This is a shorter one, but it's more of a connector than anything. Still trying to perfect my attempt at faking medical knowledge for the next piece ;] which I'll hopefully have up in a few hours. Thanks so much for the positive feedback so far! It is really encouraging. 3
The simultaneous sounds of Luke's phone ringing and Reid's pager beeping on the bedside table rang through the otherwise silent room. They woke easily, the reality of what was happening hitting them hard, leaving no room for grogginess. They didn't waste time on good mornings or formalities, instead scrambling out bed and reaching for their own device, though already knowing what would be said. Luke had a new voicemail, no doubt from Bob Hughes, and sure enough, Reid's pager informed him that it was time to return to the hospital as well. They glanced at each other briefly. the smiles they had shared before were now frowns and the room that had been filled with easy laughter and sounds of pleasure was replaced by a thick silence that neither was willing to cut open. Without a word they moved quickly through the room, gathering up their things. Luke pulled on his shirt and began to button it, his back to Reid. The moment had potential, especially with Reid changing out of his jeans and into his scrubs, but neither of them was in the mood to take advantage. Luke didn't even look at Reid as he changed, instead grabbing his phone and stepping out of the room while Reid finished dressing.
When Dr. Oliver emerged from his room, clipping his ID to the collar pocket of his blue shirt, he found Luke, already with his coat on, holding his phone to his ear. He wasn't saying anything so Reid could only assume he was listening to a voicemail. He wandered to the kitchen and grabbed his keys from the table just as Luke snapped the phone shut. He didn't say anything and Reid wasn't about to press him for information. After he had his keys in hand he turned back to see Luke watching him, a petrified look on his face. Reid paused, knowing that the look was for Noah, a fact that nearly broke his heart. Still, the pain of seeing him this upset at all hurt more. He walked up to Luke and pulled him into a tight hug, which Luke responded to instantly, wrapping his arms up the back of the usually cold man who Luke now knew to be more warm hearted than most people he knew.
"I wish I was a better liar," Reid said softly. He wanted to tell Luke that it would be okay, but as the doctor in charge, and as a man who wasn't use to providing verbal comfort to begin with, he knew he would only fail if he tried. Luke grasped his meaning and nodded against Reid's shoulder.
"I'm sorry," Luke mumbled weakly. Reid pulled away, though still holding him, and glanced with agony at the wet eyes staring back. Luke noticed the confusion on Reid's face, for surely Luke should not be the one to be apologizing here, and reached up to wipe his eyes. "I still love him," he admitted, knowing it was something he just couldn't deny.
Reid didn't smile, but he didn't seem to frown either. He gently cupped Luke's face with one hand and pressed a tender kiss to his lips. He pulled back and used his thumb to clear the tears from Luke's cheek, wanting anything but to see him like this.
"I know," was all he said. They leaned in, though they only rested their foreheads together. There was no doubt that both of them wanted to stay like this, but they knew they had no choice. Allowing themselves to linger for only a moment, they forced themselves apart, taking deep breaths and recomposing themselves before exiting the apartment.
They drove separately, for one because they didn't want to cause suspicion by showing up together, and they also weren't sure when either of them would be leaving the hospital again or if that would be at the same time. They parked in different lots and didn't walk in together. Reid went immediately to Noah's room while Luke was forced to wait in the lobby for a few minutes while his parents drove over. Bob had already met him and informed him that he couldn't see Noah just yet anyway. As much as he hated waiting, he knew it was easier to do so out here than outside Noah's door, for more reason than one.