The Apprentice

The ride back felt like forever and Michael felt even worse because he was enjoying it as well as a conversation with Patrick...well it wasn't conversation per say...he had nothing interesting to add, but he listened. The rain was pouring down outside the carriage and Michael was worried about Gerard more than even now. As they arrived at the Iero estate, Patrick turned to look at his companion. He saw him chewing his lip nervously.

"We'll get this sorted out Mikey. Your friend will be alright."

He tried to assure, reaching over to pat the boy's cold hand.

"Yes, Sir."

When they arrived the rain was really coming down. Michael wanted Patrick to go into the house where it was dry, but he insisted on coming with him. They both ran across the field to where the whipping post was. They skidded to a halt and stared in horror. Gerard wasn't being whipped anymore. The rain had become too much for Robert apparently, so he had retreated inside and left the thin unconscious boy to the elements.

Patrick didn't have words.

"This...shit!..."

He shuddered before hurrying forward to start pulling at the ropes that held the boy up.

"Mikey, help me."

Michael took his coat off and covered the boy up. He then scooped him up into his arms. Patrick pulled the second rope loose, freeing the boy.

"Let's get him inside, quickly."

He opened his own coat to wrap around Michael's back and nodded toward the house as he put his hand under Gerard's head to hold it up. Frank was relaxing by the fireplace. Lindsey and Jamia had gone home when the rain started. He jumped when the doors to the veranda opened and Patrick appeared with Michael and a drowned rat in his arms.

"What is going on?"

Patrick scowled at him but didn't answer. He led Michael over to the sofa closest to the fire.

"Lay him down here, then go fetch some warm towels and dry clothing...I will stay with him."

He gave Michael a reassuring smile. Michael smiled back and then ran to the servant's quarters.

"So what brings you by again Patrick?"

"Shut up Frank..."

Patrick snapped as he worked on removing the beaten boy's wet trousers.

"Come on kid, stay with us."

He muttered through clenched teeth.

"Whoa, I'm not interested in seeing that."

Frank got up and left the room. Patrick ignored him as he peeled the soaked fabric off of the boy's thin legs. Gerard's skin felt like ice, and Patrick worried that he wasn't going to make it

"Here I brought...oh...I..."

Michael turned away quickly. He had been friends with Gerard for years now, but he had not seen him like this since he was 10. It was embarrassing for both of them. Patrick looked up.

"Don't be shy Mikey. We need to get him dry and warm else we could...we could lose him."

He held out his hand toward Michael.

"Come and help me."

Michael got down onto his knees.

Patrick took one of the towels from Michael's hands.

"You start drying his arms, chest, and face...I'll work on his legs and...you know."

He blushed slightly, indicating the frozen boy's crotch.

"Yes good...I can..."

Michael went to work. Frank stood around the corner. From his view, he couldn't see the servant's face, but he had a good view of his body. Patrick worked quickly, rubbing at the ice-cold skin of the boy's feet before moving up his shins then thighs. He was becoming increasingly concerned that Gerard wasn't showing any signs of waking up.

"’e will be alright won't 'e?"

"I...I don't know. He's so cold."

" 'e 'as no fireplace in 'is room. Only the master servant does."

"Well, we're not moving him until he wakes anyway. Didn't you say it was his master that did this?"

"Yes, an' 'e seems to be gone."

"Probably ashamed of what he's done to this poor boy..."

Patrick rubbed the towel over the boy's limp cock, and around his hips.

"Help me turn him over, we need to dry his back."

Michael carefully turned Gerard over and heard a small groan. Patrick sighed in relief.

"Sounds like he's still with us..."

Then he saw the torn skin of the boy's back and hissed in a breath.

"Fuck..."

He breathed.

"That looks bad. Can you fetch some alcohol and dressings please Mikey."

"Yes, Sir."

Michael left the room again.

"Come on Gee, time to wake up."

Patrick murmured as he continued to dry the boy's skin, avoiding the cuts for now. Gerard groaned quietly but didn't wake. Frank watched how careful Patrick was being and couldn't understand it. The boy was just a servant. He guessed it was maybe how his mother felt about Elena, but then again she had known Elena before he was born. Before she was even married to...Frank pushed aside thoughts of his father.

"Come on Gee..."

Patrick urged.

