"Triangle" - Chapter 9
This is an AU where Luke, Reid, and Noah are all about the same age and all live in New York City. Luke has no kidney problems in this fic - he drinks quite happily. Noah is not really the Noah of canon - he is how I wish he had been written. And thus, this story is my version of a true 'triangle.' Hope if you read it you enjoy it!
Luke/Reid, Reid/Noah (you've been warned BBs)
Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7 / Chapter 8
"Oh, Re-id." Mel drew out the name into two syllables for effect, than came over to Reid and whispered dramatically, "Noah is out there looking for you!" She pointed towards the front of the restaurant.
Reid gave her an amused half-smile. "Why, thank you."
He and Noah had planned on getting together and seeing a movie after Reid got off at 5:00, which was about half an hour from now. He walked out of the kitchen and found Noah standing at the bar, chatting with the bartender on duty. The latter excused himself when he saw Reid approaching.
Noah turned and smiled but he looked a little serious. "Hey there, hottie," he said in a low voice.
"What's up?"
"I know we had plans but I'm not going to be able to make it." Noah looked and sounded bummed. "My parents called last minute. They're in the city and they want to take me out to dinner. I can't really think of a way out of it."
"Oh, that's OK, I've got studying to do anyhow."
"So, should I just come by later tonight?"
"Well, I really do have a lot of studying to do, to be honest."
Noah's face fell a little. "OK, I understand. I'll talk to you soon." He reached over squeezed Reid's hand quickly.
"Yeah, talk to you later. I'd better get back to work."
Noah left.
Reid did understand in a sense why Noah had to cancel, but he also wondered how Noah would have responded if it was a woman he had plans with. Perhaps he would have invited her along, or maybe he would have told his parents he just couldn't make it.
Reid walked into the back. Mel and Tamika, another server, were standing at one end of the kitchen, chatting. When they saw him their eyes lit up. "We want details!" they whispered when he walked past them.
Reid looked at them narrowly. "What?"
"Everyone can see that Noah is completely into you," Mel enthused.
Tamika nodded, "Yeah, every time you walk by the poor guy can barely keep his eyes off your ass."
Reid blushed. He looked at both of them. "If I did have any 'details' you're not going to hear them."
"Tease," Tamika laughed. She looked towards the front of the restaurant. "I better get back out there." She walked off.
Reid looked at Mel. "Besides, why would you want details? Even I know you've got a thing for Noah."
"Oh, you're totally right! I'd toss over my hubbie for him in a millisecond if I could have him." She laughed and winked at Reid. "Only kidding! But, if Noah actually is gay, it'll take away some of the pain because then I will know there was nothing I could have done to get him!"
Reid laughed. "Well," he continued, a little more frankly than was his norm, "we'll see what he is."
Mel nodded. "Yeah, I mean, I hate to say it," her voice sank to a whisper, "I love the ground that Noah walks on, but what's his deal? Is he really gay?" It made Reid anxious inside to hear her say it.
He looked at her. "I’m not taking it too seriously." Reid knew he was trying to convince himself more than her as he said it.
--
Reid walked out of Axel's and started heading for home. He hadn't gone half a block before he heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw a young woman gaining on him. It occurred to him that he knew her. Alicia. The woman Noah had been arguing with at the street fair. This day is just getting better and better.
Reid decided to play it as if he didn't know her. He stopped and let her catch up to him. "Can I help you with something?"
"Reid, right?"
Reid stared at her. "Didn't I meet you on Saturday? Alicia?"
"Yeah. That's right." She tossed her hair. " I have one thing to say. Stay the fuck away from Noah."
Reid looked at her like she was crazy. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I know you've got him completely whipped over you."
"And who told you that Noah and I are an item?"
"Oh, I've heard a few things. And I've seen the way he looks at you. Don't think I 'm that stupid."
"You said it, not me." Reid stepped a little closer to her. "So, wait a minute. You stood out here waiting for what, hours, so you could tell me this?"
"No, I called Axel's and sweet talked some moron into telling me what time you got off."
"Well, I guess it's lucky for you that Noah cancelled on me tonight because he was supposed to be meeting me here at five. I'm sure he would have been really interested in hearing your opinion on his love life."
