Mister Francis Anthony Iero, Junior, 4 страница

“Cazzo,” he groaned, sitting back in his chair. “Why now?” He sighed, bending down to retrieve his book, smoothing out the bent pages.

He had been keeping his past in the past, where it belonged, so why was he suddenly remembering everything now?

With a groan, Gerard closed his book and took it to his room.

~

Frank squinted down the road, watching the blonde man pick through the goods on display at the market. He’s sure he knows who the man is, but no name jumped to mind. He frowned when the man paid for his items and turned away.

He’d seen him earlier in the week, too. Was he following Frank? Or maybe it was just his imagination.

He had been thinking of Gerard, as well. He missed him, even if they’d only met twice. He’d often think of the night they’d spent together, longing to see him again.

But if his family ever found out, they would disown him. Throw him out of the family; possibly even have him imprisoned for sodomy.

Frank shuddered.

“Francis, get your head out of the clouds and pay attention,” his grandfather scolded.

“Yes, Poppa,” he said, flushing with embarrassment. He turned his attention to his work, doing everything to keep his mind off the dark haired man.

~

”Michael, Michael, wake up,” Gerard whispered, shaking his brother’s arm.

“Wha-Gerard, what-?”

“Shh-“ Gerard warned, clapping his hand over Michael’s mouth. “We need to get out of here.”

Michael frowned, sitting up in the bed. Gerard was fully dressed, crouching by the bedside. “What do you mean, we need to get out of here?” he asked, casting a nervous glance to the door. He didn’t know if Erik and Ezekiel were back from feeding yet and he feared the consequences if they heard what Gerard was saying.

“I mean, if we don’t leave, we’ll kill more innocent people,” Gerard said. His voice was shaking and his eyes were scared. It had been three days since they first fed and the death of the two girls had hit Gerard hard. Michael nodded and Gerard stood quickly, grabbing his clothes. “Get dressed, we don’t have much time before they return.”

Gerard shook his head, brushing the hair out of his eyes as he rubbed them.

“Gerard, are you okay?” Michael asked, placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“Yes,” Gerard smiled, “I’m fine. Is Robert here?”

Michael nodded. “He just got back from town,” he said. “Why?”

“I need to see him about something,” Gerard said distractedly.

His brother frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. “About what?” he enquired, eyes narrowed.

Gerard turned away, waving a hand. “Nothing of import. Just a small personal matter.”

“You’re having him spy on that Iero guy, aren’t you?” he accused, moving to stand in front of Gerard.

“I-what? No!” Gerard stammered, eyes wide. “Why would I have him spy on Frank?”

“Why would you get so flushed if it’s not true?” Michael retorted.

Gerard pinched his lips together, face burning bright. He turned and stormed off to his room, slamming the door. “Fucking Michael, thinks he knows it all,” he grumbled, moving to the window and yanking it open. The sea breeze hit his face and he took a deep breath, taking in the scents of the town.

Frank’s was particularly strong today; sweat mixing in with his usual smell of dirt and flour. Even if he had not been home in over a year, the scent still clung to his person. It had faded over the three years since they first met, but it was still there.

There was a rap at his door and he called out. “Enter.”

“You wanted to see me, sir?” Robert’s voice echoed slightly and Gerard turned to face him.

“Yes. Do you have any news?” he asked, moving to sit in the armchair to his left. He motioned for Robert to join him.

Robert nodded and sat in the chair opposite. “I do,” he said and Gerard nodded. “Frank’s been working with his grandfather every day save for the Sabbath. He has seemed distracted as of late and I believe he still remembers you.”

Gerard's nod stopped short. “He-what? What makes you think this?”

“He gets a particular look in his eye when he becomes distracted, almost as if he’s remembering a lost love,” Robert said, small smile on his lips.

“But, that’s impossible,” Gerard frowned. He folded his hands together and rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward. “I injected him with more than enough toxin to wipe his memory clean of me.”

Robert shrugged, “Maybe he’s immune?”

“No,” Gerard shook his head. “Humans cannot be immune to the toxin.” They sat in silence for a moment, Robert, tapping his fingers on his thighs and Gerard thinking. “But-“ he started and Robert’s ears perked up. “I have heard some humans can have a resistance to it, and it can wear off after time. It’s supposedly very rare though.”

