Trade Mistakes Chapter 10
Title: Trade Mistakes Chapter 10
Author: shadowoftheday
Rating: R (language)
Pairing: Adam Lambert/Tommy Joe Ratliff (also featuring Gerard Way/Frank Iero, Mikey Way/Mat Devine and past Gerard Way/Bert McCracken)
Summary: After being dumped by an insecure Adam, Tommy Joe spent a whirlwind few months touring with My Chemical Romance before returning to LA to give things with Adam another try. Everything seems to be going well, but as Tommy soon learns, what happens on the road doesn't necessarily stay on the road.
Disclaimer: All fiction, entertainment purposes only, don't own, please don't sue!
Warnings/Notes:Story title belongs to Panic! At The Disco.
This story is a sequel to Burning in The Skies, which can be read here
Trade Mistakes Chapter 1
Trade Mistakes Chapter 2
Trade Mistakes Chapter 3
Trade Mistakes Chapter 4
Trade Mistakes Chapter 5
Trade Mistakes Chapter 6
Trade Mistakes Chapter 7
Trade Mistakes Chapter 8
Trade Mistakes Chapter 9
Would you say no to this face? Me either :P The ever gorgeous Gerard Way
----------------------------------------------------
"Monte, look I know it's late, I'm really sorry, can you come pick me up?" Adam begged, sitting down on the couch in Jared and Bill's living room to pull his boots back on.
He'd sobered up really quick, the icy cold guilt freezing him from the inside out. Bill was propped up against the door frame, his long lean frame softened by the enticing glow from the bedroom. He was watching Adam with his head tilted to the side, as if he couldn't really understand what was happening.
"Adam, we can take you home," Jared offered, appearing behind Bill and wrapping his arms around the younger man's naked waist.
"I don't know..." Adam hesitated.
"Dude, if someone is offering you a ride, meaning I don't need to drag my ass out of bed to come get you, fucking take them up on it, ok?" Monte said with a yawn.
"Ok," Adam agreed, hanging up on Monte before meeting Jared's steady gaze. "Thanks, Jared."
"It's the least we could do," Jared replied with a shrug, dragging Bill back into the bedroom to force him into some clothes.
Adam waited nervously while Jared and Bill got dressed, both of them emerging from the bedroom in similar simple jeans and tee shirt combinations. Jared grabbed the car keys from the hook beside the front door, holding hands with Bill as he led Adam to the car.
Bill claimed the back seat where he curled up against the passenger door, resting his forehead against the cool window, clearly exhausted. Adam climbed into the front passenger seat, fiddling nervously with his seat belt while Jared started the car.
"You're feeling guilty," Jared said quietly as they drove through the nearly empty streets.
"I love Tommy Joe," Adam replied.
"I love Bill," Jared shrugged.
"Really?" Adam asked, unable to keep the surprise from his voice. "There's what, eighteen years between you two."
"Age is just a number, Adam. Do I look nearly forty to you?" Jared asked with a small smile.
"Hell no."
"I don't feel it, either. Bill is vibrant, energetic, incredibly sweet and very passionate. His age doesn't bother me," Jared explained.
"But you let him...you know, sleep around," Adam pointed out. "I can't imagine ever being ok with that."
"He tires me out sometimes," the 30 Seconds to Mars singer admitted. "Bill's 22 years old, you know? But there's a lot of trust between us. He tells me if he's interested in someone. It never goes further than friendship, and a bit of fun. I'm the person he comes home to at night."
"It really doesn't bother you," Adam said, knowing it was true. Jared genuinely didn't mind Bill spending time with other men. Adam couldn't imagine letting anyone be intimate with Tommy Joe, that part of their relationship was so sacred, he just couldn't comprehend the idea of letting someone else be a part of it.
"It really doesn't," Jared agreed, glancing over his shoulder at Bill dozing in the back seat. "I'm sorry if you felt pressured into cheating on your boyfriend. Once Bill sets his mind on something, he usually gets it."
"I didn't feel pressured," Adam admitted. "I've been lonely, without Tommy. It sounds really selfish to say it, but recently I've been feeling like I don't matter much to him anymore. I just wanted to matter to someone."
Jared gave Adam's knee a comforting pat, his expression gentle and all too knowing.
