Lambliff Big Bang -- Epilogue
Feb. 9th, 2011 09:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
writefictionTitle/Chapter: Witness Protection for The Heart (Epilogue)
Author: amanda: jaclyn’s twin sister /![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
writefiction
Beta: Trench /glambert813
Artist: Missy Miss /missynicole
Pairing: Adam Lambert / Tommy Joe Ratliff
Rating: PG
Notes: Completely AU.
Warning: They say “sucks” a couple times.
Word Count: 3,007
Fic Master Post
Art Master Post
Summary: Thomas Hanson joins Witness Protection after witnessing his best friend's murder. He gets placed in some boring New England town. But when he starts to fall for one of his handlers, Marshall Adam Lambert, things begin to get tricky and not so boring. Does Adam feel the same? And what happens when you fall in love with a US Marshall when you're in the Witness Protection Program?
EPILOGUE
Detective Stewart and Detective Williams waited on the front porch of the pretty little beige house after ringing the door bell. When the door opened, Dia Hanson looked wide-eyed at the detectives as they flashed their badges. “Is it Thomas? Do you know where my son is?” she asked immediately.
“Mrs. Hanson, we need you and your daughter to come down to the station,” Detective Stewart said in a gentle voice.
“Is it my son? Have you found him?” Dia asked again.
“Ma’am, we can’t discuss anything with you here,” Detective Williams told her. “Now, if you would please get your daughter and come down to the station house, all your questions will be answered.” Dia nodded and turned in to the house to grab her purse and call up the stairs to her daughter.
Lisa came running down the stairs. “Ma, what’s going on?” she asked.
“These detectives need us to go to the police station,” Dia explained.
“Thomas?” Lisa asked.
“We just need to go to the station,” Dia told her. “They’ll tell us everything when we get there. Okay?” Lisa nodded and shoved her feet in to a pair of sneakers. She grabbed a sweater from the coat closet and the two women were escorted to the unmarked police car waiting in their driveway.
When they got to the police station, the mother and daughter were ushered in through the back door and placed in a secure room. They waited for a few moments until a tall man with blond hair came in the room. He sat down across from them at the table and cleared his throat. He held out his hand to Dia. “Mrs. Hanson, I presume?” Dia nodded and shook his hand. “I’m US Marshall Daniels,” he said.
“Is this about Thomas?” Dia asked. “Do you know where he is?”
Marshall Daniels folded his hands on top of the table and answered, “Yes, this is about your son.”
“Where is he? I want to see him. Take me to him,” Dia demanded.
“Ma’am, please calm down and let me tell you what’s going on,” Marshall Daniels said. Dia nodded and grabbed hold of her daughter’s hand. “Thomas witnessed a murder done by a very important man in a drug cartel,” he told them. “For his safety, Thomas went in to Witness Protection.”
“So he’s alive?” Dia asked.
Marshall Daniels nodded. “He is very much alive and well. He misses you and wants to see you.”
“Oh thank god! When?”
“It would be best if you could leave today,” Marshall Daniels told the pair. “But Thomas wanted me to give you this letter before you go anywhere.” He handed a plain unmarked envelope to Dia. She quickly flipped the back open and pulled out one sheet of lined notebook paper.
Dear Mom and Lisa,
I’m sorry I could never get in contact with you. But it was for my protection as well as your own. I promise you that I’m alright. My Marshall helped me through the nightmares. But that’s not what’s important right now.
I’ve been allowed to have you guys come for a visit as I’m getting married. He’s a great man and I can’t tell you in this letter his name or anything, but you’ll meet him before the wedding. And you’ll get to meet his family. You can’t tell anyone anything; not that the Marshalls will tell you where you’re going. They’ll just take you there.
I’ll answer whatever questions you have as long as they're ones I'm permitted to tell you as soon as you get here. I’ve missed you guys so much. I can’t wait to see you and have you meet my fiancé! Hurry home and get packed. I’ll see you soon.
