NEW! "Persons Unknown - Part Two" (Sequel to "Taken," ATWT/Nuke fic)
Title "Persons Unknown"(Part 2 of 2)
What It Is Sequel to "Taken"
Pairing: Nuke/Lure
Prompt Luke finds out about Noah's tattoos.
Rating: M for language
Disclaimer: Don’t own ‘em. Don’t make no money.
link
Note: This is the second half of “Persons Unknown,” which is a sequel to “Taken,” which takes place in the same ‘verse as “Angels Lie” and “My Favorite Disease.” Whew!
Just in case anyone’s not clear on the timeline, here it is: The stories take place over the summer and early fall of 2010. “Taken” takes place over the entire summer, “Persons Unknown” in late August, “Angels Lie” and “My Favorite Disease” in late September.
***
Previously…
Pissed as hell, Luke walks away, down the hall and to his right.
The very idea that Casey or Ali - that anyone - could know Noah better than he does makes him furious. Maddie, maybe. She and Noah have always been tight, even after he came out. But even she doesn’t know him as well as he-
Luke stops, staring at Noah.
“What the hell?” he says.
And now, “Persons Unknown - Part Two”
***
Noah doesn’t hear Luke.
He doesn’t see him either, especially after Luke pulls back into the shadows.
Luke doesn’t know why he hesitates. He’d been prepared to go in guns blazing, demand to know how Noah was doing, demand to know why he’d pulled such a stupid stunt in the first place. Everyone knows you should cooperate with an armed robber. Noah could have gotten himself killed, gotten Casey killed, and for what? The contents of a cash register? Noah is smarter than that, and Luke is ready to give him hell for it.
Instead, he retreats into a darkened doorway and hides.
This corridor isn’t generally used for patients - there’s a break room for the staff, storage closets, a few small meeting rooms - and at this time of night, the lights are dimmed. Chris and Noah are in one of the conference rooms, which is brightly lit.
From Luke’s hiding place in the room across the hall, he’s got a perfect view. It’s like looking into a shop window on a dark night.
And what he sees shocks him to the bone.
Noah sits in one of the chairs. He’s got his shirt off, and it takes Luke's brain a minute to move beyond that. It’s been a long time since he’s gotten a glimpse of Noah’s body, and God, does he look good. He’s thinner than he used to be but harder, more muscular, like his body has matured.
Most shocking of all, he’s got tattoos. Noah Mayer, the ultimate gay straight arrow, has tattoos. Several of them - one on each wrist and forearm and another over his heart. Luke can’t make out what the images are, but the sight them on Noah’s skin is the hottest thing he’s ever seen. He can feel his palms getting warmer, his breathing quicken, and he bites his lip to keep from making any sound.
When he manages to get his body under control (barely), he notices there are several cuts on Noah’s chest and a six-inch bandage wrapped around his ribs on one side. Chris sits across from him, carefully stitching up a nasty gash on his forearm. Noah watches him work, his face expressionless.
Luke frowns. Like he told Casey, he knows how freaked out Noah gets whenever he’s forced to commit an act of violence. He knows how terrified he is that he’s turning into his father, that he’s becoming some sort of monster, that there’s a sickness in him that can’t be stopped. It usually takes hours for Luke to talk Noah down and convince him he’s not a horrible person.
But this Noah doesn’t look sick or ashamed or shaken. He looks...relaxed. His face is perfectly calm, his breathing even. He just watches the needle go in and out of his skin like it’s no big deal, like it doesn’t even hurt.
It’s impressive and disturbing and sexy as hell all at the same time.
Chris finishes up and carefully wraps Noah’s arm in a bandage. “Keep it dry,” he advises. “If there’s any sign of infection, call me.”
“Thanks,” Noah says. His voice sounds deeper than Luke remembers, a little raspier.
“You need anything for pain?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
Chris pauses in gathering up his supplies and looks at Noah.
“Seriously,” Noah says. “I’m fine.”
