Who are you?...Who am I? (RE-WRITE!)

The next morning, after a broken, nightmare filled sleep, Gerard got dressed in some of Frank's clothes, as he had none of his own, and sat quietly on his bed as Frank went to freshen up.

He was sat, staring out the window and twisting his hands in his lap, as the door to his room opened. Turning with a smile on his face, expecting it to be Frank, or even Dr. Write, Gerard shrunk back, his smile slipping away as Mikey walked toward him, a grin on his face and three coffee cups in his hands.

"Morning Gee. Did you sleep ok?..."

He held out a cup to his trembling brother, as Gerard shrugged slightly, and tentatively accepted the offered drink.

"You looking forward to going home?..."

Mikey smiled softly, his eyebrows raising in question as he took a seat next to the bed. Gerard nodded slightly, taking a sip of the slightly bitter liquid.

"I'm headed back in a couple hours too..."

He chuckled.

"Though I'm flying..."

Gerard smiled tightly, trying not to let his hands shake as he drank his coffee.

"Where's Frank?"

Gerard looked toward the door, then back at Mikey.

"B-bathroom."

He mumbled. Mikey nodded and drained the last of his drink, before standing to toss the paper cup into the trash. He returned to his seat just as Frank walked in the door.

"Morning Frank."

"Oh, hey!...morning Mikes..."

Frank grinned as he stuffed his wash bag into his backpack and zipped it up.

"What time's your flight back?"

Mikey chuckled as he watched Frank climb onto Gerard's bed, and Gerard snuggle quickly into his side.

"Half past ten. Don't you wish you were flying too?"

Frank smiled wryly, hugging Gerard to him, and gratefully accepting the coffee that Mikey handed him.

"Nah. This way, I get to spend the next couple days on a train with Gee..."

He grinned, pressing a kiss to the top of Gerard's head.

"And if it will make Gee happy, then it's worth it."

Gerard looked up and smiled genuinely at Frank.

"A couple of days!?..."

Mikey said, incredulously.

"I didn't know it'd take that long."

Frank laughed.

"Yeah, the train journey's actually 55 hours."

"Wow!...and I almost chose to go with you."

Mikey grinned. Gerard shivered against Frank's side, and Frank squeezed him lightly, looking down at him.

"You ok baby? You cold?..."

Gerard shook his head, and burrowed himself deeper under Frank's arm. Frank cottoned on to what was wrong and put his cup down before wrapping both arms around Gerard's slight frame and shooting Mikey a small, apologetic smile. The look on Mikey's face told Frank that he'd understood too, and was somewhat miffed. Frank looked back at Gerard.

"Better baby?"

Gerard nodded, and relaxed in Frank's protective arms. A few minutes later, Mikey had to leave so he could get to check-in on time.

"So I'll see you guys in a few days. I'll bring Pete round once you're settled in, ok?"

Frank nodded.

"Yeah. I'll give you a call when we get back..."

He shook Mikey's hand.

"Have a safe flight Mikes."

Mikey grinned.

"Will do. See ya Frank..."

He looked at his brother, who was still tucked into Frank's side.

"See you later Gee?..."

He ducked his head to make eye contact. Gerard nodded slightly, then looked away. Mikey huffed slightly, then shook his head and grinned.

"Well. Bye guys."

And then he was gone. Gerard sighed in relief and lifted his eyes to meet Frank's.

"W-what time we g-gotta leave?"

Frank kissed his forehead and smiled softly.

"About half an hour. I booked a cab."

Gerard nodded.

"So it's f-four and a half hours on a b-bus to Salt Lake City, then f-fifty f-five hours by train to th-the New Jersey t-tunnel, then 15 minutes by b-bus again, right?"

"Yeah..."

Frank nodded.

"...about that."

"I'm sorry."

Gerard looked down at his hands and Frank frowned.

"What for baby?"

"Cause if I'd s-said yes to flying, we could be h-home in four hours, instead of t-two and a half d-days."

Gerard muttered, biting back tears.

"Oh no baby, that doesn't matter..."

Frank reassured him, squeezing him gently.

"Like I said to Mikey, as long as you're happy."

Gerard looked up.

"Thank you Frank."

"What for?"

"For s-staying with me, and putting up with my n-nightmares and panic attacks and shit..."

