"Through Thick and Thin"

Chapter 13

WARNINGS: Language, M/M (oral)

RATED: Mature

Disclaimer: This story is a fictional work of my own. ATWT, CBS itself, their sponsors, and the real actors themselves are in no way related to any of my stories/chapters.

This story is A.U.

Noah chuckled at Luke's facial expressions as he listened to Luke singing with the radio.

Luke tapped his fingers against the steering wheel and turned up the music. He bobbed his head in tune with the beat and grinned at Noah.

Noah smiled and turned away thinking, He is adorable. I wonder what other aspects of his personality I'll find attractive.'

Luke pulled into the club's parking lot. He turned of the engine and faced Noah. "Are you okay? You're quiet and you didn't eat much."

Noah answered quietly, "I'm fine. Are we going in too?"

"Can we, that is if your head isn't hurting? Just for a dance or two?" Luke asked with excitement.

Noah nodded and answered in a softened tone of voice, "Sure. I took my pills before we went out to dinner. I feel okay."

Brendan stood by Luke's car and pulled the door open for him. Luke ran around to the other side of the car to get Noah.. wanting to impress him, earn his acceptance with the intention to show him that he was attentive to Noah's needs.

Noah swung his legs out of the car and stood up. Luke was waiting for him with his arm outstretched, palm side up, ready to clasp Noah's hand.

Noah gazed at Luke's hand for what seemed like eternity until it fell back into place, untouched, hanging limply at Luke's side.

Noah rose his head and looked at Luke's crestfallen face.

Luke stepped away from Noah and turned to Brendan. He stated with empty enthusiasm, "Lets go in and start the party."

Luke began to walk to the front door aside Brendan, when Noah ran up behind him and slid his hand into the palm of Luke's hand.

Luke raised his eyebrows and grinned as he entwined their fingers together.

They walked in through the double red doors together. The music was pumping and loud inside the large room. Strobe lights flashed and orange and red lights scanned and colored the room. The D.J. got the next set of songs going.

Brendan grabbed Noah's hand and pulled him away from Luke.

Noah frowned. He turned his head and looked at Luke.

Luke smiled and said, "Go, have fun. I'll get the next dance, babe."

Noah opened his mouth to speak but was turned around by Brendan.

"Come on Noah! This is your town, show me a good time."

They walked onto the dance floor.

Noah began to dance. He looked around to see where Luke had gone to, but didn't see him. He moved his hips to the music. Noah turned back to his dance partner and smiled sheepishly.

Luke left Brendan and Noah to dance together. Maybe Noah would warm up to Brendan.

Brendan had always been there for Luke and he wanted his boyfriend and friend to get along.

Luke walked up to a girl and her boyfriend. He knew them form a class they shared. He danced with her while her boyfriend danced behind her.

Noah's thoughts drifted in his head; Brendan seems to be an okay guy to hang around with. If Luciano trusts him, I suppose he's cool. I shouldn't be worried that he's going to vie for Luciano's attention ,he's just his friend right? God, am I being paranoid or what? Luciano hasn't given me reason to be jealous of his ex-hook-up. What about before I lost my short term memory? Did Luciano do things like suggest a threesome like Brendan had at dinner? I wonder if that chocolate thing with Chad ended up being a threesome? I wish I could remember the whole incident. Wait just a fucking minute! Someone... someone did suggest a threesome to me. Who was it? Chad and Luke? No, Chad and... someone else, but Luke was there.'

Noah gasped and moved his hand. He held his head

Brendan moved closer and held him by the shoulders. "Hey Noah, you okay?"

Noah shook his head to clear it. His face showed "Yeah, I just had a memory about Chad."

"Musta been pretty hot."

Noah smiled and looked up at Brendan.

Brendan noticed that Noah's face showed regret.

Noah answered, "Not particularly."

Brendan laughed aloud. "Lets go dance with Luciano." He led Noah through the crowd and spotted Luke.

Noah stayed a few feet away from Luke looking on shyly. He licked his lips and ran the pad of his thumbs over his fingernails anxiously.

Brendan went behind Luke. He got really close to Luke's backside and began to dance.

Luke turned toward Noah and motioned with his finger to come nearer.

Noah ambled up to Luke with a tentative approach and a hesitant look in his eyes.

Luke pulled Noah close to dance in front of him while Brendan continued to dance behind Luke.

Noah kept a comfortable amount of space between him and Luke, but he could see Brendan wasn't so concerned about personal space.

