Scarlet Tracks (Frerard)

Part Three

Gerard was panting when he sat down across from Frank the next morning.

"You okay?" Frank raised an eyebrow.

Gerard shook his head, "I slept in. Almost missed the train."

"Nice."

When he had regulated his breathing again, Gerard placed his bag on the window seat.

Frank frowned at him.

Usually Gerard sat on the window seat not on the aisle seat directly across from Frank.

He didn't say anything though.

"My throat feels worse too!" Gerard croaked, "I've been having coughing fits all night."

"Shit," Frank tried to think of anything he could do to help.

Gerard rubbed his eyes with his hands, trying to wake up still.

"And it's my Mom's birthday today. Ugh I'm such a shitty son," He moaned.

"How?" Frank asked.

Gerard looked at him from behind his hands.

"I left in a hurry and forgot to say 'Happy Birthday'."

"That's not too bad," Frank tried to convince him, "I'm sure she understands."

Gerard just shrugged, sighing back in his seat.

Frank thought for a moment.

"Did you get her a present?"

Gerard nodded, "Yeah, of course."

"Than you'll be fine," Frank smiled, "You obviously didn't forget her birthday if you got her a present."

Gerard shrugged again, still not convinced.

The journey was it's usual shitty self.

They walked up the hill, occasionally exchanging a comment.

It was nice how comfortable they were in each other's company already.

"I'll see you later then," Frank turned to go when they reached the top.

"No."

He looked back, "No?"

Gerard shook his head.

"I'm not getting the train back today. My Mom's picking me up."

"Why?" Frank frowned, not caring if he sounded nosey.

Gerard put his hands in his jacket pockets.

"Well, because it's my Mom's birthday, she's gonna pick Mikey, my brother, up and come down and pick me up. Then we're going for a meal in the city."

"Oh. Cool," Frank said dumbly.

He was a little disappointed that he'd be riding the train back on his own but he smiled anyway.

"Have a nice meal. Wish your Mom a happy birthday from me."

Gerard's mouth turned into a smile.

"Will do. Thanks."

---

Frank wasn't as hasty to leave college that day.

What was the point in hurrying to the train station if he wasn't going to see Gerard?

It was kind of sad that he depended on him so much for company.

He walked in his usual way to the station, having given up on the whole posture improvement thing a while ago.