Gerard smiled slightly.

"I w-wouldn't have blamed you if you'd l-left. I know what a burden I am right now."

He dropped his eyes down. Frank lifted Gerard's chin gently with two fingers, till their eyes met, then leaned in and softly kissed his lips.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be. I love you Gee, with all my heart, and that's never gonna change..."

He smiled.

"And you are not a burden!"

He kissed the tip of Gerard's nose, making the younger man giggle quietly.

"If...if you say so."

Gerard smiled softly before resting his head back onto Frank's chest, sighing in content.

Frank held him close as they waited for their cab to the bus station. He was actually kinda looking forward to the long journey home. He always had liked the train.

*

*

*

The taxi dropped Frank and Gerard at the bus station at 10:07am. Their bus wasn't due to leave until 10:40, so they had a bit of a wait.

"Do you want a coffee Gee?"

Frank asked as they sat on a bench out front of the terminal. Gerard nodded.

"Yes p-please F-Frank."

He smiled softly.

"Ok sweetie. You wanna stay here, or are you coming with me?"

"I'm coming!"

Gerard said quickly and with a touch of panic, his fingers gripping reflexively onto Frank's sleeve.

"Ok baby..."

Frank assured, wrapping his arm around the other's tiny waist and pulling him in close.

"It's ok, I won't leave you..."

He stood, helping Gerard up beside him, and they headed across the street to a small Starbucks.

"What do you want?"

He asked, seeing the awed look on Gerard's face as he stared up at the enormous menu board.

"Err..."

Gerard hesitated.

"W-what did I u-used to p-pick?"

He looked at Frank in mild fear of the choice. Frank chuckled, squeezing Gerard to him.

"Well, in hot weather, you used to have the Iced Caramel Macchiato...but in the winter, it was always the Skinny Peppermint Mocha..."

He grinned at Gerard.

"But you could always try something new."

He suggested. Gerard frowned.

"You're no h-help..."

He muttered, only half joking. He looked back at the board and hummed as he thought. After a minute, he made his choice.

"I th-think I'll try a...a Salted Caramel H-Hot Chocolate...if that's o-ok?"

He met Frank's eyes, nervously. Frank grinned.

"Hot chocolate?...not coffee?..."

Gerard shrugged, looking down.

"Of course it's ok baby..."

Frank tucked Gerard's hair behind his ear.

"You can have anything you want."

Gerard looked up coyly, a soft happy smile on his lips as Frank placed their order with the girl behind the counter. She gave them a funny look, but made their drinks without comment.

Once they had their chosen beverages, Gerard's hot chocolate and Frank's espresso, they headed back out of the tiny shop, not really liking the somewhat hostile feel the place had, and went back to the bus station.

It was now just after 10:30, so they went straight to the bus, that was just starting to board.

The big silver bus with the iconic greyhound design on the side was already about half full, but Frank and Gerard appeared to be the last passengers expected, as the doors were closed just moments after they found their seats.

Frank steered Gerard toward the back of the bus, and then ushered him into the window seat on the right before sliding in next to him.

"You ok baby?..."

He murmured, pulling Gerard into his side and cuddling him close to keep him warm on the slightly chilly bus.

"How's your drink?"

Gerard looked up over the rim of his travel cup, a smile in his eyes.

"It's good..."

He said quietly.

"How's y-yours?"

Frank smiled.

"Perfect."

The bus rumbled to life, and Gerard's breath hitched, his eyes widening.

"F-Frank?"

He whimpered, tucking himself in tighter under Frank's arm.

"Shh...it's ok baby. Just relax. I'm here."

Frank held him close as the bus pulled out of the station and onto the road. Four and a half hours...this was going to be fun.

The bus journey seemed almost endless, and after the first two desperately boring hours, Gerard had fallen asleep curled up against Frank's side, and Frank had joined in a game of eye-spy with the little boy and his mother who were sat in the seats across the aisle.

"Eye-spy, with my little eye, something beginning with...N!"

Frank watched as the little boy...who had very politely introduced himself to Frank as Caunor Greco, 7 years old, from Salt Lake City...thought hard, and scanned his eyes around the bus.

"N n n..."

He frowned.

"Frank...there’s nothing starting with n."

Frank chuckled.

