"We all set?" Reid asked as he fastened his seatbelt. He adjusted the rearview mirror and his seat, before pulling out of the gas station parking lot.

"Yep…" Luke replied, his voice light and cheerful. He and Reid had switched places. Reid would drive while Luke would navigate once they made it to Chicago …all with the help of their trusted GPS, of course. Their reservations were at the Palmer House located in the heart of the Windy City. The ride proved to be an enjoyable one with an exchange of pleasant conversation.

"Hey?" Reid glanced to Luke before turning his attention back on road.

"Huh?" Luke looked up from his note pad.

"You mind grabbing me one of those turkey and cranberry sandwiches Emma made?"

"Reid…" Luke sighed teasingly. "We just ate."

"No…" Reid smiled. "That was two and a half hours ago." He corrected with a laugh. "I'm starving."

"Oh…yeah, my bad." Luke teasingly smacked his forehead with the palm of his hand. "Far be it from me to starve the poor doctor." He chuckled, rolling his eyes toward the ceiling, loving every minute of their playful banter. He placed the pad and pen on the floor by his feet and reached, stretching over his seat into the back. He shifted their coats around exposing the basket full of goodies; Reid arched his brow, stealing a peek as Luke's shirt rose exposing his smooth waist.

"Ahhh…got it." Luke announced, slightly winded as he positioned himself back into his seat. He placed the sandwich on his lap, and carefully unwrapped it leaving it on the foil. "Here you go." He said sitting the sandwich on Reid's lap.

"Thank you." Reid glanced down, taking his eyes off the road for a brief moment.

"Oh…here," Luke licked the cranberry sauce from his finger after placing a napkin next to the turkey sandwich. "Anything else?" He asked with a smirk before he picked up his pad and pen. He adjusted his seatbelt and went back to writing.

"What you got there? Writing?" Reid inquired as he inhaled a huge bite of his sandwich, chewing awkwardly trying to keep from making a mess.

"This?" Luke asked with a huge, cheeky grin. "I'm making my Christmas list. " He answered with a sparkle in his eyes. Christmas was one of Luke's favorite holidays, after Thanksgiving, of course. He was very excited about this year. He felt good about his future and he was at peace with himself. A feeling he hadn't enjoyed in a long time. This year, not only was he grateful… he was actually happy. "I wanted to make sure we hit all the major stores, like…um… I wanted to go to the American Girl store and get Nat a doll." He stated tapping his chin thoughtfully with the end of his pen.

"Mm-hmm…" Reid nodded. He swallowed hard before taking another bite.

"I also want to go by Borders, and the Hershey's chocolate shop. Both are close to the hotel, l think." Luke added.

"Yeah, the hotel is within walking distance of Magnificent Mile, and the Navy Pier." Reid said between chews.

"Have you been to Chicago before?" Luke asked casually before turning his attention back to his Christmas list.

"Yeah…." Reid replied using his napkin to wipe the corners of his mouth. "I've been there for conventions, but I never hung out." He admitted. "So I'm really looking forward to this." He stated honestly. Luke looked up from his list, glancing admiringly at the handsome doctor. A warm smile formed as he chewed shyly on his lower lip.

"I'm excited about spending time with you too." He ducked his head feeling bashful. He took another quick glance at his handsome boyfriend before turning his attention back to his list.

"What about Ethan?" Reid asked picking up the other half of his sandwich.

"I was thinking we could hit the Disney Store for him. He likes the characters from the movie, 'Toy Story." Luke grinned.

"That sounds good."

"What about you…what do you want Santa to get you for Christmas?" Luke asked.

"Santa?" Reid chuckled with amusement.

"Yes…Santa." Luke eyed him expectantly. Reid took a bite of his sandwich turning his attention back to the road. He felt Luke staring at him from the corner of his eyes.

"What?" He asked with a mouth full of food, looking confused.

"Well…" Luke pushed.

"You're serious." Reid stated more than asked.

