Categories > Celebrities > My Chemical Romance > Halloween
Frank clung to Gerard’s hand as the two men stood in line in the hospital reception, Frank’s large, hazel eyes flicking from side to side as he took in the surroundings. Frank was not afraid of hospitals, but the blank expression on the woman in front of him, the emotionless look on the man behind him, the bored face of the receptionist were all making him feel like an outsider. Why was he the only worried person in the room? Why was the receptionist being so slow?
Frank’s heart was racing in his chest as he panicked over what he was going to be told when he finally got to the receptionist. He knew Gerard could hear the frantic beating of his heart but there was nothing he could do about it; Frank didn’t care anyway. Let him hear it. It was his fault that this was happening.
Gerard glanced down at Frank as he chewed on his lip ring and shuffled his feet. The human was clearly restless and panicky, desperate to see his best friend which Gerard found slightly ironic considering how long it had taken him to actually realise they should be here. He supposed he should try and comfort him more, but stood in the silence of the hospital reception made him feel obligated to remain silent himself so he simply stroked Frank’s palm with his thumb and left it at that. He could sense that Frank was mad at him but it came as no surprise, he sort of enjoyed it. No relationship should be happy all the time and Gerard felt somehow more comfortable when things were tense.
“Good evening, what can I do for you?” The receptionist sighed in a monotone when Gerard and Frank finally shuffled to the front of the queue, Frank lacing their fingers out of instinct.
“Hi err... I’m here to see my friend. Erm, Bob Bryar. I’m here to see Bob Bryar.” Frank stuttered nervously, the receptionist sighing as if the request caused her too much effort to deal with and she turned to an ancient computer monitor, slowly tapping her fingers along the keys before sitting back. Frank bit his lip and waited impatiently for her to let him know where he should go, her unblinking eyes gazing at the screen that cast her face in a sickly glow.
“Robert Bryar. Ward 16. Next.” She huffed, looking past Frank at the man behind him who stepped forward before Frank even moved. He squeaked softly and stumbled as Gerard tugged him out of the way, slinging an arm around his waist and walking steadily through the hospital corridors as Frank whimpered softly.
“God, she was horrible.” He complained and Gerard shrugged, idly stroking his waist to try and make him feel better as he led the way down quiet halls. The air was full of the scent of antiseptic and it made Frank’s head spin.
“At least we know Bob’s alive.” Gerard pointed out quietly and Frank nodded uncertainly, though this knowledge did nothing to make him feel better. The fact that Bob had had to go to hospital at all made everything seem so much more serious. The fact he was alive meant nothing until Frank could be certain that he was okay.
Gerard looked at Frank and sighed, squeezing him closer and kissing his forehead. “Hey, it’s all gonna be alright.” He said softly, Frank huffing and folding his arms across his chest. He had to force himself not to snap out that he didn’t want to talk to Gerard since the vampire would only oblige and fall silent. And as much as Frank blamed him for everything that was happening he knew the only reason it was really upsetting him was because he wished Gerard would tell him he loved him too...
“Frankie.” Gerard said firmly, stopping outside ward 15 and gripping Frank’s shoulders so that the human would turn to face him. “It’s all going to be okay.” He smiled a little at Frank but the shorter man only shrugged and nodded unconvincingly.
“Okay...”
“Frank...” Gerard groaned and Frank sighed, pulling at the vampires hand to make him continue walking.
“I said it’s okay Gerard, just let me to go see him already.” He sighed, pulling Gerard the last few metres to the door that led into ward 16. Frank hesitated a moment just outside it, biting his lip ring and looking through the little windows that showed the view of the walkway between the aisles of beds. He couldn’t see Bob, each bed had the curtains draw around it giving the patients privacy and Frank’s stomach swirled a little. He had been to the hospital visiting other people before, and usually some of the beds would have the curtains pulled back, patients conversing with the people next to them or watching TV. But all of these beds had the curtains drawn, the patients hidden from view. It made Frank shiver with fear.
“You’re sure it’s okay?” Gerard asked sweetly, Frank frowning at him before he pushed the door open and strolled defiantly inside before the vampire could say another word.
Gerard sighed and shook his head, resisting the urge to chuckle fondly. He knew Frank was nervous, he could hear it in his heart beat and smell it on his skin, though the overpowering scent of sickness washed over him as they entered the ward.
