Of Vampires And Rock Stars (Ch 10)
Title: Of Vampires And Rock Stars (Ch 10)
Author: seraph05
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Largely Fall Out Boy with My Chemical Romance and appearances from The Academy Is…’s William Beckett, Gym Class Heroes’ Travis and Panic! At The Disco’s Brendon & Ryan.
Warnings: Swearing, Violence, Suggestive behaviour
Pairing: Patrick/Pete, Brendon/Ryan
Disclaimer: *drags tied up boys into another room*…define own…
Summary: Pete tried not to think about the fact that what was making them cower was just through the door he sat next to.
Chapter 1 - Just Another Night…
Chapter 2 - No Rest For The Broken The Beaten Or The Damned
Chapter 3 - Being A Living Sacrifice Is Better than Living a Lie
Chapter 4 - The Unraveling
Chapter 5 - The Ghost Of You Will Always Haunt Me
Chapter 6 - Anagnorisis
Chapter 7 - The Best Laid Plans…
Chapter 8 - The Ivory Tower
Chapter 9 - The Joker And The Thief In The Night
Chapter 10 - Home Is Where The Heart Is
The room was one of the more sinister in the mansion and therefore rather apt for interrogation. There was a gaping fireplace, fire burning brightly inside, and the mantle was adorned with a large silver candelabra. On every wall of the expansive room there hung countless weapons from different times and places bathed in the dim orange glow. Brendon remembered the first time he’d seen this room he wondered how many of these weapons were collected and how many were actually won in battles. It was hard to believe the Way family would have traveled to Japan to claim katatnas, India to claim curved moon blades, China to claim sabers and England to claim rapiers but there they all hung spectacular in design and condition. There were some other weapons Brendon had never seen before which looked as mysterious as they did deadly. Not as deadly as Beckett was looking however.
“Why should I let you live?”
Brendon tried to conceal a heavy nervous swallow by clearing his throat. He was literally staring death in the face. If he could not convince Beckett of a good reason to keep him alive they were as good as dead. He felt the tips of Ryan’s fingers touch his palm though they did not encircle his hand like he hoped. The last thing they needed was to give Beckett any more leverage than he already had. They had managed to avoid him for quite a while but one of the dandies, Sisky, had found them and brought them before the head vampire. Brendon was now, more than ever, acutely aware of Beckett’s height compared to theirs as he paced before them eyes glinting at the many weapons that hung on the walls of the room. He simply towered over them.
“Several reasons” Brendon said eyes set in a firm stare every inch of his being fighting to hold this image of a cool hard guise. Just keeping his legs from turning to jelly was taking all of his will.
“Oh yes?” Beckett hissed in animalistic tones and Brendon jumped “Name them” Brendon composed himself with a few deep breaths before continuing.
“Numbers” Brendon began counting off the reasons on his fingers “You’re going to need as many dandies as you can get for this showdown. We’ll be facing off against Gerard, Pete, Travis and his lot and the Clandestine Hunters. Allegiance. In case you hadn’t noticed there’s been a break down in loyalty around here lately and-” Beckett cut in without hesitation.
“One of the chief causes of this break down is standing behind you. You’re volleying for one of those who would stand against me, what does that make you? How does this action credit your arguments at all?” he spat curtly.
“He didn’t free Travis and the others. He simply didn’t manage to re-capture them. I understand that you don’t believe him, I get that it’s customary to kill those who even seem to be traitors but he’s not a traitor. And if the other dandies find out you killed Ryan and me, your right hand man, on suspicion alone they are going to question how safe they are as well” Brendon replied. William sneered but said nothing and held out his hand beckoning Brendon to continue. Though William’s smile concerned him but he continued determined to protect his life and Ryan’s.
“Me and Ryan are the only dandies in our clan with the power to control human minds an indispensable weapon against our enemies. The others may use their mystique to confuse the humans but we are the only one’s strong enough to truly control them. It would be a blow to your plan for us to be killed” Brendon added, “Need I say more?” William remained silent for a while deep in thought.
“I ought to throw you in the cellar’s till the night of the Luna eclipse” Beckett said before shooting Ryan a cruel look “but I doubt it would hold you should you wish to escape. It seems no chains can hold you two” he turned his severe eyes against Brendon “But you’re right. I don’t think I’ll kill you now. Step out of line once more and I’ll deal without you both. Are we clear?”
“Yes Beckett” Brendon replied, his voice thick with respect and fear. Brendon felt Ryan poke him in the back quickly and it was only now that Brendon recognized the change in Ryan’s heartbeat. It was speeding and when Brendon looked quickly over his shoulder he caught the alarmed look on Ryan’s face. He couldn’t understand what was wrong.
“I’m going hunting, I’ll have you watched and if you do anything out of the ordinary I will know. You are not to leave the mansion and for tonight you’ll go hungry,” Beckett said walking towards one of the doors leading out of the large room. He reached for the door handle.
Suddenly Ryan pushed passed Brendon with ridiculous speed and slammed his hand against the door holding it shut. He looked a little nauseous as he stood inches from Beckett leaning against the door. Brendon’s mouth hung open in utter horror. The same smile that came across Beckett’s face during Brendon’s explanation re-appeared and his gloved hand snaked painfully tightly around Ryan’s. His voice was rigid and manic, laced with laughter at Ryan’s inconceivable act.
“What the hell do you want?”
* * *
Pete’s eyes fluttered opened and he frowned at his surroundings. He seemed to be in a room of some sort, the floor was quite cold and Pete sat up groggily. He could barely see anything and he began to get worried.
“Hello” he called finding the room to be great deal smaller than he originally thought. He wondered where he was. Pete heard someone stirring next to him and he leapt to his feet bashing his head against the ceiling as he did.
“Oh god ow! Fuck what the hell?” Pete swore falling over gripping his head “what the hell is this place made out of?!”
“Pete?” he heard a murmured voice. Pete breathed quickly through his teeth making a hissing sound.
“Yeah” Pete asked rubbing his head though the throbbing was vanishing fast. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Are you ok man?” it was Gerard and suddenly everything came back to him. He was in a marble mausoleum behind the Dandy Mansion waiting for nightfall so he and Gerard could get something important.
“I hate mornings,” Pete groaned and Gerard laughed.
“Nightfall’s, Pete nightfall’s” he said. There was a loud scraping noise and the soft blue light of the moon broke through the darkness. Gerard opened the other door as well and took a deep breath “This place always did smell a little too much like a tomb” Gerard remarked then looked back to where Pete sat still attempting to wake up properly.