I love you,
Thomas
Dia looked at Marshall Daniels. “My son is getting married?” she asked as her eyes filled with tears.
The Marshall nodded. “Now, we’re going to take you home and let you pack a bag or two,” he explained. “Then you’ll be transferred to the airport with your Marshalls where you’ll fly to your destination and be put up in a hotel with your Marshalls. You’ll be able to see Thomas and go to his wedding. Then you’ll have to come back here.”
“What are we waiting for?” Dia asked. “I need to get to my son.” Marshall Daniels nodded again and the Hansons were swept away, back to their home to pack.
Tommy Joe paced up and down the small hotel room, waiting for his mom and sister to get there. Adam sat on one of the beds, just watching. “Baby, why don’t you come sit down with me and relax,” he suggested.
“I can’t relax,” Tommy said, wringing his hands nervously. “What if they don’t like the way I’ve changed my hair? What if they’re mad that it took me nine fucking months to get in touch with them? What if--” Tommy Joe was cut off by Adam stepping in front of him and putting a finger to his lips.
“No more what if’s,” he told the older man. “You’re going to drive yourself crazy before they even get here. Now come sit with me.” Adam led Tommy Joe over to the bed and sat down with him, rubbing his shoulders gently.
Tommy sighed quietly, letting his chin fall forward to rest against his chest. “Feels good,” he muttered.
“That’s it, babe, just relax.”
Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Rebecca jumped up to answer it. She looked out the peep hole before saying, “Let me see your credentials.” The two men outside the door held up official US Marshalls badges. Rebecca undid the locks and let them and the two women in to the room.
Tommy Joe jumped to his feet upon seeing his mother and sister. “Mama!” he exclaimed and ran over to her, throwing his arms around her, the tears beginning to flow.
“Thomas, oh, Thomas,” Dia murmured, clutching her son tightly to her chest, stroking his blond and black hair.
“I’ve missed you so much, Ma,” Tommy told her quietly.
“I’ve missed you too, sweet heart,” Dia replied. Tommy looked over his mom’s shoulder at his sister.
“Lisa, get over here,” he commanded gently. Lisa dropped her bag and ran to her mother and brother and threw her arms around both of them, tears streaking down her face. “Hey, little girl,” Tommy murmured, kissing her head. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, Thomas. We were so worried about you,” Lisa told him.
“I know,” he whispered. “And I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, sweetie,” Dia told him. “The Marshalls explained everything to us. We understand you couldn’t contact us. We’re just glad that we can be here now.” She kissed her son lightly on the cheek. “So, where’s that fiancé of yours you were so excited for us to meet?”
Tommy stepped back, grinning widely. “Mom, Lisa,” he began, “I’d like you to meet Adam. Adam, this is my mom Dia and my sister Lisa.” Adam stood and held out his hand to Mrs. Hanson. But instead of shaking his hand, she pulled him in to a tight hug.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Adam,” she murmured.
Adam smiled shyly. “It’s nice to meet you too.” Then he and Lisa hugged and he stepped back. Tommy wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled Adam against his side.
“Man, we need to catch up,” Tommy said. Dia and Lisa both laughed.
“That we do, brother,” Lisa replied. So Tommy sat down between his mother and sister on the edge of one of the beds and told them the whole story. Even how he’d fallen in love with Adam, who’d been his Marshall and saved his life. Every question his family asked was, luckily, a question he could answer and he did so with truth. He didn't sugar-coat anything.
“Adam proposed three months ago and I immediately said yes,” Tommy told them. “But then I began to cry because I was so sure the two of you wouldn’t be able to share that moment with me. Of course Adam made it all better though and that’s how you guys wound up here, with me and my fiancé and soon, your in-laws.” He chuckled quietly.
“So we get to meet before the wedding?” Dia asked. “Wait, when is the wedding?”
Tommy grinned. “Tomorrow, at the court house. A really cool judge is marrying us. You’ll like him.”
