Let Me Be the One to Save You

Do you know when you stay over somewhere for the first time? You wake up expecting to be alone in your own room and you're not. That's exactly what had just happened to me.

I had snapped my eyes open expecting to be on my small single dorm room mattress but instead I found myself buried in a mountain of blankets. I nearly jumped 5 feet when I heard the sound of snores coming from the opposite side of the room but relaxed dramatically when I remembered that they were only Gerard's. My body relaxed dramatically against the warm bed and I sunk down against the sheets. Gerard's tiny snores were the only noise to be heard in this pitch black room.

I snapped my eyes closed and steadied my breathing, remembering everything that happened last night. Austin, I broke up with Austin. But Gerard he was doing drugs. Well at least that's what I thought and I was dumb enough to ask him about it.

If I wasn't in the same room as the sleeping Gerard I would've smacked myself across the forehead right about now. Stupid. Why was I so fricken stupid? I guess I just couldn't help it. He had done so much for me since I met him and now that I saw what I saw it I had the strange urge to help him. It was clear to me he needed someone but he just wouldn't let anybody come in. He was so quick and defensive about the whole subject which made it hard for me to even think about bringing it up again. I shook my head against the mushy pillow and sat up in the bed.

I shoved the endless amounts of blankets off my torso and grabbed at the floor in search of my phone. My fingers brushed over different materials all of which I'd rather not look down to see, as I'm sure there was at least one article of food rotting away down there along with god knows what else.


Finally I got the silver flip phone in my hand and I flipped it up to see the baby blue screen filled with about 20 missed calls. All of them were from Austin. I rolled my eyes and quickly deleted them from my history before checking the time. 9:30 I squinted in surprise at the time and placed my phone gently on the floor. 9:30? Then why the hell was it so dark in here? I mean I guess we were in a basement but the small window he had should at least put off a little light.

I looked to the window adjusting my eyes to the dark light that surrounded me until I saw it. A small golden ray peeking out of a corner on the otherwise dark window. That's when I realized it had been covered with something. Maybe Gerard did it in the middle of the night or early this morning. I sat on the bed now, my body facing the area with the couch that held a still snoring Gerard on it.

What did I do? Should I go wake him up? Or do I just lay in bed until he woke himself up? What if he slept until noon? The questions rattled through my brain making me feel like I was a kid again. I remember going to a few sleep overs and having a great time until it came to morning. I hated laying wide awake while my friends slept soundly beside me leaving me to debate and worry when and if they'll wake up.

I quickly shook my head at my childish memories and oh so quietly began to stand off the bed. Once my feet came in contact with the floor I flung them back up with a small squeak. There was something cold under my feet and if I could I would've cursed Gerard in that verymoment for never cleaning his floor. I put my feet down again, doing my best to avoid the other objects that lined the floor.

Once they were firmly planted I pulled my body up. My limbs groaned from under me and I quickly circled my torso around popping all my joints. I moved as slowly as I could to the bathroom, doing my best to keep Gerard asleep for at least a little bit longer if he didn't wake up himself.

Once inside I quickly used the bathroom and then stood on the cold tile for a second. My eyes caught sight of the shower and I suddenly became aware of how much I needed one. My hair was unbelievably greasy. Gerard wouldn't mind I'm sure actually if he was awake he'd be insisting I did. Without a second thought I flicked the lock on the bathroom door. A habit I acquired due to the amount of times frank would burst into the bathroom to straighten his hair or do his business while I was in the middle of showering.

I flicked on the tap and turned it all the way towards the hot water side. A burst of water and steam flowed throughout the small cubicle. Once I took off the clothes Gerard lent me and set out a few dry towels I found in the cabinet, I got in. The warm water soothed down my aching body making me tip my head back in pleasure and lean against the tiled wall. All my worries seemed to come off as I lathered in the steam and soap.

I couldn't tell you how long I stayed in there for but it was a good amount of time as I soaked up the calming water. I didn't stay in too long though in case either of the boys wanted a warm shower as well. Once I was fully dried off I put my clothes back on from yesterday. I ran my hands through my tangled mess of hair and then turned to the bathroom mirror. I let out a small smile once I noticed that the bruise on face was practically gone.

