Frank let out a large exhale as he wrapped the small note around the stem of the last peony from the bouquet sitting in front of him. His right hand ached slightly from nonstop writing and tying sentimental notes around the stems of about twenty peonies, but in the long run, he knew any amount of pain would have been worth all this. As he placed the peony carefully back into its place, Frank pulled his hand back and gently massaged it as he looked at the work of art he had finally finished after one hour and a half. He glanced down at the different colored pens splayed all over his desk, the scraps of cut up paper and the silver scissors that went to marvelous use despite his hatred for the object - long story short, he was traumatized by hearing the story of the boy in kindergarten who accidentally cut off his own finger while playing with scissors.

He checked for flaws in his work, such as hanging tags or if the display looked unorganized. He made the final touch of tying the pink gossamer ribbon around the bouquet already wrapped in pastel blue wrapping paper, making a little bow with the delicate string and tightening it. With this final touch, the bouquet was now ready to be handed over to the person it was made for. And Frank prayed to whatever was out there that they would love this gesture, that they would accept it and not brush it off.

After stealing peonies from the flower company warehouse, Frank went out and bought the thinnest colored paper he could find, ribbon, gel pens, and scissors. He was so excited to craft this project that he trembled all the way home, even if nerves were brought into the mix. As soon as he got home, he began cutting up paper and refrigerating the flowers first so they wouldn't wilt while he worked. Despite his rather drastic fear of scissors, he kept in his mind who this was for, swallowed down the lump in his throat, and hacked away with the scissors despite his mind screaming at him to not be a dumb ass and cut his own fingers off.

For the love of his life - he was certainly sure he would never love anyone who wasn't Gerard Way - Frank wrote little love notes on each piece of paper he cut, all made to be wrapped around the stem of every single peony he collected. They all said something different, pouring Frank's feelings out into the open and thoroughly exposing them as he planned for them. He wrote each sentiment in a different color pen, signing each one off with a tiny black heart. Frank was deeply aware that this was the cheesiest thing he had ever done for anyone and there was a slight possibility that Gerard might laugh at him, but he was willing to risk that for his love.

His heart was soaring now that his project was finally finished. In the center of the bouquet was a single red rose, the velvety petals spread out for all to see. There was one note wrapped around it that held the most important words, the three words Frank was too afraid to ever say out loud in fear that his heart would be broken. Today he realized that even if Gerard broke his heart, even if this entire hour was just a waste of time, nothing would ever be a better experience than having the privilege to fall in love with Gerard. Frank never would have known was love was if he hadn't met Gerard.

He checked the clock quickly to see how much of the day passed by already. It was Valentine's Day and the night was already making its way over New Jersey seeing as the sun was setting - six o'clock said the ticking clock on the wall in Frank's kitchen. That gave Frank an entire hour to finish the rest of his plan and hopefully not die from nervousness while he was at it.

He did stop by at the flower shop in the morning to drop off flowers as usual, and seeing Gerard always made his heart flutter, but he couldn't help but notice the sadness glazing over Gerard's irises when Frank had to leave. Taking another risk, Frank kissed Gerard's hand quickly and smiled at him before racing to his van again. He wondered why Gerard looked that way when he left, but hopefully he would cheer up once Frank gave him his surprise. Luckily he retrieved Gerard's number as well, he passed it off with the excuse that it was for "business." It was in fact for tonight.

Taking out his phone, Frank went to Gerard's contact and quickly typed out a message before sending it.

Hey Gerard, it's Frank. I know this seems strange but I kind of need your address.

He responded in one minute and twenty seconds - not that Frank counted.

Gerard♡: Hey! Um, why do you need my address?

Frank sighed shakily and glanced at the bouquet on his desk.

Shh, no questions, it's a surprise. I just need to stop by tonight, if you don't mind.

Gerard♡: Okay? It's 8755 on Silverwood Avenue.

Frank did a little happy dance, almost stepping over his dog Sweet Pea but he quickly apologized to her and pet her scruffy head.

Awesome! I'll be there at 7, alright?

Gerard♡: I'll see you then :)

——

Frank was shivering when he pulled up into Gerard's driveway at 6:55. He knew he said he'd be there at 7, but Frank wanted a bit of time to collect himself and not freak the fuck out and just roll back home to cuddle into his blankets and just cry because of how much of a loser as he was. He sure as hell was not going to do that, not when the most romantic day of the year was finally here and the opportunity to do something like this was right under his fingertips. The bouquet was in the passenger's seat along with a little box of chocolates Frank picked up at the store before he made his way here. But so many worries were flitting through his mind.

