*TW: Smut/ Self Harm*
Gerard stood beneath the scalding hot water, tears mingling with the droplets as they trailed down his bruised and battered body. He winced as the soap stung his open wounds, hissing softly as he lathered it over his skin. The water turned a murky red as it washed away the evidence of Frank's brutality and Gerard scrubbed furiously, as if trying to erase the memories along with the blood that stained his flesh. With trembling hands, he reached up to cradle his aching head, his sobs echoing against the tiled walls of the shower stall. Each gasp for air was a desperate plea for escape, a silent cry for freedom from the prison of his own making. But as the water continued to rain down upon him, Gerard knew that no amount of scrubbing could wash away the scars that marred his soul. As the water finally began to run clear, Gerard emerged from the shower, his body trembling. With each step he took, he moved closer to the realization that he deserved better, that he was worthy of love and respect, and that no one, not even Frank, could take that away from him.
Gerard stood in front of the imaginary figure of Frank as he summoned the courage to speak his truth. "Frank," he began. "I refuse to be your victim any longer. I refuse to allow you to diminish my worth, to strip me of my dignity, and to rob me of my freedom." He locked eyes with the imaginary Frank. "You may have thought you owned me, but I am not your possession. I am a human being, with thoughts and feelings of my own, and I deserve to be treated with kindness and respect." His words echoed in the empty room. "I refuse to let fear dictate my actions, to let your cruelty define my existence. I am taking back control of my life, reclaiming my autonomy, and stepping into the light of my own truth." As he spoke, Gerard felt a weight lifting from his shoulders. Suddenly, Gerard accidentally slipped on a rug and he cried out Frank's name instinctively. Despite knowing Frank was at church, a desperate part of him clung to the hope that somehow, someway, his tormentor would come to his aid. "Frank!" he called out again but there was no response, only the hollow silence of an empty house. Tears welled in Gerard's eyes as he struggled to regain his footing, his injured body trembling with the effort.
With a trembling hand, he reached for the edge of the tub, his fingers gripping the slick porcelain for support. Slowly, painstakingly, he managed to pull himself upright, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he leaned against the wall for support. In that moment, as he stood there, battered and broken, Gerard knew that he couldn't rely on Frank to save him. Then, a chilling realization washed over him: despite the abuse he endured, his first instinct in times of crisis was still to turn to Frank for help. It was a sobering acknowledgment of the deep-seated hold that Frank had over him. Gerard couldn't shake the overwhelming urge to reach out to Frank, to seek solace in the arms of his tormentor despite knowing the pain that awaited him there. It was a cruel paradox, the very source of his suffering masquerading as his only refuge in moments of despair. Clutching his bruised and battered body, Gerard fought against the instinct to call out for Frank, to plead for his assistance as he had done so many times before. Gerard sat on the edge of his bed as he reached for his shirt, the fabric crumpled at the foot of the bed. He winced as he gingerly pulled it over his head, the material brushing against the tender skin of his bruised torso.
His body was a roadmap of pain, dotted with bandaids covering the wounds left by Frank's fists. "Damn it," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, as he traced the edges of the bandaids with trembling fingers. Gerard moved across the room and reached for the cabinet, his fingers fumbling slightly as he opened it. Among the clutter of everyday items, his eyes landed on a heart-shaped box tucked away in the corner. His heart skipped a beat as he reached for it, the memories flooding back in a rush. With trembling hands, he lifted the lid, revealing a treasure trove of letters neatly arranged inside. Gerard's fingers traced the edges of the envelopes, his breath catching in his throat as he remembered the moments they shared. He pulled out a letter at random, the paper worn with age but the words still as powerful as ever. "My baby," it began, the familiar handwriting bringing a bittersweet smile to his lips. He remembered the first time Frank had given him a letter, the way his heart had raced with anticipation as he tore open the envelope. As he read through the words, Gerard felt a pang of longing deep in his chest. He couldn't make sense of it, couldn't reconcile the man who wrote these letters with the one who now left him battered and broken.
