Stay - Chapter Twenty Eight
Author's Notes:
This one seems a bit of a mixture. Basically, wanted some more insight to L+R's dynamic and also the way that Reid's developing because of the situation. Plus, I miss writing Reid and Katie :P
I wanted some nice stuff and some banter before the next few chapters as I'm afraid they're a little on the angsty (well, more dramatic) side. I have a definite direction and know exactly how the story's progressing so I can't wait for the next few chapters! Really hope you enjoy, sorry for the slight delay again... all bday celebrations are now over! :)
Feedback is VERY much appreciated and thank you for all of your incredible feedback so far!
Monday
"Your boyfriend is a neurosurgeon? A neurosurgeon!" Isabelle asked. Luke just smiled and nodded, pride in his eyes. "How on earth did you bag a neurosurgeon?"
Well, that was one question Luke didn't think anyone outside of Oakdale wanted answering, nevermind England. "I erm, we met, didn't really like eachother, we argued a lot... he's a bit of an ass at times, and I guess we spent more time together and realised we kinda suited eachother. He told me he liked me, made it obvious and then I caught up and realised he was pretty incredible too. Not many people see it though. Most people think he's a complete jerk."
He took a breath and laughed, not quite believing how much he'd said and how he'd said it.
"Wow," Isabelle gushed, "is he handsome?"
Luke chuckled at the way she phrased her question and then answered his way. "He's gorgeous."
"You lucky sod."
"Sod?"
"You lucky bugger."
"Bugger?"
She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Lost in translation are we?"
"Think so. So I'm a lucky bugger? I'll remember that one," he chuckled, fiddling with the hair at his ear. They sat, mugs in hand, in a small coffee shop with a large roaring fireplace and art covered walls. Luke felt rested as he roasted slowly by the open flames.
"Why are you in London then? So far away from said gorgeous medical genius jerk?"
Luke couldn't hold back an enormous laugh. He was going to use that one in the future. Reid would love it.
"I love to write and I haven't done it in far too long. Life got in the way." The far away look in Luke's eyes was enough to stifle Isabelle's probing.
They sat in a comfortable silence.
Buzz. Luke smiled the second he felt his phone. Isabelle glanced at his expression, recognising the universal 'I just got a text from someone I like' face.
"I'll leave you to him," she teased, patting his arm lightly and sliding out of her chair. With a small wave, she was gone.
Warning: tell anyone about/show anyone this message and you won't live to see your next birthday... I miss you. A lot.
Luke felt his heart pitter patter. His cheeks instantly flushed, not from the open fire but the rush of fuzziness that rolled around inside his stomach. Reid had said it quite a few times now but it wasn't even beginning to start to get old. His insides still fluttered as much now as ever. Maybe more.
What do you miss? xxxxxxx
Luke smirked as his finger hit send with a purposeful tap. He loved nothing more than to play on Reid's inability to speak anything but the truth, especially when it came to those brief shining moments of sappiness.
You are such a whore for compliments. I take it back.
Not so fast genius, it's out now. Spill. xxxxxxx
Shut up.
Tell me. xxxxxxxx
Reid grumbled into the fridge as he left his phone on the kitchen table. No way was he going to indulge Luke. He'd got an 'I miss you' full of spontanaeity and truth, what more did he want?
Tell me. xxxxxxxx
He threw bags of salad vegetables onto the table, covering his phone, followed by packs of meat and then finally a bag of buns. He sat down to prepare when his pile of greenery vibrated.
Tell me. Or I'll do this all night and drive you crazy. You know it will.
Reid knew alright. It was already bubbling away inside, that fight to keep part of himself private, secret, hidden and unspoken. He knows, Reid thought with a huff as he spread his mayonaisse, he knows exactly what I miss so he can go to hell if I'm spilling my guts via text message.
Ok. I'll tell you. Maybe then you'll tell me. First of all, your hair.
You miss my hair? Is it because it's so supreme to your ever changing fickle locks?
Shut up. You like my hair, you told me as you ran your fingers through it and whispered before kissing and nibbling my ear. Yea, that shut you up. Second, I miss your ass-hattery.
That's not a word.
PS: don't try to distract me with hair porn Snyder, two can play at that game.
It is. it sums you up perfectly.
PS: play away ;) xxxxxxxxxx
Third?
Who's the whore for compliments now?
