TOGETHER
By Brian Thomas
Pairing: Percy/Oliver.
Rating: PG-13.
Disclaimer: Well here it is. The last part of "Let Me Help You Forget the Past." As you will notice the title chapter fits onto the end perfectly, completing the sentence and idea of the whole story. I hope I didn't keep all my reviewers, I think that's three of you, waiting too long for this part. Let me know what you think when you can. Thanks.
xXxXxXxXx
Oliver Wood apparated into the kitchen of the loft that was now shared by both he and Percy Wesley.
The place had formerly been Percy's, but as days passed into weeks Oliver brought and left personal items of his own while they spent time getting to know each other again in their developing relationship. After three months Percy finally put an end to the whole routine and asked Oliver to move in. Percy internally was extremely happy with the idea of having Oliver around all of the time he wasn't playing Quidditch, but claimed out loud in his logical fashion it was because the two of them would be economizing. Oliver wasn't fooled for a second. Nonsurprisingly there were few problems of them having to adjust living together either. After all they had been roommates at the Hogwarts School for many years and quickly remembered each other's daily habits. Oliver even thought it humorous to pretend to scold Percy for 'borrowing' his favorite sweater all of the time. Although he would admit the blue looked much better on Percy with his red hair. Finally, after six more months, things just became "ours"; "yours" or "mine" no longer existed.
Oliver quietly sat down the satchel of groceries and listened. He could hear a faint scratching noise coming from the den. The brown haired jock smiled. That meant only one thing, Percy was already home. With a sly grin, Oliver quickly, but quietly, made his way through the rooms to wrap his arms around the slender body sitting at the desk.
"I see you brought work home with you again, Love."
Percy grinned and nuzzled backwards into the embrace. "It's not much. Mostly just a few documents that only need my signature. I brought them so I could be here early to help you. Speaking of which, aren't you supposed to be nursing that arm?"
Oliver broke the embrace in frustration. "It's fine! Really! Why won't anyone listen to me when I say it's perfectly mended?"
Percy turned in his seat to watch Oliver's rant. He bit the inside of his mouth to prevent himself from smiling too much.
"Sidelined for six weeks! I'm missing a quarter of the season!"
"You've made it through three weeks already, Ol. I'm sure you will survive the rest of the way."
Oliver abruptly, turned towards Percy and looked at him wide-eyed like he was suddenly insane.
"Besides, I'm not complaining. I now get to spend more time with you. It's more than we both originally planned for. Are you going to?" Percy quickly interjected.
Oliver was about to say something, but halted in his thoughts. Suddenly his shoulders dropped. "You're right. It is nice. But three more weeks? I don't know if I can take it, Love."
Percy reached out a hand to bring Oliver back to him. "We'll do it together. I'm here for you." Percy then wrapped his arms around Oliver waist and rested his head on Oliver's stomach and sighed. Oliver looked down at the top of Percy's head. How could he not be calmed with the comfort and support in love he was now receiving?
"Did I tell you how much I love you today?"
"I think you did this morning, in the shower. But you can always say it again. I can never hear it enough." Percy replied into Oliver's bellybutton.
Oliver smiled again and ran his hand across the top of the red hair, with loving delicate strokes.
"Hon."
"Yes, Love?"
"You got an owl today." Percy reluctantly pulled himself away from Oliver's hips and turned to retrieve the letter from off the top of the desk. He hesitated for a moment before moving back to the standing figure.
Percy handed the letter to Oliver like it was something fragile and not meant for him to be touching. Oliver wondered what had made Percy suddenly so somber. He then looked down at the folded parchment and immediately knew the handwriting on the face of it. Oliver blanched at it. Timidly, he slowly looked at Percy who appeared to be waiting for his reaction.
"Thanks, Love. I'll, um, read it later." Oliver fumbled with the note, trying to shove it into his back pocket.
"Aren't you going to read it, now?"
"I'm sure it's nothing important. Besides, I need to start on dinner. I did promise to make someone stuffed chicken breasts with wild mushrooms tonight. Remember? This time off is good for one thing. My culinary skills are growing by the day." Oliver started to turn towards the kitchen, finally having stowed the note away.
"Oliver. I know it's from Flint."
Oliver stopped dead in his tracks and looked sheepishly over his shoulder at Percy.
"If I didn't recognize his scrawl, I'll always remember that raven of his from school. That black monster went after and tormented Hermes more than once."
"Yeah. Who would of thought of Potter's owl coming to his defense? I think half the school watched the aerial battle that day."
They couldn't help but smile as both recalled the event in their minds.
Percy stood to look directly into Oliver's eyes. "It's okay, Hon. It's not going to bother me that he wrote you. I believe our love is strong enough to endure his little invasion."
Oliver pulled the note out of his pocket. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. Now read the note. I'll get things started in the kitchen. You did remember to get some Oregano?"
"Yes." Oliver answered automatically. His attention more focused on the folded paper that he turned over several times in his hand. Finally, he broke the wax seal and began reading.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Percy stopped stirring the contents in the pot before him when he felt Oliver's head rest upon his shoulder. He was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't heard him approach from behind.
"What are you making?"
"Chocolate Mousse."
"Mmmm. My favorite. Any reason why?"
"None really. I just wanted to."
"Wouldn't be because you are nervous about a certain letter? Cause those antlers look more like they belong on a deer." Oliver jested.
"Don't be silly. I-I..." Percy couldn't continue the charade. He had done well earlier pretending the post hadn't bothered him, but not any more. Especially not when Oliver wrapped his arms around his waist. "M-maybe, a little."
Oliver gently kissed the side of Percy's neck. He smiled when the head tilted a little to give him better access. He kissed it twice more before he whispered into the exposed ear.
"You have nothing to worry about, Love."
"Really?" Percy slowly exhaled and felt his bundled nerves slightly loosen up. "What did he have to say then?"
"Not a lot, really. He asked how I was doing and..." Oliver tensed. "...and that he wants to see me."
"What!" Percy dropped his spoon and pulled out of the embrace.
"Love, relax. He just wants to see me again and talk. He wrote about being in the area in the next two weeks and had some sort of important question to ask me. That's all. You can read the letter if you want."
