Fic: Perception 14/?
Author: PABWECG (aka Patricia)
Title: Perception
Genre/Type: Romance, Period fic
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Luke/Reid, Lily/Holden, Casey, Katie, Maddie, and Henry, amongst others
Warnings: Nope
Summary: The year is 1898; Luke lives on Snyder farm, and Reid is a doctor in Chicago; you’ll figure the rest out.
Big thanks, again, to Slayerkitty, for being my beta!!!
Previous Chapters: 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9/ 10/ 11/ 12/ 13/
A/N: When we were last in nineteenth-century Oakdale, Casey and Maddie were getting closer, both Katie and Henry had eyes for Reid, and he and Luke were becoming good friends. Sorry it's taken so long for me to post, but between my BB and RL and my procrastinatory nature (I know that's not really a word), this is what happened.
Chapter 14
Every summer there was a celebration of the founding of the town. And every year it managed to be sunny and warm; this year was no exception. There would be baked goods and beautiful crafts and wares on display and for sale. Farmers would bring their best animals and produce to show off and auction. There would be music and children running every which way. It was a day everyone in town looked forward to.
Reid came down the stairs late that morning in early July, and Katie - in her summer dress and sunbonnet - turned to him. “Oh, Reid. You’re coming, good.” She clapped her hands together. “Don’t you look dashing? Now I know you said that you and I could only be friends, but if you change your mind...”
Reid gave her a look.
“Oh, okay. Somebody must have broken your heart back in Chicago. But Reid, you can’t stay single forever.”
“Really?”
“Really. There must be someone in Oakdale who’s caught your eye.”
He said nothing.
Everyone was there. Absolutely everyone.
There were the typical events: the judging of the produce and the cattle. There were pies and cakes and pickles to be sampled and awarded as well.
There was also a lumberjack contest of sorts; teams of two men each would compete in the log rolling, the axe throw, the two-man crosscut, and the speed chopping. There was no way that Reid would risk his hands in such a competition. But Luke and Casey and many of the other able-bodied men did take part. And who was Reid to complain? Strong men, rolling up their sleeves, showing off their muscles, getting all sweaty, eventually removing their shirts altogether? He was a very willing spectator.
As Casey and Holden took a turn together, Reid saw both Maddie’s and Luke’s eyes riveted upon their young friend; as they held hands, they both appeared ashamed by their own looking.
When it was Luke’s turn - with a young man whose name Reid didn’t know - it was his turn to be riveted. Reid knew that all eyes were on the two in front of him, so he took the rare opportunity to allow his eyes to linger. From Luke’s head to his toes, from the sunlight shining through his blond locks to the strength displayed in his stance of his calves and the spread of his thighs, Reid didn’t think he’d ever seen a more beautiful human being in his life. He felt a flash of heat pass through him as he imagined that strong body pinning him against a wall.
He swallowed and looked away - right into the eyes of a very jealous Henry, who had been trying unsuccessfully to get his attention all day. Reid shook his head and looked away; he didn’t have the energy to deal with Henry today. They hadn’t been together in a few weeks now; somehow Reid just couldn’t.
Day turned to evening and the animals all had gone, and only the people and the food were left. The music turned from that of listening entertainment to the sort for dancing. Couples began to take to the “floor” - Katie and Henry; Lily and Holden; Dr. and Mrs. Hughes; Luke and Maddie; a nurse from the hospital approached him a shyly asked him to dance and he reluctantly said yes. Casey brought Faith out to dance. Natalie watched, before eventually dragging her little brother out as well. And many others joined in, people Reid was familiar with but did not really know. After dancing with Luke’s mother and then Katie, Reid excused himself from dancing for a while and simply watched. Couples changed partners and smiles and quiet conversation filled the night air, under the sounds of the musicians.
He hadn’t spent any time with Luke today, and he knew it wasn’t by accident. He and Luke were both avoiding each other.
They had spent a lot of time together in the last month and a half. They were getting closer, sharing more of their thoughts with each other - things they somehow both knew hadn’t been shared with anyone else. There was a closeness that felt right, and yet somehow not right.
