GERARD'S POV:
I remember it like it was yesterday. The day my friend's life went up into flames. And it made it no better for me when l all I could do was sit back and watch. It pained me. Imagine witnessing someone close to you getting beaten up. Although you aren't taking the hits, it hurts to watch. This is when I decided to do something about it. Now I know that depression isn't something you can just fix like that. But I couldn't be a bystander anymore.
***
"It's going to be okay Frank," I coaxed him as he sat in front of the toilet for the third time this week. He couldn't keep much down. He was feeling incredibly sick. I cringed at the sound of choking and broken sobs coming from the smaller boy beside me. I couldn't bear to see him like this. I gently turned his face toward mine and managed a weak smile. He mimicked my expression. Slowly, I stood up and made my way through the bathroom doorway.
"Wait," Frank called after me, his voice hoarse and worn. I turned to face him. "Wh-where are you going?"
"I'm just stepping out for a second."
"Please... Don't leave," He managed through heavy breaths.
My face softened and I turned to look right at him. "I won't. I promise."
Poor Frankie. He was going through a lot of shit and his mental state was a little wobbly. There were many things that he didn't ever feel comfortable talking with me about. Things were getting hard for Frankie. I wanted to make it all better but I couldn't. I just had to watch the fire, not knowing if it will just eventually go out or grow larger. He looked so broken and weak as he curled up on my bathroom floor.
I approached Frank and crouched down next to him, placing my hands on his shoulders. "Frankie, I'm so sorry. If I knew how to make it better-."
He stared at me with his large amber eyes. "Gerard--" he took a deep breath. "Gerard, you can't do anything. But you don't need to. I'm just glad you're here with me. Having a friend makes it easier." He gave me a warm smile. I smiled back. Awkwardly, but genuinely.
"Hey, can I get you something to drink?" I asked, in hopes of making Frank feel more welcome. "Some water, coffee, or tea..."
"Mmm... Frank closed his eyes for a second. "I'll have some tea, please," he answered tiredly.
I nodded before heading into the kitchen to make the two of us some tea. As I set up the water to boil, I turned back to look at Frankie. My eyebrows knitted together in a saddened expression. I almost jumped when I heard the whistling of the kettle. It seems I had become so engrossed in Frank that I forgot about the tea I was making. I turned down the heat and opened the cupboard.
"Frankie, what kind of tea do you want?" I called out to him.
"Anything would be fine," He replied.
I nodded even though he couldn't see me and had begun to search for a tea that I thought Frank would like. As I reached the back corner of the cupboard, I came across some chamomile tea. I decided that this would be best for Frankie at the moment. I grabbed the box, ripping it open and dropping a few teabags into the hot water.
I headed back into the bathroom and grabbed Frank by the arms, pulling him up, but he insisted that he could do it on his own. I finally let go and watched as he attempted to stand, after which he stumbled multiple times and finally collapsed on the floor. "C'mere," I picked him up and carried him out to the couch where he picked up a loose blanked and wrapped it around his shivering body.
"You want sugar?" I asked.
"Yes please," he said hoarsely. "Two teaspoons."
Without another word I continued to pour the both of us a cup of tea before grabbing the cups and walking slowly over to Frank.
"Here ya go."
"Thanks," Frank whispered.
I dropped onto the soft couch and lifted my legs to place beneath me before taking a cautious sip of tea. After a few seconds, Frank scooted in close to me, I mean really strangely close, and rested his head on my shoulder. I didn't mind though. I actually kind of liked being around Frankie. A lot. I sighed and dropped my head down on top of his.
***
I awoke to the startling noise of choking and vomit. I hadn't realized I fell asleep. I bolted upright, spilling my still hot tea all over me, and running into the bathroom without a second thought. "Frankie, are you okay?" He jumped at my sudden entering.
Frank slowly nodded. "I'll be fine."
I checked my watch. It was one in the morning. "Hey, you can sleep here tonight if you need to."
Frank smiled weakly. "Thanks, Gerard."
"No problem." I stretched my hand out, offering him help. He graciously accepted and grasped my hand as I pulled him up. He didn't let go of my hand afterword, however. He just grabbed onto me like his life depended on it. I didn't mind. I was just glad to help my best friend. "You wanna sleep in my bed tonight? I can take the couch."
"O-okay" Frank agreed hesitantly. "You sure?"
I nodded. "Really sure."
Frank nodded back. "Okay."
I guided Frank into the bedroom where he crashed into the bed, curling up tightly in the blankets. I laughed at his cuteness before patting his head and heading into the living room. I lied down and placed the blanket over me before slowly drifting off to sleep.
***
"Gerard!" Frank's voice rang out through the entire house. The sound of blankets shuffling and frantic screaming grew louder as I bolted to the room.
"Frank" I gently placed a hand on his arm. "Don't worry I'm here."
Frank's eyes snapped open wide as he stared at me, his breathing now heavy and controlled. "Gerard. I-I had a dream. It's okay just--"
I cut him off by taking him into a tight hug. "You'll be okay. I'm here," I mumbled.
Frank didn't seem phased by my embrace. He usually didn't enjoy people touching him, so this was a strange thing for me to do. We were pretty close, however. Frank sighed and let his head fall onto my shoulder. Are you going to be okay?" I asked him. Frank nodded into my shirt.
I finally broke away and stood up. "Gerard?" Frank called after me.
"Yeah?" I asked as I turned back to him.
"C-can you..." Frank hesitated.
"Can I what?"
Frank took a collecting breath. "Can you stay with me? Please?"
"Sure. I mean, of course," I replied.
Frank sighed deeply. "Thanks."
I moved over to him and sat on the edge of the bed, causing it to dip. Frank slid down as I tucked him in. I lied down beside him on top of the blanket. "If this is too weird, you can go back. If you want." Frank said after a few minutes of silence.
"Shh," I replied quietly. "It's okay. Just sleep.
Frank hummed in reply. All was silent as I drifted back off to sleep.
***
(A/N):
I really hope you guys enjoy this new fic. Idk how it'll turn out but yeah.
