Hello! Bet you didn't expect for this to be updated today. Please leave comments, even the dumbest thing that comes to your mind while reading a specific sentence, I absolutely love it. 

— 

"Come to me, trust in your dream. Come on and rescue me. Yes I have known, I can be wrong. Maybe I'm too headstrong; our love is madness."

— 'Madness' by Muse. 

Thanksgiving arrived after a surplus of blurred days, inspiring Frank to awaken earlier than normal to begin preparing his recipe for a honeyed ham his mother preferred over turkey and his countless other sides he'd be stirring up that day. To his relief, his mother was an alleged master of mashed potatoes and sautéed veggies, simpler treats that didn't involve such hazardous preparations. Still, as they quietly waltzed around the kitchen going about their precise recipes, Frank kept a careful eye on her to assure she wouldn't run into trouble during her ministrations, finding he was pleasantly surprised by the natural motions of her skill as she skinned the potatoes and seasoned the veggies in a large bowl as she waited for the water to boil. He supposed getting the hang of a singular recipe couldn't have been too difficult even for those who weren't kitchen-savvy. 

They spread out their dishes on the table during the later afternoon, varying from steaming platters of greens to glazed honeyed ham resting at the very center of the table in a specially crafted china plate Linda only brought out for the most extravagant of holidays. Frank proudly rested his yams and vegan mac and cheese beside his mother's contributions, piling their plates as his mouth watered, a consequence of the appetite he built all day long in order to devour as much as he possibly could for dinner, vowing he wouldn't stop until he swore his gut was about to burst. 

Linda's was a tad lenient and misty-eyed at the table to be celebrating a holiday with her son for the first time in too long, filling Frank's glass midway with red wine and only offering a brief warning that she wouldn't tolerate requests for more since she was already being gracious. Frank, ecstatic and ravenous, happily dug into his food beside his mother and savored every mouthful of expensive wine Linda purchased weeks prior since their grocery stores tended to run low on the best brands and most conveniently sized bottles the closer they drifted to Thanksgiving. 

Dining in comfortable quiet accompanied by the comforting sound of Frank Sinatra streaming quietly from the television, Frank's phone which he forgot to silence after laying it on the counter dinged thrice, causing him to pause for a moment just before he shoveled another small pile of fluffy potatoes into his mouth. Color burst over his cheeks and he quickly looked down, taking his mouthful and pretending he hadn't heard the messages. 

"That your dad?" Linda asked curiously, swirling her wine in her glass. 

"Um . . . probably. Maybe he's filling me in on what he's getting up to today." Frank went along with Linda's assumption, the sound of it coming out far squeakier than he intended. He cleared his throat, lightly thumping his chest with a loosely curled fist to act as though the reason for his higher pitch was all physical. 

"What's that blush for then?" Linda teasingly remarked as she caught the infamous Iero flush brightening the color in Frank's face, the revealer of all secrets and masked emotion. 

"It's really nothing, mom. I just— I was just remembering something embarrassing." 

"Hmm . . . you don't think I've noticed how much you've been texting and checking your phone these past few days?" 

Frank nearly choked while swallowing down a clump of veggies. His face was burning unbelievably hot, Frank realized he'd hit a wall in making up sore excuses when his mother was way more observant than he gave her credit for. Much to his despair. Frank was aware of how checking his phone for messages was becoming habitual, as much as he knew the way his heart took off in a stumbling sprint each time an incoming ding alerted him of a new response leaving him frantically reaching for his phone. His elated heart would fall if any message was from someone he hadn't anticipated greatly, only to swallow down a fluttering breath as the person he longed to talk to finally messaged him back as his fingers flew over the screen in response to one of his friends. 

"You gave your number to someone you like?" Linda continued with her presumptions that predicted reality too accurately for Frank to be comfortable with. He imagined it was a mother's intuition, something Frank lacked, but only partially. He understood for a fleeting moment why Gerard was frustrated over Frank's ability to read his emotions and mannerisms better than the average person. 

"I . . . I don't. Well, I don't entirely know if I, um. Like him." Frank sputtered out only for his eyes to flash open wide, his fork clattering against his plate as he realized he revealed the gender. 

Linda's surprised laugh matched well with her aura that didn't shift away from its content air, much to Frank's relief. His mother was supportive of his sexuality, but it still made his heart pound imagining the day where he'd bring home a guy or even mention he was interested in one. 

"You wouldn't get so nervous if you didn't, Frankie." Linda paused for a moment to cut a piece of her ham, taking a small bite. "Who's the kid? If that's okay to ask." 

It was perfectly okay for Linda to show interest; it was expected, as a matter of a fact, but Frank hesitated admitting anything. He toyed with his lip ring for a contemplative moment, pushing the teeth of his fork along his pile of mashed potatoes to pierce patterns into the surface. He remembered the first time Gerard was mentioned at the table, Linda was even happy to find out if it was worth a shot before Frank had many positive thoughts about him. Her opinions seemed to differ from the people around him who viewed Gerard and his family as freakish, anti-social people unworthy of wasting anyone's time on. 

"Well— first off, we're friends. It's not really a new thing, we just had some disagreements in the past. But I think everything's okay now. We exchanged numbers before break and, um. He's actually the one who brought me home early that day." Frank brought up the time he informed Linda he arrived home early due to faintness, but he'd brushed off the most eventful part of it all by mentioning a friend had brought him home, not specifying which one. 

"That was nice of him to do." Linda commented briefly, but went silent again to allow Frank to continue, her eyebrows raised curiously. 

