"FORGET THE PAST"

by Brian Thomas

Pairing: Oliver/Percy

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I'll write something later when I feel witty. I just 'borrowed' the characters. You are reading it, what else is there to know?

The setting sun streamed through the old bookstore window, hilighting stacks of antiquated books with a rich orange glow. Oliver Wood moved from one pile to another, trying to find something of interest that he had not read before. He was in a foul mood and wanted to find something to help engross a large chunk of his free time. There had to be something, anything, to occupy his mind, if that was possible.

"Oliver?"

Oliver's head jerked up at the sound of his name

"Oliver Wood? Is that you?"

The dark haired man knew the owner of the voice even before he turned around. He would never forget it in his lifetime. Looking over his shoulder, sure enough, there stood Percy Weasley. His former roommate and friend. Oliver thought it unusual at first not to see Percy hiding himself in long, flowing, black robes. Instead, his tall, thin form was wearing a sweater and jeans with a short, burgundy cloak. It was very similar to what Oliver himself was wearing, minus the cloak. And Percy's jeans seemed to be a tighter fit. Oliver shook his mind away from that thought immediately. Crossing paths with the red head was an unexpected thing, and in his condition he wasn't sure if he was in the mood for drudging up old feelings of a friendship that had since passed, right now.

"Of all places, a bookstore is not somewhere I'd have expected to have come across a very popular and recognizable Quidditch player. It's been a long time, Ol. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. Just fine." he absentmindedly turned a book on top of a stack. "Trying to find something here to read is all. And how are you?"

"About the same. Doing some ministry research here myself." Percy grinned widely. "You're looking good as usual. Hmmm, how long has it been since we've seen each other?"

Oliver had to stop to do the math in his head. "Great Merlin! Almost six years now. I can't believe we've been apart that long since school. Where did all the time go?"

"We both have busy lives, I suppose. I tried to keep owling you for a while, but it seemed sort of pointless. You..." Percy's voice trailed off into silence.

Oliver's gaze dropped immediately in guilt. He studied a nearby stack of books with feigned interest. "I'm sorry Perce. I tried. I...what, sent you maybe two letters? You were always much better at writing than me. I'm surprised you kept it up for almost two years. I wanted to keep up the correspondence, but I was having some tough times then. As well as trying to get my budding career going."

"Don't worry about it. I knew you were busy. And it paid off, Mr. Quidditch All-star. I've meant to send a letter every once in a while, but never knew how to start up again without sounding stupid."

"It would have never been stupid. I would have loved a note or letter from you, Perce."

"Oh?"

"I'm as just as much to blame. I could have picked up a quill just as easily as you. Especially like now, when it's off-season. I just figured you were involved with your life and didn't need me bothering you."

Percy smiled again. "I'd have never thought that, Oliver. Not in a million years. Hearing from you again would have made any of my days."

Oliver could feel a slight blush spread across his cheek bone regions. This was a very different Percy than he remembered from his school days. He appeared to have changed over the years. Not in physical form or by the new clothing style he wore. Percy basically appeared the same, maybe a tad older; but still had the same bright red hair, perfect smile, long, drawn out features and amazing brilliant blue eyes. Even the freckles that danced across the bridge of his nose, which Oliver remembered well, seemed all too familiar. His stance was now a little stronger, but that wasn't it. No, it was his personality. This wasn't a very stiff, dour looking person that stood before him. Percy was now more lively and animated. Oliver wasn't sure why that was or what to make of it.

"Say, what are you doing now? Are you busy? I'm thinking maybe we could go find a place to talk, get something to drink and catch up with one another about our hectic lives."

Oliver stared and could see in the redhead's eyes that there was only one answer waiting to be heard. For some unexplained reason, he didn't want to disappoint Percy. And since his mood was elevating it might be nice to continue the conversation.

"Sure, Perce. Why not." he shrugged and set down the now forgotten book.

Oliver watched as the waitress set down his beer and Percy's colorful mixed drink.

"Will there be anything else, gentlemen? Would you care to see a menu?"

"No thanks. This will be fine for now." Percy answered. "Unless, Ol..."

Oliver just shook his head.

