F*ck and Run

The following morning Gerard was surprised to find himself alone in bed so early on a Saturday morning. It was the day of Frank’s showcase though, so Gerard shouldn’t have been surprised at all that the punk was already restless.
He could hear Frank moving around in the other room, though by the sounds of it, he couldn’t figure out what the hell Frank was doing. Half-asleep, he laid there for another five minutes, waiting for Frank to come back to bed - even if it meant he’d have to share the bed with Frank’s laptop and a cup of coffee.
Frank didn’t come back to bed though. It was then that Gerard remembered Jamia had stayed the night as well, and so after another moment or so of blinking up at the ceiling, Gerard got up. He wished he could’ve told himself about this six months ago. Gerard six months ago wouldn’t be out of bed so early for a Saturday, not even for a boy. Yet there he was, pulling on a sweatshirt and running a hand through his hair to smooth it down.
Still groggy, he wandered into the living room. Frank was looking for something in his box of Frank things. The box had been sitting next to Gerard’s record player so long, he’d accepted it as a permanent part of the room.
Gerard wrapped himself around Frank, startling him at first. He quickly relaxed in Gerard’s arms and continued shuffling through his things.
“What’re you looking for?” Gerard asked hoarsely.
“My sanity.” Frank said blankly.
“Where’s Jamia?” Gerard verbalized, realizing she wasn’t on the couch.
“The florist scheduled the flower delivery for next Saturday by mistake, so she went to go yell at them and… buy floral arrangements?” Frank explained, “I told her she didn’t have to yell at them, but she’s a lawyer. She gets off on that kind of thing.”
“Remind me not to get on her bad side.” Gerard said. He rested his cheek against Frank’s shoulder and closed his eyes, listening to the rustle of paperwork as Frank dug through his belongings.
“She’s actually a ray of fucking sunshine most of the time.” Frank defended.
“What do you think she’d do if she knew what I’ve done to you?” Gerard mused.
Frank had stopped looking for whatever he’d been looking for.
“Okay, let’s get one thing fucking straight…” Frank started, turning in Gerard’s arms and pushing him against the back of the couch, “This is my fault, too. You didn’t do anything to me.”
Their faces were inches apart. Frank’s eyes were dark and wild, angry and desperate. His bed-head only made him look crazier.
“I turned you. Maybe.” Gerard reminded softly, returning Frank’s stare.
“I let you.” Frank pointed out, “You have to cut this shit out, because you tried to get me to stay away. I didn’t listen. I couldn’t.”
They’d done this less than 24 hours ago and yet when Frank’s lips connected with his, it felt like Gerard had been offered water after having wandered in the desert all day. They fit together so perfectly, too, Gerard thought, as Frank pressed himself closer.
Frank ducked his head to mouth at Gerard’s neck and Gerard let his eyes fall closed. He’d have to find a graceful way to maneuver them onto the couch in a moment. Of course, the floor was still an option. He didn’t really want to be wandering Frank’s showcase with rug burns on his knees later on, but he’d been wanting to try the floor for awhile...
“Are you starting to feel it yet?” Gerard asked.
“What? This?” Frank asked, sliding his hand over Gerard’s dick.
“No.” Gerard breathed, grabbing Frank’s wrist, “The urge to… fuck everything? The moon’s getting closer, you know?”
“I don’t um, I don’t think so?” Frank mused, “But if you’re asking… that means you must be?”
Gerard groaned. What was the use denying it? He was already getting the cravings. Like hunger pangs, but worse. He was almost embarrassed by how turned on he was, already prepared to say anything that would keep Frank in his space, pressing into him.
“I don’t have time for this right now, Gee.” Frank grumbled softly, cupping Gerard’s face with his hands and smiling sympathetically.
“You started it.” Gerard pointed out.
“I didn’t think you’d get so…” Frank trailed off, smirking.
“Entranced?” Gerard finished, trying to pull Frank close again, “...Where do you even have to be? It’s so fucking early.”
“I was supposed to grab coffee with an apartment broker before heading over to the venue to oversee set-up, and keg deliveries… and maybe a cake if that didn’t get fucked up, too? But now with the flowers, I’m not sure about the cake… Jamia might get to yell at more people than we originally planned.” Frank shrugged, looking more and more grim as the details of his day started to fall into place in his head.
“Apartment broker?” Gerard asked, blinking away Frank’s personal brand of lovespell. The moon wasn’t that close. He could will away the urges more easily than he cared to admit. All it took was a little effort.
“Yeah. We’re supposed to look at some places next week.” Frank explained, “That’s why I was trying to find my fucking paperwork. From the last place? To explain why I had to break my lease? …I swear it was in here somewhere.”
Frank spun around to continue digging through his box. Gerard stared hard at Frank’s back. The muscles in his back moved under one of Gerard’s old t-shirts as he pushed the papers around.
“Frank…” Gerard sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Can’t you just… stay?”
Frank paused, turning to look at Gerard again.
“Stay…” Frank repeated slowly, obviously confused, “Stay... here? I can’t. If someone hasn’t already baked a guitar-shaped cake on a bed of edible glitter I’m a dead man. But tomorrow. I swear, Gee, tomorrow, I’m all yours.”
Gerard took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He could be brave for 10 seconds. He had half a thought about how ridiculous it was that he could succumb to the awful transition - those brief moments of consciousness where he could feel his ribs folding in on themselves - and yet he couldn’t ask a simple question.
“No. Move in with me.” Gerard said evenly. There. He said it. It hadn’t even been posed as a question.
Gerard knew it would be weird no matter how Frank responded, but he hadn’t expected Frank to just flat-out not respond. He counted to three before opening his eyes again.
Frank was searching for the right words. Gerard could see it in his eyes.
“It would be so much easier if you just… stayed.” Gerard explained, when Frank still hadn’t found them.
“Don’t you think this is a little… fast?” Frank blinked.
“I wouldn’t ask you under different circumstances. If you had your own place, I wouldn’t be asking at all…” Gerard sighed, “But you don’t. And I want you here. I like having you here. I don’t really see any reason why you shouldn’t just stay.”
“You’re not just saying that because you want me to kiss you again, are you?” Frank asked curiously.
Gerard’s brow furrowed, ready to get defensive. He realized a little too slow that Frank was only joking.
“Kidding…” Frank sighed, glancing around the room, “This is your space though. Don’t you like having your own space?”
“I like my space...” Gerard agreed, turning his head to try and follow Frank’s gaze, “But I like you in my space just as well.”
Frank bit his lip.
“I have to think about this...” Frank said neutrally, giving Gerard this overwhelming, well-meaning look.
Gerard nodded, taking a deep breath.
“But I’m still getting coffee with the apartment broker.” Frank added.
“Seriously?” Gerard countered gently, “What was that whole thing about the guitar-shaped cake? I didn’t even know edible glitter existed up until two minutes ago, first of all. But second, you could be kissing me instead. I’m not going to tell you what to do but there’s… no need for you to leave. Like, at all. Unless you want to, which...”
Gerard trailed off, trying to get a read on Frank. Of course, he was unreadable. For the thousandth time, couldn’t lycanthropy just come with telepathy? How was this fair?
“It’s not that. I just… Just…” Frank sighed, “Bear with me. It’s the… Independent woman thing.”
“Independent…” Gerard repeated, “Wait, what?”
“Raised by a single mom remember?” Frank explained with a small smile, “Feel like I can to do everything by myself. Feel like I’m supposed to do everything by myself.”
“Right.” Gerard nodded.
“It’s a punk thing, too.” Frank said, “Even if I’m not an independent woman, no one ever can say I’m not punk.”
“I guess not.” Gerard agreed casually.

