such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter fifty four

Gerard brushes his shoulder length strawberry colored hair. The red's quite faded, his natural black hair color beginning to come back at the roots. He's getting ready for a day out with Mikey and Bert today. Bert suggested them all go into town together before Gerard's shift at the bar tonight. A day out together since Mikey was gone all week.

He's really excited about it. A day out with the two people that mean the absolute world to him. It'll help take his mind off everything. Gerard's going to get some hair dye while they're out today. Usually he wouldn't care about it but since he's been with Bert it's given Gerard back the motivation to care how he looks and feels about himself.

"Where are we off too first Mikes?" Bert asks as the three of them leave the apartment complex. Beginning to walk down the sidewalk that leads into town. Letting Mikey choose where to go, considering he's the youngest and full of energy and excitement.

"Can go- we-  we go to the pet store? I wanna go look at all- all the animals." Mikey smiles. When Mikey hangs out with his friends, they always go into town and to the pet store. They have a bunch of small animals that you can play with and adopt! He's wanted a pet for so long but hasn't wanted to bother Gerard by asking for one.

"Sure sugar." Gerard smiles. The three talk while they walk together, Gerard's heart warming to see his brother and Bert smile brightly. Both so happy to be out, getting along. Bert's the first person to ever get close to Mikey since their mom left years ago.

Entering the pet store, Bert stares at Gerard as the red head laughs when his brother runs off to the animals. He can't get over his beauty, the way he lights up when he watches Mikey smile. Always trying to please his little brother, even just small efforts like taking him to the pet shop. He adores how generous and patient he is with his little brother, even when he's frustrated.

"What?" Gerard laughs sweetly as he notices Bert's eyes glued to him for what seems to be no apparent reason. Unless he's got something on his face of his hair's messed up?

"Nothing. You're just really pretty." Bert smiles. Gerard bites his lip as he can't stop the smile forming on his face. His cheeks heating up at the sweet compliment. Even though the couple are going through hell together, it hasn't effected their love for one another. Nothing will ever change the way they feel.

"Gee I- can I get a hamster? Pretty please." They're interrupted by Mikey's voice as the teen pulls Gerard by the hand over to the huge triangular tank where many small hamsters run around. Gerard sighs, dreading to tell his brother no. Mikey rarely asks for anything, so it upsets Gerard to tell him no when he does.

"Mikey I wish but we can't.." Gerard trails off. He doesn't want Mikey to know the extent of their financial struggles. Mikey's aware that they are by no means rich, but a hamster is only $3, they can afford that!

"Wh- Why not? It's only three dollars Gee! I'll take good care of him I promise, please!" Mikey begs, not understanding that it isn't just a few dollars. There's the food, the cage and necessary equipment. Gerard sighs in guilt, hating that they can't even have nice things like a pet in their position. It's tough raising a teen on his own, it isn't his fault, right?

"Hey Mikes, what do you think of a puppy instead? I'll buy 'em for you, and everything it needs. If that's okay with your brother. You've got to take care of him though, okay?" Bert says, looking at Gerard who looks at him confused. Why would he buy that for them? Why would he care about Gerard's financial situation?

Mikey gasps, looking back at Gerard from Bert. "Ple- Pl- Please Gee!?"

"Um yeah, yeah that's fine." Gerard says a little shocked at Bert's kind offer. Mikey runs off to the puppies as soon as those words slip off his tongue, leaving the two. "Why would you want to buy him a puppy? It isn't your responsibility babe."

"I want too. Mikey wants a pet and let's be honest, he really needs someone for when you're not home. I didn't want you to have to explain to him why you can't get him a pet, that isn't fair. I'm more than happy to get him a puppy. Plus he'll keep you guys safe when I'm not there." Bert smiles with his usual charm.

Gerard smiles and hits his arm, fighting the urge to kiss him since they're in public. "I love you."

"I found the one I want!" They hear Mikey exclaim. The couple walk over to the dog section where they see Mikey holding the red leash to a baby white husky. Bert smiles and kneels down, petting him. Only for the animal to lick his tatooed and veiny hand. A really cute and sweet puppy.

"He's perfect, good choice. Whatcha gonna name him Mikes? Have you thought of any yet?" Bert smiles as the two pet the dog, kneeled on the floor. Mikey hums in thought as he examines the pretty dog they're adopting.

"Edward. Your middle name, since you're the reason I can get him!" Mikey smiles, so thankful that Bert would buy him a pet. He's always wanted a pet, he gets reallh lonely at home by himself.

"Aw that's sweet. Edward fits him very well. Come on, let's go get him some toys and food. We should get him a cool spiked collar, ya think?" Bert smiles as him and Mikey walk away together to the dog isle. Gerard just laughs, following behind the two who excitedly look through the dog isle for things for Edward.

Watching the two bond brings happy tears to the red heads eyes. He can't believe that Bert would do this, it's so small yet so big. He's done so much for him and Mikey already. It honestly means everything to Gerard. "You okay Gee? Edward's so sweet, do you like him?"

Gerard just stares at Bert. "Yeah Mikes, I love him."

Bert smiles at the pretty red head before they head to cash out the basket filled with supplies and toys for the animal. Money isn't a problem for Bert, he makes great money with the gigs he plays. All he wants to spend it on is the people who mean most to him. Especially to see Mikey's joyful smile.

They leave the pet store with Edward and the bags that Gerard and Bert carry. Mikey holding the leash to the tiny puppy that tries to run ahead despite the leash that limits him. Laughing as he runs ahead with the dog down the pretty empty sidewalk ahead.

Bert nudges the red heads arm, gaining his attention. "I love you too."

[ credit to bulletproof-iero for the idea!! they're amazing (,: anywho enjoy the fluff for now. im in an angsty mood so who knows what imma end up doing.]