Tight Ropes and Masquerade Masks

Frank's Pov

The night is December 17th. It's quite a bit colder than normal. A little unusual for Jackson, Mississippi, where we're used to it being warm and quite humid. Not tonight, no. Tonight, a thick layer of frost covered the large lawn in front of the estate, making the land glow with such brilliance underneath the light of the moon. The animals of the night, tucked safely within their nests, making the night utter silent except for the occasional footstep or sound of the wind rushing through the tall oak trees.

My breath came out in a fog as I placed my fur jacket onto my shoulders, shivering only once as I looked down at the line of guests entering the large, wooden french doors. I never really enjoyed these..masquerade parties. I never really understood the point in them really. Why hide who you are? Why not just be honest. Although..I suppose I did see somewhat of a point. It's the one night when you can be whoever you want to be, take a break from being yourself and letting go, and at the end of the night, hopefully if you've found love..they'll feel the same way about you.

Honestly, I've always thought mother made these parties just to find me a young wonderful woman to be with, to make my bride. As if she didn't pester me about it enough. All she wants is grandchildren. She tells me of my sisters wedding, and how marvelous it would be to have one of my own some day. Well, I don't see that happening. Thankfully, mother hasn't caught on to my preference to..the other sex. If she did find out, not only would I be disowned..but I would more than likely be hung for my..transgressions. It's a stupid 'crime' really. Why should one be punished for doing what they want, for being who they really are?

“Frank, for heaven's sake get inside. You'll catch your death out here!” I heard my mother call out to me from inside my room. I sighed and rolled my eyes. If I should be so lucky. As I walked through my double doors she scoffed and shook her head. You look utterly ridiculous, Frank! Your hair is a complete mess, and your tie!” She said, raising her voice as she crossed the room and immediately began fixing my tie. “You need to look your best for tonight! A lot of the single women from town are coming, some of them already asked where you were.” I couldn't help but let an audible groan escape my lips. “Now I'll have none of that attitude tonight, you hear? Be on your best behavior..and be nice? Now..put on your mask.” She said as she handed me the ornate black and silver mask. “Be down in five minutes.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I mumbled to myself as I moved to stand in front of my full-length mirror. I let out a heavy sigh as I tied my mask around my head. Mother really has no idea how much I loathe these things, yet she pressures me into doing them. Her hopes are just gonna die with the rest of my dreams.

With yet one more reluctant sigh, I slipped on my evening jacket and began the long, dreadful walk downstairs. Already, the sounds of loud laughter and, the uplifting music of La Traviata filled the halls, echoing loudly, making me wince at the thought of me having to dance. Surely, some..seemingly beautiful woman will ask me to dance. None will receive an offer from me, much to the dismay of mother, of course. But I'm not completely rude, you see. I will dance..doesn't mean I'll have to enjoy it.

Thankfully though, I made it downstairs in enough time so that I could actually blend in with the crowd. Last year, I made the mistake of coming down in the middle of the party so everyone knew who I was and immediately asked me to dance. But not this time, thank heavens. I smiled to myself and walked over to the food table where they were beginning to set up. I saw one of the workers about to address me and I shook my head and placed my finger over my lips. He nodded and smiled before he offered a plate. I smiled and took it graciously before I managed to grab a glass of hot cyder.

As I took a look around, I noticed that most, if not all of the guests have managed to make their way into the ballroom, some of them already dancing, as the others followed my lead and grabbed a bite to eat. I managed to make my way to a small table, only room for maybe one or two left, before I began eating. My eyes followed the elegant and graceful music of the dancers, the women' dresses flowing as they turn, the smiles on their faces as the men bowed to them and kissed their hands..the blush on the womens cheek that followed. I rolled my eyes and sighed as I take another bite of my crabcake before washing it down with a sip of cider.

Useless. All of this is useless. People paying an enormous amount of money, basically to show off, parading around in hopes of getting lucky. Supposedly there's a mystery aspect that draws people in. I just don't see it because I see through the mystery. I see nothing but helpless people on the way to a drunken and regretful night.