It's only dancing. I have no reason to be jealous.' Noah told himself and concentrated on Luke. Brendan put his hands on Luke's lean waist and swayed with his hips. Luke smiled at Noah and took his hands.

Noah smiled back. He felt comfortable like this. He was glad that Luke didn't pull him closer to his body. His mind didn't betray him, but his body sure would. I know he's my boyfriend, but I need to get to know him again before I lose control of my actions and fuck him outright.'

Noah noticed Brendan smiling over Luke's head at him. Noah smiled back, unsure what Brendan was thinking.

Brendan craned his head to the side of Luke's head and whispered into Luke's ear.

Brendan kept his mouth by Luke's ear as Luke grinned.

Brendan moved his head to Luke's neck and kissed it.

Luke moved his head away and told Brendan, "Bren Stop it!"

Noah watched Luke tell Brendan to stop.

Noah looked at the intensity in Luke's eyes when he got mad and licked his lips. His stomach felt like it did a flip off a balance beam. He thought to himself, He's really attractive when he's pissed off. Can't.. stay away.. from those lips. So pouty, smooth, full, perfect for kissing... or sucking... mmmm.'

Noah stepped closer to Luke and kept his gaze fixed on his brown eyes.

Luke stared back curiously while wondering what Noah was going to do. He noticed a mischievous look in Noah's eyes and grinned.

Luke hoped dancing together would jar Noah's memory of dancing at the camp with Brendan or more recently, the night Luke danced for him in his room. There was no indication, however that Noah recalled any of that yet.

Luke reached out and put his fingers into Noah's waistband and pulled him closer.

Noah smiled sheepishly. He wasn't sure where to put his hands so he rested them awkwardly on Luke's shoulders.

They were face to face and hip to hip.

Noah's lips hovered over Luke's mouth.

Luke's breath caressed Noah's lips, creating a heat that only Luke could produce. Luke smiled suggestively at Noah and placed his hands low on Noah's hip bones.

Noah felt an electric buzz pulse through his pelvis between the grip Luke had on his hips to his groin. Noah hungered to press and push against Luke's dick with his own semi-hardness. His body insisted he do it, but he practiced self control and quelled the impulse to grind against Luke.

Noah stared into Luke's dark eyes and felt drawn into them. He felt safe within the depth, and enveloped by the warmth, of Luke's brown, expressive, beautiful eyes.

Luke fixed his gaze on his boyfriend's eyes as well. The red was slow to leave the white of his eye where he had been hit, but it did set off the blue of his iris so intensely. Noah's eyes looked friendly, thoughtful, and compelling. Possessive yet fearful. Guarded and cautious, yet desirous with want.

Noah's eyes were made to arouse lust, and excessive sexual desire. There was no doubt about it. Luke knew it everytime he looked into those sapphire blue, sparkling eyes.

A soft sigh escaped Noah's mouth as their lips neared dangerously close to one another's. Noah parted his mouth. Their lips had barely skimmed over the other's lips when Brendan turned Luke around, wrenching him out of Noah's grasp.

Brendan descended on Luke's lips.

Luke forced Brendan away angrily and glowered at him.

Luke turned around and faced Noah.

Luke stammered, "I.. I.. Uh.." when he saw Noah glaring at him.

Luke looked worried and turned around to face Brendan. "You asshole! What do you think your doing?"

Noah turned on his heel and left the dance floor. He found a pay phone near the bathrooms and called Terry to pick him up around the back of the building. He couldn't hear Terry very well with the noise of club patrons and annoyingly loud music, but he heard a faint, "Be there."

Noah hung up, then walked out the back door to wait.

Luke yelled at Brendon above the music. "I asked, what do you think you're doing?"

Brendan answered innocently, "Dancing and kissing you like we always do."

Luke frowned and said, "Well, your timing is horrendous! You need to stop kissing me Bren. Noah and I have a different relationship than I had with you. I don't want to share him and I would hope, once he gets his memory back, that he feels the same way about me. I have to go find him now and take him home."

Luke stomped off the dance floor to find Noah. He looked around the room and walked around the bar. He checked the men's bathroom and the coat check room. He became frantic and went out the front door. He looked up and down the sidewalk, then went to the parking lot.

Terry stopped behind the building to pick up Noah.

Noah opened the door to climb into the backseat when he noticed Josh wasn't sitting in the front seat of the car with Terry. He slammed the back door and sat in the front seat instead.

