Chapter Twenty Six
Author's Notes:
First of all, I'd REALLY advise reading this on my livejournal. It's a formatted chapter with pictures and MUCH better when you read it with all of the fonts and pictures intact. The chapter is in 2 parts on there. THE LINKS ARE IN MY PROFILE. THERE ARE TWO PARTS. PLEASE VISIT THERE FIRST.
This one is a little different. I had this idea from the very start and I've never had more fun writing a chapter ever! :D
I really hope you enjoy!
Sunday
"Has he landed yet?" Katie asked, carrying a drooling Jacob over to Reid and the couch.
Reid sat holding on to his Blackberry, waiting for Luke's text. They'd agreed that phonecalls would be expensive so they'd limited themselves to two per week. Reid had compromised on texting as Luke had been so persistant and well, cute about it all.
His phone buzzed.
I am officially here! It's raining, guess the raincoat came in useful after all. See, I told you so. Off to catch a 'taxi' now to my Bed and Breakfast! Look, I'm so British already!
Text you later. Love Luke x
PS: I meant what I said.
Reid smiled hugely, forgetting himself and the fact Katie was watching his every expression.
"So he did land," she said with a smirk, surveying Reid's sparkly eyes, full of relief.
"He's off to get a taxi to his Bed and Breakfast. If he comes back talking like that twat Hugh Grant or whatever he's called, I swear to god we're over."
Katie rolled her eyes and tickled Jacob's chin. "Uncle Reid won't admit it," she said, making faces at the baby, "but he is crazy in love with our Luke and would love him regardless, huh? Yessss sweetheart, he would."
Reid groaned and pushed his phone into his pocket, leaving for his bedrom.
"Pay no attention kid, your mom's a weepy romantic. I'll make you into a proper man yet," he called as he retreated.
Reid sat down on his bed, pulled back out his phone, created a message file called "Luke" and saved his first message safely in there, grinning coyly as he did it.
...
Reid pulled the covers up to where his t-shirt ended and checked his phone for what felt like the millionth time in a matter of hours. For fucks sake, he shouted inwardly, put the fucking thing the fuck down. He knew he was ratty, he knew he was pathetic and he knew, above all, he was so preoccupied that he was sure he could barely get through the night without dreaming of Luke and wondering what he was doing. Shit, I need to grow a pair, he thought.
Buzz.
Are you there? In bed now. How was your day? I had THE most INCREDIBLE few hours. We all introduced ourselves. People thought it was cool I was from the US and tried to copy my accent. Rosie and I are sharing a floor here at The Potter's Inn. Reid this place is beautiful. I mean, BEAUTIFUL. Wish you could see it. The buildings are so old and incredible. I felt like I didn't breathe out the entire time I walked around. I'm renting a bike too- a BIKE with a BASKET. I feel like Shakespeare or Wordsworth... thank you so much, so so so much. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here. Sweet dreams 3 Love Luke xxxxx
Yes, I'm here. Ok, "The Potter's Inn"- sounds god awful, quaint and sugarcoated with flowered duvets and old ladies. You'd probably love that. Enjoy it Luke. R x
PS: What you said... before you left... ditto.
PPS: Wear a helmet.
I'm climbing in to my flowery duvet as we speak :P Ass. It happens to be homely and the lady is seventy seven but is charming and made me my first cup of English tea. Yum. Altho I miss Java...and you.
Oh and I bought a helmet already. You want me to wear crash pads and a full body suit too?
Now you're talking my language. Don't forget the safety lights and reflective jackets. She sounds... "delightful"... see I can be British. Anyway, how's the course? Written any masterpieces yet? R x
Reid. A day. I've been here a day. I've barely had time to breathe.
I learned that we write one main piece of prose and study poetry and a specialist subject of our choice. I went to a famous fudge shop today and even went to mass in the cathedral. I bought you something too. It's a surprise. Getting tired now... Love Luke xx
Course sounds exactly what you wanted. My present better be something edible. I'll let you go then.
Night Luke, sleep well. R xxx
(Take your tablets.)
Luke snapped his phone shut with a chuckle and pulled the feather-filled softness over him, wrapping his arms into it and sinking down comfortably. He read their texts again and drifted to sleep, arms tightly enveloping the blankets like an invisible body.
Monday
Reid slumped in the arm chair in the on call room and reached for his phone. Four hours in surgery and two painkillers later- he felt awful. Not in the mood.
You have an MMS from Luke Snyder.
**MISSING PICTURE- SEE LIVEJOURNAL**
Jealous? ENGLISH sandwiches :P They call it afternoon tea.
I hate you. Then again, there's not enough meat. Just left OR, feeling rough- call as planned later? R x
Can't wait. I've got so much to tell you. Just want to hear your voice 3 Luke xxxxx
PS: Because you could never hate me, you jerk, those sandwiches were INCREDIBLE.
