Chapter 7 / Epilogue

Reid slowly walked down the corridor of the Shriner's Hospital for Children. He'd only been on staff for a few months, but so far everything seemed to be going well. He had to respect the Hospital's dedication and commitment to helping underprivileged children with debilitating handicaps. To his surprise, he discovered working with these kids was more rewarding than any work he'd ever done. Their positive outlook on life, despite their physical disadvantages, simply amazed him. He found himself showing a new appreciation for things, he'd always taken for granted, such as the ability to simply walk without aid or physical discomfort.

Unfortunately the neurological center needed an extreme over-haul. The equipment was older than he liked and the staff needed more training. The center also didn't have any extra rooms for family to stay over with the kids. Something Reid wanted to change. He also wanted the kids to have special rooms, such as play rooms and media rooms with computers and video games. He wanted to introduce new forms of mental therapy, such as field trips and horseback rides. So Reid took the initiative, spending all his extra hours drawing up a proposal for a renovated neurological center, with the most advance technology and staff.

His proposal was well received by the Board of Directors, but unfortunately the hospital simply didn't have the extra funds. They would need more than a donation; this would have to be an investment. The Hospital decided to shop around, looking for charitable organizations willing to make the investment. Fortunately, it didn't take long to find a potential investor.

The potential investor had been at the hospital all day, meeting with members of the board and the Chief of Staff. Reid tried his best to avoid the meetings. He had no desire to be paraded around in yet another dog & pony show, so made up excuses as to why he couldn't be available. The Bigwigs could deal with it; that's what they were there for. But his new Chief of Staff, Dr. Winters, insisted he meet the potential investor by the end of the day. No excuses. So Reid purposely chose to arrive at his Chief's office late, hoping all the corporate talk was over with.

Reid quietly opened the door to the Chief's office and peered inside. Dr. Winter's sat at his desk, speaking to the potential investor. The Doctor glanced up and stopped whatever he was saying when he noticed Reid. "Finally, Doctor. Come in."

"Sorry to keep you waiting, I got caught up with a patient." Reid smoothly explained as he stepped inside the room.

Dr. Winters stood and came from behind his desk. "Dr. Ryan Strickland, I'd like you to meet Mr. Snyder, CEO of the Luke Snyder Foundation."

Luke turned in his chair and stood. "Oh yes, the brilliant neurosurgeon you've told me so much about." He held out his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Reid just stared at him, stunned, until Dr. Winters gave him a subtle nudge. Shaking himself, Reid took Luke's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you too."

Dr. Winters clapped Reid on the back. "Dr. Strickland has only been with us a few months, but we're lucky to have him on our staff. I can honestly tell you, I've never seen a neurosurgeon with his skills. And his proposal for the renovated center is quite remarkable."

"I agree," Luke said, "I've gone over your proposal a couple of times. Very impressive, Dr. Strickland."

"Thank you, Mr. Snyder." Reid coolly replied. "I look forward to running my ideas by you. Perhaps you have a few minutes now? I can take you to my office and show you another outline I've been working on."

"That would be great."

"Excellent," The Chief smiled. "I'm sure you'll be very impressed. Lets go."

"I'd rather speak to Mr. Snyder alone." Reid told his chief.

"That's fine with me." Luke said. "I'd like to hear Dr. Strickland's proposal in his own words, instead of from other people."

The Chief hesitated. "If you wish." He went to Luke and steered him away from Reid, speaking in a hushed tone. "Just so you know, Dr. Strickland can sometimes comes across as a little… abrupt. Please don't take it personal. He really is brilliant Doctor."

Luke tried not to smile. "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind."

Reid opened the door, giving Luke a polite smile. "If you're ready, Mr. Snyder."

"If you have any questions or concerns," Dr. Winters told Luke, "please don't hesitate to talk to me about them."

"Thank you Dr. Winters." Luke shook the Chief's hand then walked out the door.

"My office is this way." Reid said.

Luke walked next to Reid, without saying anything until he entered the office. "I see you're already making a reputation for yourself. Good to know some things never change."

"Is that a surprise?" Reid locked his door. "Now Mr. Snyder, would you mind telling me what hell you are doing here?"

"I thought that was already covered?" Luke said. "The Foundation is going to be investing—"

"You know what I mean," Reid interrupted, "After everything that's happened, are you out of your fucking mind!'

