FicWad

Frank gazed nervously at Gerard as the older man strolled past him up the stairs. Frank was coming down for breakfast but Gerard didn’t so much as glance at him as he walked by. It had been three days since he had warned Frank things were starting to get stricter and he had kept to his word. Now he showed Frank little affection, he acted like he was invisible half the time and Frank couldn’t deny he was finding it hard.

He was really starting to realise how good Gerard had been to him before. Being treated like this hurt more than any of his other punishments, even from his old masters. He just wanted Gerard to show that he cared like he used to, he didn’t want to be just a dog.

Frank sighed as he walked through to the dining room and timidly took his place at the table. Mikey, Ray and Bob were already there, tucking into their bacon and eggs. Bob and Ray ignored Frank like they always did but Mikey was quick to stare at him as he sat down. Mikey had been prone to scowling at Frank more than usual since Gerard had let him get away with the whole Jamia thing without, in Mikey’s opinion, a real punishment. Mikey still hadn’t said anything to Frank about it, but Frank got the feeling that was probably only because Gerard had told him not to.

Frank kept his head bowed and his mouth shut as he waited for the chef to bring his food to him. He used to get the same meals as everyone else but now he was always given something different. Today though he was surprised to find a bacon sandwich get placed infront of him. The past three days it had been simple porridge, but Frank wasn’t feeling grateful over the change.

“Erm... excuse me,” Frank spoke quietly, his voice tiny and timid as he touched the chef’s arm when he went to turn away. “I thought you knew, I’m a vegetarian.” He whimpered, his heart racing. It wasn’t the chef he was afraid of, but Mikey’s deep stare made him feel nervous. The chef had never served him meat before, why was he starting now?

The chef glanced at Frank apologetically but simply continued walking away, Mikey smirking as he gazed at Frank’s confused, distraught expression as the chef left the room. Frank could smell the bacon infront of him and he felt sick to his stomach.

“What’s the matter Frankie?” Mikey cooed from across the table, spearing some of his own bacon onto his fork and grinning as he put it into his mouth and chewed slowly. “Don’t you like your little treat?” He asked sweetly once he had swallowed the meat, Frank gulping softly. He knew that this was all Mikey’s doing, Gerard may have been treating him differently but he wouldn’t play with him like this.

“You know I’m a vegetarian.” He whispered quietly, terrified to be attempting to stand up to Mikey but he wasn’t about to just let his morals slip. He didn’t want to eat meat, he wanted no part in the slaughter of animals. He supposed for someone like him, who ached for nothing more than freedom, the idea of animals being kept in captivity to ultimately be killed just made his stomach flip sickeningly. It didn’t seem fair and he didn’t want to eat the corpse put in front of him.

“Then don’t eat it.” Mikey said simply, shrugging and continuing to eat his own breakfast as Frank’s stomach rumbled pitifully and he stared down at the sandwich. He was terribly hungry but he felt no desire for the flesh between the bread and so he simply did as Mikey suggested and pushed the plate away.

To accompany his sandwich he had nothing but a glass of water, the same as the past three days, and he sighed as he miserably picked up the glass and downed the cool liquid.

Gerard had started eating his meals alone, ensuring that he didn’t have to sit with Frank when he ate. This seemed to be working out well for Mikey since it left him free to torture the boy however he liked over meal times. Frank supposed not being able to eat anything that morning was a blessing since as soon as he finished his water he was free to leave the dining room.

Mikey watched Frank leave with a smirk on his face, enjoying himself immensely as he finished his food and started to sip his coffee, glancing across the table at Frank’s abandoned bacon sandwich. Mikey had been far from understanding when Gerard had revealed he was going to give Frank one last chance, and even though he insisted things would be better... that he’d be stricter, Mikey wasn’t about to sit around and watch everything going to shit again.

Mikey was determined to make Frank’s life hell, torment him until he did something that would finally make Gerard get rid of him once and for all.

>X<

Frank sighed as he sat in his bedroom, just staring out the window and groaning as his stomach growled. Dinner that evening had consisted of, for him at least, chicken wrapped in bacon and green beans. Frank had eaten the beans, but left the rest, ignoring Mikey’s smirk as he left the room.

He felt like his stomach was trying to eat itself he was so hungry, but there was nothing he could do about it. The chef had probably been told not to listen if Frank went to him asking for food, and Frank knew that every meal time from now on he was going to be given meat until he gave in or died.

Frank wished desperately he could talk to Gerard about this. Before Gerard had warned him things were going to get stricter Frank would have been certain he’d help him, but this time he wasn’t so sure. Gerard rarely saw him now a days, Frank knew if he went looking for him just to tell him Mikey was trying to feed him meat Gerard would probably just laugh in his face.

If Frank had thought he hated being in this place before, it was nothing to how he felt now.

