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what-is-your-plan-today · 4 years

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Riding High Ch 14: True Perfection Has To Be Imperfect

Chapter Summary: Frank gets the keys to the new apartment and the renovations start. Everything seems to be going so well for them all, until Fliss gets some news that rocks the very foundations they’ve been building.

Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words.

Chapter Pairings: Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

A/N: As always, if you like and enjoy please comment and Re-Blog. I’d love to head your thoughts and questions!

Chapter Song: Rewind by Stereophonics

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

It’s your time, it’s your day, it’s never too late, to change lanes.

Frank could tell something was off the minute he pulled onto the yard. The usual chatter that rang out was absent and there just seemed a general air about the place that he couldn’t identify. But it wasn’t long before he found out why.

“Fliss is on the floor!” Mary said, her voice loud with worry as she pointed into the paddock.

Frank felt himself grow cold as he began to jog towards the fence, but let out a sigh of relief when he saw she was moving.

“Wait here…” he instructed Mary before, with a flourish, he vaulted over the side of the paddock and jogged across the riding paddock.

“What happened?” he asked.

“Oh, hey babes!” Fliss grinned up at him, where she lay flat on her back, Thor led by her side, head on her thigh “Just had a fall…but everything’s working, just giving myself a minute to get my breath and what not…” “Nothing broken, everything’s working.” Joanne looked at him from where she knelt by Fliss, the reins to the big, black horse in her hands.

Frank knelt down next to Fliss and looked at her as she reached out and gently ran her hand down his forearm. “Why did you fall?” “Oh Bronson got confused at the jump, was trying to dodge out to the right. I corrected him and he kind of took off, twisted mid-air and I got unseated.” she said

“It was a pretty good show of acrobatics from him.” Joanne nodded in agreement.

Thor gave a little whine and his head moved, his eyes looking up at Fliss who scratched his ear.

“I’m ok mate.” she said softly. “I’m good.”

“This wouldn’t happen on a boat ya know” Frank said gently as she looked up at him, quirking an eyebrow as she propped herself up on her elbows.

“Boats are boring…nothing like having a half tonne animal between your legs” she said, causing him and Joanne to smirk.

“You’re terrible.” Joanne shook her head as Fliss simply grinned.

“Ok, I’m good to go….“ Fliss said, sitting up fully. Frank got up off his knees and held out his hand, gently pulling her to her feet. She dusted herself off and then turned to take Bronson’s reins off Joanne.

"Can you give me a leg up?” She asked and Frank felt his heart stop

“You cannot be serious!” he spluttered back.

“What?” she frowned at him.

“You’re getting back on?”

“Yeah.” she said, looking at him as if he was stupid “I’m not hurt, not realty, just gonna ache like hell for a few days. It’s the same as riding a bike, you don’t stop if you fall off!” “It’s a little different to riding-“

“Besides…” she spoke over him “He’ll be unsettled and if I don’t get on and end well it’s gonna be in his mind, and mine for that matter, for next time and it’ll just be a nightmare so…”

Frank knew there was no point in arguing with her. Instead he held his hands up and backed away as Joanne boosted her up.

“What happened?” Mary asked as he reached the paddock fence she was now perched up on.

“She fell off.” Frank said simply “She’s ok though. She’s back on.” They watched as Fliss gently walked the horse round before picking up trot, then canter and then turned him straight for the jump. Frank grimaced slightly but he needn’t have bothered, the horse cleared the fence and Fliss gently slowed him down, patting him.

“Fucking crazy…” Frank mumbled to himself, shaking his head.

Whilst Fliss wasn’t seriously injured, she was certainly feeling the effects later on that night. Frank had called Verity, despite Fliss’ protests that she was fine, who had dropped round to Frank’s with some painkillers that were slightly stronger than your average ones. Fliss had taken 2 before dinner and as a result had started feeling a little bit woozy and light headed, commenting to Frank that it felt like she’d been smoking something funny. After diverting Mary’s questions on what that meant, they’d watched a bit of TV until Fliss announced she was thirsty.

“I’ll get it…” Frank made to move but she stopped him.

“I’m fine.” she said, sitting up with a grimace, grabbing at her shoulder.

“Baby, just-“ “Frank, stop it!” she said a little sternly. “I’ve fallen off more horses than you have women.” “Wow…” he said, looking at her and she snorted.

“I just mean…well it ain’t the first time and it sure as hell won’t be the last, kinda comes with the territory. I’m just gonna be a bit bruised.”

