FicWad

“Well?”

“He has a severe fever. He’ll have to stay in bed for a few days.” The doctor gazed suspiciously at Gerard for a long moment, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “I can’t find his medical records in any database. You say he’s an old friend?”

“Uhuh.” Gerard was examining his nails with a bored expression, stood in the hallway outside Frank’s bedroom. “He came to visit, quite out of the blue. He was sick when I came to see him this morning. Just a fever right?” He confirmed, already steering the doctor down the stairs to leave.

“Yes, a bad one.” The doctor nodding, stopping by the front door and forcing Gerard to keep still so he could face him. “If it’s come on so suddenly he probably has a really bad immune system. Once he’s awake I would suggest you urge for him to register at a doctors, as things stand it’s like he doesn’t even exist.” The doctor looked a little distressed by this fact but Gerard only grinned sweetly at him and opened the door.

“I will get right on it.” He assured the elderly man, ushering him out the door before he could say another word and waving brightly at him. “Thanks again for your help doctor.” He called, chuckling as he slammed the door shut and sauntered down the hallway to the kitchen.

Inside Mikey was sat on one of the counters, drinking a coffee and swinging his legs. When Gerard walked in he raised his eyebrows questioningly, one hand moving to dip almost subconsciously into the cookie jar beside him.

“Verdict?”

“He has a fever.” Gerard shrugged, Mikey scoffing and rolling his eyes. “Apparently it’s a bad one; the doc reckons he needs to be bed bound for a few days.” He added casually, grabbing a tray from one of the cupboards and laying it on the counter. Mikey frowned and watched curiously as Gerard started to place an assortment of things on it, a cup of tea, glass of orange juice, some toast and a little pot of butter and another of jam.

“Uhuh... Who’s that for?” He asked curiously, Gerard adding a couple of biscuits on a plate to the tray, including the chocolate creams that were his and his only.

“Who’d you think?” Gerard retorted a little sharply, his cheeks slightly pink as he filled a whole jug with water and added that too.

“You can’t be serious.” Mikey smirked, quirking an eyebrow at his brother and nibbling on the cookie he had taken from the jar. “Frankie?”

“He needs to eat.” Gerard pointed out defensively and Mikey laughed outright.

“Yeah so... throw him a crust of bread or something. Or get the chef to make him something, what’s with the pretty tray and shit?” He smirked, Gerard scowling as he lifted up the said tray and met his brother’s eyes. He challenged Mikey with his eyes for a moment, daring him to tease him more.

“It’s my fault that he’s sick in the first place, he’d be fine if I didn’t leave him outside all night. I’m making it up to him.” He said simply, making Mikey almost choke on his cookie.

“Whoa, what!? You put him out there for a reason Gee, he deserved it. Or have you forgotten that?” He snapped, Gerard shrugging as he turned and started to walk out of the kitchen.

“That was then and this is now. He’s had his punishment, now I’m going to take care of him. I’ve always said I take care of my pets.” He called over his shoulder, ending the argument there and ignoring Mikey’s indignant shouts of how he was being an idiot. Gerard knew that he was expected to uphold his mafia boss image, but he wasn’t about to let his promises slip. He had told Frank he’d take care of him and only punish him when he deserved it. Well... Yesterday he had deserved it. Today he didn’t, to Gerard, it really was that simple.

Gerard made his way up the stairs and into Frank’s bedroom as quietly as he could, though the younger man hadn’t so much as stirred all morning. Gerard had left him in the basement all night where it was cold and damp, just to further punish him that little bit more. When he had gone down to let him out that morning Frank had been unconscious in the corner, and when Gerard had picked him up the heat coming from his body had almost burnt him.

Gerard had never felt anyone be so hot before and he had to admit, he had panicked a little before calling the doctor. Now he had some meds to give Frank and the doctor’s assurance that he would be fine soon enough he wasn’t so worried anymore. People got fevers all the time.

Frank was still sleeping when Gerard entered his room, but it was clear from the way he had rolled onto his side and was breathing steadily into his pillow that he was unconscious anymore. He was still clearly too hot, his body blushing a gentle shade of red and beads of sweat were dotted about his forehead and temple, one rolling slowly down the side of his tattooed neck.