"You need to wake up...show him he hasn't won."

He had dried the boy as much as he could and was just waiting for Michael and the dressings now. Frank was taken back by Patrick's words. What did he mean by that comment? He was about to barge in when Michael returned.

"Sorry, that took so long. I got clothes and found out that Robert was dismissed."

Patrick looked up, smiling softly at the boy.

"That's good...I got the impression the other day that Robert maybe wasn't all he seemed..."

He held out his hand.

"Come help me clean these wounds...we need to make sure we get any grit or dirt out before we dress them."

"Since Robert is gone, we could use 'is room."

Frank watched as they lifted the boy and carried him out of the room. He then went back in and looked at the spot where he was.

"Doesn't matter, just a servant."

He then left for the kitchen to find something to eat.

***Time Stamp: One Month Later***

Elena was proud of her grandson. With Robert gone, he became the master chimney sweep. It was hard work and dedication, but Lady Iero commented that the floos were always clean and never a problem with the fires. Now, though, she saw him dressed as she had never before.

"Tell me again why 'e 'as to do this mum?"

"Because I need all the help I can get for this party."

Gerard pulled at the collar of the shirt he'd been forced into...it felt tight and restrictive.

"I feels like I's gonna cook in this Grandma."

He moaned quietly.

"Hush now, you will be fine. Just serve the food and then stand by the wall in case any assistance is needed."

"Are yer sure 'e can do it mum?

"'e has no training."

"He will be fine."

Elena went back to her cooking.

*

*

*

Frank was bored. Patrick had not spoken to him the whole party and Jamia had become enamored with a few guests from another country and he was stuck with having to field the girls coming up to him. He had danced with so many and listened to their bantering about nothing. He almost wished that the soot servant would appear so he would have something to do, but he would not show his dirty face around here.

"Here Gerard put this out at table five near the tomato dish."

Elena handed Gerard a silver platter with strange looking green tidbits on it.

"Yes, Grandma."

Gerard pulled at his collar slightly then took a breath and headed into the ballroom, platter in hand. He kept his eyes lowered a little as he made his way around the edge of the room toward table five. As he set the platter down, he looked up and just his luck; Frank was stood a few feet away from him. Gerard swallowed and turned to leave...maybe the young Lord hadn't noticed him. Frank figured the next best thing was food. That's when he saw a servant he had never seen before. He also noticed the boy was trying to hide. Maybe he wasn't one of theirs. He knew his mother employed more for the party. He walked over.

"What is that?"

He pointed to one of the plates with something purple on it. Gerard's eyes widened at being addressed.

"Um...that's purple asparagus sir."

He kept his head down, hoping Frank hadn't recognised him.

"Asparagus huh? Do you like it?"

"I never tried it, sir."

"Why not?"

"B'cos I'm not allowed, sir."

"And if you were...would you?"

"Yessir...I heard they're nice..."

Gerard shook his head.

"But I'm not allowed, sir."

Frank didn't know what it was about the boy, maybe it as because he was not his servant, but he decided to push it.

"So then I will try it and you can get a taste."

Gerard tipped his head. He didn't understand.

"Sir?"

"Plate me up some and I will share it with you."

"I couldn't sir...but I'll do y' a plate sir..."

Gerard picked up one of the gold edged plates and started putting some of the asparaguses onto it.

"There anything else you'd like sir?"

"Yes, come with me."

Frank motioned to the veranda. Gerard swallowed nervously, looking around to see if Elena was in view...she wasn't, and that made him even more nervous.

"Yessir."

He quietly followed obediently behind his Master. The air was cool even though it was summer. Frank felt the breeze as he walked out the door and sat on the bench waiting for the servant to appear. Gerard glanced back into the room then stepped outside. He walked over to where Frank was sat and held the plate out to him.

"Y' food sir."

It was too quiet out there. He could barely hear the people inside and knew they couldn't see him if they looked because of how dark it had become. It made him shift uncomfortably...he would much rather be up a chimney covered in soot right now. Frank took the plate and smiled. He cut the asparagus up and the picked up the piece.

"Open."

"Sir I shouldn't...I..."

"You also shouldn't argue with a guest either."

"Sorry, sir."

