FicWad

A/N: Just a quick thanks to you all for continuing to read, rate and review this story. I know I don’t thank you enough, but I honestly appreciate it from the very bottom of my toes to the tippity top of my head ^_^ That said, please don’t hate me for this.
xo

Frank Sr. was not exactly a social person. In fact, he hated socialising. The fact he had ever managed to sustain a relationship with his anti-social behaviour long enough to actually get married and father a child was beyond him. Though he supposed the divorce said it all... Hell, he had got even worse after it. He wouldn’t even go out drinking in the pub anymore, a favourite past time of his during his marriage, since he didn’t want anyone trying to have a conversation with him.

So needless to say he was less than impressed when Bob appeared on the doorstep, and came in even after Frank had told him Junior wasn’t around.

“Yeah I figured he’d be at Gerard’s.” The blonde shrugged, taking off his converse and placing them neatly beside the door which Frank Sr. Was still holding open, a confused frown on his face. He quirked an eyebrow and slowly, ever so slowly let the door swing shut as he eyed the guy who had been Frank’s bosom pal since he could remember.

“Uh huh...” He mumbled, Bob shuffling his feet nervously under Frank’s questioning gaze. “So err... why did you come round?” He asked bluntly, figuring there was no point pretending not to be surprised to see the kid. Frank Sr. Didn’t entertain anyone, least of all his son’s friends. “I mean... Frank probably won’t be home until tomorrow or something so –”

“I know.” Bob shrugged, hanging up his jacket as if he lived here too. “I just thought I’d come see you.” He said softly, turning his sparkling, innocent eyes on the man still staring at him in stunned silence. Frank Sr. Wondered fleetingly if he had misheard Bob. The fact that he would come over to see him was pretty ridiculous, Frank Sr. was certain he had never made any sign of wanting to see the boy. Not that he disliked Bob of course, he just... he was his son’s friend, not his. Frank Sr. didn’t have friends.

“I’m not interrupting anything am I?” Bob asked gently when Frank’s dad continued to stare at him with a frown. “I could leave if you want...” He sighed, his eyes betraying his sadness and Frank Sr. sighed, realising that something must be up if Bob had decided to pay him a little visit. Besides, he hadn’t been busy.

“No it’s fine. I’ll err... make you a coffee then huh?” He offered, rubbing the back of his neck as he shuffled past Bob into the kitchen. He supposed it was a good thing he hadn’t got drunk yet, they wouldn’t be having much of a conversation if he had.

Bob smiled and followed Frank into the kitchen, pleased that he was allowed to stay. He could tell that the older man was utterly confused as to why he was here but at least he hadn’t asked him to go home. Bob didn’t want to go home unless he had something to hope for first. He knew there was no likely possibility that he was going to see Frank Jr. before he left, but if he could at least go with the knowledge that he would be able to see him soon then that would be enough.

“So... was there any particular reason you wanted to see me or...” Frank trailed off as he flicked on the coffee machine, leaning his back against the counter as he turned to face Bob. If someone had told him that he was going to have a young, blue eyed blonde sat his table that afternoon then this wouldn’t have been what he’d have hoped for.

“Well...” Bob sighed and looked down at his hands, picking at his nails a little. “Actually... there was.” He admitted, looking back to Frank Sr. who raised his eyebrows questioningly, remaining silent as he waited for Bob to continue. “I... I wanted to talk to you about Frank.”

“Frank? What about him?” Sr. asked, folding his arms across his chest. Bob bit gently at his lip and shrugged out of habit, wishing Frank Sr. wouldn’t stare at him like that. His eyes were practically identical to Frankie’s and it made Bob miss him more.

“Well, I haven’t seen him in a while,” He said quietly, blushing at how stupid he felt he sounded. “I know he spends all his time with Gerard now and well... I guess it would just be nice to see him every once in a while.” He mumbled, Frank trying not to roll his eyes as he turned to get the coffees.