Reid was struggling with what he was feeling for this very young man, this man with a girlfriend. And even though Luke appeared to prefer his company to hers, she was still his girlfriend.
Luke and Maddie had seemed to be joined at the hip today, as if they were trying to put things right. Maddie had been avoiding Casey just as much as Luke had been Reid.
The song ended, and as the dancers applauded he saw Maddie leading Luke his way.
“Dr. Oliver, we haven’t danced.” She said.
“I’m sorry, Maddie. Next time.” Reid apologized, avoiding Luke’s eyes. “Tonight, my feet are worn out.”
“Well, alright. But I’ll hold you to that.”
He smiled. “Actually, I’m going to call it a night, I think.”
“Oh, you’re going?” Luke’s voice - trying not to sound disappointed - drew his gaze. He could feel himself being pulled like a magnet to the young man, and it was definitely mutual - he could see it in Luke’s eyes, whether or not Luke understood it himself.
He nodded. “Good night, Maddie…Luke.”
He quickly talked to Katie and Henry, before walking the short distance back to her boarding house. He paced the floors for a good half-hour before making himself lie down. An hour later, sleep came.
For several days, he worked as many hours as he could; on Wednesday, he didn’t meet Luke as usual. He was afraid that if he were alone with the young man, he would simply take him in his arms; and while he was okay with that in theory, in practice Luke had a girlfriend, and more importantly, Luke still didn’t seem to understand his own feelings. He was not going to push Luke into something he wasn’t ready for.
Being a doctor, he knew that he always had a good excuse for not showing up for appointments with friends, but still this felt wrong - simply avoiding Luke, not having the courage to face him.
On Saturday evening, there was a quiet, insistent knock on his bedroom door. Opening it he found a concerned looking Katie.
“Good. You’re here. I was afraid you might be out or asleep.”
“What is it, Katie?”
“It’s Luke.”
“What? Is he okay?”
“No. Yes…I don’t know. Physically, he seems fine, but otherwise…” she hesitated. “He’s downstairs. He wants to see you. He’s pretty upset, Reid. I don’t know what happened.”
But he had already grabbed his hat and had walked past her out the door.
When he reached the bottom of the stairs, Luke’s eyes met his, and he could see the young man had been crying. He walked right up to him. “Hey,” he said gently. He reached a hand out to touch Luke’s face and pulled it back before he could.
“I’m sorry to bother you…” Luke began. “I just…”
“It’s okay, Luke.”
“Can we…can we talk?”
Reid nodded. “Sure. Do you want to ride out to the farm?”
Luke nodded and they left the house.
“Shall we pick up Peppercorn?”
“Yeah.” Luke said quietly, after mounting his own horse. “Hop on, it’ll be quicker.” Reid hesitated for a heartbeat before climbing on behind Luke.
They rode together to the Hughes’ and gathered up Reid’s horse and then continued towards the farm.
Luke seemed to have calmed somewhat during the ride. Reaching the farm, the sky had darkened and the moon was hiding amongst the clouds. He dismounted and Reid followed suit, walking their horses into the barn and watering them.
The young man began to pace, running a hand through his hair; every few moments, he would look up towards the rafters, biting his lip as if trying to hold back the tears.
“Luke.” Reid said quietly. “Do you want to talk?”
He stopped pacing and looked at Reid. “I don’t know what…” he began, before looking away again and pulling both his lips in-between his teeth. “What’s wrong with me, Reid?” And Luke began to tremble.
Reid’s heart was breaking, and he stepped cautiously towards him. Luke met his gaze, his eyes begging Reid to hold him. So Reid did; he closed the gap between them and wrapped his arms around him. Luke’s head fell to Reid’s shoulder and Reid’s hand went to his hair, petting him.
“Luke,” he whispered. “Shh, it’s okay.”
And Luke cried, just wept in his arms, clinging to Reid. After a few minutes, his breathing was calmer.
