I lost my fear of falling || frerard fanfic

Chapter 8: Complications

The following few weeks passed in a blur, with Frank and Gerard gradually falling into a rhythm that felt both new and exhilarating. They spent more time together, their conversations growing deeper and more personal, yet Frank still felt a lingering anxiety that kept him on edge.

One afternoon, as Frank lounged on the couch scrolling through his phone, his mom entered the living room with a furrowed brow. "Frank, can we talk for a minute?"

"Sure, Mom," Frank replied, sitting up and putting his phone down, sensing her serious tone.

"I've been hearing some things at work," she began, crossing her arms. "About Gerard Way."

Frank's heart sank. "What kind of things?"

"Just... that he's been picking on you less lately, which is good, but I also heard he's been hanging around you a lot more, I work at the hotel with his mother" she said, her voice heavy with concern. "You know he's not exactly the best crowd, right?"

"Mom, he's not like that anymore. We've been getting along," Frank insisted, but he could see the worry etched on her face.

"I get that, but he has a reputation, Frank. You're my son, and I just want to make sure you're safe," she said softly, her eyes searching his.

"Safe from what? He's not going to hurt me," Frank replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "He's been trying to change."

His mom looked unconvinced. "I just... I know you're still figuring things out, and I'm proud of you. But please be careful. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Mom, I'm fine," Frank reassured her, but inside, he felt the weight of her concerns. It was one thing to navigate his feelings for Gerard, but now he had to contend with his mother's protective instincts.

Later that day, Frank met up with Gerard at their usual spot—an old park bench tucked away behind the school. As they settled in, Frank could tell Gerard was distracted, his brow furrowed in thought.

"What's up?" Frank asked, nudging him gently. "You seem off."

Gerard glanced at him, a slight smile breaking through. "Just thinking about Ray."

"Ray?" Frank repeated, trying to gauge where this was going.

"Yeah, my best friend. He's been teasing me about you," Gerard admitted, running a hand through his hair, looking sheepish. "He knows how I feel."

Frank's heart raced at the admission. "Teasing you? About what?"

"About how I'm all smitten with you and how he thinks it's adorable," Gerard said, his cheeks slightly flushed. "It's annoying but also kind of funny. He's been pushing me to ask you out properly."

Frank felt a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "So, you like me, huh?"

Gerard rolled his eyes, but there was a grin on his face. "Yeah, I guess I do. Just don't let it get to your head."

"I won't," Frank replied, laughter bubbling up. "But maybe you should embrace it. You know, actually ask me out."

"Yeah, yeah," Gerard said, waving a hand dismissively. "But it's easier said than done when my best friend is constantly teasing me about it."

They fell into a comfortable silence, but Frank couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. "You know, my mom is worried about us hanging out," he admitted, glancing away.

"Worried? Why?" Gerard asked, looking genuinely surprised.

"She thinks you're a bad influence or something," Frank explained, feeling the tension build. "She's concerned about you having... you know, eyes for me."

Gerard frowned. "What does that even mean?"

"I think she knows I like guys. And she's worried that you're going to hurt me," Frank admitted, his heart racing at the thought. "She doesn't see the change in you."

"Maybe I can talk to her?" Gerard suggested, looking thoughtful. "I mean, I get that I have a reputation, but I want her to see that I'm trying to be better."

"Yeah, that might help," Frank said, considering it. "But I don't want to put you in an awkward position either."

"Hey, if it means making her feel better, I'm all for it," Gerard replied, determination in his eyes. "Besides, I want you to be able to hang out without her worrying."

"Thanks, Gerard. That means a lot," Frank said, feeling a warmth spread in his chest.

As they sat there, a shadow loomed over them, and they looked up to see Ray standing nearby, arms crossed and a teasing smirk on his face.

"Well, well, if it isn't the lovebirds," Ray said, feigning shock. "What are you two doing here? Plotting your future together?"

"Shut up, Ray," Gerard grumbled, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"Oh, come on! I'm just saying, it's nice to see you actually enjoying someone's company for once," Ray continued, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I mean, you're not exactly known for your romantic side."

"Yeah, well, that's changing," Gerard said, shooting a warning look at Ray. "So can you lay off?"

Ray held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Just don't forget who your wingman is." He turned to Frank, eyes twinkling. "And you, Frank, you better take care of my boy. He's a handful."

"I'll do my best," Frank replied, trying to keep a straight face.

"Good. Because if you break his heart, I will have to intervene," Ray said dramatically, earning an eye roll from Gerard.

As Ray walked away, Frank couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "Your friend is something else."

"Yeah, he is," Gerard said, shaking his head, but there was a hint of fondness in his tone. "But he means well."

Frank smiled, feeling lighter. "At least you have someone to keep you grounded."

"Yeah, but I'd rather have you around," Gerard admitted, a shy smile creeping onto his face.

The conversation shifted back to lighter topics, but Frank couldn't shake the warmth that blossomed within him. They were navigating uncharted territory, and while there were complications on the horizon, it felt like they were moving in the right direction.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the park, Frank felt a flicker of hope. Maybe they could make this work—slowly, carefully, but surely. And for the first time, he believed that it could be worth it.