“Ok…” he relented, and she pushed herself up off the sofa and walked slowly into the kitchen.

A moment later he heard her groan “Fraaaaaaank.” “What?”

“The soda’s on the top shelf…I can’t stretch my arm.” “What’s that? You do need my help?” he teased. “Stop being a dick.” she shot back, and with a wink at Mary who was laughing, he stood up and headed into the kitchen.

Not long after that they all ended up heading to bed. Frank knew that tomorrow was going to be a long day as he was getting the keys to the new apartment in the morning and they were starting the work straight away, Bill already scheduled to come and help. He’d booked as much time as he dared off work over the next week, given that he hadn’t been working there all that long but thankfully they’d been understanding and Bill had said he’d take over on the days Frank had to be in.

Fliss stretched out, hissing at the bite of pain that coursed through her side and shoulder, the noise she made caused Thor to immediately spring up on the bed, nuzzling his face into Fliss’ causing her to wince a little as he basically led over her like a huge teddy bear.

“Careful buddy…” Frank gently chastised the dog, reaching over to scratch his ears.

“Stupid soft git.” Fliss said fondly, as Thor lay his head on her chest, teetering on the edge of the mattress, precariously, until a few seconds later he rolled and toppled off causing them both to giggle. The German shepherd shook himself off, shot them a scathing look, before he headed to his bed and flopped down.

“He didn’t like it when you were on the floor before.” Frank said softly, as she moved tenderly to lay her head on his chest. His hand reached round to card through her hair and down the side of her neck.

“No he never has.” Fliss said gently “Ever since I got him he’s been like that. He would always be the one that would lay by me, lick my face after….” she trailed off, the sentence didn’t need completing. "He would growl something rotten at John when he started…but it was Loki that went for him in the end. That’s why John killed him"

Frank stiffened, his hand stilling on the crown of her head, not quite sure he had heard right. “He killed your dog.” he repeated.

“Yeah” Fliss swallowed “said he had bought him as a guard dog for the property not for me.” She sniffed a little “he poisoned him”

“Baby, I…” Frank sighed and she gently tangled her hand in the hair on his chest.

“It’s ok.” She said, instantly understanding. “I know.”

They lay still for a moment, her hand tracing shapes on his skin before she suddenly blurted out.

“How do you do it? How do you make being with you so fucking easy?”

“What?” Frank frowned.

“This…I mean…you’re kind, gentle, smart, funny, considerate…you know I’d half convinced myself you were gonna be crap in the sack to compensate it all but…” she shook her head and Frank snorted. “I don’t get it.”

“No, you don’t get it because you spent almost 4 years living with a cunt who treat you like shit” Frank said simply, anger flooding his system. “Fliss, I’m not perfect, far from it. I’m stubborn, opinionated, shit with words, I’m really untidy as you’ve noticed and, well, up until meeting you my longest relationship in the last 10 years lasted for 6 months…” he shook his head “All I do is treat you how you should be treated, with love, respect, care…sweetheart, don’t put me on a pedestal for being normal.”

She tilted her head and looked at him for a second, as Frank took a breath. That outburst had been a little uncalled for but he wanted her to understand, their relationship was normal. The way he treat her was normal. He was uncomfortable with this idea that she thought he was something special because he didn’t abuse her or hit her.

“I’m sorry I just…” he gently pulled her closer and nuzzled his face into her hair, kissing her head “You’re worthy of everything you said as a bare minimum honey, it’s not me being some kind of saint.”

“Well can I put you on a pedestal for being gorgeous?” she asked after a moment’s pause and Frank snorted, shaking his head. “Well you are.” she protested at his response.

There was another pause, until she broke the silence once more

“I do get it you know…” she said gently “Maybe I do appreciate you more because you’re not like him but…is that so wrong?”

“I’m not saying that.” he pressed. “I’m just telling you I’m not flawless.” “I know that.” she shrugged “Neither of us are. But…isn’t that what makes this so perfect? It is because it isn’t…Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without”

“Confucius…” Frank raised an eyebrow at her as she looked up at him once more. Her eyes flashed and she grinned at him “How very philosophical.”

She laughed “We’ll you’d know all about that…”

“Ok, here’s another one of his…” Frank said “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall…”

“See, I told you I was right to get back on Bronson.” she quipped and Frank laughed.

******

Fliss woke the next morning to Frank gently kissing her check, softly running his hand over her hair.

