Fantasy Just Keep Me Away from All Who Conspire (Vatusia x Callumhunter)

[Callumhunter]

Callum silently let out a sigh of relief in his head, “The person feeding me the information knew where he was staying, and im sure loads of others did too.” Callum stated “The man was part of the Malrok family, 45, lead his mafia if im not mistaken and no, i wont ever try to harm your family again Miss.” He said, giving her a bow before looking away. Luka seemed extremely nervous, Callum didnt like this women one bit but she was what decided whether he lived or died. “He was interested in learning what you were doing in your…. Mafia and sent me to kill your nephew, hopefully causing you and the others to let down your guard. Why…. I do not know but I heard him talking to his son about making a weapon…” He said, trying to act calm

 

[Vatusia]

The Malrok's? Really? That was who had put out a hit on him? Those morons? Luka scoffed at the same time as his aunt did upon hearing which family was stupid enough to come after them. And all of this in an interest in gathering information on what the Kovac's were doing? He'd have been better off sending Callum to rob the youngest Kovac. Then again, no one had ever accused the other family of being smart. "They will live long enough to regret their choices," Kristina promised before turning back towards the front door. "Get your things packed Little Bird, we're moving you. This apartment is no longer safe. Bring your little soulmate. He's useful for now." Luka hurried to pick up Meden and grabbed Callum's hand, taking both the cat and the man with him to the bedroom. His aunt's goons would pack up everything else, leaving the apartment a blank slate. But he also knew that his aunt would sooner send Meden to the shelter and Callum to an undisclosed location that would probably break the Geneva convention. Better to keep those two within eyesight.

"I don't know where you've been staying, but if you give me the address I can have some of our guys pick up your stuff. I know it's probably not ideal to have you staying with me, but it's either that or you are mercy to my aunt's hospitality," Luka quickly explained, stuffing Meden back into her carrier and grabbing out a duffel bag. He would need some things for the night, because as fast as their people were, packing him up wasn't a big priority. "I'll try to ensure we aren't on the main compound, but I can't ensure we won't be closer to my family." Clothes were haphazardly thrown at the duffel from the drawers. Meden was letting out pathetic noises, not liking being in her carrier twice in one night. Luka paused for a moment to stick his fingers into the carrier and look over at Callum. "At least you survived the night?"

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum shoke his head “I dont have any items or a home, I just live where my clients give me and I get food given to me by the current mafia I work for.“ He said, listening to Luka. “Ill go wherever you go, since your the first person to ever value my life As more than just a weapon…” He said, when Luka had protected him he made a silent decision to protect him for the rest for his life. “I managed to grab my whip though, its my favourite weapon“ He said, smiling.

Callum nodded to Luka’s words “Yeah, i guess your right. Your aunt is an…. Interesting individual.“ He said, narrowing his eyes. Callum knew that women had killed his parent. He hated her, enough not to give the real name of the Mafia that was after her. But hey, she didnt need to know that, since the Malroks are after her, they are just too stupid to actual accomplish anything. “So do you like…. Do anything or are yo more of a computer guy?” He said, interested in learning more about his soulmate

 

[Vatusia]

He'd managed to grab his whip and he had no real home or belongings. Luka spare a disbelieving look towards the tanned man, before stuffing more clothes into his duffel. "I'm one of the information specialists in the family. The only one in the direct family, actually. And to answer your questions, no, I don't kill people. Ruined some lives and blackmailed people, but never murder. Never been on the violent side of the business. Mom didn't want her youngest to get involved in any of that. My aunt didn't want the spare heir in any of the dangerous stuff either. The life of a backup, I guess," Luka shrugged, heading to the compartment under his bed that held his sensitive documents and laptop. The laptop would be the only way to get onto the Kovac servers. His cousins would never let him live it down if he lost it and needed a replacement.

