miracle (miracle) wrote in luke_noah, @ 2008-02-14 15:49:00 |
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Entry tags: | -[luke/noah]-, fanfic, fanfic: [atwt], fanfic: rating: teen&under, » by: morbid_model, » by: passionate_hope |
Weight of Love Chapter 9 <3 By Jessicka and Jammi
Original poster: morbid_model
Title: Weight of Love
Chapter: 9
Rating: Pg-13 for this chapter
Authors: morbid_model and passionate_hope
Authors Notes: Happy Valetines Day everyone! We hope you enjoy this chapter, comments are always loved!
If you need to play catch up heres chapters 1-8
http://community.livejournal.com/luke_n
http://community.livejournal.com/luke_n
http://community.livejournal.com/world_
http://community.livejournal.com/luke_n
http://community.livejournal.com/luke_n
http://community.livejournal.com/luke_n
http://community.livejournal.com/luke_n
http://community.livejournal.com/luke_n
And heres chapter 9!
"Tell me again why we are doing this?" Noah asked with a sigh. He was standing near the door of the bedroom, watching his boyfriend search for just the right shirt to wear for their outing.
"Why we're doing what exactly?" Luke asked, his voice muffled in the folds of the shirt he was pulling over his head."
Noah waited for the blond head to appear again before he volunteered an answer "I thought you and I were going to stay home this weekend and relax," Noah explained. "What happened to that idea? And why do we have to spend the day with him?"
"We are not spending the day with Randy," Luke said coming up to slip his arms around Noah's waist. He looked up into his beloved's eyes and tried to convey all the love he felt in that simple gaze. "You and I are going to ride horses. Maddie and Randy are coming along, but it is going to be you and me, Noah. You know that don't you?"
"Noah sighed. He did know that. This was a conversation they had had many times over the past few weeks. While things had been great since their fight, there was one issue they just could not agree on; Luke's friendship with Randy. They had to see him every day at the station…he didn't understand why they needed to see him on the weekends as well.
"I did want to spend this weekend with you," Luke's voice drew him out of his thoughts. "And we still will. It's just that Randy reminded me that I promised him a horseback riding lesson, and it occurred to me that I can't go horseback riding with him, teach him how to ride a horse if I haven't done it with you."
"Is horseback riding that important to you," Noah asked, a soft smile crossing his lips at Luke's words. His boyfriend was both considerate and thoughtful. It was one of the many things he loved about him…and one reason why he worried about him too.
Luke stood on his tiptoes to give his boyfriend a kiss before pulling away from him. "There is just something so…freeing about horses," he explained,, a soft smile crossing his lips. "My dad, he has been breeding them for as long as I can remember and I can still remember the first time he taught me how to ride. He knows everything there is to know about horses," Luke stated proudly, "And he taught it to me. I've even helped birth a foal."
"Wow," Noah laughed. "I guess I never really thought about how much of a farm boy you really are. I mean I never would have guessed your family had a farm until Maddie mentioned it."
"Well I seem to recall us making good use of the farm and the hay since then," Luke teased. Noah smiled and Luke continued as he started tidying up his side of the room. "There's nothing like riding a horse though. It can be very cathartic.
"And Romantic," Noah asked cocking his eyebrow as he continued to smile at his boyfriend.
"That's what I would like to find out," Luke said meeting Noah's gaze. Which is why you and I are going to have some alone time."
"You mean before I have to share you," Noah sighed. "I know, I know I shouldn't have said that. It's just that, well I don't…"
"He's just a friend," Luke interjected softly, stopping Noah's flow of words. "I love you, and only you. I want all of my firsts, Noah to be with you, as they should be. That's why you're going to meet the horses first. Can you please understand that and try to be good today? Just for a few hours. Randy only wants to learn how to ride. I'll give the three of you a lesson and then you and I have the rest of the weekend to ourselves okay?"
Noah sighed. He just couldn't win. He didn't stand a chance when his Luciano focused that piercing gaze on him. He was a goner and he knew it. He had never been able to deny his boyfriend anything. If Luke wanted him to do something, he was going to do it…no questions asked. That didn't mean he had to like it.
"Alright, alright," he said, pulling Luke back into his arms. "I'll try to behave. That's about as good as I can do, okay? Will you accept that?"
He was relieved when the blonde nodded his head in agreement before wrapping his arms around Noah's neck. "I love you Noah," Luke whispered as their lips met in yet another sensual kiss.
Noah was slowly beginning to understand why compromise could be your best friend. Through talking things out, he and Luke had managed to have a nice tension free zone. There were still those moments when Luke wanted to throttle him, or when he wanted to make Luke see reason, but those times were far and in between. Things were going fairly well now that they had been living together for about a month.
For the most part they were inseparable. One night a week they joined Luke's family for dinner, and usually ended up sticking around until it was time for the girls to get some sleep. He liked those nights, when he could spend time with Luke's parents and his sisters. He had even had the pleasure of meeting Luke's older brother finally. Aaron seemed nice enough, and Noah was looking forward to getting to know him better.
