The Apprentice

***Time Stamp: December***

In the five months since Gerard's accident, things had changed a lot. Gerard's health was bad, his lungs weak, causing bad coughing fits on occasion, and he'd been ordered by the Iero's doctor to stop working up the chimneys, as further exposure to the soot in them would only make his condition worse, and could very easily kill him. So a new soot master was brought in from outside the estate, and Gerard was back to trying to find his calling in life.

He tried helping to polish the silver, but there was something in the powder the household staff used that his damaged lungs didn't like...so that didn't work. He tried to help with the dusting, but being rather clumsy, it was less than a week before he had smashed three vases and been told to never pick up a feather duster again.

It was frustrating, and Gerard was worried that if he couldn't do anything but chimney work, then there would be no place for him, and he would end up out on the streets, begging for food. That's why he kept trying different jobs, hoping to find a good fit.

On the up-side, he didn't have to worry about Frank and his wicked tongue, and his cruel words, as his Master had gone away a few days after the accident. Gerard thought it was probably due to Lady Iero, as she had been surprisingly open in her anger toward Frank when she found out that he'd known Gerard was trapped, yet done nothing about it.

He also had another nice surprise when he finally awoke to find out that the gardener, Don, was actually his father...and that meant that Michael was his half-brother. Gerard was very happy when he found that out.

There had apparently been a lot of talk between Lady Iero and Gerard's parents while he was ill, and even though the relationship between Don and Donna should not have happened, Lady Iero forgave them, and said that now everything was out in the open, they could actually be a family. She arranged for a small cottage to be built for them on the grounds, but until that was done, Donna moved into the gardener's tiny hut with him, while Michael moved into Donna's old room in the house, just two doors down from Gerard's room, so he could help him if he was sick...which unfortunately happened quite often now.

Having exhausted almost all job options within the house, it was suggested by Patrick, who had been around a lot since Frank left, that Gerard tried working with his father and brother in the gardens. As it turned out, that was an excellent idea. Gerard enjoyed the fresh air and as long as he wrapped up warm, the doctor said that it should do him some good. He also liked the fact that he was covered in dirt most of the time, as he felt less on show when he was hidden in muck...like when he did the chimneys.

He wasn't sure how he felt about seeing Patrick around so much, as the gentleman was there under the pretext of helping to run the estate while Frank was away, but spent more time than Gerard felt was entirely necessary talking to Michael. Gerard knew that Michael was capable of taking care of himself, but it didn't stop him worrying about his older brother.

It was nearing Christmas now, just over one week to go. There were candles and decorations everywhere and there was a light snow on the ground. Gerard was, once again, sick.

"Urgh...Mikey I don' feel good."

He whined quietly as he shivered and hugged his blanket around himself, curling up on his bed. Michael had come in to wake him up to start the day, but Gerard's chest felt tight and his muscles ached. He looked up at Michael with pleading eyes.

"I'm sorry Gee. I hope this bout ends before the holiday is upon us."

Gerard coughed heavily into his hand for a moment, the action shooting pain throughout his thin body.

"You are staying in bed today. I will have Grandma bring you soup."

Michael smiled. He had a grandmother now. Gerard looked up at his brother, smiling tiredly because he could call him that.

"Thank you Mikey."

"Sleep now."

Michael kissed his little brother on the head and left.

"Oh excuse me."

He bumped into someone in the hall.

"Patrick....I mean Master Stump."

"Good morning Mikey..."

Patrick smiled at the boy.

"How are you today?"

"I'm well Sir thank you, but Gerard's sick again."

Patrick's smile dropped slightly.

"Again?...how many times is that since the weather changed...three?...four?"

Five actually."

Michael sighed.

"I just 'ope 'e will be alright by Christmas."

Patrick placed his hand reassuringly on Michael's shoulder.

"I'm sure he will be Mikey, but could you do me a favor please?"

"Of course Sir, what can I do for you?"

Patrick grinned wide.

"You can stop calling me sir, and call me Patrick. Would you do that please?...for me?"

"I...it isn't..."

Michael was at a loss.

Patrick raised an eyebrow at him.

"We are friends, aren't we?"

"Perhaps we were when we were younger, but I know my place now and it is not appropriate for you to be seen with a servant and..."

Patrick laughed as he put his hand up over Michael's mouth, silencing him.

"Gosh Mikey..."

He chuckled, looking at the younger boy's suddenly wide eyes over his hand.

"We are friends. To Hell with what anyone else thinks."

He lowered his hand, his smile slipping a little.