Gerard had stripped him to his boxers when he had put him to bed, and on the doctor’s orders had removed the duvet from its cover so that Frank was left with just the thin sheet to cover his body with. He had opened the window a crack too; just to let some fresh air in.

Gerard gently placed the tray down on the bedside cabinet before he sat down on the edge of the bed, his hand coming up automatically to brush Frank’s damp hair off his forehead. The younger man stirred slightly and mewled against the pillow, shifting beneath his light covers and pouting as Gerard felt his forehead. He was still burning up but the doctor had said he’d just need to sweat it out, get plenty of rest and keep his fluids up.

Well, that was Gerard’s next mission.

“Frank... Frankie. Wake up.”He cooed softly, stroking his thumb across Frank’s cheek and caressing the side of his jaw to coax him awake. He kept his hand gentle, his words soft, so that as Frank began to stir he rose from his sleep slowly.

“Mm... Mmph? Wh - Who’sat?” He slurred softly as he woke up, his eyelids fluttering and he brought up one hand to lazily bat Gerard’s away and rub against his eyes. “Where m’I?” He groaned, feeling ten times worse now that he was awake. It was the first time since developing the fever that he had been properly conscious and he realised instantly that he was sick, used to the feeling but never any better at coping with it.

Gerard smiled a little at Frank’s distressed groan and gently touched his face again, making his eyes open slowly so that he would look at him. Once he saw who was there Frank groaned again, frowning and trying to bury himself under his duvet cover.

“Mmph... Please... Leave me alone.” He whined, his voice sounding thick with sleep and sickness and Gerard tutted softly, lightly smacking just his fingertips against Frank’s shoulder through the material.

“Now really, is that anyway to talk to your master?” He scolded lightly, Frank opening his mouth to throw some sort of insult back but Gerard didn’t give him chance to speak. “I haven’t come here to hurt you, I want to help you feel better.”

“Pfft, sure.” Frank scoffed, still hiding beneath his covers but Gerard was having none of it. “Agh! D – Don’t!” Frank squealed, hissing and scratching like an angry cat as Gerard dragged the covers off him and forced him to sit up, the wrestling lasting only a minute before Frank had to give up due to the churning of his stomach. “Uugh...” He groaned, falling readily into Gerard’s arms when the older man picked him up slightly.

Gerard had moved onto the bed during the scuffle and was now seated comfortably with his back against the headboard, Frank forced to rest in his lap and lean against his chest. Frank was hardly happy about the seating arrangements but he was too sick to complain.

“Hey, look at me.” Gerard demanded softly, tilting Frank’s face up and almost feeling... sorry for him as his eyes struggled open half way. “I’m gonna make you feel better.” Gerard insisted, Frank frowning suspiciously at him and Gerard scowled. “Honestly, I am. I told you before I’ll only hurt you when you deserve it. You have to start trusting me.”

“How m’I meant to trust you when you tie me outside in the rain?” Frank pointed out angrily, his words still slurred and weakened by his illness but Gerard got the intention.

“You know I only did that because you tried to run away. You couldn’t expect me to not punish you for a stunt like that.” He pointed out simply, turning to the tray and picking up the cup of tea. “Now drink this before it gets cold.”

Frank stared with widened eyes at the cup of tea, slowly turning his gaze to the tray and feeling certain he was imagining it for a second. Gerard wasn’t serious about taking care of him was he? That had never happened before. Frank didn’t think he had ever actually been taken care of when he was sick, it was always up to him to just try and drag his body through it.

“Well don’t look at it like its poison.” Gerard snapped a little defensively, irritated that Frank wasn’t just relaxing and letting him look after him. Gerard wasn’t exactly great at taking care of anyone, but he was trying and he just wanted Frank to appreciate that at least. “Drink it.”

“So it’s not poison?” Frank asked sarcastically, eyeing the tea suspiciously but obediently taking the mug out of Gerard’s hands and raising it halfway to his lips. Gerard gave a sarcastic laugh in response and scowled, shoving Frank gently.

“Look, I know you can’t seem to fathom me doing anything other than hurting you but seriously, I am trying here.” He said a little snappily and Frank looked at him in slight surprise. It was such a strange thing to hear Gerard say that Frank felt a strange rush of warmth towards him. This man had hurt him and made him sick and done things to him that Frank despised, but he was also the nicest master he’d ever had.