Gerard’s smirk was quickly wiped from his face and his body tensed, his fangs sharpening though they didn’t lengthen – an innate response designed to use as a form of defence though of course he knew they were in no real danger. It was just his vampiric senses responding. The scent was not possible for Frank to smell, too masked by the antiseptic odour, but any vampire would recognise this smell. It was the scent of sickness but not physically so. It was the overpowering, dangerous scent of sickness to the brain.
“Stay close to me.” Gerard whispered firmly as he grabbed Frank’s hand and pulled him tight to his side. He slid his arm around his waist and Frank felt how tense his muscles had become. He glanced up at him with a concerned expression, his lips parting slightly.
“What is it?”
“Just stay close.” Frank quirked an eyebrow and tried to look irritated, but Gerard’s strange behaviour sent shivers up his spine. The room was already feeling too eerie what with all the curtains drawn, but Gerard’s request only made it seem worse. Frank glanced around to try and see what had put the vampire on edge but everything seemed to be in order.
“Gee –”
“Frankie? Is that you?” Frank looked up as the curtain surrounding the very end bed on the left twitched, delicately manicured nails appearing in a fold in the fabric before Christine’s pale face appeared with it, a smile gracing her features though it failed to light up her tired eyes. “I thought I heard you, oh dear I’m so glad you’re here.” She whimpered, slipping out from behind the curtain and dashing quietly to Frank’s arms.
Frank sighed and encased Bob’s mother in his arms, holding her tight as she nuzzled her face into his shoulder and promptly began to cry. He looked helplessly to Gerard for help but the vampire was too busy gazing around the room. Though his expression could easily be read as boredom Frank could tell he was still tense over something and it made his heart trip over its rhythm.
“Christine... How’s Bob? Is he okay?” Frank asked quietly, his voice desperate despite the soft tone and Christine sniffled into the fabric of his shirt, trying her hardest not to break down. As the adult she felt it was her responsibility to be the strong one even though all she really wanted was to be held by someone and just left to cry until her eyes ran dry. Her son... her one and only child was lying in a hospital bed after flat lining and no one could tell her why.
“H – He’s alive... it was b – blood loss, but we don’t know how... he... he... he flat lined for three minutes.” She explained, her voice muffled by Frank’s shirt and he sighed, holding her closer as his stomach lurched. Flat lined? He had died? Frank could hardly believe he had heard her right but he knew he hadn’t imagined it. His best friend had died... True, he was alive now, but what if they hadn’t been able to save him? Frank would never have been able to see him again. The thought made him want to vomit.
“Oh my God...” He breathed, taking a moment to just suck in deep lungfuls of air until he was certain his churning stomach wasn’t about to throw that days food back up his throat. “But he’s okay now right?” He asked worriedly, Christine nodding weakly.
“They say he’ll make it but... but Frankie how can they know that? He lost his blood for no reason? How can they know it won’t happen again!?” She cried and Frank hushed her quickly, not wanting her to say those things. Knowing he wasn’t able to handle them any more than she was.
“Shh, you mustn’t talk like that Christine. He’ll be fine, they’ve saved him now. He’ll be fine.” Frank insisted quietly, trying to convince himself as well as her. He glanced to Gerard for confirmation but the vampire was still gazing around the ward, avoiding Frank’s eyes. He sighed and turned back to Christine, smiling softly at her. “Trust me okay? He’ll be fine.” He assured her, kissing her cheek before asking if he could see Bob.
“Oh, of course. He’s just sleeping at the moment.” Christine smiled weakly, Frank’s gentle reassuring words helped her to relax and keep hold of her composure just a little more but she knew that his words lacked conviction. She was grateful to him anyway, even if it was all a lie it was exactly what she needed to hear. “He’s woken up once or twice but never for much more than two minutes. The doctor says it’s just exhaustion, he should wake up tomorrow some time and be able to stay up for a while.” She explained softly as Frank took Gerard’s hand and followed her through the curtain to Bob’s bedside.
The blonde was lying silently on his back, two wires stretching over a cheek each and meeting beneath his nose, disappearing into his nostrils. Some thinner wires were inserted into various places on his body. One in the crease of his elbow, one atop his wrist, another attached to a grey clip over one of his thumbs. A heart monitor beeped steadily and the green line made neat, rhythmic arches across the black screen. Another machine beside it whirred and hummed as it pumped oxygen into the tubes in his nose, helping him breathe as he slept. An oxygen mask was close at hand in case he needed it and various liquids were dripping into his blood stream, Frank wondering what they were as he gingerly took a seat they stretched beside.
