After they spent a few more hours at the hospital, Gerard went to a nearby hotel and arranged two rooms for Ellie and Carol to stay at while Andrew was recovering. 

Her mother had insisted that it wasn't necessary, but he was too kind to not do something for them, so she had gone along with it. 

Since Carol and Ellie were both exhausted, Andrew had told them to get some sleep. 

They protested heavily, but he assured them that he was in good hands with the nurses and doctors, eventually getting them to relent. 

Gerard took them both to the hotel and dropped her mom off at her room a few doors down. 

He had already brought Ellie's luggage to the room that they were both sharing, so she instantly started to put her clothes in the closet and her other products in the bathroom.

She knew she was going to crash at any moment, but she had to get her things organized before she did. 

Some people thought Ellie had OCD because of her intense organizational skills, but she simply replied that she was a "neat freak", and there was nothing more to it.

Once she had finished up her handiwork, she walked over to the large floor-to-ceiling window, which gave a splendid view of her hometown. 

It had been three years since Ellie had moved from Cleveland to New York, and the homesickness she had felt only a couple of days prior disappeared in an instant. 

She took a deep breath, held it in for a moment, then released it with a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. 

Suddenly, Gerard hugged Ellie from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. 

"This place is beautiful," he said softly. 

"It is," she nodded, leaning into his chest. "I haven't been here since I left for New York three years ago, so it's nice to be back."

After a moment, he kissed the side of her head and asked, "How are you doing?"

"Better," she replied. "I'm probably going to stay here until I know for sure that my dad's going to be okay."

He smiled. 

"And that's the reason why I love you. You always think about others before yourself."

Ellie shrugged and said, "That was my parents' doing. They taught me to behave like a good citizen, so you should be thanking them, not me."

"Don't worry, I will," Gerard reassured. "But for right now, I'll settle on you since you're the closest."

She chuckled lightly and turned around to face him. 

His green eyes were soft, and his expression was kind, making her heart flutter. 

But the moment ended when a sudden thought popped into her head, and she nervously asked, "Are you staying here, or are you going to leave?"

Seeing the shift on her face, he leaned down and kissed her head comfortingly. 

"I'm staying, Ellie," he replied. "I would never leave you at a time like this."

She bit her lip to hold back the tears that were forming in her eyes, but he quickly wiped them away with his thumb and hugged her tightly. 

"Take me to bed, please," she whispered into his chest.

Gerard nodded and carried Ellie to the bed, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead as he laid her down on the sheets. 

He then moved to the other side and slid his shirt off, setting it on the floor next to him. 

Slowly, he climbed in next to her and covered them both with the blanket.

She scooted closer and cuddled into him, running her hands along his warm skin. 

"Thank you for being here, Gerard."

He smiled softly and kissed her head. 

"You're welcome."

She fell asleep almost immediately to the rhythmic sound of his breathing. 

The next morning, Ellie was awakened by gentle caresses and kisses from Gerard, making her face turn a bright shade of red. 

"Good morning," she greeted with a small giggle.

His warm breath fanned across her shoulder as he chuckled and said, "Hello, beautiful."

Beautiful? That was a new one.

She turned and looked at him with raised eyebrows. 

"What do you want?" she asked playfully.

"Nothing," Gerard replied, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Can't a man call his woman beautiful?"

"Sure," Ellie shrugged. "But the fact that it was so sudden makes me think that you want something."

He rolled his eyes and smirked. 

"You're impossible, Ellie."

"But you love me," she said, making a cheesy grin.

"I do," he whispered, his gaze soft.

She leaned forward and kissed him. 

His arms came around her waist as he pushed her closer and deepened the kiss. 

Everything about Gerard was picture-perfect, and Ellie knew she had lucked out with someone as amazing as him.

He pulled away for a moment and looked at her. 

"I wanted to ask you something, if that's alright."

"Okay," she nodded. "What about?"

He traced her jawline with his fingers, sending chills down her spine, then said, "After we're done making Phantom of the Opera, I was wondering if you'd...like to move in with me."

Ellie's eyes widened, and her mouth gaped open. 

"M-move in with you?" she stuttered out in shock.

"You don't have to if you don't want to," Gerard responded quickly. "I understand if it might be too much for you."

She melted at his gentlemanly demeanor, but she felt nervous. 

What would her parents think of the idea? 

Would they approve or not?

With a sigh, she said, "I'll have to talk to my parents about it, Gerard. I hope you don't mind that."

"No, I get it," he replied understandingly, kissing her head to prove it. "I would never do anything behind your parents' back, let alone something that might make you uncomfortable."

Ellie stroked his warm chest and said, "You have no idea how much I want to live with you. The thought of being with you is...indescribable."

"Oh, darling," Gerard sighed. "You're the only woman I'd ever want to be with. I cannot imagine a life without your beautiful smile and your kind heart."

His words struck a chord deep within her, and she snuggled closer to him. 

"I couldn't imagine a life without you, either," she mumbled while pressing a kiss to his chest. "You're all I've ever wanted."

He kissed the top of her head and held her. 

"Even if they don't approve, we'll find a way to be together. I promise."

She smiled to herself and wrapped her arms around his neck.