Bulletproof (28/52)
Title: Bulletproof
Author: blasthisass
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Summary: AU- when Luke is shot by Colonel Mayer, his condition quickly deteriorates. In order to save his life, Bob calls in a young, hotshot doctor from Texas, brilliant and already making a name for himself.
Disclaimers: All characters and such property of ATWT, CBS and anyone else who can legally take credit for them. If they were mine, I would take infinitely better care of them.
Title from the song by La Roux. There is dialogue from both the time in which the story takes place as well as the LuRe storyline.
A/N: This is unbeta'd, so any mistakes are mine.
Comments much appreciated . . . I love them like Reid loves Luke.
Previous parts: prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27
***
“I can’t believe you’re leaving today,” Katie muttered, sounding incredibly melancholy, intertwining her arm with Reid’s as they strolled through Old Towne.
“I’ve been telling you I am for the past couple of days,” Reid chuckled. “What’s not to believe?”
Katie laughed, punching him lightly on the arm. “Oh, shut up. You know what I mean. Okay, stop,” she said suddenly, tugging on his arm. “I’ve got something for you.”
“A going away present?” Reid inquired, intrigued. “Almost as fascinating as going away parties.”
Katie chuckled, handing over an ominous looking, brown paper bag. “Drugs?” Reid asked, sounding utterly enthralled, before reaching into it and pulling out a pair of handcuffs on a keychain. He laughed wholeheartedly at the joke before noticing the particular way the mid-morning sunlight beamed off the toy. “Are there jewels on these handcuffs?”
“Would you expect Lucinda to use anything less than bedazzled handcuffs?” Katie asked, as though it were completely obvious
“Oakdale sells bedazzled handcuffs?” Reid shot back in amusement, twirling the present around his pointer finger before pocketing it.
“Of course.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Reid chuckled. Katie looked at him, as though expecting a present in return. Reid smirked at her, pretending momentarily that he had no idea what the look she was giving him was supposed to mean. It was only when she fixed him with a really withering stare did he inform her, “I left you my address and pager number on the kitchen table.”
Katie gasped in shock, clutching her heart. “My dear Dr. Oliver, you shouldn’t have.”
“I know. That’s what makes me such a great guy. Okay, I have to go box up the rest of my junk from the hospital, so . . .” he muttered, trailing off awkwardly before wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
“Wait, you’re not leaving for a while!” she exclaimed, her eyes widening as she pulled out of the hug. “We still have time to say goodbye!”
“Actually, since Lucinda Walsh has relinquished her private jet, I’ll be leaving as soon as I’ve boxed up the random articles I’ve collected since I’ve been here,” Reid answered, smiling sadly at her.
Katie’s mouth dropped open, as though she’d figured that Reid would be sticking around for a significant portion of the day. When she recovered from her momentary shock, she practically jumped him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and pulling him into an all-encompassing hug. “I’m going to miss you,” she murmured into his shoulder, smiling slightly as his arms rose to wrap around her waist.
“Not usually the sentiment I get,” he joked, but his voice was unusually thick. “This is why it doesn’t pay to be nice to people.”
Katie chuckled slightly, pulling away and adjusting the collar of his jacket. “No, I guess not.” She leaned in and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. He blew her a kiss in return before turning around and walking toward Memorial.
When he disappeared around the corner, Katie let out a small huff and rapidly pulled out a cell phone.
“Yeah, it’s me . . . Have you taken care of it? . . . He’s on his way to the hospital. . . . No, he says he’s leaving as soon as he’s packed . . . . On the Walsh jet. . . . So you better hurry up or you’re going to lose him.”
***
Lucinda looked up at the knock on her door and flashed a smile of surprise when Bob entered, shutting the door firmly behind him. “Bob Hughes, what a pleasant surprise,” she acknowledged, motioning for him to sit in the seat across from her.
He shook his head. “I've only got a moment. I'm here to ask for a favor.”
Lucinda cocked an eyebrow and turned the screen of her computer off to give Bob her undivided attention. “Yes?”
“I need money.”
Lucinda frowned. It wasn't at all the request she’d been expecting from the mild-mannered doctor. “You've come to me for money?”
