"Why do I feel like I'm on one of those makeover shows?" Reid asked, sighing and standing up.
Luke smiled. "Ya know........you shoud wear chinos, a polo, and a jacket," he suggested, following Reid to the foyer. Reid grimmaced. "That says professional but casual," Luke continued. "I'm a regular guy, and I'm comfortable with myself."
"I am comfortable with myself."
"Yes, but don't be overly pleased with yourself like stuck up brain surgeon," Luke offered.
Reid looked up at the ceiling. "I am a stuck up brain surgeon," he said nodding.
"Reid..." Luke said, sounding frustrated. Reid turned his back to Luke and organized his things. "The point is, you're going to be meeting with people who are very proud of their work. They are very hard working. You can't come off as superior to them." Reid turned back around. "Which brings me to interpersonal relationships," Luke continued.
"Ah, the dreaded talking to people skills that I lack," Reid said sarcastically.
Luke smiled because he sort of found that trait endearing about Reid, but he couldn't tell him that. "And body language," Luke said, letting his eyes swiftly run down Reid's body. Reid noticed. "So, just smile...a lot." Reid produced an overly exaggerated fake smile. Luke grinned, suppressing a laugh. "Genuinely?" he pleaded. Reid looked down. "Break the ice by talking about baseball....or the weather, somthing that everyone can relate to."
"As opposed to what?" Reid asked, his brow furrowed.
"As opposed to your own brilliance," Luke replied, as if it were obvious.
"In other words, don't be myself," Reid smiled tightly.
"Be approachable," Luke offered. "Be nice."
Reid looked away. "Okay," he said quickly, "Are we done? Because I really need to rush home and find the perfect chinos, polo, jacket combination," he said sarcastically, grabbing his briefcase. "...so I can look as unlike myself as possible." He walked toward the door.
Luke followed him. "I've hurt your feelings." Reid turned around. "I'm sorry, but you wanted me to coach you on this type of thing."
"I did," Reid said rubbing at his tired eyes. "I do. It's not you. I'm worried about this patient, and..."
"Reid?" Luke said, stepping closer.
"Yeah."
"You know I like you exactly the way you are, right? I know you, and I like who you are."
Reid didn't answer, looking uncomfortable, as Luke's hand came up to the side of his face. "All of this people skills stuff, it's just for work." Luke cocked his head. "I mean, look...you have excellent Luke skills." He thumbed Reid's chin and smiled warmly, hoping that Reid understood how much he meant it.
Reid rolled his eyes and smirked. He licked his lips. "I'd really love to show you my skills, Mr. Snyder," Reid said, his attempt to sound seductive falling flat with the weight of the day.
Luke smiled, looking down shyly before meeting Reid's eyes. He nodded. "But really, Reid, I like you. All of you...especially the parts that other people don't get."
Reid closed his eyes, steadied his breath. He opened his eyes and looked at Luke. "I know." And the fact that he truly did know gave him a warm feeling in his chest. He leaned forward and kissed Luke lightly. "I like you too. And I appreciate your help. It's nice having you on my side."
Luke smiled and wrapped his arms around Reid's neck. Reid rolled his eyes, but then smiled and hugged Luke back. After a few moments, he said, "Okay, okay...enough," pushing Luke back playfully. He kissed Luke again. "I'll see you at Al's later," he said walking toward the door, "I'll be the surgeon dressed like Fred Rogers."
Luke smiled as Reid walked out the door. God, he really, really liked him.