Luke

Copyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you.

Here's the season 2 finale, titled, "I Know You." After this chapter I will once again be taking a month off to write the next set of chapters. Hope you all enjoy it!

`I KNOW YOU'

"He proposed marriage?" Shane asked, after Benji shared the big news with his friends as they were sitting down for breakfast together at the Broken Yolk.

"Yeah. What do you guys think?" Benji asked.

"That's big news," Ford said, not too sure how to reply.

"Did you expect him to propose?" Luke asked.

"No, it was completely unexpected," Benji responded. "Him and I were talking about our relationship and how hard it is for us to be apart and then he just asked me."

"What did you say?" Ford asked.

"I haven't given him an answer yet. I'm still thinking it over," Benji replied.

"So he proposed because of how difficult the long distance relationship is?" Shane asked.

"No. He proposed because he loves me and I love him," Benji replied a little hurt.

"I know you two love each other, but it seems like he proposed to try and fix a problem," Ford said.

"And you know about marriage proposals?" Benji asked getting upset.

"Benji, we're not trying to hurt your feelings," Luke said.

"Then don't ruin this moment with suggestions that he didn't really want to propose," Benji said.

"It's not just that," Ford said. "You have always told me that you don't want to get married."

"Normally I didn't, but I've been debating it for Don. I've never felt this strongly about anyone before and I don't want to lose him."

Ford gently had to ask, "Is the only reason you're considering marrying him because you don't want to lose him?"

"No," Benji defended himself unconvincingly.

"If you don't really want to get married then you shouldn't. You should only do what feels right," Luke said.

"I didn't tell you guys this news to get a lecture," Benji said. "I came to get some support from my friends."

"We will be supportive Benji, but we don't want you to get into something that you're not ready for," Luke replied gently.

"And who says I'm not ready?" Benji asked. "I'm not the anti-love and marriage person I once was, that's Ford's deal now."

"Geez, thanks," Ford retorted.

"But are you the marriage-type now?" Shane asked.

"If I want to marry him, I will," Benji said ignoring Shane's last comment and putting his jacket on. "Excuse me. I'm not very hungry anymore." Benji got up and left the table.

"Wait Benji!" the guys tried calling after him as he walked away, but it was useless. He walked out the door without looking back. The guys looked at each other confused. Did they really hurt Benji's feelings or did they hit a nerve that Benji didn't want to admit to.

After breakfast, Luke walked with Shane to work. He didn't need to, but Luke wanted an excuse to see Derek. As they were heading towards Shane's office, Luke noticed Derek working at his desk.

"I'll talk to you later Shane," Luke excused himself. "I'm going to say hi to Derek."

"You mean flirt with him?" Shane asked with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

"What are you talking about?" Luke asked with a big grin on his face.

"Yeah, right," Shane shook his head. "Have fun. I'll talk to you later."

As Shane headed to his office, Luke walked over to Derek's desk. The two haven't spoken to each other since they shared a New Years kiss on the cheek a few days earlier. Luke felt something he hadn't felt in a long time when they were so close to one another. Every time he thought of Derek he kept trying to remember why he felt so comfortable with him, why he felt as if he knew him. He felt as if he was getting closer to figuring it out.

While he was uncertain of where he knew Derek, he was certain that he was having feelings for him.

"Hey Lafferty," Luke said getting Derek's attention.

"What's up Grayson?" Derek asked.

"Not much. I was just walking Shane to work and thought I'd say hi," Luke smiled.

"I'm glad you're here actually," Derek said.

"Oh yeah? Why's that?" Luke asked.

"I've been getting a lot of great responses from the New Year's column we worked on together," Derek replied. "I printed some of them out to give you."

"Oh thanks," Luke said as Derek handed him some of the printed out e-mails. "Well get used to these great responses. I have a feeling that you'll be getting a lot more of them."

"Thanks," Derek replied warmly accepting the compliment.

"So how about we go out tonight to celebrate your success?" Luke asked.

"Tonight? You and me?" Derek asked.

"That would be the idea," Luke replied.

"I'd love to," Derek smiled. "Thanks."

"No problem," Luke replied. "I'll see you tonight at eight. I'll call you later to confirm the plans."

"Sounds great," Derek beamed happily. "See you tonight."