"Course there is. You've got one."

Caunor looked at his mum for help. She smiled and shook her head.

"I don't know..."

She looked at Frank.

"Nails?"

She guessed.

"Nope."

Frank grinned. Caunor groaned and crossed his arms grumpily.

"Stupid game anyway."

He huffed, giving up completely. Janet shrugged apologetically at Frank, offering him a small smile. Frank smiled back, before shifting slightly to get more comfortable.

"Was it nose?"

A quiet whisper came from Gerard's lips, as his eyes fluttered open to look up at Frank. Frank smiled brightly, leaning down to kiss Gerard's forehead.

"Yeah, it was. You have a nice sleep baby?"

Gerard yawned and stretched, sitting up more.

"Yeah, b-but I c-can't wait to g-get off this b-bus."

He stuttered, rubbing his ass and wincing. Frank smiled sympathetically.

"Sore bum baby?..."

Gerard blushed and looked down, hiding in his hair. Frank chuckled and pulled Gerard back into his arms.

"Aww, don't worry baby...we've only got about 15 minutes left, I think."

Gerard looked up.

"C-can we g-get someth-thing to e-eat when we s-stop?"

Frank grinned.

"Sure sweetheart. What do you fancy?"

Gerard shrugged.

"Don't know. Just a s-sandwich or something. Nothing b-big."

"Ok. We have about an hour and a half wait for the train, so we could go find a deli if you like?"

Gerard nodded, smiling softly.

"S-sounds g-good Frankie."

He snuggled into Frank's chest and relaxed. The bus, and being surrounded by strangers was scary and stressful for Gerard, but being close to Frank, he felt safe and protected...like nothing and no one could hurt him. Frank smiled, that was the first time Gerard called him by the pet name he used to use...maybe there was a trace of memory there after all.

When the bus finally pulled into the station, Frank grabbed his bag from the overhead, waved goodbye to Caunor and his mum, then took Gerard's hand and lead him off the bus and into the fresh, cold air. Gerard shivered and huddled into Frank's side, keeping his head down so he wouldn't meet anyone's eye.

"Come on honey..."

Frank murmured.

"Let's go get some food."

Gerard nodded and they headed out, after asking the guy in the ticket office for directions to a good deli. The one he sent them to was in the opposite direction to the train station, but they had time.

Jason's Deli was a small place that specialised in healthy food. The girl behind the counter told them that everything was locally produced, organic and home made, then gave them a minute to study the menu.

Eventually, Gerard chose a Caprese Panini, which had fresh mozzarella, spinach, Roma tomatoes, and fresh basil pesto, all pressed in herb focaccia bread...while Frank picked a cup of organic vegetable soup.

After they'd paid, they headed back into the cold, and started the walk to the train station...eating along the way.

It wasn't a long walk really, the city was quite pretty this time of year and they didn't need to rush, so they took their time, chatting as they walked.

By the time they reached the station, they had both finished their light meals and disposed of the rubbish. Heading inside, they went up to the desk and collected the tickets that Frank had pre-booked and paid for, then headed trackside to wait.

There was an empty bench on the platform so they sat down, Gerard snuggling against Frank for warmth, and the safe feeling he provided him.

It was just after 4:30 now, and the train was due to leave at 4:45.

When it arrived, Frank lead Gerard onboard, showing their tickets to the inspector, who pointed them toward the private sleeping compartments...and they found their way to room number 9.

Opening the door, Frank ushered Gerard inside, then followed him in before closing the door.

"I thought you'd prefer this than sitting with all the screaming kids and annoying idiots..."

He grinned, seeing the wide-eyed excitement on Gerard's face.

"Besides...fifty five hour journey...it'll be good to be able to lay down to sleep..."

He showed Gerard how the chairs pulled out to make beds.

"...see?"

Gerard smiled.

"Th-thank y-you Frank..."

He stepped toward Frank and tiptoed slightly to kiss his cheek, his hands on Frank's shoulders for support.

"I...I'm so h-happy you're h-here w-with m-m-me. Thank you."

Frank smiled wide, his hands gently holding Gerard's tiny waist.

"You're welcome baby. I'm really fucking happy I'm here too..."

He rubbed small circles on Gerard's hips with his thumbs as he looked into his eyes.

