marsabi1

Title: Hit and Run
Author: Marsabi
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Summary: When Natalie is a victim of a hit and run, Luke and Reid’s relationship is tested.
Warning: None
Rating: R

By the time Luke arrived home from Al’s, he found Reid on the couch, buried in paper work.
He had a chili stain on his shirt and a pencil stuck behind his left ear.

Luke thought he looked adorable.

Reid looked over at him and smiled. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself.”Luke flopped down on the couch. “What’s all this?” He gestured to the files surrounding them.

Reid grimaced. “I’m helping Bob with some cases. He’s lost track , so-“

Luke nodded. He teasingly pulled the pencil out from behind Reid’s ear.

Reid shifted in his seat. “Actually, I need to talk to you about this.”

“Oh?” Luke cuddled against Reid’s shoulder .

“Here’s the thing. Bob asked me if I’d consider becoming Chief again.”

Luke just nodded, not surprised. “What did you say?”

“That I needed to talk it over with you first. “ Reid answered simply.

Luke gave a melting smile and looked at him.“Really?”

“Of course,” Reid kissed his lips and then picked up another file. “This impacts you too. I’ll have even longer hours. I don’t know. A year ago, I really wanted it…”

“Not now?”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure I want to slave away at Memorial to push papers. Besides, I still am lousy at the people thing.”

Luke laughed, “Who’d you make cry today?”

Reid gave him an insulted look, then he sighed. “Maybe a nurse or two.”

Luke patted Reid’s chest. “Yeah, your people skills are pretty awful,” he agreed.

“Thanks. “ Reid said dryly.

“ But so what? You have other talents. “ Luke said, becoming serious. He looked into Reid’s eyes. “You’re brilliant, of course. But also you work damn hard there and you’re fair. “ Luke fingered Reid’s collar on his shirt. “I think you’d be a fantastic Chief- whether you have people skills or not.”

There was a beat of silence, then Reid threw the file in his hand down across the table.

“Why did you just do that?” Luke asked, laughing again.

“I’m done working.” Reid replied and turned to kiss him sweetly.

Luke snuggled against Reid.

“This has been a really odd day,” he sighed.

“Yeah, sure has,” Reid agreed.

Luke snuggled some more until he was practically on Reid’s lap.

“It’s good to be here,” he added, and kissed his boyfriend one more time.

“Nowhere else I’d rather be,” Reid murmured to him.

Suddenly, Luke straddled Reid’s lap and gave him a longer kiss. He sucked on the delicate skin of Reid’s ear and moved his hands to the belt buckle of Reid’s jeans. Luke quickly loosened it and then slid his hands inside, feeling the cotton of Reid’s briefs and rubbing there in fast circles. Reid’s body responded by bucking forward . Luke squeezed harder.

In just another moment, Luke pictured Reid’s proud cock springing free. In just another moment, he would kiss it with his lips and slurp it into his mouth greedily. He would take Reid to the back of his throat and taste his creamed goodness.

“Wait,” Reid pulled back. He pushed Luke’s hands and buckled his belt.

“What?”Luke said with surprise and a trace of hurt in his voice.

“Holden dropped off Natalie; she’s in the kitchen,” Red whispered hoarsely.

Luke glanced that way and climbed off of Reid’s lap. “Oh.”

“Yeah,” Reid said regretfully.

“You should have said something sooner,” Luke accused.

“Hey, I was working nicely, when you came home. You climbed on me!” Reid shot him a stern look, “Don’t think I still fall for your innocent routine, Snyder, we all know it’s you always doing the stalking. Waiting for the opportunity to wiggle all around me. Just like that time in Dallas. “

“I don’t wiggle,” Luke said with great dignity. “And if I remember, you kissed me!”

But Luke’s cheeks flushed with pink. He very well remembered following Reid around his hotel room, touching his shoulders, invading his space, moving as close as possible.

“See?” Reid pointed at Luke’s face, “guilty.”

Luke made a clucking sound with his tongue, “I was just trying to help you.”

“And?”

“And maybe get you to see me a little bit,” Luke conceded, his cheeks crimson now.

Reid leaned into him. “And?”

“Okay, fine! I wanted you to kiss me. Happy?”

“Very,” Reid laughed.

Luke wrinkled up his nose at him, “You suck.”

“I would love to, “ Reid quipped, “but your sister is here.”

They smiled at each other.

“I’m going to miss her when she goes home for good in a few days,” Luke said, “ but there are a few things, like the lack of privacy, that I won’t miss.”

“Me too.”

Luke sighed,” Did Dad tell her about Ali and Chris?”

Reid hesitated, ”I’m not sure.”

“How do you explain something like that,” Luke wondered,” to a sweet kid like Natalie?”

He reached out and took Reid’s hand.

Reid kissed his fingers gently, “Kids are tough. They survive all kinds of things.”

Luke searched Reid’s eyes, contemplating if Reid was thinking of his own childhood just then, which Luke knew held a lot of pain.

“I’m a good listener,” he offered and tapped Reid on his sneaker with the pencil.

“But I’m not a talker,” Reid replied with a small smile, grabbing the pencil and putting it down .

A standoff.

The door to the kitchen opened just then, and Natalie came out with Reid Jr. meowing at her heels.

She smiled at Luke.

“PParty soon!” She reminded him.

“Yeah!” Luke grinned. Lucinda was planning a New Year’s Eve bash.

Standing up from the couch, Luke went over to the nearby radio.

“Grandmother only throws amazing parties too. So we’d better practice our dance moves.” He turned on some rock music. “ I can’t believe she thinks you’re old enough to stay up to midnight!” Luke teased.

The New Year’s party was also to celebrate Natalie’s recovery, and they all knew it.

The music blared and Luke began to dance around their living room .

“Come on!” Luke gestured to Reid, swaying his hips and spinning around.

Reid rolled his eyes at him.

“You’re a complete dork,” He told Luke.

But actually, Reid thought he looked adorable.

“Fine! “ Luke wriggled past Reid in an exaggerated disco move. He went to his sister. “ How about it, Nat?”

She giggled, and then slowly went to him. Just a few days ago, she might have not tried to dance, but every day in her therapy, Natalie was getting stronger.

Luke carefully slowed down and took her by the hand.

Reid watched as they danced together. Natalie was the more graceful, even after being hurt, she had the natural style of a dancer. One day, Natalie might really be able to return to her ballet lessons, and then who knew how far she would go?

Luke, on the other hand, danced with sloppy enthusiasm.

Watching Natalie move, Reid suddenly thought that he did not want to be Chief of Staff. He wanted to cut deep into the brains of trauma victims, like Natalie, or people with terrible tumors. He wanted to operate and fix them and watch them recover.

Then he wanted to come home to Luke.

“Whoo-hoo,” Luke was saying now, spinning Natalie around lovingly.

Natalie’s whole face lit up. The cat meowed at her, and she broke away from Luke to pick up Reid Jr., and with careful steps, Natalie danced on.

“Aww,” Luke cried out, “replaced by a cat!”

He pouted to Reid in protest and held out a hand.

“I don’t dance,” Reid replied, but Luke just yanked him off of the couch.

They danced.

***

“It figures,” Luke complained a moment later.

“What?”

“You. You do too dance! “ Luke eyed Reid’s graceful sway. “Just like you do everything else.
Perfectly.”

Reid laughed, “Yeah, it’s a curse.”

Luke wrapped a hand around Reid’s neck. Their bodies moved closer.

“Will you dance with me at the New Year’s party too?” Luke sighed with longing.

Reid raised one eyebrow. “Depends. Natalie will go home with Lily?” Reid asked.

Luke shrugged. “Yes.”

“Then I might be persuaded to dance with you, if you do something later for me.”

“What?”

“Recreate that night in Dallas, only we don’t stop at a kiss.”

Luke grinned and Reid gave him a sudden dip. Luke squealed in surprised delight.

Natalie and the cat dipped too.

They danced the night away.

***

At bedtime, they both tucked in an exhausted Natalie. Luke chatted about the party and how Lucinda was sparing no expense. They had the entire ballroom at Metro for the night, a live band would be there, and the most expensive caviar and champagne was being ordered.

“No cheeseburgers or fries, sorry,” Luke called from the bathroom, laughing. He was just finishing brushing his teeth. He carefully put his toothbrush next to Reid’s, which hung on the left next to Reid’s dental floss. When they had first moved in together, it had amused Luke to occasionally switch things around, just to see Reid go crazy and put it all back. But now, he was used to his slot for his toothbrush, his side of the bed, and his part of the dresser. It now just all felt right.

“Did you hear me about the fries? “ Luke walked into their bedroom.
Reid was already asleep. Curled up on his stomach with ass slightly in the air – that was how Reid always slept. He had a routine, even for dreaming. His head was turned and Luke could see his face looking open and relaxed. Luke walked over and gently covered him. Then he got into the bed on his side, and spooned his body into Reid’s.

Inhaling the scent of him, Luke snuggled closer. He could smell the citrus-flavored soap Reid used and the smell of clean skin. Luke trailed one finger down Reid’s hip and over that inviting ass. Reid stirred, but did not awaken. Luke sat up on his elbow and just looked at him. He played with a bit of the curly hair at Reid’s nape.

Then Luke kissed Reid’s shoulder softly. He held him all night long.

***
The next day, Luke stood in his bedroom and sighed. Casey was right; he was lucky. End of story.

Leaving early for work, Reid had been careful not to wake him. He did leave a note by his pillow telling Luke goodbye. Most people would be surprised to know that Reid was usually thoughtful about small things like that. He often left Luke notes. They were never mushy, almost always factual, but they made Luke feel good because it was clear that Reid had him on his mind. For a man as busy as Reid, that mattered.

Now, after reading the small note, Luke sat on his bed. He held out his hand and studied the two engagement bands on his finger. Then he slid them off carefully and put them in a box .

Maybe someday .

It hurt, but felt like the best thing to do. He stared a moment at the glittering bands. Then Luke closed the box.Luke put it into his dresser drawer. He did not see his little sister, standing quietly at the entrance to his bedroom, watching him.

Natalie frowned as Luke took off his rings. He had sad eyes. She silently backed out of the doorway and down the hall, a determined tilt to her chin.

Looking like a mini-Luke, Natalie smiled suddenly, flashing her dimples.

She knew just what to do.

Title: Hit and Run
Summary : When Natalie becomes a victim of a hit and run, Luke and Reid must fight for their relationship.
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Warning: some angst, some Cake, some answers
Rating: PG
Part 15

It took about ten minutes for Alison to break down and confess the whole sordid event.

“Chris and I have been seeing each other,” she began, peeking a minute at a white-faced Casey.

“We’re in love!” She added defensively.

“Ali, quiet!” Chris ordered.

Alison shook her head adamantly. “I can’t do this anymore.”

“So you two were together, “ Reid said prodding her on, “the day of the accident.”

Ali bit her lip. She swallowed hard and didn’t dare look at all the Snyders. The Hughes family was also standing all around her. She couldn’t look at their faces either. “Yes. We were coming back from some …alone time. Chris was hung over, so I was driving the family car. I looked at Chris to just – just for a second – I swear! She came out of nowhere!”

“Why didn’t you stop, Ali? Why?” Luke’s voice was thick with hurt.

“We did!” Ali shot back. “We did. But I couldn’t have everybody find us, not together. I wanted to be with Casey – I thought it wasn’t love, not then…” She turned to Casey. “I couldn’t hurt you, not like I did before with Mick and ”

“Gee thanks, you bitch,” Casey growled.

Ali recoiled from him.

“Go on,” Jack said.

“Tell us,” Reid added.

Ali let out a shuddering breath. “I was trying to end it with Chris and still marry Casey, but I – I couldn’t resist him. “ She glanced at a sullen Chris, then continued, “ We did stop for Natalie, but…Chris looked at her. But he said we needed to ditch the car; he promised he’d head right back once he got his own car. He’d go back and examine her. We just had to –
“ Ali stopped talking.

“Get rid of the evidence?” Jack said in a chilly tone. Tom began to pace around the room, while Margo seemed frozen.

“It really wasn’t a hit and run. We stopped! We planned to help her soon. Chris went to his car and headed back to help her.”

Everybody looked at Chris.

His face was expressionless. “I don’t know what she is talking about,” he said.

“Chris did not do this!” Kim added, “You did it Ali and now you are blaming him. You are just like Susan!”

“Shut up!” Ali yelled back. She had actually just called her mother and Emily to hurry over.

“What did you do next, Ali?” Reid asked calmly. He was so logical and focused; he would have made a great Sherlock Holmes in another life.

Ali’s voice trembled now, ” I called Casey and told him- “ she stopped and cried some more.
They all looked at Casey. His face was pale and set.

“She called me and told me she’d had a bad fender bender- hit a dog or something. I saw the blood, but I thought, I swear, that it was a stray that had since run off.”

Ali nodded, “I told him that. Chris told me to tell him that.” She looked at Chris pleadingly. He ignored her.

Casey gulped hard and began to rush his words out:“I took the car, smoking and messed up, to the mechanic. Took Ali to change and go to the hospital…it was only then- “ Casey stared at Luke. “I – I didn’t know about Chris-“ Pain colored his words and he looked sick. “ I –I became suspicious, but everybody kept telling me I was being paranoid. That it had been a dog . Chris. Ali. Even you, Dad.”

“Casey, just be quiet,” Tom said. He stopped pacing and gave his son a look.

“What does he mean?” Margo asked her husband.

“The perfect son,” Chris jeered at Tom.

“Shut up , Chris. I covered up this mess to protect Dad. You told me it was Dad!”

There was a stunned silence. Tom Hughes had covered up a crime. He would be disbarred, maybe worse.

“So how does Bob tie into this?” Asked Holden suddenly, confused. Molly took his hand and held it. Holden refused to allow himself to cry. He repeated his question in a firm voice.

Reid’s mouth twisted up. “Don’t you see? Chris sent Casey on a fool’s errand with the car and then he began to change Bob’s medication as the fall guy. Might as well blame your own father, right?” Reid looked at Chris with disgust. “In your mind, Bob had already betrayed you by suspending you and never giving you the Chief job.”

“No,” Kim moaned, “no, no, no.”

“We are bringing Bob up from his cell right now,” Jack told them.

“I examined him there,” Reid said. “He is better now; I put him back on his real medication.”

“This is too much,” Lily whispered. She looked at Chris and Ali. “You have been in our home countless times. You’ve cared for Natalie at the hospital. How could you-“ She broke off and began to sob.

Luke put a protective arm around his mother. She clung to him. Reid walked over and patted Lily a little on her back. Lily looked up startled and then gave Reid a small smile of thanks.

The door opened and Bob came in. He had eyes for nobody but his son.

“Where did I go wrong with you, Chris?” Bob said sadly.

Chris exploded with anger. “Where did you go wrong? That’s right, I’m always the screw up. Tom is perfect; you’re perfect. I hate being in this family. “ He looked around wildly. “I should have been Chief! It was so easy to convince you, Dad, that you hit Natalie. You kept getting more and more confused. And your precious Ali?” He sneered at Casey, “Just a tramp as always.”

Ali sobbed, finally understanding that Chris had used her as much as the rest of them.

“I wasn’t going down for her.” Chris was raging. “ I woke up at the impact and saw what Ali had done. She and I had been drinking all night; we were tired and at fault. I wasn’t - I had her ditch the car, yes. But I did head back. “ He spared a quick glance at Lily. “I’m not a monster- I wanted to go back. But Margo was there- the police. The ambulance was coming, so…” He shrugged.

“You bastard,” Luke suddenly shouted, startling his family with his language. “Every minute for Natalie mattered.” He went up to Chris. “When I think of my sister struggling to speak a full sentence! Trying to get up from her hospital bed!” Luke screamed hoarsely. “ In therapy ever day, and you think it’s okay cause you were going back for her? “ Tears of helpless rage poured down Luke’s face.

“Easy,” Reid said to Luke, and he took Luke away from them all for a moment.

“Calm down,” Reid said softly.

“Don’t tell me I’m overreacting,” Luke replied heatedly.

“I’m not! Are you kidding? I want to scream a few profanities at him too.”

Luke sniffed, “Really?”

“Absolutely.” Reid gently cupped Luke’s face. “But listen. All yelling will accomplish is getting you thrown out of here, see? Take a breath,” Reid advised. He still held Luke’s face in his palm. He studied Luke, seeing that he was getting it together.

Luke turned his lips into Reid’s palm and sweetly kissed it. “Okay,” Luke said.

“Good,” Reid replied. “I don’t want you arrested right now for disorderly conduct or something. I love you, but I hate the thought of having to visit you in jail. The cells are too small, beds all narrow, and I’d have to fight for your honor with some guy named Bubba.”
Reid shook his head in mock horror, making Luke smile.

Reid smiled back, “There’s the Luke I like to see. “ He patted his cheek.

Together, they went back to the others.

“So Doogie,” Reid drawled ,” You were telling us all about your good deeds?”

Chris ignored Reid. He turned to Margo. “I went back. It was really all just an accident. “

“You father’s medication?”Reid pushed suddenly, “They just accidentally got switched too? You …What? Suddenly couldn’t read pill bottles? Became spontaneously dyslexic? “

Chris’s face went hard. His boyish good looks not disguising his ugliness now.

“Shut up, Oliver! None of this is your business!”

“We’re his family and this is his business ,”Holden said. “And I am wondering how any son could do a thing like that?”

“Chris,” Margo added in a sad voice, “To try and get a job is one thing, but to actually blame him for a crime?”

“ Look,” Chris searched his mind for a good spin on it. “…I didn’t plan to involve him at first. I only switched his medication to persuade Dad about Memorial. He was letting Oliver here take over everything! He didn’t see me! I just wanted to have some influence on him again. To have him make me Chief.”

Bob just sat in complete shock. It was Lily who actually got up and comforted him. Bob could not look at his son.

“I didn’t plan to do all this,” Chris defended his actions again. “Not at first.”

“Man’s a boy scout,” Reid muttered.

“So why involve Bob in the rest? “ Margo was demanding. “Why frame him?”

He shrugged. “ Carly would have been fine as my scapegoat. But it didn’t happen that way.”
Jack started at Chris, and he backed away. Margo held up a hand at Jack.

“But when Carly didn’t work out due to a lack of evidence, you decided to use Bob,” Reid said, he kept the interrogation moving as much as the cops. He wanted Chris to confess it all.

Chris glared at Reid. “I knew it was only a matter of time before the car might be found. Margo kept on digging.”

“And you went along with it,” Casey spoke suddenly to Alison.”You had me convinced my granddad was sick and that I was being silly about the car and all this time- it was you .”

Ali had been rocking back and forth in misery, crying. Now she looked at Casey, wiping away her black-streaked eye liner.

“I- I’m not a bad person,” She cried out. “I – Chris said if we let Bob take the blame that no court in the country would convict a confused old man, and I really did think his dementia had gotten worse. I didn’t know Chris had changed his medication.” She pulled guiltily at her hair, twisting it around. “ Plus, by then, I thought Chris and I were in love and it was more than a fling now… I – he told me what to do!”

Casey turned away from her.

“It seems the only one knowing all the information here was Chris,” Holden said. “He convinced Bob that he was guilty and then made Tom believe it too.”

Reid nodded, “Yep. Doogie is the definition of an opportunist. He used Casey and Tom to cover things up and let Ali think they had a future to keep her going along with it all. He could cover up the crime and be Chief.”

Holden and Reid nodded at each other – a good team.

There was a moment of silence as everybody took in the crime.

“Where did we fail?” Bob asked Kim sadly.

Kim shrugged away from him. “Chris, my Chris, is ill.” She told Bob in a pleading voice. “ He needs help!” She would never abandon Chris. She’d just have to make Bob see that he was sick and not to blame.

“I want a lawyer,” Chris said, not even looking at his crying parents. “And not Tom!”

“I wouldn’t represent you ever, “ Tom snarled.

“How could you be sucked into this?” Margo asked Tom sadly. “Even out of love for Bob? “

Tom had no answer. He was basically a weak man.

Margo wrapped a protective arm around Casey.

“I want a lawyer too!” Ali said. She tried to reach out for Casey, who shrank away and let Margo hug him tightly.

“You are all going to pay for what you did,” Lily vowed.

“For once, we agree,” Holden told her. Molly shot Lily a jealous look that everybody else ignored.

Meanwhile, Luke felt like he’d been punched in the guts. He leaned into Reid.

“You were right about Bob,” Luke whispered. “ I should have listened.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Reid whispered back and kissed Luke’s head.

“I’ll get out of this,” Chris was saying, “It was Ali driving, not me!”

Nobody even answered him. Bob was comforted by a compassionate Lily and Holden, while Kim dialed lawyers and cried. Susan and Emily arrived and hugged Ali. Jack checked in with Carly at their home.

Casey broke off Margo’s hug and slowly approached Luke.

“I’m sorry. I was such a fool to believe all the lies. I should have known . Listened to my gut. ”

Luke held out a hand, “It’s your family and your girlfriend…I -I’m sorry for you!”

The two friends embraced with great emotion.

Then they stepped back and watched as Ali and Chris were finally led to their cells.

***
Outside the station, Luke watched as Reid and Bob shook hands . Reid had offered to go to the hospital for Bob, but Bob wanted to go too. It was the only place left that still made sense to him. He and Reid agreed to go together. Their handshake went on for a long time, both men not wanting it to end. Luke was glad Bob would have Reid to help him. He waved goodbye and watched the car until it disappeared from sight.

“He was very good in there,” Lily commented, coming up behind Luke.

“What?”

“Reid,” she said, “he’d be a good cop.”

“He’d enjoy the doughnuts anyhow,” Luke laughed, “And he is pretty much good at everything.”

Lily almost smiled at that. She reached out a hand and rested it on Luke’s shoulder.

“You really love him, huh?”

Luke shrugged.

“Don’t worry, I finally am seeing that. I guess, it’s been so hard, you don’t know.”

“What?”

“Losing you.”

Luke looked at her in surprise. “Mom, you don’t have to lose me- “

“But I do. It’s right that I do. You have your own life, and that’s what really hurt me.
Seeing you move so far from me and be with Reid.”

“I’ve had other boyfriends,” Luke replied, puzzled.

Lily shook her head, “Noah was more like another son. He followed my rules. He never took you far away from me. But with Reid, it’s adult. “

Luke was silent a second. “I guess, that’s true. I mean with Reid I am trying to build a whole partnership –a life.”

Lily nodded. “And that is what’s hard for me- to let you go. Really let go. I see now that I was blaming Reid, and I’m sorry.” Lily wiped away a stray tear. “ It’s just I have no husband- my house is empty. I don’t know how to be without a man,” Lily admitted quietly. “And without all my kids too. Faith hates me most of the time, Ethan always wants to be at the farm . Natalie went to you.” Lily dabbed at her eyes.

“Mom, Natalie is just with us for this week. Reid told you she can move back to your house by New Year’s.”

“I know, but she is my baby,” Lily smiled. “It’s still hard. I guess I need to work on being okay when I’m alone.” Lily took a deep breath.

Luke smiled and hugged his mother. “You’re not alone. I am always a phone call away, alright?”

Lily hugged her son with all of her strength, “Thank you. My sweetheart. I love you.”

“I love you.”

“Good thing Reid’s not here,” Lily added.

Luke stiffened, “Why?” he asked cautiously.

