**Ron's Flat**
The walk back to Ron's flat was a quiet one. Neither man knew what to say. The tension between them was thick and stifling.
Harry's heart ached when he remembered Ron's confession at the club. The thought of all those men touching his beautiful Ron made him seethe with anger and jealousy. He didn't want to be angry with Ron. He knew that Ron had done what he had done out of desperation, but his once pure lover was now tainted. He felt as though Ron no longer solely belonged to him. Despite the fact that Ron had never allowed any of the men he had been with to be inside of him, to take him. Still, their fingers had run through his hair, their hands had traced the angles of his face and the smooth planes of his chest. If Harry could have, he would have cursed every man in that club for daring to touch his beloved. For daring to caress what was rightfully his. Jealousy was never an emotion Harry had felt when it came to Ron. Their relationship was always the constant. Their love was strong, without any room for doubt. They belonged to each other, but now Harry wasn't so sure. Did Ron really belong to him anymore? He felt his heart constrict painfully. If Ron didn't belong to him anymore he would be lost, because he knew that he would always belong to Ron.
Ron glanced at Harry and tried to read the emotions that were running across his beautiful face, but he couldn't. He wished he could take back the last five years, but there was no way to do that. What was done was done. He had fucked many men, but they had never fucked him. They had never kissed him. It was always quick, fast, Ron never craved the sex, he only craved the warm body so that he could pretend it was Harry. He craved the release so that in that one perfect moment he could lose himself and cry out Harry's name. He had never allowed any of the men to do much touching, and he had never touched much himself. He only flirted with them, took them home, threw them down on the bed and fucked them. It was pathetic, immoral and disgusting, but Ron didn't care. He knew from the moment that Harry and he finally became a couple that he would always belong to him. He hoped Harry knew that, knew that whatever had transpired in those five years that Ron would only ever belong to him.
"We're here" Ron whispered softly
"Not long of a walk from the bar is it?"
"No, that's one of the reason's I liked it..Do you want to come upstairs?"
"Sure"
When they reached the door of Ron's flat he turned and looked at Harry. Harry noticed Ron's eyes cloud with shame, then Ron spoke, looking at the floor the entire time.
"It's not much, and there's not much in it.Just what I needed to survive..A telly, a couch, and a bed"
Harry panicked. He did not want to see Ron's bed, he did not want to see the bed in which he had lain with other men. He did not want to smell them on Ron's sheets or his couch or wherever else he had been with them.
"Harry, are you coming in?" Ron's heart broke as he watched Harry. He knew what Harry was thinking. Harry didn't want to see the place that he had brought other men to.
"Ron, I-"
"It's okay I understand Harry.I wouldn't want to see either"
Harry brought his hand up to Ron's face and gently caressed his cheek. He suddenly had a vision of an endless string of men doing the very same thing and he drew his hand back quickly.
Tears began to form in Ron's eyes. "He's never going to get past what I've done" he thought to himself.
"Go home Harry. Go back home to England and forget that you ever found me" Ron's voice broke and the tears that he had been fighting began to fall down his cheeks. He turned to go inside, but Harry grabbed his arm.
"I'm not going home Ron. I'm not leaving until I know where we stand. I've looked for you for five bloody years and I will not walk away without even trying, but please try and understand how difficult this is"
Ron's anger immediately kicked in. Harry saw it flash in his eyes, and he knew that the shouting match was about to begin.
"YOU'RE HAVING A HARD TIME!?!?"
"Ron, please, the neighbors will hear us! Let's just go inside and talk about this"
"WHY? WHY DO YOU WANT TO GO INSIDE HARRY? SO YOU CAN BE EVEN MORE DISGUSTED WITH ME? SO YOU CAN PULL AWAY FROM ME? SO YOU CAN BE REPULSED EVEN MORE EVERY TIME YOU TRY TO TOUCH ME? THEY WERE JUST FUCKS HARRY! THEY MEANT NOTHING!" Ron's voice was shaking the walls, but he didn't care, his anger was in control of him now.
Harry's calm slipped away and soon he was yelling back as well. His green eyes fierce with anger.
