Help Me (sequel to Save Me)

Chapter 155

Trigger warning

"I got Gerard Way's number!" Remington shouts into the microphone during soundhceck, still very excited about last night's ordeal.

His band mates laugh and he grins at Andy, who is standing at the back of the hall.

Sebastian plays around with the pedals for his guitar. "Did you actually sleep last night?"

The boy shakes his head, still grinning. "Nope. I'm running comepletly on over excitement."

"He slept for a total of forty minutes!" Andy calls, "so did I because he woudln't stop talking about how he met Gerard Way."

"Forty two, actually."

"Do you need to have a nap or something?"

Remington jumps off the stage. "Probably," he says, and yawns. "Also don't blame me for you not sleeping. You could have just ignored me."

Andy shakes his head. "Have you tried ignoring you when you're excited? It is impossible."  He wipes a smear of eyeshadow from under Remington's eye. "And you're cute when you're all excited like that."

"Well that's your own problem." The singer wraps his arms around his husband and yawns again.

Andy sways. "You're wearing your own hoodie. I didn't think that would ever happen."

"Am I?"

The man chuckles. "Yes."

"Oh. I was half asleep when I was getting dressed."

"And are you half asleep now?"

The boy hums. "Definitely." He yawns again.

"Mm, do you want a nap?"

"Or a strong cup of coffee," Remington murmers, "but don't let go of me or I will fall over. You smell really good."

Andy yawns now, too. "Come have a nap," he suggests, and the boy just nods.

"So is he still taking diet pills?" Emeraon asks his big brother once the two have gone back to the bus, confused about the whole situation.

The guitarist shakes his head. "He was, I'm pretty sure. I think he finally told Andy where they were. He seems to be a bit better today, though that might just be because he hugged Gerard."

"No, he does seem to be doing better. Why doesn't he talk to us about this stuff anymore?'

"I guess because he's been living with Andy and he's just got so used to telling him everything. Just as long as he's talking to someone, I'm happy."

Emerson nods. "Do you think Andy was his rebound after Holly?"

Sebastian raises an eyebrow. "Rebound? God, no. He was ready to never be in a relationship again after Holly. Andy saved him from that."

"I know, but..."

"But what?"

"Well, it's just-oh never mind. They're happy together."

"What were you gonna say?"

The drummer shakes his head. "Forget it. I'm being silly. I'm glad he's got Andy."

Sebastian unplugs his guitar. "I can't believe he got married before me."

"I can't believe you let Larisa go."

"I can't believe you're an idiot," Sebastian retorts, "oh wait, yes I can." He picks up the guitar and takes it with him into the dressing room, laughing when Emerson throws a drumstick at him.

On the bus, Remington and Andy sleep, the younger lying half over his lover, makeup now smudged, breathing slowly and calmly, safe in the small bed. His sleep is dreamless, and that he is thankful for. He either has nightmares or no dreams at all. They both wake when the alarm that they set before going to sleep goes off. Remington finds the phone and turns it off, sitting up and stretching. "I got makeup on you," he says, pointing to the foundation stain on Andy's shirt.

"Good thing I don't like this shirt anyway, then. Let me fix your hair."

Remington obliges, sitting still while Andy re-spikes some strands. "How'd you get Gerard to come to the show yesterday."

"I didn't. I emailed him about sending you a message, but said nothing about him coming to a show. I guess he just wanted to."

The boy hums. "He's the best."

Andy kisses his cheek. "I thought I was the best."

"Yeah, you're the best husband. He's the best non-husband."

"If I'm the best husband, does that mean you've got more?"

Remington giggles. "Yep. There's Peter, and David. Oh! And Barthlomenew."

"Mm, what sort of name is Bertholmenew?"

"A posh one. I killed him."

"Of course you did." He gets out of the bunk. "Where'd you hide the body?"

"Up your arse."

Andy stiffles a laugh. "Sometimes I wonder if you're actually a sixteen year old."

"I am. I need your suspenders."

"They're in there somewhere. What about the other two husbands? I suppose you killed them, too?"

Remington finds the suspenders and connects them to his jeans. "No. One of them is in the loft at home and the other is-um-in your car."

"And what are they called?"

The boy changes his shirt. "Pete and...John."

"John? I thought it was David?" He catches Remingotn's shirt when he throws it.

"Do I look fat in this?"

"No," Andy responds, without hesitation. "You look gorgeous. Ready?"

"I don't look gor-"

"Yes you do."

Remington smoothes the shirt down. "'kay, I'm ready." He prods the stain on Andy's shirt. "You're not."

"Oh, just pass me a hoodie."

"Only if you give me a hug." Remington smiles when Andy wraps him in his arms, exhaling calmly.

Remington pulls Andy on stage tonight and they sing Teenagers together, the crowd going crazy and screaming the words back at them, and after, Andy waits in the bus while they take photos with everyone.

Like last night, Remington darts into the vehicle, though this time he's panicking. "The stalker guy," he says, "is there."

Andy makes him sit down. "Deep breaths, sweetie. It's okay. Stay in here with me, okay?"

"What if he tries to...again?"

"You stay with me. I won't let him do anything. Do you want some water?"

Remington shakes his head but Andy gets him a glass anyway. "He might hurt you," the boy stresses, "I feel sick." He sips the water.

"Number?"

"It was twenty one, but now more like twenty five." He sips the water again and rubs his eyes. "I'm scared."

Andy kisses his head. "I'm gonna keep you safe, okay? Just breathe. It's okay."

But the question is; who is that guy?