Heeeyyy! I'm so glad to update this story...I'm happy to have delivered unto you a first kiss between Percy and Marcus in the previous chapter! Here's more Percy/Marcus goodness! What else can we expect from this chapter? Read to see! :D

Chapter Ten-Percy's Last Warning

Saturday afternoon was a clear, sunny one and everybody was outside, including Percy and Marcus. The redhead was tending to his rosebushes, making a few cuttings to place in his room. Marcus reclined in a lawnchair, eyeing his new boyfriend's delicate, careful movements as he snipped those fragile stems. Currently, the prince wore an unbuttoned white shirt, letting the air cascade over his powerful torso. He wanted to keep cool and plus...give Percy a little something to view. Unluckily, Percy wasn't the only one who got a peek. All the girls were in their bikinis, catching some sun...and leering at Marcus.

"Hey Percy, since you're a big fan of roses, how about I give you some when you sleep over sometime?"

Having finished cutting one last rose, Percy smiled, responding "I'd like that. How about some lemonade? I made it fresh this morning while you were in the shower."

"Sure. I'll be here waiting."

Placing the rose into his basket, Percy headed inside.

Seeing the coast was clear, Ginny wandered over, pulling off her sunglasses and peering down at him through half-lidded eyes. "Enjoying the sun, Marcus?"

"Yep. Just waiting on the lemonade from Percy."

"Oh, ok. How about you come over, talk with us? They'd love your company." she nodded over in her group's direction.

"I'm quite fine where I'm at, thanks." he replied, trying to remain calm.

"Suit yourself." she shrugged and headed back to her posse.

"Ginny, what the hell?" Penelope asked, moving some blonde locks behind her ear.

"Don't worry. If he doesn't come to us, we'll go to him. We'll just say the sun is getting too hot and we'd like a little shade."

"Good. He's hanging around Percy too much, anyway."

While Marcus waited, he closed his eyes. Behind the darkness, he could picture Percy walking over and settling himself in his lap...soaking up the sun as they snogged. Percy gliding his hand across his chest..he running his fingers through Percy's curls. All that faded with the scent of light perfume and sunscreen.

'Back again?' he opened an eye to see himself surrounded. Well, he was exaggerating a bit. Technically, they were in front and to his left. Still, they were too close for comfort.

"Hope you don't mind...the sun was becoming a little overbearing."

'You have the ''overbearing'' part right.'

As soon as Percy returned, he noticed the harpies have migrated near Marcus. Levitating the tray, he headed towards the roses.

"Marcus, sorry I took so long...here." He handed Flint a tall glass of ice cold lemonade, who took it graciously.

"Hm..sweet, refreshing and slightly tangy...just the way I like it."

Percy lightly blushed "I've always made it this way."

"Still, it's perfect."

As they bantered back and forth, Ginny eyed them closely 'Hm...how cute, Percy. And you say I'm obvious..'

Later that evening around dinnertime, Percy was setting the table. Marcus stood right behind him, tilting his head as the curly-top bent over the table, realigning the silverware.

'Such a shapely arse. It's a shame he doesn't show the rest in swimtrunks.' "Mind if I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Why didn't you unbutton your shirt when you went outside? It was quite hot today."

Percy stiffened. 'Why did he have to ask that?'

"Um, well...I use cooling charms instead. I don't want to accidentally cut myself or something when I'm tending to the roses or something else.''

"Oh, well...that's ok. To each their own."

Percy smiled as he finished the table.

'Hopefully one day I can help him get comfortable enough to do so...for me.' Flint mused as he stared after him.

As soon as the table filled, Percy took his seat next to Marcus, Bill on Flint's right side. Tonight they were having steak, one of Flint's favorites. The usual, casual banter went all around. Everyone conversed with one another while Marcus and Percy talked amongst themselves.

Ginny was being rather loud when she spoke "Apparently, there's going to be a ball at Dragonheart Castle on August first. Pansy told me all about it. They've made a guestlist in advance and all of our families are on it."

