Chapter Text
The morning comes too soon. It's not the alarm that wakes him but Brock stirring. He yawns and stretches before opening his eyes. He can see how tired Brock looks and feels a pang of guilt in his chest. "If you wanna sleep, I can go to this alone." His voice is a mix of sleepy and raspy, "You look so tired and it's my fault."
"I've ran on less," Brock croaks out.
"I know baby." Frank kisses his cheek, "Not because of me though." He slowly crawls from bed and heads directly to the kitchen to start coffee. He won't be any use to his case if he can't think straight. He should shower but debates the true need for it. He steps back into the bedroom and dresses quickly before splashing cold water on his face. He can already feel himself getting anxious. They aren't going to want him back. This meeting is to cut him.
Brock drags his body into the bathroom for a quick military shower. He needs to wake up. He wasn't lying when he said he'd run on less sleep before, but it wasn't always about quantity. For some weird reason, he didn't sleep all that great even though he had plenty of hours. He has a vague feeling there were some dreams involved but he doesn't remember any. Dressing in a daze, he goes into the kitchen. The cold shower helped a lot and hopefully, the coffee will bring him back to feeling human.
Frank is sipping coffee, standing silent in the middle of the kitchen reading a piece of paper he'd written out. He assumes he looks like a child of the corn standing silent and still like this but does nothing to correct this. He's not sure what he put on but frankly didn't care. He can hear Brock moving around in the next room. "You gotta be good today." He mutters to himself.
"Smells good," Brock yawns out as he wraps his arms around Frankie, one hand slipping under his shirt and resting there. "So does the coffee."
"Thank you, baby." Frank turns his head and gives him a small smile, "Your coffee's on the counter. Didn't know if you wanted it to go or not."
"Probably best. Gives us more time to get there early. I texted Jack. He's coming with us." Brock pours his coffee into a travel mug.
"Jack's coming with us?" Frank lowers the paper and looks at Brock confused.
"Yeah, I figured there are two ways this will go down. One is they give us what we want and the tour resumes immediately. In which case Jack has to drive the car back here. Even if the tour doesn't resume immediately he'd still need to take her home. Two is not so pleasant. They don't give us what we want in which case, Jack will need to document everything so our lawyers will take over. He's also going to be there to both help with moral support and defend you if needed. I know it's probably more than necessary but I prefer to be over-prepared than under. And if things don't work out and all hell breaks loose, then he's still driving us back here because I'm going to be cuddling you and not fit to drive."
"What kind of car does Jack have?" He flashes back to hours earlier and how cramped it was, "You really are prepared for this." Frank makes soft steps to stand beside Brock, "Thank you no matter what happens, polpetto." He leans up and places a kiss onto Brock's cheek. The word felt natural coming out as he gave him a sleepy smile.
Heart skipping a beat, Brock is certain he can feel his face heat up. It was so unexpected. He loved it. It felt amazing to hear those words. Made his heart soar and his soul dance with joy. Still blushing, he leans over and kisses him, "Are you ready to do this?"
"No but I have to." He gives a half-smile to Brock before yawning. "Let's do this."
Frank, Brock, and Jack enter the recording labels offices quietly. The hum and noises around them are slightly overwhelming at first until a tall dark-haired woman in a nice blazer and jeans approached. "Hi, Frank! Sorry, we have to meet under these circumstances." She extends her hand to Frank, "Lauren Mills. I'm the new representative in charge of the band on behalf of Reprise Records."
She turns to Brock and scans him with her eyes. The corners of her mouth lift a little, "And you are?"
"Brock Rumlow, ma'am," he shakes her hand.
"Oh! It's nice to meet you." Her voice rises an octave with recognition. She looks to Brock's left and offers her hand, "Are you Mr. Rumlow's personal security?" Her voice was genuine and kind.
"Of sorts, ma'am. I'm here both as moral support for my brothers and as a legal representative for Mr. Iero just in case. Of course, we know that formal meetings suck and this could have probably been resolved over a drink," Jack says, grinning and offering his hand. "Jack Rollins."
"It's nice to meet you. You're absolutely right this could be settled over a scotch or two." She fights a smile as she replies. She checks him out and blinks hard like she is slapping herself, "Right this way gentlemen."
She leads them down the hall lined by tables of people working at different stations and into an all-glass meeting room with a long table filled with two older men in suits and Alan in a tan leather jacket. Alan smirks at Brock as he remains seated as they enter. The suits introduce themselves. Mr. Holland sits to the right of Alan and Mr. Vargas to the left. Both men look like lawyers in a crime drama.
"We all know what brings us here. No one wants the band to break up." Laura says with a warm voice as she scans over the room, "but there have been accusations that are very serious and need to be looked into."
"Yes, ma'am. Hopefully, we can resolve this and let the truth be known," Brock nods his head. "Peacefully, of course. Most of us have Frank and the band's best interest at heart."
"We all want what's best for the band." Mr. Holland says tapping his pen against a legal pad, "Mr. Iero, what can we do to resolve this quickly and without any more time taken away from the band?"
"Fire Alan." Frank shoots back without hesitation.
"Do you have a legitimate reason for firing Mr. Turner with proof?" Mr. Holland asks with a hard voice as he glares at Frank.
Jack sits forward, sliding over hard copies of the screenshots from Frankie's phone. "These were taken in mid-conversation between Mr. Turner and Mr. Iero. Below that stack is records of past conversations both in text form and transcripts of their phone calls. All of that indicates severe verbal abuse."
Brock takes Frankie's hand under the table and waits until Jack is finished before adding, "I spoke to the venue security yesterday during soundcheck to coordinate for the event last night and they informed me that one of the guards there had interrupted Mr. Turner and Mr. Way partaking in snorting cocaine. I decided to investigate for myself and discovered a white bag in Mr. Way's messenger bag. It is my understanding that it is because of Mr. Turner that the boy is even doing the drugs in the first place."
"There is no way you have any proof of that, Commander." Alan snaps back only to have Mr. Vargas to cut him off with a hand touching his leather jacket.
"Do you have proof of any of this Mr. Rumlow? These are serious accusations." Mr. Vargas asks. His face is scrunched as he stares across the table.
Frank stays quiet. He knows his emotions will get the best of him, instead, he squeezes Brock's hand. He looks across the table at Alan who is glaring hard at him. His eyes dart to the table to avoid it.
"Feel free to speak with the guard. Head of security was a gentleman by the name of Kevin McNeill. We have a text message from one of the other band members who has agreed to come forward with evidence that Mr. Turner has engaged with drugs on the bus," Brock replies.
"We have video," Jack piques up.
"Video?" Lauren asks with a serious tone, "Did you happen to bring this with you today?"
Frank looks at Brock then Jack. How in the hell did they get video?
"Yes. I took the liberty of calling up venue security last night and they were more than happy to send me a digital copy of the video. They've worked events with Mr. Turner and the band before and have never been comfortable with him or his actions. I burned the video to this DVD," Jack slides over a DVD case with a disc inside labeled with the date in block letters and the words "Drugs and Assault".
"That is bullshit! There is no video proof of this shit!" Alan snaps as he slaps the table. His face reddens; he's on the edge of snapping. Frank knows the look very well.
"I would like to see this video." Lauren looks at both sides, "Give me a moment and it will be ready." She gets up and stands behind Jack, opening a cabinet and lowers a screen before inserting the disc. She dims the light and presses play before taking her seat.
Brock leans over and whispers to Frank, "You need to tell them what's been going on. Show the bruise too. It needs to come from you."
Frank nods and feels his stomach knot up a little. He turns his head to the screen and watches a familiar scene of Alan and Gerard doing lines. He hears Lauren inhale sharp and glance over at Alan, gripping her pen tighter. The footage changes and begins with Brock's confrontation about the drugs. It is silent in the room as Brock storms off camera. Alan walks forward towards Frank then throws his weight into Frank knocking him back and almost off his feet.
