leATHERMØUTH -frerard-

Interlude 6

Ryan had made an alliance with me and I felt most undoubtedly flattered. The situation with Gerard was saddening and Ryan seemed to understand or care for my feelings. I never thought another person would even care enough to realize I had feelings, but I guess Ryan was just that way. We need more Ryans.

"Frank, I... want me to help you get him back?" He brought the subject of Gerard back up.

"How would you even begin to do that?" I perked up.

"He seemed to calm down when you kissed him. Try maybe talking to him alone." He paused, sitting with his knees pulled up to his chest, "I think Brendon might have something to do with it."

"Why he's acting out?" I scooted closer to him, on his couch.

He had brought me over to hang out for the weekend, and it was my first sleepover. His house was spacious and rather empty feeling. I wondered what the walls had seen. Ryan looked like he had things he kept to himself. He looked... sunken.

"Yeah. Brendon, he... him and Gerard got kinda close. Brendon keep offering things to Gerard and he keeps saying no, but now that you two kinda split whatever you had, I think he's considering taking up the offers." He sighed, "Like Brendon and I, we smoke pot, but like that's not bad. What he's offering Gerard is-"

"Coke." I said flatly, looking at my shoes.

"Exactly." He sighed, "Brendon and Gerard are coming over for the weekend, too."

"What?"

He winced, "I'm sorry, I should've told you... I just want you to be happy and I want Gerard to be happy, but I think you'd be happy..."

"Together?"

He nodded.

"You're insane."

He looked offended.

"But I'm insane, too. I'm up for this plan of yours." I smiled.

...

"Why is he here!?" Was the first thing Gerard said upon entry.

I stood up, smiling, "Nice to see you, too."

"You two need to make the fuck up, is why, Gerard." Brendon pushed him away from him, almost shoving him into me.

He glared at me, inching away from me. My face fell and pain flashed in his eyes. I just wanted to hold him and kiss him and for this to be okay. He walked away from me, shooting everyone a look.

"I'm gonna use the bathroom." He huffed, walking off.

I sighed, looking at my shoes. Ryan put a hand on my shoulder and I tried to smile. Brendon sat by the TV and switched it on, hooking up some game. I watched Brendon go at it for awhile. It was some game based off of World War Two and needless to say, it was quite violent. Gerard came back out, his eyes slightly red. I could tell he had been crying. I felt bad and I just wanted it to all be over. He sat next to me, sighing. I was utterly surprised. I glanced over at him and he smiled sadly. He had given in.

Ryan and Brendon went into the kitchen, holding hands, giggling. They said they'd be back with snacks and drinks. Gerard turned to me, mouth open, back to his normal self.

"I was a total ass, Frank. I'm.. I'm so sorry... I have no idea what I was thinking. Will you forgive me?" He looked up, speaking quietly.

"I forgive you, I really do." I smiled, glad to have him back.

"Can... can I hug you?" He said shyly, face blushing.

"Of course."

He put his head on my shoulder and wrapped his arms around my torso. I hugged him back, glad we were back to the way we used to be. He took in a deep breath and hugged me tighter. My hand found its way to the back of his head. He scooted closer to me, still holding onto me.

He sighed, "I missed you."

My breathing was choppy now, "I love you."

He uttered a soft cry into my neck, "I love you, too."

He took in a deep breath and I spoke, "May I kiss you?"

"You may, just not on the lips..." he paused, "I'm not ready yet."

I brought his head up with the tips of my fingers and looked into his green hazel eyes, "You're so beautiful."

I pressed my lips to his forehead and he exhaled slowly, his hand tracing slowly down my chest. I moved my lips to his temple and then his cheek and the corner of his mouth. He tensed when I did so and I immediately recoiled to see his eyes were staring firmly at my lips. I simply smiled and rested my forehead against his. Ryan and Brendon entered then, seeing our faces inches apart.

Ryan squealed, "Finally! I knew you guys would make up!"

Gerard laughed a little and smiled, staring deep into my eyes with a puppy dog expression. I understood automatically what he wanted and turned to Ryan, "We want to be alone, is there a room or somewhere?"

"You guys can go in my room. Third door on your left down the hall." He pointed with his pinky, soda can in hand.

I stood up and Gerard took his hand in mine, letting me lead him down the hall and into Ryan's bedroom. Gerard closed the door behind us and wouldn't look me in the eye. I sat down on the edge of Ryan's bed and he sat down next to me, taking in deep breaths. I looked at him and sighed. He was just so gorgeous to me. The way he talked, the way his hair hung in his face, the way his sweater was too big and only this tips of his fingers could be seen from his sleeves. I didn't deserve him.

Wait.

Yes, I do.

I won't let them control my thoughts like they used to.

This was me and Gerard was him.

"You don't know how lovely you are." Gerard said, his hand edging closer to mine.

"I-I don't?"

"No, you don't." He lunged at me and forced his lips onto mine, causing me to fall onto my back.

I kissed back, excited at the touch of him. His hands wandered aimlessly over my body. He grasped at the hem of my shirt and made a noise I don't think he's ever made in front of me. He bit my lip and shoved his hand under my shirt, his cold hands on my chest. I inhaled sharply but continued to kiss him, a sense and feeling over overwhelming love, joy, and warmth flooding my body.

I broke the kiss, "I love you."

He looked like he was going to cry again, "I love you, too."