Cruising/Chapter 10
Title: Cruising/ chapter ten
Author: Rebop 13
Artist: pirl
Rating: Much NC-17ness. Yea!
Disclaimer: They aren't mine, but I own the lube.
Characters/Pairings: Luke, Noah, Ameera, Lucinda, many, many OC's
Word Count: Lots. Sorry, but my %&$#@ Mac writing program has no word count.
Warnings: Some angst. I mean, this is me.
Spoilers: None. We are way into AU land.
Summary: AU. Luke and Noah are emotionally blackmailed into going on a gay cruise. Romcom antics, misunderstandings, hot sex, schmoop, snappy dialogue and angst ensue. Also lots of lovely international scenery and fine cuisine.
Author’s Notes: OMG. Thank you Moey Mo for be so tolerant of my incredibly tardy ass. This thing came down to the wire, and for awhile, I didn't think I was going to make it. I am so grateful you didn't spank me and send me to my corner. Also pirl, for being both incredibly gracious, patient and talented-you rock so hard, you would scare Mick Jagger. I love Luke's cowboy stance and Noah's nose. And sorry to all my wonderful Nukies, who I've missed terribly. As usual, long story, but like a bad penny, I will continue to turn up. Hugs and smishings to all.
If you looked at it one way, not going ashore to Rome was pretty absurd. it was the crown jewel of the trip, the Eternal City-home to popes and emperors, artists and poets, saints and sinners.
But Luke had found something far better to explore.
Noah Mayer.
His new lover's beauty rivaled any marble statue of Apollo or Bacchus carved by Roman masters. Noah was all long, graceful limbs and rock hard muscle, and Luke loved seeing him sprawled out on his bed, naked and aroused. Instead of dipping a hand into the waters of the Trevi fountain, Luke caressed the smooth curves of Noah's ass and the chiseled planes of his stomach. The dusting of freckles on Noah's wide shoulders were more a work of art than anything painted by Raphael, and the scent of his skin was headier than the incense burned in the Sistine chapel.
It was like they were playing hooky from not only the cruise, but the whole world. Nothing else existed outside the confines of Luke's cabin, although Noah made a brief foray to retrieve a few necessities from his own room. Otherwise there was no intrusion from reality, save room service and maids leaving fresh towels outside.
They ate, they talked, they slept, they showered, they laughed and they fucked. Luke had somehow forgotten how good sex could be, and in Noah he had a very considerate, generous lover that gave as much as he took. He was terribly sexy without being aware of it, and seem to enjoy the cuddling and pillow talk as much as the down and dirty sex.
And oh, was it dirty and good. They tested out every available surface and location-the bathroom counter, the shower, a chair, the floor. Luke felt like a starving man at a banquet, and Noah was a most generous host. He was sort of surprised they hadn't broken the bed.
Even their amped up libidos needed a break now and again, and they took long naps and fed each other ripe strawberries and bits of bread and cheese. Noah seemed to especially like curling up next to Luke to watch a movie on his lap top, and he talked Luke in to downloading a few classics, including a film called Summertime, with Katherine Hepburn.
Luke fell in love with the movie and Katherine herself, playing an uptight old maid who has a brief, passionate fling with a married Venetian merchant. Luke was surprised by the ending-he somehow had the idea that all old films were always "happily ever after", and this was realistically bittersweet. The beautiful photography also whetted his appetite for the upcoming Venice, the second to the last city on their Mediterranean tour.
It was an event that Luke didn't really want to think about. Right now he wanted to be suspended in time, and not contemplate the future. Although he was utterly grateful that Noah finally nudged him-with some incredible kisses on a sun drenched road-under the surface, he had some real doubts and worries.
He'd come to care deeply for Noah-there was no denying it. But as hard as he tried to shed his fear, he still kept some armor over his heart. It wasn't logical, either-Noah was nothing like Hugh. But love was rarely rational, and Luke was terrified if he took that final step, it would open him up to another wounding. He doubted he'd survive another.
But with each passing hour, it was becoming more and more difficult to resist the tidal pull of Noah Mayer. Especially at this very moment.
Noah had just taken a shower, and emerged still a bit damp, skin flushed from the warm water. He was dangerously sexy, with a towel was slung low on his impossibly narrow hips, the fuzz on his lower belly beaded with water. Luke also got a glorious whiff of soap and cologne and man. Noah grinned at Luke, who was lying on his stomach, reading a book, his somewhat dorky glasses on, and little else. Luke hadn't really bothered to get dressed in the last forty-eight hours-clothing had become very optional.
Luke peered at him over his glasses."So-should we finally rejoin our fellow passengers and have breakfast in public?"
Noah shook his head no, rather adamantly. "Sorry. Breakfast on deck would not include a view of a sexy, naked bibliophile with horn rims. I highly doubt they have anything more enticing to offer." His dark blue eyes crinkled as he smiled.
Luke pretended to pout."These are not horn rims."
"Are so. You look like a character from Madmen. Really retro. But the effect is counteracted by the fact that you are also butt naked." And with that, Noah whipped off his towel and expertly used it to give Luke a sharp pop on the ass. At Luke's howl of indignation, Noah just laughed. "Sorry-it was too tempting a target." He took another shot, but Luke, a former athlete and locker room vet, grabbed it. They started to play tug of war, and Luke almost made Noah tumble into the bed, but then Noah yanked him halfway off. It was horseplay, pure and simple, and they wrestled around, trash talking and snorting with laughter, Luke's glasses sliding off his nose.
Luke finally gave the towel one last good, hard yank and pulled it out of Noah's grasp. He gave his butt a triumphant, sharp snap, leaving a considerable welt. Noah yelped, and while he was distracted, Luke spun him around and shoved him against the wall, pinning his long arms over his head. They both were raggedly breathing, and their playful, silly mood suddenly evaporated.
"I win." Luke said, voice sounding more in control than he actually felt.
"Yeah. I guess you do." Noah's mouth was a mere inch from his own. He could smell his minty Crest toothpaste.
Luke licked his lips, which felt dry. it was surprising how dizzying the arousal still was, considering all the sex he'd been having. But Luke had a feeling that Noah would forever have this effect on him. He looked into Noah's eyes, which were staring into his intently. Up close they were a warm, deep blue, like the Mediterranean drenched in the noon day sun. Luke kept a firm grasp on Noah's wrists as he leaned closer to kiss him. Noah moaned a little, low in his throat, tongue softly playing against Luke's. Luke groaned himself, his burgeoning erection brushing up against Noah's.
He finally pulled out of the kiss, and Noah eyed him hungrily, but didn't move, keeping very still in Luke's artificial trap. Luke liked this game, and it was one they had yet to play, even with all the recent wild experimentation. They were both fairly flexible when it came to bottom or top, but there were times when Luke really enjoyed taking charge.
This was going to be so damn good.
He kissed his way down Noah's long neck, licked his collarbone, worried one of his nipples with his teeth, which puckered and hardened under his ministrations. Noah really loved this, and he gasped his approval. Luke then got a wicked idea, and said in a short, clipped voice, "Turn around." Noah swallowed hard, adam's apple bobbing, then he slowly moved to face the wall. "And don't you move."
Noah nodded his agreement, hands still braced against the wall by Luke. Luke feathered kisses on the back of Noah's neck first, which made him shudder, and then over his well muscled shoulders. Luke loved Noah's back. It was so masculine and strong, making a perfect triangle down to his impossibly small ass. He ran his lips down Noah's vertebrae bumps and then got to the charming, dimpled indentations at the base of Noah's spine. He saluted each one with a kiss before kneeling on the floor and going lower. Noah's breathing began to quicken in short little dog-like pants, and he was resting his head on his arms. Luke soothingly stroked his long, lanky thighs, which were trembling like a race horse before the gate opened.
He bit each rock hard ass cheek, leaving bruises, then parted Noah's cleft to get to his goal. He ran his tongue over that rosy little pucker, making Noah cry out. The moans got even wilder and more helpless as Luke explored even deeper, tasting him. He'd made Noah come before just doing this, so he held back a little, not letting it go too far. He had bigger plans in mind.
He took his lover right to the edge, making him gasp and sob. Then he quickly stood up, first grabbing a condom and the lube from the nearby nightstand. The were actually starting to run low, which made him smile a little. Noah glanced backwards at him, eyes a little frantic and pleading. "Luke…" he begged.
"Give me a second, baby. I'll hurry." He tore open the condom and rolled it over his dick, which was so hard it was almost painful. He smeared his erection with lube and then drizzled some over his hand. He quickly prepped Noah, who made the whole situation even more charged by pushing back on his fingers. "You like that, huh?" Luke crooned, knowing that Noah really got off on dirty talk. "Want me to fuck that tight little ass of yours?"
"Oh god-yes, yes…" Noah answered, voice now desperate."Please…"
"Got a big hard cock all ready for you, baby." Luke whispered in Noah's ear. He halfway grinned at the bad porn dialogue, which really worked nevertheless. He got himself into position and slowly slid inside Noah's tight, hot channel. Goddamn. It was fucking heaven. They both groaned in unison.
Luke knew he wasn't going to last long, so he needed to make this as rough and good as possible. He reached around Noah's slender waist and grasped his dick, which was like a heated iron bar in his hand. "Gonna make you come so hard you forget your name." Noah just moaned in response, and Luke took this as his cue to start slamming home.
