The most perfect gift for shadowspun
Title:The most perfect gift
Recipient:shadowspun
Author: aeris444
Rating:G
Pairing/s:Percival/Gwaine
Summary:Gwaine has an emergency!
Warnings:None
Word Count:1417
Author's Notes: shadowspun, sorry for making you wait for this gift but as a bad admin, I had to make use of the amnesty day! I hope you'll like it! I used part of yours prompts and added a theme I like (found familly) so I hope the mix will work for you! Happy Holidays!
Disclaimer:Merlin is owned by the BBC and Shine. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is being made. Don't send us to the dungeons.
“It’s an emergency!” was the first thing Gwaine said as he came to Merlin’s flat on a grey December afternoon.
“What kind?” Merlin asked with a calm that clearly said it wasn’t the first time this had happened. “One of your white shirts has turned pink? You accidentally adopted another turtle? You burned an apple pie?”
“No! This time it’s a real emergency!”
Merlin looked at Gwaine who looked upset and he hadn’t often seen him like that. So it was probably a real emergency.
“Ok, come in. I’ll make us tea and then you can tell me.”
A few minutes later, Merlin and Gwaine were sitting in Merlin’s lounge.
“I need help to find the perfect gift for Percival!” Gwaine finally confessed.
“Now? But we're on the 15th of December! We made the lucky draw a month ago! You have less than 10 days left!’
“That’s why it’s an emergency!”
Merlin sighed deeply.
“Sometimes, I wonder how you survived alone until now…”
“Because I have wonderful friends to help me?”
“Don’t even try flattery. I’ll help you but only because I’m hosting our Christmas dinner and I don’t want any drama!”
Indeed, in the past six years, they had decided to organise Christmas dinner with their group of friends, their found family. It started when Arthur and Morgana had decided they wanted to have nothing to do with their father. Merlin and his Mum had welcomed them for Christmas with Gwen and Will. A year later, Gwaine and Percival had joined the fun. And then Morgana had brought Leon. And Gwen, Lancelot. Mordred was the latest addition. And this year, Arthur was gonna bring his girlfriend, Sophia for the first time. It was clearly a dysfunctional family but it was also full of love and that was what mattered.
And each year, they organised a Secret Santa and hosted the dinner in turn.
“Ok… Let’s start from the beginning… Do you want a normal gift or are you trying to convey something?”
“Something?”
“Gwaine… We all know you’re pining for him. I’m pretty sure Percival knows it too but he is too shy to do anything about it…”
“Ok… I want a special gift. Something to show him I care.”
Merlin nodded and took a gulp of tea.
“Now, we’re talking.”
In the end, it took them two more cups of tea and 3 beers but when Gwaine left Merlin’s flat, he knew what to get for Percival.
***
Christmas Eve
They were all drinking and nibbling on appetisers but Gwaine couldn’t really relax. He was worrying.. He had found what he thought was the perfect gift for Percival… But what if Percival didn’t like it?
When they had discussed it with Merlin, Gwaine had been sure it was the perfect gift. Something Percival had wanted for so long. A trip to Rome.
When he was a History student, Percival hadn't been able to go to Italy with the other students because he had no money at the time. He had talked about that missed opportunity often. And now, even if he had a stable job as a teacher, he was reluctant to spend money on things he deemed non-essential.
But what stressed Gwaine the most was that he had booked a trip for two. Hoping that he could be the second one.
As they finished the lobster (a treat from Leon), Gwaine had barely taken part in the conversations going on around him. He couldn’t imagine how he would react if Percival wanted to do the trip with someone else…
As they ate Hunith’s roasted turkey (made with a secret spice mix she had discovered while living in an ashram in India when she was young), Merlin noticed his friend's unusual silence.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Gwaine nodded but Merlin wasn’t fooled.
“Stop stressing! I’m sure he’ll like your gift!”
“But what if…”
“Stop! Enjoy the moment and I promise you it will go well!”
Gwaine smiled and nodded. Merlin was right.
