Hey! I am so glad to give you this update...I know you've been very patient and I am grateful. I am currently working on the rest of my fics (yeah, I know you've heard this before) so I'll be updating more during the rest of this week...probably one or two fics every few days until I am caught up. Oh and there is a sex scene in the beginning of this chapter...just thought I'd tell you. This chapter is quite long and I hope you like it...the title explains it all. There's one chapter left and the epilogue...we are so close! :)
Chapter Thirteen-Proposal
Sunlight broke through the emerald green curtains, giving the room darkened by shadow a fresh morning glow, alerting one healer that it was time to wake. Colin sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and moving long locks behind his ears. He took a deep, cleansing breath and looked to his right. Miles was sleeping peacefully, all tucked underneath the duvet. Last night was incredible, absolutely the best sex he's had in a very long time...so great, he thinks he must have woken the neighbors at some point. Although, there may have been silencing spells built into the walls but Colin wasn't so sure. He'd have to ask Miles later.
Colin mused, gazing lovingly at the heavy-sleeping redhead. 'You are so beautiful. I am lucky to have you.'
He took his time in studying every curve and muscle of his bedmate sticking out and under the blankets, pondering how he'd wake him.
'Got it...' he smirked, raising his wand.
A strange tingling and wet sensation unexpectedly stirs the Keeper. He opened his eyes, still unable to see clearly yet he knew these sensations very well. Miles smirked, allowing himself to lay back and relax as Colin lifted his leg to get better access so he could prepare him.
"Mmm..well good morning to you, too."
"Heh heh, I knew this would be an exceptional way to stir you other than coming in with a huge plate of bacon."
"Sex is better."
"It definitely is.." Colin purred, nipping along Bletchley's neck as he prodded through those sensitive muscles. "You ready for me?"
Miles nodded, pressing himself backward.
"Good. On your knees."
Miles grinned as he obeyed. "Someone's demanding this morning."
Colin ran his hands up and down Bletchley's sides, sliding one to massage his left hip and the other to rest upon his lower back, gazing at his body with approving eyes. The blonde coated himself thoroughly and pushed in, gasping at how tight Miles felt. For someone who's been pounded by Cassius, he's surprisingly well-together.
Colin started slowly, gently...reveling in the pleasurable sight of sliding in and out of him. It's been a while since he's topped so he wants to make this last, if his body would let him. Miles moaned lightly, pushing himself back onto Colin in time with each thrust.
"You..unh...don't have to go so slow, you know. I like it a little rough."
"All right..good...'cause I don't think I can take it." he ended that sentence with one powerful thrust and more right after the first, directly assaulting his prostate. Miles cried out, begging for more. Colin gladly obliged and made that tough Keeper see stars. Colin wrapped his arms around Miles's waist and increased his movements, allowing the loud slapping of skin and moaning to reverberate throughout the room. They did not see two grinning random visitors standing at the once-closed door.
"Fuck, Colin!...yes!..oh...god, yes...'' Miles gasped out while Colin laid into him. Another five to ten minutes later, Colin digs his nails roughly into Bletchley's hips as he finishes deep inside of him, then collapses onto his side.
"Damn it, Col...you should definitely top me more often." he messily kissed him in gratitude.
"Oh yeah, you definitely should..."
Shocked, Colin and Miles averted their eyes to the open door they thought was closed. There stood Justin and Ernie with the most perverted smiles most would think two former 'Puffs weren't capable of. Colin's face went red and he resorted to burying it in Bletchley's pecs.
Miles narrowed his green orbs. "Really?"
He didn't sound too mad, which was odd for anyone finding out they've been watched while having sex.
Justin winked "Really."
"Why are you here?"
Ernie smiled, leaning against the doorframe. "Well, we flooed over at Pansy's behest to see if you guys wanted to come over for lunch. She couldn't get a hold of you last night and I can pretty much gather why you weren't available..."
Miles rolled his eyes at their further leering.
"So, that's why she told us to come over. We're closer so why not?"
'I really should alter my wards...fucking aurors.'
