Work Text
The toaster always gave Frank anxiety.It was stupidHe knew it was stupidWho’s scared of a fucking toaster?Frank never thought too much about it, but he assumed it was because of the uncertainty of it all.Knowing something was going to happenbut not knowing whenany momentbut not this momentPOPFrank jumped at the sound of waffles being sprung from the hot metal clutches of the basic kitchen appliance. He carefully grabbed them between his thumb and index finger, ignoring how the hot pastry burned the skin on his fingertips. He placed the waffles on a plate and made his way to the kitchen table. He sat down across from his 3 year old daughter, gently moving the plate over to her.“Chocolate chip?” She asked“Sorry, Pumpkin” Frank frowned “they were all out” that wasn’t true, but the chocolate chip waffles were almost $2 more than the plain ones, and Frank had to save as much as he could “but the plain ones are just as good!”“How?” She asked“They’re like a blank canvas, you can make them any flavor you want!” Frank smiled, getting up from the table and rushing over to the fridge. He took out a small container of blueberries. He quickly, but thoroughly, washed them off before putting the blueberries on top of the waffles “see? Now they’re blueberry waffles!”She was silent for a moment, thinking about what her dad just said, before smiling up at him and happily eating the waffles.Those blueberries were supposed to be for Frank to make smoothies. It was hard being broke and vegan, and one smoothie could last him a few days at least. Those blueberries were going to be the main part of his smoothie that week.But he didn’t care. He’d happily go without if it meant she could have everything.“Daddy?”“Yes, Elsa?” Frank asked“Why is my name Elsa?”Frank chuckled “you know why your name is Elsa.”“I forget” she giggled“You’re named after a character from one of daddy’s favorite movies” Frank smiled“What movie?”“Frankenweenie”“Can we watch it?” She asked“Sure” he said••••“You’re late” Frank heard his boss grumble“I had to drop my daughter off at daycare and it took a little longer than I thought, I’m sorry” Frank said“Whatever, just start stocking those shelves”Frank worked three jobson record, two jobsbut really, three jobsHe worked at a grocery store and he worked at a diner.When he needed extra cash, which was almost all the time, he provided other services.sexual services.But he kept that to himself.He kept everything to himself, really.The last time he shared his life with someone, he barely made it out alive.He was always looking over his shoulder and always terrified he was going to get dragged back to that hell he was forced to call his life.Never againNever fucking again••••“Come on you piece of shit” Gerard mumbled to himself, fumbling with his key in the mailbox. He hated this apartment building. It was old and cheap and honestly should’ve been demolished years ago. Unfortunately, it was the only apartment that was walking distance from campus.Gerard was in his second year of art school and as much as he loved it…he quickly realized that no matter what he was studying, school was the fucking worst. He hated being told what to create and being given a specific timeframe to create something someone else wanted.It was fucking stupid.Gerard was pulled from his thoughts when he noticed a man struggling to get inside the apartment building. He was holding a large bag of groceries and had a little girl next to him. He looked exhausted and irritated. Gerard quickly ran up to the door, carefully opening it for them.“Thanks” the young man said as he made his way inside, diligently watching the little girl and making sure she was close to him.“Let me help you with that” Gerard said, reaching for the grocery bag“I got it”“I insist” Gerard tried again“I said I got it!” He snapped before suddenly losing grip on the bag and watching the contents of it scatter all over the floor.Immediately, Gerard knelt down and began helping the man pick up the groceries from the floor. Thankfully, everything was in its own packaging so nothing was ruined.“Those grocery bags never hold enough” Gerard said, trying to make conversation.“Yeah”“I’m Gerard, what’s your name?” He asked“Frank”“Nice to meet you Frank” Gerard said kindly before turning his attention to the little girl “what’s your name?”“Elsa” she smiled“Like Frozen?” Gerard askedElsa scrunched her nose in annoyance “no, like frankenweenie.”Frank couldn’t help but chuckle to himself at his daughter’s response.Once all the groceries were back in the bag, Frank carefully stood up with them again “thanks for your help”“Let me help you bring them up to your place” Gerard said as he followed the two into the elevator.NoFuck noNo way was Frank going to show this guy what appartment him and his daughter lived in. What if this guy was a psychopath? Fuck no.