FicWad

STARTING NOTE : I DO NOT TAKE CREDIT FOR THE SONG USED IN THIS CHAPTER. I PICKED IT BASED ON RELEVANCE TO THE STORY AND THE FACT THAT ITS JUST BEAUTIFUL. SONG IN QUESTION IS - A THOUSAND YEARS BY CHRISTINA PERRI.

Chapter Four..

"How are you two feeling?" Scarlett giggled as Mikey and Frank sat with their faces down on the dining table.
"I'm alright, I'm not as bad as him" Frank lifted his head with a laugh, glancing over at Mikey.
"Never again" Mikey muttered.
"You say that every time, babe" Frank laughed.
"This time I mean it" he muttered back.
"Yeah.. This time" Scarlett giggled.
"Here you go, boys. Fresh coffee" she smiled bringing each of them a steaming warm mug.
"Thanks, sweet pea" Mikey took the coffee, inhaling its glorious scent deeply.
"This should help. How was last night, Scarlett? Frank tells me you had a bit of an awkward moment with Gerard last night" he laughed.
"Frank, you little bitch!" She laughed, smacking him with the tea towel.
"Oh, c'mon it was funny!"
"Maybe to everyone else" she laughed.
"So you've seen the man pee, it's a milestone in any relationship" Mikey teased as Frank laughed trying to drink his coffee.
"Oh my god.. Stop! No more talk of this. What's the plan for today?" Scarlett laughed with embarrassment as she took a seat with them.
"Okay, okay! Well, I figure it's already 11. By the time we finish coffee, get dressed and walk to my place it should be 12 and everyone is arriving there at 12:30 so we can get a start on the food" Mikey replied.
"Perfect. I'm going to get dressed" Scarlett jumped up with a smile and walked with a spring in her step back to her room.
"She seems cheery this morning" Mikey sat back rubbing his temples I'm circular motion.
"I'll say" Frank smiled taking a sip of his coffee.
"Think something is happening between her and Gerard?" Mikey smiled.
"Maybe.. Let's see what happens!" Frank and Mikey both laughed.

"What to wear, what to wear?" Scarlett paced around her bed looking at all the clothes she had pulled from her duffle.
'Black denim skirt with grey top? Grey top blue jeans?' She pondered.
In the end she decided on the black denim skirt and light grey shirt. She braided her hair and applied on her make up, finishing with a coral orange lipstick.
"You ready to go Scar-wow! Scarlett, you look amazing!" Mikey came through the door.
"Thanks Mikey" she smiled as she grabbed her handbag off the bed.
"My place is only 5 streets away so we can walk. Are you ready, my lady?" He held his arm out to her.
"Lead the way, kind sir" she laughed as she laced her arm through his and they were off.

"So when is your first day of Uni?" Mikey asked and he walked down the street, arms linked with Scarlett and holding hands with Frank.
"Monday" she smiled nervously.
"It'll be fine, honey. I'll show you around and I guarantee you'll make friends easily" Frank assured her.
"I know.. I hope people will be nice. I think I'm more worried about getting lost when you're not there, like not being able to find the toilet etc"
"You'll learn the layout quickly, guaranteed, I'm pretty sure I know the lay out and I only go to have lunch with Frank" Mikey laughed.
"What do you do Mikey? I mean I know you're in the band with Frank but do you have any other projects, study or work?" Scarlett asked, wanting to steer the topic of conversation away from her.
"I manage a music store in town. You should come see it some time. We have sound systems, records, CDs, used cassettes and we have nights where people can come and perform. Frank tells me you play guitar and write your own songs. You should perform at my work!" Mikey beamed like he'd struck gold with his idea.
"Oh my god, yes Scarlett, you totally should!" Frank clapped.
"Okay are you both still drunk?" Scarlett laughed.
"I can't sing well enough, let alone to anyone else. I always sing alone. I'd love to see you guys okay one day though. Maybe I can sit it on a practice one day?" She smiled.
