A/N: I guess this is the time I should let you know that the fic is coming to an end soon...after this chapter there are only 4 more to go! Thank you to those who take their time to leave comments, I sure do read them and thank you so much for your lovely words! Again, this chapter NC-17 so I hope you enjoy! Feedback would be LOVED! :D
Chapter 26
Reid awoke to the sound of the alarm ringing on the bedside table. Reid being the light sleeper he was, due to the nature of his job, woke up almost immediately, tightening his arm around a sleeping Luke who showed no signs of waking up anytime soon. Luke had his back flush to Reid's chest and their legs were tangled together under the covers. Reid blinked his eyes open slowly but was met with a face full of blonde hair which he smoothed away carefully so as not to wake him. His hand lingered in his hair as he thought about the day that they had spent together. About how he'd so casually admitted that they were boyfriends, he didn't do or say things like that, and for once in his life he didn't need to even think about it or over analyse it.
It had just felt natural to say it, to admit it and acknowledge that Luke was more than just a passing acquaintance and more than a friend, so much more. And then to hear Luke say that he loved him, that he loved him, it was something of a comfort because he knew that even if he hadn't realised it, he'd been slowly falling in love with Luke too.
Even though falling in love within two weeks of knowing someone seemed crazy, irrational and downright impossible, it hadn't felt more right or more true to him. He didn't want to question or prove something that can never be measured in the way outcomes in a science lab could. Love was just that, love, this unexplainable feeling which required nothing but nurture, devotion, trust and care. If there was one thing that Reid had learnt from Dean's death, it was that life was short and you never knew what could happen that could turn your world upside down. He didn't know what would happen once they'd got back to their lives, maybe that was the slight thrill, walking into uncertain and unknown territory, but he knew he didn't want to waste another minute to start their lives together and he hoped that Luke felt the same. But why was he so afraid of telling him? What was holding him back? He pushed the unsettling thoughts out of his head and moved closer to Luke.
He kissed Luke's bare shoulder softly and ran his hand down his arm, "Morning sunshine..." he whispered in his ear.
Reid heard small snuffling sounds from Luke, his head burrowed further into the pillow and he pulled Reid's arm tighter around him.
"Rise and shine, blondie..." he whispered again. Luke stirred slightly and mumbled something incoherent before turning around in Reid's arms and resting his head on Reid's chest, falling back to sleep. Reid could feel puffs of air hit his chest and he pulled away from Luke's embrace, smiling when Luke reached out blindly for him.
"Reid..." he said sleepily, "Get back here."
Reid rolled his eyes and moved a little closer so that Luke could drape his arm over his waist. He rested his hand on Luke's cheek, rubbing his thumb lightly over his lips, "Luke, come on...get up."
"Mmmmm, Reid...let me sleep and why don't you go back to sleep?" he mumbled in a thick voice, burying his head into Reid's neck.
"Because we need to get back to London, it's a long 5 hour drive."
"Ohhh, of course...I forgot..." he said quietly against Reid's skin. Reid had thought it best that they make their way back to London rather than back to Ellie as Ben and Ramona would be getting there on Sunday, as would Ellie and Charlie to say their goodbyes. Reid also thought it was the perfect opportunity to have one more day alone with Luke to do whatever they wanted. Luke opened his eyes slowly, adjusting to the sunlight flooding in the room.
Reid could feel the soft fluttering of his eyelashes on his neck knowing that Luke had finally woken up. He lifted a hand and ran it softly through Luke's hair, "What the hell do you do when you want to go to work? Do you kick up this much of a fuss waking up?"
"I'm my own boss, I go in my own time."
"Oh, you rich bastard."
Luke chuckled softly and pressed a kiss Reid's neck and moved away from Reid, placing his head on the pillow next to his, "But you love it, baby," Luke teased.
Reid smirked and kissed him quickly, "That I do."
Luke smiled back and let his hand caress Reid's cheek, his eyes devouring every inch of his face, the face of the man he loved with all his heart. He allowed his fingers to run lightly across his jaw and his lips until Reid grasped a hold of his hand and kissed his fingers before covering his hand with his own.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked frowning amusedly.
"Nothing really," he shrugged, "I was thinking about last night," he smiled dopily, "and...that I love waking up next to you, that's all."
"Ditto, it's like sex on tap, I love it."
Luke raised an eyebrow in surprise but then nodded, "That is true actually, it really islike sex on tap."
"This is why we get along, Mr. Snyder...great and greater minds think alike."
Luke laughed, "I think I know who has the greater mind here," he lifted himself up and rested against the headboard behind him and looked down at Reid, "So, what time are we leaving?" he asked whilst yawning and trying to flatten his unruly bed hair.
"By ten," said Reid yawning himself and rubbed his hand down Luke's leg.
"Okay, I'm gonna get in the shower and then we can finish packing or whatever."
Luke made to move off the bed but was stopped when Reid tightened his hold on his leg, "Where do you think you're going?"
"In the shower?"
"I woke you up early for another reason too..." Reid said as he rolled closer to Luke, pulling down the covers so that he could accommodate himself on top of him and Luke bent his legs to make room for Reid between them. His face broke out into a grin and he bit on his lip, letting his fingers run lightly through Reid's curls. Reid smirked and without a word started his descent down his chest leaving open mouthed kisses and shuffling further down till he reached the waistband of his boxers. His fingers slipped past it, pulling them down teasingly slow as he licked and kissed every inch of his skin.
