marsabi1

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


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: After Natalie is a victim of a hit-and-run, Luke and Reid’s relationship is tested
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Warning: Some strong language
Rating: PG

Part 19

It was New Year’s Eve.

Reid was rushing Luke along, and trying to remind himself to breathe. He hated to acknowledge it, but he was extremely nervous. He had not eaten all day. His stomach was in knots and the thought of food actually made it hurt. Besides, he had slept poorly last night. He had gotten up feeling drained. Now they were only an hour away from the party - only an hour.

Reid picked up the clock again for the fourth time, “Would you move along?” He said to Luke.

It didn’t help that Luke was walking around in just his briefs, looking like an angel in an underwear ad, not helping his nerves one bit.

His scheduled proposal time was almost here. Reid felt dizzy from just the thought and sat down on their bed. The lack of sleep and sustenance was getting to him. And Natalie had made him go shopping all day. Shopping! In and out of every frilly, prissy store imaginable.

“Why do you care so much if we’re on time?” Luke complained. “ You hate parties.”

Could Luke’s underwear be any tighter? Could he be any more perfect? Reid studied the clock again.

“I don’t hate parties, besides its Lucinda. Now stop asking me so many questions,” Reid said anxiously, “and get your butt in the shower.”

“You had my butt in the shower last night,” Luke said laughing, “however, I might be persuaded to do it again – “ Luke and his hot, skimpily-clad body started over to him. He offered Reid one of his killer smiles.

“No,” Reid held out his hand to stop him. “ I want you to actually get clean. “

“ Spoilsport.” Luke stuck out his pink tongue. Reid felt like somebody just cut him off at the knees. Part of him just wanted to drag Luke back to bed and keep him there.

Luke wouldn’t get his romantic proposal then. Natalie would kick his ass.

“I’m not spoiling things,” Reid said with irritation. “ I just know how long it takes you to do your pretty hair.”

“Hey,” Luke pushed at him, “just for that remark , I won’t go and get ready until you tell me something…revealing.”

“Oh, come on!”Reid put a hand to his head- none of this was going easily for him. He could feel his mind turning into quivering mush. Is this what love did to you? He was beginning to have not one coherent thought. He just wanted to go and get it over with, and here was Luke goofing around, wanting to play. Didn’t he know how hard this was for Reid? Well, okay, he didn’t know, but still…

“Let’s see. Before I shower for the party, I need you to tell me…” Luke chewed his finger in thought. “The number.” He shot Reid a triumphant grin.

“The number?” Reid parroted. “ Fuck Luke! You want to tease me about the number of men right now?”

It was an ongoing fight they’d always both enjoyed. Luke constantly asking for details of Reid’s sexual history, and Reid’s carefully avoiding it. It always had bothered Luke that Reid knew all about Noah and Luke’s history together, but much of Reid’s past love life was a mystery to him.

“Tell me,” Luke said now, his eyes dancing.

“If I tell you the number of men I’ve been with, will you hurry?” Reid snapped. He really had more important matters on his mind. He’s promised Natalie he would not screw it up; he did not want to screw this up. And now they were already running late.

Luke was stunned, “Yes,” he agreed eagerly. He couldn’t believe Reid was about to finally reveal the number of men he had slept with. Luke braced himself, suddenly wondering if he really did want to know.

“Okay, then. ” Reid rolled his eyes.”Five. Happy now?”

“Five?” Luke’s mouth dropped” Just five?”

“Look, I never said I was some kind of Casanova, you just got in your mind.” Reid grinned suddenly, “Probably cause I’m such a master in the bedroom. “

“Five?” Luke said again.

“Hey,” Reid said a little defensively, ” I was busy becoming a world class neurosurgeon. And before that a chess champion and Harvard medical school student and –“

“Before that a high school science geek?” Luke offered, laughing.

Then Luke’s face glowed wickedly. “So five, huh? Hmm. You mean if I go and sleep with just a few more men, I could tie you?” he teased.

“You’re not sleeping with anybody but me,” Reid said hotly.

“I don’t know,” Luke mused.“Five only? “Luke laughed again, delighted.

“They were five extremely satisfied men,” Reid said.

“I’m sure.”

“Just go and shower , smart ass. I answered the question.”

Giggling, Luke headed for the shower.

Reid rushed over to their closet. He glanced down a moment at the texts from the family urging him to hurry. Then Reid took out the outfit he’d hidden behind his tux. He took a deep, terrified breath and grabbed it.

Reid gazed at his appearance in the mirror and winced. He looked ridiculous. He must be out of his mind. How could he listen to Natalie? She was eleven years old! He shook his head and glanced at the bathroom door. Luke was still in the shower, no doubt conditioning his hair or whatever.

Reid studied himself again. If they were still alive, his rational, cold-hearted parents would be shocked by his idiotic behavior. No one in his family ever foolishly acted from emotions. If his Uncle Angus could see him, there would be vicious taunting and ridicule. Reid examined his reflection again. No, not like this. He just couldn’t. It was all too risky. He didn’t know anything about declarations of love. Panic consumed him. He had to get away. He had to think this over. Just for a little bit of time. He grabbed his winter coat and quickly covered up the outfit.

Then Reid walked out the door.

***
When Luke opened up the bathroom, showered and shaved, and looking more lovely than a man should be allowed to look in his tux, he found himself all alone.

“Reid?” He called. The room was deserted. Luke looked around in confusion . He went down the stairs and wandered from one dark room to another. A pang of loneliness hit Luke. The house was empty.

Then his phone buzzed. Luke went and picked it up.

Meet me at the hospital the text read, I’m in exam room one.

***


The hospital was eerily quiet. Soon there would be New Year’s Eve accidents and drunks pouring into Memorial’s doors, but right now it was early. Luke was surprised that an emergency had called Reid away. At least, that was what he guessed. He was baffled why Reid wanted him to come to the hospital, and not just meet him later at the party.
Luke walked to the exam room and opened the door.

Reid stood in his long white doctor’s coat and scrub pants, but there was nobody else there.

“Hey,” Luke said, suddenly feeling unsure.” What’s going on? I thought you must have had an emergency.”

“I did,” Reid said grimly. “of nerves.”

“What?”

Reid slowly looked Luke over from head to foot. He was wearing his formal black tuxedo. It outlined the shape of his body snugly. His hair was combed back and spiked a little. His beautiful skin looked illuminated, even under the harsh hospital lights.

“You look amazing,” Reid told him honestly.

“For a guy you just stood up?” Luke asked, a little hurt and irritated now that he could see no emergency in sight.

Reid ignored that.

“Do you know,” Reid said, moving around the exam room and fiddling with one of the machines. “That this is the room they brought Natalie into.”

Luke glanced around. “It is? I guess it is. That day was so crazy.”

“Yeah,” Reid said. “I remember coming in here and seeing her for the first time. “ Reid paused and cleared his throat. “And do you know, my hands shook when I touched her.” He frowned with puzzlement as if the shock of that day was still with him. “ That never happens to me.” Reid’s eyes flitted all about room. “ I never, ever shake. “
Luke’s heart was hammering in his chest with confusion. “ Your hands?” He repeated. “ Shook?”

“Yeah, I didn’t tell you.” Reid drew his eyebrows together. He had just assumed Luke would somehow know his fear. He realized now that had not been fair. “I’m sorry,” he told Luke.

Feeling awkward, Luke grabbed at the edge of the metal table. “Sorry? About your hands?”

With a muffled oath, Reid began to babble:

“No, I’m sorry I’m screwing up! You deserve this to go as planned. You deserve it all to be perfect! Natalie told me how to be romantic and she had me reserve the bridal suite of the hotel. It’s supposed to be like in the Nutcracker, I think. She has music on and ready and there are flowers there, even rose petals in the tub, and balloons and sparkling cider and – but Luke, “ Reid turned away with a rueful smile, “I just couldn’t go there. “

He gestured around wildly. “ I couldn’t do it!” Reid took a step back from Luke. “ All that isn’t me. I’m not that guy – I couldn’t.“

Luke inhaled a sharp breath. He tried to get closer to Reid.

“Do what? Couldn’t do what?” Luke asked desperately now. He felt the shock of the situation hitting his stomach.

“Wear my heart on my sleeve and be all sappy,” Reid answered, backing away from him. “ All I thought about is will Luke think this is good enough? Is this romantic enough? And what will happen in that hotel room, when he sees everything? I panicked. “

Reid turned away.

Frantically, Luke tried to answer. “ It doesn’t matter,” Luke stumbled over his words, “Do you hear me?” I don’t care about music or flowers or a bridal suite- I just need you to – I don’t – just please –“ Luke’s voice broke.

But Reid didn’t hear Luke’s plea. He was clammy with sweat by then, and in his own world of agony.

“Look,” Reid declared suddenly, “See what an idiot I am.” And with that, Reid began to take off his lab coat and scrubs in order to reveal to Luke just what was underneath.


a/n: Okay, don’t throw tomatoes at me for the cliffhanger… the rest is being posted later today; it was just getting too long here

Title:Hit and Run
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Natalie is a victim of a hit and run
Warning:None
Rating: PG

Part 17

It was the day before New Year’s Eve, and Natalie was packing up her things to move back to her own home. Luke was there helping her get everything organized.

“Going to miss you!” He told her. He carefully closed her suitcase up.

Natalie held a bear that Luke had bought her in the hospital in one hand, and her notepad in the other.

“Me too,” Natalie smiled at him.

Luke picked up the suitcase and moved it near the door. “The family is coming by today at what time?”

“F-Four.”
“Oh at four?”Luke frowned. “I promised Grandmother I’d go and pick up some party supplies for her big New Year’s Eve bash. Do you mind if I am not here?”

Natalie shrugged with a look of sweet innocent. “SSay bye now.”

She gently embraced her brother.

He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close.

“Everything is ggonna bbbe ffine,” Natalie told him with serious eyes.

Luke gave her a puzzled smile. “As long as you still visit me plenty, it sure will. “ Luke cleared his throat emotionally. Then he said, “I’ll go tell Reid to watch out for Mom and the others arriving and everything, okay?”

Natalie just nodded. She watched Luke hurry down the stairs.

Step one: Get Luke out of the way.

***

“So, I’m just going to the party store and then to my office,” Luke told Reid a few minutes later. He picked up his wallet and his keys. Natalie had come downstairs and was turning on the television.

