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Chapter 9 - Bastian and Lukas go shopping, then visit next door neighbours Anna and Lena for a dinner date.
The boys left Lukas' apartment, stepping into the hallway and heading toward the elevator. They stopped when they saw the door to the stairwell open and their neighbours, Anna and Lena, emerge. As they were right in front of the girls' apartment, they stopped and waited for them. When the girls saw them the shorter one, Anna, squealed and ran toward them, throwing her arms around Lukas.
"You're home now, oh that's wonderful!" She kissed him on the cheek and stood back, greeting Bastian as well. Lena walked up more slowly, a bit of a devious smile on her face.
"Lulu, where have you been? This place has been severely lacking in hotness with you gone." She winked at him and nudged him with her elbow.
He glared at the use of the nickname, something she'd started from the very first moment she'd met him. Bastian put an arm around his shoulders and glared at Lena as well. "He's been in the hospital, which you must not have known seeing as you didn't come to visit him."
Lena shrugged and waved his comment off with her hand. "We had exams!"
"He lost his memory, you know!"
"How was I supposed to know? You know I don't read the papers or watch the news, nothing but propaganda! You should have called, Bastian!"
The two continued to bicker back and forth, something they did often but never in a mean or unfriendly way, while Anna and Lukas looked at each other and grinned. Bastian had just made another comment about Lena's apparent lack of caring for Lukas, which she interrupted by pleading that she was too tired to keep arguing.
"The elevator's been shut off for repairs, you know. We had to climb the stairs all the way up here! My legs are absolutely murdering me, Bastian. Murdering! I need to go and sit."
Bastian rolled his eyes. "Sure, fine excuse. Not to mention I can't believe only seven flights of stairs has you winded. That's pathetic."
She responded by punching him in the arm. "Jerk."
"Lena! Be nice." Anna scolded the other girl, before turning back to the boys. "You guys should come over for dinner tonight; we can celebrate Lukas' being home. I actually have some of those bacon-wrapped steak balls you like, Lukas, frozen in my freezer. I'll take them out and cook them for you." Anna winked at Lukas, who nodded his approval.
"Geez Anna, you spoil that boy too much." Lena walked up to Lukas and pinched his cheek before finally giving him a hug. "You know I really love you boys. That's why I tease so much."
Bastian grinned. "Lena, you have all the maturity of a ten year old boy." He dodged out of the way as she tried to punch him again, finally grabbing her fists and rendering her unable to swing at him. "We'll be over for dinner tonight, so make sure you cook a lot. And make sure this one is properly restrained, Anna, so she doesn't hurt herself."
Since Bastian was still holding her fists, Lena kicked him in the shins. "Hey, ow! Watch the legs, would you?" He pushed her away from him and moved away from her door.
"Oh quit whining and take it like a man, girly boy." Lena winked at him before fishing her keys out of her coat pocket and unlocking the door. "Alright then boys, we won't keep you any longer. Anna has a lot of cooking to do after all." She waved a final time before ducking into the apartment, followed by Anna, who told them to come by around seven that evening.
Once the girls were gone Lukas looked at Bastian. "No elevators? I can not seven, f-floor stairs."
Bastian shook his head, a thought already formulating in his mind. "Oh no, you're not getting out of this Lukas. I'll carry you down the stairs."
"W-what? You, not so strong. If elevator still out, y-you carry me up too, if we m-make dinner." Lukas leaned against the wall and grinned.
"Nah, I can always leave you down there. No better way to tackle your obstacles then having to face them." Bastian laughed when Lukas protested, then walked over to him. "Alright enough talking, we have stuff to buy. Get on." Bastian turned around and leaned over.
Lukas hopped onto his back, his arms around Bastian's neck. "Do not drop, please."
Bastian made his way down to the end of the hall, opening the door to the stairwell. "God you're heavy, I hope I make it." He started down the stairs, continually teasing Lukas. It really wasn't as much of a problem for Bastian as he was making it seem, he could carry Lukas for a while without getting tired. But he really hoped the elevators would be working again by the time they got back, because carrying him up seven flights of stairs would not be fun.
Once they made it to the bottom floor he continued out and down the steps at the front of the building. He stopped when they reached the sidewalk and Lukas hugged him before dropping down from his back. "Thanks, you are best."
Bastian turned around to face him, linking his arm through Lukas'. "Anything for you. Now let's go, we have a lot to buy." They headed off in the direction of the pharmacy, enjoying the nice day. The sun was out but there was still just a bit of a chill in the air, which made Lukas walk just a little bit closer to Bastian than usual. He held onto Bastian's arm with both of his, that aggravating insecurity starting up again now that they were outside and people were around. He'd nearly forgotten his anxiety about being out in public after being carried down the stairs, the humour in the situation taking over. But now that they were heading for a store, where interaction with a total stranger was unavoidable, Lukas was feeling a little worried.
Bastian could sense Lukas' growing anxiety from the way he was starting to cling to him, the way he was now looking down at the ground instead of looking up and around him. Bastian laid his other hand on Lukas' arm, squeezing and rubbing it. "Remember what I told you, if this is too much for you, we'll go back, okay? Just let me know." He looked at Lukas and wished he would look up too. He wanted him to stop staring at the ground and avoiding contact with everyone. It just struck him as so strange. Even though he was still a little quiet around their friends, Lukas was still social and willing to interact with people when they came over for a visit. But the moment Lukas was outside, he completely avoided contact with others as much as possible.
Lukas looked at Bastian, nodding in reply to the comment. He still felt a little foolish, knowing that he shouldn't be as nervous as he was. He should be proud of how far he'd come in such a short period of time, how well he could function given what had happened. He'd heard enough explanations from the doctors about the reasoning behind his current problems and even though he knew that there was nothing he could do to speed up the recovery process, he still felt like there should be. He felt like he should be doing better. He didn't want people to see him the way he was now, totally dependent on someone else. He wanted to appear strong and independent, the way he'd been his entire life.
Bastian could see the look on Lukas' face, the mix of every one of those negative feelings he'd been having since he'd woken up. He wanted that smile he was used to seeing to come back, he wanted the security and confidence; he missed that. "Stop thinking so much, would you? You'll be fine. Let me handle everything and you just try and enjoy getting out of the apartment for a while, okay?"
