Frank sat in the crowded and noisy bar, staring across the sticky table at the Native man that was sipping water. Ty was aimlessly watching football on the big screen TV nearby, clearly not even following by the way his eyes seemed glassy. Frank sipped on his third Jack and ginger of the evening, his head slightly buzzing from the alcohol. Ty turned to look at him and pursed his lips "How long do we have to be here? It's so loud."

Frank sighed softly, "Where do you wanna go then?"

"Home."

Frank nodded and took another sip of his drink. He had wanted to go out that evening and despite the fact that going to a bar seemed like a good idea at the time, it was slowly losing its glamor. He had hoped that going out with Ty would have been as fun as the idea laid out in his head but he didn't seem to realize that Ty was an introvert to his soul, and the rest around it was pure social awkwardness.

He hoped that at least Gerard and Lindsey were having a good time on their date, because as far as Frank was concerned, he definitely was not. But it wasn't Ty's fault. It was his own.

He finished his drink whilst Ty went to the bathroom. He sat there waiting patiently, drumming his fingers on the side of his glass as he scanned the crowd, looking for Ty and willing him to return. Instead, he saw a face he hadn't expected. A face that caught him so off-guard that he almost slid out of his chair. He froze in surprise, staring at the man that he had hoped he'd never see again.

Ty walked back over to Frank with a small smile, "Ready to go, pixie?"

Frank slid from his chair, "Just gimme a sec."

He slipped passed Ty and walked across the bar, tapping Jimmy on the shoulder. The tall man turned around, his smile fading when he saw who had plucked his attention. He frowned down at Frank and sipped his beer, "What the hell do you want, microbe?"

Frank scowled ruefully, "Wanted to see if you're less of a douchebag than I remembered. Guess I was wrong."

"Oh, fuck off." Jimmy laughed mirthlessly, "What the hell are you talkin' about, man?"

"Where's your daughter, James? Where is she? Is she with Chantal? Is she safe? Or is she being looked after the same way you looked after her mother?"

Jimmy's smile instantly vanished as he took a swig of his beer, eyeing Frank with disdain, "Get fucked, kid. Leave Mia out of this, you don't even know her."

Frank clenched his fists but pushed the anger down, "I was there when she was born, asshole. I was there when Jamia died. Where were you?"

"How should I remember?"

"Because the mother of your child died on the day of her birth. You're telling me you don't even remember what day she was born?"

"Course I do."

"When was it?"

"Oh, please. Don't start this bullshit. Just run along with your..." He glanced up behind Frank as the latter felt a warm presence behind him and a hand rest on his shoulder. Jimmy eyed Ty up and down and looked at Frank, "What happened to your little snowflake boyfriend?"

"We broke up months ago."

"And is this the supposed upgrade? How's it hanging, Chief?" Jimmy smiled drunkenly.

Ty's hand tightened on Frank's shoulder and Jimmy's smile faded a notch. Ty cleared his throat, "Yes, I am the upgrade. I'm not here to size dicks or anything, either. So put your ego away. C'mon, Frank, let's go."

Frank was thankful that Ty was at least playing along. He glanced up at him gratefully, receiving that same subtle wink that was so unique to him. Frank glanced back at Jimmy, who was still looking at Ty thoughtfully.

"I thought you wore the pants in the relationship, Iero. Are you wearing skirts for this Redface now?"

Frank reacted on instinct before anyone had even registered, socking Jimmy right in the jaw with a solid punch that had him stumble. He may have been smaller and shorter than most men, but he knew they always underestimated his strength and that was the true advantage.

Jimmy put a hand to his jaw and glared at Frank, immediately swinging when Ty caught Jimmy's forearm and flipped him around. Jimmy yelped as his face was pressed against the bar, his arm being pulled up behind his back and twisted in a way that definitely wasn't natural.

"Don't fucking touch him, you greasy hasbeen punk." Ty spat as he let go, "Haymakers are always the fool's first choice."

