marsabi1 | Entries tagged with damian grimaldi

Title: The Secret of Being a Grimaldi
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Luke has superpowers. Luke and Reid are in Malta to confront Damian about some missing foundation money. Reid has just learned from Damian that Luke has been mind-reading.
Rating: PG
Warning: Sad chapter

Chapter 14

Damian had been teaching his son how to control his powers, and it was amazing to Luke how quickly he was learning. He had talked to the cook for a few hours and bonded with the woman, and soon he began to be able to read her mind. Then Damian had explained to him how to stop it. Luke went back to the cook, read her mind again, and then controlled his power and simply refused to hear her thoughts. It was like turning down the sound on the radio. It was that easy. Now, Luke thought, he could finally tell Reid. Because now he could promise Reid that he would never read his private thoughts without Reid's permission. Luke's visions were harder and more complex for him to control, since he did not know when a vision was coming. But Damian urged him to stay a little longer, and promised to help Luke with that too.

Luke understood that Reid was restless to leave the castle. But he was confident that he could handle Reid. He just needed a little more time in Malta, then they could go home. Besides, Luke was enjoying being away from everybody. All he needed was to be with Reid. He thought of the way they had fed each other fruit the day before, licking the juice from each other's open lips. He remembered Reid standing in Luke's clothing at the hospital, as he helped him with his visions. That had been just hours after they had first been together, and Reid had been so kind to him. It wasn't a kindness that Reid liked to openly show, but he had shown Luke. Luke smiled and thought about the way he had watched Reid sleeping on the airplane trip to Malta. Reid always slept with one hand tucked under his face. Luke had stroked his hair, watching him dream. Luke's thoughts turned to the night before. Reid had made love to him, rocking into him so tenderly. Despite all the strange things that had happened to him lately, Luke felt blessed.

So Luke was happy and beaming at Reid's arrival in their suite. He had been waiting for him. Luke was ready to finally explain all about the mind reading. He knew it might upset Reid somewhat, but he would spend the next few hours making it up to him. Luke imagined enjoying Reid's gorgeous body, his fingers trailing over Reid's flat belly and beautiful chest, flicking those perfect nipples, and then kissing Reid slowly -

"Hey," Reid said, giving Luke an impatient shake.

Luke jumped and then smiled, "Sorry! I was just- " he flushed, "thinking of you."

"Here I am," Reid said flatly. His mouth was turned down in a hard line.

Luke came up to him and rubbed at Reid's shoulder's with true affection.

"Thanks for being here," he told Reid. "I know it has been tough on you."

Reid pulled away from Luke's touch. "How do you know what I'm feeling?" He said.

Luke shrugged, " I just...know you." He studied Reid. "And right now I can tell something is wrong. What is it?"

"What?" Reid snarled suddenly, "You don't know? You can't just read my mind?"

Luke froze. The smile on his face faded.

"How did you- "

"Does it matter? ' Reid asked coldly. "If you must know, bad dad told me. He thought that I already knew."

"No, I told him not to, " Luke shook his head as if to clear it. Luke felt like he had been punched in the guts. He tried to reach for Reid.

"Don't!" Reid shoved him back. His hands balled into fists.

I don't want him to touch me!

Luke dropped his hand. He could hear the blades of the ceiling fan whirling above his head. He could feel the sunlight piercing through the heavy bedroom curtains. He dared not touch Reid in that long moment. He wanted to desperately, but he didn't have the nerve to risk it. The silence was palpable.

Luke struggled to find the right words. He spoke softly. "I was going to tell you. "

"When?"

"Now, " Luke answered.

Reid snorted in disbelief.

"No, I was...I've been learning to control it. I was waiting until I could. It all started out as an accident, I promise."

"Forgive me if your promises mean nothing to me," Reid replied. His eyes looked into Luke's without mercy.

Luke's eyes filled. "I wanted to protect your feelings; when you hurt, I hurt," Luke said simply. Warm, wet tears slid helplessly down his face.

"Spare me! You read my mind cause you wanted to. Cause you could. Save your explanations for your therapist, since you'll no doubt end up as lonely and crazy as the rest of the Grimaldis. "

"Don't," Luke whispered, his eyes squeezing shut.

"Don't what?" Reid mocked, "Am I not being nice? Too bad. "

"Reid," Luke mouth quivered and he could barely form the words, "Don't do this. I know you're mad, but.." He tried to touch Reid's shirt. "I love you."

Reid shook Luke off and backed away like he was a snake. "Love?" His lips twisted up. "How did we get to love?" Reid laughed then, but without joy. "You love like all the rest of the
Snyders maybe, switching partners every other day like life is some big square dance."

"I'm not like that," Luke protested. "I don't fall in love easily."

"I don't care one way or the other, " Reid told him. "I should have listened to my first instincts about you. That you were spoiled and didn't think the rules applied. "

Luke covered his ears a moment. Reid roughly pulled Luke's hands away. "No , I want you to hear me, Luke. I want to thank you," he said.

Luke gulped and looked into Reid's icy stare. "For what?" And even though Reid had been so cruel, a small part of Luke was holding out some hope.

"For letting me fuck you, of course. It was fun. Meaningless, but fun. " Reid released Luke's hands and grabbed his suitcase and medical bag. He threw his clothes into the suitcase, packing quickly.

Luke grabbed at Reid. He sank to his knees, and held Reid around the waist. Luke buried his face in Reid's stomach.

"Say whatever you want to me, but don't go," Luke pleaded. "Don't leave."

Reid hesitated for just a second. Luke missed the flicker of pain in Reid's eyes as he pushed Luke off of him. "I'm done with this game," He told Luke harshly.

Luke looked up at him and shook his head. Luke's mouth was trembling. He fought to control it. "You're not a game player at all," he told Reid, " you don't play games with love."

Reid closed his eyes to hide his misery. Then he forced himself to look right at Luke's beautiful, sad face.

"I don't play games, you're right. " Reid moved past Luke to the door. He looked back at him once. "But apparently you do. And your games with me are over, Mr. Snyder."

Luke had no pride left. Still on his knees, he made one more attempt to reach his arms out to Reid.

I just hate him right now!

Hearing that, stopped Luke cold. It was like poison in his breaking heart. He stopped and let Reid walk out the door. He didn't see the way Reid covered his hands over his face, once he was safely outside of the room. He did not see the way misery etched itself on every part of Reid's features. Luke was too busy curling himself into a ball on the floor. Luke did not think he would ever get up again.

Reid wanted to flee. He was afraid that Luke would still chase him, that he would break down and just forgive Luke. So he hesitated at the elevator and decided instead to go the back way, down one of the many Grimaldi staircases. As Reid made his way down the stairs, he saw them: Damian and Lily and Lucinda. Lily and Lucinda were tied at the arms and being led by some guards. Damian looked up, spotting Reid. He nodded to his guards and they came at Reid and grabbed him quickly. They forced him down the stairs right to Damian. Reid flinched as Damian grabbed his shoulder.

"This, Doctor Oliver, " Damian drawled, "Is most unfortunate for you."

Title: The Secret of Being a Grimaldi
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Luke has powers and has gone to Malta to confront Damian.
Disclaimer: Based on ATWT
Rating: PG
Warning: Last Chapters

Chapter 15

Luke remained curled up on the floor. His body racked with sobs. He hadn't known, not really, how deeply he loved Reid until then. He had never felt such complete pain. He waited for Reid to come back through the door, and the waiting became inconsolable. There was nothing to hold onto but all the memories forming like webs in his mind. The sensation of Reid touching him. The way Reid smiled, his fierce eyes, and his capable hands. Every minute Reid did not walk through that door, Luke felt his heart twisting. He knew that he was to blame, and that was the hardest part of it all. The pain of that was sharp and bitter. He had not protected his love. Luke closed his eyes. That was when a vision came to him, forcefully invading his mind.

He could see Reid. Somewhere dark. Reid was trembling, his whole body was trembling. Reid was frightened and alone. It was dark, a basement- no, a cave. Reid could not breathe. His lungs were burning-

Luke bolted up. Sweat poured off his skin. Luke tried to think. Then he just knew- Reid was in the caves under the Grimaldi castle. Reid needed him. Luke had no doubts that this particular vision was right.

He ran out of his room and raced down the hall. In his hurry, he smacked into one of Damian's guards. He was an extremely fat man, followed by a taller man. The fat one put his hands on Luke. Luke grabbed him back.

"Don't even try and stop me," Luke snarled.

To his surprise, the fat guard just froze. Luke realized that he had some of Damian's power now. The man stopped because Luke had touched him and told him to stop. The taller guard met Luke's eyes in fright. He fled. Luke did not have time to think over this new found ability; he had to get to Reid.

Luke went down to the lowest level of the Grimaldi castle. From there, he climbed down into the caves. It was incredibly dark in the cave and wet on the ground. It stank of salt and earth. Luke already knew that Reid was afraid of dark, small places. He called out Reid's name, frantically searching. It was no use. Then Luke took a deep breath. He had to calm down and focus. He used his mind. He followed it, through one cave and into another, until he found him.

Reid was a mess. He was hunched over and shaking. Luke thought the shaking was just from the fear of the cave, until he turned Reid around to face him. Reid's eyes were glazed. His body damp with sweat. His whole body was shivering uncontrollably. His fingers were bent and experiencing huge spasms. Luke could tell this went beyond Reid's normal fear. Rage at Damian filled Luke.

Luke touched Reid's neck and shoulders. He tried to hug Reid, but the shaking was too bad. Luke attempted to read his mind. All he could hear was, No, no, no! Not my hands!

Luke grabbed Reid's beautiful fingers and stroked them. He put one hand there and then held his other hand up to Reid's head. Luke summoned all his new strength.

