Hi all! So, here you go, early Christmas present! This will probably be my last update before the New Year so I'll say now: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Usual warnings apply!

Thanks for all the reviews and comments, as always!

~x~

Purifying Flame

Chapter Seven

Frank was moving slowly, feeling his way along the corridor, ready and alert with his gun raised. He let out a deep breath, not even realising he'd been holding it in for some time. He didn't know where he was going, or even what the plan was. Well, the plan was to stay alive, and make sure Luka hadn't died for nothing. Grief seized him once again when he thought of the friend he'd left behind. He knew it wouldn't be long before Luka was discovered, and an alarm would be raised. Once that happened, Frank was very aware that his game would be up. All he could hope was that he came across an exit, or better still Billie Joe and Mike, before that inevitability occurred.

He was making progress, he was sure of it. Why did every corridor, every wall, in this fucking place have to look exactly the same? Lost in a building like the one he had found himself in was like being lost in a maze. A feeling of helplessness was building inside of Frank, threatening to take over. He was all alone, surrounded by numerous foes that would be happy to shoot him on sight. It wasn't the fear of death that was bothering Frank in that moment, it was that sense of loneliness.

Frank didn't want to be on his own any more.

He edged forward a few more steps, and then paused, listening intently. He pressed his ear against the wall, confused. He could hear a noise, sounding like thudding and scuffling, and then someone moaning in pain. He grimaced when he heard what sounded like punches, and gasps for breath. Someone was being beaten behind the wall, someone was in serious trouble.

Frank hesitated for a moment, unsure what to do. His common sense was telling him that whatever was happening was none of his business. If he got involved, he could well be throwing away any chance he had of escaping. But Frank knew he had to ignore common sense. Someone needed help, someone innocent for all he knew. He'd already figured out that he was in some kind of correctional facility. How could he live with himself if he just walked away? What if it was Billie, or Mike? Or even Ray? Any of them could have been captured. He would not leave them to be tortured.

Hell, he wouldn't stand by and allow anybody to be tortured.

Never again.

Frank heard a voice then, too muffled and soft for him to understand. One thing he was sure of though, a person was really suffering, very close to him. He felt along the wall quickly, trying to find a gap or something similar, a way for him to gain entry. He blinked when his fingers found a small button and he pressed it. He then managed to catch himself before he fell forward as, to his astonishment, the wall he was leaning against vanished. It made no sound, it simply disappeared. Frank quickly realised that what he had assumed was a "wall" was in fact a doorway, which Frank discovered led to a tiny room. A hiding place, perhaps? A hidey-hole, should the City ever come under attack? As Frank's eyes became accustomed to the darkness, his gaze fixed on the shocking sight that was right in front of him, and he baulked in surprise. A Scarecrow, without his mask, was on top of a cowering figure in a hospital gown, hissing into the other man's ear. Neither of them seemed aware of the newcomer's presence. Frank took a step forward; gun raised, and then glanced over his shoulder to see that the "wall" had once again appeared, trapping them all inside. Turning his attention back to the fight being played out mere feet away from him, he could see that the victim was attempting to defend himself but Frank could see that the Scarecrow was winning the battle, having overpowered and was throttling the life out of him. The patient's fight was leaving him and the Crow knew it, judging by his triumphant body language. As Frank watched, the man forced his gun against his victim's eye, and clearly prepared to fire. Frank was going to watch a man being murdered in cold blood, right in front of him.

No. He wasn't.

He made his mind up instantly. Aiming his gun, he fired twice, both shots hitting the mark, striking the Scarecrow in the back, and the blast did it's deadly work, stopping the man's heart. Seconds passed, and Frank held his breath as he watched the doomed man collapse to the ground and lay there, beside his now gasping victim. His body spasmed once, as the life left him, and then he lay, completely still. It was done.

Frank paused for a moment, eyeing the pitiful figure slumped by the wall. He frowned, wondering what this man had done to receive such punishment? Probably not much, Frank reasoned.

He approached the other man uncertainly, his gun raised and ready.

"Citizen," he said, "Are you okay?" Frank stopped, keeping his distance and tilted his head slightly, "Are you a prisoner here?"

The prisoner didn't answer him.

Frank tried again. "Don't be scared," he told him, in what he hoped were more gentle tones. "I won't hurt you."

The other man lifted his head slightly, but didn't look at Frank.

"What's your name?" Frank urged. "I'm Ghoul..."

At that, the beaten man gave a very peculiar response. He began to shake his head firmly, and even muttered under his breath. He still wouldn't turn to look at Frank, and the brunette's patience was wearing very thin.

He took another step forward. "I asked you," he snapped. "Are you being kept prisoner here? This is the Detention Centre, isn't it? Do you know the way out of here?"

The prisoner's whole body language was intriguing. He seemed so tense, so shocked by what Frank was saying. Frank could see that his fists were clenched and he appeared to be very agitated.

Then, at long last, he replied, at a mere whimper. "You came for me. You came." The other man's voice actually broke as he spoke.

Frank was utterly confused. He waved his gun, at the other man, forcing his voice to remain stern.

"Stand up," he told him. "And turn around and look at me." When the other man didn't respond, instead choosing once more to simply stare at the wall, Frank finally lost all patience. "I asked you a question, dammit! Who are you? Why are you here?"

He heard the man whimper again as he hesitated to obey. Finally, very slowly and carefully, he turned his head slightly and looked directly at Frank.

Frank gaped at the crouching man for a moment, trying to understand what was right before his eyes. He took a step back, and bought a shaky hand up to his mouth. Tears sprang to his eyes and he fought to keep them at bay. He was experiencing so many emotions at once, as he stared stupidly at the man who was watching him so closely.

As disbelief hit him like a brick, he shook his head, and then the feeling of shock and panic was replaced by something much more known to him. Anger. Pure unadulterated fury.

How dare they?

"No," Frank snapped, his ray gun aimed, his finger covering the trigger, ready to put a stop to this madness before it had even begun. "It's impossible. It can't be you."

And then, as Frank watched, the other man held out a hand, as if he was reaching out for Frank, wanting him closer.

The thing that looked like Gerard Way managed one trembling word.

"Frankie?"

There was a very uncomfortable pause as both men gazed at each other. Frank recovered first, actually twisting his face into a nasty smile.

"Good try," he whispered. "That's very impressive. Almost spot on."

"Frank-" Gerard whimpered, still trying to force himself up off of the ground.

"It's a shame," Frank continued, in a voice dripping with sarcasm; "That BL/I didn't do their research properly. I know that you're not Gerard because I watched Gerard die!"

Gerard moaned, and shook his head.

Frank chuckled. "Sucks to be you, fucker." There was a frightening insanity about Frank now. Gerard knew he was hanging on by a thread, pushed to the edge by the sight of the lover he had had to watch die. He even felt scared by this unhinged Frank, knew he had to make his lover understand, before this all ended very badly for them all.

"It is me, Frank." Gerard whispered. "Please-"

"Shut the fuck up!" Frank spat, surging forward, only stopping mere inches from Gerard, causing the other man to flinch, expecting a blow. "Gerard didn't just die in my arms. I killed him. I ripped your fucking shit machine off of his head and then I watched him die. He stopped breathing in my arms and now his fucking murderers have the fucking nerve to create some kind of filthy clone?"

"Frank," Gerard babbled, desperately. "I'm not a clone-"

"I fucking told you to shut up!" Gerard suddenly found himself roughly dragged to his feet and thrown back against the wall, with a gun being held painfully against his neck. He grunted from the cruel treatment, having already endured the painful beating from the Drac. Frank seemed nonplussed by his misery, and that hurt him more than the actual pain. "You tell me who you are right now," the other man snarled into his face; "Or I swear to God that I will blow you away."

"Don't make the biggest mistake of your life, Frank." Gerard said, holding his hands up, trying to stay calm. He was also in agony, thanks to the beating the Draculoid dished out to him, and the tightness of Frank's grip. "They told me you were dead too, and I believed them! But I know that it's you. Can't you look at me, really look, and sense the same? You're better than this, Frank."

Frank let out a strangled sob, his gun hand trembling. "Just stop," he whispered. "You are not him."

Gerard sighed. "Look, what is it going to take for you to believe me?" He gestured in desperate frustration. "Ask me a question. Any question you want."

Frank eyed him, letting out an almost crazed laugh. "Do you think I'm stupid?" He retorted.

"What?"

The brunette tightened his hold on his gun. "Back in that room, before that machine killed the real Gerard, it wiped his mind. You think I can't fucking work it out for myself that the BL/I scum would give their sick clone all the memories that they stole?" He leaned in closer. "I told you already. If those bastards want to send a clone to mess with our minds, maybe they shouldn't have chosen the guy that watched Gerard Way die!"

