Fic: Coming Home 15/?
Author: PABWECG (aka Patricia)
Title: Coming Home
Genre/Type: Romance
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Luke/Reid, Luke/Noah, Lily/Holden, Katie, Casey, Bob, assorted little people, possibly others
Warnings: None really, except some Nuke intimacy
Disclaimers: I don’t own any of them, zilch, nada…
Summary: Luke and Noah moved to L.A. in the Summer of 2009 for Noah to do his last year of school with an internship of sorts (no Mason, no blindness, etc. Everything else in their history has happened). Reid arrived, temporarily, at Memorial in August 2010.
It’s now October 2010. Luke is 22, Ethan is 6.
Thank you Slayerkitty, my terrific beta!
Previous Chapters: 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9/ 10/ 11/ 12/ 13/ 14/
Chapter 15
Luke was having a difficult time concentrating on the conversations going on around him, what with Reid’s right hand grazing the seam of his jeans, along the outside edge of his left thigh. Back and forth, ever so lightly. They’d been seated next to each other; Luke would laugh now, remembering how so many people had offered them each a seat, trying to get them next to each other. He would laugh right now if he were capable of anything but breathing.
“Luke, Darling. When are we going to have that meeting?” His grandmother’s voice pulled him out of his haze.
“What meeting’s that?” Lily looked between them.
“A Foundation meeting. Luke…” She gave him a look of unflagging confidence, “has come to me with some new ideas for grants. And it’s excellent timing, by the way; Sanchez is good, very good, but he doesn’t have your perspective or passion. We’ve been in need of a surge of new energy.”
“Good, um. I’m glad. I can meet almost anytime this week. My schedule’s…well, pretty free right now.” Luke felt so many eyes upon him, including the man beside him.
“Did you know, Dr. Oliver, that Luke has a foundation? His biological father,” Lily actually looked a little embarrassed, “my first husband, gave Luke quite a bit of money, which Luke didn’t want, not that I can blame him, the way most of that money was earned.” She looked briefly at Holden.
“Quit apologizing for Damian, Lily. You didn’t earn that money. Those were his doings.” He nodded that she should go on.
“You’re right. Anyway, Luke - even though he didn’t want the money - well, he started a foundation, and it’s doing wonderful things, in the community and the world, really.” She looked quite proud of him.
“The Luke Snyder Foundation.” Reid said quietly. Luke looked at him, startled. Reid rolled his eyes a bit, and smirked.
“Have you been Googling me, Dr. Oliver?” Luke flirted, looking at Reid steadily. “You have.”
“I’m familiar with some of the foundation’s work; what are your new ideas?” Reid, feeling even more keenly all the eyes upon them, continued eating his clam chowder.
“I’d like to look at grants to hospitals, pediatrics possibly. I was in the hospital a lot as a kid. I know it’s hard for children and their families. And I know that good hospitals would want to do something to improve the experience for them, if they had the money.”
“Really? What kind of changes do you think would need to be made? Equipment? Training?” Reid sounded genuinely curious.
“Um, I was thinking actually more along the lines of patient support…family support…the atmosphere of the buildings, the rooms,” Luke voice started to gain in confidence. “And just generally things that give families the tools to actually help their child and themselves…to not feel so powerless.”
“I’d love to hear more, and I might have some suggestions.”
“Really? You’re really interested.” Luke couldn’t help but notice Reid’s sincerity.
“Of course I am. I’m a doctor.” Luke scanned Reid’s face. “And you’ve obviously given this a lot of thought. Thought of things I’m sure I’ve overlooked, as a surgeon.” He added, meeting Luke’s gaze. The table was silent for a few moments, until Emma spoke quietly.
“Faith, sweetheart, how did your rehearsal go yesterday?” She turned to Luke. “They’re doing The Music Man, and did you know Faith is Marian” She beamed.
Faith actually smiled. “It went pretty well. I’ve been getting really nervous, I mean the performance is in just a couple weeks, and some of the kids don’t know any of their lines. But yeah, yesterday I had to sing ‘Till There was You’ with Dylan in front of everyone…God, how embarrassing. But after a while, it was okay. He’s not that good of a singer, but he’s better than Parker at least.” Faith was actually a very good singer, and really enjoyed being on stage.
“That’s great, Faithy…I mean Faith…” Luke apologized. “Sorry, old habit. I can’t wait to see it, though. I haven’t heard you sing in so long. And you two,” he looked across at Ethan and Natalie. “I can’t wait to see you in your Halloween costumes. You must be excited. Do you know what you’re gonna be?”
“I’m not going this year. I’m getting too old.” Said Natalie. “But you won’t be here anyway, will you? Won’t you be back in L.A. with Noah? Or is he gonna come here? That would be so cool. Do you miss him when he goes home without you? Of course, you must.” She blushed. “He’s your boyfriend.”
