Taming of the Punk

Gabriel was surprised that his aunt allowed him to leave with just Ryan, but since they are family, she was not concerned. They arrived into town not too long ago, but the ride had been particularly hard on his constitution.

"Do you mind if we go to the bath house? I have need of the facilities."

"Not at all..."

Ryan smiled.

"Whatever you need to do."

As they walked they saw family friends and Gabriel saw business acquaintances. They nodded and smiled at them and Gabriel got a few polite nudges and winks. He knew that he would be a good match for Ryan, he just needed Ryan to see it. They could be a power couple in high society. Gabriel wanted Frank at first, but after his demeanor changed, which may or may not have been caused by him, he was no longer a prize for Gabriel's arm.

"It is so nice that the weather has cleared up now..."

Ryan mused as they walked toward the Milliner's.

"I do detest the rain."

"Yes it makes strolling through the park quite unpleasant the day after."

Ryan smiled.

"Oh...please do not let me forget. I told Frank that I would buy him one of the little cakes he enjoys while we are in town...he needs cheering up I think."

"The one with the little yellow flowers and the pastry cream in the middle yes?"

"Oh no no."

Ryan giggled.

"He no longer likes those ones...not since Victor Fuentes threw one at him when no one was looking at the Spring gathering."

He rolled his eyes.

"No...now he likes the ones with the strawberries from that little bakery on Magdalen street...Langdon's?...do you know it?"

"Of course I know it. My aunt is married to the owner’s brother. I spent many a younger year in the kitchen watching the baking process. Do you know I thought about becoming a chef?"

"You did?...I did not know that."

Ryan smiled brightly.

"When I was younger, I used to sit on one of the tall stools in the kitchen and watch cook as she made scones...she always let me stir the mix, and then lick the spoon."

He blushed, looking down.

"She taught me how to make them when I was ten."

"We should trade recipes one day. You could come over and we could bake up a batch and see who's is better. "

Gabriel gave Ryan a little playful nudge.

"That sounds like fun..."

Ryan giggled.

"If Frank came along too, he could judge them."

"Now that would not be fair, we would need a judge that would not favor either of us."

"Well who would you suggest then?"

"What about my mother's friend Lady Beckett? She is my mother's friend and not mine. She is staying with us while her husband recovers from a riding accident. She could be the judge."

"Alright then...when shall we do this?"

"Hmmm, let's talk about it over midday meal...after the bakery of course."

Ryan smiled, nodding happily.

"Shall we go to Wheeler's to lunch?...I have heard that they are very good."

Gabe smiled. It was almost too easy.

"Yes, that sounds delightful too."

Gabe continued his walk to the bakery with Ryan wondering how the Fuentes' plans were going.

The doctor had been much more successful this visit, and Gerard was back on his feet again. While eating a hearty breakfast, he and Michael had decided to go into town to get gifts for the Iero brothers as an apology for ruining their plans...Victor and Mike had asked if they could join them as they needed to go themselves, and it would be a day or so before their carriage was fixed...Gerard and Michael of course agreed.

Now they were in the Way's carriage on the road up into town.

"Looks like it is going to be a beautiful day despite the storm yesterday."

"I think you are right."

Mike replied, smiling sweetly at Michael.

"And there should not be too many puddles in town now..."

Gerard agreed.

"But we should still avoid the park."

All agreed as the carriage turned into the main road into town.

"So where can we accompany you today?"

"Well I need to go to the florist's."

Mike said in answer to Michael's query.

"And I need to go to the bakery."

Victor said, flashing a bright smile at Gerard.

"I will escort you, if you are comfortable with that?"

Gerard replied.

"Oh yes...absolutely."

Victor beamed happily.

"Well then I guess I am going to the florist as well"

Michael was thinking of the flowers that he brought Ryan last time and how he loved them. He would get him a better bouquet this time.

Mike smiled wide at Michael's statement. A few minutes later, the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the town hall. Gerard climbed out first, offering his hand to Victor, who smiled sweetly, accepted the hand and stepped down.