“Well... Then I... Thanks.” He finally sighed, putting his feelings down to the fever and deciding it was just best not to question and he took a tiny sip of the tea. Instantly Gerard’s scowl smoothed into a look of pride and he cuddled Frank to his chest, actually cuddled him and nodded softly.

“Don’t mention it.” He whispered, grinning when Frank started to take bigger gulps of the tea, finally closing his eyes and downing the cup in seconds. For a moment Gerard was stunned, but then he remembered he hadn’t actually given Frank anything to drink in two days and he was probably severely hydrated.

Frank could have sworn he had never drunk tea so delicious in his life. He wasn’t a big tea drinker at all but in that moment he fell in love with it again and again, every swallow of the warm liquid like a mini orgasm in his throat. It was bizarre but so good.

“Good?” Gerard asked softly, sounding almost afraid of rejection and when Frank looked at him he wondered whether he saw innocence sparkling in those usually dark eyes or whether he just imagined it.

“Mhmm...” He nodded sleepily, even smiling a little and Gerard even kissed his cheek before turning to pick up other things off the tray. Frank was left looking stunned, his cheek tingling where warm lips had brushed and his heart skipped a little. It was such a simple, affectionate thing, but Frank couldn’t remember the last time anyone had done anything like it.

God, he needed to get out of this fever. The things he was feeling, the things he was thinking... it just wasn’t him. And this... This wasn’t Gerard. Frank felt as if he was stuck inside a dream and any moment he would wake up and everything would go back to the hell he was used to.

“Here, the doctor said that you needed to eat lots too. I wasn’t sure what you liked on your toast but I have butter and jam here, if that’s good?” Gerard asked softly, picking up the plate of toast and Frank gazed at it in slight surprise before shaking his head.

“I... Just butter is fine.” He finally managed to find his voice. He wasn’t even sure his swirling stomach could handle any food in that moment but he didn’t want to make Gerard angry so he figured he’d just have to try.

Gerard nodded and smiled to himself as he leaned across and buttered the toast for Frank who watched him with a confused expression, not sure how to feel about all this. He especially didn’t know what to think about the fact that Gerard had actually called a doctor, that just seemed to kind.

“Why did you call the doctor?” He asked softly as he took the plate Gerard handed to him, obediently taking a bite out of the buttered toast and gazing softly at his master. Gerard blushed a little at first but it was gone so fast Frank couldn’t really be sure he had seen it at all.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay.” Gerard shrugged simply, idly stroking Frank’s damp hair as he watched him daintily nibble his toast. “And it was a good thing I did too; he gave me this to give you.” Gerard picked up a small pill bottle off the bedside cabinet and held it up for Frank to see. Medication was another thing Frank had never had the luxury of when he was sick and he stared with intrigued eyes at the little bottle.

“What are they?” He asked curiously, Gerard shrugging and reading the bottle.

“Just some cold and flu tablets I think... They’ll just help reduce your fever quicker.” He made a wild guess at the correct dosage and handed Frank two of the pills. Frank looked at them with suspicious eyes for a moment before taking them at the same time, chasing them down with a glass of water Gerard gave him. “Keep eating.” Gerard encouraged, smiling as Frank did as he was told.

Gerard had to admit, Frank certainly was being more obedient now he was sick, though he supposed that shouldn’t be surprising. He had quite enjoyed punishing Frank, the sadist inside him had definitely got hot over it, but he was sort of enjoying taking care of him too... It was nice not to be arguing or getting angry. It felt good to just hold him and nurse him back to health; he only hoped that Frank could be more obedient like this even when he wasn’t sick.

In the space of an hour Frank managed to finish the toast, the orange juice, half the jug of water and the biscuits before groaning and slumping down Gerard’s chest. Gerard was busy filling the glass with more water ready for when Frank would want it so it was a surprise when he looked down and found Frank nuzzling his cheek against his shirt and starting to drift back to sleep.

“Err... Frankie?” Gerard asked uncertainly, gently prodding the younger man and making Frank whine softly before smiling to himself. Gerard blinked stupidly and gently stroked his fingers through Frank’s hair before feeling his forehead. He smiled softly when he felt that Frank’s temperature had gone down a little, though he was still hot. The fact he had managed to fall asleep so quickly made it clear how feverish he still was and so Gerard slowly shuffled to lie down himself, letting Frank curl up against his chest since it seemed to relax him more... and okay, Gerard liked it too.