"You are fine," he whispered to Reid, "your hands are fine. You are calm. You are steady. You are fine," He stroked Reid lovingly up and down his face as he said the words. Reid's eyes had started to lose their glazed appearance. They met Luke's. They still were fearful. Luke continued to hold Reid. He squeezed Reid's shaking hands. "You are fine. You are back in control. No fear." He just kept repeating these words to Reid, and slowly Reid began to respond. His shaking stopped. His body calmed. Luke took both of Reid's cheeks in his hands and gave Reid's lips a soft kiss.

"Luke?'

"I'm here. You're okay."

"You saved me, " Reid voice was hoarse, but strong. "Nobody has ever- " He looked up at Luke. "I mean -"

Luke cupped Reid's cheek again. "I'll always save you."

Reid closed his eyes for a moment. He licked his dry lips. "Your mother, Lucinda- " He told Luke.

"What?"

"They are here. I think in another cave. "

Luke wanted to just hold Reid some more. To connect with him again. To discuss their terrible fight. But now wasn't the time.

Luke pulled Reid to his feet. "Can you walk?"

"Yes."

Luke held one arm around Reid; he was a little unsteady. Together they wandered into the next cave and found Lily and Lucinda. They were no longer under Damian's mind influence, but both women were tied up. Luke set Reid down and then ran over to his family. He quickly untied them .

They all stood up.

"Let's get out of here!" said Reid, still hating the caves. But he was back to his normal self.

"I have a gun," Lucinda started to say, "back on the jet. If he comes -"

"No!" Luke told her. "Just go home. I will have to deal with this mess alone. " He thought of his vision with the gun and Lucinda. "I can't let you do anything else."

"We should all go," Lily said, still sobbing. "And quickly."

But it was too late. Luke could feel them arrive, even before he saw them. Damian and Bettina entered the small cave.

Bettina Grimaldi still was being pushed by her vacuous nurse. Her body remained absolutely still. But suddenly, Luke heard all of Bettina's thoughts. They were sick and evil. The plan now revealed itself to Luke. His grandmother wanted him to never leave this castle. She planned to drain his power and leave him here to waste away. Once Bettina Grimaldi fed off of Luke's youth and new abilities, she would regain her own body and be unstoppable. She would be the most powerful Grimaldi ever. She cared about no one else. Luke could hear vile ideas in her mind. Hatred for Lily and Luke as "not pure," and hatred for even Damian. She had been controlling Damian, although he had been trying to resist her. Bettina wanted Luke now; she wanted to take everything from him.

Luke recoiled. His eyes met his father's eyes. Bettina Grimaldi was wheeled closer to Luke. She reached out, already her body gaining strength from being in Luke's presence, one deformed and twisted hand to touch him.

"No!" Damian suddenly acted. He put himself between Luke and his mother. The old lady sank her claws into her only son. Soon their minds were locked in a fierce battle for dominance.

Damian's body started to shake. His eyes bulged. A trickle of blood came from his right ear. Luke could sense that Bettina was winning. That she was too strong for him. Damian was in serious trouble. Luke jumped into the mix. He put his own hand on Bettina Grimaldi's head. Togther, he and Damian battled her mind.

At Luke's touch , Bettina's body jerked and flailed around like a wild beast. Blood came pouring out of her eyeballs and nose. She coughed and wheezed and more blood poured out. Her body went into some kind of seizure again, thrashing and suffering. The whole time, Damian and Luke hung on to her, thinking thoughts of her destruction. She continued to jerk, like a puppet with broken strings. Her head tipped to one side. Her mouth opened in a silent scream. It was horrible to see. Then she just stopped. Her body a shell.

Luke let go of his grip on Bettina. Damian also dropped his hand. Luke turned to Damian and could see that, like his grandmother, Damian was now bleeding from his extremities.

"Reid!" Luke shrieked, calling instinctively for the one person he still trusted. He bent over Damian and gently touched his father's head.

Reid rushed over, forgetting all the trauma that Damian Grimaldi had put him through the past few hours, and reacting only to the pain in his Luke's voice.

"Leave him," shouted Lucinda, "It is what he deserves."

Lily just sobbed.

Reid checked Damian's vital signs. He looked at the bleeding from his nose and eyes. He frowned. There must be massive internal hemorrhaging.

Reid put one hand on Luke's chest. Luke's heart was pounding.

"We can try and get him to a hospital, " Reid told Luke, "but-"

Luke just shook his head, tears falling. "Please, Reid."

Reid nodded. Luke had just saved him from the horrors of his mind; he would try now to save Luke's father. Reid began to work on Damian.

"Luciano," Damian whispered.

Luke met Damian's eyes.

Damian Grimaldi knew he was close to dying; he had seen this battle with his mother in a vision just a few days before. Even as he tried to talk to his son, the world was becoming hazy. Dr. Oliver was trying desperately to save him. He was efficiently wrapping up Damian's head and putting pressure on his wounds. Maybe this doctor would save him, or maybe not. But perhaps here was a man who could protect his son from a life of emptiness; it was the life Damian had suffered too long.

"It's okay," he told his son. "It doesn't matter."

Damian's eyesight was fading in and out. Damian could no longer speak. His mouth tasted blood. He met Luke's mind in a final burst of strength.

Luke heard, Forgive me.

Luke embraced Damian, even though Luke was not sure he would ever forgive his father. But he still loved Damian and that had to be enough. Reid picked up his medical bag and was stitching up Damian, and Lily had finally found the courage to stop sobbing and was dialing an ambulance. Luke held his father as Reid gave Damian a shot of something.

"For his pain," Reid told Luke. Their eyes met. Luke's face was filled with suffering and deep sadness. It was all that Reid could do not to scoop him up like a lost boy and carry him away.

Damian Grimaldi rested in his son's arms. He felt no pain now. He was experiencing another vision of his future. It was a hospital. He knew then that he was about to live, but that his body and mind might not ever fully recover. But his vision of the hospital, a prison hospital he was almost certain, did not cause him any fear. His mother was dead. The Grimaldi legacy would live on in Luciano. It was enough. Damian moaned softly. He could sense his body was weak now, and his powers were fading. Draining out of him, perhaps forever. Damian closed his eyes and slept. When he woke up, his vision would be true.

Luke rode with Damian to the hospital and said his goodbyes to him there. He did not forgive him. Damian had hurt his family once again. On top of that, Damian had hurt the man Luke loved. No, Luke felt no forgiveness. But he hoped his father would find some kind of healing.

When Luke returned to the Grimaldi castle, Lily and Reid were already gone.

"Your father's powers? " Lucinda asked.

Luke shrugged and bit his lip. "Gone. Burned out. At least it seems that way for now."

Lucinda nodded and the pain on Luke's face stopped her from pushing it.

Luke looked around the castle. He never wanted to return.

"Mom and Reid?"

"They were both exhausted, darling. I sent them ahead of us on the jet. My pilot will return for us soon. "

"Okay," Luke said simply.

He did not even want to think about the fact that Reid had left him.

Lucinda patted his back.

"How about some food, darling? I'll go check with what is left of the staff."

Luke nodded again and Lucinda quietly closed the door behind her.

Luke sat in the darkness a long time.

Chapter 16

Oakdale

Back in Oakdale, Luke had cleaned up and slept for hours He had also tried to contact Reid a dozen times. He had left messages and texts. Reid had not responded. Luke had pleaded in those messages, but all he had gotten was silence.

It was starting to make him mad. Luke Snyder had a slow temper, but he could feel it building. Yes, Reid had many reasons to be furious with him, to end it officially even, but he could at least return Luke's calls.

It wasn't hard to find Reid; he was at the hospital. That was where Reid Oliver always was. He had been ignoring Luke's desperate texts and emails for 48 hours now. Luke hesitated outside of the hospital's break room. His fingers shook with nerves and he quickly jammed them into his pockets. He just stood there for a moment. He had to draw on his anger to get the courage to even push open the door.

Slowly, Luke went inside. Reid was there. He was in his scrubs, looking irritated as he flipped through some papers. At the sight of Reid's beautiful stern face all of Luke's anger just drained away, leaving him with just his fears.

"Hey," Luke said and tried his best smile at Reid, but Luke's eyes were worried.

"Luke," Reid answered. Then he frowned. "If you are here about Noah's condition; he is fine. He sees perfectly and has been released."

"Noah?" Luke shrugged, a purposefully blank expression on his face.

Reid rewarded him with a small grunt of amusement.

Then Luke said, "I heard he was out. That is great. You did a great job on him." It was hard to even remember the operation had been less than a week ago; so much had changed.

"I am the best,' Reid agreed.

"You certainly are, ' Luke smiled.

Reid just sighed. "Why are you here, Luke?"

"I'm," Luke stammered, "I'm here for you." He gulped hard. "I'm so sorry, Reid. I can control my powers now and- please believe me - I won't ever use them without your knowledge."

Reid was silent. Luke fought back his temptation to read his thoughts. He endured the silence instead.

"I just -please, " Luke said again. "I'm begging you."

"Well, stop it. Stop begging!" Reid got up and walked over to Luke. "You begged me in Malta and you begged me in all those messages. Just stop."

Tears filled Luke's eyes. He looked away. He refused to cry in front of Reid. He deserved whatever Reid had decided.

Reid tucked a finger under Luke's chin and forced their eyes to meet. "I like you on your knees, Snyder, but for other reasons."

Luke's eyes widened. Reid gave him a grin and let go of his chin.

"Remember something, okay? You don't need to beg me or anybody."

"But you were so mad," Luke said.

Reid shrugged. "And I still am, really pissed. And a bit overwhelmed by it. That's why I haven't called you back yet." Reid paced the room for a moment. Then he stopped in front of Luke. "But," Reid shrugged. "This is the part where we work it out like grown ups do."

Luke felt a tear slide down his cheek and quickly rubbed it away with the back of his hand.

"Without any more drama?" Luke said, trying to tease him. "You really don't belong in Oakdale, do you?"

"Oakdale has its attractions," Reid answered, giving Luke a heated glance.

"I would be happy to get on my knees in that other way," Luke whispered, "I am longing for that." Luke sniffed. "Actually, my powers always disappear at those moments. When we are together they vanish, cause I can only feel."

