such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter thirty eight

Gerard smiles almost immediately as he hears the door dring and watches Bert enter the bar. His rather long black and unwashed hair lays on his shoulders. The tattoos that cover his arms and neck. That breathtaking smile of his that can make anyone melt just at the sight. He's so in love with him. Even the cheap cologne Bert wears brings comfort to the red head.

"You keep stealing my clothes then I'll be forced to press charges against you. Theft is a serious crime. They seem to always disappear when I come over." Bert teases as he examines another one od his hoodies that Gerard wears. One of the hoodies that he couldn't find last week when he stayed over.

"Something pressed against me? You got my attention." Gerard grins as he plays with the sleeves of Bert's hoodie that he may or may not have hid so he couldn't find it and leave it. What can he say? It smells like Bert, not to mention really comfortable and warm.

"You better watch yourself. That teasing is going to land you in trouble pretty boy." Bert grins at the sarcastic red head. Happy to see him after a long night of laying awake in the dark all night after yet another bad dream. Just hearing Gerard's voice makes him feel better, never fails to make him smile.

"Oh but I like trouble." Gerard winks with a sly smirk. Bert laughs shaking his head. The two begin to talk, Bert picking up on his hesitation to pour a drink for a customer.

"How are you handling Gee? I mean, being surrounded by alcohol all night, every night. Maybe look at some other jobs? So you're not tempted." Bert suggests. He trusts that Gerard will come to him if his withdraws get too bad. But worries that it's only making it harder on him, working here.

"I'm okay. The withdrawal is taking a bit of a toll on my body but I'm managing. I'll come to you if it's too much. But I'm not leaving this job, I can't." Gerard reassures him. Knowing he's just checking up on him, knowing he just worries.

"Is there anyway you can take some time off? So you can take the rest you need to get through this?" Bert asks hopeful. But knows that it's very unlikely.

"I can't but I requested an earlier shift tonight, I get off in 30. I haven't eaten today so I'm gonna stop and eat before going home. If you wanna join me. My treat." Gerard says. He isn't feeling well enough to do another double shift tonight, and close up. So he asked for an single early shift tonight so he can get some rest.

Gerard finishes up his shift and the two leave the bar. Walking down the dark cold street together. Heading towards a restaurant down the street. They're lead to a booth where they order. Already knowing what they want since they always come here together.

Bert smiles as Gerard talks. Ranting about this customer who came in earlier and started a fight with another. "It drives me crazy. They have no respect for people around them."

"People are just assholes, sadly not everyone is like you. So what are your plans? I mean you can't expect to work two jobs for the rest of your life." Bert asks curiously. Wanting to know his plans for the future of him and Mikey.

"I don't even know. I don't really think too far ahead, I try not too. I just focus on getting through the day and keeping Mikey happy." Gerard shrugs as he takes a bite of food. Feeling better as he eats, though the shakyness of withdrawl doesn't go away.

"Yeah but these hours are killing you Gee. Don't you want to do more than back to back jobs and endless hours?" Bert asks as he eats. Wanting to know about Gerard's feelings toward his hours and future. Wanting to know if Bert's apart of it.

"I mean it's hard. But it's worth it to keep Mikey happy. These past few years have been hard, but it can only go up from here. I mean look, I met you." Gerard says, smiling sweetly. He's very optimistic about their future. He knows his baby brother will go on to do amazing things.

Meeting Bert was the best thing that has happened to him. Bert's made him so happy, done so much for them. The two enjoy their dinner and talking together, talking about Bert's band and how much attention it's been getting. As they finish, Bert insisting on paying, not taking no for an answer.

The two walk down the road and to the bar parking lot. Gerard softly kisses Bert's cheek. "Goodnight sugar. I'm here if you need anything."

• • •

Gerard wakes feeling warmth. An arm snaking around his waist from behind. Turning around, he sees Bert who looks rather upset and exhausted. Gerard notices the fact that there's no light around. "Hey baby, what time is it?"

"Around 3 am." Bert says tiredly, laying his head on Gerard's chest. It's been another long night. Another nightmare that woke him and left him in a panic. He laid there for a few hours fighting the urge to come over, but ultimately lost.

"Sugar this is the third time this week. What's going on? Bert you know you can talk to me." Gerard asks worriedly, rubbing Bert's back. Seeing something's obviously going on with him, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

"I'm not ready to talk about it. I'm sorry for bothering you so much Gee." Bert apologizes for coming over so much. Waking him up again. Knowing Gerard needs to get as much sleep as he possibly can. Yet here he is, bothering and keeping him awake.

"That's okay, you don't have too. Don't be ridiculous, I like when you come over at night. I just hate to see you're upset." Gerard says. He loves when Bert stays the night, just hates that it's because something's bothering him enough not to talk to him about it.

The two just lay in silence together. Gerard runs his hand through Bert's long hair, feeling his shaky breathing. It's obvious he's going through something. But he isn't going to push him to talk about it. Bert never pressures Gerard, it's the least he can do.

It doesn't take long before Bert passes out in their position. Gerard sadly chuckles, kissing the top of his head before allowing himself to fall back asleep.

[I know this chapter is short and uneventful im sorry im just trying to space things out and lead up to some things ♡♡ also if there's errors in this im sorry im half asleep]