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Percy's reputation was.. Honestly, quite doubtful. At first sight. At second you start to understand, why its.. Bad.
But, anyways, it worked well for him - even if this way, he achieved look he wanted.
Look of trouble kid.
Even now he didn't even tried to hide his personality - the door slammed behind him, as he left the director's office. Not at his will, for sure. A draft tore the door handle out of his hands, and everything looked fully suitable for principal's grumbling behind it about his full lack of manners.
So be it.
Who cares?
He walked quickly through the hallway - well, if he got suspension, he for sure didn't wanted to be in this building for another minute. But honestly.. He, for sure, felt sorry for that fact that he didn't had skateboard with him - it was left at home, after incident few years before that.
...
He comes into the room. Technically, only for his jacket..
But his friend and roommate was also there, for some reason. He was lying on the bed, reading some book.
— ..Grover?
He raised his eyes, probably noticing me only now.
His face features was soft, hiding and at the same time being highlighted with his seemed soft, curly hair.
This hair reminded me of curliest fur ever, like it was from happiest, loved by nature mountain goat. I really wanted to touch it.. Just to see if its as soft as I imagine. As soft, as bed in Monday morning. As soft, as white, fluffy dandelions.
…
And why in those eyes, that reminds me of fallen leaves at the beginning of autumn, that promises to protect their tree from cold all winter, so much.. Compassion?
Silence.
Long, painful silence. He looks at me. Tries to understand how I feel.
And I..
I felt guilt.
Without me in class he'll get completely picked on there. I, for sure, wasn't the best protector, but at least with me he.. Wouldn't be alone?
Maybe.
I really, really wanted to believe in the best. But under the weight of guilt my shoulders went down.
— ..Principal? — He asked hesitantly, lowering his book. Still examining me. — ..You okay?
— I.. Got suspension. — I lowered my eyes. After that looked at window, just not to torture myself with compassion in my best friend's look.
Outside the window, still echoing to the song of ended winter, was diffident whisper of silent bird's happiness. Like they were asking, is it really was Spring.
With spring came dirtiness and grayness outside the window. A wind that completely burns out my cheeks with cold. Came exams and with them the unwillingness to learn at least something. Rebellion sang in my chest, trying to dispel the blues with youthful confidence, or, maybe, stubbornness. It felt like if only I'll go outside, if only I see the streets and my home - everything will bloom, like it was upcoming summer. It'll get warmer and I'll finally see my mom. It'll get warmer and I'll be able to wear what I want. I was talking to myself, like it'll help me feel better.
…
About that..
— And why you aren't in class? — I ask, finally getting rid of thoughts, looking directly to Grover's eyes. He was.. Silent, all this time. As he gave me some time to think, to formulate this question..
— I got sick. Nurse said I need bed rest.
— ..so we're in the same boat, huh?
My question made him smile a bit. Something blossomed in my soul like a bright, colorful coral reef from that smile.
— Yeah, kinda.. — He glanced back, to the window, like he was trying to understand what I saw there. — Percy, did you asked to be suspended just to have a walk outside?
— Weeeell..
— C'mon, Percy.
— Actually I didn't, but now I think about it.
Grover sighed, leaving his book on the bedside table.
— Well, spring is worth it, probably. Spring is a spring.. Pretty, but not from first notes of migratory birds minstrels.
At first I didn't understood what he said. At second, neither what said I.
— Wouldn't you like to go out and check it by yourself? Not far, just to bleachers.
My friend blinked, trying to process my suggestion. We, of course, went outside quite often, but I never liked spring.
— I mean, if you suggesting..
— I am. C'mon, let's go, get unsick and we'll have a walk.
I heard silent chuckle, and we both started getting ready.
Why waste time?
Wasn't worth it. Like, at all. Curly weatherman was right when told me random facts that I remembered for some reason.
Birds fly low before rain.
And now, hiding under my jacket, we ran under bleachers through some hole in wall.
Well, at least we're not wet.
But, finally catching my breath, I looked up at my friend. I couldn't help but noticed how funny his hair looks now, looking fuzzier than it usually was. His hair fluffed up even more, as he usually justified it, "because of humidity".
— G'man, you've got whole dandelion on your head..
— Percy, I've told you so many times..
— I mean, it looks kinda funny. Kind of cute too, though.
