Later that night, Frank had been sitting in his back yard, enjoying the warm weather when he heard yelling from the house next to him.

"You can't keep doing this Gerard! You'll get bad again!" Frank heard Mikey yell, which was odd because when he met Mikey he seemed like a rather quiet guy. But that wasn't what bothered Frank, it was what was said next.

"And what if I do? What If I get bad again!? It wouldn't fucking matter!" Gerard yelled back, his voice breaking at the end. Franks eyebrows furrowed and a frown formed on his face. He felt bad for listening in on them, but they were yelling, and now that he'd heard what he had he didn't want to leave. Mikey was quieter this time, and his tone was sad, not angry anymore.

"I-I can't lose you again Gee. Not again. Alcohol destroys you and you know it." Mikey said, sighing at the end. Frank couldn't see them, but he could picture Mikey running a head through his hair. It was silent for a few seconds, and then Gerard replied, so quiet Frank barely heard him.

"I'm trying Mikes. Things just.. They got bad again and I couldn't help it." Gerard said nervously. Franks frown deepened and he sighed. Sure, he hardly knew Gerard, but he did like him. That much was clear by this point. The feelings were small, and even though Frank hadn't expected nor wanted them they were there. They were there and not going away anytime soon.

After his talk with Mikey, Gerard decided he needed a smoke. And this is how he knew Frank had heard everything. When he'd exited the backdoor and saw Frank sitting in his backyard with a frown on his face he sighed, knowing he'd have to explain. But he didn't want to. He didn't want Frank to know how fucked up he'd been before, how it was so close to happening again.

"Hey" He said quietly, pulling out his cigarettes and tossing Frank one. He did the same with his lighter, tossing it to Frank once he'd lit his own.

"Hey." Frank replied, lighting his and taking a long drag. He didn't smoke often, but it calmed him down considerably when he did.

'I uh.. take it you heard all that?" Gerard asked, a nervous smile on his face. Frank nodded, his free hand playing with the hem of his t-shirt. He knew he'd have to explain himself now, especially if he wanted this thing forming between him and Frank to go anywhere. And he did, really.

"I suppose you'd like to know what it was all about, then?" Gerard asked, making sure Frank actually wanted to know. And slightly hoping he'd say no.

"I would, yeah. But you don't have to tell me, not if you don't want to." Frank said, giving Gerard a small smile. Gerard let out a deep breath he didn't realize he'd been holding in, a gust of smoke leaving his lungs as he did.

"I'll tell you someday Frankie, I promise." Gerard said sincerely, hoping that he'd stay sober long enough to keep his promise. He knew if he went downhill again things with Frank would be ruined. Hell, things with everyone would be ruined.

"I'll hold you to that." Frank said, a serious yet playful tone in his voice.

"Gerard?" Frank asked, suddenly nervous, his cheeks tinting pink. He had to tell Gerard something, something that would definitely change some things.

"Yes?" Gerard asked, raising and eyebrow at Frank. Frank took a drag of his cigarette, letting the smoke slowly leave his lungs before he continued talking.

"I've been thinking...about what happened yesterday. A-And I want to give this a try.. It's new to me Gee and I might screw things up. But I like you, that much I know." He said nervously, fidgeting with the frayed strings on his ripped jeans. A huge smile spread across Gerard face and he pulled Frank into a bone crushing hug, both of them dropping their alomst gone cigarettes onto the wet grass. Frank giggled, wrapping his arms around Gerard and hugging him tightly. He had never connected with someone this easily before, not even Jamia. They had met when they were Freshman, getting together after a five month friendship and dating up until the end of their junior year. It wasn't a messy breakup, but it had, had a pretty bad effect on Frank. But he didn't want to think about that now, not when Gerard was hugging him, pressing soft kisses on his neck.

"I'll help you Frankie, we can make this work. I know how hard it is to except yourself or to believe that others will except you. But I came out and everyone was fine about it, sure they were shocked at first but they weren't mad. I'm sure your parent's will except you, but if they don't who gives a shit? If they can't except you for who you are then they don't deserve you." Gerard said seriously, knowing that this would be difficult for Frank. It would be difficult for both of them. Especially since there was something Frank didn't know, something that could potentially ruin everything.

"So.. What do we do now? I mean... um.." Frank asked, stuttering, his cheeks turning a bright red. Gerard chuckled and pressed a soft kiss on Frank lips before pulling away completely.

"It's no different from a boy/girl relationship. We hangout, get to know each other, go on dates, " Gerard started, and then his hands landed on Franks hips, pulling him closer.

"and then I'll kiss you until neither of us can breath." He finished, a smirk on his face. Frank blushed harder, groaning and resting his forehead on Gerard's chest. He desperately hoped Gerard didn't keep saying things like that, knowing he'd have a.. problem to deal with if he did. Gerard's hands squeezed Franks hips hard, and Frank bit his lip, mumbling,

"Your an asshole." which just made Gerard chuckle and kiss him again.

Notes