no time at all to kick off the jokes and annoyances.
Settling into his car, you buckle in after a quickly muttered ‘hey’. Luke gives you a quick once-over then starts the car and heads off; His playlist filling the otherwise quiet cabin of the car. The sun wasn’t going to set for at least another hour or two.
Arriving at the festival, you could already see the large crowd of people arriving and gathering at the pier and beach area. Finding a parking spot was a slight challenge with the amount of people but after circling around a bit, Luke managed to snag one for himself. The ignition is shut off, the music turning off with it. You’re about to open the door and get out when Luke grabs your attention.
“Hold on, I need you to do something first”
Taking your hand off of the door’s handle, you turn and look at him with slight confusion.
“Open up the glove box for me, will you?”
“Sure, what did you need from it?” reaching over and opening the compartment, you spot a sleek black box. Luke points to it.
“For you, go on; open it.”
With curiosity, you open the nondescript box. You were met with an accessory; the exact one you were eyeballing when you and Charlie were hanging out.
“Wha-how? This is-“ You’re flustered and excited as you try to express your gratitude.
“Charlie sent me a picture of it a couple of weeks back, I thought you’d like it”
You lean over the centre console and hug him.
“Oh my god this is-ah I don’t know what to say! Thank you!!”
He freezes up for a moment, then returns the hug.
“I’m glad you like it; I was a little nervous you wouldn’t”
Pulling back, you’re enthusiastically putting on the gift straight away. “Are you kidding? This is like, the coolest thing ever.”
He notices you’re fiddling with putting it on and moves to help you put it on. He’s close. Suddenly the car space feels smaller. With a bit of adjusting; it’s on.
“Shall we get going? I want to get on some rides before the fireworks” He’s grinning.
“Mhm!”
Of course he would take you on this kind of ride, why did you think this was going to be calmer rides like the smaller rollercoaster or even the teacups. You were nearing the front of the line for a ride that takes you up high then drops you without any warning. Your stomach was doing flips just even thinking about it, seeing the people ahead of you on the ride made your stomach do flips. All it took to find yourself in this situation was some simple goading from his end.
“What? You scared?”
That was all it took to do your best to prove him wrong, a resolve reared its head. Your turn was up. Luke grabbed your hand as he led you to an available seat right next to him. You clip yourself in and wait for the operator to come around and do the final safety checks. You turn to Luke who is grinning like an idiot, clearly, he enjoys these kinds of rushes: he’s even kicking his legs back and forth like this is the most fun a person could anticipate. You grip the safety bar, looking up at the sky and the tall, tall tower you’re going to be climbing; and at that very moment pray that you make it out of this alive. Proving him wrong was the last thing on your mind right now, you were nervous as all hell.
The mechanism starts to work, jostling you a little bit as you start to rise. You have to hand it to them; you get a really good view of the ocean and the festival below with this ride. But the fact that it is going to be dropping you at a high speed with 0 warning was enough for your nerves to take centre stage. You hit the top and the waiting game begins. You look at Luke yet again, his expression a total inversion of yours. He notices your stare and quirks his eyebrow at you.
“Isn’t this fun?!” He beams. “Any second now!”
Clunk!
The telltale sound that you were about to plummet down rings in your ears, your hand flies to Luke’s own hand out of pure instinct and anxiety. Grip strength you didn’t even know you had revealing itself in this very moment. Screwing your eyes shut, you feel your insides try to make their way out of your body due to the sheer force of falling.
“Oh fuuuuuuuuuu-“ is all that could be heard by the people in the line below you, paired with Luke’s overjoyed laughter at the sensation.
The ride slows and comes to its final stop, you’re released from the safety bars and you feel like your knees are going to give out the second they touch solid ground. Coming to your senses as you leave the ride, you realise you were still holding his hand.
“Haha that was too good! Oh, we should go to that one next!” Your horrified eyes follow his pointing, relief floods you as it looks like a much milder ride. He tugs you towards it, easily navigating the crowd with you in tow. Yes, you were scared, but thinking back on it, it was fun.
The two of you went on a few more rides; each time, spending the time in the queue chatting away and joking around. The sun was slowly setting and the crowds started to really grow. Leaving yet another ride, you hear the live performances kicking off and you’re reminded of Vanessa. You hope her date is going well.
“Ah man, performances are starting! Did you want to see any of them?” Luke was turning towards the direction of the sound, trying to hear if he recognised the group that was currently playing.
“I don’t really know any of the artists this year, but if you do then let’s go!”
