Autonomy: Chapter 6 (original) (raw)

Title: Autonomy (Chapter 6)
Rating: PG-13
Date written: 5 Dec., 23 Dec. 2008
Request/Suggestion: none, my own invention
Other information: Story remains cannon with the ATWT show until around July/August when I started writing. It’s set in the future, and it’s a series. Huge thanks to Stephanie for her awesome beta skills, and for putting up with me and the many edits of this chapter! Hehe!
Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |

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“So, what are the plans for tonight?” Reg asked as he and Luke stood in the farmhouse kitchen the following evening.

They had originally agreed to get together later in the week, but Reg had been insistent the day before when he had called, asking to move their plans up. He preferred to do it sooner, rather than later, to make sure he got the chance to see Luke. When Luke had questioned the things Reg’s sudden availability, he claimed that it had been easy enough to move his obligations and re-arrange things so he would be free.

Luke’s schedule hadn’t required as much finagling.

It was eight o'clock on an evening when he otherwise would have been pestering Aaron, or else camped out at Java with homework or a good book. Though he couldn't remember the last time he'd had time to read a good book just for the sake of reading. As it was, Luke was sure that Casey was at Java working, and Aaron was enjoying a night solo without either his younger brother or rambunctious roommate disturbing him.

Luke hadn't made any plans for himself and Reg, though, having assumed it would just be a casual evening, hanging out with an old friend. He began to rethink that idea, wondering if they had somehow crossed their lines of communication.

He glanced across the kitchen uncertainly, and couldn’t resist being distracted by Reg's lean but toned form standing next to the table, and that slight, barely-there stubble growing across his chin. He wasn’t wearing a suit, but even in casual wear Luke had to admit that Reg still looked pretty sharp.

“How about dinner at the farm?” Luke suggested, glancing around the dining area as if recommending it, before his gaze finally settled on Reg and he smiled apologetically.

He was sure that it wasn’t the most exciting place to be, but he also felt certain that they would have time to themselves without too many interruptions, if any at all. Though the farm had once been notorious for interruptions, there were far fewer people who lived there now, and Luke had their schedules memorized to a T. Besides, Casey had never had any problems just hanging out at the farm, so he figured it would be equally suitable for Reg.

“You’re cooking for me?” Reg asked, surprised but pleased. “That feels like a date!”

Luke laughed.

“Nah, it’s more like we have a fridge full of leftovers that my family thinks I’m going to eat, and you’re a nice strapping young lad who can help me do it.”

Luke chuckled again and Reg echoed it, moving closer to where Luke stood near the fridge. Luke watched his approach, only growing anxious when he realized that concentrated look from Reg was directed at him once again. He didn’t know why that expression held the kind of power it did, but it unsettled him every time, making him feel very much like the object of intense scrutiny.

Luke fidgeted near the sink, wondering what was going through Reg’s mind. Then before he knew it, Reg was standing very close, a faint smile lingering on his lips. He was a good-looking guy, and his standing so near seemed to emphasize that fact. Luke took a deep breath, having not expected such an advance so early, and attempted to internally command his nerves to settle. It wasn’t really a date after all, and even if it were, and that’s what Reg had intended, Luke wasn’t a fourteen year old boy, for heaven’s sake. He was a grown man who could keep his cool and not dissolve into a puddle of unmanageable, tingling butterflies just because Reg was so close and his cologne seemed to radiate from him, completely enveloping Luke’s senses.

Reg leaned forward then, hesitated only briefly, and kissed Luke on the mouth without pretense.

Luke was surprised at first, but he let the feeling of lips against his own take him away to a land of colliding sensations. He leaned upward and returned the kiss, not overzealously, but enough to keep it going.

Reg had nice lips and he was a good kisser. Luke reached out to touch him, prolonging the kiss, until finally he had to pull back for a breath before he passed out from lack of oxygen.

Luke smiled shyly, his face overheated as he struggled to get air. Reg was gazing at him intently, looking pleased and amused. Dizziness made Luke sway on the spot and he reached out for the counter, steadying himself.

“Are you all right?” Reg asked quietly, with concern.