"NOTHING?!?!? THEY MEANT NOTHING?!?!? HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?!?! YOU LET THEM TOUCH YOU! YOU LET THEM DO THINGS TO YOU! THINGS ONLY I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO!!"
A light bulb clicked on inside Ron's head. Harry was angry yes, but he was also jealous.
"Christ Harry, you don't get it do you?" Ron's voice softened.
"Get what Ron?" Harry asked. His eyes were still blazing with anger and his voice was like ice.
"Why I did it"
Harry composed himself and lowered his voice.
"I know that you did it out of desperation, because you felt lost.because you wanted to replace me-" Harry choked back a sob. He took a seat at the top of the stairs and began to sob. He was making a fool of himself but he didn't care, he couldn't hold the tears back any longer, he had been fighting them from the moment they stepped out of the club.
Ron felt his heart explode inside his chest. Harry thought that Ron wanted to replace him. How could he even begin to think that? Cautiously Ron took a seat next to Harry and put an arm around his shoulders, pulling Harry close to him. Harry buried his head in the crook of Ron's neck inhaling his scent. He still smelled exactly the same, and that comforted Harry.
"Stupid git" Ron whispered. He kissed the top of Harry's head. "Don't you get it? I have only ever been yours Harry. From the moment I met you on the Hogwarts express I have belonged solely to you.heart and soul"
Harry looked up at Ron. "But what about all those men?"
"I never wanted to replace you Harry, never. I brought those men home because only in that moment when I was lost in my orgasm could I cry out your name. It was in those few precious seconds that I could pretend the body beneath me was you. That it was you and I making love. It was only then that I could have you back in my life. I never touched them except to fuck them Harry. There was never any gentle caresses, never any kissing, never anything as intimate as what we have done. That was all reserved for you, only for you love"
Harry looked up at Ron, and for the first time that night he felt hope. Hope that he and Ron could take back what fate had stolen from them five years ago.
"I got you're shirt all wet, sorry"
Ron glanced down at the wet patch on his shirt. "Sod it, never liked this shirt much anyways" he smiled at Harry. His heart filled with joy when Harry smiled back at him.
"So, you have the whole week off, and I'm here for the whole week.want to take me sightseeing?"
"I haven't seen much of the city actually, never felt the need to sightsee I guess"
"Well then I guess we'll just have to do it together" Harry smiled.
"Together, it sounds perfect to me"
Harry stood up. "I better be going, but I'll be here tomorrow at eleven, you'll be here right?"
"Where else would I be?"
"See you at eleven then"
"Right then, eleven"
"Goodnight Ron"
"Night Harry"
Ron watched Harry start to descend down the stairs when suddenly he stopped midway. "Harry, what are you-"
But Ron was not able to finish his question. Harry's lips claimed his for a brief moment. It was a quick peck, but for Ron it was pure heaven. Harry's lips were still as soft as he remembered.
Both men stood grinning at each other, blushing furiously, and filling with happiness.
"Sweet dreams Ron" And with that Harry was gone.
For the first time in five years Ron walked into his shabby flat smiling and full of joy.
**The Next Morning**
"Morning Harry"
"Good Morning Blake" Harry responded cheerfully.
"I see that you and Ron are doing well"
"Well, I'm not sure yet, but I've been thinking, and you're right. If our love survived this long then surely we can work through this"
Blake smiled. "So you know all about what has been going on these past few years then?"
Harry's smile faded slightly and he sighed. "Yes Ron told me everything last night. I think I understand why he did it, and he swore to me that it was never intimate, that there was never any kissing, never any caressing, and that he had never allowed anyone to-to take him, but it's still difficult."
"Harry?"
"Yes?"
"He's telling the truth. It was never intimate with any of the men. I know. I was one of them."
Harry's jaw dropped. "What?"
"Please don't be angry at Ron or at me. We met one of his first few nights here. He was beautiful and I went home with him. When we got back to his flat I tried to kiss him, and when we were-he wouldn't let me touch him. He refused to kiss, refused to let me run my fingers through his hair, nothing. When he came, it was your name he said. I realized when that happened that I was just a warm body. A body used to pretend I was someone else."
