Gerard was sitting on the edge of his chair, his hands wrapped around a coffee mug.
“You're leaving? Why?”
I was confused, a little hurt. Gerard bit his lip harshly. “Mikey is going on a long trip for his work, and I want to go with him.”
“But why?”
“Because I need a break from this place. I really like being with you, but I need to get away from here. I walk past the building I was nearly murdered in to get to work, for fuck’s sake!”
I took a deep breath.
“Calm down, Gee. It's okay.”
He shook his head. “It's not. I'm gonna miss you.”
I smiled sadly and leaned back in my chair. “We’ll Skype, yeah? Talk every night.”
Gerard nodded and hung his head. “It's only three weeks.”
I sighed. “It'll feel like a lifetime, Gee.”
He smiled and played with his hair, pulling at a couple strands. “At least you've got your therapist, Pete.”
I rolled my eyes and patted my knee. “Come sit with me.”
Gerard climbed into my lap and I hugged him tightly, rocking him slowly as he buried his face in my neck and just laid there.

---

I opened up my laptop, clicking on the skype icon. The window popped up and I took a deep breath. Gerard and I had been texting, but this would be the first time I'd talk to him face to face in a few days.
I found Gerard's name and pressed the call button, waiting anxiously as the tone started. He answered on the second ring, smiling at me. I waved awkwardly and he giggled. “Hey you.”
He was laying on his stomach in bed, a kitten curled up by his shoulder.
“Hey.”
“Are you going to bed soon?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay.”
“Yep.”
There was a short pause. Gerard looked sad.
“I miss you.”
“I miss you too.”
“How has work been?”
“Boring.”
“Same here.”
I sighed and laid down on my side, too tired to pretend I wasn't.
“You're so cute.”
I blushed and shrugged. “I dunno.”
Gerard smiled and shifted, raising his legs behind him like a little girl.
“Yep. You are. My cute Frankie.”
My face felt like it was on fire. “Stop, Gee.”
He frowned and put his legs back down. “No. I know you don't like being lovey with me, but I want you to get used to it.”
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “I don't know if I can, Gee. Seriously. Just...take it down a notch, yeah?”
He smiled slightly and nodded. “Okay. But you do look adorable when you're tired.”
I rolled my eyes and looked away.
“I know you think that moving fast is a bad thing...but it's not, Frank. Really.”
“It is to me, Gerard. Really. We come from totally different backgrounds and I can't just dive in with you. I'm not used to dating really, let alone guys. I do really like you, but that doesn't mean I can just be completely normal with you. I'm not good at being romantic and cute with anyone.”
He sighed and the kitten yawned. “I understand. I'm not really used to it either, but I like trying.”
I smiled sadly and touched the screen lightly, wishing I could hug him. “It's okay. Really. We’ll figure this out.”
“Yeah. We will.”
There was another pause. “Where'd the kitten come from?” I asked, glad to change the subject. Gerard smiled. “Mikey and I are staying with a friend. It's his.”
I nodded and rubbed my eyes. “You like cats?”
“Yeah. A lot. I'm allergic, though.”
“I prefer dogs.”
“I like puppies.”
“Don't we all?”
Gerard giggled softly and flicked his hair out of his face. “So what have you been doing at work that's so boring?”
I smiled slightly. “Traffic control with Pete.”
Gerard sighed and nodded. “That is pretty boring.”
“Told you so.”
He flipped me off. “I'm trying to make conversation, idiot.”
I laughed. “How are you feeling?”
Gerard shrugged. “The pills make me tired but I'm not sick...and the bruises have almost all faded.”
I frowned. “You know-”
“You're sorry. Yes. I know. Stop saying that. I want to put it behind us.”
“You brought it up.”
“Because I wanted to tell you I'm doing better.” He smiled sadly. “I just wish you'd get it through your thick skull that I'm not mad anymore.”
I rolled my eyes. “You're being real romantic, Gee.”
He giggled and shrugged. “You know how I am, Frankie.”
I smiled tiredly and nodded. “Wish I didn't.” I teased gently.
Gerard smiled and blew a kiss. “You should sleep now, Frankie. You look exhausted.”
I smiled back and nodded. “Yeah, I should. You should too, yeah?”
Gerard nodded. “I will, don't worry.”
“Okay. Bye bye.”
“Love you.”
He hung up first.

---

I was changing when Peterson sidled up to me. I hated him. He was an ignorant piece of shit, and dumber than a post. Even Pete, who was nice to everyone, avoided him.
“You fucking that hooker?” He grinned. I leaned away from him, pulling my shirt over my shoulders and starting to button it.
“Don't know what you're talking about.”
He leaned in closer, until I could see his crooked yellow teeth.
“Faggot.”
I sighed and took a step to the side, tucking my shirt in. “Okay. That hooker lives with me because he has no money and he was badly hurt. Plus he's family of a friend. We aren't involved.”
Peterson laughed, crossing his arms over his skinny chest. “Yeah right. Bet you like taking it in the ass. Bet you scream for him. Ooh! Gerard! Fuck me harder, baby!”
I rolled my eyes and flipped him off. He followed me down the hall, chanting ‘faggot.’
I ignored him until I found Pete. The little fucker laughed again.
“Oh? Four way time?”
I lost it then. It wasn't the name calling that bothered me. I didn't mind being called gay, I thought it was dumb, but maybe not entirely false. It was the fact that he was in my business, in Pete’s, and Gerard's. I was honestly a little frightened.
So I punched him.

Notes

I'm gonna have two chapters up for you guys tonight :) tomorrow is my last day of school