Bookworms Anonymous

You could feel the summer breeze flow through the busy shop as customers moved in and out freely like the wind. Outside the sun was shining brightly illuminating the tidy streets which bustled with people. Tightly packed and moving as one the crowds in NYC were a wondrous sight as the blooming summer heat floated through the bright blue skies and wrapped itself around the buildings securely ensuring the sun tan lotion and sandals were pulled from their hiding spots and donned as people prepared to battle the weather. Inside the little dusty bookstore, stacked high with unimaginable possibilities and fantastical whims and treacherous plots, was a trickle of people scanning those stacked imaginings. The deep greens, browns and reds of the old place seemed to stand out in the bright street, but that only captured the imagination of those book lovers who floated with the rest.

The quiet chatter and movement of the little place was like music to the young artist’s ears as he sketched, behind the wooden desk, quickly full of inspiration for his summer project. ‘The Epitome of Prepossessing’. The title that was once the bane of his existence was now a sketch pad full of sketches and colour and beauty and all because of the guy who walked into his life years ago, but only in the last month had he changed his life. Tonight was going to be their first date and it was Frank’s job to plan it. That was the deal, Gerard would plan one date and Frank would plan one as well. Gerard was nervous he already knew that it was going to be at Franks apartment and the thought made his heart race and his hands shake. So he tried not to think about it as he sketched the mans tattoos on the final page of the sketch book.

‘Hello?’ A small and meek voice called up from behind the wooden desk, Gerard got up quickly peering over it and seeing a little girl staring up at him with a pile of books resting in her arms. She pushes them up onto the desk huffing at the effort but smiling triumphantly when she finally gets them up. ‘Can I please have these.’ She smiles a little more confidence in her voice when Gerard returns the smile. He scans the books through the till and places them in a little bag for the girl. Suddenly a small women appears behind the little girl placing a hand on her shoulder.

‘What are you doing sweetie?’ The women, obviously her mother, questions the girl. ‘You know we can’t get the books until next week hunnypie.’ The women around the same age as Gerard looked up and apologised as Gerard cancelled the order and smiled reassuringly. The little girl began to whisper to her mother and Gerard pretended not to hear as the little girl as she begged her mother for the book. ‘Sweetie mommy can’t afford it just now, but next time okay?”

‘Okay…’ The little girl smiling and kissing her mother on the cheek. Suddenly a man Gerard hadn’t noticed yet spoke up.

‘Hey, is that the story about the monkey George?’ Gerard recognised the voice immediately and looked up quickly to catch a glimpse of his boyfriend.

‘Yes’ The girl smiled up at Frank and then looked sad again.

‘I hope you enjoy it, it was my favourite book when I was your age.’ Frank stated shooting a smile to Gerard making him blush slightly.

‘Well, I can’t get it just now, but mommy might be able to get it for me next week. Eh mom?” The women nods sadly taking a hold of the little girls had and squeezing.

‘Well,’ Frank mutters picking up the book from the pile Gerard had made so that he could put them back after closing. ‘Why don’t I get you this one for and then you can read it now.’ The little girl eyes lit up as Frank passed her the book and Frank smiled brightly when the girl let go of her mothers hands and wrapped her arms around the man and squeezed tightly.

‘You don’t have to do that.’ The woman muttered quietly shocked at the mans generosity.

‘Don’t be ridiculous! I’m just happy kids are still reading…’

Once the little girl and her mother had left, after ten minutes of thanking Frank and jumping around telling every customer that the nice man bought her a book, Gerard stepped from behind the desk and hugged Frank tightly.

‘How did I end up so lucky that my boyfriend is the nicest guy ever.’ Frank giggled at Gerards words before pulling away and kissing him lightly on the nose.

