If You Can't Handle The Heat...

Gerard was woken up by shouting; a prisoner in handcuffs being brought into the assessment unit by two prison guards...he had the handle of a shiv sticking out of his shoulder.

Gerard squeaked and buried his face in Frank's chest, whimpering slightly.

Frank woke up to the shouting and Gerard pushing against him. He tightened his arms around him and looked to see what the noise was. He frowned and hugged Gerard tight.

“It’s ok. I’ll protect you, remember?”

Gerard swallowed, shaking slightly.

"I don't like shouting...dad used to."

“It’s not your dad and no one here is going to hurt you. I won’t let them. Here...”

Frank put his hands over Gerard’s ears. He knew it would only muffle it but that was better than nothing. He held his hands there until the shouting slowly got quieter. Frank could only assume they’d given the idiot some kind of sedative to shut him up. He pulled his hands away from Gerard’s ears and cupped his face in his hands.

“You ok now?”

Gerard nodded shakily.

"Dad used to shout...then he'd..."

He shivered and buried his face again for a moment before looking up again.

"Can I go home now?"

“I have to ask the doctor but I think you should be able to go home today. I don’t have to work today. D…”

Frank sighed and corrected himself.

“Tony texted me after he left the diner yesterday and said he’d come in part of the day and Linda would take part of the day in case you needed me.”

"That's nice of them..."

Gerard said with a small smile.

"Frank, can you ask the doctor now please?...I really don't like it here."

Frank looked around till he spotted the doctor just coming in.

“Yeah, but I’ll have to leave you here for a minute to go talk to him. That ok?”

A flash of fear crossed Gerard's face for a second and he took in a deep, shaky breath, his fingers clenching Frank's shirt harder before he slowly released it and nodded, swallowing heavily.

"O-ok Frank."

“Don’t worry, I won’t be gone long.”

Frank hugged Gerard again before he swung his legs over the side of the bed. He got up and wandered over to the doctor.

“Uh...Dr. Stump?”

The doctor turned around at the sound of his name.

“Oh, hello, can I help you with something?”

“Uh, yeah I brought my friend in yesterday with a concussion. You kept him overnight but he’s asking if he can go home now?”

Frank asked and looked back where he left Gerard. He looked alright.

“Well, let me have a look at him and we’ll see...”

Dr. Stump nodded and let Frank lead him back to Gerard.

“I hear you want to go home.”

The doctor smiled at Gerard. Gerard looked up at the doctor through his hair and nodded.

"Please?"

He said in a small voice, his arms hugging around himself nervously.

“Alright, let me get a look at you first, how does your head feel?”

Dr. Stump smiled and watched the boy. Gerard shrugged slightly.

"It's ok."

“Tilt your head so I can take a look...”

The doctor tilted Gerard’s head carefully and looked it over. He nodded and stepped back so Gerard could bring his head back up.

“Is your memory returning?”

Gerard nodded, his eyes flicking to Frank then down as his cheeks heated up.

"Yes."

“Well you don’t seem to be having issues with your speech anymore and if no one is telling me otherwise I’ll assume you slept fine. You don’t seem to be passing out anymore. You seem ok, so yes I’ll sign the form for you to be released but I suggest that if you live alone maybe stay with someone for a bit just in case. Alright?”

Dr. Stump smiled happily at him. Gerard smiled back and nodded.

"Thank you doctor."

“No problem.”

Dr. Stump smiled and headed for the desk, motioning for Frank and Gerard to follow him. Frank held his hand out to Gerard. Gerard smiled shyly and took Frank's hand before climbing down off of the gurney and letting himself be led after the doctor. Dr. Stump talked to one of the nurses and signed a form before handing the clipboard back to her.

“You’re free to go. If you experience any problems or persistent extreme headaches please come back in to see us. Try to take it easy though for a couple of days.”

Gerard nodded.

"I will, thank you..."

He looked at Frank with a smile.

"Can you...I mean if it's not too much to ask, and I know I've been a pain but could you...could you take me home please Frank?"

He asked hopefully.

“You are not a pain, and of course I’ll take you home, I’m not going to leave you here. Come on.”

Frank smiled at Gerard.

"Thanks Frankie..."

Gerard smiled before pressing a kiss to Frank's cheek.

"You're the best."

“I don’t know about that but I try to be decent at least...”

Frank chuckled and took Gerard back to his cubicle to help him get dressed.

“Let’s go.”

He said as he opened the curtain. He caught the eye of the nurse that thought they were together. She was chuckling and he sighed. He led Gerard out to his bike.

“Do you want to ride in front of me like you did before? Or do you think you can ride normal?”

Gerard looked at Frank funny.

"When was I on your bike Frankie?"

“Uh...how do you think you got here? I don’t own a car.”

Frank furrowed his brows at Gerard.

"Oh um...I didn't remember."

Gerard giggled uncertainly

“Oh...well shit...are you ok riding my bike then? Or do you want me to call Linda to come get us?”

Frank looked at Gerard, a little worried. Gerard looked at the bike then back at Frank. He grinned and nodded.

"I always wanted to ride on the back of a motorbike."

Frank laughed.

“Ok, well here’s your chance.”

Frank swung his leg over the bike and sat forward on the seat so Gerard could get on. Gerard giggled and climbed on behind Frank, wrapping his arms around the other man's middle and pressing against his back.

"Is this ok?"

“Yeah, just loosen up for a sec so I can kick this thing to life, and then it is ideal that you hold on tight.”

Frank laughed and turned the key. Gerard giggled...glad that Frank couldn't see that his cheeks were the colour of ripe tomatoes. He loosened his grip. Frank kicked the starter and the bike rumbled under them.

“Ok, now you can hold on.”

Gerard wound his arms around Frank tighter again and lay his cheek against the back of Frank's shoulder. His whole body was pressed flush against Frank's back and he could only hope he didn't get a boner, that would be so embarrassing and he could never face Frank again if that happened. He didn't want to never see Frank again...he liked Frank, even if he couldn't tell him that.

"Ok, I'm ready."

Frank nodded and put up the kick stand, before slowly backing out of the spot and heading out onto the road. Frank remembered where he’d taken Mikey yesterday and headed in that direction. He was pretty sure Mikey worked today but he wasn’t certain. He drove carefully, trying not to frighten Gerard but not going slow either. He loved riding his bike and he kind of wanted Gerard to enjoy it too. The traffic wasn’t terrible and it didn’t take long to get to Gerard’s neighbourhood. Frank pulled up to the curb and turned off his bike, putting out the stand. One of the neighbours gave him a disapproving look and went back inside their house.

Gerard had a death grip on the front of Frank's coat and was trembling slightly, his face buried in the back of Frank's shoulder now. Frank looked at Gerard’s hands and gently got him to let go of him. He turned and looked at Gerard.

“Hey, you ok?”

Gerard lifted his face to look at Frank and revealed a wide, bright smile.