Reid's mouth watered. He dropped his phone into his bag and tugged off his scrubs to change. He simply wanted to be back at Katie's, with company and drinking a beer. Something was irritating him, niggling at his thoughts and driving him to distraction but he couldn't quite place it. It still didn't stop a small smile tugging at his cheeks as he saved Luke's most recent message.
...
Luke had never been as cold in his entire life. He thought about Winter on the farm and his thick woollen jacket hanging in his bedroom. He then looked around at the frost glittering the grass and pavement and felt himself shudder- cold in England was a new level of freezing. He pulled his scarf higher and ducked his head in the icy breeze with a smile. It was all so poetic as he sauntered in the ever approaching darkness through stone walled streets with cobbles and tall amber lit lamps, feeling so enchanted but still so alien. He walked with purpose, intent on wrapping up warm in bed and calling Reid.
When he arrived back, he looked in on Rosie immediately. "Hey!" he called, leaning on her door frame, still wrapped in a million layers.
She laughed and put down her book. "Love the look you're going for dude, maybe you should try that one out on your handsome Doctor?"
Luke had told her. He had to. She'd pretty much guessed anyway but his swooning eyes as he checked his phone and the smirk that crossed his face whenever Reid was mentioned.
"You know, I think he'd like it," Luke said, eyebrows raised suggestively, "it's more to take off." He winked and left abruptly, feeling the anticipation of Reid's voice.
...
Later, in bed, Luke checked his phone.
You have a picture message from Reid Oliver.
**MISSING PICTURE- SEE LIVEJOURNAL**
Suck on this, Snyder. The things I can do with my hands.
I'm going to make it my personal mission to experience all of those 'things' Reid.
PS: Freud would have a field day with your oral fixation.
Glad to hear it. It'll be my pleasure.
PS: Don't you just know it.
Shut up texting and call me you weirdo 3
The phone rang. Luke all but dropped his phone off the bed as he fumbled excitedly to pick it up. He felt himself tense with a slight twinge of nerves.
"Hi!"
"You're the weirdo."
Luke chuckled and snuggled down into his covers, resting his head softly on his marshmallow-like pillow. He was content now.
"Nice to speak to you too."
Reid smiled and gripped his phone a tiny bit harder. He lay sprawled on his back in scrubs, aching from a long stint in surgery. Somehow Luke, even being hundreds of miles away, had a effect on his mood. He felt the tension subside.
"How are you? Have you taken your pills? " Reid asked seriously.
"I'm fine Doctor Oliver. I'm fine. Can you put my boyfriend back on please? I'd like to talk to him."
"Hilarious. I mean it, know it all, you need to take care of yourself. I explained what could happen. Just as long as you are looking after yourself." Reid skipped the 'boyfriend' part, he had said it hadn't he?
Luke reassured he was and found himself hugging his phone, reeling from Reid's protective words and how sincere they sounded eventhough he'd ignored the 'B' ord. Luke could all but see Reid's face in his mind's eye and smiled knowing his brow would be as strong and smooth as iron, eyes piercing blue and sharp and lips pouted a little but solid. Beyond that exterior, he saw the Reid that most weren't luck enough to- the honest, loyal, witty, intelligent, caring, brilliant, gentle man.
"I miss you."
"Luke it's been two days. You're in England. You're drinking tea and eating pretentious sandwiches with new people, in new places. You can't and shouldn't be missing me." Reid was truthful. He was quite sure that Luke's mind was on anything but Oakhell and him.
"Why not? Don't even say that. I think... I think about you all of the time."
"Well, I guess I can hardly blame you if I'm honest." Reid chuckled.
"Aha there he is. That's the guy I left back in Oakdale."
Reid, still holding the phone steadily, walked and talked as he changed, preparing for bed. He took Luke with him as he went.
"So, how was today?" Reid asked, wrestling off his garishly blue pants.
Luke took a deep breath. "I love it here. We spent a session looking at the poet William Blake who blew my mind and we were assigned a discussion and critical analysis group for when we begin our individual pieces. I met a girl called Isabelle and two guys, Seb and Danny. They're awesome. Seb invited us, during our downtime, to visit his family home and Isabelle has promised me that she'll take me to a place called Stratford where Shakespeare lived. I have no idea how much time I'll have to do this but I'm going to try. You were so right. I really needed this." Reid felt a pang of jealousy. His heart stung a little. What have I got to offer him, he wondered, I knew this would happen, it's what should happen, Luke deserves to find out what's out there. "Reid? You there?"
"Yes. I'm here." Reid didn't want to sound like a petulant teenager.
"How was your day? How's Katie? Tell me everything."
Reid was now washed and splayed out again on the bed. He grinned appreciatively, his skin warming as he felt Luke's compassion even from overseas.
"Just the usual. Gave the interns grief and saved lives. Nothing quite as exciting as your day. Invitations to family homes eh? You going to shack up with 'Seb' and raise perky blonde British brats?"
