Sun Shower
Summary: Marcus’ and Oliver’s first date doesn’t go quite as planned but that’s okay
Rating: T
Genre: Post Battle of Hogwarts, Developing Relationship, Light Angst, Affection
Words: 820
A/N: for @inimitablebiscuit!! who had asked for a fluffy prompt but some angst still got in there in the end oops ‘^_^
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AO3
or
Marcus wipes his hands on his trousers for the fifth time, eyes darting up and down the street.
He’s early, but his nerves still get the best of him. Maybe he’ll be stood up, maybe he assumed too much. It was too good to be true.
“Marcus!”
Snapped from his thoughts, Marcus breathes a sigh of relief as he watches Oliver Wood approach him. Slightly disheveled hair, bundled up from the harsh fall air, he’s a sight to see and Marcus doesn’t know what to do with himself first.
“Knew you’d get here as early as me,” Oliver teases and he pecks Marcus’ cheek.
Marcus’ mind goes blank. It’s only their first date, affection shouldn’t happen so soon. Should it? As much as Marcus doesn’t like to admit it, he hasn’t dated. Not in the conventional sense. His life has been a whirlwind of tumbling into beds, making appearances at parties. Nothing serious, nothing meaningful.
“Come on,” Oliver seems unfazed as he hooks his arm with Marcus’ and tugs him toward the park.
It’s easy to fall into step with Oliver, but words are still far from leaving Marcus. He can’t ruin this one. Luckily, Oliver starts friendly chatter, going on about the latest league games, details jumping back and forth. Marcus can only gaze on, wondering where his life went right.
Never did he expect to fall in love with Oliver. It seemed by chance or rather fate, that they both ended up on Puddlemere after the war. After that, the jabs and sneers turned into teasing and laughter. Then, one day after practice, Marcus couldn’t stop himself. In a rushed haze, he asked Oliver on a date and here they are.
“Alright there?” Oliver stops, staring right into Marcus’ eyes.
Marcus tries to think up an excuse, to blame it on the weather, but a lie doesn’t suit their relationship. “Just nervous,” Marcus mumbles.
“The great Marcus Flint nervous?” Oliver grins. “You’ve never even broken a sweat before a big game.”
A small laugh is exchanged between them and Marcus shakes his head. “Quidditch, I can handle. You, I…”
“It’s just me,” Oliver reassures.
“But it’s not,” Marcus exhales heavily. “It’s not ‘just’ you. You’re Oliver Wood, one of the greatest keepers of our time. At Hogwarts, you were a star. You’re so much and I’m….”
“Now don’t say that,” Oliver cuts Marcus off. He cups Marcus’ face and runs a thumb across his cheek. “I wouldn’t be the keeper I am if it wasn’t for you. You kept me on my toes, still do. You make me want to be better, to get better.”
It’s hard to believe these words when so much of what Marcus has known has been the opposite. Nothing was right before the war and after, well, Marcus, like so many others, is still trying to heal.
“Fuck. This was supposed to be our first date. I’m not supposed to get all moody on you,” Marcus melts into Oliver’s touch.
“Hey, it’s alright,” Oliver gives a gentle smile. “I’m glad you were honest with me.”
Marcus isn’t so sure it’s alright, but Oliver’s warmth is beginning to convince him. He doesn’t know when he closes his eyes. Doesn’t know when Oliver’s lips touch his own. All Marcus can think of is how perfect this kiss feels.
Their embrace ends too soon and Marcus thinks to dive back in, but Oliver talks first.
“I don’t want us hiding from each other. I know it’s not easy, so let’s try together.” Oliver and Marcus’ hands tangle together, their faces close enough to feel each other’s breaths. “I’m so unbelievably happy you asked me out. I’ve loved you for so many years.”
“Even at Hogwarts?” Marcus can’t help blurt out, but Oliver’s gaze says it all. “So all this time, we could have been this.”
“Better late than never,” Oliver grins.
Marcus finally lets a little of his walls down. As anxiousness collides with need, Marcus engulfs Oliver in a hug, filled with desperation to never let go. Oliver hugging him back is everything and when they pull apart, Marcus doesn’t want to dwell in the dark.
“Let’s keep walking, I want to hear what you’ve got planned for our next practice.”
Oliver lights up at this and he jumps into the same closeness as before, holding onto Marcus’ arm as they walk down the path. Though Oliver does much of the talking, Marcus finds it natural, easy to find his part in the conversation. There is chatter like that of old friends, yet a confiding air, an understanding only the two of them could have. It is perfection that Marcus likes to think is just for the two of them.
As the sunlight breaks through the bitter wind, the heaviness begins to fade and all Marcus can see is Oliver, this wonderful, carefree man whom he will undoubtedly spend the rest of his life with.