"Oh, I'm sure he wants to do more than talk!" Percy's face began to redden and his brow furrowed.
"Percival! Stop it!" Oliver crossed his arms to mimic the redhead's stance. "You're acting like a jealous schoolgirl."
"I am not! I-I..." Percy's demeanor crumbled. He arms and shoulders dropped in defeat. "I'm just scared." he whispered to the floor.
Oliver immediately rushed to his side and affectionately held onto Percy's right arm. "You have nothing to be scared about. If anyone should be scared, it's me. I don't know what I would do if I saw him, not after what happened." He gently pulled Percy closer to him and wrapped himself again tightly around the thin body. "It doesn't matter. I can't see him."
The two remained quiet in each others embrace seeking the comfort they both enjoyed and needed at times like this. Both afraid of saying the wrong thing.
"Oliver."
"Yes, love?"
"You should." Percy drew in a deep breath and sighed mentally. Did he really just say that? Against his better judgement, he knew this had to be done. "You need to see him. You need to finally put this part of your past to rest. We've talked about this several times before. This is the opportunity you've needed, where you can finally let go of him. Speak your piece of mind and walk away."
Oliver stood silently and stared off into nothingness, trying to figure out what to say or do. And at the same time being totally amazed at how brave his lover was.
"Okay. I will." He looked deeply in to Percy's brilliant blue eyes and saw only love and caring waiting for him. Realizing he wasn't breathing for a long period he finally exhaled. "On one condition."
"Oh? What's that, Hon?"
"You come with me. I don't want to do it alone. I'll need my better half with me. The one who will help me keep my thoughts and feelings in control."
"Ol, you can do that all by yourself. You don't need me there."
"Maybe, but I still want you with me. Please say yes."
Percy couldn't really think of a reason to fight him on the issue, He was also getting a good dose of that pleading look that he's used on Oliver many times before. 'I never should have taught him how to do that.' Percy cursed himself. "Fine. Yes, I'll go with you."
"Good. I'll owl him back later and we'll take it from there."
Oliver then kissed the freckled cheek next to him. "Love?"
"Yes, Love?"
"Did I already tell you how much I love you today?" Oliver started again kissing the side of the long neck, warming it with his now panting breath.
"Um..." Percy smiled evilly. "I'm not sure."
"Let..." kiss "me..." kiss "show..." kiss "you..." kiss "then."
Both men slowly melted towards the floor. Dinner was completely forgotten for the night.
xXxXxXxXx
Percy smoothed out the front to his dark blue robe yet again for the fifth time. His patience was wearing thin and all he wanted to do was get this day done and over with. 'What is taking him so long?' he screamed inside his head. In frustration, Percy yanked Oliver's emerald robe, identical in style to his, off the hook and went to search for his man. He stopped abruptly when he found Oliver at the desk in the den, tying a letter to Horatio's leg. All the pent up energy immediately dissipated when he saw Oliver's face appearing even more nervous than his.
"You're owling a letter? Now?"
Oliver sent the bird out the window before turning around to face the redhead. "It was something that needed to be done, Love." Oliver looked at him with a nervous smile.
Percy held out his robe for him. "Shall we go and get this over with?"
"Thanks." Oliver slipped the material over his shoulders and smiled as he looked down at the handmade birthday present from Percy's mother. "Good idea. Seems like the chilly fall weather is coming on fast this year."
"Oliver."
Oliver looked up at the pair of blue eyes staring intently at him. He knew that Percy wasn't in the mood for any chitchat or other delaying tactics.
"Fine. Yes, let's go and get it done."
Oliver pulled out his wand, but Percy caught his arm before he could cast the needed spell.
"Just one thing first."
"What's that?"
"Just remember whatever happens today, it's you that I love and will stand by you no matter what happens."
Oliver looked at Percy and understood completely what he meant and felt. Even the silent messages that weren't being spoken out loud. Oliver knew in his heart he deeply loved Percy and no matter what was done or said by Marcus Flint, nothing was going to change that.
"I too."
As Percy drew out his wand, he softly kissed Oliver on the cheek. He then flicked his wand at them both. With a small popping sound they were both gone immediately from the room.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Oliver and Percy apparated behind a few trees, which was near the front gate to a Renaissance Festival. They slowly stepped out, looking around to see if they had been noticed arriving. After paying the admittance fee with some muggle money Percy had exchanged at the Gringott's bank a few days earlier, they started to walk around.
"This is interesting. Where else could a wizard move about with muggles and not be noticed?" Oliver looked again at the pamphlet that guided them around.
"Indeed. I've heard about these fairs, but have never been to one. Mum and Dad had taken Bill and Charlie once, but refused to ever go again for some reason. My brother's don't remember what happened, and you don't even dare ask Mum."
As they continued to stroll about the market fair area, they noticed a few patrons too were of 'their' world. Both were highly amused at a lot of the trinkets and mock mystical items for sale. Oliver even joked about buying Percy a new wand that had multi-colored crystals and feathers glued all over it. He received only a firm slug in the arm as a reply. For some reason, neither seemed surprised to see small Weasley's Wizard Wheeze's items for sale at several booths. Percy only hoped for his brothers' sake they were tame enough not to attract too much attention of the Ministry's Division of Misused Magical Charms and Items.
Oliver pulled on his loves arm to stop at a booth were a 'magician' was casting illusions. Both men could sense there was no real magic being used, but were just as mystified at how some of the 'tricks' were accomplished. Percy did comment that he would have to report this finding to the Ministry. He surmised that muggles accepting this kind of lifestyle was a good progression to the acceptance of actual magic being used in their presence. Oliver had to kindly reminded Percy that it was his day off and to remember to try and have some fun.
"We still have a half hour before the meeting, do you want to go check out the..." Percy looked again at the small leaflet Oliver still held " ...Joust competitions?"
Oliver shrugged. "Sure. Whatever that is."
From out of nowhere a small, four-year old boy had appeared to tug on Oliver's pant leg. "Are you Oleeveer Wood?" he asked.
Oliver startled for a moment, looked down at the bright, curious face tilted up at him. He quickly guessed that the dark haired lad must be of their world and bent down to be at his eye level. "Yes. I am. And who might you be?"