"Unless you don't wish to be friends?"

"No! I mean...no, I don't mind bein' friends…"

Michael blushed.

"I like when you call me Mikey. It sounds different than when Gerard does it."

"I should hope it does!"

Patrick exclaimed with a slight smirk.

"But speaking of Gerard, do you need to get him anything...medicine, soup?"

"He's sleepin' now. I'm going to 'ave Elena bring him soup later."

Patrick nodded, glancing at the younger boy's closed bedroom door, then back to Michael.

"Can I walk with you?"

"I was just 'eading to the kitchen, but yeah you can."

Patrick smiled.

"Lead the way."

They walked in a comfortable silence for a minute or two before Patrick spoke again.

"Lady Iero informed me that Frank is returning soon. Either today or tomorrow according to the letter she received."

He looked at Michael for his reaction.

"Oh...I didn't even know why 'e left other than Lady Iero’s anger towards him."

Patrick let out a short breath of a laugh.

"I think that was a part of it, but I'm almost certain there was another reason, though I haven't figured out what."

"I see...well I guess we should get the place ready for the Lord to return."

Patrick shook his head with a sigh.

"I still can't get used to that. He will always just be Frank to me."

"Lucky you."

Michael murmured.

"Hey Ele...."

"Michael..."

"Sorry grandma, uh Gee is sick again and needs soup and the Lord will be home in a few days."

"I see. Well I will alert the household. Here..."

She handed him a bowl of steaming vegetable broth.

"...take this to your brother."

"Yes grandma."

Patrick nodded to the older lady with a quick wink, then followed Michael back out of the kitchen and down the hallway.

"I need to go and speak to Lady Iero, but I'll see you later...yes Mikey?"

"Yes sir."

Michael bowed and then continued to Gerard's room.

Frank looked out the window of his carriage. It had been nearly half a year he was gone. The green of summer changed to the white of winter. It was beautiful. It reminded him of another pale creature. He shook his head.

"Stay focused Frank."

"We are here My Lord."

"I will be just a moment."

Frank climbed out of the carriage and headed into the shop.

*

*

*

Gerard was curled up in his bed, blanket wrapped tight around him and his eyes closed. He felt sick and dizzy and every time he opened his eyes he thought he was about to die. His grandmother's broth had helped take the chill from his bones a little, but he knew it would do no real good if it didn't stay in his stomach.

His room was dark, despite it being early afternoon, as Mikey had nailed up heavy drapes that Master Stump had acquired for him, over his small window. The dark was soothing.

He was just slipping off to sleep again when his door opened, and a shaft of cold winter sunlight fell straight across his closed eyes. He groaned weakly, curling up more.

"How are y' feelin' son?"

Don walked into the room. He smelled like earth and home.

"Like I's gonna die, papa."

Gerard whimpered, pulling the blanket up over his eyes to shut out the light.

"Well then I guess Michael gets all your gifts for the holiday."

Gerard stilled, then pulled the blanket down an inch to peep over the top at his father.

"I gets gifts?"

He asked quietly in surprise. He'd never really received anything except a piece of fruit, or a couple of charcoal sticks to draw with.

"Of course y' do boy, it's our first family Christmas after all."

Don ruffled his hair.

"Think y' can be better by then?"

Gerard nodded slightly.

"I think so pa..."

His voice cracked slightly and he started coughing violently again...black and red spots on his pillow as he tried to breathe through the pain, his eyes watering.

"Doc said there was nothin’ they could do huh?"

Gerard sobbed slightly as the coughing fit finally ended. He shook his head, eyes closed again and he couldn't find the strength to open them. Don left the boy to sleep.

"How is he?"

He saw Donna.
"Not good. I'm worried for ‘im. I don’t want to lose ‘im when ‘e just learned who I am."

Donna stepped into Don's arms.

"We won’t. Something good will ‘appen. You 'ave to believe in miracles during the ‘olidays."

"I hope you're right Donna, I hope you're right."

***Time Stamp: December 21^st***

Patrick was just leaving the drawing room where he'd been taking tea with Lady Iero, when he glanced out of the large window and saw a carriage pulling up. He sighed, knowing straight away who it was. He turned back to the Lady of the house.

"Frank has returned."

Lady Iero rolled her eyes slightly.

"Well, tell him that as long as he shows respect, and apologises to that poor boy for leaving him up the chimney...then he is welcome and I will be happy that he is here for Christmas."

Patrick smiled and nodded.

"I'll go greet him then."