“I.want.coffee” Pete cried “Or I’m going to have to kill someone”
“Good. That can be like your motivator, no coffee till we get back to Ivory Tower now come on” Gerard said walking out into the cemetery and up the garden path.
“Wait” Pete moaned stumbling to his feet and quickly caught up to Gerard.
His hazy eyes absentmindedly read the names on the headstones as they walked up the cobblestone path. He wondered how many dead really lay beneath those cement beds. Pete’s mind reeled back to his own family and the families of his close friends. His family had opted to leave, as the situation got bad and were now living in New Jersey. They had not however managed to leave before harm was done. His brother had vanished a few months before they left and they had not been able to find him though they searched tirelessly. Then when Pete was turned they couldn’t take the heartache anymore and Pete didn’t blame them. It was his decision to stay behind. They had even asked him to come but he declined, as scared for them as he worried they were of him. His brother’s absence didn’t worry him as much as it did his family as after he had been turned he could sense him. It was an odd feeling and he was sure he’d even seen his brother in the murky bars the Clandestine searched for dandies. These glimpses gave Pete hope and a kind of peace. He knew his brother was fine and hoped he would see him again.
Patrick had been lucky in a way with his family. None of them had died and they had managed to escape before the situation had gotten too bad. However he had heard from them so little over the past few years it made Pete sad. They had begged him to come with them and start a new life. They wanted him to leave Chicago and forget it. Pete knew why they had done it and at the time he had suggested Patrick go just for a few months to help them settle in. His family loved him so much they didn’t want him to risk his life, a fair enough desire, or die for a lost cause. They were hurt when Patrick turned them down. Patrick knew he would cause them pain by staying but he had decided to remain behind anyway. Pete remembered the look on his wan face that night; sick but determined to fight for the city they once called home. Patrick’s ‘never say die’ attitude was one of Pete’s favorite traits about his best friend and he had stood with Patrick when he told them he wasn’t going with them. Pete shook his head kicking a loose stone as they reached the gates of Helena’s rose garden lamenting the life that had been thrust upon them all.
Gerard had a quick look around and once the coast was clear they snuck into the garden still heading towards the house. Reaching the other side Gerard once again made sure it was safe then they pelted at lightning speed across the yard and into the cover of the shadows. A vampire’s ability to hide in shadows even from other vampires was a mysterious one. It was more like a sudden lack of presence than a cloaking ability and tonight Pete knew it was crucial. They moved along close to the wall till they reached the door to the servants quarters and Gerard broke the lock as quietly as he could. He pulled the door open and they swept inside closing it again. Gerard was less sentimental than the night before and even though memories of his past were coming thick and fast he narrowed his eyes and walked on without a word.
The servant’s quarters were not what Pete expected after seeing the mansion’s gardens and marble stairs; the rooms and corridors that lead from them were quite humble with simple mats on the floors and carpet in the bedrooms. Despite the scent of old blood that lingered from many years passed Pete could feel something distinctly warm about the place. It felt like home to Pete. Eventually they reached a door that lead into the main halls. Gerard opened it softly though it didn’t creak and they peered out.
The elegant hall was empty, lush carpet cushioning their feet as they stepped into it. Pete gazed around eyes wide like a child’s at the beautiful hall that lay before them. It was large and decorated with paintings, photos and expensive objects on the occasional oak table. This is more what Pete had been expecting when he’d seen the outside of the house the day before. One of the family portraits caught Pete’s eye.
“Gerard what’s this photo of?” Pete whispered studying the handsome faces in the picture. Gerard wrapped his hand over Pete’s mouth and dragged him further down the hall.
“They’re extended family that came to live with us as New Chicago fell more firmly into the clutches of vampires, now shut up and come on we have to get to the theater un-noticed” Gerard hissed putting emphasis on ‘un-noticed’ as quietly as he could. Pete shirked himself out of Gerard’s grip and they continued on. He thought it ironic that family would come to Chicago though not all had left as Joe’s family had proved.
Joe’s parents had remained in New Chicago and even came to visit them on the occasion though Joe had asked them to leave the city. He’d wanted them to be safe but in the end they had wanted to remain by their son. He often pretended he was happy that they were close by but Pete knew that sometimes it would keep Joe up at night thinking that at any time they could be taken or killed like Andy’s dad. Pete resisted a heavy sigh at the thought of him. Back when vampires were first appearing and people knew little about them Andy and his parents had been attacked at home. He didn’t know much about the night Andy’s father was killed but Pete knew he died to ensure his wife and son’s escape. His last act had been brave and noble and Andy had not wished to waste it. Andy trained hard to learn to defend himself and fight. He was now the best sword fighter of all of them and could hold his own against the dandies well.
Gerard grabbed onto Pete and pulled him against one of the walls startling him out of his thoughts. He glared at Gerard questioningly when Gerard pointed down the hall. A dandy had walked around the courner and was heading in their direction. He had not spotted them yet but Pete knew it wouldn’t be long before he would be close enough to see through the shadows. Pete spotted a door near by and they edged along the wall towards it. As they drew closer Pete heard voices inside and was sure Gerard heard them too however it wasn’t until Gerard reached out to open it that they heard a name that made them freeze.
“Yes Beckectt”
They listened and realized with panic that he was intending on coming out that very door to go hunting. They prepared to run in the other direction only to see another dandy patroling the end of the corridor. They were trapped. For the first time in mounths Pete broke into a cold sweat and they sunk down the wall, one dandy drawing ever closer, one blocking the exit and Beckett fit to burst through the door that they were almost touching in seconds. Gerard rolled up his sleves and gave Pete a knowing look. If they were going down they were going down swinging. There was a loud slamming noise that shattered the silence in the hall and nearly caused Gerard and Pete to jump out of their skins. The Dandy at the end of the hall looked up and the one that was aproaching them paused. They held their breath waiting and listening. A voice that sent chills down their spines peiceing the breaking silence again.
“What the hell do you want?”
* * *
Ryan winced as William's vice like grip tightened.
"Are you sure this plan is a good idea? What if we just wait for the Luna eclipse to pass? You may lose the chance to have Gerard's power but then he won't be able to use it against us either" Ryan said quickly through gritted teeth.
"Ryan!" Brendon exclaimed taking a step forward but William shook a finger in his direction.
"You may be quite the strategist in chess but your moves, like your battle plans, tend to be too careful to do any real harm" Beckett snarled swinging Ryan around so his back was to Beckett and his arm was bent at a excruciating angle. Ryan roared with pain and Beckett alleviated the angle to quiet him down.
