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mini_fest2011-12-15 09:15 pm
mini_fest_mod) wrote in mini_fest2011-12-15 09:15 pm
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Fic: (Not So) Great Gift Ideas for a Man You're Secretly in Love With
Title: (Not So) Great Gift Ideas for a Man You're Secretly in Love With
Author: ???
Rating: R
Characters: Percy/Oliver, background George/Angela (but no het sex! Or even kissing...), background Harry/Charlie
Prompt(s): #140 from 2010
Warnings: Insane amount of fluffy and cheesy cliches!
Summary: Percy has the perfect gift idea for Oliver! And when that doesn't work, he has an idea he's sure won't fail! And when that doesn't work, he has a present that's sure to succeed! And when that doesn't work...
Word Count: 9400
Disclaimer: Not mine, thank you! None of it.
A/N: Thank you so so so much to my beta! You're unwavering support and love for this fic kept it going! You were so helpful when I'd get stuck and you never stopped pointing me in the right direction! And thank you to the lovely mods! I know I'm so late! But thank you for letting me represent Percy and Oliver!
Percy Weasley meticulously checked every line of writing for any spelling mistakes, grammar errors and poor sentence structure before he placed it into the send-off pile. It was a boring and tedious job that paid peanuts but he considered himself rather lucky to still be working for the Ministry after he'd followed Fudge around like a Crup on a leash. Now his job was basically editing all important letters the Office of the Minister sent off but Percy was sure that if he kept his head down and did his job, eventually he might be able to get a promotion, or even a raise. He was saving all his money to be able to move out of Oliver's apartment and maybe even buy himself a new set of robes. He had considered moving in with his family when he had been demoted because they were all on better terms nowadays but thankfully, Oliver had stepped in just in time and offered him a place to stay.
He'd just added another paper to the stack when a tawny owl burst through his office door at high speed. He might have imagined it had come through the window since owls were not allowed in the Ministry but Percy's office didn't have a window; it didn't even have a second chair on the other side of his desk. When he had visitors, they usually stood or sat on the edge of the desk, depending on how familiar they were.
He quickly cast a spell that would protect his perfect piles of paper and set about trying to catch the owl. It was a rambunctious little devil, just like it's owner.
Hey Perce!
Can't make it to lunch today, the team's try-outs are taking longer than expected. I think they are getting worse every year. Anyway, I can't imagine it would be a big deal since you probably would have blown me off again. Perce, no matter how many commas you move around, the Ministry is still going to sound like a bunch of stuffed robes. You need to let it go and have a pint with me. I know I'm about to lose you any second and you are probably mentally correcting this message so I'll just let you know that George firecalled me asking for you and said he had big news. You might want to get over there and find out whats up. I'll see you tonight and you can fill me in.
Oliver
Percy smiled at the letter. It was true, he was mentally correcting it. It was funny to him sometimes, how well Oliver knew him. No one would have ever thought when they were first years that the boys would be the best of friends, as they are, what with being complete opposites, but that was just it. Oliver sort of...completed Percy, as ridiculous as that sounded. He forced Percy to get out and have some fun while Percy nagged Oliver to clean up his room. Percy tended to clean up everywhere else. He knew it pleased Oliver because he his lips curved up before he turned away and muttered about how picky Percy was and if he was honest with himself, Percy actually enjoyed cleaning Oliver's home.
Of course that might have something to do with being in love with the man.
Lately Percy had been considering telling Oliver about his feelings. He knew they'd be perfect together, since they already were such great friends. They even acted like a couple sometimes, going out to dinner together or finishing each other's sentences in front of their friends. Oliver was the first one to make Percy laugh after Fred died and he'd been there every time Percy woke up screaming with nightmares.
But while Oliver was his best friend, he was also the star of Puddlemere United, and beloved by fans everywhere. And Percy sat in a windowless office magically pushing periods around on a page.
♥!PWOW!♥
Percy charmed the snow off the toes of his boots as he entered his brother's shop. It was still open, the hours changed for the holidays, as everyone was busy buying Weasley products for Christmas gifts. He moved around a group of girls looking at bottles featuring models whose hair changed from orange to fuscia to navy blue with stars and headed towards the back of the store. He knew George would be in the workshop, fine-tuning some new ideas for the holiday rush.
"George?"
"In here."
His brother was pouring over books piled high on his work bench. Percy was a little taken back as the sight almost looked like George was studying, something Percy was quite sure he'd never seen the twins do.
"What are you doing?"
"Trying to come up with the perfect surprise for Angelina."
"Angelina Johnson?" Of course if would be Angelina Johnson. She had been dating George a little over a year and a half, after enough time had past for the two of them to grieve and then find comfort with each other. "What kind of surprise?"
George looked up with a familiar mischievous grin and beckoned Percy forward. "I have something to tell you."
Percy's eyebrows went up at George's tone. "I heard."
"I'm going to ask Angelina to marry me."
"What?" Percy blinked.
George's grin grew. "I'm planning a Christmas surprise for her. I have ideas for dinner and one of those carriage rides. But I am setting this one up to fly, maybe pulled by thestrals and then when we get up into the sky, BAM! Big letters asking her to marry me."
"Wow."
"Right?"
"It's very... you." Percy smiled for his excited brother. "But why now? I mean, isn't it a little soon?"
George frowned. "I think if I've found someone I love, I'm going to do all I can to hold on to her. You never know what could happen tomorrow and it might be too late." George grinned. "Besides, Christmas is the perfect time for this kind of thing."
"It is?"
"Yeah, with all the good feelings and the joy and stuff, it's hard to mess up telling someone that you love them. Even the most pathetic gift and a declaration would probably do the trick."
Percy's eyes widened. "Do you think that's true? Seriously?"
George shrugged. "Sure. On Christmas, you can't go wrong."
♥!PWOW!♥
Percy stared in the window at Quality Quidditch Supplies at the latest broom, the Crimson 360. Apparently it put the Firebolt to shame. At least that's what Percy heard the guys in the Ministry saying. He, of course, knew nothing about it. He realized now that there were posters for it all over Diagon Alley. Percy thought it made perfect sense as an "I've-been-secretly-in-love-with-you-for-years" gift to Oliver Wood. And even if Oliver didn't love him back, hopefully he wouldn't ridicule him and kick Percy out of his apartment if it might risk losing his new broom.
The problem was that Percy'd spent the last hour in his vault at Gringott's counting out his Sickles and it looked like it might take all the money he had to buy the broom. Granted, if everything went right he wouldn't need to use his savings to buy his own place but if it went terribly, terribly wrong--as Percy imagined it might--he would be out on his arse with nothing but an expensive broom to keep him company.
Still, it meant a chance with Oliver and that was enough to make Percy withdraw all the money from his account, something that made the goblins very sore with him, and march down to Quality Quidditch to buy the broom.
It was stained cherry wood that felt slick and strong in Percy's hands. He didn't know anything about brooms and even he could tell it was a beautiful one. He watched the shopkeep wrap it gently in tissue paper and lay it in a box. After that, Percy hurried home before anyone could stop him or talk to him or question why he had a box from Quality Quidditch and maybe mention it to Oliver.
Once home, he carefully wrapped it up in gift paper and hid it. Then he planned out when he'd give it to Oliver. The night before Christmas, before all the craziness of Christmas Day and family parties happened? Then they could break the news to their families that they were together since everyone was already gathered? Or wait until after it was over and they could spend time together, hiding in the apartment until New Years? Percy was so torn with the possibilities that he tugged his hair absently, pulling at his curls.
"Perce!"
Oliver! Percy cast a quick look around to make sure that all sign of gift wrapping were gone. Then he tried to flatten his hair, something that made it even more hectic and probably made him look hexed, and hurried down the stairs. "Oliver! What are you doing here?"
The Quidditch player looked around with a bemused smile. "I live here, silly. What's wrong? Usually you are much more excited to see me. Especially on nights when you have dinner prepared. It's very cute, the way you're always waiting at the door, ready to-" Oliver's eyes darted up to Percy and he trailed off. "Oh," he said with a frown. "Oh, I didn't realize..."
"What?"
Oliver shook his head. "I didn't know you had company over..."
"Company? What?"
"I can't believe I thought..."
"Oliver! What are you are you rambling about?"
"You have someone upstairs, don't you? That's why you were all breathless and your hair is actually out of place for once. Is he upstairs now?" Oliver glared towards the stairs. "I'll kill him," he muttered. "I'll murder the stupid arse who thinks he can come into my bedroom-"
"My bedroom."
"So he's in there now?"
"Oliver!" Percy snorted. "As amusing as this is, you need to calm down. There is no one upstairs. Idiot."
Oliver blinked. "Oh. Then why are you all-?"
"I lost track of time and wasn't expecting you home yet! Honestly," Percy exclaimed. "The first thing your mind jumps to is sex?"
Oliver smiled. "Yes. Doesn't yours?" He brushed past Percy and into the kitchen. "What's for dinner?"
"Your favorite."
"Yes!" Oliver fist pumped the air.
Percy's lips quirked as he placed a large serving of bangers and mash on Oliver's plate. Actually, it was his great grandmother's special china but when Percy moved in and found out that Oliver didn't have any matching plates, he'd figured it was needed more than it needed to sit in his mother's cabinets. Hopefully Molly wouldn't find out any time soon.
"So what was that about?" Percy asked as he took his seat.
"What?" Oliver asked around a mouthful of food.
"That little freak out you had. I've never seen you get stressed about... well, anything. Even when we had to take our NEWTs, I was probably more worried for you than you were."
Oliver grinned. "Yeah, you were. I remember you chasing after me to get me to study. Ah, those were the days."
Percy rolled his eyes. "Honestly Oliver, if you had taken the time to properly look over the notes I had organized and alphabetized, you would have gotten better than an A in your subjects. I even highlighted them for you but you still couldn't-"
"Okay, okay!" Oliver held up his hands in mock surrender. "Perce, it's been almost four years since we left school and you still bring this up."
"I just don't see-"
"I was worried about the sheets!"
Percy sat back. "What?"
Oliver sighed. "I, er.. freaked out cause I was worried about the sheets. You just spent the other day washing everything in the apartment and I thought maybe you might have ruined my sheets."
"My sheets."
"Perce, everything in this apartment is mine. Haven't you learned that by now?" Oliver leveled his brown stare at Percy until the redhead felt a warmth flood his cheeks. He looked down at his plate and quickly started moving food around.
"Well, if you feel that way, I'll try to be out as soon as I can," Percy muttered.
"What? But, I... but you can't! What about Christmas?"
"What about it?" Percy whispered.
"What are we going to do for Christmas?"
Percy held his breath. Christmas. His gift! The expensive broom he'd just spent all his money on! He couldn't move out now when he had planned to present the broom and himself to Oliver and hope that the Quidditch player would want to keep him around forever. Christmas was only a couple of days away, anytime might be a good time to give it to him. But not now! He hadn't planned anything. Percy thought maybe he could spend the day planning and tomorrow night, when they'd had a nice cosy dinner just like tonight, he could give his gift to Oliver and talk to him about how he felt. He knew he couldn't give the gift at one of the family gatherings, the pricey item wouldn't make sense to Oliver and there would be no chance to pull him away to talk about it. Doing it on a normal, comfortable night made sense. It would show Oliver how well Percy fit into his life and how he was willing to do all he could to give Oliver nice things.
"Percy! Breathe!"
Percy felt his shoulder shake. "Beg pardon?"
Oliver was leaning forward, concern on his face. "You weren't responding to me for a few minutes there. Are you okay?"
Percy smiled. "Perfect."