He smiles at you, starting to work his way through the crowd and towards the stage area; only getting slightly sidetracked with his destination by one of the food trucks. He realises after all of those rides that the two of you should grab a bite. He orders some fries and drinks for the two of you, which you gladly accept.
Luke was scanning the program flyer nearby when his eyes light up with recognition.
“Yoo! No way!! ‘Young Astral’ AND‘Riot of the Red Light’? They’re performing?”
You were taking a sip from your drink when Luke’s excitement jostled you around. Why does it seem like everyone but you knew about these bands? No wonder Vanessa and Luke’s friends got along so well when they met.
“Oh, they’re starting their set now actually! Come on let’s go!” You’re joining the crowd all the way at the back, there was no way you were making it anywhere near the front at this point. The songs sounded semi familiar so you had no trouble going along with them. Looking around you manage to spot Vanessa and her date navigating around in the ocean of people, you send her a jokingly creepy text; attaching a picture you snapped quickly of her from behind. You knew she would laugh at that. Luke was as excited as ever, seemingly knowing every word as he records short snippets of the performance, you smile at his enthusiasm. You were struggling to see over the crowd now, but this was a common thing for you so you weren’t too fussed about it, Luke on the other hand noticed that there was no way you were able to see right now. He leans over to your side, getting close so you can hear him.
“Can you even see?”
“Not really! But it’s fine!”
“Like hell it is, come on, up you go!”
“What do you mean ‘up I go’, Whoa!” In an instant you’re being effortlessly hoisted up onto his shoulders. Catching your balance, you feel Luke’s arms steady you.
“Is this okay to do? Aren’t I heavy?”
“Oh please, I lift way more than whatever you weigh I promise.”
You laugh at his lack of concern for having a whole person weighing on his shoulders. You record some of the song while you have a view. Luke takes your phone out of your hand midway through the second snippet, flipping the camera around to record a video of the two of you moving about, he’s lip syncing dramatically and you can’t help the giddy giggle coming out of you at his eager energy. He manages to snap a couple of selfies before returning your phone to your hands again. His hands find their place on your legs to steady you as he sings along to the next song, your attention diverted away from the performance and to his arms. You could feel his biceps against your thighs moving as he danced along to the performance, clearly, he has a good workout routine because they looked really good from this angle. Staring just a bit too hard at his hands that were holding you in place, is it weird to think they were pretty? Your own hands rested on his head, playing with his hair a bit as you got a little too lost in thought, the song ended and you were none the wiser until he shifted to let you down from his shoulders. Feet hitting the ground once more.
“So, what did you think of the view?”
“Amazing,” You don’t think you were talking about the same thing.
“I knew you would, no way you were getting the full experience from down there. Tall people privilege or whatever they say.” He’s puffing his chest out with mock pride. He takes out his phone and checks the time.
“Looks like we have just enough time before the fireworks to get a proper meal in. What do you say?”
You realise you were hungry at that exact moment; you were too wrapped up in your own head to notice before but a slightly too overpriced meal from some random food stall sounded like heaven right now. Truly peak festival experience. Eagerly nodding your head at the suggestion, you take his hand and guide the two of you back in the direction of the food stalls and trucks.
Lining up and ordering from a kebab stall, you receive a portion from the man running it that could feed a small village. At least you won’t starve. Finding a spot to sit; the two of you devour the meal while doing some people watching. Luke managed to finish his kebab in a shockingly fast time. When you joke about him eating like ‘he’s been starved’ he quickly defends himself.
“A growing boy like myself has to eat, plus I’m so certain the amount of chicken he put in my kebab made me hit my protein target for the day. #sograteful” He nods like he’s dishing out the wisdom of the century.
“Please never speak in hashtag to me ever again,” You cringe. He snorts a laugh at that. Finishing your kebab, the two of you dispose of the wrappers and drink cups so that you can make your way to the beach and get a good view of the fireworks that were about to begin.
Managing to find a spot that is less crowded, you sit down on a grassy section of the beach, as to avoid the amount of sand you’re going to end up with in your clothes and shoes. Easy conversation flowed as you waited for the firework show to start.
Luke turned his attention fully onto you “Um, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you actually”
Averting your gaze from the boat currently setting up the fireworks in the horizon, you return the attention. Feeling the seriousness and nerves in his voice.
“Sure, what’s up? What’s…wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, quite the opposite really,”
You give him your full undivided attention, trying to wordlessly help him feel like he doesn’t have to be nervous to say whatever he wanted to tell you. Leaving silence to prompt him to go on.