"When you're playing against someone with an aggressive attack strategy you have to fight fire with fire. Our dear Patrick Stump, strategist for the Clandestine, matches me hit for hit in almost all our battles. Had he more men I probably wouldn't end up trouncing them most nights. If we put your strategy up against his it would be suicide" Beckett laughed and kicked Ryan away from him. Brendon ran forward catching Ryan as he toppled over. Beckett walked away from the door and over to the wall running his hand along one of the spikes of a medieval looking mace.
"You know usually I don't like maces - they are messy, inelegant weapons. Not like swords or guns. They're not clean cut and tend to be on the gory side as far as killing goes but I believe they do hurt like a bitch" Beckett commented giving Ryan a knowing look.
"Beckett…you don't have to punish him - be reasonable" Brendon shouted standing over Ryan as Beckett took the mace off the wall and studied it affectionately. He turned his icy stare on Brendon and advanced.
* * *
The roar of pain that had issued a moment ago had made both of the dandies at either end of the hall flinch and at Beckett's raised furious voice they began retreating. The one that had been coming down the way they came was the first to draw back. It was not long before he was gone but the one blocking their path was still there. Pete watched him and the look of concern distorting his face. Pete tried not to think about the fact that what was making them cower was just through the door he sat next to. It wasn't long before Pete realized the room had gone silent. With this eerie silence the other dandy finally allowed fear to get the better of him and backed out of the hallway. Pete stood and cautiously made his way past the door. Once Pete was far enough away Gerard stood and made to follow when the door began to open.
Like a deer in the headlights Gerard froze for just a moment and caught a glimpse of what was inside. He knew this room as his family’s weapon gallery but he knew none of the people inside. A pair of brown eyes locked with his. A young man was lying on the carpet holding his side and watching Gerard with an intense and tormented stare. Another boy was crouching next to him watching the door as well though he didn't seem to see Gerard his eyes were focused a little higher and it was only then Gerard realized Beckett must be standing by the door, hand grasping the handle waiting to walk through though Gerard couldn't say why he didn't come right out. The boy on the floor mouthed the word 'go' and it was only then that Gerard was able to snap out of it and speed down the hall to where Pete was. As they rounded the corner they heard the last thing Beckett said as he left the room and wondered what he'd done to the other two men in there.
"I think I'll use this for my hunting tonight, seems to be more effective than I thought"
* * *
Once Beckett was out of hearing range Ryan dropped from crouching to his knees, leaning over Brendon's shaking body cursing Beckett's cruel trick of waiting to see if he would leap to tend to Brendon. Beckett suspected them but Ryan was just glad he was gone so he could show the full extent of his concern.
"Brendon! Brendon look at me! Are you alright?" Ryan asked frantically touching Brendon's cheek though he knew what the answer would be. Brendon's face twisted with pain and he swallowed hard trying to ignore the metallic taste of his own blood in his mouth.
"Yeah" he wheezed and with a great effort took his red dripping hand away from his side revealing a fast healing slab of mashed bloody skin around his ribcage "S-almost better already" he gritted his teeth and Ryan grabbed his hand allowing Brendon to clench it to ward against the agony till the wound had healed and all that was left of the occurrence was the large stained tear in his shirt. His skin was moist with a light layer of sweat and he wiped his sleeve across his face drying most of it off.
"Well that was unexpected I mean I thought he might have tried to mace you but then I suppose he already left you for dead on the roof huh?" Brendon commented softly studying his shirt "Damn this was one of my favorites” Ryan pulled him into a sitting position and went to kiss him when Brendon looked away. Ryan was momentarily shocked.
"What's wrong?" Ryan asked worriedly and Brendon turned back to face Ryan.
"Did you know they would be here? Did you invite them in?" Brendon asked expression firm and so unnatural on his face "I don't want to help them - I want to fight against them yet I find myself telling Gerard fucking Way to go so he isn't caught by William"
"No, I had no idea and they're idiots for being here. The first I knew of their presence was when I heard them in the hall. Beckett must’ve been too busy focusing on us but I heard them talking that's why I had to stall Beckett by holding the door shut. I couldn’t think of anything else to do" Ryan answered sincerely then leant his head against Brendon's "I'm sorry"
"It's ok, you don't have anything to apologize for. I could have called the whistle on them but I didn't. My stupid fault. They better get out of here fast though cause if they're caught no-one will be able to talk Beckett out of what he'll do to them" Brendon said pensively before turning to a lighter subject "You wanna get something to eat? I'm feeling kind of weak and hungry after that loss of blood"
"Um yeah but what is there?" Ryan asked standing and pulling Brendon gently up with him.
"Well on the attic menu tonight monsieur we have a delicate feast of free-range rats, bats and possums" Brendon said with a grin throwing an arm over Ryan's shoulder.
"Oh joy" Ryan said sarcastically supporting Brendon's weight as best he could and started moving towards the door "I just love rat blood"
* * *
"Come on we're almost there,” Gerard said opening the door to the theater and heading down the middle isle.
"Gerard this is an amazing mansion!" Pete exclaimed nearly tripping as he followed Gerard while looking around amazed, "It's huge! And so cool! And this theater is incredible! I love all the red velvet and gold, I feel like I’m on the set of a Baz Luhrmann movie" Gerard couldn't help a snigger at this.
"It's a great place huh? I suppose it's no wonder I turned out to be such an arty kid considering the environment I grew up in" Gerard agreed jumping up onto the stage "Hey hang out here if you want. Keep looking around I just have to duck backstage then we can go"
"Alright" Pete agreed absentmindedly staring at the beautiful furnishings not noticing Gerard slip behind the curtains "This'd be a great place for a show, do you think when this all blows over we can play here?"
Pete waited for five minutes before Gerard re-appeared and he got his answer. He walked back out onto the stage a dusty jacket carefully folded over his arm.
"It's funny…" he said resting a free hand gently on the jacket "Patrick and you seem to have more faith than everyone else…you both really believe we will make it through don't you?" Gerard said in a faraway voice catching Pete's attention.
"Yeah of course" he said surprisingly softly "When we started this we knew we would also be the ones to end it. At time's maybe our faith in ourselves has waned but we always had good reasons to keep fighting. Like the innocent people of New Chicago - we want to free them from this hell. Or our families whether they are alive or gone. We fight to protect each other and we fight for our dreams of the future. We can never give up no matter what the circumstance, no matter what the cost. The only way to win such a hopeless battle is to forge on through the night" Gerard smiled eyes downcast and he nodded to himself.