“Do we need to go to this?” Reid grumbled.

“Of course,” Luke said automatically. But he had no passion in his voice. Reid looked at him curiously. Luke had been moody the last few days.

“Worried about the trial?” Reid asked him now.

Luke shrugged, “No. They’ll be found guilty.”

“Yeah, I think so too. They confessed and turned on each other, so…”

“You’re okay to see Nat off?” Luke asked, sparing a glance at Natalie.

“Sure. Whose picking her up again?” Reid asked.

Luke shrugged, “Not sure. Mom. Maybe Faith. I don’t know.”

Reid waited for Luke to add a “Be nice,” but he didn’t.

Confused with Luke’s passive attitude, Reid stepped closer to him.

“I know you’ll miss having Natalie here,” Reid offered, questioningly.

He searched Luke’s eyes.

“I will,” Luke agreed, but he gazed out the window. “It hasn’t been the best of times for her.”

“She’s getting better.”

He nodded absently. “I’ll see you,” he told Reid with a quick, distracted kiss.

Luke then gave Natalie a wave and walked out.

***

Natalie and Reid looked at each other as the door closed.

“Do you think Luke is…acting off?” Reid asked her hesitantly.

Natalie shut off the television and nodded.

“I think I know why. “ Reid shot her a smile. “You’re leaving.”

Natalie sighed at him and shook her head, “N-no. Not that.”

She came over to Reid.

“No?” Reid frowned.

“No.”

“I got it,” he said suddenly. “ New Years, right?” Reid made a face. Luke- like all alcoholics- dreaded New Years Eve. Reid could understand if the coming of the holiday was making him upset. He didn’t want to go out to some crappy party anyhow ; he’d rather cuddle with Luke and just be together. Maybe he should bring up the idea of skipping it again.

Wack

Natalie smacked him with her notepad.

“ Hey? What’s that for? Stop it!” Reid held an arm up to protect his head.

“Gget a clue!” Natalie told him furiously.

Reid tried to duck her blows as she wacked him again and again.

“Ow! Natalie!” He rubbed his head gingerly. “What the hell? ”

Natalie grabbed her pad and wrote Luke thought he’d be married by this coming year, dummy!

She gave her pad to Reid.

Step Two: Wake Reid up!

“But?” Reid’s mouth fell open. “We agreed to just wait… and with all the stuff going on with you and –“ He gave Natalie an irritated look. “You must be wrong. Luke hasn’t even brought up getting engaged again. Neither of us has been thinking of all that.”

Natalie folded her skinny arms over her chest and just shook her head at him. He was hopeless. It was a good thing she had made a plan.

Just then, the doorbell chimed.

Reid frowned at Natalie and went to answer. She must be wrong. Luke had not once mentioned the engagement in weeks and weeks. Reid stumbled over his own feet. Luke had not once mentioned it? That was, well, so not like Luke. A little worried now, Reid opened the door.

The Snyder clan piled inside. Luke’s siblings and grandmas and mother all nodded at Reid, and then greeted Natalie.

“I thought you were with Luke?” Reid said to Lucinda.

“Natalie called and I came,” Lucinda answered laughing, “Bigger fish to fry.”

“Luke can get the supplies alone,” Lily added, “but we’re needed here.”

She looked at her daughter, and Natalie smiled widely.

“Where’s Holden?” Reid said.

“Oh, we females came instead,” Emma smiled as she looked around the house.

“I’m not a female!”Ethan piped up and then ran to play with Reid Jr., who was desperately trying to escape the little boy’s grasp.

Emma cleaned up some stray cups.

Faith plopped down on the couch and was busy texting .

“Assk them about Luke,” Natalie told him pointedly.

“No!”

“Ask,” She pouted.

“Fine,” Reid groaned. “When did you become such a bully?”

Natalie smiled.

Reid turned to the family and asked hesitantly, “Did Luke –er- mention our engagement to you guys at all? I mean, he didn’t right? “ He looked at them, seriously lost.

“And I thought you were a genius,” Lily said to him.

“If it had been a kitten,” Ethan rolled his eyes in his small face, “Like I told him – you’d be his husband by now.”

“Darling,” Lucinda patted Reid’s arm, “ the poor boy wants to carry you off in my jet to Vegas.”

“What?” Reid backed a few steps away. The color began to drain out of his face.

“What about the sex plan? “Faith suddenly said, looking up from her phone. “Did my prude brother wimp out on my idea?” Faith asked.

“Sex idea?” Reid parroted, wondering if he could just rewind this whole conversation.

“Did he take you skating?” Emma smiled, as she cleaned up some more. “The pond is really a magical place.”

“Wait!“ Reid demanded, flabbergasted. “Has he been discussing everything we do with all of you?” The idea made Reid’s stomach flip.

“We’re his family,” Lily replied. She went over to Faith and made a point of taking her phone away. “You and I are having a talk later,” Lily told her.

“What is wrong with Luke?” Reid asked, still whirling from the fact that they all seemed to know about all his latest adventures with his boyfriend.

Emma put down the cups and put her hands on her ample hips. “No, what’s wrong with you?” She scolded Reid. “What are you making our poor Luke suffer for?”

“I-I “ Reid stammered.

“Careful, darling, “ Lucinda warned, “she may never bake you another pie.”

“But it is a good question. Just why aren’t you marrying my son?” Lily asked.

“What? I’m not. I mean, I will. I- I just –“ He looked around at all the accusing eyes on him and started to sweat. “I figured Luke would bring it up again at some time and we’d go from there.”

Reid gazed down at his frog ring and began to twist it around on his finger.

Meanwhile, Natalie and her grandmother made quick eye contact.

“Of course,” Lucinda said shrugging at Reid, “It might just be too late. I don’t know if he’d have you anymore, even if you asked.”

Reid bristled, “Hell, yeah, he’ll have me!” But a slightly nervous look entered his eyes.

Lucinda noted the muscle leap in Reid’s jaw and had to stifle the urge to laugh.

“Language,” Lily said, gesturing toward an oblivious Ethan. He was trying to dress up Reid. Jr. in a leftover Santa hat. The poor one-eyed cat meowed pathetically.

Reid gazed around helplessly.

Natalie almost felt bad for Reid. Perspiration dotted his forehead. He looked vaguely sick. But the plan was working.

Step Three: Turn the family on Reid to knock some sense into him

Natalie gazed at his flushed and panicked face; he would be Luke’s husband in no time now.

Lucinda stepped up for another swipe at him. She was enjoying this immensely.

“Not going to Vegas?…Hawaii then? Mexico?” Lucinda offered. “Or Disney World. “ She turned to Lily. “Remember that time when Luke was six and in love with Mickey Mouse?”

“I think it was Pluto.”

“How about whisking Luke away in a Cinderella carriage?” Lucinda drawled.

“I’m not going to Disneyland,” Reid said with a look of sheer terror.

“Oh you’d love it darling. There are giant crowds of people, screaming toddlers, and parades.”

“Luke’s favorite ride was A Small World, “added Emma. “You go down in a tiny boat in the dark and puppets sing to you.”

“Sounds like a level of hell,” Reid shuddered.


Natalie moved a step nearer her mother and gave her a small nod.

“Oh by the way,” Lily said suddenly, “Guess who I heard might be in town by Valentine’s Day? “

“WWho?” Natalie asked.

“Noah,” Lily said with a smirk. “He called me from L.A. just yesterday. He misses Oakdale and was thinking about a visit.”

“HHe is coming on VValentine’s Day?” Natalie said, her eyes twinkling.

Lily nodded, glancing at a stony-faced Reid, “Poor thing is lonely to see…well, everybody.”

Reid began to pace the room.

Natalie exchanged a quick wink with her mother.

“I heard he is making a very romantic film that he wants to show in town .”Lily added. “ I
know Luke will be excited for him.”

“Luke doesn’t need to see any of his films,” Reid grumbled. “He caught the live show and it sucked.”

“Reid!” Lily said and pointed again at Ethan. The boy had the cat on its back and was rubbing his face in the belly fur.

“Sorry,” Reid muttered.

“You don’t still have a problem with him, do you?” Lily asked smoothly.

Reid’s answer came swiftly, “I don’t care about him at all.”

“Good cause Noah was thinking of asking Luke to help him at the film’s premiere; they always made a good team, both of them so creative and all.”

“TThey always wrote each other cute ccards for Valentine’s dday,” Natalie added. She owed her mom a lot for thinking of this Noah part. Reid was starting to swallow continuously as he listened. His fists were all balled up.

“I wonder if Luke still has any of them?” Lily mused. “I kept all my old love letters. Of course, I always fall in love with my first love again and again. “

“Luke is a lot like you Mom,” Natalie replied sweetly. “I-I bet hhhe has the ccards.”

“Ever write Luke any love poems?” Emma inquired.

“I write to Luke all the time,” Reid snapped, “not that it is anybody’s concern.”

Reid’s mind raced desperately back to the last time he’d left Luke a note. What had he wrote the other day? Going to Memorial early. See you later. Can you pick up some milk? Something like that. Reid winced at the memory of it now.

He jumped on the defensive, throwing up his hands and turning to them.“Luke doesn’t want to see Noah. He wants to spend Valentine’s with me damn it. He wants to marry me,” Reid
argued. “And soon.”

Didn’t he? Why had Luke not just asked him again?

“Are you sure?” Lucinda pushed, “maybe wait until his birthday.”

“We could help with the proposal,” Emma beamed with sudden excitement.

“I’ve been married more than once,” Lily added, “ I have some ideas.”

“No!” Reid practically snarled at them.

Reid’s head was pounding. He put a hand to his temples.

“ Reid’s right.“ Faith spoke suddenly. “ You guys would only offer him boring, traditional proposals. Listen to me,” Faith offered and she went over to Reid and ran a finger down his shirt, “ You start with some dirty pictures of yourself – “

“No, no and no!” Reid snapped , moving away from Faith and the rest of the group. “Thank you, but no.”Reid took a deep breath to calm down. He faced them and willed himself to remain rational.

“ Luke and I will just sit down and discuss it logically like two adults and. ..” He trailed off . The entire family was scowling at him now.

“That’s your plan?”

“Talking? Logical discussion?”

“You have met Luke, right? ”

“Let us help!”

Reid’s jaw clenched. “I will figure it out. On my own. “ He took in their doubtful expressions. “Fine. “ Reid shrugged. “I’ll be romantic. “

They stared at him.