Reid had forgotten his sandwich and didn't seem to feel hungry any longer. He remembered to breathe out, heart pounding as he typed. Reid considered himself difficult to put up with and had always felt a little sorry for any guy who'd shown an interest but Luke, well Luke was a different story all together. He likes it, Reid thought with a flabbergasted shake of the head, he finds my shit amusing and ... endearing. He shuddered. Luke couldn't be real.
Come on I told you, now you tell me.
No.
Luke laughed again. Typical.
You want to.
Wow. Congratulations on achieving the ability to mind read ... You're still wrong. Why would I want to?
Because you wouldn't have said it if you didn't have a reason.
He does have a point, Reid thought with an irritated frown, god he's infuriating. He changed tact.
I don't suffer from verbal diahorea like you.
God you're a charmer. No wonder I fell for someone with such a romantic heart. You say the sweetest things. xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Eventually you see sense and accept the truth. I'm amazing, what can I say?
TELL ME.
Someone getting a little bit angry?
TELL ME.
Reid sat back and continued with his sandwich, an enormous smile on his face and his eyes glowing with vibrancy. He loved this, completely loved it.
Luke laughed and growled, causing a few heads to turn in the tiny tea room. He felt exhausted and all he was attempting to do was to elicit a tiny morsel of romance from his boyfriend. He shook his head and leaned back against the chair, a steely determination locked in his eyes. Not. Giving. Up.
He proceeded to repeatedly send his last text message over and over until Reid caved. For Mr Technophobe, Luke knew it'd kill Reid and he'd have to reply.
Reid took a bite out of his finally prepared sandwich and let his eyes fall on his flashing cell. 64. Jesus Christ.
He got up and found himself plonked on the sofa, remote in hand, his eyes flickering every second to the phone on the table. He could feel the agitation, the little LED teasing him, and it was like Luke was in the room. Those puppy dog eyes glittering with 'oh you can't resist me' when all the while, underneath, there lies an unstoppable force prone to feisty outbursts, casual blackmail and a level of perseverance that Reid considered may verge on psychotic. I totally dig psychotic then, he admitted inwardly. Jesus fucking christ. He grabbed the phone, shut off the insanely distracting red light with a stab of his finger and punched the keys with a groan of submission, sweet submission.
Buzz.
It took Luke all of his restraint to stop himself from cheering, hands in the air and eyes to the sky. Reid Oliver is putty in my hands, he chimed, his inner monologue congratulating him for persisting and remembering the tactics for other moments of need...
I miss you, your stupid twisty hair (still fickle), having soda in the fridge, those dimples, that annoying way you look at me under your eyelids, your stupid know it all voice that hits pitches only dogs can hear, the way you call me an ass and mean it and the way you insist I snuggle like some sort of pet. There. Happy now?
Ps: I hate you.
Isabelle was right, I am a lucky bugger :D <3 xxxxxxxxxxx
WHAT?!
.....
Wednesday
Reid slung his stethoscope over his shoulders and stepped into the hospital corridoor. He surveyed his kingdom, breathing in the smell of latex and alcohol handrub, and gearing up for another long shift.
“Ahhh Reid you’re early,” Bob called, turning the corner, “very early actually. Why?”
Reid grabbed a chart and purposefully blanked Bob’s eyes.
“Well Doctor Hughes, because I’m just that good to you I thought I’d take the weight off.”
“Reid, you’re on call. You’re only pencilled in for a consult at two for an hour. Go home.”
“Nice to see you too Bob,” he stated, monotone and steeped in heavy sarcasm.
“Reid what do I have to do to get you to take a day off every once in a while?” Bob reached to pull the chart from Reid’s hand. He stiffened at the intrusion and watched as he was manhandled.
“I’m a surgeon,” he started, bemused, “I’m at work. For you. Saving lives. You’d think you’d be grateful.”
Reid remained rigid knowing he’d been called out and dreading another session at the Bob Hughes’ school of sweetness and light.
“Doctor Oliver, I am grateful for your continual effort and exceptional standards but I don’t need you.”
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” Reid asked, all wide eyes and daggers.
“It means go home. Sleep the bags away from under your eyes, have a decent home cooked meal, take it easy and maybe come back to work when the first words out of your mouth are not immediately disposed to biting sarcasm. Agreed?”
