Valmont

Gerard woke in the morning to find Frank gone. He asked Patrick what He knew, but he was running errands. He had lost two friendships maybe three. He needed to fix things. He got dressed and headed to Brendon's without telling Patrick.

*

*

*

Brendon's maid rushed down the hallway to her master's chamber. She knocked softly, but urgently.

"Go away. I am not at home to anyone today."

"But it's Master Way."

The maid waited several moments, worried that Master Urie hadn't heard her, then...

"Show him into the salon."

"Yes, sir."

Gerard sat in the salon. He fidgeted a little. When the door to Brendon's bedroom opened he stood. Brendon looked tired. He had no makeup on and was unusually dressed to the neck showing no skin. Brendon quietly closed the door to his bedroom and turned to face Gerard. He leaned one hand on the back of the chair opposite the other man. He tilted his head and spoke softly.

"You must have a lot of courage Gerard...coming here after you sent that lunatic harp teacher to kill me."

"That was crass of me I know."

Gerard watched Brendon walk around him to sit. His eyes were cold and hurt.

"I am sorry."

"Really?"

Brendon raised an eyebrow.

"Gerard, you are an awful man."

"I am. I know it...that's why he left me."

Gerard looked down defeated. Brendon watched Gerard curiously...he seemed different somehow...like he actually had a heart. He waited to see if Gerard would elaborate.

"I know now that trifling with matters of the heart is dangerous. I hurt so many...including you."

Brendon softened his expression.

"You did...but I am as awful as you, and that is why we should never be enemies...we should always be friends..."

He smiled fondly.

"Good friends."

Gerard reached for him.

"More than friends."

"Lovers?"

"Yes."

"But we tried that already..."

Brendon smiled.

"Remember?"

"We were young and foolish. We are older now."

Gerard dropped to his knees in front of Brendon. He placed a hand on his knee, which was showing through a slit in the robe.

"I would treat you well."

Brendon's eyes widened.

"You're not proposing marriage...are you?"

"Why not?"

Gerard moved his hand up further.

"We like each other and we know each other. We could be good together."

He reaches up with his other hand to touch Brendon's face.

"We would, but then..."

Brendon stood and stepped away. He turned back to face Gerard...his expression cold.

"Which one of us would betray the other first this time?"

Gerard dropped his hands. He got up and sat in the chair. He knew Brendon was right. Brendon sighed and walked over to him, getting down on his knees and hugging Gerard to his chest.

"And I love you too much to do that again..."

He sat back on his heels.

"It hurts, doesn't it? It hurts to not have anyone to share your secrets with."

"It does."

"Would you like to know my secret?"

"Yes. Anything."

Brendon stood with a smile, taking Gerard's hand and trying to pull him up.

"Come...let me show you."

Gerard followed him to the bedroom door. Brendon opened the doors with a flourish and stepped aside to reveal his surprise.

"Ta da."

He grinned mischievously.

Spencer jerked his head up and met his gaze with Gerard. The man Brendon told him all about.

"You Jezebel!"

Gerard slapped Brendon hard enough to make him go down. Spencer tried to scramble out of the bed with his sword. Brendon looked up at Gerard with a hand to his cheek and fire in his eyes.

"Well...when I told young Spencer here what you did for Ryan..."

He smirked.

"He decided that the life of a lover was much more fun than that of a husband...didn't you Spencer dear?"

"You both deserve each other."

Gerard stormed out. He went to the market and purchased cheap peasant clothing. He would save Ryan from a loveless marriage and an undeserving lover. They could run away together, two friends. He made his way to the townhouse and walked in before heading to Ryan's room. He knocked lightly. Ryan hesitated, looking toward his bedroom door as it clicked shut before going to answer the knock.

"Who is it?"

"Gerard."

Ryan glanced back toward his bedroom then opened his salon door to the older man who hurried in, his arms full of what looked like rags.

"Here put this on. I have a carriage waiting outside for us."

"What...why?"

Ryan was taken aback.

"I am rescuing you from a life of hell, of no love and friendship. Where people cannot hurt you."

"No Gerard...I can't go with you."

Gerard stopped.