"For god's sake, Reid, just do it already," Luke said breathlessly.
"I love it when you're bossy," Reid growled.
Luke laughed, a blush rising up on his cheeks before he turned serious, "Shut up and blow me," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," Reid saluted.
"You all ready to go?"
"Ummm, yeah I think so," Luke called out from the bedroom, "Just having a final look around."
"Luke, it's not like we brought a lot with us here, come on, we need to get going. We have a long drive back to London in horrible traffic."
Luke walked out of the bedroom with his bag on his shoulder and he closed the door behind him.
"I'm ready," he announced flatly.
Reid stared at him for a few seconds before walking over to him, attempting to read what those expressive brown eyes were trying so hard to hide.
"What?" asked Luke, feeling a little uncomfortable at Reid's current scrutiny of him.
"We couldn't stay here forever, you know that, right?" he said softly.
"I know, Reid..." he said, lifting a hand to fix Reid's collar, "I'm okay..." he glanced up and smiled, dropping his hand down onto his chest, "I'm just going to miss this place, that's all."
Reid smiled faintly and rested his hand on top of Luke's, "I know, but who's to say that we won't come back one day?"
"You think so?"
"This sure isn't the last time."
Luke leaned in and kissed Reid softly prompting Reid to pull him back by grabbing him by the back of his neck not wanting lose the warmth of Luke's lips.
"Umm, Reid?" Luke laughed, "Weren't you the one who said we need to leave like now?" asked Luke when he managed to break away from Reid's grip.
"You're just that irresistible, Mr. Snyder," but seeing Luke smile that smug smile Reid had to amend his words slightly, "don't let it get to your head though, I'm still more irresistible than you."
Luke snorted, "Sure, you are."
Reid ignored him and passed him over his bag, "Here, you take the bags to the car. Who the hell suggested sex in front of a fireplace was romantic? What's romantic about an aching back?"
"Oh Reid," Luke cooed, rubbing his hand up and down Reid's arm, "I think your age is catching up to you and my exuberant youth is little too much for you to handle. I'll take it slower next time, I promise."
"Fuck you, Luke."
"You already do, but maybe one day I can, to give you a rest, obviously. Now how fun would that be?" Luke grinned.
Reid held up his finger and scowled, "Don't talk to me, ever again and don't expect any more of what I did this morning," he turned to leave when Luke laughed and ran to catch him, wrapping his arms around him from behind peppering kisses to his neck. Reid tried to resist his hold but gave in.
"I was only joking, Reid. You are so exceptional in the bedroom even I can't keep up with you, plus I love older, hot and grumpy neurosurgeons." Reid grunted in approval making Luke chuckle, "How about I give you a lovely massage when we get back and maybe you won't fall asleep this time...what do you say?"
Reid didn't answer for a few moments enjoying the sensation of Luke's lips on his neck, "Hmmm, I guess that sounds okay," he mumbled feeling a little unnerved at how easily Luke could win him around.
"Okay...good," Luke dropped his arms and turned to pick up the bags off the couch. He stopped to have a look around the cottage one last time, recalling the moments and memories that he and Reid had created here in the time that they had spent here this past week. He prayed silently, to whatever power above, that they could come back here one day. He felt Reid wind his arm around his waist and felt soft lips on his temple, causing him to flutter his eyes shut involuntarily and sigh.
"Let's go, sailor," Reid murmured against his temple, making Luke chuckle, "I promise you, we'll be back," he added softly.
Luke breathed in deeply and nodded, turning his head to smile at Reid who smiled back and kissed him softly.
"Let's go, London awaits us," said Luke.
The drive back to London was eventful to say the least. Luke had to listen to Reid's ear deafening rock music, which he wasn't a big fan of, and so they argued about who should have control over the music in the car. Both gave compelling arguments, but after a heated debate, they solved the problem. They came to a compromise that they both could listen to music of their choice for thirty minutes each, which seemed to work until Reid, who was keeping time, lied about how long it had been. Luke, in anger, switched off the music completely, leaving them in total silence until they both burst into hysterical laughter at their childish behaviour. Luke also complained about the number of stops Reid made to fill his stomach where only one stop was to actually fill the car. But he didn't mind the amount of stops after Reid convinced him in his own wayat one of the rest stop bathrooms, hoping that no one noticed their state of dress as they left.
Both men finally pulled up to Ben's house later that afternoon. Reid turned the ignition off and turned to see that Luke had fallen asleep, his jacket tucked around him and under his chin. He reached a hand over and shook Luke lightly who jumped awake, a hand flying to cover his face.
"Oh god, you scared me," he blinked quickly and rubbed at his eyes. "Are we here?"
"Yeah, we are," he nodded. "Get your ass out of the car, I can't stay cooped up in this tin can any longer."
Luke laughed and got out of the car as Reid followed with the bags, setting them down on the floor in front of the door, before looking for the spare key and opening the door to let themselves in. They dropped their bags in the large living room by the couch and slumped down on the sofa in exhaustion.
"Why the hell are we so tired? It's not like we've been having sex all day, I do not get this," asked Reid as he yawned.