"Really?" Reid asked. "Huh. So you mean, if I just sex you up 24 hours a day - no powers?"

"Nope."

"Good to know."

"Plus," Luke murmured, stepping closer to Reid, looking into his eyes, "Now you know that I never really did beat you at chess."

Reid snorted, "I knew there was an explanation."

"And," Luke continued with his argument, "now that you know my powers, we never need to have those relationship talks that you despise so much."

"Cause you can just read my mind?" Reid said.

Luke took in a big breath of air. "Right, but only ever if you want me to." Luke raised a hand to Reid's cheek and stroked it slowly. "I love you and I promise you, I will never do anything without it being your choice. "

"So you want me to forgive you and be friends?" Reid said.

Luke shot him a look. "Friends?" Luke asked,stunned.

Reid rolled his eyes, "Luke, I'm kidding. Like I could ever be just friends with you. So... not friends?" Reid added dryly.

"Friends and lovers too?" Luke asked. "If it is what you want." Then Luke stared down at the floor.

"How 'bout this? " Reid said and reached for Luke's lips. They kissed. It was a kiss of passion and forgiveness. Luke opened his mouth and let Reid's tongue find his own tongue. They breathed in each other's scent. Reid wrapped a possessive hand around Luke's waist.

Then the kiss was over. Reid gave Luke a gentle touch on the chest.

"I love you," Luke told him simply. Reid did not answer, but neither did he retreat.

Reid cleared his throat.

"I am curious about the powers. Why they came so late for you. What about all those years with Noah, and no powers?"

"Well, Damian did say it came from a sexual awakening," Luke flushed.

"And being with that dull Mayer threw off all your sexual mojo," Reid replied.

"And being with my true love, " Luke said softly, "turned it all on for me."

"Don't be so mushy, " Reid gave a mock shudder, but he was smiling. "I thought you promised no relationship talks."

Luke laughed, "Okay." He touched Reid's lips with a finger. "Whatever you want."

Then Luke embraced Reid tightly and squeezed him for all he was worth. He just wanted to embrace Reid to show him how happy his forgiveness felt. Reid returned the embrace, slowly at first, and then fully. Luke's heart lifted in joy.

"Luke?" Reid said softly.

"Yes?" Luke asked, still holding onto Reid and hugging him.

"Read my mind."

Luke drew back, startled. "What?"

"You have my permission, just this once," Reid told him.

Luke searched Reid's eyes. "Are you testing me?"

"No , read it."

Luke did. He smiled, "Dirty, dirty thoughts, Doctor Oliver, " Luke blushed.

"At least they are about you, Mr. Snyder." Reid shook his head. "It really is amazing. I wonder what inside of your brain - "

"Hey, I love you, but no cutting into my brain." Luke grinned.

"A few tests?" Reid questioned.

"No!"

Reid snapped his fingers. "How disappointing. "

"I'll make it up to you right now, " Luke offered. " Lets get out of here and I'll fulfill every one of those dirty thoughts."

"I'm looking forward to having you keep that promise, " Reid laughed. Then he pulled Luke back into an embrace.

"I love you so much," Luke told him. Reid smiled.

"Okay, just once more," Reid said suddenly.

"What?" Luke asked.

"Read it again."

"I thought you said that time was it?" Luke said, laughing.

"Once more," Reid said. " Because I just can't say- " Reid shrugged, "I may never be able to say - - Just read me damn it! Once more."

"Okay, okay." Luke was a little bewildered, but he'd do anything for Reid.

Luke stared into Reid's magnetic blue eyes. Reid stared back at Luke and smiled softly.

Then Luke smiled; his whole face beamed.

Luke heard, I love you too.

THE END

Thanks to all those who read and commented

Title: The Secret of Being a Grimaldi
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Luke can read minds and has visions. Reid and Luke are in Malta to stop Damian from stealing the foundation's money. Oh yeah, and they have been busy having lots of sex in pools (5), airplanes (9), and tied up (11)...because Lure should have sex all the time, always...
Disclaimer: Belong to ATWT
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Gothic thoughts have invaded my brain!

Chapter 12

"It is good to see you, Luciano, " Damian said again. They were sitting in the Grimaldi library, surrounded by opulence.There were heavy red, velvet curtains, a stone fireplace, and a gigantic wooden desk. All around them were wall-to-wall books. Damian was perched in an enormous leather armchair. He did not have his usual tan; in fact, Luke thought he looked a bit pale and emaciated.

"You too," Luke replied.

"Luciano-"

"Luke, call me Luke," Luke said firmly.

Damian nodded and flashed an overly charming smile, "As you wish."

Luke was having a hard time reading Damian's mind. He could hear none of his father's thoughts at all.

"And Doctor Oliver, yes?" Damian turned to Reid.

Reid merely nodded.

"Please excuse my impulsive guards."

Reid shrugged, "Captivity wasn't all bad," he smirked over at Luke. Luke blushed.

Damian noted their exchange. "So , Luke, you and Noah -"

Luke stammered, "We eh, well.."

Reid scooped up Luke's hand.

"Luke and I are now together, " Reid told Damian simply.

Luke looked at Reid. He admired Reid's ease with being out. He had always struggled with it. Noah had only made him feel more awkward. Reid, on the other hand, made it easy. In that instant, Luke felt so proud to be with Reid.

"Look, we came to discuss the money missing from the foundation," Luke said.

"You tracked it to me?" Damian asked.

"Yes, and I found the missing accounts."

Damian smiled, "Good."

"Good?" Reid said.

"My son is learning. I hoped you would find the funds. I will put them all back, of course. But I am pleased to see you business abilities have increased, Luc- Luke."

"Thank you, " Luke said. "I thought it might be one of your tests."

"You know me so well," Damian nodded.

"Wait a minute," Reid interrupted, "all this might have been fun and games for you, but this money is for the new Neuro wing - "

"Reid."

"No," Reid shook off Luke's hand, " this is money meant for people who are sick and waiting on this technology to help them. Who do you think you are just playing games with it and with Luke?" Reid looked Damian right in the eyes.

There was a small moment of chilly silence.

Then Damian gave another charming grin, "I see Doctor Oliver is quite passionate about his work and about you too, Luke. You are correct, of course, to be angry. I apologize. But you see, I can't just be in my son's life. Too much has happened. His mother and that town would stop me. " Damian turned to Luke. "How is your lovely mother, by the way?"

Luke shifted in his seat. "Fine."

"She's with Holden again?" Damian asked smoothly.

"Er- no." Luke was beginning to feel uncomfortable, the way he always felt in the middle of his mother and his two dads' battles.

"Luke's a grown man," Reid interrupted, " he isn't babysitting Lily."

Luke could tell Reid was just trying to help him, but Reid clearly did not know anything about talking to Damian Grimaldi.

Damian's eyes had narrowed, but the smile still played on his lips.

Luke heard, I don't like Damian. I don't trust him

Luke did not 100% trust his father either. He knew though, that the way to handle Damian was with finesse and patience. Reid, however, could never be accused of having finesse. Luke did not want to antagonize Damian; he preferred to see what games his father was playing first.

He looked over at Reid. "Why don't you go and relax and I'll catch up with Damian some?"

Reid hesitated. "Take a shower in our room, and we can meet up again before dinner," Luke urged.

"Yes, please relax," Damian told Reid smoothly. "I am preparing a huge meal in my son's honor."

Reid still hesitated, his intelligent eyes moving between Damian and Luke.

Luke gave Reid's hand a gentle squeeze.

"I'll be up soon."

Reid nodded. "I would like to wash up. " He started to leave the room. Then he came back into it, planted a hard kiss on Luke's lips, and looked at Damian with a cool challenge in his eyes. "Be back."

Reid left.

Damian and his son studied each other. Luke was trying to probe Damian's thoughts again.

"It won't work, Luciano," Damian told him softly.

"What?"

"Reading my mind."

Luke nearly jumped out of his seat. "How did you know I -"

"I can feel it," Damian replied calmly, "your mind seeking mine."

"Do you read minds too?" Luke asked.

Damian shook his head, "But the Grimaldi's have had powers for centuries and many others in our family have had that gift. I can block you from reading my thoughts because I have had to block others before you. "

"So, you have just that power?" Luke was almost disappointed.

Damian smiled, "No, I have visions of the future sometimes, and I can sense many things. On
occasion, I can place ideas into a person's head."

"I've had visions too, " Luke murmured. "But I can't control any of it. Block myself at all."

"Your powers are new, Luciano. But they are strong. And they are growing; I feel them. Don't be surprised at developing even more abilities soon."

"Why are they so late to come to me? Mother had said something about the powers coming at puberty?"

Damian shrugged. He stood up and began to pace the room. He seemed agitated at the mention of Lily's name.

"Not sure. It could be...Well, the powers do usually come on at puberty, at a sexual awakening ,and then grow from there...With your mother, I felt my powers blossom. Even though I had my powers for many years before meeting Lily, she was my true love. That made me even stronger. We Grimaldi's need love, Luciano, we feed off of it. "

"What do you mean? " Luke asked, getting frightened.

"Just that love and youth are what keeps us strong. But that is true of all people, yes? Without love, we all crumble."

Luke did not know how to answer.

"Speaking of love," Damian went on, "can you tell me more about you and Dr. Oliver? How has he accepted your powers?"

Luke stood up. "No, don't tell him! Promise me, Damian. " He flushed. "I plan to tell him myself very soon."

Luke hung his head in sudden shame.

"I understand," Damian said, "you're mother could never handle my powers either," Damian's mouth twited bitterly, "She always ran back to Holden."

"Reid is different," Luke insisted, "but I just have not gotten to it yet."

Luke considered telling Damian that Reid did know of his visions, but he held that back for some reason. He was getting more and more uncomfortable and suspicious of Damian.

Damian looked at Luke and frowned. "I won't say a word. And I can help you."

"Help me?"

"Develop your powers and control them. Teach you to read minds only at your own discretion and to block others from your mind too."