Jimmy staggered up weakly and shook his arm, "Jesus, man, relax."

Ty squinted at him, throwing him a furious glance before he turned to Frank. Frank could only yelp and duck when Ty was hit by a surprise fist to the face that sent him backward. Frank turned to see Jimmy shaking his fist lightly, a shit-eating grin on his stupid face.

Frank didn't even realize what was happening before he tackled Jimmy to the floor, sending a tray of drinks and a chair crashing in their wake. Frank managed to get at least two punches in before he was thrown off and suddenly smacked in the face by someone else. The dull ache and heat surprised him before the adrenaline threw the pain down in his system to deal with it later. He could feel his jaw throbbing and he could taste the iron tang of blood in his mouth. He could hear Ty cursing someone out and for a moment, everything was spinning out of control.

He was about to kick whoever had hit him when he was grabbed at the back of the shirt and dragged backward. He gasped as he stumbled out the door, gulping in fresh air before he turned and unceremoniously threw up against a trash can. He coughed up bile, feeling it burn his nostrils as he groaned, wiping his mouth on his arm. He glanced at Ty, seeing blood running down from the reopened scar in his eyebrow.

He couldn't read Ty's expression, so afraid that he'd be in trouble, but he was suddenly pulled into a hug and he could hear Ty laughing. He let out a croaky chuckle and just let himself be hugged for a split second before Ty let go. He bent down to examine Frank's face intently, checking for major injuries. Frank remained still, staring into Ty's dark eyes, and felt the intense gaze turning his insides into melted goo. Ty almost smiled, and stood up, "You'll be fine, just some bruises. No blood except that lip."

Frank touched his lip and winced when he felt it burn. He was also so thankful that it was on the opposite side of his lip ring and that nothing had been ripped out. Ty put his arm around the shaky submissive and led him back to the matte black Jeep parked down the street. He put Frank safely in the car and locked it, stepping quickly into the corner store for a minute.

Frank closed his eyes, trying to ignore the trembling in his hands and the waves of light nausea in his stomach. The driver's side door opened a few minutes later and Frank opened his eyes to see Ty climb in. He was handed a can of Coke and some gummy sweets as Ty opened his own Redbull and chugged most of it. Frank opened his soda and took a shaky sip, sighing as the bubbles washed away any evidence of his recent purge. He rolled the cold tin over his flushed face slowly and turned to Ty, "Are you okay, sir?"

"Blood is burning my eye but I'm fine." He whispered softly as he finished his drink and pulled the visor down to examine himself in the little mirror.

Frank scratched around in the glovebox and held out a spare rag that he found and reached out. Ty eyed him hesitantly but Frank decided to take charge over the Dominant for once. He took Ty gently by the jaw and turned, wiping away some of the blood gently. He used some of Ty's old water to wet the rag, dabbing at the dried blood on his cheek and jaw. Ty didn't fight it. He didn't seem overly enamored with being touched but he wasn't snarling or breathing fire, and for that, Frank was exceedingly grateful.

"Pixie?"

"Sir?"

"Remember when I picked you up and you told me you wanted to go to a bar to get drunk?" Ty whispered in his gentle cadence, "I asked for your consent before you even touched a drop of alcohol. Do you remember what you said?"

"I said I'd be okay with sex even after alcohol and if I changed my mind, I'd have to let you know."

"And?" Ty's voice dropped in octave as he tilted Frank's head up a little with his pinkie finger under the submissive's chin.

Frank swallowed deftly, "Haven't changed my mind, sir."

Ty reached down and slid his seat back, patting his lap. Frank clambered across the console to climb into Ty's lap, whining softly at the contact between them. Frank felt big rough hands slip under his shirt and touch his waist, calloused fingertips grazing and causing a wave of goosebumps to ripple down Frank's arms. He so badly wanted to lean in and kiss Ty but he couldn't and he wouldn't without permission. Instead, he dug into that fledgling side of him that solely urged to please, and rolled his hips down against Ty. The sound that he earned in return was so soft but so pretty, a tiny whisper of a moan on Ty's pouted lips was enough to spark Frank's needy fire.