Luke smiled, happy that he was going to go on a date with Derek. As he made his way towards the elevator to leave the office he passed by Jackson's desk. Jackson looked up and smiled politely. "Hey Luke." Luke however, wasn't feeling too friendly towards Jackson and walked past him without saying anything. Jackson let out a sigh and got up and went into Shane's office.

"I just need to give up trying to be nice to Luke, huh?" Jackson asked.

"Probably," Shane replied. "What's up?"

"I wanted to run something by you," Jackson said taking a seat in the chair opposite Shane's desk.

"Shoot," Shane replied as he began to skim over an article for the newspaper.

"How about we go away for the weekend together?" Jackson asked.

Shane stopped what he was doing and looked up at Jackson, he wasn't sure if he heard him correctly. "You want us to take a weekend trip?"

"Yeah, I thought we could spend a weekend up in Santa Barbara," Jackson suggested.

"That's a thought," Shane hesitated. "Don't you think it's a little soon?"

"Too last minute? We can do it next weekend if you prefer," Jackson shrugged.

"No, I'm talking about too soon for us," Shane replied. "We haven't been dating for that long."

"Shane, we've already had sex...on this desk," Jackson said as he gestured to the desk that the two of them were sitting in front of. "It's a little late to be having the `slow it down' talk, isn't it?"

Shane let out a small laugh. He knew Jackson had a point. He really liked Jackson, but he was trying really hard to make sure things stay good between the two of them. He worried that Jackson would be nothing more than a rebound since they started dating so quickly after him and Luke broke-up. Jackson was worth more than that and he wanted to handle this new relationship with care. "Jackson, there's so much stuff I have to do. I don't know if I can get away this weekend."

"Just think about it, okay?" Jackson asked standing up.

"Okay."

"I'll be at my desk. I'll check in with you at the end of the day," Jackson walked out the door leaving Shane alone to think about his relationship with Jackson and where it was going.

Later that day, Ford went over to Benji's place. He felt bad for making Benji upset about his proposal from Donovan. He wanted to assure Benji that the guys would back him up no matter what he decided.

"If you want to get married then I think you should," Ford said sincerely. "If it's what you want then I will support you 110%."

"Thanks sweetie," Benji said giving Ford a hug.

"So is this what you want?" Ford had to ask.

"Maybe," Benji shrugged.

"Benji, you're going to be accepting a proposal. You have to be a little more certain than `maybe.'"

"I know," Benji sighed. "To be honest, I think that I got upset at you guys this morning because you all made a good point. I never wanted to get married and honestly, the reason why I started to consider it is because of how hard it is to have a long distance relationship with him. There's nothing binding us to stay together."

"You don't need a marriage certificate to be bound to someone," Ford replied. "If you both love each other and want it to work then that's all you need."

"But is this me?" Benji asked. It was the one question that Ford, Luke and Shane have all wondered about Benji since they met Donovan. The way Benji is now is so far from the way he used to be, they couldn't help but be concerned that he's giving up his true identity for someone else.

"I think that's a question you have to ask yourself," Ford replied.

"What do you think?" Benji asked.

"It's not my place to give you an answer," Ford replied. "However, the Benji I know never cared about what others thought of him."

"I thought my problem was from the bashing," Benji said referring to his horrible run in with a group of homophobes he had. Since then not only has he acted a lot more reserved, but he also dressed more conservatively since that day as well. "Maybe it's more than just that."

"Well, I can't say whether you're being true to yourself or not, but you are a lot different from the guy I knew before," Ford said.

"I know," Benji replied. He then added, "We both are."

Ford took a moment to think about that, he knew he himself was completely different from the way he once was and he knew that he wasn't being true to himself.

After Ford left Benji's place he went home to find Pacey's limo waiting out front of his place. Ford shook his head and smirked when he saw the limo. He got out of his car and walked confidently up to the window and knocked. The window rolled down and Ford saw Pacey's cocky smile shine through.

"What are you doing here?" Ford asked playing it cool. He didn't want to let it show that he was happy to see him.

"Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for you?" Pacey asked with a cocked eyebrow.

"You could have called," Ford retorted.

"Then it would take away from my charm to see me here when you pulled up," Pacey responded. "How's your day going?"

"Fine," Ford replied. "Are you honestly telling me that you waited out here just to see me? A busy business man like you?"

"Don't get too excited," Pacey said. "I made a couple business deals while I waited."

"Well as long as I wasn't keeping you from your work," Ford smiled enjoying the banter between the two of them. "So why did you want to see me?"