Gerard flinched. "You're hurting me, Frankie," he whispered. "Please let go of me."

Frank paused for a moment, fighting to keep his expression neutral, clearly affected by the sadness in the other man's voice, but he didn't release his punishing hold. "You're good," he whispered; "I'll give you that. But you're not him. You can't be. He's dead." He shook his head, muttering his mantra repeatedly under his breath. "He's gone. No coming back. He's gone."

"What can I do, Frank?" Gerard beseeched, his voice breaking. He couldn't deal with this any more. There was finality to his tone "It's your choice! Either kill me, or just tell me what it will take to convince you that I'm me?"

Frank bit his lip, taking a moment to compose himself, watching Gerard so closely that the other man trembled under his glare.

Finally, Frank whispered one barely audible word: "Sing."

Gerard stared at Frank. He didn't know what he'd expected him to say, but it certainly wasn't that. In the middle of Better Living's City, in a Detention Centre, outnumbered by thousands to two, did Frank really expect him to stand there and fucking sing?

"Frank-" Gerard began.

"What are you waiting for? Do it. Sing me a song." His eyes blazed. "One of our songs."

Gerard blinked. Singing was exactly what Frank expected him to do. Poison took in his former lover's desperate look and knew that Frank didn't just expect this, he needed it.

The former singer took a deep breath. "I can't stand here and sing to you, Frank," Gerard said, calmly and patiently. "We're in the fucking lions den and we need to get out of here or we will both get caught-"

Gerard stopped speaking abruptly when Frank pressed the gun right into his flesh, causing him to gasp in pain. "Do it," he urged him. "Now."

Again, Gerard hesitated. This time, Frank narrowed his eyes, and his finger covered the trigger.

He put his lips against Gerard's ear, and hissed to him. "BL/I might think they've done a great job with you. You're the perfect copy, right? You can stand like Gerard, walk like him. Even talk like him." He recoiled slightly, but didn't relieve the pressure of his gun, pressing in to Gerard's neck. "But do you know what? You wouldn't be able to sing like him. No one could."

Gerard couldn't help but whimper. "For fucks sake, Frank-"

"SING!" Frank shouted into his face, not caring that any passing Draculoid could not have failed to hear him. "No more words. Just... fucking... sing..."

There was a moment when both men just stared at each other, each one trying to figure out the other. Frank couldn't get that image of Gerard taking his last breath in his arms, couldn't get past the fact that he watched his lover die, where as Gerard knew hope was fading fast that Frank would simply have a change of heart and believe him, believe his eyes.

There was no other choice.

"I'm a little rusty," he whispered. "Lack of practice..."

Frank didn't respond. He just waited.

Gerard closed his eyes fleetingly, desperately trying to remember the lyrics to a certain song, a song he knew meant a lot to Frank, a song he hoped would persuade Frank that this was real, that he was real.

He opened his eyes again, and cleared his throat. And then, with Frank's harsh stare boring into him, Gerard began to sing:

"As lead rains, will pass on through our phantom, forever, forever."

Frank let out a low gasp, his eyes widening. Gerard fought to keep his voice steady as he sang on.

"Like scarecrows that fuel this flame we're burning, forever, and ever."

Any colour remaining had drained from Frank, who was now shaking his head, evidently using all of his will power to stay on his feet.

"Know how much I want to show you you're the only one..."

Silent tears were streaming down Frank's face now, as he covered his mouth with his left hand, and closed his eyes, his gun still pushed up against Gerard. The other man took hold of the weapon as he sang on, gently lowering it.

"Like a bed of roses there's a dozen reasons in this gun..."

That was when Frank noticed for the first time that Gerard was crying too.

"And as we're falling down, and in this pool of blood..."

Frank's shaky hand was reaching out slowly for Gerard's, and he reached out with his own, their fingers gently touching.

"And as we're touching hands..."

"Gerard..." Frank whimpered his name. "Oh God, Gerard..."

Gerard stopped singing, wrapping his arms around the smaller man instead and holding him close. He buried his face into Frank's hair, and just held him, as Frank sobbed openly in his arms.

"It is you," Frank whimpered brokenly. "You're really here."

"Yeah," Gerard breathed. "I'm right here."

And then, Frank began to struggle, forcing his way out of Gerard's embrace. "You... you..." He managed, still between sobs. "You left me..." He actually hit Gerard, the weak punch catching the other man squarely on his chest, followed up by another. "You left me there alone..."

Gerard closed his eyes tightly, his own face wet from tears, as he took the hits, not trying to defend himself. "I'm sorry, baby." He moaned. "I'm so sorry."

Frank covered his face with his hands then, turning away from Gerard, sobs still wrecking his body. "You made me..." He gasped. "You made me fucking kill you, Gerard! Do you have any-" He broke off, taking a few seconds to compose himself, and then turned his tear streaked face round to meet Gerard's. "How could you do that to me?"

Gerard had no answer. All he could do was stare stupidly at Frank.

What could he say?

"That's a good question, Gerard."

Both men were startled, and whirled around, to find St Jimmy standing in the corridor, along with a patrol of Draculoids. Just like Frank before him, it seemed Jimmy had activated the doorway without alerting the room's occupants. Jimmy was smirking at Gerard, who had instinctively moved closer to Frank. "Are you going to answer the man, or keep us in suspense?" He shrugged. "We all know how you like to dodge important questions..."

Gerard glared hatefully at him, while Frank threw his former leader a confused glance.

"Where did you think you were going, Gerard?" The Exterminator scolded.

"Away from you."

Jimmy laughed. "Good job, Poison." His gaze flickered to Frank, and he chuckled. "And you've bought me a present, I see?"

Gerard instantly moved in front of his boyfriend. "Don't you go near him! You fucking hear me?"

Frank was evidently surprised by the sudden fury in Gerard's tone, and he eyed Jimmy suspiciously.

Jimmy returned the look for a moment, and then shook his head and smiled. "Tell you what, why don't we do a straight swap?" He gestured with his left hand, and two more Draculoids came into Gerard and Frank's line of vision, pulling a struggling Bob along with them. "I understand this belongs to you?"

"Bob!" Frank exclaimed, taking a step forward.

The former drummer gaped at Frank, and then his face broke into a big smile. "Another 'dead' Killjoy! Do all of you guys have nine lives or something?" He moved closer, but was dragged back by his masked captors. "How's it going, Frankie?"

"Been better."

"I hear ya."

Gerard was regarding Bob closely. "You okay?" He asked, quietly.

"Never better," Bob replied, and gave the other man a reassuring smile. Gerard was satisfied.

"Enough!" Jimmy snapped, his face flaming. He didn't like not being involved and, right then, they were ignoring him. "Sorry to interrupt this heart warming reunion, but we've got important business to discuss."

"Why don't you-" Bob began but was quickly cut off when a shot ran out, striking him in the chest, and instantly sending him tumbling to the ground.

Frank and Gerard surged toward Bob at once, but were immediately held back by Draculoids, who jumped forward to restrain them.

"He's just stunned," Jimmy snapped, distractedly. "He'll be fine." He gestured to two of the nearby Draculoids. "Take the spy to a cell on the seventh floor. Report back to me when you're done." As the two drones pulled Bob up and departed with him, Jimmy turned back to the remaining rebels. "I just didn't need any more of his wise-ass remarks. I've had it with others sticking their unwanted noses where they don't belong." He rubbed at the back of his neck. "He was in your band, wasn't he?"

Frank glowered at Jimmy, and glanced across at Gerard.

Gerard could read his look perfectly.

'Who the fuck is this guy and how the fuck does he know so much about us?'

Gerard could only offer Frank an apologetic look. He had no answers for him right at that moment. Instead, he responded angrily to Jimmy.

"That's right," he fumed. "He's our friend, and I don't take kindly to my friends being-"

"Get off of your high horse, Gerard!" Jimmy interrupted. "I don't have any issues with your friend. He'll not be harmed..."

Gerard glared. "And what about the Draculoid that tried to kill me?" He clenched his fists. "Was that planned?"

There was a brief pause before Jimmy answered him. "Obviously that was an unforeseen circumstance. It was regrettable."

"Regrettable?" Gerard repeated, his eyebrow raised. "Slight understatement?"

Jimmy rolled his eyes. "It's not my fucking fault you've pissed off a lot of people, Killjoy."

