DOOL Fic : Lumi: Night Storms

[Bevvy]

Night Storms
A Lumi ficlet...

Part One

June 1995
A loud crash of thunder jarred Lucas from a sound sleep and he lay there for a few minutes listening to the storm raging outside the window glancing over he noted the time. One o'clock in the morning throwing the covers aside he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up reaching for the jeans he a discarded earlier. Pulling them on he headed for the kitchen stumping his toe on a table that shouldn't be there as he made his way through the livingroom. "Dammit, Sami" he muttered loudly when he had agreed to let her move in with him he had not figured on her rearranging the entire place. Limping and feeling his way he slowly made his way through the obstacle coarse that was now his apartment and reached the kitchen.

Hitting the switch he cursed again as the room remained in darkness stupid storm he mumbled as he felt his way to the fridge and opened the door. Reaching in he located the open carton of drinks and yanked one out before slamming the door shut and popping the top. Turning it up he took a long swallow downing half the can in one drink.

"Lucas?"

Jumping Lucas spit a portion of the soda out and felt it run slowly down over his bare chest with a low growl he turned "Sami dammit next time make some noise when you come into the room" he yelped. Sami walked over to where he stood reached past him to pick up the dish towel laying on the counter and handing it to him.

"Sorry I didn't mean to scare you" she told him softly "The storm woke me up so I thought I would grab myself a snack" sliping past him she opened the fridge and frowned.

"Powers out" Lucas informed her using the towel to wipe at the sticky mess on his chest "No telling when it will be back on but I think there are some candles and matches in the drawer by the stove". Once more moving past him Sami opened one of the lower cabinets.

"No I moved them yesterday" she said feeling around inside the cabinet and withdrawing a couple of candles and a pack of matches.

"What is with you anyway?" Lucas questioned "You have been moving and rearranging stuff ever since you moved in was there something wrong with where it was before?" Tossing the towel toward the sink he crossed his arms and glared at her.

Lighting one of the matches Sami ran it over the bottom of the candle for a second before pressing it down into a jar lid she found laying on the counter once she was sure it was firmly attached she struck another match and lit the wick. Picking up the lid she turned to face Lucas noticing for the first time that he was clad in nothing but a pair of blue jeans and was naked from the waist up.

Lucas watched as Sami's eyes swept down over him before quickly looking away "No there was nothing wrong but you told me to make myself at home and I did if I was out of line I apologize" she told him holding out the makeshift candle holder to him. Lucas accepted it feeling like a total jerk for saying anything to her about moving and rearranging things.

"No, Sami you're right I did say that and if rearranging the entire apartment makes you feel more comfortable her then by all means have at it" he assured her watching as she fixed another candle for herself and turned back to him. She was wearing a white t-shirt that struck her mid-thigh and he assumed a pair of shorts not the he could tell since the massive shirt seemed to consume her.

"Thanks, Lucas" she said smiling "You will never know how much it means to me that you let me come and stay here I really appreciate it"

Stepping forward he pushed her long blonde hair back away from her face "No problem thats what friends are for, right?"

Sami nodded feeling a little tingle where his fingers brushed against her cheek "Right" she answered stepping past him to walk over to the window "So do you think it will last long?"

Setting his candle down on the counter he walked over to stand beside her staring out into the stormy night "Who knows you never can tell with summer storms" he replied feeling her jump beside him as a large flash of lightning lit up the sky. Glancing over at her he noticed she was chewing on her bottom lip nervously.

"Are you afraid of the storm, Sami?" he inquired noticing that her hands shook as she leaned forward to place the candle she was holding on the window ledge before looking over at him.

"Just a little" she answered softly wrapping her arms around herself to ward off the sudden chill that envaded her body as a loud crash of thunder followed the bright flash "They seem so much louder here than they did at home". Lucas nodded.

"They are since there is not as much insulation between the walls of an apartment building as there is in a house" he explained "And we are higher up so were closer to the action". Sami shivered involuntarily as she watched the rain lash against the window with punishing force wondering if the glass would hold up against the onslaught.

Seeing her shiver Lucas walked over to the couch and grabbed the throw from the back carrying it back to where she stood and draping it over her shoulders before pulling her back against him. "Thanks" she said smiling softly at him over her shoulder.

"You're welcome" he replied rubbing her upper arms through the soft material of the throw for a few seconds they stood there watching the storm each lost in their own thought. When another flash of lightning lit up the room Sami yelped and Lucas slid his arms around her and whisepered in her ear "It can't hurt you, Sami its just a lot of light and noise we're safe in here" he assured her feeling her once more relax against him.

