Marcus Flint was head over heels for his boyfriend, Percy Weasley.
Percy was a gift from the gods, perfect for him in every way possible. He was the nicest; some would say pompous git but Marcus would say fair and rule-abiding. There was nothing wrong with taking your responsibilities seriously. In fact, it was admirable. And despite his rough and uninviting demeanor, Percy had always treated Marcus like he was worth a damn, and for that Marcus was ever grateful.
Besides how decidedly nice he was, he was really smart. Typically one's intelligence wouldn't be significant to Marcus, but it was just so sexy when Percy would get that fire in his eyes while he went on tangents that casually utilized vocabulary that Marcus wouldn't even begin to think about using.
If it wasn't the smarts, then it was how he was as unreadable as hieroglyphs without a Rosetta Stone. Marcus would do anything to know what went on inside his brain (not legilimency, that's a violation). And if it wasn't that, then it was how pretty he was. His eyes held so much emotion, his hair perfectly framed his face, and his smile... Marcus could go on for ages about that smile.
When he'd first found himself thinking those thoughts, it was a little startling, but a long time coming. After all, there was only so much a man could take before he fell in love with his potions partner who never should've been his potions partner to begin with. It was practically fated. So...
"Want to go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend?" Marcus had asked Percy while he was chopping the green stuff for their veritaserum antidote. He didn't know what it was, but Percy had given it to him and then started mincing the purple stuff, and he obliged like always.
Percy took a moment to respond. Ever the perfectionist, Marcus got the feeling he might've ticked Percy off by talking to him while he was in his potion-making zone. He was getting ready to ask again when, "I can't tell if you're being serious or if this is some kind of weird joke. Why would I go to Hogsmeade with you?"
Marcus nearly recoiled, pausing his chopping minutely. Biting his tongue, he decided not to be too defensive about it lest he wound up saying something he didn't mean. "Maybe because I like you and want to spend time with you when we're not in this dingy classroom? I dunno, just a thought."
"Oh?" The purple stuff was getting minced at a slower pace as Percy contemplated Marcus' words. Finally, "Okay."
"Okay?" Marcus echoed, watching Percy carefully, hopefully. That caused him to nick his fingers. No big deal. Not when Percy was agreeing to go to Hogsmeade with him.
"Okay." Reaffirmation.
"It's a date, then?"
"A date?"
"Yeah, Weasley. A date. What would you call it?"
"Well, when I spend time with my other friends we don't really call it anything. Definitely not a date."
Marcus laughed boisterously, causing Percy to stare at him, befuddled and warning. He forgot that Percy was also hilarious.
The date went well if Marcus said so himself. He got Percy a few things along the way, despite his resistance. Marcus would call them courting gifts. While there, Percy technically had responsibilities as a prefect, but Marcus did his very best to hog up all of Percy's time and attention. These kids were old enough to go without Percy's supervision. For Marcus, needing Percy's eyes on him was something he could never grow out of.
As they walked shoulder to shoulder back to the castle, Percy commented, "This was surprisingly enjoyable. Perhaps we should do it again."
"Of course," Marcus readily agreed, nudging Percy's shoulder. "Whatever you want."
"I also appreciate the quills. And the chocolate. You didn't have to do that, though," Percy mentioned with a bit of hesitance.
Marcus scoffed. "Why wouldn't I? What kind of date would I be if I let you pay for yourself?"
"The kind that wasn't my date?" Percy supplied.
Marcus chuckled and shook his head. It wasn't as fresh as the first time Percy had made that joke, but it was still funny. "You're hysterical."
"How?" Percy frowned.
"Oh, Percy," Marcus smiled, throwing an arm around Percy's shoulder. "My stomach hurts from all this laughter."
Percy looked at him weird but didn't say anything as they continued the walk back to the castle.
Over the next few months, their relationship developed beautifully. Percy was more accepting of his touch and his irrational fear that they shouldn't be seen together had went away. Why was it so hard for people to understand that while he'd launch a bludger at any of Percy's quidditch-playing brothers and friends, that didn't extend to Percy himself? Why would he ever hurt such a gem?
