Teal roots!gerard, cellebrations!frank

~~

I yawned as I woke up, light streaming in through the window of my studio apartment. My cat, Mitch, rubbed his face against my hand and I smiled, scratching his grey fur. His brother, Lotion, was currently standing on the kitchen counter screaming and he wouldn't stop until I fed him.

I got up, running a hand through my hair, which was dyed black with teal roots. I went to the bathroom before feeding the cats. I picked up a t-shirt off the ground and sniffed it before shrugging and putting it on. I pulled some jeans on and sighed as I sat at the counter with a bowl of cereal.

My apartment was pretty messy, clothes and candy wrappers strewn around. I knew I should clean it up but I was just far too lazy. Besides, I spent most of my time working.

I owned a little comic book shop. It was downstairs and my apartment was above it. I loved it there, so many cool kids came in after school and I knew almost everyone by name.

I put my bowl in the sink and went down to the comic shop. I turned on the lights and organized some of the shelfs that were misordered. I swept the floors and fixed the action figures on the shelf before unlocking the door and flipping the sign on the door to let the whole world know I was open.

I sat behind the counter with my own comic book, reading as people strolled in and out, some of them purchasing items. Lotion jumped up on the counter, deciding this was the best place to take a nap. I smiled, rubbing his stomach to listen to him purr.

"Can I pet your kitty?" Someone asked suddenly.

I looked up at the small boy, he was probably about four.

"Yeah, of course," I said. "He loves tummy rubs."

The little boy went on his tip toes and reached up to rub the little cat's stomach.

"His name is Lotion," I said.

The boy giggled at the name and I smiled. I looked up and saw the person who I assumed was his dad walking through the aisles. He looked to be about my age, he must've had his son back in high school. He was cute with short brown hair and piercings and tattoos.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

"Uh, yeah," he said.

I walked over and he smiled.

"Okay, I'm trying to get a comic for a friend," he said. "It's this one comic that he used to love but he lost it and I've been going around trying to find copies."

"What's it about?" I asked.

"I don't really know," he said. "But I remember the cover. It was Superman with the communist hammer and sickle of the Soviet Union."

"Ah, I know that," I said. "Superman: Red son."

"You have it?" He asked excitedly.

"No but I know where to order it," I said.

I brought him back to the counter and clicked on the computer.

"Daddy, can we get a kitty?" The little boy asked.

"Not right now, Miles," he said. "Maybe when you're a little bit bigger."

"I like your kitty," Miles said.

"He likes you too," I said. "And if you're ever here then you can play with him."

I looked up the comic and smiled.

"Alright, I can order it for you and have it ready for pick up in three days," I said.

"Yeah, that would be amazing," he said.

"Alright, I'll order it," I said. "What's your name and number? I'll give you a call when it's ready."

I handed him a slip of paper and he scribbled it down, handing it back.

"I'm Gerard, by the way," I said.

He smiled and picked up Miles, holding him on his hip.

"Thank you so much," he said. "He seriously loves this comic and I have been stressing trying to figure out what it was."

I smiled at him before he left. Lotion looked around, clearly surprised and disappointed about not being pet anymore.

"You miss your little friend?" I asked, scratching below his chin. "He'll be back in a few days."

The door opened and I looked as Frank walked in and looked around. He went into the farthest aisle and bent down, picking something up that I couldn't see.

"Sorry, my son dropped his toy," he said, holding up the little blue stuffed care bear.

Frank smiled and left and I sighed. He was pretty cute, I couldn't deny that. His kid was pretty cute too but cute on a far different level. Cute in a way where I just wanted to rub his head and give him a lollipop. Frank was cute in a way where I wanted to take him to bed and ride him.

He's probably straight. I mean, he has a kid so he's slept with girls. And if he ejaculated then he probably liked it. He's probably not gay. He's probably just into girls.

Also I'm probably weird as shit for questioning the sexuality of a man that I don't even know. How fucking creepy could I possibly get? I cringed at myself, wanting to just bury myself in a hole.

Mitch came over to join Lotion and I smiled. It was mostly empty as it usually is during the day and I ate my lunch behind the counter, watching Netflix on my computer. The best part about owning my own store is that I'm my own boss, no one to yell at me because I'm watching Netflix while the store is open. But what am I supposed to do? Just sit here staring absentmindedly waiting for someone to walk in?

"Hey," someone said and I paused my show.

I saw Ray and grinned.

"Hey, man," I said.

"So, Christa made some cookies for a baby shower and I managed to snag some for us," he said.

He showed me the cookies with light pink frosting that read 'it's a girl' in darker pink icing.

"They are sugar, I think," he said. "I helped a bit but honestly there was so many ingredients being thrown around I got confused."

I took a bite and smiled.