"Oh my God Frankie...that was amazing!..."

Without thinking, Gerard pressed his lips to Frank's. After a second or two he suddenly realised what he was doing and pulled back, all the colour draining from his face and his eyes going wide.

"Oh G-God. I sh-shouldn't have done that, I'm so s-sorry Frankie..."

He rambled quickly as he scrambled to get off of the bike before he managed to embarrass himself further.

"...p-please don't be mad...please?.

He backed up a step and his foot caught the curb. He squeaked out a gasp and fell back on his ass on the sidewalk.

Frank got off his bike and picked Gerard up, putting him back on his feet.

“Hey easy. It’s ok Gerard. I’m not mad.”

Frank hesitated for a second before he kissed Gerard. Gerard froze for about 2.3 seconds then began to kiss back, his arms moving up and around Frank's neck as his knees felt weak beneath him. He pressed his body as close to Frank's as he possibly could.

Frank wrapped his arms around Gerard’s waist and deepened the kiss. This felt good and right. Gerard sighed happily, his lips parting a little. Frank slipped his tongue into Gerard’s mouth, exploring carefully and moaning quietly into the kiss. He was vaguely aware that anyone could see them but he didn’t actually care.

Gerard whimpered quietly, letting Frank take control of the kiss...of him if Frank wanted that. Frank broke the kiss to catch his breath, looking at Gerard and smiling. He could get used to that, to kissing Gerard like that. He smiled at Gerard and kissed him again gently. Then he laughed and shook his head as his brain decided to replay the nurse’s comments. Gerard blinked at Frank then tilted his head, pouting slightly.

"What are you laughing at?...do I kiss funny?"

“No, no. You’re really good at kissing. The nurse last night...when she let me stay with you she thought I was your boyfriend.”

Frank chuckled. Gerard smiled as a blush coloured his cheeks. He looked down, then up at Frank through his lashes with a quiet, nervous giggle.

"And?...do you want to be?"

“I’d like that...”

Frank smiled widely.

“Do you want me to be?”

Gerard nodded.

"Yes Frankie, I'd really like th..."

"GERARD ARTHUR WAY, GET YOUR FAG ASS IN THIS HOUSE...NOW!"

Gerard squeaked in fear as his dad exploded out of the front door in nothing but boxers and a stained vest, his face red with rage. Frank’s eyes went wide as he looked at the man. He looked back at Gerard and the boy looked terrified.

“Uh...or no...Gerard...if you go in there is he going to hurt you?...”

He frowned and asked quietly.

“And don’t lie to me.”

Gerard turned wide eyes to Frank for a second then back to his dad.

"I SAID NOW, FAG!"

Gerard jumped and looked down.

"Yes papa..."

He murmured, then looked at Frank sadly.

"I'll see you later Frankie."

“Gerard...”

Frank caught Gerard's hand.

“You can come home with me if you don’t feel safe here. I won’t let him hurt you. The doctor said you’re supposed to be taking it easy.”

Gerard's dad stepped over and grabbed Gerard's other arm, fingers digging into the boy's upper arm harshly as he put his other hand against Frank's chest and pushed him backward.

"He's staying here..."

He spat angrily as Gerard whimpered.

"...and you can fuck off."

Frank frowned but felt like saying anything more would make it worse for Gerard.

“Don’t forget you have work tomorrow, Gerard. Tony’ll be pissed if you miss it.”

He said, knowing full well Tony would not be pissed and that Gerard did not have work tomorrow. He doubted Gerard’s father would object to him going to work though. Gerard nodded slightly with his head still down.

"Ok Frankie. Thank you for driving me home."

"Right, inside now fag."

Gerard's dad turned and dragged Gerard inside without another glance at Frank, then slammed the door shut. Frank cringed and really didn’t want to leave Gerard there but what the hell choice did he have. He was way smaller than Gerard’s father. He would just show up at the diner tomorrow and take Gerard home with him, take care of him and keep him safe. He walked back down to his bike and swung his leg over, thinking that maybe he should talk to Mikey.

Gerard watched Frank ride away from behind the slightly yellowing net curtains of the living room. He sighed...now that Frank had seen that, why the hell would he want to be his boyfriend?

"Get away from the window, fag..."

His dad grunted from the sofa.

"Don't know why Donna agreed to let you come back here anyway. Get out of my sight."

"Yes papa."

Gerard said weakly, turning and heading to Mikey's room. He closed the door, kicked off his sneakers, stripped down to his boxers then climbed into Mikey's bed, curling into a ball and crying himself back to sleep.

Mikey was just finished serving a woman with impossibly big hair and the most hideous dress imaginable, when he looked up at the sound of the door opening. He smiled quickly at the woman then walked over to Frank.

"Hey, I didn't think you were coming in today...where's Gee?"

“I need to talk to you but I doubt here is the place for that so finish what you are doing and take a smoke break.”

Frank frowned and looked at Tony for confirmation. Tony nodded that it was alright. Mikey raised an eyebrow in query, then shrugged.

"Sure, let me just get this lady's iced tea, then I'll be with you..."

He leaned in close to Frank and lowered his voice a bit.

"Who the fuck drinks iced tea in this weather, am I right?"

He chuckled, then went to make the drink without waiting for a reply. Frank shook his head and went outside to light a smoke. He waited for Mikey, leaning against the side of the diner. After a couple of minutes, Mikey walked out of the door, pulling his own smokes from his pocket and walking over to Frank.

"Hey, can I borrow your lighter?...I lost mine."

Frank pulled his out of his pocket and held it out to Mikey.

“So, Gerard wanted to go home, and I stupidly actually took him home.”

Mikey lit his cigarette then handed the lighter back. He took a drag and blew the smoke out after a moment.

"Yeah?...you meet dad?"

“If you mean the big angry asshole that came out of the house yelling at Gerard in his underwear...than yeah, I met him...”

Frank took a drag of his smoke.

“What the hell is his problem with your brother?”

Mikey turned to look Frank in the eyes.

"Dad's a homophobic skid mark...he found out that Gee's gay when Gee was still in high school. Let's just say he didn't take it too well."

“Does he not know about you then?...”

Frank frowned and then his eyes went wide. Their dad had probably seen him making out with Gerard in the driveway. He muttered under his breath.

“Shit.”

Mikey shook his head, taking another drag before answering.

"Nah. I never take anyone there...if I'm with a guy, I'll go to his..."

He chuckled.

"Mom and dad think I'm with this chick called Ally...she's gay too and we're each other's beards, so to speak."

“So, you just let him treat Gerard like shit, and you verbally abuse him as if he’s not already dealing with enough shit?...”

Frank frowned and looked at Mikey.

“Man am I glad I’m an only child.”

Mikey looked at Frank funny.

"Gee knows I'm joking Frank...we've always been like this. If Gee is genuinely upset by something I say, he tells me. If he's in a bad way from dad...I take care of him..."