“I can be romantic!” Reid said hotly.

“If you say so, dear,” Emma patted his arm.

“Good luck with that,” Faith snorted.

Lily and Natalie just shook their heads at him.

Natalie walked over to him and said with a sympathetic smile, “CCall me when you need some ideas.”

Natalie knew it was only a matter of time before she would put into action Step Four.

“Sure,” Reid said absently. He was certain he could handle it all alone. He was a brain surgeon after all. He could figure out how to do a simple proposal. Really, it was not a big deal.

So why was his head about to explode?

“Well,” Lucinda said, “we will leave you to it then.” Then she leaned over him. “If you change your mind, darling, you need to book Cinderella’s carriage months in advance. But I can fly you to Vegas and get you to a drive thru- wedding chapel in less than in 24 hours.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.”

Then they gathered up Natalie’s things. Reid gave Natalie a warm hug. He would really miss the kid. But he was relieved when the rest finally left.

“See you at the party!” They all called out as they went.

Reid closed the door firmly after them. Good riddance!

He looked around the room. How could have missed it? Luke’s crazy antics? His undertones of sadness sometimes? How could it not have occurred to him that Luke was secretly worrying about their stalled engagement?

And now…romance.

Reid collapsed down on the couch. He buried his hands in his hair.

Romance? Had he really promised romance?

Reid was really, really happy that Ethan had left – cause he cursed loud and long.

Then he anxiously waited for Luke .

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: Reid and Luke are happily engaged, when Natalie is a victim of a hit and run. They fight about Reid’s operating on Natalie and break up for a time. At this point, Luke and Reid are back together, but not engaged.
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Warning: Christmas, fluff and Lily
Rating: NC-17


“Please!”

“No.”

“Why?”

“She’s downstairs!”

“We’ll be quiet.”

“Sure. You’ve had sex with me before, right? When am I ever quiet?”

A hand placed another hand on throbbing, leaking erection

“I’ll settle for just me then.”

“Selfish bastard.”

“Yep.”

“Reid?”

“Hmm?”

Luke began to use his hand, “Merry Christmas.”

Reid couldn’t answer. He was too busy biting down on his pillow to muffle his moans of pleasure.

***

Natalie was sitting at the Christmas Tree .She was still in her Rudolph pajamas, Reid Jr. was curled up in her lap. The cat had fallen in love with Natalie, since she’d moved in temporarily with Luke and Reid. The feline slept with her and meowed for her, and even begged up on its hind legs for her at the stairs. Cats don’t beg, but Reid Jr. did. Maybe it was because Natalie was secretly feeding him all the time. She was equally in love with the one-eyed cat .

“Happy holidays! “ Luke shouted down at her now. Reid was following. Natalie grinned up at them and gestured to all the presents under the tree.

“Ccrazy,” she laughed. Her hair was starting to grow in places and the blond fuzz was starting to stick out of her bandage.

“I agree,” Reid drawled as he looked at the tree, “I think Luke bought you an entire Toys R US.”

“I just got excited. That’s all,” Luke said, and broke off a candy cane from the tree to eat.
He smiled at Reid. “And some of these presents are for you.”

“Pays to have a rich boyfriend,” Reid replied. Then he sat down next to Natalie under the tree.

“Go ahead,” Reid told her, not quite able to mask the excitement coloring his voice, “Open a few.”

The truth was Reid had been more excited at the toy store than Luke. He had been the one to pick out the biggest gift of all for Natalie- a new bike and helmet. They’d also filled their cart with stuffed animals, music boxes, and Hannah Montana CDs. Reid had practically danced in the aisle as he threw in toy after toy.

Ripping open a present or two now, Natalie had a wide smile. In a few hours, they’d all be going to Emma’s to join the rest of the family at the farm. But at this time, the three of them created a cozy little circle of happiness.

“Want some breakfast?” Luke asked his sister.

Natalie started to write it down on her pad, when Reid stopped her.

“Use your words,” he told her firmly.

She stuck out her tongue at him.

“And you’re manners, brat!” Reid added, but he was amused. Reid and Natalie had formed a true sister and brother relationship in just a short time. It made Luke’s heart just ache with joy to see them.

“EEEgggs?” Natalie stammered out.

“Eggs?” Luke repeated. “Sure.”

“One of the few things Luke can actually cook,” Reid laughed.

“Hey, I don’t see you in the kitchen, except to eat!”

Natalie held up a hand to stop Luke from leaving, “FFFirst, Reid’s ggifffts?”

Luke grinned. He and Natalie had lots of presents for Reid under the tree, but two of them were special gifts.

“You go,” he told his sister. They all watched Natalie’s careful steps as she walked. She was improving physically every day.

Natalie smiled shyly and handed Reid a card.

To my other big brother she’d written. Inside the box was a new robe.

“Natalie picked it out online herself, “ Luke told him, grinning widely. The robe was red and white and extra fluffy; it had Santa’s face all over it.

Reid busied himself with the robe and pretended his eyes were not wet.

“Thanks,” he told her gruffly and kissed her cheek.

“PPPutt it onnn!” Demanded Natalie.

“Er-, right,” Reid nodded and then shot Luke a murderous glare as he silently laughed. Reid then wrapped his lean frame in the huge robe.

“You know, Nat,” Reid said suddenly. “It would be even more perfect if Luke here had one of these.”

“No, that’s okay,” Luke said swiftly, “I have a robe.”

“But it doesn’t match mine,” Reid gave him a slanted smile.

Yes! That is good! Natalie wrote down in excitement, If I ever had a boyfriend, we’d wear matching outfits too! If she ever did get a boyfriend, she’d walk the malls in cute matching clothes, Natalie’s face turned dreamy at the thought, and he’d be a lot like Reid.

She gave Luke an imploring look.

Luke sighed. “Great,” he nodded at his sister, “I’ll order one more in my size.”

Luke looked at Reid. “Happy?”

“Ecstatic,” Reid answered and leaned in to bite off some of Luke’s candy cane.

Luke laughed . Then he flopped down next to Reid and rested his head on Reid’s shoulder.

“It is a soft robe,” he commented.

Reid patted his knee.

“Now, for my big gift,” Luke said. He had lots of little, expensive things for Reid under the tree, but he knew material things really meant very little to him. He was really hoping that this gift would be a success with Reid.

“I thought you gave me a present already?” Reid smiled suggestively and Luke knew exactly the “gift” he meant and blushed.

Reid took the slim envelope that Luke held out to him, and looked at it curiously.

He opened the card and then said nothing.

Luke became nervous. “ ‘Member the day you sent me to the foundation and told me to work?”

Reid nodded.

“Well, this is what I thought of.” Luke swallowed. “I know how Doctors without Borders is a charity you respect and…If it’s too much, I have not mailed in the official check yet; I can
still stop it.”

Reid lifted an eyebrow, “Only a million dollars in my name to them? “ He looked at Luke fully now, “Why so little? Why not two or three?” Then Reid cleared his throat.

Luke laughed, “It is the foundation paying, but don’t think Doctors Without Borders won’t have your name on their new mailing lists.”

Reid reached over and hugged Luke.

“You really like it?” Luke was pleased. For once, none of his family had been involved with his offering. Just Luke.

Reid nodded vigorously and started to say something else, when the doorbell chimed.

Reid stood up. “And now, my gift” he smiled.

Luke looked perplexed.

“If you don’t like this,” Reid told him dryly, “all I have for you are some crummy ties from Sears.”

They both went over to the door. Reid opened it and Lily stood there holding a poinsettia. A stiff smile was on her face.

“What are you doing here?” Luke said hotly.

“I was invited,” Lily told him.

“Come in,” Reid held the door open wider. Natalie saw her mother and waved at her happily.

Lily’s smile turned warm then and she hurried over to greet her daughter.

Luke took a step toward his mother.

“Hold on,” Reid took his arm, “Let’s talk about it.”

“You know I told you my mom and I had a falling out,” Luke said in a whisper; he didn’t want to upset Natalie.

“Yes, and I know why too.” Reid gestured to the porch and Luke followed him outside.

“Look, I know you were standing up for me, okay? And it was – “ Amazing. Incredible.
Reid searched for a word, “Nice. But not needed.”

“Reid –“

Reid placed a finger over Luke’s protesting lips.

***

Reid had gone over to Lily’s and confronted her. She had poured out all of her resentment at him, and he had just patiently waited her out. He let her talk on and on, until she finally was quiet.

Then he had simply asked her if her “drama” was done? He had sat down and bluntly warned her that she could lose Luke. But that he did not want that for Luke. So he offered to help her make up with her son. “We don’t have to like each other,” he told Lily, “We just have to not hate each other.”

Lily had fallen silent and then shrugged. “I can try, “she had said. Then they had made arrangements for her visit.

***

Now Reid hushed Luke.

“Do you remember once telling me that nobody in this crappy town would ever want to have a drink with me?”

“That was a long time ago – “ Luke said, upset.

“No, but listen. You were right. Nobody but Katie liked me back then. And now.” Reid gave a half-laugh. “Now everybody in this crappy town wants me. Even your grandmothers do shots with
me in my office.”

“What?” Luke laughed, puzzled. “They do not! That’s never happened.”

“Hmm,” Reid decided better not to give away Emma and Lucinda any more than needed. “The point is that it doesn’t bother me to be disliked. I’m okay with your mother not being a fan. “

“But I want her to like you and respect you! She can’t just come here and be rude –“

“Hey, I’m okay with rude. I understand rude. Rude is actually refreshing.” Reid made a face. “ Too many people liking me makes me want to flee in terror.” He gave a mock shudder.

Luke shook his head. “Reid, I want- “

“I know,” Reid smiled and stroked Luke’s face. “You want her to love me and be nice and we all join hands at the dinner table and sing Kumbaya.”

Luke’s mouth gave a reluctant twitch. “I’m not that naive.”

The hand on Luke’s face pushed the hair out of his big brown eyes.

“You’re just sweet, “ Reid said to him. “But you can’t argue with the man in the Santa robe,” Reid said firmly.

They kissed.

“Beside,” Reid said, playing his trump card. “Look how happy she makes Natalie. “

Luke blew out a long breath. “Are you sure?”

Reid nodded.

“Okay,” Luke agreed. “I’ll try with her. But if she is mean or whatever to you, Reid, I will fight her again.”

Luke took Reid’s hand and held it.