"Okay, then." She placed a bowl of Bertie Bott's flavored popcorn down for them. "I'll be back to check on you both later."

"You didn't answer my question."

"What was it again?"

"Are you happy with your trade to the Rapiers?"

"Of course. I'm playing first string all the time. My loyal fans still support me. Plus, the very healthy signing bonus added in didn't hurt either."

Percy chuckled. "I had heard a few rumors about that. Congratulations then. All your hard work paid off."

"Thanks."

Oliver felt bad that he didn't know a thing about what has happened to Percy over the years. Sure his friend across the table had the upper hand because his sports career was reported in the papers. But still Oliver should know something; he was supposed to be a friend after all. Percy had mentioned earlier doing work for the Ministry, so it could be assumed he still worked there since graduating from Hogwarts. Oliver would guess that not much changed in Percy's life; it was never in his nature to do so. He tried to recall anything from the letters sent to him long ago to use. Something finally came to his mind.

"Hey, how is Penny? I don't see a ring. Haven't you two set a date yet?" Oliver grinned and took a swig from his bottle.

Percy's expression immediately shifted from smiling to an observable frown. "We broke up almost four years back."

"Oh jeez, Percy. I'm sorry. If I had known... I shouldn't have brought it up."

"No. It's okay. It just wasn't meant to be. I now know that we weren't right for each other." His voice dropped to an almost whisper. "I wasn't right."

Oliver raised an eyebrow in wonder to the meaning behind that last statement and what was now suddenly bothering Percy so much. Oliver decided to be careful with what he said, and struggled to find something to keep their conversation moving.

Percy polished off his drink and indicated towards the waitress, signaling for another round.

"Sometimes, I miss the good ol days of school. Things were much simpler then."

Percy looked up from his refilled glass. "Yes, some things about it were nice." A small smile started to appear on his face.

Over the next hour or so both men recalled various events of their times at school. Laughing, grimacing, teasing each other as they brought up things that had happened. Even filling each other in on things the other hadn't been aware of. Another round and more baskets of popcorn were consumed along the way as well.

Then there was a lull in the conversation. Oliver decided to take a chance and find out something. He hoped Percy wouldn't become upset all over again.

"Perce. I know this might not be the right time to ask, but I'm curious. What happened with you and Penelope? I thought you two would always be together."

Percy drew in his breath and held it before he answered. "It didn't work out. I couldn't keep living a lie and remain faithful to her."

"What? Percy, you were cheating on her?"

"No! Not that! I just..."

The silence stretched between them for several long minutes. Percy seemed to be thinking a lot about what he would say next.

Oliver sat his empty bottle down and looked intently at the redhead's wrinkled brow. "Just what, Percival?" Oliver remembered using Percy's full name always snapped him to attention.

"I just couldn't keep on pretending I'd be happy with her. She wasn't really what I thought I wanted in my life."

"Oh?"

"Yeah." Percy again dropped his voice to a hushed tone. "I finally came out to my family two years ago. The pressure of ignoring and hiding my true feelings was getting to be too much to me."

Oliver looked into Percy's eyes and saw a desperate need for understanding and acceptance.

"Really? Uh, congratulations. Did everything turn out okay?"

Percy stopped for a moment as the smiling waitress brought them yet another round of drinks.

"For the most part, yes. Ron is still having some difficulties, but he doesn't outright hate me or anything."

"Then I'm truly happy for you, Perce. Is there someone special you are sharing your life with now?"

"No." Percy appeared a little defeated. "I've tried a few dates and stuff, but nothing has felt right. I've almost given up in a small way. Sometimes it's just too tiresome of looking, and hoping, only to be disappointed. Know what I mean?"

"A little, yeah." Oliver drew his finger down a perspiration trail on his bottle before picking it up and drawing it closer to his mouth.

"So how are things with you and Marcus? Are you two still together?"

Oliver suddenly felt like a troll had burst through the nearby brick wall and slammed its mammoth fist into him. In shock, he almost dropped his drink.

"What!"

"You, and Marcus Flint. Come on, Oliver. After what I've just told you. There's no need to hide it from me."

"H-how did...Who told?" Oliver was lost in a fluster.