"Well I'm going to Denver tomorrow I came to take you with me," Pacey said. "You can stay with me at my place for the weekend."

"You want me to go away with you for the weekend?" Ford asked.

"Yeah, why not? You don't have to worry about work, right?" Pacey asked.

"I still work," Ford replied. "Just not as much right now."

"Well you have free time, right?" Pacey asked.

"I don't know," Ford answered nervously. "It's very last minute."

"Ford, a thing you'll learn about me, I don't take no for an answer," Pacey said. "I'll pick you up tomorrow night." He began to roll up the window, but Ford stopped him.

"Wait, you're just going to leave? You're not even going to come in?" Ford asked.

"No need," Pacey replied. "Whatever we'd do in your home now, we can do in Denver this weekend. See you later kid." Pacey rolled up the window and Ford watched the limo drive off. He couldn't help but smile as he watched Pacey go. There was something about him that really intrigued him and it both excited and terrified him.

That night, Ford, Benji and Shane went over to Luke's place to have a drink before he went out on his date with Derek. Luke was nervous, excited, but nervous. He hasn't felt this way about a guy in a long time.

"Where are you two going for dinner?" Shane asked.

"I'm taking him to that new Italian restaurant downtown," Luke replied.

"Oh that's supposed to be really good," Ford said. "I had one of my food critics review that place. She loved it."

"And then what are you guys doing after?" Benji asked.

"Not too sure yet," Luke replied. "I was thinking of just coming back here and opening a bottle of wine and talking."

"Talking?" Bennji asked suggestively.

"Just talking," Luke confirmed. "I'm in no rush to jump into the sack with him."

"That's good," Ford said. "It shows you like and respect each other."

"You can like and respect someone and sleep with them on the first date," Benji said. "There's no rules."

"There's always rules," Ford responded.

"Then how come you slept with Pacey the first night you met him?" Benji asked with a giggle.

"I don't like him, I'm just having sex with him," Ford shot back.

"Bullshit," Benji said. "You like him, it's so obvious you like him. Just admit it."

"I won't because I don't," Ford said rather unconvincingly.

"How long are you going to try and deny it? The only person you're fooling is yourself," Benji said.

"It's true," Shane added. "We've seen the way you light up when he calls."

"Ford, it's perfectly okay to like a guy," Luke said rubbing Ford's back.

Ford would love to admit how much he likes Pacey, but he's afraid that once he admits it, something horrible will go wrong. He was burned once by love and had no desire for it to happen again.

"Well, whether I like him or not isn't important right now," Ford said. "He did however invite me to go to Denver with him this weekend."

"A weekend in Denver?" Shane asked. "Would you be staying at his place."

"Yes," Ford nodded.

"That sounds nice," Luke said. "Are you going?"

"I don't know yet," Ford replied.

"Ford, a man you like is inviting you away for the weekend with him. Just go," Benji said.

"It's not always that easy," Shane said defending Ford. "It's a big step to go away with someone for the weekend."

"Exactly," Ford agreed. "Going away for the weekend shows that you're really serious about each other and like I said, I'm not."

"You are, but you won't admit it," Benji kept arguing.

"I'm in a similar situation," Shane said taking a sip of his drink. "Jackson wants me to go away with him this weekend too."

"Really? Where too?" Luke asked.

"He wants to go to Santa Barbara," Shane replied.

"That sounds nice," Benji said. "You going?"

"Not sure yet," Shane replied. "I was supposed to give him an answer after work, but I snuck out."

"You snuck out?" Benji asked. "Sneaking out is a telling sign."

"Why you so afraid to commit to him?" Benji asked. "You like him right?"

"Yeah, I do," Shane nodded.

"Even though he's kind of a slut," Luke couldn't help but comment.

"Luke, he really wants to try and be on good terms with you," Shane pleaded.

"That would be easier to do if I didn't meet him when he was making out with you while we were together," Luke replied.

"How can you forgive me, but not him?" Shane asked.

"Simple, I actually care about my friendship with you," Luke replied. "He may be dating you now, but that doesn't mean I have to be nice to him."

"It would just make it easier on me," Shane said.

"Well if it seems to be getting more serious I'll be civil with him," Luke negotiated. "The best I can do."

"I'll take it," Shane replied. "Thanks."

"Things can't get more serious if you avoid going away with him," Benji pointed out. "Since when did my friends become such wusses?"

"We're not wusses," Ford retorted.

