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  This time tomorrow he would be with Cavan.

  The thought made his stomach knot with trepidation.

  He had so many doubts swimming through his head buy he couldn’t voice any of them. He knew his friends were probably sick of his nonsense at this point. He’d tried to stop himself from stressing as he’d eaten dinner with friends. However, as they’d settled in the living room playing games and drinking tea, his mouth had run-off a little.

  When he eventually dragged himself back down the hallway to his own flat, and slumped back against the door, it was already 11PM. He hadn’t wanted to stay out so late, but Bonnie and Fletcher kept telling him that he ‘only lived down the hall!’ He hadn’t really been able to argue with that. However, eventually Fletcher had let him leave so he could rest up for his ‘big date’. Lucas could have sworn that if he didn’t love those two, he’d have killed them a long time ago.

  With a yawn, Lucas didn’t bother doing anything else except dragging himself down to his bedroom. The sheets were cool as he shed his clothes and slid between them. Despite the chill in the air, the cool sheets sent pleasant shivers running through him. His mind was still buzzing but his body was too exhausted to stay awake. Swiping his phone-screen he went to set an alarm when he saw the unread message with Cavan’s name bright in the darkness. Opening the message his mouth tweaked into a soft smile.

  (21:58) I’m heading to bed early tonight. Hope you’re having fun with Bonbon and Fletcher! I …Hope you have a good rest :)

  Lucas’ fingers hovered over the keys, the temptation to text back was overwhelming. Instead, he curled his fingers around his phone and tucked it under the edge of his pillow.

  ‘Not long now,’ he thought as he closed his eyes. ‘In twelve odd hours, you’ll see him. Let’s just hope he turns up.’

  Tuesday AM

  Lucas’ alarm went off at 6:30AM.

  Despite the cotton-wool feeling in his head and the rawness of his eyes, he forced himself to sit up in bed, the room still dark with the bleak blush of dawn bleeding into the sky. With a rough groan, he stumbled to his feet and made his way to the bathroom.

  He took his time having a boiling hot shower, scrubbing himself raw and making sure he got all of the shampoo and conditioner was out of his hair. By the time he had dried himself he felt a little better. With his hair raked out of his eyes, he bundled himself in his dressing gown and went about the rest of his morning routine before heading to the bedroom to get dressed.

  His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he ignored it as he slipped the shirt on over his shoulders and smoothed the pristine fabric down over his muscles. Being so tired helped in not freaking out.

  As he was leaning against the kitchen counter, coffee mug pressed against his lips, he scrolled through the few messages his friends had sent;

  Eleanor: Good luck Lucas! Milo and I are eagerly awaiting updates! ;)

  Bonbon: Don’t be nervous sweetie. Just go and have fun! Keep us up to date if you can xx

  Fletcher: If you have a panic attack just remember … YOU’RE THE ADULT!

  Lucas rolled his eyes at all the messages, deciding to ignore them. No good would come of answering those morons. If he did, he’d end up being more focused on replying to the text-chains instead of catching sight of Cavan for the first time.

  By 8:15AM he was out of his flat and on his way to the train station.

  The train was on time and Lucas took it as a good omen.

  He wasn’t really a superstitious man, however even he had his rare moments of belief. Being in the army did that to you. You couldn’t survive what he’d survived and not at least believe in miracles.

  As the train chugged along, Lucas stared out of the window. He tried not to show any outward signs of nervousness, but he did find himself tugging on the sleeves of his coat. It had been a little chillier that morning, so he’d grabbed his military-styled black jacket from the back of his cupboard and thrown it on over his blazer. Despite his stature, Bonnie often told him that he gave off a very intimidating vibe.

  He hoped he didn’t intimidate Cavan.

  All too soon he was coming into London.

  His stomach knotted as he got off the train and went down into the tube station. He was so close. He felt rigid like a statue as he waited for his stop to come. Weaving his way through the crowd of tightly packed people. It was hot and suffocating as he all-but-shoved his way onto the escalator, shooting death glares at anyone who dared to tut at him disapprovingly.

  He really didn’t like people.

  Straightening his jacket and smoothing his fingers through his hair, he looked around at his surroundings. He was in a spacious dirty-white building, with large black screens with orange words and numbers flickering. His jaw tightened and he glanced at the large clock.

  10:55AM.

  His heart was suddenly in his throat. He clenched his fingers in and out of fists as he made his way towards the exit. He felt twitchy, his mouth salivating for a cigarette.

  ‘No,’ he chastised himself. ‘I can’t stink of smoke. Not now.’

  Going down the cobblestone drive, he leaned back against the wrought iron gates and stared out across the street. The street was already filling with people walking to-and-fro, cars and black cabs clogging the streets like a blocked pipe. Lucas wrinkled his nose in distaste. He’d never liked the idea of living central to any city.

