timestamp meme
So I know everyone who's into bandom fic is off reading bandombigbang fic (and if you're not, what are you waiting for? Go read some big bangs!), but before I post my own, here's some stuff I wrote for a meme over in my other journal.
THE MEME: Give me one of my own stories, and a timestamp sometime in the future after the end of the story, or sometime in the past before the story started, and I'll write you at least a hundred words of what happened then, whether it's five minutes before the story started or ten years in the future.
RESULTS:
Professor/TA!verse, 5 years later.
Gerard's been home for a while when Frank gets in, the tradeoff being that he has to head back to campus in a few hours for a night class. He's not sure which of their jobs is more stressful--Frank spends more time at work, on the whole, but when he's done for the day, he's done, and kindergarteners don't have to write term papers, but on the other hand, college students don't usually require you to literally run around in circles to keep up with them.
Gerard's working on his lecture notes for tonight when he hears the door open; he puts the notebook down in his lap and cranes his neck to look over the back of the couch. Frank still favors the same professional-yet-casual look he always has--pullover cardigans over neat button-downs, nice jeans or khakis instead of slacks whenever he can get away with it--but he's started leaving his nicer cardigans in the closet, because another thing about kindergarten is it can really do a number on your clothes.
"You've got paint in your hair," Gerard tells him. "And your beard."
"Really? I hadn't noticed." Frank drops his messenger bag as he comes around to the front of the couch, and Gerard has just enough time to move his lecture notes to the safety of the coffee table before Frank sprawls on top of him, tangling their legs together and nestling against Gerard's shoulder. "You should've seen the classroom. I've got a kid this year who's going to grow up to be either the next Jackon Pollack or the next Wes Craven, I'm not sure yet."
Gerard laughs, reaching up to rub the little patch of red in Frank's beard with his thumb. He'd been dubious when Frank declared he was growing a beard, but he hadn't said anything (after all, when he'd decided he wanted to dye his hair pink that one summer, Frank had not only not objected, he'd helped), but he has to admit, he likes the end result.
"I need to be back on campus by eight," he says. "Enough time to take a shower before dinner, if you want."
"Sounds good," Frank replies. His hand is on Gerard's hip, and when Gerard shifts under him, his shirt rides up a little and Frank's fingers graze bare skin. "What do you feel like doing for dinner?"
"There's one of those frozen lasagna things," Gerard tells him, without much enthusiasm.
"Hm. We could do that." Frank's hand slips up a little further under Gerard's shirt, and he tilts his head up to nuzzle Gerard's neck. "Or you could come shower with me, and then we could go out."
Gerard makes a pleased noise, tilting his head back. "I think you're supposed to buy me dinner before you try to have your way with me, y'know."
"I like to mix it up now and then," Frank says, and kisses him.
Vaguely Edwardian AU, 15 years earlier.
Gerard sometimes envies Frank for being able to spend so much of his time in the stables, and for not having anyone care much what state he's in while he's there; Gerard makes a point of visiting the horses every day, apples in his pockets, but he has to roll his sleeves up and keep his distance and watch where he steps, and he can't help but cast wistful glances at Frank, barefoot with hay in his hair.
"Do you remember the other day, when we found that stream in the woods?" Frank asks, and Gerard nods.
They'd decided to try and trace the stream back to its source, but it had led them into unexpectedly thick underbrush, and the adventure had been cut short when Michael fell into a bramble patch.
"I found a path yesterday that I think might lead to the source after all," Frank goes on. "I thought perhaps, if you liked, we could go looking again tomorrow."
Gerard smiles at him. "That sounds nice. I'll tell Michael."
Upon returning to the house, he's on his way to do just that when he encounters his father, who beckons for Gerard to walk with him. Gerard's spirits sink at once; normally he wouldn't be at all opposed to speaking with his father, but lately, their conversations have contained rather more emphasis on Gerard learning the running of the manor.
"I want you to come with me when I collect the rents tomorrow," his father says now. "I was helping my father with that when I was younger than you, and it's time you started."