So Gwaine started talking with Mordred about the matches scheduled for Boxing Day as he enjoyed the turkey and the bean casserole (a Mary Berry recipe reinterpreted by Morgana).
As they savoured Gwen’s chocolate Yule log, Gwaine had managed to forget his fears but they came back full force when they all went to sit around the Christmas tree.
As the youngest, Mordred was the first to open his gift. He received a video game from Leon and seemed pleased with it! Then, Leon opened his gift. It was from Percival who had chosen the last book of Leon’s favourite author.
That meant the time had come. When Percival took the little package bearing his name, Gwaine’s stomach was in knots. He still managed to talk.
“It's from me.”
“Really?” Percival asked with a large smile.
He tore the shiny paper to discover the little black cardboard box. Gwaine could see the curiosity in his eyes when he opened it.
Gwaine held his breath as Percival discovered the two plane tickets and the little leaflet Gwaine had created with all the info about the hotel and activities he had booked.
Percival stayed silent for a few seconds while Gwaine was wishing for the floor to swallow him.
“Gwaine…” Percival finally said. “I can’t… This is too much?”
“What is it?” Morgana asked. “We can’t see.”
“You’re crazy! I’ve dreamed of that, you know… Of course, you know!” Percival added, not paying any attention to Morgana. He just came closer to Gwaine and hugged him tightly. “Thank you.”
“Anything for my best friend,” Gwaine answered, his voice slightly altered by the emotion.
Percival stayed next to Gwaine for the rest of the gift unwrapping and more than once, they exchanged smiles. Gwaine also saw his friend look at the little black box with stars in his eyes. It was the right gift in the end. And even if Percival didn’t ask him to come, Gwaine was content that he had made his friend happy.
As everyone had finally opened his gift, Merlin suggested a round of hot chocolate. They all approved but Morgana suggested pimping it a little and found a bottle of rum in Merlin’s cupboard.
Merlin and Morgana went to the kitchen to make the chocolates and Percival nudged Gwaine’s shoulder.
“Wanna go on the balcony for a minute? Need fresh air before having more alcohol.”
Gwaine nodded and followed his friend. They put scarves around their necks but it wasn’t that cold outside.
“I wanted to thank you again…”
“No need.”
“Gwaine, this is just a wonderful gift, and I… I saw there were two tickets.”
“Yes, so you won’t be alone. I mean, if you want to invite someone, of course.”
“I’d like that, yes,” Percival answered with a smile.
“You’re already thinking about someone, it seems.”
“Yes, I am.”
Gwaine felt his heart clench. He had wondered for some time if Percival had someone in his life. He was always so secretive with his feelings. Gwaine had been the only one to know about his homosexuality for years. And Percival had kept his crush for Cenred at Uni secret for three years.
“You’re not asking me who?” Percival asked.
“No. If you want to tell me, you’ll do it.”
“It’s a very stupid guy… A little bit dense, too.”
Gwaine was looking at the lights in the houses, unable to look at Percival.
“Someone who’s unable to see what’s in front of him.”
“Seems like a great guy.” Gwaine managed to answer with a fake smile.
Percival sighed and took Gwaine’s shoulders.
“It’s you, idiot!”
“What?”
“I want to go to Rome with you! Why would I want to go with anyone else!”
“But…”
“And I thought you were the outgoing one…”
And then, Percival tugged on Gwaine’s scarf and kissed him.
***
Four months later
“I can’t believe we can see the Coliseum!” Percival said as he looked through the window of their hotel room.
“Nothing is too beautiful for my boyfriend!”
“You weren’t even sure I’ll be asking you to come when you booked the room.”
“No, but I wanted it.”
Gwaine came next to Percival and hugged him from behind.
“And your wish was granted.”
“Yes. A week in a romantic city with the man I love… following him all around the museums, churches, and other ruins!”
“Are you already complaining?” Percival asked, turning to face Gwaine.
“Of being with you? Never.”
Gwaine punctuated his statement with a kiss. It had been the most perfect gift, indeed.
