The Emo School (A Fanfic)

Chapter 24

Gerard
WARNING - This chapter contains some slightly mature stuff. Not a lot, just kissing. If you don't want to read that kind of stuff, probably just skip this one. Enjoy!

I gaze at the picture, taking in its extreme detail and accuracy. It's almost like a photograph. I look at each of the band members in turn. Ray. Mikey. Bob. Frank. Me. There's something about this picture that holds my attention. Receiving fan art is a regular occurrence for us. Normally I look at it for a few seconds, thank the artist and smile. I tell them a little background information about the era the picture represents.
But this is different. I realise it's been a while since I've said anything and look up to see Mikey watching me worriedly. "Are you ok, Gee?" he asks with concern. "Yup, I'm fine..." I reply distractedly. He's not falling for it. Mikey gently places his hand on my shoulder. Sometimes I think he knows me better than I know myself.
I stare at Ray's cheerful smile. I remember when he put his hand in a cupcake during an interview, I think to myself. I notice Mikey is still watching me. He smiles patiently. I try to return to normal. "Do you mind if I keep this?" he asks me and I remember the band was important to him too. "Sure, no problem," I tell him. He nods and leaves, the door swinging behind him.
Forget about it, I tell myself. That's over now. I love this job, anyway.
My stomach rumbles and I realise it's lunchtime. I get up off the table I was sitting on and got to get lunch, excited for the pancakes I get every day. I pass a few students in the corridors as I head towards the cafeteria. They all greet me enthusiastically and I return the greetings with warmth.
No matter how much I miss the band, I will always love my job.
I reach the cafeteria. It's full of laughing, happy students. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. That's another reason why I love this place. Everyone feels welcome. A student smiles at me and I smile back, in a good mood. I walk up to the part where we get food. I am served by an attractive young woman with dark hair pulled into pigtails. "The usual?" she inquires. "Yes, please!" I reply. She slides me my pancakes with a grin. "This must be the only school where you can get pancakes for lunch!" I say. "Well, Mikey mentioned you loved them!" She laughs. That's so considerate of him. I think to myself. I don't know what I'd do without my little brother.
The pancakes are fantastic. I finish them and breathe a sigh of content. As I leave, I look back at the students happily. I notice the woman who served me staring at me. I catch her eye and she looks away, blushing. I get the feeling she's got a crush on me. It happens a lot with the students. I still can't get used to it, I always feel humbled. Anyway, I want to stay single for now.
I don't think I could commit to a relationship at the moment, even though my life is pretty stable. I just don't like being tied down. Still, that's not to say I wouldn't settle if I found that special someone.
I stroll back to my classroom, trying not to think about the picture or the dinner lady. Or Frank. Yesterday was weird. I'm just glad he was asleep or he would've sensed something was up. I turn the corner and bump into him. "Oh hey, Gee!" he says, surprised. "Hey, Frank!" I reply, slightly nervous. "Friday was awesome! We need to do that again!" Frank says. "Absolutely!" I agree, relaxing. There's no need to be nervous around him. "We need to get you a girl, Gee!" He says, nudging me and grinning. "Or a guy, that's cool too," He adds, laughing. I shove him playfully. "Just messing with you," he says. "How's next Friday?" Frank asks. I nod. "One thing though, Frank - I can't make a habit out of this." I hesitate before continuing. Students begin to stream out of the classrooms as the bell rings for break. A few notice us and smile or say hello. "Do you mind if we take this somewhere private?" I ask, as more students recognise us. "Sure," Frank replies. We look around. There's just a supply closet. Frank motions to it and I nod. I follow him into the closet and shut the door. "Thanks, Frank." I say.
"No problem, Gee. What were you going to say?" He asks. "It's just that - I can't relapse again, Frank. A drink or two on Fridays is fine, and maybe once a month we could get wasted. Just not all time, yeah?" He nods and I know he understands.
I suddenly realise how close we are. Even though the school is massive - not to mention the enormous dorms - this cupboard is pretty small. There's just enough room for me and Frank, with about a three inch gap between us.
"I definitely need a girlfriend though, you're right." I say. Frank looks at me, smirking. "Not a boyfriend, then?" He teases me. I gently shove him and he falls against the wall, on to a mop. We both laugh.
There it is again. That feeling. I really don't know how to describe it. I glance at Frank. Does he feel it too?
"Shut up!" I say, indignantly.
Frank smirks. "Make me."
I kiss him. He kisses me back, harder. I lean into him and he pulls me closer. I feel as if my body is on fire.
Suddenly, the door opens. It's a student. We spring apart, but we're still standing suspiciously close to each other. Her eyes widen. I blush and step away from Frank a little. "Frerard is real" she whispers. "Melanie - don't tell anyone. If they found out -" Frank stammers. The girl stops him. "Your secret's safe with me, Frank!" She says and leaves, closing the door carefully behind her.
"We can trust her," Frank says.
"Now, where were we?" Frank asks. I blush as he turns off the light. He pulls me close. My heart races. He kisses me again and the feeling returns. I kiss him harder.
This definitely wasn't where I thought our chat would go.