"They're good," I said. "Tell Christa thanks for me."

He nodded, sitting on the stool next to me.

"So, how busy has it been today?" He asked.

"There was a couple people who bought some stuff, some who just looked around then left and another who ordered a magazine online that is being shipped in," I said.

"So, pretty easy then," he said and I nodded. "Do you have any beer?"

"In the fridge upstairs," I said.

He smiled and went up to my apartment as some man came in.

"Do you have Superman issue #675?" He asked.

I bit my lip as I looked it up on my computer, listening to the door bell in the background.

"I just sold the last one yesterday but I have a new shipment coming in three days where there will be a restock on comics and figures," I said.

"Well, I need it now not in three days," he muttered, huffing unhappily and I rolled my eyes as he left.

I looked around and frowned when I saw the shop was empty, even though I heard the door open.

"Hi," someone said.

I looked over the counter and saw the small boy from before, Miles.

"Hey, where's your dad?" I asked.

"We was walking and he was talking to a man and I wanted to come in to pet your kitty," he said.

A group of people walked in and I pulled him behind the counter.

"Does your dad know you came in here?" I asked and he shrugged. "You want a cookie?"

He nodded and I handed him one of the cookies and grabbed my phone, calling Frank.

"Hey, I have Miles here with me," I said.

"Wh--who is this?!" Frank shouted. "Why did you take him?!"

Oh fuck.

"Wait, no, I'm sorry, this isn't a ransom thing, that sounded bad and I'm sorry," I said. "It's Gerard from the comic store, he came in wanting to pet my cat."

"Oh." I heard a small sigh over the line. "Okay, thank you, I'll be there soon."

I hung up as Ray came down, handing me a beer.

"Who's this?" He asked.

"A child who wanted to pet my cat and left his dad on the streets," I said.

I saw the group get a little rowdy and I looked over in concern before looking at Miles.

"I've got this," Ray said, walking to the group. "Hey, can I help you guys find something?"

The door opened and a panicked looking Frank walked in, sighing when he saw Miles.

"I'm so sorry," he said. "Miles, you can't walk off like that."

"But I wanted to pet the kitty," he said.

Frank picked Miles up, a scowl on his face as he held him on his hip.

"Daddy, let's get a kitty," he said.

"We first need to have a conversation about you walking off," he said. "Thanks, Gerard, I nearly shit myself. And sorry for freaking out on the phone, I thought he was kidnapped or something and then I get a call from an unknown number saying they have my son. I just freaked out a bit, didn't mean to shout."

"It's okay, I get it," I said. "Want a cookie?"

"These look like they're meant to be at a party," he remarked.

"They're extras and I can't eat all of them," I said.

Frank adjusted Miles on his hip before taking a cookie.

"Thanks, Gerard," he said. "And thanks for watching over Miles while I was coming here."

"Of course," I said. "I'll give you a call when the magazine comes in."

Frank smiled and walked out but through the window I saw him already start his lecture on his son. I sighed, watching the group talk with Ray. I opened the beer and took a drink before setting it on the shelf right under the counter. The people came over with a board game and they paid for it before leaving.

"How'd that go?" He asked.

"He was polite but I could tell he was angry at his son for running away," I said.

"That's his son?" Ray asked with raised eyebrows. "Wow, he must've had him when he was, like, sixteen."

"Yeah," I said.  "But he seems to really love him."

I sighed, watching Mitch walk around. Ray didn't stay long and I reorganized some of the things on the shelfs before going upstairs to my apartment after the store closed for the night.

"Hey, Lolo," I said as he sat on my lap while I watched tv.

I sat alone eating pizza in the dark with a beer in my hand. This was what my life was basically filled with, take out food, beer, tv and my cats. I didn't mind but the loneliness bothered me sometimes. I did want someone to curl up in bed with, someone to feel the warmth of while I slept.

The last relationship I had was two years ago with a boy I had met who used to come into the store. He was sweet and we were happy together and we lived here together but he got an amazing opportunity with a scholarship to University of San Diego and he thought about turning it down to stay with me but I told him he was crazy and made him go off. We tried long distance for a little bit but it just didn't work out and we decided to end it.

I was heartbroken for the longest time before I was able to move on. And now I think that I was finally able to move on and find someone new but I wasn't sure exactly how to do that. It's been a while since I've done anything, I could barely even remember how to flirt anymore, I was basically just like an awkward walking playdough man who barely showered.

Out of a last minute decision, I decided to download the Grindr app and make myself a profile. But after looking at other photos, I decided to not message them and just head to bed instead, my mind still trailing back to the app.

Three days later and I sat behind the counter when a familiar little boy walked in, thankfully tailed by his dad this time.

"Hey, Miles, want me to go get Mitch?" I asked.