The child pointed with his thumb to his chest and in a proud fashion stated. "I'm Olly too!"
Percy looked down at Oliver, noticing for a second he was completely surprised and amused by the child's bravado.
Then from across the field of people milling about a voice rang out. "Olly! Olly, where are you?"
"Uh oh." The child said in almost a whisper.
"There you are!" the deep male voice shouted as it approached from behind the two older men. "You know better than to run off...Oh. Hello, Ol. It's...um, good to see you again."
Oliver having turned towards the voice, looked up in disbelief from his crouching position at Marcus Flint who now stopped before them. Oliver couldn't utter a word.
"Look! Look! It's Olly Wood!" the child jumped up and down in delight.
"Yes, Olly. I can see that." Marcus smiled at both Olivers. "I see you've met my son."
"D-did you say son?" croaked out Percy.
Marcus, still smiling, turned his head to look the still surprised redhead. "Per-cy. Percy Weasley. Why am I not surprised you are here?"
Percy didn't even feel one ounce jealously as he looked over Marcus. It appeared their former schoolmate had added 50 or so pounds to his now portly frame since he last saw him. Percy couldn't help feeling slightly smug about that fact, but held his tongue from saying anything sarcastically.
"Nice to see you too, Flint."
Marcus seemed to be lost in a thought for a second before shifting focus back to his son. "Now I know why there are five cups. Oh well, come along everyone." Marcus stooped to pick up his son. "Olly, you know better than to have run off, again."
"But Poppa." Olly looked over his father's shoulder to make sure Oliver was following. "It's Oleever Wood! He plays Kiditch! He's the Rapp-i-er Keeper!"
"I know son, I know. Your Poppa once played Quidditch too, remember." Marcus looked back for a second before hitching Olly up onto his shoulders. "Hurry up you two." Marcus led the two still silent figures across the field to go behind a row of tents, while Olly kept constantly twisting around one direction to another to smile at Oliver.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"Momma!" Olly screamed in delight, dashing into the house. "Oleeveer Wood! He's here! He's here!"
Charlotte Flint, set the kettle down on the small standing stove and turned to her son who rushed to wrap himself around her legs. ""Yes, Olly I know." The sandy blonde with hazel eyes smiled brightly at the two visitors who entered the tent. "Come in gentlemen, tea will be ready in a few seconds."
As Percy removed his cloak, he watched with a bit of surprise as Charlotte bustled about to calm her hyper child down. Some of her mannerisms reminded him of his own mother when she had his siblings to contend with. He then glanced over to see Oliver and Marcus silently looking at each other and not moving.
"Marc why don't you take Oliver's and Percival's wraps for them." Marcus jostled out of his somber state finally began to move.
"Oh I'm sorry." She looked at Percy. "Is it Percival or do you prefer Percy."
"Percy is fine, Mam." He then handed Marcus his cloak.
"Oh heavens, please call me Charlotte. You'll have to excuse me in thinking that we've all met before. Please, please sit, tea is ready."
"I should explain." Marcus moved over to wrap his arm around his wife's waist. Char is a fortuneteller here at the Fair. What most people don't know is she's the real thing. Graduated a couple years ahead of me at Hogwarts with top honors from Madame Trelawney. And the greatest love of my life."
"Oh Marcus. Stop, you'll make me cry."
Percy looked again at Oliver who was remaining silent and trying not to outwardly glare at Flint, especially at his last statement.
"Momma. Can I show Oleever? Can I?"
"I'm sure Oliver would be glad to see your broom, Olly. Go get it."
Olly dashed over to a corner of the tent and pulled from under his cot a broomstick. He then rushed over to Oliver and held out his prize with great enthusiasm. "It's a Thunderbolt. Poppa got it for me for my birthday. But I'm not allowed to ride it yet without help. Momma says it's not safe." He turned to see his mother pouring water into the cups on the table.
"Poppa seek-re-ly lets me ride it deep in the woods were no one can see us. But don't tell Momma." Olly whispered loudly behind his small hand into Oliver's ear.
Charlotte glanced over at her husband for a moment but pretended like she heard nothing.
"Olly tea time. You can talk to Oliver more about your broom later."
"Okay, Momma." Olly dashed to his cot carefully putting his broom away before hastily getting back to the table. Olly immediately picked up a small cup with a kitten on it and the animated design mewed. "Sweet, Momma?"
"Yes, Oliver. I put in a lot of honey in it for my honey bear." She then placed a plate before him and moved a couple of cookies from the larger pile in the center of the table for him.
The three men then silently moved to the table. Marcus and Percy sat on each side of Oliver.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Charlotte pulled down the charmed silencing net over Olly's bunk area to cut off any noise from getting in to disturb him. "The poor thing is exhausted. He'd been wound up all day waiting to meet you Oliver. You've really made his day. I think he knows your entire quidditch career by heart better than he knows his ABC's."
"He's an amazing kid, Charlotte. I'd never thought of Flint having such an amazing a son." Oliver replied after finishing yet another cup of tea.
For most of the night it had been a mixed conversation on several topics. Most of it was small polite talk, with a lot of focus spent on Olly who asked Oliver lots and lots of questions. At times there was a couple of tense moments that had to be smoothed out with some short terse words between Oliver and Marcus, all for the sake of the young child looking at both his father and his Quidditch hero. Marcus seemed more at ease talking about the past and even making a little fun of things that happened than Oliver was.
"Who would have thought after you Ol. That I'd go straight?" Marcus chuckled slightly.
"Marc!" Charlotte slapped him in the arm.
Oliver couldn't take any more. Flint had finally ridden his last nerve and Oliver suddenly stood up. "Would you excuse me for a minute?" He abruptly left the tent before anyone could answer.
Percy scowled at Marcus.
"Jeez, I was only kidding. Can't he take a small joke?"
"Mar-" Charlotte started but was immediately cut off by Percy.
"A joke? Is this all this meeting is about to you?"
Percy stopped to inhale, trying to calm himself before continuing. "Do you know what it took to convince him to actually come here today?" Every night for the last two weeks all Oliver did was fret over and discuss about how to face you again."
"What do you want from me Weasley? I'm trying to keep it friendly. Am I supposed to get down on my knees and beg for his forgiveness? He's the one who tossed me out. I didn't do anything to him."
