By the end of the day things were finally beginning to settle down. Noah had woken up again, giving Dr. Oliver a chance to examine him. So far, he told Noah, things looked to be improving and his recovery was encouraging so far. Still, they wouldn't know everything until further on when they had time to test his eyesight more, which was still at legally-blind status at best. This gave Noah confidence, though, like he hadn't felt in a long time.
"So when do you think I'll actually be able to make out your face?" Noah asked jokingly.
Dr. Oliver laughed. "Soon. Your eyes still have quite a bit of adjusting and healing to do before they are strong enough to witness this show-stopper," he responded and they both laughed.
"Hey, um, is Luke around?" he asked cautiously. Dr. Oliver paused.
"Yeah, he's right outside talking to Katie. Want me to bring him in?" he asked, fighting to sound nonchalant.
"Yes, definitely. But, Dr. Oliver, before you do… I want to say thank you, for everything. I know the past few months haven't been easy on you, especially with Luke. But it really means a lot to me that you stuck around, and that the two of you are trying to get along."
Again Dr. Oliver paused. "What can I say, he's starting to grow on me," he said evenly, though as he glanced out the window at Luke, he couldn't help but smile.
Later that evening when Reid checked up on Noah for a second time he entered the dark room to find Noah asleep. In the chair beside him was Luke, also sleeping soundly. This would have made Reid smile if it hadn't been for the additional sigh of Luke's fingers linked with Noah's on the bed. Reid found it impossible to shake the thought that just hours ago that same hand had been holding his own. He stood there for a moment, taking in the picture before him. For the first time he was truly struck by the notion that the man he wanted was with the wrong person. He was ashamed by the jealousy surging inside him, but he couldn't calm it. Luke suddenly stirred, turning and looking up at him with hazy eyes.
"Go back to sleep," Reid whispered, quickly exiting the room. Luke caught the frown on the doctor's face and suddenly felt very awake. Without realizing he had been holding it in the first place he released Noah's hand and stood from his seat, quietly stepping after Reid into the hallway.
"Hey," Luke smiled, still sleepy but glad to see Reid. He stepped close, but Reid surprised him by taking a step back.
"I can't do this, Luke," Reid said seriously.
"Do what?" Luke asked.
Reid frowned. "You know what. This, us, whatever the hell that even is."
Luke's smile faded at the sound of the anger in Reid's voice, feeling even more confused than before. He said nothing but Reid could see the questions in his face.
"Let's just say I was never good at sharing," Reid said harshly, crossing his arms. Luke's eyes widened, his face immediately expressing protest.
"What are you talking about?" he asked dumbly.
"Oh don't, give me that crap, you know exactly what I'm talking about," Reid said quickly, looking insulted.
"You're not seriously jealous…" Luke began, but the glare on Reid's face stopped him.
"Don't make me laugh," Reid said with an angry, forced smile. "Call me crazy, but when the guy who was holding my hand earlier in the day is suddenly found sleeping hand and hand beside his ex boyfriend, I usually take that as a sign to get out while I'm ahead," he said firmly.
Luke stared at him, baffled. "I'm trying to be there for Noah," Luke defended. Reid didn't say anything. They stood in silence, staring each other down. Reid sighed, dropping his shoulders and shifting his weight.
"I'm not going to argue over this," Reid finally said, bringing his hand to his face and pinching the bridge of his nose uneasily. Luke frowned.
"I'm not trying to argue," he said sadly.
"I know," Reid said softly, looking up at Luke with a frown of his own. "Look, I get it, I know you're torn and confused about Noah, and I'm not judging you for that, but I can't be, involved, with someone who doesn't even know if he wants me back."
-to be continued-