“No” Frank finally said before grabbing Elsa’s hand.“Um…okay” Gerard said, finding it a little weird how defensive Frank was. When the elevator doors closed, Gerard didn’t ask what floor Frank was going to and simply hit the button for the 6th floor.Gerard noticed Frank’s eyes widen a little at that “You live on the sixth floor too?”Frank nodded reluctantlyWhen they exited the elevator, they began walking the same way. Frank started to feel his chest tighten and his heart beat faster with every step.Was this man following them?What the fuck did he want?They were getting closer and closer to Franks apartment and Gerard was still following them.No moreNo more traumaNo more monstersAs they approached the door to Franks apartment, he was already thinking of an escape plan. He carefully hid Elsa behind him and clenched his hand into a fist, ready to attack.But he immediately stopped when he saw Gerard unlock the door across from his apartment.OhFrank released a deep breath he didn’t realize he was holding“Huh…I guess we’re neighbors” Gerard chuckled before walking inside his apartment “see you around the building, I guess”Gerard closed the door, leaving Frank in a weird state of anxiety and relief.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Frank thought it was ironic how the job he hated the most paid him more than his other two jobs combined.Working at a bar wasn’t too bad. He didn’t mind pouring drinks or making small talk. He did however hate selling his body.Most of the regulars at this bar paid good money to spent even 10 minutes with Frank. They were always rough and vile, but Frank had become a master at disassociating.When it would startwhen he felt the hands groping his bodyhe felt his mind shut offhe didn’t feel what was being done to him and he was mentally somewhere elsesomewhere happy and safeHe never expected his life to be like this. He thought he would write music and foster dogs.He never expected to be raising a child alone. He never thought he would have to escape a toxic and abusive relationship. He never thought he’d struggle to pay bills.He was pulled out of his thoughts when a customer sat down in front of him at the bar, knocking on the wooden surface with his fist.“What would you like?” Frank asked“Your pretty pink lips around my cock” the guy smirkedFrank was about to throw up, but no one would ever know that. He had become a master at lying to the world. Instead, he smiled sweetly and gently placed his hand on the man’s arm“$100 and I’ll let you do anything you want with me” Frank said seductivelyThe man grinned, his yellow teeth sending chills down Franks spine. He quickly bought one of the back rooms in the bar before dragging Frank inside.••••“Daddy daddy!!” Elsa exclaimed as she ran out of her room that morning “guess what today is!!”“What is it, pumpkin?” Frank asked, his voice tired but doing his best to sound enthusiastic.“Today is art day at daycare!” She said “I’m gonna make art!”“That sounds like a lot of fun” Frank smiled, watching as Elsa climbed up onto the couch to sit next to him. She cuddled into his side.“Daddy?”“Yes, sweetheart?” He replied“Is mean daddy going to come back?”Franks heart sank and tears burned his eyes “no, honey. He’s not going to come back”“Promise?”Frank tilted Elsa’s head up, gently pushing the hair away from her eyes “I promise” he said as sincerely as possibleHe was never going to let that monster hurt them again.••••Frank felt himself falling asleep to the sound of the fluorescent lights buzzing above him. He hated being a cashier almost as much as he hated being somebody’s fuck toy.“You work here?” a familiar voice saidFrank looked over and saw Gerard standing beside him, a gentle smile on his face.“No shit I fucking work here” Frank didn’t know why he responded so aggressivelyGerard looked taken back by Franks response, but his features remained gentle and unthreatening “I come here all the time, never noticed you here before”“Okay” Frank saidGerard had an ability to read people. He would notice things that most people wouldn’t. He noticed the dark circles under franks eyes and how skinny he was.“Hey can you do me a favor?” Gerard asked suddenlyFrank ignored him and continued to stock the shelves“I’m an art student and I need a model to draw”“No” Frank didn’t even look at him“I’ll pay you $100”That sparked Frank’s interest, but he still didn’t trust him. Why the fuck would this guy want to draw him?“I don’t know…”“$150?” Gerard counteredFuckThat money could pay for groceries and new shoes for Elsa“What do I have to do?” Frank asked, suddenly feeling nervous. He didn’t want to lose this opportunity. He needed the money so fucking bad.“Are you free tomorrow morning?”