"That's alright…" Luke laughed, "I'll just surprise you." He smirked proudly. He turned his attention back to his note pad. "R-E-I-D…" He spelled out Reid's name, pronouncing each letter with emphases. Reid shook his head and sighed contentedly at his boyfriend's excitement, more importantly because he knew he was part of the reason Luke was so happy. They shared a knowing glance, before each man turned their attention back to their original task.

The next forty-five minutes was relaxing. Luke continued to work on his Christmas list, even checking it twice. He wanted to make sure he didn't leave anyone out. Reid listened to a CD that one of his old professors from college sent him entitled 'The Structure and Functions of the Human Brain.'

A warm smiled appeared as Reid would take his eyes off the road for brief moments to steal glances at the handsome blond sitting next to him. He watched his graceful movements. Watching the way he ran the tips of his fingers through his slightly long bangs that kept falling into his eyes. The way he pursed his lips, chewing on the inside of his cheek, knitting his brows together thoughtfully with every stroke of his pen. He was unaware he had an audience…a captive one.

"In 2.6 miles, exit I 90 Kennedy Expressway to Monroe Street and turn right." The automated female voice of the GPS system instructed, pulling Reid's attention back to the road up ahead. Luke's eyes darted upward.

"Wow…." He said animatedly. He hurriedly closed his notebook sticking the pen in the spiral siding tossing them in the backseat. "Look how pretty downtown is, all lit up." He pointed to his right.

"I know." Reid agreed. "There's Sears Tower over there." Reid nodded as he took the exit ramp. Luke turned up the GPS and they followed the directions to the letter.

Downtown Chicago was indeed beautiful at night this time of year. The streets were littered with people bundled up in their coats and hats, walking briskly down the festive sidewalks, loaded with shopping bags from a variety of stores; some just window shopping, but all enjoying the warm, holiday feeling. Huge green wreaths decorated with red and gold bows hung from every street post and twinkling, colorful lights hung up high adorned the streets.

A warm smile forced its way to Luke's lips when he glanced down and realized he and Reid's fingers were laced together across the console. He wasn't sure when it happened and it didn't appear that Reid even noticed it, but he did. Reid seemed preoccupied with the unfamiliar surroundings and getting them to the hotel.

"There…over there see. Palmer House." Luke pointed to Reid's left.

"Shit…" Reid sighed slightly annoyed. Their hotel was on the left, but they were on the right hand side of the street. "I'll have to make a U-turn." He warned looking into his rearview mirror. "Hold on Hot Shot." He gestured with a sly smirk, making sure Luke was secured in his seat. Luke tugged at his seatbelt, making sure it was secure and sat back.

Reid pulled up to the red signal light and anxiously waited for it to turn green. He revved the engine, anticipating his next move. As soon as the light turned green, Reid made a sharp turn cutting off the oncoming traffic, eliciting a chain reaction from angered motorist mashing down on their horns.

"Sorry…." Reid waved sheepishly speeding through the intersection.

"Reid…." Luke shrieked, laughing nervously, gripping his door handle till his knuckles were white.

"We made it…safe and sound." Reid grinned proudly as they pulled in front of the hotel paying little attention to the frantic look on Luke's face. He took a deep breath, shaking his head then gave a sardonic smile. "What?" He asked feigning innocence.

Luke stared stunned for a moment, unable for formulate words. "Um…"

"Good evening sir, welcome to the Palmer House." The door attendant greeted as he opened Luke's door getting his attention.

The hotel staff was dressed for the holiday season wearing red tailored jackets with black dress slacks and black Patten leather shoes. Their heads were adorned with black caps.

"Um…good evening." Luke replied still a little bewildered. He got out of the car and opened the passenger back door to retrieve their things from the backseat, while Reid paid the valet.

"Welcome sir." He young man greeted as he opened Reid's door.

"Thank you." Reid smiled kindly stepping out of the vehicle. He handed him the keys in exchange for a yellow parking ticket.