Recipient:shadowspun
Author: aeris444
Rating:G
Pairing/s:Percival/Gwaine
Summary:Gwaine has an emergency!
Warnings:None
Word Count:1417
Author's Notes: shadowspun, sorry for making you wait for this gift but as a bad admin, I had to make use of the amnesty day! I hope you'll like it! I used part of yours prompts and added a theme I like (found familly) so I hope the mix will work for you! Happy Holidays!
Disclaimer:Merlin is owned by the BBC and Shine. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is being made. Don't send us to the dungeons.
“It’s an emergency!” was the first thing Gwaine said as he came to Merlin’s flat on a grey December afternoon.
“What kind?” Merlin asked with a calm that clearly said it wasn’t the first time this had happened. “One of your white shirts has turned pink? You accidentally adopted another turtle? You burned an apple pie?”
“No! This time it’s a real emergency!”
Merlin looked at Gwaine who looked upset and he hadn’t often seen him like that. So it was probably a real emergency.
“Ok, come in. I’ll make us tea and then you can tell me.”
A few minutes later, Merlin and Gwaine were sitting in Merlin’s lounge.
“I need help to find the perfect gift for Percival!” Gwaine finally confessed.
“Now? But we're on the 15th of December! We made the lucky draw a month ago! You have less than 10 days left!’
“That’s why it’s an emergency!”
Merlin sighed deeply.
“Sometimes, I wonder how you survived alone until now…”
“Because I have wonderful friends to help me?”
“Don’t even try flattery. I’ll help you but only because I’m hosting our Christmas dinner and I don’t want any drama!”
Indeed, in the past six years, they had decided to organise Christmas dinner with their group of friends, their found family. It started when Arthur and Morgana had decided they wanted to have nothing to do with their father. Merlin and his Mum had welcomed them for Christmas with Gwen and Will. A year later, Gwaine and Percival had joined the fun. And then Morgana had brought Leon. And Gwen, Lancelot. Mordred was the latest addition. And this year, Arthur was gonna bring his girlfriend, Sophia for the first time. It was clearly a dysfunctional family but it was also full of love and that was what mattered.
And each year, they organised a Secret Santa and hosted the dinner in turn.
“Ok… Let’s start from the beginning… Do you want a normal gift or are you trying to convey something?”
“Something?”
“Gwaine… We all know you’re pining for him. I’m pretty sure Percival knows it too but he is too shy to do anything about it…”
“Ok… I want a special gift. Something to show him I care.”
Merlin nodded and took a gulp of tea.
“Now, we’re talking.”
In the end, it took them two more cups of tea and 3 beers but when Gwaine left Merlin’s flat, he knew what to get for Percival.
***
Christmas Eve
They were all drinking and nibbling on appetisers but Gwaine couldn’t really relax. He was worrying.. He had found what he thought was the perfect gift for Percival… But what if Percival didn’t like it?
When they had discussed it with Merlin, Gwaine had been sure it was the perfect gift. Something Percival had wanted for so long. A trip to Rome.
When he was a History student, Percival hadn't been able to go to Italy with the other students because he had no money at the time. He had talked about that missed opportunity often. And now, even if he had a stable job as a teacher, he was reluctant to spend money on things he deemed non-essential.
But what stressed Gwaine the most was that he had booked a trip for two. Hoping that he could be the second one.
As they finished the lobster (a treat from Leon), Gwaine had barely taken part in the conversations going on around him. He couldn’t imagine how he would react if Percival wanted to do the trip with someone else…
As they ate Hunith’s roasted turkey (made with a secret spice mix she had discovered while living in an ashram in India when she was young), Merlin noticed his friend's unusual silence.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Gwaine nodded but Merlin wasn’t fooled.
“Stop stressing! I’m sure he’ll like your gift!”
“But what if…”
“Stop! Enjoy the moment and I promise you it will go well!”
Gwaine smiled and nodded. Merlin was right.
