such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter three

Gerard places a kiss on his brothers forehead as he pulls the covers on him more. "Goodnight, sleep well Mikes. Come get me if you need anything." Gerard smiles, standing up from his bed and exiting the bedroom.

Gerard walks down the hall when he hears the faint sound of his phone ringing. He walks into his bedroom, answering the unknown number. It's too late for it to be a telemarketer, so it has to be someone he knows. "Hello?"

"Gerard? Hey." Gerard hears the familiar and soothing voice of Bert. Almost automatically bringing a smile to his face. "I hope I didn't wake you. I didn't realize how late it is."

"You didn't. What's up? Is everything okay?" Gerard asks. He sits on his bed as he holds the phone to his ear. Kicking off his shoes tiredly. His feet acheing as he's finally sitting down. He works at the cafe in the mornings, then right after that shift he goes to the bar.

"Yeah, yeah. Everything's fine. I was just thinking about you and figured I'd call to make sure you got home alright." Bert smiles over the phone. Gerard chuckles, blushing softly. Honestly a bit flattered by Bert's interest in him.

"Oh of course you are, how couldn't you be thinking of me?" Gerard teases, earning a laugh from Bert over the phone. Gerard hides behind his jokes and teasing. It's the only way Gerard can really socialize.

"Yeah yeah, smartass. I know you had a long day and exhausted. Do you want me to let you go, Gee?" Bert asks over the phone. Gerard quickly saying no, honestly just wanting to talk to him. "Well lets talk then."

"Can I ask you something? It's a little personal so don't feel pressured to answer. What happened with your girlfriend? That caused you guys to split." Gerard asks curiously. Gerard knows it isn't any of his business, but he can't help his curiosity.

There's a long pause of silence before Bert finally speaks. Answering. "My boyfriend, you mean.."

"Oh, Bert I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed." Gerard quickly responds, feeling bad. But honestly a little happy to hear that his suspicions of Bert being gay are correct. "What happened? If you don't mind me asking."

"I'm not out, to anyone. Him and I dated for a little over a year, our band was on pause so I didn't have to worry about many people. But he didn't want to keep us a secret, and I wasn't ready to come out." Bert sighs sadly over the phone.

"I'm sorry Bert. It's hard being openly gay in today's world. Especially in a small town like this. He can't blame you for being aftaid to come out. Especially if you have an audiance watching your every move." Gerard sympathizes.

"Thanks Gee. What about you? I know you said you aren't dating, or looking to date. But I'm sure you want too. Anyone you're interested in?" Bert asks. Using that as a way to see if Gerard's also gay, having a gut feeling that he is.

Gerard chuckles. "If you want to know if I am too, all you have to do is ask. I am gay, though I don't have the time to date or anything. With work and taking care of Mikey."

"You seem miserable. Working back to back jobs, having no social life. I know you have your brother, but don't you get lonely? Having no one to lay beside at night. No one to be there for you?" Bert says sadly. Bert feels bad that Gerard obviously isn't happy with his day to day life. Even though he doesn't act like it, Bert can see right through it.

"I mean, yeah. But I don't have time to meet and date. Guys hit on me all the time, but I don't bring people home to Mikey. I don't trust people with him." Gerard says, laying back into bed.

"I understand that. But if you ever get too lonely, or even just want someone to talk too. You can call anytime." Bert reassures him. Gerard smiles, thanking him. For everything. Bert's made him so happy over the past week.

Gerard smiles tiredly as he turns off the lamp beside his bed. Pulling his covers over his frail body. "I've got to get to bed. Call me if you need anything. See you later Bert."

"See you later hotstuff, sleep well." Bert chuckles before Gerard hears a beep and he's left alone. In silence.

• • •

Gerard chuckles as him and Bert text back and forth. He has the morning off thankfully, though still has to leave for work later tonight at the bar. But he's enjoying the morning he gets to spend with his brother.

"Who are you texting? I've never seen you on your phone this much." Mikey chuckles from beside him. The two are watching a movie together. Though Gerard seems to be paying more attention to the messages sent back and forth between him and Bert.

"No one." Gerard smiles as he finishes up tying and sending his text. He sets his phone down, wrapping his arm around his younger brother. Placing a gentle kiss on the top of his head.

"Did you meet someone? Gee, you know you can have a social life. If you're not working, you're home tending to me. You've had one night out in the pas, what, 2 months?" Mikey says. Mikey is a bit slower than other kids. Which is why he's homeschooled.

"Mikes, don't worry about that. I met a guy, we're just friends. I don't have to go out all the time to enjoy myself." Gerard chuckles. Attempting to reassure his younger brother.

"A guy? When can I meet him?" Mikey asks, only resulting in a light laugh from Gerard. "I'm serious. Come on, I haven't seen you this happy in a while. I want to meet this mystery guy friend."

"No chance. Now shush, we're missing the movie." Gerard says, turning the volume to the t.v up louder. Mikey chuckles, shaking his head softly at his brother before averting his attention back to the movie.

Mikey enjoys the movie while Gerard spaces out in thought. Bert wouldn't hurt or mess with Mikey if he brought him over. Right? Gerard's never brought anyone home to meet Mikey.
Especially not someone he met only a week ago.