Only a single ring of purple edged around it which was way better than what it was yesterday. Nothing some concealer can't cover. My lip on the other hand was still a little puffy and held a small scab on the surface but all in all, it was way better. I took the pajamas I had used and piled them on the towel rack I had used for my clothes last night. I hung my damp towels and then headed for the door. I crept out of the room and walked back to the bed, keeping still and quiet. It's then that I noticed Gerard's snores were stopped creating a film of silence surrounding the whole room.

Footsteps creaking against the stairs made me jump a mile in the air and fall on the bed. I didn't even have time to look to see if Gerard was awakened by this as he himself walked down the stairs and into the room fully. Only his shadow could be seen due to the darkness but I knew it was him by his slightly thick, 5"10 frame.

"Oh good morning sunshine" he grinned, his voice husky and low from just waking up.

"Good morning, thanks for the fricken heart attack" He gave out a small chuckle and walked across the room.

"Sorry I thought you still might be in the shower so I went upstairs to grab us some coffee"

Suddenly whatever was blocking the window was taken down making sun to attack the once dark room. This made Gerard cover his eyes quickly before dropping the pillow on the floor. I simply laughed at the boy and sat on the bed.

"Hope you don't mind that I showered by the way"

He swirled his head towards me and then walked over to where I sat. In his hands he held two coffee mugs with small lines of steam evaporating out of the top.

"Of course I don't mind. I told you to make yourself at home didn't I?" I nodded at him defeatedly and took the mug of coffee he handed me silently.

He moved to his desk and plopped in the chair facing me as I took a deep gulp from the dark liquid.

"Well still, i'm Sorry if I woke you up with my shower" I said after a few moments of us silently sipping. He looked up at me from his mug and shrugged his shoulders.

"Don't be sorry, honestly if you hadn't I would've slept until around noon"

I laughed at him and took another deep sip of my coffee. The liquid burned as it flowed down meaning he just brewed it. The ground beans drifted through my nose making me feel very content.

"Now you sound like me" I pointed out .

"I only got up because I forgot where I was "

"You know I woke up confused as well. Especially when I heard the shower running but it only took a few seconds until I remembered you stayed over"

"Thank you again Gerard, I can't express how much you letting me stay here means to me"

He smiled from over his mug again and waved his hand trying to signal that it was no big deal.

"I enjoyed your company besides, you had a rough day. I couldn't live with myself if I just let you go back to the school all alone after what happened"

"Well you're too good to me seriously. I appreciate it"

It was silent again for a few minutes and I took in a deep inhale. I looked over at Gerard. He had his knees tucked under himself and his white cup grasped in both hands as his eyes watched the milky brown liquid .

"Hey Gerard, about last night"

At my words his body tensed dramatically and his head snapped up to me. His hazel eyes dug into mine with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

"Jess please I don't want to talk-" I

stuttered over my words, The look he gave me setting me way off track of my previous track.

"I'm just apologizing okay? Nothing more" I cut him off quickly. His body relaxed and I took in a deep breath.

"Just know that when you're ready to talk about it I'll be here alright?" My words caused a small smile to fall onto his lips and he let out a limp nod no doubt wanting this conversation to end already. "

I'll keep that in mind, thank you"

I nodded back and took another sip of my coffee. A thin silence had fallen over the two of us but neither of us seemed to mind it as we sipped on our coffees.

"What time did you need to go home by?" Gerard asked after a few minutes. He placed his empty cup on the desk next to him where it would no doubt stay untouched for a good week or two.

"Doesn't matter honestly, I usually go anywhere between now and noon. It usually depends on when I wake up. whenever you're sick of me you can bring me home"

He nodded understandingly with a chuckle and looked at the small clock that sat on his bed. I did the same noticing the time was a little after 10. "

Okay. D'ya mind if I take a shower myself then? You're welcome to stay down here or go upstairs and make yourself breakfast unless you'd rather me stop for something on the way"
I shook my head at the rambling boy. I noticed throughout the few months of knowing him that he would go into these unconfident ramblings. "

Of course I don't mind. I'm not really in the mood for breakfast but I'll gladly go have another cup of coffee"

I stood off the bed with another pop of my joins and he nodded. He stood off the chair he was sat at.