"You know I was wondering why I was still alive. Why I was choosing to keep going when I was talking to Patrick outside the school last night and I realized something…when I left this mansion and started searching for clues about Beckett I left soulless and bereft…I barely cared about anything. I really don't know what drove me on over the years but now that the end to the battle is so close I began to wonder. What am I fighting for? I think somehow the means had become the end and I was always trying to block out and forget the past but you and the clandestine helped me realize the past is where I would find my strength. Of course I want justice for what was done to my loved ones I always have but it's not about just that anymore. It's for our lost dreams, the ones that never took flight because of him. For the courage they had when they stood against Beckett. For the future we will never have together and the home the dandies desecrated into a place of murder and war" Gerard said his voice strengthening in roughness at the last few sentences "For revenge" Pete nodded sadly at the negativity of his reason though at least, Pete thought, it was a reason that would keep him alive.
"How will that remind you?" Pete asked nodding in the direction of the jacket on his arm. Gerard's expression softened once more at this question.
"My band was going to release a new CD and as a theme we would all be wearing black marching band uniforms, each slightly different in design, the jackets being the thing that people would remember us wearing. Mine has the simplest design but…"Gerard continued locking darkening eyes with Pete's "It's perfect to go into battle with"
“Can I see?” Pete asked standing as Gerard hopped down from the stage joining him.
“Yeah sure” Gerard offered it to Pete and Pete took it carefully. He held it out in front of him it admiring it. The material looked thick but comfortable and the front was decorated with stripes and buttons of a strange color. At first glance Pete thought they were silver but they had a tint to them that reminded Pete of looking at the buttons of a jacket in a sepia photograph. They were slightly golden. Under the right arm hung complexly woven ropes and on the right bicep shone a medal in the shape of a star. A trail of glinting buttons stretched from the cuffs of both sleeves to the upper forearm. It looked so official as though it was made for a war in some distant past. What really stood out most though were the sharp contrasts, the silver aspects cutting their way through the dark ivory of the fabric.
“Wow…dude this is really nice” Pete said in awe before handing it back “I’d love to wear something as cool as this”
“Thanks the woman who made them was a really amazing artist….now uh is there anything else you want to say before we go? We can talk more once we get all the way outside” Gerard asked Pete while they made their way back down the centre isle.
“Nah I’m good” Pete assured him but when they reached the exit and Gerard turned the handle he paused.
“What’s wrong?” Pete asked.
“If we win you can play here…you guys can even wear my bands jackets for that show if you want. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t mind” Gerard promised gaze still roaming fondly over the features of his jacket before flicking up to look at Pete’s face. It was lifted into a heartwarming grin that sent light dancing across his irises till it burst into soft crows feet at the corners of his eyes. His lips were parted to reveal a brilliant white smile and Gerard felt his face follow suit.
“Thanks man that really means a lot to me and I’m sure the guys will absolutely love it” Pete said earnestly.
“Cool” Gerard replied smiling softly to himself before pushing the door open “Let’s go”
* * *
Pete felt relief and contentment wash over him as he unlocked the gate to Ivory Towers followed closely by Gerard. They had managed to escape the mansion undetected and it was late night now. There was that dim warm glow of lights inside that shone from between the newly boarded up windows, the noise that only a school of men acting like boys could create and a doormat that read ‘Come back with a warrant’ waiting to be walked over into the house. Despite the imminent beating and/or netting he would receive for leaving without telling anyone Pete was glad to be home. He wasn’t quite sure when he had begun to start thinking of this school as a home but he had realized long ago where ever his band and his friends were was his home. His paused half way up the path to stare curiously at a new (badly painted) sign. Gerard read it out stopping as Pete started to laugh.
“Ivory Towers. Non illegitimis carborundum” Gerard turned to Pete frowning as he cracked up.
“Clever Troh, clever” Pete sniggered.
“What does Non illegitimis carborundum mean?” Gerard asked missing the joke. Once Pete composed himself he began to explain.
“Non illegitimis carborundum is fake Latin. Joe told me about it once. Basically it means Don’t Let The Bastards Grind You Down. Non-illegitimis suggests something non-legitimate - a bastard and carborundum is a hard mineral used for grinding” Pete finished eyeing the school happily.
“Ah” Gerard snickered.
“Come on!” Pete exclaimed bolting for the door “Coffee beckons!”
“Alright, alright” Gerard agreed jogging after him.
“Open the door! Open the door damn it!” Pete shouted excitably bashing against the wood. He heard the sound of speeded footsteps and opening locks. The door swung open to reveal a rather livid looking Patrick brandishing a net gun. The speed at which he got to and opened the door suggested he had been waiting. His hat was pulled down low, lips set in an unimpressed scowl and he glared out from behind his glasses, as Pete seemed to shrink the giddiness fading. Gerard couldn’t help a nervous laugh.
“Hey Patrick” he said holding up one hand, giving him a small wave. Patrick’s green glare lashed against Gerard and he too sunk back into the shadows.
“What the fuck do you think you were doing, you’ve been gone for over a day” his voice was low and static with anger as he turned back on Pete who had physically shifted back a step. Suddenly Patrick’s hand flew out fisting Pete’s hoodie and he flinched waiting for the pain. To his surprise he found his face connecting, not with Patrick’s fist but his soft shoulder two arms securing themselves around his back. He smiled against the warm fabric and put his arms around Patrick’s back. However just as his arms found their place around Patrick he was shoved roughly into the hall, a smack slapping surprisingly hard against the back of his head.
“You’re a dick! Now get into the gym so Joe and Andy can kick your ass!” Patrick swore still pretty pissed. Pete looked back rubbing the back of his head and stifling a grin as he walked down the hall.
“So” Patrick said his fury cooling slightly as he turned to Gerard again “at the risk of sounding corny did you find what you were looking for?” Gerard patted the jacket hanging over his shoulder.
“Yeah, ready to beat those motherfuckers now” Gerard spat mirthfully Patrick’s eyebrows raising at Gerard’s fiery new resolve “I’ll explain about the jacket later”
“Ok” Patrick agreed.
“Thank you Patrick” Gerard said gratefully.
“What for?” Patrick asked standing aside to let Gerard in realizing they were leaving the entrance rather vulnerable.
“For keeping your promise to not tell anyone and letting me borrow Pete, he was great” Gerard said honestly.
“Says you” Patrick grumbled. Gerard sniggered but resisted the urge to ask Patrick if he’d want Pete any other way.
“So what’s been going on?” Gerard asked.
