We All Wear Masks

Wow, I actually AM posting a new chapter today! Wasn't sure that I'd make it for a minute but, hey! Anyway, yeah, chapter seven and stuff. I'd try to be more thrilled but God am I tired. I need a nap, and maybe a hug.

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Gerard just gaped at Carmine, his heart had completely stopped. “Bert though? No, no not Bert, he wouldn’t!” Gerard yelled, standing “And this is exactly why I didn’t want to tell you.” Carmine said, getting to her feet as well. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me.” Gerard saw the look in her eyes, the conviction and the pain blended into one. And he knew, he knew it was true. “Oh God… And I made you stay on this tour, with… Holy shit!”

“You didn’t make me Gee, I chose to come with you, remember?” Carmine said, then sighed. “It’s my own fault. I figured he wouldn’t be much trouble since, well, if he revealed me, the truth would be known about him too. I just didn’t count on him having a thing for you.” Gerard looked at Carmine, then scoffed. “Oh please, Bert does NOT have a crush on me.” “We’ll see.” Carmine replied, then shivered. “Come on, let’s get back to the bus, you’re cold.” Gerard said.

“Yeah, I’ll have time to pack anyway.” She said, heading for the bus. “Wait, pack?” “Yeah, I’m going back to Hollywood.” Said Carmine. “But… Why?” “Duh, you wanted to date a boy, not a girl. Happens all the time.” Gerard stopped Carmine before they got on the bus, making her look at him. “Hey! That’s not what fucking matters okay? You’ve thrown me for a loop, no doubt, but that doesn’t mean I feel any different about you, okay? So don’t say you’re gonna leave unless it’s for your own safety. And that’s only after we exhaust all resources.”

Carmine stared at Gerard in disbelief, then said, “You really mean that.” He smiled and said, “Yes, I do.” She grabbed him and hugged him, whispering into his ear, “I love you.” And in spite of everything, Gerard answered back, “I know, because I love you too. C’mon, let’s get you warm.” She was crying again as they come on, but it was because she was so touched rather than depressed.

The other band members (with the exception of Matt) were on the bus, talking quietly and looking nervous. When Carmine came back onto the bus, Frank did what could only be described as a flying leap, and hugged Carmine. “I’m soooo sorry!” He yelled, nearly squeezing the life out of her. “Frank, oxygen!” She said, and he let her go. “Shit, sorry, but you can’t LEAVE!” He started to bounce like a little kid and she shook her head. “I’m not leaving, just keep it to yourselves, okay?”

Ray, Mikey and Frank all swore up and down that they wouldn’t say a word to anyone else, though Mikey looked a little guilty about it. “What’s wrong Mike?” Gerard asked as Carmine headed for the back. “I can’t hide something like this from Alicia, she’d kill me!” Mikey said. Carmine peaked her head out from behind the curtain and said, “You don’t need to worry, she figured it out.”

Mikey’s jaw dropped and he followed Gerard into the back. Carmine had changed into her pajamas, and she looked adorable, like a little girl. “What do you mean she figured it out?” Mikey asked as Gerard got ready for bed, but continued to stare at Carmine. “The day we first me, we walked up the street from the café to talk? She’d figured out that I was really a woman. After I assured her I’d tell Gerard later on, she let me off the hook.” Carmine explained. “Why didn’t she tell me?” Mikey asked, sitting down on his bunk.

“Mikey, most of the time you can’t keep a secret from Gerard to save your life. I couldn’t risk you blabbing and she agreed so she didn’t tell you.” Carmine said. “I guess I can see your point.” Said Mikey, then he sighed. “This has just been surreal, though it does explain why you never went around with your shirt off.” “To say the least.” Gerard replied. He’d changed into his pajamas while Mikey and Carmine talked.

“I think it’s time to go to sleep.” Gerard said, and Carmine nodded. “See you two in the morning.” Mikey said, then walked through the curtain to go talk with Ray and Frank some more. Gerard climbed into his bunk, then pulled Carmine in with him. He wrapped her in his arms, then covered them both with the blankets. “Listen, Carmine. I know I said I’d tell you everything, but can I tell you tomorrow? After everything that’s happened I just want to sleep.” Gerard said.

Carmine looked at him, then kissed his lips chastely. “Tomorrow then. But don’t try to weasel out of it, okay?” “Would I do that?” “Yes.” She teased, then breathed in a deep, heavy sigh and closed her eyes. Gerard felt moisture on his shirt, then looked down to see that Carmine was crying. He kissed her hair and held her, cooing assurances to her until she finally fell asleep in his arms. Gerard, however, was having a harder time falling asleep. Partly due to nerves about the next day, and partly because he was re-examining his lover.

The areas he paid the most attention to were the curve of her hips and the swell of her breasts. Gerard wasn’t sure how he’d missed them, but now all he wanted to do was touch her. Let his hands roam over the areas his eyes were taking in. ‘Come ON Gerard! After the day she’s had this is totally the last thing she needs!’ Gerard mentally cured himself. But he couldn’t seem to help the thoughts.

Gerard kissed her forehead, then said, “If I can’t stop myself some day, forgive me. But for the time being, know that I love you, and I want you. And I’ll control my carnal urges for as long as I can.” He then closed his eyes and tried to sleep. Gerard never even saw the small, but pleased, smile that graced Carmine’s face as she dreamed.

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Aw, wasn't that cute? Well, anyway, review and stuff. And yes, there will be sex in this story, just gotta work up to it (I'm being lazy, ha ha!)