Finally. After all the drama and all the emotions, he could finally relax. In his own home. In his own bed. In the arms of his own man. He kissed the blond locks and he could feel Luke’s smile on his chest.
“Thank you,” Luke whispered and Reid frowned.
“You’re welcome, but thank you for what?”
“For being so patient and understanding at the farm.”
Reid nodded. Yeah, he had been pretty awesome. Luke had put his arm around Dave regularly and he hadn’t even rolled his eyes. Not even slightly. Not once. He was aware of Dave’s affection for Luke, but it had been very obvious that the grieving man had nothing seductive or scheming on his mind. Only devastation. And if Luke could give the guy some comfort, then more power to him.
“I felt for him,” Reid softly said.
“I could tell,” Luke softly kissed Reid’s chest.
“And it surprised you,” Reid snorted, a little indignant.
“Nope. I know how loving you are. But you don’t always show it to others and I’m just glad you did tonight.”
“Emma’s pie helped too,” Reid teased and Luke’s chuckle made him all warm and happy.
“I’m sure it did. It’s my grandma’s way of handling grief… making food.”
“And my way of handling life is eating it,” Reid sniggered.
“Perfect combination,” Luke agreed.
“It is. Almost as perfect as you and me.”
Luke looked up for a moment and gave Reid a loving smile.
“Would we survive the loss of a child?”
Reid frowned. “I hope never to find out, but I like to think we would.”
Luke nodded, his stubble sending a pleasant tingling through Reid’s body.
“Me too,” he whispered.
“Those two guys were already on the road to disaster,” Reid mumbled, thinking about the interaction between Dave and Waylon. There had been hatred. Pure hatred. It had startled him. These two guys had been in love, at one point. According to Dave’s father, they’d been a great team. But apparently that wasn’t any guarantee. Love could turn into hate. That much had been very clear.
“They are both to blame,” Luke whispered, as if he had read Reid’s line of thought.
“I know. Dave acted pretty passive aggressive.”
“He did. He reminded me of me, actually. Taking all the shit, being increasingly unhappy about it, but keeping his mouth shut. And all that resentment just kept growing…”
“I’m assuming you’re talking about your previous relationship…”
“Of course I am,” Luke softly slapped Reid on the chest. “No resentment towards you to report so far.”
Reid wiped his forehead in fake relief.
“Glad to hear.”
They both chuckled and then Luke sighed.
“I’m so tired.”
“I can tell. But you’re in luck…you can rest, now.”
“Yeah…” Luke sounded blissful, but then raised his head. “No! Shit, I almost forgot…”
“Whatever it is, can’t it wait till morning?”
Luke started to come up, shaking his head.
“I’m afraid not. I totally forgot to let Gaia out for her last walk of the day…I need to…”
Reid watched the exhaustion on his lover’s face and pushed Luke back in the pillow.
“You need to lay back. Did you take your medicine?”
Luke nodded, again moving up. “I did, but I can’t…”
“I’ll walk her,” Reid said, already making his way out of bed.
“No Reid, I love you for suggesting it, but Gaia is my respon…”
“Shut up and listen,” Reid quickly put some clothes on, “Yes, she is. But I let you help me when I’m spent. Let me do the same for you, for a change.”
Luke bit his lip. He knew Reid had a point. A very good point. But Gaia was a sensitive subject. He knew Reid’s feelings about her. Then he sank back on the bed. He was really tired. Reluctantly he nodded.
“Okay. You’re right. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” Reid grinned. “So give me some guidelines. What do I do?”
“You open the door and leave it ajar, so she can hear the pups. Then you just walk outside a little and she will sniff and hopefully do her thing.”
“I’m not cleaning up,” Reid sounded menacingly, making Luke laugh.
“You don’t have to. I don’t expect her to poop anyway.”
“Good.” Reid finished dressing and waved at Luke.
“Wish me luck.”
“You don’t need it. She is very friendly.”
“Yeah yeah,” Reid muttered under his breath and after a last wink he made his way to the scullery, while putting his coat on. The minute he opened the door and hit the light switch, he had the dog’s full attention. Luke was right. She looked friendly enough.
“Hey you,” Reid softly said, as he opened the door, “It’s pee time.”
The minute he stepped outside, he heard her come up and as if this was the most normal thing for her, she followed him out. After pushing her head against his leg for a moment, she slowly started checking out the grass. Apparently there was a lot of interesting smells, because all Reid heard was a sniffing sound.
It was a quiet, cold night and Reid inhaled the fresh air. This was surprisingly nice and relaxing. He put his hands in his jeans and slowly walked towards the guest house. There was some light on the first floor. Reid smiled. It was a nice feeling to have Katie so close. He would miss her after she moved. Simon was recovering very well and the new house was already purchased. It was a matter of time before she would leave. He took a deep breath. Yeah, he would definitely miss her.
The cold and wet sensation against his wrist startled him and when he lowered his head, he looked right into two soft brown eyes. He was surprised to find the dog here. According to Luke she always stayed close by the kitchen door, but for some reason she had made an exception to that rule right now. Instinctively he put a hand on her head and scratched behind her ear.
“Are you all peed out?”
He knew he was sleep deprived when he thought she grinned. Still he grinned back and turned to the house.
“Come on, Monster. Let’s get some sleep…”