Percy stared silently at Flint in complete disbelief.
"Don't look at me like that. I know what I did, but it's not all my fault. I didn't know then that the reason I probably cheated on him was I wasn't completely comfortable with what I was doing. I mean I liked it and all. I just never realized that I really wanted to be with a woman. Heck I didn't even know myself until I met Charlotte and she told me." He looked and smiled at his wife. "Living with a Seer takes a lot of adjusting to get used to. She can see the outcome of a discussion or argument before we've even started it."
"You bastard! How can you say it's not your fault?" Percy then quickly looked over to see Charlotte watching him, before lowering his voice. "You know full well what you did. You took every chance you had to cheat behind his back regardless of how it hurt him. He cared for you and it tore him apart to break up with you. Did you know he knew about two of your affairs before he finally couldn't take it anymore?"
"Uh, no. No, I didn't know. I tried my best to be discreet, but I also now know there was a small part hoping I'd get caught. I cared for Oliver, I really did. But at the same time I was never truly happy."
"All you ever had to do was be honest with him... and yourself."
"Easier said than done, isn't it Weasley?"
The three sat silently at the table.
Marcus made the move to get up, but Charlotte placed a hand on his arm and shook her head back and forth.
"He needs you Percival." Charlotte smiled with great concern. "Now is not the time for caution. Go to him." There was no room for a rebuttal.
xXxXxXxXxXx
After a few minutes of searching, Percy found Oliver watching a performer doing fire tricks. Percy read Oliver's body language and knew he had to tread carefully until Oliver relaxed.
"Are you going to be okay? The redhead leaned on the fence post mirroring his loves position. "Flint's a complete prat, you know?"
Oliver remained silent.
"But I find myself liking his wife and kid. Olly, is amazingly energetic, smart and practically worships the ground you walk on. I'm sure his father must just be thrilled about that."
"Yeah, Olly is a cute one. Makes me wish we could have one of our own. We've really never discussed that before, have we?"
"Nope. And this isn't the time for it now."
Percy removed his glasses and pretended to clean them off. It wasn't necessary, just something he did to keep his hands preoccupied. He wanted to take Oliver in his arms and just whisk him away, but he knew that wasn't the right thing to do. Oliver had to come to a conclusion all on his own, or the unanswered question would always remain in his head.
"You need to let go of the anger, Ol. What Flint did is done and over with." He glanced over to see a pair of brown eyes listening to every word he stated. "Don't get me wrong. I wish he had never hurt you. But I'm not going to complain that we came together as a result from it. I love you and always will. I just can't keep seeing you suffer. Tell him off and be done with it. Please."
Oliver appeared to want to say something, but instead just pulled Percy into his arms and hugged the redhead tightly.
"I love you." he whispered not wanting to share his feelings with anyone else.
They broke apart and both turned to hear someone shuffling towards them.
"Charlotte said this was the right time for Oliver and I to talk." He said sheepishly.
Percy looked at Oliver for a second with a deep amount of concern. Oliver didn't even look in his direction before he gave his answer. "I'll be all right love. Give us a few minutes."
Percy squeezed his love's shoulder before he headed back to the Flint family tent.
Marcus slowly moved to take up the same spot vacated by Percy.
"So...Percy Weasley. I can't say I'm a bit surprised." He then held out a hand to stave off the retort Oliver was about to utter. "You've found the one who completes you, Ol. I can see it in the way you both look at each other and protect each other. Neither of you even needs to speak to know what the other is thinking at times. It's amazing. A small part of me wishes we could have been like that. But..." He hesitated making sure he had the right words to use. "I think we both know it wasn't meant to be. Back at school I noticed how Percy used to..."
"Please... don't bring up the past." Oliver cut him off. "We both need to let go of it. Everyone keeps saying we need to move on. And... I agree. I can't keep letting what happened eat at me."
"I didn't mean to..."
"I know Marcus. I guess in a small way I've already started forgiving you, I just didn't know it yet until now. I'm dwelling on past issues, when it's a certain person I love who's just made me realize that I should be focusing on our future together. It's just going to take me a while to let go of all the negative feelings behind what had happened that I've been holding on to."
"Ol, I never meant to truly hurt you. I just couldn't tell..."
"Don't. In a way, yes you did. But it's okay. I understand how hard it is to be truthful to yourself, not wanting to hurt others in the process. I can forgive you for that, Marcus. And with time maybe we can once again at least be friends. For now let's both agree to forgive each other and let it all be put in the past and stay there. Deal?"
Marcus could feel a small pain of unexplained loss when he looked at Oliver, but he knew what was just said was right. "Deal."
Both turned back to lean on the fence post again and watch the finale of the fire eaters act.
"By the way, Ol. I'm serious about the offer we all talked about earlier. Charlotte and I would be honored if you...and Percy..." Marcus stopped for a second to think about what he just said. "Hell yeah, why not," he whispered to himself
Marcus turned to look Oliver directly in the eye. "If you and Percy would be Olly's godparents. We'd be honored. There's no other person I would trust more with the welfare of my son if anything ever happened. He practically idolizes you, which I try not to be jealous of, and Charlotte thinks it's important for some unexplainable reason."
Oliver opened his mouth to say something, but was momentarily at a loss of words. He quickly moved and hugged Marcus. "I'd be honored Flint. Both Percy and I would."
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
The hall clock rang out nine p.m. as Oliver and Percy apparated back home. Oliver took their cloaks to hang them up and noticed a burgundy one on a hook already. He smiled at it.
He turned to see Percy heading towards the living room, looking into the bag at the few things they had purchased from the day. Percy in his mind was already figuring out where things like the pamphlet would go in their memory book. Oliver caught his arm at the doorway and quickly turned him around. He leaned forward to passionately kiss the redhead with all his love. "Thank you for today." That was all that needed to be said. They both knew all the thoughts, meaning and love behind the few words.
A soft cough came from across the room. Both turned towards the sound.
"Hullo, brother."
There on the sofa sat Ron Weasley, toying with the black queen that he held. She was angrily swinging widely her little wooden sword at him. He grinned at her before again looking across the room.
