Back in the office, Frank felt so much better about himself. Yes, he had worried when Gerard had handed over his card in the tailors, forking out far too much money for Frank and his appearance. Who just goes out and buys their assistant two brand new suits? Apparently, Gerard did, and Frank hadn't been able to do anything about it unless he wanted to be told he was ungrateful. He was very grateful because now he didn't have to worry about looking like an idiot and having his new coworkers talking about him and his bad dress sense.

At least, what Frank had been wearing was currently contained in a suit-bag and hidden out of view as he waltzed back into the office with Gerard. He was wearing one of the suits that Gerard had bought him, the other he was carrying in another bag, slung over his shoulder. He had a smile on his face because people weren't going to mock him behind his back over his boyfriend's clothes. They were probably going to talk about how Gerard disappeared off with him and then an hour later he's back, dressed smartly and appropriately for the job. They could talk all they liked. Frank thought he looked fucking awesome in his brand new suit. He followed Gerard as he walked into his office. The first person to see Frank in his new suit was Derek. He did a double-take when he saw Frank, barely recognizing him for a split-second because the red blazer had gone and the orange waistcoat had gone, and he actually looked like he was a part of the office now. Frank walked over to his desk, smiling at Derek.

"Before you get too comfortable," Gerard piped up from the doorway of his office, making Frank swivel round in his chair to look at him, "I need you to sort out some filing for me."

"Okay, sir," Frank nodded, getting up to follow Gerard into his office. He waited whilst Gerard went through everything on his desk, stacking up what he wanted to be put away. While he was doing that, Frank took it upon himself to admire the suit he was wearing, "Can I just say, I'm beyond grateful for this."

"I'm glad that you appreciate it," Gerard spoke as he sat down in his chair, going through one of his drawers in his desk. Frank waited, fiddling with the blazer of his suit. He unbuttoned it, scoping out the inside because it was surprisingly soft. The whole thing was unbelievably comfortable and a perfect fit.

Frank stopped for a second, "Hey, you know this has pockets on the inside?"

Gerard looked up at Frank and saw the look on his face, like a small child who had just been given a new toy. He smiled, chuckling softly before he answered, "Yes, I did, Frank."

His old suit didn't have pockets on the inside. They had been sewn up because it was cheap. The knock-off suit really was nothing against this new one and Frank didn't even want to consider how much it had set Gerard back. Probably not much, but to Frank, it was a hell of a lot.

"Did you know the shirt is proper cotton, sir?" Frank added, running his hand over his shirt, smiling because he swore that he had never owned an item of clothing that was this high-quality before.

"I did, indeed," Gerard answered him, going back to looking through his drawers as he added papers to the steadily-growing stack.

"Did you know the belt is proper leather, too?"

"I should sure hope so, boy," Gerard smiled at him after he found what he was looking for, straightening it up with a few taps on his desk before he held it out for Frank, "Now, I need these filed if you please."

"Of course, sir," Frank buttoned his blazer back up before taking the papers that Gerard was holding out for him.

"Also," Gerard carried on, making Frank spin on his feet to face him, "Are you free later?"

"Why?" Frank asked. He knew what day it was and that if Gerard was going to ask him to work overtime tonight, then he was going to have to decline. It was Tuesday and date night; Ryan wouldn't be impressed if Frank ditched him for working late. Not that Frank minded if it meant that he got to spend more time with Gerard.

"Well, I need you to make up for the time we spent sorting out your suits," Gerard explained, "I will be working late, too. It's only fair."

"Sir, I-" Frank stammered out, holding onto the papers tighter, "I can't. It's Tuesday."

"Oh?" Gerard frowned curiously, "And why is that?"

"You see," Frank started, "Tuesday night is date night for Ryan and I. We go out and we just, well, you know what going out on dates is like. Dinner and... Stuff."

"Every Tuesday?" Gerard queried, "And only Tuesday?"

Frank nodded weakly, realizing how pathetic his love-life was if his boss found it odd that they only went out as a couple once a week, every week. And he was torn; Frank could tell that Gerard was clearly bothered about the fact that he had said 'no' to him. He wanted to help Gerard because he was so new to the job, and he wanted to prove that he wasn't disposable, but at the same time, he didn't want to upset Ryan by ruining their routine on such short notice. He could just imagine how Ryan would be if he called him and told him that he wasn't going to be coming home until God knows when. But Gerard? He really did want to prove his worth to Mr. Way.