Fridays were their date nights. No matter what was going on during the week q they would use Friday to catch an old movie or a basketball game. Noah felt like he was learning new things about Luke every day and he hoped his lover felt the same way. He was trying hard to open up to Luke more; some days were harder than others, and he was grateful that Luke was patient with him.
He didn't like Wednesdays, not that he would ever tell Luke that. Wednesday was the day that his boyfriend worked late at the station. That was the night when Noah would sit at home and come up with worse case scenarios. It drove him crazy that Randy got to work so closely with Luke during the day and on Wednesdays he got to do it at night too.
Tuesdays and Thursdays were his favorites. There was just something extra special about coming home from a day of classes and spending time together in the kitchen. On those days they didn't need words to communicate. They said so much with their actions and their looks as they worked together to cultivate the perfect meal. There was something very intimate about these times, and Noah hoped Luke enjoyed them just as much as he did.
"Come with me," Luke was still breathless from their kiss, but that didn't stop him from pulling Noah out of the bedroom.
"Where are we going," Noah asked curiously" Luke didn't answer him for a moment as he grabbed their jackets out of the closet. "Luke," Noah called, trying to get his boyfriend's attention. "Where,"
Luke placed a finger on his lips to silence him. Noah couldn't help but notice the sparkle in his boyfriend's eyes and he wondered what he was up to.
"It's time for you to meet the only girl who will ever hold my heart."
**
He found the statement puzzling, and it didn't even really make sense. Yet, Luke was leading him to the farm to meet a girl…who had his heart? Noah frowned as they parked on the gravel road and got out of the truck.
"Luke," he said reaching out to stop his boyfriend from going into the farmhouse. "I don't get it. Who are you talking about? Who is this girl, and if she has your heart why am I only finding out about her today?"
Luke just smiled and pulled Noah into the house. "All of your questions will be answered in time, Noah," he told him as he rummaged through his grandma's fridge for what he sought. "Aha," he said pulling out a bag of carrots. "We'll need these." He tossed the bag to Noah who just barely caught it.
"Carrots?" he asked as Luke began looking for other things in the kitchen.
"Those are for the horses," Luke explained, "As are these." He held up some sugar cubes and came to stand next to Noah again. "Are you ready?"
"Aren't you going to introduce me to your girl first?" Noah asked, puzzled.
"Yes," Luke said, giving Noah a soft kiss on the lips. "You're going to meet her right now." He took his boyfriend's hand and led him back outside. They walked silently on the path that was all too familiar to Noah by now. A soft smile crossed his lips as he thought about the many times they had used this particular spot. The hay wasn't a bother as long as there was a blanket covering it.
He could smell the horses even before they reached the stables. Luke let go of his hand and stepped forward checking each horse, petting their noses and talking softly to them before moving on to the next one. He stopped and lingered at one particular stall where a brown horse with a white spot in the middle of its forehead nuzzled at his hand. Noah couldn't take his eyes off the animal, with the shiny coat and the mane that reminded him of the horses he had seen on tv once. Luke was paying a lot of attention to this one, and it was no wonder…Noah couldn't remember ever seeing such a beautiful creature.
"How are you doing this morning Ari," he heard Luke ask as he lovingly stroked the horse's mane. Noah just stood and watched Luke carry on a conversation with the horse. His heart swelled with such love for the blonde boy, he was amazed it didn't burst.
"Noah," he heard Luke call his name and turned to find his boyfriend standing next to him again. The brown mare was standing beside him and he involuntarily jumped back before steadying himself. "It's alright Noah, she's not going to hurt you," Luke said smiling at his boyfriend. "Just put your hand under her nose, so she can sniff it."
Noah hesitated for a moment, before following Luke's instructions.
"Ari, this is Noah, my boyfriend," Luke introduced as he continued to stroke the horse's nose. "Noah, I want you to meet my girl…Ariel, though I call her Ari for short."
Noah laughed as he allowed the horse to nuzzle his hand. Her breath was hot on his skin, and he very gently petted her nose as he looked up at his boyfriend. Their eyes locked for a moment, and he could have sworn his boyfriend's face got brighter as the horse nuzzled Noah's face. Luke's smile was bright enough to light up the whole barn and it made Noah feel warm inside. It was obvious that this horse meant a lot to Luke, and somehow he knew that the smile and the sparkle in Luke's eyes were for him as well.
**
Noah was in awe. As he watched his boyfriend move around the stables, talking to horses and gathering up riding gear, he couldn’t help but think that his boyfriend was amazing. Was their anything Luke couldn’t do? Noah didn’t think so. To him Luke was perfect, and he could stand there and watch him for hours…though holding him for hours was even nicer.
“Are you just going to stand there, or can I count on you to help me saddle up your horse?”
Luke’s voice drew Noah out of his thoughts and he found himself staring into smiling blue eyes. “You want me to help you with the saddle?”
“I want to share every aspect of taking care of horses with you, Noah,” Luke admitted, stepping closer to kiss him on the cheek. “That includes saddling and showing you how to mount.”
