After standing on his front step for a good 10 minutes, Serafina finally raised her fist to knock, only to have the door open before she got the chance.
"I was wondering when you'd finally knock," Luke said, smiling. "I've known you were there since you arrived."
Serafina smiled sheepishly. "Sometimes I forget."
He stepped back to allow her to walk through the door and she entered, her hand lightly brushing over his as she past.
"So to what do I owe the pleasure?" Luke closed the door behind her and indicated for her to follow him into the living room. "Do you want something to eat, to drink?"
"No, I'm good, thank you."
They reached the living room and they both sat, watching each other in silence for a few moments, until Serafina jumped up and started pacing.
"What's wrong?" Luke asked gently, his kind eyes concerned from behind his glasses.
"I have to go back home."
The words hung in the air heavily and for the first time since they'd met, the pair were confronted with their feelings. Her leaving should be nothing at all, especially if they were just friends. And she was just a kid. So this should be nothing.
"Oh."
A long silence fell over them and Serafina kept pacing, her eyes on the ground as she did so, while Luke watched her, discreetly, trying to sift through the thoughts he was having.
"Luke?"
He looked up and their eyes met.
"Yes?"
"Nothing. I should go."
Luke sat back, still trying to work everything out. "I'm so much older than you," he said quietly.
"Does that bother you?" Serafina asked.
"In some ways, yes," he replied honestly. "Because I would never want to rob you of your childhood, and that's what I would do. You would be lying to so many people, I don't want you to have to do that."
"That would be my choice," she pointed out. "I am aware of the situation, Luke."
"Why are you going?"
"Airlia went missing."
There was a long pause.
"I'm coming with you."
"No, you're hiding out, and Da will know, he'll just know."
Luke stood up and walked over to her. He put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "I'm coming with you."
Serafina smiled faintly and kissed his cheek. "If you're sure."
"I am."