Fic

[_alicesprings]

Title: Camp Queer, Parts 5-8
Written By: marsabi
Category: General
Rating: NC-17
Author’s Notes: Lily and Damian did successfully send Luke to a camp to “fix” his gay impulses. Noah Mayer is a counselor at the camp, and he ends up living with Luke and his family. Meanwhile, a new doctor is coming to town…
Dedicated to all those real boys ever sent to one of these camps. Hopefully, the world will be more accepting soon…I wish everybody had a Reid to save them! Thanks: traciamc and bluemagicrose for the awesome Beta

Parts 1-4



Part 5: Drag Queens and Kissing

Reid was hungry. He left his room and headed below to the dining area at Al's. He wanted a big, fat sandwich. He also wanted to get Luke Snyder out of his mind. Luke had followed through on his promise to help Reid. Within hours of Luke's calling Mona Cross and Bob Hughes, Annie's operation was scheduled for the end of the week. The little girl's sight might be physically restored soon due to Reid's expertise, but she would see again thanks to Luke too. Reid felt grateful to him. He hated feeling grateful. It made him moody and hungry. Reid took out some bread, mustard, mayo, meat...He also was feeling desire for Luke, waves and waves of it. Unending desire. It left Reid frustrated. He did not want to desire a mixed up, closeted man. No matter how beautiful he was. No matter how his smile lit up a room. No. Reid slapped the meat and bread and condiments together. He sat on a stool at the diner and ate it in the dark. Worse still, he was actually beginning to like Luke. The kid surprised him. He was tenacious with Bob and Mona, charming with the nurses, kind and funny with Annie, and Luke had passion simmering just underneath that sweet, confused demeanor of his. Reid just knew it. Reid bit into his sandwich.

"More champagne is coming, my flower," A voice suddenly called and the diner lights were turned on brightly. Henry Coleman was in full drag. He was wearing a long, satin green dress and pearls. Henry saw Reid sitting at the counter and jumped.

"What are you doing here in the dark eating a sandwich?" Henry accused.

"What are you doing," Reid chewed, "hijacking a bridal shop?"

Henry looked down at his gown. "I can explain this-" he said.

Reid shrugged. "I'm sure. You are one of Oakdale's finest straight men, after all." Reid scoffed.

"I am!"

"Right. " Reid glanced down at his own shirt and pants, "And I'm the pervert."

'Vienna and I just like to play," Henry told him hotly. He picked up the bottom of his gown, so that he could walk over to where he usually kept the champagne.

"Sure, Hank. But next time, can you dress up as Julia Child? I could use some better food than this barely edible lunch meat."

Henry pursed his red, painted lips, "I'm beginning not to like you," he said.

Reid smiled. "And I should care...Why?"

"You know," Henry sneered, "You've been in this town awhile now and nobody likes you. Not just me. We all wonder about you. It's not normal to have no friends, no family..."

"Hey Hank?"

Henry did not answer, he could not find the champagne. He bent over the counter and searched some more.

Reid had come up behind him. He grabbed Henry's dress and lifted it up. Henry's bright red thong showing off his fleshy ass was suddenly exposed.

"Nice," Reid drawled. He gave Henry's butt a light smack. "I thought you might be a thong guy."

Henry jerked back and pulled down his dress, and Reid laughed.

Just then, Vienna came in dressed in a skimpy black teddy, black thigh-highs, and black heels.

Reid turned and took in her outfit. "What ? No whip?"

Vienna just smirked at him, like a man finding her with Henry in drag was common place.

"Henry, I need that champagne."

"Must be some in the back," Henry muttered. "I'll get it."

"And some fries for me," Reid yelled, sitting back down. Henry ignored him and went to the kitchen.

Vienna sat down on the stool next to Reid. She swung her feet back and forth.

Reid could feel a blast of cold air from the vent above his head and he wasn't surprised when Vienna gave a delicate shiver.

"So, Dr. Oliver, adjusting to Oakdale?"

"An interesting place," Reid said.

Vienna laughed. "I can see you are a man of the world, not put off by silly sex games. "

"Depends whose playing them.” Reid retorted. “ Play flailing jackhammer or eat the snake and I'm there."

'Yes," Vienna grinned, "You are the only man in Oakdale right now who would not be staring at these," Vienna grabbed her bosom and thrust it at Reid's face, "It is refreshing for a change."

"I'm the only one?" Reid said. "Terrific. No gays bars in this town?"

Vienna threw back her head and laughed.

She shook her head. "Lucky they don't have Margo follow you around with a squad car. You should have seen what this town did to poor Luke Snyder when he tried to come out."

"What?" Reid said.

Vienna sighed. "I keep telling Maddie that men do not change, camp or no camp. They are the breed of man they are-" Vienna shrugged. "She never listens to me. Or maybe she knows and is still just pining for Casey. "

"Camps?" Reid asked. "What did you say about Luke and a camp?"

Vienna pursued her lips in disgust. "It was called Straight Boss or Straight...Heart...that was it. They sent Luke there. He left gay and came back straight."

For once Reid did not feel a wisecrack coming on. He thought of the torment on Luke's face when he had told Reid he was an "ex-gay."

"Vienna! I need you back here!" Henry called from the kitchen.

Vienna hopped down. "Duty calls." She smiled. She pulled up her falling thigh-highs. "Coming, my darling!" She gave Reid a tiny wave goodbye.

Reid just nodded. He picked up his sandwich and headed back to his own room. Then he dropped the sandwich into the nearby garbage. Reid had lost his appetite. He was going to his computer; he needed to do some research on a certain Camp Straight Heart.

***

A few days later, Luke found Reid curled up on a chair, asleep outside of Annie's door. Reid had one hand tucked under his face. His lips were parted. His breathing soft. Luke kneeled down. He gazed at Reid. Luke touched Reid's cheek gently. He could feel a night's worth of stubble. Reid made a soft sound in his sleep. Luke stared at Reid's long eyelashes and open mouth a second longer.

Then Luke snapped his fingers in front of Reid, and Reid jumped up.

"Hey," Luke smiled. Luke was still on his knees. His face was just inches from Reid's.

"I heard Annie's operation went well. I wanted to see for myself." Luke gazed at Reid with his Bambi eyes.

Reid sat up, ran a hand through his hair, and straightened his scrubs.

"Yeah," Reid cleared his throat. "She is still asleep, but I am really optimistic that she will see. Maybe blurry at first, but it looked good."

"It must be amazing," Luke murmured, his eyes soft with admiration, " to do something that actually changes people's lives."

"Don't be so cheesey," Reid said, his voice a bit thick. He had to look away from Luke's vivid face.

"And Annie can go to the movies, or swim in the ocean, or just look at the world outside of her door- thanks to you." Luke continued.

Reid rolled his eyes. "Does your sappiness ever end?" He asked.

To Reid's surprise, Luke elbowed him in the side.

"Shut up." He told Reid. "You know you are changing her life." It felt good to poke at Reid and see his reluctant smile.

Reid could not believe the way Luke gently teased him now. He couldn't believe that he liked Luke Snyder so much; he even liked his sap. Not that he planned to tell him.

"I am going to change Annie Judd's life," he told him, " but that is just what I do."

"Not a big deal to make a blind girl see? " Luke said, his lips twitching.