Noah couldn’t help but chuckle at the expression on Luke’s face as he said that. “You keep that up, “If you keep talking like that, Farm boy, Maddie and Randy are going to get more than they bargained for when they get here. He winked at Luke who was trying hard to keep a straight face. “Show me what I have to do.”
Horses were intimidating, but Noah wasn’t as scared as he thought he would be. He figured that was because Luke was with him. His boyfriend was such a patient teacher, showing him how to prepare the horse with bridle and saddle. He lost his balance twice when Luke tried to show him how to mount the animal. “Stop trying to go so fast,” Luke ordered softly. “Misty isn’t going anywhere and you don’t want to hurt yourself.” Noah nodded and tried once more to fit into the saddle. Once he was in place he sat up straight and tried to mirror Luke’s stance. His boyfriend had already settled on top of Ariel and he was holding her reins just so.
“Are you ready for your first ride,” Luke smiled encouragingly at him. “No worries Noah, it will be okay. I’m here with you.”
Noah nodded and managed to relax a bit. He was very glad that Luke understood him so well to know that he was scared. He watched closely as Luke nudged Ari and followed suit, letting his foot gently touch Mist. The horse jerked forward and Noah heard Luke’s voice telling him to gently tug on the reins. He was sure his boyfriend had said something more but he was too busy concentrating on the animal beneath him to pay attention.
Noah had to marvel at the intelligence of the horse he was riding. She seemed so calm and sure, just following behind Luke and Ari as if she was used to this. Her calm helped him to relax and he began to see exactly what Luke loved about riding. There was something really nice about it, something relaxing and peaceful even. They rode side by side, Luke close enough to reach out and take Noah’s hand for a moment. The horses were standing close together, allowing Luke’s leg to brush against Noah’s and he leaned forward to kiss him full on the lips.
“Thank you for sharing this with me,” Noah said when they broke apart. “”I love this, just being out here like this with you.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Noah,” Luke said shaking his head. He placed a gloved hand against Noah’s cheek and smiled. “I love you.” He leaned forward again allowing their foreheads to touch.
“There you two are,” the new voice startled the horses, causing Luke and Noah to pull apart quickly. Luke took a moment to steady Ari, lovingly rubbing her neck and telling her it was okay. He turned to check on Noah who was softly speaking to Mist. Luke let out a contented sigh before turning his attention to the newcomer.
“Hey Maddie,” he said smiling. “Yep, you found us.”
“Is Randy with you?” Noah asked trying hard not to scowl. He was secretly glad Maddie had been the one to find them. It gave him a chance to put on his cooperative face. For Luke he was going to behave…or at least try to.
“Yes, he’s here,” Maddie said smiling. “He’s waiting by the barn. I told him I would come find you.”
“I guess we should head back then,” Luke said giving Ari a swift kick to get her moving. “Race you back?” he asked turning to Noah.
“I can try,” Noah said, though he wasn’t sure if Luke heard him as his horse was already trotting ahead. Noah shook his head, and looked down at Maddie who was looking in the direction Luke had just gone off in. “Would you like a ride back?” He asked her. She smiled and he dismounted, helped her onto the animal and then returned to his spot behind her.
By the time they reached the barn, Luke was standing next to Randy introducing him to the horse he would be riding that day. In Noah’s opinion Randy was standing too close to Luke, and he was watching too intently, but he knew that could just be his biased perception. He was going to try to be good.
Noah dismounted and helped Maddie down, before leading Mist over to where Luke stood. He effortlessly put his arm around his boyfriend, and was pleased when Luke leaned back into him.
“Hey, you made it back,” Luke said grinning at him. “You didn’t make that much of a race. Next time, the idea is for you to try to beat me.”
“Next time I will do better,” Noah said kissing Luke’s neck. His boyfriend playfully poked him with his elbow and he nipped at his neck once more before turning his attention to Randy. “Randy, always a pleasure,” he said politely reaching his hand out for the other man to shake.
Randy took Noah’s hand but his eyes never left Luke. That fact alone was enough to make Noah see red. “I see you got here early to get a private lesson,” Randy commented smoothly.
“Are you ready to ride,” Noah said purposely avoiding the man’s pompous comment. He wasn’t going to ruin the afternoon for Luke, or for Maddie. He could keep his feelings for Randy to himself at least for now. “Luke’s a really good teacher.” Luke looked at him then and Noah’s heart skipped a beat. There was so much love in that gaze; it gave him even more incentive to be good.
“Someone’s biased,” Luke laughed as he pulled out of Noah’s embrace. “I have to get Maddie’s mount,” He explained even as he reached out for Maddie’s hand. She gladly gave it to him and he started talking to her animatedly as they entered the stables. Noah heard his name as their voices grew fainter and smiled. It always gave him a thrill to hear Luke mention his name.
“He’s such a tease.”
Noah blinked and looked at the man who stood just before him. “What did you just say?” he asked bewildered. His fist clinched beside him and he had to remind himself again that he was going to be good. “Who’s just a tease?”
“Luke,” Randy said nodding in the direction the other boy had gone with Maddie. “He gives a lot of mixed signals. I’m surprised you haven’t noticed.”
