Set in Stone (luca x andrew)

chapter 1

By the time Andrew woke up, the train was preparing to arrive at his destination. He took a moment to rub his eyes and yawn. He definitely felt much better, still tired, but ready to tackle his trek into the city. He glanced out the window one more time, it was clear the city was busy. Although the population was large, his anxiety was slightly more manageable compared to how he felt in his own town. He would get weird glances and small whispers, but ultimately the people of this city will have forgotten his sad sight by the end of the day. This gave him some comfort, but he knew he'd always be agoraphobic. Andrew decided he would exit the train cart last, therefore nobody would pay him no mind. Sure enough, this was an easy task. That was until he stepped off of the train and looked around. He stood out like a sore thumb, his dirt-covered robes compared to the posh style of those who lived in the city. It made him shudder. He looked around, taking in his surroundings before remembering what he needed to do. 'Just get the medicine and you can be back home' he thought to himself. He kept his eyes to the ground, looking up just enough to make sure he wouldn't bump into someone as he began walking. Keeping his breathing steady, he was able to avoid the stares and kept a fast pace. A couple of blocks and a few stoplights, he was at his destination. He gave the shop an apprehensive glance, it didn't look like a place that sold medicine. He tried his best not to question it, after all, his mother told him that they could help. Andrew doubted her a bit when she told him they would recognize him, he truly hoped for the best.

Entering the shop, it seemed normal enough. Andrew took a second to look around before he heard a voice chime from the back. "Ah, welcome, I was waiting for you."

Andrew turned to see who was talking to him. It seemed to be a young man, his eyes were covered by blindfolds with a sigil Andrew had never seen before.

"H-hello... sorry to bother y-you but I'm here for my mo-" Andrew barely managed to stutter out a response before the other interrupted him.

"Andrew, yes, I was expecting you. I have the medicine you need" the figure behind the counter bent down to look around and within a second he popped back up "Here you go, please, just pay what you can."

Andrew began to look through his pockets and pulled out a few crumpled bills, he nervously straightened them out and set it on the counter with shaky hands. "W-what's your name?" his voice slightly squeaked as he blurted out the question, immediately regretting it. 'Did I cross a line? Was that too much, what if he just wants me out of here?' His brain began to spin as he felt the hot heat of a panic attack rising. The sweat on his skin was all too apparent as he stared at the floor.

"It's Eli."

Andrew could feel a weight lifted off of him, finally taking a breath that he didn't realize he was even holding.

"And please, Andrew, if you or your mother need anything come by and it'll be ready." Eli's tone was reassuring, almost as if he could tell the albino was terrified. It was the least Eli could do, after all, he knew this was a losing battle but he'd never tell Andrew that.

Andrew graciously thanked Eli, and he was truly grateful that he was kind to him. Maybe this trip wasn't so terrible after all. He felt his anxiety slightly ease and gave Eli a final thankful nod before turning to leave the shop.

Entering the busy streets once again, Andrew felt a hitch in his stomach, but he pushed through it and began to walk. It would be a little while before the next train to his town would arrive, so he decided to busy himself by taking in the sights. Normally, he'd go hide in a public bathroom stall, or secluded cafe while he waited, but he had heard a rumor that piqued his interest. In the center of the city, there is a statue, they say it was someone who was cursed to live as stone. The touch of their soulmate would bring them back their humanity. Andrew scoffed at this, what a cheesy myth. He wanted to see the statue nevertheless, he enjoyed art and he was curious. He kept himself at a steady pace, never looking anyone in the eye as he passed by, and eventually, he arrived. In the center of the clearing stood a marble statue. Crowded around it were at least a dozen people. A few had climbed onto the statue, giggling as nothing happened when they held it's hand. He couldn't imagine himself in their shoes, so bold and confident. It made him nervous. He barely noticed as he crept his way closer to the statue, almost as if it was calling to him. As he approached, he could see the looks on some of the faces around him. For an odd reason, it didn't affect him, almost as if he was in his own world. Standing below the beautiful marble above him, he gazed at the figure with interest. He admired the work of the sculptor, the way the artist captured such detail and beauty dazzled him. The lithe form of the statue was beautiful, dressed with marble that could easily be confused for silk. Andrew studied the form, his sensitive eyes straining against the bright white marble. He closed his eyes shut for a moment to ease the strain before looking up once more.

Taking a closer look, he noticed the toll the years took on the statue. Clearly, tourists had not been kind to it. The cracks in the statue's arms were apparent, along with one of the eyes being almost destroyed. He was disappointed, it was almost like he could feel its pain, sometimes he wondered if he truly was the demon everyone should be scared of. Despite the obvious flaws, he still found beauty in the statue. To most, this was a silly rumor and a fun photo opportunity, but Andrew felt honored to be there. He shot a glance at the hand the statue had outstretched, 'Maybe... maybe I'll try it." Andrew was intently considering what he should do, he knew he would feel vulnerable if he tried, 'I mean...nobody will laugh right? Nobody has succeeded yet...No one will laugh.......right?" He felt sick, 'What's the point? You're gonna fail... you don't have a soulmate. Don't Embarrass yourself." Andrew debated with himself. He awkwardly stood still, a couple of bystanders moved away from the statue, getting creeped out by the fact he was just staring into space. A few moments passed before Andrew snapped out of it, 'To hell with it.' Apprehensively he reached his hand up, he was grateful for his height as he wouldn't have to climb the already disrespected masterpiece. The closer his hand got, the weirder everything felt. It was almost as if he could feel his hair standing up...almost like electricity. He hesitated before touching the cold stone, almost turning back but it was already too late. The moment he touched the statue there was a sudden burst of energy, almost like lightning. Andrew stumbled back slightly, blinded and overwhelmed by the sudden change. Before he could open his eyes he felt a sudden slam of weight against his chest, blindly, he instinctively clutched his arms to his chest, only to realize he was holding...something... someone? What happened...? Slowly, his vision cleared. He quickly looked down in horror, first noticing the long brown hair framing the face of the person staring up at him. Two gray eyes bore into him, one damaged and bruised, the other filled with terror.

"W-where am I??"