♥!PWOW!♥
Bighead (You know I do it cause you hate it),
I checked and I may have a dress robe you can borrow. I don't understand why you don't just buy a new one. Didn't the Minister raise your salary up a couple of Knuts? He's such a big spender. What's the occasion, Perce?
George
Percy put the finishing touches on his dinner. It was a little fancier than normal but he decided that tonight was the night. He was tired of waiting around and he knew if he did, he would lose what little Gryffindor courage he had left. Straightening George's borrowed robes, he set about making sure the apartment was perfect. Usually he kept it clean and tidy but tonight he really stressed the comfort and warmth he could create. The fireplace was burning, the Christmas tree was set up and while it was not decorated because Oliver insisted they do it together, the rest of the apartment was decorated beautifully in golds and reds. He wanted Oliver to see how happy Percy could make him.
He took out his gift and tried to figure out where to put it. He could present it at dinner but he wasn't sure he wanted to have that talk with Oliver amongst the dirty dishes. He could keep it in his bedroom but would that be coming on a little strong? In the end, he placed it under a concealing charm beneath the undecorated tree, figuring that the couch in front of the fireplace was the perfect place to talk and maybe since the tree wasn't done, Oliver wouldn't think to look there for anything yet.
The table was covered with his stolen china, a borrowed tablecloth from his mother (who had quite the knowing look in her eye), and some random dishes thrown together from Oliver's kitchen and Angelina's kitchen. Percy could afford to get any groceries for his dinner but the combined resources allowed him to put together the dinner as planned.
"Honey, I'm home!"
Percy blushed and ducked his head. "Hardy har har. I'm in the kitchen."
"You'll never believe what happened today! The team- Whoa! What's the occasion?" Oliver halted as soon as he stepped into the kitchen and saw the covered table. He threw his robe over the back of a chair and set a package down next to a plate. "Christmas Eve is not for another two nights."
Percy shrugged a shoulder. "It's sort of a special occasion. I have something I have been wanting to talk to you about."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah...Well, let's eat first and we'll talk about it later."
Oliver's brow furrowed. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, Oliver. Just sit down and eat."
"Perce, whatever it is, you can tell me. Are you sick or something?"
Percy scoffed. "Have I ever been sick?"
"No..."
"Then sit down and eat. It's all your favorites."
Oliver grinned. "It's always my favorite. As long as you make it."
"Stop it, you arse, and eat." Percy helped Oliver spoon a big helping onto his plate. "You were telling me something?"
"Oh yeah! You'll never believe what happened today!" Oliver said excitedly. "You know that broom company, the Crimson?"
Percy's eyes grew wide as he thought Oliver figured it out somehow. "Uh huh..."
"Well, they want Puddlemere to represent them! They are going to be one of the major sponsors! And get this: They gave us all new brooms!"
"Oh.. really? The, um... The Crimson 200, perhaps?" Percy choked out.
"No! Better! The latest model! The Crimson 360! We all got free ones! How amazing is that!?"
"Amazing," Percy answered faintly.
♥!PWOW!♥
Getting Oliver Wood the perfect gift was harder than Percy thought. The broom was such an obvious choice that once that was out of the picture, Percy couldn't think where to go next. Other Quidditch supplies seemed too humdrum to give to him at the "I've-Been-Secretly-In-Love-With-You" moment. And when he ruled out Quidditch, there was not much else Oliver liked. Quidditch was his life; the man practically breathed it. What else could he want?
After his dinner last night, Oliver hassled Percy for hours to tell him what he was going to tell him. Percy waved him off, finally pleading with Oliver to let Percy go to bed. He remembered the look on Oliver's face when Percy had hurried upstairs, dress robes trailing behind him and the embarrassment still caused him to flush. The next morning Oliver was already gone when Percy got up, something that was unusual. He made himself a cup of tea and tried to figure out his next idea for Oliver's Christmas surprise. He bundled himself up in his thinning winter coat and headed towards George's shop to see if his younger brother had any ideas.
"Take him flying!"
Percy frowned. "Oliver flies every day. Why would flying be anything special?"
George grinned. "Remember when I told you about my plan with Angelina?"
"Yes..."
George's grin widened.
"No! Congratulations!" Percy clapped his brother on the back even though on the inside he felt envious. George was now going to marry the person he loved and Percy was still trying to figure out how to tell Oliver that not only did he love to clean his house and make his dinner, but he also loved him.
"So what are you going to do with the broom?"
Percy sighed. "The broom was a bust. I'm going to return it and maybe try to buy him something else."
George shook his head. "Buying Oliver's love won't do the trick. I told you, flying."
"You're making no sense. You want me to take Oliver on a horseless flying carriage when you know I can't get two feet off the ground without remembering that time you and Fred convinced me that mother's old broom was spelled to fly and the only way to make it go was to jump off the roof. Is that what you're saying?"
"Yes."
"That's ridiculous! How can I tell the man that I love him when I'm clinging to him in fear?"
"At least you'll already be holding him?"
Percy sighed. "What would I have to do?"
♥!PWOW!♥
"Perce, what are we doing?" Oliver chuckled.
"Shh! Be quiet! And no peeking! It's a surprise."
"Yeah, I sort of got that impression when you put the blindfold on me."
"Hardy har har," Percy said wryly. "Just be quiet and hold on to me." Percy led a blindfolded Oliver down the icy sidewalk. He had a death grip on Oliver's arm, worried the other man would take a fall on the concrete. Oliver, on the other hand, was cool as... ice. He was laughing and teasing, causing Percy's nerves to heighten. What if Oliver thought his declaration was one big joke? The broom idea failed and Percy discovered that in his frantic attempt to hide it some of the twigs snapped, making it impossible to return, therefore leaving Percy penniless and forced to be creative.
"Oh, Perce, all you had to do was ask. I'll gladly hold on to you for as long as you want."
Percy squeezed his eyes shut. "You're a real riot, Oliver Wood. Now be quiet. We're here."
"And where exactly is here?"
Percy spelled off Oliver's bindfold. "Ta da!" In front of them was a bright red sleigh, one that looked exactly like Santa's, but without the reindeer in front. "Happy Christmas!"
Oliver's face lit up. "Oh, cool! But, uh... where are the horses? Or even reindeer, maybe?"
Percy smiled smugly. "There's none of that."
Oliver's brow pinched in confusion. "Oh. So what's going to pull it?"
"Nothing!" Percy said proudly. "George spelled it to move on its own! It flies."
"Uh, flies? Perce, you want to go up in this thing when it flies? I'm sorry, but do you remember first year? As I recall it, you refused to even participate in our first flying lesson after what your brothers did to you. And you want to go up in something one of them made? Are you mad?"
Percy's face grew dark and pinched. His shoulders drooped; a look of defeat on his face. "I just wanted to do something fun with you." He sniffed and pulled his coat tighter around him. The night was actually perfect for flying but to Percy, it suddenly felt too cold. He turned away but Oliver grabbed him.
"Hey, I'm just kidding. If you want to go up in the flying death trap we can," Oliver joked, trying to lighten the mood. Percy took one look into those big brown eyes and felt himself soften. He gave Oliver a small smile and rolled his eyes. With an arrogant expression, he gestured towards the sleigh. "Well, come on then, I don't have all night."
Oliver gave an excited yelp and hurried Percy into the sleigh. Before Percy even knew what was happening, it was off, down the street flying faster than the Knight Bus. It zoomed around a corner, which caused Percy to fall against Oliver, who only laughed and threw his arm around Percy. "This is loads of fun! Remind me to thank George! Ready to take it up?"
Percy felt himself freeze with fear. If the sleigh could go so fast on the ground what would it do in the air? But he wanted to be brave for Oliver so with a weak smile he said, "Sure."
Oliver squeezed Percy and with his free arm, looked for the dial that would send them up. There were several options, all lit up and some blinking, and Percy kicked himself for not taking notes when George was talking. He was so busy thinking about his future conversation with Oliver that such sensible acts slipped his mind.
"Maybe this one?" asked Oliver as he pushed the button. Instantly the sleigh shimmered away. Percy's eye widened at the now invisible sleigh around them.
"Obviously my father must have helped George a bit."
Oliver laughed again. "That means I'll just have to push until I find something." After a couple more attempts, Percy felt the sleigh lift. He knew it was crazy to look down but his eyes didn't listen to his brain. With a scream, he clung to Oliver and hid his face.
"What was that?" Oliver asked with a chuckle.
"That was a shout of alarm."
"Sound more like a girly squeal to me."
"Shut up and drive."
Oliver took him at his word and set the sleigh racing into the night sky. He was obviously enjoying himself as he flew above clouds and down towards the ocean. He figured out how to turn the sleigh visible again and a way for him to steer them upside down. Meanwhile Percy just held on tight and prayed to Merlin that he'd survive long enough to talk to Oliver. But Oliver showed no signs of slowing down so eventually Percy had to pull his head from his jacket and cough loud enough to get his attention.
"Oh, there you are! I was worried I'd left you behind."
"Oliver, slow down. I need to talk to you."
"Not now, Perce, this is way too much fun! Look, I can make it barrel roll!"
"Oliver! It's not meant to do all these tricks! We are supposed to ride in it nice and slow!"
"Aw, where's the fun in that?" Oliver flew down towards the city lights below. "Look! There is a spell on it that keeps the Muggles from seeing us but we aren't invisible! How amazing is that?"
"Amazing."
"George is an incredible wizard! The stuff he comes up with, wow!"
"Yes, yes, he's fantastic. Oliver, I'm trying to talk to you."
Oliver turned the sleigh into a loop. "What's up, Perce?"
"Oliver, please, stop. I don't feel well."
Immediately Oliver halted the sleigh and looked at Percy. "Oh shit, Perce, are you okay? You look green."
"I've been trying to talk to you. I have something important to tell you."
"Can it wait? You look like you need to lie down." Oliver gently pushed Percy back so that he was leaning against the side of the sleigh. He carefully drew Percy's legs up so that they were resting in his lap. Percy was actually too tall to lay sideways in the sleigh but he appreciated the gesture.
"I'm fine. I just really need to tell you something." Percy took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "I lo- I... I lov-" Unfortunately the air did not help to settle his stomach and the redhead jerked forward. The rest of Percy's words were lost in the spew of bile on Oliver's lap.
♥!PWOW!♥
"Oo, ohh.. ohhh..."
"Oh, it's not so bad," George said in an attempt to be comforting.
"George, I threw up on the man. Threw up on him! Does any part of that say sexy to you? Wait! Don't answer that!" Percy dropped back against his pillows. He refused to leave his bed since last night when, horrified, he'd Apparated out of the sleigh and into his bedroom, which he hadn't left since, despite all the calls he heard from Oliver on the other side of his door. Instead he curled up in bed wearing his favorite white shirt and a large pair of pyjamas. Eventually George showed up and unlike Oliver, didn't care about locking spells. He landed right on Percy's bed, heard the whole story and had been balancing between laughter and comfort ever since.
"Okay, that was probably not your best move. But I wouldn't give up yet, Percy! Oliver wants you. I can tell."
"Shuddup," Percy groaned.
"No, no, no! Really! He seemed very worried when he called me. Not disgusted in the least."
"He's too nice to show how grossed out he was. He probably hates me now. I threw up on him and then i left him in the air alone to deal with it! I'm insane."
"That's it! Get up."
"No."
"Remember in third year when I made your cock grow yellow feathers for a week while Fred and I were working on Canary Creams? I still know the spell."
Percy thought about it for a moment and sighed. "Fine. But I don't want to see him."
"Too bad. You still have to tell the man how you feel. I'm getting tired of the swooning."
