Chapter Text
***Time Stamp: Wednesday May 30th 1888***
It is amazing how life can change so fast. One minute everything is calm and you are sitting with your fiancé having a nice quiet dinner despite the pounding rain and howling wind outside, and next there is a knock on the door that fucks up your life completely. Robert and Gerard looked up at each other silently questioning the other if they were expecting someone. Both looks indicated a no. While this silent conversation was going on the butler answered the door. The next thing the couple knows is there is this kid standing in the main dining room completely soaked from the rain. His downcast face hidden by long black hair. Just as Robert was about to speak the kid looked up and they saw it was not a kid at all, but a man with a short stature. His hazel eyes dancing from the fire crackling in the hearth. He looked at Robert at first and then Gerard and his face slowly twisted into a smile. It seemed warm, but Gerard still shivered at it. He then looked back at Robert.
“Hello cousin, long time no see.”
Robert looked again at him and recognition filled his eyes and he smiled.
“Frank, it has been ages hasn’t it? Last time I saw you was almost ten years ago!”
The Butler, Peter, took Franks coat and as it slipped off it revealed two full arms covered in sailors markings. One was also visible high on his neck. Gerard had never seen so many on one man. He could not stop staring at them. Suddenly Frank met his gaze and Gerard was caught. He smiled shyly, Frank just smirked back. He nodded to Peter and made his way over to the table. Jamia came out and placed another plate at the table for Frank and poured a cup of rich red wine. He sat down and frowned at the plate. It contained the finest cut of steak. Frank turned to the maid and beckoned her to him again. Jamia looked at Robert and he nodded. Jamia cautiously stepped over to Frank again and he curling his finger so that she would bend down. He whispered something in her ear and she slowly turned bright red. She stood up and Frank smiled at her. She quickly took the plate and returned to the kitchen. Robert looked surprised at this action. All Gerard wondered is what Frank said to make Jamia blush so furiously?
“Was there a problem with the steak? Was it not cooked to your liking?” Robert questioned Frank with concern.
“Not at all, I just do not eat meat…at least not that kind.”
When he said that Frank looked directly at Gerard and he could not help but blush at the attention and looked down at his plate immediately. Jamia returned with a fresh made salad and placed it in front of Frank. Frank thanked her, giving her a quick wink. She blushed again and left the room.
They all ate in silence for the rest of the meal. After dessert, brandy was poured for the three and they retired to the library to relax and catch up. Gerard stood quietly to return working on his latest painting in the corner while the two cousins caught up. He heard little snippets of the conversation and the occasional accompanying laughter. Any apprehension from the unexpected visitor seemed to have dissipated as the brandy settles into all their stomachs and soothed any nerves. Frank’s hair was nearly dry now from sitting in front of the fire. After dinner he had changed into drier clothes. The tight black jeans did little to stop the imagination running wild in Gerard’s mind.
After a while Robert looked at the great grandfather clock and announced that the hour was late. Of course Frank was to be their guest for as long as he wanted to. Family was very important to Robert; it was one of Robert’s most redeeming qualities and Gerard loved him even more for this. They had been engaged for almost a year now and Gerard was getting more excited that the big day was coming closer, as well as the big night. Of course Gerard did not let Robert know about this, he just gushed about how excited he was for the ceremony. Ladies did not talk about the wedding night he admonished himself internal. Although he was not a woman, he was effeminate in his mannerisms and demeanor as well his mind set.
Frank got up and stretched and Gerard caught a glimpse of even more markings on his stomach and hips. He quickly turned his gaze back to his painting. Robert rose at the same time and addressed Gerard.
“Come my dear; let us retire for the night.”
He held out his hand for Gerard and Gerard put down his paintbrush. He covered the canvas with a cloth, wiping his hands on a clean towel, and crossed to Robert. Robert took Gerard’s hand lightly in his and kissed it. Noticing The smear of cobalt blue on Gerard's palm he smiled.
“I cannot wait to see the painting when you are done. I wish you would give me a little peek though.”
Gerard giggles and playfully slapped Robert’s hand away.
“Not until the wedding Bert, you know that.”
Robert pretended to pout and shuffle his feet. Gerard thought it was adorable.
Frank watched this tete-a-tete carefully. He saw how Robert brought a blush of crimson to Gerard’s pale cheeks. He listened as Gerard fondly used Robert’s nickname as they played around. He saw the love in Robert’s eyes for Gerard. He saw how Gerard loved him back equally if not more. Frank saw all this and smiled. He was going to have so much fun breaking them. When he was done Robert would be in ruins and Gerard would be unfit to be anyone’s except him.