Notes: Hi, so I've had this written for a while but I'm finally getting around to typing it and smoothing it out. I have a good chunk of the story written in my head but it'll take time to get it down. I've honestly had the first three pages typed for like years but since I'm single (cough) again I have some free time to get around to it. Enjoy it.

Further Notes: My ex at the time we were dating told me he heard this story before. Which may mean I've stolen the plot somewhere. If so... well oops. I feel like it's original and if I did subconsciously steal it please condemn me.

Summary: Only the brave will fall in love. Being crowned a Gryffindor instantly shows your strength and courage. Can two graduates from the house of Gryffindor understand what it means to fall in love before time runs out. Oliver Wood and Percy Weasley.

The Bravest Kiss

Chapter 1: Beauty In the Breakdown

Oliver Wood was popular. He was well liked and loved by all. The few that did hate him only did it out of jealousy. The charismatic quidditch player however, was oblivious to all of this. His thoughts were always focused to what the next move was going to be or what needed to be done. As a keeper it was his job to predict the next event to prevent what could have been the chance for defeat. That was technically everyone's job on the team but they had a more hands on approach to prevent these things from happening. His sole job was just to stop it. However, quidditch didn't make him this way but it's most likely why quidditch was probably made for him. In the end this gave him one major weakness. He was unable to think about the now. He had trouble focusing on what needed to be done which sadly made him hard to live with. But, this is what made him such a great keeper and what made him so lonely. He was meant to just step back and when it was time he could make his move.

The young brunette with hazel eyes that were so tired from focusing out in the open field closed his eyes. The season was over and their was a two week break before practice kicked in. His plans were to really relax and not do much of anything, 'Not like you have anything else to do.'

He let out a sigh. His thoughts had started becoming cynical since graduation five years ago. After being disowned by his father for taking a path that was too dangerous young Mr. Wood lived on his own never really talking to anyone else outside of his team. The cynical side helped him deal with his loneliness. It reminded him of someone that -

'Forgot about you a long time ago.'

"Shut up!" Oliver's voice boomed in his empty room and he even surprised himself. Letting out a second sigh and a grunt of frustration that sounded similar to a trolls, Oliver buried his face into his pillow. With every breath he took the insecure brunette's world seemed to crumble. He could feel his face turning red with frustration and his thoughts becoming irrational, 'It's been too long Oliver Wood. He probably forgot that you even existed. But,how come I can't forget about him?'

With another grunt Oliver climbed out of bed and walked down to what he called the kitchen. The room wasn't much but it's where he made his meals. It had a few cupboards with food, a sink, and a place to cook. It was the picture of emptiness. As he took out the pot to begin making dinner for one he heard a familiar tapping on his window. Curious as to who would Owl him this late at night he opened the window and his heart skipped a beat. In front of him was an owl that brought back so many memories that emotions flushed and his heart skipped a beat. The old solemn owl neatly placed a folded letter in front of the young brunette with a smile shining across his face.

"Thank you Hermes." Oliver said giving the wise owl a gentle stroke and an owl treat he kept for moments like these. Anxiously he unfolded the letter hoping to see the familiar, neatly, slanted handwriting only to find familiar small block handwriting. Slightly disappointed he read the letter feeling confused and unsure what to feel.

Dearest Captain!

It's your two favorite beaters writing to you and even though you're on your own team now we know you miss us deep down in your heart. Now I'm sure you're wondering why you miss us so much but that's not the point. The point is that we're writing to our favorite captain because we wanted to just write and say hello. Okay no.

The real reason we're writing is to say that we're worried about Percy. He doesn't go out with Penelope anymore and she doesn't come over so we think they broke up. As much of a blessing it is for Percy he well, has been moping around to the point where he doesn't even leave his room anymore. It's so bad even that he quit his job! Percy no longer works for the ministry and he just stays at home. Mum is so worried that she has us doing whatever we can to cheer him up. So far we've tried everything and he just gives us this blank stare. Ron and Ginny gave him a pretty amazing puppet show made out of socks about how much Percy meant to us. So we have tried everything and we're running out of ideas. It's gotten so bad that now Mum won't let anyone out of the house until Percy feels better.

