FicWad

Melody's POV

Waking up in Frank's arms felt different this morning. Not bad or weird, just different. Sure, I wake up in Frank's arms almost everyday but not like this. Not with the sensation of smooth skin on skin or the feeling of hot breath on naked flesh. Frank had always held me in his arms protectively but this morning felt different. It wasn't just the feeling of being protected, it was like an unspoken need; a desire to be as close to another body as is physically possible. Even after all that, the best part is the almost overwhelming love radiating between us.

I knew, I think I always knew, that I loved Frank to a degree. Over time the love I held for Frank had changed, developed into more. At first the love I felt for Frank was none other than as a friend but as we had grown closer, sharing in the fact we were becoming parents, it had evolved into something more, like the way a mother cares for her child's father even though they are not together. Eventually, and much to my dismay at the time, it had grown into a more romantic type of love.

Of course, I didn't tell anyone until Alicia. I hid the fact, not wanting Frank to know out of fear of rejection. But now, thinking back, I don't know how it wasn't blatantly obvious to the whole world. Maybe it was. Maybe it was only Frank that didn't see it. I know Mikey saw it. Alicia noticed after one glance.

Now, though, I want to tell the world, scream it at the top of my lungs. I have never been more happy than I am right now. As far as I am concerned, as long as I have Frank and we have our daughter nothing can hurt us, nothing can make me unhappy.

A smile spread across my face as I felt a warm nose nuzzle the back of my neck and fingertips glide over my abdomen. I let a content sigh slip past my lips as he pulled me closer and kissed my bare shoulder. I rolled over in his arms, facing him and he smiled.

"Good morning. How are you feeling?"

His fingers brushed over my cheek, pushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear, before trailing down my spine and resting on my lower back, resulting in a shiver of pleasure from me.

"Mmm good."

Warm lips skimmed my forehead as he planted a gentle kiss in the center.

"You would tell me if I hurt you or made you uncomfortable last night, wouldn't you?"

Worry creased the lines of his face and anxiousness swirled beneath the surface of his eyes. I took his face between my hands and gently placed my lips on his before pulling back and meeting his worried gaze with a stern look.

"Frank, listen to me, okay?" He nodded. "Last night was amazing. I couldn't have asked for anything better and I am happy to share something so beautiful with you. You have never hurt me intentionally and you never will. I know that and you know that. Just take a deep breath and relax."

He did as told, inhaling and exhaling a deep breath before running his fingertips along my spine. I hummed my appreciation, arching into his touch.

"I wish I could have showed you sooner just how good it can be. I wish...this is going to sound so selfish of me and I hope you can forgive me."

"Frank, you are not selfish. You are probably the least selfish person I know." He frowned.

"Do you know what my biggest regret is?" I frowned, shaking my head. "I am ashamed of myself for saying this but it is not the fact that I got you pregnant and ruined your life. It's that I didn't show you an ounce of affection that first time. I just took what I wanted and didn't care how you felt. It's that I subjected you to such pain and callousness."

"Frankie, don't say that. It was a mistake. You had no idea and no way of knowing. The only thing that matters is that you care now. You care about me and you care about our daughter. I couldn't ask for anything more."

"But I want to show you so much more, Mel. I want you to be happy. I want you to fulfill your dreams and wishes. I want you to have everything you could ever need or want."

"I do have everything I could need or want. I have you and we have her." I smiled, placing his hand over my abdomen for emphasis. "That's more than I could ever want or need."

"You deserve so much more than I have to offer you."

"Frank, stop. The truth is, I don't deserve you but by some miracle you have decided to give me a chance. I have made so many mistakes in the past several months that I wish I could rectify. I am grateful that you are even giving me a chance. I'm not an innocent bystander in all of this so you shouldn't treat me like one."

"I just...I feel responsible for all of your mistakes."

"Frankie, don't-"

"No, just listen. I feel responsible because if you were not having our baby then you would not have made any of those mistakes, Melody. That's the hardest part of all of this for me. I want to be selfless and say I wish I wouldn't have ruined your life the way I did but at the same time I want to be selfish. I want to be happy for the way things turned out."

"It's okay, Frank."

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is and do you want to know why?"

"Why?"

