FIC - Days Like These (4/6)
Title: Days Like These (4/6)
Author: Wheelie47
Rating: R maybe NC17 (for language and some sexual content)
Pairing: Luke and Noah
Word count: 3,198
Disclaimer: Don’t own characters, am not associated in any way with ATWT, Van and Jake. No offence intended.
Summary: What if, after being shot by Colonel Mayer, Luke is left permanently paralysed?
Author's notes: This story is set after Luke is shot by Colonel Mayer. It is set in a different timescale. It follows the show's timescale up till Luke got shot; so Luke and Noah were just starting out as a couple. Luke spent 6 months in hospital. They decided to start a new life together in LA several months after Luke leaves hospital, when Noah won a Scholarship at a film academy. In my mind they have been together just over a year in total and this story is about them both trying to deal with Luke's disability.
Luke just loved watching Noah at times like these. Sometimes when Luke watched Noah and he wasn’t aware he was being observed, Luke thought how careworn his handsome features had become; it seemed like there was always something to be worried about. It pulled at the strings of Luke’s conscience that it was mostly him that Noah was worried about; whether he was in pain, if he was happy and if he was ok at home when Noah was out. When Noah was at the Academy and should have been concentrating on his studies, he was always taking time out to ring Luke, asking if he needed anything. Sometimes Noah even rushed home at lunch to spend time with Luke.
Now, as Luke lay curled on his side he watched the rhythmic rise and fall of Noah’s chest as he lay on his back; content and relaxed in a deep sleep. He couldn’t resist reaching out to gently place his hand on Noah’s bare chest and smiled at the warmth spreading up through his fingers. He held his breath as he felt Noah stirring and silently cursed himself for not being able to keep his hands to himself and disturbing Noah’s desperately needed sleep.
Luke gave a small sigh of relief as he saw a smile ghost across Noah’s lips when he turned his head slightly towards Luke before a light and gentle snore escaped his parted lips. The change of angle meant that the early morning sunlight that was lightening their bedroom highlighted Noah’s sleeping features and Luke’s eyes took in every detail, Noah’s long and elegant eyelashes, the prominent cheekbones, the way his hair was just long enough now to start curling slightly and the dusting of dark and sexy morning stubble that covered his jaw and chin.
Luke closed his eyes for a moment and focused on the feel of Noah’s deep breathing beneath his hand and marvelled that despite everything that had happened to them they were still here, still together and he was so thankful for having this wonderful man in his life.
‘Luke?’ the quiet sound of Noah’s rough and sleep laden voice startled Luke as he felt Noah’s hand close gently around his own on Noah’s chest.
Luke opened his eyes to be met by deep blue half open eyes looking enquiringly back at him.
‘How long have you been awake? Why didn’t you wake me?’ Noah asked softly before trying to stifle a jaw splitting yawn.
‘Not long ...just couldn’t resist watching you sleep’ Luke smiled as he leaned in to place a soft and gentle kiss to the corner of Noah’s mouth.
‘Shut up!’ Noah replied jokingly as he felt the beginnings of a blush creep across his cheeks.
‘Mmhhh!’ Noah groaned loudly as he stretched languidly causing the duvet to slide further down his torso.
‘I feel like I could lie here all day’ he continued, scooting a little closer to Luke so he could wrap an arm round his shoulder and planted a kiss on the tip of Luke’s nose.
‘You busy today?’ Luke asked as he lazily ran his fingers over Noah’s taut stomach muscles.
‘Yeah…I want to finish what I was editing yesterday before this afternoon’s lecture…but if you keep that up I’m not gonna make it out of bed’ he chuckled as he stilled Luke’s hand by entwining their fingers together.
‘Baby?’ Noah asked gently, rubbing his thumb along the outside of Luke’s.
‘Yeah?’ Luke replied, slightly nervous at the tone in Noah’s voice, wondering where this was going. Noah only ever called Luke Baby when he was worried about something or really happy.
