Frank’s POV

I sit on the tile for what feels like a lifetime; my bum’s gone completely numb. A couple students who come in at the start of break to actually use the bathroom give me strange glances. One boy even mock-kicks at me, his sneaker squeaking against the floor as it comes to a violent stop millimetres from colliding with me. He snorts aggressively and then enters the cubicle.

Even his peeing sounds intimidating.

I hope there isn’t a repeat of the last time I was in the bathroom; the mouldy grey grout in between the equally grimy tiles is stained red in places. A lock clicks, drawing me from my thoughts. The boy finishes in the cubicle and leaves without washing his hand. Gross.
It’s not until the last six minutes before the bell that Gerard pushes through the door, apologising profusely for being so late. Apparently his bodyguard is beginning to keep a closer eye on him and has migrated onto his table.
“I couldn’t risk being gone for too long; he would know something’s up. I’m really sorry Frankie.”
“It’s okay, Gee. I’d rather see you for even just a couple minutes than none.” Gee makes a little cooing noise in the back of his throat, then reaches down and pinches my cheek.
“You’re so adorable baby,” he clucks. I fluster and brush his hand away.
“I'm not three, Gerard.” I try to say sternly. Though, my lips are curved so I don’t suppose it worked very well. Gerard crinkles his nose and goes “aww” at me which makes me feel more indignant.
“Gerard!” My voice breaks over the ‘erard’.
“I’m just messing with you, Frankie.” He chuckles.

We spend the remaining minutes cuddling and sneaking each other kisses when there’s no one else around us. Gerard confirms that he will come home with me and says that Mikey will be accompanying us too, though later. I'm glad that he’s asked Mikey because I would feel absolutely awful if anything happened to him because he didn’t want to intrude. We come up with a plan to make sure everybody stays safe. Gerard says he will meet up with his brother just after English finishes and inform him of this.
*

Gerard walks about fifteen metres in front of me, staying apart just for safekeeping until we round the corner and are out of sight of the school. When we have he stops walking and turns around, a goofy smile plastered over his face. He outstretches his arms to me, waving his fingers.
“Come here, you,” he coos to me. I do a little penguin waddle/run into his arms, where he lifts me up off the ground and spins me around. We both giggle and laugh before continuing our walk home, arms wrapped around each other’s waists.

Thankfully Gerard and I get home without incident. No one – despite my paranoia – tries to gun us down or kidnap either Gee or I. Once through the door I call out to let Mum know that we both are home safe. I motion for Gerard to make himself at home, then jog upstairs to explain to Mum that Mikey is going to stay with us. The only real concern she has is about where he’s going to sleep, but I wave her off and name the spare mattress in the garage.

I head back downstairs into the dusty garage to start to look for the bed. The one naked bulb flickers occasionally and also highlights the disturbed dust motes floating through the air. After a brief glance I spot the mattress hidden in the corner, nestled behind various cardboard boxes full of useless objects. The boxes are surprisingly difficult to move however using a bit of elbow grease I manage to clear a path. The mattress isn't as heavy as I expected but still takes work to push up the stairs. I shove it through my bedroom door, settle it next to my bed and dust my hands off on my jeans.

The aroma of coffee floats up to the landing; I breathe in a deep lungful of it and then jog down to the kitchen where Gerard is fumbling around with the knobs on the machine.
“Here,” I say, gently showing him how to work the rather confusing appliance. “It took me a while to figure it out, too.”
“Thanks,” he blushes, going to pull mugs down from the cupboard shelves. Just as Gerard sets the mugs down with a little clink, the coffee finishes brewing.
“Well timed,” he jokes.

*

Any time up until 5 o’clock – which is when Gerard said Mikey will turn up – is spent anxiously pacing the room (Gerard), and speaking soothing phrases or noises (me). Any time after 5 o’clock is spent with more pacing, worrying and attempts at deep breathing. When the doorbell rings (at precisely 5:09 – Gerard keeps asking the time every two seconds) Gee practically leaves skid marks on the carpet he shoots off so fast.

I follow behind him, though at a slightly lesser pace. Mikey is standing in the foyer, looking nervous, jittery, and wild. Gerard has attached himself to Mikey’s arm.
“I thought you weren’t going to make it,” he murmurs.
“Yeah, I just told them I was going for a walk around the block. I'm surprised they let me out considering you got away.” Mikey explains a little breathlessly.

After Gerard composes himself and detaches from his brother, I give Mikey a hug and show him where he can sleep.
“You can stay upstairs with Gerard, and I can go downstairs-”
“No!” Gerard interrupts. “I mean, uhm, I need you to stay with me. Us. Upstairs.”
“Okay,” I approve, secretly relieved. “Mikey are you okay with that?”
He nods mutely, then adds “Thank you, Frank. It was really nice of you to take us both in.” Mikey steps forward and wraps his arms around me briefly, then shuffles back and takes Gerard’s hand in his.
“It’s fine,” I smile. “I’m glad you’re here and safe and away from anyone who might hurt you.”
Mikey smiles slightly at the ground. “Can I say thank you to your mum? I mean, if she’s home? I would feel kind of rude if I didn’t.”
I lead Gerard and Mikey to Mum’s office and poke my head in.
“Mikey’s here,” I say.
“Oh! Bring him in!” she exclaims pleasantly.
I step back from the door and let Mikey and Gee enter the room. They both practically kneel at her feet and do the whole “all hail the queen” routine. Mum tells them to basically treat her like their own mother. Then she hugs both of them approximately four times each then releases us to finish our homework.

Notes

How I am going to hopefully be a better author for you guys and get organised:
I'm going to spend a day or two planning out the rest of the plot line, chapters etc.
Then I'm going to write at least two chapters so that I have one to fall back on if I don't have enough time to write one.
Thank you guys for being so patient and understanding through out this whole story, I'm really grateful and really appreciative (◡‿◡✿)

- Run Bunny x