“Luke,” Reid said softly,” I appreciate it. But I don’t want to be the reason you have a falling out with your family. Not even your emotional mama, “ he laughed. “ Understand?”

“I love you,” Luke said.

Reid rolled his eyes, “How could you not? I’m a brilliant catch,” He boasted, “ Even if Lily doesn’t think I’m good enough for her son.” Then he gave Luke a soft kiss. “Well, I guess I can’t blame her there - you are pretty close to perfect. “

They smiled at each other.

“Love you too,” Reid added shyly.

Luke looked over at the door and inside at where Natalie and Lily were playing together with the presents.

“I’m ready to go in,” He told Reid. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, “ Reid smiled. “Let’s go have a happy holiday.”

***


After a little while, they all arrived at the Snyder farm. But as soon as they got out of the car and Emma took Natalie inside the house, Holden came out with a big frown.

“What it is?” Luke asked.

“Jack just called,” Holden replied grimly. “Apparently, they just found the car that hit
Natalie. It had traces of her DNA.”

“But that’s great,” Luke said.

“It is and it isn’t. “ Holden took a deep, troubled breath,” The car. It belongs to the Hughes’. Somebody in that family hit Natalie.”

“Oh my God!” Lily said.

Luke paled.

They all looked at where Natalie and Emma had gone into the house.

“I’m headed to the station now,” Holden told them.

“We’ll all go,” said Luke. He looked to Reid, who nodded.

Lily took Holden’s arm, “I just can’t believe this, ‘she said.

“Maybe it is a mistake,” Luke offered, “Like with Carly.”

“We’ll soon know,” Holden answered, and they all headed down to the police headquarters.

Title: Hit and Run
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Natalie is a victim of a hit and run. Reid has broken off his engagement to Luke, but they are trying to work it out. At this point in the story, Luke plots with his family about how to romance Reid back.
Warning: None
Rating: PG
For sleeper6 -thanks for some inspiration!
A/n: Even if you have not been following this story, this can also be read as a one-shot on Luke wooing Reid

Part 11

“It’s a kitten!”

“That is not a kitten!”

Reid glared at the animal. It was not a kitten at all. It was an enormous, white and orange colored cat. The thing had rolls of fur hanging out and, here was the truly creepy part to Reid, it had only one eye. One piercing blue eye. There were scars where its other eye should be. The cat regarded Reid with what he could only describe as a pissed off expression on its feline face. It let out a single “Meow,” and then curled up again in its basket.

“And you can name it,” Luke bounced up and down on the bed with excitement, “and we can care for it together – “

“I’m not naming this…creature.”

“Reid!”

“Look, I don’t even like animals.”

“You just never had a pet, “ Luke dismissed.

“And cats? They shit in a box, right?”

“Well, some cats go outside, but due to his past with other cats and his sensitive nature –“

“Sensitive what?” Luke had clearly lost his mind!

“Listen-“

“And this is not even a kitten –“ Reid added “ you got me a one-eyed fur ball.“

Luke blushed.

“Okay, well, it was supposed to be a kitten “ Luke thought briefly about Ethan being disappointed there, “ But when I saw him,” He pointed to the giant cat, “ All majestic, but sad – he’d been beat up by another cat, poor guy so – “ Luke broke off and offered Reid a hopeful smile. Reid remained stony-faced.

“Are you telling me,” he said to Luke, “that you got me a one-eyed, fat loser cat?”

“He’s a lover, not a fighter. Besides, the man at the shelter told me they were about to gas him, what was I supposed to do?” Luke defended himself.

“Uh- let him get gassed?”

“Reid!”

“What?” Reid shrugged. “ His carcass would go to some lucky med student who could slice him and dice him.”

Luke quickly ran over and covered up the cats ear’s “Don’t talk about dissection in front of R.J,” he hissed out.

“R.J?”

“Reid Junior,” Luke said smugly , “Since you refuse to name our pet, I just did.”

“Listen up, “ Reid told the cat in a stage whisper, “First we used to skin you guys, then take a really sharp knife and – “

“Hey!” Luke cuddled the giant cat.

“We are not keeping him.” Reid said firmly.

Luke held Reid Jr. protectively. The cat licked a paw and glared over at Reid.

Luke carried him to the bed.

“Luke, no way!” Reid said, “There are no –“

“Don’t even say pussies-“ Luke warned.

“You said it for me,” Reid smirked. “ And there are none of those in our bed.”

“Okay, fine.” Luke’s face turned pouty. “ Reid Jr. can go back into his basket. “ Luke marched the cat over. “But at least try, please? For me? Give him one touch? He really is soft. Well, once I brushed out those clotted bits of fur. ”

“Has he been checked for vermin?”

“Reid.”

Reid looked at Luke’s big eyes and sad face.

He extended one, reluctant finger out

R.J playfully swatted at Reid’s hand.

“Jesus!” Reid quickly drew back. “He tried to attack me!”

“He was playing.”

“And I need all my fingers to operate on people, Luke.”

Luke put the cat down and put his hands over his eyes and rubbed them. “This is really not going according to plan,” he mumbled.

“What?”

“Nothing. I said – give the cat a few days, okay? I really can’t stand the thought of him killed at some shelter.”

“They have no kill ones – “ Reid started to offer.

“Please?”

“Why is this so important? “ Reid asked.

Luke shrugged. “It would be our pet in our home…” His voice trailed off. He couldn’t add that it was another major way to tie them together.

The cat meowed loudly and cleaned its fur with a scratchy tongue. Luke bent down and cooed to it.

Reid sighed. “Okay, alright.”

He would sleep on this, Reid thought, and figure out a way to talk Luke out of the cat in the morning.

“Great!” Luke beamed. Reid would sleep on this, Luke thought, and come to realize a pet was just what their relationship needed .

***

A day or two later, Reid came down to the kitchen furious. His skin was still wet and he was wrapped only in a white towel.

“What’s wrong?” Luke said.

“That creature is trying to shower with me!”Reid fumed, pointing to Reid Jr. who had just sauntered into the kitchen and began to greedily eat his food. The cat took massive gulps of his food into his mouth.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Luke said, “Cats hate water.”

“Not this one,” Reid said, “I opened up the glass door to grab my razor, and he was just there- staring at me- watching me with that one eye. “

Luke’s mouth twitched. “I like to watch you shower too.”

“And he tried to sneak in,” Reid continued, waving his hands in the air. “His fur is all over the bath mat. I think he is going into the tub when we’re not here.”

Luke picked up R.J and stroked him. “Paranoid much?” He said to Reid.

“Fine! Take the feline’s side,” Reid turned on his heel and charged back upstairs. “I need to go to work.”

***

The next day, they found a few small scratches on the couch, and a hairball that Reid Jr. had coughed up by the bed.

“We just need to make a connection with him,” Luke told Reid. “He needs to know we care. “

Reid scowled, “I don’t want to bond with a cat,” he told Luke.

“But you want to bond with me, right?” Luke smiled. “And I want us to bond with Jr.”

“Can we please find a new name?”

“Sure, what do you want to call him?” Luke asked sweetly, “I’ll change it as soon as you pick a name out.”

Reid wondered if he could get the beast to leave by opening the back door and spreading out a trail of tuna fish that led to the woods. Reid grinned at the thought.

“See?” Luke said, pointing to Reid Jr. near Reid’s feet, “You’re starting to like each other.”

Yes, tuna might tempt him away, Reid thought, and nodded a fake smile back at Luke. Or maybe he could just drive him to an open field and ditch him, Reid mused. Cats weren’t like dogs, were they? They lacked a homing instinct.

“I really think you guys are starting to bond,” Luke was saying. Reid glanced down as R.J. hacked up another fur ball at his feet.

***

Reid, stop drinking from the toilet!

“What?” Reid turned around nervously.

“Reid Jr. “ Luke clapped his hands. “I said stop!”

Every time Luke left out the “Jr.” part of the cat’s name, Reid would be startled.

Reid , stop pawing at the crotch of my jeans!

Or Reid, potted plants are not food!

Luke would shout out these things and fluster the real Reid. The cat would not react to Luke’s scolding at all. He would just lazily stroll away, swooshing his tail in defiance.

“Stop,” Luke yelled again, as the cat tried to swim in the toilet.

He glanced at Reid. “Okay, he does seem to like water.”

“Told you.”

“Well, I can read some cat training books or something,” Luke offered.

“Or we could return him.”

“Reid, you don’t just give back a pet,” Luke admonished him, “Is that what you’d do with a problem child?”

Reid suddenly got an image of kids surrounding Luke. They were spilling red punch all over the carpet, swinging on the drapes, and taking off their dirty diapers – all while Luke sat there with a glowing, dopey smile reading books about building up a problem child’s self esteem.

Reid started to sweat. He had never been so happy that he and Luke were gay, and Luke could not just get “knocked up.”

“I guess we can work with the cat,” he muttered now. Better a cat than something else!

Another day passed.

***

“Okay, Luke, now I’ve had it!” Reid came stomping out of their bedroom.

“What now?” Luke asked with a sigh.

Reid pointed to the cat, “He got into my box!”

Reid kept a shoe box full of junk food in their room.

“That cat ate it all! My twinkies, my chips, my- “

“Boy that can’t be good for Reid Jr.,” Luke said in alarm, “maybe we should see the vet?”

Beside them, R.J was just sniffing the air and rolling around on his back, exposing a massive belly.

“He’s a devil-cat,” Reid was fuming, “he must have climbed up and pawed open my box.”

Luke’s eyes open wide, “How do you know you didn’t leave the snacks out?”
With a suspicious glance at the cat, Reid ran a hand through his rumpled hair.
Luke mouth twisted up suddenly with an urge to giggle, “Maybe if you ever fed Jr. , “ he told

Reid pointedly, “He wouldn’t be after your stash.”

“Fine,” Reid said. “I’ll feed the creature. Right now!”

“Great!”

They all went into the kitchen. Reid made a big deal out of finding the can opener and taking out R.J’s food.

Luke’s heart soared. Maybe Reid would finally learn to care for Reid Jr. now.

But then Luke heard Reid, gagging on the smell of wet cat food the entire time.

Watching Reid’s weak attempt at care, Luke suddenly was done. He had enough.

“That’s it!” Luke declared and marched up the stairs. Reid looked up from where he was still spooning out Fancy Feast. “What?” He asked. Luke didn’t answer.