"But why not? Don't you want to be free to love who you want to Ryan?"

"Yes...and I am."

"What? I don't understand."

"I am going to marry Magistrate Bryar...I can love Magistrate Bryar."

"How can you love someone you have never spent time with? That only wanted you for your youth and innocence?"

Just then the main door opened, Ryan's mother and two servants entering quickly.

"Master Way, you are no longer welcomed in this house. You will leave immediately."

Gerard watched Ryan standing close to his mother. He had made his choice.

"I will see myself out."

*

*

*

Gerard was in his home. He was at the dining room table drinking...his entire stock of wine in the house.

"Sir, please, this is not smart."

Patrick was standing there holding a letter from Spencer. Gerard had been challenged to a duel for Ryan's honor. Gerard snorted when he read it.

"As if the boy has any right to talk of honor when he slept with the very man who started everything."

Gerard lifted his goblet.

"To Brendon! May you reap all you sowed in this and the next life."

He put the goblet down hard. This caused the men next to the table to jump. They were peasants from the street. He had to bring two witnesses to the duel for it to be legal.

"Come on boys, drink eat and be merry for tomorrow..."

"Gerard."

Gerard looked at Patrick. He never used his real name.

"Patrick, my friend. you have always had my back in every sordid thing I have ever done. You have never betrayed me."

"I have, though."

"Oh? How?"

"I took Master Iero home that morning. I told him about you and Brendon so he would understand."

Gerard looked at Patrick and laughed.

"Good man. I want you to contact him again and tell him to make sure that everyone knows. That is my last request."

"Gerard, you speak as if you are about to die."

"Who knows Patrick, who knows."

*

*

*

Spencer was stood in the large field to the west of town. He had two of the young men he had gone to school with...one now in training to become a doctor, and the other a soldier...in attendance as his witnesses, along with his servant, who was holding his dueling sword for him in readiness. He was furious at the man he was about to fight, and he knew he was in the right. He looked at his pocket watch and huffed.

"He's late, the cad...I'll give him another five minutes, then declare him the coward he clearly is."

He put his watch away. His companions didn't reply, as they felt they may get their heads bitten off.

They waited.

Patrick was at a loss. Gerard refused to take the carriage and they walked...well he walked, the other three stumbled. By the time he got them to leave, they were all drunk. Patrick knew the importance of being there on time for propriety sake. However, he was still just a servant so he had little to say.

"Ah...there they are!"

Gerard shouted to Spencer and his friends. Spencer glanced back at his friends, gaining shrugs from both. He turned back to face Master Way.

"Sir, where are your witnesses?"

He asked as the man stumbled toward him.

"These lovely chaps right here, salt of the earth they are, known them for...the last three hours!"

Gerard clasped his hands over one of the men's shoulders. Dust particles flew up.

"This is Manuel."

"Uh...Charles Sir."

"Right right, and this one is Antonio!"

"Robert Sir."

"Well anyway, shall we get to this?"

Spencer pursed his lips.

"It would be embarrassing for me to fight you in your condition sir."

He said through gritted teeth, as it annoyed him no end that he would not get to run the man through today.

"Nonsense, it is a perfect day for a duel."

Gerard reached for his rapier. He swished it about.

"Unless you are chicken?"

He started to cluck and move his arms like the bird. The two peasants laughed and Patrick hung his head. Spencer sighed.

"You are drunk Sir...I would accept an apology in place of the duel, though...under the circumstances."

"Apologize, for what? Giving Ryan what he wanted from you, but you were too interested in singing than using your mouth for sinning?"

"I will not fight you like this."

Spencer said though he accepted his sword as his servant handed it to him...just in case.

"Wouldn't you have liked to hear him sing? He has a beautiful voice, especially when you are buried inside of him."

Spencer's temper flared. He raised his sword but didn't advance.

"I advise you to stop talking...Sir".

"I will never stop talking about how good he felt under my body or how well he kissed, or how he sounded when he moaned my name."

"Do you actually want to die this day?"

"It seems like the perfect day to die, the perfect day to fly, to declare your love for someone and shout it at the top of your lungs! I love you, Frankie!"