Perhaps, somewhere buried beneath the anger, there was still love. But for now, all Gerard could do was hold onto these letters. Gerard's gaze fell upon a single candy nestled among the letters, its vibrant wrapper a stark contrast to the faded paper. His fingers hesitated for a moment before reaching out to touch it. He remembered the day Frank had given it to him, the promise they had made sealed with a simple sweet. "We'll only eat this candy if we ever break up," Frank had said as he placed it in the box. "And since we're never going to break up, it'll be here for thousands of years." Gerard couldn't help but smile at the memory. They had been so young, so naive, believing that their love was invincible, unbreakable. And yet, here they were, torn apart by the very thing they had sworn to protect. As he held the candy in his hand, Gerard felt a surge of sadness wash over him. He wanted to throw it away, to rid himself of this constant reminder of what they had lost. But he couldn't bring himself to do it, couldn't bear to part with this last vestige of their love. With a heavy sigh, Gerard placed the candy back in the box. As Gerard sat there, he felt a shift deep within him. It was a realization that crept in slowly. If he truly loved Frank, if Frank truly loved him, then maybe it was time to let go. He thought back to all the times they had fought, all the pain they had caused each other. Was this really love? Or was it just a twisted version of something beautiful, something pure?
"Maybe it's time," he whispered to himself. "Maybe it's time to let go." It was a painful realization, one that tore at his heartstrings, but deep down, Gerard knew it was the right thing to do. Love wasn't about holding on at all costs, it was about letting go, about sacrificing for the greater good. Gerard steps were quick as he crossed the room to Frank's bagpack. He hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the worn fabric, before finally reaching out to grab it. With a firm grip, he pulled it towards him. As he unzipped the bag, Gerard's mind raced with thoughts of what he needed to take. He didn't have much time, and he needed to move quickly if he wanted to leave without any interruptions. First, he grabbed Frank's wallet, stuffing it into the front pocket of the bag. Then, he gathered up his keys, his phone, and a few other essential items, tucking them away carefully. He was done living in fear, done being controlled by someone else's anger and insecurities. It was time to take control of his own life, to carve out a path for himself, free from the chains of their toxic relationship. With the bag packed and ready to go, Gerard took one last look around the room. With a final glance at the heart-shaped box sitting on the bedside table, Gerard turned and headed for the door.
Gerard's hand hovered around the doorknob and he hesitated for a moment. The house smelled like Frank – a scent that was both familiar and comforting, a mixture of cigarettes and Frank's perfume that had seeped into every corner. Closing his eyes, Gerard breathed in deeply, allowing the familiar aroma to wash over him. It was a scent that had become synonymous with home, with love, with everything they had shared together. And yet, it was also a reminder of the pain and heartache that had come to define their relationship. As he stood there, lost in thought, Gerard felt a pang of longing deep within him. Despite everything, he still loved Frank, still craved the warmth of his arms, the sound of his laughter. But he knew that love wasn't enough to sustain them, not when it came at the cost of his own happiness, his own well-being. Taking one last look around the room, Gerard squared his shoulders and pushed open the door. As he stepped out into the sunlight, the scent of Frank's perfume lingering in the air behind him, he knew that he was finally ready to let go. Gerard dashed out of the house, the gravel crunching beneath his feet as he raced down the driveway. The distant sound of a car engine echoed in the stillness of the morning, spurring him on even faster. He knew he had to move quickly if he wanted to avoid running into Frank.
The house was secluded, nestled atop a hill overlooking the town below. It was a peaceful sanctuary, but now it felt like a prison, trapping Gerard. As he reached the bottom of the hill, Gerard scanned the street for any sign of a taxi. His heart raced with anxiety, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he prayed for a stroke of luck. And then, he saw it – a yellow cab rounding the corner, its sign flashing in the morning light. Without hesitation, Gerard sprinted towards it, waving his arms frantically to catch the driver's attention. "Hey! Taxi!" he called out. The driver slowed to a stop, eyeing Gerard warily as he approached. "Where to?" the driver asked. "The Way's residence, please," Gerard replied, his words rushed and breathless. He didn't dare look back, fearing that Frank might be lurking just around the corner, ready to drag him back into the nightmare he was trying to escape. As the taxi pulled away from the curb, Gerard sank back into the seat and stole a glance out the window, watching as the familiar sights of the town blurred past. With each passing moment, he felt a little lighter, a little freer, as if the weight of the world was slowly lifting from his shoulders.
As the taxi sped along the winding roads, Gerard's mind was consumed with guilt. He couldn't shake the image of Frank alone in their house. Despite everything, Gerard couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for his beloved. "Is everything okay, buddy?" the taxi driver asked, glancing at Gerard through the rearview mirror and Gerard hesitated, unsure of how to put his feelings into words. "Yeah, just... leaving someone behind, you know?" he replied, his voice barely above a whisper and the driver nodded sympathetically. "It's never easy," he said. "But sometimes, you gotta do what's best for you." Gerard nodded, his gaze drifting out the window as the scenery flew past in a blur. He knew that leaving Frank was the right decision, that staying would only lead to more pain and heartache. But that didn't make it any easier to bear. As the taxi continued on its journey, Gerard couldn't help but wonder what would become of Frank without him. But deep down, he knew that he couldn't sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of someone else's. It was a painful realization, but one that he knew he had to accept if he ever hoped to find peace. As the taxi pulled up to the grand entrance of Gerard's mansion, he quickly fumbled for his wallet, eager to pay the driver and be on his way. "Keep the change," he said, handing over a handful of bills before hurrying out of the cab.