“Cause, “ Lily laughed and made a face, “he made it pretty clear to me- no more drama. “

“Yeah,” Luke laughed too, “that sounds like him.”

She took her son’s hand, “He and I are very different people, but I am going to try a lot more with him. Okay?”

Tears formed in Luke’s eyes, “Mom,’ he said, “That means a whole lot.”

***

The next day, Reid and Luke attempted to meet and pick up some dinner from Al’s; Reid had worked round the clock at the hospital again, trying to help an emotional Bob focus. This was Luke and Reid’s only time together. But as soon as they entered Al’s, they saw Casey sitting there, not touching his giant cheeseburger and fries, and looking lost. Luke and Reid exchanged glances and slowly approached him.

“I just can’t go home,” Casey said to them in greeting.

“Sorry,” Luke said to him.

Casey shrugged. “Love sucks.”

“You’ll find another girl someday,” Luke said softly, “ You’ll love again.”

“I don’t know," Casey said. “I might be done.”

“No,“ Reid said, “Luke’s right. Just get back out there, there are lots of other cheating lying girls in Oakdale.” He ate one of Casey’s fries.

“Reid!”Luke scolded.

But Casey gave a laugh and then laughed so hard he held his sides, “Yeah, I’ve already dated some of those too. Emily? Vienna? Ali? Oakdale ladies all. ”

Then to all their surprise, Casey grabbed Reid and squeezed him. “Thanks. I don’t know the last time anybody made me laugh.”

“Um,” Reid actually blushed, “I’m going to go and get our take out order.”

Luke smiled in amusement. He winked at Casey. Then he followed Reid up to the counter.

“Listen, I know we made plans at home to eat, but –“ Luke gestured to Casey.

“No, okay,” Reid said in understanding, “go and do what you need to do.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Well, I’ll miss you,” Reid grinned, “but I have some nourishment so- “

“You’ll survive on chili and corn bread,” Luke added with a returning smile.

They kissed goodbye. Luke let his eyes admire Reid in his jeans as he left.

Luke went back to Casey and they sat together eating awhile in silence.

Casey finally spoke. “I know Ali did the crime too and God I hate her, but Chris- he just messed with everybody in the family. All of us,” Casey’s voice roughened.

Luke did not answer. He had nothing good to say about Ali or Chris.

“I thought Ali changed, after Mick Dante. I thought she really changed, “ Casey added.

Luke sighed. “I used to think things like that- not anymore. People don’t change really.”

“What do you mean?”

“I used to think like that with Noah. That if I just worked harder at it, if I were just was a little better a boyfriend –“

“Luke, you were a great boyfriend to that loser.”

Luke grinned. “But he never made me feel like I was…I just kept thinking if I worked more at it, he’d change. He’s stop judging me so harshly or appreciate me more- he never really did. You know? “

They fell into another silence.

“Well,’ Casey said, “my parents have been great. Dad is admitting what he did and facing the consequences and Mom has been awesome to me.”

“Good.”

“But things are so screwed up. You’re so lucky, Luke, “Casey said suddenly.

“What? Why?”

Casey took a bite of his burger. He shrugged. “You family is pretty solid right now and you’re with a guy who really loves you.”

“Yeah-“ Luke said, although he felt a little sad at the word guy and not fiancée.

“What?” Casey asked, seeing his friend’s look.

“It’s nothing, stupid.”

“Spill. I want to hear something other than Poor Casey right now.”

“I just wanted to get married in this coming year to Reid and now…Cause we fought and you know-“

“Over Natalie, right? God, that is on my family too.”

Luke waved his hand away, ”No, that’s on me. I messed up with him. Anyhow, I don’t think marriage is coming this year or any time soon.”

Casey chewed a moment. “Let me ask you a question.”

“Shoot.”

“Can you see Dr. O ever running around town cheating on you? Lying about things and sneaking around?”

Luke shook his head. “No.”

“Yeah, me either.” Casey smiled. “That guy has it so bad for you ,Snyder. So what does a piece of paper really matter right now?”

“I guess,” Luke said slowly and he did feel better listening to Casey. “It’s just, hard to explain, but it is something I really, really want with him. That’s all.”

“That’s cause ever since we were kids you’ve been just a girly-girl at heart,” Casey tossed a fry at Luke.

Luke caught it and popped it in his mouth. “More man than you are, Hughes. I can still whoop your ass on the basketball court.”

“In your dreams.”

“We’ll see when the snow is gone. “

“It’s a bet,” Casey told him.

Luke smiled at his oldest friend, “I love you, Case, “ he told him. He hated to see Casey
hurting so deeply.

“See?” Casey made a face, “You’re a total girl. “ Then he reached out and punched Luke lightly on the arm in thanks.

Casey sighed. “I probably do need to date outside of this town. “ Casey looked at Luke a moment, “Dr. O doesn’t have like some smoking hot sister, hidden away some place does he?”

Luke laughed. “Not that I know of.”

“Too bad, man, too bad.”

Title: Hit and Run
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Natalie was a victim of a hit and run.
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Warning: Sexual Content
Rating : NC-17

a/n: this is my first attempt to link chapters - sorry ifI mess this up!
Previous Chapter:

http://marsabi.livejournal.com/15965.html

Part 10

A week after the secret meeting with his family, Luke went shopping in old town. He’d been trying to put his plan to woo Reid into action for days now, but Reid was always at the hospital.

Casey bumped into Luke there on the street .

“I heard that Natalie is doing better?” Casey hopped around as he talked to fight off the cold day.

“Yeah,” Luke beamed. “Her therapist has her up on her feet. A little bit. And yesterday, she said a word here or there. Mostly she still is writing, but we’re really hopeful.”

“Great, man,” Casey replied. “You’re shopping too?”

“Yeah,” Luke nodded. He was dressed for the colder weather in an expensive jacket and leather gloves. “I am getting a surprise for Reid. “

“What? A new Mercedes? A Rolex?” Casey teased.

Luke laughed. “Maybe. Jealous?”

“Considering all Ali can afford to get me is a kit of hot coco or maybe a used Nintendo game…Yep.”

“Well come over my house soon and we can play some Wii.”

“Okay, but if you’re propositioning me Snyder – I don’t put out that easily.”

“Sure you do.”

They grinned at each other.

“So what are you getting Dr. O?” Casey asked.

“Something he will never expect,” Luke laughed, and then sighed, “If he ever comes home from the hospital.”

“I know what you mean,” Casey nodded. “Ali’s been working all these late night shifts too. “

“Oh?”

“Yeah,” Casey sighed, “That is why I’m here shopping early for Christmas. We’ve been fighting about her hours and …” His glance slid away.”Other things.”

“Sorry to hear it,” Luke said sympathetically.

“She just is pressing me and acting…I don’t know, “ Casey shrugged. “And when I suggested yesterday that it might be PMS – she went a little crazy .”

Luke winced. He had never dated women, but even he knew not to suggest they were hormonal.

“Anyway,” Casey said, “I’m here to buy some jewelry.”

“Can’t go wrong there,” Luke smiled. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Casey searched Luke’s eyes. He wanted to spill his guts to him, but shook his head instead. He had promised Ali his silence.

“Just girlfriend stuff,” he smiled. “Let’s catch up later, okay?”

“Sure,” Luke shrugged. He still needed to shop for Reid anyhow.

The two friends went their separate ways, each lost in his own thoughts.

***

Across town at Memorial , Margo was just leaving Natalie’s hospital room. Reid stood waiting outside.

Margo shrugged, “You’re right- no memory of it.”

Reid just nodded. “And Carly?”

“Released. Not enough evidence to hold her; the car was clean.”

“Luke will be glad,” Reid said, “Carly in jail would have made for a hard Snyder Christmas.”

Margo nodded, “But now we are back to square one. Let me know if she recalls even the smallest thing.”

Reid watched her leave. Then he went into see Natalie. He was overdue to go home, it was late, and he missed dinner with Luke again. He had told Luke he’d be home, but there was always one more problem to fix at work.

As he opened the door, Reid saw that Alison Stuart was there, taking Natalie’s latest blood sample, or trying to take it. Poor Natalie was wincing, her face all scrunched up , as Ali tried to find her vein once again.

“Sorry!” Ali cried out, “Once more.”

Reid stood by and watched her do it wrong . “Sorry!” Ali cried out again. Natalie nodded and chewed on her lower lip.

“Oh for God’s sake!” Dr. Oliver said angrily. “Where did you go to nursing school? “

He grabbed the needle from Ali’s hand and stuck Natalie in once fast motion. Natalie sighed with relief and sat back on her pillows.

“It’s just that I know her,” Ali said to Reid. “I know her and what happened to her, “ Ali gulped, “is so awful.”

“Just pick up those vials and go,” Dr. Oliver told her. “And you need to be more professional or God knows what other mistakes you’ll make tonight.”

Natalie felt her cheeks turning crimson as she listened. She felt embarrassed for Ali who was clearly a pretty bad nurse. Natalie had the stick marks to prove it.

Ali apologized again and left quickly. Natalie held her arm. There would be bruises forming now. Dr Oliver glanced at her rubbing it.

“Up for some company?” He asked Natalie.

She smiled. Dr. Oliver came in every single day and sometimes at night too. He seemed to get that it was hard to actually sleep in the hospital. Even with all of her stuffed animals and her own pillow from home, the sounds of machines and lights flickering in the hallway and just the aching in her body often kept her awake.

Dr. Oliver picked up the chess board. He had played with her a few nights ago, gently reminding her of how the pieces all moved. Natalie understood that this was not a doctor and patient visit. He was off for the night. Another time, he had brought her some snacks from vending machines, and they had munched on chips and watched a late night movie.

“Rematch?” Dr. Oliver asked her now. He put the board on her bed and set up the pieces.
Natalie watched him. Then she inhaled and practiced speaking calmly, the way the therapist told her.

“BBB-oorr –rruuing,” She told Dr. Oliver and then beamed at her success.

“Fantastic!”He got excited to. “That was really clear, Natalie and – “

He broke off and frowned. “Wait, did you just call chess boring?”

Natalie giggled. Dr. Oliver pursued his lips at her.

“Chess is a great game. It helps your mind develop logical thinking and – “ He stopped and watched as Natalie rolled her eyes. Dr. Oliver paused.

“I suppose you’d prefer I make up a dance with them or something?” His tone was a bit sarcastic.

Natalie nodded in challenge to him.

To Natalie’s extreme surprise, Dr. Oliver picked up a queen and twirled in around in his fingers. Then he picked up the king and made it bow to her. Natalie picked up another queen. Soon they had the pieces dancing together. The banged them around the chess board in a kind of square dance. The silliness of it made Natalie squeal in delight.

After awhile, Dr. Oliver stopped and pointed a finger at her, “Okay, Miss Snyder, this dance stays between us. Understand? “ He winked at her. “Your brother would torture me too much. We play chess seriously in our house, not dance them around. “

Natalie picked up her pad , What makes you think Luke likes chess either?”

Dr. Oliver’s mouth fell open. “Like I said, we play all the time and-“ He studied

Natalie. “Are you busting my chops?”

She shrugged. She honestly had no idea if Luke liked chess. She had just wanted to see his reaction.

“Well done, kid,” he said and laughed.

Her mother would be horrified at her bad manners. Yet Natalie felt like making Dr. Oliver laugh was some kind of strange accomplishment.

He was still chuckling now and gave her cheek a small pat.

Then he stood up. “I’ll come and check on you in the morning, okay?”

“Bbbye,” she smiled softly.

That night, Natalie stopped thinking of him as Dr. Oliver and started to think of him as simply Reid.

***

It was very late. Reid opened the door to his bedroom as quietly as possible, trying not to wake Luke. He had just raided the fridge downstairs, where Luke had thoughtfully left him a bowl of spaghetti. Reid had devoured it right over the sink, chewing and twirling the spaghetti. He had not even cared that it was cold. Then he had come upstairs.
Luke was sleeping with the covers half-off, wearing an old pair of Reid’s Harvard sweats. His mouth was open and his body deeply breathing. Reid sat carefully down on the bed.

“Luke,” he said quietly.

“Hmm?” Luke did not open his eyes.

Reid leaned down. “Do you like playing chess?” He asked.

Luke breathed out and moved a little in his sleep. “Sometimes,” he said , still asleep.

Sometimes? Reid’s mind flashed to all the endless games of chess they had played, and all of the times he had made Luke go over his opening moves. Luke had always acted enthusiastic and good-natured about it. He had even given Luke a chess instruction guide a few months ago. Luke had said he loved it. Reid’s mouth quirked as he mulled over this new information.

Reid smoothed the hair off of Luke’s face. “I love you,” he whispered to him.

Luke moved again in sleep. “Kay. “ Then he gave a little smile and exhaled, “Reid.”

Reid quickly stripped off his clothes and climbed into their bed. He nuzzled Luke’s neck, and ran his fingers along the waistband of the sweats.

Luke slept on. Reid reached over to the nightstand and warmed the lube on his fingers. He rolled on a condom. Then he pushed the sweats down and thrust a finger in and out. He tongued Luke’s ear , his mouth hot and hungry.

“Oh,” Luke said suddenly, his eyes still shut. He thought he was having a great dream .

Reid lowered his head and skimmed lips and teeth over Luke’s flesh. His hand brushed against Luke’s rib cage. Another hand slid into Luke’s pants and flicked at his tip. He gave it a gentle squeeze. Luke hardened like iron in Reid’s capable hand. Reid pulled the pants all the way off. Holding his erection firmly now, he watched as Luke’s body vibrated. Reid spread open Luke’s ass. He could not wait a second longer.

Reid drove into him. At the same time, Luke jumped to full consciousness.

He gasped.

“It’s me,” Reid murmured to him, caressing his stunned body.

“Reid?” Luke said, dazed. “Are you really here?”

“Don’t I feel real?” Reid half-laughed, and plunged harder into Luke.

A moan escaped Luke’s lips and his body undulated in pleasure.

Luke turned his head to let Reid kiss him, and they rolled together. Reid was on top now, still fully buried inside of Luke. Together, they pulled off Luke’s shirt. Their chests connected and nipples rubbed. Luke arched his body like a bow. Reid hammered down into him. Luke raised up his legs for more, more, more -

They exploded in a final burst.

***

After a quiet moment, Luke stirred.

“What?” Reid asked.

“Just thirsty,” Luke said.

Reid stroked his back,” Don’t move. I’ll get you some water.”

“Thanks.”

Completely naked, Reid climbed out of bed, thinking how funny Luke was with being so polite, when he connected with something soft under his left foot.

“What the hell ?” Reid exclaimed!

He jumped into the air and away.

Luke sat up in their bed, the covers sliding off of him.

“Surprise!” Luke smiled, his eyes dancing.

Title: Hit and Run
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Natalie has been a victim of a hit and run.
Warning: None
Part 8

When Natalie opened up her large brown eyes, she immediately saw the faces of her family all around her. Her eyebrows drew together in confusion. She could tell that she was in a hospital bed and that somebody had decorated it with ballet bears and tutus, but she had no idea why she was here.

“Natalie?” A voice called to her.

“She’s awake!”

“Oh my God! Natalie, we’re here!”

“It’s okay!”

“My baby!”

“Calm down, now!” Dr. Oliver snapped. They immediately all stopped, and Dr. Oliver approached her bed. Natalie felt achy all over and her skin suddenly itched . She raised a hand to scratch and stared at the IV drip attached to her arm in shock. She gave a small moan.

“Natalie, don’t try to talk yet –you have a tube down your throat. I’ll have a nurse come soon and remove it, okay? Just blink your eyes once for yes.”

Natalie blinked.

The room erupted in cheers .

“Quiet!” Dr. Oliver sternly told them. “Or you’re all leaving this room.”

“Do you know why you’re in here?” He asked her.

Natalie shook her head.

“You were in a bad car accident on your bike,” Dr. Oliver told her bluntly.

Natalie searched her mind to make sense of that, but it was all a blank.

“It’s very normal not to remember,” he said. Dr. Oliver added, “The memory might return .”

“Now, let’s just check you out a little. “ He turned her head to the right and looked into her ear.

“Ahh, what do we have here? “ Dr. Oliver asked her. “Looks like some peanut butter in there.”
He turned and examined the other one. “And more peanut butter,” He teased her as he looked in.

Natalie wanted to tell him that she wasn’t a baby like Ethan. He didn’t need to make silly jokes.

But Dr. Oliver was already shining a tiny light into her eyes.

“Follow this, okay?”

Natalie watched the light, moving back and forth.

“Terrific,” Dr. Oliver gave her a melting smile; the kind she had only seen him give to Luke.

It made Natalie feel proud for some reason. She glanced at her brother. He was watching Dr. Oliver with a soft expression.

“You’re doing great!” Her dad said.

“Of course, she’s part Walsh,” bragged her Grandma Lucinda.

A nurse came in.

“Remove the tube,” Dr. Oliver ordered.

Natalie felt it pull out of her throat painfully.

“Swallow,” The nurse told her kindly. “It will be dry a little. Sore.”

“Okay,” Dr. Oliver said to her. “Now just a few questions. Simply things. “ He patted her hand. “Tell me…your address.”

Natalie said her address.

Only, the words did not sound right. They came out all funny and garbled.

Her family began to rush to her.

Dr. Oliver held up a hand.

“You’re throat is sore, like the nurse said. Have a sip of water, and tell me again.”
Natalie sipped the water with the help of the nurse. Then she said her address.

Natalie’s eyes went wide with fear. The words were unclear nonsense. Not words at all!

She looked at Dr. Oliver with panic on her face.

“Oh God!” Her mother grabbed at her. “My poor girl!” She began to sob hysterically and hug Natalie.

Seeing her mother get so upset, made Natalie suddenly terrified, and she cried out fearfully.
Lily only cried harder, unable to comfort her.

Natalie saw Dr. Oliver give Luke a look, and something passed between them.

“Mom,” Luke said firmly, “ let’s just step outside a second. Please?”
Lily was about to refuse, but Luke took her insistently by the arm and told her again. He led
Natalie’s mother away and looked back at Dr. Oliver, who nodded at him. Luke and Lily went out into the hall.

“What does this mean, Reid?” Her father was asking, a pinched look on his face.
Dr. Oliver looked only at Natalie. He cupped her face very gently.

“Natalie, “ he told her. “Do you know how when you go to the dentist, he sometimes will give you a shot to numb your mouth? “

Natalie bit her lip and nodded.

“Well, your brain is kind of numb right now. Like that. Understand?”
She nodded again, her brown eyes glued to Dr. Oliver’s. He was Luke’s boyfriend and he was very honest with Luke. That’s what Luke always said. So he must be telling her the truth too. Natalie found his blue gaze comforting her. It was so calm.

“So,” he was saying,” here is what we can do for now.” He took a prescription pad and pen out of his pocket. “We can have you try and write a little- not much- a few words. And we will let the numb part of your brain relax. “ He handed her the pad and pen.

“Now, it might be hard to write too. Your hands have not been moving a lot.”

Her tiny hand did shake a little, but Natalie focused on the pad. She offered it to Dr. Oliver with her correct address written.

Dr. Oliver smiled at her. “Great job!”

He had Natalie write or blink some more answers: her full name, her favorite food... Stuff like that. He listened to her heart and pinched her toes and did a bunch of other tests. Natalie was embarrassed at first by the exam, but soon she just grew tired.

“Natalie?” Dr. Oliver said softly. “You look like you’ve had enough. Just rest, okay?”

“I’ll stay with her,” Her dad offered.

Dr. Oliver nodded. “Yes , okay. We do it in shifts like before. Everybody else goes. Holden stays. We rotate.”

Natalie’s eyes were growing heavy. It felt like an undertow dragging her to sleep. She wanted to try and stay awake and be brave and grown up, but her head felt foggy. She was barely aware that they left.

***

Reid walked with the rest of family out into the hallway.

With his arm around Lily, Luke jumped at the sight of Reid.

“Well?” Lily demanded. “What about her speech?”

“Is is permanent?” Luke asked hoarsely. His big brown eyes a mirror of Natalie’s.

“Look,” Reid told them honestly, “It’s just way too early to know that. Natalie did suffer a minor stroke and this is not uncommon. We also need to get her on her feet and see how the rest of her body function is…”

Lily shook her head dumbly, “What does that mean?”

“Just that she might need therapy soon. Physical therapy. Speech therapy. “

Lucinda intruded on the conversation, “I will fly the best therapists from around the world here. Money is no object.”

Luke looked frightened. Reid took Luke’s hand and squeezed.

“It might be that her speech problem clears up quickly,” he told them reassuringly, “but we can’t tell yet.

Just then, Jack Snyder came up to the group.

“How is she?” Jack asked. “Does she recall the accident?”

Lily shook her head, “It doesn’t seem like it.”

“But she will regain that memory?” Jack asked Reid.

Reid shrugged,” I really can’t say yet.”

“You can’t say much for sure, can you?” Lily snapped at him.

“Mom!” Luke protested.

“I’m sorry Luke, but I may want another opinion altogether. It seems like we should know more than wait and see.” Lily met Reid’s eyes with an icy challenge.

“Well,” Jack said. “I’d like to go in and question her. See if I can jog her memory. “

“Fine,” Lily told him,” I want you to catch this person.”

“No way,” Reid said calmly.

“What?” Jack said.

“No way are you questioning her now,” Reid told him.

“But I need to!” Jack looked upset. “I need to know what she might remember.”

“She just woke up from major brain surgery. No questions,” Reid repeated.

“Look , I’m her uncle! I’ll be gentle! I won’t upset her.”

“I don’t care who you are! Nobody is asking her anything yet. She needs to rest.”

Jack frowned and thought about trying to just go past Reid.

“Luke,” Jack said, turning to him, “Tell him I won’t upset Natalie. Will you? We need to find out answers.”

Luke looked at Jack. “I’m sorry,” he told him, ”But I trust Reid with Natalie’s care one-hundred percent.”

Concentrating on Jack, Luke missed Reid’s grateful glance.

“Oh, look at the time,” Lucinda suddenly said. “I’m supposed to pick up Faith and Ethan from Emma now.” She tapped Reid’s shoulder. “Call me.”

Reid nodded.

Lucinda blew Luke and Reid some air kisses, and gave Lily a warning look. Then she left.

“Look,” Lily said a moment later. “ I agree with Jack. We need to know who hit my little girl.”

“The guy is getting away with it, “ Jack said, “Nobody wants that. We all want justice for Natalie.”

“But we also want Natalie well,” Luke said reasonably. “And that comes first.”

“A few questions,” Jack pushed.

“Yes, just a few,” Lily was nodding.

“As long as I’m her doctor, “ Reid replied,” No questions right now. “

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t be her doctor,” Lily said flatly.

“Okay, that is enough –“Luke started to defend Reid, who put a restraining hand on his
shoulder.

“You have the right to seek out other options,” he told Lily. “But you need to stop thinking about your own guilt as a mother and start focusing on Natalie’s actual care.”

“How dare you? “ Lily said. She flushed because Reid had hit a nerve. “I’m going to talk with Bob,”

Lily walked off in a huff.

“I’m sorry,” Luke said.

“Is your name Lily?” Reid demanded. Luke shook his head. “Then don’t apologize.”

“You really won’t let me go in?” Jack interrupted them .