Frank sighed and winced as his stomach growled again. He had only just started to put on weight, finally getting some meat over his prominent ribs and hipbones, but he could already tell he was about to lose it all again. He was fed up of being so skinny, but he wasn’t about to give in to Mikey so soon and start eating dead animal.

Frank waited until the night sky grew darker still, his cramping stomach aching more and more to the point he knew there was no way he’d be able to sleep. He knew the chef stayed in the kitchen until late, in case any of the men were still up working and grew hungry in the night. But even the chef had to sleep and so as soon as Frank deemed it late enough he slipped out of bed and started to make his way out of his room and down the stairs.

The house was dark and silent, all of the lights turned off so Frank knew everyone was in bed, but that still didn’t stop his heart from pounding erratically as he tip toed down the stairs. He didn’t know what would happen to him if he was caught... he wasn’t sure of anything anymore. He felt as if he couldn’t do anything right. He was terrified of seeing Gerard and yet at the same time had an indescribable ache... as if he missed the older man. Or... missed who the older man had been before everything had taken a turn for the worse.

Once Frank reached the bottom of the stairs he glanced back up to the landing with a paranoid shiver, his eyes searching the shadows to make sure no one was around before he dashed as quickly and quietly as he could to the kitchen.

Just like the night when Jamia had come to see him there was moonlight spilling through the French doors, giving Frank just enough light to see by. The kitchen was empty of life and Frank’s spine tingled with fear as his stomach cramped up in anticipation. He desperately wanted something to eat, but he felt frozen to the spot. He couldn’t imagine himself getting away with this, and he had gone days without food before...

Frank considered turning around and going back upstairs, but his stomach growled impatiently and he figured if he had come this far he may as well just carry on. The fruit bowl was directly in front of him, resting on one of the counters. He could grab an apple and no one would notice. And maybe just a few slices of bread from the cupboard. He wouldn’t even butter them or anything, he’d just grab and run.

Frank walked forward slowly, holding his breath as he reached out and snatched an apple from the fruit bowl with both hands, cupping it between his bandaged palms. He didn’t know what he had been expecting exactly, but he still felt a sickening lurch of his stomach and then a dizzy feeling of relief when nothing happened. He waited a moment though before he made his way over to the cupboard where the bread was kept. His ears were straining, listening for any noise that would warn him of being caught as he opened the cupboard door and leaned forward to grab the bread bag, the apple now resting on the side.

Frank sighed as he found himself too short to reach the bread. He tiptoed up as high as he could go, his muscles straining as he leant up, he was so close... if he could just uncurl his fingers just a little.

“Ow!” Frank yelped in pain when he attempted it, managing to move his fingers so far before his knuckles flared with pain and he stumbled back, cradling his hands to his chest and squeezing his eyes shut as the pain slowly diminished. ’Stupid’ he scolded himself, his heart hammering like a frightened bird in a cage as he waited to compose himself.

Once he felt okay again Frank opened his eyes, almost giving himself a heart attack when he saw a shadow stretched across the floor infront of him, the shadow in the form of a person. Frank jumped in shock, gasping as he spun round and almost fall back into the counter when he saw Gerard watching him from the doorway.

Within an instant tears had pricked at Frank’s eyes and his heart had started beating so fast he was sure it was going to just explode altogether. Gerard quirked an eyebrow at him and took a step into the kitchen, wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants so that the whole of his milky chest was on show.

“What are you doing?” He asked softly, rubbing a hand through his hair and frowning slightly as he approached the terrified younger man.

“I – I – I ... I’m s – sorry.” Frank squeaked, struggling to find his voice as he tried to take a step backwards only to find the counter was in his way. “I was h – hungry and –”

“Hungry?” Gerard repeated, frowning even more and turning his head to look at the open cupboard and the apple resting on the side. “So you just thought you’d come down here and steal some food?” He asked softly, his voice gentle but menacing and Frank whimpered as a tear dripped down his cheek.

“I – I’m s – sorry master.” He whimpered, Gerard looking at him and blinking stupidly at his tears. It was so unlike Frank to cry so easily, and to be so frightened. Gerard wasn’t used to it and he wasn’t sure he liked it.

“Was dinner not enough for you?” Gerard asked slowly, reaching forward to touch Frank’s tears and feeling his heart ache painfully when the younger man flinched as if he expected him to strike him. Frank was never this timid... Could it be... that just by threatening him with stricter rules, Gerard had finally broken him? The older man wondered fleetingly if he should feel happy about this, but looking into Frank’s terrified eyes brought him no pleasure.

“I... I c – couldn’t eat it because... Because of the m – meat.” Frank sniffled, trying not to cry so much as he looked fearfully at the older man. It was the most he had said to Gerard in days and just knew that this couldn’t end well. Gerard was going to be furious and either throw him in the basement or just kill him altogether.

“Meat?” Gerard repeated, Frank confused by how... not-angry he looked. “The chef knows that you’re a vegetarian.” Gerard spoke mostly to himself, it taking him only a second to understand what was happening.