“Um.” Luke really didn’t know what to say. “No, well…he’s not going to be here, Nat. But I will.” He glanced up at Reid beside him, not sure what he’d see on his face. Reid looked unsure, but like he wasn’t going anywhere.
Conversation continued with talk of Ethan’s costume, and trick-or-treating with Jacob, and with tales of Lily and Holden’s’ trip. When it came time to order dessert, only Reid, Holden and the kids had any room left.
Coffee arrived, and then dessert; Luke watched as Reid licked every drop of pie off his fork, envying the fork in its journey between Reid’s lips. His mouth dropped open and he licked his own lips; Reid caught him staring and Luke swallowed, breathing out slowly. Neither of them was aware they had an audience. Lucinda cleared her throat.
“So. Luke,” Luke shook is head, to clear it. “You’re coming to the Harvest Ball this year. Am I correct?”
“Um.”
“It’s been so long; too long. You should come. It’s going to be grand, I promise.”
“Well, maybe. I could, I suppose.”
“Good. And you should bring a guest, of course.” She winked at him. Luke nervously turned to Reid; he was still sucking the last bits of dessert from between the prongs of his fork. Feeling Luke’s gaze, he looked up and noticed every adult at the table watching him.
“Hmm?” He said. Luke smiled at him, delighted with this beautiful, gorgeous, child-like, and yet so-wise man beside him.
“Will you come to the Harvest Ball with me?” He asked quietly. “It’s next Friday, at the Foundation. It’s a fund-raiser.” Luke felt a bit more shy. “I’m going…and I’d like you to come with me…be my date.”
“A ball?” Reid looked terrified. “People, mingling, formal dancing?” Luke backed off.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to.” God, he was disappointed. He hadn’t even wanted to go to the ball until now, but now…now that Reid didn’t want to…he was so disappointed.
“No…I mean yes, I’ll go. I’m a little…frightened, but…” Luke beamed, bouncing around in his seat, and took Reid’s hands in his.
“I’ll be there, right beside you…nothing to fear.” Luke looked into Reid’s eyes, which - after a moment - dropped down to gaze at Luke’s lips.
Lucinda clapped her hands together. “Good. That’s settled.” Luke and Reid both turned and looked back at the others around the table - and Luke left his left hand clasped in Reid’s, resting on Reid’s thigh.
I’ll see him Friday. Luke’s heart was beating so fast. A date. We’re going on a date. I asked him out, and he said yes. Friday, that’s - let’s see - that’s six days away. Six days away? He looked at the man walking beside him; let his eyes travel over his cheekbones and jaw, lingered where his smile sometimes appeared. He took Reid’s hand again and looked at both of them clasped together. Reid stopped walking and turned to Luke.
“Lunch.” Reid stated simply. Looking up at him, his head still bent down, Luke’s eyebrows asked a question. “You do eat lunch.” He continued. Luke nodded, trying not to smile. “Would you like to? With me, I mean.” Reid actually seemed shy.
“Yes. Yes I would.” Luke was getting pretty good at answering questions regarding his wants. And this was an easy one to answer. “I’d love to. When?” He could see Reid’s chest rising and falling, and he let his eyes slowly wander up to Reid’s face, first meeting his eyes and then down to his mouth, which opened as soon as Luke’s eyes lingered upon it.
“Um.” Reid just breathed in and out. “Tomorrow? My schedule can be kind of unpredictable, but I should be free sometime around one. I could call you when I’m done, but I just have an hour or so. We might have to eat in the cafeteria.”
“Why don’t I come to the hospital at one and wait for you? That way we can go to Al’s or something. You could call me if you’re going to be running real late.”
“Okay. Sounds like a plan. I guess I’ll need your number then.”
“Oh right.” Reid pulled out a pen and a piece of scrap paper from his pocket and handed it to Luke. They both exchanged numbers, put their hands back in their pockets, and then went back to staring at each other some more.
“Well, I guess my ride is leaving.” Luke indicated to Holden, who was getting into the driver’s seat of his car.
“Mine too.” He stepped up close to Luke and lifted his right hand up to his face; he ran two fingertips along Luke’s jaw line.
Luke’s eyes barely stayed open; they were open just far enough for him to still see Reid’s face, as it got closer to his. The fingers of his left hand found Reid’s waist, while Reid’s hand traveled to the back of his head. When their lips met, Luke, who was already holding his breath, breathed in just a little bit more, and his eyes did close. For several seconds, all thoughts of people waiting in cars for them vanished; it had been so long. Their lips lingered and explored and tasted; their warm tongues slowly and briefly dipped into each other’s mouths and Luke let out a soft moan. They pulled back, and Reid gave Luke a look that clearly said, wow.
“Yeah.” Luke whispered, a goofy smile on his face.