He nodded and I went up to my apartment before coming back down with my cat. He walked around the store while Miles followed, petting him happily.

"Alright," I muttered, reaching underneath the counter. "I got all three issues, wasn't sure if you wanted all of them or just the first."

"How much would all three be?" Frank asked.

"About seventy dollars," I said.

"Oh, wow, that's more expensive than I thought it would be," he said.

"Limited edition," I said with a small shrug.

"Yeah, okay, I'll get them," Frank said.

He paid for them and I bagged up the comics before handing them to him.

"Thanks," He said.

I smiled, giving him his change.

"Alright, Miles, we've gotta head out," he said. "Let's go."

Miles looked unhappy to leave but followed him out anyways, reaching up to hold Frank's hand. I sighed, stocking the other comics I had gotten within the shipment. But I finished that quickly and sat behind the counter on my phone.

I glanced at the Grindr app, which I have yet to open, because tapping on it. I looked through the profiles and sighed. Just one hook up, I am really getting tired of my right hand. But who was I supposed to choose? How do I start a message? There were so many different people here, some too burly for me, some too far, some too much of a bottom. I noticed one with tattoos and smiled.

Tattoos? Yes please.

From the image he didn't look too buff but not completely let go either. I could only see his jaw and the tattoos on his bare chest. That's when I realized his tattoos looked familiar. Whose were they? I don't have many friends with tattoos.

Frank.

Oh my god, Frank is on Grindr. Should I message him? That's weird, I can't do that. But I already know him, a hook up wouldn't be as awkward if I already know him. But that really doesn't make it any less weird, I've only talked to him like three times. I can't message him.

But as I looked through the other profiles none of them really intrigued me that much. I just kept thinking back to frank and I took a deep breath before I went to his profile and decided to send him a quick message.

Gerard: hey

I set my phone down but kept checking it every few seconds but didn't get a new message. I probably won't get a message soon, he's out with his son, I doubt he's gonna be checking his Grindr account. My stomach was twisting uneasily all day now, anticipating a message of either approval or disgust.

And it wasn't until nearly midnight that my phone buzzed with a notification. I saw a message reply from Frank and my heart nearly leaped into my throat.

Frank: hey is this Gerard from the comic shop?

Frank: sorry it took so long to answer, I have notifications turned off for this app

Okay, so he didn't seem disgusted. That's a good sign, right?

Gerard: no, it's okay

What do I say now? It can't just be a normal conversation, I wanted something more.

Frank: so, I'm assuming you messaged for other reasons than casual conversations?

Gerard: yeah...

Gerard: sorry if this is really awkward

Frank: maybe tomorrow I can come over for a beer after you close shop?

Gerard: yeah, that sounds really good

Frank: great, see you then x

I blushed, setting my phone down.

The next day passed by slowly but soon enough it began to get late. I waited and smiled when I saw Frank, unlocking the door to let him in.

"Hey," I said, bringing him up to my apartment.

I had cleaned it up nice and made sure to even shower. I sat on the couch with him after grabbing two beers.

"Sorry if I made some things a little bit awkward," I said.

"No, it's okay," Frank said. "I'm glad I'm here."

I blushed, playing with my hands nervously. Frank reached over, gently holding my hand. His lips pressed against mine and he pulled me close. My heart skipped a beat and I stood up, holding his hand. I brought him to the bed and laid down, pulling him with me on top of me.

Frank kissed my neck and I gasped softly, hooking a leg around his waist to pull his body down against mine. His hips slowly rocked down, grinding against me. I moaned, tangling my hands into his hair. His hands made his way under my shirt, pushing it up my chest. A small whine left my lips when his fingers brushed over my nipples. I sat up to help him take my shirt off before I was pushed back to the mattress and he kissed my neck, making his way down to my chest.

His tongue grazed over my nipple and I gasped, tangling my hands into his hair. He kissed down along my hips and I panted softly as I watched him press his tongue against the growing bulge in my jeans. I pulled him back up and kissed him, pulling at his shirt. Frank pulled it off and tossed it aside.

"You're so pretty," he mumbled.

My eyes grazed over the tattoos that painted his skin. It seemed to cover almost every inch of his skin. It covered his tanned olive skin, painting it in a way that somehow made him even hotter. There seemed to be a giant nuke on his chest, a pair of doves on his hips just above the waist of his jeans.

He pulled at my jeans and I lifted my hips to help him pull them off me along with my boxers. It's been a while since I've been with someone and I could feel my body thrumming with energy and excitement. The pooling heat was building up as I looked up at him where he kneeled in between my legs.

I pulled off his belt and he stood out, pulling his jeans off a little too quickly, which I was thankful for because I wasn't the only one who was overly-eager about finally getting laid again. It's been so long, I couldn't wait to just have him inside me, I was growing more and more impatient with ever agonizingly slow second that passed by.