“I’ll show you” Patrick replied.
Author: seraph05
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Largely Fall Out Boy with My Chemical Romance and appearances from The Academy Is…’s William Beckett, Gym Class Heroes’ Travis and Panic! At The Disco’s Brendon & Ryan.
Warnings: Swearing, Violence, Suggestive behaviour
Pairing: Patrick/Pete, Brendon/Ryan
Disclaimer: *drags tied up boys into another room*…define own…
Summary: Pete tried not to think about the fact that what was making them cower was just through the door he sat next to.
Chapter 1 - Just Another Night…
Chapter 2 - No Rest For The Broken The Beaten Or The Damned
Chapter 3 - Being A Living Sacrifice Is Better than Living a Lie
Chapter 4 - The Unraveling
Chapter 5 - The Ghost Of You Will Always Haunt Me
Chapter 6 - Anagnorisis
Chapter 7 - The Best Laid Plans…
Chapter 8 - The Ivory Tower
Chapter 9 - The Joker And The Thief In The Night
Chapter 10 - Home Is Where The Heart Is
The room was one of the more sinister in the mansion and therefore rather apt for interrogation. There was a gaping fireplace, fire burning brightly inside, and the mantle was adorned with a large silver candelabra. On every wall of the expansive room there hung countless weapons from different times and places bathed in the dim orange glow. Brendon remembered the first time he’d seen this room he wondered how many of these weapons were collected and how many were actually won in battles. It was hard to believe the Way family would have traveled to Japan to claim katatnas, India to claim curved moon blades, China to claim sabers and England to claim rapiers but there they all hung spectacular in design and condition. There were some other weapons Brendon had never seen before which looked as mysterious as they did deadly. Not as deadly as Beckett was looking however.
“Why should I let you live?”
Brendon tried to conceal a heavy nervous swallow by clearing his throat. He was literally staring death in the face. If he could not convince Beckett of a good reason to keep him alive they were as good as dead. He felt the tips of Ryan’s fingers touch his palm though they did not encircle his hand like he hoped. The last thing they needed was to give Beckett any more leverage than he already had. They had managed to avoid him for quite a while but one of the dandies, Sisky, had found them and brought them before the head vampire. Brendon was now, more than ever, acutely aware of Beckett’s height compared to theirs as he paced before them eyes glinting at the many weapons that hung on the walls of the room. He simply towered over them.
“Several reasons” Brendon said eyes set in a firm stare every inch of his being fighting to hold this image of a cool hard guise. Just keeping his legs from turning to jelly was taking all of his will.
“Oh yes?” Beckett hissed in animalistic tones and Brendon jumped “Name them” Brendon composed himself with a few deep breaths before continuing.
“Numbers” Brendon began counting off the reasons on his fingers “You’re going to need as many dandies as you can get for this showdown. We’ll be facing off against Gerard, Pete, Travis and his lot and the Clandestine Hunters. Allegiance. In case you hadn’t noticed there’s been a break down in loyalty around here lately and-” Beckett cut in without hesitation.
“One of the chief causes of this break down is standing behind you. You’re volleying for one of those who would stand against me, what does that make you? How does this action credit your arguments at all?” he spat curtly.
“He didn’t free Travis and the others. He simply didn’t manage to re-capture them. I understand that you don’t believe him, I get that it’s customary to kill those who even seem to be traitors but he’s not a traitor. And if the other dandies find out you killed Ryan and me, your right hand man, on suspicion alone they are going to question how safe they are as well” Brendon replied. William sneered but said nothing and held out his hand beckoning Brendon to continue. Though William’s smile concerned him but he continued determined to protect his life and Ryan’s.
“Me and Ryan are the only dandies in our clan with the power to control human minds an indispensable weapon against our enemies. The others may use their mystique to confuse the humans but we are the only one’s strong enough to truly control them. It would be a blow to your plan for us to be killed” Brendon added, “Need I say more?” William remained silent for a while deep in thought.
“I ought to throw you in the cellar’s till the night of the Luna eclipse” Beckett said before shooting Ryan a cruel look “but I doubt it would hold you should you wish to escape. It seems no chains can hold you two” he turned his severe eyes against Brendon “But you’re right. I don’t think I’ll kill you now. Step out of line once more and I’ll deal without you both. Are we clear?”
“Yes Beckett” Brendon replied, his voice thick with respect and fear. Brendon felt Ryan poke him in the back quickly and it was only now that Brendon recognized the change in Ryan’s heartbeat. It was speeding and when Brendon looked quickly over his shoulder he caught the alarmed look on Ryan’s face. He couldn’t understand what was wrong.
“I’m going hunting, I’ll have you watched and if you do anything out of the ordinary I will know. You are not to leave the mansion and for tonight you’ll go hungry,” Beckett said walking towards one of the doors leading out of the large room. He reached for the door handle.
Suddenly Ryan pushed passed Brendon with ridiculous speed and slammed his hand against the door holding it shut. He looked a little nauseous as he stood inches from Beckett leaning against the door. Brendon’s mouth hung open in utter horror. The same smile that came across Beckett’s face during Brendon’s explanation re-appeared and his gloved hand snaked painfully tightly around Ryan’s. His voice was rigid and manic, laced with laughter at Ryan’s inconceivable act.
“What the hell do you want?”
* * *
Pete’s eyes fluttered opened and he frowned at his surroundings. He seemed to be in a room of some sort, the floor was quite cold and Pete sat up groggily. He could barely see anything and he began to get worried.
“Hello” he called finding the room to be great deal smaller than he originally thought. He wondered where he was. Pete heard someone stirring next to him and he leapt to his feet bashing his head against the ceiling as he did.
“Oh god ow! Fuck what the hell?” Pete swore falling over gripping his head “what the hell is this place made out of?!”
“Pete?” he heard a murmured voice. Pete breathed quickly through his teeth making a hissing sound.
“Yeah” Pete asked rubbing his head though the throbbing was vanishing fast. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Are you ok man?” it was Gerard and suddenly everything came back to him. He was in a marble mausoleum behind the Dandy Mansion waiting for nightfall so he and Gerard could get something important.
“I hate mornings,” Pete groaned and Gerard laughed.
“Nightfall’s, Pete nightfall’s” he said. There was a loud scraping noise and the soft blue light of the moon broke through the darkness. Gerard opened the other door as well and took a deep breath “This place always did smell a little too much like a tomb” Gerard remarked then looked back to where Pete sat still attempting to wake up properly.