"Of course you can. I'm sure the boys won't mind an audience, the girls watch all the time and in my opinion, we've gotten seriously good" Frank seemed excited. It made Scarlett happy to see him so passionate.
"Just think about it, Scarlett. Be bold! Daring!.. What the" Mikey stopped in his tracks. Frank and Scarlett scanned the street to see what he was so amazed by. Gerard was running up the street in sweat pants and a tee.
"Gerard hasn't run for months" Mikey said as they slowly walked up.
"Hey guys" Gerard smiled in a breathy voice, sweat glistening off his beautiful face and matting his hair as he panted.
"Hey you, you've taken up running again" Mikey smiled.
"Yeah. I figure it's a good time to get back into it. I really want to get back into shape" Gerard smiled.
"Mhmm" Frank nudged Mikey with a smirk.
"Morning Scarlett, how did you sleep?" Gerard turned to face her.
"Really well actually.. Thank you again for.." She started to blush.
"It's really okay" he said admiring her beauty as she glanced at the floor with a nervous smile.
"I'm going to go have a quick shower, see you all soon" Gerard ran up the drive way to a sandstone house, unlocking the door and heading in.
"Oh, so this is your place? Very beautiful" Scarlett admired as they walked up and through the front door.
"Yup, this is the Way brother's residence" Mikey chuckled as he lead her through to the back where the kitchen was.
"There's the bathroom right over here if you need it and out here" he lead
"Is where we'll enjoy our barbecue. I think this is the one thing I'll miss about this house when I move out. I love this deck" he opened the back door onto a lovely patio around with a nice outdoor table set up and BBQ over to the side. Around the deck it was shaded by beautiful tall trees and fresh spring blooms.
"This is gorgeous" Scarlett took a seat and breathed in the fresh spring air.
"Gerard is a vegetarian too so don't worry, we've got things you can eat" Frank came out with an assortment of food to prepare from the fridge.
"Okay we've got chicken, steak fillets and lentil patties for you vegos" he rummaged through while Mikey started up the grill.
"You're a vegetarian, Scarlett?" Gerard appeared towel drying his hair.
"Um, yes, since I was 8" she said thrown again by how attractive she found him. His long back hair matted into wet strands around his face.
"It's nice to have another vegetarian at the table. Now maybe I'll get less guff for it" Gerard chuckled taking a seat next to her. Scarlett could smell his cologne and felt that pull in the depths of her stomach again.
"Dirty meat eaters" she joked.
"Hey now don't you two start us on meat eaters, chicken is delicious!" Frank laughed.
"Oh, but it's okay to pick on the vegetarians is it?" Gerard placed his hand on Scarlett's leg, her stomach fluttering.
"Yes, haven't you heard, Gerard? You don't make friends with salad" Frank laughed throwing the bag of mixed leaf salad mix in their direction across the table.
"Pay no attention to this fool, Scarlett. Would you like a drink?" Gerard smiled at her.
"Sure" she said softly.
"Come with me" he took her hand and lead her back inside and through the kitchen. His hand was warm as he interlaced his fingers with hers. Scarlett loved the feel of her hand in his.
'Don't read too much into it, he had a chance to kiss you last night and it didn't happen' she thought to herself
"What can I get for you, love? Some water, a wine, orange juice?" Gerard asked leaning into the fridge and inspecting its contents.
"A wine would be lovely" she replied leaning against the bench.
"Red or white?"
"I'm a white drinker personally' she replied.
"Easy done" Gerard smiled grabbing two wine glasses from the cupboard, pouring them each a glass.
"To possibilities" he flashed a beautiful half smile as they toasted.
"To possibilities" Scarlett replied taking a small sip of her wine.
"Wow.. That's really nice. It's so fresh but not too sweet" she savoured the crisp taste on her lips.
"I love wine. I have a bit of a knack for it I guess" Gerard took a sip.
"Wine connesuir" Scarlett giggled.
"Yeah.. Something like that. Are you feeling better today? I couldn't stop thinking that maybe I should have stayed last night in case you needed someone" Gerard said awkwardly looking out the window at Frank and Mikey kissing and laughing as Frank put an apron on Mikey.
