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SERENDIPITY - CHAPTER SEVEN
Reid couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this content. Sure, he’d had great orgasms before but he usually walked away shortly afterwards, or sent the other guy on his way. This was new. Luke was curled into his side, with his head resting on Reid’s chest. Reid had no desire to move him away. He laid there with one hand caressing Luke’s back and the other resting on Luke’s arm that was currently wrapped around Reid’s waist.
Reid had been a bit nervous when Luke confessed to being a virgin- all of his previous sexual partners had been experienced. Reid had felt as if a great responsibility (and honor) had been given to him, he didn’t want to hurt Luke and he had tried to make the experience as enjoyable for him as possible. Given that Luke was still snuggled up to him and not pushing him out of bed, Reid believed that he had succeeded.
After kissing Luke, Reid had slowed things down. He decided that they would take their time, he did not want to rush through Luke’s first time. They had removed the rest of their clothing and returned to the bed to slow, easy kisses. Reid then let Luke kiss, touch and explore his body as much as he wanted before turning his attention back to Luke’s body. Reid took his time, making sure that Luke was properly aroused and his body was ready before they had sex. That Luke had been so vocal, letting Reid know what he liked and wanted more of, had been such a turn on. It had been one of the single best sexual experiences of Reid’s life and he was hoping to have a repeat performance. For now though, he was content just to hold the other man in his arms. He leaned up a bit to press a soft kiss to the top of Luke’s head.
Luke turned his head to look at Reid. He smiled shyly. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself.” His hand moved up to cup Luke’s cheek. “Are you okay?”
Luke’s smile brightened and his cheeks had a soft blush, he nodded. “Yeah, I am…never better.”
“Good.” Reid gave a small smile, but Luke could see the tenderness in his eyes. “Now lay back down, you wore me out.”
“Old man.” Luke chuckled, kissed Reid’s chest softly and obeyed. Perfectly content to continue laying in Reid’s arms. They laid in silence as Luke ran his fingers over Reid’s stomach and chest and Reid’s hand return to caressing Luke’s back.
“Reid, I was just wondering…uh, how old are you?”
“Thirty-two.”
“Ah, so you’re twelve years older than me.”
“It that a problem for you?” Reid asked coldly, as his hand on Luke’s back came to a sudden stop.
Luke could feel the tension starting to build in Reid’s body.
“What?! No, no, not at all.” He tightened his arms around Reid and shook his head. “I didn’t know and really, I don’t care. I knew you were older, being a doctor and all and I-I guess I was just curious. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Luke, you didn’t offend me. It’s a valid question. I am older, quite a bit older in fact, and it should be a concern for you. I was just concerned that you thought that I was too old.”
“No! Of course I don’t think you’re too old. Actually I hadn’t really given it much thought before. I just knew that I liked you, I liked talking to you. What about you? Does it bother you that I’m only twenty?” Luke hesitantly looks at Reid.
“Are you serious? Luke, I knew you were a lot younger, hey at least you’re legal.” Reid tries to laugh. “No, seriously Luke, I like you too. You have a maturity that when talking with you, I sometimes forget just how young you are. You make me forget how old I am.”
“Reid, thirty-two isn’t that old.” Luke kisses him. “I don’t care about the age difference, not at all. Like I said, I was just curious, now we know and we can move on.”
“Good idea.” Reid rolls Luke onto his back and takes control of the kiss.
After a few minutes of sharing deep kisses and soft touches, Reid pulls back before things get too heated.
“Not that I’m complaining but are we going to eat dinner sometime tonight? I need to build my strength back up.”
Luke laughs “Oh man, I forgot, I promised you food. There’s a room service menu in the other room, I’ll go get it and we can decide what to order.” Luke rolled out from under Reid to get out of bed. He winces as he stands.
Reid is immediately standing next to him, “Luke are you okay? Did I hurt you?”
Luke gives him a gentle smile as he lays a hand on Reid’s chest. “I’m fine, just a little tender. I just wasn’t expecting it and I guess I moved too suddenly. I’m good, nothing to worry about.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I’ll be right back.”
Reid followed Luke out of the bedroom, both of them walking around naked and unembarrassed. Luke heads over to the kitchen.
“Hey Luke, just order me a steak, medium-rare, with mushrooms, an order of fries and see if they have any apple pie. Thanks.” Reid says before disappearing into the bathroom.
When Reid walks back into the room, Luke is hanging up the in-room phone.
“Dinner will be here in about thirty minutes.”
“Perfect. Now, come with me.”
“Reid?”
“You’re going to take a bath.” Reid says as he guides Luke into the steam-filled bathroom and to the water filled tub.
