they came back

The dhampir’s smile tightened, only nodding stiffly in response. He knew better than anyone Adrian had a tendency to run his mouth when inebriated, often playing up, exaggerating — their recent trip to the infirmary was more than proof of that. Irritation began hurtling towards fear, Eddie now concerned about what Adrian might be telling other people. Albeit, there wasn’t much to tell, Eddie downplaying everything they’d done for the sake of his own feelings, but if anything ever got out, became exaggerated, they’d be completely fucked. Feeling his cheeks begin to warm, Eddie tried his best to waylay his worry, figuring the comments could still be applied to a guardian and charge dynamic. He was certainly very present in Adrian’s life, anyone could see that. Plus, Adrian was a known flirt. It could all be explained. Eddie was still working on convincing himself of that when Henry finally spoke up.

Considering how kindly Luke had responded, and how highly Adrian spoke of him, Henry’s apparent attitude was unexpected. He didn’t know the man enough to confirm if he was being goaded, but it certainly felt like it, Eddie’s pretense of a smile falling completely as their gazes met. It confirmed his fears. Adrian had been talking. But Eddie still couldn’t be sure of the context, of the details, and it certainly wasn’t the place, nor the people, to confirm anything with. Better to talk it it out privately.

Eddie cleared his throat, attempting to calm down. He’d only approached the pair for help, but he’d been sent nothing but curve balls and he was still no closer to finding Adrian. Now Henry was challenging his own relationship? Questioning their trust in one another? It didn’t register to the guardian that Henry had actually made a good point — Eddie wouldn’t hear it, not when it came from someone he didn’t know, not when it was thrown at him like some kind of accusation of failure. “Right,” the blonde nodded, glancing around them again in hopes of spotting Adrian, finding it difficult to maintain his cool. “Well, to me, it sounds like you’re getting involved in something you don’t know anything about. I believe what I see, and I don’t see Adrian. So, where is he?”

Turning his head to address Luke, he echoed Eddie’s question. “— Lukey? Any ideas?” His friend shrugged, swaying on his feet, barely comprehensible, and Henry decided to push that narrative, admittedly enjoying watching Eddie defend himself when they both knew better.

"Yeah, yeah. Of course. Come here." Maddie leant forward to change her position, going from crouched to knelt, not even stopping to consider that the gravel beneath her knees would stain her new pink tracksuit. Her only care right now was Luke, and the comfort he was seeking. Maddie's arms encased him, gentle and warm, offering him the same protective embrace that she'd shared with her girlfriends. "I know it hurts right now, Luke. But you'll be okay." It was easy for Maddie to say, because whilst she felt emotions, she didn't overthink them. They didn't stain her in the way they seemed to stain Zoe, or Leah, or Aris. But she truly believed it anyway. Stories had happy endings for a reason, especially if you sought them out. If Luke couldn't do that for himself, she'd have to do it for him. It was a grand gesture to offer a stranger, but all of her relationships had started that way, so in Maddie's eyes, this was no different.

If Luke still held any doubt on whether she was real or not, their hug certainly confirmed it. He let out a breath he didn't even realise he'd been holding, as if his body recognised it was in a safe space and could finally seek out peace. It was warm and comforting and maternal and everything he needed right then, but in a way, it was more than anything he'd ever experienced with his mom or Nell. He wasn't in his right mind, he understood that, his body reeling, but Luke was still acutely aware of her scent and the way her body felt against his. How they seemed to fit together perfectly, a concept he'd never understood when his friends and family had described it before. But he thought he understood now, and the realisation, the safety of it, served to trigger more tears. Her reassurance didn't help that matter. Luke really wanted to believe her, and he tightened his hold on her at the words, desperate to hang on to the comfort and hope she was offering. Hope was very hard to come by in Luke's world, and he couldn't believe how intoxicating it was to feel it.

Luke held onto her until he felt he'd swallowed down the last of the fear, until the shadows watching silently over shoulder seemed to turn away and disappear altogether. Pulling back, but only a little, he studied Maddie's gaze through his own tears, searching for something. The spirits would be back, of that he had no doubt, but he wasn't alone now. Something in her eyes suddenly made him feel certain of it. Perhaps it was impulsive, perhaps it was far too soon, but outside of his own twin, Luke had never felt more connected to anyone in his life. Unsure how else to express his immense gratitude for the path she'd just opened up for him, one that hadn't seemed possible only minutes earlier, Luke moved to close the space between them again, this time meeting in a kiss.

Adrian, as was usual, settled their tab and then the trio slowly headed for the exit, Luke slinging an arm around the pureblood's neck and giving him a kiss on the face in thanks as they stumbled around other patrons, making sure to avoid the cut on his head, unable to properly express his gratitude. He couldn't afford to pay for his own share let alone all three of them. It was incredible and he'd be forever in Adrian's debt. Just as they made it to the door, his friend peeled off, though Luke didn't hear the reason why, Adrian's words consumed by the music. Toilet, probably. With a shrug, he and Henry continued through the doors, feeling immediate relief as the cool air hit them. They waited for Adrian, of course, debriefing on the night until a figure approached them.

With the alcohol pumping through his veins, Luke was relaxed and far more approachable than he'd normally be. Henry, however, was always world weary no matter his state of sobriety, so Luke was the first to greet the stranger, smile on his face. It didn't feel like something they needed to be concerned about, especially considering how much socialising they'd just done inside the club.

Midnight Mass (2021) Created by Mike Flanagan