"You're sweet.. I really was okay though. Thank you for thinking of me.." She blushed.
"No worries, love" Gerard smiled moving forward and kissing her forehead gently. Scarlett flushed, wishing it had been her lips he kissed.
"Gerard.." She said softly, looking up into his beautiful eyes that looked down on her with sparkling curiosity as to what she might say.
"Scarlett.." He replied.
ding dong
"Gerard can you get that?" Mikey called from out the back.
"I better get the door" he said placing his glass on the counter and heading for the front of the house.
"Fuck" Scarlett sighed taking a few deep breaths.
'What is it about him..' She thought trying to get it together after another intense moment with him.
"Scarlett! How are you, girl?" Matt ran over and spun her around in a welcoming hug. Scarlett laughed as he twirled them.
"I'm good Matt, how are you? Hit the bottle a bit too hard last night" she joked.
"Way too hard. I'm so sorry about that. I had a great time last night though. I feel like we all got to know each other better" he smiled.
"That's alright. Last night was fun and I'm sure we'll all be seeing a lot of each other. I live here now. I'm not going anywhere" she giggled picking up her glass.
"Good" Matt smiled admiring her.
"Hey girl!" Jane dashed over giving her a kiss and a hug.
"Jane, how are you possibly so chirpy after all those tequila shots you had" Scarlett laughed.
"Because she's a freak of nature, that's how" Alice laughed removing her sun glasses and blinking wildly trying to adjust to the light, giving Scarlett a kiss.
"Well I'm so sorry I can hold my tequila better than you can" Jane laughed as Alice gave up trying to adjust to the light and place her sunglasses back on.
"Yes yes okay okay. I'll feel better once I eat" She sighed rubbing her temples.
"Can we never mention the word tequila again? At least for the remainder of the weekend? Hey darlin" Ray kissed her hello as they all laughed.
"Mikey and Frank have started the barbecue so let's head out" Gerard came back in smiling at Scarlett as they all forwarded out onto the deck.

The day carried on with laughter and conversation. Scarlett couldn't remember the last time she felt more comfortable and welcomed, as though she had always been a part of their group.
"Lunch is delicious, thank you boys" Scarlett smiled finishing off the last of her third glass of wine.
"You're welcome, sweetie" Frank and Mikey said in unison making everyone laugh.
"Not this again" Matt laughed.
"You two are hilarious!" Alice giggled finally removing her sunglasses.
"We'll excuse us" Mikey laughed, kissing Frank's cheek.
"I'm going to get a refill, would you like one Gerard?" Scarlett stood looking at him seated next to her left side.
"Thank you" he smiled handing her his glass.
"I'll come with you. Anyone else want anything?" Bert jumped up from her right.
"Lemonade please!" Alice chimed. Matt followed Scarlett into the house and through to the kitchen, eyeing the way her small hips swung side to side as she walked.
"Those two are a cute couple aren't they?" She giggled as she pulled the wine she and Gerard had been sharing from the fridge.
"Frank and Mikey or Alice and Ray?" Bert chuckled leaning against the counter.
"Both I guess. You have a girlfriend Matt?" She asked pouring the two glasses.
"No.. But I've got my eyes peeled for the perfect girl" he smiled stroking the back of her hand softly. Scarlett paused, looking up to meet his stare. She blushed instantly.
"You're so cute when you get shy" Matt chuckled moving his hand back.
"Ha.. I wouldn't call it cute. Guess I'm not used to flirting" she replied.
"A girl like you? C'mon you must have guys falling to their knees everywhere you go" Bert smiled moving closer. Scarlett took a step back.
"Not really. I guess I'm not really looking though" she said hoping he would take the hint, unsure if he was making a pass at her or not.
'Go easy Matt, maybe she isn't ready' he thought to himself.
"So modest. C'mon lets go back out there" he smiled grabbing a can of lemonade for Alice. Scarlett nodded, picking up the wines and heading back to the patio.
"There you go" she smiled handing Gerard his glass.
