FicWad

A/N: Hey people :D So good news, I actually know where I’m going with this now! XD So this chapter is just like the gear up to the interesting stuff, so I hope you enjoy it and now I have my thoughts straight updates should be a lot quicker. Thanks for sticking around guys, I love you all :]
xox

Frank and Gerard were only just making their way back to the manor when Frank had received the phone call off Christine. He had been less than impressed to hear that Bob was asking to see him and had had half a mind to snap at the poor woman for daring to call him at all, but in the end he didn’t have the heart when he heard how worried she was.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with him, the doctors on his way so I don’t really want you round for long anyway; he just... he’s insisting that he sees you. I’m scared Frank...”

Frank sighed and ran a hand through his hair, looking to Gerard for help but his vampire was looking casually ahead, swinging their laced hands as they walked towards the woods. Frank knew he was pretending not to be able to hear the conversation to give him some privacy, there was no way his sensitive hearing wouldn’t be able to clearly hear Christine’s voice.

“Ugh... I don’t know Christine...” Frank groaned, bowing his head in shame. “I mean, we’re kinda busy...” He mumbled, his stomach twisting in guilt. He was still angry at Bob for what he had done and he didn’t want to see him, especially not straight after having to endure his father’s sickly sweet attitude towards Gerard over dinner. He just wanted to go back to the manor and curl up in bed with his boyfriend, it was supposed to be a good day.

“Please Frankie.” Christine pleaded, her voice becoming panicky when she realised Frank might refuse. “I’m sorry to jeopardise your plans, but you know I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it was important. You’re his best friend Frankie, he wants to see you.” She mewled, Frank biting back another irritated groan. How could he refuse her when she was so worried? Bob was probably just moping, letting himself sink into depression because of their argument and Frank was sick of having to tread on eggshells around him because of his fragile mental state. But then... Christine was really worried. So maybe if Frank just went round and talked some sense into the blonde then everything would be okay.

“...Alright.” He finally sighed, scowling deeply to himself and Gerard smirked at him. “I’ll come see him quickly but only five minutes, I mean it.” He said firmly. He had never taken any kind of demanding tone on anyone except his own father before. But then he guessed he had been changing a lot lately. He wasn’t losing himself, he was just... adding parts.

“Oh God, thank you Frankie. Five minutes is more than enough, thank you so much.” Christine gasped, relief shining in her voice and Frank sighed, mumbling his goodbyes before he hung up and looked at Gerard. Hazel eyes calmly met his and he bit his lip ring.

“You okay if we go see Bob for a minute?” He asked softly, hating to have to even suggest it. After how angry he had been yesterday he felt almost embarrassed for having to ask Gerard if they could go see the guy. But Gerard only smiled softly and nodded, squeezing Frank’s hand gently.

“Course.” He chuckled, changing directions and leading the way towards Bob’s street.

As much as Gerard didn’t want to see Bob ever again he was sort of grateful that they were going. He didn’t care if the guy lived or died, but it would be interesting to see how he was faring. He had lost a lot of blood, even with Gerard’s help and so he was doubtful that he would pull through. It would be a real sign of character to see how the blonde was taking it all, there was nothing he would be able to do to change the physical things like weakness, but Gerard really was intrigued to see how he was coping mentally.

As they walked Frank pressed closer into Gerard’s side, a frown still etched on his face. When he had had woke up that morning he had thought he was going to spend the whole day in bed with Gerard, just enjoying every minute with each other but no, nothing ever worked out the way he wanted. Instead he had to endure a dinner with his money grubbing father and now he had to go and suffer Bob’s misery. He didn’t care how sick he pretended to be, Frank wasn’t going to show any mercy. The guy could sulk forever for all he cared.

Gerard glanced at Frank and smirked softly, hugging him closer with a soft chuckle as he kissed his temple. He could tell the shorter man was pissed off and it amused him to no end. He loved how even after almost two months Frank still got irritated when he couldn’t spend all day with him just on their own together. He supposed that Frank was meant to want to spend time with Bob too, after all, they were best friends, he shouldn’t forget him so easily. But it made Gerard pretty smug that he could just waltz into Frank’s life and make him forget everything and everyone else. Frank truly belonged to him, and he was loving it.

