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

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

"Is she okay now?" Michael shifted nervously. "Gabe's not in any condition to help anyone at the moment."

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

"I can't do this." He whimpered, a tear falling on her forehead.

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

"You don't have to do it alone," Michael leaned forward to wipe Tom's tears away.

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

Tom pushed away Michael's hand in irritation. "I can't do it!" He snapped. "I'm not her parent! I'm not her father!"

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

"What are you going to do?" Michael let his hand fall limply into his lap.

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

Tom shrugged. "Maybe Gabe or William..."

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

"I'm not so sure about that," Michael shifted again to a more comfortable sitting position. "Gabe's on something I think."

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

Tom bit his lip. "Mikey? Pete?" He tried tentatively.

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

"Mikey's fine I guess. I don't know about Pete," Michael thought about it.

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

"Or maybe I could just leave her here..." As soon as Tom said it, he regretted the words.

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

"Can't do that," Michael said quietly.

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

Tom suddenly dumped the baby in Michael's lap and ran into the forest, miraculously missing the trees in his way.

[I would say Tom had postnatal depression, but he never was pregnant...]

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

Michael stared after Tom in shock for a few moments before cradling Marlee in his arms. "He'll come back," he assured her. I hope.

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

There was a splash, as though something had fallen into the river.

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

Michael stood to see where Tom had gone after he heard the splashing sound. "You be a good girl and stay here," He said nervously. Tom?

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

Tom fought the instinct to swim upwards, holding onto his willpower. His hand drifted above the water.

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

Michael carefully put Marlee down and ran towards the water, skimming the surface for any signs. He locked onto to Tom's hand and dove in to swim for the spot.

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

Tom's eyes jolted open as he felt someone grab him roughly by the waist.

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

Michael broke the surface and glared at Tom, "What do you think you're doing?"

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

Tom coughed weakly, choking on the water in his mouth.

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

Michael sighed and dragged Tom back with him to the riverbank. His heart was racing but his face remained stoic as if it hadn't gotten the message that he was worried yet.

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

Tom didn't struggle, retching to rid himself of the tepid water.

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

Michael carefully put Tom on dry land and straddled his hips so he couldn't get away, "Why did you do that?"

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

Tom shrugged sullenly, looking away from the older man.

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

"Tom," Michael said firmly and held the other man's face gently with both of his hands. He leaned forward to press his lips against Tom's, dropping the scolding tone. "I love you. Please don't..."