Bob scratched his head. “You see, I'm anticipating a need for a large amount of money and you were the only person I could think of that could supply it.”
Lucinda pursed her lips, but nodded, sliding open her desk drawer and pulling out a checkbook. “How much do you need?”
“I . . . I'm not sure yet.”
“You're not sure yet?”
“I'm actually not even positive I'll need it. I'm just covering my bases.”
Lucinda put her pen down and looked intensely at Bob. “Bob Hughes, you're being awfully cryptic.”
“Let's just say. . . . I'm anticipating a need for a large influx of money for the hospital in the near future. I can raise some of it through donors and Katie has also offered to hold a fundraiser, but from what I believe it may not be nearly enough. So I came to see if, when the times comes, you would be willing to donate. To the hospital.”
Lucinda shook her head, closing the checkbook and resting her chin on her hand. She found herself unable to resist aiding in the carrying out of a masterful ploy. “All right, you scheming dog. I'll help you with whatever masterful plan you've got cooking.”
Bob grinned mischievously. “Perfect. I appreciate it, Lucinda.”
With that, he turned and left her office, leaving her still shaking her head and wondering what had gotten into the old doctor.
***
Reid threw the last of his case files into a binder before shutting it and tossing it into the cardboard box that held the rest of the things he'd somehow acquired during his stay. He glanced over his shoulder as the door to the office opened and Bob walked in.
“I hope you're not planning a goodbye party. I don't do parties and I certainly don't understand the concept of ones designed to send people off. It's like you're saying, ‘Yes, you're finally leaving! Let's celebrate!’ Although in my case, it might be appropriate-”
“What would it take to get you to stay?” Bob interrupted, leaning against the door after closing it.
Reid started at the verbal intrusion, turning to look at the elderly doctor with the utmost surprise in his eyes. “Excuse me?”
“What would it take to get you to stay?” Bob repeated, his eyes twinkling.
Reid snorted, though for some reason the question didn't sound as ridiculous as it would have three months ago. “Here in Podunk? Well, let's see,” he pretended to muse, leaning back against his desk and stroking his chin thoughtfully. “How about a state of the art neurosurgery unit, a ridiculously outrageous salary, and a title with the word ‘genius’ in it? How does that grab you?” Without even waiting for the answer he assumed was coming, he turned around and continued tossing random doodads into the cardboard box.
“You drive a hard bargain, Dr. Oliver. But, sounds like we could strike up a deal.”
Reid whirled around so hard he almost overshot the position he was aiming for. “What?”
Bob shrugged nonchalantly, as though Reid's demands did nothing to phase him. “Well, a state of the art neurosurgery unit we can design and build. To your specifications, even, if you wish. My head of neurology is looking to retire, so I'm sure that along with that title we can work in the word ‘genius’ somewhere. Salary-wise, I'm sure we can come to some agreement.”
Reid mouthed openly. This was ridiculous. This was Oakhell. He didn’t want to be there in the first place, let alone know, three months later. He had a job. He had a life. So why the hell couldn’t he think of a plausible argument to turn down the offer? “The head cases here . . . They’re not the ones I typically like to deal with.” Even that sounded weak to his ears.
Bob smiled. In fact, Reid was almost tempted to categorize the expression on his face as a smirk, which not only impressed him, but astounded him to no end. He tried to remember if this was the same Bob Hughes that had dragged him to Oakdale. “Ahh. But the country’s best neurosurgical unit is bound to attract interesting head cases, don’t you think?”
Reid couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re assuming an awful lot of a neurosurgical wing that hasn’t even been designed yet.”
“Or proposed to the board,” Bob admitted, smiling again. “But surely you ought to assume the same, as I’ve just proposed that you design it. And since you’re not one for modesty, you ought to be praising its future greatness.”
Reid hesitated, inhaling softly. “You seem to also be assuming that I’ll accept the position.”
Bob shrugged, as though he were indifferent to whether Reid would accept the position or not. He turned to leave, saying, “Think it over and come find me with your answer by noon today. I’ll be in my office,” over his shoulder before shutting the door behind him.