"Oh, fuck that! I would have just tried another time. I wanted to talk to you alone. I can handle Noah. He doesn't know what he wants."
"And you do."
"That's right! Noah and I were this close to getting serious, and I'm not gonna let some fucking guy come between us now!"
Reid took a breath and looked at her. "If your relationship's so great than how am I any threat?"
"Oh, don't get clever. I don't know what kind of fag moves you managed to seduce him with but I can assure you from personal experience he's not gay." Alicia was looking at Reid to see if her slur had had any effect, but none was apparent.
"He’s not gay, huh?" Reid looked at her evenly. "I guess him acting like the sun rises and sets between my legs gave me a different impression."
Alicia's eyes widened.
Reid got within inches of her face. "Step off bitch. I'm prettier than you." She opened her mouth as if to say something but nothing came out.
Reid turned and walked away.
"Prick!" she finally screamed after him.
Reid kept walking. He had a sudden head ache. But Reid had to smile a little at himself. He never would have talked like that before. It popped into his mind that Luke would be proud. Reid couldn't help but wonder if knowing Luke was having an impact on him, be it good or bad.
Luke called just as Reid was walking in the door of his apartment.
"Hey. Just wanted to touch base about Saturday. We'll meet the guys at 8:00 so I'll pick you up at 7:00 at your place, OK?"
"Sure."
"See you then, sexy."
"Yeah, see you."
--
Noah's mom looked over at him adoringly. He and his parents had just ordered dinner and were talking over drinks and an appetizer.
"So, dear, what have you been up to lately?"
"Oh, you know, work, some remodeling projects, other things."
"Such as?" his dad joined the conversation.
"Well, I've, uh, actually spending a lot of time with Reid, a guy I met at work."
His mother set down her wine glass. "Oh yes, isn't he the one you mentioned was in medical school?
"He's still pre-med. But he'll be starting med school soon. He wants to become a neurosurgeon."
"Well, that's really wonderful, Noah! Always good to surround yourself with people who are making something out of their lives."
"That's true," said Noah's father.
"And how about your love life?" Noah's mother continued. "Is it Alicia? Brooke? Which one is turning your head these days?
"Umm, neither."
"Oh really? Dry spell?" His dad teased.
"No," Noah said slowly. "I wouldn't say that."
Their food arrived.
"So, Noah, when are you coming home to visit? I haven't changed your room one bit even though your sister is coveting it."
"Oh, I don't know." He paused. "I was thinking of inviting Reid to come along with me for a couple of days to visit over the holidays...he doesn't have much family of his own."
"Reid, Reid, Reid. If you go on much more about this guy I'm going to ask you when the wedding date is!" Reid's dad sounded a little gruff.
Noah swallowed and looked down at his plate. He fidgeted with his fork.
"That was a joke you know."
"Reid's a great guy."
"I'm sure he is, but that doesn't mean I need to hear everything about him!"
There was another long pause.
Noah looked over at his mom. "I've never met anyone quite like him. I really like him."
Now there was a very awkward silence.
Reid's dad looked at his wife. "What's the plan for tomorrow, Judy? Are you still hell-bent on shopping in midtown?"
"Oh, I don't know. Possibly!" She looked back over at Noah. "But Noah, that is really wonderful that you've really made such a connection with this young man. You've always been such an emotionally giving child." Her background as a psychologist was showing up.
Reid's dad cleared his throat. "Well, that may be, but all I really have to say is," here he looked pointedly at Noah, "you'll get over it."
"Dad..."
"You'll get over it."
Judy took another sip of wine and looked over at Noah and smiled a little, almost apologetically. "Dear, how's your steak?"
The subject of Reid seemed to be over.
--
Luke picked up Reid in his sedan. A BMW.
"So, where're we headed?"
"A great place in Chelsea that I haven't been to in ages. It's called Radius."
When they got to the club Luke had the valet park the car and they went in together.
"You look great, by the way," Luke said as soon as they were inside. He leaned in and kissed Reid and Reid kissed him back.
"So do you."
"Hey guys, you all remember Reid, right?
"How could we forget him," Kevin said loudly. "It's all, Reid this, and Reid that, from Luke here."
