Taming of the Punk

The ride home was quiet. No one talked about what happened in the lodging. The Ways dropped the Ieros off first. Frank watched as their footman took the bags in. He turned to Gerard.

"Thank you for accompanying us home Master Way."

Gerard bowed slightly, a soft smile present, even though he hated that they were back to formality.

"It was our pleasure, I am sure."

He did not want to let the boy leave, but he had to, and he knew he would see him again soon.

"When will I get to see you again? Could we all meet for lunch one day perhaps?"

"Are you sure that your dance card is not full with the Veil brothers?"

Frank did not mean to sound bitter, but he was still hurt by the Ways' actions. Gerard looked down, feeling the sting of Frank's words.

"They do not interest me..."

He said softly.

"They could not match your beauty with the addition of a million jewels each...nor your grace and passion in a thousand years..."

He sighed, looking up sadly.

"It is my only wish to know you, as you have captured my heart, in a way that no other ever could."

He bowed again slightly.

"I just hope you may forgive me for any wounds you may perceive that I have caused you, Master Iero."

Gerard could feel his heart beating fast in his chest, but met Frank's gaze with his own.

"I..."

Frank was stunned. He had never heard words like this from anyone. He was at a loss for his own. He did the only thing that he could think of. He kissed him.

Gerard froze, his eyes wide for a moment before his mind caught on to the situation and he kissed him back.

It was short and sweet, but Frank was still shocked he did that when they parted lips.

"I'm sorry. I never should have..."

Frank turned and ran into the house quickly.

Gerard stood there in place, his fingers lightly brushed his lips as he tried to comprehend what had just happened.

Ryan was in the middle of saying his thank you and goodbye to Michael when Frank dashed past him.

"Frank?..."

He called, then turned worried eyes to the younger Way.

"I am sorry Michael, but I must check on my brother...we will meet for lunch soon, yes?"

"Yes, please, I would like that."

Michael lifted Ryan's hand and kissed it softly upon the glove.

"Till then, you will be in my thoughts and prayers."

"As you will be in mine."

Ryan smiled, then turned to run after his brother...he went straight to Frank's bedroom and knocked twice before opening the door and walking right in.

"What happened Frank?"

"I kissed him."

Ryan's face lit up happily.

"I knew it!...You do like him."

He bounced slightly, clapping his hands like a child.

"No no, I made mistake!"

Ryan's smile slipped and he went to sit on the edge of Frank's bed, taking his hand and squeezing it gently.

"Why do you think that?...was he impolite?...improper?...is he uneducated?"

"No, he's perfect."

Ryan raised an eyebrow.

"Then I am sorry brother, but I do not see your problem."

"He's too perfect. There has to be something...I just can't..."

Frank remembered someone else who was perfect and he almost destroyed Frank.

"Frank, you cannot go through life looking for fault...or else you will miss out on so many wonders. If he seems perfect, then maybe he is."

"You don't understand! You're too young! People can seem perfect on the outside, but who they really are on the inside has the potential to destroy you!"

"Oh pish!..."

Ryan waved away Frank's concerns.

"If you hold every man to such impossibly high standards, you will never let anyone into your heart...and whatever makes you think that Gerard is not the same on the inside as he appears on the outside anyway?"

"I tire. please leave me to rest."

Frank couldn't handle anymore emotions. Ryan sighed, leaning down to kiss Frank's forehead before letting go of his hand and climbing off of the bed.

"Just give him a chance Frank...and give yourself one too."

He turned and quietly slipped out of the room, leaving Frank to his thoughts.

"Did I do something wrong? He did kiss me!"

Gerard was laying on the love seat in the library, as his brother listened to him moan. He had his legs hanging over one end of the seat, while his head rested on the other...his arms lying over his face.

"Is it me?...am I bad at kissing?"

He had had a few cognacs at this point.

"I don't think you are a bad kisser at all Gee, I think there is something more to Frank than we think."

Gerard moved one arm a little to peer at his brother through the gap, curiously.