“You do know you’re talking to me, right?” Reid patronised, “You know, Doctor Hughes, people think you’re this gentle older man, butter wouldn’t melt, but it’s just a big act isn’t it?”
“Well, Doctor Oliver,” Bob cooed with a smirk, “you would know all about that wouldn’t you?”
“Do you miss anything?” Reid implored, irritated now.
“You don’t get to be Chief of Staff by letting things go unnoticed Doctor Oliver. Now go home.”
With that, Bob was gone leaving Reid standing child-like, mouth open like a goldfish.
...
Katie could hardly believe her ears and giggled to herself as she stood over Jacob’s crib, folding blankets. “I never thought I’d see the day,” she chuckled, flashing Reid a sparkly grin.
“Don’t get clever, I just thought I’d take him off your hands as a thank you, you know... for what you did a few nights ago.” Katie could see the sincerity in his eyes, no way was he faking it this time.
“Oh Reid you’re such a cutie,” she chimed, arms around his neck from the back of the couch and lip gloss coated lips pressing at his temple.
There’s a reason I’m gay, he thought, smearing the sticky pink with the back of his hand. He contorted his face in exaggerated disgust. “Katie, I’m anything but cute,” he groaned, “I’ve only offered to take your kid out to give you a break and to maybe prove to my whining Chief of Staff that I am capable of living outside his poor excuse for a hospital.”
“By spending your free time with a baby?”
“Hey, I don’t have to take him!”
She laughed, messing his hair. “Oh be quiet, of course you should take him. You sure you’re up for it?”
Reid’s eyes rolled so far back that they risked getting lost in their sockets. “Katie, I’m a neurosurgeon, I’m sure I can look after a small child for a matter of hours.”
“Coming from the guy who can’t do his own laundry and leaves mayonnaise out of the refrigerator to go bad. I think even Jacob beats you in the house training department.” She nodded cleverly.
Reid frowned, his forehead wrinkling dramatically to match his beady eyes. Katie smiled lovingly, batting her mascara clad eyelashes.
“And anyway,” Reid began, suddenly jumping back a few seconds, “I’m not cute, kittens are cute, puppies are cute. I’m neither. I’m rugged and manly.”
It was the sheer sincerity again that were the catalyst to Katie’s giggles, tinkling and infectious.
“Aww you keep telling yourself that sweetie.”
Reid, feeling decidedly mocked, sunk into the couch, lips pouting involuntarily. “You not gone yet?”
Katie, almost skipping, slung her purse over her shoulder and headed for the door.
“Have fun with him. He’s going to love spending time with his Uncle Reid. His bag’s in his room and bottles are in the refrigerator next to your beer bottles so pleased don’t get mixed up,” she winked knowing he was hating every syllable, “I’ll be back later. Let me know what you get up to and thanks Reid, you’re the best.”
He had to smile then. She waved her manicured fingers and flashed another winning smile before closing the door behind her.
Reid heaved himself off the couch with a glance around the empty lounge. It was deathly quiet- too quiet. Reid didn’t like silence, he wasn’t used to peaceful or serene. He lived a life of hectic and noisy, unable to deal when things got quiet because that usually meant he was alone. It was forever a wait until the next instalment of noise to drown out the deafening nothingness.
Skilled at being alone (plenty of practice), he felt an ache whenever he found himself solitary and silent. Outside work, Dallas proved good for three things- beer, take-out and getting lost in a crowd. Anonymous. Reid had enough prestige and notoriety in the medical world to last a lifetime.
Since Oakdale, silence was a little more akin to an alien concept. Reid’s norm had altered, his axis shifting to something new, something strangely comforting and addictive. Wherever Reid went, he had company; whether it be listening to Katie pour her heart out or painfully sitting through the tales of the Doogie ‘lap dog’ Hughes, mentally scarring himself singing cheesy pop songs to the kid, Bob’s fatherly mission statements at Memorial or, and Reid’s heart quickened as images poured into his heart, spending the night with Luke Snyder. Even his nights were protected from silence now and although somewhat uncharacteristic, Reid found himself craving company eventhough he seemed to be entirely unable to accept or ask for it without it being forced upon him. Luke was good for that. Reid said no- Luke said yes. Reid said go- Luke said stay. It worked that way and it was with this thought that Reid, missing Luke intensely and cherishing his new life in a secret second, wandered into Jacob’s room for a man-to-man chat.