Luke blushed a little and they all laughed.
Luke was sitting next to Reid, his arm slung along the back of his chair. He looked over at Reid. "Did I tell you that I contacted someone at NYU the other day to see about possibly re-enrolling? Very part-time of course."
"No, you didn't. That's great! How come?"
"Oh, I don't know. Can't deny that you didn't have a small part to play there. You know, about filling some of my time a little bit better."
"Ah," Reid said. "Well, I'm happy I could have some effect."
"But, just don't mention it to my mom. If I change my mind I don't want her to be after me about it."
Reid smiled. "It seems like your mom is actually quite fond of you."
"Yeah, I guess," Luke said lightly.
"You should be happy that you have her in your life."
"Oh, I am, I am."
"What about your dad? You said you don't see him very often?"
Luke rolled his eyes. "Yeah, he's married to this bee-atch Carly who's more into money than anything sentient. She and my dad have like two spawn of Satan kids who I refuse to recognize as being related to me."
Reid laughed. "Gee, how do you really feel, Luke? I don't know if I can tell."
Luke chuckled. "Well, there are worse things in life than being opinionated, right?"
Reid had to agree.
"OK, guys, let's do some shots!" Chris had ordered a tray of them which he set down in their midst. Amongst many whoops and hollers everyone dug in. Except for Reid.
"I'd better not. I do have some studying that I need to do later on."
"Lame, lame!" Chris yelled.
"Yeah, c'mon," Luke smiled at Reid. "Not even one?"
"No, I really can't. Sorry! I'll just stick to my beer."
Reid saw Chris and Kevin give each other a look. He ignored it.
"Well, that's OK, I'll drink for both of us!" Luke grabbed two of the shots and downed them quickly. Reid stared at him for a moment, then looked away.
"Hey you assholes!" Riley was suddenly standing over them, looking rather sloshed.
"Riley!"
"What's he doing here?" Luke said to Reid in a low voice as he glared towards Riley. Luke had barely spoken to him for weeks. Riley sat down and joined the group. At one point, Reid looked over and saw Riley staring at him with a rather odd expression on his face, not a friendly one. Reid looked away.
"How're you doing? Luke asked.
"Oh, I'm fine. So," Reid continued, "what did you have planned for later?"
Luke reached over and took his hand and squeezed it. He didn't let go afterward. "Oh, you'll see," he said cryptically. Reid wished they could just take off now. He wondered how much longer Luke wanted to stay.
The drinking went on and on. Reid was surprised at how much most of these guys could put away, seemingly without side effects. Must have built up quite the tolerance by now. Luke was doing his share of imbibing as well. It was a little concerning considering that Luke was the one driving. Reid hoped Luke wouldn't be offended if he took over the driver's seat when they left.
Luke excused himself for a moment to take a leak.
"So," Chris called out to Reid. "How's school?"
"Good. Busy."
"So, you're gonna be a doc, huh? What kind?"
"I want to go into neurosurgury."
"Wow, cool."
There was an awkward silence.
Casey finally ventured, "so, you must do a ton of studying, huh? I tried to do that in high school but it was such a fucking drag on my love life!"
Reid smiled. "Yes, I would agree with that." He actually liked Casey. Maybe he wasn't maybe the brightest bulb on the tree but he was outgoing and funny.
Casey leaned in. "Well, you seem to have been able to make some time with Luke. I think he really likes you."
"Oh," Reid replied.
"And not just because you're fine. 'Cause you are!" Casey winked. "But because you're smart."
"Yeah, you're real smart." Riley had been listening to their conversation and now barged in. "That's great, Reid, but in the meantime can you go bring me a drink?" He nodded towards the bar. "I know you're real good at that too. Martini, dry, two olives."
Reid felt the hair on the back of his neck rise.
Casey gave Riley a look.
"What?" Riley said to Casey. "I'm thirsty."
Reid leaned over towards Riley. "I suppose I'd drink to excess, too, if I led as worthless an existence as you do."
"Fuck you, Reid! You think you're so much better than the rest of us? Well, you're not." Riley was slurring a bit.
"Excuse me," Reid said to Casey and got up and left.