  It was just filth upon dirt upon people upon filth.

  It nauseated him.

  ‘Keep calm,’ he warned himself. ‘You’re freaking yourself out.’

  It was true. His OCD always went off when he was out of his comfort zone. It made him scrutinize every speck of dirt on the floor or the places he brushed against, the foul air that people breathed against him as they walked by.

  His skin itched as though it wanted to crawl off his skeleton.

  His phone started buzzing, jolting him out of his obsessive musings. Frowning he dug his mobile out and froze at the name on the screen.

  Cavan.

  Swiping the green button, he raised the phone to his ear. “Hello?”

  “Hey Lucas,” Cavan’s voice sounded strained and anxious to his ears. Every fear that he’d anticipated suddenly resurfaced to the forefront of his mind. “I’m –uh –I’m just in the entrance of the station.”

  “Oh. Right.”

  “I –I think I see you?”

  “You think?”

  Sweat exploded across the back of his neck as the words sank into his brain. Could Cavan see him?

  “I think so,” the kid hedged. “Turn around?”

  Lucas did as he was instructed, his heart drumming in his ears. His jaw was clenched as he scanned the people milling around for some sign of Cavan. Pinching his lips together, his eyes caught on a tall man with a mess of brown hair and a thick brown coat pulled high around his chin. He was lithe but didn’t appear to look wiry, even under the jeans, coat and boot combination. The man had … his phone up to his ear.

  His eyes widened as the man grinned nervously at him and pressed something on his phone. The dial tone rang in Lucas’ ear before he, too, lowered his phone. His gaze was still locked on the man crossing the taxi-bay towards him.

  ‘Holy shit,’ he thought.

  Cavan was hot.

  Chapter 9

  Lucas felt his mouth hang open a little as he uselessly ended the call and let his arm drop to his side. Cavan towered over him, his cheeks and nose tinged pink with the drop in temperature. His brain couldn't comprehend what his eyes were seeing. This was the guy he'd been texting for the last two months? He was much taller than Lucas had anticipated, but he carried himself well. The kid's eyes were running over Lucas, up and down, taking everything about him in; from his polished black boots to his military styled coat and his upper-cut.

  His bright green eyes sparkled in stunned amusement. Cavan pocketed his own phone, his leg already bouncing a little as their situation finally caught up with them. He ran a hand nervously through
his already-mussed hair and gave Lucas an awkward smile. Lucas, as usual, was the first to break the silence.

  "You never told me you were a goddamn giant!"

  'Smooth, Lucas. Smooth.'

  He inwardly cursed himself as he pressed his mouth into a thin line.

  To his surprise, and relief, Cavan tipped his head back and laughed. It was a bright, loud sound. "Well you never told me how tall you were so I'm gonna blame this one on you."

  Lucas stiffened, his cheeks flushing a little. He tried to loosen his fists. They stared at one another for a few moments before Cavan snapped out of the daze he'd fallen into. Lucas watched as the taller man shook his head and cast his eyes around.

  Cavan reached out with his hand and tweaked at Lucas's sleeve. The older man's eyebrows rose in bemusement. "You're really real," the kid said. "I mean –of course you're real! I just –I was sort of half-expecting this to be some sort of joke."

  "Joke?"

  "Well yeah!" He bit his lip. "I was just –worried I guess that you were going to bail last minute."

  Furrowing his brow, Lucas straightened himself to his full height, which still only brought him up to Cavan's shoulders. "I'm not that sort of person, brat."

  Cavan’s face split into a grin. "Do you want to get a cup of coffee or something?" he asked.

  Lucas wrinkled his nose. "I only drink that when I'm hung over."

  Cavan cocked an eyebrow and grinned. "You can get tea if you like?"

  Lucas fidgeted on the spot before his schooled his features. "So … My height doesn't bother you?"

  Cavan bent down a little so he could lean closer. Usually this would have pissed Lucas off, but with Cavan it seemed diffCavant. It made him catch his breath as the kid's cologne drifted on the breeze. "Between you and me," Cavan murmured. "I'm sort of into the height thing."

  Lucas felt his eyes go wide. "Are you sure?"

  Why was he so nervous? Usually he was the epitome of cool confidence. Cavan was … screwing with his defences. That blinding smile reappeared, and Lucas felt his insides squirm.

  "Sure. Tea and coffee sounds good."

  With their drinks ordered they walked towards a booth and settled down inside the café. They shucked off their coats and scarves before sitting down. The cosy light made it easier for Lucas to relax. Still his gaze was focused on the tabletop and his hands folded neatly in front of him. Cavan seemed awkward. He rubbed his hands on his thighs and proceeded to break one of his cookies into crumbs.

  Cavan gave a half-smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't think it would be this hard to think of things to say."