Noah observed that Terry was unusually quiet. After a few uncomfortable minutes of riding in the car, he teased, "Josh got your tongue?"

Terry's lip quivered and he pulled over to the side of the road. His hands gripped the top arc of the grey vinyl steering wheel. He rested his head on his knuckles and bawled.

Noah sat up quickly and put an arm around him. "Terry, what happened?"

Terry sobbed harder. He cried out hoarsely, "Oh Josh! JOSH!" Terry's body was unable to stop shaking. It was way beyond his control. He let the waves of fear, pain and worry overcome him.

Noah tried to console him, but he was incapable of alleviating any of Terry's grief.

Noah panicked. He asked, "Is Josh okay? Did you have a fight? What happened?!"

Terry sobbed harder, unable to repress his convulsive gasps.

Noah grabbed him and pulled him close in an embrace. He rubbed his back and the back of Terry's dark brown hair.

"Oh Noah!" Terry cried.

Noah and Terry stayed in a tight embrace for quite a while.

Luke ran into his dorm room calling out, "Noah! Noah?"

He sat on the bed and decided to ask Josh or Terry if they had seen him. He crossed his fingers as he knocked on the door.

Josh opened the door, red faced from crying. His voice was gravely when he spoke, "Oh, hi Luciano. I thought you were Terry."

Luke immediately walked into the room and said, "You look like shit! What happened? Where is Terry?"

"He went to get Noah, but he hasn't come back yet. Its been over a half an hour." Josh sucked in his bottom lip.

Luke noticed Josh's eyes getting tearful again. He walked over to him and asked, "Did you and Terry have a fight?"

Josh stated weakly, "If only it were that simple."

Luke said softly, "Do you want a hug?"

Josh nodded and broke down when Luke held him tightly.

"... and that's how I found out. I don't know what to do Noah! I feel like dying! I love him! I really love Josh!"

Noah was totally speechless. The same phrase ran through his head over and over. Fuck! Why Josh Why?!'

Luke helped Josh sit on the bed. "Do you want to talk about it? I'm an excellent listener."

Josh nodded. "It's awful. I don't know where to begin!"

Luke sat on the bed and wrapped an arm around Josh's neck. "Start at the beginning."

Josh nodded, "I was here at the dorm. You know Troy."

Luke nodded.

Josh spoke softly, "Well, he knocked on the door to give me the mail. I invited him in to thank him for trying to fight the attacker he'd seen coming out of Noah's room. He came inside..."

Terry and Noah switched places.

Noah started terry's car. He looked out the window, then pulled out into the street.

Terry began to weep silently now. Stricken with grief he mumbled, "I don't know what to say to him. Every time I look at him I think about it. I just want to break down in front of him, but I don't want him to think I'm weak. I don't want him to see me vulnerable."

Noah glanced at Terry, held his hand and said, "I'm really, really sorry Terry."

Josh continued, "Troy sat on the bed while I got him a bottled water. He handed me the mail. I tossed Terry's mail on his desk and opened mine while he and I talked."

Josh began to dissolve into tears.

Luke hugged him close and said, "It's okay Josh."

Josh mumbled, "I couldn't help it Luciano. Troy stood up and came to me. He hugged me, then helped me to my bed. Terry came home a little bit after that. He saw us and asked what was going on. I just blurted it out..."

Noah took quick glances at his sobbing friend as he drove. His heart was breaking for Terry. He squeezed his hand tightly and whispered reassuring words to him.

"I don't know why I said it like that, without feeling or consideration for Terry. Troy left then, promising not to tell anyone because he could get into trouble if he let it slip. You know, confidence and all." Josh breathed out and his hands shook.

Luke's eyes were fixed on Josh's devastated and lacklustered eyes.

Luke's full attention was on Josh. Luke said tearfully, "Oh God Josh! YOU?!
I can't fucking believe this! Jesus! What did Terry say? Is he okay?"

Josh wiped his cheeks and said, "What can Terry say? I don't think he's going to stay with me Luciano. How can he? Why would he? Why would anyone?"

Luke took a breath and stated, "He loves you Josh. I haven't known you two long, but I don't think he's the type of person to leave you because of that! You'll have to talk about it with him. I can't believe this shit! Damn Josh! That is fucked up!"

Noah parked and helped Terry out of the car. He stood him up straight and got right into his face. "Listen, you have to be strong now. Keep it together. I'll be right there for you."

