FicWad

Hey guys, I hope you're all doing far better than I am at the moment, as I had a bit of an accident at work on Friday; I managed to completely miss-judged my aim when I went to sit down on a bench, and completely missed and fell with one hell of a bump! I've got a bruised coccyx, and achey back and I've managed to strain a muscle in my leg . . . . the kids thought it was absolutely hilarious! Anyway, I've spent the whole of today (sunday) writing this as I have just been so tired during the week that I'd be falling asleep come 8 o'clock in the evening. I hope it's ok and it's a fairly long chapter. Enjoy!!



Gerard’s POV

I flinch as Alicia wipes an anti-septic wipe across my right cheek

“Sorry,” she mumbles apologetically, before continuing her job

After we had emerged out of the alley, with Mikey supporting me, we stumbled back into Barnes and Noble, Ray and Bob close behind while Frank trailed a little apprehensively behind, clutching his guitar. Alicia had let out a small scream, before ushering us all into the small staff room area, away from prying eyes and questioning glances. It wasn’t long before the interrogation started, with Frank curled up quietly in one corner of the room, his eyes peering up at me, every now and then, as I reluctantly began to explain who Frank was

“So, you mean to say that, you’ve been living in that house, all by yourself?” Ray asked quietly, gazing at Frank. Frank peered up at me again, eyes fearful. I smiled a small smile at him, as Alicia dumped the anti-septic wipe in the bin, before turning to her first aid kit

“Y-yeah, I do,” Frank mumbled quietly, dropping his gaze again. Ray and Bob exchanged looks, while Mikey sat silently, holding an ice pack to the side of my face, though his gaze lingered on Frank

“Don’t you get lonely?” Bob asked. Frank stayed silent, as Alicia turned to face him

“A little,” Frank’s voice was barely above as a whisper as he spoke

“It takes some real guts you know, to stand up to Leto,” Alicia spoke softly

“Asshole,” Bob seethed, while Ray nudged him. Frank glanced up

“That he is Bob; he’s a real nasty piece of work, who will do anything to get his way. Like he’ll do anything to get a girl to fall at his feet. He’ll bribe anyone to get into a bar or club, and he’ll do anything to get into gigs or parties being thrown by well-known people.”

“He hasn’t hurt you has he?” Mikey suddenly asked, pulling the ice pack away from my face and gazing at Alicia. She smiled softly at him

“Because if he has-”

“No Mikey, he hasn’t,” Alicia chuckled, “Besides, I would have told you, because I trust you.”

Mikey blushed a brilliant pink

“Well he isn’t gonna get his way, not while I’m around, and I’ll make sure of it,” Bob grumbled

“Dude, I think you pretty much scared him off,” Ray pointed out

“Yeah, but he’ll be back, he always comes back,” Alicia said

“Now, are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital? Because I think you should go,” Alicia said rounding on me

“Yeah Gerard, you did take a pretty bad beating,” Mikey spoke, staring at me with worried filled eyes

“I’m sure,” I sighed frustrated. The last place I want to go right now, is the hospital. Mikey stared at me, both eyebrows raised

“I’ll go if the pain gets worse,” I say reassuringly, “And stop pulling that face Mikey, you look like ma.” Mikey pouted and hit my arm gently but playfully

Bob stood up and got to his feet, wondering over to Frank. Frank watched him move, his eyes never leaving him, as Bob crouched down in front of him

“You know, me and Ray could probably fix your guitar,” Bob spoke, eyeing up the guitar. Frank’s eyes lit up a little

“Really?” Frank asked

“Sure, it’ll only take a couple of hours,” Ray said smiling. Frank sat and thought for a moment

“It’s the least we could do, after all, you did help save my best buddy,” Bob said, smiling a little. Frank nodded his head and passed his beloved guitar to Bob, who took hold of it gently. The room fell quiet as Bob stood back up into a standing position, looking the guitar over

“I suppose there’s no point in going to lunch,” Mikey spoke up

“Not really,” Ray sighed as he stood up from his spot

“I could always make you guys some coffee or tea,” Alicia offered as she packed the first aid kit away

“Thanks, but I think we’ll head back, start working on this guitar,” Ray said. Bob nodded his agreement

“I can come and collect it later,” I offered

“Are you-”

“Yes, I’m sure, I’ll have to drive anyway,” I said cutting across Bob. He nodded his head, before both ray and Bob left quietly

“I’ll have a coffee, if you’re still making,” Mikey asked. Alicia smiled at him

“Sure.” Alicia soon disappeared off into a small side room.

