3rd Person POV

Gerard was not surprised to find another note in the same closet he had originally been finding them in, but that's not to say that he wasn't delighted.

This one seemed to have a very particular rhyme scheme to it.

I want to fall in love
I want to be in control
I don't care if I get hurt
Or if it takes a toll

I want to be able to live
I want to be able to fly
I want to be able to see
I want to be able to try

If it's something I truly wish for
It's something that I should achieve
So if you're feeling the same way
I beg you not to leave

Continue with me on this path
For perhaps ours one day shall meet
And if and when that day comes
Together we'll retreat

We can live out a story
We can run our own plot
Would you like to do that with me?
Because I'd like that a lot.

xofrnk

This was a completely different tone from the last poem that Frank wrote. Gerard considered the last poem as a frustrated letter, but he saw this one as a risky love note.

Gerard decided that he wanted to be able to talk to Frank about these types of things, but he didn't know how. He couldn't just walk right up to him about it. They had only known each other for around three days now, and he wasn't sure if Frank trusted him like that yet.

Suddenly, as if right on queue, Gerard came up with something.

He looked around the closet in search for a piece of paper. He finally found one and set it down on the ground, pulling out a black pen to write with.

He began writing a letter back to Frank.

Hello Frank.
You probably have noticed that all your letters have gone missing. That's because I've been picking them up and reading them. I must say, I truly love your work. You have such a poetic way of writing things, and all your work is very implicit. Some of it is hard to decipher, but that's what makes it interesting in my opinion. I'd love if you wrote me another poem and perhaps a letter replying to this one? Thanks a bunch.
~Anonymous

He folded the letter in a unique way, and placed in on the ground in front of him. He had already put Frank's poem into his pocket. He decided that he would come back later today to check on a reply from Frank. He would also give Frank some alone time, so he could discreetly go to the supply closet.

Gerard quickly texted Lindsey. Hey Linds, can we walk around the courtyard for awhile? Really want to talk to you about something.

It wasn't long before he got a reply. Sure Gee, meet me outside your dorm in a few minutes. Gerard smiled at his phone before walking out of the supply closet.

He opened the door to his room to see Frank plucking on guitar strings while sitting on his bed. Frank looked up at Gerard with a small smile.

"Hey Frank, I'm gonna go walking around the courtyard for awhile. I'll be back soon."

"Okay, have fun." Gerard closed the door again before walking down the stairs, and outside. He was pleased to see Lindsey already standing there waiting for him.

They immediately began walking down the path. Gerard hadn't planned for them to go anywhere in particular, he just wanted to walk around for awhile.

Eventually, Lindsey asked, "what is it you wanted to talk to me about, Gee?"

"Right. So basically, Frank's been leaving these notes in the supply closet of the dorm. I'm not sure why, but they're basically these little poems that he's written. Every day I pick them up, and every day there's a new one in there. Do you know why he might be doing this?"

Lindsey paused to think for a second. "Well he is a musician. Part of me wants to believe that it's writing practice, but another part thinks that he's looking for someone to read his works. What exactly are the notes about, Gee?"

"Like, the one I picked up today was about love and him wanting to fall in love and wanting to be with someone. I'm not sure who, he didn't specify, but that's definitely what the letter was about."

"Have you given him any of the letters back?" Gerard shook his head. "Does he know you're the one reading them?" He shook his head once again.

"I don't want to tell him yet, because I'm afraid he'll stop writing them after that. I actually kind of want to read more of his poems. I find them very interesting."

"Is there a particular reason that you want to read them, Gerard?"

Gerard thought for a second. "The only reason I can think of is that I want to know what's going on in his mind. What he's dealing with I guess."

"Do you know why you're so interested in him?"

Gerard had to think once again. He had asked himself this question before, and yet he still wasn't able to answer it. "I... I don't know."

Lindsey stopped walking and Gerard slowed down with her. She looked him straight in the eyes before talking again. "Gerard, have you ever considered the fact that you might like him?"

The question shocked Gerard. He didn't know how to feel about the question. "I... I've never considered that. Is that what liking someone feels like? How do I know if I like him, Linds?" Gerard had never even liked anyone before, but at the same time, he'd never felt this way about anyone as he did about Frank.

"Well, describe how you feel about him and maybe I can help you decide. Like, what are some things you've noticed about him that interest you?"

"Well, the first thing I noticed about him was his eyes. They're hazel, and a beautiful combination of colors. They also compliment the way he looks, hell, I have a drawing of him in my sketchbook. Another thing I've noticed is how awkward he can be sometimes. I think I even thought of it as cute once, but I didn't think too much of it. He's also a really nice guy to be around in general. I already consider him a friend, so that says something I guess." After Gerard finished talking about Frank, he realized how much he actually noticed about the boy he had only known for three days.

"Well I'm not a love doctor or anything, but it sounds to me that you like him Gee. I really think you do. When someone likes another person, they pay attention to those small details that other people wouldn't normally notice. That's exactly what you've done there."

Gerard took a moment to process all of what Lindsey had told him. Everything she said was true. He had no reason not to believe her. He guessed that he should just roll with it. Perhaps he could eventually come to terms with the fact that he did like Frank Iero.

He finally accepted it and thanked Lindsey for helping him out. They continued to walk around the courtyard for another fifteen minutes before they said there goodbyes.

Gerard thanked Lindsey once again, and gave her an appreciative hug. Soon enough, he was back inside and heading towards the same supply closet that he had left earlier that day. Sure enough, the note that he wrote was gone, and two others were put in its place.