Noah rolled his eyes. “What gives you the right to talk about him that way? Luke doesn’t give mixed signals He’s the most honest person I know.”
“Please, no one is that honest,” Randy scoffed. “I bet Luke doesn’t tell you everything he does.”
“What do you know about what Luke tells me,” Noah asked through clenched teeth. He really was not happy with the way Randy was badmouthing his boyfriend. This was the guy that Luke called friend? He certainly wasn’t being a true friend at the moment.
Randy sniffed and crossed his arms. “Ask him where he was after you guys had that fight. See if he gives you a straight answer.”
Noah tightened his jaw and he would have retorted if not for the sound of Luke’s laughter coming towards them.”
“So Noah tried again to get up there and still didn’t make it,” Luke said giggling. “It was cute though, I loved being able to help even though he’s that much taller.”
Maddie giggled as they reached the other boys. “Hey, you guys look too tense,” she said addressing Noah and Randy. “Don’t worry Noah; Luke is very proud of you. He wasn’t making fun at all.”
Noah let a smile replace the frown and pulled his boyfriend back into his arms. Luke snuggled close for a moment and Noah took that opportunity to glare at Randy. The look didn’t go unnoticed by Maddie, who frowned at her friend. She wanted to know what was going on.
Noah kissed the top of Luke’s head and then released him so he could begin the lesson. He stood by Mist as Luke expertly showed Maddie and Randy how to greet their mounts to gain their trust. That was a very important thing. It was the decision maker between having a good ride and having the horse toss you off its back. He bit his lip to hide the smirk that crossed his lips at the thought of Randy getting tossed off the horse.
He watched Luke help the other man onto the animal, noting that Randy made sure to let his hand linger on Luke’s shoulder. A few minutes later, Luke was by Noah’s side again, petting Mist lovingly. “Are you ready for another ride?” he asked, his voice soft.
“Are you talking to me or the horse,” Noah teased.”
Luke swatted at him playfully, which only made Noah laugh. “I’m talking to the horse, you dork,” he joked. “Would you like some help or are you okay?”
Noah glanced over at Randy who was watching them closely, before focusing on Luke once again. “You think you can help me this once more?” he asked, cocking his eyebrow in that way that drove Luke crazy.
Luke held his hands just so to help Noah on to the horse. Once he was back in the saddle he leaned down to steal a kiss from his blonde farm boy. “I’m ready to follow wherever you lead, teacher.”
“Dork,” Luke laughed as he lovingly patted his leg. “Ari, come here,” he called to his mare. Noah was not surprised when the horse instantly obeyed. In no time she was standing beside Luke, nuzzling his face with her nose.
“Wow you really do know a lot about horses, don’t you Luke,” Randy’s voice broke the peaceful calm Noah had been feeling.
Luke only shrugged in response to the question. It took him no time at all to swing his legs over his hors’s back and he looked over at Randy who was still by the barn holding the reins awkwardly.
“I grew up around them,” he said snapping Ari’s reins. “I could ride for hours without getting tired, it’s so much fun. You guys ready.”
Maddie followed Luke’s example as did Noah, but Randy looked a little apprehensive.
“Uh…I could use a little help if you don’t mind,” Randy said trying his best to look sheepish.
Noah narrowed his eyes even as Luke nudged Ari in Randy’s direction. He knew he couldn’t be suspicious of Randy’s every move. After all this really was the guy’s first time on a horse, but then that wasn’t much of an excuse. He had a bad feeling that Randy was going to milk this for all that it was worth.
After what seemed like a while they made their way out into the open fields. Luke was on the ground again, trying to make sure everyone was comfortable with their mounts. Maddie caught on quickly, and soon she was on even footing with Noah. Noah lost count with how many times Randy asked for Luke’s undivided attention. He didn’t even want to think about how often his hands brushed Luke’s neck or his shoulder when Luke was showing him something, or helping him get used to getting on and off the horse.
He was reading too much into it. Surely that was the case. His mind was playing games with him, and he was reading more into a situation then he should be. That had to be it. As much as he tried to tell himself that, he didn’t believe it. Randy was not playing nice, and Noah didn’t know how much more of this he could take.
**
“Hey,” Luke said, their legs brushing together briefly as he reached for Mist’s reins. He pulled both horses to a stop and moved as close as he could without hurting the animals. “How are you doing?”
Noah smiled at him and leaned forward to capture his lips in a kiss. “I miss you,” he murmured when they drew apart. “But I am having fun. You really are a good teacher, you know that.”
“Well, I learned from the best,” Luke said smiling. “My dad is one of the best horsemen around these here parts.”
Noah laughed and shook his head. He found it slightly amusing, and very sexy when Luke mimicked the hillbilly dialect. “So is he finally getting the hang of it?” he asked, nodding towards Randy who was in the field seemingly leading his horse in a dance.
“Actually I don’t think he’s anywhere near as good as you, or Maddie for that matter<” Luke said shaking his head. “Bastien’s a tame horse, very sweet and cooperative, but Randy’s not managing him very well.”