"You're the doctor, you should know."
"Hmmm, true, but I'm too tired to work it out."
"Maybe it's the driving and the lack of sea air. Come on, let's go for a walk, that might make us feel better."
"Luuuuke..." Reid whined when he pulled on his hand to get up.
"I'll treat you to some late lunch."
Reid looked at him thoughtfully, "Can I get cake? I like cake..."
"You and my brother would get along so well, I swear," Luke laughed.
"Which brother is this? The spoiled little tyke or the older one who you haven't yet shown me a picture of for some reason?"
Luke stared at him incredulously, "My younger brother Ethan, obviously...he loves cake just as much as you."
"No one loves cake as much as me, Mr. Snyder," he argued.
Luke shook his head in amusement, "You know? You're very lucky I love you despite yourself."
"What does that mean?"
"Let's go," Luke pulled Reid to his feet, "We have cake to eat."
Once they came back from their walk and Reid had his cake, they sat on the couch talking till the sun went down. They didn't bother to turn on the main lights, but instead they switched on the smaller lights, dimming them slightly. Reid rolled his eyes at the romantic nature of it all earning a glare from Luke. "At least you haven't gotten candles out," Reid teased. Being at the cottage the past week had meant that neither Luke nor Reid had access to the internet and so they both got their laptops and sat on opposite ends of the couch, legs tangled and set to work checking their week's worth of e-mails.
When Luke was done he made a call back home to his mom, asking how everyone was and letting her know when he would be getting back Oakdale. Thinking about going back to Oakdale on his own after being with Reid this past week seemed odd to Luke and he wished the Reid was going with him. He shook the thought out of his head. Luke wished he hadn't asked if they wanted anything from London as Lily ended up rattling off a list of a hundred things as did Ethan when he heard Luke was on the phone. When Ethan told him about the most amazing cake he'd had, 'really, really yummy cake'he pointed out, at friend's birthday party the same day, he had to stop himself from laughing out loud while Reid looked up at him curiously.
"Okay, you're coming back very, very soon, right?" asked Ethan
"Yup, I'll be back on Monday, I promise. It's only two sleeps away."
"Yay! I can't wait to see you, I miss you...oh here's Mommy...she wants to talk to you. Shall I give it to her?"
Luke laughed, "Yeah sure...by the way, I miss you too buddy, I love you."
"Love you too, bye Luke..." and without giving Luke a chance to say bye he handed over the phone to Lily, running off to watch television. Lily laughed down the phone as she watched Ethan jump on the sofa excitedly at something he was watching.
"Hi, Luke, sorry about that. He's just very excitable today, I think it was the cake."
"It's okay, Mom. So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Lily hesitated before she spoke, "Look, I know I said I wouldn't pry or force you to tell me anything but you sound much better than I last spoke to you. I'm assuming things with Reid are good?"
"Mom," Luke didn't really want to talk about this to her on the phone but he also couldn't leave her question unanswered as his happiness was evident in his voice, "Things are...good...really good with Reid. I'll tell you everything when I get back, it's a long story."
"Well, they're my favourite kind," Lily said laughing and Luke laughed along, "It's nice to hear you sounding so happy Luke," she said softly. "After everything that happened with Noah, you deserve so much more and I'm so sorry—"
"Mom," Luke interrupted, "Don't think about that. Let's let bygones be bygones, okay?"
"Okay, baby. I guess I'll see you on Monday then."
"You sure will, Mom. Tell everyone I said "hi", and I'll speak to you soon?"
"Very soon, bye, Luke...oh and before I forget, make sure you tell Reid he's welcome here anytime."
"You sure about that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't worry, I'm only joking. Reid would love to come and visit."
"Good, I'll speak to you later, bye."
"Bye, Mom." Luke snapped his phone shut and saw that Reid was staring at him, brows furrowed.
"What?" Luke asked innocently.
"Did your mother just invite me to come and visit?"
"She sure did," Luke frowned not sure what Reid had meant. "Wouldn't you want to come and visit?"
"Of course I would, I just-" he exhaled loudly, "I don't deal with the parents of boyfriends very well."
Luke laughed, "Technically you've only had experience with one set of parents...you'll be fine. It's not like you're going to see them next week or anything. You can worry about it then."
"I'm not...worried."
"Sure you're not," he smirked.
Reid dismissed the comment with a wave of his hand and went back to reading the stack of e-mails he'd amassed over the week.
Reid hadn't felt so domestic, ever, but it felt good and right when Luke had moved so that he could rest his head in his lap while he watched television. Reid was too engrossed in a medical journal that needed major correction, because whoever wrote this was a fool, to notice that Luke wasn't watching television at all, but was staring up at him. Reid could feel something was wrong and pushed his glasses a little further up on his nose and looked down at Luke who, as he suspected, had his eyes on him.
"What are you staring at?"
"You..."
"Okay...would you care to elaborate on that?"
"Fine," Luke lifted his head off Reid's lap and got to his feet standing in front of him, "You look so incredibly hot in those glasses that I am turned on beyond belief right now." He locked his eyes with Reid who raised his eyebrows in surprise, his eyes suddenly turning dark with lust. He pushed away his journal and dropped his pen and got up, standing toe to toe with Luke.
