Hello everyone, this is my first Marcus/Oliver oneshot which I have written as part of the GGE 2018 for Niamh (ElectricClover). I loved writing for this pairing. Thank you to TheOptimisticRover for betaing this. I do not own any rights to Harry Potter; the rights belong to J.K. Rowling.

Prompts used: sneaking around, lies, broken glass, out of breath

Rating - K

Oliver and Marcus preferred to keep their relationship a secret; not only due to the houses they belonged to, but also because of what people would have to say about their sexual preferences. They'd been sneaking around for so long that it was second nature to them.

But it was the summer break before their final year when Marcus made a decision that would change his life. He was determined to go through with it no matter what the outcome. His father had been trying to talk him into taking the Dark Mark since last year. Marcus had given his excuses then, but enough was enough; this time he was going to tell his father the truth. It wasn't as if the father and son had a great relationship anyway.

"No, Dad," Marcus replied quietly, as he looked his father in the eye. "I'm not going to take the Dark Mark, and quite frankly I'd rather leave this place."

"Oh, really," his father replied, his cold eyes so much like Marcus' narrowed. "And where will you go? Need I remind you, son, that you don't get your inheritance until after you finish school?"

"I've saved up enough money to get by and why do you care where I go? But if it matters so much to you then I'll tell you. I'm going to stay with my boyfriend," Marcus said with vehemence. He relished the way his father went as white as a sheet that had been freshly laundered. He was tired of hiding the truth; of having to tell lies which felt as painful as walking on broken glass when Marcus wanted nothing more than to boast about his relationship with Oliver. But now that he'd – finally – admitted to it, Marcus felt the weight he'd been carrying finally lift. He knew from somewhere up there that his mother would be smiling down on him.

"Get out!" his father snarled between clenched teeth. "You're no son of mine! OUT!"

"Gladly," Marcus replied, relieved he didn't have to stay longer to pack. His bag had already been shrunk and was in his jacket pocket.

The moment he was out of the door he didn't bother looking back at the place he'd once called home. Although, if he was being honest with himself, it stopped being home the day his mother died. After she had passed the life that once emanated within the walls soon turned to ash and was replaced by a coldness he hated.

Marcus Disapparated on the spot, and appeared moments later, outside a quaint house on a quiet street, which just oozed warmth and love. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he closed his shaking hand into a fist before releasing it. Then, he knocked on the door before waiting.

The next few minutes that passed felt very long to Marcus. Then, finally, the door was opened by Ellen Wood, Oliver's mother. "Marcus! Why dear, we weren't expecting you," she said, before frowning. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm sorry, Mrs Wood, to come unannounced. I would have Floo'd ahead but I didn't have the chance," he said apologetically. "May I come in?"

"Of course, and please call me Ellen," she said, shutting the door once he was inside. She led him into the living room where Oliver was sat talking and laughing with his father. Just hearing his boyfriend's laugh, calmed Marcus more than he would ever admit. The Gryffindor was a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.

"Marcus," Oliver said, standing when he saw his boyfriend, quickly closing the distance between them. Not caring that they had company, Oliver touched his face as he searched his eyes frantically. "What happened? Is everything alright?"

Marcus leaned into his touch. "I told my dad the truth. He wasn't happy so I walked out and came here."

"Do you have somewhere to stay, lad?" Eric Wood asked.

"Yes, but I don't intend to intrude. I just thought I'd see Olli- Oliver before I go to Hogwarts."

"You'll do no such thing!" Ellen said rather firmly. She smiled kindly. "You're very welcome to stay here."

Marcus smiled. "Are you sure?"

"Of course we are, Marcus. It's no trouble at all," Eric added.

"Oliver, why don't you help Marcus get settled? Tea will be ready shortly and your father will shout you two down when it's ready," Ellen said, smiling as she hugged Marcus. He returned the embrace and got hold of his emotions before they parted; he didn't want them to see how touched he was, though his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Ellen left the room and went into the kitchen, with Eric following her.

"Come on then," Oliver said, leading Marcus out of the living room and up the stairs to his bedroom that they would be sharing.

"There's space in the wardrobe for your clothes and if you have a poster you want to put up, that side is all yours. But my Puddlemere United one is off limits, so, don't be getting any ideas of taking it down or I'll hex you."

"Will you now?" Marcus asked, arching his brows playfully as he dropped his shrunken bag onto the bed. He covered the distance between them and kissed Oliver. Marcus groaned and smiled when the kiss deepened, and Oliver's hands went into his hair, tugging.

When they eventually broke apart for air, both of them were out of breath but smiling. Oliver pressed his forehead against Marcus'. "This is your home now, Marcus."

"Thank you, Ollie. I love you."

"I love you too."

If you enjoyed this, let me know what you thought by leaving a review.

I'll see you all soon,

Sunset Whispers x