Luke choked a giggle. "You are an idiot. Firstly, I don't want the basics about your day, I want you to talk to me. Secondly, Seb is a good guy with a very beautiful girlfriend. Touch of the green eyed monster much?"
Reid snorted. Not fucking likely, he cursed mentally. Intent on changing the subject, Reid fought his knee jerk reaction to snap and smoothed his sharp edges with a sigh.
"So, you're enjoying it?"
"I love it. I feel, I don't know, just... lighter," Luke added lightly.
Reid grinned and felt a little of his tension and moodiness subside. Lying alone and rested with Luke's voice playing out in his ear, he felt something spark inside of him. Reid had never allowed himself the luxury of giving in, of becoming comfortable and of settling. 'No man is an island', what a load of bullshit, he'd decided. He'd remained an island, detached from the world him in every conceivable way but one- through his work. This was his tether to humanity and the way of the world but now, lying in Oakdale in a house with a new best friend, her baby son and with a guy purring in his ear about how much he missed you and thanked you and making oh so incredible noises... he felt a connection form and his resolve weaken. Reid Oliver was definitely not an island anymore.
"I miss you too." There he'd said it. He knew Luke would be dancing around and hugging his pillow like some girl in pigtails in a sickly teenage movie or smiling that smile that could give even the cutest puppy a run for it's money in the adorable department.
Luke bit his lip and giggled without sound. He grasped the phone and almost kissed it. He misses me, he misses me, he misses me, he sang over and over inwardly celebrating.
"I'm taping this phonecall and I'm going to send it to all of your interns to prove how much of a pussycat you are."
"You can shut your mouth Snyder. I'll lie."
"You can't deny concrete evidence."
"You're forgetting one thing, genius," Reid teased, enjoying the banter they had grown so used to.
"What's that?"
"I'm Reid Oliver."
Luke laughed, loud and hard. "God you head is enormous, matches your ego."
"That's not all it matches either," Reid added with a smirk, murmering seductively into the phone.
Luke giggled again, throwing himself back onto the bed with a gigantic smile and skipping heart. "Reid Oliver, you are impossible. Can you not just say you miss me without trying to think of a hundred ways to distract me from it or dismiss it? You can say these things, mean them and let it be."
"Where would be the fun in that?" Reid asked. His voice was now laced in a seriousness he reserved for moments outside of his comfort zone. He was a changed man in many ways but it wasn't as easy as Luke made it look and sometimes, a lot of times, Reid didn't even want to change.
"Just talk to me."
"I love you, I adore you, oh baby, oh darling," Reid drawled, his words seeped in sarcasm, "that better?"
". Oh god you're infuriating but..."
"What?"
A sneaky smile tugged at Luke's lips. "But I guess that's what I love about you."
Reid would have been sure his heart was going to stop if he didn't consider is medically impossible in such circumstances. He was speechless for the first time in a long time. How the hell does he do that, he wondered, just say it, mean it and make it sounds so delicious? Reid wished then that Luke's wasn't thousands of miles away. He wished he was close, very close and whispering those things in his ear because, the mood Reid fund himself in, could definitely be improved by the magic of Luke Snyder.
"You need to sleep." Luke rolled his eyes at Reid's words. Typical.
"I do and so do you. You sound wrung out."
"And some." Reid admitted with a groan, his hand raking through his hair awkwardly.
"Ok, so we're calling again in two days?"
"Two days, if you say so," Reid agreed with surety.
"Yes, I do say so and regardless of the time difference, you're going to hang up now, put away the medical journal I know is inches away from your bed, pull the covers up and sleep. Ok?" Reid chuckled affectionately but remained silent. "What?" Luke asked, not used to the lack of clever come back.
"Nothing," Reid reassured softly, "sleep well and look after yourself. I'm in surgery from ten but I'm free from early afternoon onwards. Hope you do more of the stuff you love."
Luke shuffled further under the bed covers, basking in the warmth of Reid's words. "Night Night Reid."
"Night, Luke."
With that, they both hung up. It was gentle and a parting drenched in understanding.
Reid's phone buzzed as he threw his journal onto the floor, pretending he wasn't following Luke's orders but deciding to do it himself.
What did that laugh mean? Sorry if I was pushy and if I was nagging you. I guess it comes naturally to me, I can hear you're exhausted. I just want to make sure you're looking after yourself. You don't do it enough. xxx
I'm going to pretend you didn't just apoligize for caring. Never do that again. Not with me.
Ok. Sorry 3 You're so... argh I don't know Reid, there's not a word for you. xxx
Jesus Luke, quit the apologising. I can think of a few words for me ;) (did I do one of those 'hip-down-with-the-kids' signs right. Yes?)
Perfect, grandad :P (there's a new one for you to learn!) You still didn't tell me why you laughed when I ordered you around xxx
I laughed because it's one of the many reasons I love you too. R x