Skookum 10/?
Title: Skookum 10/?
Author: rebop13
Rating: NC17
Summary: Alternate universe, Luke is running away from something, Noah finds him. In this chapter, Luke takes care of Noah and they deal with the aftermath from the fight.
Disclaimer: Don't own, mean no harm, for fun.
Author's Note:For Rachel, Dawn and all their wonderful help, For Moey just 'cuz. And all the Nukies, who are still here and standing strong.
After the kitchen got cleaned up- and Noah put on another pair of sweat pants-Luke got a a lesson in pancakes 101. He saw where he initially went wrong, but he still couldn't figure out how Noah's pancakes came out golden brown and a perfect round shape, while his were sort of weird and blobby.
However, it didn't ultimately matter, as they tasted great, smothered in butter and some genuine Oregon Marionberry syrup. Luke ate a ridiculous number of them, as he was suddenly starving, and washed he them down with Noah's always excellent coffee.
The fun and the silliness seemed to really lift Noah's spirits, but he also didn't eat very much. Luke realized he was still in considerable pain, although he was trying to hide it. But he held his body stiffly in his kitchen chair, and his jaw was clenched tight, even when he joking and laughing with Luke.
When he started to make noises about going to work for awhile, Luke decided to take a page out of Charlie Pete's playbook. After he picked up the dirty dishes and set them on the counter, he gazed steadily at Noah, one hand on his hip.
"No-you're not."
Noah blinked up at him, coffee mug halfway to his lips."What?"
Luke narrowed his eyes. "You aren't going to work today. C'mon, Noah. You aren't fooling me. I can tell your leg is really bothering you still. Running around at the Skookum is only going to aggravate it. Trip's got things covered-you need to rest."
Noah's good mood suddenly evaporated, like an ice cube in a furnace. "I'm not a fucking invalid, Luke." He set his mug on the table with a sharp rap."Don't you dare start treating me like one."
Luke huffed out a breath, knowing the last thing he needed to do was to lose his temper. "Did I say you were?" He made his voice soft and gentle."But Noah-yesterday was pretty awful, and hard on both of us-not just you." He reached out and carefully touched Noah's thick, dark hair. "I think it's okay to have a time out-that's all. And...I want to take care of you. Please?"
Noah sat there, silent and almost pouting, then he let out a sigh. He then leaned into Luke, put his face in his belly, like a tired child. His voice was slightly muffled. "You're kinda bossy-you know that?
Luke smiled in triumph, and refrained from a fist pump. "Yeah. I think I kinda am." He continued to card his fingers through Noah's hair."So, continuing this trend, why don't you let me clean up, while you hop in the shower? Then we can watch a movie or something. I could use some serious sofa cuddling."
He could see the side of Noah's face, and a small smile curved up. "You don't play fair-I can't resist a movie. Or, um, cuddling." He kissed Luke's stomach and stood up, trying to cover up the flinch as he did. Before he left the kitchen, he also kissed Luke's cheek. "Thanks for taking such good care of me. And making pancakes."
Luke chuckled. "You've got a really short memory. Snyder pancake mayhem ring any bells?"
"You somehow managed to cute your ass out of it." Noah grinned back before he limped out of he room. Luke tried not to worry over how pronounced and painful Noah's limp still was.
He started rinsing dishes, and loading up the dishwasher, wondering idly if he should have just joined Noah in the shower. For one thing, he was overdue for one, secondly, the shower was the source of some seriously good times. But it was also obvious Noah was in a lot of pain, and there was still a little raw place in his heart over the "Charlie" that Noah cried out. He totally understood it now, what Charlie meant to Noah, but he also needed to mend his own heart. a bit
Luke finished with the dishes and remembered not to actually start the dishwasher, as Noah would probably not appreciate a sudden blast of cold water. He wiped up the counter and swept the kitchen linoleum, and imagined the pat on the head Emma would have given him. Although thoughts of Emma now also gave him a deep, melancholy pang. He wondered if he would ever be allowed back into her kitchen or her heart, caging a piece of pie and one of her sweet hugs.
He blinked back some tears, and to keep himself busy, he went to the bedroom, and began to make the bed, hoping he wouldn't make a complete hash of it. Noah's skills in this department were awe-inspiring, and impossible to live up to. Still, no reason why he couldn't make an effort. He was frowning at an uneven sheet when his cell phone rang. He picked it up from the nightstand, glancing at caller ID.
"Hey, Trip."
"Hey yourself, bud. How are you guys doing this morning?" Trip asked, the sound of a busy restaurant in the background.
Luke took a deep breath."Okay. Noah's a little shaky, and he's in a lot of pain-I think the fight aggravated his injury. Anyways, I made pancakes and talked him out of not going to work. How are things at your end?"
"Um..." There was a short, uncomfortable pause." Not great. In the wee hours someone sprayed painted "Fags" on the side of the restaurant. Fortunately, they weren't criminal masterminds, and Helen saw them do it from her window-she has an apartment on top of her store. Their voices woke her up, and she got their license number, and called the cops. I'm gonna bet it's some teenaged buddies of the goon squad that jumped you. Pissed off that Noah deservedly beat the snot out of them."
Luke sat down heavily on the bed."Jesus, Trip. You're kidding."
"Wish I was, Luke, wish I was. And-I assume you haven't gotten a copy of the paper yet. Front page news. And since this is a small community, it's become a huge fucking deal. And look-most people around Towagh know Noah, like him, and don't give a rat's ass that he's gay. Our regulars are outraged that this happened to you guys. But...you can also count on a percentage of assholes. I've had to ask a couple of loud mouthed homophobes to get the fuck out. Noah doesn't need this shit, and neither do you." Trip sighed. "Do you want to tell him, or should I? Or should we wait?"
"Trip...I don't think he needs to hear this right now." Luke said, going with his gut." Look, I haven't known Noah for long, but he's going to get even more wound up and tense, and that's just going to make things worse -he's in a lot of pain from his injury. What good will that do?"
Trip unexpectedly chuckled."Well, yeah, you haven't known him long, but I can see you already do know him pretty well. I agree. And Luke-let me take the heat, here. If it's cool with you, Annie, the girls and I will drop by tonight with some dinner, and I'll give him the lowdown. He'll be pissed, but hey, he's been pissed at me before, and we have both survived it."
Luke was relieved. "Oh, I think you guys being here would be great. Thanks. But Trip-let's both tell him. Then he can be pissed at me too."
"You know, I don't think I'll ever be able to tell you enough how glad I am that you're here, Luke." Trip said softly."I hope Noah starts to realize what a great guy you are."
Luke felt himself blush. "Well, I don't know about that, but I appreciate hearing it. See you tonight, then."
"See yah. Hope you like lasagna." Trip said before hanging up.
Luke just sat there, a bit numb, fingers playing with his cell phone. This shook him up, and he could feel his old fears rattling at the screen door. The exposure, the bigotry, the unreasoning anger-these were all reasons he had hidden so deeply in the closet. The idea that someone could hate him without even knowing him or Noah was so hard to take.
He rubbed his face, also realizing that there were great people like Trip as well. They were the ones that mattered. And if this was the price he was going to have to pay to live his life, and be true to himself, so be it. Charlie Pete would have flipped the bastards off. He'd gone through too much to continue to continue to hide in the dark. and deny who he was.
And he wouldn't trade the love he had for Noah for anything.
He got up and stuck his phone in his pocket, and started to work on the bed again, hurrying now, as he could hear the shower was off. He plumped up pillows, and then noticed he'd kicked his sneakers under the bed. He knelt down, grabbed at them and laughed when he found a ratty tennis ball. He peered under the bed, now wondering what else could be there, and was surprised to see a long, flat plastic tub, the kind used to store winter sweaters in. Curious, he dragged it out from under the bed, and popped it open. There was a thick layer of tissue and when he brushed it aside, he was hit with a burst of blazing color. Scarlet, ivory and deep ebony feathers, soft leather, sparkling beads. When it dawned on Luke what this might be, it was already too late.
