Special delivery

Gerard awoke to the sound of running water in the shower, a shaft of bright sunlight cutting across his face from a gap in the curtains, an uncomfortable stomach, and a nasty sour taste in his mouth.
He remembered waiting for Frank to fall asleep last night. Then he remembered creeping into the bathroom.

~Gerard kneeled down in front of the toilet. There was still a chance to back out. Maybe he could just go running in the morning and add weights to his ankles. He looked at the clear water and saw his reflection. It rippled and told of his true face. Ugly. Gerard lifted his hand bringing one finger forward as he opened his mouth and lowered his head toward his distorted reflection.~

Gerard shook himself out of the memory, frowning slightly as he climbed out of bed and headed to the kitchen for his morning coffee.Despite the discomfort, he felt good. His stomach was now empty and he made Frank happy by eating last night. He could do this. He wouldn't even need to do it often. He didn't need it to be a habit, only when he had to eat with Frank in the morning and maybe at night. He could TOTALLY do this.

Sipping his first coffee of the day, as he stared vacantly across the apartment, he was startled by a sudden knock on the door.Still half asleep, coffee cup in hand, and forgetting what he'd ended up wearing to bed last night, he went to answer the door.

"Well, this is a good morning for me isn't it?"

"You forgot again didn't you?"
Mikey walked in past Gerard dragging Pete with him. Pete could not keep himself from staring at Gerard in the shortest shorts he had ever seen and this little pink t-shirt that left nothing to the imagination. He almost dropped the bag of bagels that he was holding. Mikey leaned on the counter pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Careful there Pete. Don’t trip over your tongue."

Gerard blushed scarlet and tried, unsuccessfully, to cover himself up a bit by pulling the front of his top down. That only succeeded in revealing more of his pale chest, and at one point, his left nipple.
Spluttering slightly with embarrassment, he seriously considered going to change.Taking a calming sip of his coffee, he offered Mikey a small shy smile, avoiding Pete's staring eyes altogether.
"I think I'll go get dressed."

"Hey baby, did I hear the...door. Hey Mikey, Pete."
Frank came out into the kitchen wearing a towel around his waist and nothing else. His hair was dripping on the linoleum floor.

"You forgot too didn't you."

"I didn't forget, I just did not think you were coming this early!"

"Obviously, the way you and Way are dressed over here...unless you set this up! That's it Mikey! My fantasy is about to come true! An orgy with you and your brother!"

Pete had never experienced being slapped by three people at once and he never wanted to experience it again as he studied the kitchen floor close up.
Turning to face Frank, who had an amused smirk on his face, and his arms crossed over his bare chest as he watched the show, Gerard leaned in and whispered in his ear.
"I'm gonna go get dressed Frankie. Don't let them kill each other.. The blood would take ages to clean up."
Then he pressed a quick kiss to Frank's cheek, and scurried off toward the bedroom.

"Still has to have at least two cups of coffee before he is fully awake."
Mikey picked up the bagel bag from where Pete dropped it when Gerard, Frank, and he dropped Pete.

"Yeah, I really don’t think he even realized it was you at the door at first."
Frank began to pull out plates for Mikey.

"*groan* Why would you do that to me MikeyWay?"

"Because Pete, you are a lecherous pervert who was always trying to come up with a way to get my brother in the sack. I mean we have been dating for how long?"

"Four wonderful years."

"Yup and how long have you been trying to put the moves on Gee?"

"Four wonderful years."

"Pete!"

Pete looked at Frank and shrugged. Frank looked at Mikey for further explanation.
"It's no big deal because i knew that Gee would never go for him. He's really harmless. I think the worst he did was pull Gerard’s towel when he came out of the shower once."

"Yeah and he was wearing briefs."
Pete sat on one of the stools and pouted. Frank tried not to, but found himself cracking up at the look on Pete's face when he thought he would see cock and instead saw cloth.

"So are you ever gonna stop?"

"No way man! Come one Frankie, it is every man's dream to bed siblings!"


Gerard hid in the bedroom. He'd pulled on sweatpants and a large Misfits shirt, but was still nervous about going out there.It wasn't that he thought Pete would actually TRY anything, well, not with Frank there, anyway. But the guy just wouldn't stop staring, and it made him a little uncomfortable.And now, he'd just heard they were talking about him.Pete spoke like some guy on a building site, about to wolf-whistle at anything in a skirt or pair of shorts.Gerard didn't like it, and didn’t want to go back out.