He continued grinding down against the Dominant, one hand on Ty's broad shoulder and the other on the carseat. He moaned breathlessly when he felt Ty sucking a mark into his neck, nipping at his skin to drive him closer to insanity. He reached down between them and lifted Ty's shirt up, running a hand over his toned muscles and dug his fingernails into the Dominant's tan skin. Ty hissed softly and tightened his grip, reaching down to recline the seat back and pull Frank with him.

Frank sat up and rolled his hips down on Ty's erection, his hands splayed out on his chest for leverage. He was already so hard, his jeans making the ache almost unbearable, the alcohol making his brain fuzzy. The car was beginning to fog up around them, the air between them so sticky, clinging to any available inch of his skin like millions of open-mouth kisses. He pressed the heel of his hand down on Ty's clothed cock and listened to the preen that left him. Frank felt his own adrenaline-hurried orgasm encroaching on the rest of his brain like a predatory animal, snarling and waiting to pounce when he let his guard down.

A hand around his throat was the last thing he expected and it shook his entire core, feeling Ty's fingers squeezing the sides of his neck to cut off his blood supply. He pressed his hands back down on Ty's chest, hearing him gasp softly, and continued rutting against him. Ty's eyes closed, his mouth hanging open a fraction despite him barely breathing. That was something Frank had noticed about Ty and how different it was to Gerard. Where his Master got more breathy and made noise when he got closer to his climax, Ty was the opposite. He seemed to almost stop breathing when he got near to his orgasm, letting out a double-clutch breath as he came and almost no noise at all.

And that's what Frank got to experience only a few minutes later, watching Ty crumble beneath him as they rutted against each other roughly and messily. He looked so transcendent with his eyes shut, his hands in a tight grip on Frank's hips as he used the little submissive to ride out his high. Frank was pliant in his lap, whining and whimpering pathetically as he stared down at the wet spot seeping through Ty's cargo pants.

He let out a dry little sob, surging so close but the inner submissive that lurked within his brain refused to let go. He looked up at Ty and opened his mouth in a silent plea, his hips still maintaining the quick rhythm he was so used to keeping when on top. Ty slowed him down when he grew softer, stilling the needy submissive before he clumsily sat up to keep them physically close. Frank was about to protest until Ty unfastened his jeans and reached in, pulling Frank's dick out of his boxers to stroke him quickly.

Ty took hold of Frank's jaw and held him still, "Look at me, boy. Look at me. Come on, that's it. Good boy. I know you can do it."

Frank melted in Ty's grip, his bones turning into a fiery liquid and only added to his fire. He panted heavily, staring at Ty as he nodded dumbly, "Yeahyeahyeah, please. Sir- Please-"

Ty shushed him quietly, rubbing his jaw with the side of his finger, "No need for that now, little boy. I'm here. Daddy's here. He's gonna make you come."

Frank let out a strangled whine, a surprised sound caught in his throat when he heard the word he hadn't anticipated at all. He shuddered and leaned in, moaning as he rocked his hips in time with Ty's quickened strokes. He felt soft lips and hot breath on his ear, his eyes rolling back in his head as Ty whispered, "Hold it for just one more second, sweet boy. That's it. I'm so fucking proud of you, little runt. Come for me now. Right now."

Frank felt his body do as it was told, his rope finally loosening inside. He came with a sharp burst, the white-hot frenzy of fizzles climbing through his nervous system like fire ants. He practically bounced in Ty's lap, riding it out as he drooled down his own chin, listening to the Dominant's praise under the roar of blood in his ears. He clutched to Ty's shoulders and fell forward, leaning against him as Ty let go and made a sound, wiping his hand on the rag Frank had used to clean the blood from his face.

Frank let out a hoarse laugh, "Did you just grimace at my jizz?"