Lukas looked at Bastian, appearing just a little embarrassed. "I know, sorry."
"You don't have to apologize, Lukas. You can't help your feelings; I just have to keep harassing you about them." He pulled his arm out from Lukas', putting it around his shoulders instead. Lukas put one of his arms around Bastian's waist and leaned a little closer into him, feeling a little more relaxed. Bastian would look after things the way he'd been doing so far, and he would need to relax and let him.
They eventually made it to the pharmacy, going inside to pick up Lukas' hygienic things. They got everything on the list Katya had written him and took it up to the cashier to pay for it. Luckily for Lukas, the cashier was an older woman who didn't appear to have any idea who they were, who just smiled politely and told them to have a lovely day. Bastian carried the bag and they left, wandering further down the road. There was a small electronics shop where they picked up an organizer for Lukas. Luckily they didn't run into anyone who recognized them there either, but they did receive a few weird looks as they were standing together looking at the different types, Bastian's arm around Lukas' shoulders and Lukas' arm around Bastian's waist. Bastian found it amusing, while Lukas was a little embarrassed by it. But Bastian joked about it enough to make him smile, which made it all okay.
The last place they had left to go was the grocer's market, where they had to pick up some food. They also wanted to pick up a bottle of wine to bring to dinner with the girls. The large market proved to be more awkward for Lukas than either of the other stores had been, since in here they were getting looks and he could hear hushed whispers of people who did recognize them. He'd been feeling slightly better about the whole idea of going out in public until coming in here and being practically bombarded with stares. He remained glued to Bastian's side, trying to tune out everything around him and just concentrate on following his friend through the crowded store without tripping over his feet. He kept worrying about having to endure a repeat of the hospital, nervously awaiting that first comment that would set off all the others.
Bastian was trying his best to comfort Lukas because he could sense the shift already. Lukas had just been starting to open up a little to the concept of being out in public, but with the increased attention they were generating here, he was closing off again. As they stopped to pick up a bag of Lukas' favourite chips, they could hear the whispered voices of two girls nearby. "Oh look, he really does eat those!" They were referring to that scene in the movie Sonke had shot, of Bastian barging in on Lukas while he'd been sleeping. Thinking about the scene made Lukas feel slightly embarrassed as he imagined the girls were now no doubt picturing him in nothing but his underwear.
Bastian was trying to stifle a laugh, thinking the same thing as Lukas. He didn't say anything though as he didn't want to chance bursting out into laughter right there on the spot. That would certainly only do him more damage than good. So instead he kept his arm around Lukas' shoulders and pulled him on. Once they'd picked up everything they needed they headed for the cashiers at the front, all of whom seemed to have heard that the boys were in the store and all of whom seemed to be looking around, hoping they would enter their line.
Bastian knew there was no helping it now, as one of these girls at the front was bound to make some kind of comment to Lukas. To his relief though he felt a tap on his arm and heard a voice telling them to follow her down and she would take care of them. The young woman led them to an empty line and they waited for her to log herself in on the system. She looked at them and smiled, glancing down the line at the other cashiers. "I figured I'd step in and save you from that down there. I have to work with those giggling fools and I wouldn't want to shove them on anyone." She winked at Lukas, who was actually looking at her and he smiled back, grateful indeed. She rang through their purchases and acted wonderfully normal around them, not even asking any questions about Lukas' recovery or condition.
Once they finished Bastian took the bags and once again expressed their gratitude for her help. She waved them off, and then mentioned that she'd also wanted to snatch them away simply to aggravate her co-workers, since she didn't really like them very much. They all laughed at the comment, then she wished them well and they left. Once they'd gotten outside Bastian looked at Lukas. "Well now, that wasn't so bad, was it?"
Lukas looked at him and smiled. He was still feeling quite nerve-wracked after being the centre of attention, but it could have gone a lot worse. "Lucky girl show up."
Bastian laughed. "Yeah that was a stroke of luck, wasn't it? Those other ones didn't even seem to be the type you'd want to run into on a good day, especially not in a group either." They started back the way they’d come, heading for Lukas’ apartment building.
The return trip to the apartment was rather uneventful, which made it more enjoyable for Lukas, who didn't have to worry so much about being harassed by the public. There were quite a few people walking the street, but luckily most of them seemed absorbed in their own worlds and didn't pay much attention to them as they made their way back to the building. Luckily for Bastian the elevators were operational again so he didn't have to carry Lukas. As he watched him struggle with the steps at the front of the building, though, he thought that maybe he should try and get Lukas to climb at least one floor, since the sooner he really started tackling stairs the better. He kept hitting the steps with his feet and Bastian could see him go from his calm demeanour of a moment before to the quiet and reclusive frustration he displayed whenever he was having trouble with something. It had been easier in the hospital, with the therapists who seemed to know exactly how to keep his frustration in check. He'd have to have a talk with one of them about it when they went in on Wednesday.
But for now he was just there for support, making sure Lukas didn't trip. He didn't say anything, since there wasn't really much to say. It was something Lukas knew he had to work on and Bastian didn't feel the need to emphasize it, especially not after the stress of their first trip out in public. He wanted him to be in a good mood for their dinner date with the girls after all. Once inside they took the elevator up to their floor and made it back to the apartment. Bastian kneeled down to help Lukas with his shoes again, stating that they needed to invest in a bench for the area so Lukas could sit and do it himself. Lukas smiled at the comment and said that he was quite happy with the current arrangement, which Bastian took as a good sign that the stairs weren't going to have a lingering effect on his mood.
Bastian carried Lukas' things into the kitchen, laying the bags on the counter and starting to unpack the purchases. Lukas just stood there watching him and Bastian nudged him. "You can help, you know. You're not that useless." He grinned and Lukas pouted.
"No have to be m-mean." He reached for a bag and Bastian laughed, putting an arm around his shoulders.
"I'm not being mean. I'm just prodding you, that's all. You know, doing my job, making sure you feel useful."
"Useful or, just not use-less?" Lukas looked at him and grinned.
Bastian pulled him closer and ruffled his hair. "Useful. My apologies if you got any other impression." He grinned back and pinched Lukas' cheek playfully.
Lukas rolled his eyes and pulled away, looking offended. “You know, I bother easy."