On another note a girl we met on a night out is having a party in two days. So we were wondering if you can come tomorrow to see if you can cheer up poor Percy since you and him were pretty close back at Hogwarts. We know it's short notice but you have such a great heart that you'll come and help out Percy.

With much thanks,

Ron and George

With a chuckle Oliver put the letter down and thought about everything. The twins were so manipulative in every thing they had written down. They knew that Oliver would come to Percy's aid at an instant just because he owed the red head so much. He was always so gentle with him where he had been stern with everyone else only because the situation called for it. The thing that the old Captain loved about the former Head Boy was his eyes. When out in public he had a look that made him seem stern and at times he was. However, people did like Percy because he could be sincere and sure he was a bit more perfect than the word defined but that was who he was. Oliver saw Percy for who he was when he wasn't out in the open. When there was nobody to show off to or no social norms to keep; Percy took off his glasses and had this soft look. The brunette was always amazed at how simply those glasses seem to change Percy. He would just relax and this was the Head Boy the Captain knew.

Oliver Wood sat down and began to write. He said he would stop by tomorrow not because the twins had asked him but because he was concerned about their brother. He even went as far to scold the twins for being more upset about a party instead of their brother. He attached the note to the Owl that had made itself comfortable on his counter giving it one last pat. As he let the Owl out of his window Oliver felt a nice breeze. With the breeze he was able to relax a bit since hearing that light tap against his window telling him the bravest person he ever knew needed help.

He was there. He had arrived at the home of where the most incredible person he knew grew up and experienced so many life lessons. With a deep breath Oliver mustered up as much courage as possible and knocked unsure which member of the family would open the door. 'I'm ready. I can handle this situation and I'll make Percy better.'

With a slight hesitation Oliver knocked one more time on the door. Feeling a bit nervous he thought about what he would say to Percy when he saw him. Then the door opened and a gentle earthly woman came into view. She looked over Oliver and then gave a nice warm smile that only a true mother knew how to give. The younger gentleman couldn't help but smile back as she motioned him inside.

"Oh Oliver. How you grown so handsome!" Molly Weasley laughed as she looked over the young man as he carried his bag over his broad shoulders.

"And you look as lovely as ever Mrs. Weasley." Oliver laughed as they walked into the kitchen together where the gentle mother was obviously preparing the evening supper.

The brunette looked over the kitchen comparing it to his own and how he was always amazed by how much more homey he felt in a kitchen with life than at his own quiet and barren one.

"You can drop your stuff in the twin's room if you like."

Confused at the statement Oliver looked over at Mrs. Weasley, "I thought-"

"Yes, I know you're here about Percy but he has requested that we all leave him alone. I know you came for him but I suppose it's better if we respect his wishes. Please feel free to stay as long as you like dear."

Practically offended at what she said Oliver was about to speak out until he stared at her. She looked scared and tired, 'She's worried you idiot. Her son is practically dead inside and she doesn't want to bring anyone into it because it might get worst.'

Quickly changing his game plan Oliver spoke calmly and bravely, "I think I'll be fine with Percy. I know how he is. I mean I did survive living with him for seven years." Oliver laughed and even Mrs. Weasley gave a slight chuckle, "I think I understand his limits so if I feel like I'm intruding on his space I'll quickly retreat back to the twins. But if it's okay I'd like to try and room with Percy during my stay here."

Without even waiting for an answer he gave her a hug as a thank you for understanding and for also letting him stay at her home. As he took the steps two at a time he felt his heart beat a little faster and his breath becoming shorter. Unsure if it was because he was about to see the person he missed more than his dead mother or a day of relaxation had weakened him he paused at the door with a single P carved on the front. Shrugging his shoulders in a failed attempt to relax himself he knocked on the door.

