When darkness falls – Chapter 14

Gerard opened his eyes. It was pitch black dark all around him. Fragments of the dream occupied his mind. He had dreamt of the day he and Frankie met. He looked down at the sleeping figure draped over him, not that he could exactly see him. He searched for Frankie’s hand and found it lying curled up on his chest. He took it in his own. He loved the way it fit perfectly in his hand, as small as it was. He saw little Frankie again and how sad he was when his mother didn’t show to pick him up after his horrible first day at his new pre-school. Then he saw Frankie’s face when they had taken a bath together that same night. Back then things like that didn’t bother them much, but if they would have taken a bath together later in life, they would be embarrassed. This reminded him of the day he had told Frankie he was in love with him. He remembered how hard it was to be around Frankie. He remembered the fear that Frankie might not feel the same that would haunt him every night. He had feared their friendship could be in danger, but he knew he had to let it out someday. He remembered the dreams he would have of Frankie, those wild dreams. He remembered struggling to get Frankie out of his mind, not that he really wanted to either.

Flashback

Frankie hurriedly gathered a bunch of clothes and stuffed it in a backpack. He couldn’t wait to get to Gerard’s place, even though he did live right across the street. They would sleep over often, but this time it was going to be special. There was something he’d been dying to tell Gerard for a very long time now. He would cry at night because he’d think there’s something wrong with him, but tonight would be the night he’d put it all to an end and start something new. Meanwhile, Gerard sat nervously on the living room couch, butterflies fluttering in his stomach. Tonight was the night he was going to tell Frankie every thing. Tonight was the perfect night, because Mikey had gone to Bob’s place and his parents were going out; they would be alone. The thought was enough to intensify the butterflies and cause wild thoughts to overrun Gerard’s mind. The doorbell rang, pulling Gerard back to reality. He jumped up eagerly and rushed to the door, forcing it open to find Frankie, out of breath, at his doorstep. Gerard grinned.

“Hey,” Gerard said. He stepped aside to let Frankie in and shut the door. He didn’t know what to say to him. Being around Frankie had been different lately.

“Hey, Gee,” Frankie said delightfully. He looked around the place for no apparent reason. The sun was beginning to set outside. “So, what are we going to do?” Frankie asked. He immediately felt stupid for asking that, he never usually did. He looked at Gerard who had been staring at him and had looked away quickly when Frankie turned around.

“Uh, nothing exciting, like…uh, trashing the place, if that’s what you had in mind,” Gerard said with a smile. Frankie laughed.

“No man, why would I want to trash your place? There are other houses in the neighbourhood for that,” Frankie said. The tense atmosphere around them seemed to settle down. It was Gerard’s turn to laugh.

“I just thought it’d be good to rent a few horror movies, you know,” Gerard said, half embarrassed. He felt his face grow hot, but he bit his lip and focused on that pain. Frankie’s heart skipped a beat. This would be the perfect opportunity to sit close to Gerard  and maybe even hold on to him, and the best part is that he’d have a good excuse, otherwise it’d be obvious that he – no, he was going to tell Gerard how he felt. Gerard had thought it would be great to rent the scariest movies he could find so that Frankie would snuggle up against him. The wild thoughts were drilling into his mind again, but Gerard’s parents coming down the stairs brought him back to reality once again.

“Gerard, honey, we’re off. We’re going to be home late, some time after midnight, I think. You two behave yourselves, and don’t bring the place down, okay?” Gerard’s mother said.

“Okay, Mrs Way,” Frankie said.

“Yes, Mom,” Gerard said. His parents walked out the door and he closed it behind them, he heard them lock it.  Darkness was beginning to fall over the horizon. “So…you want to start watching now? I got quite a lot, so…” Gerard felt really stupid.

“Yeah sure, we could start with the shortest one first,” Frankie said. He wanted to tell Gerard as soon as possible. Gerard nodded. He was thinking the same thing.

“Then we can get some snacks and coffee,” Gerard said. Frankie’s eyes grew at the word ‘coffee’. They went into the living room and Gerard looked for the shortest movie. He found one and put it on. They sat down on the couch, a little far apart, which disappointed them both. Later on, near the end of the movie, they had automatically moved closer together. It was well dark outside by now. When the movie was finished, Gerard switched it off and put the disc back into its box. “It wasn’t even that scary, how disappointing,” he said as Frankie got up.