Brock grips Frank's hand tighter before he has to force himself to relax lest he accidentally breaks his boyfriend's hand. He needed to remember that this douchebag was getting his just desserts and it would do them no good for him to react right now.
Lauren looks to Frank and tries not to show preference to him but before she can speak Alan cuts her off.
"That's been doctored! I would never jeopardize the safety of my boys." Alan shouts and points across the table, "I have never done anything but take care of you, kid. This is how you repay me?"
"I have the bruise to prove it." Frank speaks confident but quiet on purpose. "It's been a constant barrage of insults and attacks like this for at least a year."
"Would you be willing to show us the bruise in question, Mr. Iero?" Mr. Holland asks.
Alan is leaning over talking to Mr. Vargas and glancing at Brock as he whispers.
"Yes." Frank speaks softly, realizing he needs to own more than the button-ups he wears for the show. He looks to Brock before pulling the collar of his shirt over revealing a little of the dark bruise.
"I hate to ask this but can you please remove your shirt so we can get a better look, Mr. Iero?" Mr. Vargas asks with a skeptical look on his face.
Lauren's face is full of concern and sadness, as Frank nods. He lifts the one side of his shirt revealing the bruise taking over his shoulder.
"Thank you, Frank." Laurens says with a sad smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Iero. Now, Mr. Rumlow, it's been brought to my attention that you and Mr. Turner have had several heated exchanges before. Would you agree?" Mr. Holland asks, turning his focus to Brock.
"Yes. I have confronted Mr. Turner on several occasions on his subtle and not so subtle abuse of power in his position. I don't put up with bullies or injustice. These are good kids and they deserve better than their manager heavily encouraging sex, drinking, and drugs," Brock calmly states.
"Now, Mr. Rumlow. What's the nature of your relationship to Mr. Iero?" Mr. Vargas asks with a raised eyebrow.
If it's one thing they would kick him for and potentially hurt their case, it's probably this. Damn. He sighs, "I am currently dating Mr. Iero as well as providing band security."
"Do you feel this could be a conflict of interest? By dating Mr. Iero?" Mr. Holland asks.
Frank is biting his tongue. He knows what is happening. He wants to defend Brock but knows he has to be quiet. This was way too important to blow.
"No, sir. If anything it assists me in ensuring both my friends in the band and my boyfriend are safe. I have commanded teams across hostile territory one day and turn around, with the same men, and go to the bar for drinks and darts. I am perfectly capable of separating work from pleasure."
"Would you say that you have a temper Mr. Rumlow?" Mr. Holland asks as he writes on paper, "Mr. Turner had stated that on many occasions you have blown up and argued heatedly with him. Would you agree to his statement?"
"Only to those who threaten people under my protection. I am not an aggressor, no, however, I will defend those I care about."
"So, you have a temper when provoked. One could ask that a man who has a temper could be pushed to react in a physical manner, correct?" Mr. Vargas asks as he pulls a file out and looks up. He slides the file over and looks at Brock and Jack. "I have photographic evidence of Mr. Rumlow assaulting Mr. Way in the bus staging area. Is this you in the photo Mr. Rumlow?"
He doesn't need to see the photo. It doesn't matter. He knows what it is and mentally kicks himself for being as stupid as a rookie for not noticing there was a camera out there. He can feel Jack's hard stare without even glancing at the seat next to him. "Yes."
"This is taken out of context." Frank adds quickly, "There was an incident between myself and Gerard. This was taken directly after it."
Disregarding Frank's comment, Mr. Holland asks with no remorse, "It isn't a far leap to say that someone with a temper could react towards their partner. Are you the cause of the bruising on Mr. Iero’s body?"
"Mr. Rumlow before you answer. Frank, what is this incident you are talking about?" Lauren cuts off the questions.
Shit. "On… a few occasions Mr. Way has propositioned me and been rejected. He took it too far this time." Frank says looking down. Dudes don't admit to being sexually assaulted. They suck it up and deal with it.
"Are you saying that you were raped?" Mr. Holland asks with an almost mocking tone.
Frank hesitates. He doesn't want to be here. This isn't what he came here for. Fuck. This is his friend. "Sexually assaulted, yes." He replies trying to hide his embarrassment and sadness.
"Men don't get sexually assaulted." Alan mocks him with a smile.
Frank feels himself folding. He shouldn't have done this. He brought Brock into this. He outed Gerard. He's a monster. He closes his eyes and sits back. He can't respond.
Jack shifts forward and captures Alan with a hard gaze, “Excuse me, Mr. Turner but you are extremely incorrect. Any unwanted physical contact is considered assault. It does not matter the genders of the parties involved. Assault is assault.”
“Gerard is a good, albeit misguided, kid,” Brock says. “The drugs have really affected him and his ability to be rational. I’ve told him repeatedly that he needed to respect Frank’s wishes and he has not. Frank has told him no on several instances. I want to help Gerard, not hurt him. What is not in the photo was that Gerard had placed his hand on me and I used gentle force to remove the contact. I proceeded to then inform him that he needed to seek help and I offered my assistance.”
"Have you witnessed any of the assaults on Mr. Iero?" Mr. Vargas asks.
“Let me make something clear with all due respect, Mr. Vargas. The incidents between Mr. Way and Mr. Iero is nothing more than a personal misunderstanding. They are friends and their intrapersonal dynamics have recently changed with my entrance into the picture. While I have indeed witnessed one incident, I do not think it is best to focus on this considering it is something the two of them are in the process of working out. Neither Gerard nor Frank are on trial so to speak and we’d all appreciate it if you stopped prying into personal affairs,” said Brock. His voice was level and calm and yet indicated he was done with this topic.
"I agree. This is not relevant to the situation with the band." Lauren adds. "Seeing the documents presented here, I personally would like to ask Mr. Iero to stay with the band. I have emails from the other members expressing their desire to have you in the band. If you and Mr. Rumlow and Mr. Turner would excuse us. We need to have a private meeting."
“Madam Mills, may I ask a question with a potential follow-up request?” Brock asks.
"Yes. Go ahead, it's Miss Mills." She replies.
“Do you have access to payroll for both the band and Mr. Turner?” He prays the answer is yes and that Alan was dumb enough to leave an actual paper trail.
"Yes, I do. Why?"
“I have reason to believe Mr. Turner is not reporting accurate expenses and I wished to request you to take a look at the payroll and bookkeeping records,” Brock asked.
“Before you ask, Miss Mills,” Jack interjects. “My lawyers have subpoenaed Mr. Turner’s bank account and he is grossing far more than what he should be for his title as Tour Manager. My brother has informed me of several expenses that just don’t add up on the books. We’d like that investigated.”
"I've been informed that the amount of money I am making is less than a wage worker. Also 2% of sales feels smaller than what other bands we tour with receive." Frank adds with a smile to Alan.
"You lying little sack of shit." Alan hisses, "You know you get paid more than that."
“Not according to what we were told at the band meeting before me meeting you, Mr. Turner,” Brock retorts. “Two percent of sales. Two hundred meet and greets. Nearly two hundred autographs. No frills. That was just one night before the actual show. Not to mention the lack of actual security. You made the band pay for their own tour bus. Which is a fucking joke by the way. It’s a tin can on wheels.”
"What?!" Lauren raises her voice, "The band never pays for the bus! We gave you a budget for security!" She is visibly flustered, "Two fucking percent?"
“When I informed Mr. Turner that I was acting as personal band security after Frank was mobbed by a gaggle of girls, he told me the band could not afford me. I told him I wasn’t going to charge anything instead because of my personal relationship with Frank,” Brock smiles at Alan. Asshole.
"Can you… I have to make a phone call." Lauren rises from her seat and rushes out of the room.
"Your faggot ass just can't keep your mouth shut and be happy with what you have, can you?" Alan snaps and points at Frank.
"Mr. Turner!" Mr. Holland raises his voice.
Alan sits back and glares at Brock.