Gerard stood well back from the sick human, reminding Frank of a bodyguard from the way he stood at the fold of the curtain, arms folded and shoulders tensed. He was clearly on guard from something but what Frank couldn’t tell. He tried not to think about it though, at that moment Bob needed him.
Frank slowly reached out a hand and touched his fingertips to the back of Bob’s hand, looking at his face with tears in his eyes. The blonde’s skin was hideously pale, a ghastly greyish tint making him look dead. His closed eyelids looked thin and papery, veins standing out with dark circles dipping beneath his eyes. His breathing was steady but it served as no comfort since Frank knew it could just be the machines making it that way. The red line across his throat should have stood out more against his pale skin, but instead it was practically impossible to see. Frank could only just make out some pink there because he knew what to look for, but it wouldn’t have been surprising if no one else could see it.
“He looks awful doesn’t he?” Christine whimpered, her voice sticking in her throat a little as she fought back tears. She sat opposite Frank and held onto Bob’s other hand, gently stroking her thumb over his palm. Frank wanted to disagree with her but they would both know he was lying so he only nodded silently.
“The doctor said that he looks worse than he actually is. He said his skin is a little grey because he went into shock, but that he’ll be fine by morning if we just keep him warm.” Christine explained softly, Frank nodding again and biting his lip as he stomach churned with guilt. He wanted to blame Gerard for everything but gazing at Bob’s sleeping, sickly form, his throat looking like nothing ever cut into it but his wrists still sporting red cuts that stood out boldly against his white skin reminded Frank that this was his fault. If he had just been there for him, if he hadn’t forgotten about him for sex then he would never have got depressed. And if Frank had been understanding instead of angry when he found Bob’s slit wrists then he would never have tried to kill himself and very nearly succeeded. In fact, Frank could blame Gerard if he wanted to, but the fact was... If Gerard hadn’t acted then Bob would be dead, and both Frank ad Christine would be beyond themselves with grief.
“He’ll be okay.” Frank whispered softly, needing to keep saying it just to keep himself calm. Christine nodded but she didn’t say anything, her eyes still focused on her son. Gerard was watching Bob too, his eyes calm and his face expressionless. Christine didn’t even seemed to have noticed Gerard was even there.
For a long while no one said anything, Frank just letting his guilt eat up at him as Christine stroked Bob’s hand, glancing at her watch every few minutes. Frank desperately wanted to speak to the blonde, to apologise for everything but he didn’t want Christine here when he did it. He didn’t really want Christine there at all. He needed to ask Gerard if Bob really was going to make it, needed to ask him what the damage was but with Christine around he was forced to remain silent.
“Shall I get us all a coffee?” Christine asked softly once a full hour had passed in silence and she couldn’t stand it any longer. Frank glanced up from looking at Bob’s face only to nod before he went back to staring at his best friend, his hand by now clinging to Bob’s with their fingers laced. Christine sighed and looked to Gerard, smiling hesitantly. “You too dear?” She asked softly, Gerard nodding.
“If it’s no trouble.” He whispered politely and Christine shook her head, smiling warmly.
“Of course not. I’ll be back in a minute.” She sighed, slipping out of the curtains and walking away. Gerard listened to her footsteps until they faded out of earshot and he sat down in her vacated seat, watching Frank with sad eyes across the bed.
“She’s gone...”
“Will he be okay?” Frank demanded instantly. He didn’t look up at Gerard as he continued willing Bob to wake up, his fingertips rubbing little circles over the blonde’s palm.
Gerard sighed and looked at the human in the bed, listening carefully to his heart beat, ignoring the heart monitors beeps to assess the strength of each beat. He then focused on Bob’s breathing, measuring how much of it was the machines and how much of it was the man’s. He wrinkled his nose up at the sound of the liquid drugs dripping slowly into his blood with little [plunk. Plunk. Plunk/]’s. Drugged blood was foul. Bob’s even worse due to how eagerly his heart pushed the drugs round his veins. Gerard turned his head to gaze at the boy’s throat, able to see where the cut had been made but not with any detail. He listened to the vitals for a moment longer before he looked to Frank who was watching him intently, his hazel eyes filled with fear.