“I have to drop Elsa off at daycare but that shouldn’t take too long” Frank said“Perfect. Just come by my apartment. You know the address” Gerard smiled before walking away.••••Frank ran out of the supermarket in a panic. He lost track of time and needed to catch the next bus to get to his “bartending” job on time.He ran down the sidewalk as fast as he could, the cold air burning his lungs. He saw the bus arrive at the stop, but then immediately drive awayFuck fuck fuck“Wait!!! Please!!” Frank shouted, but it was too late.As Frank watched the bus drive away without him, his heart started pounding in his chest and anxiety was sinking in“Do you need a ride home?” Frank heard a familiar voice sayWhat the fuck?Why won’t this guy go away?Frank turned around and wasn’t surprised to see Gerard standing there “No…”“Oh…well where were you going? I can drive you” Gerard smiledFrank felt his stomach drop and his face flush with embarrassment. He didn’t give a shit about Gerard or what he thought but…he also really didn’t want him to know where he was going.“Just…my other job” Frank mumbled“I can drive you, come on” Gerard insistedFuckIf Frank didn’t show up for work, not only would he have less money than usual but he would also risk losing his job. He couldn’t lose the job that paid the most.Frank reluctantly got into Gerard’s car without saying a word••••“It’s this building here on the left…” Frank mumbled as they approached the “bar.”Frank didn’t need to look at Gerard’s face to know that he was judging him. His silence was deafening and the tension in the air was suffocating.“H-here?” Gerard confirmed“Yeah” Frank said as he gathered his things, wanting to get out of the car as soon as possible“Is it safe?” Gerard asked worriedlySafe?Of course it wasn’t fucking safeHe got groped and manhandled every fucking night“It’s fine” Frank said before getting out of the car, leaving Gerard in a state of shock.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“What are you doing today, daddy?” Elsa asked as Frank was walking her to daycare.“Borning adult stuff” Frank replied “what about you?”“Boring kid stuff”Frank chuckled at his daughter’s quick remark “there’s no such thing as boring kid stuff”“Yeah there is!”“Like what?”“We’re finger painting again and we don’t have a lot of colors” Elsa complained“Oh you poor thing” Frank chuckled again as they approached his daughter’s daycare. Frank waved at the teacher waiting by the door for her.Frank kneeled down in front of Elsa, gently pushing her hair behind her ears “have a great day okay? I’ll be back to pick you up at 4 o’ clock okay?”“I know” Elsa smiled“I love you to the moon” Frank smiled“I love you to the stars!” Elsa grinned before hugging her dad as tight as she could.••••Frank stood in front of Gerard’s apartment door, hesitating on ringing the doorbell. He shifted uncomfortably, the lace underwear he had put on felt itchy on his skin. He hated wearing it, but he knew the real reason behind this visit was to fuck. He knew $150 to pose for a portrait was bullshit and Gerard only said that to get him to come.He hoped the lace panties would entice Gerard to pay a little extra.As Frank lifted his fist to knock, the door suddenly opened. Gerard was standing there in a baggy hoodie and sweatpants‘Typical booty call clothes’ Frank thought“Good morning!” Gerard smiled before stepping away from the door “come on in”Frank cautiously walked inside, glancing around the small apartment. It was mostly neat and organized, with the exception of a few abandoned coffee mugs and comic books scattered around.“Hungry?” Gerard asked “I was just making french toast”“No, thanks” Frank said, just wanting to get this fuck over with. He couldn’t deny the fact Gerard was gorgeous and was the most attractive person that had ever paid him for a fuck, but he didn’t like his work being this close to home.Gerard nodded, grabbing a fresh cup of coffee and handing it to Frank “Coffee?”He probably put something in itFrank had been drugged before and it always ended with him not getting his money“No, thanks”Gerard looked puzzled but smiled anyway “oh, okay well it’s here if you want it”Frank nodded, taking his hoodie off and placing it on the couch “so…wanna get started?”“Yeah!” Gerard smiled“Couch or bedroom?”“Couch is fine. The lighting is better in here than my bedroom” Gerard saidWhy does the lighting matter?“You can drop the whole ‘project for art school’ thing” Frank said “it’s only weird if you make it weird”Gerard raised an eyebrow “what are you talking about?”“You want me here so you can fuck me” Frank saidGerard started choking on his coffee, slamming the mug down on the counter and trying to catch his breath “what!?”“You think I wouldn’t figure it out?” Frank chuckled sarcastically “$150 for an art school project? You think I’m some kind of fucking idiot?”