Luke' cock hit Noah's sweet spot with every frantic stroke, and Noah's cries of pleasure were loud and increasingly more unhinged in his ears. Luke was noisy too, he was reduced to primitive, "Uh, uh, uh…" grunts as his balls tightened and his entire body felt like it was on fire. He was distantly aware of Noah's leaking cock, coating his hand with precome, but he resisted the temptation to stroke it and bring Noah to release. He wanted to keep the exquisite torment up as long as he possibly could.
His own body had other ideas, however. His climax hit him like a runaway truck from behind, making him howl and bite down on Noah's shoulder. His thrusts stuttered and stopped as the pleasure shuddered through his body. As he drew in a breath, Noah made this little whimpering sound, and Luke kissed his shoulder. "Come for me, baby." He pushed his cock balls deep as he roughly pumped Noah's throbbing erection, which twitched in his hand before sending a hot fountain of come over his fingers. Noah moaned low in his throat and almost collapsed in his arms. Luke's legs were also like rubber, so he gently pulled out. Noah staggered to the bed and collapsed in a sweaty heap, and Luke, after pulling off the condom and depositing in the wastebasket, joined him. They were a warm tangle of sated bodies, relishing the scent of sex and satisfaction in the air. Noah pulled his close, looking at him with half closed eyes and a lazy, contented smile.
"So…" Noah said after a moment." I guess I'll have to go by John Doe for the rest of the voyage. As you indeed fucked me so hard I forgot my name…" He made a pretend puzzled face."Is it…Urkel?'
"Yup." Luke rubbed Noah's head, hair damp under his fingers. "Steven. You wear glasses, bow ties and high water trousers, and are really good at math." Noah's laugh rumbled like an old pickup, as Luke continued his head massage, making Noah's dark hair stick up at funny angles. No doubt his own hair was a fright wig. They both needed to take a shower, preferably together this time. Yummy. He was about to suggest it when his fingers brushed against something-a ridge of scar tissue. Luke touched it again, and found it ran all the way to the back of Noah's head. Noah, in the meantime, had gotten very still.
He rested a hand over Luke's. "My…my dad gave me a skull fracture." He then guided Luke's fingers under his jaw-there was another scar hidden under it."My jaw got broken as well-they had to reset it."
Luke felt his eyes welling up as Noah continued to explain the thin, pale scar running up his torso."He also broke eight ribs, one punctured a lung. "Noah finally rested Luke's hand on his hip bone. "I have a lot of metal in my pelvis too."
Luke's tears sprinkled over Noah's chest. The sudden sharp reality of what happened to Noah stabbed him deep, deep, deep, right in the heart. "Hey..." Noah said, cupping his face."Don't cry, Luke. Please don't."
"Your fucking father. I hate that you got so hurt." Luke sniffed, tasting his tears on his lips.
Noah wiped them away with a thumb."Well, I hate it too. But-I also survived it. My aunt Ruth said that I was a little like a phoenix, that I went through a fire and came out stronger afterwards. And-I am. It wasn't easy, but-I did. And now I'm so damn happy." Noah smiled, and it was incredible, as warm as and as beautiful as phoenix fire. "Because I'm here. With you."
I'm so glad you are, Luke wanted to say, insides melting. Because I love you. Those words were on his lips, begging him to say them. Noah had become more than a friend, a lover-what he suddenly felt for him almost hurt. He wanted to protect and love this sweet, sexy, adorable, goofy guy forever and ever. Share his life, dreams-everything.
He pushed hard against his doubts and fears, and tried to jump in with both feet, like he did when he was younger.
But the words stayed stuck in his throat, which shamed him. "I'm glad I'm here with you, too Urkel." Luke said, kissing his nose, as well as not looking into his eyes. "Now, let's go take a shower before we start sticking together. "he said briskly. "And I also want to get breakfast, which, as you may we were discussing before we got so, you know, distracted. I'm starving!"
"Orgasms make you bossy." Noah teased, slapping his butt. "Hopefully I didn't use all the hot water the first time around." He rolled off the bed and Luke followed, the guilt began to swamp him.
He told himself that he had time to finally find the courage.
Noah deserved no less.
*****
Venice was like a strange fever dream-it was so weird being at a place that was somehow so familiar and yet alien. Luke had read countless books set in it's watery canals, and Noah obviously had watched a number of movies.
It was also very crowded, and Luke had decided to maximize their enjoyment by planning ahead. They had two days in the fabled city, and while Noah was sleeping, he secretly got on his laptop and booked a night at very luxurious hotel as a surprise. He wanted to treat Noah, and set the stage for the most romantic time yet. He tried not to question his motives too deeply either, as he was still playing the Cleopatra game with himself- crowning himself the Queen of Denial.
The Evening Star docked at the vast, bustling Maratima terminal and Noah and Luke took a water taxi to Venice itself, along with Roland and Marco and a number of other passengers. Luke felt a little guilty over the fact that they had neglected their friends, although Roland was graciousness itself. He also obviously knew what they had been up to, and his eyes twinkled with a mischievous light. But since Roland's intimate body language with Marco also broadcast what they had been doing with their time, Roland could hardly tease them. Luke was very happy for the dignified, dapper man- Dr. Marco was obviously spoiling him.
Marco had numerous relatives in Venice, and he and Roland were going to spend most of their time with them, as well as squeak in a little sight seeing. Marco generously invited Luke and Noah along, but they both politely declined. The trip was winding down to it's end, and Luke was unapologetic about spending it all with his lover. it was a fact that still blew his mind more than a little, as it wasn't that long ago that he was dreading cruise and just wanting to hide in his room. Now he was with a sweet, beautiful man, about to explore one of the most romantic cities in the entire world.
The taxi got them to a dock on one of the main sections, or sestieri of Venice, San Marco. When Luke was finding a hotel online, he also did a little research and found that the old city was shaped a bit like a fish, and each of the sestieri had a title. Cannaregio was the brains, Dosoduro, the fins, Castello the tail, San Polo the heart, and San Marco was the belly. It also was the most famous.
They hugged Roland and Marco goodbye, and Luke found a vaporetto, a mode of transport favored by most Venetians- gondolas were inefficient, and mostly for tourists. Vaporettos were basically water buses. Luke managed to communicate with a friendly local-a mom with two rambunctious kids-although her accent was difficult for Luke to understand with his stumbling Italian. But he got directions to the hotel unbeknownst to Noah, and he grinned to himself in anticipation of the surprise.
"I think we get off here." Luke said as the vaporetto stopped at the front of the Hotel Luna Baglioni. It had a private dock, with red and white striped posts emerging from the water, old fashioned lanterns hanging from the wall.
"We do?" Noah was totally baffled, but he followed Luke off the boat anyway. He stared at the tasteful sign, which screamed ' incredibly expensive' and 'five star', which it was. "Luke-this isn't the hotel booked through the cruise line-"
"I know." Luke interrupted him with a smile."I got us a room here instead. I wanted to do something extravagant on the last leg of the tour. My grandmother has stayed here-it's the oldest hotel in Venice. Which is really goddamn old-it goes back to the year 1152. The Knights of the Templar used it as a B&B."
Noah's mouth hung open in shock." Luke. God. That's really generous and kind of you, but-"
Luke channeled his inner Lucinda." Noah-don't argue. It's a treat, and believe me, I can afford it."
Noah blinked and Luke could see he was struggling with it, but he then leaned over and kissed Luke's cheek."Then I better just be gracious and give you a heartfelt thanks, sweetheart."
Luke's heart skipped several beats, and he squeezed Noah's hand. "You're welcome, baby."
Luke was used to luxury and wealth thanks to Lucinda, but even he felt intimidated just by the lobby. It was, in a word, exquisite-all warm yellows and honey colored wood. It was like being inside an art museum. Bewigged and powdered Venetians peered arrogantly down from gilt baroque frames, and white roses in carefully arranged vases dripped petals on the patterned marble floors. Noah was silent and wide eyed as the both checked in. The clerk was gracious and took pity on Luke after a few minutes, speaking to him in perfect English. They were guided by a porter down a lushly carpeted hallway, and both Luke and Noah gasped slightly when they were let inside their suite. The porter seemed amused by their reaction, and Luke hoped he handed him a suitable tip. The guy was no doubt used to serving celebrities and visiting dignitaries, so Luke didn't want to appear too penny ante. No doubt he did anyway.
"Shit, Luke-I should have at least gotten the tip." Noah said, seeming to shake himself from an awestruck stupor.
"You can buy me lunch." Luke said breezily. He walked over and drew aside a floor length curtain. It sent the late morning light across the room, making the red and gold walls glow. Luke had read that the light in Venice was different than anywhere else and it was true-all the reflected water from the canals made things seem softer and more surreal, and their room seemed like it was from another time.
Noah was staring at the stupendous bed, the headboard swathed in fabric. "This is like being on a movie set."
Luke opened the glass patio doors. "It gets even better-look at this." He stepped outside to a small, private porch, where you could see the city in all her glory, the spires of St. Mark's Basilica close by. The air smelled like salt and fish and garbage and ocean, a smell no doubt that the old Doge of Venice breathed in when he walked outside to sip his morning tea.
Noah wrapped his arms around Luke's waist, hugging him from behind. "Thank you for this." he said, kissing the side of Luke's neck.
Luke leaned back into the embrace, loving the safe feeling he had in Noah's arms. "You are so welcome." He then chuckled. "And now after all this fuss getting this fancy room, let's go out and explore the city." He waved an arm at the Venetian panorama , then turned and kissed Noah solidly on the mouth. "Although later on, I do want to fuck you senseless on five hundred thread count sheets."
Noah's face got adorably red."I, uh, like how you think, Mr. Snyder." He patted Luke's ass."Now-let's go play tourist."