“Well?” He demanded, gripping tighter to Bob’s hand as he waited the vampire’s verdict. Gerard’s eyes gave nothing away and he shrugged.
“He’ll live.” He said softly, Frank remaining tensed and his eyes wide until Gerard shook his head and smiled a little. “Frank, he’s fine. He’s just a little weak, he needs time to get his strength back but he’s fine.” He assured him and Frank finally breathed a sigh of relief, letting go of Bob’s hand so he could walk round to Gerard. The vampire watched him approach with intrigued eyes, knowing what he was about to but not stopping him as Frank raised his hand and slapped him round the face with all the strength he could muster.
“That is for not letting me stay with him when he was dying.” Frank snarled, Gerard staring at him with little surprise as his cheek stung. Frank glared at him as he dropped down to straddle his lap and gripping his jaw, pulling him towards him with surprising strength before forcing his lips onto Gerard’s. That one did take the vampire by surprise and he gasped a little as Frank kissed him with a fiery passion which slowly burnt down to a soft, tender lip lock. “Mmm... and that... was for saving his life.” He purred, Gerard breathing out shakily and smiling a little.
“God, I lo –”
SHRKKK
Both men jumped as the curtain round the bed was suddenly whipped aside revealing an old man stood in a pale green hospital gown, his grey hair wild about his head. He looked like he had just woke up and decided to intrude on them. Frank stared at him blankly from his place atop Gerard’s lap, the vampire raising his eyebrows and his body tensing suddenly. The motion of the curtain flying open had sent the scent of brain sickness right into his nostrils and he had to bite his tongue to stop himself from hissing.
“Err... Can we help y –”
“DEVIL! DEVIL!” The man screamed, pointing an accusing finger at the couple. Frank stared at him in shock and frowned, assuming he was some homophobic old man and he slid off Gerard’s lap, his fists clenching.
“Hey old man, can’t you see my friend is trying to sleep!? Get the fuck out!” Frank shouted, the old man shaking his head and continuing to point madly at Gerard, his bloodshot eyes wide and Gerard slowly got to his feet, his stomach churning at the sickening stench radiating from him. The man was clearly very ill, his eyes rolling about in his sockets and Gerard could easily smell the chemicals reacting badly in his brain, rotting him from the inside.
“DEVIL! DEMON!!” He screamed, Frank staring at the man in confusion and dashing to Gerard’s side in case the guy tried to hurt him, though of course Gerard would be able to take him. The doors at the end of the ward flew open as the man continued shouting, a doctor striding down with a frown.
“Mr Brown! Get back in your bed!” He demanded but the old man didn’t even seem to be able to hear him. Now he was aware that Gerard had got to his feet he began backing off, his finger shaking as he pointed and he gasped in terror.
“DEVIL! DEVIL! CAN’T YOU SEE IT –THE VAMPIRE! THE VAMPIRE!” He screamed, sobbing as the doctor reached him and grabbed him by the upper arms, dragging him away and his gown flapped about his thighs, revealing skinny, wrinkled legs coated in cuts and bite marks. Frank winced at the sight of them, knowing they couldn’t be a real vampires or they’d be healed, and an indention had been made by a full set of teeth not just fangs. But it still didn’t explain how he knew...
“I’m sorry sir – so very sorry, Mr Brown here is... a little disturbed... please allow me to... take him back to his bed...” The doctor grunted as he dragged the old man back as he wailed and screamed. Frank was surprised that none of the other patients had woken up from his rants but Frank had got the feeling this ward wasn’t just for any old patients.
Gerard was breathing heavily as the doctor dragged the old man away and Frank pulled the curtains back together. He knew it was probably just the ravings of a mental man that had caused Mr Brown to shout such things at him, but it left him feeling a little shaken. In all of his centuries of existing no one had ever called him a vampire or suspected him of being one, even if the old man really did have no clue and had just been screaming randomly, it was the first person to ever get close to revealing what he was.
“Gee are you oka –”
“Frankie?... G – Gerard...? Who’s a vampire?” Bob croaked softly, Frank whirling round in shock and staring in surprise at Bob’s blue eyes, staring at him and surrounded by red. He was clearly exhausted, probably only seconds from passing out again, but he was there. He had heard.