Frank fidgeted in his seat. "It's Gerard Way." 

Having raised her wine to her lips, Linda quickly drew it away as shock colored her features, her eyes growing wide. A little laugh slipped past her out of pure amazement as she analyzed her child in case he was kidding her. Frank pressed his lips together, nodding a few times so she'd understand he wasn't playing at a joke. 

"Oh!" Realization dawned over Linda and she set her glass down, pleasantly surprised. "Oh, Frank, that's great. He's a really good choice for you." 

"Mom," Frank groaned, "He's not a choice. I don't know where this is going, I honestly feel like he's . . . too good for me." Frank sounded unsure because he was. Sometimes, he sensed something different either in Gerard physically or in his responses, the small comments or compliments he'd drop sometimes during their exchange of messages. Nothing was clear to Frank when Gerard was so good at keeping things hidden. 

"No one's too good for my son. You shouldn't see yourself as less compared to anyone, Frank, you're an amazing kid." Linda softened, completely earnest. 

Frank appreciated her efforts, but he didn't think she'd feel differently if she was in a similar situation with a being as ethereal and strange as Gerard. Nonetheless, the shadow of a smile fell over his lips. 

"It's just a little difficult since he's weirdly perfect in a lot of ways." Frank caught himself in the things he admitted and sighed, shaking his head and dropping his eyes down to his lap. "I don't really know how I feel yet. Adam thinks I like him, I'm always quick to deny it." 

"You're still so young. Things get confusing, especially feelings. I just don't think you should fight getting a little crush on this one because he might be the best choice for you out of most kids in this town." 

"No one's too good for me because they're not good enough?" Frank tittered.

Linda sheepishly smiled and shook her head. "That's not exactly what I meant. I know a few things about Gerard because I work with his mother, he'd be a good influence on you. That's all I'm saying." 

If only Linda knew how aggravating Gerard could be sometimes, setting off showering sparks in Frank that ignited a furious fire that could blaze for days on end. Frank supposed he allowed it all to get to him more than he should've, still unable to understand how someone could get under his skin so easily, so deeply that he swore he felt Gerard in his lungs sometimes. 

Tracing patterns into the table with the light tip of his finger, Frank nodded. "If things go in that direction, you'll know. For now, it's all about learning things and taking it day by day." Unraveling secrets and lurking in the unknown to reach Gerard's hand extended out for him to take. 

Linda agreed and they resumed their meals, slowly returning to their enthusiastic appetites until they were soothed by full bellies and palates left with the lingering taste of delicious food. They drained the rest of their wine, rising out of their seats after a long moment of sitting over small conversation to cut into the only store-bought products Frank grabbed last minute, a pumpkin pie and a small pumpkin cheesecake with dollops of sweet cream surrounding the flaky crust. 

Halfway through the pie and steaming mugs of freshly brewed coffee, Linda gently rested her hand atop of Frank's and caught his attention with her tender gaze and smile lifting the corners of her lips filled in with red lipstick. 

"Thank you for being such a good sport today, honey. I know you and your dad always get up to something way more fun than this, but I had a lovely time. I appreciate you cooking so much and having dinner with me." 

Frank felt the looming threat of tears prickling in his ducts just behind his eyes which rapidly blinked as he processed the influx of unexpected kindness. He truly had a soft spot for his mother, no matter how much distance had been placed between them over the years, and he could only see it increasing the longer he lived under her roof. 

"Love you, mom." Frank turned his hand over to give his mother's a squeeze, smiling fondly at her. 

Linda didn't need to return the sentiment out loud when it was clear in her warm aura, the twinkle in her eyes as she beamed and tilted her head to the side ever so slightly, her pride emitting from her and hitting Frank in all the places  he ached that day to hardly be acknowledged by anyone involved in his old life he abandoned temporarily in California. 

After packing away the leftovers and cleaning up, Frank took a long shower and retired to his room for the remainder of the evening, considering picking up a cigarette when the itch yanked at him again incessantly, but he would stay true to his attempt at quitting. He collapsed onto his bed and stayed there for a long moment listening to the drizzle of rain drumming against the rooftop when he suddenly remembered the messages he received at dinner. 

Frank rolled over onto his back and felt for his phone, finding the cool surface on his bedding after a few pats. His heart started with a lilting rhythm to see Gerard's name appear on the screen along with three unread text messages. Frank opened them eagerly, finding two images and their context. 

The images were of the most lavish Christmas tree Frank had ever seen in his lifetime embellished in crystal and glass ornaments alike, antique toys hung on the lush branches and ribbons of shiny silk capturing the glow of the pale yellow lights strung in rows. The tree had to be as high as Frank's ceiling, undoubtedly one of the largest kind, and from the looks of the expensive wooden floors and elaborate drapes brushing a grand piano, it was a tree fit for an opulent house. The topper was a gorgeous angel, her porcelain skin painted with a rosy hue in her cheeks, her gown made of flowing robes and golden streamers as pleasant a shade of yellow as her curls. 

Gerard: Looks like we found some holiday spirit today after all. Brought out the heirloom ornaments and everything. But I think my favorite part is the angel.

Frank's mouth moved up in a gradual smile. He quickly tapped out a reply, guilty that he made Gerard wait so long for a response. 

Frank: everything's so beautiful, i'm jealous. our tree is usually a little sparse with sports themed decor thanks to my dad unless i convince him to put ordinary red and white ornaments, lol. also, sorry i didn't reply sooner— family dinner. 