They stared at each other in silence. Gerard was waiting for Frank to say something. The air around them had grown tense. Frank hadn’t said ‘no’, but he technically hadn’t said yes either. Gerard was a little stumped on how to formally approach this anyways. Frank already had a fucking key so that was out.
“You’re serious about this?” Frank asked.
“I basically ruined your life, it’s the least I can do.” Gerard said.
“But are you offering because you think you owe me or because you want me here?” Frank asked.
“Both.” Gerard answered.
“You don’t owe me anything.” Frank said, “If I ever made you think any different...”
Frank moved into Gerard’s space and pecked him on the lips. He slid his hands onto Gerard’s shoulders.
“So you’ll stay?” Gerard asked, closing his eyes and savoring Frank’s warm breath. He pulled Frank closer, ignoring the wave of emotion that came with the voice in the back of his head that said, “mine.”
“I have to think about it.” Frank said again, “We can talk about it… tomorrow? When I don’t have edible glitter and angry lawyers and sound techs to worry about? Don’t you have work now anyways?”
Work. Gerard had forgotten about work. How the fuck Frank could remember Gerard’s schedule better than Gerard could was beyond him.
“I do.” Gerard realized.
“Tomorrow then.” Frank sighed.
“What the fuck am I supposed to wear tonight anyways? Is it casual? Formal?” Gerard mused. Frank blinked thoughtfully for a moment.
“It’s um… just wear something tight and all black? And tease your hair up the way you do.” Frank said, reaching up a hand to ruffle Gerard’s hair, “I like the fresh-out-of-bed look.”
“Kay.” Gerard nodded.
Frank leaned in and pressed a kiss to Gerard’s cheek, before turning back to his box to find his paperwork. Gerard took a deep breath and wandered into the kitchen to start coffee. Frank hadn’t made any, since he was going out for coffee. Gerard couldn’t remember the last time he’d only had to make enough for one.
He opted to give Frank his space, and stared at the coffee machine as he waited for it to finish brewing. After some time Frank drifted into the kitchen to kiss him goodbye, with a tattered folder under one arm and an overly-stuffed messenger bag pulling down on his shoulder.
“See you tonight.” Gerard promised as the coffee pot gurgled.
“Yeah. See you.” Frank agreed, “Don’t be late.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Gerard swore.

Getting ready for work consisted of trying to mellow out the wolfish urges. Frank wouldn’t be back for hours, so Gerard assumed it was safe enough to fry up some bacon. He lit a candle when he was done and cracked a few windows in hopes the smell would dissipate by the time Frank came back. He was still so wound up from Frank’s torturous kisses, jacking off seemed inevitable. He made it quick, since he still had to pick out an outfit for later. He left the house feeling satiated, with the clothes he intended to wear to the showcase laid out on his bed.
Usually he put on headphones for the subway ride up to the art store. Today he felt strangely calm, uninterested in the distractions of music. There was too much to think about. The last thing he needed was a distraction.
His coworker, Ray smiled at him as he entered the art store. A few customers perused the aisles - typical for a Saturday afternoon. Luckily they’d just gotten in a shipment of paints, which meant Gerard had a bit of restocking to do. Restocking meant the time would pass quicker.
Their boss wasn’t expected to come in at all, which meant Ray could play whatever death metal he wanted. Gerard doodled a grim reaper surfing a wave of flames and taped it to the register for Ray.
“How come you always draw me skeletons?” Ray asked when he noticed the drawing, “I mean you’re really good at drawing ‘em. But what about monsters and stuff? Like, zombies? Or werewolves?”
Gerard’s brain short circuited for a moment. His eyes widened and he blinked at Ray, totally stunned.
“Sorry man. I know better than anyone that art’s personal.” Ray amended, “Skeletons just seem way harder. You draw em so realistic. Like, all the bones and shit...”
Ray rand his fingers over the tear in the reaper’s robe, brushing over the ribs.
“No it’s cool.” Gerard assured, “I just… never thought about it, I guess?”
Ray didn’t know. He couldn’t know.
“And there’s ways to avoid drawing the whole skeletal structure your know?” Gerard added nervously, “Why do you think the grim reaper wears a robe? It’s not because it’s badass. It’s because the first dude that drew the grim reaper didn’t wanna have to draw all those ribs and shit. That’s what I think.”
“Huh. I never thought about it like that.” Ray said, starting to idly tap out the rhythm of some song in his head on the counter.
“Industry secret: Artists are fucking lazy.” Gerard said, earning a cough of disapproval from an older woman perusing the greeting cards by the registers.
The rest of his shift dragged on without without any heart-stopping coincidences, though Gerard was practically clawing and howling at the door by the time Ray finally locked it and flipped the sign from ‘open’ to ‘closed.’
It was always worse at night. Frank had called him a creature of the night. And for once, Gerard embraced this idea. He smoked a cigarette on his walk to the subway, feeling the faint buzz of the curse heightening everything happening around him. Smells. Voices. Sounds of the city.
As he took the subway back to his apartment, he wished he’d brought his headphones. He needed a distraction from the people around him on the train. He was too aware of their presence, their proximity, their weird blends of smells. Groceries and perfumes and sweat. Cigarettes. Alcohol. Library books. Dust.
He didn’t want to go out at all tonight. He wanted to go back in his apartment, preferably with his boyfriend, and tend to the whims of his curse. He had no interest meeting any more of Mikey’s sceney friends. He hadn’t been a friend their friend who had passed away, either, so he had no right to be there.
Gerard smoked another cigarette after he got off the train, reminding himself that even if he wasn’t cursed, he’d have to go to Frank’s party anyways. It was the sort of thing boyfriends did, Gerard presumed. And Gerard wanted to keep his boyfriend.
He’d have to explain to Frank how weird things got around the moon so that they could plan around it. There would inevitably be some things Gerard would have to miss. Some things Gerard would ruin with his bad moods. Some things Frank would be better off doing without Gerard by his side.
It wasn’t chain smoking if the two smokes were separated by a 20 minute train ride, was it? Gerard could admit he was sort of on edge.
He practically ran for the familiarity of his apartment. Unlocking the locks, he noticed the bacon smell was still sort of there. Frank hopefully wouldn’t notice.
Gerar pulled out his phone and found a text from Frank.
‘bring espresso’ was all it said.
No capitalization, no punctuation.
He immediately started on his hair. He smudged product into the roots, willing them into chaos. He fussed with his hair until it was a mess, dark locks jutting out all used and abused. Gerard groaned, realizing he’d have to not only take the shirt he was wearing off, but also pull a new shirt on - without messing up his hair. As he tugged off his t-shirt he tried to think of where the fuck he could procure espresso on his way to the party. He’d have to put more product in his hair and go a few extra blocks out of the way, but that was just fine by him. More chain smoking.