Hey guys, another pretty short chappie I’m afraid but I figured I’d leave it here so I can get to the interesting stuff next chapter ;) I feel like I could wrap this baby up in just a few more chapters, but knowing me it’ll probably just keep going XD But in case I’m right just be prepared I have about 5 more chapters planned in my head before we reach the end. But never fear, the fun is just beginning ;)
R&R? Xo
Frank’s heart was racing in his chest as he panicked over what he was going to be told when he finally got to the receptionist. He knew Gerard could hear the frantic beating of his heart but there was nothing he could do about it; Frank didn’t care anyway. Let him hear it. It was his fault that this was happening.
Gerard glanced down at Frank as he chewed on his lip ring and shuffled his feet. The human was clearly restless and panicky, desperate to see his best friend which Gerard found slightly ironic considering how long it had taken him to actually realise they should be here. He supposed he should try and comfort him more, but stood in the silence of the hospital reception made him feel obligated to remain silent himself so he simply stroked Frank’s palm with his thumb and left it at that. He could sense that Frank was mad at him but it came as no surprise, he sort of enjoyed it. No relationship should be happy all the time and Gerard felt somehow more comfortable when things were tense.
“Good evening, what can I do for you?” The receptionist sighed in a monotone when Gerard and Frank finally shuffled to the front of the queue, Frank lacing their fingers out of instinct.
“Hi err... I’m here to see my friend. Erm, Bob Bryar. I’m here to see Bob Bryar.” Frank stuttered nervously, the receptionist sighing as if the request caused her too much effort to deal with and she turned to an ancient computer monitor, slowly tapping her fingers along the keys before sitting back. Frank bit his lip and waited impatiently for her to let him know where he should go, her unblinking eyes gazing at the screen that cast her face in a sickly glow.
“Robert Bryar. Ward 16. Next.” She huffed, looking past Frank at the man behind him who stepped forward before Frank even moved. He squeaked softly and stumbled as Gerard tugged him out of the way, slinging an arm around his waist and walking steadily through the hospital corridors as Frank whimpered softly.
“God, she was horrible.” He complained and Gerard shrugged, idly stroking his waist to try and make him feel better as he led the way down quiet halls. The air was full of the scent of antiseptic and it made Frank’s head spin.
“At least we know Bob’s alive.” Gerard pointed out quietly and Frank nodded uncertainly, though this knowledge did nothing to make him feel better. The fact that Bob had had to go to hospital at all made everything seem so much more serious. The fact he was alive meant nothing until Frank could be certain that he was okay.
Gerard looked at Frank and sighed, squeezing him closer and kissing his forehead. “Hey, it’s all gonna be alright.” He said softly, Frank huffing and folding his arms across his chest. He had to force himself not to snap out that he didn’t want to talk to Gerard since the vampire would only oblige and fall silent. And as much as Frank blamed him for everything that was happening he knew the only reason it was really upsetting him was because he wished Gerard would tell him he loved him too...
“Frankie.” Gerard said firmly, stopping outside ward 15 and gripping Frank’s shoulders so that the human would turn to face him. “It’s all going to be okay.” He smiled a little at Frank but the shorter man only shrugged and nodded unconvincingly.
“Okay...”
“Frank...” Gerard groaned and Frank sighed, pulling at the vampires hand to make him continue walking.
“I said it’s okay Gerard, just let me to go see him already.” He sighed, pulling Gerard the last few metres to the door that led into ward 16. Frank hesitated a moment just outside it, biting his lip ring and looking through the little windows that showed the view of the walkway between the aisles of beds. He couldn’t see Bob, each bed had the curtains draw around it giving the patients privacy and Frank’s stomach swirled a little. He had been to the hospital visiting other people before, and usually some of the beds would have the curtains pulled back, patients conversing with the people next to them or watching TV. But all of these beds had the curtains drawn, the patients hidden from view. It made Frank shiver with fear.
“You’re sure it’s okay?” Gerard asked sweetly, Frank frowning at him before he pushed the door open and strolled defiantly inside before the vampire could say another word.
Gerard sighed and shook his head, resisting the urge to chuckle fondly. He knew Frank was nervous, he could hear it in his heart beat and smell it on his skin, though the overpowering scent of sickness washed over him as they entered the ward.
Gerard’s smirk was quickly wiped from his face and his body tensed, his fangs sharpening though they didn’t lengthen – an innate response designed to use as a form of defence though of course he knew they were in no real danger. It was just his vampiric senses responding. The scent was not possible for Frank to smell, too masked by the antiseptic odour, but any vampire would recognise this smell. It was the scent of sickness but not physically so. It was the overpowering, dangerous scent of sickness to the brain.
