Sorry it took so long to update! I'm writing a shit ton at the moment, so...yeah! But here's a new chapter, and it sort of starts the rest of the story, so...enjoy!

He hadn't known what to pack, really. After all, he had never run away before, not even when he had been small and foolish. And besides, this wasn't running away because he was frustrated or upset; this was running away because he didn't have any other choice. It wouldn't be fair to the professor to suddenly spring this horrible piece of news on him. He had a reputation to keep, a career, a nice home...and up until now, he had had a wholesome family.

Luke didn't want him to suffer just because the world knew he had a gay, pregnant boy living under his care and guardianship. How would that make him look as a parent? People would begin questioning him, asking him uncomfortable questions...and Luke knew how awful those kinds of questions could be. He didn't want to cause the professor any sort of trouble. Not after he had done so much for him.

He supposed he would need a suitcase. After all, if he was packing to run away, he would need something to pack with. Into a small trunk went sweaters, pants, shirts, pajamas, underwear, socks, and a blanket or two. He supposed that would do for now, as he and Clive could always buy the things the would need later on. It was better to travel light, he decided. There would be less to carry.

Although, he felt as if he were missing something, and as he glanced around the room, he found exactly what he was looking for. It had been on his nightstand, and the object in question had been framed in silver. It was a photograph. Most people think photographs are silly and sentimental things, perhaps even maudlin in a way. Luke thought they were the greatest invention to man, and insisted that professor take lots of pictures throughout their time together so he would never be allowed to forget it.

He stared down at the photograph in question, a small, slightly guilty smile tugging at his lips. There he was, one of the professor's hands on his shoulder, and his other on Flora's. All three were smiling brightly, laughing even. It was a simple picture, one posed just outside of the professor's office at the university, and taken by Emmy with her new camera. It had come out beautifully, just like Luke had thought it would.

Yes, this was definitely going in the trunk. He didn't think he could bear to forget about his family, even if it was possible he might never see them again. But perhaps he would find himself with a new family, with him and Clive and their new baby. Maybe Clive would find a new job in the city, and in time, would be able to afford a camera of their own. Oh, the pictures he would take! Their child running about, playing with its father in the snow, sleeping peacefully...it was almost happy enough to make him genuinely smile.

But then he remembered the type of person that Clive was, and his happy dream was instantly shattered. Clive would think it was a stupid idea; hell, he would probably yell at Luke for bringing the one picture with him! Maybe he would just have to live in a world based on memory instead of photographs.

And in that instant, his sad world became a bit sadder.

"Luke, the telephone's for you!" came the professor's voice, ringing up the steps and echoing into his room. "A boy named Clive?" Luke's heart leapt into his throat. Goddamn it! He raced down the stairs, insides twisting uncomfortably as he imagined all of the horrible secrets Clive could've let slip in three minutes.

"Ah! I'm coming, don't hang up!" the professor stared at Luke in bemusement as he slid into the kitchen, catching himself on the counter and breathing for a moment before taking the phone from him. "Thank you..."

"A friend from school?" the professor asked. Luke rolled his eyes and grinned slightly.

"Something like that, yeah," and the professor gave him a look that was so knowing, Luke almost wondered if he already knew about the whole situation. It wouldn't surprise him one bit, to be honest.

"Well, I'll leave you to your conversation, then."

"Thank you, professor," Luke said, waiting until Layton had wandered out of earshot before whirling around and hunching over the phone, his blood practically boiling. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" he hissed. "What on earth possessed you to call me on our home phone?! The professor could've found out about—"

"Jesus, Luke! Calm your tits! I was just calling to ask you something! Besides, stress isn't good for you right now, or something like that..." Luke tried his hardest to take deep, calming breaths. He truly did love Clive, but that didn't mean that he didn't find him annoying at times.

"Okay, okay. What did you need to ask me, then?" he whispered, eyes closed as he willed away the dull anger bubbling in the pit of his stomach. How could Clive be so reckless? After all the caution Luke had taken to make sure their relationship stayed a secret, too!

"I wanted to know if you had a place in mind," Clive said, as casually as if he were discussing the weather. "I mean, we can't stay in London; the police will find you, or someone you know will recognize you and they'll turn you into the cops."

"Oh," suddenly, he felt a bit silly for yelling. It really was such an innocent question, after all. And...it was sort of thoughtful that Clive had thought to ask his opinion. He had never done anything like this before. "Well...a big city sounds nice, with lots of noise and lights...somewhere we can blend in. You know, where we won't stick out, and the chances of us being spotted is slim."

"I know just the place, then!" Luke could tell just by the sound of Clive's voice that he was grinning. And not that fake, you're-trying-my-patience grin that he had seen directed at him so many times; this was his funny, crooked grin, the one that sent his heart pounding. "It's a big place, just a few hours away from here. I've got a friend who used to live there...hell, maybe she still does, I don't know. I'll call her and ask if she is, and if so, maybe she'll let us crash in her apartment for a while."

"Really?" suddenly, all the pieces were falling into place. Perhaps running away really was the best course of action to take. "Wow...this sounds almost too good to be true."

"I may be sort of...brutish sometimes," Clive admitted, "but I'll take care of you, Luke...don't worry about it. Just leave everything to me."

"Thank you," he whispered, tears almost rushing to his eyes. It was times like these that reminded him of why he had stayed with Clive longer than any of his other boyfriends. These signs of affection, of caring, of actual tenderness made all of the fights, yelling, and cussing worth it.

"I'll pick you up at eleven," Clive said, and Luke glanced up at the kitchen clock. It was seven in the evening right now. "Be ready. And watch for me out your window, okay?"

"Yeah, sure. See you then," sighing, he placed the phone back in its cradle, sinking into a kitchen chair before laying his head onto the table. Suddenly, he had splitting headache.

This was really going to happen. In less than five hours, he was going to be leaving London and all he had ever known for a new, much more frightening life than he had ever desired. It was so new and strange and scary, and all he wanted to do was go back and change the past, tell himself not to give into Clive and go with his gut.

Because one little word, one little "no" could've prevented this whole situation.

Clive and Luke will now run away together! Romantic? Or not? Only time will tell! :)

And just in case everyone hasn't noticed by now, Luke and Clive's relationship isn't exactly "healthy". I'm pretty sure Clive's been lying to Luke and forcing him into some bad stuff. Perhaps he'll see the error of his ways and turn over a new leaf?

So many questions, so many chapters to come!

Please leave a review, favorite, or follow! They really help me out! :)

Hasta la Pasta,

SausageMahoney98