Gerard's POV :

I closed the door and froze on the spot for a few seconds as I zoned out for a second. My hand remained on the doorknob and I smiled to myself.

Frank is safe - for now. Now, I must move every piece on the board carefully. A child's mind is so beautiful but so fragile and breakable. I must heal Frank and guide him. Make him the best human being he can be - healthy, happy and educated.

I paced around thoughtfully until my feet led me to the kitchen. What I'm doing is illegal. But it's right. It's morally right.

It just had to be done. I'm offering Frank a chance to grow up properly without being abused physically or emotionally. That's what Frank's parents were supposed to do, but they didn't. They are in the wrong, not me.

I am aware of Frank's abuse. I am fully legitimate to intervene. It's my duty to take care of the kid and watch over him. I have to.

"Yet another one." I heard someone sigh behind me, snapping me out of my daydream. I turned around and saw Mikey, leaning back on the counter. "Frank, isn't it?"

"Mikey. Always a pleasure to see you," I uttered with an ounce of sarcasm. "There's something called texting, you know? You should have warned me that you were dropping by. I would have made some coffee."

My brother dismissed my sass. "Why do you always do that, Gee? Take them?"

"Because... You know how Dad used to be. I've seen too many broken families in my years of counseling. I know the feeling, and I can't stand seeing kids suffer like we did. I'll never let what happened to you happen to anyone else," I admitted bluntly.

"That's noble of you, but very illegal. I know you think that what you're doing is better than what his parents are putting him through. Laws exist for a reason. It's not your role to do that."

I ignored my brother and pretended he wasn't there. Mikey sighed. "Gerard, what happened to me is done and you won't change that, no matter how hard you try. Besides, you said the last one would be the last of them."

"Guess I lied, then." I shrugged. "Coffee?"

Mikey looked at me with his arms folded and his eternal pokerface at my not-so-subtle attempt to dodge that conversation.

"Alright, if you're just gonna stand there glaring at me..." I trailed off as I grabbed a single mug for myself.

"I won't get in your way, Gerard, but you know I disapprove."

"Yeah, I started to figure it out..." I smiled to myself. "I have a plan, you know?" I stated more seriously. "Frank won't stay here forever. I know what I'm doing."

"I know you do." Mikey ran a hand though his freshly re-dyed blonde hair.

My coffee was ready. Silence settled, and only my sips and gulping sounds were breaking it. The both of us seemed to be determined to stare at nothing. Eventually, I spoke :

"I had a dream about Dad, last night. The day before I took Frank. 'Nightmare' would be more accurate, though," I confessed, awkwardly staring at my mug. "I just-"

"-Gerard." Mikey interrupted. "You are not Dad. I am not worried that you might ever turn into someone like him and hurt Frank, or any other kid. You're a good man, the most hearty I know. You saved me."

"I guess I did." I smiled sadly. "I don't regret anything, Mikey."

"I know. It's just the concept that's disturbing me. The kid doesn't even realize that what you're doing is illegal. He has no idea of what you got the both of you into."

"If anything goes awry - which it won't - the blame is on me, Mikey. I took him in. Frank didn't run away, he isn't responsible of anything. As you said, he's just a kid. He can't be held accountable for anything. And if everything goes according to plan, Frank's life will improve so much that the risk is completely worth being taken."

"Yeah well, it's never too late to find an excuse and let him go. What you are going to do with him is irreversible. Please give it a thought," Mikey pleaded before leaving.

I'm glad Frank didn't show up when Mikey was here. Mikey could have told Frank that I was some psycho killer or some other lie and ruined everything.

No, it's better if they never meet.

•••
I gently knocked on Frank's door. "Frank, dinner is served."

The door opened and Frank appeared, with the bright smile he had the first day I met him and I thought he might have lost. That made my heart flutter.

Frank left his bedroom and discovered his new home. Like a curious kitten, he explored and peered around.

When he went in the kitchen, he found the drawing of the puppy he had given me a while ago, that I had pinned on my fridge. It was there since the day he gave it to me. Frank ran his fingers on the paper.

Frank was beaming. His eyes were shining and I read in them that it meant a lot to him. We exchanged a smile.