"No. Come back later when I cure some lepers."

They shared a laugh. Eyes connected.

Reid's laugh sounded like a rusty saw. It had been so long since anybody had brought a laugh out of him.

"Seriously," He told Luke," I do think she will get her full sight back."

“I am so happy for her!"

Luke impulsively gave Reid a hug. It wasn't planned. It was just Luke.

They both froze. Reid drew back and his eyes met Luke's surprised ones. Luke's hands fell to Reid's thighs. He could feel his strong muscles through the scrubs. Heat exploded between them.

Luke stood up. He gazed frantically around for an escape.

"Sorry, sorry, I gotta- do something-" Luke fled up the hospitals stairs and ran to the rooftop. He breathed in the warm air and closed his eyes. Luke cursed at himself for his stupidity.

The door to the roof opened. Reid followed Luke outside.

"Are you...Okay?" Reid asked Luke softly.

"Don't worry, " Luke spat out, "I'm going to jump or anything."

Reid raised an eyebrow, "That didn't even occur to me. It wasn't what I meant."

Luke turned to Reid. "Sorry. My family always thinks I'm one step away from trouble or something. " Luke's whole face contorted with sadness. "They think I 'm just one big mess," he met Reid's eyes.

"What do you think?" Reid's voice was calm and soothing.

"I think," Luke stared at him, " I think ..." Luke went over to where Reid stood. "I think I'm not an ex-gay," he whispered.

Reid offered him a small smile. He nodded at Luke.

Luke shook his head wildly, " I can't think, I can't , can't -"

"Shh," Reid hushed him. "It's okay. Just say it. You can't what?" He asked.

The soft encouragement was all Luke needed. The pressure building up inside of Luke burst. He grabbed at Reid and kissed him. Reid was surprised, his mouth opened and Luke's tongue thrust its way in. Luke grabbed at Reid's hair, his strong back, his butt. Luke began to grind his whole body against Reid's. He kissed him harder. Luke frantically tried to rip off Reid's scrubs.

"Whoa, Luke. Hold on!" Reid broke free and took a step back.

"Why? I'm gay, okay. And you're ..." the word beautiful almost came out of Luke's quivering lips, "you're gay too. Don't you want me?"

Reid took in Luke's swollen lips and big eyes.

"That, Bambi, is not the problem."

Reid reached out for Luke's fingers. He held his hand. He could feel Luke trembling.

"Luke, " Reid paused, trying to find the right words to help him. " I do want you. Can't you tell?" Luke's eyes followed Reid's down to Reid's huge bulge. Luke gulped hard and met Reid's eyes.

"Oh God," was all Luke said. Reid's erection was the size of Jupiter.

Reid gave him a saucy grin. "Thank you." Then Reid sighed. "But Luke, we can take this slowly. You can set the pace, you know?"

Luke rubbed at his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Reid frowned. After reading about camp Straight Heart, he had felt a lot more compassion for him. From what Reid had read about it, it sounded like a true horror for a sensitive person like Luke. With a small shudder, Reid suddenly remembered his own coming out experience. He had never hid who or what he was, and so his parents were not shocked at all. They had accepted it in their intellectually removed manner and gone on to press him about SAT scores and colleges. His parents had been all about Reid's accomplishments and not bothered much with Reid as a person. Not that Reid had expected rainbow-colored balloons or anything. But his official coming out had felt lonely.

Reid smiled now at Luke, "I mean, use me. Experiment on me, do what feels good and stop. We can go slow, okay?"

"So," Luke stared at him in complete astonishment, " like you want me to get sexual with you, but I can stop at any time?"

Reid shrugged. "We can meet right here and see how things go."

"Rooftop dating?" Luke asked.

Reid shrugged, "Or something."

Luke bit his lip. "And nobody needs to know about us, right?" His whole face turned desperate.

If Reid had not learned about Straight Heart, then he would never agree to hiding anything. But Reid figured that Luke just needed time. To learn to be gay, to learn to face the closet and come out...And, Reid thought to himself, if Camp Straight Heart took years to turn Luke "straight," then a brilliant doctor like himself should have Luke back to being gay in no time .

"Who am I going to tell anything in this hick town?" Reid shrugged. "Try me."

Strangely, Luke did trust Reid. He was awfully rude sometimes, but always honest.

And he was so beautiful, standing in front of Luke in the sunlight, his hair blowing around in the wind, the stubble on his face, his eyes piercingly blue. Luke raised his hand up and touched Reid's cheek. Reid closed his eyes as if the touch were almost painful to him.

Luke approached Reid slowly. His whole body shook. He stared into Reid's eyes, and then lowered his gaze to Reid's lips. Reid just stood there, patiently waiting.

Luke kissed him.

The kiss was tender. Their lips met softly, then Reid opened his mouth. Luke explored. He still tasted amazing. Luke thought it was the best taste in the world. He met Reid's tongue in a gentle thrust. Luke wrapped a hand around Reid's waist. He kissed him some more. It was a kiss of promise.

Reid stood and allowed Luke to lead the kiss. Luke's lips moved along his jaw line, his neck, and then back to Reid's mouth. It was just a kiss, but it sent shivers down Reid's whole body. Luke pulled back to smile at him with great sweetness. Reid inhaled a sharp breath. Luke lowered his mouth back to Reid's and they kissed some more.

***

Over the next week, Reid and Luke would meet on the roof. The days were hot, but breezy, and Luke was touched that Reid brought up blankets and pillows and juice.

Reid had only laughed at Luke's offer of thanks, "I'm borrowing from the hospital, " He'd said, "It isn't like I'm running out to buy you flowers and chocolates."

But Reid was thoughtful; he just would not admit it. He often brought up other things too. Once, he gave Luke a book about famous writers. Another time, he brought up Annie's case file and patiently explained her progress to Luke. Mostly though, Reid was just generous with himself. He gave Luke his body.

It began with more kisses. Luke explored Reid's lips, licked the base of his throat, nibbled at the line of his shoulders. He inhaled Reid's scent. His fingers slid under Reid's shirt and played with his nipples. Reid moaned at that a little, and Luke felt the thrill of sexual power.

Most of the time, they did not talk. There were no sounds, only breath. Luke would unbutton his own jeans and then guide Reid's waiting hand to his lower stomach. Luke would take his other hand and run his fingers up and down Reid's spine.

Each time, Luke would guide Reid's hand a bit farther, a little lower. Reid would watch Luke become aroused. Then encourage Luke to take his hand and let Reid stroke him. Once, when Reid's touch caused a wet spot on his underwear, Luke allowed Reid to squeeze the cotton and then even nuzzle at the spot with his mouth. Luke nodded as Reid eased his briefs down and flicked his tongue over Luke's aching tip. But that was as far as it went. Luke became nervous and pulled back. And Reid allowed him to stop, like he promised.

Other times, Luke longed to taste Reid. He imagined the warm-salty goodness in his mouth. He did pull down Reid's scrubs once and just look at him. Luke ran a trembling finger over Reid's pearl-shiny cock. Reid gently took Luke's hand and showed him how to get him off. But then Luke became embarrassed and hid his face in Reid's chest. They stopped.

"I'm sorry!" Luke exclaimed. He peeked over at Reid to see how angry he was, but Reid just shrugged.

"Don't apologize," he said. "This is what I signed on for."

