The Tie-breaker

Oliver walked back into the living room to the check the clock for probably the 50th time in the last five minutes, then turned and walked back into the kitchen to make sure that it wasn't about to go up in a glorious ball of flames.

He had been an idiot to think that he could do this. Make a whole dinner on his own that wouldn't self-combust or end up killing whoever ate it. There was a reason he nearly failed potions. And it seemed that reason also extended to cooking.

But Clara had assured him that he would do fine when she came by last night to teach him to make a simple meal for Lottie. It had taken a couple tries, but he had managed to get a decent dish by the end of it. It had left him feeling confident and sure that he wouldn't accidentally poison Lottie tonight. But now he was having second thoughts.

He quickly took another drink of his beer then looked down at the instructions Clara had left with him. Written across the top was "DO NOT DRINK WHILE COOKING!" but he had ignored that. He needed liquid courage to get through this.

"Right then, about time for the next step," he muttered as he picked up his wand and waved it. The pot of boiling pasta lifted itself and then dumped into a strainer in the sink, steam rising up. He smiled in triumph as the pasta rinsed itself and then floated over and dumped itself into the pan of simmering sauce. He picked up a spatula and began mixing it, starting to think that he could do this.

At least it smelled good.

He then turned off the stove and cast a few heating charms before levitating a large bowl of salad and platter of bread, then led them to the dining table in the large living room and setting them down.

He once again looked at the time, noting she'd be here soon. Turning back to the table, he looked at the settings and then waved his wand, the candles lighting up. Glancing around the flat, he waved his wand again and the lights dimmed while soft music started playing.

"See… I can be romantic," he muttered to himself before walking back into the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of wine, sticking his wand in his pocket. Just as he was returning and placed it on the table, there was a knock at the door.

Taking a deep breath, he walked over and opened it, revealing a smiling Lottie on the other side holding a bottle of wine. His eyes widened slightly as he took in her body-hugging strappy dress. Her hair was down in loose waves and though she didn't have much makeup on, what was there only enhanced her eyes and soft lips.

Merlin, how was he going to get through dinner keeping his hands to himself?

"You clean up well," she said, stepping into the flat and looking around. Oliver shut the door, silently thanking Clara for helping him clean up as well. While he wasn't a messy person, he did have a habit of leaving his quidditch gear all over the place.

Lottie slowly walked around, taking in the vintage framed Puddlemere posters and various photographs of his friends and family up on the walls, as well as the large bookshelf. She stopped in front of it and turned to look over her shoulder at him.

"Didn't realize you were such a big reader," she said lightly before turning back to peruse the titles.

"Not much to do during the off season," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. Lottie then turned and walked back to him, holding the bottle out, which he accepted. "It's just about ready." He then turned and disappeared into the kitchen.

Shit, why was he so nervous? Was it the fact they were alone in his flat? Or the way she was dressed? Or… Oliver stopped and shook his head, deciding it was best not to think about it. A clear head was needed right about now. He then pulled his wand out and sent the rest of the food to the table. When he walked out of the kitchen, Lottie was standing there with a small smile and two glasses of wine in her hands. She held out one to him.

"Thanks," he said, taking it and a large drink. Her smile only grew as she took her own drink and turned the table.

"This looks amazing, Oliver. I thought you couldn't cook," she said, taking in the spread.

"Well… figured it was about time to learn," he said, walking over and pulling out a chair for her. Lottie smiled as she raised her eyebrows.

"Clara help?" she asked. Oliver blushed slightly.

"Taught me a few things yesterday, but made all this on my own," he replied, resisting the urge to puff out his chest slightly.

"I think it's wonderful," she said, taking a seat. Oliver then moved to his chair and sat down as Lottie began to fill her plate. "Really. Better than I could do."

"Sure you're a decent cook if you give it a try," Oliver said immediately. Lottie just shrugged as she lifted her fork to her mouth and took a bite. Her eyes closed for a moment.

"Merlin, this is really good."

Oliver was sure his blush was deepening as she looked over at him. He couldn't help but be a bit proud. He could cook after all.

"How was work?" he asked before starting to dig into his own dinner.