Frank rested his phone down on his chest once he sent out his reply and shut his eyes for a moment. His phone dinged almost instantly, his heart hammering against his ribcage all of a sudden as his eager fingers wrapped around his device. 

Gerard: Did your famous Thanksgiving stuffing come out divine as I imagine it must have?

Frank grinned, a small giggle slipping out subconsciously. 

Frank: it was so good gordon ramsey would be throwing in the towel for good! 

Gerard: Your fine cuisine would make stiff competition indeed. 

Gerard: Happy Thanksgiving, Frank. I thought of you the entire time we were putting up our tree.

Frank's breath skipped and continued in an irregular pattern, taking after his frantically pumping heart doing a poor job at containing itself in his ribcage. Frank set down his phone for a second, staring up at the ceiling with large eyes and pink cheeks. When he managed to pick up his phone again, he skimmed over the message a dozen times before shakily typing out his response. 

Frank: i've been thinking about you, too, gerard.

No words had been more truthful, but it was the vulnerability causing Frank's palms to grow slick over their fine tingles and his stomach somersaulted as it dawned on him that no pair of strictly platonic friends reacted or spoke to each other the way he and Gerard did. Frank wasn't sure what to do with himself as his body seized with anticipation and a tinge of fear once another notification rang out. Frank hesitantly picked up his phone and opened the message. 

Gerard: Don't miss me too much. We still have a long weekend left before school returns. Goodnight, Frank. xo. 

Frank's tongue darted over his dry lips and he turned over onto his belly to bury his burning face in his soft pillow. Letting out a short yell muffled by the fabric, Frank suffocated there until he absolutely needed to take a breath or he'd short circuit. Frank curled his arms around the pillow and cuddled up against it, digital words flashing repetitively through his head until he had to go back and view them again and again. The 'xo' portion of Gerard's message caused Frank's head to spin, only that time, it wasn't in an infuriating manner, it was something that made his breath tangle and his body heat up, his hands becoming nervous and fidgety. 

Riding his high and moving on impulse, Frank grabbed his phone, his thumbs flying. 

Frank: let's hang out on saturday?

Frank tore into his lower lip, holding his breath as a few minutes passed, leaving him to regret his decision until Gerard eventually responded. 

Gerard: My parents are dragging us out for a camping trip all weekend. Raincheck? We can grab a bite soon, it'll be on me.

Although Frank's heart sank with disappointment, he wasn't left too unsatisfied when Gerard softly reassured it wasn't that he didn't want to hang out, offering another chance at it in the future. Frank's lips quirked up at the corners and he melted into his bed, typing out an agreement and sending a goodnight text. 

The room was bathed in darkness and he was curled up underneath his covers when he realized attempting to slow his sprinting heart wasn't feasible, it couldn't resist gliding at thousands of miles per hour each time his thoughts directed towards Gerard, who he couldn't shake from his mind in the slightest. 

It was possible those assuming Gerard began creeping his way into Frank's heart were right all along. Frank pressed a finalizing groan into his pillow before rolling over and pinching his eyes shut until he eventually dozed off into the place where even his imagination held a certain fondness for someone he once believed he'd resent forever. 

— 

Thanksgiving break passed in an uneventful blur aside from a long awaited phone call from Frank's father filling him in on his most recent adventures and quickly checking in with Frank to make sure he hadn't deteriorated miserably just yet. Frank assured him he didn't think it would escalate to that point, but his father was skeptical, reminding Frank that he was welcome to return to them if at any point he couldn't survive another cloudy day spent yearning for the sun and familiar sights. Frank was a bit surprised by the generous offer, having started to believe his father felt relieved without the burden of caring for his child when he could've been spending his honeymoon era with his new wife doing the job he loved, but his heart was touched and it alleviated some of the bittersweetness of being happy for his father but accepting things were shifting in their lives, headed towards the day where they'd no longer be as close. 

Frank's distractions consisted of watching movies, reading, playing guitar, and spending a day out with his mother to shop for more weather appropriate clothes such as thicker jackets, comfortable hoodies, and sweatpants to lounge around the house in. All of it kept his mind partially away from Gerard who wasn't able to reply to any text messages due to no signal while up in the mountains. Frank tried to act as if it meant little to him, but he noticed the silence, his thoughts were infiltrated with key moments and words exchanged between them that caused him to drift out to sea. He always rowed back to shore and reprimanded himself for his growing attachment, knowing  he needed to proceeded towards the sudden change in tone with caution and he couldn't get too comfortable with the lighthearted swing of things in case he faced bitter disappointment again. But he reluctantly admitted that he quickly grew used to the copious amounts of communication during the few days he had it, a dangerous thing. Frank actually missed Gerard and began to wonder if Gerard missed him, too, sending him into a hurricane of confusion over where this left him, not knowing what to do with his new feelings. 

There was a single occasion uplifting Frank's spirits, breaking away some of the growing distress complicating things to another level. The day where sunlight broke through the thinning clouds and brilliantly shined over the damp grounds, beams cutting through glistening pine needles and melting the traces of snow and ice stubbornly resting on every surface they could reach. Gold stained the gloomy hues of Astoria and Frank couldn't be anything other than ecstatic over its appearance.

Luckily for him, it was on the exact day school resumed, allowing him to bask in it as much as he could while situated in an outdoor setting. 

"What's with you skipping around and tossing daises all over the place, man?" Ray asked with a quirked eyebrow as Frank joined them outside where all the tables had been transferred so the students could revel in the rare occurrence blessing their small town.