"I don't swoon."
"Au contraire, good brother. You swoon more than Ginny did before her first year. And I'm tired of it," George said with a grin. "So get up and think of a new plan, then get out there and get your man! Hey, if I switch some words around I could use that..."
"None of my plans work! They are all failures!" Percy said with a giant flail of his arms. Something that was very unlike him.
George shook his head. "That's because you are thinking too big. Does Oliver seem like the big, grand gesture sort of guy? No. Cause he's not. He's a quick-game-of-Quidditch-and-a-pint sort of guy. He's a movie watching and holding hands sort of guy. Granted, once you get him alone he'll probably drop the act and rip your pristine, ironed clothes off-"
"George!" Percy exclaimed with a blush.
"But until then, just take him out. Have a date night, something you guys never do cause you're always making dinner for him, and if that isn't a sign, I don't know what is-"
"George..." Percy threatened.
"And then when that time comes when you separate to your own bedrooms, just invite yourself into his. There you go."
"I can't do that!"
George shrugged. "Why not?"
"It's- it's... It will-"
"It will get you exactly what you want," George answered with a grin. "There you go, solved all your problems. I'll show myself out."
Ten minutes later Percy was still staring at the door trying to decide if his little brother was a mad genius... or just mad.
♥!PWOW!♥
"Er, Oliver?"
"Yeah, Perce?"
"I'm sorry about the... you know..."
"Oh, no problem! Are you okay now?"
"Yes, but I was wondering..."
"Yeah?"
"Would you like to go out with me tomorrow night? I know it's the day before Christmas Eve but maybe dinner and a movie? Or even just a pint at that bar you like? Whatever you want. But dinner. Out, with me. As friends, I mean! In case I forgot to mention that. We can have a friendly dinner or something-"
"Sure, Percy, that sounds great."
"Er, okay."
"Okay."
♥!PWOW!♥
The next night Percy was once again getting out his dress robes. He started to lay them out on his bed and proceed with the ironing spells before he remembered George's words of advice. He's a quick-game-of-Quidditch-and-a-pint sort of guy. Dress robes would be too fancy for the place Oliver would undoubtably pick. With that in mind, he went back and tackled his closet.
Only to discover that he owned nothing that could be called casual.
He threw himself on his bed and sighed. He couldn't even dress like the type of guy Oliver would want. What was he even thinking? There was no way a relationship between the two of them could ever happen. They were just too different. Eventually Oliver would see it and he would give up on trying to make Percy the fun, non-uptight guy he'd want Percy to be. He'd find someone like him, who played Quidditch and enjoyed wearing jeans and jerseys and-
Percy sat up. Oliver has casual clothes. He could just snatch a couple of items from the laundry. There must still be some things left because Percy recalled started the laundry and he knew Oliver would never finish it. He could just burrow some jeans. Jeans were jeans, right? Oliver would never be able to tell.
"Are you wearing my clothes?"
Percy tried to hide his blush. "No..."
Oliver smiled. "They look good on you." His eyes took in Percy from toes all the way to his blushing red head. "Very good."
Percy cleared his throat. "So where are we going?"
"Percy, dear! Oliver! Where are you?" A female's voice called from the living room. "Percy!"
"Mother?" With a frown, Percy went into the living room with Oliver trailing behind him. He saw his mother's head in the bright flames of the Floo. "What is it?"
"Oh, dears! Something has happened!"
"What, what?!" Percy knelt down, concern drawing his face tight. "What happened?"
"Charlie and Harry have to leave for Romania tonight! Several of the dragons have escaped and they are going to be called back to search for the lost dragons!" Molly's voice was hysterical, a reaction Percy understood.
"Okay... What does this-"
"We'll have to have Christmas dinner tonight!"
"What? Why?"
Molly frowned at her son. "Because we can't have it without them. Honestly Percy, he is your brother-"
"No, no, I mean... Why can't we wait until they come back? Why does it have to be tonight?" Even Percy could hear the whine in his voice.
"Who knows how long it can take to recover those dragons. They could be searching for weeks! No, it's better to do it now when the whole family is together and before they have to go. I must insist you and Oliver come over immediately."
"But mother, we have plans!"
"Christmas dinner, Percival!"
"But mother-"
Oliver's hand touched Percy's shoulder. "Perce, it's okay," he said softly. "We can go out to dinner any time."
"But-" Percy looked up, torn between not wanting to upset his family and not wanting to lose another chance with Oliver. "I thought we might-"
"We'll be right over, Mrs. Weasley," Oliver said over Percy's shoulder. Percy heard the sound of the Floo call ending before Oliver grabbed his arm and lifted him to his feet.
"But Oliver-"
Oliver smiled and lightly punched Percy's shoulder. "Besides, we were just going as friends, right?"
"Right," Percy whispered to his feet, completely missing the frown on Oliver's face.
♥!PWOW!♥
The evening was lovely of course. Even with such a short notice Molly could still pull off a Christmas dinner just in time for everyone to arrive. Percy was standing against the wall, watching Oliver interact with his family, something he did quite well. He could chat easily with all his brothers about Quidditch or dragons or for some, when they were at Hogwarts together. He knew how to flatter Percy's mother, making her giggle and push him out of her kitchen. Percy knew Oliver fit in better with his family than he did, and even though it should piss him off, it just made him proud.
"All your plans sound lovely, Angelina," Percy's mother said as she scooped another lump of potatoes on to the woman's plate. "I'm so happy my George is getting married. Now if only the rest of my boys would follow." She glared at the single men at the table, which was pretty much just Percy, since the others were either married or in a long-term relationship, such as Charlie and Harry.
Percy sunk down in his seat as Oliver snorted next to him. He glared at the other man but Oliver was smiling at his Christmas dinner. Luckily the Weasley dinner table was huge so conversation continued on, which Percy was incredibly thankful for. He knew if the entire family was listening, he'd be the cause of many more jokes. As it was...
George's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Ah, but Mum, don't you know? Percy already has someone in his life."
Molly gasped and dropped the spoon she'd been using to scoop more food onto Oliver's plate. Percy clutched his fingers around his fork and contemplated using it to stab his younger brother. He could only thank Merlin when it appeared that the rest of the table hadn't heard George's comment. He pursed his lips at his brother and silently asked him what he was going on about. George simply grinned and shrugged. Percy wondered how he'd feel if he tried to put on his snazzy pinstriped suit tomorrow only to find it had been magically altered. He chuckled to himself at his deviousness. Oliver slid him a sideways glance of worry, probably concerned his roommate was laughing to himself.
"What?" Molly demanded. "Percy, you haven't mentioned anyone. Who is he? How did you meet him? Why haven't you brought him home to meet your father and I yet? Percy, why aren't you answering me?"
"Oh, gee, Mum, could it be he can't get a word in?" George piped in, cheekily. He tossed a grin at Oliver before he turned his face to Percy and said, "Yes, Perce, tell us about your new fellow."
"I don't have a 'new fellow,'" Percy responded stiffly. "I haven't the foggiest clue what you are talking about."
"Oh, come on, Perce, you were going on abut him the other day, remember? Tall, handsome, built like a wall. A solid wall of muscle all the way down to his beautiful, sexy-"
"I never said that!" Percy snapped. Luckily yelling wasn't uncommon at the Weasley table and conversation continued around them. Still, he dropped his voice to a near-whisper. "I never said anything about his-"
"Legs," George cut in with a laugh. "Honestly, Percy, think of our poor innocent mother."
"Oh, posh," Molly said with a huff. "If my Percy has a new man, I want to hear all about him."
"Yes, Perce," Oliver finally spoke up, his lips turned up on one side. "Let's hear about this guy. Surely if you can tell George, you can tell me."
"Well," Percy glanced around from his mother's face to his brother's face to his friend's face. He cleared his throat. "There is someone..."
"Oooo, I knew it!" Molly said excitedly. "A mother can always tell. You have such a lovely glow around you, darling."
"For Merlin's sake, mother, I'm not pregnant," Percy said with a huff.
"Watch your mouth," Molly answered sternly. "And I meant the glow of love. Obviously someone has captured my little boy's heart. Now go ahead, tell me about him. How do you know him?"
"Yeah, Perce," Oliver leaned into Percy's space. He looked up at the redhead. "What's he like?" he asked softly.
"Well..." Percy started slowly, stalling for time. "He's a sweet man. Very sweet. The kind of man that is very easy to take care of, because you want to do so, because in his own special way, he should be protected. Not that he needs to be. Protected, that is. Not by me. I'm not nearly as strong as him and he's very brave." Percy laughed to himself. "He would never be scared of half the things I am. He's too sure of himself for that. And he should be, he's very handsome. But looks don't matter, not when it comes to him. Hes too kind to care about that. And he's a good friend. A very, very good friend." My best friend.
Silence met his speech. Percy stared at his plate, refusing to look up and meet Oliver's eyes. He clung to the hope that Oliver wouldn't know that all that was describing him. The sprouts moved around on his plate, a sign of how uncomfortable he was cause he usually ate his vegetables first.
"He sounds lovely," Molly said breathlessly. "I do hope you'll bring him by sometime?"
Percy looked up to her joyful eyes and her soft smile. It reminded him of one of the few times he could make her proud when he was little, a feat that was hard to achieve as the third son of boys. But he saw it now and it made him feel like a kid again. "Of course, mum."
Molly smiled again and sat up. "Who would like some more food? How about you, Harry dear? Isn't that only your third plate? I don't know how you will manage to eat properly in Romania, you'd best fill up now."
Percy felt a nudge in his side and he looked up to see George's amused face. It wasn't teasing though, it was the smile of a happy brother. And maybe a little teasing. Percy glared at him, retribution promised in his eyes. Unfortunately it didn't strike fear into George like Percy hoped it would.
When he finally felt brave enough to turn his head towards Oliver, he saw the Quidditch player's face set into a look of bemusement. There was a crease between his eyebrows that Percy longed to kiss away. He didn't like Oliver looking so uncertain, it made him want to drag him home and bake a pie. Blueberry. Oliver's favorite. Percy stiffened, worried that Oliver had figured it out and was now uncomfortable with him. He'd ruined it, he'd ruined his relationship with his best friend and he couldn't escape cause not only would that be a huge tipoff to Oliver but because the Weasley table was so jam packed that he couldn't get out of his chair. He was trapped. Trapped and waiting for his best friend to speak.
"What?" Percy demanded and then cringed. He hadn't meant to talk. He wasn't sure he wanted to hear what Oliver had to say.
Oliver frowned a bit more, an act that made Percy wiggle. Finally something must have made sense to Oliver because his expression cleared and he smiled at him. "This new guy? You'll have to introduce me sometime. Have to make sure he's good enough for you."
Percy let out a sigh of relief. "I will."
Oliver grinned.
♥!PWOW!♥
"Fuck, fuck, fuck."
"Percy? Are you okay in there?"
Percy stop beating his head against the door. "Uh, yeah. I'll be out in a minute." After he heard Oliver's confirmation and his footsteps going down the hall, he resumed hitting his head against the door. "Fuuuck."
It was now Christmas Eve and Percy had run out of ideas to give Oliver. Nothing had worked. Buying him the broom was a complete waste, the romantic carriage ride was terrifying and even a real-almost-date hadn't paid off. Also, he'd practically confessed his feelings for the man to his face, in front of his mother, for Merlin's sake, and while Percy was glad Oliver hadn't figure it out, he was a little frustrated at Oliver for not making this easier on him.