"Why are you always asking me that?"

"I have good reason."

"Well rest assured, I'm not out of my fucking mind." Luke smiled. "As a matter of fact, I'm in a great frame of mind. I'm really looking forward to this new project."

"Pick another project." Reid said. "Because whatever you're thinking, it's not going to happen. I can't be around you and put your life in danger again."

"My life is not in danger, Reid," Luke firmly assured, "And neither is yours. Everything is okay."

"Okay?" Reid was flabbergasted. "You were almost murdered because of me."

"Those guys weren't trying to kill me because of you." Luke said. "They were trying to extort money from my multi-million dollar Foundation."

"I know what the official report says." Reid replied. "But we both know that's not true."

"Nobody else knows," Luke said, "That's all that matters."

"Have you forgotten about the Thorne Family?" Reid asked. "Despite what they say, they know what really happened."

Luke sat in a chair, making himself comfortable. "The Thorne family has made it public that this 'cousin' of theirs was ostracized a long time ago, due to his criminal tendencies. They claim, they had no knowledge of his intentions."

"That's bull-shit."

"Maybe so, but they're off our backs for good." Luke said. "Agent Michael's contacted me himself. According to his informant, the last thing this family wants is to be associated with a plot to rob and murder the CEO of such a charitable, respected organization. Especially now that my Grandmother Lucinda is on their backs. She has friends in much higher places than they do. And I suspect much shadier places too. Whether or not you're alive is the least of their concerns."

"Do you honestly believe they'll dropped this because of your Grandmother?" Reid asked.

Luke just smiled. "It's too bad you never got the chance to know my Grandmother. If you had, you wouldn't even question. Trust me, the entire family is facing her wrath. All they want to do is disappear, and by the time my Grandmother is done, they'll probably get their wish."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"It's probably best neither one of us know."

Reid sat on the edge of his desk, letting it all sink in. He'd also received a call from Agent Michaels; however, Luke's Grandmother was something he hadn't heard about. It wasn't hard for him to believe the woman was powerful. It was due to her, he was granted the emergency hearing with the Texas Review Licensing Board.

Someone began to knock on the door. "Go away, I'm in a meeting." Reid impatiently snapped.

"Dr. Winters wants me to see if Mr. Snyder needs anything." A nurse said from the other side.

"You mean he wants you to check up on me and make sure I'm not scaring away the potential investor." Reid corrected, annoyed.

Luke rolled his eyes. "Could you at least open the door and tell her everything is fine."

Grumbling, Reid reluctantly went to the door and opened it. "Everything is fine. You can go back and make your report."

The nurse peered inside and Luke smiled at her. "Thank you for checking on me, I don't need anything right now."

She smiled. "Okay, but if you do— "

"He'll let you know." Reid abruptly closed the door.

Luke shook his head. "What happened to all the 'people skills' training?"

"I guess Dr. Strickland never got around to that." Reid snapped. "Look, I'm sorry, but you've completely caught me off guard here. What do you expect me to do?"

"I'm not really sure." Luke said. "I guess I thought, you might be a little happy to see me."

"It's not that…" Reid sighed, "You need to understand, you're in St. Louis talking to Dr. Ryan Strickland. Dr. Reid Oliver is dead. Nothing is going to change that."

"I understand." Luke said carefully. "And I know exactly who I'm talking too."

"Good." Reid didn't know what else to say. Luke was the last person in the world he ever expected to see again. He noted, Luke looked healthy. He could tell through the designer suit, his weight was back to normal. His bangs were as long and golden as ever, a loose lock hanging in his soft brown eyes. He looked so fucking good. Reid shook the thoughts out of his head; this was the last thing he needed to be thinking about. "So how long are you here?"

"A week, but this won't be my last trip." Luke answered. "I could really use somebody to show me around the city. An attractive young Doctor perhaps?"

"I'm sure I can hook you up with Dr. Michelle Slater," Reid offered, "She's lived here her entire life. She showed me around."

Luke pretended to consider the offer. "Nah, I think a neurosurgeon might be better to have around. You never know, I could get hit on the head by a falling brick."

"Are you sure that hasn't already happened?" Reid dryly replied. "Because this is… I don't even know what this is."

"It's me doing what I've always done," Luke said, "Trying to help others. And your ideas are brilliant. Think of what we can do? I can even provide ships so the kids can go on cruises."

