Chapter 3

The First Kiss

After Percy came back from his last visit Dedan gave him a loud scolding on how he had one job on his day off and he couldn't even do that right. His punishment was to work double shifts in the mines. Percy would work a few hours during the day and night shifts . Being worked so much he would be totally exhausted but he never stopped writing his letters to Patrick. He never wanted Patrick to feel alone or rejected so no matter how much it pained him to lift a pen he would do so for the man he cared about most. He lit one of his cigs and puffed as much smoke as he could thinking it would help with the pain. After filling his lungs with plastic smoke he started to write,

Dear Patrick,

I hope you're doing better than I right now. I seemed to have gotten in a little trouble with my boss so now I'm working almost all the time with very little sleep. Are you sleeping well? I hope you are and that you dream of good things. It's night right now and I don't know when this letter will get to you but I'll say it anyways. Good night and know that I'm with you in spirit.

Your tired Elsen,

Percy.

After three whole months of this constant barrage of work Dedan finally let up on his punishment for Percy and was willing to give him a second chance. "This time DON'T FUCK IT UP." He said wall holding Percy off the ground by his tie. Dedan let go and Percy fell to the floor coughing and gasping for air. It's been a wile sense Percy last saw Patrick. He was eager to see him again so he wasn't willing to complain.

Patrick felt the same way he was counting the days from when Percy last visited wondering if he would ever be able to come by again. When Percy arrived in Area 2 of the mall he found Patrick holding a clip bard taking inventory. Knowing how skittish Patrick could be he decided to announce his presence rather than surprise him. He took out a sheet of paper from his shirt pocket and wrote a note on it,

Dear Patrick,

I came to see you again just turn around and I'll be there.

Your loving Elsen,

Percy.

He slid the note across the floor from behind, it landed in front of Patrick's feet. Patrick opened it up and quickly turned around to find Percy standing behind him. He was extremely pleased to see Percy again. He ever so gently touched Percy's cheek and smiled, "I'm glad to see you again." For some reason when Patrick was around Percy he could breath more easily, he felt more relaxed, and his heart would flutter just at the mere thought of him.

Percy returned with a slight grin, he was glad to see Patrick's smile. Seeing him made Percy happy but seeing Patrick smile made Percy's heart race. Percy didn't want to do anything else but stare at that smile and make it last for as long as possible. Without thinking he touched Patrick's hand and led it off his cheek towards his lips. He kissed the palm of the hand. Patrick could feel Percy's soft lips touch his skin he flinched but didn't pull away.

Percy realized what he was doing and stopped, "Hhhh. . .Sorry I wasn't thinking." he said nervously.

Patrick raised his hands in protest, "No! It's fine. It was nice. . .I kind of liked it." Patrick blushed out of embarrassment.

Percy also turned red, he couldn't believe that Patrick said that out loud. "Y-you did?" Percy liked kissing Patrick and was more than happy to do it again if it made Patrick happy as well. He grabbed the shy Elsens hand once more and slowly pulled him closer. Patrick became anxious not knowing what Percy was about to do but he trusted him. As Percy's face came close to his Patrick closed his eyes then felt a soft touch on his forehead. Patrick's eyes remained shut when he felt another kiss land on his left eye, then right, and another on his cheek, then his neck. He was being showered in kisses when finally he felt Percy's lips touch his. Both Elsens hearts started to race their faces becoming hot. Percy's kisses started to become more deep and passionate. Before he could do more he stopped himself. He looked at Patrick who seemed out of breath, "Hhh. .Are you alright?" he asked felling a little winded as well.

Patrick looked at Percy satisfied. he smiled and leaned his head to Percy's chest. Percy embraced the man he loved and wall Patrick was regaining his strength Percy rubbed his back tenderly. Patrick listened to Percy's heart beat, it was strong and steady the sound was comforting. After a moment he took in a deep breath and answered Percy's question, "I feel . . . happy. I never thought anyone could be this happy."

Percy smiled, "You know what? I feel the exact same way."

As they stood there holding each other Percy realized that Patrick fell asleep so he gently lead him to a nearby wall and sat him down. Percy sat next to Patrick and watched his sleeping face. Seeing Patrick's face lulled him in to a sense of security. He felt so safe and at peace he fell asleep wall holding Patrick's hand.

It was hours before they awoke. Patrick woke up first but he let Percy sleep. By the sound of Percy's letter Patrick knew he needed the sleep. It didn't take long for Percy to wake up. He felt refreshed and thought that, that was the best sleep he ever had. After waking up he was surprised by a sudden kiss from Patrick. This flustered Percy, "Hhhh. . .What are you doing?"

Patrick giggled at Percy's reaction, "Giving you a kiss good morning."

"But it's evening." Percy declared.

Patrick shrugged, he was too happy with today's events to care about accuracy. Percy got up and dusted off his pants. He reached out his hand to help Patrick up. For the rest of the evening the two Elsens walked and talked about anything and everything they could think of. After a good long while they reached Patrick's apartment. As they stood out front Percy gave Patrick one final kiss of the day, a kiss goodnight.

The minute Patrick shut the door Percy realized that he never got Dedan his cigars. Percy ran back to the mall only to find that it was closed. Percy knew that if he went back empty handed he would probably get worse than just a loud lecture but he didn't care. If Dedan killed him tomorrow he would have just died happy knowing what Patrick's lips tasted like.