“Well... why don’t you talk to him about it?” He suggested as kindly as he could, passing Bob one of the cups and sitting down opposite him. If the whole reason Bob was here was just to complain about the fact he hadn’t seen Frankie in a while then Frank Sr. just really wasn’t interested. He wasn’t some kind of agony uncle; if Bob had an issue with Frankie then he could talk to him about it instead.

“I’ve tried.” Bob sighed, taking a sip of the coffee and putting it down with a small grimace. He didn’t know how Frank Sr. had managed to fuck up a coffee using the world’s easiest coffee machine but he sure as hell had. “He’s not replying to my texts, or answering his phone.” He mewled, bowing his head sadly as Frank Sr. put down his own coffee with a much more obvious face of dislike.

“Ugh... Well, erm... maybe he’s just busy.” He shrugged, Bob scoffing as he turned his face away, trying his hardest not to dig his nails into his arms.

“Yeah I bet he is.” He snorted, Frank Sr. quirking an eyebrow at his tone.

“He’s always with Gerard.” Bob continued, still avoiding the older man’s gaze. “You’d think he’d take just five minutes out of his sex life to spend some time with his friend.” Frank grimaced at Bob’s words, wrinkling his nose up in disgust. The last thing he wanted to think about was his son rolling about the sheets with some other guy.

“Well Bob, I don’t see what you want me to do about it exactly.” He said honestly, quick before Bob could mention any other things he would rather not hear. “I can’t force Frank to pick up the phone when I’m not there.” He shrugged, Bob looking at him with wide, imploring eyes.

“I know. I know that I just... Maybe when he comes home you could ask him to call me? He’ll listen to you.” He whispered, Frank Sr. shrugging. If all he had to do was ask Frankie to give Bob a call then that was easy, and he was happy for Bob to leave anytime soon.

“Okay, I’ll talk to him for you.” He smiled, going to get to his feet to escort Bob to the door but the blonde was far from finished.

“Thank you,” He smiled, running a hand through his hair. “I mean, it’s so important that I talk to him. I want to be able to make sure he’s okay... what with the kinda guy Gerard is and all.” He shrugged innocently, Frank Sr. dropping back into his seat with a small ‘thud’.

“What do you mean?” He asked suspiciously, pulling his coffee back towards him. He didn’t want to drink another drop but the warmth on his hands was good. “Is Gerard not a nice guy?” He asked blankly, suddenly more confused than ever.

Frank Sr. didn’t exactly pride himself on being the world’s most observant parent, but he liked to think he knew enough about his son to know he wouldn’t go about dating bad guys. The way Bob talked about Gerard made him sound like a criminal or something, and though Frank Sr. may not have been thrilled about his son’s sexual orientation he sure as hell wasn’t going to let him get hurt by any man.

Bob was silent for a moment as he met Frank’s gaze, biting his lip as he wondered whether he should just brush it off. He knew Frankie wouldn’t be overly happy about the fact he’d been bitching about his boyfriend to his father but Bob honestly was worried about him. He didn’t know what it was about Gerard but he definitely knew he was not good for Frank. Or anyone else for that matter.

“Well... It’s not that he’s done anything bad per se...” Bob said slowly, Frank Sr. staring at him sceptically.

“But...” He prompted, noticing how Bob hesitated and chewed nervously on his thumb nail.

“Mm... it’s just that I. I dunno, I just get a weird vibe off him ya’ know. I look into his eyes and I just see the words serial killer.” He chuckled weakly, alarm bells instantly ringing in Frank’s mind. Serial killer? That was a little extreme wasn’t it?

“Really?” He mused, leaning back in his chair and tapping his chin thoughtfully. “I’ve never met him myself...” He said more to himself than Bob, his mind spinning as he wondered what would attract his son to a man that Bob was describing as a murderer.

Bob bit his lip and got to his feet, his cheeks burning red as he realised he had said too much. “It’s probably just me, he’s actually really nice.” He said quickly, trying to take back his words but he knew it was too late, Frank Sr. didn’t even seem to be able to hear him. “Really... he’s fine.” He insisted, Frank nodding absent mindedly and waving his hand.