"Good and bad," Lottie said, her smile turning a bit tense. "Hitting more than a few roadblocks with my main case, but I think we're about to break through. May have a substantial lead, though we're still tracking it down."

"Bernie not giving you much trouble?" Oliver asked. Lottie chuckled.

"Hovering as usual, but he's not been so bad," she said. "Think he's finally starting to understand that I can take care of myself."

"Certainly, an improvement," Oliver commented. Lottie nodded eagerly.

While light, the conversation continued on throughout the rest of dinner and then desert. Then finally while the dishes were doing themselves in the kitchen, Oliver and Lottie settled on the sofa in front of the fireplace, glasses of wine in hand with the bottle on the table.

Oliver shifted slightly, all too aware of how close Lottie was sitting next to him and a bit nervous. He looked over at her, watching as she absentmindedly twirled a wave around her finger. Her face was calm, her lips turned up slightly. Once again, he wondered just what she was thinking.

If ever he had wished he took legilimency lessons, now would be it.

"What's on your mind, Lottie?" he asked softly, deciding it was best to just ask. She raised her eyebrows and looked over at him. A smile came over her face as she looked back at the fire.

"Just thinking about the day you helped me after the bludger… when my brother gave me that damn potion," she said. "You knew, didn't you?" Oliver chuckled.

"He didn't tell me, but I figured it out," he replied.

"You didn't take advantage of it," she said, fixing her dark blue eyes on him.

"Didn't seem fair," he said, feeling his heart speed up slightly with the look she was giving him. "You couldn't help it."

"I appreciate it," she said, looking down at her lap. He couldn't tell with the firelight, but he was certain that she was blushing.

"I only did what anyone else would do," he replied. Lottie looked over at him, tilting her head to the side.

"Is that the Gryffindor in you?" she asked, grinning slightly. Oliver chuckled.

"Could be?" he replied. "I've always tried to do what I thought was right." Lottie was quiet a few moments. Oliver swallowed, wondering if he should say anything. He wanted to tell her exactly how he felt about her. How she made him feel. Beg her to choose him and not Flint. That he could make her so much happier than the ruddy Slytherin ever could.

But she didn't know that he knew. And he wasn't so sure that letting her know in this moment would be such a good idea. He worried how she might respond. And besides, this wasn't about Flint. Right now, it was about him and Lottie. Nothing more.

"What I said… I meant it, you know. Well, of course you know, that damn potion… but… thought it would be better if I said it when I'm in my own mind," Lottie started. Oliver felt his heart speed up. "I do really like you, and… I appreciate how kind and understanding you were in school…"

"So the bit about the crush was true as well, then?" he asked, smiling slightly and surprised with how emboldened he felt in that moment. She chuckled and nodded, looking away from him. "I wish I had known then… wouldn't have wasted so much time…" Lottie looked over at him, her eyes wide. "I… didn't really care much about anything but quidditch back then… sure I had my mates and all, but… It was all… focus on getting into the League. Made me miss something that could be so much more important… better…"

Lottie didn't say anything and appeared to be holding her breath. Oliver knew he needed to keep going, get it all out now before he lost his nerve. He put his glass on the table, then took hers and did the same. He then scooted a bit closer, taking both of her hands in his.

"I was a bit of an idiot back then, but I've learned from my mistakes and I'm not going to make them again," he said softly. "You're… amazing, Lottie… always have been. And now that we've found each other again… I'm not so keen on letting go of that… if you aren't…"

Lottie just stared at him, once again, her face unreadable. For a moment, he worried that he had said something wrong or that this was too much, too soon. But then she started smiling and blinking quickly as though she were tearing up. Merlin, he hadn't meant to make her cry.

"Oh, Oliver…" she breathed.

That was all he needed. He leaned forward, capturing her lips in a kiss as his hand went to her cheek, caressing her soft skin. The kiss started out soft and timid, but then Lottie leaned towards him, her arms going around his neck.

Oliver would have thought he were flying if it weren't for the feeling of Lottie in his arms. The kiss deepened as he pulled her closer, gripping her waist with one hand, while the other slid into her hair.

When Lottie pulled away from him, breathing heavily, she was now straddling his lap.

