Gerard's pacing around the hallway checking the time every few seconds. He got ready in record time and he doesn't want to keep looking in the mirror, he knows he'll still be disappointed by what he sees and will end up making himself look even worse. He's still not quite sure if this is a date or not, maybe he should ask Frank? Yeah, that'd be a good idea. Gerard doesn't want to end up making a fool out of himself because of a misunderstanding again. It's still 5 minutes till Frank should arrive. Gerard goes over in his head how to subtly ask him if this is a date without sounding like an idiot so when the door bell rings he jumps a little.
He goes over and opens the door without any hesitation. Frank looks slightly taken aback at the door being flung open and looks as though he was about to say something but closes his mouth, raises his eyebrows in surprise and quickly looks Gerard up and down.
'Wow, you look good. So we ready to go?' he says offering a smile. Frank himself looks just as good, with a black shirt, leather jacket, darker jeans and his hair evened out. Gerard gives a shy smile
'Thanks, you too. Yeah I'm all set' he says following him out the house and his mom was right, it is cold. The sky is almost completely dark and the wind is strong messing up Gerard's hair which he spent at least 30min on. Frank's car is warm and smells strongly of cigarettes, which relaxes Gerard's nerves as he sinks in to the seat.
Frank starts up the engine and decides to break the ice himself
"I saw lasagna there on the table. I didn't know you could cook" he says amused.
"No, I'm a terrible cook actually, my mom made it, you met her didn't you?" he answers with a laugh. The most he can make himself is pancakes if he doesn't burn them.
"Oh yeah, she seemed like a nice lady" he nods and squints his eyes a bit like he's trying to remember
"Yeah well she gets a little crazy sometimes too. She's convinced you're taking me as your date" Gerard says trying to point out how ridiculous that is and bring Frank on the subject and immediately wants to palm his face because that was not subtle, not subtle at all.
"Nah, I mean if I'd take you out on a date I'd take you somewhere nice and quiet not a crowded company party with homophobes that make you feel uncomfortable and get on your nerves." Frank wonders out loud with a thoughtful look on his face and offering a small smile that brings the knots back into Gerard's stomach. He stares at the road trying to think through what he just heard. Alright, this answers nothing. He notices a couple of CD's and one of them catches his eye and distracts him from his thoughts. He picks one of them up, turning the black flag CD in his fingers, taking notice of the great condition it's in considering it's an old album
"You're a fan of black flag? Awesome!" he smiles unwillingly
Frank smiles wide before answering "Yeah, I love their music. It's been a while since I listened to them though."
"Well can I put this on then?" Gerard asks jumping at the opportunity. Frank gives and enthusiastic "Sure!" and he puts it on turning up the volume just a bit too loud. He glances over seeing Frank completely into the song, singing along to the lyrics and tapping the rhythm with his fingers on the wheel.
Gerard's mind starts to wander again as he tries to understand what's going on. Either way the biggest debate is whether he should make a move now or wait till tomorrow like he originally planned. No, he'll stick with the plan and wait till Saturday.
They get to the company pretty quick, in two songs. The lobby is as always packed with people just this time there are twice as more than there usually are in the morning. So many people you can't even see the elevators. Gerard can see drinks and snacks being carried around, light jazz music playing in the background it seems like one of those really fancy parties that the government or royalty have, which makes him feel good about himself now that he thinks of it. He straightens his jacket and his posture before entering the building.
They get checked for their ID's and the second they step into the giant room a waiter who uses way too much hair gel for anyone's good appears out of nowhere with a shiny tray full of drinks in his hand offering them a glass each. Gerard politely refuses the drink and Frank does the same quickly afterwards. Gerard smiles fondly when Frank isn't looking
"Just because I'm not drinking doesn't mean you can't have any fun. C'mon I don't mind it if you drink" Gerard says feeling guilty
"Hey I know it's tough for you and I don't want to make this even worse. Plus it's better for the people around me if I stay sober" he adds with a laugh.
Gerard's heart swells up at his consideration and he doesn't say anything more. They wander through the crowd searching for their friends and bump into Mikey and Alicia by the snacks table on accident. Frank and Mikey talk for a bit catching up on what's new and when Frank turns to talk to Mikey's wife the brothers turn to each other.
The younger one raises his eyebrows and looks back and forth between Gerard and Frank have you asked him out yet? Gerard just shakes his head tapping at his watch not the right time. Mikey gives an understanding nod and a thumbs up.