So Gwaine started talking with Mordred about the matches scheduled for Boxing Day as he enjoyed the turkey and the bean casserole (a Mary Berry recipe reinterpreted by Morgana).
As they savoured Gwen’s chocolate Yule log, Gwaine had managed to forget his fears but they came back full force when they all went to sit around the Christmas tree.
As the youngest, Mordred was the first to open his gift. He received a video game from Leon and seemed pleased with it! Then, Leon opened his gift. It was from Percival who had chosen the last book of Leon’s favourite author.
That meant the time had come. When Percival took the little package bearing his name, Gwaine’s stomach was in knots. He still managed to talk.
“It's from me.”
“Really?” Percival asked with a large smile.
He tore the shiny paper to discover the little black cardboard box. Gwaine could see the curiosity in his eyes when he opened it.
Gwaine held his breath as Percival discovered the two plane tickets and the little leaflet Gwaine had created with all the info about the hotel and activities he had booked.
Percival stayed silent for a few seconds while Gwaine was wishing for the floor to swallow him.
“Gwaine…” Percival finally said. “I can’t… This is too much?”
“What is it?” Morgana asked. “We can’t see.”
“You’re crazy! I’ve dreamed of that, you know… Of course, you know!” Percival added, not paying any attention to Morgana. He just came closer to Gwaine and hugged him tightly. “Thank you.”
“Anything for my best friend,” Gwaine answered, his voice slightly altered by the emotion.
Percival stayed next to Gwaine for the rest of the gift unwrapping and more than once, they exchanged smiles. Gwaine also saw his friend look at the little black box with stars in his eyes. It was the right gift in the end. And even if Percival didn’t ask him to come, Gwaine was content that he had made his friend happy.
As everyone had finally opened his gift, Merlin suggested a round of hot chocolate. They all approved but Morgana suggested pimping it a little and found a bottle of rum in Merlin’s cupboard.
Merlin and Morgana went to the kitchen to make the chocolates and Percival nudged Gwaine’s shoulder.
“Wanna go on the balcony for a minute? Need fresh air before having more alcohol.”
Gwaine nodded and followed his friend. They put scarves around their necks but it wasn’t that cold outside.
“I wanted to thank you again…”
“No need.”
“Gwaine, this is just a wonderful gift, and I… I saw there were two tickets.”
“Yes, so you won’t be alone. I mean, if you want to invite someone, of course.”
“I’d like that, yes,” Percival answered with a smile.
“You’re already thinking about someone, it seems.”
“Yes, I am.”
Gwaine felt his heart clench. He had wondered for some time if Percival had someone in his life. He was always so secretive with his feelings. Gwaine had been the only one to know about his homosexuality for years. And Percival had kept his crush for Cenred at Uni secret for three years.
“You’re not asking me who?” Percival asked.
“No. If you want to tell me, you’ll do it.”
“It’s a very stupid guy… A little bit dense, too.”
Gwaine was looking at the lights in the houses, unable to look at Percival.
“Someone who’s unable to see what’s in front of him.”
“Seems like a great guy.” Gwaine managed to answer with a fake smile.
Percival sighed and took Gwaine’s shoulders.
“It’s you, idiot!”
“What?”
“I want to go to Rome with you! Why would I want to go with anyone else!”
“But…”
“And I thought you were the outgoing one…”
And then, Percival tugged on Gwaine’s scarf and kissed him.
***
Four months later
“I can’t believe we can see the Coliseum!” Percival said as he looked through the window of their hotel room.
“Nothing is too beautiful for my boyfriend!”
“You weren’t even sure I’ll be asking you to come when you booked the room.”
“No, but I wanted it.”
Gwaine came next to Percival and hugged him from behind.
“And your wish was granted.”
“Yes. A week in a romantic city with the man I love… following him all around the museums, churches, and other ruins!”
“Are you already complaining?” Percival asked, turning to face Gwaine.
“Of being with you? Never.”
Gwaine punctuated his statement with a kiss. It had been the most perfect gift, indeed.