Gerard sprinted towards the front door, his footsteps echoing against the marble pathway. It was a long run from the driveway to the mansion, but he didn't dare slow down. Finally, he reached the towering double doors, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he fumbled for his keys. He could feel the eyes of the driver on him, watching his frantic movements. "Come on, come on," Gerard muttered under his breath, his fingers shaking as he inserted the key into the lock. With a satisfying click, the door swung open, revealing the opulent interior of the mansion beyond. Without a second thought, Gerard darted inside. He took a moment to catch his breath, leaning against the wall. But there was no time to waste, Gerard straightened up and made his way deeper into the mansion, his footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. As Gerard entered the music room, he found his parents sitting together and they looked up as he entered. "Gerard, where have you been?" his mother asked. "We've been worried sick about you." Gerard forced a smile. "I'm sorry, Mother. It's just been a hectic couple of days," he replied and Donald narrowed his eyes, studying Gerard's bruised and battered appearance. "What happened to you?" he asked and Gerard hesitated, the truth threatening to spill from his lips. But he quickly pushed it aside, knowing that he couldn't bear to burden his parents with the reality of his relationship with Frank. "It was just an accident," he replied evasively, avoiding their gaze.
His mother reached out, her hand gently cupping his cheek. "You know you can tell us anything, Gerard," she said softly. "We're here for you, no matter what." Gerard felt a lump form in his throat. But he forced himself to nod, to smile through the pain. "I know, Mother. Thanks," he said, his voice barely above a whisper and Donna and Donald rushed to Gerard, enveloping him in a warm hug. "Oh, Gerard, we missed you so much," Donna exclaimed as tears welled up in her eyes. "You're our one and only son, Gerard," Donald said. "We worry about you every minute you're away." Gerard returned their hug. "I missed you too, Mother, Father," he whispered and Donna gently pulled away from the embrace. "Gerard, there's someone who's been waiting to see you," she said softly and Gerard's heart sank as he realized who she was referring to. Hayley – his wife, the woman he had left behind in pursuit of his love with Frank. He nodded numbly, his throat tight with emotion. "I'll go see her," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Donna gave him a reassuring smile, her hand squeezing his gently. "It'll be okay, Gerard. We'll be here for you," she said.
With a heavy heart, Gerard made his way to where Hayley was waiting. He knew that he had a lot to answer for, a lot of pain and heartache that he had caused her. As he approached, he could see the worry etched on Hayley's face, her hands resting protectively on her belly. She looked up as Gerard drew near, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and disappointment. Gerard knelt before Hayley and without a word, he reached out and enveloped her in a hesitant hug, his arms trembling slightly as he pulled her close. Hayley tensed at first, her body rigid with tension, but then she melted into his hug, her arms wrapping around him in return. "Gerard," she whispered and Gerard held her tightly, feeling the warmth of her body against his, the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. He wanted to tell her everything, to pour out his heart and soul and beg for her forgiveness. But the words caught in his throat, suffocated by the weight of his guilt. Instead, he simply held her, his grip tightening ever so slightly as if trying to convey his love and regret through the hug alone.
But then, Hayley pulled away slightly, her eyes searching his face for some semblance of reassurance. "Are you okay, Gerard?" she asked softly and Gerard swallowed hard. "Yeah, Hayley," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm okay." Hayley furrowed her brow, her concern deepening at Gerard's cryptic response. "Gerard, what happened?" she pressed and Gerard hesitated, his mind racing as he searched for the right words. He wanted to tell her the truth. But he couldn't bring himself to do it. "Nothing happened, Hayley," he replied. "What matters is that I'm home now, with you and the baby." Hayley studied him for a moment, her gaze searching his face for any sign of deception. But then, she seemed to relent, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Okay, Gerard," she said softly. "As long as you're home." Gerard felt a pang of guilt at her words, knowing that he was keeping the truth from her. Gerard allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay. Hayley leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Gerard's cheek, her lips lingering for a moment before she pulled back with a playful smile. "You're such a klutz, Gerard," she teased as she gestured to the bruises on his face. "What did you trip over this time?"
