"Gerard." My hands slipped out of my hair and dangled at my sides. I kept my body forward not wanting to turn to face who was at the door. My eyes shut tightly as I focused on slowing my labored breathing. The sound of rocks crunching caused slight panic to rise in me.

It didn't take long for the crunching to stop behind me. My body trembled at the caution radiating from the body behind me. I felt as fragile and damaged as the voice had worked to make me. For the first time, I felt like I truly belonged in this hospital.

"Gerard?" My legs buckled beneath me causing my body to collapse. A pair of strong arms wrapped around me, not stopping me from falling, but following me down to the ground slowly. "It's okay."

I looked up to meet Frank's hazel eyes. Tears filled my own and decorated my cheeks. He continued soothing me the best he could. I wanted nothing more than to push him away and hide behind the wall I worked so hard to build, but all my energy was drained.

I didn't feel like running anymore. I've been running from this problem, from the truth, too long. I'm not okay. It ate me up to know a patient was the first to be there and witness my defeat.

"Are you okay?" I pulled away, wiping my tears.

"Yeah," I lied with a sniff. I slowly stood on wobbly legs. He followed my movement, ready to catch me if I fell. I gave him a tight smile and took a step back. He kept a suspicious eye on me.

When I felt more tears forming, I turned quickly and began walking toward the door. My steps were fast and slower steps sounded from behind me. My hand dropped the door knob and gave a harsh pull. My heart beat faster when it didn't move.

Frantically, I continued jerking at the door, failing to get it open. Tears fell faster down my face. My free hand began banging at the door, hoping someone from the other side could hear. I cried out for help as the pain I've bottled up began consuming me.

"Please!" My voice grew desperate as I repeated the plea, not completely certain if it was for the door to be opened anymore. My banging weakened and my voice went hoarse from yelling. "Please." Sobs left my quivering lip and my forehead pressed against the door. My hand rested on the door, fingers fruitlessly tapping the metal. "Ple-ase..," I choked out.

When I felt an arm around me, I pulled away quickly, wrapping my own arms around myself protectively.

"Gerard, it's okay." I kept my head down as I shook it side to side slowly. "Yes it is, Gerard." I felt him attempt to wrap his arms around me again. I tried pushing him away, but he held me securely. My sobs got louder and my efforts went soft.

I fell apart against him. His hand moved over my back soothingly. I clenched the front of his shirt and let out tortured cries while he assured me it was okay to feel this way.

"Just let it all out... I've got you... You're alright..." My tears slowed until they finally stopped. When my body was no longer shaking, Frank pulled back enough to look down at me. "Are you okay?" I nodded against his chest. "Let's go inside, yeah?"

Hesitantly, I nodded again and he pulled me to my feet. He turned to the door. With my head hanging low, I saw his hand reach out and push the door open. He kept a protective arm around me. When we exited the stairwell on my floor, I heard people racing towards us. I immediately shrunk into Frank's embrace.

"It's alright, I got him." I felt his chest vibrate when he spoke.

"But Frank."

"I got him," Frank said in a more authoritative voice. When there was no more arguing, he led me to my room. It wasn't long before Frank laid us both in bed. The covers were pulled over my body. My eyes closed when his fingers ran through my hair.

I drifted lightly until I felt his hand leave my hair. When I opened my eyes, I saw Frank getting out of the bed and turning to the door. My arm reached out and grabbed the bottom of his shirt. He turned back and gave me a small smile.

