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Over the Hills and Far Away	By : OpenPage Category: 1 through F > 21 Jump Street Views: 2103 -:- 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
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A further five days passed before Doctor Heath and Doctor Campbell agreed to let Tom go home. The delay in releasing him was partly because Doctor Heath wanted to monitor how his wounds were healing after the resuturing but mostly because Tom had fallen into a deep depression after Dennis recounted his conversation with Thumper. The unwanted memories of his assault at the hands of The Butcher were once again forefront in Tom’s mind and now that the police had the name of a possible suspect, there was a very real chance that they would catch Nathaniel Smith and there would be a trial. Tom could not bear the thought of revealing his sordid past to a jury of his so-called peers. He knew they would judge him just as harshly as they would the man who had held him captive and brutally disfigured him over a twenty-four hour period. He was well aware that prostitutes did not get any compassion from the public, no matter what crime had been committed against them. Ultimately, most people would leave the trial thinking that he got what he deserved and in Tom’s mind, he thought that maybe he had.
It had taken Dennis many hours of gentle persuasion before Tom finally agreed to accept a lift to the boarding house. Hanson had become increasingly stubborn since revealing his desire to become more independent. Booker found it frustrating that his lover would not readily accept his help, even though he was floundering in a black hole of depression. But he knew that if he wanted their relationship to move forward, he needed to respect Tom’s wishes and take a back seat with regards to his general welfare. Although he worried constantly about him, Booker understood his lover’s need to prove that he was capable of living on his own. His one reassurance was that the Turners appeared to be extremely affectionate towards Tom and he knew that they would keep an eye on his wellbeing. They had visited the hospital almost daily and it was refreshing for Dennis to see Tom’s comfortable interaction with the elderly couple. Mary and Abe Turner could give Tom the love that he had been missing since losing both his parents and Booker knew how important that type of love was to any man, woman or child.
Upon entering the hospital room, Booker saw Tom standing at the window. It seemed strange to see him dressed in a t-shirt and jeans; it had been so long since Tom had worn anything but a t-shirt and boxers. Putting down the small holdall he had brought to pack Tom’s belongings into, Dennis walked over to his lover and placed an arm around his waist. “Hey,” he greeted. “I bet you can’t wait to get out of here.”
Turning around, Tom leaned against Dennis and kissed him tenderly on the lips. “I guess,” he replied quietly, his hands resting on Booker’s hips. “It’s weird but I feel a little nervous.”
Remembering Tom’s reaction the last time he had left the hospital, Dennis nodded and pulled him in close. “That’s understandable Tommy. But just remember, I’m here for you and so are the Turners. Never forget that you’re not alone.”
Gazing into Dennis dark eyes, Tom grinned. “When I first met you, I never would have believed you were such a mother hen,” he teased. “You were such an arrogant prick back then.”
Laughing, Booker swatted Tom playfully on the backside. “And I never would have thought you could be such a pain in the ass,” he replied. “Stubborn yes but I guess love blinded me to all your other faults.”
Grasping hold of Dennis’ buttocks, Tom gave them a squeeze as he leaned forward for another kiss. As their tongues intertwined, Dennis felt his cock beginning to swell. He groaned into Tom’s hot mouth, pulling him closer so he could feel his lover’s hard bulge pressing against him. The contact lasted only a few seconds before Tom broke the kiss and took a step backwards. Booker gazed down at Hanson’s bowed head in puzzlement. Since Tom’s assault, they had kissed and held each other close and he had not expected anything more given the nature of Tom’s injuries. But he had always assumed that once Tom left the hospital and was physically healed, they would pick up where they had left off; enjoying each other’s bodies whilst continuing to move towards full sexual intimacy. It had never occurred to him that Tom might not want a physical relationship beyond kissing and hugging and he suddenly wondered if he had overstepped the boundary and misinterpreted Tom’s wants and needs.
Sensing Tom’s discomfort, Booker stepped forward and wrapped his arms around his friend. “Hey,” he murmured against Tom’s hair. “I’m sorry. I guess I misread the signs. The last thing I want is for you to feel pressured.”
Lifting his head, Tom stared at Dennis with sad eyes. “It’s not you, it’s me,” he muttered, before pulling away and turning to stare out the window.
Booker sighed and ran his fingers through his hair whilst deciding what to do. He felt as though he and Tom were forever taking one step forward and two steps backwards in their relationship. Just when he felt he and Hanson were making progress, something prevented them from moving forward. It was frustrating but he knew he needed to give Tom the time he needed. His lover still carried so much mental baggage, all of it of a sexual nature and it was obvious that there would be issues regarding intimacy. Dennis just wished that Tom felt comfortable enough to talk to him about it and not continue to put up barriers.