Within a second of his knock Oliver Wood heard the voice of his former school mate and probably his best friend, "If it's okay I'd rather be alone."

With a face of slight disappointment at how Percy had answered the door Oliver yelled jokingly, "If it's okay I'd rather you open the door."

The secluded man's voice became a little more higher pitched in confusion as he replied, "I'll open the door if you tell me who you are."

"Just open the door Perce, it's me, Ol'." Oliver smiled to himself. Percy would never give into any situation unless he was in charge. By revealing himself it gave Percy the opportunity to make a plan before the door was even opened.

There was a slight shuffle behind the door and when it was opened it had to be one of the most beautiful yet saddest sights Oliver had ever seen. Percy looked a little older and wiser since he had last seen him but now he seemed more vulnerable as ever. His eyes showed exhaustion and the sweater he wore fit him perfectly yet gave the look of it being too large making him seem smaller than ever.

"Ollie, what are you doing here?"

Putting on a huge genuine smile the taller man gave the shorter confused one a huge hug that probably threw off Percy's neat and careful plan to dismiss him as quickly as possible. Once Oliver's arms made a full circle around the tired red head he felt his and Percy's body just relax into each other's. For that moment nothing else existed except for the warm body against their own and the heart beats fluttering for this fleeting moment.

"I've missed you Perce." Oliver's voice was soft, lacking the confidence that always made him so brave and strong.

"I missed you too... Ol'." Percy had to pause, he was still in shock that Oliver Wood, the most amazing person he ever knew was here at his door as his time was running out.

Clearing his throat Percy slowly stepped out of the warmest embrace he ever felt and motioned Oliver inside. Percy's normally neat room was cluttered with books and parchments all opened and piled atop of each other. Confused Oliver peeked at one of the stacks and was surprised to see that a good amount of them were fairy tales. Unsure why Percy had locked himself in his room with mountains of children's stories the taller man decided to ignore it and sat on the bed that was amazingly clear of any clutter.

'It's probably so he stays focused.' Biting his lower lip the brunette motioned the red head to sit next to him and to his surprise he did without much of a fight. Wrapping a strong arm around the skinnier man Oliver cleared his throat and asked, "Percy, what's wrong?"

"Nothings wrong. What makes you-"

"Percival Weasley! Don't lie to me." Oliver stood up surprising both of them at how outraged he seem. Not letting it distract him though he went on, "You're upset. Anyone can tell that you're upset. Just talk to me. Maybe I can help."

Percy just looked down, staring at his hands folded neatly in his lap, "You wouldn't understand. Nobody would. This is something I have to do."

"I might understand. Perce, I love you. I've loved you since day one. Since that day I saw a quiet red headed boy scared out of his mind as walk out to go put on a hat." There was a light laugh. It could've been from both boys or just one but both had a smile on their faces, "I saw him smile as he ran into the arms of his brothers after finding out that he would be in the same house as them. I knew that I was going to be in the same house as him and that together we would be something special. I just never knew that you would be the best Perce."

Light gray eyes looked up touched at what he had heard. Both were slightly surprised at the words that were spoken and the moment became too tender to break. Suddenly Percy bolted up and his face filled with sudden anger, "I can't believe you would say that. After all these years and time that... Just how could you say that now Oliver? I told you after we graduated that I loved you. That I wanted to be with you!"

Fire burned in Percy's eyes. A crimson red so intense that his hair seemed blond in comparison, "I was willing to risk it all. I was willing to let down my whole family and be with you. I was willing to live for you."

"To live?" Oliver raised an eyebrow confused at the statement.

Percy gave a weak smile. Putting his hands on his face he tried to explain, "You know how when you want to get out of a horrid situation you just want to die. Well dying always seemed the easy way out. I just wanted to be alive and always be with you."

Oliver reached out and held Percy's hands, "I know Perce. I had this silly dream that I was going to become the top quidditch player and I would rock the world. I thought since I was going to be so important that I wouldn't have time to be in love. I thought quidditch was supposed to be my number one love." His words came out slow and steady taking a deep breath after sentence, "It was a horrible mistake Perce. If I could take it back I would. And I did come back! I realized that without you I couldn't live my life to the fullest."