“Lissy, hey sweetheart.” he said, placing a mug of coffee on the side as she blinked and looked at him “How you feeling?” “Fucking sore…” she groaned. “What time is it?” “Half 8.” he said “Just packed Mary off on the bus.” “Half 8?” she sat up suddenly, immediately regretting it “Fuck…”she groaned. “My alarm…”

“Think the last batch of painkillers you took at 3 am wiped you out.” he said, with a chuckle

“I have a lesson at 10 in St Pete’s…” she was starting to flap and so he gently sat on the edge of the bed, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Just…chill.” he shushed her “Joanne called before.” he nodded to her phone “I said I didn’t know if you were gonna be in but she said she’d open up and reschedule your morning appointments. Then you can see how you feel this afternoon.”

Fliss gave a grateful smile and sat back against the pillows “Thank you.”

“Take your time, your mom and dad will be here in a bit. Then we’re gonna get the keys and start on the apartment.” Fliss grinned as she reached for her coffee, “You excited?” “Yeah, yeah I am.” he said, honestly “Just wanna get it all started and then we can move in.”

She smiled and he stood up “Your mom’s bringing breakfast, said something about her boys not being able to work on an empty stomach.” “Her boys?” Fliss smirked as she sipped her drink “You really have got her wrapped around your finger.” He chuckled “Well what can I say, I’m a likeable guy…” “Hmmm you’re something I’ll give you that.” she said, and he laughed, heading back out of the room.

It wasn’t long before Fliss’ parents arrived and they ate breakfast, before Bill and Frank headed over to start working. For their first task they shut the utilities off and ripped out the bathroom, which wasn’t too big a job seeing as half of the damned suite was smashed up anyway. Once that was done they moved into the living room and tossed out the tatty old furniture that had been left before doing their first run to the local skip. Then they moved onto ripping up the carpet in the living room.

“Shit!” Bill muttered as a cloud of dust rose up from where they had wrenched the offending item free from the tacks. Frank blinked, backing up slightly, before he stood up, arm across his mouth. “Didn’t think it would be that bad.”

Bill rose to his feet and they both moved away, Frank picking up a bottle of water that was on the side and rinsing his face with it. He tossed it to Bill who did the same, the pair of them looking at one another before snorting a laugh each, and shaking their heads.

“And I thought this would be the easy bit.” Bill said, “Was less hassle ripping out the bathroom.”

It took them an hour or so to cut the carpet into easily manageable pieces, rip it up, and toss it into the back of their trucks. By now it was scorching outside, and also inside as the air con wasn’t on seeing as they had no power. This meant both men were dripping with sweat and Frank couldn’t remember ever feeling so damned warm or grubby in his entire life.

By lunch time they’d pretty much cleared the lot. Carpets, broken light fittings, broken kitchen doors and also the old washing machine. Grabbing another bottle of water, Frank stood outside the apartment, hand on his hips and smiled at Bill who gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“Good job son.” he said, “It’s a blank canvas now. Dave will be here soon with the new bathroom, shouldn’t take us too long to plumb it all in, connections are already there…so we can start the tiling tomorrow.”

Frank nodded and grabbed his T-shirt at the bottom, lifting it up to wipe at his face and as he did so he heard a sharp wolf whistle. When he emerged from his shirt he grinned and looked at Fliss who was slowly walking towards them with Verity, Thor following behind, both women carried familiar paper bags.

Frank made his way over and she stopped, where as her mother carried on, quite tactfully towards Bill and Fliss grinned.

“Hey…” she said as he leaned down to give her a kiss and she wrinkled her face. “Gross, you’re all filthy and sweaty and…” she trailed off, her eyes glinting as her voice dropped slightly and she ran a hand up his arm to his shoulder “…actually… “Behave.” he raised his eyebrow at her.

“Don’t wanna.” she pouted.

He shook his head and nodded to the bag. “You bring me lunch, baby?”

“Need to keep your strength up” she winked “Mom drove us to Subway.” “I love you Verity!” Frank called as he fished out his Turkey sub and she grinned at him.

The 4 of them settled down where they could, Fliss sitting on the steps, Frank by her feet on the grass and Bill and Verity perched on the tail of Bill’s truck. They ate together, Fliss telling Frank she’d postponed her teaching now until Monday to allow herself time to heal a little, which he was secretly pleased about. It wasn’t long after they had finished lunch that the new bathroom turned up the women left them to it.