I served the dishes and quickly noticed that Frank wasn't picky on the food. That boy could swallow pretty much anything as long as it wasn't not spinach.

Frank told me about the comic books he had read. One about Wolverine and the X-men, the other about Batman. He asked me questions and we had a debate on who was the best X-man.

He argued that it was Wolverine, but everybody knows that Charles Xavier has the most useful power, especially when it comes to human relationships.

I wonder how the character didn't turn insane, though. I surely would have if I were able to hear people's thoughts.

I explained to Frank how he would organize his work and what I would teach him. I asked him what he used to prefer at school and detected in him a liking for art, but also psychology. I am not too bad myself at these, so teaching him wouldn't not be a problem. Also, it wouldn't be my first shot at homeschooling.

Frank placed his plate in the dishwasher by himself. Well, most of his basic education is done, that was to be expected. I'm not complaining. I'm a protector and a guide, but I believe I am completely unfit for parenting

"Thank you, Frank."

Frank hummed. He approached me and hoisted himself on my lap. My eyes met his wide, innocent one.

"What is it? Why do I feel like you're about to ask me something?" I chuckled.

Frank looked down at his lap and the sleeves he was nervously fiddling with. "I... I was wondering if I could give my parents a call. Not to tell them I'm here, just to let them know I'm okay."

"No, you can't." I stated.

Frank looked up at me surprisingly. He was probably expecting me to say yes, but I was afraid that was impossible.

"I'm being serious, Frank. You must not have any contact with any human being but me. And certainly not with your parents. That would ruin everything."

"What do you mean by 'everything'?" Frank asked in a little voice, swaying his legs back and forth.

"You will understand, one day. Now, do you trust me, boy?"

Frank nodded in a heartbeat, smiling happily.

"Good. So you will do as I say. I forbid you to call anyone, just like I forbid you to leave the house."

Frank pouted but nodded. I lifted his chin with my index, making him look at me.
"I'm proud of you," I stated. I cupped Frank's face and put a chaste kiss on his forehead.

Frank looked genuinely surprised. He must
not have heard these words very often, so far. I needed him to ; it was the truth. I was proud of him.

Frank hugged me. "Thank you," he whispered. I obviously hugged back.

"Of course. Now let's go to bed, Pumpkin." I said and Frank stood up from my lap. I followed him to his bedroom.

"Gerard? When is my curfew?" he asked.

"Well, that's up to you."

"What? Really?"
Frank looked at me like he had just been told that he won the lottery.

"Mmhm." I nodded as I closed the shutters of his window for him. "I trust you. I think you're responsible enough to know when you're tired and should go to sleep. Let's put a limit at 11 pm though."

Frank nodded. "I won't disappoint you !" he exclaimed.

I was about to leave and grabbed the doorknob when I felt two arms wrap around my waist and clutch me tightly.

"I love you so much, Gerard !" Frank claimed, hugging me by behind. "You're the best Dad in the world !"

I turned around and hugged back the small black-haired boy.
"I deeply care about you too, Frank. But you must not get too attached to me. I'm not your father, I'm your friend and instructor. Never forget that," I reminded him.

Now I can't have Frank think that I am his new father. That's a lie. Even though I wish deep down that it wasn't.

"Goodnight, Pumpkin." I let go of Frank who wished me a goodnight as well.

I closed his bedroom door and locked it. I didn't want anyone going in or out while I was asleep.

The window was secured by the shutters and would only lead to the backyard. There is no point in leaving or entering by there.

I also made sure that my phone was the only one in function in the house.
I can't risk Frank calling anyone. I mean, I do trust him, but I know how strong this temptation will grow. He will miss his parents at some point, that's unavoidable.

I changed into my pyjamas and checked on Frank. He was out like a light. What a little angel...

I went to my own bedroom, brushed my teeth because hygiene is important, and lay on my bed. As usual, the moon kept me company through my shutters.

I was thinking about everything and nothing at the same time, about the future, near or farther. About all the possibilities and things that will never be. Analyzing.

I closed my eyes and for a reason I didn't even know myself, my lips curled into a smile.

I was starting to fall asleep when I was violently woken up by a bloodcurdling scream.

It came from Frank's bedroom.

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