The Last Doughnut Part 11
Title: The Last Doughnut
Author: Marsabi
Summary: When Damian disinherits Luke, can he survive in the “real” world? Will he drive Reid crazy in the process?
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Rating: PG- NC-17 (depends on chapter)
Warning: none
A companion to Camp Queer
Thanks traciamc for the read
Part 11 Games
Casey signaled Reid and Luke with a wave of his phone.
“Okay, I made the call. He’s on his way here. With Lily. They’re maybe ten minutes away.”
”Great,” Reid said, glancing at the hospital elevator. “Be out of sight. Damian can’t know you’re around.”
“Got it.”
Casey dashed down the hallway and found a place to watch without being seen.
Reid looked at Luke, “You ready for this?”
“What? The inquisition?” Luke joked, “Bring it on.”
But Luke’s eyes were pools of sadness. His skin seemed pale to Reid, his features pinched.
“If you’ve changed your mind-”
“No,” Luke’s lip jutted out with determination. “I can do it. “ He shot Reid a rueful look, “I’ve been acting for these two for most of my life. “
***
Last night, they’d planned it out carefully. Luke had listened and nodded, laying his arms across Reid’s lap and putting his head on the center of Reid’s chest. Luke looked up at him, his eyes round and wide, like a little boy’s .
“I’m really going to miss you,” he’d said, his tone subdued.
Reid found that he couldn’t speak. He could say nothing at all.
Luckily, a nurse’s aid had flung open the door then to deliver Luke’s meal.
“My last supper,” Luke had joked, opening up some jello.
“What?” he’d asked, seeing Reid’s startled expression.
“Look at you trying to be all clever,” Reid said with teasing approval, “You sound like me.”
“Oh God, no!” Luke laughed. “Not that!” Then he’d inspected his food more, wrinkling up his nose in distaste. “Yuck! I can’t eat this.”
“Hey, I have to eat here daily,” Reid had joked, “and you got my favorite beef surprise served on an orange tray. Let’s just hope the botulism holds off 24 hours.”
Reid had watched as Luke tentatively ate the food. He picked up a pen from his lab coat and his prescription pad and began to absently doodle.
“Earth to Reid,” Luke said impatiently.
“What?” Reid looked up with a bemused expression.
“I was talking to you.” Luke had glanced at his drawing, “What’re you doing ?”
Reid flushed, “Nothing, I sometimes need to keep my hands busy.”
“Are you drawing a brain?” Luke had said, then he poked Reid gently in the rib, “You geek.”
“Drawing brains relaxes me,” Reid had defended himself. “Did you expect me to be drawing hearts and writing you love poems?”
“Nope,” Luke had answered, snatching the pad from him, “nerdy sketches of brains is what I’d expect from you.” He studied it. “Geez, Reid, do you have to everything so well? “ The sketch was like a piece of abstract art with each part of the brain in its complex pattern.
Luke admired it a moment longer. Then Luke had ripped off the page with Reid’s drawing and folded it carefully.
“Why’d you take that?” Reid said.
“I’m keeping it,” Luke had replied, his voice indicating the question was foolish. Reid watched him put the drawing into his wallet.
“Now, whatever else is going on,” Luke had smiled, “you know I have this with me, and I’m thinking of you.” He’d said nothing more, merely gazing up at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts.
“Do you want to back out?” Reid had asked him softly.
Luke took such a long time to answer, that Reid was afraid he was upset. But when Luke finally met his eyes, his expression was clear and calm.
“No, you?” Luke had asked.
“No.”
Luke nodded and gave Reid his hand.
"I haven't been...completetly honest, Reid. All this has been a lot harder to bounce back from then I hoped. But I'm working on it."
"I know."
"You know?"
"Yeah."
Overcome with feeling, they simply touched, their fingers holding on tightly, a warmth radiating between their palms.
***
Now, the elevator light flashed its arrival. Luke’s back was to it, making it look like he was clueless about his parents . Reid wished he could stop what was about to happen. He drank in the sight of Luke’s lovely face, wishing he could trace the line of Luke’s full mouth once more, wishing he could touch all that fresh skin.
Luke titled his head questioningly.
Reid gave him a barely perceptible nod. The time had come.
“Just what is your problem now, Luke? “ Reid asked him, sounding irritated.
“Look at me!” Luke shouted, just as the elevators opened. “My face! Look at what being with you has done! I tell you, it’s over! It’s so over!”
“Are you breaking things off?” Reid’s tone became incredulous. “Going back in the closet?”