"Yeah, well i would appreciate if you would cut it out. I mean Gee is mine now and NO-ONE is getting a piece of him, got that Pete?"
Frank gave Pete a look that he could not mistake. Pete swallowed hard.

"Yeah, sure, I got it, I mean I was only joking, you know that right Frank? Tell him Mikey."

Mikey rolled his eyes, but said nothing.
"I'm gonna go get Gee. Knowing him, Pete scared him off. Frank, can you toast our bagels?"

"Yeah, his is the mixed berry bagel right?"

"Yup, been eating the same bagels for over twenty years."
Mikey gave a fond chuckle and Frank started to cut the bagel as he walked down the hallway toward the bedroom.
"Gee?"

Gerard was sat cross-legged on the bed, with his back toward the door.He heard his brother coming and wiped a little moisture from his cheek, not wanting Mikey to know that he'd cried.He knew that he was too damn sensitive for his own good, but he couldn't help it, that's just who he is.
"Gee?"
Mikey opened the door.
"Gee, I know you heard. Did you really not know?"

"Of course I knew, Mikey"
Gerard snapped slightly, still facing away from his little brother.
"He's not exactly subtle. ya know?"

"Okay, well then what is with the reaction? You know Frank is going to protect you."
Mikey took a moment to breathe in.
"You know, I think he is going to ask you to marry him."

Gerard gasped, his eyes becoming big as saucers, as he shakily turned himself around on the bed.
"Wh-What? Why do you say that?"

Mikey climbed on the bed and sat in front of his brother like they used to when they were kids.
"Gee, can't you see how much he loves you? I mean he just told Pete off. None of your other boyfriends even cared about him hitting on you."

Gerard looked down at his hands, hiding behind his curtain of hair, his shoulders slumping weakly.
"Well Max certainly didn't."

"Yeah, well that son of a bitch is long gone now, so don’t you even think about him."
If Mikey had his way, Max would have been six feet under, but instead he got six years for...he didn't even want to think about what he did to his brother. Shaking the thought off, Mikey looked into Gerard's eyes and held his hand.
"Trust me, little brother knows all and I KNOW he is going to ask you very soon. He is just waiting for the right moment."

Gerard smiled softly.
"You really think he loves me?"
Gerard looked toward the bedroom door. He could vaguely hear Pete's voice as he waffled on about.. something.
"He's never even hinted at..."
He trailed off.
"I mean... I'd say yes in a heartbeat, but are you sure?"

"Trust me Gee, it's gonna happen. Now, are you ready to show Pete that you aren't going to take any of his shit?"
Mikey stood up and went to his dresser and pulled out one of Gerard's favorite shirts. One that didn’t look like he was trying to hid in it.Gerard rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Ok Mikey."
He slipped off the edge of the bed and crossed the room to his wardrobe.
"But if I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna do it right!"
Ten minutes, a pair of practically painted on skinny jeans, lip-gloss, eye-liner, and the shirt his brother had chosen later, and he was ready to go.
"Come on then Mikes."
He giggled slightly at his brother's grinning face, linking their arms and heading back toward their two waiting boyfriends.
"Let go"

When Gerard came back, Frank's jaw practically hit the floor. He had managed to slip into a t-shirt and some shorts from his messenger bag so that he could keep talking to Pete while they waited for the Ways to return, but Gerard had gone all out in his dressing. He had confidence in his walk too. Frank needed to thank Mikey for the pep talk he knows he gave his brother.

"Gee, you look stunning!"
Pete was wide eyed and Frank grabbed his leg under the table and squeezed it hard. He could see the pain crossing Pete's face.
"I mean nice, you look nice."

Gerard giggled, but still couldn't look Pete in the eye.
"Thanks Pete."
He murmured as he sat himself down on Frank's lap.
"I try."
Then he reached over and picked up a bagel, before shooting Frank a wink, and taking a bite of his breakfast. He didn't really want it, of course, but it kept a smile on Frank's face, so it was worth it.*

*
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After that it seemed like the day just sped by. After breakfast, they went to the mall to kill time before the movies. Once it was over, it was time for lunch. Everyone was hungry, but Gerard of course. He claimed he ate too much popcorn, but Frank thought most of it ended up on the floor when he and Gerard laughed at this one part and toppled the bag.
From there it was back to the apartment where the siblings gabbed at the breakfast nook and Pete and Frank played a few rounds of COD. Before they knew it, it was dinner time. Pete and Mikey had plans so they said goodbye and Mikey reminded Gerard that they had dinner at their parents’ house tomorrow. Gerard claimed to be tired and not want anything, but a bowl of soup for dinner.
After the simple fare, they both retired to the bedroom, Gerard to rest and Frank to read. Gerard was resting on Frank's thigh as Frank read one of his books.
"Hey Gee, what do you want to do with your life? I mean, we are both still young enough to chase our dreams. What are yours?"

