I'll Fight Hell to Hold You

Hospital Visit

After the blow up at the barbeque, Paul decided the Mensinger-Simmons kids would be better off staying with his and Tommy's for the night. He texted a firm message to Gene telling him to leave an overnight bag for them- no questions asked.

Gene left it on the porch later and went off in search of Eric. He was still angry and hurt but also realized Eric and him should talk things over. "Er, I'm sorry. I should have taken this up with you at home so for that I'm sorry. Please come home." He sent the text, hoping Eric received it.

In the hotel bar, Eric was downing his third vodka shot. He knew he had royally messed up but was too proud to admit it. His tears flowed along with the vodka. When his phone vibrated, he pulled it out. 

"Oh, now he wants me to come home, does he? Well, screw that!" He kept drinking until he passed out.

A few hours later, Eric woke up in a strange room, bright lights nearly blinding him. "W-w-what...?" He was cut off by a bout of throwing up. "I'm in hell, right?"

"No, you're in the hospital. You apparently drank so much you passed out and hit your head." said a ragged voice. "Eric, I thought you were dead." came Gene's voice. "I really thought you were dead and I....love you. I'm so sorry." Gene started crying.

Eric finally focused on his husband's face. It looked like Gene had been there several days. "Gene? Don't cry. I screwed up. I'm sorry. I felt like you were slipping away from me and I...was...scared. I-I-I'm pregnant. I didn't want to lose you."

"Pregnant? How...how far along?"

"Six weeks. I can't tell Tommy though. He can't have any more and I can't upset him. Please don't tell him or Paul." Eric groaned as he sat up. "Ouch! What the hell did I do?" 

"You broke some ribs and have a concussion." Gene gently tucked pillows behind Eric as he took his hand. "We can work out our differences if you still love me. I don't want to lose you and I don't want you to move out."

Eric closed his eyes as Gene gently held him in his arms. He didn't want to lose his family but he felt trapped in his own emotions.

Gene knew there was going to be a long road ahead for his now pregnant husband and himself. He wouldn't have his best friend to talk to because Tommy would wind up being hurt in the long run.