He took another drag.

"That's just how we are."

“Really? Cause that’s not what it looks like when Gerard cowers away from you like he’s afraid or ducks his head when you give him shit for something stupid. It seems more like he’s as afraid of you as he is your dad...”

Frank made a face.

“That’s not how family should be.”

Mikey frowned.

"Gee's afraid of me?..."

He shook his head, suddenly trying to replay conversations he'd had with his brother in his head.

"No no I...I never...I thought..."

He sighed.

"Fuck. I fucked up, didn't I."

Frank nodded.

“Gerard doesn’t have work tomorrow but I told him he does. I’m gonna try and get him to stay with me. He deserves better than what your dad does to him. I have the basement apartment of Tony and Linda’s place and I have the space for him.”

Frank sighed and flicked his cigarette, discarding ashes that were about to fall off anyway.

"You really care about him, don't you."

Mikey said with something approaching awe...it wasn't even a question.

Frank nodded and sighed.

“He might be in rough shape when you get home though, and it’s my goddamn fault. I...should’ve paid attention better I guess.”

Mikey frowned.

"What happened?...you said dad was in his underwear which..."

He chuckled slightly but without humour.

"...no surprise, and that he shouted. But please, tell me exactly what happened."

“I drove him home on my bike and he was so excited about it, I guess riding on the back of a bike was something he wanted to do. When we got there he got all excited and I don’t know why but he kissed me...”

Frank smiled.

“He got freaked out that he’d done it but I told him it was ok and...it turned into us kind of making out...in your driveway...where anyone could see us. Next thing I know your dad comes out yelling as loud as his lungs would allow calling Gerard some choice words I cannot bring myself to repeat.”

Frank cringed at the sound of it in his memory. He felt really worried about Gerard. Mikey whistled tunelessly and shook his head.

"Wow...no wonder dad yelled..."

He sighed, his eyebrows drawing together.

"I...I think we need to try to get Gee out of there sooner rather than later..."

He looked at his watch, then back up at Frank.

"It's 11:40 now. By 1, dad will be a six-pack down and really looking for a fight. Gee shouldn't be there then."

“And how are we going to do that?...”

Frank frowned at Mikey. While getting Gerard out of there now was ideal, Frank was half the size of the man and Mikey was a scrawny teenager.

“Without putting you on his punching bag list next.”

Mikey shook his head.

"Dad's never laid a finger on me...I'm the good son, remember?...the straight one. I'll distract dad and you sneak Gee out...I'll open the back door for you and tell you how to get to my room...ok?"

“You are as straight as the curly fries we serve, but other than that ok...”

Frank nodded.

“Your duct tape mobile gonna work? Cause they’ll hear my bike coming.”

"I got mom's car today...it's ugly but it runs quiet."

“Ok, that works then. I’ll wait in the car with him.”

Frank nodded again. He really hoped this worked. Mikey nodded.

"Cool. Ok, so when we get there, you go round the back and I'll go in the front. I'll go unlock the back door for you, but you should wait a couple minutes so I have time to get dad talking..."

He took a final drag then flicked his cigarette into the gutter, blowing smoke out into the cold air.

"When you go in, the door to the basement is on the left, next to the refrigerator, only open it about half way else it'll squeak. Go down the stairs and my room's the door on the left. Get Gee then get the hell out of there...I'll buy you as much time as I can, but dad's an unpredictable asshole and I can't guarantee he'll listen for more than five, ten minutes max."

“Sounds simple enough...”

Frank nodded and finished off his smoke, tossing it with Mikey’s.

“Let’s not fuck it up.”

Mikey nodded, humming his agreement.

"Do you think Tony will be ok with us cutting out?"

“Tony has a strong belief that family comes first and that you protect your family no matter the cost. I’d wager he’d be alright with us going to rescue Gerard.”

Frank nodded and looked over at Mikey, he didn’t understand how a family could not be like that. Mikey raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah?...I heard about parents like that...never thought they were real though..."

Frank raised an eyebrow at Mikey in confusion, wondering how Mikey knew Tony was his dad. He also felt really bad that Mikey didn’t know what a good family was like. Mikey took a breath, then let it out loudly.

"So I'll go pull the car round the front while you go talk to Tony, yeah?"

“Yeah...”

Frank nodded and pushed off the wall to head inside. He stepped inside and wandered back to the kitchen where Tony was working quietly.

“Hey boss.”

Tony looked up and smiled at his son.

“What do you need?”

“I need to borrow Mikey for a bit.”

Frank sighed and leaned on the serving window.

“Oh? What’s wrong?”

Tony set down what he was doing and looked at Frank in concern.

“Gerard, his dad is...he needs to get out of that house and now. I’m gonna bring him to stay with me.”

Tony’s frown deepened as Frank spoke.

“Is he in trouble?”

Tony looked really worried.

“Like I said, his dad...he’s not like you, he’s one of those dads you always said you hated.”

Frank said quietly, remembering his dad’s rants about shitty parents and family that didn’t act like family. Tony nodded and started to look angry.

“Then go get him out of there, your mother will be here soon to take over from me anyway but I’ll stick around and work front of house.”

“Thank you.”

Frank nodded and turned to leave.

“He means something to you doesn’t he?”

Tony asked before Frank could get too far. Frank looked at him and nodded.

“He asked me out today.”

“Then he’s part of our family and we take care of our own. Go get him.”

Tony nodded and shooed Frank away. Frank went back outside to meet Mikey who was sat in a small car.

“We’re good to go.”

Frank called to Mikey. Mikey grinned, leaning over to open the passenger door from his seat behind the wheel.

"Get in, we got a rescue mission to take care of."

“Let’s go then...”

Frank climbed in and looked over at Mikey. As Mikey started driving he furrowed his brow and sighed.

“Alright this is gonna bug the shit out of me, how’d you know Tony was my dad? I’ve been making an effort not to let you guys know because the others make fun of me for it. So how did you know?”

Mikey laughed, glancing at Frank before looking back at the road.

"Something Tony said yesterday...he said your mom said to tell you that you left the kettle on the stove from making your oatmeal...I kinda put two and two together and got dad."

“Goddammit, yeah I guess that would give it away. I have a little, like...kitchen type thing in the basement but no stove, just a microwave, a counter and a little fridge. So I used the stove upstairs in Ma’s kitchen to boil the water for my oatmeal...”

Frank looked down. It wasn’t his fault he liked peaches and cream oatmeal. It was good.

“I forget to put away the kettle sometimes.”

"You're a cook, and you don't have a stove in your room?!...for shame."

Mikey smirked sarcastically.

“I’m a chef who works as a simple cook.”

Frank stuck his tongue out. He’d spent three years and more college tuition than he cared to admit to earn that title. Mikey laughed.

"Ok, so you're a chef, and you don't have a stove in your room...better?"

“No, 'cause I’m still a shameful chef who doesn’t have his own stove...”