“Are you joining me?” Luke looks back at Reid over his shoulder and bites his lip.
“No, this is for you. You’re sweaty, sticky and sore, you’re the one who needs this.” Reid kisses Luke’s cheek. “Now, get in and enjoy this nice heated bath and relax those muscles
before dinner gets here.”
Luke turns to face Reid. “You’re sticky and sweaty too.” Luke points out, trailing a finger down Reid’s chest. “There is more than enough room to fit us both comfortably. Besides, I think I’ll be able to relax more if you join me. Please.”
Unable to resist the pleading in Luke’s brown eyes, Reid kisses him. “Fine, if you insist.”
Reid settled into the water with his back against the tub. Luke gingerly sat in front of him, leaning his back against Reid’s chest and laying his head on Reid’s shoulder.
“Comfortable?”
“Yes Reid, very much so. You?” His hands resting upon Reid’s thighs.
“Yes I am. This was a good idea, glad I thought of it.” he replies smugly, which makes Luke laugh. He starts to lightly touch Luke’s torso with his fingers, needing the intimate contact and seeking to know every inch of skin. Movement stops when he touches the scar on Luke’s right side. Reid lays his right hand over the scar tenderly, as if holding a fragile gift.
“When was your transplant?”
Luke sighs before responding quietly. “Uh, four years ago, when I was sixteen.”
“Luke, I’m not trying to upset you, it’s just that I noticed it and the one on your back earlier and wondered what the hell happened to you. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. Just tell me to mind my own business.”
“No, I’m not upset. It’s just…it’s embarrassing.” He lays his right hand over Reid’s. “I’m an alcoholic.”
Reid remains silent, he just takes a hold of Luke’s left hand and squeezes it. He sensed that Luke didn’t need any words just his presence.
“Before I came out, I struggled with accepting that I was gay. I hated being different than everyone I knew. It sucked knowing that I was different at a time when all I wanted was to fit in. I didn’t know how to tell anyone what I was feeling or even who I could tell. I just felt so alone. It was hard, constantly trying to hide the fact that I was gay. I would drink to feel ‘normal’ and to not feel anything at all. When I was drunk, it felt as if all my problems just magically disappeared, I felt a sense of freedom. I was free of the pain. But not really because then I’d sober up and it would be worse. Stupid me would then just drink more and eventually I got addicted to it, I needed it. I was so freaking stupid. What an idiot I was. Then I happened to get a really bad kidney infection, and my kidneys were already so damaged from the alcohol that a transplant was the only option left. Hell, it’s not even a perfect match, but dying idiots can’t be too choosy now can they? I bet right about now, you’re wondering what the hell you’re doing getting involved with me.”
“And you’d be wrong. I don’t regret one moment I’ve spent with you.” Reid replies, before kissing Luke’s temple. “Can I ask, when was the last time you had a drink?
“Uh…New Year’s Eve.”
“So, not quite two weeks ago? What triggered it this time?”
“It was a stupid reason. I was feeling lonely. Noah had broken up with me in November and we hadn’t spoke in all that time. Then on New Year’s Eve I saw him with Allison, they were on a double date with our friends Casey and Maddie. He was kissing her. I couldn’t handle it. I just saw all these happy couples and I got jealous. I grabbed a bottle of vodka from the bar.”
“He was kissing a girl? What, is he bi?”
“Could be, Ally’s not the only girl he’s been involved with and he was dating her before we got together. I was hurt and jealous that he seemed to have moved on. So I got drunk and wandered through Old Town. I ended up finding Brian. He had been hitting on me for months but no one had believed me when I told them. There he was sitting on a bench all alone and there I was all alone, so I sat with him. I wasn’t even thinking- all I knew was that he had wanted me- so I kissed him. I was just looking for some attention. I was so drunk I didn’t even care that he was married to my grandmother. I didn’t care that what I was doing would hurt Lucinda. I guess I was lucky that Brian knew I was drunk and pathetic and he pulled away. He stopped me and took me home. In the morning, he admitted to Grandmother that he was gay and even tried to take the blame for me kissing him. I couldn’t let him do that, it was my mistake and I owed it to Grandmother to be honest. God I hated myself for hurting her. She’s mad at me but she told me that she just needs some time before she can forgive me.” Luke takes a deep breath and shakes his head. “Do you know that I hadn’t had a drink in two and a half years. I know that there’s no excuse for what I did, I just made another stupid choice. After talking to Grandmother, I called my sponsor and started attending meetings again. I haven’t had a drink since then. I know that’s not some great accomplishment, but it’s a start. I’ve just been taking it day by day and concentrating on my work.”