Mikey got to his feet, placing the ice pack down on the table, next to the paper work he had abandoned earlier, and walked over to Frank. I watched as Mikey extended his hand out towards Frank. Frank’s eyes flicked over to me again, before he took hold of Mikey’s hand. Mikey hauled Frank to his feet, stumbling slightly. I couldn’t help but smile, as my brother awkwardly pulled Frank into a hug

“Thank you,” Mikey spoke, pulling back. Frank looked at him with a questioning gaze

“For helping me and saving my brother.” Frank nodded his head and looked down at his feet

“You’re one tough soul, and a lot braver than I am.” Frank looked up and smiled at Mikey. Mikey smiled back, before shooting a smile in my direction and disappearing, off into the same room, Alicia had gone into.

Frank stood awkwardly, in the middle of the staff room, his gaze wondering around the room, before it settled on me. God, those eyes

“Frank?”

“Yeah?” I slowly got to my feet, my body aching still, as I moved

“Do you uh . . . do you want to go and get something to eat?” Frank titled his head a little, before smiling, a smile that seemed to reach his eyes

“Sure.” I smiled back

“Hey Mikey?” Mikey rushed into the room quickly, gaze falling on me

“Yeah?” Mikey asked

“Me and Frank, we’re going to go and get a bite to eat.” Mikey nodded his head

“Did you wanna come?” I asked

“Oh no, no, I’ll uh stay here, with Alicia,” Mikey said, blushing a little. I chuckled, but immediately regret it, as pain shoots through my ribs

“I wish you would go to the hospital,” Mikey sighed

“Now you’re sounding like ma,” I roll my eyes, as I hear Frank chuckle, making me smile. Mikey walks over and pulls me into a gentle hug. I hug back

“And don’t even think of telling mom or dad about this, as I will kick your ass without a doubt the next time I come back,” I mumble

“I won’t, I promise,” Mikey chuckles. He pulls back a little

“I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too,” I reply, with a sad smile. I always hate goodbyes. Mikey hugs me again before letting me go

“Bye Gerard,” Alicia calls from the doorway

“Bye Alicia, look after him,” I said indicating Mikey. Alicia chuckled as Mikey glared at me

“Don’t worry, I will!”

I walked over towards the doorway, with Frank following behind

“Hey Frank.” I paused and looked around, as Frank turned to face my brother

“You’re always welcome here,” Mikey smiled. Frank nodded his head

“Thanks.” I smiled too, before walking out of the staffroom

“So, where do you have in mind?” Frank asked quietly as we walked together through the shop and towards the door

“I know this small Italian place, that my Grandma usually takes me and Mikey too.” Frank smiled and nodded his head as I pushed open the door

“Sounds good to me,” Frank said, stepping back out into the cool autumnal air

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Frank’s POV

We sat in silence in Gerard’s car; not an awkward one, but a content one. I felt stuffed; fed up after eating so much. It had been a while since I had last eaten a home-cooked meal. The small Italian café had been homely, warm and inviting. Me and Gerard had also sat talking the entire time, so much so that I lost all track of time. It wasn’t until we had got outside, and realised that the sun had indeed started to set and that the streets were busier

I glanced at Gerard, as we sat at a traffic light. The bruising on his face was becoming more prominent by the hour; I can’t imagine how much pain he must be in, but judging by the odd look of discomfort that passes across his face every now and then, it must be a fair bit. I can’t understand why someone would do something so harsh and horrible, over something so silly and pointless. I let out a sigh before looking back out the car window, watching a group of teenagers walk by, laughing and joking away

“You know, you didn’t have to take me out for something to eat,” I speak up, looking back round at Gerard.

Gerard glanced at me quick before looking back round at the road, and driving forward as the lights changed

“Nonsense, it was a way of saying thank you, for saving my ass earlier.”

“But you didn’t have to, a simple thanks would have been fine,” I mumbled looking back out the window

“Well . . . . I wanted to.” I looked back around at Gerard.