Chris shakes his head and stands. “That’s what Ali said you’d say. But if you change your mind...”
“I’ll call you,” Noah says. Luke knows he won’t.
Chris stops in the doorway, then turns back. “I have to say something.”
Noah goes very still. His expression doesn’t change, but Luke can see the tension in his shoulders.
Chris scratches his head nervously. “Uh, on behalf of the entire Hughes clan, I want to thank-“
Noah shakes his head, interrupting him. “It’s my fault Casey got hurt.”
“How do you figure?”
Noah shrugs, avoiding Chris’ eyes. “I’m supposed to make all the customers leave before I close up. Those are the rules. I should never have let Casey stay and help me.”
“Given how much time Casey spends on that bar stool, he owes you some free labor,” Chris jokes.
Noah doesn’t smile.
Chris leans against the door frame. Luke can tell he’s choosing his words with care. “From what Casey said, I don’t think he blames you.”
Noah shakes his head again. “Doesn’t matter. I should have been there alone. And I definitely should have just given the guy the money instead of fighting with him.”
“Maybe,” Chris shrugs. “But maybe he would have hurt Casey anyway. You never know.”
Noah doesn’t answer.
Chris sighs. “I’m just saying, things could have turned out a lot worse if not for you. And the family appreciates it.”
Noah, as always, looks uncomfortable with praise. “Casey’s my friend,” he says simply. “He would have done the same for me.”
“He probably would have.” Chris rolls his eyes. “God help us all. I’d stay away from his mother, though, if I were you.”
Noah gives a little smile at that, and for a moment he looks like his old self. “Don’t worry, I intend to. Thanks, Chris.”
“Anytime.” Chris walks away, back toward the ER.
Noah’s smile fades, and for a moment his eyes close and his shoulders sag. Then he stands and reaches for his shirts. (Typical Noah, he’s got two - a T-shirt and a short-sleeved plaid camp shirt to go over it.) His movements are stiff and slow, and Luke can tell he’s in a lot more pain than he’s let on.
Luke is about to step forward when Noah turns around and, for the first time, Luke sees the tattoo on his back.
His mouth goes dry.
The tattoo is beautiful and amazing and terrifying. A celestial being, flanked by two angels with folded wings, hovers in mid-air. She’s robed in white with a scarlet sash, crowned in fire and outlined in flame.
Noah holds up his T-shirt, which is bloody and torn. He sighs and sets it aside, then slowly, achingly, pulls on his other shirt. Luke can see each muscle in his back flex as he stretches his arms out and slips them into the sleeves, then gently hoists the fabric up over his shoulders. As he does, the tattoo disappears. The last thing Luke sees are those piercing blue eyes, which seem to glare at him as if warning him away.
Noah turns back toward the doorway, buttoning the shirt up. His face looks weary now, his eyes shadowed. His cell phone rings, and Noah grabs for it automatically, then hisses in pain.
Luke tenses as Noah pulls the phone out of his pocket and answers. Is it his boyfriend? Is it Tattoo/Muscle/Chicago guy?
“Hello?” There’s a pause while Luke holds his breath, then Noah winces. “Yes, ma’am...I mean, no, ma’am.” He sighs and trudges down the hall, his bloody T-shirt balled in his fist. Luke draws back further as he passes, but Noah doesn’t see him. His face looks more like it usually does after a fight - bleak and defeated, like Noah hates himself. Like his father’s won.
“No, ma’am,” Noah says. “I didn’t intend to - Yes, ma’am, I’ll be right there.”
Noah turns the corner, toward the ER, and disappears. Luke skulks after him. He lingers at the far end of the hall, watching a mirror image of the room reflected in a nearby window. He feels guilty for snooping but reminds himself that he’s half-Walsh, half-Grimaldi - sneaking around is his birthright.
Casey is shifting impatiently from foot to foot while Ali digs in her purse, presumably for her car keys. They both look up in surprise as Noah walks up alone
“Where’s Lu-" Casey breaks off with an “Oof!” as Ali elbows him in the chest. “How’s your arm?” he asks instead.