“Mr. Holland, I will be pursuing legal action against Mr. Turner for threats, assault, and theft against my brother and the band. Will I have the Label’s support in this?” Jack asks.
"Yes." Mr. Holland frowns at Alan.
"This is a bunch of bullshit!" Alan shouts and rises to his feet and tries to move towards the boys.
Jack stands up in a second and moves himself to protect both Brock and Frank. The easy-going posture in his shoulders begins to drop away and his face hardens “I suggest you stay where you are, Mr. Turner.”
Allan steps back and sits, "Probably a faggot like your brother." He hisses as he sits.
Lauren returns with an older man in a pair of jeans and a Metallica shirt, he turns to Alan, "Mr. Turner. We are terminating our contract with you. Your services are no longer needed. You are fired." The man stands firm and crosses his arms over his chest.
"I should have beaten your big faggy ass when I had the chance!" Alan shouts and ignores Jack's warning as he moves towards Brock, "You and that little fairy princess better watch your fucking backs!"
Jack moves again, putting himself in front of Brock. His voice turns icy, “I suggest you leave, Mr. Turner.”
"Or, what? You'll blue steel me to death?" He snaps back moving around the other side and straight for Brock.
Brock moves Frank out of the way, unsure if Alan was gunning for him or Frankie. He’s not sure what to do here, in terms of keeping Frankie safe. He’s not going to let Alan attack him but he also doesn’t want to be up on an assault charge either.
Alan shoves past the older man who fired him as he tries to stop him, then swings at Brock. Trying to hit him in the face as he hurls slurs at him. Frank moves against the window behind Jack. He doesn't want any part of this fight.
Brock raised his arm to block the attack, deciding to only use offense here. He needs to keep showing that he can defend and not harm others even in intense situations. Keeping his boxer arms up, he doesn’t hit back.
He is trying to get a response. Anything to show that Brock was just as bad as he said he was. His rage is boiling over and he tries again for Brock's face. "Fight back you big fucking bastard!" He doesn't hear the other men in the room yelling for him to stop. He looks past Brock and sees Frank. The reason for all of this bullshit, he throws a punch but is looking for a way to him. He isn't sure if he can make it past the other noodle eater but he's gonna try. He shoves a shoulder into Brock attempting to roll past him like a football player would.
Standing firm, Brock uses his body to keep Alan from moving past him. Jack comes up from behind and grabs Alan’s shirt, pulling him off and punching him hard in the face, “Stay the fuck away from my family!”
Lauren pushes into the room with armed security. "Tan jacket needs to be held for the cops." She turns to Jack, "Your hand ok?"
“Yes, ma’am,” smiles Jack. He checks over his knuckles. No damage other than a hint of redness.
"You alright Brock?" She asks.
Nodding, he gives her a smile before turning to Frankie and wrapping his arms around his love. He cares nothing for the barely-there scratches he got from Alan’s weak attacks. He’s dealt with worse. He only cares about Frankie. Pulling him in tight, he whispers, “Are you, okay sweetheart?”
"I'm fine, baby." He replies as he hugs him tight, "You sure you're ok?"
"Gentlemen, I'm Mo Osten. Mr. Holland and I would like to move this meeting to my office. We have some things we need to discuss." The man in the Metallica shirt says with a big voice and wide smile.
Brock nods to the new guy, not really caring anymore about the meeting. He feels confident that they presented their case to the label enough that everything will work out alright. Even if they didn’t it really didn’t matter anymore. He was more than ready to take Frankie to one of his homes and never let him go.
Frank follows along holding on to Brock's hand and into a large office lined with gold and platinum records for multiple bands, including MCR.
"We have Mr. Way and the band on a conference call, holding. We have to discuss the tour." Mr. Osten offers seats to everyone. He presses a button on the phone, "You there gentlemen?"
Gerard's voice comes through, "Yeah."
“Hey guys,” Brock offers.
The phone erupts in happy greetings that sound a little more chaotic than anything.
"Frank's with you right?" Ray's voice comes through.
"Hey guys." Frank replies a little reluctantly.
"Alright gentlemen. So updates, Alan is no longer your tour manager." He says without pausing, "We have two options. We let you kids out there on your own for a few weeks until I can get a new person to come take over or we cancel the tour. What do you want to do?"
"We don't wanna cancel." Gerard and Ray both overpower everyone on the line.
"Do you think one of you can handle the responsibility of being a manager?" Mr. Osten asks the dead silence on the line.
Brock leans over and whispers in Frankie’s ear, “Should I keep my silence here?”
Frank smiles at him then whispers back, "Only if you want to stay quiet. Which… isn't really your style."
"I mean, I could do it." Ray offers with a weak voice.
Without thinking, Brock blurts, “Oh Sunshine, you adorable floof of a man, we all know you couldn’t handle the stress and the band. None of you kids could.”
"You're probably right Mr. Rumlow," Mr. Osten says with a nod. "You are all kids."
"Fuck, why doesn't Brock be our boss?" Bob blurts out.
"I'm sure Brock has other things to do than babysit you pack of weirdos." Lauren jokes.
"Does this mean I can come back?" Frank asks with the hint of a smile.
"Yes, dummy. You didn't have to leave!" Mike snorts.
"Hey Mo?" Gerard asks with hesitation to his voice, "We don't want to stop touring. Maybe if… I mean he's already going to be with us…"
Gerard's input surprised him; though once he remembered the text message, it made more sense. He's not certain if the kid has truly forgiven him and moved on or if this was some sort of tactic to keep Frankie around. He hoped it was the former. Like it or not, the band was his people now. Brock can't keep a fond smile off his face.
"Brock, would you be our manager?" Gerard asks more confidently. The sound of a smile coming through the speaker.
Frank squeezes Brock's hand and keeps his grin small. He is nervous about the intentions of Gerard. He hopes that it's the sobriety that is talking and nothing more.
"I'd love to, Gerard. With some conditions but we'll talk about that later," Brock smiles at the speaker.
"So, if there is an agreement, we will have to cancel the show tomorrow night because we have to make arrangements. But, it seems like you guys are back together." Mo says with a smile at Brock. "Lauren will call you later with all the details. For now, enjoy your day off. She is going to get you set up in a hotel for a few nights. We'll talk soon."
"Yes sir, thank you," Brock nods at them both.
"Oh you're not done, young man." He says after hanging up the phone. "We have to work out payment and other things like what you need to do your job."
"You two also should look over the few bus options we have available." Lauren says smiling before going back to her phone.
"A proper bus for these boys is greatly appreciated, ma'am. One that isn't a metal death trap on wheels." Brock says to Lauren. He then turns to Mo, "I'd like to defer my payments to the band members instead; in the form of a salary raise. They deserve it."
"Are you sure?" Mo smiles at him, "I can afford to pay you and them."
"Also security. We need to discuss a security team." Lauren adds, "Unless you're tagging along, Jack?"
Jack pushes up his glasses and looks up from his phone where he was composing an email. He smiles at Lauren, "With all due respect to my brothers, I'd rather not spend any part of my life in what amounts to a mobile locker room. I have some family matters to attend to that prevent me from making such a trip."
"Lauren will have a contract drafted up. Is there anything that you would like added to this as part of your rider, Mr. Rumlow? Anything within reason, I can't give you a pony. But we can accommodate diets, exercise habits, and other luxuries you need to be comfortable." Mr. Osten says with a smile as he holds a pen above paper.
"Gym?" Frank leans in and whispers.
He nods to Frankie and decides he should be honest about what he's about to be walking into. He'll need to know as much as he can before hitting the road, "While I have both business and military experience that I believe qualifies me for this job, I will freely admit that this industry is new to me. What is a rider?"
"I appreciate your honesty." Mr. Osten replies, "Riders to a contract like this are little extras that can be provided to you. It can be almost anything. If you want only red M&Ms or only diet Pepsi, the concert venue will provide it. It can be anything to make your experience better."
