Ch 14: Love Lost Love Found
"So what, she was just a quick shag? Just someone you could take out all your primal urges on? Is that it?" I question him, poking him in the chest. He grabs my finger and tilts his head up so I can see his eyes. They look hurt...Oliver...
"I thought if I had her, then I could take my mind of you!" he says. I blink.
"What?"
"That's right. I like you. I've always liked you! But you're so pretty, and so flirtatious, I knew I could never be more than your roommate and your friend. So I picked up Lore. And you're right Katie. You hit the nail on the head. I only wanted her so I could try to get over you. But you know what? Now I just want you even more! And you hate me for it!" he yells, falling back down onto the bench, his face in his hands.
It takes me a moment of silence, but I finally process what he said.
"I could never hate you," I whisper loudly. He looks up from his hands, the rain running down his face, drops dangling on his eyelashes and chin.
"What?"
"I could never hate you," I say more confidently. His eyes widen as I take a deep, shuddering breath. It's now or never, Katie girl.
"I've liked you since our 4th year. But then, you were so obsessed with Quidditch, I just kept that little secret to myself. We both grew up, and you became Captain, while I remained Oliver Wood's 'friend' and Chaser. You were so enthralled with the sport, with the fans, that you never noticed how much I liked you. We moved in together, and I thought I was in Heaven. You were so kind, and so modest, and you were always there to talk to. Then you took me to that stupid engagement party, and you met Lore. I was so jealous, especially when I came home and she was wearing your shirt. I wanted it to be me in your shirt, not some girl you had just met," I pause to collect my thoughts. I thought this would have been harder, but once you get past the initial sentences, it just flows.
"So then I went to lunch to meet Flint, and I really thought he had changed. He acted sweetly, and was being so kind, and he acted like he cared. But that's all it was; Acting. Then when you came to save me last night, I was never happier. I thought I was going to burst from what I felt. You might like me Oliver, but I like you more," I say. I couldn't bring myself to say 't.
Oliver and I just look at each other. I try to take in everything about him. The way his jaw is set to show that he's listening, the way his eyes look when he's comprehending what I've said, the way his hair looks the same as always even though it's raining.
He stands up and looks down at me.
"Katie," he whispers my name. I smile weakly, and we engulf each other in a hug.
So here we are, hugging each other like there's no tomorrow, in the pouring rain, after a massive shouting match that I'm sure all of Western Europe heard.
"Oliver..." I whisper his name against his soaking shirt. He leans back and looks at me. I lean forward and press my lips to his. Not hard, but just really softly. He reacts immediately, and presses his lips back on mine. The kiss is gentle and slow, and I can feel something spreading through my body like fire.
We separate, panting softly against each other's faces. Wow...He's a really good kisser. I lean away from him, looking up into his eyes, and smiling a rueful smile.
"So are we good?" I ask.
"We're good," he says with a smile. I hug him again, and spring out of his arms. Looks like I'm turning back into a kid again.
"What're you doing now?" Oliver asks confusedly. And yes, I am aware that I've gone from pissed to even more pissed to emotional to sappy to childish all in about...20 minutes, but that's ok!
"Puddle jumping!" I respond. It's rained so suddenly and so heavily, that on the sides of the paths, small puddles have begun to form. I run up and jump in one, feeling the water splash up around me, reaching my knees. My shoes and socks are completely soaked through, but I don't care.
"Care to join me?" I ask as Oliver comes closer. He chuckles and shakes his head. OK then, you asked for it.
I jumped up as high as I could and came down forcefully, spraying myself and Oliver pretty well. Oliver looks angry for a minute before he rushes forward, stomping through the puddle after me. Hehehe, that a boy!
I squeal and try to get away but he grabs me around the waist and pulls me to him.
"Come on little piglet, let's go home," he says, his brown eyes dancing underneath the fall of rain. Wait, wait, wait. LITTLE PIGLET?!
"Who you calling a piglet?!" I yell angrily. He grins and kisses my cheek, but doesn't pull back.
"Just saying you're dirty like one," he whispers in my ear. The hot breath mixed with the cold rain sends shivers down my spine and I nod willingly.
"Damn right," I say arrogantly before skipping off down the path. I turn around and wink at Oliver before apparating to our apartment door. I pull out my key and Oliver appears moments later. I giggle, because we must look like drowned rats. Hey look! We're even forming a small puddle below us! Hehehe, we'll have to dry that up later...
I force my way inside and throw my shoes off. I hop around precariously on one foot at a time, trying to peel off my socks.
"Ooh! Ooh! I get first shower!" I yell before breaking into a run, headed for the bathroom.
"No way!" Oliver yells, grabbing me by the waist and tickling me. Not fair!
"That's not fair!" I gasp out between fits of giggles. I feel his hands leave my sides, and his head pokes out of the crack between the door and the doorframe.
"All's fair in love and war," he says dramatically before slamming the door closed.
"Stupid prat!" I yell through the door.
"I know you are but what am I?" he retorts. Oh, real mature Oliver. I fall into a fit of giggles and plop down on the couch.
