such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter two

Gerard tiredly pours another drink for a regular. Bartending is definitely his least favorite job. Sure he gets free alcohol out of it, but it upsets him. He could have done so much more with his life. But this makes money, and that's what's important. Supporting himself and Mikey is all that matters.

"Did you hear about the band that's playing tonight? I heard they're really good, and really hot." Gerard's coworker grins as she leans against the bar. The bar offers out gigs to growing or touring bands. And as usual, it was booked. Though tonight's band isn't a regular. A bunch of people begin piling in and taking seats at tables beside the stage, seeming to be here for the show.

Gerard just shrugs, not really caring. Gerard continues his job of refilling drinks, wiping tables and giving tabs to the drunken men who reak of booze. Until he hears on oddly familiar voice.
"Jeph you can't drink until after the show." Gerard hears a chuckle.

As Gerard glances up, he sees the man who's been on his mind since their meet. On his mind for the past two days. Bert. As he watches him, his eyes are met with the familiar blue pair. Watching as a grin forms on Bert's face before he turns to the guys he's with. Saying something before walking over towards him at the bar.

"Fancy seeing you here, pretty boy." Bert teases as he takes a seat at the bar. Earning a laugh and light blush from Gerard in return at the sweet nickname used. Bert uses his charm with pride.

"I could say the same for you. I thought bars and parties weren't your scene? And yet here you are." Gerard chuckles as he leans against the bar, looking at the dark haired man sat in-front of him across the bar top. The pretty blue eyes that watch him sends shivers down his spine. Black long hair laid over his shoulders, which doesn't seem to be washed or barely brushed.

Only making Gerard feel bad. Imagining he isn't taking care of himself due to the bad breakup he spoke of the other night. Gerard can't blame him. He knows what it's like to be in a dark place. To not care or respect yourself enough even for just basic hygiene.

"I'm not here to drink. We have a gig tonight. You're the bartender here? Bert chuckles as he looks around the nice bar. Taking notice of the adults drowning their sorrows in booze. New Jersey is a very depressing place.

"You're performing tonight? What? I didn't know you were in a band." Gerard says, shocked. Gerard glances over his shoulder, watching as 3 guys begin setting up intruments on the stage. "What do you play?"

"That would be because we didn't get to that the other night. But I sing, actually." Bert responds. Laughing as he watches Gerard's jaw nearly drop, clearly surprised. "I've got to go help them. I'll catch you after, right?"

"Definitely." Gerard grins and Bert winks before standing. Heading back to the stage and begins helping what looks like his band members. Girls already beginning to flirt with them. They must already be pretty big, considering how many people have showed up to a small town bar.

"Hey, take over for me." Gerard says nudging his coworkers arm as he steps out from behind the bar. Walking to the corner as Bert's show begins. Excited to see them perform.

Lyrics slip off of his lips as the music compliments his voice. One hand gripped onto the microphone held by the stand while the other moves freely. The passion and raw emotion shown with every line he sings. His facial expressions and lyrics obviously written by him are a cry for help.