>X<

Bob was drifting in and out of consciousness constantly as Christine restlessly walked up and down the stairs. She checked on him at least every ten minutes, poking her head round the door before she would go downstairs and take a sip of water. Then she’d be back upstairs, touching Bob’s forehead and praying that the doctor would hurry before she’d go back downstairs and stare at the living room window for any sign of the doctor or Frank.

By the time Frank and Gerard arrived Christine was feeling just about ready to tear her hair out. She saw them walking up the street out the window and rushed to the door, the two men barely walking up the drive before she had pulled the door open and was ushering for them to come inside.

“Oh I’m so glad you’re here!” She cried, Frank stumbling when she pulled him tight into her arms and hugged him close for a moment. He choked at the suffocating hold and gingerly patted her back, shocked by the reception. He knew Christine was worried when she had called him, but she seemed to be full on panicking now and Frank began to wonder if maybe Bob wasn’t just sulking. Could he really be sick?

Gerard kept back, silently watching Bob’s mother as she clung to Frank and mumbled something about Bob seeming to get weaker with each hour. Frank questioned her on what was wrong with him but it was clear she didn’t know and Gerard sighed. He wasn’t surprised that Bob was struggling to pull through, and he didn’t feel guilty either. He had done all he could, though it was a shame that Christine would have to suffer if he died. Still, she’d pull through eventually. Humans always did.

Frank pulled gently out of Christine’s grip and smiled warmly at her, trying to cheer her up. He introduced her to Gerard but she didn’t seem to be listening so eventually Frank just told her to stay downstairs and keep an eye out for the doctor before he grabbed Gerard’s hand and began walking up the stairs.

Christine watched Frank go up the stairs, waiting until he had disappeared into Bob’s room before she went into the living room and sank down onto the couch with a sigh. She knew that she was probably over worrying. She could still remember the first time Bob had had the flue way back when he was a child. She had worried herself sick the whole time, convinced herself he was dying. She supposed it was only natural for a mother to worry about her child whenever they were sick, but this time she was even more worried than usual. She just knew something was wrong and she bit nervously at her nails as she waited for the doctor.

Upstairs, Bob was just waking up again as Frank crept into his room.

Gerard followed the human into the bedroom and shut the door quietly behind him, spotting the white patch of carpet instantly as if just to confirm to himself that he had indeed been here the night before. He stared at it for a moment before watching Frank approach the bed and kneel down beside it. Gerard stayed back by the door, not wanting to get in the way or that close to Bob. As much as he didn’t mind being here he’d much rather be at home in bed with Frank. Still, on the bright side, at least the feeling was mutual.

Frank though wasn’t thinking about going home at all. In fact, all he could think about was how guilt was suddenly crushing him at the sight of his best friend. It was clear, as much as he didn’t want to admit it, that Bob wasn’t sulking. That he was indeed seriously ill.

Frank had been sick enough times to be able to tell if someone was faking it and Bob clearly wasn’t. His skin was a ghastly pale that made the dark shadows under his eyes look even worse. His eyelids were only half open and he looked about frantically before he spotted Frank, a quiet whine escaping his lips and he reached out for him. Automatically Frank grabbed Bob’s hand in both of his and cupped it tight, leaning forward to kiss his forehead. The cuts on his wrists were healing nicely, some of them already scars so it was clear that Bob hadn’t cut himself last night, which surprised Frank, he had been expecting Bob to have self harmed and his lack of faith made him feel even guiltier.

“Hey Bobbert.” He smiled gently, gazing steadily at the blonde as he sighed and sank into the mattress, offering a weak smile. His neck had a long red mark across it, it had obviously been hurt somehow but Frank couldn’t think of anything that would leave that kind of mark. “How are you feeling?”

“Mm... Better now you’re here. I didn’t think you would come.” Bob replied quietly, his voice gruff and Frank could practically feel his sore throat himself. Bob’s eyes had closed again, the effort of keeping them open apparently too much and Frank felt his heart lurch. He had the horrible feeling that he was watching his friend die and it terrified him.