“See you tomorrow.” Reid said.
“Tomorrow.” And, reluctantly separating, they each went home.
Luke and Holden were out riding, enjoying the silence and the brilliant blue sky October day. Holden observed his son, noting the changes that had come over him in the last couple of weeks. “How you doin’?”
“Good.” Luke met Holden’s eyes. “Really good.” Holden smiled at him.
“You look good.” He paused, not afraid of the silence. “You look…more relaxed, like you’re not carrying such a heavy load.”
Luke breathed in and out and smiled. “Yeah, that’s how I feel.”
Holden was glad; he wanted Luke to be happy. He knew Luke pretty well, and he knew that Luke would probably end up settling down with someone eventually; but with or without a boyfriend, he wanted Luke to be happy. Obviously, something was happening between him and Reid Oliver, but Holden didn’t want to push Luke to talk about it. Actually, Holden didn’t really need to know. This was Luke’s to deal with, and Holden knew that Luke would figure it out. Looking at Luke again, he smiled, almost like Luke’s happiness was his own.
They rode on again, mostly in silence, occasionally talking about the horses they were on, Seamus and Ginger, and eventually about Faith and the younger kids.
“You and Mom seem happy, real happy. I’m glad for you.”
“Thanks; we are. I’m sorry that the years of ups and downs of our marriage were so…well, up and down. I know it was hard on you and Faith. I wish we could have done it better.”
“Yeah, it was hard. And I think Faith is still trying to deal with it.” Luke paused, thinking about his own growth over the last weeks and the last year. “I’ve reached a point where I can wish you and Mom well without feeling like my own happiness depends on it. I don’t know if that makes sense to you, but I realize that my life is mine, and its ups and downs are mine; that even if you’re not happy I could still be…and vice versa.” He looked over at his father, feeling like a grown for the first time, in a way.
“You’re right, and you learned that a lot sooner than I ever did.” Holden thought some more about what Luke had said. “I think Lily and I are going to have to show Natalie and Ethan, over time - through our actions - what love is. I hope Faith isn’t past the point of trusting all of this…love, I mean.”
“She’ll get there, like I did. She has witnessed a lot of…stuff between you guys. You’ll probably have to be more overt in helping her to see the changes in your relationship, and then let her deal with it at her own pace.” Luke paused. “Respect her enough to be honest with her. But, don’t let her come between you and Mom. She’ll need to see that you guys are for real this time.”
As they rode on in silence, Holden watched Luke, wondering just when his always-wise son had become so wise. Here he was giving his father advice - good advice - on parenting. Luke’s mind seemed to wander, and Holden watched the expressions on his face change, slowly getting happier the closer they got to the barn…and lunchtime.
Luke was at the nurses’ station, chatting with an old friend from high school, when he heard Reid and Bob coming out of the locker room.
“So, Dr. Oliver. You’re seriously considering it? Moving to Oakdale permanently?” Luke saw Bob giving Reid one of his knowing looks.
Reid gave him as annoyed a look as he could manage. “That’s what I said, yes. Is your hearing going, old man?” He smiled despite himself. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a lunch date with…” He trailed off, his eyes lighting up upon seeing Luke.
“Luke, you’re still in town, how wonderful. And you’re taking our young, hot-shot doctor out to lunch?” Luke briefly and politely nodded at Bob.
“Yes, if he’s free.”
“He’s all yours…for an hour or so. Make sure you bring him back, though. We need him.”
They sat together at Al’s, and they talked over chili and cornbread, over fries and milkshakes. They talked about Luke’s foundation. Luke told Reid a little about growing up a small-town farm boy, about growing up as a grandson of one of the wealthiest families in town. They talked about Reid’s early graduation from just about everything; about his non-childhood as an aspiring genius. They discovered that they both loved to swim, and were both quite good at it.
Throughout all this their hands would frequently meet on the table, fingers interlocking, and thumbs caressing. At one point, Henry came over to ask if they wanted any dessert; he noticed their joined hands and looked from one to the other as if to say ‘why is Luke holding hands with someone who isn’t Noah and furthermore, why is anyone holding hands with Reid?’ and then he shook his head; keeping their hands joined together, Reid ordered some pie (Luke was noticing a pattern here with Reid and pie) and Henry walked away.
When Henry came back with the pie, both sets of their hands were joined, and Henry rolled his eyes. Pie in front of him, Reid did finally let go of Luke’s hands, and Luke sat back to watch Reid’s pie-eating experience, which if it was anything like last night would be a religious experience - for both of them. Reid took several bites, totally engrossed in the taste and feel of his dessert, and then lifted his next bite to Luke, who like at the wedding, simply opened his mouth and accepted Reid’s offering.