“Stay close to me.” Gerard whispered firmly as he grabbed Frank’s hand and pulled him tight to his side. He slid his arm around his waist and Frank felt how tense his muscles had become. He glanced up at him with a concerned expression, his lips parting slightly.
“What is it?”
“Just stay close.” Frank quirked an eyebrow and tried to look irritated, but Gerard’s strange behaviour sent shivers up his spine. The room was already feeling too eerie what with all the curtains drawn, but Gerard’s request only made it seem worse. Frank glanced around to try and see what had put the vampire on edge but everything seemed to be in order.
“Gee –”
“Frankie? Is that you?” Frank looked up as the curtain surrounding the very end bed on the left twitched, delicately manicured nails appearing in a fold in the fabric before Christine’s pale face appeared with it, a smile gracing her features though it failed to light up her tired eyes. “I thought I heard you, oh dear I’m so glad you’re here.” She whimpered, slipping out from behind the curtain and dashing quietly to Frank’s arms.
Frank sighed and encased Bob’s mother in his arms, holding her tight as she nuzzled her face into his shoulder and promptly began to cry. He looked helplessly to Gerard for help but the vampire was too busy gazing around the room. Though his expression could easily be read as boredom Frank could tell he was still tense over something and it made his heart trip over its rhythm.
“Christine... How’s Bob? Is he okay?” Frank asked quietly, his voice desperate despite the soft tone and Christine sniffled into the fabric of his shirt, trying her hardest not to break down. As the adult she felt it was her responsibility to be the strong one even though all she really wanted was to be held by someone and just left to cry until her eyes ran dry. Her son... her one and only child was lying in a hospital bed after flat lining and no one could tell her why.
“H – He’s alive... it was b – blood loss, but we don’t know how... he... he... he flat lined for three minutes.” She explained, her voice muffled by Frank’s shirt and he sighed, holding her closer as his stomach lurched. Flat lined? He had died? Frank could hardly believe he had heard her right but he knew he hadn’t imagined it. His best friend had died... True, he was alive now, but what if they hadn’t been able to save him? Frank would never have been able to see him again. The thought made him want to vomit.
“Oh my God...” He breathed, taking a moment to just suck in deep lungfuls of air until he was certain his churning stomach wasn’t about to throw that days food back up his throat. “But he’s okay now right?” He asked worriedly, Christine nodding weakly.
“They say he’ll make it but... but Frankie how can they know that? He lost his blood for no reason? How can they know it won’t happen again!?” She cried and Frank hushed her quickly, not wanting her to say those things. Knowing he wasn’t able to handle them any more than she was.
“Shh, you mustn’t talk like that Christine. He’ll be fine, they’ve saved him now. He’ll be fine.” Frank insisted quietly, trying to convince himself as well as her. He glanced to Gerard for confirmation but the vampire was still gazing around the ward, avoiding Frank’s eyes. He sighed and turned back to Christine, smiling softly at her. “Trust me okay? He’ll be fine.” He assured her, kissing her cheek before asking if he could see Bob.
“Oh, of course. He’s just sleeping at the moment.” Christine smiled weakly, Frank’s gentle reassuring words helped her to relax and keep hold of her composure just a little more but she knew that his words lacked conviction. She was grateful to him anyway, even if it was all a lie it was exactly what she needed to hear. “He’s woken up once or twice but never for much more than two minutes. The doctor says it’s just exhaustion, he should wake up tomorrow some time and be able to stay up for a while.” She explained softly as Frank took Gerard’s hand and followed her through the curtain to Bob’s bedside.
The blonde was lying silently on his back, two wires stretching over a cheek each and meeting beneath his nose, disappearing into his nostrils. Some thinner wires were inserted into various places on his body. One in the crease of his elbow, one atop his wrist, another attached to a grey clip over one of his thumbs. A heart monitor beeped steadily and the green line made neat, rhythmic arches across the black screen. Another machine beside it whirred and hummed as it pumped oxygen into the tubes in his nose, helping him breathe as he slept. An oxygen mask was close at hand in case he needed it and various liquids were dripping into his blood stream, Frank wondering what they were as he gingerly took a seat they stretched beside.