“Whoa horsie,” Randy’s voice sounded loud in the quiet, and even Maddie stopped her horse to see what was going on. Bastien bucked, as he reacted to the spur that scraped his flesh. Randy pulled on the reins, which he still didn’t have a good handle on. He kicked again with his boot causing the horse to jump into the air, tossing Randy off it’s back, before running askew around the field.
Noah couldn’t help the giggle that escaped his lips as he watched Randy fall splat on the ground. Luke shot him a look that clearly said behave before jumping down to go see if Randy was alright.
Noah grabbed the reins of Luke’s mount and led her along with Mist over to where Randy had fallen. Luke was right, he needed to behave. He could still laugh on the inside though…it was slightly funny.
“Are you okay?” He heard Luke ask Randy as he helped him off the ground.
“’I’m fine, thanks,” Randy replied, his hand once more lingering just a little bit longer than necessary. “I’m not sure what happened back there. I thought I was getting the hang of this riding stuff.”
“I can tell you what happened,” Noah piped up. “The horse didn’t trust you enough. He got spooked and threw you off because he wasn’t comfortable.”
“That doesn’t even make sense,” Randy scoffed turning to Luke. He gazed intently at him and Noah gritted his teeth. “I want your expert opinion Luke. What happened, why did the horse freak?”
“Well, actually, Noah’s right,” he said looking off in the direction where Bastien still ran rampant. “You didn’t find your comfort zone with Bastien, and he wasn’t comfortable with you. It is very important that the horse and the rider see eye to eye. You have to work on that, and you have to work on holding the reins too. You allowed Bastien too much control. When he got nervous he panicked and you weren’t able to make him calm.”
“Oh, well you’ll have to help me with that then,” Randy commented, and Noah wondered if the man had actually heard what Luke said.
“I think it’s time to give the horses and ourselves a break. But first you have to help me round up Bastien. Come on.”
Luke didn’t see the smug look on Randy’s face but Noah did, and it made him angrier. What was this guy trying to pull?
Noah was still seething when he heard another horse tromping behind him. He looked behind him and smiled as Maddie came up beside him.
“You really got the hang of this easily, Maddie,” he said proudly. Maddie looked so graceful on top of that horse. Not as graceful as Luke, but far superior to himself and certainly Randy.
“You’re not so bad yourself, Buckaroo,” Maddie said trying hard to mimic a southern accent.
Noah looked at her oddly for a second before they both burst into giggles. They laughed for a good few minutes, the hilarity releasing some of the tension Noah had felt all day. Maddie stopped laughing so abruptly that it took Noah a moment to realize that she was no longer smiling. Her expression had changed to what bordered on worry.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, a frown crossing his features as well.
“Seriously, Noah,” Maddie started, as she absently played with her ponytail. “I wanted to tell you something. Something about Randy.”
“What about him<” Noah asked quickly. “Did he say something to you?” He clenched is fists angrily, “I’ll…”
“No, no,” Maddie interrupted him. “He didn’t actually say anything to me, Noah, but I don’t trust him. With Luke, I mean. I’m not trying to start trouble…you know that right?”
“I know,” Noah responded even as he let his eyes wander to where Randy was watching Luke calm the horse down. “I don’t trust him either.”
“Okay, so you’ve noticed it too,” Maddie sounded relieved. Noah tore his eyes away from the scene before him and faced his friend again.
“What have you noticed?” he asked curiously. He was only slightly relieved tha the wasn’t the only one who thought Randy’s behavior was inappropriate.
“I’ve noticed the way he looks at Luke,” Maddie admitted. “It scares me, Noah. I’ve known Luke for a long time and he’s…way too trusting.”
“He always seems the good in people,” Noah agreed his frow3n deepening. “I don’t...think that’s really a bad thing.”
“No…it’s not,” Maddie said slowly, “but he’s had a lot of friends do him dirty in the past. And I think when he makes a new friend he puts so much trust and faith in the fact that this friend will be different. He doesn’t always see the bad in people until they show their true colors.”
“What are you trying to say…Maddie?” Noah asked. The uneasy feeling in his stomach was getting worse by the minute.
“But I just…” Maddie started and then sighed. She glanced over at her best friend who was still explaining something to Randy and shook her head. “Just don’t let them be alone together,” she said facing Noah once more. Okay Noah? If Luke isn’t gonna watch out for himself…then we damn sure better do it.
Noah was silent for a second, trying to digest Maddie’s words. She was right. Luke could be too nice sometimes. It was one of the things Noah loved about him…how sweet he was. It wasn’t a bad quality at all; seeing the good in people, but it often led to getting hurt. Noah didn’t want to believe that Randy would do anything to hurt Luke. And he certainly didn’t want to allow himself to think about what he would do to Rand.
"I know Maddie. I know,” he said finally. “I've got my eye on them."
“Sugar, your head over heels for that boy, aren’t you,” he heard Maddie ask, her tone wistful as they watched Luke and Randy in the distance. Noah knew he should try to lighten the mood before they approached the other boys, otherwise his boyfriend would know something was up.
“Who Randy,” He asked trying his best to sound offended. “God, no.” Maddie burst into laughter after a second causing Noah to do the same.
