Taming of the Punk

Frank woke up the next morning feeling guilty. He had lashed out at Gerard for no real reason. His temper once again getting him in trouble. As he got dressed for the day he thought about what happened.

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

”Yet."

Frank shivered. Why would Gerard say something like that? It was inappropriate, and yet...Frank felt his heart speed up again. He shook it off and headed downstairs to breakfast.

"It seems like there will be no rain on Saturday, so we can have tea in the garden."

"Very good Lady Iero."

Frank heard his mother talking about the get together Saturday. Perhaps he could use the opportunity to apologize to Gerard for his behavior.

"Frank, have you seen your brother yet?"

"No mother, he must still be getting dressed. He does like to take his time."

"Yes, well I hope that his husband will understand."

Frank avoided rolling his eyes.

"Mother, yesterday when Ryan and I were in town, we ran into the Ways."

"Oh? What were you in town for?"

"Well Ryan wanted to do some shopping and I wanted to visit the book store."

"Oh Frank, not more of this infatuation with monsters."

"I'll have you know mother, that the older Way brother has an interest in the same genre and we had a lovely conversation about it."

"So they accompanied you to the store?"

Frank did not want to tell his mother that he had planned to leave Ryan with Michael so he left that part out.

"Yes and were very chivalrous about it."

"Well then, you must write a letter of thanks. Propriety demands it."

"Actually, I wanted to invite them to tea on Saturday."

Frank's mother smiled.

"I think that is a lovely idea. I shall extend an invitation to them as well."

"Thank you mother."

"Now go see what's keeping your brother."

"Yes mother."

Frank headed up the stairs, satisfied how it all went.

*

*

*

"Thank you."

Michael took the letter from the courier and brought it to the salon where Gerard was lounging.

"We have received an invitation to tea on Saturday at the Iero Estate."

Gerard sipped his drink and smiled.

"Well, won't that be lovely."

He quirked an eyebrow at his brother.

"And it will bring us both closer to those pretty boys...you to Ryan, and me to Frank."

He smirked, as getting close to Frank had been on his mind rather a lot since he'd first met the feisty younger man.

"Gee...that fellow Saporta will be there too remember?"

Gerard scowled.

"I remember. I have a feeling that he and I are not going to become good friends."

"Ryan was terribly bothered by him. He was not being a gentlemen after you and Frank left. He took liberties unbecoming."

Gerard sat up, swinging his feet down onto the floor...he stared intently at Michael.

"What liberties?"

He demanded crisply.

"He touched his shoulder and ran a hand over his hair. I didn't know what to do because they are family."

Gerard's lip curled in annoyance.

"If it had been Frank that he had touched in that manner, I would have punched the man."

"And that is another reason that we do not live in London anymore, your temper."

Gerard huffed, folding his arms over his chest.

"Just because you don't have emotions, does not mean that I must hide mine also."

Michael made a fist with both hands.

"I don’t have emotions? I don’t have emotions!? Just because I did not grab that barbarian and throw him over the bar like I wanted to does not mean that I did not care what was happening to Ryan!"

"Then try showing it once in a while Michael."

Gerard stood up and turned to leave, then turned back.

"If you believe young Ryan worth fighting for...then fight, and prove to him that you are able to protect him if needs be."

He turned then and walked out.

"Master Saporta, the Veil Brothers are here."

"Thank you. Show them into the salon."

The servant bowed and Gabriel turned back to fixing his cravat. He heard that they had a run in with Frank at the book store, and he wanted to know more.

"Gentlemen, welcome to my home. Please, have a seat."

"Thank you Master Saporta. We were pleasantly surprised to receive your invitation."

Victor smiled, taking a seat with his brother on the lounger.

"Well, it has been a while since the Benson's Spring gathering and I felt ashamed that I had not extended the invitation earlier."

Victor and Mike smiled, fluttering their lashes like giddy school girls.

"It was a very welcome invitation."

"Well then, while we are waiting for the tea and cakes to be served, why don’t you fill me in on all that I have missed."

Victor had a feeling that this was the true purpose of today's invitation...he may be a mean bitch and a gossip, but he wasn't stupid.

"Well..."

He began.

"My brother, Mike and I were in the book shop the other day, when who should come in but Frank Iero...and the elder Master Way...together.”

Victor smiled smugly as he passed on his gossip.

"The two of us found it quite shocking, didn't we Mike?"

He turned to prompt his brother.

"Oh yes...highly inappropriate for Master Iero to be out with a man without an escort."

"And they were both looking at those horrible macabre stories...quite tasteless."

Victor turned his nose up at the very idea.

"I am rather surprised to hear that Master Way condones this behavior of a proper young man."

Truth was that Gabriel knew of Frank's obsession from Ryan.

"More than condone it...he seemed to likeit."

Victor said with distain.

"Well, that is interesting."

The tea arrived at that moment. Gabriel kept watching Victor. He seemed to be the most bothered by it. He could use that to his advantage. He turned and addressed the older Veil brother.

"Master Fuentes, I am having tea on Saturday at the Iero Estate. I was wondering if you would like to accompany me there. I feel that this is information that Lady Iero should know about, but I fear that it would come off as crass if I were to divulge it."

