The Hardest Part Is Letting Go Of Your Dreams

When Bert and I pull apart he leans in and pecks my forehead before stepping around me and leaving the room, tears welling in his eyes. I sigh in frustration before turning and leaving the room too, making my way to the bathroom and joining Frank in the shower. After we get out Frank goes to the bedroom to get dressed and I slide my sweatpants back on, running my fingers through my damp hair as I make my way to the kitchen. I'm reaching into the fridge for a drink when I hear a low growl behind me. I straighten back up and turn my head to see Bert standing there looking like he wants to tear my clothes off. "Fuck Gee if I can't have you you can't walk around half naked and wet like that. I might not be able to control myself." I smile at him and he smiles back before I walk over and wrap my arms around his waist. "Bert baby I'm sorry I can't be with you." He tightens his hold on me as he says "I know babe and I never meant to put the blame on you. I'll try to restrain myself because I know how fucking unfair I've been to you and I don't want to lose you from my life." "You won't lose me, we're best friends and I'll always be here for you." Bert leans down and kisses the top of my head before I nuzzle the side of my face into his chest and close my eyes, humming in contentment, the knot of tension in my chest unravelling. When I open my eyes a few minutes later Frank is standing in the doorway watching us but his face looks completely calm. "Hey" I say to him as I pull away from Bert and he smiles at me and says "You're so fucking beautiful when you smile." I look down and blush and Bert chuckles before turning away and going into the walk in pantry. I cross the room and when I reach Frank he pulls me to him and cuddles me. I cuddle back and he says "I'm happy you're happy babe. After everything that's happened that's all I want for you. I understand you and Bert have a bond and are best friends so I won't ruin that for you and I'll try to be more relaxed about it." I pull back to look at his face and he's smiling at me so I smile back and say "Thank you. I love you." Franks smile gets wider as he says "I love you too" before leaning in and kissing me.

The next morning Frank and I go shopping to replace all the broken furniture and appliances from the living room. After I pay for it all and organise delivery for that afternoon we wander the mall hand in hand and I see a pair of skate shoes I know Bert would love. They are pretty expensive but I want to get him something nice so I go into the store and buy them while Frank goes to the bathroom. When I leave the store I run into Gabe and he leers at me before trying to start a conversation. Frank comes back over and I smile at him, expecting him to save me from the awkward situation but what happens next shocks me. "You should stop by our place later" Frank says and his voice is low and husky. I stare open mouthed as Frank gives him our address and tells him we'll see him later before taking my hand and walking back to the car. When we get home the delivery guys are there unloading everything and Bert pulls me aside and says "Gee you didn't have to replace everything. I'll pay you back half" but I shake my head and say "No this whole mess was my fault so don't worry about it. Plus I got some special things for you." Bert's face lights up and he says "Like what?" Just as he asks the delivery guy walks past with one of the items I'm talking about. "Like that" I say pointing to the brand new Xbox he's holding. "Oh my god Gee" he gasps, his face breaking into a huge grin. "That's not all" I say before grabbing the bag with the shoes in it. "I hope you like them" I add before he opens the box. When he sees the shoes he says "Oh Gee you really shouldn't have done this. I don't deserve them." I smile at him and say "Sure you do." Bert puts the shoes down and pulls me into his arms crushing me to his chest and I smile, feeling happy that everything is working out again. Later that night Bert and I are playing the Xbox and shoving each other, joking around like we used to when there's a knock at the door and Frank stands with a huge smile on his face and says "I'll get it."

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