Bookworms Anonymous

He was leaning against a street light wrapped in a scarf and longish coat which skimmed his knees. It was colder than it had ever been in the summer and even though it was nearing the end of the sunshine and blue skies season it was still unfathomably bitter. So cold it could’ve snowed. Somehow he had stupidly forgotten his earphones as he was rushing out of his apartment before he was late for his date. So instead of engulfing himself in music whilst he rode the subway and walked around the busy streets and he was left to listen to the muttering of the dwellers and the unbearable drone of city life. He blew into his scarf warming the air around his neck and lips. The buzz of cars and trains and people and everything a city contained was becoming intolerable to him and he was becoming restless. Gerard was meant to be here five minutes ago.

Gerard was stumbling around the corner onto the little alley beside the bookstore where he said he’d meet Frank at that moment. His legs had seemed to lose all feeling in the cold and he had lost all ability to keep himself upright. His legs were like rubber and his feet numb as he shivered and walked a little faster knowing he was late. The feeling of coldness left him in the mere seconds after seeing him. Settled against the black street light staring into nothing. His little nose and puffy cheeks bright red from the bitter temperatures and the air around him glowed and illuminating his chattering teeth and melancholy look. Gerard warmed with the feeling of contentedness. No nervous butterflies anymore. No shy smiles and slight touches. Now he was full of ugly laughing and bed hair. Coffee breath and the momentous feeling of comfort when he looked in those beautiful brown eyes. He doesn’t know exactly how to put that feeling into words yet. He doesn’t know how to tell Frank. All he knows is that he wants to feel this way forever. He wants coffee breath and bed hair every morning. He was nothing but that. He wants to huddle close to Frank and feel his energy and his everything. All he wants is him and the feeling he gives him.

Without even looking in his direction or even moving in any way at all Frank spoke to Gerard. ‘Are you going to stand there and stare at me all night until we both die of hypothermia or are you gonna take me on this date?’ Gerard giggled moving closer like an explorer in the wild approaching a beautiful rare bird not wanting to scare it away. His blush was hidden by the fact it was hitting zero degrees and Gerard thanked the heavens for that. He shuffled over to him awkwardly his feet scuffing against the pavement making the most irritating noise the rubber scraping against the concrete pavement and made Franks skin crawl, but he smiled up anyway.

‘Sorry, it was Lindsey’s fault though.’ Frank squinted slightly as Gerard stood in front of him. ‘Ever since she got that cast off and had been able to walk without crutches she has been the most irritating thing.’ He sighed exasperatedly leaning into Frank more as he was still slumped against the street light. ‘She made me carry her all the way from her apartment to the milkshake place and then she made me pay for the milkshakes because she’s a ‘starving musician’! Ha! Yeah and I’m a starving artist and student. I love her, but god did she really have to use me as her mule? And then she…’ Gerard trailed off when Frank giggled slightly and rolled his eyes while still staring up at him. ‘What?’ Gerard mumbled tilting his head slightly.

‘Nothing, it’s just…well…’ Frank giggled again and touched Gerard’s arm a little before settling his hand on his hip. ‘You used to not be able to utter a word to me…and now your ranting at me like a full speed train and it's even cuter than when you were a nervous mess.’ Gerard blushed again, but the bitter wind protected his embarrassment. Frank stared up at him and smiled sloppily while Gerard chewed nervously on his bottom lip. ‘Can I kiss you?’ Frank mumbled suddenly and so quietly that Gerard wouldn’t’ve have heard him if they weren’t so close at that point. Frank could feel the heat coming off of Gerard’s presence and he wanted to feel a little more.

‘You don’t have to ask permission, Frank.’ Was Gerard’s quick response and then he did that pouty smile thing he always did when he was nervous and it made Frank’s heart race. Frank moved closer and even though it isn’t actually physically possible Gerard was sure he could feel his heart beat. The butterflies were back and Gerard wasn’t disappointed. He was so sure they were passed, the cute embarrassment and nervous butterflies, but it looks like they still had a little bit left in them. And Gerard was okay with that. Franks grins was so captivating that Gerard wasn’t even aware of how close they were until Frank spoke again and he could feel his breath on his sensitive and numb lips.