"I understand from Oliver's message today that it's time we talked?"
fini
By Brian Thomas
Pairing: Percy/Oliver.
Rating: PG-13.
Disclaimer: Well here it is. The last part of "Let Me Help You Forget the Past." As you will notice the title chapter fits onto the end perfectly, completing the sentence and idea of the whole story. I hope I didn't keep all my reviewers, I think that's three of you, waiting too long for this part. Let me know what you think when you can. Thanks.
xXxXxXxXx
Oliver Wood apparated into the kitchen of the loft that was now shared by both he and Percy Wesley.
The place had formerly been Percy's, but as days passed into weeks Oliver brought and left personal items of his own while they spent time getting to know each other again in their developing relationship. After three months Percy finally put an end to the whole routine and asked Oliver to move in. Percy internally was extremely happy with the idea of having Oliver around all of the time he wasn't playing Quidditch, but claimed out loud in his logical fashion it was because the two of them would be economizing. Oliver wasn't fooled for a second. Nonsurprisingly there were few problems of them having to adjust living together either. After all they had been roommates at the Hogwarts School for many years and quickly remembered each other's daily habits. Oliver even thought it humorous to pretend to scold Percy for 'borrowing' his favorite sweater all of the time. Although he would admit the blue looked much better on Percy with his red hair. Finally, after six more months, things just became "ours"; "yours" or "mine" no longer existed.
Oliver quietly sat down the satchel of groceries and listened. He could hear a faint scratching noise coming from the den. The brown haired jock smiled. That meant only one thing, Percy was already home. With a sly grin, Oliver quickly, but quietly, made his way through the rooms to wrap his arms around the slender body sitting at the desk.
"I see you brought work home with you again, Love."
Percy grinned and nuzzled backwards into the embrace. "It's not much. Mostly just a few documents that only need my signature. I brought them so I could be here early to help you. Speaking of which, aren't you supposed to be nursing that arm?"
Oliver broke the embrace in frustration. "It's fine! Really! Why won't anyone listen to me when I say it's perfectly mended?"
Percy turned in his seat to watch Oliver's rant. He bit the inside of his mouth to prevent himself from smiling too much.
"Sidelined for six weeks! I'm missing a quarter of the season!"
"You've made it through three weeks already, Ol. I'm sure you will survive the rest of the way."
Oliver abruptly, turned towards Percy and looked at him wide-eyed like he was suddenly insane.
"Besides, I'm not complaining. I now get to spend more time with you. It's more than we both originally planned for. Are you going to?" Percy quickly interjected.
Oliver was about to say something, but halted in his thoughts. Suddenly his shoulders dropped. "You're right. It is nice. But three more weeks? I don't know if I can take it, Love."
Percy reached out a hand to bring Oliver back to him. "We'll do it together. I'm here for you." Percy then wrapped his arms around Oliver waist and rested his head on Oliver's stomach and sighed. Oliver looked down at the top of Percy's head. How could he not be calmed with the comfort and support in love he was now receiving?
"Did I tell you how much I love you today?"
"I think you did this morning, in the shower. But you can always say it again. I can never hear it enough." Percy replied into Oliver's bellybutton.
Oliver smiled again and ran his hand across the top of the red hair, with loving delicate strokes.
"Hon."
"Yes, Love?"
"You got an owl today." Percy reluctantly pulled himself away from Oliver's hips and turned to retrieve the letter from off the top of the desk. He hesitated for a moment before moving back to the standing figure.
Percy handed the letter to Oliver like it was something fragile and not meant for him to be touching. Oliver wondered what had made Percy suddenly so somber. He then looked down at the folded parchment and immediately knew the handwriting on the face of it. Oliver blanched at it. Timidly, he slowly looked at Percy who appeared to be waiting for his reaction.
"Thanks, Love. I'll, um, read it later." Oliver fumbled with the note, trying to shove it into his back pocket.
"Aren't you going to read it, now?"
"I'm sure it's nothing important. Besides, I need to start on dinner. I did promise to make someone stuffed chicken breasts with wild mushrooms tonight. Remember? This time off is good for one thing. My culinary skills are growing by the day." Oliver started to turn towards the kitchen, finally having stowed the note away.
"Oliver. I know it's from Flint."
Oliver stopped dead in his tracks and looked sheepishly over his shoulder at Percy.
"If I didn't recognize his scrawl, I'll always remember that raven of his from school. That black monster went after and tormented Hermes more than once."
"Yeah. Who would of thought of Potter's owl coming to his defense? I think half the school watched the aerial battle that day."
They couldn't help but smile as both recalled the event in their minds.
Percy stood to look directly into Oliver's eyes. "It's okay, Hon. It's not going to bother me that he wrote you. I believe our love is strong enough to endure his little invasion."
Oliver pulled the note out of his pocket. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. Now read the note. I'll get things started in the kitchen. You did remember to get some Oregano?"
"Yes." Oliver answered automatically. His attention more focused on the folded paper that he turned over several times in his hand. Finally, he broke the wax seal and began reading.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Percy stopped stirring the contents in the pot before him when he felt Oliver's head rest upon his shoulder. He was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't heard him approach from behind.
"What are you making?"
"Chocolate Mousse."
"Mmmm. My favorite. Any reason why?"
"None really. I just wanted to."
"Wouldn't be because you are nervous about a certain letter? Cause those antlers look more like they belong on a deer." Oliver jested.
"Don't be silly. I-I..." Percy couldn't continue the charade. He had done well earlier pretending the post hadn't bothered him, but not any more. Especially not when Oliver wrapped his arms around his waist. "M-maybe, a little."
Oliver gently kissed the side of Percy's neck. He smiled when the head tilted a little to give him better access. He kissed it twice more before he whispered into the exposed ear.
"You have nothing to worry about, Love."
"Really?" Percy slowly exhaled and felt his bundled nerves slightly loosen up. "What did he have to say then?"
"Not a lot, really. He asked how I was doing and..." Oliver tensed. "...and that he wants to see me."
"What!" Percy dropped his spoon and pulled out of the embrace.
"Love, relax. He just wants to see me again and talk. He wrote about being in the area in the next two weeks and had some sort of important question to ask me. That's all. You can read the letter if you want."