"Well," Frank started, catching Gerard's attention, but not making the disappointed look fall from his face, "Maybe I can stay for a bit..."

"A bit?" Gerard raised an eyebrow, still annoyed.

"I'll stay later tomorrow night. I promise, sir." Frank said, hoping to appease Gerard. He felt so guilty, and if he couldn't work tonight, then he would definitely stay behind tomorrow night.

"Well, I guess I can agree to that." Gerard nodded, still annoyed, but he cleared his throat, smiling at him. Frank could see that Mr. Way was bothered by his reluctance to help out when he actually needed him. Gerard had done him a big favor; the least Frank could do was return the gesture and not run off with his 'lover boy' because they had a thing that they did like clockwork every week.

"I'll get these filed away, sir," Frank spoke. If only Gerard could understand, then it would have been so much easier. Frank wouldn't have felt so bad for saying 'no' to him. He finally left the office, leaving Gerard to mull over and wonder where Frank's priorities really lay.

Hours later, Frank was knee-deep in answering emails. He had one earbud in his ear, humming to himself as he listened to Serj Tankian's solo album. He heard the soft alarm if the front door opening behind him and he paused 'Harakiri'.

"Hi, dear," Was Gerard's greeting that caught Frank off guard and made him turn in his chair to face the front of the building. He saw Gerard at the door, opening it for the woman Frank recognized as Lindsey. And she was way more attractive in person than Frank had realized. She was slender but not at all too skinny, her blonde hair up in a clip, her red lips perfect. And she had tattoos, something Frank had not at all expected. He looked at her three-quarter sleeve with envy, most of it on show, whatever else was hidden under a bright yellow blouse that was tucked into a very tight black leather skirt. Frank raised an eyebrow as they kissed chastely and Gerard took her bags for her.

"Frank." Gerard gave a head nod and the latter launched from his chair, coming to a stop in front of them. He smiled sheepishly, taking the bags from Gerard's hands, their fingers brushing had gooseflesh climb up Frank's arms.

"Is this him?" Lindsey smiled brightly at Frank, making him automatically smile back like it was contagious.

"Hi," Frank readjusted the bags and held out his hand, "Frank Iero."

"It's a pleasure, sweetie." She shook his hand, "I hope my husband hasn't been giving you a hard time."

"No more than necessary," Gerard interjected with a small wink in Frank's direction, making him recount back to that morning.

"I'll just..." Frank gestured with the bags before he turned and walked toward where he knew her office to be, opening the door with his elbow. He set the bags down and looked around at the black glass desk and the beige leather desk chair, the white cabinets built into the wall behind it all with a black shelf decked into the middle. Frank noted the photos of Gerard and her together and realized that there were none in his office, obviously a conscious choice. He looked at the weird long black bamboo separation in the back left corner before he shook himself out of his reverie.

He turned to see Lindsey smiling at him, "Like it?"

"I- Yes, ma'am." Frank nodded, "Very nice."

"Good." She smiled, affectionately putting her finger under his chin for a moment, "Now run along, I have work to do." She smiled before taking him by the shoulders and firmly steering him out of her office.

He turned to look as the door was closed in his face and he sucked in a breath, turning again to see Derek standing there, making him jump, "Jesus."

"Close enough, actually." Derek shrugged, "She seems to like you."

"You think so?" Frank asked awkwardly as he walked towards their office, walking in without waiting for a reply from Derek. It was then he remembered what he had to do, what he'd been dreading. He pulled out his phone, unlocking it before he dialed the number.

"Hello?"

"Ry, babe, it's me..." Frank bit nervously on his thumbnail as Ryan answered his phone call, the phone call Frank had been dreading, the phone call Frank had hoped Ryan would be too busy to answer.

"Oh, hi." Ryan could almost be heard smiling over the line, "This is unusual, isn't it?"

"Yeah..."

"Oh, no, what now?" Ryan's happy demeanor seemed to ebb lightly and Frank could tell he was pursing his lips like he did when he anticipated bad news.