"You guys try talking about it?"
"It usually just turns into a fight. He's under a lot of strain at the moment, problems with his friends," Adam said, trying - and failing - to keep the bitterness from his voice.
"If you love him, Adam, don't let him go. If you love someone enough, you can overcome anything."
Adam sat silently, letting Jared's words sink in, and hoping more than anything the older man was right.
* * *
There was a black Trans Am in the drive way when Jared's car pulled up. Adam recognised the car immediately.
"That's Gerard's car!"
Jared got out of the car, following Adam up the drive way to the front door of the house. It was unlocked - Tommy was home.
Adam swallowed his nerves, meeting Jared's eyes and nodding before opening the door and heading inside.
Sure enough, Gerard Way was sitting on the couch in the living room, a sleek plain black case beside his feet. Tommy was pacing, his own duffel bag taking up the rest of the couch.
"Shit, Adam!" Tommy explained as Adam walked in, his eyes widening when he noticed the luggage.
"What the hell is going on?" Adam demanded, feeling the guilt he had shoved down roiling in his stomach. His mind raced, nerves and paranoia clashing in his chest, telling him that Tommy already knew, and was leaving him.
"Where have you been?" Tommy asked, frowning as his eyes raked over Jared.
Adam couldn't bring himself to answer, couldn't bring himself to lie. He stared at the carpet, feeling his cheeks burning with a barely concealed blush.
It was Tommy's choked laugh that forced Adam's eyes up, his gaze landing on Tommy's face.
"I was only joking when I told you to fuck them," Tommy barked, wrapping his arms around himself to hide the fact he was trembling.
"What?" Gerard asked, getting to his feet. He reached out for Tommy, a protective hand curling around Tommy's elbow.
"Hey Gerard," Jared said quietly, giving the singer a little wave.
"Hey Jared," Gerard replied. "Tommy, I'm gonna go out on the deck and smoke, ok?"
"I think I'll take Bill home. Good night, Adam," Jared said, walking out the front door while Gerard made his way out the back door to the deck by the pool.
"I can't believe you would do this to me," Tommy said, his voice so quiet Adam barely heard it.
Adam's heart stammered, a steady ache spreading through his body with every beat. There was only five feet between them, but it felt like miles. Adam wanted so badly to reach out for him, to pull Tommy into his arms and comfort him, even though Adam was the person who had hurt him.
"I'm really sorry," Adam replied, not sure what else to say. Tommy just nodded, reaching for his duffel bag.
"Where are you going?" Adam asked.
"I don't know. Gerard can't be here anymore. I was waiting for you to come home...I wanted you to come with us," Tommy answered, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Please don't go, Tommy. I think we should talk about this."
"I know things have been really tough lately," Tommy began. "I know the strain on our relationship is my fault. But I would never have cheated on you, Adam. No matter how bad things got. I can't imagine hurting you that way."
Adam could only watch, powerless, as Tommy headed to the back door to get Gerard. They made their way back into the living room, where Gerard grabbed his case.
"Tommy, please, wait. Stay, we have to talk about this," Adam begged, following them down the hallway. "Please don't leave me."
"When you look back on this, I want you to remember that you gave up on us. You gave up on me, Adam. I don't owe you anything," Tommy replied sadly, following Gerard out of the front door and closing it quietly behind him.
The silence settled over Adam immediately, heavy and unwelcome as he started to sob.
* * *
"So be honest," Gerard started as they drove through the city. "How much of that is my fault?"
Tommy chuckled, shaking his head. Gerard rested his hand on the top of his thigh, palm up, and Tommy laced their fingers together.
"It's not your fault, Gee. I wanted to find you. I'm glad you came to me, I've missed you so fucking much."
Gerard bought their linked hands to his mouth, kissing the back of Tommy's hand.
"So you want to make a pit stop before we leave?" Gerard asked.
"What do you have in mind?" Tommy asked.
"Pete's having another party. Let's go apologise to Brendon Urie."
The party was in full swing, Pete's house full of musicians and various record label people that Tommy vaguely recognised. Gerard was not as easily to spot with his hair dyed black again, so they managed to get into the party without causing much of a fuss.
