The Prince And The Orphans
TITLE: The Prince and the orphans
CHAPTER: Two of three
PAIRING: Gerard/Frank
RATING: Pg-13
SUMMARY: All Gerard and Mikey have is each other and the clothes on their backs. Their days and nights are spent trying to earn, or steal, a quick buck, mostly just to feed themsleves. But then Gerard runs into a real-life Prince, and it changes the lives of all three of them DISCLAIMER: Gerard and Mikey are not orphans, and Frank is not a Prince. This if completely fake
Part one, where Gerard chances upon a bar, and meets an enthusiastic stranger while trying to get money any way he can in order to keep himself and his brother fed
"Why can't I do it for once, Gerard? You always get to do the fun ones!"
"Because," Gerard looks down at the notes in his hand, "it's just. I don't know. Hey, here," he hands the $5 bill to Mikey. "You do it this time then, alright? It's about time, anyway. I'll be back in a second."
Mikey grins at the money, leans against the corner wall of the store as Gerard quickly scribbles on the note in his own hand, and disappears inside. They've done this scam a hundred times, their father had taught it to Gerard for fun, and Mike'sy was pretty proud that he'll finally be able to practise it himself.
Gerard holds the note with the writing facing down, and asks for some gum. He talks about the weather for distraction. Getting his change from the money handed over, Gerard skips out, nodding to Mikey, "Go on, bro. Make it convincing, I know you can do it."
Mikey walks in, picking out some candy, something he'll get lots of change for. He gives his five dollars over, and when he's was given his change, he looks at it oddly, eyebrows furrowed. "Uh, I think you gave me the wrong change, man. I gave you a twenty."
"No young man," the guy replies, "you gave me five dollars. What would a boy like you be doing with so much money?"
"Hey, mister, don't try and swindle me! I gave you twenty, check the register. My mom gave me that note for my birthday, she wrote my name on it and everything." Mikey shifts from foot to foot, trying to keep his confidence. "My name's Mikey. Do you see it?"
The store keeper looks thoroughly puzzled, holding up a twenty dollar bill and reading from it, "Happy birthday Mikey, love mom." He scrutinizes the money, then Mikey, then the money. "Well, I guess this was yours then."
Taking the rest of the change grudgingly offered to him, Mikey heads back out to Gerard. "I did it! See, I can do it, Gee," Mikey grins, proud of his accomplishment.
Gerard slaps an arm around Mikey's shoulders and hugs him close, kisses his cheek, "Knew you could do it, bro, nice work!" He pockets the money as they walk the cobbles together, not being able to help bragging about what they've done, "See, you go in there and tell 'em they've given you the wrong change, and they can't argue it, Mikey, they can't! He knew you didn't give him the twenty, but he can't prove it because he didn't see your name on it when I gave it to him, and you just can't argue it when someone claims something's theirs if it has their name on it. You did good," Gerard smiles affectionately as Mikey listens, "real goo-"
"So you are a thief?" someone questions from behind.
The brothers stop walking and Gerard nearly starts running when he sees Frank, without really knowing why. Mikey stops him. "I'm resourceful. There's a difference," Gerard says in his defence. "Come on, Mikey, let's go."
"I just wanted to talk to you, wanted to ask you something-"
"FRANK! Frank, where are you?" a voice shouts, and Gerard can see the overweight figure of Frank's... friend? Bodyguard, maybe? He was running to catch up with them, and as Frank is distracted by that, Gerard pulls Mikey away.
"Why you running from him, Gee? Who is he?"
"No one. Doesn't matter. Let's just get back to the Inn, okay?"
Gerard isn't sure why Frank had bothered trying to talk to him again, but whatever the reason-and there was always a reason-he wasn't interested. Sure, if he'd been alone, maybe he'd have indulged Frank for a while. Maybe. But he hadn't been, and he had to protect Mikey from everyone as much as he could. It was his job, his only job and the only one he ever wanted. So long as he kept Mikey happy and safe, that was all that mattered. He couldn't let himself get distracted from that just because of some guy that had taken an interest in him. Even if it was a rather handsome guy, and it'd been a fair while since Gerard had had that kind of company. He'd already let his guard down enough by telling Frank his name.