"Oliver, relax. I've known for years. I used to see you two sneaking around the grounds and hallways during our last couple of school years. Your continuous display of rivalry may have fooled others, but I was wise to you two." The redhead grinned. "I also noticed Marcus in the stands at a lot of your early league games."

Oliver couldn't help feeling slightly frustrated. Percy seemed to know so much about him. "And how would you know that?"

Percy blushed. "Um, Ron and I used to go to see you play a lot when you were on the Cannons team."

"Really?" Oliver smiled at this bit of information. "Why didn't you ever come around and see me after the games? I would have enjoyed seeing you both."

"I...well, you were busy and I thought it best not to. Didn't Marcus tell you that I ran into him once? It was just before your big match when the Cannon's defeated the Chatham Crowns."

"No. He didn't." Oliver pulled the bottleneck close to his mouth and whispered 'jealous bastard' behind it.

"I heard that." Percy chuckled.

"You should have come over to the winners box, Percy. I would have made time for you. You should have known that." Oliver smiled at Percy, but his sad brown eyes seemed to indicate more.

"You still haven't answered my question. You, and Marcus?"

Oliver sat in silence, studying the beer bottle label with great interest. His former mood from earlier in the day started to return.

"Ol?"

Still nothing.

"Oliver? Are you okay?" Percy leaned forward in concern.

The quidditch player's line of vision slowly looked up until it met Percy's very concerned face.

"No."

They sat in silence for several long minuets, both afraid to say the wrong thing to each other. Together they looked over at the tavern's wall clock when it chimed 9:00 pm.

"Oliver, it's getting sort of late. I have a few things I need to take care of at home tonight before work tomorrow."

"I understand. I should be heading out as well. It was good seeing..."

"Wait! Wait! I know this is sort of forward of me, but I was going to ask if you want to come over to my place and talk some more. What I have to do won't take very long and my place isn't far from here." Percy reached over to take hold of Oliver's forearm. "I can tell something is bothering you and would like to continue our conversation and help if that's possible. At least I'd like to try."

Oliver studied Percy's face for a moment, and seeing only sincerity, reluctantly agreed.

"Okay."

As Oliver slid down onto the sofa, he eyed the chess set that was in mid play, sitting out on the coffee table.

"Ron and I play by owl. I'm the only one in the family that can still give him a bit of a challenge." Percy smiled joining him on the sofa. "Like I said, he's slowly coming around."

"Better than playing with yourself, I'd guess."

Percy turned to look at Oliver and then burst out laughing. Oliver slowly caught on to what he said and started chuckling himself. 'Darn it!' he thought. 'Why does Percy keep making me feel good about things when I don't want to?'

"Hey! Look at that. There's some happiness in you after all."

"It's the good company, I suppose." he remained smiling. "Don't get me wrong. I'm not always so depressed. Just certain topics of discussion set me off is all."

"You mean Marcus?" Percy asked sheepishly, in a low tone.

Oliver sighed audibly. "Yeah."

"Can I ask what happened? Or don't you want to talk about it?"

"I don't know Perce. It just..."

Oliver tried to calm himself and figure out if he really wanted to get into this topic or not. He looked over to see Percy waiting in silence for his answer. Oliver appreciated that.

Oliver suddenly remembered that during all of their school years Percy always knew what to do or say to make him feel better. Why hadn't he really noticed this before?

"Oliver?"

"It just hurts so much. It's been over three years and I still let it fester away inside me at times."

"Try talking about it. Maybe it will help." Percy reached over and rubbed Oliver forearm in a comforting manner. "What happened that broke you two apart?"

"The Fuckin' bastard cheated on me!" Oliver burst out in pent up anger. His eyes narrowed as he felt the blood flush across his face. Percy quickly recoiled in fear.

Oliver, seeing Percy's reaction, softened his voice. "Oh Perce. I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." Oliver's vision began to blur as his eyes started to fill with tears.

"Oh, Ol." Percy reached over and pulled Oliver into a hug. At that moment Oliver completely broke down in the comfort of his friend's arms. His body shook with every gasp of air as he cried. Percy slowly rocked them and soothingly rubbed his back.

