"You know one of these days we really should get to know one another's friends," Cavan said as he speared another rasher of bacon off his plate.
Lucas furrowed his brow, "Is that so?"
"Well ... it doesn't make sense not to, right? Sophie and Arthur are pretty eager to meet you. Plus, I've already sort of spoken to Bonnie."
Lucas set his cup down. "Alright, if you're insisting on this. How about tomorrow evening?"
Cavan choked on his coffee. "Er ... that's a little soon?"
"Nonsense," Lucas shrugged. "We'll be back at mine by this afternoon. I won't want to cook; I doubt you'll want to. Plus, Bonnie and Fletcher will probably kick my door down as soon as they see my car pull-up outside."
Cavan felt his cheeks heat up a little. "Okay -I -I guess we might as well break the ice with it all."
"Nervous?" Lucas chuckled.
"A little."
"This was literally your suggestion not two seconds ago."
"I know, I know!" Cavan ruffled hair. "Just ... you've gotten me so anxious about meeting Eleanor I'm not sure I could cope!"
Lucas twitched a smile at the anxious kid. His knee was jiggling against Lucas's, but the younger man probably didn't realise. "You'll be fine, brat. I'll protect you."
"Somehow I'm not convinced."
Lucas insisted on washing the dishes once they'd eaten as much as they could. Cavan pouted and wondered what else he could do if he wasn't cleaning up. He decided to go and sort himself out for the day.
Dressed in his jeans, a top and a hoodie, Cavan ran a towel over his damp hair and padded back down the hall towards Lucas's bedroom. Despite having gone in the room numerous times, Cavan hadn't taken the time to look around it in daylight. There were a few photos on the walls, mounted in thick black frames; one of a dark-haired woman holding a small baby in the crook of her elbow, her hair frazzled and circles under her eyes -but she had such a wonderful smile! There was another photo of teenager Lucas being a little poser against a brick wall. It was a very eighties photo. There was a motorcycle handlebar just in the shot. Cavan couldn't help but smile; it was no wonder Lucas's parents got a little worried about their son. Not that they'd handled it at all in a proportionate manner! The third photo on the wall was of Lucas in his army uniform. He had a couple of medals pinned on his chest, but Cavan had no idea what they were.
The last photo on the wall was how Cavan knew Lucas now; it must have been from the first day of his job in teaching. Lucas was dressed in his usual monochromatic manner, only with a dark grey waistcoat over a white shirt and black tie. His hair was cut at a razor sharp angle. He looked a little younger, but stricter than anything! Cavan felt heat stir in his belly. To see Lucas so stoic and leaning back against his desk, arms folded, and legs crossed at the ankle, it was so damn hot!
'Shit, since when did I have a kink for teachers?' Cavan frowned.
"You're such a nosey shit sometimes," Lucas's voice made him jump a little. The older man chuckled, "Calm down, brat. You're allowed to look."
"I didn't mean to snoop."
"They're photos on a wall, Cavan. It's hardly snooping."
Cavan pulled a face but didn't argue. Instead he pointed to the photo of Lucas standing at his desk. "Is this from your first day teaching?"
Lucas glanced over from his wardrobe. For a moment, his face was open and inviting -it caught Cavan off-guard. "Oh. That. Yes, Rodrick took that photo. Said I'd like the memory."
"And do you?"
"I guess. Liked it enough to frame it."
Cavan glanced over at Lucas again. He was taking clothes out of the wardrobe and draping them on the end of the bed, ready to pack. Cavan figured he might as well be helpful and dug the suitcase out from under the bed, propped it open and started to fold the clothes. If Lucas was surprised by his actions, he didn't comment on it.
It only took about an hour to pack all of Lucas's clothes into two suitcases.
Cavan helped take them down to the car and shift it into the boot and piled a few bags of random items and useable products into the back seats. Once everything was done, Lucas placed dust sheets over the sofas and armchairs, went through all of the rooms like a sharp wind, making sure all the windows and doors were locked. Pulling the front door to, Lucas took the messenger bag with his laptop and books inside off his shoulder and slipped it into the back seat before opening the driver's side door. Cavan was already in the passenger seat, rifling through the CD's.
"Do you have any CD's for your childhood band in here?" he asked.
Lucas wrinkled his nose as he fastened his seatbelt. "Not in the car. Why would I want to listen to that anyway?"
"I like it," Cavan shrugged. "There's not much here. Radio?"
"Knock yourself out."
