Adult-FanFiction.org : Television / Streaming

Over the Hills and Far Away	By : OpenPage Category: 1 through F > 21 Jump Street Views: 2136 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own 21JS or the characters. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. All characters and events in this story are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is coincidental.

Chapter List
- 33
- 34
- 35
Ten days after arriving at the hospital, Tom moved into a private room. His wrist needed to remain in a cast for a further five weeks but because it was a non-displaced fracture, it was doubtful he would have any further problems once it had mended. The wounds that covered his body were also beginning to heal but the scars would always be a constant reminder to Tom of how close he came to dying. He was still extremely self-conscious of them and refused to let anyone see them except for the nursing staff that checked them daily for signs of infection. Even when the police had returned for a second interview, Tom was reluctant to allow a photographer to document his injuries. But Dennis had quietly intervened, reminding Tom that as an ex police officer, he of all people knew how important it was to have an accurate record of all the wounds the man had inflicted upon him, just in case there was ever a trial. A police sketch artist had also visited Tom and he had managed to give them an accurate description of his attacker. CSI had lifted fingerprints from the scene and they were in the process of running them through the IAFIS, but as hundreds of people a year frequented the hotel, it was a slow procedure.
Dennis had attempted to speak to Tom about his ordeal, but he refused to talk about it, immediately becoming sullen and uncommunicative. It worried Booker that Tom was once again holding on to his pain rather than opening up about his feelings and he spoke to Doctor Heath about his concerns. The doctor immediately reassured him that it was early days and to wait and see what happened once Tom started his therapy sessions. Booker knew that what the doctor said made sense but he could not help feeling that Tom was once again shutting him out. But if he had learned anything over the time he had spent with Hanson, it was to not push. Tom was stubborn and it was almost impossible to get him to do something if he did not want to do it.
When Dennis arrived at the hospital for his daily visit, he found Tom sitting in a chair staring vacantly out of the window. Walking over, he bent down and kissed the top of his head. Hanson looked up and managed a small smile. “Hey Dennis.”
Dennis unpacked several clean t-shirts and boxers and laid them on the bed along with two books. “How are you feeling today?” he asked, sensing that Tom was not in the best frame of mind.
“I’m okay,” Tom sighed, his eyes returning to the window.
Deciding to give his friend some space, Dennis busied himself putting away Tom’s clothing and tidying up the table and bedside cabinet. When he had finished, he walked over to the window and leaned his buttocks against the sill. Crossing his arms, he stared down at Tom. “Doctor Heath says you’re beginning your therapy sessions tomorrow and then we can talk about you coming home.”
“Great,” Tom muttered, his eyes never leaving the street below. “More useless fucking therapy by another useless fucking doctor. I can’t wait.”
“Hey,” Booker replied forcefully. “If you want to get out of here, you need to stop this self pitying bullshit. You need help Tom and the sooner you realize it, the easier it will be.”
Looking up, Tom gave Dennis a derisive stare. “Oh come on Dennis, we both know that therapy hasn’t helped me. What makes you think this time will be any different?”
Dennis could sense a battle brewing but he kept his voice calm. “Because this time we have Doctor Heath on our side,” he responded. “He’s a good doctor Tom and I’m confident that he will find the best therapist to help you.”
“Maybe,” Tom replied quietly. When Dennis did not reply, he gave a half smile. “Sorry, I guess I’m not as optimistic as you, I’ve been let down too many times.”
Reaching out, Dennis gently pushed back Tom’s hair. “Just promise me you’ll go in with an open mind.”
Nodding slightly, Tom stared at the floor before looking up and giving Dennis a piercing look. “What happened to your boyfriend?”
Dennis knew he should be used to Tom’s blunt questions but he found himself caught off guard. “Um, what do you mean?” he asked nervously.
“You told me on the phone you were seeing someone,” Tom replied matter-of-factly, his gaze never leaving Dennis’ face. “Then you come in here the other day and tell me you love me. I can’t imagine he’d be too happy if he heard you saying that.”
Pulling up a chair, Dennis laid his hands on Tom’s knees and looked deep into his dark brown eyes. “Is that what’s troubling you?” he asked softly. “Do you think I’m lying to you?”
“I don’t know,” Tom answered back, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Are you?”
Booker hesitated for a moment before laying a palm against Tom’s cheek. “No Tom, I’m not. George and I broke up.”
Dropping his gaze, Tom stared at his hands for a moment before peering up through his long bangs. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
Smiling, Dennis brushed Tom’s hair from his eyes. “Don’t be,” he reassured. “I realized I wasn’t in love with him so it was for the best.”
Tom could not help but return a shy smile. “But you love me, right?”
Laughing softly, Dennis pulled Tom into a gentle hug. “Yes Tommy, I love you. How many times do I have to say it before you believe me?”
Tom grinned cheekily. “Forever,” he replied. “And in case you were wondering, I love you too.”
Even though Tom had said it countless times before, this was the first time Dennis actually believed it. “Oh baby,” he murmured, leaning forward and brushing his lips against Tom’s full pout. “This time, everything will work out right, just you wait and see.”
“Yeah,” Tom replied with a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. He still had so much healing to do, both physically and emotionally and he knew that if he were ever to have a successful relationship with Dennis, he needed to remove himself from his care and learn how to live an independent life of his own.