Frank chuckled.

“I cook upstairs for the family more than I cook for myself anyway.”

Mikey smiled as he turned onto the street that led to his.

"Maybe you can get Gee to eat more when he's at yours, I've not seen him eat anything except that bacon you did him yesterday."

“Yeah...that won’t fly with Ma...”

Frank shook his head.

“She wants to make sure anyone in her household is fed, healthy, and happy.”

"Gee won't know what to do with that...he hasn't had anyone who cares that much in a while, I think..."

Mikey said as he pulled up a few houses away from his and turned off the engine.

"Ok, let's go."

Frank nodded and climbed out of the car to follow Mikey. He didn’t know how far around the back he really had to go but he was just going to go till he saw a door he figured. He nodded at Mikey as he went around the side to find it and stand there and wait. Mikey took a breath and went inside.

"Hey dad, what's up?"

His dad looked up and grunted, looking back at the tv, where some show about men with guns was holding his attention...for now at least.

"Grab me another beer would ya?"

He said, chugging the last of the can in his hand and then crushing it.

"Sure dad..."

Mikey said with false cheer as he headed to the kitchen. Once out of sight, he went quickly to the back door and quietly turned the key that was always left in the lock. He looked out the window but couldn't see Frank...he hoped Frank could be quiet enough. He grabbed a beer from the fridge for his dad and a Coke for himself, then headed back into the living room.

"Here you go dad. What you watching?"

Mikey perched on the arm of the sofa, trying to look relaxed, while simultaneously blocking his dad's view of the kitchen. While his dad started going on about the show, and how he thought maybe he should get another gun, Mikey prayed that Frank could get this done as quickly and as quietly as possible.

Frank quietly slipped in through the door and followed Mikey’s directions, opening the door only enough to slip through and down to the basement. He opened Mikey’s door carefully and found Gerard laying on the bed inside.

Gerard was laying curled up on his side with his back to the door. He knew at some point his dad would come down, but he'd hoped that he would have more time...that he'd be able to take more than the six pain killers he'd swallowed down dry since he'd dug them out of his backpack, or was it eight? He hoped that would be enough to dull the pain of whatever his dad was about to do anyway. He whimpered quietly in anticipation.

Frank looked at Gerard curled up and moved over to touch his shoulder gently.

“Gerard?”

Gerard jolted slightly, then looked back with scared, glassy eyes. He swallowed, clutching the pill bottle tighter in his hand.

"F-Frankie?"

“Come on, get dressed and let’s go, Mikey is upstairs distracting your dad. I’m getting you the hell out of here...”

Frank frowned at the bottle in his hand.

“How many of those did you take?”

"Not enough...can still...feel."

Gerard said, his voice slurring slightly.

“That’s fine baby, come on. You gotta get up and I can’t carry you cos it’ll be too noisy. What do you want me to pack for you?...”

Frank said quietly.

“I’ll take care of you but I gotta get you out of here first.”

Gerard rolled over awkwardly to face Frank properly, he pointed to the corner of the room.

"I never unpacked...just...just my sketchbook."

On the floor was his backpack, open but still full, and his sketchbook and pencil case sitting next to it. Frank picked up Gerard’s art stuff and fit it into the backpack, slinging the pack over his shoulder.

“Ok, then come on before your brother loses you dad’s attention.”

Gerard's eyes went wide.

"Mikey's here?"

“Yes, he is...”

Frank held out his hand for Gerard to grab hold of so he could help him up.

“He’s waiting for us to get out and then he’s going to take us to the diner.”

Gerard nodded slowly then took Frank's hand.

"Is he...is he mad at me?"

“Who Mikey? No, why would he be?...”

Frank helped him up off the bed and back into his clothes.

“Tell me in the car...”

Frank shushed him and they snuck out of Mikey’s room quietly. Frank peaked out of the basement to make sure Mr. Way was still busy with Mikey and tapped Mikey’s back to let him know they were heading out, before he shooed Gerard through the door and out the back, being careful not to make a noise. Frank grabbed a hold of Gerard once they were outside and sighed in relief. He led him around the house and down to where Mikey had parked the car. Mikey had the key but they left the passenger door unlocked. Frank reached in and unlocked the back door to toss Gerard’s backpack in. Frank got Gerard in and flopped into the passenger seat, closing the door.

“Ok, you’re safe now, we just need Mikey to get out here.”

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be at work?"

Don Way said, burping after and taking another swig of his beer. Mikey chuckled, holding up his wallet.

"Oh yeah. I came back for my wallet, then got engrossed in our conversation...oops."

Don rolled his eyes.

"Well you should get goin' then..."

He glanced toward Mikey's bedroom door, then back at his "good son" with a smirk.

"I got things to do anyway."

Mikey swallowed, smiling awkwardly.

"Ok, well I'll see you later then dad."

He got up and headed toward the front door.

"Hey..."

Don called, Mikey turned back to him with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't hurry back after work."

Mikey felt kinda sick that this was his father, telling him to stay away so he could hurt Gerard. He gave a quick nod and left, needing to be far away right now. He took a couple of deep breaths after closing the front door behind himself, then ran over to his mom's car, getting in and shutting the door as soon as he got to it.

"I hate him."

He said, decisively. Frank looked over at him.

“And I don’t think I blame you even the slightest bit.”

Gerard whimpered from where he was curled up on his side on the back seat, Mikey looked back at him with concern.

"Are you ok?"

"Do...do you hate me too?"

"No Gee...never. I'm sorry I've been a dick to you..."

Gerard shrugged slightly, looking down. Mikey sighed, he knew he had a lot of making up to do. He turned to face forward again and started the car.

"Ok, so let's get out of here before dad reali..."

"FUCKING FAG!...GET BACK HERE!"

Don yelled as he came flying out of the front door and headed straight for the car. Gerard squeaked fearfully and tried to disappear inside his hoodie.

"Mikey, get us the hell out of here now."

"Yes boss..."

Mikey said, putting the car into drive and hitting the gas.

"Hold on tight..."

He sent the car shooting forward, swerving around his dad as the angry man in his underwear ran out into the road to stop them. Gerard yelped as his head hit the door, but Mikey kept going...the further they could get, the better.

"I got a feeling I'm not going to be welcome back home tonight...you got a couch I can crash on Frank?"

“I do but I have a feeling Ma will try and put you in the spare bedroom at least, and Pops will agree with her so there is no use arguing...”

Frank shrugged.

“Besides, I’ll be on my couch tonight till I can find that stupid cushy cot Ma got when I was younger for sleepovers to put in my space to sleep on.”

Mikey glanced at Frank as he slowed down to a sensible speed, they were three streets away now.

"What, you don't have your own bed?"

“No, I do but…”

He glanced back at Gerard.

“I’m not putting him on the couch. He’s too tall to fit on my couch for starters, and secondly that’s just not how I was raised.”