"Do I sense a teacher-student fantasy here?" Reid whispered hotly as he brushed his lips against Luke's. Luke's heart started hammering like crazy when he saw the same desire burning in Reid's eyes and grunted, "Yes," before pulling Reid in for a mind-numbing kiss. Luke's hands gripped Reid's back trying to find purchase and Reid's hands pulled and tugged at the blonde locks whilst their wet lips and tongues merged almost as one.
Luke gasped, pulling back from the kiss catching his breath, "Oh my god, I can't believe I forgot about it..."
"Forgot what?" he panted moving closer for another kiss before Luke pushed him back.
Luke smiled widely, biting on his kiss-swollen lip, and ran his index finger down Reid's chest, "You shall see, Dr. Oliver, or you won't..."
"What?"
"I'll be right back."
Reid stood in confusion trying to understand what Luke meant by what he said. He frowned and sat back down on the couch, switching off the television, waiting for Luke to get back. He came back a few moments later with a look of mischievousness on his face and walked over, straddling Reid's lap, his knees either side of his thighs. Reid rested his hands on Luke's hips and glanced up at him in expectation.
"Do you remember...when you tricked me and sent me to that sex-shop?" asked Luke as he trailed a finger across Reid's jaw.
Reid narrowed his eyes in thought, "Of course..." he replied.
"And I told you that I got something? And you said that I was too 'vanilla'to buy anything, remember?"
"Yeah, I remember, but you didn't buy anything..." he laughed but stopped seeing Luke smiling seductively at him and he swallowed audibly.
"You didn't...did you?"
"I sure did..." he said quietly and bent forward and kissed Reid deeply, pulling on his bottom lip with his teeth making Reid groan into his mouth. Luke moved back a few inches from Reid's face with a satisfied smile, licking his lips. "You want to see what it is?"
Reid nodded and Luke lifted up onto his knees and pulled out a long, red silk scarf and held it between both his hands and raised his eyebrows.
Reid breathed in deeply as his eyes flickered between the scarf and Luke's eyes sparkling with anticipations and he grinned widely, "Oh my, Luciano, you are one kinky bastard aren't you?"
Luke smirked, "I have something else..." He pulled out a pair of handcuffs from his back pocket and dangled them in front of his face and Reid groaned inwardly.
"You told me that I was welcome to handcuff you anytime, Dr. Oliver. I'm just taking you up on that offer..."
Reid remembered that conversation they'd had that morning and how he'd kissed him senseless holding Luke down himself and teasing him about being kinky, but he didn't think for a minute that Luke would be the one to initiate it. He didn't give a fuck who started it or for what reason Luke had bought what he did in the first place, all he cared about was that he was willing to do this with him. He brought Luke's face closer to his by his chin and kissed him hard, slipping his tongue past his lips and kissing him hungrily.
"Jesus Christ, Luke...how the hell do you turn me on so much?" he breathed, licking and kissing his neck. Luke pulled back beaming a shy smile at him and swiftly got rid of his t-shirt before unbuttoning Reid's shirt and tossing it on the floor behind him. He wrapped his arms around his neck and kissed him again, grinding himself into Reid, the friction making their cocks grow even harder.
Luke pulled away reluctantly and stared into Reid's eyes asking a silent question. Reid nodded understanding what Luke was asking and took off his glasses, placing them next to him and allowed him to tie the silk scarf around his eyes.
"It's not too tight is it?" Luke asked as he smoothed it over his eyes.
"It's perfect...stop fretting," Reid said as he wrapped his arms around Luke, his hands running up and down his bare back, "So, what are you going to do with me now? What are the rules?"
Luke smiled and traced a finger across Reid's lips and held it there, "Rule number one, no talking, no talking at all. Rule number two, you don't touch me, only I do, that's what the handcuffs are for and rule number three? You only come when I say so, do you understand?" he asked quietly but firmly.
"I understand, fuck...Luke," Reid said in a thick voice, he was too turned on to form coherent sentences.
Luke shushed him, ghosting his lips over his and lifted himself off of his lap. He grasped Reid's hand, lifting him off the couch. He grabbed one of the couch cushions and put it on the floor knowing that it might be a little more comfortable for him, and lay him down carefully before covering his body with his. Luke ran his hands up Reid's arms till he reached his wrists and secured the handcuffs above his head. Reid pulled on the handcuffs testing their durability and grunted his approval, smirking as he did.
Luke hovered his lips above Reid's before brushing them lightly across his and he continued this across his jaw and neck. Feather light, teasing kisses and licks were left all over Reid's chest, and when he reached the top of Reid's jeans, he popped the button open, pulled the zipper down and palmed over his rock hard cock through his jeans. It was almost too much for Reid to take, not being able to touch Luke or see him, heightening his senses in way that hadn't experienced ever before. Luke shuffled further up and captured Reid's lips in a passionate kiss, slipping his tongue between his lips whilst pushing his hand inside to jerk at Reid's shaft. Reid arched up into him, moaning and groaning into his mouth, the sensation of Luke's lips on his and his hand on his dick pushing him closer and closer to the edge.
Both men were so absorbed in each other they didn't realise when bright lights flooded the room. There was a scream of surprise followed by someone's loud and shocked voice, "Bloody hell, boys! I thought we were the newly married couple here..."