"But--" Gerard begins, and then stops himself. His father gives him an expectant look, and Gerard goes on, coloring slightly. "Michael and I were going to go into the forest with Frank."
His father gives him a stern look, raising his eyebrows slightly. "Well, if playing children's games with the stable boy is more important to you than learning your duties, then by all means..."
"He's not 'the stable boy'," Gerard interjects without thinking. "He's my friend."
His father looks at him in silence for a moment, then nods. "Very well, I didn't mean to be so dismissive of Frank. He's a good lad, and if you and Michael insist on gallivanting around, I'm glad you do it with someone who knows what he's about." He puts a hand on his son's shoulder, gently, and finishes, "But your duties are your duties."
Gerard looks down, nodding. "Yes, of course."
He could trust Michael to make his apologies to Frank, but he goes himself, early the next morning. Frank's face falls a little when Gerard explains himself, but when Gerard apologizes, Frank shakes his head.
"You've nothing to be sorry for, I understand," he says, and smiles hopefully. "Tomorrow, perhaps."
Gerard returns the smile, though he's hesitant to commit himself, for fear of having to disappoint Frank once more. "Perhaps."
Vaguely Edwardian AU, 10 years later.
It's still amazing to Frank that he can fall asleep in Gerard's arms and have no concern about still being there in the morning, or kiss him without wondering who's around, who might see. The cottage they've set up house in is in a sizable clearing surrounded by thick woods, and a good distance away from the main house; unless they go back there to visit, or to the nearest town, they can go for days at a time without seeing anyone but each other.
Of course, just because they share a bed now doesn't mean they always wake up together. Frank's still in the habit of rising early, much earlier than Gerard is used to. He's used to working for his living, and used to showing deference to Gerard out of habit as well as for appearance's sake. There's no need for that now--at last, there are no more barriers between them--but old habits die hard.
He keeps as busy as he's accustomed to by keeping the cottage neat and the grounds tended. Gerard had initially balked at the suggestion that he leave most of the household chores to Frank--they were meant to be equals now, partners, not master and servant any longer--but the truth is that after going almost forty years without doing any housework, Gerard is better-suited to a life of leisure, while Frank finds himself fidgeting and looking for things to do with his hands if he doesn't have some kind of work to do.
So while Gerard is still in bed, Frank's been up tending to various things. He feeds the animals they keep--horses, chickens, a motley collection of dogs in various sizes--and collects some eggs for breakfast, whenever that is. When he's done with his chores, however, he goes back into the bedroom, shedding his jacket and unwinding his scarf as he comes in from the cool autumn morning.
Gerard is just stirring, buried under a mountain of blankets, warm and inviting. It's a luxury Frank never imagined he would have simply to go back to bed in the morning, let alone into the arms of his lover.
Period Crossdressing, 1 year later.
Gerard had always tried not to let himself think too far ahead, not to let himself speculate overmuch on what his and Frank's future would hold. He didn't doubt the sincerity of Frank's feelings for him, but he was still sometimes surprised by their strength. It was not that had trouble believing Frank wanted him, but that he wanted Gerard enough--enough for all the secrecy and risk, perhaps enough to give up all the things he could never have if he stayed with Gerard--was a continuing source of amazement.
They'd never talked about what they couldn't have together, but there were times when it hung over them like a cloud. They attended a dinner party that night at the home of a young couple with an infant daughter, their first child. Frank spent almost half an hour in the nursery, making faces at the baby, letting her wrap her chubby hands around his fingers and tug at his hair, and he was quiet on the way back, a solemn, wistful expression on his face. They didn't have to speak of it for Gerard to know; Frank may be perfectly content to never marry, but he did want children, a thing that, in the eyes of society, at least, should generally be preceded by marriage.
Infidelity was not in Frank's nature. If he did decide to marry, it would mean an end to him and Gerard (although Gerard knew he would stay if Frank asked, would stay off to the side and meet when they could arrange it and take any little part of Frank he could get, however pathetic that might make him). If he stayed with Gerard, it would mean fidelity to Gerard, and preclude the possibility even of siring a bastard somewhere.