“Frank, I AM paying you for an art project” Gerard insisted “I can show you the assignment! I didn’t invite you here for anything else but that”Gerard’s words struck Frank’s ego more than he’d like to admit. He didn’t want to fuck?“Oh” Frank hated that was all he could think of to sayGerard sighed in frustration “Look, Frank, I’m trying to be nice to you because I can see you have a lot of shit going on but if you’re going to continue to think I’m some kind of monster, then I’ll leave you alone okay?”Frank felt his heart sinkGerard wasn’t a monsterFrank knew what monsters were likeand they weren’t like Gerard“I’m sorry” Frank whispered“Whatever” Gerard mumbled “If you wanna go, you can go”“No, I’ll stay” Frank said, sitting down on the couch “I’m sorry”Gerard inspected Frank for a moment, not recognizing this behavior. Usually Frank was cold and aggressive, but suddenly he was quiet and scared. He reminded Gerard of a startled deer.He quietly grabbed his art supplies and sat down across from where Frank was“I’m gonna do a rough sketch first” he explained“Okay”As Gerard began drawing, he was thinking about things he wanted to ask Frank. He wanted to learn every single thing about himand he intended to learn everything
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
They were at almost an hour of awkward silenceGerard’s pencil making soft sounds over the paperFranks slow and somewhat calm breathingNeither of them knew how to start a conversation with each other and it was becoming increasingly insufferable.The awkward tension in the room didn’t make it any easier.“So…” Frank awkwardly cleared his throat “How much longer is this going to take?”“We can take a break for now” Gerard said, placing his sketchbook on the coffee table “hungry?”Starving“No” Frank said“I literally heard your stomach growling while I was drawing you” Gerard struggled to not sound confrontationalDue to his financial struggles, Frank couldn’t afford to regularly feed himself. Anytime he bought food, he would make sure that most of it would go to Elsa.“Fine” Frank admitted, knowing this was an argument he couldn’t win “what do you have?”“I can order us pizza!” Gerard smiled“I’m lactose intolerant”“Oh, that’s okay! What about Chinese food?” Gerard suggested“Sounds good”••••The two sat on the couch, silently eating and watching tv. Gerard had ordered extra food, telling Frank he could bring all the leftovers home. Frank hated when people treated him like a charity case, although he knew he was one. He needed all the help he could get.“How old is Elsa?” Gerard asked“She’s almost four”“She looks a lot like you” Gerard saidFrank smiled at that “thank you…she’s my whole world”“Where um…” Gerard struggled to find the appropriate words “Where is Elsa’s-““Died during childbirth” Frank said, knowing Gerard was trying to ask where Elsa’s mom was.“Oh my god…I’m so sorry Frank” Gerard gaspedFrank shrugged sadly, poking his fork around the take out container and picking up a piece of broccoli “it’s alright…me and Elsa’s mom weren’t close but…we hooked up once and she ended up pregnant. She didn’t tell me Elsa was mine until she was going into labor.”Frank was silent for a moment before he continued talking “Then I met Eric…I always knew I was bisexual but I had never been with a man until Eric. He was nice at first but…then he wasn’t. He wouldn’t let me leave the house, he would hit me, rape me, make my life a living hell. Two months ago while Eric was at work, I packed up everything I could and left with Elsa. We found this place by luck and…I’m working all these jobs to try and get her far away from here so he can never find us”Gerard felt his heart shatterFrank was raped?He was abused?“How old are you, Frank?” Gerard asked with a trembling voice“26”He was so young and it broke Gerard’s heart“You became a dad at 23?” Gerard gasped“Somebody’s good at math” Frank said sarcastically“Sorry, it just…I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been for you” Gerard said softly “I-I’m so sorry for what happened to you…”“It’s still difficult. None of it has gotten any easier” Frank said sternly “but it doesn’t matter because she’s my entire world. Everything I do is for her. Everything.”Gerard smiled softly, loving how much Frank cared about Elsa “do you have work today?”“I have work everyday” Frank said “today I’m only at the bar”“Oh” Gerard said lowly“Don’t judge me” Frank snapped “it pays me the most money”“I just feel bad that’s what you have to do”“I don’t need your pitty, and it’s really not that bad” Frank lied. Truthfully, he felt sick to his stomach every time he walked into that disgusting bar“What time do you get off work?” Gerard asked“5am”“I’ll pick you up” Gerard said“No thanks”“Why not?” Gerard asked“Because I don’t need you to judge me for how I support myself and my daughter” Frank snapped“I don’t judge you. You’ve been through a lot and I just want to help anyway I can” Gerard said, hoping Frank would understandThat didn’t make senseNo one ever just wanted to helpPeople were selfish and were always looking for some kind of reward or payment for their good deeds.