House of Ways

Frank’s POV

“Frank,” my dad’s voice cuts off my really weird dream about lions swimming in the ocean, then hanging out on the beach, no humans in sight – just a bunch of roaring lions. Weird.

“Frank,” a little firmer this time.

“Oh my fuck, whaaaat!?”

“Frank. It’s already 10 am. I would really appreciate it if you got up and got ready. Ashley is bringing her sons over so you all could meet.”

“Yeah, okay,” I grumble, basically dragging my tired body out of my very comfy bed – I might as well make the best of things, right?

My dad’s about to leave when I stop him.

“Dad? I’m sorry I was such a dick last night.”

Well, I’m actually a bit of a dick most of the time, but I doubt my dad really deserved my outburst this time.

“Frank,” my dad smiles, shaking his head slightly, “I’ve known and loved you for over seventeen years. I think I’m immune to your assholism most of the time.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes at my dad’s comment, repaying him with a huge smirk. “Thanks.”

“You know?” his smile turns a little sad, but unmistakably fond, “you are so much like your mom sometimes – most of the time, actually – and I just wish she were here to see you grow up.”

“Oh, dad,” I pull him into a tight hug – a real one too, none of that pat-on-the-back-because-we-are-men bullshit, but an actual hug. We don’t do it often, but when we do it, we know it’s genuine – both remembering that Mom was actually the affectionate one, even if we don’t necessarily say it out loud. Some things don’t really need to be said.

“Okay,” he interrupts the moment, “this is nice, and all, but go take a fucking shower!”

Gerard’s POV

"Gerard couldn't you at least have brushed your hair?" my mother nags, while running a spit covered hand over my greasy mane. Mikey snickers as he watches me trying to dodge her. The door opening up to reveal a dishevelled looking boy, who I can only assume to be Frank, my new step-brother.

My first thought is that he’s pretty cute, and looks a little bit like one of those popular assholes I used to detest in High School. Great. Just my luck.

He has messy brown hair – obviously carefully styled to look that way –, brownish hazel eyes that sparkle with childlike excitement and mischief, pink lips that look so soft, and – and here I nearly drowned in my own drool – both his bottom lip and his nose is pierced. If he had any visible tattoos to top that all off, I’m pretty sure, I would have melted into a puddle of hormones right at his feet.

The fact that he’s a bit shorter than me, and wearing an Avenged Sevenfold shirt really doesn’t help matters much.

Frank’s POV

Woah! I knew her kids couldn't have been ugly, because she's really pretty, but... Damn! These boys are hot! The one looks a little like a girl, though, but I’m not gonna discriminate – or complain – about that. He’s actually the cuter one of the two too, but in a kinda unfortunate way, I guess. I mean, it wouldn’t really surprise me at all if he got beat up for looking like that. Yeah, he reeks of gay too. That should be interesting. I shrug myself out of my thoughts, back to reality.

"Uhm, hi."

Wow, Iero. Talk about articulate.

Gerard’s POV

My mother removes her hand from my head, straightening herself. To my mild annoyance, the smile she flashes Frank is nowhere near fake – just for the sake of being polite – or even remotely nervous or uncertain. Great. Seems she’s already gotten comfortable with the idea of having another son in her life. I know I sound like a pissy little diva for being upset about something like that, especially since I’m twenty years old, but I’ve seen my mom get hurt quite badly with that John dude she was dating when we were a bit younger, and I’m just really not looking for a repeat of that.

"Hi, Frankie, sweetie!" she leans in and gives him a hug, which he returns a bit awkwardly.

Cool. He’s not as comfortable with her as she seems to be with him. Or maybe he just feels awkward around Mikey and I. He won’t be the only one then.

As my mother lets him go, Mikey mumbles a quick "Hi" without even looking at him. Trust Mikey to be a total douche, and get away with it. I, on the other hand, am older – and therefore more mature – than my monosyllabic younger asshole of a brother, so I am adamant on being perfectly polite and civilised. I’m sure Mom will appreciate the notion, and it’s at least worth a shot.

I put on my brightest smile, cheerfully announcing "Hi, I'm Gerard," receiving a weird glance from him in return as he takes my extended hand to shake it anyway.

For a guy with such a bad attitude, he sure has soft hands, which is something I’m not even gonna waste my time thinking about. Nothing good could possibly ever come from following that train of thought.

Frank’s POV

Oh, he is so gay. I swear he was checking me out right now. He wasn’t really obvious about it, but I still noticed. I can tell he wants to make a good impression. I smirk inwardly at myself. Oh, I bet he's a total desperate bottom, too! It just radiates off of him.

"Frank," I mumble, giving his outstretched hand a quick shake – no need holding onto his hand for longer than necessary.

So the other one must be Mikey. Yeah, I can't really tell if he's straight. His glasses are really cool, though. And, oh man!

"Mikey, right? Dude, you listen to The Used?" I grin excitedly at his shirt.