"So why don't we meet at the pub after we go to our respective shops."

"That sounds like a good idea..."

Gerard nodded.

"The one by the castle has a good view of the park, shall we meet there?"

Gerard asked as he watched Michael help Mike out of the carriage and onto the pavement.

"Yes and it is about the center of both our locations."

All parties agreed and then went their separate ways.

*

*

*

"I think you will like this pub better than the one across town. It's a bit of a better class of people."

Gabriel winked to Ryan.

"I look forward to seeing it."

Ryan smiled awkwardly, unsure how to react to a wink.

The streets were still filled with some puddles, but the summer sun had dried up most of them so Michael was not concerned that Mikey would get splashed by a passing carts. They made it to the florist where a cart was making a delivery. The boxes were strapped in by rope and it was teetering dangerously.

"Oh look..."

Mike said, leaning over to look at a bouquet on display to the right of the door.

"They have yellow snapdragons...I love these, and they are so hard to find."

While Mike was looking at the display, Michael was keeping an eye on the cart.

"Charlie, the 'orse! Grab 'em!"

The horse had just been bitten by a horse fly and had reared up causing the cart to move. The crates started to tip and Michael saw that Mike was going to get hit.

"MIKE!"

Michael dove for the boy grabbing him and pushing him out of the way just in time as the crates crashed to the sidewalk breaking in the spot the boy was just standing.

Mike cried out, clinging to Michael's arm and shaking with fright.

"You...you saved me."

"Are you alright? I did not hurt you did I?"

Mike shook his head, looking up into Michael's concerned eyes.

"No, you did not hurt me."

He saw two familiar faces past Michael's shoulder, but gave no indication he'd seen them. He tiptoed and kissed Michael's cheek.

"Thank you."

Michael was taken back by the gesture, but he smiled and helped the boy back up.

"I think we should find another florist yes?"

"Alright..."

Mike looked longingly at the crushed snapdragons for a moment, then back to Michael's face.

"I think the one on Eld Lane gets their flowers from the Whittmore estate as well...maybe they have snapdragons."

"I am sure they will."

Michael offered Mike his arm and they crossed the street away from the near fatal accident.

Gabriel and Ryan were passing the apothecary when a commotion called their attention. A horse had been frightened and caused crates to tip from it. A man pushed someone out of the way thus saving their life, but it was who the man was that shocked Ryan. Gabriel had instinctively pulled Ryan to him when the noise filled the once quiet street.

"Are you alright?"

"I...no...I would like to go home now...please?"

Ryan said, his heart feeling like it was ripped from his chest.

"Perhaps we should sit down for a moment if that gave you a scare."

Ryan shook his head.

"No...I'd just like to go home."

He looked down.

"If you want to stay, I could take the carriage and send it back for you."

He suggested.

"Nonsense, I would not think of doing that to you. You are clearly in a delicate state. Let us go then and bring the cake to your brother to cheer him up a bit."

"Thank you."

Ryan smiled in relief, taking Gabriel's arm as they headed to the carriage.

*

*

*

Lady Aragot was having tea with Lady Tomas when she stopped mid sip.

"Whatever is the matter dear?"

Lady Tomas looked concerned.

"Do you see who is across from us at the bakery?"

"No who?"

Lady Tomas loved a bit of gossip.

"I declare that it is the older Way brother with the older Fuentes brother."

"Really? Is there a chaperone?"

"I do not see one. They just went into the bakery. Come, let's so see if the scones are fresh today."

Lady Tomas laughed as the two busybodies made their way across the street to investigate further.

Gerard had not been to this bakery before, but seeing all of the delicious looking sweet treats, he couldn't help but lick his lips. Victor saw the movement...of course he did, he was watching every move the older man made.

"Are you going to purchase a cake or two?...they look very good today."

"Hmmm?...oh, yes."

Gerard smiled, a slight blush casting colour on his pale cheeks at being caught staring at the treats.

"I was thinking of getting one for Master Iero, as an apology for breaking out plans."

Victor huffed slightly.

"I am not sure that he likes cake...too sweet for him."

