Fic: spinning sideways into place - 1/3
Dec. 23rd, 2010 10:05 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
freakykatTitle: spinning sideways into place - One of Three
Author(s):![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
freakykat
Rating: NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Luke Snyder/Noah Mayer
Summary: This isn't the life he was meant to have.
spinning sideways into place
Part One
“Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock. Jingle Bell time…”
Luke rolls across the expanse of his bed, throws one hand out and slams it down on the snooze button of his alarm clock. He blinks blearily at the digital numbers on its surface and mutters a curse, face hiding in his pillow. He likes his warm four hundred count thread sheets and matching cases. It’s comfortable and if he tries hard enough he could manage to spend his holiday right where he was. It’s a nice thought.
“Happy Day before Christmas, Oakies. Hope you’ve all gotten your shopping done.
Luke groans as he lifts his head to glare at the clock. “I hate you.”
He leaves it on, Christmas music drifting out from the speakers, and pushes off his bed, scrubs a hand over his face. He looks out of his windows -- floor to ceiling and the main selling point of his apartment -- and down to the street. It’s a flurry of movement and color from his viewpoint. Everyone moving to get where they need to go. He misses when Christmas used to be about family, food, warmth. It makes his chest ache in ways he doesn't like to explore.
It will pass, he knows that. Luke makes a face at the image reflected in the glass. “Get a grip, Snyder.” He shakes his head before padding into the bathroom, turning off the radio as he does. Flipping the switch on, he blinks against the harsh lights, fumbling for the dimmer, shaking his head.
He wishes Chris would remember to set the lights back down to the way Luke likes them.
Reaching for his toothbrush, he starts his morning routine and taps a finger on the remote sitting on the counter. The television he'd somehow let the contractor talk him into installing in the bathroom lights up and Luke watches in the reflection as the meteorologist gestures at the digital map. He frowns at all the blue that covers most of the state. That can't be good news.
“The storm clouds are gathering and it's predicted that the storm will hit sometime this afternoon. It looks like we'll be having a White Christmas after all.”
Luke groans. “Wonderful.”
He dresses quickly, remembering his lunch date with Chris, and makes sure to wear the tie he gave him for his birthday. He rushes into his kitchen, pauses to fill his thermos with coffee, reaching for his cell phone. The call goes to voicemail, not that he's surprised at that, really.
“Hunter, listen, I need you to cancel my meeting with Mr. Forbes. I haven't even started my shopping, yes, I know, shut up, so I'm going to get that done this morning. Just tell Forbes I had a family emergency, send flowers or whatever is appropriate and let's reschedule for the first of the year, okay? Thanks. Oh, also can you or Liberty get me the address to Dr. Dixon's house? I promised I'd stop in for his holiday party. See you when I get in.”
Luke lets out a loud sigh, grabs his coffee and briefcase, running out the door. Mrs. Martinez is out in the hall and she holds him up for five minutes, telling him all about her nephew who's visiting and “you should come over for drinks, later.” He promises to try before heading down to the garage. Luke has no idea why everyone wants to set him up with their son, cousin, nephew, best friend... He has a boyfriend.
He grabs his Bluetooth as he starts the car and dials the office again.
“Merry Christmas, Luke Snyder's office, how can I help you?”
Luke rolls his eyes, bites back a grin and says quickly. “It's not Christmas yet, Libby.”
“Good morning, Mr. Grumps. What did you forget to tell Hunter to tell me?” Luke can hear the smile in Liberty's voice and his mood lightens some. It can't be helped around her.
“Why do I keep you around? All I get is attitude and snark from you.”
“Because I make this office brighter with my cheery disposition. Besides Jack would kick your ass if you fired me. Nepotism rules.”
That was, sadly, very true.
His chuckle is cut off as he brakes hard when the car in front of him stops suddenly. “Jesus. Drivers are insane during the holidays.”
Liberty makes a noise that Luke interprets as agreement. “You've got a few messages already by the way. Two from your mom, one from Mrs. Walsh and one from Holden.”
Luke sighs. “I'll deal with those later. I need you to call Chris' office and find out where we're meeting for lunch. Oh, and find out from his assistant if we're exchanging gifts. I haven't bought his yet. Also, can you get me directions to Dr. Dixon's party tonight? I don't even have the address.”
He can hear Liberty typing away on her computer and she clicks her tongue, saying, “Got it. I'll call you back in ten.”
Luke disconnects, makes a face at the line of red brake lights he can see and rubs his face with one hand.
It's going to be an interesting day.
--
Luke walks into Java, hides his grin at the exasperated expression on Parker's face as he tries to take the order of a group of teenage girls. Luke waves at him quickly, looking around the cafe until he spots Casey at one of the back tables, files spread everywhere on the surface. Luke makes his way over, plopping down on the chair opposite Casey.
“Big case, man?” Luke leans back in his seat, smirks up at his best friend and laughs when he gets a glare in return.
“Don't even get me started.” Casey retorts, shaking his head as he shuffles through his files, mouth drawn into a hard line.
Luke leans forward. “Hey, what's going on?”
Casey looks up at him, waves a few papers in the air. “I got the Mercer case.”
Luke's eyes widen and he grins, scooting closer to pat Casey's face. “Case! That's great.”
“Yeah” is the curt, unhappy reply.
He's confused at Casey's reaction. His friend has been working for the last few years toward a junior partnership position at his law firm and Luke knows winning this case would get him that.
Parker chooses that moment to walk up to them, looking for all the world like the almost college graduate he is and Luke is totally in denial about that.
“Order before I have to kick you both out for using a table without purchasing any items.” He grins at Luke, gesturing toward the counter. “Linda is not in the holiday spirit today.”
Luke raises his brow as his gaze moves beyond Parker to find the sour looking woman glaring daggers at them from behind the counter. “No kidding. I'll have the Gingerbread Chai.” He glances at a frowning Casey and point his way. “Bring him whatever you think will make him smile.”
Parker nods and starts to turn away when Luke calls out to him. “Hey, you have any idea what my sister wants for Christmas?” He can never shop for Faith.
“Haven't got your shopping done yet?”
Luke snorts. “Not even close.”
Parker laughs then pauses to think. “I caught her looking at this great leather bag over at Lisa's the other day. I couldn't afford it,” he looks embarrassed and Luke gives him a sympathetic look -- he remembers being a college student, “maybe that would be nice.”
“Thanks, Parker.”
