The weekend continued by without much of an incident.

The Saturday Gerard and I had woken up together, he had to rush out of the house because my dad had come home 'early' and was doing his usual morning errands of the weekend.

It was extremely entertaining to say the least.

I woke up feeling okay and was happy to have been beside Gerard. I knew I should've been looking at it from a completely different angle seeing as our recent 'history' had already claimed how messed up our 'friendship' could be but I didn't care. Not then.

I even knew that he would eventually leave me but why couldn't I, for once, just enjoy something while it lasted? I was content which was something I haven't been able to say in a long time...even as confusing as it all was with him.

I didn't regret waking up.

Not that morning.

We'd awoken in an almost too serene way...the sun was out, the neighborhood was quiet and I felt happy to have his body next to mine. Gerard had pulled me tighter to him as he was rousing from his sleep just as I'd half tried to stretch, attempting to feel that satisfying 'pop' in my back. He'd ran his fingers through my hair, his movements lazy as he tried to keep me in place which I was more than happy to do.

While becoming familiar with reality once more, I then heard the sound of whistling and the strong smell of bacon coming from downstairs. Realising it was my dad, I began to sit up, slowly at first but then Gerard looked up at me, confused almost before he began to hear banging also.

Something clicked. Seeing the panic in Gerard eyes, I had tried to explain to him, my hand resting on his chest, that my dad wouldn't come up to wake me unless it was nearing midday and on the clock it only read nine thirty. Gerard jumped straight out of the bed nonetheless and was suddenly throwing the clothes I'd lent him last night off and dressing in his now dry ones right in front of me, rushing to get all of his clothes on.

I laughed, covering my eyes and tried to make him see reason. He was completely out of sorts as he seemed to forget that he was missing his socks as he eventually shoved his shoes on.

“Gerard, it's alright.” I tried to reason again as I held down a giggle. “He can probably hear you moving around.”

Which seemed all the more to make him panic. Why was he worrying so much over this? I climbed out of bed but as I did, without so much as a goodbye, he half jumped out of the window whispering that he'd see me soon before running across the backyard and over to his home.

This was the infamous Gerard Way that people had warned me about?

I couldn't help thinking however, as I began to get dressed, that maybe I should still be angry with Gerard...I mean, I've been no saint but I haven't been throwing his emotions around...Had I forgiven him all too easily for him to be able to treat me like dirt again?

Ignoring it and pushing every thought of Gerard out of my head for the time being (and desperately needing coffee)I changed into my jeans and long-sleeved Adam Ant shirt and made my way downstairs to see my dad.

He was standing happily, bobbing to the little song on the radio as he put the finishing touches to his BLT sandwich (his normal Saturday routine) before jumping at my sudden appearance.

“Sorry little one.” He'd chuckled, placing a hand on his chest dramatically. “You scared me...I didn't wake you did I?”

“Nope.” I smiled, making my way over to him, giving him a quick hug.

“Your in a good mood this morning.” He observed, almost suspiciously. “Have a nice time at the party?”

“Yeah, it was good.” I replied making my way over to the coffee pot, my mouth positively salivating.

“Meet any new people?” I turned and laughed at his sheepish expression. I knew exactly what he was up too.

“Father...If you're implying that I'm happy because I met a boy last night, think again. I just had a good night out with my friends.” He smiled and nodded at me.

“That's good. I'm happy you had a good time.”

And he meant it. I knew my dad worried about me endlessly but he just wasn't as vocal about it as some parents were. I'd gotten my awkwardness from somewhere. I know he hoped and prayed that I'd never get back to a dark a place as I had done twice before in my life but he knew deep down that anything could happen. He knows the situation with mom isn't helping. I'm not blaming her one bit but...it would just be easier if she could support me more rather than criticize me.

I missed how it used to be.

I was of course in the good mood that morning also because of Gerard...eventually. My poor dad...he was completely oblivious to the fact that Gerard had stayed in my room last night and had literally just escaped only ten minutes before.

It was almost like a mini-thrill for me. Even more so because I knew my mother would disapprove.

For the rest of the Saturday I'd sketched, called Vee, Mikey and Frank to check if they were all still alive after Friday. The conversations only lasted a few minutes or so because either they were going to be sick (Mikey & Frank) or they had other plans (Vee and the college guy I'm sure). As much as I wanted to see them, I needed some time away from it all myself. To just think.

My dad stayed at home that Saturday night and watched a film with me but then went out on the Sunday day leaving me at the house all day. I even washed Gerard's socks. I was tempted to go over to the Way's residence to give them back but I thought against it.

I knew Mikey was unwell and the idea of me going over to see Gerard could be...scandalous.

Monday came about soon enough and I hated every second of it. I'd woken up late and forgotten nearly every piece of homework which the teachers shouted at me for, except Mr Trager, which was a relief. Vee and Mikey skipped the day – Mikey still feeling unwell & Vee...well, I wasn't quite sure about Vee. I was worried of course but Frank had calmed me by telling me he'd spoken to Vee only the day before. I didn't even have a class with Frank that day which made it more depressing.

I had a short run in Monica which left a nasty bruise on my cheek but I could easily play it off claiming that I'd tripped or something. My dad seemed to believe me enough, as had my mum when she popped over.

When Tuesday came however, that excuse was a little more difficult to use. The bruise turned out to be a little bigger than I'd expected it to be and Vee felt instantly guilty for not coming in when she saw my face. I tried to console her while in art but she just couldn't seem to let it go.