Reid shook his head, collapsing back against the corner of the old desk, at a loss for words. He had been waiting for months to go back to Dallas, but somehow when he thought of going home he thought of walking to Katie Peretti’s apartment rather than his condo in Dallas. He felt as though there were countless reasons that he should get out of Oakdale, the one highest on the list being the same as the case file that lay on top of everything in his cardboard box. Luke Snyder. And somehow, that very reason for him to leave screamed for him to stay, despite everything that had happened. Everything that might happen. Everything that couldn’t happen.
***
Luke checked his watch before stretching his legs away from the middle of the bench in Old Towne and looking around. He’d finally gotten word from Noah that the project he was working on no longer required him to be AWOL and he’d wanted to meet at Old Towne at three. It was half past and Noah’s phone was going straight to voicemail. Luke groaned, wondering whether or not to just give up and just go home.
Luke rubbed his eyes, trying to contemplate what was going through Noah’s head. He checked his watch again. 3:35 pm. Reid would already be on the Walsh jet flying back to Dallas and a life committed to become the greatest neurosurgeon the world has ever seen or ever will see. Luke thought about smiling for the doctor finally getting what he wanted, but there was a greater part of him that was devastated to see him go. He’d gotten so used to having Reid around, so used to having a verbal sparring partner that didn’t hesitate to say exactly what was on his mind, that didn’t hesitate to throw the truth in his face, that didn’t feel the need to walk as though on eggshells around Luke. His heart nudged him gently, implying that those weren’t the only reasons he wanted Reid to stay. And despite the whole misunderstanding that had occurred on New Year’s Eve, he couldn’t stop his pulse from quickening and his brain from telling him that, if he had the chance to repeat the event with all the knowledge he currently had, he would. Couldn’t stop thinking that the real reason Luke wanted Re-Dr. Oliver to stay was because-
“Don’t think too hard. You might hurt yourself.”
Luke jumped nearly a foot in the air, landing hard on the bench, hand flying instinctively to his heart. His eyes widened as though they doubted their own powers when they caught Reid standing over him, looking insanely amused by the reaction he’d produced.
“Jesus Christ!” Luke exclaimed. “What’re you doing here? I thought you’d left!”
Reid shrugged, trying to suppress a smile. “It’s a private jet, Mr. Snyder. They don’t abide by a schedule.”
“Oh,” Luke muttered, glancing down at the ground. “Right.”
“I’ll actually be leaving in a few days. There are some things I have to take care of with Bob here first. Besides, I want to give my old chief of staff some time to cool down before I go and wrap up my affairs there. He didn’t exactly sound pleased when I told him I was resigning.”
Luke’s brow furrowed, as though he wasn’t exactly able to process what Reid was saying. A moment later, however, a smile spread over his features and he stood up, scratching his head gingerly. “You’re staying? For good?”
Reid gave him a full on grin then, something that Luke didn’t think he’d ever seen, but it lit of the doctor’s face astoundingly. “Looks that way.”
“That . . .” Luke searched for the right word. “That’s fantastic!” Before he could stop himself, his arms were flung around the doctor’s shoulders and he was pulling Reid into a joyous hug.
Reid let out a grunt of surprise at the sudden contact, his heart pounding so rapidly in his chest that he was sure he was having a heart attack. He was also sure that Luke could feel it, even through the flimsy fabric of his T-shirt and the corduroy of Reid’s jacket. His arms hung uselessly by his side as he tried to focus on breathing, as though he didn’t even know what to do with them. They made to rise to Luke’s waist, but by the time he managed to make them work properly, Luke pulled out of the one-sided hug, his eyes glittering lightly, his cheeks flushing a light pink of embarrassment.
He opened his mouth to say something, to apologize for the sudden intimacy, but his words were curtailed by the tail-end of an approaching conversation.
“Luke? Oh, no. He’s, errm, just a friend.”
“Is that so, Mr. Mayer? And the man with him?”
“Oh . . .yeah. The, errm, Dr. Reid Oliver, his do-errm . . . boyfriend . . . ?” There was a little, "Yeah, that could work. . . . yeah," at the end of the conversation that only Reid caught, and just barely.