Reid thought for a second. "That's actually not a bad idea."

Luke smiled. "And just because I'm here on Foundation business, doesn't mean I can't mix business with pleasure. So if that attractive neurosurgeon happens to asked me out to dinner…"

"I'm not sure that's a good idea." Reid said.

"Okay, then I'll ask him out."

"That's not a good idea either."

Luke lost his smile. "Look, I know I caught you off guard, but I really think we should talk. I—"

The door opened and Dr. Winters stuck his head inside. "Mr. Snyder, forgive me for interrupting, but one of the board members would like to have a word with you before you leave."

"Of course." Luke forced a smile. "I'll be right there."

Dr. Winters glanced at Reid, but seemed relieved the Doctor was behaving himself. He closed the door.

"I guess I'd better go." Luke stood. "Will you come see me this evening? I'm staying downtown at the Gateway Hotel."

"I don't know," Reid looked at his watch, "I usually end up working late."

"I understand." Luke said quietly. Reid could clearly hear the disappointment in his voice.

Luke cleared his throat. "Well, if you have some extra time, that's where I'll be. Just ask for me at the front desk. I'll leave them your name."

"Okay." Reid simply replied.

Luke walked to the door then stopped. He pulled a black Knight chess piece out of his pocket and sat it on Reid's desk. "It's your move." He left the office.

Reid picked up the chess piece and sighed. Just when he was starting to move on and adjust to his new life…

(Later)

Luke finished combing his freshly blow-dried hair then studied his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He took a few steps back, making sure the rest of him looked okay. "What are you doing?" Luke asked his reflection, feeling a little ridiculous. It's not like he was going out for a night on the town. He actually didn't have any plans for the evening. But still, he hoped more than anything that might change.

He returned to the living room and looked out the large picture windows. He was on the top floor of the Gateway Hotel in a luxury suite, with an amazing view of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River. The sun had already set and the city lights twinkled in the night sky. As much as he loved Oakdale, Oakdale never gave him views like this. He could definitely get used to it.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Luke quickly smoothed down his blue long-sleeved shirt, Reid's favorite, then went to the door and opened it.

"Good Evening, Mr. Snyder." A front desk clerk greeted. "I have an envelope for you. It was left at the front desk."

"Oh," Luke took the envelope, noticing it was from the Shriner's Hospital. "Who delivered it?"

"It was delivered by courier."

"Thank you." Luke gave the man a tip then remained in the doorway, quickly tearing the envelope open. Maybe it was something from Reid. However all he saw inside were documents, relating to the neurology project. There was also a note from Dr. Winters, asking if he would look over the papers and sign them.

Luke leaned against the doorframe and sighed. So much for that. Apparently this was how he was going to spend the evening. He couldn't help but feel disappointed and maybe even a little hurt. Maybe he shouldn't be, but he couldn't help it.

"What are you doing?" Reid asked, walking over.

Luke looked over, surprised. He didn't even notice Reid. "Where did you come from?"

"I just got off the elevator." Reid said. "Is there some reason you're standing in the doorway?"

"I just got a delivery from the hospital." Luke answered. "Dr. Winters wants me to sign some things."

Reid nodded. "I guess I could have brought them over myself, but I didn't exactly mention I was coming to see you."

Luke only smiled. Reid wore dark jeans, a casual black shirt and his black leather jacket. Once again he was clean-shaven; he looked so incredibly handsome.

Reid raised his eyebrows, waiting. "May I come in?"

"Oh, yes, sorry." Luke stood aside allowing the doctor to enter. As Reid passed him, he couldn't help but notice the scent of his intoxicating after-shave.

"Damn! This is where you're staying?" Reid looked around, impressed. The suite looked more like a loft. Everything was stylish and obviously expensive; from the black leather furniture in the living room to the stainless steel appliances and black marble counter tops in the kitchen. "How pretentious."

Luke cocked his head to the side. "It's not pretentious, it's necessary."

"This is a necessity?"

"These are the only rooms that have a fax machine and copier." Luke explained. "I need them for business. That's why I'm here, after all."

"Right." Reid walked over to the windows. "That's some view."

Luke went to stand beside him. "Have you ever been inside the Arch?"

"No, I've been working." Reid said.