For two weeks Gerard only ever went out in the really early morning when less people were around, just to avoid bumping into Frank for any reason, but the last few days he'd seen Frank hovering around a few places and it made him so nervous that he stopped going out at all for four days. He and Mikey had hardly anything to eat during that time, and Gerard cursed himself to sleep each night he heard his brother's stomach growl with want for food. It wasn't supposed to be like that.
On the fith day when Gerard wakes up, Mikey's pushed up against his side as usual, but when Gerard tries to wake him, he's slow to respond, murmering incoherently. Mikey has a fever, burning up like crazy, and Gerard finds Brian as quickly as he can.
"Please, Brian. I don't know why he's sick again. Help him," Gerard pleads, and Brian gives Mikey some God-awful concoction to drink that Gerard can taste in the air around them.
"Has he been eating properly? He's really skinny, Gerard. I can't remember the last time I saw a kid as skinny as this." Brian scowls at Gerard's expression of guilt, unwraps the blanket from Mikey's body and loosens his already slack clothing, "Gotta keep the air on him, Gerard, don't let him get too hot, remember?"
Mikey protests but Gerard soothed him as best he can, wiping the hair from his brother's forehead and pressing a kiss to his cheek, "It's okay, Mikey, you're gonna be okay. Just have to keep you cool."
"But I'm c-cold, Gee, so cold already," Mikey shivers, closing his eyes.
Brian pats Gerard's arm then, "I have to talk to you for a minute, Gerard, over there," he nods to the opposite corner of the basement, and Gerard reluctantly follows, already sure he know what Brian's about to say. "You can't look after him anymore, Gerard, you need to think about-"
"No! No way, Brian. I won't do it!" Gerard shakes his head, tries his best not to shout and startle his brother.
"I know you're scared of losing him, I get that, but you can barely look after youself, let alone Mikey." Brian's look softens, saddened, "You have to think about what's best for him."
"All I fucking do is think about what's best for him. Every damn day. And it sure as fuck isn't to be sent off someplace that'll treat him bad and put him to work all hours of the day. He needs me. I need him."
"They'll educate him, he'll be able to get a real job, not just wander the streets with you stealing from folk to feed yourselves."
"Yeah," Gerard scoffs, "they'll educate him alright. You know what they do to kids like him in places like that? 'Cause I've heard the stories, Brian, and I won't let that happen to him!"
"Gerard?" Mikey calls out, weak and trembling, "why are you fighting? Don't fight, please."
"M'not fighting Mikes, promise," Gerard says, quickly going to kneel by his brother's side. "I'm gonna go find someone who can help you. Brian's gonna look after you while I'm gone, aren't you, Brian?"
Brian folds his arms against his chest, "No, Gerard. I've told you what you need to do but if you're not willing to listen, I can't help you. You're not helping him, don't you get it?"
"What?! If you won't watch over him I can't find anyone to help-"
"Tonight," Brian says decidedly, "I'll give you until tonight to find somewhere, okay?" Gerard nods, hopes he can come up with something by then. "I'm not saying it to be cruel, but you can't keep staying down here. This is the third time he's been sick in two months. It's damp, and he's never gonna get better while you're here."
"Hurts. Hurts everywhere," Mikey mumbles, and Brian scoops him up, carrying Mikey as Gerard follows behind.
"I'll find a bed for him upstairs, I'll be able to watch him better there."
Gerard leaves one Mikey's settled, promising to be back as soon as possible, and taking a deep breath before heading outside.
There were a couple of options open to him at that point; conning people for money - or just outright stealing from them, finding a workhouse for Mikey, or finding a doctor who would help without payment.
Unfortunately Gerard didn't hold much hope of free treatment, nor did he want to send Mikey to a workhouse. He would only ever do that if... well, there wasn't actually any circumstance he could think of that would lead him to doing that. Ever. But Mikey desperately needed to see a doctor, and he hated himself for it, but it was seeming like the most viable option. Each time Mikey got sick it was worse, and Gerard really was scared that one day he'd lose his brother to illness. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, Brian's words had really hit a sore point with him.
