FIC: On Second Thought (17/37)
A Luke/Reid fic in which Noah is in trouble. (As the World Turns, PG-13)
Title: On Second Thought (17/37)
Author: sleeper6
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Luke/Reid, Holden/Lily
Summary: Noah is blind again and needs Luke in L.A. What will Luke and Reid do?
Disclaimer: All belongs to As the World Turns, not me.
Warning: Will contain angst so read only if you don’t mind that.
Notes: All feedback encouraged.
Previous: HERE
“Any questions?”
Drs. Chris Hughes and Tim Hopper stood in front of the conference room after presenting their proposal to request a new radiology lab to be strictly for the pediatric and cardiology wings. Chris and Tim often had conflicts with the general lab when the patients in Emergency were given priority over their own patients, so this was one way to combat that problem. Chris was also requesting two overnight rooms for his patients’ parents, similar to what Luke had implemented in the neurology wing.
The board members seated around the table looked at one another. A woman in a dark suit and pearl necklace raised her hand.
“I don’t see there being a problem with these additions. The budget is certainly there. Does Dr. Oliver approve?”
Reid, as Chief of Staff, was required to attend every meeting with the board. He quickly stood up and looked at the board members. He smiled briefly upon catching Luke’s eye. For Reid, these meetings were always tolerable as long as Luke was there smiling at him.
“I wholeheartedly approve of these requests,” Reid declared. “Both Dr. Hughes and Dr. Hopper are thinking in the best interests of their and all our patients, and any expansion is always good for Memorial.”
“Well, as long as Dr. Oliver is behind this, I think we all should be too,” spoke an older gentleman with gray hair.
There was a murmur of assent around the table. Luke beamed at his boyfriend. He was always proud of Reid, but he was especially pleased when other people publicly showed their admiration and respect for him.
The meeting was adjourned, and all walked out. Luke leaned against the wall to wait. Chris and Tim, chatting excitedly, passed by.
“Thank him for me,” Chris said slyly with a wink at Luke.
“Will do,” Luke said, laughing.
“Hey, hey, hey, why are you flirting with Doogie?” teased Reid as he walked up to Luke and kissed him.
“You were great in there,” Luke professed, giving Reid the smile he reserved only for him.
Reid smiled back, his heart aflutter. No compliment ever meant as much to Reid as one from Luke.
Luke glanced at his watch. “Do you want to get lunch?”
Reid gave him an apologetic smile. “Can’t. I have a meeting with the nurses in ten minutes. I’ll pick up dinner tonight, though.”
Luke shook his head. “We’re going to my parents’ tonight, remember? They haven’t seen us since we got back. My mom wants to know what’s going on with Noah.”
Reid nodded.
Luke leaned closer to Reid. “Have you heard from her?”
Reid knew who he meant. Noah’s aunt, Ruth, had ceased all contact with Reid since he’d made sure to put a stop to her threats two days ago. Reid had to tell Noah alone that he was going to require surgery after all-the biopsy had revealed some damage that could only be corrected in the operating room. But Ruth, once so interested in Noah and his health, had been nowhere in sight.
Reid shook his head.
Luke nodded. “Good. I’m sure she won’t bother you or us again.”
“Oh, wow!”
“It’s incredible, isn’t it?”
“It’s . . .” Reid was at a loss for words.
“Orgasmic!”
“Mom!”
“Lily!”
Lily looked at her husband and son. “It is!” She turned back to Reid. “Isn’t it, Reid?”
Reid laughed as he sipped from the merlot that Lily had poured for him as he, Luke, and Luke’s parents finished their dinner at the Snyder residence.
“I don’t know about that, but it is really good,” Reid confirmed.
“Okay, now I have to have some,” Holden said as he snatched the wine glass from his wife’s hand. He sipped and shut his eyes in pleasure. “Hmmm.”
“It’s good, right?” Lily asked.
Holden opened his eyes and nodded. He looked at Luke and Reid. “Can you believe she wouldn’t let me open the bottle until today even though Lucinda sent it over two weeks ago? ‘Reid needs to taste it first,’ she kept saying.”
Lily gently patted her husband’s arm. “Don’t be jealous, Holden. But you always make fun of me when I start talking textures and flavors. Reid, on the other hand, understands what I’m saying. He gets it; he gets me.”
Holden raised an eyebrow as he looked at Reid.
Reid shrugged. “Hey, whatever the lady with the wine says.” He held out his glass to Lily. “Could I get some more?”
“Of course,” Lily smiled brightly at him as she refilled his glass.