"Because as bad as this sounds, I wouldn't change a thing about that night. Six months ago I would have told you different but now I would be lying if I said I regret anything about that night."

"Have I ever told you how fucking amazing you are?"

"Once or twice." I grinned.

"Well, it's the truth."

"No, you are amazing." He chuckled.

"We can be amazing together."

"Mhm like chocolate and peanut butter." He laughed.

"Yeah. Like the rainbow after fresh rain." I couldn't help the giggle that escaped me.

"You are so cheesy."

"But in a good way, right?"

He jutted his bottom lip out and shot me his best puppy-eyed expression. I sucked his bottom lip between my teeth and nibbled lightly, earning a groan of approval from him.

"In the best way."

He grinned, pecking my lips several times before pressing our mouths together firmly, invading my mouth with his tongue. We stayed like that for several moments before he pulled away and pecked my lips one last time.

"I would love nothing more than to stay in this bed with you for the rest of my life, unfortunately, my stomach disagrees." I laughed.

"Food does sound good." I murmured.

"Let's go take a shower first and then I am going to take you out."

I nodded my agreement as I wrapped myself in the sheet and followed him into the bathroom. He was still just as naked as I was but he seemed less perturbed about showing off his body, unlike myself. I watched the lines of his body shift, the muscle pulling taunt with his movements as he adjusted the spray of the shower.

My teeth gnawed at my bottom lip nervously as I realized I would have to abandon the sheet to enter the shower. Sure, Frank and I had been intimate last night but I hadn't exactly been worried about how I looked naked. I had been focused on Frank and the pleasure he was giving me. Now, I would be completely exposed to him. He would be able to see every inch of me and that made me uncomfortable.

What if he saw me now and changed his mind? What if he decided I was less appealing now that he could properly see me? What if he didn't want me anymore?

"Mel?" He called, snapping my attention away from my frantic thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"Are you okay?"

I bit my lip, averting my eyes from his. Of course, he sensed my hesitation and strode over to me, taking me into his arms.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I shrugged, too embarrassed to tell him my thoughts. "Melody, are you embarrassed about your body?" I sniffed, feeling my bottom lip tremble from the effort of withholding my tears but nodded anyway. "Why?"

"Look at me, Frankie."

He cupped my face in his hands and forced me to meet his gaze.

"I am and all I see is a beautiful girl, the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. I see the mother of my child. I see the girl I want to spend the rest of my life with. I love you, Melody and you are perfect the way you are. Please don't think negatively about yourself."

A sob escaped me as he pressed his lips to mine and tugged at the sheet. I held tightly to the silky material, refusing to let him remove it. Our lips disconnected and Frank bent so his lips brushed the shell of my ear, eliciting a shudder from me.

"Melody, you are beautiful both inside and out. Please don't hide from me. I want to memorize every inch of your body. I want to see inside your soul." He pulled back so I could see the pleading look in his eyes. "Please let me in."

I bit my lip as I thought about his words, contemplating them over and over in my mind. His forehead pressed gently against my own as his fingers wound themselves through my hair.

"Please?" He pleaded. I nodded shakily as I released my grip on the sheet and allowed him to tug it from my body so it puddled at my feet.

I stood before him exposed and nervous as his eyes raked over my body. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he pressed them to my own, pulling me close so I could feel his warm, smooth skin against my own.

"Thank you." I only nodded as my voice seemed to have been lost somewhere in my throat.

Frank gripped my hand in his and lead me to the shower, allowing me to step in first before stepping in behind me and closing the glass door. I immediately found myself wrapped in his strong arms as the water cascaded over us, soaking us from head to toe. I lay my head against his slick chest as his rested on top of mine.

"This is nice." I could hear the smile in his voice which in turn caused a smile to stretch across my own face.

"Yeah, it is."

We stood like that for awhile content in each other's arms, holding the other and never wanting to let go. Frank broke our embrace and retrieved a bottle of shampoo, lathering it between his hands and massaging it through my hair. I grinned up at him as I did the same for him. He smiled and pecked my lips before instructing me to close my eyes. I felt his fingers in my hair as he rinsed the soap out. We repeated this with conditioner before bathing ourselves and rinsing off.

