The Lost Boys

The lights of the carnival flashed as music and sound effects blasted up and down the pier. Pete and his gang were out to cause mischief. He had Billie-Joe, Trè and Mike with him, while the two remaining members were off elsewhere.

Pete lead his boys up onto the carousel as it turned. They pushed through between the horses until Pete spotted a pretty girl sat on a black and red painted horse...her boyfriend was on the one next to her. Pete smirked as he got in close and stroked his fingers down her cheek. She tried to turn away but he grabbed her chin.

The girl's boyfriend was suddenly off his horse and getting in Pete's face. Pete and his boys were immediately up for a fight...they were always up for a fight.

The girl's boyfriend had friends of his own and it was soon turning into a brawl when a uniformed policeman, a big guy who'd eaten about a hundred too many donuts, grabbed Pete from behind, putting his baton against the boy's throat and hauling him backwards.

"I thought I told you to stay off the boardwalk."

He growled in Pete's ear as the fight stopped around them. Pete raised his hands in surrender, then addressed his boys.

"Come on, let's go."

The officer released his hold and watched them walk away.

"You too..."

He said to the boys that Pete and his gang had picked a fight with.

"Get lost before I arrest ya for causing a disturbance."

(time passes)

The pier had closed for the night. All of the rides and attractions had been shut off, and the parking lot was almost empty.

The large security guard watched the last of the staff drive away, then started walking across the lot toward his car. He heard a noise. It was weird, like clothes flapping in the wind, mixed with laughter. He turned but saw nothing. Frowning, he picked up his pace. He heard the laughter again, closer this time so he turned and felt the blood drain from his face in terror.

Not wanting to waste his breath on screaming, he turned and ran for his car, really regretting those three hotdogs he'd eaten half an hour ago.

He reached his beaten up European piece of crap car and fumbled for his keys in a blind panic. He got the key in the lock and turned it...he was going to make it...then, just as he opened the door, he was yanked up and away, the car door ripped from its hinges as his terrified screams echoed away through the night.

*

*

*

"Well boys, here we are, what do you think?"

"It sure ain't Jersey."

Frank looked out the window. He never saw so many pairs of shorts in March. Jersey girls would still be wearing parkas.

"No it isn't, its a fresh start."

"For you maybe, we left all our friends there."

"Come on Frankie, it could be fun, look, there's a carnival here! We have to wait for summer to get that in Jersey."

Frank grumbled. His brother was always optimistic.

"Thank you Patrick."

Frank saw a sign that said 'Welcome to Santa Carla'.

"See we're almost there."

Frank watched the sign go by, he saw some writing on the back in red spray paint. 'Welcome to the MURDER Capital of the World'. Frank decided to hold that for now.

"Here we are."

It was not long till they arrived at their grandfather's place. Frank looked at it. This was going to be their home now since his dad ran out on them. He guessed being newly divorced in Belleville was not good for his mum. Patrick and him began pulling stuff out of the trailer behind the pick up. Frank got his motorcycle off first. Their dog, who was in the back of the pick up, whined.

"Calm down, I'll get you next."

When the dog got out, he ran after the horses in the field.

"Don't get lost!"

Frank knew it was useless, that dog stuck like glue to his brother. They rounded the front of the house and saw part of a man on the porch.

"Is that grandpa?"

"If it is, he kicked it before we got here."

"Does that mean we get the house?"

"Oh stop it you two."

Linda walked up on the porch.

"Come on Pop, you're scaring the kids."

The old man opened one eye.

"It's nice to know what you really think of me Pat."

"Aww grandpa, I didn't mean it."

"Gotcha!"

Their grandpa laughed as he got up. He grabbed the stuff out of their mum's hands and they all went inside.

(time passes)

Frank was working out with his weights when Patrick burst in the room.

"There's no TV."

"What? There has to be."

Frank set the weights down and wiped his sweat off.

"No, I looked everywhere! How we gonna set up the game system?"

"Let's just go ask."

Frank and Patrick went through the house looking for their mum and Grandfather.

"Maybe in here?"

They opened up a set of double doors and stopped cold. Inside it was all red from special heating lamps. Bones, skulls, and animal carcasses were there, stuffed and staring at them.

"Hey, we got some rules to set here."

Their grandpa showed up. He had a spliff in his mouth. Patrick was shocked...he looked at Frank, who just smiled. He knew their grandpa was a bit of a hippie, but now he knew what that plant was behind the house.