“Sure. I’ll speak to Frank for you.” He shrugged, getting up and taking the cups to the sink where he poured the coffee down the plug hole. “Thanks for dropping by.” He mumbled and Bob nodded, thanking him quietly before rushing from the kitchen.

As he pulled on his shoes and jacket he mentally scolded himself for being so stupid. Why did he have to go and say something ridiculous like that for? Even though it was true it didn’t excuse it. Frank was going to be so angry at him when he found out, he just knew it, and then he’d never want to talk to him again. Bob could have just blown all his chances in getting Frank to hang out with him more and he couldn’t change it back.

Bob whimpered softly to himself and stepped out of the house with his hood pulled up and his hands hidden in his sleeves. Tears were in his eyes and the only thing he could look forward to now were the razors at home.

>X<

Gerard’s tongue was wrapped around Frank’s as he gripped his waist with strong hands, pulling their crotches tight together and smirking when Frank gave a quiet moan against his kiss-swollen lips. He sucked Franks lip ring between his teeth and tugged playfully at the metal, nipping Frank’s lip whilst he was at it before he plunged his tongue into the shorter mans mouth once more.

“Mmph...” Frank kept his lips parted as he tiptoed up, his hands tangling into Gerard’s hair as he submitted to him completely, letting him explore his mouth with his tongue for a long moment before he slowly pulled away. Frank whimpered at the loss of contact and pressed closer, his lips latching onto Gerard’s ear lobe as he mewled.

“Mm... Gee, don’t stop yet.” He whimpered, pouting his lips as he tried to kiss Gerard again but the vampire only chuckled and caught his chin in one hand, turning his face to the side and pressing his lips to his neck.

“Sorry baby.” He purred huskily, nibbling at Frank’s neck and making him sigh quietly. “But you’ve gotta get home. Remember?” He teased lightly, Frank groaning as he came crashing back down to reality. The wind blowing suddenly feeling so much colder.

“But... But I don’t wanna... I... I wanna... wanna mmm...” He sighed, finally managing to capture Gerard’s lips back in his and press tighter to him. “Don’t you... wanna too?” He whimpered, Gerard laughing softly and cupping his face. He tenderly pried Frank away from him and kissed his cheek.

“I would love to, but like I said. It’s home time. Now go on, scram, before I fuck you right here in the middle of the forest.” He chuckled, Frank grinning widely.

“I wouldn’t mind.” He declared, giggling almost drunkenly as Gerard nudged him down the forest trail until he reached the edge of the woods. “Please Gee...” He whined, clinging onto Gerard’s hand as the vampire laughed and shoved him hard away from him, Frank stumbling back only a little from the way he clung on.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Frankie.” Gerard laughed, smirking as Frank whined like a child but obediently began walking away, blowing Gerard kiss after kiss.

“I’ll be round first thing.” He called, Gerard nodding with a smile as he leaned against a tree. “I promise.” He added, biting his lip at how purely divine Gerard looked leaning against the tree like that. Hell, Frank would love to be that tree. He’d love to be anything that was close to his boyfriend right now. Even though he had spent all day clinging to him he just didn’t want to leave. He was really starting to fall for him, not that he would allow himself to admit it yet.

Gerard chuckled as he watched Frank totter away, looking back over his shoulder every few minutes to stare wistfully at him before he would face forward again. Gerard couldn’t help but think about how cute Frank was. He was seriously adorable, the way he just really seemed to depend on him. He thought Frank being so clingy would irritate him but it actually didn’t, it made him feel even more in control and he liked it. He even looked forward to seeing that ball of energy every day, not just for the sex either. Not just for the blood. He kinda liked the company too.

Frank felt high as he wandered home, a smile playing about his lips that still tasted deliciously of Gerard. He was just so happy, everything seemed to be going right. He was spending every moment he could with Gerard and he hadn’t got bored yet. In fact, each day it just seemed even more exciting. Now that he had discovered how amazingly pleasurable giving his blood could be he got the feeling that this little arrangement could become a permanent thing.