Reid smiled back. In all honesty, Reid didn’t know a lot about wines. He was a beer guy. But he and Lily had needed something to bond over, and alcoholic beverages just happened to be it. Reid didn’t mind since he loved to drink. And his and Lily’s friendship made Luke happy, and Reid would do what he could to make Luke happy.
Lily looked sadly at Luke. “Oh, baby, I wish you could have some.”
Luke smiled at her. “That’s okay, Mom. I’ll have my own orgasmic experience later tonight.”
“Nice!” Reid said as he held up his palm.
Luke slapped it and winked at his parents.
Holden smirked and Lily laughed.
“So, you’re operating on Noah after all?” Holden asked after a bit.
Reid nodded. “Yes, next week. I know exactly what the problem is and I’m anxious to go in there and fix it.”
“Is it common, what happened to him?” Lily asked. “And do you know what caused it?”
All three faces stared at Reid.
Reid shook his head. “It happens, but I can’t really say-doctor/patient confidentiality.”
“Nothing bad, though, right?” asked a worried Lily.
“No, nothing bad,” Reid responded casually as he finished his wine.
Luke stared curiously at him.
“And Luke, how are you doing at work?” Holden asked his son.
Luke’s gaze moved from his boyfriend to his father.
“Good, everything’s good. The foundation helped start a new youth center for troubled teens. And the board just approved some great additions to Memorial this morning,” Luke said.
“That’s fantastic, sweetie,” Lily said proudly.
“Thanks,” Luke said. He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m going to cut back a bit, though, next month when the semester begins at OU.”
“You’re really doing it?” asked Holden skeptically.
“I told you I was going to,” Luke said, a bit defensively.
“Your son has his schedule ready,” Reid said, putting his arm around Luke’s shoulders. “I’m taking him shopping for a backpack and pencil case.”
Luke chuckled. “Reid.”
Holden smiled at Luke. “It’s great, son. I’m glad to hear it. You know how important I think college is, and you can do it.”
“Reid’s offered to tutor me.”
Holden laughed. “You better take him up on it, then. Not everyone’s lucky enough to have a Harvard grad helping him out.”
Reid and Luke looked at each other. “No, not everyone’s lucky,” Luke whispered.
Reid and Luke, both equally naked, collapsed on the bed, their heavy breathing very audible throughout their bedroom.
Luke pushed his hair back. “Damn. I didn’t know I could bend like that.”
Reid wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I’d forgotten I could get inside like that.” He inhaled and exhaled. “But I’m glad I still can.”
“Very impressive, Doctor.”
“Thank you, Snyder.”
Luke rolled onto his side and touched Reid’s flushed face. “Shower?”
“Yes, please!” Reid sat up at the exact moment his beeper rang loudly. “Shit.”
“Emergency.”
Reid sighed. “Yup. Sorry, Luke.”
“You gotta go,” Luke said nonchalantly. He understood that Reid would always be a doctor and would always be needed somewhere by someone.
Reid stood and dressed.
“You didn’t get to shower.”
“I’ll do so when I return. I kinda like having the smell of you on me all night,” Reid said as he walked to Luke and kissed him hard.
“I’d wait to shower too but I’m very sticky,” Luke said, pointing below his waist.
Reid sniffed him. “Oh, man, you stink of Reid Oliver. You better get that smell out or it’s gonna stick to you forever.”
“That wouldn’t be so bad,” Luke said, laughing and kissing Reid. “Good luck.”
Reid gave him a look.
“Okay, have fun, then, whatever, just go!”
An hour later, Luke, showered and refreshed, washed the dishes in the kitchen when the doorbell rang. He quickly dried his hands on the hand towel and rushed to the door. Reid often forgot his house key so it wasn’t surprising when he’d ring the bell and wait for Luke to let him in.
Luke opened the door and came face to face with Ruth Mason.
“Luke!”
Luke shook his head. “I don’t have anything to say to you. Neither does Reid.”
“Luke, wait, I know what I did was wrong. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I want to apologize to Reid, too.”
“He’s not here,” Luke quickly responded as he tried to shut the door.
Ruth intercepted it with her foot. “Luke, please! It’s about Noah.”
“What about him?”
“He’s in trouble.”
“Yeah, I know. He’s blind.”
“No, Luke, I mean, he’s really in trouble. It has to do with what caused his blindness. Please, can I come in? I have no one else to turn to. Please,” Ruth pleaded, her blue eyes brimming with tears. "Luke, please, for Noah's sake."