Later that day they met up with Adam’s family for dinner. It went really well and everyone got along famously. When dinner was over everyone was preparing to say goodbye. But Tommy Joe pulled Adam aside. He looked up at his fiancé with sad puppy eyes. “Do my mom and sister really have to stay at the hotel?” he asked. “I mean, we have plenty of room back home.”
Adam sighed. He could never say no when Tommy gave him that look. But now was one of those times he wasn’t sure he was allowed to say yes to the smaller man. Adam ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t make any promises,” he said.
Tommy Joe’s face immediately lit up. He leaned up on his toes and pecked Adam lightly on the lips. “Thanks, baby.”
“No promises,” Adam replied. “But I’ll check with Rebecca and the other Marshalls.” Tommy nodded happily and watched Adam walk away. That's when Leila, Eber and Neil Lambert all came over to Tommy. Leila was the first to hug him.
“Oh, Tommy Joe, I’m so happy Adam found you,” she said.
“Me too,” Tommy replied.
Leila pulled away to let her husband and younger son hug Tommy. “Sweetie, we just want you to know that we love you and we can’t wait for you and Adam to get married tomorrow. It’s a very special occasion for all of us.” Tommy nodded. “Don’t you break my baby’s heart, Thomas.”
Tommy gave Leila a loving smile. “I could never do that, Leila,” he told her. “If anyone’s heart gets broken it’ll be mine. I promise you that.”
Leila hugged him again. “I really hope no one’s heart gets broken. You two are meant for each other. And thank you for being so supportive of Adam’s music.” She stepped back and took her husband’s hand in hers.
“How could I not be? He’s got some major talent in him,” Tommy replied.
Leila smiled proudly. “That he does.” Adam came back over then and hugged each of his family members.
“We’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked.
“Of course, honey,” Leila replied.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Eber added.
“Yeah, bro, we’re happy for you. Tommy Joe ain’t so bad,” Neil said with a smirk. Adam cuffed him on the back of his head. “Ow! I said he wasn’t so bad! It was a compliment!” Adam just laughed.
“So what’s the plan, Stan?” Tommy asked taking hold of Adam’s hand.
Adam smiled. “They can stay with us.” Tommy squealed, hugging Adam tightly. “Slow down there, killer,” Adam chuckled. “There’s one condition.”
Tommy Joe pulled back to look at him. “What’s that?” he asked suspiciously.
“The Marshalls have to stay with us too,” Adam answered.
Tommy Joe shrugged. “It’s better than nothing, am I right?”
Adam smiled. “I was hoping you’d feel that way.” Everyone hugged goodbye a final time before getting in their cars and going home.
The next day there was a nervous buzz in the air as everyone got ready for the wedding. No one was sure why, since they all knew it was going to go perfectly, and perfectly it went. The vows were said, the rings were exchanged and they were pronounced Partners in Life. Then Adam and Tommy Joe kissed each other sweetly, just a little lip to lip. It was a beautiful ceremony that had both mother’s crying. Afterwards, they all went out to eat a celebratory lunch that Eber ended up paying for as a gift to his new son-in-law. The two families that had now become one, hung out at Adam’s and Tommy’s house, music loud as they had their own little reception at home.
Unfortunately, when the night came to a close, Tommy Joe had to say goodbye to his mother and sister. They were going back to the hotel that night and leaving on a very early flight the next morning. They all cried as they hugged goodbye and Tommy and Adam promised to keep in touch through letters that would be delivered through the Marshalls.
Once they were gone, Tommy Joe collapsed against Adam. “I know this is supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but the end of it really sucked,” Tommy told his husband, crying in to his chest.
“I know, baby,” Adam murmured, stroking his hair and holding on to him tightly. “It sucks for me too.”
Tommy lifted his face from Adam’s chest to look at him. “Why?”
“Because I got to meet my new family and they were so cool and I really wish they didn’t have to leave so soon,” Adam explained. “And because it makes you so upset. I wish there was something I could do to make this better.”