Thursday PM
They'd been driving down the motorway for an hour and a half, Cavan often quietly singing along to whatever pop-crap came up on the radio, but Lucas wasn't bothered. He was glad for the kid to be enjoying himself. It made him feel better about going back home after two weeks away. There had been something niggling at his mind though. Almost as soon as they'd set-off, a thought jabbed into Lucas's mind that he was a little anxious about bringing up. He didn't want to ruin Cavan's good mood but at the end the day, it was something that couldn't be avoided.
In the end, he decided to bring it up when they stopped for something to eat.
As soon as the food was brought to the table and the young waitress tottered away out of ear-shot, Lucas took his coat off and stirred three sugars into his tea. "Cavan there's something I need to talk to you about."
"Mmmm?" Cavan blinked up at him, his mouth already open to spoon some food in there. "What's up?"
"I was thinking that you need to go and see your parents tonight."
Cavan set his fork down with a heavy frown. "But -Lucas why? They already made is clear what they thought of you and that they want to keep me away from you."
"I know, Cavan," Lucas placated, already sensing the young man get worked-up. "All I'm saying is that you should go and see them. Talk to them. Make it clear that you'll leave as soon as they say anything that you don't like."
"That won't work."
"Why not?"
"You don't know my dad."
Lucas inclined his head, "I understand that he is difficult. I do. However, the longer you stay away the harder it will be to sort everything out. At the very least you can go inside and get your laptop, notes and some clothes and bring them to mine if it gets that bad. I told you, you're always welcome."
Cavan twisted his mouth up. Hunched over his food, he suddenly looked so small and frail. It filled Lucas with the sudden urge to try and hug the damn brat and tell him it'd be okay. Cavan sighed and readjusted his jacket. "I suppose I should go and see them. Even if just for mama's sake."
"As I said, if anything bad happens, you can come straight back to mine."
Cavan gave a small smile, stirring the ice-cubes around in his drink. "I appreciate it."
Feeling lighter, Lucas turned his attention onto his food. They ate quickly and were soon back on the road heading towards London.
~0~
Three hours later the motorway had developed into streets and warehouses had transformed into homes and houses with garages and cars. Cavan had stopped singing. He had sat up a little straighter when he recognised where they were heading. He twisted his hands in his lap. His jaw was tense whenever Lucas chanced a glance over at him.
The sky was barely light anymore by the time Lucas pulled-up at the bottom of Cavan's road. He left the engine running as he turned to Cavan in his seat. "Look at me, kid." Sighing, Cavan obliged. Lucas gripped one of his hands in his own. "I'll wait here for fifteen minutes. If you want to leave, let me know and I'll stay until you come out."
Cavan squeezed his hand back. "I'll let you know. Promise."
They let go of one another. Lucas felt a pressure in his chest.
Cavan clicked the door open and stepped out into th
e cool night air. He took his bag of clothes from the backseat and waved to Lucas as he walked up in the direction of his house. Lucas glanced at his watch. 6:03PM.
"Fifteen minutes," he murmured to himself gripping the steering wheel.
The sky outside darkened. He drummed a rhythm on the steering wheel, not sure whether he wanted Cavan to text him or not. He ground his back teeth anxious to get home and relax, as well as make sure that Cavan was where he needed him to be. Within ten minutes his phone vibrated with a text from Cavan.
(18:11) My dad’s away for the night on a business trip. Going to spend the night here with Mama and make sure I have everything prepared so I can leave when my father gets back.
(18:13) Sorry it took so long to message you. Only just got a moment to myself. Mama wants to hear all about you. Feel like I can't say 'no'.
(18:15) Good. I'm glad. Try and stay safe. I'll be home soon so I'll text once I'm settled.
(18:16) Okay :) I ... already miss you.
(18:17) Miss you too, kid.
Lucas smiled weakly, glad at least that the brat wasn't in any immediate danger. Was Georg dangerous? Lucas didn't know, but he wasn't ready to find-out. Turning the key, his car rumbled back to life and he pulled out to drive down the main road.
Dragging his cases up the two flights of stairs to his front door was arduous work. It was the worst way to end a holiday. The key groaned in the lock, letting a rush of stale air hit him in the face. It wasn't dark, however.
Grinding his back teeth together, Lucas kicked the front door shut. "You lot better get the fuck out of my flat right now before I murder you."
Fletcher appeared in the kitchen doorway with a docile smile, "Hey hun! Our baby's home!"