"Sticky." Ty muttered softly and tucked Frank back into his jeans, "Now get off my lap, you little slut."

Frank blushed profusely as he climbed back into the passenger seat, watching Ty rearrange himself and pull his seat back to where it had initially been. Frank closed his eyes as he took a sip of his soda, feeling a little better than he had before despite the slow-growing headache.

Ty opened his window, letting in some fresh air, and started the car again. It was Frank's cue to close his eyes and squeeze them shut, trying to stop the world spinning around him.

They hadn't gone too far from his home and before he knew what end was up, Ty was pulling up at the gate and pushing the button on his remote. Frank looked up at the beautiful beige-colored vista that he called 'home', and was genuinely glad to see it. He smiled when he saw the black Mercedes parked in its bay and scrambled out of the Jeep to open Ty's door excitedly.

They made their way inside the house with Ty keeping Frank propped up - the poor submissive was already wobbly before Ty had thrown an orgasm his way. Frank smiled up at him gratefully as they made their way into the kitchen but was met with an unimpressed politician in their way.

They stopped in their tracks and Frank looked up to see the infuriated sneer of Gerard's lips and his folded arms. Frank swallowed and took a step back but Ty brought him back.

Gerard looked at them both and held out his phone. Frank squinted at the screen and saw his stomach drop when he realized it was an article on him and Ty on social media. Gerard cleared his throat and read, "'Congressman's Assistant Caught Brawling in Bar'."

Frank hid behind Ty immediately, realizing and sobering up far too quickly. Gerard's voice was laced with so many emotions, "Do you have anything to fucking say for yourselves?"

Ty sighed, "We have a reasonable explanation."

"And what would that be, exactly?"

Ty turned, "Frank? Speak up, boy."

Frank peered out and met the disapproving gaze of his Master and immediately looked down at his shoes, "I saw Jimmy."

"Am I supposed to recollect who that is?"

"Remember my friend, Jamia? Wh-Who died? Jimmy is the father of her baby." Frank whispered nervously as he played with his fingers.

"So?"

"I... I just... I got angry for what he did and how he treated her and then... Then he was calling Ty these awful names and he was insulting me and I just- I-I snapped."

"Do you have any fucking idea how appalled I am? That your egregious lack of concern for your public reputation has led to this. Did you think, for one minute, how this would look on my behalf? Not only did you go somewhere where I specifically told you fucking not to, but you coerce my best friend into taking you to a place where he would be less than comfortable. You start a fight with a man you barely know because you got upset and then end up in a bar fight. Did you not think that you're in the spotlight now? You work as my right hand, my reputation for this country will remain fucking spotless and I cannot believe you would be so fucking reckless!"

Frank visibly flinched when Gerard's hand came down on the marble counter, the sound resonating through the kitchen to annunciate his point even further. He stared down at his shoes as his eyes filled with tears and his mouth filled with saliva.

Gerard turned to Ty next, "How could you let this happen? Look at him, look at yourself. I asked you to keep him safe and out of trouble."

"I was in the bathroom when he-"

"You left him unattended in public whilst he was intoxicated?"

"For, like, a split second."

"A split second is clearly enough time for him to get you both into shit, Ty!"

"Alright, fuck. It happened, now we fix it." Ty sighed in exasperation, "It's not a big deal, G."

"Please just go home. I have to deal with this. I know Joshua is worried sick."

Ty shook his head and gave Frank's shoulder a squeeze before he turned and walked back out to his car. Frank felt even more exposed now that his protective wall had disappeared. He kept his hands clasped in front of him, knowing that he was being watched.

"I have never in my life been so fucking disappointed in you, Frank Anthony. How could you do this?"

"Please don't..." Frank sniffed, "I made a mistake and I'm sorry. But please don't do this now. You can punish me all you want but I stand by what I did. You didn't see her all alone, you weren't there when she died. You don't understand how broken she was when he left. If anything, I would have done it sooner."