The conversation had given Casey time to organize and when Luke turns back to him, the table is clear.
“So. You want to tell me what's going on?”
Casey shrugs, plays with the napkin on the table, an old habit he's had since as far back as Luke can remember. “The preliminary hearing is this afternoon.”
Working on Christmas Eve wasn't fun but it wasn't like Casey hadn't ever had to before.
“I'm not getting it. You've been working for this, Case.”
Casey sighs, eyes sad when he meets Luke's concerned gaze. “It's Maggie's first Christmas show. Her preschool class is performing.”
That would explain it.
“Casey. You'll have tons of more chances to go to recitals, Christmas pageants, fairs.” He rubs a hand over his friends shoulder. “It's okay.”
Casey shakes his head. “It's not. I love my job. You know that.”
“I do.”
“But sometimes I just --”
“Just what?” Luke prods gently. Casey is the person he loves most in the world that isn't blood related and he hates to see him down in any way. He'd worked hard to get the life he had.
“I think if this is worth it. Missing the little parts of Maggie's life doesn't seem important right now but --”
Luke shakes his head. “Don't beat yourself up, Casey. You're a great father. You're an awesome husband.”
“When I don't have to run out of town for a case or work all hours and miss dinner or Maddie's birthday.” His cheeks stain red and Luke feels his heart hurt a little.
“Maddie understands, though. She's in the same place.”
Casey snorts. “Which is worse, Luke. Her hours at the hospital make it hard for both of us to spend any time together or with Maggie. I just -- sometimes I wish --”
“For something else.”
He receives a half smile and Casey's signature shrug. “Or to have enough time to do it all, man.”
Luke gives him a sympathetic look, pats Casey's hand once. “Don't we all.” He frowns, thinks about his schedule. “Did you want -- I mean, I'm just her godfather but do you want --”
Casey grins at him, eyes lightening up in the process. “Maddie will be there. She's taking video but thanks for the almost offer. Ow.” He rubs at the arm Luke punched. “That hurt, asshole.”
Luke smirks. “So if Maddie is there why the big drama, Hughes?”
The smile that graced Casey's face falls slightly as he glances at Luke. “Because it's not the same. I won't have the memory.” He gives Luke that probing look that's becoming too common. It makes Luke want to squirm in his seat.
“Stop that.”
“I'm just concerned about you.”
“Are we seriously doing this again?”
It's a conversation they've been having more and more in the last year. Luke loves that Casey and Maddie worry about him. He gets that they want him to be happy (which he totally is, he is) but he can only take the “you need to find someone” speech so many times before he wants to strangle them.
Because he does have someone.
Casey studies Luke's face closely. “Don't get that pout, Snyder. I know you better than you think.”
“Casey. I'm fine. I'm happy.”
“You need someone.”
Luke rolls his eyes. “I have Chris. Remember him?”
Casey snorts hard. “Yeah, I do. But that's not what I mean. What about a family, Luke? Marriage?” He pauses to fiddle with his fingers. “Love?”
Luke starts to protest about that because he loves Chris. Sort of. They work on the levels that Luke can handle and that's what he likes.
“Case. Not everyone can be like you and Maddie. Some of us don't get to have it all.”
Casey nods, looking away as he quietly says, “I know that.” He meets Luke's eyes. “But it's okay to want more.”
He doesn't get to respond because Parker shows up with Luke's chai and the most insane hot chocolate decorated with what looks like a can of whip cream, chocolate sauce, white chocolate shavings and a chocolate bar. Casey's eyes go wide when Parker sets it in front of him, grin manic.
Luke gives his cousin a thumbs up and tries not to cringe as Casey takes his first swallow. He makes a happy sound. Mission accomplished. Sipping at his own drink, he tries not to think about the last thing Casey had said.
Wanting more wasn't really an option for Luke.
--
Luke stares at the display of handbags covering the entire wall. He can't see the one Parker described.
“Well, if it isn't my favorite Snyder man?” Lisa says from behind him. Luke smiles widely at her as he turns around.
“I bet you say that to all the Snyder men.”
Lisa throws her head back, hugs him hard before pulling away. “Only to the really handsome ones, I swear.” She looks him up and down, grins at him. “How are you, doll? Have you spoken to that father of yours? He hasn't called me in too long.”
Luke ignores that flare of annoyance at Damian's mention. He may not hate his biological father like he once did but they're never going to be what Damian wants them to be.
“I spoke to him a few days ago. He's in Milan. Apparently Rosanna rented a villa there for their anniversary.” He shares a look with Lisa, the same one he thinks everyone does when they think about the pairing of Damian and Rosanna.
“That sounds lovely.”
Luke stifles a laugh at the face Lisa makes. “My response exactly.” He glances back at the display. “Actually, Lisa, I was looking for this handbag but in black. You wouldn't happen to have some in the back?” He gives her his best hopeful look and she pats his face, giggling.
“You're a charming one, Luciano. Let me check.”
He peruses the aisles, finding a scarf for Meg, and checking her off his mental shopping list. If Lisa finds the bag for Faith then that's two done.
Only a million and one Snyders to go.
His phone vibrates in his pocket, makes him jump and he sets down the silver earrings he was contemplating for his Grandmother, smiling when he reads the display.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hello yourself, kiddo.” Holden says and Luke can hear the smile in his voice. “What are you doing right now?”
“Shopping.”
“You sound thrilled by it, too.” Holden laughs. “Well, that answers my question.”
Luke sees Lisa reappear at the front of the boutique, the black bag in her hand and he returns her gesture with a thumbs up. She sets the bag behind the counter for him then moves over to Vienna and Henry.
“What question was that?”
“Want to come help your old man shop tonight?”
Luke laughs, shakes his head as he makes his way to the register. “Oh, no. I love you, Dad, but no way in hell am I going anywhere near stores the night before Christmas. It's bad enough now and it's barely ten in the morning.”
Holden harrumphs which Luke finds hysterical but knows better than to make any sort of amused sound.
“So what you're saying is I need to get moving?”
“You needed to get moving yesterday, Dad.” Luke crinkles his nose at the horrific dress the woman in front of him is buying. He's nowhere near a fashion guru but if he thinks something is ugly, it's got to be ugly. “If it helps I don't need you to buy me anything. I just have a request.”
“What kind of request?” Holden sounds suspicious and well. He should be.
“Mom is coming to dinner tomorrow at the farm. With Mike.”