Luke’s eyes closed as Reid hugged him.
“I’m sorry, you probably didn’t want to hear all that. Sometimes I don’t know when to shut up.”
“Luke, don’t you dare apologize. If I didn’t want to know, I wouldn’t have asked. And just so you know, I want to know everything about you, the good and the bad. It’s what makes you who you are, and I like you just the way you are.” Reid softly kisses the top of Luke’s head. “Now, besides all the emotional shit I just forced you to relive, how are your muscles doing? Still sore? Did the hot water help at all?”
“Actually, I feel quite relaxed. I think I could get used to sitting in a tub with you, it is rather nice.”
“I believe that could be arranged, though next time we’ll have a bit more fun. Now we need to get out. We’re starting to look like prunes and I think dinner will be arriving soon.”
They step out of the tub and take turns drying each other off. Reid grabs Luke by the waist and pulls his body into him. They exchange soft kisses, then they stand forehead to forehead just holding each other.
Reid breaks the silence, speaking softly.
“Luke, sometimes all you can do is face each day as it comes and move on to the next. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like for you but I am proud of you for accepting that you have a problem and are doing what you can to work through it. That shows a lot of strength and I know it can’t be easy.” He looks into Luke’s chocolate colored eyes and takes a deep breath before continuing. “Can you promise me something? I need you to take care of yourself, no more alcohol, okay? Call whomever you need to. Hell I’ll give you my number and if you feel like drinking, you can call me and I’ll talk you out of it. You don’t need to go through this alone. Please do whatever you need to do to keep from drinking ever again. I need to know that you’re going to be okay.”
“I can do that Reid, no more alcohol. I promise you that I will never touch alcohol again. I never want to hurt anyone I care about or myself like that ever again.”
“Good.” Reid tightens his hold and kisses Luke’s forehead, before stepping back.
Luke takes one of the white bathrobes hanging on the back of the door and puts it on.
“Two robes? Were you expecting company?” Reid asks with a raised eyebrow.
“No, and you know that.” Luke replies as they hear faint knocking. “I thought it was odd that there were two when the room was reserved for a single.”
“Maybe it was a sign.” Reid winks at Luke, before they both laugh.
“Get dressed while I go get your dinner.” Luke says as he tosses the second robe at Reid.
NEXT
Reid couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this content. Sure, he’d had great orgasms before but he usually walked away shortly afterwards, or sent the other guy on his way. This was new. Luke was curled into his side, with his head resting on Reid’s chest. Reid had no desire to move him away. He laid there with one hand caressing Luke’s back and the other resting on Luke’s arm that was currently wrapped around Reid’s waist.
Reid had been a bit nervous when Luke confessed to being a virgin- all of his previous sexual partners had been experienced. Reid had felt as if a great responsibility (and honor) had been given to him, he didn’t want to hurt Luke and he had tried to make the experience as enjoyable for him as possible. Given that Luke was still snuggled up to him and not pushing him out of bed, Reid believed that he had succeeded.
After kissing Luke, Reid had slowed things down. He decided that they would take their time, he did not want to rush through Luke’s first time. They had removed the rest of their clothing and returned to the bed to slow, easy kisses. Reid then let Luke kiss, touch and explore his body as much as he wanted before turning his attention back to Luke’s body. Reid took his time, making sure that Luke was properly aroused and his body was ready before they had sex. That Luke had been so vocal, letting Reid know what he liked and wanted more of, had been such a turn on. It had been one of the single best sexual experiences of Reid’s life and he was hoping to have a repeat performance. For now though, he was content just to hold the other man in his arms. He leaned up a bit to press a soft kiss to the top of Luke’s head.
Luke turned his head to look at Reid. He smiled shyly. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself.” His hand moved up to cup Luke’s cheek. “Are you okay?”
Luke’s smile brightened and his cheeks had a soft blush, he nodded. “Yeah, I am…never better.”
“Good.” Reid gave a small smile, but Luke could see the tenderness in his eyes. “Now lay back down, you wore me out.”
“Old man.” Luke chuckled, kissed Reid’s chest softly and obeyed. Perfectly content to continue laying in Reid’s arms. They laid in silence as Luke ran his fingers over Reid’s stomach and chest and Reid’s hand return to caressing Luke’s back.
“Reid, I was just wondering…uh, how old are you?”
“Thirty-two.”
“Ah, so you’re twelve years older than me.”
“It that a problem for you?” Reid asked coldly, as his hand on Luke’s back came to a sudden stop.
Luke could feel the tension starting to build in Reid’s body.
