A Love That's So Demanding

Let Me Break This Awkward Silence

Gerard held his hand out, grabbing Frank’s arm to help him through his open bedroom window. He clambered inside, trying his best to not make tons of noise. He didn’t want Gerard’s parents to have reason to come upstairs. Gerard stood back, giving Frank some space as he carefully placed his feet on the wooden floor.

        Gerard’s bedroom was a whole lot smaller than he expected. It was dimly lit and slightly cluttered. There were still boxes in the corner that needed unpacking and his black comforter was hanging off of the end of his bed. It smelled a little like vanilla and oranges. Frank noticed a black desk against the far wall. It had a small lamp on it and there were several papers scattered around on top of it.

        “Hey.” Frank smiled awkwardly at him and he smiled back.

        “Hey.” Gerard looked everywhere, but at Frank.

        “Uhm..I brought your homework.” He held up the notebook and Gerard smiled a little, taking it from him.

        “Thanks. You didn’t have to do that. I could have gotten it tomorrow.” Gerard said shyly, looking down at Frank. Gerard really did look terrible. He looked rough. Had he slept at all? Frank looked back at Gerard. He hoped it wouldn’t be this awkward. What happened to that Gerard that had teased him last night?

        “So, what have you been doing today?” Frank asked out of curiosity. Gerard shrugged.

        “Just laying around and reading.” He motioned to his desk. Frank looked over to it and nodded.

        “I like reading comics. Batman is one of my favorites.” Frank responded. Gerard’s face broke into a wide grin.

        “Batman is one of my favorites too.” Gerard’s eyes sparkled as he stared down at Frank with happiness. Frank noticed Gerard’s hand twitch in hesitation, but he grabbed Frank’s hand and pulled him across the room to his desk.

        “What do you think?” He stared down at his desk. The random papers Frank had noticed a few minutes ago were actually drawings and sketches that Gerard had done. They were drawings of Batman and the Joker.

        “Wow. They are really amazing. I wish I could draw like that.” Frank frowned slightly in jealousy. He really was an artist. He could definitely do something with his talent. Frank stared up at Gerard, smiling. Frank’s smile slowly faded and Gerard’s did as well.

        “What is it?” Gerard’s eyebrows furrowed as he noticed Frank’s wide eyed expression. Frank stepped towards him, wiping Gerard’s chin with the sleeve of his jacket. Gerard flinched slightly and winced in pain.

        “The cut on your lip was bleeding.” Frank said, frowning a little and stepping back away from him. Gerard sighed, turning away from Frank and holding his mouth. He stayed like that for a couple minutes.

        “Gerard..?” Frank cautiously walked towards him and lightly touched his shoulder. Gerard jumped slightly. Was he scared? Why was he acting so jumpy and weird?

        “I..I don’t feel well.. I think you should go.” Gerard mumbled and Frank saw his shoulders shake a little. Something was definitely wrong. He needed to know. He wanted to help him.

        “Gerard, why weren’t you at school today? Did something happen?” Frank’s eyebrows knitted together.

        “I was sick..” Gerard whispered. Frank didn’t believe him at all. There was something more to this story. Gerard didn’t seem sick. He seemed hurt.