‘You still going today?’ Noah said, trying to make his voice sound calm and casual. He had thought that Trevor’s workshop had sounded like a great idea when Luke had first told him about it. It would be a positive step forward for Luke to go and meet people he had never met before who were going through the same thing, without having the comfort and safety of Noah around. Although part of Noah really wanted to go with Luke and hated the thought of not being there for him, he knew he couldn’t live Luke’s life for him.
‘Yeah…I think so’ Luke replied uncertainly. Noah thought that he didn’t sound very sure but at least he hadn’t said no. Right! Positive action, thought Noah.
‘Let’s get this day started, then!’ Noah said determined as he flung the duvet off the both of them…
…
Luke sat just outside the door to the meeting room where the workshop was being held. Well, he had got this far, he thought to himself, no point in turning back now. So what exactly was stopping him from pressing the automatic pad to open the door. He had obviously hesitated too long for Harvey’s taste because his dog chose that moment to nuzzle the wet tip of his nose under Luke’s hand.
‘Jeez, ok …ok … I get the message!’ Luke patted the dog affectionately on the top of his head.
‘You know… I’m not sure which one of you two I should nickname Jiminy Cricket’ he smiled ironically as he thought back to the not so subtle way Noah had left the flyer for the workshop on the coffee table before he left this morning for Luke to see every time he wheeled into the lounge.
Harvey just tilted his head and looked at Luke, ears pricked.
‘Alright! I’m going’ Luke sighed resignedly and reached out to hit the door pad…
…
Noah sat in one of the editing booths with his headphones on in deep concentration; teeth biting down on his bottom lip as he worked on a scene that he wanted to get just right because it was pivotal to the story.
Noah was so deep in thought that he never noticed or heard the booth door open behind him and it wasn’t till he felt a hand on his shoulder that he knew there was someone else in the room with him.
‘Fuck!’ Noah shouted as he exploded out of his chair, almost yanking the headphones off his head in his haste to turn around.
‘You…what the hell are you doing in here!’ he seethed, pulling the headphones off.
‘Shit! Sorry man didn’t mean to startle you!’ Andy apologised, as he held his hand to his chest in his own shock.
‘What do you want, Andy. I’m kinda busy!’ Noah bristled. He didn’t want anything to do with this jerk.
‘Yeah …I know …sorry. Look, man I just wanted to apologise for being such an idiot the other day’ Andy mumbled. He didn’t seem like a guy that was used to saying he was sorry.
‘It’s just that …you know…I’d seen you around and you both look so happy’ Andy started, looking like he was struggling to find the right words.
‘And I don’t know anyone else in a wheelchair and you’ve both been through such a lot. I guess I just wanted to get to know you guys a bit better but didn’t know what to say’ The last words came out in a rush, like he was relieved to have finally said them.
‘Ok…well…thanks for biting the bullet and saying you’re sorry, man’ Noah smiled back. Noah truly believed that Andy was sorry and actually felt kind of sorry for him.
‘I’ve really gotta get back to it’ Noah gestured apologetically at the monitor.
‘Sure…ok’ Andy turned towards the door.
‘Listen’ Noah’s voice from behind him stopped Andy as he had his hand on the doorknob.
‘Look …me and Luke are having a party this Saturday. Some people from here are going …why don’t you come? You could get to know Luke a little.’ Noah hoped Luke wouldn’t mind. They had planned to keep the party small with Noah’s friends from the Academy and Casey and Ali, who were definitely in the middle of one of their on’s in their on/off relationship and were staying for the weekend. But one more wouldn’t matter and Noah thought that it might be good for the both of them if Andy and Luke met, it would broaden Andy’s horizons and Luke would get to meet another new face.
‘Cool, man…thanks. I’m there!’ Andy smiled his thanks as he left…
…
‘Luke, you made it!’ the genuine pleasure in Trevor’s voice was clear as Luke opened and wheeled through the door. The greeting also meant that the other people in the room were drawn to Luke’s arrival. Wow, this is uncomfortable, Luke thought. He didn’t get much time to dwell on the knot of nervous energy building in his stomach before Trevor was by his side and patting Harvey on the head.