Gerard scowled. "If it weren't for Frank-"

"Ah yes. Frank," Jimmy mused, turning his full attention to the dark haired Killjoy. "I thought you were dead. I'm glad to see I was told wrong information-"

"Don't you go near him!" Gerard snarled, trying to move ahead of Frank but unable to get free. "Stay the fuck-"

Jimmy smirked. "Jealous, Cherry?" He mocked, dismissing the fuming Gerard with a toss of his head, and then moving to stand directly in front of Frank, peering into his face closely. "It's good to see you again," he told the other man, softly. "You left an impression, Frank Iero."

Frank gazed back, furrowing his brow in confusion. "Who are you?" He enquired, uncertainly

Jimmy smiled.

Gerard, now being held back by three Draculoids, was seething. "I told you to stay away from him, you bastard!"

The Exterminator laughed at that. "Do I look like a guy who does as he's told, Gerard?"

"You look like a fucking ass!"

Jimmy raised an eyebrow, and then tilted his head to Frank. "And you love this guy? You could do so much better, Fun Ghoul." He leant in closer to the confused Killjoy. "You could have had me."

Frank stared at Jimmy, evidently trying to figure the clearly insane guy out. Frank was certain he'd never seen the man before, but could also tell that Gerard not only knew exactly who he was, he also despised him

"I don't know you." Frank whispered, not able to take his eyes off of the ugly scar running down the man's face.

Jimmy frowned, and then sighed. "I know. And that's a real fucking pity, trust me. We shared a lot, Frank. You and me. I wish I could let you remember..."

"Don't you fucking dare, Jimmy!" Gerard shouted, straining against the two drones holding him. "You hear me?"

Jimmy ignored the fuming Killjoy leader. Instead, he reached out, and gently caressed Frank's cheek with his thumb and forefinger.

"What about it, Frank? What if I gave you back the memories I stole?"

Frank glanced at Gerard, who shook his head at his boyfriend furiously, which caused the brunette to back away quickly from the smirking Exterminator. "No thanks," he replied quietly. "I'm good."

Jimmy glowered at the smaller man, and then turned to fix Gerard with a cold stare.

Gerard smiled back at him.

Jimmy's lips twitched. "He's your faithful dog, isn't he?"

"Fuck you."

The Exterminator smirked, and then turned his attention back to Frank, who was eyeing him uncomfortably. Jimmy leaned in closer, and whispered in the other man's ear: "A man is no more than the sum of his parts, Frankie." He shook his head disappointedly. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that? Without all of your memories, you're incomplete."

"I'll take my chances," Frank breathed.

Jimmy stood back, and let out a low sigh. "If that's what you want, pup;" he hissed. Turning his back on Frank, he quickly marched over to Gerard, his anger forcing its way to the surface, and actually grabbing the other man by his throat, snarling in his face.

"Think you're clever, don't you?" Jimmy threw at him, as Gerard gasped desperately for breath. "Think you're in control here? Well, guess what, Cherry? This is my City, my rules." He ground his teeth, as Gerard squirmed in his grip. "Maybe Korse had the right idea with you," he taunted, smirking as Gerard whimpered softly "Maybe I should pin you against this wall, and fuck your ass so hard you'll never be able to fucking walk properly ever again..."

"STOP IT!" Frank screamed, racing forward, desperate to try and force Jimmy away from Gerard. He never got to the Exterminator though, finding himself restrained after taking three steps. He grimaced, trying to pull free of the drones, but they held him too tightly. All he could do was plead with the peculiar man he couldn't remember ever meeting. The man who seemed to know him only to well. "Please," he moaned. "Please let him go!"

Just at that moment, a Draculoid appeared behind Frank and spoke up, in it's monotone voice:

"Excuse me, Sir. A body of a rebel has been found in the Detention Centre, not far from our current location."

Jimmy smirked, and then tightened his hold on Gerard. "Who is that then?" He spat.

Gerard said nothing. It was all he could do to stay conscious.

Frank pressed forward again. "He was with me! It was just the two of us. Please, stop!"

Jimmy paused, glancing over his shoulder at Frank, eyeing the distressed man curiously. Finally, he released Gerard, and then nodded to the guards, who allowed the coughing man to falls to his knees, where he slumped down, trying to regain his breath.

"Who?" Gerard moaned. It took all of them a few seconds to realise that he was addressing Frank.

"Luka," Frank replied. At Gerard's confused look, the younger Killjoy frowned at added; "Gareth's friend. You remember Gareth. Bert killed him."

Gerard did remember. He bowed his head.

"Another life lost thanks to us," Frank said, quietly.

Gerard closed his eyes.

"How many more have to die before you rebels are satisfied?" Jimmy muttered. He faced Gerard once more. "Where's the weapon, Gerard?"

The other man gestured helplessly.

Jimmy frowned, and then crouched down beside the whimpering man, who was still holding his neck, now painfully red. "If you don't tell me, Poison, I'll be forced to do something neither of us want to see happen. So, I'll ask you again. Where is the weapon?"

"I don't know..." Gerard managed, his voice raspy.

"Your choice," Jimmy snapped, and then he was back on his feet and he swung round, indicating to the two Draculoids holding Frank.

"Kill him."

"NO!" Gerard forced himself to his knees, and grabbed for Jimmy. "Don't!"

"The weapon?"

"I've told you over and over! I don't know anything about any weapon!"

"You think I want to hurt Frank?" Jimmy spat. "You think I don't know he's innocent in this? But you are not leaving me any fucking choice! If I don't go back to my superiors with some news, they'll kill Frank, you and me and probably anybody else out in the fucking Zones! Now do you get it? If that weapon is used, lots of people are going to die. People I've sworn to protect! If you don't tell me, this company will protect itself and destroy you fucking rebels first and never mind whoever gets in the fucking way!" He waved furiously. "Now do you see what I'm dealing with? I need you to tell me the truth!"

"I don't know!" Gerard cried. "For fucks sake, I don't know!"

"You're Party Poison!" Jimmy threw back. "You're Death Defying's right hand man! Don't take me for a fool!" He gestured to the guards holding Frank. "I don't want to do this but it's the only way to get through to you apparently so;" he closed his eyes, before adding: "Beat him to death."

Gerard could only scream his fury as Frank was punched to the ground. Jimmy stood back, facing Gerard, not watching the brutal beating that was being carried out at his orders.

"Stop them!" Gerard pleaded.

"You can stop them," Jimmy retorted; "By telling me the truth."

"Please!" Gerard tried again, brokenly, cringing when he heard Frank shout out. "Don't do this. They'll kill him."

"That's the idea."

"I don't know about any weapon," he whimpered, trying to get to Frank, who was now crying out at each kick and punch, but finding Jimmy blocking his path. "Please..."

"Tell me!"

"I DON'T FUCKING KNOW!"

They were so caught up in each other and the attack on Frank, neither man saw or heard the other suddenly moving to stand close by, in the same corridor. They both jumped, startled, when a new voice filled the space:

"He's telling you the truth, Jimmy."

Gerard and Jimmy whirled around, but staring in shock at the newcomer. Frank's suffering was also abruptly halted, at a gesture from Jimmy, and he lay on the ground, his body trembling from the abuse he'd been put through. Gerard pushed the stunned Jimmy out of the way, and rushed to Frank's side, holding him in his arms, and immediately beginning to tend to his injuries.

As one, the two men turned to gape at the man who had saved them both, the man St Jimmy was gazing at, with a mixture of hate, disbelief and awe.

Billie Joe glared back, casting a curious glance at Frank, and then double taking when his gaze focused on Gerard.

"Gerard," Billie said. "Thought you were dead. Glad I was wrong."

"Good to see you too, Billie." Gerard replied, with a small smile. "Very timely. Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Billie Joe's gaze fell back on Jimmy, and he frowned at the other man, and clenched his fists. Jimmy stared back, looking Billie up and down, a cold smile appearing on his lips.

"Billie Joe Armstrong," Jimmy said, so softly. "Been a fucking long time."

"Thought you were dead as well, Jimmy. Y'know, I'm pleased to see I was wrong about that too. Nice scar, by the way. Wanna tell me what the fuck you think you're doing in a BL/Ind. uniform?"

There was a deathly silence, and then Jimmy threw back his head and laughed manically. The sound ripped through Billie, and he paled, waiting for the other man to calm down. Finally, he did.

"You've got a nerve, making out you're glad I'm alive?" Jimmy chuckled. "After you left me for dead?" He tapped his cheek. "And as for this 'nice' scar, I'm glad you like it. After all, you caused it."

Billie blinked and suddenly, he didn't look so cocksure. "Jimmy, look, I-"

Jimmy held up his hand quickly. "Now is not the time for your excuses and lies, Billie Joe. I have questions and I need answers, and quickly. First things first, where's your shadow?"