"Now let's get comfy. We got a long ride ahead of us."

Gerard nodded, and they settled onto one of the long sofa seats, Frank holding him close. A few minutes later, and they were on the way.

*

*

*

Fifty five hours! Fifty five fucking hours!...This was gonna get old real fast!

The constant clack clack clack of the train on the tracks was getting to Gerard and giving him a headache. They'd been in their little compartment for a bit over two hours now, and Gerard had already had enough.

"I kinda w-wish I'd said yes to going by p-plane now..."

He murmured, his head rested on Frank's lap as the older man stroked his hair, comfortingly.

"We could be h-home by now."

Frank chuckled.

"You wouldn't have liked it..."

He linked the fingers of his left hand with Gerard's right.

"Too crowded. Too noisy."

Gerard sighed.

"True. Plus, we w-wouldn't have our own r-room."

"And the food's better on here too..."

Frank mused. Just then, Gerard's stomach growled. Frank grinned.

"You hungry baby?"

Gerard blushed, but looked up and nodded slightly.

"A bit, yeah."

Frank helped Gerard to sit up.

"Ok then..."

He slipped his arm around Gerard's tiny waist.

"Let's go find the food carriage."

Gerard nodded and allowed Frank to guide him to his feet and out of their compartment. There was a lock on the door, so they left their things behind and made their way slowly toward the back end of the train.

When they reached the last carriage, the smell of what promised to be good food hit them, and brought smiles to both their faces.

"Oh..."

Gerard murmured, quietly.

"I didn't r-realise quite how hungry I was t-til I smelled that..."

He looked at Frank and received an understanding smile in return.

"What is that, F-Frankie?"

Frank gently squeezed Gerard against him, simultaneously moving him out of another passenger's path as they were leaving the food car. Frank breathed in deep, his smile spreading.

"Smells like curry to me..."

He kissed Gerard's cheek, lightly.

"Wanna try it?"

Gerard nodded.

"Ok, but w-what's in it?"

Frank led Gerard over to an open table and sat him down, sliding into the seat opposite, then picked up a menu and looked to see what kind of curry they had.

"Ooh!..."

Frank exclaimed, licking his lips.

"It's a potato curry with tomatoes and onions in it..."

He grinned, looking up.

"Sounds good to me. What do you think?"

Gerard looked at the picture Frank was showing him, and decided to give it a try. He nodded, a shy smile on his lips as a waiter approached their table.

"Good evening gentlemen..."

The older man smiled, politely.

"Would you like to order food, or just drinks tonight?"

Frank answered for both of them, of course.

"Oh food, definitely..."

He smiled at the waiter.

"We'd both like the potato curry with lime and cucumber raita please?"

"A wonderful choice sirs. Would you like anything to drink with that?"

Frank knew his own limits with curry, he also knew Gerard's, or at least what they used to be, so he knew that they should both be ok with this fairly mild dish, but decided to get glasses of milk...just in case.

After he'd finished placing their orders, Frank watched the waiter nod, then walk away. Then he turned to Gerard and saw the younger man was trembling slightly, and trying to hide in his hair.

"Gee?..."

He stood and moved to sit next to him, wrapping his arms around him and pulling Gerard gently into his chest.

"Baby what's wrong?"

He felt Gerard cling to him and continue to shake.

"I...I d-don't know..."

Gerard stuttered quietly into Frank's shirt.

"I f-feel like s-someone's watching m-me."

Frank looked around the carriage, but no one in particular caught his attention, and everyone seemed far more interested in their own food, that in him and Gerard.

"Baby..."

Frank stroked his hair, soothingly.

"No one's watching you baby. Try to relax, OK? You're safe. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Gerard sniffed and continued to cling and hide.

"Are...are you s-sure?"

Frank kissed the top of Gerard's head, squeezing him softly.

"I'm sure baby. Everything's ok."

Just then, the waiter returned with a small trolley. On the trolley were two covered plates, two covered bowls, and two large glasses of milk.

"Your dinner, gentlemen."

Frank decided to stay where he was, as Gerard was still shaking against him. He watched as the waiter uncovered each dish, and placed them on the table.

"Thank you..."

He smiled as the waiter bowed slightly, then wheeled the trolley away again. He gently lifted Gerard's chin and met his wet eyes.

