Taming of the Punk

"Another party? Really Mother you are getting desperate."

"Hush now. There is a new family in town and I want to welcome them properly into our circle."

"And does the new family have any suitors?"

"They have two young men yes..."

"I knew it!"

"Please Frank?"

Ryan tried the soft approach. It had never been wildly successful when dealing with his brother, but there was always a first time.

"Just try. For me?"

Frank huffed but nodded.

"Thank you."

Frank hugged Ryan.

"I guess I can give you a break this time Ryan."

Ryan smiled.

"What are you going to wear?"

He looked at Frank's all black attire.

"You need some color. I could help you choose something, if you like?"

"I have my impeccable smile."

Frank smiled and showed off his extremely white teeth.

"Yes darling, but you never smile; you just sort of scowl a bit."

Frank could not believe his mother said that.

"Please let me dress you Frank. I think I have the perfect outfit."

"If you put me in one of those frilly shirts and vests of yours..."

"No no. You'll like this...I'm certain."

When he only received a raised eyebrow, Ryan sighed.

"At least have a look...please?"

"Alright Ryan, but I am not making any promises."

*

*

*

"I cannot believe I let you dress me like this. I feel like a glorified peacock."

Ryan frowned.

"I thought the purple would suit you."

He sighed, then brightened.

"Now this one..."

He made his brother remove the shiny purple suit, and replaced it with something a little less...flashy.

"What do you think?"

Ryan asked, nervously chewing his lower lip. Frank just gives his brother a look. Ryan rolled his eyes.

"What's wrong with it...its mostly black."

He couldn't see the problem. Frank walked out of Ryan's dressing salon. He walked out of the bedroom and across the hall to one of the guest rooms. He waited for Ryan to follow. When he did he stood in front of the curtains.

"Do you see the problem now?"

Frank folded his arms and scowled.

"Ryan dear what are you doing in the guest room alone?"

Frank rolled his eyes. He blended right into the drapes. He cleared his throat.

"Oh Frank, you are here."

"Oops."

Ryan giggled slightly.

"Sorry. Look, I'm not going to give up just yet. I have two more options before I have to take you shopping."

He grabbed Frank's arm and dragged him back to the bedroom.

"Try this one."

He said, taking another outfit from the closet.

"I like this."

"Really?"

Ryan smiled brightly, relief clear on his young face.

"Because I have one more."

"I'll take a look."

Ryan grinned. He never got to play dress up with his brother before.

"Here..."

He said, pulling out the last outfit.

Frank gave a genuine smile.

"I think this one is it."

"You're sure?"

Ryan asked, because as much as he enjoyed shopping for clothing, he wasn't so sure that it would be as fun with a grouchy Frank in tow.

"Yeah Ryan, thank you."

Frank kissed Ryan on the cheek. Maybe this party would not be so bad after all.

*

*

*

"I was so wrong."

Frank was currently wishing that he had chosen the outfit that matched the drapes. He would rather he hiding right now then talking to the stuffed shirt he was listening to inanely drone on. He looked and saw that Ryan was surrounded too, but he did not look upset about it. Frank didn't understand why there was no one interesting enough in this world. Just once he would like to meet someone that surprised him in a good way.

"Come on Michael, we're already late."

Gerard complained, dragging his brother from the carriage and up the wide steps to the front doors of the Iero house. There was a butler there who bowed and showed them through to the large room where the get together was taking place. Gerard looked around and saw a couple of dozen young men, a couple of which he'd already "met" since arriving in town.

"Now Michael..."

He turned to his brother.

"Have fun, and behave. We don't want to get kicked out of this town too, do we?"

Gerard smirked and walked away.

"We get kicked out because of you Gee, not me."

Michael muttered under his breath, but Gerard was already gone. Gerard accepted a glass of wine as one of the staff brought around a tray. He would've seduced the boy, but there was much more interesting game to be had than him.

Ryan was bored. He had thought this party would be a chance to meet someone new, but so far, all the men that flocked around him were the same ones he had grown up with, and he would freely admit, if only to himself, that they all bored him to tears.

Michael walked around making pleasant conversation. He could feel himself being sized up as he passed eligible boys of age. Then he stopped. He heard a laugh that filled his heart. He glanced over and saw a young man surrounded by would be suiters.

"Of course I remember Mr. Willoby."

Ryan laughed politely, internally rolling his eyes that every party seemed to consist of the same four topics of conversation; The state of the town hall's roof, Mrs. Jones' affair with her gardener, the scandal that defrocked the local vicar...three years ago, and Mr. Willoby, the old headmaster of the boys' school on the edge of town, who everyone insisted on calling Mr. Will Obey. It was all quite tiresome.

Wanting an escape, Ryan drained his wine glass.

"Oh dear..."

He lamented.

"Please excuse me."

He turned and stepped out of the circle, heading straight for the nearest table before anyone could offer to fill his glass for him.

Michael watched the boy escape the group and move to get another drink. He wanted to go running to him, but he saw how flustered he was. Instead he just walked calmly to the same table and found his own drink.