“What are you doing to me hm?” He whispered softly as he watched Frank sleeping, his fingers playing with his hair and a soft smile tugging at his lips, and no matter how hard he tried to wipe it away he just couldn’t.

>X<

“I don’t like this Gee. I don’t like it one bit.” Mikey warned as he unlocked the French doors that led into the garden and slid them open. Gerard shrugged from his spot by the counter, making them both a coffee.

“Well then it’s lucky I didn’t ask for your opinion, isn’t it?” He responded sarcastically, his voice bright and chirpy and Mikey rolled his eyes with a sulky pout.

It had been three days since the doctor had come to see Frank and in that time he had only left his bed in order to wash and use the bathroom and then Gerard had sent him promptly back again. All his meals had been brought to him by Gerard himself and a lot of the time Gerard had sat with him in his room, chatting apparently. Mikey bet he fed the fucking guy with a silver spoon too.

“I just think he’s changing you.” Mikey sighed as he crossed over the floor to stand beside Gerard, thanking him quietly as he handed him one of the mugs.

“What makes you think that?” Gerard asked in surprise, frowning as he turned to face his brother and the two men leant against the counter. “I’m still the same as always.”

“No you’re not.” Mikey insisted, frowning himself. “Frank is turning you soft.”

At that Gerard started to choke on his coffee from shock, quickly putting the cup down and thumping his chest as he stared with wide eyes at his brother. Mikey stared back with a small scowl on his face, his hand gripping so tight to the handle of his mug he was in danger of snapping it.

“Are you losing your mind?” Gerard finally demanded once he had stopped coughing, his voice gruff and he had to clear his throat a few times, though he never took his eyes off Mikey. “I have not gone soft.” He snarled indignantly, Mikey scoffing at that.

“Oh sure. You’ve only been taking his damn food to him every day and now you’re gonna let him go outside. I understand the whole reward thing but he hasn’t done anything that merits rewarding.” He snapped back, stamping his foot childishly. “I bet you haven’t even fucked him yet.”

Gerard was left speechless for another second, stunned that Mikey would ever have the audacity to say such a thing but it didn’t take him long to find his voice.

“Now just you listen,” He snapped, planting his hands on his hips. “I’ve been bringing his food to him because he’s sick, and I’ve always said I’d take care of him properly. I’m not about to become another cruel master like he’s had before. And I’m letting him in the garden because he’s starting to feel better and the fresh air will do him good, and I certainly don’t remember asking your permission about it.”

“And I’m not telling you not to do it; I’m just telling you how I feel is all. And all the others agree with me too.” Mikey snapped back, Gerard clenching his fists at that.

“Really?” He snarled, making a mental note to call a meeting with the other men in the gang and figure out what the general feeling was. “I don’t understand why it would have to be a problem; you knew I was going to treat him well. I always said I’m not going to be like one of his old masters, I am not Bert McCracken.” Gerard’s voice grew a little shrill at this, his hatred for Bert was deep routed and went back many years. Taking Frank off him at first had been just to a way to irritate him, but now it was the perfect opportunity for Gerard to show just how different to that son of a gun he was.

Mikey gazed at Gerard with narrowed eyes for a moment, resisting the urge to tell him that maybe if he was more like Bert then they’d have no trouble in the business. Though they were one of the most notorious and well respected mafia groups in New Jersey, positions like that were always under threat and Mikey didn’t feel exactly secure when their supposed leader was gallivanting about carrying food to his pet on a silver tray.

“I just think...” Mikey sighed and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, rubbing his temples and taking a deep breath to compose before he looked at Gerard again. “Just don’t lose your touch okay? You wanna treat him well then fine, but if he starts to walk all over you I’ll be forced to end it.” He warned, his implications clear and Gerard scowled deeply at him as he started to leave the kitchen.

“For the record, brother, if he started to walk all over me I’d end it myself.”

Mikey made no sign that he had heard Gerard at all and he left the kitchen without another word, leaving the older man leaning against the counter with a scowl on his face.

