In a Pool of Blood

Chapter 21

"You never told me Frank would be here" Gerard burst in practically whining.

"Well I didn't know for sure that he would be until everyone tried on tuxes" Christa defended as she put on her jewelry.

"A month ago. Everyone got their tuxes sized a month ago, so you knew and you didn't tell me". Gerard was starting to get a little upset. Christa turned to face him.

"Gee, I didn't tell you because then I knew you wouldn't come. This is mine and Ray's most special day and we want to share it with people that mean the most to us. Frank means the most to Ray and you mean the most to me. Please just for today ignore the past and help me marry the love of my life?" Christa pleaded. After a few brief moments, Gerard sighed in defeat.

"Fine. Fine. But then tomorrow I go back to my normal life" Gerard groaned. He grabbed the veil from the clip it was hanging on in the closet and walked back over to Christa. The sooner they got this wedding underway, the sooner he could leave.

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The wedding party began lining up in the kitchen. Three groomsmen, three bridesmaids, Frank, Gerard, Gio, some little blonde haired girl in a dress, Ray and Christa.

"I hope you don't mind if you walk down together" Ray spoke as he adjusted his tie.

"I'd rather-"

"We don't mind" Frank interrupted. Gerard scowled. Ray smiled as he made his way to the front of the procession. They would walk out the double French doors of the kitchen and down the long aisle into the garden where all the guests were seated. There was a wooden arch set up where the minister was already standing and waiting. First Ray went. Then the first couple. Then the second. Then the third. Gerard grew nervous at the prospect of having to touch Frank again.

"Come one, Gee, it's our turn" Frank said softly as he held out his arm for Gerard to take. Linking arms, the two men started their stride up the aisle. Touching Frank again, just being this close to him was overwhelming and it was hard for Gerard to even breathe. Frank's arm was strong and warm and he walked with such confidence. Gerard was jealous that Frank could easily forget the situations of the past and act so normal.

Once they got to the alter, Frank slowly let go of Gerard's arm and they made their way to their spots. Gerard watched Frank hug Ray and congratulate him. Ray whispered something in Frank's ear and he kind of smiled a little before taking his spot behind Ray. Once Gio and the flower girl had made their way down the aisle and everyone cooed at how cute they were, the doors were opened and a radiant looking Christa emerged. All the guests stood as she made her way closer to Ray and Gerard stole a glance at the groom to see him subtly wipe a tear. Gerard's gaze slipped behind to see a smiling Frank, looking almost envious when he peered over at Ray. When Frank's eyes snapped from Ray to Gerard and the two men stared at each other for a moment, Gerard blushed and looked down.

The ceremony went without a hitch and after Frank and Gerard linked arms to go back up the aisle, they were practically ripped apart when Gio came running and jumped into Frank's arms.

"You did great, little guy" Frank gushed and Gerard slowly backed up until he could turn and leave the father and son, unnoticed.

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Dinner went fine and even the dance out in the garden wasn't too bad. Lindsey had showed up and Gerard clung to her practically the entire night. Frank had disappeared a while ago and Gerard figured he had left. Having a small child minimized your social calendar, apparently.

Gerard was started to get tired and contemplated turning in for the night when he noticed Frank re-enter the party. Lindsey was off on the corner talking to or making out with some chick she met, Gerard couldn't be quite sure but when Frank saw Gerard sitting at a table all by himself, he made a B line for him.

"Hi Gee" he said shyly as he sat down.

"What, you aren't going to ask me for a dance or something?" Gerard was trying to sound like he was joking but it came out more bitter.

"What? No that would be a little weird, we haven't talked in a year." The pair fell into a brief silence.

"Where is Gio?" Gerard asked.

"Bed. It's late. Jeanie is watching him tonight. Thank god for her, I wouldn't have any clue what to do with a kid" Frank chuckled.

"Where is Jamia? Am I allowed to ask?" Frank sighed.

"Jamia was here on a tourist visa. Good for 90 days. During that time I was able to convince her to let me take Gio on outings alone. One of those outings we had a paternity test done. Not that I didn't think he was mine because fuck, Gerard he looks exactly like me. But I wanted to have something on paper that said he was mine. She overstayed her visa and when immigration came to deport her she tried to take Gio again. I showed them that Gio was my son and they let me keep him. Since then Jamia has been demanding I send him back but I just can't do that. I'll never see him again if I do. I feel bad making the choice for Gio to be with his father and not his mother but from what I heard Jamia wasn't around much anyway."

"Well good, I'm glad for you Frank" Gerard said genuinely. After another brief silence, Frank spoke up.

"I want to apologize, Gerard" Frank started.

"Please don't" Gerard interrupted.

"I need to though. I treated you poorly and lied to you and put you in dangerous situations for my own benefit and I'm so fucking sorry."

"Well there is that whole cheating part" Gerard snipped.

"Do you remember the first time I told you I loved you? That summer in the park? We had been together for, what maybe five months? That's when I truly knew you were the one for me and I promise Gerard that I never looked at another man or woman in any capacity as more than a friend since that day. I know it doesn't mean much but I never slept with Jamia or anyone after I told you I loved you."

"So what now? Where do we go from here?" Gerard asked.

"We did this wrong. This entire thing was wrong from the very beginning. And I know you've given me so many chances but all I'm asking for is one more. One more to do everything right. One more to show you truly who I am. No secrets, nothing. Just you and me. And Gio."

Gerard thought it over. He still loved Frank but Frank had a point that he treated Gerard like shit.

"Let's sleep on it tonight and see what our hearts tell us in the morning" Gerard concluded. He was taking Christa's advice on not making decisions that were emotion-based and this would give a little time for the thoughts to rationalize.

"Well in that case, can I have this dance?" Frank asked with his hand held out as the song turned into a slow melody and couples started swaying back and forth.

"Yes" Gerard said, letting Frank lead him to the dance floor. They stood pressed up against each other as Frank wrapped his arms around Gerard's waist and pressed his face into Gerard's shoulder. Gerard followed suit and wrapped his arms around Frank's neck, resting his chin on top of Frank's head.

I love you. It was on the tips of both of their tongues as they swayed back and forth to the music but both men decided not to let those three little words out. They both put their faith into the evening, knowing full well that come morning they would either decide to work it out or walk away. They couldn't deny the strong pull that continuously brought them together and that had to count for something. But they would leave everything in the hands of fate and giving up that kind of control was oddly comforting; to both men.

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And with that, In a Pool of Blood is done! Idk. I kind of like the ambiguity of the ending and letting the readers decide where things go from here. Tell me what you think. Also look for the next chapter on a sneak peak of my next Frerard fic 💕