"Like what?"

"I don't know and I have a feeling that Ryan doesn't either, but I would hazard a guess to say who would know."

Gerard removed both arms from his face and sat up to face Michael, planting his feet on the floor.

"Who?"

"Victor Fuentes."

"Urgh!"

Gerard collapsed backward with a groan.

*

*

*

"I was surprised, but pleasantly that you came calling today Master Way."

Victor sat across from Gerard in his carriage.

"So where are we going?"

"Well, I was thinking of a stroll around the park by the castle. I am ashamed to say that I have not yet been, and I have heard such wonderful things about there being a bandstand, and a wading pool...I was hoping you would be good enough to show me around...if it pleases you?"

"It would please me very much to accompany you."

Victor gave his best smile.

"Wonderful...and I do believe there is a tea room in the park?"

"So we will be out that late then. I hope you have plenty to entertain me with Master Way."

"Well, Master Fuentes...I seem to have developed a taste for local gossip since I arrived in town, but I appear to be the last to know anything...I was hoping you may help me with this deficit."

"I would never have taken you for a gossip Master Way. You did not seem to enjoy it at tea that Saturday at the Ieros'."

Gerard smiled.

"I did not think it appropriate in front of Lady Iero, but I must confess that living in such a close knit town as this, it is hard to not become enthralled with learning about one's neighbors."

"Well I suppose I can indulge your fancy...if you indulge mine."

Gerard raised an eyebrow.

"And what would that be, hmm?"

Victor moved forward sliding the glove off his hand. He boldly, but gently placed it on Gerard's knee.

"I will think of something."

Gerard swallowed.

"I am...I am sure you will."

He stumbled on his words, unaccustomed to such forwardness in any except for the whores he had passed by in London.

"Good."

Victor sat back and put his glove back on just as the carriage arrived at their destination.

"Well shall we?"

"Of course."

Gerard climbed out of the carriage and offered his hand.

Victor took it as he stepped out.

"So where to first?"

"Have fun with Michael."

Frank was watching his brother leave with the younger Way. He had not heard from Gerard since the weekend, but he should not be surprised.

"See you later Frank."

Ryan waved as they left, then turned to Michael, smiling sweetly.

"So where are you taking me today, or is it a surprise?"

"It is, but I think you will enjoy it."

Michael helped Ryan into the carriage.

"I am certain I will."

Ryan settled into his seat, Michael sitting opposite him. Ryan tilted his head a little, a small frown on his face.

"Could we find time to address the problem of our brothers, do you think? I believe that they would make a fine couple, but it is just not happening."

"Can we address us first? I think we make a fine coupling as well."

Michael doesn't know where his boldness came from, but he felt he would get a satisfactory answer. Ryan blushed as a wide smile spread on his pink lips.

"I think so too."

He said happily, his eyes alight with joy.

"Then before we leave the safety of this moment may I kiss you...properly?"

Ryan's smile grew impossibly brighter.

"I would like that."

He said, eyes locked on Michael's.

Michael swallowed hard. He didn’t understand how Gerard did this so casually. He looked into Ryan's eyes and then closing his own, leaned in. Ryan swallowed, his eyes fluttering closed as their lips met. It was everything a first kiss should be, sweet with a hint of something to come. Ryan pulled back after a minute, his blush spread from his cheeks, down his throat and disappearing beneath his shirt...his whole body felt hot. He smiled shyly, tentatively reaching over and pleased his hand onto Michael's.

"I have nothing to compare that too of course, but I certainly liked it."

"Me neither."

Ryan was a little surprised.

"You've never...really?"

"Despite what my brother likes to say about me, I have never even showed interest in another before...you."

Ryan smiled happily.

"Neither have I...do you think it is fate?"

"I like to think..."

"Excuse me Sir..."

A rap on the carriage door made them both jump.

"...we have arrived."

Ryan did his best to not huff in annoyance, but smiled at the driver through the carriage window before turning back to Michael.

"Yes Michael?"

