Hide Your Heart

Third Test...Two Weeks Later

Week number three came around much to Paul's relief. Since the second breathing test had only registered 40%, Paul hoped this one was higher. Ever since he and Tommy had been intimate in the shower, Tommy had grown distant. Paul had no idea if it was caused by illness, boredom, anger or a combination of everything.

"Baby, if this one is higher that's one step closer to leaving here. Please cheer up or show me a smile." 

Tommy's eyes flashed as he snapped out, hoarse still, "So it also means I'll be stuck in a mental hospital too. I know you want me to have therapy! I'M NOT FUCKING CRAZY!!!!"

Paul was stunned. "I didn't mean that at all. ""Aren't you ready to go home?"

"Yeah, to mine!"

Paul felt tears fill his eyes. "W-w-what?" "Y-y-you want to move out?"

Tommy didn't answer, just turned away. "I don't know what I want." he finally whispered. "I'm just tired of being sick."

Luckily the R.T. came in about that time. "Are you ready?"

Tommy nodded and let the R.T. put him in the wheelchair. 

As  the door closed, Paul let his tears fall. Gene rushed over and took him into a hug. "Hey, hey. He didn't mean it. I was coming by to visit when I heard the outburst."

"Yes, he did! He's upset because he can't tour." "He's going to move out and I'll be all alone."

"Sh."

Downstairs, Tommy blew as hard as he could and waited. He was able to breathe a bit better since he'd been on antibiotics. The doctor had also talked to him about taking steroids to build his lungs back up.

"You made it to 65%" "You're getting there."

Upstairs, Gene had gotten Paul to quit crying and start planning Tommy's release. "I say we get a therapist to visit him here and skip the extra hospitalization part."

"Gene, I don't think so. I think Tommy was....." he whispered the rest to Gene. "I think he's repressed it."

Gene looked at Paul in shock. "What? When?"

"Ireland the night he got wasted in the pub." "I'll take you to dinner later and tell you my theory."

When Tommy was brought back in, he gave Paul a long hug and said hi to Gene before climbing back into bed.

"Baby, I'm sorry for earlier."

Paul told Tommy he'd be take him to lunch in a few minutes just as soon as he finished talking to Gene.

A nod as the other two went into the hallway.