ARCH HUNTER

Lukas - My Best Mistake

Enjoy the second chapter guys! If you feel like writing me an email, drop one to archhunter420@gmail.com

Chapter 2 - The Nightwalker

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I was glancing at the rearview mirror at Lukas who was bobbing his head to the music. He has hardly taken off his headphones ever since I bought him a pair along with an MP3 player this morning. Music seemed to have a calming effect on the boy which was surprising because when I asked him what bands or songs he liked he said: "whatever they play on the radio". So I downloaded some pop songs and some Polish rap I thought he might relate to. But for the most of the time, he seemed to be listening to some cringy euro disco I dropped there just in case. Looking back, there was some shitty music coming out at that time. And it didn't get old graciously either.

I lied to him that I got the player for myself but that he could have it for now, while he's staying with me.

"Are you coming?" I asked as we parked next to the mall.

"What?" He asked, taking off his headphones.

"I said are you coming with me or staying in the car?"

"I'm coming with you."

We spent almost two hours buying him clothes. I told him I wouldn't send him back without a set of properly sized pieces. He was clearly uneasy and it might've been the first time he's ever gone shopping. That was good because I hated shopping too so we kept it as brief as possible, which still wasn’t brief enough for any of us. He was coming in and out of the changing room to show me how he looked with a new pair of shoes, pants, or a shirt. I silently enjoyed the show and was kind of proud of fixing Lukas's apparel. If he ate well for a month, he could get really sexy. He was definitely well-developed and beyond the baby potato stage. I steered my thoughts elsewhere because I knew I wouldn't be able to witness it even if it ever happens. One other thing that needed attention was his hair but by the time we were finished with his new clothes, I was spent. Maybe he could stay one more night and we would handle that tomorrow.

"So when are you sending me back?"

"I don't know. I will make calls today. Or tomorrow."

"Oh." He looked through the side window, facing away from me.

"Yeah."

"Thank you." I was amazed he was capable of such a calm voice. A whisper, almost.

"What for? I thought you didn't want it back there."

"Thank you for getting me, sniff, all these." He was still facing away but I could see his face was turning red. Oh please, please, don't make me…

"No worries, I didn't feel very much alive without having someone to care about, to be honest." I cursed myself instantly for saying the truth.

"Huh?" Lukas quickly turned his face to look at me but I kept my eyes on the road.

"Nothing, don’t worry about the stuff" I grunted. Hopefully, he didn't understand a word I said. We rode the rest of the way in silence.

At home, I emptied one of my shelves in the only wardrobe I had in my bedroom and told him to put his things there for now. I caught myself saying "for now" a lot when talking to Lukas, probably to create a sense of temporariness. Else he could be deluded I'm considering letting him stay or something similarly crazy.

I took a box of puzzles from the top shelf and put it on the table in the living room.

"Do you like puzzles?" I asked.

"I don't know."

"You've never done puzzles before?"

He just stared at me with a guilty look and I sighed.

"That's cool, I'll show you."

He got hooked up pretty quickly. It was a 1000-piece one with a Swiss castle image. It was standing over a crystal-clear lake and it was pretty hard to tell the actual castle from its reflection. He should be happy I didn't get white polar bears on the snow. I put on some music and I showed him my strategy for starting with the edges and then working on the most characteristic parts of the image.

"Do you need groceries? I could go shopping for you," Lukas said after an hour. And he was damn right, I forgot about it and the fridge was empty. I really didn't want to order pizza the second day in a row. The boy was getting the only chance to eat something better for once and I was about to feed him junk food. Very responsible.

"You just want to go out, do you?" I asked.

"Yes. Can't I?" He looked me in the eyes.

"If I'll give you some cash and a shopping list, will I see you ever again?"

"I promise!" He smiled and jumped to open the fridge. "Geez, there's only ice left on the walls."

"Shut up, I know. I forgot, okay?"

He didn't answer but just rummaged around and took out a large but almost empty whiskey bottle.

"And we're almost out of booze, general! Add it to the list"

"First of all, I'm out of booze and secondly, they won't sell you so be quiet. I'm making a list. Do you like chicken tikka masala?" He gave me a look. "Never mind, we'll find out."

I considered going myself but Lukas was so eager that I surrendered. And I thought it would be good to test his trustworthiness by giving him some cash after what I'd done for him. I could still go myself later and get missing things plus a whiskey refill. So I gave him the money, the list, and a shopping bag and he left running down the stairs. I sighed. Sighing was yet another thing I was doing a lot of recently.

I started my laptop and googled the orphanage by the name Lukas had given me. Unsurprisingly, they didn't have a website but I found their email and phone number on the city council site. And here, mystery solved. It was an orphanage AND a juvenile detention center. Why did he end up there? And more importantly, what have I gotten myself into?

I saved the number to my phone and put it away. I realised I’ve been constantly stressed out for the last couple of days. This responsibility was unlike anything I’ve ever felt and there wasn’t a minute during the day that I didn’t think of Lukas-related topics. I decided to make the best out of being alone at last and started my PC to play a game for a while. Somehow I didn't even think of jacking off. The time flew fast and before I could start worrying, I heard rumbling on the staircase, and then Lukas entered the flat with a large shopping bag and a silly grin on his face.