"Perhaps later, for now, we should get out and act accordingly."

"Of course."

Ryan smiled sweetly, but really felt a desire to throttle the driver for interrupting their moment. Michael stepped out of the carriage and offered Ryan his hand. He noted that Ryan had slipped his glove back on. Ryan accepted Michael's hand, but as he climbed down, his foot slipped on the step and he pitched forward with a sharp intake of breath.

"Darling!"

Michael rushed forward and caught Ryan as he was about to meet the cobblestone. Ryan's arms went straight around Michael's neck, as he shook slightly with his face buried against the older man's shoulder.

"You...you saved me."

He mumbled in disbelief.

"How can I marry you if I don’t save you."

Ryan stilled for a moment, then slowly lifted his head so their eyes could meet.

"Are you asking me?"

He said quietly, and with a touch of awe.

"I..."

Michael was having trouble forming words with Ryan in his arms.

"It was too forward of me to speak like that. Please forgive me."

Michael steadied Ryan on his feet and then took his arm and led him to the glass emporium. Ryan felt a little flutter of disappointment at Michael's back peddling, but smiled softly and walked along at his side.

"Have you ever seen glass blown?

Ryan shook his head.

"I have not. Frank and mother came here last year, but I was sick and could not attend."

"Well then I hope you are in for a treat."

Michael held the door for Ryan as they went inside.

*

*

*

Victor was getting bored. Gerard was talking about the gardens and Victor was through talking now.

"Oh, I feel...faint."

Victor started to fall back as he covered his head lightly with the back of his hand. Being a gentleman, for the most part, Gerard stepped in quickly and caught the younger man.

"Oh my. Are you alright Master Fuentes?"

He supported him as he led him to a bench nearby, lowering him onto the seat.

"Yes. I fear I got a little too much sun. There was a shaded spot near one of the gardener's sheds. If we can make our way over, I am sure that will be better for me."

Gerard looked in the direction Victor was pointing and internally rolled his eyes because this fact finding expedition was becoming far more bothersome than he had thought it would be. He turned back to the younger man with a smile.

"Of course...let us get you out of the sun."

He offered his arm to help the boy to his feet again.

It did not take long to reach their destination. Victor knew this garden very well. He had more than one tete-a-tete here in the past.

"There, I can see a shade spot under the eaves."

Gerard nodded and assisted Victor to the spot...once they were in the shade...

"Is this better for you?"

"Yes, but I am also parched. Would you mind getting me a drink? I shall be safe here."

Gerard looked across the top of the hill to the little tea room. It was not too far, so he would not be leaving the unwell boy alone for long.

"Of course. I will return quickly."

He bowed slightly; tipping his hat then left the shaded spot to cross the grass. Once Gerard was gone, Victor set to work. He used a hair pin to open the door of the shed. Just as he knew, this shed was not in use. The same bench that he had a few elicit moments on was still there. He moved inside and dusted it off a bit. He sat there like a spider and waited for his prey to return.

Gerard purchased two tall glasses of lemonade, promising to return the glasses once they were finished, then headed back to Victor. When he reached the shed, he saw that the boy was no longer standing under the eaves, and that the door appeared to be open, though from his position, he could not see inside.

"Master Fuentes?"

He asked as he approached the door.

"In here. One of the gardeners came by and offered me shelter. He said it was much cooler and he was correct."

Gerard stepped into the darkened space, pausing to allow his eyes to adjust. He held out a glass.

"I got you a glass of lemonade. I hope that is acceptable?"

"Wonderful."

Victor took the glass and then scooted over so Gerard could sit next to him. He took a sip and moaned.

"This was just what I needed. refreshing and delicious."

He looked at Gerard over the glass as he sipped it. Gerard sat a respectful distance to Victor's right, well as respectful as the small bench allowed. He sipped his own drink.

"Are you feeling any better?"

"I am, but I feel fatigued."

