I wrote a lot today, so I decided that since I got so much done, I could be nice and share a SECOND chapter today! What can I say? What I wrote today put me in a good mood ;] 3


Kaplan's Steakhouse was a ten minute walk from Luke's hotel, a slot of time which the two men filled with idle chatter about their day. Luke was surprised when Reid actually asked him how his meeting had gone, giving Luke the chance to explain what it had been like to watch the children with the horses and how excited he was to be able to help such a great cause. Reid made only one sarcastic comment near the beginning of Luke's little monologue on the fact that he never would have taken Luke has the kind to get dirty and ride horses, but after that he'd been fairly silent, smiling pleasantly even as the blond spoke passionately about the project. Even Reid had to admire that about him. The blond went on about how he rode horses all the time back in Illinois, which was a welcomed surprise, and Reid found he didn't have much to go on in the way of teasing Luke now. Strangely, this was okay with him. Luke eventually turned the conversation around, asking Reid if he'd saved any lives today. Reid grinned and replied that he'd done two routine surgeries for accident victims, but that all in all the day was fairly boring, consisting mostly of reviewing case files and patient consultations.

By the time they arrived at the simple but elegant steakhouse it was nearly 7o'clock. Reid's comment about reservations proved to be true, much to Luke's surprise, and they bypassed the long line at the front and were seated at a small table about halfway back. Luke recognized the atmosphere as similar to the bar they'd met at the evening before. There was a classic elegance to the place but at the same time it felt relaxed. Almost everyone was in jeans and there were larger groups in the back laughing loudly, though it wasn't annoying as the entire place was on the loud side. It seemed to suit Reid, and Luke for that matter. Luke shrugged off his jacket as they sat and the waiter placed menus in front of them.

"Ever been here before?" asked Luke.

"Nope," said Reid simply, opening the menu and glancing it over. He didn't have to look up to know what kind of look Luke was giving him. "But I've always wanted to try it, save the bill part," he shrugged. Luke laughed a little, noticing that the prices were on the higher side. They weren't outrageous by any means and he suspected that Reid could afford it if he wanted to, but none of that mattered. Luke didn't mind footing the bill.

Dinner was simple, just like they were, or at least like they pretended to be. They both ordered steaks, of course, and had a long winded back and forth over which was better; well done or medium rare. In the end Luke gave up and let Reid and his well done steak claim victory, but only because Reid let him win that fresh mashed potatoes were always better than baked. Reid drank a beer while Luke ordered a soda again, which sparked Reid's curiosity and he couldn't help but ask if Luke had something against alcohol. Luke described as briefly as possible the situation behind having one kidney, and how it wasn't in the best condition after his days as a teenage drunk.

"You weren't the brightest crayon in the box as a kid were you?" said Reid. Luke frowned.

"Look, I gave you the reader's digest version. Trust me when I say there's a lot more behind it than just some bad luck and mild depression," Luke explained, feeling a bit offended. Reid held up a hand.

"Alright, alright, I get it," he said. "No sap story, please."

Luke shook his head with a mild smile. He was actually glad that Reid didn't want to hear the details, because honestly, he didn't want to share them.

"You leave tomorrow, right?" Reid asked nonchalantly as he stuffed another piece of steak into his mouth.

"Yeah. I have another meeting at 10am, then my flight leaves around three," said Luke.

"Ah," was all Reid said in reply. Luke tried to tell himself that there hadn't been any sign of disappointment in his tone, but he found himself smiling anyway.

"I'll be back in two weeks, though. More paperwork to have signed in person, photo-op, all that fun stuff," Luke said plainly. Reid looked up, trying not to look pleased.

"Is there any particular reason you felt like sharing that information?" he asked, taking another bite and trying to look neutral. Luke saw through it, though, and knew that he was glad to hear the news.

"No, not really," Luke shrugged, pushing his potatoes around on his plate. Reid watched him knowingly.

Luke was grinning, Reid was trying not to.

Before either of them could break and say something the waiter returned.

"Is there anything else I can get you gentleman tonight?" he asked. Before Reid could give an opinion, and Luke knew he had one, Luke shook his head.

"No, I think we're fine," he replied. The waiter nodded and smiled, barely, and laid down the holder with the check. Luke pulled out his wallet and put his card inside without even looking at the total. Reid raised a brow.

"What, no dessert?" asked Reid as the waiter walked away.

"No, there will be dessert, just not here," Luke grinned. Reid eyed him suspiciously but said nothing.

When they finished eating and Luke had his card safely back in his wallet the two men stood up and walked casually out of the restaurant, close enough that their shoulders nearly brushed against each other as they moved. They stepped out into the warm night streets of Dallas, the same familiar breeze rushing past them.

Reid turned to Luke.

"So why are we already leaving?" he asked. Luke put his hands in his pockets and smiled.

"Because I found a better place to get dessert," Luke replied. Reid narrowed his eyes, not quite sure he trusted what Luke was up to.

They started walking, Luke leading the way, and ended up back at Luke's hotel.

"If you're trying to lure me up to your room and seduce me with room service, I should let you know I'm not that easy," Reid said with a cheeky grin. Luke laughed and shook his head, deciding not to answer directly.

"We're not staying here," Luke said, turning toward the street. Reid followed his gaze and noticed a simple but expensive looking black car parked on the side. Luke started walking toward the car and just as he opened the back door, he turned back to Reid.

"You coming?" asked Luke. Reid gawked at him.

"You have a private car taking us to this mystery dessert place?" he asked in disbelief. "I'm a simple guy, Mr. Snyder," Reid smirked.

"Just get in the car," Luke laughed.

"Bossy?" said Reid with a wink. He listened, though, walking toward Luke and sliding into the car. Luke rolled his eyes and laugh, sliding in next to him and closing the door.