❝ synthetic ❞╭──╯ . . . . . gerard way

You Don't Know What Lurks in the Dark

shout out to MonochromeNun   (won't let me do it properly)

It was mere seconds before the end of the school day on a regular Tuesday. There was a raging storm outside. The pattering against the windows and the howling winds were all I could wrap my attention around. 

The long-awaited bell rang, and the class was lazily dismissed. Everyone dispersed. I collected my belongings as a note was tossed onto my desk by someone walking past. My eyes traced over the figure, and from the posture, hair, and the way he wore his clothes, I could tell it was Gerard. 

I didn't know the guy. He wasn't too popular but he and his friends were known somewhat by everyone. Gerard was quieter. Not many knew much about him. I've heard rumours of him beating the shit out of people in cruel ways, but they're all just silly stories. 

He left the room. My eyes then moved down to the roughly folded piece of paper down on the desk. 

"Bridgewood park clearing. 8:00

-Gerard" 

My eyes searched the note for any hidden messages or any hints of this being a prank. Even if it was, was there really a way for me to know? I guess I'll go. What's the worst that could happen? 

I slung my backpack over my shoulder and walked out of the room, keeping my head down. I didn't like bringing attention to myself. I didn't need anything from my locker so I walked out of the building. The heavy rain made it impossible to see down the dark streets. Kids were running down the sidewalks with books and jackets above their heads. 

I started off walking quickly, but the rain wouldn't let up. I wasn't going to get any dryer so I slowed down. I looked up at the dark gray clouds as the rain trickled down my face. I was ways away from the school and the streets were lined with trees, an occasional house is hidden behind them off to the sides. My eyes were closed as I bathed in the cool, soothing rain. I felt a smile creep onto my face as I continued down the street. 

My parents weren't home for the week, so I had the house to myself. Most teenagers would take advantage of this and have a rager, but I didn't have any friends or anyone to invite. I arrived at my doorstep, wiping my shoes off on the mat and unlocking the door. 

I slid off my soggy shoes and placed my bag down on the floor. I hung my jacket on the hook and walked to the kitchen. There was some untouched alcohol my parents left out for me, with a note saying "In case you make friends!! XOXO -mom" 

My parents were always encouraging me to talk to other students, but it never worked. I sighed and got myself a bottle of coke from the fridge. 

I pondered about the reasons why Gerard would want to meet me in the forest. Is there going to be other people? Am I just sealing my fate as a loser by falling into a cruel trap that would be utterly humiliating and would ruin my chances of hiding in the shadows forever? 

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair, it falling into its original place. I took a swig from the bottle and went up to my room. The stairs squeaked as the rain hitting against the roof echoed throughout the second floor/attic, which was my bedroom. The stairs were around a corner, so I still had privacy. 

I walked to my desk, staring out my small hexagonal window at the dark sky. After a little, I grabbed a book from the small pile on my desk and went to the page I had left at. It was now 5:43 so got up to make dinner. Minute ramen. A meal of champions, as my dad says. 

/small timeskip/ 

I checked myself in the full body mirror leaning against the wall in my room. I didn't look too sloppy but I wasn't dressed up either. I sighed, checking my watch to see it was now 7:48 and it takes me 6-7 minutes to get there, which isn't a bad walk. I forgot about how it was pouring heavily, but I didn't have time to look for an umbrella. I threw on my jacket and shoes and slipped out the door, locking it on my way out. 

I made my way down the desolate streets, listening to the squelching from each step I took. The rain created a sort of fog as the sky darkened. Water was running down the sides of the roads and into storm drains, worms were washed out onto the paths, and large puddles would form on uneven sidewalk slabs. 

I could feel my sopping wet hair stick to my face. I reached the forest and walked to the clearing. I stepped over the roots of the large trees, following the fading path. The leaves were blocking most of the rain, with the occasional drop slipping through. I climbed a small hill, and down another, using the trees for support. There were mud puddles everywhere so I was careful with my footing. 

It had been increasingly getting darker around until it was difficult to see 6 trees down. I turned on my phone flashlight to help guide me. 

I finally reached the clearing, looking around for any sign of Gerard. Or anyone, really.

 'I guess he's not here yet?' I thought while checking my phone. I stood under a tree for shelter from the heavy downpour. It's a few minutes passed 8 o'clock. 

"Hey," I jumped at the sudden voice. It was calm and almost quiet. I turned to see Gerard. 

"Hi," We looked at each other. He stared deep into my eyes like he was searching my soul. I looked around him. His hair was soaked, clinging to the sides of his face. A few stray clumps hung into his face. His clothes were dark so they didn't look wet, but I could tell he was just as drenched as I was. 

"Sorry, did I scare you?" He asked with a small smile tracing his lips. I gulped a little, taking in his full complexion. 

"I don't get scared," I answered. 

"Really? Not even of the dark?" He asked curiously. His head slightly cocked to the side. 

"Why the dark?" I asked back. Was he afraid of the dark?

"Because you never know what lurks in the dark. All the stuff you can't see. So many terrible things could be happening, and you aren't scared of it?" He edged with a fascinated smirk. I nodded a 'no'. "What if you were forced into the dark?" 

Before I could answer, he took a step closer. I looked down, then back at him. What does he mean? 

"I would find a way." 

"Yeah?" He took another step, towering over my figure. I stared into his eyes. They were a deep hazel and filled with anger and passion. "What if I told you we were in the dark right now?"

"That means nobody knows what we're doing, or what's going to happen, right?" I fought back, leaning up to him to assert some dominance. He smirked, staring down at me. My knees became a little weak by the look he was giving me. Somehow, I now had my back to the tree. I could tell by the rough wood pressing against my back. 

"What do you want to happen?" I felt my face become a little hot as his face was just inches from mine. His breath fanned over my skin, sending a tingling sensation through my body. "Just nod and I'll kiss you."

I nodded. 

He closed the distance, our lips moving passionately together. I melted into his warm lips as my hands worked their way up to his neck. His hands were firmly placed on my hips. We separated, foreheads leaning against each other. 

"You are my light in this dark abyss," Were the words that left his plump lips. His voice was soft. His words made my heart race. I looked into his eyes. At this moment, all my senses faded. It's like nothing else existed but me and him. All reasoning was pushed far down and my mind was foggy. "Could I be your light for as long as you'd let me?" 

I was at a loss for words. Is he... asking to be my boyfriend? 

"Yes," I answered. Our lips connected again, my fingers running through his drenched hair. His hands ran along my sides. 

We went on for a minute or two before pulling apart. I thought for a moment. My parents aren't home... and they're always encouraging me to take risks and meet people... so why not?

"Wanna come over?" 

[aug. 11, 2022]