With this the red head snatched his hand away furious at where the blame was now being placed, "A whole two years later! I had finally decided to settle things with Penelope Clearwater and I thought I could live a livable life with her!"

Percy walked to a corner where two books that looked like they had been used way past the broken point and sat on them. He raised his knees to his face and shut out the world. No longer would Oliver's words mean anything. He had seen Percy like this twice and both times words and reassuring mindless babbles meant nothing. The first time was when he thought Ginny had been lost in the Chambers of Secrets and the second time was when he told him that his heart was only for quidditch.

Letting out a quick breath of air the brunette sat next to the depressed red head and put his arm around him. They took in each other's warmth and comfort unsure what to say. His hand squeezed Percy's shoulder and he responded by scooting closer into the embrace. A warm smile spread across both their faces. It was like looking into the eyes of someone special after you share a simple joke. Once you see their eyes sparkle and the color shine it was magic that couldn't be casted with a wand. Except, they didn't need to look into each other's eyes; this was enough. All they needed was to know the other was there and nothing more.

"Dinner's ready." Percy's voice came out scratchy and a little tired.

Squeezing tighter Oliver looked up, "How do you know?"

Before he stood up the red head put his hand over the other's and gave it a light squeeze. "It's a charm. My mom put it on each of us so when we knew when it was time for dinner or bed. We get this funny feeling that we need to go wherever it's time for."

Amazed as always Oliver helped up the man whose eyes were so gray it was like looking into the ocean fog. Hand in hand they reached the bottom of the stairs where they carefully let each other go but they both knew, that this separation was temporary and sooner than later they would be back hand in hand.

After dinner both walked satisfied back into the room cluttered with more books than most libraries. It was a pleasant one where the Weasley family was delighted to see that Percy seemed to have a smirk on his face that was once lost. The twins were even so bold to try and throw some food at Perce but he stopped it instantly with his wand, transfigured it into a bee, and both were stung for their actions. Molly who would've normally scolded this behavior laughed and was overjoyed to see her son acting like he was alive. Ginny was extra attentive to both of the boys making sure that everything was pleasant. Oliver was pretty sure he saw her shoot a a tiny bolt of lightening when they got stung for an extra jolt. In the end, Olive was really happy with how the dinner went.

'Happy enough that you'll stay with him and never leave him?'

He shifted uneasily at the thought. He honestly felt like he could live with him and be with him forever but deep down he was scared. He was unsure if things could work out. Deep down he knew something was wrong but he couldn't figure it out.

'He broke up with his girlfriend. He probably asked her to marry him and got rejected and now he's burying himself in books.'

With a deep grunt the quidditch player cussed and tossed a pillow over his face.

"Should I leave you alone?" A voice came out sounding confused and almost embarrassed. Taking the pillow off his face hazel-brown eyes looked up and smiled. Percy was wearing long sleeved pajamas that suited him beautifully. They were red of course but had nice white stripes going down them and it made him seem so precious.

"No, come lay down. I'm already all cozy." They both laughed without a real care in the world. Percy jumped into the bed and nuzzled deep into the stronger man's arms. He took a whiff of his smell and smiled. It was always strong but at the same time there was something gentle about it. If cookies became masculine and emitted a pleasant order it'd be named Oliver Wood.

"What's so funny?" Oliver's voice came out groggy as he drifted off to sleep.

With the most casual tone he could make Percy said almost candidly, "Nothing cookie."

A raised eyebrow and an equally candid shrug and a smile was the perfect response given. However, Oliver then did the most imperfect thing trying to in the end achieve his main goal which was to figure out what had happened and fix it. As calmly as he could the quidditch player with insight beyond his time asked, "What happened?"

The atmosphere in the room became dark. The lights seemed to dim with the question almost as if they were being suffocated.

"Nothing." Was the only meek response he got.

