The Morning After
True to his word, Oliver sent an owl to Percy's flat the next morning. It was a beautiful creature with large sparkling eyes and spotless white fur. It sat quietly, perched on Percy's window frame, still as a statue. Percy took the note from it and soon replied to Oliver whom had asked what time and where they should meet. Percy suggested that they go out for the day, maybe visiting museums or for a nature walk. Oliver seemed the type to like culture and nature. Percy fed the small bird several treats before sending it back to it's owner. Watching as it flexed muscular wings that reminded him somewhat of the athlete's muscular arms.
Within twenty minutes or so a second owl arrived, this time it was a smaller barn owl that was a little more vocal but still as well behaved as the first. It seemed that Oliver didn't like to use his owls repeatedly and gave them a break, sending another owl in their place. Oliver's note read that he would love to go on the nature walk and if Percy didn't mind, he'd like to bring his two dogs along with them. He knew of a great nature park on the east coast that was built near a bridge that crossed the River Humber. Percy agreed to visit Hessle Foreshore which was apparently located near a city called Kingston Upon Hull and sent his reply, once again treating the owl.
The two men met an hour later on the small pebble beach. Oliver was there first this time and at first appeared to be alone, but obviously wasn't when to black blurs passed by Percy and jumped at the Scot. Oliver laughed as each jumped up at him, leaving wet paw prints over the thighs of his jeans before leaving him to bound towards the stranger with red hair. Percy stopped, not sure how the pair would react but the pair stopped moments before reaching him and sat at his feet. Each lifted a paw and barked deeply once, not making an effort to move. Percy noticed that they were two male Labradors, one slightly older looking then the other. Oliver stepped between the two and patted each dog's head and they both sped off towards the end of the beach.
"Hiya, Perce. Sorry 'bout them two, they're always a bundle o' energy" He laughed as the two blurred past them again, rushing towards the other end of the beach. Percy nodded, hands in his pocket as he was quite sure what they were. They obviously liked each other, at least had when drunk, but they hadn't officially said they were a couple either. He grinned gave a nod "They're certainly cute, I'll give them that". Oliver chuckled, agreeing.
"Aye, they're a handful but they're cute little buggars. Didn't really want a dog what with quidditch and all but one look at their faces and I couldn't say nae" Oliver gestured towards moving away from the beach and onto the actual walk and Percy gave a nod. "Max! Jake! Come on, boys" The two black blurs were soon besides them, Jake stayed to Oliver's outside whilst Max decided to walk between the two, much to Oliver's annoyance. "So, which one is which?" Percy couldn't tell the difference, the pair looked identical to him save when up close when one had a very slight hint of grey just above his nose. Oliver called the two dogs to them and had each sit. "Max is the older dog, he's got floppier ears and a more squared head while Jake's ears stand up more but his head is softer and more round. Plus his coat is a bit softer too" Percy gave a nod, noticing that Oliver was right.
They started walking again, the two dogs running past them every now and against, chasing butterflies or trying to chase after the rare woodland creature they saw. Jake made the mistake of trying to sniff at a sleeping hedgehog and pricked his nose. The younger dog yelped and ran back to his owner who petted him for a moment or so before letting Percy fuss over him. Max sat obediently and also received a fussing over.
The two who were now trying to take the pretence of being muggles stopped for an ice cream at the small café that the local council had set up to keep walkers hydrated and give them a chance to rest. The two dogs were also watered before they carried on to the large lake. The two men decided to sit and sunbathe, talk a little whilst the two hounds dashed into the water and splashed around, occasionally soaking the two men.
"You know, Perce, You're different from what I expected ye t' be after the twins' described ye… ye're taller and thinner" Percy quirked a brow and tilted his head, noticing that Oliver had moved to lay on his side, supporting his head with an L shaped arm. Percy smiled. "Let me guess, they told you I was bald, short and a little plump" Oliver gave a slight nod. Percy vowed mentally to kill his brothers next time he saw them.
"They adore ye though, don't they? They're always talking about how ye were head boy and how ye managed t' protect a school full of people from that Sirius Black guy a few years ago" Percy snorted at this and Oliver became puzzled. The twins were always talking affectionately about Percy but he didn't seem to believe it. "Suppose they told you about the constant explosions, warts, spots, hair dye accidents, the time they turned our old pet cat pink and Bill blue?" Percy
Could tell from Oliver's surprised expression that they hadn't. Percy just laughed. Typical. "I knew they were mischiefs but.. Did they really turn yer brother blue?" Percy nodded. A chuckle escaping him as he revisited the memory… it had been rather funny.
They were silent for a while, Percy wondering if his brother's really did adore him as Oliver said. Oliver himself was looking at the gorgeous man stretched out before him. The lake area was quiet and sun giving Percy a rosy complexion. He was just as gorgeous, if not more so than the night before. Oliver smiled, bit his lip, then, drawing some of the courage he'd had last night, took hold of the Weasley boy's hand. Percy squeezed Oliver's hand and made a noise in the back of his throat, a quiet humming noise. One of the dogs barked in the distance and Oliver looked over to see Jake trying to jump after Max who was larger and a bit more faster, despite his age. Percy took the moment to sneak a glance at Oliver and felt his heart stop momentarily at the sight of a sun bathed god. Oliver was dressed casually, wearing brown jeans and another white shirt. His sleeves were rolled up and his buttons opened to expose a fair bit of tanned golden skin.
Percy sat up, a faint stirring made him feel suddenly uncomfortable and he tried to put a little distance between himself and the other man without letting go of that strong, callused hand. Oliver noticed Percy shifting and looked back at him, a smile on his lips as he tugged lightly at the other's hand. Once, twice, three times, each tug stronger then the last till the red head slid sideways and Oliver had the opportunity to kiss those lips again. Percy's mouth opened readily as their lips touched and Oliver's tongue slid into the other man's mouth. Max and Jake came bounding up and stopped near their feet. They sat and waited, Max holding a stick. They waited, and waited, and waited till finally they grew bored and went back to play in the water, the two men concerned solely with snogging.
The two eventually managed to pull away when the urge to relieve their bladders and the cooling air began to nag at them. They retreated back towards the entrance of the park were a windmill and pub sat near the beach. It was beginning to get dark now and they were walking close to keep some warmth, the dog's walking on either side of them. Oliver stopped them occasionally to kiss Percy, something Percy had discovered the Scot liked.
They stopped at the small pub and each ordered half a pint each and a drink for the two hounds. They sat for a half hour or so on the bank with their drinks, watching as the sun slowly set and just when they were about to suggest parting or doing something else they heard a voice.
"Merlin! It's Weasley and Wood. What are the odds" Both men shuddered. Max and Jake were up in a flash, both growling deeply at the unwelcomed stranger who was from both men's past.
Author's Notes: Dun Dun DUUUUN! Who'd have thought! A mystery stranger! gasp! Who could it be lol
Blame Zoran for that.. it was her?? idea
The two dogs are based on my boyfriend's dogs.. he's got four labradors and a jack russel so I used two of his black labs for Oliver's pets. (All names are: Max, Jake, Jason, Piper and Dash)