Hey! Thank you so much for waiting! Yeah, I know I've been slow as shit but anyway, here's a chapter to make up for it. What to expect: Cedric begins to get between Colin and Cormac, Colin finally puts his foot down and heh heh...well, if you want the good stuff you need to read it to the end. (And it's rated M!) ;) Enjoy! Oh, and you notice here there is a slight timeskip, which makes it now February. There will be another one in the next chapter or so...which will make it springtime. Just thought I'd tell you.

Warning: There will be mention of a near sexual assault brought up by Colin, but it's not descriptive. Still, if is a trigger for any of you, I do apologize.

Chapter Ten-Their First Time

Minutes 'til noon, February 13...Saoirse's Sweet Nothings.

"One more rose here, another sprig of baby's breath there and this bouquet is complete." Colin sighed happily, rearranging the last two additions to a final vase for Valentine's Day. His mother wanted to bring a little atmosphere to the bakery. Looking around at a vase in each corner plus the two on the countertop, and the red/pink/white decorations on the windows and walls, Colin could say she got her wish.

Gazing fondly at the scarlet blooms, Colin deeply inhaled the aroma. He immediately thought of Rosethorn Manor and Cormac. Tomorrow is going to be their first Valentine's Day as a couple and he wanted it to be perfect. He already had an idea or two in mind but hadn't settled on just one for the occasion.

'A few roses would probably be a nice start, plus some freshly made chocolates. What's Valentine's Day without chocolate? Wait...does Cormac have anything planned in advance? Should I ask? No..no..if it's meant to be a surprise, I can't ruin it.' He drummed his fingers across the sides of the glass vase, then looked at the clock, listening to the door open and close.

The scent of a familiar pretentious cologne wafted lazily across his nostrils. 'The clock strikes noon. Here you are again, Cedric. Goddamn it.' Colin thought disdainfully as Cedric sauntered through the front door.

Over the past few weeks, he's been simmering on the notion that Colin and Cormac were together. He knew that something had to be done about it but first, he wanted to hear the truth from him and then go from there. Of course, a lingering hope poked Cedric to attempt asking him out once more. He didn't ignore it. Figuring he might as well make small-talk and give the prospect of a date another shot, Cedric greeted him. ''Hello, darling."

"Hi..." Colin responded, taking his spot back behind the counter, trying not to make eye contact.

Cedric leaned upon the glass and grinned. "Wonderful to see you. How are you?"

Colin shrugged. "I'm fine, I guess."

"Good, good. Tomorrow's Valentine's Day, you know."

"I've seen the calendar."

"So..."

Colin let out an exasperated breath. "All right, Cedric. Is there anything I can do for you today because I'm kinda busy."

A slow, sly smirk emerged. ''Hear me out. I may have come on too strong when I extended my invitation in December and I apparently upset you, so I'm trying to make up for it."

Colin raised an eyebrow. ''Make up for it?"

"Yes. I do give my sincerest apologies about last time and I was hoping I could treat you to a little something. A candlelit dinner perhaps at my place? Or a moonlit stroll along the pond? Whatever you want."

It was Colin's turn to give a small smirk. Why not play his game too? "That sounds lovely but what makes you so sure I don't have any plans?"

Cedric shook his head, allowing a slight chuckle to exit his lips. "Colin, sweetie, let's be real here. You don't have a date and no one's ever seen you with one. Before you interrupt, outings with your friends don't count. So, why not take me out for a spin? I promise you won't regret it. It'll only get better from there, you'll see."

From underneath the counter, Colin's knuckles were white from clenching his fist so tightly. He was sick and tired of listening to the patronizing bullshit spewing from this man's mouth, he was finally at his breaking point. What is Cedric's deal? How is it possible for this guy to get as many dates talking to people the way he does? Does he REALLY think this will make Colin date him? Unfortunately for Cedric, he is sorely mistaken.

Remembering not to make a scene in his mother's store, Colin drew in a sharp breath and returned in a clipped tone. "Ok, I've had it. Cedric, for your information I do have plans and they are not with you nor will they ever be in the distant future. I am not interested in dating you, I'm sorry. I'm just not into guys of your type."

Cedric donned a calm mask. He drew his hands into his pockets and licked his bottom lip thoughtfully. "And what is your type?"

Colin wondered why the hell they were still having this damn conversation. But if it would help him get it through his thick skull easier, he decided to respond, wiping down the counter as he went. ''The kind that is actually sincere, kind, honest and talks to me like I'm a person, not a fucking piece of meat...someone who has real depth."