“No,” Reid’s mouth twisted up in irritation. “Go back to the police station and read a Cops for Dummies manual, or whatever it is you do there.”

“This is why police have so much trouble making arrests. Doctors like you getting in the way .”

“Yeah,” Reid drawled, “I’m funny that way- wanting my patients to get well. “

“You’re stopping the wheels of justice, remember that!”

He gave Reid an angry glare and stomped off.

“I guess I won’t be getting any good citizenship awards,” Reid commented to Luke and snapped his fingers in mock disappointment.

Then he studied his boyfriend’s face. “Earth to Luke?”

“Oh, sorry. Yeah. I was just thinking how I need to go and talk to Margo. “ His face was one of dread.

Reid nodded. “Want me to come with you?”

Luke blew out a breath. “Would you? I’m going to text my Dad about it too, but he is with
Natalie right now. And the thought of going there alone… This whole thing is getting ugly. “
Reid gave Luke’s shoulders a quick rub. “Give me time to check on a few more patients and then we can go.”

***

The police station was small, dimly lit, and stank of old coffee.
Luke and Reid sat down in Margo’s office, waiting. After hearing about Luke’s suspicions, Margo had gone to question Jack. Luke stood by the door anxiously, while Reid plopped down in Margo’s chair.

“You know,’ Reid said dryly, “We could still go home, forget this, and have some fun?” Reid picked up a pair of handcuffs off Margo’s desk and twirled them in the air. He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

“What?” Luke grinned, “You want to play cops and robbers?”

“Why not?” Reid said, “You made me play doctor and nurse that time.”

“That was for your job as Chief,” Luke protested.

“Hmm,” Reid eye- flirted with Luke, “I think you just were hoping I’d get you the little white cap and skirt.”

“Oh so now we’re into costumes?” Luke blushed. He had thought about a nurse’s outfit once or twice.

“I can still see you that day,” Reid continued, “wearing my stethoscope and swooshing around.”

“Hey,” Luke protested, “I don’t swoosh!”

“Uh, strut?” Reid suggested.

Luke gave him an insulted frown.

“It was a manly strut,” Reid quickly added. “I liked it.”

There was a beat of silence.

Reid sighed, “Okay ,”I’ll apologize. “

There was another beat of silence.

“That’s it?” Luke exclaimed. “That was the apology?”

Reid shrugged. “Sorry. I blanked out a moment.” He cleared his throat. “ I was thinking about you as a nurse again and taking my temperature the old fashioned way.”

“Enough about that day and nurses,” Luke dismissed.

Luke walked around Margo’s desk nearer to Reid and the handcuffs. “ Let’s go back to cops and robbers.” He bent down close to Reid’s face.

“You,” he pointed at Reid. “ Are going to be very bad criminal who must be immediately tied to my bed.”

Luke fingered Reid’s collar.

“What’s my crime?”

“Being obnoxious.”

“That’s not a crime!”

“It is in Oakdale.”

“Okay, fine. You provide the snacks,” Reid smiled slowly, “and bring your very large gun. And you have a date.”

“Or I could be the robber; you could tie me up,” Luke suggested in a low voice.

“Well,” Reid said mockingly, “You do have a natural bent toward the criminal ways – bribery, fixing elections… .. And last time we were in this building together, didn’t you shove me up against a wall? Add some assault to the list.”

“You know,” Luke crossed his arms, “You deserved to be shoved up against that wall, then and now.”

“That seems to be what you thought last night too,” Reid said, remembering the way Luke had ravished him in their bedroom, “Maybe you’re just a dirty cop at heart. Frisk ‘em and fuck ‘em.”

Luke buried his head in Reid’s chest, laughing. “You never change, do you?’

“Why should I? “ Reid declared, “We both know I’m perfect.”

“That’s it, I am going to-“ Luke’s voice trailed off, but his eyes were gleaming.

“What?” Reid murmured playfully touching the buttons on Luke’s shirt.

“Borrow these handcuffs here and punish you,” Luke threatened.

The door banged open as Margo and Jack came into the office.

Luke and Reid reluctantly drew apart.

“Okay, Luke – “ Margo ordered. “tell us again about Carly.”

Luke told his story nervously, not wanting to look at Jack.

“Is this true?” Margo demanded of him, “Has Carly been drinking?”

“Yes,” Jack shifted around, “But I swear, Carly did not do this! She would never just leave
Natalie by the side of the road- drunk or not!”

“Alcoholics can do a lot of things- “ Margo started to say.

“But not this! “ Jack protested. “Luke, you know how Carly loves Natalie. Sage and Natalie play together all the time.”

Luke flushed . “I know, Uncle Jack, but –“

The door banged open again. Carly stood there. Her designer dress was stained and her lipstick smeared. She had cut her hair off in a pixie cut. It looked as if she had done the job herself with a razor and some Jack Daniels courage.

“Stop!” She shouted out. “I- I can’t let you do this.”

“Shut up, Carly,” Jack roared.

“No,” Carly planted a sloppy kiss on Jack’s lips. She nearly tripped on the way to his mouth, and she paused to stomp her silver, 4-inch heels on the ground. A small piece of toilet tissue was stubbornly clinging to her left foot.

“I-I’m not drunk,” she added, clearly drunk.

Jack gallantly bent down and pulled off the piece of toilet tissue.

“Thanks,” Carly gave him a seductive smile.

“We need to know if you were drinking the day of Natalie’s accident,” Margo said to her.

“Don’t answer, Carly,” Jack warned. “You need an attorney.”

Carly waved his concern away.

“Jack did not know I was drinking that day,” She told Margo.

“But he knows you are drinking again. And didn’t report it to me,” Margo gave Jack an icy look and he bowed his head in shame.

“H-he loves me,” Carly gushed.

“Carly-cakes,” Jack whispered back. They tongued each other.

“If I wasn’t already gay,” Reid said to Luke, “this would turn me right now,” he pointed to
Carly’s darting tongue and glazed eyes.

Luke elbowed him to be quiet. Reid let out a long-suffering sigh. Then he spied the doughnuts.

Reid eagerly went over to the box.

Margo was pointing a finger at Carly.

“I’m sorry, Jack,” Margo said. “ But I must ask Carly - where were you that morning?”

Carly cried and spider-web lines of black mascara ran down her face. “I don’t know. I don’t remember.” She looked at Luke pleadingly. “But I don’t think I did this. I-I blacked out that day.”

Margo shook her head sternly, “We going to book you. And in the meantime, I need to see your car. “

Was it wrong that a part of Margo was already seeing her medal of honor for this arrest? Or that she couldn’t wait to give Tom the case to prosecute? She did feel badly for Jack, but it had been years since Margo had done more than bust her own sons.

“You can’t be serious!” Jack was saying.

“Oh, but I am,” Margo gave him her best Dirty Harry nod.

“What?” Carly looked at Jack. “Jack? You said it would be okay?”

“Margo, “ Jack said, “Our kids. Please.”

“Sorry. “ Then she frowned at him.”And you are officially off this case.”

The door banged open for a third time. They all jumped. Holden and Molly rushed in.

“I got your text,” Holden told Luke. He looked at Jack, ”Is this true? You’re protecting Carly over Natalie?”

“We don’t know anything for sure,” Jack said hotly, “Carly doesn’t remember- “

Holden lunged at Jack. Luke held his father back.

Molly waved in a camera man and took a shot of a crying Carly. “This is great for my show,” she said excitedly. Then she saw Holden’s look of displeasure, “And justice for poor
Natalie,” Molly added timidly.

“Just remember that my daughter trumps your cousin,” Holden told her.

“Agreed,” Molly nodded.

“Molly!” Carly protested.

Molly gave a shrug, “Carly, you did this to yourself. “ She only half-meant it; maybe she could do a pity piece on Carly later, when this all calmed down.

The real thing on Molly’s mind were ratings. This was a gold mine! But she flashed Holden a sympathetic smile and figured she could butter him up in bed later.

Luke shook his head at Molly and her camera.

Reid ate a second doughnut.

Jack and Carly embraced.

“I don’t want you anywhere near my family.” Holden told Jack.

“Fine!”

Carly was led away by an officer. Molly continued filming.

“I am sorry, Jack, “ Margo said. “But if the car shows any sign of blood or dents…”

“It doesn’t,” Jack told her.”I looked at it,” he added.

“Or fixed it for her!” Holden accused.

“I wouldn’t do that,” Jack said.

“When it comes to Carly,” Holden sneered, “you think with your dick.”

Reid whispered to Luke, “Did good dad just say the word dick?”

Margo waved her hands at them, “Take your family issues outside my department.”

“I want to post her bail,” Jack told Margo. He was thinking about all the times he had
rescued Carly and how this time he had failed. He knew she had been sucking down that red wine again; he had not wanted to fight with her. Now look at the mess. If only he could go back in time and turn that wine into grape juice. When it came to Carly, Jack often thought that he had God-like powers.

“Fine.” Margo answered. “ See the judge.”

“Well, “ Reid offered, “If it’s the same brilliant judge that I had, Carly should be out before happy hour.”

He licked a line of powder sugar from his lips. Luke handed him a napkin.

“I’m going to stay here and make sure she is locked up,” Holden told Luke, “You guys can go “

“Are you sure?” Luke asked.

Holden nodded grimly.

Reid and Luke looked at each other and shrugged. Then they left the police station.

***

Outside the station, Luke covered his head in his hands.

“Maybe she is innocent; maybe I’ve stirred up all kinds of trouble now.”

Reid came over to him and pushed back his hair. “And if she is guilty and you didn’t report it? Don’t be stupid. You did what you had to do. The rest is out of your hands.”

“What now? “ Luke mumbled.

“I have an idea.” Reid told him. “ Go to work.”

“Work?”

You remember work? Your job? The foundation?”

“Reid, I can’t concentrate right now- “

“Sure you can,” Reid patted his cheek. “Put your mind somewhere else…Give a few cool million to some do-gooder group. “

Luke gave a reluctant smile. “I guess I could try and get something positive done today.” He sniffed. “But I am going back to the hospital to see Natalie in a few hours. “

“Good,” Reid said. “Natalie will need you. “ He let his eyes linger on Luke’s body for a moment.

Luke saw the look, “If you’re gonna tease me about stealing a nurse’s outfit.”

“I wasn’t, ‘Reid denied, “although, it’s very revealing that you’re still obsessing about it.”

Reid put his hand on the small of Luke’s back. “I was only thinking that you could use some rest too.”

“Oh,” Luke felt silly, “That’s it? Well, thank you .” He smiled at Reid sweetly. “I mean it. You didn’t have to come down here and help me with all this. I appreciate it.”

“Ugh,” Reid had a pained expression on his face, “please stop. I’d rather you manhandle me some more than keep thanking me.”

“Oh Doctor Oliver,” Luke said leaning in and kissing him,” don’t you know that I plan to do both… later tonight?”

Reid caught his breath and swallowed hard. “Promises, promises.”

They kissed each other again.

“Hmm,” Luke smiled, “You taste like fried dough.”

“I could go back in there and sneak you a doughnut too,” Reid offered.

“Just so generous,” Luke teased. Then he grabbed Reid by the head and gave him another kiss.

Reid kissed him firmly back. “It will be okay,” he told him.

Luke nodded and took his boyfriend’s hand.

Title: Hit and Run
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Natalie is hit by a car. Luke asked Reid to operate and he refused. It was a conflict of interest.
Warning: none
Rating: PG

Part 6

“Calm down, Nancy Drew.”

“If you could have seen Carly,” Luke insisted. Then he winced as Reid dabbed at his cut.

“Just cause she’s drunk doesn’t mean she’s the driver who hit Natalie,” Reid argued logically. “There are lots of drivers out there drinking. ‘Tis the season.”

Reid smoothly got ready for the stitches near Luke’s forehead.

“I guess, “Luke muttered. “But I still need to talk to the police .”

“And you should,” Reid agreed as he prepared. “But don’t jump to conclusions, okay? Think it through first. No wonder you suck at chess.”

“You told me my game was improving,” Luke protested, trying not to watch the needle.

Reid was firmly holding his head. But now he paused a moment and shot Luke a grin, ”Of course, I’d say that. But I wanted to see you naked, “ He added wolfishly.

Was Reid just flirting with him? Luke wondered, and his mouth went dry.

Their eyes connected hotly. Then Reid looked away. He busied himself with the needle.

***

Casey had left quickly, after pouring out the whole Chris story to Reid. Luke knew he had been just trying to help fix the tension, but he wished Casey had not told Reid all the details. He was feeling foolish.

At first, Reid’s eyes had gleamed as he listened to the whole story, but then he had scolded Luke.

“I appreciate your kicking Doogie’s ass on my behalf –“ Reid had started to say.

“Well, I don’t know if I did that,” Luke had grumbled, “Since I’m the one at the hospital.”

“I don’t know, if that glass hadn’t shattered down on you,” Reid had made two fists and pretended to dodge at Luke, “You might have made me think I was dating Mike Tyson.”

Reid had snuck a few glances at Luke then, listening to Luke’s short laugh.

Then Reid had waved a finger at him more seriously.

“But don’t do it again, okay?” Reid had pursued his lips. “Let me handle Chris.”

Reid’s cold expression had made Luke uneasy.

“Don’t go and mess up your hands on Chris,” Luke had said.

Reid had smiled. Luke was so impulsive. “I’m not going to go and hit him,” Reid had told him calmly, “But I will get him back… when the time is right.”

“How?” Luke had asked suspiciously.

Reid had just taken a moist cloth to wipe up the blood on Luke’s face. Reid had stared at the blood a second, and his face had hardened. “I’ll think on it.”

After years of chess, Reid understood how to patiently wait for an opportunity to attack.

***

Luke hadn’t meant to bring up his suspicions about Carly to Reid. But it was troubling Luke. And it distracted Luke from the conversation he needed to have with Reid – the one that had his stomach in knots.

“You really don’t understand Oakdale, do you?” Luke said now, as Reid got ready to stitch him up. “I mean most people would be telling me not to run to the cops yet. Talk to Carly. Talk to Jack. Maybe keep things secret. Not you, you’re such a straight person.”

At the word straight, Reid gave Luke a look.

“Okay, not straight,” Luke laughed, then flinched as his cut stung. “But logical or whatever. You may think I’m jumping the gun, but this is my town. Let me tell you. Oakdale has no circumstances or strangers- everybody and everything is always connected.”

“I know this is practically an impossibility for you,” Reid replied as he loomed over Luke’s wound, “but can you stop talking even a minute? I don’t want to mar your beautiful skin. Or do I need to tape your mouth shut?”

“Ha ha,” Luke said stupidly. He couldn’t think of a snappy retort. Did Reid just say his skin was beautiful?

Luke’s heart beat faster.

He watched as Reid concentrated on stitching his cut. Reid’s eyes were focused now, and Luke let own gaze wander over his beloved’s features. Reid’s chin had a small start of stubble, his hair could use a cut, and Luke wondered briefly if he had ever really studied the deep, red color of Reid’s lips. They were perfect lips. Reid’s every feature was perfect. His high cheekbones and strong jaw and what was just underneath those scrubs. Jesus. The thumping in Luke’s heart turned painful now. He missed him. Luke’s breath caught. He missed Reid so much. The ache of it might never go away. Luke barely felt the needle at work.

Reid smoothed back Luke’s hair and applied the last stitch. Then he caught the longing in Luke’s face. Reid did not want to respond to it, but his fingers took on a life of their own, gently pulling on the soft, blond strands. The procedure was finished, yet Reid could not seem to stop his hand from lingering .

Luke was still gazing up at him with his doe-colored eyes. Reid’s hand rested at his hair. Then, like a force of gravity driving him in, Reid planted a sweet kiss on Luke’s head.

“All better,” he said huskily.

Reid’s eyes dropped to Luke’s generous mouth. Luke saw and his lower lip jutted out.

Reid leaned down to kiss him.

“No,” Luke said and got away from him. He shook his head.

Reid’s face turned hurt and Luke hurried to explain.

“I want to, so badly. But I can’t .” Luke turned from Reid. “ It would kill me to hear you say again how I don’t matter to you now. How this is just - nothing!”

Luke grabbed blindly at the door handle.

“Luke,” Reid called, “Wait!”

But Luke didn’t wait. He fled. He ran down the hall and to the elevator nearby. Reid called again. Luke pushed the elevator button and prayed for a quick escape. He pushed at it impatiently, until the doors finally opened.

Luke stumbled into the elevator; Reid was quickly at his heels. Reid pushed open the elevator door right before it closed on him.

“Listen,” Reid said.

“No!”

Reid swore under his breath and then he hit the stop button. The elevator groaned to a halt.

“You just stopped the elevator, “ Luke said, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand.

“So?”

“So, you’re afraid of elevators.”

“Hey, I’m not afraid!” Reid said indignantly, but his eyes had already darted nervously around the small space.

Luke didn’t answer.

“Look, about before,” Reid fumbled over his words. “I might have been exaggerating a little bit. “

“Exaggerating?” Luke folded his arms across his chest.

“A little bit.” Reid tried to tug Luke’s arms open.

They studied each other. As Luke searched Reid’s face, he could feel some of his hurt start to fade.

“Sex with me is not meaningless?” Luke asked, but his tone had softened

Reid groaned. He looked all around the elevator, trying to determine how to avoid any more talk. “Are you really going to make me say this?”

“I think so, yes,” Luke replied. He came closer to Reid. Their eyes flirted.

Reid slowly looked Luke up and down.

Their eyes met again. Luke gave him a tiny smile. Reid cupped the side of Luke’s face and ran a thumb down Luke’s cheek to chin.

“Every single time I have ever touched you,” Reid said finally, “has been full of meaning.”

Luke raised his hand and held Reid’s palm against his face.

Lips hungrily tasted each other. Reid’s hand caressed the base of Luke’s spine and he pressed him close.

“See what you do to me?” Reid sighed against Luke’s mouth.

“It was sweet. I liked it,” Luke smiled.

“That’s cause you’re a sap who probably has secret stock in Hallmark,” Reid mumbled, and worried briefly about the way the ceiling of the elevator suddenly looked lower to him. Tighter. He tried to focus on Luke.

Reid kissed Luke’s lips again, his neck. He lifted up Luke’s hand and kissed that too.

All the teasing suddenly stopped for Luke. He needed more. He gave a half-strangled cry and launched himself at Reid. He knocked them both to the ground.

Luke practically crawled onto Reid’s lap. He frantically kissed him over and over.

“I want to come home,” Luke cried out.

Reid opened his mouth to receive another kiss. As their lips merged, a small part of Reid couldn’t help but notice how close the walls were getting. Sweat began to form on his brow.

Luke was playing with the top of his scrubs; clearly about to take things to the next level. Reid grabbed his hands and stopped him.

“What?” Luke said, his voice trembling with sudden emotion. Reid wasn’t changing his mind? Had Luke just made a fool out of himself again?

“Didn’t you say you want to go home?”

Luke nodded and bit his lip hopefully.

Reid swallowed hard.

“An excellent idea. Let’s go. “

Luke beamed.

Reid gave Luke a nervous smile, “Just get me out of this damn elevator,” he growled.

Understanding now, Luke kissed him again, while his hand reached up and hit the button.

The elevator went down.

a/n: This isn’t a fade out; this scene continues into part 7, but I wanted to split it up. No sense rushing good make-up sex LOL

Title: 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?”

Title: 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 always loved her for hugging Luke at the end of ATWT. At this point in the story, Natalie has been hit by a car, and Reid does not want to be the one to operate.
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Angst (but this is the worst of it- promise )
There is one mushy/fluffy/sappy flashback to help ease the angst

Part Three

“I don’t understand,” Luke said softly. “Is it like a legal thing?”

“No. “Reid shook his head. “We’re not married, and that would hardly matter because it’ll be a gay marriage.”

“The state is considering making it legal right now,” Luke murmured, not even sure why he was even talking about it. A few days ago that had seemed so important to him and to their future.

Reid shrugged. “Even if Natalie were my sister, the legal part is murky and varies from state to state.”

“So?” Luke rose to his feet. He shot Reid a confused look. “Reid?”

Reid did not answer a moment. He stood up and then took Luke’s hand.

“I have a friend, a great neurosurgeon and she is on her way right now. “

Luke pulled back his hand. “But Natalie needs you.”

“She very good,” Reid repeated.

Luke’s chin jutted out. He stepped back from Reid.

“Is this doctor better than you?” Luke asked simply.

“Luke-“

“Is she?”

Reid swallowed. “She’s excellent. I –“

“Is she better than you?’Luke repeated, enunciating each word with a hard emphasis.

Reid stared at him a moment. “No. Not as good as I am.”

“Then you’re operating, “ Luke told him.

How can Reid even hesitate? Didn’t he hear Bob? Natalie could be brain damaged or unable to walk again…I know what that is like. I remember. Agony. My baby sister. Doesn’t he get that? Reid has never been helpless. Depending on others to help you to the bathroom. Unable to join her friends. My beautiful, ballerina sister – not able to run or dance. Or she could be blind like Noah. Bitter and angry and lost. Or worse - her mind might be damaged. She won’t even know me. Be a vegetable. God no! I remember the day she was born. So tiny. So perfect. She won’t remember how we all love her. The day I bought her that red and white stripped blanket for her first Christmas – the one she carried around for five years- until it was nothing but shreds. She won’t remember ... Or even worse. No! Not Natalie! I need Reid. I can’t chance my sister’s life on a stranger.

Reid was pacing back and forth. He ran a hand through his hair.

“Look…My emotions are all caught up in this… and I don’t think-“

Luke went over to Reid again and took him by the shoulders.

“I know you, Reid. You can put aside your feelings and focus on the medicine like nobody else. You did it with Noah; you can do it here. “ Luke gave him a slight shake. “ You told me in the hospital to be tough and do what I needed to do. Now it’s your turn.”

“Luke-“ Reid bit his lip. The rejection already in his eyes.

“No!” Luke shouted, his own eyes filling with tears.

“You will do it!” Luke put his hands out and butted against Reid, almost like an animal. “You have to!”

Reid shook his head.

Luke suddenly dropped down to his knees. He grabbed at Reid and rested his face against Reid’s belly.

“Please? For me?”

“Don’t.”

“ Please, Please. Please! If you love me –“

“Don’t.”

“If you do-“

“Don’t say it.”

“Then you’ll do this.”

Why doesn’t Luke understand? I can’t! If I go in there and operate –if I make a mistake. If she dies on the table –I can’t! One hesitation, one bad choice – no. No! Luke would never forgive me. I would never forgive myself. I can’t, can’t -

“No,” Reid said. He felt a pressure building up inside of his skin.

“No?” Luke shut his eyes.

Reid is letting me down? He said no? The one person – the one person I thought never would. My parents always did and hurt me and each other - over and over. And Noah? All he ever did was reject me, when I needed him the most. But Reid, my Reid – he’s my rock. He’s my everything. And he is telling me no? This cannot be real; it isn’t happening. Reid wouldn’t turn me away when I need him so much, would he?

Luke opened his eyes and looked at Reid.

Luke kept shaking his head. “This makes no sense.”

“I would be- my emotions are,” Reid struggled. “I’m with you and my emotions are with you.”

The day was breaking in half: before and after this moment.

Luke looked like a kicked puppy.

“So because of us,” Luke said slowly, “you won’t do it?”