Bastian laughed and pulled him back, both of his arms sliding around him again. "You're right; I've been a bad nurse. I'll do better."
Lukas smiled and rested his hands on Bastian's arms. "Not too bad. But room, for improve m-ment."
Bastian gave him a final squeeze before backing off and going back to putting the groceries away. They had two hours to kill before heading next door so they sat on the couch and decided to test out Lukas' ability to manoeuvre the Playstation controller. They sat side by side on the couch and Lukas leaned slightly against Bastian, holding the controller very loosely in his hand and tapping Bastian on the leg with it while waiting for the system to load.
Bastian looked down at his leg then looked back up at Lukas. "What are you doing?"
Lukas grinned and kept tapping him. "Object m-manip-u-lation. Rehab." He met Bastian's gaze and somehow managed not to laugh, even though he wanted to.
Bastian shook his head and tried his best to look annoyed. "I suppose part of my job is helping you with that by letting you poke and prod me?" Lukas nodded and kept it up, wanting to see how long it would be before Bastian would react. Bastian knew Lukas was trying to annoy him and while he didn't want to give him the satisfaction of doing it, being continually poked was one of the easiest, quickest ways to get under his skin. Finally he grabbed Lukas' hand and restrained him. "Can't you poke something else?"
Lukas laughed when Bastian grabbed his hand, sticking his tongue out at him. "I win!"
Bastian took the controller away from him and dropped it on the carpeted floor before turning so he was facing Lukas. "Well that's the only battle you're going to win. Now it's my turn." He pushed Lukas back down against the couch and sat on him, straddling his hips as his knees sank into the couch on either side of him. He grabbed both of Lukas' hands so he could keep him restrained. "Now you're going to pay for being a nuisance."
Lukas looked up at him, shaking his head. "No, be nice!"
Bastian grinned devilishly. "Oh don't worry, I won't hurt you." Bastian suddenly let go of his hands and attacked his sides, tickling him. Lukas thrashed about underneath him, pleading immediately for Bastian to stop. But he kept going, extremely amused at Lukas' inability to speak even a full word in between his laughter. Lukas was extremely ticklish, something that Bastian liked to spring on him every now and then.
He was taking advantage of Lukas' inability to defend himself because usually Lukas would overpower him in an instant as he was definitely stronger - given the amount of time he spent working out at the gym. But currently Lukas' ability to utilize his strength wasn't quite there and Bastian was determined to enjoy it as much as possible.
He kept tickling him until he could see tears in Lukas' eyes, which is when he finally relented. He grabbed Lukas' arms again and pinned them down, leaning over him until he was hovering right above Lukas. "Let that serve as a reminder that you should not annoy your nurse."
Lukas was taking deep breaths, trying to control his breathing after the abuse he'd suffered at Bastian's hands. He looked up into his face and pouted. "You abuse, I report."
Bastian grinned. "You deserved it."
Lukas continued to pout. "Wait until better. Y-you be, dead."
"Those are pretty tough words to say right now when I've got you trapped." Bastian looked Lukas square in the eyes for a moment before suddenly biting him on the nose.
"Hey! What y-you do?!" Of all the things for him to do, Lukas had not been anticipating that Bastian would bite him. He didn't know whether to glare or laugh at the moment, but that was decided for him when Bastian started laughing. It was infectious and soon Bastian had collapsed on top of Lukas and they just lay there, heads pressed together, laughing with each other because the situation was so stupid that they couldn’t possibly react in any other way. Finally they calmed down and Lukas looked up at him. "You, bit me."
Bastian grinned and sat up, pulling Lukas up with him. "Well, it was just there and I'm a little hungry."
Lukas leaned down to pick up the controller from the floor before leaning back against the couch. "You can not, eat me, Schweini. W-wait f-for dinner."
Bastian grinned and put his arm around Lukas, pulling him back until he was leaning against his chest. “Okay, aren’t you supposed to be playing your game? I thought you said you were working on your concentration.” He couldn’t help but tease him at the moment.
Lukas settled comfortably back against Bastian. He ignored his best friend’s jibe and instead made one of his own. “Pillow? Your chest, is bony.”
Bastian pinched his arm and Lukas could do nothing in retaliation except laugh. Bastian pinched him again. “My chest is not bony.”
Lukas was still laughing, apparently not having fully recovered from the fit he’d had during the tickling. Bastian was half-tempted to push him away and tell him to get a grip on himself, but when he thought back to all of the times over the past week that Lukas had been unhappy or upset or nervous, he couldn’t help but smile at the continued laughter. Sure, at the moment it was at his expense, but he could handle that as long as Lukas was happy. As long as there was a smile on his face and not a frown, things were going well. So he just kept quiet and patted Lukas on the head. Then again, maybe he ought to hit him with a pillow. That would teach him not to make such smart assed comments.
Lukas, having finally regained control of himself, tilted his head to stare up into Bastian’s face. He still sported a very wide grin and there was still laughter in his eyes, but he had calmed a little. “Thank you, for the f-fun-ny.” Bastian rolled his eyes and told him to get on with his game, though in reality he just wanted to hug him and tell him he could laugh at him any time.
For the next while the two remained on the couch slumped against one another, watching as Lukas tested his coordination with the buttons on the controller. He needed a lot of work, especially visible when Bastian beat him four times in a row at their game. Lukas whined that Bastian should be taking it easy on him, while the other simply laughed and gloated. It was a fun way for the boys to pass the time and soon enough it was nearing seven. They shut off the game system and stood up. Bastian said that he was going to go and change, leaving Lukas alone. He walked over to the kitchen, a hand on the wall every step of the way. He sat down on one of the stools and waited for Bastian to come back.
He didn’t have too long of a wait. When Bastian stopped in front of him though, Lukas looked up at him with one eyebrow raised. “You not expect me-”
Bastian was grinning as he cut him off. “Yes I do expect you to. You need to practice, Katya said so. And if you’re not going to wear one yourself, you can practice on mine.” Bastian had changed from a t-shirt to a sleeveless shirt, over which he had pulled on a button-down one. It was currently hanging open and it was clear that he wanted Lukas to button it up.