The four of them continue standing there for a while until Ray's giant hair pops out of nowhere with Bob tagging along.
"Hey! There are you guys! We've been searching for you for ages now" Ray says relieved looking like he's about to break a sweat.
"See! I told you they'd be near the snacks table." Bob says hitting Ray on the arm slightly. "You just didn't want to listen to me" Bob mumbles under his breath. Ray ignores his friend and grabs Frank by the elbow and drags him out of their circle saying
"C'mon Frank we need to talk about something, we'll bring you back soon don't worry" Frank looks very confused but doesn't protest much. Actually, all of them look confused except for Mikey who looks very pissed and keeps muttering under his breath "that's not fair."
Frank gets pulled out and Gerard loses the sight of him in the mass of people. Gerard starts talking to Alicia making small talk about the cat they bought but soon finds himself bored with the conversation so he excuses himself and tries to find Frank just so he would have something to do. As he's fighting his way through the mass of people which strongly resembled a crowd at a concert he thinks, only there's a dress code and they're not screaming at him. A strong arm comes out of nowhere stops him and turns him around. His manager is standing there with a big smile on his face, half empty drink in his hand his cheeks already flush
"Gerard! So good to see you here!" the fat man says pushing him forcibly into his own circle of people. There are 5 of them and all of them look older than 40. The blond lady with a black dress and bright expensive pearls around her neck is standing the closest. Gerard guesses it's his manager's wife. He smiles uncomfortably thinking of how to avoid this while his manager puts a hand on his shoulders making his knees bend a bit and says quite loudly
"This is the fresh meat in our department and I swear this kid's a genius! The way he draws I've never seen anything like it! Where did you learn it all from? And not even two weeks into his new job he gets another one in the record department. Talk about talent here!" he says proudly like he's talking about his own son and ruffles his hair "and it wouldn't have happened if it weren't for me. There were a lot of applicants for the job and I chose this one because I knew he was something special, I'm good like that with people I can see what's best for them" he points out knowingly, rubbing it into the guest's faces.
Gerard is disgusted by such selfish self-centered people but he just grits his teeth in fear that he's going to say something he'll regret. That hypocritical bastard never said that he liked his work he would just nod as he brought them in at the end of the day and that's it and suddenly he's taking all the credit?
"C'mon Gerard, have a drink with us, hey hey! Bartender! Another one for the artist here please!" he says motioning for the bartender.
No no no "No thank you I think I'll pass on the drink" he says as politely as possible.
"Nonsense! What sort of party is without some champagne! I insist!" His manager says practically shoving the glass into his hand.
"I really can't I'm-" he stops speaking as his other senses kick in. the smell of alcohol everywhere around the circle, the way the cool glass feels in his hand and the bubbling liquid splashing around. Somehow it was easier to refuse when Frank was around. One little glass of champagne wouldn't hurt anyone and the man is right, this is a party. He's gone so long already without a drink he'll be able to say no. Gerard finds himself raising the glass to his lips. Just a drop. Just a little. NO! He shoves the glass back to his manager
"I have to go use the bathroom, excuse me" he says flustered making his way to one of the nearest bathrooms and hears his managers loud voice say "yes well prostate problems occur to young people more and more often, but me, I never had-" his voice mingles with the many others around Gerard. He can feel sweat forming on his forehead his breathing growing quicker and senses sharpen, there's not enough air around him, he feels likes he's going to suffocate. He barges into the bathroom glad to find it empty and runs up to the sink. He splashes his face as much as he can without ruining his makeup and takes one, two… five deep breaths until he's gained some control back and stopped shaking, and rests his forehead against the cold mirror without opening his eyes for a few minutes. After he feels half decent again he steps back and focuses on why he left his friends in the first place, he wants to find Frank.
As soon as the thought ran through his head though, Frank barged in the bathroom. Frank spotted Gerard stared at him for a few moments before muttering something to himself and started to pace around the bathroom looking even more distressed than before.
"Frank what's wrong?" he asks automatically, worry swelling up in his chest. He doesn't care that he's the one who needs help at the moment, his health and feelings are at the bottom of the list. Right now his priority is Frank. As long as he's alright Gerard will be alright.
The small voice at the back of his back stirs restlessly trying to bring the 'L' word to his mind but no. Now's definitely not the time.
"I can't take it- but what if they're right- I don't know what to do I-" he mutters mostly to himself all the while pacing.
"Frank, will you please tell me what it is" he tries to ask calmly though his insides are shaking.