Luke jerked his head up to see Ben his eyes wide in shock and Ramona staring down at them with her hand over her mouth, her eyes filled with amusement.
"Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit," Luke buried his head in Reid's neck, blushing furiously and wishing so hard, maybe that wasn't the right word, wishing so badly that this wasn't really happening.
"Who is that? Ben?" Reid asked, the blindfold making it impossible for him to see.
"Who the hell do you think it is? Seriously guys, here? In our living room?" Ben said hysterically.
Reid started laughing loudly and he could feel Luke groaning in embarrassment against his neck. Reid wished he could comfort him but his hands were literally tied.
"Luke, you know what would make this situation a lot less embarrassing?" he whispered into Luke's ear. "If you take the handcuffs off and we can get dressed."
Luke lifted his head, "Oh crap, I'm sorry," he mumbled, quickly unlocking the handcuffs, still unable to look up at Ben or Ramona.
Reid rubbed his wrists when they were free and whipped off the scarf, rubbing at his eyes to get used to the light and turned to see Ben, his hand over his eyes. Ramona was doing the total opposite, standing there with a huge smile on her face, literally bouncing on the spot.
"Hey, Ben," Reid waved, smirking.
Ben spread his fingers slightly and peeked through, "Don't "Hey" me Reidykins, get your kit on."
Reid snorted before looking at Ramona, "Hey, Romy," he smiled.
"Hi..." she said whilst waving and swaying on the spot dreamily. Ben's head snapped to look at Romy next to him and he promptly covered her eyes with his own hand. "Ben!" she pushed his hand away and hit his arm, "Oww, Romy!" he shouted rubbing his arm.
Reid chuckled softly watching them and finally turned to look at Luke, whose cheeks were bright red from embarrassment. He was putting on his t-shirt and trying to smooth down his hair. His eyes found Reid's shirt and he picked it up, holding it out for him. Reid ducked his head to try and catch Luke's eyes and when he did, he gave him a reassuring smile. Luke smiled faintly and thrust the shirt towards him, raising his eyebrows indicating that he should put it on, now. Reid smirked and put the shirt on, buttoning it only half way before pulling Luke into a hug not caring who was watching.
"Reid, what are you doing?" Luke whispered harshly as he tried to move away and out of his arms.
Reid didn't answer and pressed a kiss to his lips before cupping his cheek, "Hey, look at me...Luke?" Luke finally lifted his eyes to look at him, "It's over now, forget about it, okay?"
Luke inhaled and nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets, and shot him a quick smile. He finally faced both Romy and Ben, smiling sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm so sorry you guys had to see that, I didn't know..."
"Ay dios mio, Luciano, you do not need to apologise...that made my day...actually, it made my life," she sighed happily, her hand on her chest.
Luke blushed even more if it was possible and Reid laughed.
"Romy!" Ben whined in embarrassment. Romy rolled her eyes giggling, and saw that Ben still had his hand covering his eyes and promptly pulled his hand down, but he squeezed his eyes shut instead.
"Ben, we're decent now," Reid said. "Stop being such a prude...it's not anything you haven't seen before, although I would get why you'd be jealous."
Ben opened one eye slowly and then the other trying not to laugh at the scene in front of him. Poor Luke looked absolutely horrified and Reid was looking smug, as usual and didn't look too fussed over what had happened. But he could see the concern he had for Luke by the way he had his hand on the small of Luke's back for comfort and for reassurance. Ben still wanted to double check and tease them a little more and so pursed his lips in thought and gave both Luke and Reid a once over.
"So, what's the situation with you guys now then? You weren't so clear on the phone last time...are you two actually...?" Ben waved his finger between the both of them.
Luke inhaled sharply and rubbed the back of his neck and ran a hand through his hair looking over at Reid, "Errrr, well do you want to tell him, or should I?"
Reid rolled his eyes and wound his arm around Luke's waist, pulling him flush to the side of his body, "Don't make it so complicated," he said to Luke and then turned to face Ben, "Luke and I are together..."
Reid didn't know who screamed in excitement louder, Ben or Ramona, but all he saw was both of them come barrelling towards them pulling them into a group hug.
Luke started laughing and Reid was wriggling, trying to get out of their clutches. Ben and Romy finally backed off looking at the both of them adoringly. "Awww, you guys are so cute together, don't you think Ben?" Romy asked.
"Ehhh, I don't know...I think Luciano looks cuter with me but I guess Reid will have to do," he shrugged. "But seriously guys, I know you're all hot for each other and all the jazz. And as much I lovedthe image of you two doing god knows what on the floor, learn some self-control...you're lucky Mother didn't walk through the door."
"You can blame, Luke. He's the one that started it," Reid said and Ben raised his eyebrows in shock.
Luke elbowed Reid, "You didn't exactly stop it, you asshole."
Ben sniffled dramatically walking over to Luke, "Luciano, baby, you disappoint me...did it have to come to this? You could have just told me you wanted to move on...you didn't have to put on this show to humiliate me," he said wiping away fake tears from under his eyes.
Luke narrowed his eyes at him but couldn't help the smile on his face even though Ben was teasing him. "Shut up, Ben."
