Death Is Strange

TEN

Monday dawned overcast, the darkening clouds threatening rain. It was strange to Frank, after three days of so much confusion, to be putting stuff in a backpack and walking across campus with Ray and Ben to class.

Ray was smiling at Frank's schedule. Frank wondered how anyone was able to smile as much as Ray did. "What?" he asked.

"You, Gerard and I have Photography together at the end of the day," Ray said. "You'll love Mr. Armstrong."

Frank nodded absentmindedly, gaze falling on Ben, who was, once again, wearing a white t-shirt that Frank could see his tattoos through. It was distracting in the sense that Frank then began thinking about the rest of his body, and then he felt like a creep.

Ben walked ahead of them down the hallway, which was buzzing with conversation as students headed to class.

Frank inclined his head in Ben's direction. "Is he gay?"

Ray laughed softly. "I don't know. Back in our freshman year, before Danny went psycho, there were rumors about Ben and Danny, but no solid evidence. I think it was a bromance. But I don't know. Bisexual, maybe? He does love girls. Why do you ask?"

"Because I'm not fucking blind, so I realize he's cute?" Frank said bluntly. "Not that I'm about to make a move. I was just curious."

Ray laughed again. "Oh, Frank." He stopped as they went into the science lab. Gerard was already slumped at the table in the corner, and they joined him. "Why didn't you walk with us, buddy?" Ray asked gently. "You doing okay?"

Gerard shrugged. He was nibbling at a pack of Skittles, which were spilled across his open notebook. He'd been working on a drawing. Frank couldn't tell what it was, but it looked really dark.

Frank scooted his chair closer to Gerard's, putting an arm around his shoulders. "What happened?" he asked quietly.

"Nothing," Gerard whispered. "I just... really miss Bert."

Frank felt a twinge of jealousy. Am I not enough? I literally fuck you every day. I'm with you 24/7. He swallowed hard, pushing away the feelings. "I get it. I can't even imagine." He kissed Gerard lightly on the cheek, and leaned back in his chair.

"Get a room," said a voice behind him.

Frank turned quickly, ready with a snide remark, but Ray was laughing. "Hey, James."

The kid had stringy brown hair, striped with blue, and wore a beanie and a smirk. "Is this Gerard's new boyfriend?" He set his books on the table and extended a hand to Frank. "I'm James Dewees. I like to consider myself part of Gee's squad."

"You bet you are," Gerard said. "James plays keyboard and piano, and I don't know of anyone who's better than him. He worked with me and Bert before when we were thinking about starting a band. But seriously. Put him at a keyboard, and you witness magic. Love you, James."

"You're gonna make me blush," James said, his smirk widening into a grin. He had held onto Frank's hand, and was examining his tattoos. "These are wicked. What's HALLO mean?"

"Oh. Halloween," Frank said, holding up his left hand, which showed the rest of the word. "My birthday's on Halloween."

"Lit." James was quiet for a moment. "This is your first official day, right? You were one of those lucky people who got here on a Friday."

Frank nodded. "Plenty's happened already, but yeah. First school day."

James rolled his eyes. "I don't need to hear the details of your romantic weekend. Gerard already hinted at it. Jesus."