Title: Apple Juice
Author: Ligeia
Fandom: The Cure
Pairing: Perry/Simon
Rating: PG
Category: Romance
Summary: Perry receives an unexpected visit.
A/N: Inspired by Simon's favourites page in the Curiosa Tourbook, where he says one of his favourite things is "biking to Teddy's". I've been informed they don't really live that close but, hey, it's fiction.
A/N 2: This ficlet was written after Perry left The Cure in May 2005. You'll always be in my heart, Teddy.
The following story is a mere work of F I C T I O N, meaning it is 100% made up. None of the situations described here ever happened, and even if they did, I have no way of knowing. This is not about spreading rumours or, worse, libel. The people portrayed in this story are real, but I am NOT claiming they did what I wrote. I use their "public personas" and build stories around them as if they were fictional characters.
It had been the hottest three days of spring. The weather forecasts on every British TV channel went on and on about the unusual heat, citing statistics, temperatures, pressure, humidity. People left the cities and went to the seaside. Brighton's shopkeepers had never been happier.
Perry was sitting in a wicker chair in his garden, reading a book and sipping apple juice. He had wanted to read that particular novel for a while.
"Oi, Teddy!"
Perry looked up from a long - and rather boring - description of the hero's place of birth and saw Simon dismount his bike.
"Simon! What are you doing riding round under this sun?"
"Aw, are you worried about my health?"
"Yes, I am, actually. You could get sunstroke. Let me fetch you something to drink."
"Wait, wait," Simon said reaching out and placing a hand on Perry's arm. "I'm all right, really."
"If you say so," Perry replied, not really convinced. "Why are you here, anyway?"
Simon shrugged. "I just... Wanted to see if you were all right."
Perry sighed. "I'm fine, thank you."
"Perry, are you sure you don't want to change your mind? You know I can convince Robert, you just have to tell me..."
"No, Simon. I know you could and I thank you for offering. Again. But... It doesn't feel right anymore. You know how much I love playing with The Cure, but things have got worse lately. Let Robert do his summer festivals with whatever line-up he wants. There are a lot of good guitarists out there. And if he changes his mind and wants me back, well, he knows where to find me."
Simon stared into his eyes and slowly stroked his hand down to Perry's elbow.
"I miss rehearsing with you."
Perry smiled. "Well, bring your bass next time you pay me a visit and we'll play something together."
Simon didn't say anything.
"Hey, it's not like I'm moving to China or anything. I still live within biking distance, you can come anytime you want."
Simon nodded. He brought his hand up to Perry's cheek and leaned closer. Perry closed his eyes and put a hand on Simon's waist as their lips touched. He let out a little moan as the bassist's hand slid down his neck.
Simon pulled back and smiled.
"You taste of apple juice."
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June 2005