“I... I know but... but all my m – meals since this morning have been entirely meat.” Frank’s voice was quiet, not sure if he should be telling Gerard this. He was so uncertain of where he stood now and he didn’t want to anger the older man. But to his surprise though Gerard looked angry, it was not anger aimed at him.

“I see...” Gerard spoke slowly, sighing as he tried to push down his utter fury at Mikey for meddling again and focus on calming Frank down and getting him some food. “No wonder you’re hungry then.” He sighed, finally turning his eyes on Frank and trying to look soothing as he softly touched his face and used his thumbs to wipe his tears away.

“I’ll talk to the chef in the morning and make sure he doesn’t make this mistake again,” He promised, Frank feeling a rush of warmth and relief. “In the meantime, let’s get you something to eat.” Gerard smiled, gently kissing Frank’s cheek before lifting the skinny man up and placing him on one of the tall stools at the side of the counter.

Gerard picked up the apple and put it back into the fruit bowl, apparently deeming it not good enough for his bewildered pet as he started to raid the cupboards.

“What do you fancy?” He asked, his back to Frank who was looking utterly confused. “A sandwich? Or some hot food? Ah, how about an omelette? I know they’re your favourite.” Frank raised his eyebrows when Gerard turned to smile at him, Frank not only amazed that Gerard even knew what his favourite food was but that he was so willing to cook it for him.

“I... Yes, that... that would be nice master.” He whispered uncertainly, watching with wide eyes as Gerard got busy cracking eggs into a jug. He spoke to Frank softly about what he wanted in it, settling on mushroom and cheese with little input from a still slightly frightened Frank.

“How are your hands by the way?” Gerard asked as he whisked the eggs with a fork, adding some salt and pepper with the mushrooms, pouring it all into a hot pan before he half angled his body towards Frank.

Frank looked stupidly at Gerard for a second before he realised he had asked him a question and he blushed deeply. “O – Oh, they’re... fine.” He mumbled, looking down at his bandaged hands and just feeling so confused. Why was Gerard being like this? He thought he had changed... he thought he had been avoiding him...

Gerard sighed when he saw the look on Frank’s face and he turned back to the pan, focusing on the omelette until that was finished. He coated it in grated cheese and waited for that to melt before he served it onto a plate and sat down beside Frank with a smile.

“There you go.” He smiled, his smile faltering a little when Frank shivered and thanked him quickly, his hands fumbling with the cutlery. “Do you need help?” Gerard asked softly, picking up the knife and fork up himself. He was used to helping Frank with eating but Frank had had to do it himself for the past few days and he was determined to continue.

“No, I’m fine.” He quickly spoke up, reaching out for the cutlery and if he had been able to he probably would have snatched them right out of Gerard’s hands. As it was though Gerard simply handed them over and watched with a heavy heart as Frank slowly managed to position them against his palms so that they kept still with little movement from his fingers.

His eating was slow and awkward, but he refused to accept help. Despite his growing fear for Gerard deep down he still had his pride and if this was the only way he could show it then he was determined to do so. In the mean time, as Gerard watched him, he understood there was a lot of things unsaid that needed to be aired.

“Frankie...” He slowly sighed, Frank glancing up at him with a mouth full of omelette. Frank hated to admit it but it was delicious and he only very reluctantly paused in his eating to listen to Gerard. “I think... I think we need to start being honest with each other.”

Frank frowned in confusion, swallowing down his omelette and looking about for a drink. He didn’t have one, but as if he could read his mind Gerard got straight to his feet and flicked on the kettle, grabbing two mugs and placing a tea bag into each.

“What do you mean?” Frank asked nervously, watching the older man with sparkling eyes. He had thought they already were being honest. Was this about Jamia again?

“I mean that... well... Well, fuck Frankie, this just isn’t working.” Gerard sighed, turning to look at Frank with saddened eyes. “I think we need to tell each other exactly how we feel.”

Frank stared at Gerard like he was crazy. As far as Frank was concerned they already knew how each other felt. Frank hated this place and wanted to leave, and Gerard was a psychotic sadist who wanted nothing more than an obedient dog to do his bidding. Apparently though, things weren’t that simple.

“How we feel?” He repeated softly, Gerard nodding before turning to pour the boiling water into their mugs.

“Yeah. Well... I guess how you feel is obvious.” Gerard sighed and tried to ignore the tearing ache in his heart. He had been thinking a lot over the past few days, and he had come to realise he just couldn’t be around Frank when he had promised he was going to be stricter. The fact was Frank could do anything and Gerard would never kill him. He couldn’t be his master when he would let Frank get away with murder. Mikey was right... he had always been right. Gerard was treating Frank too much like his boyfriend and the fact was, whether he was falling for him or not, Frank would never be his.