Gerard looked at the poem first.

Maybe there's a reason now.
Confirmation that someone really does listen.
Dying questions are still being asked.
Am I actually cared about?
Do I actually interest someone?
The wonders would keep coming and coming.
All day I'd keep listening and listening.
So, sure enough searching for the answers may indeed be a cause worth leading.
xofrnk

This poem was easier to understand for Gerard. He interpreted it as saying 'hey, now I know that someone is actually reading these, but do they actually care or are they just pretending that they do?'

Gerard knew the answer to that question. Of course he cared.

He unfolded the letter that Frank left as well and began looking at it.

Hi! Yes, I have in fact noticed that someone has been picking up these notes. It's very nice to hear from someone now and actually sort of have a conversation. I'm glad you enjoy reading my stuff. There's just one thing I have to ask, may I know your name?
~Frank

Gerard smiled at the note. He was glad to see that it made Frank happy to start a conversation with the person who was reading the poems he wrote.

He got out a piece of paper and immediately began writing back.

I loved the poem you wrote earlier. To answer the two questions, yes you are actually cared about, and yes you interest me a lot. For now I'd like to keep myself anonymous, but trust me, you'll learn my name eventually.
~Anonymous

He decided that it was a good enough letter, and he folded it up and placed it on the ground. Putting the pen he held back in his pocket, he walked out and into the hallway. He soon entered the dorm and saw Frank laying down on his bed, staring at the ceiling again.

"Hi Frankie."

"Hey Gee."

Gerard walked over to his own bed and laid down on it, sighing as he stretched his legs. Frank looked over at him.

"Rough day?"

"Not much," Gerard replied. "I've just been thinking is all."

"I understand. Do you want to talk about it?"

Gerard thought for a moment before speaking up. He decided that Frank's perspective could be helpful in this situation. "Frankie, how do you tell someone that you like them? Like, you want them to know how you feel, but you aren't sure if it will ruin a friendship or not."

Frank stayed silent for a good moment, and Gerard assumed he was thinking of a good answer. "Well, I would just go for it. I haven't been in many relationships, but I've asked a few people out before. The worst they can say is that they don't feel the same about you, and at that point you just stay as friends."

Gerard nodded before continuing. "Is there a way to know if the person likes you back before you ask them on a date?"

Frank hummed a little as he thought to himself. "Well the signs aren't always obvious. They can be subtle things. Like, if they are quick to make conversation with you, that might mean something. Sadly though, it's not as easy as being able to read signs of attraction and deciding that someone definitely likes you. Our minds can be doubtful, and choose to ignore the signs even when they are right in front of us. My advice is that, if you truly believe that you would want to become more than friends with someone, it's worth taking the risk."

Gerard took in everything he said and practically held it to his heart. He felt more reassured with Frank's opinion, because now he knew a bit more about how Frank might react to him telling about his feelings.

Yet, Gerard still found himself being scared. What if Frank thought he was a freak? What if he ruined any possible future they could have together because of who he was? Gerard didn't want that at all.

All these emotions were mixing around in his mind, making him ache with pain. He couldn't keep up with what he was feeling anymore. It felt as though he was almost drowning with confusion and fear for the future.

Eventually he felt a tear rolled down his face, and that's when he truly broke down. Thousands more tears followed.

Frank noticed Gerard's sudden outbreak of emotion, and soon got out of his bed to join Gerard on his. "Gerard? Gee, what's wrong?" Frank sat in front of him and put his hands on his shoulders, trying to read his emotions.

Gerard didn't respond however. He just shook his head multiple times while looking down, as if to say 'I don't know.'

As he continued to cry, Frank's main goal was now to calm Gerard down. He pulled Gerard close to him, and wrapped his arms around him in a soft hug. He allowed Gerard to cry on his shoulder, and just kept whispering comforting things like 'it'll be okay' and 'there's no need to worry.'

Eventually, he was done crying and he was only sniffling occasionally. Frank continued to hug him. Gerard appreciated his embrace. It felt warm and comforting.

"Gerard what happened?"

He choked back a sob. "I... I don't know. I was thinking about things, and suddenly I became overwhelmed, and it all sort of poured out."

Frank was about to take a risky move, but he didn't care. He wanted to know what was troubling Gerard so much. "Gerard?"

"Yeah?"

"Is Lindsey the one you were talking about?"

The question caught Gerard of guard, and he had to think for a second before questioning, "wh-what?"

"Do you like Lindsey?"

"No Frank, I don't like Lindsey... I- I need to tell you something but I'm afraid you'll judge me for it. I'm scared."

"You can tell me anything Gee, I would never judge you. I can assure you of that."

Gerard paused before talking again. "Promise?"

"Promise."

Gerard sighed before pulling away from Frank and looking back down into his own lap. "Frankie I- I'm not attracted to girls."

Frank was extremely saddened to see a look of shame filling Gerard's eyes. He immediately pulled Gerard back into another hug.

"Oh my god, is that all Gerard?" He nodded his head in response. "Gee, I would never think any less of you no matter who you're attracted to. You want to know something funny?"

"What?" Gerard asked. He was curious now.

"I'm attracted to both girls and guys, but I'm more attracted to guys. I know just how you feel. I've been scared of being judged my whole life, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that."

Gerard sniffed some more before asking, "really?"

"Really." Frank smiled at Gerard, and Gerard smiled back. Gerard resorted to hugging Frank one more time.

"Thank you Frankie."

"Of course, Gerard. You can come to me no matter what. I'll never judge you for a second."