Title: The Damage Is Damning Us Down
Pairing/Characters: TJ/Jase (OMC)
Rating (Word Count): R (6x100)
Warning(s): None
Author's notes: This is set in the It's That Pivotal Moment verse after the sequel which is in the editing process right now. It is a direct sequel to last's week's drabble One Shot and My Lover Goes Down All you need to know is Adam and Sauli are together and Tommy is dating an Army Doctor. Thanks to floridaminxie for the beta <333



The Damage is Damning Us Down


"So, we gonna talk about this?"

"Nope," Tommy said, setting his bag down on the floor, kicking his shoes off, and flopping onto the bed.

"You were shot. Turns out it was a hate crime. There's gonna be a trial. There's already a shit ton of press."

"Still not talking about it." Tommy flipped on the TV.

Jase knew the conversation was over, at least for now.

So, he sat down beside Tommy and before too long, Tommy was curled up against him, Jase's arm around his shoulders. Both of them ignored the big white elephant standing in the room.

^v^

Tommy's breaths were deep and even and Jase was staring at the stark white bandage on his throat. They still hadn't talked about it. Eventually they would have to; he only hoped the talk came before Tommy broke. He stroked his fingers up and down Tommy's arm, idly thinking that maybe he could convince Tommy to come with him to his therapist's appointment this week.

"Stop thinking so loud," Tommy complained, opening his eyes to glare at Jase.

"Sorry, it's just – we need – please, Tommy-"

Tommy sighed, twisting in Jase's arms, burying his face in Jase's chest.

"I know."

^v^

Helplessly, Jase curled his arms around Tommy, stroking his back, trying to ease the pain that was making Tommy's muscles hitch and ignoring the wetness he could feel on his chest.

"All I could think about was losing you and it scared the shit out of me. Made me remember all those fucking nights I spent awake because you were in the fucking desert out of touch and I was worried."

Tommy's hands clutched at Jase, blunt fingernails digging into whatever skin he could reach. Jase kissed Tommy's head softly.

"And instead, I was the one that almost lost you."

^v^

Tommy stiffened in Jase's arms and Jase mentally kicked himself for saying that. "That's not what I meant, Jesus, fuck, shit." Jase fell silent.

Tommy relaxed and then started to shake again.

"Tommy?"

All Jase could hear were hiccupping gasps so it took him several seconds to realize that Tommy was laughing. There was a bit of a hysterical edge to it, but he was laughing. When he finally stopped, Tommy's hands rubbed at Jase's chest. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Jase tried to pull back but Tommy just burrowed closer.

"What are you sorry for?"

"For everything. For getting shot –"

<^V^

Jase tightened his grip. "Don't. Don't do that. You did what you needed to do in a completely awful and horrifying situation." He paused as realization hit him like a ton of bricks. "You did what I would have done, what any soldier would have done. You risked your life to save mine."

"He was pointing the gun at you, saying those awful things," Tommy shuddered. "I had no idea he was gonna grab me."

They held each other for a long moment before Jase spoke again. "I want you to come with me this week." He paused. "Please."

"Okay."

^v^

Relief flooded through Jase and Tommy must have picked up on it. "Feel better, Doc?"

Unable to speak, Jase simply nodded, his breath catching in his throat as he held Tommy even closer.

"Do you think she'll be able to help?" Tommy's voice sounded small and vulnerable.

"She's helping me."

This time it was Tommy who tightened his hold.

"Either way, we'll get through this together, okay?"

Tommy nodded. "Together," he repeated, surging up, pressing their lips together.

The kiss was quick, just a quick swipe of his tongue across Jase's lips but it settled both their hearts.

For now.

The End