‘I know.’ He muttered before kissing him softly, their cold lips moved in sync and even though it was a fleeting kiss it filled Gerard with enough warmth to restart the summer sun and ensure another heatwave for the city. He moved his hand up to cup Frank's cheek and his gloved thumb stroked along his cheekbone as Frank settled both of his hands on Gerard’s hips. There once chapped cold lips seemed to no longer resemble that of corpses lips and as Gerard pulled away they both were smiling and glowing slightly. ‘Hmm, you’re getting better..’ Frank mumbled pushing himself off of the street light and giggling.

‘HEY! Enough of your cheek! I am a much better kisser than you!’ Gerard called after him grabbing his hand and pulling him around. Frank smiled up at him and smiled mischievously.

‘There is no way to prove it though is there Gee…’ Frank trailed off signing their connected arm back and forth and swinging slightly still grinning and loving the reaction from his boyfriend he was getting. ‘I mean unless you wanna get a random person to kiss us both and then judge us both, cause that sounds like a fun night out!’ Gerard shook his head laughing slightly before pulling Frank down the street. ‘Quite kinky actually…’ He mumbled into his ear as he chased him slightly to keep up.

‘Shut up Frank. I’m taking you on a date now…’ Gerard groaned still smiling brightly. Frank followed happily, but still wanting to wind Gerard up.