As Gerard wandered into the dark music venue and told the first person he saw that he was looking for Frank. As the girl looked him over, eyeing the cardboard tray with a single coffee cup in his hand, he wondered if he should mention that he was Frank’s boyfriend. After having a mini heart attack, he realized that he probably wasn’t the first person to walk in the door looking for Frank. She pointed her heavily tattooed fingers towards the back of the venue, which Gerard could’ve probably figured out without her help, but hey.
He got more than a few glares from pretty punk dudes with almost as many tattoos as Frank as he made his way behind the stage. People on ladders were hanging balloons and streamers and banners. Everything seemed to be coming together for the evening.
Every pretty punk Gerard asked had ‘literally just seen Frank’ and promised to tell Frank that Gerard was looking for him. No one bothered to ask who Gerard was, saving him the headache of trying to figure out if it was okay to say he was Frank’s boyfriend.
Frank’s latte was lukewarm by the time Gerard got it to him. Gerard found him hugging a clipboard by the soundbooth, babbling excitedly to some menacing metalhead dude who looked like he could easily bench press Frank if he wanted to.
Gerard wasn’t entirely sure how Frank was even standing, let alone giggling.
The metalhead looked up when he saw Gerard approaching. Frank smiled as he turned and spotted Gerard, big and sincere. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had looked so happy to see him.
“I could fucking kiss you.” Frank said, accepting the disposable cup Gerard handed over.
“Oh wait.” he amended, leaning forward to peck Gerard on the lips.
“Hey.” Gerard said, sort of paralyzed by the affection. He could still feel the metalhead’s eyes on them. When he glanced over though, the guy was looking away.
“Gerard, this is Bob.” Frank said, taking a step back, to wave his latte in the metalhead’s direction, “He sucks a lot, but he knows his way around a soundboard so we keep him around.”
“Is that really how you’ve been describing me to people?” Metalhead Bob asked.
“Just the girls that ask me for your phone number.” Frank retorted, “Bob, this is my boyfriend, Gerard.”
Gerard’s heart fluttered a little at Frank’s casualness as Bob reached out and firmly shook his hand. And yeah, wow, this guy could definitely bench press Frank if he wanted to. Gerard made a note to not piss him off.
“Nice to meet you, boyfriend.” Bob said cheerily, and then turned his focus back towards Frank, “Anyways, so they’ll let me know at sound check if I need to mic the drums or not, right?”
“Uh, yeah. Double check with the artists, though.” Frank nodded, hugging his clipboard tighter, “But I don’t think we’re supposed to get too loud…”
Bob gave Frank and knowing smirk and chased after a passing guy wrestling an armful of cables.