“Right.”
“I thought -- I know you say you don't care but -- I don't want you to be alone.”
“I'm not alone. I have you kids.”
“Dad.”
“Luke. I'll be fine.”
He takes a deep breath. “Would you at least consider asking Camille? Natalie told me she doesn't have a lot of family here.”
“Hey. You know how you hate it when your mother tries to set you up?”
Yeah. He didn't think that would work.
“Fine. I'll shut up.”
The silence says so many different things to him. Luke and Holden have their own language, at least that what's his mother says and he can interpret everything his dad isn't saying.
“I love you for worrying, son, but I'm fine.”
“You've got it all, right?”
“Exactly. I have everything I need.”
He steps up in line, hands Lisa his credit card and watches her as she rings him up.
“I guess I better get to the joys of consumerism as Natalie has started calling it. You coming by tonight?”
Luke grabs his purchases, kisses Lisa's cheek and waves a silent goodbye as he walks out of the store. “Maybe. Probably. I have to hit Dr. Dixon's party tonight.”
Holden snorts, loudly and Luke scowls. “Lucinda manage to corral you, did she?”
“Shut up, Dad.” Luke weaves around the customers milling over every square of Old Town. “How did you manage to avoid it?”
“Charm, kid. Charm.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Don't pout, son. Doesn't suit you.”
“You are a cruel father, Holden Snyder.”
Holden speaks through his laughter. “I'll see you tonight. Call if you can't make it. Love you.”
“I love you, too, Dad.”
Luke snaps his cell closed, checks the time and realizes he won't be making it into the office before his lunch with Chris. He pulls open his phone as he steps into the bookstore.
He really is starting to hate this holiday.
--
Of course Chris would chose Al's as the place to have Christmas Eve lunch with him. Luke shakes his head, not bothering to look at the menu. He glances around the nearly packed room. Most everyone shopping in Old Town decided to eat there.
His gaze stops on the small family sitting across from his booth and he can't help the smile as he watches the two little girls giggling together. It reminds him of his sisters and he misses them sharply. He can't remember the last time they spent more than a couple of hours at dinner. The ache he manages to keep at bay pulses in his chest.
“Hey. Sorry I'm late.”
Chris drops a quick kiss on his cheek, slipping into the seat opposite Luke. He's talking on his phone, giving instructions to someone and Luke watches him. It's like every other lunch and dinner. One of them on the phone while the other waits. Their talk is generally about work. It's... not enough, he thinks.
Luke looks out of the window, watches the snow falling in large, fat flakes and that ache grows...
“-- so I can't stay for more than a quick bite. I'm sorry.”
Chris gives him a quick smile before motioning for the waitress, to place their orders. Luke manages to keep his words until she's gone off to get them their food.
“Do you think--”
He meets Chris' curious stare, shrugs the rest of the question out. “Where do you see us going?”
That gets Chris' attention, brow rising as he blinks at Luke. “I take it you don't mean for Christmas?”
Luke shakes his head. “Don't you want more?”
Chris stops to think then slowly shakes his head. “We're good, Luke. We have something that works for us. I mean, you're happy, aren't you?”
“I wouldn't say I'm unhappy...”
“Good. Then we're fine.” Chris gives him that fast grin again and Luke wants to argue but he doesn't know how to explain it. He was the one who had pushed for the boundaries in whatever it was he and Chris had.
“Yeah, I guess.”
It's the damn holiday that's making him act like a moron.
It'll pass.
--
“Lovely of you to grace us with your presence, boss man.” Liberty takes his coat and briefcase while Luke deposits his million and one bags on one of the couches. “I was starting to think you were actually going to take the day off like I said you should. Good to know you still don't listen to sound advice.” Her grin is wide and she winks at him.
Luke laughs, slaps at the plush antlers on her head. “I swear I'm going to fire you one of these days.”
“If you want me to end up incarcerated for killing you, you will, sure.” Hunter says as he strolls through the door, dumping the stack of files in his arms on Luke's desk, smirking as he does. “I mean, that would make my mother and sister upset which would in turn make your brother upset, not to mention the rest of the Snyders and it's just -- we would never want that, would we?”
“See? Nepotism.” Liberty makes a little cheerleading gesture.
Luke glances from one to the other. “What did I ever do to deserve the two of you?”
“You are a lucky bastard.” Hunter nods before finally grinning. “In all seriousness, Luke, what are you doing here?”
“Um...it's my office? Hi, I run the company.”
Hunter and Liberty exchange a look before turning their gazes back at him. Luke sighs, head dropping forward as he says, “Not you two as well.”
The phone rings and Liberty presses a button on her wireless phone, walking out to her desk as she starts to talk, leaving Luke with Hunter and a pile of papers.
He shifts through them and ignores Hunter's stare.
“You just seem...”
Luke looks up. “What?”
“Less.” Hunter shakes his head, waves a hand at Luke and apologizes. “I – I apologize. That's not even anywhere near appropriate for the work place. I'll just – right. These are all for the end of the year reports the accounting department is going to need. I've got it all organized and tallied up. Can you look them over? If there's anything that looks like a glaring omission, let me know and I'll fix it. Otherwise, just sign on the dotted lines and I will take care of the rest.”
It's an intimidating looking stack if he's honest.
“They aren't due today, Luke.” Hunter sounds amused so Luke thinks the fear is showing on his face. “Before the first of the year. Oh. Um, also, Liberty did get a hold of Mr. Forbes. He accepted the delay. Meeting has been rescheduled for the third.”
This is why he keeps Hunter around. The guy is socially awkward but he can fix any problem given time. Liberty is the charm. It's why they save his life every day.
“So, I'm free.”
“Yes, for the rest of the day.”
Liberty walks back in, nose scrunched up as she talks, “Well, I'm not sure, Mrs. Snyder, let me check to see if he's still in the meeting. Thanks.” She gives him a questioning look and Luke closes his eyes, breathes and nods his okay. “Hold on, Mrs. Snyder, here he is.”
She transfers the call then heads toward Hunter, gesturing emphatically and Luke raises an eyebrow at her stutter when Hunter touches her shoulder as they walk out the door.
“Merry Christmas, Mom.”
“You too, sweetie. I just wanted to call and make sure you were going to be there tomorrow?”
Luke nods. “Of course I am.”
“Will you be bringing Chris?” Her voice sounds tight and Luke ignores it. He doesn't like her boyfriend, it's only really fair she hates his. He doesn't understand why but he never asks.