"But," Luke gestured to Reid's painful erection, "It's not fair."

"I won't die from blue balls, " Reid told him, "much." He gave Luke a smile and Luke felt his heart lift. Luke took Reid's hand and gently kissed his palm.

"Thank you," He told Reid. He was the first person in Luke's memory who did not need him to apologize for his feelings.

"For what" Reid asked.

"For...courting me?" Luke offered shyly.

Reid made a distasteful face. "Courting you? What am I a hero in a Victorian romance? No, not courting."

"Then what?" Luke laughed.

Reid smirked, "I prefer to be defined as your sex toy."

“In that case, I should sell you on Ebay. People would bid a fortune for your services.”

They laughed together. “You’re snark is improving,” Reid teased.

Luke reached out and cupped the side of Reid’s face. Reid’s eyes grew tender.

He took Luke's hand and kissed Luke's palm now, letting his tongue make a small circle.

No matter how Reid denied it, Luke knew there was something special growing between them, beyond sex. Reid kissed his palm again and smiled.

Luke simply glowed.

Part 6: Breaking Up

The day was warm and clear as the sun beat down on their bodies. Reid and Luke had been enjoying each other. Reid had allowed Luke to have control again and let him set the pace. A kiss here, a touch there… Now Reid sank to the ground, while Luke enthusiastically took off his scrub top. His hands wandered up and down the strong muscles of Reid’s stomach. He pulled Reid’s body onto his lap. Luke wrapped one firm hand around Reid’s naked waist and let his other hand wander down to stroke Reid through his scrub bottoms. Every time they met, Luke felt his confidence slowly blossoming. He threw off his own shirt too. He placed Reid’s hands on his chest. Luke could hear a bird overhead, the rush of cars below, and the delicious sounds of Reid’s breathing. When they met on the roof, time seemed to stop.

Reid tentatively explored Luke’s bare skin . He was always careful and gentle with him, although Luke was sensing a growing fire burning just underneath Reid’s caress. They were chest to chest now. Luke grinded his body against Reid’s and then just stopped to give him a deep kiss.

When he broke the kiss off, Luke offered him a luminous smile, “Come to my family’s 4th of July party,” he said to Reid. Luke still cradled Reid on his lap and Luke’s breath was close and warm. Reid said nothing. He just ran his fingers over Luke’s hip. His lips kissed the shell of Luke’s ear. The sun seemed hotter now, almost burning in the sky.

“It’s a 4th of July party, Reid, not a prison sentence,” Luke tried again, his hand finding Reid’s enormous bulge and rubbing him back and forth .
“I don’t do parties,” Reid finally said, groaning. His head thrashed from side to side. “Besides, are you asking me as a date?”

At Luke’s startled expression, Reid silently cursed his quick tongue. His eyes examined Luke’s, but Luke slid his gaze away and did not answer. Luke’s foot began to nervously kick at the edge of their blanket.

“That’s what I thought.” Reid pulled away, climbing off of Luke. They both just stared out at the hazy-white sky for a moment. Reid couldn’t seem to stop the tiny stab of hurt that he felt, even as he repeatedly warned himself to forget it.

“Don’t be angry,” Luke finally pleaded. His hand gingerly tugged at Reid’s hair. Reid turned and looked at him.

“I’m not.”

Luke thought that Reid’s voice did contain a hint of exasperation, but his eyes were soft.

“ I just think you need to face them. Tell them.” Reid searched Luke’s face. “I’d go with you.”
Reid took Luke’s hand. His skin felt warm.

A beautiful, sad smile filled Luke’s face, “Thanks,” he told Reid, trying not to cry. It was clear to them both that Luke was not going to confront his family.

“Right, okay,” Reid answered with exaggerated patience. They dropped hands .

Luke’s stomach lurched. He felt dizzy with conflicting feelings.

Luke shook his head. “I’ll lose them,” He whispered.

Reid wanted to argue with Luke, but he knew that losing them was a possibility. But the more Reid spent time with Luke, the more impatient he was beginning to feel. Not just to finally have sex either. He wanted to take Luke out in public, damn it.

“I’m trying to be patient,” he told Luke now.

Luke kissed his cheek. “A little more time?” he said softly. Reid scowled at him and held up his fingers to indicate that Luke had just an inch of time left.

“I want to be with you, too,” Luke told him, “in every way-“

Luke’s words lingered between them a moment.

“Well, okay then,’ Reid drawled finally, “start by treating me to lunch, Trust Fund. I’m ravenous.”

“When aren’t you?” Luke laughed, the great tension easing out of his body. He looked at Reid with gratitude.

“I’m really hungry for something else,” Reid murmured, shamelessly flirting with Luke. “But I’ll settle for a quick burger.”

At Al’s, they managed to forget about their fight on the roof and just enjoy each other’s company. Luke told Reid a crazy story about the time Holden had dated his Aunt Carly. Reid ate his food and began to munch on some of Luke’s fries too. Luke just shook his head as Reid stole his food; it was so Reid. Then Luke chattered on about another family story about his grandmother Lucinda, one of the few members of the Walsh clan Reid thought it might be interesting to meet. Apparently, Lucinda was still in Amsterdam for the summer, reconnecting with an old flame. Reid and Luke were laughing together when Noah walked in to pick up an order of food for the television station. He took in Reid and Luke at the table and Noah’s face became a mask of cold disappointment.

Luke saw him and flinched.

He tried to smile though and wave at Noah to come over. Noah just stared at him. Then he looked at Reid with pure distaste. He shook his head, took his bag of food and left.

‘You do know that his jigsaw puzzle is about two pieces short?” Reid offered, after a silence.

Luke shrugged and did not look at Reid. “He’s just intense. He has strict views on things.”

“Luke, there are only two kinds of people in this world: those who stand by you and those who don’t, “ Reid said with his usual candor.

Luke pushed his plate away and made like he was about to rise.

“What?” Reid said surprised,” You’re going to go?”

“I’m not comfortable discussing this,” Luke said.

“Why?” Reid pushed, “because it would lead us back to a real conversation?”

Luke sat stone-faced. Reid sighed.

“Fine,” he said, “What should we talk about?”

Luke was about to reply when Reid’s beeper went off. Reid looked at it and paled suddenly.

“What is it?” Luke asked in alarm.

Reid stood up; he was already reaching into his pocket to pay his share of lunch and leaving. “Annie. A complication of some kind.”

Luke stood up to. He touched Reid’s arm. “Should I go with you?”

“Come in a little bit,” Reid said, “Let me see what is wrong first.”

“Okay, I’ll come by soon and see how she is,” Luke said.

Reid nodded. “Okay. “ He looked at Luke and Luke felt a jolt of sexual electricity shoot through him. He knew Reid wanted to kiss him goodbye. And he wanted it too.

Reid cleared his throat. “I’ll see you at the hospital in awhile.”

Luke watched his secret love go out the door.

***

It was only a few moments later that a text from Noah appeared on Luke’s phone. He wanted Luke to meet him at the station. Luke thought about blowing Noah off, but he knew that Noah would just obsessively text-stalk him for hours. So he went.

He found Noah standing by some cameras, the food he had brought for the crew already half-eaten. Noah nodded curtly at Luke.

“I’m worried about you, “ he told Luke by way of a greeting, not bothering with small talk.