"I feel like I haven't seen the sun in years. It's just really good to see it again." Frank shrugged with a faint smile permanently situated on his lips. He cracked open his sparkling lemonade and his eyes passed over the amused glances his friends exchanged.

"C'mon, it's understandable. Imagine being bathed in sun for years and suddenly hardly ever seeing it." Kayleigh propped herself up on the table, swinging her legs in front of her. "I'm pretty happy about it, too, none of you can say you don't get it."

"Enjoy it while it lasts, 'cause sunlight always get swallowed whole by rainclouds in a split second out here." Adam stole a chip from Ray who simply allowed it to happen unlike his other friends who would smack his thief of a hand away from their belongings.

"Where's Frances?" Ray scanned the crowd.

"Hiding from Frank."

"Hey." Kayleigh clicked her tongue disapprovingly and swatted Adam's arm with her folder. He gestured wildly in a way saying he'd only spoken the truth.

Frank sighed, a bit disheartened by someone stating the obvious. He couldn't defend himself because he knew the reasons behind her evident absence was due to his rejection. "No, he's right. I mean— you guys don't think I'm fucked up for letting her down, right? I tried to be as kind as possible about it."

"You weren't in the wrong, Frank. Adam's just fucking with you." Kayleigh rolled her eyes at the mention of him and went to reassuringly ruffle Frank's hair. "You're super sweet. Besides, you can't force a feeling. If you don't like her back, it's worse pretending you do just to keep from hurting her feelings."

"I know, but now it's unfair because in order to avoid me, she has to avoid the rest of you. At least when I'm around."

"Frances will get over it. She's definitely one to go a little above and beyond, but she'll come back around." Ray joined in on alleviating Frank's guilt.

"In case you were worried, she doesn't hate you. You'll know if Frances hates you. Then you'll start praying for a quick death when she eventually hunts you down." Adam quickly skimmed his pointer finger across his neck in a cutthroat motion. Frank winced, grateful that he hadn't fucked up greatly enough to face the fiery wrath of Frances.

As his friends dove into another topic of conversation, on instinct, Frank's eyes wandered. He looked over the tables flocked with students soaking in the sunlight, searching through the sea of faces in hopes of finding a particular one he'd become used to detecting in a sea of people. No face was similar, his was a unique portrait not easily emulated; in fact, it was rather impossible. He hadn't seen any of the Ways that day, nor had any of his text messages been answered, so a droplet of worry trickled into the back of Frank's mind. Gerard hadn't explicitly stated when they were returning from their trip, but he automatically assumed they'd come back in time for school.

Kayleigh's gentle poke digging into Frank's upper arm called his attention back. He snapped his focus back, seeing her leaning over with a knowing smile as their other two friends resumed chattering amongst themselves, oblivious.

"He's not here today." Kayleigh murmured. "The Way family doesn't go to school on sunny days. Their parents take them out for outdoor stuff like hiking or camping."

Frank tensed immediately. "Oh, no, I wasn't looking for him. I was just . . ." The doubtful arch of one of Kayleigh's eyebrows and the glint in her eyes caused Frank's words to deteriorate. He pinched his mouth shut and looked down in something close to shame.

"Your friendship with him is one of the weirdest things I've ever seen, but I know you care about him. I always catch you looking around to see if he's here or not."

Frank's tongue felt heavy and dry in his mouth. He pressed it against his upper palate for a moment, irked by his transparency, but it wasn't such a demeaning feeling when Kayleigh softly mentioned it. He felt he could be a touch more honest with her while encompassed by the comfort of her warm and inviting aura, all shades of yellow and pale blue.

"I know they went on a trip this weekend, but I figured they'd be back today. I guess I was wrong about that." Frank was a little relieved to know why they were absent, but he wondered why Gerard didn't tell him they anticipated sunny weather on Monday and would be staying out to revel in it. 

Kayleigh tucked in her lips and nodded. "You guys are getting closer, aren't you?"

Frank sheepishly averted his eyes. Kayleigh made a knowing sound, lightly bumping her leg against Frank's.

"Just keep your guard up, kiddo, I'd hate to see you add another reason to hate Astoria to your list."

Frank was plenty guarded, but what he worried about the most was Gerard's ability to disarm him halfway through as though he retaliated against Frank's extra sense allowing him to dig into the many layers of Gerard's soul. Frank was allowing himself to be disarmed, on another hand, exhausted by childish games and running in constant circles leading them no where. 

Once the school day reached an end, Frank eagerly retreated to his truck and scurried back home, a selection of new books plucked from the library shelves piled in his bag to dig out once he was resting. The moment he stepped through the front door, Frank shrugged off his jacket, collecting a novel from his stack and heading out the backdoor to lounge on the porch swing previously covered in a plastic tarp weighed down by bricks to prevent the stormy weather from whisking it away. It seemed in pristine condition since the sunny weather was a rare occurrence, a long awaited one Frank intended on soaking in. 

The sunlight spilling over the porch was a golden sheen, a bit dim due to the faintest overcast rolling across its warming rays, and the weather remained chilly since they were in the midst of winter— but Frank acted as though he was lounging beside the ocean as the delicate sea breeze fanned against his skin, soaking in every beam of sunshine, tilting his face up towards the light with a subtle smile softening his content expression. He couldn't replicate the heat, but a bit of sunshine would suffice after he spend weeks yearning for it. 