Frank and Bill worked well together and between the 2 of them they had it fit in little under 2 hours and Bill connected the water back up to test it. When it worked properly Frank gave a nod of satisfaction and smiled. The suit was an off white colour, nice and modern large bath with a matching stainless steel shower and basin unit. Second hand but you couldn’t tell, and he liked it.

“Not bad for a day’s work.” Bill smiled “The tiling shouldn’t take too long tomorrow and then…well, it’s a case of decorating and a new carpet…and you’re good.” At that point the 2 men heard footsteps and looked up to see Mary bounding in, followed by Fliss and Verity.

“Hey Stack.” Frank greeted her as she looked around. “Whaddya think so far?” Mary nodded appreciatively “Least it has a toilet.” The adults laughed and Frank nodded “Yeah, I mean we can move in now…” “What?” she frowned “There’s no carpet in the living room!”

“I was being sarcastic.” Frank said and she narrowed her eyes at him.

“Roberta says sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.”

“Well, she’d know.” he shrugged.

“Am I staying there tonight?” She questioned Frank.

“It’s up to you.” he replied “We’re not going out are we honey?”

Fliss shook her head “No way, I ache too much…but I was thinking we could BBQ maybe? All of us?” “Ooooh, yeah!” Mary nodded, agreeably “Then Roberta can come too.” Frank shrugged “Yeah, I’m ok with that.” “Mum, Dad?” Fliss asked.

Verity and Bill exchanged looks and Bill nodded “I need to nip home and shower first but…” “No need.” Fliss said “We swung by and picked you a spare change up. You can shower at Franks.” “Oh can I?” Bill looked at her. She grinned back in response as Bill turned to Frank “That ok? You know, seeing as it’s your place, not hers…” Fliss stuck her tongue out at her father whilst Frank simply shrugged.

“She acts like she owns the damned place when she’s there anyway so it might as well be…” he teased and she glared at him, digging him in the ribs.

“Shut up”

The next 10 days consisted much in the same vein. Frank had to work on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but Bill took over the painting for him, and then on the Friday, a week after they had started, they fit the new carpets. The Saturday they spent fixing on the new kitchen doors and plumbing in the washing machine and on Sunday morning Frank fit the final touches, screwing in the new light fittings and then it was done.

That afternoon, Frank and Fliss stood in the middle of the living room admiring the finished article. It smelt of new carpet and fresh paint, a smell Frank had grown immune to having been breathing it in for god knows how long.

“It looks great” Fliss smiled, taking the fresh, light grey walls, darker grey carpet which was complemented by the brushed steel modern light fittings.

“Yeah, not a bad job…” Frank grinned. “We can start moving the stuff over tomorrow…” At that point Mary barrelled into the room from the hallway and beamed “My room looks awesome, Fliss, come see…” she said. Fliss allowed Mary to pull her out of the living room and followed her down the hall, passed the bedroom and then to the room on the right. It was a good sized bedroom, and it was freshly painted in Lilac, a colour Mary had chosen herself.

“Frank says I’m getting a new cabin bed soon with a desk underneath and I’m gonna put it against that wall…” she rambled on “And on that wall I’m gonna stick my shells and there I’m gonna have my shelves for my books and a TV…” Frank leaned in the doorway watching as Mary pointed everything out to Fliss, his face curling into a smile. He’d never thought something so simple as having her own room would make the girl so damned happy.

“…and Fred can have his own basket, although he never sleeps in them anyway…” Mary was continuing and Fliss looked up and caught Frank’s eye. He smiled at her gently and she beamed back. “…and I can put my photos here…” Mary finished “What do you think?” “I think it sounds amazing kiddo.” Fliss said, smiling at her “I can’t wait to see it all finished.” “Ok…” Frank pushed himself up straight from the door frame “Let’s go grab your stuff Stack and head over to find out what V’s made for dinner.” “I hope its beef.” Mary said, skipping out “Her Sunday beef is the best.” “Don’t tell her it’s chicken…” Fliss whispered as Frank laughed, dropping and arm round her shoulders as they made their way outside. He locked the door and they headed back to the apartment, Mary collecting her stuff. Once Frank had checked she had everything she needed he tossed it into the truck and turned to Fliss.

“I’ve been thinking.” he said, as Mary climbed into the seat.

“Sounds dangerous.” Frank rolled his eyes “I know we said we weren’t gonna move in together yet, but, well, how about you bring some stuff over once I’ve got all the bedroom furniture and then that way you don’t need to pack a bag when you come stay.” Fliss smiled at him. “A sensible suggestion.” she agreed, her arms sliding around his neck.