Even more unfortunately for Gerard, evening's fast approaching and yet to make any more than forty dollars, which he'd never be able to split between a doctor and somewhere to stay, he's running out of time, and scared for his and his brother's futures, Gerard reluctantly walks into a workhouse. A dirty, sawdust-littered floor greeting him upon entering the place, and his stomach churns uncomfortably at the portly man who approached him.
"Can I help you, young man?" he asks, leaning forward learily at Gerard, his eyes cold and staring, the foul stench of his breath invades Gerard's nostrils slowly.
"Um, I wanted to, um. My brother? He needs, uh-"
"Homeless?" the man enquieres. Almost hopefully, Gerard thinks, and nods. "Orphaned?"
Gerard shifts about, leans against the dirty wall next to him, "Yeah."
"Follow me," the man beckons, walking to a small desk as Gerard goes with him. "How old is he?"
"He's sixteen."
The man picks up a large, battered book, flips through the pages before stopping. "Hmm, yes. I think we can take him. Where is he?"
"He's not far, but. I want to stay here as well."
The man looks Gerard over carefully, settling his hands over his large stomach. He laughs, "You're a little old, aren't you? Your brother would be pushing it, but you? No," he shakes his head, "sorry."
"But. Please, I can," Gerard swallows hard, tilts his head and makes sure to flutter his eyelashes as sweetly as he can, "I can be useful, I promise."
"Really?" Eyebrows raised, the man's lips quiver and Gerard feels like he's going to be sick any moment. Is this what he's been reduced to? Offering himself up on a plate to make sure his brother will get treated? "Well, I think we could work something out, if you know what I mean?"
"Y-yes, sir, I. I understand."
"Good. Good, that's very good," the man grins, leads Gerard outside. "Bring your brother by as soon as you can. And, uh, don't think about forgetting our deal, or you'll be out on the streets before you can get your breaches up after I'm done with you anyway."
Then Gerard runs. Runs and runs and runs until he has to stop because otherwise his legs'll give way. He throws up everything that isn't in his stomach, and then some, thinking about what he's just signed himself up for. What he'd signed Mikey up for.
CHAPTER: Two of three
PAIRING: Gerard/Frank
RATING: Pg-13
SUMMARY: All Gerard and Mikey have is each other and the clothes on their backs. Their days and nights are spent trying to earn, or steal, a quick buck, mostly just to feed themsleves. But then Gerard runs into a real-life Prince, and it changes the lives of all three of them DISCLAIMER: Gerard and Mikey are not orphans, and Frank is not a Prince. This if completely fake
Part one, where Gerard chances upon a bar, and meets an enthusiastic stranger while trying to get money any way he can in order to keep himself and his brother fed
"Why can't I do it for once, Gerard? You always get to do the fun ones!"
"Because," Gerard looks down at the notes in his hand, "it's just. I don't know. Hey, here," he hands the $5 bill to Mikey. "You do it this time then, alright? It's about time, anyway. I'll be back in a second."
Mikey grins at the money, leans against the corner wall of the store as Gerard quickly scribbles on the note in his own hand, and disappears inside. They've done this scam a hundred times, their father had taught it to Gerard for fun, and Mike'sy was pretty proud that he'll finally be able to practise it himself.
Gerard holds the note with the writing facing down, and asks for some gum. He talks about the weather for distraction. Getting his change from the money handed over, Gerard skips out, nodding to Mikey, "Go on, bro. Make it convincing, I know you can do it."
Mikey walks in, picking out some candy, something he'll get lots of change for. He gives his five dollars over, and when he's was given his change, he looks at it oddly, eyebrows furrowed. "Uh, I think you gave me the wrong change, man. I gave you a twenty."
"No young man," the guy replies, "you gave me five dollars. What would a boy like you be doing with so much money?"
"Hey, mister, don't try and swindle me! I gave you twenty, check the register. My mom gave me that note for my birthday, she wrote my name on it and everything." Mikey shifts from foot to foot, trying to keep his confidence. "My name's Mikey. Do you see it?"
The store keeper looks thoroughly puzzled, holding up a twenty dollar bill and reading from it, "Happy birthday Mikey, love mom." He scrutinizes the money, then Mikey, then the money. "Well, I guess this was yours then."