“Why? I’m fine.”

“Hanging around that Doctor Oliver; I don’t trust him,” Noah said.

Luke pulled at his ear, the way he always did when he became nervous. “You know that Damian asked me to watch him, right?”

Kim interrupted them, “Hello Luke. “

Luke nodded.

“Noah, can you help me with something a second?”

“Sure. “ Noah gave Kim a big smile. “Luke, can you wait in the back office for me?”

Luke jammed his hands into his pockets. He really wanted to head over to the hospital and see how Annie was.

“Just one moment, okay?” Noah was saying.

“Sure.”

Luke headed to the small office at the back of the station, but when he opened the door, Luke found Maddie there. Her face was streaked with tears.

"Maddie," Luke said, immediately concerned for his friend, "What's wrong?"

She waved a piece of paper at Luke and sniffed, "It's Casey. He just sent me a letter from jail."

“That's good though, usually?" Luke asked.

Maddie shook her head vigorously. "He broke up with me."

Luke put an arm around her and gave her a hug. "I'm so sorry."

"Well," Maddie joked, "At least there’s you." Then she saw the guilty flush color Luke's cheeks. She nudged him, "Hey, joking. I know we are not real. "

Luke opened his mouth to try and reassure her of his interest in continuing to see her. He opened his mouth to lie the way he was always telling lies. His skin felt clammy. His hands shook a little. He could see Reid’s face in his mind, the hurt on his guarded face when Luke had been alone with him on the roof. Luke opened his mouth again.

“Maddie,” Luke searched her eyes. " I’d so fall in love with a great girl like you," he told her slowly. “If-“
Luke willed her to hear his silent thoughts. He needed somebody to just know.

Maddie stared into Luke's big brown eyes and then she nodded. She squeezed his hands. "If you liked girls."

Luke let out a breath."I'm sorry." Relief flooded his whole body. He had done it. He had been honest with somebody.

She smiled. "Don't be. It's good you’re upfront. I kind of knew, I guess. " She studied him." You should be upfront with your family too."

"No!" Luke shook his head. "No. Tried that once,” Luke said, his eyes bleak.

Maddie just sighed. She patted his face. They smiled at each other.

"I'm one to talk.” Maddie said. “ I've been pretending with Henry too. About Casey." She covered her hands at his name and began to really cry. Luke comforted her.

Just then, the door to the office opened. Noah stood there with some files in his hands.

"Oh!" Maddie jumped. "Noah. " She looked at Luke. Maddie wiped her eyes.

"What's going on?" Noah asked, his eyes going from Maddie to Luke. Maddie waved a hand at Noah. Luke felt his throat clog up and could not answer.

“I seem to keep finding you with other people today, Luke,” Noah told him in a soft voice. “Are you okay?” He again asked Maddie.

" I need to wash my face." She pushed past him.

Noah looked at Luke.

Luke sighed, "We broke up," he said, although of course that was not why Maddie had been crying.

'What ? Why?"

Luke shrugged.

Noah scowled. "Well, what did you say to her exactly? "

"I-"

"She is really upset, Luke! " Noah slammed his files down on the nearby desk.

"I know and I'm sorry, but- "

Noah shook his head. "I have to work with her, you know, and she's really close to Kim."

"So?" Luke asked, puzzled.

"So?" Don't screw this up for me.” Noah yelled. “ If Maddie hates you then she will hate me too. We live in the same house and all.” Noah twisted up his lips. “ She only puts up with me now cause of you."

Luke was vaguely aware of the realization that Noah seemed to want to fight with him; he could feel the two of them sliding into somewhere dangerous.

"I'm sure that is not true."

"It is. Luke, I need Maddie to be on my side with Kim. I messed up a show yesterday and..." Noah frowned. "If Maddie turns on me now with Kim, then it's your fault," he snapped.

Luke's mouth fell open. His eyes widened and he listened in speechless amazement.

"Noah," Luke said slowly, like he was talking to a child, "Why is everything that happens to you my fault?"

"I need this job," Noah said, ignoring that. His anger crackled in the air.

Luke sighed. The conversation was making his head throb. He held up his hands to Noah. "Okay, I'm sure Maddie will not take out her problems on you,” he moved closer to Noah. “ But I can talk to her. "

Noah squinted at him." Really?"

“Yeah.” Luke bit down on his lip and waited for his words to cool Noah off. Years of experience had taught Luke exactly the right words to say. He thought about how when he was with Reid he never had to be careful like that. He could tease Reid or be blunt with him. With Noah, it always felt like he had to tip toe around a time bomb.

Noah was smiling now, "Sorry if I overreacted before,' he told Luke. "Sorry about you and Maddie,"
Noah was saying, "I'm sure a new girl will come along soon."

Luke just nodded.

Luke thought of Reid suddenly and relaxed. Reid would be proud of him. He had officially come out to one person today. Luke felt lighter. He grinned at Noah. He really did not care what Noah did.

Noah scowled. "You okay, Luke?"

"Just happy, I guess."

Noah looked at him as if happiness were a bad thing.

"Well, I wouldn't be too happy. “ Noah shot him a sly glance. “Lily is going to be so disappointed that it didn’t work out with you and Maddie."

Noah almost smiled as Luke's expression went back to one of nervousness. He patted Luke's back, “Don't worry. I can talk to Lily with you."

"Thanks."

Noah smiled widely, "What are friends for?" he asked.

Part 7 : Pizza and no cock-blocks

Luke dismissed his conversation with Noah. He was used to having to pacify him. He thought about Reid instead, and drove over to the hospital. He imagined Annie was better by now, and he wanted to tell Reid about Maddie.

At the hospital, however, the news was grim.

Annie was in surgery. A blood clot had formed in her brain . Luke waited in the hospital for awhile, worrying about poor Annie. He saw the Judds in the hallway and Luke tried to offer them some words of comfort. Mostly, he just reassured them that Reid was the best possible surgeon a person could want to operate on a loved one. Luke tried to wait for Reid to appear. He did wait for several hours. But the surgery went on and on. After giving Mrs. Judd a warm hug, Luke left a message for Reid at the nurse’s station and left.

He picked up the pizza and went to wait for Reid . He knew it would be a long surgery and that Reid would be starving and tired. Luke wanted to help him.

Waiting in Reid’s room at Al’s, Luke looked around at his things. Maddie had let him in to surprise Reid. If she had been shocked that Luke was already involved with Reid, she’d hidden it well. She really was a terrific girl. Luke fought a sudden impulse to contact Casey for her. He wanted everybody to just be with the person perfect for them.

Luke surveyed the room. Reid did not have much. Luke put the pizza down on his coffee table. He took out the candles and massage oil he had brought. Luke wondered about Reid suddenly. He knew nothing about his childhood or his teenage years. He wanted to know everything about him. The room certainly held no clues. It was a nice place. It was not so much a simple room that Luke expected as a small apartment really, with a sitting area, bedroom, and tiny kitchen.

Suddenly, Reid opened the door; he looked exhausted.

Luke rushed over to him. “Did you get my messages? My text?”

Reid nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, thanks for picking me up some food.”

‘You’re not mad I had Maddie let me in?” Luke asked anxiously.

“Why would I be?” Reid said. He kicked off his shoes.

“How did the operation go?” Luke asked. He went over to Reid and gently kissed him hello.