Maddie burst into laughter again causing Noah to do the same.
“Does Luke know just how much of a dork you are,” she asked shaking her head.
Noah smiled. “No, and you aren’t going to tell him. Let’s keep it between us. Luke thinks I’m practically James Dean in his eyes.
Maddie snorted and laughed again for a good few minutes. Noah smiled. He was glad to see her having fun, even if it was at his expense. “Yeaaaaaaa you keep telling yourself that,” she said when she could speak again. “Let’s go back to the boys McCool,” she said poking fun at him as she gave her horse a small kick to get it moving in Luke and Randy’s direction. Noah did the same and soon they were beside his boyfriend and Randy.
“I can’t thank you enough Luke, for being such a good friend,” Randy said turning to pull a surprised Luke into a hug. Noah watched his boyfriend hesitate before returning the gesture and was pleased to note that Luke felt awkward hugging the other man.
“Uh, thanks,” Luke said patting Randy on the back. “I told you I would teach you. You still have a lot to learn though.”
“And I’ll make sure I don’t fall off the horse next time,” Randy said pulling out of the hug to place a kiss on Luke’s cheek.
Noah narrowed his eyes. Was it just him or were those lips just a little too close to Luke’s mouth for his liking. Kiss on the cheek indeed. He jumped down from his horse jut as Luke moved completely away from Randy. Noah put a possessive arm around him and pulled him close.
“Hey,” Luke said smiling at him. Are you ready to eat?”
“Can I talk to you for a second…alone?” Noah pulled his blonde away before he even had a chance to respond to the question. HE didn’t stop pulling him backwards until they were in the barn.
“Noah what is it?” Luke asked impatiently. “We’re being awfully rude to Mads and Randy, leaving them like that.”
“OH god, it just breaks my heart to think we’re being rude to Randy,” Noah spat. “Since he’s been so fucking polite today.
“Okay, what’s your problem” Luke asked bewildered. “Randy has been nothing but nice to you all day. And you haven’t even given him a chance. I thought we talked about this.”
“NICE TO ME?” Noah said practically shouting. “You call hitting on my boyfriend right in front of my face being NICE to me? He hasn’t taken his eyes off of you once today, Luke. Noah knew he was talking too fast and he knew his voice was borderline yelling but he couldn’t help it. He had watched Randy looking at, and flirting with HIS Luke all day. That kiss had been the last straw. HE was ready to scream a little.
“Noah,” Luke said sounding a little tired, “I am really, really getting sick of this. Randy hasn’t been hitting on me. We’ve all been together riding. I’ve been teaching him some things, so yes he does have to look at me and pay attention.” Luke was gritting his teeth as he spoke. He didn’t want his friends to hear them fighting. He always hated when couples fought around him; he knew it made everyone comfortable.
“He was paying attention to something but it certainly wasn’t your teaching Luciano.”
Luke sighed. He was so tired of this. Usually Noah’s possessiveness was really sweet and it turned Luke on. But at the moment he was mildly irritated. He couldn’t believe Noah was acting this way toward one of his friends.
“Noah…” he started, “I just don’t know what to say to you anymore. You know Randy is just my friend, yet you still act this way. I don’t do this shit to you and Maddie. And I’d have more reason. You’ve slept with her for God’s sake, Noah.”
“It’s a totally different thing, Luke. And you know it.”
“No, Noah it’s not. Maddie is your friend, and Randy is mine. Randy had a crush on me when we first met him, I know that. But you dated Maddie. You made love to her. Yet you guys got past that to be friends. And Randy got past his attraction so he and I could be friends. You’re the one making things complicated here, Noah…not him.”
Noah didn’t know what to say. He wanted to tell Luke it was different because Maddie could be trusted, but Randy couldn’t be. He wanted to point out that Maddie was their friend, not just his, and that she loved them both. Maddie herself had said she wanted them to be happy together. He also wanted to mention to Luke that not once had Maddie tried to flirt with him or act like she was falling off a freaking horse to get his attention. He wanted to mention Maddie’s suspicions, tell him that she didn’t trust Randy and that it wasn’t just him acting jealous. So much he wanted to say…but he stayed silent and just stared at his lover.
“Luke, baby,” He said after a moment of silence. “I’m sorry that I yelled. It’s just…I don’t trust Randy. The way he looks at you it bothers me. I can’t stand to see other men look at you like that. And the way he acts…it’s like he doesn’t take our relationship seriously. That makes me think he is just waiting around for us to break up. It’s like he’s waiting for me to mess up so he can swoop in and take my place.”
Noah held his breath as Luke walked closer to him. The younger man placed his hands on Noah’s hips and looked deeply into his eyes.
“Noah,” he said softly, “I don’t know why you’re so insecure about this. Have I not proven to you that I only ever want you? I must not be as good a boyfriend as I thought if you’re this threatened, if you think I would ever do anything to hurt you. I thought you trusted me a little more than that.
“No!No,” Noah protested, as he rested his own hands on Luke’s hips. “You…you’re amazing. I know you love me. It’s not you I don’t trust, Luke. It’s him.”