**
As the days passed, Tom slowly showed signs of improvement. The pain from the horrific knife wounds had eased and the masses of bruises on his face and torso were slowly fading to a bluish green. But the biggest improvement was with his general outlook on life. He had started his therapy sessions somewhat reluctantly but had returned from his first appointment with Doctor Henry Campbell quietly optimistic that he had finally found someone who could help him learn to come to terms with his tortured past.
For Dennis, it was heartwarming to see Tom slowly come out of his shell again and become more confident. He longed to catch a glimpse of the Tom Hanson he had first met, the self-assured, strong, dedicated and funny man that he had initially fallen in love with. Although Hanson’s appearance had changed somewhat over the last three and a half years; he was thinner now and there was the obvious scarring to his body; it was the noticeable transformation of his personality that Booker found most difficult to come to terms with. After each trauma that Tom had endured, a little bit more of the old Tom Hanson was lost and in its place was a new Tom Hanson, a man that Dennis was only now, getting to know. But although he yearned to see a flash of the old Tom’s trademark cheeky smile, Dennis found himself falling in love all over again with the new Tom that was emerging from years of exploitation and abuse. He saw the beginnings of a light shining in Tom’s eyes that had not been there before and he knew that he owed it all to Timothy Heath and the outstanding care he had given to Hanson since he had arrived at Eastside Hospital.
Walking into the now familiar hospital room, Dennis smiled when he saw Tom lying on the bed reading. It was such a normal sight and yet Dennis could not remember the last time he had seen Tom do anything even remotely average or mundane except to watch TV in an almost mindless, zombie like state. It was a refreshing change and another small step in Tom’s recovery.
“Hey beautiful,” Dennis greeted warmly, reaching out and running his fingers through Tom’s tousled hair. “How are you feeling?”
Closing his book, Tom looked up and smiled. “Good,” he replied. “I had a session with Doctor Campbell and he’s going to have a talk to Doctor Heath but he thinks I’m ready to go home.”
“Tommy that’s fantastic news!” Dennis exclaimed happily, as he pulled up a chair and sat down. “I’ll start getting things organized at home and you can move in as soon as you’re released.”
Tom cast his eyes downwards and nervously picked at the blanket on the bed. “No,” he murmured softly. “I don’t want to live with you Dennis, I want to go back to the Turners’ boarding house.”
A deep furrow creased Dennis’ brow. “What?” he asked somewhat crossly. “Why would you want to go back there when you can come home with me?”
Rubbing a hand over his forehead as though he had the beginnings of a headache, Tom closed his eyes for a moment before returning Dennis’ puzzled gaze. “Please don’t make a big deal out of this Dennis,” he replied quietly. “I’ve spoken to Doctor Campbell and he thinks—“
Dennis stood up abruptly, his chair scraping across the floor. “Are you fucking kidding me? You’re leaving me again?” he yelled angrily. “I can’t believe that George was right! You’re nothing but a manipulative, self-centered user! Well fuck you Tom Hanson, you can go to hell! I don’t need you in my life, I’m fucking over it and I’m fucking over YOU!”
Jumping quickly from the bed, Tom’s eyes filled with shock and he attempted to grab hold of Dennis’ arm. “Dennis no! You don’t—“
But Booker would not listen and he shoved Tom roughly away. “DON’T FUCKING TOUCH ME!” he screamed furiously. “I swear to God Tom, if you touch me again I’ll knock your fucking head off!”
Backing away, Tom wrapped his unplastered arm around his torso, as his face became pale and his breath hitched in his throat. “Please… Dennis… you don’t… understand… I…” Falling backwards against the bed, Tom doubled over and cried out in pain. “Oh God… Dennis… please… help… me!”
Fear filled Booker’s eyes and he rushed forward and put a steadying arm around Tom’s waist. “What is it?” he cried. “Tommy what’s wrong?”
Pulling his arm away, Tom revealed blood soaking through the front of his t-shirt. “I think… I’ve pulled… my stitches,” he panted, his face etched in pain.
Dennis could feel Tom’s legs collapsing and he quickly lifted him onto the bed. Hanson immediately wrapped his arm back around his body and groaned in pain. Looking frantically around him, Booker found the Nurses Call Button and pressed it, he then returned his attention to Tom. “It’s okay baby,” he said in an anxious voice, his hand gently stroking Tom’s hair. “It’ll be okay.”
Screwing his eyes closed, Tom moaned loudly. “It… hurts,” he cried. “Oh fuck… Dennis… it hurts!”
Not bothering to press the buzzer again, Dennis ran out into the corridor. “I NEED SOME HELP!” he yelled.
A nurse hurried into the room and quickly assessed the situation. Gently pushing Tom back against the pillow, she lifted up his t-shirt. Dennis gasped when he saw that several of the deep wounds were bleeding heavily. Throwing an arm over his face, Tom began to weep. “Get out!” he sobbed. “I don’t want you looking at me. Get the fuck OUT!”
Turning away, Dennis stumbled from the room. Walking silently down the corridor, he found a seat and sat down heavily. He buried his face in his hands and fought back tears of shock and sadness. Everything had been going so well between them but once again, the tide had turned and he and Tom were once again screaming abuse at each other. It slowly dawned on him that he still did not completely trust Tom and that was why he had jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Lifting his head, Dennis stared at the open door of Tom’s room. He watched in silence as several nurses bustled in and out and he sighed heavily as a veil of depression washed over him. Burying his face back in his hands, he began to wonder if he and Tom were ever destined to be together.
- 33
- 34
- 35
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Over the Hills and Far Away