"Excuse me sir." The attendant spoke kindly to Luke. "I'll get those." He nodded to the things in the backseat.

"Oh…thank you." Luke grabbed his notebook, pen and his grandmother's goodie basket and stepped back onto the sidewalk. Reid was at the rear of the car with the other attendant helping him load the luggage on the cart. He thanked him and handed him a generous tip before walking over to Luke.

"You ready?" He smiled extending his hand.

"Yep…" He grinned placing his hand into Reid's

They stepped inside the grand lobby together…proudly. Luke couldn't help but grin as he glanced over admiring the handsome, self-assured man that was now his boyfriend.

Luke was wowed at the spectacular sight surrounding him. The floors; black marble, were so shinny he could see their reflection. The lobby; adorned in alluring colors of browns and deep burgundies with a splash of hunter green throughout. Huge replica paintings of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci served as perfect companions to the warm Victorian styled furnishing. The grandiose marble spiral staircase in the middle of the lobby led way to the elegant dining and ballrooms on the second floor.

As they made their way over to the registration desk Luke noticed a young couple cuddled cozily on one of the burgundy over-stuffed sofas in front of the roaring wood burning fireplace sharing a glass of wine, heavy in conversation, as if they were invisible to the rest of the world.

"Welcome to the Palmer House, gentlemen." The concierge greeted. "May I have your name please?" She smiled politely.

"We have reservations under Oliver." Reid replied as he pulled out his wallet, retrieving his ID and credit card.

"Thank you." She said taking his information. "Ah...Dr. Reid Oliver, It's a pleasure to have you here with us." She smiled handing him back his credit card and ID. "And is this your guest?" She inquired.

"Yes…." Reid answered reclaiming Luke's hand.

"Will you need an extra key card for Mr. Snyder?"

Reid looked to Luke and received an accepting nod. "Yes…that would be great."

"Very Well."

"Hey what's that?" Luke asked curiously, referring to the sound of drums, horns and a female voice.

"Oh…that's our entertainment for the evening. They're just getting started." She informed him.

"Really?" He asked intrigued.

"Yes. We have live entertainment every night." She explained cheerfully. "Tonight is Davy and the Rockers. They have a really great vocalist." She added with a smile.

"We could check them out if you'd like." Reid nodded encouragingly, with a casual shrug of the shoulder.

"You don't mind?" Luke asked shoving his hands in the pocket of his jeans, enjoying the music that wafted through the lobby.

"Not at all. We'll take our things to our room and come back down." Reid suggested.

"Oh…we can have the bellman take your bags up." The concierge offered kindly. "It's no problem."

"Thank you that would be fine." Reid smiled as Luke grabbed his hand guiding him toward the lounge. Reid put the key cards in his pocket as Luke pulled him across the lobby. The lounge had a more modern flair, but exuded the same charming features as the lobby. Luke scanned the crowed room finally spotting a table in the corner toward the front.

"Over there." He called back over his shoulder proceeding to drag Reid along. They made their way through the crowds careful not to bump anyone and sat down. "Is this okay?" He asked slightly above a whisper.

"Yeah…this is fine." Reid leaned over placing his arm around Luke's shoulder.

"What can I get you fellas to drink?" The handsome server asked appearing out of nowhere.

"We'll have a ginger ale over crushed ice with lemon." Reid said ordering for his boyfriend who was already engrossed in the band's rendition of 'Santa Baby,' being sung by the petite songstress in the red shimmering dress. "And I'll just have a beer."

"Any particular kind?"

"Whatever domestic you have on tap." Reid nodded.

"Coming right up."

Reid watched the server sift through the crowded lounge with ease. He scooted closer to Luke, placing his arm back around his shoulder, receiving a warm smile as Luke nestled against his shoulder. He kissed Reid gently on the chin, before turning his attention back to the band, enjoying the music and the closeness.