“I know you hate this place, I know you want to leave.” Frank raised his eyebrows at the sad tinge to Gerard’s voice, it taking him by surprise and he remembered again how the older man had been crying when he had thrown Frank into the basement last time.

“I... I don’t know if you know this, but hurting you is something that just tears me apart.” Gerard slowly poured milk into the tea and brought the cups to the counter, sitting beside Frank again and urging him to eat up. Gerard’s heart was racing and he felt sick. Being this honest was not something he could do easily. “I can’t... I can’t be a master to someone like you Frank... Someone I... Someone I...” Gerard sighed and squeezed his eyes shut, not really sure he could say it but he had no choice. He had been thinking hard over the past few days and he knew he just had to be honest with Frank and then get him away.

“The thing is Frank. I can’t be your master because I can’t stand to see you hurt. I can’t stand to upset you or punish you or anything like that because I... Unfortunately, I find that I’ve... fallen for you...”

Frank stared at Gerard with eyes so wide they looked as though they could fall out of his head altogether. He wasn’t sure if Gerard was joking or not... he had to be joking. He couldn’t possibly be serious. No one would fall for Frank, especially not someone like Gerard. It was ridiculous.

“I... Is this some kind of joke?” Frank asked quietly, a lump rising in his throat. He didn’t want to hear this kind of thing. Wasn’t it cruel enough that Gerard owned him like some sort of wild animal? Why did he want to break his heart like this? “I’m not gonna fall for it.”

“Frank this isn’t a joke.” Gerard groaned, running his hands through his hair. “I swear to you I –”

“Well now,” A voice suddenly drawled from the doorway. “Is this a private party or can anyone join?”

Both Gerard and Frank jumped as they turned to look in the doorway. Mikey was stood in the darkness, his hands planted on his hips. Frank felt a sickening swirl in his stomach and he quickly dropped his cutlery, knowing that he was about to get into a ton of trouble from Mikey, even though Gerard was here.

“Actually it is a private party.” Gerard sighed, glaring a little at Mikey. “Can you go please? Frank and I are talking.” He purred coldly, Mikey scowling and taking a step into the kitchen, making Frank tremble.

“Are you really?” Mikey purred back, walking straight past Frank to his great surprise and standing infront of Gerard instead. “I think you and I need a little talk.”

Gerard frowned deeply and slowly slid from his stool, clenching his fists as he stood face to face with his brother. Mikey scowled at him, his eyes swirling with anger. Gerard knew that Mikey knew what he had been trying to tell Frank, and he knew that it had pissed him off. But Gerard was going to do this whether Mikey wanted him to or not.

“You and I can have a little talk, after I’ve talked to Frankie.” He whispered firmly, Mikey shaking his head and seizing Gerard’s wrist, squeezing painfully tight.

“I don’t think so. We’re going to have a talk now, let Frankie finish his... supper.” Mikey glanced at Frank’s half eaten omelette with a look of disgust before he started to drag Gerard from the kitchen. Frank whimpered softly, expecting Gerard to refuse but to his surprise he walked along beside Mikey without further complaint.

Frank sighed and stared sadly down at his plate, his appetite was gone and he groaned as he shoved the plate away. He felt shell shocked from Gerard’s words and how Mikey hadn’t got angry at him but at his brother instead. Frank just felt so confused, starting to wish he had just stayed in bed.

Down the hallway Gerard and Mikey were stood by the front door, whispering angrily at each other as quietly as they could, trying not to let Frank hear. Mikey was furious that Gerard was being stupid enough to actually reveal to the young man that he was in love with him, something that sickened Mikey enough as it was. And Gerard was desperately trying to justify his reasoning to Mikey.

“I can’t believe you think that revealing this ultimate weakness is going to make things better.” Mikey hissed, Gerard blushing and scowling.

“Ultimate weakness? Jesus, you sound just like our father.”

“Well father at least had some things right then.”

“Don’t you dare talk good of him, you know what he was like!”

“Oh fuck off Gerard, I don’t even care what shit you had with dad. This isn’t about him, this is about you letting Frank get the better of you!”

“I’m not letting him get the better of me! I’m telling him the truth. Anyway, I was going to get rid of him straight away after, isn’t that what you wanted? For him to leave?”

“Leave? No Gee, I don’t want him to leave. I want him to be killed. You’re putting this whole family in danger!”

“That’s just bullshit.”

“You’re bullshit! Maybe I should fucking teach you how you should have been treating that stupid boy from day one. Since you’ve so obviously forgotten how. Forgotten your very roots.” Mikey hissed, grabbing Gerard’s wrist and holding on so tight Gerard hissed in pain.

“Get off me.” He demanded angrily, Mikey shaking his head as he started to drag Gerard back down the hallway towards the basement.

“No, you know what? I’m fucking sick to death of all of this. I’m going to teach you a well needed lesson, and then I’m gonna get rid of that little runt once and for all.” Mikey snapped, opening the basement door and throwing Gerard inside before the older man could even come to terms with what was happening. From the kitchen doorway Frank watched with wide eyes as Mikey strode into the basement and slammed the door shut, the house falling eerily silent.