Reid looked down at the food and his stomach turned. Why did cat food smell worse than any ER filled with blood and guts?

He frowned down at the big cat circling his feet. “This is your fault, you snack thief.”

The cat meowed.

A second later, a still angry Luke marched back down the stairs, holding a stuffed gym bag.
Just the sight of Luke with a packed bag made Reid’s stomach clench with panic. He wouldn’t leave him again, not over a cat, would he?

“Let’s go,” Luke snapped, handing Reid his coat.

“Go?”

“It is your day off, right?”

Reid gave a wary nod.

“We’re going to the Snyder pond.”

“The pond?” Reid said baffled. “Luke, it’s like 15 degrees outside!”

Luke handed him a hat, “Suck it up.”

“Uh, you haven’t decided to drown the cat in the pond or anything, have you?” Reid asked. “He isn’t that bad.” True, he had been plotting ditching the creature, but nothing violent.

“Don’t be stupid,” Luke told him, “the pond is frozen. Besides, Jr. is staying here. “

Reid followed Luke out the door. His boyfriend was acting truly crazy, but at least Luke was still his. He was not running away or anything. He’d take crazy Luke over leaving Luke.

As they left, Luke couldn’t help feeling furious. But not at Reid, at himself. He should never have started with Ethan and the kitten/cat idea. Who takes love advice from a six-year old? No, Emma’s idea was a whole different story. She had been married for like 20 years, before Harvey Snyder had passed. Happy, married years.
Luke snuck a glance at Reid as he drove them. Okay, Reid Jr. had not won him over, but this date surely would melt even Reid’s stubborn heart. Luke smiled. Reid was bound to be impressed.

***

“Are you sure it’s frozen?” Reid asked, bending down and inspecting the ice.

“Yes.” Luke said, lacing up his skates. “I’ve been skating here for years and years.”

Reid frowned, “I don’t skate. I’m going to fall on my ass.”

“Aww,” Luke came up to him, “And it’s such a cute ass. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.”

Luke imagined the two of them skating around in romantic circles, holding hands. This was definitely going to work.

Reid bravely laced up the skates. Luke took his hand and helped Reid wobble out to the icy pond.

“You’re doing great!” He enthused.

Reid began to fall. The tangled together. They had not even gone two steps.

“I can’t,” Reid adamantly shook his head.

“Come on, try?” Luke pleaded.

Reid sat on the cold ice and refused to budge.

Luke bit his lip. Then his face lighted up. “Okay, you stand over there, and watch me.”

“Watch you?”

“Well, I don’t mean to boast,” Luke grinned proudly, “but I am kind of good at skating. I can skate like you can play chess. Watch this!”

Luke did a fast circle on the ice. Reid watched. Luke spun quickly around, and then he raised one leg straight up in the air. He spun again.

He skidded to a stop. “Well?”

“Well, I already know how flexible you are,” Reid smirked. “But not bad.”

Luke beamed. He could tell Reid was actually impressed. It wasn’t often that Reid was impressed. Luke racked his brain for another skating move.

“Here I go!” He shouted to Reid and skated quickly across the pond. Luke leaped. He did a jump. His skates smoothly hit the ground. He did a toe loop next and a single lutz. Luke gave a cheesy bow. He was even better at this than he remembered!

He saw Reid actually take out his phone and take his picture. Luke became really excited. He leaped into the air again.

Just a few more moves, and then maybe he could get Reid out on the ice again. They’d skate and kiss and it would be perfect. Reid would soon demand to get engaged again --
Luke decided to do his own invention a super-duper jump and twist. He launched his whole body up –

Crack

“Are you okay?” Reid yelled. He wobbled to his feet. Then he baby stepped, his arms out in front of him like a robot, over to where Luke had fallen .

“Yeah,” Luke rubbed his shoulder.

“Do you need me to take you to the hospital?” Reid managed to get to him and bent down to examine his arm.

Luke moved the arm up and down,” No, see. It’s fine.”

A stain of humiliation touched his cheeks.

What really hurt and was sure to be bruised, was his butt. Luke could just hear the snarky things Reid was going to say when his ass turned green from bruises soon.

“Listen, Brian Boitano,” Reid was drawling , snarky already, and he did not even know about Luke’s sore behind, “What did you think you were doing?”

“I can do that move,” Luke said hotly. “It’s just been awhile. “

Reid’s mouth quirked in amusement. He helped Luke up.

Luke’s eyes suddenly narrowed, “Are you laughing at me?” He demanded.

“Of course not,” Reid said smoothly. “It’s the cold air, it makes me shake.”

“You can let go of me,” Luke said, pulling away with as much dignity as he could manage. He
was going to have to ice his ass tonight in secret.

Reid tried to hide his laughter. He couldn’t wait to get Luke home later and give some TLC to his clearly hurt backside.

“We can still skate, “ Luke said now, but his own enthusiasm was waffling.

“Not me. Can I just go and enjoy my day off in quiet?”

Luke sighed. Where had he gone wrong? He’d rushed the whole skating date. He should have practiced his jumps first, and then taken Reid to the pond.

Reid gave him a friendly pat on the tush and Luke tried to hide a wince.

“We could stop by Emma’s,” Luke offered, “for some of her pie.”

“Now you’re talking!” Reid grinned. He took off his skates in clear relief.

If only he could cook like his grandma, Luke thought. That was clearly the way to Reid’s heart, but Luke’s skills were limited to eggs or pasta. What could he do? What else did Reid love?

Faith’s dirty suggestion entered Luke’s mind. Well, if he couldn’t lure Reid back to their engagement with romance and sweetness, then maybe it was time to try something else entirely!

They went to Emma’s for pie.

Luke plotting all the way…

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
Rating: PG
Warning: bottoms up ?
a/n: The operation day. Also, some unexpected support for Reid! This scene was a blast to imagine- I wish Reid had gotten scenes with these two people on the show!

Part 4

Dr. Alexa Jones was a tiny woman. She barely came up to most people’s shoulders. But she had a quick mind, skillful hands and a dirty mouth. Jet lagged and running of caffeine, she hurried over to Memorial hospital. Reid had not exaggerated – the place was a dump. But they must have done something right to attract a surgeon as gifted as Reid.

“Oliver!” She shouted at him. He looked awful, pale and withdrawn. She gave him a hug, which he endured with an eye roll. Well, at least that seemed like the old Reid.
He handed her the Snyder chart and they began to discuss the case.

“She’s so young, “ Alexa sighed. “I usually deal with the older patients.”

“You’d be good with Peds, “ Reid answered, “most of them are about your size.”

Alexa punched him lightly. “And you’d be good with the old people, most of them are too far gone to see how obnoxious you are.”

Reid was about to answer, when the elevator doors opened and a whole group of distraught people poured into the hallway.

The family had arrived.

A good-looking man rushed over . “How is she? Are you operating now? Can I go and see her?”

“Take it easy, Holden. “ Reid cleared his throat. He was eyeing a gorgeous blond man who had followed in the other man’s footsteps. The blond was looking at Reid too.

“This is Natalie’s surgeon – Dr. Jones.”

Alexa shook hands with Holden Snyder, and then she was thrown back by a sobbing woman with wild hair.

“Please help her! My baby!”

Alexa gently pushed the mother off of her. “I will do my best,” she assured the woman. Holden took her hand. Another woman came up. She had short, dark hair and a tight smile. “Lily,” she said. She grabbed Holden Snyder’s other hand.

“Molly,” Lily sniffed. Holden looked uneasily between the two women.

“We hope to operate in less than an hour,” Reid said, going back to Holden’s question, “so you really can’t see Natalie right now. She is being prepped. But you can go in right before the surgery for a moment.”

Holden nodded, his face upset.

A sullen teenage joined the group. “I want to see her now!”

“Come here,” said the dark-haired woman to the teen.

“I can take care of my daughter,” snapped the mother.

“Where were you when Natalie was out?” The dark-haired one replied.

Holden tried to calm the bickering women. He pushed them aside to talk to them.

Alexa raised an eyebrow at Reid. He shrugged.

Then he looked uncomfortable. The gorgeous blond had come closer to them.

The blond man licked his lips. “Can I talk to you,” he asked Reid, “just a minute?”

Reid shook his head. “Nothing to discuss. “

He nodded to Alexa.

“Alexa Jones, my- er - Luke Snyder.”

“Oh, you’re the fiancée.” Alexa looked him up and down, and then winked at Reid, “I see we still have the same taste in men.” Boy, the blond was yummy!

Luke frowned in confusion. He didn’t know what she was talking about and didn’t care. He wished that Reid would look at him.

“I just want to talk to you one minute,” Luke repeated.

Emma and Ethan ran up at that moment. Ethan grabbed at Luke around his knees. Luke automatically picked him up and hugged him. Reid took advantage of that and slipped away.

Alexa Jones smiled at Luke curiously, and followed Reid. They went into the lab and poured over Natalie’s scans.

Reid stared at the tests. “Can I observe?” He asked Alexa. “I’d like to be in the room.”

Alexa shrugged, “Of course. As long as you remember who is in charge.”

But truthfully, she’d welcome Reid’s presence. This was a very complex case.

They both washed up and put on scrubs.

Bob Hughes came in, “She’s prepped. All set?”

Dr. Jones frowned. “Well, I could use some extra hands. “

“Hmm,” Bob frowned, “unfortunately, we are a little short staffed right now,” he thought about Chris being suspended. “But I have a few eager interns.”

Alexa sighed. “Okay, I guess.” Interns? Crap, she thought. Then she sighed. “Bring them.”

Just moments later, Natalie was wheeled into the OR. Dr. Jones began the procedure, using a tiny laser the size of a thumb to neatly open up the skull. The brain was exposed, like the slicing of an orange. The sound of suction and machines could be heard just underneath the whispering voices of the nurses and interns. The incision was made. Reid watched from behind her. She was good. Her hands capable and focused.

But a few hours into the operation, it became difficult.

“Damn!” Alexa mumbled . “These blood vessels, so tiny.” A nurse mopped her face and pulled down her mask to give her a quick sip of water.

“I can’t see,” Alexa moved around. “Give me more light here,” she ordered the nurse.

“Help dissect this part,” she ordered the intern.

“Right!” The intern was almost giddy as he grabbed the scalpel.

“Look at this tissue damage,” Dr. Jones said.

Reid could see it over her left shoulder. It was bad.

The intern began to cut.