“Probably not. He has his own family event to attend.”
“Hmmm.”
Luke doesn't want to know what that means. “You bringing Mike?”
“Of course I am.”
There's a long silence where he refuses to even dignify that with any kind of reaction but his mother has never learned to leave well enough alone.
“I wish you could give him a chance.”
It's not going to happen, not when he has to look at his dad's face every time his mother enters any room with someone else. Holden says he's over her but it's a lie. The only one he thinks his dad has ever told him. Sometimes, he still hopes they'll come around. Other times, he can't imagine wanting them to inflict the kind of pain they did on each other again.
“It's your life, Mother.”
The door opens and Lucinda sticks her head through the door, making Luke grin wide. He waves her in before turning his attention back to whatever his mother was saying.
“-- he's a great guy, Luke. I think you'll hit it off.”
Oh, for the love of...
“Mom. No. No setting me up with anyone. I have a boyfriend.” He ignores the eye roll that gets from Lucinda. “I don't want to meet anyone.”
“But --”
“Mom, I have to go. There's a crisis down the hall I need to take care of. I'll see you tomorrow. Love you. Bye.” He disconnects the call and gives his grandmother a pleading look.
She laughs quietly, shrugging elegantly as she perches on the edge of his couch. “Well, at least she and that useless biological father of yours have stopped trying to get you to meet women. That is a positive.”
Luke groans, trying to forget the last time Damian had pulled that and the subsequent fight that Hunter still deemed the Epic Battle of 2012.
“You have a good point there.” He smiles widely at her, noting the glow in her eyes. He likes that Dr. Dixon managed to get the great Lucinda Walsh to do that. “Not that I don't love seeing you, Grandmother, but what do I owe this lovely visit to?”
“Oh. Liberty called to find out directions to John's tonight and I figured I could drop them by.” She stands, rifles through her handbag, pulling out a sheet of paper and hands it to him. He takes it, reading quickly, and looks up to thank her when he catches the look on her face.
“What?”
She smiles a little sadly, touches his face gently. “I just -- I got a flash of you when you were sixteen just now.”
Luke half smiles at her. “You know that's a possible sign of insanity, Grandmother.”
“Oh, be quiet, young man. I was having a moment.”
He laughs and takes her hand, kisses her knuckles softly. “Sorry. What was the flash?”
“We were in my office and you were telling me about the writing program you were starting that summer. Do you remember that?”
That ache is back but he shoves it aside, lets her hand drop away. “Vaguely. That was a long time ago, Grandmother.”
“I know. You wanted so much then.”
Luke nods. “Maybe. But I have all I need.”
“Do you?”
It takes him by surprise when his mind's first response is no, not at all but he ignores it and winks up at his Grandmother. “Absolutely.”
--
He lets Liberty and Hunter go home early. They have parties to attend and throw, it's only fair. Luke stays late working on getting the pile on his desk to a manageable level. He doesn't want to come in after the holidays to a sea of paper.
He loses track of time and when he glances at his watch it's nearing eight o'clock.
“Shit.”
He won't be making it to John's before nine if he doesn't hurry. He gathers all his things, silently happy that Liberty and Hunter had taken care of his shopping bags before leaving and closes up.
The snow falling now isn't like the one from this morning, it's coming down in an unrelenting sheet of white, sticking to the streets like glue. The wind makes it seem like it's dropping from all sides. Luke regrets his promise to go to the party but he's halfway there. He can't make out any of the street signs, doesn't even recognize them and why the hell did Dr. Dixon live all the way out in the freaking boonies of Oakdale?
The wipers are working overtime, shoving away the onslaught of snow and Luke blinks to focus on the patch of road. He lets out a relieved sigh when he sees the street he needs to turn on. He glances down at the paper for the house address...
The blare of the horn makes him look back to the road and he sees the truck coming toward him.
“Oh, fuck...”
He jerks the wheel to move out of the way, the tires skidding and sliding on the snow and ice. Luke's heart rises to his throat and he struggles to keep control of the car. He feels the impact before his brain registers the lamp post, his head hitting the steering wheel. He can hear the car's alarm blaring, the sound fading in and out.
Minutes tick by and he can't quite move yet.
The door on his side is opened, the car is turned off and Luke rolls his head to look up at his rescuer.
He really hopes this isn't his head injury because -- wow. The face etched with concern is beautiful, blue eyes round and worried. His stomach clenches tight then starts to somersault when the guy reaches into the car and hauls him into a hug. “Oh my god. I heard the crash and almost had a heart attack. Are you okay?”
Luke would protest but the guy is warm and smells really good -- like cookies and spice. He can hug, too. Luke wants to burrow in some more but the rational part of his mind starts to kick in. Before he can say anything, the man pulls back, touches his face, thumbing over his forehead.
“You got a cut, baby. Let's go inside and clean it up.”
Luke isn't against going indoors somewhere. It's cold and his head is killing him...did the guy just say “baby”? He pulls back, feet unsteady and he feels a hand at his back, holding him. His words catch in his throat when he sees the car.
It's not wrecked but --
“Where's my car?”
The guy's brow furrows, pointing to the SUV smashed against the tree. “Right there?”
Luke shakes his head. That's not his Jag. He steps back, glances down at himself and does a double take. He's wearing jeans and an old Henley, not the Prada suit he remembers putting on before leaving the office. “Where are my clothes?”
This isn't -- he doesn't understand this at all.
“Luke, you're freaking me out.”
“How do you know – um...okay. I don't -- I'm sorry. I appreciate the help but I don't even know you.”
He waves away the hand that reaches for him, sees the worry deepen in those really nice blue eyes. A frown pulls on the guy's face as he speaks quietly, “What are you -- this isn't funny, Snyder.”
Luke sees black spots in his vision, grabs the strangers hand when he reaches for him again. “I agree. Who are you? And how the hell do you know my name?”
“What do you mean who -- baby, it's me. Noah.” He's looking really freaked out now and Luke feels a little bad about that but really, this joke or whatever isn't in any way amusing. He's never seen this guy -- Noah -- before in his life.
He would have remembered.
“Noah?” Luke tilts forward, Noah catching him and running one hand gently over his head, giving him a strained smile.
“Yes. Noah. Remember? Love of your life. The other father of our kids. Your husband.”
Husband.
Luke can't focus, Noah's face is becoming blurry...
Husband.