"I-I don't know what to say"
"Harry, don't let this ruin whatever progress you made with him last night"
"I have to go, I'm supposed to meet him at eleven"
"Harry-"
"Bye Blake"
Harry turned around and left. Blake was sorry that he had said anything and he hoped desperately that he had not ruined things for Ron. Ron needed Harry, and he knew that Harry needed Ron just as badly.
Sighing he finished his coffee and headed to the bar.
**Ron's Flat**
Ron waited anxiously for Harry. He was late, it was 11:45. Ron knew that something was wrong. Harry wouldn't be late, not for this. A million scenarios ran through his head, what could have possibly made him this late? He decided to walk to Blake's. It wasn't far and he knew that Harry was staying with him. He was surprised when he walked out his door and found Harry sitting at the top of the stairs, staring out into space.
"Harry?"
"You slept with Blake"
Ron felt his heart drop out of his chest. "Yes" he whispered.
"Oh"
"Harry I-"
"Don't Ron. Don't say you're sorry. Don't say that it didn't mean anything. Because you may be sorry and it may not have meant anything to you, but it means everything to me."
Ron did not like where this conversation was going.
"I don't know what else to tell you, it's the truth. I am sorry, and it didn't mean anything"
"You know what I loved about you the most Ron?"
"Loved?"
"Do you want to know or not?"
"Yes"
"I loved that you were so innocent and pure. Even when we were making love you never lost your innocence and purity. You were always so beautiful. So mine. All mine. When we made love I knew without a doubt that only I would ever possess you that way. I would be the only person to know how soft your hair felt, how flawless your skin was. I would be the only person to ever know exactly what you looked like when you came. It was only me that would know what it felt like to hold you in my arms as we came down from the heights of the ecstasy we brought each other to. Now, I feel like that innocence and purity is gone because you gave it away to anyone who would take it" Harry's voice was sad.
"Do you still love me Harry?"
"I love the Ron that made love to me on my eighteenth birthday. The one that asked me to marry him."
"I'm still him, he's still here inside of me"
"Is he?"
"Yes"
"I spoke to Mione last night. Your family knows."
"I thought-"
"You're mum came to visit and Mione told her I was away on business, unfortunately she found the paper on which Mione had written down Blake's phone number. She figured out I was in America, and she knew that the Ministry wouldn't send me so far away after only a week on the job. She came to the next logical conclusion, and you know how your mum can be. Mione was terrified and had no choice but to confess. They've decided that they will keep their distance until you let them know otherwise"
"Do they hate me?"
Harry sighed. "No Ron they don't hate you. They just want you to know that they love you and hope that you will come home"
"Do you hate me Harry?" "No, but I don't know who you are anymore. Are you Blake's Scott Collins or are you my Ron Weasley?"
"I told you last night. I've always been yours Harry."
Harry looked up at Ron for the first time that morning. His eyes were bright from the tears he was holding back.
"You said you'd take me sightseeing today"
Ron smiled. "Well lets go then shall we?"
"Where are we going?"
" I was thinking the pier, how does that sound?"
"Sounds good. How do we get there?"
"By Muni of course."
"By what?"
"Muni, it's like the underground, come lets go"
**At the Pier**
The pier was beautiful. It was a perfect San Francisco day. The sun was shining but the wind was gently blowing as well. The pier was packed with tourist but neither Harry nor Ron cared. They were with each other, just like it used to be, and for them that was more beautiful than any sight the pier could have provided.
Harry was leaning against the railing taking in the sight of the ocean. The breeze was blowing his already unruly raven hair, and the sound of the waves lapping soothed him. Ron's breath caught in his throat as he saw the image before him. Harry. His Harry. He was so beautiful.
Cautiously he walked up behind and slipped his arms around his waist. He felt Harry tense at first, then relax into the embrace leaning back against Ron. Ron's grip tightened around his love's waist. He would have given anything to stay in that moment. He placed a soft kiss on Harry's cheek. Harry in turn nuzzled his head into the crook of Ron's neck, inhaling Ron's familiar scent.
"You still smell the same" Harry whispered softly
Ron laughed. "And what exactly would that be love?"