Sami leaned back into his chest enjoying the feel of his arms around her as they watched the mystical display taking place outside the window she felt completely safe for the first time in her life even as the storm raged outside she wasn't afraid. As he stood there holding Sami in his arms Lucas realized something he was happy just being here like this with Sami the thought stunned him for a second.

He had always enjoyed her company she was smart and witty and she made him smile even when he was mad and she was sharp she could match him barb for barb in any arguement a feat not many people could accomplish. Not to mention the fact she fit so nicely in his arms her body molding perfectly to his own she was just the right height and size for...Whoa hold the boat he thought slamming the door shut on the thoughts that were forming he let his arms drop and stepped away from her.

"We should really get back to bed" he told her heading toward the kitchen to retrieve the candle "It's really late and we both have to work in the morning".

Sami felt a sense of loss as he walked away from her and pulled the throw tighter around her before forcing a smile "Yeah your right why don't you go ahead Lucas I think I'll just stay up a little while longer".

Picking the candle up from the window she carried it over to the coffee table and sat it down "I won't be able to go back to sleep anyway while this storm is going on, so I might as well stay here and watch it play out".

Lucas nodded "Okay see you in the morning" he told her headed to his room at the door he glanced back she was curled into the corner of the couch the throw tucked tightly around her. Her eyes trained across the room as she stared wide eyed out the window.

She looked so small and scared in the flickering light sighing heavily Lucas blew out the candle he was holding he couldn't just leave her there alone when she was terrified walking back over to couch he touched her shoulder "Get up" he said quietly.

Sami looked up at him questioningly for a second before compling reaching down he picked up the remaining candle and handed it to her before sliding one arm around her back and the other under her legs. Sami gasped as he picked her up and headed toward his bedroom.

"Lucas what are you doing" she asked her mind racing as they neared the door of his room.

"I'm taking you to bed" he answered moving into the dark room and setting her down by the bed quickly he straightened up and took the candle from her shaking hands placing it on the nightstand "Now get in" he ordered.
"Lucas I don't think we should be doing this" Sami stuttered as she eyed the bed beside her warily before turning wide eyes back to him.

Lucas almost laughed at the look of horror on her face "Sami we are not going to do anything but sleep" he assured her lifting the edge of the quilt "Now get into bed". Still not completely sure about what was happening but terrified of going back to the livingroom or her own room alone Sami obeyed.

Settling the covers over her Lucas blew out the remaining candle before walking around the bed Sami listened as there was a rusting sound before she felt him crawl in beside her "Now go to sleep" he told her pulling the covers up over himself and closing his eyes. Sami lay there beside him in the darkness her mind and heart racing she had never slept in the bed with a man before except for Eric and her dad.

Pulling the covers tighter against her she rolled onto her side away from him and stared at the opposite wall watching as each flash of lighting made a brilliant display on the smooth surface. Breathing deeply she willed her body to relax and her mind to block out the fact that Lucas was lying just inches from her. It seemed to be working until the next flash of lightning lit up the room followed immediately by a loud clash of thunder.

Lucas felt her jump and heard a soft squeak, reaching out his arm he slid it around her waist and pulled her back against him surprised when she offered little resistance. With a soft sigh Sami wiggled herself backwards until she was flush up against his body her back and his front perfectly aligned in the center of the bed.

Lucas bit back a groan as she scooted backwards her bottom making contact with his groin. Tightening his arm around her he began to recite the multipication table in his mind, in an effort to keep his body from responding to her nearness damn it was going to be a long night.

"Thanks General" Sami whispered

"Your welcome" Lucas replied through clenched teeth " Now go to sleep" he ordered before resting his cheek against her silky hair, the smell of her shampoo wafting over him like a warm summer breeze. He felt like he was trapped somewhere between heaven and hell but it was the sweetest torture he had ever felt "Sweet dreams" he whispered against her ear before closing his eyes.

With a soft sigh Sami relaxed "Sweet dreams" she whispered back all thoughts and fears of the storm outside drifting away as she felt herself being lured into slumper by the steady sound of his breathing against her ear...

[Bevvy]

Chapter 2

The sound of rain strumming against the window pulled Sami from her slumber and for a minute, she was confused, this was not her room with a frown she started to get up only to find herself held in place by an arm across her waist. Turning her head slightly she found herself face to face with her best friend his face so peaceful in sleep his dark hair tousled and falling carelessly down on his forehead. Reaching up she smoothed it back marveling at the silkiness of it under her fingers lowering her hand she laid there looking at Lucas. Why had she never noticed how handsome he was before, or how well built? Letting her eyes roam down over him she took in the hard lines of his upper body and felt her breasts tighten under her shirt.