“Hey, I’d always come over. You know whenever you need me I’ll be here.” He cut in quickly, his voice a little hysterical, desperate to see Bob’s eyes open again. They remained closed but Bob gave a single, flat chuckle that barely made a sound as he smirked.

“I wish.” He scoffed, but his tone was not angry. Frank felt more guilt tear at his insides, his grip on Bob’s hand tightening. He knew he hadn’t seen much of his friend since he had got with Gerard but that wasn’t because he didn’t care about him. If Bob had really needed him then he would have come over day or night without hesitation... he just... didn’t think Bob needed him at all.

“Bob... about our argument... You know I –”

“I’m sorry.” Bob sighed, interrupting Frank. “I shouldn’t have... talked to your dad or... got upset.” He rasped, his apology serving only to make Frank feel worse.

“Don’t apologise, Jesus Bob I’m sorry. I guess I haven’t been around as much as I should have, I’ll change I swear.” He promised, Bob shaking his head with a soft smile and squeezing Frank’s had weakly. He wanted to believe that was true but he didn’t and he was just too tired to let Frank try and convince him. He just didn’t want to fight anymore. He didn’t want to think of Frank on bad terms.

“So, we forgive each other then?” He asked delicately and Frank nodded without hesitation, touching his lips to the back of Bob’s hand and leaving them there.

“Yes. I forgive you, forgive me too?” He mewled and Bob smiled, opening his eyes just enough to look at Frank’s familiar face as he nodded, weakly turning his head to touch his lips to Frank’s hand too.

“Always.” He whispered, Frank sighing gently as a lump rose in his throat.

For a moment the two men were silent, Gerard watching the scene from his spot by the door. To say he was unimpressed would be an understatement. He had saved Bob’s life to keep Frank happy but that didn’t mean he wanted the two to become friends again. Not that he hadn’t expected it of course, he knew they would make up but he seriously hoped Frank didn’t mean it when he said he would spend more time with Bob. Gerard for one would not be joining him if he did.

Frank glanced over his shoulder at Gerard and smiled sadly, beckoning for him to come over but Gerard only shook his head. He looked bored and Frank bit his lip. He didn’t want to irritate Gerard by staying here too long, but they would be leaving soon anyway when the doctor arrived.

“So, is this the reason you called me over? To apologise?” Frank asked as he turned to face Bob again, wanting to make sure they had said everything they needed to before they had to go. Bob was quiet and still for a long moment and Frank was just about to ask his question again when the blonde spoke, his voice seeming even weaker than before.

“No... No that... that isn’t the only reason.” He admitted quietly, Frank waiting for him to continue. For a moment it seemed like he wasn’t going to, but then Frank realised Bob was trying to sit up and he hurriedly helped him to move up, resting his back on a tower of pillows and trying to make him as comfortable as possible. Once Bob was settled he open his eyes, forcing himself to keep them open this time as he gazed softly at Frank, not even noticing that Gerard was in the room.

“You see... I... I need to tell you something. But... I... I don’t want you to think I’m... crazy.” He whispered shamefully and Frank stared at him in shock.

“What?”

“It’s just... it’s going to sound like I’m mad but Frank please, you need to believe m-” Bob suddenly stopped and began coughing, choking on his words and Frank gasped, quickly patting his back for him as Bob grabbed his hand, gripping surprisingly tight. It took a long moment for Bob to get over his coughing fit but once he had he slumped against the pillows, his strength deserting him.

“Bob? Bob it’s okay, you can tell me anything. I’ll believe you.” Frank promised him, biting his lip. Hell, if Bob only knew the sort of things he had come to believe in the past few months. He was dating a vampire for crying out loud, he’d believe anything.

“Well...” Bob paused, clearing his throat and closing his eyes again as he took deep breaths. He wanted, no, needed to tell Frank the truth. He didn’t care if it sounded crazy. “You see... Last night I... After you left, I was so upset.” He breathed, Frank having to lean forward to hear him properly. “I just, I just wanted it all to end... I wanted everything to go away and... So... please don’t be angry at me.” He mewled, his eyes opening to stare in fear at Frank.