Removing the fork from Luke’s mouth, Reid’s eyes lingered on his lips. Luke licked his lips, smiled, and offered a brief “mmm” on the pie. “I like feeding you.” Reid said. Luke smiled again and then blushed. Reid’s gaze intensified. “You have a beautiful mouth.” The tip of Luke’s tongue darted out between his teeth and he breathed in through his mouth, looking at Reid rather hungrily, even though he’d just eaten.
Eventually the hour passed and, after walking back to the hospital, they had to go their separate ways; they parted with promises of Luke picking Reid up Friday evening for the ball, with wishes for a good week for each of them, and with a long, lingering kiss right in front of the hospital.
Two days passed before they saw each other again. During those two days, Luke had a meeting with Lucinda, he began brainstorming some ideas for a novel, and he worked on perfecting his piecrust. Reid had a successful surgery, ironed out some wrinkles in the offer from Bob, and some wrinkles on his nicest formal wear.
When Reid entered the park across the street from the hospital on Tuesday, Luke was sitting on a bench with Casey. The three of them spoke for a few minutes, before Casey had to get back to work. Luke was all smiles for Reid. “Hi” he bounced on his toes. “What a nice surprise. Casey needed to talk with me about something, so I said I’d meet him here. Are you on your lunch break?”
“Yeah. Thought I’d go for a walk.” Nodding his head towards the path, he asked, “Would you like to join me?” Luke smiled and nodded.
They walked, sometimes talking, sometimes just letting the silence envelope them, their fingers entwined. Neither of them was really sure what it was that was going on between them; Luke had always had a label for these kind of things, and Reid well, he’d never had many of these things to think about labels. Both of them seemed reluctant to label whatever this was, and tried to just let it be. Their bodies slowly found their way to each other; arms drifted towards waists and shoulders, sides pressed together, their gait slowing. Eventually they stepped off the path and stood under a maple tree, whose leaves were all fiery red and orange.
Luke’s arms wound around Reid’s neck and Reid’s around Luke’s waist. Looking at each other, breaths coming quicker, Luke brought Reid’s mouth to his. They kissed, soft and warm for a few moments. Luke wound his hands into Reid’s hair, pulling gently, sucking Reid’s lower lip into his mouth and nibbling on it; letting it go, his tongue reached out to lick it. Moaning Luke’s name softly, Reid pulled Luke’s hips towards him; Luke pressed back, feeling the delicious contact. He kissed along Reid’s jaw down to his neck, mouthing it softly, whispering Reid’s name. Reid’s hand caressed over Luke’s hip to cup his ass, feeling Luke breathing against his neck.
Reid pulled back just enough to look into Luke’s eyes, and seeing the desire they were both feeling reflected there, he realized that things were getting heated far too quickly for their location. He smiled at Luke, who seemed to realize the same thing as he gazed around at where they were, as if he’d forgotten. “Um, yeah…this is a public place.”
Reid gave him a heated look, “Which is appealing, in a way.” Luke gave him a quick, bashful look in return. Reid stepped slightly away - they needed a little space if they were going to cool things off. “So, would you like to get together again…before Friday, I mean?”
Luke smiled. “Do you want to have lunch again?”
“Maybe. Or…” Reid paused a moment. “Well, there’s one meal we haven’t had together.” His tongue escaped from between his lips.
“Breakfast?” Luke looked curious and then it dawned on him. He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, breakfast.” He said slowly. Reid gazed back at him steadily. Luke swallowed. “I don’t know if I’m…” He bit his lip. “Um.” He looked Reid up and down, and then breathed deeply.
“Luke, we don’t have to. Really, there’s no rush.”
“It’s not that I don’t want…” His eyes traveled Reid’s body again. “God, it’s not that I don’t…I’m just.” He looked down at the ground.
“Hey, Luke.” Reid lifted his chin. “It’s okay.” Luke looked doubtful. “Really, it’s okay. Whatever you want, or don’t want.”
“Okay, but…what if I don’t want to wait?” Luke smiled back at him. “Can I think about it?” Reid gave him a sideways smile and pulled him flush against his body, holding his face inches away from his.
“You” He looked heatedly into Luke’s eyes “are so sexy. Do you know that?”
“Really? Even when I’m like this?”
Reid continued to look at him. “Like what?”
A little bit of shame appeared on Luke’s face. “Like…a tease.” He said apologetically.
Reid had a feeling he knew where Luke had learned that. He took a deep breath and held Luke’s face in his hands. “You. Are beautiful, Luke. Inside and out. You wanted to kiss me and you did. You want to wait, or think about it? So we will. There’s nothing teasing about that; that’s just honesty. And I hope you’re always honest with me.”