Spencer was at a loss. He looked back at his friends for guidance...but again they just shrugged. He looked back. Gerard danced in circles for a bit and then stopped and looked at Spencer with a small smirk.

"Ryan told me that you were an incredible swordsman. That you even took on Bryar when you found out they were to be wed. He said Bryar talked about you and said that he wished you had taken a place in his regime. Could you work for the man that stole your sweetheart?"

Spencer raised his sword.

"If you really want to fight, then stop talking and fight, Sir."

"Finally."

Gerard took a stance, stumbling a bit.

"Engarde."

Spencer raised an eyebrow.

"You do know that you are going to lose...right?"

He swished his sword and awaited the drunk man's attack. Gerard just grinned and then lunged for the boy.

*

*

*

Patrick held his hat in his hand as he knocked on Frank's door.

Frank's maid answered.

"Yes...can I help you?"

"Yes, is the fair one of the house home? I have a personal message for him from my Master."

"Certainly. Come in...you can wait in the drawing room."

She showed the man inside and then went to fetch the fair one.

After a couple of minutes, Frank walked into the drawing-room and closed the door.

"Patrick? What's wrong?"

"Frank."

"Tell me?"

Frank walked over and taking the older man's hand, lead him to a chair and bid him sit. Frank sat down opposite him.

"Gerard...he's...gone."

Frank blinked.

"Gone?"

He asked...his voice small.

"Gerard had a last request of me. I told him what I told you and he wanted you to help him tell the world...well in our city that is."

"You mean..."

Frank collected himself, wiping away a single tear before continuing.

"You mean about him and Widow Urie."

"There is more now to the story. It seems that Brendon has slept with Master Spencer Smith and told him what Gerard did with Ryan, although not that it was his doing. Gerard went to speak to Ryan, but it seems that Ryan has chosen to marry the Magistrate of his own will. Gerard was told to leave the premises. When Gerard arrived home he found a parchment challenging him to a duel with Spencer. He got drunk with two peasants that hung about the townhouse and then went to the duel...it did not end well."

Frank's eyebrows rose higher with each shocking revelation. When Patrick finished, he sighed.

"It seems that Master Brendon Urie has a lot to answer for...doesn't he..."

He thought for a moment.

"Tell me everything you know about him."

*

*

*

Frank bade farewell to Patrick, knowing that he would likely not see him again until after Gerard's funeral, then slipped on his cloak and headed out. Frank's carriage arrived at the Ross house. A footman opened his door, and he stepped down.

"I am here to speak with Master Ryan Ross. Please tell him it is important."

Ryan was looking at the newest treasure that Robert...Bobby had bought him when there was a knock on his door.

"Yes?"

"There is a Master Frank Iero here to see you. I showed him into the salon."

Ryan thought about the name. Perhaps it was the same gentleman from the country home. Ryan followed the servant. Frank was sat on a beautiful Chesterfield when the door opened and Ryan walked in. He stood, smiling at the boy.

"Hello Master Ross...do you remember me?"

"I do. You were at the country house with Ger...Master Way."

Frank swallowed blushing slightly, but let the wording pass.

"That's right..."

He said with a small smile.

"Come sit...we need to talk."

Ryan sat down. He playing with the new bracelet that Bobby gave him. He smiled at Frank.

"What can I do for you, Master Iero?"

"Well firstly, you can call me Frank."

"Alright, then you can call me Ryan."

Ryan smiled and Frank smiled back.

"Alright then...Ryan. I have some sad news to tell you before we get down to the full purpose of my visit..."

He reached over and carefully took the boy's hand in his own.

"Master Way...Gerard. He has passed away."

Ryan covered his mouth and his hand went to his stomach without thinking.

"That's awful. He was such a sweet man. He...he did so much for me...or tried to."

Ryan felt horrible. The last time he saw Gerard, he was trying to help him, not realising that Ryan had changed his mind about Robert.

"He had his faults..."

Frank sighed.

"But yes...I agree that deep down; he was a good man at heart..."

He tilted his head slightly to study the boy before him.

"What is your opinion of Widow Urie?"