Lukas stared at him with an exasperated look, unable to help but feel just a tiny bit embarrassed. Bastian was really pushing it right now. Even through his embarrassment though he knew his friend had the right idea. He couldn’t keep putting everything off; he needed to work on things that were still troubling him now. So with a final glare at Bastian, Lukas reached out and grabbed the two halves of the shirt.
Bastian was grinning from ear to ear, knowing that he was probably being a little harsh on him at the moment, but finding the hilarity of the situation far too appealing. “Hey, just be glad I’m not making you button up my jeans.” He couldn’t help but make the comment.
“You are ass.” Lukas fought the urge to laugh, not wanting to give in and forgive Bastian so quickly for putting him in this awkward position. Eventually he started focusing more on getting the buttons in the holes, his fingers fumbling on every subsequent first try. It was a little shocking, really, how uncoordinated he was now. He knew he had to work to get past it but he really hoped it wouldn’t take that long until he was doing better. Because if Bastian was going to make him button every shirt he put on, it was going to be a very long recovery process for Lukas.
It took him a while, but eventually Lukas had finished with Bastian’s shirt and looked up at him. “There, y-you decent, now.” Bastian looked down and examined the work, nodding his head in approval. He hesitated for a moment, then turned around and told Lukas to climb on his back. Lukas was confused and asked why, and Bastian responded that he didn’t feel like dealing with his shoes for such a short walk down the hall. Lukas laughed and did as requested, sliding off the stool and onto Bastian’s back. He held the wine they were bringing for the girls to his chest while they walked to the door, where Bastian slipped his shoes on. They left Lukas’ apartment and walked the few metres down the hall to the girl’s place, knocking on the door and waiting outside.
Lena opened the door and started laughing the moment she saw Lukas on Bastian’s back. “Oh that’s adorable, boys.” They came in and she shut the door, only then noticing why Bastian was carrying Lukas. “Lukas, why are only wearing your socks?”
Bastian let Lukas slip off from his back then straightened up and answered Lena before Lukas could. “Because the poor boy can’t even put his own shoes on, Lena, that’s how bad he’s doing. Maybe if you’d visited him at the hospital he’d be doing better.”
Lena laughed and told him to shut up about the hospital. The girls actually had shown up at the hospital when they’d heard, but it had been while Lukas was asleep. Bastian had never told Lukas that, instead preferring to keep pretending that they’d never expressed any interest in his well being. Lukas knew Bastian was just doing it to tease all of them and he found it quite amusing. While Bastian and Lena continued to bicker over silly things, Anna emerged from the kitchen and came up to Lukas, giving him a hug and taking the bottle of wine from him. “Hi sweetheart, glad you could make it! Look Lena, he brought me a present. Everything’s ready so let’s all go in and sit.” She took Lukas’ arm and helped him over to the couch. The girls had set the food up in the living room, preferring the comfortable atmosphere of their oversized couches to the dining table.
Once seated they each took a plate and started picking out food. Anna had made a variety of appetizers they could eat with their fingers. It was easier as they’d be eating in such a relaxed setting anyway and not at a table. Lena poured everyone wine, except Lukas, who she teased about not drinking. The girls inquired about their day after they’d met in the hall and Bastian told them that they had gone out to do some shopping.
“So, what did you do? Carry Lukas down the stairs?” Lena looked at Bastian with a baffled expression on her face as he confirmed that carrying Lukas down seven flights of stairs was exactly what he had done. Lena sat back in her chair and nodded her head, an expression of approval on her face. “Dani was right, you are a machine.”
Lukas and Anna burst into laughter at the comment while Bastian flushed just slightly, glaring at Lena. “She told you what?!”
Lena smirked at him. “Would you like me to give a detailed summary? Maybe a, what do they call them? Blow-by-blow account?” She looked at Anna and started laughing, while Bastian still glared at her. Lukas was trying to stop laughing and when Bastian turned the glare on him he started laughing even harder.
“Okay, let’s just not discuss what my girlfriend tells you.” Bastian shoved a baked pretzel in his mouth, crunching it and alternating his glare between the three others.
Anna was the first to regain her composure, taking a sip of her wine and looking at Bastian. “Oh it’s okay, she speaks very highly of you.”
Lena snorted. “Yeah, enormous praise!” The girls started laughing again at the comment and Lukas covered his face with his hands, not wanting to laugh but unable to help himself.
“That’s enough! This is not proper dinner conversation!” Bastian was still a little flushed, clearly not amused by the girls discussing whatever knowledge Daniela had imparted to them. He would really have to have a talk with her about that.
Lena looked across the table at Lukas, who was still shaking with laughter. “How about it, Lulu? I’m sure you must have seen it at least a few times in the locker room, right? Can you confirm?”
Bastian turned his glare on Lukas, who was now doubled over laughing, shaking his head. He couldn’t speak because he was laughing too much. This was the second time tonight Bastian watched him laughing at his expense. He couldn’t blame him though because he knew if the situation were ever reversed, he’d be exactly in Lukas’ spot, barely able to breathe with all the laughing. He was still going to express his displeasure, though. “Would you all stop talking about me, damn it? This is not funny.”
Lena looked at Bastian, tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. “Oh Basti, I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help myself.” She did feel a little bad for him at the moment. They liked to tease each other a lot, but usually it never got quite this personal.
“Yeah yeah, you only tease me because you love me, right?” Bastian glared again, though he knew Lena was in the process of ending the teasing. They often acted upset with one another but that was never the case. After the laughter-filled start to the evening things quieted down as they ate, discussing their days. Bastian told the girls about their experience at the market, while the girls discussed their latest stories from school. Lukas then told the girls how Bastian how bitten him before they’d come over, which sparked another round of teasing between them all. It was a very pleasant evening and they stayed up talking until quite late in the morning, Bastian and Lukas not leaving to go back to their apartment until nearly two. Bastian would have stayed even later but Lukas was practically falling asleep on the couch, so they bid each other goodnight before Bastian carried him back next door.
They lay together on Lukas’ bed for a while, Lukas cuddling up to Bastian in his half-asleep state and telling him how much he appreciated everything Bastian was doing for him. Lukas wasn’t even making sense half the time, as he was falling asleep while muttering to Bastian. Bastian didn’t mind though and stayed there until Lukas had fallen asleep. All in all, this had been the best day they’d had in a while, even counting before the accident, and that gave Bastian hope.