Gerard couldn't help but wonder if he would always be what Frank chose, and sometimes he doubted it. But then, he wouldn't have expected Frank to continue to choose him for as long as he had, and here they were, in Gerard's bedroom, Frank coming up to stand behind Gerard and pull him from his thoughts with arms around his waist and a kiss behind his ear.
And then I felt bad about the angstiness of the last one, so shoemaster and I capslocked them a happy ending and some kids. :D?
shoemaster: THREE YEARS LATER: FRANK'S COUSINS DIE IN A TRAGIC HORSE RIDING ACCIDENT AND THEIR YOUNG BABY BECOMES HIS WARD.
~ta-daaaa~
jezrana: LOL THAT IS PROBABLY A MORE REALISTIC SOLUTION THAN MY MENTAL SCENARIO IN WHICH FRANK TAKES IN A STREET URCHIN WHO TRIES TO PICK HIS POCKET AND SCOWLS AT EVERYONE A LOT.
shoemaster: BOTH OF THESE THINGS. AND THEN THE BABY COUSIN AND STREET URCHIN CAN FALL IN LOVE.
jezrana: OH GOD. THE STREET URCHIN (WE'LL CALL HIM, IDK, TOMMY) WOULD BE ALL "SO I GUESS YOU DON'T WANT ME AROUND ANYMORE, NOW THAT YOU'VE GOT A STUPID BABY WHO'S ACTUALLY RELATED TO YOU >:( ;___; >:(" AND FRANK WOULD BE LIKE "NONE OF THE STUFF I KNOW ABOUT HOW TO HYPOTHETICALLY BE A DAD COVERS THIS SITUATION >:(" AND GERARD WOULD JUST BE LIKE "*PATS FRANK'S ARM IN A SYMPATHETIC BUT SUITABLY PLATONIC FASHION THAT'S GOING TO HAVE TO DO UNTIL HE CAN GET HIM ALONE AND GIVE HIM A BLOWJOB*"
shoemaster: GERARD WILL BE ALL "WE'LL NEED YOUR HELP." AND TOMMY CAN BE THE RELUCTANT PLAYMATE TO...CLARA. FRANK AND GERARD ARE ALL :DDDDDDDDDDD OUR FAAAAMILY.
AND THEN ROMANCE NOVEL TROPE, HE GOES AWAY WHEN SHE'S 12 COMES BACK AFTER PUBERTY AND IS ALL >>>>:( AT ALL THE BOYS AND FRANK AND GERARD LOL.
jezrana: YES. AND WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWING UP THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF SHENANIGANS ABOUT HOW THE KIDS CALL GERARD UNCLE GERARD AND GERARD AND FRANK WANT TO KEEP THEM FROM FINDING OUT THEY'RE A COUPLE, AND ESPECIALLY WANT TO KEEP THEM FROM FINDING OUT UNCLE GERARD LIKES TO DRESS LIKE A LADY SOMETIMES.
AND, IDK, THERE ARE A BUNCH OF LITTLE INCIDENTS WHERE THERE ARE STOCKINGS LYING AROUND, OR GERARD REACHES INTO HIS POCKET FOR SOMETHING AND PULLS OUT HAIRPINS AND IS LIKE "LOL WHOOPS YOU DIDN'T SEE THAT", SO TOMMY DECIDES HE MUST BE A TOTAL PLAYER AND ASKS HIM FOR ADVICE ABOUT GIRLS. AND GERARD IS LIKE "...UM" AND IS REALLY, REALLY BAD AT THAT, SO YEARS LATER WHEN TOMMY CATCHES HIM AND FRANK KISSING HE'S LIKE "...OH, OKAY. THAT MAKES SENSE."
shoemaster: FRANK AND GERARD KIND OF FREAK, BUT TOMMY'S ALL "AT LEAST YOU'RE BOTH INTO IT...NO ONE'S GETTING PAID, RIGHT?" AND THEY'RE ALL N, N, N! TOTES IN LOVE HERE. AND HE'S ALL "OKAY THEN. HAVE YOU SEEN THE BOYS CALLING ON CLARA?"