Luke was making his way back to the table, only to have Reid intercept him. "You know, Luke, I'm sorry, but I really don't feel all that hot all of a sudden. I've had a headache for days actually. Can we possibly take a rain check on tonight?"
"What?"
Reid could see how bummed out Luke was by this.
"At least let me go with you and give you a ride home. I can see these guys any old time."
"No, no," Reid seemed adamant. "I'll take a cab. I just need to go home and get some rest. I'll call you tomorrow and we can figure out something to do."
"Well, OK." Luke wasn't even trying to hide his disappointment.
Luke came back to the table.
"Where's Reid?" Riley asked innocently.
"He had to leave. Wasn't feeling well." Luke looked around the table. Casey and Kevin were both giving him funny looks.
Riley stood up. "I need to go have a smoke." He staggered off.
Luke looked at Casey. "Did something happen while I was gone?"
--
Reid didn't hail a cab after he left the club. He got on the subway instead and rode it to Brooklyn. When he got off at his stop he didn't go home. He just kept walking. He ended up standing outside Noah's building. What in the hell am I doing here? He's not home for sure.
Reid decided to take a chance and buzzed Noah's apartment. He was pleasantly surprised to hear Noah's voice on the intercom a few seconds later.
"It's Reid. Can you come down?"
"Sure, sure. I'll be right there." A minute or so went by and Reid saw a rather unkempt Noah appear in the building's entryway. He opened the door and smiled. "Hey babe, come in! Hope nothing's amiss?" Reid walked into the small space and the door shut behind him.
"Ugh," Reid breathed. "No comment." He looked down at his feet for a moment, then back up at Noah. "I just wanted to see you."
Noah stepped closer and put his arms around Reid, pulled him close and kissed him. "Sure," he said in a low voice. His lovely blue eyes looked into Reid's. "You want to come up?"
"What about your roommates?"
"I think they're out."
Reid seemed like he was amenable to the idea for a moment. Then he shook his head. "No, can we just go for a walk?"
Noah looked a little surprised. "Yeah...I suppose we could. I don't have my shoes on though. I'll have to go get them. Sure you don't want to tell me what's wrong?" Noah stroked Reid's hair as he said it. He paused. "Is this about some other guy?" Noah's voice sounded a little off as he said it.
Reid stared at him. "And what if it was?"
"Well, I don't really want to know about it, I can tell you that much."
"Oh, well at least you've expressed an opinion on the matter!" Reid's tone was sarcastic.
"What are you talking about?"
Reid looked at Noah with hostile eyes. "You're intimating that it's OK by you if I have something else going on as long as you don't know about it. Because basically, Noah, you want this to be a 'don't ask don't tell' relationship. Maybe that's cool with you but I don't think I can handle it." Reid's voice sounded choked.
Noah looked a little sucker punched. "No, Reid, if that's how it came out that's not how I meant it."
"Noah, do you even know what you really mean?"
"Boy you really are in quite the mood, Reid."
"Yeah, yeah I am." Reid walked over and looked out the window of the door he'd just come through. "You know, the other day I had one of your 'girlfriends' come up and inform me that despite whatever 'fag' moves I've put on you that you weren’t gay."
"What? Which one?"
"The one we ran into on Saturday. Alicia, right? Yes, it was a really pleasant conversation. But, it got me thinking." He turned back towards Noah. "Do you think you’re gay? Bi? What?" Reid's voice was low but pressured.
"Reid." Noah stepped closer and put his hand on Reid's arm.
"Because maybe you think that if you’re just doing all the fucking that you’re not really gay."
Noah looked at him, not knowing where Reid was going with this.
"I'm not sure what I am, Reid."
"Well, maybe you’ll know better if I fuck you."
"You know," Noah said gently, "I might consider it if I didn’t think you were doing it for the wrong reason."
"Yeah," Reid sighed. "I suppose you’re right. I'm going home."
Now Noah really looked like he'd been sucker punched.
Reid slipped out of Noah's grasp and left.
Reid walked the two miles back to his place, ignoring the half dozen calls and texts he got from Noah along the way. He came up his street and was about to descend down the stairs to his apartment when his eyes detected a shadowy figure sitting at the bottom of them. He froze, then peered down into the inky darkness, trying to make the person out. The figure stood up and turned.