"Everyone likes cake."

Gerard laughed lightly, then turned to the woman behind the counter.

"Excuse me, could I possibly have one of the strawberry ones, one of the raspberry ones, and two of the chocolate slices please?"

He pointed to each in turn, then turned to Victor.

"And what would you like?...choose a cake, if they are not too sweet for you?"

He teased lightly. Victor smiled, his annoyance dissipating a little.

"Oh, I would love a custard tart, if that is alright?"

"Certainly..."

Gerard bowed slightly then turned back to the woman.

"And one custard tart please. Oh, and could they all be wrapped separately please?"

"Well if it isn't one of the Veil brothers. Victor yes?"

Lady Aragot knew the answer already, but still asked.

"Oh yes. Good afternoon Lady Aragot, Lady Tomas. It is nice to see you both, I do not think I have had the pleasure since the Howard's Christmas party...it has been too long."

"It has, it has, and who is this charming escort that you have with you today?"

Victor smiled wide, turning slightly to make introductions.

"Lady Aragot, Lady Tomas, may I please introduce you to Master Gerard Way."

Gerard smiled at the two ladies, bowing low.

"A pleasure ladies..."

He straightened up, one hand still behind his lower back.

"It is a wonder that we have not met before now, as my mother, brother and I have been in town since April."

Both Ladies were taken back by how charming the man was and what a devilish smile he had. Lady Tomas was blushing like a school girl. Lady Aragot was a bit flustered too. She quickly regrouped.

"So Victor, I don’t see Miss Adelaide, is she round with your brother?"

"Actually she was feeling unwell today...I think she may have caught a cold from the bad weather we have had lately."

"Oh...so you are on your own then?"

The implication was there. Gerard took a breath...he should have seen this coming.

"Master Fuentes' carriage was unfortunately damaged the other day, and my brother and I were coming into town, so we offered to bring him and his brother in, as they needed to visit the florist, and this bakery."

He smiled smoothly before continuing.

"It was decided that to save time, we would separate into pairs and do one job each. I know that this is a little irregular, but the Fuentes family assisted me when I was incapacitated by an injury, so we felt it only right that we assist them today."

"Well aren't you like Florence Nightingale then Victor. How very kind of you to do that for Master Way."

"It was no trouble at all, and after all, Master Way did get injured by our horse, Spirit."

"Well it sounds like quite an adventure you boys have had."

"Quite honestly, I do not really remember what happened."

Gerard said, lifting a hand to rub lightly at the underside of his jaw, that was quite an impressive shade of purple by this point.

"Well then, I guess we will be going."

"It was very nice to meet you Master Way and always a pleasure to talk to you Victor."

"A pleasure indeed ladies."

Gerard bowed, avoiding addressing them by name, because quite honestly, he could not remember them.

"Please send my regards to your dear mother, Lady Tomas."

Victor smiled sweetly...Lady Tomas' mother had been a governess for many of the men in town over the years, until she retired due to ill health, and now she was a well-respected and beloved old lady.

The ladies left the bakery with their purchase.

"So where are you off to now?"

Lady Aragot looked at her friend and smiled.

"Why to Lady Iero's of course. She is going to just love this bit of news."

*

*

*

Lady Iero was surprised to see her youngest son return from town without the purchase she asked for. Gabriel did say that they had a bit of a scare and after giving his cake to the maid to put in the icebox, Ryan retired to his room. Gabriel left shortly after.

"Mum, Lady Aragot is here."

"Well show her into the garden, I was about to have tea there."

The servant bowed and Lady Iero moved to the terrace doors.

"Ah Linda, so nice to see you."

"Constance, such a surprise what brings you round?"

"Well I was visiting with Harriet and I decided to pop into the bakery and pick up some sweets and then I thought you might like some as well."

"Well that is kind of you, and just in time for tea too."

The servant brought out the tea cart along with the cream puffs that Lady Aragot brought set neatly on display.

"They look delicious."

Both ladies took a puff as their tea was poured. Lady Aragot waited till a few sips were taken and a few bites before dropping her news.

