•••

A few days past and as they did Gerard could tell that Frank was opening up, not drastically but he was now to the point where he would ask questions about things he didn't understand or point out things that he found odd. Obviously Gerard would praise him after each time almost dramatically.

The help in the house also returned the day after Frank little episode, even though Gerard was heavily considering pushing the date back. He was afraid that too much in one week would overwhelm the kitten and new people were definitely not Frank's thing. After talking with Brendon and considering the majority of his workers whose life mostly revolved around caring for the house he decided to bring them back the next day, warning his boy first.

Currently on the phone with Dallon, Gerard roamed the area that Frank played in avoiding stepping on the kitten's tail. By Frank's request he was offering Dallon another day to hang out with his kitten since he'd be going back to work soon. Gerard had made sure to inform Frank that this wouldn't become a habit and that he was uncomfortable leaving for work without knowing that Frank was at his own house. Frank had agreed to everything his master said and thanked him profusely when the man had agreed to his wishes despite his dislike of the plan.

"Of couse, sir," Dallon said politely. "We'll just be at my apartment the whole time, and if we do leave i'll be sure to contact you."

"Good. I expect you to you answer my calls at both 12:35 and then agin three hours later." Gerard added.

"Definitely, sir, Frankie's in good hands." Dallon's joyful voice made him sick, hearing another man so excited to see his boy was almost offensive.

"I'd hope so. See you thursday yes?"

"See you then," Dallon said, just as excited.

Gerard fought to keep in an annoyed groan, only because Frank was near by.

"Sir?" Frank said, only speaking once he was sure Gerard was done speaking on the phone. "What'd he say? Can he watch after me?"

Gerard smiled fondly down at the kitten who was now propped up on his knees with his hands curled up near Gerard's thigh eagerly. The man brought a hand down to his pet's head and raked his nails over his scalp a few times. Frank's eyes almost immediately closed and the familiar, low humming sound started up not to long after. Quiet at first, the hum grew louder second by second until the noise was unmistakably a kitten's purr. Frank looked so trapped in ecstasy at that moment that Gerard thought that he just might've forgotten the question that still went unanswered. Though unfortunately for him, Frank's eyes slowly opened revealing them to be just as expectant as moments before.

"He said yes," Gerard stated, causing a high pitched squeal from Frank. "But like I said, this is a one time thing. Any other time in the future my maids,Violetta and Magdalene will see after you."

"Yes, sir." Frank said, still smiling bright.

As Gerard made his way to his office, Frank followed him like a second shadow. The boy had started thus up not too long after the help returned, the need to be close to his master quadrupled so quickly Gerard was worried that something was wrong with the kitten.

"Sir?" Frank asked as they climbed the stairs together.

"Hm?"

"Do you have a girlfriend?" Frank pondered.

Gerard nearly choked at the question but instead a small smile appeared on his lips.

"How curious of you." Gerard teased.

"Oh, i'm sorry, sir." Frank apologized.

Gerard opened the office door and and allowed Frank to wander in before closing it.

"No need to apologize, you know how much I like it when you speak your mind, darling."

Frank nodded and looked up to his master to answer his question. He knew good and well that his master's relationships were none of his concern but with Gerard it seemed alright. The question had been sat in the back of his mind for days now and it simply slipped out.

Gerard noticed the kitten's anticipation and chuckled fondly.

"Come," Gerard ordered pointing at the ground between his legs.

Frank obediently crawled towards the spot without a second thought and sat relaxed, with his legs underneath him.

"Now what makes you think that I have a girlfriend?" Gerard asked. He barely ever asked Frank to elaborate on his random questions and comments.

"I don't know." The kitten shrugged. "Most of my other masters did."

"And if I did have a woman in my life, don't you think you should have seen her at least once, darling." Gerard said, he only wanted the boy to think, not to fell stupid like he usually fid when being himself.

"My last master had a wife. I only saw her once." Frank stated. "She was very pretty, not as pretty as me he would tell me." He added.

"Hm, Thats not hard to believe, you're a very pretty kitten." Gerard praised him.

He didn't voice it, but he was astonished at the lifestyle of Frank's last master. The more he heard of the man and the vile things he's done. Frank seemed to think that everything this man did was as normal as walking your dog. The beating and the degrading. And now cheating on his wife.

