Developing Wings on the Way Down

'How do you explain death to a child in a way that won't make them fear it when they grew older?' Gerard could have been thinking a million things when he woke up that morning but this was what his mind had chosen. He wondered how scared Frank was, and how he felt when he died. He wondered a lot of things as he sat on the edge of the couch with sunglasses on shielding him from any light. Frank sat inches from the TV watching a Halloween cartoon on ABC on one of the lowest volumes the TV could reach. Everyone else was just barely waking up with massive hangovers.
"Morning guys." Ray mumbled, headed for the kitchen.
"Do you have any coffee?" Gerard called in a low tone, rubbing his head and detaching the sweaty hairs from his forehead.
"Gerard, you know I never do." Ray replied, pulling a carton of almond milk out of the fridge and taking a long drink. Gerard sighed and laid back down, staring at the screen as Linus sat in the pumpkin patch and awaited the 'Great Pumpkin'. Frank smiled warmly and thumped the 'up' button on the television set a few times before spreading out on his stomach and lodging a pillow under his chest, in only a few short minutes, he was asleep again. Gerard cast his own blanket over the sleeping demon and joined Ray at the kitchen counter that overlooked the loft.
"So what do you plan on doing with your cut of the money?" Ray whispered, sipping at his milk.
"Mikes and I want to help our parents with the house." Gerard responded, "Although, Mikey wants me to use my share to move out like I've wanted to."
"You should." Ray nodded, "Gerard you are old enough and plenty independent."
Gerard stayed quiet for a moment, considering his options. "What about Frank?" he asked, ticking his head at the sleeping bundle.
Ray shrugged, "Take him with you. That boy loves you to death."
Gerard smiled and nodded. "I just might, you know?"
"I think it would be good for you." Ray concluded, slapping a hand on his friend's back and going back to the fridge.

~

The way parents were still asleep when the boys returned home, so they retired to Gerard's dark room to watch movies. About halfway through 'The Boondocks Saints' Gerard finally spoke.
"Mikes, I'm thinking about taking up on that idea and moving out." he said, sticking a cigarette in the side of his mouth and lit it. Frank snapped out of intent-movie-zone mode and turned around. His full attention was on them now.
"Mom doesn't like you smoking in the house." Mikey said, plucking the drug out of his brother's mouth and putting it out on the cement wall. " But other than that, that's awesome. What made you decide?"
"For one, I can smoke wherever I want." he grumbled, staring at the carcass of the Marlboro in remorse.
" 'Rard what about me?" Frank asked, concern and fear covering his sweet face. Gerard smiled at the sight.
"Well, do you want to come with me?" he asked, "You could have all the cheeseballs you want."
The demon nodded eagerly in reponse and turned back to the movie. The plan was set.

Notes