"What are you doing?" Luke's head jerked up and he saw Noah standing at the doorway. He had a towel loosely wrapped around his hips, hair damp, a few water droplets still clinging to his chest. His face was expressionless, while Luke was sure his was filled with guilt over this inadvertent blunder, and over Charlie's journal as well.
"S-sorry. I was looking for a shoe, and I found this. I got nosy and opened it. I apologize, I had no right to poke around." He took a chance here, a really risky one. "This was Charlie's, right? It's so beautiful."
Noah was very still for a long moment, then he padded over to the bed, sitting on the edge, spine military stiff. "Yeah..it's Charlie's. It's one of his Fancy Dance costumes. Charlie's grandma made it for him, to compete at the Pow Wow. It took her two years to complete, all that beadwork. He won first place once, he was so proud of that. In his will, he wanted me to find home for some of the other costumes-and god, some of the ones he wore when he was a little kid were so cute- but this was one he wanted me to keep." Noah swallowed hard."When we were together, he bragged about how amazing he looked, a walking, one man parade. I would have given anything to see him dance. Anything..." Noah's eyes grew far away and sad.
Luke couldn't believe this was happening, Noah opening up like this, and he went cautiously, hoping the spell wouldn't be broken. "I'm sure he would have been spectacular...um-Noah? I take it that Charlie didn't have much family."
Noah snapped out of his reverie and looked right at Luke."No. We had a lot in common. His mom deserted him when he was a baby, he never knew who his father was. His grandparents raised him, and they were really wonderful people, but they both passed away. His grandpa was in a fishing boat accident, and his grandma died of breast cancer. He was just a teenager when that all happened, I can't imagine how he got through it at such a young age. But he was a tough guy, really resiliant."
Noah looked down at Luke thoughtfully."He would have liked you, Luke. So much. He loved to talk, loved people, was so warm and friendly, just like you. Funny as hell. I could never quite figure out what he saw in me, as I was his exact opposite."
Luke scooted closer, and knelt between Noah's legs, rested his hands on his thighs."Well, I can think of a million reasons, Noah Mayer, why Charlie would love you." Why I love you, he thought, but didn't say it out loud." Stop selling yourself so short, dammit."
Noah gave a small, watery laugh. "That sounds like something Charlie would say. Only he would also say I was an asshole." He reached out and touched Luke's face."Thanks, Luke. For being here, for listening...for just holding me together. You're an amazing, amazing guy."
"Ditto." Luke said softly, stretching up and kissing Noah lightly on the mouth. Noah sighed into it, kissed him gently back, let it deepen. Luke moaned a little, ran his fingers over Noah's bare skin, so smooth and warm. He let his tongue meet Noah's, and the sensation made his breath quicken, made his heart beat fast. He broke from the kiss and and let his mouth roam over the rest of Noah, chin decorated with stubble, the long neck, the elegant collarbone. He feathered little kisses and bites down his muscular chest, paused for a moment at Noah's dog tags. "Hey Charlie," he mentally saluted. Then he sucked a small nipple into his mouth, felt it respond and pucker. Noah made this delicious sound, somewhere between a grunt and groan, an 'uh' noise, then a deep, rumbly "Luuuke..." that made his cock press hard against the denim in his jeans. Luke breathed him in, the Dr. Bronners and Noah smell, and released the tortured nipple with a final bite, deciding to go even lower. He gave a quick glance up at Noah, and his eyes were half closed, the dark blue almost concealed by black lashes, an excited blush traveling over his face and chest.
He tongued Noah's belly and then let himself play with the soft, enticing hair that traveled to Noah's cock, now very obvious under terrycloth. He pulled off the towel and eyed the awaiting erection. It was strange now to think he had been so afraid of this. Now it was beautiful, his lover, wanting him, aroused by him. He loved the curve of it, the velvety, red stained head, the heavy veins, the way it jutted out, so proud and masculine.
He playfully licked the tip, watched it twitch and Noah shuddered. "Hey...like that, huh?"
"Love that, baby." Noah whispered, smiling a little.
Luke stroked Noah's thighs, the smooth one,and the one covered with scar tissue. "What else would you love me to do?" Luke said, smiling back, liking this game, enjoying being in charge of Noah's pleasure.
Noah ran his fingers over Luke's head, ruffling his hair."For you to suck me, make me come...please?" His voice got even lower, which Luke didn't think was possible."Please, baby?"
Jesus, he was sexy, without even trying. Luke chuckled. "Thought you would never ask." He licked his lips and took Noah's cock slowly down his mouth, relaxing his jaw. He was still nowhere near Noah's masterful blow jobs, but he was learning, and had gotten past the gag reflex that had marred his first attempts. He felt Noah lengthen in his mouth as he sucked, tasting salty, slightly bitter precome."Fuck Luke, oh god, yeah...uh, yeah, right there right there..."
Every groan Luke coaxed from Noah made his own cock ache, and he had to slightly pause for a minute to surreptitiously unzip and pull his dick free. Then he went down on Noah in earnest, humming now, bobbing his head, just like a porn star. Noah was gripping his shoulders tightly,and Luke could tell he was holding himself back to prevent himself from thrusting in his mouth. "Fuck, baby-yeah, oh god, yeah, yeah..gonna, gonna, gonna..." Luke could feel Noah begin to tense. "Come!" And then came the flood, hot and thick and Luke drank it down, some of it spilling from his mouth. So good, so good.
He pulled off Noah, kissing his still dripping cock, gazing up at his sated, shellshocked expression. Then he had to stroke himself, because it ached so bad, and Noah stopped him in mid pump. "No, Luke-no. Sit up on the bed. Let me. Please." Luke stumbled upright, jeans falling to the floor, and Noah guided him, getting him to sit between his legs, Luke's back against his chest. Noah rested his head on Luke's shoulder, reaching under his sweatshirt, carressing his chest for a brief moment. "Noah..." Luke whined, desperately wanting attention elsewhere.
"Sorry." Noah huffed a laugh in his ear, then nipped it."Don't need much foreplay, huh?" He wrapped a warm hand around Luke's dripping dick and fisted him, making Luke howl."Wanna make you come, baby, love to make you come, love that tight, hot ass of yours, and this gorgeous cock, and you can come for me now, can't you? Come for me Luke, come for me..."
And Luke did, and and the room tilted, and he heard himself yelling, but it was from a long way off. Then he just slumped, and Noah did too, both collapsing backwards on the bed. Noah's arms circled him tight.
"That was so, so nice baby, thank you." Noah said dreamily, nuzzling the side of Luke's flushed face." And my leg doesn't hurt so much anymore- you gave me something else to think about."
Luke grinned into the blanket, basking in the afterglow, and was also pleased with himself."Anytime, Mayer."
Noah rolled him over and kissed his nose. "Although you got it backwards, stud. Sex after the movie."
Luke laughed. "I'll try and remember that. Although sex during the movie also sounds fun."
Noah just rolled his eyes.
****
Luke took a quick shower afterwards, and when he returned to the bedroom, he found Noah fully dressed in a clean, long sleeved t-shirt and pair of jeans. He had Charlie's Fancy Dance costume on the bed beside him, and he was playing with one of the feathers, an unreadable expression on his face. He smiled at Luke when he came in though, and then to Luke's surprise, he pulled the costume out of the container, to show him how it was worn. Luke could easily imagine Charlie in it, and was sure he looked every inch a proud and beautiful warrior. It felt a little strange to touch it, but ultimately it wasn't a bad feeling, just one more connection to the man that Noah loved and lost.
Then Luke helped Noah put it away, with great, reverent care.
The went into the living room,and Noah told Luke to pick out a movie while he went to make some coffee. Luke gazed at Noah's DVD collection, fairly baffled, as most of the titles were unfamiliar to him. Then something jumped out at him, vaguely ringing a bell. "Roman Holiday" with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Then he remembered Charlie had mentioned it in his journal. Noah came out of the kitchen, holding two mugs. "Great choice." he said with a smile, when he saw what Luke was holding. "One of my favorites."
Unfortunately, Luke didn't get to see much of it. Even though Audrey Hepburn was incredibly delightful, and the runaway princess premise was intriguing and fun, he fell asleep. All the stress, and the late night journal reading, plus sex and pancakes, finally caught up to him.