“Yeah, but I think we should switch off the light with the next movie,” Frankie suggested. He only realised what that could have meant a few seconds after he had said it. “Man, how about that coffee?” Frankie said, shivering. “Wow, its cold, don’t you think?”

“Aw, are you cold? Hang on, I’ll go get you one of my jackets,” Gerard said.

“Bring a blanket too, so we’re nice and cosy for the next movie,” Frankie blurted out. He slapped his hand in front of his mouth; luckily Gerard was already halfway up the stairs. Gerard stopped in his tracks for a moment, but continued and did what Frankie asked. He came down a minute later with his duvet and a jacket in each hand, he chucked the blanket on the floor and handed Frankie the hoodie; it was his favourite one. “Thanks,” Frankie smiled.

“Come on, lets get the kettle boiling so long – oh, there’s popcorn if you want,” Gerard said.

“Ooh, great stuff!” Frankie said. Gerard pointed to a cupboard as he went to another to get two cups. He filled up the kettle and filled the cups with coffee and sugar while Frankie got the popcorn ready and in the microwave. Frankie came and stood next to Gerard, leaning with his back against the counter; they waited in awkward silence for a few seconds which seemed like hours.

“Frankie,” Gerard said softly. Frankie, who had been biting his lip and telling himself to say something, looked at Gerard. “There’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a while now,” Gerard continued. He couldn’t believe he was actually doing this. Frankie’s heart seemed to stop, his thoughts running wild in his mind. He screamed at himself inside to calm down. Gerard turned his head to look Frankie straight in the eye. “But I don’t want to freak you out,” he said with a hint of sadness in his eyes. Frankie looked confused for a moment.

“What do you mean?” he asked, his voice faltering. Suddenly Gerard was against him, an arm around his waist, pulling him close. Frankie gasped and looked at Gerard in shock.

“That’s what I mean…” Gerard whispered. It looked like he was going to cry. Frankie didn’t know what to say. “I’m in love with you, Frankie,” Gerard whispered. Frankie’s eyes grew in further shock and looked away. He swallowed hard and took in a shaky breath. He felt Gerard’s grip around his waist loosen and his body move away. Instinctively, Frankie grabbed Gerard’s hand, gripping it tightly. The popcorn was almost ready.

“Don’t,” he whispered. He placed Gerard’s hand around his waist again and wrapped his own arm around Gerard’s body. Something surged through his body that he had never felt before. Gerard watched in amazement. Time stood still. Frankie’s face felt hot, and so did Gerard’s. Frankie slowly looked up into Gerard’s eyes. They needn’t say anything. They looked into each other’s eyes, their faces growing closer to one another. They closed their eyes just before their lips slowly touched for the very first time. Time exploded and the boys’ thoughts went astray. Gerard couldn’t believe what was happening, he was kissing his life-long best friend, and it felt so right. These thoughts were running through both their minds; they slowly and reluctantly pulled away. Frankie’s opened his eyes slowly, afraid that all this might just be another dream. He saw Gerard’s face so close to his, and he still felt his arms around him. “Oh my god,” he mumbled incredulously. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Me neither…god…do you know how long I’ve dreamt of this?” Gerard said. The incessant popping and hissing seemed far away. Frankie looked into his eyes and kissed him again.

“Yes…I’ve waited just as long,” Frankie said. This time Gerard kissed him.

“We can never go back,” Gerard said sadly. He had hoped they wouldn’t lose their friendship, but now they could have something better. Frankie looked at him.

“Who said we had to end our friendship?” he whispered. Gerard thought about this and smiled. Frankie kissed him again.

“Frankie…would you be my boyfriend?” Gerard asked. Frankie didn’t answer him for a second, but then he kissed Gerard hard and hugged him tight.

“Of course!” he said, grinning, in between kisses. Gerard’s heart fluttered and he kissed him back. He had never been so happy before. And for Frankie, this was the happiest night of his entire life by far. They stood there kissing for a couple of minutes before they realised that the kettle had boiled ages ago and that the popcorn was ready. They hurriedly got every thing ready and rushed to the living room. Gerard remembered to switch off the light and got under the blanket with Frankie. He felt Frankie’s arms around his waist, pulling him ever-so-close. He looked at Frankie, his own arm snaking around Frankie’s waist.