Slate-gray orbs followed every step. "Someone like McLaggen?"

The blonde stilled immediately, resting his hand atop the cloth. Shocked wasn't the word to describe how he felt right now. ''W-What?" 'How did he-?'

Stifling a snarl, Cedric continued. "Cormac McLaggen. He's the one you've been seeing. Since Christmas, I speculate." He crept closer, menacingly, locking his eyes with Creevey's. "Don't try denying it. I know." Colin glanced at the ring on his right hand and clenched it. "That's right, Colin. You know, it wasn't really hard to figure it all out. First clue was Finnigan's crest. He's the only one besides Thomas who would actually associate with McLaggen. Then comes the signet ring, believe me, I've been around him long enough to know where that gold band style comes from. And lastly was the dreamy look you'd have in your eyes every time I saw you, which unfortunately becomes nonexistent when I come around. It didn't take long for me to put two and two together. And now, what I want to know is why. Why do you insist on staying with that creature when you have something perfect and normal right here in front of you?"

Colin's temper was rising fast. ''Oh, please. You are far from perfect and you know it. If you believe that rubbish then you have some serious fucking grandeur issues. And where the hell do you get off in calling Cormac a creature?! There is nothing wrong with him!"

Cedric rolled his eyes. "How are you so blind, Colin? Look at him, he's hideous!"

"He's not hideous and so what if he doesn't look like you or anyone else you hang with? Outer beauty does not make a person who they are, their personality and their actions do. Cormac may not be perfect but he is what I want and as far as I'm concerned, you and your pathetic, shallow and self-centered followers are the ones who are really ugly."

Cedric stared at him, slack-jawed. Colin called him ugly. HIM?! 'Ugly'?! He had never in all his years been called that cursed word and to hear it from his love-interest was indeed a devastating blow. His cheeks burned with anger and if he wanted to be totally honest, hurt. Swallowing hard, he whispered. "Is that really what you think of me?"

"Yes." Colin said with finality. "And if you would be so kind, I want you to leave."

Cedric straightened out his jacket, standing tall. "Very well then." He turned and proceeded to leave the bakery but just before he left, he faced him. "Alright, so you chose McLaggen over me. Fine, but I think you've made a big mistake. Goodbye, Colin."

The door slams and Colin exhales. He slumps down into a chair behind the counter and rubs his face. 'Oh my god.' He had never thought it would come to that, no matter how many times he pictured Cedric leaving him alone for good. No doubt he was happy, nevertheless, Cedric's final words stuck around. ' ''I think you've made a big mistake.'' '

It wasn't the words themselves but how Cedric said them, they indicated to Colin that somehow, some way, there was going to be backlash. Sure, he may be overreacting just a tad, still, it was a feeling. Slight yet there, nagging away at him.

"Colin, sweetie? Is everythin' ok in there? I heard the door slam." Saoirse stepped out of the kitchen and sat beside him.

"It's fine, Mum. Just the wind." She gave him a nod, the classic 'I-hear-you-but-I-don't-totally-believe-you' all-knowing mother's nod and decide to leave it alone.

"All right, well, it's time for lunch. Daisy's got the counter. You need to eat."

Valentine's Day late afternoon, Rosethorn Manor...

'Roses, check. Chocolates, check. Special winter quilt that I strangely still had time to make in the midst of all this even with magic, check. My sanity as a whole, check.' Colin inwardly muttered to himself as he stood looking upon the giant red oak doors. This was it. His first Valentine's Day with Cormac. May Eros smile upon him, or so he prayed. Opening the door, Colin was greeted with a hug and a spontaneous kiss on the cheek.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" It was Seamus wearing a pink headband with two springy red hearts positioned on top. Meh, if he was grinning like a loon, he might as well look the part, too.

"Same to you, mate. Uh, what's with the headgear?" Colin queried, poking at one of the hearts.

"I wanted to get festive. Be glad I didn't decide to wear cupid wings along with it."

"If you did, then there would be no sex for you." Dean twittered smoothly, entering the room. Seamus appeared frightened at the very mere threat of potential blue balls.

"You're so mean sometimes."

"You love me anyway."

Colin grinned. "Ok, so where's Cormac? I uh..got these for him." He held out his gifts.

"Ohhh.." Dean smiled. "He's upstairs waiting for you."