"Oh, I'm sure he wants to do more than talk!" Percy's face began to redden and his brow furrowed.
"Percival! Stop it!" Oliver crossed his arms to mimic the redhead's stance. "You're acting like a jealous schoolgirl."
"I am not! I-I..." Percy's demeanor crumbled. He arms and shoulders dropped in defeat. "I'm just scared." he whispered to the floor.
Oliver immediately rushed to his side and affectionately held onto Percy's right arm. "You have nothing to be scared about. If anyone should be scared, it's me. I don't know what I would do if I saw him, not after what happened." He gently pulled Percy closer to him and wrapped himself again tightly around the thin body. "It doesn't matter. I can't see him."
The two remained quiet in each others embrace seeking the comfort they both enjoyed and needed at times like this. Both afraid of saying the wrong thing.
"Oliver."
"Yes, love?"
"You should." Percy drew in a deep breath and sighed mentally. Did he really just say that? Against his better judgement, he knew this had to be done. "You need to see him. You need to finally put this part of your past to rest. We've talked about this several times before. This is the opportunity you've needed, where you can finally let go of him. Speak your piece of mind and walk away."
Oliver stood silently and stared off into nothingness, trying to figure out what to say or do. And at the same time being totally amazed at how brave his lover was.
"Okay. I will." He looked deeply in to Percy's brilliant blue eyes and saw only love and caring waiting for him. Realizing he wasn't breathing for a long period he finally exhaled. "On one condition."
"Oh? What's that, Hon?"
"You come with me. I don't want to do it alone. I'll need my better half with me. The one who will help me keep my thoughts and feelings in control."
"Ol, you can do that all by yourself. You don't need me there."
"Maybe, but I still want you with me. Please say yes."
Percy couldn't really think of a reason to fight him on the issue, He was also getting a good dose of that pleading look that he's used on Oliver many times before. 'I never should have taught him how to do that.' Percy cursed himself. "Fine. Yes, I'll go with you."
"Good. I'll owl him back later and we'll take it from there."
Oliver then kissed the freckled cheek next to him. "Love?"
"Yes, Love?"
"Did I already tell you how much I love you today?" Oliver started again kissing the side of the long neck, warming it with his now panting breath.
"Um..." Percy smiled evilly. "I'm not sure."
"Let..." kiss "me..." kiss "show..." kiss "you..." kiss "then."
Both men slowly melted towards the floor. Dinner was completely forgotten for the night.
xXxXxXxXx
Percy smoothed out the front to his dark blue robe yet again for the fifth time. His patience was wearing thin and all he wanted to do was get this day done and over with. 'What is taking him so long?' he screamed inside his head. In frustration, Percy yanked Oliver's emerald robe, identical in style to his, off the hook and went to search for his man. He stopped abruptly when he found Oliver at the desk in the den, tying a letter to Horatio's leg. All the pent up energy immediately dissipated when he saw Oliver's face appearing even more nervous than his.
"You're owling a letter? Now?"
Oliver sent the bird out the window before turning around to face the redhead. "It was something that needed to be done, Love." Oliver looked at him with a nervous smile.
Percy held out his robe for him. "Shall we go and get this over with?"
"Thanks." Oliver slipped the material over his shoulders and smiled as he looked down at the handmade birthday present from Percy's mother. "Good idea. Seems like the chilly fall weather is coming on fast this year."
"Oliver."
Oliver looked up at the pair of blue eyes staring intently at him. He knew that Percy wasn't in the mood for any chitchat or other delaying tactics.
"Fine. Yes, let's go and get it done."
Oliver pulled out his wand, but Percy caught his arm before he could cast the needed spell.
"Just one thing first."
"What's that?"
"Just remember whatever happens today, it's you that I love and will stand by you no matter what happens."
Oliver looked at Percy and understood completely what he meant and felt. Even the silent messages that weren't being spoken out loud. Oliver knew in his heart he deeply loved Percy and no matter what was done or said by Marcus Flint, nothing was going to change that.
"I too."
As Percy drew out his wand, he softly kissed Oliver on the cheek. He then flicked his wand at them both. With a small popping sound they were both gone immediately from the room.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Oliver and Percy apparated behind a few trees, which was near the front gate to a Renaissance Festival. They slowly stepped out, looking around to see if they had been noticed arriving. After paying the admittance fee with some muggle money Percy had exchanged at the Gringott's bank a few days earlier, they started to walk around.
"This is interesting. Where else could a wizard move about with muggles and not be noticed?" Oliver looked again at the pamphlet that guided them around.
"Indeed. I've heard about these fairs, but have never been to one. Mum and Dad had taken Bill and Charlie once, but refused to ever go again for some reason. My brother's don't remember what happened, and you don't even dare ask Mum."
As they continued to stroll about the market fair area, they noticed a few patrons too were of 'their' world. Both were highly amused at a lot of the trinkets and mock mystical items for sale. Oliver even joked about buying Percy a new wand that had multi-colored crystals and feathers glued all over it. He received only a firm slug in the arm as a reply. For some reason, neither seemed surprised to see small Weasley's Wizard Wheeze's items for sale at several booths. Percy only hoped for his brothers' sake they were tame enough not to attract too much attention of the Ministry's Division of Misused Magical Charms and Items.
Oliver pulled on his loves arm to stop at a booth were a 'magician' was casting illusions. Both men could sense there was no real magic being used, but were just as mystified at how some of the 'tricks' were accomplished. Percy did comment that he would have to report this finding to the Ministry. He surmised that muggles accepting this kind of lifestyle was a good progression to the acceptance of actual magic being used in their presence. Oliver had to kindly reminded Percy that it was his day off and to remember to try and have some fun.
"We still have a half hour before the meeting, do you want to go check out the..." Percy looked again at the small leaflet Oliver still held " ...Joust competitions?"
Oliver shrugged. "Sure. Whatever that is."
From out of nowhere a small, four-year old boy had appeared to tug on Oliver's pant leg. "Are you Oleeveer Wood?" he asked.
Oliver startled for a moment, looked down at the bright, curious face tilted up at him. He quickly guessed that the dark haired lad must be of their world and bent down to be at his eye level. "Yes. I am. And who might you be?"