"My dreams?"
Gerard hummed, turning his head to look up at Frank.
"I don't know."
He thought for a moment, then grinned.
"My own art gallery, maybe? And, I guess..."
He paused, not sure if he should say.

Frank took his reading glasses off and looked down at Gerard. He carded his hand through his hair softly.
"No baby, what, keep going."

Gerard studied his freshly manicured nails.
"Kids? I mean, in the future. and ONLY if you wanted... I mean... I don't know"
He swallowed hard, a lump catching in his throat. They'd never spoken about children. He didn't even know if Frank wanted then at all.
"It doesn't matter."
His voice, little more than a whisper as he turned his face away.

Frank puts his book down and gathers Gerard into his arms.
"I would like the idea of children. I think you would make a great mom too."
Frank kisses the top of his head.
"Come on baby, let's get some sleep. "

Gerard snuggled against Frank's chest, curling up to steal some of his heat.Frank was always warm, whereas Gerard felt freezing about 95% of the time.Closing his eyes and sighing contentedly, it was maybe two or three minutes before it sunk in what Frank had said to him.
"HEY! Who said I would be mom?"
But he couldn't help the smile that twitched at the corner of his lips.

Frank chuckled as he turned off the light.
"Go to sleep baby."

*
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*
"Ugh! I can't believe we forgot the wine!"
Frank rushed out of the wine emporium as he hopped in the still running car. They were really close to being late and Donald did not tolerate tardiness. Frank hated that he was still afraid of the man...but then again it was Gerard's dad.

"Don't worry Frankie…"
Gerard murmured, putting the car into gear and pulling back out onto the road.
"We've got time."
He glanced at the little clock in the dashboard, and saw they had just 5 minutes to get there, and it would take a good 15 in this traffic.
"Fuck."

"I'm sorry baby, I know that you like me to make a good impression on your dad."
It seemed like after Gerard's last boyfriend, his father was very over protective. No one was good enough for his boys. He wondered briefly how Pete got away with everything, but then again Pete was a friend before all the shit went down. Frank had to prove himself constantly. Donald was always going on and on about Frank's job too.

~"Son, you realize you ride a bike for your job. That isn't exactly a way to make a living you know."
"Yes Sir, but it will not be forever."
"I don’t see how you are going to get anywhere without an education. Gerard here has graduated from Art school and has a real prospect for the future, what do you have son?"~

The worst part about that conversation was that it happened at a big family dinner and in front of Gerard's grandmother. She meant the world to him and Frank knew it.
Frank was pulled out of his thoughts as they pulled into the driveway...10 min. late..

"Boys! I was getting worried! There was an accident over on West 5th and I was afraid you were in it!"
Donna came rushing out to hug them.

"Actually we decided to stop and get some wine on 7th so we just missed being in it."
For once Frank's forgetfulness paid off.Gerard reached into the back seat to fetch the painting he'd done for his parents, and then turned to be crushed in a three-way hug between them.He held the wrapped canvas out toward Frank, so it wouldn't get ruined, then hugged back as he felt the frame pulled gently from his fingers.
"Hi, hi"
He giggled, trying to wriggle out of their grips, as Frank attempted to keep a straight face to his left.
"Are we going in, or what?"

"Of course, of course. Oh and honey, I made you favorite side dish, brown sugar baby carrots. Frank, I made you a nice Greek salad since we are having pot roast tonight."

"Thank you Donna. I appreciate the effort. Glad we grabbed red wine then."
The three made their way into the house and saw that Mikey and Pete were already there. They were both sprawled out on the sofa. Donald was in the easy chair reading the paper.

"Iero."

"Sir"

"Late again I see."

"Yes Sir, sorry Sir."
He never even looked up from his paper.

"Hi daddy"
Gerard spoke brightly, while squeezing Frank's hand in his.

Donald looked up and grinned at his boy.
"Gerard, come here!"
He put his paper down and opened his arms for a hug. Gerard giggled and leaned down into the embrace. Frank knew that Donald was very protective of Gerard. He was his baby, even being the oldest, he was still the more sensitive son. After what happened with Gerard’s last boyfriend, NO-ONE got to Gerard without going through both Mikey and Donald.
"How have you been?”
And there began the usual rounds of questions on health, work, and all the other little everyday trivia that made up their lives. Frank stood their awkwardly being ignored, but he was kind of used to it.

