The Other Half Of Me

It had been a lonely school year for Mikey. David was a senior now and he hardly saw him because classes were in another wing of the school. Even though Mikey still had Pete, they didn't have hardly any classes together this year. It had been over a year since he saw his brother Gee and it hurt more than anything. Also Bob was gone now. He had started college right after he got the last of his tattoo done so they had not even seen it. Mikey's birthday passed quietly. he didn't want a big party like David. It hurt too much. David was still optomistic, but Mikey was losing hope. Now it was almost Thanksgiving and Bob was coming home and David was excited. Mikey tried to be, he really did. He smiled when David talked about what they were going to do and the plans for Christmas. David said he could feel something in the air. Something big was going to happen. Now though, Mikey was numb and couldn't feel anything. He wondered if he ever would again.

(time passes)

"So we need to pass out duties."

Brendon stood there like he was in charge, making everyone laugh.

"So we have turkey, side dishes, dessert, bread, and uh...drinks! Whose doing what?"

"We are talking about Halloween bozo and who put you in charge anyway?"

Gee giggled as he saw Brendon pout and huff. He stood from Frank's lap and walked over to his bag, sticking his hand inside. He quickly found what he was looking for and pulled it out before walking over to where the other boy had sat down with his arms crossed over his chest.

Gee leaned down and whispered in his ear, then handed him a piece of paper, and returned to Frank's lap.

"Whoa! Look at me! I'm a handsome motherfucker!"

"Since when?"

Lindsey said, but the smirk on her lips made sure everyone knew she was joking.

Frank hugs Gerard tightly.

"That's my Kitten."

"That's fucking talent man and Gee's tattoos are the most popular on the website. I think half of Manhattan has them!"

Ryan stood next to Lindsey with his arm around her waist.

"So now that Gee found a way to shut Brendon up, what are we doing for Halloween?"

"I heard there was a 90's Halloween party going on at the Cantina. That might be fun."

"There is also a Villans Ball at Gotham Hall."

"That might be fun!"

"What about the Night of the Dead Bar Crawl?"

Ryan glared at Brendon.

"And what does Gee get to do?"

"Oh...sorry Gee, I forgot you weren't old enough to drink."

"And you shouldn't be drinking that much!"

Brendon shrunk away from both Ryan and Bert.

"Okay Strays, cut it out, you're scaring Gee."

Gee had his face tucked into Frank's neck...the fingers of his right hand gripping Frank's shirt, the fingers of his left playing with the hem of his skirt.

"What about the party at Webster Hell. That's a fun time and in costume no one will think about Gee's age. You only have to be 19 to get in, we can sell that."

Bert looked at Frank.

"Yeah, that sounds like fun, what about you Kitten?"

Gee looked up, bottom lip trapped between his teeth. After a moment, he nodded.

"That s-sounds good. Can I pick our costumes daddy?"

He said quietly.

"Of course you can Kitten."

"Hey, uh... am I interrupting?"

Frank looked up and saw a client come in.

"Hey Max, no, I just forgot the time. Come on in."

Ryan let go of Lindsey and led him to his chair. Frank smiled when he saw the start of one of Gee's artworks on the guys arm.

"My girlfriend is crazy about it. She wants to come in for one that she saw on the site."

"Which one did she like?"

Lindsey asked as she stepped to Ryan's side.

"The cat paw with the rainbow."

He smiled wistfully as Ryan prepped his arm.

Lindsey smiled wide.

"Ooh...I been waiting on an opportunity to do that one..."

She pulled a card from out of her bra and handed it over.

"Get her to give me a call and I'll book her in."

"Sounds good."

"Alright, now hold still."

That was Frank's cue to take Gee upstairs.

"Come on Kitten, show me the costumes."

Gee nodded, slipping off of Frank's lap and taking his hand with a smile.

"I did some drawings, and there's a fabric shop near the library. I'm going to make our costumes..."

He looked down timidly for a moment, then back up.

