Disenchanted

It took a while but Frank was finally let out by the end of October. It was just an overnight visit to Gerard’s house but Frank was so happy, you’d think he was being let go completely. The reason it had taken so long was because they both had had a lot of convincing to do. When Gerard suggested the visit away from the ward, there were many raised eyebrows, mostly stemming from the fact that Gerard was asking to bring his teenage patient home with him for the night. It just wasn’t the done thing and so the idea was forgotten by the rest of the doctors in charge for a while, everyone in fact except for Frank and Gerard. Gerard, upon Frank’s request, continued to bring up the subject and finally they agreed Frank could be allowed out for a home visit if he began to make a notable improvement. At the time Gerard had first asked, Frank was still on suicide watch and the idea of leaving the hospital was unthinkable to those around Frank. Disheartened by this, Frank seemed to give up on the idea of getting better himself and decided to put into practice something he had done many times before; lie. Unbeknownst to Gerard, Frank began to pretend he was getting better. He lied to everyone, including his boyfriend, or rather exaggerated his progress. He had been planning on abandoning his old habits and really trying to focus on getting better but the idea that he wouldn’t even be allowed out in the next few months was an unbearable thought for Frank and so that was that; his decision was made. He knew it was a slippery slope to go down but it didn’t matter to him. All he wanted was to leave. He was slightly scared about his ability to lie to the point where even Gerard, who seemed to know him better than he knew himself, believed him but he pushed it down inside himself, the thought too scary to face. He had had plenty of practice in the past and knew all the things to say and do to make people around him believe him.

Within weeks, Frank’s request for a home visit was being considered. A few weeks longer and Frank was finally taken off suicide watch and the home visit was being discussed properly. The cameras in Frank’s room were switched off at night as a result of him coming off suicide watch and he was given slightly more freedom to wander the halls without someone constantly trailing after him. The absence of cameras also led to increased make out sessions, both in Gerard’s office and in Frank’s bedroom. This new sense of freedom was a total breath of fresh air for Frank and he lapped it up completely, happy to eagerly snatch at every new found freedom he was given. Although Frank and Gerard were becoming more intimate with each other, they still hadn’t gone any further than the occasional hand job or blow job. Partly because Gerard didn’t want to push Frank if he wasn’t ready, but mostly because he wanted to wait until Frank was at least eighteen for them to sleep together. If worst came to worst and they were found out, Gerard didn’t want to be convicted of sex with a minor. He knew it was the right thing to do for their long term future together, however he was finding it hard to wait and knew Frank was too. It was so hard for them to stop themselves from going any further and getting carried away, and although the threat of being caught made the whole situation exciting, Gerard knew the real consequences would be anything but. Gerard knew the only real chance they would get to sleep together would be on Frank’s visit out and although Frank was getting restless with the weeks of waiting, Gerard hoped it took as long as possible to organise to assure Frank would be eighteen by the time he was let out. Gerard didn’t want to push Frank into anything he didn’t want to do, but god he hoped he would want to when the time came. It was getting harder and harder for him to be around Frank without wanting to pin him down on his desk, rip off his clothes and just have him right there.

Gerard was finally told Frank would be let out at the end of October. He was happy for his boyfriend until it was suggested that Frank go stay with his mother for the day and night instead. Gerard was horrified as the only opportunity he'd get to spend with his boyfriend that wasn’t confined to a hospital ward, seemed to be about to be taken away. Truth be told, he would have loved for his boyfriend to reconnect with his mother, but he just knew in his heart Linda wouldn’t be interested. With a heavy heart he gave the go ahead to contact Linda but begged for Frank not to be told, knowing this would just dash his hopes of becoming a proper family again and pull him down into a deeper depression when she refused. Gerard was right, and Linda denied seeing Frank. As Frank had no other family to stay with, Gerard was questioned on why he wanted Frank to stay with him. Worrying that those around him would get suspicious about their relationship, Gerard bullshitted about how Frank shouldn’t have to miss out because his mom didn’t want to be around him. They bought it and although they deemed it weird, they just pinned it on the fact that Frank and Gerard were very close and Gerard was extremely dedicated to his job. They sent Gerard back to Frank with the news, telling him they could pick a date that suited them. Gerard crawled back into his boyfriend’s arms, trying to suppress the horrible thought of Linda denying to see her son. Gerard couldn’t understand how someone wouldn’t want to be around someone as precious to him as Frank, especially as he delivered the news and Frank’s eyes shone. They decided on the date October 31st, Frank’s birthday. Frank shyly admitted that he had always hated his birthdays as they reminded him another year had passed as he was still in the same place and no better. Frank blushed and said he knew he’d have a good birthday if he was with Gerard. Gerard blushed himself and snuggled closer to Frank as they began to plan all the things they would do.

The date came around quickly and soon it was Frank’s birthday. Frank had been jittery the whole week beforehand, excited to be leaving the hospital even if it was only for a short time, but also nervous to be back in the real world after a few months of being locked away. Gerard had tried to comfort him but secretly he was nervous too, worrying how Frank would react to being in the outside world as well as to his brother who they had agreed to meet, his apartment; his life in general. He felt like he was in high school again, and desperate to impress his crush. Gerard collected Frank at around 9:00am. Frank had been waiting eagerly and ambushed Gerard with a hug as soon as he set his eyes on him, grinning gleefully. “Happy birthday Frankie,” said Gerard, whilst Frank smiled back at him. “Thanks,” he replied, sounding happy but not particularly bothered by the fact that it was his birthday. Gerard knew birthdays weren’t a big deal for Frank and he more than likely just wanted to forgot that today was the day, but he wasn’t going to let that happen. Instead he hoped to create happy memories for him today and hopefully alter or even change his idea of birthdays. As they walked towards the exit of the floor, Gerard thought about the presents he had gotten for Frank that were hidden under the seat of his car and felt excited to be able to give them to him.

