I died in your arms, why won't you set me free?

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

"You stayed calm," Michael nodded, giving Tom a little loving squeeze.

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

"Not really." Tom shrugged as Marlee began to whimper.

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

"You were fine," Michael smiled, kissing Tom's head before looking down to Marlee. Our little girl.

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

"Moody wench." Tom muttered, rocking her gently. "I think she needs changing..." He stepped away to change the baby, singing to her quietly.

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

Michael watched Tom change Marlee and considered leaning over to touch him, but he didn't want to scare him while he was buxy with the baby.

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

Tom picked her up again, rocking her. "You going to stop crying now?" He asked calmly. Marlee ignored him.

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

Michael got a little impatient for Tom to come back to him so he went over to the other man instead and smiled down at Marlee.

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

Marlee sniffled against Tom's chest before falling silent. Her baby blue eyes looked up at them tearfully.

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

Michael frowned slightly. He wondered why Marlee was so upset. Was it that she hadn't been burped properly after she last ate? Was she sick?

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

Tom kept his eyes trained on the baby, not raising his head. The tips of his ears flushed red.

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

"What's wrong, Tom?" Michael looked him over carefully.

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

"I bet that's why she's crying." He whispered, moving her so Michael could see the bruises on the baby's arms.

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

Michael breathed in sharply, "Where did those come from?"

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

Tears in his eyes, Tom covered one with his finger. It matched exactly.

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

"Tom?" Michael watched, not wanting to believe it.

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

Tom looked down at Marlee again, not daring to look up. "When they were here." He whispered. "When I held her tight."

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

"No one is going to take her away from you," Michael said quietly. "You don't have to be afraid."

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

"How do you know?" Tom choked out. "That's what I thought... that's what William said."

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

"Just a guess," Michael shrugged. "You get mad whenever anybody tries to touch her. I promise I won't let anyone take her from you."

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

"Promise?" Tom whispered. "Really promise?"

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

"Really promise," Michael nodded.

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

Tom nodded stiffly, relaxing his grip on Marlee. "But... Gabe."

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

"Don't worry about him," Michael grinned kissed Tom softly, mouth closed. "No one is going to take Marlee."

Number of posts : 1888 Age : 40 Registration date : 2007-06-25

Tom melted into Michael's embrace. "Thank you." He whispered.

Number of posts : 1515 Age : 42 Registration date : 2007-06-27

"I love you," Michael smiled. "I'll keep you both safe."