Seamus chirped, nudging him. "Oh yeah, he's got a wonderful evenin' planned for the two o' ya."

"Shut up, Shay. It's supposed to be a surprise."

"Well, he could pretty much guess Cormac would do somethin' for him anyway!" Leaving them to bicker and tend to their own Valentine's Day plans, Colin headed upstairs.

"Cormac? I'm here." he turned a handle and walked in.

"Colin! Hi.." he smiled, fiddling with the last of the place setting on a dining table in the middle of his room. The table was dressed in pure white linen, lit candles, fine china, wine glasses and silverware. Also, a few rose petals were scattered about as an extra fine touch. Apparently, Cormac went to great lengths to make sure the set-up looked nice, which he appreciated.

"Um, Happy Valentine's Day. Babble will be bringing our dinner shortly. And..." he reached for a bundle wrapped in silver and red ribbon. "...these are for you." He extended to Colin a large bouquet of red roses, allowing himself to grin while Colin lit up.

"Oh, Cormac, these are beautiful. Thank you." He gave him a kiss before holding out his own presents. "I've gotten you a few things too."

Cormac's eyes widened in surprise and glowed with warmth as he received the small bunch of roses, chocolate and the winter quilt. "I dunno what to say. They're, they're lovely. You uh...brought some of your mum's chocolates?"

Colin blushed. "Yeah but I won't take all the credit. Mum still made most of them. I only made a few...I haven't exactly mastered the art of chocolate-crafting yet. I'm better with cakes and pastries."

Cormac shot him another crooked grin. "That's ok. I'll still love them anyway. And you made a quilt?"

Colin blushed again. "Yeah, I dabble in it from time to time. Again, I won't take all credit. It's mostly made by sewing spells."

"I'm sure it'll keep me just as warm."

"Master Cormac, dinner is here." Babble announced as he 'popped' in, pushing a tray of steaming, delicious gourmet food. "Thank you, Babble. Well, Colin...shall we?"

"Sure."

"This has been the most wonderful Valentine's Day I have ever had. I can't thank you enough." Colin smiled as he kissed Cormac for like, the millionth time that night. Cormac had planned dinner, dessert, a walk around the courtyard under a starlit sky and to top it all off, a small piano performance just for Colin. He happened to mention he took lessons growing up and Colin expressed wanting to hear him play at some point in time. Tonight couldn't have been a better moment. Right now, they were lounging on Cormac's bed, chatting while watching the fireplace crackle.

"Mine too, Col. I'm glad I could do this, it's been so long. Well, maybe not all that long."

Colin drew the blanket up closer, gazing at him fondly. "You're really sweet, you know. It's a shame not really anyone else can witness it."

Cormac shrugged. "It's really a matter of whether or not they want to and I don't see that happening."

"Then they're the ones missing out. It's their loss."

"Now look who's being sweet." Cormac kissed the top of his head. The master drew back and pondered for a moment, looking over Colin's soft expression.

"Hey, I hope I'm not bringing down the mood but I've been curious."

"About what?"

"About why you moved here. The last place you lived couldn't have been that bad and you've never let us in on the reason."

Colin sighed, rubbing his knees. He knew he would have had to tell him someday, he just didn't plan on when exactly.

"Well, remember when we first kissed I told you I didn't have much experience with kissing?"

"Yes."

"Ok. Before I moved to Phoenixfeather, I used to live in Emerald Glen which is kinda far from here. And there I met this guy named Kaiser Urquhart, who was an admirer." Cormac listened intently, having an inkling about what happened and not liking the sound of it. "Uh huh.."

"I was fourteen at the time, going on fifteen. He was older, almost seventeen and a socialite like the ones here. Anyway, we met and he seemed so sweet. One day, he changed. Kaiser fucking-..." he closed his eyes, straining to finish his explanation, like reopening an old wound. "Kaiser went too fucking far. We were hanging out alone one day at his place and he caught me off guard. The kiss was rough, had too much bite and was too quick. To my absolute surprise, he wanted to take it further...I didn't. The arsehole didn't understand 'no' and we fought once after he ripped my shirt and tried forcing me. So, yeah...I had an admirer, almost got raped, parents found out, a bunch of shit got started and we moved here." Colin finished with a sarcastic smile, averting his eyes to the duvet.

Cormac instantly pulled him close and held him. "I'm so sorry."

"I-I know and it's ok."