Billie bristled slightly. "My what?"

"The third member of your little band." He smiled coldly. "The one who is still alive…"

"I'm alone."

"Like fuck you are!" Jimmy turned and called out loudly. "Come on out, Mike. Or do I have to start shooting people?"

There was a pause, before another figure stepped into the room, moving to stand behind Billie. Mike's eyes swept over Frank, before widening when he saw Gerard, before finally settling on Jimmy, a frown forming on his face. He gripped Billie's shoulder supportively, the other man visibly relaxing from the contact.

Jimmy's eyes blazed. "There we go! The gangs all here now. Well, except for Tre of course. So tragic what happened to him-"

Mike took a trembling step forward but Billie grabbed his arm, preventing him from springing on Jimmy. Instead, very calmly, he addressed his old friend.

"What do you want, Jimmy?"

Jimmy smirked. "I want you to tell me the truth, Billie Joe. Do you know about a weapon hidden by your Broadcaster, the one known as Death Defying?"

"A weapon?" Billie repeated.

Jimmy clenched his fists. "For your friends sake, you better have a good think. We've been told you rebel rats found a weapon, out in the Zones, and decided to keep it, to use it in the future against the Company." Jimmy's lips twitched when he saw how nervous Billie had become. "Does this ring any fucking bells with you at all, Armstrong?"

Billie glanced quickly at Mike, and then replied, very quietly; "Yes, it does."

Jimmy smiled widely. Everyone's attention was now focused solely on Billie Joe.

"So?" Jimmy snapped, and gestured at Billie to proceed. "Share!"

Billie shook his head stubbornly.

"I will tell you what you want to know, but only if you leave the others alone."

Jimmy raised an eyebrow.

"You'll tell me the God's honest truth? Just like that?"

"If you don't hurt the others, yes." Billie bowed his head. "Just leave them alone."

There was a pause as Jimmy considered Billie's offer. Finally, he managed a small smile. "Fine." He moved to stand beside Billie, placing a possessive arm around his shoulders. "Let's go talk somewhere comfortable-"

Mike couldn't keep quiet. "Billie, you can't trust him-"

"Who asked you?" Jimmy was watching Mike with pure dislike as Billie's best friend was pulled away from Billie Joe by two of his drones, desperately trying to get back to Billie, and then, he smiled spitefully. "You know, I'd love for you guys to see more of what this amazing facility has to offer, while you're here..." Gesturing to his drones, Jimmy barked; "Take the rebel known as Mike and put him in the same cell as the spy. The Killjoys can rest in cell Twenty on the same floor for now. We'll discuss release again once I have full information, and the location, of the weapon." He leered at Billie Joe. "It's up to Armstrong here, basically. He lets you down, you die."

Jimmy's gaze focused on Frank once more. The Killjoy had to look away. Gerard saw his friend's discomfort, and took Frank's hand. He then threw Jimmy a hateful glare.

Jimmy, noting all of this, smirked. "Cute," he spat. He then waved his hand.

"Take them away."

As the rebels were manhandled out into the corridor and away, Billie Joe glanced over at Jimmy, who was not returning his gaze, instead choosing to watch the others leave.

"Jimmy," Billie said quietly. "Please-"

With an angry growl, Jimmy took hold of Billie's arm in a punishing grip. "Do yourself a favour, Billie Joe;" He spat. "And keep your fucking mouth shut unless I tell you otherwise."

And with that, he began to drag Billie along, with the remaining Draculoids falling into step behind them.

Billie couldn't help himself. In a small voice, he added: "You promised me you wouldn't hurt them, Jimmy-"

Jimmy laughed coldly. "You never listen, do you?" He tightened his hold, causing the other man to gasp in pain, as he pulled Billie along by his arm. "And you don't have any fucking right to ask anything of me," he added, with a snarl. "You little bastard."

Gerard and Frank was escorted down to the escalators, and then frogmarched down three corridors before they arrived at their cell. Their captors had not spoken, merely pushed them into their cell, and then left to their own devices. They had both stood in there for a few moments, facing each other, each man trying to figure out exactly what had happened, how they had ended up in that room, at that moment, together. Neither man could truly believe what had happened, that the other was even alive.

Gerard recovered enough first to finally turn away from Frank, and begin to pace up and down the tiny room, cursing and swearing to himself. Finally, his anger boiled over, and he slammed his fist into the cell door.

Frank grimaced. "You should rest," he told his companion. "You took quite a beating from that Drac-"

"I'm fine."

"Gerard-"

"Frank, I said I'm okay!" He glared over at his fellow Killjoy. "Okay?"

Frank let out a low sigh. "Sure," he replied, accepting defeat.

"If they've hurt Mike or Bob..." Gerard began, and then this time kicked at the door. "After what these bastards did to Ray and Mikey, I swear to God that I am going to make them-"

"Ray?" Frank questioned, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Gerard turned and glanced at him. "They told me, that Mikey killed Ray..." Gerard couldn't finish the sentence. He shook his head, and then quickly looked away.

Frank was trembling slightly. Of course, Gerard didn't know. That man, whoever he was, had lied for his own purposes.

"You should know, Gee;" Frank said quietly, with a little knowing smile, "Ray is alive, and as fucking awesome as ever."

Gerard turned his head quickly. "What?"

"Yeah," Frank continued. "He was part of the rescue mission." He glanced down. "We came here for Mikey."

Gerard's face broke into a big, true smile of relief and happiness.

"They told me Ray was dead," he mused, as he continued to pace the room. "Just like they said you were, and Mikey as well. If they lied about you, and about Ray;" He looked down quickly; "Well, maybe they lied about Mikey too..." His voice broke as he spoke. It was almost too much for him to dare hope. All four of them, together again? That seemed like a dream. "They told me he was killed after killing the Co-rdinator-"

Frank looked up sharply. "Mikey killed the Head Bitch?"

"So Jimmy told me."

"Good for fucking Mikey," Frank exclaimed. His gaze met Gerard's. "If Mikey is still alive," Frank said, softly; "Then we'll find him, Gee." The brunette quickly cut the space between himself and Gerard in two small steps, and then awkwardly put his hand on Gerard's shoulder, patting him, in a small show of support.

It was enough for Gerard.

It was simply instinct to him, a desire that he couldn't prevent. Having Frank that close to him after he'd believed he had lost him forever was sending a wave of need to Gerard's very core and, without thinking, he leaned closer, and placed his lips against the other man's, kissing him gently.

He heard Frank make a growled noise of displeasure and he stopped, unsure.

And then Gerard found himself being shoved away from his lover, none to gently.

The Killjoy leader pulled back, meeting Frank's gaze, and then actually recoiled from what he saw.

Frank was staring at him with wide, anger filled, eyes.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"I'm sorry," Gerard said, at once.

Frank backed away quickly. "You think it's as simple as that, Gerard? You reappear, and we make out, like nothing happened?"

Gerard glanced down. "I didn't mean-"

Frank cut across him. "You gave up, Gerard. You left me. I've been to hell and back since then and you think a kiss makes all of that better? Well, it doesn't."

The other man gave him a cold stare. "Look around you, Frank. Does this place look like a vacation to you?"

"You gave up!" Frank exclaimed. "You ended up here because you didn't want to fight any more. Fair enough, but don't expect things to be how they were before. You made me end your life, Gee. Not you, not Korse, not Mikey or Ray. Me. I've had to live with that guilt. How do you think that made me feel? I loved you so much that I did what you wanted, and it nearly destroyed me." He leaned in closer. "You did that to me. No one else. Just you."

Gerard swallowed, and then looked away. "I'm sorry."

Frank let out a weary sigh, and fell backwards on to the bed. "All I'm saying, Gerard, is that this is going to take me some time." He covered his eyes with his hand. "I thought you were dead. You were dead. I feel like my mind's blown." He moved his hand, turned his head, and stared at Gerard. "Why are you back? Why now? Why do you always have to be so fucking surprising!"

Gerard was glaring daggers at Frank.

"Sorry I disappointed you. I'll try to stay dead next time. Is that better?"

"Oh Gerard," Frank sighed; "That's not what I meant-"

"Well, what did you mean then?" Gerard retorted, suddenly very red in the face.

"Oh for fucks sake," Frank snapped. "My boyfriend just came back from the dead. I have no idea what I'm saying-"

Gerard glowered at him. "Yeah? Well, that's weird, Frank." His tone was laced with heavy sarcasm. "You certainly seem like you've got plenty of nothing to say!"

Frank did not appreciate that comment. He rounded on Gerard. "Do you think this is easy?"