"Like the air on the Quidditch pitch and chocolate"
Ron grinned. "And I take it that is a good thing"
"Mmm" Harry placed his hands over Ron's and interlaced their fingers.
"Scott?"
Ron didn't respond until he felt someone tap him on the shoulder.
"Oh, hey there Marcus" Ron loosened his grip on Harry and turned around to face Marcus. Harry turned around as well.
"I'm in shock your out and about in the city Scott"
Harry looked pointedly at Ron.
"My name's not Scott, Marcus. It's Ron, Ron Weasley."
A look of surprise crossed Marcus' face. "I don't understand"
Harry couldn't help the thought that crossed his mind. Had Ron slept with this man as well?
Ron saw the look of uncertainty cross Harry's face. He knew what Harry was thinking, and he wanted to eliminate any suspicions of Marcus being one of the men that had filled his bed in the past five years.
"It's kind of a long story, where's your husband?"
Ron heard Harry sigh in relief.
"He's supposed to meet me here. You can explain now Sco-Ron. Hey aren't you the guy Blake brought to the bar the other night?"
"Marcus do you remember what I told you about my boyfriend being murdered"
"Yeah"
"Well it seems it was just a big misunderstanding. He wasn't dead, it's a long story. Anyhow, here he is. Harry, this is Marcus, he's a bouncer at the bar"
"Nice to meet you" Harry responded
"Likewise. So who's Scott Collins"
"A person I invented. An identity I created so that no one from home would be able to find me. I left home a month after Harry's 'death'"
"Well Ron I say that this calls for a celebration. Let my husband and I take you and Harry to dinner at Bubba Gumps"
Ron looked at Harry. Harry nodded.
"Alright then"
"Great lets go. My husband is meeting me at the restaurant"
Marcus led the way as Harry and Ron followed. Harry gently grabbed Ron's hand and laced their fingers together again. Ron looked up at Harry and he was rewarded with a smile and a quick kiss on the lips.
"I think you're right" Harry whispered. "My Ron still exists"
Ron tightened his grip on Harry's hand and they caught up with Marcus and his husband.
The walk back to Ron's flat was a quiet one. Neither man knew what to say. The tension between them was thick and stifling.
Harry's heart ached when he remembered Ron's confession at the club. The thought of all those men touching his beautiful Ron made him seethe with anger and jealousy. He didn't want to be angry with Ron. He knew that Ron had done what he had done out of desperation, but his once pure lover was now tainted. He felt as though Ron no longer solely belonged to him. Despite the fact that Ron had never allowed any of the men he had been with to be inside of him, to take him. Still, their fingers had run through his hair, their hands had traced the angles of his face and the smooth planes of his chest. If Harry could have, he would have cursed every man in that club for daring to touch his beloved. For daring to caress what was rightfully his. Jealousy was never an emotion Harry had felt when it came to Ron. Their relationship was always the constant. Their love was strong, without any room for doubt. They belonged to each other, but now Harry wasn't so sure. Did Ron really belong to him anymore? He felt his heart constrict painfully. If Ron didn't belong to him anymore he would be lost, because he knew that he would always belong to Ron.
Ron glanced at Harry and tried to read the emotions that were running across his beautiful face, but he couldn't. He wished he could take back the last five years, but there was no way to do that. What was done was done. He had fucked many men, but they had never fucked him. They had never kissed him. It was always quick, fast, Ron never craved the sex, he only craved the warm body so that he could pretend it was Harry. He craved the release so that in that one perfect moment he could lose himself and cry out Harry's name. He had never allowed any of the men to do much touching, and he had never touched much himself. He only flirted with them, took them home, threw them down on the bed and fucked them. It was pathetic, immoral and disgusting, but Ron didn't care. He knew from the moment that Harry and he finally became a couple that he would always belong to him. He hoped Harry knew that, knew that whatever had transpired in those five years that Ron would only ever belong to him.
"We're here" Ron whispered softly
"Not long of a walk from the bar is it?"
"No, that's one of the reason's I liked it..Do you want to come upstairs?"
"Sure"
When they reached the door of Ron's flat he turned and looked at Harry. Harry noticed Ron's eyes cloud with shame, then Ron spoke, looking at the floor the entire time.