Neither said anything as she bent down, kissing him again, her body brushing up against his. He wasn't completely sure if this is how he expected the night to go - well, that was partially a lie, he had been hoping the night would go this way. But he wasn't sure if it would.

His lips left hers, trailing down her neck to her shoulder and he heard her gasp softly, starting to gently roll her hips against his. For a moment, he thought he saw stars. Merlin, she really was amazing. He met her eyes again and she attacked his lips, her tongue darting into his mouth. A soft moan rumbled in his chest as he wrapped his arms around her a bit more tightly, trying to pull her as close as he possibly could, before he ran one hand down her side to her thigh, slowing pushing up the soft material of her dress.

But then, suddenly, she had pushed away, rolling off his lap to the sofa next to him, pushing her hair back from her face as they both breathed heavily. Oliver sat still a few moments, his brain trying to catch up. What had he done wrong? Shit, he knew he was pushing things forward too quickly.

"I…"

"I'm sorry," Lottie said quickly, looking over at him. "I just… I think I got ahead of myself there for a bit."

"It's okay," Oliver said, trying to regain control of his body. "Don't worry about it." Lottie smiled at him. He wanted to reach out and touch her, to comfort her in some way, but he worried that she wouldn't want that. Lottie then sighed and turned to him, wrapping her arms around him as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"Mind if we just… stay like this?" she asked softly. He couldn't see her face but wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Yea, this is fine…"

Marcus stood in front of Lottie's door, straightening his jacket. He knew that Pucey would likely be sore with him for this, but he didn't really care at the moment. Yes, the restaurant was difficult to get reservations for and Pucey had gotten the owner season tickets to Kestral games just so Marcus and Lottie could go there tonight, but the more he thought about it, the more Marcus felt that it wasn't right.

Wasn't special enough.

So, he ditched those plans and had come up with his own. Spent the afternoon working on them. But even though he was confident, he still worried that it would backfire. That Lottie wouldn't like it. But it was too late now. Or not. They could still make the reservation. No. If Marcus was going to win her over, he was going to do it his way. Not rely on his friends.

He reached up and knocked, then stepped back and waited. It only took a few moments before Lottie opened, her eyes taking in his suit.

"Let me get my things," she said, stepping over and grabbing a purse and her wand, then sliding it in. She then stepped out and shut the door behind her. "So… just where are you taking me that involves dressing up?"

"Do you trust me?" he asked, holding his arm out. Lottie looked at his arm and then back up into his eyes. She nodded.

"Yes," she said, taking hold of his arm.

"Hold on, then…"

When they both opened their eyes, a crisp fall breeze welcomed them. Marcus looked down, seeing the surprised expression on her face as she looked around.

"Is this… are we at Puddlemere stadium?" she asked, looking up at him. He nodded and started leading her across the pitch. In the middle was a large blanket on the ground with pillows, surrounding by enough floating candles to light up the small space. There was also a large picnic basket and a few more blankets if either of them got too cold. "Did you… did you do this?"

"Was here setting it up for a bit before I came to get you," he said. Lottie chuckled as she looked around and up at the stands and then the hoops on either end of the pitch. "I heard that you've been a bit of a Puddlemere fan for a long time."

"I have," she replied, still looking around in awe. "Never seen the pitch from this view though." She looked up at him. "This is amazing, Marcus." He bent down and kissed her cheek.

"I hoped you would like it," he said softly. He then led her to sit down on the blanket, before sitting next to her and opening the basket. He started pulling out containers of the food he had spent all afternoon making. While he wasn't a five-star chef, Marcus was rather proud of his cooking skills. It was one of the first things he had taught himself when he left home, not wanting to survive on takeout or starve.

Lottie just silently took everything in, a small smile on her face. He finally finished setting out the food and then pulled out a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Lottie laughed softly.

"Even on a picnic, you keep your high-class taste," she said, an eyebrow raised.

"Well… when you've got good taste," he said before popping the cork. He then poured the two glasses and handed one to Lottie before taking a sip of his own. Despite his rather calm exterior, he was nervous. For her part, Lottie seemed as calm as ever, starting to eat. He sat a few moments, just watching her react to everything.