****
Their first stop was the most famous-the Piazza San Marco. It was crawling with sightseers, but one was still able to enjoy the romantic grandeur of the place.
Towering over the square was the red stoned Campanile, a bell tower that tolled for all of Venice. There also was the Moor's Clock Tower, named for the bronze giants at the very top, who struck a large bell to mark the passage of time. On it's soft ivory facade was also the winged lion of St. Mark, framed by tiles of lapis blue and glittering gold stars. The Madonna perched above the enormous clock face, decorated with gilded signs of the zodiac.
Even more spectacular though, was the onion domed Basilica of San Marco. Luke had become an addicted reader of guidebooks, and Noah, much to his credit, never was annoyed by it. The Basilica was created to house the remains of St. Mark the apostle, apparently purloined by the Venetians in the 800's and smuggled from Alexandria in a barrel of pork. Luke wondered what the great evangelist would have thought of that. The Venetians spent a lot of time and money making up for this initial indignity, and created a Byzantine work of elaborate art to house the saints old bones. It was a testament to the wealth and power of the old Venetians, and when Luke and Noah finally got inside, they both let out an audible gasp. It was like being trapped in the interior of a Faberge egg, rich and ornate beyond compare. The vaulted ceilings were covered in gleaming gold mosaics, with dour saints and magnificent winged archangels guarding over St. Mark, hidden behind the sacristy.
But most spectacular of all were the four horses, another audacious bit of Venetian larceny. They were older than old, stolen from the top of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the last remains of the Roman Empire. The Venetians had placed them on top of the Basilica entrance, where they proudly stood for centuries, until these ancient works of art had to be moved inside for fear of damage by pollution. it was a wise decision, as they were priceless.
Luke loved horses, knew them inside and out, and he was profoundly moved by the sculptures. They were a proud quartet, and even though they were cast in bronze and gilded with gold, there was life in their arched necks and raised hooves. You could almost hear them snort and whicker. Luke felt a kinship with the long dad and forgotten artist, who also really knew horses and understood their power and beauty. He felt tears spring to his eyes, then he felt a little embarrassed. There was a soft touch to his hand, and he glanced at Noah, who just quietly smiled at him. he could tell that Noah was under their spell too, and he felt a burst of feeling for him, that made his heart ache. However, it was much too public a place to snog him senseless.
A heartbeat away was the Doge's Palace, the seat of power for old Venice. It reminded Luke a little of a birthday cake, with endless carved marble columns. The Doge ruled surrounded by untold splendor, the gilt and elaborate ornament was almost suffocating, paintings and sculptures crammed into every available space. Luke allowed his imagination to drift back to the Renaissance, where troubadours serenaded velvet clad aristocrats and the dazzling Venetian courtesans, known far and wide for their beauty, brains and wit. And, as Luke's guidebook told him, this was a place of extremes, as underneath the palace's patterned floors was a damp, terrible prison, where the condemned never again saw the light of day. It was a sobering thought.
By now the afternoon had became warm and muggy, and both Luke and Noah were on extreme visual overload. They decided to take a break and ducked into a enotecre, or winebar, which also happily served food. They sat outside and watched the passing crowd, resting their feet and eating the Italian version of New Orleans po'boy sandwich. The Venetian's stuffed theirs with practically everything-shrimp, olives, fresh tomatoes, eggs, tuna-all slathered in mayo and messy and good. Refreshed, they journeyed on to the next touchstone of Venice, the Rialto Bridge, which had arched over the Grand Canal since the 1500's.
It was predictably packed, and the inside of the bridge was lined with small shops, which also led to a large market area. Luke got his first glimpse of Venetian glass and the inevitable Carnival masks Venice was famous for. Much of the merchandise was overpriced tchotchkes made for tourists, but there was also real artistry represented as well. Luke bought his sisters and his mother some lovely perfume bottles, and Noah followed suit with one for his aunt and his friend Ameera.
Luke lost track of Noah for a bit, debating on wether to purchase a really pricy replica of the bronze horses-as well as how to get them home. Much to the shopkeeper's disappointment, he elected to get a bunch of postcards of them instead. He returned to the narrow streets and looked around for Noah, panicking a little when he found that he was nowhere in sight. He peered into several store windows, finally seeing Noah's tall, lanky form inside one, standing at the counter. He started a little when Luke appeared at his elbow.
"I thought that I was the one that had a tendency to wander away." Luke said, giving his arm a poke.
Noah smiled a bit sheepishly."Sorry-my bad. I got distracted by all the wonderful things in here."
Luke finally took notice of his current surroundings, and realized he was in a small and rather exquisite toy shop. Noah said "Grazie." to the clerk, and picked up a paper bag. From it's interior, he pulled out a little stuffed tiger. "This is for my honorary nephew, Navi." Noah reached hesitantly into the bag again."And…I hope you don't mind. I, uh, got this for Toby. You said he liked puppets."
Luke was so touched, he didn't even register what it was at first. He got more emotional when he saw it was a elephant hand puppet, with shiny jet black beaded eyes and wise expression.
"Noah…it''s perfect. He'll love it." Tears clouded his eyes yet again."He's crazy about elephants."
Noah's grin became sweeter and more lopsided."I know. Horton Hears a Who. You told me."
The armor around Luke's heart got a bigger chink in it, right then and there.
****
They returned to the hotel to deposit their treasures, and take a quick shower to wash off the sweat and the grime from the streets. Luke was very tempted to begin some of the promised hanky-panky, but he also wanted to see Venice at night. So they took solo showers and Luke didn't use any hot water, which was necessary.
Refreshed and energized, Luke decided to bow to inevitable and talked Noah into hiring a gondola. It cost a bomb, but Luke didn't care and refused to let Noah pay for any of it.
Their gondolier was named Franco, and he was funny and charming, and spoke very good English. He was obviously proud of his city and very knowledgable about it's rich history. Luke asked him about his job, and he turned out to be the latest in a long line of gondoliers, that went back to the 17th century. Franco told them that during the gondola's heyday ten thousand of them rowed about the city. Today there were only four hundred, and used mostly by tourists.
Franco was very good at his profession, and navigated the canals with ease. Luke also appreciated the fact that he also knew when to shut up, and let them drink in the atmosphere. And it was enchanting, in spite of the tourist trappings. Franco took them down one of the quieter areas, where ordinary Venetians lived. Luke saw balconies trailing flowers and washing on the line, and heard an unlikely Beyonce song coming from out of an open window. The twilight deepened and the sky went purple and blue, and in-between the time worn buildings, Luke could see a slip of a moon and goddess Venus herself, the evening star. The lights from the buildings reflected on the the darkening water, and the swish of Franco's oar mixed in with the sounds of echoed laughter and music. It was like falling into a dream.
Luke kept glancing at Noah, who seemed enraptured by the whole thing, a look of wonder on his face. Luke loved his shadowed profile, as well as the feel of his strong hand resting in his. It was good to share this with someone who understood the magic.
Franco rowed them to a more populated area, passing near one of the most famous sights in Venice, the poetically named Bridge of Sighs. He told them that it was a bridge that led to one of the Doge's prisons, and that Lord Byron coined the term, as it was the last sight many of the convicted had of the outside world. Franco also added that there was also a happier story connected to the bridge-if sweethearts kissed while passing underneath it, they would be granted a lifetime of love and happiness.
It was an obvious bit of tourist pleasing patter, and Luke had to smile. He then stopped smiling when he caught Noah's expression. There was so much love and longing there, it took his breath away. It also made him panic, and he drew away a little, rocking the gondola. Noah looked away, obviously embarrassed, and Luke hated himself for causing it.
Trip at an end, Noah recovered from the awkward moment rather quickly, asking Franco to recommend a restaurant for dinner. He dropped them off near a place called La Bitta, which seemed like more of a neighborhood haunt than a tourist trap. They both thanked Franco for the journey and the the wonderful tour, and Noah gave him a generous tip. He also told Luke that dinner was on him while they were guided to a table.
They were seated cosily near a window, a candle flickering on their table. Luke felt more than a little tense, now wondering if he should bring up what was beginning to be a unavoidable elephant in the room-their feelings for each other, the future. He finally gathered up his courage after the waitress brought Noah his wine and Luke his sparkling water.
"Noah…about what happened back in the gondola…"
Noah gave him a slight smile."I bet you never thought you'd utter that sentence, huh?" He grew serious and touched Luke's hand. "Luke-it's okay. I got caught up in the moment. Too many old movies. I'm sorry I spooked you. It's been an absolutely perfect day, and I hope I didn't upset you or ruin it."
Luke squeezed his hand back." Noah…you didn't ruin it-and I've been having the most amazing, wonderful time too. I-I'm just not ready to…you know…" He was always so good with words and it was frustrating that he couldn't find the right ones now.
Noah kindly cut him off. "I do know. So stop freaking out about it Snyder. Relax and enjoy the meal." Noah glanced at the menu and teasingly added,"Especially since I'm paying the tab. I don't want you picking at your food."
Luke was infinitely grateful for the sudden lightness in tone and Noah's understanding and patience. They had a delicious dinner, a light salad of radicchio and crispy bacon, followed by gnocchi stuffed with Montasio cheese. They ate and joked and discussed all the wonders they had glimpsed that day.
After dinner, they both decided to return to the hotel. When they entered their room, Luke turned on the light. Noah then surprised him by playfully flicked it off.
"I'd rather see you in the moonlight." He pulled Luke into his arms and kissed him, and Luke melted into the embrace.
Luke gripped the back of his head and smiled into Noah's mouth. He tasted like red wine and desire, which was also now thrumming through Luke's body. "You're letting your director side show, Mayer. Isn't this a bit cliche?"
