Lukas was definitely going to be late for class again. After his talk with Tate, he needed a moment to regain his composure. The way he felt in his dreams was nothing compared to what he had just experienced. When Tate left, Lukas’s legs gave out, and he fell to his knees. His legs were still shaking. The sensation in his crotch had subsided, but he was still processing everything that had happened.

Just moments ago, Tate was standing in front of him. So close that he had felt his warmth. He felt his lips against his ear. Every part of his body that had been in contact with Tate burned. He had never imagined that Tate would do that to him. Or that he would make him feel so good with the little contact they had. Nor did he think that Tate would actually agree to help him. That is what surprised him the most. His initial plan did not entail him telling Tate about his problem. He just wanted to let him know his secret was safe with him. But it didn’t work out that way. Tate was going to help him.

The idea of spending more time with Tate was nerve-racking. And the training he talked about made him even more nervous. He had no idea what Tate was going to do to help him or when they would start. Tate was as cold as ever. Cold and distant. As always. But if Lukas could feel the way he did again. If Tate could make him feel only a fraction of that once more, he was willing to give it a try. He wanted to experience it again.

Lukas regained function in his legs and decided it was about time. He rose off from the ground and steadily walked to the door. He pocked his head out, looking in both directions. The corridor was empty as usual. No one really went up to that floor. Lukas left the room and headed to class. He went down the stairs and turned the corner.

"Alec?" Lukas stopped. Alec looked up at him. He was standing in the middle of the corridor. "Are you okay?"

"No."

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Alec opened his mouth but quickly closed it and lowered his head. Lukas stared at him. He didn't press for any further, even though he really wanted to. He had never seen Alec like that before. He had huge dark bags under his eyes like it had been days since he slept. It was as if life had drained right out of him. He looked so broken and lost. Lukas dug in his pockets. He pulled out a set of keys and handed them over to Alec.

"I'll text you my address. My mom's not home, so you can chill there if you need to."

Alec reached for the keys.

"Thanks."

Lukas smiled. Alec had helped him so much in the past. The least he could do was help him back. He pulled out his phone and texted Alec his address. As he sent the message, he noticed the time.

“Fuck! I’m so late.”

Lukas shoved his phone in his pocket and started to run. He just knew he was going to get scolded by Mr. Keaton again.