"Colin, no. It's not ok. What he tried to do was unforgivable." Even before his affliction, Cormac never resorted to sexual assault. He found it deplorable and something he would absolutely never do to anyone. If he wanted sex, he got it from a willing participant and they each were definitely willing.

Colin rested his head in the crook of Cormac's neck. "Oh, I know that. I'll never forgive him for it, either." He continued. "When I moved here, I thought this place would have been a chance to start over and truthfully, it was. I did have my disappointments when I saw a lot of the men here were fucking pigs. I believed that I'd have difficulty finding someone who would be worth it and I did for the longest time. But now.." he faced Cormac. "I don't feel that way anymore. I never would have thought I'd meet that someone yelling at me from the dark during a delivery."

"Or after you tell that someone off and slap him in the face." Cormac added with a laugh.

Colin snickered as he rubbed that cheek gently. "Yeah. Or that." They chuckled a little longer. As Colin laughed, Cormac admired that beautiful face, elated that he's the one who did that. That fateful night on his sixteenth birthday, he assumed he would never make anyone smile that way ever again. And right here, at this moment, here it was- Colin, smiling for him. "I'm glad I have you, Cor."

"Not as I am to have you."

Colin sat silently for a moment and snorted. "You know we sounded so cheesy, right?"

"Yeah, we did, didn't we?"

"I thought it was endearing."

"Me too. Col, I have to be honest as well. I also, you know, believed that no one would ever like me again because I look like.." he gestured his hand up to his face and down his body. " ..like this. It still hurts you know? To look in the mirror and know that this is how I am going to be for the rest of my life." Colin watched him as he darted his eyes from the boxes of shattered glass to the full-length mirror of mostly nothing but blank aged wood and few jagged reflective triangles. "I sit here sometimes, wondering...wondering and hoping that if I go to sleep one night, I'd wake up how I used to be."

"Cormac, your looks aren't important to me, I.." Colin wanted to add but the way he saw Cormac's eyes start to glisten and how his lips trembled, he shut up. Cormac probably needed to vent and had not in forever.

"I-I get it, still..I was a horrible person. You don't know how many times I wish I could go back to that night and change it. What I did, what I said...everything. I-I hate how I look, Colin. I'm never going to be happy with my appearance, ever! I hate my skin, I hate how misshapen I am, I hate how I can't go into public without someone making a spectacle out of it. I hate how I can't go with you outside other than your house! You don't know what it's like to have gone around like me, looking the way I do, having to hide away from the world because I'm a monster, too hideous for them to bear. I-I would give anything t-to be normal again..."

Cormac ended that sentence in tears, tears he had hidden for so long. Even after all this time, despite having found some happiness, his sorrow never fully dissipated.

Reaching over, Colin guided Cormac's face to his. "Listen to me. You are not a monster. Yes, you look different but that doesn't matter to me. It never mattered. What does matter is the person that you are. You're wonderful, sweet, intelligent, honest, amazing. You're not afraid to say how you feel, you're protective of those you love, you have loving parents and friends that care about you and.." He circled his thumbs gently around Cormac's tear-stained cheeks and pressed their foreheads together."...and you have me. You're everything that I have ever wanted, Cormac. Model material or not, I'm here to stay."

Cormac muttered, his voice hoarse and rough. "You don't know how much that means to me, to hear you say that."

Colin answered him with a kiss, soft and gentle, pulling him into a warm and comforting embrace. Cormac reciprocated, wrapping his arms around the shorter blonde and entangling his fingers in his hair.

Deepening the kiss, Colin moved himself higher up into Cormac's lap, tilting his head a little more towards the right. During the movement, Cormac couldn't help but feel extra flustered and feel some of said heat reach his groin. 'Oh no, don't let him notice that, please don't notice. I don't want to ruin the moment.' his mind pleaded as his body betrayed him. Opening his eyes, he saw Colin give him a contemplative look, his face also being a little flushed. He felt it. "Colin, I..umm..''

Colin traced a finger along his lips, whispering softly. "There's no need to apologize."

He did not expect that whatsoever. "But, I...I'm not sure if you...d-do you even?"

"I am and I do. I want to." he responded, running his hands down Cormac's shirt and resting them on his hips. Cormac's skin burned from it, making his breath hitch and his body tingle. He was full-on aching below and craving more. It was no longer a nightly desire he'd have in the privacy of his own room or the shower, it was real and sitting right on him.