"Actually you both are," Luke agreed with Benji. "Ford, you're afraid to love someone again and Shane, you're afraid that Jackson will end up as a rebound."

"Wow," Ford said.

"He's good," Shane agreed.

"So how about the two of you stop being afraid and just let yourself be with these guys because they seem like good guys," Benji said.

"And what about you?" Shane asked Benji.

"What's that?" Benji asked.

"Are you going to say `yes' to Donovan's proposal?" Shane asked.

"I'm still thinking it over," Benji replied.

"But you must be leaning towards one answer, right?" Luke asked.

"Honestly, I don't know," Benji shrugged. "But whatever I decide I know I have to be true to myself. I'm not going to do it to solve my distance problem with him."

"Good," Ford smiled happy to hear Benji say that.

"Okay, well I have to get going," Luke said looking at his watch. "You guys can stay here and finish drinking your wine. Just lock up when you leave."

"Okay, have fun," Benji said giving Luke a good luck hug.

"Thanks. I'll talk to you guys later," Luke said heading out the door.

"Hopefully you'll figure out why he's so familiar," Shane said.

"Yeah, I hope so too. I'll let you know," Luke called out before closing the door behind him.

As Luke was driving to the restaurant to meet Derek, he thought about the last person he had such strong feelings for...Nick.

FLASHBACK

It was years ago, the last day Luke would ever be with Nick. Nick was packing things up preparing to move with Luke to San Diego when Luke stopped by with lunch. Nick opened the door to Luke and spotted the picnic basket in his hand.

"How about a nice little meal at the park?" Luke asked.

"Sounds perfect," Nick replied giving Luke a kiss.

At the park Luke noticed how quiet Nick was.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Luke asked.

"I'm just taking everything in," Nick replied. "Before the move."

"You having second thoughts?" Luke asked.

"No," Nick replied. "I want to go with you. I'm just going to miss it here."

"Well I'll make a deal with you," Luke offered. "If you don't like it down in San Diego, we can move back."

Nick gave Luke a kiss, very touched at how considerate he was of his feelings.

"No, we need to stick it out down there," Nick said. "That job is a great opportunity for you and I don't want you to give it up."

"I think it will be really great down there," Luke Said, "New place, we can meet new people and we'll make sure to find an apartment down there with a guestroom for Kurt and Leo to stay in any time they want to come down."

"I love that you love my friends," Nick said.

"I do," Luke said. "And I know that they are everything to you so I want to make sure they are considered in all of this."

"I'm going to meet them for dinner later tonight if you're free," Nick said.

"I would, but I have some work I need to get done," Luke said. "I need to finish my last piece or the paper up here."

"Okay, well if you get done early just give me a call," Nick said.

"Sounds like a plan," Luke said. "What are you guys going to do?"

"I don't know," Nick said. "Probably just go out to dinner and hang out. They're going to help me pack."

"Well I'll come over and stay the night after work to help you finish packing," Luke said.

"Thanks babe," Nick said. The two finished their meal and then Nick headed back to his apartment as Luke headed off to work. He didn't realize that then that those were his final moments with Nick.

END FLASHBACK

Luke looks back on that moment and wishes that he kissed Nick longer and held him tighter when they parted from each other that day. He quickly shook his head, he had to stop thinking about the past and focus on the future. He had a date with a handsome man and he couldn't wait.

After the guys left Luke's place, Benji went home to think about the proposal some more while Ford and Shane went to go grab dinner together.

While at dinner the two began discussing their prospective trips away for the weekend.

"Are we being wusses?" Shane asked.

"No," Ford said quickly.

"You said that a little too quickly," Shane said.

"Yeah, I sensed that," Ford replied.

"I'll tell you what," Shane said. "I'll be completely honest about why I'm afraid if you admit why you are."

"Deal," Ford said. "You go first."

"Fine," Shane sighed before confessing. "Jackson and I didn't start things up under the best of circumstances."

"Obviously," Ford said with a chuckle.

"Not helping," Shane glared.

"I'm sorry, continue," Ford apologized.

"Not that I was ever one who believed in great love stories or anything, but going out with a guy who I cheated on my last boyfriend with is not exactly the type of relationship that lasts forever," Shane said. "I'm worried that I'm getting too excited about a relationship that's destined to fail."

"You can't know if it will fail or not," Ford replied.

"What if this just ends up being a rebound?" Shane asked.