What if Gerard didn't like Frank the same way? What if his favorite flower changed since the last time they spoke? What if he was allergic to chocolate? What if he secretly hated Frank?

"Get your shit together, man, and grow a pair." Frank mumbled to himself and gripped the steering wheel. He looked down at his black dress shirt and dark maroon tie, his black skinny jeans and converse. Maybe he should have dressed up more? Did Gerard even care about that kind of thing? Frank thought he looked okay, he even sprayed on his best cologne after his shower and actually put his lip ring back in since he never got to wear it to work. He toyed with it as he took a deep breath, swallowing down his emotions.

Then, he grabbed the gifts for Gerard, opened his car door, and stepped out into the night. It was cold, but Frank barely registered it because he was already shaking. He looked at the pale yellow house displayed before him, the freshly cut grass and garden in front of a porch with a swing on it. Little heart lights framed the door and glowed a gentle pink in the dark. He pushed aside all of his worries while making his way up the paved path leading to the four steps at the porch. He made his way up these four steps and once he was at Gerard's front door, he took a deep breath to collect himself. Then, he rang the doorbell and anxiously waited for Gerard.

There was some shuffling inside and quiet murmur before the lock clicked and the door was opened. And there he was - Gerard Way, dressed in a Star Wars jumper and pastel pink skinny jeans. His hair was brushed and silky black, gorgeous hazel eyes lighting up as soon as they landed on Frank. His pink lips shaped into a grin, beautiful cherub face practically glowing with that smile. He tucked a piece of his black hair behind his ear - and then, his eyes fell upon the flowers and the heart shaped box of chocolates Frank held in his hands.

They both sort of froze there. Frank panicked when he realized he should have been saying something or handing the things to Gerard once he saw them, but he only stood there like an idiot. He stared at Gerard, the way his cheeks turned as pink as his adorable jeans and how his eyes widened.

Fuck, dude, say something!

"Um." Frank uttered like a dumb ass and blinked multiple times, pursing his lips for a moment. "H-Happy Valentine's Day, Gee. I know it's k-kind of late and the day is almost over but . . . I had to make this first." Frank gulped and held out the flowers and chocolates to Gerard. His cheeks were flaming red and he swore his heart had never beat so fast before in his entire life, not even when he had to run six miles in cross country during high school.

Gerard looked at the flowers and back up at Frank, lips parting in surprise.

"Frank, I - fuck, where are my manners, come inside." Gerard chuckled breathlessly and stepped out of the way to let Frank in.

Frank was lucky enough to move his own legs and step inside the warm house that smelled like sugar cookies. He looked to his right to see a gray cat lazily laying on the armrest of a tan colored couch, its tail waving back and forth as it stared at Frank. He never liked cats much, but when the cat gently mewed at him, he had to admit the sound was pretty adorable. He heard Gerard shut the door behind them and he turned around, seeing the later, biting his lip with pink still coloring his cheeks.

"Well, um, I . . . I made you this bouquet and - okay, don't laugh at me, but there's notes on them." Frank ducked his head and handed the flowers to Gerard. This was not going as smoothly as he thought it would, he felt incredibly tense and awkward.

"You remembered my favorite flower." Gerard said softly and carefully took the flowers and box of chocolates from Frank's hands.

"I'm more observant than people give me credit for." Frank laughed breathlessly rubbed the back of his neck.

Gerard looked up at Frank through his eyelashes and smiled shyly, holding the flowers to his chest. "Come sit with me while I read the notes." Gerard gestured to the couch and rocked back on his heels excitedly.

They both sat down on the plush tan cushions of the couch as Gerard placed the bouquet in his lap, giggling softly as he reached for the delicate flowers and the notes wrapped around each stem.

Frank felt himself falling even deeper in love as Gerard read the first note, seeing the pink blush on his cheeks spread until it covered his entire face.

You are so beautiful. Said the first note.

He unfolded the second one.

Your eyes are my own personal galaxies.

Then the third.

Your smile alone is one of the wonders of the world.

Frank expressed his feelings and point of view as best as he could through all of the notes Gerard silently read.

You are my sunshine.

You keep me happy.

I want to hold you so close.

Your laugh is the only reason why I tell you those terrible jokes.

Your heart is made of gold.

You are more pure than any white rose I've ever delivered.

Your insecurities are perfections to me.

You're the most adorable person I've ever come across.

You are my first thought every single morning.

