Incandescence
Part Three
Anders

Disclaimer: If I didn't own it at part one, why would I own it at part three? Answer? I don't.

Warnings: Um. . . still slash, duh. Um. . . absolute Percy-ness? He grabbed the focus of this chapter, but I had to do it. Also, there's a part that gets a little steamier than usual. I read it over, and didn't feel it affected the rating because everything's inferred. Also, Percy OOC-ness?

Author's Notes: Well, here's chapter three as an added bonus (yay for my beta!). Um, sorry about the long wait? When I'm at school, however, I won't be posting. I have class, and I have grades. And I have to keep my scholorship. So, sorry, but too bad. Real life calls and my future is more important. I have priorities. Heh.

Anyway, chapter three for everyone. It's more focued on Percy than any of the other chapters, and I'm not sure if I should apologize or not. It just sort of happened. Also, Percy almost seems OOC, but I re-read it (when I was editing myself) and I can see him doing this. I tried to explain why, but Percy just sort of. . . happened.

Enjoy the chapter, though! And remember to review! This is an OC laden story, after all, and if people are going to read it, it needs lots of reviews!
oOooOo

Percy pulled anxiously at his shirt, looking in the mirror for what seemed to be the hundredth time. Cyrrus and Phyrrus were both chuckling lightly at Percy's anxious expression. Percy hadn't brought anything appropriate for a date and had been forced to ask Cyrrus and Phyrrus for help, but had begged them to keep it a secret from everyone else. Harry probably knew, since Phyrrus told him everything, but Harry hadn't said anything about it.

Phyrrus had found Percy clothing to wear for his date with Anders, and Percy now stood in front of a full length mirror dressed in indigo colored jeans, and a button down royal blue dress shirt. He was wearing his black school shoes, and had his red hair brushed until it shone in the dim light. "You'll knock Anders dead," Phyrrus told Percy confidently.

"How would you know?"

"Anders is practically our older brother," Cyrrus laughed. "We know. Don't worry so much."

Percy offered them both Looks, but didn't say anything more, just grabbed his wallet and headed towards the door. Phyrrus and Cyrrus bother waved at him as he headed out, grinning at each other. "It's about time he got a date," Percy heard Phyrrus mutter.

"I'm glad it's with Anders," Cyrrus agreed, watching Percy leave. Percy rubbed his hands together nervously as Anders appeared.

"Wow," Anders breathed, looking Percy over with a wide-eyed look. "You look amazing. You sure you're meeting up to go out with me and not some superstar?"

Percy could feel his ears burning, and smiled at Anders shyly. Anders held out an arm, which Percy took, and led him down the lane. "My truck is parked at Mom's," Anders explained. "We weren't too far, and I know you like walking, so I figured you wouldn't mind going to get it."

"Not at all," Percy could feel some of his nervousness fading and hoped he didn't have a panic attack when he was alone with Anders in the truck. They had been at the farm for three days, and Percy knew Anders would not hurt him, but he was still frightened on several levels thanks to the Slytherin that raped him.

"Here." Anders helped Percy into the truck and hopped in the other side. "I figured we'd go to dinner and then to a movie, and if you wanted to, after that, some of my friends are having a party. We're both invited. Do you want to go, or do you want to do something else? I didn't give them a definite, so its whatever we feel like."

Percy shrugged. "I'm not much of a party animal. . . and I hate it when they get rowdy."

"We aren't rowdy," Anders laughed. "But we don't have to go. If not, we could go to the far field and look at the stars. Fred and George said you like astronomy, and I have my telescope in the back of the truck, if you want to stop there. I just wasn't sure how comfortable you'd be with me, alone, in a remote place."

"I trust you," Percy admitted quietly. "Maybe we could drop into the party, just for a bit, and the go look at the stars?"

"If that's what you'd like to do," Anders agreed, turning towards town. "What kind of food do you like?"

Percy shrugged, and Anders cautiously put an arm around Percy. Percy leaned into the half-embrace, and smiled lightly. "I like just about anything. With all my brothers, its really hard to be picky."