By the time, they made it up to their room it was three-thirty in the morning. Both men were too exhausted to notice how elegant it was. There was one king-sized bed in the middle of the room facing the large picture window that looked out on the Chicago skyline. They had a wonderful time, drinking and dancing to the band's 'Rocking around the Christmas Tree and many other festive carols that they gave their own personal flare.

"I had a great time." Luke said leaning back against the door kicking off his shoes.

"Yeah…me too." Reid agreed as he fell backwards onto the bed.

"I didn't know you were such a party animal." Luke chuckled as he dragged his tired body over to the bed.

Reid snickered, "That's me, Brain surgeon by day… party extraordinaire by night." He teased through a sleepy yawn.

"You know, I don't think I've ever rocked around a Christmas tree before." Luke laughed tapping his chin thoughtfully sitting next to his boyfriend. "You really are a lot of fun." He admitted playfully slapping Reid's leg.

"Come to think of it, that was my first time too." Reid laughed covering his face with his arm attempting to shield the light from his eyes.

"Well…" Luke said picking up the brochure from the nightstand. "According to this the only stores that will open early are Macy's, Marshall Fields, and Saks. They all open at 5am." He stated as he leafed through the pamphlet. "The rest of the stores on Michigan Ave. open at eight. I'm sure we can find some great deals. I want to get my dad something really nice, but not a sweater." Luke rambled. "Maybe a nice leather wallet; the one his has is pretty worn out. What do you think?" He asked as he continued to flip through the pages. "Maybe we could grab breakfast or lunch. Or breakfast and lunch." He laughed. "Reid?" Luke looked over his shoulder hearing a soft snore coming from behind him.

He smiled warmly sitting the brochure back on the nightstand. "Eight o clock, it is." He sighed contentedly as he leaned over to remove Reid's shoes. He placed them neatly at the foot of the bed. He set the alarm on his phone for 7:30, grabbed the blanket, snuggled next to his boyfriend, and covered them up. "Good night Reid." He said kissing him softly on the mouth. "And, thank you." He smiled as he closed his eyes.

The morning was filled with excitement, with aggressive shoppers in every store, Luke and Reid included. Macys had a sale going on and they found Emma a beautiful hand knitted afghan with colors that matched the ones in the parlor for those cool nights when she would read her bible. Reid found a nice juicer for Dale; his new year's resolution was to start eating healthy. They also managed to find a few items for themselves.

"What do you think?" Luke asked holding up a chocolate brown cable knit sweater.

"It looks great; it makes your eyes appear lighter." Reid replied munching on warm butter toffee popcorn. "You should get it."

"Okay…" Luke agreed. "I'm gonna go try these on." He said referring to a pair of Girbaud jeans that were on sale for sixty bucks. Luke laid the brown sweater across Reid's shoulder. "I'll be right back, don't move." He insisted, shaking his finger at Reid. "I'm gonna need your opinion."

"I'll be right here." Reid nodded, nestled amongst their mounds of shopping bags. He took a sip of his diet Coke, and watched Luke disappear into the fitting room. He sighed contentedly setting down his soda. He reached into the small bag and smiled at the picture. It was he and Luke with Santa Claus.

Reid shook his head trying to remember the last time he took a picture like this, as a child maybe. He was sure he had…didn't he? "Didn't all kids have at least one picture taken with Santa?" He thought to himself.

Luke looked so happy in the picture. His smile was wide, his eyes sparkled just like a little boy, and that sparkle would stay there if Reid had anything to say about. Luke deserved to be happy.

"Well what do you think?" Luke asked as he pivoted around, pulling Reid from his thoughts.

"Huh?" Reid looked up dazed.

"The jeans….what do you think?" Luke asked again.

"Turn around."

Luke smiled and did as instructed.

"Hum…" Reid hummed thoughtfully. "They make your butt look big." He stated straight faced.

"What…really?" He turned his head sharply looking at his butt in the mirror.

"Yes…really." He deadpanned, covering his mouth with his hand so Luke couldn't see him smiling.