Luke took a breath in through is nose, nodding his head and standing taller. This was so new - this being able to just be himself, his honest self, no censorship. Even breathing was easier. He liked it. It was new, but he could get used to it. Oh yes, he could get used to it.
next part/
Title: Coming Home
Genre/Type: Romance
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Luke/Reid, Luke/Noah, Lily/Holden, Katie, Casey, Bob, assorted little people, possibly others
Warnings: None really, except some Nuke intimacy
Disclaimers: I don’t own any of them, zilch, nada…
Summary: Luke and Noah moved to L.A. in the Summer of 2009 for Noah to do his last year of school with an internship of sorts (no Mason, no blindness, etc. Everything else in their history has happened). Reid arrived, temporarily, at Memorial in August 2010.
It’s now October 2010. Luke is 22, Ethan is 6.
Thank you Slayerkitty, my terrific beta!
Previous Chapters: 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9/ 10/ 11/ 12/ 13/ 14/
Chapter 15
Luke was having a difficult time concentrating on the conversations going on around him, what with Reid’s right hand grazing the seam of his jeans, along the outside edge of his left thigh. Back and forth, ever so lightly. They’d been seated next to each other; Luke would laugh now, remembering how so many people had offered them each a seat, trying to get them next to each other. He would laugh right now if he were capable of anything but breathing.
“Luke, Darling. When are we going to have that meeting?” His grandmother’s voice pulled him out of his haze.
“What meeting’s that?” Lily looked between them.
“A Foundation meeting. Luke…” She gave him a look of unflagging confidence, “has come to me with some new ideas for grants. And it’s excellent timing, by the way; Sanchez is good, very good, but he doesn’t have your perspective or passion. We’ve been in need of a surge of new energy.”
“Good, um. I’m glad. I can meet almost anytime this week. My schedule’s…well, pretty free right now.” Luke felt so many eyes upon him, including the man beside him.
“Did you know, Dr. Oliver, that Luke has a foundation? His biological father,” Lily actually looked a little embarrassed, “my first husband, gave Luke quite a bit of money, which Luke didn’t want, not that I can blame him, the way most of that money was earned.” She looked briefly at Holden.
“Quit apologizing for Damian, Lily. You didn’t earn that money. Those were his doings.” He nodded that she should go on.
“You’re right. Anyway, Luke - even though he didn’t want the money - well, he started a foundation, and it’s doing wonderful things, in the community and the world, really.” She looked quite proud of him.
“The Luke Snyder Foundation.” Reid said quietly. Luke looked at him, startled. Reid rolled his eyes a bit, and smirked.
“Have you been Googling me, Dr. Oliver?” Luke flirted, looking at Reid steadily. “You have.”
“I’m familiar with some of the foundation’s work; what are your new ideas?” Reid, feeling even more keenly all the eyes upon them, continued eating his clam chowder.
“I’d like to look at grants to hospitals, pediatrics possibly. I was in the hospital a lot as a kid. I know it’s hard for children and their families. And I know that good hospitals would want to do something to improve the experience for them, if they had the money.”
“Really? What kind of changes do you think would need to be made? Equipment? Training?” Reid sounded genuinely curious.
“Um, I was thinking actually more along the lines of patient support…family support…the atmosphere of the buildings, the rooms,” Luke voice started to gain in confidence. “And just generally things that give families the tools to actually help their child and themselves…to not feel so powerless.”
“I’d love to hear more, and I might have some suggestions.”
“Really? You’re really interested.” Luke couldn’t help but notice Reid’s sincerity.
“Of course I am. I’m a doctor.” Luke scanned Reid’s face. “And you’ve obviously given this a lot of thought. Thought of things I’m sure I’ve overlooked, as a surgeon.” He added, meeting Luke’s gaze. The table was silent for a few moments, until Emma spoke quietly.
“Faith, sweetheart, how did your rehearsal go yesterday?” She turned to Luke. “They’re doing The Music Man, and did you know Faith is Marian” She beamed.
Faith actually smiled. “It went pretty well. I’ve been getting really nervous, I mean the performance is in just a couple weeks, and some of the kids don’t know any of their lines. But yeah, yesterday I had to sing ‘Till There was You’ with Dylan in front of everyone…God, how embarrassing. But after a while, it was okay. He’s not that good of a singer, but he’s better than Parker at least.” Faith was actually a very good singer, and really enjoyed being on stage.
“That’s great, Faithy…I mean Faith…” Luke apologized. “Sorry, old habit. I can’t wait to see it, though. I haven’t heard you sing in so long. And you two,” he looked across at Ethan and Natalie. “I can’t wait to see you in your Halloween costumes. You must be excited. Do you know what you’re gonna be?”
“I’m not going this year. I’m getting too old.” Said Natalie. “But you won’t be here anyway, will you? Won’t you be back in L.A. with Noah? Or is he gonna come here? That would be so cool. Do you miss him when he goes home without you? Of course, you must.” She blushed. “He’s your boyfriend.”