‘Oh, dominant are we?’ Gerard huffed pulling him quickly taking long strides meaning Frank had to run to keep up with him. ‘Hey! I’m only small remember!’ Frank didn’t get a reply, but as he watched Gerard walk ahead of him -with his pixie nose and thin pink lips, his wispy hair tucked under a ridiculous hat ,which Frank had to bring up later, his captivating eyes, his little giggle and pouty smile, his everything- he couldn’t help think about how happy he was in that very moment. He felt so content it made his heart wanna burst out of his chest. He wanted to feel this way forever.

~~~~~~~

Frank gazed up at the brightly lit store which seemed to be trapped between two desolate buildings. The juxtaposition between the two decaying buildings and the bright, warm and a little too nineties place was astounding. The crumbling buildings were obviously unoccupied and if they were it was by rodents and cockroaches. But walking down this little quiet lane in the middle of a bustling city the only thing that catches your eye is the glowing little store which seemed like a wonderland. Frank didn’t say anything as he was dragged in and met by a tall man with more hair than body. Gerard was talking to him, probably the usual meet and greet and he was probably introducing Frank, but he wasn’t paying attention to them he was amazed that he lived in this city for so long and never knew this place existed. It glowed with illuminating signs and the smell of old vinyl engulfed his nostrils and carried him along the isles and isles of music and creativity. Gerard was watching him while he spoke to Ray. His eyes lit up and scanned the place he was walking around in awe and it made his chest feel warmer than that it had ever felt. Like someone has lit a campfire in his ribcage and started roasting marshmallows. Everything was kind of perfect in a way which was so imperfect. Frank was stood in-between the two sets of staircases which led to an upper balcony floor looking up at the bright signs referring to time era’s, genres and artists when he suddenly turned towards the two taller figures at the front of the store.

‘This place is amazing…’ He whispered almost like he was in shock. The guy with the big hair smiled brightly and Gerard looked sad. But he always looked sad when he thought no one was really paying attention. ’This is like a dream.’ Frank laughed moving towards the two causing Gerard to turn to Ray and nudged him slightly. ‘You own this place?’ Ray nodded slightly smiling down at the teen. ‘I think I’m in love.’ Frank turned back to the place taking it all in. Gerard placed his hand on Frank’s shoulder causing him to turn back towards him.

‘Frank this is The Hair also known as Ray, Ray this is Frank.’ He smiled at them both as they waved at each other awkwardly. ‘I knew you’d love it here.’ Gerard giggled moving behind Frank and jumping on the desk and gesturing to the huge place. ‘Have a look then.’ Ray jumped up and joined him and Frank turned and started to rummage through the ’New Music’ section which had become bigger since Gerard had stumbled in here when he was 16.

‘Hows your dad?’ Gerard mumbled to Ray not taking his eyes off of Franks glowing form.

‘Hmm, good days and bad days.’ Ray smiled sadly tapping his fingers on his thigh nervously. ‘He hasn’t been in the shop for a while, can’t deal with the long days anymore.’ Gerard grabbed his hand and squeezed it slightly. ‘I wanna keep the shop going for him, but I can’t do it on my own you know?’ Ray laughed shuffling his free hand through his hair. ‘Know anyone who is looking for a job or change in career? I need some help you know?’ Gerard nodded smiling up at his friend.

‘It’ll work out Ray.’ Gerard looked back over at Frank who is scanning ‘Rock Singles’.
‘John Lennon ‘Imagine’ single?’ Frank turned towards them holding the record. ‘I need this in my life!’ He laughed placing it on the table top and smiling up at the two of them. ‘So Ray, how long have you known Gee?’ Frank smiled as Ray scanned the record into the till.

‘We met when I was 18, so he was like 16?’ Ray said quietly looking at Gerard to make sure the detail were right. ‘He came in the shop and i was asleep.’ Frank laughed slightly looking up at Gee who was still perched on the counter top trying to imagine what he was like when he was 16 probably nerdy and cute and just as beautiful, but a bit more awkward. ‘In my defence,’ Ray muttered causing Frank to look at him. ‘it was like 11 o’clock. I still don’t know why we are open this late we never get customers, but dad insists.’ Ray looked a little sad again and Frank felt his heart drop.

‘What was Gee like when he was 16?’ Frank questioned feeling intrigued, but also desperate to change the course of conversation. Ray smirked and hummed to himself slightly like hew as trying to remember.

‘Quirky, nerdy, chubby and all round awesome.’ Ray said simply looking up at Gerard and watching the way he looked at the younger boy and not knowing if he’d ever seen Gerard look that way in the many years he’s known him. ‘Oh he was so awkward especially compared to Mikey, you’ve met him right?’ Frank nodded slightly remembering the awkward encounter. ‘ Mikey is cool and composed and always had a girl on his arm and Gerard well he was awkward, greasy and unable to talk to any girls apart from Lindsey, but we all knew that wouldn’t be an issue if you know what I mean?’ Frank burst out laughing clasping his hand across his mouth and trying to stop himself from giggling. ‘Gerard was strange, but we love him.’ Frank nodded before handing over the 15 dollars for the record before Gerard butted in.

‘No, this is my date. I am paying.’ He said sternly before smiling down at him. he jumped off the counter and handed over the money and grabbing the little plastic bag the record came in. ‘Now unless you lot want to talk about me a little more, me and Frankie here have somewhere to be.’ Ray shook his head slightly before turning to Frank and smiling.
‘It was nice to meet you, Frank, even though it was fleeting, come back soon?’ Frank nodded quickly before replying.

‘Nice to meet you too, and I will be hanging out here now instead of the bookstore.’ Frank and Ray giggled while Gerard grabbed Franks hand and tried to pull him out of the store.
‘Again, places to be Frankie.’ Gerard called before waving goodbye to Ray.

‘Bye, guys!’ He called waving to two of them.

~~~~~~~~

Frank was wondering the streets with his fingers laced in his, tightly secured and warm. He was becoming more aware of the area and he was looking around kind of in a world of his own. Gerard was talking about something and rambling in that way where he uses his hands too much and moves his entire body to tell a story. Frank let go of his hand and stopped when Gerard started to get more into the story and they were facing each other outside Bowery’s as he ranted excitedly at him.

’So basically this band turned out to be really fucking good, like theatrical indie, but not indie…more alternative. Oh, I don’t know, but it’s beautiful.’ Gerard bony fingers twisted through the air as he spoke like they were gripping onto the wind. ‘Also the lead singer is…wow…’ Gerard’s eyes went wide and rolled all the way around dramatically as Frank giggled at him.

‘Great, so you're taking me on a date to go see the guy you have a massive crush on?’ Frank laughed still watching Gerard’s hands which were now having at his side still itching with movement and twitching slightly.