"Okay no problem at all. I'll change in the bathroom. Just come down when you're done and then I'll bring you home."

He walked past me and headed for the bathroom as I headed for the stairs. I couldn't help but feel a little sad about leaving. If it were up to me I'd stay in his room all day. Something about it made me feel safe and comforted, or maybe it was the owner.

I shook my thoughts away once I was up the steps and quickly walked to the kitchen. Once I did I noticed Mikey standing in front of the coffee pot, his back turned to me. His hair was slightly damp like mine and I saw that he was wearing his barns and nobles polo on top of a pair of plain jeans. He had the coffee pot tipped, spilling liquid into a travel mug.

"Jeez not going to save some for me?"

His body jumped violently at my words but he didn't spill any of the coffee due to the death grip he had on both the kettle and the cup. He turned around panting slightly and narrowed his eyes at me.

"Don't fucking do that" he huffed I chuckled at him and moved towards him.

"Well don't try to take all the coffee then" I teased, pulling the glass kettle from his hands and moving towards the counter.

"Oh don't play that shit with me. I saw Gerard walk down with two mugs of coffee"

I laughed at him as he began to dump spoons of sugar and cream into his cup and took a long sip. After I had filled my mug about halfway with the remaining coffee I did the same.

"And your point is? I need at least two cups to function properly" I pointed out. He rolled his eyes and pushed his glasses higher up his face.

"So how did you sleep down in that bottomless pit?" He asked He placed his coffee mug on the counter and then moved across the kitchen to put the cream back in the fridge.

"I slept pretty good actually. His bed is a lot better to sleep on compared to the ones they give us at school"

"That's why I stay living here, I'd miss my bed too much"

"Do you go to school at all Mikey?" I asked before taking a sip of coffee. His eyes light up slightly as he made it back to his spot against the counter.

"I do, I only take two classes though down at Essex community college"

"How is it there?" He shrugged his shoulders and produced a little laugh.

"It's alright. It's a school you know? I didn't really have a big master plan of what I want to do so I'm just going to slowly take classes until I drop out or get a degree" he shrugged. I looked up at the boy and nodded my head.

"Trust me mikes I'm not sure what I want to do but you know with this band? You guys got a good future ahead of you"

His cheeks flamed pink slightly and he shrugged me off.

"You sound like my grandma. She practically begged Gerard and me to start a band and even offered to buy us a van to start touring I just don't know if it's what I'm meant to be doing"

"Well let me ask you this mikey, does it make you happy?"

The boy nodded eagerly, his hair moving as he did.

"More than anything ever has. It feels so good to be up on stage and playing my music"

I smiled and stepped closer to him. I pressed an arm on his bony shoulder.

"Then that's what you're meant to be doing"

He opened his mouth with a wide smile and nodded his head at me.

"I'll take your word for it" He looked down at his phone suddenly and then flipped it shut and grabbed his coffee.

"I got to head out for work now or I'll be late" He shuffled to the table and began to collect his wallet and keys.

"Will I see you at the practice space tonight?" He asked and this caused me to shrug. I had no idea if I wanted to go or not tonight.

"Possibly?" I asked out causing him to chuckle and nod at me.

"Well if not I'll see you Monday at the gig, bye jess"

"Bye Mikey, have a good day at work" I called after him as he disappeared down the hall in a hurry.

I collected my now finished coffee mug and put it in the sink as I heard the door slam closed. I filled the mug with warm water in hopes of preventing a coffee ring and I let it sit off to the side. I looked at the time on the little stove clock and noticed it was pretty close to ten. Gerard had to be done with his shower by now. I walked down the hall, completely comfortable with the surroundings of the way household.