"No they don't." Luke laughed glaring at Reid. He smacked Reid across the back of his head teasingly.

"Owwww." Reid laughed boisterously rubbing the back of his head, as he fell over. "They look fine." He said through his laughter. Luke crossed his arms over his chest and squinted. "Hey, all I said was they make your butt look big. I didn't say that was a bad thing." He winked slyly. "I like big butts. I'm a butt man." He said with pride, placing his hand to his chest.

"You're silly." Luke laughed heading back to the fitting room.

When they stepped through the red Mickey Mouse ears, they knew they had stepped into a different world. A world where laughter echoed off the walls and children ran rapid from one side to the next, toys gathered in their arms as they begged and pleaded for their parents to buy them more. What child wouldn't? This was the Disney Store after all. The place was packed, the lines were long, and they children were loud and jovial.

"Okay, I'll go look for the Buzz Lightyear while you look around." Luke said, and started easing his way through the crowd.

"Wait, what?" Reid asked with shock. "Don't leave me here!" He begged. Luke turned around and smiled, holding out his arms to gesture around them.

"They're just kids, Reid." He stated, chuckling. "I'll be back in a minute." Luke called before doing an about-face and trekking off to his destination. Reid's jaw clinched as he watched him walk further and further away.

"Just kids..." he murmured, shaking his head. "They're just kids." He looked down at the tile floor, and bit his lip. "Kids, he says." He scoffed.

It wasn't until a pair of small tennis shoes stepped into his line of sight that Reid looked up. Well, his eyes trailed up from the shoes to the owner of them and he came face to face with a small boy. The boy had round cheeks and big, brown eyes, and dark curly hair. He was wearing a Spiderman t-shirt and a pair of matching pants with his thumb in his mouth. The boy could be no older than five. At first, Reid and the boy just stared at each other; the boy, with his head tilted inquisitively, and Reid with caution.

Reid waited for the boy to do something; cry, laugh, smile, a back flip... anything! It was almost as if he wanted to grab one of the small toys out of the clearance bin, hold it up in front of the five-year-old's face and say, "Do a trick!" But the boy continued sucking on his thumb, watching the tall man curiously. Reid sighed and ran a hand through his hair, thinking of what to do. Finally, with resolution, he squatted down to eye-level.

"Hey, little man, what's your name?" he asked as politely as he could.

"My mommy told me no talk to strangers!" the child yelled, suddenly he took his thumb from his mouth, and his tiny hand formed a fist, getting Reid smack dab in his right eye.

"Ouch!" Reid gasped, grabbing his eye. "Why you little-"

"Stranger danger! Stranger danger!" the little boy yelled and took off in search of his mother.

"I found it!" Luke called out excitedly holding up the toy. "It was the last one too." He acknowledged proudly. His look of excitement quickly turned into one of concern. "Hey…What's wrong?" He asked stepping closer to Reid.

"That little deviant socked me in my eye?" He hissed. Luke chuckled.

"Let me see." He insisted, slowly taking Reid's hand away from his eye. Luke inspected it and smiled. "Reid, your eye is fine."

"Yeah, but my dignity isn't." Reid pouted.

"Come on, let's go check out." Luke said, interlocking his arm with Reid's. They made their way to the register, picking up a few stocking stuffers along the way. Once everything was paid for, they made their exit from the Disney store, or the 'house of terror' as Reid had called it.

"Look Reid!" Luke exclaimed animatedly looking up toward the sky. "It's snowing…." He gazed with delight at the snowflakes as they fluttered to the ground.

Reid looked up and smiled, "I see…Snow." He said disenchanted, not sharing Luke's enthusiasm. "It's cold, wet and a bitch to drive in." He pressed his lips together tightly as he pulled up collar of his jacket.

"That's because you don't see the magic in it." Luke countered as he and Reid headed down the now snow covered sidewalk.

"No, I don't. I think snow is overrated." Reid retorted.