“It's not like it's the first time.” I offered but she continued to stare at Monica. A look of hatred constantly present.

“Vee, honestly-”

“No. I was a terrible friend. Picking a guy over you...” She continued, angrily scribbling her paper with a near blunt pencil. “I mean, who does that?”

“Vee...” I said placing a hand on her arm. “You picked a guy over a shitty school day. Who cares? Even if you were here, I still would have ran into her.”

“But she just shouldn't be doing this! She has no right! If anything, we should be the ones picking on her!”

“But we're not like that Vee.” She paused, obviously annoyed by my statement, as truthful as it was.

“I know...I bet Frank feels like shit.”

“Why? He apologized but it wasn't his fault and it definitely isn't yours.” I stressed, gently nudging her with my shoulders. She gave me a short, sweet smile and I sighed in relief. I hated it when people felt guilty for things that had happened to me. It was my fault. It usually
was.

“I'm sorry.” She said. “She just makes me so mad.”

“I know...but let's not talk about her anymore. How was your weekend? Did anything happen?” I asked. I could see Vee blush suddenly which is something Vee very rarely did. She side-glanced me before she broke out into a full 'Cheshire cat' like grin.

“Well...his name is Derek and he's just the sweetest guy! I know people say you should stay away from college guys and all but my god he is just amazing! You guys would really get on with him. Frank would love him for his music taste alone...”

“So what did you guys do?”

“We made out...a lot, like, my lips are completely swollen. His lips are so soft Dakota, it's ridiculous...You could say we made out too much but I think it was just right...”

“Oh god Vee.” I chuckled but she continued.

“I forget sometimes why I even like men, I mean, here at school they are complete asses but then...then there's Derek...He goes to the same college as Gerard so really, he's not too far away. He wants to see me again this weekend! God...Dakota, it's actually happening.” She beamed at me.

“What is?” I pushed.

“I've found the guy...”

“The guy?”

“Yeah, you know the one that gives you butterflies and stays constantly on your mind. The one that confuses every thought you have but...in a good way.” She continued, her hands clasped in front of her chest.

“Vee...I'm glad your happy but...you met him on Friday. It hasn't even been a week.”

“When you know, you know.” She shrugged. “But now...it's your turn.”

I felt then a little uncomfortable by her last statement. It left me smiling awkwardly at her but she'd began her now common 'Vee day dream' session so I left her to it. Shading the drawing in front of me, allowing my mind to wonder, I did then wonder if it was always like that when you kissed a guy.

According to Vee, it was unlikely.

When Gerard had kissed me that night, I had certainly felt...well different towards him. In the moment, my usual hurt had dissipated, if only for the moment. I was left breathless, leaving my thoughts scattered and my heart in my throat.

I doubt it had caused him to react the same way but even so...I was magnetised by him.

As he'd said...he's kissed many before myself.

I wondered then if he was ever going to actually kiss me again...

If he was then going to be my second kiss...

“Dakota?” Vee half shouted which made the majority of the class turn to look at us, half the faces scowling although Mr Trager seemed oblivious.

“Sorry, what?” I muttered, taking my eyes away from their stares.

“I asked how your weekend was.”

“Uneventful.” I shrugged, the image of Gerard on Saturday rushing to mind causing me to suppress a smile.

“What about the party? Meet a cute guy there?” She teased, leaning into me.

“Trust me, you'd know if I had.”

“Gerard was there.” Her comment caused my pencil to drag itself deep into the page, causing it to rip through half the drawing. I cursed under my breath, turning the page angrily, trying to salvage anything before the end of class.

Her eyes widened at my response. “I knew it!”

“Vee-”

“So there is something going on between you two!”

“No, there isn't-”

“I'm not an idiot! Of course there is Dakota!” She grinned.

“No. There. Isn't.” I said between my teeth, silently pleading Vee to be quiet as I caught Monica peeking over at our table, her expression suspicious,.

“Of course there is. Did you talk to him at the party?” She pushed, whispering to me, now ignoring her assignment.

“Just a simple hey, how are you.”

---

“...seriously, how have you been?”

“Fine, I told you.”

“Fine is a very dangerous word Dakota because it normally means the opposite, especially if you're the one saying it.” He answered, leaning forward again.

“And you know me so well?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“Of course. I probably know you better than you do.”

“I hardly believe that.”

“You never have any faith in anyone Dee. It hurts you know.” He said, placing a hand on his chest, his voice sarcastic again.

“It's not intended.” I replied with a shrug of my shoulders. He looked at me again, his eyes sad but brightened with the reflections of the fairy lights. He looked...rather angelic-

“You can have faith in me you know.” He whispered.

---

I even knew that was a terrible lie.

“You liar!” She laughed but soon noticed the distressed look on my face and her own smile fell.

“It's okay Dakota...to like Gerard I mean.”

“We're just friends Vee, honestly. Maybe not even that...”

I watched him a moment longer, Gerard's gaze never leaving my own. I had a strange sensation build up in my stomach. I felt as though my skin was flushing. A somewhat calmness washed over me...Not long after, just when I thought he was asleep, he gently grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him so I was leaning my head against the crook of his neck as his hand encircled my waist, pulling me tighter against his body.

Am I in denial?

“Your the reason he's in a good place at the moment.” She stated confidently.

“You're probably one of the most important things in his life right now too.”

“What makes you so sure Vee?” I asked, placing my pencil down on the table to turn my full attention on her.

“When you know, you know.”

Notes

Sorry if the spelling and grammar is all over the place guys, my laptops been acting a little weird. Take care <3