"Fine. I'll save you the lecture. I can see you're still upset and still drunk. But you will be punished. Whether you feel you did the right thing by assaulting someone or not, you still disobeyed me."

"Yes, sir."

"And you're sleeping in your own bed tonight." Gerard pointed to the stairs, "I want you in bed in ten minutes. Now go."

Frank walked out of the kitchen and made his way up the stairs, crying quietly as everything came crashing to a head. He stepped into his bedroom and did as he was told, stripping out of his clothes and climbing into his bed without bothering himself in finding pajamas. He lay there under the sheets, the world spinning around him and warping around the edges.

He heard the door open and watched as Gerard came into the room quietly. He set water down and some aspirin for the morning. He crouched down to look at his submissive, "You've hurt me today, Frank. I expected more from my submissive. And I want you to understand very clearly that I won't condone this behavior. I am not Ty, and I don't get into fights every other week. I don't think it brave or chivalrous. I have worked hard to get where I am and have made many a sacrifice for it. And I will not subject my reputation to this childish display of bravado. Lindsey and Patrick will be doing their utmost to squash this and slip it under the rug but if it happens again, you are on your own. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes, sir. I understand, sir. I'm sorry, sir."

"I know you are. But 'sorry' doesn't undo what has been done. And because of your drinking, I know you'll be as miserable as sin tomorrow, too."

"I'll try not to." Frank offered quietly.

"Just work on yourself more than anything else, okay? I know you can be better than this." Gerard touched Frank's cheek gently, "I won't punish you tomorrow if you're no doubtedly hungover. So, we can schedule it for the day after. I won't forget."

"I understand, sir. That's okay."

"Now get some sleep." Gerard stood up and walked to the door. He glanced at Frank over his shoulder, "Goodnight, boy."

"Night, sir."

~

Frank was already so cramped after he had spent the day prior in a cage. He hadn't been sent to work like he had expected but rather, had been stuffed in the iron cage under the bed as a part of his punishment. He hadn't been left alone this time, either. He was so embarrassed to be within the confines of the stupid cage and to make matters worse, Gerard had brought Josh in to keep an eye while he worked remotely from their playroom. Frank had been barred from talking unless he were to communicate any concerns. He got given a single meal and water to tide him over, but no entertainment or anything of the sort.

He had been locked in the cage since eight in the morning and it was now nearing six. His muscles ached from being confined and the lack of use. Frank could tell that Josh definitely wasn't a Dom by nature because every time Frank made a sound of pain or disdain, he would look so heartbroken and guilty. But because he was a submissive in nature, instead, he was doing as he had been instructed - playing guard dog.

The door opened at half past and they both looked up to see Gerard stepping into the room. Josh immediately jumped to his feet and bowed his head, receiving a gentle pat to the shoulder. They spoke quietly amongst themselves before Josh began packing away his things. He threw Frank a glance before he walked out and closed the door.

Gerard crouched down by the cage and examined his poorly submissive who had been so humiliated after pissing himself a few hours ago. He glanced at Gerard for a split second before looking away, staring at the iron ceiling of the cage.

He heard the rattle of a key and the door swung open as Gerard stood up, "Out. On your feet."

Frank obeyed, crawling from the cage and slowly stretching his limbs. He was in agony, his joints protesting every iota of movement. His knees buckled as he stood up, but he tried to remain still as he watched Gerard walk around and collect a few things. Frank frowned in confusion and saw Gerard eye him, "What, did you think your punishment began and ended with just being in a cage?"

Frank opened his mouth to answer but hung his head, guilt and shame piling over him like an avalanche. He stayed silent as Gerard took off his day collar and replaced it with a thick black collar that he fastened around Frank's neck. He took Frank by the arm and made him stand on the Persian carpet. Gerard sat down in the lush armchair in the corner next to their sawhorse and draped a leg over the other. Frank frowned when he looked at his Master, confused about his punishment.

Gerard's smile piqued just a fraction, "Go ahead. Ask."

"I don't understand, sir."