"If that's ok?"

"It is Kitten, but I didn't know you knew how to sew."

Frank led Gee up the stairs to the apartment.

Gee nodded.

"Yeah...I haven't done it in a while, but I can..."

He sighed, shoulders slumping.

"...or we could just buy costumes...it's ok."

"Hey hey..."

Frank stopped Gerard outside the door of the apartment.

"...I am so proud that you want to try and we still have a week so there is time...and you are a creative force when you want to be so I trust you."

Gee smiled up at Frank sweetly, tiptoeing to kiss his cheek.

"Thank you daddy. Do you want to see my drawings now?"

"Sure Kitten."

Frank opened the door and then entered the apartment.

(time passes)

"Man, I can't wait to pick up my costume. It is going to be the best one there."

"It's generic Spiderman, there is nothing amazing about that. Now what Gee is making himself and I is amazing."

"Whatever, you're just upset cause you know Spiderman could kick Batman's ass anyday."

Frank watched Bert walk away smug and snickered. He was planning his own Trick or Treat on Bert and it was going to be amazing. He sent Lindsey and Ryan to pick up the costumes from the shop for the rest of the strays. He made sure there was no way out of this mess for Bert. He would rue the day he picked on the Batman.

(time passes)

"Fuck, why is this one so heavy?"

Ryan struggled into the shop with the costumes.

"What the hell is Bert going to be?"

"It says A Spider Man."

Brendon looked at the tag.

Lindsey set the ones she was carrying down and walked over.

"Shall we peek?..."

She looked around deviously.

"Doesn't look like Bert's here."

"Sure, why not? "

Brendon nodded with a smirk.

Lindsey grabbed the zip on the garment bag and started to pull it open.

"What the fuck is that?"

"It's not Spiderman that's for sure!"

"Nope, it's a Spider Man."

"Bet Frankie had something to do with this."

"Yeah, didn't Bert dis Batman again?"

"Oh man, I can't wait to see Bert's face!"

Lindsey closed the bag back up.

"Let's put these away so Bert won't know, and won't have time to do anything about it."

She grinned mischievously as they took the costume bags into the back and put them in the storage room.

(time passes)

"Daddy?...could you help me please, I'm stuck."

Gee was half in, half out of the ornate black and red dress that he'd ended up having to ask Grant to help him finish...it was worth it though, cos he would've never gotten the ruffles on the train right without the older man's assistance. Grant had even complimented him on his design, and that certainly gave Gee's confidence a boost.

"Sure Kitten. "

Frank walked in wearing a surprisingly well made pirate outfit.

Gee looked up and smiled wide.

"See daddy?...I said those leather pants would fit you."

He blushed slightly when he noticed just how well they fit him. He felt his cock twitch in his panties and turned away, turning his back toward Frank.

"I can't get the top of my dress up. Can you?"

"I sure can Kitten."

Frank moved in front of Gee and helped him slip his delicate arms into the openings. He then moved the fabric up and helped it lay on his shoulders. He then moved behind and brought the zipper up.

"There we go."

Gee looked back over his shoulder and smiled softly.

"Thank you daddy."

He already had on his stockings, that were black with red ribbon detailing at the tops to match his dress, his black and red heeled converse boots with the turned down furry tops, the choker collar he'd made, and the black filigree bracelet and attached ring he'd found in a thrift shop near the library.

Now all he needed was his lady's black pirate hat with its black feathers and red ribbons, and the masquerade mask that Frank had gotten him, but refused to show him because he said it was a surprise.

He picked up the hat off of the end of his bed and fiddled with the edging for a moment, eyes down.

"Can I see the masks now daddy?...please?"

He looked up through his long lashes.

"Baby, you look amazing. You really outdid yourself for these costumes. I can't wait for everyone else to see them."

Frank rubbed Gee's shoulders lightly.

"You don't think this is too much?"

Gee said quietly, looking down at himself with a small frown.