"Yeah." Noah murmured, nibbling a path down Luke's neck. "But sometimes, cliches work." He started to unbutton Luke's shirt, flicking his thumbs over exposed nipples, making Luke shiver.
"You're so right." Luke said, breaking out Noah's arms and leading him towards the bed. He also opened the patio doors, letting the silver moonlight spill across the floor. "Might as well go for broke." Noah softly laughed and drew his own shirt over his head, his lean, perfect torso looking like a marble statue carved for the Doge's palace.
"Might as well." His grin flashed whitely in the shadows, pointed incisors vampire sharp.
They didn't hurry. Noah's lovely body was now familiar geography, and Noah knew how to quickly stoke up Luke's arousal with sure, expert hands. They quickly shed their clothing and let the breeze from the ocean goose pimple their skin. Luke drew back the heavy comforter and they laid down on the soft sheets, which felt like a cloud, scented with lavender.
Soon Luke's world was nothing but warm skin and hard muscle, lips and tongue and Noah's cock, brushing against his hip, heavy and hot in his hand. It also was surprisingly tender, this particular coupling, and Noah's deep voice caressed him, along with his hands."You like this, baby?" Noah would say near his ear. "Does this feel good?"
And Luke's answer was either a groan or a rushed "Yes, yes, yes!"
Noah slowly teased him open, slicking up his channel with sure fingers. Luke lay back in the pillows as Noah prepped him, arching and sighing every time Noah hit his sweet spot. Then he threw his legs over Noah's shoulders, silently demanding the next step. Noah breeched him with ease, his body now used to his lover's length. God, it felt so damn good.
"You are so fucking beautiful, Luke." Noah said as he started a slow, easy rhythm. Each stroke was a stab of pure pleasure and Luke stared up at Noah's handsome face, his eyes now as dark as a twilight sky. There was so much in those eyes, love, compassion, caring, want. It scared Luke, but it also warmed the cold places in his soul.
"You too. So beautiful." Luke gasped. He was dancing on the edge now, but he wanted to hold on the moment as long as possible. "Oh, Noah… I-" And he cried out instead, as Noah changed the angle of his thrusts. "FUCK!" Luke yelled, loud enough to be heard over in the Piazza. He saw Noah smile wide and grasp his aching cock."Come for me, baby." he gently commanded.
And Luke had no choice but to obey, coming so hard it almost made him pass out. Warm fluid splashed his chest, up to his nipples. He sobbed as Noah's thrusts began to erratically stutter, then his lover gave a wild cry of his own before collapsing on top of him, crushing him to the mattress.
Luke wiped the sweaty hair from his eyes, kissed the side of Noah's face, now mashed into his shoulder. "Like the sheets." he said after a minute.
Noah raised up his head, and gave Luke a gentle kiss back." Me too."
They cleaned each other up and sleepily snuggled close, Luke spooned up to Noah's long back. They left the patio door open, and Luke could make out the Basilica's domes in the distance. Even further away, unexpected fireworks lit up the sky.
Noah clutched Luke's hand. "Thank you for today, Luke. Thank you for everything." His voice was soft and sleepy.
Luke tenderly kissed his shoulder."You're welcome, baby. Now go to sleep."
And a few minutes later, Noah did just that. Luke however, remained awake, listening to his quiet, even breathing. He sat up a little, studying Noah's face, the long nose, the sooty black eyelashes fanning his cheeks.
"I love you." he whispered, testing it out. Saying it felt strange.
It also was the truth.
Someday he hoped he'd be able to say it to Noah while he was awake.
****
Luke was jarred awake by an annoying sound. He opened his eyes, disoriented and panicked, having forgotten where he was. it came back in a second-cruise, Venice, hotel, and Noah, who was currently deeply asleep and curled up against Luke's back. The sound continued, and Luke's brain finally registered 'phone' and he clumsily grabbed it from his nightstand. A stab of fear went through him when he saw it was Holden calling at four in the morning.
"Dad-what's wrong?" he said, struggling to sit up, voice cracking.
"Oh-god, Luke. Did I wake you?" Holden said apologetically. "I should have known better-this could have waited. I keep forgetting the time difference. Anyway…nothing's wrong."
Luke sank back in the pillows, relieved, although there was still something in Holdens' voice that worried him. "Well, happy to hear no one has gone to the hospital- or worse. I'm sorry I haven't called lately." Luke called Toby at least once a day, but he'd been so preoccupied in Venice, he'd forgotten." Things were a bit crazy yesterday. Is the Tobster okay? He's not mad at me, is he.?"
"Not at all. He wants to talk to you." Luke heard someone fumbling with the phone, and then Toby's sweet, four year old voice sounded in his ear. "Daddy! Hi! Guess what?" Before Luke could even formulate an answer, Toby excitedly continued, "Poppa is here to visit!"
Luke went into shock. This was the last thing he expected. "Poppa? Hugh?"
"Yeah, daddy. He called me and wanted to come and say hi, and now he's here. You wanna to talk to him?"
Luke hesitated for a moment, then said." Sure, baby. Put him on."
"Hey, Luke." Hugh's smooth lawyerly voice was uncharacteristically hesitant. "Sorry to have woken you up. You're in Venice-right?"
"Uh-huh. Venice." Luke said, feeling even more uncomfortable. It was so weird talking to Hugh with a naked man lying next to him."How did you know?"
"Tobe. Lily put up a world map in his room, and he's following all your travels. I helped him stick a few pins in, which I suspect is more of a highlight than the geography lesson." He chuckled and Luke had to laugh with him, as it was probably true."So-I hope you are having a wonderful time."
"The best. Highlights were Lisbon, Tuscany and Venice." However, the most amazing thing I discovered was a beautiful man named Noah. Luke, however, couldn't find the courage to say this. Instead, he said, "Got a lot of great material for future books." Coward. Fucking coward.
"I'm glad Luke. You really deserve it." He cleared nervously his throat, which was odd, since Hugh was rarely antsy." Anyway, I'm going to be in Oakdale for awhile, and I wanted to make sure it was okay that I spent some time with Toby."
Luke experienced a flash flood of emotions that pulled him in a number of conflicting directions-anger, frustration, hurt, and something tender that he couldn't really name. He managed to not say the first thing that popped into his head, which was, "Well, it's about fucking time!" and went a more diplomatic route. "Hugh-Toby's your son. You can spend as much time with him as you like. Toby will be over the moon-he misses you like crazy."
Hugh took a deep breath."Yeah. God. I know." His voice softened."Thanks, Luke. I know this is unexpected, and I'll try to be careful coordinating with the grandparents. Maybe a trip to the park, or the movies."
"He'd love just going to the grocery store with you, Hugh." Luke said, trying very hard to not sound accusatory. "Or playing Legos, reading a story or watching Sesame Street."
"You're right. " There was a long, awful pause."Well. I should let you go. Back to sleep. Last stop is Greece, right?"
"Yup. Then back to the ol' US of A." Luke couldn't stand this anymore." Take care Hugh. And put Toby back on, okay?"
"Sure. Will do." Hugh lowered his voice."Thanks for being such a great guy, Luke."
Before Luke could even formulate a reply, Toby was back on the phone. "Hi daddy!"
"Hi buddy. Sounds like you are going to have a swell time with poppa. Just behave yourself, all right?"
Toby snorted."Daddy! I will. Grammie says I have been a perfect little angel."
And that made Luke laugh."That's good."
"So-you coming home soon? I saw it on my map."
"Yup. A couple more days. I miss you so much, buddy." Luke suddenly felt the Toby sized hole in his heart.
"Love you daddy. Bye." Toby abruptly hung up, like the typical four year old he was.
Luke stared at the phone silently, turning it over in his hands. He jumped a bit at the light touch at his wrist, having actually forgotten about Noah. His lover was staring up at him, dark blue eyes full of concern.
"Everything all right?"
No. Everything is now incredibly fucking confusing. "I guess." Luke put the phone back on the nightstand." My ex has decided to see our son out of the blue. It's kind of thrown me. I mean, he loves Toby, but his job generally has him running all over the country. When he does drop in, it's only for a a day or so. I don't want to make him sound like a bad guy, but he's been kind of a drive-by parent. I just can't figure out-why now?"
Noah sounded like he was choosing his words carefully."Maybe you should just ask him. Do you guys communicate okay?"
"For Toby's sake, it's been pretty civil. But we've kind of avoided getting into any real issues sine he left." Luke ran his hands through his rumpled hair." Shit. I hate this. I've been wanting him to act more like a dad, but I'll be totally pissed if he just bounces in for one or two days and hurts Toby." Or me. A traitorous voice whispered. "I'm sorry Noah, about all this sudden drama."
"Don't. You are just being a good father." Noah reached out for him. "C'mere."
Luke dove in to the safety of his arms, and rested his head on a strong shoulder. He immediately felt a bit better. Noah gently stroked his hair."Luke…do you want to fly home from Venice?"
Luke was startled by the question, and part of him wanted to declare it a brilliant idea. But there was a bigger part that didn't want this perfect dream to end. Or let Hugh McClellan run his life again. "No. God-no. Hugh threw me for a loop, but to cut my trip short would be ludicrous. I want to spend more time with you, baby." He brushed a hand over Noah's smooth, lean chest."By the way-sorry I woke you."
"I'm not. I'm glad to be here for you." Noah kissed the top of his head and pulled him closer. "It will be all right, Luke."
"Yeah." Luke answered, listening to the steady beat of Noah's big heart. But deep down, he wasn't so sure.