Frank turned back to Gerard and took a sip of his latte.
“Sorry it’s cold.” Gerard said, clearing his throat.
“No, this is perfect-” Frank said, taking another sip, “Chugging temperature.”
“Do you have time for a smoke break?” Gerard asked.
“Not at all.” Frank said, gesturing with his clipboard, “But yes.”
Frank beckoned for Gerard to follow him, down a long dimly lit hallway that emptied out into the alley behind the building. He leaned against the fire exit door to let Gerard out, kicking a wastebin into the doorway to hold the door open for them. A few rolling carts holding trays of bouquets were lined against the outer brick wall of the building.
“I see Jamia got the flowers sorted.” Gerard commented, earning a snort-laugh from Frank.
He pulled out two cigarettes and placed one between his lips, and the other between Frank’s. Frank gazed up at Gerard as he pulled out his lighter and lit his cigarette for him.
It had been awhile since Gerard had performed the gesture for anyone, let alone someone he had every intention of stunning. It was nice to know it still worked. Frank looked sufficiently stunned by it. He was still smiling as he tried to situate his clipboard under his arm to free up a hand to pull his cigarette away with.
“What about your edible glitter?” Gerard asked, lighting his own cigarette.
“It was only 30 minutes late. I didn’t even have to yell at anyone.” Frank said, exhaling smoke.
“Everything’s coming together then…” Gerard said.
“Yeah. You look great.” Frank said, sticking his cigarette back between his lips and using his free hand to mess with Gerard’s hair.
“So do you.” Gerard said softly, smoothing down the collar of Frank’s shirt, even though it was already perfectly pressed.
Gerard plucked Frank’s cigarette from between his lips and pressed a quick kiss onto them. Frank tried to follow him as he tried to pull away, catching his lips in another quick kiss. They couldn’t really kiss much more, between Frank’s limited time and the two lit cigarettes in Gerard’s hands. Frank’s latte and clipboard weren’t much help either. Gerard found this completely maddening, of course, though he didn’t say so.
“Later.” Frank said softly, reclaiming his cigarette.
“I haven’t forgotten who I’m going home with...” Gerard offered, taking a puff off his own.
Frank blinked for a moment, obviously caught off guard by the suggestion. Gerard froze as he considered how his words might’ve been interpreted, given their conversation earlier in the day.
“I didn’t mean…” he faltered, “Just, um, since I’m your plus one this evening...”
“Right.” Frank nodded.
“If there’s anything I can do to help in there…” Gerard said, looking for a subject change.
“I’m sure there’s something.” Frank said, “But listen, Gerard, you know I want to stay. I just...”
“Later.” Gerard interrupted, “I wasn’t trying to spring anything on you. We’ll have plenty of time to talk about this later.”
“Later.” Frank agreed, taking another long drag off his smoke, “Um, I still need someone to set out all the candles after they’re finished with the rest of the decorations. They have to be placed carefully so that the decorations don’t catch on fire and burn the place down with all of my friends still locked inside.”
“I can probably manage.” Gerard smiled.
“Great. I still think this is all a bit excessive...” Frank sighed, “Six packs on someone’s rooftop would’ve been more appropriate.”
“It’s for the rest of the band, too.” Gerard pointed out, “I think it’s a nice gesture. It’s important to celebrate the living as much as the dead. We’re the ones who have to carry on without them, you know?”
“Well put.” Frank said, “But six packs on someone’s rooftop is just so much less planning.”
“You got me there.” Gerard admitted, crushing his cigarette under his boot. He reached for Frank’s clipboard and his latte and held onto them while Frank finished his smoke.
“I’m sort of surprised someone hasn’t come looking for me yet.” Frank commented.
And like clockwork, someone immediately poked their head out of the emergency exit door asking Frank for specifics on guestlist details.
Frank put Gerard to work, placing candles in jars, and then setting them up around the venue. He sort of got what Frank had meant about the fire hazard as soon as he saw the alarming amount of streamers hanging from everywhere they could be laid.
Gerard noticed the photo booth in the corner as well, and hoped he’d find a moment to pull Frank away.
Mikey and Alicia showed up just as Gerard was starting to light the candles. Frank stopped by to give them each a handful of guitar picks out of a large plastic bag.
“Drink tokens.” he explained, “Let me know if you need more.”
It was Alicia’s suggestion that they get a head start and order their first round of drinks. Gerard ordered a drink, but didn’t touch it. He was hoping to keep himself together enough to talk to Frank after the party, which meant he’d have to pace himself. They sat at the bar and watched as the final pieces fell into place. The first band was setting up so everything would be in order for them to play.
Guests started flooding in. The room got very loud very quickly. Music started playing over the speakers. People ordered drinks and started to fill out the room, chatting with other guests. It didn’t read like a room full of people in mourning at all. Gerard couldn’t figure out why the fuck Frank had invited his old, failed apartment broker. He kept his head down and prayed he wasn’t recognizable. He had no interest in shooting the shit with Adam at all.
Frank was still floating around with his clipboard, helping Bob with sound stuff. Eventually Jamia appeared, looking absolutely stunning in a slinky, black, floor-length gown. She hugged Gerard and Mikey and even Alicia and thanked them all for coming and continued to make her rounds.
Gerard lost sight of Frank entirely, and focused instead on his brother. Mikey was quizzing Alicia on the names and claims of various groups of guests around the room. Trying to digest who was fucking who and who was in what band was distracting to say the least. Everyone was fucking everyone, it seemed. Gerard wasn’t sure if he was surprised or not.
“And that’s Frank’s ex, right?” Alicia asked, pointing to a guy in the corner in a dark suit, sipping on a glass of champagne.
“Yep.” Mikey answered happily, “Good memory.” They moved right along to discussing another girl standing a few feet away. Gerard tuned the two of them out as he stared Frank’s ex up and down.
Eventually Mikey glanced over at Gerard, obviously detecting his older brother’s curiosity.
“It was a long time ago.” Mikey offered, “You have nothing to worry about.”
Frank had obviously dated other people before. It wasn’t that Gerard thought he was the first. Something didn’t sit right with him, though. It wasn’t jealousy. Well, maybe a little bit of jealousy. The guy was good looking, not that Frank deserved any less. Maybe Gerard was just off-put by the fact that he was standing all alone, not talking to anyone. He seemed sort of familiar, though maybe he just had one of those faces. Gerard’s stomach dropped at the thought.
He caught sight of a flash of ink on the guy’s hand as he raised his glass. His bottom lip was pierced as well. The guy was the opposite of Gerard in so many ways, from the clean-cut hair, to the stretched ears. Either Frank didn’t have a type, or his type had changed. Gerard refused to accept it was even possible that he wasn’t Frank’s type.
Gerard’s head snapped in the direction of the stage as he heard Frank’s voice over the sound system. Frank was squinting into the lights, standing in front of the mic. The band was standing behind him, instruments in hand, ready to play.
In some ways, the event sort of almost read like a funeral reception. Frank said a few words on the reason for the evening, thanking the friends and family of the deceased for coming, thanking the bands for playing. He hopped off the stage and into the crowd, letting the first band start.
Gerard was itching for another smoke after the first song, so he slipped out the front. He realized, after he passed the front door security, that he didn’t have identification of any kind. No wristband, no stamp on his hand, no badge. He couldn’t remember if Mikey and Alicia had been wearing any kind of identifiers... He’d figure it out.
Gerard found a place to stand and smoke a little ways from the entrance. He shot a quick text to Frank, asking if Frank could let him back inside in a few minutes.
He leaned against the outer wall and lit a cigarette, closing his eyes and listening to vibrations of the bass coming from inside.
Someone cleared their throat beside him after a beat.
“Sorry to bother you, but do you got a light?” they asked.
Gerard opened his eyes to find Frank’s ex standing beside him with a cigarette dangling from his lips. For fuck’s sake, Gerard thought.
“Uh, sure.” Gerard nodded, passing the guy his lighter.
“Thanks.” he said, lighting up and passing the lighter back.
“No problem.” Gerard returned.
The guy made no motion to move away, and even looked like he might say something else. The smell of his cologne drifted towards Gerard on the wind. Gerard tried not to analyze it too much.Of course, this was the precise moment Frank decided to show up, clipboard still in-hand.
“Hey…” He said, glancing between his ex and Gerard.
“Hey.” Gerard echoed.
“Do you two… know each other?” Frank asked curiously.
“We just met. Sort of.” Frank’s ex said, eyeing Gerard, “Though, you do look kind of familiar. Are you in a band or something? Maybe we played together before.”
“Uh, no.” Gerard said, glancing over at Frank. He could practically see the color drain from Frank’s face, “Not in a band.”
“Jeph, this is my boyfriend, Gerard.” Frank offered.
“No shit.” Jeph said, reaching out a hand for Gerard to shake, “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.”
“It’s kind of a new thing.” Frank said, gesturing towards his ex, “Uh, Gerard, Jeph’s my ex. He was a good friend of Turner’s.”
Gerard nodded, weakly shaking Jeph’s hand. He wondered if Frank’s ex could detect the ice in Frank’s voice as well as Gerard could.
“Was.” Jeph repeated, “It’s still so weird to use the past tense.”
“I know.” Frank agreed solemnly, “It’s been weirding me out all night.”
“His mom’s here. Did you invite her?” Jeph asked.
“Jamia’s idea.” Frank answered.
“Of course.” Jeph nodded.
They fell silent. An awkward tension had formed around them. Gerard thought he was imagining it at first, but it was practically radiating off of Frank in little waves. This, Jeph seemed to pick up on. He cleared his throat.
“Well, I’m gonna go back inside, I think.” Jeph offered, crushing his half-smoked cigarette under his shoe, “Was nice meeting you, Gerard.”
“You as well.” Gerard waved.
Frank waited until Jeph was out of earshot.
“Did you, um…” Frank trailed off.
“Did I what?” Gerard asked. He knew exactly ‘what,’ but he wasn’t about to throw himself under the bus like that.
“You and Jeph?” Frank asked, “I’m not mad, it’s just…”
“Just because he recognized me from somewhere does not mean I had sex with him.” Gerard pointed out, managing to sound relatively sure of himself. He’d meant to say it with more venom, but it was hard to get upset when Frank was looking at him like that.
Frank nodded, hugging his clipboard closer.
“I’m sorry.” Frank said, taking a deep breath, “I shouldn’t have assumed. I’m just… so on edge.”
“I think I know what you mean.” Gerard agreed, taking a drag off his smoke, “It’s okay.”
“I just… want everyone to have a good time?” Frank said, “Or something. I don’t know.”
“I think everyone is having a good time.” Gerard offered, “Everyone but you. I know it’s hard to tell when you’re the host.”
Frank nodded again, biting his lip.
They headed back inside. Frank nodded to the bouncer, linking arms with Gerard as they passed him by. Frank gave Gerard a wristband so it wouldn’t happen again.
He found Alicia and Mikey, doing shots with Jamia and a few others. Someone passed one to Gerard and he knocked it back.
He lost sight of Frank again, and that was alright. He didn’t expect to be at Frank’s side the whole time. But Gerard still hadn’t figured out how Frank wanted him at these functions. When Gerard went out with Mikey it was easy. They’d split up and work the crowds separately, each with their own agenda to take care of. It was different with Frank, though. Gerard wasn’t sure if Frank wanted him to meet all these people, or if he was just wanted Gerard there for moral support.
At some point Gerard realized he was brooding, though he wasn’t sure why. Maybe he was more offended by Frank thinking he’d hooked up with Jeph than he’d let himself admit. Frank hadn’t been totally out of bounds. Gerard had slept around. It wasn’t impossible that they’d hooked up with the same guy at some point.
It seemed petty to even care when they had bigger things to worry about, but that didn’t stop Gerard from downing the next shot someone handed him.
Gerard hadn’t been to very many funerals in his time. He’d been to his grandmother’s obviously, but he’d still been in shock at that point, and couldn’t remember what everyone else had been doing. He had no idea if getting wasted at this kind of thing was normal. In between bands, there were more speeches - people who’d known Frank’s drummer friend recalled their favorite memories. After the third band finished, closing out with a heartfelt statement, people were crying. Gerard looked over and Frank and Jamia were crying on each other. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to go over and give Frank a hug, or take a fucking picture. He acted on neither of the impulses.
Gerard wasn’t sure when Frank had even found the time to get drunk, but he wasn’t totally surprised either. Jamia was crafty like that. She somehow managed to still look absolutely stunning, even with thick trails of black makeup running down her cheeks along with the tears. The next time Gerard made eye contact with Mikey, the younger way was shooting him a sympathetic glance. Perhaps he’d spotted the drunken, crying mess Gerard’s boyfriend had become and realized Gerard would probably be the one to get him home in one piece.
Someone walked past Gerard with a chunk of guitar on a plate after the last band finished playing. It was covered in glitter, too. Cake, Gerard realized. They were serving cake. Before he could even figure out where the cake was, Alicia appeared out of the crowd and passed him a slice. It looked like a chunk of fretboard. It was hard to tell in the dim. He stuck a bite in his mouth. The thick, sweet chocolate didn’t mix so well with the sip of beer he’d had before. It left a bitter taste in his mouth. The glitter was something of an interest, he gathered a few flecks on the tip of his finger and shoved them into his mouth as well. They tasted vaguely of sugar, but mostly like nothing. His taste was a little off from all the cigarettes he’d smoked, to be fair.
After cake, people started to clear the room. Balloons and confetti, fake flowers and bits of ripped up streamers. The thick scent of blown out candles overpowered everything else. The lights brightened, the room slowly got quiet as everyone left. Soon it was just Mikey and Alicia, Gerard, Frank, Jamia, and the rest of the staff.
Frank had stopped crying sort of. His eyes were red and puffy, but he’d mostly sobered himself. He’d lost his clipboard at some point. He leaned into Gerard as soon as he got close enough, and stayed glued to his side, speechless and spent.
“Do we need to like, clean up?” Gerard asked, wrapping an arm around Frank’s shoulders. His ears were ringing. He watched a guy across the room sweeping empty plastic cups and bits of glitter into a pile in the middle of the floor. Just watching the guy was making Gerard tired.
“The venue will do that, you should just… get Frankie home.” Jamia croaked, grinning sympathetically at Gerard, “Do you need me to call you guys a cab?”
“I can flag one down.” Gerard said, waving her off with his free hand.
He said his goodbyes to Mikey and Alicia and then he was alone with Frank again, out on the cold sidewalk, under the cloudless sky. A few party straglers stood outside the venue, smoking cigarettes and waiting for rides. A considerable amount of glitter had been tracked out onto the sidewalk. Moonlight sparkled off of the little flecks. The moon was low on the horizon, about halfway to full. Gerard pretended he couldn’t see it, even though he felt it’s heavy gaze.
Frank was quiet, and Gerard let him stay quiet, wrapped up in his own thoughts as well.
They flagged a cab down easily. It was warm inside the cabin. Frank fell asleep on Gerard’s shoulder before he could even finish giving the driver directions to his apartment. Gerard pressed his lips against Frank’s hair to savor the lingering smell of blown out candles mixed in with his hair product.
Gerard stared out the window and thought idly about who he might’ve tried to go home with tonight, if he weren’t with Frank. It was strange to think there was a good chance those days were over. For good. Gerard hadn’t really let himself accept that yet.
Maybe he would’ve ended up going home with Frank anyways, even if Mikey hadn’t re-introduced them. Gerard had a feeling Frank would’ve never allowed it, but he also couldn’t shake the feeling they might’ve ended up together either way. He’d never admit this to Frank, of course.
“Do you think everyone had fun?” Frank asked in a groggy voice, clearing his throat, startling Gerard from his thoughts.
“I think I’d like it if you planned my funeral reception…” Gerard offered, running a hand through Frank’s hair, “Dying should always be this fun.”
Frank lifted his head enough to shoot Gerard a sleepy smile, before nuzzling closer and drifting off again.
A few minutes of quiet shut-eye and they were in front of Gerard’s building, tipping the driver and stumbling out of the cab. Gerard let Frank attempt the first few flights of stairs before just picking him up and carrying him.
“Have you always been able to do this?” Frank asked groggily, arms wrapped tightly around Gerard’s neck.
“It’s easier around the moon.” Gerard huffed.
“Kinda feel like I’m in a fairy tale.” Frank said, “Beauty and the beast, maybe.”
Gerard just rolled his eyes.
“Wait.” Frank added, “Pretend I didn’t say that out loud.”
“Sure.” Gerard laughed breathily, carefully lowering Frank onto his feet again at the top of the stairs. His cheeks were still tear-stained. His eyes weren’t so red anymore, but the dark circles were more than a little impressive.
“But to be clear, I’d be the beauty in that scenario.” Frank announced, “Or maybe we’d both be the beast?”
“We’ll find out soon enough.” Gerard said softly, pulling out his keys.
Frank slid between Gerard and the front door and pulled Gerard in for a slow, warm kiss, tangling his hands in the front of Gerard’s shirt. The smell of blown-out candles lingered, reminding Gerard of so many different things. Frank’s lips distracted him from thinking too hard on any of them.
It took them a little while to make it inside, but they headed straight for bed, chasing the promise of more lazy kissing and eventually, sleep. They were both too tired to undress fully, only managing to lose their shoes and coats before crawling under the covers. Gerard tried to not think too hard about the amount of hair product they were probably getting on the pillow cases as he wrapped an arm around Frank to pull him closer.
“Can I ask you something?” Gerard asked quietly.
Frank nodded, blinking back the urge to shut his eyes.
“Would you say you have a type?” Gerard asked.
Frank furrowed his brow, obviously not following.
“Like, a particular taste, in men? Or women? People.” Gerard elaborated.
“I guess I haven’t really thought about it.” Frank answered, “Why? Do you?”
“I don’t know.” Gerard answered, “I like guys with… tattoos? Piercings? Uh… brown eyes? Bad attitudes. Who don’t like tea-”
“You can’t just describe me. That’s cheating.” Frank snorted, covering Gerard’s mouth with his hand, “Is this about my ex? I’m sorry I forgot to mention he was coming. I meant to tell you...”
“It just made me think…” Gerard admitted, “It’s not that I’m jealous or anything. I’m just so different than him, you know? Are you normally into guys like him?”
“If I wanted someone like him I’d find someone like him.” Frank said, “But I don’t. I want you. Jealousy, and all. Which, hey, that reminds me…”
Frank sat up and unbuttoned his shirt pocket. He pulled out a small plastic bag of glittery gold… Before Gerard could even figure out what the fuck it was, Frank had upended the bag and was pouring it out all over him.
“What the fuck?” Gerard complained, squeezing his eyes shut.
“There was some extra edible glitter leftover.” Frank explained, “Don’t worry I’ll clean it up.”
Frank leaned down to lick a few flecks off of Gerard’s cheek. Gerard officially wasn’t upset about the glitter anymore. Frank tried to pick up a few sparkles and drop them on himself, only managing to drop them on Gerard again.
“I did some research.” Frank said, “I think I know why you don’t get along with other wolves so well.”
Frank ran a hand through the glitter on Gerard’s shirt.
“It’s not that I don’t get along with them…” Gerard offered hesitantly.
“I think you might be an alpha.” Frank explained, “Has Mikey ever suggested that?”
“He did tell us to look up pack politics the other day.” Gerard blinked.
“And one of us actually did. If you’re an alpha you wouldn’t be able to fit in with another pack, because you’re supposed to start your own.” Frank said, “I’m not exactly sure how it works… But that would make a lot of sense, wouldn’t it?”
“I don’t know?” Gerard said, “I mean, I’ve never fit in anywhere...”
“If you turned me, that makes me part of your pack.” Frank added, “And anyone else you turn. Maybe that’s how you became an Alpha? It could’ve been the binding curse too...Or maybe you always were one.”
“Mikey doesn’t need any more wolves to worry about.” Gerard said firmly.
“See? That’s what I’m talking about.” Frank said, sliding on top of Gerard, “You get all demandy and controlling about anything even remotely related to pack stuff. And you were totally jealous of Jepha, by the way.”
“Maybe a little at first.” Gerard admitted quietly, rolling his hips to wrestle Frank onto his back. The glitter was definitely all over the place now.
“We’ll have to keep your shit in check. You can’t get away with being a jealous, controlling asshole all the time. But if it’s pack stuff…. ” Frank trailed off, gazing up at Gerard with a small, satisfied grin.
“I wasn’t that jealous. I already knew who I was going home with.” Gerard said evenly, knowing that in not defending himself, he was letting Frank win.
“It’s good to be home, isn’t it?” Frank agreed smugly.
~