“Well, we’ve known each other for a little while. And I feel like from the moment I’ve met you, it has just been so easy to be with you and like, I’ve never really had that with someone before. I feel like we have a connection that you don’t find easily and I cherish that. I really enjoy the time we spend together. You’re someone who has very quickly fit into my life, almost like you were meant to be there the entire time. Something that now that I know what it’s like, I don’t want to be without. And I’d be stupid to let you go…What I’m trying to say is, that I think that I-“
BOOM!
The firework show has started, and in that moment, you see his lips moving but you couldn’t make out what he was saying over the barrage of fireworks happening on the horizon.
“-and I’d like that if you do.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that last part??” You tilt your head in confusion, trying to piece together what he was trying to tell you.
“Oh! Um, never mind! The fireworks are amazing, aren’t they?” He has an awkward smile, as he quickly changes the subject.
You really wanted to know what he wanted to say…
Ch.9 - Drive
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You feel yourself being nudged, you try to ignore the interruption and get back to sleep.
“Come on wake up” The nudging remains persistent. Who annoys someone who’s so clearly sleeping?
Poke. Poke. Nudge. Poke.
“Mmm? What?” Your sleep riddled voice manages to ask.
“Come on let’s go somewhere” he’s poking you again.
“What time is it? Did you even sleep?”
“Sun’s going to be up in a couple of hours” Luke says as you turn over to face the window, the sun wasn’t up but you could see the night sky brightening up. You groan, running a hand across your face. You are not a morning person, and you are especially not a morning person after going to a party. You run through your options; you could ignore him and hope he gives up OR realise that this is Luke and he can be incredibly annoying and persistent when he wants to, which you’re certain is the case right now.
“Is it going to be worth it?” You ask, turning your head to look at him and make sure he means what he says.
“Definitely.”
There are empty drinks in pretty much every corner you turn and look; evidence of a party. Pizza boxes and various snack bags laying around, and the most obvious piece of evidence of all; the people who didn’t make it home and were currently asleep in a variety of different positions. You do your best not to trip over the people in the hall and stairs, Luke offering his hand for some stability and stealth; doing your best to not wake anyone.
Once in the car, Luke makes sure you’re all buckled in and heads off. Still unsure of where exactly the two of you are going, you decide to sit back and tune into the music, let the scenery go by. Suburbia turns into highways and then to trees and winding roads. Once you’re on a more secluded stretch of forest road you feel the car speed up past the speed limit, the force holding you down to your seat bit by bit. You silently freak out; your mind starts racing with thoughts.
‘Does he realise he’s speeding down this secluded road? That we might encounter other drivers? Or cops?’
‘Oh my god, a bend is coming up! We’re going to crash I was so stupid to get in the car with someone without asking where we’re going!’ You’re gripping the seat as the bend comes closer and closer, you squeeze your eyes almost totally shut; not wanting your last moments to be in blind panic. You feel the car start to turn at speed; but you realise, in control. As the car comes out of the turn, you slowly pry open your eyes and let go of the breath you were holding. Loosening your grip on the chair, you turn to look at Luke with an expression that can only be described as panicked disbelief at what he just did. Luke was wearing a slight smile, not the least concerned with his actions two seconds ago, eyes steadily trained on the road ahead of him. You realise he’s in complete control of the car, that stupid move was completely calculated and you weren’t in as much danger as you originally thought.
‘Still’ You think ‘He could have warned me.’
“You looked like your soul was gonna leave your body” He laughed.
HE LAUGHED? You thought you were going to die and he laughs. You ought to strangle him right here right now.
“Not funny.”
“Oh, come on, relax! I do this all the time!” Luke’s eyes were still laser-focused on the road.
“All the time? As in drive like a madman down secluded roads?”
“Yeah, I mean aside from the time I get on the track, and the rallies. I do this route a lot, know it like the back of my hand.”
You stay silent.
“Look, I wouldn’t do anything that I wasn’t certain wouldn’t harm you. In fact, I took the corner a lot slower than I usually do. I got this.”
You’re really not letting go of the fact that what he just did was incredibly irresponsible. Doing your best to calm your frazzled nerves and try to trust the expertise that he seems to have, you notice the car has slowed back down to just a bit over the limit; that you can live with.
It’s still dark when you arrive at your destination, Where exactly? You probably should have asked that before getting out of bed, because you realise; you’re at a hiking trail.
“Hiking? It’s dark out and we were literally partying just a few hours ago.”
He doesn’t respond as he’s parking the car. Only giving you a nod in affirmation.
“You know if you wanted to murder me you had that chance when we first met. I don’t understand why you have to take me out to some hiking trail in the dark for that.”