"Merlin, Marcus. You could open your own restaurant," she exclaimed, looking over at him.

"Not sure I'm that good," he said with a chuckle before popping a bit of food into his mouth.

"You are constantly surprising me, Mr. Flint," Lottie said lightly. "In all the best ways." He couldn't help the warmth that spread throughout him as he relaxed. She liked the picnic. He had made the right choice. He had never put himself out there for a woman like this before and he was glad that at least it wasn't backfiring.

They talked a bit about the season and Lottie's work as they ate, but as they were starting on dessert, Lottie went quiet and looked down at her glass, a pensive look on her face. It was so sudden that Marcus began to frantically go over everything that he had said. What did he do to upset her?

"Marcus, I want to ask you something… but you don't have to answer if it's too uncomfortable," she started. Marcus didn't say anything, just nodded. "When you were recovering from the potion… you said something…" She looked up at him. "Be glad that you're not alone…" He gulped. Fuck. He didn't remember saying that. He remembered saying something about her brothers. What was it? "Do you truly feel alone? I mean, you never talk about your family..."

He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He knew that this would come up eventually, but he hadn't expected to talk about it this soon with her. He downed the rest of the champagne in his glass, wishing he had something a bit stronger.

"You know that my family is pureblood," he said, figuring that was as good as any place to start. "My parents were very large believers in blood purity and all that shite. I never really thought much of it, to be honest, but went with it because they did…" He kept his eyes trained on the picnic basket, not wanting to see any of her reactions.

"I, ehm, I had an older brother. He was several years older and brought up to be the heir and all… The perfect pureblood son. I was just the spare, so they never really paid much attention to me. Then… I started acting out, trying to do whatever I could to get that attention," he continued. "Doesn't really excuse how I acted in school, but it got them to at least acknowledge they had another son." He ventured a look over at Lottie, finding her sitting there with her brow furrowed. But there was no pity in her eyes.

"My brother wasn't as bad. But he was a lot older than me. Didn't have much time for an annoying little brother trying to tag along while he was being groomed to take over the family business and Flint name," Marcus said with a dark chuckle as he looked away.

"You said had," she replied softly.

"Yea… he got mixed up in… all that… My parents never officially joined, but they were proud when he did. I…" he stopped for a moment, furrowing his brow, "by that time, I knew enough that I didn't want to get involved, but… that was pretty much cemented when he died when I was 20. I had already started in the League, but still lived at home. Moved out as soon as I heard and decided that not only was I not joining, but I wanted to fight against the bastards that got my brother killed."

"How did he die?" Lottie asked softly.

"Don't really know. Some mission for the Dark Lord," he said bitterly, looking up at the night sky. "I didn't really stick around to hear the details. Not with the way my bloody parents were getting on about it."

He felt a small pressure on his arm and looked over, seeing Lottie had moved closer to him, her blue eyes fixed on him. He had expected to see pity there. Which is why he didn't want to tell her this story - if he was going to win her heart, he didn't want to use his tragic sob story to get it.

But there was something different in her eyes. It was… understanding.

"Penny said that you were at Hogwarts that night," she said softly. He nodded.

"It was the right thing to do," he replied. Lottie studied him, tilting her head to the side.

"I always thought it was arrogance," she finally said. "Back in school. But looking back, I can see it now… hindsight always was 20/20… you were just as lost as the rest of us." Marcus swallowed. He didn't like feeling vulnerable - never had and typically avoided it at all costs. But there was something about the way Lottie was looking at him that made him feel it wasn't so bad that she knew. She had shared her own secret, after all.

They weren't so different, he realized. Sure, she had come from a large, loving and supportive family while he had not. But they both had their own demons to fight. And they both came out stronger - better - on the other side.

Lottie leaned closer to him, pressing her lips against his, before leaning back.

"Like I said that night - you're not alone, Marcus," she nearly whispered. "You've got your friends, your team. You've got me. I'm not going anywhere." He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I still can't seem to understand why you'd even give me the time of day," he replied, smiling slightly. Lottie returned the smile with her own.

"We're not the same people we used to be."