They woke up absolutely covered in glitter. Frank was worse off than Gerard, sporting an incredible hangover, amplified by the dehydration of crying. The glitter had melted to their skin overnight. The climbed into the shower together, kissing and caressing until the glitter and hair product melted away.
Frank had promised Gerard they could spend the day together, so they bundled up and headed out. It had been awhile since Gerard had gone out for brunch. Between Alicia being home from tour, and all the Frank stuff, he and Mikey hadn’t done breakfast together in a while. Frank was obviously the next best choice.
They found a place downtown with only an hour wait time. Unheard of for Manhattan on a cold Sunday morning. Frank put their names on the waitlist, and Gerard suggested they pop into the comic shop the next block down to keep warm while they waited. His reasons were only half-selfish. He really did want to keep Frank warm.
Frank ducked into a coffee shop to get them both a cup of coffee on the walk over to the comic shop. Gerard knew the people working at the comic shop wouldn’t like it if they brought coffee in, but he kept his mouth shut, since Frank was nice enough to indulge Gerard’s hobby in spite of his hangover.
The familiar smell of dusty old back issues was a welcome intrusion on Gerard’s senses. The quiet, dimly lit shop dug far into the belly of the old building. Gerard skipped past the ‘New Arrivals’ section and headed straight for the back, not looking for anything in particular. Frank trailed after him as he skimmed through the 99cent bins, pulling out anything and everything that even vaguely resembled a wolf-like monster. It was cute the first couple of times, but Gerard gave him a warning look after awhile. Frank stuck out his lower lip in a firm pout and wandered off to another section of the store.
Gerard continued his browsing, sipping on the latte Frank had gotten him. As he was skimming a rack of zines, he detected a waft of human, could feel someone’s eyes on him. He glanced up and found a familiar face staring back at him.
Vaguely familiar. The guy had been an old booty call. He had messy hair and impressive stubble. A huge tattoo took up one side of his neck, and his name was inconveniently escaping Gerard at the moment. Brent? Brendon? Something with a B, for sure.
“Gerard, hey.” he said.
“Uh, hey.” Gerard offered, glancing around for Frank. This could get weird. Fast. They needed to leave, “What’re you doing here?”
“I work here.” the guy said, lifting up a badge that read ‘Staff.’
“Oh. Of course.” Gerard smiled.
“Were you looking for something in particular?” booty call asked.
“Just browsing.” Gerard said.
“Cool...” he nodded.
Yep. Weird. Fast.
Somewhere behind them Gerard heard the beautiful chorus of comic books thudding against the old tiles. A shelf had fallen down. It probably wasn’t Frank’s fault, but Frank stared right back at them, looking guilty as ever, engulfed in a plume of dust motes.
Gerard’s old flame immediately made his way over the pile to start straightening the books.
“Totally not your fault, dude!” the guy promised, with a sincere smile in Frank’s direction, “I’ve been waiting for that shelf to come down for weeks.”
“Let me help.” Frank insisted, immediately getting down on his knees to help anyways.
This was getting weirder. Gerard sipped his latte and tried to think of how the fuck they could back out now.
“So what have you been up to, Gerard?” the guy asked.
“Art. Work. Music. Same old, same old.” Gerard said, hoping Frank wouldn’t detect the plastic quality his voice had taken on, “Um, what about you?”
Of course Frank immediately looked up at him curiously. Gerard glanced away.
“In between tours, you know?” the guy said, getting to his feet and offering Frank a hand to help him up as well. He dusted off his knees and grinned at Gerard.
“What was your band called again?” Gerard asked.
“Can’t believe you don’t remember.” the guy purred, “All those times I got you back stage...”
“Don’t have the best memory.” Gerard shrugged.
“We should get a drink or something.” the guy smiled, “ We could catch up. I might be able to refresh your memory?”
Fucking shit.
“I’d like that…” Gerard nodded, “But, um… I don’t know?”
Frank mouthed ‘what the fuck?’ and furrowed his brow. Gerard was going to hell for this. He set his latte down on the nearest shelf and gestured towards the frowning punk beside him.
“This is Frank, by the way.” Gerard supplied nervously.
“Hey Frank, Brian.” the guy said, holding out a hand for Frank to shake.
Frank cleared his throat, eyeing Brian’s hand.
“Gerard can I see you outside for a second?” Frank asked darkly, grabbing Gerard by the front of his coat. Gerard let himself be pulled, feeling sort of like a dog on a leash. He’d never admit it to Frank. Frank would never let him live it down.
“Uh, see you around, Brian? Sorry about your shelf.” Gerard called over his shoulder as Frank tugged him out of the store.