Luke didn't trust her but he was curious as to what she had to say. So he let her in.
Next
Title: On Second Thought (17/37)
Author: sleeper6
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Luke/Reid, Holden/Lily
Summary: Noah is blind again and needs Luke in L.A. What will Luke and Reid do?
Disclaimer: All belongs to As the World Turns, not me.
Warning: Will contain angst so read only if you don’t mind that.
Notes: All feedback encouraged.
Previous: HERE
“Any questions?”
Drs. Chris Hughes and Tim Hopper stood in front of the conference room after presenting their proposal to request a new radiology lab to be strictly for the pediatric and cardiology wings. Chris and Tim often had conflicts with the general lab when the patients in Emergency were given priority over their own patients, so this was one way to combat that problem. Chris was also requesting two overnight rooms for his patients’ parents, similar to what Luke had implemented in the neurology wing.
The board members seated around the table looked at one another. A woman in a dark suit and pearl necklace raised her hand.
“I don’t see there being a problem with these additions. The budget is certainly there. Does Dr. Oliver approve?”
Reid, as Chief of Staff, was required to attend every meeting with the board. He quickly stood up and looked at the board members. He smiled briefly upon catching Luke’s eye. For Reid, these meetings were always tolerable as long as Luke was there smiling at him.
“I wholeheartedly approve of these requests,” Reid declared. “Both Dr. Hughes and Dr. Hopper are thinking in the best interests of their and all our patients, and any expansion is always good for Memorial.”
“Well, as long as Dr. Oliver is behind this, I think we all should be too,” spoke an older gentleman with gray hair.
There was a murmur of assent around the table. Luke beamed at his boyfriend. He was always proud of Reid, but he was especially pleased when other people publicly showed their admiration and respect for him.
The meeting was adjourned, and all walked out. Luke leaned against the wall to wait. Chris and Tim, chatting excitedly, passed by.
“Thank him for me,” Chris said slyly with a wink at Luke.
“Will do,” Luke said, laughing.
“Hey, hey, hey, why are you flirting with Doogie?” teased Reid as he walked up to Luke and kissed him.
“You were great in there,” Luke professed, giving Reid the smile he reserved only for him.
Reid smiled back, his heart aflutter. No compliment ever meant as much to Reid as one from Luke.
Luke glanced at his watch. “Do you want to get lunch?”
Reid gave him an apologetic smile. “Can’t. I have a meeting with the nurses in ten minutes. I’ll pick up dinner tonight, though.”
Luke shook his head. “We’re going to my parents’ tonight, remember? They haven’t seen us since we got back. My mom wants to know what’s going on with Noah.”
Reid nodded.
Luke leaned closer to Reid. “Have you heard from her?”
Reid knew who he meant. Noah’s aunt, Ruth, had ceased all contact with Reid since he’d made sure to put a stop to her threats two days ago. Reid had to tell Noah alone that he was going to require surgery after all-the biopsy had revealed some damage that could only be corrected in the operating room. But Ruth, once so interested in Noah and his health, had been nowhere in sight.
Reid shook his head.
Luke nodded. “Good. I’m sure she won’t bother you or us again.”
“Oh, wow!”
“It’s incredible, isn’t it?”
“It’s . . .” Reid was at a loss for words.
“Orgasmic!”
“Mom!”
“Lily!”
Lily looked at her husband and son. “It is!” She turned back to Reid. “Isn’t it, Reid?”
Reid laughed as he sipped from the merlot that Lily had poured for him as he, Luke, and Luke’s parents finished their dinner at the Snyder residence.
“I don’t know about that, but it is really good,” Reid confirmed.
“Okay, now I have to have some,” Holden said as he snatched the wine glass from his wife’s hand. He sipped and shut his eyes in pleasure. “Hmmm.”
“It’s good, right?” Lily asked.
Holden opened his eyes and nodded. He looked at Luke and Reid. “Can you believe she wouldn’t let me open the bottle until today even though Lucinda sent it over two weeks ago? ‘Reid needs to taste it first,’ she kept saying.”
Lily gently patted her husband’s arm. “Don’t be jealous, Holden. But you always make fun of me when I start talking textures and flavors. Reid, on the other hand, understands what I’m saying. He gets it; he gets me.”
Holden raised an eyebrow as he looked at Reid.
Reid shrugged. “Hey, whatever the lady with the wine says.” He held out his glass to Lily. “Could I get some more?”
“Of course,” Lily smiled brightly at him as she refilled his glass.