Anders laughed and nodded in agreement. Anders stopped at a hamburger joint that the family liked and Percy went inside, blinking at the choices of food. Nowhere in the wizarding world had he ever seen a place that sold mostly hamburgers, and the place they were now in was clearly filled with muggles, to Percy's surprise.

"This isn't an all magical community," Anders' breath was hot in his ear, and Percy shivered, but nodded in understanding. Both men ordered and went to sit down with their food, Percy happily digging into the food. After supper Anders took him to a movie. Percy grinned and looked at Anders, smiling shyly. They got their popcorn and settled in.

"Romantic comedy," Percy wrinkled his nose. "I've never seen a movie before."

"Really?" Anders blinked.

"We studied them in muggle studies, but the magical community is much further removed than the ones in America." Percy shrugged. "So I've never seen a movie."

"Then I've a lot to educate you on," Anders grinned and waited for the movie to start before leaning close to Percy. No one could see them in the darkened theater, and Anders rubbed their noses together. "Most kids would rather make out than watch the movie."

Percy caught his breath, but Anders back away. "I told you, Percy, I won't do anything you don't want me too." Percy turned back to the movie, but curled up under Anders arm. Anders looked over, his eyes meeting Percy's. Percy smiled and pulled Anders closer, just barely brushing their lips together.

Anders grinned, taking the initive and pressing his mouth to Percy's. Percy melted into Anders' embrace, opening his mouth to Anders' ministrations. Their tongues warred, and Percy pressed closer. Anders shifted his hold, pulling Percy to him and tilting his head back to deepen their kiss even further.

Whore

Percy stiffened. Anders didn't notice immediately.

Bitch

Percy's hands pressed against Anders' chest, and the other immediately stopped their kiss, content on cuddling Percy.

Slut

"Percy?" Anders voice made him gasp and remember where he was. "Are you all right?"

Percy concentrated on his breathing and nodded. "I think so."

Anders smiled. "I'm sorry. I should have thought you'd have flashbacks."

"It's okay," Percy offered. "I didn't even think--"

"I know." Anders sighed. "Lets just enjoy the movie for now, hm?"

"Okay." Percy replied, and cuddled up to Anders, reminding himself that Anders was not that Slytherin that raped him, and that Anders wouldn't hurt him. They watched the movie, content to stay in each other's arms, and Anders led Percy out of the theater, smiling.

"Do you still want to go to the party?" Anders asked softly, and Percy shook his head wildly. Anders nodded, helping Percy into the truck and driving back towards the farm. Percy was slowly relaxing, constantly reminding himself that Anders was safe and wouldn't harm him. Stopping the truck in one of the back fields, Anders motioned for Percy to jump out and grabbed the telescope. It was more powerful that the ones Percy used, and the man stared in awe.

"I got it for my birthday," Anders explained, patting the telescope. "I love astronomy, too, and my parents felt I would put it to good use." He had been saving up to buy it himself, and was very surprised when his parents bought it for him.

Percy stepped up to it slowly, glancing nervously at Anders. Looking through it, he blinked in awe. "Everything is so clear and beautiful."

Anders grinned and wrapped his arms around Percy's waist, nodding. "I know. I love my telescope."

"My family could never aff--" Percy cut himself off, blushing hotly, then continuing on with renewed determination. "We could never afford this. We're not very well off."

"We get by," Anders admitted. "But I wouldn't call us rich. A lot of what we have we have because we use it on the farm. Like my truck. Most kids get cars, but I got a truck because we needed it for hauling things, checking fences, and other stuff."

"Ah." Percy nodded. "We just. . . don't have much. Sometimes it's frustrating, especially when the older kids get something new and you don't, or when you manage to get something new and the others are all jealous. Mom got me a bunch of new stuff for being made a prefect and all my siblings were jealous. I wish she hadn't of bought it all."

"They'll get theirs eventually," Anders shrugged. "We had some of that, too. It was frustrating, but there's a lot of distractions on the farm. We've always shared a lot too."

"I don't get on well with my other siblings," Percy admitted. "I'm. . . well, a bit of a mother's boy, really, and I follow rules. They're more interested in mischief. I was a great target, even if I did tattle."