Gerard sighed and picked his coffee back up, taking a sip as he thought over what Mikey had said. He would definitely have to sit down with everyone and put the record straight, he couldn’t have his own men going around thinking he’d gone soft. But he just couldn’t fathom why they’d think such a thing in the first place. Hadn’t he always made it clear any pet he would have would not be treated like some toy... some sex doll, just good for fucking and beating and then leaving in a corner. He had always said he wanted a pet he could create a real master/servant relationship with. A relationship built on trust and understanding, one that would leave his pet wanting to do nothing but serve him, please him, do anything to make him happy. The only reason he would ever hurt Frank was as punishment, and at this first stage it was used often as a way of breaking him in. He had never even so much as implied that the beatings would continue whether Frank was good or not.

Feeling his good mood disappearing Gerard scowled and gulped down the rest of his coffee, waiting impatiently for Frank to come downstairs.

The younger man appeared at last, wearing the pale blue jeans and loose white t-shirt Gerard had picked out for him, along with his collar which Gerard had laid on top of the folded clothes with a meaningful stare. He was pleased that Frank hadn’t tried to disobey the silent order and he held out his hand for him as he came into the kitchen.

“Do you still feel okay to be out of bed?” Gerard asked softly as he took Frank’s hand and started to lead him out into the garden. Frank blushed and nodded silently, his heart hammering. He was still unsure as to why Gerard was treating him so nicely, though the two men had talked a lot whilst he had been bed bound and it seemed Gerard genuinely did just want to be good to him. Frank knew now that if he obeyed him and acted like the perfect pet Gerard wanted then he’d never have to be hurt again, but that was still not a good enough offer for him. He wanted his freedom.

“I thought then, maybe you’d like to spend the afternoon out here.” Gerard smiled so softly at Frank his face took on that same brush of innocence Frank had been seeing over the past few days. It came and went so quickly it could have been a trick of the light, but it always left Frank dumbfounded. “You won’t need shoes on, it hasn’t rained since the other night.”

This seemed like the perfect thing to Frank and he couldn’t help but grin back as he stepped out of the French doors and onto the soft, dry grass of the garden. He squinted a little in the bright sunlight, taking one step after another before he was jogging up the garden. Gerard didn’t chase him, the older man understanding that Frank wasn’t running to get away, he was running just to feel it.

Frank grinned as he weaved his way in and out the maze of rose bushes and flower beds, his bare feet tingling at the textures of grass and patio, wooden decking and soft soil. He splashed his hands into one of the fountains and drew a water moustache onto one of the female statues. He giggled to himself at how childish it was and continued with his running, exploring the garden and filling his lungs with fresh air that tasted sweet from all the pollen.

When he had tried to run away that day, and even spending the night in the garden, he hadn’t realised how huge the garden actually was. There were a ton of places to explore, hundreds of species of flowers to look at. There was even a rope swing at the back which he collapsed down onto as he started to feel breathless. His stomach was churning a little, his sickness not quite gone but he’d run until he threw up until he had to. He hadn’t realised how badly he wanted to come outside until he was out here.

Tilting his head back Frank began to swing on the old wooden seat, gazing up through the branches of the oak tree it was attached to and smiling at the little patches of blue sky that could be seen between the leaves. There wasn’t a single cloud to be seen and the sun was so bright Frank now understood why Gerard had picked out such a loose, white shirt for him.

Frank hadn’t been on a swing for so long he was convinced he must’ve only dreamt of being on one. But he was soon climbing higher and higher as he pushed his hips and swung his legs, Gerard walking slowly down the garden with a smile playing about his lips.

As Frank swung back and forth he created a breeze that cooled his feet and made the metal ring on his collar jingle. He didn’t mind it though, it kinda blended in with the sounds of bird song and bee’s buzzing and he felt like he really deserved to be here. Like he was one with the garden and the happiness that flooded him was almost overwhelming. Frank couldn’t remember the last time he had been this happen, probably not since he was five years old and his parents died. Since then it had been nothing but orphanages until he was fourteen and then several men’s slave. Frank knew he must have had a happy childhood with his family, but this happiness he was feeling now was almost alien to him. It was just magical.

