Author: HatefulRodeo

Title: Love Sparks From The Dying Embers

Notes: Hola Dearies! Here's chapter two so enjoy the update! No warnings this time really so no worries there. ; )

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I will make no money from the posting of this story.

Previously;

Marcus, in those few short moments, made Harry's blood race and had taken his breath away but at the same time made the Potter feel safe; well once the emerald eyed man realized Marcus wasn't going to hurt him. Those strong arms cradled him nicely and Harry liked the feeling of being protected for once.

Another thing in Marcus' favor was the lack of gossip about the man. He'd never really heard or seen anything about the other man in Prophet before. Harry liked that the that he wasn't an attention whore like Draco became towards the end. The raven was a bit of a recluse and hated to be photographed and stared at like a zoo exhibition.

With a smile on his handsome face he restacked the dishes and pans in their appropriate spots and readied to apparate to his home. Another one of the perks of owning the place; he could apparate at will inside the building. With a sharp turn of his heal and a muffled crack the raven was gone.

~*~*~*Chapter 2~*~*~*

Harry stared at himself in the mirror, blatantly ignoring the bouncing Hermione on his bed, as he surveyed himself. The outfit was nice but not too nice; he wanted to look good but not desperate. The pair of black slacks fit nicely, showing off his slim but toned physique and the emerald green sweater complimented his eyes while highlighting his slender torso.

Top the outfit off with a cozy black pea coat saturated in Warming Charms, a grey scarf and black knee high dragon hide boots and he thought he looked quite fetching as did Hermione. His best and oldest friend had dropped by a bit earlier than expected to help him prepare for his first post-Draco date. Harry had to smile at his friend in the mirror; she was his strength and his sister in all that mattered.

Seeing her smiling face was worth all the haranguing she'd put him through for the past few hours. His hair had never looked so soft or laid so pleasingly before and he had Mione to thank for that. The woman had come armed with a basket full of potions and tonics for him to use for tonight. He'd blushed mortifyingly when she'd reminded him, while wearing a shit eating grin, to clean himself just in case things escalated between him and Marcus.

He loved her he did but sometimes Harry thought Mione needed to get out and just get laid instead of living vicariously through him and his sex life. Seriously, getting this excited about your gay friends first post-breakup date was not normal for a healthy, sexually active woman. But he would deal with Hermione's lack of sex later; right now he had a handsome devil to visit.

Taking a deep breath he shouldered on his coat and wrapped himself up in his cashmere scarf and made his way to the floo in the living room. Hermione followed and wished him a good night, giving Harry a cheeky wink right before he tossed the floo powder onto the hearth floor.

Rolling his eyes he was swept away to Marcus' townhome in one of the most exclusive areas of London; Kensington Place Gardens. Thought Flint didn't live in the muggle area. No, the Flint Lord lived in a home that was warded much like Grimmauld Place was, completely un-seeable by muggles and anyone magical who didn't need to glimpse the place.

When the nauseating feeling of travelling by floo stopped Harry was spit out into a gorgeous receiving room, outfitted with dark wood floors and gorgeous white crown molding. The cream colored walls were decorated with breathtaking landscape portraits and the rug on the floor was delightfully squishy; no doubt you could sleep on the thing and wake up fresh as a bed of roses.

Strong arms wrapped around his waist and a broad body sidled up behind him; "You came." Harry turned his head and looked upward until he met Marcus' deep dark eyes; "Of course I came. I said I would and I keep my word. Now what are we doing tonight?" Flint merely smirked mischievously; "We will be having a night to remember, of course."

Harry just looked nonplussed and eventually Marcus snorted; "We'll be going out tonight but I am not telling you where just yet. It's to be a surprise." The emerald eyed man felt a wave of excitement flood him. He adored surprises, well the good kind anyway, and he also liked that Marcus was trying so hard to make him happy.

"I'm sure wherever you decide to take us will be wonderful, Marcus." Harry blushed when his tummy began to rumble in hunger; he hadn't eaten since early afternoon. He was simply too nervous about his date to eat much then either so as of now his stomach was screaming for nourishment.

Marcus chuckled; "Well then shall we." The taller man held out a silk ribbon for Harry to take. He gave the piece of fabric a distasteful look before grasping on to it; he still hated Portkeys even after all these years and countless times using them. After Marcus spoke the words; "Rock Center" Harry felt the telltale tug at his navel.

Several moments of hell later the two men landed in a dark alley in a bustling city filled with massive buildings, large crowds and flashing lights. Marcus steadied Harry since the smaller man was a bit unsteady on his feet after their sudden arrival; "Alright, gorgeous?" Smiling emerald eyes look at his date and he grinned sweetly; "I'm alright, Marcus. Thank you."

Flint nodded but kept his strong arm around Harry's waist as he steered them out of the alleyway and into the bustling street. The Potter male looked around in awe; it was gorgeous and the massive tree in front of him was beautifully decorated even without the use of magic. Hell the whole square was a Christmas dream and it was oddly familiar.

