such a softer sin | gerbert

chapter fifty seven

Gerard talks with Dan as they walk in-front of the others. It's Friday night and they're going the movie then dinner. All of the guys are here, along with Mikey who brought Pete with him. They're all getting along really well, the guys are really kind and patient with Mikey's speech. Mikey was really nervous at first but really comfortable with them. He'd already met Jeph as they've practiced bass together.

"So how's everything been? How's been having that loser back there stay with you?" Dan chuckles, nodding back to Bert who's talking with Jeph and Pete walking behind them. On their way to the movie theater, all eager to get there and out of the cold.

"It's been perfe- I mean it's been great. He's a really big help." Gerard smiles. Having to refrain from making it seem more than it should be. Which is hard because Gerard absolutely loves having Bert stay with him. Though it's unfortunately only temporary. Gerard wishes they could move into together, but knows it's only that. I wish. It could never happen, since Bert won't come out.

Dan chuckles, picking up on how Gerard was origionally going to use the word 'perfect'. "That's good. He looks like he's been getting some sleep, I know he has issues with it, it's nice to see him healthy."

"He's been sleeping, but he still isn't one hundred percent yet. But we're working on it, just takes time. Thank you for inviting Mikey and I, honestly we need some time out of the apartment and there's not many people I trust around him." Gerard smiles. Thanking him for actually including them.

"Of course, you're one of our best friends Gerard. I'm glad you trust us, because no one would do anything to him." Jeph says from behind, hearing Gerard thanking Dan for it, which caught his attention. Reassuring Gerard that there's nothing to worry about when it comes to them being around Mikey.

They arrive at the theater and Gerard sits in between Jeph and Bert. Sharing popcorn and snacks. Gerard obviously got an slushie to satisfy his sweet tooth. Soon the lights dim and people quiet up as the movie begins. There's not many people besides them here, just a family in the front and an old couple in the middle. They're the top row.

As the movie plays, Gerard glances over to his brother to check on him. Smiling when he sees him and Pete holding hands, rested on the armrest. Bert looks at Gerard, then to what he's looking at. His heart warming to see that Mikey's found an amazing guy who seems to really make him happy.

But feeling guilty. Seeing the way Gerard looks at the couple that don't have to hide, that can hold hands and kiss whenever they please. Bert hates that they can't be themselves, that they have to hide their relationship. That he's forced Gerard into hiding. Though Gerard agreed to it, he still can't help but to feel guilty.

Gerard looks to Bert, smiling sweetly before quietly whispering to him. Really happy for his baby brother. "I guess we were right about them liking each other."

They enjoy the movie, Bert and Gerard messing around with each other during it. Nudging each other, playfully kicking each other. Always wanting each others attention, not invested in the movie but in each other. Since they can't hold hands or show much affection, they just mess around. Couldn't care less about the movie, but jusg enjoying themselves.

All shivering from the air that blows on them from above. Jeph slides his leather jacket off, giving it to Gerard so he can warm up. Gerard blushes lightly, sliding it on. "Thank you."

Bert tenses, not liking it. He can't blame Jeph, as far as he's concerned Gerard's gay and single. Gerard's beautiful and sweet, why wouldn't he go for it? He doesn't know about him and Gerard. But at the end of the day, Bert is the one who goes home with him. The one who gets to hold and kiss him, call him his. Not Jeph, not some guy at the bar. Just Bert.