Shocked at the sudden awareness she had of him she carefully she slipped out from under his arm and slid off the bed walking around it she leaned down and kissed him softly on the cheek, "Thanks General," she whispered before slipping quietly out of the room and heading to the kitchen. The clock on the coffee pot was blinking so she knew the power had been restored she had just started the coffee to running when the phone rang; rushing over she grabbed the receiver before it could wake Lucas.

"Hello".

"Sami its Kate".

"Oh hi Kate," she said cheerfully twirling the telephone cord around her finger, "Lucas isn't up yet but I can go wake him if you want?"

"No that's alright sweetie let him sleep the storm knocked all the power out on the Westside of town including the Titan building so there is no need for either of you to come into work today," Kate told her. "Besides they told on the radio a few minutes ago that the Salem River has overflowed its banks and the roads are flooded so I don’t want you two trying to drive just take the day off and stay indoors".

Sami informed her that she would give Lucas the message and said good bye, hanging up the phone she turned to find Lucas watching her from his doorway, "Who was that?" he asked coming the rest of the way into the living room.

"Your mom, she said the power is out at Titan and the streets between here and there are flooded so we're to stay home today and not try to make it in to work," heading back to the kitchen she took down another cup, and filled it from the coffee pot before carrying it over and handing it to Lucas.

"Thanks," he said accepting the cup and walking over to the window, "At least the storm is overnow it's just rain."

Walking back into the kitchen she fixed herself a cup of hot chocolate and walked over to stand beside him, "Yeah," she agreed looking over at him and taking a sip from her cup.

"Thanks for last night" she told him softly" I really hate storms".

"Anytime," he smiled back, "After all how often do I get to go to sleep with a beautiful woman in my bed?"

Sami blushed and turned back to the window, "Thanks but I know I am not beautiful, Carrie is beautiful but me well I'm just plain old Sami."

Lucas set his cup down on the nearby table and turned her toward him placing a finger under her chin to lift her face "Sami there is nothing plain about you, you are beautiful" he told her, "Inside and out". Sami looked up at him as he stared at her intensely.

Reaching up she covered his hand with her own, "You're sweet Lucas but I know what I look like and I am not beautiful."

Lucas knew he shouldn't do it, but he could no more stop himself from kissing her than he could stop the world from turning, "You're beautiful to me Sami", he said taking her cup from her and setting it beside his on the table. Sami watched in silence as he leaned toward her kissing her gently on the lips. At first Sami was stunned at the fact that Lucas was kissing her but then relaxed. After all this was Lucas her best friend, the one person she trusted more than anyone else on earth he would never do anything to hurt her.

Lucas felt her relax, her lips softening beneath his as she gave in and began to kiss him back. He could not believe he was actually doing this, kissing Sami, he had wondered what it would be like to kiss her, but had never thought he would ever do it. She was his best friend the only real friend he had ever had but right now she felt so right in his arms that he could not find the strength to pull away, instead he teased her lips with his tongue asking for entrance. With a soft whimper, Sami parted her lips granting him access, feeling her heart kick into high gear as his tongue delved into her mouth to taste her.

Lucas moaned softly as he explored her mouth she tasted of chocolate and mint, a unique and savory combination that left him wanting more.

Sami felt her heart race as he slowly explored her mouth with his tongue; she had often wondered what her first kiss would be like, but this surpassed all of her childhood fantasies. Giving her self over to the new sensations he was evoking Sami relaxed against him and allowed her own tongue to move forward to touch his timidly uncertain if what she was doing was right.

Lucas tensed moaning deeply as Sami's tongue slid forward to meet his touching lightly before moving away, sliding his hands up he tangled them in her hair and tilted her head slightly. As he continued the kiss losing himself in the taste and feel of her, so caught up in the act of exploring each other's mouths that it took a minute for the sound of someone knocking to permeate their brains. Slowly, reluctantly Lucas broke the kiss resting his forehead against hers as they both tried to slow their breathing.

"We should get that," Sami said breathlessly trying to still the tremors racing through her, "It might be important"

Nodding Lucas stepped away from her going to answer the door. Reaching up Sami touched her lips lightly they still tingled from his kiss.

Glancing back at Sami, Lucas opened the door smiling at the woman standing there clutching a small dog, "Hi Mrs. B", he said reaching out to stroke Giorgio's head who in returned licked his hand.

"Oh Lucas I hate to bother you dear but could you take Giorgio out for me? You know how this sort of weather affects my Arthritis," She said sweetly looking past him to the girl standing in his apartment. "Oh I don't think I've met your friend."

