Text, Once again backdated to 12/3

[songoftimeandtimeagain]

[After several hours of adults being either incredibly angry or incredibly relieved, and several more hours of sticking to his paper thin story of 'we went exploring and some stuff fell on me', Luke finally has some time alone in his room. His handwriting is smaller and more subdued than it normally is.]

it's me Luke
I'm home and safe and stuff
just so you guys know

Comments

[stagnantair]

Okay, good. I just wanted to make sure.

Do you need anything? [Besides a hug?] I can bring you over something.

[songoftimeandtimeagain]

[Oh boy does he need that hug. Luke feels a surge of gratefulness. He wants Gavin to come over. The last thing he wants is to be left alone in his room. He blurts out a Yes without really thinking, but then realizes he needs to ask for something to be brought.

He stares at the wall, trying to think of something. He's thirsty? He can't ask for Gavin to leave his apartment and drive across the city to bring him a glass of water. Ditto for food. What on earth does Gavin have that Luke could ask for? He's completely drawing a blank. It's been a long time now and he still hasn't asked for anything and he's hoping beyond hope that maybe Gavin will just understand and not bring that up and just show up magically without any further uncomfortable conversation.]

[stagnantair]

[If only Gavin had taken that class in child's psychology. Maybe he'd be better off helping all these kids he cares about. After a long time of letting Luke say... nothing, he just nods a little. He wishes he didn't sound so skeevy when he finally breaks the silence.]

Is your grandpa home right now? If not, I can come over.

[songoftimeandtimeagain]

[Gavin interrupts Luke's frantic thought process, drawing Luke's gaze back to the mirror. He blinks a few times, then frowns dejectedly.]

He's here, but he's asleep. But I can sneak out of my window without him waking up, I've done it tons of times.

[He's fixing Gavin with a pleading look.]

[stagnantair]

Okay. Wanna meet me at the park or something?

[songoftimeandtimeagain]

[Luke breathes a sigh of relief and nods, managing a small weak smile.]

Mhm.

How soon'll you get there?

end video;

[stagnantair]

I can be there in ten minutes, if traffic's slow. Be careful, I'll see you soon.

[He gives Luke a reassuring smile, before the video feed shuts off and he heads down to the park.]

Action (slides these backtags on in)

[songoftimeandtimeagain]

[Luke's sitting on a swing when Gavin arrives, but he's not swinging. His ribs still hurt a lot, so he just sits, hanging limply with his toes kicking at the gravel absently. At first he was watching the road eagerly for cars, but now he's just looking at the sky. It's kind of cloudy, and that combined with the light and air pollution means that there are hardly any stars. Luke misses stars. Focused as he is on the sky, he won't notice Gavin until he makes a noise.]

bring it back now y'all

[stagnantair]

Hey.

[Gavin's walked into the park, hood up as usual with his hands in his pockets, and finds Luke at the swing set. He leans on one of the bars watching him, not going to rush in and hug him or something. He knows Luke likes his distance, and with what's just happened he's a little cautious of setting him off or something.]

You okay?