"Well, I may be a little late tonight."

"Frank, it- it's Tuesday." Ryan sounded outraged, horrified, and Frank couldn't help but want to giggle as he imagined Ryan getting all worked up at his desk surrounded by confused coworkers, books, and numbers.

"I know, babe. But he- si- Gerard," Frank jumped at his almost mishap, "Gerard wants me to work a bit late tonight."

"Again?" Ryan whined, "What could you possibly have to do that's more important than our time together, Frank?"

"Whatever he needs me to do, really." Frank shrugged as he looked in the direction of Gerard's office at the open door to his right, and at Derek's empty desk, "Whatever he's planned."

"How late is 'late'?"

"Not long, I promise. I'll finish up as quickly as I can and come home to you, and we can go." Frank smiled, "Got a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" Ryan seemed dubious, "If this is another attempt at me putting my hand in your pocket when you get home-"

Frank burst out laughing, shushing himself as he put his hand over the receiver, "No, I swear, it's an actual surprise."

"Good." Ryan's voice seemed happy again, "How's work anyway?"

"It's... Interesting." Frank chose for the lack of a better word.

"You can tell me more later, I'm steamed under." Ryan sighed, "I'll see you at home?"

"'Course, babe." Frank smiled slightly.

"I love you, sweetheart," Ryan added in a whisper and Frank scratched at the back of his neck.

"Yeah- uh, love you, too, Ry," Frank replied before he hung up, sitting back in his chair before he swung out of it. He stood up, walking slowly into Gerard's office, seeing his boss sitting and filling in some papers, "Sir?"

"Frank?" Gerard asked with a casual coolness in his voice, "How may I help you?"

"I- Well, I mean it's not really important but I told Ryan I'll be working a bit late tonight." Frank toed the ground in his new shoes, admiring the shine of them as he put his hands behind his back.

"But you didn't break the news about tomorrow night," Gerard stated and Frank looked up to see Gerard looking at him with an unreadable expression yet again.

"I think one heart failure is enough for now." Frank smiled, "He's fine with it."

"Would it change anything if he wasn't?" Gerard asked and Frank frowned at the weird question he had been handed.

"I- Well, no. I guess he'd have to learn to live with it if I have to work overtime." Frank shrugged.

"Good. You can't let him manipulate you with feelings. You do what you feel is right regardless of how your significant other may feel about it, Frank. Always put you first. You grow together but you do not wilt at the expense of another's blooming."

"I..." Frank stared at Gerard for what felt like ages, "Th-Thank you, sir."

"Is there anything else I can do for you, boy?" Gerard asked and Frank bit his lip, shaking his head as he smiled politely.

"No, sir."

"Good boy. Get back to work. Also, I want you to pencil in an appointment for me tomorrow with my dentist sometime if he's free. His number should be in the Rolodex I gave you yesterday." Gerard put his finger in his mouth, "Think I cracked a filling yesterday."

"Ouch." Frank winced, "If- If you're in pain, I used to use clove oil on my teeth as a kid. Or vanilla extract." Frank shrugged and Gerard looked up, his expression softening slightly.

"And they work?"

"Like a charm." Frank nodded, "Just a couple drops on a cotton swab and it'll numb it for a while. Granted they don't taste great but..."

"Would you make my appointment?" Gerard grimaced slightly, obviously in pain, "And then perhaps run out and find something for me. It's excruciating."

"Of course, sir." Frank gave a dramatic half-bow before he straightened up to see Gerard smiling a smidgen at him, "Anything else?"

"Just run along with you and your vanilla, boy."

~

Frank looked at himself in the reflection of one of the windows outside his and Ryan's place, eyeing himself in his new suit as the other suit and Ryan's were slung over his shoulder in bags. He was so excited to show it off, so excited to show Ryan what he had gotten and so damn excited to wear it out on date night tonight. That's if date night was still happening... Frank glanced down at his watch and grimaced at the time. He had told Gerard that he'd stay only for a little, and a little turned into two hours. It was already almost eight in the evening and Frank knew Ryan would not be pleased. He walked up to the door and pulled out his keys, unlocking the front door before he walked in and closed the door behind him, chucking his keys in the bowl.