"Do you ever do anything outside of work?"

"Not really."

"Oh. Well, do you want something to drink?" Luke offered.

"What do you have?"

"Soda and water." Luke answered. "I can have them bring up some beer. For you." He quickly added, seeing Reid's frown. "I don't drink anymore. I haven't drank since that night."

"So this is what?" Reid cynically asked, "The third or fourth time you've stopped drinking?"

Luke lowered his eyes and flushed, and Reid could have kicked himself. He knew he was the reason behind Luke's latest bouts of drinking. "That's not what I meant to say."

"It's okay. You're only telling the truth." Luke said. "I've gone to a few AA meetings."

"You have?"

Luke nodded. "I've never done that before. I've never considered myself an alcoholic. I mean, it's not like I drink all the time. At least not since I was a teenager. I used to drink so much back then. But I realize that doesn't mean I don't have a problem. I thought as I got older I was more in control, but that was never really the case. Anytime things got difficult the only way I knew how to cope was by going on a drinking binge. And obviously drinking never fixes anything, but it helps. And I know how stupid that sounds, because it really doesn't help, but… it does. I guess that proves how messed up I am."

"You're not messed up." Reid replied.

Luke shrugged. "The meetings have been… enlightening. I'm going to keep going."

"That's good." Reid complimented. "You should be proud of yourself."

Luke snorted, amused. "Why? Because I'm a drunk who doesn't know how to control his liquor?"

Reid smiled. "No, because you're making an effort to help yourself. That's not an easy thing to do."

Luke smiled. "I'm glad you're here."

Reid shrugged. "I managed to get off at a decent time."

"Have you ate?" Luke asked. "I can order some dinner. Then we can talk."

"I don't know what to say to you, Luke." Reid said. "I don't know what we need to talk about other than the hospital project."

"Then why are you here?" Luke asked. "Because we can obviously talk about that at the hospital."

Reid hesitated. Like an idiot, he hadn't come up with an excuse. "Good question."

Lowering his head, Luke scratched below his ear. "Have your… have your feelings for me changed?"

Reid was quiet for a moment. "No…and that's the problem."

"Why?" Luke asked. "I love you and you love me. Why is that a problem?"

"Because maybe we shouldn't keep doing this."

"Doing what?" Luke snapped, frustrated.

Reid sighed. "I can't keep allowing myself to love you and want to be with you, when it's become pretty damn obvious we're not meant to be together. Look at our history. Every time we try we fail! Whether it's because of an ex-boyfriend, hospital politics, a fucking train wreck, or the fact that you were almost murdered when I tried to see you again. I don't believe in fate, but if I did, it's telling us something."

"Well I believe it faith." Luke said. "And you know what it tells me? That we are meant to be together. Yes, we've been through a lot of shit, but we always find our way back. That has to mean something. Hell, not even death has derailed us, because here we are again."

Reid snorted, amused. "Not even death has derailed us? Was that suppose to be a clever train pun?"

Luke cringed. "That just slipped out. There was absolutely no pun intended."

Reid smiled. "Good, because it would have been a bad one."

Luke returned his smile. "We can make this work."

"How?" Reid asked. "You're only here a week. What are you going to do; fly into town once or twice a year? I don't do long distance."

"What do you think of this place?" Luke asked, unexpectedly.

Reid frowned. "Honestly, I don't care. What does that have to do with anything?"

"Because it's mine."

"Come again?"

"I'm going to be here longer than a week." Luke explained. "I'm going to sign a lease. And before you say anything, don't presume this is all about you. My foundation work has always been important to me. And I'm really excited about this partnership with the Shriner's Hospital. Adding them to my list is something I should have done a long time ago. This is going to be my biggest project and it's going to keep me busy. So since I'm going to be in St. Louis so much, it only makes sense to rent a place instead of constantly booking hotels."

"How does this make sense?" Reid asked. "Did you forget your Foundation headquarters is in Oakdale? What about Grimaldi Shipping? Your family?"

"I can see my family anytime." Luke said. "The Grimaldi jet is mine to use whenever I want. And the shipping company basically runs itself. I've never had to do much; the executives who've been there for years keep it running. As far as my Foundation goes, I've appointed my Mom Executive Director again. She loves the job. I'll fly back to the office for important meetings and anything else major. Other than that, I can run the Foundation from here."