Ryan took his third glass of wine of the party and turned to look for his brother. If Ryan was bored, he knew for certain that Frank was practically suicidal from boredom by now. Before he could spot him however, he came face to face with a beautiful young man he had never laid eyes on before. The man was maybe an inch shorter than Ryan, but the way he held himself made him seem taller. His dark brown hair was slicked back with Macassar Oil, and he was wearing an identical suit to the purple brocade one that Ryan had tried to dress Frank in. It suited the stranger far better.

"Hello..."

Ryan spoke softly.

"I don't believe we've met. You must be one of the new brothers in town, yes?"

He offered his hand.

"Why yes. I am Michael Way and who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

Ryan smiled softly.

"My name is Ryan Iero. It is a pleasure to meet you."

He heard his brother's raised voice from across the room, and knew that the party wouldn't be lasting much longer. He glanced over, seeing Frank scowling angrily at William Fisher, a thirty year old cad from the next town North who had been pestering Frank on and off for the last four years now, to no avail. Ryan sighed and returned his attention to Michael Way.

"And how are you enjoying living in Colchester? I should think it's a little different from London. That's where you've moved from, yes?"

"Well aren't you a smart lad knowing that."

Michael was impressed.

"Yes it is quite the difference. A bit on the boring side of I can admit. London had so much more to offer although...No one as enchanting as you Master Iero."

Ryan blushed slightly, then turned as Frank's voice rang throughout the room. He was just in time to see Frank's drink end up in Fisher's shocked face.

"Oh dear."

He turned back to Michael.

"Please excuse me; I think my brother has had a little much to drink."

"Your brother?"

Michael looked over where Ryan was, but only saw his brother looking amused.

"Well then I hope to see you again later."

Michael bowed and watched Ryan walk away.

"What is it going to take for you to understand Master Fisher that I am not a prize to be taken by the first uncouth barbarian who desires to!"

Ryan rolled his eyes as he approached the scene. He had seen it far too often.

"Pretty little thing like you shouldn't be single. Do you want to be left on the shelf?"

Fisher smirked, trying to crowd Frank against the wall. Ryan knew he was going to regret that, but also knew that he couldn't get there in time to prevent what was about to happen.

"Pretty little thing am I? Well tell me Master Fisher..."

Frank lifted his knee and connected with Fisher's crotch. He watched the man go down groaning.

"...how pretty am I now?"

Frank pushed away from the wall and Fisher.

"Move!"

He pushed through the crowd and headed to the terrace. On his way he saw a stranger looking at him and smirking.

"Perhaps your eyes are more suited for a gallery for I am no painting."

Gerard raised an eyebrow. He always enjoyed a challenge, but he valued his family jewels too much to mess with the fiery boy, even if he was the prettiest thing he'd seen since arriving in this town.

Ryan followed Frank quickly out to the terrace.

"Frank. Calm down please."

He approached him cautiously.

"Did you hear what he said to me? He called me a trinket!"

Frank itched for a cigarette, but neither he nor Ryan were allowed to smoke at parties. It looked bad for their image. They could only smoke if they were offered one. Frank did not give a fig though.

"I am going to my room for a smoke."

He knew he would get in trouble, but he would already be in trouble for what he did to Fisher.

"Frank. He's a cad. Ignore him. Please don't spoil this for me?"

Frank groaned.

"Fine, I will go for a walk in the garden then."

Frank knew he was not supposed to go without an escort, but it was better than his room for Ryan. Ryan sighed.

"Alright, just don't be long. You know mother will be mad."

"I won't. You have fun."

Ryan returned inside and came face to face again with Michael Way.

“We have to stop meeting like this."

He joked, accepting another glass from a passing server.

"But what if I do not want to."

Michael had never been this bold before with anyone, but there was something about Ryan that made him want to know more about the boy.

Ryan raised an eyebrow.

"Really? Well, maybe I should know a little about you then, before I decide if I wish to meet you again."

"Ryan, have you seen...oh, Master Way, how nice to see you. I trust you and your brother are enjoying our small town?"

"Yes Lady Iero. There is surprising beauty here that I did not expect."

Michael looked at Ryan when he said this. Ryan blushed. He couldn't help it. To cover, he answered his mother's question.

"Oh Mother. Frank has just stepped outside for some air. I think the wine went to his head a little."

"Alone? Oh that boy, he should know that he is not allowed. Why any number of things could happen and what would he do?"

Ryan's mother seemed to be in a bit of a panic.

"Why Mrs. Iero. What a pleasure."

Gerard stepped up to face her.

"I have been meaning to introduce myself. I am Gerard Way. Thank you so much for inviting my brother and myself to your gathering."

He bowed, kissing the back of her hand before straightening.

"I was just on the terrace with your eldest son. I came in to fetch him a glass of water."

He smiled smoothly.

"He really is quite lovely, though a little...rambunctious?"

He suggested, smiling fondly.

"Oh, so you are with Frank. Good, I was afraid he was on his own. Well then, I shall not worry."

Lady Iero moved away to see other guests and Michael turned to Gerard.

"Please please Gee, be careful, you saw what happened earlier."

"Don't worry little brother. I shall protect my assets."

