FicWad

Frank Iero walked in to the two-story home he was temporarily residing in with his parents. His nose was immediately graced with the scent of home-cooked food.

“Dinner is already done son. Why don’t you come in here and join us?” His mother’s melodic voice rang through the house, reaching his ears.

Frank made his way to the kitchen after taking off his dirty sneakers, attempting to limit the spread of dirt. He didn’t particularly like making his mother clean up after him so frequently; he limited it when possible. “Smells wonderful Mom.” Frank said, upon entering the kitchen.

His mother, Brenda; beamed at him. “Get some food. Where were you at?”

Frank dished himself some stew and joined his parents at the dinner table. “I was at Starbucks actually.”

His father, Alex; snorted. “What you need that fancy coffee for?”

“It wasn’t the coffee that I went for.” Frank responded, killing the conversation.

Frank had almost finished his meal by the time Alex spoke again. “It’s almost your eighteenth birthday.” He informed Frank, as if Frank wasn’t already aware of it.

Frank nodded, saying nothing.

“Have you picked someone yet?” Alex asked, staring at his son.

They’d had this conversation almost every single night since Frank turned 17. He had to start thinking of the future but despite the pressure Alex laid upon him, Frank would simply shrug the entire situation away.

Not tonight though. No, tonight that question actually brought a smile to Frank’s lips. “I think I have.” He responded, causing both of his parents to noticeably perk up with interest. He decided to stand up at that very moment however, giving no further information.





***



Kendall let out a scream of frustration as she threw yet another outfit on to her somewhat messy bedroom floor. “Why does it have to be this hard?” She asked out loud, staring in to the mirror.

She ended up collapsing on to her bed, beside her trusty laptop. Her blog was already pulled up so she began typing, unaware of any other viable options for letting out her extreme annoyance with the current situation.



Why do we have to make simple situations so difficult? For example, I’m going on my very first date tonight. That’s great, right? If only! Instead of thinking over the actual date I’m too busy stressing about what I’m going to wear, how much make up I should apply... how to do my hair! Just looking around makes it clear to me that I’m not the only one struggling with appearance issues.

Why can’t we all just take a break from attempting to look perfect? It generally ends in disappointment, for me anyway.

I would really like if everyone would just take a day to strip themselves of all things that don’t come naturally. We waste so much time worrying over these small things.

Make up, why bother? Let the world see your natural face every now and then. Trust me, it’ll appreciate the air.

Clothing, why must we worry about the name brands and how it looks? Clothing was made to cover inappropriate body parts, seeing as how this world has certain people that can’t seem to get their heads out of the gutter.

Hair? Just leave it down, uncolored. I don’t even know what my natural hair color is anymore! ... It’s things like this that make me take a second to think:

If we all just stopped stressing over these little things then maybe, just maybe they wouldn’t matter so much and this world would be a little better for us.

Oh, and I apologize for the rambling. Did I mention this will be my first date? Wish me luck on not looking like an idiot!





Kendall stared at the post, unsure if she was satisfied. This was the first post she had ever written which directly correlated with her life. Other posts were just about things in the world. This was about her.

Somehow it made the imperfections a lot more noticeable to her weary eyes. She struggled to keep herself from deleting the post and just seconds later a comment appeared.

-Just be yourself.-



She bit her lip and stared at the words. She was used to leaving comments like that. She wasn’t used to receiving them. Turns out it wasn’t the easiest piece of advice to follow...





Kendall’s alarm went off thirty minutes later, notifying her that Frank would be at her place any moment... if he was able to figure out her directions.

She descended the stairs after glancing at herself once more in the mirror. She’d settled on simple but the concern was still there.

She wasn’t used to getting asked out.

Just what did Frank see in her? He was above average when it came to looking good and that was something she felt she lacked.

By the time the knocking began she was absolutely sure that she was going to fail at her first date. “Learning experience.” She mumbled, heading for the door.

Kendall opened the door, shocked at Frank’s appearance.