“I’m getting my life back!” Luke answered, shoving at him, “the one you stole! “
“Good luck with that, “ Reid replied, in the coldest voice he’d ever spoken to Luke in.
They glared at each other. Then Luke pushed him again.
“I hate you,” Luke cried out,” I really hate you!” He nearly spat the words at Reid.
Reid’s anger was palpable on his face, “I hate you too,” he snarled in a low tone. “You’re nothing but a stupid little boy who -“
The sound of a harsh slap echoed through the hallway. The side of Reid’s face was red.
“Shut up! “ Luke screamed at him. “Just shut up! You did this to me! I was fine before you.”
Luke pushed at Reid, almost knocking him to the floor, “You messed me up!” He yelled .
Luke went at Reid as if to attack him some more. Lily cried out . Damian grabbed his son. “Luciano, it’s alright,” he said, “come with us.”
He had to force Luke away from Reid, as Luke tried to kick out at him with his feet.
“Let me go! Let me fight him. He ruined my life!”
“Oh, baby!” Lily said, her voice thick with emotion,” That’s not true! We’ll take you back.”
“Really?” Luke looked at Lily with his bruised face. “Even though I’ve caused so much trouble?”
She opened her arms. Luke turned and buried his head in his mother’s shoulder.
“I’m so sorry,” Luke said.
“We forgive you,” Lily soothed. “But we will need to set some rules.”
“I understand,” Luke’s voice was muffled against her shirt, and he sniffed loudly.
As she led her son to the elevator, Lily couldn’t help giving Reid a small, victorious smile.
“Go home to mommy, “ Reid sneered at them. “I could care less!”
Lily held the elevator door for Damian. Luke didn’t bother to look up from her shoulder.
“Come on,” Lily called to her husband. She didn’t want to chance another moment between Luke and Reid. She wanted Luke safely home with her.
“In a moment, Cara,” Damian said. He came closer to Reid. His eyes were chilly. “Just make sure you stay away from my son,” he said in a soft, menacing voice.
Reid shrugged insolently, “I have no reason not to,” he answered.
Reid watched as Damian joined his family in the elevator and pressed the down button. The door closed and Luke was gone.
***
Casey came out of his hiding place. He put a comforting hand on Reid’s shoulder.
“That was intense , man,” he whispered. “I don’t envy the conversation that Luke will probably have to suffer though with those two,” he shuddered.
Reid drew in a ragged breath. He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. An ache for Luke welled up inside of him. He tried to speak to Casey and then just shook his head. For the first time since he had come to Oakdale, Reid felt his aloneness pulsing inside of his body. He had forgotten how isolated he’d always felt from the world - before Luke. Reid used to feel that, aside from his work, he mattered to no one. He could break apart or disappear and no one would grieve for him. He’d felt like a shadow in his own life.
Then he had come to this town. He had met Luke, who was like warmth seeping into his veins. The darkness inside him had just vanished. It had unsettled him at first, Luke’s fierce ability to love. But now he craved it all the time, and Reid was dreading the separation from him.
He drew in a painful breath. Reid reminded himself why they were putting on this charade. This was for Luke. To give Luke a future without his parents keeping him like an animal in a golden cage. How could they be like that? How could they not see that he needed to be free? How could anybody want to cut Luke down into tiny pieces of insecurity and doubt?
God, he wanted to see Luke’s face already, hear his laugh, see his eyes sparkle. How could he miss him already? Reid wanted to hold him, joke with him, comfort him. Reid wanted to know that this person he trusted most in the world was in his arms, where he belonged. He swallowed his own sadness and tried to focus on what he needed to do.
“Let’s just hope Luke convinces Damian to take him back at Grimaldi Shipping, “ He finally said to Casey, “ And we can put an end to this mess quickly. “
***
Two weeks passed. The only one to still see Luke was Casey. Damian trusted him to watch over Luke’s every move. Henry and Vienna had tried to see him. Lucinda had tried too. They were all shut out. During his first week at home, Holden had managed to get a letter to him. Luke kept it in his wallet, next to Reid’s sketch.
The letter read:
Dear Luke,
For the life of me, I don’t know why this is happening again. Maybe breaking up with Reid has made you spiral out of control? I only know that I want your happiness. I see that you left some things here in your old room. I hope that means you might return? Know that your things will be waiting for you. No questions asked.
Love,
Dad
Luke pressed his hands into his suit pocket and felt the comforting presence of the wallet, knowing what was inside. He followed Damian into Memorial. It was the board member’s quarterly meeting. But Luke knew it was also a test. Damian wanted to watch him with Reid.