"Do you really like him?" Ford asked.

"Yeah," Shane replied.

"Then it's more than a rebound," Ford said. "You wouldn't be this worried about it if it were just a rebound. As for the `destined to fail' thing; who says it'll fail? The only ones who can determine that are you two."

"Wow, that sounds pretty optimistic for someone who claims to hate relationships," Shane said. "Is someone finally admitting they've had a huge wall up for the past few years?"

"I guess it's my turn to admit why I'm a wuss?" Ford asked.

"Yes," Shane replied.

"Okay," Ford said. "I guess it's pretty obvious why I'm afraid to be that `hopeless romantic' I once was, right?"

"You mean Patrick?" Shane asked.

"Yup," Ford replied. "It all seemed so perfect with him. We reconnected years after college and started up a beautiful relationship. It seemed right out of a Drew Barrymore film or something, but then it all went down the tubes."

"Yeah, but that was a one time thing," Shane said. "I doubt you would date a guy who would sleep with your best friend again."

"I just felt that if I put my guard up then I can keep myself from getting hurt," Ford said.

"Yeah, but by doing that you're keeping yourself from really liking a guy and it seems like you really like Pacey," Shane said.

"I hate to admit it, but I think I do," Ford sighed. "He's nothing like the type of guy I ever would imagine dating. He's so far from what my type was when I was a `relationship man.'"

"But maybe that's better, it's unexpected," Shane said.

"I guess," Ford replied. "When I was talking to Benji earlier today he made me see that he and I both have to start being true to who we are."

"So are you admitting that you haven't been true to yourself?" Shane asked with a half-smile.

"Yeah, I think so," Ford replied. "I know deep down I'm still a romantic."

Shane smiled and raised his drink in the air, "Welcome back." Ford and him clinked their glasses together and shared a laugh. Ford was still afraid to open up, but he was beginning to see that he had to at least try.

"So I think we both need to go away for the weekend with these guys," Ford said.

"Yeah I think so," Shane said.

Ford raised his glass again, "One more toast is in order."

"What are we toasting?" Shane asked.

"To being brave and jumping off the cliff," Ford said.

"Let's just hope we take off and not plummet to our deaths," Shane joked. They clinked glasses again and took another sip of their drink.

Benji sat on his couch thinking about his proposal from Donovan and what it would really mean to be married to someone. Was marriage him? He knew he changed a lot over the years, but has he changed so much that marriage was now a part of his plans? He knew he had to be true to who he was and what he wanted and stop putting himself on mute. He was Benji, loud and proud of who he is. He got up from the couch and walked into his room and went to his closet. He looked at himself in the mirror and the clothes he was wear. He still was being conservative, still had that fear from when he was attacked, he couldn't live in fear anymore. Benji stripped off his black t-shirt and faded jeans and grabbed a bright pink and orange shirt that only he could pull off and a pair of leather pants and put them on.

"Benji's back," he said confidently looking at himself in the mirror. Benji called up Ford and left his home to go hang out with them at the restaurant they were eating at.

When Benji arrived to the restaurant Ford and Shane immediately saw him due to his outfit. They both smiled brightly to see Benji looking like himself again.

"You look great," Ford said giving Benji a big hug.

"Thanks, I feel fabulous!" Benji gushed sitting down at the table with them.

"So what brought about this change?" Shane asked.

"Well, I was accusing you two of being wusses when I myself was being one," Benji replied. "I was letting a few homophobes change me. I was letting them win. Not anymore."

"Good," Shane smiled.

"So you're physically back to being yourself, but have you decided if marriage who you are now?" Ford asked.

"Still not positive, but I think I'm figuring it out," Benji smiled. "Now let's order another round of drinks and have a fabulous night!"

"Sounds good," Ford said. "We need to celebrate tonight because tomorrow, Shane and I are going to be going away for the weekend."

"You are?" Benji asked. "You're going away with your men? That's great!"

"Thanks," Shane smiled. "Which reminds me, I should call Jackson and let him know that we're on for this weekend." Shane got up from the table to call Jackson.

"I never thought I would be so happy to see you in your outrageous clothes," Ford laughed, sincerely happy that Benji and him were both getting back to themselves.

"Thank you. So, I decided to go away this weekend too," Benji announced.

"You are? Why?" Ford asked.

"I can't answer a proposal over the phone," Benji said. "I have to do it in person."

