I Believe We're the Enemy

Frank got up and looked up at the twisted branches, "Kinda creepy, wouldn't you guys agree?"
Gerard bit into his bread, "We use to think that."
Ray added, "Everyone was so afraid to go near this tree, everyone at the school thinks this tree is the gardening of the Devil. One day, we all had the courage to come by the tree and well, it wasn't as bad as we thought it was. It's just a tree."
Gerard got up from the cooler and stood next to Frank. He gazed up at the branches and smiled, "Then, we kind of compared ourselves to this tree. We all were outcasts from others...like this tree. It's shape, color, and height is different from other trees, yet it stands so proud. I'll tell ya, kid, this tree defines us. It's our symbol."
Frank looked up at Gerard. Gerard's hazel eyes shone bright as he gazed up along the twisted roots and chipped bark. Gerard added, "Kid, I want to let you know that even if you're paying me, it'll be money well spent. I'm not letting your junior year spoil."
"Were you a junior when Rogen picked on you?"
"I was. But, thanks to my techniques, this year-my senior year, has been the best." He grinned at Frank, "Let's go, kid. We got to meet up with Rogen." Before Frank could reply, Gerard grabbed him by the shirt and yanked him out from behind the tree. They made their way across the field. Gerard asked, "Why is he picking on you anyway?"
"I think it's because I'm short. And because I'm...-smart."
Gerard smiled, "Well, looks like I'm going to be having fun."
"What are you going to do?"
"Fight him."
"What-? N-no, Gerard you don't need to-"
"Whoa, kid, I'm not going to physically fight him. Verbally."
Frank frowned, "But, wouldn't he say terrible things to you...?"
"He would. But I don't break so easily." Gerard smiled, "So nice of you to think of me."
Frank didn't notice that he did.
Gerard and Frank made their way back into the school and by the doors of the cafeteria. Gerard gave a sly smile, "Alright, I'm going in." Gerard stood proud by the doors before pushing both open, "God damn what a great day!" He said aloud as he marched inside the cafeteria. All eyes stared at him as he climbed onto one of the empty lunch tables. His eyes searched the cafeteria until his eyes spotted Rogen with a disgusted look on his face. Gerard frowned, "What? My buddy isn't so happy to see me?" He pouted jokingly, "Rogen, come here."
Frank stood awkwardly by the doors. He watched in awe as Gerard teased Rogen. Rogen didn't hesitate to walk up to Gerard, looking up at him, "Listen you fucking freak, you made your point last year, don't you dare open your mouth again."
Gerard looked at Rogen, "Y'know, you've been harassing a dear friend of mine."
Rogen looked at him as if he had no idea what he was talking about-until his eyes spotted Frank. Rogen smiled, "Frank? Frank's your friend? When the hell did that happen? Where were you in the beginning of the year when I was giving him swirlies?"
Gerard snapped, "It doesn't matter." His voice became rough, deep. It scared Frank, and it froze Rogen. Gerard added, "I was there to let him out-I gave him...a chance. True, I'm battling his own battles, but that doesn't make him weak. It makes him smart...something you're not, Rogen-"
"No, no, no, no you listen." Rogen said, "This thing that you're doing did work last year but you shaming me for my faults is something that I do best to everyone else." He added, "You don't want to make an enemy out of me." Rogen warned.
Gerard grinned "Try me."
"Freaks against Jocks. Anyone can see how this one's going to end." Rogen tightened his jaw.
"One of us wins, or we all burn down in flames." Gerard winked.
Rogen smirked, "A gay freak never wins."
Frank looked at Gerard. Gerard's gay?
Gerard stepped onto one of the chairs by the table and stepped onto the ground to face Rogen. They faced off as Gerard said, "No one likes a homophobe, Rogen."

Notes