"Hi, babe." Frank sighed as he looked at Ryan, who was sitting in the kitchen at the table, arms folded and a sour expression on his face, "Ry?"

"You're late."

"I said I would be." Frank set his suits down over the end of the chair at the kitchen table.

"There's tardy and then there's this." Ryan pursed his lips again, "Two hours."

"I know..." Frank sighed softly, "I didn't mean to-"

"What are you wearing?" Ryan raised an eyebrow and Frank stood there awkwardly with his hands in his pockets.

"I- Well..." Frank bit his lip as he tried to figure out what to say, "Well, Gerard said- Well, he- He bought it for me."

"He bought you a cheap suit?" Ryan scoffed, "Why?"

"Oh, it's not cheap." Frank snorted, "It's a..." He looked at the small label on the inside of his blazer, "Bottega Veneta.."

"Wh-" Ryan's eyes widened and Frank knew Ryan would know who that is, "He bought you a fucking Bottega suit?"

"He, uh..." Frank bit his lip again, running a hand through his hair as he saw Ryan's brows knit together, "Bought me two."

"A jacket alone is like two and a half grand, Frank. What the fuck?"

"He..." Frank put a hand on the suit bag, "He didn't think my clothing was appropriate."

"Appropriate?!" Ryan's voice went higher in octave as he stood up, "How the fuck is he expecting you to pay him back, Frank? Why didn't you say 'no'?!"

"He's a very difficult man to say 'no' to." Frank's voice went quieter, "And..."

"And...?" Ryan asked, his voice clipped as he seethed, eyeing the garment bags in front of him with fury.

"I don't need to pay him back."

"Excuse me?" Ryan scoffed, "Like hell."

"What is your problem?!" Frank took a step closer.

"This isn't okay!" Ryan hit his hand on the table, "You can't just take from a man you barely know, Frank!"

"I didn't take!" Frank yelled back, "He fucking insisted, Ryan. You weren't there."

"Take it back," Ryan stated simply and Frank's jaw dropped.

"Oh, yeah, because that'll go down well. He didn't want me looking like a fucking clown at work so he fixed it. He did a fucking better job than you fucking did!"

"Wh-..." Ryan's jaw was now on the floor, "How dare you? How can you not see how weird that is? Most bosses barely buy their employees a coffee and this man knows you as his assistant for two fucking days and he buys you... Are those new shoes?"

"So, what?"

"You have shoes." Ryan seethed, "Just like those."

"He threw them in with the other shit." Frank turned, folding his arms, "I look fucking great and he did it for me so I'm not doing shit. And I will keep wearing them."

"It's like he's fucking grooming you, Frank." Ryan came around the table and up to Frank, looking down at him, "How do you not see it?"

"How do you see this shit?" Frank scoffed, "You're just fucking jealous."

"Jealous?" Ryan's voice raised, "What the fuck am I jealous about?!"

"Oh, yeah, that's right," Frank's voice went up again, "You don't need to have someone buy you shit because you have fucking everything, don't you?! You have everything you want!"

"I do not!" Ryan screamed, looking angry, "How fucking dare you!"

"No, y' know what..." Frank's fists curled as he tried to hold back his anger, "Some of us actually have to be grateful for the shit people give us, and we have to work hard, Ryan! Not everyone has their fucking parents' money if they don't feel like working!"

It was a split second later and Frank's head snapped to the side, a few seconds when his cheek was stinging from the flat contact of Ryan's palm; Ryan had slapped him. Frank's mouth opened as Ryan fumed, tears in his eyes, panting with pure rage. Frank's knees went weak as the intense pain of the slap resonated in him, making his breath shudder out as he looked up at Ryan, both of them in an intense and thick moment of tension as they locked eyes.

"Frank, I-"

Frank couldn't help it, he couldn't understand what had happened to him in that moment, something in his head seemed to unhinge only slightly, seemed to loosen, as he grabbed Ryan, kissing him roughly. Ryan let out a grunt in surprise as Frank kissed him, hands on Ryan's chest as he pushed him against the counter. Ryan pushed at Frank for a second, grunting softly as he tried to figure whether or not Frank was losing his mind.