They stepped into the elevator. They both had on dark, expensive Italian suits. Luke’s hair was slicked away from his face just like Damian’s hair. Neither one smiled as they went to Bob’s office. It wasn’t until they headed for the board room that Luke saw him. His step faltered a minute, before he regained control. His pulse pounded. Luke took one quick look at Reid, feeling a deep shock of recognition flood his entire body, and then looked away. He made sure his face was an inscrutable mask.
He didn’t dare look at Reid again. All the doctors sat on one side of the table and the board members on another. Luke listened to Bob speak and then Damian. He appeared to be listening, but in reality he didn’t hear a word. He could feel Reid. The weight of Reid’s body sitting just across from him was like a magnet pulling at his skin. It was as if there were no others in the room, only them. Luke could sense Reid’s presence, his proximity.
Luke reminded himself that he was doing this for Reid, so that his family could no longer hurt him. If he followed their plan, he would be able to force Damian to leave Reid alone for good. Luke swallowed the bitterness in his mouth.
The meeting ended. Damian was shaking hands and pushing Luke forward. He shook hands and smiled, tasks he could do in his sleep. He knew the second that Reid left, although he did not hesitate or glance at him.
They walked with Bob back to the elevator. Damian was deep in conversation about some new money for Chris Hughes and a pediatric unit. The doors to the elevator opened.
Reid
Damian’s gaze sharpened on Luke. He walked into the elevator and forced himself to turn away from Reid’s blue eyes. Luke clenched his jaw. He jammed his hands in his pockets, feeling for the wallet.
“Damian?” Bob prompted his father back to their conversation. They resumed their talk.
Reid was directly behind him. He could feel Reid’s breath at the nape of his neck.
Luke tilted his head slightly back, wanting to fall toward Reid’s body, but not daring. Luke’s chest tightened. His heart beat so loudly and frantically that he was certain Damian must know. But when Luke looked at Damian, his father appeared indifferent.
They stopped at the floor for neurology. Luke moved to one side and looked blankly at the elevator buttons. When Reid left, it hit him like a physical blow.
The elevator reached the bottom floor. Bob and Damian stepped out. Luke went with them, and they all shook hands again. Then the limo pulled up.
Luke turned to the car and climbed into the darkness.
Author: Marsabi
Summary: When Damian disinherits Luke, can he survive in the “real” world? Will he drive Reid crazy in the process?
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Rating: PG- NC-17 (depends on chapter)
Warning: none
A companion to Camp Queer
Thanks traciamc for the read
Part 11 Games
Casey signaled Reid and Luke with a wave of his phone.
“Okay, I made the call. He’s on his way here. With Lily. They’re maybe ten minutes away.”
”Great,” Reid said, glancing at the hospital elevator. “Be out of sight. Damian can’t know you’re around.”
“Got it.”
Casey dashed down the hallway and found a place to watch without being seen.
Reid looked at Luke, “You ready for this?”
“What? The inquisition?” Luke joked, “Bring it on.”
But Luke’s eyes were pools of sadness. His skin seemed pale to Reid, his features pinched.
“If you’ve changed your mind-”
“No,” Luke’s lip jutted out with determination. “I can do it. “ He shot Reid a rueful look, “I’ve been acting for these two for most of my life. “
***
Last night, they’d planned it out carefully. Luke had listened and nodded, laying his arms across Reid’s lap and putting his head on the center of Reid’s chest. Luke looked up at him, his eyes round and wide, like a little boy’s .
“I’m really going to miss you,” he’d said, his tone subdued.
Reid found that he couldn’t speak. He could say nothing at all.
Luckily, a nurse’s aid had flung open the door then to deliver Luke’s meal.
“My last supper,” Luke had joked, opening up some jello.
“What?” he’d asked, seeing Reid’s startled expression.
“Look at you trying to be all clever,” Reid said with teasing approval, “You sound like me.”
“Oh God, no!” Luke laughed. “Not that!” Then he’d inspected his food more, wrinkling up his nose in distaste. “Yuck! I can’t eat this.”
“Hey, I have to eat here daily,” Reid had joked, “and you got my favorite beef surprise served on an orange tray. Let’s just hope the botulism holds off 24 hours.”
Reid had watched as Luke tentatively ate the food. He picked up a pen from his lab coat and his prescription pad and began to absently doodle.
“Earth to Reid,” Luke said impatiently.
“What?” Reid looked up with a bemused expression.
“I was talking to you.” Luke had glanced at his drawing, “What’re you doing ?”