“No!” Alexa ordered, “not there.” She gestured with her head, her arms busy stitching another part of Natalie’s brain. “There. See?”

“No,” the intern said, wide-eyed now.

“There! “ Alexa said again, nodding. Trying to show him. She couldn’t help until her own part was done.

The intern blindly went to make the cut.

“Out of the way, moron,” Reid said suddenly , pushing the nervous intern aside. He could not stand it another moment. This bonehead would not touch Natalie.

Reid could see the tissue, the cut, the bleeding. It was like looking at a puzzle and just knowing where all the pieces fit. His mind clicked on it, and Reid felt a sense of calm. A sense of purpose. Luke had been right about one thing - in the OR, Reid could push aside everything else and just perform. He was that good.

Together now, he and Alexa cut and stitched and worked. They moved as one, picking up each other’s cues.

***

The operation lasted for hours. In the waiting room, Luke and the family sat helplessly. They had bickered, they had paced, they had eaten , they had slept. They had stared at the clock. They had watched bad television. They had bickered some more. And they waited.

At one point, Holden had taken Luke aside. “Are you okay?” He had asked.

“Well, nobody here is,” Luke had smiled.

Holden had searched his son’s eyes. “I know that. But I feel like there is more with you going on. You’re so silent- and just not like you.”

“I’m fine,” Luke said. At Holden’s look, Luke frowned. “I had a fight with Reid,” he admitted. He did not want to burden Holden with just how bad the fight had been. “But it’s no big thing.”

“Okay,” Holden patted Luke, “I’m sure you guys will work it out soon. “ Luke nodded. Holden’s glance went to Lily, sitting with Lucinda and Faith. “But don’t let it go on too long. Don’t let it fester. “

“I won’t,” Luke promised. Holden gave him a firm hug.
Then they’d gone back to waiting. The family played cards. The little ones grew tired and snuggled into the laps of the big ones, like nesting dolls.

The family huddled together. They drank coffee. They watched more bad television. They waited, waited and waited.

Finally, Dr. Jones came out from the OR.

The whole family rushed up.

She gave them a tired smile. “It went well. Natalie is in recovery.”

Everybody sighed with relief at once.

Dr. Jones continued, “We won’t know how she’ll be yet, but it looked good. Dr. Oliver and I managed to remove the damaged tissue.”

“What? “ Luke asked, “Reid operated with you?”

Dr. Jones nodded. “He was amazing, “she said simply. Then she laughed, “But don’t tell him I said it!”

Luke said nothing; he was rooted in place with shock.

“And Natalie will wake up when?” Lily was asking.

“Well, we want her body to rest, so we put her to sleep for the next day or so. Then we’ll wake her.” The doctor smiled. “I’m afraid I have to fly back to Boston tonight. More operations to do. But Dr. Oliver has her post-operative care planned out.”

“Is he coming out?” Luke asked.

“Should be.”

Luke gave her a big smile. “Thank you so much.”

She smiled back at him. He really was yummy, Alexa thought, Oliver always was a lucky bastard.

Dr. Jones turned to the family once more. “Natalie is strong and we’re hopeful. Take care now.”

“Thank you,” they all murmured.

Dr. Jones went down the hall. She took out her cell phone and began to book her return flight.

Meanwhile, Reid appeared from the OR.

The family embraced him, all except for a troubled Luke. He jammed his hands in his pockets and fought back tears. He wanted to work it out, but not with his entire family there.

After another quick briefing about Natalie, Reid excused himself. He was exhausted beyond imagination. He had been focused and energized in the operation, but now his emotions felt raw.

Luke followed him down the hallway.

“Wait! Reid!”

Impatiently, Reid turned. Luke smacked into him. He pushed Luke off quickly.
They looked at each other.

"Thank you,” Luke said softly, his eyes devouring Reid.

Reid shrugged. “If this wasn’t such a small hospital filled with idiotic interns- “ he shrugged again.

“We need to talk, okay?”

Reid said nothing.

“I’m sorry. I am! Can we please talk ?“ Luke suddenly pleaded.

Reid’s mouth drew into a hard line. “I don’t think so.”

“What?”

“I should just forget it, huh? Now that Luke Snyder had it come out his way?”
Luke shook his head, “No,” he said. “Reid it isn’t like that.”

“That’s exactly what this is- I did what you wanted and helped operate, so now you think a sorry will fix it all. You got what you wanted, right?” Reid sneered.

“No!” Luke took his elbow and held it. “ I was coming to talk, trying to talk before the surgery, but-“

“You know what?” Reid said, shaking off Luke’s arm. “I just don’t care right now. “

“Reid!”

He walked away.

Luke leaned heavily against the wall and banged his head against it.
***

Reid stayed in his small office for hours, going over every aspect of Natalie’s case. She would be awake soon and then they would know how successful it had been. Reid rubbed his eyes. He was drained, but the thought of going back to an empty house depressed him. He was no longer obligated to stay , but he stayed just the same. He opened up another file. It was late at night, the family was still taking shifts to watch over Natalie. Reid had checked her a few times, deliberately making sure it was not Luke’s shift. He sighed. The hospital was so quiet at this hour. Too silent.

The door of his office flung open suddenly, and Reid braced himself. He just could not deal with Luke right now. But it wasn’t him. Part of Reid felt relief and another part felt disappointed. He shook both feelings away.

Emma and Lucinda entered; they were hauling large bags.

“Hi,” Reid rose to his feet in confusion. He’s thought they’d left the hospital hours ago.

“Hello sweetheart,” Emma came over and gave Reid a warm hug. She put a bag down on his desk.

“What’s this?” Reid asked, perplexed.

“Really darling, you need some better lightening in here,” Lucinda was saying, making a face at Reid’s tiny desk lamp. “Bob Hughes can afford to give his top surgeon a bigger office too. I’m going to fax that man a memo. “

Emma dug into the bag and started bringing out foods: thick pieces of fried chicken, sweet potatoes in honey, apple pie.

“You need to eat, “ Emma scolded Reid gently. “Have you eaten at all today?” Emma gently touched Reid on the head and smoothed back his hair.

“I um-“ Reid stammered, embarrassed.

Emma clucked her tongue, “Skin and bones. No wonder Luke was concerned.”

“Luke?” Reid’s heart skipped a beat at his name.

“He sent us here, darling, “ Lucinda said, flopping into Reid’s chair, spinning around. “He’s concerned about you. “

Reid was silent. As far as he knew the family did not know they had split up. He wasn’t sure what to say or do.

“He asked us to take care of you and visit. I guess he had some things to do for Holden and
for Lily,” Emma added as she scooped Reid out a huge plate of food.

“You know what would be nice in this office? “ Lucinda mused, “a flat screen television. You could relax between operations. Why not! “ Lucinda gave Reid a wide grin, “Who deserves it more than the man saving our Natalie?”

“Look,” Reid said laughing at her, “Don’t get involved with your guns blazing or anything.” Reid pulled up another chair and sat down . ” I don’t need Bob accusing me of nepotism. That’s what I accuse him and Chris of.” Reid slowly picked up a fork and began to eat.

Emma beamed at him with approval. Reid shoveled in more food.

Damn! He was hungry.

“Fine, fine. Refuse my help with Bob. “ Lucinda reached into her bag. “Stubborn. Like me. “

She pulled out a bottle of Wild Turkey. “But you can’t refuse a shot.” Lucinda took out two glasses and poured .

“Luke did not give you that!” Reid exclaimed.

Lucinda grinned wickedly, “This is from my limo- I keep it fully stocked, darling.”

“I’m at the hospital,” Reid protested.

“You’re not on call. You’re just here. Waiting and watching. But you told us yourself, you put Natalie in a deep sleep for at least 48 hours, right?”
Reid nodded.

“So drink up, Oliver! Don’t make this old gal drink alone!”

Reid took the glass.

“What the hell?” he muttered. He’d been through enough; a drink did not sound bad.

“Cheers, old lady.”

“Down the hatch.”

The whiskey burned as it hit his throat.

“Emma?” Lucinda asked. “There is one more glass?”

“Oh, no ,no. Gracious me!” Emma shook her head.

Reid and Lucinda finished the shot.

“Oh and here,” Lucinda reached into the final bag. “Luke asked me to stop at your house and pick this up.”

She pulled out Reid’s toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit and comb.

“Luke..went home? “ Reid felt his heart slamming against his chest.

Lucinda shook her head. “Gave me the key. Here,” She tossed it to him. “But he wanted to make sure you had your stuff. He said you’d stubbornly be here all night.”

Reid felt a dull ache in the pit of his stomach. He picked up his toothbrush. This was the Luke he usually knew. Thoughtful ,sweet… Reid shook his head. No. It shouldn’t be so easy for Luke.

Reid did another shot with Lucinda, and ate more pie.

Watching them, Emma clucked her tongue.

“Oh, come on Emma!” Lucinda ordered, “Whiskey up.”

“No.”

"Why not? Holden and Molly have the kids, and we have the limo to drive you home. What’s stopping you?”

Emma paused. “Oh, well… maybe just a nip.”

Reid’s mouth fell open.

“Don’t just sit there like a dummy, “ cackled Lucinda, “pour the lady a drink.”

They drank. The bottle was soon half-empty.

Emma told them stories about Mr. Harvey Snyder, her husband, and the way he rode a stallion.

Lucinda shared tales of John Dixon. “A little bit of blackmail, darlings, leads to a lot of good sex. “ And then she shared the details of her one night stand with Craig Montgomery. Her story made even Reid blush.

Reid offered his argument that a real man kept his “number” of conquests to himself. The ladies both agreed with him. But the conversation made Reid restless- it made him think of Luke.

They talked long into the night.

***

After a while, Reid looked at his two “grandmas” and smiled.

“Thanks,” he told them. “Both of you.”

“Oh come on,” Emma gave his shoulders a quick rub. “We should thank you.”

“Well,” Reid sighed. “We still don’t know how she will be.”

They were all silent a moment.

“Then we’ll pray,” Emma said simply and bowed her head.

Lucinda and Reid glanced at her and then at each other.

“What the hell?” Lucinda shrugged. “I believe in the man upstairs.”

She bowed her head. Emma took Lucinda’s hand.

Reid swallowed the lump in his throat. He’s always been an agnostic and was still doubtful. But for Natalie---- for this family he loved ----

Reid offered a hand to each woman.

The three of them formed a tight little circle and prayed.