Author: Rebop 13
Artist: pirl
Rating: Much NC-17ness. Yea!
Disclaimer: They aren't mine, but I own the lube.
Characters/Pairings: Luke, Noah, Ameera, Lucinda, many, many OC's
Word Count: Lots. Sorry, but my %&$#@ Mac writing program has no word count.
Warnings: Some angst. I mean, this is me.
Spoilers: None. We are way into AU land.
Summary: AU. Luke and Noah are emotionally blackmailed into going on a gay cruise. Romcom antics, misunderstandings, hot sex, schmoop, snappy dialogue and angst ensue. Also lots of lovely international scenery and fine cuisine.
Author’s Notes: OMG. Thank you Moey Mo for be so tolerant of my incredibly tardy ass. This thing came down to the wire, and for awhile, I didn't think I was going to make it. I am so grateful you didn't spank me and send me to my corner. Also pirl, for being both incredibly gracious, patient and talented-you rock so hard, you would scare Mick Jagger. I love Luke's cowboy stance and Noah's nose. And sorry to all my wonderful Nukies, who I've missed terribly. As usual, long story, but like a bad penny, I will continue to turn up. Hugs and smishings to all.
If you looked at it one way, not going ashore to Rome was pretty absurd. it was the crown jewel of the trip, the Eternal City-home to popes and emperors, artists and poets, saints and sinners.
But Luke had found something far better to explore.
Noah Mayer.
His new lover's beauty rivaled any marble statue of Apollo or Bacchus carved by Roman masters. Noah was all long, graceful limbs and rock hard muscle, and Luke loved seeing him sprawled out on his bed, naked and aroused. Instead of dipping a hand into the waters of the Trevi fountain, Luke caressed the smooth curves of Noah's ass and the chiseled planes of his stomach. The dusting of freckles on Noah's wide shoulders were more a work of art than anything painted by Raphael, and the scent of his skin was headier than the incense burned in the Sistine chapel.
It was like they were playing hooky from not only the cruise, but the whole world. Nothing else existed outside the confines of Luke's cabin, although Noah made a brief foray to retrieve a few necessities from his own room. Otherwise there was no intrusion from reality, save room service and maids leaving fresh towels outside.
They ate, they talked, they slept, they showered, they laughed and they fucked. Luke had somehow forgotten how good sex could be, and in Noah he had a very considerate, generous lover that gave as much as he took. He was terribly sexy without being aware of it, and seem to enjoy the cuddling and pillow talk as much as the down and dirty sex.
And oh, was it dirty and good. They tested out every available surface and location-the bathroom counter, the shower, a chair, the floor. Luke felt like a starving man at a banquet, and Noah was a most generous host. He was sort of surprised they hadn't broken the bed.
Even their amped up libidos needed a break now and again, and they took long naps and fed each other ripe strawberries and bits of bread and cheese. Noah seemed to especially like curling up next to Luke to watch a movie on his lap top, and he talked Luke in to downloading a few classics, including a film called Summertime, with Katherine Hepburn.
Luke fell in love with the movie and Katherine herself, playing an uptight old maid who has a brief, passionate fling with a married Venetian merchant. Luke was surprised by the ending-he somehow had the idea that all old films were always "happily ever after", and this was realistically bittersweet. The beautiful photography also whetted his appetite for the upcoming Venice, the second to the last city on their Mediterranean tour.
It was an event that Luke didn't really want to think about. Right now he wanted to be suspended in time, and not contemplate the future. Although he was utterly grateful that Noah finally nudged him-with some incredible kisses on a sun drenched road-under the surface, he had some real doubts and worries.
He'd come to care deeply for Noah-there was no denying it. But as hard as he tried to shed his fear, he still kept some armor over his heart. It wasn't logical, either-Noah was nothing like Hugh. But love was rarely rational, and Luke was terrified if he took that final step, it would open him up to another wounding. He doubted he'd survive another.
But with each passing hour, it was becoming more and more difficult to resist the tidal pull of Noah Mayer. Especially at this very moment.
Noah had just taken a shower, and emerged still a bit damp, skin flushed from the warm water. He was dangerously sexy, with a towel was slung low on his impossibly narrow hips, the fuzz on his lower belly beaded with water. Luke also got a glorious whiff of soap and cologne and man. Noah grinned at Luke, who was lying on his stomach, reading a book, his somewhat dorky glasses on, and little else. Luke hadn't really bothered to get dressed in the last forty-eight hours-clothing had become very optional.
Luke peered at him over his glasses."So-should we finally rejoin our fellow passengers and have breakfast in public?"
Noah shook his head no, rather adamantly. "Sorry. Breakfast on deck would not include a view of a sexy, naked bibliophile with horn rims. I highly doubt they have anything more enticing to offer." His dark blue eyes crinkled as he smiled.
Luke pretended to pout."These are not horn rims."
"Are so. You look like a character from Madmen. Really retro. But the effect is counteracted by the fact that you are also butt naked." And with that, Noah whipped off his towel and expertly used it to give Luke a sharp pop on the ass. At Luke's howl of indignation, Noah just laughed. "Sorry-it was too tempting a target." He took another shot, but Luke, a former athlete and locker room vet, grabbed it. They started to play tug of war, and Luke almost made Noah tumble into the bed, but then Noah yanked him halfway off. It was horseplay, pure and simple, and they wrestled around, trash talking and snorting with laughter, Luke's glasses sliding off his nose.
Luke finally gave the towel one last good, hard yank and pulled it out of Noah's grasp. He gave his butt a triumphant, sharp snap, leaving a considerable welt. Noah yelped, and while he was distracted, Luke spun him around and shoved him against the wall, pinning his long arms over his head. They both were raggedly breathing, and their playful, silly mood suddenly evaporated.
"I win." Luke said, voice sounding more in control than he actually felt.
"Yeah. I guess you do." Noah's mouth was a mere inch from his own. He could smell his minty Crest toothpaste.
Luke licked his lips, which felt dry. it was surprising how dizzying the arousal still was, considering all the sex he'd been having. But Luke had a feeling that Noah would forever have this effect on him. He looked into Noah's eyes, which were staring into his intently. Up close they were a warm, deep blue, like the Mediterranean drenched in the noon day sun. Luke kept a firm grasp on Noah's wrists as he leaned closer to kiss him. Noah moaned a little, low in his throat, tongue softly playing against Luke's. Luke groaned himself, his burgeoning erection brushing up against Noah's.
He finally pulled out of the kiss, and Noah eyed him hungrily, but didn't move, keeping very still in Luke's artificial trap. Luke liked this game, and it was one they had yet to play, even with all the recent wild experimentation. They were both fairly flexible when it came to bottom or top, but there were times when Luke really enjoyed taking charge.
This was going to be so damn good.
He kissed his way down Noah's long neck, licked his collarbone, worried one of his nipples with his teeth, which puckered and hardened under his ministrations. Noah really loved this, and he gasped his approval. Luke then got a wicked idea, and said in a short, clipped voice, "Turn around." Noah swallowed hard, adam's apple bobbing, then he slowly moved to face the wall. "And don't you move."
Noah nodded his agreement, hands still braced against the wall by Luke. Luke feathered kisses on the back of Noah's neck first, which made him shudder, and then over his well muscled shoulders. Luke loved Noah's back. It was so masculine and strong, making a perfect triangle down to his impossibly small ass. He ran his lips down Noah's vertebrae bumps and then got to the charming, dimpled indentations at the base of Noah's spine. He saluted each one with a kiss before kneeling on the floor and going lower. Noah's breathing began to quicken in short little dog-like pants, and he was resting his head on his arms. Luke soothingly stroked his long, lanky thighs, which were trembling like a race horse before the gate opened.
He bit each rock hard ass cheek, leaving bruises, then parted Noah's cleft to get to his goal. He ran his tongue over that rosy little pucker, making Noah cry out. The moans got even wilder and more helpless as Luke explored even deeper, tasting him. He'd made Noah come before just doing this, so he held back a little, not letting it go too far. He had bigger plans in mind.
He took his lover right to the edge, making him gasp and sob. Then he quickly stood up, first grabbing a condom and the lube from the nearby nightstand. The were actually starting to run low, which made him smile a little. Noah glanced backwards at him, eyes a little frantic and pleading. "Luke…" he begged.
"Give me a second, baby. I'll hurry." He tore open the condom and rolled it over his dick, which was so hard it was almost painful. He smeared his erection with lube and then drizzled some over his hand. He quickly prepped Noah, who made the whole situation even more charged by pushing back on his fingers. "You like that, huh?" Luke crooned, knowing that Noah really got off on dirty talk. "Want me to fuck that tight little ass of yours?"
"Oh god-yes, yes…" Noah answered, voice now desperate."Please…"
"Got a big hard cock all ready for you, baby." Luke whispered in Noah's ear. He halfway grinned at the bad porn dialogue, which really worked nevertheless. He got himself into position and slowly slid inside Noah's tight, hot channel. Goddamn. It was fucking heaven. They both groaned in unison.
Luke knew he wasn't going to last long, so he needed to make this as rough and good as possible. He reached around Noah's slender waist and grasped his dick, which was like a heated iron bar in his hand. "Gonna make you come so hard you forget your name." Noah just moaned in response, and Luke took this as his cue to start slamming home.
Luke' cock hit Noah's sweet spot with every frantic stroke, and Noah's cries of pleasure were loud and increasingly more unhinged in his ears. Luke was noisy too, he was reduced to primitive, "Uh, uh, uh…" grunts as his balls tightened and his entire body felt like it was on fire. He was distantly aware of Noah's leaking cock, coating his hand with precome, but he resisted the temptation to stroke it and bring Noah to release. He wanted to keep the exquisite torment up as long as he possibly could.