There had to be something he could do. The perfect gift for Oliver that would show how much he loved him without Percy actually having to say it, because apparently that didn't work. Something that would show Oliver he trusted him with his feelings. He could simply talk to him... But that wasn't really a gift, was it? And he couldn't do a grand gesture. Percy shook his head, George was right. Grand gestures weren't Oliver's style. Something simple he could give Oliver that would express his feelings...
Percy drew himself up. Oh no.
George liked to tease Percy that while he was gay, and had been out of school for awhile, Percy had never actually in fact, been with another man. Part of it was that he worked too much to meet other gay men but most of it was that he'd always in love with Oliver. How could he go around sleeping with other men when the one he wanted was the next room away. Suppose, Percy pondered, suppose he gave Oliver his virginity.
Percy cringed. That was so horribly cliche. It was sappy and silly and...Oliver would probably love it. Percy's heart softened as he thought about Oliver's brown eyes looking down at him, full of love as he slid into Percy for the first time. Percy bit his lip. Could he do it?
It would involve seduction. Oliver might protest if Percy simply jumped him. He'd think Percy was under a spell or had simply gone crazy but if Percy could seduce him, get him to where he was begging for more, then maybe he wouldn't wonder what was going on with Percy until it was over.
Unfortunately it was Christmas Eve and all the stores were closed so Percy would have to make do with what he had in order to seduce the Wizarding World's favorite Quidditch player. He knew that one thing always mentioned in books was that seducing someone always involved candlelight. Since he only had his studying lamps that were made to be magically brighter, Percy supposed they'd have to work. Another thing was sexy underwear. Percy didn't have much in that regard, stacks of white cotton briefs suited him. But... he did have one pair of black ones that he'd bought on a day he was feeling extra courageous. He never wore them, since they made him blush a little when he saw them, but he figured they'd have to do.
What else? Percy struggled to think of anything else he could recall about seducing someone. Seducing someone meant that you wanted to make love so you must love them and love also reminded him of... Amortentia! What did he smell when he brewed it in Hogwarts? Parchment paper, fresh quills and an aftershave that smelled identical to the one Oliver used. With that in mind, he tore around his room looking for some paper.
There was a knock on his door. "Percy? What are you doing?"
"Just a minute!" Percy yelled. Like a mad man, he ripped the paper up into pieces and threw them everywhere. They covered his bed and were sprinkled all over his floor. But Percy thought it looked like he just made a mess so he pulled out his wand to color change the paper into red. There, he thought with satisfaction. Now it looks like rose petals or something.
But wait. It was about seducing Oliver, not himself! Oliver wouldn't get turned on by the smell of new parchment. His Amortentia probably smelled like... leather and brooms... and wind... and... Percy sank down on his bed with defeat. He ignored the pounding on his door and frowned at himself. What was he thinking, trying to work this out in five minutes?
"Percy, if you don't open the door, I'm coming in!"
Maybe he could take some of Oliver's Quidditch leathers? That was sexy, right? Percy was sure he must love a man in a uniform since he loved everything else about the damn game.
"Perce!"
Maybe he could just use some broom polish? But that was weird...
The next thing he knew, the door flew open and Oliver stood there with his wand in his hand. He scarcely took in the scene before hurrying over to Percy, who sat frozen on his bed. "Perce, are you okay? You didn't answer me and I got worried."
"Nothing is ready," he whispered.
"What?" Oliver frowned as he sat down on the bed next to his roommate. Percy looked up at the other man, his breath catching when he saw Oliver's face. Oliver was frowning, which still made him look adorable but he also had a slight stubble, which Percy longed to rub his cheek against even though he knew he couldn't, practically speaking. The short whiskers would wreak havoc on his fair skin. He would be walking around for days looking like his mother took a washing sponge to his face. The thick one she used to use when cleaning Fred and George's room. Then again, everyone would see it and know that he was claimed quite fiercely by Oliver...Percy tore his eyes away from the strong chin in front of him and raised them to meet Oliver's gaze. His mouth dried up as he took in the depth of the chocolate brown eyes that were usually filled with mirth, now only looking worried. For him. Percy did the only thing that made sense in that moment.
He jumped Oliver.
"Percy?! Whaa-" Oliver's question was lost as Percy's lips smashed against his. His thin fingers came up to curl around Oliver's head and keep him attached. Oliver struggled for a few moments before he shuddered and opened his mouth with a moan. Percy jumped at the chance before him and thrust his tongue into Oliver's mouth, with no finesse or skill but with the knowledge that came from his brothers, that that's what's supposed to happen in kissing. He wanted to push Oliver back and climb on top of him but he knew that would be all wrong. He wanted Oliver to claim him. And the correct way to do that was to be below him. That's why they called it "bottom," right?
Percy tugged Oliver until the other man's body was above him, pressing him against the bed. His hands moved down Percy's sides slowly, gently caressing him as if Percy was the newest broom and Oliver was just given this amazing gift. Percy snorted at that thought. He remember how enamored Oliver was of his broom, the same broom Percy had bought him; he'd stroked it carefully, making sure everything was in place before even daring to straddle it. Percy's eyelids fluttered at the direction his thoughts went and he didn't want to waste any more time. With a final moment of hesitation, Percy slid his legs apart, which allowed for Oliver to be able to press more firmly against him. Both men groaned at the contact.
Which seemed to shock Percy back into thought. He shoved Oliver off and stared in shock at the other man. Oliver's lips were red and his chest was heaving but what got Percy was the look of utter confusion on his face. Percy panicked. He had really thought Oliver would be open to his... advances. "I have to go," Percy said suddenly as he ran towards the bathroom.
"What?! Perce? Wait!" Oliver hurried after him but Percy slammed the door in time. He forgot his wand so he couldn't lock it, but he did keep his body pushed against it so that Oliver couldn't open it from the other side. "Percy? What are you doing?"
"Just forget it!" Percy yelled. "I was being foolish."
""What? Perce, you just surprised me! I'm sorry!"
"Not as sorry as I am," Percy said bitterly. He could feel Oliver trying to push open the door so he locked his legs and kept his back against it. He felt the door move a couple of times. The wood hit the frame in loud knock but Percy kept it shut.
"Come on, Perce! This is ridiculous. You know I could shove my way in if I really wanted to."
"Shut up!"
Percy heard some muttering, something that sounded like "...say I'm childish" and then, "Perce, please, won't you talk to me?"
It must have been the slight tone of desperation that got to Percy but the next thing he knew, his usually stern mouth was spilling everything. "I don't know what I was thinking! I just wanted to give you the perfect gift but nothing works! You already had the broom even after I worked overtime and weekends and had to pawn off a couple of things... Er, not so important things." Percy winced as he thought of the china. "And the stupid shop wouldn't take the broom back cause a twig broke and they couldn't sell it in less than perfect condition so now I have to keep it and what the hell would I want with a broom, anyway?!"
"Er..."
"Then trying to be more romantic didn't work. Stupid sleigh ride. I didn't know George designed it to go so fast and I am sorry about your shoes. I know I hated them but I didn't mean to gross you out-"
"You didn't-"
Percy bumped his head against the door. "What was I thinking, imagining you'd date me? You can have anyone; everyone loves you. You're the Quidditch darling. And all I can do is make lousy dinners because I can barely afford to take you out, for even a pint," Percy whispered. "I'm so stupid."
"You're not stupid," Oliver said quietly. "You're the smartest man I know. You got an 'O' on all your Owls. Except-"
"Defense Against the Dark Arts," Percy finished angrily. "Bastards. See? I'm failing at this like I failed at that!"
Oliver chuckled. "Getting an 'E' is hardly failing. And this isn't the same thing."
Percy nodded his head quickly. "Oh, yes it is! If Hogwarts taught a class on this, I'd be failing! I'd get a 'T'! Troll! I'm a troll at love!"
There was silence on the other side of the door. Percy listened hard but he couldn't hear any sounds of Oliver leaving. After a few minutes had gone by, he risked moving back and peeking his head out. Only to see Oliver standing there, an unexplainable look on his face.
"Love?" Oliver whispered.
Percy winced and tried to shut the door again but Oliver shoved his foot in the way. He grabbed Percy's arm and yanked him out of the bathroom and into his arms. Percy melted at the feeling of the larger man holding him, their bodies pressed together. He knew he didn't have much time with Oliver left so he took advantage and buried his nose in the other man's sweater. It smelled warm and musky like Christmas in front of the fire and Oliver's cologne. Percy wished he never had to let go.
"Love, Perce?" Oliver repeated. Percy refused to say anything, didn't want to ruin the little time he had before Oliver turned him out. "Perce, I could tell you... felt something for me. That much was obvious."
"It w-was?" Percy's voice cracked.
Oliver chuckled. "Of course, Perce. Why do you think I asked you to move in? I've been waiting for you for so long and I thought that maybe if you were around me every day, you might finally say something."
Percy pulled back and stared at Oliver in shock. "Why didn't you say something?"
"I wanted you to do it, on your own terms. I knew you'd probably be very stubborn and want to take things slowly. I was fully prepared to go at your speed and take you on a lot of dates before even being allowed to kiss you. That's why tonight, I was so surprised... " Oliver smiled and tilted his head at the bed.
"But-" Percy felt his mouth fall open and even though it was tasteless, he couldn't close it. "You- I- What? All this time I was trying to work up the courage to tell you and you already knew?" Percy started swatting at Oliver. "You horrible, cruel bastard! You... you... swine!"
"Aww, Perce..." Oliver tried to hold back his laughing as he moved away from the smaller man.
"Don't you 'aww, Perce" me, mister! You are not charming your way out of this one!"
Oliver smiled. "Can I charm my way into something? Namely, your pants?"
At the reminder, Percy looked down to find he was still in his white underwear and yelped. He shoved Oliver, a motion that caused him to topple over on the bed, laughing. Percy flushed red as he glowered at him. "Don't think you can make me fall for your line, Mr. Wood. I'm very cross with you."
Oliver let out a sigh like a cross between a laugh and a groan. "Merlin, Perce, you are fucking sexy when you're angry."
"Oliver-"
"Shut up." Oliver yanked Percy down on top of him and resumed kissing the redhead. This kiss paled considerably in comparison to the earlier kiss because this time Oliver allowed himself to show Percy just how much he felt for the other man. He pulled away and dropped his head back. "Merlin, Percy, I love you."
"You do?"
Oliver pulled one of the red springs on top of Percy's head and let it bounce back. "Of course," he answered with a smile. "Why do you think I keep you around? Granted, you are an excellent cook and my bathroom has never looked cleaner and of course I love knowing where my shoes are in the morning-"
"Oliver?" Percy growled.
"Yeah?"
"Shut up." Percy attacked Oliver with kissing and nibbling, something Oliver also had no cause to complain about. He wrapped his arms around Percy and turned them over until Percy's back was pressed against the bed. He pulled back again to look at his roommate, his best friend and now his soon-to-be lover but something caught his eye.
"Er, Perce?"
"Hmm?"
"Why are there pieces of red parchment on your bed?"
Percy groaned and sat up a bit to look Oliver in the eye. "It's your Christmas gift. Happy Christmas."
"What? But-" But Oliver couldn't get another word in cause Percy proceeded with showing him exactly how to unwrap his present.
The End.
Author: ???
Rating: R
Characters: Percy/Oliver, background George/Angela (but no het sex! Or even kissing...), background Harry/Charlie
Prompt(s): #140 from 2010
Warnings: Insane amount of fluffy and cheesy cliches!
Summary: Percy has the perfect gift idea for Oliver! And when that doesn't work, he has an idea he's sure won't fail! And when that doesn't work, he has a present that's sure to succeed! And when that doesn't work...
Word Count: 9400
Disclaimer: Not mine, thank you! None of it.
