Lost

Chapter 15

Gerard looked over at where Mikey lay face down on the couch. Frank had called him in a panicked voice a few hours earlier, telling him what was going on.

Gerard didn't understand how the simple act of him going missing managed to plunge Mikey headfirst into this state of depression.

But he knew that Mikey would most likely be vulnerable in an alley somewhere, so hurried around looking for him. Sure enough, he'd found him.

Gerard hated that he'd found him drunk. He'd always aimed to look after his little brother. Now he realized that the job entailed more than he'd first assumed. Mikey was more vulnerable than he'd ever have suspected. He felt so sorry for his little brother, and bad about leaving him.

He sighed and walked back to Mikey, handing him some coffee. Mikey was conscious – barely. Gerard hadn't meant for any of this to happen. He'd heard that Ray was in jail because he'd lied about Gerard's whereabouts. He watched his brother fumbling about with the mug, heart aching. He hated that alcohol had gone anywhere near Mikey.

He crouched down by Mikey and watched him with guarded eyes. When his brother had finished his coffee, Gerard gave him some water.

"Sleep," he told the younger Way with a frown.

"But–"

"No. You sleep. Now."

Mikey finally closed his eyes and lay his head down on the armrest.

A few minutes later, he was asleep.

*****

"Is he okay?" Frank fretted, stroking Mikey's hair. Gerard sighed.

"He was drunk when I found him."

"Oh, God." Frank looked strained. He then glanced at Gerard for the first time. "Is... is she here?"

"No." Gerard sighed. "She's coming later today."

"Oh." Frank nodded and looked back at Mikey, sighing. "Where'd you find him?"

"He was in the alley outside that damned pub." Gerard scowled. "He vomited twice on the way here."

"Poor kid." Frank sighed and sat down by the younger Way brother. 

Gerard had told Frank everything, so the shorter man didn't need to ask him anything. They both knew that once Mikey woke up, the questions would arrive.

But for now, he was asleep.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Gerard saw Frank visibly tense.

"Is that her?"

"Yeah." Gerard stood up slowly and walked towards the front door. He'd hoped that she wouldn't meet Mikey when he was passed out, intoxicated on the couch.

He opened the front door and came face to face with Lyn-Z. He'd met her whilst he was away, and they became fast friends. Then... well, more.

"Hi," he greeted her, a little unsure of whether or not to let her see Mikey. She noticed his hesitancy and frowned.

"Ger–"

"Oh, uh, come in." Gerard stood aside and let her in before closing the door.

She kicked her shoes off and they entered the front room. Frank looked up from where he was stroking Mikey's hair, then looked down again.

Lindsey glanced at Mikey. "Is that...?"

"Yeah," Gerard answered quietly. "He had a little trouble tonight."