“Yeah, fine,” Luke nodded, “It’s nothing, just…”

“What?”

“It’s been awhile.” Luke’s face heated up even more.

“Well, you know, I could always be obliged to…help take care of certain needs,” Reg said slowly. He was smiling, his eyebrows raised as he awaited a response to his offer.

“Not…not if you’re looking for a relationship,” Luke replied with honesty.

Luke thought Reg was attractive and a good guy, but long-distance romance wasn’t something Luke was interested in. Nor was he certain they suited each other, either.

“No, I understand, man,” Reg replied. “But it couldn’t hurt. A little TLC’s good for everyone.”

Luke chuckled to stave off the anxiousness he was feeling. “You’re something else.”

Reg shrugged, not denying it.

“Shall we eat all these leftovers first? I promise they’re worth it,” Luke suggested enticingly. He needed a reprieve from all the talk about needs and TLC.

The two guys set about the kitchen, extracting dishes from the refrigerator, spooning portions into pots or pans to warm up on the oven. Reg found plates for them and Luke made drinks – both of them choosing soda. The dinner was nice, nothing too formal but it wasn’t quite casual either. There was still that air of anticipation surrounding everything, and those intense looks Reg would periodically send Luke’s way, making him squirm, clear his throat, and change the subject.

Halfway through dinner Jack came in and out through the farm, but merely said hello and goodbye. The house was quiet and most family members were busy with their own plans. Those who lived at the farm had grown more accustomed to giving each other space and Luke wasn’t worried about being bothered. He found that he didn’t care so much if other people were around. The chances were slim that they would see anything that Luke didn’t want them to, anyway.

Besides, they were family, and he thought that they all had to know that he dated and entertained guests, and made out, and even had sex, just like any of the rest of the grown adults in the family did. Though Emma never really approved of any of her children, or grandchildren, engaging in casual relationships and the activities that ensued from them, there also seemed to be a point at which she turned a blind eye, probably with the reasoning that adults could make their own choices and their own mistakes. He wanted to think he had reached whatever that magical age was, but he hadn’t pushed any limits when his grandmother was around, either. He knew other places besides the farm, if he needed to make use of them.

And he sometimes did, or had, though admittedly not so much recently.

“How about I clean the dishes?” Reg asked after they had both finished eating.

“Actually, we can just run water on them and leave ‘em. I can get to them later. We don’t need to do cleaning while you’re here,” Luke disagreed, standing and taking Reg’s plate.

“Are you sure?” Reg asked, but Luke was insistent and the dishes were covered with hot water and abandoned as the two men made their way into the living room.

“I can’t believe this is the first time I’m at the Snyder farm,” Reg said in disbelief, wandering around the living room and looking at family pictures, old heirlooms, and Grandma’s knick-knacks.

“Me either. I practically grew up here. We were always riding the horses or swimming in the pond. I used to bring my friends out here in high school. And Noah and I lived here for awhile.”

“It’s a great place. Very unique. Not like all the cookie-cutter homes you find now. This place has character,” Reg said, finally moving to join Luke on the couch. He sat near, curling one leg up and turning so he was facing Luke fully.

“So,” Reg began, his eyes taking on that intent look again, and his voice dropping slightly. “What can I do to persuade you about that TLC?”

Luke’s face warmed up again. Reg’s open flirtations never failed to catch him off guard. He fidgeted briefly, unsure of whether it was a wise idea to get tangled up with Reg. He was a nice enough guy, but Luke wasn’t interested in a relationship with him. At the same time, Luke wasn’t entirely decided on how he felt about casual flings. He’d had his fair share of them in the couple of years following his break up with Noah but he’d grown out of them in recent months, he supposed. But Reg was a friend…

In the end though, Reg was persuasive, convincing Luke that he wasn’t looking for a relationship, and there was nothing wrong with a kiss between friends. Luke had to admit he could do with some release.

“What are friends for?” Reg had asked.

He was a good kisser, and Luke thought himself pretty competent, as well. Their lips met slowly at first, tasting and exploring. Luke really liked kissing, and it had been so long since he’d made out with anybody that perhaps he was a little overeager, but Reg didn’t seem to mind. Luke leaned forward, sliding his hand to the back of Reg’s neck and holding him close while Luke bit at his lower lip.