Noah shrugs and pitches his ruined T-shirt in a trash can. “It’s fine. You?”
“Never better.”
To Luke’s surprise, he and Casey do a manly chest-high hand clasp, followed by a back-pounding guy hug.
As they separate, Casey’s cell phone rings. He glances at the caller ID, grimaces, and answers. “Hi, mom...Yeah, I-"
Casey winces and holds the phone away from his ear. Luke can hear an angry squawking at the other end. “I mean, No, I-"
Casey breaks off again. “No, I didn’t intend to - Mom, would you just-”
Casey rolls his eyes and sighs. “Fine, I’ll be right there.” He hangs up and looks at Noah. “We are so screwed.”
“Tell me about it,” Noah says gloomily. “She called me, too.”
“Your mom wants to see you now?” Ali fusses. “It’s late, and you’re both hurt. You need to rest.”
Casey shrugs and slips his cell back in his pocket. “I’d rather get it over with now, wouldn’t you?” he asks Noah.
“Absolutely.”
Ali huffs in exasperation, and Noah puts a hand on his shoulder. “I swear I’ll bring him straight home from the police station.”
“Say what?” Casey protests. “I don’t need a babysitter."
Ali ignores him. “You promise?” she asks Noah.
“Scout’s honor. But first we’re gonna walk you to your car. Like you said, it’s late, and I don’t want you taking any chances, especially after tonight.”
Casey perks up. “Yeah, there might be more dangerous criminals for Noah and I to fight off.”
The corner of Ali’s mouth turns up. “If there are, I’ll use you as a human shield.”
“Hey! Why am I expendable?”
Ali laughs and links one arm through Noah’s and the other through Casey’s. “My heroes,” she teases as leads them toward the exit, arm-in-arm.
Luke stands staring after them. It takes a few moments for him to realize someone is saying his name.
“Luke!”
Luke turns. Reid is standing behind him. His hair is still wet from the shower, and his expression is guarded.
“Sorry.” Luke rubs his temples. His headache is getting worse. “What did you say?”
“How’s Noah?”
Luke stares at Reid. “I don’t know.”
Reid cocks his head. “Do you mean it’s inconclusive? He didn’t hit his head again, did he? I may be a brilliant surgeon, but I’m not a miracle worker.”
“No, I mean...” Luke shrugs helpless. “I don’t know.”
“You didn’t talk to him?”
Luke shakes his head.
“Why not?” Reid asks.
“I don’t know.”
“Are you okay?” Reid cups Luke’s face in his hand, then frowns in concern. “You’re trembling. Did Noah say something to upset you?”
“No.” Luke shakes his head again, but can’t stops tears from thickening his voice. “Let’s just go home, okay? It’s been a rough night.”
“Sure.” Reid puts his arm around Luke as they walk away. Out of the corner of his eye Luke can still see Noah’s bloodstained shirt in the trash. His stomach hurts at the sight, and the pain in his temples increases tenfold.
Luke tries to tell himself that Noah’s fine. Sure, he got hurt, but he’s safe now, right? He’s got friends looking after him. He doesn’t need Luke to ride in to the rescue.
But it doesn’t work. The sick, uneasy feeling lingers.
As Luke drives home with Reid, the town is dark and quiet. Luke rolls the windows down, letting the night breeze cool his overheated skin until goosebumps form and he shivers. As they pass Yo’s, the yellow tape is still visible in the darkness, stretched across the doorway like a warning flag, forbidding entry. Like a brand marking someone else’s territory. Like a tattoo. Like a scar.
And Luke knows.
Something’s wrong with Noah. Something’s off. Luke can feel it. Noah has changed, and not just on the outside.
He tells himself it’s none of his business. Not his problem. He and Noah are broken up, and he’s not wanted anymore.
By the time Luke realizes he’s wrong - by the time he gets off that plane just a few weeks later - it’s too late. Noah’s gone, into the night, into the darkness. Alone.