“It’s a confli-“

“Yes!”Luke snapped. “A conflict of interest.” His eyes turned cold.

Luke retreated from Reid and charged up the stairs.

“Where are you going?” Reid asked, following him.

Luke sniffed loudly and grabbed a suitcase. He began to throw in his clothes.

“What are you doing?” Reid said again, only this time his voice was chilly.

Luke laughed bitterly. “What does it look like? I am leaving you. I’m removing the conflict, doctor. You can proceed now.” He tossed more belongings into his bag.

“How can you do this?” Reid replied, stunned. He went to grab Luke’s hand. Luke shook him away.

“How can I not?”

Luke is leaving ! He is walking away. Again! Just like when he thought I’d chosen my job over him. But this is a thousand times harder. I hadn’t completely let him in back then. I had held back a tiny piece. But now. He owns me. Doesn’t he know that? I’m his. He’s supposed to be mine. And not hurt me. He is hurting me. I trusted him with my heart and I never trusted anybody.

“If you walk out now,” Reid said in the quietest voice Luke had ever heard him use, ”Don’t come back.”

Luke stumbled a moment and stopped.

They stared at each other like two people separated by a huge abyss. Hurt was etched on both of their faces.

“I gotta think about Natalie right now,” Luke finally said. “I can’t do this with you.”

“You’re breaking up with me? “ Reid said numbly.

Luke ran down the stairs.

“Luke!” Reid yelled from the top.

Luke’s heart pounded. He paused and looked up at Reid.

“Take this!” Reid shouted ,” I no longer have a use for it.” He yanked off his engagement band and threw it down the stairs at Luke. Then Reid disappeared back into their bedroom.

Luke swallowed hard. He picked up the band and put it next to his own one. They both rested now on his ring finger. Then he left.

***

The ground felt unsteady beneath Reid’s feet. He walked over to the bed and clung to it. He gazed helplessly around.

There was Luke’s pillow, on his side of the bed. He kept his books to read on the night stand, his water glass was still half-full. Reid reached out and ran a hand down the imprint of Luke’s head, still there from the morning. He picked up the pillow and held it, squeezing tightly. It still smelled like Luke.

After a few moments, moments that seemed like an eternity, he dropped the pillow and stood up.

Then Reid went back to the hospital to be with Natalie.

***
Luke drove wildly. He didn’t care that he was speeding. He didn’t care about the fact that the car was almost out of gas. He just drove faster. Finally, he arrived. But he could not get out of the car. Luke sat outside of his mother’s house, frozen and shaken. He rested his head on the car’s steering wheel.

Luke wanted to go backwards in time.

Part of him wished he could just turn around and make up with Reid. He was already regretting some of the things he said. But another, stubborn part of him could not let go of the idea that this was still best for Natalie. He needed to push Reid for her sake.

He knew exactly the moment in time that he’d like to be in. In the darkness of the car, the memory made Luke smile, despite everything. He touched the glittering engagement bands, still both on his finger.

He’d go back to the moment that he had proposed:

They had been playing chess. Luke had planned it for weeks. He had carefully hidden the ring.

He had recently surprised Reid with a chess clock. It was one of the newer, digital models.

“I would love to do rapid play,” Reid said excitedly, like a kid at a birthday, “ but maybe I better start you at the typical 5 minute game.” He was rubbing his hands together.

“Are you saying I’m too slow?” Luke pouted. Then he sent Reid a teasing look, “Cause Chris has been saying for months that he can beat you. You could play him.”

“On my worst day- this queen” Reid pointed to himself,” can destroy that miserable pawn.”

The clock beeped. Reid hit it and moved.

Luke tried to concentrate on his game, but all he could think about was the ring and his plan.

The clock beeped.

“Luke, you can’t keep your finger on the clock.”

“Huh? Oh, sorry.”

The clock beeped.

Reid put Luke in check. Luke’s heart began to pound.

The clock beeped. Luke pressed it firmly down.

“Hey, don’t beat up the clock!” Reid told him. He shot Luke a quizzical look. “What is wrong with you?”

“Me ? Nothing.” Luke licked his lips anxiously. He knew checkmate was only a move or two away.

The clock beeped. “Checkmate.” Reid grinned.

Reid knocked over Luke’s king, just as Luke knew he would. The ring tumbled out.

Reid picked it up. “What’s this?” The grin on Reid’s face slid away as he caught the gleam in

Luke’s eye. Reid gulped hard suddenly.

“Marry me,” Luke smiled.

Reid held up the ring and looked at Luke. “Um, this is a ring with a tiny frog on it. “

“I know. “ Luke beamed at him. “I love you. Marry me.” Luke patted him. “ Okay? Please?” Luke added politely.

“A frog ring?” Reid asked, but he began to nervously finger it. “Are you saying I’m an amphibian? Or maybe you want to get married at the Snyder pond? Or is it that you expected me to croak at the sight of a diamond. You are a rich boy, you know, you can afford some white gold.”

Luke reached out and touched Reid again. “Stop it. You’re babbling.”

“I know,” Reid answered. “Believe me, I know. I just I –“ There was amazement in Reid’s voice.

“I’ll get you a real one soon,” Luke promised, “ but I got this cause,” He gave a melting smile. “When you kissed me, you became my prince.”

Luke took the ring from Reid’s hands.

“That is the dorkiest thing ever,” Reid drawled, but then closed his mouth as Luke dropped down on one knee.

“All my life I’ve been lucky” Luke said slowly, “ cause I’ve been loved. So I thought I knew what falling in love meant. “ Luke shook his head. His gaze intently on Reid’s face. “But I had no clue. Until you came and showed me. That love that doesn’t hurt or judge or…That love can be trusting. It can be fun, joyful, and passionate. Hot! And I promise to love you back just like that -always. Forever. Faithful. If you’ll have me.” Luke searched Reid’s eyes. “ I love you so much. Will you please be my husband?”

There was a silence.

“Okay,” Luke said. “I’m done now.” He bit his lips nervously because Reid had turned away from him at the word husband . Luke cleared his throat with determination. “Look, okay, I know how you feel about gay marriage or just marriage in general. I’m ready – give me the speech about how a piece of paper doesn’t make it last. “

Reid did not answer. Luke felt his heart pound. “Reid?” He gently turned Reid to him.
Luke was stunned to see that Reid was truly crying. Sobbing silently. He leaned in and kissed his boyfriend’s salty tears. Reid gave Luke a tremulous smile and then he reached down and hit the chess clock.

“What are you doing?” Luke frowned in sudden confusion.

“I’m resetting it,” Reid’s voice was thick. He brushed a few more tears aside.

“You want to play chess again?” Luke sounded exasperated. “I mean I know you love the game, but right now-“

“No ,” Reid laughed. He gave Luke a loving slap on his cheek. “I love you, idiot. So much.”

“So what’s with the clock then?”

Reid gave him a flirtatious glance. “I was just wondering how many moves it takes me to get you naked.”

“Uh, let’s see. Less than one?” Luke laughed.

The clock beeped and Reid pushed the button. Their mouths met in a smoldering kiss. They sank down together on the couch.

The clock beeped . Their clothes were already half-off. The kisses became fierce. Reid started to make love to Luke earnestly. His hands worshipping Luke’s flesh, touching every part of him.

The clock beeped. Neither man cared any more. They were naked and tangled up in each other. Then Luke tasted Reid, sucking gently. Reid tasted him back. They did not worry about protection on that special day. They prepared each other with their tongues. Teasing licks. Then plunging in and out . Both deeply sucking. Urgency building. Until Reid palmed Luke in his hand, pressed him down on the sofa.

Reid held Luke’s fingers up above his head. He looked into Luke’s face as he entered him. Their eyes remained open. Their gazes on each other. They smiled. Then Reid began to move deeply inside of Luke, releasing his hands . Luke grabbed at Reid’s firm buttocks and pushed him deeper inside. Reid gasped.

“I love making love to you,” Luke whispered.

“Glad to hear it,’ Reid answered mockingly, but his body told another story. It trembled at Luke’s words. Reid bent down and nibbled at the delicate slope of Luke’s neck. He slid his hands underneath Luke and lifted his body up. They were nothing but flesh and blood. Luke still stared up at Reid through his lashes. Reid’s face almost one of anguished vulnerability, a soft near-cry escaping his lips. Bodies writhed. The sound of panting filled the room.

Another hard thrust. Another exchange of caresses. The building warmth made Luke flush. He gave into sweet release.

Reid’s mouth moved up and down Luke’s body, rained kisses on him, even after they had climaxed, like he could never get enough.

Together. Together always.

“By the way,” Luke said, satisfied and making lazy circles with his fingers on Reid’s skin, “No pressure or anything…But was that a yes?”

That was it. Luke knew now in his gut that he had just made an awful mistake. He wasn’t putting his trust in Reid, and he had vowed that he always would. He was being foolish. He was about to start up the car again and head back to home. He had to fix this with Reid. They could figure it out.

A tapping on his window stopped him.

“Luke!” It was Faith. Behind her, Holden was also coming over. Faith opened Luke’s door and embraced her brother. “I’m so glad you are here! I need you.” She began to cry. Behind her, Holden looked wrecked. Luke felt torn; he looked down at his car keys and then up at Holden and Faith’s tormented faces.

He put the keys into his jacket pocket. Then Luke helped Faith into the house. Holden followed them. He would just have to make things right with Reid in the morning.

***

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: Smackdown! Reid and Luke
Author: Marsabi
Summary: One shot story about Reid and Luke attending a WWF event with Casey and Faith
Disclaimer: All belong to ATWT
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Porn, some Noah bashing

"He is coming out any minute," Luke said, elbowing Reid. "Watch."
"And what is his name again? " Reid asked. "The Lost Cause?"
"Reid-"
"Stoned Dumb?"
"Shh," Luke said.
"The Golden Ding Dong?"
"Reid, please be serious."

Reid looked around at the screaming fans, most of them chugging cheap beer and holding up illegible signs. "Ah, yes. By all means, this is a serious occasion."

Luke just grinned at him. Reid sighed. How could it be that Luke always talked him into whatever he wanted? Then again, if it wasn't for Luke, Reid would be in a relationship with only his chess board.

"Look!" Luke nudged Reid, "there he is!"

Casey was making his way up to the wrestling ring. He was wearing gold-colored bootie shorts that left nothing to the audience's imagination. His hair had been slicked back and he had on a golden cape.

"Ooow, " Faith squealed to Reid's right, "There's my boyfriend!" She pulled at Reid's arm in excitement, making him drop his jumbo hot dog onto the sticky arena floor.

Casey waved manically to the crowd and then eagerly climbed into the ring.

It was going to be a long night, thought Reid.

Two Days Earlier

Casey bounded into the Snyder home and then practically jumped on top of Luke.

"I won!"

"What?" Luke was babysitting Ethan, who was upstairs.

"The WWF Fan Appreciation contest! I won a spot to wrestle the stars," Casey told him. "I have four tickets, Luke. Let's double date there!"

"I don't know," Luke hesitated.

"But Luke we used to love pro wrestling, member?"

"Case, I was like eight then. Some of us actually grow up."

"Come on! It will be so much fun, dude."

Luke was laughing. He shook his head, "Can you see Reid Oliver going to WWF?" He said. "He won't go."

"Hey, tell him I just started dating your sister and you need to chaperon," Casey offered.

"Which," Luke said suddenly serious, " I should. She is younger than you and not as experienced -"

"Luke, please. I know she is your baby sister and all, but she came after me. That girl is an octopus. In a good way, if you know what I mean-"

"Enough," Luke made a face, "please. I guess I can get Reid to do it. For me. For Faith. "

"Cool!" Casey beamed. "Now I just need to think up a wrestler name for myself."

Present

"Announcing our latest fan challenger, The Oakdale Intoxicator!"

"That is his name?" Reid exclaimed.

"Well, he loved The Mountie, " Faith told him, "but it was already taken."

Reid opened his mouth to answer.

"Don't even-" Luke shoved a playful warning at him .

Reid shrugged, "Fine. But only cause Faith is here."

Then he watched as Casey and another man grabbed each other's arms and went chest to chest. They grunted and struggled to get each other in a hold.

"Doesn't Casey get how homoerotic wrestling is?" Reid asked Luke.

"Shh!" Luke said.

Casey and his opponent held each other by the shoulders, and it looked to Reid like they were struggling to do some kind of archaic dance. They grunted and would take two steps forward and shoved three steps back .

"And what is with Casey's skin?" Reid asked Luke. Luke absently took Reid's hand.

Reid leaned over to Faith.

"What is with Casey's skin?"

"It looks awesome, right? " Faith said. "I spray tanned him myself."

Reid watched as Casey's opponent did a scissor kick and nearly pinned Casey down. Casey's skin was greasy looking and had an orange glow to it.

"If Casey had ten more brain cells, " Reid commented to Faith and Luke, "he'd have ten brain cells total."

They both ignored Reid. Casey was starting to lose the match. The other guy twisted Casey's arms up high. Casey struggled to break free. Casey's opponent slammed Casey down on the ground.

Fans were booing poor Casey. Luke hid his hands in his hair. Reid patted his head. Then he nuzzled Luke's neck.

"Hey, you homos, " shouted a man a few rows behind them in an Undertaker shirt, "get the hell out."

Reid Oliver looked the man in the eyes. Then he turned to Luke with determination.

"Now Reid- " Luke started to say.

Reid grabbed Luke's face and gave him a passionate kiss.

"That's it, Reid, " Faith laughed, "slip him the tongue."

Luke pulled away, "Stop!" He told Reid. Then he looked at Faith, "You stop it too."

"What? " Faith shrugged, "I've told you before, Luke , you guys are hot. I like watching hot men make out. " She cringed as Casey took another blow to the guts. "Besides,I need the distraction from my new boyfriend getting the crap kicked out of him!"

The man in The Undertaker shirt was making his way down to Reid and Luke.

"Oh, terrific," Luke grumbled.

"I'll talk to him,' Reid said, "calm the guy down."

"You are going to talk to him?" Luke questioned. "The man probably eats pork rinds for dinner."

Reid shot Luke a quick smile, "You know, I think my finer qualities are finally rubbing off on you."

"Just let me do the talking, " Luke said, "because after two years of dating, none of my charm has yet to rub off on you."

Reid gave him a wounded look.

Luke tried not to laugh.

Casey, meanwhile, was taking a blow to the chest.

The man in The Undertaker shirt finally approached them. He was a hostile, middle-aged, beer gut and plumber's ass kind of guy; the type who showed all the intelligence of a cardboard box.

"I don't like seeing that faggot stuff," he told them angrily.

"Look," Luke tried a charming smile, "It is a free country and -"

"There should be laws against two men kissing; it is sick." The man jabbed a finger at Luke.

Luke tried to balance his shaking Starbucks cup carefully on his impeccably pressed pants. He gave The Undertaker his best puppy-dog face, the one that would have reduced Reid to mush. But the man jabbed at Luke a second time.

Luke tried to reason with The Undertaker again.

"Sir," Luke said tightly, his smile getting strained, "Why don't you just - "

"You'll end up in hell, " the man continued.

Reid glanced around the arena. His shrewd eyes took in the big-haired, saggy-boobed women and their greasy, slightly dirty men. "I thought this was hell already," he said dryly.

The man spat near Reid's feet, "If I ever see you kiss again - " He started to say.

Reid looked at Luke. Luke looked at Reid.

Then Luke kissed Reid with a great deal of tongue.

People around them started watching them instead of the wrestling match . The man pulled Luke and Reid apart. Faith tossed her drink at the man's face. He went to grab at her and Reid pushed Faith aside. Then the man, outweighing Reid by a hundred pounds, punched Reid in the jaw. Reid toppled over.

Casey, who looked up and had seen his friends in trouble, ran out of the ring and up into the crowd. He leaped at the man, his golden cape swinging, and pounded on the man's shoulders and back. Faith stomped on the man's feet. The man dislodged Casey, who promptly pulled down his booty shorts and mooned the guy. Casey's butt was extremely fleshy and white; apparently, it was the only thing that Faith had not spray tanned.

The crowd was roaring. The man got up once more, but this time it was Luke who attacked him. He gave the guy one big kick right in his tiny nuts.

"Don't ever mess with my boyfriend," Luke snarled at the guy, who was still holding his balls.

"Where did you learn that round-house kick, man?" Casey asked with admiration.

Luke shrugged. "I used to hang out with Dusty Donovan and Noah. "

The ushers had come down by then. They wanted to throw them all right out of the arena. The crowd cheered Casey and Luke now, and Casey beamed and waved his arms above his head. Faith stuck her tongue out at the cameras suggestively, darting her tongue in and out, and then held Casey possessively by the waist.

Casey nudged Luke, "See, he whispered, "she's an animal."

Luke turned to help Reid.

"You okay?" Luke asked Reid , as they were escorted out.

Reid flexed his jaw muscle. "Yeah, getting hit is just part of being me," he told Luke grumpily.

"Aww, " Luke leaned in and kissed the top of Reid's head, "Poor you."

Reid smiled at his boyfriend with a sudden gleam in his eyes, "I have an idea, " he told Luke , "how you can cheer me up."

Later, that night

"Come on, Luke. Come out already."

"No!"

"Hey, you promised to cheer me up. And Casey gave us the goods. So come on!"

Luke reluctantly opened up their bathroom door and stepped out into the light. He was wearing Casey's costume.

"Turn around, Snyder, give me the full show." Reid commanded.

Luke turned. Reid admired his tight ass in the golden shorts.

He came up to his boyfriend and pressed himself against Luke. He gave that hard ass a squeeze. Then Reid slowly untied the cape and let it fall at Luke's feet like a shimmering pool.

"Can I take it off now?" Luke blushed. "Feel better?"

"Don't pout. You wanted me to like wrestling...I'm thinking you need to show me some of those WWF moves."

Luke shook his head. Reid ignored him. He ran a hand down Luke's naked chest. Then Reid pulled Luke onto their bed. Reid got on all fours and began to bounce up and down. "Okay, I'm the Stone-"

"The Rock?"

"Yeah, whatever. And you come at me -"

Luke jumped on the bed and grabbed at Reid.

"You asked for it," he laughed.

"First,' Luke said with mock seriousness, "we have the standard Nelson hold." Luke slipped his arms under Reid's arms and pulled them up. They were back to back, Luke's crotch at Reid's ass.

"Got it," Reid said. He wiggled his backside even closer to Luke.

"Next," Luke said, "We have a cool move called the Bite of the Dragon."

Reid laughed. "You are so making this up!"

"No. Google it later."

Luke knocked Reid onto the bed and trapped his legs around Reid's, pinning him. They kissed a moment, teeth grinding against each other, their legs still tangled.

"Give me one more," Reid demanded, as he started to stroke Luke through the golden bootie shorts.

Luke groaned and twisted away. "Okay."

He pulled Reid back up to his knees.

"This one is an inverted face lock, " Luke was behind Reid. He bent Reid backwards.

Reid groped at Luke's inner thigh muscle. He pushed Luke back and switched positions with him. Reid's face was at Luke's tight butt, he pulled the material of his shorts away.

"Reid!" Luke jumped back, "Pro Wrestlers do not lick each other's ass!"

Reid continued to pull aside Luke's shorts and lick. "Yeah, but they so want to!"

Luke half-moaned, even as he shook with silent laughter.

"Are you aroused or amused," Reid murmured. He found Luke with his tongue again and plunged.

Luke pointed to the bulge in his bootie shorts, still laughing. "Both, can't you tell?"

Reid stopped and grinned.

Luke sighed. "This is what you have taught me about sex, doctor."

'What's that?"

"That is can be so, so very good, " Luke kissed him. " And still so much fun!"

"Aww, no fun with Noah all those years ago?" Reid slid down Luke's body and nuzzled Luke's bulge. He grinned at the way Luke's hips bucked wildly.

"No," Luke wrinkled up his nose at the name Noah. "It was fast and terrible and always so grim. We had to discuss it before we did it for like hours."

Luke's head rolled back onto the bed, as Reid pulled the shorts all the way off now, and began to caress his cock. Reid squeezed Luke's dick, hardening him even more.

"We are going to do something for hours, Snyder, but it does not involve talking."

"Thank God!"

"I know a move that I like," Reid said softly. "But it has a number, not a name. "

Reid turned around. Luke put his hands on Reid's firm backside. Reid slipped Luke into his mouth again. He lowered his lips on Luke's ridges and tasted the salty skin. Reid sucked, causing Luke to thrash around helplessly. Then Luke grabbed at Reid. Luke gently licked Reid's throbbing cock in return. They mouthed each other more. Firm lips clamped down.

"Suck harder, " Luke commanded, coming up for air. Reid obliged him. He rotated his head from right to left as he sucked more. Luke returned his own mouth back to Reid's. They gave each other mutual pleasure. Reid tasted Luke all the way at the back of his throat. Luke's fingers caressed Reid's hole in slow, teasing circles. Reid pressed down on Luke's muscled thighs.

Luke took Reid into his mouth more, exploring him with wet friction. Reid's fingers flexed and dug into Luke's skin. Neither of them were willing to take his mouth off the other one. They licked and sucked. Tongues flicked over cocks. Lips cradled. Bodies writhed and grasped for each other's flesh. They had been together long enough now that there was no rush; they could linger and explore.

Their love did not count minutes or hours. Only hunger meeting hunger.

"So good," Reid moaned. They stopped and Luke smiled. Reid stretched his body across Luke's , pausing to pinch Luke's nipples and then kiss his open, waiting mouth.

"Now for the Mountie!" Reid teased.

"Wait a moment," Luke suddenly said, stopping Reid.

"What?"

"The final pin, doctor, is mine. I plan to win this particular wrestling match."

Luke pushed Reid off of him and onto his stomach. He grabbed Reid's hands and held them high over his head. Luke opened the nearby drawer and took out some lube and a condom. He gave Reid's buttocks a playful slap. He slapped him again. Reid winced at the sting. He looked back at Luke and saw his boyfriend's eyes were dancing wickedly. Reid knew that particular expression. He was going to get it from Luke now. Reid grinned. He loved getting it from Luke.

Luke gave his boyfriend another slap on his rear end, and then he gave it a kiss. Luke then spread Reid's cheeks and stuck a lubed finger, then two, inside of Reid.

Reid groaned, "Is this why they call it Smackdown?" He asked hoarsely.

Luke did not reply. He worked another finger in. Soon, they were both breathing heavily. Reid raised his hips up. Luke entered him in slow inches, filling him. Reid clenched to make himself tighter, to make it last. Luke pulled his knees farther away.Their bodies merged into one. Their hands were still clasped together. Luke hammered into Reid and then pulled out. A thin line of sweat covered both of their bodies. Luke raised himself up and hammered in again.

"Fuck me!" Reid cried out. "Please!"

Luke released Reid's hands and grabbed his thick, curly hair and pulled his head back. Luke pounded into Reid, and his whole body trembled in response. Love-cries filled the room.

Luke started to change his rhythm; he rode him slowly now. He savored each hard thrust. He turned Reid's head to the side and gave him a sweet kiss. Reid babbled incoherent words of love and kissed Luke back. Luke smiled at the babbling, and gently put his lips on Reid's vulnerable neck. He moved his body in and out of Reid tenderly now. Luke wrapped a hand around Reid's cock and stroked. He probed the spot right behind Reid's balls. Luke loved to feel his boyfriend come. He could feel Reid tensing and then just letting it all go. Soon Luke was coming with Reid. As they climaxed together, they called out, praising each other's names.