“What?! No, no, not at all.” He tightened his arms around Reid and shook his head. “I didn’t know and really, I don’t care. I knew you were older, being a doctor and all and I-I guess I was just curious. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Luke, you didn’t offend me. It’s a valid question. I am older, quite a bit older in fact, and it should be a concern for you. I was just concerned that you thought that I was too old.”
“No! Of course I don’t think you’re too old. Actually I hadn’t really given it much thought before. I just knew that I liked you, I liked talking to you. What about you? Does it bother you that I’m only twenty?” Luke hesitantly looks at Reid.
“Are you serious? Luke, I knew you were a lot younger, hey at least you’re legal.” Reid tries to laugh. “No, seriously Luke, I like you too. You have a maturity that when talking with you, I sometimes forget just how young you are. You make me forget how old I am.”
“Reid, thirty-two isn’t that old.” Luke kisses him. “I don’t care about the age difference, not at all. Like I said, I was just curious, now we know and we can move on.”
“Good idea.” Reid rolls Luke onto his back and takes control of the kiss.
After a few minutes of sharing deep kisses and soft touches, Reid pulls back before things get too heated.
“Not that I’m complaining but are we going to eat dinner sometime tonight? I need to build my strength back up.”
Luke laughs “Oh man, I forgot, I promised you food. There’s a room service menu in the other room, I’ll go get it and we can decide what to order.” Luke rolled out from under Reid to get out of bed. He winces as he stands.
Reid is immediately standing next to him, “Luke are you okay? Did I hurt you?”
Luke gives him a gentle smile as he lays a hand on Reid’s chest. “I’m fine, just a little tender. I just wasn’t expecting it and I guess I moved too suddenly. I’m good, nothing to worry about.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I’ll be right back.”
Reid followed Luke out of the bedroom, both of them walking around naked and unembarrassed. Luke heads over to the kitchen.
“Hey Luke, just order me a steak, medium-rare, with mushrooms, an order of fries and see if they have any apple pie. Thanks.” Reid says before disappearing into the bathroom.
When Reid walks back into the room, Luke is hanging up the in-room phone.
“Dinner will be here in about thirty minutes.”
“Perfect. Now, come with me.”
“Reid?”
“You’re going to take a bath.” Reid says as he guides Luke into the steam-filled bathroom and to the water filled tub.
“Are you joining me?” Luke looks back at Reid over his shoulder and bites his lip.
“No, this is for you. You’re sweaty, sticky and sore, you’re the one who needs this.” Reid kisses Luke’s cheek. “Now, get in and enjoy this nice heated bath and relax those muscles
before dinner gets here.”
Luke turns to face Reid. “You’re sticky and sweaty too.” Luke points out, trailing a finger down Reid’s chest. “There is more than enough room to fit us both comfortably. Besides, I think I’ll be able to relax more if you join me. Please.”
Unable to resist the pleading in Luke’s brown eyes, Reid kisses him. “Fine, if you insist.”
Reid settled into the water with his back against the tub. Luke gingerly sat in front of him, leaning his back against Reid’s chest and laying his head on Reid’s shoulder.
“Comfortable?”
“Yes Reid, very much so. You?” His hands resting upon Reid’s thighs.
“Yes I am. This was a good idea, glad I thought of it.” he replies smugly, which makes Luke laugh. He starts to lightly touch Luke’s torso with his fingers, needing the intimate contact and seeking to know every inch of skin. Movement stops when he touches the scar on Luke’s right side. Reid lays his right hand over the scar tenderly, as if holding a fragile gift.
“When was your transplant?”
Luke sighs before responding quietly. “Uh, four years ago, when I was sixteen.”
“Luke, I’m not trying to upset you, it’s just that I noticed it and the one on your back earlier and wondered what the hell happened to you. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. Just tell me to mind my own business.”
“No, I’m not upset. It’s just…it’s embarrassing.” He lays his right hand over Reid’s. “I’m an alcoholic.”
Reid remains silent, he just takes a hold of Luke’s left hand and squeezes it. He sensed that Luke didn’t need any words just his presence.
“Before I came out, I struggled with accepting that I was gay. I hated being different than everyone I knew. It sucked knowing that I was different at a time when all I wanted was to fit in. I didn’t know how to tell anyone what I was feeling or even who I could tell. I just felt so alone. It was hard, constantly trying to hide the fact that I was gay. I would drink to feel ‘normal’ and to not feel anything at all. When I was drunk, it felt as if all my problems just magically disappeared, I felt a sense of freedom. I was free of the pain. But not really because then I’d sober up and it would be worse. Stupid me would then just drink more and eventually I got addicted to it, I needed it. I was so freaking stupid. What an idiot I was. Then I happened to get a really bad kidney infection, and my kidneys were already so damaged from the alcohol that a transplant was the only option left. Hell, it’s not even a perfect match, but dying idiots can’t be too choosy now can they? I bet right about now, you’re wondering what the hell you’re doing getting involved with me.”