Victor, always more than happy to cause mischief, especially for Frank, smiled.

"Why of course Master Saporta. I would be delighted to accompany you. And I agree that Lady Iero should be informed of this."

"Well then, my carriage and I shall pick you up that afternoon. Now, shall we indulge?"

"Certainly."

Victor and Mike both smiled as they accepted their tea and drank.

***Time Stamp: Saturday***

Frank was nervous. It was stupid, he shouldn't be, but he had not seen Gerard since Tuesday and it felt like Saturday was forever and a day away back then, but now it was the day and he sighed as he knocked on his brother's door.

Ryan was sat at his dressing table, brushing his hair in the mirror.

"Enter."

Frank took a deep breath.

"I need help."

He stood there wearing one vest and holding up two.

"Which one for tea?"

Ryan grinned, putting down his brush to clap his hands excitedly.

"The red one...definitelythe red one. I keep telling you that you need more color."

Frank looked at the two.

"But isn't it a bit too dressy for tea?"

Frank really had no idea. Ryan frowned slightly.

"Why ask me if you do not trust my judgement? Need I remind you that I am far more familiar with today's fashions than you are?"

"You are, I just don't want Ger...everyone to be amused by me."

Ryan softened, smiling as he stood to walk to his brother. He placed his hands on Frank's upper arms and looked down at him sympathetically.

"Do not worry. They will not."

He smiled wider.

"And I am sure that Master Gerard will like the red vest."

Frank blushed.

"Who cares what he thinks."

Frank stormed out of the room shutting the door hard. Ryan laughed lightly as he returned to readying himself.

"Do I look okay Gee? Should I have gone with something darker? Maybe I should have worn the blue?"

Gerard turned from his mirror in a black longer line waistcoat over a deep red shirt. He looked at his brother's outfit and smirked slightly.

"Well Michael...if your intention is to look like a preening peacock, then well done...you have succeeded marvelously."

"You are the worst big brother in the world."

Michael stormed away.

"I bet that Frank hates it!"

He slammed the door to his dressing salon. Gerard frowned, turning to look at himself in the mirror again. After a minute he smiled and shook his head.

"No, he'll love it."

He said confidently to his reflection before turning around and leaving his room.

*

*

*

Frank was trying not to pace. He was anxious enough though.

"Announcing Master Gabriel Saporta and Master Victor Fuentes."

Frank's head practically spun around when he heard Victor’s name. He groaned internally as the two people he despised most in the world walked up and greeted their mother.

"Lady Iero, don’t you look beautiful."

"Master Saporta, so nice of you to bring a guest."

"I do hope you don’t mind, but Master Fuentes did me a favor and propriety withstanding..."

"I was happy to accept the invitation."

Victor said with a smile.

"It is a pleasure as always Lady Iero."

Frank watched as Gabriel oiled his way up to them. He bent over and kissed Ryan's hand first, lingering a little too long. Then he moved to Frank.

"Cousin Frank.Always a pleasure."

"Master Saporta. I see you are still choosing last year’s fashion of long tails."

Gabriel internally winced.

"Well, perhaps I am trying to bring it back. Sometimes, the old is just perfect for the new..."

He turned and looked at Ryan.

"...wouldn't you agree Cousin Ryan?"

Ryan resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

"I am afraid that I differ in my opinion Master Saporta. I believe that the old belongs with the old, and the new with the new."

He turned to look at Frank.

"Do you agree brother?"

"Announcing Master Gerard Way and Master Michael Way."

Frank was saved from answering as the Way Brother's appeared. To Frank's horror, Gerard was wearing long tails as well.

"Master Way.So nice to see you again."

Lady Iero greeted them promptly.

"Good afternoon Lady Iero..."

Gerard smiled, bowing and kissing the back of her hand.

"It was such a delight to receive your invitation. Everyone in town has been so kind and welcoming to us since we arrived."

"I hope they have been. You already know my sons, but I don’t believe you have met my cousin. He was not at the party last weekend. This is Master Gabriel Saporta and this is Victor Fuentes of the Veil Estate."

"Actually, we have had the...pleasure."

Gerard said as politely as possible, really just wanting to punch Gabriel and ignore Victor.

"Gentlemen."

He nodded to them, his smile looking rather forced.

"Master Way, I see we have the same fashion taste. Why Cousin Frank was just saying that he loathes this style...weren't you Cousin Frank."

"I..."

Frank looked at Ryan for help. Ryan knew his brother well enough to know that he didn't know how to keep his opinion, yet not insult Master Way's taste at the same time.

"Oh Cousin Gabriel..."

Ryan said with a sweet smile.

"You are silly. Master Way's waistcoat is in a much more modern style...you cannot compare it to your more traditional attire."

"We did do some extensive research before we left London to make sure that our personal tailor was up to date on the latest in men's fashion. My brother's vest as well as mine is quite the fashion in Paris right now."

Michael walked up to Victor, who he had not met yet.

"Enchanted to meet an acquaintance of the Iero Family."