“Oh, sure I do. Easier to hide the body that way” He shoots back easily. “Besides, we’re not going to go on that trail until the sun starts to come out properly. Granted we got here earlier than I thought we would so we’re going to have to wait a bit…”
“Yeah, because somebody over here drives like they don’t care if they die.” You’re still a little bitter about it, clearly.
“You liked it”
You don’t dignify that with a response. So, what if you did? You’re not going to tell him that, the idiot would probably gloat about it and never drive like a normal person with you ever again.
The parking spot for this particular trail had a nice view, so it wasn’t too bad that you have to wait until some sunlight to head out. Despite the view, you're nervously fidgeting, not quite sure of what to say or do now that the car ride is over and the waiting begins.
Just like the night you first met; you hear the sound of a lighter. This time the smell of weed hits you in the confined space.
"Wanna smoke with me?" He takes a hit, offering the joint to you " it's fine if you don't, I'll do it outside"
"Um…no it's fine, I've smoked before...it's just" you're playing with your fingers nervously, embarrassed about what you’re about to admit "I'm not the best at doing it, I always end up coughing a lung out."
"I can help you with that."
"You can?"
Luke turns his body towards you properly, he inches himself closer to you, His voice dropping just above a whisper "May I?"
You nod, a little confused on what he's about to do. Nonetheless deciding to trust him.
"When I nod, inhale through your mouth" Luke takes another hit, this time holding it in as he grabs the back of your head, gently guiding your face closer to his, he nods and you breathe in just as he's releasing the smoke into your now receiving breath. His lips are ghosting above yours. They linger for just a second too long, his gaze fixed on your eyes; flitting down to your lips then back at you.
You exhale.
"See? You didn't cough," he's softly praising you, the hand behind your head is now gently cupping your face "you did so well." Where his hands were making contact, you could feel heat spreading. The intimacy of your position not lost on you. Your mind runs back to that night on the couch where you were in a similar ‘compromising’ position and you thank the heavens you’re in an isolated area at this very moment. You don’t think you could take an outsider seeing you like this.
You feel shy, unable to squirm away from the feeling in your chest within the confines of this car. Luke lets go of your face, leaning back in his seat, he takes a couple more hits letting time pass as the sun slowly begins to rise, the dappled light filtering between the leaves of the trees an indicator that the morning was slowly beginning.
“Ready to go?” He asks as he grabs a bag from the backseat. You nod and make a move to get out of the car. Your mind still reeling from what just happened.
‘Friends do this all the time, don’t read into it too much.’ You affirm mentally as the two of you head to the foot of the trail.
“You look awfully prepared” You note, gesturing to the backpack.
“Oh yeah, I hike a lot. Clears your head.”
“Ironic with what we just did…”
“Hehe you still feeling it? I have a tolerance so it’s fine. You alright?” He’s examining you, making sure you’re good to do this hike. “I didn’t really plan on that earlier part, so it’s fine if you wanna bail.”
“No, I’m good. So long as you don’t get us lost, I’m fine with it.” You’re a little fuzzy but nothing unmanageable. The lack of sleep feeling like it’s taking more of a toll than the weed. A hike seems like the healthiest thing you’ll do all week. Hell, all month even.
“Alright! Let’s go then!” Luke somehow has the energy to be enthusiastic at this hour, you’re certain he slept less than you last night. He leads the way, easily navigating the path.
You’re about halfway through the trail when you start to get a bit out of breath, the inclines were just slightly steeper than what you expected and your lungs were playing catch up. You don’t exactly go on hikes, at best going on short walks during your longer lunch breaks at work; the intensity of the activity was starting to hit you. Luke notices the shift and slows down a bit to be by your side, he’s rummaging in his bag.
“Here, have some.” Water.
You gratefully take it, the few sips practically reviving you. With a satisfied sigh you hand it back to him.
“Thank you”
“Can’t have you dying before the best part now can we?” He offhandedly says while putting the bottle back in the bag. He’s pointing out plants, bugs and critters on your way; telling you all these fun facts he’s learnt over the years. You wonder where he keeps all this information but you intently listen in, he manages to make it all sound so interesting. Continuing your walk, you come across a lookout point. The dense trees thinning out to carve out a picturesque spot to take a break, you spot a large rock that has been worn down over the years by the many hikers before you sitting on it; no doubt taking in the breathtaking view. You sit down, Luke joins you. Letting out a sigh of relief from taking a break you allow the wind to mess with your hair a bit, not bothering to fix it just yet.