"I tried to think of a fitting punishment for your indiscretions. The cage was merely the start. This, however, is your real punishment."

"How, sir?"

"Since you have shown me a clear lack of self control once again, and since you think it okay to hurt others even if you were drinking, we're going to fix that. You are going to stand there until I see fit that you have enough self control."

"Do you consent to your punishment, boy?"

"Yes, sir. I do, sir."

"Do you understand why I'm punishing you, boy?"

"Yes, sir. I do, sir." Frank paused, "Sir?"

"Yes, my boy?"

"So I just stand?"

Gerard lifted up a small device and pressed a few buttons, "Look down."

Frank looked at his feet and let out a sharp cry when he was jolted by a sudden volt of electricity from his neck. He panted softly and looked up at Gerard, horrified. He saw the small smile of sadistic satisfaction gleaning in Gerard's face and he swallowed hard.

He kept his head up, "I see, sir."

"I've got it on a sensor. I don't control it, you do. Hence, self control. If you want to remain unfettered, you stay still. If you move, you get shocked. And I'm pretty sure each time you get shocked, the voltage rises a wattage or so." Gerard stated simply as he reached down into his briefcase and took out a newspaper and unfolded the pages, reading it casually.

Frank stayed still, trying to ignore the ache in his knees that was slowly growing. He rolled his neck, yelping loudly as he was zapped again. He could feel the electricity surge through his system and make the bruises from his fight throb a little under the surface. He panted breathlessly, the shock to his body made his limbs feel like jelly and his bones weaker than an infant. He stood up straight, staring at the wall of wooden panelling ahead of him with his hands behind his back.

"Let's see here," Gerard spoke softly but firmly, "Ah, here it is. 'Congressman Gerard Way has had his numbers soaring over this last term now that it is clear that his work in our community is actually paying off. After his recent success in the polls, many were shocked to find that one of his employees were caught in a bar fight on Wednesday evening.'"

Frank winced, clenching his fists behind his back as he tried not to move, listening quietly.

"'The employee, now identified as Frank Anthony Iero, a recent addition to Way's powerhouse team, can be seen antagonizing a patron of Bowden's Bar with the help of known local freelance artist and small-time criminal protestor Tyler Tashunka-Joseph. The fight quickly escalated after reports allegedly state Iero threw the first punch, hitting James Euringer directly in the face.'" Gerard looked at Frank, who refused to make eye contact and continued staring at the wall, "'The fight was quickly quelled by Joseph who managed to drag his counterpart out of the establishment. Euringer has stated at this time that he does not wish to press any charges and Congressman Way should not only do well to thank his lucky stars for the good people within his district, but should think again on who he decides to employ, lest his reputation be sullied by the youth of today.'"

Frank swallowed quietly and looked down, gritting his teeth as he was electrocuted a third time. He let out a weak cry and his head shot up, his toes curling into the carpet. He panted breathlessly, sniffing and reaching up to wipe his eyes, but the collar went off again. This time, the charge was so much stronger and enough to knock him down to his knees. He cried out, heaving out a breath as the rug beneath him scraped at his skin.

He let out a dry sob and raised his head weakly, another supercharged voltage shot threw him and set him spamming in agony, convulsing on the floor for a good three seconds before it was stopped. His body trembled, his hands curled at his chest, everything tingling uncomfortably. He couldn't have been standing there for very long, but his current perception of time was so estranged and warped that it could have been an hour. In reality, it was probably only about fifteen minutes of this torture.

He saw Gerard walk over to him and crouch down above him, "Do you understand why I'm so disappointed in your behavior?"

Frank sniffed and whimpered, "Y-Yes, s-sir."

"I understand that you feel you did the right thing. But do you understand what this has done for all of us? This has brought so much to light that I have fought so hard to erase? The entire country and most likely some parts of the world are now looking directly at us. We're already being scrutinized for being so diverse. My opponent for state district could easily use this against me and I have no way of fighting it off because it's not some made-up story for his campaign."

