Hidden In Plain Sight (MxM)✔

Chapter 12 - Questions

Luke rubbed the back of his head curiously. "What do you mean? What number?"

"You didn't know?" Nicholas asked. "It looks like some kind of serial number."

"That's...Weird."

"You don't remember getting it?"

Luke shook his head, feeling slightly unsettled. As a human hiding in Vampire society, it was very concerning to learn that he was marked like a product at the grocery store. This was the first time that his hair was so short, so it was very likely that his Master had never noticed it either. That or he just never brought it up. 

Nicholas put a hand on his shoulder. "How about we go for a walk?"

"I thought we'd be heading back?"

"Do you want to?"

He knew he should say yes, but a part of him felt compelled to stay with Nicholas just a little longer. He enjoyed being around the man, mostly because he felt wanted by him. Unlike back home where he would be shut away.

"I...I guess we can go for a short walk." Luke decided, and the Vampire took his hand and escorted him further into town.

This area was more lively than the smaller district that he frequented. There was a tall clock tower looming above them, some colorful Victorian duplexes aligning the road, carriages of all shapes and sizes, and a bay view off in the distance where cargo ships were docked.

Luke enjoyed taking in the scenery since he'd never been allowed to wander this far from home before. Nicholas was amused by his excitement and allowed the human to break away as he scurried over to a nearby fountain. They then made a detour through the park, following the populated walking path and enjoying the nocturnal blooms.

In reality, Luke was only pretending to be excited in an attempt to forget about his problems.

He wanted to forget about his Master. To forget that he wasn't supposed to be here. To forget that he had a strange tattoo on the back of his head, or that he still had yet to talk to Nicholas about what Maximillia did.

He was putting so many things off that Luke knew they would come back to haunt him eventually, and the more he thought about the consequences, the more he sought to delay them. 

For now, he was going to enjoy himself. Later, who knows? Maybe he'll tell Nicholas about Maximillia's plans? But it would be rude to bring that up now and ruin the mood. So he decided that later was best.

As he walked, pedestrians moved out of his way, clearing a path like he was some kind of noble. Though it was less for Luke's sake and more for the Archduke who was walking close behind him. A few people stopped to stare at the human's ratty attire, but they immediately scattered when Nicholas shot them a glare.

The first time it happened, Luke was absolutely confused and wondered it it was something he did, but the second time he noticed Nicholas's face and laughed.

It was nice being protected like this. 

Compared to the way his Master treated him, Luke felt less restricted.

Speaking of his Master, as they left the park he noticed a well dressed gentleman waiting on the corner across the street. He had on a black coat and top hat, so Luke didn't recognize him at first, but then the crowds parted and the human realized it was none other than his Master, Frederick.

Normally, Frederick would wander around dressed in drab clothing, yet there he was looking right at home with the upper class nobles.

"Luke?" Nicholas asked, noticing that the human was no longer skipping ahead merrily. "What is it?"