Chapter 29-->
Author: blasthisass
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Summary: AU- when Luke is shot by Colonel Mayer, his condition quickly deteriorates. In order to save his life, Bob calls in a young, hotshot doctor from Texas, brilliant and already making a name for himself.
Disclaimers: All characters and such property of ATWT, CBS and anyone else who can legally take credit for them. If they were mine, I would take infinitely better care of them.
Title from the song by La Roux. There is dialogue from both the time in which the story takes place as well as the LuRe storyline.
A/N: This is unbeta'd, so any mistakes are mine.
Comments much appreciated . . . I love them like Reid loves Luke.
Previous parts: prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27
***
“I can’t believe you’re leaving today,” Katie muttered, sounding incredibly melancholy, intertwining her arm with Reid’s as they strolled through Old Towne.
“I’ve been telling you I am for the past couple of days,” Reid chuckled. “What’s not to believe?”
Katie laughed, punching him lightly on the arm. “Oh, shut up. You know what I mean. Okay, stop,” she said suddenly, tugging on his arm. “I’ve got something for you.”
“A going away present?” Reid inquired, intrigued. “Almost as fascinating as going away parties.”
Katie chuckled, handing over an ominous looking, brown paper bag. “Drugs?” Reid asked, sounding utterly enthralled, before reaching into it and pulling out a pair of handcuffs on a keychain. He laughed wholeheartedly at the joke before noticing the particular way the mid-morning sunlight beamed off the toy. “Are there jewels on these handcuffs?”
“Would you expect Lucinda to use anything less than bedazzled handcuffs?” Katie asked, as though it were completely obvious
“Oakdale sells bedazzled handcuffs?” Reid shot back in amusement, twirling the present around his pointer finger before pocketing it.
“Of course.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Reid chuckled. Katie looked at him, as though expecting a present in return. Reid smirked at her, pretending momentarily that he had no idea what the look she was giving him was supposed to mean. It was only when she fixed him with a really withering stare did he inform her, “I left you my address and pager number on the kitchen table.”
Katie gasped in shock, clutching her heart. “My dear Dr. Oliver, you shouldn’t have.”
“I know. That’s what makes me such a great guy. Okay, I have to go box up the rest of my junk from the hospital, so . . .” he muttered, trailing off awkwardly before wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
“Wait, you’re not leaving for a while!” she exclaimed, her eyes widening as she pulled out of the hug. “We still have time to say goodbye!”
“Actually, since Lucinda Walsh has relinquished her private jet, I’ll be leaving as soon as I’ve boxed up the random articles I’ve collected since I’ve been here,” Reid answered, smiling sadly at her.
Katie’s mouth dropped open, as though she’d figured that Reid would be sticking around for a significant portion of the day. When she recovered from her momentary shock, she practically jumped him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and pulling him into an all-encompassing hug. “I’m going to miss you,” she murmured into his shoulder, smiling slightly as his arms rose to wrap around her waist.
“Not usually the sentiment I get,” he joked, but his voice was unusually thick. “This is why it doesn’t pay to be nice to people.”
Katie chuckled slightly, pulling away and adjusting the collar of his jacket. “No, I guess not.” She leaned in and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. He blew her a kiss in return before turning around and walking toward Memorial.
When he disappeared around the corner, Katie let out a small huff and rapidly pulled out a cell phone.
“Yeah, it’s me . . . Have you taken care of it? . . . He’s on his way to the hospital. . . . No, he says he’s leaving as soon as he’s packed . . . . On the Walsh jet. . . . So you better hurry up or you’re going to lose him.”
***
Lucinda looked up at the knock on her door and flashed a smile of surprise when Bob entered, shutting the door firmly behind him. “Bob Hughes, what a pleasant surprise,” she acknowledged, motioning for him to sit in the seat across from her.
He shook his head. “I've only got a moment. I'm here to ask for a favor.”
Lucinda cocked an eyebrow and turned the screen of her computer off to give Bob her undivided attention. “Yes?”
“I need money.”
Lucinda frowned. It wasn't at all the request she’d been expecting from the mild-mannered doctor. “You've come to me for money?”