The boys left Lukas' apartment, stepping into the hallway and heading toward the elevator. They stopped when they saw the door to the stairwell open and their neighbours, Anna and Lena, emerge. As they were right in front of the girls' apartment, they stopped and waited for them. When the girls saw them the shorter one, Anna, squealed and ran toward them, throwing her arms around Lukas.
"You're home now, oh that's wonderful!" She kissed him on the cheek and stood back, greeting Bastian as well. Lena walked up more slowly, a bit of a devious smile on her face.
"Lulu, where have you been? This place has been severely lacking in hotness with you gone." She winked at him and nudged him with her elbow.
He glared at the use of the nickname, something she'd started from the very first moment she'd met him. Bastian put an arm around his shoulders and glared at Lena as well. "He's been in the hospital, which you must not have known seeing as you didn't come to visit him."
Lena shrugged and waved his comment off with her hand. "We had exams!"
"He lost his memory, you know!"
"How was I supposed to know? You know I don't read the papers or watch the news, nothing but propaganda! You should have called, Bastian!"
The two continued to bicker back and forth, something they did often but never in a mean or unfriendly way, while Anna and Lukas looked at each other and grinned. Bastian had just made another comment about Lena's apparent lack of caring for Lukas, which she interrupted by pleading that she was too tired to keep arguing.
"The elevator's been shut off for repairs, you know. We had to climb the stairs all the way up here! My legs are absolutely murdering me, Bastian. Murdering! I need to go and sit."
Bastian rolled his eyes. "Sure, fine excuse. Not to mention I can't believe only seven flights of stairs has you winded. That's pathetic."
She responded by punching him in the arm. "Jerk."
"Lena! Be nice." Anna scolded the other girl, before turning back to the boys. "You guys should come over for dinner tonight; we can celebrate Lukas' being home. I actually have some of those bacon-wrapped steak balls you like, Lukas, frozen in my freezer. I'll take them out and cook them for you." Anna winked at Lukas, who nodded his approval.
"Geez Anna, you spoil that boy too much." Lena walked up to Lukas and pinched his cheek before finally giving him a hug. "You know I really love you boys. That's why I tease so much."
Bastian grinned. "Lena, you have all the maturity of a ten year old boy." He dodged out of the way as she tried to punch him again, finally grabbing her fists and rendering her unable to swing at him. "We'll be over for dinner tonight, so make sure you cook a lot. And make sure this one is properly restrained, Anna, so she doesn't hurt herself."
Since Bastian was still holding her fists, Lena kicked him in the shins. "Hey, ow! Watch the legs, would you?" He pushed her away from him and moved away from her door.
"Oh quit whining and take it like a man, girly boy." Lena winked at him before fishing her keys out of her coat pocket and unlocking the door. "Alright then boys, we won't keep you any longer. Anna has a lot of cooking to do after all." She waved a final time before ducking into the apartment, followed by Anna, who told them to come by around seven that evening.
Once the girls were gone Lukas looked at Bastian. "No elevators? I can not seven, f-floor stairs."
Bastian shook his head, a thought already formulating in his mind. "Oh no, you're not getting out of this Lukas. I'll carry you down the stairs."
"W-what? You, not so strong. If elevator still out, y-you carry me up too, if we m-make dinner." Lukas leaned against the wall and grinned.
"Nah, I can always leave you down there. No better way to tackle your obstacles then having to face them." Bastian laughed when Lukas protested, then walked over to him. "Alright enough talking, we have stuff to buy. Get on." Bastian turned around and leaned over.
Lukas hopped onto his back, his arms around Bastian's neck. "Do not drop, please."
Bastian made his way down to the end of the hall, opening the door to the stairwell. "God you're heavy, I hope I make it." He started down the stairs, continually teasing Lukas. It really wasn't as much of a problem for Bastian as he was making it seem, he could carry Lukas for a while without getting tired. But he really hoped the elevators would be working again by the time they got back, because carrying him up seven flights of stairs would not be fun.
Once they made it to the bottom floor he continued out and down the steps at the front of the building. He stopped when they reached the sidewalk and Lukas hugged him before dropping down from his back. "Thanks, you are best."
Bastian turned around to face him, linking his arm through Lukas'. "Anything for you. Now let's go, we have a lot to buy." They headed off in the direction of the pharmacy, enjoying the nice day. The sun was out but there was still just a bit of a chill in the air, which made Lukas walk just a little bit closer to Bastian than usual. He held onto Bastian's arm with both of his, that aggravating insecurity starting up again now that they were outside and people were around. He'd nearly forgotten his anxiety about being out in public after being carried down the stairs, the humour in the situation taking over. But now that they were heading for a store, where interaction with a total stranger was unavoidable, Lukas was feeling a little worried.
Bastian could sense Lukas' growing anxiety from the way he was starting to cling to him, the way he was now looking down at the ground instead of looking up and around him. Bastian laid his other hand on Lukas' arm, squeezing and rubbing it. "Remember what I told you, if this is too much for you, we'll go back, okay? Just let me know." He looked at Lukas and wished he would look up too. He wanted him to stop staring at the ground and avoiding contact with everyone. It just struck him as so strange. Even though he was still a little quiet around their friends, Lukas was still social and willing to interact with people when they came over for a visit. But the moment Lukas was outside, he completely avoided contact with others as much as possible.
Lukas looked at Bastian, nodding in reply to the comment. He still felt a little foolish, knowing that he shouldn't be as nervous as he was. He should be proud of how far he'd come in such a short period of time, how well he could function given what had happened. He'd heard enough explanations from the doctors about the reasoning behind his current problems and even though he knew that there was nothing he could do to speed up the recovery process, he still felt like there should be. He felt like he should be doing better. He didn't want people to see him the way he was now, totally dependent on someone else. He wanted to appear strong and independent, the way he'd been his entire life.
Bastian could see the look on Lukas' face, the mix of every one of those negative feelings he'd been having since he'd woken up. He wanted that smile he was used to seeing to come back, he wanted the security and confidence; he missed that. "Stop thinking so much, would you? You'll be fine. Let me handle everything and you just try and enjoy getting out of the apartment for a while, okay?"
