Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gee

I cling to my seat, my eyes shut tight as the tug of time and space warping pulls at every limb in my body. This was not a part of the plan.

I was a musician, I was pretty big on my planet, too. Big enough to go galactic, and then intergalactic. Like Bowie or Alanis Morissette. I never thought I was quite that good but I knew I had a passion. It's like words, music spill out of me whether I want them to or not. So I was on tour, playing for any planet who cared to listen.

I was in Andromeda, or somewhere just outside it, when I felt the tug start. I didn't even have my tour-spaceship crew with me, it was just a solo run to XO-319 for dinner, I was supposed to be meeting my brother Mikey. Man, he's probably so worried about me. I try to turn the spacecraft away from the wormhole but it sucks me right in, like a boba pearl in a straw. I'm so screwed.

-

Frank

I was playing guitar when it happened. The moment was really surreal; I'd been having a good session, too, but a bright pinkish light came in through my window. It was like it was suddenly midday. But pink. Naturally, I went to investigate the cause of the light, and now here I am.

You always think of UFOs and think crazy old bumpkins looking for a bit of attention, you think of those little grey guys, like on X-files. You don't think of a big silver spacecraft crashing into your back fence and a red-haired dude in a suit stepping out of it. Not unless you've got a crazy vivid imagination or something.

The man is rubbing their eyes, they seem confused, like they just woke up.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

They jump back. Had they not noticed me approaching them?

"Do you need help?" I try a second time. They tilt their head to the side. I don't even know what to think, how to begin to process something like this.

"I'm Frank," I say stupidly.

They make a sound I've never heard before, like a mechanic gurgle. Whatever they are, they don't speak English.

Chapter Text

Gee

I'm dizzy, my head hurts. There is a man standing in front of me, but he doesn't speak the same language as me. I have no idea what galaxy I'm in, or what planet I'm on.

The man gestures for me to come closer to him. I growl quietly. He frowns. The man is shorter than me, he's in a T-shirt with a band logo I don't recognize and pj pants. His hair is longish and messy.

I look back at my wrecked space craft, at the man. He doesn't seem to want to harm me actively. And I'm hungry for lack of dinner-with-Mikey. I wish my brother was here.

-

Frank

God, what am I gonna do?

I manage to get the alien dude to come into my house. I show them some wings I had leftover in my fridge and they nod. They eat them quickly, and I watch from the couch. There's something strange about them, their bright red hair and pale skin. They're like a bug I found under a rock.

-

Gee

The human dude gave me wings, which are usually a little bigger on my planet but these work. It's one of my favorite foods.

The human says something to me and I jolt. He is just sort of staring at me. To my species, eye contact is a dominance thing. I find this very uncomfortable.

The human moves suddenly, and pats the couch next to him. I think he wants me to join him. I stand after I finish eating and watch him for a moment before sitting at the very opposite end of the couch from him. It is then that he grabs a plastic rectangle and clicks it, causing a bright light and sound to start on a big box across from us.

I yelp and jump up. Before my brain can process my body tells me to run, and I listen. I run straight out of his house and onto the street. I look around. I'm in a city. It is cold out. Someone calls to me in the same language as the human in the house. This one grabs me on the shoulder. He's got a mean looking face and smells like garbage. I squeak and try to get him off me when the human I've already met comes running out of his house. He shoves the man off of me. I am relieved.

Chapter Text

Frank
I convinced the alien to come back inside. They look so terrified, I feel awful. As we're walking inside, they cling my shirt sleeve delicately between their fingers.
It was late when they first arrived in that flash of pink light, and now it is nearly midnight. I manage through a game of charades which nearly sends me into psychosis to explain this to them. I explain that they can sleep in my room with me, or on the couch. They pick couch. Some part of me twinges with disappointment. I don't acknowledge it.
I toss them a sleep shirt which is oversized on me. They flinch, letting out a yowl. After a moment, they strip their suit off in front of me. I look away. The shirt fits them more snugly. I give them a few blankets and try my best to tell them 'come get me if you need anything'.
"Good night," I say, even though they can't understand me.

-

Gee
Of the two humans I have met on this planet, this one is my favorite by a long shot. The shirt they gave me smells nice. I try to sleep. I roll around and eventually shove all the blankets off me. It is hot on this planet.
Eventually I fall asleep.
I feel a tug in my limbs, and scream. My body is being pulled apart. I look up to see Mikey across from me. He is in pain, I sense. I shout for help, for anyone.
I wake up in a sweat. I can't be alone right now.

