such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter twenty one

Gerard walks up the stairs of his apartment complex as he talks on the phone with Bert. "I'm fine. I just got to the apartment complex and I'm just gonna go straight to bed."

"Alright angel, get some rest. I'll see you in the morning, goodnight" Bert says before hanging up. Gerard has to morning shift off so he's going to come over and spend the time off he has with him since Mikey will be at school.

Gerard tiredly walks through the front door of the apartment quietly. His body aching, his eyelids fighting to keep open against the heavy weight of exhaustion. Gerard tiredly sets his bag down by the door, setting his keys on the coffee table before taking off his coat and tossing it to the side onto one of the couches.

Gerard smiles softly at his sleeping brother on the large couch, who seems to have fallen asleep watching t.v while waiting up for Gerard to get home. Mikey likes to stay up and see him when he gets home, as usually Gerard reads with him every night he can. But some nights like this when Gerard takes an extra shift, Mikey can't stay up until 1 am like now.

Gerard tiredly lifts the blanket that covers Mikey, laying next to him on the couch before covering the two of them back up. Just sleeping with Mikey tonight, wanting any time he can get with him. Even if they're asleep.

"How work- night?" Mikey mumbles half asleep, too tired to correct the word skips. Waking up feeling the movement and Gerard's body laid with his. Knowing he's just got off of work. Already knowing how tired he must be.

"It was fine, just really long. I'm just glad to finally be home and see you." Gerard hums as Mikey shifts, turning and laying into his body. Gerard rests his face in his brothers hair.

"Can you still read to me?" Mikey asks, unaware of just how exhausted Gerard is. One of Mikey's favorite thing is for Gerard to read to him before bed. It helps Mikey feel better about his disability, giving Mikey a goal.

Gerard tiredly reaches over to the book Mikey has on the coffee table. He begins to read where they left off the night before, trying his hardest to keep his eyes opened and himself awake. Reading to him until Mikey passes out.

Gerard's so excited for this weekend. He's excited for this weekend that he gets off to spend at the fair with both Mikey and Bert. Unfortunately it's only Wednesday, Friday can't come fast enough for him, he really needs this weekend off.

• • •

Bert knocks on the apartment door of Gerard and Mikey. Hugging himself as he stands in the cold, waiting for the door to be answered by one of them. Bert knows Mikey should be getting ready at this time, so knowing that they're awake.

"Hey, in- come in." Mikey whispers opening the front door. "He didn't even hear the alarm this morning, he's exhausted. I figured I'd just let him sleep in this morning."

"Good idea. C'mon, I'll walk you to your bus stop." Bert whispers as he glances over to the clock, seeing his bus will come shortly. Knowing Gerard wouldn't want Mikey to walk by himself. Plus this'll give him some time to talk with Mikey on his own.

Mikey grabs his bag and the two quietly exit the apartment into the cold. "Are you excited for this weekend?"

"I'm so excited. It can't come fast enough. I can't wait to ride all the rides! And eat a bunch of sweets! Me and Gerard haven't done anything like this in a while." Mikey exclaims excitedly.