He kept his eyes focused on the road, as he turned down a street, but I could see a pale pink blush tinting his cheeks. I couldn’t help the smile that broke out across my face

“Thanks.” Gerard smiled, before we fell back into silence. After a few more minutes of driving, Gerard pulled up in front of a music shop

“Let’s go get your guitar,” Gerard smiled. I unbuckled my belt and climbed out of the car, leaving my back pack where it was in the foot well and following after Gerard inside the shop

“Hey, how are you feeling?” Ray asked immediately pushing himself off the counter and walking around

“I’ve been better,” Gerard half smiled. Ray’s gaze shifted to me and he smiled

“He’s almost done, Bob likes to perfect his work,” Ray said

“He sure does,” Gerard agreed

“You know, he may appear as someone really grouchy, grumpy and violent, but once you get past that hard outer shell, he’s actually a real big softie,” Ray commented.

Gerard laughed but winced clutching his side

“You’re kidding, right?” I ask

“He’s not kidding,” Gerard smiled

“Nope, he is a huge cat lover, you put a cat or a kitten in front of him and he goes like goo,” Ray laughed. I chuckled at his comment while Gerard smiled at me

“And he’s like a teddy bear when he goes and gives you a huge, isn’t he Gerard?” Ray asked

“He is a teddy bear, a teddy bear that turns into a grizzly bear when mad,” Gerard said, making me and Ray laugh

“Who turns into a grizzly bear?” came a voice I recognised; Bob’s voice. And in his hands, he carried my pride and joy, all fixed and even with new strings

“You,” Ray simply shrugged, but smirked

“Do not,” Bob narrowed his eyes at Ray as he placed my guitar down on the counter

“Do too! You’re just like a teddy bear that goes all grizzly when grumpy,” Ray countered

“I am not a teddy bear!” Bob seethed, his cheeks flushing red

“Oh god, don’t start you two, do you want your boss to fire both of you?” Gerard asked. Both Ray and Bob fell silent

“So, did you fix Frank’s guitar?” Gerard asked. Bob beamed

“Sure did! I’m afraid the same can’t be said for the case though,” Bob frowned slightly

“But we managed to find a new case that’ll hold your guitar,” Ray smiled as he brought a case up from behind the counter. I watched as Bob lifted my guitar up and placed it, in its brand new case

“Thank you! Um, how much do I owe you guys?” I asked. Ray and Bob looked at one another

“Nothing,” Ray said.

“Nothing?” I repeated

“That’s right, nothing,” Ray repeated. I glanced at Gerard, who seemed to have his eyebrows slightly raised

“But, it’s only fair that I pay for it.” I reached round to my back pocket and pulled out my wallet that has seen better days

“Frank, you’re not paying a single penny. You helped my friend; our friend who was in trouble. And quite frankly, any friend of Gerard’s, is a friend of mine,” Bob said. I glanced at Ray who nodded his head and glanced at Gerard, who had a small smile on his face. I looked back at Bob

“So I suggest you put your wallet away, before I jump over this counter and put it away for you.” I didn’t need to be told twice and put my wallet back in my back pocket

“Ow! What was that for?” Bob whined as Ray slapped him over the back of the head

“You don’t need to scare the poor guy!” Ray crossed his arms across his chest

“Jeez Ray, all I’d have done was tickled him until he put it away, I only ever wrestle you,” Bob argued crossing his arms across his chest

“Tickle?” Ray questioned, raising an eyebrow

“Shut up,” Bob grumble, his cheeks flushing red again

“Thanks guys,” Gerard speaks up. Ray uncrossed his arms and smiled at Gerard

“You take a safe journey back, yeah?” Ray said. Gerard nodded his head

“I’m going to take Frank back home first,” Gerard said. Home; alone in that cold dark, damp house

“Hey Frank, if you ever want a job, I’m sure we could get you one here, the boss is always willing to hire anyone,” Bob spoke up. I smiled and nodded

“You don’t have to,” I say taking hold of my guitar, safely sealed inside its guitar case

“Well the offer is there, if you ever want it,” Bob smiles. Ray came out from behind the counter, giving Gerard a quick hug, with Bob doing the same. Bob and Ray called their goodbyes as we walked back out of the shop. Once Gerard had unlocked his car, I placed my guitar safely on the back seat, before sitting back in the front seat

“They should have let me pay for the repair,” I said as Gerard got into the driver’s seat

“It’s pointless trying to argue with them, when Bob says that you don’t pay, then you don’t pay no matter how much of a fight you put up.”

