Sunshine (Frerard)

Chapter 3

Carrying Frank up to the bathroom was easier than expected. He didn't kick his legs or even really speak, one minute he'd be chatting away then he'd fall dead silent the next. Gerard used his elbow to push the door handle down and walk into the bathroom, setting Frank down onto the sink counter where he swung his legs happily.

"Just stay there, okay?" Gerard said as he stepped away from the boy.

"Mhm." Frank hummed and smiled at Gerard as he continued swinging his legs, his heels occasionally bumping into the cupboards beneath the sink.

Gerard smiled back at him and went to fill up the bath, making sure it wasn't too hot or too cold before bending down and rummaging through the cabinets to try and find some bubble mix; he was sure Frank would enjoy it. Eventually he found what he was looking for and pulled out a half empty bottle of strawberry scented bubble mixture, pouring it in and using his hand to swirl it around briefly.

"You just shout if you need me, okay?" Gerard said, turning back to face Frank who tilted his head slightly with his face contorting into a frown. "What is it, honey?"

"Help?" Frankie said as he curled his hand into a fist and rubbed at his eye.

"Y-you want me to help you?" Gerard asked, growing flustered. "You've never bathed yourself before?"

"Nope." Frank smiled at him. "Sir washed me 'cause he said good little boys should be clean 'n that I too stupid to do it."

"You're not stupid, baby, I'll help you." Frank smiled and held his arms up with Gerard stepping forward and pulling the tattered, dirty shirt off of the boys small frame. He could now see just how thin the poor thing was, his ribs were showing and various marks and bruises were dotted around over his stomach, chest and hips.

He still had on a pair of old, fabric shorts that Gerard also took off with help from Frank lifting his hips as he held onto Gerard's shoulders. That was all he was wearing, so Gerard carefully helped him off the counter and held his hand as he stepped into the bath.

The bubbles covered him as he played with them curiously, picking them up and letting them fall through his fingers before giggling and repeating the action. Gerard just watched as he played for a few minutes before actually cleaning him up, starting by using a cloth to gently clean his face and body, flushing slightly when he got past Frank's torso though Frank himself didn't seem phased. He took the shampoo and lathered it through his tangled, dark brown hair and used the shower to rinse it out, doing the same with the conditioner.

Gerard stepped back and dried his arms off with the towel before turning back to Frank and holding it out for the frail boy to step into.

"Come on, Prince, time to get out."

"But it's fun, Gee!" Frank giggled and splashed the water with his hands, some spilling over the edge.

"You'll have more baths, I'm sure. C'mon, out." Gerard stepped forward and wrapped the fluffy, white towel under Franks arms once he stood, picking him up and placing him back down on the mat next to the bathtub. "Would you like me to dry your hair?"

"What you mean?" Frank frowned.

"Never used a hairdryer before?" Frank shook his head and sniffled.

"I-is that bad?" He whimpered slightly, shuffling on his feet.

"No! No of course not. Don't even worry about it, let's just get you to sleep." Gerard cleared his throat and led Frank to the guest bedroom that only really got use when his brother came over. The room was simple, light blue walls and a double bed covered with plain white sheets with a small table next to it. A chest of drawers sat against the wall and that was the only real decoration in the room.

Gerard went into the top drawer and pulled out an old pair of boxers and a large blue hoodie with Mickey Mouse printed on the front; he thought Frank might like it. He helps to pull the boxers on under Frank's towel and then tugged the hoodie over his head, the hem coming down to around mid thigh with how small he was.

"You sleepy, Frankie?" Gerard asked as he sat on the bed next to Frank who nodded, letting out a yawn. "Okay, here you go, sweetheart."

He lifted the duvet and let Frank settle down before tucking him in and gently kissing his forehead, causing Frank to giggle cutely as he buried himself further under the covers.

"Goodnight, sunshine." Gerard smiled down at him.

"Nigh' nigh', Gee." He lazily smiled back and rolled over, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep. Gerard stood and left the room, leaving the door open with the hall light on to let some light seep through.

Going downstairs, Gerard opened his laptop and searched for any possible information on Frank. He tried descriptions, names and stories but after reading endless articles he found nothing. He eventually gave up with a sigh and decided he'd take Frank down to the police station the next day to see what they could do. Gerard was slightly worried that he'd maybe gotten attached to the poor boy already, but he'd be better off living with someone else.

He walked sluggishly up to his room, not before stopping and peeking into the Frank's room to check on him only to find him snoring gently with his thumb in his mouth. Gerard smiled at him briefly and left, going to his room and chucking off his jeans, falling asleep instantly.