“How rare?” Robert asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“Well, in my years, I have never met someone with a resistance to the toxin,” Gerard said softly.

Robert hummed, watching Gerard.

“Thank you, friend,” he finally said, smiling. “Any idea when he will be returning to England?”

“He has no plans to return as of yet,” Robert replied, standing when Gerard nodded.

“That will be all then. Thank you again, Robert,” he said and Robert left the room, closing the door softly.

Gerard stood, moving back to the window and resting his hands on the sill. But… is he resistant? he thought, smiling when he caught Frank’s scent. Or is it me? Am I just getting weaker? No. No one else has remembered me. Just Frank.

~

Frank watched the blonde man. He appeared to be sitting on a stone bench, reading a book but Frank knew better. He knew the man was watching him, and had been for the last two weeks. He was Gerard’s carriage driver.

But why was he watching Frank?

He didn’t know but he was determined to find out. Frank strode over to the man, standing with his hand on his hips and a frown on his face. “Why are you following me?” he demanded. “Did Gerard put you up to this?”

The man gawked, lowering his book. “I-what? I’m not following you,” he said. “I’m merely enjoying the lovely weather we’re having whilst reading a book.”

“Don’t lie to me,” Frank bristled, clenching his hands. “You’ve been following me for a fortnight and I want to know why!”

The man stood and closed his book with a snap. He was much taller than Frank, and had much more muscle, but Frank did not back down. He looked down to the smaller, brow furrowed in annoyance. “I am not following you,” he said. “Good day, sir.” He turned on his heel and walked away, towards the outskirts of town.

Frank puffed out his cheeks, sighing dejectedly.

“Francis Anthony, where did you go off to?” his grandfather called to him, storming over.

“I-uh.”

“No excuses. Come help me now,” he said, grabbing Frank’s wrist. He might have been in his seventies, but the man had the strength of an oxen.

~

Thrice more that day Frank saw the blonde man whilst in town. He never caught him actually watching Frank, but he knew he was. There was no doubt about it.

He just did not know why.

~

Frank entered the bar, tugging his scarf off and placing it on a hook along with his coat.

“Ah! Frank! I was wondering if I’d see you again,” Jamia grinned, folding her arms on the counter. “What can I get for you?” she asked as he sat in front of her.

“A-um, gin, please, Signorina Jamia,” he said, smiling weakly.

“Sure thing,” she smiled, moving a few feet away and grabbing the bottle from the back shelf. She grabbed a short glass from under the counter, wiped it with her apron and filled it halfway before setting it in front of Frank.

He smiled to her, a genuine but tired smile and said, “Thank you.” He took a swig of the liquid, watching Jamia shuffle around behind the bar.

He ended up having only two drinks before calling it a night. He had hoped Gerard would show again, but Jamia said she had not seen him since the night he took Frank home.

Frank thanked her and handed over the coin for his drink. He made his way to the door, tugging on his jacket and scarf and exiting the building.

The walk home was quick, but the brisk wind bit at his ears and nose. The moon was high and waning, casting eerie shadows on the houses when the clouds crept across its surface. Frank heard a rustle from the trees and he stopped to listen.

Was that man following him again? At this time of night? It was near past one in the morning and all the street lamps had been snuffed out.

Frank pulled his jacket tighter to his body and continued on his walk home.

Gerard clung to the shadows, watching Frank as he walked along the path. This was not the first night he had followed the human himself, but most nights he usually let Robert track him.

He watched as Frank looked over his shoulder every few yards, eyes searching the darkness for his stalker. But Gerard knew he’d never spot him. He was too well hidden, too quiet; he’d been honing his skills for over two millennia.

Frank turned up the path to his grandparent’s house and Gerard moved swiftly to a better viewpoint, keeping his eye on the younger. Frank stopped once more at the front door to the dwelling, looking around. He let out a sigh and unlocked the door, slipping quietly inside.

Gerard waited a few moments more, seeing if Frank would leave the house again, but the dim light in the front bedroom was quickly snuffed out. He frowned and made his way back to the manor, slipping in through the front door and trying to make his way upstairs unnoticed.