"Miles?" Colin peeked up shyly. "You're calm...they watched us...am I missing something?''
"No, love. I've had the misfortune to have received an audience while I was busy in bed. First Marcus, then Graham...Terence and Adrian mostly, then Cormac, Susan that one time, I still have no idea how the hell she got into the dorm that night...and since then, there's been repeats."
"Jesus..."
"You and I both know he wouldn't have helped you with this one." Justin snickered, clearly amused with Colin's embarrassment. It was too adorable.
"All right. Tell Pansy we'll be there later...just let us take care of business."
"You've already done that just now and we assume you have within the past twenty-four hours. If you want to get another one in, don't let us stop you. See you, lovebirds." Ernie waved before leading Justin back through the fireplace.
Colin sighed, staring at the door. "God, this was an awkward morning."
Miles nodded in agreement. "With friends like ours, it was bound to happen sometime...though I honestly thought it was going to be Cormac and Cassius."
"Looks like Ernie and Justin finally beat them to the punch."
"How long you think they'll lord this over them?"
"No telling.."
After a few hours of scrubbing, dressing, eating breakfast and further preparation later, Colin and Miles apparated to Parkinson Manor at ''her Highness's'' request.
"We're here, everyone..." Colin announced as they entered the parlor. Apparently the entire group was there, half of which were in the dining room, excluding Percy's older brothers and the twins. Miles stared around, waiting for perverted comments and leers but found there to be none. Looks like Justin and Ernie kept their mouths shut.
Lounging in the armchair nearest the entrance, Dean looked them up and down. Out of the blue, he said "You had sex."
The room quieted instantly. Colin stared, then looked to Miles. "Is it stamped on our foreheads or something?"
"What?! Sex?!" Seamus ran over, skidding and falling behind one of the chairs in a comical fashion, then picked himself up and steadied against Dean. "Did I hear that you two finally rolled in the sheets?"
Colin cut his eyes to Ernie and Justin. "Hey, we didn't say shit."
"Colin.." Cormac pouted his lip. "I am so offended! Why did you tell them first?"
"He didn't.." Justin laughed "... we walked in on them going at it like rabbits for a second time."
"Second time?!" Seamus's eyes bugged out at the apparently great news.
"Yeeeahh..." Colin rubbed his neck, blushing. "A second time."
Miles put an arm around him. "And for anyone who'd like to know 'cause we know you'll ask...Colin instigated both times."
"Oh, he did?" Pansy leered, sashaying over from the dining room. "You know what this means, don't you?"
Colin hung his head. It was time to spill. Taking her hand, he exited the parlor to give Pansy and the other girls every last dirty instance in excruciating detail.
"Oh, Bleeeetchleeey.." Terence sang, grinning mischievously as he gestured him to the middle cushion on the couch between Marcus and Adrian, who equally smirked.
Miles threw up his hands. "What the hell." and walked right over.
A good fifteen minutes passed while Colin and Miles gave their take on their bedroom activities, being sure to include what led up to it and what happened after...including the second time. By the end in the parlor, Percy's cheeks were quite red and it was slightly hard for him to speak.
"Oh my. Um, Marcus?"
"Yeah?"
"Come with me, please."
Marcus knew. He didn't hesitate to follow Percy, pick him up and throw him over his shoulder at the last minute before finding an unoccupied room. Pansy didn't mind. She never minded, as long as people cleaned up after themselves. The others were also blushing, well...except for the very naughty ones...the ones who refused to hide their naughtiness. If anyone could see it, Dean was blushing too.
Dennis snorted. "Well, I could have went my entire life without knowing exactly what you did to my brother but hey...I'm proud of the both of ya."
"Fuck, me too. Damn..you guys were so lucky to have witnessed it." Cassius referred to Justin and Ernie.
"Well, if you find the opportunity...you just might." Graham smiled, letting Lucian curl up into him.
Miles shook his head. "God, should Colin and I just fuck right here in front of all of you? I'll do anything to keep unexpected visitors from popping up in our room. Maybe that'll get it out of your systems."
