Ashes To Ashes (Priest!Gerard Frerard) [SEQUEL]

Epilogue

Epilogue 

Six Months Later

I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror. It was weird to see myself wearing a shirt and tie, but I'd pushed the sleeves up to my elbows so that some of my new arm tattoos were visible. I'd also got some on my stomach, but they would remain hidden for the night. The scorpion on my neck was in pride of place though, beneath my messy mop of hair. 

There were a fancy selection of soaps next to the sink, and a bowl of popery - very different from my own apartment bathroom, which mainly consistent of some of Gerard's framed comic book prints on the wall. 

This was a pretty fancy art gallery though, so I guess they could afford to splash out. I washed my hands and then gripped the sink, taking a few deeps breaths. 

"You can do this" I turned to see Gerard stood in the doorway, looking amazing in his own suit and tie, black hair framing his face. 

"Well, I kinda have to at this point" I said with a gulp, and he pulled me into a tight hug. 

"I'm so proud of you Frankie" he breathed into my neck "it all looks so amazing out there - and the turn outs looking great." 

"Really?" 

"Yep - and they're all waiting for you" he stepped back "go knock em dead." 

I gave him a brief kiss and walked out of the bathroom, him following behind. We'd recently moved to the outskirts of London, into a small but homely apartment, and it was the best decision we'd ever made. It made sense for me to be close to the gallery ready for tonight's opening. It was an exhibition of young and upcoming artists, and my debut in many ways. I'd been working closely with Ryan's uncle to create the perfect exhibition space for my works, and also working in a bar round the corner of me a few evenings a week so I could cover the rent. Gerard, meanwhile, had started a counselling course and was also working part time at a comic store, so between us we weren't exactly rich, but we were managing. 

I walked into my part of the exhibition and could immediately see various art critics and reporters had already begun to circulate the space, but amongst them were also some familiar faces. 

"Frank!" Lynz pulled me in for a hug, immediately followed by Jimmy, Kellin and Vic "this is amazing!"

"Yeah Frank, your work looks so sick - if I was as rich as Kellin I'd buy it all" Jimmy had made a half hearted attempt to dress smart, but had retained his bright pink mohawk too. 

"Hey!" Kellin elbowed him before turning to me "but he has a point Frank - it all looks insane." Some of the works were new ones I'd created especially for the exhibition, and others were huge photo prints of my works from around town. 

"We better let you mingle, but we'll go out for celebratory drinks after, yeah?" Vic looked over my shoulder, and I too turned to see that James, Isabel, Ray and my parents had just walked in. 

"Good idea" I nodded "I better go get this over with."

"Are your uncle and aunt about to get a proper introduction to your boyfriend?" Lynz raised an eyebrow, and I just gulped and nodded. 

"Oh hell, now I'm really glad we came. I would not miss this for the world" Jimmy practically bounced with excitement. "If you need us we'll be over in that corner pretending we aren't listening but actually totally listening to every word." He steered the others a few meters away, leaving me to turn and face my family.  

"Frank" Ray immediately hugged me "congratulations."

"Yes" my mom smiled "it all looks amazing Frankie. We're so proud." My dad nodded, and I turned to James and Isabel.