“Um.” Luke really didn’t know what to say. “No, well…he’s not going to be here, Nat. But I will.” He glanced up at Reid beside him, not sure what he’d see on his face. Reid looked unsure, but like he wasn’t going anywhere.
Conversation continued with talk of Ethan’s costume, and trick-or-treating with Jacob, and with tales of Lily and Holden’s’ trip. When it came time to order dessert, only Reid, Holden and the kids had any room left.
Coffee arrived, and then dessert; Luke watched as Reid licked every drop of pie off his fork, envying the fork in its journey between Reid’s lips. His mouth dropped open and he licked his own lips; Reid caught him staring and Luke swallowed, breathing out slowly. Neither of them was aware they had an audience. Lucinda cleared her throat.
“So. Luke,” Luke shook is head, to clear it. “You’re coming to the Harvest Ball this year. Am I correct?”
“Um.”
“It’s been so long; too long. You should come. It’s going to be grand, I promise.”
“Well, maybe. I could, I suppose.”
“Good. And you should bring a guest, of course.” She winked at him. Luke nervously turned to Reid; he was still sucking the last bits of dessert from between the prongs of his fork. Feeling Luke’s gaze, he looked up and noticed every adult at the table watching him.
“Hmm?” He said. Luke smiled at him, delighted with this beautiful, gorgeous, child-like, and yet so-wise man beside him.
“Will you come to the Harvest Ball with me?” He asked quietly. “It’s next Friday, at the Foundation. It’s a fund-raiser.” Luke felt a bit more shy. “I’m going…and I’d like you to come with me…be my date.”
“A ball?” Reid looked terrified. “People, mingling, formal dancing?” Luke backed off.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to.” God, he was disappointed. He hadn’t even wanted to go to the ball until now, but now…now that Reid didn’t want to…he was so disappointed.
“No…I mean yes, I’ll go. I’m a little…frightened, but…” Luke beamed, bouncing around in his seat, and took Reid’s hands in his.
“I’ll be there, right beside you…nothing to fear.” Luke looked into Reid’s eyes, which - after a moment - dropped down to gaze at Luke’s lips.
Lucinda clapped her hands together. “Good. That’s settled.” Luke and Reid both turned and looked back at the others around the table - and Luke left his left hand clasped in Reid’s, resting on Reid’s thigh.
I’ll see him Friday. Luke’s heart was beating so fast. A date. We’re going on a date. I asked him out, and he said yes. Friday, that’s - let’s see - that’s six days away. Six days away? He looked at the man walking beside him; let his eyes travel over his cheekbones and jaw, lingered where his smile sometimes appeared. He took Reid’s hand again and looked at both of them clasped together. Reid stopped walking and turned to Luke.
“Lunch.” Reid stated simply. Looking up at him, his head still bent down, Luke’s eyebrows asked a question. “You do eat lunch.” He continued. Luke nodded, trying not to smile. “Would you like to? With me, I mean.” Reid actually seemed shy.
“Yes. Yes I would.” Luke was getting pretty good at answering questions regarding his wants. And this was an easy one to answer. “I’d love to. When?” He could see Reid’s chest rising and falling, and he let his eyes slowly wander up to Reid’s face, first meeting his eyes and then down to his mouth, which opened as soon as Luke’s eyes lingered upon it.
“Um.” Reid just breathed in and out. “Tomorrow? My schedule can be kind of unpredictable, but I should be free sometime around one. I could call you when I’m done, but I just have an hour or so. We might have to eat in the cafeteria.”
“Why don’t I come to the hospital at one and wait for you? That way we can go to Al’s or something. You could call me if you’re going to be running real late.”
“Okay. Sounds like a plan. I guess I’ll need your number then.”
“Oh right.” Reid pulled out a pen and a piece of scrap paper from his pocket and handed it to Luke. They both exchanged numbers, put their hands back in their pockets, and then went back to staring at each other some more.
“Well, I guess my ride is leaving.” Luke indicated to Holden, who was getting into the driver’s seat of his car.
“Mine too.” He stepped up close to Luke and lifted his right hand up to his face; he ran two fingertips along Luke’s jaw line.
Luke’s eyes barely stayed open; they were open just far enough for him to still see Reid’s face, as it got closer to his. The fingers of his left hand found Reid’s waist, while Reid’s hand traveled to the back of his head. When their lips met, Luke, who was already holding his breath, breathed in just a little bit more, and his eyes did close. For several seconds, all thoughts of people waiting in cars for them vanished; it had been so long. Their lips lingered and explored and tasted; their warm tongues slowly and briefly dipped into each other’s mouths and Luke let out a soft moan. They pulled back, and Reid gave Luke a look that clearly said, wow.
“Yeah.” Luke whispered, a goofy smile on his face.