"Or you could readjust your wards...but I like the first idea." Draco twittered with a playful smirk.
"I'm not adverse to it." Cormac commented.
"Of course YOU aren't."
In the kitchen, Colin finished relaying his tale. Pansy cheered "Yay! Finally! I am so proud of you!"
"Frankly, I'm surprised you could walk." Susan snickered.
Luna airily gave her response "Well, at least we know they have good stamina and the slight roleplay was a nice touch. You're quite the little minx."
Pansy playfully pinched Colin on the arse. "Yes, he is."
He lightly smiled, moving hair behind his ears. "Don't judge me."
"No judging, only celebrating! Now, who's ready for lunch?"
After lunch, everyone went back into the parlor to resume their gathering. Miles and Cassius decided to step outside for some air. Cassius leaned against the stone pillar, gazing over at the nearby hedge.
"I've been curious about something."
"Curious over what?"
"When are you planning on proposing?"
Miles stopped, staring at the ground.
That has also been on his mind as well, but he's pushed it away due to promising himself not to rush anything and especially to not cause Colin any discomfort.
"I..I dunno. I'm wanting it to be the right time."
"I see. I ask because you've dated for about half a year and known each other for ten...it seems like you would have considered asking a while ago. He knows your true intentions so there's no complete surprise."
Miles rubbed his face and sighed. "I know he does but I'm wanting to do what would be comfortable for both of us. Believe me, if I had it my way, he'd have been Colin Bletchley months, no... a few years ago. I just don't want to spook him. You know how I hate to bring up Potter but I will now. Colin was with him five years and he was dumped the day...the VERY day of his wedding and honestly, I think there's a part of Colin that holds fear of being left alone AGAIN and...well...you know what I'm saying or trying to say..."
Cassius nodded. "I know, mate. We can't put it past Colin to hold some apprehension. He went through something extremely heartbreaking and it tore him to shreds...but do you remember what you said to him when you both made up?"
Miles recalled exactly what he stated that night. ' "I can assure you, I will never stray. I want you with me, in my arms, in my bed...eventually, I want you as my husband. When that moment comes, Colin...I'm not going anywhere. I will be standing right across from you at the altar when you say 'I do'.'' '
"I do...I remember it vividly."
"And how do you feel about it?"
"I feel rather strongly about my promise and I want to show him that I plan to keep it."
Cassius leaned in and lowered his deep, velvety voice "Then ask him. I know he will say yes."
"How are you so sure?"
"Please, the way I see Colin look at you every time you enter the room, he lights up brighter than the sun. You can feel the love and contentment emanating from that man. Trust me, he'll accept. All you have to do is ask."
A soft smile settled on Miles's lips as butterflies fluttered wildly in his heart. Cassius had a point. He couldn't ignore those beautiful eyes and how they glowed, how much love shone within them...it has been almost a year and they've known each other forever. Why not take it to the next level? A little courage goes along way and it always has. Miles came to his decision, of course he didn't tell Cassius the whole truth. "Hmm.. I'll think about it and then I'll decide when."
"You do that, mate. In the meantime, I'll be pondering over when to propose to Cormac."
"I see you two having a summer wedding."
"Well, yeah...when else would be a good season to fuck on the beach?"
Miles snorted. "I didn't know it was going to be a beach wedding but alright."
November, Bletchley's flat...
"I'll see you later, baby. There's a staff meeting at the hospital and I unfortunately have to attend..and those last for fucking ever."
"Aww, well...I'll have dinner ready for when you come home."
"I'll be looking forward to it. Love you.."
"Love you too." Colin kissed Miles goodbye on the way out, leaving the Keeper to settle in his armchair and twiddle his thumbs. He looked at the calendar on the far wall. It was now November, almost December...almost a year they've been together.
He's been thinking about proposing even more since Cassius brought it up. He wants to do it but first, there is something very important that needs to be done.
'The ring...I need to have a ring. Ok, now where's my wand? Wait..' he looked at his waist. 'There it is. Merlin, I'm so nervous I'm forgetting where the fuck my wand is...'