"Not at all Kitten. We could probably enter the costume contest and..."

"FRANK ANTHONY IERO GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE NOW!"

Gee jumped, eyes wide toward the door at Bert's angry shout.

Frank started to laugh.

"I guess Bertie found his costume."

Gee tilted his head, frowning in confusion.

"But...but isn't h-he going a-as Spider-Man?"

He asked timidly, shaking slightly.

"Suuuure he is."

Frank was still cracking up when Bert shoved Gee's door open and walked in carrying when looked like a black rug with legs.

"You did this!"

Gee squinted at the thing, backing up a step.

"W-what is it?"

He asked nervously.

"It's a giant fucking Spider!"

Bert huffed staring daggers at Frank.

Gee stepped back again.

"A s-spider?"

"Yeah, if it was a fucking cuddly stuffed animal!"

Gee frowned.

"Spiders aren't c-cuddly."

He mumbled as he edged over to his bed to pick up his Kitty stuffie and hug it to his chest.

Bert scowled and then slipped on the costume.

"Wanna bet?"

Gee just blinked at him for a moment, his head tilted. Then he started giggling.

"You do look cuddly! Can I cuddle you?"

He giggled, dropping Kitty on the bed and heading toward his friend, making grabby hands at him.

Bert sighed and took the boy into his arms. When he lifted them, the three legs attached to each rose up too on their strings and that is when Frank lost it.

"Oh my God Bert, you look...I can't!"

Frank fell to the ground and started cracking up.

"See! I knew you did this!"

Gee giggled again.

"Don't be mad Bert. Daddy made you look cute."

"I'm not going."

Gee looked up, sticking out his bottom lip and fluttering his eyelashes at Bert.

"Pleeease?"

Frank knew that Bert could not resist Gee when he pouted like that.

"Please Bert? It won't be the same without you there."

Gee said in his most innocent voice.

"Ugh, fine I'll go."

"Yey!"

Gee cheered excitedly, tiptoeing to kiss Bert's stubbly cheek. He pulled back and gave a disapproving look.

"Now go shave cos you're not going out like that."

Bert grimaced and it looked so ridiculous in the costume that Frank had to hold back again.

"Okay Gee."

He trudged out looking like a sad beetle.

Gee turned on his blood red heels and grinned at Frank.

"So can I see the masks now daddy?"

Frank looked at the time.

"I think I made you wait long enough."

Frank went to his room and returned. He was carrying two very ornate wire masks.

Gee gasped, his hands going to his mouth, then his right hand reaching out, delicate fingers tracing the fine filigree.

"They're beautiful daddy."

He breathed, eyes wide and fixed on the black wires and jewels.

"Just like you Kitten."

Frank had Gee turn around and face the mirror and then slipped the delicate mask on him.

Gee looked at himself in the mirror. That couldn't really be him...could it?

His breath hitched slightly as a tear slipped down his cheek, and past his red painted lips.

"Kitten what's wrong?"

Gee smiled shakily at Frank in the mirror.

"Nothing daddy I...I just wish David and Mikey could see me like this...they'd be proud of me..."

He turned to face Frank, looking up through his lashes and the delicate mask.

"...wouldn't they?"

"They would Kitten, you have come so far since living on the streets and doing what you had to do to survive. No one would ever fault you for that, but now you have a home, a job, and are looking healthy and feeling happy...at least I hope you are?"

Gee smiled and nodded.

"I am daddy...I just miss them is all..."

He sighed, turning away to pick up the second mask and stepping behind Frank to put it on him.

"But I guess I'll forget in time."

He said wistfully as he tied Frank's mask in place.

"Nonsense baby, once you turn 18 and no one can tell you no, we are going to go back and find your brothers and let them know you are alright."

Gee shook his head violently, eyes wide as he stepped back.

"No! N-no, I c-can't...my f-f-father..."

He didn't want to ruin his make-up, but he couldn't stop the tears that fell.

"I c-can't."