He bowed and left the room, stepping into the entrance hall just as the butler opened the large front door, and a slightly snow covered Frank stepped inside.

"Hello Frank..."

Patrick said cooly.

"How have you been?"

When Frank looked up he heard Patrick gasp. He knew he looked different now. Gone was the hair style of his youth replaced with a proper gentleman's style. He had also grown a beard from working the whole time and not much else. He took off his coat and handed it to the servant at the door.

"Patrick, you are looking well my friend."

Patrick forced his widened eyes to return to normal before offering a slight smile.

"Well you look...different."

"I feel different. I guess being in London will do that to you. Got much of Father's affairs in order, it was tough, but it did me some good to grow up a bit."

Patrick hummed and nodded in agreement, a serious expression on his face. Frank moved into the house. He nodded to the servants as he went through the house to the parlor where his mother was.

"Mother."

Lady Iero looked up and after a beat, held out her hand to him, a smile slipping onto her lips as she realised just how much she had actually missed her son.

"Come, sit and tell me all about London."

*

*

*

Frank took a breath as he walked down the servant's hall. He knew which room he was heading for. He had been here before that night. He stopped in front of the door and taking one more breath, knocked.

"Come in?"

Frank opened the door and stood there.

"Hello Gerard, how are you feeling?"

Gerard opened bleary eyes to look at the owner of that voice...the one he remembered oh so well.

"I's been better Sir."

He said quietly, eyes dropping as he tried to sit up...his head spinning at the movement and making him groan weakly.

"I am sure you have."

Frank walked in and pulled the wooden chair from the corner.

"I am guessing that light bothers you right now?"

"Yessir."

Gerard finally made it into a sitting position, his blankets wrapped around his thin body like a cocoon. He kept his eyes down and voice quiet.

"Look...I wanted to apologise. I was very wrong in the way that I treated you."

Gerard shrugged slightly, unsure what to say.

"If I had been less of a brat, you would not be in this condition."

Gerard just bit his lip and continued to stare at the bare floor.

"Well...I will let you get back to resting. I do hope to see you well by Christmas though."

Gerard looked up sheepishly as Frank started for the door.

"Thank y' Sir."

Frank turned back smiling.

"You are welcome Gerard."

***Time Stamp: December 25^th***

"Merry Christmas!"

Gerard opened his eyes to see Michael grinning down at him.

"Mornin' Mikey. Merry Christmas t' you too..."

He pushed himself upright and yawned, stretching as his blanket fell down into his lap.

"Wha' time's it?"

He asked as he reached over to grab his only warm sweater and pull it on, the chill of winter affecting him more than ever now.

"It's early, but grandma wanted me to ‘elp with breakfast. I want to bring you to the parlor and set you up in front o' the fire. Grandma made you that warm chocolate drink from Spain."

Gerard smiled sleepily.

"Mmm, sounds good..."

He murmured as he swung his legs out of the bed, shivering at the cold air on his bare skin.

"Could y' pass me m' trousers please?"

He pointed to the thin cotton pants on the chair in the corner. Michael grabbed them and handed them over.

"The kitchen smells like wonderful spices and it's so warm in there."

"I could sit in there instead..."

Gerard said absently as he struggled into his trousers.

"I don't 'ave t' sit in the parlour."

"Yeah ya do. Grandma's orders."

Gerard finally got his trousers up and tied a piece of frayed string around then to keep them in place because they were too big on him.

"Can y' grab me m'..."

He started to say before a coughing fit ripped through him. The worst of his illness was passed now, but his chest still felt thick and clogged up in the mornings, causing him to cough and loose his breath. He doubled over, coughing black spots over the floor.

"I got you Gee."

Michael grabbed the boy and lifted him up. He carried his brother and his walking stick out of the room and up the stairs. Other servants were milling around and he wished them merry Christmas as he passed. He got to the parlor and was surprised to see Frank.

"Merry Christmas M' Lord."

"Merry Christmas Michael...Gerard."

Gerard lifted his head from where he was resting it on Michael's shoulder.

"Merry Christmas Sir."

Frank gave a tight smile to Gerard. He looked so small in Michael’s arms. Michael made his way to the lounge and placed Gerard there. He covered him with the rich quilts.

"I'll get y, something to eat and drink Gee."

Michael bowed to Frank and then left. Frank sat down in his father's chair facing the boy.

"How are you feeling today?"

"A little better..."

Gerard shivered slightly, despite the quilts and the roaring fire in the grate.

"Jus' cold Sir."