Terry nodded and grabbed on to Noah's hand. He squeezed it so tightly Noah had to ask him to loosen his grip.

"Breathe Terry, just breathe." Noah spoke right outside the dorm room.

Terry inhaled slowly, then exhaled. Noah smiled and said, "Good, ready?"

Terry shook his head. "No." he whispered.

Terry looked paralyzed with fear and dread.

Noah took Terry by the shoulders and looked him in the face. Noah smiled and gave Terry a long lasting hug. Terry hugged back tightly, scrunching the fabric of Noah's shirt into his fists.

Noah calmly spoke into his ear, "You can do this Terry. Talk to him. We'll go in together."

Terry whispered, "Okay Noah." and pulled away from him.

Noah looked at Terry, then knocked on the door.

Josh answered the door and stared into Terry's eyes. Terry burst out crying and threw his arms around Josh.

Josh cried out, "I'm so sorry Terry. I don't know how this happened. I need you. Please don't leave me."

Terry held Josh's face in his hand and kissed him on the mouth. "Don't apologize to me and your crazy if you think I'd leave you! I love you! I don't want to lose you."

Luke and Noah said goodbye and walked to Luke's room. Luke sat in the chair stunned, while Noah fell on the bed on his stomach and wept into the pillow.

Luke walked to the bed and sat down. He rubbed Noah's back and said, "Ohhh Noah, I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Noah groaned in a sickly manner, "Josh! Oh God!"

Luke sighed sadly as his lip trembled and tears fell down his face. "Sit up so we can hug."

Noah sat up and said, "I don't want to be held."

Luke bit the inside of his cheek and muttered, "Okay, but maybe I was the one who needed to be held."

"I can't, not right now Luciano. Please understand, Terry just told me that Josh is HIV positive. I want to be alone. Go be with your friend' BRENDAN!"

"Noah! I don't want to be with him! I want to be with y..."

"Just shut up. I don't want to talk right now." Noah uttered, as if being in the same room with Luke was inconveniencing him.

Luke nodded and stood up."That's just great Noah. That's fine!"

Luke went into the bathroom and took a hot shower. He scrubbed his body with vanillahoney body wash.

Noah doesn't realize this affects me too? They're my friends too! Granted I haven't known them my whole life, but they're people I know! Noah can wallow in his own grief. Fuck him! He doesn't want me to hug him, but he can kiss me and get me hot and bothered? I'm such an idiot! I should move slower with him. I wonder what's going on down the hall with Josh and Terry!. I wish I could do something. OH!! I know what I can do!'

Luke quickly finished his shower and ran out of the bathroom, naked and dripping wet. He grabbed his cell phone and ran back into the bathroom.

Noah was left sitting on the bed speechless. Luke's naked body emptied his mind of all thoughts. Damn! Did that just happen? Luciano was wet and naked, with a hairless crotch and pierced dick?! Did I know this? Does he keep it groomed like that all the time? His ass is perfect. Nice and round and firm looking.'

While Noah was daydreaming about Luke's groin and ass, Luke was making a late night phone call in the bathroom.

His grandmother said she'd call one of the best doctors to redo Josh's test with attention to detail and that he might even run several tests.

She said she would call Luciano as soon as she could talk to the doctor and set up an appointment. He thanked her profusely and closed his cell phone.

This all had to be a mistake. All of it. He wasn't sure how, but it just had to be.

Luke put on his boxers and walked out of the bathroom. Still feeling hurt about the previous comments, he said harshly, "Bathroom's all yours."

He took a blanket off the bed and laid on the floor with a pillow while Noah walked into the bathroom.

Luke faced away from the bed so he didn't have to look at Noah when he came out of the bathroom and crawled under the covers on the bed.
This Noah doesn't know me or want me to touch him. He kisses me, but withdraws when I try to get closer to him. He withholds his feelings and emotions. I wish he would have talked to me about Josh and Terry. He should have gone home with his parents, then he could have come to me when he remembered me. This is so fucking hard!'

Noah walked out of the bathroom. He sat on the bed and looked at the covered form lying on the floor. "Luciano? Do you want the bed tonight. I can sleep on the floor. We can take turns."

Noah waited for a reply, but Luke didn't want to engage in a conversation with him right now. He had too much on his mind. He thought about Josh and his situation and how it was affecting Terry. He thought of Brendan and Wade. He thought about Joe Watson and who he may have been working for. Then he heard something he never thought he'd hear. Noah praying.

