Hit and Run - Part 5
Dec. 7th, 2010 01:33 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
marsabi1Title: Hit and Run
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Reid and Luke are happily engaged and living together, when a sudden event causes Luke to break it off with Reid. This is also my story for Natalie. I read a lot with Ethan and Faith, but not many stories have her in them. I always loved her for hugging Luke at the end of ATWT.
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Warnings: Physical fighting, suspects and kisses –Just who did hit Natalie?
Rating: PG (with fighting?)
Part 5
The room was perfect. At least, Luke hoped that it was. Tutus were tacked up on the wall in all different colors. Soft ballet slippers were neatly lined up near the bed. Some were actually Natalie’s, but others Luke had gone out and bought. She would love to wear them all. He quickly finished hanging up the poster with the three little girls dancing by the water, when Reid walked into the room.
Both men jumped at seeing each other.
“Is it too much?” Luke asked, gesturing to the room. Reid took in the various dance posters and get well banners. He could hear the music of Swan Lake playing softly.
“You did all this?” He asked.
“Too much?” Luke repeated. He chewed a finger nervously.
“No it’s –“ Reid was about to say it’s you, and it was such a Luke thing to do. He gazed at the pink balloons and ballerina teddy bears.
“It’s charming,” Reid pursed his lips, “Too bad Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is over; you’d be a shoe in.”
“And I didn’t think you watched reality television,” Luke shot back.
“How can I escape it?” Reid drawled. “I’m waiting for the Jersey Shore gang to go all ER on us. Snookie- doctor in training. Memorial here would suit those bozos just fine.”
“Only if we had a beach, tattoo parlors and Bon Jovi,” Luke said gamely, trying to keep Reid going.
“It would be an improvement for Oakhell; tanning booths at every farm,” Reid returned neatly.
Time spent with Reid had improved Luke’s obnoxious potential. Luke would never be rude, but he could snark with Reid in private and enjoy it. However, Reid would always be the king of snark.
Luke gave a little laugh now and smiled at him. The smile disconcerted Reid.
“It’s nice,” he finally offered, dropping their game.
Luke shrugged. “I remember with Noah…You told me patients in a coma can maybe hear or know things, so…” He flushed.
“Oh yes, Noah,” Reid said and Luke could have kicked himself. Noah occasionally sent him postcards from LA. Reid always brought in the mail and held them out to Luke like he was holding a dead rat by the tail.
“Has he finally realized his film dreams or is he still dancing shirtless at the Dick Hunter ?”
“You know that was just a rumor Richard started.” Luke said, wondering how to escape this whole conversation.
“Right,” Reid answered, “He told you he is working at Starbucks and still affording that great LA apartment. “
Luke looked over at his sister. “What’s important is that Natalie might hear the music or whatever.”
“Well, she’s not exactly in a coma like Noah’s was, “ Reid said. Luke blew out a sigh of relief that the conversation was shifting back to Natalie. Reid was looking down at her small body in the bed. ” We will wake her up very soon, if it goes well. “
“Really?” Luke smiled, “That’s fantastic!”
Reid cleared his throat.
“Do you still have your cold?” Luke asked him suddenly.
Reid shrugged.
“You should drink some of that tea I bought you,” Luke scolded softly, “I put it behind the coffee filters on the top shelf.”
“I’m fine,” Reid snapped. Luke looked at his feet. Reid sighed.
Reid nodded at Natalie, “I need to examine her.”
“Right,” Luke nodded . “How is she?”
“Tell you in a minute,” Reid replied dryly, and began to check her vitals.
Reid was aware of Luke coming close and standing right behind him. He could feel Luke’s breath on the back of his neck.
“Can you step away?” Reid asked.
“What?” Luke said, “Oh. Sure. Am I bothering you? “ Luke added innocently.
“Something about trying to examine my patient, “ Reid mumbled,” with a family member right at my heels does it. “ As if any family member would be bothering him. As if it were not a case of Luke’s being close enough to touch.
Luke took two, exaggerated steps back. He wasn’t fooled with Reid’s explanation. Luke knew exactly why Reid asked him to move and he hid a grin. If he could still bother Reid so easily, then there was hope.
Reid fought the urge to turn around and kiss him. Why did Luke have to be so damn adorable? He did not want to think about the way Luke’s hair was a mess today or the way it made Reid want to stroke it. He could smell Luke’s fresh scent. He just wanted to bury himself in it. Reid fought the urge and continued to examine Natalie.
“Looks good,” he said, after a few quiet moments, and walked around Luke carefully.
