Crimson Reflections | Ferard

VI

"All done?"

Gerard was asking, having gotten into the room just after Frank hung up the phone with his mom. He nodded before he looked up to see Gerard going to the liquor cabinet he had in his office. A moment later, he came over giving Frank a glass and sat opposite him. He didn't speak for a while, as if sensing Frank's confusion.

Frank drowned his drink in one go.

"So those people were after me."

Gerard nodded before Frank was done asking. Frank realized his mom must've told Gerard the same as she's told him.

God, he needed another drink.

"Do you mind?" He asked, already making his way to the liquor cabinet. Gerard didn't say anything to that so Frank assumed it was okay. He poured himself another generous drink.

"Frank," Gerard said after Frank had drowned his second drink. Frank turned to him. "I think I should tell you those people are not your enemies alone."

Frank actually laughed, "what, you're saying it is not just me they want his head?"

Gerard shook his head, completely serious, leaning back on his chair, "for slightly different reasons, but no, you're not alone. I have my own personal conflict with them."

If only you could be a little vaguer. Frank wanted to say but didn't. He rubbed his face with his hand. This was too much.

"If it makes you feel any better, killing Marco was an important nail in their coffin."

Frank looked at Gerard, coming to sit opposite him, "you don't think they know it's—"

Gerard shook his head, "I don't think kidnapping your mom and sister would've been their reaction to knowing. They'd want to get back at me directly, taking in consideration I'm the one who sent you."

"Fucking hell," Frank cursed, shaking his head. Neither one of them said anything for a while.

"Frank?"

"What?" Frank asked, turning his head in Gerard's direction.

Gerard seemed thoughtful for a second, considering his next words, "I know you have already accepted my offer, but I know you took that decision under rather difficult circumstances than anything else, and I'm willing to forget that if you want me to."

Frank was actually speechless for a second. He didn't know what to say and was thankful when there was a knock on the door, startling both of them. Whoever it was, though, just opened the door and got in not waiting to be invited.

It was the lanky kid who was with Gerard the other night. He looked skinnier and bonnier somehow in the strong lights of Gerard office, and he seemed quit startled when he apparently noticed Gerard wasn't alone.

"Gerard, sorry, I thought you were alone." He apologized, but his voice didn't show that much of an apologetic tone. 

Gerard turned and looked at the kid, giving him a warm smile that confused Frank a little.

"It's alright, Mikes, I was just speaking with Frank." If Frank wasn't confused enough, Gerard's voice acquired this tone of affection it didn't have before.

Mikey looked at Frank blankly until recognition sat in his eyes, "you're Frank, right, from the other night." He extended his hand and shook Frank's hand.

"I'm Mikey. Mikey Way."

"Mikey is my brother, Frank." Gerard supplied, still smiling.

"Yes, and I would've met you properly the other night, but my brother seemed to have you rather busy." He said with a knowing look in Gerard's direction.