Absinthe In Colour Purple *frerard*

12. We Are One

"Yes, that's right... No, we will not dismiss him until we're absolutely positive...About a week...I'm very sorry but try to be patient, he's doing great..."

Gerard was dozing off again, long hours in the hospital freaked him out. The entire place absolutely terrified him. He saw people coming in and out, some looked normal, others seemed already dead. 

His head was resting on the wall behind him, shoulders slumped and arms crossed. 

It was Sunday morning, birds chirping and people lazing around. And he was falling.

Donald let Gerard stay at his place in spite of Gerard being at the hospital for most of the week. Frank's parents were better since he was stable now. They talked to the doctors, providing the rest with information, and brought various items. Frank was surrounded by flowers, gifts, food, and one person had the audacity to send him a bong. Gerard was sad seeing it get confiscated.

Frank was extremely tired but he was coming back to himself. He didn't talk much, mostly listened, and watched. He got used to Gerard's hand holding his. 

"Gerard, sweetie, I have to talk to you."

He flinched and blinked a couple of times before rubbing his eyes and giving Mrs. Iero full attention.

"Wait, first, is it good or bad?" Gerard broke out in nervous sweating.

"Just, they said he has some serious brain trauma. So, his memory is damaged and he might not recall the recent memories...or people."

She squeezed his hand and wiped her eyes with a small handkerchief. 

Gerard was shocked but then it all clicked. Frank never talked to him. That wasn't usual. Gerard expected serious talks, apologies, confessions, but nothing ever came.

"He doesn't remember me..." hearing it out loud was different. 

"He doesn't remember anything..."

Mrs. Iero was still beside him, hugging his hand. She gently caressed Gerard's hair, saying "have faith, dear. It's not all hopeless. It can always come back."

Gerard stood up and walked to Frank's room. Nurse standing by tried to stop him but he was too quick, pushing the doors open. He rushed to Frank's side, gripping his hand.

"Frank! Frank, wake up! You gotta see me! I know you remember!"

Two male nurses gripped him and started pushing him away. "FRANK, REMEMBER!"

Gerard kept repeating words that turned into desperate screams. The nurses dragged him away, threatening with sedation and police.

But he didn't care.

Frank has to remember. 

***

He lit up a cigarette, strolling down the road. There were several sleazy bars alongside but it was too early for drinks.

His clothes were dirty but hands clean. 

The air was getting hot and heavy. His dad will probably worry again. 

He found a cozy spot under the tree and sat down, casually smoking. He'll think about it tomorrow.

***

Donald was working again. The record deal was canceled, the band will probably break up.

His forehead was wrinkling more and more but he loved this job. The kids, the music, the adrenaline...it was all worth it.