Lukas looked at Bastian, appearing just a little embarrassed. "I know, sorry."
"You don't have to apologize, Lukas. You can't help your feelings; I just have to keep harassing you about them." He pulled his arm out from Lukas', putting it around his shoulders instead. Lukas put one of his arms around Bastian's waist and leaned a little closer into him, feeling a little more relaxed. Bastian would look after things the way he'd been doing so far, and he would need to relax and let him.
They eventually made it to the pharmacy, going inside to pick up Lukas' hygienic things. They got everything on the list Katya had written him and took it up to the cashier to pay for it. Luckily for Lukas, the cashier was an older woman who didn't appear to have any idea who they were, who just smiled politely and told them to have a lovely day. Bastian carried the bag and they left, wandering further down the road. There was a small electronics shop where they picked up an organizer for Lukas. Luckily they didn't run into anyone who recognized them there either, but they did receive a few weird looks as they were standing together looking at the different types, Bastian's arm around Lukas' shoulders and Lukas' arm around Bastian's waist. Bastian found it amusing, while Lukas was a little embarrassed by it. But Bastian joked about it enough to make him smile, which made it all okay.
The last place they had left to go was the grocer's market, where they had to pick up some food. They also wanted to pick up a bottle of wine to bring to dinner with the girls. The large market proved to be more awkward for Lukas than either of the other stores had been, since in here they were getting looks and he could hear hushed whispers of people who did recognize them. He'd been feeling slightly better about the whole idea of going out in public until coming in here and being practically bombarded with stares. He remained glued to Bastian's side, trying to tune out everything around him and just concentrate on following his friend through the crowded store without tripping over his feet. He kept worrying about having to endure a repeat of the hospital, nervously awaiting that first comment that would set off all the others.
Bastian was trying his best to comfort Lukas because he could sense the shift already. Lukas had just been starting to open up a little to the concept of being out in public, but with the increased attention they were generating here, he was closing off again. As they stopped to pick up a bag of Lukas' favourite chips, they could hear the whispered voices of two girls nearby. "Oh look, he really does eat those!" They were referring to that scene in the movie Sonke had shot, of Bastian barging in on Lukas while he'd been sleeping. Thinking about the scene made Lukas feel slightly embarrassed as he imagined the girls were now no doubt picturing him in nothing but his underwear.
Bastian was trying to stifle a laugh, thinking the same thing as Lukas. He didn't say anything though as he didn't want to chance bursting out into laughter right there on the spot. That would certainly only do him more damage than good. So instead he kept his arm around Lukas' shoulders and pulled him on. Once they'd picked up everything they needed they headed for the cashiers at the front, all of whom seemed to have heard that the boys were in the store and all of whom seemed to be looking around, hoping they would enter their line.
Bastian knew there was no helping it now, as one of these girls at the front was bound to make some kind of comment to Lukas. To his relief though he felt a tap on his arm and heard a voice telling them to follow her down and she would take care of them. The young woman led them to an empty line and they waited for her to log herself in on the system. She looked at them and smiled, glancing down the line at the other cashiers. "I figured I'd step in and save you from that down there. I have to work with those giggling fools and I wouldn't want to shove them on anyone." She winked at Lukas, who was actually looking at her and he smiled back, grateful indeed. She rang through their purchases and acted wonderfully normal around them, not even asking any questions about Lukas' recovery or condition.
Once they finished Bastian took the bags and once again expressed their gratitude for her help. She waved them off, and then mentioned that she'd also wanted to snatch them away simply to aggravate her co-workers, since she didn't really like them very much. They all laughed at the comment, then she wished them well and they left. Once they'd gotten outside Bastian looked at Lukas. "Well now, that wasn't so bad, was it?"
Lukas looked at him and smiled. He was still feeling quite nerve-wracked after being the centre of attention, but it could have gone a lot worse. "Lucky girl show up."
Bastian laughed. "Yeah that was a stroke of luck, wasn't it? Those other ones didn't even seem to be the type you'd want to run into on a good day, especially not in a group either." They started back the way they’d come, heading for Lukas’ apartment building.
The return trip to the apartment was rather uneventful, which made it more enjoyable for Lukas, who didn't have to worry so much about being harassed by the public. There were quite a few people walking the street, but luckily most of them seemed absorbed in their own worlds and didn't pay much attention to them as they made their way back to the building. Luckily for Bastian the elevators were operational again so he didn't have to carry Lukas. As he watched him struggle with the steps at the front of the building, though, he thought that maybe he should try and get Lukas to climb at least one floor, since the sooner he really started tackling stairs the better. He kept hitting the steps with his feet and Bastian could see him go from his calm demeanour of a moment before to the quiet and reclusive frustration he displayed whenever he was having trouble with something. It had been easier in the hospital, with the therapists who seemed to know exactly how to keep his frustration in check. He'd have to have a talk with one of them about it when they went in on Wednesday.
But for now he was just there for support, making sure Lukas didn't trip. He didn't say anything, since there wasn't really much to say. It was something Lukas knew he had to work on and Bastian didn't feel the need to emphasize it, especially not after the stress of their first trip out in public. He wanted him to be in a good mood for their dinner date with the girls after all. Once inside they took the elevator up to their floor and made it back to the apartment. Bastian kneeled down to help Lukas with his shoes again, stating that they needed to invest in a bench for the area so Lukas could sit and do it himself. Lukas smiled at the comment and said that he was quite happy with the current arrangement, which Bastian took as a good sign that the stairs weren't going to have a lingering effect on his mood.
Bastian carried Lukas' things into the kitchen, laying the bags on the counter and starting to unpack the purchases. Lukas just stood there watching him and Bastian nudged him. "You can help, you know. You're not that useless." He grinned and Lukas pouted.
"No have to be m-mean." He reached for a bag and Bastian laughed, putting an arm around his shoulders.
"I'm not being mean. I'm just prodding you, that's all. You know, doing my job, making sure you feel useful."
"Useful or, just not use-less?" Lukas looked at him and grinned.
Bastian pulled him closer and ruffled his hair. "Useful. My apologies if you got any other impression." He grinned back and pinched Lukas' cheek playfully.
Lukas rolled his eyes and pulled away, looking offended. “You know, I bother easy."