Engrossed in a book with a setting that was coincidentally California of all places, Frank could almost pretend he was back home, but each time his eyes flitted up to rest after a long time spent immersed in words, the evergreens and spruce trees reminded him of his change of scenery, something like disappointment tasting bittersweet at the back of his throat. He tried gulping it down because its presence was unwanted and he intended on changing his mindset so he'd no longer be so angsty when it came to his decision to swap homes. 

God, but the near frostbite and endless sheets of ice just weren't it. Frank grunted softly and dove back into his book, fixing his slouch and rocking the swing back and forth to soothe himself. 

Within the passages, Frank caught onto a brief mention of vampires, and his mind wandered back to the story Jamia shared with him. The tall tales her parents filled her in on were something that brought her chagrin and faint terror, and although Frank admittedly broke out into a chill as he envisioned crimson-eyed predators on the prowl, fascination swept away the feeble traces of fear easily eradicated as his mind drew back to another vital element. 

The Way family and their immortalized legend supposedly weaved out of hatred. 

It wasn't possible for vampires to exist among humans. There was no feasible way they wouldn't overthrow the human race as a whole and gain superiority they naturally had over every species, if vampires truly wielded supernatural senses aiding them in capturing their prey. Frank couldn't imagine anything holding them back and never understood why in every vampire film, they lurked in the shadows, avoiding life itself and choosing to wallow in crypts until the time to feed came around. 

What Frank knew about vampires was they needed blood to survive, they disintegrated in the sunlight, slept in coffins during the day, and had distinguishable fangs they couldn't tuck away at their convenience. They also counted numbers in a Hungarian accent and wore capes. Unless that was exclusively Sesame Street's idea of a vampire, then that wasn't a credible source. 

Frank found it odd how many things about Gerard contradicted his identity as a human being. Having decided he wasn't delusional, Gerard exhibited signs of eerie speed and strength rescuing Frank from death at the scene of an imminent fatal accident. His speed was a common occurrence Frank picked up on multiple times, not to mention the way Gerard always seemed to be aware of the exact moments Frank would fall victim to his two left feet. His suspicions were already sharply alert and high, and as Frank's thoughts of vampires coexisted with thoughts of Gerard, other details began falling into place. 

If observing a few vampire movies was enough to solidify a bubbling theory, Frank picked up on similarities Gerard had to vampires; devastating beauty, the ability to charm whoever he wanted, the language and intelligence of a timeless soul. Strange eyes that seemed to glow on better days and grow dark on the worst ones, a perfect replica of onyx jewels when it wasn't possible for one's eye color to shift drastically without the help of contacts, something Frank couldn't imagine Gerard adding to his apparel. If Frank flickered through every memory he had of studying Gerard across the lunchroom, he didn't think he ever witnessed him taking a single bite of food or a sip of any beverage. 

Falling deeper into his realizations, Frank added Gerard's siblings into the equation and found they each had the same characteristics. Frank wasn't certain about speed and strength, but he wouldn't doubt it was in their capabilities. 

Lastly, the final detail shadowing over Frank's whirling mind causing him to suck in a gasp, was looking towards the direction of the sun and noting how neither of the Ways attended school on the one day the sky wasn't shrouded in clouds. A supposed camping trip kept them occupied; unless the camping trip was covering up the real reason for their absence. 

Frank snapped his book shut and leaned forward, his feet planting onto solid ground. He began laughing breathlessly at himself, raking a hand through his hair and disheveling it. Perhaps he read too much and it expanded his imagination to the point where he came up with elaborate and impossible theories. He slowly anchored himself at the reminder that vampires were red-eyed creatures that certainly wouldn't waste their time surrounded by their prey in high school of all places. Frank was so sure a bloodthirsty vampire would sit through an entire tedious hour of government class, returning home to type up a three-page report required for English II. If he was a vampire, he wouldn't think of wasting his time on such lifeless things.

Yet, what else could explain the things ordinary human beings weren't capable of? What could possibly be buried beneath the surface as Gerard challenged Frank to discover it after softly admitting without quite admitting anything at all that Frank's theory about something supernatural transpiring in Gerard weren't far from the truth? 

As if on cue, Frank's phone tucked into his back pocket vibrated twice. He jumped out of his consuming thoughts, his heart automatically reacting to the notification. Frank cursed and slipped out his phone, finding new unread texts from Gerard. 

"Speak of the devil." Frank mumbled, then sighed, admitting to himself that some part of him was relieved and joyful to see Gerard finally getting back to him. He opened the messages after a moment of trying to bat away intrusive thoughts about vampires. 

Gerard: Sunny day today, it feels wonderful. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have. It's no California weather, but it's certainly something. 

Gerard: We're headed home now. My apologies for not letting you know we'd be gone today as well. 

Frank released the breath he'd been holding while absorbing every word. He could hear the clear velvet of Gerard's voice in his mind whenever he read his messages, leaving him missing the real thing, to his never-ending surprise. Frank thought of a response for a good five minutes before eventually typing one out. 

Frank: i'll take any crumb of sunlight possible, please and thank you. i've been lounging outside since i got home and reading to take it in. preparing to be devastated tomorrow when i wake up and see the sun's gone :\

Frank: no worries, how was the trip? 

Trying to seem causal but not too aloof, Frank deemed his responses suitable and sent them all after proof-reading extra cautiously, something he normally didn't attend to when he messaged his friends, but he found a perfectionist in him when it came to speaking with Gerard. 