Tommy sniffled. “Don’t be angry but, I think I want to opt out of the program,” he said.
“Are you sure?” Adam asked, a bit nervous.
Tommy nodded, laying his head back against Adam’s chest. “Yes, I’m positive. It’s not like Scar Face is going to come get me. Plus, you’ll always protect me. And I’ve changed my name yet again, and moved, yet again. I don’t think his crew will come looking.”
Adam smiled. “Well, Mr. Lambert, if that’s what you really want, you’ll have to tell Rebecca and sign some papers and things. After it’s official, we can tell your mom and sister.”
“Mr. Lambert,” Tommy sighed. “I like it. It feels right.”
“That’s because it’s your name,” Adam murmured in to his hair. “That’s what your name should have always been. It just took us a little time to get you there.”
Tommy looked up at Adam. “Well, husband, I think it’s time we head to bed. We can go see Rebecca in the morning. Or, ya know, the afternoon.” He gave his husband a smirk.
Adam grinned back at him. “Definitely the afternoon because I’m going to spend all morning making love to my new husband.”
Tommy smiled with love in his eyes and tears on his cheeks. “I love you,” he said.
“I love you too,” Adam replied, wiping the tears from Tommy Joe’s face. “I’ll always love you. And I’ll always protect you. You’re safe with me.”
“I know,” Tommy Joe murmured. “That’s why I’m okay with getting out of the program.”
“You have a lot of faith in me,” Adam said as he led Tommy Joe up to the bedroom.
“No, not faith. I just know what you can do.” Tommy shrugged.
Once in the bedroom, the two men stripped down to their birthday suits and climbed in to bed together. Adam spooned Tommy, rubbing his belly gently and nuzzled against the back of his neck. “I love you, Tommy Joe Lambert,” Adam murmured.
Tommy wiggled back deeper in to the embrace. “I love you too, Adam Lambert. Always and forever.”
“We’re gonna be happy, Tommy, I promise you that,” Adam told him quietly. “We’ll get you out of WITSEC and you’ll be able to see your family whenever you want, talk to them whenever you want. No more hiding. We’re gonna live happily ever after.”
Tommy Joe turned around in Adam’s arms and looked him in the eyes. “You never make a promise you can’t keep,” he murmured. Adam nodded. “I’m already happy, baby boy. Just being with you makes me happy. All that other stuff though, getting to see my family and everything, that’s really important to me too. I… I never told you this, but…” Tommy chewed his lower lip for a moment. “My dad died about a month before I came in to WITSEC.”
“Oh my god, Tommy,” Adam gasped. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
Tommy shrugged. “I don’t know. It was hard enough having to leave my family right after he died. I just…" He shook his head sadly. "I didn’t want his death hanging over my head making me feel guilty over trying to keep my family safe.”
“You had no reason to feel guilty, Tommy, and you still don't. Don't ever feel guilty about what you had to do to protect yourself and your family.”
“I know that now, but I didn’t then. I felt like I was abandoning them when they needed me the most. But my mom forgave me, sort of.” Tommy chuckled quietly. “She knows me so well. She knew how guilty I was feeling and told me I could apologize all I wanted, but there was nothing to forgive.” He shrugged. “I needed to hear that from her. I never thought I'd hear it because I never thought I’d see her again.” Tommy’s gaze traveled back to the younger man's. “Thanks for making that happen for me, Adam,” he said softly. “Thank you for making my dreams come true. If only my dad could have been there.”
Adam smiled gently at his husband. “Oh but, Tommy, he was there. He’s always with you no matter where you are because he’s right here.” He placed his hand over Tommy’s heart making Tommy’s eyes tear up.
“Thank you, baby, I needed that.” Tommy moved forward and captured Adam’s mouth in a loving kiss.
“You’re welcome,” Adam murmured. “You deserve the best in this world and I’m going to give it to you.” Tommy sighed and snuggled in to Adam, tucking himself under his chin. Adam held on to him a little tighter, tangling their legs together. And just like that, they fell asleep, dreaming of the future they were going to make together. The one where they lived happily ever after.