His own body had other ideas, however. His climax hit him like a runaway truck from behind, making him howl and bite down on Noah's shoulder. His thrusts stuttered and stopped as the pleasure shuddered through his body. As he drew in a breath, Noah made this little whimpering sound, and Luke kissed his shoulder. "Come for me, baby." He pushed his cock balls deep as he roughly pumped Noah's throbbing erection, which twitched in his hand before sending a hot fountain of come over his fingers. Noah moaned low in his throat and almost collapsed in his arms. Luke's legs were also like rubber, so he gently pulled out. Noah staggered to the bed and collapsed in a sweaty heap, and Luke, after pulling off the condom and depositing in the wastebasket, joined him. They were a warm tangle of sated bodies, relishing the scent of sex and satisfaction in the air. Noah pulled his close, looking at him with half closed eyes and a lazy, contented smile.
"So…" Noah said after a moment." I guess I'll have to go by John Doe for the rest of the voyage. As you indeed fucked me so hard I forgot my name…" He made a pretend puzzled face."Is it…Urkel?'
"Yup." Luke rubbed Noah's head, hair damp under his fingers. "Steven. You wear glasses, bow ties and high water trousers, and are really good at math." Noah's laugh rumbled like an old pickup, as Luke continued his head massage, making Noah's dark hair stick up at funny angles. No doubt his own hair was a fright wig. They both needed to take a shower, preferably together this time. Yummy. He was about to suggest it when his fingers brushed against something-a ridge of scar tissue. Luke touched it again, and found it ran all the way to the back of Noah's head. Noah, in the meantime, had gotten very still.
He rested a hand over Luke's. "My…my dad gave me a skull fracture." He then guided Luke's fingers under his jaw-there was another scar hidden under it."My jaw got broken as well-they had to reset it."
Luke felt his eyes welling up as Noah continued to explain the thin, pale scar running up his torso."He also broke eight ribs, one punctured a lung. "Noah finally rested Luke's hand on his hip bone. "I have a lot of metal in my pelvis too."
Luke's tears sprinkled over Noah's chest. The sudden sharp reality of what happened to Noah stabbed him deep, deep, deep, right in the heart. "Hey..." Noah said, cupping his face."Don't cry, Luke. Please don't."
"Your fucking father. I hate that you got so hurt." Luke sniffed, tasting his tears on his lips.
Noah wiped them away with a thumb."Well, I hate it too. But-I also survived it. My aunt Ruth said that I was a little like a phoenix, that I went through a fire and came out stronger afterwards. And-I am. It wasn't easy, but-I did. And now I'm so damn happy." Noah smiled, and it was incredible, as warm as and as beautiful as phoenix fire. "Because I'm here. With you."
I'm so glad you are, Luke wanted to say, insides melting. Because I love you. Those words were on his lips, begging him to say them. Noah had become more than a friend, a lover-what he suddenly felt for him almost hurt. He wanted to protect and love this sweet, sexy, adorable, goofy guy forever and ever. Share his life, dreams-everything.
He pushed hard against his doubts and fears, and tried to jump in with both feet, like he did when he was younger.
But the words stayed stuck in his throat, which shamed him. "I'm glad I'm here with you, too Urkel." Luke said, kissing his nose, as well as not looking into his eyes. "Now, let's go take a shower before we start sticking together. "he said briskly. "And I also want to get breakfast, which, as you may we were discussing before we got so, you know, distracted. I'm starving!"
"Orgasms make you bossy." Noah teased, slapping his butt. "Hopefully I didn't use all the hot water the first time around." He rolled off the bed and Luke followed, the guilt began to swamp him.
He told himself that he had time to finally find the courage.
Noah deserved no less.
*****
Venice was like a strange fever dream-it was so weird being at a place that was somehow so familiar and yet alien. Luke had read countless books set in it's watery canals, and Noah obviously had watched a number of movies.
It was also very crowded, and Luke had decided to maximize their enjoyment by planning ahead. They had two days in the fabled city, and while Noah was sleeping, he secretly got on his laptop and booked a night at very luxurious hotel as a surprise. He wanted to treat Noah, and set the stage for the most romantic time yet. He tried not to question his motives too deeply either, as he was still playing the Cleopatra game with himself- crowning himself the Queen of Denial.
The Evening Star docked at the vast, bustling Maratima terminal and Noah and Luke took a water taxi to Venice itself, along with Roland and Marco and a number of other passengers. Luke felt a little guilty over the fact that they had neglected their friends, although Roland was graciousness itself. He also obviously knew what they had been up to, and his eyes twinkled with a mischievous light. But since Roland's intimate body language with Marco also broadcast what they had been doing with their time, Roland could hardly tease them. Luke was very happy for the dignified, dapper man- Dr. Marco was obviously spoiling him.
Marco had numerous relatives in Venice, and he and Roland were going to spend most of their time with them, as well as squeak in a little sight seeing. Marco generously invited Luke and Noah along, but they both politely declined. The trip was winding down to it's end, and Luke was unapologetic about spending it all with his lover. it was a fact that still blew his mind more than a little, as it wasn't that long ago that he was dreading cruise and just wanting to hide in his room. Now he was with a sweet, beautiful man, about to explore one of the most romantic cities in the entire world.
The taxi got them to a dock on one of the main sections, or sestieri of Venice, San Marco. When Luke was finding a hotel online, he also did a little research and found that the old city was shaped a bit like a fish, and each of the sestieri had a title. Cannaregio was the brains, Dosoduro, the fins, Castello the tail, San Polo the heart, and San Marco was the belly. It also was the most famous.
They hugged Roland and Marco goodbye, and Luke found a vaporetto, a mode of transport favored by most Venetians- gondolas were inefficient, and mostly for tourists. Vaporettos were basically water buses. Luke managed to communicate with a friendly local-a mom with two rambunctious kids-although her accent was difficult for Luke to understand with his stumbling Italian. But he got directions to the hotel unbeknownst to Noah, and he grinned to himself in anticipation of the surprise.
"I think we get off here." Luke said as the vaporetto stopped at the front of the Hotel Luna Baglioni. It had a private dock, with red and white striped posts emerging from the water, old fashioned lanterns hanging from the wall.
"We do?" Noah was totally baffled, but he followed Luke off the boat anyway. He stared at the tasteful sign, which screamed ' incredibly expensive' and 'five star', which it was. "Luke-this isn't the hotel booked through the cruise line-"
"I know." Luke interrupted him with a smile."I got us a room here instead. I wanted to do something extravagant on the last leg of the tour. My grandmother has stayed here-it's the oldest hotel in Venice. Which is really goddamn old-it goes back to the year 1152. The Knights of the Templar used it as a B&B."
Noah's mouth hung open in shock." Luke. God. That's really generous and kind of you, but-"
Luke channeled his inner Lucinda." Noah-don't argue. It's a treat, and believe me, I can afford it."
Noah blinked and Luke could see he was struggling with it, but he then leaned over and kissed Luke's cheek."Then I better just be gracious and give you a heartfelt thanks, sweetheart."
Luke's heart skipped several beats, and he squeezed Noah's hand. "You're welcome, baby."
Luke was used to luxury and wealth thanks to Lucinda, but even he felt intimidated just by the lobby. It was, in a word, exquisite-all warm yellows and honey colored wood. It was like being inside an art museum. Bewigged and powdered Venetians peered arrogantly down from gilt baroque frames, and white roses in carefully arranged vases dripped petals on the patterned marble floors. Noah was silent and wide eyed as the both checked in. The clerk was gracious and took pity on Luke after a few minutes, speaking to him in perfect English. They were guided by a porter down a lushly carpeted hallway, and both Luke and Noah gasped slightly when they were let inside their suite. The porter seemed amused by their reaction, and Luke hoped he handed him a suitable tip. The guy was no doubt used to serving celebrities and visiting dignitaries, so Luke didn't want to appear too penny ante. No doubt he did anyway.
"Shit, Luke-I should have at least gotten the tip." Noah said, seeming to shake himself from an awestruck stupor.
"You can buy me lunch." Luke said breezily. He walked over and drew aside a floor length curtain. It sent the late morning light across the room, making the red and gold walls glow. Luke had read that the light in Venice was different than anywhere else and it was true-all the reflected water from the canals made things seem softer and more surreal, and their room seemed like it was from another time.
Noah was staring at the stupendous bed, the headboard swathed in fabric. "This is like being on a movie set."
Luke opened the glass patio doors. "It gets even better-look at this." He stepped outside to a small, private porch, where you could see the city in all her glory, the spires of St. Mark's Basilica close by. The air smelled like salt and fish and garbage and ocean, a smell no doubt that the old Doge of Venice breathed in when he walked outside to sip his morning tea.
Noah wrapped his arms around Luke's waist, hugging him from behind. "Thank you for this." he said, kissing the side of Luke's neck.
Luke leaned back into the embrace, loving the safe feeling he had in Noah's arms. "You are so welcome." He then chuckled. "And now after all this fuss getting this fancy room, let's go out and explore the city." He waved an arm at the Venetian panorama , then turned and kissed Noah solidly on the mouth. "Although later on, I do want to fuck you senseless on five hundred thread count sheets."
Noah's face got adorably red."I, uh, like how you think, Mr. Snyder." He patted Luke's ass."Now-let's go play tourist."