Tommy started searching for Brendon, clinging to Gerard like a life jacket. He couldn't let himself think about Adam, about what had just happened. He let the shock wash over him, leaving him numb. If it was anyone but Brendon he'd hurt, Tommy would have just left with Gerard without looking back, but he couldn't leave Brendon hurting, not when he didn't know when he'd be back.
It took Gerard and Tommy twenty minutes to find the young singer, and Tommy almost wished they didn't.
Brendon was standing with Darren, leaning into the Glee actor and beaming at William Beckett, the scarily beautiful former front man of The Academy Is. William was holding hands with Travis McCoy, gesturing with his free hand.
The four men were clearly coupled up, all smiling and laughing their way through William's story. Darren had an arm wrapped around Brendon's waist, pressing a grin to Brendon's neck when William's story took what Tommy assumed was a raunchy turn.
It wasn't that Tommy hoped Brendon was hurting as much as he was, but he'd been torn apart by their fight. He didn't know if Brendon was putting on a brave face, but watching him, seeing how happy he was, it stung Tommy a little.
"I'm right here, Tommy Joe," Gerard whispered, his lips ghosting over Tommy's ear. Tommy closed his eyes, pulling himself together, as if he could draw strength from Gerard's hand, wrapped around his own, holding him steady.
"He looks happy, I don't want to upset him."
"Ok," Gerard said with a nod. Tommy nodded as well, turning to leave with Gerard in tow.
They ran into Pete Wentz at the front door, saying goodbye to Patrick Stump. Tommy hesitated on the door step, catching Pete's eye.
"Pete, can you do me a favour?" Tommy asked.
"Sure, TJ," Pete said. "Hey Mr Way, looking good."
"Isn't one Way enough for you?" Gerard replied, rolling his eyes. Pete winked at him.
"Can you tell Brendon I'm sorry?" Tommy asked. Pete, over his little flirtation, nodded solemnly.
"Will do. You two take care of each other, ok?" Pete said, smiling softly as he headed back inside.
Tommy smiled at Gerard, letting the singer pull him in for a sweet kiss.
"We will, won't we Tommy Joe?" Gerard breathed, holding Tommy close.
"Yeah," Tommy agreed. "We will."
Author: shadowoftheday
Rating: R (language)
Pairing: Adam Lambert/Tommy Joe Ratliff (also featuring Gerard Way/Frank Iero, Mikey Way/Mat Devine and past Gerard Way/Bert McCracken)
Summary: After being dumped by an insecure Adam, Tommy Joe spent a whirlwind few months touring with My Chemical Romance before returning to LA to give things with Adam another try. Everything seems to be going well, but as Tommy soon learns, what happens on the road doesn't necessarily stay on the road.
Disclaimer: All fiction, entertainment purposes only, don't own, please don't sue!
Warnings/Notes:Story title belongs to Panic! At The Disco.
This story is a sequel to Burning in The Skies, which can be read here
Trade Mistakes Chapter 1
Trade Mistakes Chapter 2
Trade Mistakes Chapter 3
Trade Mistakes Chapter 4
Trade Mistakes Chapter 5
Trade Mistakes Chapter 6
Trade Mistakes Chapter 7
Trade Mistakes Chapter 8
Trade Mistakes Chapter 9
Would you say no to this face? Me either :P The ever gorgeous Gerard Way
----------------------------------------------------
"Monte, look I know it's late, I'm really sorry, can you come pick me up?" Adam begged, sitting down on the couch in Jared and Bill's living room to pull his boots back on.
He'd sobered up really quick, the icy cold guilt freezing him from the inside out. Bill was propped up against the door frame, his long lean frame softened by the enticing glow from the bedroom. He was watching Adam with his head tilted to the side, as if he couldn't really understand what was happening.
"Adam, we can take you home," Jared offered, appearing behind Bill and wrapping his arms around the younger man's naked waist.
"I don't know..." Adam hesitated.
"Dude, if someone is offering you a ride, meaning I don't need to drag my ass out of bed to come get you, fucking take them up on it, ok?" Monte said with a yawn.
"Ok," Adam agreed, hanging up on Monte before meeting Jared's steady gaze. "Thanks, Jared."
"It's the least we could do," Jared replied with a shrug, dragging Bill back into the bedroom to force him into some clothes.