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.
Warning: Angst
Rating: PG

a/n: I based the medical part on a magazine article that I read. Sadly, I also based it on a friend of mine who, while getting ready for an Aids race for charity, was a victim of a hit and run on his bike. I hope it is medically accurate, but I’m not a doctor so…Then again, if Noah can have a full head of hair and magic eye drops, I think my medical info is just as sound!



Part Two:

At the hospital, Luke and Reid found Lily a sobbing mess. Bob had just given her a shot of something to calm her, but she still blubbered all over Luke as he embraced her.

“My baby!” She cried, smearing her lipstick on Luke’s shirt. “My baby!”

“I know,” Luke hugged her.

“Why did she take out her bike? I was on my way home!”

Emma arrived and rushed over to Lily. She looked at Luke. “I can only stay a little- I am going to relieve the nanny and take care of Ethan. Keep him busy at the farm.” Emma bent down and squeezed Lily hard, “It will be alright, honey.”
Luke began to fall apart with Lily. He felt huge sobs starting inside of him. Reid took his hand and pulled him away.

“Stop this now,” he told Luke firmly. “You can’t lose it. Not like Lily.”

“But-“

“ Call Holden. Call Faith. Help with Ethan. Do what you need to do, Luke. “ He shook him. Now was not the time to coddle him, even though it pained Reid to be tough. Luke responded. He sniffled and stopped crying.

“You’re right, okay. I’m okay. I can do that.”

"You can,” Reid ran a finger down Luke’s cheek. “You can do it.”

Luke nodded bravely. They walked back to Lily.

“ Can I see her?” Luke asked. “ Where is she? Where is Natalie?”

Lily gestured wildly, “Back there,” she motioned to the ER. “I saw her already, but they asked me to step out. “

Bob hesitated. Lily had gone hysterical at the sight of Natalie. He wasn’t sure it was wise to let Luke see her either. He sighed .

“Come for just a moment, “ Bob told Luke. Then he nodded to Reid. “I think she is stable, but I need you.”

Reid nodded. Luke started to ask another question , but Reid and Bob were already going to the trauma room and Luke quickly followed.

Natalie was there. Her blond hair streaked with blood. Her eyes wide and frightened. Nurse were working furiously all around her.

Luke approached her slowly; he moved like he was walking in a fog. He was afraid of knocking into the machines and tubes all around him. He felt so clumsy suddenly. He was aware of Reid quickly putting on a white coat, barking a few orders at the staff, and turning into “Dr. Oliver” right before his eyes. He was aware of the strong odor in the room: astringent and bleach and the iron smell of blood. He was aware of the harsh bright quality of the lights. But mostly, he was aware of Natalie’s small body; her feet not even long enough to reach the edge of the exam table.

“Luke! Help me!” Natalie said, her gaze locking on her brother’s. Luke took her hand or tried to take it, but he did not want to pull at her IV drip. He tried to smile and his lips felt frozen. His sister’s face was a mass of bruises. Her left eyelid swollen shut. He touched her gently on her shoulder.

“Natalie! You scared me so much!” Luke managed to tell her. “ I’m here now. Reid too. “ Luke glanced at Reid and Bob who were studying her CT scans, “And you will be fine –“
As the words came out of Luke’s mouth, Natalie’s eyes suddenly rolled back in her head.

Her body seized. Nurses roughly pushed past Luke.

“Out, out, out,” Reid told him, shoving him away.

“What’s happening? What’s happening?” Luke shrieked at Reid.

Machines beeped. An intern flew into the room with a crash cart.

Reid turned his back to Luke and began to help Natalie. Luke felt a firm hand on his back. He tried to shake it off. He tried to get closer to Reid and Natalie.

“Let them work,” Bob told him. He grabbed at Luke again and forced him out. As he pushed

Luke through the door, Bob looked back to Reid. Their eyes met. Reid needed to stabilize Natalie and fast.

***

In the hallway, Luke wheezed in big gulps of air. He bent down a moment , feeling dizzy. Bile rose to the back of his throat and he swallowed it down. He tried to think of what Reid would want him to do. He would want him to calm down. Luke straighten up and took a few careful steps towards his family. They had not yet noticed him; they were distracted by a fight going on between Lucinda and Margo, who had both just arrived.

“What are you doing about the driver? “ Lucinda was barking at her. “Who leaves a child by the side of the road?”

Margo’s face looked pinched. She had no evidence yet, except for some tire skid-marks. She busied herself with a notepad and pen and tried to look professional.

“Well?” Lucinda demanded.

“The driver might have been drunk or stoned.”

“At this hour?”

Margo shrugged, “It’s the holiday season. Maybe the driver has a record or –“

“Find him!” Lucinda ordered. “Or will the Oakdale Police be incompetent as usual?”

“We need to focus on Natalie, mother,” Lily looked up, “and get in touch with Holden.”

Holden and Molly were visiting Abigail in Los Angeles .

“Luke, can you try him again?” Lily was asking.

Luke did not respond. He kept seeing his baby sister’s face, her voice, when she had pleaded with him to help.

“Why isn’t Holden here?” Lucinda raged. “He is still in LA? Still off with Molly, that slut?”

“Please mother.”

“You should have gotten rid of her, darling, like I told you.”

“Lucinda!” Emma scolded, “None of this is helping. Holden’s cell phone is not picking up –we will call again.”

“Let me tell you about Holden – “ Lucinda was saying.

But Luke stopped listening to them. He watched the door for signs – for Reid.
***

Inside the room, Reid had managed to stabilize her –for the moment. Sweat coated Reid’s face and dripped down his forehead. He bent over Natalie.

“Where the hell was Chris?” Reid demanded to Bob.

Chris had been on call, but had not shown up. Natalie’s care had fallen into the hands of the nurses and young interns, until Bob had arrived.

Bob flinched. “I don’t know.”

Chris had been slipping as a doctor ever since his successful heart transplant. Thanks to
Reid finding a heart, Chris had made a full recovery. But instead of being grateful, Chris had, in Reid’s opinion, acted like a spoiled brat. He had decided he needed to “live,” and had proceeded to blow off work, sneak around on Katie, and try risky sports. He had been hanging out partying with Casey and not coming to work much. He was on the verge of suspension more than once.

Poor Katie had caught him cheating on her just weeks after his recovery. She and Reid had walked in on Chris fondling Nurse Gretchen, his hand yanking up her skirt and exposing her undies that had read “Happy Monday!” on them. Reid had yelled at him and Katie had cried. A humiliated Nurse Gretchen, jerking down her panties, had fled at the sight of Reid.
Since then, Chris had been making his way through the nurses. Katie had left for an extended “vacation”, taking Jacob to visit her mother Lila. Although she had promised Reid she would return for his wedding to Luke. Reid wished he’d ripped the donor heart out of Chris Hughes and given it to a better person . The bastard had the IQ of spam and the morals of an alley cat.

Bob had put off his retirement, due to all this business with Chris. Bob almost had given Reid the Chief job, but Kim had pleaded with him to wait, to give their son a chance to change. She’d pleaded that Chris was just going through a “tough time” adjusting. Reid had told Luke he did not even want to job now; it was a bunch of BS and paperwork. Reid preferred the operating room to the board room anyhow. The only part of being Chief that he would enjoy would be firing Doogie’s ass.

“She’s stable; you did it,” Bob said now, blowing out a huge breath.

“She’s stable so far,’ Reid cautioned. “But we need her to stabilize for 24 hours before we can operate.”

Bob nodded.

Natalie was now fully hooked up to machines; her body shrunken and pale.

Reid reached out a hand and touched a strand of Natalie’s blond hair. It was soft, like Luke’s, and only a few shades lighter. Reid imagined that Luke’s hair was this exact color as a young boy. He pictured the first time that he had met Natalie and she had given him a beautiful smile. She had just gotten past the last of her baby teeth. Her smile had been wide and trusting. Reid’s hand shook as her stroked the hair. There was matted blood on it.

Reid’s fingers trembled. Badly.

Bob saw and frowned in concern. “You know- you’re too close to this. You shouldn’t be the one to –“

“I know,” Reid said.

“You do?” Bob was surprised. It wasn’t like Reid to agree so fast.

Bob studied Reid. His skin was still sweaty. Reid was holding his hands together now, trying to stop his shaking.

Bob patted Reid’s back. “I’ll call over to Bay City and get somebody.”

“No!” Reid snapped. “I’m not turning Natalie over to some neurosurgeon from nowhere-land who got his license in a cereal box. No, “Reid drew in his breath. “I know somebody in Boston. She’s good. “

“Who?”

“Dr. Alexa Jones.”

“Dr. Jones?” Bob echoed. “ I have heard of her. “But will she come tonight? She has a huge practice.”

“She’ll come for me,” Reid said with a hint of his normal arrogance. He walked over to the ER phone. “I will get her.”

He dialed the number for Boston General. They had gone through Harvard together and had once accidentally dated the same boyfriend. Reid had not known the guy was pretending to be straight and Alexa had not known he was secretly gay. They both kicked the guy to the curb and had remained friends.

***
Reid had managed to avoid telling Luke that particular story, not that Luke hadn’t tried to dig up everything he could about Reid’s past. Sometimes, Luke’s attacks for information could be downright sneaky. Once, just a few days after they’d moved in together, he’d cornered Reid after his shower, while he was shaving. Reid had been concentrating on the slightly foggy mirror, his face already full of lather.

“So,” Luke had said, slipping up behind him. “Did you miss me last night?”

“Hmm,” Reid had answered as he pursed his lips and slid the razor down his chin. Luke had been out with Casey. Watching the way the razor moved along Reid’s skin, Luke had licked his lips at Reid and smiled innocently.

“We had fun. Casey got to telling me stories of some of his ex-girlfriends.”

Reid’s eyes had met Luke’s in the mirror, dreading what was coming.

“How about you –ever think about your ex- boyfriends?”

“No,” Reid had made a face, “don’t be a moron.”

Luke had shifted around. “I just want to know more about you. I told you my entire sexual history!”

Bits of shaving cream had fallen into the sink while Reid had laughed.

“I doubt one ex-boyfriend could be defined as a sexual history, Luke.”

Reid made another clean swipe with the razor and then tapped it against the sink impatiently to wash out the foam.

“Maybe it qualifies as a small skirmish. And from what you told me about Mayer, “ Reid couldn’t help adding, “his soldier could barely stand at attention.”