Victor leaned his head on Gerard's shoulder and sighed. Gerard swallowed, shifting slightly in discomfort...not so long ago, he would have enjoyed the attention, and a pretty boy like Victor would have been lucky to keep his innocence in Gerard's company...but now, ever since he had met Master Frank Iero, he just did not seem to find himself attracted to anyone else in the same way.

"Master Way...may I be frank with you?"

Victor loved the double meaning of the word right now.

"Of course Master Fuentes."

Gerard's mind filled briefly with images of Frank's smile.

"I have become very fond of you. Taking care of you that night you stayed was not the daunting task that I worried it would be. Also sleeping in the circle of your arms was a nice surprise. At first I tried to pull away, but as you kept thanking me for taking care of you and your brother, and you wanted to reimburse my kindness..."

Victor wondered what Gerard's face was doing now.

"Your lips were warm against my skin and your hands made me burn with a fire that I never felt before. I just wished that I was not so stiff and...inarticulate that I could not express my happiness."

Gerard's eyes were wide and his face was considerably paler than usual. Nonononono! It could not be! Surely he would remember such a thing. His hand shook to the extent that he had to set his glass down for fear of dropping it.

"I-I-I...I'm sorry I...I d-don't remember anything f-from that night."

He stuttered out, feeling his head start to hurt and his stomach twist uncomfortably.

"It's alright. I can understand that. You were in and out for the night and the lucid moments were few in between, but they were wonderful when they happened."

Now Victor looked at Gerard with wide innocent eyes.

"Please kiss me again like you did that night."

Gerard stood up abruptly, knocking the glass over that he'd set by his feet.

"I am so sorry Master Fuentes..."

He swallowed heavily, eyes wide and almost scared.

"But I fear that you have misinterpreted my feelings toward you...my intention was not to court you, and I apologize sincerely if I gave you that impression falsely."

Gerard was badly flustered.

"I will of course escort you back to my carriage, and instruct my driver to return you to your home."

"Oh, I have no interest in being courted. I think you have me confused with simpletons like Young Master Iero who holds onto an old fashion belief of a white wedding."

Victor continued his tirade.

"Oh and if you have hopes of courting the older Iero brother, you should know that he is no where near pure in any sense. He too has no interest in courting, but for a different reason."

Gerard faltered in confusion.

"I do not understand your bitterness and bile toward the Ieros...they are both by far the nicest people my brother and I have met since arriving in town, and as for Master Iero's level of purity, I do not see why that could be any business of yours."

"Oh but it is everyone’s business. No one wants to marry him locally. They all know about him and Master Saporta."

Gerard froze up for a second, his chest tightening...he felt his throat closing up. Stooping down, he picked up his now empty glass.

"I am getting another drink...excuse me."

He turned and left the shed, walking back to the tea shop. He stepped up to the counter and placed the glass down...just as the young girl walked over to serve him, Gerard smiled stiffly and shook his head. He turned and left the tea shop. He did not return to the shed.

*

*

*

Victor was pissed. It had been nearly an hour and Gerard had not returned.

"That piece of shit. How dare he abandon me!?"

Victor went to stand up and spilled the last of his lemonade on himself. He slipped on the tiny cubes of ice and fell into the dust ripping his shirt. He cursed as he got up and tore open the door of the shed.

"Oh my excuse you!"

Victor walked right into Lady Aragot. She took a look at his disheveled appearance and covered her mouth.

"My dear, what happened to you?"

Victor had always had the ability to think on his feet.

"Oh Lady Aragot, thank the Lord it is you...I thought it was him coming back to ravage me again."

"Who dear, who did this to you?"

Victor internally smirked as his lip quivered and he uttered one name.

"Master Gerard Way."

*

*

*

"My goodness, what is the urgency Constance?"

"You will never guess who I ran into today looking a sight!"

"Who dear who?"

"The eldest Veil brother."

"Well did you find out what had happened to him?"

"He told me that he had been ravaged by none other than the eldest Way brother."

"No!"

"Yes!"

"I think you had better come and sit down and tell me all about it."