Frank held me in his arms until the water began to run cool and we both realized it was time to get out. Frank stepped out first and wrapped himself in a towel before wrapping an identical white cloth around my chilled body, toweling the water off as he did so.

I followed Frank into the bedroom where he finished toweling off and started to dress as I fished an outfit and undergarments from our suitcase and disappeared into the bathroom once again. I dried my own body off and slipped on my clothes before brushing my hair out and drying it. Once I was sure it was dry I straightened it then brushed my teeth. Frank appeared at my side once again and brushed his own teeth as I applied a bit of makeup.

"Are you almost ready, Mel?"

I looked myself over in the mirror and nodded.

"Yeah. I'm ready."

"Let's go, I'm starving."

Frank took me to a small, family owned diner just a few minutes away. It was honestly one of the best meals I had ever had. My breakfast only consisted off a small stack of chocolate chip pancakes and orange juice but it was delicious. It reminded me of my grandmother's cooking which caused me a pang of sadness but I did my best to brush those thoughts away.

Of course, as always, Frank noticed when something seemed to be bothering me. His hand slid across the table to grip mine as he inquired about my frown.

"It's nothing, Frankie."

"There is something bothering you. I wish you would tell me."

"It's just....I miss my family. I mean, not my parents because they honestly could care less but my other family, like my grandparents. I haven't seen my grandparents in two years."

Frank laced his fingers with mine and pressed his lips to the back of my hand.

"Well, we could visit them, if you want."

"I...they live too far away, Frankie."

"There's no such thing. If it's not in driving distance then we can fly."

"Frankie, they live in California." He shrugged.

"So. When we get back home you should call them. Tell them you want to visit and we'll go."

"Are you sure? I can't promise they will be thrilled to meet you."

"It doesn't matter what they think about me as long as you are happy." I smiled widely at him.

"Thank you, Frankie. That means a lot to me." He only smiled and brought my hand back up to his face so he could kiss my fingers.

After breakfast Frank hailed a cab but refused to tell me where we were going. He said it was a surprise but one that he thought I would enjoy as much as he did. When the cab slowed to a stop outside of Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Times Square I gasped, sending Frank an excited look. He grinned as he paid and tipped the cab driver and then helped me from the cab.

My body buzzed with excitement as Frank squeezed my hand in his and lead me into the building. Apparently, he had planned in advance for today. He pulled two tickets from his wallet and handed them over to a man who then ushered us inside.

I allowed Frank to lead me from one exhibit to another, explaining to me the facts behind each one. I was too in awe of the weird yet fascinating exhibits to respond to him but I think he knew how much I was enjoying myself by the smile on my face.

We spent a little over two hours walking around and taking in the strange sights before Frank dragged me into the gift shop and insisted that we buy matching shirts. He even snuck in a weird two-headed plush animal for me. I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.

After we left Ripley's Frank lead me to a nearby park, opting to find a secluded area near the outer edge of the park so we could be alone. It was chilly but bearable being wrapped in Frank's arms.

"Did you have fun?"

"Yes. Thank you for taking me."

"You don't have to thank me. I want you to have a good time."

I settled in between his legs, resting my head against his chest. His arms wrapped securely around my middle and his hands settled on my protruding stomach, tracing soothing patterns into my skin.

"I am. You could take me anywhere and I would be happy. As long as I am with you it doesn't matter." I smiled up at him and his lips grazed my forehead.

We sat in a comfortable silence for awhile, enjoying each other's company as we gazed at the beautiful park surrounding us.

"Are you hungry?" Frank questioned, breaking the silence.

"A little."

"Why don't we grab a snack and continue our tour?"

"Where are we going next?" He smirked, shaking his head.

"It's a surprise."

I shrugged. I wasn't in the mood to press him for answers. I knew wherever he took me would be fine. Frank helped me to my feet and lead me back out of the park. He spotted a pretzel stand just down the sidewalk and I agreed a pretzel did sound appetizing. Once I had my pretzel in hand, Frank hailed another cab, whispered the address to the driver, and we were off to our next destination.

I'm not sure how much time passed before the cab pulled to a stop but my jaw nearly dropped when I saw where we were. The cab had pulled to a stop just outside the Gershwin Theatre. In large letters it read 'Wicked'. Frank once again paid and tipped the driver before helping me from the cab.

