Dead.

It was around 08 p.m when I was waiting by the door for Frank. He was taking a while getting ready, which was okay. I was hoping he wasn't wearing anything too fancy, because I sure as hell wasn't. I wore a white button up shirt, a fucked up red tie, and dark skinny jeans. I called, "Frankie! Hurry up."

Mikey groaned aloud, "I can't believe you guys won't let me go." He slumped onto the couch.

I rolled my eyes, "Mikey, it's a date."

He scrunched up his nose and groaned in disappointment, "Fucking...stupid..."

I grinned, "Jealous?"

He kinda of smirked, "Kind of. If you think about it, it's kind of hot to see your two favorite people go out."

I didn't get a chance to reply. Frank walked in the room, wearing dark skinny jeans, a blue buttoned shirt, and converse. He inspected me, "Whoa. You look...really..." He couldn't find the words, but I knew he meant "nice" or maybe even "sexy." I grinned, "I know what you mean-and I know."

Frankie and I headed out, walking down the sidewalk side by side. It was silent, which I didn’t like. I smiled, “How was your day?”

He furrowed his brow, “Uh, good.”

He seemed awkward. He wouldn’t make eye contact, his hands were stuffed into his pocket, and his facial expressions were vague. I didn’t know what to say next, but while I was thinking, Frank asked, “Gerard, do you still want to murder me?”

I shrugged, “Kinda.” I immediately added, “But only because you’re the finest “victim” I’ve ever had.” I grinned slightly, “But I love you.”

He muttered under his breath, “That sounds weird coming from The Raven.”

“I know-I feel awkward just saying it.” I admitted, “But it’s true. We’re psychos, but we can love.” I held his hand, “It’ll take some getting use to, but we’ll manage.”

Frankie shrugged, “I guess.”

It didn’t take long to get to the Italian restaurant. We entered, and I had already reserved a table for two, so we didn’t have to wait very long. Frankie seemed uncomfortable, which was okay. I didn’t understand why he was uncomfortable. We were partners for a few weeks now, almost a month. He should be warmed up to me, right?

Frank sat across from me, his hands on his lap. He looked at me, but didn’t say anything. I sighed, leaning in slightly, “What’s wrong? It’s irritating me.”

Frank looked at me, “I had an encounter today.”

I stared at him, “An encounter?”

He nodded and whispered, “Toro.”

I don’t know if I was over exaggerating, but the sight or even the mention of Toro, made my blood boil. I hate how he’s everywhere, and to think he tried to manipulate or lay hands on Frankie, made my anger even worse. I kept my cool, “What did he do?”

Frankie paused, “He warned me. He was basically suspecting us.”

I leaned back against the chair in disbelief, “Of course he is.” I paused, “He’s smart, but we’re smarter-does he have anything on us?”

Frankie shook his head, “No, not that I know of.”

I nodded, “Good.”

I stopped when I realized I was getting more into Toro, then us in general. I smiled lightly, “Frankie, what would you like to eat?”

He looked at me oddly before shrugging, his eyes scanning the menu. What seemed to be a great night, turned into a chaotic one. No, Frankie didn’t get drunk again. It was something way worse. One minute, I’m ordering and then the next my hands were pressed against my back. The left side of my face was pressed against the table. The Sheriff was ordering at me to stay still. The deputy cuffed up Frank, and at the corner of my eye, Toro smirked.

Notes