His personal documents and the laptop went into a separate messenger bag, which he shoved at Callum. More clothes got thrown into the duffel and then it was zipped up. Luka threw that over his shoulder and grabbed Meden, securing her to his back. "We can see if they'll let us stop to get you something more comfortable to wear tonight, or you can borrow some of my stuff. I'm sure my aunt will want to know the location of anyone you can, so we could use that opportunity to get you some things if you'd like. Chances are you're going to be stuck with me for a while, might as well try to make it comfortable," Luka said over his shoulder as he went back to the main room. The two guards from earlier had cleared Callum's weapons from the table and were staring at the youngest Kovac. "You two, take this bag and Meden's cat tree and her litter box to wherever we are going immediately. If her stuff isn't there within an hour of our arrival, I will make you her new scratch post," Luka ordered, grabbing his groceries and Meden's cat food. He turned to look over the apartment a last time before turning to his soulmate. They were through the first hurdle. Now to get through the rest of them.

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum just nodded and followed Luka, maybe this guy wasnt as innocent as he originally thought… but hey, he was tuck with him so he wasnt that bad. Callum, did have clothes, but he liked to just stay in ones he felt comfortable. He watched as Luka explained their situation, nodding to everything he said, it was just a habit he had. He knew this guy had protected him, and he was nervous though about how the rest of Lukas family would react to him. Following him out of the room, he watched Luka threaten the guards, honesty, it was kinda cool watching this side of him, knowing this guy could of let his aunt kill him, but instead let him live. He would never forget it.

 

[Vatusia]

Knowing that Callum was trailing after him, Luka gave him a small, sad smile. This wasn't how he wanted to meet his soulmate. This wasn't the life he had wanted for his soulmate. But now they were both stuck with his family. He could hopefully try to make the best of it for them until they had enough time to figure out what to do. Maybe once the whole thing was over, his aunt would let them go their own way. It was a slim chance, but it was worth hoping for. Luka nodded toward the guards. One went out the door, presumably leading them toward the elevators. There was an underground garage for this building. His aunt probably had an extra armored vehicle or something down there just in case. Luka followed along behind the one guard, glancing back to make sure that Callum was still following and okay. His aunt may have been okay with the contract killer when she left, but Luka had heard stories of her changing her mind rather quickly after she left. And if his mother wasn't happy with her sister's decision, Aunt Kristina might just decide that she had enough information. But for now, they were boarding the elevator and on their way to who knows where. The future would tell.

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum followed quietly, knowing how even a sneeze in the wrong direction could end up with his death. He didnt know where they were going but as long as luka was with him it was fine, the guy may say he’s done alot of bad shit but he knows when someone’s good at heart. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. When he got in the elevator, he turned to Luka “So…. do you know exactly where we’re going?” He whispered, he had never had a permanent home in all his life, except for his adoptive parents, but he wouldn‘t count that as a home. He just wanted to understand how long he would be stuck here, and how long he would go without needing to do something active.

 

[Vatusia]

The elevator started going down after the doors closed. Only once they started moving did Luka dare to look at his phone, hoping that his aunt had been kind enough to let him know where they were going. There was no message. "I have no clue. The best guess would be either a safe house within the city or one of the houses out in the suburbs. I don't think she'd let you near the family compound. Not until she's sure you won't sell the information," Luka sighed. Chances were his aunt was already not happy about letting Callum live, let alone have him stay near her nephew. Not that Luka would let Callum out of his sight. If anyone tried, things wouldn't end well. He may not be as physically dangerous as the rest of his family, but he had his ways of ensuring he got what he wanted.

The elevator let out a ding as they reached the underground garage of the apartment complex. Someone must have sent for a car because a black SUV was idling as close to the elevators as it could. Luka stepped out of the elevator, shrugging off the hand that one of the guards placed on his shoulder. An icy glare sent at the other guard stopped the hand that had been reaching for Callum. They weren't invalids, they could walk to the SUV. Luka grabbed Callum's hand before practically stomping over to the vehicle. One of the guards rushed to open the door. Luka glared at the others as he gestured for Callum to get in before him. There was no way that he was going to give them any chance to separate the soulmates. Not if he could help it.