Mikey chuckled, glancing in the rear view mirror and seeing that Gerard looked like he was going to be asleep before they even reached the diner.

"He's not that tall, 'sides, he sleeps curled up most times..."

He grinned at Frank then back at the road.

"But you're cool for giving up your bed for him...it's sweet."

“You underestimate how small my couch is. It barely fits my short ass on it. And of course I’d give him my bed...”

Frank smiled faintly as he looked back at Gerard, remembering their conversation earlier. He smiled as he thought about what Tony had said. Gerard would be welcomed into a family that was safe and caring. Frank vaguely worried about that scaring Gerard but he figured he’d get used to it after a while. He could see Linda fussing over him now, she’d think he was cute and she’d be entirely right.

“I think he needs a good night’s rest where he doesn’t have to worry about getting hurt.”

Mikey frowned.

"He was safe at the hospital."

“No, he was still freaked out because they took blood from him even after we specified no needles of any kind. They did it after I came back to work...hence why I have yet to change or shower since yesterday.”

Frank sighed and leaned his head back against the headrest on the seat. Mikey chuckled slightly.

"Sounds like you both deserve a good night sleep in a real bed. Isn't yours big enough for two?"

“Well yeah, but I won’t unless he says it’s ok. I’m fine on the couch...”

Frank shrugged.

“Doesn’t bother me any.”

Mikey smirked.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that..."

He pulled the car into the lot behind the diner.

"We're here."

Frank climbed out of the car and opened the back to lean into the backseat. He gently shook Gerard awake.

“Come on, time to wake up.”

He spoke softly, trying to wake Gerard up without startling him. Gerard whined quietly and opened his eyes.

"F-Frankie?...where are we?"

“We’re at the diner. We can walk or we can take my bike to my place but we gotta stop in and talk to Tony and Linda first.”

Frank smiled and offered to help Gerard out of the car. Gerard yawned and took Frank's hand, letting himself be pulled out, then leaning heavily against Frank.

"Can we go on your bike please?...I liked that."

“Oh, I know you did. You gonna be awake enough to hold on though? Maybe get you some coffee to wake you up a bit first.”

Frank held Gerard up. Gerard perked up at the mention of coffee, but still yawned, squeaking sweetly at the end. Frank smiled at the cute little noise Gerard made and he tried really hard not to laugh. Linda was going to absolutely love Gerard.

"Coffee?...I could drink coffee. Could I have some bacon too?"

“Yeah, we might be able to get you some bacon. Come on, Tony is probably waiting for us and he’s likely told Linda so she’ll be in an absolute fit about it.”

Mikey laughed, shaking his head.

"Gee, I love you...but you really need to broaden your culinary horizons bro."

He turned and headed inside, still chuckling to himself. Gerard looked up at Frank with questioning eyes.

"He...he loves me?"

“Yeah...Gerard, it was his idea to go get you the hell out of there right now. I didn’t know how the hell I was going to do that so I told you to come in to work tomorrow and was just going to take you home with me from there.”

Frank looked down at Gerard and kissed his forehead.

"Wait I'm...not working tomorrow?"

“No, I just didn’t know what else I could say in front of him to get you away from the house. You work again not tomorrow but the day after...”

Frank furrowed his brow.

“I think that’s what the schedule said.”

Gerard chewed on his lip for a moment.

"What am I gonna do tomorrow?...do I have to go home?"

“You don’t ever have to go back there if you don’t want to...”

Frank shook his head.

“Tomorrow, I don’t think I work either so I’ll hang out with you if you want.”

Gerard smiled wide, snuggling into Frank's side as they stepped into the diner.

"Yeah, I'd like that a lot."

Frank smiled as he spotted Tony, he didn’t have a chance to say anything though as Linda came out of the kitchen.

“Oh, Frank, what on earth is going on? Your father wouldn’t tell me anything and I’ve been worrying. Oh who is this adorable thing?”

She froze when she saw Gerard.

“This is Gerard, Ma. He’s a little sleepy so I’m gonna get him a coffee.”

Frank led Gerard over to a booth, sliding him into the bench.

“Oh! Tony did tell me about him...”

Linda smiled brightly.

"I’m so glad you’ve found someone and he’s so cute. Do you want anything to eat, sweetheart?”

She asked him, leaning to look around Frank at him.

"Bacon?..."

Gerard asked, his cheeks pinking.

"Please, Frank's mom?"

“Oh of course, and you can call me Lin if you want to. Such a sweetie...”

Linda smiled and nodded before looking at her son.

“Frank, if you fuck it up with him I’ll smack you with your own frying pan. You be a gentleman to this boy, I know I raised you right.”

She gave him a look and he knew she was joking about the frying pan bit. He laughed.

“I’ll try my hardest not to Ma...”

Frank smiled as Tony brought a cup of coffee over to set it in front of Gerard.

“Hey Pops, do you know where that cot we had went?”

“No, but I’ll have a look when we close up here.”

Tony smiled and went back to working. Gerard picked up his coffee and took a sip. He yelped straight after...

"Ow."

...putting the cup back down and frowning at it with his tongue stuck out...the tip was red.

Frank chuckled and looked at him.

“Well it is hot, be careful, you know the coffee maker here. It only functions at stupid hot levels.”

Gerard huffed, shooting the machine a sour look.

"Ith out to geth me."

“No, it’s just bitchy, it’s like that with everyone.”

Frank chuckled as Linda came back with a plate of bacon to set on the table for Gerard.

“There you go.”

Linda smiled happily at the boy and patted Frank on the shoulder before going back to the kitchen to work. Gerard gave his coffee a miss for now, picked up a piece of bacon between his fingers, and started munching on it happily.

Frank slid into the booth across from him and smiled.

“Oh! Shit...uh how do you feel about dogs?”

"Dogs?..."

Gerard said, the second piece of bacon half way done already.

"You have dogs?"

“Just one, and she’s only little. Sweet Pea is really friendly and she likes to cuddle. I never even thought that you might not like dogs. I’m sorry.”

Frank frowned, he loved dogs and he loved Sweet Pea. He wasn’t sure how he’d feel if Gerard didn’t like her. Gerard smiled softly.

"I like little dogs, as long as they don't pee on me."

Frank shook his head.

“Sweet Pea would never, she’s a good girl.”

"That's ok then."

Gerard said with a shy smile before stuffing the rest of that piece of bacon into his mouth in one go and groaning happily. Frank smiled at Gerard, glad to see he already looked like he was doing better.

“I think you’ll like her, just don’t leave pencils on any surface lower than your hip.”

Gerard tilted his head with a perplexed look on his face.

"Why?...what will she do to my pencils?"

“I’ve lost a dozen pencils to her making chew toys out of them...”

Frank wrinkled his nose.

“It’s fine as long as she can’t reach them easily.”

Gerard frowned.

"She can't have my pencils."