Anders nodded and rested his head on Percy's shoulder. "We had all our cousins, so we all had someone kind of like us. Similar interests or whatever, so none of us when to our parents for anything we could get our own revenge on."

"Oh." Percy sighed. Anders probably hated him for admitting that, but the warm arms around his waist didn't move.

"But I can see why you would. Sounds like your family didn't like you much."

"I was the different one. The odd man out. Too young to be one of the oldest, to old to be of the younger group. Just somewhere lost in the middle." Percy shrugged.

Anders spun him, kissing him soundly. "Well, you're not lost anymore."

Percy blinked up at him and nodded, allowing Anders to wrap his arms around Percy's waist and kiss him deeply. Percy was relived that there were no flashbacks, and allowed Anders to lift him and lay him gently in the truck bed. Anders was powerful from years of lifting haybales and doing other chores around the farm. It was a power that made Percy's breath catch in his throat when he saw the other young man showing it off.

Anders leaned down to kiss Percy, pressing them together. Percy felt himself moan and heard Anders make a similar noise, their breaths mingling together, holding onto each other as their tongues warred, the sensuous feelings over taking them both. Anders' hands drifted under Percy's shirt, ghosting up his back, and Percy arched into the touch, rubbing them together. Anders gasped and began to suckle Percy's throat as his hands drifted to the button's on the other's shirt.

Percy started to nibble on Anders' ear, whimpering as the other's hands traced designs on his now bare back, leaving fiery trails on his skin. sliding his hands under Anders' shirt, Percy lifted, peeling it from the other's body. Anders shifted to allow it, breaking away from their kiss only for the briefest of moments. Percy drank in the sight of the shirtless Anders and felt vaguely embarrassed of his own body. Anders assured him he was beautiful and continued with his ministrations.

"Do you want this?" Anders asked.

"Yes," Percy breathed. "More than anything."

Because it was true. Percy did.
oOooOo

It was early, early morning when Percy woke, stiffening. Anders smiled, pulling him closer and pressing a kiss to his forehead. "It's okay," Anders soothed. "My parents are well aware of where we are and they don't even expect me home tonight." Their bare legs were twisted together, and Percy felt himself blushing.

"Do they think I'm that much of a whore?" Percy's voice was heart broken.

"No. I told them we'd be looking through my telescope, and while they might wonder, and they might ask tomorrow, they knew we're out here and weren't sure when we'd be back." Anders sighed. "We're grown men, Percy. We can make our own decisions. My parents trust me to be careful. Don't worry. They said they'd tell Chara, and that your parents would know nothing you didn't tell them."

"What am I going to tell them?" Percy's voice was soft. "What am I, anyway? Your slut? Or your whore, perhaps? I'm too ugly to be anything more than that."

"Percy," Anders held the man close. "You are beautiful. Please don't ever think otherwise. You are the loveliest person I've ever met. Your body, your heart. Don't put yourself down so much."

Percy looked away from Anders, not wanted to believe it. "You've claimed me," Percy said softly, not looking up. "So what are you going to do with me?"

"Claimed you?" Anders felt his blood run cold. "I didn't 'claim' you, Percy. You still belong to no one but yourself! I consider you my lover, but what do you consider me?"

"Me?" Percy blinked. "You are. . . everything."

Anders raised an eyebrow, and Percy hurried to explain. "I would never have. . . done this. . . usually," He admitted. "I don't sleep around. I. . . but I love you. And I wanted to be yours. I knew you'd probably let me go as soon as you could, so I wanted this one memory. But I love you."

"Percy," Anders stroked the smaller's cheek. "I don't ever want to let you go. I've known you four days, but that doesn't matter. We've been just exploring each other. This is, I think, the most physical we have been at all. Most of our kisses haven't even been long. And we could make this work. I want no one else."

"We're young. What if you change your mind?"

"I won't," Anders answered. "I know I won't. Because I don't want to change my mind."

"You won't leave me?"

"No." Anders murmured. "Hell, if it makes you feel better, we can be Joined tomorrow and then I will never be able to leave you."

"What if you want to?"