AND GERARD IS THE BEST AT GETTING CLARA READY FOR PARTIES! AND SHE JUST ADORES HIM AND THINKS HE'S THE GREATEST.
jezrana: YESSS. SHE'S ALL "SINCE I DON'T HAVE A MOM, I'M GLAD I HAVE AN UNCLE WHO UNDERSTANDS THESE SORT OF THINGS!" AND GERARD IS ALL :DDD BECAUSE HE NEVER EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT HAVING KIDS OF HIS OWN BUT NOW HE HAS A PSEUDO-NIECE AND NEPHEW (AND POSSIBLY SOME REAL ONES FROM MIKEY, TOO).
AND THEN IT TAKES CLARA AND TOMMY A WHILE TO WORK STUFF OUT BECAUSE HE'S ALL GLAREY AND SHE'S LIKE "WHAT IS YOUR DEAL, YOU'VE BEEN GONE FOR YEARS AND NOW YOU'RE BEING A JERK >:(" AND FRANK IS TRYING TO GIVE HIM GOOD ADVICE BUT IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO STUFF LIKE "LOOK, JUST DON'T CLIMB THROUGH ANYONE'S BEDROOM WINDOW, IDC IF YOU THINK YOU'VE GOT A GOOD REASON."
shoemaster: GERARD: SOMETIMES, MEN ARE ASSHOLES WHEN THEY DON'T LIKE HOW THEY'RE FEELING, AND TRY TO FIGHT IT. GENERALLY IT GETS BETTER, BUT FEEL FREE TO POKE THEM WITH STICKS AS NECESSARY.
AND STUFF THAT SOUNDS SUPER MEANINGFUL: NEVER PRETEND TO BE SOMEONE YOU'RE NOT, SOMEONE WILL LOVE YOU FOR YOU, IF THEY HAVE ANY BRAINS.
EVEN WHEN TOMMY IS BEING AN ASSHOLE, HE AND CLARA ARE ALL OUR FATHER FIGURES ARE GIANT WEIRDOS, BUT WE LOVE THEM!
THE MEME: Give me one of my own stories, and a timestamp sometime in the future after the end of the story, or sometime in the past before the story started, and I'll write you at least a hundred words of what happened then, whether it's five minutes before the story started or ten years in the future.
RESULTS:
Professor/TA!verse, 5 years later.
Gerard's been home for a while when Frank gets in, the tradeoff being that he has to head back to campus in a few hours for a night class. He's not sure which of their jobs is more stressful--Frank spends more time at work, on the whole, but when he's done for the day, he's done, and kindergarteners don't have to write term papers, but on the other hand, college students don't usually require you to literally run around in circles to keep up with them.
Gerard's working on his lecture notes for tonight when he hears the door open; he puts the notebook down in his lap and cranes his neck to look over the back of the couch. Frank still favors the same professional-yet-casual look he always has--pullover cardigans over neat button-downs, nice jeans or khakis instead of slacks whenever he can get away with it--but he's started leaving his nicer cardigans in the closet, because another thing about kindergarten is it can really do a number on your clothes.
"You've got paint in your hair," Gerard tells him. "And your beard."
"Really? I hadn't noticed." Frank drops his messenger bag as he comes around to the front of the couch, and Gerard has just enough time to move his lecture notes to the safety of the coffee table before Frank sprawls on top of him, tangling their legs together and nestling against Gerard's shoulder. "You should've seen the classroom. I've got a kid this year who's going to grow up to be either the next Jackon Pollack or the next Wes Craven, I'm not sure yet."
Gerard laughs, reaching up to rub the little patch of red in Frank's beard with his thumb. He'd been dubious when Frank declared he was growing a beard, but he hadn't said anything (after all, when he'd decided he wanted to dye his hair pink that one summer, Frank had not only not objected, he'd helped), but he has to admit, he likes the end result.
"I need to be back on campus by eight," he says. "Enough time to take a shower before dinner, if you want."