Share my interest in music, and I’m basically halfway to being your best friend. Well, no, that’s a little dramatic – but I’m a really huge fan of The Used. They are one of the most amazing bands ever, and I never let the chance pass up to meet fellow fans.

Gerard’s POV

Mikey’s eyes light up at the prospect of having a step-brother cool enough to like The Used. I have to admit, though, they are pretty cool. I just like Avenged Sevenfold more – hence my great appreciation for Frank’s shirt. Mikey nods his head, opening his mouth to probably comment about how he bought it at their concert that he just attended, before Frank's father appears behind him, giving his son a look before they both move to the side motioning for us to come in.

I look around the home at the high ceilings and cream coloured walls, surprised by its elegance, seeing as only two guys lived in it.

"What a beautiful home you have, Mr. Iero," I say, catching in time an eye roll from both Frank and Mikey, at my comment.

Luckily, brushing off their total immaturity is quite easy.

Frank’s POV

I share a smirk with Mikey. I can tell we're gonna get along very well. Gerard, on the other hand, might be a little tough.

"Ugh! Why does he have to be such a fag?" Mikey mumbles into my ear, making me giggle.

I love this dude already.

Gerard’s POV

"MICHAEL!" "FRANK!" both of our parents yell, shocked at Mikey’s rude comment.

I let my smile fall hurt that Mikey would talk about me like that in front of Frank, who was still trying to stifle his giggles. I shoot him a quick glare, him simply raising a perfectly shaped brow in response.

What a douche. Why does he have to be so damn disrespectful? He’s more like those assholes who made my life hell in High School than I originally anticipated.

Mikey’s POV

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I say that out loud?" I ask innocently.

I can see Frank trying very hard to contain his amusement. Yeah, I'm gonna get along just fine with this motherfucker.

Gee is usually actually fine with taking the piss out of each other, he even gives as good as he fucking gets, but I’m guessing now is one of those times he’s gonna be a little girl over it. I love the dude to bits, but he really needs to work on his insecurities and low self-esteem. I mean, if you can’t laugh at yourself, other people are just gonna do it for you anyway, right?

Gerard’s POV

It's my turn to roll my eyes at my brother's fake apology, saying nothing – already used to his immaturity. Our mother speaking under her breath about her 'idiot son', acting like his dick of a father. Frank’s father, on the other hand, orders Frank to show us to his bedroom so we can 'hang out'. He turns to the stairs, inviting Mikey to join him, forgetting to even mention me. I follow behind them, anyway, curiosity overriding my shyness. I refuse to let these two asshole kids get to me.

Mikey’s POV

Okay, woah. Frank's room is pretty badass. Posters of all my favourite bands and gore movies litter the walls perfectly. Also, his clothes are all over the floor, and his bed isn't made.

"Wow, Michael," Gerard says. "This room looks just like yours. Oh, wait. No, I don't see any eyeliner anywhere."

I fondly flip Gerard off.

"Right here," Frank grins, holding up his eyeliner – which he clearly uses a lot.

"Dude, if I were gay, I'd so jump you," I smirk.

"Right back at you, man!" he winks.

Gerard’s POV

Okay, well, that fucking sucks. I guess that answers my question of which team he bats for. I look around his room, noticing some similarities, when my eyes land on the white Les Paul in the corner. He notices me staring and gives me an arrogant smirk.

Mikey follows my line of sight and exclaims when he sees the guitar, "Man, you play?!?"

"Fuck, yeah! You know, some guitar, bass, drums. The guitar is my passion though. You?"

"Learning to play the bass, so you know...”

Oh, how lovely. They’re bonding over music. Again.

"Dude, well, considering the circumstances, I could totally help you out and shit!"

"Fuck, man, yeah! That would be awesome!"

Feeling left out I blurt out, "I can sing!" Oh fuck me. Why did I say that?!?!

Frank’s POV

"Uhm," Mikey says, "I'm sorry, Frank. Excuse Gee. She is a total attention whore."

I giggle (very manly, okay, fuck you very much) at that.

"Fuck you, Mikey. I am not a girl. And I'm not an attention whore." Gerard protests.

"Oh, please, Gee. You so are. Don't be shy. Show Frank your pretty vagina."

Do brothers usually often offer up each other’s vaginas for the viewing pleasure of strangers?

Gerard’s POV

I feel my cheeks go red as I look at their smirking faces.

"Oh yeah, you wanna see? Fine then."

I start to unzip my pants, trying to push them down, before a pillow is thrown at my face.

"Fuck off, Gee! Pull that shit back up! No one in this room rides the gay train, except for you."

"Ha! See? I told you I'm not a fucking girl, you dick!" I sneer, zipping up my pants.

I glance up to find Frank staring at me from the corner of his eye.

Frank’s POV

Woah! Was he just about to...? Wow! I shouldn't wanna see that shit, should I? Well, if I thought I might've liked dudes before, I think I'm maybe starting to confirm that for myself. No. This is bad. I can't be a fag. No.

"Wow, Gerard. I like to buy my girls diner first, before I get them naked," I smirk, inwardly freaking out.

