Identity [Gerard Way] *Completed*

Chapter Forty One

Eyes. There are hazel eyes, staring at me, behind a curtain of messy hair. They've been staring at me for a long time. It's like that's all he knows. It's like he's forgotten how to do everything, except stare.

I don't know what it is. I don't know why this has happened. Am I really that transfixing?

I'm sorry. I guess I should be more clear about what's going on. Well. We're sitting on the couch, like normal. Staring mindlessly at the scratched T.V screen. Like normal. The discarded plates from our breakfast rest, forgotten, by our feet. Oh, yeah, and there's an obnoxious bird chirping persistently outside the window. Yes, nothing exciting is going on, and, yes, there's a boredom slowly slipping into my mind.

Gerard isn't bored. No. He's not. I know because he's been staring at me for the past twenty minutes, and his eyes are all lit up, despite the sad lines and darkness that surround them. I mean, the staring isn't weird, or anything. I'm not uncomfortable. Not really. It's just, I don't know, different.

I'm not used to feeling interesting. You know? It's different to feel important to someone. But it's the good kind of different. It's the type of different that smiles at you.

Anyway. I'd probably gaze back at him, but that'd start another weird staring contest, or, uh, it might get awkward. And awkward is nothing like different. Awkward doesn't smile. Awkward grimaces.

Don't ask me. I have no idea why words are suddenly getting characteristics. This is sorta like the "inanimate objects being alive" thing, so, I guess I'll roll with it.

"Stop."

Gerard's voice makes me blink, shaking myself out of my mind.

What? Have I missed something? Or is he just talking to the T.V? He does do that sometimes. It's true, it happens. It's mostly just to groan at those cheesy infomercials about blenders, though, and-

"You're staring at me. Stop that." There's a sudden light shove on my shoulder.

Oh.

"Am I?"

"Yes." He says it like it's obvious, raising both eyebrows.

Oh. I've been staring this whole time? I guess I never realized, 'cause, after all, I've been thinking that it's been him, and... I guess it does make sense.

Then there's a thought. "Why can't I stare at you, huh?" I feel myself smile, but I really don't mean to. It's uncontrollable.

Gerard's face reddens. "I dunno."

Man, he's such a child. I love it.

But who would've known, all those days back, that hiding behind the dark, scary cloud around him, that a shy, gentle person lay underneath? Who would've known?