-

Frank

I am reading when I hear the click of my door being opened. The alien lets out a soft whir and tilts its head to the side. 'Can I come in?'
I nod, and pat the bed. I can't help the smile that starts on my face, but I frown when they come next to me and I notice that they are shaking. They lay flat as a plank in my bed, over the blankets.
As slowly as humanly possible, I move my hand over and brush my finger against their hand. They're burning up.
The alien shivers at my touch. They curl up into a ball and I put my arm on them, cooling them down, or soothing their nerves, I don't know. Whatever it is, it seems to help. After a few moments, their little breaths slow and I know they are asleep.

Chapter Text

Frank
I take the week off of work. I've got an alien to take care of.
Slowly, they begin to warm up to me. They seem inclined to physical contact. They make small motions, like to hold my hand or sleeve. On more than one occasion they have fallen asleep on my shoulder. I can really only describe them as cute. They've been going out to their space ship on occasion, but I don't think they know how to fix it.

-

Gee
We are watching something on the big light box tonight. The human, who I've figured out to be called 'Frank', is watching it. I am watching him. The light bounces off of his face, his lip ring. I am curled up, with my arms wrapped around my knees.
I am an adult of my species, but my hormones are operating like a teenager's. I think it is all the overstimulation of being stuck on another planet. I wonder if anyone will come looking and find me. I miss my brother.
Anyways, hormones. My species are a lot more physical than humans seem to be, or maybe Frank does not like me. Or he is nervous around me? I get waves, sometimes, of frustration. Why is he so focused on the light box and not me? And why does it matter to me in the slightest.
"Furankk," I whisper. I don't say it quite as good as he does.
He looks at me and raises his eyebrows. Something in my face gives away my frustration, I guess, because he pats my head, runs his fingers through my hair. I let out an involuntary purr. He smiles.

-

Frank
This alien dude is like a cat or something. Like, they look like a human, and I can tell they're not stupid, but they purr, and they're always brushing up against me. I like the feeling, like someone is relying on me. I put my hand on their cheek and give their soft skin a squish. They yowl in protest. I giggle.
They imitate the noise.
"You little shit!" I grin.
They stick out their tongue, and I laugh harder because besides the tongue, they don't change their expression. I ruffle their hair again and they nestle up to my chest.
I look back at the tv. I've put on x-files for us. It seems fitting.

The next day

Frank
"Dude, where have you been?" Ray shouts over the phone.
"Listen, I've got a- guest," I mess with my lip ring, a nervous habit. The alien is sitting on the couch, which I am standing behind. They are looking up at me. I bend down and put my forhead to theirs and they give a purr.
"so you've missed a week of work for a guest?!"
"Look man," I sigh. "Just come over later, I'll show you."
I wonder how my alien will react to meeting someone new. I know Ray will handle it well. He is my best friend of a dozen years and the kindest person I've ever met.
I hear a 'brrr' noise and look down to see the alien petting my dog, Lola. They pet her methodically and with their palm like a child.
I jump over the couch to sit beside them and they lean into me for a moment before returning to Lola.
I think for a moment before deciding to try something. I tap them on the shoulder. They give me a curious look.
They turn to face me and I point to myself.
"Frank," I say. "My name is Frank." They know this already, but I want to make my point clear to them.
"Furankk," they repeat. Cute.
I point to them now.
"What's your name?"
They frown. I repeat myself.
Their hazel eyes light with recognition.
"My.. name," they start. "Gerard."
"Gerard?" I grin.
They nod and pat me on the head, like a reward.
"Gerard," I repeat, feeling the name in my mouth. "Sweet."

-

Gee
Frank knows my name now.
We are eating lunch together when there is a knock on the door. I wrap my arms around his waist. He will protect me. Frank nods at me, as if to say 'it's okay'.
A man walks in the door and I hold Frank tighter. The man has shoulder length curly hair, he is tall. I watch him carefully.
"Hello!" He says. I know that word. I've begun to pick up on some English, hearing it on the light box (I learned to be called a television!) and listening to Frank.
"Hello," I say back. I try to give him a grin but it doesn't exactly reach my eyes, so it's more like I'm baring my teeth awkwardly. He raises his eyebrows and looks at Frank.
Frank expels a breath and begins speaking to the man, whose shocked expression grows majorly as they go back and forth. Eventually, Frank turns to me. He points to the man.
"His name is Ray," he says patiently.
I nod, understanding.
Ray extends a hand to me. I trust Frank, and frank would not let him touch me if he meant to hurt me, so I shake his hand. Ray smiles.
I've got a new friend!

