I awoke to someone shaking my shoulder and calling my name. "Percy... Hey, Percy, wake up." I burried my head in my arms, trying to ignore whoever it was. "Come, on, perk up, mate."
Oh, bugger. I almost forgot about yesterday. My head snapped up. "Oliver?"
"Yeah, that's me."
"How're you doing?"
"Not bad. They gave me some stuff for pain-releif. They say I can go today."
"Really? That's awefully soon."
The grin dissapeared from his face and he sucked his lower lip into his mouth to worry it with his teeth.
"What?" I asked.
"I can't play anymore, Perce. They said it's hurt too badly. If I even fall once more, from more than ten feet, it'll be completely crippled."
"Oh, Oliver, I'm so sorry." I sat on the edge of the bed, and enveloped him in a hug.Some part of me told me to kiss his forehead, and before I could stop myself, the impulse had carried itself through."Even if I don't understand your obsession, I know you loved it." I thought for a moment while rubbing his back. "But, hey, at least one good thing's come of this"
"And what's that?" he asked irritably, pulling away.
"I can finally teach you how to cook something that doesn't come in a box."
He laughed, but not his usual full-out laugh that would have accompanied that comment even a week before.
A few weeks had gone by, and he was still on the couch most of the day. His gaze never leaving my liquor bar. I finally gave in, and told him we'd get smashed. It was a Friday night, so I had nowhere to be the next day. After our first Vodka on the rocks, Oliver suggested playing "I've Never.." I agreed and got shot glasses and my bottle of Tequila. I poured the shots, and Oliver started.
"I've never had a lasting relationship."
Both of our glasses remained on the coffee table.
"I've never skived off work."
Again, both our glasses remained on the table.
"I've never kissed a man."
I took a deep breath and downed my shot. Oliver stared at me.
"What?" My voice came out as barely a whisper. "I told you I was gay years ago." I couldn't look him in the eyes.
"I know. I just never really thought about it, I guess."
I laughed. "Well, don't think too hard, we wouldn't want your brain to fry." He laughed with me and the tension was broken.
"My turn. Erm... I've never... Dressed in drag."
I smirked as I raised my glass to my lips and tossed it back. I was shocked to see Oliver doing the same.
"It was for a benefit for the orphans of the war. Drag beauty contest. Somehow, I won."
"I don't doubt it," I grinned cheekily. Oh, Merlin, where had that come from?
He gave me an odd look as I refilled our glasses.
"I've never... fallen in love."
Our glasses remained on the table.
"I've never... enjoyed sex."
Once more, the glasses remained on the table.
"Wait, you're gay, but you don't enjoy the sex?"
I laughed. "I've only slept with one person. And that was the night I realized I was gay. I've never had a relationship last long enough to get to that stage yet."
"Oh."
"I've never...snogged in a car."
Oliver drank, smirking.
"I've never... thought of a friend romantically."
We both drank.
I thought for a few minutes, trying to think of another "I've never.." when Oliver asked me a very odd question. "Percy, you'vehad romantic thoughts about a friend..."
"Yes," I replied warily.
"What did you do about it? I mean, how did you tell them?"
"Well, I had just kissed him, and then told him." We both sat in silence for a moment. "Who is it? No, wiat, I know. It's Angelina, right?"
He laughed. God, it was beautiful to see his laughter finally fill his eyes again. "No, hardly."
A few more moments of silence. I was staring off into space when I felt Oliver sit down beside me on the couch. I turned my head to say something, but all thought was erased when his lips covered mine. I felt I was being kissed by a cinnamon flavored rose petal. I never wanted to end it, and gently kissed back, placing one hand alongside his jaw, and running my thumb over his cheek.
As he pulled away, I breathed, "I think... it's time to end this game."
I picked up the glasses and screwed the lid back on the Tequila.
"Why?"
"Because if I get drunk, I'll end up doing something both of us will regret. Like I'm sure you'll regret that little kiss. And I don't want either of us to be hurt. So, if it's all the same to you, I'm going to wash the glasses and go to bed."
I walked into the kitchen, trying to ignore the sting of threatening tears. I put the glasses in the sink and ran a little water after putting some dish soap in as well. I was half-way through with the first glass when my frustration and annoyance took over and I smashed the glass into the sink, succumbing to the tears. I sank to the floor cursing my stupidity.
"Percy? Are you okay?" I sniffed, but ignored him. "Hold on, I'm coming in there."
I heard the soft Thump-Scuff, Thump-Scuff of his crutches. I huddled into a ball, trying to hide my bleeding hand. It didn't work.
"What are you hiding?" He pulled the nearest chair out, and used his muscle to pull my hands from my lap. "Oh, Merlin, Percy? How did you manage that?" I shrugged.
I watched as he stood and made his way to the bathroom. He soon returned with the first aid kit tied his left crutch. He slowly and methodically pulled each peice of glass from my palm, then smeared a very nasty smelling potion over my palm, and wrapped it up with gauze.
"Up to bed, now, Percy. No more drinking for us."
As I fell asleep, I only barely realized the handI had cut was the one to caress Oliver's cheek...
A/N: Okay, a wee bit angsty there at the end, but trust me it gets "Perky" with the next chapter. Oh, and anyone wondering why Oliver calls Percy "Perky"? Yeah, me too, but no worries, my delusional little brain will find something!
