This Tornado Loves You by theopteryx (Mature)

[gorgeousnerd]

Fandom: BANDOM (My Chemical Romance)
Pairing: Frank/Gerard
Length: 43,976 words.
Author on LJ: theopteryx
Author on AO3: theopteryx

Why this must be read: My second bandombigbang 2012 Wave One rec. I've never run into a fic that shot for gothic before, much less hit it so well. The tone and setting are extremely unique - this would make a great not-in-the-fandom read - and the emotions evoked are just as strong on multiple rereads as it was the first time. Forget this being one of my favorite fanfics of all time; it's already one of my favorite fictional stories of all time.

Summary

1933. Frank's been on the run a long time and he's forced to stop in his old hometown. At first things are about what he expects - old friends, unpleasant memories, and a less-than-desirable home life. Everything changes one night when he stumbles on an old hedge maze hidden in the woods. It's not the hedge maze that intrigues him the most, though, but the secrets of the house hidden inside.

Excerpt

Frank lifted the lamp again, letting the warm glow creep up the walls. It was the first time he'd seen Gerard properly, in actual light, although the corners of the room were still dim.

Is she pretty?, Kitty's voice said in his head. Frank cleared his throat and brought the lamp closer, leaving it on the top of Gerard's writing desk.

"There," he said, wiping his hands on his pants. "Practically like daylight all the time, right? What'd I say."

"Yes," Gerard agreed, still watching the lamp. "Thank you."

Gerard sat quietly back down at the desk, although his seat was still pushed back from the edge, from where he'd stood up so suddenly. He seemed dazed. When Frank looked back he'd stopped staring at the lamp, and was looking at him instead.

He'd be able to see Frank properly too. Frank's face was warm - he felt embarrassed again, for some reason. It's not like he ever cleaned up proper before climbing the hedge, but he was suddenly quite aware of his busted old boots and dirty hands. His fingers itched for his comb.

This Tornado Loves You