The Next Morning

Luke put breakfast down in front of Reid and gave him a kiss.

"Ah, an omelet, " Reid sighed. " And I was just hoping to have some old cereal."

"I thought I'd make you something special."

Luke patted Reid.

Reid dug into his breakfast.

"I was thinking," he told Luke between bites.

"Yes?"

"Maybe I will start a wrestling station for the gay man. Something on the internet."

Luke laughed, "Very funny. You don't know how to work the internet. You don't even have a Facebook page."

"I do too!" Reid said hotly "Some groupies of my fantastic surgical skills started one in my honor."

Luke just shook his head.

"It exists!" Reid said.

"Sure," Luke answered. "And you are going to go on to create Gay Wrestling and maybe be on soap operas too. "

Reid shuddered, "Okay, I do have some standards."

Reid bit into the omelet. "I guess I 'll just remain a brilliant surgeon, and leave the rest alone."

Luke took Reid's free hand and kissed each one of his fingers.

"Good plan," he told his boyfriend.

THE END

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 can read minds and has visions. Damian is back. Chris is dead. Luke and Reid are going to Malta to try and confront Damian about the missing foundation money.
Warning: None
Disclaimer: Not mine- ATWT
Rating: NC-17

Thanks to Stl29tide for some help
and Chameleonen for the tips on Malta

Chapter Ten

Malta

Reid and Luke sped through the island of Malta, their motorcycle hugging the delicious curves and hills. Luke had his chest pressed up at Reid' back, and his legs brushed Reid's legs. He was holding Reid's waist and thinking that there was nowhere on earth that he would rather be. The limo had left them off in the local town, but it was still several miles to the Grimaldi castle. Reid had convinced him to get the Harley-Davidson. It was a big hog, all red and chrome, and boasting a rubber-mounted,fuel injected Screamin Eagle engine. Reid was smoking hot in his tight jeans and jacket, and Luke had put on equally tight jeans and a button down shirt that showed off a small tuft of his chest hair. They both wore helmets at Reid's absolute insistence, and now they were roaring past scenery of Malta. Reid hit the throttle and they soared.

Luke had been uncertain about getting the motorcycle. He had never been on one.

"It is the only vacation time that I have had in years," Reid said, and gave Luke a rare smile.

"But they drive on the left side here, Reid. Can you handle that?" Luke had been to Malta several times and had always taken limos.

Reid rolled his eyes. "Luke, I'm a brain surgeon. I can handle driving on the left side of the road. "

"And you'll go slowly?"

Reid's eyes gleamed, "Of course."

Now he was not going slowly at all, and Luke was loving it. Reid was so assured at the controls that Luke imagined this must be what it was like to watch him operate. Those capable hands gliding over the throttle, giving it torque, moving with no doubts of his own abilities.

Reid could handle so many things well. He could handle the truth too, Luke began to argue with himself, about the mind-reading. Luke should tell him. Luke will tell him. But not yet...they were having so much fun. Technically, this felt like his first date with Reid. Luke wanted it be special. He would tell Reid at the castle. Soon.

Just then, Reid pulled the bike over at a local farmer's market and turned back to Luke.

"I'm starved!" He grinned.

"When aren't you starved?" Luke teased, watching Reid hop down from the Harley and wipe some dirt off his jeans.

He held out a hand to Luke. Their fingers grabbed onto each others. Together they browsed the small roadside market, selecting luscious fruits. Luke held up a crispy apple to Reid's lips and he took a mouth-watering bite.

"Hmm,"Reid said. He bent over the stand to get some more apples and Luke just watched. He couldn't help but enjoy the view of his lover's ass.

"Careful, Snyder," Reid said , straightening up and meeting his eyes. "I can tell what you're thinking."

"Can you?" Luke smiled.

Reid took another big bite out of his apple, "Yeah. Keep those big-brown cow eyes off my ass."

Luke laughed and shoved Reid gently. Reid responded by wrapping one casual arm around Luke and then shoving him back a little. Luke picked out a container of melons and some bright, purple grapes.

"These good?" He asked.

"Oh, yeah," Reid answered. He had more fruit than he could carry now.

They went up to pay. Luke could hear nothing but happiness coming from Reid. Simple thoughts, that were unlike him.

Food and Luke, Luke and food , was all he could hear.

They carried the fruit to a nearby palm tree. They ate in the shade, feeding each other fat pieces of melon until the juices ran down their faces. Reid leaned in and licked some off of Luke's open lips. Their tongues met in an intimate dance. Reid cupped the side of Luke's face and placed another melon slice into his mouth. Then he leaned his whole body into Luke's and sucked on part of the exposed melon. Their mouths met again and the kiss tasted like fruit and each other.

"Best date,' Luke whispered.

"What?"

"Or worst one, whatever. Tell me something." Luke smiled coaxingly. He suddenly wanted to know everything about Reid.

"Best? Right now, idiot," Reid teased, and then gave him a beautiful, flirtatious grin. "Worst?" He shrugged. "Around med school, I was with this guy I thought was crazy about me. But on our third date I caught him getting another guy's phone number. "

"Ouch."

"Yeah." There was a pause. "I still went home with him."

"What ? Why?"

"I don't know. Hormones, I guess. "

Luke heard, Lonely and geeky and stupid back then.

"What about you?" Reid asked.

Luke hesitated. "I never really dated...There was only Noah and we kind of fell into this messy love thing. We never had dates." Luke stared into Reid's blue eyes. "Not like this."

Reid looked away. Luke persisted. "This is really great. I just want to say that I feel good, being here with you." He peeked over at Reid.

Reid shook his head and gave him an embarrassed smile, "Yeah, let's not do this."

"Do what?"

"Talk about our feelings, okay? I'm not good at it."

Luke heard, I ache for him.

"Okay," Luke nodded, his throat clogged by emotion. "No feeling talks."

"Good," Reid said suddenly standing up, "I need to go back and buy something to drink." He nervously asked, "Lemonade good?"

Luke nodded.

Reid snapped his fingers. "Lemonade it is."

As he watched Reid run back for drinks, Luke's smile faded. He was so happy here with Reid. He wished the two of them could just freeze time and not leave. He wished he did not have to tell Reid about his ability to hear his mind. He would wait. Just a little longer...

Oakdale

As Luke and Reid were making their way to the Grimaldi castle, Oakdale was about to have a visitor.

Lily Walsh was eating lunch at her house and trying to thinking of ways to get rid of her mother, Lucinda. Lucinda had arrived , unannounced, to lecture Lily, as usual, about her flaws. First, she started in about Holden and Molly and why was Lily letting him just get away? Then she started in about how Faith was out of control again. Finally, her mother took out the big gun and brought up Luke and Damian.

"I don't want to discuss this mother," Lily said.

Lucinda let out an annoyed breath. "Lily, dear, you can't just ignore the fact that he is clearly out there somewhere. Probably just waiting for Luke in Malta. "

"Why did you give Luke the jet?"

Lucinda shook her head "Darling, he was going, one way or the other. He thinks Damian is just going to hand him over the foundation money."

"Maybe he will."

Lucinda groaned. "What is it about you and men, Lily? You need to learn to see past their smiles?"

Lily shifted in her seat. "I'm not a fool, mother," she said, "Although you'd like to think so. I know Damian. I know he did awful things, but I truly think he loves Luke."

"He may love him," Lucinda warned, " but he is after something. Mark my words, he won't stop until he gets it!"

Lily sighed and offered her mother some tea. This would be a long lunch.

***

Meanwhile, across town at Memorial, Bob Hughes grew concerned. Reid Oliver had taken a few personal days and Bob had approved them, but now Chris had disappeared too. Bob did not want to admit how disappointed he'd become in his son over the last few years. Now, Bob was very short handed. He could not get Chris on his phone and hated to call back Reid. He was in a pickle.

Just then, Kim came up to Bob.

"Darling I'm afraid you are not going to like this? " She said.

Bob raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"It's about Chris. He sent me an email. He's gone back to Africa."

"What!"

"He hates to disappoint you, dear, but he really wanted to be his own man and go help the people there. He wasn't happy here."

"So he just leaves? No two week notice? No goodbye to us?"

"His message says he was embarrassed and nervous to face you, but he will get in touch with you soon. He says he is sorry."

Bob shook his head. "That sounds like Chris. Selfish."

"Now Bob- " Kim put a restraining hand on her husband's arm.

Bob shook it off. "No dear, I won't be happy about this. I need to go and work on bringing in some more doctors. "

Kim frowned as Bob walked off in a huff. She just hated being in the middle of her son and her husband. She too had been hurt that Chris did not say goodbye. But she would just wait for him to visit, and until then try and accept it.

***

Damian Grimaldi stood outside of Lily's house. He had just sent another phony email from Chris Hughes to his parents, buying him more time. The Oakdale police were so incompetent that Damian knew it would be a long time before they even knew Chris was dead or suspected foul play. Damian would be long gone by then. He peered in the window and saw Lily with Lucinda. That old hag! She wasn't part of his plans; he had hoped to find Lily with Luciano, but this might work out fine. Damian signaled to his men in the waiting car, and then he rang the bell.

Lily Snyder opened up her door and saw Damian Grimaldi standing there in plain sight. She screamed and nearly collapsed to the floor. Damian caught her in his arms and put her gently down on the couch.

"Pleasure," Damian said and touched Lily on the shoulder. Lily began to writhe and moan and touch her genitals. Her eyes glazed over with lust.

Lucinda, meanwhile, charged at Damian, yelling at him "No, damn you!" She attempted to beat Damian with her clenched fists.

"Pain," Damian said, and gave Lucinda's face a hard squeeze. Lucinda immediately bent over in agony, holding her head in her hands.

Just then, Damian's phone buzzed. He glanced at it and read the message with surprise. Luciano wasn't in Oakdale at all; he was already in Malta. Damian smiled. He watched Lily thrashing and moaning. He watched Lucinda rocking with pain. Luciano would soon be in his power too. He would get Luciano to do his bidding, be in his control, and then they would take over everything - together. Damian called in his bodyguards to come inside the house. They left the car parked outside and entered. Damian nodded to the two women. "Bring them," he ordered. He was eager now to return to Malta.

***

Malta

Luke and Reid had reached the Grimaldi castle. It sat on the highest hill of the island, surrounded by an interlocking series of caves. Down below, the ocean was visible. It's blue waters beating against the rocks. The castle itself was enormous. It had huge stone walls, a turret, and several balconies. The castle had a gloomy air about it. Nothing else could be seen for miles - just the castle, dark and imposing.

Luke and Reid had climbed off of the motorcycle.

"Very Edgar Allan Poe, " Reid said finally. "Bad dad keep ravens here?"

Luke ignored the insult and took Reid's hands in his.

"Reid," Luke said nervously. He swallowed a couple times. "I have to tell you something, right now, before we go inside."

Reid shrugged, "Okay," His tone was wary.

Luke heard, If he is going to be feeling guilty over Noah right now and want to break things off with me, I'm going to scream -

"It has nothing to do with Oakdale or Noah or anything like that, " Luke went on, squeezing Reid's fingers and ignoring his surprised face that Luke had picked up on his unspoken worry, "I want to be with you. I really do, " Luke told him and smiled slightly. Then his voice began to tremble, " And I hope you'll want to be with me when I tell you -"

Luke's words were abruptly cut off. Security guards from the Grimaldi castle stormed outside and grabbed Luke and Reid roughly. They immediately dragged the two men apart.

One of the guards shook Reid roughly. "No damn trespassers here,' the guard yelled at them.

The guards took out something to tie them up. The ropes were thick and cutting into their flesh already.

"Wait! " Luke said, trying to shake the men off, "I order you. I'm Luciano Grimaldi and -"

They ignored Luke's protests. Gags were put on the two men's mouths. Then the guards finished binding both men up and them pushed them through the castle doors.

Chapter eleven

Luke and Reid were thrown into separate rooms in the Grimaldi castle. Luke found himself tied to a rather large bed post. His feet were tied together and his hands were tied to two different posts. He still had the gag in his mouth. Luke did not believe that Damian knew of his guards' decision. He was certain that the guards would suffer when Damian did find out their actions. Luke tested the ropes. He was stuck. He worried about Reid taken in the room nearby. He felt guilty about bringing Reid into this situation.

Just then, the door flew open. Reid stood there, rubbing his chafed wrists, but smiling slightly. Reid climbed onto the bed and came up to Luke. He quickly removed Luke's gag.

"How did you- " Luke started to ask.

Reid grinned. "Luke, I'm a surgeon. I spend my day making knots or loosening them with sutures. I do knots all the time."

"Oh."

"And I admit, " Reid said, "I also was something of a magic fan as a boy. I used to practice rope tricks." Reid looked at Luke proudly.

Reid had started to work on freeing one of Luke's arms.

"That is pretty nerdy," Luke teased him, "Even for you."

Reid narrowed his eyes and stopped undoing the rope. He then glanced at Luke tied up and spread out across the bed.

"Do you think we are in danger right now?"

"No," Luke answered. "I think Damian must not be here and those idiot guards are just acting on their own."

"Yeah, that is what I concluded too. "

"Hey, untie me and go and see," Luke said.

Reid sat back on his heels. He ran one long finger down Luke's chest. "Hmm. Don't know about that, since we aren't in imminent danger."

"Reid!"

"Seems to me this is a moment I should not waste. Having Luke Snyder all tied up and at my mercy."

Reid nuzzled the side of Luke's neck.

"I mean , you did just call me a nerd, right? Plus you did make me suffer through that airplane sex game."

"I didn't tie you up!" Luke protested, tugging at his ropes.

"True, but you did forbid me to move, to touch you -" Reid skimmed another finger up and down Luke's body.

Luke heard, Payback is a bitch, Snyder.

He knew he was in trouble now.

"The guards, " Luke protested weakly.

"Think we can't escape,' Reid answered. His fingers teased Luke's lower stomach. He lifted up Luke's shirt and kissed his navel.

Luke squirmed against the ropes and felt himself already getting hard.

"Call me a nerd now," Reid muttered, and he began to stroke Luke through his jeans.

Luke could see the two of them in the bedroom mirror. He watched as Reid lifted the shirt higher and took one of Luke's nipples into his mouth. Reid sucked it firmly, and his hands slid down to Luke's erection. Luke struggled now to pull at the ropes. He kicked at his tied feet.

Reid slid Luke's jean zipper carefully down. Then he reachd in and pulled out Luke's cock.

"What it is it with your family anyhow?" Reid asked him. "You blackmail me, threaten me, and now your crazy dad has kidnapped me." He was stroking Luke up and down.

Luke opened his mouth to try and defend himself, when he felt Reid's lips brushing across his heavy cock.

Luke stared into the mirror , watching as Reid took him inside his mouth. He watched his whole body jerked in reaction. His arms pulling at the ropes helplessly.

"We should go-" Luke managed to say, "Ahhh, soon."

Reid pulled Luke's briefs down to his ankles. He reached Luke's hole and played at it with a finger.

"Yeah, I'll stop."

"Yes, no. Ahh, you tease!" Luke groaned out. "At least untie me!"

Reid did not reply. He was too busy taking Luke back into his mouth. Luke could feel the delicious pressure mounting inside of him. He wanted it so badly. Reid sucked harder. He took Luke deeper into his mouth. It was only a moment later that Luke came between Reid's open lips. Letting Reid suck the most vulnerable part of him.

Reid quickly undid the ropes holding Luke up, and Luke slid down, boneless, to the bed. Reid released Luke's bound feet and gave them a gentle rub.

"We should continue this later, " Reid told him. "Get up."

Luke saw his own reflection in the mirror. His eyes looked huge and dazed. His face looked soft. His hair was messy.

"What about you?" Luke indicated the huge bulge in Reid's pants.

Reid looked down at it ruefully. "A few moments of fun is one thing, but we should go. Don't worry, " he added smugly, " I'll have to tie you up again later and finish."

Luke grabbed at Reid. "Oh, no way, Doctor Oliver. You are not leaving this bed."

Luke slid his free arms around Reid's neck and brought him into a passionate kiss. Soon, they were both lost in loving each other. Flesh moved against flesh. Hips grinded. Tongues tasted. They equally gave and took from each other. The sex turned tender. Luke pressed his hands against Reid's pounding heart. Reid's body shook with sweet tremors. A smile lit the shadow of his face. They began to approach a mutual climax. The whole time, Luke saw himself in the mirror, eagerly taking Reid into his body. Eagerly meeting each thrust. Eagerly loving him.

There was nothing else. Reid folded Luke into his arms. They both knew that they should get up and move. But neither one stirred.

They tangled up together on the bed for a moment, each one breathing heavily. Their bodies linked.

Reid turned to Luke, "This is the strangest trip I've ever been on." He kissed Luke's fingers.

"Sorry your not back in Oakdale? Doing rounds and bossing the poor nurses?"

"Oakdale? That dump? I'm thinking Malta is much more attractive. Even with bad dad and some overly-zealous guards."

Luke grabbed their clothes. "We do need to get out of here. I don't know where in the world Damian is, but we need to regroup and then I need to find him."

"I agree."

They dressed and opened up the door. Quickly, Luke and Reid made their way down the hall. As they rounded the corner, Luke crashed right into somebody coming up the stairs.

"Luciano!" Damian threw his arms around his son and squeezed him tightly. Then he kissed both of Luke's cheeks. "At last."

Title: Luke and Reid at Fantasy Fest
Author:
Summary: Luke and Reid visit Key West at Fantasy Fest.
Disclaimer: ATWT owns them
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Naughty, silly fun

“I can’t believe you talked me into this!” Reid grumbled.
“Oh come on, it’s great!” Luke answered enthusiastically. They had just arrived in Key West for its famous Halloween Fantasy Fest. And the streets were filled with colorful buildings and bars. All around them were people in various states of undress: there was a man being led around in just a dog collar, a group of men dressed up in hot pink fifties outfits proudly letting their johnsons hang out of their mini-skirts as they skated by, a man dressed as Strawberry Shortcake complete with a red mustache and painted strawberry derriere, and multiple Katie Perry wannabes. It was 3 o’clock in the afternoon.
“I’m not doing any of this, “ Reid told Luke. They walked up and down Duval street, hand in hand. Reid and Luke were still in their travel clothes.
Girls flashed some bosoms of ranging sizes at the nearby bar. Both men and women responded by throwing beads at them. Other men and women quickly grabbed their movie cameras and zoomed in on the girls’ bared breasts.
“I am not ending up naked on Guys Gone Wild,” Reid said to Luke.
“ That’s Girls Gone Wild,” Luke corrected him.
“Whatever, I am not ending up on the E channel.”

Luke suddenly stopped. “Here it is!” He proclaimed.
“What?”
“The Key Lime store. “ Luke dragged Reid into a tiny store. Everything in it was Key Lime, from the walls to the cookies to the liquer. Key Lime everywhere. Luke immediately began to grab a basket and shove item after item into it.
“Key Lime decorated glasses and Key Lime flavored soaps and Key Lime flavored coffee and –
“What are you doing?” Reid said, watching him in amazement.
“Shopping. I need to bring home something for everybody in my family.”
Reid groaned. Luke’s family never ended.
“Luke, “ Reid said, trying to reason with his boyfriend, “these all say made in Ohio.”
“So? “ Luke shrugged. “They were shipped right here to Key West.”
“Luke-“
“Reid, I’m gay and I’m in Key West and I’m shopping.” He flashed his dimples at Reid. “Okay?”
Reid nodded. “Sure. I guess it could be worse.”
“How’s that?”

“We could be at another Halloween in Oakhell.”
“Last year was fun!”
“Yeah, fun times. Bobbing for apples and carving pumpkins and grandma’s cider.”
“You liked the bobbing for apples with Natalie and Ethan.”
“I’d rather be bobbing for something else.”
Luke threw 5 more Key Lime items into the basket.
It was going to be a long afternoon.
After they left the tiny shop, Luke wanted to go into another one. “Or how about we go to Hemingway’s house? I heard all of his cats just prance around.”
Reid just stared at Luke and frowned. “I’ve been shopping for two hours and now you want me to go and see some old cats at a dead writer’s house?”
“Fine, “ Luke said, laughing at Reid’s sour face. “Let’s at least get some food.”
“Food? Finally!”
With that they turned to go, and Reid smacked right into a man’s enormous fake tits.
“What the hell?” Reid jumped back.
“Yo, watch out for the Boob Tube, “ The man gestured at his breasts wrapped up inside of a fake square television that hung around his chest proudly.

Luke cracked up at Reid’s shocked expression. He took Reid by the hand and led the poor, perplexed doctor away.
They made their way to a local Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger restaurant. Luke wanted to sit on the outside patio. He wanted to watch the street and all the festivities. Luke’s whole face was glowing, partly because he loved a good festival and partly because he was at an openly gay event with Reid.

Reid was not looking out at the street. He was devouring his hamburger and chips.
Just then, a man ran up to the porch railing where the two of them were sitting. He rammed his naked cock through a space between the rails.
“Whadda think?” He said to them
Reid arched his eyebrows. “Medically speaking? Curves a bit too much to the left.”
The man just smiled at them drunkenly and kept his dick right where it was.
“Hey, “ Luke whispered. “I think he wants a bead.” They examined the man’s neck, which held various beads in bold colors.
“Why does everybody get naked just for beads?” Reid complained. “Money, presents, or even food – I can see that,” Reid scowled at the man. “Go away.”
“Reid?”
“What?” Reid gestured to the drunken man. “This guy and his ugly penis are actually ruining my snack.”

Luke glanced at the drunk man. He was still standing there, waiting. Luke handed him a bead, careful not to touch him too much.
The man left, stumbling down to the next bar.
Luke’s mouth twitched. “It was a pretty ugly penis.”
Reid shrugged, “Told you,” he shoved some more chips into his mouth.
Then Reid ordered a beer.
“Do you mind? “ he asked Luke. “I know you don’t drink, but I may not be able to stand this place sober.”
“Go ahead.”
“Thanks.”
“On one condition.”
“I’m afraid to ask.”
“Costumes, “ Luke smirked at his boyfriend, “we need them, Reid. Right away.”

They agreed to surprise each other with their costumes and meet up in an hour. Luke had no problem finding his costume. He went to the nearest body painting place. During Fantasy Fest, artists just lined up outside the pubs, offering to paint you for a small fee. The one Luke ventured up to was by Crabby Bills place. Luke quickly shed his clothes and let them get to work. All around him, men were openly kissing and embracing. Women were dancing on the tables in leather underwear. Luke definaely was not in Oakdale.

Meanwhile, Reid was having a more difficult time. Every “costume” in Key West exposed pretty much everything. Reid even saw a man dressed as the Pope. He had on the Pope’s pointed hat and a see through golden jacket and nothing else. Reid had not seen so much naked flesh since medical school. Some of these bodies did not look much better than the cadavers he’d cut open. Men with big flabby guts paraded up and down the street. A woman sauntered by. She was over 200 pounds and had her butt cheeks crammed into a pink thong. Then the parade began. The crowds thickened. Floats had started move. Each float had a different theme. Reid watched from a store window as the Baywatch float went past him. The men were hairy-looking things in their red bathing suits and big blond wigs.
“Hey there, aren’t you a good looking fella?” The guy smiled at Reid. He was naked, except for a large purple hat and purple glowing condom on his cock, and he was painted as the Mad Hatter.
“Aren’t you supposed to be looking for Alice? ‘ Reid asked with irritation.
“I’d rather have a tea party with you,” the man winked.
Reid grunted. At least the guy was quick.
“Seriously, “ the guy continued, “this is my costume shop. What do you want? Bondage? Little House on the Prairie? Sponge Bob? We got it all. What’s your fantasy? “
Reid’s eyes roamed all around.
“That one,” He smiled suddenly.

