A Love Untouched (part 2) By: Nicole Marie

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with nor do I own the show Passions, James E. Reily, or the any of the characters in the show. I am merely an obsessed Shuis fan who loves to write fan fiction about the best characters on the show. So don't sue me! Just sit back and enjoy the story!

Rating: PG-13 so far. Later the story will have a different rating. I will warn you in advance if that kind of thing offends you.

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Narration: This story takes place in the not-to-distant future. Sheridan had chosen Luis over Antonio because deep down, she believed it was Luis who she loved. Luis and Sheridan had finally started to get their lives back on track, much to Beth and Antonio's dismay. But Beth and Antonio had decided to fight for the people they love instead of giving in so easily. All was going well for Sheridan and Luis until jealously and revelations caused trouble in paradise: broken hearts that could not be mended.

It is now three years later, three years that Sheridan and Luis have been separated. Sheridan decided to move on with her life and she fled to Europe with the hope that she could forget about Luis and their life together in Harmony. Luis still lives in Harmony and he has been promoted to detective. He has not had any contact with Sheridan since that night they fought. He has remained friends with Beth and has finally forgiven Antonio for everything. Him and Antonio are close now and they typically go out to the bar once a week with Beth and Hank. Luis appears to be somewhat happy but deep down, his heart still aches for Sheridan. He thinks of her day and night and wants nothing more than to be with her again. But he believes that she wants nothing to do with him. Despite this, he still attempted to search for her.but came up with nothing.

Sheridan moved around Europe for a while before deciding that she would rather live in the United States. She moved to New York and started her own advertising business with a partner, wanting to feel like she could have a whole other life without Luis. She too appears to be happy and she has convinced herself that she is. However, Luis is not someone she could just forget about. She still loves Luis, but is too afraid to feel anything for him because she doesn't want to be hurt again. She denies her feelings and hides her emotions so she won't feel any pain. She has promised herself that she will never fall for Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald again, or any other man; now she prefers to live alone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Back in Harmony * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It was a typical Friday night. Luis, Jake, (one of their good friends who secretly has a crush on Beth), Antonio, Liz, (who lives in Harmony now), Hank, Beth, and Hank's friend Maddie, (who had forgiven him for not taking her to Bermuda), were all at the Harmony bar sitting around and telling jokes to one another. Luis laughed at one of Hank's jokes and took a sip of his beer.

Maddie: My god Hank! You sure know how to tell some great jokes!

Hank: It comes with the territory.

Jake: Buddy.You're a great guy but sometimes I think you're just a little full of yourself.

Hank: Who, me? I would never act like that! I would never show off in front of you guys. (Hank said innocently as he caused more laughter to erupt from the group).

Maddie: Oh really? (She said sarcastically)

Beth: Trust me Maddie.I've known this guy for some time and he never passes up the opportunity. (Turning her head to face Luis) Right Luis?

Luis: Yup. Ever since I've known the guy.

(Hank smirked) Hank: Thanks buddy.

Antonio: So what did you guys come up with?

Jake: For what?

Liz: Don't you remember Jake? We said we were all going to take a trip together this summer?

Jake: Oh.right. I remember now.

Antonio: That's okay.we know your mind is on other things.

Jake: What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Beth: Oh come on Jake! We all caught you hitting on that blonde in the park yesterday!

Jake: Can a guy help it if he attracts attention?

Luis: Jake you are such a character.

Jake: Oh come on Luis, when's the last time you went on a real date?

Hank: Come on man.leave Luis be. He looks tired.

Luis: Thanks Hank.

Antonio: Come to think of it, you always look tired Luis. Are you okay?

Luis: I'm fine.

Liz: I don't know about that. You've been really quiet all night.

Luis: Look.it's like Hank said.I'm just really tired, okay?

Beth: Then I think that this trip will be a good thing for you Luis. (Beth said as she placed her hand on his and smiled). You really need a break from work.

Luis: I don't know.

Maddie: Come on Luis! It'll be so much fun!

Luis: Well I-

Antonio: It's settled then.we're going.

Luis: (sighing) Okay, I'll go.

Beth: Good. (she said, smilling sweetly at Luis) I thought of a place that we could go to.