Gerard flustered out quickly with his eyes dropped to the floor before opening his mouth for the offered morsel. Frank watched how the perfectly round mouth fell open. The servant looked...he stopped himself and then placed the piece in his mouth. Gerard closed his lips around the piece of asparagus then chewed slowly, his eyes fluttering shut and an unintentional soft moan escaping his lips. His cheeks flushed.

"Well if you say it is that good, I guess I have to try it."

Frank smirked and took a piece in his own mouth.

"It is quite good I must say. Thank you for opening my eyes to it."

Gerard swallowed his piece and glanced back toward the doors they'd come out of.

"I should probably get back sir."

"Wait...what's your name."

"Uh...Gerard sir."

Gerard was certain now that Frank didn't recognise him, and that was a good thing.

"That's an unusual name for a servant. Who do you work for?"

Before Gerard could answer one of the stable hands found them.

"Oi Gerad, Elena bin lookin' fer ya!"

The stable boy, who was not used to being in the house saw the young Lord and apologized.

"Beggin' yer pardon M'Lord."

He bowed and then ushered Gerard back into the manor. Frank sat there still with many questions about the strange servant that intrigued him named Gerard.

Michael had been walking about trying to be comfortable in his suit. He much preferred the freedom of his britches and cotton shirts. Still, he felt kind of good when he ran into Patrick and he remarked how nice he looked. Michael actually blushed. It was stupid though. Patrick was way out of his league, but it was nice for a moment to be on his level. His thoughts were interrupted when he saw Gerard being pulled from the balcony by one of the stable hands. it was weird seeing them both dressed up and Gerard especially not covered in soot. Gerard was handling being soot master fairly well and was a bit more relaxed without Robert around. Michael had wondered if Robert was hurting the boy, but Gerard would never say. As he walked by the balcony he saw Frank out there...it raised his hackles. Maybe he was picking on Gerard again. Michael didn't care, he stormed out there.

"Ya can't stop can ya."

Frank looked up from his asparagus and saw Michael, but he wasn't in his usual attire. Instead, he was in a suit that didn't look half bad on him, but Frank would never say.

"Well don’t you clean up well Michael. I didn’t think they would try and put you in something decent, but I guess Elena needed a lot of help. Wait...does that mean that Cinderella is here too? Oh man, I wonder how ugly he is under all that soot. Maybe I can finally see."

Michael was about to say something when he realised...Frank didn't know he was talking to Gerard. He didn't recognise the boy all cleaned up.

"Did you need something Michael or were you going to stand there gawking like a fool?"

"Master Stump is looking for you."

"Huh. Surprised, he hasn't spoken to me since...."

Frank quieted down and Michael knew exactly what he was talking about.

"Tell him I am out here."

Michael bowed and left happy to know that Gerard was still safe. Still, he had lied about Patrick and had to fix it now. He quickly found the young man, he was with the same girl as before. She was laughing musically and touching his arm lightly with her gloved hand. Something inside Michael stirred, but he tamped it down as he walked over.

"Excuse me Master Stump; I have a personal message for you...privately."

Patrick looked up and smiled a little wider, and much more genuinely...the girl was totally too full of herself, certain she had Patrick hooked. She was wrong.

"Yes, of course, Michael..."

He grinned before schooling his face to look at the girl.

"If you will excuse me..."

He bowed politely then turned and gestured for Mikey to walk with him. Once they were out of earshot, Patrick looked at Mikey and grinned wide.

"Thank you for that Mikey...she was far too sure of herself and between you and me?...she's not my type..."

Michael was taken back by Patrick's informality. It made him stammer a bit.

"I fear I put you in a bad place, Sir. I fibbed in order to save face with M' Lord."

Patrick raised an eyebrow, a chuckle on his lips.

"Please Mikey, if it is just us, please call me Patrick..."

He sighed then, his smile slipping slightly.

"Now tell me, what has Frank done this time?"

"It's actually what ‘e ‘asn't done. ‘e was talking to Gerard, but ‘e didn't know it. I don't think ‘e knows what Gerard looks like not covered in soot."

"Oh?...well that's interesting."

Patrick rubbed his chin in thought.

"You said something about a bad place?"

"Well I went out there to yell at ‘im, but when I realised ‘e didn't know Gee...I needed a excuse to talk to ‘im....so I used you."

Michael ducked away. Patrick sighed again. He reached out and gently touched Michael’s shoulder.