"Shhh. It's okay." he whispered. "I'm here for you."

After a while Oliver began to gather his wits again. He almost didn't want to move. The warmth of being so close to Percy was very comforting. He could lose himself in this feeling forever and be completely happy. He then noticed a stirring in parts of his body and it made him sit up quickly.

Wiping away at his moist face, he looked sadly over at Percy. "I'm such a idiot. I'm..."

"Don't apologize, Ol. You've obviously been holding in a lot for a long time and needed to let it out. Feeling a little bit better now?"

"Not sure. Mostly feeling burned out I think. The drinks from earlier aren't helping any either."

Percy stood up and gestured for Oliver to remain where he was. "I'll be right back."

Oliver watched as Percy disappeared into the kitchen. He looked around at the comfortable apartment; taking in all the various items and papers spread out everywhere. Percy's days of neat and orderliness seemed to have slipped a bit he thought.

Percy smiled, returning with a tray of food for them both. "I thought a few snacks might help calm our stomachs. Maybe help absorb some of the alcohol in our systems."

"Thanks. But I'm not very hungry"

"Not even for Animal crackers?"

"Animal crackers? They're my favorite!"

"I know. I've become fond of them as well. I was always grateful you shared at school when your Mom sent you those big boxes of them. It got me hooked."

"Seems we passed on traits to each other during our years together." Oliver reached over and took a handful of cookies. "I probably wouldn't read so much, besides sports related stuff, if it wasn't for you."

"Probably us being the only Griffy boys helped with that. We were forced to grow together."

"Don't say that, Perce. We were never forced. I loved rooming with you. You were practically like a brother to me." Oliver hesitated feeling a little guilty about not sharing everything in his life with him. "We could talk about almost anything."

"Sorry. You're right. We were never forced."

They both smiled at each other. Now a lot calmer, Oliver decided he wanted to continue on with the conversation from earlier. It was now actually comforting him and relieving some stress.

"He cheated on me, Percy. And not with just one guy. I found out there was several of them. Some of them were even Cannon players." Oliver's face turned crimson and he stopped to gather his breath and calm himself. "All during that time, he'd be jealous of anyone that paid attention to me and yet he was..."

Percy didn't blink, waiting for him to continue.

"H-he was screwing anyone that caught his fancy."

"Not everyone." Percy whispered.

"He ripped my heart to shreds. I've never let anyone get that close again to... What did you say?"

"It's nothing, Ol. Go on."

Oliver immediately knew what had been implied. "That bastard! I'll kill him. He tried to put a move on you, didn't he?" Oliver could feel his temper flaring again.

"Calm down. It was nothing, really. Just a little shameless flirting on his part, during the last game when I ran into him. I wasn't interested. I never would be. Especially with him." Percy exaggerated a grimace.

"Hey!"

"Sorry, Ol. He just wasn't my type."

"What is your type then?"

"Wouldn't you like to know." Percy blushed. "I am sorry for what happened though. I'd never thought about the fact that I wasn't the only one Flint would do that with."

Oliver sighed and reached for another treat. The cookie quacked before he bit into it. "It's okay. It's helping me realize some things."

"What's that?"

"For one thing, I should thank you. Talking about this is really helping. I've needed to get this burden off my chest for a long time now."

"Anytime." Percy reached over and gave him a gentle hug in comfort. Oliver completely relaxed and pulled the redhead in tighter. He then felt Percy take in a deep breath.

"Oliver?" he whispered next to his ear.

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember that October night of our sixth year when you and I..." Percy then stopped in mid conversation.

Oliver pulled away and sat up at the noticeable sudden silence. He recalled vividly the night Percy must have been leading up to, but wanted to make sure. After all, he had tripped up several times today with this new Percy.

"Which one, Percy? There were so many."

"The night you and I stayed up talking about relationships. You know, who fancied whom. How they got started. Kissing people. Falling in love. And ...um, sex?"

"Yeah. I remember. We were up the whole night. You were dragging the next day. Poor thing." Oliver snorted. "You almost passed out in Potions class. I kept waiting for it to happen. Snape would have loved that."

Percy smacked his arm. "Hey! And just who may I ask, fell from his broom during team practice that day?"