A/N: Thank you so so so much to my beta! You're unwavering support and love for this fic kept it going! You were so helpful when I'd get stuck and you never stopped pointing me in the right direction! And thank you to the lovely mods! I know I'm so late! But thank you for letting me represent Percy and Oliver!
Percy Weasley meticulously checked every line of writing for any spelling mistakes, grammar errors and poor sentence structure before he placed it into the send-off pile. It was a boring and tedious job that paid peanuts but he considered himself rather lucky to still be working for the Ministry after he'd followed Fudge around like a Crup on a leash. Now his job was basically editing all important letters the Office of the Minister sent off but Percy was sure that if he kept his head down and did his job, eventually he might be able to get a promotion, or even a raise. He was saving all his money to be able to move out of Oliver's apartment and maybe even buy himself a new set of robes. He had considered moving in with his family when he had been demoted because they were all on better terms nowadays but thankfully, Oliver had stepped in just in time and offered him a place to stay.
He'd just added another paper to the stack when a tawny owl burst through his office door at high speed. He might have imagined it had come through the window since owls were not allowed in the Ministry but Percy's office didn't have a window; it didn't even have a second chair on the other side of his desk. When he had visitors, they usually stood or sat on the edge of the desk, depending on how familiar they were.
He quickly cast a spell that would protect his perfect piles of paper and set about trying to catch the owl. It was a rambunctious little devil, just like it's owner.
Hey Perce!
Can't make it to lunch today, the team's try-outs are taking longer than expected. I think they are getting worse every year. Anyway, I can't imagine it would be a big deal since you probably would have blown me off again. Perce, no matter how many commas you move around, the Ministry is still going to sound like a bunch of stuffed robes. You need to let it go and have a pint with me. I know I'm about to lose you any second and you are probably mentally correcting this message so I'll just let you know that George firecalled me asking for you and said he had big news. You might want to get over there and find out whats up. I'll see you tonight and you can fill me in.
Oliver
Percy smiled at the letter. It was true, he was mentally correcting it. It was funny to him sometimes, how well Oliver knew him. No one would have ever thought when they were first years that the boys would be the best of friends, as they are, what with being complete opposites, but that was just it. Oliver sort of...completed Percy, as ridiculous as that sounded. He forced Percy to get out and have some fun while Percy nagged Oliver to clean up his room. Percy tended to clean up everywhere else. He knew it pleased Oliver because he his lips curved up before he turned away and muttered about how picky Percy was and if he was honest with himself, Percy actually enjoyed cleaning Oliver's home.
Of course that might have something to do with being in love with the man.
Lately Percy had been considering telling Oliver about his feelings. He knew they'd be perfect together, since they already were such great friends. They even acted like a couple sometimes, going out to dinner together or finishing each other's sentences in front of their friends. Oliver was the first one to make Percy laugh after Fred died and he'd been there every time Percy woke up screaming with nightmares.
But while Oliver was his best friend, he was also the star of Puddlemere United, and beloved by fans everywhere. And Percy sat in a windowless office magically pushing periods around on a page.
Percy charmed the snow off the toes of his boots as he entered his brother's shop. It was still open, the hours changed for the holidays, as everyone was busy buying Weasley products for Christmas gifts. He moved around a group of girls looking at bottles featuring models whose hair changed from orange to fuscia to navy blue with stars and headed towards the back of the store. He knew George would be in the workshop, fine-tuning some new ideas for the holiday rush.
"George?"
"In here."
His brother was pouring over books piled high on his work bench. Percy was a little taken back as the sight almost looked like George was studying, something Percy was quite sure he'd never seen the twins do.
"What are you doing?"
"Trying to come up with the perfect surprise for Angelina."
"Angelina Johnson?" Of course if would be Angelina Johnson. She had been dating George a little over a year and a half, after enough time had past for the two of them to grieve and then find comfort with each other. "What kind of surprise?"
George looked up with a familiar mischievous grin and beckoned Percy forward. "I have something to tell you."
Percy's eyebrows went up at George's tone. "I heard."
"I'm going to ask Angelina to marry me."
"What?" Percy blinked.
George's grin grew. "I'm planning a Christmas surprise for her. I have ideas for dinner and one of those carriage rides. But I am setting this one up to fly, maybe pulled by thestrals and then when we get up into the sky, BAM! Big letters asking her to marry me."
"Wow."
"Right?"
"It's very... you." Percy smiled for his excited brother. "But why now? I mean, isn't it a little soon?"
George frowned. "I think if I've found someone I love, I'm going to do all I can to hold on to her. You never know what could happen tomorrow and it might be too late." George grinned. "Besides, Christmas is the perfect time for this kind of thing."
"It is?"
"Yeah, with all the good feelings and the joy and stuff, it's hard to mess up telling someone that you love them. Even the most pathetic gift and a declaration would probably do the trick."
Percy's eyes widened. "Do you think that's true? Seriously?"
George shrugged. "Sure. On Christmas, you can't go wrong."
Percy stared in the window at Quality Quidditch Supplies at the latest broom, the Crimson 360. Apparently it put the Firebolt to shame. At least that's what Percy heard the guys in the Ministry saying. He, of course, knew nothing about it. He realized now that there were posters for it all over Diagon Alley. Percy thought it made perfect sense as an "I've-been-secretly-in-love-with-you-for-years" gift to Oliver Wood. And even if Oliver didn't love him back, hopefully he wouldn't ridicule him and kick Percy out of his apartment if it might risk losing his new broom.
The problem was that Percy'd spent the last hour in his vault at Gringott's counting out his Sickles and it looked like it might take all the money he had to buy the broom. Granted, if everything went right he wouldn't need to use his savings to buy his own place but if it went terribly, terribly wrong--as Percy imagined it might--he would be out on his arse with nothing but an expensive broom to keep him company.
Still, it meant a chance with Oliver and that was enough to make Percy withdraw all the money from his account, something that made the goblins very sore with him, and march down to Quality Quidditch to buy the broom.
It was stained cherry wood that felt slick and strong in Percy's hands. He didn't know anything about brooms and even he could tell it was a beautiful one. He watched the shopkeep wrap it gently in tissue paper and lay it in a box. After that, Percy hurried home before anyone could stop him or talk to him or question why he had a box from Quality Quidditch and maybe mention it to Oliver.
Once home, he carefully wrapped it up in gift paper and hid it. Then he planned out when he'd give it to Oliver. The night before Christmas, before all the craziness of Christmas Day and family parties happened? Then they could break the news to their families that they were together since everyone was already gathered? Or wait until after it was over and they could spend time together, hiding in the apartment until New Years? Percy was so torn with the possibilities that he tugged his hair absently, pulling at his curls.
"Perce!"
Oliver! Percy cast a quick look around to make sure that all sign of gift wrapping were gone. Then he tried to flatten his hair, something that made it even more hectic and probably made him look hexed, and hurried down the stairs. "Oliver! What are you doing here?"
The Quidditch player looked around with a bemused smile. "I live here, silly. What's wrong? Usually you are much more excited to see me. Especially on nights when you have dinner prepared. It's very cute, the way you're always waiting at the door, ready to-" Oliver's eyes darted up to Percy and he trailed off. "Oh," he said with a frown. "Oh, I didn't realize..."
"What?"
Oliver shook his head. "I didn't know you had company over..."
"Company? What?"
"I can't believe I thought..."
"Oliver! What are you are you rambling about?"
"You have someone upstairs, don't you? That's why you were all breathless and your hair is actually out of place for once. Is he upstairs now?" Oliver glared towards the stairs. "I'll kill him," he muttered. "I'll murder the stupid arse who thinks he can come into my bedroom-"
"My bedroom."
"So he's in there now?"
"Oliver!" Percy snorted. "As amusing as this is, you need to calm down. There is no one upstairs. Idiot."
Oliver blinked. "Oh. Then why are you all-?"
"I lost track of time and wasn't expecting you home yet! Honestly," Percy exclaimed. "The first thing your mind jumps to is sex?"
Oliver smiled. "Yes. Doesn't yours?" He brushed past Percy and into the kitchen. "What's for dinner?"
"Your favorite."
"Yes!" Oliver fist pumped the air.
Percy's lips quirked as he placed a large serving of bangers and mash on Oliver's plate. Actually, it was his great grandmother's special china but when Percy moved in and found out that Oliver didn't have any matching plates, he'd figured it was needed more than it needed to sit in his mother's cabinets. Hopefully Molly wouldn't find out any time soon.
"So what was that about?" Percy asked as he took his seat.
"What?" Oliver asked around a mouthful of food.
"That little freak out you had. I've never seen you get stressed about... well, anything. Even when we had to take our NEWTs, I was probably more worried for you than you were."
Oliver grinned. "Yeah, you were. I remember you chasing after me to get me to study. Ah, those were the days."
Percy rolled his eyes. "Honestly Oliver, if you had taken the time to properly look over the notes I had organized and alphabetized, you would have gotten better than an A in your subjects. I even highlighted them for you but you still couldn't-"
"Okay, okay!" Oliver held up his hands in mock surrender. "Perce, it's been almost four years since we left school and you still bring this up."
"I just don't see-"
"I was worried about the sheets!"
Percy sat back. "What?"
Oliver sighed. "I, er.. freaked out cause I was worried about the sheets. You just spent the other day washing everything in the apartment and I thought maybe you might have ruined my sheets."
"My sheets."
"Perce, everything in this apartment is mine. Haven't you learned that by now?" Oliver leveled his brown stare at Percy until the redhead felt a warmth flood his cheeks. He looked down at his plate and quickly started moving food around.
"Well, if you feel that way, I'll try to be out as soon as I can," Percy muttered.
"What? But, I... but you can't! What about Christmas?"
"What about it?" Percy whispered.
"What are we going to do for Christmas?"
Percy held his breath. Christmas. His gift! The expensive broom he'd just spent all his money on! He couldn't move out now when he had planned to present the broom and himself to Oliver and hope that the Quidditch player would want to keep him around forever. Christmas was only a couple of days away, anytime might be a good time to give it to him. But not now! He hadn't planned anything. Percy thought maybe he could spend the day planning and tomorrow night, when they'd had a nice cosy dinner just like tonight, he could give his gift to Oliver and talk to him about how he felt. He knew he couldn't give the gift at one of the family gatherings, the pricey item wouldn't make sense to Oliver and there would be no chance to pull him away to talk about it. Doing it on a normal, comfortable night made sense. It would show Oliver how well Percy fit into his life and how he was willing to do all he could to give Oliver nice things.
"Percy! Breathe!"
Percy felt his shoulder shake. "Beg pardon?"
Oliver was leaning forward, concern on his face. "You weren't responding to me for a few minutes there. Are you okay?"
Percy smiled. "Perfect."
Bighead (You know I do it cause you hate it),
I checked and I may have a dress robe you can borrow. I don't understand why you don't just buy a new one. Didn't the Minister raise your salary up a couple of Knuts? He's such a big spender. What's the occasion, Perce?
George
Percy put the finishing touches on his dinner. It was a little fancier than normal but he decided that tonight was the night. He was tired of waiting around and he knew if he did, he would lose what little Gryffindor courage he had left. Straightening George's borrowed robes, he set about making sure the apartment was perfect. Usually he kept it clean and tidy but tonight he really stressed the comfort and warmth he could create. The fireplace was burning, the Christmas tree was set up and while it was not decorated because Oliver insisted they do it together, the rest of the apartment was decorated beautifully in golds and reds. He wanted Oliver to see how happy Percy could make him.