Reid flushed, “Nothing, I sometimes need to keep my hands busy.”
“Are you drawing a brain?” Luke had said, then he poked Reid gently in the rib, “You geek.”
“Drawing brains relaxes me,” Reid had defended himself. “Did you expect me to be drawing hearts and writing you love poems?”
“Nope,” Luke had answered, snatching the pad from him, “nerdy sketches of brains is what I’d expect from you.” He studied it. “Geez, Reid, do you have to everything so well? “ The sketch was like a piece of abstract art with each part of the brain in its complex pattern.
Luke admired it a moment longer. Then Luke had ripped off the page with Reid’s drawing and folded it carefully.
“Why’d you take that?” Reid said.
“I’m keeping it,” Luke had replied, his voice indicating the question was foolish. Reid watched him put the drawing into his wallet.
“Now, whatever else is going on,” Luke had smiled, “you know I have this with me, and I’m thinking of you.” He’d said nothing more, merely gazing up at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts.
“Do you want to back out?” Reid had asked him softly.
Luke took such a long time to answer, that Reid was afraid he was upset. But when Luke finally met his eyes, his expression was clear and calm.
“No, you?” Luke had asked.
“No.”
Luke nodded and gave Reid his hand.
"I haven't been...completetly honest, Reid. All this has been a lot harder to bounce back from then I hoped. But I'm working on it."
"I know."
"You know?"
"Yeah."
Overcome with feeling, they simply touched, their fingers holding on tightly, a warmth radiating between their palms.
***
Now, the elevator light flashed its arrival. Luke’s back was to it, making it look like he was clueless about his parents . Reid wished he could stop what was about to happen. He drank in the sight of Luke’s lovely face, wishing he could trace the line of Luke’s full mouth once more, wishing he could touch all that fresh skin.
Luke titled his head questioningly.
Reid gave him a barely perceptible nod. The time had come.
“Just what is your problem now, Luke? “ Reid asked him, sounding irritated.
“Look at me!” Luke shouted, just as the elevators opened. “My face! Look at what being with you has done! I tell you, it’s over! It’s so over!”
“Are you breaking things off?” Reid’s tone became incredulous. “Going back in the closet?”
“I’m getting my life back!” Luke answered, shoving at him, “the one you stole! “
“Good luck with that, “ Reid replied, in the coldest voice he’d ever spoken to Luke in.
They glared at each other. Then Luke pushed him again.
“I hate you,” Luke cried out,” I really hate you!” He nearly spat the words at Reid.
Reid’s anger was palpable on his face, “I hate you too,” he snarled in a low tone. “You’re nothing but a stupid little boy who -“
The sound of a harsh slap echoed through the hallway. The side of Reid’s face was red.
“Shut up! “ Luke screamed at him. “Just shut up! You did this to me! I was fine before you.”
Luke pushed at Reid, almost knocking him to the floor, “You messed me up!” He yelled .
Luke went at Reid as if to attack him some more. Lily cried out . Damian grabbed his son. “Luciano, it’s alright,” he said, “come with us.”
He had to force Luke away from Reid, as Luke tried to kick out at him with his feet.
“Let me go! Let me fight him. He ruined my life!”
“Oh, baby!” Lily said, her voice thick with emotion,” That’s not true! We’ll take you back.”
“Really?” Luke looked at Lily with his bruised face. “Even though I’ve caused so much trouble?”
She opened her arms. Luke turned and buried his head in his mother’s shoulder.
“I’m so sorry,” Luke said.
“We forgive you,” Lily soothed. “But we will need to set some rules.”
“I understand,” Luke’s voice was muffled against her shirt, and he sniffed loudly.
As she led her son to the elevator, Lily couldn’t help giving Reid a small, victorious smile.
“Go home to mommy, “ Reid sneered at them. “I could care less!”
Lily held the elevator door for Damian. Luke didn’t bother to look up from her shoulder.
“Come on,” Lily called to her husband. She didn’t want to chance another moment between Luke and Reid. She wanted Luke safely home with her.
“In a moment, Cara,” Damian said. He came closer to Reid. His eyes were chilly. “Just make sure you stay away from my son,” he said in a soft, menacing voice.
Reid shrugged insolently, “I have no reason not to,” he answered.
Reid watched as Damian joined his family in the elevator and pressed the down button. The door closed and Luke was gone.
***
Casey came out of his hiding place. He put a comforting hand on Reid’s shoulder.
