The array of words used to describe Frank Iero. (Frerard, Rikey)

Franks p.o.v

“C’mon, just get on my shoulders!” Gerard laughs, smiling playfully at me. His red hair was dripping wet, making it more of a crimson color, and he was struggling to stay above the pool water because he’d been swimming so long. Janie sat in a fancy beach chair next to Mikey, as they murmured quietly.

“I don't want to! You’ll end up drowning me or something.” I reply, rolling my eyes. He shook his head, hurt by the assumption.

“Nope. I promise you Frankie, I will keep you safe. Now get the fuck on my shoulders.” He demands seriously.

“Fine.” I sigh, swimming over to him. He grins and goes under water, giving me leverage to climb onto his shoulders. I grab his hands before putting my legs on each of his shoulders. I brace myself, expecting to fall, but when he lifts me up, I don't.

“See? That wasn't so hard.” He teases, happiness dripping from his voice. I don't respond, just smile lightly.

“Frank! You should go soon. Isn't it your mom's night off?” Janie calls, making me frown slightly. The sun had already begun to set, so I’g guessed we’d been in there a couple of hours. I didn't want to leave.

“Yeah, I guess.” I say gently, tapping Gerard to let go. He does, and in result I fall backwards.

I resurface, whipping my eyes and swimming to the edge of the pool. I grab my towel and throw Gerard’s his when he gets out of the pool, trying hard not to check out his pale chest.

We walk inside after drying off, keeping quiet. There was something very intimate about it, something that made a warm fuzzy feeling spread through out my stomach.

We jogged upstairs, forcing ourselves to look away from each other as we dressed. I put my shoes on after I finish, willing my hair to dry so it would stop plastering to my forehead.

I waited patiently as he did the same, trying not to look directly at him. I felt like id exposed a part of myself to him that only I was meant to see. I felt oddly vulnerable and immature as I tried to convince myself it didn't matter, that I was in control of me.

Soon he finished, before leading me back downstairs and outside. He was quiet as he unlocked his car, but I could tell me was happy. I got in after him, and as soon as I get settled, he puts his hand on my knee. I barely notice, because it's familiar an comfortable and it feels natural. I liked it.

He began to drive, away from his glorious house and to my beaten down, ugly one. I sighed when I thought about him seeing it again, but this time in daylight. He looked over questioningly. I just shake and head and smile, putting my hand over his reassuringly.

“You remember my address?” I ask, leaning my head back against the seat. He nods, making me smile contently and shut my eyes. They burned from the chlorine in the pool, but I find myself enjoying the feeling, or more specifically, the memory of us in the pool.

He turns the radio on, and the next thing I know Iron Maiden is blasting through the speakers. I laugh as he scrambles to turn it down, obviously shocked by the sudden noise. When he finally does turn it down, i'm still laughing hysterically, and I might even be changing color.

“Stop it! It's not funny!” He says, but he’s struggling to keep a smile off his face too. I continue to laugh, making him chuckle for a second. We settle down and continue to drive, the music playing quietly.

Soon we reach my house, and I can't help but cringe. Once he turns the engine off, he stares at it for a long time.

“Its...different in daylight.” He murmured, blinking a couple of times.

“Yeah, it looks shittier.” I sigh, opening my car door. I know my cheeks are burning red from shame, but I try to ignore it as he steps out of the car. I don't look up at him as he walks toward me, before taking my face into his hands.

“Don't be embarrassed,”He whispers, making me look him in the eye.”It's just a house.” He says, smiling a little before kissing my forehead. He takes my hand in his, allowing me to lead the way into my house. I open the door quietly, looking around the living room for my mom.

“Mom! I’m home.” I yell, stepping further into the house, Gerard close behind.

“I’m in here!” I hear her call from the kitchen, making me smile. I loved it when she cooked, which wasn't very often considering how much she worked.

I lead Gerard into the kitchen, my hand still in his as my mother comes into sight.

“Hey momma, this is Gerard. Gerard this is my mom.” I introduce the two of them, smiling as they shook hands.

“Glad to meet you, Mrs. Iero.” Gerard says politely, smiling at my mother.

“Oh, please call me Linda. Its nice to meet you too Gerard. Are you staying for dinner then? I’m making homemade Chicken Risotto.” She offers, letting go of his hand and going to mix one of the pots. Gerard look questioningly at me, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, he is.” I say, grabbing his hand again. She smiled at our intertwined hands, before nodding.

“Okay, it’ll be done at around six. You two go have fun.” She says dismissively, continuing to move around the kitchen. I smile and lead Gerard down the hall and into my room, thanking God when I find it clean for the most part.