Marcus leaned forward and kissed her gently, still not quite believing that she was there with him. That she hadn't judged or pitied him. Given him a chance, one that he sometimes wondered if he deserved. But at the same time, he didn't want to think about any of that. He wanted to focus on the here and now and what was happening in that moment.

As Lottie deepened the kiss, Marcus found all thoughts of his past, his family, even Wood, fading into the background. There was an underlying firmness to the kiss, as though she was trying to make the point that she was there. That she really wasn't going anywhere. She placed her hands on his chest, before gently pushing his jacket off him then pushed him back until she was lying on top of him. He ran his hands up and down her sides as the kiss picked up pace, Lottie's hand coming to rest on his cheek.

Marcus was more than happy to let her set the pace, lead things forward.

But then she stopped kissing him, staring deep into his eyes as they both breathed heavily. He felt as though she were looking into his soul. She then rolled off of him, lying on her back as she stared up at the sky. For a moment, he was confused as to why she had stopped. From the fleeting expression on her face, it appeared that she was battling something in her mind.

It was then that Marcus remembered Wood.

"I'm sorry," she said finally. "Let myself get away there for a bit."

"It's… fine," he replied. She looked over at him.

"You're a good man, Marcus. Never forget that," she said. He didn't say anything, just nodded. Lottie then snuggled up to his side, resting her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her.

He decided then that he was happy just so long as she was in his arms.

"Good gods, what happened?" Penny exclaimed as she rushed through the front door and wrapped her arms around Lottie. She didn't think she looked that bad, but perhaps she did. She had just had a good cry and was still in her pyjamas though it was 8 o'clock on Sunday night.

She saw Katie's worried look just over Penny's shoulder and then stepped back, allowing the two to walk in before shutting the door.

"Brought out the firewhiskey… looks like we've got a fair bit to discuss," Penny said as she and Katie walked over to the living room. Lottie walked around them and sat on the sofa, picking up her glass and taking a large swig.

"I am totally and utterly fucked," she declared.

"Is this because you slept with both of them?" Penny asked with a smirk, taking a seat next to her.

"You did what?" Katie exclaimed as she sat in a nearby armchair.

"Tie-breaker," Penny said, still watching Lottie.

"I chickened out. With both of them," Lottie said, staring into the flames in the fireplace.

"But… why?" Penny nearly shouted.

"Couldn't do it," Lottie said before taking another drink. "Just… when came down to it, didn't seem right. Though I did spend the night with both of them. Fell asleep on Oliver's sofa talking. Then fell asleep on the pitch at Puddlemere talking with Marcus."

"Wait, what?" both Penny and Katie said at the same time.

"I don't know how I'm going to choose," Lottie continued, ignoring their outbursts. "I'm going to hell for this."

"Okay, you're not. Though as I said, I'll likely be right there with you if you do, but… what happened?" Penny asked. Lottie looked over at her.

"They're both… I don't know," she groaned. She put the glass down and threw herself into the cushions on her sofa. "I can't do this! I'm breaking up with both of them!"

Penny met Katie's eyes, both of them slightly unsure of what to say or do. But then Katie's eyes widened and she smiled slightly.

"I have an idea," she said quickly. Lottie looked up at her, her hair falling out of her ponytail. "I think you just need… time away from… this. Get some perspective."

"How do you propose I get some perspective?" Lottie asked, sniffing.

"Girls' night," Katie said.

"No," Lottie stated before throwing herself back into the cushions.

"Not out at a bar or club. We could all get together at mine and Alicia's. Or better yet, Angelina's - hers is bigger and she just got this new wireless. Just a night in with the ladies, drinking and such. If you want, you can get their opinions. Or we don't have to talk about it," Katie continued.

Lottie was quiet a few moments, thinking it over. She then sat up again and looked at her cousin and then over at Penny. Both were wearing hopeful expressions.

"Yea…," she finally said. "Okay. Yes. I think that's what I need."

"Good," Penny said, patting her on the leg. "See… everything is going to be fine."

"Right. Everything is fine…"

Decided to just go ahead and post the next three chapters today so that tomorrow you guys get the final reveal of who she chooses…