ROLL WITH IT [g.way x reader]

Chapter 14: Fuck It, You're My Boyfriend

"No problem," Frank responded, side-eyeing you cheekily, "they're great fun to have around."

"Oh, they weren't always like that," your mum sighed, as if you were some massive burden on your life.

"It was good meeting you," Ray told her quickly, as he and Frank suddenly stood up, "but we've got to go get ready for our show. We're on in half an hour."

"I'll be sure to watch you!" your mother waved them goodbye like she was in a 1950s movie, which just made you feel even more ill, "I cannot believe you've made friends, sweetie," she turned back to you, sickeningly sweet, "you were never so sociable before. Were you, honey? You used to grump whenever I asked you — politely! — to do anything."

Your expression looked like you were trying to hold in a giant shit.

"Well, I'm sure we were all like that as teenagers," Gerard finally spoke, his tone amiable but firm, from where he was leaning against the table.

Your mother turned to him, with a surprised blink, before she tucked a hand behind her ear, and giggled; "If these two are friends," she walked towards him, much to your horror, "then you must be more than a friend — a boyfriend."

An intense panic overtook you, and you swallowed thickly, shaking your head, "Oh, no, Mum, he's not—"

"He's not?!" she gasped, and gave you a glare, "How could you let a man like this slip away! Such a young, young, fine man! Look at him — such a wonderful, handsome specimen! And you don't even try to make a move? Goodness, to think I raised you."

You were swaying on the spot, about to faint with absolute shame. "Mum, how about we get you to the front seats, please?" you tried weakly, tugging on her elbow.

"No, no!" she denied, "We need to have a talk! You haven't been in a relationship for five years! Not since you got rid of that awful other man you met in university, thank goodness. And then you meet this, frankly, very handsome man—" she gestured to Gerard, who at this point was trying to stifle a laugh, "—and just let him get away!"

"Mum... I'm not really looking for a relationship right about now," you pleaded, rubbing the back of your neck.

"Goodness sake, look at you!" she scolded, "So awkward and odd, no wonder you haven't found yourself a husband yet! At least date somebody!"

You glanced at Gerard, to find him with a sympathetic look, before he sighed, and moved forwards. A wink was sent in your direction, as he strolled over, hand behind his back — "Actually..." he drawled, sidling up beside you, and swinging an arm over your shoulders, "you shouldn't assume that because," (he said your name in a rather soft, lilting tone), "here can actually pick up quite a few men."

"Oh really?" your mother brightened up, whilst you became even more mortified. "How so?" she was so invested in what he was about to say that it was almost creepy.

"Well..." he trailed off, glancing at you, "why don't we tell you after the show? For now, you should probably get to the backstage box."

"Yeah, honestly Mum," you added shakily, nodding to the poor stage guy outside, nonverbally asking him to take your mother to the state location.

"If you insist," your mum was disappointed, but allowed herself to be escorted away. "I'll be watching your concert, honey! Put on a good show for me!"

As soon as she was gone, you sat down heavily in the nearest chair, and pressed your palm to your temple with a loud groan. "I'm going to kill myself," you declared.

Gerard kneeled down, to see you more clearly; "Hey," he spoke in a dulcet manner, grasping your wrists, and pulling your arms down, "it's gonna be fine, ok?"