"Thank you" he smiled that beautiful smile The one that sent her knees weak.
'Scarlett, get a grip' she thought as she took a deep breath returning to her seat.
Scarlett sat content listening to her friends banter away. The gentle spring wind caressed her cheeks as she smiled.
Bzzzz.. Bzzzzz Gerard's phone began to vibrate on the table. He picked it up to see who was calling him.
"Sorry guys, I have to take this" he said as he got up and went back inside to take the call.
"Wonder who that is.." Alice speculated.
"Could be work, hopefully it isn't that stupid bitch, pardon my French" Mikey rolled his eyes, as did everyone else at the table but Scarlett.
"His ex?" She asked quietly.
"Yeah.. Used to be a great girl but now.. I don't want her near my brother" Mikey seethed. Scarlett thought back to the bruise under Gerard's eye and frowned.
"What does Gerard do for work?" Scarlett asked thinking it best to change the subject.
"He's head of animation production and graphics for Cartoon Network" Jane answered.
"Oh wow, I can totally see that. He strikes me as the creative type" she smiled.
"Totally, you should see some of his artwork. It's incredible. He writes most of our music too" Ray leaned back in his seat, completely stuffed from the amazing lunch.
"Is Gerard in the band?" Scarlett asked.
"Sure is. He's our lead singer" Matt. Scarlett smiled to herself. His voice was beautiful even has he spoke, she could hardly imagine what he would sound like singing but she was sure he would be beautiful.
"Hey girl, where did you get that lipstick? I love that shade on you" Alice chimed, pulling her back from her day dream.
"Oh, sorry, it's from lush cosmetics. I love it too" Scarlett smiled.
"Um, where was the bathroom again?" She asked as she shifted in her seat.
"Third door to the left, darl" Frank replied.
"Wine goes right through me" Scarlett giggled as she got up and made her way to find it.
"She's amazing Frank. We love her" Jane smiled.
"Yeah Frank, where have you been hiding her!?" Bert laughed.
"If it had been up to me I would have brought her back with me last year. She's great" Frank laughed, so pleased with how well she was fitting in.

Scarlett pulled up her panties and adjusted her skirt as she flushed the toilet. As she washed her hands she could have sworn she could hear the beautiful sound of a piano ringing out through the house. When she opened the bathroom door the sound got louder. She quietly and curiously followed the sounds until she came to the doorway of a room. One wall lined with book shelves, a few reading chairs and over by a large window that coated the room in sunlight, Gerard sat, his masterful fingers making the piano sing out hauntingly.
"Heart beats fast.. Colours and promises. How to be brave? How can I love when I'm afraid to fall" he sang. His eyes closed as he mastered the keys by memory. His voice shaking her inside as she slowly stepped towards him. He sounded as beautiful as she imagined. As she approached she gently placed her hand on his shoulder causing him to jump.
"I'm sorry" she jumped too.
"I.. I'm sorry.. I just.. Not used to anyone hearing me. No one but Mikey anyway" he fumbled, collecting himself.
"I'm sorry I startled you.. You play beautifully" she took a seat by his side on the piano stool.
"Thank you.. I love the piano. Something about it is so.."
"Hauntingly beautiful?" She asked. He looked into her eyes. Looking through her.
"Yes.." He smiled.
"Well please, don't let my presence stop you" she smiled running her fingers softly along the ivory keys.
"I think I'd be too embarrassed. I don't usually play and sing this kind of stuff in front of people" Gerard laughed.
"That's right, I just found out you're in the band" she smiled.
"Yeah and that's a different style altogether. The piano has always been a personal passion" he replied. She laughed with him.
"Okay I won't force you, but c'mon, Gerard I've seen you pee, this couldn't possibly be more embarrassing than that" she chuckled with a blush.
"I thought you said you didn't see anything" he joked.
"I didn't!" She laughed smacking his arm playfully.
"But I heard" she laughed.
"Okay, you're right, this shouldn't be more embarrassing" he laughed placing his hands back on the keys. Taking a deep breath he exhaled.