Frank grinned to himself and swung around every lamppost he passed. He knew that the night was going to drag; he missed Gerard so much already. But he was kinda tired from all their... activity. So if he got an early night, and went back to Gerard’s as soon as he got up then he was sure he could survive. Besides, he’d ordered a special something off the internet and he wanted to see if it had come yet.

>X<

“Dad I’m home!” Frank called as he entered the house, kicking off his shoes and wandering into the living room where his father was watching TV, beer bottle in hand. Despite the fact it was the middle of the evening Frank Sr. wasn’t surrounded by his usual amounts of bottles, the only one present happened to be the one in his hand and Frank wondered if maybe his father hadn’t been drinking as much that night. It seemed unlikely, so he didn’t get his hopes up.

“Did any mail come for me today?” Frank asked casually, his dad not looking away from the TV screen as he took a sip of his beer. He didn’t answer for a long moment, Frank going to re-ask his question before Frank Sr. silently shook his head.

“Oh, okay.” Frank sighed, looking at his father suspiciously for a moment before turning towards the door. “I’m gonna make some dinner, you want anything?” He asked, his father’s silence unnerving him. His dad wasn’t a very talkative kind of guy, but he was never as quiet as this. There was a strange atmosphere in the room and Frank got the feeling things just weren’t as they seemed. Frank Sr. shook his head mutely once more and Frank bit his lip.

“You sure?” He asked gently, tugging on his lip ring. “Is everything okay dad?” He asked, sighing when his father finally turned his head to face him. His old man sucked at his cheek from the inside, looking thoughtfully at Frank before sighing and tipping the mouth of the bottle he was holding towards the opposite chair, indicating that Frank should sit down.

“I wanna talk to you for a second.” Frank Sr. said, his voice almost gentle and Frank felt his stomach flip. Whenever his dad talked like that it wasn’t because he had any good news to share and Frank braced himself for the worst; whatever it could be.

“What’s up?” He asked, dropping into the armchair and trying to look casual as his dad’s eyes flicked up and down his body, quickly at first but then much slower the second time, scrutinising every inch of flesh on show and even gazing hard at his clothes as if trying to see through them. Frank wrapped his arms around himself out of instinct, clearing his throat so his father looked at him. “Dad?”

“Are you okay?” Frank Sr. asked softly, his tone making Frank feel like he was trying to imply something. All of a sudden Frank felt vulnerable, naked almost, and he wrapped his arms tighter around himself.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” He whimpered, Frank Sr. giving a disbelieving ‘hmm’.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Gerard.” He pointed out, Frank blinking stupidly at him and shrugging. He didn’t see why his spending time with Gerard would make his dad believe there was something wrong with him. The guy was his boyfriend, it was only natural to want to see him.

“Erm... yeah...” He mumbled, raising an eyebrow quizzically and Frank Sr. took a long gulp of his drink.

“You never spent this much time with any of your other boyfriends.”

“That’s because all my ex’s still lived with their parents. Gerard has his own place.” Frank shrugged, feeling some of his panic reside. He guessed it was understandable his dad had been a little confused about how often he was round Gerard’s, but as far as he was concerned it was all cleared up now. He had never thought his dad was this worried about him anyway, he wasn’t exactly a protective guardian, but he was sure he’d be fine now. But his father’s next words caused him to think twice about how he was getting up to leave the room.

“I’d like to meet him all the same.” Frank dropped back into his chair with a look of surprise, Frank Sr. staring into his beer bottle for a moment before meeting his son’s gaze. He gave him a questioning look when he realised Frank was staring at him in bemusement. “What?”

“You... Want to meet Gerard?” Frank asked slowly, sure he must have somehow misunderstood. Frank Sr. quirked an eyebrow as he nodded, his face innocent and Frank gasped when he realised he wasn’t kidding. “But you never want to meet any of my boyfriends.” He cried, his tone accusing and Frank Sr. pouted.

“That’s not true.” He insisted, though of course it was and he knew it. He didn’t appreciate the way Frank made him sound like a neglectful father though. “I’m asking you to meet him ain’t I?”

