Wow. I definitely did not expect that. That's a good thing of course, and I just really liked it. I didn't expect Pete to be shirtless and on top of Mikey, I kinda thought that it would be one sweet kiss and then while they share their first kiss Gerard will come in and see them and expect the worst. I did not see that coming. I really liked how the restaurant scene went. If there was an actual problem I can imagine Frank with his teeth clenched and his hands balled into fists and like "If you don't get me away from this girl I swear I will punch her in the face." Of course he wouldn't do that, but the thought crossed his mind. I also really liked that Gerard is coming up with reasons not to tell Mikey about their mother's birthday because he believes that it would be better if Mikey didn't know. Then he's saying that he's trying to be what Mikey wants him to be, but he's doing the same thing that caused Mikey to run away prequel. He's trying to do what he thinks is better, but they aren't going to get anywhere if they don't talk about things, as Frank has stated. Frank is so reasonable and he's always there to let Gerard know that he needs to think about someone besides himself and he's always there for Mikey. It was also really interesting to see that Gerard resents Mikey because Frank seems to cares about him more sometimes. Gerard just doesn't see that Frank kinda sorta knows more about what Mikey needs than Gerard does. Also, when Gerard said that it's like Frank is more of a brother he's like "Mikey used to be this Mikey used to be that" but he doesn't realize that he changed too. He's like trying too hard to make things as close to what they were like before, but why does he remember of it? And how does he know Mikey changed that much at all? He was drunk for a long time. This stays true to Gerard in the prequel and I'm glad he didn't change much. It really adds a lot to the story and makes it really interesting. I really loved this chapter. It was really interesting to see it in Gerard's point of view and I really liked the last few lines. I can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's response
Thank you very much, I'm relieved that you liked it; I wasn't all that sure about this chapter (especially the ending) so it's really reassuring to know that you think it went alright. I'm really sorry if the kiss-thing was unrealistic to who the characters are and if it didn't fit right, I wasn't too sure about it myself but I'm planning of explaining it in the next chapter.
I'm glad that you liked the resturaunt scene, I wanted to show that Mikey still does get picked on by the general public and how it effects him/how Gerard and Frank deal with it.
It's good to know that you liked how Gerard was trying to justify not saying anything and how he hasn't really changed his ways from what they were in the prequel. It's kinda like he's learnt but he isn't using what he's learnt in a helpful way and he still thinks that he knows what is best, I hope that came across in this.
I wanted Frank to be the voice of reason in this story, the one kind of controlling Gerard to make him do all of the things that he should be doing.
I tried to keep this Gerard true to how I portrayed him in the prequel, so I'm really pleased that you picked up on that/think it works.
The next chapter should be up tonight.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave such a kind, helpful review; it really does mean a lot! :)