“Oh shit, the movie. Which one do you want to watch?” he asked. He just wanted to kiss Frankie and hold him, but he wasn’t sure if Frankie wanted to do. He cursed himself for the stupid thought.

“Fuck the movie! I just want to make out!” Frankie grinned. Gerard returned the grin and they leaned in at the same time. Gerard found himself on his back with Frankie lying on top of him, his hands everywhere. Gerard pushed up a leg between Frankie’s, causing him to gasp and pull away. His eyes were worried.

“Relax, it’s too soon for that anyway,” Gerard said. Frankie laughed nervously and resumed their kiss. They made out for what seemed like hours. When they pulled away, they realised that their coffee was getting cold.

“I don’t want to do anything else…I just want to be with you,” Frankie said. Gerard smiled and kissed his lips.

“Oh Frankie, you are with me. We can watch the movie just like this,” Gerard said, hugging Frankie closer.

“Okay,” Frankie smiled. He got off Gerard so he could put on another DVD. Gerard grabbed the popcorn and lay back down on the couch, lifting his arms with the bowl in both hands, inviting Frankie back. Frankie carefully clambered back onto him. He placed small kisses all over his face before he laid his head down on Gerard’s chest. He heard a deep, muffled crunching noise and realised Gerard was chewing popcorn. He laughed and lifted his head.

“What?” Gerard asked curiously with a smile and a mouthful of popcorn.

“That sounds funny,” Frankie said. Gerard tried to smile even wider.

“You want some?”

“Yeah,” Frankie said and Gerard took some popcorn and fed it to Frankie. He laughed and Frankie rested his head back on Gerard’s chest. He listened to his heartbeat for a while before the surround sound drowned it out. This movie was scarier than the previous one; Frankie had yelled and flinched quite a few times, whimpering into Gerard’s chest. Gerard would hug him tightly, smiling to himself. When the movie was over, Frankie was relieved. “God, that was shit-scary!” Frankie remarked. “Especially that part in the middle of the movie!”

“Nah, the best parts were where you screamed and squeezed me really tight,” Gerard grinned. Frankie looked down at him and kissed him.

“I need to go to the bathroom, I’ll be right back,” Frankie said and got up. He was still elated about the fact that he had kissed his best friend, and that he was now his boyfriend. When Frankie was done in the bathroom, he opened the door and stepped out of the bathroom into the dark hallway. It looked pretty creepy. He saw the blue light of the television in the living room. But when he rounded the corner, Gerard wasn’t on the couch anymore.

“Boo!” Gerard jumped up behind him and he screamed. He then whipped around and hit Gerard hard on his shoulder.

“Asshole!” Frankie yelled at him. Gerard laughed and Frankie fell into his arms, wrapping his arms around Gerard’s neck and nuzzled it. “Don’t ever do that again,” Frankie breathed.

“Awe, I’m sorry, baby. I couldn’t resist,” Gerard said. Frankie’s heart flipped.

“Baby?” he whispered, looking into Gerard’s eyes.

“Yeah, you’re my ‘baby’ now,” Gerard whispered back. They leaned in to kiss each other.

“Gee…”

“Yes Frankie?” Gerard smiled at the sound of his nickname. It sounded so different now.

“I love you,” Frankie said. Gerard’s stomach flipped over and his heart stood still at those words.

“I love you too, Frankie,” he whispered. They leaned in for yet another passionate kiss.

Gerard smiled at the memory. That night their lives had changed completely.  There was no one he wanted more than Frankie, There was no one who could or would ever replace him. His life would be nothing without him. He was all he lived for. He knew that someday, he would ask Frankie to marry him. Gerard thought about their lives and future together. He was thankful to have Frankie in his life, and that he had successfully taken a step further than friendship with him. Gerard lay there with a sleeping Frankie on him. His face was sticky from the dried up tears. The boy was shivering, so he pulled up the thick covers, but then Frankie warmed the whole bed up. Gerard smiled. His eyes had adjusted to the darkness by now. He closed his eyes, thinking about that night their lives had changed again and drifted back off to sleep, dreaming about it all over again.