This one seems a bit of a mixture. Basically, wanted some more insight to L+R's dynamic and also the way that Reid's developing because of the situation. Plus, I miss writing Reid and Katie :P
I wanted some nice stuff and some banter before the next few chapters as I'm afraid they're a little on the angsty (well, more dramatic) side. I have a definite direction and know exactly how the story's progressing so I can't wait for the next few chapters! Really hope you enjoy, sorry for the slight delay again... all bday celebrations are now over! :)
Feedback is VERY much appreciated and thank you for all of your incredible feedback so far!
Monday
"Your boyfriend is a neurosurgeon? A neurosurgeon!" Isabelle asked. Luke just smiled and nodded, pride in his eyes. "How on earth did you bag a neurosurgeon?"
Well, that was one question Luke didn't think anyone outside of Oakdale wanted answering, nevermind England. "I erm, we met, didn't really like eachother, we argued a lot... he's a bit of an ass at times, and I guess we spent more time together and realised we kinda suited eachother. He told me he liked me, made it obvious and then I caught up and realised he was pretty incredible too. Not many people see it though. Most people think he's a complete jerk."
He took a breath and laughed, not quite believing how much he'd said and how he'd said it.
"Wow," Isabelle gushed, "is he handsome?"
Luke chuckled at the way she phrased her question and then answered his way. "He's gorgeous."
"You lucky sod."
"Sod?"
"You lucky bugger."
"Bugger?"
She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Lost in translation are we?"
"Think so. So I'm a lucky bugger? I'll remember that one," he chuckled, fiddling with the hair at his ear. They sat, mugs in hand, in a small coffee shop with a large roaring fireplace and art covered walls. Luke felt rested as he roasted slowly by the open flames.
"Why are you in London then? So far away from said gorgeous medical genius jerk?"
Luke couldn't hold back an enormous laugh. He was going to use that one in the future. Reid would love it.
"I love to write and I haven't done it in far too long. Life got in the way." The far away look in Luke's eyes was enough to stifle Isabelle's probing.
They sat in a comfortable silence.
Buzz. Luke smiled the second he felt his phone. Isabelle glanced at his expression, recognising the universal 'I just got a text from someone I like' face.
"I'll leave you to him," she teased, patting his arm lightly and sliding out of her chair. With a small wave, she was gone.
Warning: tell anyone about/show anyone this message and you won't live to see your next birthday... I miss you. A lot.
Luke felt his heart pitter patter. His cheeks instantly flushed, not from the open fire but the rush of fuzziness that rolled around inside his stomach. Reid had said it quite a few times now but it wasn't even beginning to start to get old. His insides still fluttered as much now as ever. Maybe more.
What do you miss? xxxxxxx
Luke smirked as his finger hit send with a purposeful tap. He loved nothing more than to play on Reid's inability to speak anything but the truth, especially when it came to those brief shining moments of sappiness.
You are such a whore for compliments. I take it back.
Not so fast genius, it's out now. Spill. xxxxxxx
Shut up.
Tell me. xxxxxxxx
Reid grumbled into the fridge as he left his phone on the kitchen table. No way was he going to indulge Luke. He'd got an 'I miss you' full of spontanaeity and truth, what more did he want?
Tell me. xxxxxxxx
He threw bags of salad vegetables onto the table, covering his phone, followed by packs of meat and then finally a bag of buns. He sat down to prepare when his pile of greenery vibrated.
Tell me. Or I'll do this all night and drive you crazy. You know it will.
Reid knew alright. It was already bubbling away inside, that fight to keep part of himself private, secret, hidden and unspoken. He knows, Reid thought with a huff as he spread his mayonaisse, he knows exactly what I miss so he can go to hell if I'm spilling my guts via text message.
Ok. I'll tell you. Maybe then you'll tell me. First of all, your hair.
You miss my hair? Is it because it's so supreme to your ever changing fickle locks?
Shut up. You like my hair, you told me as you ran your fingers through it and whispered before kissing and nibbling my ear. Yea, that shut you up. Second, I miss your ass-hattery.
That's not a word.
PS: don't try to distract me with hair porn Snyder, two can play at that game.
It is. it sums you up perfectly.
PS: play away ;) xxxxxxxxxx
Third?
Who's the whore for compliments now?