"I won't." Anders sounded so sure of himself. Percy clung to that, and to Anders. He needed this. Needed Anders.

"I'll settle for a ring." Percy smiled. "We can plan a joining later. Let's just have a little time."

"As long as you trust that I love you," Anders agreed. "Because I do. I do love you. I don't care that I have known you for so little a time, I believe in soul mates, and I believe you're mine. We temper each other."

Percy nodded. He didn't believe in soul mates, but he had gotten to know Anders to well after spending four days almost just with him. But it was still only four days. He had to be mad. But if Anders was up for it, why couldn't he be? And maybe, sometime later, they would change their minds. But for now, all Percy wanted was this.
oOooOo

It was hard to return to the farm in the wee hours of the morning. Percy was afraid that everyone would see and accuse him of being a slut, no matter that Anders said he wasn't one. Percy didn't have high self esteem, and he wanted to belong so badly that it made his heart ache. That might have been part of the reason he let Anders take him. He wanted to belong so badly, that he was willing to give himself away for it. But he truly did love Anders, and that had been the final part of his decisions. And that, in the end, was all that mattered.

"No one will condemn you," Anders soothed, leading Percy up stairs to his room and passing him some sleeping clothes. "You can just sleep with me tonight. No one will care. Harry sleeps with Phyrrus all the time."

"Do you think they've--"

"No. Chara wouldn't let them. They aren't ready, or old enough, to deal with the consequences should something happen. But you and I are." Anders pressed a kiss to his lover's lips. "Come on. I'm tired. Luckily one of my brothers offered to take my chores, so I don't have to worry over them and we can sleep in."

Anders held the covers up invitingly, and Percy climbed in bed, snuggling into Anders. They fit together perfectly, and Percy never wanted to move. Suddenly, he had a terrible thought. "Wouldn't River and Rayne felt that?"

"Hm? No, we were a bit far out. They can't feel everyone all over the world, just about half a mile. And we were definitely further than a half a mile away. Trust me." Anders laughed, rubbing their cold noses together, and snuggled closer to Percy. "Don't worry. I've been around those two since they were born, and we are all fully well aware of their range. I knew you'd hate them knowing, so I made sure we were out of range, just in case."

"You thought that would happen?" Percy wasn't sure if he was angry or upset when Anders laughed.

"I thought we'd make out. I didn't expect. . . that." Anders confessed. "But I'm glad it happened. Now, lover, go to sleep."

Lover. The words fell off Anders tongue so easily. Percy smiled. He liked being called that. Burrowing into Anders chest, Percy fell asleep, still smiling.
oOooOo

Leon yawned and curled around Severus, resting his cheek against Severus' black curls. "What do you think of Anders and Percy?" Leon asked, half asleep.

"They're interesting," Severus admitted, curling closer to his lover. They were twisted together, but fully clothed, intent on cuddling rather than anything more. "But I think they're good for each other."

"Do you believe in soul mates?" Leon asked, and Severus offered him a Look. "Right, stupid question." Leon laughed. Severus did not believe in love at first sight like a lot of blathering idiots were led to believe existed, but Soul Mates were different than that. Soul Mates could, and often did, develop over time. The muggle definition of a Soul Mate, and the wizarding definition of one were very different.

Phyrrus and Harry were wizarding soul mates. They didn't start out that way, but they got along so well that their magic started to mingle. If Anders and Percy perused their relationship, it was likely the same thing would occur, as it would, and as it was, doing with he and Leon. The death of a soul mate was very difficult, as Chara could attest too, but possible to survive. The depletion in magic would work with depression to make many suicidal, and without support, they were easily lost.

Muggle soul mates were foolishness. There was no such thing as love at first sight, and the attraction many mistook it for was simply lust. Severus hardly believed in that type of soul mate, although he did, occasionally, wonder with him and Leon. But there were people that simply complimented each other like that. It did happen. That didn't make them soul mates. They still had to compromise sometimes, and work together, and live together. It made them compatible, but not soul mates.

"Don't ask me stupid questions, Leon," Severus snorted, and Leon shrugged.

"I had to ask. Because Anders does."