He winked at Michael, took two glasses of champagne from a passing server, then headed outside to find the feisty boy.

"That is your brother?"

Michael jumped as he suddenly remembered that Ryan was there and that he heard their interaction.

"Yes, my older brother."

"Well, I hope he knows how to duck."

Ryan giggled slightly.

Frank was sitting on the bench tossing rocks in the small pond. He watched the fish swim to it thinking it was food and then away. He wished he was a fish. They had no responsibilities to get married so that their little brothers could.

"Can I join you guys in there? I promise not to eat a lot."

"Can you hold your breath?"

Gerard asked, offering Frank a glass with a charming smile. Frank jumped at the voice. He looked up and saw the stranger on the wall. He made a face as he looked at the glass.

"What's in it?"

"Champagne of course."

Gerard took a sip of his own.

"You should only accept the best."

"If you think that you can get me drunk..."

"Not at all. I just thought you could use a drink after that unpleasant man in there."

Gerard frowned as he mentioned Fisher.

"And I wanted to see if you were alright."

Frank took the flute and sipped it. It was at the perfect temperature.

"Well then thank you, but perhaps you should have checked to see if Master Fisher is alright, not I Master..."

"Way. But you may call me Gerard."

Gerard bowed low, then stood up and smiled.

"And between you and me, I think that Master Fisher got what he deserved."

"Propriety states that you are to be addressed as Master Way Sir."

Frank took another sip.

"Wait, you are part of the new family in town. You came from London."

Frank looked out at the calm waters of the pond.

"I wanted to go to Oxford or Cambridge, but my mother said that my husband would not accept that I wanted an education instead of staying at home and caring for him and our family."

He finished his drink.

"So I have decided that I do not want a husband."

Frank stood up and handed Gerard the glass.

"Thank you Master Way. It was good to meet you."

Frank bowed and then walked away.

Gerard raised his eyebrows. Maybe the risk to his person was worth it after all. Taking a sip of his drink, he went after the shorter man.

"Master Iero. I told your mother that I was escorting you on your walk, so she would not worry."

He tilted his head to the right and cocked an eyebrow.

"Would you make a liar of me?"

Frank looked at Gerard.

"What you chose to make of yourself is not my concern Master Way."

Frank continued to make his way back to the house. He climbed the terrace stairs to the balcony and then entered the house.

"Well at least you are in one piece still."

Michael came up behind Gerard and placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked at the balcony and gave a slight bow to where Ryan was. Ryan returned it and then he disappeared inside.

"Gee, I have never met a more enchanting creature. He is more lovely than all the boys in London."

"I tend to agree."

Gerard murmured, watching as Frank shot death glares at Fisher and drained another champagne glass.

"The only problem is, Ryan is not allowed to be presented into society until his brother has been wed off."

Michael sighed.

"After seeing what happened to Fisher, there is no way that anyone will ever tame that shrew."

Gerard smirked slightly.

"Would you be willing to place a wager on that, brother dear?"

Michael looked at his brother.

"What kind of wager?"

Gerard shrugged nonchalantly.

"I don't know...maybe something along the lines of..."

He ran his fingers through his long black hair, making out that he hadn't already thought of the terms.

"If I can tame him, you give me £5. If I cannot, then I will give you the larger bedroom."

He knew Michael was still smarting that he had lost it in the first wager they had when they arrived in town. Michael thought about it. He may be out of £5, but he would be free to court Ryan properly.

"I'll take that bet."

"Excellent."

Gerard said, offering his hand to seal the deal. Michael shook it. He looked again longingly where Ryan had stood. Gerard grinned as he saw the look on his brother's face. Whether he won or not, he knew this would prove to be quite the distraction from the boredom of this stupid little town. He looked up at Frank, who was in a disagreement with his mother and then stalked off, and couldn't help but hope that he could win this bet. The boy was quite the most interesting creature he had ever met.

Frank looked out his window at the two brothers. They seemed to be closer than Ryan and he were. He kind of envied them. His door opened and Ryan walked in.

"Is the party over?"

"Not yet, but I have had enough, so I thought I would come and see what you are doing."

Frank felt Ryan move up next to him and look out the window.

"They are interesting. Don't you think?”

He nodded toward the Way brothers.

"Interesting is the word."

Frank looked over and saw Ryan concentrating on the younger of the two.

"I see you have taken a fancy to the younger Way brother."

"He is very charming."

Ryan blushed lightly.

"I saw you talking to the elder...but I will not ask if you are interested, as I know you too well."

He smirked slightly, looking sideways at his brother.

"Well...he was interesting. He did not make a comment when I told him that I wanted to go to a university. That rather surprised me. Ryan was surprised more at Frank, than that.

"You like him."

Frank looked back out and swore that the older Way looked up and saw him. He quickly closed the drapes.

"I do not like him. I just said he was interesting."

Frank huffed and headed for his dressing salon.

"He is probably like all the other suitors around here."

"But what if he is not?"

Ryan asked, following behind.

"I would be quite surprised."

Frank entered his salon and closed the doors.

Notes

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

Who doesn't like a good party?... Frank, apparently.

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