When he woke up, his thigh was vibrating. He saw that Noah had also fallen asleep, head pillowed in Luke's lap, one arm hanging over the sofa edge, touching a lightly snoring Buster. he blinked in the late afternoon light and dug his cell out of his pocket. It was Holden.
"Hey dad...can you give me minute? I can't talk right this second- lemme call you back." he whispered.
"Sure-but...why are you whispering?" Holden asked, puzzled.
"I'll explain, promise." Luke said before he hung up.
He sighed and eased himself off the couch, trying not to wake up Noah. He stirred, and mumbled something, but stayed asleep, face relaxed and peaceful. He turned the DVD and tv off, and tiptoed out of the house, to the front porch. He stared at the ocean for a minute, knowing that the conversation with his dad was going to be hard, But he needed to come clean, as he had been avoiding telling his father about Noah.
He punched Holden's number and he answered on the second ring."Okay- what's going on, Luke?" he began without any preamble.
Luke decided to jump in, feet first."I didn't want to wake my friend up."
"Friend?" Holden's tone slipped in to neutral.
"The man I'm staying with." Luke said quickly. "I've been misleading you a little, dad. I didn't outright lie, making you think I was holed up in some hotel room, but I didn't volunteer any information either. I'm sorry." He took a deep breath. "His name is Noah, and he really helped me when I was a complete mess, and he invited me to stay at his house. He's a wonderful guy, and...we're um, lovers, dad." This was about the oddest thing he'd ever said to Holden, and his face went red. "I-I left this out because I know what this looks like. I know I have no business getting involved with anyone right now, with everything such a mess. But-it just happened, and I shouldn't act like I'm ashamed of it, or him."
There was a heavy silence."Christ, Luke-you're still married."
Luke's jaw clenched. "Don't you think I KNOW that? And I don't want to BE married anymore, and god, dad, I also don't want to hurt Maddie. I would have called Tom to get the divorce proceedings going, but I was waiting to get some kind of cue from you or her. But since she won't talk to me, I'm kind of stuck. I won't fight her on anything-she can have the house, the car, the Grimaldi money-I don't care about any of it."
Holden sighed. "Luke-you don't have to hand absolutely everything to Maddie, no matter how guilty you feel."
"Dad-I lied to her. I made a vow I didn't keep, it was meaningless. I loved her, but I wasn't in love with her. I hurt her so badly. If it takes me my whole life, I'll try to make it up to her." Luke snorted."And geeze dad-not like I'll be a pauper. Lucinda's trust will keep me going until I figure out what I want to do."
"Well, Luke-I don't want to pressure you, but I think you need to come home. I'm worried about Maddie, Luke. She's not really talking to me either, and Damian and Lily are over there all the time-I don't want to think about what kind of poison they are filling her with."
Luke cringed inwardly, not wanting to think about it either. Damian could twist you up, manipulate you into believing lies or talk you into doing things you normally wouldn't. He was a first class example. "I don't like hearing this either, but I'm wondering what you think I'll be able to do-Maddie won't speak to me, dad. I've left dozens of messages. I don't see how camping out at my old front door will make a difference, other than looking like I'm harrassing her."
"Luke-sometimes there are things under the surface, that people don't say, but are still there. You're so far away, I'm sure Maddie feels like you have completely written her off. I don't want to say this Luke, but it feels like you've written all of us off, too."
Luke suddenly got very angry."Hey, dad-not like anyone from goddamn Oakdale has acted like they want me back! I know I deserve their anger for what I did to Mads, but I get the really distinct impression that they want the old Luke model, not the new gay Luke. So dad-what the hell do I need to come home for? Would Noah be welcome?"
Holden paused, and when he spoke again, his voice was very sad."Okay. Fair enough. And I'm deeply disappointed too, with the way some of them are behaving. But Luke-you will never, never fix this being two thousand miles away. And they will come around, as they are your family-they do love you, you have to know that. It's just going to take some time. "
Luke's eyes filled with tears."Sorry dad-I wish I had your confidence. From where I'm sitting, it doesn't really feel that way anymore." He took a deep breath."Anyway, I really can't come home right now, even if I wanted to. Noah's got some issues, he needs me here."
"Luke, I get that you want to be there for your friend, but you just met this guy, and-"
"I love him, dad. For the first time in my life, I'm in love." Luke said, and was a bit shocked at how easy it was to say out loud.
There was also some obvious shock back in Oakdale. When Holden finally spoke again, his voice was cautious."Luke. Listen. You have been through an awful lot, and are messed up emotionally, so your feelings for this guy are-"
Luke was now furious." What-not real? Not what straight people feel for each other?"
"Luke, I never said that-"
"But you did imply that I wouldn't know my own heart. And god, dad, it hurts that even you are thinking this, deep down. "
"Luke, I'm not-" Just then a strange car pulled up in Noah's driveway, a blue Nissan. Luke began to tense up,and he cut Holden off."Dad-I gotta go. Sorry. We can talk later." He snapped the phone shut, warily staring as a man stepped out of the car, holding a briefcase. He was around Luke's age, very clean cut, in a nice suit.
"Hi. Can I help you?" Luke asked, hoping that this wasn't another shit storm.
"Hello."said the man, puling a business card out of his pocket."I'm Deputy District Attorney Scott Pence. You're Mr. Snyder, right? If it's convenient, I'd like to talk to you and Mr. Mayer about the case."
Luke let out a tense breath."Sure. Yeah. Would you just give me a minute? Noah is sleeping."
Pence nodded, and Luke wasn't sure, but he thought he saw a little discomfort flit across his face, although his voice was polite enough. "Of course-I should have called first."
Luke went back into the house, and saw Noah was awake, albeit yawning. He gave Luke a welcoming smile."Hey."
"Um-gotta deal with something. We've got company."
Noah's smile faded.
****
Noah was always a gracious host, and insisted on serving everyone coffee before they sat down at his seldom used dining room table. Buster tried to be too, and offered a welcoming tennis ball, which Pence tried to ignore, obviously not liking dogs. Noah finally told Buster to get in his bed and behave, while a small seed of dislike bloomed bigger in Luke's chest.
Pence briskly pulled some papers from his case."Ive been in close contact with Detectives Guzman and Ross, and it seems that they found the kids that defaced your restaurant this morning-"
Noah reeled back in surprise and Luke felt terrible."What? Defaced my restaurant? No one called me!"
Luke took Noah's hand and out of the corner of his eye, he saw the disapproval on Pence's face again. He tried to ignore it and focused on Noah."Um-sorry. Trip did, this morning. We decided not to say anything to you, since you weren't feeling so hot. Plus, the cops had it under control, Noah. Helen saw them do it, got their license plate."
"You should have told me, Luke." Noah said flatly, both anger and hurt in his eyes.
Luke stared right back at him."I know. You're right. I'm sorry. I just wanted to protect you for a little longer."
Noah blinked, and the anger faded a little. He squeezed Luke's hand before turning his attention to Pence again. "So...what did they write?"
Pence cleared his throat. "Fags." He shuffled around some more papers. "It turns out that they were friends of the boys that attacked you, and they are going to be charged with vandalism and criminal mischief. And the boys that attacked you-I've reviewed your statements, the ones with the eye witnesses, the security tapes, and it was obviously an unprovoked attack. We are going to charge them with felony assault, and one boy, Lance Jameson, will have the additional charge of assault with a deadly weapon, as his fingerprints were on the swtichblade found at the scene. Three of the boys will be prosecuted as adults, as they are all eighteen,while one is still a minor." Pence fiddled with a paper clip." This is all fairly cut and dried, although I have a few questions for you, Mr. Mayer. About your army record."
Luke instantly bristled, and Noah visibly tensed. "What does that have to do with anything?" Luke said, more sharply then he intended.
Noah took a deep breath."What do you want to know, Mr. Pence?"
Pence fidgited."You have an exemplary service record, Mr. Mayer, I hope you don't think that was what I was implying anything else. A Silver Star and a Purple Heart is ample evidence. It's just that the boy's parents are deeply upset about all this, and some of them feel that the resulting violence on your part was...um, excessive. Have you had any special hand to hand training?"