Chapter Text

Frank
Ray hangs around for a few hours. I knew he would handle the situation well, and I feel a sense of pride that Gerard warmed up to him. Ray has left now and we're sitting on the couch eating dinner. I finish my food (ramen, I need to go grocery shopping.) and move to lay with my legs draped over the couch, so that my head rests in Gerard's lap. I place my head lightly at first, so they know if they want to move me they can. They don't.
"We need to get out of the house," I say to myself. Gerard glances down at me. I have one of those impulsive moments you get when you aren't sure what to say; I plant a kiss on their belly. They giggle.
"Frank!" Their pronouncing of my name is improving slowly.
"Sorry!" I laugh. I do it again then. They let out a whine, saying something in their own language, and give me a shove. I lift my head up.
Holding myself up by the hands, still laying down, I look at them. I'm grinning at first, but it fades as we hold eye contact for several seconds. The soft skin of their cheeks goes pinkish and they break contact.
"Bath.. room," they stutter, standing up.

-

Gee
I splash water from the sink on my face. I've always been particularly sensitive about prolonged eye contact, even for my species. Usually, that means I avoid eye contact in general, or I'll if I have to, I'll get all nervous after a couple seconds and look away. It was different this time.
I watch myself in the mirror, fix up my hair, before leaving the bathroom.
"Gerard?" Frank calls.
"You okay?"
I nod. I can feel the heat in my face as I walk back to sit beside him. "I am okay."
After a little, I go outside. It is nice and cool. I lean against the spaceship and watch the sun lower and stars fade into view. I wonder which one belongs to my solar system.
Though I have been intergalactically famous, made billboards on at least a dozen planets in my home's tri-galaxy area, I come to realize something, tonight beneath the stars. I am so very small. I wonder if anyone will come looking for me, if they will find me, even if they do. I feel a sting in my eyes and squeeze them shut. I haven't cried in months, I'm an adult, it all feels so ridiculous.
A presence lowers itself down beside me. Frank. I hide my face in my knees so he doesn't see me crying. His arm is around my shoulders. I lean against him. I forget my flusteredness earlier, all of those jolting emotions traded out for steadiness, what I can only describe as love. But I don't love Frank, do I? How would I know? Does a speck of cosmic dust feel love for its companion, shouldn't I just float along, be on my way?
I look up at him. My eyes are red, I'm sure I look gross. He just wraps both of his arms around me, sets his head atop mine. I turn back to face the sky.
Maybe being small isn't so bad, if I get to be surrounded by all this beauty.

Chapter Text

Frank
I inhale on a cigarette on my back porch.
The sky is still grey with morning, but I couldn't sleep, so I came out here. I plan on taking Gerard on a little coffee date today, get them adjusted to the outside. They were crying last night and it almost killed me. I worry that they were crying because of something I did.
I processed for the first time, when we were out there, that they are going to have to leave sometime. Sooner rather than later, I'll bet.
I wish that I could give them something nicer to wear. Something so beautiful doesn't belong in old jeans and t-shirts. It takes a bit of charade-playing to get them to understand what I want, the coffee date, but hesitantly they agree.
"Coffee?" They ask with that sweet tilt in their head.
"It's a drink," I gesture to a mug and they nod. "You've probably had it before, whatever you call it in your language."
Gerard is doing so well picking up on English. Sometimes I will catch them watching the TV on the floor real close, with subtitles on. Like they're studying it.
They hold my hand as we walk out to the car, give it a light squeeze when it's time to let go. As we drive, they bob their head gently to the music. I try to keep my eyes on the road but my eyes keep drawing back to Gerard. They have been avoiding eye contact with me since yesterday.