He took out his gift and tried to figure out where to put it. He could present it at dinner but he wasn't sure he wanted to have that talk with Oliver amongst the dirty dishes. He could keep it in his bedroom but would that be coming on a little strong? In the end, he placed it under a concealing charm beneath the undecorated tree, figuring that the couch in front of the fireplace was the perfect place to talk and maybe since the tree wasn't done, Oliver wouldn't think to look there for anything yet.
The table was covered with his stolen china, a borrowed tablecloth from his mother (who had quite the knowing look in her eye), and some random dishes thrown together from Oliver's kitchen and Angelina's kitchen. Percy could afford to get any groceries for his dinner but the combined resources allowed him to put together the dinner as planned.
"Honey, I'm home!"
Percy blushed and ducked his head. "Hardy har har. I'm in the kitchen."
"You'll never believe what happened today! The team- Whoa! What's the occasion?" Oliver halted as soon as he stepped into the kitchen and saw the covered table. He threw his robe over the back of a chair and set a package down next to a plate. "Christmas Eve is not for another two nights."
Percy shrugged a shoulder. "It's sort of a special occasion. I have something I have been wanting to talk to you about."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah...Well, let's eat first and we'll talk about it later."
Oliver's brow furrowed. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, Oliver. Just sit down and eat."
"Perce, whatever it is, you can tell me. Are you sick or something?"
Percy scoffed. "Have I ever been sick?"
"No..."
"Then sit down and eat. It's all your favorites."
Oliver grinned. "It's always my favorite. As long as you make it."
"Stop it, you arse, and eat." Percy helped Oliver spoon a big helping onto his plate. "You were telling me something?"
"Oh yeah! You'll never believe what happened today!" Oliver said excitedly. "You know that broom company, the Crimson?"
Percy's eyes grew wide as he thought Oliver figured it out somehow. "Uh huh..."
"Well, they want Puddlemere to represent them! They are going to be one of the major sponsors! And get this: They gave us all new brooms!"
"Oh.. really? The, um... The Crimson 200, perhaps?" Percy choked out.
"No! Better! The latest model! The Crimson 360! We all got free ones! How amazing is that!?"
"Amazing," Percy answered faintly.
Getting Oliver Wood the perfect gift was harder than Percy thought. The broom was such an obvious choice that once that was out of the picture, Percy couldn't think where to go next. Other Quidditch supplies seemed too humdrum to give to him at the "I've-Been-Secretly-In-Love-With-You" moment. And when he ruled out Quidditch, there was not much else Oliver liked. Quidditch was his life; the man practically breathed it. What else could he want?
After his dinner last night, Oliver hassled Percy for hours to tell him what he was going to tell him. Percy waved him off, finally pleading with Oliver to let Percy go to bed. He remembered the look on Oliver's face when Percy had hurried upstairs, dress robes trailing behind him and the embarrassment still caused him to flush. The next morning Oliver was already gone when Percy got up, something that was unusual. He made himself a cup of tea and tried to figure out his next idea for Oliver's Christmas surprise. He bundled himself up in his thinning winter coat and headed towards George's shop to see if his younger brother had any ideas.
"Take him flying!"
Percy frowned. "Oliver flies every day. Why would flying be anything special?"
George grinned. "Remember when I told you about my plan with Angelina?"
"Yes..."
George's grin widened.
"No! Congratulations!" Percy clapped his brother on the back even though on the inside he felt envious. George was now going to marry the person he loved and Percy was still trying to figure out how to tell Oliver that not only did he love to clean his house and make his dinner, but he also loved him.
"So what are you going to do with the broom?"
Percy sighed. "The broom was a bust. I'm going to return it and maybe try to buy him something else."
George shook his head. "Buying Oliver's love won't do the trick. I told you, flying."
"You're making no sense. You want me to take Oliver on a horseless flying carriage when you know I can't get two feet off the ground without remembering that time you and Fred convinced me that mother's old broom was spelled to fly and the only way to make it go was to jump off the roof. Is that what you're saying?"
"Yes."
"That's ridiculous! How can I tell the man that I love him when I'm clinging to him in fear?"
"At least you'll already be holding him?"
Percy sighed. "What would I have to do?"
"Perce, what are we doing?" Oliver chuckled.
"Shh! Be quiet! And no peeking! It's a surprise."
"Yeah, I sort of got that impression when you put the blindfold on me."
"Hardy har har," Percy said wryly. "Just be quiet and hold on to me." Percy led a blindfolded Oliver down the icy sidewalk. He had a death grip on Oliver's arm, worried the other man would take a fall on the concrete. Oliver, on the other hand, was cool as... ice. He was laughing and teasing, causing Percy's nerves to heighten. What if Oliver thought his declaration was one big joke? The broom idea failed and Percy discovered that in his frantic attempt to hide it some of the twigs snapped, making it impossible to return, therefore leaving Percy penniless and forced to be creative.
"Oh, Perce, all you had to do was ask. I'll gladly hold on to you for as long as you want."
Percy squeezed his eyes shut. "You're a real riot, Oliver Wood. Now be quiet. We're here."
"And where exactly is here?"
Percy spelled off Oliver's bindfold. "Ta da!" In front of them was a bright red sleigh, one that looked exactly like Santa's, but without the reindeer in front. "Happy Christmas!"
Oliver's face lit up. "Oh, cool! But, uh... where are the horses? Or even reindeer, maybe?"
Percy smiled smugly. "There's none of that."
Oliver's brow pinched in confusion. "Oh. So what's going to pull it?"
"Nothing!" Percy said proudly. "George spelled it to move on its own! It flies."
"Uh, flies? Perce, you want to go up in this thing when it flies? I'm sorry, but do you remember first year? As I recall it, you refused to even participate in our first flying lesson after what your brothers did to you. And you want to go up in something one of them made? Are you mad?"
Percy's face grew dark and pinched. His shoulders drooped; a look of defeat on his face. "I just wanted to do something fun with you." He sniffed and pulled his coat tighter around him. The night was actually perfect for flying but to Percy, it suddenly felt too cold. He turned away but Oliver grabbed him.
"Hey, I'm just kidding. If you want to go up in the flying death trap we can," Oliver joked, trying to lighten the mood. Percy took one look into those big brown eyes and felt himself soften. He gave Oliver a small smile and rolled his eyes. With an arrogant expression, he gestured towards the sleigh. "Well, come on then, I don't have all night."
Oliver gave an excited yelp and hurried Percy into the sleigh. Before Percy even knew what was happening, it was off, down the street flying faster than the Knight Bus. It zoomed around a corner, which caused Percy to fall against Oliver, who only laughed and threw his arm around Percy. "This is loads of fun! Remind me to thank George! Ready to take it up?"
Percy felt himself freeze with fear. If the sleigh could go so fast on the ground what would it do in the air? But he wanted to be brave for Oliver so with a weak smile he said, "Sure."
Oliver squeezed Percy and with his free arm, looked for the dial that would send them up. There were several options, all lit up and some blinking, and Percy kicked himself for not taking notes when George was talking. He was so busy thinking about his future conversation with Oliver that such sensible acts slipped his mind.
"Maybe this one?" asked Oliver as he pushed the button. Instantly the sleigh shimmered away. Percy's eye widened at the now invisible sleigh around them.
"Obviously my father must have helped George a bit."
Oliver laughed again. "That means I'll just have to push until I find something." After a couple more attempts, Percy felt the sleigh lift. He knew it was crazy to look down but his eyes didn't listen to his brain. With a scream, he clung to Oliver and hid his face.
"What was that?" Oliver asked with a chuckle.
"That was a shout of alarm."
"Sound more like a girly squeal to me."
"Shut up and drive."
Oliver took him at his word and set the sleigh racing into the night sky. He was obviously enjoying himself as he flew above clouds and down towards the ocean. He figured out how to turn the sleigh visible again and a way for him to steer them upside down. Meanwhile Percy just held on tight and prayed to Merlin that he'd survive long enough to talk to Oliver. But Oliver showed no signs of slowing down so eventually Percy had to pull his head from his jacket and cough loud enough to get his attention.
"Oh, there you are! I was worried I'd left you behind."
"Oliver, slow down. I need to talk to you."
"Not now, Perce, this is way too much fun! Look, I can make it barrel roll!"
"Oliver! It's not meant to do all these tricks! We are supposed to ride in it nice and slow!"
"Aw, where's the fun in that?" Oliver flew down towards the city lights below. "Look! There is a spell on it that keeps the Muggles from seeing us but we aren't invisible! How amazing is that?"
"Amazing."
"George is an incredible wizard! The stuff he comes up with, wow!"
"Yes, yes, he's fantastic. Oliver, I'm trying to talk to you."
Oliver turned the sleigh into a loop. "What's up, Perce?"
"Oliver, please, stop. I don't feel well."
Immediately Oliver halted the sleigh and looked at Percy. "Oh shit, Perce, are you okay? You look green."
"I've been trying to talk to you. I have something important to tell you."
"Can it wait? You look like you need to lie down." Oliver gently pushed Percy back so that he was leaning against the side of the sleigh. He carefully drew Percy's legs up so that they were resting in his lap. Percy was actually too tall to lay sideways in the sleigh but he appreciated the gesture.
"I'm fine. I just really need to tell you something." Percy took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "I lo- I... I lov-" Unfortunately the air did not help to settle his stomach and the redhead jerked forward. The rest of Percy's words were lost in the spew of bile on Oliver's lap.
"Oo, ohh.. ohhh..."
"Oh, it's not so bad," George said in an attempt to be comforting.
"George, I threw up on the man. Threw up on him! Does any part of that say sexy to you? Wait! Don't answer that!" Percy dropped back against his pillows. He refused to leave his bed since last night when, horrified, he'd Apparated out of the sleigh and into his bedroom, which he hadn't left since, despite all the calls he heard from Oliver on the other side of his door. Instead he curled up in bed wearing his favorite white shirt and a large pair of pyjamas. Eventually George showed up and unlike Oliver, didn't care about locking spells. He landed right on Percy's bed, heard the whole story and had been balancing between laughter and comfort ever since.
"Okay, that was probably not your best move. But I wouldn't give up yet, Percy! Oliver wants you. I can tell."
"Shuddup," Percy groaned.
"No, no, no! Really! He seemed very worried when he called me. Not disgusted in the least."
"He's too nice to show how grossed out he was. He probably hates me now. I threw up on him and then i left him in the air alone to deal with it! I'm insane."
"That's it! Get up."
"No."
"Remember in third year when I made your cock grow yellow feathers for a week while Fred and I were working on Canary Creams? I still know the spell."
Percy thought about it for a moment and sighed. "Fine. But I don't want to see him."
"Too bad. You still have to tell the man how you feel. I'm getting tired of the swooning."
"I don't swoon."
"Au contraire, good brother. You swoon more than Ginny did before her first year. And I'm tired of it," George said with a grin. "So get up and think of a new plan, then get out there and get your man! Hey, if I switch some words around I could use that..."
"None of my plans work! They are all failures!" Percy said with a giant flail of his arms. Something that was very unlike him.
George shook his head. "That's because you are thinking too big. Does Oliver seem like the big, grand gesture sort of guy? No. Cause he's not. He's a quick-game-of-Quidditch-and-a-pint sort of guy. He's a movie watching and holding hands sort of guy. Granted, once you get him alone he'll probably drop the act and rip your pristine, ironed clothes off-"
"George!" Percy exclaimed with a blush.
"But until then, just take him out. Have a date night, something you guys never do cause you're always making dinner for him, and if that isn't a sign, I don't know what is-"
"George..." Percy threatened.
"And then when that time comes when you separate to your own bedrooms, just invite yourself into his. There you go."