"Yes." Noah said, frowning.
"You were also hospitalized for quite some time, correct?" Pence said, not looking at Noah, but at his papers.
"I was wounded by a car bomb, and...my leg was severely damaged..." Noah had suddenly gone quite white.
"Were there any mental issues? I know this is very personal, but if this is brought to trial, the defense will surely bring this up."Pence said crisply.
Noah swallowed, and seemed to cave in on himself, a sight that broke Luke's heart."Yes. I was diagnosed with severe depression and PSTD. I was released after six months though, with a clean bill of health."
Pence returned to his paper clip. "Of course. It's just that I'm wondering if you wouldn't want to avoid dealing with this at trial. it could get nasty. I can offer the boy's reduced sentences if they plead guilty, and you can be spared-"
Luke suddenly exploded."Now just wait a fucking minute! Reduced sentences? What the hell? What kind of DA are you? You make it sound like Noah and I did something wrong. That Noah is some crazy, psycho vet We were surrounded by a bunch of big jocks bent on kicking our homo asses-should Noah have let them beat on us first, to make it more even? Should I have been stabbed? And Mr. Pence, why aren't you charging them with a hate crime-as that is what this is. They didn't want our money or the motorcycle, they attacked us because we were gay-that's the only fucking reason. Your a prosecuting attorney, you should want to punish them for that, to the full extent of the law-right? Am I right?"
Pence was completely taken aback, and Noah was just staring at Luke, face full of surprise and pride."Mr. Snyder, I don't think you understand how complicated this can get-"
Luke snorted."Bullshit. You just don't want to do your job, as a couple of fags make you really uncomfortable. And shame on you for using Noah's history as your excuse not to. Well, I can get a pretty nasty lawyer of our own, and I can also pay a visit to the DA, and talk to any member of the press that wants to listen. I can guarantee I can make it very, very complicated for you, Mr. Pence. Just saying."
Pence seemed both angry and shellshocked."I can assure you Mr. Snyder, that I will do my sworn duty." He started to gather up his paperwork.
"Good. Then we are on the same damn page. You can go now, and get the ball rolling. We'll stay in touch." Luke suddenly realized as he was saying this that he sounded exactly like Lucinda Walsh at her most formidable and imperious. It was a surprisingly good feeling.
"Ill show myself out." Pence said, doing just that.
Noah reached over and touched Luke's face, in gratitude and wonder."Baby-you are fucking fierce. Thank you."
"He's learned not to mess with a Snyder." Luke picked up Noah's hand, and kissed the palm. "And no one messes with you-not on my watch."
As Pence was leaving, suddenly, the room was filled with arriving Triplehorns. Trip was holding a big cardboard box, Annie held a paper bag. They stared curiously at the retreating Pence, and then Buster exploded with joy, happily greeting their two little girls, who squealed with delight.
"I also, um, invited Trip, Annie and the girls for dinner." Luke added, a bit sheepishly.
Noah just smiled."Yup-bossy."
****
Noah seemed very glad to see all of the Triplehorns, to Luke's relief, and truthfully, so was Luke. There was bittersweetness there too, as it reminded him of a Snyder crisis, with everyone suddenly rallying, and Emma churning out food for the masses. No matter how dire the situation, there was also a feeling of love and comfort and family. Luke now wondered if he would ever experience that again.
Not that they Triplehorns were a poor substitute. There was some momentary tension between Noah and Trip, which was settled by Noah frowning at him and saying, "You should have told me." and then wrapping him in a hug. Then everyone relaxed, as Trip and Annie commandeered the kitchen and got dinner organized, while Luke and Noah were charmed by the girls.
January, or Junebug, was tall and thin for seven, the image of her father, laid back and whip smart, while October, or Toby was like Annie, slightly chubby five year old with a dazzling, happy smile. They hugged both Luke and Noah, presented them with pictures created with crayons and glitter glue, and launched into a story about a new baby goat named Hamlet.
"Luke, he's soooo darling!" Toby said expressively, hands waving like a wealthy matron expensive restaurant. Perched in his lap, she had blond messy ringlets and was wearing a scuffed up princess tiara and fairy wings. " Just darling!" Luke resisted the urge to just cover her with kisses for being so cute. As well as not think of Natalie or Faith when they were that age.
"She really likes that word. She uses it all. The.Time."Junebug said, eyeballing her sister with some exasperation. She was in Noah's lap, cuddling close.
"Well he IS darling. You said too." Toby pouted a little.
"I'm sure that's true, and I love to see him sometime." Luke said diplomatically, used to sisterly squabbles. "All animal babies are darling-I helped my dad deliver quite a few foals when I lived on the farm."
Luke might have suddenly announced he was secretly Willy Wonka or Spider-Man, as he got incredulous, happy stares form both children.
"Foals? As in horses?" Junebug asked dreamily.
Annie entered the room, carrying a salad bowl, and she smiled wide at Luke. She was an adult version of Toby, a curvy earth goddess in green tie dyed dress and skirt, spectacular blond hair cascading down her back."And I'm sure he would be happy to tell you all about it at dinner, pumpkins."
So the entire topic of conversation while eating was Luke's history with equines, which was a relief. It was nice to leave the stress behind for an hour and pretend things were normal. The food was excellent, of course, a rich, cheesy lasagne, a salad full of fresh veggies grown in Annie's garden, crusty french bread. Noah was pretty quiet, but at least he ate more that he did at breakfast.
Luke ran out of horse stories when everyone was full. Noah put a movie on for the girls-Luke was amazed at their request, a French version of "Beauty and the Beast". They both could read the subtitles with ease. So apparently, could Buster, who curled up next to them.
The adults cleaned up, and congregated in the kitchen, where Trip made lattes, and Luke told them about Pence. Noah had to ask him twice to keep his voice down.
"Fuck. I think I know what this is about, besides the fact that Pence is an apparent homophobe." Trip said, leaning against the counter. "You said one of the kid's name's was Jameson? I bet he's related to Spenser Jameson. That would explain a hell of a lot."
"Who?" Luke asked while Noah put his head in his hands.
"He's one of the big wheels in the county. Owns a couple canneries."Annie explained, twirling the wine around in her glass. "Also in the state senate.I'm sure the DA wants him happy. This could get ugly, guys."
"So, are you saying that Noah and I should just go along with Pence, and be happy that these kids just get a slap on the wrist?" Luke said, hotly.
"No, honey, I'm not." Annie sighed. "But you both should be aware because of Spencer, this thing will get big.Trip told me that there was a reporter from the Oregonian nosing around the Skook this afternoon. Fortunately he didn't have Noah's home address, as his number is unlisted.They are going to dig around in Noah's past, your past."
Luke was stopped short by this, and his stomach dropped. This hadn't occurred to him, and he had a mountain of dirty laundry. Noah reached out his hand suddenly and grabbed one of Luke's."Hey baby. Listen. I'm all for fighting the good fight, but no one will blame us if we just go along for the ride." His eyes were incredibly sad, and full of emotion.
Luke took a breath."No. It's wrong. Fuck 'em."
Noah then leaned over and kissed him very gently on the cheek.
"That being said, I think you both should lay low for awhile." Trip said, setting down a cup of coffee in front of Luke. "Take a vacation for goddamn once, Noah, and take Luke with you. Reporters can't bug you if you are out of town."
"Trip-no-I couldn't ask you to-"Noah protested.
"I can call my friend Abel from Eugene to do some cooking-he loves to show off." Trip continued, ignoring Noah."Annie can do the books, and Marisol has a cousin that would be happy to wash some dishes. I know you hate to admit it, but the Skookum can run without you, man."
Noah rubbed his face. He looked really fragile at the moment, and completely overwhelmed, and it broke Luke's heart."You sure it won't seem like running away? Being a coward?"
"No, sweetheart-it won't. Promise. You are the bravest person I know."He picked up Noah's hand and kissed it."Plus, I'd like to see some of this state of yours you've been constantly bragging about."
Noah finally smiled. "Guess I'd better, bossy man."