Once I made it down the stairs my prediction was right a I saw Gerard sitting on his bed pulling on his converse. He had on a pair of plain jeans that were extremely frayed near where the soul of his feet were. On top of that he had a black shirt that hugged his torso and displayed a bands name on it that I couldn't quite read. His hair was fluffy and not damp at all meaning he had obviously took the time to blow dry it.

"Have a good shower?" My words made his head snap up from his shoe as he looked at me.

"I did yeah, did you get coffee?"

"I did. Talked to Mikey before he ran out for work for a bit as well" "

Oh yeah? That's great. Mikey's easy to talk to" He bent down again and began to pull on his second shoe. I moved into the room more and headed for the desk.

"Yeah he is, he's a great kid. Even if he almost drank all he coffee" I picked up my drawing folder and flipped the cover back over it. I had to finish this either today or tomorrow.

"Us way boys love our caffeine"

"I didn't need to be told that" I said. I pushed it into my bag and then began to dig around in my bag in search for my makeup. I pulled out my clear little makeup bag and turned to Gerard who was now stood up looking ready to go.

"Is it alright if I just go put some makeup on? I want to try to cover this" I motioned to my eye making Gerard's eyes dim. He nodded though and motioned to where I already knew the bathroom was.

"Go for it, I'm in no rush"

I went to the bathroom and didn't even bother to lose the door as I put on the concealer. After a few minutes I had successfully covered the black eye leaving my with only a slightly puffy lip. It would have to work though. I stepped out of the bathroom to see Gerard sitting on his desk mindlessly doodling on a loose sheet of paper.

"All set"

Gerard lifted his head up and smiled at me. He dropped his pencil and stood up off of the chair.

"Ready to get going?"

I nodded at him and he looked around the room. "

Hey toss me my jacket" he said, pointing to the leather jacket that laid waiting for him on the bed beside my bag.

I pulled my bag off the end and slung it around my shoulder then picked up the leather coat and chucked it at him. It thudded against his hands and he simply tossed it over his shoulder before leading the way out of the room and up the stairs.

I followed quietly the whole time until we slid into his warm car. Without hesitation Gerard reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. I watched as he pulled two from his pack, light them both and handed one to me.

"Thanks" I mumbled simply as I pushed the stick into my mouth. It rested between my fingers limply as I inhaled deeply and let the smoke float into my lungs.

Gerard did the same, cranking his window down to let the clouds of white flow into the clean air. He then pushed the car into reverse and pulled from the driveway. I focused on the cigarette as the car went down the familiar streets and towards my house.

My body rested against the fabric of the seats my feet found their way on the dashboard. Gerard looked over at me and let out a deep chuckle.

"Comfortable?" He teased

"I am yes" I shot back in the same tone.

"Are you coming to practice tonight?" He asked after a few minutes.

The road we were down was extremely close to where my street was meaning I probably only had about two more minutes until I was home.

"I'm not sure. I have to finish my final so I might skip tonight" I said and Gerard nodded.

I couldn't help but notice his face deflate a little in disappointment. Whenever I went to practice with frank I always ended in the My Chem room . it was a tradition by now but tonight I just wanted to stay home and draw. I hadn't done that in awhile. The car pulled up to my house and Gerard pushed into park before turning towards me in his seat. "

Well I'll see you Monday then? Call me on Sunday and we can discuss what time I'll pick you up"

I nodded and pulled my feet off the dashboard. I pulled my bag up off the floor and looked at Gerard.

" I was thinking of coming home completely that day since it's my last class even if moving day isn't until Thursday"

"Well I can help with that too. "

"Okay"

I took in a deep inhale of the musty air around us.

"Thank you Gerard, for everything" I pushed open his car door and he looked at me with a shake of his head.

"Stop thanking me it was nothing. I'll see you Monday "

"See you Monday" And with that I pulled myself out of Gerard's car and pushed the door shut with a click of the hinges.

I turned away from the car and hurried to the steps of my house before I turned around. Gerard was still sitting there, watching me to make sure I got in the door. I chuckled and waved my hand at him. He waved quickly back before his car began to move backwards out of the driveway.