"That sounds like that should be something for the boys, not me. Or any tour manager," Brock says, frowning. He briefly wonders what Alan was getting.
"I have my own rider set. It's mostly equipment needs like specific picks for my guitars and coke. The soda…" Frank offers.
He's got no idea what he could need at every concert venue. And even if he could come up with something he could just buy it himself. It seemed silly to need "perks" like this added but he supposed it was a way of rewarding the team after a hard day. He turns to Frankie and offers a smile with help me eyes.
"So, the problem is Mr. Osten, Brock here is the type who if he wants something he buys it for himself. So my wonderful boyfriend is thinking 'I don't need anything extra to do my job.' but what he's not thinking about is his need and requirement to be in control. So maybe he requires a meeting with the security office before the band goes in for soundcheck. Or maybe he needs to have access to a secure wifi network. Or healthy snacks because he encourages his boyfriend to eat better." Frank offers with a small smile at Brock.
"You know me better than myself, tesoro," Brock smiles awkwardly and fondly. Frank was right, of course. He teases Frankie just for showing how well he knew him, "Safe and healthy is all I care about. And wine. And maybe you."
"I can tell you this much sir, he's already going to throw a fit over procedures like bandpasses to get access to doors and bus areas." Frank smirks as he turns back to Brock, "Love you too polpetto."
Frank feels lighter. Happier. He has the love of his life and his band back. Mr. Osten promises to have a courier deliver contracts to the apartment and welcomes him to the Reprise records family with a hug. Lauren walks them out of the office and to the front door and touches Jack's arm.
"If you want to go have a drink or two, here's my number." She smiles, handing him her card, "My personal number is on the back."
The corners of Jack's lips turned up as he realized what was going on here. He takes the card deftly and pockets it, stepping a little closer to her. His smile widens, "I would love to join you for drinks. If, of course, you would join me for dinner?"
"I would love to have dinner with you!" She smiles with a little sparkle in her eyes. She comes back to reality for a moment and looks at Brock. "It was great to meet you Frank and you as well Brock. And you too Jack. Please call me, for anything."
Frank elbows softly Brock with a smile before nodding to the door. Giving Jack a moment with the pretty lady. Brock nods and after thanking Lauren, he takes Frankie's hand and they go to wait for Jack by the car. The sun beats down upon them, shining bright and chasing away shadows. It's perfect for how Brock feels right now. Alan is gone. His boys are safe. He's happy.
"Are you going to call Brooke?" Frank asks squinting up before finding Brock's shadow and hiding under it.
"Not right now. Right now I just want to be with you," Brock wraps his arms around Frankie. "We should celebrate our victory."
"Thank you." Frank replies as he wraps his arms around Brock. "We totally need to celebrate! And I hope you know that the boys are going to be calling anytime now to talk to you. Not me."
He laughs a little, confused and amused, "What? Why? Did they do that a lot with Alan or something?"
"No you dork. You won against Alan. We won. They want to congratulate and thank you." Frank laughs, "And get your number because you're the boss now."
"I was always your boss," Brock's voice lowered playfully.
"I let you think that." Frank teases, knowing fully that Brock is in charge. "Where are we going to celebrate?"
He shrugs, not really sure what he wanted to do next with the little remaining freedom he had before the tour started. Speaking of which, "The concert tomorrow is canceled. What are they going to do about that?"
"Oh that didn't take long." Frank grins, "The concert will be rescheduled to the end of the tour and those who can't attend will get a full refund."
Frank pauses, "Or did you mean the boys?"
"Bit of both. And I'm sorry. My train of thought took a detour. What would you like to do and do you want it to be just us or a group fun event?" Brock asks, nuzzling into Frankie's hair.
"As long as you're there, I don't care. And I get you alone at some point." Frank speaks softly, "I do think I need to feed you and Jack. So celebratory breakfast? Brunch I suppose."
"Great because I'm starving!"
"Excellent! My treat. As a thank you." Frank grins before kissing Brock.
"Okay. Are we inviting the band too?" He kisses Frank back, light and quick little pecks.
"We can invite them. It will take them an hour to get here." Frank says with a smile. "Did you want to wait?"
Brock slowly blinks as he thinks on that. He's really hungry and doesn't want to wait but he also would love to hang out with the band. His boys. His team.
"Or we can invite them to dinner?"
He waffles a little making mental plans. "Sure. Maybe we can hang out after lunch, they can get their own while meeting up with us. We can hang out and all do dinner together. I like that."
"Yeah that works for me, baby. As long as I get you to myself." Frank kisses him again, this time a little deeper before pulling back. His phone buzzes in his pocket against Brock's leg. "And that's for you."
"Your phone. How do you know it's for me? Could be your parents or something. Could even be an email," Brock teases, kissing the tip of his nose.
"You better answer it." Frank grins like a fool, "I bet it's Ray."
"Ok if it's Sunshine, I'll take it," Brock holds out his hand.
"If I'm wrong I'll let you buy me something. Or tie me up. Whatever you want to do to me."
"We would do that anyway. I already do that. I do what I want with you," Brock winks.
"Oh you do?" Frank pulls his head back a little. He pulls his phone out, not looking at the screen and handing it Brock. He debates on poking the bear, "Do you want to try this theory?"
Before he could reply, he's cut off by his brother who finally leaves Lauren and joins them. Jack heads over, pocketing his phone. Giving a side hug to Frankie and Brock he happily says, "Victory is ours. Congratulations on being a free man, Frank."
"Thank you, Jack!" Frank laughs and hugs him back. "You hungry? My treat!"
"Call Ray back, B." Frank looks at Brock and smiles. "So we better be invited to the wedding."
"Who's getting married and where's the food?" Jack asks eagerly.
"Wherever you two dorks pick and yours and Laurens." Frank smirks. "She practically melted when you asked her to dinner."
Frank's phone buzzes again and he looks at Brock with a smile. "I'll pick somewhere. Can we just head there?"
"I'm not," Jack protests. "It is just dinner. Relax. Hold your matchmaking self in check. I'll drive you to lovebirds wherever."
Brock cracks up and goes ahead and takes Frankie's cell phone, answering it, "Hello."
"Hey Brock!" Ray says, sounding happily surprised. "Congrats on the job promotion!"
"Hey, Sunshine. Thanks. I'm glad things worked out. Thank you for your help." Brock nudges Frankie and motions for them to get into the car. Jack catches it and moves for the driver's seat.
"We are happy to help you out. If Frankie loves you, then you're family. Then, you help out the family." Ray replies, "So Lauren called and said we are getting a new bus? And we don't pay for it! Don't know what you did but..." Ray pauses. "We're not worthy!" The band shouts.
Frank sits in the backseat, still touching Brock's arm. He gives Jack directions to the restaurant and kisses Brock's cheek. "We are doing dinner if you want to join us." Frank offers to Jack.
"Are you guys coming here tonight?" Mike asks in the background.
"That's what we are trying to plan now, Mike-n-Ike. We're going to do brunch, and then we want to hang out with you guys until we all do a dinner to celebrate tonight. How's that sound?" Brock asks. His free hand moves to rest on Frankie's thigh.
"I am seeing nods. So we will get a ride from Philly to New York and hang out with you guys! What's the plan? Where are we meeting?" Ray asks enthusiastically like a puppy.
Frank's heart flutters a little more. His friends and his love getting along. He's got a family. He should call his mom and tell her updates. He'll do it tonight while Brock's asleep. She's an insomniac like him. She is dying to meet Brock.
"How adventurous are you guys?" Brock asks, an idea forming in his head.
"We are always up for an adventure!" Gerard chimes in. His voice sounds bright and cheerful.
"We aren't, like doing a work-out gulag, right?" Mike asks with a chuckle at the end.
"Not unless you count running around like crazy and eating junk food and playing games, a workout. In that case, yeah," Brock grins at Frankie. "I was thinking maybe we hit up the Six Flags parks. Bring a swimsuit."