Chiding himself for being so 'forgetful', Miles exited his flat to his family's personal jewel-crafter.
At a small fortress in the northernmost part of England, sat a goblin in his desk, sifting through a box of precious gems when a knock alerted him of company.
"Enter."
"Hello, Clovis."
Beady black eyes snapped to the redhaired visitor. He gave him a toothy smile. "Miles Bletchley. It's been years since I last heard from you. I'm currently deciding how to construct a necklace your mother has ordered."
"I see. Well, I'm here because I need a ring constructed."
"An engagement ring, you mean."
Miles smiled bashfully. "Yeah."
"For a 'Colin Creevey'."
"I see you've read the Daily Prophet."
"Indeed I have. I'm very happy to see you're so in love and with such a helpful man. I've been wondering when I'd expect you here."
"I'm more than happy...trust me on that. Now, I'm not that great with jewelry stuff since that's my mum's forte. Uh, I'm wanting it to speak volumes, like when he looks at it, he sees a definite promise to love and cherish him forever. Like he's the only one...you see?"
Clovis serenely nodded. "Oh, I do see. I've never had an issue as long as I've worked for your family designing such precious items. Your father, grandfather and plenty before you came to me with the same ideas. I think I know what'll blow him away. Give me until December 15th and you will have that ring in your hand."
Late February, Bletchley Manor...
After it having been some time since he last saw his parents for dinner, Miles decided to pay them a visit. The house elves prepared a special meal, ecstatic that their ''little master'' finally returned home...even for a short while. Miles engaged in warm hugs and casual banter as the plates were delivered, just as always before he left home. He noticed his father, Mason..practically a long-haired carbon-copy of himself.. eyeing him. It was more than usual and it sparked curiosity. He figured that whatever was on his father's mind, he'd want to speak with him about it in private.
So, when dinner was over, Miles treaded up to his old bedroom and sat on his bed, taking out a small black box and sighing. A knock sounded and the door opened.
"Son? Is everything all right?"
He put the box back inside his pocket. "Yeah, Dad...everything's fine."
"Mhmm.." Mason's knowing green orbs studied the younger man in front of him. "You have noticed me paying close attention to you this evening."
"When do I not?"
"Miles, let's cut to the chase. I went to Clovis earlier this week to collect your mother's order and I heard something quite interesting."
Miles remained silent.
"And he told me to ask you about it."
"Guess I can show you now.." Miles pulled out the box again and opened it, displaying the glittering piece of jewelry.
Mason smiled. "You wish to pop the question."
"I do. I've already decided yet...I'm a little scared, Dad."
"Why?"
"I...I know he loves me and I love him but I'm just not one hundred percent sure that he will say yes because of what happened last March. Cassius already assured me that Colin won't turn me down. Still, I don't want him to think this is too fast and I don't want to make another mistake.''
Mason sat down beside his indecisive son, fully aware of the premature kiss they shared before dating. "Well, do you think you're going too fast?"
"I don't think I am. Colin and I know each another very well so there isn't much between us that'll conflict and I've loved him since I was in school. You know this."
"How does Colin feel about the idea of you wanting to marry him?"
"He's fond of it. Although, he also said he didn't want to jump so suddenly after Potter."
"Right, and you two have been together close to a year...so there is no issue regarding long-term commitment. Does he have an inkling that you've been sneaking around with a ring?"
"Nope. Not a clue."
"Would you like to hear what else I have to say?"
Miles shrugged, wondering what else he could possibly say other than abrupt questions. "Why not."
"Ok, to be honest...I believe you should propose. Colin knows that you've respected his wishes so far and your relationship has worked out far better than either of you have anticipated once he gave you a chance. I know this may sound completely Gryffindor of me, but it is true...you won't know if you don't ask. You need to go with your heart on this one. I can't make the decision for you. You're a man and men have to decide for themselves. But, allow me to give you this shred of advice...don't let Colin go. You did last time and nearly lost him. Merlin has given you another chance...I suggest you take it. Colin is a wonderful young man and he'll make you an amazing husband. I don't see anyone that could be better for you."