"Your father will have no power when you are 18 baby. Trust me."

He held the stray tightly against his chest.

"It will all work out."

Frank cupped his cheek lightly.

"Now, go see Lindsey so she can finish your make up."

Gee sniffed, looking up at Frank with big sad eyes.

"Yes daddy."

He said quietly before turning and leaving the room to find the older girl.

Frank watched him go. He needed to do something to ensure that Gee understood there there was a silver lining. A happy ending to everything, but he was so afraid that one wrong move would cause it all to fall.

"Christmas."

Frank gave himself a deadline that he would figure it out by Christmas. He nodded at himself in the mirror hitching his thumbs in the belt loops and then with a smirk he headed out the door.

(time passes)

"Pete, you are a fucking moron!"

"I swear it said 16+!"

"Well now you know better!"

Mikey, Pete and David were standing outside of Webster Hall arguing. Pete saw the site and told them that the age was 16+, but when they got there, they found it was 19+. Now they were stuck in the City till the next train and nothing to do.

David sighed.

"Maybe there's an all ages party somewhere else."

He wasn't very hopeful though, as most places would have sold tickets online, or have enormous lines to get in.

"It's seven on Halloween night, everything is sold out."

Mikey sighed.

"Come on, let's just head for the subway and wait for the next train. We can grab something to eat at least."

(time passes)

"Have I told you how amazing you look tonight Honey?"

Ryan had not stopped drooling over Lindsey's Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad outfit.

"As do you my dear Joker..."

Lindsey grinned, an arm slung over her boyfriend's shoulder.

"Wait...is that?..."

She broke away from the group and ran on her dangerously high heels toward another group. Gee saw her go, but was shivering in his costume and glad when Frank ushered him inside.

"Well if it isn't my favourite Halloween babies..."

She grinned, putting one arm round Mikey's shoulders, and the other around Pete's.

"What you doin' out here in the cold?"

Mikey jumped when a strange woman put her arm around him. He looked up and saw the mask, but then she lifted it and he smiled.

"Lynz."

"Hi kid...you guys Trick or Treating, or are you going to party with us guys?"

"Well we were going to go to the party, but Pete here didn't read the fine print that said 19+. David is the oldest and only 17."

"I said I was fucking sorry!"

Pete was pouting which looked stupid dressed as a zombie.

Lindsey laughed.

"Don't sweat it...I know the guy on the door. If you all promise me you won't try to drink, I'll get you in."

"Are you sure?"

David said from behind his bat mask, that nearly covered his entire face.

"Sure, why not?..."

Lindsey shrugged with a grin.

"Come on..."

She turned them and pulled them over to where Ryan, Brendon and Bert were stood waiting.

"Look who I found!"

Bert looked over and saw Pete and tried to hide, which was nearly impossible.

"Bert, is that you?"

Pete looked in wonder at the giant cuddly bug.

"Yeah, it's me."

"You look..."

Bert waited for it.

"...so fucking cute!"

He ran up and hugged Bert tightly. He wanted to rub his face in the fur, but it would ruin his make up.

David leaned into his brother's ear and whispered.

"Why is Pete hugging a giant spider?"

"Looong story. Tell ya later."

"So are you guys joining us?"

Ryan was trying not to laugh at Pete.

"Yeah, we are."

"Awesome, well then let's go!"

They got in line and as Lindsey said, they got in no problem. In fact in costume no one even asked their name, just because they had "no ID" they could not drink. That was fine with them because no one liked to.

Pete stuck to Bert like glue and frowned when lots of girls came up to him and wanted to take their picture and cuddle him. Pete felt stupidly territorial.

(time passes)

Frank was having fun dancing with Gee. Here he was able to move in close and grab his hips as they danced slow or sometimes silly to Halloween favourites.

Gee swayed his body against Frank's as the music pounded around them. He had his arms around Frank's shoulders and his head tipped back, eyes closed.

"Whatcha thinking baby?"