His eyes roll to the back of his head and everything goes dark.
|Part Two|
♥
Author(s):
freakykatRating: NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Luke Snyder/Noah Mayer
Summary: This isn't the life he was meant to have.
spinning sideways into place
Part One
“Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock. Jingle Bell time…”
Luke rolls across the expanse of his bed, throws one hand out and slams it down on the snooze button of his alarm clock. He blinks blearily at the digital numbers on its surface and mutters a curse, face hiding in his pillow. He likes his warm four hundred count thread sheets and matching cases. It’s comfortable and if he tries hard enough he could manage to spend his holiday right where he was. It’s a nice thought.
“Happy Day before Christmas, Oakies. Hope you’ve all gotten your shopping done.
Luke groans as he lifts his head to glare at the clock. “I hate you.”
He leaves it on, Christmas music drifting out from the speakers, and pushes off his bed, scrubs a hand over his face. He looks out of his windows -- floor to ceiling and the main selling point of his apartment -- and down to the street. It’s a flurry of movement and color from his viewpoint. Everyone moving to get where they need to go. He misses when Christmas used to be about family, food, warmth. It makes his chest ache in ways he doesn't like to explore.
It will pass, he knows that. Luke makes a face at the image reflected in the glass. “Get a grip, Snyder.” He shakes his head before padding into the bathroom, turning off the radio as he does. Flipping the switch on, he blinks against the harsh lights, fumbling for the dimmer, shaking his head.
He wishes Chris would remember to set the lights back down to the way Luke likes them.
Reaching for his toothbrush, he starts his morning routine and taps a finger on the remote sitting on the counter. The television he'd somehow let the contractor talk him into installing in the bathroom lights up and Luke watches in the reflection as the meteorologist gestures at the digital map. He frowns at all the blue that covers most of the state. That can't be good news.
“The storm clouds are gathering and it's predicted that the storm will hit sometime this afternoon. It looks like we'll be having a White Christmas after all.”
Luke groans. “Wonderful.”
He dresses quickly, remembering his lunch date with Chris, and makes sure to wear the tie he gave him for his birthday. He rushes into his kitchen, pauses to fill his thermos with coffee, reaching for his cell phone. The call goes to voicemail, not that he's surprised at that, really.
“Hunter, listen, I need you to cancel my meeting with Mr. Forbes. I haven't even started my shopping, yes, I know, shut up, so I'm going to get that done this morning. Just tell Forbes I had a family emergency, send flowers or whatever is appropriate and let's reschedule for the first of the year, okay? Thanks. Oh, also can you or Liberty get me the address to Dr. Dixon's house? I promised I'd stop in for his holiday party. See you when I get in.”
Luke lets out a loud sigh, grabs his coffee and briefcase, running out the door. Mrs. Martinez is out in the hall and she holds him up for five minutes, telling him all about her nephew who's visiting and “you should come over for drinks, later.” He promises to try before heading down to the garage. Luke has no idea why everyone wants to set him up with their son, cousin, nephew, best friend... He has a boyfriend.
He grabs his Bluetooth as he starts the car and dials the office again.
“Merry Christmas, Luke Snyder's office, how can I help you?”
Luke rolls his eyes, bites back a grin and says quickly. “It's not Christmas yet, Libby.”
“Good morning, Mr. Grumps. What did you forget to tell Hunter to tell me?” Luke can hear the smile in Liberty's voice and his mood lightens some. It can't be helped around her.
“Why do I keep you around? All I get is attitude and snark from you.”
“Because I make this office brighter with my cheery disposition. Besides Jack would kick your ass if you fired me. Nepotism rules.”
That was, sadly, very true.
His chuckle is cut off as he brakes hard when the car in front of him stops suddenly. “Jesus. Drivers are insane during the holidays.”
Liberty makes a noise that Luke interprets as agreement. “You've got a few messages already by the way. Two from your mom, one from Mrs. Walsh and one from Holden.”
Luke sighs. “I'll deal with those later. I need you to call Chris' office and find out where we're meeting for lunch. Oh, and find out from his assistant if we're exchanging gifts. I haven't bought his yet. Also, can you get me directions to Dr. Dixon's party tonight? I don't even have the address.”
He can hear Liberty typing away on her computer and she clicks her tongue, saying, “Got it. I'll call you back in ten.”
Luke disconnects, makes a face at the line of red brake lights he can see and rubs his face with one hand.
It's going to be an interesting day.
--
Luke walks into Java, hides his grin at the exasperated expression on Parker's face as he tries to take the order of a group of teenage girls. Luke waves at him quickly, looking around the cafe until he spots Casey at one of the back tables, files spread everywhere on the surface. Luke makes his way over, plopping down on the chair opposite Casey.
“Big case, man?” Luke leans back in his seat, smirks up at his best friend and laughs when he gets a glare in return.
“Don't even get me started.” Casey retorts, shaking his head as he shuffles through his files, mouth drawn into a hard line.
Luke leans forward. “Hey, what's going on?”
Casey looks up at him, waves a few papers in the air. “I got the Mercer case.”
Luke's eyes widen and he grins, scooting closer to pat Casey's face. “Case! That's great.”
“Yeah” is the curt, unhappy reply.
He's confused at Casey's reaction. His friend has been working for the last few years toward a junior partnership position at his law firm and Luke knows winning this case would get him that.
Parker chooses that moment to walk up to them, looking for all the world like the almost college graduate he is and Luke is totally in denial about that.
“Order before I have to kick you both out for using a table without purchasing any items.” He grins at Luke, gesturing toward the counter. “Linda is not in the holiday spirit today.”
Luke raises his brow as his gaze moves beyond Parker to find the sour looking woman glaring daggers at them from behind the counter. “No kidding. I'll have the Gingerbread Chai.” He glances at a frowning Casey and point his way. “Bring him whatever you think will make him smile.”
Parker nods and starts to turn away when Luke calls out to him. “Hey, you have any idea what my sister wants for Christmas?” He can never shop for Faith.
“Haven't got your shopping done yet?”
Luke snorts. “Not even close.”
Parker laughs then pauses to think. “I caught her looking at this great leather bag over at Lisa's the other day. I couldn't afford it,” he looks embarrassed and Luke gives him a sympathetic look -- he remembers being a college student, “maybe that would be nice.”
“Thanks, Parker.”
The conversation had given Casey time to organize and when Luke turns back to him, the table is clear.