Miles gazed thoughtfully at the shimmering silver in his palm, smiling. He turned to his father and embraced him. "Thank you so much."
"Anytime. So, have you decided on the time and location?"
"I've considered multiple possibilities. Unfortunately I have yet to settle on just one."
"How about here? I'm throwing a dinner party anyway, so you can invite all your friends for the occasion. They won't suspect it's a partial engagement dinner."
Miles grinned at the idea. "I think it'll work. Just one thing...don't tell Mother. She'll try to orchestrate the entire dinner."
"If I keep this from her, you'll have to promise to let her assist with the wedding plans or I will NEVER hear the end of it."
"Promise."
"Then it's settled. Next Friday it is."
"Perfect. Now let's get downstairs before Mum gets even more suspicious."
As Mason watched his son leave, he didn't see a grown man but a much smaller redhead scurrying away when he'd get excited. It seems it was only yesterday that Miles was five and eager to play with a quaffle, now he's twenty-three and about to propose to his favorite Lion.
'Merlin, where has the time gone? My only son is grown and getting married already. I couldn't be more proud.'
The following Friday, Bletchley Manor.
"Remind me to thank your parents for allowing us to attend their dinner party once it's over." Colin murmured to Miles as he led him through the front door, followed by a huge group of people. Their friends, to be exact...including the Weasley twins. Bill and Charlie couldn't come because they were out of the country.
Miles responded "I'll be sure to do that."
"Wow, just how many people are coming to this thing?" Hannah queried, holding Neville's hand.
"Well, it's really my folks' closest friends..namely the parents of half of us here and a few co-workers. 'Bout it.''
"I'm just glad we all conveniently had the night off." Theodore supplied, shutting the doors behind them.
Once they've exchanged pleasantries in the parlor with the parents and others, everyone relocated to the grand dining room. Thank goodness it was magical or there would be a problem with all the seats. Luna gazed over towards the end where Miles, his parents, and Colin were sitting and raised an eyebrow.
'A most joyous occasion. I wonder if he'll get on one knee or remain in his seat.'
Miles took a deep breath once dessert was delivered. He looked to his left and caught his father's eye. Looking to the right, he received a faint knowing glance from Luna.
'Damn it. I can't hide shit from her, can I? Oh well, it's now or never.' Clearing his throat, he announced "Excuse me, everyone. May I have your attention?"
The guests silenced, facing him.
Colin glanced at him in slight confusion. 'What's going on?'
"There's another reason why you're all in attendance, speaking mostly to my friends here...but uh.." He turned to Colin "...there's something really special that I planned to do tonight and I figure 'why wait any longer?'''
Colin's heart quickened. 'Is he doing what I think he's going to do?'
"Colin, honey..." he reached into his pocket, pulled out that black velvet box and opened it, revealing to Colin a band predominantly made of silver with a touch of gold and a radiant-cut diamond embedded in the middle. "...will you marry me?"
Colin couldn't breathe once that box opened and those words flew from Bletchley's mouth. He certainly was NOT expecting this.
'Oh my god, he actually did it...I can't believe it. What am I going to do? What am I going to say? Wait...I know what I'm going to say. Why the fuck do I even need to ask? He's not Harry. It's not the same as then. I can do this.' It took 30 seconds of stunned silence before Colin came to his senses and grinned, nodding furiously. "Yes! Yes I will...I will marry you."
Miles slid the ring onto his finger and crushed their lips together as the room erupted in applause.
"Yes! He did it!"
"Finally!"
"Yay!"
"Congratulations!"
"You just HAD to keep us waiting!"
"Dennis!"
Well, it's not like the rest weren't thinking it.
Dessert was completely forgotten, mostly because everyone was too excited. The girls of their group plus Blaise gathered around Colin to take a gander at that exquisite ring. Millicent took his piano player-like hand into hers and appraised the piece with a keen blue eye.