"God, please help me remember. I have feelings for Luciano, but I don't know where they're stemming from or if they're real. I really need this. Please bless mom and dad, Terry, Chad, Luciano and especially Josh. Please help him. Please don't let him get sick. Amen."

Luke sighed contentedly and closed his eyes.

Luke woke up to the sound of his cell phone ringing. He groaned and rolled over to find the room empty.

He swiftly got off the floor and grabbed his phone.

"Grandma?" he said breathlessly.

"Luciano, how are you doing dear?" Lucinda asked exuberantly.

"I guess I'm okay. I just woke up and Noah is gone. I have to find him. Did you talk to the doctor that you know?"

Lucinda expressed with optimism, "Yes honey. Now he did say the test Josh took is pretty accurate. I don't want you to think this new doctor knows something that Josh's doctor doesn't."

Luke replied downheartedly, "I hope he can help Josh any way he can. I couldn't stand by and watch a friend possibly get ill."

"There are experimental drugs out there for a select few, I can make sure he's on the list Luciano. Don't worry. We'll get him all the help he needs, but first he needs to be retested. You can bring him in at 7:00 tomorrow morning. You know where the lab is at the hospital here in Chicago."

"I'll find it. That's all for now?"

"No. He'll get his blood drawn, then see the doctor. He'll be asked some very personal questions and have a physical."

"Tomorrow at 7:00 then. Thanks a bunch grandma."

"Bye now dear."

Luke put on his clothes. He was tying his shoes when he noticed Noah's book bag was gone. It had been leaning against the wall by the door next to Luke's messenger bag. He went to classes? How can he remember what he's learned when he doesn't remember?' Luke shook his head in confusion. Did that even make sense?

Terry knocked on Luke's door and opened it. He walked in, dropped his book bag on the floor, and slumped in Luke's chair.

"I can't go to anymore classes Luciano. I can't concentrate, I can't think of anything except Josh."

Luke placed a hand on Terry's shoulder. "Stay here then."

Terry replied, "No, Josh wants me to go to classes. He wants me to stick with my routine. It's so difficult. Josh went home to tell his parents. He didn't want me to come with him for support. Do you think he's trying to push me away."

Astonished, Luke stated, "No way! He wouldn't do that after the changes he's made to be with you. Come on Terry, you know he wouldn't do anything to hurt you."

Terry cried. He spoke with failure to understand, "All I want to do is spend time with him. He's scared he infected me. The only thing he could talk about last night is how devastated he would be if I'm positive too. He always used a rubber so I don't see what the big deal is."

"It sounds like he's got some guilt to contend with. Try to stay positive. I know you guys will figure out how to deal with this."

Terry faced Luke with a 'WTF are you talking about' look. He shook his head hard and bellowed, "We are facing this cruel, heart-wrenching experience and I'm supposed to stay positive? I'd like to see you stay positive if you just found out Noah had HIV! You're saying all of this.. this.. SHIT when don't even know what it's like! You already know there's NO probability of Noah having it! You already KNOW he's negative!"

Luke cast his eyes down as Terry stormed out of his room and slammed the door, shaking the window panes on the wall of his room.

Luke looked out the window at Terry running away. Ever since he came down here, things have gone horribly wrong. In one week it all had gone to hell in a hand basket. It seemed he was all alone again.

He walked out his door. As he did, he was almost knocked down by Brendan.

"Luciano! Are you alright?" Brendan caught Luke around the waist and held him close. "Hey. Did you find Noah last night?"

Luke stepped back and said, "Hi Bren. Yeah we found him. Terry had picked him up and brought him home. We also found out Josh is HIV positive."

Brendan pulled Luke into a warm embrace. He smelled Luke's familiar shampoo and placed his fingers in his hair while his other hand caressed Luke's back.

Luke fought with Brendan and sighed. It felt good that someone cared enough to hug him.

Luke hugged Brendan back and laid his head on Brendan's shoulder.

Luke said angrily, "I shouldn't have come to Oakdale. Did I tell you I received a threatening letter saying my friends will suffer? I don't even know this Joe Watson guy! What did I do to piss off him or the guy who hired him... and why do they want me to leave Oakdale?"

Brendan let Luke go and said, "Maybe you stole this guys boyfriend at one time."

Luke chuckled then instantly stopped. "Are you saying Chad did this? Why would he have his own friends beaten up? That makes no sense."

