Frerard - It's Always Been You!

2

Frank pushed open his bedroom door and stretched out his back as he shuffled through to the kitchen area in search of caffeine. He found Gerard sat at the counter staring blankly into his now-cold cup of coffee, clearly having been up for quite some time.

"Hey you!" Frank said, pulling Gerard from his trance-like state.

"Oh hi" he replied with an easy smile.

"How long have you been awake Gee?"

"Um. A few hours" Gerard replied looking at his watch. "Couldn't sleep."

Frank shook his head as he headed over to the coffee maker. He took the cup from Gerard and threw the cold contents into the sink before rinsing it and placing it below the hot water dispenser. Then he leaned on the counter opposite his friend and sighed.

"What's up man?"

Gerard looked over at Frank and shrugged. "Nothing. Just couldn't sleep."

"Come on Gee. This is me you're talking to" Frank smiled, before adding: "You have absolutely nothing to worry about you know. You're gonna be fine today. It's just signing and chatting."

"I know that" Gerard confirmed. "And I know it'll be a walk in the park, but.......I dunno. I just get a bit anxious about it that's all."

"I know you do. But you'll be great" Frank assured. "I know exactly what you're worried about, and believe me, there's no need."

Gerard cocked his head to one side as if to question Frank.

"You're worried that all these kids put you up on some pedestal like you're a fucking God or something, and you feel like they'll be disappointed when they finally meet you. Right?"

Gerard sighed. "Yeah. Something like that."

"Well, they won't be" Frank replied. "I can promise you that."

Gerard smiled over at Frank. "Thanks" he simply said.

Frank finished the coffees and headed around to Gerard's side of the kitchen counter before placing them down. Then he stood behind Gerard and eased his hands onto his neck.

"Jesus Gee! You're so fuckin' tense" he said as he began to press his thumbs into either side and try and loosen the tension there.

Gerard felt a tingle from his head to his toes as Frank's hands continued to work at the knots that had taken root in his neck. He bit the inside of his lip and closed his eyes as Frank continued to rub and massage, pressing deep and kneading down to his shoulder blades, all the while simply chatting on about something that Gerard just couldn't concentrate on.

"I'm fine now" Gerard was suddenly saying as he twisted away from Frank's touch.

Frank simply sat alongside him and took a gulp of his coffee, oblivious to Gerard's reaction. He then went over the timetable for the day before heading off to get showered. Gerard let out a long sigh as Frank exited the room. He knew that a major reason for the constant tension was down to his feelings for Frank. He rolled his shoulders and realised that Frank had actually done a pretty good job, and his neck was feeling much better than it was earlier. Fucking Frank! Was there anything about him that wasn't just perfect?

He managed to get his shit together as Frank was getting ready and finally felt somewhat ready for the day ahead.

The two walked to the elevator and discussed any last-minute arrangements before they made their way to the conference hall where they were greeted by the event organisers. Frank was given his personnel lanyard and Gerard was directed towards his station for the morning. He caught sight of a couple of other novelists and waved over to them with a cheery smile. He then settled into his seat (well aware of the excited voices from the other side of the doors awaiting entrance) and readied himself for their arrival.