“Trust me, Noah. Let Randy think we’re not gonna last all he wants. That’s just one more person we can say “I told you so” to in 50 years when we’re still together.” Luke allowed his arms to encircle Noah’s waist and rested his chin on Noah’s chest. He looked up to find his boyfriend staring back down at him.
Noah was still upset, but he couldn’t resist his boy like this. He had longed to have Luke in his arms all day. He could talk serious matters with him later. Right now he just wanted this moment.
“You know Randy was only acting like he didn’t know how to ride to get your attaint…right?” the words were out of Noah’s mouth before he could stop them.
“Noah. He’s never ridden before…he didn’t know what to do.” Luke pointed out.
“Neither have I, and I didn’t need that much help.” Noah wished he could just shut up before he ruined the moment they were having. But he couldn’t help but try to get his point across
He was about to retract his statement when he noticed that gleam in Luke’s eyes. He knew that spark, it usually led to his jeans fitting a little tighter.
“Yeah…” Luke said, a seductive hitch in his voice, “but I had already taught you how to…ride.”
Noah couldn’t help but burst into laughter and pull Luke even closer to him. “I can not believe you just said that. You have a dirty mind, Luke Snyder.”
“I know…” Luke laughed, “But you love it, now shut up about Randy okay, and kiss me.”
“Just one more thing before I do.” Noah laughed when Luke groaned in frustration. “This isn’t about Randy,” he said, his voice soft and deep just for Luke. “This one’s about Maddie. I never made love to her. I had sex. You’re the only person I’ve ever made love to.
The noise Luke made this time bordered on a squeak as Noah lowered his head and captured Luke’s mouth with his own. He felt Luke go up on his tip toes in an effort to get closer, and Noah tangled his fingers in that beautiful blonde hair.
He felt Luke’s tongue licking at his bottom lip and he opened his mouth a little to allow Luke entrance. Luke’s hands left Noah’s waist, grabbed his shoulders and pulled him back into the stall door. Luke’s tongue tangled with his own and he couldn’t control his own hands as they skimmed down his lover’s sides, settling on the small of his back.
It was amazing to Noah, how easily Luke could make him forget about everything else around them. Luke broke the kiss and moved to suck on Noah’s earlobe. Noah couldn’t help the moan that escaped his lips, even as he heard hay crunch signaling that someone else was in the barn with them.
“Whoa, looks like someone signed up for the advanced course. Do I get that lesson too?”
The boys jumped apart at the sound of Randy’s voice, and Luke managed an embarrassed chuckle at Randy’s “joke”. Noah, on the other hand didn’t find it very funny.
“I’m sorry for interrupting your moment boys.” Noah watched Randy’s eyes look Luke up and down, lingering on his messed up hair…hair that Noah messed up. It made him smirk a little as his arm went possessively around Luke.
“Well you certainly do have a knack for picking the best time to come in…huh Randy? But hey, it’s not all your fault. Luka and I can’t keep our hands off each other, so you’re bound to keep interrupting…right?” Noah continued to smile, even when Luke turned to glare at him.
“Uhm yeah…I’ll just go back and stand with Maddie and wait on you boys to uhm…finish.” Noah couldn’t have hidden his amusement at Randy’s reaction even if he wanted to.
As Randy walked out of the barn, he turned Luke around and kissed him on the forehead.
“Was that necessary, Noah?”
“Yes.”
Luke chuckled and Noah drew him closer for one more kiss.
"C'mon cowboy lets go back out."
**
They were arm and arm as they approached their friends who were talking by the barn. Both were seated atop their horses, though Bastien didn’t seem too thrilled to have someone on his back.
Okay guys, c’mon,” Luke sad as he approached Randy’s mount. He reached out his hand to touch the horse’s nose, and Noah noticed how much calmer the horse seemed from that simple touch. “It’s time to put the horses back up. They’ve been ridden all day and they need a break. And honestly so do I,” he smiled tiredly as he ran a hand through his hair. He patted Bastien on the head one more time before moving over to mount his own horse.
Noah and Maddie walked their horses into the barn with ease. Randy trailed behind them, and Luke brought up the rear. Once they were in the stables they stayed in their saddles awaiting Luke’s instructions.
“Okay, guys, I’m going to have you hop off them one at a time,” Luke explained, “and then you’ll come out the stall so I can lock them back up.” Noah watched as Luke jumped down with grace and ease, and then secured the lock on Ariel’s stall door. Luke petted Ariel’s nose before turning to face the others. “Okay, Randy. You’re first. Jump off.”
Randy made a show of trying to get off his horse and Noah sighed. He looked over at Maddie and they both rolled their eyes. It was obvious what Randy was doing. Noah only wished his boyfriend could see it too.
“Luke…do you think you could help me again,” Randy asked in what Noah assumed was his “trying to sound sweet voice’.
“Oh for god’s sakes Randy...you jumped off your horse earlier by yourself.” Noah couldn’t help but shout at him. If he thought no one knew what he was trying to pull he was crazy, and Noah certainly didn’t mind calling him on it…not one bit.