“Why do you give a shit?” Frank mumbled“Honestly, I don’t know” Gerard admitted “I’m not someone that ever gets involved in someone’s personal problems but for some reason with you I just-“ he sighed “I haven’t been able to get you out of my head since I saw you in the lobby that day”Frank couldn’t ignore the light feeling in his chest. He didn’t trust Gerard, but something kept screaming at him to let him in.“I’m not someone you want to get involved in” Frank said after a moment“Why?”Frank couldn’t think of a good answer, so he stayed quiet.“I’m not going to force you to let me into your life but…just know I’m here if you ever need anything” Gerard said“I need to go pick up Elsa” Frank said“Can I drive you?”“No” Frank said before grabbing his jacket and heading for the door “thanks for lunch. You can leave my money under the welcome mat”••••“Can we watch a movie tonight daddy?” Elsa asked as they walked home together from daycare“Sure” Frank smiled “what movie do you want to watch?”“Frankenweenie!”“Again?” Frank chuckled“Yeah! You named me after it”“Fair enough” Frank giggled as they entered their apartment building“Can we get pizza tonight?” She askedNormally, Frank couldn’t afford something like that but since Gerard was going to leave him money, he decided it would be nice to treat his daughter to her favorite food. If they got a large, it could hopefully last a few days.“Sure” Frank said, smiling when he saw the look of excitement on his daughter’s face.When they got to their apartment, Frank looked under the mat and was enraged to see the money Gerard promised was not thereFucking assholeI knew he didn’t really give a shitFrank was used to trying and getting money he was owed. It didn’t always work, but he always tried.He helped Elsa inside “Pumpkin, go put your stuff in your room okay? Daddy just needs to go to the neighbors house for a minute”“Why?”“Remember what I said about asking questions?” Frank scolded“Yeah, you said I get my attitude from you” Elsa replied, causing Frank to chuckle“I went to the neighbors house and forgot my jacket. I’ll be right back okay? For now just put your stuff in your room” Frank explained“Yes, daddy” Elsa complied, walking into her room with her tiny pink and purple backpackWhen Frank opened the door to leave his apartment, his heart fell into the pit of his stomach“Hey Frankie”Frank swallowed nervously before immediately going to slam the door, but he felt something block it.“Hey hey…is that any kind of hello?”“What the fuck are you doing here, Eric?” Frank hated how his voice trembled“I told you I’d find you” Eric said, violently shoving the door open and causing Frank to stumble back. He walked inside slowly “shitty place you got here”“Get the fuck out!” Frank shouted, running to the kitchen counter to grab a knifeEric lunged forward and wrapped his arms around Frank’s waist, pulling him back against his chest“No!!” Frank grunted “let me go you fucking asshole!!”“You thought you could just fucking leave!?” Eric shouted, struggling to keep a grip on FrankElsa peeked out from her bedroom, terrified tears rolling down her red cheeksFrank grunted again, kicking his leg back and hitting Eric in the crotch. Eric shouted in pain, dropping Frank. Frank crawled across the floor as fast as he could towards Elsa’s room“Close the door and hide” Frank whispered desperately before feeling Eric tightly grab his ankle and drag him backFrank struggled frantically as Eric picked him up and threw him onto the couch. Before he could even process what was happening, Eric climbed on top of him and straddled his waist“GET OFF!!!” Frank screamed desperately“I missed you, Frankie…don’t you miss me?” Eric asked, running his hand up under Frank’s tshirtNoPlease noNot againPlease not againFrank broke down into tears, weakly punching at Eric but knowing it was no use.Eric chuckled and began pulling at Franks belt when suddenly he was ripped off of him and thrown to the floor.Gerard grabbed Eric by the collar of his shirt and threw him across the room, watching as the large man slammed hard into the wall. Before Eric could even realize what happened, Gerard was throwing punches to his face. He grabbed the collar of his shirt and pinned Eric against the wall“You disgusting coward” Gerard growled, spitting in Eric’s now bruised and bloody face “Frank is with me now, got it? If I ever fucking see you here again I’ll fucking kill you. I’ll rip your throat out with my teeth and watch the life leave your eyes”“Okay okay I’m sorry!!” Eric bursted out into tearsGerard threw Eric to the ground and watched the now broken man ran out of the apartment.Gerard closed the apartment door and locked it before immediately running over to Frank “hey, you alright? you with me?”Frank was in a state of shock, the events from moments ago playing over and over in his head.