Ben grinned back and pulled Luke into a hug as Reid looked on smiling, "I'm only joking, kinda...but I'm happy for you," he whispered so only Luke could hear. Luke pulled back and smiled gratefully before slapping at his chest, "What are you guys doing back so early anyway? I thought you weren't back till tomorrow."
"We got an earlier flight out because we missed you guys too much."
"That's bull," Luke laughed, "be honest."
"I am, kind of...I had a work thing that I did need to get back for and this entire fuck up with the shitty volcano...or notso shitty in your case," Ben winked at Luke, "could have made us late, but we also didn't want to miss you guys leaving so we came back early."
Luke frowned, "You didn't have to do that though, Ben."
"I know we didn't, but I'm glad we did...maybe you need me and Romy around so you know how to control yourselves. Being alone for a week has left you with no idea about boundaries, obviously."
"I don't mind you boys not having boundaries," Romy remarked, grinning as she walked over to Reid, wrapping an arm around his waist and kissing his cheek. "It's all good for me."
"See, Benny boy, your wife here has good taste," Reid smirked.
Ben flipped him a finger, "You can have her coz I got Luciano here."
"You can have him anyway, his drama queen freak outs are too much for me to handle."
Ben's eyes widened in agreement and he nodded, "Oh my god, I know right? He has at least three of those freak outs a week."
"You're right about that," Reid agreed.
"Reid!" Luke pouted and pushed Ben away from him lightly, crossing his arms, "You guys are such jerks."
"Oh you boys, stop picking on Luke," Ramona said as she moved closer to him rubbing his arm with her hand. "Come on honey, how about we leave these mean boys to their mean business and we can go and sort out something for dinner?"
"That sounds like a plan," Luke nodded, smiling.
"Hey, Luke...don't forget this," Ben bent down and picked up the handcuffs off the floor and threw them at Luke who scowled and threw them promptly back at Ben who caught them, chuckling.
"Both of you are jerks, you especially..." Luke pointed at Reid angrily and stalked off with Ramona out of the room.
"Reid, mate, you're in the doghouse tonight," Ben laughed, patting Reid's back. Once his laughter subsided, he realised he was still holding onto the handcuffs and making a face of disgust, he threw them at Reid who put them in his jeans pocket while Ben wiped his hands exaggeratedly on jeans.
"Benny boy, where's that hug and a kiss you promised me?" Reid asked jokingly.
"You're not serious?"
Reid scoffed, "Of course I'm not serious...you know how much I hate it..."
"It's a good thing I don't listen then," Ben grinned and wrapped his arms tightly around Reid, kissing the top of his head.
"Oh for fuck's sake, get off me Ben."
"Oh, I missed you big brother. I really, really did."
"Hey," Ben grinned as he sat next to Reid on the couch in the living room passing him a beer. Ramona and Luke were busy cooking and chatting and Ben thought this was the perfect opportunity for him to get Reid alone.
Reid glanced at him and nodded, taking the beer from his hand and frowned. He had that feeling in the pit of his stomach, just knowing that he probably wanted to do that thing he hated the most, talk.
"You look good."
"Tell me something I don't know."
"Reid, I'm trying to have a conversation with you, snarky remarks and short answers won't stop me from talking to you, so don't try it."
Reid closed his eyes and breathed in deeply readying himself for the lecture, before turning to face him, "Okay, go on, speak," he gestured with his hand.
"You're such a prat, honestly."
"Are you just going to sit here and insult me?"
"Reid, why are you being so difficult? I thought with Luke in your life now, you could've softened a little."
"If I've softened with Luke in my life then that would definitelybe a bad sign," he said chuckling softly.
"You did notjust say that," Ben said with embarrassment.
"I sure did," Reid grinned, taking a swig of his beer.
"I shall ignore what you said because just, no...I didn't want to know that. What I was tryingto say was that you look good, you look happier than I've ever seen you, Reid," he glanced to the side to see Reid playing with the sticker on the beer bottle. "I can't tell you how much it means to me that you're smiling and laughing again," he said softly.
Reid shot Ben a half smile and nodded not knowing what to say, Ben's concern and yes, his love for him was a little overwhelming. He wondered why he hadn't realised just how much support and love he did have even before Luke came into his life.
Ben knew his next question was almost irrelevant because he had followed Reid into the kitchen earlier when Luke was cooking, and watched Reid talk to Luke, whispering comforting words of apology or other things he didn't want to know about. He couldn't take his eyes off the pair of them. The way they looked at each other and the way they almost just gravitated towards each other, they just seemed perfect for each other. Even though the both of them looked more content and happy than he'd ever seen them, he still needed to know something for sure.
"Are you guys serious? Like really serious? Because I know Luke doesn't go into things half-heartedly..."
Reid's lips curled into a smile and looked Ben, "He told me he's in love with me."
Ben's eyes widened in surprise and his face broke out into a wide smile, "Wow...that is serious and so great. What about you? You told him you love him back, right? Because I think you've loved him since that first day you met."
Reid narrowed his eyes and laughed in disbelief, "Where did you get that idea?"
"I know these things, I'm just that good."
"Or you're just that delusional."
"Whatever, Reid, you haven't denied it so I'll assume I'm right. So have you told him you love him too?"
Reid opened his mouth to retort but sighed instead, tired of hiding and burying his feelings. "I told him that I was falling in love with him."