As Gerard buzzed them out, Frank grabbed his hand and squeezed, elated to be free. As they got outside, Frank’s grin got wider and he stopped to look around, looking happier than ever. Frank turned to Gerard and laughed happily. Gerard grinned back at his boyfriend and pulled him into his embrace, kissing him passionately. Frank broke away first, eager to get out of the vicinity of what he had come to think of as his prison. “Let’s go.” Gerard nodded and walked to the car with Frank practically skipping after him. “Sorry for the mess,” apologised Gerard as they slipped inside the car. “S’okay,” replied Frank, looking around at the assorted mess of Gerard’s CDs, old drawings and coffee cups. The mess didn’t bother him at all. In fact, he was excited to find out more about Gerard and happily flipped through his art whilst they pulled out of the parking lot.

“Mikey’s, yeah?” Gerard asked Frank who confirmed it with an eager yet nervous nod of his head. A few days before Gerard had suggested Frank meet his brother at the local comic book shop in which he worked. Mikey hated hospitals, they creeped him out and so Gerard knew getting his boyfriend and brother to meet in this way would be much easier. He was excited for the two to meet but nervous all the same. He hoped they liked each other, he really did. Gerard had been telling his brother more and more about Frank in the past few weeks; happy he had finally unloaded the burden of his secret. It was probably the most important thing to him right now; that his boyfriend and his brother who was also his best friend, got on. He knew that they most likely would love each other; after all Gerard had recently noticed they had the same quirky sense of humour and liked a lot of the same bands, but it was also typical of Gerard’s life for things to work out badly. It’d be just his luck if Mikey and Frank hated one another.

They drove for a few minutes, Frank fiddling with the radio stations and commenting on the new crappy pop songs he was only now just getting a chance to hear, before they pulled up outside Mikey’s work. The comic book shop was on a busy street and although it looked pretty old and run down on the outside, Gerard knew that inside was a bright and welcoming store filled with comic books full of his childhood heros. More importantly of all though, his wonderful brother was also inside. Frank snapped off his seatbelt and had his hand on the door handle of the car ready to open it and get out when Gerard stopped him. “Wait. I know you don’t really like birthdays but-“ Frank faced him with a look of horror on his face, looking stricken. "Oh god. What did you do?" Gerard rolled his eyes. “Hey, birthdays are supposed to be a good thing, remember?” Frank rolled his own eyes before seemingly allowing himself so be excited. “Ok, fine. So, what did you do?” he asked again but this time with a sliver of excitement in his voice, his eyes glinting. Gerard laughed before reaching down to retrieve the packages under his seat. He thrust them into Frank’s hands. “That’s the spirit.” Frank looked from the packages to Gerard and back again with a look of awe before opening the packages; carefully as if ripping the wrapping paper would hurt Gerard’s feelings. Gerard looked fondly at Frank as he unwrapped a couple of new CDs, a book he had been telling him about and a t shirt of an obscure unheard of band that he treasured. Frank clasped his new belongings to his chest and looked at Gerard with so much thanks Gerard wondered if he had given him the right packages. But no, there they were, the presents Gerard had lovingly picked out for Frank with the hope that he would like them. However, it seemed that he did more than like them. “Oh wow...Thank you so much, Gee." he stammered. "Really, I, I don’t know what to say. Thank you, really.” Frank said sincerely. Gerard smiled at him, happy he liked what he had picked out. “I know it’s not much but-“ Frank scoffed. “It’s perfect, really it is. I mean you didn't even have to get me anything. Thank you so much Gerard. I love you.”

Gerard felt like he was practically glowing inside when Frank said that. Although Gerard knew he did, Frank didn’t say it often which meant every time he did say it, it meant so much more. “Oh, and one other thing…” Frank looked to Gerard quizzically wondering what more he could have done for him. “I’ve arranged for your guitar to be brought over; in time for when you get back, of course. Pansy, wasn’t it?” asked Gerard, knowing full well it was. At that Frank made a noise Gerard had never heard from him before, almost like a girly squeal and pulled Gerard into his arms, almost spilling his presents in the process. “Thank you so much,” murmured Frank against Gerard’s chest. His words were muffled and Gerard was pretty sure he was close to crying; overwhelmed with gratitude and a strong feeling of happiness that he hadn't felt in a long time; so he held him close for a few minutes and pretended not to notice his red rimmed eyes when he drew back, smiling all the same.

“Come on sweetheart, let’s go inside.” Frank nodded and carefully placed his new found treasures on the seat beside him before getting out of the car. Gerard got out of his own side of the car and walked up to Frank. “I’m nervous, Gerard,” admitted Frank, reaching for his boyfriend’s hand. “Don’t worry, he’ll love you,” Gerard assured him, squeezing his hand. Frank nodded and they opened the door of the comic book shop and stepped inside, the little bell tinkling above them to announce their arrival.

Notes

Chapter is too long so I'm dividing it into two, don't know when I'll be able to update next though because of exams.

Hope you enjoyed this. I know not much happened but I'm too busy for a longer update. Things will be happening soon though! Please comment, rate and subscribe!! Maybe I'll update quicker if I get some comments! :)