They made it official after the third date where Percy accepted the simple wrist watch that Marcus got for him as a final courting gift. Complete with their initials, Marcus had a matching chain that he kept tucked under his shirt, as close to his heart as possible. It was really romantic, and Percy blushed like a virgin as he reluctantly took the thing.
Marcus would fondly shake his head as he thought back to the memory. His boyfriend was so humble and down-to-earth.
They'd never kissed, but only because Percy got all shy and flustered when Marcus expressed any interest. As if they weren't already together. It was adorable, and Marcus would wait centuries for Percy to be ready. At the very least, they hugged.
Everyone knew they were in a relationship. Wood and those silly Weasley Twins had been extra hard on him on the pitch because he'd supposedly corrupted Percy. Marcus took it all in stride; he wasn't scared of the little lions. If showering Percy with all the good things in his heart was corrupting him, then Percy would just have to corrupted. It was good for both of them.
Despite everybody knowing about the unlikely pair, there were still a few audacious people that Marcus had to deal with.
"Oi, Higgs! What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" Marcus called, storming down the corridor to where Higgs had his Percy up against the wall at wandpoint. Higgs seemed to enjoy their proximity. Whether it was some power trip or he was genuinely trying to make moves on Percy, Marcus didn't care. Higgs would pay.
Higgs, upon hearing Marcus' angry yell, immediately pulled back, a smarmy grin on his face. "Hey, Flint. Come to watch the—"
Marcus didn't think twice before rearing his fist and slamming it hard into Higgs' face, knocking that smirk (and maybe a few teeth) right off. It was satisfying to watch his body hit the stone floor and to hear him collapse into groans and curses, but he had to focus on Percy.
Stray tears were streaking down his gorgeous face as he looked between Higgs' crumpled form and Marcus with wide eyes. Marcus’ heart softened and flared with anger simultaneously, and he hurriedly pulled Percy into a tight embrace before he did something stupid.
Percy was by no means helpless; he probably would've figured out a way to help himself had Marcus not come to his rescue. He didn't have to, though, because he was Marcus' to protect.
"I'm fine. Let's go," Percy spoke, his voice surprisingly steady despite his shaken up visage. He was trying to wiggle his way out of Marcus' arms, and Marcus reluctantly let him, keeping an arm around his shoulder like how they'd normally do.
However, he couldn't resist turning to Higgs with a sneer on his face as he watched him slowly pick himself up. "You're disgusting. Off the team, might I add. Stay away from my boyfriend, fucking dolt."
His mouth was poised to let out a litany of curses, but Percy was tugging at his shirt insistently. "Marcus," he demanded firmly, and Marcus knew that it was time to go. Percy would leave soon, with or without him.
He reluctantly turned around, resisting the urge to spit on Higgs. Percy would reprimand him. Together, they walked to their safe haven; the library.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Percy expressed a multitude of emotions, just like Marcus knew he would. Annoyance was the first, just like Marcus knew it would be. "I could've taken care of myself."
"I know, but you don't have to. What use would I be if I didn't spend every waking moment making sure you were okay?" Marcus responded sincerely. He'd rehearsed this conversation in his head several times.
Percy was silent for a moment. "Thank you," he finally blurted.
Marcus knew it was hard for him to say. He was just so independent and self-sufficient, accepting help was like pulling teeth. It was admirable, but sometimes it sucked. "Any time," he smiled.
The rest of the trek to the library was spent in silence. Marcus kept glancing at Percy who was frowning and biting his lip, staring at the ground in front of him. He was obviously deep in thought, and Marcus again wished they shared a brain or something.
They sat down at their usual table, and Marcus laid his head down, waiting for Percy to voice his thoughts. It became quickly apparent, however, that it would take some pushing. Nudging Percy's leg with his own, he asked, "What's going on up there?"
Percy looked at Marcus like he was noticing him for the first time since they'd arrived. With a sigh, he said, "Why did you call me your boyfriend?"
Now, Percy said peculiar things sometimes, but this had Marcus sitting up in his seat, a confused frown forming on his face. "...How do you mean?"
"You told Higgs to stay away from your boyfriend," Percy clarified. "I assume you were referring to me. Why'd you call me that?"
