Gerard is tapping his fingers impatiently against the steering wheel when Mikey finally emerges from the hospital, smirking as he slides into the passenger seat of the Trans Am. Even though there is nothing Gerard wants to do more than go in and see Frank for himself, he swiftly pulls out of the parking lot and starts driving them home.

“Well?” Gerard prompts when Mikey doesn’t give him an update right away.

Mikey is still smirking annoyingly. “He’s funny,” he says.

Gerard rolls his eyes. “I know that. But how is he doing?”

Mikey sighs exaggeratedly. “Why don’t you ask him yourself?”
“Mikey,” Gerard groans, “I swear to god if you don’t tell me this instant—”

“He’s fine, Gee,” Mikey interrupts. “Bit of a temper, though. But really, you should go talk to him yourself. It’s not gonna get better if he never has to see you.”

Gerard barely refrains from punching the steering wheel. “I’m trying to respect his space! Everyone’s being so pushy! Am I the only one listening to what Frank wants?”

Mikey crosses his arms like he’s been offended. “Maybe you’re the only one stupid enough to not realize what Frank actually wants,” he counters scornfully.

Gerard glances at his brother in confusion. “What does that mean?”

“Just trust me,” Mikey sighs. “Don’t give up on him yet.”

Gerard mulls this over, trying to figure out what Mikey is implying. After a few minutes of reflection, Gerard asks, “Did he, uh, say anything about me?”

Mikey resumes smirking. “He wanted me to give you a message.”

Gerard nearly swerves into car in the next lane but steadies himself. “Oh?” he replies casually. “And what would that be?”

“Well, first off he wants you to stop bringing food and checking up on him,” Mikey reports, but before Gerard can sag in his seat Mikey adds, “but that’s total bullshit because he was really into that taco. And he seemed like he needed the company. Secondly, he suggested a specific place you could shove your excuses, if you catch my meaning. And then he said your being gay wasn’t an excuse—”

This time Gerard did swerve into the next lane but luckily there were no cars beside him and the red car behind him merely honked. By the time Gerard is back in his lane, Mikey is speaking again.

“I didn’t tell him, Gee, I swear!” Mikey insists hurriedly. “He just guessed.”

“How the hell could he have guessed that?” Gerard growls.

“Well,” Mikey drawls, and the smirk is back. “Because he’s gay too.”

***

“Can I tell you a secret?” Jamia whispers as they sip coffees at Starbucks. Before Gerard can nod, she goes on, “You’re being stupid.”

“Oh,” Gerard replies, rolling his eyes. “How so?”

“Well, in many ways,” she clarifies, “but especially when it comes to a certain hospital patient.”

Gerard drinks his latte again, not gracing her with a reply.

“Stop avoiding him, Gee,” she advises.

“Honestly, Jamia,” Gerard sighs tiredly, “he doesn’t want to see me.”

“Yes he does, don’t be stupid,” Jamia responds flippantly.

Gerard gives her an incredulous look. “Have you listened to anything he’s said about me, ever?”

“Well, I’m still mad at you,” she tells him matter-of-factly.

Gerard blinks at the sudden topic change. “I’m sorry,” he tries, but Jamia reaches over and hits his shoulder hard. “Ow!” he complains, “I said I’m sorry!”

Jamia gives him a disapproving look. “You need to apologize to Frank, not me. Then I’ll consider forgiving you.”

Gerard sighs. “I think he’d prefer if I just disappeared from his life.”

“No, he wouldn’t,” Jamia retorts angrily. “And if you would just go talk to him on your own you might just figure that out.”

“He hates me, Jamia,” Gerard responds bitterly. “He hates me. As he should.”

Jamia makes a visible effort to deescalate and reaches over to rest her hand on top of his. “Trust me, Gee. Just because you can’t forgive yourself yet, doesn’t mean he can’t forgive you.”

Notes

Sorry this took awhile--I hope to update again shortly! Thank you for your feedback!