"It's not a fucking picnic for me, you know, Frank!"

"Of course I know that! I can't help it if I can't find the right words, Gerard!"

"Maybe you shouldn't say anything then!"

Frank turned his back on him, and crossed his arms over his chest. "Fine, lets just sit in silence then!"

Gerard slumped down on the floor, his back leaning against the wall. "Fine then!" He didn't look in Frank's direction, but merely gazed into space instead.

Neither man said another word.

XXX

Jimmy leaned back in his seat, a knowing smirk on his lips. He had enjoyed Gerard and Frank's argument immensely. Frank was not disappointing him. He had known from his previous meeting with the Killjoy that he was a strong character. Gerard didn't deserve him. He smiled when the surveillance camera went in close up on Frank's perfect face. Very carefully, Jimmy leaned forward, and gently stroked the screen.

How he would love to touch Frank Iero again. Perhaps, in time, there would be opportunities for some entertainment with his captives but first, he had more pressing matters to be concerned with. He touched a button on his control panel, switching the screen off, and then turned to face Billie, who was sat on the floor, staring back at the Exterminator with wide eyes.

As Jimmy watched the former lead singer, he was transported through time, back to that day, the day everything had changed for him.

The day Billie Joe Armstrong had shown his true colours, and had turned from hero to villain for Jimmy.

The day Exterminator Saint had been born.

Jimmy closed his eyes, and he was back there. Back in that prison, in the cell, being tortured by Korse for information on the Killjoys, on the Doc, Billie, anybody. Information he was not willing to give up. So, he had sat there, facing whatever he was put through with a stubborn smirk, and finally, that fateful day, Billie Joe had come for him.

They'd nearly made it. They had been so close...

They ran for the exit, Jimmy stumbling along, Billie practically dragging him onward. Ray gun blasts were all around them, missing them by mere inches and, with a quick glance to his left, Jimmy saw that other rebels and prisoners were making their escapes, all supporting each other. This was a good raid, Jimmy could tell that. A lot of lives were in the process of being saved. Jimmy didn't want to look at the broken bodies at his feet, the unlucky ones who had been hit as they had tried to flee. The yells of "Stop! Stay where you are!" was getting louder. Jimmy stole a look over his shoulder and his eyes widened when he saw just how many Draculoids were giving chase. If they caught them, they would be finished, all three of them. And Jimmy knew only to well what that would mean for Billie. He was marked for level one Extermination after all, just like the Killjoys. They would question him, and then simply reprogramme or kill him.

Jimmy would not let that happen. Billie was risking his own life to save Jimmy's.

The young man felt his heart swell in his chest. He wasn't useless after all.

"Billie," he gasped. "If they catch you-"

"Shut up, Jimmy, and fucking run." Billie snarled.

"It hurts," he moaned. "Leave me."

Billie tightened his hold. "Y'know what, that ain't happening, so just shut the hell up and fucking RUN!"

Jimmy was limping, moaning softly, as he was pulled along, Billie Joe at his side, Tre behind them, covering them. Every step was an effort thanks to the torture he had endured, but then he heard Billie shout, excitedly, and he knew his suffering was nearly at an end.

"Come on, Jimmy!" Billie called, pulling harder on his arm. "We're nearly there-"

The explosion came from behind them. They never saw it coming. One second, he could feel Billie beside him, supporting him, urging him on, as the two of them made for freedom, and then, he was gone.

The force of the blast picked Jimmy up and sent him flying through the air. He could feel the heat, the fire, burning his flesh and he screamed in pure terror. He had a split second to think as he felt himself falling, and his thoughts were for Billie Joe, and for Frank, and for what might have been.

He hit the ground with a harsh thud, his hands held out in front of him, hoping to ease his landing. He lay there, gasping, whimpering. He tried to look to his left, expecting to see Billie in equal discomfort beside him but there was no sign of his rescuer.

"Bill-" He began but the words caught in his throat.

Oh God, it hurt. It was hot, so very hot, and everything was burning, and everything was red, and it hurt and Billie wasn't there and he was scared and please someone help him, come and stop the pain.

Was he on fire? Was this dying?

Jimmy tried to cry out, but no sound came. For a crazy moment, he thought he saw Billie through the smoke, apparently rushing toward him but in the next second, the billowing smoke was all around him, consuming him, and Billie was gone. Jimmy wondered if his mind was playing tricks on him, showing him what he wanted to see.

Maybe Billie was never there at all.

What if he was lying near by, dead or dying?

The blackness surrounded Jimmy, and no longer able to fight against the inevitable peace, he welcomed it gladly. With a sigh, Jimmy closed his eyes, laid his head down, and knew no more.

The first thing that hit Jimmy when he came to was the smell of the smoke, so dense and black, all around him. It smothered him, and he coughed, trying to catch his breath. He tried to lift his head but cried out from the huge pain pressing down on him. It hurt like hell. He blinked a few times, trying to clear his head but it didn't do any good. It was agony just to move.

He tried to call out for Billie Joe but it was useless. He couldn't form the words. He felt sick, and prayed that he wouldn't vomit. He wasn't certain that he wouldn't choke.

With a whimper, he managed to roll over slightly, and was greeted with the sight of broken bodies for as far as the eye could see. They had been blown apart, by the same blast that he assumed had injured him.

A horrific feeling of dread pooled in his stomach as he took in all that was left of the figure lying nearest him. Evidently, he had been one of the lucky ones.

The voice, when it came, took him completely by surprise.

"Well, well. Look what we have here."

Jimmy froze. With a sinking feeling, he looked up into Exterminator Korse's sneering face. He felt sickened. He had been so close to getting out of there, with Billie. What had happened? Where was everyone? Where was Billie?

"Where's Billie Joe?" Jimmy croaked, and then, more clearly; "What have you done with him?"

"Oh, poor little Jimmy," Korse chuckled, smirking coldly, "All alone. No friends."

"Billie Joe!" Jimmy yelled desperately, with a sob, twisting onto his side once more, trying to crawl away from Korse. "BILLIE!"

Korse looked on, amused.

"Billie's long gone, Jimmy. He didn't even bother to check if you were still alive before he got the hell out. You weren't that important to him." His eyes blazed. "I'm very sorry."

"Shut the fuck up," Jimmy moaned. "You're lying. He wouldn't just leave me here-"

"They left you behind," Korse cut across him. "They rescued the prisoners they wanted and then ran like the cowards they are." He tilted his head as he approached Jimmy. "I guess you weren't one of the lucky, chosen few."

Jimmy, adrenalin now pumping through him, tried to move, to scramble away from Korse, who was bearing down on him with a sickening leer, but he had nowhere to go. "Keep away from me!"

Korse raised an eyebrow. "Look around you! Do you see any others conveniently forgotten?"

Jimmy did. He looked. There were the unfortunate bodies of his fellow escapees and rebels strewn everywhere but there were no one else left alive. He closed his eyes as the realisation hit him.

Billie wasn't coming back. Billie had abandoned him.

"Do you see now?" Korse was saying. "Do you understand what you mean to these people, Jimmy?"

Jimmy did see. Billie Joe had left him to his fate. He didn't care about him.

He was alone, and at Korse's mercy.

"Look at me, rebel."

Jimmy lifted his gaze to look at Korse, who raised an eyebrow when he saw the state Jimmy was in. "That's a nasty burn," he whispered, indicating Jimmy's face.

The other man frowned. What burn? He guided his shaky hand to his face and gently touched his cheek, which, now he came to think of it, had felt numb. He moaned when he felt the heat from his burn scolding his fingertips. Fear seized him. Just how bad was it? He cringed when he glanced back up at Korse, and saw that the Exterminator had knelt down beside him, and was offering his hand to the broken man. "You're going to have a scar there. Our Doctors are the best in the world. Let us take care of you."

Jimmy closed his eyes. What option did he have? Where could he go if not with Korse?

He had nobody.

Korse was smiling coldly. "It makes sense and you know it. Billie Joe let you down, my company will make you a somebody. Come with me, Jimmy."

After a moment's more hesitation, Jimmy reached up, and grasped Korse's hand.

And gave in.

"Jimmy?"

Jimmy flinched as the quiet voice brought him out of his musings, and he grimaced in annoyance. He looked over at Billie Joe who was watching him intently.

"What?" Jimmy snapped.

Billie cleared his throat. "The weapon, it was never the plan to use it."

Jimmy smirked. "Oh, really? You just wanted to keep it then, I assume."

There was an uncomfortable silence. "I wanted to destroy it." He lifted his eyes, and met Jimmy's gaze once again. "I was overruled."