Author: rebop13
Rating: NC17
Summary: Alternate universe, Luke is running away from something, Noah finds him. In this chapter, Luke takes care of Noah and they deal with the aftermath from the fight.
Disclaimer: Don't own, mean no harm, for fun.
Author's Note:For Rachel, Dawn and all their wonderful help, For Moey just 'cuz. And all the Nukies, who are still here and standing strong.
After the kitchen got cleaned up- and Noah put on another pair of sweat pants-Luke got a a lesson in pancakes 101. He saw where he initially went wrong, but he still couldn't figure out how Noah's pancakes came out golden brown and a perfect round shape, while his were sort of weird and blobby.
However, it didn't ultimately matter, as they tasted great, smothered in butter and some genuine Oregon Marionberry syrup. Luke ate a ridiculous number of them, as he was suddenly starving, and washed he them down with Noah's always excellent coffee.
The fun and the silliness seemed to really lift Noah's spirits, but he also didn't eat very much. Luke realized he was still in considerable pain, although he was trying to hide it. But he held his body stiffly in his kitchen chair, and his jaw was clenched tight, even when he joking and laughing with Luke.
When he started to make noises about going to work for awhile, Luke decided to take a page out of Charlie Pete's playbook. After he picked up the dirty dishes and set them on the counter, he gazed steadily at Noah, one hand on his hip.
"No-you're not."
Noah blinked up at him, coffee mug halfway to his lips."What?"
Luke narrowed his eyes. "You aren't going to work today. C'mon, Noah. You aren't fooling me. I can tell your leg is really bothering you still. Running around at the Skookum is only going to aggravate it. Trip's got things covered-you need to rest."
Noah's good mood suddenly evaporated, like an ice cube in a furnace. "I'm not a fucking invalid, Luke." He set his mug on the table with a sharp rap."Don't you dare start treating me like one."
Luke huffed out a breath, knowing the last thing he needed to do was to lose his temper. "Did I say you were?" He made his voice soft and gentle."But Noah-yesterday was pretty awful, and hard on both of us-not just you." He reached out and carefully touched Noah's thick, dark hair. "I think it's okay to have a time out-that's all. And...I want to take care of you. Please?"
Noah sat there, silent and almost pouting, then he let out a sigh. He then leaned into Luke, put his face in his belly, like a tired child. His voice was slightly muffled. "You're kinda bossy-you know that?
Luke smiled in triumph, and refrained from a fist pump. "Yeah. I think I kinda am." He continued to card his fingers through Noah's hair."So, continuing this trend, why don't you let me clean up, while you hop in the shower? Then we can watch a movie or something. I could use some serious sofa cuddling."
He could see the side of Noah's face, and a small smile curved up. "You don't play fair-I can't resist a movie. Or, um, cuddling." He kissed Luke's stomach and stood up, trying to cover up the flinch as he did. Before he left the kitchen, he also kissed Luke's cheek. "Thanks for taking such good care of me. And making pancakes."
Luke chuckled. "You've got a really short memory. Snyder pancake mayhem ring any bells?"
"You somehow managed to cute your ass out of it." Noah grinned back before he limped out of he room. Luke tried not to worry over how pronounced and painful Noah's limp still was.
He started rinsing dishes, and loading up the dishwasher, wondering idly if he should have just joined Noah in the shower. For one thing, he was overdue for one, secondly, the shower was the source of some seriously good times. But it was also obvious Noah was in a lot of pain, and there was still a little raw place in his heart over the "Charlie" that Noah cried out. He totally understood it now, what Charlie meant to Noah, but he also needed to mend his own heart. a bit
Luke finished with the dishes and remembered not to actually start the dishwasher, as Noah would probably not appreciate a sudden blast of cold water. He wiped up the counter and swept the kitchen linoleum, and imagined the pat on the head Emma would have given him. Although thoughts of Emma now also gave him a deep, melancholy pang. He wondered if he would ever be allowed back into her kitchen or her heart, caging a piece of pie and one of her sweet hugs.
He blinked back some tears, and to keep himself busy, he went to the bedroom, and began to make the bed, hoping he wouldn't make a complete hash of it. Noah's skills in this department were awe-inspiring, and impossible to live up to. Still, no reason why he couldn't make an effort. He was frowning at an uneven sheet when his cell phone rang. He picked it up from the nightstand, glancing at caller ID.
"Hey, Trip."
"Hey yourself, bud. How are you guys doing this morning?" Trip asked, the sound of a busy restaurant in the background.
Luke took a deep breath."Okay. Noah's a little shaky, and he's in a lot of pain-I think the fight aggravated his injury. Anyways, I made pancakes and talked him out of not going to work. How are things at your end?"
"Um..." There was a short, uncomfortable pause." Not great. In the wee hours someone sprayed painted "Fags" on the side of the restaurant. Fortunately, they weren't criminal masterminds, and Helen saw them do it from her window-she has an apartment on top of her store. Their voices woke her up, and she got their license number, and called the cops. I'm gonna bet it's some teenaged buddies of the goon squad that jumped you. Pissed off that Noah deservedly beat the snot out of them."
Luke sat down heavily on the bed."Jesus, Trip. You're kidding."
"Wish I was, Luke, wish I was. And-I assume you haven't gotten a copy of the paper yet. Front page news. And since this is a small community, it's become a huge fucking deal. And look-most people around Towagh know Noah, like him, and don't give a rat's ass that he's gay. Our regulars are outraged that this happened to you guys. But...you can also count on a percentage of assholes. I've had to ask a couple of loud mouthed homophobes to get the fuck out. Noah doesn't need this shit, and neither do you." Trip sighed. "Do you want to tell him, or should I? Or should we wait?"
"Trip...I don't think he needs to hear this right now." Luke said, going with his gut." Look, I haven't known Noah for long, but he's going to get even more wound up and tense, and that's just going to make things worse -he's in a lot of pain from his injury. What good will that do?"
Trip unexpectedly chuckled."Well, yeah, you haven't known him long, but I can see you already do know him pretty well. I agree. And Luke-let me take the heat, here. If it's cool with you, Annie, the girls and I will drop by tonight with some dinner, and I'll give him the lowdown. He'll be pissed, but hey, he's been pissed at me before, and we have both survived it."
Luke was relieved. "Oh, I think you guys being here would be great. Thanks. But Trip-let's both tell him. Then he can be pissed at me too."
"You know, I don't think I'll ever be able to tell you enough how glad I am that you're here, Luke." Trip said softly."I hope Noah starts to realize what a great guy you are."
Luke felt himself blush. "Well, I don't know about that, but I appreciate hearing it. See you tonight, then."
"See yah. Hope you like lasagna." Trip said before hanging up.
Luke just sat there, a bit numb, fingers playing with his cell phone. This shook him up, and he could feel his old fears rattling at the screen door. The exposure, the bigotry, the unreasoning anger-these were all reasons he had hidden so deeply in the closet. The idea that someone could hate him without even knowing him or Noah was so hard to take.
He rubbed his face, also realizing that there were great people like Trip as well. They were the ones that mattered. And if this was the price he was going to have to pay to live his life, and be true to himself, so be it. Charlie Pete would have flipped the bastards off. He'd gone through too much to continue to continue to hide in the dark. and deny who he was.
And he wouldn't trade the love he had for Noah for anything.
He got up and stuck his phone in his pocket, and started to work on the bed again, hurrying now, as he could hear the shower was off. He plumped up pillows, and then noticed he'd kicked his sneakers under the bed. He knelt down, grabbed at them and laughed when he found a ratty tennis ball. He peered under the bed, now wondering what else could be there, and was surprised to see a long, flat plastic tub, the kind used to store winter sweaters in. Curious, he dragged it out from under the bed, and popped it open. There was a thick layer of tissue and when he brushed it aside, he was hit with a burst of blazing color. Scarlet, ivory and deep ebony feathers, soft leather, sparkling beads. When it dawned on Luke what this might be, it was already too late.