"So you. . . don't have a girlfriend, or a wife." Frank concluded. His tail was in his lap as he twisted a small collection of soft white fur.

"What gave you the impression that I was interested in women?" Gerard questioned again.

A small smirk growing on his lips as he watched Frank's face change expressions. No matter what emotion he was expressing he still looked like an some kind of angelic painting. The way his eyebrows rise and crease, and his lips, god, his lips. Gerard was always in awe of his kitten. And the fact that Frank was his. By law Frank belonged to him and no one else, as sick as it sounded Gerard didn't want it any other way. Frank was safe with him. Frank would always be safe with him.

"Are you saying you're a fag?" Frank asked, tilting his head to the side like a curious puppy- though kitten would be more appropriate.

"Frank!" Gerard said astonished. At first he scowled at the harsh word but he couldn't help chuckle at Frank look of surprised when his name was barked. "Why would m you use that hateful word?"

Frank's eyes were still wide and his pretty lips parted slightly, "I-I you said you weren't interested in women. Well you hinted at it at least." Frank said, his thoughts scrambled as he desperately tried to defend himself and figure out why Gerard was so surprised. Then suddenly something seemed to physically click in the boy because as he looked up to Gerard in fear. He remembered his place." I'm sorry master, really I didn't mean it!" He whimpered. "My old master he used to refer to it as that and I- I'm sorry,"

"Frank," Gerard sighed.

"I'm sorry that I made the assumption, I never meant to disrespect you like that sir." He apologized frantically.

"Frank, calm down this instant. You've done nothing wrong." Gerard said firmly, snapping Frank out of his own fearful head. "Come here, honey." Gerard said softly and reached a large veiny hand out fir Frank to grasp.

When the kitten did Gerard guided him up to his lap and Frank followed, with the same feline grace he did everything with.

"There we are," Gerard smiled at him when they were in his lap comfortably.

Without a thought, Gerard brought a hand to Franks warm cheek and stroked his thumb over the bone under the teen's eye.

"I'm homosexual. . . or gay if that's easier." He added noticing how Frank's nose scrunched up adorably at the large word. "We don't use words like the one you blurted out today." Gerard said. He kept his voice calm and even so that he didn't somehow spook his kitten again and send him into another apologetic meltdown.

"But- But my last master said-"

"Your last master was a poor excuse for a man." Gerard cut him off.

Frank let out a defeated breath of air that was probably supposed to be words and puffed his cheeks out cutely. Gerard took the opportunity to squeeze the air out of the boy's cheeks quickly, making him giggle like a five year old and brightening the mood. The sound of Frank laughing sounded like sweet music to Gerard and he allowed himself to laugh too.

When the giggling calmed down and they were both left with tingling cheeks and goofy smiles Frank wrapped his arms around Gerard's neck and laid his head on the man's chest, his kitten ears ticking Gerard's chin. Gerard wrapped and arm around the boys bottom holding him like a baby and stroking his tail every once in a while.

"I want a hamster." Frank said quietly once Gerard began typing with him still in his lap.

Gerard snorted at the randomness of Frank comment. "Why?"

"Because they're small and cute and fuzzy," Frank went on and he toyed with Gerard's hair mindlessly.

"So are you." Gerard said.

Frank blushed, "Quit it."

"What would you even do with a hamster anyways? Eat it? They're rodents after all, cat." Gerard teased.

Frank let out a dramatic gasp and sat up in Gerard's lap, trusting the man to keep his hand on his lower back, he did.

"I would never!" Frank said.

"Hmm, I don't know if I trust you, look at those little teeth, perfect for ripping apart cute little animals."

"Gee, no." Frank whined with a forceless shove to Gerard's chest.

Gerard caught Franks hands in his own and held them as he placed a kiss to the boy's forehead

"I'm only joking. A sweet little baby like you wouldn't hurt a soul now would you?" Gerard said.

Frank shook his head, already sporting a strawberry-red blush.

They returned to their original positions not to long after and Frank eventually fell asleep due to Gerard's soft hums and stroking.

•••

a/n: i wish i was better at making longer chapters for this book,,,or just writing in general bc i'm shit at that too gn

-serrae 🦇