in violent frustration | gerbert

Chapter Ten

Bert rests his chin on his hand as he watches Gerard's pretty smile as him and his mother are over at their house for dinner.

Bert admires how his eyes glimmer while he talks, so full of of life and happiness, the lip gloss spread on his thin lips.

But as he admires Gerard, Bert begins to notice Gerard's hand beginning to softly tremble, jerking softly.

Donna, noticing, holds that hand and rubs it, "Do you need to go lay down sweetheart?"

"I-I think I'll be fine, just from the stress" Gerard softly smiles, Bert watching how Donna just holds, rubbing Gerard's hand.

The dinner goes nicely, Gerard with the sweetest smile on his face, Donna keeping ahold of his hand, always glancing to him to make sure he's okay.

"Why don't you go upstairs hun, they're about to leave" Donna says rubbing Gerard's back and he obliges, standing and saying goodbye.

Donna looks at the stairs, making sure Gerard's gone before turning back, looking at Bert.

"Is there any way you can keep an eye on Gerard at school for me? Tell me if there's any odd behavior" Donna asks Bert.

"Donna-" Bryan begins to protest since Bert is a boy, only for Bert to cut him off before he can argue.

"Of course I will, I don't know Gerard very well but he's really sweet" Bert lies, playing off the fact that they, 'barely know each other'

Jenna and Donna talk for a bit before they get ready to leave, Bert helping his mother put on her coat.

Leaving the house, Jenna looks to Bert, "Are you and Gerard dating yet?" She asks, making him pause.

Bert tenses at the thought of his mother knowing he's gay. She can't know, what if she doesn't accept him?

"What?" Bert chuckles at the fact she brought that up, "No, no we're not dating- why?"

"Oh come on Bert, your eyes didn't leave that boy until he went upstairs, you're probably still thinking about him, he's all to talk about" Jenna says.

"Mom, we're not dating. I'm not gay" Bert says, trying to keep her convinced that he's straight.

"Mm, okay honey. I'm always here to talk, okay?" Jenna says and Bert chuckles, kissing her head.

They say their good night's when they get home and Bert goes to his room, to his window.

He sees Gerard at his turntable turning on what Bert imagines is Bowie, Gerard's obsession with him.

Bert calls his phone and Gerard sees he's calling, answering as he turns looking at the wondow, seeing Bert waiting at his.

Are you feeling okay Gee?" Bert asks as Gerard takes a seat in his sofa next to the window.

"I'm fine" Gerard smiles sweetly, making Bert chuckle, just admiring Gerard while he covers himself up with a throw blanket, moving the red hair that's falling into his face.

The two talk and talk for hours, until it gets too late and Gerard has to get to bed, having school tomorrow.

• • •

Gerard bites his lip while he watches Bert and Dan laugh, pushing each other as they run around the field, play fighting with each other.

"They're idiots" Quinn chuckles from beside Gerard, they luckily all have gym together, Jeph's off flirting with some girls.

"Gerard? I want to apologize for my behavior a few weeks ago when I was tipsy, Bert said I was acting inappropriate towards you" Quinn says, guilty.

"It's okay Quinn, you didn't even do anything, Bert just worries about everything" Gerard chuckles.

Noticing Quinn still looking bummed, guilty, Gerard nudges his arm, "Hey, I'm not mad. It's okay, you're a cute drunk"

Quinn smirks smugly, playfully adjusting his shirt, "Hm, is that so?"

Gerard laughs as he adjusts his shirt, flipping his hair playfully, "Don't let it go to you head, bozo"

Bert pauses from playing with Dan out in the field, taking notice of Quinn making Gerard laugh, sat so close to each other.

But his laughter and smile fades as he pulls out the flip phone from his pocket, making Bert walk over to him, knowing that usually means he has to leave.

"You have to leave?" Bert asks, he was hoping Gerard would come to his show tonight, they have a gig.

He hasn't asked Gerard, he was going to after school. But there goes that idea now.

"Yeah" Gerard sighs fiddling with his fingers, looking down at his lap, concerning him more.

Gerard stands, "I have to go, I'll see you guys tomorrow.."

Bert sighs watching Gerard leave, obviously dreading to go where ever he disappears too.