"What are you doing?" Luke's head jerked up and he saw Noah standing at the doorway. He had a towel loosely wrapped around his hips, hair damp, a few water droplets still clinging to his chest. His face was expressionless, while Luke was sure his was filled with guilt over this inadvertent blunder, and over Charlie's journal as well.
"S-sorry. I was looking for a shoe, and I found this. I got nosy and opened it. I apologize, I had no right to poke around." He took a chance here, a really risky one. "This was Charlie's, right? It's so beautiful."
Noah was very still for a long moment, then he padded over to the bed, sitting on the edge, spine military stiff. "Yeah..it's Charlie's. It's one of his Fancy Dance costumes. Charlie's grandma made it for him, to compete at the Pow Wow. It took her two years to complete, all that beadwork. He won first place once, he was so proud of that. In his will, he wanted me to find home for some of the other costumes-and god, some of the ones he wore when he was a little kid were so cute- but this was one he wanted me to keep." Noah swallowed hard."When we were together, he bragged about how amazing he looked, a walking, one man parade. I would have given anything to see him dance. Anything..." Noah's eyes grew far away and sad.
Luke couldn't believe this was happening, Noah opening up like this, and he went cautiously, hoping the spell wouldn't be broken. "I'm sure he would have been spectacular...um-Noah? I take it that Charlie didn't have much family."
Noah snapped out of his reverie and looked right at Luke."No. We had a lot in common. His mom deserted him when he was a baby, he never knew who his father was. His grandparents raised him, and they were really wonderful people, but they both passed away. His grandpa was in a fishing boat accident, and his grandma died of breast cancer. He was just a teenager when that all happened, I can't imagine how he got through it at such a young age. But he was a tough guy, really resiliant."
Noah looked down at Luke thoughtfully."He would have liked you, Luke. So much. He loved to talk, loved people, was so warm and friendly, just like you. Funny as hell. I could never quite figure out what he saw in me, as I was his exact opposite."
Luke scooted closer, and knelt between Noah's legs, rested his hands on his thighs."Well, I can think of a million reasons, Noah Mayer, why Charlie would love you." Why I love you, he thought, but didn't say it out loud." Stop selling yourself so short, dammit."
Noah gave a small, watery laugh. "That sounds like something Charlie would say. Only he would also say I was an asshole." He reached out and touched Luke's face."Thanks, Luke. For being here, for listening...for just holding me together. You're an amazing, amazing guy."
"Ditto." Luke said softly, stretching up and kissing Noah lightly on the mouth. Noah sighed into it, kissed him gently back, let it deepen. Luke moaned a little, ran his fingers over Noah's bare skin, so smooth and warm. He let his tongue meet Noah's, and the sensation made his breath quicken, made his heart beat fast. He broke from the kiss and and let his mouth roam over the rest of Noah, chin decorated with stubble, the long neck, the elegant collarbone. He feathered little kisses and bites down his muscular chest, paused for a moment at Noah's dog tags. "Hey Charlie," he mentally saluted. Then he sucked a small nipple into his mouth, felt it respond and pucker. Noah made this delicious sound, somewhere between a grunt and groan, an 'uh' noise, then a deep, rumbly "Luuuke..." that made his cock press hard against the denim in his jeans. Luke breathed him in, the Dr. Bronners and Noah smell, and released the tortured nipple with a final bite, deciding to go even lower. He gave a quick glance up at Noah, and his eyes were half closed, the dark blue almost concealed by black lashes, an excited blush traveling over his face and chest.
He tongued Noah's belly and then let himself play with the soft, enticing hair that traveled to Noah's cock, now very obvious under terrycloth. He pulled off the towel and eyed the awaiting erection. It was strange now to think he had been so afraid of this. Now it was beautiful, his lover, wanting him, aroused by him. He loved the curve of it, the velvety, red stained head, the heavy veins, the way it jutted out, so proud and masculine.
He playfully licked the tip, watched it twitch and Noah shuddered. "Hey...like that, huh?"
"Love that, baby." Noah whispered, smiling a little.
Luke stroked Noah's thighs, the smooth one,and the one covered with scar tissue. "What else would you love me to do?" Luke said, smiling back, liking this game, enjoying being in charge of Noah's pleasure.
Noah ran his fingers over Luke's head, ruffling his hair."For you to suck me, make me come...please?" His voice got even lower, which Luke didn't think was possible."Please, baby?"
Jesus, he was sexy, without even trying. Luke chuckled. "Thought you would never ask." He licked his lips and took Noah's cock slowly down his mouth, relaxing his jaw. He was still nowhere near Noah's masterful blow jobs, but he was learning, and had gotten past the gag reflex that had marred his first attempts. He felt Noah lengthen in his mouth as he sucked, tasting salty, slightly bitter precome."Fuck Luke, oh god, yeah...uh, yeah, right there right there..."
Every groan Luke coaxed from Noah made his own cock ache, and he had to slightly pause for a minute to surreptitiously unzip and pull his dick free. Then he went down on Noah in earnest, humming now, bobbing his head, just like a porn star. Noah was gripping his shoulders tightly,and Luke could tell he was holding himself back to prevent himself from thrusting in his mouth. "Fuck, baby-yeah, oh god, yeah, yeah..gonna, gonna, gonna..." Luke could feel Noah begin to tense. "Come!" And then came the flood, hot and thick and Luke drank it down, some of it spilling from his mouth. So good, so good.
He pulled off Noah, kissing his still dripping cock, gazing up at his sated, shellshocked expression. Then he had to stroke himself, because it ached so bad, and Noah stopped him in mid pump. "No, Luke-no. Sit up on the bed. Let me. Please." Luke stumbled upright, jeans falling to the floor, and Noah guided him, getting him to sit between his legs, Luke's back against his chest. Noah rested his head on Luke's shoulder, reaching under his sweatshirt, carressing his chest for a brief moment. "Noah..." Luke whined, desperately wanting attention elsewhere.
"Sorry." Noah huffed a laugh in his ear, then nipped it."Don't need much foreplay, huh?" He wrapped a warm hand around Luke's dripping dick and fisted him, making Luke howl."Wanna make you come, baby, love to make you come, love that tight, hot ass of yours, and this gorgeous cock, and you can come for me now, can't you? Come for me Luke, come for me..."
And Luke did, and and the room tilted, and he heard himself yelling, but it was from a long way off. Then he just slumped, and Noah did too, both collapsing backwards on the bed. Noah's arms circled him tight.
"That was so, so nice baby, thank you." Noah said dreamily, nuzzling the side of Luke's flushed face." And my leg doesn't hurt so much anymore- you gave me something else to think about."
Luke grinned into the blanket, basking in the afterglow, and was also pleased with himself."Anytime, Mayer."
Noah rolled him over and kissed his nose. "Although you got it backwards, stud. Sex after the movie."
Luke laughed. "I'll try and remember that. Although sex during the movie also sounds fun."
Noah just rolled his eyes.
****
Luke took a quick shower afterwards, and when he returned to the bedroom, he found Noah fully dressed in a clean, long sleeved t-shirt and pair of jeans. He had Charlie's Fancy Dance costume on the bed beside him, and he was playing with one of the feathers, an unreadable expression on his face. He smiled at Luke when he came in though, and then to Luke's surprise, he pulled the costume out of the container, to show him how it was worn. Luke could easily imagine Charlie in it, and was sure he looked every inch a proud and beautiful warrior. It felt a little strange to touch it, but ultimately it wasn't a bad feeling, just one more connection to the man that Noah loved and lost.
Then Luke helped Noah put it away, with great, reverent care.
The went into the living room,and Noah told Luke to pick out a movie while he went to make some coffee. Luke gazed at Noah's DVD collection, fairly baffled, as most of the titles were unfamiliar to him. Then something jumped out at him, vaguely ringing a bell. "Roman Holiday" with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Then he remembered Charlie had mentioned it in his journal. Noah came out of the kitchen, holding two mugs. "Great choice." he said with a smile, when he saw what Luke was holding. "One of my favorites."
Unfortunately, Luke didn't get to see much of it. Even though Audrey Hepburn was incredibly delightful, and the runaway princess premise was intriguing and fun, he fell asleep. All the stress, and the late night journal reading, plus sex and pancakes, finally caught up to him.