"Reid?"
It was Luke and he sounded upset.
Luke/Reid, Reid/Noah (you've been warned BBs)
Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7 / Chapter 8
"Oh, Re-id." Mel drew out the name into two syllables for effect, than came over to Reid and whispered dramatically, "Noah is out there looking for you!" She pointed towards the front of the restaurant.
Reid gave her an amused half-smile. "Why, thank you."
He and Noah had planned on getting together and seeing a movie after Reid got off at 5:00, which was about half an hour from now. He walked out of the kitchen and found Noah standing at the bar, chatting with the bartender on duty. The latter excused himself when he saw Reid approaching.
Noah turned and smiled but he looked a little serious. "Hey there, hottie," he said in a low voice.
"What's up?"
"I know we had plans but I'm not going to be able to make it." Noah looked and sounded bummed. "My parents called last minute. They're in the city and they want to take me out to dinner. I can't really think of a way out of it."
"Oh, that's OK, I've got studying to do anyhow."
"So, should I just come by later tonight?"
"Well, I really do have a lot of studying to do, to be honest."
Noah's face fell a little. "OK, I understand. I'll talk to you soon." He reached over squeezed Reid's hand quickly.
"Yeah, talk to you later. I'd better get back to work."
Noah left.
Reid did understand in a sense why Noah had to cancel, but he also wondered how Noah would have responded if it was a woman he had plans with. Perhaps he would have invited her along, or maybe he would have told his parents he just couldn't make it.
Reid walked into the back. Mel and Tamika, another server, were standing at one end of the kitchen, chatting. When they saw him their eyes lit up. "We want details!" they whispered when he walked past them.
Reid looked at them narrowly. "What?"
"Everyone can see that Noah is completely into you," Mel enthused.
Tamika nodded, "Yeah, every time you walk by the poor guy can barely keep his eyes off your ass."
Reid blushed. He looked at both of them. "If I did have any 'details' you're not going to hear them."
"Tease," Tamika laughed. She looked towards the front of the restaurant. "I better get back out there." She walked off.
Reid looked at Mel. "Besides, why would you want details? Even I know you've got a thing for Noah."
"Oh, you're totally right! I'd toss over my hubbie for him in a millisecond if I could have him." She laughed and winked at Reid. "Only kidding! But, if Noah actually is gay, it'll take away some of the pain because then I will know there was nothing I could have done to get him!"
Reid laughed. "Well," he continued, a little more frankly than was his norm, "we'll see what he is."
Mel nodded. "Yeah, I mean, I hate to say it," her voice sank to a whisper, "I love the ground that Noah walks on, but what's his deal? Is he really gay?" It made Reid anxious inside to hear her say it.
He looked at her. "I’m not taking it too seriously." Reid knew he was trying to convince himself more than her as he said it.
--
Reid walked out of Axel's and started heading for home. He hadn't gone half a block before he heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw a young woman gaining on him. It occurred to him that he knew her. Alicia. The woman Noah had been arguing with at the street fair. This day is just getting better and better.
Reid decided to play it as if he didn't know her. He stopped and let her catch up to him. "Can I help you with something?"
"Reid, right?"
Reid stared at her. "Didn't I meet you on Saturday? Alicia?"
"Yeah. That's right." She tossed her hair. " I have one thing to say. Stay the fuck away from Noah."
Reid looked at her like she was crazy. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I know you've got him completely whipped over you."
"And who told you that Noah and I are an item?"
"Oh, I've heard a few things. And I've seen the way he looks at you. Don't think I 'm that stupid."
"You said it, not me." Reid stepped a little closer to her. "So, wait a minute. You stood out here waiting for what, hours, so you could tell me this?"
"No, I called Axel's and sweet talked some moron into telling me what time you got off."
"Well, I guess it's lucky for you that Noah cancelled on me tonight because he was supposed to be meeting me here at five. I'm sure he would have been really interested in hearing your opinion on his love life."
"Oh, fuck that! I would have just tried another time. I wanted to talk to you alone. I can handle Noah. He doesn't know what he wants."