‘We are both the luckiest guys in the world.’

~~~~~~~~~

Gerard was locking the door and pulling down the shutters when the darkened clouds started to push through the pale skies signifying the beginning of the night and G could feel his stomach start to tie itself into complicated knots like those ones they learn at boy scouts and ones he’d never be able to untie. He needed a cigarette.

He leant agains the old windows of the shop and lit up a cigarette and began to puff out smoke like a old chimney in victorian London. Frank stood in front of him not saying a word but just looking awe.

‘What?’ Gerard asked after he blew out another puff of poison staring up at the man smiling doefully at him.

‘How do you make something so disgusting look so…’ Frank trailed off unable to decided how to describe what Gerard was doing.

‘So what?’ Gerard raised an eyebrow taking in another inhale nicotine.

‘Majestic’ Frank said cautiously as if he was testing it out to see how it tasted on his tongue. Gerard spluttered and coughed as he laughed the younger mans wording. ‘No…no that's wrong…’ Gerard regained his composure and waited for the finale of the sentence. ‘Spectacular.’ Frank mutters confidently as Gerard stubbed out his cigarette and stood up and grabbed a hold of the younger mans hand and squeezed it tightly.

‘So…what are we doing tonight?’ Gerard asked for probably the eightieth time that week. Frank groaned pulling him across the quiet streets and closer to his apartment.

‘It’s a surprise G..’ Frank muttered as he trudged closer, but Gerard stopped suddenly crossing his arms and pouting. ‘God you are such princess…’ Frank giggled putting out his hand and offering to tell him whats happening in just that small gesture. Gerard leaned down taking his hand and whispering in he is ear simultaneously.

‘Your princess Frankie.’ These words made Frank shiver slightly and blush and G pulled away and continued to walk. After recovering from Gerard’s forwardness Frank started to tell him the plans for their evening.

’So I bought some wine and I thought I’d make some vegetarian lasagne for you and then I have a little surprise, which I’m not telling you about just yet..’ Frank finally could see his apartment in sight and kept pulling Gerard along since he had no idea where Frank lived. ‘Then I thought maybe we could watch a movie and have some goodies and..’ He let go of Gerards hand when they descended the stairs up to Franks apartment building. ‘And i know it isn’t anything fancy, but we aren’t really fancy people and…’ Frank trailed off when Gerard spun him around and kissed him pushing up against his door the key only half turned and the handle pushed down. As Gerard kissed him softly showing his appreciation for the date Frank had planned Frank opened the door properly moving them inside the flat and away from the prying eyes of the neighbours he knew were looking through their peepholes at that very moment. Gerard pushed Frank in kissing him still until her was knocked off of his feet by something jumping on him. Frank was giggling furiously as Gerard was attacked by his two dogs. Jack his scruffy little Jack Russell and Blue his greyhound. Gerard wasn’t laughing he was shocked by the quick transition between kissing Franks soft lips to being licked to death by a pair of excited puppies.

‘Frank!’ Gerard squeaked slightly when one of the dogs sat of his neck and face. Frank shooed Jack off of Gerard and helped him off the floor.

‘Not a fan of dogs?’ Frank worriedly. ‘Because I just assume everyone loves dogs as much as I do and I probably should have warned you..’ Frank trailed off when Gerard started to laugh.

‘Frankie! You idiot I love dogs!’ Frank sighed in relief and physically relaxed.

‘Good because if you didn’t I don’t think this could’ve worked out.’ Gerard laughed scanning the room for the first time and taking in how much the place reminded him of Frank…the smell, the way it felt warm and homely and inviting and the fact it was covered in everything that represented him. Vinyls, books, two guitars, notebooks everywhere and his adorable dogs. Suddenly the butterflies that had consumed his stomach fluttered around the room and all tension followed them. The utter 'Frankness' of the room made Gerard relax and feel insanely comfortable. He felt like he belonged.

‘So you hungry?’Frank clicked Gerard out of his merry trance and into the real world which was just a s good as his little dream world and that made his smile brightly.

‘Very!’

~~~~~~~~~~

‘I am so sorry, G,’ Frank whined as he picked up his mobile from the depths of the mess that cluttered his kitchen. ‘I honestly thought I had the recipe down.’ He didn’t even look up from his phone feeling too embarrassed by how horrendous the date had been so far. But, Gerard only found it endearing.

‘And I thought all Italians could cook.’ Gerard muttered nonchalantly and Frank groaned.

‘I am part Italian.’ He argued putting the phone to his hear and waiting for it to ring.