Frank stood in the kitchen with wide eyes and parted lips. His heart was racing erratically and his stomach was swirling. He suddenly regretted eating, a wave of sickness washing over him and making his head spin. What was going on? Why had Mikey taken Gerard in there? This all just didn’t make sense... Frank groaned and bounced from one foot to the other in agitation, not sure what he should do. He desperately wanted to leave, but he couldn’t do anything without finding out what was happening to Gerard. Surely Mikey wouldn’t hurt him?

Frank walked ever so slowly towards the basement, his heart feeling as though it was thumping in his throat. He breathed heavily as he tried desperately to stay calm, listening intently for any noise in the basement. Mikey wouldn’t... he wouldn’t rape Gerard would he? Not his own brother?

Frank slowly slid to his knees as he reached the basement door, biting his lip and squeezing his eyes shut as he reached up slowly and took hold of the doorknob. He held his breath as he ever so slowly turned the knob and pushed the door open a crack, just enough to hear what was going on down the stairs without letting any light into the basement. He didn’t want to see what was happening anyway...

“You think this is going to prove anything?” He heard Gerard demand angrily, a soft jingling of chains making Frank shudder. He peered through the crack in the door, it taking a long time for his eye to adjust to the darkness but soon he managed to catch sight of just the lower half of Gerard’s body. He could see his legs and his exposed torso up to his lower ribs, and he could imagine perfectly how his arms would be raised above his head, chained to the ceiling. He couldn’t see Mikey, but he didn’t need to, to understand what was happening.

“It’s going to prove everything.” Mikey responded delicately, his voice gentle. “It’s going to prove to you exactly how wrong you’ve been. Exactly how soft you’ve been. I think Gerard... That you need to be punished.”

Frank gasped and covered his mouth as the first crack of the whip sounded, his bandaged hand flying to his mouth and pressing tight as a sob threatened to choke free. He tried to keep quiet as the whip lashed again and again. Gerard himself made no noise, taking everything without complaint as Mikey unleashed all his anger on him.

Frank knew from experience how different Mikey was when it came to whipping than Gerard. Gerard was merciful; Gerard used the whip with great skill and grace and managed to become a master of another person’s pain. Mikey on the other hand was erratic, especially now when he was being ruled by his rage. He was leaving no space between each strike for Gerard to catch his breath, not even caring if he left permanent scars. As far as he was concerned Gerard deserved it.

Frank waited until the cracks of the whips became like a background noise before he dared peek through the gap in the door again. When he did he saw Gerard’s body convulsing with each strike, each stroke of the whip against his back hard and fast. Frank was shocked to see drops of blood flying with the whip, something he was sure never happened when he was whipped and he knew that Mikey was taking no mercy. He was possessed, he was like a mad man, he shouted words of fury at his brother and Frank realised with a jolt that Mikey himself was crying.

“You know I don’t want to do this. You know I don’t want to be like our father but you leave me no choice Gerard!” He snapped, throwing down his whip and Frank shook gently as he waited. Was it over?

“Unn...” Gerard groaned and Frank watched as he slowly struggled back up to his feet from where he had slumped. “You’re not our father Mikey...” He whispered roughly, his voice gruff. “I forgive you for this...”

“I don’t want your forgiveness.” Mikey snapped, and to Frank’s shock more whipping commenced, but this time it wasn’t the whip from before. It was Mikey’s favourite... the cat o’ nine tails.

“If you had just done this in the first place,” Mikey sobbed, “If you had just treated him like a pet like you were supposed to then I wouldn’t have to do this! I don’t enjoy hurting you Gerard, I don’t enjoy breaking you.”

“You could never break me Mikey.” Gerard responded through clenched teeth, Frank watching his body jolt and twist with each painful lash of the whip. The different tails were wrapping around his sides and slicing his front as well as his back. Frank could see, even in the darkness, that Gerard was bleeding badly. He remembered Gerard always telling him that whipping should never break the skin and it was clear that all skill Mikey possessed was forgotten, in that moment he just wanted to hurt his brother.

Frank felt like he knelt outside the door for hours, just watching the awful display. He wondered fleetingly if he should feel happy that this was happening, that Gerard was getting a taste of his own medicine... but all Frank could feel was sick. He didn’t want this, he didn’t want Gerard to be hurt like this. Whenever Gerard punished him it had been nothing like this sick, angry ordeal born of hatred and fury. Gerard had always been composed, if nothing else.

Frank desperately wanted to help the older man, but his fear of Mikey crippled him. He tried to think of something, anything that he could do, but nothing came to mind. In the end, after what felt like forever the whipping stopped and painful sobs filled the basement. It took Frank a moment to realise the tears were Mikey’s.