Reg murmured incoherently and tugged Luke closer against him, running hands over his shirt and down to his legs, petting his thighs and making his skin tingle even through his jeans. Luke slid his hands under Reg’s shirt, which was taken as a hint to remove it. His fingertips trailed over smooth skin and firm muscle, and a light smattering of dark chest hair. Luke moved to kiss along Reg’s neck, then felt his own shirt being tugged and he had to break away to get it off over his head.

Reg stared for a moment and smiled, reaching for Luke’s unclothed torso and pulling him close again. Their bare chests met and Luke sucked in a breath, remembering how he had always loved that feeling of skin against skin.

“God, you’re so hot, Luke,” Reg breathed against Luke’s neck before moving to capture his lips again.

Tongues tangled and teeth nipped at Luke’s lips, making him squirm uncomfortably with the sensations darting through his body. Reg leaned backward on the couch, tugging Luke with him until Reg was lying on his back and Luke was over him, settled between his legs and trying very hard not to rut against him like a horny fifteen-year-old, despite the fact that Luke was certain it would feel really good to do so. He did shift his hips, however, which made Reg moan quietly before the sound was muffled by another kiss.

Reg’s hands were roaming over Luke’s back, tickling and teasing his skin. Luke slid his hand to Reg’s neck, holding him while he leaned forward, shifting against Reg, and attacking his mouth with abandon. Reg’s hands moved to Luke’s font, smoothing over his stomach and then finding his jeans. The button was released easily and the zipper granted relief as his jeans loosened.

“Luke?”

The kiss broke and Luke’s head snapped up, his body tense. Reg leaned up too, panting but attempting to see over the back of the couch and around Luke.

“Ah, Case. It’s you.”

Luke’s whole body relaxed and he tried to catch his breath while he held himself still suspended over Reg.

From the corner of his eye, he thought he saw Casey perform an awkward stutter-step, as though considering turning back into the kitchen, meanwhile stuffing one hand into his jeans pocket as the other went to scratch the back of his neck. A longer glance showed Casey studying different floorboards in the living room until finally his gaze roved upward to meet Luke’s.

It was a small moment that passed, but an unexpected one, as Luke encountered an expression which was wholly closed off and unreadable. Gone was the open book that Luke was used to. He watched as Casey sniffed, stuck his chin out and straightened up his posture.

When Luke looked away, he found Reg glancing up at him with a questioning look.

“Yeah, I was calling your name from the door again, but...” Casey explained from the entrance to the room. Luke could practically hear his nonchalant shrug, as if he had it memorized.

“I didn't hear you,” Luke replied, glancing over his shoulder.

“That much is obvious,” Casey said, shifting his weight to his right leg. His gaze was now much stronger, both hands in his pockets as he remained standing in there at the edge of the room.

Luke leaned backward until he was no longer hovering over Reg. He sat back on the couch, watching Reg as he awkwardly tried to pull himself up from his prone position. He flicked his gaze back to Casey, who had taken a few more steps into the room.

“I was gonna see if you wanted to do something, but I didn't know you had plans,” Casey explained. His eyes remained mostly focused on Luke, darting only a couple of times to Reg, with some peculiar look behind them affecting his countenance.

“Nah, we were just...” Luke’s features distorted in thought as he shrugged.

“Hanging out.” Reg smirked.

Luke grinned at Reg, but when he glanced back at Casey he caught him rolling his eyes.

“Well, Reg and I were talking about going to a club tonight. So, why don’t we all go?” Luke suggested, glancing between Reg and Casey. Reg’s expression in response was unclear. He and Luke had spent a large amount of the night together already, though, so Luke didn’t see the harm in inviting Casey along and including him.

“No, thanks, the gay club isn't my scene.” Casey shook his head. His usual sarcasm held an unexpected sharpness to it.

“There’s a gay club in Oakdale?” Reg asked, perking up and glancing between Luke and Casey.

“You know there's not a gay club,” Luke scolded lightly. “Come on, Case. We can swap stories, catch up on life, hear more about Detroit. A change of scene is always nice.”