"Can I ask what you're answer is going to be?" Ford asked.

"I'm still not 100% certain, I don't think I will be certain until I actually say it to Don," Benji said. "As soon as I do, you'll be the first to know."

"Okay," Ford smiled.

Luke and Derek were having a great time at dinner, they conversation never stopped. Luke found Derek's situation with his memory fascinating. He never met anyone in a situation such as Derek's and thought it was very brave of him to start a new life in a new city. It was something he could relate to.

"So you have no idea who your family is?" Luke asked.

"No," Derek replied. "I know they're names from my birth certificate, but I figured since no one came to see me in the hospital then there's no one I need to find."

"That had to be tough," Luke said. "Being in a hospital recovering by yourself."

"It wasn't he most fun obviously," Derek laughed. "But I'm living a new life now, that's why I celebrate my birthday on the day of my accident eight years ago."

"Oh yeah? When's that?" Luke asked.

"June 27th," Derek replied.

"June 27th?" Luke asked, wondering why that date sounded so familiar.

"Yeah," Derek replied. "So I guess in a way I'm only eight years old." Derek let out a slight laugh. Luke smiled, he felt sincerely bad that such a large chunk of Derek's life was missing. "By the way, I just want to say that I'm having a great time tonight."

"I am too," Luke smiled. They're great date continued on back to Luke's place where they shared a bottle of wine and talked until four in the morning. It was the perfect first date.

The next day, Benji went to the airport and got on the first flight to New York. When he was on the plane he looked out the window thinking about his whole relationship with Donovan and the proposal. He never met a man like Donovan before, he never met someone who he wanted to be in a committed relationship with before. However, he knew that his decision had to be true to who he was and what he wanted in his life. Suddenly, it dawned on him what it was he wanted. He figured out what it was he had to do and what his answer to Donovan would be. He finally came at peace on who he is now and what the next chapter in his life should be.

As the flight took off, Benji smiled to himself, proud of himself and his future he decided to make for himself...

Ford walked outside of his place where Pacey was waiting outside in his limo. The driver came up to Ford and took his suitcase from him.

"Thank you," Ford smiled politely. He made his way over to the limo and got inside where Pacey was smiling, waiting for him.

"I'm glad I didn't have to have my driver drag you out of your place," Pacey said.

"No, he didn't," Ford smiled.

"You'll love it in Denver," Pacey said giving Ford a kiss.

"I need to say something before we go," Ford said breaking the kiss.

"What's that?" Pacey asked.

"I'm not who I used to be," Ford said. "I've been trying to not admit my feelings for you because I was afraid to open up to someone. Liking someone is a big risk and I wasn't sure if I wanted to make that risk."

"I see," Pacey said. "So why are you telling me this?"

"Because you're someone who I think is worth taking a risk on," Ford said.

"I've made millions on taking big risks," Pacey said. "Trust me, this is the smallest risk you'll ever have to take. I won't hurt you. Just sit back and enjoy the ride." Pacey smiled giving Ford another kiss.

"You ready sir?" Pacey's driver asked.

"Yes we are," Pacey replied. "Let's head to the airport."

Shane was at work with his weekend bag already packed and tucked under his desk. After work him and Jackson would be taking that weekend trip and he would was going to be fully committed to making it a romantic weekend for the two of them. Ford was right, if this relationship was just a rebound then he wouldn't care so much about him. Shane got up from his desk and headed to the office door to ask Jackson to come in. He was too excited and wanted to steal a few kisses with Jackson in his office. When he looked outside of his office however, he saw that Jackson wasn't at his desk. He looked at his watch, it was almost one thirty in the afternoon. Had Jackson not shown up?

"Darla," Shane said to his assistant who was sitting at her desk outside of Shane's office. "Has Jackson shown up?"

"No, which is weird since he's usually one of the first ones here," Darla replied. "Do you want me to place a phone call to him?"

"No. I will," Shane said. "Thanks Darla." The phone at Darla's desk began to ring, she answered it as Shane went into his office and tried calling Jackson, but just got his voicemail. He hung up the phone and paced around in his office. Where's Jackson?

The answer to his question came when Darla came into his office with a grave look on his face.

"What's wrong?" Shane asked.

"I just received a call from the hospital. Jackson was in an accident," Darla replied.

Shane didn't say anything, he quickly grabbed his coat and rushed out of the office.

Luke was at his place eating lunch when he got a call from Kurt up in Los Angeles.