Frank stumbled back for a second, panting as the saliva between them pooled onto his bottom lip, his eyes were wide and slightly desperate as a knot tightened in his stomach. Ryan's eyes looked him up and down for a second before his brows furrowed and he tucked a slim finger into Frank's pants and pulled him back. Frank let out a grunt, threading his fingers into Ryan's curls as he kissed him feverishly, moaning against Ryan's lips. Ryan leaned back against the counter, holding himself up with one hand propped, the other had moved around Frank instinctively to grab his ass, holding him close.

Frank let out another moan as Ryan tugged at Frank's new jacket, pushing it from his shoulders when it slid down Frank's arms and onto the tiles behind him, Frank's arms now free of tight constraints as he lifted Ryan up and wrapped the latter's legs around his hips. Ryan let out a breathy whimper as he tugged Frank even closer by the tie, their bodies pressed tight with no space between. Frank let out a small grunt as Ryan tugged on his lip, teeth on his lip ring before they sloppily made their way over his jaw and to his neck, the saliva cool with Ryan's shaking pants.

"Whoa- Fuck." Frank groaned, his hips rutting against Ryan as he pulled at the tie at the back of Ryan's head, pulling the orange band from in his curls and chucking it aside as he gripped Ryan's hair in one hand, feeling Ryan's tongue on his neck. Ryan tightened his grip around Frank, his ankles wrapped in a vice as his hands fumbled with Frank's tie, tugging it down as he unbuttoned Frank's shirt somewhat.

Frank pulled Ryan from his neck, hearing Ryan grunt softly before they were kissing again, fiery and needy as tongues rubbed and hips rocked in motion. Frank pushed Ryan back, hastily unbuttoning the buttons on Ryan's red and white plaid shirt, unbuttoning it roughly. Ryan's hands held Frank's face, long fingers bent as his fingertips went through Frank's hair. Frank let out a groan, nipping at the tattoo on Ryan's wrist, sucking softly on the skin, hearing Ryan pant quietly before he pushed Ryan back on the counter, making him go back on his elbows with a surprised huff.

Frank's mouth started at Ryan's chest, kissing as feverishly as he had before as he pushed the shirt and brown waistcoat out of his way, feeling Ryan's fingers in his hair, tugging experimentally. Frank let out a loud groan at the pain in his scalp, biting down on Ryan's soft stomach. Ryan sucked in a breath, keeping it under Frank's mouth as Frank tugged at Ryan's dark blue jeans with his teeth. He looked up at Ryan for a moment, seeing his boyfriend's head back and eyes closed, his pout lips parted a fraction as he took in what Frank was doing. Frank mouthed over Ryan's erection with his tongue before he let out a groan and brought his hands up, gripping Ryan's wrists in his hands before he pulled, watching Ryan fall down onto the counter with a grunt, his head slant against the wall.

Frank kept Ryan's wrists in his tight grip as he kissed up Ryan's pale body and to his lips, kissing him with a low moan, grinding on Ryan, feeling Ryan's denim-encased hard-on against his own. Ryan managed a soft gasp as Frank ground down against him, trying to ease the friction that was building up as quick as it was building in Frank's system.

"Fuck- I-" Frank moaned softly, "I need-" He whimpered as he let go of Ryan's wrists and slid his hands roughly under Ryan's ass, pulling him closer as they pushed against each other, breath hot and sticky on the skin, that added to the entire moment.

"Frank..." Ryan muttered softly, the simple call falling from his lips made Frank's knees buckle instantly, his heart jumping at how raw Ryan's voice sounded. Frank grabbed Ryan even harder and pulled him off the counter, Ryan's feet hitting the tiles as he took Ryan by the hips and turned him around, pushing him against the counter. Frank reached forward and slipped his hand into Ryan's jeans as he unfastened them, palming his boyfriend roughly as he pushed himself up against Ryan, grinding slowly, his eyes closed instinctively.

Ryan gripped the edge of the counter with one hand, the other pressed against the tiles of the wall ahead of him, fingers bent as his nails scraped pleadingly. Frank let out a shaky moan, wrapping his hand around Ryan's dick, palming still as the other hand unfastened his new leather belt and his black slacks. He swallowed, the contact of his hand on himself had his body tremble. Ryan let out a small groan, his hips dipping in against Frank's hand as Frank stroked him, his other hand in sync as he wrapped it around himself properly, rolling his hips up against Ryan. But Ryan shuddered and turned, surprising Frank for a moment before Ryan's hand was on Frank's, jerking him off. Frank let out a groan, a loud groan at the touch and let go, rutting into Ryan's grip, pushing him against the counter with his hips, their bodies slick and shaky.

