This Is Our Second Skin (Frerard)

8: Much Conversation Hella Homo Flirting Very Good Vibes

"See - didn't I tell you?" Frank smirked at Gerard, and if Gerard hadn't been so busy having a borderline food orgasm, he would probably have melted into a puddle on the floor, because Frank smirking was too fucking cute, but Gerard was slightly occupied at the moment.

"Oh my god..." Gerard mumbled around his mouthful of fried rice, trying to keep his eyes from rolling up into the back of his head, because Frank hadn't been kidding, seriously - this was the best meal Gerard had ever eaten.

"Holy shit - your face!" Frank chuckled gleefully before taking a bite of his own food, his features twisting into an obnoxious expression that Gerard could only assume was supposed to be an imitation of him.

"I so do not look like that," Gerard pouted, his cheeks heating up as Frank continued to giggle softly.

"Oh come on - that was like looking in a mirror," Frank retorted back, and even though what he had said wasn't that hilarious, Gerard found himself erupting into a fit of laughter.

Gerard couldn't believe how comfortable he felt around Frank right now, because Gerard hated going out in public unless he had to, and the few times he did, there was usually alcohol involved, so he could hide his nerves in the liquid courage a drink always gave him, but this - this was nice, really nice actually, and Gerard was more relaxed right now than he had ever been around another person.

"Seriously though, this food is amazing, and I have to say, I did not have high hopes when I saw the place," Gerard wheezed out when he finally managed to quiet his random bout of mirth.

"I know it looks sketchy, but it seems like the best places are always those old hole in the walls - you know?" Frank gestured with his fork as he spoke before using it for its intended purpose and shoveling some more food into his mouth.

"I wouldn't really know, I pretty much survive on take out," Gerard admitted softly, hoping Frank wouldn't instantly assume that he was a recluse who never left his house unless he had to, which he basically was, but he wasn't ready for Frank to know that yet.

"Well I am making it my personal mission to take you to all the best restaurants in town now," Frank declared, thumping his fist on the table for extra emphasis.

"I'd like that," Gerard muttered quietly, glancing down at his plate in a pathetic attempt to hide his reddening cheeks.

"So how did you end up in New York, because I can tell from your accent that you are Jersey born?" Frank questioned after a few minutes of silence, broken only by the clattering of their utensils against their plates.

Gerard's head snapped up quickly, because he was surprised that Frank had noticed, even though thanks to some interest research that Gerard would never admit to partaking in, he knew that Frank was from New Jersey too, so it would make sense that he would have picked up on it, but Frank's question had still caught him off guard.

"Um - yeah, I am. I moved up here pretty much the second I turned eighteen. I have always wanted to live here, and the Cartoon Network building was a big motivation - I'm an artist by the way, and it was my dream to illustrate for them," Gerard explained in a shaky voice, wringing his hands underneath the table as he spoke, trying to make sure he kept his story short so he wouldn't end up boring Frank.

"I sort of assumed you were when I saw the painting in your house, but seriously - that is so fucking cool. I'm a shitty artist, but I have always loved sketching crappy ghosts and whatever just for fun."

"I'm sure you aren't that bad," Gerard smiled sheepishly.

"No - I'm not even kidding, I am literally terrible, but that almost makes me appreciate art more - you know? I would love to see some of your drawings some time...if that's okay?" Frank asked, and Gerard almost bit his tongue while rapidly nodding his head in agreement.