And Luke has only himself to blame.
The End
What It Is Sequel to "Taken"
Pairing: Nuke/Lure
Prompt Luke finds out about Noah's tattoos.
Rating: M for language
Disclaimer: Don’t own ‘em. Don’t make no money.
link
Note: This is the second half of “Persons Unknown,” which is a sequel to “Taken,” which takes place in the same ‘verse as “Angels Lie” and “My Favorite Disease.” Whew!
Just in case anyone’s not clear on the timeline, here it is: The stories take place over the summer and early fall of 2010. “Taken” takes place over the entire summer, “Persons Unknown” in late August, “Angels Lie” and “My Favorite Disease” in late September.
***
Previously…
Pissed as hell, Luke walks away, down the hall and to his right.
The very idea that Casey or Ali - that anyone - could know Noah better than he does makes him furious. Maddie, maybe. She and Noah have always been tight, even after he came out. But even she doesn’t know him as well as he-
Luke stops, staring at Noah.
“What the hell?” he says.
And now, “Persons Unknown - Part Two”
***
Noah doesn’t hear Luke.
He doesn’t see him either, especially after Luke pulls back into the shadows.
Luke doesn’t know why he hesitates. He’d been prepared to go in guns blazing, demand to know how Noah was doing, demand to know why he’d pulled such a stupid stunt in the first place. Everyone knows you should cooperate with an armed robber. Noah could have gotten himself killed, gotten Casey killed, and for what? The contents of a cash register? Noah is smarter than that, and Luke is ready to give him hell for it.
Instead, he retreats into a darkened doorway and hides.
This corridor isn’t generally used for patients - there’s a break room for the staff, storage closets, a few small meeting rooms - and at this time of night, the lights are dimmed. Chris and Noah are in one of the conference rooms, which is brightly lit.
From Luke’s hiding place in the room across the hall, he’s got a perfect view. It’s like looking into a shop window on a dark night.
And what he sees shocks him to the bone.
Noah sits in one of the chairs. He’s got his shirt off, and it takes Luke's brain a minute to move beyond that. It’s been a long time since he’s gotten a glimpse of Noah’s body, and God, does he look good. He’s thinner than he used to be but harder, more muscular, like his body has matured.
Most shocking of all, he’s got tattoos. Noah Mayer, the ultimate gay straight arrow, has tattoos. Several of them - one on each wrist and forearm and another over his heart. Luke can’t make out what the images are, but the sight them on Noah’s skin is the hottest thing he’s ever seen. He can feel his palms getting warmer, his breathing quicken, and he bites his lip to keep from making any sound.
When he manages to get his body under control (barely), he notices there are several cuts on Noah’s chest and a six-inch bandage wrapped around his ribs on one side. Chris sits across from him, carefully stitching up a nasty gash on his forearm. Noah watches him work, his face expressionless.
Luke frowns. Like he told Casey, he knows how freaked out Noah gets whenever he’s forced to commit an act of violence. He knows how terrified he is that he’s turning into his father, that he’s becoming some sort of monster, that there’s a sickness in him that can’t be stopped. It usually takes hours for Luke to talk Noah down and convince him he’s not a horrible person.
But this Noah doesn’t look sick or ashamed or shaken. He looks...relaxed. His face is perfectly calm, his breathing even. He just watches the needle go in and out of his skin like it’s no big deal, like it doesn’t even hurt.
It’s impressive and disturbing and sexy as hell all at the same time.
Chris finishes up and carefully wraps Noah’s arm in a bandage. “Keep it dry,” he advises. “If there’s any sign of infection, call me.”
“Thanks,” Noah says. His voice sounds deeper than Luke remembers, a little raspier.
“You need anything for pain?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
Chris pauses in gathering up his supplies and looks at Noah.
“Seriously,” Noah says. “I’m fine.”
Chris shakes his head and stands. “That’s what Ali said you’d say. But if you change your mind...”