"It's in your bones isn't it?"

Gerard looked up through his hair that had fallen limply in front of his face.

"Yessir."

Frank thought so. He was about to say something else when Michael returned with a tray. it had a bowl of broth on it and a steaming cup of something sweet smelling.

"What is that in the cup?"

"Warm chocolate M'Lord."

Frank realised that the boy would not drink coffee. He watched as he took a small sip.

"Is it good?"

Gerard nodded slightly.

"Yessir. Very good Sir."

He smiled before taking another sip.

"Perhaps I will have some instead of coffee this morning."

Gerard offered a smile but didn't reply...it hadn't been a question after all. He took another sip then reached out to place the cup on the table next to him as he felt his chest tighten again. The second the cup was securely set on a small red coaster, Gerard fell into another coughing fit, his vision blurring as he doubled over in the chair. Frank ran over to the boy. Seeing him like that cemented his idea. He was going to do what he could to fix the boy that he broke.

*

*

*

"Well is that everything?"

Lady Iero looked around at all the presents. She had shocked many of her servants by giving them gifts this year including Gerard. She gifted him with new warm clothing and a quilt for his bed. Don and Donna also had a gift for their boys. They were expecting again.

"Actually...I have one more gift mother."

Frank stood up and walked over to Don and Donna.

"Donna, I was cruel to your son and so caused him great pain in his body as well as his heart. I would like to fix at least one of these problems. I have found a convalescing home in a more summer like location. I would like to take him there for a few months to aid in his recuperation. I talked to the doctor and he said that the fresh warm air would do him well."

Donna looked at Don and then back at Frank.

"Well M'Lord, I believe that is up t' him."

Frank nodded and turned to the boy.

"Will you allow me to gift this to you Gerard?"

Gerard's eyes widened and he swallowed heavily.

"Y' want t' take me away Sir?"

"No, I want to bring you somewhere that you can get better faster. Where the air is cleaner and you can be warm. I want to make up for what I put you through all those years."

Gerard looked at his family, his newly complete family, and thought about leaving them. He wasn't sure if he could. He looked back at Frank.

"It wouldn' be fer ever...would it?"

"No no, it would not be forever, just till you are breathing better."

"Would you be goin' with him M'Lord?"

Frank turned to Donna.

"I would. I have work there and I would be responsible for him."

Gerard sighed slightly, giving himself another small coughing fit before looking up at Frank.

"Could I come back when me little brother or sister is 'ere?.

"Oh I don't think it will be that long, but yes, we can aim for then. It will be close to summer by then."

Gerard bit his lip for a moment, his brow furrowing as he considered the offer.

"I think y' should go son."

"I agree with Don."

Gerard sighed again, his head dropping.

"A'ight...I'll go."

He shivered slightly and pulling his blanket closer around himself.

Frank smiled.

"Wonderful. We will leave at the end of the week."

Gerard nodded, face almost hidden in the blanket now.

"Yessir."

"Well now I declare a full holiday for everyone so relax for the day till dinner at least."

Lady Iero smiled from her seat by the fire. She was surprised, but happy to see the change in her previously so disagreeable son.

"Well that sounds like a wonderful idea..."

She looked over at Donna.

"Are you quite comfortable dear?"

She nodded toward the younger woman's belly, and her hands that rested gently on it.

"I 'ave 'ad a few back problems, but nothin' too bad M'Lady."

"Ahh...I remember those all too well."

She looked at Frank fondly.

"I will make arrangements for Gerard and I. If you will all excuse me."

Frank bowed to them and then left for his office. Gerard watched him go from the corner of his eye before letting out a small relieved sigh, and relaxing down more in the chair, his eyes feeling heavy and tired.

"And how are y' feelin’ son?"

Gerard looked up at his father with a weak smile.

"Tired papa...and cold."

"Well how about y' settle in with y' new quilt an' clothin' by the fire place an’ get some sleep."

"I'll stay with y' Gee."

Michael smiled at his younger brother. Gerard nodded, yawning wide until it turned into another heavy coughing fit that had him doubled over and struggling for breath, his thin pale fingers gripping tight to his quilt as he shook with it.

"I got y' Gee."

Michael held Gerard tightly. Gerard continued to cough violently for another minute or so before going limp in Michael's arms, his breathing finally evening out as he slipped into darkness, sleep taking him under. Michael was at a loss. He looked at his parents, but they had no words and Michael didn't want to make Donna upset because of the baby. He wished he had someone strong to lean on though. Lady Iero sighed sadly.