“But you told me you didn’t want to before. You said you didn’t want to meet him unless he turned out to be the one or something. Why the change of heart?” Frank scoffed, not entirely comfortable with the thought of his dad meeting Gerard. It wasn’t that he was ashamed of Gerard or anything, Gerard wasn’t the problem. His dad was.

Frank loved his dad, but there was no way he wanted him to meet the guy who he was completely smitten over. His dad was just too embarrassing, way too close to being an alcoholic to be allowed to be graced with Gerard’s heavenly presence. Especially not when he asked for it. That meant he wanted to grill him, probably give him the “since you’re dating my son now we need to make some ground rules” talk. Frank couldn’t handle that.

Frank Sr. pouted at Frank’s look of horror and scoffed. “Why does it matter?” He retorted, tapping his nails on the side of the bottle in his hand. “I wanna meet the guy, so bring him round tomorrow or something.” He shrugged, Frank shaking his head.

“No way. We’re not leaving it at that. You don’t just change your mind for no reason.” He snapped, his dad glaring at him. “Why do you want to meet him?” Frank demanded, his dad rolling his eyes.

“I just wanna see what he’s like. Since you’re spending so much time there, I figure he must be important to you.” He said innocently and Frank laughed at the absurdity.

“I don’t think so, you’re really not that observant. Plus you’re a terrible liar, something’s happened. Just tell me dad.” He whined, starting to get really irritated. He knew his dad probably better than he even knew himself and he wasn’t falling for any of his excuses.

Seeing that he wasn’t going to get anywhere as he was Frank Sr. sighed and gave in. “Well, Bob came round today...”

“Bob?” Frank felt his heart miss a beat and anger start to bubble in his stomach, his frown intensifying. “What’s he been saying?” He demanded, springing to his feet as he clenched his fists. “Fuck! I should’ve known he’d do something like this – he doesn’t even know Gerard!” He snapped, Frank Sr. staring at his son in surprise before getting to his feet and jabbing a finger at him.

“Oi, don’t start getting on your high horse. Sit down!” He growled, Frank quickly sinking down into his chair and biting his lip as he apologised. Satisfied his father sat back down too, gulping down the rest of his beer and placing the bottle on the coffee table before he spoke again. “Now then. For your information, Bob wasn’t saying anything against Gerard, he just wanted me to ask you to call him since he hasn’t seen you in ages and ya’ know, he’s your best friend and everything.” Frank Sr. raised his eyebrows to show how displeased this made him and Frank blushed.

“Oh...” He mumbled, biting down hard on his lip. He couldn’t deny he’d been ignoring Bob recently. It wasn’t that he didn’t like him anymore or anything like that, he just wanted to spend every free moment he could get with Gerard and with the stuff they were doing they couldn’t exactly have Bob round at the same time. He kept meaning to make a free day to go and see Bob but he was still putting it off in favour of Gerard. “He could’ve just called me.”

“He said he has been, apparently you haven’t been answering them.” Frank Sr. replied, giving Frank an innocently quizzical expression as Frank bit his tongue to stop himself from swearing. He hadn’t considered that Bob would tell his dad everything.

“Since when did you guys become best friends huh?” He asked childishly, his dad rolling his eyes with a small smirk.

“No need to get irritated Frank, imagine how upset Bob must be to have his best friend ignoring him like you are.” He pointed out smugly, Frank blowing out a long exhale as he folded his arms. “Look, I’m not trying to lecture you,” Frank Sr. said as gently as he could as Frank continued trying to work out why his dad was suddenly so caring about well... anyone. “I’m just asking you to call Bob. Don’t forget about your friends just because you have a boyfriend now.” He said simply, Frank rolling his eyes.

“Okay okay, I’ll call him after dinner.” He consented, just wanting to get up to his room and away from his dad. “Can I go now?” He snapped, his father nodding. “Thanks.” Frank grumbled, getting to his feet and striding to the door, his father looking at him as he left.

“And Frankie, I still wanna meet Gerard.” He said sweetly, Frank tipping his head back and resisting the urge to groan moodily as he left the room and slammed the door behind him.