Lucas stepped back allowing the older woman to enter the apartment, "Mrs. B this is Sami, she is living here now. Sami this is Mrs. Baxter she lives next door".

Sami smiled and held out her hand."Nice to meet you".

"Likewise," Mrs. B said taking her hand and looking at Lucas "So this is your Sami? You’re right she's beautiful."

Sami blushed and looked at Lucas, who cleared his throat and looked away from her "Umm yeah so let me get my coat and I'll take him down for you," he said quickly leaving the room. Sami stood there uncomfortably as the older woman looked her over.

"So are you two, getting married," she asked gently rubbing the top of Giorgio's head "Or are you just shacking up?"

Sami stared at her wide-eyed, unsure how to respond, "Uh well we."

Coming back into the room Lucas coughed he had heard the last part of the question "Mrs. B, Sami and I are just friends...nothing else"

The older woman looked from him to Sami, before nodding, "Whatever you say dear".

Walking over to them, Lucas took Giorgio and looked at Sami, "I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Okay", Sami said smiling at the elderly woman, "It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Baxter."

The woman smiled back, "You to my dear, shall we?" she said taking Lucas’ arm.

"Sure", Lucas agreed heading toward the door before looking back at Sami "I'll be right back."

Sami nodded watching as the two of them exited the loft, dropping onto the couch she let Lucas' words play over and over in her head, "Mrs. B, Sami and I are just friends...nothing else."

Lying down on the couch, she curled into a ball, pulling the throw up over her and fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. So much for there being anything between her and Lucas, they were friends and friends were all they would ever be. So why did that thought hurt so much?

[Bevvy]

Part 3

Lucas opened the door to the loft, and stepped inside ridding himself of the wet jacket before glancing around the room "Sami?" he called heading for the bathroom to grab a towel. Coming back into the living room, he frowned 'where was she? Noticing her bedroom door was shut he walked over and knocked lightly "Sami are you in there?" Getting no answer he silently opened the door and looked inside, she was curled in the middle of the bed asleep on hand tucked under her chin, slowly he walked over to stand beside the bed.

God she was beautiful he thought as he took in the soft features of her face, with a small frown he noticed the puffiness around her eyes kneeling by the bed he touched her face. "Sami" he said softly watching as her eyes fluttered and then opened, staring up at him.

"Lucas" she smiled "When did you get back?"

Stroking her cheek he looked at her "Sami what's wrong, why were you crying?"

Like a dam, bursting everything came flooding back to her in that one second, the kiss they had shared and Lucas telling Mrs. B they were just friends jerking away from his hand she rolled away from him facing the other wall. "Its nothing" she answered quietly fingering the soft material of the pillowcase "I think I may be getting a cold or something".

Standing up he sat down in the space she had vacated and reached over her shoulder, touching her forehead "You don't have a fever"

Sami reached up and pushed his hand away "Thank you doctor Roberts, but I think I know when I am getting sick" she snapped pulling the covers higher around her. Lucas drew back as if she had slapped him, what was wrong with her?
"Well excuse me" he retorted, "I was only trying to help that’s what friends are for"

Friends that was all they were, all they would ever be Sami rolled onto her back and looked at him "Thank you but all I want right now is to be left alone, so if you don't mind?" Rolling back over she bit her lips fighting to keep the fresh wave of tears at bay. Getting up Lucas looked down at her.

"Okay but if you need anything I'll be in the living room," he told her going to the door before looking back "I hope you feel better"

After he was gone, Sami buried her face in the pillow and cried, why did she have to go and fall in love with her best friend? How could she stay here knowing that she loved him and that he would never return her feelings? Through the window she could see the blackened sky and the rain beating steadily against the glass her grandma always said when it rained it meant the angels were crying, for the pain mankind was suffering well the pain in her heart told her that right now they were crying for her.

Lucas stood outside the bedroom door listening to the soft sobs coming from inside, what had changed in the past hour. When he had left, Sami had seemed happy now she was in her room crying as if her heart was broken. Turning away from the door, he went into his own room and changed out of his damp clothes before lying down across the bed, cradling his head in his hands he stared up at the ceiling. Maybe the kiss they had shared this morning was what was upsetting her? Maybe she had felt he was pressuring her into something she was not ready for? Setting up he pushed his fingers through his hair if that was what she was thinking he needed to assure her that it wasn't true. Standing up he left the room and headed toward hers, determined to explain that he didn't want her to feel like he wanted anything more from her than what she was willing to give.