~fin~
Author: amanda: jaclyn’s twin sister /
writefiction Beta: Trench /
glambert813 Artist: Missy Miss /
missynicole Pairing: Adam Lambert / Tommy Joe Ratliff
Rating: PG
Notes: Completely AU.
Warning: They say “sucks” a couple times.
Word Count: 3,007
Fic Master Post
Art Master Post
Summary: Thomas Hanson joins Witness Protection after witnessing his best friend's murder. He gets placed in some boring New England town. But when he starts to fall for one of his handlers, Marshall Adam Lambert, things begin to get tricky and not so boring. Does Adam feel the same? And what happens when you fall in love with a US Marshall when you're in the Witness Protection Program?
EPILOGUE
Detective Stewart and Detective Williams waited on the front porch of the pretty little beige house after ringing the door bell. When the door opened, Dia Hanson looked wide-eyed at the detectives as they flashed their badges. “Is it Thomas? Do you know where my son is?” she asked immediately.
“Mrs. Hanson, we need you and your daughter to come down to the station,” Detective Stewart said in a gentle voice.
“Is it my son? Have you found him?” Dia asked again.
“Ma’am, we can’t discuss anything with you here,” Detective Williams told her. “Now, if you would please get your daughter and come down to the station house, all your questions will be answered.” Dia nodded and turned in to the house to grab her purse and call up the stairs to her daughter.
Lisa came running down the stairs. “Ma, what’s going on?” she asked.
“These detectives need us to go to the police station,” Dia explained.
“Thomas?” Lisa asked.
“We just need to go to the station,” Dia told her. “They’ll tell us everything when we get there. Okay?” Lisa nodded and shoved her feet in to a pair of sneakers. She grabbed a sweater from the coat closet and the two women were escorted to the unmarked police car waiting in their driveway.
When they got to the police station, the mother and daughter were ushered in through the back door and placed in a secure room. They waited for a few moments until a tall man with blond hair came in the room. He sat down across from them at the table and cleared his throat. He held out his hand to Dia. “Mrs. Hanson, I presume?” Dia nodded and shook his hand. “I’m US Marshall Daniels,” he said.
“Is this about Thomas?” Dia asked. “Do you know where he is?”
Marshall Daniels folded his hands on top of the table and answered, “Yes, this is about your son.”
“Where is he? I want to see him. Take me to him,” Dia demanded.
“Ma’am, please calm down and let me tell you what’s going on,” Marshall Daniels said. Dia nodded and grabbed hold of her daughter’s hand. “Thomas witnessed a murder done by a very important man in a drug cartel,” he told them. “For his safety, Thomas went in to Witness Protection.”
“So he’s alive?” Dia asked.
Marshall Daniels nodded. “He is very much alive and well. He misses you and wants to see you.”
“Oh thank god! When?”
“It would be best if you could leave today,” Marshall Daniels told the pair. “But Thomas wanted me to give you this letter before you go anywhere.” He handed a plain unmarked envelope to Dia. She quickly flipped the back open and pulled out one sheet of lined notebook paper.
Dear Mom and Lisa,
I’m sorry I could never get in contact with you. But it was for my protection as well as your own. I promise you that I’m alright. My Marshall helped me through the nightmares. But that’s not what’s important right now.
I’ve been allowed to have you guys come for a visit as I’m getting married. He’s a great man and I can’t tell you in this letter his name or anything, but you’ll meet him before the wedding. And you’ll get to meet his family. You can’t tell anyone anything; not that the Marshalls will tell you where you’re going. They’ll just take you there.
I’ll answer whatever questions you have as long as they're ones I'm permitted to tell you as soon as you get here. I’ve missed you guys so much. I can’t wait to see you and have you meet my fiancé! Hurry home and get packed. I’ll see you soon.
I love you,
Thomas
Dia looked at Marshall Daniels. “My son is getting married?” she asked as her eyes filled with tears.