“Luke, what happened?” he asked quietly. Luke lifted his head and peered at him, unsure. “You can tell me anything.”
Luke nodded and took a step away. Then he cleared his throat and faced Reid again. “Casey and Maddie were kissing.” Reid nodded silently. Luke held his gaze, swallowed, and then exhaled. “I can’t do this.”
Reid instinctively stepped closer to Luke; he somehow knew that Luke needed him close. “You can’t do what, Luke?” he asked gently.
Luke appeared as a frightened colt that so wanted to trust the hand reaching out to him. “I can’t tell you,” he said so quietly Reid almost didn’t hear him.
Reid took his hand and held it softly, looking intently at him. “You can tell me anything, Luke.”
Luke looked at him hesitantly, but then slowly nodded. “When I saw them kiss…” he began, eyes wide. “I…” he began to tremble, and Reid laid his other hand on Luke’s cheek, holding his gaze. Luke swallowed, finding a bit of courage. “I was jealous.”
Reid nodded, his two hands keeping Luke from running away from this moment, from his emotions. None-the-less, the young man did try to do just that. He pulled out of Reid’s grasp. “I can’t believe I’m doing this - this is crazy.” Reid took a step towards him. Luke ran his hand through his hair and wiped his eyes. “I’m sure in the morning, all this will make sense.”
“Luke, don’t.”
“Don’t what?” Luke looked back at him.
“Don’t shut me out.”
Luke was affect by those words; His eyes traveled over Reid’s face. “I don’t mean to.” He said quietly, again almost in tears.
“Luke,” Reid said. “Sit with me.” He extended a hand towards the young man. “Please.” And after a moment’s hesitation, Luke took it. Reid led them to corner where there were many bales of hay and they sat down together. They looked at each other and Reid ran a hand over and through Luke’s soft hair, and then his hand traveled down to Luke’s shoulder and he pulled him close against his side.
“Reid…I’m frightened.” Luke said quietly.
Reid nodded against Luke’s head. “I know.” They sat quietly. “Luke?”
“Hmm.”
“You know I’m your friend…” Luke met his eyes and slowly nodded. “Nothing will scare me away.” Luke swallowed and a tear escaped. Reid wiped it away with his thumb, feeling drawn in by Luke’s gaze.
“Reid?” Luke said.
Reid nodded.
“I wasn’t wishing that I was kissing Maddie.” Again Reid nodded, holding him close, their faces inches apart. And another tear escaped from Luke, as his body began to tremble. Reid turned towards him and Luke pressed his face against his chest, Reid’s hand going back to his hair. “What’s wrong with me, Reid?” he whispered through his quiet sobs. Reid pressed Luke close to him fiercely and Luke’s arms went around Reid and they clung to each other.
And then the rain came.
Soft and slow at first, it built until it was a steady summer downpour in a matter of minutes. And the chill of the rain outside the barn doors made them cling even closer to each other and the storm surrounded them so that it felt as if it was just they two in all the world. And Reid leaned back against the hay and Luke followed, laying his head on Reid’s shoulder, their arms still wrapped around each other.
Reid held him close, his nose buried in Luke’s hair, breathing him in, full of emotions; to hold Luke like this felt so good; to see Luke falling apart, however, felt like his own heart was breaking. He pulled him closer still, needing to be one with him. His hand on Luke’s back began to travel of its own accord, running up Luke’s back and into his hair, before making its way back down again, pulling Luke close when his hand reached the young man’s waist again.
They remained close in each other’s arms, grounded in each other, breathing together.
And then it happened.
He felt Luke’s hand slowly move from his waist to his chest; and then there it lay - still, but full of want. Reid could tell, he could feel it; his lips parted as he waited for Luke to move his hand again. His heart hammered in his chest and he could feel Luke’s beating fast as well. Luke slowly began to run his hand inexpertly across Reid’s chest, and Reid let out the breath he’d been holding in a soft pant. Luke noticed - Reid knew - but did not meet Reid’s eye. Reid saw the young man lick his lips, as he watched his own hand touching Reid’s chest, his own breathing becoming more rapid. Luke’s head lay still, almost frozen, on Reid’s shoulder, as if afraid that moving it would cause everything to come crashing to a halt. His hand, however, roamed more freely, down Reid’s chest and then back up, and bravely down Reid’s shoulder to his elbow.