“So. You want to tell me what's going on?”
Casey shrugs, plays with the napkin on the table, an old habit he's had since as far back as Luke can remember. “The preliminary hearing is this afternoon.”
Working on Christmas Eve wasn't fun but it wasn't like Casey hadn't ever had to before.
“I'm not getting it. You've been working for this, Case.”
Casey sighs, eyes sad when he meets Luke's concerned gaze. “It's Maggie's first Christmas show. Her preschool class is performing.”
That would explain it.
“Casey. You'll have tons of more chances to go to recitals, Christmas pageants, fairs.” He rubs a hand over his friends shoulder. “It's okay.”
Casey shakes his head. “It's not. I love my job. You know that.”
“I do.”
“But sometimes I just --”
“Just what?” Luke prods gently. Casey is the person he loves most in the world that isn't blood related and he hates to see him down in any way. He'd worked hard to get the life he had.
“I think if this is worth it. Missing the little parts of Maggie's life doesn't seem important right now but --”
Luke shakes his head. “Don't beat yourself up, Casey. You're a great father. You're an awesome husband.”
“When I don't have to run out of town for a case or work all hours and miss dinner or Maddie's birthday.” His cheeks stain red and Luke feels his heart hurt a little.
“Maddie understands, though. She's in the same place.”
Casey snorts. “Which is worse, Luke. Her hours at the hospital make it hard for both of us to spend any time together or with Maggie. I just -- sometimes I wish --”
“For something else.”
He receives a half smile and Casey's signature shrug. “Or to have enough time to do it all, man.”
Luke gives him a sympathetic look, pats Casey's hand once. “Don't we all.” He frowns, thinks about his schedule. “Did you want -- I mean, I'm just her godfather but do you want --”
Casey grins at him, eyes lightening up in the process. “Maddie will be there. She's taking video but thanks for the almost offer. Ow.” He rubs at the arm Luke punched. “That hurt, asshole.”
Luke smirks. “So if Maddie is there why the big drama, Hughes?”
The smile that graced Casey's face falls slightly as he glances at Luke. “Because it's not the same. I won't have the memory.” He gives Luke that probing look that's becoming too common. It makes Luke want to squirm in his seat.
“Stop that.”
“I'm just concerned about you.”
“Are we seriously doing this again?”
It's a conversation they've been having more and more in the last year. Luke loves that Casey and Maddie worry about him. He gets that they want him to be happy (which he totally is, he is) but he can only take the “you need to find someone” speech so many times before he wants to strangle them.
Because he does have someone.
Casey studies Luke's face closely. “Don't get that pout, Snyder. I know you better than you think.”
“Casey. I'm fine. I'm happy.”
“You need someone.”
Luke rolls his eyes. “I have Chris. Remember him?”
Casey snorts hard. “Yeah, I do. But that's not what I mean. What about a family, Luke? Marriage?” He pauses to fiddle with his fingers. “Love?”
Luke starts to protest about that because he loves Chris. Sort of. They work on the levels that Luke can handle and that's what he likes.
“Case. Not everyone can be like you and Maddie. Some of us don't get to have it all.”
Casey nods, looking away as he quietly says, “I know that.” He meets Luke's eyes. “But it's okay to want more.”
He doesn't get to respond because Parker shows up with Luke's chai and the most insane hot chocolate decorated with what looks like a can of whip cream, chocolate sauce, white chocolate shavings and a chocolate bar. Casey's eyes go wide when Parker sets it in front of him, grin manic.
Luke gives his cousin a thumbs up and tries not to cringe as Casey takes his first swallow. He makes a happy sound. Mission accomplished. Sipping at his own drink, he tries not to think about the last thing Casey had said.
Wanting more wasn't really an option for Luke.
--
Luke stares at the display of handbags covering the entire wall. He can't see the one Parker described.
“Well, if it isn't my favorite Snyder man?” Lisa says from behind him. Luke smiles widely at her as he turns around.
“I bet you say that to all the Snyder men.”
Lisa throws her head back, hugs him hard before pulling away. “Only to the really handsome ones, I swear.” She looks him up and down, grins at him. “How are you, doll? Have you spoken to that father of yours? He hasn't called me in too long.”
Luke ignores that flare of annoyance at Damian's mention. He may not hate his biological father like he once did but they're never going to be what Damian wants them to be.
“I spoke to him a few days ago. He's in Milan. Apparently Rosanna rented a villa there for their anniversary.” He shares a look with Lisa, the same one he thinks everyone does when they think about the pairing of Damian and Rosanna.
“That sounds lovely.”
Luke stifles a laugh at the face Lisa makes. “My response exactly.” He glances back at the display. “Actually, Lisa, I was looking for this handbag but in black. You wouldn't happen to have some in the back?” He gives her his best hopeful look and she pats his face, giggling.
“You're a charming one, Luciano. Let me check.”
He peruses the aisles, finding a scarf for Meg, and checking her off his mental shopping list. If Lisa finds the bag for Faith then that's two done.
Only a million and one Snyders to go.
His phone vibrates in his pocket, makes him jump and he sets down the silver earrings he was contemplating for his Grandmother, smiling when he reads the display.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hello yourself, kiddo.” Holden says and Luke can hear the smile in his voice. “What are you doing right now?”
“Shopping.”
“You sound thrilled by it, too.” Holden laughs. “Well, that answers my question.”
Luke sees Lisa reappear at the front of the boutique, the black bag in her hand and he returns her gesture with a thumbs up. She sets the bag behind the counter for him then moves over to Vienna and Henry.
“What question was that?”
“Want to come help your old man shop tonight?”
Luke laughs, shakes his head as he makes his way to the register. “Oh, no. I love you, Dad, but no way in hell am I going anywhere near stores the night before Christmas. It's bad enough now and it's barely ten in the morning.”
Holden harrumphs which Luke finds hysterical but knows better than to make any sort of amused sound.
“So what you're saying is I need to get moving?”
“You needed to get moving yesterday, Dad.” Luke crinkles his nose at the horrific dress the woman in front of him is buying. He's nowhere near a fashion guru but if he thinks something is ugly, it's got to be ugly. “If it helps I don't need you to buy me anything. I just have a request.”
“What kind of request?” Holden sounds suspicious and well. He should be.
“Mom is coming to dinner tomorrow at the farm. With Mike.”
“Right.”
“I thought -- I know you say you don't care but -- I don't want you to be alone.”