Jake: It's not too expensive is it?

Beth: Nope.it's affordable.and we can stay there cheaply for two months.

Hank: Our whole summer vacation?

Maddie: Have you got anything better to do Hank?

Hank: Not if you're coming on the trip.

Maddie: (blushing) You're so sweet sometimes. And yes, I'm going on the trip.

Hank's smile was a mile wide.

Liz: So tell us Beth. What is this place?

Beth: Well, it's cool and sophisticated and it has tons of things to do. I thought we could all visit New York City!

Liz: I like it!

Antonio: Me too.

Maddie: I'm in too!

Hank: So am I.

Beth: (tuning to Luis and Jake) How about you two?

Jake: Sounds great!

Luis: Yeah, I'll go.

Beth: Great! I'll go make reservations for us!

Luis turned his head away from the rest of the group, hoping that this trip would bring his spirits up. Usually, he was able to bury himself in his work and not think about her, but lately, all of the old memories were coming back. Even after three years, he could not stop thinking about the way things had ended between them.

**flashback**

Sheridan: My God Luis! What more can I do or say! You are seriously getting on my nerves now!

Luis: Same here!

Sheridan: I just, I can't believe how thickheaded you are!

Luis: Me! No, no, no, that's you Sheridan! Now if you'd just listen to me-

Sheridan: Listen to you! Why should I do that when you don't even try to listen to me! Maybe this is all just a waste of time!

Luis: I agree Sheridan! Because I can tell you're not going to make any effort to mend our relationship!

Sheridan: Me! You're the one that's trying to control my life and expecting me to let you! If anyone's hurting our relationship, it's you Luis!

Luis: Well you're the one that is casting me aside like yesterday's newspaper! But I'm the one who has to apologize. (mockingly) I'm sorry Sheridan.

Sheridan: Shut up and save your apology! I can't handle you anymore right now! I don't know why you have to be so defensive!

Luis: Well forgive me! I honestly don't know what could have gotten into me!

Sheridan: Yeah, neither do I!

Luis: Well, let me think. Maybe it's the fact that my fiancé was shacking up with my brother the whole time I believed that she was dead!

Sheridan: Don't forget the fact that while I had amnesia my fiancé decides to get back with his former love and propose to her, even after he remembered me!

Luis: That's it.I can't take it anymore!

Sheridan: That makes two of us!

Luis walked to the closet and grabbed his coat.

Sheridan: Where are you going?

Luis: Out!

Sheridan: Good idea Officer.I'd like a few hours of peace and quiet. You know better yet, why don't you just stay out all night! Maybe you can crash at Beth's place!

Luis: Fine! I'm leaving. That will give you some time to spend alone with Brian! Maybe if I'm nice enough to you and him, you'll invite me to your wedding!

Sheridan: Don't count on it Luis! I just almost feel bad for poor Beth because she has to deal with an idiot like you!

Luis: Don't even worry about that Sheridan, I'm sure you'll be to busy making up for lost time with Antoino! Who knows, maybe you'll even decide that Antonio's not good enough for you and that you want Hank now!

Suddenly there was silence as Luis and Sheridan stared into one another's eyes one last time. Finally, the reality of the situation hit Luis as he saw the tears well up in Sheridan's eyes as he held the doorknob. He knew that that last comment was hurtful and he didn't mean for it to sound the way that it had. Sheridan cast a sad but longful gaze his way, the hurt apparent in her eyes.

Luis: Look Sheridan I-

Sheridan: Get Out.

Luis: Sheridan, I didn't mean-

Sheridan: I said get out.

**End flashback**

Luis closed his eyes and pictured her face. And her beautiful eyes, sad and hurt. The memory of them haunted him every day. He drifted off, oblivious to his surroundings, lost in his own world where only him and Sheridan existed. The noisy chatter and excited planning for the trip became a blur of voices and sounds. Only her he heard. The sound of her laughter and the gentle hum of her voice when she was singing to the baby that he and Sheridan had helped deliver at Pat's house, ( A woman they had helped deliver her baby when she had no other help). Suddenly, he was awakened from his trance when he realized that Beth was trying to talk to him.