"You've thought of everything, haven't you." Reid looked around again. "This place is definitely different from your Mom's house."

"That's why I like it." Luke said. "Honestly, I've never shared my parent's taste in decor. I've always liked a more contemporary and modern style. I've just never had the opportunity to have that until now."

"You can always get an apartment in Oakdale and fly to St. Louis instead." Reid pointed out. "Why go to the trouble of moving here?"

Luke slowly shook his head. "For a brain surgeon, you just don't get it, do you? You'll never be able to be with me in Oakdale. We both know that. But there's nothing in the world that says I can't be with you in St. Louis."

Reid didn't say anything.

"I don't know if Dr. Winters mentioned this," Luke continued, "but I never contacted the Shriner's Hospital. They contacted me. They could have called any charity organization in the world, but they called mine. And they called me in regards to a project you're working on. This is why I believe in faith. So are you still going to tell me, we weren't meant to be together?"

"This wouldn't be a real relationship, Luke." Reid said quietly. "You would always have to pretend I'm someone else. You could never call me by my real name in public. And won't your family think it's strange when they find out you're seeing someone, but they'll never be able to meet me?"

"I don't care." Luke said. "I'd rather be with you in secret for the rest of my life than be without you."

Reid turned and stared out the window for the longest time. Luke followed Reid's gaze and realized, Reid was focused on a building far off in the distance. "What are you thinking?" Luke finally had to ask.

"I think signing a lease is a bad idea." Reid replied.

"It's my decision." Luke said.

"It's a bad one." Reid turned away from the window. "I need to go. There's something I have to do." He headed for the door.

"Can't you do it later?" Luke followed him. "Aren't we going to talk about this more?"

"We will." Reid opened the door.

"Wait!" Luke grabbed Reid's arm. "Please don't go."

Reid paused. "Just give me a little time. I'll come back."

Luke released Reid's arm, unable to believe the Doctor was actually going leave. But that's exactly what Reid did. Luke watched him walk down the hall, then closed the door and leaned his forehead against it. Why did I ever come here?

An hour later, Luke sat at the bar of the hotel lounge, dully stirring his drink with his straw. St. Louis was a mistake; he realized that now. He didn't know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't Reid walking out on him.

He noticed three girls sitting at the other end of the bar, giggling and occasionally looking in his direction. Luke ignored them. Everyone in the bar seemed to be having a good time, except him. Maybe he should go back upstairs. After all, he had documents to look over.

"You're staring into that drink kind of hard." A pretty brunette commented, as she slid into the barstool next to him.

Luke looked at her. He didn't notice her approach, but realized she was part of the giggling trio. "I guess."

She gave him a flirtatious smile. "Can I buy you another?"

"I'm gay." Luke bluntly informed.

She blinked. "What?"

"Why beat around the bush?" Luke shrugged. "But thanks for the offer."

"Oh, sure." She politely smiled. "Well, have a good night."

"You too."

The brunette returned to her friends. "You knew he was too cute to be true," he over-heard one of them say.

Luke propped his head on his hand. At least someone appreciated the time he'd wasted trying to look decent. However, he sighed when another person slid into the same barstool. "I'm saving that for someone."

"No you're not." Reid said.

Luke raised his head, surprised.

"You know how I know that's a lie." Reid continued. "Because nobody you know in this town would ever drink with you. Except maybe me."

"That's because you're the only person I know." Luke returned. "And you're wrong. See that girl?" He pointed to the brunette. "She was going to buy me a drink."

"How nice." Reid picked up Luke's glass. "What's this?"

"Soda."

Reid took a drink.

"You don't believe me?"

"No, just thirsty." Reid sat the glass down. "So what are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" Luke asked. "I thought you had more important things to do."

"I did and now I'm done." Reid said. "I told you, I'd come back."

"I didn't except you to come back tonight." Luke returned to stirring his drink. "Especially after the way you left."

"Sorry about that." Reid said. "It's hard to explain, but… I want you to go somewhere with me."

"Now?"

Reid nodded.

Luke shook his head. "I'm really not in the mood to go anywhere with you."

"It won't take long." Reid said. "Please."

Luke sighed. "Where?"

"Just come on." Reid took Luke's arm, dragged him off the stool and out of the bar. A few minutes later they were driving in Reid's car.

"Where are we going?" Luke asked.