*

*

*

"Well I cannot believe it!"

"I know and he and his kin have been escorting your children all over. They could have been in grave danger, both of them...you know they say one begets another."

"Well I will put a stop to that immediately."

"As you should. I bet that is why the monster left London. There is something there I tell you."

The two ladies continued their gossip till the cakes and tea were gone.

"It is a shame too. Ryan seemed fond of the younger Way."

"Really? I thought he was fond of Master Saporta?"

"Gabriel, his cousin?"

"Oh yes, they were seen about town together. They certainly made a handsome couple. Also he took both of your boys to the Derby at Epsom Downs."

"I never really thought of them."

"You know Gabriel stands to inherit quite a fortune when he marries. The one who takes him would be well taken care of. It also does not hurt that he is quite fetching."

"Constance!"

Lady Aragot laughed.

"I am only human Linda and very much still alive."

"You know, I think you are right. I think he would make a fine match. I will announce it in the Sunday Edition."

"Good for you Linda. Ryan is a good boy; he will understand that you have his best interest at heart."

"Of course he will and we will plan a wonderful wedding."

"What will you do about your oldest though? Propriety states that he should be married first."

"Oh he will be, it will be a double wedding. I have a man in mind that has prospected Frank for a few years now. He is a professor from Cambridge and Frank has always sort out this idea of education. If he can't be educated as he wants to, he can at least marry one with education. That should appease him."

"Linda you are too good to them. I hope they appreciate it."

*

*

*

"I had a wonderful time today...Ryan."

"As did I..."

Ryan smiled happily, looking into Michael's gentle eye’s, his hand nestled in the older man's.

"And thank you for the gift..."

He looked at the box that was sat in his lap, the lid open so he could admire the glass creation within.

"It is truly beautiful."

"It reminds me of your delicate heart and how I have to take good care of it or it may shatter."

Ryan blushed and giggled lightly.

"You are too sweet Michael...as always."

"As you are my little butterfly. One last kiss before we part?"

Ryan nodded, his eyes bright with joy. He leaned in just a little.

Michael met him and they shared one more sweet kiss in the silence of the carriage.

"I will come calling tomorrow to formally ask to court you."

"Alright..."

Ryan smiled happily.

"Until then, I will think of you."

"And I you. Goodnight my little butterfly."

Michael opened the door to the carriage and helped Ryan out. He said a proper goodbye and then got back into the carriage and started away. Ryan watched until the carriage disappeared from sight, then turned and went inside, a huge, happy smile painted on his pink lips.

"Ryan is that you?"

"Yes mother..."

Ryan called as he followed his mother's voice to the drawing room.

"I have had the most wonderful time, and look..."

He moved to show her what was in the box in his hands.

"Look at the gift that Master Way bought for me...is it not the prettiest thing you have ever seen?"

He smiled happily.

"Very nice dear, but go put that in your room. We need to talk."

"Oh, alright mother. Is anything wrong?"

"Just go do what I said."

Ryan swallowed...their mother could be somewhat scary when she wished to be.

"Yes mother."

He nodded, then took his beautiful glass flowers and butterflies ornament up to his room. As he was passing Frank's room, he glanced in to see his brother sat on his window seat, reading a book. He cleared his throat to gain his attention.

"Frank?...do you know why mother wants to talk to me?...she seems really tense."

"No, she has been with Lady Aragot all afternoon. I stayed up here. I detest that woman."

"You surprise me."

Ryan said, straight faced but with the glitter of sarcasm in his eyes.

"Well, best not keep mother waiting."

He smirked, waving as he continued to his bedroom. He carefully removed the gift from its box and set it on top of his dresser, then put the box underneath his bed before removing his waistcoat and changing into his indoor shoes. He then headed back downstairs.

"I shall tell you what she says when I escape."

He winked at Frank before quickly continuing on his way. When he reached the drawing room...

"Mother?"

"Come sit Ryan, we have much to talk about."

"We do?"