"Nice to hear from you," Luke said as they were catching up.

"Yeah, I just wanted to see how your New Years was," Kurt replied.

"It was really good," Luke said. "I spent it with this guy who I've started seeing."

"What about Shane?" Kurt asked. Luke smacked himself in the forehead, he forgot that he had Shane pretend to be his boyfriend when he was up in LA for Christmas. "You guys broke-up?"

"Crap," Luke sighed. "I guess I have to be honest with you now."

"What do you mean?" Kurt asked.

"Shane isn't my boyfriend," Luke replied. "Well, he was, but he isn't anymore."

"I don't understand," Kurt said. "Why would you pretend to have him as your boyfriend?"

"I was worried that you and Leo would just worry about me if I showed up alone," Luke said.

"Why would you think that?" Kurt asked.

"Because I know that since Nick died you guys have worried about me moving on," Luke said.

"We're not," Kurt said. "We know you've been able to move on."

"Really?" Luke asked. "It just seems that whenever I talk to you or Leo that you guys talk to me as if I'm going to break if you bring up Nick."

"No, we know you've been able to move on," Kurt assured him.

"I have," Luke said. "But what I told you on Christmas is true, I really do feel that Nick is the great love of my life. I don't think I'll ever feel that way about anyone-" Luke stopped himself mid-sentence and began thinking about what he was just about to say. `I don't think I'll ever feel that way about anyone else.' Is that true?' Luke wondered.

"Luke?" Kurt asked.

"Sorry," Luke said shaking out of his daze. "I got lost in my thoughts."

"It's okay," Kurt replied. "So tell me about this new guy."

"He's really interesting," Luke said. "His name is Derek."

"And what makes him so interesting?" Kurt asked.

"Well, for starters, he has retrograde amnesia," Luke answered.

"Wow," Kurt said. "How long has he had that?"

"Eight years," Luke said. "Can you believe that? He remembers nothing before then."

"How did that happen?" Kurt asked.

"He got in some car accident," Luke replied. "Crazy huh? So he remembers nothing past June 27th of eight years ago."

"Wow," Kurt said. "That's a big coincidence that the guy you're dating now got amnesia on that date."

"Yeah, I thought that date was familiar," Luke said relieved that it meant something to Kurt as well, "Why does that date stick out in my head?"

"Seriously?" Kurt asked surprised. "You don't remember?"

"No and it's bugging me because I know it's a date I should know," Luke said.

"Luke, that was the day that Nick died."

Suddenly everything started making sense to Luke, he knew why Derek was so familiar, he knew why he felt so comfortable being around him, he knew that somewhere inside of Derek was someone he knew so well and someone he cared for so deeply. It was so obvious to him now, the way Derek spoke, the soft yet secure tone of his voice, the way he threw his head back when he let out a full laugh, the sparkle in his eye that only truly happy people have in them. Luke saw what was right in front of him for the first time. He saw the one great love of his life.

"It's Nick," Luke said quietly to himself in realization.

To Be Continued...

This was a big chapter for me to write because of the big shift it pushes the characters in. The title, 'I Know You' refers to many things, obviously there's Luke figuring out what he felt all along about Derek, but then there is also Benji, Shane and Ford finding themselves again. This was the big journey for Ford and I wanted to make sure he found himself before I began writing the next set of chapters.

I know many of you readers saw this storyline coming and have sent me e-mails voicing your concern over where this is going to go and how it will affect the overall story. I want to assure you that I thought this storyline out for a while before deciding to go through with it (it's why it took me so long to finish this chapter, I needed to make sure I fully wanted to go into this story). I'm not going to put some supernatural spin to the story in any way. The whole idea I want to play out with this is the idea of `soulmates.' I wanted to do this for those who do believe in soulmates and those who do not. I think those who do believe in soulmates will find this storyline to be incredibly romantic. Is it a little far-fetched? Of course, but it's a romantic idea. And for those who don't believe in soulmates, I think this storyline can be seen as beautifully tragic and think of Luke as a man who will never move on from his great love that he's believing something that isn't possible. So I will definitely be writing this storyline out to satisfy both types of readers and hopefully you will enjoy it. It's a storyline that I'm really excited to play out and after I take a month break to set out the entire set of chapters you well. Thanks again so much for reading and please try not to worry. I will do my best to not ruin the story for you. With any comments, questions, feedback or concerns please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com.