(Time Skip)

Patrick was practically squealing and jumping up and down, but who could really blame him?He was pressed up against his husband as the guests were congratulating them on the wedding this evening. Pete had on his rare smile that only Patrick ever seemed to make possible.

I looked around the party with a smile on my face. For such a short amount of time, Pete and Patrick planned an amazing wedding and beautiful reception. To save money, they had the wedding along a friend's private lake and set up a tent a little further from the water. They sure made the most of it.

The wedding wasn't big. I wasn't even sure if there were over a hundred people, but the newly weds didn't want anything too big. Just about everyone came to the party to continue the celebration. There were plenty of people on the temporary dance floor and judging by someone their dance moves, some had already taken advantage of the open bar Pete managed to organize.

I looked back at the happy couple. When they noticed my gaze, Patrick gave me an eager wave and I could tell how much he was trying not to scream from joy. The couple continued conversing with the guests. I continued to let my eyes wonder.

I spotted Frank by one of the dessert tables talking with one of the nurses that were required to come monitor us. She along with the few other nurses weren't doing a good job because I could see Brendon slowly sneaking off with his hand clutched in Ryan's.

I let out a sigh and made to follow them. They were headed in the direction of the lake, but by the time I reached the shore, I couldn't see the pair anymore. I let out another sigh and took a seat in the sand. As long as Brendon was having fun and being safe, that's all that mattered to me. I just couldn't help but worry about the kid.

I turned when I heard footsteps and a voice coming from behind me. Frank was muttering softly about the sand getting in his shoes as he took a seat beside me. When he stopped his grumbling, he let out a sigh and turned to me with a smile.

"Whatcha doing over here all by yourself? The party's back there."

"Brendon decided to sneak off. I just wanted to make sure he didn't get himself into trouble." He nodded in understanding. He hadn't made any comments about my behavior toward Brendon since I blew up on him.

"Where's he at now?" I shrugged.

"I didn't see where he went, but I'm sure he's fine. He's got Ryan with him, so they shouldn't get into too much trouble." Frank let out a small chuckle.

"Those two are the definition of trouble when they're together." I let a small laugh. The pair had been caught sneaking off around the hospital to mess around. It didn't take the staff long to figure out that the music room was their favorite hide out.

"They're still young. Being in a hospital doesn't exactly give them the option to take advantage of that."

"Did you ever get that option?" I shook my head.

"I've been like this so long, I don't even remember what it was like before that." I felt fingers lace through my own. My gaze went down to our now joined hands then moved up to his face.

"I'm sorry." I shook my head.

"It's not your fault. Besides, I think I'm managing pretty well." I could still see the sadness on his face. I didn't like that. "Stop that." Frank's face changed to confusion.

"Stop what?"

"Pitying me. I don't like it. I'm fine, so no need for pity." He dropped his head to hide a sheepish smile.

"Sorry. I just... I just care about you a lot and I wish I could do more to help." I moved my own head down to look into his eyes.

"You being here with me is enough." His smile widened. I grew my own smile when his hand reached up and cupped my cheek. My eyes shut and I leaned into his touch as his thumb began caressing my skin. I couldn't say I wasn't completely surprised to feel his lips press against my own. I couldn't see his growing smile, but I could feel it. We moved our lips in sync with each other.

The only thing that pulled us apart was the sound of a loud bang followed by a pop. Our eyes went up to the sky as various colors sparkled down before disappearing. There were a few more bangs, leading to more pops to decorate the sky.

"Who brought fireworks?"

"I don't know, but it's beautiful," I whispered in awe.

"Couldn't agree more." I turned to Frank and saw him watching me with a smile, obviously not giving the fireworks any attention. I felt myself blush and dropped my head. Frank grabbed my chin and held my head up as he reconnected our lips.

His hands went to my waist to gently lift me into his lap. My arms wrapped around his neck as we deepened the kiss. The sound of fireworks didn't pull us apart this time. What really stopped the moment was the sound of screaming coming from further down the shoreline.