“You just want to stare at hot guys all night,” Casey taunted, a devilish smile cracking his features for the first time since his arrival.

Luke’s mouth dropped open. “Shut up!” He reached down to the floor, grabbed his T-shirt that had been discarded earlier and wadded it up into a tight ball before launching it at Casey. Casey easily caught it, laughing at the lame attempt.

“What're you gonna do to me, a repeat of the poker game?” he jeered.

“That was unfair! I was trapped!” Luke exclaimed in his own defense.

Casey let out a noise indicating his contempt for the excuse, but followed it with a grin. Luke turned around on the couch and crossed his arms, sulking.

“Luke, man, I actually can't go to the club. I’ve got some friends to meet. They just texted me earlier. You know how it is when you're only in town for a few days,” Reg said, sliding his cell phone into the pocket of his jeans. Luke hadn’t noticed him with it earlier, but he did see that Reg had found his shirt and was pulling it back on.

“Oh.” Luke frowned. “Well, all right.”

“Sorry.” Reg shrugged and stood from the couch, glancing at both Luke and Casey.

“Hey, it’s okay. Just, um, give me a call before you leave town. I’m glad we could catch up tonight,” Luke said.

“Me, too. Dinner was great. Catch you guys later,” Reg replied, finally making his way past Casey and into the kitchen. Luke listened as the front door opened and closed. He glanced at Casey, who had watched Reg leave and was turning his attention back toward the living room.

Luke settled his back against the couch and slumped in relaxation. That had been a bit weird and Luke felt like his head was spinning. Maybe he hadn’t gotten enough air while they were making out.

“Sorry I ruined your date,” Casey said, and from the sound of his voice, Luke knew he was moving closer, around the sofa, probably so he could sit down.

“It wasn't a date,” Luke said, thinking aloud. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “It’s okay, really. I didn’t want it to go too far anyway, so it’s good you came.”

Casey sat down on the couch near Luke, still handling the T-shirt Luke had thrown at him. His fingers twisted the material, balling it up before letting it loose and starting over again, all the while turning it over and over. Luke stared for a few moments, seeing but not registering anything. Though he knew he was sitting in the farmhouse living room, he felt as if he were somewhere else, perhaps even miles away.

Luke reached over and took his shirt from Casey’s hands, shoving his fingers away when he seemed reluctant to release it. Luke unwadded the wrinkled material and pulled it on over his head, sighing again and running a hand over his static-charged hair. Then he remembered his jeans and re-fastened them, though he had to shift a bit to do it comfortably. He looked up after settling and saw Casey staring at him. At his mouth.

Luke looked away. He could only imagine that he had a thoroughly tousled look.

“Well, what do you wanna do?” Luke asked, finally looking back at his friend.

“I've got a much better plan than going to a club.” Casey grinned, eyes alight.

“What?” Luke asked, raising his eyebrow.

He could feel that familiar spark of excitement, wondering what was coming next. Casey always had something up his sleeve.

“Laser tag!” Casey beamed.

..:..

Indeed, laser tag had been fun, probably more fun than the club would have been, but it disturbed Luke that he hadn’t been able to get them all to hang out. It didn’t seem to bother Casey, however, who had ruled the roost, easily beating Luke with well over four hundred shots. In fact, it seemed Luke had spent more time recovering from shots sustained to his pack, rather than actually taking the offensive against Casey. He vowed to defeat him the next time.

For now, Luke had to forget about laser tag. The semester was ending which meant he had a surplus of examinations, and not just normal, these-will-be-difficult exams, but insanely complicated exams that included several different parts in order to complete them. He had multiple choice exams, plus written exams, and several classes called for additional essays to be submitted along with the test as well. There were oral portions also, in which Luke had to defend, define, or explain various aspects of the work he had been doing over the term.

Gone were the days of a quick forty-minute multiple choice test.

Because of that, Luke had locked himself away in his room at the farm, making use of the privacy his dad had suggested awhile back. Not even Java could provide the solitude that Luke needed. He found he was much too distracted these days, and his only option was to sit in his room with his laptop, books, and review sheets. One exam review alone was more than ten pages which he would have to be able to reproduce in essay form and for his oral examinations.