The Marshall nodded. “Now, we’re going to take you home and let you pack a bag or two,” he explained. “Then you’ll be transferred to the airport with your Marshalls where you’ll fly to your destination and be put up in a hotel with your Marshalls. You’ll be able to see Thomas and go to his wedding. Then you’ll have to come back here.”
“What are we waiting for?” Dia asked. “I need to get to my son.” Marshall Daniels nodded again and the Hansons were swept away, back to their home to pack.
& & &
Tommy Joe paced up and down the small hotel room, waiting for his mom and sister to get there. Adam sat on one of the beds, just watching. “Baby, why don’t you come sit down with me and relax,” he suggested.
“I can’t relax,” Tommy said, wringing his hands nervously. “What if they don’t like the way I’ve changed my hair? What if they’re mad that it took me nine fucking months to get in touch with them? What if--” Tommy Joe was cut off by Adam stepping in front of him and putting a finger to his lips.
“No more what if’s,” he told the older man. “You’re going to drive yourself crazy before they even get here. Now come sit with me.” Adam led Tommy Joe over to the bed and sat down with him, rubbing his shoulders gently.
Tommy sighed quietly, letting his chin fall forward to rest against his chest. “Feels good,” he muttered.
“That’s it, babe, just relax.”
Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Rebecca jumped up to answer it. She looked out the peep hole before saying, “Let me see your credentials.” The two men outside the door held up official US Marshalls badges. Rebecca undid the locks and let them and the two women in to the room.
Tommy Joe jumped to his feet upon seeing his mother and sister. “Mama!” he exclaimed and ran over to her, throwing his arms around her, the tears beginning to flow.
“Thomas, oh, Thomas,” Dia murmured, clutching her son tightly to her chest, stroking his blond and black hair.
“I’ve missed you so much, Ma,” Tommy told her quietly.
“I’ve missed you too, sweet heart,” Dia replied. Tommy looked over his mom’s shoulder at his sister.
“Lisa, get over here,” he commanded gently. Lisa dropped her bag and ran to her mother and brother and threw her arms around both of them, tears streaking down her face. “Hey, little girl,” Tommy murmured, kissing her head. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, Thomas. We were so worried about you,” Lisa told him.
“I know,” he whispered. “And I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, sweetie,” Dia told him. “The Marshalls explained everything to us. We understand you couldn’t contact us. We’re just glad that we can be here now.” She kissed her son lightly on the cheek. “So, where’s that fiancé of yours you were so excited for us to meet?”
Tommy stepped back, grinning widely. “Mom, Lisa,” he began, “I’d like you to meet Adam. Adam, this is my mom Dia and my sister Lisa.” Adam stood and held out his hand to Mrs. Hanson. But instead of shaking his hand, she pulled him in to a tight hug.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Adam,” she murmured.
Adam smiled shyly. “It’s nice to meet you too.” Then he and Lisa hugged and he stepped back. Tommy wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled Adam against his side.
“Man, we need to catch up,” Tommy said. Dia and Lisa both laughed.
“That we do, brother,” Lisa replied. So Tommy sat down between his mother and sister on the edge of one of the beds and told them the whole story. Even how he’d fallen in love with Adam, who’d been his Marshall and saved his life. Every question his family asked was, luckily, a question he could answer and he did so with truth. He didn't sugar-coat anything.
“Adam proposed three months ago and I immediately said yes,” Tommy told them. “But then I began to cry because I was so sure the two of you wouldn’t be able to share that moment with me. Of course Adam made it all better though and that’s how you guys wound up here, with me and my fiancé and soon, your in-laws.” He chuckled quietly.
“So we get to meet before the wedding?” Dia asked. “Wait, when is the wedding?”
Tommy grinned. “Tomorrow, at the court house. A really cool judge is marrying us. You’ll like him.”