“See you tomorrow.” Reid said.
“Tomorrow.” And, reluctantly separating, they each went home.
Luke and Holden were out riding, enjoying the silence and the brilliant blue sky October day. Holden observed his son, noting the changes that had come over him in the last couple of weeks. “How you doin’?”
“Good.” Luke met Holden’s eyes. “Really good.” Holden smiled at him.
“You look good.” He paused, not afraid of the silence. “You look…more relaxed, like you’re not carrying such a heavy load.”
Luke breathed in and out and smiled. “Yeah, that’s how I feel.”
Holden was glad; he wanted Luke to be happy. He knew Luke pretty well, and he knew that Luke would probably end up settling down with someone eventually; but with or without a boyfriend, he wanted Luke to be happy. Obviously, something was happening between him and Reid Oliver, but Holden didn’t want to push Luke to talk about it. Actually, Holden didn’t really need to know. This was Luke’s to deal with, and Holden knew that Luke would figure it out. Looking at Luke again, he smiled, almost like Luke’s happiness was his own.
They rode on again, mostly in silence, occasionally talking about the horses they were on, Seamus and Ginger, and eventually about Faith and the younger kids.
“You and Mom seem happy, real happy. I’m glad for you.”
“Thanks; we are. I’m sorry that the years of ups and downs of our marriage were so…well, up and down. I know it was hard on you and Faith. I wish we could have done it better.”
“Yeah, it was hard. And I think Faith is still trying to deal with it.” Luke paused, thinking about his own growth over the last weeks and the last year. “I’ve reached a point where I can wish you and Mom well without feeling like my own happiness depends on it. I don’t know if that makes sense to you, but I realize that my life is mine, and its ups and downs are mine; that even if you’re not happy I could still be…and vice versa.” He looked over at his father, feeling like a grown for the first time, in a way.
“You’re right, and you learned that a lot sooner than I ever did.” Holden thought some more about what Luke had said. “I think Lily and I are going to have to show Natalie and Ethan, over time - through our actions - what love is. I hope Faith isn’t past the point of trusting all of this…love, I mean.”
“She’ll get there, like I did. She has witnessed a lot of…stuff between you guys. You’ll probably have to be more overt in helping her to see the changes in your relationship, and then let her deal with it at her own pace.” Luke paused. “Respect her enough to be honest with her. But, don’t let her come between you and Mom. She’ll need to see that you guys are for real this time.”
As they rode on in silence, Holden watched Luke, wondering just when his always-wise son had become so wise. Here he was giving his father advice - good advice - on parenting. Luke’s mind seemed to wander, and Holden watched the expressions on his face change, slowly getting happier the closer they got to the barn…and lunchtime.
Luke was at the nurses’ station, chatting with an old friend from high school, when he heard Reid and Bob coming out of the locker room.
“So, Dr. Oliver. You’re seriously considering it? Moving to Oakdale permanently?” Luke saw Bob giving Reid one of his knowing looks.
Reid gave him as annoyed a look as he could manage. “That’s what I said, yes. Is your hearing going, old man?” He smiled despite himself. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a lunch date with…” He trailed off, his eyes lighting up upon seeing Luke.
“Luke, you’re still in town, how wonderful. And you’re taking our young, hot-shot doctor out to lunch?” Luke briefly and politely nodded at Bob.
“Yes, if he’s free.”
“He’s all yours…for an hour or so. Make sure you bring him back, though. We need him.”
They sat together at Al’s, and they talked over chili and cornbread, over fries and milkshakes. They talked about Luke’s foundation. Luke told Reid a little about growing up a small-town farm boy, about growing up as a grandson of one of the wealthiest families in town. They talked about Reid’s early graduation from just about everything; about his non-childhood as an aspiring genius. They discovered that they both loved to swim, and were both quite good at it.
Throughout all this their hands would frequently meet on the table, fingers interlocking, and thumbs caressing. At one point, Henry came over to ask if they wanted any dessert; he noticed their joined hands and looked from one to the other as if to say ‘why is Luke holding hands with someone who isn’t Noah and furthermore, why is anyone holding hands with Reid?’ and then he shook his head; keeping their hands joined together, Reid ordered some pie (Luke was noticing a pattern here with Reid and pie) and Henry walked away.
When Henry came back with the pie, both sets of their hands were joined, and Henry rolled his eyes. Pie in front of him, Reid did finally let go of Luke’s hands, and Luke sat back to watch Reid’s pie-eating experience, which if it was anything like last night would be a religious experience - for both of them. Reid took several bites, totally engrossed in the taste and feel of his dessert, and then lifted his next bite to Luke, who like at the wedding, simply opened his mouth and accepted Reid’s offering.