"D-do you have a condom and some lube?" He asked.

I nodded and sat up, reaching into the nightstand to grab a silver foil package and a bottle of unscented lube.

"You okay?" Frank asked.

"Better than okay," I said with a small smile.

Frank smiled and gave me a kiss, pushing me back down against the bed. I sucked in a breath as hips ground down against mine slowly. He grabbed the bottle of lube and smeared some over his fingers. I spread my legs a little wider as he pressed his fingers against my hole.

"Tell me if I'm going to fast, okay, Baby?" He asked.

I smiled, a small blush on my face from the little pet name. Frank pushed in a finger and I whimpered, thankful that there wasn't too much pain. It may have been a while since I've been laid by another guy but I sure as hell put my fingers to good use.

I bit my lip as he worked with the finger and he didn't take long before he added a second finger. The burn wasn't too bad, he used a rather generous amount of lube, thankfully. He scissored his fingers before pushing them deeper, brushing against my prostate.

"Ah, fuck," I whimpered.

Frank bit his lip and pumped his fingers in and out, continuing to hit that spot  when he added a third one. I was basically a writhing mess on the bed when he just kept finger fucking me and I wasn't sure how much longer I would actually be able to hold it.

"I-I'm ready," I said. "Please fuck me."

He pulled his fingers away and opened up the condom wrapper, rolling the rubber onto himself. Frank slicked himself up with lube before slowly pushing into me. I let out a soft breath, pleasure and pain both washing over me. Frank's jaw dropped, a quiet groan leaving his lips. I could tell then that it's also been a while since the last time he was laid, his face showed he was trying his hardest to not just pound me right then.

Frank slowly bottomed out and paused, letting me adjust to his size. There was a bit of a stinging pain from the stretch but the downright lust was masking it slightly.  He slowly began to rock his hips, burying his face down into the crook of my neck. I moaned, pulling him closer. I wrapped my arms around his neck, letting out a soft breath.

"Fuck," I whimpered. "Ah shit."

Frank snapped his hips harder, kissing and sucking my neck. I cried out when he hit my prostate, pulling at his hair. I got a grunt in response, which made me pull a little harder. He gasped, pounding me harder.

"I-I'm not gonna last much longer," I whimpered.

I felt him nod in agreement, his hot breath fanning over the pale skin on my neck. My body rocked on the mattress with every thrust of his hips, the sound of skin slapping against skin mingling in the air with the moans and creaky bed springs.

"Oh fuck, fuck I'm close," I whimpered.

His hand wrapped around my erection, spurring me on closer and closer to my orgasm. The pooling heat was beginning to coil up and tighten into a knot that wanted nothing more than to just release.

His thumb ran over my tip and I cried out, my hips jerking. He just kept hitting that spot inside me, making me gasp for air and claw at his back. Warmth and pleasure washed over me all at once as that tight knot came undone in the pit of my stomach and I  came in a sticky mess over his hand and stomach. It didn't take long for him to finish in the condom and he rode out both our orgasms before he pulled out.

I gasped, laying back against the mattress sleepily. He tied the condom up and tossed it in the trash, using a tissue to wipe me off. He curled up next to me and I smiled softly as I blushed.

"Fuck," I muttered.

Frank smiled and gave me a soft kiss.

"So, I don't mean to make it awkward by asking this but are you going to stay the night?" I asked.

"I have to get back to relieve the babysitter soon," he said. "Although I would love to stay here in bed with you."

"I don't mean to sound rude or anything but how old were you when you had Miles?" I asked.

"It's okay," he said. "I had him when I was sixteen."

"And his mom..." I trailed off, looking at him.

"She's not in the picture anymore," he said. "But that's best for us, I prefer it just being me and him together."

"How old is he?" I asked.

"He is about to turn five," he said.

I smiled softly, looking at the proud look on his face.

"He's adorable," I said.

Frank nodded and glanced at the clock before sitting up.

"I wish that I could stay here longer," he said. "But my babysitter is only seventeen and frankly I worry about her staying too late."

I sat up, watching him get dressed as I pulled my blanket up over my lap.

"Maybe we can do this again?" I asked nervously.

He nodded, pulling on his shirt.

"And maybe we can go out to the movies beforehand," he said.

"Yeah, yeah, that sounds great," I agreed.

He smiled, giving me a kiss that lingered for a moment with a small spark.

"I'll see you later," he said quietly.

I nodded, smiling softly as I got up and pulled on some boxers. I followed him down, locking the door behind him. I looked around at my empty comic shop with a small smile, happiness washing over me as I went back upstairs and fell asleep to thoughts of Frank.