‘Yeah, but not the part that is talented in the kitchen.’ Gerard retorted laughing at Franks misery.

‘I’ll make up for it in the bedroom, baby…Oh fuck! Sorry not you…I mean…No I…’ Gerard burst out laughing as Frank tried not to offend the man on the other end of the phone anymore. ‘Can I have a delivery please?” He said desperately just wanting something to work out that night. Once Frank had ordered there foods he began to clean away his failed attempt at vegetarian lasagna and started unpacking other ingredients. Gerard came up behind his intrigued by what his boyfriend was planning.

‘Babe, please don’t tell me you’re gonna try to cook again..’ Frank elbowed Gerard in the side as the other fought against him wrapping his arms around Frank and laying his head against his shoulder.

‘No, you are going to show me…how to make that butter beer drink…’ Gerard smiled widely as Frank turned around. ‘It was meant to be really cute we were gonna have lasagna and then we were gonna make butter beer and then watch movies and ugh…It’s just a mess…’ Gerard giggled shaking his head.

‘No Frank, its perfect.’ He leaned down and kissed Frank softly of the lips. ‘You’re perfect’ Gerard laughed dryly. ’This. All this is perfect and it’s all I’ve ever wanted.’ Frank laughed too smiling up at him. ‘Now, I think its time a taught you how to actually cook…’

The making of the butter beer went better than expected and definitely seemed of calm Frank down from his irregular state of nervousness he had been experiencing before their little baking session. Gerard was currently sitting crossed legged on Franks breakfast bar sipping from a mug and grinning as the sounds of Bob Dylan swayed through he air along with the smell of butterscotch and the underlying whiff of burnt lasagna simmering out into just a memory as the two were smiling happily.

‘I think putting vodka in these was the best idea I’ve had since my lasagna idea…’ Frank giggled sipping from Gerard’s cup and swaying slightly as the alcohol buzzed through his minds relaxing him and making him feel on top of the world.

‘Hmmm…Definitely..’ Gerard smiled looking down at the boy from his spot on top of the counter. They stayed like that for a while sharing the drink and swaying the music that Gerard had chosen from Franks varied collection. But the moment splintered when there was a knock at the door. ‘Food!’ Gerard called jumping down from the counter top and following Frank over to the door where their pizzas were waiting.

They settled into the couch eating leisurely and talking about anything that came to their minds.

‘What do you want to do with your existence Frankie?’ Frank giggled at the wording before swallowing down a chunk of pizza and replying.

‘I want to write. Songs, poems, books. Lives, plots and thoughts. Thats why I’m going to do English lit. it took me two years, but i think I’ve made the right choice.’ Gerard nodded taking a sip from the mug which was nearly empty. ‘What about you G.’

‘I want to create art Frankie. And I think I found my muse.’ He said bopping Frank on the nose and giggling. Frank placed the empty pizza box on the floor and tackled G to the couch.

’Shut up, G.’ He said tickling him and giggling at the older man. Gerard squirmed slightly blushing profoundly and bubbling with happiness.

‘Just telling the truth.’ Gerard bit his lip looking up at him and winking and Frank just took that as an invitation to tickle him more. But then he groaned in pain doubling over and causing Frank to jump off of him and stare in shock. ‘Argh, Fuck.’ He sat up quickly and put his head in his hand and kept swearing under his breathe.

‘Whats wrong?” Frank placed a hand on G’s shoulder and stared worryingly at the pain ridden man.

‘You kneed me in the fucking balls Frank.’ Gerard squealed trying really hard not to cry as he rocked methodically back and fourth.

’Shit, Gerard I’m so sorry…Fuck’ Frank stared at him like an idiot for moment before jumping into action. ‘Ice pack, pain killers…lie down. It’ll help.’ Frank ran to the kitchen area and came back with an ice pack. Gerard was lying on the couch his hands still covering his face.

‘I fell like I’m gonna puke…’ Frank passed Gerard the icepack and ran through the bathroom to get painkillers which Gerard took thankfully before Frank settled on the floor beside Gerard’s head. ‘Thanks.’

‘For kicking you in the balls?’ Frank questioned leaning his face on the sofa beside Gerard’s.