"Sounds good," Frank replies. His hand is on Gerard's hip, and when Gerard shifts under him, his shirt rides up a little and Frank's fingers graze bare skin. "What do you feel like doing for dinner?"
"There's one of those frozen lasagna things," Gerard tells him, without much enthusiasm.
"Hm. We could do that." Frank's hand slips up a little further under Gerard's shirt, and he tilts his head up to nuzzle Gerard's neck. "Or you could come shower with me, and then we could go out."
Gerard makes a pleased noise, tilting his head back. "I think you're supposed to buy me dinner before you try to have your way with me, y'know."
"I like to mix it up now and then," Frank says, and kisses him.
Vaguely Edwardian AU, 15 years earlier.
Gerard sometimes envies Frank for being able to spend so much of his time in the stables, and for not having anyone care much what state he's in while he's there; Gerard makes a point of visiting the horses every day, apples in his pockets, but he has to roll his sleeves up and keep his distance and watch where he steps, and he can't help but cast wistful glances at Frank, barefoot with hay in his hair.
"Do you remember the other day, when we found that stream in the woods?" Frank asks, and Gerard nods.
They'd decided to try and trace the stream back to its source, but it had led them into unexpectedly thick underbrush, and the adventure had been cut short when Michael fell into a bramble patch.
"I found a path yesterday that I think might lead to the source after all," Frank goes on. "I thought perhaps, if you liked, we could go looking again tomorrow."
Gerard smiles at him. "That sounds nice. I'll tell Michael."
Upon returning to the house, he's on his way to do just that when he encounters his father, who beckons for Gerard to walk with him. Gerard's spirits sink at once; normally he wouldn't be at all opposed to speaking with his father, but lately, their conversations have contained rather more emphasis on Gerard learning the running of the manor.
"I want you to come with me when I collect the rents tomorrow," his father says now. "I was helping my father with that when I was younger than you, and it's time you started."
"But--" Gerard begins, and then stops himself. His father gives him an expectant look, and Gerard goes on, coloring slightly. "Michael and I were going to go into the forest with Frank."
His father gives him a stern look, raising his eyebrows slightly. "Well, if playing children's games with the stable boy is more important to you than learning your duties, then by all means..."
"He's not 'the stable boy'," Gerard interjects without thinking. "He's my friend."
His father looks at him in silence for a moment, then nods. "Very well, I didn't mean to be so dismissive of Frank. He's a good lad, and if you and Michael insist on gallivanting around, I'm glad you do it with someone who knows what he's about." He puts a hand on his son's shoulder, gently, and finishes, "But your duties are your duties."
Gerard looks down, nodding. "Yes, of course."
He could trust Michael to make his apologies to Frank, but he goes himself, early the next morning. Frank's face falls a little when Gerard explains himself, but when Gerard apologizes, Frank shakes his head.
"You've nothing to be sorry for, I understand," he says, and smiles hopefully. "Tomorrow, perhaps."
Gerard returns the smile, though he's hesitant to commit himself, for fear of having to disappoint Frank once more. "Perhaps."
Vaguely Edwardian AU, 10 years later.
It's still amazing to Frank that he can fall asleep in Gerard's arms and have no concern about still being there in the morning, or kiss him without wondering who's around, who might see. The cottage they've set up house in is in a sizable clearing surrounded by thick woods, and a good distance away from the main house; unless they go back there to visit, or to the nearest town, they can go for days at a time without seeing anyone but each other.
Of course, just because they share a bed now doesn't mean they always wake up together. Frank's still in the habit of rising early, much earlier than Gerard is used to. He's used to working for his living, and used to showing deference to Gerard out of habit as well as for appearance's sake. There's no need for that now--at last, there are no more barriers between them--but old habits die hard.
He keeps as busy as he's accustomed to by keeping the cottage neat and the grounds tended. Gerard had initially balked at the suggestion that he leave most of the household chores to Frank--they were meant to be equals now, partners, not master and servant any longer--but the truth is that after going almost forty years without doing any housework, Gerard is better-suited to a life of leisure, while Frank finds himself fidgeting and looking for things to do with his hands if he doesn't have some kind of work to do.