"Okay.." He whispered. Scarlett watched him intently as he closed his eyes taking another deep breath. Within moments his fingers had began their beautiful dance a long the piano, stirring her, moving her as he began to sing.
"But watching you stand alone, all of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow... I have died every day waiting for you. Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more... Time stands still, beauty is in all that she is. I will be brave, I will not let anything take away what's standing in front of me.. Every breath.. Every hour has come to this.. One step closer.." Scarlett's eyes brimmed with tears watching the soul and the passion of his playing, of his song.
"I have died every day waiting for you. Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years.. I'll love you for a thousand more.." he finished.
"That's all I have so far but it's coming along nicely.." He turned to face her. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she cried softly beside him.
"Scarlett.." He said softly, wiping her tears from her face.
"That was beautiful, Gerard.. You have a gift" she smiled as her tears subsided.
"Music has the power to move us" Gerard smiled.
"No.. It's the people that play the music, those that give it soul that have the power to move us and you have moved me" she said softly. Gerard was touched. Scarlett kissed his cheek softly, lingering there for a moment as they each turned their heads, eyes closed. They hovered for a moment in an impending kiss, feeling each others breath ghosting on their lips.
"That was beautiful" she whispered, causing their lips to graze for a moment.
"Scarlett.." Gerard sighed as his pelvis and stomach fluttered with heat. Foot steps came up the wooden floor boards in the hall as they quickly pulled a part.
"There you two are. Scarlett for a moment we thought you'd fallen into the toilet" Jane laughed. Scarlett and Gerard stood from the piano seat, the flush visible on Scarlett's cheeks.
"Am I interrupting something?" Jane examined with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face.
"No.. I need to use the bathroom again" Scarlett moved past her with a smile making a quick dash to the bathroom.
Jane giggled as Gerard smiled.
"What?" He asked.
"I know that look, Gerard" Jane teased.
"Oh c'mon Jane, let's go back outside" he mused.
"Uh-huh.. Okay whatever, Gerard" she laughed.
"There you two are, are we moving this barbecue indoors or what, half of you are in here" Matt appeared near the kitchen.
"All good Matt, Gerard was just showing Scarlett around. She's in the toilet, we're coming out" Jane headed for the back door.
"Okay cool, actually can I talk to you, Gerard?" He smiled.
"Sure. Be out in a minute, Jane" Gerard said heading for the fridge. He needed a cold drink of water after all that. Jane headed out and took her seat with the others. Matt peered out to make sure they had privacy.
"So.. What do you think of Scarlett?" He asked as Gerard drank his water, the question nearly making him choke.
"She's great.. Really down to earth, funny, beautiful. Why?" Gerard asked casually. Just then Scarlett appeared.
"Oh, sorry. Can I just get some water?" She asked nervously.
"Of course, there you go, love" Gerard grabbed her a fresh bottle from the fridge.
"Thanks" she smiled heading back outside.
"I think I'm in love" Matt joked nudging Gerard. Gerard's heart sank for a moment.
"You're into her?" He asked.
"Of course, she's sweet, she's smart and what a looker am I right?" Matt smiled taking a sip from his beer.
"Have you told her how you feel?" Gerard asked feeling guilty all of a sudden.
"We'll not exactly.. Bit of flirting, nothing major. I know she had a bad break up a few years ago and hasn't really dated much since so I figured I would take it slow, you know? Plus she just got here, I shouldn't rush it" Matt replied.
"Yeah" Gerard said, looking out the kitchen window at Scarlett laughing and smiling with everyone.
"Who called you earlier, man?" Matt asked.
"Oh.. Carmen" Gerard replied sighing.
"What does she want?" Matt rolled his eyes.
"Just to talk.. Anyway let's not talk about her right now" Gerard said.
"Sure thing. Fancy going out the front for a cigarette?" Bert asked pulling his packet from his pants pocket.
"No thanks.. I'm quitting again, getting back into shape" Gerard laughed.
"Oh, good on you! Why now?" Matt asked starting to head for the front door.
"Now is good a time as any" Gerard replied glancing out the kitchen window once more.