"I got your groceries, Matt."

"Okay, put them on the table," I replied, not taking my eyes off the game.

"Whatcha doing?" He asked looking over my shoulder and putting his hands on the chair backrest.

"Gaming." I was beginning to miss my solitude.

"Don't you wanna check the groceries?" He asked and there was something strange in his voice.

"If you insist," I said and paused the game reluctantly. I stood up to unpack the bags and he seemed to have done a good job and bought everything from the list.

I turned around to see him smiling at me and hiding something behind his back. I was amused and for some reason, seriously worried.

"What are you hiding there, you little prankster?"

He was beaming - pun not intended - as he revealed a Jim Beam bottle and handed it over.

"We didn't have enough for the evening. And I think it's going to rain so you shouldn't be going anyw…"

"Who sold it to you?" I asked in shock, letting slide his usage of the plural form.

"A man. At the store."

"What store?"

“Booze store! I didn't check the name."

"You're giving me a headache," I said but ruffled his hair and a smile returned to the boy's face.

"You know, it wouldn't be the first time I have a drink", he said, looking hopeful.

"I don't doubt it but I'm not giving you any. You're here illegally and expect me to get you drunk? At 13?"

"I wouldn't get drunk from a single glass."

"Sure you wouldn't. Too bad we won't ever know for sure. And if you want me to let you do shopping ever again, just stick to the list, okay?"

"You're throwing me out tomorrow, so whatever."

"Give me the change," I sighed. He handed it over. It looked alright. I kind of wished that he had stolen from me so I could use it in the argument but he didn't.

"Help me put the things on the shelves."

We worked in silence for a while and I started prepping the food.

"Can I help?" He asked. Why so helpful all of a sudden?

"Nah, you'd just get in the way. You can play on the computer if you want."

I cooked and he played. I could be eating Asian food for every meal (although technically, tikka masala is a British recipe) but I was worried it could be too exotic for Lukas, who probably ate traditional Polish food all his life. And not even the good Polish cooking, I thought, remembering the quality of food we were served at school. Or at the hospital. I remember one time when I had a broken leg, I was given basically dry bread for almost every meal. Once, the parents of a kid next to me brought him Nutella and I got to use THE SAME KNIFE he used to spread the butter on my slice of bread. It almost tasted like a memory of Nutella.

Lukas said the food was weird but good. He ate all there was, too. I felt better looking at him, full of energy. We now had a stock of eggs, veggies, and fruits so I could make sure he was eating healthy and diverse food for as long as he stayed with me. That made me think about the phone call I had to do the next day. I wasn't exactly sure how to explain it that the boy ended up with me but maybe I could just say I found him roaming on the streets just an hour before. And hope that Lukas would keep his mouth shut.

"I'll do the dishes." He said after we ate. I was curious about what he was trying to get from me. I wasn't giving him alcohol if that was what he was about. As long as he was doing chores, I could let him be.

"What do you want to do?" I asked him.

"Can we watch something?"

I put on Scary Movie. I had no idea what to pick for a kid his age but that seemed to be the right choice. He laughed a lot. And I could see how he felt more comfortable around me as he sat really close and looked me up in the eyes every time he commented on something he found hilarious. Which was a little too often if you ask me but I took pleasure in being so close and interacting with him. I was grateful he couldn't read my actual thoughts when he put his hand on my lap in one of those exciting moments. Somewhere halfway through the movie, he left to the toilet and when he returned he asked,

"Do you want a drink? While I'm up?"

"No thanks."

"Please let me make you one!"

I looked at the clock. It was late already and I sure would use a drink after the long day.

"Okay, but just for me, understand?"

"Yes, Matt."

The last thing I needed was a 13 years-old drinking buddy. He poured me a glass, seemingly uninterested in the fluid and we went back to watching. He sat even closer to me than earlier. I had seen this movie at least five times but it was better watching it with Lukas and his reactions and commentary.

"Is it good?" He asked after a while.

"The movie? Silly but pretty good, what do you think, champ?"

"I was asking about your drink!" He giggled.

"Oh, it's terrible. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone."

"I don't believe you," he said laughing.

"Honest, it's the worst thing I've ever tasted."

"Is it cold enough at least?"

I locked my eyes on him, dead serious, and his smile faded.

"I'm not giving you alcohol, do you hear me? And stop nagging me."

He opened and closed his mouth repeatedly like a fish, probably looking for the right words to protest but eventually just frowned and sat on the opposite side of the couch from me, looking at the TV.

"You suck," he said after a minute without looking at me.

"I know."

Lukas didn't say a single word or even laugh much until the end of the movie that mercifully ended 20 minutes later. When it ended he said he's going to take a shower and left to the bathroom, still not looking at me. After the door closed, I started wondering about the boy. For most of the day, I was thinking we were starting to get along. He seemed cheerful and helpful but it was all gone as soon as I denied him alcohol. I wondered what his life was before I met him. Was that why he ended up in the juvie? I put the bottle in a cabinet, making note of the fluid level to make sure there's nothing gone overnight.

As soon as I finished my drink, the bathroom door opened and Lukas appeared in his fresh underwear. His slim body was still a little wet and once again I started wondering how much developed he was down there. He sat next to me grabbing his knees and looking blankly ahead.

"Look, I…" I started but he interrupted me.

"I'm sorry," he murmured. And as I was too shocked to say anything, he continued. "There's been a lot happening lately and it was always helping me fall asleep to have a beer if we managed to get some. I know it's messed up, so sorry."

"Aww, man… it's not messed up…" I put my hand on his arm and he cuddled a little into me.

Look, I had my first beer around his age and I wasn't some prude that would guilt shame him for underage drinking. But I didn't want to be the one responsible for his drinking. It was enough that I had a runaway kid under my roof and it would be really hard to explain to the cops why he's in my bed, just in his underwear and drunk.

"I used to drink beer when I was your age, too, and I wouldn't say I turned out horribly. I just wouldn't like your short stay here to be like this… I would feel like an asshole if I threw you out after a night long drinking, okay?" I was now embracing him delicately, careful not to cross a line but he seemed trustful enough to curl into me.

"I understand. I promise I won't bring it up again Matt."

"Thanks, buddy. Maybe we'll have a beer together another time if we know each other in a few years, right?"

"Matt?"

"What's that, Lukas?"

"You don't have a wife, do you?"

"No," I said, showing him there was no ring on my left hand.

"And a girlfriend?" He sobbed.

"No, not currently."

"Okay. You wouldn't let me sleep here if you had one, right?"

"I have no idea buddy. Hey, how about you tuck yourself in and I will go get a shower, okay?" I said, steering away from the risky topic.

"Okay."

With that, I messed his unruly mane and stood up to take a shower. When I got undressed it became apparent that I had another urgent matter to resolve. Being hugged by this half-naked boy made me raging-hard. I felt only a little guilty jacking myself off under the shower thinking of his small frame and nicely-filled undies and whatever they carried. It really didn't take long so I edged myself for two minutes and eventually came with relief. Then I dried off, wore a fresh pair of boxers, and went to bed. The light was off in the living room and I stepped closer to the couch to see if he was alright. Lukas was laying there with his eyes closed but he lifted his head and looked at me when I got closer.

"Sorry," I said, "I'm going to sleep, goodnight."

"Goodnight, Matt."

"Don't be afraid to wake me up if you need anything."

"Okay."

I retreated to the bedroom and laid down on my bed, thinking. I realised I had forgotten to lock the main door but decided to do nothing about it. Anyway, the kid had passed my little test earlier that day and to be honest, I didn't have anything really worth stealing or that I would miss. My laptop was safe in a drawer next to me. And if he tries to stab me in the middle of the night… well, I'm not a deep sleeper.

I thought a little about my tomorrow’s phone call with the orphanage and different scenarios went through my head. Most of them were crazy because, to be honest I've had very little experience reporting runaway kids. I knew I'd have to make sure Lukas understands whatever version of events we were going to agree to.

I must have dozed off. A faint noise woke me up in the middle of the night and I tensed up a little, listening for it to repeat. I didn't have to wait long and Lukas appeared in the door frame just like the other day. This time I was mostly covered, at least below my belt but I still felt a tingly feeling from being watched.

The boy made two steps into the room and froze again.

"Matt?" I heard him whisper. I was pretty sure he didn't need anything but was rather checking if I was asleep. I made sure my breath remained deep and slow and involuntary tensed up a little waiting for whatever was coming.

He made one step closer and whispered my name again. When I didn't answer, he moved even closer and I felt his presence above me. I had to close my eyes completely because my eyelids started shaking when I tried to look through them. After several long seconds, I felt his hand go down and slowly remove my cover, revealing my boxers. Then he made a few steps back and listened for at least a minute to see if I was moving. I started to tremble as it was becoming more apparent what part of me he was most interested in.

And with no mistake, he was soon right by my bedside and I heard him squat next to me, breathing through his mouth. He was so close I actually felt his breath on my chest and I tensed up even more. It was my weak point and I feared I was going to start shaking. Then the unthinkable happened. I felt his hand on my boxers, feeling me up. That made me gasp and within a fraction of second, Lukas darted out of the room. I sat on the bed, not sure how to react. I was too sleepy to think clearly and didn't know if I should go and have a talk with him or just give him what he wanted.

Finally, I stood up and went to pee. In the living room, I stopped.

"Lukas?"

Nothing.

"Lukas?"

"Huh?" He replied, pretending to wake up from a deep sleep.

"Did you hear anything?"

"No, Matt."

"Okay, sorry. Going back to sleep now."

"Okay."

I hoped at least I made him think I didn't notice anything. I peed and went back to bed, tired and confused.

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Thanks for reading. Lukas - My Best Mistake pt 3 is on the way. Let me know your comments: archhunter420@gmail.com.

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