Reid smiled back. In all honesty, Reid didn’t know a lot about wines. He was a beer guy. But he and Lily had needed something to bond over, and alcoholic beverages just happened to be it. Reid didn’t mind since he loved to drink. And his and Lily’s friendship made Luke happy, and Reid would do what he could to make Luke happy.
Lily looked sadly at Luke. “Oh, baby, I wish you could have some.”
Luke smiled at her. “That’s okay, Mom. I’ll have my own orgasmic experience later tonight.”
“Nice!” Reid said as he held up his palm.
Luke slapped it and winked at his parents.
Holden smirked and Lily laughed.
“So, you’re operating on Noah after all?” Holden asked after a bit.
Reid nodded. “Yes, next week. I know exactly what the problem is and I’m anxious to go in there and fix it.”
“Is it common, what happened to him?” Lily asked. “And do you know what caused it?”
All three faces stared at Reid.
Reid shook his head. “It happens, but I can’t really say-doctor/patient confidentiality.”
“Nothing bad, though, right?” asked a worried Lily.
“No, nothing bad,” Reid responded casually as he finished his wine.
Luke stared curiously at him.
“And Luke, how are you doing at work?” Holden asked his son.
Luke’s gaze moved from his boyfriend to his father.
“Good, everything’s good. The foundation helped start a new youth center for troubled teens. And the board just approved some great additions to Memorial this morning,” Luke said.
“That’s fantastic, sweetie,” Lily said proudly.
“Thanks,” Luke said. He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m going to cut back a bit, though, next month when the semester begins at OU.”
“You’re really doing it?” asked Holden skeptically.
“I told you I was going to,” Luke said, a bit defensively.
“Your son has his schedule ready,” Reid said, putting his arm around Luke’s shoulders. “I’m taking him shopping for a backpack and pencil case.”
Luke chuckled. “Reid.”
Holden smiled at Luke. “It’s great, son. I’m glad to hear it. You know how important I think college is, and you can do it.”
“Reid’s offered to tutor me.”
Holden laughed. “You better take him up on it, then. Not everyone’s lucky enough to have a Harvard grad helping him out.”
Reid and Luke looked at each other. “No, not everyone’s lucky,” Luke whispered.
Reid and Luke, both equally naked, collapsed on the bed, their heavy breathing very audible throughout their bedroom.
Luke pushed his hair back. “Damn. I didn’t know I could bend like that.”
Reid wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I’d forgotten I could get inside like that.” He inhaled and exhaled. “But I’m glad I still can.”
“Very impressive, Doctor.”
“Thank you, Snyder.”
Luke rolled onto his side and touched Reid’s flushed face. “Shower?”
“Yes, please!” Reid sat up at the exact moment his beeper rang loudly. “Shit.”
“Emergency.”
Reid sighed. “Yup. Sorry, Luke.”
“You gotta go,” Luke said nonchalantly. He understood that Reid would always be a doctor and would always be needed somewhere by someone.
Reid stood and dressed.
“You didn’t get to shower.”
“I’ll do so when I return. I kinda like having the smell of you on me all night,” Reid said as he walked to Luke and kissed him hard.
“I’d wait to shower too but I’m very sticky,” Luke said, pointing below his waist.
Reid sniffed him. “Oh, man, you stink of Reid Oliver. You better get that smell out or it’s gonna stick to you forever.”
“That wouldn’t be so bad,” Luke said, laughing and kissing Reid. “Good luck.”
Reid gave him a look.
“Okay, have fun, then, whatever, just go!”
An hour later, Luke, showered and refreshed, washed the dishes in the kitchen when the doorbell rang. He quickly dried his hands on the hand towel and rushed to the door. Reid often forgot his house key so it wasn’t surprising when he’d ring the bell and wait for Luke to let him in.
Luke opened the door and came face to face with Ruth Mason.
“Luke!”
Luke shook his head. “I don’t have anything to say to you. Neither does Reid.”
“Luke, wait, I know what I did was wrong. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I want to apologize to Reid, too.”
“He’s not here,” Luke quickly responded as he tried to shut the door.
Ruth intercepted it with her foot. “Luke, please! It’s about Noah.”
“What about him?”
“He’s in trouble.”
“Yeah, I know. He’s blind.”
“No, Luke, I mean, he’s really in trouble. It has to do with what caused his blindness. Please, can I come in? I have no one else to turn to. Please,” Ruth pleaded, her blue eyes brimming with tears. "Luke, please, for Noah's sake."
Luke didn't trust her but he was curious as to what she had to say. So he let her in.
Next