Donna stuck her head in from the kitchen and called out…
”Dinner!”
Then they all headed to the dining room.

*
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*
"So Iero, how is your job going?"
Oh, here it comes. It's time to tear down Frank again. This time though he is ready.

"Well actually Sir, I just got a promotion to dispatch so I will not be delivering anymore."

"That's wonderful Frank. Isn't that wonderful Gerard?"

"It's fantastic!"
Gerard smiled, his hand stroking Frank's knee under the table.
"Frankie's worked really hard for this, daddy."
He continued to smile at Frank while taking a small sip of his wine.Gerard wasn't a big drinker, only having a glass or two at family get togethers, but because of how little he was eating now, that small amount was starting to go to his head.
"I'll be back in a sec."

Gerard got up after kissing Frank’s cheek and headed to the bathroom. Maybe he should have eaten a little more because of the wine. Still he felt like he had to get rid of what he had eaten. The wine would come up along with it anyway so no harm right?

"Gee, you didn't really eat anything for dinner except for a couple of carrots and some of Frank's salad. What's going on?"
Gerard forgot that Mikey had gotten up to use the bathroom before him. He was coming out of his old room with a CD that he wanted to take back to his and Pete's apartment. Mikey stood there waiting for an answer.

"What? Oh, I wasn't that hungry, Mikes."
He tried to step past his brother, and continue on to the bathroom.

"Gerard...you barely ate your bagel yesterday and you put nothing on it. You ate like a handful of popcorn at the movies and no candy. Please don't tell me that you still believe what Max said about you."
Mikey could still remember that fight.

~"I am not going out with a fat ass Gerard. You need to stop fucking eating all the shit that you do. From now on, you just get salads and water. That should shrink that tire around your waist."~

None of it was true, Gerard looked fine, but he had such low self-esteem, made lower by that bastard, that Gerard practically starved himself and almost ended up in the hospital.

"I'm FINE, Mikey"
Gerard tried to assure him, but when he saw the disbelieving look on his sibling's face, and the raised eyebrow, he knew he'd failed.
"Just back off, okay?!"
Then he pushed past, and locked himself in the toilet.

"Gee, please, I'm worried about you. I love you."
Mikey slunk down and leaned against the door. He knew that Gerard was on the other side in the same position. He could just feel it. They did this when Gerard was younger and would get into fights with their dad when he first came out.

~"It's not a phase Mikey. He doesn't believe me."~

Gerard would cry through the bathroom door as he banged the back of his head against it. Mikey was only 13, but he understood. He would stay there with his back against Gerard's, only the wooden door between them, and their fingers barely touching in the space at the bottom. Now Mikey slid his fingers under that same door ten years later looking for that contact.

Gerard tried to hold the tears inside. He saw Mikey's thin fingertips under the edge of the wood, and he broke.
"Mikey…"
He sobbed as his fingers met his brother's. His voice cracked as he tried to decide what secret to tell. He wanted to tell Mikey about Jon Peterson, but he was afraid that he'd tell Frank. He couldn’t tell him about how little he ate, even if Mikey had kinda guessed already.
"Please trust me, I’m alright, I promise."

"I do Gee, I do."
Mikey got up and made his way back to the dining room. Dinner was over and everyone was helping to clean up.

"Hey Mikes, are you alright?"

"Yeah Pete, I'm good."
Mikey stepped outside for a cigarette and to think. He walked around the house and as he passed the bathroom window, he thought he heard something, but a truck went by and then it was over.

*
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*

Gerard flushed the toilet and washed his hands, then filled the little toothbrush cup with water, and rinsed the sour taste from his mouth. Drying his fingers off on the soft blue towel, he checked himself in the mirror over the sink. He couldn't see what Frank said he saw. He could only see the fat, chubby cheeks he'd had as a teenager…and he hated them. Turning away from his reflection, Gerard took a deep breath, slapped a smile on his face, and went to rejoin his family.

*
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*
Gerard was really quiet on the way home Frank noticed. Mikey kept glancing at him during dessert, which Gerard didn't really eat.
"Gee, is everything alright?"

"Hmm? Oh, err, yeah... sure, just tired."

He offered a weak smile. He looked so tired, more like exhausted. Frank was not convinced, but he did not want to start anything after a nice evening. Besides he wanted to get enough sleep tonight so that he would be fresh for the announcement tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow was going to be full of surprises.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks... How you doing?

We're loving writing this, hope you're enjoying reading it too?

Please comment, stay safe, and peace out!
<3