Luke watched him walking away.
Reid was at the door.
“Wait!” Luke said and came over. Reid stepped out into the hallway and Luke followed. Reid braced himself for a “talk.”
“Is she- is she in any pain?” Luke asked and bit his lip.
Surprised by the question, Reid could not help reassuring him. “No, I have her on a morphine drip . “ He reached out a hand to Luke , but then dropped it. “But well…When she wakes up later, she might have some discomfort.”
Luke twisted his lips in annoyance. “Discomfort,” he repeated. “Why do doctors always call it that?”
Reid shrugged. “Because pain is a four letter word,” He drawled and half-smiled at Luke.
Then his smile faded. Luke was staring at him hungrily now. Reid swallowed hard as Luke closed the distance between them.
That scent again. Fresh like laundry hung out on a line. Reid wanted so badly to taste him.
He opened his mouth and Luke leaned in. He held Reid’s head with gentle fingers.
They kissed.
Reid pulled back.
“I want to be alone with you,” Luke said hoarsely. He rubbed an arm up and down Reid’s sleeve, trying to persuade him.
“Okay,” Reid said.
“Really?” Luke’s face lit up. He had not really expected Reid to agree.
“Sure,” Reid said, “We can go to my office . We can do it right there. But don’t think it will be anything more than sex,” Reid added cruelly. “It won’t mean anything.”
He had to be cruel. Reid was too afraid. He didn’t trust Luke. His feelings were raw, so he fell back on insults.
Luke inhaled sharply, as if Reid had dealt him a physical blow. He moved back.
Reid had known just how to put that look of devastation on Luke’s face, of course. Only now, Reid felt like he was going to break down too. Hurting Luke was hurting himself.
Reid opened his mouth –
“Dr. Oliver!” Bob shouted from down the hall.
“Yes?” Reid answered, his eyes still on Luke. Luke was withdrawing from him.
“I can’t find your charts on the Davis case or the Snyder one,” Bob said, coming between them.
Reid frowned, “I put them on your desk ,Bob. Both of them. “
“Well,” Bob snapped, with unusual irritation, “They’re not there.”
Reid turned to Bob. “Well, I put them there. Maybe an incompetent nurse moved it?”
Bob shook his head. “Are you saying I don’t watch my staff?”
Reid gave Bob a perplexed look. Bob was not acting like himself at all.
“Luke!” Reid called. As he and Bob bickered, Luke had slid farther down the hall.
Reid wanted to go after him and do something. Reid did not even know what he wanted to say to
Luke, but something.
However, Luke did not stop walking, and Bob had taken Reid’s arm.
“Come to the office and we can discuss it.”
“Can we please do this later?” Reid asked.
“No,” Bob Hughes had a funny, glazed look in his eyes. “I must know where those files are!”
Reid’s eyes followed Luke for one more second and then he turned to Bob. Bob looked uneasy and strained. Reid frowned in concern. Something was definitely off with Bob’s behavior.
“Okay, let’s fix this. I’ll find the charts.”
They headed to Bob’s office.
It was a mess. Papers were scattered, the garbage overturned.
Reid took in Bob’s lack of color and watery eyes. “Are you taking your medication?” Reid demanded suddenly.
“Of course I am!” Bob huffed. “I take it every day.” Bob had been on medication ever since he’d been diagnosed with early dementia. Reid’s gaze looked over the office once more.
“Look!” Reid pointed. He picked up the files from the floor. “Here they are.”
He handed them to Bob .
“Thank you, “Bob said, sounding more like his usual self. Bt Reid still remained uneasy. He righted the garbage can and straightened up more papers.
He would have to keep a closer eye on Bob.
***
Luke fled the hospital. Tears streamed down his face. He knew exactly where he needed to go. He checked his watch. If he went now, he’d get there just on time.
Pulling into the small church, Luke quickly went in. The AA meeting was just starting. It wasn’t that Luke felt like he was going to drink; he did not want to drink. But he felt beaten and sad and in need of comfort. These meetings always offered him that...
After the meeting, Luke felt stronger. He was angry at Reid and hurt, but he knew Reid. He was always his most obnoxious when he was vulnerable. And he’d been sorry. Luke had seen it on his face. Still, he wasn’t feeling strong enough to try again.
A sudden movement caught his eyes. Luke frowned. It was Carly, swaying slightly, walking to the church.
“Is the mm-meeting over? ‘She whispered loudly to Luke. “I-I ppromised Jack I’d go, “ she giggled suddenly, “but shhh- “ Carly put a finger to her lips, “I’m late.”