…
Why did I said that?
What motivated me to say that? I didn't even thought about saying something like that..
…
I didn't, right? I mean, with ADHD it's hard to catch your thoughts, but I wouldn't miss thought like this!
And Grover chuckles silently. Hoarsely, still trying to catch his breath.
— Whatever, man, I'll take your word.
Either he pretended to be joking, or.. Didn't heard it at all.
It'll be better if second, though.
But..
What was the reason for those that much unexpected words?
We've spent there quite a long time already, at least for my hyperactive brain. And whoever the hell knows how actually much it was.
All this time the rain was pounding above us. All this time, with accompaniment of water-y song above, we've.. just talked.
Talked.. about everything.
About upcoming exams. About how both of us was tired from English classes. About that fact that breakfast was good today and about that there's soon new episode of some cartoon.
But one topic.. I remembered it especially.
— Hey, G-man.. Why do we even need girls? I mean.. They will, I dunno.. demand too much.. Like, kisses.. Like, for example you. Do you know how to kiss?
Grover nudged me with his shoulder, chuckling. Like he knew answer for both of us.
— What 'bout you, Jackson?
— Don't turn it around on me!
— Well.. I, personally, don't. But I don't need it either, though.
— Well, I do! — I probably outplayed a bit, when I said that, but still straightened my shoulders proudly, teasing him.
— Do you?
— I do, and you can check it for yourself! I.. I mean, when we'll get back to campus.
Grover smiled, as if he "believed" it, for sure.
But I hesitated, looking at his smile.
I, for sure, didn't knew how to kiss. I've never even held a girl's hand.
But I wanted to hold Grover's hand.
— Hey, what's up with this smile? You don't believe me?
— You didn't proved anything!
— What if i will?
…
There was silence. Heavy, teasing. As if I dared myself.
— Well, you can.
Grover chuckled, like he was supporting me in my own dare. A true friend, no doubt.
…
I came closer. Only for one step.
— You'll be the lady then.
Grover didn't said anything, only rolled his eyes. Didn't really expecting me to do anything?
But I did.
Hugged him, trying to make it look more like a mockery than a sincere desire.
Although one glance into his leafy eyes was enough to blow away confidence like a wave.
I didn't noticed how i froze. Heart slowed in anticipation.
Why do I.. Feel like that?
…
Grover looked at me the same way. Probably, lost all his confidence and now looked even more flustered than me.
And no matter what..
We both leaned against each other.
I didn't noticed how my hands landed to his hair, trying to find some support.
I felt his uneven breath on my lips. Mine went off in unison, as if we both hesitated.
It.. Didn't felt like a joke.
I only wanted to ask one question.
Well, like a true "gentleman". Even though I wasn't, trying to hide the sudden weakness in legs behind my words.
— May I?..
Answer was in silent whisper. I didn't knew if it rain's song on our roof's semblance, or was it that I could hear Grover's heart.
I feel a little bit warm "yes", as if my friend, standing in front of me, felt the same.
Now his whisper reminded me and felt like soft pillow after hard day.
Felt like the most desirable thing.
I don't know, how I covered his lips with mine. We just.. Touched each others lips, flustered from tenderness.
Is this how people kiss?
I truly don't know.
But now I felt.. Lighter. In my chest.
I felt better, when I touched his lips.
Feeling of his lips next to mine, feeling of his breath.. Distracted me a bit from trying to stay on my shaky legs.
And I felt like he felt the same way.
I don't know for how long we were like this, standing and doing nothing more than this. As if that was enough for both of us.
His embrace became softer, as if he tried to warm me, who was already quite cold without a jacket.
But.. it wasn't cold.
No longer.
He was there.
And I didn't noticed, how we both sat down at some left there wood plank, cuddling up to each other.
He covered me with his windbreaker, but I was already warmed up.
Just from fact that he was there.
And I don't know how to describe it - neither of us dared to talk about what happened.
But I felt better from his silent breath while he was lying on my shoulder, cuddling to me a little. And I hugged back.
— I.. Okay, you're good at kissing.
— Does that even count?
— ..nevermind..
He said last words with a hint of flustering.
And I ran my hands in his curls. He wasn't even against it.
His hair was softer than I thought.
Next to him.. I feel better.
And I'm happy.