“It has been known…” he grinned, his hands dropping to her hips as he leaned down to kiss her. They both jumped as the horn on the truck sounded and Mary leaned across the seats.

“Come on, stop kissing, I’m hungry.” “How about we ditch her on the side of the road?” Frank said loudly to Fliss and Mary scoffed.

“Stop making empty threats, Frank.” she sing songed.

Frank looked at Fliss who burst out laughing “You have no idea how damned similar the pair of you are…” she said, with a shake of her head. *******

It was almost a fortnight later when Mary casually told Frank she had reached her decision about Evelyn. It was a Friday, meaning that she had been at University for 2 classes that morning, and was heading to normal school for the rest of the afternoon. Part of the reason that Frank worked late on a Tuesday was so that he could be flexible when it came to things like this and could pop out for an hour or so to go and pick her up when he needed to.

He greeted her in the hallway as always and she slipped her little hand into his as they walked back outside and over to his truck. She glanced in the paper bag which contained her lunch he had bought her from the deli near the boat store, a treat he liked to get her every Friday now he could happily afford it without worrying and she grinned.

“Save it for when you get to School” he said gently. “Otherwise everyone else will be eating and you won’t.” She folded the top of the paper bag over and grinned at him as he eased his way up the freeway.

“You drive like an old lady.” she grinned and Frank took a deep breath, a smirk on his face. That was a comment Fliss had made to him on numerous occasions, one which he normally retorted back with some reference to her driving like a maniac.

“It’s Florida. I’m blending in.” he said simply to Mary, smile still playing on his lips. She side-eyed him for a moment, in a way that made her look ridiculously like Diane, even though he knew, again, that was a habit she’d picked up from Fliss. Or Roberta for that matter. Frank had a feeling that as Mary grew up she was going to be a perfect candidate for the whole nature v nurture debate…

“I talked to Fliss last night.” Mary said.

“I know, you stole the phone off me when she called and ran off to your room.” Frank said, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah, why didn’t she stay with us last night?” “It’s Thursday, she never stays on a Thursday. You know this. She had paper work to do.” Mary fell silent.

“What were you going to say?” Frank gently pressed her.

“Huh?” “You said you talked to Fliss…” he said “Was that all you wanted to tell me or…” “Oh, yeah…” Mary said, “I asked her about whether I should see Evelyn.”

Frank took a deep breath, his face remaining passive “Right…so what did she say?” “The same as you. That it was my decision and whatever I wanted everyone would understand and be ok with it and that no one would be mad…”

“Of course no one will be mad.” Frank said gently “Evelyn is your grandmother, and it’s your decision if you wanna see her. Not mine, not the courts, not anybody’s but yours. And no one, not even me, is gonna be upset about what you decide, you got that?” “I know.” she said “And I’ve made up my mind.” “Yeah?” She nodded “I want to see her.” “Ok.” Frank said, licking his lips. He wasn’t sure how he felt about this but at least he would have control over it. “If you’re sure then I’ll call her on Monday and then we’ll make some arrangements.” “Maybe she can come here, see our new place.” “Maybe.” Frank nodded, although he had a feeling that hell freezing over would be more likely. No, contact would probably take place over some impersonal lunch to start with…but, well, he’d keep an open mind. This wasn’t about him, it was about Mary.

There was a moment’s silence as both of them were lost in their own thoughts. Frank stole a glance at his niece as she sat looking out of the window, chewing her lip and he decided to move her away from the subject as he turned off the main road.

“How was school?” he asked.

“Fun.” Mary nodded “Not like regular school fun. But interesting.”

Fun. Regular. 2 words Frank had craved for Mary all her damned life, and it made him smile to hear her so full of life, so happy, so settled.

Mary’s attention flickered from him to the seat next to her and she moved her lunch bag to look at it.

“What is this book?” she asked, picking it up and flicking it open.

“Discourse on Method.” Frank said, giving her the title of his latest read “Rene Descartes.”

“What’s it about?” she pressed.

“Existence.”

“Existence?”

“Yup. I think, therefore I am” he said, a small smile on his face.

“Well, of course you are. That’s obvious.” she said with a roll of her eyes and Frank supressed a snort. Everything was so logical in her little brain, there was an innocence to it all that he loved.

“I think about Fred, therefore, I am Fred…” she continued.