“M – Mikey...” Gerard groaned, coughing softly. “Release me.” He ordered as firmly as he could, Mikey’s sobs getting harsher as he obediently stepped forward and released Gerard from the chains. Frank gasped and whimpered as he saw Gerard instantly collapse to the floor, his back a bloody mess but he still got to his feet by himself within a matter of seconds.

“Mikey... Oh... My dear brother –” Gerard mewled, stepping forward as if to actually comfort the younger man but Mikey shoved away.

“Don’t!” He snapped, choking on his tears. “Just go. Clean yourself up. You disgust me.” He snapped, Frank wincing himself at the cruel words, though he quickly struggled to his feet. He didn’t want either brother to know that he had been watching the whole time and so he was quick to move back from the door and run as quietly as he could back up the stairs.

Frank dived into his bed and yanked the covers over his head, trying not to breathe too loudly as he heard the basement door click shut and footsteps walk ever so slowly up the stairs. The footfalls were gentle but laboured and Frank heard Gerard hesitate outside his bedroom door before walking on.

Frank considered going out to see if he was alright, but in the end he just couldn’t do it.

>X<

The next morning Gerard shocked Frank by joining everyone at breakfast. He made no indication that anything untoward had happened the night before, and Frank only noticed his grimace of pain as he sat down in his chair because he was looking for it. He also knew the reason Gerard was wearing such a baggy, black t- shirt was so that no one would see the redness of his marred flesh through the fabric. And the fabric itself wouldn’t rub against his skin.

Mikey didn’t look up as Gerard entered the dining room and sat down, nor did he say anything when Gerard called the chef to come in and barked at him to remove the plate of sausages from infront of Frank and get him something vegetarian.

“And if I see you serve him meat one more time I swear to God you’ll have your head on a plate next.” Gerard snarled, the chef looking to Mikey for a second before stuttering out a soft apology as he took the plate from Frank and hurried away to replace his meal. Frank blushed deeply and even felt a little guilty, though he couldn’t deny he was relieved.

The chef hurried back in only moments later with some buttered toast for Frank, Gerard looking less than impressed but Frank was grateful it was nothing more. He still felt sick from the night before and his appetite wasn’t quick to return. He made an effort to nibble around his toast though, trying to look pleased as Gerard tucked into his own breakfast. His face was pained but he was obviously trying not to show it and Frank just wanted to go over to him and help him. Despite all the pain Gerard had caused him, he had always cleaned him up and took care of him afterwards and Frank wanted to do the same for him.

Frank had slept very little that night, too busy thinking over what Gerard had said to him. He still couldn’t believe that anyone who wanted to own him could genuinely have feelings for him, but he couldn’t imagine a reason why Gerard would lie to him. He knew that he needed to somehow get a moment alone with the older man so he could talk to him, but he didn’t know how.

“Sir,” the chef suddenly appeared in the doorway again, looking timidly between Mikey and Gerard. “There’s a Mister Drago on the phone...”

For the first time that morning Gerard and Mikey looked at each other, Mikey’s eyes hard and Gerard’s pained as they stared at each other for a second before Mikey sighed and got to his feet.

“I’ll take it.” He announced in a bored tone, leaving the table and following the chef out of the room. No one said anything as he left, Gerard going back to his food though Frank noticed he mostly just picked at it. Frank too had given up on his toast and was simply staring at it like an idiot.

The silence in the room shouldn’t have been awkward, but for Frank at least it felt as if the tension could be cut with a knife. Ray and Bob were happily scoffing their sausages and refilling their coffee mugs, talking softly every now and then though they seemed to be more occupied with their food. They didn’t seem to care that Gerard was being strangely quiet, or that Frank still wasn’t eating.

When Mikey came back though they soon started to pay attention.

“Guys, get up. You need to prepare your weapons, Bert’s bringing a raid on the house.” Mikey tried to keep his voice calm but Frank could detect a hint of panic beneath the silky tone and he gawped in horror at the older man as everyone stared at him.

“What?” Gerard was the first to speak, his fists clenching as he slowly got to his feet. “Bert? Why?”

“I don’t know. Julian says he doesn’t know the details. He was at Bert’s this morning for his usual progress report and he has it on good authority that Bert’s got about five soldiers coming with him here to take us out. Apparently we have something he wants.” Mikey’s eyes turned to Frank, hard... accusing. Frank blushed deeply and felt a lump rise to his throat.

Despite how much he hated his place, despite the utter fear he felt for Mikey... it was all nothing compared to the living hell he had endured with Bert.

Gerard stared between Mikey and Frank for a long moment, his eyes swirling with shock and panic that couldn’t be hidden despised his composed expression. Bob and Ray were already racing from the room to prepare their weapons, Frank’s heart racing.

“Alright... well, it’s too late to feel shocked. We’ll just have to protect the house as best we can.” Gerard finally spoke, Mikey nodding.