When darkness falls – Chapter 13

Flashback      

The little boy sat outside in the cold, crying and waiting for his mother to pick him up. He was new in town and new at Munchkin Kindergarten and all the other little children hadn’t been all too friendly with him. His mother was late. Little Gerard felt sorry for the new kid. He grabbed his favourite blanket and went outside. He stood tall above the smaller boy. Little Frankie had a fright when he saw him standing next to him; he started crying even more.

“Go away!” Frankie said. The other boy looked hurt, but he didn’t move.

“I won’t hurt you, I promise,” Gerard said with a smile. Frankie looked up. “You must be cold,” Gerard spread open the blanket and sat down next to Frankie. The blanket was big enough for the two of them. Frankie mumbled a thank you and sniffed. “Do you want to be my best friend?” Gerard asked. It was such a simple question to ask. Gerard had been eager to ask Frankie that all day.

“Are you joking?” Frankie asked. The other kids had fooled him like that before.

“No, I want to be your best friend. Would you be mine?” Gerard asked. He gave another sweet smile to Frankie, who couldn’t help but smile back.

“Okay,” Frankie said. Gerard looked extremely happy and hugged Frankie tight.

“I’m Gerard, you’re Frankie, right?”

Frankie nodded. He was glad that he had made a new friend. He had seen this boy sit all by himself, and every time he tried to go and play with him, the other kids would sop him and bully him again. When Frankie’s mind wondered to his mother again, his smile faded and the tears came back. “Mommy,” he whispered to himself.

“Mommy will come,” Gerard said, pulling the blanket tighter around them. The rain was rough and the thunder scared Frankie. Gerard wasn’t scared though. Every time lighting flashed, Frankie would cringe and Gerard would put a small, protective arm around him. “There’s nothing to be afraid of, it’s only thunder,” he said. They heard footsteps ahead, rounding the corner. Frankie’s mouth opened in excitement as he craned his little neck. The eager smile on his face fell instantly as another woman appeared. “Mommy!” Gerard shouted. He jumped up and ran towards her. Frankie’s little heart ached. He buried his head in his brought-up knees and sobbed.

“Gerard, honey, get your things, I must talk to the teacher for a moment,” the lady said.

“Okay mommy!” Gerard said and ran back to Frankie. “What’s wrong, Frankie?” Gerard asked. He knelt down, putting a small hand on Frankie’s messy head.

“I…w-want…m-my…m-m-mommy,” Frankie sobbed. “W-where’s mommy? She p-promised she’ll c-come early!” Frankie sobbed louder. Gerard wasn’t sure how to handle this, so he thought a hug should cheer him up.

“Your mommy will come,” Gerard said. The teacher and his mother stepped outside, watching them.

“There he is,” the teacher pointed at Frankie. Gerard’s mother bent down and put a hand on Frankie’s shoulder.

“Frankie, darling,” she said. Frankie looked up. “I’m a friend of your mother’s, in fact, I’m your neighbour; we live right across the street from you. Your mother asked me to pick you up, something occurred while she was on her way here,” the lady carried on speaking. Gerard almost butt in when he heard they lived right across one another, but his mother put a hand on his mouth.

“Where’s my mommy?” Frankie asked. The woman looked reluctant to answer him. “Where’s my mommy?” Frankie insisted, starting to cry again.

“She’s in hospital, my dear. She was in a slight accident on her way here,” she said. Gerard suddenly looked very sad. Frankie didn’t seem to understand at first, but then his little lips started quivering and he burst into tears. He screamed for his mommy as Gerard tried to hug him. “Your mommy is alright, Frankie. She asked me to pick you up and take you to see her,” Gerard’s mother said as she gently moved Gerard out of the way to pick up the little boy. Frankie sobbed into the strange lady’s shoulder and let her take him. Gerard was sad that his friend was. The teacher, who had gone back inside to collect all Frankie and Gerard’s things, had returned. She was holding two bags in one hand and holding another boy’s hand. He seemed unbothered by every thing.

“Why’s mommy holding the new kid?” the little boy asked Gerard.

“He’s coming with us, his mommy’s in hospital,” he answered.

“Oh, what a cry-baby,” the boy remarked.

“He’s not a cry-baby!”

“He is!”

“Is not!”

“Is to!”

“Stop it you two!” Gerard’s mother said.

“Mikey started it!” The boys stuck out their tongues at one another.