"Whatever you planned to do with it," Jimmy snapped in reply; "My orders are clear. Find the weapon and make it safe." He took a step forward. "If you take me to the weapon, I'll let the others go. Lie to me, and they'll die. And I'll make you watch. Understood?"

Billie Joe stared at the ground. "Jimmy, what happened that day, in the prison, I never meant to hurt you-"

"Save it!" Jimmy threw at him. "I'm not interested. All I want to know from you is whether you agree to take me to the weapon?"

After a second's hesitation, Billie replied, very quietly. "Okay."

Jimmy blinked. "You'll show me? No tricks?

"I'll take you to where we buried it, as long as you don't hurt Mike or the Killjoys."

"Fine," Jimmy snapped.

He turned to walk back through the door, into his main office, when he noticed that Billie hadn't moved, and was still sitting in the floor, watching him.

Jimmy paused, frowning as he regarded Billie, apparently considering something. Then, with a sigh, the Exterminator moved to a closet on the far side of his office and pulled open the door. He grabbed at a large sheet, and then slammed the door. He crossed the room quickly, and then threw the blanket toward Billie, who deftly caught it. When Billie eyed him questionably, Jimmy shrugged. "We've got a long journey in the morning, across the Zones, you need to get some sleep. Use the couch through there. The blanket will help."

Billie Joe gave Jimmy a tiny smile. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me, Billie Joe."

Billie didn't reply, he simply moved to stand by the couch, grasping the blanket, and watching Jimmy closely, apparently awaiting instructions.

With a curt nod, Jimmy turned tail, and walked away, leaving Billie to make himself comfortable on the coach. On his couch. Jimmy's couch. His room, his company. He was calling the shots now. Not Billie Joe, and definitely not Gerard Way...

Jimmy went back into his office, and closed the door behind him. Then, he switched his screen back on, stroking distractedly at his scar. With a disgruntled sigh, he sat down and resumed his spying on Frank and Gerard, noting satisfactorily that neither man had moved from before. Jimmy liked this. No easy fix. Gerard had had his chance with Frank, and he'd messed up.

His time was over.

It was Jimmy's turn now...

XXX

Michael was sat cross-legged on the sand in front of the crackling fire, staring into the bright flames that were flickering and spitting before him. He was alone, having moved away from Leon and the others, simply telling them that he wanted some time to himself. Since he had gotten his wish though, his thoughts kept wandering, taking him away from Leon, Viper and the group he had now found himself with. He thought back to his life in the City. and how instantly and dramatically everything had changed for him. What exactly was he? A murderer? A rebel? A wanted man on the run and fighting to survive? He didn't know anymore. Exterminator Michael died with his girlfriend and he knew that was for the best. Whoever he had been, he was definitely not him any longer. Michael had been created by the company, nothing but a puppet to use as they saw fit. They had prepped him as a killing machine, something deep inside he knew was not the man he was. He still couldn't remember who he was before he woke up in that City, hadn't even experienced any flash backs for some time. He had wondered why. Why had he been dreaming in the City? Was it to do with that man? His brother, so the man Bob had told him. The brother he couldn't recall. The same red haired man from his dreams that he had killed her for? Was he the reason he'd begun to doubt himself and the Corporation at all?

Had he sensed who the helpless man really was?

Michael didn't have any answers. He wondered if he ever would have. What happened to that man, the man he saved? Was he still alive, stuck in the City, being imprisoned? Tortured? The thought turned Michael's insides to ice, and he knew he loved this Gerard. Knew that they had once been close. It wasn't only because of what Bob had told him. Michael knew he had loved his brother. He shook his head, trying to clear his muddled head. It was horrendous, forever knowing that he was incomplete, knowing that there was a huge chunk of his life, of who he actually was, just missing for him.

They had done this to him. They had turned him into a wreck, and he hated them for it.

"How ya' doing, buddy?"

Michael jumped, and turned to see Viper standing beside him, smirking down at him.

"Sorry," he added, with a cold smile. "Did I startle you?"

The other man frowned. "No," he snapped, abruptly. "I just wanted to be by myself-"

Viper gave him a knowing look. "Its not good to be alone in the zones, boy. It can be dangerous. Lots of nasties about at night."

Michael looked away from the sneering man, turning his attention back to the fire. "I don't scare easily, Viper," he muttered. "So don't worry about me."

Viper moved closer, and Michael couldn't help but squirm where he sat. The man was odious.

"But I do," Viper hissed. "I worry about you a lot. What was someone as sweet, as unspoiled as you doing in the Zones all by yourself in the first place?"

Michael shrugged his shoulders, trying to push the other man away. "You know why I'm here-" He began, but Viper interrupted him, actually grabbing his arm and holding on when Michael tried to pull away again, keeping him close.

"I know why you said you're out here, in the Zones, James. But I wonder, was what you said the truth?"

Michael actually trembled slightly, trying to contain his anger. Every instinct was screaming at him to take down the bastard, to shut him up anyway he could. But he stayed calm, silently praying that Viper would get bored, and leave him be.

After a pause, he replied; "My reprogramming failed. I met a rebel in the City and he helped me to escape and gave me a map to a rebel base, where I'd be able to get help and pass on any information about those BL/Ind. bastards that I can. I've told you this before, now, will you please leave me alone?"

Viper gave him a toothy grin, reached out, and brushed his hair away from his face.

"You know what, pretty?" The repellent man taunted him. "I can't help but look at you and think there's a lot more to you than meets the eye..."

Just as Michael didn't think he could take any more, he saw another figure quickly approaching and within seconds, Leon had joined them in the small clearing.

"Viper," the leader said at once, not looking at Michael. "Take the watch."

Viper gave the other man a long stare.

"It's not my turn, boss."

Leon narrowed his eyes. "I'm telling you to take your turn now."

"Why?"

"Because I said so."

Michael was quiet, making sure he wasn't dragged into any impending argument. He could feel Viper's threatening gaze on him for a moment, and then it was gone, and he heard that spiteful chuckle once more.

"As you wish," Viper purred. He reached out and grasped Michael's shoulder. "I'll see you later, pretty."

And with that, the thuggish man sauntered away, whistling a happy tune to himself.

Leon watched him go, and then crouched beside Michael.

"You okay?" He enquired softly. "I'll tell him to stay away-"

Michael gestured, irritated. "Don't waste your breath," he retorted. "I can handle one sad, incompetent rebel-" He stopped and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry," he sighed. "That sounded like a Draculoid comment, didn't it?"

Leon gave him a kindly smile. "Just a little," he said. "Don't worry about it though. I won't tell anyone." He stood again, nudging Michael to get him to turn around. When Michael did so, Leon threw him a tin of beans. "Try this," he said brightly. "It's a Zone delicacy."

Michael smiled. "Thanks," he replied. After a brief pause, he added; "I really appreciate you guys letting me run with you like this. I know Viper doesn't trust me, and he's probably right to feel like that. I am a stranger, and strangers usually mean trouble." He looked down, brushing his dark hair behind his ears. It suddenly dawned on him that he had allowed his hair to grow past a tidy length. She would have been most unimpressed. Turning his thoughts back to Leon, Michael smiled. "Anyway, I just wanted to say, thank you for taking a chance with me. You won't regret it."

Leon grinned. "Get some rest," he told the younger man. "Even some sleep, if you can. We'll camp here for the night and set off again as soon as it's light." He turned, beginning to walk away, when he paused, and then looked back, and said, almost as an afterthought:

"I preferred your hair blond, you know."

Michael stared at him, open mouthed.

Leon smiled, a twinkle in his eye. "Have a good night, Kobra Kid."

Michael stopped. He looked over his shoulder sharply but the group leader was already hurrying away. The former Exterminator stared after him, already wondering exactly what the man knew.

And hearing that name.

Kobra Kid. The Killjoy.

Him.

It made Michael's blood run cold and left him with the same question, echoing around his brain.

Just who the hell was he?

XXX

Gerard was still sitting on the ground, his back against the wall, while Frank was sat on the bed, swinging his legs. They had not spoken since they had first entered the room, and, if they were both honest, the silence was sending the pair of them mad. Finally, Gerard caved. With a heavy sigh, he cleared his throat, and spoke up.

"Are you going to talk to me?"

Frank looked over at him, and frowned. "I don't see the point, Gee. Like I said earlier, I can't pick up again from where you and I left off. Too much has happened-"

"I know that," Gerard said, a little too quickly. "I'm not an idiot, Frank. I know things are different now. You and I are different. It's just the two of us now. We're all we've got."

