I'll Fight Hell to Hold You

Two Weeks Later

Paul had been in the hotel two weeks now. He hadn't seen the triplets or Tommy at all. He had left several messages but hadn't gotten any replies. Finally, after checking out, he headed home. He was determined to apologize. 

Driving up to his house he found the girls' pool outside with Tommy staring at it.  He sat in his car for a few minutes, until Tommy glanced up. His husband waddled over and stood there. Rolling the window down, Paul motioned for Tommy to come closer. 

"Paul? What are you doing here?" asked Tommy in shock. "I thought you were gone forever."

Getting out, Paul walked over. "Why would I leave? Yes, I don't love her. I love you. I know you don't believe me, but I do."

"I do believe you. That's the problem. I love you so much I don't want you to leave. I'm heartbroken but I can't let you go. I didn't reply because I.....I couldn't bring myself to talk to you without crying. I LOVE YOU!" I had to force myself to not cut. I haven't been near a razor in two weeks."

Tommy went to say something else but was cut off by a severe cramp. His face turned pale as he sunk to his knees. He felt Paul pick him up and carry him to the porch swing. He was pale under his stubble. Paul noticed how thin he was too.

Once the cramp passed, he tried sitting up. "The girls are at Bruce's. He has all five cause Eric's sick and Gene can't take care of them and Eric and me." "I was heading over there shortly."

Paul carried Tommy inside and straight to the bathroom. "I'm going to bath you and shave you. I will then apologize to the others." 

Paul started the bath for Tommy and gently shaved his face. "I am going to spend the rest of my life proving to you how much I love you. I will never hurt you again."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Looking Paul straight in the eyes, Tommy replied, "You will so but I'll always take you back. I love you too much." "Now, stop babying me and go start apologizing." 

Paul left to go make phone calls. He got a cool reception from most of the others, but he had expected it.