“I.want.coffee” Pete cried “Or I’m going to have to kill someone”
“Good. That can be like your motivator, no coffee till we get back to Ivory Tower now come on” Gerard said walking out into the cemetery and up the garden path.
“Wait” Pete moaned stumbling to his feet and quickly caught up to Gerard.
His hazy eyes absentmindedly read the names on the headstones as they walked up the cobblestone path. He wondered how many dead really lay beneath those cement beds. Pete’s mind reeled back to his own family and the families of his close friends. His family had opted to leave, as the situation got bad and were now living in New Jersey. They had not however managed to leave before harm was done. His brother had vanished a few months before they left and they had not been able to find him though they searched tirelessly. Then when Pete was turned they couldn’t take the heartache anymore and Pete didn’t blame them. It was his decision to stay behind. They had even asked him to come but he declined, as scared for them as he worried they were of him. His brother’s absence didn’t worry him as much as it did his family as after he had been turned he could sense him. It was an odd feeling and he was sure he’d even seen his brother in the murky bars the Clandestine searched for dandies. These glimpses gave Pete hope and a kind of peace. He knew his brother was fine and hoped he would see him again.
Patrick had been lucky in a way with his family. None of them had died and they had managed to escape before the situation had gotten too bad. However he had heard from them so little over the past few years it made Pete sad. They had begged him to come with them and start a new life. They wanted him to leave Chicago and forget it. Pete knew why they had done it and at the time he had suggested Patrick go just for a few months to help them settle in. His family loved him so much they didn’t want him to risk his life, a fair enough desire, or die for a lost cause. They were hurt when Patrick turned them down. Patrick knew he would cause them pain by staying but he had decided to remain behind anyway. Pete remembered the look on his wan face that night; sick but determined to fight for the city they once called home. Patrick’s ‘never say die’ attitude was one of Pete’s favorite traits about his best friend and he had stood with Patrick when he told them he wasn’t going with them. Pete shook his head kicking a loose stone as they reached the gates of Helena’s rose garden lamenting the life that had been thrust upon them all.
Gerard had a quick look around and once the coast was clear they snuck into the garden still heading towards the house. Reaching the other side Gerard once again made sure it was safe then they pelted at lightning speed across the yard and into the cover of the shadows. A vampire’s ability to hide in shadows even from other vampires was a mysterious one. It was more like a sudden lack of presence than a cloaking ability and tonight Pete knew it was crucial. They moved along close to the wall till they reached the door to the servants quarters and Gerard broke the lock as quietly as he could. He pulled the door open and they swept inside closing it again. Gerard was less sentimental than the night before and even though memories of his past were coming thick and fast he narrowed his eyes and walked on without a word.
The servant’s quarters were not what Pete expected after seeing the mansion’s gardens and marble stairs; the rooms and corridors that lead from them were quite humble with simple mats on the floors and carpet in the bedrooms. Despite the scent of old blood that lingered from many years passed Pete could feel something distinctly warm about the place. It felt like home to Pete. Eventually they reached a door that lead into the main halls. Gerard opened it softly though it didn’t creak and they peered out.
The elegant hall was empty, lush carpet cushioning their feet as they stepped into it. Pete gazed around eyes wide like a child’s at the beautiful hall that lay before them. It was large and decorated with paintings, photos and expensive objects on the occasional oak table. This is more what Pete had been expecting when he’d seen the outside of the house the day before. One of the family portraits caught Pete’s eye.
“Gerard what’s this photo of?” Pete whispered studying the handsome faces in the picture. Gerard wrapped his hand over Pete’s mouth and dragged him further down the hall.
“They’re extended family that came to live with us as New Chicago fell more firmly into the clutches of vampires, now shut up and come on we have to get to the theater un-noticed” Gerard hissed putting emphasis on ‘un-noticed’ as quietly as he could. Pete shirked himself out of Gerard’s grip and they continued on. He thought it ironic that family would come to Chicago though not all had left as Joe’s family had proved.
Joe’s parents had remained in New Chicago and even came to visit them on the occasion though Joe had asked them to leave the city. He’d wanted them to be safe but in the end they had wanted to remain by their son. He often pretended he was happy that they were close by but Pete knew that sometimes it would keep Joe up at night thinking that at any time they could be taken or killed like Andy’s dad. Pete resisted a heavy sigh at the thought of him. Back when vampires were first appearing and people knew little about them Andy and his parents had been attacked at home. He didn’t know much about the night Andy’s father was killed but Pete knew he died to ensure his wife and son’s escape. His last act had been brave and noble and Andy had not wished to waste it. Andy trained hard to learn to defend himself and fight. He was now the best sword fighter of all of them and could hold his own against the dandies well.
Gerard grabbed onto Pete and pulled him against one of the walls startling him out of his thoughts. He glared at Gerard questioningly when Gerard pointed down the hall. A dandy had walked around the courner and was heading in their direction. He had not spotted them yet but Pete knew it wouldn’t be long before he would be close enough to see through the shadows. Pete spotted a door near by and they edged along the wall towards it. As they drew closer Pete heard voices inside and was sure Gerard heard them too however it wasn’t until Gerard reached out to open it that they heard a name that made them freeze.
“Yes Beckectt”
They listened and realized with panic that he was intending on coming out that very door to go hunting. They prepared to run in the other direction only to see another dandy patroling the end of the corridor. They were trapped. For the first time in mounths Pete broke into a cold sweat and they sunk down the wall, one dandy drawing ever closer, one blocking the exit and Beckett fit to burst through the door that they were almost touching in seconds. Gerard rolled up his sleves and gave Pete a knowing look. If they were going down they were going down swinging. There was a loud slamming noise that shattered the silence in the hall and nearly caused Gerard and Pete to jump out of their skins. The Dandy at the end of the hall looked up and the one that was aproaching them paused. They held their breath waiting and listening. A voice that sent chills down their spines peiceing the breaking silence again.
“What the hell do you want?”
* * *
Ryan winced as William's vice like grip tightened.
"Are you sure this plan is a good idea? What if we just wait for the Luna eclipse to pass? You may lose the chance to have Gerard's power but then he won't be able to use it against us either" Ryan said quickly through gritted teeth.
"Ryan!" Brendon exclaimed taking a step forward but William shook a finger in his direction.
"You may be quite the strategist in chess but your moves, like your battle plans, tend to be too careful to do any real harm" Beckett snarled swinging Ryan around so his back was to Beckett and his arm was bent at a excruciating angle. Ryan roared with pain and Beckett alleviated the angle to quiet him down.