Frank shook his head, keeping his gaze looked on the ground, refusing to look at Gerard. "It's more than that, Gee." He told him. "I loved you more than anything in this life. I gave you my heart, body and soul and you turned your back on me, you trusted Bert over me."

Gerard bit his lip painfully. "I wasn't myself then, Frank. I was so confused, so scared. I knew Korse was still after me, knew someone was betraying me-"

"And you preferred to think it was me over Bert?" Frank's eyes flashed dangerously.

"I fucked up," Gerard announced, his hands outstretched. "I know that. All I can say is sorry. Would it help if I got on my fucking knees and begged you to forgive me? I'll do it, Frankie. I'll do it right now."

Frank actually pushed out at Gerard then. "I already told you!" He yelled. "It's not just about that. I got you back but then, you gave up. You made me kill you and I've had to live with that ever since. You didn't just ask me to kill you, Gee. I killed myself that day too. There was nothing left of me, and you asked me to put myself through that. How could you do that to me? How could you be that heartless?"

Silence reigned once more for a few moments, as neither man met the gaze of the other. After a few very uncomfortable minutes, Gerard addressed Frank again. "Just so you know, as soon as I woke up in this hell hole, I wanted you. I've missed you, Frank. I fought back against Korse to get out of the prison I'd set up for myself, in my own fucking head, so I could be with you again. When they told me you were dead, and I was too late, I almost gave up there and then-"

"Why didn't you?" Frank asked, quietly.

"Because I wanted to do you proud," Gerard replied, stepping closer to Frank. "I died in that room, but I didn't give up. I'll never give up." He gently caressed Frank's cheek. "You have my word on that."

And then, Gerard, very carefully, reached out and took Frank's hand.

Frank's breath caught in his throat, and he gazed down at his hand, and Gerard's grip on it. Then he looked up, and stared at the other man. Gerard stared back, and rubbed at Frank's skin. Then, he brought Frank's hand up to his lips, and gently kissed it.

All it took was the feel of Gerard's hand on Frank's, flesh on flesh, for them both to realise how much they had missed each other physically as well as mentally. They could not wait a moment longer. Looking at one another, both flushed and gasping, all the old feelings came flooding back. It was pointless to resist that passion, and they didn't want to. They needed each other. No, they craved each other.

And Party Poison knew that it was time for him to take the lead once again.

Breathing loudly, he quickly closed the distance between himself and Ghoul, releasing Frank's hand and instead using it to caress the other man's cheek lovingly. This would be an entirely different kind of encounter to their last sexual experience. This was about the two of them being together again. They both needed the other man equally. Gerard stoked Frank's hair, whispering words of love and devotion in his ear, and then leaning forward, kissing him gently, the kiss quickly becoming more passionate as they crushed their bodies together. Poison, suddenly wanting to devour the other man, to claim him as his once more, bit down on Frank's lip, eliciting a moan. Poison then slipped his hands behind the brunette and forcibly grabbed his ass, forcing their bodies even closer together.

"Gerard..." Frank moaned in response to the hard friction of their members rubbing together through their clothes, the heat of their bodies beginning to increase, and quickly driving both men to the brink of a total loss of control. Poison kissed Ghoul's neck, licking and sucking, and causing yet more moans and whimpers from his lover. He hungrily pressed his tongue against the other man's lips, begging for entrance; and Frank happily conceded. The animalistic instinct took over as they both fought for dominance, which Poison eventually won. Frank whimpered, closing his eyes and tilting his head back as Poison kissed his way down Frank's jaw line, down to his neck, and Frank hissed in pleasure.

"You okay?" Gerard whispered in his lover's ear, needing to hear his permission one more time, acknowledgement that Frank was happy to continue. The loud groan that he drew from the other man told him everything he needed to know.

Grabbing at Ghoul's shirt with shaking fingers, Poison lifted the fabric over the other man's arms, pulling it clear and discarding it. Ghoul mirrored this movement, accidentally tearing Poison's shirt in the process, earning him a snarl from his close-to wild lover. Both of their hands were on their belts then, making light work of each other's trousers and boxers. They both stood there, breathing hard, staring at the naked form of the other. The joy to be like this with each other again, to be this close, it meant so much to them both and no words were needed. Poison took control once again, taking hold of Frank around his waist and pulling him close once more.

Poison slid down Ghoul's lithe body, his tongue starting from his neck, sensually trailing down. The red head stopped at one of his nipples and lightly flicked it with his tongue, proceeding to wrap his lips around it. Ghoul arched his back and whimpered from the sensation of what Poison was doing to him. His lover continued on, his tongue trailing down his fellow Killjoy's perfect form, Poison's hands clawing their way down the brunette's back. After teasing him for long enough, and nearly driving his lover wild, Poison finally reached Ghoul's groin. His cock was ready, pre-cum leaking from the tip. Poison's desire filled stare met Ghoul's once more, and then he leaned in, licking from the base of the shaft to the top. Ghoul swore loudly, thrusting his hips forward and reaching down to grasp his lover's head to steady himself.

He opened his mouth, taking all of Frank, and began to suck gently. Frank moaned loudly, His hand putting a slight pressure Gerard's head, controlling the rhythm of his mouth. Unexpectedly Gerard opened his throat, taking Frank in, deep throating him completely. The brunette spasmed in response, yelping in complete ecstasy. Gerard lifted his hand, and started to caress Frank's torso, while he lifted his other hand to grasp the base of Frank's penis, stroking him while he continued to suck the other man. Frank could feel his climax building, but he wasn't ready to cum just yet, so he lightly slid his hand underneath Gerard's chin, guiding him back up to a standing position. Frank pecked Gerard on the lips, "I want you to make love to me," he hissed, an earnest look of need on his face. The brunette took Gerard's hand, leading him toward the mattress in the corner of the cell, and then perched on the edge, his gaze not leaving Gerard's.

Gerard smiled and leaned in for another kiss, even more passionate than before, pressing their bodies against each other once more. At this moment, neither could stand not touching each other for long. Their bodies tangled together as they kissed, Gerard ferociously grinding his body against Frank's. He pushed against Frank then, gently laying him down beneath him, flat on his back. He gripped Frank's legs and placed them over his shoulders, taking the chance to also coat his fingers with saliva and then lowering them, entering Frank with one digit. Frank breathed out heavily through his nose as Gerard proceeded to push his finger in and out of him, before adding a second and then a third. He felt the burn and began to pant, as the invading, but wanted, fingers stretched him wider. After a few moments, Gerard removed his fingers all together, spat once more into his hand, rubbed it over his cock a second time, and lifted Frank's legs to rest over his shoulders. He gazed down at his lover then, a look of pure love spreading across his face. Frank gazed back, and then, very carefully, he nodded. Gerard breathed hard, and then eased his way forward, gritting his teeth until he was fully sheathed inside. After a moment of getting used to the feeling of being so completely filled, Frank gazed into Gerard's deep, hazel eyes and whispered, "Move, Gee."

That was all Poison needed. Taking hold of Frank's hips, Gerard pushed forward, thrusting hard into his lover. The other man couldn't hold back a shriek of happiness, and Gerard, cursing, slammed a hand over his mouth, stifling the cry. "Ssh," he moaned, desperate to prevent any more shouts, last thing they needed was an appearance from a Draculoid guard. He gasped, as he manoeuvred Frank's body into a perfect position, to give himself better access. He then proceeded to thrust himself into Frank repeatedly, all the pain, and fear, and despair, and joy of being with the man he loved again culminating in that one moment. He took Frank hard and Frank was taking it gleefully, revelling in the perfect cocktail of pleasure and pain. He welcomed all of it, all of Gerard, and as his lover began to hit that sweet spot inside of him, again and again, the pleasure quickly took over from the pain. Both men were soon sweating and panting, taking what they needed from the other. When Gerard could feel he was tantalisingly close, he moved his hand and took hold of Frank's cock, pumping him vigorously. Frank had his eyes tightly closed and chewed hungrily on his lip, drawing blood, as wave after wave of delirious pleasure swept through him. As he came, he felt Gerard quickly following, holding him closely to him as he shot his seed deep into Ghoul's quivering form.

When he was done, covered in sweat and shaking for exhaustion and emotion, Gerard leaned forward, and kissed Frank's neck gently, biting down, marking him once more as his. Frank felt the strong sensations of contentment and love washing over him as he laid there, in Gerard's arms. At last, his Gerard was there, with him, and he wasn't going to go away this time.

Frank knew, in that glorious moment, that everything was going to be okay.

"I love you so much, Frankie," Gerard breathed in his ear. "Nothings gonna separate us again. I promise."

"I love you too, Gee;" Frank replied, aching but happy.

