such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter four

Gerard wipes down the table top of the bar as he listens to a nightly regular chats him up. Gerard laughs softly as he listens to the aimless flirts. The two talk alot, he knows Gerard isn't going to come home with him. He just enjoys their flirting. He's here every night.

It's a cold night after a long, exhausting day. After working this morning, he's now working until 10 tonight. Gerard can't wait to get his shift down. He's excited to get home to his brother. To get off of his feet, which ache. He works more hours than his body can handle, but he has no choice.

As Gerard hears the bell of the doors opening, he glances over. Smiling when he watches Bert enter the bar, he knew Gerard was working tonight. He asked about it this morning. They've gotten a lot closer over the past 2 weeks. Thy have a lot in common with each other.

"It's like you purposely tease me, Mr. Way. Come on, you know you want to get out of here, come home with me. You won't regret it." The drunken man teasinky chuckles as he finished off the beer he holds in his hand.

"I'm sure I wouldn't, Mr. Pail. Now that's your last drink for the night." Gerard chuckles at the sweet older man before holding his hand out. "Keys, now. You're too drunk to drive. I'll order you a cab. I'll get you a coffee, just go sober up."

The man chuckles, fishing his keys from his pocket and placing them in Gerard's hand. "What would us drunks do without you, Gerard"

The man glances over to Bert who waits for Gerard to finish, recognizing him from the other night. Recognizing him from talking to Gerard, they were obviously flirting. Pail stands, "Keep an eye on this one. He's trouble."

"You seem to care about him. Despite him hitting on you" Bert points out as he watches the man walks away from the bar. Watching as Gerard texts a number for a cab while beginning to brew a coffee for him.

"His wife left him and took his kids. As much as he flirts, he'd never actually go through with it. He loves his family too much. Everyone's here for a reason. You don't hang out at a bar alone for fun, everyone here has sad stories." Gerard chuckles.

"Yeah? And what about you?" Bert says. Like Gerard said, everyone's here for a reason. Sure Gerard has to work, but why at a bar? Why as a bartender? Everyone has a sad story, so what's his? As he said, everyone's here for a reason. You don't choose to spend your time here without a reason.

Gerard just pauses, looking at him. The look in his eyes telling Bert everything he needs to know. Gerard clears his throat. "So what are you doing here? You don't have a show here tonight."

"I came to see you. I figured if we can't hang out when you get off of work, I can just visit you at work." Bert responds with a warming grin. "Come on. You can't say I'm not making your night even better."

Gerard laughs, shaking his head as he steps out from behind the bar. "You're cute, but you're not that cute." Gerard only teases. Of course Bert made his day better, but why let him know that and take the fun out of it?

Gerard brings the hot cup of coffee over to Mr. Pail. Letting him know his cab will be here shortly to pick him up.
As Gerard walks back over to Bert, he sees him shaking his head and giving him a look for his comment.
"As a matter of fact, I am that cute."

"Keep telling yourself that, sugar." Gerard chuckles as he walks back behind the bar. He tiredly pours himself a shot. Gerard holds his nose as he downs the strong alcohol. He's tired, this'll help keep him up at least until his shift is over.

"You're drinking on the job? Gee, maybe you should just call in and go home. You look exhausted." Bert says. Bert feels bad that Gerard has to work to jobs. Working morning to night. Rarely getting free time.

"It's just to keep me awake. You don't have to stay here with me if you don't want too Bert. I'm sure you have better things to do than babysit me." Gerard says as he wipes the the counter top of the bar again.

"I'd rather stay with you than do anything else. I enjoy hanging out with you." Bert responds. The two talk as Gerard works. They speak about common interests, hobbies.

"How are you doing Bert? I didn't mean to pry the other night, about your past relationship. I mean, how are you feeling?" Gerard asks. Gerard wants to make Bert feel better about it all. He knows what it's like.

"I'm okay. You didn't pry, I don't mind talking to you about it. Considering you're the only person who knows I'm- ya'know." Bert says. Not saying outloud that he's gay. Afraid if anyone hearing.

They just take this time to get to know each other. Bert stays with him for the next few hours until his shift ends.

• • •

Gerard lays flat on his back in bed. Watching the ceiling fan about him spin, and spin in circles. The errie silence of the room sending shivers down his spine. The half empty beer in his hand that lays off the side of the bed. Exhausted but unable to sleep.

Gerard's a very happy person, he's content with his life. But it's moments like this that get to him. Nights alone in his room after a long day of working. Mikey asleep. No friends to message, call. It's nights that get to him. Knowing he has nobody but his brother.

His thoughts are interrupted by a buzz of his phone that lays on his shirtless stomach. Lifting it, he sees a message from the person he most wants to see. Bert: hey gee, i just want to check that you got home alright. let me know if you need anything xx

Gerard presses the call button, putting it up to his ear. Listening to the dial ringing fill the silence. Waiting. It only takes 2 rings before it comes to an end, and Bert's voice comes through the phone. "Hey Gee."

"Does that offer to keep me company when I get lonely still stand?"