such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter nine

Gerard smiles as him and Bert walk into the restaurant. The bright florescent lights keeping the beautifully decorated restaurant well lit. The smell of food hitting them in the face as they enter. Greeted by a very kind waitress.
This place is seemingly very facy and expensive. Which is something Gerard's definately not used too, but likes.
They're lead to their table by the waitress, causing Gerard to smile at how nice of a spot it is.

"Bert, this place is beautiful." Gerard smiles as he looks around the beautiful restaurant. Gerard's honestly surprised that Bert would take him to such a nice place. Usually guys wouldn't even bother to take him on a date. And if they did, it was to McDonald's which Gerard didn't mind.

"You deserve the best of the best. Come on. You impress easily. You can't tell me guys aren't always trying to pick you up and take you out." Bert chuckles. Bert honestly likes him as a lot more than a friend, which is the problem.
He wants more than just a friendship with Gerard, but he isn't out and it wouldn't be fair to hold Gerard back.

"I'm good at choosing the wrong guys to fall for. I've only been on like 2 dates before. And they were nothing like this." Gerard chuckles as Bert points out how impressed Gerars is. Smiling and thanking the waitress when she brings over the drinks they ordered.

"I could never take Zach out on a date. His excuse was always that he didn't want too if he couldn't tell everyone that it was an official date. That we were dating. So this is new to me too.
I usually wouldn't go somewhere so fancy, not scene. But you deserve this." Bert chuckles softly as he sips his drink.

"It sounds like you were an amazing boyfriend. How could anyone take you for granted? We're not even dating and I can tell you're an amazing boyfriend." Gerard says, smiling at Bert. Reassuring Bert that whay happened with Zach wasn't his fault.

"So you're saying if you were to be with someone who isn't out, you wouldn't mind keeping it a secret for them?" Bert questions. Only asking as Gerard's made a few comments on how Zach was wrong to leave him because of it.

"I mean it would suck, but if you really love someone then it doesn't matter. If you aren't ready to come out then you shouldn't be pressured into it. Come out only when you're ready." Gerard says. He hates that Zach was so angry over the fact Bert wasn't ready.

Bert smiles, hearing how understanding Gerard is about it.
The waitress comes back and they order their dinner continuing to talk. "So how did you end up with the responsibility of your brother and juggling 2 jobs?"

"My mother isn't around. She's..ill. So I've been taking care of Mikey on my own since I was 15-16." Gerard says as he sips his drink. Watching Bert's eyes widen by his response.

"You've been on your own with him for 6 years Gerard? How did you even get a job that young? Where did you stay?" Bert asks curiously. Not understanding how they got by. If Gerard was 16, that would have made Mikey 9 almost 10.

"I did a lot of odd jobs until the bookstore offered me a job. We stayed with a friend of my mothers for the first year before moving out and into an apartment. It was hard at first, but we've settled in. We're happy now." Gerard smiles at the thought of how far him and Mikey have come.

The two talk as their food arrives and begin eating. The food tasting amazing, as it should considering the price.
"I still can't believe you brought me here. We're not even dating and you've taken me on the best date I've ever been taken on."

"You deserve it Gee. And anyway, it shows my appreciation for being here for me through the Zach thing these past few days. And being my friend in general. You're nothing like anyone I've ever met." Bert smiles before taking a bite of his dinner.

"Sugar I'm one of a kind. But of course I'm going to be here for you. Especially when you're upset. You were there for me when I was lonely and upset. That's what friends are for, right?" Gerard reassures Bert, kicking his foot softly under the table. Earning a warm smile from Bert who kicks right back.

The two finish their dinner, but sit there for another hour just talking. Enjoying the time that they get together. "Stay over tonight? There's some stuff I want to talk to you about."

"Of course. I guess we should head out." Bert smiles and the two leave their table, leaving the restaurant. The two walk down the sidewalk. It's now roughly ten, almost eleven pm now.
Bert watches as Gerard shivers due to the cold. Wishing he could wrap his arm around him to help warm him. But people would think he's gay..

After a 10 minute walk, they finally arrive at Gerard's apartment.
"Come on, we can go to my room. I have a small heater in there since ours is broken." Gerard chuckles, leading him to his bedroom.

The two sit in bed together, covering up with Gerard's blanket. The warm air that the small store bought heater that sits by the bed blows warm air. Beginning to warm the two up.
"So what did you want to talk to me about, Gee?"

"Zach. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want too. I just want to know what happened. I mean, you're clearly afraid of him." Gerard says, earning a sad sigh from Bert.
Watching as he fiddles with his fingers.

"Zach has a bad temper. I'm just afraid to anger him, especially with you around. He's unpredictable, even if we're broken up." Bert explains sadly.
Gerard tenses, looking at Bert with a concerned expression plastered.

"And yet you're heartbroken over him? He has a temper, right? In which he probably knocked you around a few times, correct? Baby why did you put up with him? Why do you still miss him?" Gerard says softly, not understanding why Bert would do this to himself. Put himself through that.

"I don't know Gee." Bert sighs softly. Gerard just reaches over and takes Bert's hand. Holding it. Hoping to help reassure Bert over the upsetting topic.
"I don't miss him, not at all. I want nothing to do with him."

"You don't need that asshole. You don't have to worry about being controlled and slapped around anymore." Gerard smiles, softly squeezing Bert's hand. "I'm not much of a fighter, but I'll kick his ass if I think he's even remotely intimidating you."

Bert laughs, nudging Gerard's arm. Softly smiling at him. Not even needing to say anything. They know that grateful they are for each other.

Gerard lays his head on Bert's arm, softly squeezing the soft, tattooed hand of Bert's that he holds with his own. "Thank you for tonight Bert, I had so much fun. You don't know just how much this means to me."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, I know I did.
I hope you'll let me take you out again sometime. I know we can't do stuff like this often because of Mikey and your work. Even if it's just a night spent in bed like this." Bert says sweetly.

Gerard smiles hearing that and lifts his head, placing a soft kiss on Bert's cheek.
"I'd love that. I really like you Bert."

"I really like you too." Bert smiles.
The two relax and talk with one another while they lay in the dark, listening to the humming noise of the heater. Listening to one anothers voices as they relax after an amazing night.

[This chapter was for chapter development along with just fluff because,,why not? xx]