Reid had forgotten his sandwich and didn't seem to feel hungry any longer. He remembered to breathe out, heart pounding as he typed. Reid considered himself difficult to put up with and had always felt a little sorry for any guy who'd shown an interest but Luke, well Luke was a different story all together. He likes it, Reid thought with a flabbergasted shake of the head, he finds my shit amusing and ... endearing. He shuddered. Luke couldn't be real.
Come on I told you, now you tell me.
No.
Luke laughed again. Typical.
You want to.
Wow. Congratulations on achieving the ability to mind read ... You're still wrong. Why would I want to?
Because you wouldn't have said it if you didn't have a reason.
He does have a point, Reid thought with an irritated frown, god he's infuriating. He changed tact.
I don't suffer from verbal diahorea like you.
God you're a charmer. No wonder I fell for someone with such a romantic heart. You say the sweetest things. xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Eventually you see sense and accept the truth. I'm amazing, what can I say?
TELL ME.
Someone getting a little bit angry?
TELL ME.
Reid sat back and continued with his sandwich, an enormous smile on his face and his eyes glowing with vibrancy. He loved this, completely loved it.
Luke laughed and growled, causing a few heads to turn in the tiny tea room. He felt exhausted and all he was attempting to do was to elicit a tiny morsel of romance from his boyfriend. He shook his head and leaned back against the chair, a steely determination locked in his eyes. Not. Giving. Up.
He proceeded to repeatedly send his last text message over and over until Reid caved. For Mr Technophobe, Luke knew it'd kill Reid and he'd have to reply.
Reid took a bite out of his finally prepared sandwich and let his eyes fall on his flashing cell. 64. Jesus Christ.
He got up and found himself plonked on the sofa, remote in hand, his eyes flickering every second to the phone on the table. He could feel the agitation, the little LED teasing him, and it was like Luke was in the room. Those puppy dog eyes glittering with 'oh you can't resist me' when all the while, underneath, there lies an unstoppable force prone to feisty outbursts, casual blackmail and a level of perseverance that Reid considered may verge on psychotic. I totally dig psychotic then, he admitted inwardly. Jesus fucking christ. He grabbed the phone, shut off the insanely distracting red light with a stab of his finger and punched the keys with a groan of submission, sweet submission.
Buzz.
It took Luke all of his restraint to stop himself from cheering, hands in the air and eyes to the sky. Reid Oliver is putty in my hands, he chimed, his inner monologue congratulating him for persisting and remembering the tactics for other moments of need...
I miss you, your stupid twisty hair (still fickle), having soda in the fridge, those dimples, that annoying way you look at me under your eyelids, your stupid know it all voice that hits pitches only dogs can hear, the way you call me an ass and mean it and the way you insist I snuggle like some sort of pet. There. Happy now?
Ps: I hate you.
Isabelle was right, I am a lucky bugger :D <3 xxxxxxxxxxx
WHAT?!
.....
Wednesday
Reid slung his stethoscope over his shoulders and stepped into the hospital corridoor. He surveyed his kingdom, breathing in the smell of latex and alcohol handrub, and gearing up for another long shift.
“Ahhh Reid you’re early,” Bob called, turning the corner, “very early actually. Why?”
Reid grabbed a chart and purposefully blanked Bob’s eyes.
“Well Doctor Hughes, because I’m just that good to you I thought I’d take the weight off.”
“Reid, you’re on call. You’re only pencilled in for a consult at two for an hour. Go home.”
“Nice to see you too Bob,” he stated, monotone and steeped in heavy sarcasm.
“Reid what do I have to do to get you to take a day off every once in a while?” Bob reached to pull the chart from Reid’s hand. He stiffened at the intrusion and watched as he was manhandled.
“I’m a surgeon,” he started, bemused, “I’m at work. For you. Saving lives. You’d think you’d be grateful.”
Reid remained rigid knowing he’d been called out and dreading another session at the Bob Hughes’ school of sweetness and light.
“Doctor Oliver, I am grateful for your continual effort and exceptional standards but I don’t need you.”
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” Reid asked, all wide eyes and daggers.
“It means go home. Sleep the bags away from under your eyes, have a decent home cooked meal, take it easy and maybe come back to work when the first words out of your mouth are not immediately disposed to biting sarcasm. Agreed?”