Bastian laughed and pulled him back, both of his arms sliding around him again. "You're right; I've been a bad nurse. I'll do better."
Lukas smiled and rested his hands on Bastian's arms. "Not too bad. But room, for improve m-ment."
Bastian gave him a final squeeze before backing off and going back to putting the groceries away. They had two hours to kill before heading next door so they sat on the couch and decided to test out Lukas' ability to manoeuvre the Playstation controller. They sat side by side on the couch and Lukas leaned slightly against Bastian, holding the controller very loosely in his hand and tapping Bastian on the leg with it while waiting for the system to load.
Bastian looked down at his leg then looked back up at Lukas. "What are you doing?"
Lukas grinned and kept tapping him. "Object m-manip-u-lation. Rehab." He met Bastian's gaze and somehow managed not to laugh, even though he wanted to.
Bastian shook his head and tried his best to look annoyed. "I suppose part of my job is helping you with that by letting you poke and prod me?" Lukas nodded and kept it up, wanting to see how long it would be before Bastian would react. Bastian knew Lukas was trying to annoy him and while he didn't want to give him the satisfaction of doing it, being continually poked was one of the easiest, quickest ways to get under his skin. Finally he grabbed Lukas' hand and restrained him. "Can't you poke something else?"
Lukas laughed when Bastian grabbed his hand, sticking his tongue out at him. "I win!"
Bastian took the controller away from him and dropped it on the carpeted floor before turning so he was facing Lukas. "Well that's the only battle you're going to win. Now it's my turn." He pushed Lukas back down against the couch and sat on him, straddling his hips as his knees sank into the couch on either side of him. He grabbed both of Lukas' hands so he could keep him restrained. "Now you're going to pay for being a nuisance."
Lukas looked up at him, shaking his head. "No, be nice!"
Bastian grinned devilishly. "Oh don't worry, I won't hurt you." Bastian suddenly let go of his hands and attacked his sides, tickling him. Lukas thrashed about underneath him, pleading immediately for Bastian to stop. But he kept going, extremely amused at Lukas' inability to speak even a full word in between his laughter. Lukas was extremely ticklish, something that Bastian liked to spring on him every now and then.
He was taking advantage of Lukas' inability to defend himself because usually Lukas would overpower him in an instant as he was definitely stronger - given the amount of time he spent working out at the gym. But currently Lukas' ability to utilize his strength wasn't quite there and Bastian was determined to enjoy it as much as possible.
He kept tickling him until he could see tears in Lukas' eyes, which is when he finally relented. He grabbed Lukas' arms again and pinned them down, leaning over him until he was hovering right above Lukas. "Let that serve as a reminder that you should not annoy your nurse."
Lukas was taking deep breaths, trying to control his breathing after the abuse he'd suffered at Bastian's hands. He looked up into his face and pouted. "You abuse, I report."
Bastian grinned. "You deserved it."
Lukas continued to pout. "Wait until better. Y-you be, dead."
"Those are pretty tough words to say right now when I've got you trapped." Bastian looked Lukas square in the eyes for a moment before suddenly biting him on the nose.
"Hey! What y-you do?!" Of all the things for him to do, Lukas had not been anticipating that Bastian would bite him. He didn't know whether to glare or laugh at the moment, but that was decided for him when Bastian started laughing. It was infectious and soon Bastian had collapsed on top of Lukas and they just lay there, heads pressed together, laughing with each other because the situation was so stupid that they couldn’t possibly react in any other way. Finally they calmed down and Lukas looked up at him. "You, bit me."
Bastian grinned and sat up, pulling Lukas up with him. "Well, it was just there and I'm a little hungry."
Lukas leaned down to pick up the controller from the floor before leaning back against the couch. "You can not, eat me, Schweini. W-wait f-for dinner."
Bastian grinned and put his arm around Lukas, pulling him back until he was leaning against his chest. “Okay, aren’t you supposed to be playing your game? I thought you said you were working on your concentration.” He couldn’t help but tease him at the moment.
Lukas settled comfortably back against Bastian. He ignored his best friend’s jibe and instead made one of his own. “Pillow? Your chest, is bony.”
Bastian pinched his arm and Lukas could do nothing in retaliation except laugh. Bastian pinched him again. “My chest is not bony.”
Lukas was still laughing, apparently not having fully recovered from the fit he’d had during the tickling. Bastian was half-tempted to push him away and tell him to get a grip on himself, but when he thought back to all of the times over the past week that Lukas had been unhappy or upset or nervous, he couldn’t help but smile at the continued laughter. Sure, at the moment it was at his expense, but he could handle that as long as Lukas was happy. As long as there was a smile on his face and not a frown, things were going well. So he just kept quiet and patted Lukas on the head. Then again, maybe he ought to hit him with a pillow. That would teach him not to make such smart assed comments.
Lukas, having finally regained control of himself, tilted his head to stare up into Bastian’s face. He still sported a very wide grin and there was still laughter in his eyes, but he had calmed a little. “Thank you, for the f-fun-ny.” Bastian rolled his eyes and told him to get on with his game, though in reality he just wanted to hug him and tell him he could laugh at him any time.
For the next while the two remained on the couch slumped against one another, watching as Lukas tested his coordination with the buttons on the controller. He needed a lot of work, especially visible when Bastian beat him four times in a row at their game. Lukas whined that Bastian should be taking it easy on him, while the other simply laughed and gloated. It was a fun way for the boys to pass the time and soon enough it was nearing seven. They shut off the game system and stood up. Bastian said that he was going to go and change, leaving Lukas alone. He walked over to the kitchen, a hand on the wall every step of the way. He sat down on one of the stools and waited for Bastian to come back.
He didn’t have too long of a wait. When Bastian stopped in front of him though, Lukas looked up at him with one eyebrow raised. “You not expect me-”
Bastian was grinning as he cut him off. “Yes I do expect you to. You need to practice, Katya said so. And if you’re not going to wear one yourself, you can practice on mine.” Bastian had changed from a t-shirt to a sleeveless shirt, over which he had pulled on a button-down one. It was currently hanging open and it was clear that he wanted Lukas to button it up.