"I can't do that!"
George shrugged. "Why not?"
"It's- it's... It will-"
"It will get you exactly what you want," George answered with a grin. "There you go, solved all your problems. I'll show myself out."
Ten minutes later Percy was still staring at the door trying to decide if his little brother was a mad genius... or just mad.
"Er, Oliver?"
"Yeah, Perce?"
"I'm sorry about the... you know..."
"Oh, no problem! Are you okay now?"
"Yes, but I was wondering..."
"Yeah?"
"Would you like to go out with me tomorrow night? I know it's the day before Christmas Eve but maybe dinner and a movie? Or even just a pint at that bar you like? Whatever you want. But dinner. Out, with me. As friends, I mean! In case I forgot to mention that. We can have a friendly dinner or something-"
"Sure, Percy, that sounds great."
"Er, okay."
"Okay."
The next night Percy was once again getting out his dress robes. He started to lay them out on his bed and proceed with the ironing spells before he remembered George's words of advice. He's a quick-game-of-Quidditch-and-a-pint sort of guy. Dress robes would be too fancy for the place Oliver would undoubtably pick. With that in mind, he went back and tackled his closet.
Only to discover that he owned nothing that could be called casual.
He threw himself on his bed and sighed. He couldn't even dress like the type of guy Oliver would want. What was he even thinking? There was no way a relationship between the two of them could ever happen. They were just too different. Eventually Oliver would see it and he would give up on trying to make Percy the fun, non-uptight guy he'd want Percy to be. He'd find someone like him, who played Quidditch and enjoyed wearing jeans and jerseys and-
Percy sat up. Oliver has casual clothes. He could just snatch a couple of items from the laundry. There must still be some things left because Percy recalled started the laundry and he knew Oliver would never finish it. He could just burrow some jeans. Jeans were jeans, right? Oliver would never be able to tell.
"Are you wearing my clothes?"
Percy tried to hide his blush. "No..."
Oliver smiled. "They look good on you." His eyes took in Percy from toes all the way to his blushing red head. "Very good."
Percy cleared his throat. "So where are we going?"
"Percy, dear! Oliver! Where are you?" A female's voice called from the living room. "Percy!"
"Mother?" With a frown, Percy went into the living room with Oliver trailing behind him. He saw his mother's head in the bright flames of the Floo. "What is it?"
"Oh, dears! Something has happened!"
"What, what?!" Percy knelt down, concern drawing his face tight. "What happened?"
"Charlie and Harry have to leave for Romania tonight! Several of the dragons have escaped and they are going to be called back to search for the lost dragons!" Molly's voice was hysterical, a reaction Percy understood.
"Okay... What does this-"
"We'll have to have Christmas dinner tonight!"
"What? Why?"
Molly frowned at her son. "Because we can't have it without them. Honestly Percy, he is your brother-"
"No, no, I mean... Why can't we wait until they come back? Why does it have to be tonight?" Even Percy could hear the whine in his voice.
"Who knows how long it can take to recover those dragons. They could be searching for weeks! No, it's better to do it now when the whole family is together and before they have to go. I must insist you and Oliver come over immediately."
"But mother, we have plans!"
"Christmas dinner, Percival!"
"But mother-"
Oliver's hand touched Percy's shoulder. "Perce, it's okay," he said softly. "We can go out to dinner any time."
"But-" Percy looked up, torn between not wanting to upset his family and not wanting to lose another chance with Oliver. "I thought we might-"
"We'll be right over, Mrs. Weasley," Oliver said over Percy's shoulder. Percy heard the sound of the Floo call ending before Oliver grabbed his arm and lifted him to his feet.
"But Oliver-"
Oliver smiled and lightly punched Percy's shoulder. "Besides, we were just going as friends, right?"
"Right," Percy whispered to his feet, completely missing the frown on Oliver's face.
The evening was lovely of course. Even with such a short notice Molly could still pull off a Christmas dinner just in time for everyone to arrive. Percy was standing against the wall, watching Oliver interact with his family, something he did quite well. He could chat easily with all his brothers about Quidditch or dragons or for some, when they were at Hogwarts together. He knew how to flatter Percy's mother, making her giggle and push him out of her kitchen. Percy knew Oliver fit in better with his family than he did, and even though it should piss him off, it just made him proud.
"All your plans sound lovely, Angelina," Percy's mother said as she scooped another lump of potatoes on to the woman's plate. "I'm so happy my George is getting married. Now if only the rest of my boys would follow." She glared at the single men at the table, which was pretty much just Percy, since the others were either married or in a long-term relationship, such as Charlie and Harry.
Percy sunk down in his seat as Oliver snorted next to him. He glared at the other man but Oliver was smiling at his Christmas dinner. Luckily the Weasley dinner table was huge so conversation continued on, which Percy was incredibly thankful for. He knew if the entire family was listening, he'd be the cause of many more jokes. As it was...
George's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Ah, but Mum, don't you know? Percy already has someone in his life."
Molly gasped and dropped the spoon she'd been using to scoop more food onto Oliver's plate. Percy clutched his fingers around his fork and contemplated using it to stab his younger brother. He could only thank Merlin when it appeared that the rest of the table hadn't heard George's comment. He pursed his lips at his brother and silently asked him what he was going on about. George simply grinned and shrugged. Percy wondered how he'd feel if he tried to put on his snazzy pinstriped suit tomorrow only to find it had been magically altered. He chuckled to himself at his deviousness. Oliver slid him a sideways glance of worry, probably concerned his roommate was laughing to himself.
"What?" Molly demanded. "Percy, you haven't mentioned anyone. Who is he? How did you meet him? Why haven't you brought him home to meet your father and I yet? Percy, why aren't you answering me?"
"Oh, gee, Mum, could it be he can't get a word in?" George piped in, cheekily. He tossed a grin at Oliver before he turned his face to Percy and said, "Yes, Perce, tell us about your new fellow."
"I don't have a 'new fellow,'" Percy responded stiffly. "I haven't the foggiest clue what you are talking about."
"Oh, come on, Perce, you were going on abut him the other day, remember? Tall, handsome, built like a wall. A solid wall of muscle all the way down to his beautiful, sexy-"
"I never said that!" Percy snapped. Luckily yelling wasn't uncommon at the Weasley table and conversation continued around them. Still, he dropped his voice to a near-whisper. "I never said anything about his-"
"Legs," George cut in with a laugh. "Honestly, Percy, think of our poor innocent mother."
"Oh, posh," Molly said with a huff. "If my Percy has a new man, I want to hear all about him."
"Yes, Perce," Oliver finally spoke up, his lips turned up on one side. "Let's hear about this guy. Surely if you can tell George, you can tell me."
"Well," Percy glanced around from his mother's face to his brother's face to his friend's face. He cleared his throat. "There is someone..."
"Oooo, I knew it!" Molly said excitedly. "A mother can always tell. You have such a lovely glow around you, darling."
"For Merlin's sake, mother, I'm not pregnant," Percy said with a huff.
"Watch your mouth," Molly answered sternly. "And I meant the glow of love. Obviously someone has captured my little boy's heart. Now go ahead, tell me about him. How do you know him?"
"Yeah, Perce," Oliver leaned into Percy's space. He looked up at the redhead. "What's he like?" he asked softly.
"Well..." Percy started slowly, stalling for time. "He's a sweet man. Very sweet. The kind of man that is very easy to take care of, because you want to do so, because in his own special way, he should be protected. Not that he needs to be. Protected, that is. Not by me. I'm not nearly as strong as him and he's very brave." Percy laughed to himself. "He would never be scared of half the things I am. He's too sure of himself for that. And he should be, he's very handsome. But looks don't matter, not when it comes to him. Hes too kind to care about that. And he's a good friend. A very, very good friend." My best friend.
Silence met his speech. Percy stared at his plate, refusing to look up and meet Oliver's eyes. He clung to the hope that Oliver wouldn't know that all that was describing him. The sprouts moved around on his plate, a sign of how uncomfortable he was cause he usually ate his vegetables first.
"He sounds lovely," Molly said breathlessly. "I do hope you'll bring him by sometime?"
Percy looked up to her joyful eyes and her soft smile. It reminded him of one of the few times he could make her proud when he was little, a feat that was hard to achieve as the third son of boys. But he saw it now and it made him feel like a kid again. "Of course, mum."
Molly smiled again and sat up. "Who would like some more food? How about you, Harry dear? Isn't that only your third plate? I don't know how you will manage to eat properly in Romania, you'd best fill up now."
Percy felt a nudge in his side and he looked up to see George's amused face. It wasn't teasing though, it was the smile of a happy brother. And maybe a little teasing. Percy glared at him, retribution promised in his eyes. Unfortunately it didn't strike fear into George like Percy hoped it would.
When he finally felt brave enough to turn his head towards Oliver, he saw the Quidditch player's face set into a look of bemusement. There was a crease between his eyebrows that Percy longed to kiss away. He didn't like Oliver looking so uncertain, it made him want to drag him home and bake a pie. Blueberry. Oliver's favorite. Percy stiffened, worried that Oliver had figured it out and was now uncomfortable with him. He'd ruined it, he'd ruined his relationship with his best friend and he couldn't escape cause not only would that be a huge tipoff to Oliver but because the Weasley table was so jam packed that he couldn't get out of his chair. He was trapped. Trapped and waiting for his best friend to speak.
"What?" Percy demanded and then cringed. He hadn't meant to talk. He wasn't sure he wanted to hear what Oliver had to say.
Oliver frowned a bit more, an act that made Percy wiggle. Finally something must have made sense to Oliver because his expression cleared and he smiled at him. "This new guy? You'll have to introduce me sometime. Have to make sure he's good enough for you."
Percy let out a sigh of relief. "I will."
Oliver grinned.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck."
"Percy? Are you okay in there?"
Percy stop beating his head against the door. "Uh, yeah. I'll be out in a minute." After he heard Oliver's confirmation and his footsteps going down the hall, he resumed hitting his head against the door. "Fuuuck."
It was now Christmas Eve and Percy had run out of ideas to give Oliver. Nothing had worked. Buying him the broom was a complete waste, the romantic carriage ride was terrifying and even a real-almost-date hadn't paid off. Also, he'd practically confessed his feelings for the man to his face, in front of his mother, for Merlin's sake, and while Percy was glad Oliver hadn't figure it out, he was a little frustrated at Oliver for not making this easier on him.
There had to be something he could do. The perfect gift for Oliver that would show how much he loved him without Percy actually having to say it, because apparently that didn't work. Something that would show Oliver he trusted him with his feelings. He could simply talk to him... But that wasn't really a gift, was it? And he couldn't do a grand gesture. Percy shook his head, George was right. Grand gestures weren't Oliver's style. Something simple he could give Oliver that would express his feelings...
Percy drew himself up. Oh no.
George liked to tease Percy that while he was gay, and had been out of school for awhile, Percy had never actually in fact, been with another man. Part of it was that he worked too much to meet other gay men but most of it was that he'd always in love with Oliver. How could he go around sleeping with other men when the one he wanted was the next room away. Suppose, Percy pondered, suppose he gave Oliver his virginity.
Percy cringed. That was so horribly cliche. It was sappy and silly and...Oliver would probably love it. Percy's heart softened as he thought about Oliver's brown eyes looking down at him, full of love as he slid into Percy for the first time. Percy bit his lip. Could he do it?
It would involve seduction. Oliver might protest if Percy simply jumped him. He'd think Percy was under a spell or had simply gone crazy but if Percy could seduce him, get him to where he was begging for more, then maybe he wouldn't wonder what was going on with Percy until it was over.
