such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter twenty four

Gerard tiredly sets his keys on the counter before sliding off his coat after entering the apartment. Attempting to stay quiet considering the time, in case Mikey's already gone to sleep.

"Gee?" Mikey yawns walking into the living room from the hall. Having been waiting up for him to get home like he does most nights. Always wanting to make sure that Gerard gets home okay. Afraid that he may fall asleep at the wheel, knowing how exhausted he always is from working long hours.

"Hey Mikes. Have you eaten?" He asks tiredly as he takes a seat on the couch. It's been one hell of a week so far, every night at the bar has been really busy recently. Making Gerard's nights even worse then they already were after working mornings at the bookstore.

Mikey takes Gerard's shoes off for him, knowing how tired his brother is and knowing how badly his feet hurt after long days of being on them. "Mr. Pail brough pi- by some pizza for me a few hours ago. How work- was work?"

"It was okay. Let me shower then we'll read, okay?" Gerard says tiredly as he stands, knowing his brother is tired and ready to read and go to sleep.

"If you're too tired we skip- can skip reading for tonight Gee-" Mikey begins, feeling bad for his brother. Though only for Gerard to cut him off midsentence before he could finish dismissing their usual nightly routine.

"Nonsense baby, I'm fine. Go get in bed, I'll only be a couple minutes." Gerard reassures his brother. He hops in the shower and rinses off, way too tired to even bother washing his hair tonight.
He misses Bert. Misses last weekend where he spend hours out in town with him and Mikey.

He misses laying in bed with him late at night in the dark just talking together. Misses the touch of his skin. Bert's hand running along his bare back, the way he always wraps his arm around him when Gerard would rest into his side. How he always keeps his arm around his waist as they sleep. Everything.

Gerard gets out of the shower and puts on his pajamas before going to Mikey's bedroom, getting into bed with him. "Mhm, let's see where we left off."

Mikey leans back into his arms as Gerard holds the book. Mikey begins reading, practicing his speech. Gerard reassuring and helping him whenever he gets stuck or struggles too much.

"Like wind howling in a storm." Gerard repeats the sentence Mikey's struggling at right now. Helping him say it without stuttering or repeating words. They do this together almost every night, Gerard honestly looks forwards to this.

He enjoys helping his brother, having this time to be able to reassure and help him improve with what he knows is Mikey's biggest insecurity. Which is his speech. Mikey's really embarrassed that he isn't as fast as others, that he can't speak correct sentences all the time or sometimes on bad days, even at all.

"I love you Mikes. I don't care what anyone else says or thinks. You're perfect the way you are, and you're just as smart as other kids if not smarter." Gerard reminds him, placing a soft kiss on the top of his brothers head.

"I love you too. T-Thank you so much for taking care of me Gee. Working two job just to keep me in my classes and pay bills. And read-reading with me every night even though you're tired." Mikey says, so thankful to have an older brother like Gerard.

"Don't thank me Mikey, that's what brothers are for. It's been a tough few years, but things are finally better. As long as we have each other, that's all that matters." Gerard reassures Mikey. He knows he feels guilty that Gerard works so much, though he shouldn't.

Gerard gets out of bed and covers Mikey up. "That's enough reading for tonight. Get some sleep sugar."

They say their prayers and goodnights and Gerard turns off the bedside lamp before exiting the room and heading back to his own, tiredly falling into bed. Feeling his phone buzz against the top of his stand that his phone sits on.

bert💕: hey baby, i'm sure you're probably asleep by now but i just wanted to text and tell you that i'll be popping in to see you tomorrow morning. sleep well gee <3

Gerard smiles at the sweet text sent by Bert and sets his phone down to the side. The moment he lays his head on his pillow, he's out like a light.

• • •

Gerard hums to himself as he places books on the bookshelf. Ready to go home though he has several more hours here before a 4 hour shift tonight at the bar. Which he's absolutely dreading. He just wants to get home to Mikey and bed.

"You look like you could use this. C'mon, take your break." Gerard's startled by Bert's voice. He turns to see Bert with coffees and what looks like breakfast from Gerard favorite coffee shop down the street. Nodding to one of the empty tables beside the window.

"You're amazing." Gerard smiles as Bert hands him the coffee before taking a seat at the table. He's actually starving, but doesn't want to spend the extra money in the morning to go get himself breakfast. Gerard tries to save as much money as possible and put it towards Mikey's necessitys.

The two enjoy their meal while talking, they talk about Mikey, last weekend and unfortunately work as well. Bert always asks him about him working at the bar worried about Gerard considering that so many guys hit on him. He can't help but to worry, Gerard means everything to him and doesn't want to see him get hurt.

[This chapter was really boring but it's because I have a plan for the next few chapters so I needed a rather calm chapter to fill ((; so I may even update again in a few hours]