"Scrooge…" Luke teased bumping Reid's shoulder.

"Bah Humbug…" Reid looked over to Luke who just shook his head. After a few moments of silence, they both broke out in laughter.

The rest of the day was filled with crowded stores and more shopping. Reid couldn't remember the last time he went Christmas shopping like this. His bet was…never, but watching the look in Luke's eyes as he found that perfect gift was priceless. They purchased everything from sweaters, toys, books, jewelry, chocolates, DVD's and CDs, covering everyone on Luke's list including Reid's staff. They brought Agnes a cashmere hat and scarf set. It was indeed "Black Friday," shopping at its best.

"You ready to head back to the hotel?" Reid asked as he finished off his Ruben sandwich.

"Yep…" Luke replied polishing off his chili and cornbread.

They had finally managed to grab a late lunch at the 'Café' a well known eatery frequented by locals and visitors alike. It was a two-story restaurant located just off Michigan Ave.

"So I figure we have just enough time to catch a cab back, shower, change, and head to the theater." Reid suggested wiping his mouth with is napkin.

"Okay…" Luke smiled. He took a deep breath reaching across the table. "Thank you, Reid." He said taking Reid's hand into his.

"For what?"

"For everything…for today, this trip." Luke ducked his head. "I've had the most fun with you." He bit nervously on his lower lip. "I truly appreciate it. You make me feel special, and I'm not just talking about today," He added, "Always."

"You are special Luke." Reid replied caressing Luke's hand lovingly.

"I could fall in love with you so easily." Luke admitted gazing deeply into Reid's blue eyes.

"Ahhh…Then my sinister plan is working." Reid teased, lightening the mood.

"Reid…." Luke heaved an exasperated sigh. "I'm trying to be serious here."

"So am I." Reid defended, pulling out his wallet. He tossed two twenties on the table, and placed his wallet back into his pocket.

Luke tilted his head slightly trying to make eye contact, "Do you have a problem with that?" He asked his tone more serious.

Reid's answer was simple. "No…"

"Good…" Luke smiled.

Both men leaned forward until the lips touched sharing a tender kiss.

"Wow Dad, she did? That's amazing." Luke's voice was filled with joy as he sat down on the bed, engaging in a delightful conversation with his father. "Really? How much did she weigh?" Luke ran his hand through his damp hair as he listened to his dad. Sundance had her foal…a Philly. "Umhum…" He nodded as his father explained the details.

They had returned from the theater about an hour earlier after seeing the Broadway play 'Wicked', and enjoying a late dinner afterwards. Luke took his shower first while Reid returned an emergency call back to the hospital. He had just gotten out of the shower when his father called.

"So Ethan named her…I'm afraid to ask." He laughed tightening the belt on his white terrycloth robe. "Strawberry?" He asked quizzically, through laughter. "Strawberry…Strawberry." He repeated thoughtfully a few times. "I could get used to that." He chuckled acceptingly. "Oh yes, dad, I'm having an amazing time. Reid is wonderful." He replied with a dreamy faraway look in his eyes. "I really like him dad." He admitted slightly above a whisper before a hearty laugh escaped his lips. "Am I that obvious?" He asked shyly. "I'm happy." He smiled. His smile widened when he heard the bathroom door open and saw Reid stepping out with a towel wrapped tightly around his slim waist and one draped around his neck. "Truly happy." He added as he watched the handsome man walking toward him.

"I'm talking to my dad." He whispered moving the phone back from his ear as he accepted Reid's sweet kiss on the mouth. Reid nodded that he understood and gave a wave. "Reid said hi." He smiled delivering the message. "Dad said hello." Luke again smiled delivering the salutations. "Anyway, dad, I better get going so you can go to bed. It's two in the morning." He got up and walked over to the window, pulling the sheers back slightly. "Yes, it's still coming down out there. It's a beautiful sight though." He said at the picturesque scene playing outside.