"Oh, you will never guess who I ran into in the bakery?"

Frank was feeling better now, though he was still not in the best of moods. He had not eaten either breakfast or lunch, so the call to afternoon tea was too much to resist. Walking into the garden, he saw that they had company. He was just about to announce his presence, when he heard Lady Aragot continue at his mother's prompting.

"Well you know that new family the Ways? Well i saw the eldest one with the eldest Veil brothers alone in the bakery."

"Really?"

"Yes and apparently their brothers were together somewhere else in town and their chaperone was home ill."

"Well they must have had a good reason to be together like that."

Lady Aragot got more excited at this.

"Oh there was! Apparently Master Way had been knocked out after getting hit hard with Spirit and Victor nursed him back to health like Florence Nightingale herself!"

Frank's blood boiled...he had been played, yet again. Deciding he had no desire to hear more, he returned inside before being seen, and headed back up to his room...suddenly he wasn't very hungry after all.

*

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*

"Do you think they will be willing to receive us? It is past tea time and I would hate to intrude on supper."

"Well if we explain that we are there to apologize, and that we do not intend to stay for long...then maybe."

"You are just hoping to be invited for dessert."

Michael looked at the three boxes of sweets that Gerard had neatly wrapped next him.

"You wound me brother."

Gerard put his hand to his heart dramatically, then laughed.

"No, I actually purchased us a cake each to take home, so if we do not get to stay, we still get to have dessert."

"Well that's good."

The carriage arrived and then disembarked. They walked to the door and knocked.

*

*

*

"Announcing Masters Gerard and Michael Way."

"Well this day is full of surprises isn't it?"

Lady Iero was sitting with her two boys to a small dinner. Both claimed they were not very hungry so the cook just made a simple salad.

"Lady Iero, gentlemen."

Michael bowed.

Ryan looked up, then at his brother...he had an instant impression that this was going to be unpleasant.

"What brings you round at this late hour Master Way?"

"We must apologize for arriving unannounced, and so late in the day too, but we felt it most important that we explain why our plans had to be cancelled, and offer our most sincere apologies for that as well."

Ryan thought that Gerard sounded, and looked sincere, but he was not sure that Frank would see it that way. He looked to his brother for his reaction as the elder Way continued, his eyes on Frank, but lowered slightly in deference.

"I have brought you a small token of my regard for you..."

He stepped closer to Frank and held out a small white cake box.

"I hope you will accept this, and my apology?"

He was clearly leaving Michael to make his own reparation. Ryan watched his brother with baited breath.

"I too apologize for my absence by your side young Master Iero."

Michael presented Ryan with a large bouquet of yellow, white and purple snapdragons.

"Thank you..."

Ryan smiled, though his eyes flicked back to his uncharacteristically quiet brother.

"These are beautiful."

He looked at the flowers.

"But I cannot accept them."

Michael was stunned.

"But why? I..."

His words were cut off by a loud shout. Frank had just smashed the cake in Gerard's face.

"How dare you come here with these lies dripping from your forked tongue? You got drunk and then slept it off at the Veil Brothers home!"

"Drunk? I...I..."

Gerard looked to his brother for help, then back again.

"I didn't...I..."

"No one imbibed anything Sir. We simply helped the two gentlemen when they were in dire straits. You must believe me. Please Ryan."

Michael didn't even notice that he dropped formalities. Ryan was about to answer when Frank cut him off."

Out both of you! Neither my brother not myself want to see you again unless it is a social occasion and we must all be there."

"But I..."

Gerard didn't understand how this had gone so badly against them.

"I didn't drink...I was injured...I..."

"I think it would be best if you left Master Way as well as your brother."

Lady Iero finally spoke and that was enough for Michael.

"Come Gerard."

Michael and Gerard walked to the door. The servant held it open for them and then closed it once they were on the other side. Michael looked at the closed door. He took the flowers and laid them on the floor in front of the door. He then climbed into the carriage and they left.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks...how's you?

So THAT happened!...big things happening seems to be becoming a theme here, doesn't it?

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