Later that day they met up with Adam’s family for dinner. It went really well and everyone got along famously. When dinner was over everyone was preparing to say goodbye. But Tommy Joe pulled Adam aside. He looked up at his fiancé with sad puppy eyes. “Do my mom and sister really have to stay at the hotel?” he asked. “I mean, we have plenty of room back home.”
Adam sighed. He could never say no when Tommy gave him that look. But now was one of those times he wasn’t sure he was allowed to say yes to the smaller man. Adam ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t make any promises,” he said.
Tommy Joe’s face immediately lit up. He leaned up on his toes and pecked Adam lightly on the lips. “Thanks, baby.”
“No promises,” Adam replied. “But I’ll check with Rebecca and the other Marshalls.” Tommy nodded happily and watched Adam walk away. That's when Leila, Eber and Neil Lambert all came over to Tommy. Leila was the first to hug him.
“Oh, Tommy Joe, I’m so happy Adam found you,” she said.
“Me too,” Tommy replied.
Leila pulled away to let her husband and younger son hug Tommy. “Sweetie, we just want you to know that we love you and we can’t wait for you and Adam to get married tomorrow. It’s a very special occasion for all of us.” Tommy nodded. “Don’t you break my baby’s heart, Thomas.”
Tommy gave Leila a loving smile. “I could never do that, Leila,” he told her. “If anyone’s heart gets broken it’ll be mine. I promise you that.”
Leila hugged him again. “I really hope no one’s heart gets broken. You two are meant for each other. And thank you for being so supportive of Adam’s music.” She stepped back and took her husband’s hand in hers.
“How could I not be? He’s got some major talent in him,” Tommy replied.
Leila smiled proudly. “That he does.” Adam came back over then and hugged each of his family members.
“We’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked.
“Of course, honey,” Leila replied.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Eber added.
“Yeah, bro, we’re happy for you. Tommy Joe ain’t so bad,” Neil said with a smirk. Adam cuffed him on the back of his head. “Ow! I said he wasn’t so bad! It was a compliment!” Adam just laughed.
“So what’s the plan, Stan?” Tommy asked taking hold of Adam’s hand.
Adam smiled. “They can stay with us.” Tommy squealed, hugging Adam tightly. “Slow down there, killer,” Adam chuckled. “There’s one condition.”
Tommy Joe pulled back to look at him. “What’s that?” he asked suspiciously.
“The Marshalls have to stay with us too,” Adam answered.
Tommy Joe shrugged. “It’s better than nothing, am I right?”
Adam smiled. “I was hoping you’d feel that way.” Everyone hugged goodbye a final time before getting in their cars and going home.
The next day there was a nervous buzz in the air as everyone got ready for the wedding. No one was sure why, since they all knew it was going to go perfectly, and perfectly it went. The vows were said, the rings were exchanged and they were pronounced Partners in Life. Then Adam and Tommy Joe kissed each other sweetly, just a little lip to lip. It was a beautiful ceremony that had both mother’s crying. Afterwards, they all went out to eat a celebratory lunch that Eber ended up paying for as a gift to his new son-in-law. The two families that had now become one, hung out at Adam’s and Tommy’s house, music loud as they had their own little reception at home.
Unfortunately, when the night came to a close, Tommy Joe had to say goodbye to his mother and sister. They were going back to the hotel that night and leaving on a very early flight the next morning. They all cried as they hugged goodbye and Tommy and Adam promised to keep in touch through letters that would be delivered through the Marshalls.
Once they were gone, Tommy Joe collapsed against Adam. “I know this is supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but the end of it really sucked,” Tommy told his husband, crying in to his chest.
“I know, baby,” Adam murmured, stroking his hair and holding on to him tightly. “It sucks for me too.”
Tommy lifted his face from Adam’s chest to look at him. “Why?”
“Because I got to meet my new family and they were so cool and I really wish they didn’t have to leave so soon,” Adam explained. “And because it makes you so upset. I wish there was something I could do to make this better.”
Tommy sniffled. “Don’t be angry but, I think I want to opt out of the program,” he said.
“Are you sure?” Adam asked, a bit nervous.