It had started to snow. It was a little late in the year for it to stick. It would probably melt within the hour. The little flecks were sticking to Frank’s hair as he glared daggers at Gerard.
“What the fucking fuck was that?” Frank asked.
“I don’t know? I panicked!” Gerard said, scrambling for an explanation.
Frank pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a deep sigh. He started to laugh at the end of his exhale. It was a terrifying, humorless laugh. Gerard’s blood ran cold.
“You gave me the keys to your apartment, you want me to stay, but you can’t introduce me as your fucking boyfriend?” Frank asked, “Do you have any idea how... fucking ridiculous that is?”
Frank moved closer. Gerard cringed, preparing himself for a well-deserved punch in the face. Instead Frank wrapped his arms around Gerard’s neck and kissed the everliving fuck out of him. Gerard blinked, totally frozen under Frank’s lips.
“You’re not the only one who’s allowed to be a jealous freak.” Frank informed in a low, breathy voice, “And I hope you know how fucking stupid this is. I know you’re mine but I’m so... mad at you right now.”
“I’m stupid.” Gerard agreed blankly, letting Frank attack him with another kiss. Gerard kissed him back, wrapping his arms around Frank’s waist, wondering if he’d finally managed to fuck this up beyond fixing.
“Don’t agree with me, asshole.” Frank breathed, resting his forehead against Gerard’s.
“How do I make it up to you?” Gerard asked softly.
“Never pull that shit again.” Frank insisted.
“Okay.” Gerard nodded.
They kissed again, wordlessly sealing the promise.
“So does this mean you’ll stay?” Gerard asked.
“Yeah. I’ll stay.” Frank said.
~