Percy asked "Is this true, Marcus?"

Flint responded "Yeah, I was meaning to tell you later." 'Stupid bitch had to open her big mouth. Percy doesn't even like going to these things, now I can't even convince him like I hoped.'

Molly clapped her hands together. "Wonderful! Now we'll have to get you another custom-made dress. It simply won't do to buy you one, chances are some strumpet will already be wearing the same ensemble. And I want you to stand out."

While she beamed, Arthur sighed quietly into his meal. "Don't forget I'd like a new set of robes too, Mum." Ron pointed out.

"Of course, dear."

Percy took this time to speak "Why can't you two wear something you haven't worn? As I recall, you still have a gown or dressrobes you haven't opened. There's no need to buy a new one just yet."

Ginny snorted "Well, you're not going, so with the extra money Daddy saves, we can put that towards the important things...like my new gown. I'm thinking about having this one made in France."

"And you will, Ginny. Percy, mind your own business. You never attend any function, so your opinion is not needed." Molly snipped as she drank from her wineglass.

Marcus noticed Percy's irritated frown. Under the table, he took Percy's right hand into his left, gently squeezing it. Percy felt his tender gesture, but kept his expression the same.

Bill caught this motion out the corner of his eye, his lips upturning in a slight smirk as he drank from his glass. 'Knew it.'

Near midnight, Percy and Marcus were wrapping up one of their snogging sessions. This time, they were experimenting with using a little tongue.

Breaking the kiss, Marcus whispered "I'm going to sneak some pumpkin juice. Be right back.." the prince moved off his bed and headed out the door, down the stairs. He crept into the kitchen, pouring himself a glass. As he sipped the delicious, sweet liquid he heard footsteps behind him.

Turning around, he saw that vixen standing in the doorframe. Ginny wore a sheer, ivory nightgown that came mid-thigh, and left almost nothing to the imagination. She flicked her fiery hair over her shoulder, allowing a thin strap to slowly sink down her arm.

Ginny drawled as she approached him "Berries and cream are a far more appropriate late night snack than juice."

"Right. That may be, but I'm not in the mood for those. Maybe some other time. Goodnight. " he finished off his glass and went to step past her.

She cut him off. "It's fine, Marcus. You and I are the only ones up. There's no need to pretend."

"Who's pretending?"

She smiled "You. Honestly, Marcus..there's nothing wrong with being a little shy. I think it's cute."

Marcus scrunched his face "I'm not being shy...I'm.." he didn't finish, seeing as she ran a manicured finger down his tanktop-covered chest. "Ginny..please. It's late and I need some sleep."

"How about a kiss before you go?"

"Uh.."

"How about no?" they snapped their heads around to see a scowling Percy in his nightwear.

"Marcus and I were in the middle of a conversation."

"And he was just leaving."

Marcus took the hint and veered past the glaring Weasleys.

"Why can't you take a hint? Leave him alone."

"Like I said before..I don't think so. I've decided to definitely pursue Marcus and it's only a matter of time before he crumbles." Percy shook his head before he turned away.

"Oh, and I saw your little shyness display in the backyard this afternoon. It's cute that you have a crush on the prince. No wonder you've been so defensive over him. Too bad you'll never give him what a man needs."

That did it. Percy whipped himself back around and hissed with so much venom, the snake in the yard would cower.

"Listen here you spoiled, tawdry little succubus...you are never going to have Marcus today, tomorrow or ever. He has absolutely no interest in dating you. He doesn't even want the company of you or any of your conceited hens. Unless you want him to royally and publicly humiliate you, I suggest you step off. "

With that, he stomped back to his room, being sure to lock and silence everything. Ginny remained in the kitchen, fuming.

'You really had to push my bitch button, didn't you dear Percy? Alright, if it's a fight you want, I'll gladly bring it to you...don't expect to emerge victorious.'

Ouch...meow! lol XD Ginny doesn't know when to back off, does she? Well, it escalates from here. Next chapter-Percy meets Marcus's buddies! Stay tuned! :P