In A Hail Of Bullets

Astrid's P.O.V It only took ten minutes to move into Gerard's. All I had was one small bag of clothes. But the worst part was to come. My landlord was a disgusting, money grabbing, low life, pervert. His favourite target? One Astrid Riverside. He tried to get as close to me as possible. Always trying to touch me. I looked at Gerard as we approached Hank Cartwright's door. I stopped walking and bit my lip as I looked down at the floor. "What's wrong, baby?" He asked, pulling me into a hug. "I don't like H...Hank." I sighed as I looked up at him. "He's a...." I broke off. "Has he ever tried it on with you?" Gerard frowned. I grimaced. "Every time I see him." I admitted. "Don't worry, honey." He said as he kissed me, briefly. "I won't let him near you." I smiled as he turned us towards the door and knocked. He kept his arm around my waist. The door opened almost immediately. Hank smiled at me. His messy grey hair was all over the place but his green eyes were trained on my chest. Gerard coughed. Hank looked at him in surprise. "Astrid is leaving." Gerard informed him. "She's moving in with me. I'm her boyfriend. And I don't take kindly to dirty old men like you, oggling her like a piece of candy. Put your fucking eyes back in your head and off of my girlfriend's chest." Hank snorted at him. "You think a fairy boy like you can beat me?" "Maybe he can't." Bob said as he appeared from nowhere. "But I sure as hell can. So get your lecherous fucking eyes off my friend." Hank froze, staring at Bob wide eyed. "Here's the keys to that shit hole." Gerard said, holding out the keys to the bedsit. "You should seriously get this place up to code, fast. Because I've called the environmental health as well as human resources. This place isn't fit for rats, never mind human beings." Hank snatched the keys, then retreated into his apartment, slamming the door. Gerard smiled down at me. "I lied." He said. "Bob won't let him near you." I smiled as I hugged him. "You did okay too." It took us ten minutes to get back to Gerard's. I'd insisted on having the spare room. I didn't want to rush things. Besides, to be honest, I'm a little scared. I'll be living with a celebrity. That didn't go well last time. So Gerard had put a lock on my door. Just incase I got scared. I probably won't use it. I know he won't hurt me. But it's just a precaution. After moving in, we sat on the couch, watching horror movies. He hugged me into his side. His arm was round my waist as I rested my head on his shoulder. "Are you happy, baby?" He asked halfway through sleepy hollow. I looked up to meet his eye's. "Why are you asking me?" He sighed. "I just want to make you happy." He stated. "I know I'm a.....Well Ya know. I just feel that could be getting in the way of your happiness." I turned round to straddle him. "No." I said as I rested my forehead on his. "Your different. I feel safe with you." I kissed him, briefly, then sat back on his knees. "I am happy with you. Very happy." He smiles as he grabs my hands. "I won't let anyone hurt you again." He stated. "I promise, baby." I lean forward and kiss him again. After a few seconds, his tongue ran across my bottom lip. I gave him access. My head was swimming. I felt like I was on cloud nine. I was so happy. He moved his hands to trail up the back my t-shirt. That's when everything flooded back. Gerard's P.O.V I trailed my hands up the back of Astrid's t-shirt. I'd no intention of rushing her. I just wanted to touch her. Skin on skin. Nothing sexual. She started shaking so I tried to pull back. But she pushed my hands back where they were as I broke the kiss to look at her. Her eye's were glazed over with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, baby." I said, softly. "I've no intention of rushing you. I just wanted to touch you. Not sexually, honey. I promise you that I'll never rushing you." She smiled at me, sadly. "I...it's okay." She managed. "I have to get o...over it some time." She bit her bottom lip and stared at me. "I want to get o...over it with.....you." I smiled slightly. "You sure, honey?" I asked. "I can wait for as long as you need. I don't have to touch you. Except through your clothes. I mean...." She giggled. "I know w...what you mean." She leaned forward and rested her head on my shoulder. "But I...I want you to show me h...how it should be. N....not forced. I...I trust y...you." I stroked her hair out of her face and kissed her cheek. "It should never be forced." I stated. "I would never force you. When we do...ya know....if you want to stop at any time, you only have to tell me once and I'll stop." She sat up and looked down at me. "I...I'm ready n...now." She said, her eyes pleading with me. I stroked her cheek. "Baby, you don't have to do this." I told her. "I k...know. But I w...want to." She stood up and held her hand out to me. "Will you make love to me?"

Notes

Love as always. xxx