“See? The best part!” The sun is finishing it’s rise just in time for the two of you to catch a view of the sprawling forest below; and in the distance, the waking city. You look towards him, the morning sunlight is hitting just right, highlighting his features in a way that was unfairly ethereal. You’re so stuck in thought that you don’t notice he’s also turned to look back at you, a soft smile on his face as he catches you staring. Eyes widening at being caught, you quickly return your sights onto the expansive view ahead; he follows your lead. Neither of you say anything as you bask in the view and sounds. As the sun fully rises, the two of you continue hiking. The second half of the walk being easier than the first, finding comfortable conversation as you pass by trees, plants and birds.
Finally at the end of the trail, you feel accomplished that you survived being woken up before sunrise and taken on a nature walk. You high-five him in celebration, his face is flushed red from the long walk, he’s sporting a big smile. Heading back to the car, you check your phone; no signal. Oh well, I’m sure its fine…Vanessa is probably still sleeping God knows where. As Luke shuts the door and silence settles in the cabin of the car, your stomach decides now is the time to rumble.
Luke quietly laughs, dialling up your embarrassment.
“Let’s get breakfast.”
Nothing sounded better than some fast food right now, your mind was on what you were going to eat throughout the entire ride back into the city. You barely register that Luke is bringing the car into a drive through until the smell of the kitchen hits you. He greets the person on the other side of the speaker with enthusiasm, ordering a variety of things before turning to you; implying it was your turn to add to the order. As the order is read back and the total was given, Luke pulls up to the next window to pay for and collect the food. Your excitement for food was rising as the two of you waited for your order, the smoking and long hike making your hunger grow by the second.
Luke passes you a couple of bags donning the restaurants recognisable branding. You situate them on your lap as he puts your drinks in the cup holders, then he’s back to driving. As Luke was navigating the morning traffic, you were feeding him some fries here and there with an occasional nugget; just enough to hold the two of you off from destroying the contents in the bag straight away, opting to enjoy the meal back home. “Fancy style” as he put it, which just meant putting the food on actual plates using actual cutlery.
Pulling into the driveway and making your way back in, you notice that everyone who was straggling behind earlier were now gone. The only evidence of a party now being the slight mess that was still around; clearly someone started cleaning up some time after the two of you left the house. Setting down the bags, you set yourself down on the kitchen stools; Luke was too busy gathering the plates and cutlery to notice people coming downstairs.
“Look who decided to reappear!”
“Oh, g’morning Charlie! We got breakfast for everyone!” Luke gestured to the bags of food as he turned around.
“Don’t think you can bribe me with that, where were you? We thought you were face down in a ditch somewhere.” You could see Charlie was leaning to get a look better look of the contents of the bag. Her act of being worried was slowly cracking. Both you and her knew he did disappearing acts all the time.
“Oh please! I know you were too busy with Jonothan last night and this morning to be too worried about your dearest older brother. Besides, it’s none of your business.” He’s childishly sticking his tongue out at her, which she mirrors back. Jonothan was behind Charlie, blushing at Luke’s remark. He didn’t want to get involved and still got dragged into it so early in the morning.
“Did you get me my pancakes….”
“What do you take me for? Of course I did”
“We will talk about this later.” She remarks, squinting at Luke with scrutiny as she sits next to you; plating the pancakes she starts to eat them before anyone else can take a bite of their own food. As you begin to have your breakfast your mind wanders back to Vanessa.
‘I wonder where she is? I thought she would still be here…’ as you were running through all the possibilities your phone decides now is the time to play catch up on receiving texts. You see that you have one from Vanessa from just earlier this morning.
‘I saw you leave with him….’
She did?
‘Where are you?’ You decide to change the subject.
‘Bit of a late reply don’t you think? Where did you go? What did you do?’ She’s ignoring your question.
‘We went for a hike, then we got breakfast for everyone back at Luke’s. We’re eating rn. Soooo where are you?’ You were concerned about he whereabouts, but you suppose the fact that she’s still texting you means she hasn’t been kidnapped.
‘Relax lol. I had to head back home, had stuff to do I couldn’t leave hanging.’
You don’t reply to that message just yet, mouth full of breakfast.
‘A HIKE? Really? Hehe did you guys do something?’
There’s the follow-up.
‘WHAT? No?????? What the hell are you on about.’
‘Oh, you did do something. It’s only a matter of time before I find out what exactly.’ It’s too early for this, you decide that’s the end of this conversation for now. Putting down your phone you tune back into the conversation happening in front of you.
“So, Sierra ended up wrangling everyone into a taxi back to their hotel a bit after you guys headed upstairs, Jay kept on going on about someone but no one could really make out what. He had A LOT to drink and smoke last night haha.” Charlie recalls some snippets of last night. You didn’t really catch a glimpse of her at the party, you didn’t realise she would be there.