"Hmm...Goblin-forged, Celtic knot, the silver is definitely working, especially paired with the gold to complement his features...a radiant-cut diamond of a considerable size...very unique with an overall masculine flair. And I assume the Bletchley crest is inscribed behind the stone's placement?"
Miles nodded, silently saying 'Duh.'
"Nice. You've got yourself an excellent ring, Colin."
Colin gaped in surprise to Pansy.
"Hey, she knows her jewelry."
"Ohhh, that is so gorgeous..." Hermione awed as Blaise playfully covered his eyes.
"Jeez, are you trying to blind us with that thing?"
Colin laughed "Well, don't stare directly into it.."
Across from them, Evangeline was chiding her husband, pouting. "Why in Merlin's name didn't you tell me? I could have helped!"
"Dear, you know you're an absolute dictator with these affairs."
"Well, still.."
"Mum.." Miles patted her hand. "Father and I have agreed to let you assist with the wedding."
She gave them an uncharacteristic snort, which was understandably overlooked by their company. "You're damn right I am. You're having the wedding here and that's the end of it."
Miles appeared uneasy.
Mason gave him a sympathetic smile. 'Be prepared, my boy.'
"You know, Col...Mum's gonna want a piece of the action, so you'd better tell Mrs. Bletchley before she overruns the whole thing."
"I'll firecall her with the good news."
"Yeah, yeah...that's all fine and good but we need to focus on what's really important here...the stag parties!" Seamus exclaimed wildly. Obviously, the short Irishman has been brainstorming and whatever ideas he had, they can't be sure to keep a man out of jail. "Just wait to see what I have in store for you."
"Oh no, you don't! You're not going to be all the brains...we're working together on this one!" Pansy stated firmly, hands on her hips...reclaiming her place as co-matron of honor.
Graham decided to step in, hoping to settle the matter before anything started. "Before you fight to the death, everyone is splitting. Half will take Miles, the other will take Colin. As for the twins, they'll figure into this equation somehow."
Fred and George merely smirked in mischief. Yeah, they have a few tricks up their prank-wielding sleeves and are wholeheartedly willing to share.
While Pansy and Seamus further plotted and after Dennis inserted himself into the scheme on behalf of brotherly duty, Colin and Miles were pulled aside into the empty parlor.
"Have you two decided?"
Miles and Colin knew this was coming and they have, as a matter of fact.
Colin sighed and smiled. "We have, Cassius, and it's yes. We'd like to try something a little different before the big day."
"Excellent...can't wait." Cormac rested his hands on Colin's hips and nipped his plump bottom lip. Miles wasn't mad whatsoever at McLaggen's display. He was used to both his and Cassius's flirtatious behavior. He was the one Colin was marrying so there was no problem, just to clarify.
"So, mate...our place or yours?...and when?"
Miles grabbed Cassius by his collar and kissed him for old time's sake.
"Yours and next weekend sounds fine."
"Good. We'll see you then. Don't expect to be home until late that Sunday evening. What we've planned will take the whole time to finish so arrive Friday. Let's get back to our mates, they're probably wondering where we've disappeared to."
Colin and Miles stood at the doorframe while Cassius and Cormac went ahead.
"The whole weekend? God, Miles...how much stamina do they think we have?"
"I think we'll be having breaks."
"How many times are they wanting to do this?"
"As many times, pair combinations and surfaces it'll take to satisfy them. I know for one thing, Cormac's been wanting a taste of you."
"Might as well help get it out of his system..."
And they are set to get hitched! XD Took me long enough to get here, huh? I hope it was worth the wait! :P Stay tuned for the final chapter/epilogue! :)
Oh yeah, during the time skips...Colin and Miles had birthdays. (Colin= June. Miles=May...those are their birth months in my head. So, they're now 21 and 23. The beginning of the story took place in March.)
For those who may be wondering why there wasn't an entire excerpt regarding Colin's take on the idea that Miles might propose...you pretty much get his feelings from earlier in the story and it's safe to assume that later he was ok with the thought of Miles wanting to wed him. (Remember his confession!)