Taking the rest of the change grudgingly offered to him, Mikey heads back out to Gerard. "I did it! See, I can do it, Gee," Mikey grins, proud of his accomplishment.
Gerard slaps an arm around Mikey's shoulders and hugs him close, kisses his cheek, "Knew you could do it, bro, nice work!" He pockets the money as they walk the cobbles together, not being able to help bragging about what they've done, "See, you go in there and tell 'em they've given you the wrong change, and they can't argue it, Mikey, they can't! He knew you didn't give him the twenty, but he can't prove it because he didn't see your name on it when I gave it to him, and you just can't argue it when someone claims something's theirs if it has their name on it. You did good," Gerard smiles affectionately as Mikey listens, "real goo-"
"So you are a thief?" someone questions from behind.
The brothers stop walking and Gerard nearly starts running when he sees Frank, without really knowing why. Mikey stops him. "I'm resourceful. There's a difference," Gerard says in his defence. "Come on, Mikey, let's go."
"I just wanted to talk to you, wanted to ask you something-"
"FRANK! Frank, where are you?" a voice shouts, and Gerard can see the overweight figure of Frank's... friend? Bodyguard, maybe? He was running to catch up with them, and as Frank is distracted by that, Gerard pulls Mikey away.
"Why you running from him, Gee? Who is he?"
"No one. Doesn't matter. Let's just get back to the Inn, okay?"
Gerard isn't sure why Frank had bothered trying to talk to him again, but whatever the reason-and there was always a reason-he wasn't interested. Sure, if he'd been alone, maybe he'd have indulged Frank for a while. Maybe. But he hadn't been, and he had to protect Mikey from everyone as much as he could. It was his job, his only job and the only one he ever wanted. So long as he kept Mikey happy and safe, that was all that mattered. He couldn't let himself get distracted from that just because of some guy that had taken an interest in him. Even if it was a rather handsome guy, and it'd been a fair while since Gerard had had that kind of company. He'd already let his guard down enough by telling Frank his name.
For two weeks Gerard only ever went out in the really early morning when less people were around, just to avoid bumping into Frank for any reason, but the last few days he'd seen Frank hovering around a few places and it made him so nervous that he stopped going out at all for four days. He and Mikey had hardly anything to eat during that time, and Gerard cursed himself to sleep each night he heard his brother's stomach growl with want for food. It wasn't supposed to be like that.
On the fith day when Gerard wakes up, Mikey's pushed up against his side as usual, but when Gerard tries to wake him, he's slow to respond, murmering incoherently. Mikey has a fever, burning up like crazy, and Gerard finds Brian as quickly as he can.
"Please, Brian. I don't know why he's sick again. Help him," Gerard pleads, and Brian gives Mikey some God-awful concoction to drink that Gerard can taste in the air around them.
"Has he been eating properly? He's really skinny, Gerard. I can't remember the last time I saw a kid as skinny as this." Brian scowls at Gerard's expression of guilt, unwraps the blanket from Mikey's body and loosens his already slack clothing, "Gotta keep the air on him, Gerard, don't let him get too hot, remember?"
Mikey protests but Gerard soothed him as best he can, wiping the hair from his brother's forehead and pressing a kiss to his cheek, "It's okay, Mikey, you're gonna be okay. Just have to keep you cool."
"But I'm c-cold, Gee, so cold already," Mikey shivers, closing his eyes.
Brian pats Gerard's arm then, "I have to talk to you for a minute, Gerard, over there," he nods to the opposite corner of the basement, and Gerard reluctantly follows, already sure he know what Brian's about to say. "You can't look after him anymore, Gerard, you need to think about-"
"No! No way, Brian. I won't do it!" Gerard shakes his head, tries his best not to shout and startle his brother.
"I know you're scared of losing him, I get that, but you can barely look after youself, let alone Mikey." Brian's look softens, saddened, "You have to think about what's best for him."
"All I fucking do is think about what's best for him. Every damn day. And it sure as fuck isn't to be sent off someplace that'll treat him bad and put him to work all hours of the day. He needs me. I need him."