"It's not much, and there's not much in it.Just what I needed to survive..A telly, a couch, and a bed"
Harry panicked. He did not want to see Ron's bed, he did not want to see the bed in which he had lain with other men. He did not want to smell them on Ron's sheets or his couch or wherever else he had been with them.
"Harry, are you coming in?" Ron's heart broke as he watched Harry. He knew what Harry was thinking. Harry didn't want to see the place that he had brought other men to.
"Ron, I-"
"It's okay I understand Harry.I wouldn't want to see either"
Harry brought his hand up to Ron's face and gently caressed his cheek. He suddenly had a vision of an endless string of men doing the very same thing and he drew his hand back quickly.
Tears began to form in Ron's eyes. "He's never going to get past what I've done" he thought to himself.
"Go home Harry. Go back home to England and forget that you ever found me" Ron's voice broke and the tears that he had been fighting began to fall down his cheeks. He turned to go inside, but Harry grabbed his arm.
"I'm not going home Ron. I'm not leaving until I know where we stand. I've looked for you for five bloody years and I will not walk away without even trying, but please try and understand how difficult this is"
Ron's anger immediately kicked in. Harry saw it flash in his eyes, and he knew that the shouting match was about to begin.
"YOU'RE HAVING A HARD TIME!?!?"
"Ron, please, the neighbors will hear us! Let's just go inside and talk about this"
"WHY? WHY DO YOU WANT TO GO INSIDE HARRY? SO YOU CAN BE EVEN MORE DISGUSTED WITH ME? SO YOU CAN PULL AWAY FROM ME? SO YOU CAN BE REPULSED EVEN MORE EVERY TIME YOU TRY TO TOUCH ME? THEY WERE JUST FUCKS HARRY! THEY MEANT NOTHING!" Ron's voice was shaking the walls, but he didn't care, his anger was in control of him now.
Harry's calm slipped away and soon he was yelling back as well. His green eyes fierce with anger.
"NOTHING?!?!? THEY MEANT NOTHING?!?!? HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?!?! YOU LET THEM TOUCH YOU! YOU LET THEM DO THINGS TO YOU! THINGS ONLY I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO!!"
A light bulb clicked on inside Ron's head. Harry was angry yes, but he was also jealous.
"Christ Harry, you don't get it do you?" Ron's voice softened.
"Get what Ron?" Harry asked. His eyes were still blazing with anger and his voice was like ice.
"Why I did it"
Harry composed himself and lowered his voice.
"I know that you did it out of desperation, because you felt lost.because you wanted to replace me-" Harry choked back a sob. He took a seat at the top of the stairs and began to sob. He was making a fool of himself but he didn't care, he couldn't hold the tears back any longer, he had been fighting them from the moment they stepped out of the club.
Ron felt his heart explode inside his chest. Harry thought that Ron wanted to replace him. How could he even begin to think that? Cautiously Ron took a seat next to Harry and put an arm around his shoulders, pulling Harry close to him. Harry buried his head in the crook of Ron's neck inhaling his scent. He still smelled exactly the same, and that comforted Harry.
"Stupid git" Ron whispered. He kissed the top of Harry's head. "Don't you get it? I have only ever been yours Harry. From the moment I met you on the Hogwarts express I have belonged solely to you.heart and soul"
Harry looked up at Ron. "But what about all those men?"
"I never wanted to replace you Harry, never. I brought those men home because only in that moment when I was lost in my orgasm could I cry out your name. It was in those few precious seconds that I could pretend the body beneath me was you. That it was you and I making love. It was only then that I could have you back in my life. I never touched them except to fuck them Harry. There was never any gentle caresses, never any kissing, never anything as intimate as what we have done. That was all reserved for you, only for you love"
Harry looked up at Ron, and for the first time that night he felt hope. Hope that he and Ron could take back what fate had stolen from them five years ago.
"I got you're shirt all wet, sorry"
Ron glanced down at the wet patch on his shirt. "Sod it, never liked this shirt much anyways" he smiled at Harry. His heart filled with joy when Harry smiled back at him.