There he paused, and after a few heart beats he lifted his head off of Reid’s shoulder and looked into his eyes. There was a silent acknowledgment on both their parts - no confessions or admissions - but that they both wanted these touches right now. As he began to run his fingers over Reid again, Luke’s eyes dropped away from his, as if ashamed; Reid lifted Luke’s chin, met his gaze, and held it.
They may live in a world that required them to keep their true selves a secret, but they wouldn’t hide from each other.
Reid leaned back - passive - allowing Luke to touch him where he would, his eyes on Luke’s, both their breathing rapid. Luke’s fingers ran across his shoulders and down the front of his chest again, and then they circled; Luke’s eyes told him what they were seeking, until they found Reid’s nipple. He brushed across it, once…twice, his eyes riveted on Reid’s face, watching his response. Luke’s mouth was open and he was softly panting. Reid thought Luke might perhaps climax simply by touching him. That knowledge fed the fire burning inside Reid. Reid’s own mouth was open, softly panting. Luke gently pinched Reid’s nipple and he gasped; Luke repeated that action and Reid’s cock pulsed and throbbed.
Luke leaned even closer towards him and seemed to want to kiss Reid. Reid watched Luke’s eyes as they studied his lips; Luke looked into his eyes, swallowed and hesitated, before leaning in and kissing Reid’s jaw, mouthing it twice. He pulled back and looked at Reid for confirmation that that was okay; Reid’s open mouth, the way he licked his lips, must have encouraged Luke, because Luke was suddenly back, laying kisses along Reid’s jaw line and down his neck. When he reached Reid’s pulse point, Reid let his head fall to the side and held the young man’s mouth to his neck. Luke began to suck, and Reid let out a moan. Luke pressed his body alongside Reid’s; Reid could feel his erection against his hip.
Putting both arms around Luke, Reid grasped him and pulled him closer, so Luke was laying on top of him. Reid pulled him close. The sudden movement seemed to snap Luke out of the moment for about two seconds, but then as his needy member pressed against Reid, he closed his eyes for a moment and dove back into the crook between Reid’s chin and shoulder.
“Reid,” he moaned, the first words either had spoken in many minutes. And he pressed against Reid’s body, his desire pushing him onwards, onwards, Reid himself rutting up against Luke’s thigh, his hands on Luke’s hips.
And when they came, Luke trembled and shuddered and Reid held him close, lying in the hay, with Luke's weight anchoring him.
Less than a minute later, Luke lifted his head and looked at Reid, confusion having replaced his fear. Reid reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, handing it to Luke. Then he pulled out another, almost clean one and reached inside his trousers to wipe himself off somewhat, before rolling it up to put back in his pocket. Luke cleaned himself up, looking obviously embarrassed, and put the hanky in his own pocket, with an awkward “Thank you.” And then he stood up and stepped away from Reid, looking anywhere but at him.
“Luke?” Reid began, standing himself.
“I’m sorry, Reid.” Luke continued to avert his gaze. “I don’t know why I…”
“Luke, you don’t have to apologize.”
“Yes…yes I do, because I don’t know why I did that.” He met Reid’s eyes briefly. “I’ve never…and I just…”
“Luke,” Reid stepped up to him, but that just seemed to frighten him again.
“Goodnight, Reid.” He said.
“What?” This was all happening way too fast for Reid. “What do you…”
“I can’t talk right now, Reid. It’s late and I’m…I’m confused…and I just…” he looked once more at Reid, his face clearly showing that confusion, plus sorrow. He shook his head and walked out of the barn.
Oh God, what just happened?