"Really? " Luke asked, intrigued despite himself. If he could control the mind-reading, he could promise Reid not to just invade his thoughts.

"Trust me," his father said.

Luke frowned. He wasn't sure that he could trust Damian.

"It's just - there have been so many things you have done," he said finally.

"All I ever have done was out of love," Damian pledged, "first for your mother and then for you." Damian walked closer to Luke. "Haven't you ever really loved somebody and done things to protect their feelings, even wrong things?"

Luke shuddered. Damian could not know how guilty he felt about Reid. Luke tried to shrug it off.

"We are not talking about me," he said hotly.

Damian nodded, "No, of course not, " Damian turned charming again. "I am to blame for so much. But I vow to you, my son, I will make up for it all."

Damian had closed the distance between them .

"Trust me," Damian repeated, grasping Luke's arm and staring into his son's eyes. And suddenly, Luke did trust Damian. He nodded and smiled.

Damian released him, "See you at dinner, Luciano," he said.

***

Damian's eyes were a bit sad as they watched Luke walk away. Luke had no idea that Damian had just put that trust into his brain. Damian wished it could be different, but he did not have the time to just try and win his son over the natural way.

***

Luke entered the suite he was sharing with Reid. As he came in, he found Reid sleeping in the bed, with only a towel wrapped around his hips. Luke sat down and watched Reid sleep. Even in his dreams, Reid appeared restless, his eyes moving rapidly, one fist clenched. Luke bent down and gently kissed one of Reid's bare shoulders.

"Sweet dreams," he said to Reid. Then Luke got up quietly to head for a shower. He did not see the way his words impacted on Reid. Reid's arm relaxed and his mouth turned into a smile.

Chapter 13

The Grimaldi dining room left no expense spared: crystal chandeliers sparkled above their heads, rugs from Turkey cushioned their feet, priceless china was placed at their table, and
rare heirlooms gleamed from every corner of the room. Reid felt extremely uneasy. He looked at the several tiny spoons and tiny forks. Who could possibly need so much silverware? He glanced at Luke, sitting and ready to eat. He had such manners, and he made it all look so effortless. Reid felt inadequate and he hated that feeling.

Damian Grimaldi entered the room. He was dressed in a formal tuxedo. He walked nervously around the table, smiling in that snake-like way that Reid had quickly come to hate, and pulling anxiously at his fingers. Reid watched him with suspicion. Why did Damian appear so nervous? And Luke? Why did Luke just sit there, smiling at bad dad? He seemed content to just trust Damian. Reid longed for a good brain to cut into, something to relax him.

"I forgot to tell you earlier, Luciano," Damian was saying, "We have another person coming to our table."

Reid waited for Luke to correct Damian about his name, but he just nodded.

"Who?"

"Your grandmother Bettina."

"Grandmother Bettina?" Luke said, amazed. "But isn't she -"

"In a hospital, many sad years. Yes. But when I came back to Malta, I decided she should be with me," Damian smiled. "A son should be loyal to his parents."

Luke turned to Reid. "My grandmother was drugged many years ago by Damian's nanny."

" Yes, Orlena was her name. She raised me; she loved me. Or so I thought. I thought she was my real mother, but she was just a fraud, " Damian added.

"What happened to this nanny mommy?" Reid asked.

Damian stroked his chin a moment. "Poor thing, " he said at last, "she killed herself."

"Grandmother Bettina was left in a vegetative state and hospitalized."

"But now," Damian said brightly, "she has come home."

Just then, the dining room doors opened and a nurse pushing a wheelchair brought in Bettina Grimaldi. Her face was a mass of wrinkles, her fingers twisted and useless in her lap, and her eyes were vacant.

"Hello," Luke said, trying to be polite. He got up and kissed Bettina's sunken cheeks.

Bettina had no reaction at all. The eyes just stared out at nothing.

Damian gave a nervous laugh. "Do not bother, Luciano, she is not truly here. She is just a body; her mind is gone."

Reid stood up slowly. He took Bettina's hand and checked the old lady's pulse. He started to examine her face.

Damian all but pushed Reid aside, "Please doctor, sit back down. Let us eat."

Reid allowed himself to be directed back to his chair. But for the first time in his memory, Reid Oliver had no appetite.

After the dinner was finally over, Reid eagerly waited to be alone with Luke. The old woman had just sat there while they ate, the nurse standing behind her. Damian had barely touched his food. He had kept glancing from Luke to his mother. Only Luke seemed relaxed, and Reid found that very odd. He just wanted to get out of this crazy house. The money was back; they could leave.

Reid managed to pull Luke out of the dining room for a moment, before dessert was to be served. He made his case quickly. He urged Luke to leave with him right away. However, when Reid proposed this idea to Luke, Luke simply refused.

"I need to stay at least a few more days. "

"Why?"

Luke shrugged. "Damian is helping me understand some things about my family . And my grandmother is here."

"That is another thing. I have operated on brain trauma. And her pupils look fine. She does not have the eyes of somebody in a brain damaged catatonic state. I want to examine her-"

"Reid. Relax. Just, don't make my father angry, okay?"

Reid frowned.

Luke took his hand. "I promise, we will leave in two days. Just give me two more days here."

Luke softly touched Reid's lips and then he gave him a kiss.

They went back for some dessert. Reid barely tasted all the delicious cakes. Even the food at the Grimaldi castle felt odd in his mouth. He was relieved at the end of the meal.

***

Damian watched Reid Oliver take his son quickly away from the table. He could deal with Reid Oliver at any time; Damian did not consider the doctor a threat.Not yet. He watched Luke leave. His son shined with beauty and vitality. Alone with his mother, at last, Damian turned and looked into the old lady's eyes.

"Yes, mother," Damian said. "He is everything we discussed. Yes,I will," Damian put one hand to his pounding head. "I said I will mother," The old lady continued to stare out at nothing. "I will obey you," Damian told her harshly, "I always do."

***

Luke and Reid were quiet as they went back to their room. Reid felt a great deal of emotions churning inside of him, but he was at a loss of how to express it. Then Luke leaned over and kissed him, and Reid found himself just accepting that kiss. His movements became certain as he stripped off Luke's clothes. Luke was murmuring love words to him, and Luke's eyes were half-closed. Reid kissed him again and Luke let out a sound of pleasure like a broken sigh. He stroked the tender side of Luke's arms, and buried his face in the crook of Luke's neck.Then Reid sucked hard on one earlobe. His hands wandered up and down Luke's body. Luke was quickly taking off Reid's clothes. Then bare skin rubbed up against bare skin. Reid delicately nibbled his way down Luke's back and then he cupped the flesh below.

He gave his tongue to Luke, putting it deep inside, offering him a mindless, groping pleasure. Then Reid kissed his way back, over Luke's thighs, up his belly, back to his parted lips.Their bodies were both shaking now, wracked with desire. In Reid's eyes, Luke's body appeared luminous, his strong chest and flat stomach and muscled arms were perfection. The sight of him, the taste, the smell -it was consuming Reid with tenderness and longing. It had never been like this for Reid before; he had never really made love.

Reid kissed each inch of Luke's skin. His mouth hungrily found Luke's again, and Reid's hands gripped Luke's hair. Reid could never say to Luke all that he felt; he wasn't made that way. But he could touch Luke. He could try and reach Luke through a caress. Their bodies were at ease with each other, as if they'd always been connected. Making love to Luke was no longer a game; it was no longer a casual touch. It was earthly and warm and constant.

Reid parted Luke's legs, drew his knees up,and entered him in one thrust. Luke arched his hips up in welcome. Reid yanked Luke's legs even higher up. Desire beat wildly between them. Luke was calling Reid's name over and over. Reid drove into him hard and fast, and Luke held onto his shoulders and then frantically grabbed at Reid's ass and pulled him closer. Reid resisted and pulled away, only to slam back down into Luke again. Then he changed the rhythm. He began to move inside of Luke with kinder, steadier strokes. Reid could feel Luke's orgasm start to consume him. He could feel Luke's muscles tighten and then release.

Reid had never felt so complete. Luke became the flame, the center of everything. They moaned together. Reid came into Luke forcefully, emptying everything he had inside of his soul into that moment, like someone who had found his way from the darkness.

They exchanged no words; they held each other. Luke spooned his body into Reid's body all night long.

The next day Luke left to spend time with Damian. God knows what they were doing. It was the same that afternoon. Reid found himself alone and frustrated. He wandered around the library, attempting to read, fighting his impulses that were screaming at him to escape.

Damian entered the library .

"Doctor."

"Mr. Grimaldi."

"Please, Damian."

"Mr. Grimaldi, I was wondering about your mother."

"Oh?"

"Yes, I'd like to give her a full examination. Perhaps I can help her?" Reid offered.

Damian smiled. "How nice of you. Luke has told me of your brilliance, " Damian's eyes darted around the room. "But I'm afraid many doctors before you have tried."

"Still-" Reid insisted.

"Oh, just enjoy your time here. With my son. Before you return to Oakdale."

Reid raised one eyebrow. "Don't you mean before Luke and I return to Oakdale?"

Damian stared at Reid a moment. The corners of his lips twitched. "Of course. That was what I meant. "

He took a step toward Reid and made a gesture to touch him on the shoulder.

Reid dodged the touch.

Damian held up his hands.

"I'm not real touchy-feely," Reid told him flatly.

"Except for my son?" Damian asked coldly, dropping the pretense of any charm.

"Luke can touch me any time," Reid said, his tone equally frigid.

"I am glad Luke can be with you, trust you," Damian said.

Reid snorted in some disbelief.

"No, really, " Damian said. Then he smiled like an animal spotting its prey, "After all, it is not just any man who could accept that Luke has been reading his mind."

"What?" Reid said.

"You know, right? Luke would not keep this power from you? He hears your thoughts. Your every private thought," Damian shrugged. "I'm happy you accept this so well."

Reid did not answer.His heart was breaking. He turned and left the room abruptly.

***

Damian laughed.