"No one touches the second shelf in the fridge. That's mine. The TV guide comes on Wednesday. Don't bend it. I like it nice and straight when I read it."

They followed the man through the house as he spoke.

"Finally no one goes in this room."

He pointed to the red light room. He began to close the doors when Patrick stuck his foot between them.

"Wait...so you do have a TV?"

"No, I have the TV guide, why would I need one?"

The doors slammed shut and Patrick looked at Frank.

"We'll find a pawn shop and get one for our room."

(time passes)

"So is Santa Carla really the murder capital of the world?"

Linda choked on her soup.

"Frank!"

"What, I saw a sign as we came into town."

His grandpa looked up at him.

"Well let's put it this way, if all the corpses around here decided to get up all at once, we would have one hell of a party."

Patrick swallowed hard.

"Dad, stop it."

"What? They asked I told. Never lie to children Linda, it only bites you in the ass."

"So what is there to do for fun around here."

"Okay, I know I am high like 75% of the time, but did you miss the giant carnival on the way in to town?"

"Yeah, but that's money."

Frank looked at his mother and felt bad. It wasn't her fault that dad took everything.

"Residents get season passes, so you guys are in like Flynn."

"Who's Flynn?"

Grandpa just looked at him.

"I can see I'm going to need to smoke up a lot more with you two around."

"Come on Trick, I'll take you."

"Be careful and don't lose each other."

They waved to their mum and then were off.

(time passes)

There was live music playing on the pier that night, some local band who's lead singer roared out his song while his band played loudly behind him.

Gerard always liked it when there was music, especially when he and little Andy could get away from Pete and the others for a while to enjoy the show.

The younger boy clung to his hand as they made their way through the crowd to find a higher spot to watch from.

Gerard could feel the music, the bass thumping through his chest and it made him want to dance.

He knew people were staring at him, they always did. He was slim and more feminine than a lot of the girls in this crappy little town, so he was used to the attention. He didn't mind it as long as Pete didn't notice, cos that always spelled trouble.

Right now though, he could feel eyes on him, and something made him look. There in the crowd was a young man, he couldn't have been older than 19 or 20, and he had tattoos up and down his arms along with one on the side of his neck that Gerard could see. He was gorgeous, and he was staring right back.

Gerard looked away, back to the band. He couldn't let this guy get close...it wasn't safe.

He tried to concentrate on the music, moving to the rhythm, but he couldn't get his mind off that guy's eyes...they way he looked at him. He glanced back and the guy was still staring.

"Frankie isn't this awesome?"

Patrick was enjoying the concert, but Frank only had eyes for the slim boy. He smiled shyly and it have Frank a bit of confidence. He gave a small wave.

Gerard took a breath...this was bad, what if Pete saw? He pulled on the younger boy's hand.

"Come on Andy, let's go."

The boy nodded and let himself be lead away through the crowd.

Frank saw him leaving. Without thinking he started to follow leaving Patrick alone.

Gerard pulled Andy away from the music to walk amongst the whistles and lights of the games and smaller rides. He felt like the guy was following them, but he didn't look back. He saw Pete and the others up ahead...they were either sitting on, or leaning on their motorbikes.

As they approached the gang, Gerard let go of Andy's hand and the boy went straight to Billie-Joe, who helped him onto the bike behind him. Gerard walked over to Pete and climbed on, pressing his chest to Pete's back, glancing at the stranger who's smaller companion had just caught up to him.

Pete smirked at the tattooed boy before starting his bike. All the others were on their bikes now and starting theirs too.

"Frank! Why did you leave? I almost lost you!"

Patrick came running up to Frank and grabbed his arm.

"Are you under a spell or something?"

"Maybe."

Patrick looked where Frank was looking. He saw a bunch of guys on bikes that were cooler and way more expensive then Frank's. Patrick gave a small smile. They looked mean and he didn't want any trouble. Especially the leader on the front bike with a girl...at least he looked like one.

Pete saw the younger boy smile, and grinned back. The kid was cute, and painfully innocent looking. Pete wanted to ruin that as soon as possible.

Gerard shook his head almost imperceptibly at the stranger in warning, hoping the others didn't see.

Frank saw the stranger looking at his brother and stepped in front giving him a look of 'try it bitch'. The guy laughed and gunned the engine. The boy behind him have a small smile and then they all sped off into the night. Whatever spell he was under broke and he turned to Patrick.