“You’re back late,” Michael commented when he passed by the front reception room.

He faltered, growling softly before ascending the stairs to his bedroom.

“Well, someone is in a bad mood,” Michael hummed to himself.

~

Michael bit his thumb, gnawing on the skin around the nail. He didn’t even stop when blood dripped down the digit. All he cared about was his brother. And right now, Gerard was starving and near death.

They had escaped from their makers, travelled to Greece and hid in a small town far from the sea. It had been seven months since they fled and Gerard refused to feed. He insisted he would be fine with human food. But he wasn’t.

His body was shutting down. His skin was the color of a dull and greying alabaster. The dark circles under his eyes seemed permanently stained to his skin.

“Please, brother,” Michael pleaded. “You must feed. You’ll die if you do not.”

Gerard merely shook his head, eyes unfocused.

“But, I can teach you to stop. I can stand by you and stop you when you’ve had enough,” Michael said. “We can each feed every other two weeks. T-that way one of us is there for the other in case… in case something goes wrong.”

“No,” Gerard replied. His voice broke and he coughed making his brother wince. “I will not become a monster.”

“If you do not kill, then you will not become a monster,” Michael reasoned. “I have learned to feed and not kill. The human is always returned home, safe and with no memory of me.”

“Always?” Gerard asked, coughing behind his hand.

Michael shrugged, “Well, only they have a home or a family. I-um, ones that have no one or no place to live I just. I mean-it’s better for them than dying a slow and painful death, isn’t it?” He searched Gerard’s face, seeing a dissatisfied look in his eyes. “I’m sorry, brother, but they were dying as it was, I just quickened it and made it more peaceful for them. I don’t always kill them. Most humans I feed from do live and I never go for them again. But please, you must feed! I do not want to lose you!”

Gerard coughed again, breath rattling in his chest. “No,” he said again, closing his eyes. Michael frowned and left the room. He’d make sure his brother did not die; he’d find a way to get him to feed. But how? He could just go into the village and charm someone, preferably one who was homeless and alone as a precaution, but there was no guarantee that Gerard would even look at the human, let alone feed from him.

He sighed and left the small building they resided in, making his way the two miles to the village. He’d have to risk his plan and pray that it works.

He found his target quickly. The young man was sleeping outside, back to a building and thin cover draped over his shoulders. Michael worked his charm, lowering his eyes and walking forward before crouching in front of him. “Hello,” he said softly, rousing the man. “I can offer you a warm place to sleep, if you wish, and a meal.” His eyes glowed a soft gold as the man nodded, getting to his feet. Michael steadied him, feeling his thin arms and frail shoulders through his clothing.

They made the journey back to his house, the man swaying on his feet slightly and Michael steadying him every so often. He remained in a daze as Michael watched him, never lifting his charm. He lead him inside and to the bedroom, where Gerard lay, weak and pale.

Michael strode to the bedside, touching Gerard on the shoulder. “Gerard, I’ve brought you something,” he said.

Gerard turned, frowning when he saw the young man. “Michael, what have you done?”

“Nothing, I’ve only charmed him. He is unharmed,” he whispered, glancing over to the man. “I-I was hoping you could feed from him? I’ll stop you well before he’s in any danger. But please, you must feed.”

“No,” Gerard stated. “I refuse to harm a human.”

“They heal quickly, Gerard. Please. I’ve checked on the ones I’ve fed from and they are all healthy. Just please,” he begged.

Gerard watched the young man by the door. His eyes were heavy lidded and dull from the charm. His skin and clothing were filthy and his hair was covered in dirt and devil only knows what else. He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. “Feed him first and clean his neck. I will not risk him dying from any means,” he said finally and Michael smiled.

Gerard awoke in the early morning, tendrils of sunlight peeking through the thick curtains. Another dream, he thought. Why must they haunt me so?

He rested his forearm on his forehead, letting out a deep breath and closing his eyes again.