He leaned over and kissed his hand. He then walked to Ryan.

"It has already been too long Master Ross-Iero."

Victor felt a flash of jealousy the second that Michael left him to greet Ryan. He decided that the younger Way would be his, no matter who he had to step on to get him.

"Hello Master Way..."

Ryan blushed as Michael kissed his hand.

"I am glad you could join us today."

"I reallylike the blue of your vest. It suits you."

He smiled.

"Well now that everyone is here we can serve tea."

Gerard helped to seat Lady Iero and then took the seat next to her as the honored guest. Michael did the same on her other side. Frank was next to Gerard and Ryan next to Michael. Michael sat Victor next to Ryan since he thought they were friends. That left Gabriel to sit next to Frank.

"Well isn't this nice?"

Victor smiled.

"What a lovely layout Lady Way."

Ryan rolled his eyes, taking a cucumber sandwich from one of the serving plates.

"I was told that you throw the most lavish Spring soirees in town Lady Iero. I am sorry that we missed it."

Michael turned to Ryan.

"Would you like sugar?"

"Yes please."

Ryan smiled, nodding slightly.

"And you may have missed our spring gathering, but you are here in plenty of time for our summer garden parties. I do hope you and your brother will be able to attend?"

"Of course we will, won't we Gerard?"

"Hmm?"

Gerard drew his attention back from watching Frank out of the corner of his eye.

"Oh yes, of course we would love to come."

His eyes drifted back to watch Frank sipping his tea.

"Would you like sugar as well?"

Michal offered the bowl of cubes to Frank. Frank started to answer, but was cut off by Gabriel.

"Oh no Master Way, Cousin Frank does not take sugar. He likes things to be bitter."

Gerard frowned slightly...he didn't like Gabriel addressing Frank so informally, even if they were related. He was pretty sure that Frank would take exception to having the other man speak for him too.

"You are a little out of touch Master Saporta..."

Ryan spoke up.

"Frank has recently started taking a little sugar in his tea on occasion. Haven't you brother?"

"I have, I find a little sugar helps take some bitterness away."

"Such as in your harder drinks?"

Frank scowled when Victor spoke.

"Frank, have you been imbibing again?"

Lady Iero seemed to be upset.

"I am afraid that was my fault Lady Iero..."

Gerard spoke apologetically.

"I bought us all drinks at the public house the other day. I apologize if I was out of line, but it was a rather warm day."

"I can attest that your youngest only had a sweet confection called Cola, which contained no spirits."

"Well I am certainly pleased to hear this."

Lady Iero seems satisfied.

"By the way...did you find what you were looking for in the bookshop the other day?"

Victor asked sweetly as he looked between Gerard and Frank. Gerard raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Yes. Thank you for asking. Did you find something to your taste?"

"I am afraid not..."

Victor sighed.

"My attentions were rather distracted."

Frank bit hard on the biscuit that he had in his mouth.

"Distracted how my dear?"

"Yes Master Fuentes, please go on."

Gabriel had a leer that made Frank uneasy.

"Well..."

Victor leaned forward slightly as he answered.

"I was a little taken aback to see Master Way and Master Iero together without a chaperone. I wasn't aware that they were that well acquainted."

Gerard stiffened.

"Well Cousin Ryan with the younger Master Way counts as that for propriety sakes."

Now Michael froze.

"Well, I ran into Master Way and Cousin Ryan in the Public House, but Cousin Frank was nowhere to be seen."

Frank bristled.

"Actually, that is not quite true."

Gerard said, his hackles well and truly up now.

"Master Saporta arrived at the public house before Master Iero and myself left. He stayed as chaperone for my brother and young Master Iero."

He nodded toward Michael and Ryan, getting them out of trouble.

"Myself and Master Iero..."

He turned to smile softly at Frank.

"...stepped outside to take some air, as it was a little stuffy inside. We walked a little and I mentioned that I was looking for a particular book...Master Iero told me of the bookshop, and accompanied me as I was unaware of the establishment. He was really quite helpful, and we discovered a similar taste in literature."

"But Frank, did you not tell me you were planning to go to the bookshop anyway?"

"I did mother, with Ryan, but since Master Way was being so kind to me, I felt that declining his simple request would be rude in itself."

Michael was impressed that they were able to dance their way out of this one.

"It was just a shame that you developed a headache and had to return home in your carriage before we could return to your brother."

Gerard said smoothly.

"I hope it did not last long?"

"Ah, no, I had the driver stop at the apothecary on the way and picked up some powder."

Gerard smiled.

"I am glad to hear that. You were missed though, I can assure you."

He offered a warm smile, their eyes locked for a moment.

"And it was very good of both of you to see me home."

Ryan added with a smile, looking from one Way to the other.

"Thank you."

Gabriel smiled at everyone at the table, but inside he was seething. Both Ways had managed to wiggle the Iero brothers out of trouble. This could pose a problem…but perhaps not. He noticed that Victor, who had been enraptured by the youngest Way at first, was now impressed with the oldest. Gabriel’s smile turned genuine there. He could use this information to his advantage.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks...how's you?

So that was fun...yes?

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