“Enjoying yourself?” Gerard smirked as Frank jumped in slight surprise and broke out of whatever thought he’d been lost in. Gerard had watched his eyes take on a misty look, staring at the sky and not even noticing when he’d stopped moving and the swing had lost momentum. Gerard guessed it was probably not a good thought and he wanted Frank to forget it. The sudden burst of energy that had seemed to seize him and send him tearing through the garden like a child had made Gerard grin, and the happiness that had been radiating off Frank when he’d starting to swing had not left Gerard unaffected. In that moment he didn’t care what Mikey or anyone else said, letting Frank have this afternoon in the garden was the best idea Gerard had had in a long time.

“I... Yes, sorry I –”

“Don’t apologise, I want you to be happy.” Gerard smiled, Frank blushing and smiling timidly back. “Would you like to feed the fish with me?” Gerard asked with a soft smirk and Frank smiled curiously back.

“The fish?”

“Uhuh. Come with me.” Gerard beckoned for Frank to follow him and he felt a little thrill of happiness when Frank slid off the swing and obediently walked beside him without hesitation. It seemed the garden was bringing out the best of them and they even chatted and laughed as Gerard led the way through the garden to a large, deep pond sparkling at one side.

The pond was big enough to be a swimming pool and for a good reason to. The ‘fishes’ Gerard had talked about were in fact a large variety of koi carp, all of which were huge. Frank stared with wide eyes over the edge, his jaw dropping.

“Wow... Wow. I didn’t know fish could get so big.” He breathed and Gerard smiled fondly at him, picking up an old chocolate tin from beside the pond and opening it to reveal some dry, brown pellets which he explained was their food.

“The thing about koi, or any species of carp really, is that they grow to fit their environment. If you put a common goldfish into a pond this big it’d grow to be pretty huge.” He grinned, Frank clearly amazed by this fact and Gerard chuckled as he held the tin out for him. “Go ahead, throw in a handful.” He chuckled and Frank slowly reached into the tin to scoop up some of the food.

He was surprised by how hard and dry it was and he faced the pond for a long moment before carefully throwing the food in a sweeping motion so that it covered the whole surface. He gasped and pressed close to Gerard when in an instant the fish all started to swarm over the surface, shoving against one another to get the most food at Gerard laughed warmly at Frank’s reaction.

“What’s the matter, you never fed fish before?” He chuckled, throwing in a few handfuls himself before putting the tin back as Frank stared at the pond with wide eyes.

“N – No. I’ve only ever seen real life fish in Bert’s fish tank, but they were only small.” He whispered, never taking his eyes off the beautiful creatures as Gerard tugged him to sit down on the grass with him. Gerard was a little amazed that Frank had only seen Bert’s tropical fish before, but when he thought about he guessed it shouldn’t have been that much of a surprise.

“Well, you can come out here and see these whenever you want, as long as you ask me first.” Gerard smiled, Frank turning to grin at him and for a second he just wanted to dive on Gerard and hug him.

“Really? I can? Thank you so much Ge – err, master.”

Gerard chuckled fondly and started to roll up his jeans, his feet bare just like Franks and the younger man stared at him curiously.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m gonna dip my feet in. Go ahead and do it too.” Gerard smiled, rolling his jeans to the knees and shuffling to sit on the edge of the pond which was lined with slabs. He slid his feet into the water and dangled his legs of the side, smiling as the cool liquid lapped against his skin. One of the gardener’s main jobs was to keep the pond clean and the water was sparkling and clear, despite how deep the pond was you could see right to the bottom.

“I... Is it really okay?” Frank asked uncertainly, watching the large fish swim around Gerard’s legs. Gerard glanced at him and laughed softly, nodding with a small smirk.

“It’s fine. They don’t bite.” He chuckled, Frank’s face uneasy. “You don’t have to if you’re afraid.” He smirked, Frank blushing and frowning slightly.

“I’m not scared.” He scoffed, quickly rolling up his own jeans and moving to sit on the edge. He hesitated a moment as he stared at the fish, Gerard watching him quietly and Frank shuddered softly before dipping just his feet into the water. He waited a moment, resisting the urge to yank his feet back out as a few of the fish swam past them but once he got used to the fact they weren’t really paying attention he allowed his legs to dangle freely, the water almost going up to his knees.

“Good?” Gerard chuckled and Frank giggled a little, wiggling his toes in the cool water.

“Mm... Yeah.” He grinned, smiling as Gerard slid closer to him and kissed his cheek. The action made Frank’s tinge pink but he didn’t comment on it, Gerard smiling as he leant forward and laid his elbows on his thighs. “Do any of these have names?” Frank asked softly, watching the fish with intrigued eyes, making Gerard smile.

