Frerard - We're Just Friends (Part 1 of The 'Just Friends' Series)

16

It had been a few days since the whole Jamia/Gerard ordeal, and things were very slow in getting back on track for the two guys. Frank knew he still had to earn Gerard's trust back in full and was grateful to be given a chance to do that. Gerard still struggled a little with the whole situation, feeling like their relationship had been set back massively, both seemingly more like friends again now. He wanted to be able to let go completely with Frank and get them back on an even keel, but he was still battling with his inner demons. He knew he loved him and had willingly admitted that to him, and he knew that Frank was giving him space, just waiting on Gerard to set the pace of their relationship.

They still enjoyed each other's company, and had shared a few kisses (that felt a little forced), but both were holding back a bit, neither wanting to pressure the other. Gerard felt like Frank was still 'grieving' for the loss of his best friend, and Gerard was still subconsciously holding a slight grudge against Frank for his betrayal. Something had to give though. They both wanted the same thing, and that was for them to be like a normal couple, who didn't feel they were walking on eggshells every time they were together. One of them would have to make the effort to pull them back together and stop the ever-increasing gap that was forming between them. Before it was too late.

Frank was woken by the shrill sound of his phone. He tried to force his eyes open, whilst fumbling around for his phone that was still fucking ringing. Finally retrieving it, he managed to answer and was met with the high-pitched voice of his mother.

"Mom!" Frank huffed. "It's too early."

She excitedly carried on talking to him, eventually making him sit up and smile as he listened. They chatted for a little while before he even realised that Gerard wasn't in his bed. He had assumed that he was just still asleep, but on closer inspection he noticed that he was definitely not there. That took the smile off Frank's face. He'd really hoped to see Gerard this morning, hoping they could maybe get breakfast together. He finished up his call with him mom and set about his day; showering and eating breakfast alone on his bed, before begrudgingly heading off to class. Picking up his phone as he left, he noticed a message from Gerard that must have come while he was showering.

'Had to leave early today Frank. See you later x'

Frank sighed again and shoved the phone into his back pocket. He had a long, boring day of theory ahead of him and was not looking forward to it.

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He headed home after a particularly shitty day and replied to the text Gerard had sent him a couple of minutes earlier, asking when he'd be home. He told him he was on his way and continued to trudge along the path, letting out a big sigh as he entered their block.

Pushing open their door, he was met with a darkened room. Looking around with confusion, he found candles dotted around the room, twinkling delicately. Looking to the corner he saw Gerard stood, holding a cupcake with yet another candle in it.

"Happy Birthday Frank" he smiled as Frank gasped in realisation.

"You remembered?" Frank asked quietly feeling tears prick at his eyes.

"Well I would be a pretty shit boyfriend if I didn't" Gerard replied, cocking his head to one side.

"Now are you gonna blow this out before it melts completely?"

Frank grinned and rushed over to Gerard, holding onto his waist as he closed his eyes and blew out the candle, the word 'boyfriend' taking over his every thought.

He looked at Gerard and couldn't stop a stray tear from sliding down his face.

"Thank you" he whispered.