"It's alright..."

He said softly.

"I should probably talk to Frank anyway. I mean...who else is going to call him on his nonsense?"

Michael shivered at the touch.

"Yeah, well I better get back before Elena skins me."

Michael chuckled. Patrick laughed, shaking his head fondly.

"Just point her in my direction if she tries it..."

He smiled at the boy.

"I'll be talking to Frank...I suppose..."

He grimaced then grinned.

"See you later."

*

*

*

Frank was still thinking about the strange beautiful servant when he saw Patrick.

"Master Stump."

"Frank."

Patrick walked over to the railing next to Frank and leaned on it, looking out into the darkened garden.

"You know I have a title now. You should be addressing me as such."

"And do you think you deserve that title Frank?"

Frank growled.

"It doesn't matter it's mine."

"And I'll use it Frank...when you stop acting like an angry brat to everyone, and start acting more like a gentleman."

"What bullshit."

Frank scoffed.

"Next time don't use one of my servants to find me."

Frank left the balcony area. Michael ducked in from behind the curtain.

"Sorry."

Patrick shook his head, smiling at the boy.

"It's not your fault Mikey. Frank needs to get out of his own way before he'll get any genuine respect from anyone. He'll learn that one day...I hope."

"Yeah, I guess."

The party was winding down and Michael could not wait to get out of his suit. He tugged at the collar again. Patrick chuckled, stepping closer.

"May I?"

He pointed to Michael's tie.

"Oh...it’s alright. I mean it's coming off soon..."

"No no...here..."

Patrick carefully loosened the tie a little then undid Michael's top button and adjusted the tie so it looked like the shirt was still done up tight.

"Is that better Mikey?"

Michael watched Patrick's hands as he moved the fabric around. They looked soft and delicate without the gloves on. Michael wanted to know how soft.

"Mikey?..."

Patrick waved his hand in front of the boy's face, chuckling slightly.

"I lost you."

"Sorry Sir. It won't ‘appen again."

"No, you're alright...I do that sometimes too."

"I should..."

"Mikey I...sorry, you go first."

"No please don't...it's your right. I mean you are a Master and..."

"Mikey...shhh..."

Patrick chuckled.

"You started first, so you get to speak first. What were you going to say?"

"Nothing...I need to get back."

Michael looked at the young master one more time and then left.

Patrick sighed, then turned to look out over the gardens again. Donald was outside talking to a girl. They looked like they were arguing. Patrick couldn't hear what was being said, but it didn't look too good. Donald started to gesture wildly and the girl, who he recognized as Donna, Gerard’s mother, started to point at him. Patrick looked back at the party. No one was paying him any mind right now, so he headed to the end of the terrace and down the steps into the garden. He walked quietly toward the arguing pair. He wouldn't interfere unless things became physical.

"No, 'e can't 'andle it, Donna!"

"Yes, 'e can! It's been 16 years. 'e 'as a right to know!"

"We could get in so much trouble, though. I don' wan' either of us to lose our 'ome!"

Patrick frowned slightly but continued to listen quietly.

"That won' 'appen. Elena would protect us."

"Elena isn't in charge, that lil' arse is and 'e would take great pleasure in tossing the four of us!"

Patrick knew they meant Frank, and as much as he would like to be able to defend his friend, he also knew they were right.

"It wouldn't be so bad. Then we could be together...like a real family."

Patrick thought he knew what they were talking about, but he wasn't 100% certain. He stood in the dark, hidden behind the trunk of the large oak tree that he, Frank and Mikey used to climb as kids.

"I want that to Donna, I do, I just..."

Donald pulled Donna in close.

"You know 'e looks like you a little."

"I never get to see 'im with a clean face."

That makes Donna laugh. Patrick smiled to himself...they were obviously speaking of Gerard, the little soot boy.

"Michael needs 'im too."

"Aww 'e takes care of 'im just fine."

"Yeh, but 'e deserves to know he has a real brother."

Patrick thought that Michael deserved that...and more.

"I should go, Elena will be lookin' fer me."

"Just one before you go?"

Donna smiled shyly and then let Donald lift her chin and kiss her.

Patrick smiled and turned to head back to the house.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks...how's you?

So Gerard and Mikey all dressed up...anyone else picturing that right now?

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