"He seems nice. I mean he tried to help me understand Master Way better...but I think he was a little confused."

Ryan remembered Brendon saying awful things about Gerard that Ryan could not believe.

"What do you mean?"

"Well...he said that Master Way was a..."

Ryan didn't want to use the words Brendon did.

"...not very nice in his agendas?"

Frank shook his head.

"I am afraid that to some degree, that is correct, but I am quite certain that he did not tell you of his own agendas or of his involvement in many a wicked scheme, including the one that resulted in your current...condition?"

Ryan gasped.

"How did you..."

Frank smiled softly.

"You need to be more careful. When I said Gerard's name before...your hand?"

He nodded toward Ryan's hand that was resting on his belly.

"Please don't tell anyone. I don't even know what to do about it."

"Well, I do believe that Madame Rush may be of assistance...as it would be her great grandchild."

"So when is the wake to be?"

"Friday...but I will not be there. I need you to help me with something before then that I believe will be of benefit to quite a fair few people that Widow Urie has slighted...would you?"

"I don't understand. He has not slighted me in the least. Why would I..."

"He talked Gerard into..."

Frank looked at Ryan's belly.

"He talked Gerard into a lot of things, I fear."

Ryan was confused and Frank was being too subtle.

"Frank please, I may look like a child, but I do understand the ways of the world somewhat.

Frank sighed.

"Alright..."

He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.

"Widow Urie was Magistrate Bryar's mistress for some time. When your engagement was announced, Widow Urie became angry...jealous. He persuaded Gerard to take your virginity so that the Magistrate would be humiliated..."

He looked down at the paper in his hand.

"Gerard's servant, Patrick, came to see me. He told me that Gerard's final wish was that everyone should know the kind of person Widow Urie really is. He told me everything he knew about him, and I wrote it down..."

He handed the paper over to Ryan.

"Read it, and you will see. Then I will ask your help again."

Ryan took the paper with a little tremor in his hand. He read it and the tremor got worse.

"He slept with Spencer. He slept with Spencer and then told him what Gerard did to me..."

Ryan looked up with tears in his eyes.

"He didn't hurt me. He didn't force me either. I..."

He looked back down at the parchment.

"A bet, he slept with you on a bet he made with Brendon."

Frank nodded sadly.

"Something I didn't write on that list...I fell in love with Gerard. He didn't just take my body...he took my heart as well."

"I think he did love you too. I think it was because of you that he tried...to save me, but I was not the one that needed saving anymore."

Ryan placed a hand on Frank's knee.

"What can I do to help?"

***Time Stamp: Friday***

Patrick watched the line to his Master's casket. Gerard looked at peace at last. Madame Rush needed help as she kissed her only grandson on the forehead and then was led away. He watched Master Ross walk to the casket and place a small kiss on Gerard's lips. He then watched the women that Gerard had slept with at the country house say her goodbye. At least he knew that his Master was good in bed. Then he watched Brendon walk up and he had to hold himself back. Because of that fair one, his Master was dead. He knew he was going to get what he deserved though and soon.

"Madame Rush?"

Ryan quietly made his way to where the matriarch of the Way family was standing. His hand was covering his stomach again. Elena turned to see the young boy she had met at her estate.

"Yes, dear?"

She asked, wearily.

"I was wondering if I could talk to you, alone?"

"Of course my dear. What is it?"

She waved her servant away and he left without a word.

"I...I have a delicate situation and I fear you are the only one that can help me. I have only told one other soul about it."

"I can keep a secret dear...I kept many of my grandson's over the years..."

She sighed.

"God rest his soul."

"Well, then you will have one more to add to your collection."

Ryan let a morbid giggle out.

Elena tilted her head.

"How so dear?"

"Um...I spent time with your son...in an intimate setting and...well..."

Ryan took a shaky breath.

"...I have never been with anyone else and I fear now that I may be..."

Another breath, but this time he looked up into the older woman's eyes.

"I know I am pregnant."

Elena's eyes widened, then a smile spread on her wrinkled face.

"And it is Gerard's?..."

Ryan gave a small nod. Elena looked over toward the room that held her grandson's now lifeless body, then held out her arms to the boy in front of her, pulling him into a hug.