Michael had helped him learn to feed without harming humans and he had been eternally grateful. He remembered that night, feeding from the young man and feeling immensely stronger. Michael stopped him well before he wanted to stop and he had growled at his brother, who only smiled softly. After that initial feeding, he started to feed regularly, every two weeks, one week after Michael himself had fed. Gerard had regained his strength and then some and they left Greece after one year had passed.

Gerard breathed in deeply, taking in the scents of his room and rolling over in bed, hugging his pillow to his face. It was early and he could do with more rest.

~

“Francis Anthony, time to wake up,” Mona called, peeking her head into his room.

Frank was half dressed, tucking his shirts into his pants. “Yes, Nonna, I’ll be out in a moment,” he said, watching her nod and close the door. He pulled on his waistcoat and tied his shoes, before walking over to the dresser and cleaning his face and hands.

He dried them on the small towel and headed out to the main room where Mona was setting plates on the table. Francesco was already sat at the table, waiting for his wife and grandson to join him.

Mona sat across from him and Frank sat between them as they ate their breakfast in relative silence.

The sun was strong and the sky was bright when Frank followed Francesco out to the cart. He loaded the cart while his grandfather led the horse out of the shed, hitching him to the cart and patting his neck.

Frank hopped up on the seat, taking hold of the reins and waiting for Francesco to climb up before handing them over.

Francesco smiled, adjusted his jacket and snapped the leather.

~

Gerard strode to the library, searching for a new book to read. He’d read everything in the library at least a dozen times and he wished he could browse the local bookstore for something new. Maybe they’d move to Roma in a few weeks, he’d have more luck finding a place open after sunset there.

He passed by the few papyrus scrolls in his collection, something he had borrowed from his time in Alexandria before Caesar accidently burned the library down. Michael and he moved from the city not long after and Gerard never got the chance to return the scrolls. They were one of Homer’s tales, and something he had more copies of in book form.

He sighed, running his fingers across the spines of the books, feeling the softness of the old leather and the coarse fabric of the newer books. He pulled one out at random and read the title. The Amber Witch, not one of his favorites, but it would keep him occupied for the time being.

Curling up on the sofa, Gerard opened the book and read the first line only to have it snatched from his hand. “Hey! Michael, I was reading that!” he shouted, sitting up and glaring at his brother.

“You’ve been having Robert spy on that human for you,” he stated, crossing his arms and holding the book under his arm. “And he remembered who you are and still does, according to Robert.”

Gerard bit his lip and looked away. He wrung his hands together and hunched his shoulders as Michael yelled at him.

“Why didn’t you tell me? This is dangerous, Gerard! Humans are not supposed to remember us after a feeding. Have you not been using your toxin?”

“I have,” Gerard mumbled, bringing his hand to his mouth and worrying the skin around his thumb. He glanced up, seeing Michael stare down at him, waiting for an explanation. “I don’t know why he remembers me, okay? He just does.”

“But how?” Michael asked and Gerard shrugged. “Gerard!” he raised his voice and Gerard shrunk down.

“I don’t know, Michael, okay? I just don’t know how he remembers me, but he does and there’s nothing we can do about it!” he shouts, standing abruptly.

Michael was taken aback from the outburst and Gerard stormed out of the room. He rushed to his bedroom, slamming and locking the door before going over to the window. He shoved it open, letting the cool breeze hit his face before he fell to his knees, arms folded over the sill and head down.

I just don’t know, he sighed, peeking over his forearms and looking at the town.

The lights from the street lamps flickered softly in their glass homes and the scent of food was strong in the air. But he could still pinpoint Frank’s scent and it infuriated him.

Why?! What is it about this human? What the devil makes him so special? Why can’t I just forget about him, his taste, his smell, his touch?

Gerard growled to himself, grabbing his hair and screaming as loud as he could. He ignored the banging on his door, the dogs barking in the distance. He just wanted to forget about Frank Iero. He wanted to forget about the way the human made him feel, the thoughts that plagued him at night, the memories that tormented him as he slept.

He never dreamt about his past before, not until he fed from Frank that second time. Maybe that was the problem. Maybe it was because of Frank. There must have been something in his lifeblood. Something different.

He felt arms wrap around him from behind and tugging him away from the window, a voice yelling orders, but he ignored them, lashing out and shrieking. He scratched and bit at Michael, feeling blood fill his mouth before he spit it to the floor.