“And you’d be wrong. I don’t regret one moment I’ve spent with you.” Reid replies, before kissing Luke’s temple. “Can I ask, when was the last time you had a drink?
“Uh…New Year’s Eve.”
“So, not quite two weeks ago? What triggered it this time?”
“It was a stupid reason. I was feeling lonely. Noah had broken up with me in November and we hadn’t spoke in all that time. Then on New Year’s Eve I saw him with Allison, they were on a double date with our friends Casey and Maddie. He was kissing her. I couldn’t handle it. I just saw all these happy couples and I got jealous. I grabbed a bottle of vodka from the bar.”
“He was kissing a girl? What, is he bi?”
“Could be, Ally’s not the only girl he’s been involved with and he was dating her before we got together. I was hurt and jealous that he seemed to have moved on. So I got drunk and wandered through Old Town. I ended up finding Brian. He had been hitting on me for months but no one had believed me when I told them. There he was sitting on a bench all alone and there I was all alone, so I sat with him. I wasn’t even thinking- all I knew was that he had wanted me- so I kissed him. I was just looking for some attention. I was so drunk I didn’t even care that he was married to my grandmother. I didn’t care that what I was doing would hurt Lucinda. I guess I was lucky that Brian knew I was drunk and pathetic and he pulled away. He stopped me and took me home. In the morning, he admitted to Grandmother that he was gay and even tried to take the blame for me kissing him. I couldn’t let him do that, it was my mistake and I owed it to Grandmother to be honest. God I hated myself for hurting her. She’s mad at me but she told me that she just needs some time before she can forgive me.” Luke takes a deep breath and shakes his head. “Do you know that I hadn’t had a drink in two and a half years. I know that there’s no excuse for what I did, I just made another stupid choice. After talking to Grandmother, I called my sponsor and started attending meetings again. I haven’t had a drink since then. I know that’s not some great accomplishment, but it’s a start. I’ve just been taking it day by day and concentrating on my work.”
Luke’s eyes closed as Reid hugged him.
“I’m sorry, you probably didn’t want to hear all that. Sometimes I don’t know when to shut up.”
“Luke, don’t you dare apologize. If I didn’t want to know, I wouldn’t have asked. And just so you know, I want to know everything about you, the good and the bad. It’s what makes you who you are, and I like you just the way you are.” Reid softly kisses the top of Luke’s head. “Now, besides all the emotional shit I just forced you to relive, how are your muscles doing? Still sore? Did the hot water help at all?”
“Actually, I feel quite relaxed. I think I could get used to sitting in a tub with you, it is rather nice.”
“I believe that could be arranged, though next time we’ll have a bit more fun. Now we need to get out. We’re starting to look like prunes and I think dinner will be arriving soon.”
They step out of the tub and take turns drying each other off. Reid grabs Luke by the waist and pulls his body into him. They exchange soft kisses, then they stand forehead to forehead just holding each other.
Reid breaks the silence, speaking softly.
“Luke, sometimes all you can do is face each day as it comes and move on to the next. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like for you but I am proud of you for accepting that you have a problem and are doing what you can to work through it. That shows a lot of strength and I know it can’t be easy.” He looks into Luke’s chocolate colored eyes and takes a deep breath before continuing. “Can you promise me something? I need you to take care of yourself, no more alcohol, okay? Call whomever you need to. Hell I’ll give you my number and if you feel like drinking, you can call me and I’ll talk you out of it. You don’t need to go through this alone. Please do whatever you need to do to keep from drinking ever again. I need to know that you’re going to be okay.”
“I can do that Reid, no more alcohol. I promise you that I will never touch alcohol again. I never want to hurt anyone I care about or myself like that ever again.”
“Good.” Reid tightens his hold and kisses Luke’s forehead, before stepping back.
Luke takes one of the white bathrobes hanging on the back of the door and puts it on.
“Two robes? Were you expecting company?” Reid asks with a raised eyebrow.
“No, and you know that.” Luke replies as they hear faint knocking. “I thought it was odd that there were two when the room was reserved for a single.”
“Maybe it was a sign.” Reid winks at Luke, before they both laugh.
“Get dressed while I go get your dinner.” Luke says as he tosses the second robe at Reid.
NEXT