As Gerard relayed the pleasant details about his trip while also providing photographic evidence of specific things he came upon, Frank was filled with doubt. Ashamed of coming up with such silly theories, even. He came to a standstill for a long moment while he caught up over text with Gerard after spending a few days feeling his absence more than he anticipated. But, stepping back and looking from afar, was it truly as absurd as he made it seem while caught up in this bewitching person each time his presence was nearby? Would it be ridiculous to indulge the strange yanking intuition roiling in the pit of his gut by researching in order to make progress on his vow to find answers on his own? 

Possibly. Just as possible as the probability of Gerard being a supernatural creature hidden in plain sight, defying all odds by simply existing. Frank wasn't prepared to check off the box and move onto another elaborate guess. He cashed it in for a solid maybe, pulling in a deep breath of air and sweeping his tongue over his dry lips as he draped himself longways on the porch swing with his legs bent while reading over a brand new text message leaving Frank a step away from being completely certain of anything he felt towards—or knew about—Gerard. 

Gerard: I hope you haven't been in need of rescuing while I've been away. Don't go tripping into giant puddles before I return to school, not everyone can swoop right in and catch you in time. 

Frank rolled his eyes, a snort passing through him, and ignored the elated flutter in his clenching chest. 

— 

Back at school, Frank's eyes continuously scanned the crowds every step of the way onto the campus until he eventually jumped out of his skin at Gerard's sudden materialization beside him, silent for the split second it took him to arrive until a gentle tap on his shoulder collected all of Frank's attention. 

"You should shout my name from a distance or something so I know you're around and you won't scare the shit out of me." Frank breathed, eyes wide as saucers staring up at the amused face of Gerard which always caused his breath to catch at first from the sheer beauty of it. Gerard's hair was neater that day aside from a stray raven-colored lock falling onto his forehead, his eyes swirling pools of green nectar shining most fondly now that he was beside Frank. Frank practically swallowed his tongue whole to find Gerard was showcasing a leather jacket with the collar popped, dark colors bringing out the fairness of his flawless skin. 

"Or you could keep a special eye out for me." Gerard's lips tilted into a smirk. 

Frank huffed, thumbing at the frayed strap of his bag. If only he knew. He tore his eyes away from Gerard's unfair beauty and pretended he wasn't insanely attracted to a leather jacket of all things. "Yeah, sure. Welcome back, by the way. Ditching a few times may be healthy, but you missed a good chunk of class on Friday, don't you remember?" 

Gerard waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Make-up work isn't an issue, if that's what you're worried about. If I pay Kristin enough, she'll do the work for me." 

Frank's eyebrows darted up high. "You get your siblings to do your homework for you?"

"I don't make a habit of it, but Kristin always asks if I need anything done so she can spend the extra money on perfume or things of the sort. She's pretty materialistic, I'm not sure if you could tell by her silk blouses and diamond earrings."  

So it seemed they were more wealthy than Frank first assumed if diamonds were an obtainable thing for one of the girls. It made sense considering Donna's profession, and whatever her husband did for a living must've paid splendidly as well. 

"I haven't observed her that much." Frank's eyes searched around in case she lingered near them, coming up short, so he bit off his curiosity for the time being. "I assumed all of you must be a little bit materialistic after you sent me pictures of your giant Christmas tree." 

"Just a touch," A secretive smile touched Gerard's lips. He took a step forward, initiating them resuming their stroll along the damp pavements of the school, pointedly ignoring the boggled stares passing students gave them seeing as they still weren't over the baffling combination the pair made. Frank made it a personal goal to tune them out as well, but he thought he'd quietly mentioned it to gain insight on Gerard's thoughts. 

"You know, whenever people see us together, I can hear their jaws dragging on the floor when they walk." Frank muttered, keeping his eyes on the scuffed whites of his Converse. 

"Wouldn't you do the same seeing a wolf walk beside a rabbit?" Gerard arched one perfect eyebrow. 

"I'm the wolf, obviously."

Gerard's rare belly laugh rang out, pleasantly resonating in Frank's head and inspiring a wide grin to fall onto his mouth that couldn't resist the warmth spreading through him at the sound. 

"I suppose I could be the rabbit. You claim I have plenty of speed all the time, after all. I'd make a handsome rabbit, don't you think?" 

Frank snorted. "Don't ask me if you already know the answer." 

Frank was accustomed to their lighthearted conversations over text message, but carrying those interactions into reality instilled a great deal of wonder in him, a strange happiness he couldn't identity as anything familiar as his stomach swooped each time Gerard uttered something new for Frank to add to without retreating back to his cold demeanor. For the time being, he didn't think any of that would resurface any time soon, or at least, he hoped it wouldn't. Its reappearance would be most unwelcome. 

"Hey, I brought something for you I think you might like." Gerard redirected them to a hidden nook under the rooftop shelter of the science building where not many students wandered towards in the morning since the lab was only open after first period. 

"You did?" Frank was partially curious and partially filled with dread— he didn't often like when others gave him gifts because he wasn't sure how to adequately repay them even if they insisted it wasn't any gesture he needed to return. 

Gerard sank down on the bench, patting the open spot beside him and tugging his bag into his lap. Frank perched on the bench beside Gerard, the coldness of the metal seat soaking through his dark jeans and chilling his skin. He watched as Gerard pulled out a thick book with silver edges capturing the dull gray light shining out through the plumpness of rainclouds giving out a quieted rumble indicating another winter shower. Gerard delicately placed the book in Frank's empty lap cover side up, fingers brushing along the tasseled bookmark neatly tucked inside. 