Just then, the nurse came in with Bettina.
Damian's smile vanished. He shuddered at his mother's approach.

"I will keep Luke here, mother. Yes, you will have him at your mercy." Damian's eyes filled up with tears. "But please, " he begged his mother, " you promised. Do not hurt my Luciano."

Bettina Grimaldi just sat there.

author note* The part about Damian's mother and nanny is based on the show

Title: The Secret of Being a Grimaldi
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Luke has the power to read minds and has visions, and Damian is back.
Rating: NC-17
Warning: none

Chapter Nine

Reid skewered Luke with a look. "This isn't happening,' he said firmly. "It's impossible."

Luke tried to maintain a serious face, "Reid, I beat you, fair and square."

Reid shook his head. "Can't be."

"Why?" Luke asked. "Cause you're a genius and I'm just average?"

"Well...Yeah!" Reid nodded. Then he snuck a look at Luke. "No offense."

"We could play again," Luke offered with a smirk. It didn't really bother him that Reid said
that, since not many people were at Dr. Oliver's intelligence level. Besides, Luke had his own advantages.

Reid nodded. This must be a fluke. There is no way he beat me.

"Let's play again, " Reid agreed.

They bent over the chess board and set up the pieces once more. Meanwhile, the plane moved through the air and sunlight. There was something Luke just loved about the speed. The clouds outside, the plane rushing onward, it excited him.

"Hey, Snyder!" Reid snapped his fingers near Luke's face. His sarcastic voice interrupted Luke's thoughts, "Move."

"Okay, relax." Luke sucked on one finger as he thought about where to start. Then Reid's thoughts on the game started entering his head.

In a matter of 15 minutes, Luke moved his queen. "Checkmate," Luke said.

"You don't understand; this is impossible. I never lose."

"But you just did."

"But I never do! I - you - It must be this damn airplane and the high altitude effecting my frontal lobe or something."

Reid continued to stare at the chess board like it would soon provide him with the answers.

"I need some food," Luke said and went over to the fridge. Lucinda's jet spared no expense. There was a full kitchen and living area. "You want?'

"Huh?" Reid was still staring at the board going over and over the moves in his mind, "No."

It was just so delicious to torment him. Luke had not intended on cheating. But Reid's thoughts had just appeared in his head. Move after move, Luke could hear what Reid was going to do.

Actually , Luke was starting to read his thoughts more frequently, and when he concentrated on Reid, he could hear them almost at will. Maybe it was because they had slept together, and therefore Reid and Luke's connection had increased. Because Luke still could not read strangers' minds. The people at the airport had all been a blank, and he could barely read his pilot's thoughts, before they took off for Malta. But Luke had only met and talked with the pilot a few dozen times. It seemed to Luke that the deeper his connection, the more his mind could probe into another's. The chess game at first had been to just mess with poor Reid, but then it had become almost a test.

Reid was looking a little panicked.

"Does it really matter if I beat you?" Luke asked him gently, and handed him a sandwich.

Reid took the sandwich, despite having refused the food a moment before, and chewed.

"It does matter, " he told Luke as he swallowed down the lunch meat.

"My parents took me to chess competition after competition and I never let them down." Reid threw down the sandwich and looked frustrated. "This just makes no sense."

"And they cared about it so much - your winning?"

Reid just shrugged.

"What were they like?" Luke pressed.

Reid rolled his eyes. "Well, they weren't like your bad dad. They didn't steal and try to murder or do any crimes. They were normal. "

Luke heard, Cold and demanding.

Luke reached out and touched the side of Reid's face. He gave Reid a melting smile.

Reid drew away a moment and looked almost pained at the touch.

"I'm going to figure out why you were able to win."

"I know you will."

"I don't need sympathy or anything. It's just chess."

"That wasn't sympathy. It was," Luke grinned, "affection."

Reid just looked at him a second. "Oh," he said. Then Reid looked away.

Luke heard, Nothing has prepared me for this. For Luke...so warm.

"I'm thinking," Luke's voice had gone soft. "We should play another game."

"What? " Reid asked, "Checkers? Bingo? No thanks."

"No," Luke said and closed the space between them. He looked into Reid's eyes and fingered the collar of his leather jacket. "A different sort of game entirely."

"Oh!" Reid' eyes began to gleam. "How long until we land in Malta?"

Luke laughed. The plane was gently rocking from some turbulence, but neither man noticed. Luke pulled at Reid's hand until they were both tumbling onto the big black couch.

Reid started to reach for Luke's lips. Luke pulled back.

"Wait."

"What?" An almost hurt look crossed Reid's expression.

"The game," Luke told him. "I want to be the only one doing it."

"Doing what?" Reid asked.

"Doing all the touching, " Luke replied. "You can't touch me yet, but I'm going to touch you."

"But I want to touch you," Reid murmured, attempting to stroke Luke's face. Luke caught his hand.

"Please?" Luke smiled at him. "Since we've gotten together, you've always taken the lead. I just want to try this ...just for a little time, okay?"

Luke kept his eyes on Reid's blue ones.

Reid swallowed hard and then nodded. "Sure, why not?"

Luke paused a moment. While it was true he wanted to be the one in charge, to pleasure Reid, Luke also wanted to test out his power a little more. In the past, whenever Reid had touched him, Luke could no longer read his mind. Once Luke's own body was lost in the pleasure of sex, his powers stopped. But what if Reid were in his control and not yet touching him? Luke was curious.

Luke kissed the graceful curve of Reid's neck. "Remember, no touching me."

"Right."

Luke grinned. "What do you like?" He asked.

Reid just smiled. "I like everything you do."

Luke heard, I want to feel those lips on me, and that tongue. Starting at my toes.

"Lie down," Luke commanded.

Reid obediently stretched out on the couch. He looked at Luke with hungry anticipation.
Luke stood over him. He undressed his shoes, socks, those tight black jeans. Luke picked up one of Reid's lean legs and kissed his way down to Reid's toes. Then he took the toes inside his generous mouth and suckled them one by one.

"Luke!" Reid's hips lifted slightly off the couch.

Luke, Luke!

Luke licked the arch of Reid's foot.

Reid was naked except for his briefs now, and he seemed almost shy. He trembled as Luke began to touch him all over. Everywhere caressing him: skin, lips, hands. The plane rose up on a pocket of air and then dipped down again.

"What else? " Luke prompted. Trying to get Reid to think his desires, even if he would never say them.

Reid's hands were clenched already. "All good," he mumbled.
Luke heard, My cock

Luke pulled down Reid's briefs in one quick motion. Reid was rock hard and waiting to be touched. Luke positioned himself between Reid's legs. He took Reid into his hands. He gently rubbed up and down.

Luke heard, Circles. Mouth

Luke pressed his tongue firmly down on Reid. He took the tip into his mouth and circled it with his tongue. Reid sucked in a deep gasping breath.

Reid swallowed visibly. His eyes were glazed as he looked down and watched Luke moving between his open thighs.

Luke heard, God I want him. He can't know how much.

Luke sucked on Reid's cock; he teased him by nipping at it with some teeth. Then he sucked again.

Luke heard, Oh, yes. Oh, please, please.

Reid was thrashing his head from side to side. His whole body tensed. Luke took him deeper inside the wet cradle of his mouth. Reid exploded. Luke savored the taste of him. He eagerly swallowed and swallowed.

Luke took a moment then, as Reid lay languid on the couch, and quickly grabbed his suitcase and the condoms and lube. Luke then shed his clothes. He walked proudly back to Reid, who was watching him.

Luke had to concentrate now to read his mind. Luke's own body was aroused. He met Reid's eyes and really focused.

Luke sat down on the couch and pulled at Reid.

"Lie on me," Luke whispered and half-dragged Reid face down across his lap.

Luke spread Reid's cheeks wide and went to work. He could hear Reid's thoughts, as his tongue followed the silent orders. He moved his tongue every way that Reid wanted, finding the exact spot . Reid was moaning. Soon Reid seemed to have no clear thoughts at all.

Only then did Luke let him lie back down. Luke lowered his mouth to Reid's and then lowered his body on top of him. He could feel Reid quivering. The small plane was bouncing on the air.

Reid couldn't resist touching him any longer. Reid's hands buried themselves in Luke's hair. He stroked Luke's back and hips. He touched Luke some more. It didn't matter. Luke could hear nothing by now; he too was lost in a sexual haze. Luke's head swam. His pulse throbbed.

Luke kissed Reid's shoulder, letting Reid feel his weight. Luke opened the lube and moistened his fingers and he stuck them deep inside of Reid. Their mouths met greedily.

"I want you , so much right now,' Reid rasped out ,and it thrilled Luke to hear the real words actually being spoken.

"Me too," he told Reid. Luke longed to say even more. He longed to tell Reid how much he wanted to just be with him like this. That Reid was in his head and in his arms, and all others were silent and far away. Just be with me, Luke thought, be with me all the time.

Luke took his fingers out and stroked Reid with his heavy cock. They teased each other, shaft touching shaft. Luke lifted Reid's legs up and back. Reid arched his hips in welcome. Luke then pushed into Reid inch by inch, feeling his body yield. Luke pushed in some more, almost tenderly, before he increased the pace. He felt like he were reaching out to the very center of Reid's being. Pounding now. Every thrust of Luke's body felt full of wonder. Their voices called to each other as their bodies moved in a matched rhythm. And Luke knew, right then, that this went beyond sex, slipping now into love, pulsing, newly fallen between them.

After that, they were quiet.

Luke stared at Reid. He suddenly realized that what had started out as a fun sex game was now wrapped up in his heart. Luke realized too that he needed to be honest with Reid, if this was truly a relationship, and tell him about the mind reading. Luke wanted to be honest. Eyes moist and lips quivering, Luke opened his mouth to speak -

"Hey," Reid said. " You look weird. Don't get all weepy on me or anything."

"Right," Luke closed his mouth. He knew that Reid was private and protective of his emotions. What would he do, how would he feel to learn that Luke had been reading his most personal thoughts?