“I stopped the bleeding. It was touch and go for awhile. “

“But she’ll be fine, right?”

Reid shrugged. Luke was such an optimist, but any doctor knew that the world was a risky place. Reid did not want to tell Luke just how bad Annie’s chances currently were, or how operating on Annie for the second time had left Reid feeling fragile.

“We’ll see,” he was all he said. But Luke knew Reid. He cupped Reid’s face in his hands.

“I really think you helped and she will pull through,” Luke told him.

Reid could sense his own heart beating with a wild tenderness at Luke’s caring touch.

He let out a breath. “Do you mind if I just take a quick shower before we eat?”

“Go ahead.”

Reid disappeared into his bathroom, and Luke soon heard the water running.

He put a big slice of pizza on a paper plate. He had ordered Reid the works; he had yet to see a type of food that Reid did not like to eat.

“All done,” Reid said , opening up the bathroom door. Luke swallowed hard. Reid was naked, except for a white towel slung carelessly around his hips. A few drops of glistening water gently slid down Reid’s chest. His hair was damp and curlier than normal.

Luke had yet to see Reid fully naked; they had always just taken off this piece of clothing or that- just glimpses, and the thought of Reid’s body under that towel made Luke go instantly hard.

“Here’s your pizza,” Luke said a bit hoarsely.

“Ahh,” Reid sat down and put his feet up on his coffee table. He took a big bite of the pizza.

“Tired?” Luke asked sympathetically.

“Just been on my feet for hours,” Reid sighed.

Luke went over and picked up the oil he’d brought. “I can help you there.” Luke kneeled down and picked up one of Reid’s bare feet. He poured some oil into his hand. Luke gently massaged Reid’s heel and toes.

“So nice,” Reid murmured, closing his eyes.

Luke smiled up at him, ”Eat, “ he told him gently.

Reid ate the pizza as Luke massaged his feet.

After a moment, Luke couldn’t resist kissing the arch of his foot. Luke’s tongue slid over Reid’s toes. He put one in his mouth and sucked at it.

“Luke!” Reid jumped a little.

Luke smiled.

“That feels…great,” Reid told him softly, “ Thank you. “ Reid wearily pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “ But I don’t know if I can take any teasing tonight, Bambi.”

Luke stared up into Reid’s face. “I don’t feel like teasing either,” he whispered.

Reid licked his lips. “Are you sure,” he said. Reid’s eyes were opened wide now. Luke nodded. He returned to sucking on each of Reid’s toes.

Reid’s breath grew heavy and he gazed at Luke as Luke kissed his inner thighs.

“I don’t want to let you down,” Luke said softly.

“Impossible,” Reid smiled.

“I still don’t know exactly what I’m doing,” Luke confessed. He still stroked Reid’s thigh and now moved between Reid’s legs. The white towel was starting to slip.

“I’ll show you,” Reid said. He took Luke’s hand and placed it under the towel. Luke’s fingers glided over Reid’s velvety tip.

Reid guided Luke’s hand up and down. “Mouth?” He asked Luke. “Please?”

“Well, since you said it so nicely, Doctor Oliver,” Luke answered, feeling more confident as his eyes hungrily took in Reid’s erection. Luke softly kissed the spongy flesh of Reid’s head, loving the steely hardness underneath. Suddenly, Luke only cared about making Reid happy. He would focus on that and not on his own inexperience.

Luke took the cock into his mouth and sucked. Reid arched his hips up and soon Luke took Reid deeper into his throat. Reid’s hands gently buried themselves in Luke’s hair. His cock was throbbing beneath Luke’s eager tongue.

Pushing his thighs apart, Luke became more aggressive. His continued to explore Reid with his mouth, tasting the start of the translucent liquid that leaked from the tip, and Luke grabbed behind for Reid’s firm ass. Reid guided Luke’s hands to spread his cheeks open. Luke’s mouth continued its assault on Reid’s massive cock. He took even more of him in. Tasted more. Then Luke thrust one already oil-slicked finger into Reid. His hole became like a second mouth, as Luke’s finger pushed in and out.

“Luke!” Reid cried out and a glorious tension filled his body. Nothing felt as good as making Reid’s whole face contort with pleasure as he came in Luke’s open mouth. Reid’s whole body convulsed. His legs trembled uncontrollably, hit foot banging against the coffee table.

After a long swallow, Luke rocked back on his heels. He smiled widely at Reid’s still shaking legs.

“I may be Bambi,” he laughed in delight as the aftershocks of the blow job consumed Reid,” but you’re Thumper.”

Reid just shook his head . He still could not speak. That had been the best blow job of his life. And Luke was still fully dressed.

“That is your name now, Thumper,” Luke face lit up with wicked humor.

Reid suddenly wanted him naked.

“Take your clothes off and stop babbling,” he ordered a surprised Luke, “ Time for me to take over, wise guy.”

And take over he did. Reid played Luke’s body like a master, quickly leaving him buck-naked and shaking with pleasure. Luke shivered with anticipation of what was to come next. He no longer felt nervous. He knew that Reid would make it good for him. The whole world could be spinning out of control and it would not matter, there was only Reid. Reid using the oil in slick circles up and down Luke’s whole body. Reid tenderly cupping Luke’s balls. Reid sweetly tasting Luke’s hard nipples. Reid masterfully taking Luke into his mouth, as Luke flailed helplessly.

Reid suddenly pulled Luke up, kissed him once, and grinned. “Let’s go, Bambi,” he murmured and gave Luke an encouraging shove toward his bed. Luke landed on the bed with a soft thud and Reid loomed over him. Reid pushed Luke’s legs up over his shoulders and then bent his head down to taste Luke again. He sucked Luke hard now, causing Luke’s hands to grab at the sheets. Luke stared at the top of Reid’s head as he watched Reid working between his legs. Reid’s hands glided up Luke’s body and their fingers intertwined for a moment. Just when Luke thought he could not take a second more of Reid’s tongue teasing him, Reid released his cock and gently turned him over. Luke glanced over his shoulder questioningly. Reid ran his palms over Luke’s hips and ass. He pulled Luke’s butt up toward his face. Luke’s heart started to pound as he began to see what was next. Reid ‘s fingers teased Luke’s crack .

“Give yourself to me, “ Reid demanded, “ I want all of you.” Luke whimpered and raised his body higher up, offering himself. They looked at each other a second, eyes glowing in the half-darkness. Reid tenderly touched Luke’s face a second. He leaned in and kissed Luke’s mouth. Then he hauled Luke’s body to him.

Reid lowered his tongue to Luke’s hole and feasted there. The stubble along Reid’s jaw at Luke’s opening sent tiny shocks throughout Luke’s body. Reid’s tongue was wild and merciless.

Luke’s screams filled the room. Tears of joy streamed down his face. Reid pulled Luke’s legs wider and plunged his tongue into him deeper. Reid was aroused again. Luke could feel his erection against his leg. Reid flipped Luke back so they were chest to chest. Their cocks rubbed against each other, creating an amazing friction. Reid kissed Luke passionately. Their lips opened, their tongue met in a sweet rhythm. Luke’s face went dreamy. Every part of Luke felt warm and throbbing

“Okay?” Reid asked suddenly, seeing Luke’s tears. He kissed them away.