“Cogito ergo Fred?” Frank teased looking at her.

“He’s a dude and he’s a guy…” Mary grinned “And he only has one eye.”

Frank let out a chuckle as Mary tipped her head back and continued in a loud, ridiculous voice.

“Fred! Fred! Fred! Freeeeddddyyyy, Fred, Fred!”

Frank laughed began to slow down, pulling up by the school.

“All right, here we are…” he glanced over and saw Mary was fiddling with her belt and opening the door. “Hey, wait till I come to a stop…” he started to protest.

“Then come to a stop already!” she said, rolling her eyes. Without so much as a glance back she grabbed her lunch and shot over to the playground which was brimming with other kids. He watched, a small smile playing on his face as she made her way over, dropping her lunch to the floor and throwing herself into a game. Something that he would never have believed possible back in September when she’d first started. But here she was, almost 7 months later, like she’d been there all her life. His attention flicked to Bonnie as the woman shot him a friendly wave and a nod, which he returned before he set off back to work before someone called the cops on him for sitting outside a school staring at a yard full of kids.

As he was winding up work Jake called him, an impromptu guys night out was being organised for that night as Jake had a ‘pass out’, his words not Frank’s. Frank hesitated for a moment, he hadn’t planned anything with Fliss as such, but it was Friday, their night…

“Oh come on!” Jake snorted as Frank rolled his eyes. “Don’t tell me Frank Adler is hesitating over a night out…”

“No, it’s not that…” Frank protested “We’ve just had a really busy fortnight and…” “Man you’re whipped. Already. What is this? Like month 5 and you’re already in the-”

Frank sighed. “I’m not whipped, I just like spending time with my girl, what’s wrong with that.”

“Dude come on!”

“Ok, alright…what time?” “8 is at Fergs…and if you don’t show I’m gonna come round your gaff and drag you out myself.”

Frank shook his head and cut the call before he dialled Fliss.

“Hey Sailor…” she greeted

“Hey sweetheart, listen, we didn’t have any plans tonight did we?” “No, nothing specific why?” “Jake just called, said the guys are going for beers and it’s been a while since we all got together so I was…” “Frank…” Fliss laughed softly “You don’t need to justify yourself. If you wanna go out, go out.” “You don’t mind?”

“Why would I mind?”

“Well, Fridays are kinda our night…”

“I know but, well it’s not as much of a big thing now Mary has her own room, we kinda get our own nights a bit more often…” That was true. Frank grinned as he recalled the last time Fliss had stayed over, a rather heated make out session on the couch had ensued…something that seemed so normal to everyone else but had been such a damned big deal to them, being able to actually do it when they wanted instead of scheduling it round when Mary was gonna be out, or they were at Fliss so she was in the spare room…

“Ok, fair point.” he smiled and she laughed.

“I’ll text Roberta.” she said “I can take a bottle of wine round later with Mary…then I can, maybe, wait for you at yours?” “You don’t have to ask.” Frank said softly “You can stay whenever you want, you know that.”

“Well, that’s settled then.” she replied, before someone shouted to her and she retorted before coming back to Frank “Sorry handsome, I gotta go but I’ll see you later.” “Ok, love you.” “You too…”

***** After Frank headed out, Fliss wandered down to Roberta’s with a bottle of wine and after more loud hairbrush-karaoke, Roberta had cracked open the Bourbon and the two women had sat on the stoop until just gone 11pm when Fliss had headed back. Throwing on one of Frank’s T-shirts she crawled into the king sized bed (an excellent purchase decision that she had talked him into) and snuggled down into the new blankets (another excellent purchase decision), Thor jumping up and taking his position by her feet.

She can’t have been asleep long when she woke as Thor gave a low whine and jumped off the bed, nudging the door open and heading out into the hallway.

Then she heard a thud, followed by cursing.

“Shit…who put that there?” She heard Frank mumble, then he started laughing “Thor…get down…”

There was more laughing, and protests which Fliss listened to for a moment before she swung her legs out of bed and headed down the short hallway. She quickly checked the front door as she walked past to make sure he’d locked it behind him, and then headed into the living room to find Frank stood laughing as Thor jumped up at him, wagging his tail. The coffee table was slightly askew, and she suspected the thud had been him banging into it.

“Some guard dog you are…” Frank mumbled.