Deciding that openness was the best policy, Booker perched on the windowsill and stared up into Tom’s miserable face. “Talk to me,” he coaxed softly. “Whatever it is Tommy, I’ll understand.”
“I’m scared,” Tom murmured, his gaze remaining fixed on the world outside.
“Of what?” Dennis asked quietly.
Tom began to chew nervously at the cuticle of his thumb. “Us,” he mumbled against his hand.
Reaching out, Dennis pulled Tom’s fingers away from his mouth and gave them a squeeze. “Why?” he asked gently. “Are you worried about being in a sexual relationship with me?”
Tom’s face flushed red and he bowed his head in embarrassment. “Yes,” he whispered. A long silence hung in the air between them but Dennis did not push Tom, instead, he waited patiently for his friend to continue.
Minutes passed before Hanson lifted his head and looked directly at Booker. “I lived on the streets Dennis, men paid me for sex. I’m scared that I’ll always associate sex with prostitution but more than anything, I’m scared that you’ll wake up one day and see me for what I really am. A whore.”
Dennis stared at Tom in disbelief. “Jesus Tom,” he exclaimed quietly. ”I’ve told you a hundred times, to me you’re just Tom Hanson, a good, hardworking, kindhearted man and nothing that has happened has changed my opinion of that. When are you going to believe me?”
Pulling his hand away Tom walked over to the bed and started packing his belongings into the bag that Dennis had brought in. “Let’s just drop it,” he muttered moodily. “I just want to go home.”
Annoyed at being shut down, Dennis was about to protest, but he suddenly stopped. A plan was forming in his mind and a small smile played over his lips. Standing up, he walked over to Tom and placing an arm around his shoulders, he gave a gentle squeeze. “No worries, we’ll talk about it another time.”
Tom felt a huge sense of relief that Booker had let the matter drop so readily. He found it difficult to convey his feelings when he himself did not fully understand his own emotions. He knew it was something he needed to work on with Doctor Campbell and he was grateful that Dennis remained supportive. Nevertheless, he wondered how long Booker would continue to be sympathetic to his mood swings. He knew they put a strain on their friendship and he could only hope that Dennis would allow him the time to work through his problems.
Zipping up the bag, Tom looked at Dennis and managed a small smile. “I’m ready,” he stated quietly.
Dennis smiled. “Then let’s go,” he replied cheerfully.
Picking up the holdall, Tom walked past Booker and out into the corridor. Dennis’ calm demeanor puzzled him but for the time being, all he was concerned about was leaving the hospital and starting his new life.
**
The Turners welcomed Tom with warm hugs and a promise of a home cooked meal. When the greetings were over, Dennis followed Tom up the wide staircase and into the small room that was his home. He kept his face neutral, unwilling to show the pity he felt at how rudimentary the accommodation was compared to how Tom used to live when he was working at Jump Street.
Closing the door behind them, Tom tossed the holdall onto his bed and gave Dennis an embarrassed smile. “I know it’s not much,” he tried to explain. “But I like it here.”
Smiling reassuringly, Dennis placed an arm around Hanson’s shoulders. “Tommy, you don’t have to justify anything to me. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
Tom managed a small grin. “I am happy here. I wasn’t at first but the Turners are great and I feel safe… which is kind of important, you know?”
Dennis squeezed Tom’s shoulders. “I know,” he replied softly. He refrained from adding, but if you need anything, call me. He had to learn to give Tom his space and allow him to become independent again. As difficult as it was, he had to take a step back and let Tom make his own decisions about his life, even if they turned out to be the wrong ones. Although not confident that Hanson would ask him for help if he needed it, he was certain that the Turners would contact him if they perceived Tom to be in trouble or in need of a friend.
Checking his watch, Dennis headed towards the door. “Well, I guess I’ll let you settle in. I need to go to the office for a while anyway.”
Looking slightly uneasy, Tom rubbed nervously at his upper lip. “Um Dennis, could you do something for me?”
Elation filled Dennis’ heart but he kept his expression impassive. “Sure baby, what is it?”
Walking to the end of the bed, Tom motioned towards the floor. “That floorboard, the one with the knot in it, can you lift it up?”