Gerard released Frank finally, lying down beside him, and pulling the smaller man towards his chest.

"You okay?" He whispered, gently stroking Frank's long hair.

"I'm great," Frank replied, with a contented sigh. "I'm with you. 'Course I'm fine."

Gerard smiled, and planted a soft kiss on the top of Frank's head.

"We should get some sleep while we can;" Gerard said quietly. "We don't know what these bastards are planning to do-"

"Gee," Frank interrupted. "I wanted to ask you something." He twisted his head round to look up at the other man. "You didn't really give me a chance to speak at all earlier. Not between all the arguing and then the screwing, you know?"

Gerard grinned. "Fair point. What's on your mind?"

Frank hesitated for a second, before saying, quite softly; "That man, the guy with the scar-"

"Forget him," Gerard said, at once.

Frank frowned. "But, who is he?"

"He's no one." Gerard took Frank's hand and squeezed it. "He's nobody important. Fuck him."

"But-"

"Frank, you don't know him, alright?" There was a sudden edge to Gerard's tone. "Forget him or I swear to God, I'll kick you out of bed."

Frank giggled. He couldn't help himself. He wasn't exactly satisfied by Gerard's non answer but he wasn't about to push the point further at that moment. All he wanted was to hold the man that he loved, the man he had believed he would never see again. He snuggled up to the other man, and closed his eyes, a happy smile on his lips.

They allowed themselves to drift off like that, their exhaustion getting the better of them, as they held onto each other as if their lives depended on it.

XXX

Jimmy sat back, staring at the screen, his eyes narrowed, as he breathed harshly. He stared at the two men on the monitors, so close, so together, and he was suddenly aware of a need to punch his fist through the screen.

Gerard's words to Frank, to his Frank, echoed in his head:

"He's nobody important. Fuck him."

Jimmy clenched his fists together as he felt the anger and hate deep inside. There was another emotion too, stronger than any other. Jealousy. He was jealous of Gerard Way and it was driving him insane. Why should he have Frank and Jimmy not? Why should Jimmy have nothing? So, Gerard had been through hell with Korse, but so had Jimmy. And there had been no Frank there to comfort Jimmy, to nurse him back to health. Jimmy had had nobody. And nothing had changed. These Killjoys were in love, and it sickened him. Even after Gerard had made Frank kill him, giving him that much guilt and self hatred, the other man still fell back into his lover's arms, all of it forgotten. That was true love. And that was exactly what Jimmy had never known.

He had always been denied. Denied by Johnny. Denied by Billie Joe.

Billie Joe...

Jimmy looked over at the sleeping Billie Joe, his hand instinctively moving to his chin as he eyed the former singer, his former idol, thoughtfully. He had loved Billie Joe, he had tried to change for him, tried to become a better man just so he could stay in the Green Day front man's life. But it had not been enough. Billie had ordered Jimmy away, told him he was a lost cause, that there was no saving him . He had forced him to walk the Zones alone, to work as a Drug Agent for Korse, just in order to stay alive and keep the drugs he so desperately needed within reach. The drugs were all he'd ever had, the only constant in his life that had never deserted him. Billie Joe had. Even when Jimmy had believed, had reached out to his former hero, Billie had let him down, and left him, once again, in Korse's clutches. Jimmy had been tortured repeatedly by the Exterminator, mentally and physically, until there had been nothing left, nothing but the BL/Ind. puppet that they had created. He'd accepted the position as an Exterminator so he could hunt down and avenge himself on those that had betrayed him. Billie Joe, Tre and Mike, he'd wanted to hurt all three of them. Feeling Tre's life ebb away, making Billie watch as the man he loved faded to nothing was the only moment Jimmy had felt peace in so long. And now, he had the man himself there, helpless, in front of him. No one was coming to save Billie Joe Armstrong this time. This time, Jimmy was in control.

And he would make Billie Joe see that.

Shoving his chair back, and taking a quick swig off the glass of liquor at his side, Jimmy strode over to his office, and snapped loudly: "Open."

The door swung forward at once, and the Exterminator marched up to Billie, and grabbed as his blanket, pulling it off of the sleeping man violently. Billie, with a gasp, awoke at once and stared up at Jimmy with wide eyes.

"Up!" Jimmy barked. When Billie didn't respond instantly, Jimmy grabbed a fist of his hair and dragged him into a sitting position. "I said," he hissed; "Get up."

"Jimmy," Billie begun, but one look from the evidently furious man made him close his mouth.

Jimmy smirked. "You finally shut the fuck up," he sneered. "At long fucking last."

Manhandling Billie away from the couch, Jimmy then pulled the smaller man toward his bed. Billie struggled against him valiantly but Jimmy would be denied. He simply tightened his hold, bundling Billie forward, and throwing him bodily on to the bed.

"Whatever you're planning, Jimmy;" Billie told him, trying to keep calm; "You gotta remember that you're a good man and-"

Jimmy threw his head back and laughed. "Is that what you fucking thought when you sent me away? When you told me I was good for nothing?"

Billie wouldn't give up. "Jimmy, you don't want to hurt me-"

"Don't I? That's because, 'I'm a good man', right?" He leaned ever closer, whispering in his ear. "What about everything I've done? All the people I've killed?" His smile was one of pure evil. "What about the day I murdered Tre in front of you?"

Billie Joe froze. It was as if everything had suddenly gone into slow motion. He raised his head, and stared, open mouthed, at the smirking man.

"What did you say?"

He laughed. "I think you heard me, sweetheart?" He stroked Billie's hair away from his forehead. "What say you now then? Am I still good?"

Billie was trembling all over. He continued to stare at the other man, trying to control his emotions, trying to stay in control of the situation, of himself. His thoughts rushed back to that fateful day and he pictured the robed Exterminator in the mask that had injected that shit into his best friend. He saw Tre lying on the ground in front of him, writhing in agony, he heard his terrified screams of pain, remembered that helplessness Billie had felt as Tre had slipped away in his arms. He looked up into Jimmy's mocking eyes and felt more anger, and more rage then he had ever done before.

"You bastard," Billie hissed. "You murderous piece of shit."

"Aw," Jimmy said, with mock hurt. "What happened to all that 'good man' bullshit?"

"Tre never did anything to hurt you-"

"Don't you get it? It wasn't about Tre. It was about hurting you. It was about taking someone special away from you and having the pleasure of watching you cry as someone you loved die horribly." He lightly touched Billie's face. "And do you know what? Watching you in agony made me feel so alive."

"I hate you," Billie exploded, surging forward, grabbing for any part of St Jimmy he could reach, "I fucking hate you. I'll kill you!"

Jimmy, still laughing, managed to seize Billie's flailing fists, and pinned them down beside him, forcing him back on to the bed until he was lying on top of him. He licked up the side of Billie's face and Billie turned away in disgust.

Jimmy took exception to that response, grabbing Billie's chin and forcing him to look directly at him. "You listen to me," he spat, showering Billie with spit. "You owe me. I waited for you in that prison, and you left me there. You made out you'd come for me but when there was any risk to you, you ran like the coward you really are, and I was left there all alone, with Korse."

"That wasn't how it was," Billie yelled back. "You've twisted it-"

"Shut up!" Jimmy shouted. "Don't lie to me. I had no choice but to become this or they would have destroyed me. I'd be dead and do you know why I fought to stay alive? So I would get a chance to show you what you created."

Billie closed his eyes, and whimpered. He didn't want to face this. He didn't want to hear Jimmy's next words.

"You made me what I am today," Jimmy smirked. "You're the reason Tre's dead. If you'd saved me, like you promised me you would, he'd still be alive."

"Please..."

"It's your fault!"

Billie shook his head helplessly, and then cringed when Jimmy's hand was on his groin, slowly unbuckling his belt. "Jimmy, wait. Please. Don't-"

"I told you to shut up."

"But I don't want this-"

Jimmy's face was suddenly right next to Billie's.

"I don't care what you want. Like I said, you owe me. Now, lay back and let me take what I deserve. I don't have to hurt you bad, Billie-Boy. It's up to you. You can even enjoy this." He gave him a cruel smile. "Be my whore, Billie Joe."

Billie closed his eyes, shame coursing through him. He knew it was hopeless, knew he couldn't stop Jimmy. Jimmy would happily take him by force if he had to, so he stopped struggling. He heard Jimmy's triumphant chuckle, and then turned his head to the wall and stared, trying to shut down, his eyes locked on the shiny whiteness he saw there. Silent tears fell down his face because he knew he would never feel clean again.

He stayed perfectly still as he let Jimmy take exactly what he 'deserved'.

TBC