"It sounds like a plan! I'll call when we hit the city!" Ray replies, "We'll see you guys in an hour!"
"Six flags? Really?!" Frank tries to hide his excitement. He is happy that he is in love with a big kid to match his own inner big kid. "Should we go home and change?"
"Sure. And grab something to get wet in."
"I take it we're getting drive-thru then?" Jack asks, turning the car home.
"It's up to you guys." Frank smiles. He wonders why Brock picked a theme park. Was there a motive? Was he just wanting a little fun before having to be miserable on a bus for a few months? Knowing Brock, it was because he saw an ad and wanted to go. He is hard to predict and that's why he loves him.
"Am I still going on this little adventure of yours or is this for the band only? Otherwise, you can drive yourself, sir. I am not your chauffeur for the day," Jack teases.
"You should come, Jack!" Frank says with a huge smile. Any time he can spend with Jack, Frank will take.
"I'll drive, Jack. You can relax and chill back here. You'd probably work anyway and you could use a break. Besides, I need someone to show off with me at the carnival games. Gotta win those prizes for the kids," Brock nudges Frankie.
"Exactly! Someone's gotta show Brock up and keep his head from swelling too big." Frank chuckles and kisses Brock's cheek. "Also who is gonna drive when the big guy gets tuckered out…"
"Heyyy!" Brock exclaims as Jack laughs and pulls into their building."Excuse you both!"
Frank laughs as he unbuckles, shifting in his seat. "You know it's true. You're like a big kid, baby. Big kids need naps during car rides too."
"I do not! Hush!" Brock gets out of the car and takes Frankie's hand. They stroll into the building and ride up the elevator. Jack trailing along.
Frank is wearing a smile that's wide enough to make his cheeks hurt. He loves the banter. "You get cranky when you're tired or hungry. Brock in the sun all day means you need a nap and a cookie." He follows Brock out of the elevator and towards their apartment.
"Or wine. Usually, I will just shove a glass of wine in his hands and tell him to shut up," Jack snickers.
"Yeah! Wine over a cookie." Frank agrees. "It's like a pacifier."
Jack cracks up and nearly trips over a shoe when he enters their apartment and instead he careens into the couch. "Oh my god, you are so right!"
Frank picks up the shoes and tucks them to the wall. Deciding he's getting them a shoe thing for the closest to hide their shoes. Mainly to hide his invasion of Brock's space. "Please don't die. Sorry." Frank says with red cheeks, "He is gonna deny it. But we know the truth."
Jack giggles from the couch and nods. He tries to catch his breath and sits upright. "Not gonna die. And I totally agree with you."
"I hate you both," Brock smirks and heads into his room to change clothes.
"You love us!" Jack calls after him.
"He does. He's just a big teddy bear." Frank says before entering the bedroom. He strips out of the nice jeans and shirt and swaps it for shorts and a thin worn band shirt. He watches Brock change and grins. "I am the luckiest man on earth." Frank leans against the wall as he bites his lip with a smile.
“That’s debatable, love. I’m certain I am the luckiest man on Earth.” Brock slides off his button-down shirt and puts on a form-fitting tee shirt in forest green and pulls on khaki cargo shorts. His dog tags and weapons glint in the light before disappearing beneath his shirt.
"How many weapons do you need?" Frank snickers. Before approaching him and wrapping his arms around him. He leans up and kisses his chin.
“As many as it takes to take down any threat to me or my family. But don’t worry, I’m packing light today.” And by light, he meant only one gun and not two. Three knives instead of six. And that isn’t including the one in his boot.
“Packing light? What just a gun, couple knives, ninja star, and brass knuckles?” Frank teases. He knows that Brock is prepared for everything. “I'm ready whenever you are, love.”
“Ninja stars are boring. I prefer knives….” Brock grins and loops his arm in Frankie’s. “Got swim trunks or do we need to get some at the park? Sunscreen? Eh, let’s just wing it.”
“I got trunks. They are a little shorter than I usually wear so don't make fun of my pale chicken legs, Mr. Naturally Tan.” He smiles then pauses, “Why are ninja stars boring compared to knives? Shouldn't…it be the opposite?”
“Ray usually carries sunblock. He runs with a pasty crowd and plays mother hen.”
“See this is why I love Sunshine. He gets me. He’s a good second-in-command. And ninja stars are overrated now. Sure, it’s a round bit with a bunch of pointy edges but that makes it easier to hit the target. It’s like training wheels for knives. Takes less skill to use them.” Brock heads out to the kitchen and grabs himself a bottle of water before offering one to Jack and Frankie. “We good to go?”
Jack gets up off the couch. He’s no longer wearing his business casual outfit but instead in something very similar to Brock. Instead of cargo shorts, he’s wearing cargo pants. He accepts the water and nods to his brother.
“So I am currently being replaced then?” he teases at Brock.
“Only temporarily while I’m on tour, little brother.”
“No one can replace you, Jack.” Frank smiles, “I wouldn't let him.”
Frank thinks for a moment as he takes the bottle of water, “You didn't say no to the brass knuckles…”
Brock grins and instead of answering he decides to head for the door, opening it and ushering them out. He wanted to run by a drive-thru and get to the park quickly. Excitement bubbled beneath the surface of his skin. He couldn’t wait to have some fun.
“I am surprised you aren't parking in the back 40 to prevent anyone from breathing on your baby?” Frank teases as he keeps pace with Jack. He puts sunglasses on and glances around to see if he could see familiar faces.
Brock takes Frankie’s hand and heads towards the front gate. He too is searching for his rag-tag band of merry misfits amongst the crowd of potential problem people. “She’ll survive. The person who touches her on the other hand….”
“I am going to say something controversial… it’s just a car.” Frank teases. He spots Ray's hair just inside the park gates. The big goofy smile on his face as he waves to get their attention. Must be a perk of being one of the tallest members of the band.
“True, but I also happen to like it very much and don’t want to have to replace it. It would be a pain in my ass to try to find the same model. Not to mention I’ve customized it and while sure I can afford it, doesn’t mean I want to spend all the time I’ve already put into it again,” Brock heads over to the group.
“I was teasing.” Frank replies in a whisper. Switching to tones, “Hey guys!”
“We didn't know if you were inside, so we already paid to get in…” Ray says with a smile hugging Brock first then Frank. He pauses at the new face, “Hey! I'm Ray Toro!” He extends his hand with a friendly smile to Jack.
“Jack Rollins, Brock’s brother. Nice to meet you,” Jack smiles and shakes his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Jack! Frank's actually told me a lot about you.” Ray is happy to finally put a face to the name.
Mike pokes around the corner without glasses and smiling, “Hey guys! Glad you're here!” He straightens out and offers his hand to Jack, “Mike Way, nice to meet you!”
“Jack Rollins. Same here,” Jack shakes his hand as well.
“Bob is somewhere and Gerard is in the bathroom. Hopefully.” Ray says, feeling a little flustered. “It's not too busy so we should have a great time with little interruption.”
“Awesome.” Brock moves to the ticket kiosk and selects three tickets and pays for them. He returns to the group and hands his love and brother theirs. “Let’s go!”
Bob emerges with a large pretzel in hand with a smile, “Hey Brock! Frankie! New Guy! Bob- I'd shake your hand but food.”
Jack laughs and nods, “Jack. Brock’s brother. And don’t worry, I totally get it. That pretzel is important. Enjoy.”
Frank leans up to Brock, “I'm going to check on Gee… is that ok?”
“You're the twin?” Bob asks, confused before taking a bite and looking between the brothers.
Brock nods at Frankie, thankful that he read his mind before turning to Bob, “No, that would be our sister. She’s back in Italy. Jack lives near me and helped us kick Alan’s scumbag ass to the curb.”
Frank disappears into the crowd and heads for the bathroom. He’s nervous about being alone with Gerard since the last time but also doesn't want him to be doing something stupid. He slips inside the bathroom to find him washing his hands, his glance over causes Frank to freeze. “Hey.”