****
Their first stop was the most famous-the Piazza San Marco. It was crawling with sightseers, but one was still able to enjoy the romantic grandeur of the place.
Towering over the square was the red stoned Campanile, a bell tower that tolled for all of Venice. There also was the Moor's Clock Tower, named for the bronze giants at the very top, who struck a large bell to mark the passage of time. On it's soft ivory facade was also the winged lion of St. Mark, framed by tiles of lapis blue and glittering gold stars. The Madonna perched above the enormous clock face, decorated with gilded signs of the zodiac.
Even more spectacular though, was the onion domed Basilica of San Marco. Luke had become an addicted reader of guidebooks, and Noah, much to his credit, never was annoyed by it. The Basilica was created to house the remains of St. Mark the apostle, apparently purloined by the Venetians in the 800's and smuggled from Alexandria in a barrel of pork. Luke wondered what the great evangelist would have thought of that. The Venetians spent a lot of time and money making up for this initial indignity, and created a Byzantine work of elaborate art to house the saints old bones. It was a testament to the wealth and power of the old Venetians, and when Luke and Noah finally got inside, they both let out an audible gasp. It was like being trapped in the interior of a Faberge egg, rich and ornate beyond compare. The vaulted ceilings were covered in gleaming gold mosaics, with dour saints and magnificent winged archangels guarding over St. Mark, hidden behind the sacristy.
But most spectacular of all were the four horses, another audacious bit of Venetian larceny. They were older than old, stolen from the top of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the last remains of the Roman Empire. The Venetians had placed them on top of the Basilica entrance, where they proudly stood for centuries, until these ancient works of art had to be moved inside for fear of damage by pollution. it was a wise decision, as they were priceless.
Luke loved horses, knew them inside and out, and he was profoundly moved by the sculptures. They were a proud quartet, and even though they were cast in bronze and gilded with gold, there was life in their arched necks and raised hooves. You could almost hear them snort and whicker. Luke felt a kinship with the long dad and forgotten artist, who also really knew horses and understood their power and beauty. He felt tears spring to his eyes, then he felt a little embarrassed. There was a soft touch to his hand, and he glanced at Noah, who just quietly smiled at him. he could tell that Noah was under their spell too, and he felt a burst of feeling for him, that made his heart ache. However, it was much too public a place to snog him senseless.
A heartbeat away was the Doge's Palace, the seat of power for old Venice. It reminded Luke a little of a birthday cake, with endless carved marble columns. The Doge ruled surrounded by untold splendor, the gilt and elaborate ornament was almost suffocating, paintings and sculptures crammed into every available space. Luke allowed his imagination to drift back to the Renaissance, where troubadours serenaded velvet clad aristocrats and the dazzling Venetian courtesans, known far and wide for their beauty, brains and wit. And, as Luke's guidebook told him, this was a place of extremes, as underneath the palace's patterned floors was a damp, terrible prison, where the condemned never again saw the light of day. It was a sobering thought.
By now the afternoon had became warm and muggy, and both Luke and Noah were on extreme visual overload. They decided to take a break and ducked into a enotecre, or winebar, which also happily served food. They sat outside and watched the passing crowd, resting their feet and eating the Italian version of New Orleans po'boy sandwich. The Venetian's stuffed theirs with practically everything-shrimp, olives, fresh tomatoes, eggs, tuna-all slathered in mayo and messy and good. Refreshed, they journeyed on to the next touchstone of Venice, the Rialto Bridge, which had arched over the Grand Canal since the 1500's.
It was predictably packed, and the inside of the bridge was lined with small shops, which also led to a large market area. Luke got his first glimpse of Venetian glass and the inevitable Carnival masks Venice was famous for. Much of the merchandise was overpriced tchotchkes made for tourists, but there was also real artistry represented as well. Luke bought his sisters and his mother some lovely perfume bottles, and Noah followed suit with one for his aunt and his friend Ameera.
Luke lost track of Noah for a bit, debating on wether to purchase a really pricy replica of the bronze horses-as well as how to get them home. Much to the shopkeeper's disappointment, he elected to get a bunch of postcards of them instead. He returned to the narrow streets and looked around for Noah, panicking a little when he found that he was nowhere in sight. He peered into several store windows, finally seeing Noah's tall, lanky form inside one, standing at the counter. He started a little when Luke appeared at his elbow.
"I thought that I was the one that had a tendency to wander away." Luke said, giving his arm a poke.
Noah smiled a bit sheepishly."Sorry-my bad. I got distracted by all the wonderful things in here."
Luke finally took notice of his current surroundings, and realized he was in a small and rather exquisite toy shop. Noah said "Grazie." to the clerk, and picked up a paper bag. From it's interior, he pulled out a little stuffed tiger. "This is for my honorary nephew, Navi." Noah reached hesitantly into the bag again."And…I hope you don't mind. I, uh, got this for Toby. You said he liked puppets."
Luke was so touched, he didn't even register what it was at first. He got more emotional when he saw it was a elephant hand puppet, with shiny jet black beaded eyes and wise expression.
"Noah…it''s perfect. He'll love it." Tears clouded his eyes yet again."He's crazy about elephants."
Noah's grin became sweeter and more lopsided."I know. Horton Hears a Who. You told me."
The armor around Luke's heart got a bigger chink in it, right then and there.
****
They returned to the hotel to deposit their treasures, and take a quick shower to wash off the sweat and the grime from the streets. Luke was very tempted to begin some of the promised hanky-panky, but he also wanted to see Venice at night. So they took solo showers and Luke didn't use any hot water, which was necessary.
Refreshed and energized, Luke decided to bow to inevitable and talked Noah into hiring a gondola. It cost a bomb, but Luke didn't care and refused to let Noah pay for any of it.
Their gondolier was named Franco, and he was funny and charming, and spoke very good English. He was obviously proud of his city and very knowledgable about it's rich history. Luke asked him about his job, and he turned out to be the latest in a long line of gondoliers, that went back to the 17th century. Franco told them that during the gondola's heyday ten thousand of them rowed about the city. Today there were only four hundred, and used mostly by tourists.
Franco was very good at his profession, and navigated the canals with ease. Luke also appreciated the fact that he also knew when to shut up, and let them drink in the atmosphere. And it was enchanting, in spite of the tourist trappings. Franco took them down one of the quieter areas, where ordinary Venetians lived. Luke saw balconies trailing flowers and washing on the line, and heard an unlikely Beyonce song coming from out of an open window. The twilight deepened and the sky went purple and blue, and in-between the time worn buildings, Luke could see a slip of a moon and goddess Venus herself, the evening star. The lights from the buildings reflected on the the darkening water, and the swish of Franco's oar mixed in with the sounds of echoed laughter and music. It was like falling into a dream.
Luke kept glancing at Noah, who seemed enraptured by the whole thing, a look of wonder on his face. Luke loved his shadowed profile, as well as the feel of his strong hand resting in his. It was good to share this with someone who understood the magic.
Franco rowed them to a more populated area, passing near one of the most famous sights in Venice, the poetically named Bridge of Sighs. He told them that it was a bridge that led to one of the Doge's prisons, and that Lord Byron coined the term, as it was the last sight many of the convicted had of the outside world. Franco also added that there was also a happier story connected to the bridge-if sweethearts kissed while passing underneath it, they would be granted a lifetime of love and happiness.
It was an obvious bit of tourist pleasing patter, and Luke had to smile. He then stopped smiling when he caught Noah's expression. There was so much love and longing there, it took his breath away. It also made him panic, and he drew away a little, rocking the gondola. Noah looked away, obviously embarrassed, and Luke hated himself for causing it.
Trip at an end, Noah recovered from the awkward moment rather quickly, asking Franco to recommend a restaurant for dinner. He dropped them off near a place called La Bitta, which seemed like more of a neighborhood haunt than a tourist trap. They both thanked Franco for the journey and the the wonderful tour, and Noah gave him a generous tip. He also told Luke that dinner was on him while they were guided to a table.
They were seated cosily near a window, a candle flickering on their table. Luke felt more than a little tense, now wondering if he should bring up what was beginning to be a unavoidable elephant in the room-their feelings for each other, the future. He finally gathered up his courage after the waitress brought Noah his wine and Luke his sparkling water.
"Noah…about what happened back in the gondola…"
Noah gave him a slight smile."I bet you never thought you'd utter that sentence, huh?" He grew serious and touched Luke's hand. "Luke-it's okay. I got caught up in the moment. Too many old movies. I'm sorry I spooked you. It's been an absolutely perfect day, and I hope I didn't upset you or ruin it."
Luke squeezed his hand back." Noah…you didn't ruin it-and I've been having the most amazing, wonderful time too. I-I'm just not ready to…you know…" He was always so good with words and it was frustrating that he couldn't find the right ones now.
Noah kindly cut him off. "I do know. So stop freaking out about it Snyder. Relax and enjoy the meal." Noah glanced at the menu and teasingly added,"Especially since I'm paying the tab. I don't want you picking at your food."
Luke was infinitely grateful for the sudden lightness in tone and Noah's understanding and patience. They had a delicious dinner, a light salad of radicchio and crispy bacon, followed by gnocchi stuffed with Montasio cheese. They ate and joked and discussed all the wonders they had glimpsed that day.
After dinner, they both decided to return to the hotel. When they entered their room, Luke turned on the light. Noah then surprised him by playfully flicked it off.
"I'd rather see you in the moonlight." He pulled Luke into his arms and kissed him, and Luke melted into the embrace.
Luke gripped the back of his head and smiled into Noah's mouth. He tasted like red wine and desire, which was also now thrumming through Luke's body. "You're letting your director side show, Mayer. Isn't this a bit cliche?"
