Helpless Feeling (Frerard)

Chapter 9

(Time Skip)

Patrick was practically squealing and jumping up and down, but who could really blame him?He was pressed up against his husband as the guests were congratulating them on the wedding this evening. Pete had on his rare smile that only Patrick ever seemed to make possible.

I looked around the party with a smile on my face. For such a short amount of time, Pete and Patrick planned an amazing wedding and beautiful reception. To save money, they had the wedding along a friend's private lake and set up a tent a little further from the water. They sure made the most of it.

The wedding wasn't big. I wasn't even sure if there were over a hundred people, but the newly weds didn't want anything too big. Just about everyone came to the party to continue the celebration. There were plenty of people on the temporary dance floor and judging by someone their dance moves, some had already taken advantage of the open bar Pete managed to organize.

I looked back at the happy couple. When they noticed my gaze, Patrick gave me an eager wave and I could tell how much he was trying not to scream from joy. The couple continued conversing with the guests. I continued to let my eyes wonder.

I spotted Frank by one of the dessert tables talking with one of the nurses that were required to come monitor us. She along with the few other nurses weren't doing a good job because I could see Brendon slowly sneaking off with his hand clutched in Ryan's.

I let out a sigh and made to follow them. They were headed in the direction of the lake, but by the time I reached the shore, I couldn't see the pair anymore. I let out another sigh and took a seat in the sand. As long as Brendon was having fun and being safe, that's all that mattered to me. I just couldn't help but worry about the kid.

I turned when I heard footsteps and a voice coming from behind me. Frank was muttering softly about the sand getting in his shoes as he took a seat beside me. When he stopped his grumbling, he let out a sigh and turned to me with a smile.

"Whatcha doing over here all by yourself? The party's back there."

"Brendon decided to sneak off. I just wanted to make sure he didn't get himself into trouble." He nodded in understanding. He hadn't made any comments about my behavior toward Brendon since I blew up on him.

"Where's he at now?" I shrugged.

"I didn't see where he went, but I'm sure he's fine. He's got Ryan with him, so they shouldn't get into too much trouble." Frank let out a small chuckle.

"Those two are the definition of trouble when they're together." I let a small laugh. The pair had been caught sneaking off around the hospital to mess around. It didn't take the staff long to figure out that the music room was their favorite hide out.

"They're still young. Being in a hospital doesn't exactly give them the option to take advantage of that."

"Did you ever get that option?" I shook my head.

"I've been like this so long, I don't even remember what it was like before that." I felt fingers lace through my own. My gaze went down to our now joined hands then moved up to his face.

"I'm sorry." I shook my head.

"It's not your fault. Besides, I think I'm managing pretty well." I could still see the sadness on his face. I didn't like that. "Stop that." Frank's face changed to confusion.

"Stop what?"

"Pitying me. I don't like it. I'm fine, so no need for pity." He dropped his head to hide a sheepish smile.

"Sorry. I just... I just care about you a lot and I wish I could do more to help." I moved my own head down to look into his eyes.

"You being here with me is enough." His smile widened. I grew my own smile when his hand reached up and cupped my cheek. My eyes shut and I leaned into his touch as his thumb began caressing my skin. I couldn't say I wasn't completely surprised to feel his lips press against my own. I couldn't see his growing smile, but I could feel it. We moved our lips in sync with each other.