"And you do."
"That's right! Noah and I were this close to getting serious, and I'm not gonna let some fucking guy come between us now!"
Reid took a breath and looked at her. "If your relationship's so great than how am I any threat?"
"Oh, don't get clever. I don't know what kind of fag moves you managed to seduce him with but I can assure you from personal experience he's not gay." Alicia was looking at Reid to see if her slur had had any effect, but none was apparent.
"He’s not gay, huh?" Reid looked at her evenly. "I guess him acting like the sun rises and sets between my legs gave me a different impression."
Alicia's eyes widened.
Reid got within inches of her face. "Step off bitch. I'm prettier than you." She opened her mouth as if to say something but nothing came out.
Reid turned and walked away.
"Prick!" she finally screamed after him.
Reid kept walking. He had a sudden head ache. But Reid had to smile a little at himself. He never would have talked like that before. It popped into his mind that Luke would be proud. Reid couldn't help but wonder if knowing Luke was having an impact on him, be it good or bad.
Luke called just as Reid was walking in the door of his apartment.
"Hey. Just wanted to touch base about Saturday. We'll meet the guys at 8:00 so I'll pick you up at 7:00 at your place, OK?"
"Sure."
"See you then, sexy."
"Yeah, see you."
--
Noah's mom looked over at him adoringly. He and his parents had just ordered dinner and were talking over drinks and an appetizer.
"So, dear, what have you been up to lately?"
"Oh, you know, work, some remodeling projects, other things."
"Such as?" his dad joined the conversation.
"Well, I've, uh, actually spending a lot of time with Reid, a guy I met at work."
His mother set down her wine glass. "Oh yes, isn't he the one you mentioned was in medical school?
"He's still pre-med. But he'll be starting med school soon. He wants to become a neurosurgeon."
"Well, that's really wonderful, Noah! Always good to surround yourself with people who are making something out of their lives."
"That's true," said Noah's father.
"And how about your love life?" Noah's mother continued. "Is it Alicia? Brooke? Which one is turning your head these days?
"Umm, neither."
"Oh really? Dry spell?" His dad teased.
"No," Noah said slowly. "I wouldn't say that."
Their food arrived.
"So, Noah, when are you coming home to visit? I haven't changed your room one bit even though your sister is coveting it."
"Oh, I don't know." He paused. "I was thinking of inviting Reid to come along with me for a couple of days to visit over the holidays...he doesn't have much family of his own."
"Reid, Reid, Reid. If you go on much more about this guy I'm going to ask you when the wedding date is!" Reid's dad sounded a little gruff.
Noah swallowed and looked down at his plate. He fidgeted with his fork.
"That was a joke you know."
"Reid's a great guy."
"I'm sure he is, but that doesn't mean I need to hear everything about him!"
There was another long pause.
Noah looked over at his mom. "I've never met anyone quite like him. I really like him."
Now there was a very awkward silence.
Reid's dad looked at his wife. "What's the plan for tomorrow, Judy? Are you still hell-bent on shopping in midtown?"
"Oh, I don't know. Possibly!" She looked back over at Noah. "But Noah, that is really wonderful that you've really made such a connection with this young man. You've always been such an emotionally giving child." Her background as a psychologist was showing up.
Reid's dad cleared his throat. "Well, that may be, but all I really have to say is," here he looked pointedly at Noah, "you'll get over it."
"Dad..."
"You'll get over it."
Judy took another sip of wine and looked over at Noah and smiled a little, almost apologetically. "Dear, how's your steak?"
The subject of Reid seemed to be over.
--
Luke picked up Reid in his sedan. A BMW.
"So, where're we headed?"
"A great place in Chelsea that I haven't been to in ages. It's called Radius."
When they got to the club Luke had the valet park the car and they went in together.
"You look great, by the way," Luke said as soon as they were inside. He leaned in and kissed Reid and Reid kissed him back.
"So do you."
"Hey guys, you all remember Reid, right?
"How could we forget him," Kevin said loudly. "It's all, Reid this, and Reid that, from Luke here."
Luke blushed a little and they all laughed.