Gerard chuckled softly. "Just the usual, Hayley," he replied. "You know me – always finding new and creative ways to injure myself." Hayley laughed, the sound filling the room. "Well, as long as you're okay," she said, her smile softening as she reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "That's all that matters." Gerard's gaze softened as his hand resting gently on her stomach. "How's our little one doing?" he asked and Hayley's face lit up at the mention of their baby, her hand instinctively drifting to cradle her growing bump. "They're healthy and growing," she said. "I think they're ready to make their grand entrance into the world." Gerard felt a surge of joy course through him at the thought of becoming a father. "I can't wait to meet them," he said. "To hold them in my arms and show them all the love in the world." Hayley smiled, her fingers intertwining with Gerard's. "They're going to be so lucky to have you as their dad," she said softly and Gerard gazed at Hayley. "You're glowing, Hayley," he said softly. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever known." Hayley blushed at the compliment, a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Thank you, Gerard," she replied. "That means a lot coming from you."
But as Gerard looked into her eyes, he felt so guilty. Here was a woman who deserved so much more than what he could ever give her – a woman who had been forced into a marriage she didn't want, a marriage born out of obligation and duty rather than love. And yet, despite it all, she had stood by him, had supported him through thick and thin. She had given him her heart, her trust, her body – and what had he given her in return? Pain, betrayal, heartache. Gerard realized with a sinking feeling that he had been the one to take Hayley's innocence, to be the first man to touch her in ways she had never experienced before. And now, as he looked at her, he felt shame for having played with her emotions, for having taken advantage of her vulnerability. In that moment, Gerard knew that he had to do something to make things right – to make amends for the pain and suffering he had caused. But he also knew that it wouldn't be easy, that there would be sacrifices to be made and hard truths to confront.
Gerard hesitated for a moment before finally summoning the courage to speak. "Hayley, I... I need to ask you something," he said, his voice barely above a whisper and Hayley turned to him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of what he was about to say. "What is it, Gerard?" she asked and Gerard took a deep breath as he braced himself for her reaction. "Do you... do you still want to have sex with me?" he asked, the words tumbling out in a rush. Hayley looked into Gerard's eyes as she chuckled softly. "Do you want it now?" she asked with a grin and Gerard couldn't help but chuckle at her playful question. "I don't know, Hayley," he replied, his own lips quirking up into a smile. "Are you sure you can handle it?" Hayley laughed, the sound filling the room once again. "Oh, I think I can manage," she said as she leaned in closer to him. Their laughter faded into soft whispers as their lips met in a tender kiss and Gerard's fingers gently brushed against Hayley's cheek as he tenderly tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "You're beautiful," he whispered softly and Hayley's cheeks flushed pink at the compliment, a shy smile gracing her lips as she met Gerard's gaze. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
With a gentle hand, Gerard guided Hayley closer to him, their bodies pressing together and he could feel the heat of her skin against his, the softness of her curves beneath his fingertips. This would be her third time having sex in her life, and Gerard vowed to make it a special and memorable experience for her. With trembling hands, Gerard reached for the hem of Hayley's shirt, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric as he slowly began to lift it up and over her head. Hayley's breath caught in her throat as she felt the cool air against her skin, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Hayley," Gerard murmured softly. "I'll go slow, I promise." Hayley knew that she was safe with Gerard, that he would never do anything to hurt or betray her. With a gentle touch, Gerard guided Hayley to lie back on the bed, his hands supporting her as she settled into the soft mattress. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her lips before slowly trailing his lips down her neck and collarbone. As he moved lower, Gerard's fingers deftly worked at the button and zipper of Hayley's pants as he gradually eased them down her legs. Hayley squirmed slightly under his touch, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she felt the fabric slide away, leaving her exposed and vulnerable before him.
"I'm here, Hayley," Gerard murmured. "You're safe with me." Hayley nodded, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to steady her nerves. With gentle hands, Gerard continued to undress her as he removed her panties, leaving her completely bare before him. Hayley's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at her own nakedness, but she forced herself to relax. Gerard gently spread Hayley's legs apart, his hands tracing soothing circles along her thighs as he settled between them. He lowered his head, his breath warm against her skin as he pressed gentle kisses along her inner thighs, inching closer and closer to her most intimate place. Hayley's breath caught in her throat as she felt Gerard's warm breath against her. She had never experienced anything like this before, and the thought of Gerard exploring her in such an intimate way sent shivers of excitement coursing through her body. As Gerard's lips finally made contact with her folds, Hayley gasped, her fingers clutching at the sheets beneath her as waves of pleasure washed over her. Gerard's tongue was warm and velvety against her skin as he explored every inch of her.