"Food's here baby. Let's eat, yeah?"

Gerard nodded, picking up a napkin and wiping his eyes dry.

"O-ok."

Sniffing a little, Gerard sat himself up and looked at all the food. It smelled and looked delicious, but he was pretty sure he wasn't going to finish his meal...in fact, he was almost certain that he wouldn't manage half.

"Th-there's so much."

He whispered in awe. Frank chuckled.

"Don't worry baby. Just eat what you can, ok?..."

Gerard nodded, then scooped a small amount of curry, and a little of the cooling yogurt mix onto his spoon, and tentatively placed it in his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully.

"Nice?"

Frank asked after swallowing his own, much larger bite. Gerard smiled softly up at Frank as he swallowed.

"Yeah..."

He whispered.

"It's k-kinda spicy, but I l-like it."

Frank grinned as he scooped up more food.

"If the spice gets too much, drink some milk..."

He suggested.

"It'll help."

Gerard nodded, then returned to his food.

They ate in silence for a while, until Frank suddenly noticed that Gerard had stopped eating, and was breathing heavily, his body beginning to tremble.

"Gee?..."

He put his spoon down and took Gerard's from his shaking hand, placing it back on his plate, then pulled Gerard into his arms.

"Baby?"

"Can..."

Gerard shuddered violently against Frank's chest.

"Can we g-go back t-to th-the cabin? P-please?"

Frank held him tight.

"Of course. But why baby?"

"P-please Fr-Frank?...I...I don't l-like it h-here."

Frank could hear the tears and fear in the younger man's voice, and decided not to question him further.

"Sure baby, just give me a second to sort out the food."

He raised his hand and waved the waiter back over.

"Is everything alright with your meals sir?"

He asked as he reached the table. Frank nodded.

"Yes, it's delicious. But is there any chance of us being able to finish in our cabin?...My companion isn't feeling very well."

"Oh, I am sorry to hear that..."

The waiter said, sympathetically.

"Of course that can be arranged, I will just fetch the trolley, then I'll follow you down, ok?"

Frank smiled gratefully.

"Thank you..."

The waiter walked away. Frank looked down at Gerard's trembling form.

"Just a minute baby, we'll be back there soon."

The waiter returned with the trolley and loaded their food on, placing covers over all the dishes.

"Lead the way..."

He said, smiling.

"...and I'll take payment when we get there, if that's alright?"

Frank nodded, sliding out of the seat and scooping Gerard up into his arms. Gerard gasped and clung on tight. Frank headed back toward their cabin with Gerard in his arms. When they got there, he handed the room key to the waiter so he didn't have to set Gerard down.

The waiter let them in then stood back. Frank carried Gerard in and sat down with him in his lap. The waiter brought in the trolley then pulled out the bill and a credit card reader. He pointed to a call button on the wall by the door.

"When you've finished, just press this and someone will come to collect the trolley."

Frank nodded and handed over his credit card. Once the payment was done, the waiter thanked him then left them both in peace.

Frank cradled Gerard close to his chest and rocked him gently. He didn't know what exactly had scared Gerard so badly, but whatever it was, he was not going to let it win.

"Baby?...do you want to eat any more?"

Gerard lifted his pale face from Frank's chest and nodded slightly.

"A...a little bit, please?..."

Frank grabbed the trolley and pulled it toward them, then uncovered one plate of curry, and one bowl of raita. He scooped a bit of each onto the spoon, then held it up to Gerard's still quivering lips. Gerard met Frank's eyes, incredulously.

"You're...you're gonna f-feed me?"

Frank grinned.

"Anything for you baby. Anything in the world."

Gerard smiled then opened his mouth to accept the bite. He may not remember their life from before, but if these last few days were anything to go by, then their life together from here on would be a happy one...just as long as he could get past the feeling that someone was, even now, watching him.

*

*

*

Pain!...Blood!...Darkness!...Cold!.............Noise!...So loud it hurt!...

Tears!...Screaming!...Shouting!...Pain!...

Pain!...

Pain!...

PAIN!...

PAIN!...

...

...

...

Silence...for what seems like forever!...

BLINDING, RIPPING, TERRIFYING PAIN!!!