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum followed him, letting him lead Callum to the Car, he saw how Luka protected him, he blushed slightly, grateful for his help. Callum got in the car, it looked so fancy he didn’t know what to do, He stared in awe at all of the mechanics, he suppressed the urge to tear out some of the wires to understand the cars functions. Seeing Luka get in next to him he looked out the window, not wanting to say anything he’ll regret. “Thanks for…. Saving my life…” He finally managed to get out, Callum wasn’t one for thank you’s so it felt alien coming out of his mouth. “Back there… you… just…thank you” He said, his words weren’t working. He just eventually decided to turn to face the window again, trying to ignore the red creeping up his neck.

 

[Vatusia]

Once they were in the car, Luka let out a small sigh. It would be harder for them to get separated now. It seemed like his aunt might actually let Callum stay. At least for now. When Callum thanked the other, Luka could feel his face heat up. There was no reason for Callum to be thanking him. It was his family that had put him in danger. His family had taken away family and friends. Luka still didn't know why they had been targeted, but he wasn't about to doubt that they had been. "You don't need to thank me," Luka muttered, shoving his fingers into the carrier with Meden. Anything to not look at his soulmate. There were so many things that he didn't want to think about. Like if Callum was going to want to stay around Luka after Aunt Kristina had decided he was no longer a threat. If she ever decided he was no longer a threat. Or if Callum would be okay with having a soulmate who was Demisexual. Hell, Luka didn't know the other's sexuality. For all he knew, Callum was Ace. And that was assuming that they weren't platonic soulmates. Luka about combusted on the spot. There was too much to think about, too much to sort out. And that was before the whole assassin/mafia business. "Please don't thank me. Things are too complicated."

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum turned to face luka “Complicated… yeah…. Thats sums it up…” He gulped, fidgeting with his mask. “Maybe… while we’re going to wherever we’re going we could… talk… get to know each other a bit more?” He asked, looking nervous, he wasn’t one for heart-to-hearts but he was willing to give it a go for Luka, “Look, I’ll tell you a bit about myself, how about that… so things aren’t that… awkward….”

Callum took a deep breath “My name is Callum moonberry, im 19 years old and I Love working….” He said, smiling at Luka “Your turn, Luka.” He said, titling his head “Tell me little about yourself”

 

[Vatusia]

A teenage workaholic. Luka shouldn't be surprised that his soulmate found relief in his work. But he wished that he had something other than work that he loved doing. The shadow world that they both lived in would eat either of them alive if there wasn't a balance. "Luka Kovac, 21," Luka mumbled. He was never good at introducing himself to people. Even when he'd be in school. At one point he had been tempted to introduce himself as part of a mafia in high school. His family would have been so angry. Which was probably the reason he had been tempted. "You already know about my family, which is one of the big points... I guess... I really don't know. Small talk isn't something I'm good at." He had never been taught how to socialize with people as peers. His mother had always made it a point that Luka and his siblings were more important than those around them.

The city was speeding by outside the car windows. What Luka wouldn't give to be on public transit where there was no expectation of conversation. While they wanted to get to know Callum, the whole having to let himself be known was the issue. Meden was rubbing her cheek up against his fingers, purring up a storm in her carrier. The two guards up front had remained silent, but Luka had no doubt they were listening. Both to spy on the younger Kovac and to make sure that they stayed safe. There were few things that Luka wouldn't give at this point for his meeting with Callum to have been something more fit for the movies. Something more wholesome. "I never had friends growing up. It was too risky to let them in and I was never good at deflecting like my siblings were. I also never imagined I would meet my soulmate like this. I always hoped they would be someone who wasn't tied to the dark parts of the world... Not touched by my family..."