Frank was taken aback by the terrified look on Bob’s face and his heart fell. He could guess what Bob was about to say, and if he was right then he guessed it was only natural for Bob to be nervous about telling him after his reaction over the wrists. But he... He wasn’t that bad really.

“It’s okay Bob. Just spit it out.” He urged gently, Bob nodding slowly and closing his eyes again, taking another deep breath to gather his strength.

“Well I... I tried to kill myself.” He breathed; his eyes opening suddenly to catch Frank’s reaction but the shorter man only stared calmly back. It was nothing he wasn’t expecting and so he only sighed, trying not to get angry. Part of him felt like blowing up again, as far as he was concerned Bo had no real problems that could justify suicide. He was just being over dramatic again. But... clearly whatever he had done had had some effect and so Frank forced himself to keep his temper in check. Now wasn’t the time to get angry.

“Okay... So. What did you do? Overdose on something? Erm... I dunno, hang yourself?” He asked coolly, noticing the red mark round Bob’s neck again. It didn’t look like it had got there from a belt or a rope, but then he didn’t claim to be an expert on such things.

Bob sighed and shook his head weakly, groaning a little to himself as he clung to Frank’s hand. He had been expecting him to get angry again but he felt no relief when he didn’t. His calm was clearly forced and Bob knew he had just disappointed him all over again, but whilst he still felt so weak he wouldn’t let it bother him.

“No... No I... I slit my throat.” He whispered in response to Frank’s question, the shorter man staring at him with no expression for a long moment before he processed his words properly and quirked an eyebrow sceptically. Still leaning against the door Gerard looked up, his interest sparked.

“You... Slit your throat...” Frank repeated, his voice dripping with disbelief and Bob nodded, squeezing his eyes shut so he didn’t have to face Frank. Gerard slowly began walking forward, neither of the men noticing him until he was stood right beside Frank. The tattooed man looked up at him quickly before turning back to Bob, his face unimpressed. “Funny Bob, what did you do really?” He demanded and Bob groaned, tugging his hand out of Franks.

“I’m telling you the truth.” He insisted, his voice too weak to show how genuine he was being and Frank scoffed rolling his eyes.

“If you really slit your throat then why are you still alive? People who slit their throats don’t survive Bob, and look, you’re neck isn’t even hurt.” Frank pointed out but then he realised it was hurt. There was that long red mark, the perfect path for a blade to cross. But it was simply impossible for it to have healed over night, Bob probably tried to slit his throat but didn’t press down hard enough or something. But the blonde was insistent.

“That’s the thing! I passed out over there –” Bob indicated the white patch of carpet. “There was blood everywhere and... when I woke up I... Was just... so weak and my neck was healed and the... carpet was... clean.” He breathed, falling back and panting softly from the effort of trying to raise his voice in an attempt to make Frank believe him.

“Right.” Frank sighed, still disbelieving as he glanced over at the white patch of carpet. Maybe Bob had had a mental breakdown or something similar and just imagined that he had tried to kill himself. Bleached the carpet and hurt his neck so that he would believe it.

“It’s true.” Bob whimpered, his eyes filling with tears when it was clear that Frank still didn’t believe him. “Frankie please... you need to believe me. It happened. I... I don’t know how I survived... how it’s possible but I... I do remember... really vaguely... I remember someone holding me. Like... saving me.” He breathed, his eyes growing wide at the memory and Frank looked at him, his sceptical expression slowly dissolving.

Gerard kept his face calmly passive, showing nothing in his expression as Frank stared at Bob. Surviving from a slit throat was impossible. Having it heal in one night was even more impossible... But it wasn’t. Frank suddenly remembered the way the bite marks Gerard gave him would disappear in hours, the wounds he used to draw blood from his body gone forever before he would know it. Bob’s wound was still visible from the red mark, but then it was considerably bigger and deeper than any bite.

Frank slowly looked up at Gerard with wide eyes, Gerard meeting his gaze with a convincingly innocent look, but Frank knew how convincing Gerard could be. The guy was centuries old, learning to lie just came with being a vampire.

“Someone saved you? Who?” Frank asked, Bob shaking his head and sinking down in the cushions, his strength was clearly almost gone and Frank took his hand again, squeezing softly to try and keep him conscious for as long as possible. “Who saved you Bob?” He asked urgently, the blonde groaning softly.