Luke grabbed for Reid's hand and just held it. He didn't know what else to do.

"I'm just - cold," Luke finally said, "airplanes are always cold."

"Here," Reid reached his arm down and scooped up his jacket from nearby. He gently placed the coat over Luke's bare shoulders.

"So I have a question," Reid said, as he stretched back down and rested his head on Luke's chest.

"What's that?" Luke mumbled, stroking Reid's curly hair.

"What is the plan here? I mean are we just going to storm the castle and demand the foundation funds back? Don't think bad dad's going to appreciate that."

"Don't call him that. " Luke frowned. "He has done some bad things -"

Reid raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, lots of them. But you didn't know him. He loved me. And he had his good points."

Luke sat up, cleaned them both off, and then started to pull on his boxers and pants.

Reid simply watched him and waited.

Luke tossed Reid his jeans, briefs, and shirt. He continued to wear Reid's jacket.

"I really think this thing with the foundation money is just ...Damian's way of getting my attention."

Reid's mouth twisted, "A simple phone call wouldn't suffice?"

"First of all, everybody back in the States thinks he's dead or missing. He did text me that he was alive, but he can't just come and visit me."

"Why is he taking the money though?" Reid asked logically, as he too started to get dressed. "Doesn't he have millions."

"Billions, " Luke corrected. "And yes, although it is all tied up in Grimaldi shipping. Legally, the money is frozen to him and open to me, as the head of all of this. " Luke chewed his lip. He picked up his shirt and just held it to his body a moment. Then he reluctantly took off Reid's jacket and slipped it on.

"That's why this is so puzzling." Luke said as he gave Reid back the jacket. " Damian could have gotten into the shipping funds and taken that too, but he didn't. It might have taken me a lot longer to notice money missing from the shipping company. And the foundation - it was my idea, my baby - so why steal from that? Unless," Luke concluded, " he is just forcing me to take action and come to him."

"Still..." Reid scowled. He didn't look convinced. "I guess you know him."

"I do."

"Not just being blinded, are you? By that Snyder optimism thing?" Reid asked. He finished dressing but still sat on the couch.

"No, " Luke's tone became defiant.

"Okay," Reid said at Luke's change of voice. He shrugged. "I'll put myself in your capable hands. "

"Thank you," Luke said, somewhat mollified. He sat back down on the couch.

"Sure," Reid smiled. "After all, those hands took good care of me just a few moments ago." He gave Luke a saucy grin.

"Shut up," Luke elbowed Reid in the side. But he was laughing. He used to hate Reid's rude comments. When did they start becoming so funny? It must be that Luke understood him so much better now, and the vulnerable side of Reid that was just below that sarcastic surface.

The pilot's voice suddenly came over the private speaker, "Mr. Snyder?"

Luke pressed the intercom. "Yes, Joe?"

"Please take a seat. We are about to land in Malta. "

"Oh boy," Reid said. "I just remembered he was even here."

Luke curled up his lips into a smile, "Worried about all that moaning you did, doctor?" He teased.

Reid merely rolled his eyes. "Give the guy a big tip, will you?"

***

In the airport, Reid stood back and watched as Luke was busy arranging their limo. He was worried about this whole trip. Reid had an uneasy feeling about going to see Damian; he really thought that Luke was being too simplistic about his father. Reid was tempted to tell Luke that they should just skip it, fly off to Rome instead. He pictured Luke naked in some hotel overlooking the Fontana di Trevi. Fucking Luke and eating pasta all day sounded much better then meeting bad dad. Luke looked over at him just then and smiled. His dimples flashed, his skin glowed, and his eyes were full of warmth. Reid just nodded back at him. He didn't smile at all.

Reid Oliver's childhood had passed by so quickly he often forgot huge slices of it. But then he remembered his parents drilling him with flashcards at the age of three, and the doctors evaluating him by age five. Reid had tried to answer every question, tears running down his serious face. School was by far the worst, the teachers resentful that he knew more than they did; the other children taunting him, kicking and spitting and knocking off his glasses. Reid had tried not to care. He had sat up in the front of the class, excelling at each and every subject. His town was small and rural, and had not valued education. Most of the children around him had no greater ambition except to buy the house next to their own parents' homes and work year after year and go nowhere. Reid Oliver was different. Ambition ran in his veins. By the time Reid was 15, he had graduated early and had one clear goal - escape. He left with nothing, and built his own life, brick by careful brick, until he was on the top of the ivory tower, untouchable. Medical school and a prestigious internship followed. Yet his parents never once told him they were proud of him. No success had ever been enough. Reid had learned that it was better to be alone.

The driver came up to Luke and soon he was engaged in a conversation with him. Reid stood back and watched Luke's animated face. Luke could talk to anybody and make them feel at ease. As he watched Luke talking and laughing, Reid only had one thought: he could not risk falling in love with Luke Snyder

Title: The Secret of Being a Grimaldi
Author: Marsabi
Rating: PG
Summary: This story allows Damian Grimaldi to come back and cause some trouble. Noah is still blind, Chris has no heart problems, and Luke is dealing with strange powers.
Disclaimer: These characters belong to ATWT
Warnings: None

Chapter three:

Reid sat in the hospital break room, trying to eat his lunch in peace. The microwave beeped and he carefully unwrapped his Cup of Noodles. All he wanted was to drink his coffee, eat the soup, and maybe read through the baseball scores in the morning paper.

The door swung open and Doogie Hughes sauntered in. Reid sighed. There was no place in this town to escape.

"Hey Oliver," Chris said. "I heard you are going ahead with the Mayer operation."

"Yep."

"Risky. "

"Maybe for some, " Reid looked pointedly at Chris, " but not for me."

"If it goes wrong," Chris continued, "This whole town will come down on you. I'll get Chief of Staff..."

"Looks like somebody has been self-medicating again."

Chris approached Reid, who was trying to eat his first spoonful of soup, and stuck a warning finger in Reid's face.

"I"m going to make your life so difficult," Chris sneered.

Reid looked at him dryly and twisted his lips. "Thanks, but I'm not interested in dating you."

Chris shook his head. "You know I am not gay."

"And the world rejoices!"

"I'm trying to date Katie."

"Stalking her is more like it," Reid observed. "When are you going to see she is not interested?"

"She's interested, " Chris said smugly, and with that Doogie left.

How could Bob Hughes have such an idiot for a son?

Reid went back to eating his soup. He huddled over it, his stomach growling.

Reid's mind wandered to Noah's operation. Another genius. He might be able to fix Noah's eyes, but nobody would make that guy a rocket scientist. Truthfully, the operation was very risky. Reid might be a little nervous...Thank God, nobody would ever know that. Of course, thinking about the empty-headed Barista only made Reid think about Luke. Now Mr. Snyder was acting stranger and stranger. What was with those flirty glances and smiles suddenly? And those dimples flashing at him like weapons? It had been so much easier to be hated by him. Now Luke was being...Reid exhaled sharply. Was it possible to spontaneously combust from just desire?

The door opened again. Reid groaned. Could he not just enjoy a meal?

"Dr. Oliver, " Bob Hughes said. "Are you ready for Noah's operation in a few days?"

"Bobo," Reid answered. "Are you ready for all the press writing about the greatest surgeon to ever grace this dog and pony hospital?"

Bob Hughes just smiled slightly and sat down next to Reid.

"Do me a favor? Make sure you talk to his friends and family - communicate with them."

"I didn't think Noah had any family."

"I'm sure the Snyders will be there."

"Fantastic."

Bob stood up, "You know, Doctor Oliver, it wouldn't hurt you to stop trying to act better than everybody. Your not a God."

"Really? " Reid smiled at Dr. Hughes, "that's not what the men in my life have told me."

***

Meanwhile, across town, Luke was really and truly afraid he might be crazy. Who could he talk to? Lily was, as usual, a sobbing mess. Holden was out of town with Molly and besides, Holden would go and get a pitchfork or something if Luke told him about Damian's text.

Luke shuddered. He had to talk to somebody about all of this, but it had to be somebody that he respected. Somebody tough. Damian was alive. Damian might be stealing money from the foundation. Damian had powers of some kind or another. Luke was reading minds and having visions...Who in the world could handle of of that information and not seek to immediately lock Luke away forever? The answer came to him quickly.

***

Lucinda Walsh was wheeling and dealing happily in her Worldwide office, when Luke had come to her with all of his troubles. Luke was very upset. He paced the room, and nervously bounced around like a pinball during the whole conversation.

"First of all, my darling, you are not going crazy," she assured Luke.

"It is really all true?" Luke whispered.

Lucinda nodded. "The Grimaldi's are very powerful. Mind control, visions, telepathy -I am not surprised by any of it."

"I need to think," Luke said, "go somewhere."

"Move into my pool house, " Lucinda told him. "It is separate from the mansion. You can think in quiet. No voices. "

"No mom crying."

"Right."

Luke breathed out his relief. "Thanks, grandmother."

"Now," Lucinda almost smiled, "We have to set a trap, find out where he is, get the money back..."

Luke could hear her thoughts, Money. Enemy. Money. Craig is now not important. Damian. At last.

"He is my father," Luke said softly.

"What?" Lucinda asked. "Oh." She tapped her head. "Got in there, did you?"

"I have to plot. He is dangerous, Luke. Even if he is your father. " Lucinda looked off out the Worldwide office window. "I always thought he had some kind of spell over your mother -something sexual."

"Grandmother- "

Lucinda didn't answer. But Luke suddenly felt his head pound. A vision took him over:

He could see his mother and Damian kissing each other. They were on a boat. Malta was in the distance. The wind was blowing Lily's hair all over the place. Damian caught it roughly and twisted it. They struggled. But soon, Lily began to kiss Damian. Her hands grabbing at his neck. His teeth bit into her lip, drawing some blood. His fingers brutally digging into her bare shoulders. Lily's eyes were stunned. Then another vision came, like changing the channel on a television. This time it was of Lucinda. She was pointing a gun at Damian. He was just laughing at her. A shot -

"Luke? Luke , my dear?" Lucinda shook him. "Come out of it."