Luke walked down the street, feeling just a tiny bit self-conscious. Whistles and offers of beads followed him. Luke ignored it and walked to the spot he had agreed to meet Reid. Luke tugged a little on his tail. He hoped Reid appreciated his efforts.

Reid was looking at Luke at that very moment. He had frozen in his tracks. Luke Snyder was completely naked , except for a tail. He was covered in orange and gold body paint. Luke was a tiger.
‘GRRR,” Luke clawed at him happily, as Reid slowly walked up. Then Luke’s own eyes widened at Reid’s costume.
“Why Doctor Oliver, I’d never have pictured you the Top Gun type.”

Reid grinned. He was still letting his eyes wander up and down Luke’s tiger painted skin.
“I have my secrets.”
Reid was wearing a white navy jacket and navy hat. His firm stomach muscles glowed in the bright sun of Key West. His blue eyes were sparkling. He wore no pants at all. He had golden tassles hanging from the bulge on his navy-colored briefs.

“Besides,” Reid offered, “it was the most conservative thing they had.”
“I bet.”
“And it’s political too.”
“Political?” Luke said, puzzled.
Reid turned around. On the back of the skimpy briefs was the slogan “Don’t ask, Don’t Tell.”

Luke Snyder almost fell over he was laughing so hard. Then he grabbed at Reid and kissed him endlessly as the Fantasy Fest parade circled all around them.
“Luke,” Reid’s voice had roughened with desire. Reid’s hands were caressing Luke’s bare skin.
“Let’s go back to that hotel suite you got us.”
Luke nuzzled Reid’s neck and then flicked the top of his navy hat playfully. “Yes, sir.”
They reached the hotel in record time, barely making it through the door before practically tackling each other. Luke jumped into Reid’s arms and circled his waist with his strong legs.
Orange paint smeared all over the crisp, white jacket and neither one cared. Luke took Reid’s hat off and put in on his own head. He grabbed Reid and kissed him fiercely. Reid’s hands lifted up Luke’s tail and kneaded the strong muscles underneath.
“Ever have a tiger cock up your ass?” Luke said wickedly, his eyes dancing.
They jumped into the king-sized bed and Reid threw off the million little pillows that the hotel had so carefully placed. Then Luke crawled on top of Reid, licking his skin, inhaling the musky smell of him. Reid grabbed the condoms and lube from the drawer. Luke bit at Reid a little and dug his nails into Reid’s hip.
“Taking the tiger thing a bit far, aren’t you?” Reid said.
Luke just grinned. “Flip over.”
Luke lifted up the back of the white navy jacket that Reid still wore. He yanked off the briefs and threw them across the room.
Then Luke warmed the lube on his fingers and then found Reid’s hole. He stroked and petted Reid. Reid started to thrash around. His hands flailed around for something to grab. His fingers dug into the sheets.
Luke did not waste another moment. He pounded into Reid.
Reid’s muffled screams of delight filled the room. It lasted a long, long time.

Afterwards, they tangled up together and listened to the noises of the streets outside. Body paint covered them both.
“We really should get up and shower off,” Luke finally commented. “We are getting paint all over this bed.”
“Luke,” Reid laughed, “it’s Key West. They’ve seen it all.” He ruffled Luke’s hair. “Besides, you’re rich. Have them send you the bill for any damaged covers.”
They started to head to the shower, wrapping sheets around their lower bodies, when Reid suddenly stopped and looked through the curtain and out to the ocean visible from their balcony. Luke walked up behind him and hugged him around the waist. He leaned his head into the back of Reid’s shoulder. The sun was setting in the sky, a beautiful pink color. Reid turned and gave Luke a sweet kiss. They watched until the sun went slowly down.

Title: The Secret of Being a Grimaldi
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Luke can read minds and is having visions. Damian returns and causes trouble. Luke and Reid just became lovers in chapters 5/6.
Disclaimer: All from ATWT
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Extreme violence... For anybody who hates Chris Hughes

Chapter 7

Author note: This chapter really is more gruesome than most things I write. But to me, it feels like justice for Reid's ending on ATWT and his poor organs. Feel free to skip down to Chapter Eight . Eight is nice and light.

SInce sunrise, the dark birds had been circling the Oakdale woods. They had flown up to the highest branch of a giant tree, just waiting for the possibility of lunch. They called to each other incessantly.

Across town at Al's diner, two men were busy consuming a rather large quantity of burgers and fries. The meat was raw in the middle, but the men did not notice. They were large, thick-headed, hungry men.
Their boss had sent them into town with a simple order: kidnap F. Snyder and C. Hughes. The boss had sent them this order in a quick text, providing these names and the victims addresses. The men were on their way to do the job, when they stopped for some food.

Meanwhile, Chris Hughes was on his way to stop by his brother's house. He wanted Tom's help in convincing their father to give Chris the Chief of Staff job. It wasn't fair to give it to Dr. Oliver. He was a pompous ass, as far as Chris was concerned. Maybe he was a genius surgeon. Big deal? Chris was well-liked. Besides, Chris was the son of Bob Hughes, not Reid! Chris felt anger at the thought. How dare Dr. Oliver become his own father's choice. Tom would help him. They would just wear Bob down about it. He would soon give the job to Chris. People always gave Chris what he wanted.

Across town at Al's, the two men had finished their lunch.

"Which one should we grab first? " asked the taller man to his partner, as they walked out of the diner .

The other man was very fat, but totally ruthless. The taller man was simple and just enjoyed his huge paycheck for the work he did. The taller man would have like to do the job quickly. He wanted to sample to local bars, maybe hook up with some easy girl for the night.

The other man shrugged. "Let's grab this C. Hughes first. He lives a little closer."

The fat man was bored by this job. It had no chance for blood or fighting, or anything he enjoyed. Just a standard kidnapping. Big deal. He would have to chat with his boss, Mr. Damian Grimaldi, about his employment lately. But even the fat man knew to approach Damian with extra care. He would ask for a change of partner and some more action, after this Oakdale job was done.

"Hey," the tall man said, groaning a little, "is your stomach hurting at all?"
"Naw," the fat one said impatiently. "Let go and do this, okay?"

They drove to the Hughes house.

When Damian's two men reached the Hughes house, they actually walked up to the door and were planning to knock politely. It was amazing in this day and age how many people still just let you inside.

But as they walked up Tom and Margo's sidewalk, they saw a man just outside the door, fiddling with a key.

"Hey," the taller one said, "Are you C. Hughes, by any chance?"

The man, who was wearing a white lab coat, and looked annoyed, turned to them. "Yes, I'm Chris Hughes, what do you want?"

The fat man and his partner exchanged glances. Too easy.

The fat man grabbed Chris Hughes by the arm and flashed him the gun. "Come with us," he said.

As the two men drove toward Lily Snyder's house to pick up F. Snyder, they both began to sweat. Chris Hughes was in the back seat. His mouth was gagged. His eyes wide and tear-streaked. Snot hung from the corner of his nose. He had been wailing like a baby, so they had shut him up.

"Hey," the fat man said to his partner. "Pull over there. My stomach, ahhh. I gotta take a dump."
"In the woods here?" The taller one asked.
"I can't wait."

The car pulled off the road and into a thick, wooded area. The men looked at Chris.

"Should we tie him up in the car?" The taller one asked. Holding his own, now aching stomach.
"Stupid burgers!" The heavy one cursed. "Stupid hick town.""Just bring him," the taller one shouted. "I can't wait either."

They grabbed their guns and grabbed Chris Hughes. The three of them stumbled into the woods.

"Don't try a thing," the fat man told Chris. Then he pushed Chris down by a tree and went to take a big shit.

Chris Hughes thought he saw his chance to get away. The two men obviously had food poisoning. Chris got to his feet. He would run into the woods. Chris didn't want to die. He still needed to do so many things: become Chief of Staff through nepotism and then delegate the harder work to the nurses, date Katie in order to continue to promote the growing incestuous nature of Oakdale, learn to hold an erection for more than 2 minutes and convince a girl to not spit it out. No, Chris would not die. He would escape, just like the heroes on television.

"Aww no!" The taller one said, seeing Chris Hughes take off. He hurriedly tried to pull up his pants.

The fat one did not bother to pull up his pants. He just grabbed the gun and shot.
"Wait! " The taller one exclaimed, " the boss didn't want us to shoot him!"
The fat one shrugged, a sudden gleam of excitement in his eyes, "Unforeseen problem," he said. "What are you gonna do?"

Chris Hughes ran as fast as he could. But despite being a decent-looking guy, he was in horrible shape. He immediatly began to perspire. The sweat rolled off him. His body stank. Chris stopped threw off his doctor's coat and ripped off the gag. He started to run again, when he heard another shot. The first one had missed him, but this one hit him in the shoulder. Chris felt his whole arm spasm. Another shot. Chris fell to the ground.

The two men, shit running down their legs, caught up to Chris.

He was still alive, but shot and bleeding. They looked around the forest. Then they looked at each other.

The fat man shrugged. "Get a shovel from the back of the car."
"Why did you pack a shovel," the taller one asked, perplexed.
The fat one smiled, "I am always prepared."

The taller one saw that when he opened up the trunk. Besides a shovel, he saw an army knife, lighter fluid, two more guns, and even an umbrella. Too bad his partner had not packed toilet paper, the taller man thought as his stomach continued to clench in pain.

When the two men got the shovel, they dug a fast pit. Chris Hughes was still alive, but bleeding heavily now. He could see the men digging the pit.

"Please, " Chris said in a whisper. The men ignored him. They kept digging, stopping only to crap a few more times. The woods began to smell of blood and feces.

The taller man stopped a moment, "We should really call the boss. Make sure he wants this."
The fat one hesitated. "He's close to dead already. Won't change anything."
"We should call, " the taller man insisted.
"Right. You call. " The fat one said. "I need to go to take another dump."
"What about him?" The taller one said.

They both studied Chris Hughes.

"He ain't going anywhere."

They left him a moment. One man went to make the call and the other man went to take another crap in the woods. The pit was right next to Chris. His eyes opened and he stared at it. A gurgling sound was coming from his mouth. Pain radiated from every part of his body. That was when Chris saw them. The birds. Circling above him in the sky.

The birds flew down and landed on Chris. They hopped along his bleeding flesh. Their yellow eyes were blank as they bit. Pieces of clothes and skin got thrown in the air like confetti. The claws dug into his skin and then into his bones. The screaming sounds did not scare the birds away much. They flew up when he screamed, and then immediately flew back down. They were focused on the meat. One bird sank its claws right into Chris Hughes' balls. It feasted there. It pecked at Chris Hughes' cock over and over again. Another bird, ate at his left eye. The white part oozed out. A third one landed on his chest and began to eat at the skin and blood. Eating Chris Hughes' guts and heart. More birds were coming. There was no more screaming, the body finally stilled. The birds, however, continued their meal.

By the time the two men came running back, it was all over. The birds had done the job for them.

"What a way to go," the fat one murmured, in almost sick appreciation.
The taller one retched in the dirt.
"Should we throw him in the pit and bury him now?" The taller one asked, once his stomach recovered.
The fat one shrugged, watching the birds feast.
"What's the point now? They will leave nothing," He said. "Let's just grab his ID. We don't ever want anybody identifying this one."

The two men did that and then went to the car. They sighed. Now they had to call the boss again.

Damian Grimaldi cursed in Italian. Incompetent men! Screwed up informants! First his men botch the simple kidnapping. Then they tell him the wallet of the man read Chris Hughes, not Casey Hughes. And to make Damian's day even worse, Chris Hughes was dead. Nobody was supposed to die. His informant had never mentioned Chris Hughes had returned to town. The only reason Damian had thought to target Casey in the first place was due to the knowledge that Holden was out of town and Noah was in the hospital. He had simply hoped to get Lily and Luciano's attention. Now, the men had kidnapped the wrong C. Hughes and it had to be covered up. What a bad day Damian was having . Oh well, nothing ever went smoothly the first time around. Damian threw back a quick shot of whiskey. He really must get better help.

"What should we do now about , F Snyder ?" His man on the phone was asking.
Damian scowled, "Nothing, right now." He shook his head. "Just return to Malta. "
"Right. Sorry boss."

Damian just hung up. He would deal with those idiots later. Right now he had to fly from New York to Oakdale and sooner than he had planned.

Chapter 8

"You are more upset about the money missing than you were about my brain," Luke pouted.

They were sitting at the breakfast table, hungry from a long passionate night.

After returning from the hospital, Reid had taken Luke into Lucinda's steam room. They had made love right up against the glass door. Their bodies pressed together. Sweat from the steam room dripping off their backs. Reid had licked the salt on Luke's bare skin. He had tasted and teased him, moving his mouth on Luke's body, seductively.  Reid then had pushed Luke's thighs apart and there was nothing to stop his probing fingers. He caressed Luke intimately, and had sank down into the steam. All Luke could feel was his hot mouth pressing against him. Sucking the very essence of Luke as he had exploded . After that, Reid had moved back up Luke's trembling body, practically holding Luke up as Reid's lips had found Luke's lips and he kissed him hard in a torment of tongues and teeth. Steam and sweat covered their flesh. Unable to resist, Luke had glided his fingers up and down Reid's spine and down to his ass. Luke then had deepened their kiss. Their bodies joined in a hungry urgency. The passion built into hot, sweet torture. And like that first encounter in the cabana, Reid again took his sweet time. Reid had cupped Luke's backside and lifted him up. He had sank into Luke, rocking into him in sure and steady strokes.  Whatever lingering doubts Luke had suffered after years of being with Noah, he now forgot. The sex with Reid left him raw and satisfied. It went beyond anything he had ever imagined.

Now they were eating toast and eggs and contemplating the stolen money.

Reid was frowning. "Brain trouble I can handle. It's clear. But the missing funds mean no neuro wing."

Luke heard Reid's thoughts clearly, no wing, lives lost, my job in trouble

He quickly touched Reid on the shoulder. Luke big eyes were full of compassion. "It will be alright," he told Reid softly. "I have an idea where the money is...and even if I lose it all, I have other money. My grandmother, my mother."

Reid shook his head. "No way! Taking it from the foundation - that is what a foundation is for- but I'm not taking your personal money, Snyder. "

"Okay then," Luke said. "Take a trip with me instead."

"A trip?"

Luke nodded. "To Malta. We can leave right away "

"I don't take vacations. I haven't had a day off from work since med school," Reid protested.

"It isn't a pleasure cruise, " Luke snorted. "We are going to the Grimaldi castle in Malta. I just know that is where Damian and my missing funds must be."

"I can't believe that I'm involved with somebody whose family owns a castle, " Reid mused.

"Oh," Luke's whole face lit up all of a sudden, "Are we involved?"

"No!" Reid said quickly. "This is just ...you know...fun."

Luke heard, Luke just wants great sex from me. He doesn't want more. Keep it simple, Oliver.

Luke wanted to correct Reid's thoughts. He wasn't sure how to do that. Truthfully, he had expected it to be only sex too. But for Luke, sex was never simple. And he was feeling a lot more than that for Reid, especially after Reid had taken such good care of him at the hospital. However, Luke was not sure exactly what it was he was feeling for the doctor. With Noah, love had come before they had even contemplated sex. With Reid, the incredible sex had started so fast. Luke glanced at Reid. To just look at him, Luke would have believed his words. That this was all just simple fun. That would have crushed Luke. But actually hearing Reid's thoughts, allowed Luke to sense Reid's nervous caution underneath it all. Luke did not believe that this was casual for Reid either. But he did not know how to just come out and reassure him.

"So you will come with me to Malta," he said to Reid.

"I have my patients...like Noah." Reid looked at Luke with a slight challenge in his eyes. "What about your boyfriend?"

"Ex-boyfriend."

"He is stable, but don't you want to be here?"

"You said that he would be sedated for days. We will be back soon enough."

Luke met Reid's eyes directly. "He can wait. Are you going to come with me or not?"

"Convince me."

Luke leaned over the table and gave Reid an open-mouthed kiss.

Reid gave him a mockingly stern face, "Well, I can't trust you to go alone."

Luke squeezed Reid's hand. "True. " He peeked up at Reid through his eyelashes and took a chance,

"I need you, Reid," Luke told him.

"You need me?" Reid parroted.

Luke shrugged and gave Reid a coy, little smile, "After all, I might still require more medical attention."

***

Reid opened the door to the house he was sharing with Katie. He found Katie folding some of Jacob's laundry. It was always amazing to Reid to see just how tiny the kid's clothes were.

Katie glanced up at him and smiled, "Hey roomie."

Reid nodded.

"Spend the night at the hospital?"

"Uh...Of course."

"You are so dedicated

"That's me."

"Then why did they tell me you were not there? I called last night to ask you to pick me up some milk."

Reid groaned. Katie smirked. Busted.

"Who did you hook up with?"

'Hey, I don't kiss and tell," Reid said grumpily. He began to help Katie carry the huge basket of laundry to her bedroom.

"Well, you still sound the same, obnoxious, but you look relaxed."

"Do I?"

"Hmm. Just tell me, good sex or bad?"

Reid just looked at her.

"Wow!" Katie grinned. "That good."

"Listen, let me give you the rent check now. I am actually going out of town for a few days."

"With this new lover boy?"

"No, no. There is a problem with some of the foundation's money and they need me."

"To do what?"

Reid searched his mind for an answer. "Deal with the people involved."

"Somebody wants you to deal with people? You?"

"Hey, I can talk to people!"

"What about work, the hospital...?"

"Chris and Bob are here. I'm sure the amazing Hughes family will keep the circus going for a day."

Katie made a face at the word Chris. "He hasn't called me at all today, thank God, " she told Reid as she handed him some of her underwear to put in her drawer.

"Maybe he finally got the hint," Reid said, taking Katie's hot pink undies like he was taking a mouse by the tail.

"I hope so! How many times does a girl have to say no?" She handed him some more underwear. This
one had polka dots and a smiley face.

"Katie," Reid groaned. "I'm happy to help out with the laundry, but how about you just give me Jacob's stuff?"

Katie laughed. "Reid Oliver, you so want to wear my panties."

Reid flushed.

Katie chuckled harder. "Or maybe see them on that new lover?"

Reid left the room. "I can't hear you," he said and walked quickly away.

Katie was still laughing as he fled.

***

Meanwhile, Luke quickly drove over to Lily's house to pack up for the trip. When he arrived, he found Faith there.She was sprawled out on the couch, and painting her toes a deep blue color.

"Hey," Luke smiled at his sister. "Where's mom?"

"Who cares?" Faith rolled her eyes. "Sobbing over dad some place, maybe."

"Try to be nice, Faith. "

"Why?"

Luke heard, Mom hates me. She hates me!

"Mom and you should try and talk," Luke advised gently.

"No."

"Faith," Luke sighed. He knew trying to reason with Faith was impossible."Listen, can you tell her I'm going
to be out of town a few days with Dr. Oliver on foundation business?"

"Dr. Oliver?" Faith said. She closed up the nail polish and flexed her feet. "Are you dating him now? He's hot."

"We're just -I mean-" Luke stammered.

Faith's eyes widened. "You are with him! Is he coming over? Can I see you guys make out?"

"Faith!"

"What?" Faith smiled at her brother. "I like watching two guys kiss. "

"I really don't want to hear this," Luke said, trying to escape up the stairs.

Faith followed him. "Just tell me what he kisses like."

"No! I'm not telling you anything about my love life. Got it?"

Faith made a sour face at him. "Luke, I'm a frustrated virgin. Let me live vicariously through you and -"

"Nice vocabulary," Luke teased.

Faith flashed him a smile, "Thanks. I'm studying for the SATS."

"I'm still not sharing with you," Luke told her. He opened up and suitcase and began to pack.

"Oh, come on! Don't be NFL."

"NFL?"

"No Fun Luke."

"Faith. Why don't you go call Parker or somebody?"

"Parker," Faith snorted. "He doesn't want me and neither does Gabriel. It's all about that yucky Liberty. "
Faith wrinkled up her nose. "I'd rather Parker and Gabriel kiss each other than her!"

Luke heard, I'm so lonely.

Luke ruffled his sister's hair. "Hang in there, Faith. The right guy will come. "

"Whatever." Faith rolled her eyes. "Let's get back to you and Dr. Hottie. Give me one detail."

"No."

"Please!" She gave Luke her best sad face. "Like how does Noah's kiss compare to Dr. Oliver's?"

Luke sighed. "You will drop this, after I tell you that?"

Faith nodded.

"He's ...It's like Noah's white bread compared to creme brulee. Or- "

"Vegetables compared to a hot fudge sundae," Faith offered, growing exciting.

Luke laughed. "Visiting Alaska versus Tahiti."

"Fucking a mannequin versus fucking a --"

"Okay , Faith. We're done!"

Luke pushed her out of his bedroom and shut the door. Sisters! But there was a wide smile on Luke's face as he grabbed from the top shelf of his closet some condoms and lube that had not been opened in a long time.

Luke arrived at the airport early. Lucinda's jet was all ready for them. He stood at the terminal and gazed out the window. Then Luke turned, somehow sensing Reid coming up behind him. Reid was carrying a small suitcase and his medical bag.

"Hey!" Luke beamed at him. "I was only joking about the medical attention."

"Can't hurt," Reid shrugged.

They smiled at each other.

Reid was dressed in his leather jacket , silver shirt, and tight black jeans. Luke let his gaze slowly take in his new lover.

"Are you ready to fly? "Luke asked him softly.

"Sure," Reid replied, "Lets go."

Title: The Secret of Being a Grimaldi
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Damian returns and Luke finds out that his family has superpowers.
Disclaimer: These characters are based on ATWT; I own nothing
Rating : NC-17
Warning: SEXUAL CONTENT

Chapter 5

Luke floated on his back, his fingers trailing aimlessly into the water, his eyes gazing up at the night teaming with stars. The air was humid, but the pool water gently soothed him. His grandmother's pool house was actually a small bungalow. Outside of the tiny house, there were several cabanas, a steam room, a hot tub, and an outdoor grill. Inside the pool house, there was every convience Luke could want. He was hardly struggling. Lucinda had even sent over food from the main house. Most importantly, there had been no disturbances or visions. Luke breathed in the air. He could smell the nearby orchids from Lucinda's garden. He allowed his body to relax and drift through the water.

"Swimming alone at night can be risky," a voice called out, making Luke jump up with a noisy splash.

Dr. Oliver stood at the edge of the pool. He was still dressed in his dark blue scrubs. His blue eyes were hungrily roaming over the sight of Luke Snyder floating on his back in only a green Speedo. Dr Oliver had come straight from the hospital. He had a five oclock shadow of stubble on his face. He had been watching over Noah Mayer for 24 hours now.

" Why are you here? Is it Noah?" Luke was asking, sounding worried. "Mom said he was stable just a few hours ago?"