“Good job you’re not a burglar then…” Fliss said, causing Frank to turn round, grinning stupidly at her “Mind you, the amount of noise you’re making you’d be a pretty shit one…”

“Heeey…” he grinned, walking towards her “There she is…”

“Here I am…” Fliss nodded, and she couldn’t help but smile at the look on his face. He was beaming at her, a stark contrast to how John was when he used to come home drunk, but then that was Frank all over, a completely different person, and she knew that.

“There you are, my girl…” he stopped in front of her, his hands falling to her hips “C’mere…”

“Ok, someone had a good night…” she grinned as he placed a sloppy kiss on her lips.

“Yeah, it was…” he said, and then he suddenly looked around “So the bedroom moved.” he turned back to her and whispered conspiratorially “It’s not where it usually is…”

“No, you moved.” she laughed “You moved apartments, remember?”

“Oh yeah.” he said, nodding, before he looked down at her, taking in her bare legs “Is that my T-shirt?”

“Yes.” “I like you in my shirts.” he grinned, his hands flexing on her hips “Prefer you outta them though…” “That so?”

“Yep.” he said, popping the P “My LIssy…” “Ok, let’s get you to bed…” she patted his chest.

“Yeah?” he arched his eyebrow grinning.

“To sleep.” she said

“No sleep.” he pouted, dropping his head to gently nuzzle at her neck “Wanna give you some lovin’…”

“Yeah and how are you gonna do that when you’re too drunk to take your pants off?” Fliss laughed as she led him down the hallway.

“You can take em off…” he said as he stopped in the bedroom, looking round.

“Oh I can, can I?” she asked as he kicked off his sneakers.

“Yes…” he said, nodding as he sat on the bed. “I’ll allow it.”

“You’ll allow it?” Fliss asked as he started to undo the buttons on his shirt. Eventually he gave up and reached back, grabbing it behind his neck and with a tug pulled it over his head before tossing it to the side. He reached out to Fliss, pulling her close to him, his arms wrapping around her back as he looked up at her.

“I will allow it, but only because I love you.”

“Ok so let me get this straight…” Fliss chuckled as she ran her hand through his hair. “You’re gonna let me take your pants off because you love me?”

“Yeah.” he nodded.

“I’m so lucky…” she snorted

“Hey, I’m a catch…” he said, letting go of her and flopping back on the bed.

“I never said otherwise.” she grinned, moving to take his belt off.

“See, you do wanna get in my pants.” “I want to get you in bed, so help me out here hot-shot.” With a grin Frank raised his hips and she tugged down his jeans, dropping them by the side of the bed.

“Come on…” she patted the pillows and Frank shifted, moving the right way onto the bed and after a bit of a battle with the covers he’d settled himself down, one arm thrown over his head as he watched Fliss who gently turned off the lamp and settled down next to him. Shifting onto his side, his hand gently ran up her thigh, resting on her hip underneath his T-shirt.

“I love you.” he said softly, and she smiled and kissed the tip of his nose.

“I love you too.” she smiled “Even when you’re being a drunken idiot.” “I’m not drunk.” “Course not.” “Ok, maybe just a little bit.” he conceded after a moment. “But I do love you.” “I believe you.”

“So much, you know what? One day, I’m gonna marry you.”

“Oh, are you?” Fliss asked, running her hand through his hair.

“Yup, and then we’re gonna make little Franks and Flisses and…” he stopped as Fliss’ laughter filled the room “Why are you laughing?” he asked her, his tone indignant “You dont wanna marry me and make babies?”

“Not after us being together for like less than 6 months.” she laughed.

“Well that’s just rude…” he mumbled, dropping his head forward so it fell to her chest.

He stayed still for a moment, mumbling something else as Fliss continued to run her hands through her hair, and it wasn’t long before his soft snores told her he was asleep. With a fond smile she dropped a kiss to his head and closed her eyes.

*****

Fliss took great delight the next morning in telling Frank exactly how much shit he’d been talking when he came home, including telling her that he wanted to marry her and make babies. He’d groaned and banged his head on the table as he sat nursing a coffee, instantly regretting that as his head was pounding as it was. Thankfully, Mary had gone with Fliss to the yard and spent most of the day there leaving him to suffer in peace, firing abuse to the Circle Of Trust What’s-app group, his only slight consolation being they all seemed to be suffering just as much as he was. Sunday was a lazy day spent browsing the IKEA website for a bed for Mary, followed by the usual dinner at Verity’s before they’d all collapsed in bed.

