I Drew You Once in Art Class

Thirty-Eight

"Do you wanna stay over?"

Frank looked at his shoes as he and Gerard walked back toward his house.

He really, really, REALLY wanted Gerard to stay the night. He hadn't had a friend stay the night since he was maybe thirteen years old and he would kill for the giddiness and excitement that a sleepover brought to fill his brain again. Gerard looked hesitant. "I don't know..." he said.

It was scary; the desperateness that Frank felt at that moment. He didn't know exactly what it was, but all he knew was he NEEDED Gerard to stay over. He was probably just internally making up for lost time or something.

"Come on, it will be fun," he said. "We can order a pizza and listen to music and watch a movie and stuff."

Gerard cocked his head as if he were considering Frank's offer. "You're right. That does sound fun. And my mom and Mikey won't mind, Mikey's got the mystery boyfriend and my mom's got the TV. I'll need to borrow some pajamas, though."

Frank smiled, restraining himself from jumping up and down with joy. God, he felt ridiculous, but if being ridiculous felt this good, he was okay with it.

At Frank's house, Gerard was now wearing a pair of Frank's PJs, just a little too small for him. Frank giggled. He had asked his mom if they could order a pizza, and after a lecture on healthy eating she had agreed, so that would be here soon. They sat on Frank's bed, legs crossed, facing each other.

"Misfits?"

"Ooh, love them. Green Day?"

"Dude, we were literally singing Green Day on your bed earlier. Yes. Antarctigo Vespucci?"

Frank burst out laughing.

"Fucking who?" he wheezed. "What kind of band name is that?"

Gerard had a weird taste in music, that was for sure. How could a band called freaking Antarctigo Vespucci be any good?

Gerard pulled out his phone, his facial expression saying "now hold on just one second" and opened up Spotify. He clicked a song and a familiar guitar strumming emerged. Gerard looked at him expectantly.

"Hey, that's the song from the record store!" Frank said, his eyes widening. Gerard clicked on a different song, turning up the volume. Upbeat music filed through the little speakers and filled up Frank's blue bedroom. It continued like this for a few seconds before cutting to a man singing something about notebooks. The song kept playing, and Frank found himself mini-dancing along as Gerard looked accomplished.

When the song ended, Frank looked up. "Okay, you got me. They're totally a good band. I formally apologize for judging them by their stupid name."

Gerard smiled smugly. The doorbell rang. "I'll get it!" Frank said, hopping off the bed and running downstairs.