"It's a surprise." Reid glanced at Luke who gazed out the window, disinterested. "Maybe it's a surprise. It all depends on what you think."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"You'll see."

They eventually drove to a building and Luke realized it was the same building Reid had been gazing at from the hotel suite. Reid drove to the garage entrance and hit the automatic door opener attached to his visor.

Luke looked at Reid. "You live here?"

"I've got an apartment on the fifteenth floor." Reid answered. "I want you to see it. Is that okay?"

"I guess." Luke shrugged, although he was truly curious to see where the Doctor lived.

They rode up the elevator in silence, and Luke suddenly remembered the time him and Reid got stuck in the elevator at the Lakeview. For some reason, that didn't seem nearly as weird as things did now. Then again, their relationship was strictly professional at the time.

The elevator dinged and stopped. They got off and passed a couple of apartment doors before stopping at Reid's. "Here we are." Reid unlocked the door and held it open.

Luke walked inside, through a clean open-concept kitchen and into a big living room. Or maybe it just seemed big, due to the lack of furniture. A sofa sat on one wall with a coffee table in front of it. Across the room was a small TV stand with a flat screen. That was it. Even the walls were completely bare.

"Did you just get this place?" Luke asked.

"I've had it since I've lived here." Reid said. "I really need furniture, I just haven't had time to buy anything. I've been busy."

Luke walked over to the window. "You have a nice view. I can see the Arch."

"It doesn't look nearly as close as it did from your suite." Reid said. "But it works. This is a two-bedroom apartment. It's got a good sized bathroom and a washer and dryer."

"That's cool." Luke absently replied. "Why do you need a two-bedroom?"

Reid shrugged. "I figured I could use it as an office or something."

Luke nodded. "This is a cool place."

"You can be honest." Reid said. "I know it doesn't seem like much compared to what you're accustomed too."

Luke looked at him. "And what am I accustomed too?"

"You're used to a higher standard."

"Right," Luke snorted, "Just the other day, I was helping my Dad muck out the stables. That's high class, let me tell you."

Reid smiled. "Then you jumped on your private jet and flew to the city."

"Incase you forgot, I've spent part of my life living on a farm." Luke reminded him. "Just because I have money, doesn't mean I have to live in a mansion. If I wanted one, I'd get one."

Reid had to roll his eyes. Luke made it sound so casual, like anybody could just up and buy a mansion whenever they felt like it. Still, he knew Luke was telling the truth. Luke had never flaunted his money; instead he used it to help others. "So do you like the apartment?"

"I do." Luke said. "Maybe you could hang up a picture or two, but other than that, it's great. Really good size."

"I was hoping you could help me pick out some stuff." Reid said. "We basically have the same taste, I'd leave it up to you."

Luke frowned. "Is that why you brought me here? So I could help you decorate?"

"Not necessarily." Reid stuck his hands in his pockets. "But I thought if you did decorate, you'd feel comfortable being here. Like it was your place too."

"What are you talking about?"

"I want you to live me."

"You what?" Luke just stared at Reid. "I thought you wanted me to go back to Oakdale?"

"I never said that." Reid corrected. "I said you shouldn't sign a lease for that suite, and you shouldn't. There's no sense in doing that when I already have an apartment. And look…" Reid led Luke into an empty bedroom. "This could be your office."

Luke studied it for a moment. "Where's your room?"

"Over there." Reid pointed to another door down the hall.

Luke went inside the bedroom and wasn't surprised to see it was as bare as the living room. Nothing except a chest of drawers and a bed. A cardboard box sat next to the bed as a makeshift table. "You weren't kidding when you said you haven't had time to buy anything."

"Are you going to help me?" Reid asked.

Luke went over to the cardboard box. A small lamp, an alarm clock, and the black Knight chess piece sat on top of it. Luke picked up the Knight. "You have no idea what I'd be like to live with. I'm not good with hanging up my cloths. They usually end up on the floor or on the bed."

"I'm not good with putting away food or doing dishes." Reid admitted. "The kitchen is usually a disaster. I cleaned it before bringing you here."

Luke looked at Reid. "Is that why you left earlier? You wanted to clean the kitchen?"

Reid shrugged. "It's the first thing you see when you walk in. I thought it'd be easier to sell you on the place if it were clean. And maybe I also needed a little time to think."