Reid opened the barn door to stop Luke, but the young man had taken off at a run and was already climbing the steps to the house and pulling the front door open. Reid sighed and then led Peppercorn out into the rain for the wet journey back to Katie’s.
next part/
Title: Perception
Genre/Type: Romance, Period fic
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Luke/Reid, Lily/Holden, Casey, Katie, Maddie, and Henry, amongst others
Warnings: Nope
Summary: The year is 1898; Luke lives on Snyder farm, and Reid is a doctor in Chicago; you’ll figure the rest out.
Big thanks, again, to Slayerkitty, for being my beta!!!
Previous Chapters: 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9/ 10/ 11/ 12/ 13/
A/N: When we were last in nineteenth-century Oakdale, Casey and Maddie were getting closer, both Katie and Henry had eyes for Reid, and he and Luke were becoming good friends. Sorry it's taken so long for me to post, but between my BB and RL and my procrastinatory nature (I know that's not really a word), this is what happened.
Chapter 14
Every summer there was a celebration of the founding of the town. And every year it managed to be sunny and warm; this year was no exception. There would be baked goods and beautiful crafts and wares on display and for sale. Farmers would bring their best animals and produce to show off and auction. There would be music and children running every which way. It was a day everyone in town looked forward to.
Reid came down the stairs late that morning in early July, and Katie - in her summer dress and sunbonnet - turned to him. “Oh, Reid. You’re coming, good.” She clapped her hands together. “Don’t you look dashing? Now I know you said that you and I could only be friends, but if you change your mind...”
Reid gave her a look.
“Oh, okay. Somebody must have broken your heart back in Chicago. But Reid, you can’t stay single forever.”
“Really?”
“Really. There must be someone in Oakdale who’s caught your eye.”
He said nothing.
Everyone was there. Absolutely everyone.
There were the typical events: the judging of the produce and the cattle. There were pies and cakes and pickles to be sampled and awarded as well.
There was also a lumberjack contest of sorts; teams of two men each would compete in the log rolling, the axe throw, the two-man crosscut, and the speed chopping. There was no way that Reid would risk his hands in such a competition. But Luke and Casey and many of the other able-bodied men did take part. And who was Reid to complain? Strong men, rolling up their sleeves, showing off their muscles, getting all sweaty, eventually removing their shirts altogether? He was a very willing spectator.
As Casey and Holden took a turn together, Reid saw both Maddie’s and Luke’s eyes riveted upon their young friend; as they held hands, they both appeared ashamed by their own looking.
When it was Luke’s turn - with a young man whose name Reid didn’t know - it was his turn to be riveted. Reid knew that all eyes were on the two in front of him, so he took the rare opportunity to allow his eyes to linger. From Luke’s head to his toes, from the sunlight shining through his blond locks to the strength displayed in his stance of his calves and the spread of his thighs, Reid didn’t think he’d ever seen a more beautiful human being in his life. He felt a flash of heat pass through him as he imagined that strong body pinning him against a wall.
He swallowed and looked away - right into the eyes of a very jealous Henry, who had been trying unsuccessfully to get his attention all day. Reid shook his head and looked away; he didn’t have the energy to deal with Henry today. They hadn’t been together in a few weeks now; somehow Reid just couldn’t.
Day turned to evening and the animals all had gone, and only the people and the food were left. The music turned from that of listening entertainment to the sort for dancing. Couples began to take to the “floor” - Katie and Henry; Lily and Holden; Dr. and Mrs. Hughes; Luke and Maddie; a nurse from the hospital approached him a shyly asked him to dance and he reluctantly said yes. Casey brought Faith out to dance. Natalie watched, before eventually dragging her little brother out as well. And many others joined in, people Reid was familiar with but did not really know. After dancing with Luke’s mother and then Katie, Reid excused himself from dancing for a while and simply watched. Couples changed partners and smiles and quiet conversation filled the night air, under the sounds of the musicians.
He hadn’t spent any time with Luke today, and he knew it wasn’t by accident. He and Luke were both avoiding each other.
They had spent a lot of time together in the last month and a half. They were getting closer, sharing more of their thoughts with each other - things they somehow both knew hadn’t been shared with anyone else. There was a closeness that felt right, and yet somehow not right.
