Helpless Feeling (Frerard)

Chapter 8

(Time Skip)

"Brendon, I'm gonna be right back," I laughed at the boy clinging to my leg.

"You promise?" Brendon had be more reluctant to me leaving ever since the incident a few weeks ago. He followed me everywhere for about a week before Ryan moped about not getting enough Brendon time. Now, he only made my departures longer than they need to be.

I pulled away from him and squatted down to his level. I looked into his puppy dog eyes. He did this in hopes that I would cave and stay with him.

"I'll be back after my session. I promise." He dropped his eyes to his hand playing with the carpet and nodded reluctantly. "Alright, now go spend time with Ryan. He's waiting for you." I ruffed his hair to get him to shine his bright smile.

He let out a little giggle and nodded again. I watched him hurry over and jump on top of Ryan before walking out of the room. I started down the hallway toward the infirmary wing of the hospital.

Before fulling reaching those doors, I turned down another hallway with the same few doors I've come to see often now. I pushed it open and smiled at the sunlight bathing me.

Coming out here was continual thing, but it still felt like the first time every time. I went over to the bench and sat down. I kept my head low as my smile grew more.

"Hello, Gerard. How are you today?" I let out a chuckle.

"You're started to sound like my therapist," I replied and looked up at Frank. He was shining a big smile.

"And that's a bad thing?" I shrugged.

"I don't really act the same way with therapists as I act with you."

"And what way would that be?" Frank asked in a teasing tone as he leaned in closer. I dropped my head again and blushed. I felt Frank hook his finger under my chin and lift it to look up at him. He had a smirk playing his lips. "In what way, Gee?"

A breath caught in my throat at the sound of the nickname he gave me. This had been a reoccurring thing between us, constant teasing and flirting with nothing really happening. He released my chin and gave a small chuckle.

"But seriously, how are you today?" I shrugged and turned my gaze to the flowers beside the bench.

"Just like any other day. Breakfast, group, Brendon being reluctant to let me leave." Frank laughed softly and I saw him shaking his head from my peripheral.

"He's so attached to you."

"Can you really blame him? He's been through a lot." He shrugged.

"I wouldn't know. I don't know why he's here."

"It's not an easy thing for him to talk about. I don't even think Ryan knows, but he's getting better at accepting it."

"Accepting it by being clinging and using you as his anchor?" I felt a hint of anger.

"I'm fine with it. Whatever helps him get through the day," I replied defensively. "It's like I get a second chance at being a big brother."

"That doesn't sound healthy though. For either of you." I shrugged and kept quiet. "I'm serious Gerard. Brendon can't depend on you for everything. That's what the staff is for." I let out a sarcastic laugh.

"The staff? They do their job sure, but they're very good at keeping things professional."

"They're nurses not family. This place is about overcoming problems and trauma not creating a big family. He shouldn't be so dependent on another patient."