-

Gee
A bell rings as we enter a little shop. My heart is racing and I hold one of Frank's arms in mine. A few humans glance at me. One gives a mean look. I keep my eyes down.
Frank orders for me, I wonder what he will choose for me. We sit down at a table with two seats, and he sets my drink at my spot. Oh, coffee! My favorite! The top is a pale froth and a delicate steam is floating up from it, so I wait until it cools. I rest my head in my hands and watch the steam rise. I can feel Frank's eyes on me.
"Gerard?"
"Mmm?" I hum.
"How are you feeling?"
I keep my eyes on the coffee. He reaches his hand across the table and I take it in mine. His skin is cool, tattooed. I trace his tattoo with my finger and he shudders, pulling back slightly. I look up to see he is lightly flushed. I smile in a small way and look back down.
The date goes well, spare a few looks from people passing us, either at my alien-ness or the fact we are holding hands. I feel slightly ashamed.
Music is playing again on the ride home, songs I haven't heard before, until one.
My ears practically perk up.
"David Bowie?"
Frank looks absolutely astounded.
"You know Bowie?!"
"I did not know he was from here."
"He doesn't seem like he would be, does he?" Frank laughed.
Oh no
Not me
I never lost control
I sing along, which seems to impress Frank. I hadn't put together that the language he was singing in was English.
You're face
To face
With the man who sold the world.

Chapter Text

Gee
When we get home, Frank pauses in the doorway. Just barely inside the house, I keep my eyes glued to my shoes.
"Gerard?" There is something solid in his tone, direct. I let out a hum to let him know I'm listening.
This is not enough, apparently. He wraps his fingers around my chin, not in a harsh manner, not ever in a harsh manner, but it is a command, definitely. He raises my face, forcing our eyes to meet.
"You won't look at me."
I don't know what to say, don't know enough English to even get the words out if I had them. So I just do as he's dared me to do. I look him in the eye. Our faces are like magnets and I feel exceptionally polarized as I am met with a choice.
I shut my eyes and kiss him.
He jolts, and an electric current runs through us as he uses one hand to slam the door shut, the other to clasp my hair.
We have had physical contact more times than I can count; we've held hands, leaned on each-other, given gentle and teasing kisses, but never on the lips. And it has never felt like this. Nothing has ever felt like this.
I let out a low purr and the kiss moves from quick and energetic to a slow, fiery thing.
This desperation is going to tear me apart.
A buzz comes from inside Frank's pocket.
He snaps back, leaving me with parted lips, a furrowed brow. He pulls his phone from his pocket.
"Shit, I have to-" he points to the phone. I nod, dazed.
He goes back out the front door. I lean my ear against the cool wood so I can hear his voice. I don't understand what he's saying, but I like the sound of it. I leap back when he opens it again. He gives me a look, with deep green eyes and a slight frown.
"I have to go," he points to his car. "Work."
I nod and step forward. He puts a hand out and shakes his head.
"You can't come."
"But-"
He brings me inside.
"You can put on the TV. I will be back in a few hours."
The way he speaks feels tighter than usual. My heart sinks to the bottom of my feet. Now he is avoiding eye contact with me.
"Okay," I say in a defeated tone. "Good-bye Frankie."
"Bye, Gerard."
He is nearly out the door before making a final glance at me. I think my expression is telling, because he expels a breath and comes quickly back to me.
He plants a kiss on my forehead, and I smile.
"Be safe," he whispers. I nod. He says three words which I don't understand, and leaves.

Chapter Text

Frank
I have to be losing my mind. I'm not even gay. I can't believe I told them I loved them, we only just met. And they didn't even respond. I can't blame them, really. Did they even understand me?
I'm driving only a little over the speed limit, music blasting. "I love you man, but come in right now or you're fired," Patrick had told me. Breaking up our kiss felt either like a relief or the loss of something indescribable. All I know is I need some air.
The record store I work at is small, owned by an old friend (Patrick, duh), and always smells at least a little like weed. Just how I like it.
"Where the fuck have you been?" Patrick says when I step in the door. "You haven't been sick again, have you?"
"Sure, you could call it that."
Patrick raises his eyebrows.
"Anyways, why did you need me in so bad?" I cough.
"Pete got a fight with this dude. Or more like, when Pete went to talk to him, the dude punched him in the gut. Weird looking guy, too."
"Odd."
I take counter duty and Patrick goes back to restocking vinyls. About an hour goes by before he lets out an 'oh!' And comes up with a small paper. I frown.
"I totally forgot, the dude dropped this when he punched Pete." Patrick laughs, clearly reliving the sight.
I drop the scanner I'm holding.
The paper, though it is crumpled and slightly worn, is unmistakable. Gerard.
"Pat, I've gotta go."
He gawks at me.
"This is serious. I'll pay you back later, I'll do as much overtime as you want."
"Frank, if you walk out the door, I swear you're fired."
I start backing up.
"Frank," he repeats sternly.
I run out the door.