“I don't suppose this seat is taken?” I snaped my head up as my thoughts were interrupted. A woman, hair as golden as the sun, smiled down at me as she held her dark blue gloved hands in front of her. A small smile graced her face, her cheekbones only slightly lifting the ornate silver mask. Her dress, matched the color of her gloves, with the occasional silver accent here and there. Simple but elegant. “I don't mean to intrude. You seemed deep in thought, alone, so I didn't think you'd mind.” I was about to offer her the seat next to mine, until a man, brooding lad, walked up behind her, casually placing his hand on her waist and kissing her shoulder. “Would you mind if my husband and I had this table? It's the only one small enough for the both of us. All the other ones were taken and..”

“Say no more. It's yours..” I said with a smile as I stood up and bowed, taking my plate with me, not bothering to help her with her seat. I'm pretty sure her husband can help her with that. What kind of a man is he to send his wife in to do the dirty work for him? Is he too much of a coward to ask his own self. I shook my head and chuckled as I placed my dish in the basin and just made my way onto the balcony overlooking the cotton fields. The thick layer of frost made it seem like if it had snowed. If only we were so lucky. Snow would be a nice change from the seemingly never ending heat.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out the small tin containing my cigarettes. I took a single one out and quickly lit it with a match before I threw the spent match to the ground. I took a drag and let it out with a smile. Something else mother doesn't approve of. If she knew of my smoking she'd have my head. I chuckled to myself and sat down on one of the chairs. “Mind if I have one of those?” I looked up to see a pair of hazel eyes, staring into mine. His crooked smile revealed his slightly small teeth. He ran his hand through his shoulder length raven hair, his fingers gracing over the bright red, masked that covered his face. “Did I scare you?” He asked, a slight giggle to his tone.

“No uhm..excuse my rudeness. Of course you can have one.” I said as I retrieved one more cigarette and held a lit match out to him. He smiled and accepted the gesture graciously before he too took a long drag. “You escaping the madness as well?” I asked, merely trying to start up a conversation. For some reason I felt compelled to talk to him.

He smiled and nodded as he took yet another drag as he nodded. “I'm afraid the madness has only begun.” He said, his smile turning into a smirk as a chuckle escaped his lips. I nodded, a chuckle of my own escaping my lips. “But yes, I came out here to, get a breath of fresh, chilly, air. I see you had the same idea. The madness must be getting to you too.” He said as he looked down at me with curious eyes.

I nodded and shrugged. “Yes, I suppose. I've gone to these things for as long as I can remember. I've never really enjoyed them much. I thought that they might grow on me as the years passed. Sadly no.” I said with a sarcastic tone, making him giggle. “I take it you too don't see the point in all of this...” He nodded and took a drag before he just took off his mask, leaving it on the railing in front of him. The dim light of the porch lamp allowing me to see his features more clearly now.

I smiled and stood up before I extended a hand. “Since we both don't believe in the whole charade of things..” I said as I took his hand in mine and swiftly untied my mask and placed it onto the rail. “I'm Frank. And..you are?” I ask, smiling genuinely as he shakes my hand.

“My name is Gerard, Gerard Way. Me and my brother Michael are here on behalf of my mother and father to, introduce our family.” He said waving his free hand, still shaking mine. “Oh, sorry.” He said with a blush as he realized what he was doing. I dismissed it with a slight wave of the hand and smiled. “My family and I moved down here last month from the north to settle new grounds. To start anew Mother heard of the party and insisted that we go, introducing ourselves and our family. No matter how many times I informed her about the meaning of a masquerade party, she never understood. But, alas. Here I am, fulfilling my mother's wish.” He said bowing, keeping his eyes on mine before he stood and smiled. So..tell me, Frank. Why are you not down there, prancing around with all the others in the ballroom? This is your party after all, isn't it?” He asked keeping his eyes on mine still.

“Being forced to do something your whole life takes a toll on you eventually, good manners aside. I pretend to enjoy these things to keep my mother happy...and quiet.” I said, causing him to smile slightly and nod. I shrug and lean my hands on the railing. “I don't know. The whole thing just doesn't make sense to me. Hiding behind a mask. It's something I do everyday anyways.”

It was then that his smile faded and he hung his head. “I too know what it means to hide behind a mask.” He said as he pulled a silver flask from his pocket and took a swig. He then offered it to me, which I respectfully declined. “But I wear it in stride. I have to.” He said as he looked down at me. “Why do you do it? Wear the mask, I mean.” He asked, keeping his curious eyes on mine. Normally I wouldn't take too kindly to someone staring so intently at me, but for some reason, I didn't mind. Not at all. He sensed my hesitation and cleared his throat. “If..if you don't want to say that's fine. It was quite rude of me to ask anyways. We hardly know each other.”