“I said stop it! Gerard, get those bags from Mrs Newell,”

“Okay, Mommy,” Gerard said. Mrs Newell handed him the two bags. He turned around, ready to, but then remembered something. Gerard turned around and picked up his blanket with difficulty. When he was sure he had every thing, they said good-bye and left. Gerard’s mother comforted a screaming Frankie all the way to the car.

*

Gerard covered Frankie in his blanket again once they were in the car. He had stopped screaming now, but he was still crying; his nose was running. They were all a little soaked from the distance they had to cover in the rain to the car.

“It’s not far to the hospital, dear. You will see your mommy, okay?” Gerard’s mother said in a sweet voice. Little Mikey had insisted that he sit in the front, but Gerard wanted to sit at the back with Frankie. Gerard’s mother started the car and off they went to the hospital. When they arrived, it was getting well dark already, save for the dark clouds hovering miserably in the sky. Frankie had been silent all the way. He got out of the car without a word.

“Hey Frankie, where here,” Gerard said. His effort to cheer Frankie up failed as the boy just stayed silent, looking down.

“Frankie, darling, we’re going to see your mommy now,” Gerard’s mother said. “Come on,” she said. Frankie looked up and stretched out his arms. Gerard’s mother smiled and bent down, picking the little boy up. They entered the hospital. “We’re here to see Mrs Iero,” Gerard’s mother said once they reached the reception booth.

“The doctors are busy with her at the moment, I‘ll check with them now. Please take a seat,” the nurse said, taking a clipboard and eyeing the three little boys, and walked off. They sat down and waited a few minutes. Mikey quickly got board and started running up and down the corridors.

“Michael James Way, come here this instant!” Gerard’s mother tried to be as silent, yet stern, as possible. Mikey pouted and plonked down on the floor, arms crossed and cheeks blown up. “This is a hospital. You don’t go running around in hospitals.”

“Excuse me, ma’am, you may go see Mrs Iero now,” the nurse said when she returned. “Are you sure you want to take these little boys in with you? We have a playroom.”

“Oh no, that’s fine. This little boy here is Mrs Iero’s son. And I prefer to keep my own kids with me, they’ll behave better,” Gerard’s mother said with a smile. The nurse, being dry and humourless, turned and led them to the hall where Mrs Iero was being held. The instant Frankie saw his mother he started jumping in Gerard’s mother’s arms. She let the boy down and he ran to his mother’s bed. The boy jumped up and down at the edge of the bed, almost crying again because he couldn’t get up, but then Gerard’s mother picked him up and set him on the bed. He clambered to his mother.

“Careful, honey, Mommy’s hurt,” she said. Frankie wrapped his little arms tightly around her neck and hugged her. Gerard smiled when he saw Frankie’s happiness. “Thank you, Donna, I appreciate your help,” she addressed Gerard’s mother.

“It’s my pleasure, Linda,” Donna said. Gerard started feeling sad again. He wanted to play with Frankie.

“I have another huge favour to ask, Donna,”

“Anything,”

“Would it be alright for Frankie to stay with you until I’m discharged?”

“Of course, where else would the boy stay?”

“Thank you so much. The keys to the house are over there so you can pick up a few clothes,” Linda had trouble looking at Donna while she spoke because Frankie was playing with her hair.

“Mommy, I made a new friend today!” Frankie said happily. A smile instantly jumped on Gerard’s little face.

“Oh really, and who might that be, my little angel?” Linda asked curiously. Frankie turned around excitedly and pointed at Gerard, who grinned proudly. “His names Gerard,” Frankie said. Gerard waved and Donna and Linda laughed. “Hello, Gerard. It’s a good thing you live close by, you and Frankie can play together every day.”

“Yes, we’re best friends, aren’t we, Frankie?” Gerard asked. Frankie nodded excitedly. It was getting dark outside.

“I think it’s time for us to go,” Donna said and Linda nodded.

“Frankie, you’re going home with Gerard today, you’re going to stay with them for a few days until Mommy gets out of hospital, okay?” Frankie looked sad for a moment, but then he grinned.

“Okay,”

“Be a good boy for Mommy,” she said and kissed his little forehead. Donna lifted the boy off the bed, they said their good-byes and left. Frankie walked back to the car by Gerard’s side with a smile on his face all the way. They arrived at the house and gathered some clothes for Frankie and simply reversed to Gerard’s house from Frankie’s. That night, Frankie couldn’t be any happier with any other friend, for Gerard was the best one he had ever had. He wished they would be best friends forever and ever; Gerard too.