For Hayley, this was an entirely new sensation and she arched her back, her breath coming in ragged gasps. This was her first time experiencing such intimate pleasure, and she knew that she would never forget the feeling of Gerard's touch against her skin. Gerard's mouth moved with increasing urgency, his tongue exploring every crevice and fold as he greedily drank in the taste of Hayley's essence. He sucked and licked, his senses overwhelmed by the intoxicating scent and flavor of her arousal. Hayley's body responded by her back arching off the bed as she moaned with pleasure. With each flick of his tongue, each gentle suckle of his lips, Gerard drove her closer and closer. And then, with a final, desperate cry, Hayley shattered into a million pieces, her body convulsing with the force of her climax. As she rode the wave of pleasure, Gerard continued to suckle and lick at her folds, his mouth smeared with her liquid as he greedily drank in every last drop of her essence. Gerard shifted his weight, positioning himself between Hayley's parted legs. Hayley's breath caught in her throat as she met his gaze and he nodded as she silently gave him her consent.
With a gentle touch, Gerard guided himself into her and he felt the tightness of her warmth envelop him. As Gerard continued to move within her, his pace quickening with each thrust, he buried his face in the crook of Hayley's neck. His breath was hot against her skin as he peppered her with kisses, his lips trailing along her collarbone. Hayley moaned softly, her fingers tangling in Gerard's hair as she arched her back to meet his movements. The sensation of his lips on her skin sent sparks of pleasure. With one hand, Gerard cupped Hayley's breast, his fingers teasing and tantalizing her sensitive flesh. He squeezed and kneaded, eliciting soft gasps and moans of pleasure from Hayley's lips. As their bodies moved together, Gerard's moans filled the air, mingling with Hayley's own cries. Gerard rarely had sex with women, so when he had the chance, he took it very seriously, savoring every moment. With a low growl, Gerard lifted one of Hayley's legs around his waist, pulling her closer to him as he continued to thrust deeply into her. His lips trailed from her neck to her ear, where he began to nibble and suckle on her earlobe.
As he whispered dirty words into her ear, his voice husky, Gerard's movements grew more urgent. Hayley gasped and moaned, her nails digging into Gerard's back and Gerard's lips trailed from Hayley's ear down to the curve of her neck before finally settling between her breasts. He kissed and nipped at her soft skin, his breath hot against her as he worshipped her with his mouth. Meanwhile, his hips continued to move in a steady rhythm, driving himself deeper into her with each thrust. But instead of pulling out and in, he stayed buried inside her, his cock pulsating as he sought to explore the depths of her pleasure. Hayley's back arched off the bed, her fingers threading through Gerard's hair as she urged him on. She could feel every inch of him inside her, filling her completely. With each thrust, Gerard pushed himself deeper and deeper, his hips grinding against hers and Hayley's fingers tangled in Gerard's hair, her nails grazing lightly against his scalp as she urged him on with soft, encouraging whispers. Gerard's hips continued to grind against hers, he moaned with pleasure, his voice a husky whisper against her skin.
With a groan, Gerard released inside Hayley, his body tensing and he buried himself deep within her, his cock still pulsating as he emptied himself completely, filling her. Hayley gasped and moaned beneath him, her body trembling and she clung to him desperately, her fingers digging into his back. With one final, tender kiss, Gerard whispered words of love and adoration into Hayley's ear.
XXX
Gerard found himself in the bathroom as he scrolled through the desperate messages from Frank, begging for forgiveness and pleading for Gerard to come back to him. Each word cut deeper than the last, reopening wounds that had barely begun to heal. Gerard's hands trembled as he read through the messages. Gerard knew that he couldn't go back to Frank, not after everything that had happened. He couldn't ignore the pain that had shattered their relationship, nor could he forget the love and trust that had been broken in the process. Frank's desperate messages continued to flood Gerard's phone, each one pleading for another chance, another opportunity to prove himself. He swore that he couldn't live without Gerard, that he would do anything to make things right. Gerard felt a pang of guilt tug at his heart as he read through Frank's messages. With a frustrated growl, Gerard slammed his hand against the bathroom wall, his head spinning. He knew that he couldn't give in to Frank's pleas, that he had to stay strong and hold onto the resolve that had brought him this far.