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum looked away “I never had any either, except Alex… he saved my life…” Callum said, putting his head on his hand and looked out the window. “I… didn’t have the chance to meet new people where I lived… so I never tried… until I got out and started my ‘work’, but other than that I‘m not really that interesting…” He said, taking a breath “I never really thought I’d have a soulmate, due to what I do… and I understand why you’d want someone not to involved in all this.” He muttered “I‘m just trying to get over the fact that I was ordered to kill my soulmate…”

Callum had killed many people, he usually just did it to get enough money to live himself. But sometimes… some of the people he’d hurt were no more than criminals who did something wrong to another, that made him hate himself… the hypocrite he was… “You know… your aunt isnt the worse person I’ve met… she didn’t kill me, and im grateful… but she‘s scary…” He said, laughing “No wonder she runs a mafia, she‘s incredibly strong and obviously has the experience…” He was shit at this. “I’m not gonna hold a grudge towards you, is all im saying, for what your family did.”

 

[Vatusia]

A weight that Luka didn't know was sitting on his chest released when Callum told him he wouldn't hold a grudge for what his family had done. There were plenty of people who would judge Luka simply based on his family and what they did. "She's... very good at what she does. As much as it allows, she tries to keep everything to a moral code. It's a messed up moral system, but she tries. No loss of unnecessary life, no bringing in innocents, keep things quiet, only place blame on the guilty party. The last one is probably why she let you go..." Luka explained. It was easier for him to talk about the family. To discuss the business. Something removed enough from himself that he could give it freely. That it wouldn't crush him if Callum rejected it.

The street lamps flashed past as they continued to drive. Luka was sure that they'd doubled back on themselves a few times now. Probably to make sure they didn't have a tail. Luka let out a sigh as he stared out the window. There was guilty to be had on both sides it seemed. Luka whose family had destroyed any chance at Callum having a happy childhood. And Callum who had been sent to murder his own soulmate. "You didn't know I was your soulmate. There was no way to know. Besides, who would think fate would be that cruel to you? Stuck with someone in the family that took everything. A cruel cosmic joke. You don't have to stay, once this is all over. I'd understand if it was too much..."

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum looked over to him, “Your aunt probably has a lot of weight on her shoulders, I shouldn’t judge her for trying to do what is right for her family and mafia...” He said, smiling. “And life is shit anyway, trust me, I’ve seen worse things…“ He said, looking back at the window. “Too much? Luka its fine, honestly, im happy to be alive if im honest with you, but I get it… if im not up to standards of being your soulmate…” He said, He knew that as soon as his mark has glowed, he would never find love “I’ve only dated someone once, and that went to shit…” He said, “So I’m probably not boyfriend material…”

Callum watched the people walking by, wondering how the big man would react knowing his favourite assassin was the soulmate of the one of the mafia leader’s nephew. He didn’t want to get Luka informed in that, he had a big enough target on his back as it is. “I’m sorry, for how we met…” he said, “I just… if someone told me two days ago that I was the soulmate to Luka Kovac, I would probably would have laughed, but now… I feel like crying…” He said, staring at the window.

 

[Vatusia]

"That's... that's not what I meant. I promise that's not what I meant. I..." Luka spared a glance at the guards up front. If they had been one of his info-gatherers, they would have been fired. It was obvious they were listening in on what was going on in the backseat of the SUV. Luka didn't know who they were going to report this info to, but he wasn't about to let them make gossip about his soulmate. "We'll talk about this wherever we're going," Luka stated, anger seeping into his tone. Damn his family and damn their guards. One pale hand reached from the cat carrier towards Callum, palm upright. It was as much of an invitation as he could give without alerting the guards. They didn't need more information getting out. There had been enough leaks from the lower levels of the organization that Luka themself had plugged up that he knew to try and keep any important or sensitive information away from prying ears. While he wasn't in a position of leadership in his family, information on him, and thus now his soulmate, would be worth something. He let out a deep sigh and reached his hand a little closer. This was the most he could do right now and keep them safe. Hopefully, Callum would understand until he could explain.

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum Turned to look at him, realising what he was trying to say with his hand, Callum didn’t realise he had run his mouth until then but he nodded once, telling him he understood. Then, he turned back to the Window, he watched the people walking, wondering if he would ever get to life s normal life or not. Probably the second.

Seeing the streets made him paranoid, he was now going to be targeted by him, he just knew it. But telling Luka anything would get both of the killed for sure. He would just keep it too himself, no need for two lives to be taken for a naive kid’s mistake.