Gerard stood well back from the sick human, reminding Frank of a bodyguard from the way he stood at the fold of the curtain, arms folded and shoulders tensed. He was clearly on guard from something but what Frank couldn’t tell. He tried not to think about it though, at that moment Bob needed him.
Frank slowly reached out a hand and touched his fingertips to the back of Bob’s hand, looking at his face with tears in his eyes. The blonde’s skin was hideously pale, a ghastly greyish tint making him look dead. His closed eyelids looked thin and papery, veins standing out with dark circles dipping beneath his eyes. His breathing was steady but it served as no comfort since Frank knew it could just be the machines making it that way. The red line across his throat should have stood out more against his pale skin, but instead it was practically impossible to see. Frank could only just make out some pink there because he knew what to look for, but it wouldn’t have been surprising if no one else could see it.
“He looks awful doesn’t he?” Christine whimpered, her voice sticking in her throat a little as she fought back tears. She sat opposite Frank and held onto Bob’s other hand, gently stroking her thumb over his palm. Frank wanted to disagree with her but they would both know he was lying so he only nodded silently.
“The doctor said that he looks worse than he actually is. He said his skin is a little grey because he went into shock, but that he’ll be fine by morning if we just keep him warm.” Christine explained softly, Frank nodding again and biting his lip as he stomach churned with guilt. He wanted to blame Gerard for everything but gazing at Bob’s sleeping, sickly form, his throat looking like nothing ever cut into it but his wrists still sporting red cuts that stood out boldly against his white skin reminded Frank that this was his fault. If he had just been there for him, if he hadn’t forgotten about him for sex then he would never have got depressed. And if Frank had been understanding instead of angry when he found Bob’s slit wrists then he would never have tried to kill himself and very nearly succeeded. In fact, Frank could blame Gerard if he wanted to, but the fact was... If Gerard hadn’t acted then Bob would be dead, and both Frank ad Christine would be beyond themselves with grief.
“He’ll be okay.” Frank whispered softly, needing to keep saying it just to keep himself calm. Christine nodded but she didn’t say anything, her eyes still focused on her son. Gerard was watching Bob too, his eyes calm and his face expressionless. Christine didn’t even seemed to have noticed Gerard was even there.
For a long while no one said anything, Frank just letting his guilt eat up at him as Christine stroked Bob’s hand, glancing at her watch every few minutes. Frank desperately wanted to speak to the blonde, to apologise for everything but he didn’t want Christine here when he did it. He didn’t really want Christine there at all. He needed to ask Gerard if Bob really was going to make it, needed to ask him what the damage was but with Christine around he was forced to remain silent.
“Shall I get us all a coffee?” Christine asked softly once a full hour had passed in silence and she couldn’t stand it any longer. Frank glanced up from looking at Bob’s face only to nod before he went back to staring at his best friend, his hand by now clinging to Bob’s with their fingers laced. Christine sighed and looked to Gerard, smiling hesitantly. “You too dear?” She asked softly, Gerard nodding.
“If it’s no trouble.” He whispered politely and Christine shook her head, smiling warmly.
“Of course not. I’ll be back in a minute.” She sighed, slipping out of the curtains and walking away. Gerard listened to her footsteps until they faded out of earshot and he sat down in her vacated seat, watching Frank with sad eyes across the bed.
“She’s gone...”
“Will he be okay?” Frank demanded instantly. He didn’t look up at Gerard as he continued willing Bob to wake up, his fingertips rubbing little circles over the blonde’s palm.
Gerard sighed and looked at the human in the bed, listening carefully to his heart beat, ignoring the heart monitors beeps to assess the strength of each beat. He then focused on Bob’s breathing, measuring how much of it was the machines and how much of it was the man’s. He wrinkled his nose up at the sound of the liquid drugs dripping slowly into his blood with little [plunk. Plunk. Plunk/]’s. Drugged blood was foul. Bob’s even worse due to how eagerly his heart pushed the drugs round his veins. Gerard turned his head to gaze at the boy’s throat, able to see where the cut had been made but not with any detail. He listened to the vitals for a moment longer before he looked to Frank who was watching him intently, his hazel eyes filled with fear.
“Well?” He demanded, gripping tighter to Bob’s hand as he waited the vampire’s verdict. Gerard’s eyes gave nothing away and he shrugged.