“I’m not getting high. You can tell your husband to calm down.” Gerard replies with no trace of emotion, “Just peeing.”
“He worries Gee. He wants to get to know you and like you.” Frank says quietly, “He loves me so you get a pass automatically.” Though that is a one time pass and it’s been used.
“Yeah, I know. I had a long talk with Linds and she filled me in. She also chewed my ass for falling back into habits.” He frowns, “She also has a bone to pick with Brock because he didn't call her.”
“Well, tell him that. Maybe Linds can be the bridge to making you guys cool.” Frank offers, he can't use himself as that option because well, jealousy.
“I have been told I have too and she will check with him.” Gee puts his arm around Frank's shoulder, “You ready to ride so many coasters you puke?”
“Come on, weirdo.” Frank laughs as he opens the door, leading Gerard to the group. He nods at Brock and smiles then introduces Jack to get the pleasantries over with. “Gerard Way, this is Brock's brother, Jack.”
“Nice to meet you.” He nods at Jack then turns to Brock, “Lindsey is pissed at you.”
“Oops?” Brock is not too sure why Lindsey is mad at him but okay. He tilts his head in confusion before genuinely being concerned over Gerard, “Sorry. How are you doing, kid?”
“I am sober if that is what you are thinking of asking next. But I am good. Kinda glad to have a day off.” Gerard exhales and relaxes a little, “She’s pissed cause you didn't call and tell her what happened. I had to talk her down from stalking you in New York to kick your ass.”
Brock moves over to Gerard and hesitates briefly before pulling him into a quick but tight hug. “I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want you to rabbit or think that I didn’t care about what happened. That I don’t care about you. I knew we would work things out and it would be nothing but water under the bridge.”
“Thank you, Brock.” Gerard hugs him back, “I appreciate that. Let's not have your feels hanging out in the middle of an amusement park. I just want to apologize for now.”
“Yeah! Let's have fun!” Bob says between bites of pretzel.
“Just call her later. She misses you.” Gerard pats him on the back and grins.
“I will. Her and my sister with the good news. My ladies. Just not Ladies of the Night,” Brock moves out of hugging Gerard to hold Frankie’s hand happily. He’s a dork and doesn’t care. “Okay, let’s go ride some rides.”
“Ladies… Oh, baby. What am I gonna do with you?” Frank laughs and shakes his head.
“Would you like me to take him out and beat him like a throne rug?” Jack offers.
“Nah, he might like it too much.” Frank smirks.
“Good news?” Mike asks confused, “Did you two get engaged finally?”
Frank snorts, “No. He's talking about the band. Brock’s waiting to meet the parents before that happens.”
“Yeah, I haven’t thanked Brooke yet for kicking ass and pulling strings to make everything happen. We’re a team and she’s the badass one in the chair who sits at the computer and makes magic happen. And I gotta take you to Italy to meet my parents and I need to meet yours before I’m even considering proposing, tesoro.” Brock kisses their joined hands before moving down the park’s street towards one of the larger roller coasters that appeared to have a decently short line.
Frank gives Mike an eyebrow raise and a smile as he follows along with Brock through the park. He already knows that Ray wants to ride the El Toro coaster, but he sees the ride Brock is heading for. It looks more like a kitchen appliance than a rollercoaster with the Jersey Devil in the background. The glee in Brock's face was almost too much for Frank to handle.
“This looks like fun. Something good to start with. What do you guys think? Ready to get topsy turvy?” Brock gleefully smiles.
“Don't puke old man.” Bob teases but looks painfully anxious, “Me, I’ll stay on the ground. Hold phones and things…”
“This one isn't that bad! The Wonder Woman one looks pretty uh, stomach-churning,” Ray says, glancing across the park to it.
Frank grips his hand and follows along. “Do you think I will make the height requirement?”
“If you don’t want to go, then say so,” Brock squeezes his hand. “We can ride-swap or come back. Or skip it.”
“No I wanna go, I was just making a joke… because I'm short.” Frank looks up at him confused a little, “Did you forget?”
Brock blinks before realizing he made a mistake and then laughs. He hugs Frankie tight before kissing his temple. “Yeah, sorry. My bad.”
“You're fine, babe.” Frank laughs as the line moves the closer to the front. Mike steps aside to stay behind with Bob who is still eating his pretzel. Excitement builds inside of Frank's chest as he watches the machine power to life and scrambles the life out of its riders. As the ride came to a stop, it was their turn.
The first few seconds are the hardest, he remembers. The anticipation builds up and you are feeling like you might be sick. As it's powered to life the feeling dissipates. The sounds around him turned down as his heart began pounding louder. It went by in a flash and before he knew it they were back on the ground and moving along to the next ride, then the next one.
As they waited in line for the newest ride, a few fans, this time a couple of younger guys, asked them for autographs. They thank the band and move on quickly without much fuss.
Gerard slowed to keep pace with Frank who had paced a little behind Brock as he chatted with Jack. The two men making small talk as they work their way towards the next games.
"Do you really wanna marry him?" Gee asks curiously.
"Yes. I'd have married him yesterday if he'd let me," Frank replies without hesitating. "It feels right."
"He's here to stay?"
"Yup. Until he doesn't want me anymore." Frank smiles.
"He'd be a fool."
"That's what I'm saying," Frank winks with a playful tone in his voice. "I am adorable and lovable like a kitten."
He's hoping to catch Brock's attention but he fails to get a reaction.
"We said it was a stomach bug that forced the show to be canceled." Ray says joining the group.
"I would take the fall for it." Frank offers. "It is my fault."
"No, it was a band decision. We could have had someone else play your parts but it's not the same without our madman with a guitar." Ray hugs Frank's neck.
"I'm not gonna lie, I was worried you wouldn't want me back." Frank confesses.
"Idiot. You are an important part of us. Our brother. You can't run from us." Gerard pokes his side, the spot Brock calls his sweet spot. The sensations confuse him for a second but then he pulls himself together.
"I just couldn't handle Alan being so relentless. His ass… no, not here. It's fun time. It's playtime." Frank nods as Mike joins their now growing clump of human.
"Dude, they have deep-fried ice cream." Mike's skinny ass grins wide.
"That sounds like a stomachache." Frank groans. He keeps an eye on his man as they make their way into the water park. He watches Bob making conversation with Brock and Jack.
"He really wants you guys to all get along and like him." Frank confesses to them.
"Why wouldn't we? He's a good man. Plus, he was willing to help you and protect you. He's cool in my book." Ray smiles.
"Same with me." Mike says with a nod. Gerard stays quiet.
Brock and Jack join them with Bob in tow, each with wide grins. Brock gravitates towards Frank and gives him a warm hug, “Okay so I know we're headed to the waterside but there are some carnival games in an arcade that I want to check out. Win some prizes and such for my best prize.”
"That works for me, babe!" Frank replies, "But they are rigged, right?"
"I bet these two get really competitive." Gerard smirks at Jack and Brock.
Jack smirks and nods, “We are professionals. Of course, we are competitive. Which means we are going to win everything.”
Giddy, Brock takes his love’s hand and practically dragged him to the duck shooting game. Uncaring if the others follow or not. He’s having so much fun and just wants to share his joy with Frankie, “Look. Want a large plush that’s bigger than you?”
"Yeah! I do actually!" Frank laughs looking up at his face, the pure joy making his heart flutter.
“Okay! Great,” Brock grins and pays for a few rounds. The toy gun looks small and ridiculous in his hands.
Frank grins bigger. He leans up and kisses Brock's cheek. Glancing back to see the group finally catching up to them. He wants to make a joke but doesn't have one. The happiness overflowing from destroys it. "Kill those ducks baby!"