-

Gee
"Mikey?"
I stare at my brother in disbelief.
"Gee," he says breathlessly.
"Did you run here?!"
He nods, and steps inside the house.
I sit with my jaw agape for several more moments before embracing Mikey in the tightest hug I've ever given.
"I was so worried, everyone's been so worried about you, Gee. Do you have any idea how long I waited in that diner?"
I feel a prickle in the corner of my eye and wipe away the beginnings of tears, laughing a little.
"I was scared I'd never get home again," I say. "But, I met this human named Frank."
Mikey cocks an eyebrow.
"This is his house, Mikey, he took me in and he's been letting me stay with him and everything, he's so sweet."
"Look, that's great, but we gotta go," Mikey says, glancing out the window. There is a ship hovering several feet above the road.
As I am looking outside, a car comes speeding up and parks outside the house. I feel sick all of a sudden.
We run outside.
"Frank," I speak as he steps out of his car.
"You're leaving," he says with a tone somewhere between robotic and in disbelief.
I nod shyly.
"I have to," I explain in my warbled English. His brow is pinched now in desperation.
The ship lowers down to the yard and a door falls open. Mikey walks into it and stands at the entrance waiting for me. I look between the two.
"Don't-" Frank says. "Don't leave me."
I have a career waiting for me, shows to play, family and friends that are worried sick about me, I'm sure. I know Mikey is, at least.
I walk up to Frank and take his hand. I kiss his forehead gently.
"I love you," I say.
He doesn't understand.
I cry the whole ride home.

Chapter Text

Frank
It is two in the morning. I can't sleep. I haven't been able to sleep for weeks. I get out of bed, pull on some pants. A pair I'd let them borrow twice.
I light a cigarette and go out back. Lola sits next to me on the porch step, tail wagging.
I've been dreaming about you again.
It's never anything wild, in fact, I can only hear your heartbeat most nights, can almost feel the rise and fall of your chest.
I stare up at the sky. I've been doing a lot of that, too. I know this feeling has to go away at some point.

-

Gee
Mikey explains to me that it has been around three weeks that I've been gone, and we put together the affect wormholes have on time, bending it so I only felt a week and a half pass.
We've spent several days on my home planet, and I've missed a good dozen shows, but now I think it is time to go back to performing. I do not want to let people down.
-
(Still Gee)
The first show goes well, until I am looking out at the audience. I make contact with green eyes, a sharp jaw, and my heart squeezes up so tight I stop singing for a moment. It isn't you.
I recognize your face in everything.
After the show, Mikey and a few friends congratulate me. I escape their grasps and find a wall to hide behind outside. I stare up at the sky.
I'm such a fool.

-

Frank
"I think you oughta talk to someone professional, Frank," says Ray. "I mean, I'm always here to listen, but I don't think I'm enough right now."
I sigh.
"It's fine, I mean, I'll get over it. They were just," I think for a moment "someone."
"I just don't want you to fall back into one of your depressions, you know?" Ray frowns. He's sitting across from me in my living room, petting Lola.
"Yeah, I know."
Ray stands up and moves next to me. He hugs me in an awkward way and I let my head fall on his shoulder.
"Thank you," I mutter.

Chapter Text

Frank
The record shop smells particularly strongly of weed today.
There are deep set bags below my eyes, my hair is combed back into a beanie.
I am humming to myself, scanning a stack of CDs when Ray comes in.
"I thought you worked Tuesday/Thursday?" I question.
"Patrick wanted me to come in, plus I wanted to talk to you about something."
I frown.
"I was wondering if you wanted to come to this show with me, you know, get out of the house."
"I am out of the house," I say.
"I mean besides work, man."
"It is getting kinda sad," says Patrick, pushing apart the beads leading from the back room. "Did you go through a breakup or something?" His face drops. "Did Lola die?"
I shake my head, Ray grimaces for me.
"No, no. I'm just, I donno, out of it."
"Alright man," he puts a hand on my back, shaking me slightly. "But if you need anything you call me."
I nod.
I appreciate Ray and Patrick, I really do. It's really frustrating, honestly, being so latched to something I had for such a short time. Especially when they just left like it was nothing. Like none of it had mattered. Maybe it hadn't.
"Here," Ray says, stuffing a ticket in my hand. For a band called 'Zero'. He chews his lip nervously before I say:
"I've never heard of them."
"You'll like them, trust me," he grins.
I mess with my lip ring, thinking.
"Fine. Sure. Why not."
Ray fist pumps and before I can even process it, his smile spreads to my own face.

