way down // frank iero au

E i g h t

Belle wakes up to a cool washcloth on her forehead. Frank sits under her head, still in uniform.

It's dark outside.

It was close to afternoon when they met at the train station. She can't remember why she passed out.

"Frank? Where's everyone else? Why am home?"

He looks down at her, rolling the cigarette between his lips. She knows he only smokes when he's anxious.

"Mikey."

He returns to staring at the turned off TV.

She frowns and suddenly remembers.

"Oh God." She moans, running to the bathroom and throwing up.

Frank follows and sits behind her, his arms wrapped around her torso, and his forehead pressed between her shoulder blades.

Belle pulls a tie from her counter, and pulls her hair up.

"Oh, Frank. M-My last words to him were awful."

"He knew you didn't mean them."

"You don't know that." she sobs, leaning her head on her knees.

Frank kisses the back of her neck, "Let's get you to bed."

She lifts her head, and reaches for him like a child. He picks her up bridal style, and walks her to the bedroom.

She curls up in the sheets, hugging a pillow.

"Frankie?"

"Hmm?"

He sinks into the edge of the bed, and brushes her hair from her forehead.

"Check on Gerard for me. Make sure he's okay."

"Okay, Doll. Go to sleep."

"I love you."

She takes his hand and kisses his knuckles, then the wedding band.

"I love you, too."

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