Gee opened his eyes and looked at Frank with a soft smile on his painted lips.

"Just about how happy I am with you."

"I'm so glad to hear that Kitten because I am very happy being with you and when your birthday comes around again, I will be even happier."

It took Gee a confused moment to realise what Frank meant...when he did, his eyes went wide and he blushed almost as red as the trims on his dress. He swatted half heartedly at Frank's shoulder with an embarrassed giggle.

"Daddy!...not here."

Frank laughed and leaned in to kiss him.

"Come on Kitten, let's get some punch."

(time passes)

"Thank you!"

"No no, thank you."

Bert smiled as another party goer took a pic with him. Maybe this costume was not so bad.

Pete pouted, leaning against the wall next to him. He didn't mean to be jealous...he just was.

"Hey Bert, we're gonna get a drink, you want something?"

Ryan had been dancing with Lindsey and had worked up a thirst.

"You too Pete..."

Lindsey added.

"My treat."

Pete smiled slightly.

"Can I have a Coke please?"

"Sure kid...Bert?"

"I'll take some of the punch."

"I'll get it."

Pete said quickly.

Bert looked at Pete. He looked like an excited puppy. He didn't want to say no.

"Sure kiddo, you can help them."

Pete shook his head.

"It's ok, I'll get them."

"Oh...well...okay."

Ryan watched the boy leave with a little spring in his step.

"Man Bert, he has it bad for you huh?"

"Don't remind me, you know how old he is."

Ryan chuckled and Bert sighed.

(time passes)

Frank was getting Gee and him punch while Gee was telling yet another party goer about his costume when he overheard a commotion near the bar.

"Sorry kid, it says you aren't 21. I don't even think you are 19 honestly."

Pete swallowed heavily...he didn't want to cry in public.

"But...but I said I'd get the drinks for my friends."

Frank walked over to them.

"Hey Pete, did you grab the punch, I kind of ran out of hands."

"You know him? Is he even old enough to be here?"

"Well technically his birthday is Monday, but they were cool with it at the door."

"So the punch isn't for him?"

"Nah, I'm a more responsible brother than that."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't realise you were family."

"Adopted, but yeah."

"Right so let me get a tray."

The guy walked away.

Pete looked at Frank.

"Frank!...thank you, I didn't even think when I told Bert I'd grab the drinks."

"It's okay kiddo. Lindsey told me you guys were here. Hey you should meet my boyfriend..."

Frank turned around, but Gee was gone.

"Ugh, he slipped away again. Well maybe later."

"Sure, ok..."

Pete grinned.

"I can take the drinks if you need to go find him."

"Yeah, go on, i trust you."

Frank waved and watched Pete go. As he looked he felt a tap on his shoulder and an arm wind around his waist.

"Where'd you go Kitten?"

"Just to the lady's room daddy...did you miss me?"

"You know I did. Come on let's dance more."

Frank swept Gee on to the dance floor and into his arms.

(time passes)

"Here you go."

Pete gave Ryan and Lindsey their drinks and was about to give Bert his when he saw something that he did not like. Some girl dressed like Little Miss Muffit, but there was nothing cute about it, practically sitting on Bert's lap.

"Well aren't you the cutest and cuddliest spider here. I'd like to invite you to my place for my curds and...whey."

Pete huffed and walked over, holding out Bert's drink with a dejected look on his face. He should've known this would happen...he wasn't even old enough to get the drinks without Frank's help.

"Here's your punch."

Bert lit up when he saw Pete. He had been trying to get rid of this woman for the past 15 min.

"Hey thanks babe."

"Babe, this little boy. Oh no honey, you need a queen bee not some little fly to keep you happy."

Pete hung his head a little.

"I should go find Mikey anyway."

He said, turning to go.

Bert grabbed for Pete and pulled him in close.

"I'm sorry sweetheart..."

He said, looking at the girl.