Luke's eyes were glazed. Lucinda gave him a hard shake. Luke jumped.

"Grandmother," he said suddenly, " maybe I should go to the police, not involve you. Maybe this was a mistake." Luke tried to calm down. He tried to believe that these visions did not mean anything. They were not necessarily real. Still, panic was beginning to gnaw at him.

"The police? " Lucinda scoffed. "In this town? No,dear. We will figure it out. Meanwhile, you look awful. Go to the pool house, rest. Nothing has to be solved today. I will start by tracking down the missing money. Always follow the money, my boy. "

Luke nodded. "Okay." Maybe his grandmother was right. Maybe it was all of this stress causing it all. He would go and be alone.

"And let's keep Lily away from it all." Lucinda warned. " Damian has too much hold over her."

Luke heard, Sex. Lust. I knew lust like that once...John Dixon.

"Er- I gotta go," Luke jumped up.

"Oops, did you hear? Well, hell Luke I'm old...not dead."

"I can't do this. Really grandmother." He ran out.

Chapter Four

"Don't be silly, of course we are all here, " Lily shot Luke a pointed look, "We are like your family, " she told Noah.

"And you are like, " Noah sounded choked up, Lily grabbed his hand, "you are like the mom I never knew."

Luke heard, It's why I stayed with Luke so long; I wanted to be a part of his family so much.

Luke narrowed his eyes.

"I'm so happy you are all here to support me. Thanks Lily, Luke. "

"Sure," Luke said, a bit sarcastically. He should have stayed in the pool house. It had been so nice there for the past few days. Silent.

Just then, the door opened and Dr. Oliver walked in.

Luke gave him a big smile. Dr. Oliver deliberately ignored him. Luke walked up right behind Dr. Oliver, watching as he examined Noah. Suddenly, Luke's mood was improved.

Luke checked out Doctor Oliver's scrubs. Nice.

"Ready for this, Noah?" Dr. Oliver asked.

"If you are!"

"Always ready and always the best," Dr. Oliver said. He glanced behind him for a second at Luke.

"Boy, you are so confident!" Noah gushed.

Luke heard, I want you to see alright. See me kiss your ex-boyfriend senseless.

Dr. Oliver turned and Luke deliberately blocked his path and bumped into Reid lightly.

"Oh, sorry," Luke said with mock innocence. He was so close to Dr. Oliver that the material of Luke's jeans grazed the material of his scrubs. The space between the two men was so small that not a shadow could break through. Luke could smell a hint of Reid's soap, and Reid breathed in Luke's subtle cologne.  Luke reached out a hand on Reid's chest to steady Dr. Oliver, who had almost dropped his chart.

"Please stay out of the way, Mr. Snyder."

"Sure." Luke took his hand off Reid's chest, but he casually patted it first.

Dr. Oliver bolted out the door.

Luke watched him leave the room. He really shouldn't be teasing Dr. Oliver right before Noah's big operation, but it was so much fun.

A few moments later, Richard entered the room. Then Alison. Luke felt like it was a good time to make an escape. He really did not want to read their minds.

"Good luck, " he said to Noah. Luke did not try and touch him. He really did want the best for Noah, but that was about all.

In the hospital corridor, Luke spotted Dr, Oliver examining some scans. He went up, intending on actually just saying goodbye to the doctor and leaving him alone to do his job, but then Luke heard:

Must do a good job for Luke. Don't want to let Luke down!

"Uh, Doctor Oliver."

Reid jumped. Luke was face to face with him. Luke's hair fell slightly in his eyes and Reid fought the urge to touch it.

"What is it now? " Reid demanded.

Luke had a funny smile on his face again. "Nothing, doctor. I wanted to thank you for helping Noah."

"Well since you blackmailed me here, I hardly accept your thanks," Reid told him.

"I meant to bring something," Luke said, "like a four-leaf clover or whatever. But my life has been...Anyhow, I just forgot."

"What?" Reid shook his head at him. "Why would you bring me that?"

Luke reached out and stroked Reid's cheek. Reid froze. Then Luke leaned in and planted a quick, hard kiss on Reid's firm mouth.

Luke grinned at him. "For luck, doctor," Luke said and he walked away.

Reid stood there a moment, completely flabbergasted.

Then he touched a finger to his lips and let out a low whistle. Now that Luke Snyder had made the first move, Reid did not plan to let him get away.

Luke laughed as he drove away from Memorial. It had felt so right to stun Dr. Oliver like that...And as for reading his thoughts, well, Luke had never in his life felt so wanted.

***

While Luke was busy moving his belongings into the pool house, Damian Grimaldi boarded a small jet. He took only four of his best trained men. Two of them would leave immediately for Oakdale and two remained with him. The other guards, he would leave in Malta with clear orders to take care of any unexpected surprises. Damian needed to first go to New York for a few days and go to his bank vault there. He would transfer some more of the foundation's funds. He would meet with his associates from New York. After that, he was headed to Oakdale too. Damian smiled chillingly, and he took out a picture of Lily holding Luciano as a baby. He felt like a man who had been dreaming about a long silence. His soul had grow heavy in the darkness. It was amazing what the denial of love could do to a person. Damian allowed his finger to gently stroke Lily's cheek and the top of the baby's head. Mine, Damian thought. And in the end, he always got what was his.

Title: The Secret of Being a Grimaldi
Author: Marsabi
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Damian returns from his "death," and causes big trouble. Luke finds out he has inherited strange powers. At this time, Noah is still blind. Chris and Reid are already competing for Chief of Staff, but Chris has no heart issues.
Disclaimer: Based on characters from ATWT; I own nothing
Warning: sexual content, light bondage, superpowers

Chapter One:

"Listen, I'm a neurosurgeon not a sex therapist. Did I say my name was Dr. Ruth or Doctor Oliver?" Dr. Oliver snapped with irritation.

"Sorry," Noah mumbled, "It just I have no one to talk to ...Since Luke and I broke up, he keeps coming here and confusing me-"

"I repeat, I am here for your eyes."

Noah sighed. "Right." He submitted himself to Doctor Oliver's exam.

"So?"" Noah said after Dr Oliver was through.

"Not sure." Dr. Oliver put his equipment away. "It looks like we can operate soon, but I need a few more tests."

Noah started to ask more questions, when his hospital door suddenly opened and Luke came in.

"Hey," Luke spoke softly to Noah. "Just wanted to come and visit."

"Luke?" Noah said. Then Noah frowned. "This isn't helping."

"Why?" Luke approached his bed, stepping carefully around Dr Oliver. Even though they had started to work on the new wing together, Luke was certain Dr. Oliver still hated his guts. He could always feel Doctor Oliver's eyes on him, judging him. Luke went to Noah.

He said to Noah, "Let me still help."

Noah blew out an angry breath. "Doctor Oliver?"

"Yes?"

"Will you excuse Luke and me, please?"

Dr. Oliver glanced at Luke's face and then looked away.

"None of my business," he said and left Noah and Luke alone.

"Is he gone?' Noah asked.

"Yes." Luke reached out to take Noah's hand.

"I said I need some space, Luke," Noah repeated, turning away from Luke's touch.

"Noah, your operation is coming and..."

"Maybe. Doctor Oliver was not sure there will be an operation yet." Noah spat out bitterly.

"Let me help you, " pleaded Luke.

"No," Noah shook his head. "I told you, I can't do this Luke. I have to focus on me now and my eyes."

Luke struggled to find the right words to convince Noah.

"Is this cause you blame me - " Luke whispered, looking at the ground .

"I don't blame you," Noah said.

Luke felt like his entire world was over.

I totally blame him, Luke heard.

"What?" Luke snapped his head up. "What did you say?"

"Nothing. Just that I don't blame you," Noah insisted.

"Oh." Luke frowned in confusion. That was not what he heard a second ago.

Luke shrugged it off.

"Things have never gone smoothly, have they?" He tried to laugh with Noah and get him to reminisce. "First Maddie, then your dad -"

"Yeah," Noah interrupted. "Good times. " He scowled. "You broke it off with me Luke, cause I couldn't give you everything. This doesn't help."

"I know, but I -" Luke took a deep breath. "I still want to support you. Member when we first met and - "

I should never have even kissed him; I wish I had stayed with Maddie.

Luke's mouth fell open. He had been looking right at Noah this time. Noah had not spoken, but Luke had heard him.

What was happening? Luke shook his head. His heart was hurting, now his head was hurting too. He could taste the truth of what he heard. The bitter weight of it pressing inside of him.

"I gotta go," he said to Noah and fled the room .

***

Luke went home and found Lily looking through old albums of her many weddings to Holden. Luke almost groaned out loud, this was not what he needed. He tried to sneak past his mother, but she looked up and saw him .

"Luke?"

Luke sighed, "Hey, mom."

"I was just ...cleaning up some old stuff."

Luke smiled sympathetically.

Lily flushed, "I guess I am pretty obvious," she gestured toward the albums.

"That's okay. I'm having a weird day too."

"Oh?"

Luke shook his head, "It is crazy."

"Try me."

Luke shrugged. "Okay, but don't worry or anything...I know it is just stress. " He inhaled sharply. "I was with Noah and we were fighting - like we do now- and I looked at him and I heard him saying things to me- in my head - only he wasn't speaking."

Luke waited for Lily to brush this aside and make him some calming tea or something. Instead, her eyes widened.

Damian, Luke heard.

"Damian?" He repeated. "What does he have to do with this?"

Lily jumped, "Luke, you just read my mind. I- Oh no!"

A feeling of dread spread through Luke's whole body. "Mom," he commanded and took Lily, who was crying, and shook her. "Just tell me."

"He said it would happen in puberty , not now," Lily cried. "I thought you had escaped it!"

"Escaped what?" Luke asked.

"The secret of the Grimaldi's, " Lily answered and began to sob hysterically.

***

"So, the Grimaldis have like ancient super powers for centuries now? Awesome!" Casey laughed.