He gulped. "Are you completely sure?"

Colin nodded.

"A-Alright..." Wasting no more precious time, they took turns removing each other's clothes and pressed their bodies together, kissing passionately, messily. In the midst of another feverish kiss, Cormac grabbed his wand and cast the necessary incantations. Playfully biting his neck, Colin positioned himself on top and ground his hips slowly, reaching behind him.

Cormac stopped him. "No, let me. You've never done this before." He didn't want Colin to hurt himself. The more experienced man needs to show him how it's done. Colin pouted those kiss-swollen lips and rolled over, letting Cormac take control. Adoring violet eyes appraised the slighter form as he touched him, caressing every dip, curve, and plane of muscle as he worked his way down, taking Colin's leaking member into his mouth. Colin's fingers gripped wheat-toned locks, slightly pulling the master further. Releasing him and leaning upwards, Cormac slid one, two, and finally three fingers inside, carefully pushing and massaging those tight and sensitive muscles. Colin writhed and pushed in return, helping himself open up. He looked gorgeous this way, so much more than anyone who simply rode him or took everything he had. Cormac loved it, loved watching him.

"Oh god, Cormac, please don't keep me waiting.''

"We're getting there, I promise." Cormac gave his plump lips a gentle bite and slicked himself up. "If it hurts too badly at all, tell me and I will stop." With that, he lifted Colin's smooth leg up and over his shoulder and tilted him at an angle. He eased in slowly, being sure to watch Colin's face for any discomfort. Colin hissed and gripped the sheets. "Colin?"

"No, it's going to hurt either way..just go."

Obeying, he pushed all the way in. He waited a minute before he started moving. It had been so long since he had a virgin and since Colin was so damn tight, it felt too amazing and he didn't want to blow before things really got fucking good. Gripping Colin's hips, he sped up. Each thrust made Colin moan and shout, goading Cormac to give it to him longer, faster, and deeper.

"Cormac.."

"Yes?" he breathed.

"Let me on top."

He didn't deny him. Slowing down, Cormac reversed their bodies and Colin maneuvered onto Cormac's cock. He took no time to reach the base, impaling himself quickly and furiously, his thighs burning with every ascent. Cormac held him steady, moving in time with him, trying to ignore the tell-tale signal of his impending orgasm. He wanted to draw this out, to make it last forever but his body would be damned to allow him. Cormac thrust upward two, three times and released, filling Colin to the limit. Cormac grabbed him as he collapsed and cradled him against his muscular chest, kissing his forehead. Moments of silence passed as they laid there. Just two bodies glistening and sated, catching their breath.

Running fingers up his spine, Cormac smiled. "Didn't think we'd last that long."

"Neither did I. I-I thought that I would have, uh, been able to do that with time.''

"Maybe we can do this again sometime soon, build up that endurance and experiment."

Colin grinned tiredly and pushed himself up off Cormac's sticky chest, which he oddly admired for a brief moment. "Give me a few days and I'll be ready. You were fucking amazing. I can see why a lot loved going to bed with you."

The young master smirked, wrapping his arm around Colin's shoulder. "Yeah, well, you're the only one who will be from now on."

Colin liked the sound of that.

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

Colin yawned. "Night, Cor." and snuggled underneath the quilt. Cormac sighed softly. He was happy, finally. Three years of waiting had been long enough. Petting his bedmate, he played with several long golden strands hanging over his eyes. Colin was sleeping soundly, without a care in the world. He knew was going to wake up to this beautiful face tomorrow.

Mulling over it, he realized he wanted to keep waking up to it. He wanted to keep hearing Colin's voice, have Colin hold him, kiss him, be with him. He didn't picture himself with anyone else but this wonderful man. He couldn't, not since the first time they met. Every day they spent together, he felt like he could fly. Cormac's heart became lighter, happier, more content. It was almost like love.

'Love, that's it, isn't it? No wonder I'm so attached to you. In a way, I guess I'm not all that surprised I fell this far. You've treated me like no other, you've given me hope when there was none, and you've comforted me when I needed it the most. You fixed what was broken. I owe you everything. Colin, I...I love you.'

How wonderful, huh? Colin and Cormac finally gave themselves to one another. For those who have read the chapters before this, note that Cormac didn't say he loved him aloud, neither did Colin. So yeah, he's still deformed. This story isn't over yet. Cedric's going to act out further very soon. Evil bastard... XD