“Yeah,” Randy admitted, “But I wasn’t in a stall with him before.”
“What the hell difference does that make,” Noah asked, stopping himself from asking if Randy meant the horse or Luke.
“Noah,” Luke scolded him. “He’s just nervous. Let it go.” Noah sighed as Luke went into the stall with Randy and grabbed the man’s hands to help ease him off of Bastien’s back. Noah really didn’t think it was necessary for Randy to have his face that close to Luke’s, but once again he held his tongue.
Randy exited the stall first, with Luke right behind him so he could lock Bastien in. Noah slid down off of Mist’s back, and Maddie dismounted as well, both of them standing aside as Luke secured the stalls.
“Now,” Luke said once he was done, “its good manners after a good ride to kiss your horses nose. Let me show you.” Watching Luke kiss Ariel’s nose had to be the most adorable thing Noah had ever seen. He smiled and leaned in to look into Mist’s eyes just as Luke had demonstrated. He placed a kiss right on her nose, and the horse turned slightly for Noah to pet it. He saw Maddie out of the corner of his eye and turned to face her.
“Looks like Randy’s not having much luck with Bastien,” she whispered. Noah turned and watched as Randy leaned in to hiss his horse. SeBastien backed away from him, retreating to the other end of the stall and huffed a few times. Noah hid a smile; at least someone is on my side. Good boy Bastien,” he thought.
Luke took a moment to pet the horses again, and gave them treats. He explained that it was always a good idea to reward the horses for doing such a good job. He made sure they had food and water and then motioned for his friends to follow him out of the barn. Noah slung his arm around his boyfriend and pulled him closer. He was so tired; he hadn’t realized horseback riding could be so invigorating. All the muscles in his legs and back were aching and he could hardly walk.
“Well guys, it’s been fun. I think we’re going to call it a day though,” Noah heard his boyfriend say. “we’re goinna head home.”
“You guys want some alone time huh,” Maddie teased.
“You can come to my house and chill if you want Luke,” Randy piped in. “We can watch movies and such.”
Noah couldn’t believe Randy had the nerve to even ask. Hadn’t Luke just said he wanted to go home? He was mad, and Randy was lucky he was so tired…otherwise he probably would have decked him.
“No,” Luke responded. “I j ust want to go home, slip into our big bed and relax. I’m so sore from the riding.”
Noah’s scowl turned into a smile. It wasn’t that he thought Luke would go, it was just nice hearing him tell Randy no.
“Oh, some other time then,” Randy said shrugging his shoulders. Maddie glanced at the other man before turning to her friends.
“You two do look exhausted,” she admitted. “And you were riding a lot longer than we were so go on home. Get out of here.”
Noah kissed Maddie on the cheek, as did Luke before they parted ways. The lovers waited for Maddie and Randy to leave before they hopped into Noah’s truck. “Do you want me to drive?” Luke asked even as he tried to stifle a yawn. Noah shook his head, though he didn’t know ho he was going to drive home in this condition. Hi eyelids were closing on him and every time he shifted gears he felt a burning ache in his back. Luke rested his head on Noah’s shoulder and they rode in silence the whole way home. Noah thought it was nice, the two of them were too tired to even talk. They just enjoyed being with each other.
By the time Noah pulled into the apartment complex his bones were screaming “hallelujah” at the thought of getting to lay down. He reached for Luke and they walked hand in hand into the building and down the hallway to their apartment.
No words were spoken as they entered as both of them had the same idea. They stripped their clothes off on the way to their bedroom and Noah made a dash for the bed as soon as it was in sight. He landed on the mattress face down, his arms and legs spread as he buried his face in the pillows. He could hear his boyfriend laughing at him, and a smile crossed his face.
“Are you tired baby?”
Mhmhmhmhmmh,” Noah groaned from the pillows.
“Is their room for me up there?”
Noah turned over on his back and scooted over, opening his arms invitingly for his lover. Luke took his socks off before crawling up the bed towards Noah. He continued his craw until he reached Noah’s mouth and he kissed him square on the lips.
When they broke apart, Luke inched a little lower and laid his head on Noah’s chest. Noah wrapped his arms around him and sighed contentedly.
“I had a really good time today, baby.”
“No you didn’t.” Noah felt Luke’s belly move as he chuckled lightly
“Okay,” Noah amended, “I would have had more fun if Randy hadn’t been there. But I got to see another side of you. I got to enjoy something that’s important to you and I did have fun.”
Luke just sighed his acknowledgement.
“You know, I love you”
“I know,” Luke mumbled weakly.
“Are you going to sleep on me right now?”
Luke nodded his head yes, his silky hair tickling Noah’s chest. Noah managed a week smile, sleep sounded really good right about now.
“Hey Luke…I was thinking…would you want to go away this weekend? Just you and me?” Silence was his only response and he shifted to see if his boyfriend had heard him. “L…luke?”
His only response was the slow and steady breathing of his boyfriend. Noah smiled and ran his fingers through Luke’s blond hair. He could ask Luke tomorrow…there was plenty of time. That was his last thought as he closed his eyes, sleep claiming him easily.