With a heavy heart, Gerard sank down to the bathroom floor, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. He hesitated for a moment before dialing Frank's number, his fingers trembling and the line rang once, twice, before finally connecting. Gerard held his breath, waiting anxiously for Frank to pick up, but there was only silence on the other end of the line. "Gerard?" Frank's voice finally broke the silence. "Is that you?" Gerard remained silent as he pressed his phone to his ear. He could hear the faint sound of Frank's voice on the other end of the line. "Gerard, please," Frank's voice was soft, almost pleading. "Say something. Anything." But still, Gerard said nothing, the words caught in his throat as he struggled to find the right thing to say. "Gerard, I'm sorry," Frank continued, his voice cracking. "I know I messed up, but I love you. I need you." Tears stung Gerard's eyes as he listened to Frank's words, his heart breaking all over again at the sound of his lover's pain. He wanted to reach through the phone and comfort him, to tell him that everything would be okay, but he knew that it was impossible. Gerard didn't say anything as tears streamed down his cheeks. He missed Frank's voice, but he knew that he couldn't go back to him.
As he cried, Gerard felt anger towards Frank, towards the man who had hurt him so deeply and yet still held a piece of his heart. He hated himself for still being in love with Frank, for still longing for the comfort of his arms even as he knew that they could never be together again. But most of all, he hated Frank, hated him for still being able to make Gerard feel this way despite everything that had happened between them. He hated him for still holding power over his heart, for still being able to make him ache with longing even as he knew that he should despise him. As the tears continued to fall, Gerard clutched his chest, the pain of his broken heart almost unbearable. He knew that he had to let go of Frank, but the thought of never seeing him again filled him with a sense of emptiness. Finally, after a long moment of silence, Gerard found his voice, his words choked. "I need some time to think, Frank," he said softly. "I can't make any promises right now." On the other end of the line, Frank's voice was filled with desperation. "But Gerard, I love you," he pleaded. "I miss you so much, it hurts." Tears welled up in Gerard's eyes as he listened to Frank's words, his heart breaking all over again at the sound of his pain.
"I know, Frankie," Gerard whispered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I miss you too." And as he spoke the words, Gerard felt sad, not for his own pain, but for Frank's. He knew that Frank was hurting, just as he was, and the thought of adding to his pain tore at his heart. As tears streamed down his cheeks, Gerard felt worry for Frank, a fear of what might happen to him. "Please, Gerard," he pleaded. "Don't leave me. I can't live without you." Gerard's heart ached at the sound of Frank's pain, his own tears mingling with Frank's on the other end of the line. "I'm not leaving you, Frankie," he said softly. "But things need to change between us." There was a moment of silence as Frank processed Gerard's words. "I'll do anything, Gerard," he vowed, his voice trembling. "Just tell me what you need me to do." Gerard hesitated for a moment. "We need to be honest with each other, Frank," he said finally. "No more lies, no more secrets. We need to trust each other completely if we're going to make this work."
And as he listened to Frank's soft sobs on the other end of the line, Gerard could feel his heart breaking into pieces. "I just need a little time, Frank," Gerard said gently. "I need to sort through my thoughts and figure out what's best for both of us." But Frank's voice was filled with panic and fear. "I can't do it, Gerard," he cried. "I need you. I can't breathe for even a second without you by my side." Gerard's heart clenched at Frank's words. He wanted nothing more than to ease Frank's suffering, to take away the pain that he knew he had caused. "I know, Frankie," Gerard whispered. "But we need to give each other some space to breathe. We can't keep suffocating each other with our neediness." There was a moment of silence. "I just don't know if I can do it, Gerard," he admitted. "I'm so scared of losing you." Gerard felt his own tears welling up in his eyes as he listened to Frank's confession. He knew that they were both afraid, both unsure of what the future held, but he also knew that they had to try. "I have to go, Frank," Gerard said with a heavy heart and Frank's pleading continued. "Please, Gerard," he begged. "Don't hang up. I need you."
Gerard hesitated, his own heart aching at the sound of Frank's pain. But he knew that he couldn't keep listening to Frank's desperate pleas, not when he needed space to sort through his own feelings. "I'm sorry, Frank," Gerard whispered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have to go." And with that, he ended the call and set his phone aside. He cried his lungs out as he leaned back against the bathroom wall. He felt guilty at the knowledge that he was causing Frank even more pain by pulling away and Gerard couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right decision.