"...but it is my fault that you cannot see under my costume the tattoo that I have of my boyfriend's name. Also you were making me really uncomfortable to the point that I feel sexually harassed."

Pete went wide-eyed while Lindsey started giggling behind him.

"I am thinking that maybe we need to get one of the security people."

Ryan gave a stern look to the woman. She backed off right away.

"Well you should have said something instead of leading me on like that."

"He did no such thing 'Little Miss Slutbags'..."

Lindsey said with one hand on her hip.

"You just sat down cos you think you're all that but honey?...I can totally see your roots..."

She giggled.

"And your cellulite."

The girl gasped.

Bert was uncomfortable with the whole thing.

"Come on Pete, let's get out of here."

Pete nodded, at a loss for words as he took Bert's hand.

Bert pushed thought the crowd in his over stuffed costume till they were outside in the smoking section. He took out a cigarette and then remembered this was a rental.

"Fuck."

Bert shimmied out of the costume and put it aside.

Pete stood awkwardly blushing when he saw Bert in nothing but a pink t-shirt and black boxers.

"Aren't you cold?"

He asked quietly.

"That costume is roasting me like a sausage. This breeze feels amazing."

"Oh."

Pete couldn't think of anything else to say.

Bert smoked his cigarette as he watched the boy.

"Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable in there."

Pete shook his head.

"No, I'm ok."

"Still, I sholdn't have grabbed you like that or used you."

Pete smiled and blushed more.

"I liked that...I just didn't like her."

He pointed back inside where the girl was currently toe to toe with a smirking Lindsey as security approached her from behind.

"You liked...oh."

Bert felt himself blushing now.

"Pete, you know we can't...I mean not that I...what I mean is..."

Pete swallowed and looked away.

"I know you don't like me like that, it's ok I get it...I'm just a kid."

"No no no!"

Bert grabbed for the boy even though he just apologised for grabbing him before. He pulled him into a warm hug.

"It's the opposite. I like you too much that I have to keep reminding myself that we can't..."

Bert whispered in his ear so no one could hear them.

Pete melted against Bert for a moment before remembering that the older man was essentially in his underwear, and starting to blush and stutter.

"Um we um...we err...we could...if we didn't, you know...do...you know...it?"

"No no no, I can wait...I mean....if you...I don't..."

Pete looked up.

"Huh?"

"Nothing...I...we should get back inside. I'm sure your friends are worried about you."

Pete shook his head.

"Last I saw them, they were trying to out trick each other..."

He grinned at the confused look on Bert's face.

"It's a Way thing."

"Uh...okay."

Bert figured it was the school they come from or something.

"How about we go get something to eat then?"

Pete nodded.

"Sounds good but...you should probably get dressed first..."

He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Or not?"

"Ah...I have some jeans in the car."

Bert quickly texted Frank and then headed to the car. He grabbed his jeans and stowed away the costume.

"Come on Kiddo pizza on me."

Pete grinned.

"Cool."

He shot a text to Mikey, then got into the car.

(time passes)

"Well thanks for letting us hang out with you guys. Sorry we have to cut out, but we can't miss the last train."

Mikey hugged both Ryan and Lindsey and texted Pete to make sure Bert would bring him to the station on time. They waved and headed out.

"They are such nice kids. One of them though...he looked really familiar...I mean from what I could see under the mask."

Ryan held Lindsey close as they waited for the winners of the various costume contests to be called.

"I thought that too."

Lindsey murmured, but before she could think on it more, the music cut out and the m.c started talking loudly to get everyone's attention.

"HELLO HELLO NEW YORK CITYYYY..."

Everyone cheered even louder back.

"ALRIGHT ALRIGHT...SETTLE DOWN...So we're gonna start announcing the winners of the costume competition in just a moment..."

Everyone cheered again.

"OK QUIET YOU NOISY LOT..."

He laughed.

"So, we have four categories you could win, but I'm gonna call all the winners up before I say who won what...ok? So, can we have the following people up to the stage area please?...Jack Peters...Lucy Granger..."

