Yes, Sir - Frerard - Chapter 3

Frank stayed away from school after the incident. He didn't roll out of bed and rush to get his clothes on. Instead, he stayed nicely wrapped in his blanket, like a butterfly still waiting to break out of his cocoon. In the early morning, he could hear the sound of his mother downstairs, listening to the strained voice of some big rapper artist from their beat up boom box. She yelled into the seemingly empty house for a minute, mocking a schizophrenic pyscho for a moment. And then she quieted down. The music stopped, and eventually, Frank could hear the sound of the of their 1990 Buick Estate pulling out of the driveway. Only then did Frank start to move around, but even then, not much.

He washed up in the cold water of the shower and walked stark naked down to get a slice of toast and a few leftovers of Chinese food from the refrigerator After scrubbing the dry gunk off the microwavable plate, he tossed the box in there and left it to warm. Idly, his fingers touched at his neck as he watched the orange glow of microwave. The scent of Lo Mein filled the air, but his mind wasn't here. No, he was sitting back in the classroom with Mr. Way's hands tracing over the contours of his neck.

The memory itself was enough to make a pink blush coat over his cheeks.

After the microwave beeped loudly twice, he opened the small door, grabbed his box of noodles and retreated to his room. He ate, slowly watching the television in his room, flickering every so often. His mind had constantly wandered, and eventually, he turned off the small television and rolled over to go to sleep.

The cycle continued itself for four days, enough time for the bruises to heal and for him to get his head together. He had to face the teacher sooner or later. Besides, Ray had been blowing up his phone all weekend. It's about time that he got back to him and told him what really happened.

Ray's the only one that knows and cares about Frank's safety, so of course he would have to tell him.

The fifth day, a Wednesday, he had gotten up the same, but today, he focused on his appearance. He took a shower, shampooing his hair, brushing his teeth, and washing the grime off of him in one go. Hurriedly, he ran out of the bathroom, grabbing his long-sleeved shirt, skinny jeans and skeleton gloves. He took the moment to comb through his mop of hair, noting the split ends that were brushing so gently against his neck.
He sighed, looking at himself in the mirror, applying his black eyeliner carefully against his eyes. After stuffing his not-so completed homework in his bag, he ran out of the door, a faint smile greeting him at the door.

Frank arrived at school a little later than usual. He walked into the classroom. Mr. Way's not there yet, but he suppose that he'll be there soon. He wanted to apologize to him about freaking out that day. Sure, he thought about his gentle touch when he was at home, but he didn't want to make anything awkward between them two. He liked Mr. Way and respected him, and that's all that he could ever ask for. Mr. Way actually saw him for who he was, and not as some loner kid who was depressed all the time.

On cue, he walks in, wearing a long sleeved dressed gray t-shirt and regular dress pants. His hair is still frazzled on his forehead, but his eyes look a little droopy, life faintly flickering behind the hazel orbs. In his right is a Starbucks coffee and the left his stack of papers, just like always. He lifts the plastic container to his lips, ad he gives a weary sigh.

"Morning class." Mr. Way started, and the class responded with a dull, "Good morning." He sat at his desk, and immediately looked down to towards his role book. Frank felt a small pang as he continued to say the names of his class mates, and then he spoke his name. "Iero?"

"Here, sir." If one could measure how fast he looked up, it would have been comically interesting. Mr. Way's eyes' widened, before they reverted back to their regular size.

"Iero. You're back." Frank gives a shrug in response, and if he looked at him closely, he could see the smallest of smiles forming on his lips. "Good. You have four days' work to make up. See me after class." He said, then he continued down the list, and for a minute, Frank felt like everything reverted back to normal.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"You're back." Mr. Way stated as he got up to close the door. "I didn't think you were." He glanced back at him, and he smiled, "But I'm glad you are." He nodded, and Frank shifted in his seat underneath his gaze.

"Yeah. I'm sorry for running away, sir. That wasn't…polite of me." Mr. Way looked at him and laughed. Frank watched, flustered, feeling his cheeks heat up. "D-Did I say something wrong, sir?"

Mr. Way shook his head, "No, no that's not it. " His laugh turns into a small chuckle. "I shouldn't have touched you like that." His laughter died out. "But…Frank, you know-." Frank cut him off abruptly.

"I'm fine. Thank you, sir. I just got into a small fight. Nothing serious, sir." He was telling the truth. It wasn't as though he was lying. Only except that it was more of assault than a fight. Frank tucked his hair behind his ears, shyly, and Mr. Way stared, an emotion showing in his eyes that Frank couldn't place once again. Quickly it vanished, and Mr. Way leaned forward, ruffling his hair.

"It's okay, kid." He sat back, "Nothing serious, right?"

Frank watched him warily, but the serious look on his face made him a little bit calm. Mr. Way wanted to forget about the situation as much as he did. A long steady stream of breath came from his barely closed lips. His skeleton fingers continued to tap at the chair, and he glimpsed at the door.

"Can I leave now, sir?" He said, grabbing his bag and getting up.

"Wait." Mr. Way stood up too, reaching in his pocket, and pulling out a card. "Your grades are getting better, but you need a speedy recovery if you can even think about graduating this year." Frank grabbed the card, a simple full name, phone number, and address.

Gerard Way
2018 Hedge Street
908-621-6365

"I really recommend you coming to study with me."

Frank raised an eyebrow, and immediately was going to give it back, but what he said next stopped him. "I want you to graduate, and if you ever need someone to talk to…"

Frank eyed the card and looked back at him, "I can beat your ass if you even think about touching me inappropriately." Mr. Way doesn't even scold him for cursing. He simply shrugs.

"Don't worry." He raised his hand, showing the golden ring on his finger. Well, that was new. "Engaged." Engaged? Suddenly, Frank felt his mouth go dry. He was engaged. Well, of course he was. He had to be. A man with those good looks?

"Oh. I see." Frank said, covering up his shock, tucking the card in his pocket. "I…sure." He nodded, and Mr. Way nodded. "So what subjects do you need help in?"

"Everything."

Mr. Way gazed at him, and nodded. "Well, okay. We'll start tomorrow? Just call me when you want to come over." Frank glanced away in response, and he grabbed his bag.

"Yes, sir. Bye, sir." Just as he was about to walk out the door, Gerard called out to him.
"Oh, and Frank." Frank turned around. "You don't have to use sir in every sentence." He smirked, making Frank's heart jump. "This isn't a military drill."

Frank frowned, wanting to yell, but only opening the door and slamming it behind him.