“I agree. Protect the house... nothing else.” Mikey looked pointedly at Frank who blushed more, tears swimming in his eyes as he looked at Gerard. Gerard gazed back and swallowed thickly, whispering at Mikey to go and prepare.

“Gerard –”

“I said GO.” Gerard snapped, scowling deeply at Mikey with a look of such anger that Mikey himself flinched and nodded stiffly.

“Be in the hall in five minutes.” He whispered hoarsely before he flitted from the room. As soon as he was gone Gerard strode round the table and grabbed Frank’s shoulders, his eyes wild.

“Is this your doing? Did you bring him here!?” He demanded, Frank staring at him in shock, stuttering as he shook his head.

“What? No! Of course not, why would I want to go back to Bert? I hate him.” He gasped, his voice so full of conviction Gerard instantly relaxed and breathed a deep sigh of relief, squeezing his eyes shut.

“Good.... Good.” He whispered, Frank trembling as he touched Gerard’s hands.

“Gera – Master... You... You can’t let him take me. Please I’ll do anything, I’ll be anything you want me to be. I’ll be perfect I promise just please don’t let Bert have me.” Frank’s voice suddenly broke, tears pouring down his cheeks as fear rose in him like bile. He had almost completely forgotten how awful it had been to be Bert’s pet, but now that he was staring going back there in the face he could remember it perfectly. He could not go back to a man like that when he had a man like Gerard. “Please!”

Gerard opened his eyes and stared in shock at Frank, his tears and shaking breaking Gerard’s heart and he sighed as he yanked Frank into his arms and hugged him tight. He felt a lump in his throat and he struggled to swallow it down, the pain across his torso where he had pressed Frank to his whipping cuts helping to make him drop back into reality and not his ever increasing panic.

“Alright, just try to stay calm.” He whispered to Frank, tipping his face up and pressing a hungry kiss to his lips when he just couldn’t abide not kissing him for another second. He was surprised when Frank kissed him back, but he supposed it was just because he was trying to make sure Gerard wouldn’t hand him over to Bert.

“I have a panic room, you can hide in there.” Gerard nodded as he broke the kiss, grabbing Frank’s wrist and going to drag him from the room but Frank resisted, trying to pull back as he shook his head.

“No, I don’t want to hide, I want to help protect the house.” He whimpered, Gerard staring at him as if he was crazy and shaking his head.

“Don’t be ridiculous Frankie. Come on.” He demanded, his voice firm as he dragged Frank with ease out of the dining room. Frank tried to struggle but just like always it was useless.

Gerard tugged Frank down the hall and into the entrance hall where Bob, Ray and Mikey were already stood. They all had a hand gun at the ready and then more resting in their belt loops, but Frank barely had time to look at them before Gerard was tugging him up the stairs. Mikey spared them a glance but then turned away.

Frank whimpered and begged Gerard softly to let him help, despite them both knowing there was nothing Frank would be able to do, especially with his injured hands. Gerard ignored his pleas, pulling him about halfway up the stairs before a sudden bang caused them both to jump and stop.

Frank barely had time to turn around and look before the whole house was a blur of noise and movement. Turned out Bert had been closer than they thought and he had wasted no time in letting his presence become known before his men shot the locks of the door and gained themselves entry into the house.

“FUCK!” Gerard cursed, releasing Frank and tearing down the stairs in an instant. Frank on the other hand froze... his body half turned towards the entrance hall as he stared with wide eyes and dropped jaw as his own personal nightmare strut into the house, firing his gun everywhere as he went.

“Mikey!” Gerard shouted as he skidding across the floor, Mikey glancing at him for a split second before grabbing one of his spare guns and tossing it to Gerard. In that instant whatever animosity had been between them was gone, in that instant they were brothers... flesh and blood and they would fight and die together.

Even though they were outnumbered Gerard and his friends were agile and had more skill than any of Bert’s monkey’s had put together. No one seemed to have even noticed Frank as he stood terrified on the stairs, his ears ringing with the sound of constant gun shot.

Gerard, Mikey, Ray and Bob had all taken positions behind doors or furniture where they could try and hide from the gunfire whilst still shooting at Bert’s men. Bert himself was just happily blowing holes in the walls, not even bothering himself with Gerard or his soldiers.

Frank knew that he needed to hide, run up the stairs and find a room to hide in until the shooting stopped. But he was paralysed... Although he knew enough about the mafia to know they fought and killed it was entirely different seeing it. And when he spotted Jamia cowering in the doorway he felt so shocked there was no way he could move.

Jamia covered her mouth shakily as she watched the fighting. Bert had promised he would go straight in and find Frank whilst his men took care of Gerard and his men, but Bert was just strutting about trying to destroy the house. The man hadn’t even noticed that Frank was stood right there on the stairs... but Jamia had.

