The Best Of Me -Bert/Gee CUA Sequel-

Jepha was terrible for channel hopping.
Frank hated it, the way he'd never settle on a channel for more than five minutes, the way if he did he'd get bored part way through a sentence. It drove his boyfriend of eight months insane.
But here he was, alone, on a Saturday afternoon, once again hopping channels. Kids programs, Drama, films, soaps, DIY. It all got the same treatment. He was about to flick again when a very familiar face came up on screen, along with a few words.
"Branden Steineckert was granted early release today"

Frank froze in the doorway, dropping the mug he'd been holding. "Oh, my God. No." He turned up the volume, face chalky-white.

Jepha didn;t hear anymore, his head spinning. Branden was out, His Branden was out; the man he still loved deeply despite the rejection he'd faced a few years before. Nowthat he was out he might have a chance, it might have been the pressure of what they'd just done that had stopped him admitting howhe felt... He made sue not to look at frank, not wanting hi emotions to betray him.

Frank was shaking. He loved Gee like a brother. He couldn't imagine what this would do to him.

"Why?" he whispered. "Why have they let him out?"

"I have to go for a walk" Jepha announced, standing shakily. He understood that frank was scared for Gerard, a man hed acctually gotten rather friendly with but, but his Branden.

Frank shook his head. "No. No, he might look for you. We don't know if the ritalin in there did any good. Don't go, sweetheart."

Jepha bit his lip[ "I need to clear my head" he lied, in reality he was dreaming up yet more scene where Brande told him he loved him back. Like thedays after they'd been caught, hen all he'd done was replay the alley scene in his head, but change it slightly in differentways each time so thattjings worked out...

Frank nodded, shoulders drooping, defeated. "Okay. I should call Gee anyway. I love you, Jepha."

"Love you too Frankie" smiled jepha and left hurriedly. he gabbed his phone from his pocket and hesitated before dialling the last known number he had for Branden, a number he knew he'd still pick up from.

Branden was sat in the tacky diner, trying not to squirm on the layer of grease. He sank down in his seat, trying to be unnoticeable.
His phone started playing "Ride of the Valkyries". Well, shit.

"Hello?" he growled.

"Hey Bran, saw you got out" Jepha spoke cheerily down the phone, his heart already aching at Brandens voice I love you, I miss you, I need you, I love you, I miss you, I need you, I love you, I miss you, I need you, I love you, I miss you, I need you, I love you, I miss you, I need you, he repeated over and over again in his ead, not dring to speak aloud.

A long time ago, Branden might have been happy to talk with his friend. Not now.
Something inside had just
snapped.

Now all his brain screamed was EASY TARGET.

"Heey," he drawled, with mock enthusiasm.

Jephas heart leapt at the enthusiasm, not noticing how fake it was "So, er, do you wanna meet up or something?"

Branden smiled like a shark. "Sure! How about later today?"

"That sounds great!" beamed Jepha, rying not to tear up with happiness. Branden wanted to see him, this could only be good right?

"So, remember that old scary buliding we used to hang out in as kids? I'll meet you there?"

Jepha nodded excitedly, then realised Branden couldn't see him "I can't wait!"

"Me neither," Bert smiled. "Me neither."

Frank bounced on his toes. "Come on, Bert, pick up the phone, pick up the phone!"

Bert picked up "Hey Frank!"

Frank couldn't force himself to sound cheery. "Bert. Have you seen the news?"

Bert whinced "Yeah, I just stoppedGee freaking out, had to remind him of that restraining order about fifty times"

Frank breathed. At least he didn't have to break it to him. "Will you be okay? Will you need help looking after Bandit, or anything?" he was scared. He was so fucking scared for them.

Bert sighed "I really don;t know, I mean, he's fine for the moment but..."

"No, Bert, you don't understand," Frank's voice rose in panic. "You need to hide somewhere. Branden's gonna come for you, I know he is. Grab Gee and Bandit and get far away, as far as possible."

Bert started to pace "We can;t just LEAVE, Bandits about to start school Frank! Theres so much we have going on here"