“I... I don’t know. I think... maybe... it was my guardian angel... They were so beautiful.” He breathed, a soft smile playing about his lips as he slumped down into the bed, his hand slipping from Frank’s and the shorter man stared at him for a long moment before he sprung to his feet.

“Bob? Bob!?” He gasped, spinning to face Gerard who was still wearing the same casual, innocent look. “It was you... was it you!?” Frank demanded, gripping Gerard’s shirt in his fists and the vampire calmly pried his hands away.

“Excuse me? Was what me?” He asked politely, the door suddenly opening and Frank jumped back, Christine hurrying inside with the doctor.

“Is he okay? Is he awake?” She asked urgently, Frank biting his lip and tugging Gerard back with him to make room for the doctor as he strode to Bob’s side.

“I... He was... he just... passed out or something. Like, literally two seconds ago.” Frank mumbled, Christine rushing to Bob’s side and watching nervously as the doctor got to work checking him over. Frank watched for a moment, Gerard staring intently at the pale boy in the bed before he sighed and took Frank’s hand in his, lacing their fingers.

“Frank...” He whispered, the younger man eventually managing to tear his eyes away from Bob to look up at Gerard. “We should leave.” He said gently, Frank’s heart feeling as if it dropped straight down his ribs and landed in his stomach.

“What?” He breathed, Gerard cupping his face.

“We should leave.” He repeated, Frank searching his eyes desperately as he began to shake his head, his lips parted in fear. Gerard sighed and turned to look at Bob again before calling Christine. “We’re going to leave now.” He told her. “We don’t want to be in the way, you’ll call us and let us know how he is later?”

“I... Yeah. Of course. Bye guys.” Christine said hurriedly, turning back to Bob without a second thought and Gerard nodding, tugging Frank out of the room. His vampire strength made it easy to pull Frank away from Bob, Frank unable to even struggle before they were down the stairs and out of the house.

“Gerard? Gerard stop it!” He demanded, gripping the hand wrapped around his wrist and trying to tug free but Gerard dragged him down the street as easily as a baby. “Gerard we have to go back!”

“No we don’t. Leave the doctor to do his work.” Gerard replied firmly, Frank’s struggles growing weaker at the stern tone. He could never disobey Gerard, he truly belonged to him and he lived to please him. But... Bob was sick. Dying maybe. Hell, he might even be dead already.

“Is he dead? Fuck Gerard if you won’t let me go back there then you could at least tell me if he’s dead!” He snapped, Gerard sighing and shaking his head, reaching the woods quickly where he scooped Frank into his arms bridal style and strode through the trees. Frank stared up at him with worried eyes, chewing on his lip ring. “Gerard –”

“He’s not dead.” The vampire sighed, rolling his eyes. “I could still hear his heart but yours was drowning it out a little.” He admitted softly, Frank’s eyes growing wider and he whimpered softly.

“So... then he’s dying?” He whispered, Gerard not replying for a long moment until he couldn’t stand Frank staring at him so pleadingly.

“Yes. He’s dying.”

“And you won’t let me go back there!? Gerard he’s my best friend!” Frank gasped, his heart picking up and racing frantically in his chest as if it was trying to make up for the beats Bob’s heart was missing, though he didn’t struggle. Despite knowing Bob could die any second he wouldn’t do anything Gerard didn’t want him to.

“It wouldn’t do you any good to be there Frank.” Gerard shrugged, following the trail to his home. “Just let the doctor do his work.”

“Will he be able to save him?” Frank demanded, Gerard rolling his eyes.

“Yes. If he figures out what’s wrong with him and acts quick enough.”

“And what is wrong with him?”

“Blood loss.”

“So he did slit his throat.” It wasn’t a question and as Frank stared up at Gerard’s calm face he noticed his jaw tense as he clenched his teeth.

“Yes...” He admitted slowly, Frank’s lips forming a sulky pout and he gripped lightly at Gerard’s shirt where he bounced in his arms.