"They'll educate him, he'll be able to get a real job, not just wander the streets with you stealing from folk to feed yourselves."
"Yeah," Gerard scoffs, "they'll educate him alright. You know what they do to kids like him in places like that? 'Cause I've heard the stories, Brian, and I won't let that happen to him!"
"Gerard?" Mikey calls out, weak and trembling, "why are you fighting? Don't fight, please."
"M'not fighting Mikes, promise," Gerard says, quickly going to kneel by his brother's side. "I'm gonna go find someone who can help you. Brian's gonna look after you while I'm gone, aren't you, Brian?"
Brian folds his arms against his chest, "No, Gerard. I've told you what you need to do but if you're not willing to listen, I can't help you. You're not helping him, don't you get it?"
"What?! If you won't watch over him I can't find anyone to help-"
"Tonight," Brian says decidedly, "I'll give you until tonight to find somewhere, okay?" Gerard nods, hopes he can come up with something by then. "I'm not saying it to be cruel, but you can't keep staying down here. This is the third time he's been sick in two months. It's damp, and he's never gonna get better while you're here."
"Hurts. Hurts everywhere," Mikey mumbles, and Brian scoops him up, carrying Mikey as Gerard follows behind.
"I'll find a bed for him upstairs, I'll be able to watch him better there."
Gerard leaves one Mikey's settled, promising to be back as soon as possible, and taking a deep breath before heading outside.
There were a couple of options open to him at that point; conning people for money - or just outright stealing from them, finding a workhouse for Mikey, or finding a doctor who would help without payment.
Unfortunately Gerard didn't hold much hope of free treatment, nor did he want to send Mikey to a workhouse. He would only ever do that if... well, there wasn't actually any circumstance he could think of that would lead him to doing that. Ever. But Mikey desperately needed to see a doctor, and he hated himself for it, but it was seeming like the most viable option. Each time Mikey got sick it was worse, and Gerard really was scared that one day he'd lose his brother to illness. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, Brian's words had really hit a sore point with him.
Even more unfortunately for Gerard, evening's fast approaching and yet to make any more than forty dollars, which he'd never be able to split between a doctor and somewhere to stay, he's running out of time, and scared for his and his brother's futures, Gerard reluctantly walks into a workhouse. A dirty, sawdust-littered floor greeting him upon entering the place, and his stomach churns uncomfortably at the portly man who approached him.
"Can I help you, young man?" he asks, leaning forward learily at Gerard, his eyes cold and staring, the foul stench of his breath invades Gerard's nostrils slowly.
"Um, I wanted to, um. My brother? He needs, uh-"
"Homeless?" the man enquieres. Almost hopefully, Gerard thinks, and nods. "Orphaned?"
Gerard shifts about, leans against the dirty wall next to him, "Yeah."
"Follow me," the man beckons, walking to a small desk as Gerard goes with him. "How old is he?"
"He's sixteen."
The man picks up a large, battered book, flips through the pages before stopping. "Hmm, yes. I think we can take him. Where is he?"
"He's not far, but. I want to stay here as well."
The man looks Gerard over carefully, settling his hands over his large stomach. He laughs, "You're a little old, aren't you? Your brother would be pushing it, but you? No," he shakes his head, "sorry."
"But. Please, I can," Gerard swallows hard, tilts his head and makes sure to flutter his eyelashes as sweetly as he can, "I can be useful, I promise."
"Really?" Eyebrows raised, the man's lips quiver and Gerard feels like he's going to be sick any moment. Is this what he's been reduced to? Offering himself up on a plate to make sure his brother will get treated? "Well, I think we could work something out, if you know what I mean?"
"Y-yes, sir, I. I understand."
"Good. Good, that's very good," the man grins, leads Gerard outside. "Bring your brother by as soon as you can. And, uh, don't think about forgetting our deal, or you'll be out on the streets before you can get your breaches up after I'm done with you anyway."
Then Gerard runs. Runs and runs and runs until he has to stop because otherwise his legs'll give way. He throws up everything that isn't in his stomach, and then some, thinking about what he's just signed himself up for. What he'd signed Mikey up for.