He said with finality before picking up his now partly cooled coffee and downing half in one go. Frank chuckled and shook his head, he didn’t know what Sweet Pea’s deal with pencils was but she stole them off the coffee table or any low surface he accidentally left them on. She’d even taken one from his hand once. Gerard put his cup down and picked up another piece of bacon, smiling at it before biting it in half.

“You feeling a bit better now?”

Frank looked up at the boy, smiling gently. Gerard nodded slightly, swallowing his mouthful.

"A bit...my head still hurts and...and I'm scared that dad might show up but...but other than that yeah, a bit better."

“If your dad tries to come anywhere near you he’ll learn not to fuck with actual families. Tony won’t let him touch you and neither will I. If all else fails there is always Ma and my frying pan.”

Frank chuckled, trying to make Gerard feel better and make him laugh. Gerard giggled slightly, shaking his head.

"That's good to know, but if he comes, you'd probably be better off just letting him take me...he's going to get me again sometime anyway."

He said matter of factly, before picking up his coffee and finishing it, eyes dropping to the tabletop.

“No, you are part of our family now and we take care of our own. I’m not about to give up on my boyfriend before I’ve had a chance to take him on a proper date...”

Frank said firmly.

“He will never hurt you again if I have any say in the matter.”

Gerard looked up, a smile practically splitting his face in two.

"You wanna take me on a...date?"

“Well yeah, I was under the impression that’s what people did when they were dating. Besides you’re too cute not to take out on dates...”

Frank smiled back at him.

“If you want to, that is.”

Gerard nodded enthusiastically, grin spreading even wider.

"Oh yes, yes please. No one ever wanted to take me on a date before, I'd like that."

Frank leaned over the table and kissed Gerard on the cheek before sitting back down in his seat.

“Well, I’ll have to make it a good one then.”

Gerard felt his cheeks catch on fire and he looked down, giggling slightly as he hid in his hair for a moment.

"So where are you going to take me?"

He asked quietly, looking up through his lashes.

“I think I might make it a surprise.”

Frank smiled back at him.

"Well as long as it's not bowling, I'll be ok."

Gerard said with a grimace.

“I don’t think that’ll be a problem, I hate bowling.”

Frank chuckled and he honestly did hate bowling, it frustrated him beyond believe and he really sucked at it.

"Good..."

Gerard smiled with relief.

"Last time we went as a...a family..."

He shivered slightly.

"Dad dropped one of the balls on my foot...broke two of my toes. He said it was an accident..."

He trailed off. Frank made a face at that, somehow he doubted it’d actually been an accident.

“No bowling, don’t worry. I’ll come up with something fun.”

"Ok...*yawn* sounds good."

“Come on you, let’s get you out of here before you are too sleepy to hold on while we are on my bike.”

Frank shook his head and snickered at Gerard’s sleepy look.

"But..."

Gerard looked down at his plate sadly.

"I haven't finished my bacon."

“That’s fine, we can take it home with us if you want. I just wanna make sure I can get you there safely.”

Frank smiled at him warmly. Gerard smiled back.

"Ok Frankie."

Frank slid out of the booth and went over to the serving window to bug Linda.

“Eh, Ma!”

“What?”

She called back, moving around working quickly and yet somehow she seemed totally calm.

“Can I get one of those little takeout containers?...”

Frank asked and almost before he finished his sentence it was sitting right in front of his face.

“Thanks.”

“There is some salad in the fridge for dinner if you two get hungry.”

She said and shooed him away so she could work in peace. Frank wandered back out to Gerard and set the little styrofoam container in front of him. Gerard looked at the box, then up at Frank with a sleepy smile.

"My bacon?"

Frank snickered and nodded.

“Yes silly, it’s for you to put your bacon in so we can take it home.”

"Oh, ok Frankie."

Gerard smiled shyly then carefully took the lid off the little box and put the rest of his bacon inside (except for the piece he stuffed into his mouth), then put the lid back on and looked up at Frank expectantly.

Frank chuckled and shook his head as he slid out of the bench. He picked up the little container and held his hand out to Gerard. Gerard smiled and took Frank's hand, letting himself be pulled up to his feet.

"Hey Gee?..."

Mikey said, walking over with a dishcloth over his shoulder. Gerard pressed himself slightly into Frank's side, but hummed to indicate that he was listening. Mikey stepped close and wrapped his skinny arms around his brother.

"I love you bro, don't ever think I don't..."

He whispered in Gerard's ear, then pressed a kiss to Gerard's cheek and stepped back with a smile.

"I'll see you later."

He turned and smiled at Frank, then headed back to the counter to serve the only customer that was there right now. Gerard stood wide eyed for a second or two, then looked at Frank.

"Did...did that just happen?"

He asked quietly.

“Yeah, it did. I talked to him for a bit, he didn’t realise you were actually afraid of him. He thought you understood him being a dick was supposed to be a joke...”

Frank sighed.

“He didn’t realise how it would look like that wasn’t the case. He got kind of upset when he realised that you were afraid of him and thought he didn’t like you.”

Gerard sucked his bottom lip into his mouth as he thought about that.

"It upset him that I was upset?...I don't want him to be upset."

“Hey, it’s ok...”

Frank pulled Gerard into a hug.

“You guys can fix things between you easier now you don’t have your dad to worry about anymore. Mikey loves you and it bothered him that you thought he didn’t.”

Gerard buried his face into Frank's neck and nodded slightly, clinging onto him. After a minute, he lifted his head to look at Frank.

"Can we go now?...I'm tired."

“Of course, come on...”

Frank led Gerard outside to his bike. He went back over to Mikey’s car and got Gerard’s bag out of it before locking it, which Mikey had apparently forgotten to do. He put the container of bacon into the bag, careful not to squish it too much.

“You gonna sit on the back again and hold on? We aren’t going too far so I won’t go real fast.”

Gerard yawned and nodded.

"Yeah, ok Frankie."

“You get to wear the backpack then, cause I have nowhere else to put it.”

Frank held it out for Gerard to slip his arms into the straps. Gerard turned around and let Frank put the pack onto his back, then turned to face Frank with a smile.

"Frankie, will you kiss me again?...please?"

Frank looked at Gerard and smiled. He reached up and cupped Gerard’s face in his hand, closing the space between them and kissing Gerard softly. Gerard smiled into the kiss and wound his arms around Frank's neck, moaning softly as his eyes fluttered closed. Frank pushed into the kiss a little more, moving his other hand to Gerard’s waist. Gerard's breath hitched slightly as he melted against Frank, his fingers twisting in the hair at the back of Frank's neck. Frank moaned and reluctantly broke the kiss.

“You...are distracting, come on, let’s go home.”

He grinned and kissed Gerard on the cheek. He swung his leg over the bike and looked back at Gerard. Gerard giggled slightly and climbed onto the bike behind Frank, winding his arms loosely around Frank's waist.

"Will you kiss me more when we get there?...I really like you kissing me."