He moved back onto the bed and pulled me to his chest. I let out a sigh of contentment. He combed his fingers through my hair again. My eyes closed at the comfort. I listened to the steady beat of his heart and felt the rise and fall of his chest. It didn't take long for everything to lull me to sleep.

~~~

"Frank you know the rules." I heard a female voice I didn't quite recognize.

"I'm sorry, but you saw him. I couldn't leave him alone." Was that Frank? What's going on?

"Don't you think the rest of us feel bad enough that we can't do anything else?"

"Well, by the looks of it, you look like you're pretty okay with the situation." I could hear the anger in Frank's voice.

"We're doing our job the best we can. It's not our fault that he hasn't been cooperating."

"That is your fault! You need to stop seeing him as a patient and more as a person. Stop looking at him like he's going break at the smallest sound."

"You saw what he's capable of. How can you tell us that we need to change our treatment? He's still dangerous and scares some of my staff."

"Don't you think he's just as scared? I don't know if you've noticed, which you dumbasses probably haven't, he doesn't seem to know what he's done after his outbursts. It could be completely out of his control and you're doing nothing to help him deal with it."

"You know that we can't just assume that with a patient like him."

"I know. Just let me work with him. I think I can help." There was an annoyed sigh.

"Fine, but if you can't, he's moving up."

Everything blurred for a second. Frank and the lady's voices drifted away. I rubbed my eyes before opening them to look around my empty room. I didn't even feel when Frank left. My mind repeated the conversation I just heard. Was that even real?

I told you we can't trust him. He's going to hurt us.

"Please leave me alone," I let out in a small whimper.

Don't let them get between us. All they want to do is get rid of me. I'm the only one you need.

I sat up and pulled my knees to my chest. My head shook slightly. I missed how safe Frank made me feel. I wanted to be in his arms again.

You can't seriously be letting this guy get to you. What happened to you? You're so pathetic now.

I kept my eyes glued on the sheets in front of me, letting the voice belittle me. I didn't move until I heard the door opening. I looked over, a part of me hoping Frank was there, but only Lyn-Z walked in.

My shoulders slumped when I saw her tight smile as she gripped the medicine tray. She didn't say anything as she gave me the pills. I was led to the cafeteria with no sound passing between us. I walked over to sit at my table. I noticed a new boy sitting next to Brendon. I took my spot on the other side of Brendon.

"And then we were in this huge monster truck shooting at the, oh hey Gerard!" Brendon flashed me a genuine smile. "Wanna hear my dream?" Pete groaned at the question.

"Please, not again." I chuckled at his complaint. "He's told this story three times."

"He's just excited. Nothing wrong with that." I heard the new boy speak up. Brendon beamed at him while I took the time to look him over.

He had wavy brown hair with matching light, brown eyes. Even though he was sitting, I could tell that he had a few inches over Brendon. He had a thin figure that was similar to Brendon's. He was giving Brendon a small, shy smile.

"Thanks, Ry." Brendon smiled. I nudged him on the shoulder. He gave me a confused look before finally understanding. "Gerard, this is Ryan. Ryan, Gerard." Ryan gave me a small wave which I return with a polite nod.

"Hey, did you hear that they might be moving someone up a level?"

"How do you know that?" Pete asked. I stopped asking that question a long time ago. Brendon always found out everything that was happening on our floor one way or another.

"Ryan told me." I looked around Brendon to see Ryan giving me a shrug.

"They were talking about moving me down sooner than expected and someone else would take my spot," he explained nonchalantly. My heart started racing.

"Who do you think it is?" Brendon asked way to excitedly.

"My money's on Brent. That guy is loaded with issues." Pete chimed in.

"Don't we all?" Ryan replied with a chuckle. The rest continued on with their conversation while I spaced out. I thought of the dream, again questioning if whether or not it was a dream. I turned when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up to see Lynn-Z giving me the same fake smile as earlier.

"I need to take you to group." I gave a pout and reluctantly nodded. We all got up and moved to the door. Ryan's voice caused me to stop and turn around.

"Hey Frank." He was standing by the familiar man. He knows Frank? I watched as Frank pulled Ryan aside, talking quietly in his ear. Ryan's eyes landed on me before looking back at Frank. He nodded solemnly along to whatever he was being told.

I wanted, no needed to know what they were saying. Frank jerked his head in my direction and Ryan obediently nodded. He walked over and moved automatically to Brendon's side. My eyes followed Ryan then turned to watch Frank move to the other nurses. I felt a tug on my arm and heard Lyn-Z's voice again.

"Let's go, Gerard." She wasn't as warm with her tone anymore. Something bad was happening and I had a strong feeling that all of it was revolving around me.

---

A/N:

I was planning on posting the next chapter today too, but I've spent the whole day procrastinating. I'll try to type it out soon. Hopefully, I'll have it up by the end of the week. 

Also wanna say happy (belated) birthday to these two handsome men! Hope they had an amazing day!