Eleven

Chapter Eleven: Don't go Bacon My Heart

A/N: Merry Christmas. :)

Sorry...I've been busy writing post-birth scenes. Guilty as charged.

Heads up - I modified a bit of the last chapter to say that a week had passed before they performed the cupcake prank on Luke.

Other than that, thank you so much for reading, voting, and leaving feedback! It makes my insides all gooey. I'm sure you other authors understand. And non-authors...you should really write something and post it so you can understand, too. ;) *hinthint*

Chapter Eleven: Don't Go Bacon My Heart

My insides were tingling with anticipation like they did during every mission. After grabbing a light jacket, slipping out the front door, walking across three front yards so I wouldn't have to pass by Owen again, and sneaking into Luke's townhouse, I quickly skipped up the steps in a rush to his bedroom.

"Cindy? Uh, I mean, Luke?" I called out, coughing slightly on my involuntary slip and wandering through his door, following the sound of running water to his bathroom.

The scene before me made my jaw drop.

"Luke, what are you doing?" I cried in alarm, not having to fake my surprise when I saw his entire head submerged in an overflowing sink. Water splashed over the edges, his white knuckles grasping the vanity's edges in a death grip as his blonde mop flailed around in the water.

"What's wrong, Sang Baby?" North's concerned voice shot through my earpiece as I rushed to Luke, clutching his shirt in a tight grip before tugging backwards.

He came up spluttering and gasping for air, water flying everywhere.

"Are you okay, Luke?" I asked worriedly, trying to get a good look at his face but those damned beautiful blonde locks of his were plastered across every inch of skin. He really did resemble a mop. "Why were you doing that?"

"Doing what?" North's voice pressed impatiently. "Damn it, pull up the camera, Vic!"

"Why did you have your head underwater like that?" I clarified quickly for North's benefit, hastily wiping Luke's hair off his face as he continued to cough. His hands were shaking as they came up to wipe furiously at both closed eyes while leaning against me with a groan.

"Luke, talk to me," I coaxed quietly, rubbing my hands up and down his arms to try and calm his shuddering.

"I can still taste it," Luke moaned painfully, his forehead dipping against the top of my head as I moved both hands to press against his chest for support.

Oh God, he was taking this prank harder than I expected.

My hands rubbed soothingly up and down his chest as I took a tiny step closer. I was careful not to lean too closely against his lower half, knowing I didn't want what was basted on the front of his jeans to get on me.

"Taste what?" I asked innocently, trying not to cringe as I played along. He made North wear short, jean overalls, I kept reminding myself. Payback had always been fair play in this family.

Luke pulled back slowly, his unfocused gaze wandering around the quiet bathroom before sliding slowly to me. His haunted eyes gleamed at me, pulling tight at something in my soul as I felt the first pang of regret for pulling that stupid prank.

We should've listened to Victor and put sleeping pills in Luke's chocolate milk instead.

"The broccoli," Luke whispered despondently, and a shudder traveled down his entire body before my eyes. "I brushed my teeth four times, but I can't get rid of it. The essence will always be there."