"Yeah, you're right. It has to be someone that knows you though. You're the one that got the letter. Can you think of someone who might have been offended by you being sinfully gay?"

Luke looked thoughtful, then answered, "No."

Brendan asked, "Maybe he knows you're family has money and wants some."

Luke shook his head. "There was no mention of money or anything."

"So this is just about you." Brendan stated.

"Looks like it. I wish I knew what this dickwad thinks I did to make him hurt Wade and Noah, not to mention threaten Chad, Terry, Josh, and me!" Luke declared furiously.

"I don't think you need to worry about getting hurt. I'll protect you." Brendan said calmly.

Luke laughed, "Oh Yeah? Whose going to protect you?"

Brendan smiled widely. " We can protect each other." He laughed. I'll take you out for breakfast. I have to ask you for a favor."

"Sounds good." Luke offered to drive.

After eating pancakes, eggs, and sausage, Luke and Brendan sat back and drank their coffee.

Brendan asked, "I need some money Luciano. I'm in a little bit of trouble."

Concerned, Luke stated, "Are you alright?"

Brendan nodded.

Luke asked, "How much do you need?"

Brendan blushed and muttered, "A thousand."

"Whew! What kind of trouble are you in?" Luke asked.

"It's embarrassing. Can you help me out or not?"

Luke teased Brendan, "What did you do? Buy a night with some high priced working guy and now you can't pay him?"

Brendan chuckled. "You're close. Soooo?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes, of course Bren, so I guess this means you aren't able to buy breakfast either huh?" Luke smiled.

Brendan took Luke's hand. He kissed it then said, "You know me too well. That's why I love you Luciano. I'm glad we're still good friends. I don't know how Noah can't remember you. I can never forget the things we did together. Wild times Luciano, you were crazy!"

Luke laughed and said, "ME! You're the one who wanted Chad and Noah to watch us fuck! That's the craziest shit there!"

Brendan chuckled, "If I recall, you had no problem going through with it."

"God I know! That was the first time I came like that, but that was then." Luke laughed. He stated sarcastically, "That was so long ago! A whole two weeks."

Brendan grinned, "It seems like yesterday when I pass through that town on the way to work. I think you should let me tap your ass one more time."

Luke laughed, "Nah. I don't think so."

Brendan begged, "Please play dump truck with me. You back up and I'll put the load in."

Luke laughed, "Oh that sounds so romantic! You'd probably make me do that annoying EER, EER, EER, EER sound as I'm backing up too, wouldn't you?!"

Brendan smiled and whispered, "No, just the Uh, Uh, Uh, sound when I'm unloading!"

Luke let out a burst of loud laughter. "Goddamn! You could make me laugh during a funeral."

Brendan smiled at Luke and boasted, "That's why we were so good together."

"I remember. This was nice Bren, thanks for taking my mind off reality for a while."

"If you want to come with me back to my motel room, I'll take you on a trip to 7th heaven and back." Brendan said suggestively. "You have to be getting horny, no sex for two whole weeks?"

Luke smiled and explained, "I'm fine! I'm just as happy now as I was when I was getting it."

Brendan took a sip of coffee and chuckled, "You are the worst liar Luciano!"

Luke blushed. "I know, I was hoping I sounded somewhat convincing."

Brendan stared at Luke's eyes, then his mouth. "You are so handsome, do you know that?"

Luke's blush deepened as he drank the rest of his coffee. He smiled and said, "You've told me before, but thanks again. Did you want a check or cash for that trouble you're in?"

"Cash would be best if that's ok."

"Yeah. Lets go to the bank."

Luke and Brendan had been to the bank and were on their way back to Luke's dorm. Luke slowed down when he saw a dark haired man with a dark colored backpack slung over one shoulder. His head was down and he had on jeans and a grey Property of Oakdale' sweatshirt on.

Luke pulled over to the curb, just as he passed Noah. He excitedly exited his car and ran around the front end.

"Noah!" Luke stopped in front of him and grabbed his hand. "I was worried about you and wondered where you were! You went to school?"

Noah answered grumpily, "Yes. You didn't?"

"No Bren and I just ate breakfast at the diner. We're going back to the dorm, wanna ride?"

Noah glanced at the passenger window and saw Brendan waving at him. Brendan opened the door and said, "Hi Noah!"

Noah muttered, "Hello Brendan."