"'The Haunting of Hill House'?" Frank read the title aloud as he drank in the pristine cover depicting a pale woman leaning against a tall tree in an ominous forest. 

"I noticed the type of books you enjoy reading and thought you might like this one. It's one of my favorites, and a classic, even before it was turned into a television series." Gerard's voice dropped into a velvety lullaby. "I picked up a copy at the bookstore on my way back from camping." 

Frank's heart stammered before he even knew how to react properly. Then, warmth circulated through his insides and caused that very same racing heart to melt like candle wax encasing his ribcage and preserving the heat. Frank wasn't fond of lavish gifts, but he was always deeply touched by the simpler gestures that completely understood Frank as a whole. It wasn't the gift itself that captured all of his tenderness, but the fact that the giver cared enough to pay close attention, tuning to his traits and mannerisms to retrieve something he wouldn't be able to resist in a million years. 

"I— wow, I honestly didn't think anyone paid that much attention. I don't really talk about books or read in front of people, it's something I like to do when I'm alone so I can fully focus." Frank's fingertips grazed the glossy cover as a smile broke out over his face. 

"I pay attention." Gerard murmured. Frank looked up and met his eyes that had softened the way his voice had, violets and bluebells emitting in a wave of spring reaching over the glaciers, and Frank nearly choked up. His ears burned at the tips with an impending flush and he held Gerard's gaze to never let go of the exquisite fragment of the meadows Gerard normally kept hidden. 

"Thank you, Gerard. I can't wait to read it. If it's one of your favorites, then I bet I'll love it." Frank resisted the urge to lean towards Gerard and wrap an arm around him in a normal grateful gesture, but some part of him warily alerted him to keep the smallest trace of caution present no matter how comfortable he felt. 

"Perhaps it'll let your imagination run as wild as possible," Gerard took a brief pause, a crooked smile missing a small percentage of its humor appearing on his face, "Which will aid you as you come up with your most intriguing theories about me." 

Frank's mind instantly whipped back to his previous revelations that weren't quite revelations at all as much as they were . . . suggestions at possibility. Dryness webbed over his tongue as fleeting images of various versions of vampires flashed quickly before his eyes as a result of curious internet surfing just to gain more insight on the way they were meant to look— often fanged creatures with pointed ears and pallid skin, at times appearing more demonic than human, raking claws for fingers and contorted facial features surrounding formidable glowing eyes. 

It was so bizarre that Frank contemplated putting that theory to rest and never mentioning it, but as he was ensnared in Gerard's hypnotizing gaze again that nearly glowed as bright as a vampire's leer in the darkness, his disbelieving snort choked up in his throat, swallowed down harshly along with a large percentage of his doubt. 

"I have a new theory," Frank said in a low whisper. "But I don't want to tell you about it just yet because I'm not fully certain. I'll need a little more time." 

Gerard's eyes sparked brightly, his jaw hardening in spite of trying to seem passive. He forced a curling smile and chuckled, contradicting the waves of dread he succumbed to. "Does this theory happen to include kryptonite and red capes?" 

At that, the apples of Frank's cheeks reddened and his face dropped as a breathy laugh escaped him. "No, it's not another superhero thing. I've pretty much moved past that, I think." 

A moment of silence followed that Frank spent keeping his gaze pointed down at the new book resting in his lap. 

Breaking the silence, Gerard murmured, "Is it because you've realized I'm not the good guy after all?" 

Brows knitting together for a split second, Frank huffed out an exasperated sigh at the cryptic and self pitying narrative making yet another appearance. 

"You're not a villain. We've established this, I'm not going to argue with you on it anymore, but I will tell you this— if you were dangerous, if you're really going to hurt me intentionally, I'd know." Frank had the advanced intuition to prove it. 

It seemed to take Gerard back a step, brows lifting and then creasing. He looked out in the distance to absorb Frank's word as defeat sank in, leaving Frank somewhat pleased that he had a lasting impression possibly strong enough to change Gerard's perspective about himself. 

The school bell trilled through the speaker above their heads and Frank shrunk in on himself at the blasting volume so close to his ears. Heaving a reluctant sigh, he carefully tucked his new book into his bag. 

"I'm just saying that I'm not scared of you and whatever the truth may be, I still won't believe you're the bad guy." Frank rose from the bench, surprised to find Gerard abruptly doing the same far more gracefully than he had. 

"You say that now, but I don't think you have any idea how petrified I am of you discovering the truth and running away from me." The rawness in Gerard's eyes was fully unguarded as his suffering made itself known out in the open in combination with his internal frostbite awaiting for warmth. From the way he intently gazed into Frank's eyes and drank in each of his features, it was as though Frank's warmth was the kind he needed most, the one he yearned for, leaving Frank stunned in his spot only inches away from Gerard. 

Frank cleared the cotton sensation in his mouth, his heart banging in his chest. "Why would you say that? I'm never gonna run from you." 

"I don't want you to regret involving yourself with me. I've given you plenty of warnings, none of them worked." 

"Because I know the kind of person you are underneath whatever it is you're hiding," Frank persisted. "I feel things other people can't. You try to keep people out, but I know what's really inside you." 

"What would that be?" 

Frank swallowed hard. "Something I want to run towards. Not away from." 

Gerard wrenched out a mirthless smile, so faint it may as well have been a phantom floating across his lips. He reached out, a movement making Frank's breath halt altogether, and turned  his hand over so his knuckles faintly grazed Frank's blushing cheek with the chilly kiss of his pale skin. Frank nearly swallowed his air when he finally managed to shakily inhale. He couldn't fathom how good a delicate touch felt, how everything within him seemed to pause and flourish all at once the second the shock passed. 