There was a sharp blow to his head, the voices in the room grew faint and everything went black.

~

“Gerard,” Michael whispered, voice shaking. He grabbed at his brother’s arm, clinging tightly when the howling grew louder. “Gerard, what is that?!”

Gerard’s eyes scanned the forest, looking for the source of the noise but the dense foliage just made the wood even darker.

The cracking of twigs and leaves made the two men jump, turning to face their adversary. He was a heavy built man with shoulder length blonde hair and a full beard that covered most of his facial features. He wore dark colored clothing of what appeared to be animal skins. He carried no weapon but the gleam in his eyes told the two men he did not need weapons to inflict damage.

“What’s this?” he grinned, cracking his knuckles. “Two humans in my wood? This is too good to be true. I was getting rather hungry as of late and was playing with the idea of stealing one of the villagers for a meal. But now, it appears I don’t have to.”

Gerard shook his head and Michael’s eyes widened. “D-did he say-?” Michael’s voice broke off and he hid behind his brother, never relinquishing his grip.

“We-we’re not humans,” Gerard whimpered, watching the man stalk closer.

“Not humans, you say? How curious. You look like humans,” he paused, sniffing at the air, “and you smell like humans. So, clearly, you must be humans.”

“We’re vampires,” Gerard stated, straightening his back slightly.

The man bristled, “Vampires know not to come into my wood.” He walked around the two, Gerard turning with him and keeping his brother out of his line of sight. “They know what happens when they come into my wood.”

Gerard gulped. He could guess what happened to the others who tread in this forest.

“It’s so hard to get a good meal these days. Humans are all scared of us, locking their doors tightly at night, setting traps for us. They’ve even gone so far as to lock their animals up at night,” he said, eyes narrowing at Gerard. “Though I prefer a human’s heart to that of a sheep.” A malicious grin spread across his face, sending a chill through Gerard’s spine. “A vampire’s heart is not unwelcome either.”

“What if we bring you a human?” Michael asked, peering over his brother’s shoulder. The man cocked his head, eyebrows raised. “W-would you let us go i-if we brought you a human, um, from the village?”

“Michael? What are you doing?” Gerard gaped, feeling Michael’s fingers dig deeper into his arm.

The man hummed to himself. “I may,” he said slowly and Gerard looked back at him.

“Promise us!” Michael demanded.

The man frowned, nose scrunching up as he growled, “Fine. I promise to let you two go free if, and only if, you bring me a human to feed from.” Gerard and Michael smiled to themselves before he spoke again. “And you only have until sunrise.”

Gerard stirred in his sleep, groaning softly and whining. Michael wiped the sweat from his brow and grimaced. Gerard had never acted this way before. Never lashed out at his brother. He remembered the sickening blow that Robert gave him, knocking him unconscious instantly, but it was the only thing they could do. They did not know what Gerard would have done if he had remained awake.

He figured it had to do with that human. The one Gerard was so interested in. Gerard whimpered again and Michael came to a decision.

They would leave Italy as soon as it was possible. He needed to get his brother away from that human. Maybe they could go to America. Yes. America, it is. I shall have James charter us a ship and we will set sail as soon as our belongings are on board, he thought, brushing the hair off Gerard’s forehead.

They had fled as soon as the blonde man took the human. Running quickly through the woods, away from the human’s cries. Gerard never let go of Michael’s hand as they dodged trees roots and stumps, making their way away from the village and the wolf.

They found a small cave behind a waterfall and crawled in, slipping on the algae. The sun was just beginning to peek over the trees and the two crawled further into the cave, keeping their bodies out of the light. Gerard held his brother tight, feeling Michael shake in his arms. They were exhausted but they were alive and together.

In the near two hundred years since they escaped from their makers, they had never left each other for fear that they would lose each other.

Gerard felt Michael’s breath slow and even out and he smiled, petting his hair. He sighed, whispering into Michael’s hair, “We need to find a place of our own. Make money to live off of, buy all the things we’ve ever wanted. All the books we’ve ever wanted.” He smiled, body drifting off to sleep. “That would be nice.”