“Would he really have jumped over the counter, and ‘tickled’ me?” I asked. Gerard chuckled quietly, before looking around at me

“Maybe, there’s no telling with him sometimes,” Gerard smiled. I smiled back. His smile soon faltered though

“I better get you back home,” Gerard spoke quietly. I nodded my head as he turned the key in the ignition. I can’t help the sad feeling that sinks into the pit of my stomach as Gerard pulls away from the curb

Gerard’s POV

I have that horrible sinking feeling, as I drive, not to mention the constant ache that has now set itself within every inch of my body; Frank is quiet, as he stares out the window

If only there was something I could do

I hear sigh next to me, and glance at Frank, who still has his eyes fixed on the passing houses. There must be something. I turn down onto Perry Street and drive the little way and pull up outside the small, dark and neglected looking house. Frank looks at the house, but doesn’t move

“Thank you, for the lift,” Frank speaks, breaking his gaze away from the house, and looking round at me. My heart drops, as I see the sadness in his eyes. I really don’t want to leave him; I can’t leave him alone

“It’s ok, it’s not a problem,” I mumble, dropping my gaze. Think Gerard, think

“I hope you get better though.” I look back up at Frank and smile and nod my head a little. Frank unbuckles his seat belt and leans forward and awkwardly hugs me, before pulling back

“I hope you have a safe journey back to New York.” Frank’s eyes twinkle a little

New York

Frank reaches down and takes hold of his back pack and looks back at me, gripping hold of the door handle

Wait . . . . that’s it!

“Frank, wait,” I say, grabbing hold of his arm. Frank pauses and looks back round at me

“What is it?” I hesitate for a second; what if he doesn’t want to?

“C-come with me,” I say, stuttering a little

“What?” Frank asks, letting go of the door handle

“Come with me; back to New York. I remember you saying that you’ve always wanted to go, follow in your dad’s footsteps. There’s enough room in the small apartment that I stay in.”

I watch as Frank sits and thinks, eyes searching mine

“I mean, that’s only if you want to, it’s your choice,” I mumble, dropping my gaze, as I feel my cheeks heat up

“I mean, you don’t have to, if you don’t want-”

“Yes.” I stop mid-sentence and look back at Frank

“I mean, only if I’m not going to be intruding, that is,” Frank says

“No! No, of course you wouldn’t be, you wouldn’t be intruding,” I rush out, and watch as a smile starts to form on Frank’s face

“I mean, it would be nice to have the company.” Frank smiles more and I can’t help but to smile back

“I just have to go and get something, and I’ll be back,” Frank said opening the car door.

I nod my head and watch as he nearly falls out the car, leaving his back pack behind and jogs up the garden path to abandoned house, and disappearing. I look ahead of me, feeling the smile on my face grow wider. He said yes; I feel a funny flutter in my chest. It’s not long before Frank comes racing back, with what looks like an envelope in his hand

“Get what you wanted?” I ask. Frank nods his head and smiles, opening his back pack and sliding the letter inside. He sits back and puts his seat belt back on, before looking around at me

“Are you really sure?” Frank asks

“Of course I’m sure,” I say back, still smiling. Frank smiles a toothy smile

“Right, let’s go,” I say, as I pull away from the curb and drive back down and out of Perry Street

“Thank you Gerard,” Frank says. I look around and he’s still gazing at me, a cute smile still playing on his lips. I smile back at him, as I feel another flutter in my chest. I direct my gaze back to the road

“So, what is New York like?”



********

Now this is the last chapter BUT I am yet to write the epilogue, which I will post within a week hopefully!! Also, I would like to say that where Frank says that he is, "Fed Up" it means that he is full; the phrase comes from falconry (look it up if you don't know what it is) it was used to say when I falcon's crop is full and no longer wishes to hunt or eat :-) I used to do voluntary work with birds of prey for about a year! Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter