Taming of the Punk

"Must we go into town? It looks like rain today."

Frank grumbled as he got dressed. He wanted to stay in and read in the library. He fixed his hat on his head and made sure his lapels were straight. God forbid he look a sight in case a would be suitor happened upon him.

"Yes we must."

Ryan insisted as he straightened his scarf.

"I need a new pair of shoes, and you need...help."

He rolled his eyes and sorted Frank's tie.

"Shush up Ryan, I do not. Fine let's get this over with."

Frank continued to grumble as they left the second floor and headed to the carriage house.

"Come on Gee, we are going to be late...I mean, it is getting late and..."

"And what Michael?...you believe you will miss something interesting?...because I can assure you that nothing interesting has ever happened in this town."

Gerard said, placing his hat on his head.

"No, I just want to get to the pub before all the good seats are taken that's all."

Michael practically dragged Gerard out of the house to the carriage.

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"I thought we were going shopping. Now we are having a drink? Little brother, I think you have lost your mind."

Still grumbling Frank was led to the back of the pub and sat at a corner table. He was grateful for this though. It meant no one would see him. He watched as Ryan nervously scanned the place as if he was...looking for someone.

"Ryan...are we meeting someone here?"

"Um...no."

Ryan mumbled and wouldn't meet Frank's eyes.

"Not exactly."

At that moment a commotion was heard towards the front of the pub and two familiar figures came into view.

"There you are...I mean Master Iero, how nice to run into you today."

Michael blushed as he heard his older brother chuckle.

"Very smooth brother."

Gerard whispered behind his hand before smiling at the Ieros.

"Good afternoon gentlemen..."

He bowed slightly, touching the brim of his hat.

"What a pleasure to see you again..."

He met Frank's eyes.

"May I be permitted to buy you a drink?"

Frank had to chuckle. His brother had tried to structure a random encounter with the younger Way and failed. It was amusing to say the least.

"I do not see why not since we are here.”

Frank saw that Michael was a bit taken back. it seemed that he wanted to offer the drinks first, but his brother was a bit faster.

"Yes, thank you Master Way."

Ryan smiled.

"I will have a Coca Cola please."

He looked at Frank.

"Marcus Perry tried it when he visited his aunt in London last week, and he says it's very good. They just got it in here, I'm told."

"Sounds good, I will have one too."

Mikey pulled the chair out for Ryan to sit. Frank rolled his eyes again.

"Do you ever drink anything that a man would Ryan?"

Frank looked at Gerard.

"I'll have an Old Fashion."

Ryan pouted.

"I just want to try it. I'm curious."

"You can have whatever you wish Young Master."

Gerard smiled at Ryan, then turned to go to the bar.

"You are aware Master Way that it contains no alcohol, right?"

Michael faltered a bit.

"No, but I am sure that it is delicious none the less."

Ryan smiled. He really hoped that Marcus had good taste. Gerard returned with a small silver tray with four glasses. He placed the tray down on the table and gave each man his drink. He was kind of curious about this Coca Cola stuff, but not enough to forgo his cognac in favor of the girl's drink. He watched as Mikey and Ryan took their first sips.

"Is it nice?"

He asked, before raising his glass in cheers to Frank.

"It's sweet and it has a bit of a kick to it. It would probably taste good with the cognac. Here try it."

Michael hands his drink to his brother. Gerard took the glass and tasted it.

"Not bad. But it's a little too sweet for my liking."

He handed it back and looked at Frank with a smile.

"Are you going to try it?"

"No, I prefer my bitters."

"How much better can it be with all that fruit floating in the glass?"

Frank sputtered into his drink and he heard Ryan chuckle. He downed the drink and then stood up.

"Good day gentlemen."

He started for the door. That was a mistake.

"Well well, Master Iero. What brings you out here without an escort?"

If there was anyone worse than Fisher it was Gabriel Saporta. Frank knew that Saporta had his eye on Ryan, but also knew that he would not let him get anywhere near his brother.

"Master Saporta. I didn't know they let you out without your leash."

Saporta laughed.

"Ah Cousin Frank, witty as ever. I see the years have only managed to sharpen your tongue. Have they done anything else to it?"

Gerard stood, seeing the tall man crowding Frank.

"Excuse me."

He shot Mikey a glare and bowed to Ryan then headed over toward Frank and the man he hadn't had the displeasure of meeting yet.

"Is everything alright Master Iero? I will happily escort you home if you desire."

"And who do we have here? Are you taking our charming Frankie out?"

Frank bristled visibly at the informal address.

"So this means that I am free to give my regards to your gentle brother."

"You will not so much as breathe the same air as my brother Cousin Gabriel."

Gerard raised an eyebrow at the uncouth gentleman.

"My name is Way, and I do believe that the young master is otherwise engaged at this moment."

He looked over at the table to see Ryan and Mikey talking and smiling together. He turned back.

"And I am just about to escort Master Iero home, so, if you will excuse us?"

"But I do not see young Master Iero's escort. Surly he cannot be with a gentleman alone. He has not been presented. It is my duty to stay then and make sure all is in accordance with propriety. Excuse me gentlemen."

Before Frank had a chance to protest, Gabriel made his way over to the table. He moved between Ryan and Michael and struck up a conversation. Ryan looked uncomfortable and Michael looked angry.

Gerard saw the anger on Frank's face too.

"Do you wish to join them again?"

Frank wanted to more than anything, but he had to believe that Michael could take care of Ryan if he would have any chance.

"No, if you are sure Michael can handle himself than I trust your judgement."

Gerard smiled, offering a small bow.

"Michael is very capable of looking after young Master Iero. Please do not worry."

He offered his arm.

"May I escort you home sir?"

Frank looked warily at the older man, but then placed his hand on the inside of his arm.

"Would you mind stopping at the book store?"

This was Frank's chance to see if Gerard would question his quest for knowledge.

"Of course we can."

Gerard smiled.

"You enjoy to read?"

Frank smiled back.

"I find that expanding one’s mind is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Knowledge is power."

Frank blushed a little. The truth was a smart man turned him on, but he had yet to find someone intellectually stimulating that treated him as an equal.

"I quite agree."

Gerard nodded.

"I love to read myself actually. I have just finished reading a book called Dracula...have you read it?"

"I...have actually. I quite enjoyed it. Are you into the macabre Master Way?"

"The macabre? Oh yes, I love things of that nature. I actually have quite a collection of books in that vein. I could lend you some if you would be interested?"

"I would actually, thank you."

They arrived at the book shop and Frank saw several of his so called friends in the romance section. He tried to sneak past them, but ended up tripping on the corner of one of the book cases. Gerard caught Frank's arm, preventing him from falling.

"Are you alright?"

"Well well well, look who we have here."

Victor said, nudging his brother Mike as they headed toward Frank.

"It's the little shrew...and...?"

Mike flashed a seductive smile at Gerard.

Gerard raised an eyebrow. He wasn't impressed.

"Way."

He said coolly, before turning back to Frank.

"Shall we?"

He indicated the supernatural and horror section at the back of the little shop. Frank was shocked that Gerard was not taken back by their youthful good looks. They were both closer to marital age then Frank was. He knew though that this was not over by a long shot. As they turned to leave he heard a voice clear the air.

"Little shrew thinks he's got a chance."

Victor smirked and Mike laughed.

"He has more chance to fly."

Mike replied. Frank tried to ignore them. He didn't want to be a trophy husband like they wanted to, but it still hurt.

"He's too old. No one will have him now."

The men laughed. Gerard had heard enough. He turned to Frank.

"Please excuse me my dear."

He bowed slightly, bringing Frank's hand up to his lips and kissing the back softly, his eyes holding Frank's gaze...then he let go and turned to the other men. He'd never met them before, and for that he was thankful, but even propriety would not quiet his tongue it the face of such bile.

"Gentleman. I am unaware as to who taught you your manners, but I feel confident that they would be quite ashamed right now."

He turned away, then back.

"And if it is any of your business, I would find it an honor to have Master Iero properly on my arm. Now, if you will excuse us."

He turned his back on them and returned to Frank's side with a gentle smile.

"I do apologize. That scene should not have happened. If you wish to go home now, I will escort you."

"I...no, no please I would like to continue."

Gerard smiled, offering his arm.

"Shall we then?"

Frank could feel the seething behind him, but he did not care. Gerard led him to the back where the mysteries and horror were kept. His face lit up and he let go of Gerard's arm as he saw the newest book by Bram Stoker.

"Oh, I have been looking for this!"

The black and white cover of Lair of the White Worm glistened in his pale hands. The Turn of the Screw joined it along with The Man Who Was Thursday. Frank wanted more, but his hands were quite full. Gerard grinned. To see the smaller man so happy and excited was something that lighted his heart.

"You really know your books. I am impressed. I feared that no one in this town would appreciate the genre."

"Oh I think it is the most amazing style of writing because it has no formula. All those romance book are boring because you know what will happen. With horror, you never know if the victim will live or escape!"

"Yes, indeed. I have a personal favorite, though I am not sure if you would have read it."

Gerard thought it so rare and delightful to find someone to speak to about his books, as not even his brother shared his love of this kind of story.

"It is called The Picture of Dorian Grey. It was written by Oscar Wilde. Do you know of it?"

Frank blushed. He knew that book well. In fact he had the uncensored version, which if anyone knew could cause a scandal for him.

"Uh, yes, I...know of that book."

Frank looked away and quickly changed the subject.

"I also enjoyed Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It was a great explanation of the duality of mankind. Have you read it?"

"Oh yes. By Robert Louis Stevenson? An amazing read."

Gerard was loving this.

"And have you read The Great God Pan and the Hill of Dreams by Arthur Machen? It is unfortunately not well liked by society as a whole, but I think it is rather extraordinary."

Again Frank blushed. This was another book that he had in his possession that he did not talk about. Ryan found out and accused it of being beneath his station in its contents.

"Um..."

Strangely he was saved by someone that he did not want to see, another suitor that desired his hand and heritage. He tried hard not to grind his teeth along with his greeting.

"Good afternoon Professor Hartwell."

His name may have contained a heart sound, but he had none as far as Frank was concerned. He, out of all the suitors voiced the biggest dislike of Frank's want for an education. Gerard stiffened. He had actually met the professor, and did not like the man.

"Well good afternoon Master Iero. Are you keeping well?"

"I am fine thank you Professor."

"Are you keeping Master Way company while he buys books or do you still insist upon reading them yourself?"

"I am adding to my collection if you must inquire Professor."

Gerard spoke crispy to this new intruder of their day.

"I believe I have found a kindred spirit in Master Iero. He shares my love of the darker novels."

He smiled down at Frank.

Frank was a bit taken back by what Gerard said, but the look of Professor Hartwell’s face was worth the lie.

"We should get going now Master Way. We want to have plenty of time to read and discuss these books over tea."

Frank courageously gave his three books to Gerard to hold and then took his arm.

"It was nice to see you Professor Hartwell."

"Uh yes, of course. I must not keep you."

The professor said, a tinge of annoyance in his voice.

"Good day Professor."

Gerard tipped his hat then lead Frank away.

"I really dislike that man."

He whispered, once they were out of earshot.

"I can tell."

They walked past the Fuentes brothers and up to the clerk.

"Will there be anything else for you and the missus?"

Frank looked up shocked.

"Oh no, Master Way and I are not together."

"Oh...pardon me then."

"Yet."

Gerard murmured, just loud enough for Frank alone to hear. Frank was stunned. He watched the clerk wrap their purchases separately. Frank knew he had to get away from Gerard now.

"Well than Master Way, it was nice to see you again."