Frank nodded weakly, wheezing and jerking when his body shot out a few more of the electric fizzles that seemed to contract his muscles. He sniffed softly, "Y-Yes, s-sir."

"I don't ever want you to pull something like this again. For your own sake and mine. How do you think I felt when I saw you come home covered in bruises and God knows what else after having that story sent to me by Patrick?" Gerard stood up and pressed another button on the collar and Frank screamed out as he was shocked again, his body curling and shuddering on the floor involuntarily. It hurt so bad, so excruciating. He hated how it felt, how it billowed through his every fiber and roundhouse kicked every single nerve ending.

He sobbed unabashedly, scraping at the carpet as he was thrown into a second current. And that was when he raised his hand, giving his Dominant three fingers. He couldn't take any more of it. Even if he knew he was at fault and he deserved it, he wasn't able to continue. The volts stopped immediately and he was let to stay on the floor until the random heats of electricity stopped tingling in his extremities.

He rolled onto his back, staring up at Gerard, and closed his eyes. He felt gentle hands lift him up into a sitting position. He grimaced but pushed through, his body sagging against his Master for support. The collar was removed and he was lifted up. He whined softly, but was ultimately grateful since he knew there was no way he could hold his own weight.

Gerard kissed his temple gently, "You have much to learn, my prince. And I clearly still have much to teach."

Frank let himself be carried, hanging limply from his Master's arms with absolutely zero strength in him to do anything else. His mind had also begun to fade slightly from the exhaustion. He was on autopilot the entire time, letting Gerard undress him from his shorts and bathe him. He didn't fight the warm water nor did he protest at the soap on his skin. He didn't argue when he was wrapped in a towel and escorted into his bedroom. He sat there in a daze as he was dressed in clean underwear and helped Gerard mindlessly to pull on his sweatpants.

Gerard crouched down and held Frank's face in his hands, "Talk to me, boy. I know you're in there. I need to know if you're okay."

Frank blinked slowly and waited for his Master's face to come into focus. He gave Gerard a tiny sad smile, "M okay. Just tired."

Gerard nodded understandingly, "I see. Would you like to discuss your safewording or not?"

"Not right now." Frank whispered, "Can't think."

Gerard nodded, "Would you like to have some dinner?"

"No, thank you. I feel a little sick." Frank closed his eyes, "I'm gonna have a nap. If I wake up later, I'll have something. Is... Is that okay, sir?"

"Whatever you need, my prince." Gerard stood up and tried to pick Frank up, but the submissive protested quietly.

He looked up at Gerard with all of that guilt still weighing on his shoulders, "I'll... I'll sleep here tonight. It's part of my punishment and I accept it."

Gerard helped Frank into his bed and tucked him in, giving him a kiss on the forehead, "You did well."

"Thanks." Frank whispered as he closed his eyes, "I'm sorry."

"I know." Gerard replied quietly and brushed Frank's hair back before he stood up again and walked out, leaving the door ajar. Frank lay there, his body still tingling, and felt himself already drifting into a calming sleep. It was so sorely needed and welcomed by every inch of skin and muscle. He was hurting and tense, and all he needed was rest.

He slipped into a steady sleep moments later, and after what only felt like seconds, he was roused from it. He let out an afflicted whine when he was lifted out of his bed and hoisted up in very strong arms. The soft smell of leather and mint had him melt against the body carrying him down the hall. He lay his head on the bare shoulder, hiding his face in their neck. He knew, subconsciously, who it was, but his sleep-addled brain was not able to reconcile a solid thought.

He was set down gently on a different bed and tucked in, the soft sheets against his skin felt so familiar. There was a shift in weight and he was gently pulled back by an arm around his torso. The bodily warmth behind him was everything he ever wanted, the hand running over his skin had him fading all over again. He knew who it was. He knew it was Gerard who had come to fetch him. He felt that perhaps this was Gerard's way of forgiving him, and he hoped it to be true, but for now, he was just so grateful not to be alone.