‘For getting the painkillers you idiot.’ Frank smiled closing his eyes. ‘You tired Frankie?’

‘Hmm…no just resting my eyes.’ Gerard laughed before leaning forward and kissing him on the nose.

~~~~~~~

‘Hey, Frankie?’ Gerard watched Frank as he sat with his head next to his and snored peacefully. He admired how pretty the boy was as he sat there and was so vulnerable and so peaceful at the same time. His muscles relaxed as his eyes fluttered slightly and he sighed.

‘Hmm?’ He replied feeling the strain in his neck and he grimaced slightly opening an eye and looking at Gerard who’s face was a bit too close.

‘It’s only 9.’ He giggled which caused Frank to laugh and kiss him on the lips.

‘I am so sorry…This was the worst date ever.’ Frank rolled his eyes feeling an overwhelming feeling of just utter embarrassment.

‘No, honestly Frank..’ But Gerard wasn’t able to finish his sentence.

’No…Firstly my dogs attacked you, I then burned the lovely romantic meal I was cooking for you, I then proceeded to flirt with he pizza place guy accidentally and then I got tipsy and then I kick you in the balls and to top it all off I fell asleep.’ Frank buried his face into the sofa cushion and groaned.

‘Honestly, I’ve had worse…’ Gerard admitted trying to make Frank feel better.

‘Really?’ Frank lifted his head and smiled up at him feeing a little less embarrassed.

‘No, of course not Frank. You kicked me int he balls…I don’t know where you learned your dating skills but that has to be like number one faux pas.’ Gerard joked sitting up and pulling Frank onto the sofa with him. ‘Frank, it doesn’t matter if you made me clean your entire apartment and walk your dogs. I just like spending time with you.’ Frank smiled thankfully.

‘You should have mentioned that before, because I really need a new dog walker and cleaner…’ Frank and Gerard laughed simultaneously before cuddling on the couch and settling into lying positions. Jack and Blue joined them, Jack curling in Gerard’s laps and Blue taking up the little spot of free couch at the bottom. Gerard stroked Jacks soft ears methodically before he started talk again.

‘What’s you favourite colour Frank?’ Frank paused for a moment before answering.

‘You know what orangey pink the sky goes when its a summers evening and the sun settles and casts a melody of those colours across the sky.’ Gerard nods knowing exactly what colour he is describing. ‘Yeah, thats my favourite colour.’ He whispers. ‘What about you? You’re the artist here.’

‘I don’t have a favourite, it changes all the time.’ He mutters staring out of the large floor to roof windows which had the most amazing view of the city for someone who lived there. It wasn’t the big skyscrapers and all the fancy city lights. It was New York’s hidden beauty it was the deep blue sky settling over the millions of city dwellers who sat in their little apartments with their little jobs changing the world in the smallest of ways. ‘Like one day this girl came in the shop with this bright yellow sundress on and I fell involve. That colour just inspired me. Then the next day, the very next day. You came in the shop and it was the first time you bought something and I looked at you up close and I loved the colour of your eyes, brown and green at the same time. A beautiful swirl of chocolate and emerald. That was my favourite colour until now. Now I look out into the city and see the dark black of the apartment buildings and how they reflect the glow of the street light and create that grey in-between tone that settles in the air. Thats my favourite colour in this very moment.’ Frank stared down at Gerard and smiled cuddling him closer and sighing happily.

And as they sat in that little apartment with their little jobs and insignificant purposes they may not have changed the world, but they changed each others lives and that all that matters. The city slept in its midnight blue sky lit streets and so did they and everything was peaceful and beautiful.

Notes

OOOOOKKAAAAYYYYY
So sorry that took like three weeks to write. Ha.

hA.

Nah, but srsly I was kinda knocked off balance when I and to move account and ugh. Anyway appreciate this because I had to Google 'what to do when you get kicked in the balls' and if my mum sees that she will be concerned. *deletes history*

Anyway, tell me what you think and if you haven't seen it yet, Aftermath did finish and it was sad and :( But its done and I hope you enjoyed it! And if you haven't read it you should totally go read it!

-C