Noah faced Luke. "I thought you said you were worried about me, but you go out for breakfast with someone you continually hook up with?"

"Noah, I was.. am worried about you. Bren and I don't hook up anymore. We just at a meal together! There is so much shit on my mind. There's Josh and Terry, the guy who beat up you and Wade, your missing memories, it is all too much to take at once. I had to get away for a couple of hours with a familiar friend who isn't in the midst of this fucking mess. Do you understand what I mean?" Luke raised his eyebrows and met Noah's eyes.

Noah glared at Brendan then at Luke. He uttered loud and forcefully, "I'm really fucking sorry that you think my memory loss is quote, too much to take' and I'm really, really fucking sorry that your day was ruined with this my friends mess'. Sorry that were SO upset worrying about me that you could go out and eat breakfast with your friend!"

Luke felt uneasy and self conscious. He contradicted Noah. "That's not what I said Noah and you know it. I'm feeling overwhelmed with all of the problems... no, not problems... just... with everything that's happening right now."

Noah countered, "So I'm a problem now? You think no one else but you is dealing with the same shit?"

Luke shook his head and thought, Noah isn't understanding any of this!'

"No!" Luke said, running out of patience. He took a second to relax, then added, "Everyone is dealing with this shit' Noah. I was saying that I needed to escape from the circumstances that are all of the sudden happening simultaneously. It's one thing after another. Can you see my point of view?"

Luke's response only exacerbated Noah's anger. "Yes! I can see your point. The point being... you'd rather spend time with Brendan than feel like you're babysitting me or my friends. How about I take away one of the problems' that overwhelm' you Luciano? You can forget about worrying about me, about where I am or if I'm remembering. Who knows, maybe all the things I AM remembering are false memories put there by YOUR suggestion."

"NOAH!" Luke shouted. "You know that's not true?"

"Do I Luciano? It's sad because I REALLY don't know." Noah narrowed his eyes and looked suspiciously at Luke.

Noah looked at Brendan and said. "I bet Brendan doesn't have any issues or things going on in his life or with his friends like I do. He said you used to be a couple, you should give him a second chance."

Luke said quaking with anger, "I'm not quitting you!"

"Fine, but I'm giving up on trying to remember you!" Noah said with his voice raised and walked away.

Noah left Luke feeling flabbergasted and numb with fear at losing Noah for a third time. First, after the camping trip, then when he woke up with memory loss, now he... he just broke up with me??'

Noah observed Luke just standing there, staring at him not saying a word. It just confirmed his belief that Luke wanted to be with Brendan. Noah frowned.Otherwise he would have come after me, right?'

Luke crawled into the car and started it.

Brendan whistled, "Damn, he told you off! Are you just going to take that? Where's your fight, your spirit?"

"Forget it." Luke murmured, trying to sound indifferent. "I don't need to deal with him on top of everything else. If anything, he just made it easier to concentrate on helping Josh and Terry."

Brendan said, "If you say so." He put his left hand on Luke's right knee and rubbed it.

Luke glanced at him quizzically.

"I'm just trying to calm you down sweetie. Nothing sexual, this time." Brendan teased.

Luke shook his head and murmured, "Brendan, Brendan, Brendan. I should drop out of school and come work with you at your parents gas station. We can stay there until we're old and grey. At least I'll be grey, you'll probably be bald."

Brendan laughed, "I am balled."

"Does everything I say to you have a double entendre?"

Brendan chuckled, "No, but when we do work together I get to do the pumping."

Luke laughed. "What?"

"What are you thinking Luciano? I was talking about pumping the gas for the full service pumps."

"Yeah, somehow I find that hard to believe!" Luke snickered.

Brendan squeezed Luke's knee and said, "Me too!"

Luke parked near Brendan's car at the dorm building.

He waved goodbye to Brendan and went through the front doors. He walked to his room. Once inside, he grabbed a water and sat on the bed while he read one of his text books and waited for Noah.

After an hour, he figured Noah was at the library or had gone to another one of his classes.

Luke went out for a drive to contemplate what had happened with Noah. He hadn't seen Noah mad before and wondered if he should take him seriously or not. His thoughts ran rampant; I know it's hard for him not being able to remember things, but how dare he accuse me of putting those images in his mind! He told me, as if he was giving his permission, to give Brendan a second chance. He wants to forget about remembering me? What the fuck! Well Noah, you're in for a rude awakening when you DO remember me and I'm not there for you anymore.'