Insane House Competition: OliverPercy

365: "Do you ever think we should stop doing this?"

Stickers Challenge, barrels: Write about a secret

Word Count: 351

If he's honest, Percy both loves and hates these moments with Oliver.

There's something about the other boy that brings him peace. The way Oliver's calloused fingers brush gently over Percy's bare chest causes his stomach to erupt in a flurry of a thousand butterflies. His soft lips against Percy's neck sends shivers down his spine. It's the first time anyone has ever made him feel so wanted.

But it feels so wrong. They can only love each other in the dark, when prying eyes cannot find them. They have to be careful with this secret. Most people won't care, of course, but now that Oliver is a famous Quidditch player, secrets keep his reputation safe. As long as they're quiet and hidden, no newspaper will flood the world with scandalous headlines.

"Do you ever think we should stop doing this?" Percy murmurs, his fingers brushing through Oliver's fair hair.

"Why?"

A million reasons rush through Percy's mind, but the words seem to stick in his throat. He opens his mouth, but his voice fails him.

Oliver pulls away, his lips drawn into a thin line. "Perce?" His fingers graze the redhead's freckled cheek. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"I love you."

Oliver's brows raise. "Not the answer I expected, but I love you too."

His words do not calm the storm that wages on in Percy's head and heart. Love should be enough. He's spent so long trying to cling to it, trying to pretend that it can get them through anything. Now, he isn't so sure.

His mouth suddenly feels dry. Percy swallows repeatedly, his heart fluttering. "But I can only love you in secret." His voice is soft, trembling. "And it hurts."

Oliver's expression softens, and he pulls Percy close. The moment his lips brush Percy's neck, Percy feels the world melt away. "We don't have to hide," Oliver tells him. "If you're ready, we can show the world."

"What about the newspaper?"

Oliver tucks his fingers under Percy's chin, forcing Percy to meet his gaze. "Let them talk. It doesn't matter, as long as I have you."