"So, you have the whole week off, and I'm here for the whole week.want to take me sightseeing?"
"I haven't seen much of the city actually, never felt the need to sightsee I guess"
"Well then I guess we'll just have to do it together" Harry smiled.
"Together, it sounds perfect to me"
Harry stood up. "I better be going, but I'll be here tomorrow at eleven, you'll be here right?"
"Where else would I be?"
"See you at eleven then"
"Right then, eleven"
"Goodnight Ron"
"Night Harry"
Ron watched Harry start to descend down the stairs when suddenly he stopped midway. "Harry, what are you-"
But Ron was not able to finish his question. Harry's lips claimed his for a brief moment. It was a quick peck, but for Ron it was pure heaven. Harry's lips were still as soft as he remembered.
Both men stood grinning at each other, blushing furiously, and filling with happiness.
"Sweet dreams Ron" And with that Harry was gone.
For the first time in five years Ron walked into his shabby flat smiling and full of joy.
**The Next Morning**
"Morning Harry"
"Good Morning Blake" Harry responded cheerfully.
"I see that you and Ron are doing well"
"Well, I'm not sure yet, but I've been thinking, and you're right. If our love survived this long then surely we can work through this"
Blake smiled. "So you know all about what has been going on these past few years then?"
Harry's smile faded slightly and he sighed. "Yes Ron told me everything last night. I think I understand why he did it, and he swore to me that it was never intimate, that there was never any kissing, never any caressing, and that he had never allowed anyone to-to take him, but it's still difficult."
"Harry?"
"Yes?"
"He's telling the truth. It was never intimate with any of the men. I know. I was one of them."
Harry's jaw dropped. "What?"
"Please don't be angry at Ron or at me. We met one of his first few nights here. He was beautiful and I went home with him. When we got back to his flat I tried to kiss him, and when we were-he wouldn't let me touch him. He refused to kiss, refused to let me run my fingers through his hair, nothing. When he came, it was your name he said. I realized when that happened that I was just a warm body. A body used to pretend I was someone else."
"I-I don't know what to say"
"Harry, don't let this ruin whatever progress you made with him last night"
"I have to go, I'm supposed to meet him at eleven"
"Harry-"
"Bye Blake"
Harry turned around and left. Blake was sorry that he had said anything and he hoped desperately that he had not ruined things for Ron. Ron needed Harry, and he knew that Harry needed Ron just as badly.
Sighing he finished his coffee and headed to the bar.
**Ron's Flat**
Ron waited anxiously for Harry. He was late, it was 11:45. Ron knew that something was wrong. Harry wouldn't be late, not for this. A million scenarios ran through his head, what could have possibly made him this late? He decided to walk to Blake's. It wasn't far and he knew that Harry was staying with him. He was surprised when he walked out his door and found Harry sitting at the top of the stairs, staring out into space.
"Harry?"
"You slept with Blake"
Ron felt his heart drop out of his chest. "Yes" he whispered.
"Oh"
"Harry I-"
"Don't Ron. Don't say you're sorry. Don't say that it didn't mean anything. Because you may be sorry and it may not have meant anything to you, but it means everything to me."
Ron did not like where this conversation was going.
"I don't know what else to tell you, it's the truth. I am sorry, and it didn't mean anything"
"You know what I loved about you the most Ron?"
"Loved?"
"Do you want to know or not?"
"Yes"
"I loved that you were so innocent and pure. Even when we were making love you never lost your innocence and purity. You were always so beautiful. So mine. All mine. When we made love I knew without a doubt that only I would ever possess you that way. I would be the only person to know how soft your hair felt, how flawless your skin was. I would be the only person to ever know exactly what you looked like when you came. It was only me that would know what it felt like to hold you in my arms as we came down from the heights of the ecstasy we brought each other to. Now, I feel like that innocence and purity is gone because you gave it away to anyone who would take it" Harry's voice was sad.
"Do you still love me Harry?"
"I love the Ron that made love to me on my eighteenth birthday. The one that asked me to marry him."
"I'm still him, he's still here inside of me"
"Is he?"
"Yes"
"I spoke to Mione last night. Your family knows."