“Very funny.” Luke took the razor from Reid’s hand and washed it out a little more. Then he handed it back . Reid began to shave the other side of his face.

“I could go on with the great battle of Noah,” Reid had grinned as he shaved. “Small sword, jammed gun? “

“Fine, be obnoxious,” Luke had said. Coming up behind Reid, Luke had pressed himself into Reid’s naked back. “I have ways of making you talk.”

“Why do you need to know these stories?” Reid had asked. “I love you. The end.”

Luke had shrugged. “ I know, but…”

Reid had dropped the razor and turned. He’d given him a firm kiss, getting lather on the side of Luke’s face.

At Reid’s kiss, Luke had smiled. Sliding one hand into Reid’s hair, Luke had just tilted his face close to Reid’s. Luke inhaled the scent of shaving cream and man. Reid reached out a finger and wiped the spot on Luke’s cheek. Luke had shot him his ridiculously, charming smile. He’d placed both palms against Reid’s bare chest. Keeping his eyes glued to Reid’s, Luke slowly worked his hands down to rest on the towel slung over Reid’s hips.

“Just tell me the number. “ Luke had whispered sweetly. “How many?”

Flexing his muscles, Reid had pulled away. “Well, I am a damn fine specimen.” He preened around the bathroom a bit. “But I don’t know if you can count that high, Einstein. The number is so large.”

“Shut up!”

“It’s bigger than all the grains of sand in the ocean,” Reid had said with mocking poetry, “Than all the stars in the sky.”

Luke had grabbed the can of shaving cream and blasted him with it. Foam had dripped down Reid’s face and chest.

“Hey!”

“You never learn when to stop ,” Luke had laughed. Reid wrestled the can away from him and squirted Luke back. In just moments, they had covered each other in lather.

They had not made it to the bedroom. Things had turned heavy and hot right on the bathroom rug. And Luke had dropped his interrogation – for the time being. Reid knew it had been just a reprieve.

That was the tricky part about being involved with one Luke Snyder. He appeared blithely sweet and all that on the surface, but underneath he was the most stubborn, single-minded person on the planet.

***

Reid was abruptly pulled out of the rest of the memory at the sound of the nurse connecting him through.

“Reid!” Alexa’s rich voice came over the phone, “What a long time it’s been.”

“I have a problem,’ Reid said.

“What no hello first? Am I no longer your favorite fag hag?” She laughed at her own joke.

After simultaneously dumping their shared man, Alexa and Reid had bonded over drinks in the various gay bars around Boston, earning her Reid’s nickname.
Normally, Reid would have been snarky to her and they’d have bantered back and forth. But this was not a normal time.

“I need help,” Reid said simply.”Please. “

In her office, Dr. Jones almost fell out of her chair. She knew that if those words were coming from Reid’s mouth it must be serious.

“Tell me,” she said.


***

When waiting for a loved one in a hospital, the whole world quickens to white. Time does not stretch itself out in a smooth line anymore; it shatters and falls down hard as a storm.

The family was waiting now. Emma had left to care for Ethan, but the rest of them huddled together. Luke held his mother’s hand and tried to rub at her cold fingers. Lucinda paced up and down the hallway, looking for anybody to abuse.

Suddenly, Casey and Ali showed up. They hurried over to Luke.

“How is she?” Casey embraced Luke in a bear hug.

Luke’s eyes welled up and he shook his head. “We’re waiting.”

Ali hugged him too. “I’m on my shift –sorry! I gotta go now.” She kissed him. “We would have been here sooner, but my car is in the shop.”

Casey hugged Luke once more. He smelled a little of smoke.

“Where have you been?” Luke asked Casey.

“Nowhere – just hanging,” Casey’s eyes filled with tears of his own, “I’m so sad about Natalie. “ He hugged Luke some more.

“Thanks.”

Casey nodded. “You need anything, Luke? Coffee or food?”

Luke smiled at his friend. “Just need to know how she is.”

Jack Snyder hurried up to them. “Sorry! I wanted to come with Margo. “ Jack’s eyes slid away, “But I had Carly issues.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Lily said. “Have you heard from Holden?”

“No,” Jack shook his head. “Luke, can I get you a sandwich? Lily?”

They both refused it. Everybody seemed to want to feed them now.

“Not hungry, Uncle Jack.”

Before Jack could reply, Chris Hughes came into the hallway. He went over too and patted Luke. He gave him a big smile, “Don’t worry. Really. I have heard of worse, seen worse.”

Chris’s eyes darted all around. His face had stubble, his shirt was undone. He spied Nurse Gretchen and gave her a leer. She stuck out her chest and angrily walked past him.

“She’ll be fine,” Chris said. He smiled over to Lily to comfort her now.

“Thank you.” Lily said, but she continued to cry.

Everybody jumped up then, because Reid and Bob were coming out of the ER.

Bob Hughes looked at his son. “Where have you been?”

“I- er- forgot the pager and -“ Chris stammered. He tried to give his father a hound-dog face.

“In my office! Now!” He looked at the Snyders. “Be right back.” Bob took Chris away.

Casey let out a low whistle.

“Listen,” Jack said. “Let us go and get some coffee,” he nodded to Casey. Who looked puzzled and then realized that Jack thought they should give Reid a private moment with the immediate
family.

“Right. Back soon, guy,” He tapped Luke on the shoulder.

But Luke was watching Reid.

Reid came over to the family. His family.

Lucinda grabbed Reid’s hand. “Thank God, finally a competent face! How is she?”

Reid cleared his throat. His voice was still hoarse from his cold.

“Natalie has suffered a traumatic brain injury. A brain shear has occurred, “ At their blank faces, Reid hesitated, “It’s a shifting inside of her skull. The brain is bruised and –“

“Oh God,” Lily moaned, sinking back into her chair, her knees buckling.

“But you can operate and fix it, right? “ Luke said. His hand gripped Reid’s .

“We can operate,” Reid answered, “once she is stable enough. “ He did not add that she might not become stable enough; Reid pushed that thought away. “But Natalie has suffered a complication already –a mini stroke.”

“Stroke? “ Lucinda parroted. “What? She’s a child!”

“I know. But it’s not an uncommon side effect of brain trauma. Our next CT scan will show more, but I expect there has been tissue damage .”

“How much?” Luke asked.

Reid opened his mouth to answer, but looking into Luke’s worried face, the words would not come out.

“We can’t tell until we look inside, “ Reid finally admitted.

Bob came back over. He had suspended Chris. He did not relish the idea of telling Kim, but it had to be done.

Now Bob wanted to help Reid.

“Listen,” Bob told the Snyder family what Reid could not voice. “Prepare yourselves. There could be memory loss , speech impairment, walking problems or worse.”

“Worse?” Lucinda asked.

“Cognitive damage. Mild or severe. We have no way of knowing.”

Reid felt his body shake again and inhaled sharply. “We don’t know yet. ” He tried to offer Luke a reassuring smile. “She could be lucky.”

Bob raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. It just confirmed for him that Reid was way too involved to be objective.

Luke had heard enough. He grabbed at Reid and burst into tears. Sobs wracked his body. Reid gently took Luke down the hall and into the break room.

“Just take a breath, sweetie. “ Reid murmured, he never called Luke any endearments. Today, he had called Luke both babe and sweetie. Normally, this would have thrilled Luke, but he was in a world of fear and grief.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Luke said. “I know you told me not to cry.”

Reid did not answer; he just held Luke and rocked him.

After a few moments, Luke pulled himself together. At the same moment, Bob opened the door to the break room.

“Look, I’ve talked with Lily now. We think it would be wise to have the family stay in shifts. Nothing can happen until the morning.”

“I want to stay.”

“No,” Lily said ,following Bob into the break room. “I’m taking the first shift.”

“Mom-“

“She’s my baby.” Lily went over to Luke and stroked his tear-filled face. “You both are. Please go and rest, hon. I will need you here in a few hours to relieve me. “

Lily glanced at Reid. “Will you please drive Luke home?” she asked.

Reid and Lily did not like each other much, but they both loved Luke.

Reid nodded.

Lucinda came into the room now. “I plan to hire nurses round the clock. Real ones.”

“Alison will take care of Natalie tonight,” Bob told her.

“An ex-porn star? Ex-junkie? I don’t think so!” Lucinda huffed. “Luke and I are both on the
hospital board and that is the best nurse you offer?”

“Don’t worry, grandma,” Reid said. He always called her that to tease her. Usually, Lucinda and Reid could spend hours busted each other’s balls. Lucinda, Reid often liked to tell Luke, had a rock hard pair of cohunes.

But now, he could see the fear behind Lucinda’s tough, condescending tone.
“I will drop Luke home and come right back. I’ll stay with her.”

Lucinda grabbed Reid’s face and pinched his cheeks. “Fresh.” But she was reassured.

Luke smiled at them. He liked how cute and easy Reid and Lucinda were together.

***

But in the car ride home, Luke cried again softly. He had just hung up the phone with Holden, finally reaching him in Los Angeles.

“Dad is flying in. He was hiking with Molly and Abigail and did not have reception before.”

Reid nodded. They pulled up to their house. It was a cozy, three bedroom house that suited them perfectly. Natalie and Ethan had slept over a number of times. That had been one of Luke’s reasons for wanting a house and not an apartment.
For Reid, it was his first home. Ever. He had moved a lot as a kid. And his parents had not seen the point of owning a home. Later, when his Uncle Angus had taken him in, they had lived in a cramped apartment by the park. Reid was terribly proud of his house with Luke, and that they had purchased it together.

Luke opened the door and they went in. Both men were exhausted. Luke tossed the keys on the coffee table. Normally, Reid would scold him for that and neatly hang them on their designated hook by the front door. Tonight, he barely noticed it.

Luke sat down heavily on the nearby couch and rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand like a tired child.

“The only thing giving me courage in this whole nightmare, “ he told Reid, “Is that Natalie will be in your hands. “

Reid faltered and nearly tripped. He sat down next to Luke, slowly sinking his weight down into the soft leather.

“I won’t be,” he said.

Luke looked at him, ”Won’t be what?”

“Operating on Natalie,” Reid said softly. “It’s a conflict of interest.”

Luke stared at him dumbly.

Reid sucked in a ragged breath.

“I just can’t operate,” he repeated.

Luke felt like his heart was being cracked-open and a huge, cold space poured in.