Luke couldn't help but think that Reid looked nice in his formfitting jeans and a black button down shirt. He smiled as the man pulled on a light jacket and turned to face him. "All set?"

"Yeah," Luke smiled as he lifted himself away from the counter he'd been leaning against. "You…you look nice."

"I always look nice," Reid smirked and turned to leave the room leaving Luke to shake his head behind him. He laughed and ran a hand through his hair. This was going to be an interesting night after all.

"Thanks again for coming with me." Luke said, stuffing his hands in his pockets as they approached the ticket counter."

"I'll do you one better," Reid said stepping forward. "Two tickets for Salt, please."

"You don't have to do that," Luke protested reaching for his wallet to pay for his ticket.

"I don't mind," Reid replied. "You can get the snacks."

"Okay, I won't argue with you this time," Luke smiled holding his hands up in surrender. He stood back and watched Reid pay for their tickets, before walking past him into the movie theater. Luke followed close behind as he tried to figure out the man in front of him. Why was Reid doing this? Did he just want Luke to have a good time, or was there an ulterior motive. He knew he was over-thinking things and he needed to just enjoy himself. After all he had managed to accomplish two things; he got Reid out of the house and he was getting to see a movie he really wanted to see. It was a win-win. For a fleeting moment he was upset that Noah had to cancel…but the moment passed when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"It's our turn," Reid said nodding at the woman behind the snack counter. She was waiting for them to order.

"Oh…order whatever you want, I'll get it," Luke said thinking that a bucket of popcorn with extra butter sounded really good.

"Two large buckets of popcorn, one order of Nachos, a box of Raisinets, and two diet cokes please."

"Are you sure you're finished," Luke asked raising his eyebrow in amusement.

"Hmmm, I should get an extra box of Raisinets just in case…and extra butter on the popcorn."

Luke shook his head a smile crossing his lips as he paid for their food. Reid's appetite amused him greatly, and he couldn't help but wonder how the man stayed so fit…not that he was actually checking him out or anything.

"What are you doing?" He asked when they entered the dimly lit room and Reid stopped partway down the aisle. Reid ignored him as he started counting the seats with his eyes. He nodded his head slightly as he did so while all Luke could do was watch in wonder.

"Here," He said pointing to two seats in the center of the room. This is the perfect spot to watch." He moved into the row looking up when he realized that Luke hadn't followed him. "Are you coming?" he asked taking his seat as he set the snacks down to his left.

Luke moved forward balancing the sodas as he did so, and handed one to Reid before he settled into his seat placing his own drink in the cup holder beside him. "You really take this going to the movies business seriously don't you?"

"I figure if I am going to sit in a darkened theater for two hours I want to at least be comfortable," Reid explained stuffing a hand full of hot kernels into his mouth. He reached over for the other bucket of popcorn and placed it in Luke's lap. "Here's your popcorn. From where we sit you should be able to have the best possible movie experience. Trust me the counting works."

The theater went dark before Luke had a chance to respond. Reid knew the young man wanted to say something, but instead he turned his attention to the movie screen watching the inane previews that aired before every move. Usually this process annoyed him. He preferred to arrive at the theater just in time for the actual feature. He smirked as he thought about all the annoyed looks he got from others when he was blocking their view as he found just the right seat. This was different though; he wasn't annoyed, and he didn't mind the previews. In fact he barely watched the screen. His eyes were focused on the blond who sat beside him. To him the view was much better than any movie.

Reid's gaze was riveted on the scene before him. To him it was the most startling thing he had ever seen…it intrigued him to the point of distraction and inevitably it was turning him on. He watched with baited breath as those full lips wrapped around the popcorn kernels causing a drop of butter to slide down the smooth chin. A pink tongue attempted to catch the butter before slipping back into the deepest crevices of that mouth. A hand came up to wipe away the grease before the tongue appeared again to lick the salt off those lips. Reid squirmed uncomfortably in his seat as he watched that same pair of lips wrap around the straw. He could have sworn that chin deliberately bobbed up and down as the liquid was sucked up into that mouth. He bit his lip as the Adam's apple moved as the liquid was swallowed.

"Reid," Luke asked his mouth still full of popcorn. He stopped for a moment to chew, his eyes focused on Reid who looked dazed. "Are you alright?" He asked taking another sip of soda to wash the kernels down.

"I'm fine," Reid said hoping his voice didn't sound strained. "I'm just out of popcorn," he looked down at his empty bucket as if to accentuate the point.