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As the night wore on, Gerard found himself drifting off to sleep with Hayley in his arms. But suddenly, his peace was shattered by the incessant ringing of his phone. The sound pierced through the quiet of the night. But Hayley slept soundly beside him, her breathing steady and even, oblivious to the persistent ringing that echoed through the room. Gerard stirred restlessly, his brow furrowing in frustration as he reached for his phone, the screen illuminating the darkness of the room with each incoming call. But as he glanced at the caller ID, his heart sank at the sight of Frank's name flashing on the screen. Gerard checked the clock beside the bed, revealing the late hour: 2 in the morning. He gently hushed Hayley, who stirred softly beside him, her brow furrowing in sleep as she groaned softly. "Go back to sleep, Hayley," Gerard whispered as he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "I'll be right back." Careful not to disturb her further, Gerard slipped out of bed and made his way to the bathroom, the floor cold beneath his feet. With a heavy sigh, Gerard leaned against the bathroom sink, his reflection staring back at him from the mirror. He ran a hand through his hair and answered Frank's call, he noticed immediately that something was off. The sound on the other end of the line was muffled, distorted, as if Frank was speaking through a thick layer of cloth.
"Frank? Can you hear me?" Gerard's voice was filled with concern as he strained to make out Frank's words. There was a moment of silence, broken only by the faint sound of Frank's labored breathing on the other end of the line. And then, finally, a soft whimper, barely audible but filled with pain and desperation. "Frank, what's wrong?" Gerard's heart raced as he listened to the sound of Frank's distress. "Are you okay?" But there was no response, only the faint sound of static filling the air. Gerard's hands trembled as he held the phone tightly to his ear as Frank finally replied. The desperation in Frank's voice was palpable, sending chills down Gerard's spine as he listened to his words. "Frank, what did you do?" Gerard's voice was filled with fear as he struggled to keep his composure. "I couldn't live without you, Gerard," Frank's voice was barely a whisper, choked with tears. "I couldn't bear the thought of you leaving me." Gerard's mind raced as he tried to process Frank's words. He couldn't believe that Frank would do something so drastic, so reckless, just because of their strained relationship. "Frank, listen to me," Gerard said urgently, his voice trembling. "You need to stay calm. I'm coming to you right now, okay? Just hold on."
"I don't know if I can, Gerard," he sobbed. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Gerard's heart ached at the sound of Frank's pain, his own tears mingling with Frank's on the other end of the line. He knew that he had to get to Frank as quickly as possible, before it was too late. "Hang on, Frank," Gerard said firmly. "I'm coming for you. Just hold on a little longer, okay?" With that, he ended the call and rushed out of the bathroom, his mind racing with fear for Frank's safety. He prayed that he would reach him in time, that he could save him. Gerard moved quickly and silently, careful not to disturb Hayley as he grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair and slipped it on. He reached for his phone, wallet, and car keys, making sure not to make a sound as he gathered his essentials. With each movement, he held his breath, his senses heightened as he strained to listen for any sign that he had woken Hayley. But she remained asleep, her breathing steady. As he made his way to the door, Gerard cast one last glance back at Hayley. He hated leaving her like this, but he knew that he had to go to Frank, that he couldn't ignore the cry for help that had come from his lover.
With a silent prayer for Hayley's safety, Gerard slipped out of the room and closed the door behind him. He hurried down the stairs and out the front door, his heart pounding with fear for Frank's well-being. He climbed into his car and started the engine. With tears streaming down his face, Gerard drove through the deserted streets, the clock on the dashboard reading 2 in the morning. Gerard feared that he might be too late to save Frank from himself. His hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, the only sound the steady hum of the engine and the occasional sniffle as he tried to hold back his tears. "Please, let me be in time," Gerard whispered as he pleaded with whatever higher power might be listening. "Don't let it be too late." But with each passing mile, his fear only grew as he imagined the worst possible scenarios playing out in his mind. He couldn't bear the thought of losing Frank, of never having the chance to make things right between them. Gerard knew that he would do whatever it took to reach Frank in time. He couldn't let his lover slip away, not without fighting with every ounce of strength he had left.
As Gerard drove through the night, he found himself doing something he had never done before: praying. He had always been skeptical of the idea of a higher power, but in that moment of desperation, he couldn't help but plead with whatever force might be listening. "Please, if you're out there," Gerard whispered, his voice trembling. "Please save Frank. He's the love of my life, my air, my source of strength. I can't bear to lose him." His words were filled with a raw honesty that he had never allowed himself to show before. He continued to pray silently as he drove on. He didn't know if anyone or anything was listening, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he had to try, that he had to hold onto whatever shred of hope he could find. Gerard arrived at their secret house, his hands trembling as he quickly unlocked the door and stepped inside. "Baby?" Gerard called out as he ventured further into the living room. And then, he saw him: Frank, sitting on the floor with a knife in one hand and a bloodied forearm in the other.