Giving Tom a puzzled look, Dennis squatted down and levered up the wooden plank. He gasped in shock when he saw a baggie of cocaine and several large bundles of money lying in the small space below. “What the hell?” he murmured, picking up the bag of drugs and turning towards Tom. “You were using again? Jesus Christ Tom, I can’t believe it.”
“N-No!” Tom stammered anxiously. “I swear Dennis, I didn’t take any. I got it from Thumper in exchange for…” His eyes filled with tears and turning away, he pressed the heels of his hands against them in an effort to stem the flow. “Oh Jesus!” he cried out in shame. “I just wanted to feel loved! I just wanted…”
Standing up, Dennis wrapped his arms around his lover and held him close. “Shh,” he murmured. “It’s okay Tommy, let’s not talk about it. I’ll get rid of the drugs and we can forget it ever happened.”
Lifting his tear stained face, Tom struggled to speak as he sobbed uncontrollably. “T-Take it all,” he wept. “I d-don’t w-want the m-money either. I n-never spent a d-dime of it. Take it away D-Dennis, p-please t-take it away!”
Dennis glanced down at the bundle of notes. He estimated that there was at least two thousand dollars hidden in the floor cavity. It was a lot of money and Tom was virtually penniless. But he could understand why Hanson did not want it. The money was tainted, he had earned it by selling a part of his soul and spending it would only cause him more pain.
Bending down, Booker picked up the rolls of money and shoved them into his pocket along with the cocaine. He replaced the floorboard and stood up. Placing his hands on Tom’s trembling shoulders, he looked him directly in the eye. “Is that all of it?” he asked quietly.
Tom lowered his eyes. “Yeah,” he mumbled. Lifting his head, he met Dennis’ gaze. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I kept it.”
Sighing heavily, Dennis moved towards the door. “It doesn’t matter now Tommy. I’ll get rid of it and you can put it behind you.”
“Thanks,” Tom replied softly. Both men stood for several moments in an uneasy silence before Tom stepped forward and gave Dennis a hug. “You’d better go.”
Managing a small smile, Dennis nodded. “Okay. Well, I’ll talk to you later.” Opening the door, he gave a final glance in Tom’s direction and walked back down the stairs.
**
Dennis’ initial disappointment at finding the cocaine in Tom’s room slowly evaporated over the next couple of days and he found himself understanding Tom’s reasons for keeping it hidden in his room. He knew many ex-smokers who still kept a packet of cigarettes in their bedside drawer just in case the craving became too bad. Ninety-five percent of them never opened the packet and Dennis had enough confidence in Tom to believe that he was over his drug addiction and no longer felt the urge to use.
When he had arrived home, Dennis had flushed the white powder down the toilet. He found getting rid of the money more of a dilemma, but he eventually chose to give it to Gerald Cooper’s homeless shelter. He donated the money anonymously but he decided not to disclose to Tom where the money had gone. In the future, if Tom needed financial help, Dennis was happy to provide it under any terms that Hanson felt comfortable with, whether it be a loan or a gift.
Having spent two days thinking through the plan he had devised at the hospital, Dennis decided it was time to put it into action. He was nervous but excited at the prospect of speaking to Tom, as he had not made contact since leaving the boarding house. Picking up the phone, he dialed the number. An unidentified woman answered and several minutes later, he heard Tom’s voice. “Hello?”
“Hi Tom, this is Dennis Booker, we met at the hospital,” Dennis replied, barely able to keep himself from laughing.
“Dennis?” Tom asked in confusion. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Choking back a snort, Dennis struggled to keep his voice composed. “Don’t you remember?” he asked. “You gave me your number.”
“Fucking hell Dennis, are you high?” Tom asked, unable to believe what he was hearing..
“So,” Dennis continued, ignoring Tom’s comment. “I’m ringing to ask you out on a date.”
There was a long silence at the other end of the phone before Tom finally spoke.. “You’re asking me out on a date?” he asked softly.
“Yep,” Dennis replied cheerfully. “I like you Tom Hanson and I want to take you out. Maybe dinner and a movie?”
Tears welled in Tom’s eyes and he struggled to speak. He finally understood what Dennis was doing. It was a chance at a new beginning, a way to start their relationship afresh without any baggage. They would be just like any other couple on a first date. There would be no expectations, no bad memories, just the excitement of getting to know someone you were attracted to. “Yes,” he finally spluttered. “I like you too Dennis Booker and I’d love to go on a date with you.”
“Great!” Dennis exclaimed happily. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at seven.”
As he hung up the phone, a large grin spread across Tom’s face. Dennis Booker had asked him out on a date and he could not have been happier.
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Over the Hills and Far Away