“Mm... Nah. I have too many to name. I can tell you what type they are though, I got really into learning about them a few years ago.” He smiled softly, this information surprising Frank somewhat. It was hard to imagine someone like Gerard sitting down and learning about fish. In fact... just seeing him with his jeans rolled up and his bare legs in the pond was one of the weirdest things Frank had ever seen. Out of all his old masters only Bert had been involved with the mafia, and he was always cruel and always trying to accentuate how ‘tough’ he was. With Gerard it seemed he was capable of leaving his involvement in the mafia as a job that he could forget whilst he was at home.

“Really?” Frank giggled softly, biting his lip. “Will you tell me?” He asked softly, smiling when Gerard grinned at him and nodded.

“Sure.” He beamed, apparently thrilled that anyone could be interested and he started to point out various fish, giving the name of their breed. “Okay, let me see... erm, these ones here are some of the most popular koi. They’re called Kohaku.” He pointed out some white ones with red splodges along their body. Frank grinned and waited eagerly for more, Gerard moving to some metallic bronze ones next. “Those are called Chagoi. And that one there is Asagi. It’s one of my favourite types.” Gerard grinned, indicating one of the fish swimming by Frank’s leg, blue on top and red below.

“Wow...” Frank breathed, the Japanese sounding names spoken so delicately by Gerard really were beautiful and Frank found himself leaning gently against the older man’s shoulder as they looked at the fish. “What about that one?” He grinned, pointing out a beautiful all white fish swimming in the centre of the pond. It’s fins were longer than the others, drifting gracefully behind it.

“That one? That’s a butterfly koi.” Gerard smiled, gently resting one arm around Frank’s waist. “I think I have a couple red ones and a yellow one too in here somewhere.” He chuckled, Frank smiling and looked about for them. He spotted a red one and squealed in delight, making Gerard laugh fondly.

“Those ones there are also nice, the Kumonryu.” He smiled, squeezing Frank’s waist to make him look at the one he was pointing out. Drifting along one edge mostly by itself was a white and black koi, the patterns over its scales like gentle swirls and Frank sighed in delight.

“It’s so pretty...” He mewled, Gerard chuckling.

“What’s interesting about it is it also changes colour with the seasons. It goes gold in autumn, it’s really amazing.” He smiled softly, his passion clearly coming through and Frank glanced at him with a soft smile for a moment. He liked this, liked listening to Gerard tell him the exotic names of all the fish and little facts about them. He liked hearing about the Utsurimono and the Kinginrin and the Ochiba. He liked how obvious it was that Gerard was passionate about it, how happy he looked whilst he talked freely about the carp.

“I’m sorry, I’m boring you aren’t I?” He eventually giggled, brushing a hand through his hair and smiling apologetically at Frank.

“What? No, of course not.” Frank gasped, smiling warmly as he cuddled close to Gerard and gently kissed his cheek, shocking the older man somewhat. “I really like the butterfly ones. Can I name the white one?” He asked eagerly, Gerard grinning widely at him.

“I... Yeah, sure. Name as many as you like.” He chuckled, so glad that Frank was happy to listen to him. No one ever wanted to hear about the fish, it wasn’t exactly an exciting topic, especially amongst mafia members, but at least he now had one person he could share it with.

Frank grinned happily and looked back into the pond, finding the white butterfly carp again and wondering what to call it. “Is it a boy or a girl?” He mused, Gerard shrugging.

“I actually don’t know.” He admitted softly, Frank giving a soft thoughtful hum.

“Then I guess I’ll call it... Vanilla. Then it doesn’t matter.” He decided, grinning proudly and look at Gerard with big, innocent eyes, almost asking for his approval. For a moment Gerard was lost in his sparkling hazel orbs and he smiled warmly as he nodded.

“That sounds like a great name.” He complimented, looking back to the pond and smiling as he leant back on his elbows. Frank looked out the corner of his eyes as Gerard tipped his head back and let the sun warm his throat. He was wearing a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top two buttons undone and for the first time really Frank noticed how attractive Gerard was. The small amount of milky chest on show was drawing Frank in.