Lukas stared at him with an exasperated look, unable to help but feel just a tiny bit embarrassed. Bastian was really pushing it right now. Even through his embarrassment though he knew his friend had the right idea. He couldn’t keep putting everything off; he needed to work on things that were still troubling him now. So with a final glare at Bastian, Lukas reached out and grabbed the two halves of the shirt.
Bastian was grinning from ear to ear, knowing that he was probably being a little harsh on him at the moment, but finding the hilarity of the situation far too appealing. “Hey, just be glad I’m not making you button up my jeans.” He couldn’t help but make the comment.
“You are ass.” Lukas fought the urge to laugh, not wanting to give in and forgive Bastian so quickly for putting him in this awkward position. Eventually he started focusing more on getting the buttons in the holes, his fingers fumbling on every subsequent first try. It was a little shocking, really, how uncoordinated he was now. He knew he had to work to get past it but he really hoped it wouldn’t take that long until he was doing better. Because if Bastian was going to make him button every shirt he put on, it was going to be a very long recovery process for Lukas.
It took him a while, but eventually Lukas had finished with Bastian’s shirt and looked up at him. “There, y-you decent, now.” Bastian looked down and examined the work, nodding his head in approval. He hesitated for a moment, then turned around and told Lukas to climb on his back. Lukas was confused and asked why, and Bastian responded that he didn’t feel like dealing with his shoes for such a short walk down the hall. Lukas laughed and did as requested, sliding off the stool and onto Bastian’s back. He held the wine they were bringing for the girls to his chest while they walked to the door, where Bastian slipped his shoes on. They left Lukas’ apartment and walked the few metres down the hall to the girl’s place, knocking on the door and waiting outside.
Lena opened the door and started laughing the moment she saw Lukas on Bastian’s back. “Oh that’s adorable, boys.” They came in and she shut the door, only then noticing why Bastian was carrying Lukas. “Lukas, why are only wearing your socks?”
Bastian let Lukas slip off from his back then straightened up and answered Lena before Lukas could. “Because the poor boy can’t even put his own shoes on, Lena, that’s how bad he’s doing. Maybe if you’d visited him at the hospital he’d be doing better.”
Lena laughed and told him to shut up about the hospital. The girls actually had shown up at the hospital when they’d heard, but it had been while Lukas was asleep. Bastian had never told Lukas that, instead preferring to keep pretending that they’d never expressed any interest in his well being. Lukas knew Bastian was just doing it to tease all of them and he found it quite amusing. While Bastian and Lena continued to bicker over silly things, Anna emerged from the kitchen and came up to Lukas, giving him a hug and taking the bottle of wine from him. “Hi sweetheart, glad you could make it! Look Lena, he brought me a present. Everything’s ready so let’s all go in and sit.” She took Lukas’ arm and helped him over to the couch. The girls had set the food up in the living room, preferring the comfortable atmosphere of their oversized couches to the dining table.
Once seated they each took a plate and started picking out food. Anna had made a variety of appetizers they could eat with their fingers. It was easier as they’d be eating in such a relaxed setting anyway and not at a table. Lena poured everyone wine, except Lukas, who she teased about not drinking. The girls inquired about their day after they’d met in the hall and Bastian told them that they had gone out to do some shopping.
“So, what did you do? Carry Lukas down the stairs?” Lena looked at Bastian with a baffled expression on her face as he confirmed that carrying Lukas down seven flights of stairs was exactly what he had done. Lena sat back in her chair and nodded her head, an expression of approval on her face. “Dani was right, you are a machine.”
Lukas and Anna burst into laughter at the comment while Bastian flushed just slightly, glaring at Lena. “She told you what?!”
Lena smirked at him. “Would you like me to give a detailed summary? Maybe a, what do they call them? Blow-by-blow account?” She looked at Anna and started laughing, while Bastian still glared at her. Lukas was trying to stop laughing and when Bastian turned the glare on him he started laughing even harder.
“Okay, let’s just not discuss what my girlfriend tells you.” Bastian shoved a baked pretzel in his mouth, crunching it and alternating his glare between the three others.
Anna was the first to regain her composure, taking a sip of her wine and looking at Bastian. “Oh it’s okay, she speaks very highly of you.”
Lena snorted. “Yeah, enormous praise!” The girls started laughing again at the comment and Lukas covered his face with his hands, not wanting to laugh but unable to help himself.
“That’s enough! This is not proper dinner conversation!” Bastian was still a little flushed, clearly not amused by the girls discussing whatever knowledge Daniela had imparted to them. He would really have to have a talk with her about that.
Lena looked across the table at Lukas, who was still shaking with laughter. “How about it, Lulu? I’m sure you must have seen it at least a few times in the locker room, right? Can you confirm?”
Bastian turned his glare on Lukas, who was now doubled over laughing, shaking his head. He couldn’t speak because he was laughing too much. This was the second time tonight Bastian watched him laughing at his expense. He couldn’t blame him though because he knew if the situation were ever reversed, he’d be exactly in Lukas’ spot, barely able to breathe with all the laughing. He was still going to express his displeasure, though. “Would you all stop talking about me, damn it? This is not funny.”
Lena looked at Bastian, tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. “Oh Basti, I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help myself.” She did feel a little bad for him at the moment. They liked to tease each other a lot, but usually it never got quite this personal.
“Yeah yeah, you only tease me because you love me, right?” Bastian glared again, though he knew Lena was in the process of ending the teasing. They often acted upset with one another but that was never the case. After the laughter-filled start to the evening things quieted down as they ate, discussing their days. Bastian told the girls about their experience at the market, while the girls discussed their latest stories from school. Lukas then told the girls how Bastian how bitten him before they’d come over, which sparked another round of teasing between them all. It was a very pleasant evening and they stayed up talking until quite late in the morning, Bastian and Lukas not leaving to go back to their apartment until nearly two. Bastian would have stayed even later but Lukas was practically falling asleep on the couch, so they bid each other goodnight before Bastian carried him back next door.
They lay together on Lukas’ bed for a while, Lukas cuddling up to Bastian in his half-asleep state and telling him how much he appreciated everything Bastian was doing for him. Lukas wasn’t even making sense half the time, as he was falling asleep while muttering to Bastian. Bastian didn’t mind though and stayed there until Lukas had fallen asleep. All in all, this had been the best day they’d had in a while, even counting before the accident, and that gave Bastian hope.