“It’s okay, it’s okay…you’re safe. I got you, okay?” Gerard said gently“Elsa” Frank said, stumbling to his feet and limping over to his daughter’s room. He softly knocked on the door “pumpkin?”The door softly squeaked open, a crying and trembling Elsa standing on the other side. Frank fell to his knees and pulled her into a tight hug, crying into her shoulder.“I’m sorry” Frank sobbed “I’m so sorry, pumpkin I’m so sorry”Gerard took out his phone, sending a quick text before walking into Frank’s room. He looked around until he found a black backpack. He began throwing some of Frank’s clothes into it.“Daddy? Your lip is bleeding” Elsa notedBefore Frank could respond, Gerard approached him. Elsa looked at him with fear“It’s okay, he’s good” Frank whispered to her before looking up at Gerard“Have her pack a bag. I packed one for you already” Gerard saidBefore Frank could say anything, Elsa was already running to her backpack and throwing clothes and toys into it.“Why are we-?” Frank whispered “why did you come here?”“I was going to bring you your money…” Gerard said, inspecting Frank’s facial expression “I’m taking you two somewhere safer, okay?” Gerard whispered“I have work tonight” was all Frank could say, his voice drained and emotionless“Frankie, you’re in shock. I’m going to help you, okay? You just gotta trust me.” Gerard said“Okay…” Frank cried
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The drive was longand quietand awkward.Frank had no idea where they were going and it fucking terrified him. Elsa had fallen asleep in the backseat. Gerard was playing an Iron Maiden CD with the volume very low.“Do you like Iron Maiden?” Gerard asked awkwardly, struggling to make conversationFrank shrugged“What kind of bands do you like?” Gerard asked“Misfits…Black Flag…” Frank said lowly“Oh so like punk rock?” Gerard confirmed “that’s really cool”Frank nodded, glancing out the window“We’re almost there” Gerard said, getting off the highway exit and driving through a small cozy neighborhood. After a few minutes, Gerard pulled into the driveway of a cute little house. It was painted dark blue and had flowers outside.“Where are we?” Frank whispered“This is my brother’s house. I called him and told him you and Elsa were coming. He said you guys can stay here as long as you need” Gerard said gently“Will you stay here too?” Frank asked worriedly. Even though he didn’t fully trust Gerard yet, he didn’t want to be away from him.“Yeah, my semester ended today anyway. Just gotta send my professor a picture of my finished portrait of you” Gerard smiled a little “wanna go inside and meet my brother?”“Wait!” Frank exclaimed worriedly “what’s his name?”“Mikey” Gerard smiled “come on”Gerard grabbed Frank and Elsa’s bags from the backseat, while Frank gently picked up his daughter. She was still fast asleep, resting her head on his shoulder.They walked up to the front door, Frank staying a few steps back.A tall and skinny guy opened the door. He looked to be a little younger than Gerard. He wore glasses and his hair poked out from under his gray knit beanie. When his eyes landed on Frank, he gave him a crooked but friendly smile “Hi! I’m Mikey”“Hi” Frank said timidly“Come in, it’s freezing out” Mikey said, moving out of the doorway and motioning for them to come inside“Thank you so much for helping out, Mikey” Gerard said“Don’t worry about it” he smiledFrank glanced around, trying to take in his surroundings. There were old horror movie posters on the wall and two cats playing on the living room couch. The air smelled like coffee and there was a bass guitar in the corner. The house was cozy and really inviting.“Wake up, pumpkin” Frank whispered as he gently shook Elsa awake. She slowly opened her eyes, immediately noticing the cats. Frank put her down and watched as she quickly ran over to them“Don’t worry, they’re friendly” Mikey smiled, noticing the worry disappear from Franks face “You can leave their bags in the guest room” Mikey said to Gerard before walking into the kitchen and grabbing a mug “Frank, how do you like your coffee?”“Uh, black” Frank said“Good choice” Mikey smiled as he poured coffee into the mug and handed it to Frank.“Thank you for letting us stay here…” Frank said“Don’t worry about it, I’m happy to help” Mikey said gently “I um…I kinda get it, yknow?”Frank tilted his head a little “what do you mean?”