The band makes a small circle around Brock as he gets ready to shoot. The chatter quiets down to a soft murmur. Frank steps back and watches quietly, mocking himself for being like every girl in the chick flicks who's excited to watch their boys win them stuffed animals. Brock raises the gun and sights down the barrel, pausing to take in several breaths of air and focus. His finger slowly tightens on the barrel until he feels it tighten. He lines up a duck and then fires, the resounding crack of plastic rather disappointing.
Frank holds his breath and watches as the shot misses. It's ok, he has a few more shots. He can do it. Maybe he's a little nervous, the crowd and all.
Damn plastic. Brock wasn't really expecting much but he clearly overestimated just how much a toy was compared to the real thing. He realized rather belatedly that he was subconsciously accounting for recoil and wind as if it was a real gun with bullets and not pellets. A hand on his shoulder pulls him out of his thoughts.
"These kinds of guns need roughly .03 extra seconds to hit the target. Recalculate and raise your aim," Jack offers. "It'll feel weird because they're modeled after the old rifles that had a kickass recoil and you expect it until you realize it's just a toy."
"Yeah," Brock nods and takes aim again. "Feels weird."
Jack nods and steps back to the others. He watches carefully and tracks the movements of both the ducks and the gun. "Fire again."
Frank watches quietly with his hands in his pockets. The sharp sound of snapping plastic and the duck falling fills his ears. Hell yeah, good job baby. And Jack.
"Beginners nerves." Gerard says quietly to Frank. He nods in response.
"Sweet," Jack praises. He figured his brother would be able to figure it out after the single shot and some helpful advice.
Brock grins as the duck falls and takes out another nearly right after. Now that he's got the hang of it, he quickly dispatches the rest in near-quick succession. It's not what he expected from a toy gun; he still wants some realism, but it was still just as fun.
"Hell yeah!" Ray cheers quietly for Brock.
"Stone cold duck killer." Gerard replies with a smile.
"Duck hunt 2. This time it's personal!" Ray pops out and grins at the success of it as the group snickers.
Brock sets the gun down with a grin and turns to Frankie, hugging him, "Pick something, love!"
Without hesitation, Jack picks up the gun and steals Brock's second round for his own. Within seconds, he's fired all the pellets. Each shot hits a duck right in the bullseye mark, knocking them down. He smirks at Brock when he's finished.
"Here's the competition." Gerard grins. This was the real show.
Frank snickers at the comment. "You are a good shot, Jack." Yeah, he may be stoking a fire… but it was gonna be fun.
"Learned from the best," Jack grins before it turns into a smirk, "Until the student surpassed the teacher."
"Please, little brother. I can outshoot you any day. With real guns. Not sure about these shitty plastic ones but in a real challenge? I've got you beat." Brock gives a wry smile at Jack before turning back to Frankie. He still needs to pick a prize.
"I'd pay to see this." Gerard adds quietly.
Frank steps up and points to a bunny. Hands it to Ray to hold. "You two are cute." He steps forward and kisses Brock's cheek, "Thank you, baby."
"Anytime, tesoro," Brock kisses him proper, holding the bunny in one hand and Frankie close to him in the other. He can't let it go for too long however and he breaks it to look at Gerard, a look of mischief in his eyes, "That can be arranged. Free, too."
"Is your skill just with guns?" Gerard asks with a small smile, "And I don't think any of us would miss a competition like that."
"It's not often but you should see us spar," Jack offers. "And not just with fists either. Armed combat. For fun of course."
"Armed combat?" Frank looks at him with a small frown. Thinking the worst at first but pushing it aside. Neither of them would let them get hurt.
"What do you mean armed?" Ray asks curiously.
Jack frowns at Ray as he moves into the next shooting game, this one with some sort of western theme. "Gonna be honest here, Ray-Man. Not sure how to explain armed combat because I honestly think it's self-explanatory but it's fighting with weapons. I thought everyone knew that. Sorry."
"I mean weapon is a broad term, friend. It could be a big fucking stick or a knife. Hell, a gun is a weapon, Jack." Ray chuckles, "Smartass."
"Best be a smart ass than a dumb ass, my dude. And we generally decide on what form of weapon we will be using in the moment of the fight. Usually, it's whatever we have on hand unless we're working on a specific skill." Jack stares at the western shooter game, calculating.
"Baby. Go play with your brother." Frank whispers in his ear before kissing his cheek again.
"Gotcha. So armed is genuinely armed." Ray chuckles.
"Of course. What were you expecting? A fight using only the arms?" Jack smirks and pays for a round on western game.
Ray laughs at the mental image. "No!" He shakes his head and looks at Mike, who is fighting back a loud laugh with snorts. "Rude, Micheal."
The game operator was watching the group, suspicious of them. Frank catches a look between the booths. They must think the boys are cheating.
Jack misses only the first two shots in the western shoot 'em up game as these guns were vastly different than the other game. This wasn't for a prize but just because.
"And you say you're a professional..." Frank teases, "I question these claims. Are you sure you were in the military?"
Jack turns to him after finishing the game and blows him a raspberry in a totally adult and mature way. Then he moves on to the next game, grinning. Brock laughs behind him.
"Frank, both of these guys can run circles around you. And still, have the energy to do what we do for a living." Bob says with a huge smile.
"Sure; if you call screaming into a mic and banging on pots and pans, a living," Brock teases.
"Hey, you are the manager of the shrieking pot bangers now…" Bob replies with a big smile.
"I vote for a name change to that. I can see the headlines now. Shrieking Pot Bangers. Live in concert at a graveyard near you," Brock jokes.
"Oh baby! Now you can actually say that it is your monkeys and it is your circus!" Frank beams up at him
"Playing at a graveyard!" Gerard roars and doubles over.
"Does this mean I'm a monkey's uncle?" Jack tosses over his shoulder.
"Oh my god. Yes, it does!" Frank laughs.
"You do know that you have to actually be present at our performances, right?" Ray laughs as he shakes his head.
"Frank please get a tattoo of the Shrieking Pot Bangers." Mike asks as he wipes his eyes.
"Hey I missed one show, okay!" Brock says to Ray, rather adamantly. "Cut me a break. I was busy packing up for the run."
"It only takes one time to break a heart, Brock." Ray replies as he fakes a sob at the end.
"Aww, Sunshine, don't make it rain down those cheeks! I'm sorry." Brock pats Ray on the hair.
Jack turns around and walks backward for a moment. "Brock, you do realize that they have only played one show. So essentially… you've missed all of their shows. And you call yourself a manger, Commander? For shame."
"Not to mention, he's dating a member of the band! How dare you not support us…" Frank teases as he hugs Brock tighter.
"Gotta call off the wedding, now!" Gerard snorts.
"What is this, band gang initiation? Is this an emo thing?" Brock pouts dramatically. "Just don't let the tabloids get ahold of this! Scandalous!"
"No the real initiation happens on the bus when we dress you in all black and put eyeliner on you." Gerard grins
"Don't you fucking dare! You wouldn't!"
"No we are. While you sleep." Gerard grins and looks to Frank who plays innocent to the whole exchange.
"I make no promises that you are safe babe." Frank responds to him as he bats his eyelashes up at Brock.
With a look of utter outrage over this entire notion, Brock looks at Jack for help, only to discover his brother had moved onto another game and was no longer around to save him from the emo kids and their death metal punk music.
"Maybe even put nail polish on him." Bob adds with a shit-eating grin.
"Jack!" Brock calls, going over to him. "They're trying to make me up into some emo teenage girl!"
Jack laughs and pauses in his game of skeeball. "Well. Now you'll have one extra thing in common with Brooke, besides dating boys. She can teach you makeup!"
Frank can't help but laugh at that. "I love you, Jack!"
"I bet we could steal some merch and really deck him out. Full-on fanboy." Ray adds trying to keep a steady voice.
"I hate you all," Brock deadpans. He then punches Jack's shoulder haphazardly. "Especially you. Traitor."
"You do have nice bone structure." Frankie offers with a small grin. "Don't be mad, baby."
Brock glares at Frankie before grabbing him and tickling his sides, "You're a traitor too!"