I shook my head and smiles as I ran my hand through my chin length hair. “It's not rude of you to ask. You're curious, so you should ask if you want to. It's nice to talk to someone other than my mother and my..for lack of a better word, annoying sister. I actually enjoy talking to you, for the short time I've known you anyways..you seem to be a good person.” He smiled and nodded, seeming to agree with my statement, about enjoying the conversation and company. Maybe even a hint of blush playing on his cheeks. Either that or it could be the cold air, whipping around him. He shivered once and I giggled.

I raised my hand, telling him to give me a moment. I walked inside to the coat room immediately at my side before I grabbed one of my fur coats from the rack. I came back outside and placed it around his shoulders before I stepped away. “It suits you. You can keep it if you wish. I have many more where that came from.”

He smiled as he ran his fingers through the long fur, wrapping it around him further before he looked down at me, his expression changing from curious, admiring, back to curious again. “You know. You're different from all the other men I've met. I..can't quite put my finger on it, though.” He said, his voice drifting into almost a whisper as his smile turned up a little bit.

I couldn't help the blush on my cheeks as I shook my head and smiled. “I'm different in more ways than one, I suppose. Some ways more..acceptable than others, but different none the less.” I cleared my throat and grabbed his flask from the railing and took a swig, smiling as I saw him nod in approvement. “I figured the offer was still good for me to take you on it.” I said before I returned his flask to his jacket pocket. I looked up at him, our faces in such a close proximity quite unusual except for a loving couple on their wedding day.

I backed away, clearing my throat once again before I shook my head. “How rude of me. I didn't answer your question.” He nodded and smiled coyly as he reached inside of my jacket pocket, retrieving the tin and grabbing another cigarette. Lighting one for himself before handing me the second lit one. I took it with a smile and took a drag. “You see. I wear the mask, so that I'm not even more of a disappointment to my family. Despite how pressuring they are, I still love them. I don't want to destroy the reputation they've built up.” He furrowed his eyebrows and shook his head.

“What about you could cause your parents reputation to become soiled. Surely you haven't robbed a bank or anything of that sort. Pardon me for saying, but you don't seem like the type who could..or who would want to pull that off.” He asked, those curious, seemingly glowing, hazel eyes pierced into mine.
Something inside of me to just keep it to myself, to stop now while I was ahead to spare both of us the trouble. Something else inside of me told me to tell him anyways, that he wouldn't mind. In fact, he would accept it. “I haven't done anything in that sense, no.” I said with a chuckle as I took yet another drag. “It's not illegal..well..” I paused to roll my eyes. “It is, but I don't believe it should be. It's utterly ridiculous how closed minded people are.” I said, halfway in shame as I played with my hands. “Mother wonders why I haven't found myself a woman. It's as if she's blind to what's really going on.” As soon as I said that, I looked up to gauge his reaction. When I saw him looking off, out into the fields, I hung my head in shame and sighed. “If you're disgusted, I won't take offense in you leaving. I understand.” I said as I sighed.

“You're wearing the same mask as me.” He said causing me to snap my head up and look up at him, this time my eyes becoming the confused ones. “I had my suspicions at first when you placed the coat around me, then again when your face remained so close to mine that I could see the blood rushing to your cheeks right in front of my eyes. Just like they're doing now. But as I said. I too know your burden of wearing the mask. I know how it is to hide..” He said, hanging his head only slightly as his fingers ghosted over my own. “You're not alone.

“I..had my suspicions about you as well.” I said, causing him to smile. “Your hand wasn't exactly so discrete when you grabbed my tin. I could feel you feeling of me.” I smiled as he too began to blush. I walked over to the railing and retrieved both of our masks before I placed his mask in his hands. “Well..it seems as if we've..somewhat conformed to the rules of the evening..so..we should put this back on.” I said as I tied my mask around my face. “It's only fair, afterall.”

He smiled and too placed his mask back on his head and bowed. “Well, since we've put back on our masks.., and at the same times, took our burdening ones off..so to speak.” He said, smiling as he held his hand out. “May I have this dance?”.