“I’ll call you,” Noah says. Luke knows he won’t.
Chris stops in the doorway, then turns back. “I have to say something.”
Noah goes very still. His expression doesn’t change, but Luke can see the tension in his shoulders.
Chris scratches his head nervously. “Uh, on behalf of the entire Hughes clan, I want to thank-“
Noah shakes his head, interrupting him. “It’s my fault Casey got hurt.”
“How do you figure?”
Noah shrugs, avoiding Chris’ eyes. “I’m supposed to make all the customers leave before I close up. Those are the rules. I should never have let Casey stay and help me.”
“Given how much time Casey spends on that bar stool, he owes you some free labor,” Chris jokes.
Noah doesn’t smile.
Chris leans against the door frame. Luke can tell he’s choosing his words with care. “From what Casey said, I don’t think he blames you.”
Noah shakes his head again. “Doesn’t matter. I should have been there alone. And I definitely should have just given the guy the money instead of fighting with him.”
“Maybe,” Chris shrugs. “But maybe he would have hurt Casey anyway. You never know.”
Noah doesn’t answer.
Chris sighs. “I’m just saying, things could have turned out a lot worse if not for you. And the family appreciates it.”
Noah, as always, looks uncomfortable with praise. “Casey’s my friend,” he says simply. “He would have done the same for me.”
“He probably would have.” Chris rolls his eyes. “God help us all. I’d stay away from his mother, though, if I were you.”
Noah gives a little smile at that, and for a moment he looks like his old self. “Don’t worry, I intend to. Thanks, Chris.”
“Anytime.” Chris walks away, back toward the ER.
Noah’s smile fades, and for a moment his eyes close and his shoulders sag. Then he stands and reaches for his shirts. (Typical Noah, he’s got two - a T-shirt and a short-sleeved plaid camp shirt to go over it.) His movements are stiff and slow, and Luke can tell he’s in a lot more pain than he’s let on.
Luke is about to step forward when Noah turns around and, for the first time, Luke sees the tattoo on his back.
His mouth goes dry.
The tattoo is beautiful and amazing and terrifying. A celestial being, flanked by two angels with folded wings, hovers in mid-air. She’s robed in white with a scarlet sash, crowned in fire and outlined in flame.
Noah holds up his T-shirt, which is bloody and torn. He sighs and sets it aside, then slowly, achingly, pulls on his other shirt. Luke can see each muscle in his back flex as he stretches his arms out and slips them into the sleeves, then gently hoists the fabric up over his shoulders. As he does, the tattoo disappears. The last thing Luke sees are those piercing blue eyes, which seem to glare at him as if warning him away.
Noah turns back toward the doorway, buttoning the shirt up. His face looks weary now, his eyes shadowed. His cell phone rings, and Noah grabs for it automatically, then hisses in pain.
Luke tenses as Noah pulls the phone out of his pocket and answers. Is it his boyfriend? Is it Tattoo/Muscle/Chicago guy?
“Hello?” There’s a pause while Luke holds his breath, then Noah winces. “Yes, ma’am...I mean, no, ma’am.” He sighs and trudges down the hall, his bloody T-shirt balled in his fist. Luke draws back further as he passes, but Noah doesn’t see him. His face looks more like it usually does after a fight - bleak and defeated, like Noah hates himself. Like his father’s won.
“No, ma’am,” Noah says. “I didn’t intend to - Yes, ma’am, I’ll be right there.”
Noah turns the corner, toward the ER, and disappears. Luke skulks after him. He lingers at the far end of the hall, watching a mirror image of the room reflected in a nearby window. He feels guilty for snooping but reminds himself that he’s half-Walsh, half-Grimaldi - sneaking around is his birthright.
Casey is shifting impatiently from foot to foot while Ali digs in her purse, presumably for her car keys. They both look up in surprise as Noah walks up alone
“Where’s Lu-" Casey breaks off with an “Oof!” as Ali elbows him in the chest. “How’s your arm?” he asks instead.