“Carly,” Luke hurried over to her. “Are you drinking again?” This was all his family needed right now. Another problem. And Carly had been sober for months. Or so Luke had thought.
“I’m sorry,” Carly clung to Luke’s shirt, knocking him slightly. “So ssorrry.” She began to cry noisily. “Jack is so mad.”
“I understand,” Luke said. “The meeting is over, but – “
“Oh!” Carly swayed slightly and made a motion toward her car.
“Hey,” Luke grabbed her keys. “Did you drive here?” He felt intense anger at her suddenly.
“I’m fine, been driving … I’m good,” Carly gave him a bright smile. “Keys?”
“No.” Luke jammed her keys in his pocket. He wondered just how long this had been going on and fought off a sick feeling in his stomach. It couldn’t be…?
"Don’t tell, Luke! N-no Parker knowing , okay? I’ll stop, okay?”
Luke would have to talk to his Uncle Jack and maybe Margo. Luke squeezed his eyes shut and prayed he was wrong.
For now, he just needed to sober Carly up.
“Come with me,” he told her, “I’ll buy you some coffee at Java,” where Luke planned to question her.
“No!” Carly said. “A burger. Meat. Al’s. Not Java- Parker might be there…” She stumbled a little.
“Okay,” Luke agreed, “Al’s. But then I take you to Jack.”
Luke’s head was swirling with emotions: fear and anger and sadness- all churning in his guts. He drove Carly over to Al’s. She had passed out on the way. He woke her up and they headed inside for a burger and some coffee.
***
Inside the diner, Chris and Casey were eating some fries. Their heads were pressed close together and they were whispering.
Luke dumped Carly in a booth and went to order. When he saw him, Casey jumped up.
“Hey, man,” He said, “How is Natalie?”
Luke shrugged. “Okay. Holding her own.”
“Great! “ Casey smiled, “I know my granddad is really worried too. We all are.” He gave Luke a friendly pat.
“Nothing to worry ,” Chris said suddenly, “not with Mr. Perfect on the job.”
“Chris-“ Casey warned.
“What?” Chris asked belligerently, his mouth full of fries. “We all know how my dad loves Saint Reid.”
“Natalie is lucky to have Reid,” Luke said coolly.
“Oh. I know. And Reid’s lucky to have you, Luke. I mean you bought the guy his own wing at the hospital.”
Luke frowned at Chris and took a step over to him.
Casey grabbed at Luke. “We really wanted to go over to the hospital and see her. Do you think I can go and visit?”
Luke dropped his eyes from Chris and looked at Casey. “Well, I think it is only family right now.” Luke saw that Carly sitting with her head now in her hands. “And we have enough family.”
“Right.” Casey glanced around uneasily.
Chris gave Luke his big, fake smile. “Sooo- is my father giving Reid the keys to his office yet?”
“I don’t know,” Luke answered flatly. He was not a person usually given to anger, but a slow burn was starting inside his skin.
“Ever since he came to this town, he’s been trying to schmooze my father,” Chris complained, “ looking for opportunities .”
Luke gave a bark of laughter, “Reid doesn’t schmooze anybody. That would be you, Chris.”
Chris pushed back his chair and stood up.
“Hey now guys- “ Casey murmured. “You are both stressed out right now.”
They ignored him.
“Katie would have forgiven me, if Reid hadn’t been right there to tell her not to,” Chris ranted. “ And my father? Reid is always showing off, doing -“
"What?” Luke jumped in, “Saving people’s lives? Yeah, he’s a real show off that way. Too bad you can’t say the same.” How dare he attack Reid! “How many patients have you lost again?”
“Oh, oh,” Chris threw up his hands mockingly,” I’m impressed, Luke. That was pretty rude of you. And here we all thought that Reid was the man in the relationship.”
Luke charged at Chris, knocking him over. He pounded at him wildly. It felt good to hit out, after all the pain of the day. He felt Chris smack him back. They rolled into the counter, punching at each other.
Carly screamed. Henry came running out of the kitchen.
Casey tried to pull Chris and Luke apart.
They exchanged more blows.
They banged against the counter and a glass fell. It shattered right on Luke, cutting his forehead and cheek. Casey had managed to grab Chris by now. Chris had a bloody lip.
“What is going on?” Henry yelled at them.
“Nothing!” Chris snarled. “Send me the bill for the damage. Or send it to Luke; he’s loaded.”
Carly sobbed, “I need a burger,” she told Henry like that would cure something, “And please don’t call the police.”
Casey helped Luke to his feet.
