The tires stopped dead in the middle of Luke's driveway. Just as the car was put in park, hands were seeking. Ashton extended his soft, warm palm to grab Luke. Quickly, he intertwined their fingers and squeezed.

Luke's expression was quizzical, yet he smoothed the pad of his thumb across the hand he took.

"Promise me something, Teacher."

It only confused Luke more, bringing him to turn his head. "What is it?"

"Promise me you won't forget this happened. Promise me this will not be like last time." They were the words of a wounded, innocent animal. It was as if Ashton were a spotted fawn stuck in a pond, trying not to drown in emotion.

"I was a cruel, foolish bastard," Luke swore, biting out the curse as if it were some kind if poison. If Luke believed that answer was enough, he was soon proved wrong.

"I need to hear you say it."

"Ashton," Luke turned fully, staring intensely at his student. Once he gained the attention he required, Luke continued. "There is no chance on God's great earth that I will do that again."

Sincerity, Ashton noted as he took comfort in the reassurance. However, it did not stop hin from gripping the pale hand tighter.

"Now promise me something," Luke murmured under his breath. "Promise me you will be careful. I swear my silence, and for that I promise. But there are consequences for our actions, and not all charges fall on me. The law is not the only force to fear."

"You're not used to that, are you?" Ashton interrupted, changing course as he usually did.

"What?"

"Consequences."

There was nothing said. But words were unnecessary.

"Sometimes consequences are not all that bad, Luke."