“F – Frankie...” She whimpered, desperately wanting to rush into the house and help him, but she knew if she tried to run through the crossfire she’d be killed for sure. It seemed that everyone was shooting and hitting no one, but then one of Bert’s men roared in pain and fell to the floor.

Bert finally fell serious, snarling as he turned and aimed his own gun at the door Mikey was standing behind. As soon as Mikey leant round to fire again Bert shot at him, Frank jumping and expecting Mikey to fall just like Bert’s soldier had but Bert’s shot missed and Mikey was soon behind the door again.

Jamia screamed a little when Gerard suddenly appeared from behind an umbrella stand, his aiming perfect and his bullet hit one of Bert’s men square between the eyes. The man fell to the floor in an instant, his gun firing as it did and causing the light to smash, making Jamia scream even more. As much as she wanted to save Frank she couldn’t stop her fear from gripping her and she shook violently as she watched the battle.

Frank for his part was just feeling stunned still. He wanted to move so badly but he just couldn’t look away from what was happening. He barely noticed as another one of Bert’s men fell, too busy watching Gerard’s every move. If Gerard got hurt Frank didn’t know what he would do...

Jamia waited until a fourth man fell, again of Bert’s, before she dared to try and run across the entrance. As soon as the men spotted her firing ceased, none of them wanting to hit her though the remainder of Bert’s men, and Bert himself, screamed at her for getting in the way. As she ran Mikey took the opportunity to lean round the door and shoot the last two of Bert’s men before hiding again as Bert aimed at him. He missed... but almost hit Jamia who screeched in surprise and cowered in the centre of the hall.

Up until that point Frank hadn’t seen her, but as soon as he did his heart lurched into his throat and so many emotions went through him that he felt certain he would faint. He just didn’t know what to think... what to feel. This was her fault... she had brought Bert here. She had brought Bert here to try and save him?

“JAMIA!” He screamed, alerting Bert to his presence who looked stunned for a second before he grinned cruelly and started towards the stairs. Seeing this Gerard jumped up and stepped into the hall, not bothering to hide anymore as he aimed his gun at Bert.

“You go near him and you die McCracken.” He snarled, Bert pausing and chuckling low in his throat as he turned to glance at Gerard.

“Oh re –”

“Fuck going near him, I’m gonna kill you for coming in here anyway.” Mikey snapped, stepping out from behind his door. Ray and Bob seemed to take this as a cue that they could come out too and Bert scowled as he suddenly found himself surrounded.

“Drop your gun.” Gerard demanded, Bert smirking at him.

“Just give me the boy and no one gets hurt. He’s my property anyway.” Bert purred, Frank whimpering softly, his eyes fixed on Jamia’s. The young woman had found herself surrounded along with Bert, but she could focus only on Frank rather than the guns focused on the man supposedly helping her.

“Drop your gun you son of a bitch or I’ll –”

Mikey didn’t even have chance to finish his threat before Jamia was running towards the stairs, pushing past Bob and Ray and causing both men to stumble as she raced for Frank. Seeing her Gerard snarled and started to run too, chasing her and causing a split second of confusion which Bert took as his moment to turn and aim.

“FUCK!” Mikey shouted, Jamia jumping at the sound and glancing over her shoulder. Frank cried out in horror, Jamia screamed as she saw the gun Bert was pointing at her. Gerard realised in a split second that Bert was planning to kill her first and get her out of the way, destroy the loose end as it were before going for the man of power. If Bert died and she survived she’d go to the police and have Bert’s entire mafia family caught, she had to be killed first. She didn’t know this... but Gerard did.

Jamia stared in horror and for a second waited for Bert to turn his gun and aim at Gerard instead, not understanding that he would try to shoot her. So that by the time he pulled the trigger it was too late.

“JAMIA! NO!” Frank ran down the stairs, Mikey fired, Gerard leapt forward... it was all over in a flash of light and a scent of burning.

For a long moment everyone was disorientated.

Mikey lowered his gun with parted lips, panting a little as his heart beat erratically in his chest. Bert didn’t even notice the bullet coming towards him before it was lodged in his skull. He crumpled to the floor a split second after pulling his own trigger, blood pooling around him as he lay on the marble tiles.

Ray and Bob looked at each other and then at Mikey before everyone turned wide eyes on the body that had fallen at the same time as Bert’s.

Frank felt his heart stop beating for a long second before it suddenly seemed to crumble like ash. Jamia lowered her hands from her face, shaking violently as tears dripped down her cheeks. As everyone slowly lowered their eyes to stare at the blood forming around him, Jamia took a step back from Gerard’s body crumpled at her feet and let out a terrified, ear splitting scream.



So, I apologise profusely, I am no good at high action fight scenes so... This was about as good as I could get :’)
Also, there is going to be one more chapter! I couldn’t finish the whole story in just this one without making it looooong and so there is going to be a concluding chapter after this one. Please stick around for that :P
Also... please R&R, I’m dying to know your thoughts ;)
xo