Luke had a pen between his teeth as he re-read one of his pages from the review, trying to figure out what he was missing from the concept he had outlined. His phone buzzed and Luke fought with himself to see who it was. If he looked, then he knew he would want to answer it. He closed his eyes for a moment but gave in to the temptation.

Casey

Luke sighed but clicked the ‘Ignore’ option. He should have turned his phone completely off, because even just looking at the name sent him into a whirlpool of distraction. He opened his book and looked at it, but the words didn’t enter his brain.

Casey.

He wondered what Casey was calling for. He hadn’t seen him in a week, which was very, very strange. Every time Casey had called, Luke was either in class, in a study group, or in an intense study session of his own. Luke missed seeing him and hanging out together, but he knew he needed to focus. He also knew he never managed to focus any more when Casey was around.

Luke frowned at his book.

Even his name made Luke lose focus. It was absurd. He wondered if he could make some time to grab lunch with Casey. His exams were looming nearer, though, and he thought it unwise to allow himself the diversion. He was already struggling to work in enough time between farm chores, helping his grandmother with a few favors, taking the girls out, and babysitting Ethan. He would rather spend his time with Casey, of course, but those things were unavoidable. And Casey…well, he was avoidable.

Not that Luke was avoiding him.

He scratched at his forehead near his hairline, frustrated that he had read the same paragraph three times already and hadn’t noticed.

Casey had been weird about Reg. Luke was confused. Two days after the dinner with Reg and laser tag with Casey, Reg had called as promised to tell Luke he was leaving Oakdale and heading back to Detroit. They discussed when he would be back and ideas about getting together again, but Reg hadn’t been nearly as enthused as he had been at the diner.

“What? You don’t want to see me again?” Luke had asked, frowning. Maybe he had been a terrible kisser. Or maybe whatever they had eaten had given him bad breath. Or maybe Reg couldn’t handle a casual hook-up. Perhaps he even had a boyfriend.

“I do, I do want to see you again,” Reg had disagreed. “But I think something’s going on. I don’t think it’s the best idea.”

“What are you talking about?” Luke had asked.

“You’re sweet, Luke, but you’re oblivious at the moment, and that’s very unlike you. You’re usually more aware of what’s going on than the rest of us are.”

“Are you going to clue me in or not?” Luke asked grumpily. He didn’t appreciate being called oblivious. He wasn’t a dumb blond. He was pretty good at reading people and Reg’s assertion was making him angry.

“Casey.”

“What about him?” Luke snapped. “He didn’t mean to interrupt. He’s always coming over. He’s like family.”

“Is he?” Reg questioned.

Luke huffed. “What’s your point?”

“Something’s going on.”

“You’re being ridiculous,” Luke accused.

“And you are quickly becoming one of the worst cases of denial I’ve ever seen. It’s right there in front of you, man. You can’t ignore it forever.”

“I’m not ignoring anything! You don’t know him. He’s like my best friend now. He lives with my brother. He’s practically a Snyder,” Luke argued.

“Well, enjoy it while it lasts. I’ll call you next time I’m in Oakdale,” Reg had promised.

Luke scowled at his textbook. Reg didn’t know what he was talking about. He didn’t know Casey and he hardly knew Luke. Whatever he was imagining was just that – his imagination.

Luke groaned in frustration at himself – he could not afford these distractions. He couldn’t even consider the prospect of performing poorly on these exams or having to re-take any of his classes. He needed good scores to even out a few sub-par grades on some of his more regrettable assignments.

Focus, Snyder, focus.

Luke re-read the same page his eyes had been scanning for the last half hour. This time he remembered the words, and managed to get back into his study rhythm. It was a few hours later when Luke checked his message from Casey.

Despite having called three times, Casey had only left one message.

“Hey man, it’s me. Where did you disappear to? I’ve got the night off if you wanna come over. Just, I dunno, call me. Bye.”

Luke sighed and sent a quick text, promising Casey they would hang out as soon as his exams were finished.

Casey could distract him as much as he wanted to, then.

Next: Chapter 7