Noah shrugs and pitches his ruined T-shirt in a trash can. “It’s fine. You?”
“Never better.”
To Luke’s surprise, he and Casey do a manly chest-high hand clasp, followed by a back-pounding guy hug.
As they separate, Casey’s cell phone rings. He glances at the caller ID, grimaces, and answers. “Hi, mom...Yeah, I-"
Casey winces and holds the phone away from his ear. Luke can hear an angry squawking at the other end. “I mean, No, I-"
Casey breaks off again. “No, I didn’t intend to - Mom, would you just-”
Casey rolls his eyes and sighs. “Fine, I’ll be right there.” He hangs up and looks at Noah. “We are so screwed.”
“Tell me about it,” Noah says gloomily. “She called me, too.”
“Your mom wants to see you now?” Ali fusses. “It’s late, and you’re both hurt. You need to rest.”
Casey shrugs and slips his cell back in his pocket. “I’d rather get it over with now, wouldn’t you?” he asks Noah.
“Absolutely.”
Ali huffs in exasperation, and Noah puts a hand on his shoulder. “I swear I’ll bring him straight home from the police station.”
“Say what?” Casey protests. “I don’t need a babysitter."
Ali ignores him. “You promise?” she asks Noah.
“Scout’s honor. But first we’re gonna walk you to your car. Like you said, it’s late, and I don’t want you taking any chances, especially after tonight.”
Casey perks up. “Yeah, there might be more dangerous criminals for Noah and I to fight off.”
The corner of Ali’s mouth turns up. “If there are, I’ll use you as a human shield.”
“Hey! Why am I expendable?”
Ali laughs and links one arm through Noah’s and the other through Casey’s. “My heroes,” she teases as leads them toward the exit, arm-in-arm.
Luke stands staring after them. It takes a few moments for him to realize someone is saying his name.
“Luke!”
Luke turns. Reid is standing behind him. His hair is still wet from the shower, and his expression is guarded.
“Sorry.” Luke rubs his temples. His headache is getting worse. “What did you say?”
“How’s Noah?”
Luke stares at Reid. “I don’t know.”
Reid cocks his head. “Do you mean it’s inconclusive? He didn’t hit his head again, did he? I may be a brilliant surgeon, but I’m not a miracle worker.”
“No, I mean...” Luke shrugs helpless. “I don’t know.”
“You didn’t talk to him?”
Luke shakes his head.
“Why not?” Reid asks.
“I don’t know.”
“Are you okay?” Reid cups Luke’s face in his hand, then frowns in concern. “You’re trembling. Did Noah say something to upset you?”
“No.” Luke shakes his head again, but can’t stops tears from thickening his voice. “Let’s just go home, okay? It’s been a rough night.”
“Sure.” Reid puts his arm around Luke as they walk away. Out of the corner of his eye Luke can still see Noah’s bloodstained shirt in the trash. His stomach hurts at the sight, and the pain in his temples increases tenfold.
Luke tries to tell himself that Noah’s fine. Sure, he got hurt, but he’s safe now, right? He’s got friends looking after him. He doesn’t need Luke to ride in to the rescue.
But it doesn’t work. The sick, uneasy feeling lingers.
As Luke drives home with Reid, the town is dark and quiet. Luke rolls the windows down, letting the night breeze cool his overheated skin until goosebumps form and he shivers. As they pass Yo’s, the yellow tape is still visible in the darkness, stretched across the doorway like a warning flag, forbidding entry. Like a brand marking someone else’s territory. Like a tattoo. Like a scar.
And Luke knows.
Something’s wrong with Noah. Something’s off. Luke can feel it. Noah has changed, and not just on the outside.
He tells himself it’s none of his business. Not his problem. He and Noah are broken up, and he’s not wanted anymore.
By the time Luke realizes he’s wrong - by the time he gets off that plane just a few weeks later - it’s too late. Noah’s gone, into the night, into the darkness. Alone.
And Luke has only himself to blame.
The End