Despite their efforts to clean it up, the edible glitter somehow managed to spread all over Gerard’s apartment. Their apartment.

It didn’t change things much. Frank started paying half of the bills and they got a second dresser for Frank’s clothes. He brought more records back to the apartment after visiting his mom one weekend. And he often joked about painting the kitchen pink, which Gerard did not find the least bit amusing.
It was sort of like Gerard had grown a tiny punk shadow. No matter what they were doing, Frank stuck close. When Gerard dipped into his office to work on some sketches, Frank sprawled himself out onto the carpet and flipped through one of Gerard’s comic books, bobbing his head along to the music Gerard put on. When Gerard would get up to make himself a cup of tea, Frank would drift into the kitchen a few moments later, staring vacantly into the refrigerator while Gerard stirred in a spoonful of honey. He learned pretty quick that Gerard would only allow so much criticism of his tea drinking. When Gerard would sit back down and find he’d lost his muse, Frank would follow him into the shower where they were able to distract each other from themselves until the water ran cold.
Frank always followed him to bed, and he always fell asleep right away.
But he never stayed asleep.
He was plagued by insomnia, finding himself sitting in the dark, staring at the shadows the moon cast across the floor on cloudless nights.
That seemed to be the only symptom he exhibited. Sleeplessness. Restlessness.
He could barely keep up with Gerard’s sex drive, though he found it hard to complain about the amount of blowjobs he was receiving, especially when Gerard typically did all of the work.


“If you didn’t turn me…” Frank started, while they were zoned out on the couch watching TV one evening, “I was thinking I could pick up a side-hustle as a magician...”
“Magician?” Gerard asked, “Not… Musician?”
“Think about it.” Frank said, “I could have a show once every full moon. Giant, beautiful black wolf. All I do is say his true name and he transforms into a human before your very eyes.”
Frank swirled his hand in the air around for dramatic effect.
“You’d put a werewolf in the same room as hundreds of innocent people?” Gerard asked skeptically.
“You turn back when I say your name.” Frank shrugged, “They’d never be in any real danger.”
Frank stuffed a mouthful of popcorn into his mouth and re-focused on the TV.
“You think it’s beautiful?” Gerard asked quietly.
“The wolf?” Frank clarified, “Hell yeah. I saw that fur up close. Real shiny. What brand of dog food has Mikey been feeding you?”
“Not funny.” Gerard frowned.
“Also why is the fur black?” Frank wondered, “That’s totally not your natural color. I’m pretty sure dogs can’t dye their hair...”
“I’ve never thought about it.” Gerard said, “I’ve never even… seen what it actually looks like.”
“We’ll get Mikey to take a picture.” Frank promised.
Gerard leaned over and rested his head on Frank’s shoulder and Frank reached up a greasy hand to run his fingers through Gerard’s hair. He scratched his fingers behind Gerard’s ear, which he was probably never going to admit he liked. That wouldn’t stop Frank from doing it anyways.
“Magic acts are supposed to be longer than one trick.” Gerard pointed out.
“You ruin everything.” Frank pouted.
“All I’m saying is you’d have to learn some more tricks.” Gerard amended, “Like, pulling a rabbit out of a hat…”
“And then feeding it to the wolf?” Frank snorted.
“I thought you were supposed to be a vegan...” Gerard grumbled.
“I could put a straight jacket on you.” Frank suggested, “Getting out would be the trick.”
“How would you even get it on in the first place?” Gerard pointed out.
“You could be the Houdini of the animal kingdom.” Frank said, ignoring Gerard’s comment.
This seemed to shut Gerard up. Gerard had a soft spot for Houdini.
“Hairy Houdini!” Frank crowed, collapsing in laughter, “Like, hair.” Frank held up a lock of his hair to convey his meaning.
Gerard was not even the tiniest bit amused.
“You need a haircut.” was all he would say on the matter.
~

Eventually, the full moon was upon them. Gerard was beside himself with nerves, hours before Mikey was expected to pick them up. He ran over everything he packed with Frank. Frank knew Gerard was trying to teach him how to do this so it would be easier next time, but Frank just wanted to zip himself up inside the extra duffle bag Gerard had gotten out for him. He wanted the moon to rise already. The suspense was well and truly killing him.