Frank squirms to get away. He didn't expect this. Instead, he expected to get his ass spanked. He laughs out, "Not my fault you'd be a pretty fangirl!"
He didn't think about it. Didn't even realize he did it until the move itself had come and gone. One hand stops tickling Frankie to wallop a single hit on his lover's ass, right in front of their friends. "Don't even think about me in a dress!"
Frank keeps the sound he wanted to make from the strike in his chest and plays it off, "More like a mini skirt and an MRC crop top, polpetto." Don't get turned on. Don't get turned on.
"Like hell," Brock wallops another hit again before going back to tickling him. "Ain't no way in this world or the next will you or the guys succeed!"
"It's gonna happen. I have full conversations with my mom beside you and your snores." Frank laughs and tries to wiggle away. "I'm giving you eyeliner at least."
The band members laugh except Gerard. Something in his head clicks as he watches the exchange between them. A dirty devilish smile stretches his lips. He can recognize the look on Frank's face.
Brock pulls him in tight, flush against his body in a bear hug. He's hoping that it will keep Frank from moving and try to get them both calmed down. He could already feel his cock stirring to life from all of the movements and even from spanking Frankie.
"Stop. Calm," Brock whispers, mouth pressed against one of Frankie's ears, his chest pressed against Frankie's back. Frankie's perfect ass slotting right between his hips. He tightens his arms around him, hoping the hug will give him the hint: Submit. Do not get turned on here. "Relax."
Frank freezes in Brock's arms. He is focusing on breathing to stay cool. The feeling around his body forcing him to remain still also helps him settle. His arm bends up allowing him to curl his fingers around Brock's wrist. "I'm sorry." His words are barely a whisper that could be drowned with all the noise surrounding them.
Brock presses a kiss to the back of Frankie's neck. He slowly lets him go with a whispered, "Good boy."
He softens his body just a little as the hug releases. His instinct is to turn around and kiss him but he holds back. He never imagined he'd enjoy being called a "good boy" but he fucking loves it. Then again there are several things he never imagined would be part of his life that he can't live without now.
Brock steps away to give him space and to breathe himself. His brain quickly switches back to their fun. Another huff of a laugh bubbles in his chest and out of his mouth. He gives Frankie a look of amusement, "You try anything with eyeliner and I'll stab you with it."
Frank's mouth falls open at the threat. He hasn't fully switched gears internally. "No, you won't." He hisses at him with a playful glare, "And now it will happen, sir."
"Don't you hiss at me, gattino. I will put you in time out." Brock smirks and turns to watch Jack on his game. His brother apparently had been ignoring them judging by the high score. Jerk. He's ready to leave. Maybe the water park side will cool them down.
"You've obviously never had a kitten before because they don't do timeouts nor do I." Frank raises his eyebrow and smirks before falling in line with the bandmates. He knows he's going to push it and get himself in trouble if he doesn't stop.
When Jack finishes his game they all head back outside under the glaringly bright sun and head to the water park. Brock holding Frankie's hand again. He's glad things have calmed down for them. He didn't want the other guys to know what was going on.
"No, but anything will stay put if you restrain it properly," says Brock.
Try it old man, I dare ya. "I suppose." He doesn't argue. He wonders what the guys were thinking. Jack was unphased by them as he's "seen worse" and he's seen Frank's ass possibly. He squeezes Brock's hand and gives him a warm smile. He hopes Brock is having fun. He knows the guys are. He's not seen Mike smile like this in a very long time.
Once they cross parks, Brock gets a giddy feeling in his chest. He loves the water, especially the beaches. It always reminded him of home. Once a locker is rented and towels are bought, they all switch into their swim trunks, ready to get wet.
"What did you guys want to do first? Pool, slides, river rapids? Please say rapids," Brock asks, happily.
"Rapids works for me." Ray replies with a big smile as he hands sunblock to Mike.
"Yeah that works for me too." Gerard grins as he playfully bumps Frank with his hip, "You cool with that, Frankie?"
Frank nods and gives him a soft smile. He shakes his head at Ray's offer for sunblock before glancing to see if Brock has been paying attention. "River it is!"
"Thank you, Sunshine, for being responsible and providing sunblock. I may need you to help me put some of that on Frankie later. His pasty ass will fry faster than fried chicken on Sunday," Brock laughs.
"His stubborn ass won't put it on then will whine when he's burned to a crisp later tonight… you hold and I'll cover. Or vice versa. Little shit," Ray smiles before passing the bottle to Gerard, "but I gotta keep my little emos from igniting in the daylight."
Brock nods with Sunshine's statement. He makes plans to hold Frankie down while Ray lathers him in sunblock. "Frankie is a flamer but that doesn't mean I want him to flame on like the human torch the moment he steps out into the sun. Let's protect the little vampires."
"I'm not a vampire." Gerard smirks at Brock as he hands him the sunscreen, "It's cute that Frank is actually the gayest member of the band now."
Frank turns and glares at Gerard. He opens his mouth but gets cut off by Mike.
"Yeah but he's gay only for Brock. You're just gay for anything with a pulse." Mike smiles and nods at Frank.
"Let's be honest here. I'm the only gay here, the rest of you kids are wannabes that like to walk the line. Test the waters with one foot in and one foot out. Is Jack the only straight one here?" Brock heads towards the rapids ride.
"No. Me and Ray are straight too. The others are questionable." Bob comments as he follows along. He smiles and nods for the rest of the group to follow. The red in his hair coming out in the sun.
Frank stays quiet as he walks with the group. He watches the people at the water park. Hoping that no one will say a word about the nasty bruise on his shoulder. He already has seen the band stare at it. He debates getting his shirt and just sitting this one out. Maybe faking a stomach ache would do the trick to keep him under the radar. The 'Brock-dar' if you will.
Gerard slows and walks the same pace as Frank. "What's wrong?" He asks as he loops his arm around Frank's. The kid wears his emotions on his sleeve worse than anyone he's ever met.
"Nothin'. Just thinking." Frank gives the canned answer to protect himself a little more.
"It's more than that but ok." Gerard drops his arm and walks beside him quietly. He doesn't press it. No matter how much he wants to. That's not his job.
Grabbing and passing out the life vests that are required for the attraction, Brock notices his love not exactly giving off happy vibes. Something was bothering him. It made his heartache and made him half-assed give Mike his vest before striding over and wrapping Frankie into a hug. He doesn't know what's wrong but he doesn't like seeing the shadow in his boy's eyes.
Frank hugs him tight. He's being too much and needs to stop. But he is going to take the attention for the moment, burying his face into Brock's chest and inhaling his scent. "'m fine. Just self-conscious for a moment," he confesses then kicks his own ass for being honest.
"You're beautiful, tesoro. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. It's what I think. And I'm more important than anyone else or your brain gremlins," Brock kisses and nuzzles his neck.
"Thank you, baby. I love you so much. I just had a moment. I'm ok." Frank strokes his hair and can't help but smile. "But, you should go have fun. With the boys and Jack."
"I'm not leaving you. I don't want to ride anything without my best boy."
"I'm coming too, silly." Frank grins up at him.
Brock pulls him along towards the rapids. The rest of their day is filled with the most sun that the band had been in and water that the band had been around. As the sun begins to set, Brock and Ray wrangle everyone towards the exit gates, losing Frank for a moment who had gotten distracted by a small trinket kiosk but quickly rejoins the group.
"B said he would call us tomorrow about the bus. It's supposed to be ready for loading in the morning." Ray says quietly to Frank as he hugs him. "Drink some water, please. I know you're dehydrated as hell."
"Love you too Ray." Frank squeezes him. "Text me when you get to Gee's."
After goodbyes, Frank slides in the backseat. Sitting feels amazing as he relaxes into the seat, happy to have one more night in Brock's bed before the tour. He leans over and strokes Brock's hair as he enjoys the evening drive as the radio pumps out an opera he's never heard while Jack drives them back home.