"Oh Reid, man...are you serious? You're such a sad-arse! You said that?"
"What? What's wrong with that? I was telling the truth!"
"You weren't, not really. You dolove him Reid and you should tell him that."
"Seriously Ben, who sanctioned you to give relationship advice?"
Ben lifted his left hand in front of Reid's face, flashing his wedding ring, "I'm married...I think that qualifies me to give you advice. I'm the success story here..." he smiled.
Reid rolled his eyes and brought his attention back to the beer bottle.
"I know why you haven't told Luke that you love him," he heard Ben say softly.
"And what reason must this be 'oh great one'?"
"You're scared, Reid...after what happened with Dean. You think that you're going to mess this up and somehow you making that commitment and saying those words will finalise things and you're worried you're going to hurt Luke if you can't give him what he wants or needs...when really...he just wants you and nothing else."
Reid narrowed his eyes and breathed in a little shakily. He thought that Luke was satisfied with his declaration and he wants to be with Luke, so badly. But there was always this thought in the back of his mind that he would somehow hurt Luke, and he didn't ever want to do that.
Ben knew that he was right and he knew that Reid had acknowledged the fact that he was indeed a little frightened to tell Luke something so absolute and so true.
"Reid?" Ben said, trying to get his attention.
Reid smiled wryly, "You definitely don't have the qualifications to psychoanalyse me, Benny boy."
Ben sighed, "Reid, didn't you hear anything I said?"
"I heard you Ben, I did. I just need a little time, not that I want it to be some big dramatic moment or anything, I just think Luke knows already..."
"But that doesn't mean he doesn't need to hear it. He may know it and feel it, but to hear those words said makes a difference, a small one mind you, but still significant. I'm not forcing you to tell him Reid, because only you can do that in your own time."
"I know Ben, I know that."
"Okay, good. I'm glad you found someone like Luke, I think he's good for you and you're good for him in a weird way."
Reid nodded smiling faintly, "I think so too."
"Okay, one more thing and then I promise to get out of your hair."
"Okay..."
Ben placed his hand on Reid's arm and squeezed lightly, "I'm so sorry I didn't think to ever take you to see Dean. I feel terrible that I never knew how important it was that you went there to try and get over what had happened..."
"How'd you know about that?"
"Mother." Ben said pointedly.
Reid blinked and nodded, "Ahh okay. Well firstly Ben, don't apologise. It wasn't your responsibility to take me anywhere. Even if you had thought of it and tried to take me there, I wouldn't have gone along all those years ago. It would have been the wrong time."
"So this was the right time?"
Reid shrugged his shoulders and sighed, "I think Luke was meant to take me there all along, and although I resisted and said some stupid things, it really felt like it was the right time for me to be going there and finally get the closure I needed."
"So Dr. Reid Oliver believes in fate and destiny now does he?" Ben smiled.
Reid shot Ben a half-smile back, "In my professional life, I certainly don't. The fate of the patient or whatever you want to call it is in my hands. I control what happens in that operating room but personally, I don't know. Maybe this was the way it was supposed to happen."
"Welcome to the human race, Reid. This world full of complex emotions and unanswerable questions is now in your grasp," Ben laughed, "To be honest, when mother told me that you'd gone to see Dean, I knew that it must have been Luke's idea because you wouldn't ever go willingly. Luke is a wonderful guy, Reid...you're lucky to have found him."
"Are you getting jealous Ben?"
"Hell yeah I am! Now I'm going to have to share him with you, and I know you don't share food so I wonder how you're gonna share your boyfriend." They both laughed for a few moments before Ben gripped Reid's arm a little tighter.
"I told you he wouldn't let you fall and he would understand, right?" Ben asked quietly.
Reid glanced up at Ben and smiled genuinely, "Yeah, you were right," he placed his hand on top of Ben's and squeezing lightly. "Thank you."
Ben grinned back, "You got nothing to thank me for, that's what I'm here for Reid. I got your back," he winked and cleared his throat to get rid of the lump that had formed there. "Also, I think if Luke walked in here, this situation would look even more awkward, us holding hands and sitting close to each other..."
"Oh Christ, Ben!" Reid pulled his hand away from on top of Ben's and laughed awkwardly.
"What? I'm just saying it like I see it!"
"You're seriously fucked up in that head of yours."
"No way, I'm not fucked up in any way," Ben moved close to Reid wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "This is me and you're stuck with this for the rest of your life, Reidykins."
Reid groaned out loud when Ben pressed a kiss to his forehead playfully and tried to slap his hands away but he tightened his arm around Reid instead.
"Reid, one more thing, I promise."
"What?"
"Have you thought about what's going to happen next? Once you get back?"
Reid's annoyance faded in thought and he frowned, "Umm...not really."
"Reid..." Ben sighed.
"Hey guys, I'm not interrupting anything am I?"
Reid snapped his head round to see Luke standing in the doorway. Ben ruffled Reid's hair roughly and patted his back smiling widely, "Nope, nothing. We were just mucking about."
Luke walked further inside and noticed that Reid looked slightly agitated but he looked up and smiled at him and Luke felt a little more at ease.
"Umm, well dinner is ready and Romy asked for you," Luke said to Ben.