“I'm not alone. I have you kids.”
“Dad.”
“Luke. I'll be fine.”
He takes a deep breath. “Would you at least consider asking Camille? Natalie told me she doesn't have a lot of family here.”
“Hey. You know how you hate it when your mother tries to set you up?”
Yeah. He didn't think that would work.
“Fine. I'll shut up.”
The silence says so many different things to him. Luke and Holden have their own language, at least that what's his mother says and he can interpret everything his dad isn't saying.
“I love you for worrying, son, but I'm fine.”
“You've got it all, right?”
“Exactly. I have everything I need.”
He steps up in line, hands Lisa his credit card and watches her as she rings him up.
“I guess I better get to the joys of consumerism as Natalie has started calling it. You coming by tonight?”
Luke grabs his purchases, kisses Lisa's cheek and waves a silent goodbye as he walks out of the store. “Maybe. Probably. I have to hit Dr. Dixon's party tonight.”
Holden snorts, loudly and Luke scowls. “Lucinda manage to corral you, did she?”
“Shut up, Dad.” Luke weaves around the customers milling over every square of Old Town. “How did you manage to avoid it?”
“Charm, kid. Charm.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Don't pout, son. Doesn't suit you.”
“You are a cruel father, Holden Snyder.”
Holden speaks through his laughter. “I'll see you tonight. Call if you can't make it. Love you.”
“I love you, too, Dad.”
Luke snaps his cell closed, checks the time and realizes he won't be making it into the office before his lunch with Chris. He pulls open his phone as he steps into the bookstore.
He really is starting to hate this holiday.
--
Of course Chris would chose Al's as the place to have Christmas Eve lunch with him. Luke shakes his head, not bothering to look at the menu. He glances around the nearly packed room. Most everyone shopping in Old Town decided to eat there.
His gaze stops on the small family sitting across from his booth and he can't help the smile as he watches the two little girls giggling together. It reminds him of his sisters and he misses them sharply. He can't remember the last time they spent more than a couple of hours at dinner. The ache he manages to keep at bay pulses in his chest.
“Hey. Sorry I'm late.”
Chris drops a quick kiss on his cheek, slipping into the seat opposite Luke. He's talking on his phone, giving instructions to someone and Luke watches him. It's like every other lunch and dinner. One of them on the phone while the other waits. Their talk is generally about work. It's... not enough, he thinks.
Luke looks out of the window, watches the snow falling in large, fat flakes and that ache grows...
“-- so I can't stay for more than a quick bite. I'm sorry.”
Chris gives him a quick smile before motioning for the waitress, to place their orders. Luke manages to keep his words until she's gone off to get them their food.
“Do you think--”
He meets Chris' curious stare, shrugs the rest of the question out. “Where do you see us going?”
That gets Chris' attention, brow rising as he blinks at Luke. “I take it you don't mean for Christmas?”
Luke shakes his head. “Don't you want more?”
Chris stops to think then slowly shakes his head. “We're good, Luke. We have something that works for us. I mean, you're happy, aren't you?”
“I wouldn't say I'm unhappy...”
“Good. Then we're fine.” Chris gives him that fast grin again and Luke wants to argue but he doesn't know how to explain it. He was the one who had pushed for the boundaries in whatever it was he and Chris had.
“Yeah, I guess.”
It's the damn holiday that's making him act like a moron.
It'll pass.
--
“Lovely of you to grace us with your presence, boss man.” Liberty takes his coat and briefcase while Luke deposits his million and one bags on one of the couches. “I was starting to think you were actually going to take the day off like I said you should. Good to know you still don't listen to sound advice.” Her grin is wide and she winks at him.
Luke laughs, slaps at the plush antlers on her head. “I swear I'm going to fire you one of these days.”
“If you want me to end up incarcerated for killing you, you will, sure.” Hunter says as he strolls through the door, dumping the stack of files in his arms on Luke's desk, smirking as he does. “I mean, that would make my mother and sister upset which would in turn make your brother upset, not to mention the rest of the Snyders and it's just -- we would never want that, would we?”
“See? Nepotism.” Liberty makes a little cheerleading gesture.
Luke glances from one to the other. “What did I ever do to deserve the two of you?”
“You are a lucky bastard.” Hunter nods before finally grinning. “In all seriousness, Luke, what are you doing here?”
“Um...it's my office? Hi, I run the company.”
Hunter and Liberty exchange a look before turning their gazes back at him. Luke sighs, head dropping forward as he says, “Not you two as well.”
The phone rings and Liberty presses a button on her wireless phone, walking out to her desk as she starts to talk, leaving Luke with Hunter and a pile of papers.
He shifts through them and ignores Hunter's stare.
“You just seem...”
Luke looks up. “What?”
“Less.” Hunter shakes his head, waves a hand at Luke and apologizes. “I – I apologize. That's not even anywhere near appropriate for the work place. I'll just – right. These are all for the end of the year reports the accounting department is going to need. I've got it all organized and tallied up. Can you look them over? If there's anything that looks like a glaring omission, let me know and I'll fix it. Otherwise, just sign on the dotted lines and I will take care of the rest.”
It's an intimidating looking stack if he's honest.
“They aren't due today, Luke.” Hunter sounds amused so Luke thinks the fear is showing on his face. “Before the first of the year. Oh. Um, also, Liberty did get a hold of Mr. Forbes. He accepted the delay. Meeting has been rescheduled for the third.”
This is why he keeps Hunter around. The guy is socially awkward but he can fix any problem given time. Liberty is the charm. It's why they save his life every day.
“So, I'm free.”
“Yes, for the rest of the day.”
Liberty walks back in, nose scrunched up as she talks, “Well, I'm not sure, Mrs. Snyder, let me check to see if he's still in the meeting. Thanks.” She gives him a questioning look and Luke closes his eyes, breathes and nods his okay. “Hold on, Mrs. Snyder, here he is.”
She transfers the call then heads toward Hunter, gesturing emphatically and Luke raises an eyebrow at her stutter when Hunter touches her shoulder as they walk out the door.
“Merry Christmas, Mom.”
“You too, sweetie. I just wanted to call and make sure you were going to be there tomorrow?”
Luke nods. “Of course I am.”
“Will you be bringing Chris?” Her voice sounds tight and Luke ignores it. He doesn't like her boyfriend, it's only really fair she hates his. He doesn't understand why but he never asks.