The child pointed with his thumb to his chest and in a proud fashion stated. "I'm Olly too!"
Percy looked down at Oliver, noticing for a second he was completely surprised and amused by the child's bravado.
Then from across the field of people milling about a voice rang out. "Olly! Olly, where are you?"
"Uh oh." The child said in almost a whisper.
"There you are!" the deep male voice shouted as it approached from behind the two older men. "You know better than to run off...Oh. Hello, Ol. It's...um, good to see you again."
Oliver having turned towards the voice, looked up in disbelief from his crouching position at Marcus Flint who now stopped before them. Oliver couldn't utter a word.
"Look! Look! It's Olly Wood!" the child jumped up and down in delight.
"Yes, Olly. I can see that." Marcus smiled at both Olivers. "I see you've met my son."
"D-did you say son?" croaked out Percy.
Marcus, still smiling, turned his head to look the still surprised redhead. "Per-cy. Percy Weasley. Why am I not surprised you are here?"
Percy didn't even feel one ounce jealously as he looked over Marcus. It appeared their former schoolmate had added 50 or so pounds to his now portly frame since he last saw him. Percy couldn't help feeling slightly smug about that fact, but held his tongue from saying anything sarcastically.
"Nice to see you too, Flint."
Marcus seemed to be lost in a thought for a second before shifting focus back to his son. "Now I know why there are five cups. Oh well, come along everyone." Marcus stooped to pick up his son. "Olly, you know better than to have run off, again."
"But Poppa." Olly looked over his father's shoulder to make sure Oliver was following. "It's Oleever Wood! He plays Kiditch! He's the Rapp-i-er Keeper!"
"I know son, I know. Your Poppa once played Quidditch too, remember." Marcus looked back for a second before hitching Olly up onto his shoulders. "Hurry up you two." Marcus led the two still silent figures across the field to go behind a row of tents, while Olly kept constantly twisting around one direction to another to smile at Oliver.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"Momma!" Olly screamed in delight, dashing into the house. "Oleeveer Wood! He's here! He's here!"
Charlotte Flint, set the kettle down on the small standing stove and turned to her son who rushed to wrap himself around her legs. ""Yes, Olly I know." The sandy blonde with hazel eyes smiled brightly at the two visitors who entered the tent. "Come in gentlemen, tea will be ready in a few seconds."
As Percy removed his cloak, he watched with a bit of surprise as Charlotte bustled about to calm her hyper child down. Some of her mannerisms reminded him of his own mother when she had his siblings to contend with. He then glanced over to see Oliver and Marcus silently looking at each other and not moving.
"Marc why don't you take Oliver's and Percival's wraps for them." Marcus jostled out of his somber state finally began to move.
"Oh I'm sorry." She looked at Percy. "Is it Percival or do you prefer Percy."
"Percy is fine, Mam." He then handed Marcus his cloak.
"Oh heavens, please call me Charlotte. You'll have to excuse me in thinking that we've all met before. Please, please sit, tea is ready."
"I should explain." Marcus moved over to wrap his arm around his wife's waist. Char is a fortuneteller here at the Fair. What most people don't know is she's the real thing. Graduated a couple years ahead of me at Hogwarts with top honors from Madame Trelawney. And the greatest love of my life."
"Oh Marcus. Stop, you'll make me cry."
Percy looked again at Oliver who was remaining silent and trying not to outwardly glare at Flint, especially at his last statement.
"Momma. Can I show Oleever? Can I?"
"I'm sure Oliver would be glad to see your broom, Olly. Go get it."
Olly dashed over to a corner of the tent and pulled from under his cot a broomstick. He then rushed over to Oliver and held out his prize with great enthusiasm. "It's a Thunderbolt. Poppa got it for me for my birthday. But I'm not allowed to ride it yet without help. Momma says it's not safe." He turned to see his mother pouring water into the cups on the table.
"Poppa seek-re-ly lets me ride it deep in the woods were no one can see us. But don't tell Momma." Olly whispered loudly behind his small hand into Oliver's ear.
Charlotte glanced over at her husband for a moment but pretended like she heard nothing.
"Olly tea time. You can talk to Oliver more about your broom later."
"Okay, Momma." Olly dashed to his cot carefully putting his broom away before hastily getting back to the table. Olly immediately picked up a small cup with a kitten on it and the animated design mewed. "Sweet, Momma?"
"Yes, Oliver. I put in a lot of honey in it for my honey bear." She then placed a plate before him and moved a couple of cookies from the larger pile in the center of the table for him.
The three men then silently moved to the table. Marcus and Percy sat on each side of Oliver.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Charlotte pulled down the charmed silencing net over Olly's bunk area to cut off any noise from getting in to disturb him. "The poor thing is exhausted. He'd been wound up all day waiting to meet you Oliver. You've really made his day. I think he knows your entire quidditch career by heart better than he knows his ABC's."
"He's an amazing kid, Charlotte. I'd never thought of Flint having such an amazing a son." Oliver replied after finishing yet another cup of tea.
For most of the night it had been a mixed conversation on several topics. Most of it was small polite talk, with a lot of focus spent on Olly who asked Oliver lots and lots of questions. At times there was a couple of tense moments that had to be smoothed out with some short terse words between Oliver and Marcus, all for the sake of the young child looking at both his father and his Quidditch hero. Marcus seemed more at ease talking about the past and even making a little fun of things that happened than Oliver was.
"Who would have thought after you Ol. That I'd go straight?" Marcus chuckled slightly.
"Marc!" Charlotte slapped him in the arm.
Oliver couldn't take any more. Flint had finally ridden his last nerve and Oliver suddenly stood up. "Would you excuse me for a minute?" He abruptly left the tent before anyone could answer.
Percy scowled at Marcus.
"Jeez, I was only kidding. Can't he take a small joke?"
"Mar-" Charlotte started but was immediately cut off by Percy.
"A joke? Is this all this meeting is about to you?"
Percy stopped to inhale, trying to calm himself before continuing. "Do you know what it took to convince him to actually come here today?" Every night for the last two weeks all Oliver did was fret over and discuss about how to face you again."
"What do you want from me Weasley? I'm trying to keep it friendly. Am I supposed to get down on my knees and beg for his forgiveness? He's the one who tossed me out. I didn't do anything to him."