Luke’s heart turned over at Reid’s kiss. He smiled tremendously up at him. “I’m so okay,” Luke whispered.

“Then you do me, Luke,” Reid smiled back. “Take the lead again.”

Reid went to lie down on the bed and pulled a stunned Luke on top of him.

“Me?”

“Take me inside of you,” Reid whispered back. “I’ve wanted so long to be inside of you.” Luke could suddenly sense Reid’s shaking and knew that he wasn’t alone in this burning need.

Reid warmed his fingers in the oil and stretched Luke for a moment. He quickly rolled a condom down, and then tested Luke with the tip for a moment. Luke squeezed his eyes shut. His lips quivered. He felt Reid guiding his hips. He lowered Luke on him slowly, until Luke’s eyes flew open. He looked at his body now with flesh inside of flesh. Luke sank further, Reid completely fill him. Luke let out a breath and paused a moment. They were fully joined, locked. It felt incredible.

Luke gave a hysterical laugh. His body shook with it. Reid reached up a hand and touched him.

“Hey, “Reid said, “ first you cry and now you laugh. I must be losing my touch.”

“No,” Luke told him, still laughing. “I -you’re perfect.” He kissed the tips of Reid’s fingers. “ I feel so,” Luke grew serious, “ I feel like celebrating, that’s all. I feel so free.”

Reid smiled. Luke smiled.

“Then take me,” Reid whispered softly.

Luke started out with slow, cautious movements, just adjusting to having Reid inside of him.

Meanwhile, Reid clasped his strong fingers around Luke’s pulsing cock causing Luke to gasp. He began to ride Reid faster. The bed creaked. The headboard banged. Luke increased his pace. He tightened his thighs against Reid and dug in.

“More!” Reid moaned.

Reid thrust up as Luke rocked harder; Luke was loving the feel of Reid in his ass. Loving the way Reid met each movement and wanted it. Reid held one hand on Luke’s hips now, and his other hand continued to tease Luke. Luke grabbed the headboard for support: more, more and more -harder, faster, pounding. Sweat glistened on their bodies. Luke felt a delicious ache overtake his whole body. Reid was shouting now. Then so was Luke. They climaxed together.

Afterwards, Luke kissed Reid’s damp forehead and Reid pulled Luke close to him.

Luke could not stop touching his lover. His fingers caressed Reid endlessly. He wanted to memorize every inch of Reid’s skin; he wanted to know him blindfolded. Luke traced a finger down the strong shoulders and stomach. He rested his palm on Reid’s hip. The pungent smell of sex lingered in the air. Their limbs remained tangled together, and Luke finally stilled his hands and rested his head on Reid’s chest. He could hear the strong beat of Reid’s heart. Listening to it, Luke believed that the world was sweet and good.

***

It wasn’t until the middle of the night that the dream grabbed Luke by the throat. He was back at Camp Straight Heart. A group of boys circled him, their faces distorted. They were laughing and pointing at Luke. He was in the middle of their circle and could not escape them. It was “confession” time. Luke kept shaking his head, trying to break free. “I have nothing to say!” He screamed at the boys. They kept chanting , “Confess, confess, confess.” The room spun. Luke felt sick. Then Noah was there. He joined in with the other boys, a smile on Noah’s face. Noah was shining a light in Luke’s eyes. The light was too bright. Luke tried to run. The boys tightened the circle around him. Their bodies pushing him, forcing him back into the circle. Noah pointed his finger at Luke. “Confess, confess, confess. “

Luke bolted up in Reid’s bed. Sweat poured off of him and he was shaking. It was more a memory than a dream. There had been group “counseling” there. There had been severe peer pressure. Luke looked at Reid sleeping quietly. He cuddled up to Reid, seeking his warmth. He tried to stop trembling. In his sleep, Reid muttered, “Luke,” and half-smiled. But Luke remained wide awake. He could not find the relief of sleep for hours.

Part 8: Bang, bang - Wack off

It was the Fourth of July and the Snyder farm was all decked out in red, white and blue. Faith and Ethan had hung up the streamers, Natalie had put out the flags with Luke , and even Lily had come to try and be civil on this American holiday. Luke was in the barn, grooming his horse. The guests had just started arriving.

Luke was thinking about Reid. They had not spent a lot of time together over the past week. Not since that magical night. When Luke had woken up the next day, Reid had been already dressed for work. He had a plate in his hands.

“Good morning,” Luke had smiled shyly.

“Here,” Reid had thrust some eggs at him. They were yellow and runny. The toast was burnt.

“Oh,” Luke had said, “thanks.”

“Sure,” Reid had mumbled. He had run a hand through his hair. “I don’t- er -cook much.”

Luke bravely ate a bit of the goopy egg. “Not bad,” he had offered.

Reid had looked at him awkwardly. “ I’m sorry, but I have to go into the hospital right now. There is a towel for you and some soap in the bathroom. Stay as long as you want and…whatever.”

“Right.” Luke had picked at the eggs. “Okay.” He had no idea how to act.

Shifted his weight from foot to foot, Reid had cursed softly and grabbed Luke. He had given him a thorough kiss. “Bye.”

“Have a good day,” Luke had answered breathlessly.

They had spoken and seen each other since that morning, but had not spent a night together again. Luke did call Reid a few times and he had come to visit him for lunch. He had reminded him about the 4th of July and told him he wanted him to be there. But still. Luke wished he could take the last week back. He wished he could have been sophisticated about the whole sex thing. Luke stroked his horse and sighed. He wouldn’t blame Reid if he skipped the party and was angry at him now.

Luke turned as the barn door creaked open. Reid stood there. He looked incredible in black jeans and a blue collared shirt. He gave Luke a crooked smile.

“Hey,” Luke said, “you actually came.”

“You did invite me,” Reid replied. He glanced around the barn. “ And Annie is stable now, so I had the time. “ Reid picked up a piece of hay and examined it. “About half the town is now standing in your grandmother’s kitchen.”

“And you didn’t want to be near the food?” Luke asked. He put down the grooming brush.

“And make small talk with the Hughes clan or the Ryans?” Reid gave a mock shudder. He walked slowly to Luke. “ No thanks. Besides, the only one I wanted to see was not there.”

Their eyes locked.

“I was about to take a ride,” Luke whispered finally.

Reid rolled his eyes, “Please, don’t give me an opening like that,” He smiled at Luke, “Too easy to make jokes at your expense.”

Luke patted his horse. He gestured to the other mare in the barn, “Come with me.”

Reid looked at the horse. “What?”

“Saddle up, doctor.” Luke smiled.

Reid glanced at the mare. “Uh, do you know how many head injuries a horse fall can cause? Do you remember poor Superman right?”

Luke just grinned, “You wouldn’t be afraid, would you?” Luke made a chicken motion with his arms.

Reid just stood there, “No,” he said hotly, “just not an idiot. “

Luke climbed up on his horse with a challenging face.

Reid stood there indecisively. “Maybe I can,” he muttered looking at the mare uneasily. He felt a motion and turned back to Luke.

Luke was laughing, his camera phone in his hand. “Got you,” he laughed, “I have never seen you so uncertain.”

Luke put his phone back into his jeans. “I have a better idea, “ he held out a hand to Reid,” Get on with me.”

Reid looked at Luke’s hand and then he looked at Luke’s face.

“Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you,” Luke said softly, and gave Reid a melting smile.

“Luke!” A voice shouted out. Both men jumped. Holden Snyder opened the barn door and came toward them, a curious look on his face.

“Luke, Natalie has been looking all over for you. We are having fireworks soon and you promised her a swim at the pond before then.”

“Oh,” Luke flushed, “sorry. I just forgot.” Luke climbed off of his horse.

Holden looked at Reid, “Dr. Oliver? I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Yes,” Luke stammered, “I invited him, and all the other doctors too,” he added hastily. The more Luke talked the more he gave himself away. Reid and Holden studied each other in the following silence.

“I’ll go see about Natalie,” Luke said and giving Reid a quick, guilty glance he rushed off.

“Faith and Parker might be swimming too, “ Holden called to him, “If they are tell them to come back soon.”

“Okay,” Luke yelled back and dashed off.

Holden smiled at Reid, “We’re planning a big fireworks show soon,” he said.

Reid nodded.

Both men looked awkwardly away. “Um, thanks for having me here,” Reid said finally. He extended a hand to Holden, who shook it.

“Thank you,” Holden said firmly. He nodded toward where Luke had gone out the barn door. The two men left the barn together.

They could see Luke and Natalie running off to the path that would lead to the pond.

Reid grimaced. “Don’t thank me, Mr. Snyder, I don’t think I’ve done anything.” Reid had no idea how sad his face looked as he gazed out toward Luke ‘s disappearing shape .

Holden had to press his lips firmly together to keep from offering advice. He clapped Reid around the shoulder instead and said simply, “Come and try my mother’s apple pie.”

***

Luke and Natalie swam in the shallow water of the Snyder pond. The water was clear and cool. Luke tickled his baby sister and played a quick game of Marco Polo with her. She would shout out “Marco,” and Luke would answer her calls. Faith and Parker were there too, diving into the deeper water on the other side of the pond and splashing each other. Luke enjoyed the crisp water and even the brown bottom of the pond that squished beneath his feet. Best of all, he enjoyed playing with his siblings. He reached out for Natalie again as she giggled and darted away.

Soon they all heard the first sound of fireworks.

Natalie jumped up, “I gotta go and see!” She yelled excitedly. She climbed out of the pond and ran back to Emma’s house.

“Wait,” Luke laughed. But she was too impatient.

“See you at the house,” Natalie told him.

Luke looked at Faith and Parker. “Coming too?”

They both shrugged. “Soon,” Faith told him.

Luke hesitated, unsure if he should leave them. But then he thought of Reid, all alone with the good citizens of Oakdale, and decided to head back to the house. He did feel badly about the way he’d deserted him. He wished they could have had that ride.

Luke left Faith and Parker alone. He stated to follow the path that Natalie had taken, but then decided to take a short cut that he sometimes used. Why hadn’t he asked Reid to join him swimming? Luke sighed. He knew why, of course. Luke chewed his lips in thought. He wanted to grab Reid’s hand and openly tell the world about him, but he lacked the courage. Would Reid be with him and wait? Luke closed his eyes a moment as he walked. He wasn’t certain.

Luke opened his eyes and stopped in his tracks. He looked right and left for someplace to hide. He had accidentally found Noah. The pond was barely in view, but Parker, standing up in his blue bathing suit, was visible. He was yelling at Faith, who must be in the water . Noah was on his back, his trunks pulled down, one of Emma’s big striped towels in his hand. Noah’s gaze was on the pond. Luke took a step back, his whole face pink.

Noah did not notice Luke yet; he was in a cold sweat of desperation. Whipping at his penis with one of Emma’s towels, trying to get the blood to flow down there, Noah’s eyes were beady with concentration. It wasn’t clear to Luke if the sight of Parker had actually turned him on or not. Either way, Noah could not get erect. His poor, baby-sized dick remained flaccid. Noah whipped the towel down on himself again and grabbed his cock in his hands. He moaned helplessly. He beat at the penis with his hand. Finally, a tiny little erection started. Meanwhile, Faith and Parker had begun to leave the pond. Luckily, they headed the way Natalie went, not following Luke’s short cut. The fireworks began in earnest now.

Boom, boom, went the first one, lighting up the sky in green and gold.

Luke tried to back away from Noah, without being seen by him. Noah looked again at Parker in the distance, as he and Faith disappeared. The small erection Noah had managed for a moment was failing now, and Noah groaned and turned his head.

He saw Luke. They both froze. Noah dropped his hand in shame .

“Luke!”

“It’s okay,” Luke said, starting to back away. “I just- it’s normal to - you know.”

He wanted to escape Noah so badly. But Noah got up and pulled his trunks on quickly. Luke did not have time to get away. Noah came close to Luke. Noah’s breath was sour, like onions.

“You can’t tell anybody,” he snarled.

“It’s normal to have needs,” Luke repeated.

“It’s not! I just. I am pure!” Noah told him, “I haven’t done that since…not since my father found me .”

“Found you how?”

“ I was in my mother’s stuff, her clothes. I just missed her and then I got hard and I wanted-“ Noah broke off. His skin flushed. “I was in her clothes- like a fag. “

Luke flinched. His eyes filled with compassion for Noah anyway. He clearly was tormented in a much bigger manner than Luke had ever guessed.

“Noah,” Luke reached for him gently. “Is that why he sent you to Straight Heart? That doesn’t even mean you were gay or anything, just…missing your mother maybe. Noah-“

Suddenly, Noah grabbed at Luke and viciously held him, pinning his arms by his sides.

“I am normal, damn you. You are the screw up, not me!”

“I think you are screwed up,” Luke replied. “Very screwed up.”

“You’ll be sorry,” Noah warned Luke.

“About what?” Luke said, trying to twist away.” “ That I might know the truth? That I can see that you have sexual feelings for a boy maybe?” Luke struggled to break his hold. “ That you’re not Mr. Super Straight, after all? Or that you can’t get it to stay up?”

With a surge of adrenaline, Luke pushed away.

The air sizzled with a sudden firework.

“You’ll be sorry, Luke,” Noah shouted at him again. “You’ll end up without anybody. You’ll end up lost or dead like that stupid Armand. And you’ll be sorry.”

Luke stumbled back from Noah, his face sick with shock. “What? Armand’s dead?’

Noah shrugged. “Years now, right after he was thrown out of the camp for kissing you. Kreeger got a phone call from his parents. They wanted to send him back to the camp again. He snuck out with some boy and they got caught. The parents fought with him, I guess. He hung himself that night.”

Luke brought a hand to him mouth; he felt bile rise to his throat.

“I saved you,” Noah was insisting, “ just like my father and Kreeger saved me. And you have everything, but are so ungrateful.”

Fireworks continued to shoot off above them. Bang, bang, bang.

Noah’s face was twisted with self-righteous anger. Luke shook his head at him.

“You hate me,” he whispered.

“I hate who you are,” Noah spat. The words were wounding to Luke. He had almost felt sorry for Noah up until that moment. Until poor Armand.

“You know what Noah,” Luke said suddenly, thinking of Armand and the end of his life. Thinking of Reid and the earlier hurt on his face when Luke pretended he was just an acquaintance. “I hate who I am too. And I’m not going to be this person anymore.”

“What do you mean?” Noah asked.

Luke did not answer.