Once I was inside the house I heard two sounds that's brought an overwhelming sense of comfort to me. The first sound was the whaling of a guitar coming from franks room and the second was the sizzling of bacon coming from the stove. I kicked off my shoe leaving them at the door and then walked down the hall towards the kitchen.

When I walked in my dad was sitting at the oak table, the paper in his hands while his reading classes hung off the bridge of his nose. Bacons sizzled on the stove behind him while the radio crackled amounts the kitchen. Once I entered he pushed the paper down and smiled at me.

"Hey kid!" He grinned making me do the same and walk to where he sat.

"Hey pops, how's it going?"

I reached down and pushed my hands across his chest. He pulled me into the small hug and kissed the side of my head before letting me stand up.

"Just making breakfast for you two, I was hoping you'd be coming soon"

"But I do have one question" he said and I froze in my spot, looking within questionably.

"Who dropped you off this morning? Did Austin get a car?"

I raised an eyebrow at him and leaned against the counter. My arms folded against my chest as I did so.

"First off how did you know that someone dropped me off? There's no way you can see the driveway from in here"

His face pulled with a bright smile and he pulled his glasses off.

"Good dads always know"

I narrowed my eyes at him again. "

I just got the paper off the porch when I saw the car pull up so I looked out the window. I also know that that boy wasn't Austin so I again I ask, who was he?"

I chuckled at my father and shook my head. He was never the concerned or over protective type. He simply was overly curious about every little thing we did.

"It was Gerard dad, you know franks friend"

He nodded in realization

"Oh yeah! I remember him. But why were you with him?"

I chuckled and began to slowly inch my way out of the door. I took in a deep breath.

"I got into a fight with Austin last night and we broke up. I took a ferry back to New Jersey and Gerard found me walking home so he let me crash at his place"

With my words my dad dropped the paper all together. The look on his face made me want to laugh out loud as it looked nothing less than relieved.

"Wait you dumped that kid finally?" The excitement in his voice rose to a high level and he cleared his throat.

"How sad, I'm sorry honey"

I rolled my eyes and moved past my fathers chair. A huge smile tugged on my lips and I patted his shoulder as I passed him.

"Yeah I can tell you're really sad about it dad" I mocked He laughed as well and I stood in the doorway. He scraped his chair back and stood up to head to the stove.

"You just deserve a lot better Babes and I'm glad you finally realized that"

"Well I did dad, he's no more"

He began to flip the sizzling bacon with a fork.

"Well that's the best news I've heard all month. Go grab your brother will you? I'll start making some eggs"

I nodded and strides out of the kitchen with a smile. I was lucky to have the dad we did, he was incredibly supportive and extremely laid back. He cared more about my breakup than the fact that I stayed over some boys house. Even if he did know who Gerard was, most parents would flip. He picked his battles though.

When I got outside franks room the guitar noise didn't stop. I even stood for a few seconds, listening to the small riffs he produced. With a swift motion I pushed open the door making it slam harshly against his wall.

The noise made his fingers slip and scrape against the strings as his head popped up. He quickly silenced the strings and smirked up at me from where he sat on his bed.

"Hey! You're early" he exclaimed in surprise.

He eyes narrowed teasingly. I rolled my eyes and walked into his room. He pushed his guitar off of his lap and stood off the bed.

"Why are you early? Was there no traffic in the city?

" He questioned, pulling my body in a for a quick hug. He pulled away from me and then his eyes narrowed in on my face. I knew he would though, he was too observant.

"And what the hell happened to your lip? Did you get into a bar fight or something?"

He chuckled at himself and I rolled my eyes at the twenty questions game he was playing.

"Actually I came back to jersey last night" I started, making frank flick his eyes to me in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

I began to walk around his room, admiring the familiar posters of horror movies and bands that covered the dull paint job.

"Me and Austin got into a pretty big fight last night and some things happened-"

"What kind of things?" Frank added suddenly.

His voice was low and his teeth were clenched. I sighed and shook my head at him.

"Things frank now will you let me finish?"

It was quiet for a few seconds and he kept looking at me. His jaw was tight and rigid and I sighed at him.

" I broke up with him."