‘I see you managed to get him here then’ he said affectionately to the dog, who was licking his hand in his own special greeting.
‘So you were in on it too?!’ Luke said in mock annoyance, suddenly feeling more at ease.
‘Yep, had to bribe the pooch with dog biscuits to make sure you came!’ Trevor quipped.
‘Seriously though, Luke. I’m really glad you came. Grab yourself a coffee if you want and we’ll get started in a little while.’
Luke looked around the room and saw the long, low table that held a selection of drinks set back against the wall on the far side of the room. He also noticed a young woman sat on her own at the edge of the table. She was hunched over in her chair, her long blonde hair hiding her face as she gripped the rims of her wheels tight enough to make her knuckles white. It looked like she was trying not to be noticed and Luke’s heart went out to her. He knew that feeling well; the feeling of not wanting to stick out in a crowd.
Something about the way she was sitting there made him want to reach out to her; to help if he could. She looked so lost and so alone and she reminded him of a part of himself that he was slowly coming to terms with.
‘Hey there…um …my name’s Luke. Did you want a coffee or anything’ Luke asked softly not wanting to startle her, after he had made his way over to her.
‘No …thanks’ She replied in a subdued voice, as she lifted and shook her head slightly. She gave Luke a quick smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Luke heart sank as he realised by her features that she couldn’t be more than 17.
‘So …what are you in here for’ he asked tapping the arms of his chair and hoped she wouldn’t take offence seeing as he was in a wheelchair too.
‘Hit and run’ she stated simply, her shoulders sagging further.
‘Shit…sorry’ Luke said apologetically, not really sure what else to say.
She shrugged her right shoulder and was about to lower her head again when she changed her mind and she lifted her eyes back to his.
‘You? And its Laura by the way’ she gave Luke a small half smile.
‘It’s kinda complicated!’ Luke said wryly and the thought hit him that if his unusual story could help bring Laura out of herself a little then it wouldn’t hurt. Hell it might even do him good to tell a complete stranger. Yeah, he could do this and taking a deep breath Luke started from the beginning…
…
‘Wow…so he’s in prison now?!’ Laura asked, interest clear in her eyes as she absentmindedly stroked Harvey while he leaned up against her wheel.
‘Yep and I for one never want to see him again’ Luke replied firmly.
‘Ok everybody, we’re gonna make a start if that’s ok’ Trevor’s voice sounded clear across the room as he got everybody’s attention.
‘Catch up with you later, Laura’ Luke said as he began to turn his chair, signally Harvey to follow.
‘Um…Luke? Can I sit with you?’ she asked hesitantly.
‘Sure’ Luke replied simply with an encouraging smile.
Trevor smiled as he watched the two of them interact. He was so glad they had an opportunity to meet. He hoped they might develop a friendship; they would be good for each other…
…
‘Wow that was brilliant. I’m so glad I came. The things some of them have done!’ Luke chatted away excitedly as he and Laura made their way out of the building. He had listened with growing amazement and interest as some of the group, who had been disabled longer, told of their experiences. Some had gone bowling, ice-skating, scuba diving and skiing. Not to mention the visually impaired guy who carried out access audits and the paralysed woman who toured schools to make the students more aware of disability. Luke had never considered any of this before and it had opened up a world of possibilities in his mind. He really couldn’t wait to tell Noah all about it.
‘Yeah…although I don’t think you’ll get me on the rink anytime soon!’ Laura laughed.
‘You never know…four wheels might be better than two legs!’ Luke joked, happy to see Laura laugh and smile.
‘So Laura…it’s been great meeting you. Listen…me and Noah are having a party Saturday. Nothing big…just to celebrate his award. I’d love it if you came…you could meet Noah. You know…put a face to the name, since I’ve probably been boring you to tears talking about him!’ He really hoped she would come and he was sure Noah wouldn’t mind.
‘I don’t know, Luke’ she said sadly, looking uncomfortable.
‘Look …I get it. I really do. Just think about it’ he said gently as he handed her his number…
…
‘Dude! You never told me there’d be some girl on girl action’ Casey leaned in to whisper excitedly in Luke’s ear, nodding in Sarah and Jess’s direction as they shared a kiss while dancing.