"Okay cool, I'm going to bugger off and leave you two love birds alone," he grinned and immediately sprang to his feet, not before roughing up Reid's hair one more time and patting Luke on his back on his way out.
Luke chuckled softly and dropped down on the sofa next to Reid who was trying to fix his hair. Luke pushed his hands away and carefully fixed Reid's hair himself.
"You okay?" Luke asked concernedly, his hands smoothing down the curls on his head.
Reid exhaled and nodded, gazing into his beautiful brown eyes full of love and concern, "I'm good. I'm just hoping for a repeat performance of earlier, but this time upstairs. Maybe a little later?"
Luke ducked his head and blushed, covering his face with his hands, "That was so embarrassing, I'm sorry Reid, I-"
"Uh uh, don't apologise...it was perfect," he smiled and leaned forward kissing him deeply, his hand finding its way into his hair to keep him steady. The kiss was intoxicating and full of emotion, leaving Luke almost choked up and breathless not knowing why. He pulled away resting his forehead on Reid's. "What was that for?" he whispered.
Reid moved back an inch and let his fingers caress his cheek as his eyes travelled over his face. "Just because," he kissed him softly one more time and slapped his cheek lightly, "Come on, I'm starving," he said dragging Luke to his feet, gripping his hand tightly as they walked into the dining room.
After dinner, Ramona and Ben shared their honeymoon stories and talked for hours about inane things. Romy and Ben opened their wedding gifts which had been brought to London, Ben having more fun than Romy, ripping at the wrapping paper like a five year old on Christmas day. Luke helped Romy to take note of who sent what so that they could write their thank you cards, whilst Reid watched on in disgust at the hideous porcelain figurines some of the guests had given as presents.
"I'll give this ugly bull-dog one to Milton for his birthday," Ben declared making Reid guffaw out loud.
"What?" Reid asked when he saw Luke frown at him. "Weathercrap was a homophobic bastard! He deserves awful presents and don't you think that figurine is a true likeness of him?" Luke shook his head in defeat, pressing his lips together to stop himself from smiling and went back to taking his notes.
When Ben and Ramona found Luke's present they enfolded him in a hug. Romy had tears in her eyes and Ben thanked him profusely for such an amazing present. Reid looked on smiling as Luke took them through the book telling them enthusiastically how he'd got a hold of certain photos and how he put it all together and Ben declared Luke's present the best out of them all.
Ramona agreed but also had to put Reid's present at second place, "Thank you so much for that Reid, it was so romantic and you played the song perfectly...I couldn't have asked for a better first dance, so thank you."
Reid smiled, "It was my pleasure and it was the least I could do. I didn't want to end up giving you guys a millionth toaster or a porcelain figurine."
"Would you ever play for me, Reid?" Luke asked grinning.
"That I could do, as long it gets me out of singing Bublé."
Luke laughed and shook his head, "You're not getting out of that one mister, that is going to happen one day whether you're sober or not."
"What are you guys talking about? Reid singing Bublé?" Ben asked confusedly.
Reid glared at Luke warning him to not say anything but Luke faced Ben mouthing, 'I'll tell you later' and Ben winked back rubbing his hands together in anticipation. Reid caught the exchange and was about to say something but Luke shut him up by kissing him passionately.
"Awwww," Romy sighed, her hand over her heart.
"Control, boys...CONTROL..." Ben shouted jokingly.
By the time all the presents were opened, there was a pile of wrapping paper and boxes in the corner of the room and no one had the energy to throw them out. Both couples were sat on the sofa, Ramona in Ben's arms and Luke in Reid's as they talked. Luke filled Ben and Ramona in on how they spent their week, sparing the more intimate details, of course.
When Ben heard about the horse-riding he laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes and when he asked for photographic evidence, Luke was quick to comply and pulled out his cell phone passing it over to Ben before Reid could intercept it.
"Jesus, Luke! You said that you wouldn't."
"Oh stop moping, this is because you called me a drama queen earlier and how could I have not taken a picture of you on Blossom? The both of you were adorable."
"Blossom...Blossom? Oh my god, Reid you are such a girl!" Ben laughed harder and cooed when he saw the pictures of Reid in his helmet on the horse.
Reid pinched Luke on his side causing him to yelp in shock, "I'm going to get you for that, Mr. Snyder..."
"What if I want you to punish me Dr. Oliver?" Luke asked waggling his eyebrows.
Reid groaned inwardly knowing what Luke was asking for. He kissed Luke quickly, grabbing a hold of his hand and pulling him to his feet.
"I think we're going to get to bed, we've had a long day and Luke here owes me a massage."
Romy kissed the both of them wishing them a good night and Ben waved them off and watched as they almost ran out of the room hand in hand, the echoes of laughter filtering through the air.
"Oh my god, they're going to go and have sex right now, aren't they?" Ben asked Romy as he shuddered dramatically. Romy wrapped her arms around Ben and kissed him, giggling, "Of course they are."
"As much as I love the both of them and the fact that they're together, I don't want to know what they're doing the bedroom and I definitely don't want to hear it," Ben chuckled.
"They're madly in love, Ben. It's so nice to see them like this after everything they have been through, don't you think?"
"I know, honey, I know..." Ben said running his hand up and down Romy's back, pressing a kiss to her hair, "I'm just a little worried that they haven't thought beyond that..."