*****PG13*****
With a soft moan Luke dropped himself on the bed and smiled at his own reflection on the ceiling. Despite being worn to a frazzle, the mirror made something stir inside. He felt shy and defiant at the same time and when Reid stepped out of the bathroom, he could feel himself blush like a virgin.
Reid managed to assess the situation exactly right.
“Is your imagination already starting the party?” he whispered, as he made his way on top of Luke and the blond nodded.
“That mirror has a strange effect on me,” Luke whispered back, enjoying the feel of Reid’s skin on his. Would he ever get used to this sensation? He seriously doubted it. Having Reid this close always filled his body with energy and passion. Watching them together in the mirror just made it extra intense.
The moment he felt Reid’s lips on his, the mirror was forgotten, though. Luke closed his eyes and just surrendered to all the familiar and still exciting emotions rushing in.
Both exhausted and fulfilled, they watched each other in the mirror.
“Are you okay?”
Luke smiled, nodding and turning to Reid, so he could look him in the eye.
“More than okay. What was going on?”
Reid shrugged, pulling Luke closer.
“I don’t know. It took me by surprise too. I really didn’t feel like venting, but somehow it just escalated.”
Reid frowned, trying to recall what happened. He had felt relaxed and at ease after putting the kids to bed and yes, he had been looking forward to some interaction with his lover, but he never anticipated being this rough.
“I liked it,” Luke assured him, planting a soft kiss on Reid’s chest.
“Me too…” Reid grabbed Luke’s hair, positioning his head so he could kiss the young man. There was still a touch of rough in that movement and it made him frown again.
“And apparently I can’t stop,” he smirked, making Luke chuckle.
“Maybe it’s the mirror,” he suggested, looking up again.
“Hmmm,” their eyes met in the reflecting object. “Maybe my imagination was stirring some stuff up too…I must admit…when I saw you lying there…knowing you’re mine…”
“Ah…getting possessive, are we?” Luke teased. “Maybe those guys checking me out in the lobby got to you…”
Reid grinned. They had been checking Luke out for sure and even the young girl in Luke’s arms hadn’t diminished the attraction and almost hungry looks. But Reid hadn’t felt threatened. Not for one moment. Not with Luke’s hand in his. Not with Luke smiling at him.
“Who can blame them? You’re a hot stud,” Reid nibbled on Luke’s earlobe, “and you’re my hot stud…”
“But not hot enough to marry.”
Luke didn’t know where those words came from and although he was pretty sure some part of his brain meant it as a joke, he could tell the punchline didn’t go over very well. Reid froze a little and the frown was back. So Luke quickly kissed his man on the lips and gave him his best smile.
“I was kidding.”
Was he? That question was in Reid’s eyes and in Luke’s heart. Was he?
“You gave me the thumbs up after I explained the whole wedding thing to Danny,” Reid whispered and Luke could hear the confusion.
“I did, because I understand your point of view and you explained it very well.”
“You understand. But you don’t agree.”
Luke closed his eyes for a moment. All of a sudden the mirror felt like an intrusion. It made him feel naked. Vulnerable.
“I’ve accepted it,” Luke started and then shook his head. “Well, sometimes I do. But it’s like Danny said…in my family marriage is the most logical step for two people in love. That’s how I was raised. So yes, I always saw myself married some day. With every wedding I’ve attended, I pictured myself up there too. And when I listen to your arguments, my brain agrees. It makes perfect sense, it really does. But my heart isn’t on the same wavelength, yet. My heart wants the whole romantic package…”
They were silent for a while and after taking a deep breath, Luke looked at Reid and was pained by the disturbed expression on his face.
“It just takes time,” he whispered, caressing Reid’s chest. “My heart will come to grips with it, I’m sure of that.”
“I’m not,” Reid said softly, avoiding Luke’s eyes.
“It’s not a deal breaker, Reid.” This time Luke turned Reid’s face to his, forcing him to look him in the eyes. “I don’t want to be with anyone else. Ever. You gave me rings…” Luke smiled as his lifted his hand and watched the golden band, “you gave me a home, you gave me a family…you gave me you. That’s what counts. We celebrate our love everyday. I wonder how many couples who did the wedding and the marriage license can say the same.”
“Now you’re talking like me.”
“No, this is me talking. We just happen to agree on this.”
“While you’re secretly yearning for a wedding of your own.”
“You make it sound like it’s always there on the background,” this time Luke was the one frowning. “It’s not. It’s on occasions like this. The umpteenth Snyder wedding. The excitement. The tradition. That’s when the longing pops up. But in the past I could long for alcohol too. The longing doesn’t make it right.”
Luke smiled when he felt Reid relax again.
“You will tell me if the longing becomes an issue though, won’t you?”
Luke nodded, kissing Reid on the lips.
“I promise. But I can’t imagine it ever will be. I meant what I said to Danny. I love my life with you.”
Reid’s smile was open and loving.
“Same here.”
Their kiss was lazy and yet full of promise. They belonged together.