"Which type?"

"Both," Leon frowned. "He might have been acting on that when it came to Percy."

"But Percy would not be so foolish," Severus pointed out. "The two compliment, I will offer that, but they are not muggle soul mates, Leon. Surely you recognize that."

Leon shrugged to Severus' reply, and settled back, thinking about the two boys that had gone off for the night. He had a feeling that if they did actually make it home, it would be a lot differently than when they left. Anders was rational with everything but his love. If he thought he loved Percy, they might do something regrettably. But Anders was also responsible, and recognized people for who they were. He was almost as good as Leon about reading people, and sometime Leon wondered if Anders had empathy, like the little twins. Sighing, Leon turned to Severus snuggling closer to him and putting the matter from his mind. There would be time enough later to deal with it.
oOooOo

Phyrrus glanced at Harry, sleeping peacefully next to him, head pillowed on Phyrrus' chest. Smiling at the smaller, he turned his head to where Cyrrus was sleeping. Indigo eyes glinted in the blackness, letting Phyrrus know his cousin was still awake. "Do you think they'll make it home tonight, Phy?" Cyrrus asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Tonight? I don't know." Phyrrus frowned. "Percy isn't likely to allow Anders to go too far, he's not like that, I think."

"I think he is." Cyrrus murmured softly, a frown marring his features. Phyrrus could barely make it out in the dark.

"How do you suppose?" Phyrrus raised an eyebrow.

"Think about it for a moment, Phy. What does Percy want more than anything?"

"Recognition. But what does that have to do with him and Anders, Cye?"

Cyrrus rolled his eyes. "Anders is looking at Percy because he loves Percy. He paretically worships Percy. Percy has gained recognition in someone, something he desperately desires. And Anders wants Percy. He thinks Percy's the greatest thing since sliced bread, Phy. Why would Percy stop Anders from taking him, if he wants the recognition as a man that Anders would offer?"

Phyrrus tilted his head, considering. "But he's such a prude."

"So you think," Cyrrus pointed out. "But he's only ever had girlfriends before, and maybe wasn't all that attracted to them? They were there to make him look good, yeah?"

"Maybe. But he's still a prude."

"Anders gets past that. I don't understand those two, but Anders and Percy manage to get under each others skin like nothing else. They're already telling each other things they don't tell other people. I can see it in their eyes, with their inside jokes."

"Cye, it's been four days since they met."

"So? Other people don't wait that long, and they are grown men. No one here would stop them."

Cyrrus had a point. Phyrrus sighed and shook his head, re-considering his assessment of Percy. Maybe there was something more to it.
oOooOo

Percy whimpered as he woke, eyes fluttering open as he remember the might before, and how gentle Anders had been with him. Nothing like the Slytherin. Not at all. Anders was there when his eyes opened, and Percy smiled. "How long have you been awake?"

"I don't know," Anders murmured. "I've been watching you. You're so peaceful when you sleep."

"How will you claim me, today?" Percy asked softly, not wanting to get up just yet. "How do you want me known?"

"Well, I would assume you're at least my boyfriend," Anders smiled, his eyes crinkling happily. "Though I will happily claim you as my lover, if you have no objections. No one will think twice of it here. Like I said last night, we're both grown men and can make our own decisions. But I will only do that if you want me too, since you do have family here."

Percy nodded, biting his lip and considering the offer. "I'd like to be called your lover," Percy admitted. "If I may call you mine."

"That's what I am, Percy. We're equals, neither over the other." Anders pressed a kiss to his forehead. "If that is what you want."

"Very much," Percy agreed. Anders grinned and rolled over on top of the other.

"Well," Anders raised an eyebrow. "We don't have to be up, yet, and I can think of ways to put this morning to good use. Lover."

Percy shivered in pleasure. "Well, let's see it, then." He murmured huskily, and Anders gladly obeyed.
oOooOo

Anders did have to work, but they'd manage to sleep for at least a little bit before Anders had to get up. They showered--separately for the sake of time--and Anders dashed out of the house, blowing a kiss at Percy as he left. Percy smiled, a lopsided grin that lit up his entire face, and Sirius raised an eyebrow as he and Remus wandered by.