"W'na come all over you..." Frank whispered as he nipped at Ryan's neck, feeling Ryan's thundering pulse under his tongue.

"Frank- I-"

"Better not say 'no', baby." Frank let out a soft whine as Ryan sped up, nodding in agreement and Frank knew Ryan would want it in the moment, he knew Ryan was just as desperate to get off and Frank knew a part of his boyfriend wanted it just like he used to when they'd get off like this in the school bathrooms, "Lucky I don't fuck you right here." Frank lifted one of Ryan's legs up, pulling Ryan's hips even harder against him, hearing Ryan suck in a breath in surprise, his head lolling back. Ryan's breath came out strangled then as he tried to swallow, his hips thrusting into Frank's hand that was sandwiched between them and Ryan's own fist. Frank could feel himself up on his toes, his legs tense and the rest of his body taut, his eyebrows furrowed as each noise that left him got louder and louder, shorter and rougher.

"Frank w-wait..." Ryan gasped as Frank sped up his hand, "Wh-What about dinner?"

"Fuck dinner." Frank groaned softly as Ryan seemed to do the same and picked up his own pace, tightening his grip on Frank's dick as Frank's nails dug into Ryan's thigh. Ryan's head went back again, his eyes closed as his body shook, his grip slipping from the counter when he came. Frank looked at him, reveling in Ryan's jerking hips, in his tremors as Frank's sloppy handjob did exactly what he had wanted. Frank could feel the slick running down his fingers and on Ryan's pants as he stroked him through his silent orgasm.

Ryan pulled his hips away from Frank as the sensitivity kicked in and Frank let go of Ryan's dick, his fingers in his mouth as he tasted Ryan on his tongue. He let out a moan, goosebumps running rampant over his skin as his brain recollected the taste. Ryan's slack grip tightened again as his orgasm haze wore off into tingles and Frank gasped at the sudden jerk on motion, his hips snapping forward as he practically humped Ryan, whining desperately as his own release grew with intensity and fire.

"Ry- fuck." Frank moaned, his body tight as Ryan's other hand went back around to pull Frank closer into him, gripping his ass in a tight hold. Frank hissed softly as Ryan nipped at his neck again, sucking low on the base beneath his tattoo, the soft sound of Ryan's breathing had Frank's lungs all but collapse in his ribcage. The tight pull in his lower stomach started a slow leak of fizzles before it broke, exploding like an accidental set of fireworks. He cried out, moaning in quick and short snaps as his hips involuntarily sped up, fucking into Ryan's tight fist as he came.

Ryan bit down, making Frank scream softly, his knees giving in almost as he held the counter and rode out his intense orgasm. He stopped, whining breathlessly as Ryan pulled away slowly, wiping his hand on his still unbuttoned shirt. Frank remained still against the counter, his chest rising and falling heavily as he tried and failed to regain moisture back in his mouth and his tongue.

"I-..." Frank croaked as he straightened up, his legs going like jelly as he tucked himself back into his pants, "I don't..."

"Me neither." Ryan whispered as he did the same, "I wasn't expecting that, honestly."

"Yeah, I didn't plan it..." Frank whispered as he leaned in for a kiss but Ryan moved back, making the latter frown, "What?"

"You- Your mouth..." Ryan stuttered and Frank realized that he had practically dizzy-scraped the come off of his hand in his orgasm-chasing haze.

"You're still not going to relent?" Frank sighed, "Fine."

"Sorry, I just... It's gross." Ryan shrugged, "Not my fault."

"Yeah." Frank bent down and picked up his jacket from the tiles, dusting it off pointedly, "Whatevs."

"You're still mad."

"Yep." Frank picked his suits up, the foul mood settling over for the night.

"I'll kiss you if you brush your teeth?" Ryan offered as Frank walked to the stairs.

"Or..." Frank began to ascend the stairs, "You can kiss my ass instead, George."