Bob scratched his head. “You see, I'm anticipating a need for a large amount of money and you were the only person I could think of that could supply it.”
Lucinda pursed her lips, but nodded, sliding open her desk drawer and pulling out a checkbook. “How much do you need?”
“I . . . I'm not sure yet.”
“You're not sure yet?”
“I'm actually not even positive I'll need it. I'm just covering my bases.”
Lucinda put her pen down and looked intensely at Bob. “Bob Hughes, you're being awfully cryptic.”
“Let's just say. . . . I'm anticipating a need for a large influx of money for the hospital in the near future. I can raise some of it through donors and Katie has also offered to hold a fundraiser, but from what I believe it may not be nearly enough. So I came to see if, when the times comes, you would be willing to donate. To the hospital.”
Lucinda shook her head, closing the checkbook and resting her chin on her hand. She found herself unable to resist aiding in the carrying out of a masterful ploy. “All right, you scheming dog. I'll help you with whatever masterful plan you've got cooking.”
Bob grinned mischievously. “Perfect. I appreciate it, Lucinda.”
With that, he turned and left her office, leaving her still shaking her head and wondering what had gotten into the old doctor.
***
Reid threw the last of his case files into a binder before shutting it and tossing it into the cardboard box that held the rest of the things he'd somehow acquired during his stay. He glanced over his shoulder as the door to the office opened and Bob walked in.
“I hope you're not planning a goodbye party. I don't do parties and I certainly don't understand the concept of ones designed to send people off. It's like you're saying, ‘Yes, you're finally leaving! Let's celebrate!’ Although in my case, it might be appropriate-”
“What would it take to get you to stay?” Bob interrupted, leaning against the door after closing it.
Reid started at the verbal intrusion, turning to look at the elderly doctor with the utmost surprise in his eyes. “Excuse me?”
“What would it take to get you to stay?” Bob repeated, his eyes twinkling.
Reid snorted, though for some reason the question didn't sound as ridiculous as it would have three months ago. “Here in Podunk? Well, let's see,” he pretended to muse, leaning back against his desk and stroking his chin thoughtfully. “How about a state of the art neurosurgery unit, a ridiculously outrageous salary, and a title with the word ‘genius’ in it? How does that grab you?” Without even waiting for the answer he assumed was coming, he turned around and continued tossing random doodads into the cardboard box.
“You drive a hard bargain, Dr. Oliver. But, sounds like we could strike up a deal.”
Reid whirled around so hard he almost overshot the position he was aiming for. “What?”
Bob shrugged nonchalantly, as though Reid's demands did nothing to phase him. “Well, a state of the art neurosurgery unit we can design and build. To your specifications, even, if you wish. My head of neurology is looking to retire, so I'm sure that along with that title we can work in the word ‘genius’ somewhere. Salary-wise, I'm sure we can come to some agreement.”
Reid mouthed openly. This was ridiculous. This was Oakhell. He didn’t want to be there in the first place, let alone know, three months later. He had a job. He had a life. So why the hell couldn’t he think of a plausible argument to turn down the offer? “The head cases here . . . They’re not the ones I typically like to deal with.” Even that sounded weak to his ears.
Bob smiled. In fact, Reid was almost tempted to categorize the expression on his face as a smirk, which not only impressed him, but astounded him to no end. He tried to remember if this was the same Bob Hughes that had dragged him to Oakdale. “Ahh. But the country’s best neurosurgical unit is bound to attract interesting head cases, don’t you think?”
Reid couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re assuming an awful lot of a neurosurgical wing that hasn’t even been designed yet.”
“Or proposed to the board,” Bob admitted, smiling again. “But surely you ought to assume the same, as I’ve just proposed that you design it. And since you’re not one for modesty, you ought to be praising its future greatness.”
Reid hesitated, inhaling softly. “You seem to also be assuming that I’ll accept the position.”
Bob shrugged, as though he were indifferent to whether Reid would accept the position or not. He turned to leave, saying, “Think it over and come find me with your answer by noon today. I’ll be in my office,” over his shoulder before shutting the door behind him.