When he woke up, his thigh was vibrating. He saw that Noah had also fallen asleep, head pillowed in Luke's lap, one arm hanging over the sofa edge, touching a lightly snoring Buster. he blinked in the late afternoon light and dug his cell out of his pocket. It was Holden.
"Hey dad...can you give me minute? I can't talk right this second- lemme call you back." he whispered.
"Sure-but...why are you whispering?" Holden asked, puzzled.
"I'll explain, promise." Luke said before he hung up.
He sighed and eased himself off the couch, trying not to wake up Noah. He stirred, and mumbled something, but stayed asleep, face relaxed and peaceful. He turned the DVD and tv off, and tiptoed out of the house, to the front porch. He stared at the ocean for a minute, knowing that the conversation with his dad was going to be hard, But he needed to come clean, as he had been avoiding telling his father about Noah.
He punched Holden's number and he answered on the second ring."Okay- what's going on, Luke?" he began without any preamble.
Luke decided to jump in, feet first."I didn't want to wake my friend up."
"Friend?" Holden's tone slipped in to neutral.
"The man I'm staying with." Luke said quickly. "I've been misleading you a little, dad. I didn't outright lie, making you think I was holed up in some hotel room, but I didn't volunteer any information either. I'm sorry." He took a deep breath. "His name is Noah, and he really helped me when I was a complete mess, and he invited me to stay at his house. He's a wonderful guy, and...we're um, lovers, dad." This was about the oddest thing he'd ever said to Holden, and his face went red. "I-I left this out because I know what this looks like. I know I have no business getting involved with anyone right now, with everything such a mess. But-it just happened, and I shouldn't act like I'm ashamed of it, or him."
There was a heavy silence."Christ, Luke-you're still married."
Luke's jaw clenched. "Don't you think I KNOW that? And I don't want to BE married anymore, and god, dad, I also don't want to hurt Maddie. I would have called Tom to get the divorce proceedings going, but I was waiting to get some kind of cue from you or her. But since she won't talk to me, I'm kind of stuck. I won't fight her on anything-she can have the house, the car, the Grimaldi money-I don't care about any of it."
Holden sighed. "Luke-you don't have to hand absolutely everything to Maddie, no matter how guilty you feel."
"Dad-I lied to her. I made a vow I didn't keep, it was meaningless. I loved her, but I wasn't in love with her. I hurt her so badly. If it takes me my whole life, I'll try to make it up to her." Luke snorted."And geeze dad-not like I'll be a pauper. Lucinda's trust will keep me going until I figure out what I want to do."
"Well, Luke-I don't want to pressure you, but I think you need to come home. I'm worried about Maddie, Luke. She's not really talking to me either, and Damian and Lily are over there all the time-I don't want to think about what kind of poison they are filling her with."
Luke cringed inwardly, not wanting to think about it either. Damian could twist you up, manipulate you into believing lies or talk you into doing things you normally wouldn't. He was a first class example. "I don't like hearing this either, but I'm wondering what you think I'll be able to do-Maddie won't speak to me, dad. I've left dozens of messages. I don't see how camping out at my old front door will make a difference, other than looking like I'm harrassing her."
"Luke-sometimes there are things under the surface, that people don't say, but are still there. You're so far away, I'm sure Maddie feels like you have completely written her off. I don't want to say this Luke, but it feels like you've written all of us off, too."
Luke suddenly got very angry."Hey, dad-not like anyone from goddamn Oakdale has acted like they want me back! I know I deserve their anger for what I did to Mads, but I get the really distinct impression that they want the old Luke model, not the new gay Luke. So dad-what the hell do I need to come home for? Would Noah be welcome?"
Holden paused, and when he spoke again, his voice was very sad."Okay. Fair enough. And I'm deeply disappointed too, with the way some of them are behaving. But Luke-you will never, never fix this being two thousand miles away. And they will come around, as they are your family-they do love you, you have to know that. It's just going to take some time. "
Luke's eyes filled with tears."Sorry dad-I wish I had your confidence. From where I'm sitting, it doesn't really feel that way anymore." He took a deep breath."Anyway, I really can't come home right now, even if I wanted to. Noah's got some issues, he needs me here."
"Luke, I get that you want to be there for your friend, but you just met this guy, and-"
"I love him, dad. For the first time in my life, I'm in love." Luke said, and was a bit shocked at how easy it was to say out loud.
There was also some obvious shock back in Oakdale. When Holden finally spoke again, his voice was cautious."Luke. Listen. You have been through an awful lot, and are messed up emotionally, so your feelings for this guy are-"
Luke was now furious." What-not real? Not what straight people feel for each other?"
"Luke, I never said that-"
"But you did imply that I wouldn't know my own heart. And god, dad, it hurts that even you are thinking this, deep down. "
"Luke, I'm not-" Just then a strange car pulled up in Noah's driveway, a blue Nissan. Luke began to tense up,and he cut Holden off."Dad-I gotta go. Sorry. We can talk later." He snapped the phone shut, warily staring as a man stepped out of the car, holding a briefcase. He was around Luke's age, very clean cut, in a nice suit.
"Hi. Can I help you?" Luke asked, hoping that this wasn't another shit storm.
"Hello."said the man, puling a business card out of his pocket."I'm Deputy District Attorney Scott Pence. You're Mr. Snyder, right? If it's convenient, I'd like to talk to you and Mr. Mayer about the case."
Luke let out a tense breath."Sure. Yeah. Would you just give me a minute? Noah is sleeping."
Pence nodded, and Luke wasn't sure, but he thought he saw a little discomfort flit across his face, although his voice was polite enough. "Of course-I should have called first."
Luke went back into the house, and saw Noah was awake, albeit yawning. He gave Luke a welcoming smile."Hey."
"Um-gotta deal with something. We've got company."
Noah's smile faded.
****
Noah was always a gracious host, and insisted on serving everyone coffee before they sat down at his seldom used dining room table. Buster tried to be too, and offered a welcoming tennis ball, which Pence tried to ignore, obviously not liking dogs. Noah finally told Buster to get in his bed and behave, while a small seed of dislike bloomed bigger in Luke's chest.
Pence briskly pulled some papers from his case."Ive been in close contact with Detectives Guzman and Ross, and it seems that they found the kids that defaced your restaurant this morning-"
Noah reeled back in surprise and Luke felt terrible."What? Defaced my restaurant? No one called me!"
Luke took Noah's hand and out of the corner of his eye, he saw the disapproval on Pence's face again. He tried to ignore it and focused on Noah."Um-sorry. Trip did, this morning. We decided not to say anything to you, since you weren't feeling so hot. Plus, the cops had it under control, Noah. Helen saw them do it, got their license plate."
"You should have told me, Luke." Noah said flatly, both anger and hurt in his eyes.
Luke stared right back at him."I know. You're right. I'm sorry. I just wanted to protect you for a little longer."
Noah blinked, and the anger faded a little. He squeezed Luke's hand before turning his attention to Pence again. "So...what did they write?"
Pence cleared his throat. "Fags." He shuffled around some more papers. "It turns out that they were friends of the boys that attacked you, and they are going to be charged with vandalism and criminal mischief. And the boys that attacked you-I've reviewed your statements, the ones with the eye witnesses, the security tapes, and it was obviously an unprovoked attack. We are going to charge them with felony assault, and one boy, Lance Jameson, will have the additional charge of assault with a deadly weapon, as his fingerprints were on the swtichblade found at the scene. Three of the boys will be prosecuted as adults, as they are all eighteen,while one is still a minor." Pence fiddled with a paper clip." This is all fairly cut and dried, although I have a few questions for you, Mr. Mayer. About your army record."
Luke instantly bristled, and Noah visibly tensed. "What does that have to do with anything?" Luke said, more sharply then he intended.
Noah took a deep breath."What do you want to know, Mr. Pence?"
Pence fidgited."You have an exemplary service record, Mr. Mayer, I hope you don't think that was what I was implying anything else. A Silver Star and a Purple Heart is ample evidence. It's just that the boy's parents are deeply upset about all this, and some of them feel that the resulting violence on your part was...um, excessive. Have you had any special hand to hand training?"
