Millions (#2)

Then Five Became Four

Charles couldn't understand, he just slipped out of sight. He caught up to Kurt and told him and his father the news.

"What? Where was he last?", Kurt asked.

"I'll call the police.", his dad offered, taking out his phone.

"Thanks. He was leaving the restaurant when he said he'd forgotten something- The Boheme!", Charles realized.

"Let's go. Dad, you can wait for the police.", Kurt said.

"You've got it, kiddo.", Kurt's dad said, giving the two boys a solute.

~

The two ran back to the restaurant, but Frank was nowhere to be seen.

"Let's check the alleyway.", Charles suggested.

Kurt nodded, letting Charles lead the way.

There were muffled voices from behind the restaurant.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I don't know.. I'm mostly sure, but I don't want to repeat what happened when I first got here."

It was Griffin and Frank.

Charles and Kurt exchanged a confused look, unsure of what to do.

"It won't. I promise I wont ever let you get hurt like that again."

" I have family that'd be worried if I ran away..."

"Frank, you told me what happened to your family.."

"Friends, then."

"It's fine if you're scared. I would be, too."

There was a pause.

"Just be honest, Frank."

"I... I want to stay with you, Griffin. I'll stay."

Charles tried to wrap his head around what just happened, "Frank's not coming back?"

"Apparently.", Kurt replied.

Griffin and Frank walked around the corner and stopped in their tracks. "Hey.", Griffon said.

"Were you eavesdropping?", Frank snapped.

"No, we were just wondering where you went.", Charles replied.

"What did you hear?", he asked.

"Basically the whole conversation..", Kurt admitted.

"That's called eavesdropping."

"It's fine, Frank.", Griffon said before directing his attention to Charles and Kurt, "Can you two just tell Xander that Frank's staying here?"

"Frank should tell him himself.", Kurt spoke.

"I can't do that, he'd be heartbroken.", Frank replied.

"But you should still tell him.", Charles said, "We'll be here for him, and for you."

"Thanks, Charles.", Frank smiled.

"I'll come with you, too.", Griffon piped.

~

Frank was right, Xander was rightfully upset, but said a tearful goodbye to Frank. Charles did the same. Zoey looked up at Frank thoughtfully, before quickly saying goodbye.

"I'll miss all of you, except for Leo. Leo's a buzzkill.", Frank said.

Xander gave a light chuckle, "Just stay safe, okay?"

"We will.", Frank smiled. He got into the water and gave Xander a hug, "You stay safe, too."

Xander nodded, letting Frank go.

Everyone waved as Frank left, holding hands with Griffon.