Beth: Luis?...Luis? Are you okay? You seemed a million miles away. What were you thinking about?

Luis: Nothing.

Beth: Oh.Okay, well then let's plan our trip. (Beth smiled and linked her arm with his).

They followed the others who had just gotten up to leave the bar. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New York City * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * *

Sheridan sighed and smoothed back her long, golden blonde curls as she contemplated the problem that had been presented before her by her secretary, Trisha.

Trisha: Oh my god Miss Crane.what should we do.I-I'm so sorry that this had to come up.I'll work harder so that you don't ever have to deal with problems like this and I'll do my job better form now on and-

Sheridan: Trisha!.will you relax! It's not a big deal okay? I can handle it. Now.go and file the rest of those documents, alright?

Trisha: Okay. I'm going.

Sheridan: And Trisha?

Trisha: Yes Miss Crane?

Sheridan: Please call me Sheridan, as I've told you a thousand times.

Trisha: Yes Miss Crane-I mean Sheridan.

Trisha left the room in a hurried walk just as Sheridan's partner, Michelle, walked in the room with an amused expression on her face.

Michelle: Trisha apologizing to you again?

Sheridan: When is she not apologizing?

Michelle: (laughing) Good point.So anyway, I talked to Jeffery and he said that his friend Trevor is coming to the city this weekend and would love to go out with a girl. So.how about it Sher? We could go on a double date!

Sheridan: Michelle, I told you that I-

Michelle: I know, I know, you don't date. Sheridan, is this because of Luis? Are you still thinking about him after three years?

Sheridan: No! Of course not Michelle. I just.I'm not really in the mood to date, okay?

Michelle: Well okay. You don't have to go, but I sure am! I mean, since when do you know me to pass up a hot date with Jeff?

Sheridan: (laughing) Since when do I know you to pass up a hot date with anyone?

Michelle: (rolling her eyes) Okay, okay. I NEVER pass up a date! Well, I'll see you later okay. I'll take over at three.

Sheridan: Alright bye.

Sheridan smiled as she watched her somewhat crazy friend and partner walk out the door. Many people wondered how Michelle was the right material for running a business; she was seemingly carefree, fun, and flirtatious. But underneath all that, Sheridan knew that she was a driven, aggressive, hard- worker who would do anything to come out on top. That's why Sheridan liked her so much. She knew how to go after what she wanted and get it in the end as she had proven many times. Sheridan focused back on the piles of paperwork in front of her and got to work, stopping only to answer a number of phone calls until she heard Michelle arrive to take her place. She retreated back to her apartment and took a nap after the exhausting day.

* * * * * * * * * One month later- New York City Airport * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hank: Alright, Alright!.We're finally here and it's finally time to start our trip!

Beth: Yeah.I can't wait to take a tour around the city!

Antonio: Let's go find our hotel and unpack first.

Liz: Yeah.I don't know about all of you, but I'm so tired I could collapse.

Jake: Tired? How could you be tired when all we did was sit on a plane all day?

Luis: Come on Jake. Lay off.we're all really tired.

Jake: Speak for yourself Luis. I could stay awake and party all night.

Beth: (rolling her eyes) Let's leave the partying for other nights, Jake. Antonio's right, we should find the hotel and unpack and then get some rest.

Maddie: Yeah.let's go.

They all walked towards the conveyer belts to find their suitcases and then headed to the hotel they were staying at.

* * * * * * * * * * * The next day, in a small cafe- NYC * * * * * * * * * * * *

Michelle: So Sheridan, what do you want to do tonight?

Sheridan: I don't know. Maybe I'll just go to bed early.

Michelle: Go to bed early?! What is wrong with you? Come on.let's at least go out to eat.

Sheridan: I'd really just rather-

Michelle: Sheridan! Come on! You're going to go out for once!

Sheridan: Alright! (giving a faint smile) I know when it's pointless to argue with you.

Michelle: (giving a smug smile) Good.let's meet at that new Italian place okay?

Sheridan: Sounds good. See you later.

Sheridan picked up her purse and left the café.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Later that day- hotel-NYC * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Beth: So.what do you guys want to do tonight?

Luis: Why don't we go out to eat somewhere.