"Yes." Noah said, frowning.
"You were also hospitalized for quite some time, correct?" Pence said, not looking at Noah, but at his papers.
"I was wounded by a car bomb, and...my leg was severely damaged..." Noah had suddenly gone quite white.
"Were there any mental issues? I know this is very personal, but if this is brought to trial, the defense will surely bring this up."Pence said crisply.
Noah swallowed, and seemed to cave in on himself, a sight that broke Luke's heart."Yes. I was diagnosed with severe depression and PSTD. I was released after six months though, with a clean bill of health."
Pence returned to his paper clip. "Of course. It's just that I'm wondering if you wouldn't want to avoid dealing with this at trial. it could get nasty. I can offer the boy's reduced sentences if they plead guilty, and you can be spared-"
Luke suddenly exploded."Now just wait a fucking minute! Reduced sentences? What the hell? What kind of DA are you? You make it sound like Noah and I did something wrong. That Noah is some crazy, psycho vet We were surrounded by a bunch of big jocks bent on kicking our homo asses-should Noah have let them beat on us first, to make it more even? Should I have been stabbed? And Mr. Pence, why aren't you charging them with a hate crime-as that is what this is. They didn't want our money or the motorcycle, they attacked us because we were gay-that's the only fucking reason. Your a prosecuting attorney, you should want to punish them for that, to the full extent of the law-right? Am I right?"
Pence was completely taken aback, and Noah was just staring at Luke, face full of surprise and pride."Mr. Snyder, I don't think you understand how complicated this can get-"
Luke snorted."Bullshit. You just don't want to do your job, as a couple of fags make you really uncomfortable. And shame on you for using Noah's history as your excuse not to. Well, I can get a pretty nasty lawyer of our own, and I can also pay a visit to the DA, and talk to any member of the press that wants to listen. I can guarantee I can make it very, very complicated for you, Mr. Pence. Just saying."
Pence seemed both angry and shellshocked."I can assure you Mr. Snyder, that I will do my sworn duty." He started to gather up his paperwork.
"Good. Then we are on the same damn page. You can go now, and get the ball rolling. We'll stay in touch." Luke suddenly realized as he was saying this that he sounded exactly like Lucinda Walsh at her most formidable and imperious. It was a surprisingly good feeling.
"Ill show myself out." Pence said, doing just that.
Noah reached over and touched Luke's face, in gratitude and wonder."Baby-you are fucking fierce. Thank you."
"He's learned not to mess with a Snyder." Luke picked up Noah's hand, and kissed the palm. "And no one messes with you-not on my watch."
As Pence was leaving, suddenly, the room was filled with arriving Triplehorns. Trip was holding a big cardboard box, Annie held a paper bag. They stared curiously at the retreating Pence, and then Buster exploded with joy, happily greeting their two little girls, who squealed with delight.
"I also, um, invited Trip, Annie and the girls for dinner." Luke added, a bit sheepishly.
Noah just smiled."Yup-bossy."
****
Noah seemed very glad to see all of the Triplehorns, to Luke's relief, and truthfully, so was Luke. There was bittersweetness there too, as it reminded him of a Snyder crisis, with everyone suddenly rallying, and Emma churning out food for the masses. No matter how dire the situation, there was also a feeling of love and comfort and family. Luke now wondered if he would ever experience that again.
Not that they Triplehorns were a poor substitute. There was some momentary tension between Noah and Trip, which was settled by Noah frowning at him and saying, "You should have told me." and then wrapping him in a hug. Then everyone relaxed, as Trip and Annie commandeered the kitchen and got dinner organized, while Luke and Noah were charmed by the girls.
January, or Junebug, was tall and thin for seven, the image of her father, laid back and whip smart, while October, or Toby was like Annie, slightly chubby five year old with a dazzling, happy smile. They hugged both Luke and Noah, presented them with pictures created with crayons and glitter glue, and launched into a story about a new baby goat named Hamlet.
"Luke, he's soooo darling!" Toby said expressively, hands waving like a wealthy matron expensive restaurant. Perched in his lap, she had blond messy ringlets and was wearing a scuffed up princess tiara and fairy wings. " Just darling!" Luke resisted the urge to just cover her with kisses for being so cute. As well as not think of Natalie or Faith when they were that age.
"She really likes that word. She uses it all. The.Time."Junebug said, eyeballing her sister with some exasperation. She was in Noah's lap, cuddling close.
"Well he IS darling. You said too." Toby pouted a little.
"I'm sure that's true, and I love to see him sometime." Luke said diplomatically, used to sisterly squabbles. "All animal babies are darling-I helped my dad deliver quite a few foals when I lived on the farm."
Luke might have suddenly announced he was secretly Willy Wonka or Spider-Man, as he got incredulous, happy stares form both children.
"Foals? As in horses?" Junebug asked dreamily.
Annie entered the room, carrying a salad bowl, and she smiled wide at Luke. She was an adult version of Toby, a curvy earth goddess in green tie dyed dress and skirt, spectacular blond hair cascading down her back."And I'm sure he would be happy to tell you all about it at dinner, pumpkins."
So the entire topic of conversation while eating was Luke's history with equines, which was a relief. It was nice to leave the stress behind for an hour and pretend things were normal. The food was excellent, of course, a rich, cheesy lasagne, a salad full of fresh veggies grown in Annie's garden, crusty french bread. Noah was pretty quiet, but at least he ate more that he did at breakfast.
Luke ran out of horse stories when everyone was full. Noah put a movie on for the girls-Luke was amazed at their request, a French version of "Beauty and the Beast". They both could read the subtitles with ease. So apparently, could Buster, who curled up next to them.
The adults cleaned up, and congregated in the kitchen, where Trip made lattes, and Luke told them about Pence. Noah had to ask him twice to keep his voice down.
"Fuck. I think I know what this is about, besides the fact that Pence is an apparent homophobe." Trip said, leaning against the counter. "You said one of the kid's name's was Jameson? I bet he's related to Spenser Jameson. That would explain a hell of a lot."
"Who?" Luke asked while Noah put his head in his hands.
"He's one of the big wheels in the county. Owns a couple canneries."Annie explained, twirling the wine around in her glass. "Also in the state senate.I'm sure the DA wants him happy. This could get ugly, guys."
"So, are you saying that Noah and I should just go along with Pence, and be happy that these kids just get a slap on the wrist?" Luke said, hotly.
"No, honey, I'm not." Annie sighed. "But you both should be aware because of Spencer, this thing will get big.Trip told me that there was a reporter from the Oregonian nosing around the Skook this afternoon. Fortunately he didn't have Noah's home address, as his number is unlisted.They are going to dig around in Noah's past, your past."
Luke was stopped short by this, and his stomach dropped. This hadn't occurred to him, and he had a mountain of dirty laundry. Noah reached out his hand suddenly and grabbed one of Luke's."Hey baby. Listen. I'm all for fighting the good fight, but no one will blame us if we just go along for the ride." His eyes were incredibly sad, and full of emotion.
Luke took a breath."No. It's wrong. Fuck 'em."
Noah then leaned over and kissed him very gently on the cheek.
"That being said, I think you both should lay low for awhile." Trip said, setting down a cup of coffee in front of Luke. "Take a vacation for goddamn once, Noah, and take Luke with you. Reporters can't bug you if you are out of town."
"Trip-no-I couldn't ask you to-"Noah protested.
"I can call my friend Abel from Eugene to do some cooking-he loves to show off." Trip continued, ignoring Noah."Annie can do the books, and Marisol has a cousin that would be happy to wash some dishes. I know you hate to admit it, but the Skookum can run without you, man."
Noah rubbed his face. He looked really fragile at the moment, and completely overwhelmed, and it broke Luke's heart."You sure it won't seem like running away? Being a coward?"
"No, sweetheart-it won't. Promise. You are the bravest person I know."He picked up Noah's hand and kissed it."Plus, I'd like to see some of this state of yours you've been constantly bragging about."
Noah finally smiled. "Guess I'd better, bossy man."