Luke was sitting next to Reid, his arm slung along the back of his chair. He looked over at Reid. "Did I tell you that I contacted someone at NYU the other day to see about possibly re-enrolling? Very part-time of course."
"No, you didn't. That's great! How come?"
"Oh, I don't know. Can't deny that you didn't have a small part to play there. You know, about filling some of my time a little bit better."
"Ah," Reid said. "Well, I'm happy I could have some effect."
"But, just don't mention it to my mom. If I change my mind I don't want her to be after me about it."
Reid smiled. "It seems like your mom is actually quite fond of you."
"Yeah, I guess," Luke said lightly.
"You should be happy that you have her in your life."
"Oh, I am, I am."
"What about your dad? You said you don't see him very often?"
Luke rolled his eyes. "Yeah, he's married to this bee-atch Carly who's more into money than anything sentient. She and my dad have like two spawn of Satan kids who I refuse to recognize as being related to me."
Reid laughed. "Gee, how do you really feel, Luke? I don't know if I can tell."
Luke chuckled. "Well, there are worse things in life than being opinionated, right?"
Reid had to agree.
"OK, guys, let's do some shots!" Chris had ordered a tray of them which he set down in their midst. Amongst many whoops and hollers everyone dug in. Except for Reid.
"I'd better not. I do have some studying that I need to do later on."
"Lame, lame!" Chris yelled.
"Yeah, c'mon," Luke smiled at Reid. "Not even one?"
"No, I really can't. Sorry! I'll just stick to my beer."
Reid saw Chris and Kevin give each other a look. He ignored it.
"Well, that's OK, I'll drink for both of us!" Luke grabbed two of the shots and downed them quickly. Reid stared at him for a moment, then looked away.
"Hey you assholes!" Riley was suddenly standing over them, looking rather sloshed.
"Riley!"
"What's he doing here?" Luke said to Reid in a low voice as he glared towards Riley. Luke had barely spoken to him for weeks. Riley sat down and joined the group. At one point, Reid looked over and saw Riley staring at him with a rather odd expression on his face, not a friendly one. Reid looked away.
"How're you doing? Luke asked.
"Oh, I'm fine. So," Reid continued, "what did you have planned for later?"
Luke reached over and took his hand and squeezed it. He didn't let go afterward. "Oh, you'll see," he said cryptically. Reid wished they could just take off now. He wondered how much longer Luke wanted to stay.
The drinking went on and on. Reid was surprised at how much most of these guys could put away, seemingly without side effects. Must have built up quite the tolerance by now. Luke was doing his share of imbibing as well. It was a little concerning considering that Luke was the one driving. Reid hoped Luke wouldn't be offended if he took over the driver's seat when they left.
Luke excused himself for a moment to take a leak.
"So," Chris called out to Reid. "How's school?"
"Good. Busy."
"So, you're gonna be a doc, huh? What kind?"
"I want to go into neurosurgury."
"Wow, cool."
There was an awkward silence.
Casey finally ventured, "so, you must do a ton of studying, huh? I tried to do that in high school but it was such a fucking drag on my love life!"
Reid smiled. "Yes, I would agree with that." He actually liked Casey. Maybe he wasn't maybe the brightest bulb on the tree but he was outgoing and funny.
Casey leaned in. "Well, you seem to have been able to make some time with Luke. I think he really likes you."
"Oh," Reid replied.
"And not just because you're fine. 'Cause you are!" Casey winked. "But because you're smart."
"Yeah, you're real smart." Riley had been listening to their conversation and now barged in. "That's great, Reid, but in the meantime can you go bring me a drink?" He nodded towards the bar. "I know you're real good at that too. Martini, dry, two olives."
Reid felt the hair on the back of his neck rise.
Casey gave Riley a look.
"What?" Riley said to Casey. "I'm thirsty."
Reid leaned over towards Riley. "I suppose I'd drink to excess, too, if I led as worthless an existence as you do."
"Fuck you, Reid! You think you're so much better than the rest of us? Well, you're not." Riley was slurring a bit.
"Excuse me," Reid said to Casey and got up and left.
Luke was making his way back to the table, only to have Reid intercept him. "You know, Luke, I'm sorry, but I really don't feel all that hot all of a sudden. I've had a headache for days actually. Can we possibly take a rain check on tonight?"