Reid was struggling with what he was feeling for this very young man, this man with a girlfriend. And even though Luke appeared to prefer his company to hers, she was still his girlfriend.
Luke and Maddie had seemed to be joined at the hip today, as if they were trying to put things right. Maddie had been avoiding Casey just as much as Luke had been Reid.
The song ended, and as the dancers applauded he saw Maddie leading Luke his way.
“Dr. Oliver, we haven’t danced.” She said.
“I’m sorry, Maddie. Next time.” Reid apologized, avoiding Luke’s eyes. “Tonight, my feet are worn out.”
“Well, alright. But I’ll hold you to that.”
He smiled. “Actually, I’m going to call it a night, I think.”
“Oh, you’re going?” Luke’s voice - trying not to sound disappointed - drew his gaze. He could feel himself being pulled like a magnet to the young man, and it was definitely mutual - he could see it in Luke’s eyes, whether or not Luke understood it himself.
He nodded. “Good night, Maddie…Luke.”
He quickly talked to Katie and Henry, before walking the short distance back to her boarding house. He paced the floors for a good half-hour before making himself lie down. An hour later, sleep came.
For several days, he worked as many hours as he could; on Wednesday, he didn’t meet Luke as usual. He was afraid that if he were alone with the young man, he would simply take him in his arms; and while he was okay with that in theory, in practice Luke had a girlfriend, and more importantly, Luke still didn’t seem to understand his own feelings. He was not going to push Luke into something he wasn’t ready for.
Being a doctor, he knew that he always had a good excuse for not showing up for appointments with friends, but still this felt wrong - simply avoiding Luke, not having the courage to face him.
On Saturday evening, there was a quiet, insistent knock on his bedroom door. Opening it he found a concerned looking Katie.
“Good. You’re here. I was afraid you might be out or asleep.”
“What is it, Katie?”
“It’s Luke.”
“What? Is he okay?”
“No. Yes…I don’t know. Physically, he seems fine, but otherwise…” she hesitated. “He’s downstairs. He wants to see you. He’s pretty upset, Reid. I don’t know what happened.”
But he had already grabbed his hat and had walked past her out the door.
When he reached the bottom of the stairs, Luke’s eyes met his, and he could see the young man had been crying. He walked right up to him. “Hey,” he said gently. He reached a hand out to touch Luke’s face and pulled it back before he could.
“I’m sorry to bother you…” Luke began. “I just…”
“It’s okay, Luke.”
“Can we…can we talk?”
Reid nodded. “Sure. Do you want to ride out to the farm?”
Luke nodded and they left the house.
“Shall we pick up Peppercorn?”
“Yeah.” Luke said quietly, after mounting his own horse. “Hop on, it’ll be quicker.” Reid hesitated for a heartbeat before climbing on behind Luke.
They rode together to the Hughes’ and gathered up Reid’s horse and then continued towards the farm.
Luke seemed to have calmed somewhat during the ride. Reaching the farm, the sky had darkened and the moon was hiding amongst the clouds. He dismounted and Reid followed suit, walking their horses into the barn and watering them.
The young man began to pace, running a hand through his hair; every few moments, he would look up towards the rafters, biting his lip as if trying to hold back the tears.
“Luke.” Reid said quietly. “Do you want to talk?”
He stopped pacing and looked at Reid. “I don’t know what…” he began, before looking away again and pulling both his lips in-between his teeth. “What’s wrong with me, Reid?” And Luke began to tremble.
Reid’s heart was breaking, and he stepped cautiously towards him. Luke met his gaze, his eyes begging Reid to hold him. So Reid did; he closed the gap between them and wrapped his arms around him. Luke’s head fell to Reid’s shoulder and Reid’s hand went to his hair, petting him.
“Luke,” he whispered. “Shh, it’s okay.”
And Luke cried, just wept in his arms, clinging to Reid. After a few minutes, his breathing was calmer.
“Luke, what happened?” he asked quietly. Luke lifted his head and peered at him, unsure. “You can tell me anything.”