Luke was sitting with him in Java. He had needed to talk about it to somebody. He had turned to his old friend. Lily had completely broken down after explaining that it was more a curse of power than a gift. Luke kept hearing one word in her mind that came to him over and over , Evil.

"So like now you could get more and more powers? Right? That's what your mom said. Wow, dude, maybe like Wolverine or something. I love that comic book!" Casey held up his hands, "Check out my claws!"

"Casey-" Luke said. It appeared to Luke that his ability to read minds was limited to people that he actually knew and had a connection with. He could not, for instance, read the thoughts of all the strangers at Java. Thank God. As for Casey Hughes...Casey pretty much said exactly what he thought.

"You know I always suspected that I'd make an excellent superhero type, " Casey mused. "I actually am a little psychic. Like I can always tell what Alison is thinking," Casey bragged.

Luke was about to respond, when the door to Java opened and Alison actually came inside. She waved at Casey.

"Gotta go!" Casey jumped up, "Wedding stuff to do. Sorry, pal. I'll Twitter you."

Luke tried to ask Casey not to tell anybody else; he felt like enough of a freak. But Casey was already with Alison. Alison nodded bye to Luke.

Luke heard, Mick Dante, Mick Dante...coming from Alison's pretty blond head. Luke rubbed his eyes in weary confusion. He did not even know what that meant.

Luke jumped up and went to leave Java; he still had his head buried in his hands.

Wham! Luke smacked hard into somebody and coffee spilled all over.

"Oh, sorry," Luke apologized and looked up. Terrific, Luke thought, Doctor Oliver. Luke grabbed some napkins from a nearby table. Dr. Oliver was covered in mocha latte.

Luke started to apologize again and dabbed at Dr. Oliver's chest with the napkin.

"Quit touching me, Mr. Snyder."

Keep touching me, Luke heard.

"Sorry," Luke mumbled in shock, but he kept his hand on Dr. Oliver's chest. Luke leaned in closer to him; he was sure he had heard wrong that time.

"Will you stop wiping me up like I am a toddler!" Reid demanded.

God, does he always have to stand so close to me!

Luke jumped back and stared at Dr. Oliver's piercingly blue eyes.

"What's wrong with you?" Dr. Oliver demanded, "Is your brain on in there," Dr. Oliver tapped the side of his head, "what few brain cells you might have. Maybe you need some more caffeine."

Luke found he could not answer the snarky doctor. He just stood there.

Doctor Oliver stared back.

"You're gay?" Luke said finally.

Doctor Oliver suddenly seemed disconcerted. He actually flushed. Then he took a step back from Luke.

"So what? Did Katie or Hank run to tell you? " Dr Oliver shook his head. "It doesn't matter. I've known I was gay since I was nine years old."

"You never said anything to Noah or me," Luke mumbled. He could hardly pay attention. The things he heard coming from Doctor Oliver's mind were shocking him.

"The fact that it took your gaydar all these months to realize it, Mr. Snyder, only emphasizes how obtuse you are."

Luke heard, I wish I didn't have to look into those amazing eyes. They melt me.

Luke couldn't help it. He suddenly wanted to make Dr. Oliver squirm.  Luke batted his eyes at him knowingly,

Sure enough, Reid became flustered .

"Excuse me, " he told Luke quickly, "I need to go and change." With that, Doctor Oliver left.

Luke stood in Java for a moment, processing all that had just happened. He smiled slightly. Maybe this mind reading thing had its uses.

Meanwhile, far away, somewhere in Malta:

Damian Grimaldi peered into the darkness. He sat on the edge of a massive bed. Behind him, two sleeping women were curled up in each other's embrace.Their nipples were touching and their mouths hung open. Their feet were tied together with a thick rope. They both had long brown hair and dark eyes. The two women were naked and bruised from Damian's night with them. One of them had whip marks down her back. They had been pleasing to him in bed, but neither of them were Lily. He would dispose of them soon.

It had been a long time now, but Damian was ready. He could sense changes in Luciano. And Lily was vulnerable and alone. It was time for Damian's revenge to begin...

Chapter Two:

In his office at the foundation, Luke finally found relief from all the voices. He was alone. Luke Snyder did not usually enjoy being alone. In fact, he usually relished company. But tonight, being alone was a great relief. Luke sipped some old soda and chewed his lips nervously. He was on his computer, searching for Damian. He tried his father's old email accounts and his private numbers, but Damian did not respond. Luke recalled the last time he had seen Damian. Damian had hugged him and told him not to listen to all of the horrible things that were bound to come out. Then Luke had thought Damian had died. It had been Doctor Oliver who proved that Damian was not the corpse in question. But now, nobody knew Damian's whereabouts. With everything falling apart for Noah, Luke had tried to push the pain of losing Damian from his mind, but now it all rushed back.

Luke stared at the computer screen. Why had Damian never told him about these powers? Could Damian read minds too? Luke had no answers. With a sigh, he focused on the foundation's business instead. It wasn't long before Luke found a problem. The foundation was missing a significant amount of money. Somebody had stolen from him. Luke checked and rechecked the math. The money meant for the new neurology wing had been tampered with clearly. What was he going to do now? Luke felt panicked.

Not knowing where else to go, Luke found himself back at Memorial. The first person he ran into was Chris Hughes.

"Hey there, Luke."

"Hey Chris, " Luke said. "Have you seen your dad? I really need to talk to him."

"No," Chris shook his head with a very concerned look on his face. "Can I help?"

Luke started to answer, then he heard Chris chanting:

It is all about me, all about me. Hmm. Wonder if I can finally get into Katie's pants? Maybe after my golf game?

"Uh, no everything's fine, " Luke told Chris quickly.

Luke moved on. He searched briefly for Bob Hughes to inform him of the missing funds, but he had no luck  finding him. Luke was feeling queasy and tense. This was all too much to take. He needed some help. Luke hesitated. Even though a part of him became full of doubts, Luke tried to shrug his feelings aside. They had been together for a long time, after all. Surely, if Noah could see how much Luke needed to talk and if he could hear of all the insane things happening, surely he would want to at least comfort him.

He entered Noah's room.

"Noah," Luke said. "I know we fought before, but I really need to talk to you."

Noah sat up in his hospital bed. "Luke? It's not a good time. Richard is coming over soon and - "

"Look, please. I'm having the craziest day and I really need somebody to - "

"Doctor Oliver said I might be ready for my operation after all. I'm so excited."

"That's great, but I-"

"Don't make him angry, okay Luke? You know how he hates you."

"Noah," Luke grabbed Noah's arm, "please I need your help! If I ever meant anything to you -"

Luke heard, Why is Luke bothering me? He is always so needy!

"You do, you do," Noah waved his hand dismissively. "But I can't deal with all these outside problems right now, okay Luke? Will you just understand. I'm blind! Blind! What could be more important than that?"

Luke dropped Noah's arm. "Nothing, I guess. " He shook his head. "Noah, I want you to see again, I do. More than you know...But our whole relationship, it -"

The door opened and Richard came in.

"Hey, what's up guys?" Richard gave a big, dorky grin.

"Richard, man, you're late, " Noah scolded.

"Sorry, dude."

"Did you bring my Luna bars and my chips?" Noah demanded.

"Right, " Richard opened up the plastic bag he was carrying.

Luke looked on with disbelief. The air felt cold, making Luke shiver.

"Richard, I asked for Lemon Zest and Chocolate,not carmel."

"Sorry."

Luke was standing by his ex-boyfriend watching him boss around his potential new love interest while he ignored Luke's pain, and suddenly it was like a stab in the guts. And Luke simply fell out of love with Noah, right there in that very moment.  As quickly as he ever fallen in love with him, that love for Noah soured.

Luke did not need any voices to know what his heart told him to be true: Noah loved himself more than he had ever loved Luke.

Overwhelmed by the loss, Luke felt like a scared and tired child. Luke turned and stumbled towards the door. He could not leave the room fast enough. He felt like he could not breath.

***

The elevator seemed like a safe place to go, and Luke ran in and hit the down button. He knew that he and Noah had broken up, but a part of him had hoped...Luke had offered Noah all the beauty that was inside of him and Noah had not wanted it...now, it was truly over...maybe he was just not meant for love...

A vicious headache brought Luke to his knees. Luke closed his eyes and shook his head. His skin broke out into a slick sweat.  All of a sudden, images began to invade his mind.

What Luke saw was this:

He was in the shower, not his own, someplace else. The water, Luke could almost feel the steady stream of it against his face and neck, was hot and steamy. Luke had his hands braced on the shower walls and he was moaning. There was somebody sitting on the floor of the shower. A man. He had Luke's legs pulled apart. The man's firm fingers were at Luke' thighs, insistingly pressing them open. Luke tried to resist. His mouth was open and quivering.

"I can't," Luke was saying.

The man had his tongue on Luke's cock. He had Luke in his mouth. It felt so good. Water was streaming down over the man, making his features impossible to see. But in his vision, Luke could feel everything. The man's mouth taking his cock. The man's hands, now grasping Luke's naked flesh, pressing into his ass. Luke shuddered, his muscles bunched tightly now. The sounds of labored breathing. Sucking noises. Luke was being devoured, possessed. The feeling of a warm mouth taking him inside. Luke grabbed at the wall, and the slid one hand down to the man's head. He grabbed at the curly hair. The pressure inside of Luke was building. Then Luke was coming, exploding, into the man's mouth. The orgasm swept through him like a wave, knocking him out with its heat and power.

Luke sank against the wall. His body spent. The man released him and slowly stood. He kissed the back of Luke's neck. Luke could feel the man's erection pressing into him. The man was hard and huge. Luke turned and looked at him for the first time. In his vision, Luke could suddenly see the man's face. It was Dr. Reid Oliver.

The elevator doors opened. Luke looked up, still dazed, wet, and aroused by his strange vision.

Something was buzzing insistently. Luke stood unsteadily to his feet and took out his phone. The text read: Luciano, your father is alive.