Lucas glared as Bonnie peered around the living room door. "Finally! We've been waiting forever!"
"Get out."
"But Lucas we ordered food for you. See how generous I'm being even though you’re swearing at me? Aren’t holidays meant to relax you?"
Lucas ignored her, propping his cases up by the door and accepting a beer from Fletcher.
“Eleanor said that the puppies are getting feisty. Bilbo ran off his lead and went wild.”
Lucas took a drink from his bottle.
"She was very happy to get him back."
He swallowed.
"Fine!" Bonnie sighed. "It's no fun when you don't react."
Fletcher chuckled and ruffled her hair, "Give the man a break, Bonbon. Let's interrogate him after we eat."
"It's not here yet!"
"Wait."
Bonnie pouted.
"Since we have to wait anyway," Lucas intoned, setting his bottle down. "I'm going to do some unpacking."
"Fine! But when you come back, we want ALL the DETAILS!" Bonnie called as he walked out of the living room.
"Whatever."
Gripping both suitcases by their handles, he dragged them down the hall and into his bedroom. He locked the door behind him and took a deep breath. Finally, he could relax and just be with his thoughts, if only for a short while. He needed the space to clear his head. What he really wanted was Cavan's company, however that would have to wait. He hated waiting but he was a patient man.
Whether he liked it or not, he was patient.
Chapter 22
Friday PM
With the Chinese take-away dished out, Cavan gave a tight smile as his mum placed the food in front of him. "Thanks," he said as she settled down across from him. He poured some drink for them both, desperate to have anything to do to take away some of the tension. It didn't work.
"So," Camilla said picking up her fork. "How was your time away?"
"It was nice. Calm."
"That's good," she forced a smile. "I know your father didn't handle the situation very well, but I do appreciate that your friend called us to let us know you were safe."
"He was anxious when he heard I spent the night at the train station."
"I don't want you doing that again," Camilla pointed her knife at him, a warning look in her eyes. "That was far too dangerous. You got lucky this time, but I don't want you taking that risk again."
"I know, mama, I know." He bowed his head to show just how sorry he was.
"It's alright, love," she reached over and squeezed his hand. "You're safe now, that's all that matters."
He gave her another strained smile.
"So, tell me; what did you get up to whilst up there?"
Cavan was grateful for the change in topic. "We mostly went walking around the fields and some nature trails. We went to the cinema the other night and he made sure I did some of my dissertation whilst there. We did a lot of cooking together as well."
"That's good," Camilla said with an amused smile. "He really does take your studies seriously. I'm thinking even more than you."
"Hey!" Cavan protested, but didn't object further. He could be lazy, and no one knew that more than his mother. On a more serious note he added, "He doesn't mind the drumming."
Camilla frowned.
"My ticks," he elaborated. "When I'm restless or irritable and do that drumming thing you guys hate. He -he doesn't mind."
"Darling, we don't hate it -"
"No, I know. But it does irritate you," he gave her a pointed look. "Lucas doesn't mind or tell me to stop. He doesn't even ignore me. We can have a whole conversation and then some, whilst I'm drumming. He ... He doesn't mind."
Camilla smiled endearingly at her son. "I'm glad he doesn't mind. Patience is always a good thing, especially if it's someone you plan on spending a lot of time with."
Cavan fought the grin threatening his face.
"So, tell me about him. Have you met his parents?"
The heat drained from Cavan's face. "I ... er ... He doesn't talk to his parents anymore."
"Oh, that's a shame," Camilla's expression shifted to one of concern. She clearly wanted to ask more about the reasons why Lucas didn't speak with his family, but they were already on thin ice as it was. Best to keep the conversation as neutral as possible. "So, he just lives by himself?"
Cavan frowned. "Y-e-s," he said slowly. "He's older than me, remember? He has a flat and a car and a job. Like a grown-up."
"Well he seems very self-sufficient," Camilla laughed. "What does he do for fun?"
"He used to be in a band. He likes to read. I’ve been introducing him to some TV shows, and he’s gotten very invested in a few of them," he grinned.
This time Camilla's laughter was loud and bright and made Cavan's cheeks heat up. "Oh gosh, I'm sorry sweetheart!" she wiped tears of mirth from her eyes. "I just really wasn't expecting that."
He watched her take a drink. "Are you -is it a bad thing?"
"No, darling, no. It's just he sounds so strait-laced and then you tell me he was in a band, it's like a one-eighty."
"Oh, I know I was shocked when I found out too."
"Is he any good?"
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