Mighty Fine Print (4/9)

[acecee]

Author: AceCee
Title: Mighty Fine Print
Summary: Once upon a time, Luke and Reid were in love and doing what they could to save a piece of the broken world they all lived in. Now they’re apart because of something Reid can’t undo...and probably wouldn’t, even if he could.
Warnings: Angst, Confusion
Notes: This chapter kicked my @$$ repeatedly, and

Comments

[astrolatryae]

“I’d rather be dead.” Luke’s words, though quiet, stopped Reid cold. Luke turned to face him once more. His eyes, moments ago filled with fire and brimstone, were once again flat. It chilled him to the bone. “I’d rather be dead,” He repeated, louder this time. “Than soulless.”

“Excuse me? The fire that had been burning in Luke quickly found it’s way into Reid’s belly, simmering just below breaking point.

“The price you paid for my life was my soul.” Luke’s words were slow, and deliberate. Obviously something he had thought about, stewed over. He wasn’t trying to be over dramatic. “The price was too high. I wish I was dead.”

The fire cause his blood to move from simmer, to boil.

“Don’t say that!” Reid rushed him, catching Luke unaware. He gripped the fabric of Luke’s shirt. “I never want to hear you say that again, you hear me, Luke?” He gave the younger man a small shake with quivering hands. He’s not sure he’s ever been this angry in his entire life.

“Reid?” Luke’s eyes are wide, searching - maybe even worried? Reid isn’t currently in the frame of mind to try to understand what his once lover wants from him.

“I can live with it - I hate it, but I can live with it. The being dirt poor, and barely able to pay rent and keep off the street. I can deal with the dirty cops, and the even dirty politicians. Weekly raids on the hospitals that leave bed over turned, children crying and patients dying in my hands. I can even live with you hating me for the rest of our lives.” Reid took a shaky breathe, taking in the face of the man he loved, the fire ebbing away, leaving its mass of destruction and pain. “But I could never live in a world without Luke Snyder in it.”

God I hope something good comes of this!! The kiss has me hopeful. I hope it is not all for naught. Reid's honesty had me almost crying. Luke's so devastated.