My Neighbour, The Painter

2. Painting

A/N: so what do you guys think so far? Do you like it? Please...give me feedback. I'll give you virtual hugs!

~When I See You, I'll Know

XoXog

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Frank knocked on Apartment 13's door and Gerard was there instantly. The door opened. Frank was almost slapped in the face by the scent of cigarettes, coffee, paint, and a kind of antiseptic scent.

"Hey, cmon in." Gerard said, Frank realized he seemed more comfortable now. Probably because he was on familiar terrain.

"Thanks." Frank said, he stepped in and Gerard's apartment was set up similar to Frank's, darker and more cluttered though. "Wow, this is so much more welcoming than my flat." Frank said. He looked around, there were a few paintings hung on the walls.

"Yours used to connect to mine, about a year ago." Gerard said. He silently asked if Frank wanted coffee. Frank nodded. "But they put up a wall and made another room. I didn't care though, I'm only one guy, I don't require too much room." Gerard said. He made two mugs of coffee.

"I see." Frank said, Gerard handed him a mug. "Is that why the walls are so thin?" Frank asked. Gerard chuckled and nodded.

"Like, your flat hasn't been tainted yet, but within maybe an hour it'll smell like mine." Gerard said.

"I can deal with that." Frank replied. Gerard smiled and walked over to the area where in Frank's flat the TV was. There was a glossy black easel and a blank canvas. Cans and tubes of paint were everywhere.

"I haven't painted in so long." Gerard said. He sighed and began painting. Frank watched in interest. Gerard painted with several colours, making a beautiful mixture of purple and orange. They were like that for a while, occasionally switching colour making a scenery.

"I like you, Gerard. You're unique." Frank said, his eyes watching the paintbrush move fluently. Gerard stopped and looked at the shorter man.

"Thanks." Gerard said. Frank nodded and scanned Gerard's face. The strange thing was, was that Gerard looked super drained again. His lips chapped, eyes tired, paper than before. "I like you too, Frank." Gerard said. Frank gave him a small smile and then noticed Gerard's hands were trembling.

"Are you alright?" Frank asked. He stood up and Gerard sighed, the pale man shakily set his brush down and leant against the wall. "Sit down please." Frank said. Gerard was about to move, but his knees buckled. Frank moved fast and got hold of Gerard before the man reached the floor. Frank helped him into the chair.

"Thanks, Frank." Gerard said. He put his fingers to his temples and groaned.

"Is there anything I can get you?" Frank asked.

"Some water and cigarettes." Gerard answered. Frank nodded and went to the kitchen area. He opened cupboards until he found an glass and opened the fridge. Frank got out a water container and filled the glass, but he kept his eyes on a white box. A white box, plastic, marked with a red plus. He put the water container away and went to Gerard.

"Where are the smokes?" Frank asked handing Gerard the glass.

"Never mind." Gerard said with a roll of his wrist. He took a sip of the water. "Dunno where I put them." He said. Frank reached into his jeans and pulled out his own pack.

"Uh," Frank mumbled. He really wanted to know what was in that box. Gerard shook his head.

"I shouldn't." Gerard said. "That shit'll kill me." He said, he let out a dry weak laugh. As if there was some invisible joke. Frank pushed the pack back in his pocket.

"You need anything else? I'll stay here if you'd like." Frank said. Gerard looked up at Frank will had a very concerned face. Gerard gave him a small reassuring smile.

"I don't need a babysitter." Gerard said. He coughed into his hand and then closed his hand into a fist. "You can go home. If I need you, I'll tell you through the wall." Gerard told him.

"Alright." Frank said. He looked at Gerard really hard for a minute, scanning his ill face. "Holler if you need me." Frank said. Gerard nodded and closed his eyes. Frank pat Gerard's shoulder and showed himself out.

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A/N: Awe.. is Gee okay?

~Twice The Power In One Hand....Thanks To Jerking It!!!

XoXog