Marcus pressed a kiss to his head; "Welcome to New York City, Harry." Harry just stared in awe at the sights and all the people milling about. New York? Harry was really in New York City! He'd always wanted to come to the Big Apple as they called it but never had the chance and to come here now; well it was a dream come true.

Smiling he turned, got on his tiptoes and pressed a kiss to Marcus' cheek; "Thank you, really this is gorgeous." The tall man seemed to preen at the praise and began to guide him towards what looked like a skating rink; "I thought we could attempt to ice-skate together. I know you were raised muggle and I thought you would enjoy doing something mundane."

Harry rolled his eyes at Marcus' choice of words but didn't protest them; it was true actually. Since he'd joined the magical world he'd immersed himself in it only doing things the muggle way when it came to cooking; this was a chance to do something simple and enjoyable without the use of magic. Besides he'd never been ice-skating and he'd always wanted to try it.

The fact that Marcus was willing to do this with him meant a lot to him as well. "I think I would really like that Marcus. Now where do we get our skates?" Marcus led him towards a booth to the side where both men exchanged their money; apparently his date thought ahead and got muggle cash before their date, for their rental skates.

The two made their way over to spot where they could lock up their shoes and sat down. Harry covertly cast several Cleansing Charms on both their skates before the slipped them on and put away their footwear. Together the two men hobbled to the rink and glided, ungracefully, onto the ice.

Harry was having a hell of a time even if they couldn't go very fast. It was nice to enjoy the night while being held in Marcus' strong arms as they slowly rounded the oblong arena. Harry and his date circled several times before they got the hang of it and moved a bit apart so they could go faster but their hands remained tightly clasped.

Now this was a date that Harry would never forget as long as he lived. As they skated along Harry took the chance to survey his partner; Marcus was far from graceful on ice but he was smiling and chatting quite happily with Harry as they skated. He knew the Flint Lord didn't quite care for muggles all that much and the fact that he even thought to bring Harry here was something that warmed the ex-Gryffindor to his core.

This was what he wanted; someone who would put Harry's wants before his own sometimes. Marcus seemed like the type that would endure a lot to make sure his lover was happy and satisfied, something Harry did for his partner as well. Maybe they could work out together but only time would tell.

Soon the two had skated themselves out and put on their shoes so they could return the skates to the Rental Booth. After the skates were given back the two men began to meander through the city, stopping to look around and make comments on certain shops they'd like to visit in the future.

However, the matter of Harry's empty tummy soon reared its head and made itself known with a large grumble. The emerald eyed man nudged his companion's side; "Marcus, I am absolutely starving where are we going to eat?" The older male just smiled and looked around; "That place looks good. How about there?" Harry was in shock; hadn't Marcus made reservations somewhere?

But then he stopped his thoughts. Who really gave a damn if Marcus made reservations besides this was more fun anyway, more free flowing and up in the air. Looking over to where Marcus was facing Harry saw a little restaurant that touted Cuban-Chinese fusion cuisine and was immediately intrigued by it.

Shrugging and feeling up for a culinary adventure the emerald eyed man smirked and gave a careless; "Why not," to his partner. Harry was then led to the restaurant where the couple was quickly given a cozy table in the corner of the room. Both opened their menus and he began to study the options; Ropa Vieja with vegetable friend rice and tostones sounded both delicious and quite interesting. Harry also took the liberty of ordering a Modelo; a muggle beer he quite enjoyed but couldn't find all the time in London.

After their orders were placed more conversation began and continued through the meal. Harry learned that Marcus was actually more muggle savvy than most purebloods, having multiple deals with the mundane world at any given time. The Flints apparently owned several steel factories and textile mills so they often did business with muggle retailers and auto makers.

Harry was happy he would be able to indulge in some muggle type fun with Marcus every now and again. As he thought before he'd been submerged in the magical world since culinary school and maybe it was time explore the more mundane world around him. Besides most of the places Harry wanted to visit had wizarding districts in them so it would be a joint exploration of not just a mundane foreign culture but a magical one too.

Harry in turn spoke about his restaurants and his thoughts about opening a purely muggle place and turning his place into a eatery for only magical patrons. Marcus was quite intrigued by this and offered his opinion, stating it was a fantastic idea and that Harry would do well to expand his reach further than he was.

Not to mention the larger male postively adored Harry's food and suggested the next date they should have a home night and maybe cook together; meaning Harry could cook while Marcus stuffed himself silly. The petite raven didn't mind this at all. He got into cooking because he loved to feed people and feeding his lover was a joy for him, watching the blissed out look on a loved one's face when they tasted Harry's food was all he could ask for.

The night was wonderful, the Ropa Vieja was divine, the fried rice was delicious and the tostones sweet and chewy yet crisp; Harry was committed to replicating the recipe at home; much to Marcus' amusement and pleasure since he'd ordered the same thing and loved it as well.

Once they paid and exited the two men found a secluded alley to Portkey out of. Another gut-wrenching trip later and they were back at Marcus' home; "Would you like a drink, gorgeous?" Harry cocked his head to the side in thought; he knew he had an eager Mione at his house waiting for all the details but he was enjoying his time with Marcus too much to want it to end.