When darkness falls – Chapter 12

The stars scattered on the black veil of night looked extra beautiful that night. Gerard had let Frankie piggyback ride him back to their room, giggling all the way. They were sitting on the bed, Gerard’s legs around Frankie’s hips and arms around his waist. Frankie’s head rested on Gerard’s shoulder, his face buried in his neck; he would occasionally leave a small kiss or two there. Gerard felt like going to the bathing room and just relaxing in the large pool of hot water with Frankie. He smiled at the stupid, random thought. Frankie started biting Gerard’s neck lightly, moving up to his ear and placing kisses down his jaw line. When he reached Gerard’s lips, he was surprised to find Gerard’s hands sneaking up the back of his shirt.

“Shit, your hands are cold!” Frankie whispered and Gerard smiled into the kiss. Frankie wondered if he should warm them up, but let it go because he liked the feeling of Gerard’s cold, soft hands against his back. Frankie’s outstretched legs moved up so he could be even closer to Gerard. His own hands moved up and down Gerard’s sides and finally snuck under Gerard’s shirt. Frankie tried to pull him closer as his hands moved up and down Gerard’s smooth back, intensifying the kiss. Gerard’s mind was a mess; he was in a state of euphoria. He tightened his grip on Frankie, hugging him closer. They didn’t want the kiss to end, but they needed oxygen. Frankie reluctantly pulled away, but contrarily continued kissing Gerard’s lips. He smiled, removing one hand from under Gerard’s shirt to his face. His fingers caressed his warm, rosy cheeks and moved to the back of his head. Gerard felt Frankie’s hand pull at his hair and forcing him deeper into the kiss. Gerard removed both of his hands from Frankie’s back to hold his face. He stole a quick breath in mid-kiss. Frankie thought this must have been the longest kiss they ever shared; the same thing went through Gerard’s mind. Neither of them had gotten tired yet, they were deeply absorbed in pleasure and passion. Just when they decided to take things even further, the door burst open as Mikey, Bob and Ray ran in, shutting the door as fast as it had flung open. This caused Gerard and Frankie to pull away in panic and embarrassment.

“Ah shit, I’m so sorry for bothering you guys, but there’s something we have to tell you!” Mikey blurted. They eagerly rushed to the bed and jumped on. Gerard cleared his throat and licked his lips, relishing Frankie’s aftertaste. Frankie’s head was buried deep under Gerard’s chin, his face red-hot. Gerard hugged him.

“Are you two being naughty again?” Bob grinned. Ray couldn’t help but smile and roll his eyes. Frankie was silent and wished they would just go away, although it would be hard for him and Gerard to just pick up where they left off.

“We had quite a good thing going, you know,” Gerard said. “What is so important that you just barge in here without knocking? We could have been naked you know, and having –”

“OKAY! You’ve made your point!” Bob started. Gerard stuck out his tongue and laughed.

“Enough already, do want to know what it is or not?” Mikey asked.

“Fine,” Gerard said. Frankie slowly emerged from Gerard’s neck, turning his head slightly to listen to what Mikey had to say.

“Remember when Chandalen said he had important news for King Lorac?”

“Um, kind of, I wasn’t really paying attention,” Gerard replied. Frankie looked puzzled.

“When was that?” he asked in a small voice. Every one looked at him.

“You were out,” Gerard said and hugged him again. Frankie nodded slowly in understanding.

“Anyway, and do you remember I couldn’t find him when we were looking for him?” Mikey continued, speaking fast.

“Yeah, but slow down a bit!” Gerard said. “We ran into him on the stairs,”

“Yeah, guess where he was!”

“Um, the wizard’s room?” Gerard suggested with a smile. Bob snorted and Ray grinned. Mikey couldn’t help but laugh too. Frankie had no idea what was going on.

“No, you loser, he was at Lord Vermin’s place!” Mikey said. Bob burst out laughing. Frankie smiled. “What?”

“Good one, Vermin, got to love that one!” Bob said in between laughs. Mikey looked confused.

“It’s Verminaard, Mikey. But anyway, what was he doing there?” Gerard said. “Is he a traitor?”