Frank grabbed his purchase and quickly went out of the door. He hailed the family carriage, not thinking about his brother and headed home.

Gerard walked back into the pub feeling slightly confused. He had thought things were going well with Frank. He saw his brother and the younger Iero still sat at the table...along with that creep, Gabriel.

"Gentlemen..."

He smiled at his brother and Ryan.

"Master Saporta."

Gerard looked at the other man as if he was something he had just stepped in. Michael spoke to him with razors in his throat.

"Gerard, good of you to join us. We were just having a conversation about the older Iero brother."

"Yes, I was saying that it is such a pity that he prefers to fill his head and time with pointless activities, unlike our young Master Iero here, who has learned many fine arts like needle point, calligraphy, and preparations for social gatherings. He is going to make a fine decoration to a gentleman's arm someday soon."

Gerard was beginning to sense a theme here.

"I am certain he is, though I myself have found the elder Iero brother to be quite lovely, and quite stimulating to converse with. He and I share a love of a good book."

"Frank does love to read."

Ryan confirmed.

"Though I despair about what he reads sometimes."

"See, thus proving further that our young Master Iero is the one with the true intellect."

Gabriel picked up Ryan hand and kissed it lightly. Michael bristled at this blatant display of courtship.

"Well it has been fun gentlemen, but I fear the hour grows late and we must get our young Master back to his home."

"Most certainly."

Gerard nodded once in agreement.

"It was a...pleasure to meet you Master Saporta."

Gerard tried not to sound too sarcastic. He stood up from the table.

"Young Master Iero, would you allow my brother and I to escort you home, as it seems that your brother has taken your carriage home already."

Ryan huffed slightly; this was typical of Frank in his view. He smiled sweetly despite his annoyance.

"I am sure that would be lovely. Thank you."

Truth was that he was happy to get away from Gabriel.

"Well then, I guess I will see you at the next family dinner…Cousin Ryan."

Michael turned his head quickly. He looked at Gerard, but it seemed he already had this information.

"Oh, you did not know? One of Young Master Iero's cousins in married to mine...we are practically already family...I would just rather make it more official."

He kissed Ryan's hand again and then left smirking that he had that last trick up his sleeve.

"Ryan...I mean Master Iero is this true?"

"Unfortunately it is."

Ryan said, glumly.

"He has been trying to pursue me for quite a while now, despite the fact that I have yet to be presented."

He looked from Michael to Gerard, then back.

"He is quite the pest."

"Well then allow me to step on him."

Michael tried to come off as firm, but instead it was amusing.

"What brother..."

Gerard chuckled.

"…with your little feet?"

Ryan giggled, peering down at Mikey's feet, then Gerard's. He thought they both had rather large feet actually. He wondered if the saying about men with big feet had any truth to it. He blushed pink. Michael sputtered.

"Can we just get home before my flesh becomes so crimson that they think I am ill."

Michael realized that he said home and not Ryan's home. Gerard raised an eyebrow at him. He'd noticed the slip too. Ryan hadn't.

"Apart from Master Saporta's presence, today has been rather pleasant...don't you agree?"

Ryan asked, looking between the brothers as they headed toward the Way's carriage.

"I would say that I learned a great many things."

Michael got into the carriage first and then lent his hand to Ryan. Gerard climbed in last. Usually, he would be looking at the younger man's bottom as he climbed up in front of him, but his mind kept flashing back to the happy excitement Frank had displayed in the bookshop. He couldn't get the older Iero out of his thoughts.

"Well then, let us get you home."

Michael corrected himself that time. Ryan smiled as he settled on the seat opposite the Ways. He looked at Gerard.

"I hope my brother was not too rude."

Gerard frowned slightly.

"Not at all. He was delightful company."

"Oh..."

Ryan was taken aback.

"Well, that is good then."

Silence fell over the carriage as they made their way back to the Iero manor.

Notes

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

So now we've thrown Gabe, Victor and Mike into the mix...whatever next?...

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