In a matter of hours the man had made Harry's Yule; never before had someone taken him on such a wonderfully thoughtful date. Draco always took them somewhere high class and stuffy where they would be seen by the masses. The slender male enjoyed just being one of the crowd and tonight they were; no one they knew was anywhere near them and they'd been able to truly enjoy themselves and kick back.

"I'd love a nightcap, Marcus. Thank you." Flint waved a hand toward the doorway, indicating the Harry should follow him. The smaller man followed his date easily out of the room and enjoyed looking into the rooms they past but had to stop when he looked out of one of the large windows and saw the gorgeous view of Buckingham Palace.

Marcus just allowed Harry his moment to stare in awe at the majestic building. The emerald eyed male guessed it wasn't that big of a deal since Marcus wasn't muggle raised and no doubt saw the view everyday but for Harry it was his first time seeing the palace in person; TV just didn't do it justice at all

Finally, the two men continued onward toward their destination for a quiet nightcap.

~*~*~*Time Skip*~*~*

Harry stumbled out of the floo at his place at two a.m. with kiss swollen lip and lust blown green eyes. By damned Merlin Marcus Flint could kiss and the damn smug bastard knew it! Not only that but the bastard left Harry in a right state of arousal and frustration.

Sure, the Potter wanted to take it slow but right now Harry just wanted to be fucked out of his mind. His toys and his hand could only get him so far and he was really in dire need of another's touch. After being in a relationship for so long and getting regular sex going without was absolute murder!

Sighing, he breathed deeply and ruthlessly squashed down his raging hormones. Once he was calm, mostly, he started towards his bedroom so he could wash up and change for bed but unfortunately he was sidetracked by a sleepy Hermione poking her head out of his guest room, an excited gleam in her honey brown eyes.

"Well Harry I assume the date went well as it's after two in the morning and you look delightfully debauched." The man in question blushed and embarrassedly shifted on his booted feet; "Ummmm..." His best friend just chuckled and pressed a kiss to his forehead; "I'm happy you had such a great time, Harry."

"You deserve it. But don't think I won't get those juicy date details out of you tomorrow. However, right now it's time for sleep; we can talk in the morning when you cook me breakfast." Green eyes rolled upwards but Harry couldn't help but smile at his friend. He actually couldn't wait to tell Mione about his date with Marcus; his muggleborn friend would be shocked that someone as purebloodedly highbrow as Marcus would take Harry somewhere so muggle for their night out.

Smiling he kissed her on the cheek and scampered to his bedroom so he could snuggle into bed and get some rest. Oh and think more about Marcus, his large wandering hands and that dastardly, sinfully talented mouth. Blushing a bit the Potter washed his face, brushed his teeth and stripped down into his boxers and flicked his wand toward the fireplace in his room to chase away the slight chill; Warming Charms were great but sometimes a draft would blow through the old house.

Toasty and comfy Harry slipped into bed and settled in for a quick daydream about his handsome date. Marcus was an amazing man. He was kind, somewhat doting and amazingly thoughtful; it surprised Harry, really it did. The Marcus Flint he knew, or thought he knew, was brusque, forceful and a bit ham-handedly blunt.

But the Flint he saw tonight was a nice change of pace. Maybe Marcus was both of those things; both forceful but gentle, all at the same time. The man was obviously a contradiction, loving to the ones he adored and ruthless to those he considered opposed to him. Harry had no doubt that if their relationship went further Marcus would never hurt him and would destroy anyone who ever tried to hurt him or those he cared for.

It was something he could get used to; this feeling of being protected and cherished. This feeling was new and it came on so quickly; it was only their first real date but it felt right to the emerald eyed man. He liked what he knew of so far and while his usually sharp instincts failed him with Draco Harry also was aware he should not discount them.

And his instincts were screaming that Marcus Flint was a great guy with a few rough edges. But Harry saw no reason to want to polish them away; he liked Marcus' somewhat rough approach to things, even when trying to be suave or gallant. Both of them were a bit rough around the edges from their hard won life experiences. Marcus' showed with his closed off, cold facade while Harry's showed in his constant smiles and desire to please those he cared for.

Sighing in contented tiredness the raven just snuggled deeper into his blankets and allowed his eyelids to slip closed, a small smile gracing his pink lips as he slipped into sleep. Tonight may well be the start of something truly magical.

Sooooo they had their first date! I went to Rock Center when I was very little and skated so my memories of the night may be a bit scattered but this is fiction so really I could of said they left the shoes with a dragon and it would have been fine. ; )

Anywho, yes there will be slash but I want to lay some groundwork first. Most of you who have read my PWP know they have a bit of plot thrown into them but I think it makes for a better story. Yaoi will be coming soon so be patient my dears.

Also, I'm wondering if I should introduce Draco into the mix. Nothing huge, just in passing... Oh well I will figure it out. Until nest time lovelies!

As Always All Mistakes Are My Own!