  A weight shifted off Lucas's shoulders. "I know. I'm sorry. All I keep thinking is that something is going to go wrong."

  "You're not allowed to be nervous," Cavan quipped.

  "Oh? Why not?"

  "No one as hot as you can be nervous."

  Lucas felt his mouth open a little in surprise. "What exactly about me do you find attractive, kid?"

  "You have attractive features; I know you're intelligent and you have this sort of swagger about you."

  Lucas let out a low chuckle. "I have no swagger, kid."

  "I'm digging the glasses though," Cavan stated with a grin. "I'm –uh –kindda glad you wore them."

  "Why?"

  "It completes your whole 'sexy teacher' vibe."

  Lucas allowed himself to smile a little wider. Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arm over his chest. "So, neither of us have run away yet. Can I assume we'll be spending a bit more quality time together?"

  "Are you kidding?" Cavan beamed. "I'm not letting you go anywhere! I've waited long enough. I barely slept all last night because I couldn't wait for this moment."

  Inside, Lucas felt his stomach twist and his heart jolt. Cavan –this beautiful, tall, quirky guy –wanted to spend time with him? He was unused to anyone outside of his circle of friends to want to be around him. It would definitely take some getting used to.

  Something nudged his knee.

  Glancing down, the older man saw that Cavan's leg was jiggling again. Smirking, he peered over his glasses at the brunette. "You're still nervous, aren't you?"

  Cavan flushed and glanced away. "Sorry. We never exchanged pictures so … I'm just taking it all in."

  Reaching across the table, Lucas surprised them both my placing his hand over Cavan's and giving a squeeze. "Well, the worst of this day is over. We can calm the fuck down and enjoy spending the day together." Cavan watched as the shorter man stood up, brushed lint of his trousers and swung his coat on. With a flick of his inky-black hair, Lucas nodded towards the door. "Come on, kid. Time for you to show me London."

  "Oh –er –right!" Cavan downed the last of his coffee –probably unwarranted considering how hyped the kid seemed –before following Lucas through the café and out onto the street.

  Lucas caught himself sneaking glances up at Cavan as they walked side-by-side. He was tall and had a strong jaw, his skin was a soft tan colour, probably fading from long summer days basking in the sun. His hair was drifting in the breeze and Lucas's fingers twitched desperately to touch it.

  'You're just meeting as friends,' Fletcher's words echoed in his head.

  Still, whenever their hands accidentally brushed against one another he could not deny the flush that tickled the nape of his neck.

  "So where are you taking me?" Lucas asked after they had been walking for ten minutes and crossing over a bridge.

  "Just a place a friend recommended. They claim it's a great place," Cavan shrugged before looking up. "Oh, here we are!"

  Glancing up past the brunette's head, Lucas frowned a little. The SEA LIFE aquarium was large, with a low-lit entrance. Cavan tugged gently on his sleeve and he felt himself stepping over the threshold. Families, school trips and other groups of young adults milled around. Lucas suddenly felt uncomfortable as the heat crept in through his coat. At the desk, they handed in their coats as Cavan flashed something on his phone. Two tickets were passed over the desk.

  Cavan thanked the woman before handing one of the passes for Lucas. The shorter man accepted the ticket and gave a wry smirk. "You pre-booked the tickets?"

  "I managed to snag them last night."

  Normally he would have swatted someone around the head, but Lucas didn't want to cuff Cavan. Not yet anyway. Instead he chuckled and shook his head, secretly pleased that they weren't going to walk aimlessly around London. Passing through a low-lit hallway, they were stopped in a mock-up of a green room.

  "Do you want your picture taken for a souvenir?" the guy asked, his thick mop of hair falling in front of his glasses.

  "I don't think we –"

  "Yes! We would." Cavan cut across, before looking sheepishly down at Lucas. "I mean, we don't have to if you don't want to, I just thought –"

  "Brat, you're rambling," Lucas stated. Turning his attention to the photographer he nodded. "Go on then. Take a picture."

  Cavan snickered behind him. Lucas glowered a little, ignoring the way people were queuing up in the corner of his eye. Before the flash went off, two arms wound around Lucas's shoulders and something warm rested against his head. He grunted a little and rubbed at his eyes before a tug on his arm moved them aside.

  "Here's your ticket. You can pick the photos up at the exit," the photographer droned on.

  Lucas wrinkled his nose in distaste before letting Cavan pull him along down the blue-lit corridor.

  ~0~

  Most of the rooms they walked through would have been bathed in total darkness, if it hadn't been for the deep, blue-lit fish tanks. Lucas knew he should have been observing the fish and sharks that swam around –especially in the submerged underwater tunnels were you would watch the fish gliding over your own head –but he kept finding himself drawn to watching Cavan.