“Yeah, sounds like them…I’ll make sure to call them and make sure it’s all good later.” Oddly responsible coming from Luke.
You’re finishing up your breakfast, absorbing the idle conversation when you make eye contact with Luke. The scene of you and him shot-gunning in his car floods back into your mind and you’re trying so hard not to, feeling the embarrassing thoughts and emotions crawling their way up and making a home in your chest; like how you kind of wanted to kiss him. It’s like he knows you’re thinking about it because a smug knowing smile is quickly shot your way, before being replaced with a neutral expression when Charlie focuses her attention back on him.
‘Get your head in the game. FRIENDS! We are FRIENDS! Don’t think about it too hard!’ You will yourself to rid yourself of any other thoughts. When it came time to help finish cleaning up the house, you had renewed vigour. Wiping down surfaces like they personally wronged you. Just don’t think about it, nothing good comes from thinking about it.
Ch 8 - This Weekend
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“Come on we’re going to be late” You pester Vanessa who currently has all her makeup and hair supplies sprawled on your bathroom sink.
“Girl’s gotta take her time to look pretty” She idly replies, applying her lipstick with calm precision. “Okay, there. Done. How do I look?” Turning to face you, she strikes a pose.
“Hot, now can we go?” The ride-share you ordered is rounding the corner as you check the map.
She doesn’t reply to you, instead heads towards the door with an exaggerated swing of her hips, just to piss you off even more.
“You’re annoying you know that?” You say as you bite back a smile.
“Annoying, gorgeous and someone you can’t get rid of. You know you love me”
“Whatever” The smile breaks through as you speak.
The short ride to Luke’s place was spent with Vanessa fixing up the small little details you missed while getting ready, for whatever reason she’s quite insistent on it tonight. The car finally rounds the corner to Luke and Charlie’s place.
“This is where he lives? Are you kidding me” Vanessa is practically pressed up to the glass. The poor driver is going to have to clean that…
“It’s nice, isn’t it?”
“NICE? Are you kidding? Ocean-front, Modern? In California? This is more than nice” her architecture nerd slips out, that’s the Vanessa you know from college.
You thank the driver as the two of you get out. You hear the muffled sound of music inside, there are some people on the front lawn having drinks and conversation. Vanessa takes lead, not even bothering to ring the doorbell; like anyone would hear or answer it anyway. Inside, the familiar home is now filled with people, the smell of alcohol and weed. Vanessa takes your hand, not wanting to lose you to the crowd. She easily weaves through the crowd as she looks for the source of drinks or a familiar face; whichever comes first.
“Over here!” You hear off to the side. You scan the crowd and spot Nicole waving you over. You attempt to weave through the crowd just as ‘Ness did earlier but it was obvious she was more skilled at it than you. Squeezing past the last line of people, you are met with some familiar faces, and some new.
“Hey! Glad you could make it!” Nicole greets the two of you with a drink in each hand, she lifts them up in offering. Your eyes quickly glaze over the group of people Nicole is with, Cassie and Mel are both there; Luke isn’t. Vanessa quickly introduces herself and starts making the rounds with everyone. Nicole slides over to your side and quietly remarks “If you’re looking, he’s near the pool with the others”
“Wha-Who said I was looking? For who?”
“Oh come on don’t be coy here, you know who” She’s playfully nudging you with her elbow. She points in the general direction. “Go on!” Nicole cheers you on, you decide to take her word for it and head that way.
Dodging another group of people, you spot him before he spots you. He’s with some people you don’t know; six others. He seems to be in familiar conversation with a redhead guy. You’re debating whether or not to get in there, hesitation creeping up on you. As you’re mentally debating, Luke looks up and notices you, he waves you over; now you have to go over there. You wave back and enter the circle of people.
“You came!”
“What like I wasn’t supposed to? You made sure I would just this morning” You joke.
“Yeah, fair enough” He laughs.
“You gonna introduce us?” The redhead interrupts, smiling at you as he gives you a once-over.
“Oh right! Let me make the rounds” Luke introduces them one by one. You learn the mint haired girl is Sierra, the one with micro bangs and curls is Frenchy, the two quiet ones chatting amongst themselves are Honey and Kim, the guy in the beanie is Quint and the redhead Luke was just chatting with is Jay. You honestly don’t know if you’ll be able remember them all but still nod along. Jay stands next to you; he leans on your shoulder.
“Luke and I go way back, he stayed at my place when he did his exchange year in Australia back in what you guys call middle school, year 8 for us.”
You raise your eyebrows at that, he never mentioned living in Australia for a year.
“Yeah, we used to get up to some shit, I taught him everything I know.” Jay smiles fondly.
