Who Has to Know? Chapter 8

Tom's head shot up and he rubbed his eyes. There was no snow anymore and there were other people coming into the café. He wiped up the drool on the counter and pulled out his phone. It was nearly 7 in the morning and the sun was rising quickly.
Tom thanked the lady behind the counter and she said something about him freezing to death as he ran out of the café.
He sprinted down the cold ever busying streets as fast as he could without running into people. When he got to Liam's flat he was out of breath as he opened the front door.
He walked as quietly as possible into the kitchen only to find Liam at the kitchen table, eating breakfast.
"Dammit you," He said, at that Liam's head whipped around.
"What?" Liam said innocently with a scared undertone.
"I was going to make you breakfast," Tom said kissing Liam's forehead sweetly, still partially out of breath.
"Well I woke up and you weren't home—here. You weren't here…" Liam said taking a bite of pancake.
Tom smiled at Liam calling this home for them… It felt kind of nice. Tom took Liam's free hand as he sat down and played with his fingers.
"Sorry love… I went out for a walk and nearly froze. I ended up falling asleep in a café," He said smiling at Liam.
"I'm just glad you're back," Liam said. "Well back and alive."
"I'm glad to be alive and with you," Tom said taking Liam's hand and kissing the back.
Liam grinned, "There are a couple more pancakes over there."
"Thank you, my prince," Tom said as he stood and grabbed a plate. "Thank you for everything…"
Tom hated to admit it, because it made him feel terrible, but Liam was too good for him. Too sweet. Too handsome. Too smart. Too perfect. It almost made him want to cry. He had never admitted to himself that he was just a crazy drug addict, an abusive one at that. And he couldn't understand why Liam hadn't left him yet.
"Liam?" He asked while setting his plate down and sitting himself next to Liam. Liam looked at him with a somewhat shocked expression at his timid tone of voice.
"Yes?"
"You know that I love you right?" Liam made a small nod, almost unnoticeable if Tom hadn't been looking for a reaction. "And you know that no matter what you do, what decisions you make, I will always love you. Even if I don't agree with it... or it hurts me," Tom whispered the last part, hoping Liam wouldn't hear it. But, no such luck. Damn his impeccable hearing.
"Why would I ever do something to hurt you?"
'Oh, I don't know, maybe because I'm a huge arse hole and you deserve better,' Tom thought acidly, hating himself. He wanted to say it but instead he shrugged and mumbled, "I don't know."
"Exactly. I would never hurt you. I love you." Liam replied standing up and sitting in Tom's lap. Receiving a kiss from Liam was better than any high Tom had ever experienced. A tear streaked down his cheek and when Liam removed his lips Tom's he knew he couldn't hold back the waves of tears that threatened to crash over him. He pushed Liam off of his lap and charged toward the downstairs bath room. Slamming the door and locking it. Tom turned his back to the door leaning on it and sliding down it. In his sudden state of sobriety, Tom was realizing. Realizing that for the past few years, he had physically and mentally abused Liam ruthlessly. Realizing that he was a drug addict who need a fix just to keep himself from killing Liam. And realizing what he had to do to keep Liam safe.
There was a small tap on the door and very concerned Liam whispered, "Are you all right?"
Tom stood, resolute on going through with his plan. He rid his face of the tears with back of his hand and turned to open the door and unlocked it (Liam did not attempt to enter, he knew fully well that he was to be given permission before entering). Holding down the urge to vomit, Tom yanked the door open and shouldered past Liam. "Tom?" He was ignored.
"I can't do this anymore," Tom almost bellowed as he rushed out the door. "We're through!" The door slammed and Tom bolted for his car. When he finally made it to the driver's seat, he broke down. "I'm sorry, Liam." He sobbed. "I'm so sorry."