In the name of love

4. First smiles are the sweetest

Percy opened his eyes, not immediately understanding where he was. But it was when he looked for the alarm clock on his nightstand that everything came crashing down on him. Adam. The kiss. The anxious hell that the last week had been. Adam confessing his feelings for him in Lorenzo's restaurant. The walk, and then, the invitation to stay the night.

When he turned to his side, he immediately calmed down. Adam's golden hair was sprawled on the pillow like a halo, softly shining in the dawn. The boy's eyes were closed, his lips slightly parted with warm puffs of breath coming out of them with every breath. Percy felt like he was both intruding on a peaceful moment and at home, like he belonged there with Adam.

Who was now stirring. And, two seconds later, sat up in bed, the sheets lazily falling around him as he stretched. «Good morning, love.» He smiled.
Percy smiled back at him, his heart skipping a beat at the pet name. «Uh- Good morning, Adam.»
«Why are you nervous?» Adam turned to the other, now looking more awake and focused.
«I just- I'm a little- I have to be honest: this is the first time I've ever woken up next to someone. I just... I don't know if I'll be able to do it.» Percy sighed, the weight on his shoulders lifting a little bit.

Adam put a hand on Percy's face, stroking his cheekbone with his thumb. «If you ever want to go, just go. I won't hold you back, if that's what you want.»
«No, no.- Percy blushed a little.- I- That's not what I meant.- He took a deep breath.- It's... You're my first, and I want to be good at... At all this, but I'm not, and I'm scared of hurting you.»
Adam smiled. «You're my first too, Percy, and just... Let's talk about things, if we think it's something that may get out of hand, okay?»

Percy felt the need to do something to relieve the sea of emotions he was feeling. So, he started flapping his hands around, scooting away from Adam as to not hit him in the face. «Sorry, sometimes I do this, when I'm feeling a lot of emotions...»
Adam smiled reassuringly. «Don't apologize for stimming, it's part of you, and I'm happy you feel free enough to do it, here.»
Percy's hands flapped faster, a smile spreading on his face.

Adam waited until Percy stopped, before getting out of bed. «Do you feel better?»
«Yeah, I'm still feeling an ocean, but it's not that overwhelming anymore, it's more manageable!»
«What do you want to do, now?»
Percy felt his heart melt, what had he done to deserve someone that sweet and thoughtful? «I'm hungry, can we go get some breakfast?»

When they walked in the kitchen, James laughed. «I knew Adam didn't come home by himself! Take that!- He turned to Oscar and Valerian, who shook their heads disappointedly.- So, lovebirds, aren't you two lucky the bed isn't squeaky?»

Percy was a little confused. «What do you mean- oh. Oh. You- you meant it that way.»
Adam sighed. «James, I woke up in a good mood, this morning, I'd hate it if it was ruined because of you.- His words had a not-so-subtle threat in them, as he walked towards the stoves.- Percy, what would you like for breakfast? Do you have any allergies?»
«Oh- uh, no, thanks. And... A coffee with whatever you'll have is fine. Scratch that, can I have a cappuccino?»

Someone tapped Percy's shoulder and he turned to find Valerian signing something at him.
«He's saying that this morning, we made scones, and asked if you and Adam would like some, before he starts trying to cook anything.- Oscar's voice lowered.- Between you and me, but he's a terrible cook, so it's better he doesn't cook-»

A loud thud interrupted Oscar. «Say that again, I dare you!»
Percy could hear the grin in James's voice. «I heard Latines are real good in the sheets, no wonder you're in a good mood. Now, how long is this gonna last, before he realizes you're a wreck and leaves for good, maybe even turning you in?»
Adam sounded really mad and it showed in the way he was gripping the butter knife. «Take it back, or I swear to all that's holy, I'll gut you right in front of everyone!»