OK, I've been sitting out here for five minutes, and already I hate sitting here, soaked to the bone. My pants are practically glued to my legs, and my toes look all crinkly and they're cold to boot!
"Hurry up in there!" I yell, looking at the ceiling.
"Just a minute!" he yells back. I sigh and stand up, casting a glance at the seat I was just occupying. Great, water marks. That can't be good for leather.
I snag a towel from the kitchen and use quick strokes to dry the leather off. Just as a finish, Oliver walks out of the steamy bathroom in track pants. Wonder where he got those? Hmm. Have to ask him later.
I make a run for the bathroom and slam the door behind me, stripping down as quickly as I can. My shirt and bra take a few moments to get off, just because they're sticking to me like a second skin, but the jeans prove to be a real problem. They were somewhat tight in the first place, and now that they're wet, they don't want to come off.
"Agh!" I cry as I fall over. Stupid pants!
"You OK in there?" Oliver asks. He sounds like he's on the other side of the door. I glance down quickly and see that it's not locked. NOOOOOO!
"I'm fine! No need to come in!" I yell in an assuring voice. At least I think it sounded assuring...
Must have sounded that way, because he doesn't come in. I sigh in relief and my stomach grumbles loudly.
"I'm hungry!" I yell as I remove my pants from my ankles.
"Alright! Dinner will be ready when you get out!" he yells back. Haha, that's all me and Oliver do; yell...and fight...and yell some more. And then we make dinner.
I take a really quick shower, and I shove my hair into a bun with some stretched out Alice bands. I would've used some of my new ones, but then they would have gotten all stretched out. Wet hair equals thick hair, and thick hair means stretched out elastics. It's complicated. Hehehe.
I sneak into my room unnoticed and slap on a tank top and some sweat pants before venturing out into the ! Dun dun dunnnn.
"Where's my dinner!" I demand as I turn the corner into the kitchen. Oliver looks up from our dining room, spoon in mouth.
"You didn't wait for me?" I asked in fake shock. Oliver shrugged. I seat myself across him and see a bowl of chicken noodle soup in front of me.
"I didn't want to eat cold soup," Oliver mutters as I pick up my spoon. I throw him a look, and he just shows me a smug smile.
"Hardly the gentleman now, are you?" I ask, raising my eyebrows high and trying my best to give him the "I'm-superior-than-thou-art" look. I'm awarded with a snort of laughter.
Hum, spoons really are overrated. I'll just go for it.
"Nice," Oliver comments as I bring the rim of the bowl to my lips and drain it into my mouth. I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and grin.
"Oh you know you like it," I say, winking at Oliver. I set my bowl down loudly on the table, and a thought strikes me. Oh no...He...What about...
"Oliver. Why haven't you been at Quidditch these past few days?" I ask, my voice sounding strained. I was trying to sound calm, but well, that just didn't happen. But seriously! What about Oliver?!
"I took a little time off," Oliver shrugged, then grinned at me.
"LIAR!" I yell. "I know that look! I've known it since we were 6 years old! Younger!" I splutter. Oliver breaks out laughing.
"Chill Katie. The field is going under renovation, not to mention Hart is getting married right about..." He looks at the wall clock, "Yesterday."
"You missed the wedding?" I asked in shock. What the hell did he do that for?
"Yeah. I'd rather spend time with you, and I had a feeling you'd need me,"
"Wait what? You had a feeling Flint was going to pull something?" I ask. Maybe he's just messing with my head...Then again, maybe not.
"Call it men's intuition," Oliver said wisely. I laugh out loud.
"And here I thought only women had intuition," I mutter. Oliver laughs again. Oh his laugh; so rich and hearty, not forced at all.
"Besides, Hart and I aren't exactly that close. The wedding was small, and his wife said he could only invite a few players. I wasn't one of the chosen ones, so I got to stay home with you," he tells me.
"And I'm glad you did,"
"OK, don't get too corny on me, Kates,"
"Shut it, Oliver," I mutter, chucking my spoon at his head. He ducks just in time and shakes his head.
"And here I thought you had better reflexes," Oliver mutters loud enough for me to hear. He stands up and takes his bowl into the sink. I take a deep breath in and whip around. Damn, that's one nice Gluteus Maximus. Hehe, I'm such a pervert.
Soon, I'm up, following suit. I hand my Oliver my bowl, and he puts it in the sink, turning the faucet on.
::CRASH::
I jump onto Oliver's back, nearly making him topple over as the room is light unnaturally bright.
"Thunder storm," Oliver mumbles to himself. I HATE thunderstorms! Well...I love them because they're so beautiful, but the sounds...they chill me to my bones.
"Oliver," I say his name shakily. Another flash of lightning fills the room and my fists ball around the material of his shirt.
"Come on, Kates," I hear Oliver whisper. He pulls out his wand and the lights terminate themselves, so we're walking in darkness. What the hell did you do that for Oliver?
I feel a hand enclose around mine and I step carefully as Oliver leads me...somewhere.
He pulls me down, and I reach out a hand tentatively. Oh, it's just the couch. I seat myself blindly, and- AGH!