*

*

*

Gerard woke screaming, frightened, thrashing against arms that fought to hold him down.

"Gee calm down. Baby please?..."

Frank tried. Gerard was too far in his terror for the other man's words to even register.

"Gee please..."

Frank held onto Gerard's arms as the terrified man lashed out blindly. His right arm got loose and struck Frank in the eye...Frank barely even flinched.

"Gee, it's me, it's Frank. You're safe baby..."

Frank continued to hold him and coo soft, gentle words.

"You're safe..."

Gerard could hear someone talking, could hear it through his fear. The voice was soft and calm...familiar. His thrashing slowed as exhaustion started to take hold, allowing him to concentrate on the voice...the words...so soothing. Gerard's eyes were still closed tight as all fight left him, and he finally went limp in the warm embrace.

"You're safe baby. That's it...come back to me."

Tears streamed down Gerard's pale cheeks as he trembled and whimpered pitifully.

"F-Fr-ankie?"

Frank sighed with relief.

"I'm here baby...I got you. You're OK."

Gerard knew he was very far from OK, but he was with Frank, and somehow that made everything a little easier to bare.

*

*

*

The rest of the train journey was long and exhausting and spent almost entirely inside their private room, as Gerard was too jittery and scared to be around anyone except for Frank.

Frank had arranged with the waiter for their meals to be brought to them, and every time the knock came to their door, Gerard would curl in on himself and refuse to look up until they were alone again.

But finally they had gotten off of the train, spent another thirty five minutes on a bus from the New Jersey tunnel to Teterboro airport, where Gerard panicked until Frank explained that they were just there to collect his car, and fifteen minutes in the car to Frank's house...but now they were home, except...Gerard had never been in this house, so there was nothing that could help with his memories.

"I know it's not much..."

Frank said as he showed Gerard around the ground floor.

"But it's ours."

Gerard turned his head from where he was looking at a photo of the two of them taken somewhere hot and bright...he didn't remember where of course.

"Ours?"

Frank stepped closer, carefully taking Gerard's hand.

"Yeah...I mean...when I bought and furnished this place, I had you in mind. I always pictured how you would react. I could almost see you shaking your head and rolling your eyes when I bought that clock."

He pointed behind Gerard. Gerard turned and eyed the clock curiously, then turned back and rolled his eyes.

"That's r-ridiculous."

He said of the Garfield clock. Frank laughed.

"I was right."

Gerard laughed lightly.

"Where was th-this taken?"

He pointed to the photograph...they looked really young. Frank smiled.

"That was just after you graduated...just after we got engaged. I took you to Vagas to visit a college buddy of mine..."

Frank chuckled.

"The guy was a total stoner in college, but he's a kick ass shrink now..."

He tilted his head slightly.

"Would you consider talking to him?...I mean...I know you don't remember anything, but he could help with your nerves."

Gerard frowned slightly.

"I-in Vagas?"

"Oh no no. No, he lives and works in Newark now."

Gerard chewed on his lip.

"Well...I g-guess it couldn't h-hurt."

"Cool. I'll give him a call tomorrow if you like?...see if he can see you this week."

Gerard nodded with a small smile. He moved back to examining what was now his home. After a while of Frank following him round, answering all the questions he had...Gerard's stomach rumbled softly. Frank chuckled as Gerard blushed pink.

"You hungry?...you want me to order pizza?"

Gerard nodded, trailing Frank to the kitchen where he opened a drawer revealing about a hundred take out menus. Gerard raised an eyebrow and glanced around the kitchen.

"C-can you c-cook?"

He asked, unsurely.

"Can I?...yes. Do I?..."

Frank smirked.

"Probably not as often as I should..."

He grabbed a pizza menu and pulled his cell out of his jeans pocket.

"You used to like the Quattro formaggi...you want that?"

Gerard tilted his head.

"I can't even pr-pronounce that. W-what's in i-it?"

Frank chucked.

"It means four cheeses."

Gerard smiled, licking his bottom lip before trapping it between his teeth and nodding enthusiastically. Frank swallowed hard...he really shouldn't be having the thoughts he was having right now, just caused by the younger man's tiny, innocent action. Frank had to remind himself that Gerard may be/have been (he still wasn't sure which) his fiancé...but he didn't remember that, and despite everything they'd done together in the past, and everything Gerard had been through these last five years...he was basically an innocent boy again. Frank had to keep himself in check.

