Mr. Way - Frerard

I entered art class on Monday morning. I could see that Gerard was exhausted, and I itched to hug him tightly, take him home, and spend all day in bed with him. Unfortunately, the world is cruel, so instead, I had to give him a brief smile and continue to my seat.

I swear he must have drank an entire gallon of coffee before the whole class was here. He gave instructions to the class and slumped into the seat at his desk. We talked quietly as I worked.

With my head down, I asked, "She's still not sleeping?"

"No," he said, and I felt the tiredness in his voice.

"Give her time. She'll sleep better once she settles in properly."

"I don't have time. Am I supposed to go without sleep until she does?" He snapped harshly. I looked up at him, my mouth agape. He'd never spoken to me like this. He looked just as shocked as I did.

"I-I'm so sorry, Frank, I'm just s-so tired, I-" he struggled to keep his wavering voice quiet.
"It's okay, I understand," I said, and I did, but that didn't change the fact that I was shaken having heard him use this tone towards me.

Gerard sighed heavily. "It's her first day at school today."

"Oh yeah?" I tried to keep my tone casual because I didn't want to make him feel bad. He couldn't help snapping at me. He was tired and agitated, and I didn't hold it against him.

"Yeah. I got her in an arts and crafts club after school. I wouldn't get there in time for the end of school," I nodded.

We talked for a while, and soon it was the end of class. I took my time packing away my things, and before I left, Gerard gripped my wrist with his long artist's fingers. I felt his breath on my ear. "I'm really sorry," he whispered. "Meet me here after school and I'll make it up to you." I shivered, and left for my next class, anticipating the end of the day.

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