>X<

Bob’s huge grin quickly faded when he saw the look on Frank’s face. When Frank had called him the night before and arranged to meet him the next morning he had been overjoyed. So ecstatic he hadn’t even thought about cutting let alone do it. He had felt a new surge of hope inside him knowing that Frank had been talked to and that he had listened enough to do something about it; but all that hope died away as Frank stepped into Bob’s house with forced calm and shut the door.

“Erm... Hey Frankie, I’m so glad you –”

“I can’t believe you went complaining to my dad about me.” Frank snarled, cutting Bob short. His voice was low and quiet, but all the more dangerous for it and Bob took a step back as he gulped.

“I... I wasn’t complaining. I was just... I just asked him to get you to call me. I wasn’t complaining.” He whimpered, Frank following him through to the living room with bloody murder written all over his face. “Please Frankie, don’t look so mad. Look, let me get us both a coffee. We can play on Street fighter and-”

“What did you tell him about Gerard?” Frank demanded, cutting Bob off once more and making the blonde shut his mouth so suddenly his teeth snapped together.

Bob was silent as he shook his head, his eyes wide as Frank followed him into the centre of the living room, the two of them falling still once Bob’s path backwards was halted by the coffee table. He felt his heart begin to hammer at the look of rage on Frank’s face, tears rising in his eyes. He’d just wanted to see him, that was all. He hadn’t been trying to cause trouble. He never wanted to make him mad.

“Bob. What did you tell him about Gerard.” Frank demanded, his voice getting a little louder but only just. Bob continued shaking his head, Frank’s face warning him to speak before he got really mad.

“I – I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true! I barely even said two words about him, I just asked your dad to get you to call me. That’s all I swear!” He cried, reaching out for Frank weakly but the shorter man shoved his hands away in disgust. He had been irritated yesterday after his talk with his dad, but he had thought he’d feel better after a good night’s sleep. It hadn’t turned out that way though. In fact, if anything, he just felt even more pissed off.

“I don’t believe you Bob! I know you said something about him! What’s your fucking problem anyway? I was going to call you in my own good time – did it never occur to you that maybe I was busy? Gerard is my boyfriend whether you like it or not, and I’m gonna spend all the time I can with him. I don’t see why you don’t like him anyway, you barely even know him.” Frank snapped, Bob looking shamefully down at his feet before glaring up at Frank through his eyelashes.

“I know enough to know he’s all wrong for you.” He retorted boldly, Frank’s anger bubbling up even higher.

“That’s just a load of bullshit.” He spat, Bob shaking his head frantically.

“No it isn’t! He’s not a good guy Frankie, I can just tell.” He insisted, his voice pleading and Frank scoffed, rolling his eyes as he planted his hands on his hips.

“Oh right. Cos’ you’re psychic now? You know when you guys met in the tavern I was actually starting to believe you were getting along. He was giving you a chance and now you just throw it back in his face?” Bob blushed deeply at Frank’s words and bowed his head in shame, remembering everything Gerard had said to him about how if Frank had to choose between them it would not be Bob he was choosing; it was clear now Gerard was right. Bob picked at the cuff of his sleeve with his fingernails and bit his lip, his eyes welling up.

“I... I wanted to get along with him for you.” He whispered quietly, looking back at Frank and whimpering softly. “Please Frankie I really did try. I just... There’s something about him, something not right. Why can’t you see it!?” He cried, Frank scoffing and blushing a little himself. Was it possible that Bob was sensing something off about Gerard because he was a vampire? Maybe Bob did have a weird kind of sixth sense.

“What makes you think I can’t see it?” Frank shot back, Bob falling silent as he stared at his best friend in shock. His mouth opened and closed a few times but no words came out. “Hell, maybe I even know what it is! Did you ever think about that?” He demanded, Bob shaking his head truthfully.

“I... Well... N – No, I thought –”

“Wrong. That’s what you thought.” Frank snapped, pouting moodily. “You’re supposed to be my best friend, if I tell you Gerard’s a good guy then you’re supposed to believe me.” He sighed, Bob shaking his head slowly.