“He’ll live.” He said softly, Frank remaining tensed and his eyes wide until Gerard shook his head and smiled a little. “Frank, he’s fine. He’s just a little weak, he needs time to get his strength back but he’s fine.” He assured him and Frank finally breathed a sigh of relief, letting go of Bob’s hand so he could walk round to Gerard. The vampire watched him approach with intrigued eyes, knowing what he was about to but not stopping him as Frank raised his hand and slapped him round the face with all the strength he could muster.
“That is for not letting me stay with him when he was dying.” Frank snarled, Gerard staring at him with little surprise as his cheek stung. Frank glared at him as he dropped down to straddle his lap and gripping his jaw, pulling him towards him with surprising strength before forcing his lips onto Gerard’s. That one did take the vampire by surprise and he gasped a little as Frank kissed him with a fiery passion which slowly burnt down to a soft, tender lip lock. “Mmm... and that... was for saving his life.” He purred, Gerard breathing out shakily and smiling a little.
“God, I lo –”
SHRKKK
Both men jumped as the curtain round the bed was suddenly whipped aside revealing an old man stood in a pale green hospital gown, his grey hair wild about his head. He looked like he had just woke up and decided to intrude on them. Frank stared at him blankly from his place atop Gerard’s lap, the vampire raising his eyebrows and his body tensing suddenly. The motion of the curtain flying open had sent the scent of brain sickness right into his nostrils and he had to bite his tongue to stop himself from hissing.
“Err... Can we help y –”
“DEVIL! DEVIL!” The man screamed, pointing an accusing finger at the couple. Frank stared at him in shock and frowned, assuming he was some homophobic old man and he slid off Gerard’s lap, his fists clenching.
“Hey old man, can’t you see my friend is trying to sleep!? Get the fuck out!” Frank shouted, the old man shaking his head and continuing to point madly at Gerard, his bloodshot eyes wide and Gerard slowly got to his feet, his stomach churning at the sickening stench radiating from him. The man was clearly very ill, his eyes rolling about in his sockets and Gerard could easily smell the chemicals reacting badly in his brain, rotting him from the inside.
“DEVIL! DEMON!!” He screamed, Frank staring at the man in confusion and dashing to Gerard’s side in case the guy tried to hurt him, though of course Gerard would be able to take him. The doors at the end of the ward flew open as the man continued shouting, a doctor striding down with a frown.
“Mr Brown! Get back in your bed!” He demanded but the old man didn’t even seem to be able to hear him. Now he was aware that Gerard had got to his feet he began backing off, his finger shaking as he pointed and he gasped in terror.
“DEVIL! DEVIL! CAN’T YOU SEE IT –THE VAMPIRE! THE VAMPIRE!” He screamed, sobbing as the doctor reached him and grabbed him by the upper arms, dragging him away and his gown flapped about his thighs, revealing skinny, wrinkled legs coated in cuts and bite marks. Frank winced at the sight of them, knowing they couldn’t be a real vampires or they’d be healed, and an indention had been made by a full set of teeth not just fangs. But it still didn’t explain how he knew...
“I’m sorry sir – so very sorry, Mr Brown here is... a little disturbed... please allow me to... take him back to his bed...” The doctor grunted as he dragged the old man back as he wailed and screamed. Frank was surprised that none of the other patients had woken up from his rants but Frank had got the feeling this ward wasn’t just for any old patients.
Gerard was breathing heavily as the doctor dragged the old man away and Frank pulled the curtains back together. He knew it was probably just the ravings of a mental man that had caused Mr Brown to shout such things at him, but it left him feeling a little shaken. In all of his centuries of existing no one had ever called him a vampire or suspected him of being one, even if the old man really did have no clue and had just been screaming randomly, it was the first person to ever get close to revealing what he was.
“Gee are you oka –”
“Frankie?... G – Gerard...? Who’s a vampire?” Bob croaked softly, Frank whirling round in shock and staring in surprise at Bob’s blue eyes, staring at him and surrounded by red. He was clearly exhausted, probably only seconds from passing out again, but he was there. He had heard.
Hey guys, another pretty short chappie I’m afraid but I figured I’d leave it here so I can get to the interesting stuff next chapter ;) I feel like I could wrap this baby up in just a few more chapters, but knowing me it’ll probably just keep going XD But in case I’m right just be prepared I have about 5 more chapters planned in my head before we reach the end. But never fear, the fun is just beginning ;)
R&R? Xo
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