~

“Well, well, well,” a soft voice cooed. Gerard’s eyes flew open as he felt a foot nudging his hip and Michael tensing in his arms. The blonde wolf was smirking over them, blocking their only exit. “Seems the two vampires never left my wood,” he said, crouching down to eye level. “Now, what do you suppose I should do about that?”

Gerard clung tighter to Michael, feeling the younger tremble. “We-we’re sorry. We thought we left your wood! I swear it!” he exclaimed, trying his best to hold his fear in.

The man considered him for a moment, tapping his fingers on his bearded face. “How about we make a deal?” he said and Gerard flinched.

“What kind of deal?” he enquired. He sized the man up, wondering if he could take him down, make a break for it with Michael. He braced himself when the man took a breath.

“You provide me with humans,” he started and Gerard’s stomach bottomed out, “and I provide you two with protection. It’s a win-win situation.”

“Except for the humans,” Gerard muttered. Michael shook his head violently when he looked down, eyes pleading with him to not take the deal. “What kind of protection?”

The man smiled, “Oh, you know. The usual. Tracking, hunting, fighting. Because, no offense, but you two don’t look like the type who could win a fight.”

Gerard growled, holding his brother protectively. “We’re plenty capable of winning a fight,” he glared and Michael nodded.

“If you say so,” the man said vacantly. “But, if you had me on your team, so to speak, you’d be unstoppable.”

Michael gave the wolf a wary eye, moving to whisper into his brother’s ear. “We shouldn’t trust him. He’s a werewolf and he’d turn on us at a moment’s notice.”

The wolf chuckled. “A werewolf is bound to his promise until both parties see fit to null and void the contract,” he said, placing a hand over his heart.

Michael hissed at him and Gerard pursed his lips. “Give us a moment alone to talk it over,” Gerard said and Michael gasped.

“Very well, I shall be just outside,” the man said, standing and turning on his heel. He slipped out from the side of the waterfall and his frame was visible through the water in the fading evening light.

“No, Gerard,” Michael whined. “We cannot trust him. What if he brings more wolves to kill us in the daylight hours?”

“We should at least test him. I can stay awake during the day and watch him,” Gerard reasoned. “If he cannot be trusted, we kill him. But, if he’s true to his word, then he would be a great asset to our wellbeing.”

Michael bit his lip, gnawing on it gently. “I don’t know. I guess that could work.”

“So, are we going to give him a chance?” he asked and Michael hesitated before nodding once. Gerard nodded back and took a deep breath. “You there! Wolf!” he called.

The man came back into the cave, crouching down. “You called?”

“We’ve decided to give you a chance, but you must promise to not let any harm come to my brother or myself. Understood?”

“Understood,” he said, easy smile on his face and thrusting out his hand. “Robert Bryar, at your service.”

Gerard grasped it cautiously, saying, “Gerard Way. And this is my younger brother, Michael.”

“A pleasure,” Robert said, shaking Michael’s hand.

~

Gerard groaned, rubbing his sore face. His eye throbbed lightly to the touch. With a look around his room, he saw he was quite alone. He slid out of bed, moving to the window and peeking through the curtains. The sun had just set, the sky a pinkish-purple that faded into navy. How long was I out for? he wondered, running his fingers through his hair. He walked to the dresser, washing his face and neck.

After changing out of his dirty clothes, he crept out of his room, listening for his brother. He heard him speaking in the main hall and pressed himself against the wall to listen.

“…as possible would be best. I don’t like seeing Gerard like this. That human is doing something to him and I must get him away,” Michael said.

“But America is so far away,” James replied. “And are you sure he’d agree with your plan?”

America? What? Gerard frowned, listening again.

“I don’t care. This is for his own sanity. He cannot see that human again,” Michael said. “Just charter a ship as soon as you can.”

Gerard’s mind went blank, white noise filling his ears at the words. I cannot see Frank again? Ever? No! Michael cannot do that! he fumed, turning and quickly rushing back into his room. The door clicked shut and he ran to the window, throwing it open and stepping out onto the small ledge. The wind bit at his skin as he jumped, crouching when he hit the ground and running towards Frank’s scent.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-04