“So you were there last night. You saved him.” He breathed, his voice angry and Gerard felt a small spark chase up his spine. He supposed it was the sadist in him but he got a thrill out of Frank being angry at him, he hadn’t expected to but it... it was delicious. The way his heart beat so rapidly and wetly in his chest, the steely glare in his eyes, the way his little button nose wrinkled up with his scowl.

“Does it bother you if I was? Aren’t you glad I saved him?” He asked softly, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice and almost laughing when Frank smacked his chest as hard as he could, receiving only a bruise on his own palm as Gerard remained unhurt.

“You should have told me! Yes I’m glad you saved him but FUCK Gerard why didn’t you tell me!? He’s dying now and you let me stay angry at him, even though you knew he –” Frank couldn’t think of a good enough way to voice his anger so he settled for a roar and he continued thumping Gerard’s cold chest.

“I didn’t tell you because it didn’t matter. I didn’t even want to save him, I only did it because I knew you’d want me to.” He shrugged, Frank scoffing and trying to wriggle out of his arms.

“That doesn’t make me feel any better.” He snapped, kicking his legs and twisting his body in an attempt to get out of Gerard’s strong grip. He felt so betrayed, so angry. Gerard had known, he had known all along that Bob was lying in that bed on the brink of death and yet he had let Frank waste time talking about sex and sitting with his stupid father all afternoon. He was about to lose his best friend and Gerard didn’t even tell him.

“I don’t see why you’re getting so angry.” Gerard laughed, stepping through the wall of branches blocking the manor from view and letting Frank down onto his feet when they reached the clearly. He chuckled to himself as he began walking towards the house, Frank having to walk backwards in front of him, his face twisted in a scowl.

“Why are you laughing? This isn’t funny Gerard!” He shouted, his heart beating so fast it was making him breathless. His hands were shaking from panic, his mind whirring as he wondered how much time he had left before he lost Bob forever. And then here Gerard was, laughing about it.

“Actually, I think it’s extremely amusing.” The older man smirked, leaning forward towards Frank and pecking the angry pout of his lips making Frank jolt as if he had been electrocuted. He gasped and jumped, glaring angrily at Gerard for a second before he yelled in frustration and smacked him hard around the cheek.

Gerard barely had chance to register the blur of skin coming towards him before it hit his cheek, the sting tiny but oh so perfect and his grin grew. His mouth began to water at the scent of Franks racing blood, the anger so passionate it was burning him up. He captured Frank’s wrist tightly in his hand as he went to move it back, Frank’s face a picture of shock at his own violence. For a moment he wasn’t Frankie anymore, he was Frank Sr. and he was hitting someone he was supposed to care about, but then that shit eating smirk on Gerard’s face erased any of his guilt.

“Let go of me.” He spat, trying to tug out of Gerard’s grip although he already knew it was useless. Gerard laughed softly and Frank growled, beating his free fist against Gerard’s chest. “Let me go or I’ll hit you again!” He threatened, raising his fist and aiming for Gerard’s jaw but the vampire only continued to laugh.

“Go ahead.” He purred, Frank sending his fist flying his way but this time Gerard was prepared and he caught his other wrist with ease, walking him backwards towards the manor as Frank screamed and struggled.

“Fuck you! Fuck this! I fucking hate you, let me go!” He shouted, using all of his strength to try and escape. He knew it was only his anger making him say this, that he could never truly hate Gerard, but right now he needed his anger to help him get away. He needed to see Bob, he had to -

“Ah ah ah, you’re not going anywhere beautiful.” Gerard smirked as Frank made one last attempt to escape, only serving to make himself stumble backwards into the house and Gerard kicked the door shut, locking it with one hand before he released Frank all together. “I have so many wonderful plans for you Frankie boy.” He chuckled, his voice and eyes dripping with menace and Frank stared at him, his chest heaving as he panted for air before he did the only thing his body would let him do. He turned and ran.

Gerard leant casually against the door, watching with a soft smirk as Frank tore up the stairs, a snake of pleasure uncoiling inside his stomach and raising its sleepy head. Gerard decided he wanted to feed and Frank’s frantic heart would give him away no matter where he tried to hide. Gerard chuckled lightly and pushed off the door, strolling slowly up the stairs as he licked his lips. Frank could run as long as he wanted, the chase was half the fun.