"Frankie, are we....is that..." He smiled.

"Yes. I thought you would enjoy this show."

"I have always wanted to see it. Thank you, Frankie." I hugged him tightly.

"I told you, you don't have to thank me. I want to show you a good time. Come on, the show starts in about fifteen minutes."

I followed Frank into the theatre and we took our seats in the front row, center stage. Frank only left me long enough to buy us something to drink. The show was amazing, better than I ever could have imagined. The music, the acting, just everything was breathtaking. I felt like a little kid on Christmas Day. When the show drew to an end Frank gripped my hand and ushered me through the crowd and out of the theatre.

"Did you have fun?"

I cupped his face in my hands and pressed my lips to his. He chuckled when I pulled back and nodded.

"This is one of the most amazing days of my life. I know that sounds cheesy but it's true."

He pulled me into a hug and rested his chin on the top of my head.

"I just want you to enjoy yourself while you still can."

I pulled back and looked up at him in confusion.

"What do you mean?" He sighed.

"It's going to be hard once the baby comes. I want you to have as much fun as you can before her arrival." I frowned.

"I know our lives are going to change once the baby arrives but that doesn't mean we can never have fun again. It will just be a different kind of fun, fun that includes our daughter."

"I know. I guess I just want you to enjoy what little bit of freedom you have left. I guess...I don't know. I think I'm afraid you are going to resent me when the baby comes."

"What? Frank, no. I could never resent you. Why would you even think that?"

"I don't know. What if you hate me because you are not able to do what you want when you want? What if you decide you don't want to be with me because it's too hard?"

"Frank, I would never do that to you. I know it's going to be hard and I know there are going to be some rough times but I can't imagine you not being by my side. I want us to share the good times and even the bad times. I am not stupid enough to believe we will always be happy or that we won't have arguments but I know we can work through this together."

"Yeah?"

"Definitely." I grinned. "You are not getting off that easy, Iero." He smirked.

"I wouldn't dream of it."

"So, where to next?"

"That's a surprise." He smirked mischievously. "Come on."

Once again I allowed Frank to lead me to an unknown destination. This time, though, he lead me to a restaurant. It was fancy but not overly fancy for which I was more than glad. We ate our meal in a comfortable silence, gazing and smiling at one another from time to time.

By the time we finished our meal the sky had faded from a clear blue to an inky black. Frank said he had one more surprise for me tonight. I didn't bother with questions because it was obvious he wasn't going to tell me. Though, instead of cramming into a cab we opted to walk the short distance to wherever he was taking me. It wasn't hard to figure out where exactly he was taking me when he began to lead me down the sidewalk toward the Empire State Building.

"Oh my gosh, Frankie!" He chuckled.

"I thought you would enjoy the view." I nodded excitedly.

He lead me into the building, paid our admission, and then ushered me toward the elevators. He held me close, kissing me occasionally as we rode ever higher in the elevator. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity the elevator doors slide open, revealing the 102nd floor observatory.

I gasped as I took in the view of the city. It was breathtakingly beautiful. I couldn't think of anything better than at that moment in time. That is until Frank wrapped me in his arms and pressed his lips to mine. His lips pressed against mine, his fingers tangled around my hair as we held one another close was the best feeling in the world. A feeling that no matter how many times I experienced it in my lifetime I would always go weak in the knees for.

Frank pulled his lips away from mine, resting his forehead against my own and smiling down at me.

"I love you, Melody."

"I love you, too, Frank. Thank you for making this day special for me."

"It was my pleasure. I think you more than deserved it."

Frank held me in his arms as we watched the city move below us. There was no better feeling than the feeling of love, warmth, and security I felt as Frank held me, whispering to me just how much he loved me.



First off, I am so sorry this took so long. A friend from out of state came to visit us for the week and it was incredibly hard to get any writing done while he was here. Plus, it will be awhile before we see him again so we wanted to spend as much time with him as we could but I really am sorry about that. Also, I'm sorry if this chapter sucks. I just wanted to get this out as quick as I could but I'm afraid I may have rushed it a little.

Anyway, you are all amazing and I love you all. (:

xo britt