K-12 | Frerard

chapter four

"What the fuck?" Frank managed to spit as he was dragged, scrabbling, down the hall. Gerard wasn't far behind him, and Frank reached out to him. What's going on?

Like hell I'd understand anything that happens at this place, Gerard said bitterly through his pain. If I'm not wrong, we're going back to the principal's office.

Oh, fuck, Frank groaned. They were done for. Following the grip on his throat, Frank traced it back to . . . the principal himself. Jesus Christ, did the principal have powers? No – It couldn't be. That was impossible!

"I can't – ugh, get it off," Gerard stammered as he twisted his hands around, trying to pry himself free. Frank shook his head. "The principal's doing it. You won't be able to get out."

"Shit, the principal?" Gerard repeated as they were suddenly released, the force disappearing as they reached the principal's door. Frank rubbed at his sore neck tenderly, nodding his head. "Yeah," He murmured. "The principal."

There were two other students at the door, looking startled and ruffled like Frank and Gerard were. The four didn't say anything as they stood in silence in front of the door. At one point, one of the boys pulled out a pill capsule, and Frank stared at it curiously before the boy put it away.

I wonder what level dose he's on, Frank thought to himself, and the boy glared up sourly.

None of your fucking business.

Frank jumped, startled. "Y-You, just answered – " The doors swung open with a thud, making the students turn toward them. The principal was sitting in his green velvet chair, a burning cigar between his teeth.

Iconic, Gerard thought, and the principal straightened, glaring down at Gerard. He paused, taking a long drag of his cigar before pulling it out of his mouth. "Keep your fucking mouth shut." He commanded, and Gerard paled. "He can hear me ­– us," Gerard said under his breath to Frank, not daring to take his eyes off the older man as they walked forward, taking seats before him.

I think everyone here can, Frank made his mind as soft and quiet as he could, touching his hand to Gerard's as they sat to make sure the other boy heard him over the radiating tension in the room. The chairs were made of sticky leather, and every fiber of Frank's being wanted him to jump out of them. He was half tempted to just use his powers and –

"If I were you, Frank, I'd focus closer on the matters at hand," The principal scowled at him. "Either way, your powers won't work in here. I'm the only one who can cast spells." Frank bit down on his tongue, hard, embarrassment flooding through him. He wasn't going to cry.

"Can I ask, sir, what are the matters at hand?" The boy who'd been taking the pills spoke up. Frank realized that it was the boy from recess, the one who'd held his arms and called him an animus. He had short blonde hair, and a dark expression about him. The fourth student had remained silent, his muddy brown eyes looking at the ground. Frank tried to dip into his thoughts, but they were silent – locked. It was like how Gerard knew how to shield thoughts from Frank, except this boy was doing it constantly. It was almost as if he'd built a wall around his mind.

"Someone tried to kill me," The principal sighed, his voice loud and clear as he pulled out a blood-soaked paper airplane from under his desk and brandishing it for them to see. "And I know it was one of you."

"And how exactly do you know that?" The blonde boy asked hotly, jumping to his feet. Frank tensed at the anger pouring off him, trying to protect himself from it. "I had nothing to do with this. It could be anyone at this fucking school!" He was suddenly thrown back into his seat as the principal waved his hand, causing the boy to clap his hands to his mouth, tears welling in his eyes. It was only then that Frank saw the dark red liquid dripping out of the student's lips and between his fingers.