"Frank, no!" Gerard's heart leaped into his throat as he rushed to his lover's side, his hands shaking as he gently took the knife from his grasp. "What have you done?" Frank's eyes were vacant, his face pale and drawn as he stared blankly ahead. "I couldn't live without you, Gerard," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the pounding of Gerard's heart. "I'm sorry." Gerard's heart broke at the sight of Frank's pain, his own tears mingling with the blood on Frank's arm as he wrapped his arms around him. "It's okay, Frank," he whispered. "I'm here now. Everything's going to be okay." He held Frank close, his heart aching as he rocked him gently back and forth. He didn't know how they would make it through this, but he knew that as long as they had each other, they would find a way. As they sank to their knees on the floor, Gerard enveloped Frank in a tight hug, holding him as if his life depended on it. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he whispered apologies over and over again, his voice choked in tears.
"I'm so sorry, Baby," Gerard murmured, his words barely audible amidst the sound of their shared sobs. "I never meant to hurt you. I love you so much." Frank clung to Gerard, his body trembling. "I'm sorry too," he sobbed. "I couldn't bear the thought of losing you." In that moment, nothing else mattered to Gerard except Frank. His own happiness, his freedom, his obligations to his parents, and even his pregnant wife faded into insignificance compared to the overwhelming need to be with Frank. If Frank wanted him to stay, Gerard would stay. If Frank needed him to sacrifice everything else in his life, Gerard would do it without hesitation. With each heartbeat, Gerard's love for Frank grew stronger and Gerard made a silent vow to never let Frank go again, to hold onto their love with everything he had. Gerard gently helped Frank to the couch as he made sure his lover was comfortable. With a soft sigh, he turned to go to the kitchen, his mind focused on finding the first aid kit to tend to Frank's wounds. As Gerard rummaged through the kitchen cabinets, he felt so guilty at the knowledge that he had hurt Frank so deeply driving him to do everything in his power to make things right.
Gerard didn't realize the extent of Frank's manipulation. He was so deeply in love and so blinded by his own guilt that he couldn't see the truth staring him in the face. As he carefully cleaned and bandaged Frank's wounds, he didn't notice the smug look on Frank's face, too consumed with his own feelings to see the deception hidden behind his lover's eyes. But as he finished tending to Frank's injuries and sat back to admire his handiwork, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of Gerard's mind. Something didn't feel right, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. "You're so good to me, Gerard," Frank's voice broke through his thoughts. "I don't know what I'd do without you." Gerard smiled weakly. "I'll always be here for you, Frank," he vowed. But deep down, a small voice whispered doubts in Gerard's mind, a nagging feeling that something was amiss. He pushed it aside, burying it beneath layers of love and guilt, unwilling to entertain the possibility that his beloved Frank could be capable of such deception.
Unbeknownst to Gerard, Frank had orchestrated the entire situation. Frank's mental anguish had driven him to extreme lengths, willing to inflict physical harm upon himself just to evoke a sense of guilt in Gerard. The thought of Gerard leaving him had ignited a desperation within Frank, a desperation that knew no bounds. Gerard helped Frank to bed as he tucked the blankets around him. Despite everything, Gerard couldn't bring himself to abandon Frank in his time of need. As they lay side by side, facing each other in the room, a heavy silence hung between them. Gerard couldn't help but be drawn to Frank, the love he felt for him still burning brightly within his chest. As he looked into Frank's eyes, he saw not the manipulative stranger he had become, but the man he had once loved with all his heart. "I'm sorry, Gerard," Frank's voice broke the silence. "I never meant to hurt you."
Gerard's heart clenched at the sound of Frank's voice. "I know," he whispered softly, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from Frank's forehead. "I forgive you." With a heavy sigh, Gerard pulled Frank close, wrapping his arms around him as they held each other tightly. "I'm not mad at you, Baby," Gerard said gently, his hand reaching out to brush against Frank's cheek. "But I don't want you to hurt yourself like that ever again." Frank's eyes filled with tears as he nodded. "I promise, Gerard," he whispered. "I'll never do anything like that again." Gerard's heart clenched at the sight of Frank's pain. "I know it's not easy," he said softly. "But you don't have to go through it alone. I'm here for you, Baby. Always." With a tender smile, Gerard leaned in and pressed his lips against Frank's and Frank's arms wrapped around Gerard, pulling him closer. "I love you, Frank Anthony Way," Gerard whispered against his lips. "And I love you, Gerard Arthur Iero," Frank murmured.
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