Maddie: Hey! How about that new Italian place on the corner of fifth and Madison Street?

Jake: Why not the exclusive club for adults we passed?

Beth: Jake.

Jake: Okay, okay. Well go to the nice Italian place.

Antonio and Liz went to call and make reservations while the others got ready to go out.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * Italian restaurant- 7pm-NYC * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Michelle: You see. This isn't so bad is it?

Sheridan: No, it's not that bad. But why did we have to get a seat all the way back here in the corner? I can't even see the front of the restaurant from here?

Michelle: That's what you get when you don't make reservations.

Sheridan: Yeah I guess so.

(The waiter suddenly came up to their table).

Waiter: Hello and welcome to Mario's. May I get you something to drink ladies?

Michelle: Yes.I'd like a glass of white wine please.

Sheridan: The same for me please.

Waiter: I'll be right back with your drinks.

Sheridan: So.who's next?

Michelle: (looking confused) Who's next?

Sheridan: Yeah.On your list of guys to date. Come on, I know that you're still not seeing Jeff.

Michelle: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Jeff is off the list. I can't believe what a creep that guy really is! But anyway, I've got a date lined up with Kevin tommorow tonight.he is so incredibly sexy!

Sheridan sighed and shook her head, taking a sip of their drinks that had just arrived. The waiter hurried back and took their meal orders.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Italian restaurant-7:05pm-NYC* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Luis: (while entering the restaurant) This is a nice place you guys.

Jake: Yeah.I'm so glad I picked it. It's really romantic, huh Beth?

Beth: (rolling her eyes) Whatever. Let's go get seated.

They all were seated at the front of the restaurant and began talking about their plans for the upcoming weeks. The waiter came, took their drink and meal orders, and left them back to their conversation.

Luis: I'll be right back.I'm going to go find the restroom, okay. Beth: Hurry back Luis. (Beth gave him a sweet smile)

Luis walked away from the table and went to look for the restroom. He spotted a sign on the wall, indicating that it was located in the back of the restaurant. Luis walked briskly over to the back of the restaurant, passing by a wall not more than two feet away from where Sheridan and Michelle were sitting. He went into the men's room.

Sheridan: I'll be right back Michelle.

Michelle: Where are you going? Our food should be here soon.

Sheridan: Just to the ladies room. I'll be back in a minute.

Michelle: Okay.

Sheridan left the table in search of the ladies room, which was not far away. She found it and went in. Meanwhile, not far away, Luis was in the restroom as well, splashing cold water on his face in an attempt to bring himself back to reality. Every second his mind was on her, the sound of her voice, and the color of her eyes. It was as if he could feel her presence nearby. He had always trusted his instinct when it came to Sheridan and right now he could feel her close by. 'Impossible' he thought to himself. 'She's not here Luis.she's gone from your life.forever.' He dried his face off and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He felt like only half of him was there; she was his other half. She had claimed his heart and soul and without either of those, he was only half a person. He despised this feeling because he knew that Sheridan was out of his life. He had searched endlessly for her, only to come up empty handed. What was the point in thinking about her all the time? All he was doing was making himself miserable. 'If only I had one more chance with her' he thought. 'Just one. I could make her see that we're meant to be together. I would tell her I'm sorry and that I love her and I can't live without her and-' Luis cut off his thoughts now, realizing that he'd better get back to the table before they started to wonder what was taking him so long. Luis regained his usual composure and walked out of the bathroom.

At this very same moment, Sheridan walked out of the ladies room, not looking where she was going. Since the two restrooms were right across the narrow hallway from one another, they collided. Sheridan crashed into Luis and he spun around, causing them both to fall to the ground, him on top of her. Luckily no one else was around to see them fall to the ground, gasping for air as they opened their eyes to see who it was they had fallen with. Sheridan raised her eyes at the very same moment Luis raised his to meet her. Sheridan gasped at the sight of Luis and the shock was apparent on his face. Luis: Sheridan?

Sheridan: Luis.my god.

Luis: (with love and longing in his voice) You're here.I can't believe it.