"I will leave you all to relax...keep him warm, he does not need to get another chill."

She stood and quietly left the room. Don and Donna followed shortly after.

"What happened?"

Patrick said from the parlor door, hat and gloves still in hand as he had just arrived after spending the morning with his own family.

"Patrick."

Michael didn't mean for it to slip out like that, but he was so tired of trying to be strong and now with Gerard asleep and everyone out of the room, he felt like he could break down a bit.

Patrick crossed the room, dropping his hat and gloves on the table just inside the door as he passed.

"Is he bad today Mikey?"

Sitting on the low table in front of the brothers and looking concerned eyes over the sleeping boy.

"No 'e seems to not be gettin' better. I 'ope what Fr...M'Lord's gonna do will 'elp 'im out."

Patrick tilted his head and looked at Michael, resisting the urge to reach out and push a stray hair behind the boy's ear.

"What do you mean?...what is Frank going to do?"

"Well ‘e is goin’ to take Gee away to a warmer place to give ‘is lungs a better chance to clear up."

Patrick's eyebrows rose.

"Frank. Frank is taking Gerard away?"

"No no no, ‘e asked Gerard if ‘e wanted to go. ‘e also asked papa and Donna too."

Patrick frowned slightly, humming to indicate that he had heard.

Gerard whimpered, tensing up in his sleep, his face screwing up as a tear slipped from his eye. Michael looked at his brother and just broke down. Patrick moved over quickly to sit next to Michael, putting an arm around him and pulling the boy into his side.

"Shh shh Mikey...Gerard will be alright...please don't cry sweetheart."

He murmured, wrapping both arms around the brothers.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be..."

Michael pulled away from the young Lord.

"No Mikey...don't apologise..."

Patrick sighed, moving back to his place on the table, but reaching out and taking Michael's hand gently in his.

"You never have to be sorry for showing your emotions to me...that's what friends are for after all."

"Friends? We’re friends?"

Patrick smiled softly, squeezing Michael's hand and gently running his thumb across the boy's knuckles.

"Very good friends...I hope?"

He looked into Michael's eyes and almost lost his breath...his world seemed to stand still for a moment, until Gerard let out a pained whine, shuffling closer into his brother's chest, and breaking whatever spell Patrick had found himself under. He blinked, feeling his cheeks warm up a little.

"Oh...uh...actually I ‘ave a gift for y'...to thank y' for savin' my brother."

"You do?...you didn't have to do that."

"It's not much...it's in my room."

Michael gently placed Gerard's head on the pillow and rose.

"I can get it if y' like."

Patrick nodded.

"Alright...I'll watch over Gerard for you."

Michael nodded and quickly left. Patrick sighed as he reached into the inside pocket of his waistcoat and pulled out a small box, wrapped in red paper. He set it on the table beside him and looked over at Gerard's small sleeping form.

"Do you think I should tell him?"

He murmured quietly, to which he only received a small whining noise in reply. He sighed again.

"Thank you for your advice."

He chuckled before looking toward the door as he heard footsteps approach. Michael returned with his hand behind his back.

"Um...it isn't much, but ‘ere."

He handed Patrick a crudely cloth wrapped gift. Patrick smiled wide as he accepted it.

"Thank you Mikey..."

He picked up the little box from beside him and held it out.

"Here...Merry Christmas."

Mikey opened the well wrapped box feeling ashamed of his gift. He opened the box and gasped. It was a fob.

"Oh no."

Patrick's smile slipped.

"You don't like it..."

He said disappointedly.

"I could get you something else."

"No no no, I mean, I like it...but it's too good fer the likes a me."

Patrick shook his head at that, reaching out to carefully take the brushed silver pocket watch out of its box.

"Nonsense Mikey. You told me a while back that you were always late for dinner, and now you don't need to be. See, it has a chain so you can hang it around your neck, inside your shirt, and it is strong so it is unlikely to break..."

He showed Michael the chain.

"But if you really don't want it..."

He trailed off, lowering his hands to leave the watch in the younger man's...his eyes lowering too.

"I do want it, I really do...I just...Patrick, I'm just a servant, not even an apprentice, but a servant who digs in the dirt. Wouldn't you rather give it to someone that you really care about? Someone that's worth it?"

Patrick looked up with confusion in his eyes.

"But I do care about you...and you are most definitely worth it."

He took the watch out of its box again and held it by its chain.

"Here, let me...please?"