Monday morning had rolled around with the usual routine, shower, breakfast, kiss Fliss goodbye, drop Mary at school, head to work, check the list of active jobs for the week, start one of said active jobs, pause for a mid-morning snack from the coffee shop, resume work. All standard stuff, so it was a little surprising when the routine of the day was broken.

“Frank?”

Frank popped his head up from the deck of the boat where he’d been working on the steering column and looked at Fliss who was stood in the open entrance to the workshop.

“Hey…” he smiled, “What are you doing here? Not that I’m not happy to see you but…”

Because he was, he was always happy to see her, he was simply surprised as they hadn’t arranged to meet for lunch like they sometimes did if she was teaching over this way. He stood up and reached for a cloth to wipe his hands on before he climbed down from the boat and as he noticed the look on her face he frowned.

“Baby, what’s the matter?”

“I err…I got a call and I’m sorry, I didn’t know what to do and I just needed to see you and…”

“Hey, hey…” he said softly, his hands on her arms “Calm down.”

She took a deep breath as Frank glanced over to Paul, his co-worker and nodded his head to signal he was heading outside. Paul waved him away and Frank dropped an arm round Fliss’ shoulder and steered her outside into the sun and out of the view of everyone.

“What’s wrong?” he asked her and she nodded, taking a deep breath. He could see she’d been crying and he searched her eyes with his own as she looked at him.

“I got a phone call…from the Victim Assistance Services…” she said, her eyes wide “John’s been granted the right to a Parole hearing…they’ve set the date for 23rd May, 6 weeks.” Frank took a deep breath, concentrating on keeping calm despite the fact he could quite happily have kicked something there and then.

“I don’t know why I’m so shocked…” Fliss continued “I mean I always knew this would happen, but hearing that he’s finally got a date…” she looked at Frank “If he’s successful, then he could be out by the end of June and…”

“Ok…just because he’s been given the right to a hearing, doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to get out.” “No, but…” she swallowed “The woman on the phone said that there’s a better chance that it will be refused if I appeal. But if I want to do that then I’ll have to either go in person or do a written or recorded statement and…I don’t know if I can…”

A tear fell from her eye and Frank gently wrapped her arms around her, pulling her to him.

“I stood in a courtroom last time, telling them exactly what he did to me…about how he beat me and degraded me…only to be told I that I was a liar, and that I liked it rough, that I egged him on and… I can’t….I can’t do that again Frank…”

She was rambling into his chest and he could do nothing but pull her close and drop a kiss to her head.

“No one’s gonna make you do anything you don’t wanna, ok?” he asked, pulling away slightly, cupping her face in her hands.

“They’re sending me a letter.” she said “Explaining my rights and stuff in more detail.” “Ok, well, how about I call Greg?” he asked, a sudden inspiration coming to him. “I know he’s a Family lawyer now but he did do some time with this type of thing a while back, if you’re happy to speak to him I’m sure he’ll be more than willing to help…”

“I don’t know if I can.” she said “I don’t know if want him knowing every detail, I mean even you don’t know it all…” “I know.” he agreed. “And you don’t have to tell him anything to start off with, just ask his advice. And when we get the letter, we’ll deal with it together ok?”

She sniffed gently, and looked at him. “I need to tell you don’t I?” she said softly, “All of it?”

Frank hesitated. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know, but if this was going the way it looked like it was going to go, he was going to find out sooner or later, and as he looked at Fliss he knew that no matter how hard it was, how shitty it was going to be to open up fully, she would need to do that herself to keep some control over the situation.

“Like I said.” he looked at her “You don’t need to do anything…but if you want, then I’ll listen.”

He dropped a kiss to her head and pulled her back to him, gently rocking her to-and-fro as he squinted out over the harbour. He had no idea how this was going to turn out, but he did know one thing, he’d fight with to his last damned breath to keep the woman he was holding in his arms, his girl, his Lissy safe.

@momobaby227 @geekofmanythings16 @angelofhell-666 @marvelfansworld @cobalt-gear @asgardlover75 @jennmurawski13 @jtargaryen18 @saiyanprincessswanie @navispalace @patzammit @joannaliceevans-fanficblog @djeniiscorner @ayamenimthiriel @coldmuffinbanditshoe @disneylovingal @sweater-daddiesdumbdork @southerngracela @goldenfightergir @kellymat @official-and-unstable-satan @icanfeelastormbrewing @pagesoflauren

#riding high #frank adler #frank adler x ofc #gifted #gifted fan fic

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