At my words much like my dad, franks face perked up. His teeth poked from under his pink teeth and his entire face loosened.

"Wait you did?!"

"You and dad are so much alike" I laughed, shoving his shoulder slightly.

"I Did, the relationship was too toxic for me. I had to get out of there. So I broke up with him and took a ferry back here"

Frank fell onto the edge of his bed, listening intently to what I had to say. His feet swung against the carpet as he did so.

"That's when Gerard found me before he went to work and I just couldn't show up here so I crashed over there until this morning"

He nodded at me with a small smile and then patted the space beside him. I quietly walked across the small room and fell beside him. In an instant his skinny arm was slung around my shoulders as he brought me close.

"How come you didn't tell me he was hurting you?"

The question came out of his mouth softly. No anger was hidden behind his words, only confusion. I sighed against my brother and shrugged my shoulders. I could've easily denied what frank just accused but it wouldn't make sense. I knew he knew, there was no running from that.

"It only happened one time before. That was months back when Gerard brought me to practice for the first time. I didn't want to say anything because I thought it would be the only time, I was wrong"

His eyes flicked down to me and he shifted so we were facing each other.

"Gerard knew?"

I searched franks face for any emotions. The only thing I could find was a hint of a sad smile and relief. No anger or disappointment which made my chest lighten up dramatically.

"Yeah, I didn't mean for him to but when he offered me a ride back I just lost it. That's why I just went with him last night, he understood. I'm sorry I didn't come to you though frank I just knew you would've taken it out of control"

He looked at me, his eyes that were almost identified to mine glistened in front of me. He chewed on his bottom lip and took a deep breath into his lungs. He released it causing the warm air to push at his hair.

"Don't be sorry, it's not your fault. I would've killed the bastard, I still want to. But he's gone right?" He aske to which I nodded

"I haven't talked to him since and if I see him at school I'll ignore him. Monday is my last day anyway and then I won't seem him again unless he comes back"

"But between me and you he failed all his classes, he won't be coming back"

Frank let out another chuckle and nodded. He pushed out a slow and steady breath and brought a hand to rubs this face.

"I'll come to school with you Monday and help pack your stuff up okay?"

"Well Gerard offered too" I said and this created a smirk to fall upon his lips. His eyes lifted in confusion.

"You and Gerard really get along yeah?

" He raised his eyebrows in such a fashion that made my jaw drop. I shoved his body harshly as he erupted in school girl laughter. "

He gets me okay? Nothing more nothing less" I snapped

"Okay okay sorry I'll shut up"

"But I'm going to come Monday too okay? That way if that kid gets anywhere near you I'll take care of it"

I sighed but nodded at frank. My only option was to agree, I had no other choice. He was coming wether I gave the okay or not so I might as well accept it.

"As long as you play nice" I pointed out and he shrugged his shoulders. I stood off of the bed and held my hands out to pull my brother up.

"No promises" I chuckled as he stood up.

"Dad made breakfast, lets go downstairs" I said and he nodded.

Before either of us could move however he pulled my body close to his. I hugged him back, my body squishing against his with a force that took me off guard. "

Frankie"

"Don't ever be afraid to come to me again okay? I never want you feeling like you have to go through shit like that alone"

I pulled away from my brother and looked at him. His eyes were slightly glossy but I knew he'd never let a tear shed in front of me. However I could see the concern radiating off his body, he wanted to yell. He wanted to scream and go run to my rescue but he wouldn't. He wanted to stay calm for me.

"I promise frank, I'm sorry"

He pulled me to him again and rested his face in my neck.

"Don't be sorry okay? I'm just happy you got out of there. I'm proud of you"

I nodded against him and held him tighter. The hug lasted for a few minutes and consisted of no more talking. We just sat there in our embrace. He finally pulled apart and brushed a piece of hair from my face. I did the same to him mockingly and he scrunched his face up.

"I love you" I smirked and then we both began to head it the door.

"Love you too franks"

Notes

Hey guys! Here you go, just a small filler! how is everyone liking it?? It would really help if you guys would
gice some feedback so I even know if people are still reading/ enjoying it! And if you are thank you so much!