I'll Fight Hell to Hold You

Released To Go Home

It was seven in the evening on day three when the doctor came in. Tommy had actually been able to sleep most of the night. He was  currently pouting because Eric had told him that he couldn't jump back into band practice right away. "You're barely able to function for two hours at a time, much less a full day of rehearsal. The answer from me is no."

"You're not my husband so I don't have to listen to you."

"Paul would tell you the same thing."

The doctor interrupted them when he handed Tommy the release papers. "You're free to go but there are rules and guidelines I expect you to follow. If you don't you'll wind up back here. The next time I will not release you."

Eric rolled his eyes as Tommy rolled his eyes. "Yes sir." He went over the paperwork with Tommy and the doctor. 

A few minutes later, Tommy was unhooked from everything and was in the bathroom showering. Eric stood just inside to keep an eye on him. While Tommy showered, Eric called Paul to let him know. "The hospital is releasing Tom. He's in the shower right now. Let everyone else know so they don't show up. I'll bring him home when he's done." Eric also told Paul what the paperwork said. "I have a copy."

At the house, Paul hurriedly started cleaning and straightening. He put up all the laundry and finished feeding the girls. He had just gotten them fed and changed when Eric helped Tommy in and to the couch.

"I'm going home now. Take care."

Tommy silently watched as Paul read through it. "I promised you that I'd follow doctor's orders and I will." "I missed you."

"I missed you too."

They cuddled for a long time before Paul helped Tommy upstairs. "I think we need to see if your wrists and arms are healing nicely. Let me see please." Paul rolled up Tommy's sleeves to check. The only one that looked suspicious was the one on Tommy's right forearm. "How did you do it when someone was there all the time?"

"I didn't! It just hasn't healed yet." 

Paul knew it wasn't true because the cut was too fresh. He silently wrapped it up and looked his husband right in the eyes. "I'm going to request you leave it alone."

Tommy opened his mouth to say something but shut it again. He nodded and rolled his sleeve down.

The silence was awkward until Paul spoke again. "I love you Thomas. It hurts when I see the scars." "Don't you know I love you deeply?"

"Yes."

Paul gently pulled Tommy into his arms and held him close. They fell asleep like that.