Cigarettes and Sass (reupload)

Chapter 20

Frank and Bert were quiet as they sat side by side on the couch, both holding a mug of coffee whilst they gazed at the TV. Some sort of old western was playing, but neither man was focusing on it.

Since getting back into the apartment the two men had continued to talk, at first about Bert's leaving, but then moving onto different topics until they were simply getting to know each other. The more Bert talked the more Frank warmed to him, realising that the man before him wasn't the same person who had once dated Gerard and then broke his heart. Even Bert knew he wasn't that man anymore, and that helped Frank to lose some of his hostility.

Frank had told Bert a bit about himself too, and for the most part they actually started to get along. They ended up passing the final few hours before Gerard was due home just laughing and chatting together, but now that the artist was due back any minute they had fallen silent again and were just pretending to be concentrating on the movie that was playing.

Frank felt like he could properly understand now why Gerard wanted to help Bert. He supposed deep down he had resented that, not understanding why Gerard would want to help a guy who had hurt him so much... but Gerard wasn't the kind to hold grudges, especially if the person the grudge was against was different; and Frank could see now Bert really was different. It didn't excuse the fact that he had hurt Gerard, but Frank supposed it was seven years ago and that really ought to be enough time to feel comfortable enough to give the guy a second chance.

Frank also felt a lot better knowing that Bert wasn't trying to get Gerard back. He couldn't understand why he would still be in love with Jeph... but just as long as he wasn't still in love with Gerard then Frank was happy.
Bert himself was feeling better too. He hadn't really wanted to come back to the apartment, but now he was here he supposed it was better than sleeping on the streets. He was struggling to get back on his feet, and his stomach would twist guiltily every time he thought about how long it was going to take him to find a job. He still felt some of his withdrawal symptoms too, but he hadn't touched a single drug since he had been living with Gerard. He just couldn't let the guy down like that.

Frank sighed and glanced at the time, biting his lip and wondering if Gerard was close. He and Bert had agreed that they wouldn't let the older man know about Bert's leaving. It would just upset him and cause too many problems, it was better if he was just allowed to believe that everything was fine. As far as Frank was concerned everything was fine. He had brought Bert back and he had promised not to leave again and everything was sorted; there was nothing to worry about.

Both Frank and Bert looked up with eager smiles when they heard footsteps approaching the door, barely a second passing before Gerard was letting himself in with a cheery 'hey guys!'.

Frank was on his feet immediately, rushing over to his lover to encase him in his arms and press a camp kiss to his lips. He was so happy to see him, especially looking so chirpy. Part of Frank had been worried that after what had happened in the shower Gerard would be a bit shaken. He knew they definitely need to talk about what had happened, Frank wasn't sure whether they had overstepped a line or not and he wanted to confirm everything, but in that moment all he wanted was to kiss Gerard over and over.

"Hey gorgeous! Did you have a good day at work?" He beamed, still hanging off the artist who chuckled and nodded, his cheeks a little pink from Frank's enthusiastic greeting. He wished he could have this every day...

"It was fine." He smiled in response to Frank's question, gently nudging him away so he could remove his jacket and hang it up. "Did you guys have a good day?" He asked casually, throwing a warm smile at Bert so that he didn't feel too left out. The blonde smiled softly in return, and Gerard noted that he was looking strangely relaxed. More relaxed than he had seen him before.