“Luke, shit, I’ve never seen you like this.”
Luke ignored Casey. He pointed a finger at Chris. “Don’t blame my boyfriend for your problems. “
“ Reid Oliver is to blame for everything! “ Chris whined.
“Did you have to do this?” Casey hissed to Chris. “Luke has enough going on!”
Chris shifted his feet. “Yeah, well, sorry about your sister. “
“Save it!” Luke said. He seriously wanted to go and hit Chris again.
As if sensing the tension still in the air, Casey again put his body between them.
“C’mon, Luke. I need to take you to the hospital.”
“No,” Luke tried to shrug off Casey.
“Yes! Unless you want Chris here to stitch you up?”
At Luke’s face, Casey nodded, “Didn’t think so. “
Luke sighed, the anger already draining away. “Okay, but let’s just find Alison, alright? She can stitch me up.”
Casey bobbed his head in agreement.
Luke glanced at Carly, “Henry, can you please give Carly more coffee and call her a cab home?”
Henry nodded.
Luke pushed past Chris and left with Casey for the hospital.
Chris and Carly were left in the diner looking at each other. Chris gave her a smirk and slid into her booth.
“So,” he said to Carly, “What’s your story?”
***
Casey drove Luke’s car over to the hospital. As Luke wiped up some drops of blood from his cheek, Casey blasted the radio awhile. They did not talk at first. Then Casey glanced over at Luke and grimaced.
“Man, we better fix your face before your parents see.”
Luke flinched. He felt guilty then. His parents had enough to worry about with Natalie. Luke sighed and gazed out the window. The cornfields were covered with a light frost. Soon there would be snow. It was already becoming bitterly cold.
“Man, this is messed up,” Casey was suddenly saying. “You know, Chris was just acting like a douche cause of the suspension and all.”
“Uh huh.” Luke sighed. “I guess I’m acting badly too. “ He glanced over at Casey. “Reid and I had a huge fight.”
His cut by his forehead was dripping down blood. Luke grabbed a tissue and applied some pressure to it.
“You and Doctor O? “ Casey asked. “I thought you guys were like a dream couple. “
Luke laughed harshly, “Don’t let Reid hear you say that,” he told him, “He thinks I’m more like a nightmare, right now.”
Casey turned into the hospital entrance. “Yeah, Ali and me were fighting a little too. She doesn’t get how it is in a big family. What it’s like to be a Hughes.” Casey pretended to be straightening up in his seat.
“Member when we were kids, Case? All we cared about were video games and skateboards.”
“Yeah, superheroes and snow forts.”
Luke nodded. Then his face fell. “That’s how it should be for Natalie right now. Just easy.”
Casey parked the car in silence. Then he touched Luke’s shoulder, “It will be easy for her again soon; I know it.”
***
As they went into the hospital, the plan was for Casey to quickly get Ali to meet them. But the moment the elevator doors opened, Luke and Casey bumped right into Reid.
“What the hell is this?” Reid said, taking in Luke’s rumpled clothes and bloody face.
“Nothing,” Luke snapped. “Don’t worry about it.”
“I am worried about it,” Reid answered, “You have obviously been acting like an idiot. “
Casey beamed at Reid. “Don’t be mad, dude.”
Casey gestured to Luke. “He was defending your honor,” Casey told Reid.
Luke shoved at Casey to shut up.
Reid came up to them slowly. Luke groaned.
“Just go.” Luke told him. “ Let Ali come and take care of me.”
“Not a chance,” Reid replied.
“Terrific,” Luke mumbled.
Casey grinned at Reid. “It was kind of awesome, how Luke fought over you. I never thought Luke had any Rambo stuff in him.”
They both led a protesting Luke down the hall and into a room.
Reid looked at Casey with interest, “Tell me again,” Reid drawled, “... Who did what now?”
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Reid and Luke are happily engaged and living together, when a sudden event causes Luke to break it off with Reid. This is also my story for Natalie. I read a lot with Ethan and Faith, but not many stories have her in them. I always loved her for hugging Luke at the end of ATWT.
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Warnings: Physical fighting, suspects and kisses –Just who did hit Natalie?
Rating: PG (with fighting?)
Part 5
The room was perfect. At least, Luke hoped that it was. Tutus were tacked up on the wall in all different colors. Soft ballet slippers were neatly lined up near the bed. Some were actually Natalie’s, but others Luke had gone out and bought. She would love to wear them all. He quickly finished hanging up the poster with the three little girls dancing by the water, when Reid walked into the room.
Both men jumped at seeing each other.