‘Case! Don’t let Ali hear you say that’ He had missed his friend and had been so pleased to see him when he had come charging through their door earlier. Casey had made a bee - line for Luke and almost picked him up out of his chair in his eagerness to give him a bear hug. Luke smirked thinking back to how Alison had followed Casey in and rolled her eyes at his exuberance. It was so good to see them both here; Luke and Noah hadn’t seen them since the weekend their friends had visited not long after they had made the move here.
‘They’re hot…do you think they’d let me watch?’
‘Casey…don’t be disgusting! They wouldn’t be interested in you’ Luke grinned.
‘What’s that?’ Noah asked as he came up behind Luke, rested his hands on his shoulders and leaned down to kiss the top of Luke’s head.
‘Case wants to watch’ Luke said, nodding his head in Sarah and Jess’s direction.
‘Sorry man…no go. You could watch us instead!’ Noah dropped his voice to its gravely lowest and waggled his eyebrows suggestively before stepping around Luke’s chair and planting a kiss firmly on Luke’s supple lips.
‘Eww…guys…gross!’ Casey covered his eyes and muttered something about finding Alison before wandering off.
‘You’re a very bad man, Mayer’ Luke whispered against Noah’s kiss moist lips then pulled away to give him a wide grin.
‘Who … me?’ Perhaps you can teach me a lesson later’ Noah leaned in further to close the gap between them and kissed Luke again, this time with a deep and sensual kiss, reaching up to tangle his fingers in the hair at the base of Luke’s neck.
Luke lost himself in the kiss as Noah ran his tongue along his upper lip, demanding entrance.
‘Mmmh’ Luke moaned gently into Noah’s parted mouth before pushing his palms flat against Noah’s shoulders to break the kiss.
‘We’re …neglecting our… guests’ he said breathlessly.
‘Ok…ok … later. I’ll go get some more beer’ Noah pressed a quick kiss against Luke’s lips before straighten up and heading for the kitchen...
…
‘Hey great party, man!’ Andy slurred as he followed Noah into the kitchen.
‘Yeah?! Enjoying yourself?’ Noah asked, making a mental note to keep an eye on how much more Andy had to drink. He turned and opened the fridge to reload the table with chilled beer to make room to chill some more bottles.
‘Hell yeah!! And its about to get a whole lot better!’ before Noah had a chance to register that Andy’s voice was considerably closer than before, the fridge door was slammed shut and he was turned roughly by his shoulders and shoved up against the hard surface.
‘What the …’ Noah’s outcry was cut short by Andy’s lips pressed hard against his.
Andy pushed his right leg in between Noah’s and raised his knee to rub against Noah’s groin as he tried to work his tongue into Noah’s mouth. Noah gasped as Andy rolled his hips against him and he could feel the hardness of his erection against his inner thigh. Andy took the opportunity to push his tongue hard into Noah’s mouth and lick along the roof.
‘Noah…what the fuck?!’ Luke’s voice sounded high and shrill. When Casey had come back after finding Alison, Luke had wondered what was keeping Noah and had turned towards the kitchen with Casey following behind him.
When Luke reached the kitchen door he was greeted by a sight that stopped his heart. Noah, his Noah, was pressed up against the fridge with Andy kissing him passionately as he bucked and writhed against him.
Luke’s voice had disturbed them and Luke saw Noah frantically pushing at Andy’s shoulders to break their kiss. One of Andy’s teeth must have caught Noah’s lip as they separated because Luke saw blood running down his chin.
He couldn’t be here, couldn’t see the love of his love kissing and holding someone else in a way him and Noah never could. He had to leave. Luke spun round in the doorway, struggling to manoeuvre his chair and scrapping his knuckles against the frame in the process.
‘Luke!’ Noah called desperately after him as he side stepped Andy to follow.
‘Let him go, man’ Casey gripped Noah firmly by the arm with a look of disbelief etched on his face…
Chapter 5
Back to fic master post