Luke nodded and took a step away. Then he cleared his throat and faced Reid again. “Casey and Maddie were kissing.” Reid nodded silently. Luke held his gaze, swallowed, and then exhaled. “I can’t do this.”
Reid instinctively stepped closer to Luke; he somehow knew that Luke needed him close. “You can’t do what, Luke?” he asked gently.
Luke appeared as a frightened colt that so wanted to trust the hand reaching out to him. “I can’t tell you,” he said so quietly Reid almost didn’t hear him.
Reid took his hand and held it softly, looking intently at him. “You can tell me anything, Luke.”
Luke looked at him hesitantly, but then slowly nodded. “When I saw them kiss…” he began, eyes wide. “I…” he began to tremble, and Reid laid his other hand on Luke’s cheek, holding his gaze. Luke swallowed, finding a bit of courage. “I was jealous.”
Reid nodded, his two hands keeping Luke from running away from this moment, from his emotions. None-the-less, the young man did try to do just that. He pulled out of Reid’s grasp. “I can’t believe I’m doing this - this is crazy.” Reid took a step towards him. Luke ran his hand through his hair and wiped his eyes. “I’m sure in the morning, all this will make sense.”
“Luke, don’t.”
“Don’t what?” Luke looked back at him.
“Don’t shut me out.”
Luke was affect by those words; His eyes traveled over Reid’s face. “I don’t mean to.” He said quietly, again almost in tears.
“Luke,” Reid said. “Sit with me.” He extended a hand towards the young man. “Please.” And after a moment’s hesitation, Luke took it. Reid led them to corner where there were many bales of hay and they sat down together. They looked at each other and Reid ran a hand over and through Luke’s soft hair, and then his hand traveled down to Luke’s shoulder and he pulled him close against his side.
“Reid…I’m frightened.” Luke said quietly.
Reid nodded against Luke’s head. “I know.” They sat quietly. “Luke?”
“Hmm.”
“You know I’m your friend…” Luke met his eyes and slowly nodded. “Nothing will scare me away.” Luke swallowed and a tear escaped. Reid wiped it away with his thumb, feeling drawn in by Luke’s gaze.
“Reid?” Luke said.
Reid nodded.
“I wasn’t wishing that I was kissing Maddie.” Again Reid nodded, holding him close, their faces inches apart. And another tear escaped from Luke, as his body began to tremble. Reid turned towards him and Luke pressed his face against his chest, Reid’s hand going back to his hair. “What’s wrong with me, Reid?” he whispered through his quiet sobs. Reid pressed Luke close to him fiercely and Luke’s arms went around Reid and they clung to each other.
And then the rain came.
Soft and slow at first, it built until it was a steady summer downpour in a matter of minutes. And the chill of the rain outside the barn doors made them cling even closer to each other and the storm surrounded them so that it felt as if it was just they two in all the world. And Reid leaned back against the hay and Luke followed, laying his head on Reid’s shoulder, their arms still wrapped around each other.
Reid held him close, his nose buried in Luke’s hair, breathing him in, full of emotions; to hold Luke like this felt so good; to see Luke falling apart, however, felt like his own heart was breaking. He pulled him closer still, needing to be one with him. His hand on Luke’s back began to travel of its own accord, running up Luke’s back and into his hair, before making its way back down again, pulling Luke close when his hand reached the young man’s waist again.
They remained close in each other’s arms, grounded in each other, breathing together.
And then it happened.
He felt Luke’s hand slowly move from his waist to his chest; and then there it lay - still, but full of want. Reid could tell, he could feel it; his lips parted as he waited for Luke to move his hand again. His heart hammered in his chest and he could feel Luke’s beating fast as well. Luke slowly began to run his hand inexpertly across Reid’s chest, and Reid let out the breath he’d been holding in a soft pant. Luke noticed - Reid knew - but did not meet Reid’s eye. Reid saw the young man lick his lips, as he watched his own hand touching Reid’s chest, his own breathing becoming more rapid. Luke’s head lay still, almost frozen, on Reid’s shoulder, as if afraid that moving it would cause everything to come crashing to a halt. His hand, however, roamed more freely, down Reid’s chest and then back up, and bravely down Reid’s shoulder to his elbow.