Bashing himself mentally for making such a stupid mistake the brunette decided to change the subject. "Sorry sorry. Is there anything you want to do tomorrow? Like go out and grab a bite to eat and go have fun somewhere?"

There was no response this time.

Almost desperate now he pressed on, "Come on. Anything you want? We'll do whatever you ask.

"Read me a story."

Oliver's face scrunched up instantly. Not of disgust or disappointment but more out of a confusion. The whole time he knew him the red head seemed never much for fairy tales.

"Yeah... of course... Which story?"

Percy reached for the book that was on the nightstand. Oliver than realized all the other books were on the floor strewn about except that one was neatly placed and the closest to the bed. The red head passed it to his bed mate and said softly, "The first story please."

The Tales of Hogwarts, was neatly embedded in silver letters over the black binding. Hogwarts had plenty of stories that were interesting to read and everyone would tell each other over the fire place. As he leafed through the intro pages the first story read, "The Bravery and Love of Gryffindor." Oliver blinked puzzled at why he was requested to read this story. Each of the four houses had their own main fairy tale like story about their house and what they represented. The story of Slytherin was about true sacrifice, Ravenclaw's involved humility, and Hufflepuff's was of restraint. However, Gryffindor's was of love. How only the bravest, and truest would risk it all for a chance at true love.

Clearing his throat Oliver read the story to the old Headboy who once scolded younger students for being too immature.

When Hogwarts was still new in age and philosophy there lived two promising students in the Gryffindor house. Their true names have been forgotten but one thing was for sure; they were made for each other. Typhoon was a true gentlemen of his time. He was polite to all and very serious studious individual. Even though he would fly off talking to everyone he was gentle to all he talked to and in the end well liked. Coral who was made for Typhoon loved to fly. She was involved in competitive flying and explained that up in the sky was where she felt down to earth. Although she was not as well known as Typhoon many still adored the way she could take the skies and almost rule the clouds themselves.

Typhoon and Coral from day one admired each other from close and afar. Typhoon would watch Coral practice fly up in the skies racing against others or even herself. She would practice until sunset and then walk with Typhoon back hand in hand. That was how they spent their time at Hogwarts. During their final year Typhoon told Coral he would spend a thousand years with her if he could. With that they confessed their love and agreed they would be together forever.

Sadly, Coral was swept up too far and too fast. She flew so fast that Typhoon couldn't handle it. Emotionally he was lost and physically he didn't know where he was. Unsure what to do he ran. Scared, Typhoon escaped into the arms of another. Blinded by jealousy Coral casted a hex at having Typhoon betray her. She had been brave enough to put all her feelings out there and was fiercely rejected.

The hex was described that at the end of their time, Typhoon would die. He was marked with two hearts on his arm. One perfectly whole while the one next to it was shattered. The most tragic things was Typhoon accepted the curse from his true love. Unsure why she did it Coral was confused about everything except one. She had just cursed the one she loved to die. Gathering her lost bit of true courage she gave Typhoon a kiss only true love can give and removed the curse. In return, she had accepted the curse.

Without any other words Coral grabbed a broom and flew into the setting sun to never be seen again.

Oliver read the last words almost shaken at how sad the story was. He heard it before but this moment it seemed deeper. It seemed to hit him on a more personal level. It reminded him too much of how he had ran away from when Percy had confessed his love for him. He closed the book with a sigh and smiled at the sight he saw. The redhead who had requested for the story had fallen asleep. His hair slightly curled over his eyes seemed like they were protecting him.

"I love you Perce." He leaned in giving him a kiss on the forehead, "I'll do anything for you. Even die for you..." Oliver paused for a second and smiled, "Or even live for you."

Chapter end.

Ending Notes: Wow. That took me maybe three friggen' years to write. If you liked it don't worry I do plan on typing up the next chapters, I just have to get around to it. I know it seems kind of off right now but it gets better (I hope). Review if you want but they do tend to motivate me to work faster. So thanks. Seriously. )