The Things That I Know || George Michael

twenty-three - the right direction

Levi looks to George, with eyes full of hope. "You're serious? You're going to go for it?"

George's brows furrow; granted, he doesn't wish to go through with what he has agreed to, but he knows he must for his family's and friends' sakes. "Yeah. It's no good being like this 'til the end of time, is it?"

"Thank you," Levi says breathlessly. "You don't realise how much better I already feel about everything. We're going to get you right again, my darling. I promise."

"I guess we'll see how things go," George answers.

"You have to promise me that you'll always talk to me about everything," Levi demands gently. "Because if I'm going to be here by your side, I need to know how things are going. You can't leave me in the dark like you have been doing."

"I won't—" He stammers, realising he may not be able to guarantee what he's just said. "—Well, I'll try not to."

"I'll take that." Levi nods, satisfied with the answer that George has given him. "Tell you what — we'll get some sleep for now. And then, we'll talk about things once we're both a bit more alert. I don't know about you, but I'm shattered." He removes any clothing which could hinder his ability to become comfortable in bed, which unconsciously prompts George to follow suit. "I think we could both do with a bit of shut-eye. You especially."

"It would be nice to forget I exist for a few hours," George comments.

"You might feel a bit more human once you've woken up." Levi shuffles down into his side of the bed, placing his half of the blanket over his body. "I know it's not pitch black, because of the fact it's literally mid-morning by now. But I guess we just have to work with what we've got."

"I can think of worse things to happen than sleeping in a room with natural light pouring in," George remarks. "I don't think it'll be much of an issue."

"Fair enough," Levi answers, trying to make light of the pair's situation with light chuckling. "Goodnight, I guess?"

"Sure. Night." George rolls over, facing away from his husband to eliminate all distractions that could prevent him from finally getting some rest. He knows — of course — that with everything that has occurred since last night, he may struggle to fall asleep due to his mind working overtime. He hears the faint sound of Levi's breathing getting heavier to signify he's drifted off; and eventually, after much overthinking, George also manages to slip into a shallow slumber.

• • •

"Oh my god, George."

Levi's voice, combined with gentle nudges to the shoulder, wake George up from his restless sleep. He slowly opens his eyes, raising his hand to rub the residue away from them. George flits his gaze to the digital clock on the bedside table; it reads 3:47PM. With a groan, he finally turns his head to his husband.

"What's going on?" he murmurs.

"I just—I just had a call from the police," Levi explains. "I almost missed it. I left my phone on vibrate while we were asleep, but I felt it ringing and it woke me up."

"What do the police want?" George asks, his curiosity getting the better of him. "What have you told them about last night—?"

"No, nothing." Levi takes a seat on the bed next to his partner, toying with his mobile phone in his hands as he talks. "Um, it's actually about something completely different. They don't know anything about what you did last night."

"So what then?" George presses both hands against the mattress, hoisting his body up so he can sit against the headboard. "What did the police say to you? Is everything okay?"