"What was that about?"

"What?"

"You smiled at the guy. What were you thinking?"

"Look who's talking? You left me to chase the skirt! "

"He's not a girl!"

"Whatever Frankie, lets just go."

They made their way toward the parking lot.

Pete and his gang rode away from the pier and into the town. They left Gerard and Andy to get milkshakes, and went to bother some people.

Grant finished serving a customer and looked out of the door of his shop. A small lady with short dark hair caught his eye. He watched her as she frowned at all the missing person signs that were pinned to every available post and wall. He saw her head turn as a small boy started crying cos he'd lost his mother. Grant was curious as to what she would do.

"Excuse me, it seems like this little boy is lost and..."

"Benny there you are!"

The mother came in the store and hugged her child.

"Thank you so much."

"It's okay, I have my own. Next time stay with mommy. It's safer sweetie."

The boy nodded and smiled at Linda.

Grant smiled and handed the little boy a lolly pop.

"There you go..."

The mother and boy left and Grant offered a lolly to the lovely woman before him.

"Here, you deserve it."

"Oh I shouldn't...but I'll take it anyway."

Linda smiled at the handsome cashier.

"I actually just came in to grab some milk. Can't believe there was none in my Pop's house. I don't know about you, but I can't eat ice cream without a nice cold glass of it."

Linda realised she was babbling now.

Grant chuckled slightly.

"I know exactly what you mean. So, milk...did you need anything else?"

He said, walking her over to the chiller.

"A job...I mean... no, I'm good, nothing else."

Grant raised an eyebrow then smiled kindly.

"Well, we do happen to have a position open...if you're interested?"

Just then, Pete and his boys strolled in. Grant shot them a warning glance as they walked to the cashier, Mike starting to flirt with her instantly, though she just smiled and shook her head.

"I told you not to come in here."

He said icily to the boys before the dark haired woman could respond. Pete shrugged with a smirk and lead his boys back out into the night.

Grant turned back with an apologetic smile.

"Boys will be boys..."

He said with a sigh.

"Well not if their mother raises them right. I know that my two boys are very polite and would not harm a fly...although I do wish Frankie didn't have so many tattoos. Every time I turn around, he has another one. I don't even know what half of them mean!"

Linda laughed.

Grant laughed too...he liked her openness and humour.

"I'm Grant by the way."

He smiled, offering his hand.

"Linda. Just moved here from Jersey."

"Well it's very nice to meet you Linda. Were you interested?..."

He saw confusion cross her face.

"In the job, I mean."

He smiled wide.

"Oh...wait...yes, I mean that is..."

Linda was stammering like a teenager. Like she had never seen a handsome man before.

"I can start whenever you want me."

Grant's eyebrow raised again at her choice of words, then he cleared his throat and smiled.

"Would tomorrow be too soon?"

Linda smiled.

"Tomorrow would be fine. Now if you will excuse me, I'm am going to take my milk and lollipop and head home."

"Of course..."

Grant bowed dramatically at her, tipping an imaginary hat before standing with a grin.

"Be careful on your way home. It's dangerous out at night."

She smiled and left.

(time passes)

"You boys be careful. I'll be back later tonight. Listen to grandpa."

Frank and Patrick both nodded. Once their mom was gone Frank got out his bike.

"I'm gonna look for work in town."

"What do I get to do?"

"Hang out with grandpa, like she said."

Frank ruffled Patrick's hair and then starting the bike, headed out.

"What's a matter son?"

"Everyone went into town."

"So we can too."

Patrick followed his grandfather to the garage. He opened it and saw a vintage car, fully loaded.

"Come on, let's go into town."

They got in and he turned the engine on.

"Gotta let it warm up."

They sat there for about five minutes then he turned the engine off.

"Wait, I thought we were going into town?"

"Not in this."

Patrick shook his head and vowed to never smoke weed if it made him like that.

(time passes)

Patrick walked into the comic shop. He browsed around. It wasn't as nice as the one they had in Jersey, but it was alright. He noticed two guys watching him. Guess they were making sure he wasn't stealing.

"Whatta think Ry?"

"Newbie."

"Yeah."

Brendon and Ryan put their comics down and walked over to the boy that just came in.

"Hey buddy, I think you're lookin' for the ice cream shop down the street."