~

Gee
"My angel," his voice whispers. "Won't you kiss me?"
So I do. I can feel Frank's hot breath on my cheek, though my eyes are closed. I wish I could look at him. Instead I part my lips, allowing him to kiss me. I let out gently noised and his knee presses up between my thigh.
"My angel," he whispers again, against my neck. "Wont you wake up?"
Make a confused hum.
"Wake up.
Wake UP!"
I bolt upright to see Mikey glaring over me in the dark of the tour-ship.
"God, Gee, you act like you didn't sleep the whole time you were on that planet."
I mumble an apology. I can feel the heat in my cheeks. I haven't had a dream like that since high-school. I'm not as embarrassed, though, or even turned on, as I am frustrated. There is an ache in my chest I can't seem to squash. I shake my head and comb back my hair with my fingers.
"We'll be there in a few hours, to Neptune. Big show tonight. You'd ought to start getting ready."
Mikey is such a worrier, which is a good thing, depending on the day. I have these days which sometimes stretch into weeks when I just can't get myself out of bed on my own. When I want to vanish entirely. I don't want to die. I just wish I couldn't be seen. Mikey helps pull me out of bed those days, reminds me that I'm not the only thing I exist for, that other people need me too.
"Thank you, Mikes," I say.
"Love you, Gee."

Chapter Text

Frank
I put on my favorite pair of jeans, a tight zip-up hoodie. I even brush my hair before making my way to the car. It is a good thing Ray sent me the address of the show earlier, because he isn't responding to me now for whatever reason. My guess is that he got there early as per usual and befriended someone. It's always something along those lines with him.
I check the time on my watch anxiously as I make my way to the location. I pull into a busy parking lot. Here I am.
I'd ought to call Ray. I take out my phone and try twice, but he doesn't pick up. Anxiety digs at my stomach. Hopefully I'll find him inside.
I push my way through the crowd and flash my ticket to an odd looking security guard, who lets me through. The lights are dim and pinkish, and there is a constant chatter, the bass beat of the pre-show humming. I spot someone with shoulder-length curly brown hair and grab their shoulder.
"Yes?"
I apologize hurriedly to the woman and find a gap in the crowd by a wall. Where is Ray? Is he messing with me? I feel my chest squeeze and anxiety nearly drowns me before my attention is snapped to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" A man says into the mic. "Please welcome... Zero!"
There is an applause, and the man bows off the stage.
The lights go out. I consider leaving before the music can start, going home and curling up in a ball and crying and never going outside again. I turn to go.
The sound of electric guitar strikes the air.
The light fades on in a concentrated beam at center stage. I pause and watch.
My eye catches on brilliant red hair, a blue suit. I nearly throw up.
When their voice echoes out, cool and gentle, it is unmistakable. Gerard.
Their face is scanning the audience, their foot is tapping steadily, nervously.
I move through the crowd in a trace, until I am almost to the front. I am not sure whether I want them to see me or not. Whether I want them to see me like this.
A beam of light raises with the music through the audience, and I see a spark of recognition in their eye. Their voice breaks a little, just for a split second. So faint no one but me could have possibly noticed. They keep their eyes on me as they sing, their cheeks growing steadily redder. I wonder if they are embarrassed to perform in front of me. I think that they look exceptionally beautiful as they wink at me, but my attention is drawn elsewhere as I realize the reason behind the wink.
"Ray?" I say loud enough to turn a few heads. I recognize his guitar playing before I even see him enter the stage. He has played in front of me enough times for his sound to be engrained in my memory permanently.
I can almost feel the cogs click and whir in my head as I realize what was going on.

~

Gee
When the show is over, I move quickly back to my dressing room. I wipe the sweat off of me and slip the jacket of my suit off. I frown in the mirror at my figure in the thin white shirt. I wonder how Frank thought of me.
Oh god.
I pace around the room. What now? I'll have to face him at some point. What if none of it matters to him? What if he just lets me go?
I unbutton the first few buttons of my shirt because it feels like I am being strangled alive.
Someone knocks on the door; my heart leaps from my chest.