The Changeling: Snippet
Credence doesn’t dare let go of him again. Even though he’s burning with fever and his skin is clammy with sweat, Credence still wants to run his hands over the black feathers inked into the other boy’s back. He wants to touch every inch of him, map every mole and freckle.
Credence pulls Percival back against his chest so he can lean against him, while Credence unscrews the taps. Percival tips his head back over Credence’s shoulder and looks into his face.
“You’re nice,” he says and closes his eyes. “But you’re strange. How can you want me when I look like something that’s died but doesn’t know it yet?”
Credence almost drops him. “W-what?”
“I can always tell,” he says tiredly. “I don’t mind. I’m used to it, but I’m usually not this disgusting. Did you like the other… the other one? Is that it?”
Credence bites the inside of his cheek as he wets the towel and rings it out. When he glances at Percival, he has one eye open and is studying him with it knowingly.
“Oh,” he says. “Okay.”
“Okay what?”
“Don’t get mad at me. It isn’t my fault.”
“What isn’t your fault?"
“Whatever you’re mad about." He pushes Credence away from him and stumbles forward catching himself on the sink. He bends at the waist, doubles himself over so he can dunk his head directly into the basin.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather have a bath?” Credence says. He places the wet towel on Percival’s back and starts to wipe away the sweat and grime.
Percival pulls his head out of the basin splashing water on the floor. “Might pass out and drown in it,” he says. He looks up into the mirror. “Ugh.”
“I could watch you - not like that,” he quickly adds as Percival raises an eyebrow. He turns to look at Credence over his shoulder through dripping wet hair. “I mean I could make sure you don’t fall or drown or -”
“I know what you meant. Not now. Maybe later.”