"You-you saw that?"

"Of course." Now it was Percy's turn to chuckle. "I was afraid you would get hurt, if you were even as half as tired as I was that day."

"Gee! Nice to know you cared if I broke my neck or not." They both grinned at each other in jest. "What about that night though?"

Percy hesitated for a second. "Remember, I told you that I needed the facts in preparation if I was going to possibly ask Penelope out? You being wiser and more experienced than I."

"Which wasn't true and you knew it."

"I know, but I was seeking out information then and hoping..." Percy closed his eyes, almost afraid to look at his friend, so close to him.

"Percy?"

"It was all a little lie. I knew about you and Marcus then. I guess I was sort of curious to know what I might have been missing out on. Hoping you'd tell me, so we could talk about it."

Oliver's mouth dropped open and then slowly began to form into a slight smile.

"Oh, really?"

Percy just nodded and slowly opened his eyes again.

"Why bring that up now?"

Percy's freckles faded from view as the reddish hue spread across his face. "Because being with you again is bringing back so many thoughts and ..." Percy sighed. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe it is just all the alcohol we consumed. I never was able to hold myself well with it."

Percy tried to get up and move away from Oliver. The strong sports player grabbed Percy's wrist and refused to let go.

"And what, Percy?"

"Uh?"

Oliver was suddenly filled with bravado. There was now something he was hoping to hear. Even now slightly praying for it. He had to push on. "You said so many thoughts and. And what? Don't stop now."

"Feelings." Percy appeared frightened. "I've always had more than a crush on you, Oliver. We weren't just Griffindor boys for seven years. You were my best friend. Not that I really had any others." He stopped to swallow. "I always looked up to you, but later realized there was more to it than that. In our sixth year, I was hopelessly in love with you. I tried to deny it, but couldn't. Unfortunately, that's when I discovered you were with Marcus."

Percy stopped for a moment. "It nearly killed me. But I slowly accepted it. Trying to deny my true nature helped in that aspect. I wasn't going to interfere with your happiness. I cared too much for you to say anything. And you two were together for so long. So I stupidly threw myself at Penny. Hoping it would all go away."

Oliver was completely surprised by all of this newfound information and it took him a while to process it all. Was Percy really saying what he thought he was?

"You cared?"

"Yes. The feelings I had then and clung to are part of what held me back from progressing further with Penny." Percy then rolled his eyes. "That, and finally admitting to myself that I was gay."

Oliver then realized he was still holding the slender wrist and relaxed his grip. He slowly slid his hand down into the long slender fingers below.

"Perce, we've both been such fools. If I had only known."

"What do you mean?"

"While you've admired me, I've been doing the same to you. You were always an amazing person. Always so organized and a straightforward." Oliver stopped to smile at the word straight. Percy grinned as well.

"You were always there for me. We did so much growing up together. And it appears we even hid the same secrets. I've always regretted the loss of our friendship. But, I was having such problems with... him. I didn't know where to turn. Wish I'd known I could have come to you to talk."

"It's okay. I had some tough times over the years as well."

"That's surprising."

"It is? Why?"

"You seemed to have everything going for you. Your future was all set. The Ministry and marriage. I envied you. All I had was Quidditch and a romantic fling that ended up going nowhere. Don't get me wrong, I love playing. But it's not always fulfilling."

Percy nodded.

"I did try to tell you a couple of times about me, and him. I just didn't know how. I thought you were straight, I didn't want to risk the friendship. You've been a big part and great influence in my life, Percy." He stopped to squeeze the hand he was holding. "I still tend to think of you often. Maybe more than I should have. I don't know. I wish I could have been there for you when you needed someone too."

They both looked lovingly at each other and smiled.

"Why? Why did we let so much time pass?"

"Oliver?"

"Yes."

"It's in the past now. Let's forget about it. We can start over together from here."

Oliver thought for a moment and for the first time in a very long time felt his heart open again.

"Help me, Percy. Help me forget the past."

Percy then leaned forward. Oliver felt his warm breath hit his face before tilting his head. Their lips slowly pressed together before increasing in passion. Oliver knew immediately this was the one person who he could love and it would always be returned.

fini