I nearly yelp out loud when my rump touches something that's definitely NOT the couch. Oh Merlin, am I sitting on Oliver's lap? Ohhhhhhhh Merlin...
He wraps his arms around my waist and I feel something burst inside me. I'm not scared or questioning like I was with Marcus. I feel...safe. I lean back, and rest my head on his shoulder. He sighs into my hair, and all I can do and feel like doing, is snuggling into him.
"So Miss Kate. I hear we have to talk about something," Oliver said softly in my ear. I blink lazily. Whatchu talkin' bout Willis? Geeze, I need to stop watching Muggle television after 9PM.
"Oh?" is all I say in response. I feel his chest rise and fall in a deep, steady breath.
"What's going on between us?" he asks. Hmm, and here I thought it was obvious.
"Seems to me that it's something like this...You like me, and I like you," I say.
"So..." Oliver starts. He really has to work on being more direct and not beating around the bush!
"So what?" I ask.
"So what does this mean?"
"It means that we have to promise that even if we fall out of...like with each other, we have to promise to remain friends!" I say.
"Right. Known you too long to just forget about you," he says, squeezing me tight against him before loosening slightly.
"I should hope so!" I reply indignantly.
Another flash of lightning, and I flinch in his arms, which again, tighten around me. But this time he doesn't let go.
"It's OK, Kates," he whispers in my ear. Oh...His hot breath on my ear feels so good and I'm getting this warm feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it's kind of making me squirm.
"Oliver," I whisper his name. There it goes again! Squirmy feeling! Feels...kinda good, but awkward none the less.
"Kates," he whispers my name back. I turn my head, and for a brief second, his face lights up in the storm, and I can see his eyes focused on mine.
Darkness covers once again, but now I can tell he's right next to me, and he's moving closer. Oh my...
His lips meet mine, and I think I'm about to burst with happiness. I feel that familiar fire burn through my cheeks and flowing downwards, and I feel more warmth pool in the pit of my gut.
"Oliver," I groan his name against his lips and he pants back. I meet his lips again, and start pushing on him harder, creating some delicious friction between us. Merlin, he's a great kisser!
I feel his tongue trace a small path on my lower lip and I part my lips, and he takes the chance to "come in." I've never really French kissed anybody before, so yeah...Hopefully I'm not a bad kisser. Cus then that would be sort of embarrassing. You know what, YES! I do worry about these trivial little things! Life isn't always the bigger picture!
His tongue swirls around mine, and mine accompanies his in the dance. Our lips are crushed against each others, and for a fleeting second, I kind of wonder what would happen if I bit his tongue...OK, well it'd probably hurt, but I mean, it would be sort of funny. At least for me anyways.
I'm suddenly aware of Oliver's hands pressuring my sides. I think he's trying to get me to move...I shift my hips and move my left leg over a bit and ohhh dear. I'm straddling Oliver Wood! I start to pull away from him, but he cups my face holding our lips together.
It's weird. I'm so new at this, and yet, I feel so experienced. Like, I know what I want. I want Oliver. And right now, I want him badly. But I just don't know how far I should take it. I mean, I've always thought that I'd wait until marriage...and what the hell am I talking about. We're just kissing and here I am thinking about sex. Humph, better get my mind out of the gutter!
I shift against his pelvis, and am rewarded with a groan. We stop kissing and he just holds me there, as we pant in unison. A loud yawn escapes my mouth, and I close my mouth quickly. That was so rude of me! What if I had bad breath? I just yawned all over him! I have such 'great' luck when it comes to guys.
"Sleepy?" he asks me in a barely audible whisper. I nod vigorously, and then mentally smack myself. Like he can see me nod. Idiot Bell!
"Yeah," I whisper. These past couple of days have been way too stressful for me. I get off his thighs and move to his side. I snuggle up against his chest and his arm encircles around his waist.
I close my eyes, and breathe in the scent that dangles lightly on his neck. Mmm. Pine. Something's missing though...
"Blanket," I murmur, opening my eyes lazily.
"What?" Oliver asks groggily.
"My blanket; I can't sleep without it," I whisper. I hear Oliver sigh and I feel him move about next to me.
"Accio blanket!" he says loudly. I hear something rustle in my room, then hit the door soundly. Ooh, that's right. My door was closed. I hear Oliver curse under his breath, and I smile sheepishly. Once again, he can't see it, but it's the thought that counts, right?
"Alohomora!" he says loudly again. I can hear the door fly open, and the blanket comes flying out, landing on my lap.
"Yay!" I cry in triumph, clutching my blanket to my chest. What can I say, I'm a kid at heart. A kid that needs her blanket!
I feel the blanket being pulled out of my arms, and before I can protest, I find it being draped over our laps. I smile inwardly and curl on my side next to Oliver. His arm snakes its way down my back and his hand rests there gently.
"Thanks," I whisper, snuggling my head into his chest. Ooh, I can hear his heartbeat. Thump-thump...Thump-thump...thump-thump...
I'll post more later, guys! Gotta go! Bar mitzvah time!