After a few minutes had passed Kendall broke out in laughter, “Oh... um...” She couldn’t form the words necessary to convey what she felt. “That’s an interesting choice of attire.” She finally said.

Frank laughed nervously, “Mind if I come in? I’m not entirely naked but I feel like I am.”

Kendall continued laughing but opened the door wider so that Frank could come in. “So, what’s with the lack of clothing?” Kendall asked, closing the door behind Frank.

He was shivering, wearing nothing other than boxers. That wasn’t the only difference in Frank that Kendall noticed though. His lip ring was missing, unfortunately. His hair was tousled, perfectly so. He looked... perfect.

As Kendall stared the answer came to her before Frank responded, “You... read my blog, didn’t you?”

Frank grinned, “Guilty.” He held up his hands, as if in defeat. “If this is too much then I can definitely go home and get pants.”

Kendall couldn’t help but laugh a little harder at that statement, “Well... my parents are out of town until Monday so why don’t we just watch the movie here?”

“Where are they at?” Frank asked, following Kendall as she began walking upstairs.

“Well, they are going through like... their fifth separation and with that always comes vacations out of town to ‘work out their problems.’” Kendall rolled her eyes.

Frank nodded, listening intently. “You don’t sound too happy with them.” He commented.

“Well, I can’t really complain about them. It’s not like either of them are alcoholics, or druggies... and it’s not like they beat me. They just- they have this problem with just being together. It’s never enough. It’ll never be enough. They fight just to make up. It’s like they actually just fight to like, make sure the other person still cares. I’m not really sure how to explain it.” Kendall wrinkled her nose at the subject, opening her bedroom door. “I’m really sorry about the mess.”

Frank looked around, “I like it.” He finally commented, “It’s so... you.”

Kendall sighed and began picking clothing up off of the floor. “Is that your way of saying I’m trashy?” She immediately blushed, “I mean... I’m sorry. Crap.”

Frank laughed, “Look, you really don’t have to worry so much about what you say to me, okay? I asked you out because I like you. I’m not going to change my mind because you have clothes on your bedroom floor, or because you aren’t used to getting compliments.”

“Okay.” Kendall shrugged, attempting to relax. “I don’t know why it’s so hard... I just, well, this is my first date and I’m really not making myself sound unconcerned, am I?”

Frank moved closer, “Want me to help you relax?” The words had never before held such hidden meaning to Kendall.

“Sure.” She breathed out, nervously forcing herself to stay in place as Frank moved closer with each step.

Frank smiled, “It’s okay to be nervous Kendall. I’m actually finding it very endearing but just remember... I’ve read every single word you’ve written in your blog. Hell, I’ve even re-read quite a few. I know what’s inside your heart and your head. I feel like I already know you and I just want the opportunity to know more.” Kendall felt a jolt travel through her body at the words. She couldn’t think of any romance movie that made those words sound the way Frank had just managed to make them sound.

She opened her mouth, about to speak. Frank leaned forward before she could, pressing his soft lips against hers. Kendall felt as if her ability to breath had been stolen but she couldn’t even really focus on that problem because Frank’s hands were now resting upon her hips and that; that just felt so right.

Frank pulled away just as Kendall thought she was going to pass out. “Hey now, breathing is encouraged.” He joked.

Kendall cracked a smile, “You know... on average people can hold their breath for about a minute but the world record is 15 minutes and two seconds.” She breathed out deeply, a deep pink staining her cheeks. “I read too much.” She blurted out.

Frank smiled, “So far this is the best date I’ve ever been on. It’s both informational and intimate.”

Kendall’s heart began to beat at a dangerous speed and she became aware of just why girls were so obsessed with boys.

Frank made her feel... good.

It wasn’t easy to explain with words, which was strange for Kendall. She used words for everything, never unable to articulate her thoughts on any subject. It seemed Frank was changing everything though.

Even all the stupid movies her mother had forced her to watch were suddenly making sense. With dread she wondered how she would feel at the end of the night when Frank left her life.

He was a traveler, after all. He was just passing through…

She would have to say goodbye eventually and that was already a daunting idea, despite not knowing the boy at all.