Disenchanted (Frerard + Petekey)

Party Poison

The rest of the day was a blur for Gerard. He remembered Ray trying to convince him to eat lunch, and being on such a high he was convinced he didn't need food, opting instead to walk laps around the building at such a speed his far taller friend had to jog at times to keep up.

He knew he'd made sure to cook something for Mikey, his younger brother, when the two got home from school, but he'd avoided conversation and gone straight to his room.

He avoided Mikey a lot these days, convinced the kid would be better off without his tainting influence.
He always had his back though, and he was always watching over him, keeping an eye out for even the slightest hint that the boy was heading down a similar path.
So far so good, and Gerard intended to keep it that way by staying as much on the fringe of his brothers life as he could.

Given that he couldn't remember the rest of the evening, he figured he probably passed out, and as he sat waiting for Ray in front of the school in the chill morning dew, his phone buzzed to confirm that fact.

"Dude you pass out or what?" It was from Bert, his friendly neighbourhood drug dealer. A quick check back in the conversation showed they'd been having a rather regrettable and confusing conversation about the best kind of crackers.

"Yeah man, good stuff. Got any more?" Gerard responded quickly. If he was going to survive the weekend he'd need some more pills.

Bert kept his reply short, always paranoid about mentioning anything clearly in writing in case the cops used it against him someday, "Only the best for u"

Gerard cringed, ugh, why can't you just use words, weirdo.

He slid his phone back into his pocket and sauntered down the road away from the school. He'd have to meet Bert before Ray arrived. Ray didn't like Bert, nor the habits he supplied for Gerard, and he'd do everything in his power to keep the two apart.

He pulled a cigarette out of his pocket as he walked and lit it, taking a deep drag and exhaling slowly, letting his head lull back as he meandered.

"Mmm, gotta love it." He spoke aloud to himself.

No one was around this early, and speaking aloud helped to distinguish the voices inside from the ones outside.
They were chattering amongst themselves, an unsettling but not yet offensive rumbling. They were usually quiet in the mornings.

"What happens now?" Gerard asked himself, "you can't make it through life like this..."

He took another long drag before responding, "I don't wanna make it, I just wanna—"

"Baaaaaaabe!" Bert hollered at a volume that should be illegal at this hour. He'd spotted Gerard but he was still far enough up the street there was no way he'd overheard his conversation with himself.

Bert stopped across the street and waited for Gerard to cross to him. Being 22 and a known drug dealer, he wasn't welcome on the high school property.
Gerard wasn't exactly sure if Bert had even attended high school in this town, or if he'd just been blown here like so many others who'd burnt out in the big city and thought the quiet suburban life would be easier.

Gerard wasn't exactly sure of a lot about Bert. He couldn't remember how or when he'd even met the man anymore, he was just a constant. Appearing in his memories somewhere around the end of middle school and becoming a more frequent presence.

The two had dated briefly, if it could be considered that.
Gerard had been in a dark spot. Ray, his one and only friend, had been away at some sort of guitar camp for super gifted rock gods or something, and he'd found himself with Bert's number.

Bert had been an okay person to talk to, he didn't really care about much and forgot, or at least pretended to forget, any dark or disturbing conversations they'd had by the following morning.
He liked that about Bert.

That, and Bert had a car.
So for an entire summer he'd picked Gerard up in the mid-afternoon when his parents were at work, and would let him crash at his apartment for a few days, supplying the younger boy with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, whatever he wanted in exchange for companionship and some mild sexual favours.

Gerard considered it dating, if only so he could avoid the shame of having slept with the grungy guy for the sake of escaping his demons.

Bert grabbed Gerard in a bear hug as the two met, smiling from ear to ear. Gerard flinched at the sudden motion, but tried to hide his uncomfortableness at the physical contact.

"How much do I owe you?" Gerard asked emotionlessly. Straight to business. Don't initiate conversation or you'll get stuck here. Ray's probably waiting by now...

"Ten." Bert replied. The grin slipping slightly from his face as he realized this was a business meeting. "My guy can't get any more until Tuesday so that's all I could get." He handed Gerard the dime bag less than discreetly.

Gerard rifled through his pockets briefly before handing over the cash, inspecting the tiny bag of pills.

"Two?! Bert... it's a long weekend I- I dunno if this'll cut it..." his voice wavered as he began planning out the math in his head.

...yesterday's has worn off by now... even if I get through today somehow I can't smoke at home. So I'm gonna need one Saturday, Sunday, Monday. I'm OUT I need at least three! Oh fuck, oh shit...

Bert shrugged. "Sorry dude that's all I got. Could sell you something else if you wan-" Gerard cut him off as he reached into his jacket pocket, "I can't do that at home Bert." He said sternly, "Thanks though."

Gerard left quickly, hurrying across the road before the older boy could protest.

He's a decent guy. He thought to himself as he hurried back toward the school.
Shame Ray hates him, they'd probably get along.

Ray stood in front of the school, leaning up against a wall. As Gerard came into view, trudging up the hill and crossing the parking lot Ray stood, crossing his arms in front of him and trying his best to emulate his mother's disapproving glare. There was only one reason he'd have gone that way this early.
Bert.

Gerard caught sight of Ray first, he was relaxing against the wall, waiting for him probably. He seemed to be listening to music, nodding his head slightly.

As their eyes met he watched Ray straighten, cross his arms, and make a weird face. Is he sick? Gerard pondered, studying his friend's face intently.

No, not sick... he's doing weird stuff with his eyebrows. Is he... mad? Ray if that's your mad face you need to work on it.

Gerard smirked to himself, but straightened his face as he drew closer.

"You're in trouble." Ray declared sternly, tapping his foot lightly. Gerard wondered briefly if he even knew he was doing it.

"Give it." He demanded, holding out his hand.

"I- I don't know what you're talking about!" Gerard countered, standing up straighter and doing his best to look innocent. "I just wanted a smoke and there were jocks in the section." He did a slow spin with his hands out as though to show he wasn't smuggling anything, "See? I'm a good boy."

Ray furrowed his brow and leaned in, attempting to get a clearer read on whether his friend was being truthful.
"Hmm... okay. Maybe."

"You shouldn't lie to him you know," A female voice whispered in his ear, "it's not nice."

Gerard shivered slightly as the hair on the back of his neck prickled. Instinctively he rubbed the spot. Ray noticed the odd motion and raised an eyebrow but said nothing, leading the way into the building as the bell rang.

Gerard slunk along behind his friend, turning the tiny bag of pills over in his pocket.

Better hide these somewhere different, he knows my usual spots.