“Good, cause I happen to enjoy kissing you.”

Frank smiled and started up the bike. He looked back to make sure Gerard was holding on before pushing forward and making his way out of the lot, onto the street. The drive home was a short one, five minutes with shit traffic. Frank pulled his bike up beside the house like he was supposed to and stopped before the little side entrance to his ‘basement apartment’. There was a door in from inside the house too. It was just the basement, it used to be a rec room when Frank was younger but now it gave the mild illusion of him having his own place. He shut off the bike and put out the kick before looking back at Gerard.

Gerard smiled wide, ignoring the fact that his hair probably looked like he'd been pulled through a hedge backwards.

"I really like your bike."

He said with a giggle. Frank chuckled and shook his head.

“Yeah?...”

He grinned widely at him.

“Good, cause it’s my only mode of transportation.”

Gerard tilted his head slightly.

"But what if you bought something big?...like a new microwave or...or a camel?...how would you get it home?"

“I don’t usually, but even if I did, while I don’t have anything else, my parents do have a car and are usually willing to help me out.”

Frank laughed and shook his head. Gerard nodded in understanding.

"Oh, ok. Can we go in now?...I'm cold."

“Yeah...we can do that...kind of waiting for you to let go and get off the bike so I can though...”

Frank snickered.

“It’s easier to get off when I’m not worried about accidentally kicking you.”

Gerard's eyes went wide and he quickly let go and scrambled off of the back of the bike, his cheeks flaming red.

"I'm sorry."

He murmured quietly, eyes casting to the ground. Frank climbed off the bike and turned towards Gerard.

“It’s ok. Come on, it should be warm inside.”

Frank held his hand out to Gerard. Biting slightly on his bottom lip, Gerard took Frank's hand and nodded.

"Ok Frankie. Hey, do you have coffee?"

“Of course I have coffee.”

Frank smiled and led Gerard down to the door into the basement. He unlocked it and pulled Gerard inside. Gerard giggled and yawned, blinking as Frank flicked on the light.

"I'm tired, but I want coffee...but I'm tired..."

He whined slightly.

"Frankie, tell me what to do?"

“Well...if you take a nap now are you going to sleep tonight?”

Frank asked and looked at Gerard. Gerard looked down, hiding in his hair and shaking his head.

"No."

He whispered shyly.

“Coffee it is then.”

Frank kissed Gerard’s cheek and moved towards the little ‘kitchen’ he had. He set up the coffee maker and turned it on. Gerard gazed around the room for a minute then walked over to stand next to Frank. He took his bag off of his back and unzipped it, pulling out his box of bacon. He set it on the counter then turned to face Frank.

"Where am I going to sleep Frankie?"

Frank turned and looked at his mattress and box spring on the floor in the corner of the room. He never made his bed but the fluffy pillow and big fluffy comforter made it look like a comfy place to sleep anyway so it didn’t matter how neat it was.

“You can sleep in the bed.”

Gerard looked over at the bed, then back at Frank.

"With you?"

“Uh...well I was going to sleep on the couch, I’m short enough to fit on it fine.”

Frank looked back at Gerard.

"Oh..."

Gerard hung his head a little and turned away.

"Ok then."

“That ok?”

Frank asked and reached toward Gerard to get him to turn back towards him. Gerard kept his head low. He shrugged slightly.

"Yes...I mean I guess so..."

He frowned.

"I just...I thought we'd share your bed, you know, now that we're dating. But if you don't want to..."

He trailed off with a sigh.

“What? No Gerard...I was going to sleep on the couch because I wasn’t sure how comfortable you would be sharing a bed. If you want to then I am all for it, but just be warned now, I’m a cuddler...”

Frank shook his head.

“I just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, ok?”

Gerard looked up with a smile creeping back onto his face.

"Really?...are you sure? I like being cuddled."

Frank smiled and stepped towards Gerard.

“Good, because you are not going to have any of your own space if we share a bed.”

Frank chuckled. Gerard felt his cheeks pink up again and he giggled softly before he suddenly started sniffing the air...his nose twitching like a bunny rabbit's.

"Coffeeeee."

He squealed gleefully.

“You are adorable...”

Frank shook his head. He grabbed a coffee mug from the cupboard.

“What do you want in your coffee?”

"Just a little cream, if that's ok?"

“Of course.“

Frank reached over and pulled a small carton of cream from the fridge. He added some to the cup and picked up the coffee pot to fill the cup the rest of the way. Gerard was practically bouncing with anticipation, if he wasn't so tired, he probably would have.

"Coffeecoffeecoffeecoffeecoffee."

He chanted quickly, making grabby hands for the cup. Frank laughed.

"Easy or you'll spill it."

Frank carefully held the cup out for Gerard to take. Gerard smiled happily as he took the cup. He cradled it between his palms to warm his hands and took a sniff...it was too hot to drink yet.

"Ahhh...I love coffee."

“Yeah, I can tell.”

Frank smiled at him and shook his head. He looked so incredibly happy just to have a cup of coffee. Gerard took another sniff then started to slowly walk around the room, looking at the various posters and things Frank had on his walls. He stopped at a photograph that seemed to have pride of place next to the bed. He leaned in for a closer look, then looked back at Frank.

"Frankie is this...you and Tom Delonge?"

“Uh...yeah it is...”

Frank looked up, smiled and then glanced over at his bed where Sweet Pea had apparently woken from her nap under the blanket and looked like a ridiculous ghost. He choked and laughed. Muttering under his breath.

“Goddamn fucking dog.”

Gerard raised an eyebrow and turned to look at what Frank was talking about. He saw the blankets moving and gasped slightly...he'd kind of forgotten about the dog. Frank saw the look on Gerard’s face and walked over to the bed, he moved the blanket and picked up the tiny dog.

“Gerard, meet Sweet Pea.”

"Oh my God!...she's so cute!"

Gerard exclaimed, setting his still too hot coffee cup down and crossing to stand in front of Frank.

“Yeah, she is. You can pet her, she won’t bite but she might lick you to death.”

Frank chuckled and held her up for him. Gerard giggled and lifted his hand tentatively toward the little grey dog to let her sniff him, and decide if she liked him or not. He hoped she did. Sweet Pea sniffed at Gerard’s hand before promptly licking it repeatedly and happily wagging her tail. Frank chuckled and shook his head.

“I think she likes you.”

Gerard giggled happily.

"It tickles, silly girl..."

He said lightly, moving his hand out of her reach then behind her head to scratch behind her ears. He looked up at Frank with a wide smile, showing off all his tiny teeth.

"I like her too."

Frank smiled back at him.

“Good...”

Frank set her down on the floor.

“Well, you’ve got coffee, you’ve got bacon here somewhere. What do you wanna do? I didn’t really have any plans for tonight.”

"Oh, err, could we like, I don't know, watch a movie and..."

Gerard looked down, a blush colouring his cheeks pink.