“That was intense , man,” he whispered. “I don’t envy the conversation that Luke will probably have to suffer though with those two,” he shuddered.
Reid drew in a ragged breath. He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. An ache for Luke welled up inside of him. He tried to speak to Casey and then just shook his head. For the first time since he had come to Oakdale, Reid felt his aloneness pulsing inside of his body. He had forgotten how isolated he’d always felt from the world - before Luke. Reid used to feel that, aside from his work, he mattered to no one. He could break apart or disappear and no one would grieve for him. He’d felt like a shadow in his own life.
Then he had come to this town. He had met Luke, who was like warmth seeping into his veins. The darkness inside him had just vanished. It had unsettled him at first, Luke’s fierce ability to love. But now he craved it all the time, and Reid was dreading the separation from him.
He drew in a painful breath. Reid reminded himself why they were putting on this charade. This was for Luke. To give Luke a future without his parents keeping him like an animal in a golden cage. How could they be like that? How could they not see that he needed to be free? How could anybody want to cut Luke down into tiny pieces of insecurity and doubt?
God, he wanted to see Luke’s face already, hear his laugh, see his eyes sparkle. How could he miss him already? Reid wanted to hold him, joke with him, comfort him. Reid wanted to know that this person he trusted most in the world was in his arms, where he belonged. He swallowed his own sadness and tried to focus on what he needed to do.
“Let’s just hope Luke convinces Damian to take him back at Grimaldi Shipping, “ He finally said to Casey, “ And we can put an end to this mess quickly. “
***
Two weeks passed. The only one to still see Luke was Casey. Damian trusted him to watch over Luke’s every move. Henry and Vienna had tried to see him. Lucinda had tried too. They were all shut out. During his first week at home, Holden had managed to get a letter to him. Luke kept it in his wallet, next to Reid’s sketch.
The letter read:
Dear Luke,
For the life of me, I don’t know why this is happening again. Maybe breaking up with Reid has made you spiral out of control? I only know that I want your happiness. I see that you left some things here in your old room. I hope that means you might return? Know that your things will be waiting for you. No questions asked.
Love,
Dad
Luke pressed his hands into his suit pocket and felt the comforting presence of the wallet, knowing what was inside. He followed Damian into Memorial. It was the board member’s quarterly meeting. But Luke knew it was also a test. Damian wanted to watch him with Reid.
They stepped into the elevator. They both had on dark, expensive Italian suits. Luke’s hair was slicked away from his face just like Damian’s hair. Neither one smiled as they went to Bob’s office. It wasn’t until they headed for the board room that Luke saw him. His step faltered a minute, before he regained control. His pulse pounded. Luke took one quick look at Reid, feeling a deep shock of recognition flood his entire body, and then looked away. He made sure his face was an inscrutable mask.
He didn’t dare look at Reid again. All the doctors sat on one side of the table and the board members on another. Luke listened to Bob speak and then Damian. He appeared to be listening, but in reality he didn’t hear a word. He could feel Reid. The weight of Reid’s body sitting just across from him was like a magnet pulling at his skin. It was as if there were no others in the room, only them. Luke could sense Reid’s presence, his proximity.
Luke reminded himself that he was doing this for Reid, so that his family could no longer hurt him. If he followed their plan, he would be able to force Damian to leave Reid alone for good. Luke swallowed the bitterness in his mouth.
The meeting ended. Damian was shaking hands and pushing Luke forward. He shook hands and smiled, tasks he could do in his sleep. He knew the second that Reid left, although he did not hesitate or glance at him.
They walked with Bob back to the elevator. Damian was deep in conversation about some new money for Chris Hughes and a pediatric unit. The doors to the elevator opened.
Reid
Damian’s gaze sharpened on Luke. He walked into the elevator and forced himself to turn away from Reid’s blue eyes. Luke clenched his jaw. He jammed his hands in his pockets, feeling for the wallet.
“Damian?” Bob prompted his father back to their conversation. They resumed their talk.
Reid was directly behind him. He could feel Reid’s breath at the nape of his neck.
Luke tilted his head slightly back, wanting to fall toward Reid’s body, but not daring. Luke’s chest tightened. His heart beat so loudly and frantically that he was certain Damian must know. But when Luke looked at Damian, his father appeared indifferent.
They stopped at the floor for neurology. Luke moved to one side and looked blankly at the elevator buttons. When Reid left, it hit him like a physical blow.
The elevator reached the bottom floor. Bob and Damian stepped out. Luke went with them, and they all shook hands again. Then the limo pulled up.
Luke turned to the car and climbed into the darkness.