I decided that what Gerard and I needed was some space. I wasn't looking at anything too dramatic- I was only thinking of a day or so apart.

But the thing was, just an hour into my time without Gerard, I was already coming apart. Not necessarily from our argument, but mostly because of the people surrounding me.

I wasn't even doing anything wrong, just going about my own business. Isn't that how these things always seem to start? I could see the court case: Iero v. the Abercrombie and Fitch Wearing Assholes. It was always the same story with these things; I'd be making my way to class and hear a rude remark. I'd ignore it, and then they'd block my path, continuing to belittle me. I'd try to ignore them and push past, then a particularly offensive comment would rile me up and make be talk back, sparking some sort of physical conflict. Bullies weren't the smartest or most innovative; their techniques were very formulaic.
This time, it was this hoard of seniors, most of which I've only said two words to. Why they had a problem with me was a mystery, one that could usually be solved pretty quickly. My default answer was my appearance: short, small, and somewhat feminine or emo by conventional standards. On rare occasions they would have an illegitimate, but still, a reason to be upset with me. However on most, it was just rich boys looking to start a fight.
I had been walking to physics, eager to get there. The day was practically over; it was our last period and we had a substitute teacher, one who knew nothing of science. It would be the easiest class period of the year, one of kids chattering lightly or fucking around on their phones. It would be beautiful.

Passing through the basement hallway, I found my path blocked by some guys. Usually I could squeeze my way through- I was small enough. Unfortunately for me, Tyler Seil was the main one standing before me. That kid was built like a fucking truck: tall, broad shoulders, thick legs, you name it. I wasn't going to risk sneaking past him.
In the calmest, most neutral tone I could manage, I asked, "Any trouble, guys?"
Tyler looked around, squinting. "What? Who said that?" Catching my eye, he faked looking startled. "Oh, Frank! Didn't see you down there."
All his friends went into hysterics over the ancient relic of an insult. I forced a chuckle, telling, "I need to get to physics."

Tyler pouted, teasing, "Aww, you have to go to phsyics!" He peered from friend to friend, remarking, "We can give you a physics lesson right here."
I was never any good at physics. But I knew that if Tyler is mentioning it, it was probably going to hurt. I tried to dart around him, but he caught me by the neck, spinning me to face him.

"Don't touch me!" I shrieked, twisting beneath his grip.
Tyler didn't hesitate to punch me in the nose, spitting, "What the fuck, Iero? Trying to get us in trouble?"

"Fuck you," I growled. I felt warm blood trickle from my nose and pool on my upper lip. "Stay the fuck away from me."
Tyler smirked, "Or what, you'll get your boyfriend to kick our asses?"
I moved past them, getting shoved as I did so. Rushing past the physics room, I made it out the school doors by the time the tardy bell rang.
I went to the only place I knew, that spot under the bleachers. Ditching my things at the base of the football field, I reached the bleachers. Peeking my head under the metal structure, I saw no one other than my boyfriend lying there.

He lay on his back, eyes closed. One hand rested limply on his rib cage, the other propped up to hold a cigarette spewing fine smoke.
He didn't even notice my presence. I turned to leave when I heard over my shoulder, "Frank get back here."
Shit. "How'd you know it was me?" I crawled over next to him, trying to make myself comfortable on the cold ground. "You had your eyes shut."

"I saw you on the field, numb nuts," Gerard replied. "I may be useless but I'm not stupid."
I dug my nails into the ground, beginning, "Look Gerard, I'm sorry. I think that we're both tired, that I was a little hypersensitive and that me accusing you made you retaliate rashly. I'm sorry it got as far as it did." I waited for him to speak, but he said nothing, only lay there. "I don't know why everything that happened did, but I just know that I felt like shit afterwards. I don't want to feel that way, Gerard, especially not when I think of you."
Gerard finally sat up, fluttering his eyes open. His eyes widened, and he remarked, "Oh God, Frank, your nose!"

"What?" I questioned. Touching a finger to my upper lip, I felt the blood congealed to my skin. "Oh, yeah. That's nothing."
"Nothing?" Gerard scoffed. He got a tissue from his back, thrusting it into my hands. "Jesus Christ, Frank. What happened?"
Smiling, I pressed the square of Kleenex to my nostrils. "The usual."
"Who did it?" Gerard demanded. "What'd you say?"

Removing the tissue, I turned it around in my hands, examining the dark blood that had stuck to its surface. "I didn't speak; I screamed."
Gerard shook his head, muttering, "Those fuckers."

"Gerard, it's fine," I insisted.
"No, it isn't," Gerard retorted. "You don't deserve this."

"You're right, I don't. But you know what? You don't deserve to stress over it," I reasoned. I put the tissue by my side, pushing Gerard down onto his back. Laying on his chest, I pleaded, "Just drop it, please?"

I could feel Gerard's chest rise and fall against my cheek. His heartbeat, soft and slow, pulsed against my skin. After a moment's silence, he replied, "Anything for you, babe."

Notes

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