"Yeah." Noah murmured, nibbling a path down Luke's neck. "But sometimes, cliches work." He started to unbutton Luke's shirt, flicking his thumbs over exposed nipples, making Luke shiver.
"You're so right." Luke said, breaking out Noah's arms and leading him towards the bed. He also opened the patio doors, letting the silver moonlight spill across the floor. "Might as well go for broke." Noah softly laughed and drew his own shirt over his head, his lean, perfect torso looking like a marble statue carved for the Doge's palace.
"Might as well." His grin flashed whitely in the shadows, pointed incisors vampire sharp.
They didn't hurry. Noah's lovely body was now familiar geography, and Noah knew how to quickly stoke up Luke's arousal with sure, expert hands. They quickly shed their clothing and let the breeze from the ocean goose pimple their skin. Luke drew back the heavy comforter and they laid down on the soft sheets, which felt like a cloud, scented with lavender.
Soon Luke's world was nothing but warm skin and hard muscle, lips and tongue and Noah's cock, brushing against his hip, heavy and hot in his hand. It also was surprisingly tender, this particular coupling, and Noah's deep voice caressed him, along with his hands."You like this, baby?" Noah would say near his ear. "Does this feel good?"
And Luke's answer was either a groan or a rushed "Yes, yes, yes!"
Noah slowly teased him open, slicking up his channel with sure fingers. Luke lay back in the pillows as Noah prepped him, arching and sighing every time Noah hit his sweet spot. Then he threw his legs over Noah's shoulders, silently demanding the next step. Noah breeched him with ease, his body now used to his lover's length. God, it felt so damn good.
"You are so fucking beautiful, Luke." Noah said as he started a slow, easy rhythm. Each stroke was a stab of pure pleasure and Luke stared up at Noah's handsome face, his eyes now as dark as a twilight sky. There was so much in those eyes, love, compassion, caring, want. It scared Luke, but it also warmed the cold places in his soul.
"You too. So beautiful." Luke gasped. He was dancing on the edge now, but he wanted to hold on the moment as long as possible. "Oh, Noah… I-" And he cried out instead, as Noah changed the angle of his thrusts. "FUCK!" Luke yelled, loud enough to be heard over in the Piazza. He saw Noah smile wide and grasp his aching cock."Come for me, baby." he gently commanded.
And Luke had no choice but to obey, coming so hard it almost made him pass out. Warm fluid splashed his chest, up to his nipples. He sobbed as Noah's thrusts began to erratically stutter, then his lover gave a wild cry of his own before collapsing on top of him, crushing him to the mattress.
Luke wiped the sweaty hair from his eyes, kissed the side of Noah's face, now mashed into his shoulder. "Like the sheets." he said after a minute.
Noah raised up his head, and gave Luke a gentle kiss back." Me too."
They cleaned each other up and sleepily snuggled close, Luke spooned up to Noah's long back. They left the patio door open, and Luke could make out the Basilica's domes in the distance. Even further away, unexpected fireworks lit up the sky.
Noah clutched Luke's hand. "Thank you for today, Luke. Thank you for everything." His voice was soft and sleepy.
Luke tenderly kissed his shoulder."You're welcome, baby. Now go to sleep."
And a few minutes later, Noah did just that. Luke however, remained awake, listening to his quiet, even breathing. He sat up a little, studying Noah's face, the long nose, the sooty black eyelashes fanning his cheeks.
"I love you." he whispered, testing it out. Saying it felt strange.
It also was the truth.
Someday he hoped he'd be able to say it to Noah while he was awake.
****
Luke was jarred awake by an annoying sound. He opened his eyes, disoriented and panicked, having forgotten where he was. it came back in a second-cruise, Venice, hotel, and Noah, who was currently deeply asleep and curled up against Luke's back. The sound continued, and Luke's brain finally registered 'phone' and he clumsily grabbed it from his nightstand. A stab of fear went through him when he saw it was Holden calling at four in the morning.
"Dad-what's wrong?" he said, struggling to sit up, voice cracking.
"Oh-god, Luke. Did I wake you?" Holden said apologetically. "I should have known better-this could have waited. I keep forgetting the time difference. Anyway…nothing's wrong."
Luke sank back in the pillows, relieved, although there was still something in Holdens' voice that worried him. "Well, happy to hear no one has gone to the hospital- or worse. I'm sorry I haven't called lately." Luke called Toby at least once a day, but he'd been so preoccupied in Venice, he'd forgotten." Things were a bit crazy yesterday. Is the Tobster okay? He's not mad at me, is he.?"
"Not at all. He wants to talk to you." Luke heard someone fumbling with the phone, and then Toby's sweet, four year old voice sounded in his ear. "Daddy! Hi! Guess what?" Before Luke could even formulate an answer, Toby excitedly continued, "Poppa is here to visit!"
Luke went into shock. This was the last thing he expected. "Poppa? Hugh?"
"Yeah, daddy. He called me and wanted to come and say hi, and now he's here. You wanna to talk to him?"
Luke hesitated for a moment, then said." Sure, baby. Put him on."
"Hey, Luke." Hugh's smooth lawyerly voice was uncharacteristically hesitant. "Sorry to have woken you up. You're in Venice-right?"
"Uh-huh. Venice." Luke said, feeling even more uncomfortable. It was so weird talking to Hugh with a naked man lying next to him."How did you know?"
"Tobe. Lily put up a world map in his room, and he's following all your travels. I helped him stick a few pins in, which I suspect is more of a highlight than the geography lesson." He chuckled and Luke had to laugh with him, as it was probably true."So-I hope you are having a wonderful time."
"The best. Highlights were Lisbon, Tuscany and Venice." However, the most amazing thing I discovered was a beautiful man named Noah. Luke, however, couldn't find the courage to say this. Instead, he said, "Got a lot of great material for future books." Coward. Fucking coward.
"I'm glad Luke. You really deserve it." He cleared nervously his throat, which was odd, since Hugh was rarely antsy." Anyway, I'm going to be in Oakdale for awhile, and I wanted to make sure it was okay that I spent some time with Toby."
Luke experienced a flash flood of emotions that pulled him in a number of conflicting directions-anger, frustration, hurt, and something tender that he couldn't really name. He managed to not say the first thing that popped into his head, which was, "Well, it's about fucking time!" and went a more diplomatic route. "Hugh-Toby's your son. You can spend as much time with him as you like. Toby will be over the moon-he misses you like crazy."
Hugh took a deep breath."Yeah. God. I know." His voice softened."Thanks, Luke. I know this is unexpected, and I'll try to be careful coordinating with the grandparents. Maybe a trip to the park, or the movies."
"He'd love just going to the grocery store with you, Hugh." Luke said, trying very hard to not sound accusatory. "Or playing Legos, reading a story or watching Sesame Street."
"You're right. " There was a long, awful pause."Well. I should let you go. Back to sleep. Last stop is Greece, right?"
"Yup. Then back to the ol' US of A." Luke couldn't stand this anymore." Take care Hugh. And put Toby back on, okay?"
"Sure. Will do." Hugh lowered his voice."Thanks for being such a great guy, Luke."
Before Luke could even formulate a reply, Toby was back on the phone. "Hi daddy!"
"Hi buddy. Sounds like you are going to have a swell time with poppa. Just behave yourself, all right?"
Toby snorted."Daddy! I will. Grammie says I have been a perfect little angel."
And that made Luke laugh."That's good."
"So-you coming home soon? I saw it on my map."
"Yup. A couple more days. I miss you so much, buddy." Luke suddenly felt the Toby sized hole in his heart.
"Love you daddy. Bye." Toby abruptly hung up, like the typical four year old he was.
Luke stared at the phone silently, turning it over in his hands. He jumped a bit at the light touch at his wrist, having actually forgotten about Noah. His lover was staring up at him, dark blue eyes full of concern.
"Everything all right?"
No. Everything is now incredibly fucking confusing. "I guess." Luke put the phone back on the nightstand." My ex has decided to see our son out of the blue. It's kind of thrown me. I mean, he loves Toby, but his job generally has him running all over the country. When he does drop in, it's only for a a day or so. I don't want to make him sound like a bad guy, but he's been kind of a drive-by parent. I just can't figure out-why now?"
Noah sounded like he was choosing his words carefully."Maybe you should just ask him. Do you guys communicate okay?"
"For Toby's sake, it's been pretty civil. But we've kind of avoided getting into any real issues sine he left." Luke ran his hands through his rumpled hair." Shit. I hate this. I've been wanting him to act more like a dad, but I'll be totally pissed if he just bounces in for one or two days and hurts Toby." Or me. A traitorous voice whispered. "I'm sorry Noah, about all this sudden drama."
"Don't. You are just being a good father." Noah reached out for him. "C'mere."
Luke dove in to the safety of his arms, and rested his head on a strong shoulder. He immediately felt a bit better. Noah gently stroked his hair."Luke…do you want to fly home from Venice?"
Luke was startled by the question, and part of him wanted to declare it a brilliant idea. But there was a bigger part that didn't want this perfect dream to end. Or let Hugh McClellan run his life again. "No. God-no. Hugh threw me for a loop, but to cut my trip short would be ludicrous. I want to spend more time with you, baby." He brushed a hand over Noah's smooth, lean chest."By the way-sorry I woke you."
"I'm not. I'm glad to be here for you." Noah kissed the top of his head and pulled him closer. "It will be all right, Luke."
"Yeah." Luke answered, listening to the steady beat of Noah's big heart. But deep down, he wasn't so sure.