“But... But Frankie I know he’s not. I just know. Anyway, I’m not even here to tell you whether to date the guy or not. I’m not asking you to leave him even though I think you should. I’m just asking that you come see me more. You saw me more with your last boyfriend and even then it was still so little I –” Bob stopped, blushing deeply and pulling his sleeves even further over his hands.

Frank’s eyes snapped down to catch the motion, his frown disappearing as his head grew hazy for a minute. He hadn’t seen Bob wear long sleeves in months, and even when he did he usually pushed them up; he always had this thing about the cuffs touching his hands, he claimed it felt weird.

“Bob?” Frank whispered, Bob meeting his gaze with wide, blue eyes. He looked like a deer caught in headlights and Frank felt his anger surge back with full vengeance. “Bob, show me your wrists.” He breathed, Bob shaking his head.

“I’m okay.” He shrugged as casually as he could, Frank growling and trying to grab hold of his wrist but Bob yanked it back, dodging round the coffee table to take another step back.

“I wasn’t asking Bob.” He snarled, Bob trying to think of a way out of it fast.

“Yeah well... well what makes you think I’d show you anyway? First you come round here all mad just because I wanted to see you, and now you start accusing me of self harming again? Some friend you are.” He scoffed, trying to sound more confident as he felt. Frank considered it for a moment before shrugging, still trying to grab Bob’s wrist.

“Well, if I’m wrong I’ll apologise. What’s the big deal if you’ve got nothing to hide?” He pointed out, Bob blushing.

“You shouldn’t accuse me anyway.” He squeaked, Frank’s fingertips just brushing past his sleeve. “Leave me alone!” He gasped, Frank deciding that pretty much confirmed it and he lunged forward, knocking Bob into the wall and grabbing him by the sleeve. He said nothing as he gripped his hand tight and yanked his sleeve up, Bob crying out and desperately trying to pull his arm back but it was too late.

Bob wasn’t wearing any bandages since the cuts were still so shallow that they scabbed over within the night and were perfectly fine to be left as they were. He deeply regretted it now since it meant Frank could clearly see the neat, straight lines he had carved into his skin. He gave Frank a pleading look, tears spilling down his cheeks. The first time he had done this Frank had been deeply sympathetic and guilty, taking such good care of Bob it was perfect, but he could see now that this time was going to be very different.

“You idiot.” Frank breathed, releasing Bob’s wrist and stepping back, his eyes full of rage. “You fucking idiot Bob. I can’t believe you’ve started this shit again, after you promised me you wouldn’t.” He cried, gripping at his hair as he resisted the urge to punch Bob right in the face.

“Frankie, Frankie I’m sorry!” Bob gasped, gripping at Frank’s arms and shirt, trying to tug him closer as he apologised over and over. Frank growled in disgust and shoved at Bob, pushing him away as he spat cruel words at him.

“Get the fuck away from me! I don’t want to see you.” His voice dripped pure venom and Bob began to sob, shaking his head as he desperately grabbed at Frank’s hands.

“No! No Frankie don’t say that! Please Frankie, I’m so sorry! Can’t you see – this is his fault! He’s taking you from me, you know I can’t handle it, I tried not to Frankie, really I did! But that man is just so –”

“DONT YOU DARE PIN THIS ON GERARD!” Frank shouted, his anger bubbling over and he seized Bob by the wrist, yanking it up high and turning his arm so that Bob had no choice but to look at the red cuts across his wrists.

“This is all your own stupid fault! And if you think I’m cleaning your mess up again then you’ve got another thing coming. I’m not dealing with this shit for a second time Bob, I don’t belong to you.” He cried, shoving Bob away and storming to the door, Bob sobbing loudly as he ran after him.

“Frankie no! Don’t leave – please Frankie, please don’t!” He begged, but Frank wasn’t listening anymore. Maybe he had stopped listening weeks ago. He slammed the door shut behind him as he left the house and Bob dropped to his knees, the sound seeming to echo through his skull and rattle his teeth.
“Frankie... Come back.” He croaked, curling up into ball and crying into his slashed arms as the shame ate him up inside.

Frank had gone. Frank had gone, and he wasn’t coming back.