I flop down on the bed, patting the spot next to me. He smiles and does the same, landing right next to me. I lie my head on his arm, smiling as he scoots closer.

“I like your mom.” He says quietly, running his hands through my hair.

“Mmm. She’s great. She used to be a really bad mom though. When I turned fifteen she realised she had to step it up though.” I explained quietly, letting words pour out of my mouth. I’d never told anyone but Janie that before, and I didn't even really have to tell her. She just knew, because she knew me.

“What do you mean ‘bad mom’?” He asks quietly, continuing to run his hands through my hair.

“She didn't pay attention to me. Always out with a guy, no job, no money, so that meant no food or new clothes or school supplies. We had nothing. We barely had this house.” I respond, snuggling my head into his side. We stay quiet for another few minutes, before I begin to doze off.

“Frank, I have to go.” He whispers. I don't bother opening my eyes, just whine in protest.

“Why?” I whisper, refusing to open my eyes. He pulls out from underneath me, making me sit up abruptly.

“I just- I just do.” He says, rushing to put his shoes on.“What did I do? Did I say something?” I ask, sitting on my knees, looking pleadingly at him. He stares at me a second, before walking out of my room. I watch him walk down the hallway, call a quick goodbye to mom, and close the door.

I heard his car door open and shut, and his engine turn on. I listen as it faded and eventually disappeared, making me feel hollow.
*
*
*
I chew my lip anxiously, staring down at my feet as several people passed me. The school halls filled with noises and people, but I ignored it all. Their was a ball of anxiety that refused to leave my stomach.

“Hey,” Janie says, suddenly right next to me.

“Hey.” I say quietly, wishing I was inviable.

“God, wasn't yesterday fun? I love their pool! Their shouse is so big and….” She says excitedly, but I’m no longer listening. I’m watching as Gerard and Mikey make their way down the hall, and straight towards us. I watch as they make toward su, but Gerard doesn't even look at me.

I watch as Mikey kisses Janie, but I can't hear anything. I look at Gerard desperately, trying to get him to look at me, trying to ignore the sadness that drenches my entire being. He looks at me for a split second, but his face is calm and composed, showing no emotion. Just as quickly he looks away, looking over at Mikey who's stopped kissing Janie.

He says something, but I don't stick around to hear it. I push myself off the locker, turning away quickly. I don't even check to see if they noticed.

I just leave.

I walk outside, feeling tears fill my eyes for no apparent reason at all. Before I can calm myself, I feel my feet moving, straight towards the back of the school. I run into the woods, dropping my backpack, feeling tears spill down my face.

I run until it burns my lungs and i'm unable to see from the tears. I allow my knees to give out, resulting in my back leaning against a tree as I hurry my head in my knees.

I sob loudly, wrapping my arms around my legs, feeling helpless.
Suddenly, I feel two arms wrap around me, and I immediately know who it is. Only Janie smells like sunflowers and vanilla.

“Frank,” She says calmly, pulling me toward her. I collapsed against her chest, sobbing half heartedly.

“Why is everything so fcuked up?” I cry out, clutching onto her shirt.

“What is?” She whispers, keeping a calm facade.

“Everything! My mom, Gerard, my damn house and-” I stop to sob, before continuing. “And my dad! He’s dead! He left me.” I explain, still sobbing.

“Shh, I know. I know.” She tells me calmly, rubbing my back. I begin to control my sobs, making my breathing go back to normal.

“What did Gerard do?” She asks calmly, as if trying not to upset me.

“He just- he left. I don't know what I did. We were lying on my bed and I was half asleep, and he just started leaving, saying he had to leave! I don't know what I did.” I explain, feeling my lip quiver. I’m suddenly aware of the shadow being cast next to us, and the presence of another person.

To my utter relief, it's not Gerard but MIkey. I look at him questioningly, but he just smiles sadly and comes to sit next to us.

Were quiet for a few minutes until I can manage to stop crying.

“Wanna go home? I’ll drive you.” She asks, smiling a little.

“But we have school.” I say help;essly, whipong my nose with my hand.

“So? You have not been absent all year. You deserve a day off.” She says, shrugging a little. I open my mouth to protest, but then shut it. I nod, allowing her to help me up.

We back to the front of the school slowly, none of us saying a word. We finally make it to the car, Janie climbing into the driver's seat, me in the passengers, and Mikey on the back.

I close my eyes, trying to get rid in of the lumo in my throat, because suddenly, I know why I cut every one off, I know why I isolated myself.

Because of things like this. Because people have the ability to hurt me if I give them that power, and, fuck, I’d rather be alone.

Notes

RIKEY IS COMING SOON!

Can I have some feedback, folks? Idk if this is a good story or not so

Love you all, stay safe!

xoxMay<3