So while Gerard is still in bed, Frank's been up tending to various things. He feeds the animals they keep--horses, chickens, a motley collection of dogs in various sizes--and collects some eggs for breakfast, whenever that is. When he's done with his chores, however, he goes back into the bedroom, shedding his jacket and unwinding his scarf as he comes in from the cool autumn morning.
Gerard is just stirring, buried under a mountain of blankets, warm and inviting. It's a luxury Frank never imagined he would have simply to go back to bed in the morning, let alone into the arms of his lover.
Period Crossdressing, 1 year later.
Gerard had always tried not to let himself think too far ahead, not to let himself speculate overmuch on what his and Frank's future would hold. He didn't doubt the sincerity of Frank's feelings for him, but he was still sometimes surprised by their strength. It was not that had trouble believing Frank wanted him, but that he wanted Gerard enough--enough for all the secrecy and risk, perhaps enough to give up all the things he could never have if he stayed with Gerard--was a continuing source of amazement.
They'd never talked about what they couldn't have together, but there were times when it hung over them like a cloud. They attended a dinner party that night at the home of a young couple with an infant daughter, their first child. Frank spent almost half an hour in the nursery, making faces at the baby, letting her wrap her chubby hands around his fingers and tug at his hair, and he was quiet on the way back, a solemn, wistful expression on his face. They didn't have to speak of it for Gerard to know; Frank may be perfectly content to never marry, but he did want children, a thing that, in the eyes of society, at least, should generally be preceded by marriage.
Infidelity was not in Frank's nature. If he did decide to marry, it would mean an end to him and Gerard (although Gerard knew he would stay if Frank asked, would stay off to the side and meet when they could arrange it and take any little part of Frank he could get, however pathetic that might make him). If he stayed with Gerard, it would mean fidelity to Gerard, and preclude the possibility even of siring a bastard somewhere.
Gerard couldn't help but wonder if he would always be what Frank chose, and sometimes he doubted it. But then, he wouldn't have expected Frank to continue to choose him for as long as he had, and here they were, in Gerard's bedroom, Frank coming up to stand behind Gerard and pull him from his thoughts with arms around his waist and a kiss behind his ear.
And then I felt bad about the angstiness of the last one, so shoemaster and I capslocked them a happy ending and some kids. :D?
shoemaster: THREE YEARS LATER: FRANK'S COUSINS DIE IN A TRAGIC HORSE RIDING ACCIDENT AND THEIR YOUNG BABY BECOMES HIS WARD.
~ta-daaaa~
jezrana: LOL THAT IS PROBABLY A MORE REALISTIC SOLUTION THAN MY MENTAL SCENARIO IN WHICH FRANK TAKES IN A STREET URCHIN WHO TRIES TO PICK HIS POCKET AND SCOWLS AT EVERYONE A LOT.
shoemaster: BOTH OF THESE THINGS. AND THEN THE BABY COUSIN AND STREET URCHIN CAN FALL IN LOVE.
jezrana: OH GOD. THE STREET URCHIN (WE'LL CALL HIM, IDK, TOMMY) WOULD BE ALL "SO I GUESS YOU DON'T WANT ME AROUND ANYMORE, NOW THAT YOU'VE GOT A STUPID BABY WHO'S ACTUALLY RELATED TO YOU >:( ;___; >:(" AND FRANK WOULD BE LIKE "NONE OF THE STUFF I KNOW ABOUT HOW TO HYPOTHETICALLY BE A DAD COVERS THIS SITUATION >:(" AND GERARD WOULD JUST BE LIKE "*PATS FRANK'S ARM IN A SYMPATHETIC BUT SUITABLY PLATONIC FASHION THAT'S GOING TO HAVE TO DO UNTIL HE CAN GET HIM ALONE AND GIVE HIM A BLOWJOB*"
shoemaster: GERARD WILL BE ALL "WE'LL NEED YOUR HELP." AND TOMMY CAN BE THE RELUCTANT PLAYMATE TO...CLARA. FRANK AND GERARD ARE ALL :DDDDDDDDDDD OUR FAAAAMILY.