“Gerard told me a little about what you’re going through. I’m not a single dad but…I know what it’s like to date someone that will stop at nothing to break you down…” Mikey sniffled“I’m so sorry…” Franks heart sank“It’s alright” Mikey smiled tearfully “rain before a rainbow, or whatever the saying is-right?”Frank sniffled “yeah…”••••The events of the day were playing over and over in Franks mind. He couldn’t believe Eric had found him. He couldn’t believe Gerard saved him. He couldn’t believe he wasn’t at work right now.Fuck.Work.He had shifts at all 3 of his jobs tonight.And he wasn’t going to show up at any of them.What the fuck was he going to do for money!?Panic started to set in faster than Frank could handle.He quickly got up from the couch and put his shoes on, quietly exiting the house and hoping no one noticed.He walked down the street for a few blocks until he approached a bar. It looked like the one he worked at.Time to make money, I guessFrank slowly walked up to the entrance, noticing a group of guys smoking“You boys looking for a fun time?” Frank asked“Not with you, faggot” one of them said, the slur making Frank’s stomach drop a little“Well, hang on. He’s got a body like a female” one of them said“$100 and you can do whatever you want” Frank offeredOne of them looked Frank up and down “maybe, let me get a look at that ass first”Frank turned around, trying to pretend he couldn’t feel their filthy eyes objectifying him“Yeah, let’s fuck in the back alley” one of them saidFranks lips pulled into a small smile, knowing he’d soon have money to support Elsa again.••••Frank had to limp all the way back to Mikey’s houseThey were roughReally roughWay more rough than Frank was used toBut at least he had some money nowWhen he entered the house, he was startled when he saw Gerard sitting on the couch. He was watching tv but immediately turned his head when he heard Frank come in“Thank god” he breathed “i was going to give you another 30 minutes to get home or i was gonna call the police”“Glad you didn’t, I’m fine”“Where did you go?” Gerard asked“Just wanted to go for a walk”“You’re a bad liar” Gerard said“So what?”“Frankie…” Gerard stood up “I know what you were doing…and you have to stop”“I don’t have to do anything” Frank argued “I need to support my daughter and this is the way I’m able to do it”“You won’t be able to support her if you’re dead” Gerard snapped “these people you’re meeting up with are fucking dangerous”Frank felt tears burn his eyes “you don’t fucking understand”“Then help me understand”“I never expected to be a dad, especially a single dad” Frank said lowly “it all just happened and I needed a way to make a lot of money, fast. I tried everything from dog walking to playing guitar on the side of the street. I had to be careful though because my ex was after us. I started selling myself because it was the only thing that paid enough. You think I like living like this? You think I like letting these assholes treat me like some kind of fuck doll!? I hate it! I fucking hate it and every time I do it I feel less and less like a human being. But what other fucking choice do I have!? I don’t have anyone!!”Frank couldn’t control himself, his emotions from the horrifying events of the day suddenly catching up with him. He gasped brokenly before letting a sob escape his lips.Gerard immediately wrapped his arms around Frank’s trembling body, rubbing his back and whispering soothing words into his shoulder.“You have me, okay?” Gerard whisperedFrank didn’t know what to say, just allowed himself to fall apart in Gerard’s arms••••The next morning, Frank woke up early to make Elsa breakfast. When he got downstairs, he was surprised to see Elsa was already sitting at the kitchen table with a plate of pancakes. Gerard was standing by the stove, pouring pancake batter into a hot pan“Morning!” Gerard smiled “hungry? I made vegan pancakes!”Frank couldn’t remember the last time he had a warm breakfast. He sat down next to his daughter, chuckling to himself watching her eat. She had syrup and whip cream all over her face“Morning, daddy!” She smiled“Good morning, pumpkin” Frank gently kissed Elsa’s templeGerard put a plate with 3 pancakes, strawberries, blueberries, and whip cream in front of Frank before sitting down next to him with his own plate“You want some coffee, Frankie?” Mikey asked, getting up and walking to the coffee pot.“Sure, thank you” Frank smiledFor the first time in years, things felt somewhat okay. Frank felt safe. He felt like Elsa was safe.He was starting to feel different about Gerard tooHe felt himself wanting to get to know him betterSpend more time with himBe with him-noYou’re a whoreHe’s not going to want youDon’t risk ruining everythingFrank was pulled out of his thoughts when he felt Gerard’s thumb gently rub on his cheek“You had some whip cream on your face” Gerard smiledFrank felt his cheeks turn red, smiling softly at GerardIt was becoming harder to ignore the butterflies in his stomach