Reid shook his head, collapsing back against the corner of the old desk, at a loss for words. He had been waiting for months to go back to Dallas, but somehow when he thought of going home he thought of walking to Katie Peretti’s apartment rather than his condo in Dallas. He felt as though there were countless reasons that he should get out of Oakdale, the one highest on the list being the same as the case file that lay on top of everything in his cardboard box. Luke Snyder. And somehow, that very reason for him to leave screamed for him to stay, despite everything that had happened. Everything that might happen. Everything that couldn’t happen.
***
Luke checked his watch before stretching his legs away from the middle of the bench in Old Towne and looking around. He’d finally gotten word from Noah that the project he was working on no longer required him to be AWOL and he’d wanted to meet at Old Towne at three. It was half past and Noah’s phone was going straight to voicemail. Luke groaned, wondering whether or not to just give up and just go home.
Luke rubbed his eyes, trying to contemplate what was going through Noah’s head. He checked his watch again. 3:35 pm. Reid would already be on the Walsh jet flying back to Dallas and a life committed to become the greatest neurosurgeon the world has ever seen or ever will see. Luke thought about smiling for the doctor finally getting what he wanted, but there was a greater part of him that was devastated to see him go. He’d gotten so used to having Reid around, so used to having a verbal sparring partner that didn’t hesitate to say exactly what was on his mind, that didn’t hesitate to throw the truth in his face, that didn’t feel the need to walk as though on eggshells around Luke. His heart nudged him gently, implying that those weren’t the only reasons he wanted Reid to stay. And despite the whole misunderstanding that had occurred on New Year’s Eve, he couldn’t stop his pulse from quickening and his brain from telling him that, if he had the chance to repeat the event with all the knowledge he currently had, he would. Couldn’t stop thinking that the real reason Luke wanted Re-Dr. Oliver to stay was because-
“Don’t think too hard. You might hurt yourself.”
Luke jumped nearly a foot in the air, landing hard on the bench, hand flying instinctively to his heart. His eyes widened as though they doubted their own powers when they caught Reid standing over him, looking insanely amused by the reaction he’d produced.
“Jesus Christ!” Luke exclaimed. “What’re you doing here? I thought you’d left!”
Reid shrugged, trying to suppress a smile. “It’s a private jet, Mr. Snyder. They don’t abide by a schedule.”
“Oh,” Luke muttered, glancing down at the ground. “Right.”
“I’ll actually be leaving in a few days. There are some things I have to take care of with Bob here first. Besides, I want to give my old chief of staff some time to cool down before I go and wrap up my affairs there. He didn’t exactly sound pleased when I told him I was resigning.”
Luke’s brow furrowed, as though he wasn’t exactly able to process what Reid was saying. A moment later, however, a smile spread over his features and he stood up, scratching his head gingerly. “You’re staying? For good?”
Reid gave him a full on grin then, something that Luke didn’t think he’d ever seen, but it lit of the doctor’s face astoundingly. “Looks that way.”
“That . . .” Luke searched for the right word. “That’s fantastic!” Before he could stop himself, his arms were flung around the doctor’s shoulders and he was pulling Reid into a joyous hug.
Reid let out a grunt of surprise at the sudden contact, his heart pounding so rapidly in his chest that he was sure he was having a heart attack. He was also sure that Luke could feel it, even through the flimsy fabric of his T-shirt and the corduroy of Reid’s jacket. His arms hung uselessly by his side as he tried to focus on breathing, as though he didn’t even know what to do with them. They made to rise to Luke’s waist, but by the time he managed to make them work properly, Luke pulled out of the one-sided hug, his eyes glittering lightly, his cheeks flushing a light pink of embarrassment.
He opened his mouth to say something, to apologize for the sudden intimacy, but his words were curtailed by the tail-end of an approaching conversation.
“Luke? Oh, no. He’s, errm, just a friend.”
“Is that so, Mr. Mayer? And the man with him?”
“Oh . . .yeah. The, errm, Dr. Reid Oliver, his do-errm . . . boyfriend . . . ?” There was a little, "Yeah, that could work. . . . yeah," at the end of the conversation that only Reid caught, and just barely.
Chapter 29-->