"Fuck it, I can't take it anymore" he says one sentence properly and Gerard can't decide whether he looks determined or angry. Frank lifts up his head and for the first time since coming in the bathroom fully makes eye contact with Gerard. Frank's face softens a bit as he starts pacing again but this time in Gerard's direction. As he's getting closer Gerard asks
"Can't take wh-" though his question is silenced by Frank's lips slamming into his with a strong force that makes Gerard back up a few steps. It takes a few seconds for him to get over the shock and then he's kissing back, with everything he has. His mind shut down completely and became one big jumble of Frank everywhere. Frank feeling Gerard's lips start to move against his, slides one hand up in his hair pulling at it a little and the other on his hips pulling their bodies completely against each other. Their mouths open almost at the same time letting each other in to explore their mouths. It's messy and dirty, but it's so good, they're pressed against one another so much it's getting hard to breathe but Gerard still wants more, he wants even closer, he needs to feel Frank everywhere. He slides up his hand under Frank's shirt trailing his hand up and down his naked back. The shorter man shivers at the feeling and lets out an involuntary moan into Gerard's mouth while he digs his fingers in the shorter ones back roughly.
They break away breathlessly resting their heads against one another's foreheads as they gasp for breath still keeping their hands around each other. Gerard wants to laugh, cry, yell, because he can't believe what just happened. He settles for staring at Frank and his red flush lips and slightly massaging his back.
They don't dare say a word to one another and carefully, slowly lean in for a second kiss. Gerard stops when their lips are millimeters apart and savors the feeling of them barely touching, the tenderness the familiar knot in his stomach increase its size. He gently lays his lips down on Frank's and it's the sweetest thing Gerard's ever felt. He cups Frank's face and runs his thumb along his cheek. God, he's wanted to do that for so long now. All of his doubts and wonderings left behind, he focuses on now and Frank. He can't help himself and sucks on his bottom lip and pulls on it a bit. Frank lets out a tiny whimper when he lets go of it and Gerard smiles against his mouth. Their kiss gets deeper, more passionate and Frank breaks away going for Gerard's jaw and then neck. First only leaving light kisses but soon sucking on a more sensitive spot where it would definitely leave a mark. Gerard lets out a whimper and a series of moans after that. Frank pulls away, a smart-ass smile on his face. Gerard feels determined to wipe it off so he slides his hand down grabbing his ass through his jeans and slams his lips against his like Frank did the first time. Frank lets out almost a growl from his throat and responds just as fiercely, teeth and tongues clashing together in frenzy. Gerard clutches Frank's ass even tighter and grinds his crotch against his own letting a particularly loud moan at the contact. Gerard breaks away for a second
"Bathroom stall?" he suggests feeling his pants start to tighten.
"Fuck yes" Frank answers breathlessly pushing him into the nearest one and shutting the door.
Gerard shoves him quite roughly against the wall making it shake slightly and pins Frank's wrists above his head. He gives another messy kiss and makes his way to Frank's neck, tracing all the tattoos he can reach with his tongue and feeling Frank squirm. He unclenches his hold on his wrists and drags his hands down his arms and chest painfully slowly until finally, fucking finally he palms Frank gently feeling him harden under his touch while the other hands works on undoing his belt. The shorter man grips on to Gerard, closes his eyes and throws his head back just a little, his open mouth forms in an 'o'.
Gerard hasn't done this in a while, so he hesitates a bit as his hand finally wraps around Frank's cock. He abandons his neck and stares at Frank's beautiful face contorted in pure bliss and hearing the sounds coming from his mouth he so longed to hear. Given the fact that they were at a party and in a bathroom he realizes he's going to make it quick, so he doesn't waste time teasing him (as much as he'd love to) and sets up a fast pace diving in for a kiss again, muffling Frank's moans. He would have never thought that pleasing someone else would be this good even when he's in need of a release himself. Gerard loses himself in the moment and doesn't notice Frank pulling his hair signaling he's close and barely manages to catch his loud scream with his mouth.
Frank pants heavily still seeing stars in his eyes while Gerard uses the toilet paper to wipe off his hand. When Frank is able to stand on both of his legs properly again Gerard gives him a soft kiss on the lips and reaches for the door. Frank stopped his hand mid-way while the other palmed him this time.
"I don't think we're done here" he whispers into his ear, turning them around so Gerard was the one against the wall.
"Frank… oh fuck, you don't have to do it, really" he says barely controlling his voice.