Sheridan was so surprised to see him that she could not speak. Luis raised a hand to her face and gently caressed her cheek. He ran his hands through her short blonde curls as she rested her hands on his neck, entwing her fingers in his spikey black hair. He ran his finger down her jawline and his fingers tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. Sheridan could see the love and desire in his eyes. But also the sadness that had built up over three long years. She too, felt all those things; she knew Luis could see them reflecting in her eyes. The urge to touch and kiss him was so strong that she could not resist placing her hands on his cheek and touching him softly. Like it had been before, she felt that deep ache building inside of her, the need to be with him and only him. All the feelings came back so quickly that she could not put up her guard and brush him off. She wanted him. She loved him. She needed him. These simple truths were now staring her in the face and she was powerless to fight them. Luis lowered his eyes from her eyes to her lips. Just as he started to lower his head to towards hers, she got control of herself. Remembering where they were, both the restaurant and the situation, she pushed Luis back and stood up. Luis looked confused, but he stood up and regarded her, the questions evident in his eyes.

Luis: Sheridan I-

Sheridan: Don't Luis.don't say anything. (incorporating the usual coldness back into her tone) Just go and leave me be.

Luis: Leave you be! Are you crazy! After all the time we've been apart, all the time that I have searched for you and longed for you, the only thing you can say to me is 'Leave me be?!' Never Sheridan! I'm never letting you go again!

Sheridan: Luis, things are over between us, you know that.

Luis: No Sheridan! I don't know that.I don't understand. We had a single fight and then you leave me, and Harmony for that matter, without so much as a word as to your whereabouts. (in a desperate tone) Sheridan, why did you leave? Why didn't you give us a chance? We could have worked through our problems. Did you not love me enough to care? Why did you just leave?

Sheridan: It doesn't matter now.

Luis: It doesn't matter?! The hell it does! I wanted to marry you! We were supposed to spend the rest of our lives together, not to let one argument separate us for eternity! And I still want this. Sheridan I love you and I want to be with you! Now please.tell me why you left.

Sheridan: (stubbornly) No Luis. I told you, it doesn't matter now. I have a new life here, a life that doesn't include you! I don't need you or any other man complicating things in my life!

Luis: My God, is that what this is all about? You don't need a man?!

Sheridan: Luis, this is none of your bus-

Luis: Oh come off it Sheridan! Why don't you tell me the real reason you left! Come on, say it.You're in love with Antonio, my goddamn brother!

Sheridan: Are you crazy! That's not it at all! Maybe you're just saying that so you can get rid of your guilty conscience! It must be guilty after all those long nights with Beth!

Luis: There you go.twisting things around as usual!

Sheridan: Twisting things around?! I-

Luis: You know what, this is ridiculous! Why waste our time arguing about Beth and Antonio?

Sheridan: Well, that's what started this!

Luis: I know that. But Sheridan, I don't love Beth. I never did. (the love and truth apparent in his voice) And I never wanted to be with another woman like I want to be with you.

Sheridan: Well I never cared for Antonio the way I cared for you either. (softly) I loved you Luis.

Luis: Loved?

Sheridan: Luis don't-

Luis: Don't what?! Question the woman who I thought loved me more than anything if she still loves me now?

Sheridan was silent as she stared at the ground. Luis: (sighing) Look. I'm sorry Sheridan. I didn't mean to be such jerk. It's just that I've missed you so much and I have waited three long years to see you again.

Sheridan: I see where you're going with this, and you'd better stop right now.

Luis: Stop? But I-

Sheridan: Please.Luis.

Luis: Okay, but just for a minute. I just want the truth here Sheridan. Do you still love my brother?

Sheridan: No Luis.not in the way that you're thinking. I love him like a brother, a best friend. Nothing more.

Luis: (relieved) Okay.Did you ever love him more than me? Where you with him, even after you came back to me? Because I swear to you that I was never with Beth again and I broke things off with her as soon as I found out that you were alive.

Sheridan: Why all the ques-

Luis: Please. Just answer me.

Sheridan: Okay. The answer to you're question is No. I never loved him more than you and I never went to him after I found you again.

Luis: I believe you Sher.

Sheridan: (softly) I believe you too.