’No…I don’t have a massive crush on him…I did have…and I was just making an observation! You can look too.’ Gerard’s hands were off again floating through the air and creating crazy patterns in the frosty sky. Frank watched in a bemused awe giggling slightly at Gerard’s flustered speech. He suddenly grabbed Gerard’s hands and clasped them in his own once more and smiled up at him silencing his continuous mumble.

‘Let’s go…we don’t wanna miss the gig…’ Frank whispered swaying his and Gee’s hands back and forth but not actually moving into the club. Gerard nodded smiling down at him and moving his head to look towards the busy club fluttering with people and pulsing with music. The bitter wind was forgotten once they had stepped cautiously into the social bubble of loud chatter and taken a seat at the bar where Gerard ordered them drinks. The place was like any other music club bustling with people all awaiting the band to come out and entertain. Once they did Frank seemed mesmerised. The venue was slightly dingy and murky with charm and ridden with age, but it seemed to add to the character of the band. A tiny band with a little fanbase, but overwhelming talent turned the crumbling buildings into a warm mixture of radiance and beauty. Gerard wasn’t paying any attention though to anything. How could he when in front of him bobbing his head and mumbling lyrics was the most beautiful human being he had ever set eyes on looking even happier than a bird singing sweetly on a warm summers morning. How could G focus on the wondrous talent on the stage when he was pondering over how he got so lucky to even, in the millions of years of the universe, be existing at the same point in time as Frank Iero.

Frank leaned over slightly gripping onto the bar to keep himself upright on the stool as he called over to Gerard. ’They’re good!’ Gerard nodded in response turn to the stage to see that the band hadn’t changed at all since he had seen them all those years ago. Gotten a bit older, singers hairs cut in a different style, the songs are perfected and engrained into their memories, the chords swirling around their subconscious, but apart from that they are still the same band. Everything changes and that's okay. 'Gee?' Gerard looked around at him and smiled. 'Whats with the hat?' He diverted his eyes at this point smiling slightly and shrugging. Frank tilted his head and moved closer and before Gerard could react he pulled the hat from his head and revealed his blonde messy locks. Gerard cringed slightly trying to grab the hat back. Frank could see how self-conscious he felt so he handed it back to him, but before he could put it back on his head he grabbed his arm to stop him and shouted to him so he could be heard. 'I like it.' Gerard stopped slightly and looked baffled before a small smile crept onto his face slowly and he placed the hat on the bar beside them and nodded turning back to the stage.

After the gig Frank begged him to stay after and let him meet the band. He pleaded that he’d introduce them and stay a little longer, but Gee couldn’t bare the noise anymore and he couldn’t bear being around all those people for any longer.

‘Next time..’ He promised as he pushed their way out of the crowd and back out into the streets. That's the difference between the two. Frank wasn’t a social butterfly as such, but he thrived in big groups and was fully alive when he was talking and listening and being around as many people as possible. While Gee liked his few friends and lived for isolation and time for contemplation and loved nothing more than his own mind and his own presence.
‘What now?’ Frank mumbled as they both stood in the doorway of the club as people pushed as them to get home and out of the cold bitter air as soon as possible. Gerard shrugged looking down at him and lacing their fingers together once more. Suddenly it started to snow slightly onto the streets causing people to gaze up in slight horror and shock.

'Snow in September?' Frank mumbled while he gazed up like a kid on Christmas holding out his gloved hand and catching a snowflake which soon melted into the fabric. Gerard didn't say anything, just stared up in delight at the beautiful white snow floating his dust down from the dark sky. The moment was quickly ripped from them as a homeless man skipped past screaming about global warming.

‘You hungry?’ He smiled as both their eyes followed the crazy man.

‘Very.’ Frank squeezed his hand and returned the toothy grin.

‘I know a place..’ Gee mumbled before leading Frank again into the darkened city only lit by the cigarette smoke of the night owls.

Notes

Another chapter DONE! Proud of myself! WHO ELSE IS EXCITED FOR FRANKS ANNOUNCEMENT ON WEDNESDAY???? Tell me what you think!!!!

-C