Removing the fork from Luke’s mouth, Reid’s eyes lingered on his lips. Luke licked his lips, smiled, and offered a brief “mmm” on the pie. “I like feeding you.” Reid said. Luke smiled again and then blushed. Reid’s gaze intensified. “You have a beautiful mouth.” The tip of Luke’s tongue darted out between his teeth and he breathed in through his mouth, looking at Reid rather hungrily, even though he’d just eaten.
Eventually the hour passed and, after walking back to the hospital, they had to go their separate ways; they parted with promises of Luke picking Reid up Friday evening for the ball, with wishes for a good week for each of them, and with a long, lingering kiss right in front of the hospital.
Two days passed before they saw each other again. During those two days, Luke had a meeting with Lucinda, he began brainstorming some ideas for a novel, and he worked on perfecting his piecrust. Reid had a successful surgery, ironed out some wrinkles in the offer from Bob, and some wrinkles on his nicest formal wear.
When Reid entered the park across the street from the hospital on Tuesday, Luke was sitting on a bench with Casey. The three of them spoke for a few minutes, before Casey had to get back to work. Luke was all smiles for Reid. “Hi” he bounced on his toes. “What a nice surprise. Casey needed to talk with me about something, so I said I’d meet him here. Are you on your lunch break?”
“Yeah. Thought I’d go for a walk.” Nodding his head towards the path, he asked, “Would you like to join me?” Luke smiled and nodded.
They walked, sometimes talking, sometimes just letting the silence envelope them, their fingers entwined. Neither of them was really sure what it was that was going on between them; Luke had always had a label for these kind of things, and Reid well, he’d never had many of these things to think about labels. Both of them seemed reluctant to label whatever this was, and tried to just let it be. Their bodies slowly found their way to each other; arms drifted towards waists and shoulders, sides pressed together, their gait slowing. Eventually they stepped off the path and stood under a maple tree, whose leaves were all fiery red and orange.
Luke’s arms wound around Reid’s neck and Reid’s around Luke’s waist. Looking at each other, breaths coming quicker, Luke brought Reid’s mouth to his. They kissed, soft and warm for a few moments. Luke wound his hands into Reid’s hair, pulling gently, sucking Reid’s lower lip into his mouth and nibbling on it; letting it go, his tongue reached out to lick it. Moaning Luke’s name softly, Reid pulled Luke’s hips towards him; Luke pressed back, feeling the delicious contact. He kissed along Reid’s jaw down to his neck, mouthing it softly, whispering Reid’s name. Reid’s hand caressed over Luke’s hip to cup his ass, feeling Luke breathing against his neck.
Reid pulled back just enough to look into Luke’s eyes, and seeing the desire they were both feeling reflected there, he realized that things were getting heated far too quickly for their location. He smiled at Luke, who seemed to realize the same thing as he gazed around at where they were, as if he’d forgotten. “Um, yeah…this is a public place.”
Reid gave him a heated look, “Which is appealing, in a way.” Luke gave him a quick, bashful look in return. Reid stepped slightly away - they needed a little space if they were going to cool things off. “So, would you like to get together again…before Friday, I mean?”
Luke smiled. “Do you want to have lunch again?”
“Maybe. Or…” Reid paused a moment. “Well, there’s one meal we haven’t had together.” His tongue escaped from between his lips.
“Breakfast?” Luke looked curious and then it dawned on him. He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, breakfast.” He said slowly. Reid gazed back at him steadily. Luke swallowed. “I don’t know if I’m…” He bit his lip. “Um.” He looked Reid up and down, and then breathed deeply.
“Luke, we don’t have to. Really, there’s no rush.”
“It’s not that I don’t want…” His eyes traveled Reid’s body again. “God, it’s not that I don’t…I’m just.” He looked down at the ground.
“Hey, Luke.” Reid lifted his chin. “It’s okay.” Luke looked doubtful. “Really, it’s okay. Whatever you want, or don’t want.”
“Okay, but…what if I don’t want to wait?” Luke smiled back at him. “Can I think about it?” Reid gave him a sideways smile and pulled him flush against his body, holding his face inches away from his.
“You” He looked heatedly into Luke’s eyes “are so sexy. Do you know that?”
“Really? Even when I’m like this?”
Reid continued to look at him. “Like what?”
A little bit of shame appeared on Luke’s face. “Like…a tease.” He said apologetically.
Reid had a feeling he knew where Luke had learned that. He took a deep breath and held Luke’s face in his hands. “You. Are beautiful, Luke. Inside and out. You wanted to kiss me and you did. You want to wait, or think about it? So we will. There’s nothing teasing about that; that’s just honesty. And I hope you’re always honest with me.”
Luke took a breath in through is nose, nodding his head and standing taller. This was so new - this being able to just be himself, his honest self, no censorship. Even breathing was easier. He liked it. It was new, but he could get used to it. Oh yes, he could get used to it.
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