"What?"
Reid could see how bummed out Luke was by this.
"At least let me go with you and give you a ride home. I can see these guys any old time."
"No, no," Reid seemed adamant. "I'll take a cab. I just need to go home and get some rest. I'll call you tomorrow and we can figure out something to do."
"Well, OK." Luke wasn't even trying to hide his disappointment.
Luke came back to the table.
"Where's Reid?" Riley asked innocently.
"He had to leave. Wasn't feeling well." Luke looked around the table. Casey and Kevin were both giving him funny looks.
Riley stood up. "I need to go have a smoke." He staggered off.
Luke looked at Casey. "Did something happen while I was gone?"
--
Reid didn't hail a cab after he left the club. He got on the subway instead and rode it to Brooklyn. When he got off at his stop he didn't go home. He just kept walking. He ended up standing outside Noah's building. What in the hell am I doing here? He's not home for sure.
Reid decided to take a chance and buzzed Noah's apartment. He was pleasantly surprised to hear Noah's voice on the intercom a few seconds later.
"It's Reid. Can you come down?"
"Sure, sure. I'll be right there." A minute or so went by and Reid saw a rather unkempt Noah appear in the building's entryway. He opened the door and smiled. "Hey babe, come in! Hope nothing's amiss?" Reid walked into the small space and the door shut behind him.
"Ugh," Reid breathed. "No comment." He looked down at his feet for a moment, then back up at Noah. "I just wanted to see you."
Noah stepped closer and put his arms around Reid, pulled him close and kissed him. "Sure," he said in a low voice. His lovely blue eyes looked into Reid's. "You want to come up?"
"What about your roommates?"
"I think they're out."
Reid seemed like he was amenable to the idea for a moment. Then he shook his head. "No, can we just go for a walk?"
Noah looked a little surprised. "Yeah...I suppose we could. I don't have my shoes on though. I'll have to go get them. Sure you don't want to tell me what's wrong?" Noah stroked Reid's hair as he said it. He paused. "Is this about some other guy?" Noah's voice sounded a little off as he said it.
Reid stared at him. "And what if it was?"
"Well, I don't really want to know about it, I can tell you that much."
"Oh, well at least you've expressed an opinion on the matter!" Reid's tone was sarcastic.
"What are you talking about?"
Reid looked at Noah with hostile eyes. "You're intimating that it's OK by you if I have something else going on as long as you don't know about it. Because basically, Noah, you want this to be a 'don't ask don't tell' relationship. Maybe that's cool with you but I don't think I can handle it." Reid's voice sounded choked.
Noah looked a little sucker punched. "No, Reid, if that's how it came out that's not how I meant it."
"Noah, do you even know what you really mean?"
"Boy you really are in quite the mood, Reid."
"Yeah, yeah I am." Reid walked over and looked out the window of the door he'd just come through. "You know, the other day I had one of your 'girlfriends' come up and inform me that despite whatever 'fag' moves I've put on you that you weren’t gay."
"What? Which one?"
"The one we ran into on Saturday. Alicia, right? Yes, it was a really pleasant conversation. But, it got me thinking." He turned back towards Noah. "Do you think you’re gay? Bi? What?" Reid's voice was low but pressured.
"Reid." Noah stepped closer and put his hand on Reid's arm.
"Because maybe you think that if you’re just doing all the fucking that you’re not really gay."
Noah looked at him, not knowing where Reid was going with this.
"I'm not sure what I am, Reid."
"Well, maybe you’ll know better if I fuck you."
"You know," Noah said gently, "I might consider it if I didn’t think you were doing it for the wrong reason."
"Yeah," Reid sighed. "I suppose you’re right. I'm going home."
Now Noah really looked like he'd been sucker punched.
Reid slipped out of Noah's grasp and left.
Reid walked the two miles back to his place, ignoring the half dozen calls and texts he got from Noah along the way. He came up his street and was about to descend down the stairs to his apartment when his eyes detected a shadowy figure sitting at the bottom of them. He froze, then peered down into the inky darkness, trying to make the person out. The figure stood up and turned.
"Reid?"
It was Luke and he sounded upset.