“Ha! If making bongs with a Gatorade bottle and hose was ever considered a sparkling education” Luke jokes back. “I recall teaching you some things as well, it wasn’t all take!”
“Ah but we can’t talk about that now can we!” That comment left you curious, but it seems neither of them wanted to divulge any details on that.
The rest of the group joined into the conversation bit by bit. You found yourself striking up easy conversation with Sierra, who was telling you all about how she manages the groups stream schedule and special events. She seems to like what she does. As the sun sets, Luke’s American friend group and Vanessa meld into conversation with the Australian Squadron. Quite a crowd.
“I’m going to go get another drink” you say to no one in particular.
“Oh! I’ll come with!” It’s Jay, he seems to be sticking around you. You don’t reply, instead start heading off in the direction of the coolers
“So…” He’s leaning against the wall as you rummage through the selection of drinks, trying to find something you like. “Did you come here with someone?”
“Hm? Oh yeah, my friend Vanessa over there.” you jerk your head in the direction of where you last saw her.
“Ah so not with someone?” He asks, noticing you’re still rummaging for a drink. “Here, let me mix you something instead. It going to be a million times better than whatever you’re going to find in there”
Giving up on your quest for anything you like in the cooler you get up and let him make you something. He walks over to the table with drinks and cups set up and gets to work expertly mixing various spirits together. The result is a gradient drink with a slice of fruit floating on the top.
“A pretty drink for a pretty person such as yourself” he says with a smile. You shy away at the comment, not expecting it in the slightest.
“Heh, Thanks?” You take a tentative sip, it’s good. “Mm! This is better than what I was going to choose.”
“You’re talking to the drink expert after all” Jay puffs up at the complement. “So…no partner here with you tonight or no partner at all?” He tries asking in a more direct manner, leaning an arm against the table. Feeling a little bit under the microscope you answer him nonetheless.
“No partner.” You keep your response short.
“I find that hard to believe! So, you’re saying I have a shot?”
“Haha uh...” You’re really shying away from the attention he’s giving you right now. “That’s-Umm” Struggling to find what to say next, gee the ground looks awfully interesting right now.
“Don’t get shy on me now” Jay teases as he swings an arm around your shoulder. “I’d be an idiot to not shoot my shot with someone like you, I mean look at you!”
Your introverted side is not used to this kind of attention, you’re trying your best to come up with a way to let him down gently “I mean, I’m flattered and all but- “
“They’re not interested Jay, back off.” You hear Lukes’s voice.
“Yeesh, Y’know you could have let them say it themselves” Jay says dejectedly, removing his arm from around your shoulders in faux surrender. He heads back in the direction of the group, shaking his head; you miss the teasing smile he shoots Luke as he passes by.
“Sorry about him, he’s a bit relentless sometimes”
“Haha it’s fine, just not used to that kind of attention -or rather- wasn’t expecting it!” You take another sip of the drink Jay made you to break up the feeling in your chest, you laugh awkwardly.
“Come on” Luke gently takes your hand, “We should head back there, you’ve been gone for a hot minute; Nicole was asking about you.”
“Oh, right…”
He notices your hesitation. “It’s fine. If it’ll make you feel better, I won’t leave your side for tonight. Jay’s harmless, but he can be a bit much.” You nod in agreement, letting him lead you back to where everyone was.
And he didn’t lie, Luke was stuck by your side like glue for the night. Where you went, he went. Vanessa and Nicole noticed, oh they absolutely noticed and were whispering to each other like there was no tomorrow. You were too busy letting out your social side, the drinks you had were loosening you up as you hoped they would. A while passes like this, you talked with Cassie about his tattoo work and everyone was very enthusiastically showing you the work he did on them, Luke seemed to be a frequent customer of his. As you were talking about your college days with a couple of people, a particular song started playing that had you widening your eyes in excitement ‘Man! Did this bring you back!’ You drum your fingers against your thigh to the beat.
“You look like you wanna dance” Luke teases.
“Pshh-what? No…”
Before this little back and forth can continue though, Vanessa is taking you towards the crowd of dancing people; moving you and her about just like she did in your college days. “COME ON! You know you wanted to!!” She was right, you did. The two of you jumped about and did the “routine” you worked out over the years to the song, which was really just some uncoordinated dance moves mushed together. But hey, who was keeping track of that? As the song ends you take a second to catch your breath, you really don’t move like that often and adulthood really takes a toll on your physical capability. As you’re about to tap out though, another song starts up that really brings you back.
“Man, this playlist is good!” You offhandedly remark. Vanessa was still up and at it, her energy knows no bounds and you see her being swept away by another dance partner for this song.
