A/N: Ok, first of all, I would like to thank all of the wonderful people who have reviewed, favorited and followed my story! It means a whole lot to me guys! Thank you so much!

Now, without further ado…

Luke quickly locates his parents through the sea of people on the docks. His father's suit jacket and tie complete with his wrinkle-free black pants (not to mention his poofy slicked back chestnut hair kind of stands out). His mother is first to greet him with an enthusiastic wave. She is wearing a black, ruffled long sleeve shirt and an elegant green skirt with shiny black boots. Her skirt flowing in the crisp winter breeze, she runs over and sweeps him up in a loving hug.

"Welcome back, darling!" She says cheerily.

"Thanks, mum." Luke replies, embracing her back, wholeheartedly.

Though Luke towers over her now at his height of 5' 7", her height is 5' 2", he still looks up to her for the patience and knowledge that comes from years of parenting a difficult child. It's taken years of reflecting, pondering, and so much practice at becoming a gentleman for Luke to finally realize how difficult he must've been to his parents when he was little.

Luke only wishes that he'll be as good a father as the professor has been to him. It's almost as though his real father is the family friend, and the professor his father, not the other way around. Speaking of which, his father stalks regally over to his son and his tired eyes roam over his child's toned, muscular build in a patronizing manner.

Luke isn't the thirteen year old child the couple remembers, everything about him has changed, save for the fact that his hair spikes up naturally at the back and he still wears his trademark blue hat (though it is a bit small and worn now).

"Well, Hershel seems to have been treating you well." His father says cooly. Luke has to grit his teeth to keep from snapping back.

"Yes, he has been. It's nice to see you too, dad." Luke grunts out.

"Oh Luke! We've planned a huge Christmas party to celebrate your arrival! Everyone's going to be there! We even invited Hershel!" His mother bubbles excitedly.

"Huh? But I thought-"

"*Ahem* Well, I did want to catch up with Hershel as well. We haven't seen each other in nearly seven years. As hard as it is to believe, I have missed both of you." Clark says, his voice still unnaturally flat. Luke is almost tempted to believe that is just the way his father talks now. Things certainly have changed.

"So he's coming over too?"

"He certainly is! We invited Flora, Arianna, and Tony too. It'll be like a great big reunion! Aren't you excited?" Brenda says, giving her son a warm, encouraging smile.

"Mum, of course I am. And I ought to apologize."

"Can you save it for the car, dear? We really should get going before the traffic gets bad."

Luke nods and he follows his parents over to the parking garage.

The Triton family proceeds to pile into the large shiny black car. Luke takes a moment to marvel at the neat, unstained upholstery, and the heavily tinted windows that allow extra privacy.

"So, what were you saying at the docks, darling?" Brenda prompts.

"Well, I need to apologize. I thought you were trying to bring me home for good or something and requesting my presence for Christmas was just a good excuse to get me back. I'm sorry for assuming that. I was wrong."

"Luke, I appreciate your apology and it is accepted, but darling, know this, your father and I love you more than anything. We only want you to be happy. But we do still want to spend time with you as well because we've missed you over the years."

"I understand." Luke finishes humbly and proceeds to end the conversation by turning his head to watch the many buildings and shops that line Boston's streets fly by in a blur of lights and bricks. The whole ordeal sends the boy into a trance-like state of mind and he feels his eyelids beginning to sag…

Luke's eyes snap open and he realizes that he's in his old room. The walls are still the same baby blue, the bed sheets are still blue, his wall map still sits above his head on the wall, and well, it's exactly the same as he left it. His violin and a few other trinkets sit on a shelf above his mahogany dresser, which contains a few outfits from when he lived here before… nearly four years ago. The boy sighs and turns over in the bed… HIS bed, and begins to drift off but something keeps him awake. His highly sensitive ears pick up voices from the room next door. His parents' voices, and they sound strained. Whatever they are talking about, it must be important. He presses his ear to the wall and tries to make out the conversation.

"You did the right thing, Clark. He needs this."

"But how do I know he'll even accept it? He might just push us away further when he leaves to head back to London."

"You have to try. You won't know unless you try."

"I guess you're right."

"Goodnight, dear."

"… Brenda? Is throwing a party the right way to go about this?"

"I'm not entirely sure. *yawn* But the boy should be so overwhelmed with euphoria that at least when he leaves, he'll have good memories of us."

"That's true. And Luke always has enjoyed parties, whatever the occasion. He just has that life about him."

"Mm hmm. *yawn* G'night, darling. My last request is that you tell him about what you and I talked about earlier fairly soon."

"Alright. And Brenda?"

"Yes?"

"How much of this do you think Luke heard?"

"Knowing him, I'd say just about all."

"*Sigh* Oh well. Goodnight, love."

"Night…"

Luke removes his ear from the wall and lays it back down on his pillow. A small smile tugs at his lips, begging to be set free. Luke gives in and allows his lips to curve upward into an unmistakable smile. His eyes droop closed.

"I guess he does care after all." Luke thinks contentedly before giving in to the pull of sleep.

Constructive criticism is always welcome! Please R&R!

Next chapter will be up soon,

JD