"When you're playing against someone with an aggressive attack strategy you have to fight fire with fire. Our dear Patrick Stump, strategist for the Clandestine, matches me hit for hit in almost all our battles. Had he more men I probably wouldn't end up trouncing them most nights. If we put your strategy up against his it would be suicide" Beckett laughed and kicked Ryan away from him. Brendon ran forward catching Ryan as he toppled over. Beckett walked away from the door and over to the wall running his hand along one of the spikes of a medieval looking mace.
"You know usually I don't like maces - they are messy, inelegant weapons. Not like swords or guns. They're not clean cut and tend to be on the gory side as far as killing goes but I believe they do hurt like a bitch" Beckett commented giving Ryan a knowing look.
"Beckett…you don't have to punish him - be reasonable" Brendon shouted standing over Ryan as Beckett took the mace off the wall and studied it affectionately. He turned his icy stare on Brendon and advanced.
* * *
The roar of pain that had issued a moment ago had made both of the dandies at either end of the hall flinch and at Beckett's raised furious voice they began retreating. The one that had been coming down the way they came was the first to draw back. It was not long before he was gone but the one blocking their path was still there. Pete watched him and the look of concern distorting his face. Pete tried not to think about the fact that what was making them cower was just through the door he sat next to. It wasn't long before Pete realized the room had gone silent. With this eerie silence the other dandy finally allowed fear to get the better of him and backed out of the hallway. Pete stood and cautiously made his way past the door. Once Pete was far enough away Gerard stood and made to follow when the door began to open.
Like a deer in the headlights Gerard froze for just a moment and caught a glimpse of what was inside. He knew this room as his family’s weapon gallery but he knew none of the people inside. A pair of brown eyes locked with his. A young man was lying on the carpet holding his side and watching Gerard with an intense and tormented stare. Another boy was crouching next to him watching the door as well though he didn't seem to see Gerard his eyes were focused a little higher and it was only then Gerard realized Beckett must be standing by the door, hand grasping the handle waiting to walk through though Gerard couldn't say why he didn't come right out. The boy on the floor mouthed the word 'go' and it was only then that Gerard was able to snap out of it and speed down the hall to where Pete was. As they rounded the corner they heard the last thing Beckett said as he left the room and wondered what he'd done to the other two men in there.
"I think I'll use this for my hunting tonight, seems to be more effective than I thought"
* * *
Once Beckett was out of hearing range Ryan dropped from crouching to his knees, leaning over Brendon's shaking body cursing Beckett's cruel trick of waiting to see if he would leap to tend to Brendon. Beckett suspected them but Ryan was just glad he was gone so he could show the full extent of his concern.
"Brendon! Brendon look at me! Are you alright?" Ryan asked frantically touching Brendon's cheek though he knew what the answer would be. Brendon's face twisted with pain and he swallowed hard trying to ignore the metallic taste of his own blood in his mouth.
"Yeah" he wheezed and with a great effort took his red dripping hand away from his side revealing a fast healing slab of mashed bloody skin around his ribcage "S-almost better already" he gritted his teeth and Ryan grabbed his hand allowing Brendon to clench it to ward against the agony till the wound had healed and all that was left of the occurrence was the large stained tear in his shirt. His skin was moist with a light layer of sweat and he wiped his sleeve across his face drying most of it off.
"Well that was unexpected I mean I thought he might have tried to mace you but then I suppose he already left you for dead on the roof huh?" Brendon commented softly studying his shirt "Damn this was one of my favorites” Ryan pulled him into a sitting position and went to kiss him when Brendon looked away. Ryan was momentarily shocked.
"What's wrong?" Ryan asked worriedly and Brendon turned back to face Ryan.
"Did you know they would be here? Did you invite them in?" Brendon asked expression firm and so unnatural on his face "I don't want to help them - I want to fight against them yet I find myself telling Gerard fucking Way to go so he isn't caught by William"
"No, I had no idea and they're idiots for being here. The first I knew of their presence was when I heard them in the hall. Beckett must’ve been too busy focusing on us but I heard them talking that's why I had to stall Beckett by holding the door shut. I couldn’t think of anything else to do" Ryan answered sincerely then leant his head against Brendon's "I'm sorry"
"It's ok, you don't have anything to apologize for. I could have called the whistle on them but I didn't. My stupid fault. They better get out of here fast though cause if they're caught no-one will be able to talk Beckett out of what he'll do to them" Brendon said pensively before turning to a lighter subject "You wanna get something to eat? I'm feeling kind of weak and hungry after that loss of blood"
"Um yeah but what is there?" Ryan asked standing and pulling Brendon gently up with him.
"Well on the attic menu tonight monsieur we have a delicate feast of free-range rats, bats and possums" Brendon said with a grin throwing an arm over Ryan's shoulder.
"Oh joy" Ryan said sarcastically supporting Brendon's weight as best he could and started moving towards the door "I just love rat blood"
* * *
"Come on we're almost there,” Gerard said opening the door to the theater and heading down the middle isle.
"Gerard this is an amazing mansion!" Pete exclaimed nearly tripping as he followed Gerard while looking around amazed, "It's huge! And so cool! And this theater is incredible! I love all the red velvet and gold, I feel like I’m on the set of a Baz Luhrmann movie" Gerard couldn't help a snigger at this.
"It's a great place huh? I suppose it's no wonder I turned out to be such an arty kid considering the environment I grew up in" Gerard agreed jumping up onto the stage "Hey hang out here if you want. Keep looking around I just have to duck backstage then we can go"
"Alright" Pete agreed absentmindedly staring at the beautiful furnishings not noticing Gerard slip behind the curtains "This'd be a great place for a show, do you think when this all blows over we can play here?"
Pete waited for five minutes before Gerard re-appeared and he got his answer. He walked back out onto the stage a dusty jacket carefully folded over his arm.
"It's funny…" he said resting a free hand gently on the jacket "Patrick and you seem to have more faith than everyone else…you both really believe we will make it through don't you?" Gerard said in a faraway voice catching Pete's attention.
"Yeah of course" he said surprisingly softly "When we started this we knew we would also be the ones to end it. At time's maybe our faith in ourselves has waned but we always had good reasons to keep fighting. Like the innocent people of New Chicago - we want to free them from this hell. Or our families whether they are alive or gone. We fight to protect each other and we fight for our dreams of the future. We can never give up no matter what the circumstance, no matter what the cost. The only way to win such a hopeless battle is to forge on through the night" Gerard smiled eyes downcast and he nodded to himself.