"But I want to." He says innocently "Besides, you can't just go out like that, everyone will see, we need to fix this" Frank answers pressing his hand harder against his dick. He places a short kiss on Gerard's lips and starts working on his pants when they hear the bathroom door open. Both of them stop for a moment looking at each other with shocked expressions but Frank's smirk returns on his face quickly after and he places a finger on his lips telling Gerard to be quiet as he drops his jeans and slowly gets on his knees. Gerard's cock twitches from the realization of what Frank is about to do and he places a hand on his mouth to prevent any noise coming out of his mouth. At least Frank has the decency to skip the teasing part and goes right to business. Gerard throws his head back as much as he can against the wall and doesn't dare to look down or he'll come embarrassingly fast and he feels something warm and wet swallow him all the way. The other person walks into one of the stalls as well that's a couple stalls away from theirs Gerard thinks judging by the sound. He's surprised he can even think when there's someone as hot as Frank sucking him off. Frank suddenly deep throats him out of nowhere and Gerard has to bite down on his hand to keep from shouting out. He's panting heavily, his knees ready to give away as Frank's driving him towards the edge fast. His hand finds his way to his hair and he pulls on it quite painfully. Frank gets the message and pulls away standing up at full height again keeping one hand on Gerard's slick cock stroking him furiously. He leans in his ear and barely whispers as he pumps him fast and rough
"Do it. Come for me." And nips on his earlobes. That does it for Gerard, he has to hold on to Frank with his free hand to not fall to the ground. He felt like rolling his eyes back into his head from the pleasure but instead he just stands there looking at Frank and hears the toilet flush as the other man exits out of the stall and after a few more minutes they're alone again.
For a moment it seemed like one of those awkward hookups as Gerard pulls up his pants and Frank wipes off his hand but as soon as they're done Frank spins Gerard around and gives him one more sweet kiss
"You have no idea how long I wanted to do that" Frank says cupping Gerard's face.
"Me too" Gerard finally manages to speak again
"And if you don't mind I'd like to do it again some time, but maybe after a fancy dinner or a movie" he adds smiling. Gerard kisses him in response. He moves his lips slowly against his and sweetly. He's wanted to kiss him for so long now, he can't believe it's actually happening - it all seems like a dream.
They walk out of the bathroom and their eyes widen as they see that about half of the guests had already left. They find the others quickly standing nearby and approach them.
"Hey where were you? We thought you took off or something." Mikey asks first
Gerard and Frank look at each other before answering
"We just felt like going out for some fresh air that's all. Guess we lost track of time." Frank explains
"You were looking for fresh air… in the bathroom?" Alicia asks suspiciously
"Wow those new forest scented paper towels must be really doing the trick" Bob says raising his eyebrows. Frank and Gerard stare at each other not knowing what to say
"Uh we just-" Gerard starts to mumble lamely "And then yeah one thing led to uh another"
"No" Mikey says taking a step back "you did it didn't you?" he asks, a smile creeping on his face. Gerard nods curtly as his brother smiles even wider
"I knew it! Ha, told you it would happen tonight" he says with glee. There was a few seconds where everyone started smiling and excitedly congratulating them and patting Frank and Gerard on the back. Then suddenly as though something had clicked, Bob Ray and Mikey quiet down and all look at each other with suspicion then Bob turns to them asking
"Alright, so which one's bright idea was this?"
"Uhm it was Frank who caught me off guard" Gerard says a bit embarrassed and both Ray and Bob exclaim in triumph, pumping their fists in the air
"Fucking yes! Pay up Mikey" Ray says from behind extending his hand.
"Damn it Gerard. I lost 50 bucks because of you" he says accusingly while handing the money to Ray.
Gerard's eyes go wide
"You put a bet on… fuck now it all makes sense. You're unbelievable" Gerard says shaking his head in disapproval.
"Hey, we all knew it was gonna happen as soon as you got the job. Might as well make some money out of it" Mikey says with a shrug which earns a blow to the head with a handbag from his wife.
They continue arguing for the rest of the night about how one of them cheated and creating some fucked up rules until it was time to close up the company. Frank and Gerard get to have some more alone time as Frank drives him back home. Their ride is silent as the same Black Flag CD blasts through the speakers. The moment the car stops and Frank's hands are no longer occupied they have their hands around each other again and their goodbye kiss almost leads to another round. They set the time for their first normal, official date and reluctantly part their ways. Gerard doesn't remember how he walked back into the house only how he dropped on his bed and passed out almost immediately with a smile on his face.