"Oh, here," Luke said dumping part of his bucket into Reid's empty one. "You sure have a hearty appetite, Dr. Oliver."

"What can I say, I like to eat," Reid smiled popping kernels in h is mouth as he returned his attention to the movie screen. By the time the movie was over he had successfully managed to convince himself that what he was feeling was more than okay. Luke was an attractive guy after all…and it was okay to look. He knew one thing for certain as he and Luke left the movie theater; the boyfriend was an idiot.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Luke asked as he placed a hand on Reid's shoulder.

"Yes," Reid managed a smile as he placed his hands in his pockets. "Did you enjoy the movie?"

"I did," Luke grinned. "Thanks a lot for coming out with me. I honestly didn't want to sit at home."

"And you shouldn't have to on a Friday night," Reid shrugged his shoulders. "Besides, I enjoyed the company too."

"How many times do I need to see you two together before I'm allowed to be concerned?"

Reid rolled his eyes as he and Luke turned to see Noah standing before them with his arms crossed against his chest. He bit back the instant retort that came to mind and stepped aside to allow Luke to hand the boyfriend.

"Noah," Luke said pulling him to the side, "It's not like that. Besides, I thought you had to study."

"I…I...I did have to study. I just came to Java to get coffee. And then I see my boyfriend," he said putting emphasis on the word as he glared at Reid, "Out with the good Dr. Oliver."

"I was already dressed so he decided to go with me to the movies."

"Sounds like a date to me."

"It wasn't a date, Noah. I had a date with you, remember? But you cancelled on me at the last minute."

"I had to study," Noah charged. "There's a big exam coming up."

"Well didn't you know you had to study before you invited me out on a date, Noah? Or was the plan all along to invite me out just to cancel?"

"Of course I didn't invite you out to cancel, Luke. Don't be ridiculous."

"No, what's ridiculous is your attitude right now. I can't believe you're mad at me for going to the movies."

"I don't mind you going to the movies, Luke. I just don't want you going to the movies with him, that's all."

"Either you believe and trust me or you don't, Noah. Which one is it?"

"Um sorry to interrupt," Reid said stepping forward his gaze focused squarely on Luke. "Luke, do I need to catch a cab to the farm?"

Luke and Noah turned their attention to Reid. "Yes," Noah said abruptly while Luke shook his head in response.

"Noah," he reprimanded focusing on his boyfriend once more.

"Well," Noah countered his arms crossed against his chest again.

"Give me a few minutes, Reid," Luke said not taking his eyes off Noah. "I'll take you back to the farm. It's only right since I brought you here." Reid only nodded and stepped back to wait for Luke to be done. "We'll have to finish this later," Luke said his tone calm as he spoke to his boyfriend. "Later," he said again when Noah opened his mouth to speak. Noah closed his mouth and nodded in agreement. Luke smiled and kissed Noah on the cheek. "You should get your coffee and get back those books. Wouldn't want you to mess up on the big test."

Reid watched Luke walk away and chanced a glance at Noah before following behind him. They didn't speak much on the way home, and it was only when they were safely indoors that Luke turned to him with a smile on his face.

"Thank you again, Reid for going out with me. It's definitely been fun having you here this past week."

"I've actually enjoyed myself too," Reid admitted. I think Oakdale and I just might get along after all."

"Does that mean you're going to take the job?" Luke asked trying not to sound as excited as he felt."

"I don't think the boyfriend will like that much, but yes…I'm going to accept the position. That's why I am going home tomorrow. I have some loose ends to tie up before I can uproot my life."

"Okay…well you have a place to stay until you can find your own place. I think Grandma likes having you around."

"I'll bear that in mind," Reid smirked before turning to head up the stairs. He had to finish packing for his flight, and he was in desperate need of a shower.

Reid was just coming out of the bathroom when he thought he heard Luke talking to somebody. The voice became clearer as he neared Luke's door which was slightly ajar. Luke was sitting inside on his bed, his head leaning against the headboard as he listened to someone on the phone.

"Noah, you're being unreasonable. It wasn't Like that," Luke's voice sounded frustrated as he ran a hand through his hair. Reid frowned, knowing he shouldn't be listening in on the private conversation. It was obvious that they were continuing their argument from earlier. "It's called being friendly, Noah. That's all. Why don't you trust me?"

Reid turned and disappeared back into the bathroom, where he had forgotten to turn off the light. He could still hear Luke, but soon his voice became muffled and Reid realized why as he passed Luke's room to get to his own. The door was closed, but Reid had a feeling that Luke was in for a very long night.