His breath hitched getting lost deep in his chest as he felt Reid's arms wrap around him. An audible moan escaped his lips when he felt Reid's against his neck.

"Um…da...dad, I'll...Mmmm… call you tomorrow." He said breathlessly hanging up the phone. "That was so unfair." Luke sighed pleasurably tilting his head allowing Reid full access to the delicate skin above his shoulder.

"You think he heard?" Reid asked between kisses.

I hope not…Mmmm" Luke moaned once more, as he turned around coming face to face with his seducer. He caressed Reid's bare chest admiring every inch of him. Their smoldering gazes; heated…intense.

Reid cupped Luke's cheek in the palm of his hand. "Beautiful…" He whispered watching as Luke took his hand gently kissing the palm of it, never breaking their stare.

Their lips crashed together with a sense of urgency…heated passion searing through their bodies, responding to every touch. Sultry moans escaped their mouths as they gasped for air. Their tongues…lips fitting together like a perfect puzzle piece. Each man enjoying the erotic flavor of their tongues melding together.

Luke wrapped his arms tightly around Reid's waist pulling him closer, feeling the hardness they were creating together. It was exciting…invigorating and Luke felt as if he was suffocating.

"Oh my god…" He pulled back struggling to breathe. He rested his sweaty forehead against Reid, who was also panting through dense air. "I've wanted to do that all day." He managed to say breathing heavily.

"Me too." Reid mouthed closing his eyes as he pulled Luke back for more. This kiss was desperate, almost needy, yet full of the passion that existed between them. Luke tussled with the knot in his robe fighting to get it off his shoulders.

"We better stop." Reid panted, pulling back reluctantly.

"Why…" Luke asked, still distracted. He grabbed the back of Reid's head, tangling his fingers in his short damp locks caressing his neck. "Make love to me Reid…" He said attacking Reid's mouth once more kissing him fervently.

"Mmmm…" Reid moaned enjoying the taste of Luke's mouth against his. "I'm not sure you're ready for this." He admitted forcing himself to break the kiss.

"But I am ready," Luke insisted. I'm more than ready…Reid." He said eagerly. "I want you."

Reid took a deep breath trying to regain his composure. "Luke?"

"What…" Luke asked "Don't you want me?"

"Of course I do."

"Then what's wrong…Is it me?" He stared into Reid's eyes awaiting a response.

"Luke." Reid pleaded, stepping back.

"It is…" Luke said as he adjusted his robe, pulling it back over his shoulder. He shook his head biting on his thumbnail turning his back to Reid. "Noah didn't want me…" He intoned sadly, his voice barely above a whisper as he hugged himself, trying to hold back the tears that welled in his eyes. "Now you don't want me either."

"Oh my god, Luke. Is that what you think?" Reid asked cautiously placing a hand on Luke's shoulder. "Believe me, I want you… I can't speak for the ex-boyfriend except to say he was an idiot." Reid stated honestly. "I, on the other hand won't be foolish enough to let you go." He admitted placing his other hand on Luke's shoulder.

"Then what is it?" Luke asked still not facing him.

Reid took a deep breath struggling to find the right words to articulate his thoughts. The last thing he wanted to do was cause Luke any pain. "Remember when we were having lunch today and you said you could fall in love with me?" He asked his hands rubbing up and down Luke's shoulders.

"Uh-huh…" Luke nodded quickly still chewing nervously on his nail.

"Well…" Reid paused. "Sometimes, I feel like things are moving at the perfect pace for us."

"And other times?" Luke questioned.

"When I get these overwhelming desires to love you, I mean really love you, I get scared that my emotions are raging out of control." Reid admitted. "I can't explain it, I don't understand it actually. It's…it's" Reid stuttered.

"Are you falling in love with me Reid?" Luke asked this time turning around to face him.

"Yes…" Reid answered faintly, his tone sincere as his hand cupped Luke's cheek, stroking it tenderly. "I really am."

"Then show me…tonight." Luke took Reid's hand into his and led him to their bed.