“Is it too much?” Luke asked, gesturing to the room. Reid took in the various dance posters and get well banners. He could hear the music of Swan Lake playing softly.
“You did all this?” He asked.
“Too much?” Luke repeated. He chewed a finger nervously.
“No it’s –“ Reid was about to say it’s you, and it was such a Luke thing to do. He gazed at the pink balloons and ballerina teddy bears.
“It’s charming,” Reid pursed his lips, “Too bad Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is over; you’d be a shoe in.”
“And I didn’t think you watched reality television,” Luke shot back.
“How can I escape it?” Reid drawled. “I’m waiting for the Jersey Shore gang to go all ER on us. Snookie- doctor in training. Memorial here would suit those bozos just fine.”
“Only if we had a beach, tattoo parlors and Bon Jovi,” Luke said gamely, trying to keep Reid going.
“It would be an improvement for Oakhell; tanning booths at every farm,” Reid returned neatly.
Time spent with Reid had improved Luke’s obnoxious potential. Luke would never be rude, but he could snark with Reid in private and enjoy it. However, Reid would always be the king of snark.
Luke gave a little laugh now and smiled at him. The smile disconcerted Reid.
“It’s nice,” he finally offered, dropping their game.
Luke shrugged. “I remember with Noah…You told me patients in a coma can maybe hear or know things, so…” He flushed.
“Oh yes, Noah,” Reid said and Luke could have kicked himself. Noah occasionally sent him postcards from LA. Reid always brought in the mail and held them out to Luke like he was holding a dead rat by the tail.
“Has he finally realized his film dreams or is he still dancing shirtless at the Dick Hunter ?”
“You know that was just a rumor Richard started.” Luke said, wondering how to escape this whole conversation.
“Right,” Reid answered, “He told you he is working at Starbucks and still affording that great LA apartment. “
Luke looked over at his sister. “What’s important is that Natalie might hear the music or whatever.”
“Well, she’s not exactly in a coma like Noah’s was, “ Reid said. Luke blew out a sigh of relief that the conversation was shifting back to Natalie. Reid was looking down at her small body in the bed. ” We will wake her up very soon, if it goes well. “
“Really?” Luke smiled, “That’s fantastic!”
Reid cleared his throat.
“Do you still have your cold?” Luke asked him suddenly.
Reid shrugged.
“You should drink some of that tea I bought you,” Luke scolded softly, “I put it behind the coffee filters on the top shelf.”
“I’m fine,” Reid snapped. Luke looked at his feet. Reid sighed.
Reid nodded at Natalie, “I need to examine her.”
“Right,” Luke nodded . “How is she?”
“Tell you in a minute,” Reid replied dryly, and began to check her vitals.
Reid was aware of Luke coming close and standing right behind him. He could feel Luke’s breath on the back of his neck.
“Can you step away?” Reid asked.
“What?” Luke said, “Oh. Sure. Am I bothering you? “ Luke added innocently.
“Something about trying to examine my patient, “ Reid mumbled,” with a family member right at my heels does it. “ As if any family member would be bothering him. As if it were not a case of Luke’s being close enough to touch.
Luke took two, exaggerated steps back. He wasn’t fooled with Reid’s explanation. Luke knew exactly why Reid asked him to move and he hid a grin. If he could still bother Reid so easily, then there was hope.
Reid fought the urge to turn around and kiss him. Why did Luke have to be so damn adorable? He did not want to think about the way Luke’s hair was a mess today or the way it made Reid want to stroke it. He could smell Luke’s fresh scent. He just wanted to bury himself in it. Reid fought the urge and continued to examine Natalie.
“Looks good,” he said, after a few quiet moments, and walked around Luke carefully.
Luke watched him walking away.
Reid was at the door.
“Wait!” Luke said and came over. Reid stepped out into the hallway and Luke followed. Reid braced himself for a “talk.”
“Is she- is she in any pain?” Luke asked and bit his lip.
Surprised by the question, Reid could not help reassuring him. “No, I have her on a morphine drip . “ He reached out a hand to Luke , but then dropped it. “But well…When she wakes up later, she might have some discomfort.”
Luke twisted his lips in annoyance. “Discomfort,” he repeated. “Why do doctors always call it that?”
Reid shrugged. “Because pain is a four letter word,” He drawled and half-smiled at Luke.
Then his smile faded. Luke was staring at him hungrily now. Reid swallowed hard as Luke closed the distance between them.
That scent again. Fresh like laundry hung out on a line. Reid wanted so badly to taste him.