Maybe I should try steering the conversation in the direction of girls with Mikey... That seems safer, right?

Gerard’s POV

Tired of playing nice, I answer back, "Well that's okay, ‘cause I like to dress up for my guys, either way. You know? Give them a little 'show' that they'll never forget"

"Fuck, Gerard! Frank doesn't need to know about you and your faggy ways."

A look of confusion crosses Franks face before I answer it with a few words," I tend to wear lingerie in the bedroom." I say with a wink.

Frank’s POV

Wow. Okay, wow.

My throat is getting a little dry, and my brain is getting all fuzzy, and all I can think is how I really wanna see that! Fuck! Be cool, Frank. Think of boobs. You like boobs, remember? It's what's between a girl's legs that scares the shit out of you. Gerard in lingerie, though... No, no, no, no.

"Maybe some other time, baby," I smirk, glad that I sound calmer than I feel, "Not with your brother around."

Mikey pats me on the shoulder. "He's not even kidding, man," he grins.

Gerard’s POV

"I'm looking forward to it." I say, grinning like an idiot.

WHAT THE FUCK AM I DOING?!?!? Flirting with my incredibly hot soon-to-be step-brother is definitely not a good thing. I calm down, though, when I see his face looking as if we were just talking about the weather. Right... He is not even gay! So why would my pathetic excuse for flirting affect him in any way?

I bet he just makes his way through all the slutty girls in his school, with their fake giggles and huge, squishy boobs. I bet he can just pick and fucking choose, and they all fall flat on their backs, with their legs spread wide open. Fucking whores.

Mikey’s POV

"Aww, Frankie," I pout. "I thought if we were fags, we'd be fags together...?"

Frank smiles at me sweetly. "Of course, baby."

"Oh, please, Mikes. Want me to tell him about Pete?" Gerard interjects.

Oh, no, he didn't.

"Pete and I have rules, okay?" I say, pointing my finger accusingly at Gerard. "Nothing below the waist. No groping each other's junk. And afterwards? We'd drink beer together. You know? Manly shit. Not cuddle and fucking giggle, like you and Bert used to..."

Gerard’s POV

"Righttt... So, you grinding all over him, falls where, exactly?"

"You know what Gerard? You have no fucking idea what you're talking about!" his face turns red as he yells indignantly. BUSTED!

"Also, Bert and I happened to be very manly! Especially Bert. You should have seen how HUGE he was. Certainly not the type of dick a pussy bitch-ass motherfucker would have. In your face, Michael Way!"

He pulls a face of disgust, while Frank takes on a neutral face, seeming to be daydreaming about something else entirely.

It’s true, what I said about Bert. He really does have a huge cock, and he really is an amazing lover. I wish things between us could’ve worked out.

Frank’s POV

"Mikes, baby. What is with all this Pete talk? Who is this guy? I thought we had something special, man?"

"Oh, no worries, baby. We do, but, dude… The guy can kiss!!!! I'm actually tempted to introduce you sometime. I know it's weird, because we just met, and all, but..." Mikey coughs awkwardly, trailing off from his sentence.

And...BINGO!

I'm guessing that maaaaybe Mikey likes Pete a little more than he wants to admit (even to Pete), and that maaaaybe, just maybe, the "nothing below the waist" rule is Pete's rule... Interesting.

Sometimes, I really do not hate being observant. At all.

Gerard’s POV

I smile as my brother tries to distract Frank from the topic of his beloved Pete. Turning the attention back on me. (Yes I am an attention whore. Who gives a fuck what you think?)

'You know, Frank? If Mikey here is ever too busy with his boy toy, I'm here for you. Oh, and baby, there are no rules with me." I say in a hopefully seductive voice.

Frank’s POV

Oh fuck! I am so close to popping a boner right here. Okay, Frank. You definitely like guys. Live with it! There is absolutely no denying that shit anymore.

"Gee, don't be a slut! And don't try to steal my man..." Mikey cuts across him.

Thanks for the save, Mikey!!!!

Gerard’s POV

"Please, like I even have to try! He's the one inviting me to dinner, just so he can get into my pants! Looks like "your man" was mine before you even sealed the deal." I retort, turning to Frank with a satisfied grin on my face, "Isn't that right, baby?"

Frank’s POV

"Please," I snort, "I don't do princesses, baby. Sorry." I roll my eyes at him.

Asshole move, I know. Sue me.

"Hey, wanna jam, Mikes?"

Gerard’s POV

He picks up an orange bass, handing it to Mikey, while he picks up his own guitar. Standing up from the bed where I had taken my seat, I stand in front of him,

"That's what you say now, baby, but just you wait and see."

Giving him one last wink, I strut out of the room swaying my hips as I do.

"Aww, sweet! Wow, you really take good care of this baby."

"Thanks. I know. Her name is Grace, and she's the only woman currently in my life."

Those two cocks can’t ignore me forever. And, I swear, I’m gonna get Frank Iero to admit he likes dick before our parents declare that they do. Mark my words.

Notes