Luke sat the Knight back on the box. "So you admit, you have doubts about this."

"Not for the reasons you think." Reid said. "I know what I want. What I've always wanted, practically since the day we met. But you're the one making all the sacrifices. You're the one giving up your home."

"Moving from Oakdale isn't a sacrifice," Luke went over to Reid, "Don't get me wrong, Podunk was a wonderful place to grow up and I'll always love it, but I never actually pictured spending the rest of my life there. I'm ready to start a new chapter in my life. And want to do it with you."

Reid brought his hand to Luke's face, caressing his cheek. "I guess it worries me to think, one day you'll wake up and decide it's not worth it. And you'll want to go home."

Luke softly smiled, suddenly understanding Reid's fear. Never in his life, had the Doctor so willingly and completely given himself to anyone. Reid was the one making the sacrifice. Luke covered Reid's hand with his own. "I am home."

Later that night, they returned to the suite. "It won't take me long to pack," Luke promised as he hurried into the bedroom.

Reid followed him. "Need help?"

"I've got it." Luke placed his suitcase on the bed, opened it and ran to the closet. "I'll only be a few minutes.

"Take your time." Reid went into the living room and flopped on the couch, sinking into the plush cushions. "Damn, this is nice. Didn't you already pay for a full week?"

"I can get my money back." Luke replied from the bedroom.

"Yeah, but the office isn't set up at the apartment yet." Reid reminded. "And you made it clear, the only reason you needed this mini-mansion was for the fax machine and copier."

"We'll go to Office Depot tomorrow." Luke said. "And Pier-1 Imports. Oh, and Bed Bath & Beyond!"

Reid smiled, hearing the excitement in Luke's voice. To be honest, he was looking forward to it too. "But what's the rush? Why do we have to start all this tomorrow?"

Luke came out of the bedroom, his brow furrowed. "Are you having second thoughts about us living together?"

"No, you idiot."

"Then why not?" Luke asked. "There's so much stuff we need. The only thing in that apartment is a toothbrush and junk food."

"All the essentials." Reid said. "But why don't we do all that later. It wouldn't hurt to spend a night or two here. I don't get to enjoy accommodations like this that often. Plus I bet there's a pretty nice sized jacuzzi."

"There is." Luke smiled. "I guess it would be a shame to let it go to waste."

"A damn shame. Especially since we're not going to have one at the apartment." Reid stood and went to the large marble fireplace. He kicked off his shoes before stepping onto the large faux fur rug, lying in front of it. Reaching around the mantel, he flipped a switch and orange flames burst to life, dancing along the walls of the dimly lit room. Reid held his hands close to the fire, warming them. "You're also not going to have one of these."

Luke walked over to Reid and kicked off his own shoes before stepping on the rug. "I don't need a jacuzzi or fireplace."

"But since we have them for the moment…" Reid took off his jacket and tossed it aside. He then went behind Luke and slipped off his jacket.

Luke turned and wrapped his arms around Reid's shoulders. "I guess staying a night or two couldn't hurt."

"No it couldn't." Reid ran his fingers through Luke's long hair, admiring the way the fire made his highlights glow. "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"

Luke smiled. "You're just saying that so I'll sign those documents for the hospital."

"Is it working?" Reid pulled Luke's head back and placed a soft kiss on his neck.

"Very much so." Luke closed his eyes as Reid continued to kiss from one side of his neck to the other. Reid's talented fingers slid under his shirt, massaging his back and slowly pulling the shirt up. Luke raised his arms, allowing Reid to pull it off then Reid raised his own arms so Luke could do the same.

They quickly discarded the rest of their cloths and went to their knees in front of the crackling warm fire. Luke pushed Reid onto his back and laid over him, kissing the Doctor's neck and nipping on his ear. He ran his hands over Reid's chest, thighs, and legs; never able to touch him enough.

"This is awesome." Reid exclaimed.

"You like that?"

"I mean this rug."

"What?" Luke raised is head, frowning.

Reid rolled them over and pressed Luke into the rug. Luke raised his eyebrows; the feel of the ultra soft fur against his naked skin, along with the feel of Reid's body over his was truly erotic. "Wow, we are definitely getting one of these," he laughed.

Reid laughed with him. He couldn't wait to start making a real home with Luke. He couldn't wait to finally start their lives together. "We'll get whatever you want."