Patrick rolled his eyes. He was used to people making judgement calls about him.

"Actually I'm looking for Batman #44."

Ryan was a bit taken back, but Brendon kept his cool.

"That's a pretty serious book there. Only five left in the world."

"Four, I'm always looking out for the other three."

Now they realised Patrick knew his stuff.

"Man, you can't put the Super man #77 in the 300's. No one knows about the fall of the Daily Planet yet."

Patrick began to rearrange the comics. It was an OCD he had.

"Hey, where you from?"

Patrick looked at the smaller boy.

"Jersey."

Brendon grabbed a comic and handed it to Patrick.

"You should be reading this if you live here."

Patrick looked at the comic.

"Vampires?"

"Shhhh, don't say that out loud. They have spies."

Patrick laughed, he couldn't help it.

"Hey man, don't laugh. This shit is real and me and my brother here are in it together."

"Yeah, we don't just work here for our parents. We are on a secret mission to save the world from this."

He pointed to the comic book again.

"Look, I'm not into horror."

"Don't think of it as horror. Think of it as a guide to survive."

Brendon pulled the book away and turned it over.

"Our number is on the back...but pray you never need to call it."

Patrick nodded. These guys were nuts. He looked at the back of the comic.

"The Frog Brothers?"

They nodded seriously.

"Right, well I'm not into this, but my brother is, so maybe I will give it to him."

The brothers seems satisfied so they left him alone. Patrick could not wait to tell Frank about this.

(time passes)

"Yeah, it looks good."

"It does, you should go with the black."

"I'll take it, thanks."

Frank didn't find a job, but he ended up on the boardwalk again and bought a leather jacket. The sky was getting dark again and the lights and sounds of the carnival were picking up. He walked by a guy who was doing open piercings. This shit would never fly in Jersey.

"It's a rip off..."

Gerard said close to his ear before moving slowly away. He knew the tattooed boy was following him.

"If you want your ear pierced, I could do it."

He said with a smile as he ran his fingers over coloured scarfs that were hung up on display.

"Sure."

He never actually thought about getting his ears pierced before.

"So what's your name?"

"Gee."

Gerard said softly.

"Oh your folks too huh?"

Gerard turned to look at Frank, confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Ex hippies. I came this close to being called Sundance or Moonbeam if I was a girl."

Frank loved that he made Gee giggle.

"I'm Frank."

"Frank..."

Gerard mused, tilting his head.

"I like Frank...Frank's good."

Gerard was enjoying spending time with Frank, he just hoped that Pete wasn't nearby.

Pete was sat on his motorbike a bit further along the boardwalk. He was smoking and watching as the pair got closer, his gang around him.

"So Gee, wanna get something to eat or maybe take a ride?"

Frank walked Gee to his bike. He got on and then held his hand out for the waif of a boy.

"Come on, I won't bite."

He grinned at him.

Gerard tried not to grimace at his words. He forced a smile and stepped forward.

"Sure."

"Where you going Gee?"

Pete said as he rode up to them with his boys in tow. Gerard looked at him nervously, then to the ground.

"For a ride..."

He looked up through his hair.

"This is Frank."

He stepped toward Frank who was offering him a hand.

"Gee."

Pete said, his voice low and dangerous. Gerard swallowed and turned back to him with a sad sigh. He left Frank's side and crossed to Pete. He climbed on the back of Pete's bike, hiding his face in his hair out of embarrassment.

The gang chuckled at the look on Frank's face.

"Do you know where Hudson's Bluff is?...overlooking the point?"

Pete asked Frank with a cocky grin.

Frank huffed, this was such bullshit.

"I can't beat you. My bike is shit compared."

"You don't have to beat me Frank, you just have to keep up."

Pete started his bike, the others doing the same behind him. Gerard gave Frank a look, and then they were off.

Frank looked at the group. He saw them barreling down the boardwalk terrorizing people. They hit the stairs for the beach and went down them across the sand.

"I must be fucking crazy."

Frank started his bike and then like a fool on a mission into Hell, he followed.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks...how's you?

So I've wanted to do a fic based off this movie for a really long time, but I didn't have the guts to attempt it alone...so when my wonderful co, and best friend, said she would write it with me...well...here we are!!

We hope you enjoy it. We are bringing it up to date, and adding frerard...cos it's what we do...and maybe some Peterick, if you're lucky.

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