"I can take a cab to the airport," Reid suggested as he took a sip of coffee the next morning. "You look like you could use another ten hours of sleep at least."

"I'm fine," Luke said practically gulping down his coffee before pouring a second cup. "I don't mind taking you to the airport. I have to go to town anyway." He yawned and reached a hand back to rub at his neck. He had spent a good two hours talking to Noah last night, and while usually he loved talking to his boyfriend until all hours of the night, he didn't appreciate having to defend himself for the majority of it.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Reid asked the concern clear in his eyes.

Luke yawned and sipped on his coffee, letting the caffeine work its magic. "I'm just not sleeping well," he explained. "Don't worry about me…I'll live."

You'd be better off if the boyfriend would lay off, Reid thought bitterly. He finished off his coffee and placed the mug on the counter. "I'm going to take a cab, Luke. I don't want you trying to drive when you're this tired. It's okay…I'll see you when I get back to town."

Luke tried to stifle a yawn as he shook his head, but to no avail. "Reid I want to drive you to the airport."

"How about I get you to pick me up from the airport when I come back? Right now you should go to sleep. Doctor's orders."

"But I'm supposed to-"

"Whatever you need to do in town can wait, Luke. You need to think about yourself first today. Now do I need to walk you upstairs and tuck you in, or can I trust that you'll go all on your own?"

"Fine," Luke sighed placing his coffee cup on the table. "You have my number, will you at least text me to let me know you arrived safely?"

"You'll be the first person I call," Reid smiled and pulled out his phone to call a taxi. "Go," he said shooing Luke towards the stairs. "The next time I see you I don't want to see circles under your eyes, understand?"

"Thanks for worrying about me, Reid. I really appreciate it."

Reid nodded and watched as Luke disappeared up the steps. He listened for the sound of Luke's door closing before focusing on the phone. "Hello…yes I need a taxi out at One Mile High Road please. As fast as you can. I have a plane to catch."

It was late afternoon when Luke woke up and he had to admit he did feel a lot better now that he had gotten some sleep. When he checked his phone he noticed that Reid had kept his promise. There was a brief message letting him know that he was back in Dallas safe and sound. Luke smiled and sent a thank you back his way before searching his closet for something to wear into town.

He felt bad for the argument he and Noah had had and he wanted to make it up to him. He knew his boyfriend got off of work in an hour and he hoped that maybe they would be able to hang out and make up for lost time.

Noah was wiping down the counter when Luke entered the café. "Hey," he said leaning causally against the counter as Noah cleaned. His boyfriend smiled at him, and went back to what he was doing. "What time do you get off?" Luke asked as he fingers begin to caress the marble surface.

"In twenty minutes," Noah replied. He threw his towel over his shoulder and set about making Luke's favorite latte. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see if you wanted to hang out."

"Where's Dr. Oliver," Noah queried as he placed Luke's' coffee in front of him.

"He is back in Dallas," Luke explained. "He left this morning."

"So is that why you're here then," Noah asked condescendingly.

"No," Luke defended. "That's not why I'm here. As I recall I wanted to hang out with you all week. You're the one who bailed on me."

"I'm sorry," Noah said lifting Luke's chin to give him a kiss. "I just had a rough day. I didn't mean to take it out on you."

"Its okay, Noah. I understand. How about I take you out to dinner?"

"I don't know, Luke."

"Come on. My treat," Luke pouted. "I'll even throw in one of those double chocolate mocha malts that you like. You know you want it."

Noah laughed and shook his head. "Okay, Okay you twisted my arm," He smiled. "I'll finish up here and then we can go."

"Do you want me to wait here or just meet you at Al's?"

"Hmmm, maybe you should go get us a table. I'll meet you there soon." He leaned forward to kiss Luke again, this time allowing his lips to linger before pressing his forehead against Luke's. "See you in a bit."

By the time Noah entered the diner Luke was already seated with a milkshake in front of him, his eyes rived to the menu that Noah was sure he knew by heart. "Hey," he said sliding into the booth across from him. "I don't suppose there's anything different on that menu since the last time you were here."

Luke looked up even as the waitress brought Noah's malt over and set it on the table. "Henry has changed the cornbread recipe," he explained placing the menu down beside him. "I'm in the mood for some chili and cornbread."

"I don't understand how you can eat that," Noah said wrinkling his nose. He took a sip of his malt reveling in the chocolaty flavor. "Why don't we just get burgers and fries like we usually do?"

"You can have what you want," Luke said reaching out to take Noah's hand into his. "How's school going?"