Luke smiled up at Reid, feeling an unexpected knot in his throat. This had to be the last time. He couldn't take loosing Reid again. "Don't ever leave me. If something happens—"

Reid placed his finger over Luke's lips. "Nothing's going to happen. I'm not going anywhere, except here." He stood and went into the bedroom.

Luke remained on the rug, waiting. He saw Reid's wallet had fallen out of his jeans and was laying open on the floor. Luke picked it up to set it aside then noticed a familiar piece of paper sticking out. Luke pulled out the small folded paper and opened it, recognizing his own handwriting: I love you too.

Luke smiled to himself. He'd always felt guilty about never telling Reid he loved him that night. Everything happened so fast, he never got the chance. And he wasn't sure if Agent Michaels had actually given Reid his note.

"I noticed this in your suitcase." Reid returned with a bottle of lubricate. "I should have known you'd bring it, expecting to have your way with me."

Luke held up the note. "You kept this?"

Reid sat beside him. "Where'd you get that?"

"It fell out of your wallet."

Reid took the note, re-reading it, as he had many times before. "I wasn't going to throw it away."

Luke pulled Reid to the rug on top of him, kissing him. They kissed for the longest time, and if that's all they ever did for the rest of their lives, Luke knew he would be content. There was nothing more he could ever want than Reid.

Reid rolled Luke onto his stomach and kissed the nape of his neck. Luke lay his head in his arms and closed his eyes as Reid slowly moved down his back, kissing each vertebrate of his spine. Reid's fingers glided down his sides, leaving a warm trail he could feel throughout his body.

Reid popped open the cap on the lube and Luke moved his leg up, silently giving Reid permission. He could feel Reid rubbing the lube over him, the Doctor's talented fingers slowly gliding in and out of his body. He buried his face into the rug when Reid started massaging his prostate.

Reid was in no hurry; he loved every unconscious, throaty sound Luke made. He lay across Luke's back, loving every unconscious move of his body. He buried his nose in Luke's hair, deeply inhaling his scent. There was nothing about Luke he didn't love. He removed his fingers and Luke impatiently pressed back against him. Reid entered him, inciting the sound he most wanted to hear; Luke's sexy, desire-filled groan. Reid groaned with him as he moved, making love to him slow and deep.

Luke clutched the rug and gasped when Reid's fingers tightly clutched his hair. The doctor increased his pace, while kissing and sucking on the overly sensitive area below Luke's ear. It drove him insane. Reid was so fucking amazing, he almost couldn't take it. Throwing all sense of shame out the window, Luke began to rub his aching cock against the rug. Reid moved a hand beneath him, grabbing him and holding him like a vice grip.

Now Luke groaned with frustration. If he were facing Reid, he would have slapped him. He so badly needed release and Reid wasn't going to allow it.

Reid pulled Luke's head up by his hair. "Tell me you love me." He huskily ordered.

"I love you, " Luke breathed, "I fucking love you!"

Reid began to stoke Luke and Luke cried out, finally finding release. Reid came with him, pulling Luke's hair harder than he meant, but couldn't help it. No matter what, Luke had always made him relinquish his self-control. After he came down from his high, he lay over Luke for several seconds, just holding him.

Luke held the Doctor's arms against him, feeling Reid's heavy breath brush over the nape his damp neck. It was an incredible feeling. After a moment, Reid rolled him onto his back and brushed his lips over Luke's.

"I love you too." Reid returned.

Luke smiled. "I hope you're still going to love me when I'm bald. Because I think you pulled out most of my hair."

"Sorry," Reid ran his fingers through Luke's thick hair. "I'm sure I can get you a discount on hair plugs."

"Wow, you're so good to me."

Reid just smiled. "You know, this whole living in secret thing isn't sounding too bad. It's kind of hot and intriguing. Like we're doing something mysterious. I kind of like it."

"I kind of like it too." Luke caressed Reid's face. "You think you can handle it? Living this way for the rest of our lives?"

"As long as I'm with you, I can handle it." Reid laid on his back and pulled Luke to his chest, wrapping an arm around him. "What about you?"

"I can handle it." Luke gave Reid a kiss then laid his head on the Doctor's chest, listening to the rhythm of Reid's heartbeat. "It will be our own mysterious secret. Nobody else will ever know."

The End