"It was awful Jamie"

Pausing outside the door Lucas listened unable to stop himself "I was such a fool, I really thought there might be something between us" he heard her sniff again before continuing. "But he doesn't want me in that way he, made it very clear that we were friends and nothing more". Leaning against the wall, Lucas racked his mind trying to figure out when he had said that, like a freight train his words came slamming back to him. "Mrs. B, Sami and I are just friends...nothing else". Sliding down the wall, he stared at the window opposite him, watching the rain battering against the pane. It all made sense now the crying, her withdrawal from him, the fact that she wouldn't even look at him, she thought he didn't want her. Pushing himself to his feet he faced the door again, his mouth set determinedly well he was going to set her straight, right now...

[Bevvy]

Part 4

Sami turned at the sound of the door of her room opening behind her, Lucas stood in the opening staring at her with a funny look on his face "Jamie I'll call you back, ok talk to you then". Replacing the phone she stood up and turned to face him, "I'm glad you're here there's something I need to tell you". Lucas walked quietly into the room stopping by the foot of the bed.

"Okay".

Turning to look out the window Sami swallowed hard trying to dispel the lump in her throat "I'm moving out, I spoke to mom earlier and she said I could move back into my old room". Lucas felt his heart lurch at her softly spoken words, she was leaving. Walking over to her he touched her shoulder lightly "Sami if this about what happened this morning". Shrugging off his hand, she stepped away from him.

"It has nothing to do with that," she told him wrapping her arms around herself to ward of the sudden chill she felt in the room "I just think my moving in here was a mistake".

"Sami"

Turning back to him, she shook her head "No Lucas my mind is made up"

He stared at her for a second "Okay if that what you want, I won't try to stop you"

Sami felt her heart sink "Okay as soon as this rain lets up and the roads are passable, I'll start moving my stuff back to the penthouse," turning away from him again she fought back the tears that threatened to fall "Was there anything else?".

Staring at her back Lucas shrugged, "I guess not" turning he started to leave the room pausing at the door as an idea came to him and he looked back at her "Sami" he asked "Have you ever played the what if, game?"

Turning to look at him Sami shook her head.

Facing her, he nodded "Well it is a game where you ask What if, like what if the sky was green instead of blue?"

Sami looked at him questioningly "So what if it were?"

Walking back to her he shrugged "If the sky were green instead of blue, how would you be able to distinguish the difference between it and the earth?"

Sami shrugged "The sky would still be above you, Lucas"

Lucas nodded "That's true but it would change the way we look at things, right?"

Sami nodded "Yeah I guess it would, but what does that have to do with anything?"

Lucas shrugged "Nothing I guess I just wondered if you ever played that game before?"

"No Lucas I hadn't"

Nodding "Okay here's another What if for you...What if summer and winter were reversed?"

Sami thought about it for a second "Then we would celebrate Christmas at the beach and watch fireworks in the snow".

Lucas smiled "Very good, now you're getting the hang of it. Now you're turn"

Sami chewed on her bottom lip for a moment before she smiled "What if Birds didn't have wings and couldn't fly?"

Lucas smirked "Then they would have a long walk south"

Sami giggled relaxing a little and getting into the game "Poor birds"

Lucas nodded "My turn"

Sami nodded "Okay go"

"What if I said I love you?" he asked quietly watching for her reaction.

Sami felt a flare of hope at his words before quickly pushing it away of course he loved her just like he loved all his other friends. Forcing a smile, she answered, "Then I would say well, you're my best friend you're suppose to love me".

Walking over to her Lucas cupped her cheek softly. "No, Sami what if I said I don't just love you as a friend, that I am in love with you?"

Looking up into his eyes Sami felt her eyes begin tear up "Then I would ask why you told Mrs. B that we were only friends and nothing else?"

Lucas leaned his forehead against hers, his eyes never leaving hers "And what if I said I was confused because I had just realized that I was in love with my best friend and it scared the hell out of me?"

With a soft sob, she reached up to cover his hand on her cheek pressing it tighter against her skin. "Then I'd tell you I love with you too" she said quietly "And I'm scared as well but now we can be scared together".

Smiling down at her Lucas nodded and kissed her softly "Good because I've never been in love with my best friend before".

Sami smiled back loving the feel of his lips on hers "Me either" she whispered against his mouth "But who better to be scared with than the one person who knows you better than anyone else in the world"

Kissing her again Lucas nodded "You have a point besides this way there are no surprises we already know each others strengths and weaknesses"

Sami smiled up at him shyly "Well most of them but not all".

With a smirk, Lucas scooped her up and carried her to the bed laying her down on it gently before kissing her "Well what do you say we work on discovering the ones we don't know?"

With a soft smile Sami drew him down to her "I like the way you think, General" she said watching as he lowered his mouth to hers, the soft sound of the rain strumming steadily in the background.

The End