“Probably not. He has his own family event to attend.”
“Hmmm.”
Luke doesn't want to know what that means. “You bringing Mike?”
“Of course I am.”
There's a long silence where he refuses to even dignify that with any kind of reaction but his mother has never learned to leave well enough alone.
“I wish you could give him a chance.”
It's not going to happen, not when he has to look at his dad's face every time his mother enters any room with someone else. Holden says he's over her but it's a lie. The only one he thinks his dad has ever told him. Sometimes, he still hopes they'll come around. Other times, he can't imagine wanting them to inflict the kind of pain they did on each other again.
“It's your life, Mother.”
The door opens and Lucinda sticks her head through the door, making Luke grin wide. He waves her in before turning his attention back to whatever his mother was saying.
“-- he's a great guy, Luke. I think you'll hit it off.”
Oh, for the love of...
“Mom. No. No setting me up with anyone. I have a boyfriend.” He ignores the eye roll that gets from Lucinda. “I don't want to meet anyone.”
“But --”
“Mom, I have to go. There's a crisis down the hall I need to take care of. I'll see you tomorrow. Love you. Bye.” He disconnects the call and gives his grandmother a pleading look.
She laughs quietly, shrugging elegantly as she perches on the edge of his couch. “Well, at least she and that useless biological father of yours have stopped trying to get you to meet women. That is a positive.”
Luke groans, trying to forget the last time Damian had pulled that and the subsequent fight that Hunter still deemed the Epic Battle of 2012.
“You have a good point there.” He smiles widely at her, noting the glow in her eyes. He likes that Dr. Dixon managed to get the great Lucinda Walsh to do that. “Not that I don't love seeing you, Grandmother, but what do I owe this lovely visit to?”
“Oh. Liberty called to find out directions to John's tonight and I figured I could drop them by.” She stands, rifles through her handbag, pulling out a sheet of paper and hands it to him. He takes it, reading quickly, and looks up to thank her when he catches the look on her face.
“What?”
She smiles a little sadly, touches his face gently. “I just -- I got a flash of you when you were sixteen just now.”
Luke half smiles at her. “You know that's a possible sign of insanity, Grandmother.”
“Oh, be quiet, young man. I was having a moment.”
He laughs and takes her hand, kisses her knuckles softly. “Sorry. What was the flash?”
“We were in my office and you were telling me about the writing program you were starting that summer. Do you remember that?”
That ache is back but he shoves it aside, lets her hand drop away. “Vaguely. That was a long time ago, Grandmother.”
“I know. You wanted so much then.”
Luke nods. “Maybe. But I have all I need.”
“Do you?”
It takes him by surprise when his mind's first response is no, not at all but he ignores it and winks up at his Grandmother. “Absolutely.”
--
He lets Liberty and Hunter go home early. They have parties to attend and throw, it's only fair. Luke stays late working on getting the pile on his desk to a manageable level. He doesn't want to come in after the holidays to a sea of paper.
He loses track of time and when he glances at his watch it's nearing eight o'clock.
“Shit.”
He won't be making it to John's before nine if he doesn't hurry. He gathers all his things, silently happy that Liberty and Hunter had taken care of his shopping bags before leaving and closes up.
The snow falling now isn't like the one from this morning, it's coming down in an unrelenting sheet of white, sticking to the streets like glue. The wind makes it seem like it's dropping from all sides. Luke regrets his promise to go to the party but he's halfway there. He can't make out any of the street signs, doesn't even recognize them and why the hell did Dr. Dixon live all the way out in the freaking boonies of Oakdale?
The wipers are working overtime, shoving away the onslaught of snow and Luke blinks to focus on the patch of road. He lets out a relieved sigh when he sees the street he needs to turn on. He glances down at the paper for the house address...
The blare of the horn makes him look back to the road and he sees the truck coming toward him.
“Oh, fuck...”
He jerks the wheel to move out of the way, the tires skidding and sliding on the snow and ice. Luke's heart rises to his throat and he struggles to keep control of the car. He feels the impact before his brain registers the lamp post, his head hitting the steering wheel. He can hear the car's alarm blaring, the sound fading in and out.
Minutes tick by and he can't quite move yet.
The door on his side is opened, the car is turned off and Luke rolls his head to look up at his rescuer.
He really hopes this isn't his head injury because -- wow. The face etched with concern is beautiful, blue eyes round and worried. His stomach clenches tight then starts to somersault when the guy reaches into the car and hauls him into a hug. “Oh my god. I heard the crash and almost had a heart attack. Are you okay?”
Luke would protest but the guy is warm and smells really good -- like cookies and spice. He can hug, too. Luke wants to burrow in some more but the rational part of his mind starts to kick in. Before he can say anything, the man pulls back, touches his face, thumbing over his forehead.
“You got a cut, baby. Let's go inside and clean it up.”
Luke isn't against going indoors somewhere. It's cold and his head is killing him...did the guy just say “baby”? He pulls back, feet unsteady and he feels a hand at his back, holding him. His words catch in his throat when he sees the car.
It's not wrecked but --
“Where's my car?”
The guy's brow furrows, pointing to the SUV smashed against the tree. “Right there?”
Luke shakes his head. That's not his Jag. He steps back, glances down at himself and does a double take. He's wearing jeans and an old Henley, not the Prada suit he remembers putting on before leaving the office. “Where are my clothes?”
This isn't -- he doesn't understand this at all.
“Luke, you're freaking me out.”
“How do you know – um...okay. I don't -- I'm sorry. I appreciate the help but I don't even know you.”
He waves away the hand that reaches for him, sees the worry deepen in those really nice blue eyes. A frown pulls on the guy's face as he speaks quietly, “What are you -- this isn't funny, Snyder.”
Luke sees black spots in his vision, grabs the strangers hand when he reaches for him again. “I agree. Who are you? And how the hell do you know my name?”
“What do you mean who -- baby, it's me. Noah.” He's looking really freaked out now and Luke feels a little bad about that but really, this joke or whatever isn't in any way amusing. He's never seen this guy -- Noah -- before in his life.
He would have remembered.
“Noah?” Luke tilts forward, Noah catching him and running one hand gently over his head, giving him a strained smile.
“Yes. Noah. Remember? Love of your life. The other father of our kids. Your husband.”
Husband.
Luke can't focus, Noah's face is becoming blurry...
Husband.
His eyes roll to the back of his head and everything goes dark.
|Part Two|
♥