He opened his mouth and Luke leaned in. He held Reid’s head with gentle fingers.
They kissed.
Reid pulled back.
“I want to be alone with you,” Luke said hoarsely. He rubbed an arm up and down Reid’s sleeve, trying to persuade him.
“Okay,” Reid said.
“Really?” Luke’s face lit up. He had not really expected Reid to agree.
“Sure,” Reid said, “We can go to my office . We can do it right there. But don’t think it will be anything more than sex,” Reid added cruelly. “It won’t mean anything.”
He had to be cruel. Reid was too afraid. He didn’t trust Luke. His feelings were raw, so he fell back on insults.
Luke inhaled sharply, as if Reid had dealt him a physical blow. He moved back.
Reid had known just how to put that look of devastation on Luke’s face, of course. Only now, Reid felt like he was going to break down too. Hurting Luke was hurting himself.
Reid opened his mouth –
“Dr. Oliver!” Bob shouted from down the hall.
“Yes?” Reid answered, his eyes still on Luke. Luke was withdrawing from him.
“I can’t find your charts on the Davis case or the Snyder one,” Bob said, coming between them.
Reid frowned, “I put them on your desk ,Bob. Both of them. “
“Well,” Bob snapped, with unusual irritation, “They’re not there.”
Reid turned to Bob. “Well, I put them there. Maybe an incompetent nurse moved it?”
Bob shook his head. “Are you saying I don’t watch my staff?”
Reid gave Bob a perplexed look. Bob was not acting like himself at all.
“Luke!” Reid called. As he and Bob bickered, Luke had slid farther down the hall.
Reid wanted to go after him and do something. Reid did not even know what he wanted to say to
Luke, but something.
However, Luke did not stop walking, and Bob had taken Reid’s arm.
“Come to the office and we can discuss it.”
“Can we please do this later?” Reid asked.
“No,” Bob Hughes had a funny, glazed look in his eyes. “I must know where those files are!”
Reid’s eyes followed Luke for one more second and then he turned to Bob. Bob looked uneasy and strained. Reid frowned in concern. Something was definitely off with Bob’s behavior.
“Okay, let’s fix this. I’ll find the charts.”
They headed to Bob’s office.
It was a mess. Papers were scattered, the garbage overturned.
Reid took in Bob’s lack of color and watery eyes. “Are you taking your medication?” Reid demanded suddenly.
“Of course I am!” Bob huffed. “I take it every day.” Bob had been on medication ever since he’d been diagnosed with early dementia. Reid’s gaze looked over the office once more.
“Look!” Reid pointed. He picked up the files from the floor. “Here they are.”
He handed them to Bob .
“Thank you, “Bob said, sounding more like his usual self. Bt Reid still remained uneasy. He righted the garbage can and straightened up more papers.
He would have to keep a closer eye on Bob.
***
Luke fled the hospital. Tears streamed down his face. He knew exactly where he needed to go. He checked his watch. If he went now, he’d get there just on time.
Pulling into the small church, Luke quickly went in. The AA meeting was just starting. It wasn’t that Luke felt like he was going to drink; he did not want to drink. But he felt beaten and sad and in need of comfort. These meetings always offered him that...
After the meeting, Luke felt stronger. He was angry at Reid and hurt, but he knew Reid. He was always his most obnoxious when he was vulnerable. And he’d been sorry. Luke had seen it on his face. Still, he wasn’t feeling strong enough to try again.
A sudden movement caught his eyes. Luke frowned. It was Carly, swaying slightly, walking to the church.
“Is the mm-meeting over? ‘She whispered loudly to Luke. “I-I ppromised Jack I’d go, “ she giggled suddenly, “but shhh- “ Carly put a finger to her lips, “I’m late.”
“Carly,” Luke hurried over to her. “Are you drinking again?” This was all his family needed right now. Another problem. And Carly had been sober for months. Or so Luke had thought.
“I’m sorry,” Carly clung to Luke’s shirt, knocking him slightly. “So ssorrry.” She began to cry noisily. “Jack is so mad.”
“I understand,” Luke said. “The meeting is over, but – “
“Oh!” Carly swayed slightly and made a motion toward her car.
“Hey,” Luke grabbed her keys. “Did you drive here?” He felt intense anger at her suddenly.
“I’m fine, been driving … I’m good,” Carly gave him a bright smile. “Keys?”
“No.” Luke jammed her keys in his pocket. He wondered just how long this had been going on and fought off a sick feeling in his stomach. It couldn’t be…?
"Don’t tell, Luke! N-no Parker knowing , okay? I’ll stop, okay?”