Ryan asked, sitting down on one of the most uncomfortable love seats in England.

"Yes, you stated that you were out with Master Way today. Where did you go and who was your chaperone?"

"Well, we went to the place down by the train station where they blow glass...we watched them making vases and ornaments, and that is where Master Way bought that lovely gift for me."

Ryan beamed at the memory.

"And you went alone? Do you know how dangerous that can be? There are so many places where he could have dragged you off and taken advantage of you!"

"Mother no!...Master Way is a perfect Gentleman, and we were not alone...it was the middle of the day, and there were plenty of people around us."

"Perfect gentleman...just like his brother I suppose."

"I have never seen the elder act as anything other than a Gentleman."

Ryan did not know where his mother was taking this conversation, but it made him nervous for reasons he could not explain.

"Well perhaps you need to ask Master Fuentes about that."

"Master Fuentes?..."

Now he was truly worried.

"What do you mean mother?"

"All you need to know is that man is a danger to society and you and Frank need to stay away from him, in fact both of them."

"Mother no, please...the Ways have shown Frank and I nothing but respect in the time that we have known them..."

He did not mention that Michael had held him in his arms as they slept in the same bed during their journey home from the races...or that Gerard had held Frank.

"Michael wished to announce this tomorrow, but..."

"Well that is not going to happen because I have chosen another for you."

Ryan stood suddenly with a gasp, his eyes wide, hands flying to his mouth.

"W-what?..."

He choked out, face draining of color.

"You cannot...Michael and I are..."

Yet again he was interrupted.

"Young Master Way and you are finished with your acquaintance for good. You are betrothed now and will behave as such."

"MOTHER NO!!"

Ryan cried out in distress, his knees giving way and sending him to the carpet.

"Oh stop being dramatic and do not shout at me. I have your best interests at heart."

Frank was trying to read when he head Ryan shout. He got up and left the room. He didn't want to interfere, but his brother was upset and he wanted to know why. He hid behind the corner and listened.

"BEST INTERESTS?!...Mother, is my happiness not in my best interest?...or do you not care about my happiness?"

"I care about your happiness, but I also care that you are well taken care of and provided for when I and your father are gone."

"Michael will take care of me, and provide for me also."

Linda rose from her chair and towered over her youngest son.

"You listen here young man. I want you to never see that young man or his family again. You are going to be properly wed and then move to a nice estate where they can no longer contact you."

"I...I think you have forgotten something Mother."

Ryan looked up at her through tears he did not realise he was shedding.

"What have I forgotten?"

Ryan smiled, sure that he had the upper hand.

"That I cannot wed until Frank does."

"Oh Frank is to be wed too."

"WHAT!"

Frank came out of hiding.

"Well apparently you too are in need of a manners lesson. Eavesdropping is unbecoming of a..."

"Never mind that, you are just going to give me away so that you can marry off Ryan?!"

"We are going to have a double wedding. It will be announced in the Sunday Edition."

Ryan's head started to swim...this could not be happening.

"Who are we..."

He was unable to finish his question, as nausea caused him to gag, his hand clamping over his mouth.

"Yes, who are you selling us off to?"

"You will marry Professor Hartwell and Ryan will marry Master Saprota."

"Our cousin/?!"

Ryan balked.

"He is hardly your cousin. There is not even any related blood. He is your second cousin by marriage."

"He is scum is what he is!"

Frank was shaking with anger.

"You would give Ryan to that piece of excrement after what he did to me!?"

"Being jealous of your brother is not proper either. Just because Master Saporta did not choose to court you..."

Ryan was suddenly on his feet and running from the room, his hand clamped over his mouth again and his face carrying a slight green tinge...he barely reached the hallway before emptying his stomach onto the wooden floor, stumbling back a pace, then collapsing to the floor in a dead faint.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks...how's you?...

Better than me, I hope?...but I don't want to talk about me, I'd much rather hear your thoughts on this chapter.

So, until next time...PLEASE COMMENT. and peace out babies!
<3