Did we really end like that?

Chapter 3

Gerard lay in his bed. It was 1am and he had been trying to sleep for hours. He kept remembering all the things that happened after My Chem split up. He could still see the faces of the other members as they stared in horror at him when he announced what he was going to do …

"Look guys. It just isn't what I want to do anymore. I want to concentrate on my artwork and comics. I only started the band as it was easier to do than break into the comic book world. I needed my name to be known and now I have done that. You guys should be proud of what you accomplished, you know. Anyway, I will see you around."

"You are having a laugh Gee? The band is breaking up? No, that can't happen man. Yeah, we know you are having a few problems writing lyrics but that has happened before. Remember after 'Black Parade'? You got all weird on us and said you needed a break. We all did, but we came back bigger and better with a new image. Gee, don't do this to us," said Ray sadly

Frank stared at him with tears in his eyes. Gerard felt his heart breaking for his friend but he knew he needed to do this. Ray was speechless. This was a first for him as he always had plenty to say. Mikey put his hand on Gerard's shoulder.

"I will stand by any decision you make Gee. Go and make it big in the comic world and do what you need to do."

"You are joking me Mikey?" snapped Frank, "The son of a bitch wants to ruin our livelihood and you think that is acceptable? I gave up everything to be in this band. I worked in shitty places, slept in vans, starved for days, bleed myself dry and now he wants to quit. I can't even believe we are having this conversation after all we have been through"

He stormed off. Gerard stared after him and sighed. He hoped James and Jarrod would be more understanding. Ray scratched his head and looked awkward while James and Jarrod shrugged their shoulders.

"I have another job lined up anyway, just in case you guys got tired of me. I know that sounds like I am being a shit, but I needed to know that I would be ok," stated Jarrod

"Well, I have been thinking about getting 'Reggie & The Effect' back together but as I was so busy with you guys, I pushed it to the back of my mind. I was thinking about asking Frank to join us if I did. Don't worry, I wasn't gonna poach him from you," said James with a small smile

Mikey gave his older brother a hug

"I know you are worried about me but I am fine. I have been in talks with a new band in New Jersey who are interested in getting me to join as their guitarist. I didn't make any plans, but had them as a back up. I guess I knew that something wasn't right after we played Bamboozle last year. Something seemed to be missing: it was like you weren't even there Gee"

"I just don't want to lose you all as my friends. You all mean so much to me, but I need to get my head straight. I have some music that I have been playing with plus want to do some more comics. Grant has asked me to do an eight page comic with him on Batman. You know I have been waiting for this opportunity forever. Maybe now I can concentrate on what I wanted before we got the band together. I guess I forgot my dreams when I saw 9/11 and really did think that I wanted to be in a band. Now, I am not so sure anymore."

Gerard could feel the tears in his eyes and blinked furiously. This wasn't how he wanted it to end. He broke from Mikey's arms and went to find Frank.

Frank was back in his room at the hotel. Gerard had decided to talk to them on neutral territory so a hotel in LA was the best thing to do. He knocked on the door of Frank's room and could hear his sobs. After a few seconds, the door opened. He nearly closed it again when he saw it was Gerard, but Gerard put his foot in the gap of the door.

"Talk to me Frankie," he said softly

"I can't. You have broken me and I can't forgive you for this," wept Frank, the tears pouring down his face.

Gerard pushed open the door and entered the room. He grabbed Frank in a hug and let the younger man cry on his shoulder. He kissed his head and rubbed his back. Frank was shaking so Gerard guided him to the bed and pulled the covers back. He lay Frank on the bed then wrapped him in the blankets. He lay next to him and brushed his tears away with his thumb. Frank stared up at him and shook his head.

"No Gee, this can't happen again. We have been through this a million times since 2007. You had a choice and picked Lindsay so don't you dare put me through that pain again. I love Lindsay and Jamia so I refuse to go there again. We both have kids for fuck's sake."

Gerard touched Frank's lips with his finger and felt the softness of them. He licked his own lips slowly and gazed down at the dishevelled man next to him. Frank watched him as Gerard leaned in for the kill. He didn't see Frank's fist come at him and when he found himself on the bedroom floor, he couldn't believe it. The pain shot through his lip and he felt the blood starting to run down his chin.

"You hit me! What the fuck man? I came to see if you were ok, but maybe I shouldn't have bothered. Go fuck yourself Frank. I am out of here. Obviously, you don't give a damn about me so maybe it is for the best that the band is breaking up. At least I won't have to put up with your shit anymore. Maybe it is about time I told you what I actually thought of you: you don't give a damn about anyone but yourself. You hurt people if they get too close. You try and play the innocent every time and I am sick of it. The 'Oh poor me' thing you do every time you are ill is beyond a joke and I, for one, was getting tired of having to cancel gigs because of you. Now, I can do what I want and to Hell with the lot of ya. I am going to be bigger than the band, as I know we're famous cos of my good looks and not for the music. I will be on every fucking magazine and you will be left trying to get by on the royalties. Watch this space, motherfucker"

Gerard felt his blood boiling as he spat out all the venom he could to hurt Frank. He wanted to get back at him for rejecting him yet again. Yes, he was married as was Frank, but he had loved Frank for a long time. It didn't help that Frank had admitted feelings for him as well but never did anything about it. The only thing he ever allowed Gerard to do was kiss and feel him up on stage. Frank knew how to get Gerard hot under the collar and most of the time, he instigated it. For 12 years, they had played this game with each other but now, Gerard could do it no more.

Frank stared at him in horror. He got off the bed and went toe to toe with Gerard. The temperature went up by 100 degrees as they glared at each other. He took a swing, as Gerard ducked out of the way. He wrestled him onto the bed and pinned his hands above his head. Frank kicked out but Gerard was stronger and straddled him. After 10 minutes of this, Frank stopped fighting. His face was bright red and his fringe stuck to his forehead. He was a beautiful sight and Gerard felt himself getting turned on just looking at him. He kissed the younger man's lips but Frank bite him. Gerard yelped in surprise and pulled away.

He got off Frank and made his way to the door. He took one last glance at Frank and shook his head sadly.

It was the last time he saw Frank.