Luke would have to talk to his Uncle Jack and maybe Margo. Luke squeezed his eyes shut and prayed he was wrong.
For now, he just needed to sober Carly up.
“Come with me,” he told her, “I’ll buy you some coffee at Java,” where Luke planned to question her.
“No!” Carly said. “A burger. Meat. Al’s. Not Java- Parker might be there…” She stumbled a little.
“Okay,” Luke agreed, “Al’s. But then I take you to Jack.”
Luke’s head was swirling with emotions: fear and anger and sadness- all churning in his guts. He drove Carly over to Al’s. She had passed out on the way. He woke her up and they headed inside for a burger and some coffee.
***
Inside the diner, Chris and Casey were eating some fries. Their heads were pressed close together and they were whispering.
Luke dumped Carly in a booth and went to order. When he saw him, Casey jumped up.
“Hey, man,” He said, “How is Natalie?”
Luke shrugged. “Okay. Holding her own.”
“Great! “ Casey smiled, “I know my granddad is really worried too. We all are.” He gave Luke a friendly pat.
“Nothing to worry ,” Chris said suddenly, “not with Mr. Perfect on the job.”
“Chris-“ Casey warned.
“What?” Chris asked belligerently, his mouth full of fries. “We all know how my dad loves Saint Reid.”
“Natalie is lucky to have Reid,” Luke said coolly.
“Oh. I know. And Reid’s lucky to have you, Luke. I mean you bought the guy his own wing at the hospital.”
Luke frowned at Chris and took a step over to him.
Casey grabbed at Luke. “We really wanted to go over to the hospital and see her. Do you think I can go and visit?”
Luke dropped his eyes from Chris and looked at Casey. “Well, I think it is only family right now.” Luke saw that Carly sitting with her head now in her hands. “And we have enough family.”
“Right.” Casey glanced around uneasily.
Chris gave Luke his big, fake smile. “Sooo- is my father giving Reid the keys to his office yet?”
“I don’t know,” Luke answered flatly. He was not a person usually given to anger, but a slow burn was starting inside his skin.
“Ever since he came to this town, he’s been trying to schmooze my father,” Chris complained, “ looking for opportunities .”
Luke gave a bark of laughter, “Reid doesn’t schmooze anybody. That would be you, Chris.”
Chris pushed back his chair and stood up.
“Hey now guys- “ Casey murmured. “You are both stressed out right now.”
They ignored him.
“Katie would have forgiven me, if Reid hadn’t been right there to tell her not to,” Chris ranted. “ And my father? Reid is always showing off, doing -“
"What?” Luke jumped in, “Saving people’s lives? Yeah, he’s a real show off that way. Too bad you can’t say the same.” How dare he attack Reid! “How many patients have you lost again?”
“Oh, oh,” Chris threw up his hands mockingly,” I’m impressed, Luke. That was pretty rude of you. And here we all thought that Reid was the man in the relationship.”
Luke charged at Chris, knocking him over. He pounded at him wildly. It felt good to hit out, after all the pain of the day. He felt Chris smack him back. They rolled into the counter, punching at each other.
Carly screamed. Henry came running out of the kitchen.
Casey tried to pull Chris and Luke apart.
They exchanged more blows.
They banged against the counter and a glass fell. It shattered right on Luke, cutting his forehead and cheek. Casey had managed to grab Chris by now. Chris had a bloody lip.
“What is going on?” Henry yelled at them.
“Nothing!” Chris snarled. “Send me the bill for the damage. Or send it to Luke; he’s loaded.”
Carly sobbed, “I need a burger,” she told Henry like that would cure something, “And please don’t call the police.”
Casey helped Luke to his feet.
“Luke, shit, I’ve never seen you like this.”
Luke ignored Casey. He pointed a finger at Chris. “Don’t blame my boyfriend for your problems. “
“ Reid Oliver is to blame for everything! “ Chris whined.
“Did you have to do this?” Casey hissed to Chris. “Luke has enough going on!”
Chris shifted his feet. “Yeah, well, sorry about your sister. “
“Save it!” Luke said. He seriously wanted to go and hit Chris again.
As if sensing the tension still in the air, Casey again put his body between them.
“C’mon, Luke. I need to take you to the hospital.”
“No,” Luke tried to shrug off Casey.
“Yes! Unless you want Chris here to stitch you up?”
At Luke’s face, Casey nodded, “Didn’t think so. “
Luke sighed, the anger already draining away. “Okay, but let’s just find Alison, alright? She can stitch me up.”