Adam waited nervously while Jared and Bill got dressed, both of them emerging from the bedroom in similar simple jeans and tee shirt combinations. Jared grabbed the car keys from the hook beside the front door, holding hands with Bill as he led Adam to the car.
Bill claimed the back seat where he curled up against the passenger door, resting his forehead against the cool window, clearly exhausted. Adam climbed into the front passenger seat, fiddling nervously with his seat belt while Jared started the car.
"You're feeling guilty," Jared said quietly as they drove through the nearly empty streets.
"I love Tommy Joe," Adam replied.
"I love Bill," Jared shrugged.
"Really?" Adam asked, unable to keep the surprise from his voice. "There's what, eighteen years between you two."
"Age is just a number, Adam. Do I look nearly forty to you?" Jared asked with a small smile.
"Hell no."
"I don't feel it, either. Bill is vibrant, energetic, incredibly sweet and very passionate. His age doesn't bother me," Jared explained.
"But you let him...you know, sleep around," Adam pointed out. "I can't imagine ever being ok with that."
"He tires me out sometimes," the 30 Seconds to Mars singer admitted. "Bill's 22 years old, you know? But there's a lot of trust between us. He tells me if he's interested in someone. It never goes further than friendship, and a bit of fun. I'm the person he comes home to at night."
"It really doesn't bother you," Adam said, knowing it was true. Jared genuinely didn't mind Bill spending time with other men. Adam couldn't imagine letting anyone be intimate with Tommy Joe, that part of their relationship was so sacred, he just couldn't comprehend the idea of letting someone else be a part of it.
"It really doesn't," Jared agreed, glancing over his shoulder at Bill dozing in the back seat. "I'm sorry if you felt pressured into cheating on your boyfriend. Once Bill sets his mind on something, he usually gets it."
"I didn't feel pressured," Adam admitted. "I've been lonely, without Tommy. It sounds really selfish to say it, but recently I've been feeling like I don't matter much to him anymore. I just wanted to matter to someone."
Jared gave Adam's knee a comforting pat, his expression gentle and all too knowing.
"You guys try talking about it?"
"It usually just turns into a fight. He's under a lot of strain at the moment, problems with his friends," Adam said, trying - and failing - to keep the bitterness from his voice.
"If you love him, Adam, don't let him go. If you love someone enough, you can overcome anything."
Adam sat silently, letting Jared's words sink in, and hoping more than anything the older man was right.
* * *
There was a black Trans Am in the drive way when Jared's car pulled up. Adam recognised the car immediately.
"That's Gerard's car!"
Jared got out of the car, following Adam up the drive way to the front door of the house. It was unlocked - Tommy was home.
Adam swallowed his nerves, meeting Jared's eyes and nodding before opening the door and heading inside.
Sure enough, Gerard Way was sitting on the couch in the living room, a sleek plain black case beside his feet. Tommy was pacing, his own duffel bag taking up the rest of the couch.
"Shit, Adam!" Tommy explained as Adam walked in, his eyes widening when he noticed the luggage.
"What the hell is going on?" Adam demanded, feeling the guilt he had shoved down roiling in his stomach. His mind raced, nerves and paranoia clashing in his chest, telling him that Tommy already knew, and was leaving him.
"Where have you been?" Tommy asked, frowning as his eyes raked over Jared.
Adam couldn't bring himself to answer, couldn't bring himself to lie. He stared at the carpet, feeling his cheeks burning with a barely concealed blush.
It was Tommy's choked laugh that forced Adam's eyes up, his gaze landing on Tommy's face.
"I was only joking when I told you to fuck them," Tommy barked, wrapping his arms around himself to hide the fact he was trembling.
"What?" Gerard asked, getting to his feet. He reached out for Tommy, a protective hand curling around Tommy's elbow.
"Hey Gerard," Jared said quietly, giving the singer a little wave.
"Hey Jared," Gerard replied. "Tommy, I'm gonna go out on the deck and smoke, ok?"
"I think I'll take Bill home. Good night, Adam," Jared said, walking out the front door while Gerard made his way out the back door to the deck by the pool.
"I can't believe you would do this to me," Tommy said, his voice so quiet Adam barely heard it.
