such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter thirty three

Bert smiles as he sits on the couch with Mikey as they talk. Gerard's showering at the moment, giving the two of them a chance to talk together. It breaks Bert's heart that Zach talked to Mikey, that got his number. That he threatened not only Gerard, but took it as far as to threaten Mikey. All because of Bert.

"Hey Bert? Be honest with me please, is okay- Gerard okay? He t-tries to hide it, but I know he drinks and does- just how much he does." Mikey asks him softly. Making Bert sigh, not wanting to lie. Doesn't he deserve to know? He knows he doesn't have the right to tell him anything. Knowing that's something Gerard keeps private.

"Your brother's dealing with a lot right now Mikes. But I promise I'm going to help him and make things easier for the both of you." Bert says, attempting to reassure him but he himself doesn't know if Gerard's okay. He's really worrying Bert.

"He thinks I don't see it. I see the empty bottles in trash- the trash. The beers he hides in room- in his bedroom. I know he's stressed, with me- taking care of me." Mikey sighs. Heartbroken at the thought of how much pain his brother is in. And knowing that he's only adding onto the problems.

Bert wraps his arm around Mikey, placing a soft kiss on the top of his head after sighing. "It's going to be okay. You call me if you ever need anything at all. Okay? You have my number. Even if you just want to talk, I'm always here."

Bert knows it's hard on Mikey as well. Watching his brother work himself to death, drink himself to death. Gerard does so much for so little in return. But Bert's going to do his damn best to help Gerard get through this all.

"Hey Mikes. You ready for school? The bus will be coming any minute." Gerard asks walking into the living room but pauses when he sees their position on the couch and Mikey's sad expression. Immediately worried. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine." Mikey softly smiles as he stands up and grabs his backpack. They leave the apartment to the bus stop down the street and talk while waiting for the bus together. Mikey trying to convince Gerard to let him go to his friends house this weekend.

Once he's on the bus, Gerard heads back to the apartment where he sees Bert's laid on the couch, seeming to be falling asleep. Gerard smiles and closes the blinds, making the living room dark before grabbing his blanket.

Gerard joins him on the couch, smiling as he covers them up and rests his head on Bert's shoulder. Taking in the light scent of his cologne that Gerard will always make him feel warm inside. He got the morning off but has the bar shift in a few hours, but for now he's just going to enjoy this moment.

Gerard feels a soft kiss placed on the top of his head by Bert. Gerard smiles before closing his eyes, resting into him as he allows himself to drift to sleep.

• • •

Gerard sighs as he finishes off his third whiskey of the night. His head already spinning from the heavy drinks but needs it to keep awake tonight.

Sadly Bert isn't here again tonight, he's having another show. It really sucks not having Bert here with him, but he's so glad that he's out there doing what he loves. It's really boring without him here to chat him up and crack jokes. Then proceed to laugh at himself which he very often does.

"See you later Gerard." Pail smiles as he stands. Placing a kiss on Gerard's cheek before leaving to the cab that he called for him. Always looking out for the drunks who drink here, and especially Mr. Pail. Gerard understands the people here.

Gerard starts getting ready to close the bar for the night as he finishes another drink. Smiling when his phone begins ringing with an incoming call from Bert. "Hey sugar."

"Hey Gee, how's everything going? We just finished our show, it was amazing. We're still going to be another hour before he even head back." Bert smiles over the phone as he stands backstage, catching his breath after the show.

"I'm closing up right now, I'll be on my way home in the next 30 mintes. I'm glad you had a good show, but I have missed you these past few nights. Be safe coming home, okay?" Gerard says as he pours himself yet another drink. Taking a sip and feeling it wake him up, and hit him quickly.

"Good, go home and rest. I've got to go, good night prettyboy." Bert says as Jeph calls him over before hanging up the phone. Leaving Gerard with a smile on his face at the sarcastic and sweet nickname he often uses.

Gerard finishes off another drink and a half as he continues cleaning around the bar before leaving, locking the doors to the bar behind him.

Gerard walks alone down the dark and cold street, stumbling slightly before making it to his car. Tiredly buckling his seat belt and pulling out of the lot and onto the road. The oncoming lights of other cars blind him slightly.

He feels his eyelids grow heavier, his head becoming lighter and he feels the drinks setting in. Beginning to drift into the other lane as his eyes begin closing, but startled awake by the honking of the other cars.