A boy dressed as a very convincing werewolf, and a girl dressed as a broken porcelain doll walked up to their friend's cheers.

"...and as couples...Frank and Gee Iero...and Tom O'Brian and Carly Johnson."

Gee nearly fainted, his hands gripping quickly to Frank's coat.

"Did he s-say us?"

He asked weakly, looking up at Frank as a couple dressed as a zombie bride and groom walked past them toward the stage.

"I guess so baby."

Frank helped Gee up the stairs. He could hear their friends catcalling them.

"So I'm going to do the solos first..."

The m.c announced as everyone quietened down a little.

"We have the prize for cutest costume, and the prize for best..."

Everyone started hollering their opinions.

"ALRIGHT SHUT UP...IT'S ALREADY BEEN DECIDED!..."

The crowd quietened again.

"So the cutest costume prize of $100 in gift cards goes to...LUCY!"

The crowd roared and the broken doll jumped up and down in glee and kissed the m.c when he handed her an envelope.

"OK OK, CALM DOWN...so, that means that the best costume prize of $500 in gift cards goes to JACK! CONGRATS MAN!"

Everyone was cheering and Gee was pretty sure he would of passed out or run away if Frank hadn't been holding him so close.

"ALRIGHT...SO ONTO THE COUPLES!...The cutest couple prize of $100 in gift cards goes to...FRANK AND GEE!"

Gee fainted in Frank's arms.

Frank caught the boy, used to this reaction. He just can't handle it. Frank assured everyone that he was fine and took the prize money and little trophy.

The m.c carried on, his eyes flicking to Gee a couple of times, nervous that he might get sued for causing him to faint, or something.

"Ok...so that leaves the best couple's costumes prize of $500 in gift cards that goes to...TOM AND CARLY!"

After the prize was handed over, the m.c grabbed everyone's attention again before they turned away.

"BEFORE YOU GO BACK TO GETTING SHIT-FACED...we actually have one more prize. By popular demand, we have a people's choice cutest costume award. Is there a Bert McCracken here?"

Ryan looked around and didn't see him.

"What do you want with him?"

Frank moved over to the m.c, carfully cradling Gee.

"He won...isn't he here?"

He actually went and gave a friend a ride home."

"Oh, well...wait, you know him?"

"Oh yes, he came with our group tonight."

"Oh, ok then. Could you give him this?"

The m.c held out an envelope with Bert's name scrawled on the front.

"I sure can and thank you on behalf of him."

Frank smiled and waved the envelope.

Everyone cheered, but none louder than Lindsey and Ryan.

Frank carried Gee down the stairs and over to Ryan.

"Here, take him, I'm gonna take a leak and we can get going."

Frank carefully handed Gee over and then headed to the bathroom. He went to push the door open when he heard a tell tale moan and closed it quickly. Not giving a shit about gender norms he went into the women's bathroom, explained the situation and then quietly used the stall. The woman inside laughed and appreciated him being there because her zipper had gotten stuck in her hair and Frank sorted her out. When he came out of the bathroom he walked right into somone.

"Oh man, I'm sorry...Brendon?!"

Brendon was drunk, far beyond drunk. His ring master's costume was in complete disaray and Frank couldn't mistake the smell coming from him.

"Oh no Brendon you didn't...that wasn't you?"

Brendon giggled again and leaned heavily on Frank as he did a drunk 'shh' to him. Frank sighed and picked the younger man up, tossing him over his back.

"We are going to have a talk tomorrow when you get over your hangover my dear stray."

He went back to the other strays.

"Again?..."

Lindsey said, rolling her eyes when she saw her intoxicated friend.

"Time to go I think."

She smirked and then led her friends out into the night.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks...how's you?

So we're a day late...don't shoot us, we were writing it!

Hope you enjoyed it?

Until next time...PLEASE COMMENT, (cos I need it) and peace out babies!
<3