The Things That I Know || George Michael

six - in my right mind

Note: depictions of grief and unhealthy coping mechanisms in this chapter.

• • •

After the brief drive to Andrew's and Nancy's home, Levi and Andrew work together to get George out of the car. The journey between the Wake venue and the house, despite physically being short, felt as though it lasted forever; such with George's drunken state. He spent the entire ride singing some of his mother's favourite tunes, perhaps without realising the correlation between his song choices and this poignant fact. After much struggling, the trio finally make it inside; Nancy follows after them, to ensure George doesn't fall backwards. They arrive into the living room, pushing him down onto the sofa so he's safe.

"How about watching some TV?" Andrew offers, tossing George the remote control. "You can choose whatever you want to. Or maybe there's something on Netflix that you'd prefer."

"Can I have a drink?" George requests, his speech slurring a little. "You said I could have a drink when we got to yours. We're here now, aren't we?"

"I-I think maybe some water would do you good," Andrew answers him. "How does some water sound?"

"Don't fucking do this," George demands; his tone is bordering on becoming stern, but isn't threatening in any way. "Alcoholic. It's the only way to go."

"You can have one," Levi informs him. "But then I'm putting my foot down. You're going to be blacking out soon, if you're not careful."

"Oh, behave, Levi." George scoffs, swatting the air as though his husband is telling the biggest lie. "I know my limits. I'm not there yet. I'm fine."

"Don't let him have more than one, Andy." Levi turns his attention to George's buddy, offering a serious expression to prove he means business; of course, it's clear that Levi only wants George to be safe — though George doesn't seem to view it this way.

"I'll grab him one bottle out of the fridge." Andrew disappears from the room for a moment or two, returning quickly with a bottle of beer in his hand. He approaches George, handing it to him. "Here you go, mate. I took the cap off for you. But that's the only one you're having — Levi's instructions."

"I thought Levi was the fun, risky one," George huffs, tipping back half the bottle in just a couple of swallows; he grimaces slightly at the sudden change in tipple. "It's alright. I'll raid the house when he's not looking." With this comment, he adds a laugh, which leaves Andrew questioning whether George means what he says or not.

"Water," Nancy blurts, dashing to the kitchen to fill a glass for George to take sips at once he's done with the alcohol. She re-enters the room, before leaving the water on the coffee table before him. "Here you go. Try this one once you've finished the beer."

George glances at the glass in disapproval, then makes quick work of the remaining beverage from the drink he's holding. He slams the empty bottle against the table, to signify that he has finished with it; he then brings his arms up, tucking them behind his head as he leans back into the cushioned bliss of the sofa. "Those ones are good. I'll claim a few more of those before bed time."

"Not while I'm watching over you," Levi assures him, in the most lighthearted way he can, as not to cause any friction. "I'm keeping you safe tonight, George."

• • •

By the time it hits eleven o'clock at night, nobody can recognise George any longer; never in his fifty-one years of life has he ever become quite so intoxicated by any form of substance, before this day. Despite some protesting from Levi, George has somehow managed to drink a further four bottles of beer; as well as a few shot-sized glasses of other beverages. Andrew has not encouraged George's behaviour in any form, nor has Nancy — but at the same time, neither of them have wanted to take control of a grown man's life, particularly when his husband is present to do so.