“Luke!” Noah screamed out. “Don’t walk away from me!”

Luke did walk away. He just left Noah standing there, his power over Luke finally broken.

***

There was only one person Luke wanted to see now. One person he wanted to be with and apologize to and love. Luke began to run through the fields faster and faster. His legs picked up more and more speed. His eyes were clouded with tears, his heart beating fast, and his head pounded with pain.

“Watch it, wait!” Reid yelled out, just before Luke slammed into him. They both got knocked down onto the ground.

“Reid?” Luke asked. Luke’s gaze hungrily took in Reid’s every feature. “Are you real?” Luke asked.

“Why wouldn’t I be real?” Reid muttered, scraping dirt off of his jeans. “You just knocked me on my ass. Doesn’t that feel real enough?”

Luke didn’t answer; he dove at Reid. He jumped on his lap and covered him with kisses.

“You didn’t leave. I was such a jerk. I was unforgivably stupid when my Dad came up to us and- “ Luke started to cry.

“Hey?” Reid touched his cheek. “Why the tears? What is this?”

Luke sucked in a deep breath. “I had it out with Noah.”

“Now? Here?” Reid looked around. “Where is he?”

Luke gazed out toward the corn fields. He thought of Noah’s small prick and ignorant ideas.

“Gone, I think. “ Luke turned and smiled at Reid. “Really , really gone!”

Reid could see Luke was a mess of emotions. He gently touched his silky hair. Luke leaned his whole body into Reid’s.

“Reid?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m ready.”

“For?” Reid asked with puzzlement.

“For you to take me to a nice romantic dinner and for you to hold my hand in public and for you to slow dance with me at parties and -“

“Hey, I don’t dance.” Reid made a face. Then he smiled and kissed Luke’s hand, “The rest sounds good. “

Luke smiled.

“Are you sure?” Reid asked.

Luke took a breath, “Think so. Yes.”

Reid gave him a full grin and it made Luke laugh to see Reid’s eyes become wide with happiness. He wanted to make Reid happy all the time. Luke gently kissed his boyfriend’s lips. His boyfriend . It felt so good to admit it.

“Well,” Reid said slowly, “before we do all that dating… maybe you need to tell your folks about us?”
Luke was silent.

“Or not,” Reid said quickly. “ Whatever you want, Luke, I’ll wait. I’ll stand by you. “

Luke stood up. He held a hand out to Reid. “And I want to stand by you,” he said. “Let’s go find my mother.”

Luke and Reid found Lily Grimaldi standing with Carly Snyder gossiping over Faith and Parker. Lily waved at Luke, but her polished smile faded at the sight of Reid.

“Mom,” Luke asked politely, “Can I talk to you over by the barn for a moment?”

“Of course,” Lily nodded at Carly.

She headed toward the barn, but stopped as she saw Reid coming along.

“Excuse me,” Lily told Reid in frosty tones, “I don’t believe you are invited.”

Luke frowned,” No, he is invited. He is a part of this too.”

Reid said nothing, allowing Luke to be in charge. They went into the barn.

“What is this about exactly?” Lily asked, folding her arms over her chest.

Luke looked at Reid and Reid nodded his support.

Luke gazed at his mother. “Mom,” he said finally, “I don’t say this lightly or to hurt you. But I need you to know. “ He glanced at Reid. “I’m not dating Maddie now and -“

“Noah told me; she is such a great girl, Luke.”

Luke nodded. “She is. Right. But I’m not dating her ‘cause…I’m dating Reid.”

“What?” Lily shook her head at him.

“I’m gay , Mom,” Luke said softly. “You know that I am. That I have always been.”

“I don’t know any such thing!” Lily turned her back to Luke.

“Yes, “ Holden said, entering the barn, “You do too, Lily.”

She spun around. “Is this because of you?” She accused Holden. Then her eyes focused on Reid. “Or you?” She spat out at him.

Luke grabbed at Lily’s hands. “It isn’t them. It’s me. “ He searched her face.

Lily swallowed hard and changed her tactics.

Lily touched Luke’s face, “It is a hard life, baby, a really difficult path. And I wanted your life to be good and easy. Please don’t do this.”

Luke’s eyes filled with tears. “Hiding is no life either,” he told her.

“What about Damian? Our friends? What will they all say?” Lily covered her face and shook her head. She looked at her son. “I just can’t…, “ she told him woodenly.

Lily squirmed away from Luke. She walked around Holden and Reid and left the barn.

Reid gently went over to Luke and hugged him. They held hands.

Both men looked at Holden.

“Move in here, Luke. Over to the farm. Be what you need to be. “ Holden offered .

Luke made a strangled sound in his throat. He went to Holden and embraced him tightly.

Reid looked away. He had not cried in years and years, but the sight of Luke and Holden made him choke up. He took a deep breath.

Luke still embraced his father. “Thank you,” he smiled.

Holden just nodded.

“I believe there is food and drink to be consumed,” Reid said, turning back to them now that he had regained control.

“Right. Let’s eat,” Luke said.

The three of them went back to the party.

***

Noah never was seen again in Oakdale. By the time Lily arrived home, she found a note and all of his things packed. He wrote her that he needed to go to LA and work on his film. Lily had no idea that Noah had fled in humiliation.

A few days later, Luke left his house and moved into the farm with Holden. He had yet to face Damian. He still did not tell many people why he was moving out of his mother’s house, but it was a start. Lily acted as if Luke was invisible during those two days, but Natalie and Ethan hugged him and cried. Luke had cried a little too, holding his baby sister and brother. He hoped one day they would be free to accept him. He knew Lily and Damian might try to turn them against him. His sister Faith, meanwhile, had wanted to move out with him, but Luke and Holden had convinced her to wait before making such a big decision.

The day Luke moved to the farm, it was hot and bright. Luke grunted at all of the boxes he had to unpack. He wondered why Reid had not met him at the house to help him. Probably did not want to mess up his surgeon’s hands. Luke sighed. Holden pulled up in his truck and the two of them loaded up Luke’s things. As the farm came into view, Luke could feel his body relax. He gazed out of the window at the fields and horses. He was finally home.

Holden turned a corner and the truck roared up to the Snyder house. Emma stood outside, holding a big cake. Reid stood beside her. Luke slowly got out of the truck with a big grin on his face.

In his hands, Reid held up a bunch of rainbow-colored balloons. There were so many balloons it looked as if Reid might fly away. He had picked one up in every color imaginable. It made Luke laugh hysterically.

Emma and Holden went into the house to give them a moment alone. Luke took the balloons from Reid’s hand.

“Wait!” Reid said. He bent down to the boom box at his feet and hit the on button. The sounds of Lady Gaga’s song Bad Romance began to play.

“Now that you are official,” Reid told Luke with mock-seriousness , “ We can share the secret handshake.” Reid made eyes at Luke. “If you want. “

“Oh, I want ,” Luke answered , grabbing him. Luke wrapped a hand around Reid’s neck and their bodies met in a natural swaying motion.

They kissed openly for a long, sweet time.

a/n: I consider the Noah part to be done, but I might continue the Lure story. Would anybody want to see an epilogue of their first official date, Damian’s return, and so forth? I welcome comments on that. Otherwise, this is the end. Thanks! Thanks too to Noah Who for getting my muse to write this story…