Percy stared silently at Flint in complete disbelief.
"Don't look at me like that. I know what I did, but it's not all my fault. I didn't know then that the reason I probably cheated on him was I wasn't completely comfortable with what I was doing. I mean I liked it and all. I just never realized that I really wanted to be with a woman. Heck I didn't even know myself until I met Charlotte and she told me." He looked and smiled at his wife. "Living with a Seer takes a lot of adjusting to get used to. She can see the outcome of a discussion or argument before we've even started it."
"You bastard! How can you say it's not your fault?" Percy then quickly looked over to see Charlotte watching him, before lowering his voice. "You know full well what you did. You took every chance you had to cheat behind his back regardless of how it hurt him. He cared for you and it tore him apart to break up with you. Did you know he knew about two of your affairs before he finally couldn't take it anymore?"
"Uh, no. No, I didn't know. I tried my best to be discreet, but I also now know there was a small part hoping I'd get caught. I cared for Oliver, I really did. But at the same time I was never truly happy."
"All you ever had to do was be honest with him... and yourself."
"Easier said than done, isn't it Weasley?"
The three sat silently at the table.
Marcus made the move to get up, but Charlotte placed a hand on his arm and shook her head back and forth.
"He needs you Percival." Charlotte smiled with great concern. "Now is not the time for caution. Go to him." There was no room for a rebuttal.
xXxXxXxXxXx
After a few minutes of searching, Percy found Oliver watching a performer doing fire tricks. Percy read Oliver's body language and knew he had to tread carefully until Oliver relaxed.
"Are you going to be okay? The redhead leaned on the fence post mirroring his loves position. "Flint's a complete prat, you know?"
Oliver remained silent.
"But I find myself liking his wife and kid. Olly, is amazingly energetic, smart and practically worships the ground you walk on. I'm sure his father must just be thrilled about that."
"Yeah, Olly is a cute one. Makes me wish we could have one of our own. We've really never discussed that before, have we?"
"Nope. And this isn't the time for it now."
Percy removed his glasses and pretended to clean them off. It wasn't necessary, just something he did to keep his hands preoccupied. He wanted to take Oliver in his arms and just whisk him away, but he knew that wasn't the right thing to do. Oliver had to come to a conclusion all on his own, or the unanswered question would always remain in his head.
"You need to let go of the anger, Ol. What Flint did is done and over with." He glanced over to see a pair of brown eyes listening to every word he stated. "Don't get me wrong. I wish he had never hurt you. But I'm not going to complain that we came together as a result from it. I love you and always will. I just can't keep seeing you suffer. Tell him off and be done with it. Please."
Oliver appeared to want to say something, but instead just pulled Percy into his arms and hugged the redhead tightly.
"I love you." he whispered not wanting to share his feelings with anyone else.
They broke apart and both turned to hear someone shuffling towards them.
"Charlotte said this was the right time for Oliver and I to talk." He said sheepishly.
Percy looked at Oliver for a second with a deep amount of concern. Oliver didn't even look in his direction before he gave his answer. "I'll be all right love. Give us a few minutes."
Percy squeezed his love's shoulder before he headed back to the Flint family tent.
Marcus slowly moved to take up the same spot vacated by Percy.
"So...Percy Weasley. I can't say I'm a bit surprised." He then held out a hand to stave off the retort Oliver was about to utter. "You've found the one who completes you, Ol. I can see it in the way you both look at each other and protect each other. Neither of you even needs to speak to know what the other is thinking at times. It's amazing. A small part of me wishes we could have been like that. But..." He hesitated making sure he had the right words to use. "I think we both know it wasn't meant to be. Back at school I noticed how Percy used to..."
"Please... don't bring up the past." Oliver cut him off. "We both need to let go of it. Everyone keeps saying we need to move on. And... I agree. I can't keep letting what happened eat at me."
"I didn't mean to..."
"I know Marcus. I guess in a small way I've already started forgiving you, I just didn't know it yet until now. I'm dwelling on past issues, when it's a certain person I love who's just made me realize that I should be focusing on our future together. It's just going to take me a while to let go of all the negative feelings behind what had happened that I've been holding on to."
"Ol, I never meant to truly hurt you. I just couldn't tell..."
"Don't. In a way, yes you did. But it's okay. I understand how hard it is to be truthful to yourself, not wanting to hurt others in the process. I can forgive you for that, Marcus. And with time maybe we can once again at least be friends. For now let's both agree to forgive each other and let it all be put in the past and stay there. Deal?"
Marcus could feel a small pain of unexplained loss when he looked at Oliver, but he knew what was just said was right. "Deal."
Both turned back to lean on the fence post again and watch the finale of the fire eaters act.
"By the way, Ol. I'm serious about the offer we all talked about earlier. Charlotte and I would be honored if you...and Percy..." Marcus stopped for a second to think about what he just said. "Hell yeah, why not," he whispered to himself
Marcus turned to look Oliver directly in the eye. "If you and Percy would be Olly's godparents. We'd be honored. There's no other person I would trust more with the welfare of my son if anything ever happened. He practically idolizes you, which I try not to be jealous of, and Charlotte thinks it's important for some unexplainable reason."
Oliver opened his mouth to say something, but was momentarily at a loss of words. He quickly moved and hugged Marcus. "I'd be honored Flint. Both Percy and I would."
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
The hall clock rang out nine p.m. as Oliver and Percy apparated back home. Oliver took their cloaks to hang them up and noticed a burgundy one on a hook already. He smiled at it.
He turned to see Percy heading towards the living room, looking into the bag at the few things they had purchased from the day. Percy in his mind was already figuring out where things like the pamphlet would go in their memory book. Oliver caught his arm at the doorway and quickly turned him around. He leaned forward to passionately kiss the redhead with all his love. "Thank you for today." That was all that needed to be said. They both knew all the thoughts, meaning and love behind the few words.
A soft cough came from across the room. Both turned towards the sound.
"Hullo, brother."
There on the sofa sat Ron Weasley, toying with the black queen that he held. She was angrily swinging widely her little wooden sword at him. He grinned at her before again looking across the room.
"I understand from Oliver's message today that it's time we talked?"
fini