“God, Gee is gonna kill me.” Mikey says once we’re situated in my room with a large amount of junk food, coffee, and video games.

“Why?”

“Well…And this is really embarrassing to say out loud…He’s been having a war with himself about when he was going to have sex with you. I know this because he asked me my opinion more than once. Now that he finally decided to do it I’m in his way. Instant death.”

I shrug, “I dunno. He’s waited this long. He can wait a little more. The only death I see happening is your fictional one because you’re too distracted from this game.” I prove my point by effectively eliminating the rest of his character’s health in one blow.

He blinks at the screen, “Oh. Alright, no more funny business. You’re going down.”

But now I’m distracted. Gerard has been agonizing over this as much as I have. And I just have to say: why? What’s the point in worrying about it? We’re in love. We want sex. We should just be able to do it without feeling awkward about it. It makes me want to punch Gerard for being so stupid. Maybe I will next time I see him.

My phone suddenly goes off. I pause the game and look to see that it’s a text from Gerard, as if my thoughts have summoned him.

Where’d you go? D:

I waste no time answering, Sry, Wanted to spend time w Mikey. Were at my house.

Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving?

I was going to, but you were…Busy

It’s a long time before I get a reply to that. Oh…

I’m real sry. Promise I’ll make it up 2 u

Make it up to me how? ;)

I have to think really carefully before answering that. This conversation could turn south really quickly with the wrong word choices. I guess you’ll have to wait and see ;) (Okay, so maybe I want to flirt a little. Sue me.)

Wait and see what? Cuz I’d like to see you in the same way I did today…

A shiver runs down my spine, which causes Mikey to notice that my attention isn’t on the game for the first time, “Who’re you texting?”

I feel my cheeks heat insanely, “I, uh…Just Gerard. He’s mad that we just ditched like that…”

Mikey’s face flashes through some emotions. Jealousy, anger, and sadness are among them. Then it settles into its normal poker face, “Yeah, I guess he would be. We can go back to my house if you want…”

“Fuck no!” I say, “This is my night with you. You know what…” I shut off my phone and throw it on the bed, “Gerard can deal without communication with me for one night. I have friends besides him.”

A small smile twitches at a corner of his mouth, “Thanks Frank. I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend as good as you.”

…

I only get that one night before it’s back to work. I do try to spend more time with Mikey, suddenly hyper-aware of how soon he’ll be gone. He’s the only real friend I’ve ever had, so him leaving is gonna be tough. I know we’ll see each other again. If for nothing else because he’s Gerard’s brother. It just still sucks.

It sucks even worse considering Gerard’s attitude. Every time I so much as stop by to say hello or drop something off he’s there. Hugging me. Kissing me. Begging me to stay just a little longer. Normally I’d love that attention, but right now…I mean, he knows I’m busy. He’s just being selfish and in the way. Once all my bills are paid I can quit work and spend time with him again. And I’m really close. All that’s left is one book, and I’m only one paycheck away from it.

So what do I do on my way home from work on Wednesday when Gerard once again tries to get me to “spend the night. What’s it gonna hurt”? I blow up at him, naturally.

“For fuck’s sake Gerard!I have two more days! Two more days and we can spend as much time together as we want until summer ends! Can’t your dick hold out until then?!”

His expression is hurt. Oh god. I did it again. Why can’t I ever be around him for too long without hurting him? I can’t even look at him now. I’m a monster…He deserves better…When he tries to say something I turn and dash out the door.

I run until I get home and shut myself in my room. I curl into a ball on the bed and spend some time hating myself. How many times have I put that expression on his face now? That one time when Mikey had me call him…That took forever to fix. According to Mikey it sent him into a spiraling depression. Then that stupid thing with Jamia…And I’m sure there have been others that I don’t know about. I’m such a fuck up.

It’s only an hour of wallowing in this self-hate before my mom pokes her head in the door, “Sweetie, Gerard’s here.”

I look up as he walks in the door looking calm and beautiful as ever. When our eyes meet his steps speed up and he pulls me into a tight embrace. The door clicks behind him as Mom leaves and we fall onto the bed. He kisses the top of my head.

“Frank…I’m not upset.”

I look up, “You’re not?”

He shakes his head, “You’re right. I’m being really impatient and selfish. I know you have a lot of stress going on, and…I want to be there for you to help you through it.”

I kiss him lightly, “You’re already helping me through it.”

“No, Frank…I mean I want to move in together.”

I can’t breathe. Did he really just say what I think he just said? I can’t even seem to ask that. All I’m capable of is staring at him with my mouth hanging open. And he takes this the absolute wrong way.

“I mean…if you’re not ready I can understand…”

I pounce and kiss him with as much force as I can muster, “Not ready?! Gerard, you have no idea how ready I am! Getting out of tis wretched house…And to live with you! Oh my gosh that’s really the best thing you could have said to make me feel better about my situation.”

He laughs nervously, obviously not expecting my outburst, “I’m glad. I really wanted to wait until you turned eighteen, but…I figure what’s the point?”

I snuggle closer to him, “There is no point. Absolutely none.”

Notes

Hello! For those of you who are not reading Blood Donor...Well, why aren't you? Wait, that's not the point! I'm back! My computer issue was fixed really quickly only to be followed by massive writers block which is still in place for What Happens in Art Class (Another story of mine that should be read for those of you who don't know) but now I'm over that, and I have two new chapters for you! Yay! And Frank and Gerard are moving in together. Just take a moment to squee over that. I know I did.

Comments always appreciated bye