You make me feel complete.

You are so delicate and I admire that about you.

You make me believe that life is worth living.

Your voice is better than music.

I want to hold your hand but I'm afraid to damage your beautiful pale skin.

I love when you blush.

You are absolutely and utterly perfect.

Finally, there was only the rose left. At this point, Gerard's eyes were watering and Frank felt his heart soaring. Gerard was smiling widely, finger pulling the rose out and gently unwrapping the single note from around the stem, sniffling softly and unfolding it.

I love you.

"Oh my god." Gerard whimpered and he laughed shakily, ducking his head with a huge smile and clutching the rose to his chest.

"I do, you know." Frank said softly, scooting closer to Gerard with hesitance highlighting his movements. "I have for a long time."

"H-how? Since when?" Gerard turned to look at Frank with teary eyes and pink cheeks.

"Since . . . since the moment I laid eyes on you." Frank felt his face turn hot, but he never looked away from the two sparkling ponds that made Gerard's irises. "I never believed in love at first sight, but you've proven to me that it's real and it can definitely happen. You as a person . . . fuck, I love you, Gerard. I just never had the courage to tell you until now."

Frank, swallowing down a lot of fear and nerves, lifted his hand and, with a gentle touch, skimmed the back of his hand against Gerard's cheek. His skin was soft and so warm compared to Frank's cold skin. Gerard immediately leaned into the touch with a wobbly smile.

"This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me, no one has ever even bothered to try." Gerard sniffled and giggled quietly, wrapping his hand around Frank's wrist gently.

"Well, y-you deserve it and I know peonies are your favorite flower. I sort of stole them but - oh fuck, I shouldn't have said that." Frank stuttered and blushed heavily. "That doesn't sound very nice. Well, I work at the company so it's not a big deal. I was going to get you a few more roses but I didn't know what color pattern to choose from and if you minded color coordination or not, or if I should just give you peonies and no roses-"

"Frank." Gerard interrupted softly.

"W-what?" Frank stopped babbling and realized how much of an idiot he must have looked like. He froze, watching Gerard with wide eyes. The latter was smiling gently, eyes sparkling and squinting slightly at the edges.

"You're such a damn sweetheart."

And then, Gerard was cupping Frank's face, brushing his nose against his before leaning in and pressing their lips together. And Frank wasn't sure if his ears were hearing correctly, but he could have sworn that Gerard let out the smallest sound of contentment. But he couldn't be sure because it was sinking in that he could feel Gerard's lips beneath his, so soft and tasting of strawberry ChapStick, fitting perfectly against his own. Holy shit Gerard Way was kissing him and he sure seemed to be enjoying it. Frank felt his heart fill to the brim with joy. Gerard just about melted into him and Frank couldn't help but let himself get lost inside the kiss, eagerly returning it and cupping Gerard's face in his hands.

Gerard placed his hands on Frank's chest as their lips began to move, inching closer and closer until they were touching, and their kiss became something deeper. The emotional connection was evident and Frank felt his cheeks turning rosy because of it. He was kissing the man of his dreams, his true love who he was chasing after for three whole years. He parted their lips and weaved one of his hands through Gerard's hair, tilting the latter's head forward so there was more pressure in their kiss. Gerard felt and tasted so divine that Frank could hardly believe it. His head was swimming and he felt lightheaded, especially while hearing all the small noises their lips made as they moved and the feeling of Gerard's tongue brushing over his lower lip accidentally a few times. Eventually, Frank stroked the latter's bottom lip with the tip of his own tongue, hearing Gerard moan softly, and then pulled away for the both of them of catch their breath.

Gerard was so beautiful with swollen and kissed lips and the roses in his cream colored skin. He was warm, still pressed against Frank, and he made no move to part from him. Frank didn't want him to scoot away - he wanted to keep Gerard as close as possible at all times. He stroked Gerard's cheek in a sudden wave of tenderness washing over his heart, pressing a feather light kiss on his lips once more. Gerard gazed at Frank through his long black eyelashes and smiled so softly that Frank felt his heart increase in size. Gerard brushed his fingertips over Frank's jaw and gave him a small, warm kiss.

"I love you, Gerard." Frank whispered against Gerard's tender pink lips.

Another gentle kiss.

"I love you too, Frank."

——
Here you have it! I am so sorry this took so long holy fuck, but here's the second part!

But, hey - did you guys want smut, or...? Just a question, I can totally leave this be. Your choice!

Thank you so much for reading!

-aprilxo