Hide Your Heart

Lights Out--I'm Afraid of the Dark!

On the way home Paul drove while Tommy kept looking at his ring. Suddenly a loud clap of thunder caused Tommy to scream. "P-P-Paul? I-I-I'm s-s-scared of thunderstorms!!!" He practically dove into the floorboard in fright.

Being close to home, Paul hurried the rest of the way trying to calm Tommy down at the same time. "Tom, baby, it's gonna be okay." He reached down to stroke Tommy's hair. "Sh, love."

"Aw hell, it looks like the lights are out." sighed Paul as he pulled into the driveway. "Look, let me call Gene and see if we can stay with him."

Paul dialed Gene as he stroked Tommy's hand. "Hey, do you have lights? No? Well, I guess I'll check into a hotel. Thanks."

Hanging up, he coaxed Tommy off the floor and back into the seat. "Come on, we'll go get a few things and find a hotel." 

"O-o-okay." came Tommy's whisper. 

They dodged raindrops and ran inside. Using his cell phone light, Paul found a lantern and quickly lit it. "Tom, come on, we'll go get your stuff first." The two walked through the guest room and gathered Tommy's things. They then headed to Paul's room. "Could you get my makeup kit from the bathroom?" Tommy nodded even though he was terrified. Before leaving, they changed into jeans and t-shirts and boots.

Finally they locked up and ran back to the car. "See, it wasn't too bad inside, was it?" asked Paul.

Tommy gripped his hand tightly as the storm got louder and heavier. "Is it going to be safe to drive?" 

"Tom, look at me. I drove cabs through snowstorms. I can drive through rain." 

"I know, I'm just nervous."

Paul squeezed Tommy's hands and pulled him into a kiss. "Don't worry, we'll be okay."

Paul pulled out and headed to the nearest hotel. He knew Tommy would be okay once he was inside and distracted.

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"Room 310, Tom. Come on, go on up and wait for me. I'll be right up with the bags." Paul sent a quick text to Gene to let him know the hotel name and to check on him and Eric.

Once inside, Paul let Tommy have the shower first while he unpacked his bag. He sat on the bed and took his boots off. After awhile, he knocked on the bathroom door. "You okay?"

"Yea, I was looking for the hair dryer. Sorry."

Tommy sat on the bed to dry his hair while Paul showered.  

Finally, after watching a little t.v., the two slid under the covers to snuggle.

"Feel better?" asked Paul as he felt Tommy wrap his arms around his chest. "Sleep, sweetheart."

Tommy felt Paul place a soft kiss on his lips before he drifted off to sleep. "Love you." he said sleepily.

"Love you too ,Tommy."

They fell asleep as the storm raged outside.