"I thought-"
"You're mum came to visit and Mione told her I was away on business, unfortunately she found the paper on which Mione had written down Blake's phone number. She figured out I was in America, and she knew that the Ministry wouldn't send me so far away after only a week on the job. She came to the next logical conclusion, and you know how your mum can be. Mione was terrified and had no choice but to confess. They've decided that they will keep their distance until you let them know otherwise"
"Do they hate me?"
Harry sighed. "No Ron they don't hate you. They just want you to know that they love you and hope that you will come home"
"Do you hate me Harry?" "No, but I don't know who you are anymore. Are you Blake's Scott Collins or are you my Ron Weasley?"
"I told you last night. I've always been yours Harry."
Harry looked up at Ron for the first time that morning. His eyes were bright from the tears he was holding back.
"You said you'd take me sightseeing today"
Ron smiled. "Well lets go then shall we?"
"Where are we going?"
" I was thinking the pier, how does that sound?"
"Sounds good. How do we get there?"
"By Muni of course."
"By what?"
"Muni, it's like the underground, come lets go"
**At the Pier**
The pier was beautiful. It was a perfect San Francisco day. The sun was shining but the wind was gently blowing as well. The pier was packed with tourist but neither Harry nor Ron cared. They were with each other, just like it used to be, and for them that was more beautiful than any sight the pier could have provided.
Harry was leaning against the railing taking in the sight of the ocean. The breeze was blowing his already unruly raven hair, and the sound of the waves lapping soothed him. Ron's breath caught in his throat as he saw the image before him. Harry. His Harry. He was so beautiful.
Cautiously he walked up behind and slipped his arms around his waist. He felt Harry tense at first, then relax into the embrace leaning back against Ron. Ron's grip tightened around his love's waist. He would have given anything to stay in that moment. He placed a soft kiss on Harry's cheek. Harry in turn nuzzled his head into the crook of Ron's neck, inhaling Ron's familiar scent.
"You still smell the same" Harry whispered softly
Ron laughed. "And what exactly would that be love?"
"Like the air on the Quidditch pitch and chocolate"
Ron grinned. "And I take it that is a good thing"
"Mmm" Harry placed his hands over Ron's and interlaced their fingers.
"Scott?"
Ron didn't respond until he felt someone tap him on the shoulder.
"Oh, hey there Marcus" Ron loosened his grip on Harry and turned around to face Marcus. Harry turned around as well.
"I'm in shock your out and about in the city Scott"
Harry looked pointedly at Ron.
"My name's not Scott, Marcus. It's Ron, Ron Weasley."
A look of surprise crossed Marcus' face. "I don't understand"
Harry couldn't help the thought that crossed his mind. Had Ron slept with this man as well?
Ron saw the look of uncertainty cross Harry's face. He knew what Harry was thinking, and he wanted to eliminate any suspicions of Marcus being one of the men that had filled his bed in the past five years.
"It's kind of a long story, where's your husband?"
Ron heard Harry sigh in relief.
"He's supposed to meet me here. You can explain now Sco-Ron. Hey aren't you the guy Blake brought to the bar the other night?"
"Marcus do you remember what I told you about my boyfriend being murdered"
"Yeah"
"Well it seems it was just a big misunderstanding. He wasn't dead, it's a long story. Anyhow, here he is. Harry, this is Marcus, he's a bouncer at the bar"
"Nice to meet you" Harry responded
"Likewise. So who's Scott Collins"
"A person I invented. An identity I created so that no one from home would be able to find me. I left home a month after Harry's 'death'"
"Well Ron I say that this calls for a celebration. Let my husband and I take you and Harry to dinner at Bubba Gumps"
Ron looked at Harry. Harry nodded.
"Alright then"
"Great lets go. My husband is meeting me at the restaurant"
Marcus led the way as Harry and Ron followed. Harry gently grabbed Ron's hand and laced their fingers together again. Ron looked up at Harry and he was rewarded with a smile and a quick kiss on the lips.
"I think you're right" Harry whispered. "My Ron still exists"
Ron tightened his grip on Harry's hand and they caught up with Marcus and his husband.