“Ge – Master...” Frank mewled softly, remembering his place just in time and realising with a jolt of his stomach that he was trying to suck up.

“Mm?”

“What would you do if... If I kissed you?” Frank asked softly. He wasn’t sure if pets were allowed to kiss their masters, or if they had to wait for the master to kiss them. And anyway, he wasn’t submitting to Gerard he just... It was just the lingering effects of his fever, and the heat of the sun, and just the happiness of being in the garden. That was all.

“I’d kiss you back.” Gerard shrugged without hesitation, his eyes closed as he bathed in the sun, not really registering what Frank said so it was a shock when he suddenly felt Frank straddle his lap and cup his face ever so lightly. Gerard’s eyes fluttered open and his lips parted in surprise just as Frank leaned forward, shyly pressing his lips to Gerard’s. There was hardly any pressure, their lips just resting together as Frank actually trembled against the older man.

For a second Gerard was so stunned he didn’t respond, but then he felt everything inside him just melting and he smiled as he laid a hand on the back of Frank’s neck and gently stroked his thumb over his skin, drawing him closer and securing their lips properly. Frank sighed and leant into him, slipping his arm around Gerard’s neck as their feet trailed in the pond.

Gerard lay back properly, wrapping one arm around Frank’s waist and keeping his other hand resting on the back of his neck, tracing patterns over his skin and collar as their lips worked ever so slowly in time. It was lazy kissing, but it felt so good. Frank for one had never been kissed so sweetly and delicately and he just wanted to rest on Gerard’s chest and kiss him all day in the sun, and it seemed Gerard had no problems with that either.

The air was heavy with the scent of flowers, the sounds of their kissing mixing in with the soft trickle of water from the pond and insects buzzing around. The longer they kissed the more hazy Frank’s head grew and he mewled as he shifted and pressed tighter to Gerard, their lips suckling gently against each other’s as Frank played with Gerard’s hair.

“Mmm... God... Such a good boy...” Gerard purred huskily, sliding one hand into Frank’s back pocket and squeezing his ass gently. He slid his tongue across Frank’s lower lip and felt his stomach tingle when the younger man allowed him access within a second, their tongues touching and entwining as their hips started to rub a little.

Frank hated it but he felt a little thrill of pleasure when Gerard called him a good boy and he parted his lips even more, letting Gerard just completely overpower him and explore his mouth for a long moment. Their hips were grinding almost without either of them meaning to, and all too soon Frank felt too hot, sweat starting to bead on his forehead and he groaned, breaking the kiss with a sigh.

“M – Master...” He breathed softly, shuddering softly as he felt his jeans had tightened a little. Gerard opened his eyes and looked at him, smirking softy as he slid a hand between them and cupped the bulge in Frank’s pants.

“Maybe we should go inside?” He whispered huskily, Frank staring at him for a moment before he sighed and leant down for another, slightly more passionate kiss.

“Mhmm... Y – Yeah... Yeah. Okay.” He grinned, not really caring if he was going to end up regretting agreeing to that. He just didn’t feel himself at all that day and he wanted nothing more than to do whatever Gerard wanted.

From the kitchen window Mikey watched as Frank and Gerard appeared in the garden, the two of them walking down towards the house with smiles on their faces and their fingers laced. Mikey scowled to himself and turned away from the window, wandering out of the kitchen and into the living room where he wouldn’t have to see the two of them enter the house. He just felt even more certain now that Frank was changing Gerard and he wasn’t going to stand for it. Frank was bad for this house, he just knew it, and he wasn’t going to let him take over like he was clearly going to try and do.

Mikey knew he was the younger brother, but all his life he had been more sensible than Gerard in some situations, and he knew that this time it was up to him to make things right since Gerard was starting to slip into Frank’s sticky hold. If the only way to make things right again was to get rid of Frank, then Mikey sure as hell wasn’t going to hesitate.

A/N: Hey guys,
Just a quickie to say thanks so much for all of your rates and reviews so far. I feel like I don’t thank you guys enough but rest assured all your feedback always does mean the world :) It takes me a while but I do always respond to all your reviews so be sure to check it out if you haven’t ^_^
In the mean time, I know this chapter wasn’t too interesting but I want to show all the different sides of a forming S&M relationship, but the drama hasn’t ended yet so stay tuned ;)
Ray xo