When I recognized the scream, my adrenaline spiked, pulling me to my feet. I raced over to the source. When I got close enough, I saw Brendon and Ryan by the water. By their soaked clothes, I could tell they decided to go swimming.

I dropped to my knees beside the pair. Brendon had his knees pulled to his chest and his hands were gripping his hair tightly. Ryan was beside him on the verge of a panic attack. They were both shaking, Brendon in fear of where his mind took him and Ryan in fear for Brendon's wellbeing.

"What happened?" My voice came out a lot sharper than I had intended, but I didn't really care. Something was wrong with Brendon. When Ryan moved back a little as he faced me, I noticed the tears forming in his eyes. Guilt settled in me. He was freaking out already and my tone didn't help. "Ryan, what happened?"

My voice calmer, but not completely. His mouth was slightly hung open as he shook his head. He was afraid to speak, no wanting to say something wrong to me. I was ready to snap again. I needed to know what was going on.

"What happened to Brendon, Ryan?" I didn't turn my head to see Frank beside me. Ryan turned to Frank and he let his tears fall.

"I-I don't k-know. W-we were swim-ming a-and the fire-works and h-he," Ryan stuttered before his words dissolved into cries. His shoulders were heaving as he struggled to steady his breathing. Another firework went off, causing Brendon to let out another scream. I watched Ryan flinch at Brendon.

"Spencer," Brendon let out in a weak whimper. My face paled as the realization hit me.

"Oh god," I whispered to myself.

"What is it?" Frank questioned. I moved closer to Brendon.

"He'll scream if you touch him," Ryan said when he noticed my intentions, but I ignored him. Just as he said, Brendon screamed again as I wrapped my arms around his trembling body. "Dr. Iero, do something." Ryan yelled. My head snapped to Frank to see his mouth dropped. He's...

"Gerard, it's not.. I-I was going," he stammered.

"Save it," I snapped and turned my attention back to Brendon. He was my main priority. Brendon's voice was going hoarse from the yelling.

"Gerard, maybe you should.."

"Shut the fuck up," I growled. I felt Brendon's body tense at my voice. I sighed and slowly began rocking us. "Cause I can't make you love me if you don't. You can't make your heart feel something it won't," I sang softly into Brendon's ear.

"What are yo.."

"Here in the dark in these final hours, I will lay down my heart," I continued, cutting off Frank. Brendon had stopped his screaming and buried his face in my neck. Brendon's body slowly started to calm. I didn't stop our rocking and continued singing.

"And I'll feel the power but you won't." I could feel Brendon's breath against my neck as he weakly whispered the lyrics with me. "Cause I can't make you love me if you don't." Brendon let out a tired cry and curled into my embrace. I began to run my fingers through his hair for comfort.

"It's okay, Bren," I kept my voice soft. "You're okay." He let out a hiccup and sniffed.

"Spencer.. H-he's gone..."

"I know Bren. I know." I could feel Frank and Ryan's eyes on us. "You're okay though. I got you. I'm right here." Another firework went off causing Brendon to flinch in my arms. I tightened my hold on him when he let out a whimper. I turned to Frank and clenched my teeth.

"Can you tell who ever is setting those off to cut that shit out," I gritted. Frank quickly went off to find the culprit for Brendon's breakdown. I watched him disappear into the night.

"Brendon," Ryan's soft voice was closer than I would've liked. When I turned my attention to him, he had an arm stretched out about to be placed on Brendon's shoulder.

"Don't fucking touch him," I hissed causing Ryan to recoil and retreat partially into the water. I didn't really care that I scared him. My only concern was for the boy in my arms. I looked down at Brendon. His eyes were screwed shut. He had repositioned himself so he could press the side of his face against my chest and had a fist full of my shirt.

"I got you.. I'm right here, Bren... I'm not going anywhere," I continued speaking softly. I ran my hand through his hair again as I continued slowly rocking the damaged boy, ready to hurt anyone who dare try to hurt him.

___

A/N:

So, I'm gonna be ending this story in a few chapters. Things are going to happen kinda quick, but I just don't have the time to give this story my proper attention. I hope this chapter and the next few aren't too crappy. Anyway, thanks for reading!