"...cuddle?"

He finished shyly. Frank nodded.

“Yeah, that sounds good. You wanna go look through my pile of movies?”

Gerard looked over to a couple of tall stacks of DVDs, he raised his eyebrows...that's not how you store DVDs.

"Yeah...um, ok then..."

He picked up his coffee and wandered over, sitting down crosslegged on the floor and starting to go through the many, many unorganised boxes.

"Frankie?...can I organise these please?"

Frank looked over at him and raised an eyebrow.

“I...if you want to you can, I don’t care...”

Frank shrugged.

“I never really figured I needed to organise it.”

Gerard looked down.

"Ok, n-never mind."

He took a sip of his coffee and went back to looking at the cases...maybe he'd organise them another time. Frank moved over to where Gerard was sitting and sat down beside him.

“Like I said, you can organise them if you want to. I’m just lazy and never did.”

Gerard shrugged slightly and sipped his coffee. He pulled out a DVD case and held it up.

"Can we watch this please?"

He said quietly. Frank chuckled.

“Yeah, sure. I haven’t watched the Little Mermaid in forever.”

He gently took the movie from Gerard and got up to turn on the TV and the DVD player. Gerard sat for a moment, then pushed back up onto his feet and walked over to the little kitchen. He picked up his tub of bacon, then crossed to Frank's bed. He put his coffee and bacon on the nightstand, then climbed onto the bed, sitting against the headboard, before picking up his bacon, just as Frank walked over to join him.

"Is it ok to eat on your bed Frankie?"

He asked nervously.

“Yeah, that’s where I eat most of the time...”

Frank crawled onto the bed beside him. He leaned over and reached between the bed and the nightstand to pull up a bag of Doritos.

“This is where I usually sit to watch movies, and movies usually involve snacks.”

Frank smiled and set the bag on his lap. Gerard giggled slightly, relaxing a bit. He popped open his tub of bacon and picked up a piece with his fingertips. His eyes flicked to Frank briefly, just to be certain this was ok, then took a bite of his now cold but still delicious bacon.

"Mmm, I think I'm going to like being here...for as long as you can put up with me, that is."

“Just you wait till my parents get home. Family dinner is non-optional, we just eat it later than most people do because of diner hours.”

Frank smiled and put his arm around Gerard’s shoulders. Gerard smiled slightly, but started to get an uneasy feeling...if he had to eat with the family, they were bound to notice. He continued to nibble on his bacon, but his appetite just wasn't there now. He yawned, putting the piece in his hand back in the box and replacing the lid. Frank frowned and squeezed Gerard’s shoulders, hugging him into his side.

“You ok?”

Gerard nodded, keeping his head low but his eyes on the tv screen.

"Yeah, just...just a little tireder than I thought."

He mumbled quietly, hoping Frank would leave it at that.

“I don’t think that’s a word, but that’s probably a good indication that maybe you should try and nap for a bit and I’ll wake you up.”

Frank pressed a gentle kiss to the side of Gerard’s head. Gerard yawned again, looking up at Frank through his hair afterwards.

"I was an art major Frankie, not English...tireder sounds right to me..."

He yawned again then leaned his head on Frank's shoulder.

"But I really wanted to watch The Little Mermaid."

“We can always watch it again later...”

Frank smiled at him.

“You’re tired, you should sleep even if it’s only for a little while.”

Gerard whined quietly, then, with another yawn, accepted Frank's words.

"Ok Frankie but..."

He bit his lip nervously and looked up at Frank with big, pleading eyes.

"...you will stay with me, won't you?"

“Of course, I’m not going anywhere right now...”

Frank said as Sweet Pea jumped up onto the bed to sniff at Gerard and lay across their legs.

“I guess Sweet Pea is on your side with this one, I’m not allowed to move. That’s fine.”

Frank chuckled. Gerard smiled softly and yawned again, putting his bacon to the side and snuggling against Frank. He stayed quiet for a minute or so, just letting the sound of the movie, and the warmth and smell of Frank lull him toward sleep, before something crossed his mind.

"Frank?"

He said timidly, looking up through his lashes.

“Yes, Gerard?”

Frank looked down at him. Gerard whimpered slightly, pushing himself impossibly closer to Frank's body.

"What if...what if dad comes here before your parents get home?"

“Then I have a baseball bat sitting in the corner and a phone with the ability to call the police...”

Frank ran his hand over Gerard’s back soothingly.

“He’s not welcome in this house.”

"He...he won't care if he's welcome or not...and if he's drunk..."

Gerard trailed off with a shaky sniff.

“Like I said, baseball bat and police...”

Frank kissed his forehead.

“He’s not getting anywhere near you and he doesn’t know where I live. Neither does Mikey, so even if he tried to get it from Mikey he’d have no luck.”

"Oh God...what if he tries to hurt Mikey?...Mikey doesn't have a baseball bat."

Frank shushed Gerard.

“I don’t think he will and either way Mikey isn’t going home tonight. He’s gonna come here with Tony and Linda.”

"But dad knows where the diner is...and he's...he's got a gun Frankie."

Gerard said, his eyes suddenly wider and far less sleepy.

“He’s not going to hurt anyone. I know you probably aren’t used to feeling safe but you are safe here, so is Mikey if he needs shelter...”

Frank pulled Gerard over onto his chest and hugged him tight.

“My dad and I both own guns, we aren’t in the nicest neighbourhood so Ma said we should have them, but they are a very last resort. I’ll use the bat to knock his head in before I’ll pick up a gun. Ok?”

Gerard nodded nervously, pressing into Frank and burying his face.

"O-ok Frankie..."

He mumbled, trying to calm down and relax.

"Frankie?...would you sing to me?...I need to not think right now. Please?"

“Uh...”

Frank looked at Gerard.

“I’m not really...any good at singing.”

"I don't care just...just sing something...anything. Please Frankie?"

Gerard said, looking up with puppy eyes and a trembling lip. Frank sighed and tried to think of a song. He chuckled as he remembered an old lullaby his aunt used to sing.

“Vedo la luna, la luna vede me, brillante anche se le foglie del vecchio albero di quercia...”

Frank smiled and kissed Gerard’s cheek. He knew Gerard probably would understand but that was fine.

“Oh lascia che la luce che splende su di me splendere su quello che amo…”

Gerard smiled softly, rubbing his face against Frank's chest like a cat and yawning quietly.

"Tha's sweet..."

He mumbled, his eyes fluttering closed.

"LvyouFrnkieee."

He slurred, finally drifting off to sleep. Frank smiled and gently brushed some stray strands of Gerard’s hair away from his face.

“Love you too.”

He continued to hum the tune of the song. He didn’t always remember the words but it was the only lullaby he ever really remembered.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks, how's you?

So this chapter was a bitch to put up cos the HDML kept going stupid on me...but here it is...hope it worked.

Thoughts on the chapter?

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