"Oh my sweet angel, he did something good with his life after all."

Ryan relaxed in her arms. He had to thank Frank for helping him make this decision. He was about to say something more when they heard arguing outside.

"What was that?"

Madame Rush looked confused, but Ryan knew the answer already.

"Just someone getting their comeuppance."

"You whore!"

"Jezebel!"

"You and my husband!"

Patrick watched the once proud Brendon Urie cowered as women and fair ones threw food, dirt, and the crumpled parchments that told the whole story of what kind of person Brendon truly was. Patrick did nothing to help. He only looked up when he saw the Magistrate's carriage pull up. He hoped that Ryan would be alright after all this. He saw Magistrate Bryar step down just as Ryan had stepped out with Madame Rush. Robert was confused when he saw what was happening to his former mistress...until he got close enough to hear the words being spat at the younger man. He sighed. A part of him knew it was bound to happen one day. He turned away from the scene and a smile broke out on his face when he saw his beloved. The boy was glowing as he walked with Madame Rush, a woman he had the good fortune to have met on several occasions at dinner parties and the like.

"Madame Rush...my condolences on your loss. I did not know your grandson very well, but the few times I had the pleasure, I found him to be quite charming."

He turned toward Ryan.

"My dearest..."

He bowed, taking Ryan's hand and lightly kissing his fingers.

"...as beautiful as ever."

"Thank you, Robert."

"My dear Magistrate, I think you need to whisk your delicate fiancé from here. He does not need to be a part of this ugliness. Why don't you two be guests at my country home for a bit? The fresh air will do Master Ross some good and he can tell me about the wedding."

Elena winked at the fair one. Robert smiled.

"Why Madame Rush, that is a wonderful idea...thank you for the invitation..."

He looked at Ryan, smiling with adoration in his eyes.

"Would you like to? It's your choice completely."

"I would. I had the best time up there and it will be good to get away from the morbidness and look forward to the future."

"Then I do believe we will be accepting your kind offer..."

Robert smiled at Lady Rush.

"May I escort you to your carriage and then Master Ross and I will need to go to our homes to pack."

"That would be lovely."

The three made their way across to the waiting carriage ignoring the mess that was Brendon on the street.

***Time Stamp: Two Weeks Later***

Gerard's grave sat silently as the sun shone upon it. A light breeze blew informing all that summer was almost over and fall was coming. A gloved hand laid a single rose on the stone bearing the insignia.

"Goodbye, my love."

Frank lifted his hand and wiped away a tear before turning away. He smiled softly as his new personal servant stepped up to take his arm and lead him back to his carriage.

"Are you alright there Sir?"

Frank shook his head a little.

"No, but I think I will be, Patrick..."

He looked at the older man.

"Do you miss him?"

"I do. He was more of a friend than a master at times...like you sir."

Frank smiled.

"I dare say I am less work, though...am I right?"

Patrick chuckled.

"It is nice not to keep as many secrets...well except for one."

Patrick quickly looked around and saw no one. He leaned in and kissed Frank sweetly. Frank blushed, smiling into the kiss. After a few seconds, they parted.

"Yes, Patrick...except for that one, of course..."

He chuckled lightly.

"Let's go home."

Patrick led Frank back to the carriage where the Judge was waiting.

"Dearest, I will be leaving shortly when we get back. You will be staying with Madame Rush while I am gone. Patrick will accompany you of course."

Frank smiled sweetly.

"How long do you think you will be gone this time?"

"A few months, but Madame Rush has assured me that you will be well taken care of."

Patrick turned to Frank and smiled.

"Yes Sir, he sure will."

Frank's heart quickened but he continued to smile serenely.

"Don't worry about me Raymond...I am quite sure I will be alright."

As the carriage set off on their way home, Frank saw his husband turn to look out of the window. He looked over at Patrick and smiled secretly...yes, he would be alright.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks...how's you?

So we have cum to the end of another fic. We hope you enjoyed it, and we hope you don't hate us too much for killing poor Gerard...it kind of had to happen, as it was in the original movie that this was based off of.

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