There he paused, and after a few heart beats he lifted his head off of Reid’s shoulder and looked into his eyes. There was a silent acknowledgment on both their parts - no confessions or admissions - but that they both wanted these touches right now. As he began to run his fingers over Reid again, Luke’s eyes dropped away from his, as if ashamed; Reid lifted Luke’s chin, met his gaze, and held it.
They may live in a world that required them to keep their true selves a secret, but they wouldn’t hide from each other.
Reid leaned back - passive - allowing Luke to touch him where he would, his eyes on Luke’s, both their breathing rapid. Luke’s fingers ran across his shoulders and down the front of his chest again, and then they circled; Luke’s eyes told him what they were seeking, until they found Reid’s nipple. He brushed across it, once…twice, his eyes riveted on Reid’s face, watching his response. Luke’s mouth was open and he was softly panting. Reid thought Luke might perhaps climax simply by touching him. That knowledge fed the fire burning inside Reid. Reid’s own mouth was open, softly panting. Luke gently pinched Reid’s nipple and he gasped; Luke repeated that action and Reid’s cock pulsed and throbbed.
Luke leaned even closer towards him and seemed to want to kiss Reid. Reid watched Luke’s eyes as they studied his lips; Luke looked into his eyes, swallowed and hesitated, before leaning in and kissing Reid’s jaw, mouthing it twice. He pulled back and looked at Reid for confirmation that that was okay; Reid’s open mouth, the way he licked his lips, must have encouraged Luke, because Luke was suddenly back, laying kisses along Reid’s jaw line and down his neck. When he reached Reid’s pulse point, Reid let his head fall to the side and held the young man’s mouth to his neck. Luke began to suck, and Reid let out a moan. Luke pressed his body alongside Reid’s; Reid could feel his erection against his hip.
Putting both arms around Luke, Reid grasped him and pulled him closer, so Luke was laying on top of him. Reid pulled him close. The sudden movement seemed to snap Luke out of the moment for about two seconds, but then as his needy member pressed against Reid, he closed his eyes for a moment and dove back into the crook between Reid’s chin and shoulder.
“Reid,” he moaned, the first words either had spoken in many minutes. And he pressed against Reid’s body, his desire pushing him onwards, onwards, Reid himself rutting up against Luke’s thigh, his hands on Luke’s hips.
And when they came, Luke trembled and shuddered and Reid held him close, lying in the hay, with Luke's weight anchoring him.
Less than a minute later, Luke lifted his head and looked at Reid, confusion having replaced his fear. Reid reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, handing it to Luke. Then he pulled out another, almost clean one and reached inside his trousers to wipe himself off somewhat, before rolling it up to put back in his pocket. Luke cleaned himself up, looking obviously embarrassed, and put the hanky in his own pocket, with an awkward “Thank you.” And then he stood up and stepped away from Reid, looking anywhere but at him.
“Luke?” Reid began, standing himself.
“I’m sorry, Reid.” Luke continued to avert his gaze. “I don’t know why I…”
“Luke, you don’t have to apologize.”
“Yes…yes I do, because I don’t know why I did that.” He met Reid’s eyes briefly. “I’ve never…and I just…”
“Luke,” Reid stepped up to him, but that just seemed to frighten him again.
“Goodnight, Reid.” He said.
“What?” This was all happening way too fast for Reid. “What do you…”
“I can’t talk right now, Reid. It’s late and I’m…I’m confused…and I just…” he looked once more at Reid, his face clearly showing that confusion, plus sorrow. He shook his head and walked out of the barn.
Oh God, what just happened?
Reid opened the barn door to stop Luke, but the young man had taken off at a run and was already climbing the steps to the house and pulling the front door open. Reid sighed and then led Peppercorn out into the rain for the wet journey back to Katie’s.
next part/