 

[Vatusia]

It seemed that Callum had at least partially understood what Luka was trying to get across. Which was a relief. He didn't want the other to think that he was blowing him off or ignoring him. Luka may not be good about opening up to people, but he had longed for a soulmate for so long that he was willing to give it a try. But first, they had to be in a safe enough place. "Where are we going?" Luka demanded of the driver. Neither of them looked backward. Probably debating if they should tell them. If they wanted to be difficult, Luka could play that game too. He quickly pulled out his phone and leaned forward in the car. Snapping quick pictures of both of their faces, Luka leaned back. "I now have your faces. Do you know what I can do with that? I can ruin your life. Now tell me where we are going or I will make it my mission for the next few days to make sure you can never get a job anywhere again," Luka hissed out.

The guard in the passenger seat visibly paled. Good, he knew who he was dealing with. "We just have an address, sir. Don't know what the building is or if you're going to be staying there." Luka huffed impatiently. His fingers tapped along his leg, waiting for more information. After some squirming, the passenger let out the address. Luka knew it. It was the safe house that his aunt had told him to go to if he was ever in trouble. It was a townhouse in a richer part of the city. Luka hummed "I know the address. Callum, we'll be safe there."

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum watched this interaction with a shocked look on his head… so Luka is the manipulative one of the family… maybe he had to be more careful, nodding to him, glad to know he would be safe he went back to the window, thinking about what he was going to do… because he didn’t know if he would be truly safe, with the killer aunt and Luka’s unknown mother he’d never met. Maybe he just needed to relax… stressing this much could not be good for him. Turning back to Luka, he studied him, ever curve in his face. God he was handsome…. he wouldnt lie, but he decided to retract those thoughts for now. “Thats good…“ He said as a reply.

 

[Vatusia]

The quiet was almost worse than the fear of the guards using whatever they heard against them. Luka could feel his anxiety clawing its way up his chest and into his throat. His hand was still laid on the seat between them. The space felt like a canyon. If he was a better person Luka would get Callum far away from them and their family. But he wasn't. He was selfish and wanted anything that Callum would give him. The townhouse grew ever closer, the streets getting nicer and greener the further they went from the heart of downtown. While not his favorite place, it was still far enough away from his family that the new soulmates would have some freedom. If his aunt or mother didn't do something drastic. Like, assign them guards or something.

The car finally pulled into the garage of the townhouse. The garage was fairly bare, with just enough to make the house look lived in. Luka practically jumped out of the SUV as soon as the garage door shut behind them. Grabbing Meden and his duffel, Luka turned to wait for Callum to get out of the SUV before practically dragging the dark-haired man behind him and into the house proper. Luka stopped once they were on the second floor, dropping his bag and letting Meden out in the living room. Someone must have been keeping the house clean, nothing smelled like dust. The orange tabby took off to go explore her new surroundings before Luka had even fully unzipped the carrier. Luka looked to see if the guards had followed. They hadn't. "We should be able to talk here. My aunt wouldn't risk a safehouse having anything that could record us. I'm sorry... about not being able to talk..."

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum looked around In awe “huh what? Oh right no thats fine…” He said, rubbing the back of his head “I need to remember your family and what they do sometimes…” He said with a laugh. “Sooooo this place is insane…. If is a safe house?“ He asked amazed, “The architecture is beautiful… And the use of certain materials were done perfectly!” He realised he had gone into nerd mode “Sorry, habit…. Also that car back there, do you have the blueprints, `I’d love to study the design.” He said, thinking back go the car. Callum tapped his foot before looking at Luka “Soooo what do you want to talk about Luka?” He said, turning to him.