I smiled and nodded as I bowed, taking his gloved hand in mine. He pulled me closer, leaving but a small space between our bodies. He took one hand in mine then placed the other on my waist, causing another rush of blood to flow to my cheeks. I couldn't help but to thing how wrong this was, what I was doing. Dancing, with a man, none the less. It's been drilled into my head for as long as I can remember that only a woman and a man shall be in a relationship and love. That something like this..something so good..was so wrong. How could something so...nice, so..soothing..so..right be so wrong? “You dance wonderfully.” I said, causing him to smirk once again.

“Mmm as do you. Surprisingly well for someone who claims to prefer not to dance.” He says with a smile as he pulled me even closer, still. “It feels nice doesn't it? To let go. To finally take off the mask and be who you really are.”

“Honestly, I can't remember the last time I felt like this. So..unrestrained..” I said as I look up at him with a smile. He then stopped the dance, and I was about to ask why he did so. But before I could even blink, his lips were pressing against mine and both of his hands moved down to my waist mine slowly wrapped around his neck. I parted my lips only slightly, gasping as both shock and happiness surged throughout me. I closed my eyes as I let out a shaky breath. His breath hitched in his throat as he pushed me, slightly to where I was against the wall.

He and I both gasped as the moment of passion caused our bodies to touch in ways two men shouldn't touch. I kissed him back with more passion than I thought I could ever muster for another human being, my hands moving to cup his cheeks. He pulled away and smiled down at me, pressing our foreheads together for a moment his eyes staring into mine before he began kissing down my neck. I couldn't help but to smile as this is the first time I've ever felt truly happy. I turned my head to the side and it was then that I saw the horrified expression on my mother's face. My eyes widened and I tried to move Gerard away but he wouldn't budge.

“HOW DARE YOU LAY YOUR HANDS ON MY SON IN THAT MANNER!” She screamed, causing him to jump away from me and stammer backwards. He looked at me with a horrified expression as he held his hands up. “My son does not like men! He..he's going to marry a lovely woman one day.” I moved over to her, raising my hands to try and calm her down. Her face turned up in a grimace before she slapped me hard, causing me to recoil. Tears rushed to my face as I cupped my cheek. “Y-you. I'll deal with you later.” Mother said to me as she turned to Gerard. “A disgusting human being like you shouldn't deserve to walk this earth. You are nothing but filth and you're doing nothing but filling my son's head with impure thoughts about men! I won't have you corrupting my boy..or any other boy for that matter.” She said, composing herself before she opened the door, revealing the three angry men standing at her side.

“No.” My voice was barely above a whisper as realization set in. “No!” I screamed as the men pushed past me and headed straight for Gerard. Tears filled my eyes and spilled down my cheeks as one of them quickly pulled Gerard's hands behind his back and tied them tightly, causing the rope to cut into his skin slightly. I tried to run towards him to try and set him free, but a set of strong arms held me close, keeping me in my place. No matter the struggle I put up, it was to no avail. I was going no where.

The roar of the three angry men pulling Gerard and I down the stairs was nothing against his screams of horror as they pulled the ropes even tighter around his body. “Mother stop this!! Let him go! He has done nothing wrong!!” I screamed, once again doing nothing to shake the composition of my mother nor the men as we pushed out of the main doorway and onto the lawn. The man that was holding me stopped as we reached the base of the nearest towering oak. I couldn't help but to let out another scream as I saw the newly fashioned noose hanging from the lowest branch, the other end tied onto the saddle of a horse, that would pull it up as the horse went on.

It was then that my mother walked up to me, a tear streaming down her face. “All I wanted was happiness for you, Frank. I gave you everything you could have ever wanted as a child, and this is how you choose to repay me. With your sin. You will watch this..” She said as she grabbed my head as I tried to look away.

I stared into Gerard's terrified eyes as the noose was tightened around his neck. He gulped and fought against the ropes, as one last effort before he sighed and closed his eyes. One of the men mounted the horse and looked towards my mother. A low sob escaped my lips as I whispered, “I'm sorry.” Tears streamed down my face as I saw my mother raise her hand. I closed my eyes and let out yet another sob as I heard the horse gallop and the men cheer as the rope grew tight.

Only a few seconds later, the man who had his grip on me so tight let me go and pushed me to the ground. I looked up to see my mother shake her head at me before she walked inside with the others. A horrifying scream left my lips as I looked up at Gerard, his eyes open and lifeless as his body swayed in the wind, his mask laying on the ground.