Mending - Jeffmads [COMPLETED]

Chapter Twenty One

James couldn't seem to make his legs move as he stood in the middle of the room, staring at Thomas. Thomas' injuries alone made James cry, let alone the fact that he didn't seem to care at all that he was hurt.

"Aw, come on Jem, I'm okay. Please don't cry," Thomas said, wincing as he moved his arm, holding it out towards James.

"You're not okay," James choked out between tears. "You got shot, Tommy. It's all my fault."

"It's not your fault," Thomas said, a small smile on his face. "James, come here please," As James got close Thomas grabbed his hand, intertwining it with his own. Thomas pulled James' hand up to his lips, pressing a soft kiss onto it. "I'm alive, you're alive, that's all that matters."

"Guys," Alex said. "I hate to interrupt the moment, but I got a text from Burr, and you're going to want to hear it."

Thomas and James gave him a confused look.

"What did he say?" Thomas asked, rubbing circles into James hand with his thumb, hoping it would ease his nerves.

"The cops found Reynolds," Alexander smiled. "They arrested him."

"Really?" James asked breathlessly.

"Yeah, apparently they're going to charge him with many years in prison. He's going away for a long time," Alexander said, seeing the relief on James' face. "I'll leave you two alone."

As Alexander fled the room, Thomas smiled wide, looking up at James like he was the only thing that mattered.

"James," Thomas said, giving James' hand a quick squeeze. "Do you know what this means? He can't hurt you Jemmy, not anymore. He should've thought better about hurting my James."

James smiled, sitting down in a chair he had pulled close to the hospital bed Thomas was in. "Did the doctor say when you'll be able to leave?"

"Yeah. Two weeks here, then I can leave. I'll be on bed rest for a while though. It's too long to be cooped up in this room.

"Thomas, you got shot. It's pretty obvious that it's a serious injury. But don't worry, I'll be here." Thomas nodded, though it looked as if he wasn't really listening, that his mind was somewhere else. "Tom? What're you thinking about?"

"Jem... I-I wanted to ask you..."

"What is it Tommy?" James questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Before I found out, how long had you been letting Reynolds treat you like that?" James' eyes darted to the floor, his face dropping. Thomas could see the gears turning in his brain, probably thinking up some lie to tell him. "Please be honest, James. I want to know everything that happened."

James sighed, nodding. "Well, a few months ago I met him. He was so nice, he seemed like a really good guy. During the first month we dated, he was a real gentleman. Took me on fancy dates, complimented me every chance he got, spoiled me. Then one day he came over, and I could tell he was mad, so I asked him why. That's when he-" James took a shaky breath. "That's when he hit me for the first time. At first, I told him that we were done, but he apologized, promising it wouldn't happen again. But it did, but I just couldn't break up with him. He kept apologizing, I kept forgiving. Then he just.. Stopped apologizing, he started telling me I deserved it. And I dealt with it, until a started believing I did deserve it. The last couple months he's been physically and mentally abusing me."

"Two months?!" Thomas' eyes widened. James nodded, avoiding Thomas' eyes. "I'm sorry baby."

"It's not your fault."

"No, but I'm sorry you had to go through that. I want you to know that you won't have to any more. I'd never hurt you Jem," Thomas said, his eyes soft as he looked at James.

"I know, Thomas."

The doctor came in, clipboard in hand. "I think Mr. Jefferson should rest. You can come and see him again tomorrow if you'd like."

James nodded, letting go of Thomas' hand. Thomas pouted, ready to protest before James cut him off. "I'll be back tomorrow, don't worry." Thomas huffed, big didn't say anything as James walked towards the door. "Bye Thomas."

"Bye baby."

James walked out seeing Alex, drinking coffee in the waiting room. Aaron was sitting next to him, looking at his phone.

"Oh hey Burr, when'd you get here?" James asked, making Aaron and Alex jump.

"Just a few minutes ago," Aaron stated, standing up, Alex doing the same. "So how is he doing?"

"He's fine," James smiled. "The doctor said that he needs rest, but we can come back tomorrow."

"I'm glad he's okay," Alexander said, Aaron nodded in agreement. James grinned, looking down to the floor.

"Me too."

A/N: Shooty shooty shooty shot, Reynolds is a fuckin thot.