Casey bobbed his head in agreement.
Luke glanced at Carly, “Henry, can you please give Carly more coffee and call her a cab home?”
Henry nodded.
Luke pushed past Chris and left with Casey for the hospital.
Chris and Carly were left in the diner looking at each other. Chris gave her a smirk and slid into her booth.
“So,” he said to Carly, “What’s your story?”
***
Casey drove Luke’s car over to the hospital. As Luke wiped up some drops of blood from his cheek, Casey blasted the radio awhile. They did not talk at first. Then Casey glanced over at Luke and grimaced.
“Man, we better fix your face before your parents see.”
Luke flinched. He felt guilty then. His parents had enough to worry about with Natalie. Luke sighed and gazed out the window. The cornfields were covered with a light frost. Soon there would be snow. It was already becoming bitterly cold.
“Man, this is messed up,” Casey was suddenly saying. “You know, Chris was just acting like a douche cause of the suspension and all.”
“Uh huh.” Luke sighed. “I guess I’m acting badly too. “ He glanced over at Casey. “Reid and I had a huge fight.”
His cut by his forehead was dripping down blood. Luke grabbed a tissue and applied some pressure to it.
“You and Doctor O? “ Casey asked. “I thought you guys were like a dream couple. “
Luke laughed harshly, “Don’t let Reid hear you say that,” he told him, “He thinks I’m more like a nightmare, right now.”
Casey turned into the hospital entrance. “Yeah, Ali and me were fighting a little too. She doesn’t get how it is in a big family. What it’s like to be a Hughes.” Casey pretended to be straightening up in his seat.
“Member when we were kids, Case? All we cared about were video games and skateboards.”
“Yeah, superheroes and snow forts.”
Luke nodded. Then his face fell. “That’s how it should be for Natalie right now. Just easy.”
Casey parked the car in silence. Then he touched Luke’s shoulder, “It will be easy for her again soon; I know it.”
***
As they went into the hospital, the plan was for Casey to quickly get Ali to meet them. But the moment the elevator doors opened, Luke and Casey bumped right into Reid.
“What the hell is this?” Reid said, taking in Luke’s rumpled clothes and bloody face.
“Nothing,” Luke snapped. “Don’t worry about it.”
“I am worried about it,” Reid answered, “You have obviously been acting like an idiot. “
Casey beamed at Reid. “Don’t be mad, dude.”
Casey gestured to Luke. “He was defending your honor,” Casey told Reid.
Luke shoved at Casey to shut up.
Reid came up to them slowly. Luke groaned.
“Just go.” Luke told him. “ Let Ali come and take care of me.”
“Not a chance,” Reid replied.
“Terrific,” Luke mumbled.
Casey grinned at Reid. “It was kind of awesome, how Luke fought over you. I never thought Luke had any Rambo stuff in him.”
They both led a protesting Luke down the hall and into a room.
Reid looked at Casey with interest, “Tell me again,” Reid drawled, “... Who did what now?”
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-12-08 06:50 am (UTC)We can do it right there. But don’t think it will be anything more than sex,” Reid added cruelly. “It won’t mean anything.”//dang the was evil of reid to say that ot Luke.
You did a great job describing Carly drunk I could picture it so well.
can't wait for the next chapter where Reid takes care of Luke.
no subject
Date: 2010-12-08 12:46 pm (UTC)Thanks for the comment
no subject
Date: 2010-12-08 04:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-08 07:58 am (UTC)You did a fantastic job with Chris. I hate him here too!!
I loved that Reid is the one who is going to fix Luke!
Great chapter!
no subject
Date: 2010-12-08 12:44 pm (UTC)That is why I loved your last chapter with Chris too. I see him like you do...I don't know if I will ever write a fic where he is a nice guy...
no subject
Date: 2010-12-08 10:19 pm (UTC)I agree with you about Noah too. He's an idiot and he treated Luke horribly and so I make him suffer for that, but it is Chris who really upsets me.
I still can't believe that they killed Reid to save awful Chris Hughes. To me he was just completely unlikeable. I never bought the love story between Chris and Katie. Bleh!!!
I'm still bitter!!!
Sorry for the rant!
no subject
Date: 2011-03-03 02:52 pm (UTC)what's up with bob? chris is an ass. casey is such a good friend. noah dancing shirtless, LOL!!! like the way reid give luke the postcards. made me laugh. luke all rambo like. now, this will give reid and luke the chance to talk it out. chris, stay away from carly. great chapter.
no subject
Date: 2011-03-03 02:55 pm (UTC)