Marcus licked his lips. He didn't understand where the confusion was coming from, but now it was confusing him. "Maybe I said that because you're my boyfriend?"
"That's the thing, though!" Percy exclaimed, clearly becoming more distressed by the second. His panic was making Marcus panic. "I'm not your boyfriend!"
Marcus' eyebrows knitted together in concern, a feeling of grim realization settling into his uneasy stomach. "Percy, I — I don't understand. Are you... breaking up with me?"
"Breaking up with you?" Percy repeated. "We were never together!"
"Never together? Our 3 month anniversary is next week! We've spent the past 4 months spending every hour with each other. You even come to my quidditch matches! If you want to break up, that's fine, but you don't get to say that this never happened!" Marcus ranted, anger, confusion, and hurt fueling his every word.
"3 month anniversary?" Percy murmured to himself, a look of genuine confusion on his face. That only served to tick Marcus off, because how could Percy forget their 3 month anniversary?
"Forgotten, have you?" Marcus spat bitterly. He took a deep breath to calm himself down, but he couldn't stop the next words from coming out of his mouth. "Was this all a joke to you? Percy, I love you!"
At that, they both stared at each other, stunned. Marcus was the first to look away, tucking his head into his folded arms to hide the tears that threatened to spill. He felt humiliated.
Percy was silent, and Marcus almost startled when he felt Percy's lithe hand covering his clenched fist. He went to move, but Percy's grip remained firm.
"Marcus," Percy began, unwavering and exuding confidence. Marcus knew him though, and could spot the unsureness in his tone. "I think there's been some sort of misunderstanding. I wasn't aware that we were ever together in that way."
"How could you not know?" Marcus complained disbelievingly, borderline wailing.
"How was I supposed to know?" Percy retorted indignantly, removing his hand from Marcus' to punctuate his outrage.
Marcus' hand felt cold. Sitting up, he looked Percy in the eye. Ignoring the pity that manifested as soon as he registered Marcus' red eyes, there appeared to be genuine confusion there.
With a sigh, Marcus began to argue his point. "I asked you out on dates. I got you gifts. You accepted my final courting gift — matching accessories with our initials on them! We hug and hold hands all the time. We've never kissed, but I thought that maybe you were just shy, so I waited. Hell, even your brothers and Wood know! Everybody knows, Percy!"
"Not me," Percy joked wryly. Neither laughed. "The dates... I thought we were just two friends hanging out. The hand-holding and hugging, I thought you were just a really tactile person. And as for the gifts, well... I didn't know they were courting gifts. You never said!"
Marcus really tried to see it Percy's way, but, "All that and you thought we were just friends? Do you act like this with your other friends?"
"Well, no," Percy conceded quietly, a flush coming onto his cheeks. "But I thought we were just special friends. Different."
"We were," Marcus deadpanned. "Because we were dating."
"Oh," Percy said simply. "You should've told me."
Marcus rolled his eyes. This was just ridiculous. "I didn't think I needed to."
They sat awkwardly, looking at each other and glancing away as they waited for the other to say something. Marcus didn't know how to proceed. It felt like his whole life had been turned upside down. Did Percy even like him?
"Do you even like me? Romantically speaking," Marcus broke the silence. "I mean, I obviously like you."
"I do," Percy admitted. "And it was driving me mad that we were going in circles this way, because something told me you liked me too. Joke's on me, I guess."
"So you wanted to date me but you didn't know that we were already dating?" Marcus summed up slowly, trying to make sense of it for himself.
Percy exhaled deeply. "Pretty much?"
"This is bizarre. Any solutions?" Marcus rubbed at his temples. At least they weren't breaking up. On the other hand, they were never together.
"How about we start anew?" Percy suggested, getting closer to Marcus. "I like you, you like me, and for the record, we're dating now."
Marcus nodded in agreement. "Can we still celebrate 3 months?"
"Of course," Percy smiled, taking Marcus' hand in his and slowly interlacing their fingers. Merlin, did Marcus love that smile. "We'll just have two anniversaries. Now, how about that kiss?"
Marcus didn't have to be asked twice. Now, for real this time, he was head over heels for his boyfriend, Percy Weasley.