Gerard was a shy seventeen year old just trying to get through the week. He had a job at the local furniture store to make money for his future and present expenses. He didn't do much at the store --creatively named Ted's Tables and Furniture-- he usually walked around and fixed anything that was out of place, occasionally pointing people in the direction they needed to go. It wasn't much, but he was content with it.
On one particular Saturday when the store was fairly vacant, Gerard noticed a family of three walk to the door. The mother and father walked through the door, but the son, who looked like he would rather be dead than out in public with his parents, was dragging his feet behind him. His father sighed and pulled his mother towards the dining tables. The boy just rolled his eyes and flopped down in a soft, brown love-seat.
Gerard observed the boy from behind the counter, trying to assess what kind of person he was. Gerard liked to think he was good at reading people. He noticed that the boy looked very familiar, but he couldn't tell why until he looked up. Gerard froze when they made eye contact. He realized who the boy was. It was Frank Iero, the kid from the grade below him who was really, really attractive.
Frank must've realized who Gerard was as well, because he smirked and stood up, making his way over to the counter. Gerard looked around frantically, hoping to find one of his coworkers to dump this on, but Ray was helping Frank's parents and Billie Joe was nowhere to be seen. Frank reached the desk and started tapping out a rhythm on it. Gerard stuttered out a generic, "Can I help you?" He blushed at how awkward he sounded.
"Yeah, actually, I was wondering if you could help me find a mattress," Frank spoke smoothly. He was studying his nails nonchalantly.
"A-a mattress? Um, what kind do you want? Like, um, soft or-- uh, hard, um--"
"Well, I was thinking of getting your opinion, Gerard."
"My opinion? On what?"
Frank leaned his elbow on the counter and laid his head on his hand.
"Well, Gerard, I need a mattress to fuck my boyfriend into."
Gerard blushed and he stumbled to find the right words. Many things came to mind, why would I know, I don't really think I'm qualified, can I direct you to the manager, etc. The only thing he managed to say, though, was "Y-you have a boyfriend?"
Gerard's breath hitches as Frank leaned closer, close enough that Gerard could smell the mint gum he had been chewing since he walked in the door.
"Not yet," he whispered.
Frank suddenly pressed his lips against Gerard's. Gerard squeezed his eyes shut, wondering if this was a dream. Frank pulled away, smirking as Gerard opened his eyes slowly. Gerard's face looked redder than should be humanly possible.
"Frank Anthony Iero Jr. leave the poor boy alone and come look at this table!" His mother yelled.
Frank rolled his eyes and reached into his pocket, pulling out a sharpie. He grabbed Gerard's hand and scribbled something on the back of it. Gerard didn't protest.
He capped the marker and slipped it back into his pocket, bringing Gerard's hand to his lips. He kissed his hand and gently dropped it.
"Call me." He whispered as he walked away to join his parents.
Gerard stood there, frozen, until he felt a hand clap him on the back.
"Good job, dude! You better get that number in your phone before it rubs off, though," Billie Joe advised.
Gerard managed to shakily enter Frank's number into his phone, saving it under "Mattress Boy."
He carefully slipped his phone into his pocket and went to help Billie move some furniture in the back, all the while thinking about the small teenager that he'd see again on Monday.
