Call Me Zero (Frerard)

3: Close Encounters. Maybe a little too close...

Frank's mother wrapped her arms around him instantly.

"Happy birthday Frankie!" she squealed, rocking him back and forth.

Frank wrapped his arms around her loosely and forced a smile, "Thanks Mom."

She finally released him and turned around to look at his dad who was lingering on the front porch.

He nodded towards Frank, "Happy birthday, son."

Frank motioned for them both to step inside and sit on the couch.

"I'll make some coffee," he offered, already heading towards the kitchen.

Normally, his parents didn't come over for his birthday. But this one was supposed to be "special". Frank was turning 21, and although he'd already been drinking for several years now, apparently something about it was a big deal. He glanced back over the counter into the next room. His parents were whispering to each other, and seemed to be growing more and more frustrated by the minute. Frank pretended not to notice and walked back into the room with the three mugs. He sat down on the other end of the couch and distributed the drinks.

"Now, Frankie," his mother began after she took a sip, "Since it's your 21st birthday your father and I thought it would be a lovely idea if we took you out for your first drink together," as she enunciated the last word she looked at Frank's father sternly.

He muttered something, then nodded. He didn't smile.

Frank raised his eyebrows, "Well actually-"

A muffled bang coming from down the hall interrupted him. Frank's eyes grew wide and he looked in the direction of the noise, rising to his feet instantly.

"Wait - wait one second," he stuttered, and darted around the couch, down the hall, to the bedroom.

He opened the door just barely wide enough for him to slip through then clicked it shut behind him. He almost bumped into Ray as he slipped inside.

"What the hell is going on in here?" Frank hissed.

He knew the answer to his question right away. Zero was standing on the bed, arms crossed, and Ray was standing against the wall with his arms raised defensively. The TV remote was on the floor beside him, and as Frank moved his eyes upward he noticed a tiny dent in the wall.

He turned back to Zero, "Get down!" he snapped, pointing a finger towards the ground in emphasis.

Zero glowered at him and didn't move an inch.

Ray lowered his hands, "The movie went off and they threw a fit," he shrugged, "You better teach them how to act like an actual human being if you expect them to be around for a while."

Frank sighed, "I can't expect them to act like a human being if they aren't one."

He shook his head and strode over to the bed, offering a hand to Zero to help them down. They took it and lowered themself to sit down in the same spot, before crossing their arms again. Frank began to turn back towards the door but Zero grabbed his hand and stopped him. He looked at them questioningly. With their free hand they pointed at the TV, their frown now replaced with a pout.

Frank raised an eyebrow and shook his head, "I don't know what you want me to do about it."

Zero crossed their arms again and looked down into their lap.

Frank turned back towards Ray and clapped a hand on his shoulder, "I'll try to get my parents out of here as soon as possible."

Ray just nodded. Frank slipped out the door and back down the hall. His mother was turned in her seat and staring down the hall with wide eyes.