"I can't blame you if you change your mind in the end, Frank. Yet I know it would break my heart if you did, and that's the worst part about being your friend over being your enemy." 

Anguish so palpable bombarded Frank in an instant at the mere mention of them ever reverting to how they were before they gave into their odd gravitation towards each other. The iciness spreading through Frank's chest gave him the impression it radiated off of Gerard, but after a moment of taking it in, he realized it was all his own. 

Frank impulsively wrapped his hand around Gerard's wrist. "I'm not going anywhere. You have to promise me you aren't either even if I find out the truth. You can't give me this opportunity to find out if you're just gonna— if you're gonna leave." 

Gerard's eyes burned into the place where their skin touched, wide and wild for a moment before he pulled his hand away, leaving Frank with a punch of rejection to deal with. The passion simmering in his eyes was almost enough to heal Frank from it. 

"As if I could easily abandon the only person who knows so much and still looks at me with compassion." Gerard's whisper blazed across Frank's skin nearly as much as his touch had, imbedded in him to the point where Frank didn't think he could ever rid of him. He was everywhere, no cleanse could completely eradicate Gerard's presence as he gradually became a part of Frank. 

Frank opened his mouth to come up with some response, all of his emotions knotting thickly in his throat and longing to be spat out even if he wished to silence them until he was officially ready to let them be known, but the loud sound of the echoing tardy bell made everything drain away dizzying quickly. 

Frank swore, scrambling in place. He stalked forward, grasping Gerard's arm for a brief pause and connecting their eyes. "If your objective is to scare me off, then I suggest trying a lot harder, Gerard. I'm one step away from figuring out what you are. But if anything you've said today is true, then you'll just have to accept that nothing about you can change the way I feel." 

It was ambiguous, but Frank hoped its impact would trace Gerard towards its core, the most soft confession to the ways Gerard made him feel without literal words needing to be spilled out. Frank knew that as he rushed to his first class of the day breathlessly that the lingering burn of Gerard's touch in his skin and the erratic thump of his heart indicated something truly brutal to come to terms with knowing things would never be simple, but as it steadily began consuming him, Frank longed for the fire to blaze like in inferno in his soul. 

Frank wasn't ready for it, yet he was all the same, his arms were held out to take the fall gracefully. 

—

Days later, Frank stood alone in the parking lot, eyes locked on the enigmatic Way family. Their movements were full of grace, limbs similar in the way they glided across the slick pavement in sync with one another, emitting an air of superiority and beauty enough to make a grieving widow's eyes sparkle with fascination even if she believed none other than her beloved could ever lay to rest with her heart. Frank's entire being succumbed to a nervous feeling that day, balanced on a live wire threateningly sparking below his feet, something approaching in the horizon which constantly drew him back to the flock of ethereal people who couldn't possibly be as human as himself or others surrounding them, otherwise their appearance and auras would be inconspicuous, too mundane to captivate every pair of eyes daring to settle upon them while they were in motion. 

As they paused in front of a flashy convertible vehicle separated from the rest of the cars taking off now that school was no longer in session, their eyes moved between one another, as though telepathic words were being exchanged, their faces stony as whatever infiltrated their thoughts was a somber topic they couldn't bring themselves to speak on out loud. Frank was desperate to break into their minds and uncover the countless secrets, dip his fingers into the vault of hidden identities even if he was driven insane by the knowledge; no loss of sanity could compare to the wildness he experienced being left in the dark. 

All eyes flickered over to Frank. Alicia's jaw clenched harshly and her stare was miles more venomous than the curious eyes of Kristin clinging to the arm of Mikey who looked on with caution. 

Last was Gerard, overbrimming with passion and agony, but that time, Frank had a reason to believe his passion was inspired by Frank's heart which he could only dream of offering to him, curling delicately around Frank's throat. He was unsure if it would strangle the breath out of him or lovingly caress his skin, the place where his eyes flitted towards so often. The place where his family's eyes darted to before warily turning to Gerard again. 

Words taken from an obscure website supposedly carrying the truth about all supernatural beings resounded in his mind. 'You need not to stare a while to capture a vampire's attention. They will always know when your eyes fall upon them, when your thoughts of them have suffocated you, when you're seized and so vulnerable that becoming their prey would be an act of seduction to you instead of a death wish  Beware the vampire with the face of an angel and the soul of ice.'

At that moment, watching the Way family's eyes flash from a distance, Frank could no longer provide the benefit of the doubt as much as he had been. Fantasy wasn't to be disregarded. The weight of possibly pierced through the protective walls full of skepticism and invaded the realm of his mind that would puzzle the pieces together in multiple rotations now that he was given another piece, on the verge of fitting them all into place and deciphering the hidden image. 

As revelation became inevitable and grew nearer every day, as did the danger of the cold-skinned entities making an everlasting impact on Frank's life; the invisible bite of the possible vampires residing in Astoria. 

—— 

Ugh I just love writing about Frank falling in love without even needing to say the words, it's so cute. I hope you guys are ready as I am for the next chapter cause it's a HUGE movement for the plot, this chapter is us slowly easing into it. 

Let me know your thoughts! And please tell me you actually like Gerard here because I know he's very back and forth but that's just how Twilight is supposed to be since no humans are supposed to know about vampires, haha, I hope you're enjoying him and the rest of this story. 

-rosexo