Page 32 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas
Percival reluctantly let go of his hand and rose as well.
“Why don’t you take the morning off, Leo? Take care of Percival. I can cover for you,” the human wearing only underwear said.
“Thanks, Grady.” Leo grabbed the candle and walked to one of the closed doors. “Night, all.”
Leo’s family wished them a good night before returning to their rooms. Percival followed Leo. With a croak, Ebony flew into the room with them. She landed on top of a dresser. There she ruffled her feathers and made herself comfortable.
Leo set down the candle. He opened a drawer, rummaging around. “Here, you can sleep in this. It’s a little big on me, so hopefully it’ll fit you.”
Percival took the item. He unravelled it to see that it was a beige shirt. He pulled it on. It fell down to his mid-thighs.
“I ended up with one of the extra beds when a bunch of my siblings moved out last year,” Leo said. “I’ve pushed them together so it’s like one big bed. But I can pull them apart to make two separate beds for us.” Leo tugged the sheets back, leaned down, and grabbed the bedframe.
“No!” Percival held up a hand.
Leo paused.
“Let’s keep them pressed together.”
Leo stared at him.
“Please.” Percival swallowed. “I’d just like to be nearer to you.” He wanted to feel the warmth of Leo’s body beside him. He wanted to hear his steady breath.
After a moment, Leo released the frame and straightened. “Okay. We can do that.” He gestured to a basin and pitcher. “You can wash up if you want before bed.”
Percival went over and washed himself quickly. The water dried on his warm skin. Leo undressed, removing his garments until he only wore his drawers.
“You can get in when you’re ready,” Leo said as he went over to wash.
Letting out a breath, Percival crawled in and watched Leo.
Leo wiped a wet cloth over his body. Percival’s fingers itched to touch the planes of Leo’s chest, which had a dusting of dark-brown hair. He wanted to press kisses to his skin. After washing himself, Leo used another cloth to dry himself.
Percival was sure he must have wanted Leo to be his lover before his death and rebirth. How could he not want this beautiful man, with his kind heart, and his ability to make delicious pies?
But they hadn’t been lovers. They hadn’t even been friends. They’d barely known each other.
And now… What were they now? Could they be considered friends now?
“Goodnight, Ebony,” Leo said to the raven. But she already looked to be asleep.
Leo chuckled. He walked to the candle and blew it out. But because of Percival’s glow, the room didn’t descend into complete darkness. The sheets shifted. Leo’s weight settled in the bed beside him.
But there was half an arm’s length between them. Leo was so close. Still, he was not close enough for Percival’s liking.
Percival rested his hand on the mattress between them. Slowly, he scooted closer to the other man. Then he slid his hand across the cool sheets towards Leo.
He just wanted to be near him! Because right now, Leo was the only stable and safe place in Percival’s chaotic and confusing world.
“You must be tired,” Leo said.
Percival stopped moving his hand, just a breath away from Leo. “I am.” The rebirth and then healing Ebony had really taken it out of him. His eyelids already drooped.
“Goodnight, Percy. Sleep well.”
“You too.” Percival closed his eyes. But despite the weariness tugging at his bones, sleep didn’t immediately come. A wall of questions loomed higher and higher over him. His heart beat faster.
What if they couldn’t find out anything about him tomorrow? What if they couldn’t find his family? What would happen to Percival then?