Adam's heart stammered, a steady ache spreading through his body with every beat. There was only five feet between them, but it felt like miles. Adam wanted so badly to reach out for him, to pull Tommy into his arms and comfort him, even though Adam was the person who had hurt him.
"I'm really sorry," Adam replied, not sure what else to say. Tommy just nodded, reaching for his duffel bag.
"Where are you going?" Adam asked.
"I don't know. Gerard can't be here anymore. I was waiting for you to come home...I wanted you to come with us," Tommy answered, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Please don't go, Tommy. I think we should talk about this."
"I know things have been really tough lately," Tommy began. "I know the strain on our relationship is my fault. But I would never have cheated on you, Adam. No matter how bad things got. I can't imagine hurting you that way."
Adam could only watch, powerless, as Tommy headed to the back door to get Gerard. They made their way back into the living room, where Gerard grabbed his case.
"Tommy, please, wait. Stay, we have to talk about this," Adam begged, following them down the hallway. "Please don't leave me."
"When you look back on this, I want you to remember that you gave up on us. You gave up on me, Adam. I don't owe you anything," Tommy replied sadly, following Gerard out of the front door and closing it quietly behind him.
The silence settled over Adam immediately, heavy and unwelcome as he started to sob.
* * *
"So be honest," Gerard started as they drove through the city. "How much of that is my fault?"
Tommy chuckled, shaking his head. Gerard rested his hand on the top of his thigh, palm up, and Tommy laced their fingers together.
"It's not your fault, Gee. I wanted to find you. I'm glad you came to me, I've missed you so fucking much."
Gerard bought their linked hands to his mouth, kissing the back of Tommy's hand.
"So you want to make a pit stop before we leave?" Gerard asked.
"What do you have in mind?" Tommy asked.
"Pete's having another party. Let's go apologise to Brendon Urie."
The party was in full swing, Pete's house full of musicians and various record label people that Tommy vaguely recognised. Gerard was not as easily to spot with his hair dyed black again, so they managed to get into the party without causing much of a fuss.
Tommy started searching for Brendon, clinging to Gerard like a life jacket. He couldn't let himself think about Adam, about what had just happened. He let the shock wash over him, leaving him numb. If it was anyone but Brendon he'd hurt, Tommy would have just left with Gerard without looking back, but he couldn't leave Brendon hurting, not when he didn't know when he'd be back.
It took Gerard and Tommy twenty minutes to find the young singer, and Tommy almost wished they didn't.
Brendon was standing with Darren, leaning into the Glee actor and beaming at William Beckett, the scarily beautiful former front man of The Academy Is. William was holding hands with Travis McCoy, gesturing with his free hand.
The four men were clearly coupled up, all smiling and laughing their way through William's story. Darren had an arm wrapped around Brendon's waist, pressing a grin to Brendon's neck when William's story took what Tommy assumed was a raunchy turn.
It wasn't that Tommy hoped Brendon was hurting as much as he was, but he'd been torn apart by their fight. He didn't know if Brendon was putting on a brave face, but watching him, seeing how happy he was, it stung Tommy a little.
"I'm right here, Tommy Joe," Gerard whispered, his lips ghosting over Tommy's ear. Tommy closed his eyes, pulling himself together, as if he could draw strength from Gerard's hand, wrapped around his own, holding him steady.
"He looks happy, I don't want to upset him."
"Ok," Gerard said with a nod. Tommy nodded as well, turning to leave with Gerard in tow.
They ran into Pete Wentz at the front door, saying goodbye to Patrick Stump. Tommy hesitated on the door step, catching Pete's eye.
"Pete, can you do me a favour?" Tommy asked.
"Sure, TJ," Pete said. "Hey Mr Way, looking good."
"Isn't one Way enough for you?" Gerard replied, rolling his eyes. Pete winked at him.
"Can you tell Brendon I'm sorry?" Tommy asked. Pete, over his little flirtation, nodded solemnly.
"Will do. You two take care of each other, ok?" Pete said, smiling softly as he headed back inside.
Tommy smiled at Gerard, letting the singer pull him in for a sweet kiss.
"We will, won't we Tommy Joe?" Gerard breathed, holding Tommy close.
"Yeah," Tommy agreed. "We will."