“Thanks, I made it.”
You think you just about gave yourself a heart attack. You turn around to find Luke right behind you.
“Care to have this dance, your majesty?” He extends his hand to you, as if he were addressing someone of the royal court. You snort at the bit.
“Why yes, I do” Putting your hand in his, you start to dance with him. The moonlight and scattered fairy lights illuminate the two of you, Luke’s face is wearing an unabashed smile and you can’t help but smile just as big as the two of you move however you feel. The song feels like it goes on forever and it’s just him and you in this moment, you wish it could have lasted longer. But as the song fades out, so do your dance moves. He’s looking straight at you, neither of you making a move to get off the dancefloor just yet. He looks like he has something to say but as quickly he opens his mouth to say anything he’s closing it just as fast.
“What?” you smile, a little out of breath.
“Nothing” He grins right back at you, leading you away from the dancing crowd.
“Hey! If it isn’t the dancer duo!” Nicole welcomes the two of you back to the group, “You made it back just in time, we were about to light the bonfire on the beach!”
“Sweet! Would have sucked if we missed out on that” Luke strikes you as the kind of guy to keep a fire going at a party, so it’s no surprise he’s excited about this. Nicole takes your hand as she leads you through the back fence gate to the beach of the property. Sitting down on one of the available seats you watch as Luke, Jay and Quint get busy lighting the fire. Nicole and her girlfriend sit down next to you, the three of you watch as the guys work at the flames.
“What do you think of him?” Nicole points to Luke with a nod of her head.
“Think of him? He’s a good friend? What, am I not meant to?” Frankly, you’re a little confused about her question.
“Oh my god, Vanessa was right…” Nicole put her head in her hands, her girlfriend Teresa was patting her back in sympathy.
“Luke’s a good guy. He’s helped us through some tough times.” Teresa is looking towards Luke as she speaks, “Give him a chance, he may not be the most direct guy, but he means well.”
Yeah, that really clears it up. Aren’t you already giving him a chance? You guys are already friends?
“What Teresa means is- “
“Okay you two. Move over, I wanna sit here.” Luke cuts Nicole off before she can finish. She gives him a look that says she really wants to ignore his interruption and finish her sentence but she relents. You look at Luke in your peripheral vision as he sits down, he almost looks embarrassed. Huh.
“My friends mean well; They also love to stick their noses in my business” He’s sending a ‘not quite mad’ glare their way as Nicole and Teresa sit a couple of seats down from the two of you. Teresa sticks her tongue out at him in childish retaliation.
“I know what that’s like, I have one of those of my own.” You relate.
You spend the rest of the night in front of the bonfire, talking with everyone about a variety of topics. The ocean air bites at you, the outfit you chose being on the fresher side since it’s summer, the bonfire does little to shield you from the cold gusts that come. You feel something wrap themselves around your shoulders, you notice Luke has given you his jacket.
“S’cold, don’t get sick…”
You feel the leather as you pull it closer to your body, feeling relief from the wind. You lean on his shoulder.
“Thanks”
You hear him mutter something, but with the conversation flittering about and the sound of the waves crashing down you don’t quite hear him. You tune into other’s conversations, only really half listening as all the drinks you had settle into you manifesting as exhaustion. You fight the feeling, knowing that you’re still very much in a social situation, but the warmth of the jacket and the fire along with the sounds of the ocean are a recipe for sleep. Luke notices this and nudges you.
“Hey, come on let’s not fall asleep here.”
“Hm?”
Luke gets up and offers his hand to you. You gladly take it as he pulls you up onto your feet. He doesn’t say a word as he leads you away from the bonfire, through his backyard and back inside the house, where he guides you up the stairs to his bedroom. There aren’t too many people left at this time of the night, which you’re grateful for since you doubt you could navigate a crowd in this state. Luke leads you into his room, shutting the door behind him.
“Here” He’s throwing something your way, with your drunk reflexes you manage to half-catch it last second, with your face. Pulling the object off of your face you realise it’s a shirt. You stare at it, a little confused.
“I doubt you’d want to fall asleep in that outfit, use my bathroom. Get changed.” You heed his instruction and hobble over into the room. Getting out of your current outfit was a bit of a challenge but you seem to manage it efficiently enough. Stepping out donning a much more comfortable outfit you find that Luke has also changed into sleepwear. Noticing you’ve made it out, he’s lifting the blanket on his bed and slipping in, you follow his actions.
“G’night” You mumble out, rest coming easily in this very moment. You feel arms around you just as you slip into sleep.
“Goodnight”