"He's fine," Reid assured him. His expression became a little sour at the concern in Luke's voice. "But I thought you might want an update. Your mother said you were here. " Reid glanced around. "Didn't want to go to the big house?" He asked sarcastically, gesturing to Lucinda's mansion nearby.

"Noah is fine," Luke was repeating , ignoring the rest of what Reid said.

" Relax. Your boyfriend -"

"Ex-boyfriend."

"Will be fine, thanks to my brilliance. We are sedating him for a few days, letting the brain heal, but when he wakes up I expect him to see perfectly."

Too bad, he will still be a sexually-confused, controlling idiot who does not know how to treat Luke right.

Luke shifted in the water; he had heard Dr. Oliver's last thought.

Luke was suddenly aware of how Dr. Oliver stood staring at him. The moonlight made Luke's skin glisten. Drops of water slid down Luke's chest.

"So?" Luke said uncomfortable, "why are you here then?"

Reid swallowed hard and did not answer for a moment. Then he shrugged, "Maybe I just wanted to talk about that kiss," he said with a direct and honest expression on his face.

Luke began to swim back and forth in the water. He had been the one flirting with Reid, but suddenly he felt exposed and shy.

"Well?" Reid demanded. Luke stopped swimming and looked at him.

"What?"

"What is with you these past few days? No apologizing? No whining about Noah? No sitting by his bedside like a good lap dog? And now, kissing me?" Reid tried to probe Luke's expression. It was too dark to really see his normally expressive eyes.

Luke tilted his head coyly, " A kiss is just a kiss, " he said.

Then he swam up closer to Reid.

"What's the matter doctor, did it make you nervous. Afraid?" Luke challenged.

Reid snorted, "I'm not afraid of much, Mr. Snyder."

Luke heard, small spaces, lack of air, caves, the dark.

"Yeah, you do seem fearless, " Luke told him with sudden gentleness.

Reid could only stare at him.

Luke swam in a small circle. His long legs kicked through the water. His muscled arms glided above his head. Luke's heart was racing. He swam some more. He could feel Reid watching him. With Noah, Luke had to fight to get Noah to notice him or admit to wanting him at all. Noah had been so reluctant. But here with Reid, Luke did not need to read his mind to sense his massive desire. The chemistry was sizzling between them. It felt like nothing in Luke's limited experience. He stopped swimming and glanced at Reid.

"You did say I shouldn't swim alone," Luke gestured with his hand for Reid to join him.

Reid Oliver was no fool. He threw off the dark scrubs impatiently and stripped down to his black briefs. Then he climbed down into the pool.

"Float with me," Luke whispered. Reid obeyed. The two of them floated on their backs a moment. The night was beautiful. Stars blazed down at them. The moon was almost full. Luke stopped floating and put his hands underneath Reid's body.

Reid's eyes flew open in surprise. Luke stood over him and smiled.

"You look tired, doctor. I thought I would help you out."

Luke blushed in the darkness at Reid's sudden thoughts. He was glad that Reid probably could not see that blush. This man wanted him. Badly. It made Luke feel powerful in a way he had never truly felt before.

Luke supported Reid's weight in the water, moving him around in the pool. He was enjoying this. And Dr. Reid Oliver was actually allowing Luke to control him and move him through the water. He looked down at Reid. Reid had gorgeous skin and firm muscles. His stomach was flat and Luke was thinking about bending down and kissing it.

"You can carry me away any time," Reid murmured, his eyes closed once more. Then he added sarcastically, "You might not be as useless as you look."

Luke took away his hands abruptly and pushed Reid under.

Reid came up from the water, "Hey! Unkind!" He said.

Luke laughed. "Then learn to keep your mouth shut, Doctor Oliver, " he teased, "don't be obnoxious when you have a good thing going."

"You know, Snyder, that might be the best advice I've heard in a long time. "

Reid made a gesture like he was about to lock his lips up and throw away the key. It made Luke laugh in appreciation. Luke felt suddenly more sure of himself and relaxed.

Reid then swam up to Luke. He reached out and touched Luke's face. Their eyes met and Luke smiled. No more words were exchanged. Their lips found each other in a mutual kiss. Tongues thrust at one another like swords. Mouths opened and heat exploded between them. Luke grabbed and pulled at Reid's hair. The water was cool; their bodies were not. Reid held Luke around the waist and deepened the kiss.

"Hmmm, good," Luke sighed.

Reid smiled, "Yes, it is."

They kissed some more. Bodies touching. Chests rubbing up and down on each other. Luke vaguely noted that as he kissed Reid, he could hear none of Reid's thoughts. It was like Luke could only feel now, not think. Not hear. Just touch and be touched.

Reid was wrapping his legs around Luke and soon they were treading water. Luke heard himself whimper at the hard, satisfying lust filling his body. Luke's mouth already felt swollen. Reid broke off the kiss and was nuzzling his neck, and electric shocks coursed through Luke at the friction and Reid's stubble. They sank under the water a moment. Bodies wrapped completely now, Luke clutched at Reid, wanting this, wanting his flesh pressed tightly to him. They came up for air.

Reid's breath was ragged . "Maybe we should go out of the pool. I don't want to drown while we -"

"Not yet," Luke said softly. Luke reached for him and kissed him again. The water splashed between them. Reid tasted amazing. Luke's whole body felt warm and alive.

"Lets just kiss some more," Luke whispered. "I don't really like the rest anyhow."

"The rest?"

"Don't worry, we can finish in a second, but I just love to kiss."

"Finish?" Reid repeated and drew back to examine Luke.

Reid's hand was still caressing Luke's back in the water.

Luke pulled away. "Just don't expect...too much. Sex for me has never been...I just find it overrated. "

Luke ducked his head down, suddenly embarrassed.

Reid forced Luke's chin up to look into his eyes.

"It's just a bit fast and even painful for me..I never really...Can we just go back to not talking?" Luke suddenly pleaded.

Luke jumped away from Reid and got out of the pool. He began to towel off vigorously.

Reid slowly got out of the pool too. He didn't bother to grab a towel.

"Sex is fast and...not good for you?" He said softly. He took Luke's hand and stopped him from toweling off.

"It doesn't have to be that way," Reid said.

Luke met his eyes. They studied each other.

"It doesn't?" Luke said hoarsely.

Reid nodded.

Luke heard, We are so about to have fantastic fucking sex - right now!

Luke jumped back and nervously walked towards one of the cabanas. It had a white, billowing tent around it. Inside, the cabana had a cushioned bench and several pillows. Reid followed him into the cabana. The night was steamy. Luke's skin felt flushed. Could he really enjoy it? Noah had always criticized him for complaining and -

Reid touched Luke gently on the chest. Then he began to kiss him, softly, almost sweetly. Luke stopped thinking and just gave his whole body over to that kiss. Reid kissed him on the neck and shoulder. Luke could feel his erection pressing into his thigh. Then Reid pushed him gently on to the cushions. He put his tongue into Luke's navel and sucked. Luke's toes curled in surprise. His cock already felt like it might burst. Reid roughly pulled off Luke's bathing suit and then his own. Their breaths were ragged now. Luke had never felt so aroused. Reid took him into his mouth. His tongue was merciless. He tortured Luke with it, expertly teasing and thrusting against Luke. Reid tasted the pre-come, licking at it. Then he stopped to glide back up Luke's body and kiss his lips.

"Do you taste yourself?" Reid whispered. "You taste so damn good, don't you."

Luke could taste himself on Reid's lips. He couldn't answer, only moan. All of this was raw and new for him. With Noah, it would have been over already. Reid ground his mouth against Luke's open one.

"I want to 69 with you," Reid mumbled. Then Reid was turning around. Taking Luke's hard cock back into his mouth. Offering Luke his own cock and a beautiful view of his solid ass. Luke trembled as he reached for Reid. He took Reid into his mouth and sucked him, at the same time, Reid was blowing across Luke's tip. They sucked each other. Their limbs quaking. Luke's mouth had to fall away several times as Reid blew him. The desire made him stunned and left him gasping. Then he took Reid back into his own mouth. Reid groaned.

Reid pulled his mouth away and gently stopped Luke.

"Wh-What?" Luke asked in a daze.

Reid stared at him a second, and then gave Luke the most beautiful smile that he had ever seen.

"I don't want to come yet," Reid said. "I want it to last for you a long time."

Chapter 6

After that, Luke lost track of the hour. The blood was pounding throughout Luke's whole body. Reid's mouth and his hands were everywhere, tasting and touching. Luke buried his face in Reid's chest, lost in his scent. He just clung on to Reid's strong back and was lost. Primal whimpers were coming out of Luke's throat. Reid's fingers had been moistened and now they were inside of Luke, plunging in and out of him. Luke closed around him tightly. Reid murmured his name and his free hand wrapped around Luke's aching cock. Before Luke could take another breath, Reid put another finger inside of him. He stretched and massaged him, hard and deep, until Luke's whole being was screaming for release.

Then Luke found himself being turned around and drawn up to his knees. He now had his back to Reid, who was continuing to rub his scratchy face along Luke's skin, scraping him. Reid was also on his knees. Luke could feel Reid' hardness pressed into his ass. Luke reached back one hand and wrapped it around Reid's neck, pulling Reid closer.

Reid's strong arm muscles clamped around Luke's torso. He stroked Luke with one hand and his other hand dug into Luke's hip. Then Reid was urging Luke's legs farther apart and Luke fell forward, bracing himself on the cabana pillows. Reid plunged his tongue into Luke's ass. He held him firmly and worked until Luke felt all the parts of his body were turning to liquid. Luke felt his flesh opening up, ready to receive pleasure, maybe for the first time.

"Now," He screamed at Reid desperately, "please now!"

It was what Reid had been waiting to hear. Still, he had to make certain.

"What do you want, Luke? Do you want me inside you?"

He kissed the back of Luke's neck and ear. Reid teased one finger over Luke.

Luke could only nod and moan.

"Tell me. Give me the words."

"I -want. I need you inside me now!"

Reid drove into Luke in one sure stroke. Reid was aroused beyond reason. They were both shocked and staggered by the heat between them. Reid was pounding into Luke and Luke was soaring. They owned this. They owned each other's bodies. Reid groaned loudly and began to come, and Luke's body rushed to follow. There were no voices or visions or sounds. There were no other people or ex-boyfriends or judgments.  And in this moment, nothing could hurt Luke, he was in the presence of bliss.

Reid felt wrecked and struggled to breath in huge gulps of air. Luke's body was still shaking from the effects of such amazing sex. He offered Reid a dreamy smile. Luke never wanted to come back from this. Reid returned the smile, and rubbed Luke's shoulder in small circles. There was a glimmer of victory in Reid's eyes as he observed Luke's swollen mouth and heated cheeks.

"Okay?" Reid asked protectively.

Luke just nodded. Then he turned and rested his face on Reid's chest. Luke played with the small arrow of hair under Reid's lower stomach.

" Doctor Oliver - er Reid?"

"Hmm?"

"This was real, right?" Luke asked.

"Yep."

"And we still hate each other?"

"Of course."

"Just checking" Luke whispered.

Luke woke up to the feeling of somebody's weight on him. Then he remembered. He quietly turned his head and studied Reid as he slept. Without his usual snarky defense, Reid looked younger, more vulnerable.Luke gently covered him with his sheet. Luke let his eyes wander around the room. They were in his bedroom at the pool house. They had both eaten Lucinda's food, ravished by that point, and then fallen into the bed and immediately into a deep sleep.

Luke crawled out of the bed. His body and ass ached all over, and he had scrapes from Reid's stubble.  But it felt right. Luke cast one more glance back at Reid. He had not been able to read his mind at all during sex; it made Luke curious about what Reid would think or do once he woke up.

Truthfully, he was shocked that Reid had stayed with him. He would never in a million years thought Dr. Reid Oliver would like to cuddle. But there he was, holding the blankets now as he had held Luke moments before. Luke found Reid so surprising.

Luke walked into the living room and turned on his computer. He had been able to forget Damian for awhile, but now he was back to worrying about it. Luke knew he would not be able to sleep. So he tried to contact Damian again and , when that failed, tried to look further into the foundation's stolen money. Luke sighed deeply. He had not even told Reid yet that the money for the neurology wing was in jeopardy. Now he really did not want to have to tell him. Luke had no clue what he and Reid really were to each other at this point, but his gentle heart did not want to disappoint him.

The vision grabbed Luke by surprise. One moment, he had been just sitting and typing at the computer, and then he saw this:

A tree and a large dug pit. A pit with a body sprawled out next to it.  The face bloodied beyond recognition. Battered so badly that there was parts of the skull visible. The man had some kind of bit marks all over. Pieces of his flesh were scattered. And then, near the pit, Luke saw a shovel and a white doctor's jacket.

He screamed. When Reid jumped up from the bed and ran into the room, Luke was standing and screaming. His eyes wild and glazed. Reid ran over, shook him, and then slapped him hard across the cheek.

Luke grabbed onto Reid and just held him. Luke ran his hands all over Reid's warm body.

"What is it?" Reid was demanding.

Luke shook his head. He couldn't.

Reid reached out and shook him again. "Tell me?"

Luke was silent, but sobs racked his body.

"What you spill your guts out to everybody, but now that we just had mind-blowing sex you think you'll turn all strong and silent on me?" Reid teased softly, and touched the side of Luke's face.

Luke gave a watery laugh depite himself. "Mind-blowing?" The words struck him as both wonderful and ironic.

"Well, it is not like I've had the opportunity in Oakhell to meet lots of other gay men," Reid defended his words quickly.

Luke heard, So mind-blowing. So amazing.

"But before coming to Oakdale, you just had awesome sex all the time right?"

"I've had my share," Reid said.

Luke heard, Not in soooo long. Medical school. Guy with small dick. Nothing like this.

Luke crashed into Reid with unexpected force. He kissed Reid's open lips and then hugged him fiercely.

Then Luke pulled away. "I gotta ask you. Cause my family says this is normal for me, like genetic or something, but if it isn't, if I have a brain tumor or-"

"Whoa! Hold the phone! What are we talking about?" Reid said.

"A tumor."

"Do you have balance problems? Weakness in your legs?"

"No, no - but I don't know," Luke voice was panicked. "I don't know what is true anymore. If it isn't a tumor, if its like I'm going crazy like Aunt Meg, then I just-"

"Luke!"

"Luke looked up at Reid, his big brown eyes full of fear.

"I'm seeing visions," he told him softly.


An hour and fifteen minutes later, Luke watched Reid examine his tests. Reid was dressed in a pair of Luke own's jeans and one of his polo shirts. His scrubs had gotten wet by the pool. Reid had been surprisingly steady about Luke's confession. Or maybe not so surprising. Doctor Oliver was used to a crisis, after all. He had this great focus. He could make a person feel like he was in control. This made Luke feel so much better already. He knew Reid would be honest with him if the scans showed something wrong.

"Look on the bright side," Reid had said, during the long car ride to the hospital.

"What's that?"

" It doesn't sound like a tumor.. .But if it is a tumor, then I'll be happy to cut it out - free of charge."

"Gee thanks."

"Your welcome."

Reid looked over at Luke a moment. "I need one more thing to check, wait here."

Luke nodded and chewed on his lips.

Reid grabbed him suddenly and gave him a hard kiss.

"What was that for?" Luke asked, pleased.

"Luck," Reid said, parroting the words Luke had offered with his own kiss before Noah's operation.

Luke heard, His lip chewing thing drives me insane!

"Give me one second," Reid told him and left the room.

Back at the pool house, Reid had drilled him quite a lot about his visions. He asked turned immediately into Doctor Oliver mode and went through all the symptoms of various tumors with Luke.

"Do you think it is possible, like my family is saying, to just have psychic thoughts?" Luke had finally asked him. He had braced himself for a ton of obnoxious remarks. But Luke really respected Reid as a doctor and really had wanted to know his opinion. Luke had stood before him dreading the answer.

But Reid had yet again surprised him.

"What we see , what we hear, what we taste and so on," Reid had said, "require billions of nerve cells to flash unsent messages. It happens rapidly, unconsciously. All the time. Can the brain be heightened, the intensity expanded? Why not," Reid had mused. "The brain is this amazing thing, alien like gray spaghetti, but miraculous. I do think that sometimes its powers can be great -"

Reid had shot Luke a sheepish look. "Sorry, I'm going on and on. Is this helping you at all calm down?"

Luke nodded. Their eyes met and held. Listening to Reid actually had been calming, and Luke had listened to him unaware of the adoring smile on his face, unaware of the way his feelings were growing for Reid in that moment.

"So these visions might be true and ...?" Luke had asked him. He wasn't sure he wanted the visions to be true. That last one. That dead body. The lab coat nearby. Panic clawed at Luke's guts. He knew it could be any doctor, but still...

"They may not be future predictions," Reid had answered. "The right hemisphere, which controls imagination and intuition might be just heightened with some kind of sensitivity."

Luke hoped and prayed that Reid was correct about that part.

The door opened suddenly, bringing Luke back to the present. Reid walked back in and sat down next to him.

"All clear," he said.

"Really?"

"Your brain is empty - whoops- tumor free."

Reid patted Luke's cheek, and his eyes were teasing.

Luke let out a long breath. "Thank God. I'm really fine?" He turned to Reid, searching his face for lies.

"Your good, " Reid repeated.

"Don't sound so disappointed, " Luke joked.

"Well, " Reid gave a mock sigh, "as much as I would have loved to cut into that brain of yours Snyder, I really would miss those over-styled blond locks that would have to be shaved off."

Reid gave a tug on Luke's hair.

"You wish you had hair like mine, " Luke laughed.

Reid pursed his lips. "I shudder to think of your salon bills."

Luke laughed fully now and so did Reid. Luke could feel the stress leaving his body.

"How come we are standing in your lab, with my brain scans here, and we are discussing my hair products?" He said to Reid.

"You're right, " Reid said. "Let's go back to your place and continue where we left off. Didn't I see a steam room by your grandmother's pool area?"

Luke grinned. "It has a whirl pool there too."

Reid raised his eyebrows hopefully.

Luke heard, I want to fuck him in the mouth, in the steam, under the jets. I want him to ride my ass and make me scream -

"I'm ready," Luke said , a bit breathlessly.

Reid smiled

They left the lab together.

Luke still had not told him about the money, but he planned to tell Reid about it in the morning.

As for the ability to read his mind, well...a guy had to keep some power over the most exciting lover he had ever known.

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.

Title: One Night Only
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Based on a Lure Prompt. Luke gets drunk and has a one night stand with Reid (who did not know he was a virgin). They meet up again unexpectedly.
Disclaimer: Based on ATWT; sadly, I own nothing
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: none

One Night Only: Part Four

(Dedicating this part to Sexy Scholar... Without you, nobody else would be reading this story ...)

Luke palmed Reid's erection through his pants. He stroked Reid slowly. Luke watched as Reid closed his eyes.

"Do I make you feel good?" Luke whispered.

Reid's eyes flew open. "Can't you tell?" he asked.

"Yes, I mean I think so...You know now how inexperienced I am-"

Reid kissed Luke firmly. "Shut up," he told him gently. "You turn me on, Luke. Everything you do feels good," Reid kissed him again.

"Really?" Luke's whole face lit up. Reid inhaled sharply.

"Well," Reid said teasingly, " we did only do it that one night, Checkbook, I mean I may need to test what I just said out a little more..."

Luke frowned. "Stop calling me that, please. Call me Luke."

"Make me." Reid smiled.

"Do you want me to push you up against the wall this time?" Luke laughed. "Slap you around some?"

Reid laughed too. The sound came out a bit rusty. It was a new experience to be so aroused and so amused by somebody at the same time.

"Just show me what you learned from our last time," Reid finally said.

Luke began to kiss Reid, gently at first, taking small nibbles at his mouth and neck. Then Luke sank his teeth into the vulnerable skin at Reid's shoulder.

"Too many clothes," Luke suggested. Reid was soon undressed.

Reid undressed Luke at a slower pace, tasting each part of him as he did so.

"Ahh," Luke sighed and groaned at the same time.

Reid smiled, "You like that?" He asked as he stroked Luke and then kissed Luke's open lips. Their tongues circled each other in an intricate dance. The room felt heavy and dark.

"Tell me," Reid ordered, "Tell me what you like."

"I- I don't know," Luke mumbled and peeked up at him shyly.

Luke dug his hips into Reid and moved up and down against him. They were now skin to bare skin, both of them hard and searching for more contact.

"Lets find out what you like," Reid said softly. Then he dropped to his knees.

"How about this?" Reid said softly. "Like when I do this?" Reid took Luke into his mouth. Luke's whole body thrust forward.

Reid sucked him deeply and then pulled out. Reid tongued Luke's already aching and leaking tip and then took him in again.

"Reid," Luke grabbed desperately at Reid's hair, winding his fingers into the thick curls. "You take me apart, " Luke admitted.

Reid released Luke and then turned him around. He began to kiss the back of Luke's knees. Luke groaned and opened his legs farther. He silently was begging, waiting for Reid's tongue.

Reid did not disappoint him. He thrust his tongue in and out of Luke, enjoying the moans coming from Luke's lips.

"I have some condoms in my wallet," Reid said . "Let me get one."

"No wait- " Luke reached out a hand. Reid arched his brow in surprise. Luke sure appeared ready for him.

"I mean- can I- do you?' Luke suddenly blushed. "I never have-" he bit a lip and stared at Reid hopefully.

Reid closed his eyes and moaned at the very thought.

He could only nod. Luke took Reid over to the hotel bed. Reid went to lie on his stomach.

"No," Luke said swiftly, "I want to see what I do to you. When I take you- "

"Luke- " Reid groaned again. "You're going to kill me."

Luke smiled wickedly, "I think you secretly want that. Hey, you called me Luke." He smiled in sudden delight.

Then they both stopped talking. Luke began to stroke Reid and kiss his lips, neck, lower stomach. The strong muscles contracted under Luke's hand. Reid's body was firm and his skin smooth and white.  Luke lowered his hand down slowly; he teased Reid's cock with his fingers.

Reid lifted up his hips and hooked his legs high up on Luke. Demanding and pleading at the same time. Luke wet his fingers and slid two of them into Reid. He didn't really know what he was doing exactly. He fumbled around a minute , before learning to stretch and then pleasure Reid. Luke bit his lips in concentration. He pushed his finger in and out.   Reid, meanwhile, was patient and encouraging.

"Tongue, " Reid panted, at one point.

Luke quickly obliged. He used his tongue and then blew across Reid's opening. Reid struggled to not just grab Luke and pound into him. Instead, Reid let Luke use his fingers again. And this time, Luke found the exact spot. Then, as Luke hit it, Reid simply moaned. Reid's hips bucked helplessly under Luke. Reid's reaction to his touch made Luke happily hit the spot over and over.

Luke loved Reid's face like this. His eyes closed, lips parted. Reid was so beautiful. His normally stern expression was open and filled with anticipation. The sudden power over Reid felt delicious. Luke rubbed his cock against Reid's hole. He removed his fingers, rolled on the condom, and pushed in.

"Do you like that?" He teased Reid. "Do you like it?"

In answer, Reid grabbed Luke's hips and pushed him down more. He forcefully began to move and soon Luke picked up Reid's set rhythm. Luke rode Reid harder. The mattress creaked. The headboard rocked.