They both climbed into the back seat of Mikey’s car upon discovering Alicia was riding shotgun. Frank was sort of relieved. It meant they could talk quietly amongst themselves without being overheard.
“Alicia’s coming?” Gerard asked skeptically, glancing between the two of them in the front seat.
“Twice the monsters, twice the work.” Mikey explained, hands on the wheel.

The drive was quiet. Alicia put on The Smiths as they made their way up to the cabin. Gerard wasn’t sure if she’d picked them for their vast, lengthy discography, or if it was just to secure her place in Mikey’s heart. Perhaps it was both.

Mikey kept glancing at Frank and Gerard in the rearview mirror. Gerard looked like he was about to vibrate out of his skin. Frank just looked nervous. They were huddled together. Frank totally wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, but Mikey supposed he had other things on his mind.
Mikey had thought his brother was far beyond being in need of saving, but now, watching him whisper things to Frank, he realized how much they needed each other. He’d always thought he’d be the one to save his brother from himself, but now he realized, Frank was probably always meant to come along and fix things. Regardless of what went down when the moon rose above the trees, Gerard had managed to find someone who understood him, loved him in spite of everything he was.
True, Mikey had been the one to set them up, but he’d never expected things to work out the way they had. He was just happy to see his brother so happy. He quietly prayed that it would last. After everything the two of them had been through, they both deserved to be happy.
The next time he glanced back, they were sharing earbuds, listening to something on Frank’s iPod, kissing frantically. Mikey stopped looking back after that and tried to distract himself with thoughts of Morrissey.

Frank felt like he was walking through a dream as he got out of the car. He’d had plenty of time to prepare for this emotionally, but as he glanced up at the silhouette of the cabin in the fading daylight he felt incredibly unprepared. The sun was dipping below the horizon as they shuffled into the house.
The house was as cold as the outside, and dark, too.
“We keep the heat off when we’re not here. It’ll take a little while for the place to warm up.” Gerard explained, wrapping his arms around Frank to keep him warm. Frank had a few suggestions for how they could keep each other warm but he wasn’t sure if they had time.
“I’ll get a fire going.” Alicia offered.
“So Frank, we’re going to put you in the basement.” Mikey said, “Gerard will be outside.”
Gerard moved away to shuffle through their bags. Frank stood there, teeth chattering, watching Mikey and Gerard, and even Alicia putter around getting everything in place. Frank felt more than a little useless. He wasn’t sure what even needed to be done. He wished he’d paid more attention to Gerard when he’d been explaining things.
“Change into these.” Gerard said, handing Frank an armful of clothes.
Frank nodded and shuffled into the other room to change into what was a pair of loose-fitting shorts and one of Gerard’s old t-shirts. He pulled his hoodie back on over top. It was too cold to go without it. When he came back into the living room, Gerard had changed as well. Though he could somehow stand to be shirtless. When Frank moved back into his space, Gerard was burning up.
“Can you feel it?” Gerard asked under his breath, “It’s tearing me the fuck apart…”
Frank didn’t feel anything, though he didn’t know how to say so.

They made their way down to the basement. Frank hadn’t noticed the smell before, but he certainly noticed it now, like rust and wet dog. He wandered into the wolf’s cage without waiting to be instructed. Mikey latched the door shut behind him.
“What now?” Frank asked, glancing from Gerard to Mikey to Alicia.
“Now we wait…” Mikey said, “I wanted to lock you up sooner because we don’t know how you’ll react yet.” Gerard reached his hand through the bars and Frank took it, kissing the back of his hand before linking their fingers together. They stared longingly into each other’s eyes. Gerard’s were starting to take on their pale yellow. Frank wondered what his own looked like.
“No matter what happens…” Gerard said, clearing his throat, “I fucking love you, okay?”
“I love you, too.” Frank said, feeling a lump form in his throat.
He could admit that he was terrified. Gerard said the transition was painful. He wasn’t sure if he’d be aware of himself once he changed. And he’d wake up in the morning all covered in that mystery gore Gerard was always covered in. What even was that shit?
He almost wished he’d asked Jamia for weed before he’d left the office. He could use a hit right about now...
“Stop being so cute, you two, it’s disgusting.” Alicia said, passing Frank a bottle of whiskey? Yeah. Straight whiskey.
“Take a swig.” Mikey instructed, “It’ll ease your nerves.”
Frank did as he was told and tipped the bottle up to his lips. He passed the bottle back through the bars, grimacing as the alcohol burned its way down to his stomach. They each took turns swigging off the bottle until Frank was light-headed and nauseous.
Gerard was fidgeting, making pained faces and scratching at himself.
“Fuck.” Gerard hissed, “Okay, shit. I’m gonna… I gotta go.”
Mikey got up to follow Gerard up the stairs.
“I love you.” Gerard said again, from the top of the steps, “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“See you.” Frank promised, clutching the confines of his cage.
Frank sat on the cold, damp floor and listened intently as they went outside. He heard the front door slam behind them. He and Alicia stared at one another. She was listening, too, he realized. The front door closed again as Mikey came back inside.
“I think you’re supposed to take your clothes off...” Alicia said, “Don’t wanna rip ‘em up.”
“Right.” Frank said, pulling his hoodie off and stuffing it between the bars. His shirt followed, then the shorts. He couldn’t bring himself to pull his boxers off. Not in the presence of a lady. They would have to be a casualty of the moon.
Frank noticed a small window, high up on the wall. He walked towards it, wondering if exposing his skin to the small beam of moonlight trickling through would speed up the process.

Eventually he heard Gerard’s piercing howl. The sound made his blood run cold. Gerard had changed.
Frank hadn’t.
“When do we admit defeat?” Frank asked, spinning around to look at Alicia. She just shrugged. They both looked up when they heard Mikey’s footsteps on the stairs.
“The moon’s out. You should’ve changed by now.” Mikey said, “You would’ve changed by now, if you were going to...”
Frank watched him unlock the cage doors. He panicked for a second, worried there had been a delay and now he’d hurt them.
“But…” Frank breathed, feeling the lump in his throat thicken as he backed towards the wall.
"I mean, if you wanna hang out down here, we totally can." Mikey offered gently.
And to Frank's embarrassment, he felt a tear slide down his cheek. Then another one. And another one. He tried to blink them away, but they kept coming. He felt an arm wrap around his shoulders and he leaned into it, feeling the tickle of Alicia's hair on his shoulder. He gazed back up at the sliver of moonlight coming in through the tiny window, not sure if the overwhelming feeling in his chest was relief or grief.

Notes

this story severely lacks a villain