TW: Belts, implied physical abuse, implied sexual abuse

They can feel him coming. Tears are pricking at their eyes and their lips are shut tight, careful not to make a sound. They hear the creaking of the steps, the smacking of leather. They already feel the burns on their back and they cover their mouth to stop themselves from sobbing in fear. The bedroom door is locked, but the floor is still creaking. From under the bed, Gee sees the shadow of the man on the other side of the door. Bert.

"Gerard, open the fucking door."

Gee stays quiet, doesn't move a muscle. Their heart is pounding in their ears and they take a deep breath as to not scream. The doorknob turns, but it doesn't open. They have a sense of slight relief.

But then he rams into the door, "Open the fucking door or you'll fucking pay for it. You open this fucking door or so fucking help me--"

It slams again, Gee's heart gets louder. One final slam and it busts open, Bert snarls. "Get out you fucking brat!"

Gee is shaking, they know he's going to check under the bed. They see the belt hanging at his feet, they see his shoes walking to the closet, they see him open it. And then they stop. At the side of the bed closest to them.

"Come here."

They don't reply, they are shaking, crying, and then Bert leans down and his face, red, comes into view.

He grabs for them.

Gee wakes up. Tears are rushing down their face, they're staring at the wall, they are terrified, upset. Bert is running through their mind, and they swear they can feel the marks burning on their back. They are shaking, hands numb, fingers numb, face numb.

They stare at the wall for God knows how long, thinking, rethinking, living, reliving. Shh, it's okay. You can take it.

At some point, Patrick turns in bed, Gee had forgotten that he was with them, and they stare at him for a moment, he stirs. And when his eyes open, they rest on Gee, worry slowly crossing their face.

"You okay?" He mumbles, groggy, tired.

"Yeah, just a nightmare..." Gee looks away, swallowing, "I'm... actually not good."

Patrick leans up, slowly, and kisses their cheek, "What do you need, sweetheart?"

Patrick pulls them back down. They're reluctant, but when Patrick hugs them close, they blush softly, and then nuzzle into his chest.

"I need this," Gee says softly.

"You can have all of this you want." Patrick smiles, "You're safe.

"Nobody's gonna hurt you."