"Take me more," Reid commanded, "take me, Luke."

Luke pulled Reid's legs up higher and then he plunged deeper into him,  until Reid's hands clawed into Luke's back. Until Reid's eyes were glazed and his head rolled back.

"Luke," was all Reid could manage to say.

Luke's body was shaking with effort. Sweat gleamed on his skin. He reached for Reid's mouth and kissed him. Reid held Luke's face with both hands as they kissed.

Then Luke switched positions. He pulled out of Reid, ignoring his loud protest. In one enthusiastic pull, Luke moved Reid down to the edge of the bed. He grabbed him again, and Luke stood up. He met Reid's eyes. A look of possession and tenderness filled Luke's face. Reid felt his whole body clench in reaction.

"I think you might like this, doctor," Luke said in a husky voice. Then he caressed Reid with his hand, before Luke entered him again. Luke's standing up made him push deeply into Reid, every stroke forceful. Reid's muscled legs pulled Luke closer. His lean fingers grabbed at Luke's waist. The tension built to a frantic pitch. Luke pumping and thrusting and Reid demanding more and more -----

Soon both men were lost in exquisite pleasure.

Later, after they both had slept, Reid turned and studied Luke's face.

"What?" Luke said, pulling a little self-consciously at the sheet around his body.

"Well, I gotta say, for a virgin once removed...Whoa."

Luke beamed. "I may be inexperienced but I've had years and years of frustrated fantasies."

"Can't wait to try a few more of those out," Reid said.

Luke watched as he climbed out of the bed, naked and relaxed.

Then Luke's eyes widened.

Reid had gotten up to go and devour all of Luke's leftover chili and ribs.

Luke watched in astonishment. Reid grinned and shrugged.

"I don't get much food at work," he sighed and licked sauce off of his fingers.

Luke laughed. "I'll be sure to keep you fed."

They didn't discuss what had just happened again. But as they worked together in the hospital on the new wing, they fell into a pattern. They would work by day and then Reid would come to Luke's hotel at night. They made love everywhere: the balcony, the shower, the floor. Luke was falling more and more in love, and yet he was starting to become frightened. He saw a curtain go over Reid's face whenever the daylight came. Luke kept on trying to connect, and Reid kept trying to put up walls and boundaries.

"I don't get you," Luke said finally, He had stopped Reid in the hospital hallway. It was Luke's last official week in Dallas.

"What?' Reid asked.

"We have incredible sex all over the place these past weeks," Luke whispered, " yet you act like a stranger here at the hospital."

"What? Am I supposed to take you to your Senior Prom now or something?" Reid snorted.

"Thanks," Luke twisted up his lips, "but I'm out of high school."

"Barely."

Luke shook his head, "I'm on to you, doctor. I see you in there with Annie. I saw you singing Justin Timberlake to her and letting her draw those hearts on your arm."

"I don't know what-"

Luke snatched Reid's arm and rolled up his sleeve. Silly, pen-drawn hearts decorated his skin.

"You pretend not to have feelings, but I know you do."

Reid took back his arm and jerked his sleeve down. "Some of us can control our emotions."

Luke just stared at him.

"Fine," Reid said, "You want to draw a heart on my arm too? Sing Cry Me a River? "

Luke sighed. "You know, I'm supposed to leave for Oakdale next week. My grandmother and Eliza Judd are hosting a huge party."

Reid was silent.

"You could come with me," Luke suggested.

"I have work, my rounds..."

"My grandmother is thinking about having a new Neuro wing put in at Oakdale Memorial..."

"Of course she is, that woman is all over the place -she is like a secret agent or something."

Lucinda had visited the hospital a few days earlier. She had swooped in and bossed everybody around. She had flirted shamelessly with Reid and all the other male doctors. Reid had found her kind of admirable and kind of frightening. Just as Lucinda was becoming aware of Reid and Luke's relationship, business had called her back to Oakdale.

"Reid-"

"Listen, Checkbook, I don't do rich people dinners and small talk."

"Reid-" Luke looked deeply into Reid's blue eyes.

"Annie is here." Reid said weakly.

"Annie is stable for now. Thanks to you. Come on Reid, there will be food."

"You and food?" Reid's mouth twitched. "It is tempting."

"Just think about it?"

Reid nodded.

Luke gave a glowing smile, hugged Reid quickly, and then looked at his watch.

"Time for my board meeting. See ya soon, okay?"

Reid's eyes followed Luke as he walked away. He gave a reluctant smile. Reid was learning who Luke was too. Luke was stubborn and loyal and so...affectionate. Reid hardly knew what to do about it. He was used to sex and temporary pleasure. But those Luke kisses...Luke's impulsive hugs. Nobody had ever really hugged Reid before...

A week later, Luke stood among the big shots of Oakdale. Everybody was there - his parents, the Hughes clan, the Stuarts...His grandmother and Eliza Judd circled the room like two veteran hawks, hitting up people for more hospital money and smiling at the same time.

Noah attended the party with Ameera, his arm around her. Luke felt very little about that. He only wished Reid were there. That he had his arm around Luke. But Reid had not shown. He had promised at the airport, when Luke had left Dallas...but he was not there.

Luke worked the room graciously; the way he had been taught. Besides, he honestly liked parties and people. But his heart was not truly in it.

Just then his phone buzzed, and Luke looked down at his text.

Sorry Checkbook, it read, work.

Luke sighed. Had he really expected Doctor Reid Oliver to come flying across the country? Reid did not have relationships and he had not promised anything. Luke looked at the phone and tried to think about what to text back.

A hand tapped him on the shoulder. "Late, caught a delayed flight, but still in time for the food," A deep voice said sweetly.

"Reid! " Luke looked at him in absolute delight. " You were just teasing me. You're here."

" You have great powers of persuasion," Reid smiled and gave Luke's cheek a gentle pat. "Although I really was running late because of work."

Luke caught Reid's hand in his own. He kissed the tips of Reid's fingers.

Reid looked at Luke seriously. Then his eyes moved behind Luke's head.

"Um, some woman is waving at us frantically," Reid said.

Luke turned. "Oh, mom. Listen, I want you to meet her. Wait here a second," Luke said.

"Terrific," Reid replied. "Can't wait." He watched as Luke went off. "I'll just help myself to something to eat."

Reid went over to the buffet table.

As soon as Reid began to gather up some thick slices of bread and mustard, a young man came up to him.

"I was watching you with Luke there, " he said. He talked in an almost robotic voice.

"And?"

"You are together?" The guy asked.

"Observant," Reid drawled as he spread mustard and mayo and pickles onto the sandwich. "Who are you again?"

"I'm Noah," the guy said. He watched as Reid added meat to his sandwich.

"Luke and I - I was Luke's boyfriend," Noah squinted up his eyes at Reid.

"Really?" Reid chewed his sandwich slowly and methodically, " cause I heard it was the fairer sex that you are into giving the worst
2-second screws of their young, female lives."

"Hey!" Noah sputtered. "I just came over here to make sure Luke was okay, I care about him -"

"No, I care about him, " Reid shot back, "And by the way? Medically speaking, switching sexual teams all the time might be a sign of overcompensating for lacking in other," Reid glanced up and down Noah's body, "significant areas."

Reid patted Noah's nice shirt with a mustard-stained hand. "You might want to see a urologist about that."

Reid did not wait for a reply. He picked up his colossal sandwich and left Noah standing there. Then Reid calmly walked over to where Luke stood, watching.

Reid glanced at Luke. "He might drive me to drink too, Checkbook."

Luke just shook his head. "Go ahead. Be obnoxious and call me whatever you want, Dr. Oliver," Luke's eyes were dancing and a smile formed at his lips, " You gave yourself away there. I know you like me." Luke gave him a flirtatious glance.

Reid just rolled his eyes. "Let's not get sappy, okay?" He nodded towards the dessert cart. "Enough sugar is over there."

Luke just beamed at him. Reid reluctantly smiled and held Luke's hand.

A one night stand had turned into so much more.

The End

Title: One Night Only
Author: Marsabi
Rating: PG
Summary: This began as a one shot deal based on a Lure prompt (Luke is drunk and has a one night stand with Reid. Reid does not know he was a virgin). I just couldn't stop there. So here is part two and three...
Disclaimer: Based on ATWT; I don't own them or Luke and Reid would still be a couple
Warning: none

One Night Only: Part Two

4 months later

Holden sighed at Luke. "You know, son, it is just that we are so disappointed in you. We expected better."

"Is this because of Noah and that girl?" Lily asked.

Luke groaned . "No mom. I did this mess all on my own."

It had been a difficult few months. Noah and Ameera were always on campus, truly married now, always pawing each other. It made Luke want to drink again, but ever since he had that one night with that stranger, he had been sober. Casey had suggested going out with Reg, a boy in school who had always liked Luke. So Luke had tried that. Reg was nice, and unlike Noah, Reg was totally gay. But after the first few times of fooling around with Reg, Luke had to admit there were just no sparks.

After sleeping with Reid, whatever his last name was from wherever, Luke could not continue to see Reg. All he thought about were Reid's kisses and how totally hot they had been. He could see Reid's hands running all over his body. Reid pushing him down into the soft grass. It was just cause I was drunk, Luke told himself firmly, that is why it seemed so ...explosive. He tried to put Reid out of his mind.

He had attempted to distract himself by hanging out with Casey. That was when the trouble began. Stupid guys on campus had teased Reg, harassed him about being gay. Casey had been there and defended him. Casey loved a good fight. Then Casey had the bright idea that Luke should run against that group and try to be class president. One disaster after another had led Luke to cheat at the election.

"Trust me, dude," Casey had promised, "Nobody will know and those prejudice bastards will be out."

But they had found out. Ameera had heard about it from Maddie and had told Noah...Noah had turned in Luke. Another betrayal. Walking around the campus that day, Luke felt like his loneliness was visible on his skin. In the past, Luke could not wait to go back to school. But now he would be glad to leave.

Luke felt no love left for Noah after that incident. Noah had insisted it was for Luke's own good. Ha! He had been kicked out of college now. Noah just hadn't wanted his ex-boyfriend around his wife. He wanted no reminders of Luke. He considered Luke a "mistake."

At least Luke had covered up for Casey.

"Look," he told his parents now, "I wasn't that excited about college at any rate."

"What will you do?" Holden said pointedly. "If you stay with us then you must apologize and go back -"

"Yes," Lily said. "Mother knows the dean and we can get you back in. Luke?"

"I'll go see grandmother," Luke sighed.

Lucinda Walsh observed the misery in her favorite grandchild's eyes. They had just called the dean to make an appointment.

"Tea, dear?" she offered Luke. Lucinda thought that Luke looked too sad; his eyes were sunken in and it looked like he had not slept well.

Luke took a sip. He looked over the big office at Worldwide. It was as impressive as his grandmother. The office was massive. It was meant for intimidation, but Luke had good memories of the place. Lucinda had let him play in the office many times.

"You never went to college, did you grandmother?"

Lucinda laughed, "I wanted to. Nobody thought much of a girl's education then." Lucinda's eyes hardened, "But I showed them."

She examined Luke again. "Darling," Lucinda said slowly. "If you need a break from college and that boy Noah and all-"

"I do."

"Well, how about working here for a bit?"

"At Worldwide?"

"Why not? It is a family company."

Luke grinned suddenly. "Mom will kill you, grandmother."

Lucinda cackled. "Fighting with Lily is half the fun of my day!"

Then she shrugged her elegant shoulders. " Don't worry about that. What else is new between your mother and me? Look, I can give you work. Let you have time to think."

Luke smiled, "What would I do here? Make copies? Get coffee?"

"Of course not! Your a Walsh-Snyder. You go right to the top. Besides, I have a project you'd be great at. I need somebody compassionate and thoughtful; I think it could be you."

"What is it?" Luke asked , intrigued.

"I have a friend, Eliza Judd, her poor grandchild is sick. Right now the girl and her parents are in Dallas with some great doctor. Well, they won't accept Eliza's help with money and their hotel bills..." Lucinda rolled her eyes. "So Eliza and I thought we could have somebody go down to Dallas and create a special family wing in this hospital -where loved ones can stay -they can be right there..."

"Wow," Luke said, his face lighting up with interest. "That sounds amazing."

Lucinda nodded, "You'd have to go to Dallas, dear, and stay awhile."

Luke shrugged. He'd felt for weeks now that he was trapped in a place in his life where he was doing nothing but waiting. Getting out of town and taking some action sounded fine to Luke.

"I'll do it."

"Wonderful!" Lucinda tapped Luke on the leg. "You never regret what you do, my boy, only what you don't have the guts to do."

Luke smiled at that. He had spent most of his life being careful to do only what had been expected of him. Then Noah had broken his heart and Luke had done something completely crazy. Yet Lucinda was right. Luke had kept on expecting to regret his one night with Reid, but those feelings had not emerged. It had actually helped him move forward, past Noah and all of that humiliation and pain.

"I'll do a good job," he told his grandmother.

Lucinda grinned, "Fantastic! I will send you on the jet in a few days. Do prepare yourself though , darling. "

"For what?"

"I heard their child's Doctor, Dr. Oliver, is not too crazy about our idea."

A day or two later, at the Dallas General hospital, Reid was having a terrible day.

"No way," Reid told his boss.

"Dr. Oliver,"

"I don't have time for this!"

"The Judds are your patients,"

"Only Annie."

"The money Worldwide if offering us and this family wing - it could put us on the map."

"Who cares about some wing to hold the hands of the healthy?"Reid demanded. "What a stupid idea. We need a new Cardio wing, new Neurology wing too. Not this."

"Dr. Oliver - "

"And who is this Mr. Snyder? Some young, spoiled brat with deep pockets telling me to meet with him?"

"You will do this, Dr. Oliver. It is not a request."

Reid left the room furious at his boss, at this Mr. Snyder, at the Judd family. He needed to focus on Annie and only on her. Not coddle the rest of them .

He frowned and picked up his cell phone. He had been ignoring the texts from Mr. Snyder, but now he had no choice. Still, a nasty smile spread over Reid's face, nobody said he had to play nice.

Okay, Mr. Snyder. I heard that you and your money are flying in to town. I will take you on Richie Rich tour of your life. But that is it.

Reid expected Snyder to tell him to go to hell and go off to do his good deeds someplace else. He was shocked when a text came back.

Fine, Dr. Ice -I mean Oliver . You can buy me dinner and we can plan the wing.

Why should I buy you dinner, Reid texted, "Aren't you Mr. Checkbook? Then Reid added, Do you even know a thing about a hospital? Oh wait, you must own one back home.

I might own yours too before my day is done, the text came back, be careful.

Reid shook his head. At leat this Mr. Snyder had balls . He just hoped he had a brain in his rich boy head. Reid planned to convince him to forget about a family wing and give the hospital some new equipment.

Luke checked into his hotel and then called Mr. Judd. The man was so angry and fearful. He had all of his hopes on this Doctor Oliver to save Annie. From what the Chief had told him, Annie was not going to be saved. Doctor Oliver had only promised to try and extend her life by a few months. Luke had felt so sorry for Mr. Judd. He became determined to provide Annie and her parents with a state of the art wing to visit in. Even if this Doctor Oliver was already making it clear that he resented Luke, Luke was determined not to fail. Not again. He wouldn't be a disappointment to Lucinda like he'd been to his parents.

Doctor Oliver was supposed to pick a place for dinner, but his texts kept putting it off. The man sounded like he never went anywhere!

Luke texted Doctor Oliver again. Why don't you just meet me in my room here and we can order in chili?

Chili? came the swift reply, don't you mean caviar and champagne?

Jerk, Luke thought. Although a small part of him was enjoying all the snark. At least Doctor Oliver was honest and his texts kept Luke on his toes all day.

That is not my style, Luke texted back. Be here by 7.

He enjoyed ordering this big shot Doctor around.

Reid entered the hotel about 15 minutes early. He just wanted this to be over. He went up to Mr. Snyder's room and hit the bell.

"One minute," called a voice behind the door.

Reid stood there. The door flung open.

Luke had only a towel wrapped around him.

Luke had assumed it was room service with his chili and ribs. It wasn't.

It was Reid. The only man he had ever slept with.

One Night Only : Part Three

The two men stood looking at each other in shock.

"What are you doing here?"

"You're Mr. Snyder?"

"You're Doctor Oliver?"

Luke's eyes widened. Reid glanced down at him, and Luke blushed, realizing he was only wearing a towel.

"I- I thought you were room service,"

"Lucky bell boy," Reid smirked.

"One minute," Luke fled to the bathroom to dress.

It didn't matter. Reid could easily picture him naked. He could picture how tight his ass had been as Reid had pushed inside of him...He could picture Luke's expression of awe and delight as he came.

"Should we discuss the family wing now?" Luke asked. He had surprised Reid, and Reid jumped.

"Sure. Why not?"

Reid kept his gaze intensely on Luke.

There was a knock on the door.

"That must be the chili and ribs I ordered," Luke said and opened up the door again.

As they ate some and looked over the hospital papers, Luke kept sneaking glances at Reid . It had been dark that night and he had been drunk. He remembered Reid's taste and touch, but his actual looks had been murky. He remembered he had thought that Reid was cute, but - Oh, God...

Really, Luke did not remember those piercingly blue eyes or those perfectly firm lips or strong-looking fingers. Luke watched as Reid wrote a note down. Those fingers that had been inside of him and had ---

"Earth to Snyder! Hey!"

Luke looked up. Reid was waving a paper at him. "I said you need to sign these."

"Oh. Right." Luke grabbed at the paper. Their hands touched. Reid smiled slowly at him; his eyes were looking Luke over.

Luke stood suddenly.

"Well, I think we've worked enough tonight. I assume you have a home to go to and things to do..."

Luke gestured towards the door.

"Yeah," Reid agreed, and he picked up the rest of the papers. "I should go," he said. Then Reid just stood there and stared at Luke. No one had ever stared at him quite like this before. He stared at Luke like he was going to devour him.

Luke nervously rubbed his palms up and down his jeans. Reid's eyes followed the gesture. Luke saw Reid's eyes had darkened slightly.

Luke felt himself grow hard.

"Do you need to take the actual plans home?" Luke asked and cursed the higher pitched sound of his own voice.

Reid tapped the side of his head. "Naw. Photographic memory."

"Oh."

Reid took a step closer to Luke.

"I never really forget anything " Reid told him with a small smile.

Luke was certain that Reid must feel his heart pounding.

He looked up into Reid's eyes.

Luke's own eyes were huge. They looked like doe-eyes. Reid saw that they were filled with both confusion and longing.

Reid cupped the side of Luke's face.

Suddenly, it did not seem to matter that Luke barely knew Reid, his body was insistent about remembering every touch. Luke leaned against him. He inhaled Reid's scent like oxygen.

"I can't believe you are Mr. Checkbook, deep pockets Snyder," Reid stroked Luke's face some more as he spoke.

Reid's other hand touched Luke's blond hair gently.

Luke swallowed.

"Don't try all that fancy romantic talk, Doctor Oliver, " Luke said back, "I might faint."

Reid grinned at him then.

Then Reid's face became serious. "You were a bit drunk that night," Reid said slowly. "No regrets?"

Luke reached out and played with the collar on Reid's shirt. "What makes you think that I even remember?" Luke teased.

"Brat." Reid continued to touch him.

Luke laughed. "Well, I do havea really nice jacket from that night."

Reid rolled his eyes.

"And of course,' Luke's voice deepened . "I also lost something kind of big."

"Hmm? What?"

"My virginity," Luke said softly.

Reid's eyes went wild. "What?"

Luke couldn't repeat it again. He had not meant to say that at all. It had just slipped out of his mouth. Luke just shook his head.

"You told me about a boyfriend," Reid said in a measured tone. He had dropped his hands to his sides.

"He always wanted to take it slow," Luke whispered. "All we ever did was kiss."

Luke reached for Reid again, but Reid pushed him away.

"Is this some kind of game?" Reid demanded. "You look me up somehow? Follow me here?"

"No!" Luke reached out for Reid imploringly.

Reid shoved Luke back against the wall. They looked at each other in anger. The tension flew all around them.

"I'm not sure you were a virgin. You seemed to suck me off easily enough," Reid accused angrily.

Luke felt his own rage and grabbed on to it. "You are- I - you -" Luke stumbled for a reply. " Maybe you used me. Did you know I was going to be part of the Worldwide money? Did you know who my family was?"

"Hey, I don't need some spoiled boy's family for anything. I make my own way."

"Great! Good for you. Just get the hell out of here." Luke shoved back at Reid. Luke refused to allow this guy see him break down.

The two men were face to face and Reid still had Luke pinned up against the hotel wall. They looked at each other. For a moment neither one moved.

"I will," Reid dropped his grip on Luke and headed for the door.

"Fine," Luke said and rushed past Reid to open the door for him, "You weren't that good anyhow," he added, trying to hurt Reid.

"Don't come around the hospital or bother me again," Reid instructed as he left. The door slammed behind him.

Luke slumped down against the wall. Don't cry, he told himself, not over that jerk.

Reid stormed over to the hotel elevator. Images of that night with Luke crossed his mind. He recalled Luke's drunken state, Luke's sorrow over his boyfriend's marriage, and the look of sheer surprise on Luke's face when Reid had flipped him over...

"Aw, damn," Reid groaned. Luke really had been a virgin.

Reid pinched the edge of his nose and thought. There was really no way this could be anything but a crazy, cosmic joke. He glanced back at Luke's hotel door and frowned.

Luke covered his eyes and tried to calm down. He nearly jumped out of his skin when the door opened again and Reid stood there, towering above him.

"Here is the thing," Reid said, "I don't think either of us did plan that night."

Luke quickly wiped his eyes with the heel of his hands.

Reid gave the younger man a moment to compose himself.

"If I had known..." Reid said finally, "I would have stopped."

Luke just nodded.

"You first time should be with somebody special," Reid said awkwardly. "Shit, I sound like a greeting card."

Luke smiled slightly at that.

"I tried that - to be in love-" Luke said, his voice quivering. "He just didn't really want me."

Reid bent down to Luke. He gently kissed Luke's tear-stained face.

"Sounds like a big moron to me ," he said.

Luke pulled away. "I don't want pity." He stiffened.

"Good," Reid told him, "cause I don't do pity."

He took Luke's hand and placed it gently at the bulge in Reid's pants.

"What I am feeling for you, Mr. Snyder, is certainly not pity."

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December 2011

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Entries tagged with fanfiction

Hit and Run Part 16

Hit and Run Part 15

Hit and Run Part 10

Hit and Run Part 8

Hit and Run - Part 6

Hit and Run - Part 5

Hit and Run - Part 3

The Secret Of Being A Grimaldi 14

Smackdown!

Chapter 15 and 16 Last Two Grimaldi Chapters

The Secret of Being a Grimaldi Chapter 12/13

The Secret Of Being a Grimaldi Chapter Ten and Eleven

Luke and Reid go to Fantasy Fest

The Secret Of Being a Grimaldi 7 and 8

The Secret of Being a Grimaldi Chapter 5 and 6

The Secret of Being a Grimaldi Chapter 3 and 4

Lure: The Secret of Being a Grimaldi

One Night Only - A Lure Prompt- Part Four

Lure Prompt: One Night Only - Part Two and Part Three

Lure Prompt: One Night Only- part one