AND THEN ROMANCE NOVEL TROPE, HE GOES AWAY WHEN SHE'S 12 COMES BACK AFTER PUBERTY AND IS ALL >>>>:( AT ALL THE BOYS AND FRANK AND GERARD LOL.
jezrana: YES. AND WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWING UP THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF SHENANIGANS ABOUT HOW THE KIDS CALL GERARD UNCLE GERARD AND GERARD AND FRANK WANT TO KEEP THEM FROM FINDING OUT THEY'RE A COUPLE, AND ESPECIALLY WANT TO KEEP THEM FROM FINDING OUT UNCLE GERARD LIKES TO DRESS LIKE A LADY SOMETIMES.
AND, IDK, THERE ARE A BUNCH OF LITTLE INCIDENTS WHERE THERE ARE STOCKINGS LYING AROUND, OR GERARD REACHES INTO HIS POCKET FOR SOMETHING AND PULLS OUT HAIRPINS AND IS LIKE "LOL WHOOPS YOU DIDN'T SEE THAT", SO TOMMY DECIDES HE MUST BE A TOTAL PLAYER AND ASKS HIM FOR ADVICE ABOUT GIRLS. AND GERARD IS LIKE "...UM" AND IS REALLY, REALLY BAD AT THAT, SO YEARS LATER WHEN TOMMY CATCHES HIM AND FRANK KISSING HE'S LIKE "...OH, OKAY. THAT MAKES SENSE."
shoemaster: FRANK AND GERARD KIND OF FREAK, BUT TOMMY'S ALL "AT LEAST YOU'RE BOTH INTO IT...NO ONE'S GETTING PAID, RIGHT?" AND THEY'RE ALL N, N, N! TOTES IN LOVE HERE. AND HE'S ALL "OKAY THEN. HAVE YOU SEEN THE BOYS CALLING ON CLARA?"
AND GERARD IS THE BEST AT GETTING CLARA READY FOR PARTIES! AND SHE JUST ADORES HIM AND THINKS HE'S THE GREATEST.
jezrana: YESSS. SHE'S ALL "SINCE I DON'T HAVE A MOM, I'M GLAD I HAVE AN UNCLE WHO UNDERSTANDS THESE SORT OF THINGS!" AND GERARD IS ALL :DDD BECAUSE HE NEVER EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT HAVING KIDS OF HIS OWN BUT NOW HE HAS A PSEUDO-NIECE AND NEPHEW (AND POSSIBLY SOME REAL ONES FROM MIKEY, TOO).
AND THEN IT TAKES CLARA AND TOMMY A WHILE TO WORK STUFF OUT BECAUSE HE'S ALL GLAREY AND SHE'S LIKE "WHAT IS YOUR DEAL, YOU'VE BEEN GONE FOR YEARS AND NOW YOU'RE BEING A JERK >:(" AND FRANK IS TRYING TO GIVE HIM GOOD ADVICE BUT IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO STUFF LIKE "LOOK, JUST DON'T CLIMB THROUGH ANYONE'S BEDROOM WINDOW, IDC IF YOU THINK YOU'VE GOT A GOOD REASON."
shoemaster: GERARD: SOMETIMES, MEN ARE ASSHOLES WHEN THEY DON'T LIKE HOW THEY'RE FEELING, AND TRY TO FIGHT IT. GENERALLY IT GETS BETTER, BUT FEEL FREE TO POKE THEM WITH STICKS AS NECESSARY.
AND STUFF THAT SOUNDS SUPER MEANINGFUL: NEVER PRETEND TO BE SOMEONE YOU'RE NOT, SOMEONE WILL LOVE YOU FOR YOU, IF THEY HAVE ANY BRAINS.
EVEN WHEN TOMMY IS BEING AN ASSHOLE, HE AND CLARA ARE ALL OUR FATHER FIGURES ARE GIANT WEIRDOS, BUT WE LOVE THEM!