"Someone got laid," He commented, and Percy could feel his ears burning. The ex-convict laughed and waved a hand. "Come on, Percy. Walk with us."

Left with little choice, Percy fell into step with Sirius and Remus. "There's nothing to be ashamed of," Remus added, smiling lightly. "You're both grown men."

"That's what Anders said," Percy laughed outright, and Sirius knuckled his head. "I'm just scared what Mum will think."

"You mother might be an issue," Remus admitted, wrinkling his nose. "She is a bit protective of you."

"A bit." Percy muttered, clearly thinking that was an understatement. "But what do you think of it?"

"Do our opinions matter?" Sirius grinned. "You and he are the ones in the relationship."

"I just. . . wondered." Percy wrung his hands. "People were always making fun of me before. I'm afraid that it will happen again."

"Percy," Remus reached up to place a gentle hand on Percy's shoulder. "You are your own person. You should be making your own decisions about life. Truthfully, I think you two are a good match. Grandma Lugovalos agreed."

"Does everyone know about this?" Percy cried, his ears even brighter.

"I think the Lugovaloses have a sixth sense, truthfully." Sirius laughed. "Remus and I--"

"Don't scar him like that, Sirius!" Remus scolded. "Honestly. But a lot of the Lugovaloses do. River and Rayne were clueless, until Chara--she was on firecall--Phyrrus, and Cyrrus opened their mouths. But they haven't told any of your siblings or Hermione. Harry knows because Phyrrus told him, but it's Harry and he couldn't care less. He likes Anders and said something about getting the stick out of your arse?"

Percy laughed and Sirius grinned mischievously. "Personally, I think it's shoved up there further to give you pleasure every time you--"

"Sirius!" Remus slapped his mate as hard as he dared, werewolf strength made him considerably stronger than most wizards so he didn't dare use his full strength, but Sirius moaned in pain.

"Damn, Remmy, warn a guy," Sirius moaned, and Percy laughed harder. "He's so mean."

"Yet you mated me anyway," Remus' wolf-gold eyes were glittering in amusement, and Sirius muttered something Percy didn't catch, but it made Remus slap him again, so Percy was sure he didn't want to know.

"Anyway," Remus glared at Sirius. "What do you think of Anders?"

"I love him." Percy murmured, ears pinked. "Really. I'm glad everything happened. I just. . . I don't know. I haven't known him very long, and it feels like I'm jumping into this."

"That would be because you are." Remus laughed. "You're so used to following rules and taking a long time to decide things that when you suddenly decide to jump in feet first, you get scared afterwards. But Anders is good for you. Don't think about it that way. Think about how well you already know him. He loves your company, I know that for sure, and I'm fairly sure he loves you. He gives you these. . . looks. Like he's wishing it was just the two of you."

"Well, when that happens I can think of what he'd like to do," Percy replied, then slapped his hands over his mouth. "I can't believe I just said that. I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

"We might not be as young as you," Remus pointed out, grinning, "but we aren't exactly old either. Don't worry. Sirius is even lewder three quarters of the time."

Sirius pouted, but nodded in agreement. Percy grinned at them both. "I'm really glad you don't think I'm stupid for doing this."

"Percy, there are many things you are not, and stupid is one of those things." Sirius paused, double checking that everything sounded all right, then nodded resolutely. "Stop worrying so much. If your so scared about what your mother will think, then tell her and run away. It worked for me."

"Because you ran to James'," Remus pointed out. "If you had stayed home it wouldn't have worked so well."

"Yeah, but Percy is in America. I do recommend that Anders be with you when you tell her, though," Sirius nodded. "It's nice to have a support system. I didn't take Remus because. . . my mother was a bitch and I didn't want to put him through that. Your mum is a good woman. It'll just take her time to get used to it."

"Get used to it," Percy muttered, shaking his head. "I'll remember that."

"Good boy," Sirius grinned. "She's calling tonight, Chara said."

"Then I'll tell her then." Percy murmured, waving at them as he walked off on his own. He just hoped it went all right.
oOooOo