Why did it have to be you?

Subject: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:03 am

Michael stopped the car in front of a hotel and sat for a moment just gripping the steering wheel. He took measured breaths to try to calm himself down enough to talk to the receptionist inside.

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:04 am

Tom watched Michael worriedly, not saying anything.

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

Michael peeled his fingers away from the wheel, surprised to find he'd gripped so hard his knuckles had gone white and some of the stitching detail was imprinted in his skin.

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:14 am

Tom tentatively placed a hand on Michael's wrist. "He'll be ok." He said hesitantly.

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

Michael flinched at the sudden feeling of a touch on his skin and moved violently to remove it, accidently hitting Tom in the process, "I'm sorry. Are you okay? I didn't mean to..."

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:21 am

Tom placed a hand to his bruised cheek, looking at the floor of the car. He was silent.

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

"Tom," Michael's voice softened. "I'm just worried about what Ryland's doing. I'd never hurt you." He reached out to tilt the boy's face back up.

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:31 am

Tom shook his head, breath hitched. "Y-you can do it again if y-you need to."

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

Michael pushed his seat back a little and unbuckled Tom's seatbelt so he could pull the boy into his lap. "Calm down. I don't want to hit you."

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:34 am

Tom leant his head on Michael's shoulder. "I don't mind."

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

"No one is going to hit you," Michael reassured him; holding Tom helped him to calm down some more.

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:41 am

Tom's eyebrows quirked slightly. He snuggled into Michael's body.

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

"Do you want your own room or..." Michael trailed off.

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:50 am

"Huh?" Tom looked confused, his dreadlocks hanging in front of his face.

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

"I'm going to rent rooms. Do you want to share one and get two beds or have your own," Michael moved Tom's hair out of his face.

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:54 am

Tom shrugged. "We might as well share. Cheaper."

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

Michael nuzzled into Tom for a moment. "I'll go in the make the reservations."

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:59 am

"Ok." Tom half rolled, half flopped into his seat.

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

Michael smiled and got out of the car, walking over to the entrance of the building.

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 8:17 am

Tom twiddled one of his dreadlocks, glad to be back.

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

"I just need a room with two beds," Michael said after the receptionist at the desk had gone through her usual welcome speech.

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 8:22 am

Tom wrinkled his nose. Bored of the car, he climbed out to stand by Michael.

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

Michael smiled down at Tom as the receptionist checked the computer to see what they had available.

Subject: Re: Why did it have to be you? Sun Dec 09, 2007 8:25 am

Tom rubbed his head on Michael's arm affectionately.

Protector Number of posts : 1362 Registration date : 2007-11-10

"Awww," The receptionist mistakenly assumed they were brothers. "Going home for the holidays, boys?" Michael blinked at her in confusion as she continued. "I don't have any doubles but I can give you a king size so you'll each have plenty of space. Sorry."