"Great so far," Noah said pausing when the waitress came to take their orders. Luke ordered the Chili and Cornbread combo while Noah went for the deluxe cheeseburger and fries. "I have this project coming up that's going to keep me busy for the whole year," Noah continued once the waitress had walked away. "I just hope I can do it justice. My professor is tough."

"Anything I can help you with?" Luke asked sincerely.

"Thanks for the offer, Luke, but I don't think there's anything you can do to help. You wouldn't understand half the stuff anyway."

"Oh," Luke replied trying to mask how much that statement stung. "Well, the offer stands anyway."

"How are things going with you?" Noah asked changing the subject. "Is the new director of the foundation working out?"

"Actually things are going pretty good," Luke said growing animated as he explained the projects that were in the works, and the grants that had been written recently for several causes. "For the next few months we're going to focus on the Neurological wing. A lot of money is going into this facility to make it the best in the country with all this state of the art equipment. If we succeed it will put Oakdale and Memorial on the map."

"I'm sure a lot of people will benefit from it," Noah commented a soft smile crossing his lips. When Luke actually put his mind to something he could accomplish just about anything.

"Well I sure hope so," Luke said sipping on his milkshake. "Thank you," he said when the waitress placed a bowl of chili in front of him. He picked up his spoon and started stirring in the cheese that sat on top before crumbling in the cornbread. "Dr. Oliver has a lot of great ideas for the wing, and I can't wait to hear more about his plans and work with him. It's going to be great having him here to run things." It was only after he had taken another bite of his chili that he noticed the pensive look on Noah's face. "What?" he asked a confused frown crossing his features.

"Does every conversation have to go back to good ol' Doctor Oliver?"

The disdain in Noah's voice didn't go unnoticed by Luke, and he crossed his arms in front of him as he looked at his boyfriend. "You asked me about work, Noah. The Neuro wing is the biggest project we have going on right now. And Reid is a part of that. His name is going to come up."

"Reid, huh," Noah said mimicking Luke's movements. "Not Dr. Oliver."

Luke shook his head returning his attention to his bowl of chili, determined to enjoy it despite Noah's words. "What's wrong with you?" He asked moments later, placing his spoon on the table. "Reid hasn't done anything to deserve this resentment from you."

"Yet you're defending him already."

"Noah, you're being unreasonable."

"And you're being unfair," Noah charged. "You know how I feel about this, and yet you refuse to listen. I don't know why that surprises me. You never listen."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just what I said," Noah charged. "You always do what you want, no matter what I say. You never listen."

Luke could hardly believe what he was hearing, though as he allowed the words to sink in something occurred to him. "This isn't about Reid, is it?" he asked his tone soft as he looked at the man he had loved for the better part of three years. "I can't fight with the past, Noah," he continued when Noah didn't answer him. "It's not fair that you're asking me to.

"I'm not-"

"Yes," Luke cut him off before he could finish his statement. "Yes you are. Every time I do something wrong or you think I've done something wrong you bring up my past mistakes, and I'm sick of it."

"I wouldn't have to say anything if you would just start listening to me. Why are you making such a big deal out of everything? You did the same thing when you went to Dallas. Everything isn't about you, Luke."

"But it is about me," Luke countered, his voice calm yet laced with anger. "Reid's not the issue here at all. I am. You seem to enjoy throwing my past mistakes in my face. It's like you've never forgiven me for those things…no matter how many times I apologize. You just won't let it go."

"How can I when the proof is so blatantly obvious," Noah said gesturing towards Luke as if the evidence was right before him. "You're not in school because you just had to rig that election, and then you go around macking on guys who are old enough to be your father and you –"

"I think we have a differing of opinions when it comes to who doesn't listen," Luke put an end to Noah's onslaught of words. He refused to allow Noah to see how much this stung. He was beginning to see the clear picture here, and quite frankly he didn't like it. "I'm starting to realize that no matter what I do it's never going to be enough. No," he said when Noah opened his mouth to speak. "You listen. I don't think I can be in a relationship with someone who doesn't accept me for me, and don't tell me that you do because it's obvious you don't, Noah. You resent me for a lot of things and you don't trust me."

"I do trust you."

Luke laughed bitterly. "You sure have a funny way of showing it, Noah. Through all the bumps in the road I feel like I've been fighting for us…but I'm starting to wonder if maybe I'm fighting a losing battle."

"That's crazy," Noah said reaching out to take Luke's hands into his. "I love you, Luke."

Luke withdrew his hands and stood up from the table. "Sometimes love just isn't enough, Noah."