Luis looked into Sheridan's eyes, getting lost in their depths. She stared back at him and for a moment, they were the only two people on the earth. Just them. The way Luis looked at Sheridan made her heart melt as shivers ran up and down her spine. Luis felt this too and moved closer and closer to Sheridan until.a waiter dropped a tray, breaking the spell and the magic between them.

Luis: Umm, okay. Well now that we've got those problems squared away for now, please tell me, why did you leave me Sheridan?

Sheridan: (Regaining the control she had nearly lost a minute ago) It's not important now. Things have changed Luis. I've made promises to myself that I intend to keep.

Luis: Like what?

Sheridan: It doesn't concern you.

Luis: Like hell.

Sheridan: It's not something you would want to hear.

Luis: Why? Did you promise yourself to not get involved with someone like me? Someone from the wrong side of the tracks?!

Sheridan: Don't be ridiculous!

Luis: Am I being that? Answer me, what promises did you make to yourself?

Sheridan: For starters, not telling you a damn thing!

Luis: Here you go again, screaming at me for no reason.

Sheridan: For no reason?!

Luis: (arrogantly) You know, sometimes it is really hard to deal with certain people!

Sheridan: (with venom in her voice) I couldn't agree with you more officer.

Luis: You know what. I just figured something out.

Sheridan: (angrily) And what's that?

Luis: I think you left me for a reason that you haven't mentioned.

Sheridan: What do you mean?

Luis: You're afraid to be with me Sheridan. I KNOW that you have strong feelings for me. Feelings that you're afraid of.

Sheridan: That is not true Luis!

Luis: Oh really? Then go on, why don't you tell me the real reason that you left.

Sheridan: It's not important Luis. Things are over between us.

Luis: (in an angry yet cocky tone) Hardly.

Sheridan: Oh! You and your ego can go and take a hike.

Luis: This is not my ego speaking Sheridan!.(softer) it's my heart. I love you and I know you love me too. Now, it's going to be hard for me, but I'm willing to forget the fact that you left three years ago. I want us to get back together Sheridan, to be happy. You are the most wonderful woman I've ever met. You're beautiful, on the inside and the outside, tender, loving, caring, and special. I want to be with you. I need to be with you. We belong together but we can't get back together until you're honest with me and honest with yourself. Tell me Sheridan. Tell me the truth. Tell me that you love me and that you want to be with me.

Sheridan almost cried at Luis's tender words. The cold front she had put up had vanished and she was vulnerable to him. Her heart screamed that yes, she did love him, more than he'd ever know. But her fears were still there and she could not go back. She had promised herself that she could survive alone. She had said that she didn't need anyone and she intended to keep her promise. She would not be hurt again, would not feel the pain of a relationship again. She was fighting a battle with her head and her heart. For a minute, her heart took over when she looked into those deep chestnut brown eyes she loved so much. She saw his love, felt his love and longed to show him hers.

Sheridan: I-I-I can't.I'm sorry. (starting to break into tears) Please forgive me.But I can't say it. I can't say the words you long to hear and I can't be with you. I-I have to go now. (The tears streaming down her face, Sheridan clutched her purse and ran back to her dinner table). She ran back to Michelle, told her the situation and Luis watched the two leave. Luis let her go.for now. But he promised himself that this wasn't over. Now he knew that she still loved him and wanted to be with him. He had seen the love in her eyes and had felt it as well. Out loud to no one in particular, Luis spoke to himself.

Luis: ( in a determined voice) This is far from over Sheridan. We are meant to be and I know you know it to. I'm not going to let you let your fears ruin what we have. You'll be mine again. If I have to spend the rest of my life fighting for you, I'll do it. I'll fight to the death.

With these words, Luis left to go back to the table, making his apologizes and saying that he had to make a phone call. He pretended to be involved in the rest of the conversation, saying nothing about his encounter with Sheridan. He didn't want anyone or anything coming between them, ruining their chances. While the others talked, Luis formulated a plan to win his love back. If he couldn't win her back with words, then he would try another method. Action. He would make her face her feelings. She was living in the city and he had time to find her and make her his. Luis envisioned the way their lives together would be. He smiled to himself and thought, 'tomorrow will be a good day.' He was determined to make it the beginning of the rest of his life, the way it should be, with his true love, Sheridan.

To be continued.