 

[Vatusia]

Callum liked architecture and design. Would that have been what he spent his life doing if Luka's family hadn't ruined his chances? "I'll see what I can get you on the design of the vehicle. And yes, this is a safe house. It's meant for family or those in high positions," Luka explained. He quickly crossed to the kitchen, hoping to find something that they could eat. "Are you hungry? I haven't had dinner yet, I was busy running errands... Which you probably knew..." Luka quickly trailed off. He froze for a moment, the weight of what was supposed to happen tonight hitting again. What would have happened if Callum hadn't been his soulmate? If they hadn't touched and caused the marks to glow? Would Luka have discovered that they were soulmates when his mark scarred over because Callum was dead? Endless what if's that lead down a rabbit hole of questionable sanity.

"I didn't mean to imply earlier that you weren't enough. I barely know you and you seem too good to be my soulmate. No, I would understand if you didn't want to be around my family or around me. I'd help you get whatever life you wanted as soon as my aunt will allow. Even if it's far away and you want nothing to do with me..." Luka admitted. It felt like the words ripped a hole in his chest on their way out. Acknowledging out loud that their bond might not be something that the other wanted, especially with a Kovac. To distract himself from the gaping feeling in their chest, Luka turned to the fridge to see if there was any food. There was nothing. He shouldn't be surprised. A quick look through the cabinets revealed some canned goods and some rice, but not much else. "Looks like we don't have many options for food..."

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum laughed slightly. "To be honest this is the most fun I've had in my life..." He said, leaning on the wall. "I had been stuck in an endless cycle of taking orders, doing the orders, getting new ones. This kinda broke that..." He said, blushing slightly "And you're really cool you know that? I'd been around plenty of Mafia's and no one has ever stood up to the head like that... I must say I was impressed." He said, "I'm happy to stay with you... since I can't go back... they'll think I had betrayed them... I'll be as good as dead If I was caught." He said honestly. Looking around the kitchen he was quite interested in the materials and structure, not the food. He'd gone days without eating to keep on a job, so one missed meal was fine. "You have it... Im not hungry." he said.

Callum turned to him, smiling. "You saved my life.... I owe you my life... So im not going anywhere..." He said, he was really bad at feelings, he never had anyone like this, except maybe Alex... but he's gone now. "Could you tell me about the rest of your family maybe? I mean its not like we're going anywhere anytime soon." he said, chuckling.

 

[Vatusia]

Luka had considered what Callum's employers would do since he had failed to complete his job. But for them to kill him over a failed job? Even his aunt wasn't that cruel. But at least Callum didn't feel like he was stuck with Luka. He didn't know if he believed the other about him being cool, but he would take being tolerable. "Well, there's my aunt, who you've met. She's the head of the family currently. Took it over from Grandpa when he got older. Then there's my mother. She's technically the next in line. I don't think she'd ever take over, but she's my aunt's only sibling. Dad is possibly the sanest person in my family. He has nothing to do with the family business at all. I have no clue how he deals with it all. He owns an ice cream shop. I have an older brother, David, and an older sister, Isidora. They both take after Mom and my aunt. Isidora is pretty chill, but David is a hot head," Luka explained, getting a pot ready to make himself some rice. Maybe he could convince Callum to eat some if he made extra. Meden started winding her way around his feet again, probably wanting food.

With the pot filled with water, Luka poured in the rice and set it on the stove. He didn't want to get into much about his family. They weren't people that Luka usually wanted to be around. So he'd do his best to change the subject and keep it away. "Is there anything you want to do tomorrow? Grocery shopping is probably on the list, but we could go out and get you some stuff," Luka offered. He had learned one thing growing up. You took care of family. And with his soulmark on Callum's hand, that made Callum family. So he would do his best to take care of the shorter man. As much as he could.

 

[Callumhunter]

Callum thought about Luka’s words about his family, his dad owns an ice cream shop?! Well…. Callum would love to have that job. Callum tapped his fingers against the counter he was leaning on to think, taking in this new information. Then hearing about tomorrow he paused, blushing slightly at how much this guy cared, they barely knew each other And still… he wanted to help him… “Um… sure, I don’t mind, whatever works for you…” He said, looking down, why was he so nervous? Was the soulmate mark making him so? Just because this was his soulmate doesn’t mean he should act like a high school teenager. “I mean… yeah… That sound fun.” He replied, beginning to fidget with his fingers