He held it up to put over Michael's head and waited for the boy to bow his head a little. Mikey swallowed and ducked a bit as he felt the cold chain land on his neck. When he brought his head back up he was really close to Patrick's face. His voice was barely above a whisper.

"Thank y' Sir."

Patrick smiled softly, getting lost in the boy's eyes for a moment until a wheeze from Gerard snapped him back to reality and he blushed and sat back, lowering his hands and chuckling quietly.

"I guess it's my turn now."

He said, picking up the cloth-wrapped gift and feeling its solid weight in his hands. Mikey was nervous. What he gave Patrick was nowhere near worth what he was given. He wanted to take it back. Patrick carefully untied the piece of string that held the cloth in place, and dropped it on the table. He turned the parcel over in his hands and moved the edges of fabric aside before a soft, awed gasp left his lips. There in his hands was a small carved wooden owl. He looked up at Michael with tears in his eyes.

"You made this for...me?"

"Yeah, I know it ain't fancy or nothin', but I..."

Michael was knocked over by Patrick's body lunging for him in a hug. They landed on the lounge next to Gerard. Michael looked up into Patrick's eyes.

"I guess you like it?"

Patrick grinned, squeezing the boy beneath him a little.

"Like it?...I love it. No one has ever made me something like this before. I will treasure it always..."

He reached one hand up to brush Michael's hair from his face.

"...as I will you."

He murmured quietly, looking into the boy's eyes.

"P-Patrick?"

Michael felt his breath hitch. No one had ever looked at him like Patrick was looking at him now. Patrick was lost again, staring into those beautiful eyes.

"M-Mikey? *cough* What's goin' on?"

Gerard choked out weakly from Next to them.

"Uh...maybe we should...talk somewhere else?"

Michael pushed Patrick off him.

"Everythin's fine Gee, you can go back t' sleep."

Quickly he grabbed Patrick's hand and pulled him into the music salon closing the doors. Patrick looked at the doors, then back at Michael before stepping in closer to him.

"I like you Mikey, and I think you like me too?"

"I'm not allowed to."

Michael was using the doors to hold himself up. His legs felt like they could give way any moment.

"Who says?"

Patrick quirked an eyebrow before tucking Michael's hair behind his left ear again.

"You are...you and I'm..."

Michael looked away.

"...nobody, just a servant."

"I don't see you that way..."

Patrick said softly, touching Michael's chin and gently urging him to turn back.

"I never have."

Michael looked back at the man in front of him. He had much to say, but nothing was coming to his mind or lips.

"I really like you Mikey, but if you want me to stop...if you want me to leave you alone..."

Patrick sighed.

"...then just say stop, and I will."

"Kiss me."

It wasn't what he meant to say. It was the last thing he should have said. Now he will get thrown out, lose his home, his family, everything he knows and loves over one simple slip. Patrick smiled and gently cupped Michael's cheeks. He leaned in and softly pressed his lips to the boy's. Michael wondered how he would react to his first kiss, but one reaction he never thought he would do is whimper. Patrick kept the kiss light and chaste...not attempting to deepen it for fear of overstepping with the clearly innocent boy.

Michael didn't know what to do next. Maybe he was bad at this. Maybe it was being done out of pity or it was a joke. Patrick smiled softly as he parted their lips and leaned his forehead against Michael's.

"Your lips taste so sweet..."

He whispered.

"...like candy canes."

"It's Elena’s tea. She put the candy canes in it t' sweeten it."

Patrick smiled and pressed a small peck to Michael's lips again.

"No..."

He shook his head slightly.

"I think it's you."

"Me? I'm nothin’ special."

"You are to me."

"What about Lady Lindsey or Lady Jamia?"

Patrick chuckled quietly.

"They do not interest me...you interest me."

"I don't understand, you could 'ave anyone, why me?"

Michael was so confused. He could not believe this was happening to him.

"Because Michael James Way..."

Patrick pulled the boy firmly against his chest and looked him straight in the eyes.

"I am not attracted to woman, and I have basically been in love with you for as long as I have known the difference between boys and girls...so please, relax about the Master servant thing...yes?"

Michael just stared at Patrick. He had been in love with him? Patrick realised that Michael was at a loss for words so he just slid his hand into the back of the boy's hair and pressed their lips firmly together again. Michael melted into the kiss. He tried to recall everything that the older man had said, but at this point he just didn't care. He would enjoy whatever this was for as long as he had it.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks...how's you?...all set for Christmas?

So Franks back and not such an ass, Gerard's sick, and Patrick/Mikey begins...good chapter?

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