Prompt of the Day: kissing someone's cheek
Dark Lady's Lair: shimmering
Showtime, Music of the Night: sensation
Back to School: Cedric
Sewing 101: gift for Bed
Slash September: Cedric
Word Count: 416
"Shouldn't you be in bed?" Percy squints his eyes against the darkness, confirming to himself that it is Cedric.
It isn't unusual for prefects to be out at odd hours of the night on patrol, but Cedric isn't scheduled for it tonight. Percy and Gemma have the current shift, and the staff will take over after.
"Couldn't sleep," Cedric admits, and there's a faint blush of color in his cheeks.
Percy tries not stare, but it isn't easy. Cedric is handsome, and he wants little more than to look at the Hufflepuff boy.
"Are you going through a breakup?" Percy asks and he hates how ridiculous the question sounds. "I know I had trouble sleeping after mine."
"You and Penelope broke up?"
Is that a hint of hope Percy heard in his voice?
"Yeah."
"She was a taker," Cedric says, shrugging as he moves closer. "You need a giver."
He's right; Percy hates to admit it, but it's true. Penelope had been a lovely person, but she had been so draining, and Percy had found himself struggling to stay afloat. The day she had decided to leave him had been strangely relieving.
"I'm not going through a breakup," the younger boy answers. "I… I'm not dating anyone either."
Percy takes a deep breath, ignoring the fluttering sensation in his stomach. There's no denying the hopeful tone in his voice, like he's praying Percy will take the hint. Percy wants to be the smooth one, the one who has suave, sophisticated remarks to offer, but he is too reserved. He cannot seize the moment.
Thankfully, as quiet as Cedric is, he is far bolder than Percy. The younger boy closes the distance between them, pressing a chaste kiss to Percy's lips. "Been wanting to do that for a long time," he chuckles.
"I'm glad you did."
And though Percy knows he should send Cedric to bed before anyone finds that he's allowed a student to stay out past curfew, the two of them walk together, laughing and chatting. It's such a natural thing, and Percy can't remember feeling so free with anyone else.
As his shift comes to an end, they stand the window, watching the stars shimmering in the night sky.
"I hope can sleep now," Percy says, heat spreading from his cheeks to his ears, painfully aware of how ridiculous he sounds.
But Cedric doesn't criticize his awkwardness. He just leans in, kisses Percy's cheek, and whispers goodnight.
Cedric is right. Percy needs a giver.
