Three Cheers for Sweethearts [Frerard AU]

PART III: Chapter 17

                  

CHAPTER 17 – BREAK YOUR LITTLE HEART

I woke up the next morning to a bunch of all-caps messages. I scrolled through them all pretty quickly, taking note of who had bothered to text me today, just out of curiosity.

From Ray Toro:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :D

From Austin Carlile:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

From Mikey Way:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NERD

I replied to this one.

I'm right next door to your room, you know

From Mikey Way: Yeah I know but it's not official until it's on an electronic device these days

I couldn't really argue with that.

One stood out to me in particular – the only one that used lowercase letters.

From Frank Iero:

Happy birthday!

I replied to his, too.

Thanks!

He answered pretty quickly. From Frank Iero: How has your day been so far?

I just woke up, but so far not bad at all.

From Frank Iero: Good. Anything you're hoping for?

I typed up a sarcastic answer. Oh, you know, the usual. Money, chocolate, sudden straight As, and a kiss to wrap it all up, then I'd be good.

From Frank Iero: Sounds like a reasonable wish list.

I did my best to keep the conversation going. The only one I've never fully experienced is the As on exams. That's a dream far, far away.

From Frank Iero: Aw, I wouldn't put it past you. I've experienced all of those, except I've never kissed anyone.

A second message followed in quick succession. From Frank Iero: Pathetic, I know. Halfway through high school and I've never kissed anyone

Not pathetic. I typed instinctively. I added more. Really, never? Not even as a dare or something?

From Frank Iero: Closest I ever got was Romeo and Juliet with you. No dates, no kisses.

I've never dated anyone either but I've kissed a few girls

From Frank Iero: Cool

Never been kissed... we're going to have to fix that somehow. I meant it as a joke, but I had a feeling he'd take it too seriously. To be sure, I tacked onto the end: lol

From Frank Iero: Lol definitely

I left it at that.

That night, my parents insisted on following through with tradition and baking a cake. Despite all the alternate ingredients for my brother's countless allergies, I couldn't complain. Sugar was sugar. This time, because it's a Saturday! I argued, they let me sit in my room all day. I spent it texting in the group chat.

Hello friends I tossed into the digital air.

Mikey: hello

Frank: Hi!

Ray: H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y

Gerard: T H A N K S

Ray: HOW HAS YOUR DAY BEEN