“No, he was spying on a traitor! And just guess who that might be?” Mikey said. Gerard couldn’t think of anyone he knew. He shrugged, but then it came to him.

“Shamus?”

“YES! Now guess what horrible scheme that filthy son of a bitch was discussing with a bunch of his evil loser friends?”

“Jeez, I don’t know. How do you know?”

“We overheard Chandalen talking to the king. Actually, Bob turned into a tiny bug and snuck in,”

“Oh clever, now tell me!” Gerard was becoming curious.

“Hang on. Remember that thing that tried to kill me in the woods the other day?”

“Yes,”

“They’re going to capture Frankie and try to lure you to him, and then they’re going to kill both of you!” Mikey said. Gerard’s heart stopped and a cold feeling sunk down his stomach. A chill ran up Frankie’s spine. An uncomfortable silence draped itself over every one in the room. Frankie turned his head and looked straight into Gerard’s eyes. Neither of them knew what to say.

“We thought it’d be good for you to know, so that you’re aware of things,” Ray interrupted the silence. Gerard looked at him without a word.

“So…what do you plan to do?” Mikey asked. Gerard inhaled slowly and deeply.

“I don’t know, but they’re definitely not going to come near Frankie, that’s for sure!” Gerard said, hugging Frankie tightly and as close as possible. The boy was as silent as ever. He felt terrible. He hated himself for this. He was weak and it showed. He was Gerard’s only strength, and his only weakness. Now their newest enemy has figured that out and they were going to use him against Gerard. He was going to be the cause of both their deaths. Frankie started crying silently into Gerard’s collarbone. He accidentally let out a small moan and Gerard lifted his head up. “Frankie, what’s wrong? Don’t worry, baby, I’m here for you! I promise. I’ll protect you, okay?” Frankie shut his eyes and hugged Gerard tightly. He was useless, he couldn’t even save himself. What did Gerard see in him? Why did Gerard even bother to be around someone as helpless as him? “Don’t think like that!” Gerard said sternly. Frankie sniffed and looked at him awkwardly. The others just watched in silence. Gerard looked at Frankie. “I…you…whoa,” Gerard had read Frankie’s mind. The same thoughts slowly came back to haunt Frankie’s mind. Gerard shook him. “Don’t, you’re not useless! I love you, Frankie, for who you are! Just like this!” Gerard said.

“How do you know what I’m thinking?” Frankie whispered. Gerard looked at him and shrugged.

“I don’t know…I just heard your thoughts,” Gerard said. Suddenly every one else’s thoughts bombarded him. “Shut up!” he said and they stopped. Frankie looked shocked. “Sorry,” Gerard hastily kissed Frankie. He looked at his brother and friends.

“Dude, what am I thinking about now?” Bob asked. Gerard gave him a look as Bob stared at him.

“You’re thinking I’m an idiot,”

“Wow! That’s only a joke, by the way,”

“And I’d know if you’re lying about that,” Gerard said. Bob grinned and got up.

“Well, I think we should leave you two alone now, you know, to discuss things,” Bob said.

“Gee, I’m sorry that we spoilt every thing, especially like this. We’ll help you, you can’t protect Frankie alone,” Mikey said and looked down at Frankie’s silent, sobbing figure in Gerard’s arms. “Frankie, you’re our best friend, no matter what, and we’ll always be there to help you,” Mikey said, putting a hand on his back. Frankie sniffed and nodded stiffly against Gerard’s chest, but didn’t say anything. “Later, you guys,”

“Bye, see you later at dinner,” Ray said. They left the room and closed the door behind them. Gerard held Frankie close.

“Please, Frankie, don’t tell yourself you’re useless and dependant on us. We care about you, what would you do without us?” Gerard whispered. “What would I do without you?” Gerard said and lifted Frankie’s head from his chest. He looked into Frankie’s beautiful eyes, the clear tears making them shine even more than usual. The boy stopped shaking and looked back into Gerard’s warm gaze. He felt Gerard bringing their faces closer. He closed his eyes slowly just before their lips brushed against one another.

When darkness falls – Chapter 11

Gerard stared at the spot where Frankie had lain. The only evidence that Frankie or the phoenix had been there, was a single feather lying on the ground. Gerard felt like crying, he was extremely confused and didn’t know what to do or say.