Frank lead the way back into the living room and pointed to the shelves upon shelves of DVDs.

"Why don't you pick something to watch while I order our food baby...sorry..."

He corrected, seeing Gerard look down at the pet name.

"Force of habit. I'll try to stop doing that if it makes you uncomfortable?"

Gerard shook his head and looked up with red cheeks.

"I...I like it."

Frank grinned then shooed Gerard toward the DVDs before dialling the number and placing the order.

After a conversation that took about five minutes longer than it should because the girl on the other end of the line was apparently a moron who probably didn't even know what cheese was...Frank hung up and turned to see Gerard sat crosslegged on the couch holding his chosen DVD case in his hands. Frank raised an eyebrow.

"Finding Nemo?...really?..."

Gerard looked at the case for a moment then looked back up with a grin and a nod.

"Ok then."

Frank took the case and put in the DVD before sitting down next to Gerard. He kind of expected Gerard to lean against him as he started the movie...he didn't expect him to climb into his lap and let out a content little sigh.

"Comfy baby?"

Gerard nodded and Frank wrapped an arm around him as the opening scene began.

About half an hour into the movie, the doorbell rang and Gerard squeaked fearfully, burying himself into Frank's shirt.

"It's just the food baby...I gotta get up."

Gerard reluctantly crawled off of Frank and pulled a throw cushion to his chest for comfort. Frank got up, grabbed his wallet from the pocket of his jacket that was hanging on the bannister at the bottom of the stairs, and went to answer the door.

The rest of the evening was pizza, Nemo (twice), and The Lion King, which had to be turned off cause Gerard didn't like when Mufasa died.

At a little after 10, Gerard was yawning into Frank's neck, as he had migrated back into Frank's lap when they'd finished eating.

"You tired baby?...wanna go to bed?"

Gerard yawned again and nodded sleepily. Frank smiled, turned off the TV, and scooped him up into his arms. Gerard clung on tight, nuzzling into Frank's chest as the older man carried him up the stairs to their room.

"You sure you're ok with this?..."

Frank indicated the large double bed.

"I could sleep on the floor if you'd be more comfortable?"

Gerard shook his head, holding in another yawn.

"W-want you to h-hold me...like b-before."

Frank wasn't sure if Gerard meant when he was in the hospital, and then on the train...or if he meant before he was taken. Either way, Frank wasn't going to say no.

"Ok baby..."

He set Gerard down on the edge of the bed and crossed to the dresser. He pulled out two pairs of pyjama pants and returned to the quiet boy's side. He handed over a pair with Batman logos all over them.

"You change in here, I'll go in the bathroom...ok?"

Gerard nodded and Frank turned and headed off to change. When he returned after a few minutes, he found Gerard snuggled under the covers waiting for him. He smiled and slid in next to him. Gerard cuddled into his side and sighed happily.

"Goodnight baby."

Frank cooed as he pressed a soft kiss to Gerard's forehead then clicked off the bedside lamp.

*

*

*

It was nearly midnight according to the little red numbers on the clock next to the bed, and Gerard was still awake. He couldn't sleep in a new place it seemed, and it was annoying him. With a small huff, he wriggled out of Frank's arms and out of the bed, then tiptoed out of the room and downstairs...maybe a drink of milk would help him to sleep.

Gerard shuffled into the kitchen. He didn't bother with the light, and just walked over to the drainer where his glass from earlier was now dry.

His hand was on the glass when some sense or other made him look up at the window over the sink. He gasped in fright as he saw someone stood out there in the back yard, staring right back at him.

Shaking with fear, Gerard backed out of the kitchen then turned and ran fast back up the stairs and into the bedroom. He practically threw himself back into the bed and buried himself against a somehow still sleeping Frank, pulling the covers up over his head and trying really hard to make himself believe that that hadn't just happened.

He didn't fall asleep until the sun was starting to rise.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks, how’s you?

So it’s only three days since I updated this, but I decided to put another chapter up...thank you thePetetoherPatrick for being the only person to reply when I asked about doing this on twitter. <3
Hope you enjoyed it.

Until next time...PLEASE COMMENT and peace out babies!
<3