Tommy nodded, laying his head back against Adam’s chest. “Yes, I’m positive. It’s not like Scar Face is going to come get me. Plus, you’ll always protect me. And I’ve changed my name yet again, and moved, yet again. I don’t think his crew will come looking.”
Adam smiled. “Well, Mr. Lambert, if that’s what you really want, you’ll have to tell Rebecca and sign some papers and things. After it’s official, we can tell your mom and sister.”
“Mr. Lambert,” Tommy sighed. “I like it. It feels right.”
“That’s because it’s your name,” Adam murmured in to his hair. “That’s what your name should have always been. It just took us a little time to get you there.”
Tommy looked up at Adam. “Well, husband, I think it’s time we head to bed. We can go see Rebecca in the morning. Or, ya know, the afternoon.” He gave his husband a smirk.
Adam grinned back at him. “Definitely the afternoon because I’m going to spend all morning making love to my new husband.”
Tommy smiled with love in his eyes and tears on his cheeks. “I love you,” he said.
“I love you too,” Adam replied, wiping the tears from Tommy Joe’s face. “I’ll always love you. And I’ll always protect you. You’re safe with me.”
“I know,” Tommy Joe murmured. “That’s why I’m okay with getting out of the program.”
“You have a lot of faith in me,” Adam said as he led Tommy Joe up to the bedroom.
“No, not faith. I just know what you can do.” Tommy shrugged.
Once in the bedroom, the two men stripped down to their birthday suits and climbed in to bed together. Adam spooned Tommy, rubbing his belly gently and nuzzled against the back of his neck. “I love you, Tommy Joe Lambert,” Adam murmured.
Tommy wiggled back deeper in to the embrace. “I love you too, Adam Lambert. Always and forever.”
“We’re gonna be happy, Tommy, I promise you that,” Adam told him quietly. “We’ll get you out of WITSEC and you’ll be able to see your family whenever you want, talk to them whenever you want. No more hiding. We’re gonna live happily ever after.”
Tommy Joe turned around in Adam’s arms and looked him in the eyes. “You never make a promise you can’t keep,” he murmured. Adam nodded. “I’m already happy, baby boy. Just being with you makes me happy. All that other stuff though, getting to see my family and everything, that’s really important to me too. I… I never told you this, but…” Tommy chewed his lower lip for a moment. “My dad died about a month before I came in to WITSEC.”
“Oh my god, Tommy,” Adam gasped. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
Tommy shrugged. “I don’t know. It was hard enough having to leave my family right after he died. I just…" He shook his head sadly. "I didn’t want his death hanging over my head making me feel guilty over trying to keep my family safe.”
“You had no reason to feel guilty, Tommy, and you still don't. Don't ever feel guilty about what you had to do to protect yourself and your family.”
“I know that now, but I didn’t then. I felt like I was abandoning them when they needed me the most. But my mom forgave me, sort of.” Tommy chuckled quietly. “She knows me so well. She knew how guilty I was feeling and told me I could apologize all I wanted, but there was nothing to forgive.” He shrugged. “I needed to hear that from her. I never thought I'd hear it because I never thought I’d see her again.” Tommy’s gaze traveled back to the younger man's. “Thanks for making that happen for me, Adam,” he said softly. “Thank you for making my dreams come true. If only my dad could have been there.”
Adam smiled gently at his husband. “Oh but, Tommy, he was there. He’s always with you no matter where you are because he’s right here.” He placed his hand over Tommy’s heart making Tommy’s eyes tear up.
“Thank you, baby, I needed that.” Tommy moved forward and captured Adam’s mouth in a loving kiss.
“You’re welcome,” Adam murmured. “You deserve the best in this world and I’m going to give it to you.” Tommy sighed and snuggled in to Adam, tucking himself under his chin. Adam held on to him a little tighter, tangling their legs together. And just like that, they fell asleep, dreaming of the future they were going to make together. The one where they lived happily ever after.
~fin~
