When William arrived at the restaurant, he couldn’t shake the nervous energy still buzzing through him. His mind was running through a million thoughts—what was he supposed to say to Luke? What if it was awkward? What if it wasn’t awkward, and everything just... flowed?
But then, he saw Luke sitting at a table by the window, looking as effortless as always. He was wearing a casual jacket, leaning back in his chair with that same relaxed confidence that William had always envied. As soon as Luke saw him, he stood up with a grin.
“Hey, you made it,” Luke said, his smile wide and genuine. “I was starting to think you’d bail.”
William shook his head, his smile easing his nerves. “Wouldn’t miss it,” he said, taking a seat across from Luke. “I—uh, I hope this place is good. I’m not exactly a food critic.” Luke said.
William laughed, shrugging. “It’s not bad. I’m not picky, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”
The conversation started easily, flowing naturally between them as they talked about work, life, and everything in between. It felt like they were picking up right where they left off all those years ago, except it was a little different. The air was charged in a way William couldn’t explain. Every time Luke laughed or caught his eye, it felt like there was something more they weren’t saying. But for now, they kept it light.
“So, what’s been going on with you?” Luke asked, leaning back in his chair. “You’ve been so quiet lately.”
William hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words. “I don’t know. Been... busy, I guess. Work. Life. Everything feels like it’s moving faster than I can keep up with.” He chuckled nervously, feeling the weight of the unspoken things between them. “You know how it is.”
Luke nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I get it. It’s crazy how things just... change, right? One minute, everything’s fine, and then—boom—it’s all different. Like we’re all just trying to catch up.”
Their food arrived, and they shifted their focus to the meal, but the conversation didn’t slow down. Luke kept the drinks flowing, ordering one after another with a carefree attitude. William watched him for a while, a little surprised at how easily Luke seemed to let go. He wasn’t exactly a heavy drinker, but the way Luke was knocking them back made him wonder if there was something more behind it.
As the evening wore on, Luke’s speech started to slur a bit, and his movements became less coordinated. William knew he wasn’t the type to drink too much, but tonight seemed different. Something was off, but William didn’t want to snoop.
“Hey, Luke,” William said, his voice softer now, “where’s your place? I mean, we could head over there after this if you want. I can give you a ride.”
Luke blinked, his gaze unfocused for a moment before he shrugged. “I... don’t really know,” he said, his words dragging just slightly. “I mean, I haven’t been home in a while. Kinda just... wandering, you know?”
William frowned, concern creeping in. He hadn’t expected this, but the last thing he wanted was for Luke to wander around in this state. “Okay, no problem. I’ll just take you to mine then.”
He paid the check quickly, placing some cash on the table before standing up. Luke tried to get up, but he wobbled a little, clearly unsteady. William quickly moved to steady him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Easy, man. You good?”
Luke grinned up at him, a little too wide. “Yeah, I’m good. I just... maybe needed a little too much tonight.”
William chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ve got you.”
He guided Luke out of the restaurant, his arm still around him for support. As they walked to the car, William felt a sense of protectiveness toward Luke that he couldn’t shake. He wasn’t sure what had gotten into Luke tonight, but he wasn’t about to let him walk around like this.
When they got in the car, Luke slouched in the passenger seat, his eyes half-lidded. “Thanks, man,” he mumbled, his voice a little softer now. “You’re always there, huh? Even when I’m... a mess.”
William looked over at him, his heart tightening. “Yeah, well, someone has to be. Just... try not to get too lost next time, okay?”
Luke smiled lazily, the corners of his lips lifting. “No promises.”
As William drove, he couldn’t help but wonder about everything—the way Luke had looked at him earlier, the way they’d talked tonight, the way things felt different. As he pulled up to his apartment, he realized that whatever was happening between them, was only just beginning.
ns 15.158.61.16da2