“You do know you’re talking to me, right?” Reid patronised, “You know, Doctor Hughes, people think you’re this gentle older man, butter wouldn’t melt, but it’s just a big act isn’t it?”
“Well, Doctor Oliver,” Bob cooed with a smirk, “you would know all about that wouldn’t you?”
“Do you miss anything?” Reid implored, irritated now.
“You don’t get to be Chief of Staff by letting things go unnoticed Doctor Oliver. Now go home.”
With that, Bob was gone leaving Reid standing child-like, mouth open like a goldfish.
...
Katie could hardly believe her ears and giggled to herself as she stood over Jacob’s crib, folding blankets. “I never thought I’d see the day,” she chuckled, flashing Reid a sparkly grin.
“Don’t get clever, I just thought I’d take him off your hands as a thank you, you know... for what you did a few nights ago.” Katie could see the sincerity in his eyes, no way was he faking it this time.
“Oh Reid you’re such a cutie,” she chimed, arms around his neck from the back of the couch and lip gloss coated lips pressing at his temple.
There’s a reason I’m gay, he thought, smearing the sticky pink with the back of his hand. He contorted his face in exaggerated disgust. “Katie, I’m anything but cute,” he groaned, “I’ve only offered to take your kid out to give you a break and to maybe prove to my whining Chief of Staff that I am capable of living outside his poor excuse for a hospital.”
“By spending your free time with a baby?”
“Hey, I don’t have to take him!”
She laughed, messing his hair. “Oh be quiet, of course you should take him. You sure you’re up for it?”
Reid’s eyes rolled so far back that they risked getting lost in their sockets. “Katie, I’m a neurosurgeon, I’m sure I can look after a small child for a matter of hours.”
“Coming from the guy who can’t do his own laundry and leaves mayonnaise out of the refrigerator to go bad. I think even Jacob beats you in the house training department.” She nodded cleverly.
Reid frowned, his forehead wrinkling dramatically to match his beady eyes. Katie smiled lovingly, batting her mascara clad eyelashes.
“And anyway,” Reid began, suddenly jumping back a few seconds, “I’m not cute, kittens are cute, puppies are cute. I’m neither. I’m rugged and manly.”
It was the sheer sincerity again that were the catalyst to Katie’s giggles, tinkling and infectious.
“Aww you keep telling yourself that sweetie.”
Reid, feeling decidedly mocked, sunk into the couch, lips pouting involuntarily. “You not gone yet?”
Katie, almost skipping, slung her purse over her shoulder and headed for the door.
“Have fun with him. He’s going to love spending time with his Uncle Reid. His bag’s in his room and bottles are in the refrigerator next to your beer bottles so pleased don’t get mixed up,” she winked knowing he was hating every syllable, “I’ll be back later. Let me know what you get up to and thanks Reid, you’re the best.”
He had to smile then. She waved her manicured fingers and flashed another winning smile before closing the door behind her.
Reid heaved himself off the couch with a glance around the empty lounge. It was deathly quiet- too quiet. Reid didn’t like silence, he wasn’t used to peaceful or serene. He lived a life of hectic and noisy, unable to deal when things got quiet because that usually meant he was alone. It was forever a wait until the next instalment of noise to drown out the deafening nothingness.
Skilled at being alone (plenty of practice), he felt an ache whenever he found himself solitary and silent. Outside work, Dallas proved good for three things- beer, take-out and getting lost in a crowd. Anonymous. Reid had enough prestige and notoriety in the medical world to last a lifetime.
Since Oakdale, silence was a little more akin to an alien concept. Reid’s norm had altered, his axis shifting to something new, something strangely comforting and addictive. Wherever Reid went, he had company; whether it be listening to Katie pour her heart out or painfully sitting through the tales of the Doogie ‘lap dog’ Hughes, mentally scarring himself singing cheesy pop songs to the kid, Bob’s fatherly mission statements at Memorial or, and Reid’s heart quickened as images poured into his heart, spending the night with Luke Snyder. Even his nights were protected from silence now and although somewhat uncharacteristic, Reid found himself craving company eventhough he seemed to be entirely unable to accept or ask for it without it being forced upon him. Luke was good for that. Reid said no- Luke said yes. Reid said go- Luke said stay. It worked that way and it was with this thought that Reid, missing Luke intensely and cherishing his new life in a secret second, wandered into Jacob’s room for a man-to-man chat.