Frank POV

I woke up with him in my arms. Against my velvet couch, he was absolutely beautiful. I kissed his forehead. Then, his lips. He shifted slightly, brushing up against me in the best way. I held in my groan.

No... no. I was not going to use Gerard for my own sexual needs. He is a HUMAN.
His eyes fluttered open and he looked up at me in shock.

"You're still... here...." he whispered.

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

I kissed him again and he groaned anxiously.

"Gerard... I'm taking you to the hospital... you need help."

He was panting hard. I could see his pained expression.

"N-No. I can do it."

"Gee...."

"They're gonna stick needles in me, Frankie...."

"Is that the only thing?"

"What will happen if they determine I'm... sick."

"Then I'll be with you."

"Frank, I can't. Please... don't make me go...."

"For me, Gerard?"

"C-Can I go to m-my bag first? I n-ned some clothes."

"You can have some of mine."

"N-N, thank y-you... I... I just... I'll be right b-back."

---

Gerard was shaking on the plastic cot. The room we had been led to was a small, blue room that contained many medical equipments. The tiles matched the drawn curtains, a light blue that was speckled with a darker blue. The cot was a dark green and it had a thick strip of white, thin, paper running down the middle. The cabinets on the walls were impossibly white and all were closed. I took a seat next to the desk that was near the white door. The doctor hadn't even come in yet, and Gerard was already super nervous.

"I decided I don't want to know the results." Gerard said softly. "Frank... you can know... but don't tell me, please."

The door opened and a man walked in. His expression was unreadable. His hair was big and poofy.

"Uh... may I speak with you, sir?"

I nodded and kissed Gerard's forehead. Then, I stepped outside with the doctor.

"My name is Doctor Toro... and I am a psychologist.... It has come to our attention that you are taking care of Mister Way?"

I nodded. Dr. Toro looked down to his papers and frowned.

"There are recent scars on his thighs... and old ones on his arms. He has anemia and depression. Also, his blood has current trace of drugs."

The Doctor looks up at me and I nodded gravely.

"Sex pills, if we use the simple term."

I nodded again and began to pick at my nails.

"Mister Iero, he has been taking those pills at least once a day. Were you aware of that?"

My blood froze. No.... He couldn't be.... The doctor saw my pause.

"You told me that he'd been trying to quit them and that he said he was getting close... but apparently, he hasn't been able to fight it. He has been taking a small dose each time."

My shocked silence. This morning.... has he taken it right under my nose?

"Those things are dangerous, Mister Iero. They could very well cost him his life."

I had to hold on to the wall to keep myself from falling. How could I have been so selfish? Thinking he could just quit cold turkey like that! Poor Gerard was probably terrified....

I signed papers for Gerard to be kept at the hospital nearly instantly. My hands were shaking.

"Do not worry, Mister Iero." Doctor Toro said, smiling softly. "We will put our all into making sure Mr. Way is healthy again."

"Thank you, doctor."

The man smiled. "Call me Ray."

---

I entered the room. Gerard was gripping the cot tightly.

"I'm so sorry.... Frankie... I really am-"

I cut him off by kissing him.

"It's my fault." I said softly. "I assumed you would just be able to control it without my help. It was selfish and stupid, Gerard. From now on, I will be there for you as much as I can."

I pulled him into my arms.

"You will be staying at the hospital, Gee."

I heard him yelp into my shirt. A muffled yelp.

"Frankie, no." He whimpered. "They're gonna hurt me.... They're gonna tie me down and-"

"They're gonna help you, Gerard. You NEED their help."

Gerard remained silent. Tears fell limply down his face.

"I'm so sorry." I murmured against his neck. "I'm so so so sorry."

A few minutes of silence.

"Also, Gerard?" He looked up, his eyes were red. "You're clean."

New tears. These ones of happiness. Gerard not having an STD was what made today perfect. Once he got out of this addiction, my beautiful boy would live.

"I don't have to check you in until tomorrow." I murmured. "So what do you say we go get some ice cream?"

Gerard yelped in happiness and jumped on me. I held up his thighs as his arms wrapped around my neck.

"Thank you." He whispered into my sweater.

I carried him out of the examination room, past the doors and into the car.

Notes