"You know I was wondering why I was still alive. Why I was choosing to keep going when I was talking to Patrick outside the school last night and I realized something…when I left this mansion and started searching for clues about Beckett I left soulless and bereft…I barely cared about anything. I really don't know what drove me on over the years but now that the end to the battle is so close I began to wonder. What am I fighting for? I think somehow the means had become the end and I was always trying to block out and forget the past but you and the clandestine helped me realize the past is where I would find my strength. Of course I want justice for what was done to my loved ones I always have but it's not about just that anymore. It's for our lost dreams, the ones that never took flight because of him. For the courage they had when they stood against Beckett. For the future we will never have together and the home the dandies desecrated into a place of murder and war" Gerard said his voice strengthening in roughness at the last few sentences "For revenge" Pete nodded sadly at the negativity of his reason though at least, Pete thought, it was a reason that would keep him alive.
"How will that remind you?" Pete asked nodding in the direction of the jacket on his arm. Gerard's expression softened once more at this question.
"My band was going to release a new CD and as a theme we would all be wearing black marching band uniforms, each slightly different in design, the jackets being the thing that people would remember us wearing. Mine has the simplest design but…"Gerard continued locking darkening eyes with Pete's "It's perfect to go into battle with"
“Can I see?” Pete asked standing as Gerard hopped down from the stage joining him.
“Yeah sure” Gerard offered it to Pete and Pete took it carefully. He held it out in front of him it admiring it. The material looked thick but comfortable and the front was decorated with stripes and buttons of a strange color. At first glance Pete thought they were silver but they had a tint to them that reminded Pete of looking at the buttons of a jacket in a sepia photograph. They were slightly golden. Under the right arm hung complexly woven ropes and on the right bicep shone a medal in the shape of a star. A trail of glinting buttons stretched from the cuffs of both sleeves to the upper forearm. It looked so official as though it was made for a war in some distant past. What really stood out most though were the sharp contrasts, the silver aspects cutting their way through the dark ivory of the fabric.
“Wow…dude this is really nice” Pete said in awe before handing it back “I’d love to wear something as cool as this”
“Thanks the woman who made them was a really amazing artist….now uh is there anything else you want to say before we go? We can talk more once we get all the way outside” Gerard asked Pete while they made their way back down the centre isle.
“Nah I’m good” Pete assured him but when they reached the exit and Gerard turned the handle he paused.
“What’s wrong?” Pete asked.
“If we win you can play here…you guys can even wear my bands jackets for that show if you want. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t mind” Gerard promised gaze still roaming fondly over the features of his jacket before flicking up to look at Pete’s face. It was lifted into a heartwarming grin that sent light dancing across his irises till it burst into soft crows feet at the corners of his eyes. His lips were parted to reveal a brilliant white smile and Gerard felt his face follow suit.
“Thanks man that really means a lot to me and I’m sure the guys will absolutely love it” Pete said earnestly.
“Cool” Gerard replied smiling softly to himself before pushing the door open “Let’s go”
* * *
Pete felt relief and contentment wash over him as he unlocked the gate to Ivory Towers followed closely by Gerard. They had managed to escape the mansion undetected and it was late night now. There was that dim warm glow of lights inside that shone from between the newly boarded up windows, the noise that only a school of men acting like boys could create and a doormat that read ‘Come back with a warrant’ waiting to be walked over into the house. Despite the imminent beating and/or netting he would receive for leaving without telling anyone Pete was glad to be home. He wasn’t quite sure when he had begun to start thinking of this school as a home but he had realized long ago where ever his band and his friends were was his home. His paused half way up the path to stare curiously at a new (badly painted) sign. Gerard read it out stopping as Pete started to laugh.
“Ivory Towers. Non illegitimis carborundum” Gerard turned to Pete frowning as he cracked up.
“Clever Troh, clever” Pete sniggered.
“What does Non illegitimis carborundum mean?” Gerard asked missing the joke. Once Pete composed himself he began to explain.
“Non illegitimis carborundum is fake Latin. Joe told me about it once. Basically it means Don’t Let The Bastards Grind You Down. Non-illegitimis suggests something non-legitimate - a bastard and carborundum is a hard mineral used for grinding” Pete finished eyeing the school happily.
“Ah” Gerard snickered.
“Come on!” Pete exclaimed bolting for the door “Coffee beckons!”
“Alright, alright” Gerard agreed jogging after him.
“Open the door! Open the door damn it!” Pete shouted excitably bashing against the wood. He heard the sound of speeded footsteps and opening locks. The door swung open to reveal a rather livid looking Patrick brandishing a net gun. The speed at which he got to and opened the door suggested he had been waiting. His hat was pulled down low, lips set in an unimpressed scowl and he glared out from behind his glasses, as Pete seemed to shrink the giddiness fading. Gerard couldn’t help a nervous laugh.
“Hey Patrick” he said holding up one hand, giving him a small wave. Patrick’s green glare lashed against Gerard and he too sunk back into the shadows.
“What the fuck do you think you were doing, you’ve been gone for over a day” his voice was low and static with anger as he turned back on Pete who had physically shifted back a step. Suddenly Patrick’s hand flew out fisting Pete’s hoodie and he flinched waiting for the pain. To his surprise he found his face connecting, not with Patrick’s fist but his soft shoulder two arms securing themselves around his back. He smiled against the warm fabric and put his arms around Patrick’s back. However just as his arms found their place around Patrick he was shoved roughly into the hall, a smack slapping surprisingly hard against the back of his head.
“You’re a dick! Now get into the gym so Joe and Andy can kick your ass!” Patrick swore still pretty pissed. Pete looked back rubbing the back of his head and stifling a grin as he walked down the hall.
“So” Patrick said his fury cooling slightly as he turned to Gerard again “at the risk of sounding corny did you find what you were looking for?” Gerard patted the jacket hanging over his shoulder.
“Yeah, ready to beat those motherfuckers now” Gerard spat mirthfully Patrick’s eyebrows raising at Gerard’s fiery new resolve “I’ll explain about the jacket later”
“Ok” Patrick agreed.
“Thank you Patrick” Gerard said gratefully.
“What for?” Patrick asked standing aside to let Gerard in realizing they were leaving the entrance rather vulnerable.
“For keeping your promise to not tell anyone and letting me borrow Pete, he was great” Gerard said honestly.
“Says you” Patrick grumbled. Gerard sniggered but resisted the urge to ask Patrick if he’d want Pete any other way.
“So what’s been going on?” Gerard asked.
“I’ll show you” Patrick replied.