Unfortunately it was Christmas Eve and all the stores were closed so Percy would have to make do with what he had in order to seduce the Wizarding World's favorite Quidditch player. He knew that one thing always mentioned in books was that seducing someone always involved candlelight. Since he only had his studying lamps that were made to be magically brighter, Percy supposed they'd have to work. Another thing was sexy underwear. Percy didn't have much in that regard, stacks of white cotton briefs suited him. But... he did have one pair of black ones that he'd bought on a day he was feeling extra courageous. He never wore them, since they made him blush a little when he saw them, but he figured they'd have to do.
What else? Percy struggled to think of anything else he could recall about seducing someone. Seducing someone meant that you wanted to make love so you must love them and love also reminded him of... Amortentia! What did he smell when he brewed it in Hogwarts? Parchment paper, fresh quills and an aftershave that smelled identical to the one Oliver used. With that in mind, he tore around his room looking for some paper.
There was a knock on his door. "Percy? What are you doing?"
"Just a minute!" Percy yelled. Like a mad man, he ripped the paper up into pieces and threw them everywhere. They covered his bed and were sprinkled all over his floor. But Percy thought it looked like he just made a mess so he pulled out his wand to color change the paper into red. There, he thought with satisfaction. Now it looks like rose petals or something.
But wait. It was about seducing Oliver, not himself! Oliver wouldn't get turned on by the smell of new parchment. His Amortentia probably smelled like... leather and brooms... and wind... and... Percy sank down on his bed with defeat. He ignored the pounding on his door and frowned at himself. What was he thinking, trying to work this out in five minutes?
"Percy, if you don't open the door, I'm coming in!"
Maybe he could take some of Oliver's Quidditch leathers? That was sexy, right? Percy was sure he must love a man in a uniform since he loved everything else about the damn game.
"Perce!"
Maybe he could just use some broom polish? But that was weird...
The next thing he knew, the door flew open and Oliver stood there with his wand in his hand. He scarcely took in the scene before hurrying over to Percy, who sat frozen on his bed. "Perce, are you okay? You didn't answer me and I got worried."
"Nothing is ready," he whispered.
"What?" Oliver frowned as he sat down on the bed next to his roommate. Percy looked up at the other man, his breath catching when he saw Oliver's face. Oliver was frowning, which still made him look adorable but he also had a slight stubble, which Percy longed to rub his cheek against even though he knew he couldn't, practically speaking. The short whiskers would wreak havoc on his fair skin. He would be walking around for days looking like his mother took a washing sponge to his face. The thick one she used to use when cleaning Fred and George's room. Then again, everyone would see it and know that he was claimed quite fiercely by Oliver...Percy tore his eyes away from the strong chin in front of him and raised them to meet Oliver's gaze. His mouth dried up as he took in the depth of the chocolate brown eyes that were usually filled with mirth, now only looking worried. For him. Percy did the only thing that made sense in that moment.
He jumped Oliver.
"Percy?! Whaa-" Oliver's question was lost as Percy's lips smashed against his. His thin fingers came up to curl around Oliver's head and keep him attached. Oliver struggled for a few moments before he shuddered and opened his mouth with a moan. Percy jumped at the chance before him and thrust his tongue into Oliver's mouth, with no finesse or skill but with the knowledge that came from his brothers, that that's what's supposed to happen in kissing. He wanted to push Oliver back and climb on top of him but he knew that would be all wrong. He wanted Oliver to claim him. And the correct way to do that was to be below him. That's why they called it "bottom," right?
Percy tugged Oliver until the other man's body was above him, pressing him against the bed. His hands moved down Percy's sides slowly, gently caressing him as if Percy was the newest broom and Oliver was just given this amazing gift. Percy snorted at that thought. He remember how enamored Oliver was of his broom, the same broom Percy had bought him; he'd stroked it carefully, making sure everything was in place before even daring to straddle it. Percy's eyelids fluttered at the direction his thoughts went and he didn't want to waste any more time. With a final moment of hesitation, Percy slid his legs apart, which allowed for Oliver to be able to press more firmly against him. Both men groaned at the contact.
Which seemed to shock Percy back into thought. He shoved Oliver off and stared in shock at the other man. Oliver's lips were red and his chest was heaving but what got Percy was the look of utter confusion on his face. Percy panicked. He had really thought Oliver would be open to his... advances. "I have to go," Percy said suddenly as he ran towards the bathroom.
"What?! Perce? Wait!" Oliver hurried after him but Percy slammed the door in time. He forgot his wand so he couldn't lock it, but he did keep his body pushed against it so that Oliver couldn't open it from the other side. "Percy? What are you doing?"
"Just forget it!" Percy yelled. "I was being foolish."
""What? Perce, you just surprised me! I'm sorry!"
"Not as sorry as I am," Percy said bitterly. He could feel Oliver trying to push open the door so he locked his legs and kept his back against it. He felt the door move a couple of times. The wood hit the frame in loud knock but Percy kept it shut.
"Come on, Perce! This is ridiculous. You know I could shove my way in if I really wanted to."
"Shut up!"
Percy heard some muttering, something that sounded like "...say I'm childish" and then, "Perce, please, won't you talk to me?"
It must have been the slight tone of desperation that got to Percy but the next thing he knew, his usually stern mouth was spilling everything. "I don't know what I was thinking! I just wanted to give you the perfect gift but nothing works! You already had the broom even after I worked overtime and weekends and had to pawn off a couple of things... Er, not so important things." Percy winced as he thought of the china. "And the stupid shop wouldn't take the broom back cause a twig broke and they couldn't sell it in less than perfect condition so now I have to keep it and what the hell would I want with a broom, anyway?!"
"Er..."
"Then trying to be more romantic didn't work. Stupid sleigh ride. I didn't know George designed it to go so fast and I am sorry about your shoes. I know I hated them but I didn't mean to gross you out-"
"You didn't-"
Percy bumped his head against the door. "What was I thinking, imagining you'd date me? You can have anyone; everyone loves you. You're the Quidditch darling. And all I can do is make lousy dinners because I can barely afford to take you out, for even a pint," Percy whispered. "I'm so stupid."
"You're not stupid," Oliver said quietly. "You're the smartest man I know. You got an 'O' on all your Owls. Except-"
"Defense Against the Dark Arts," Percy finished angrily. "Bastards. See? I'm failing at this like I failed at that!"
Oliver chuckled. "Getting an 'E' is hardly failing. And this isn't the same thing."
Percy nodded his head quickly. "Oh, yes it is! If Hogwarts taught a class on this, I'd be failing! I'd get a 'T'! Troll! I'm a troll at love!"
There was silence on the other side of the door. Percy listened hard but he couldn't hear any sounds of Oliver leaving. After a few minutes had gone by, he risked moving back and peeking his head out. Only to see Oliver standing there, an unexplainable look on his face.
"Love?" Oliver whispered.
Percy winced and tried to shut the door again but Oliver shoved his foot in the way. He grabbed Percy's arm and yanked him out of the bathroom and into his arms. Percy melted at the feeling of the larger man holding him, their bodies pressed together. He knew he didn't have much time with Oliver left so he took advantage and buried his nose in the other man's sweater. It smelled warm and musky like Christmas in front of the fire and Oliver's cologne. Percy wished he never had to let go.
"Love, Perce?" Oliver repeated. Percy refused to say anything, didn't want to ruin the little time he had before Oliver turned him out. "Perce, I could tell you... felt something for me. That much was obvious."
"It w-was?" Percy's voice cracked.
Oliver chuckled. "Of course, Perce. Why do you think I asked you to move in? I've been waiting for you for so long and I thought that maybe if you were around me every day, you might finally say something."
Percy pulled back and stared at Oliver in shock. "Why didn't you say something?"
"I wanted you to do it, on your own terms. I knew you'd probably be very stubborn and want to take things slowly. I was fully prepared to go at your speed and take you on a lot of dates before even being allowed to kiss you. That's why tonight, I was so surprised... " Oliver smiled and tilted his head at the bed.
"But-" Percy felt his mouth fall open and even though it was tasteless, he couldn't close it. "You- I- What? All this time I was trying to work up the courage to tell you and you already knew?" Percy started swatting at Oliver. "You horrible, cruel bastard! You... you... swine!"
"Aww, Perce..." Oliver tried to hold back his laughing as he moved away from the smaller man.
"Don't you 'aww, Perce" me, mister! You are not charming your way out of this one!"
Oliver smiled. "Can I charm my way into something? Namely, your pants?"
At the reminder, Percy looked down to find he was still in his white underwear and yelped. He shoved Oliver, a motion that caused him to topple over on the bed, laughing. Percy flushed red as he glowered at him. "Don't think you can make me fall for your line, Mr. Wood. I'm very cross with you."
Oliver let out a sigh like a cross between a laugh and a groan. "Merlin, Perce, you are fucking sexy when you're angry."
"Oliver-"
"Shut up." Oliver yanked Percy down on top of him and resumed kissing the redhead. This kiss paled considerably in comparison to the earlier kiss because this time Oliver allowed himself to show Percy just how much he felt for the other man. He pulled away and dropped his head back. "Merlin, Percy, I love you."
"You do?"
Oliver pulled one of the red springs on top of Percy's head and let it bounce back. "Of course," he answered with a smile. "Why do you think I keep you around? Granted, you are an excellent cook and my bathroom has never looked cleaner and of course I love knowing where my shoes are in the morning-"
"Oliver?" Percy growled.
"Yeah?"
"Shut up." Percy attacked Oliver with kissing and nibbling, something Oliver also had no cause to complain about. He wrapped his arms around Percy and turned them over until Percy's back was pressed against the bed. He pulled back again to look at his roommate, his best friend and now his soon-to-be lover but something caught his eye.
"Er, Perce?"
"Hmm?"
"Why are there pieces of red parchment on your bed?"
Percy groaned and sat up a bit to look Oliver in the eye. "It's your Christmas gift. Happy Christmas."
"What? But-" But Oliver couldn't get another word in cause Percy proceeded with showing him exactly how to unwrap his present.
The End.
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I've sort of got an incling, who might have written this. :D
Aaanyway, I love how Percy NEVER has any clue at all that Oliver is already his! *Grins* He'd probably edit that first owl as you said, if he could and I'm SURE he'd be all "waaaay to familiar! overly personal etc. etc." XD
I love how Oliver wanted to give him some room and Percy just never figured that part out. I also really love ho possessive Oliver got and how jealous when he thought that Percy had someone in his room. ♥
And Percy keeping Oliver's stuff organised and cooking for him! God I love me a slightly OCD Percy! ♥
This was a wonderful fic and I laughed out loud for real when Percy was sick on Oliver's shoes! XD
Thank you so much for sharing this with us! ♥
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Lol, did you guess right?
I love OCD percy too! Hehe, he's fun.
Thank you so much!!!
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I know how much you love this pairing and you write it so well, that you make me love it too! ♥
asödjadhaklghuildhaösfjjklashdkashfkasg!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed my comment, darling! I'm really glad I left it!! :D
*squishes fiercely*
I love you! You can totally ALWAYS share your love for this ship with me, I'll be your proud first made or whereever you'll have me (I also make a fierce Omlette ;)) and we'll sail onto the wide sees of fandom and find us some shiny desert island to populate with Percy/Oliver love! :D
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you totally rocked this foreshadowing line: Quidditch was his life; the man practically breathed it. What else could he want? umm you Perc, he wants you silly boy.
and i love this one: "Oh, yes it is! If Hogwarts taught a class on this, I'd be failing! I'd get a 'T'! Troll! I'm a troll at love!"
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