oli_keeper_wood: :: looking up with a grin as Flint walks in without knocking:: Find it alright, then? marcus_flint1: The directions were clear, yes. oli_keeper_wood: Well. Come in, sit down, I'll get the plays. marcus_flint1: Right. I'm still worried that I'm a bit rusty--I've played, of course, but not against any serious competition. Not in years. oli_keeper_wood: :: comes back in with arms full of Quidditch stuff, wand in his mouth:: Mmphmphmmphm. :: drops the figurines and such, takes wand out of mouth:: You'll be fine, I think. You were okay at practice. :: sits down next to Marcus, close enough that their legs touch:: marcus_flint1: "Okay" isn't good enough, and you know it. But you're right. I'll be fine. ::leans over, just slightly, so that he's even closer to Oliver:: oli_keeper_wood: Or else. It's my reputation on the line, you know. :: moves in closer, then waves his wand at the figures, muttering a spell. one of the figures explodes.:: Oh, fuck. marcus_flint1: ::laughs:: Is that our new strategy? oli_keeper_wood: :: reddening:: Shut up. marcus_flint1: Sorry. And I won't let you down tomorrow. ::looks at watch:: Today. oli_keeper_wood: I know you won't. I know what a talented player you are. Did you trial for a League side after we left school? marcus_flint1: ::jaw clenches:: Yes. oli_keeper_wood: Who? marcus_flint1: Appleby. And Wimbourne. oli_keeper_wood: Did they give you any reasons you didn't make it? marcus_flint1: I just wasn't *quite* good enough. Just a little too slow, just a little too late in figuring out what the Keeper was going to do... I don't want to talk about it. Not right now. oli_keeper_wood: I always found you to be one of the more challenging Chasers to read. oli_keeper_wood: :: smiles:: I think you're brilliant. marcus_flint1: ::smiles back:: Been taking more bludgers to the head, I see. But thanks. oli_keeper_wood: No, really, I mean it. You're a fantastic player, Marcus, and I don't just say that about anyone. marcus_flint1: Glad someone thinks so. ::starts looking through all the assorted Quidditch stuff Oliver dropped on the table:: Glad *you* think so. oli_keeper_wood: Well, I do. I don't always approve - actually I hardly ever approve - of the way you play it, but. marcus_flint1: I know. And you're the captain, so I'll play it your way. marcus_flint1: You don't have to worry about that. oli_keeper_wood: Good. ::very innocently:: Wouldn't want to have to punish you, after all. marcus_flint1: ::coughs, then, equally innocently:: Of course not. oli_keeper_wood: :: leans back so he's leaning against Flint's chest now, waves wand at Quidditch figures. this time they spring to life and start obeying his wand movements:: Now, Portee play a really Seeker-oriented game. And their Seeker is good, really good. She plays for the top side as well. So our best hope is to win the Quaffle game by more than a hundred and fifty. marcus_flint1: So it's going to be, essentially, the four of us--you, me, and the other Chasers--against their Chasers and Keeper. The kind of game I like-- but I have to admit, not what I was hoping for the first time out. oli_keeper_wood: I know. With a new Chaser, we could definitely be against an easier side. I mean - their Chasers aren't that good, not at all, definitely something I can handle. Their Keeper's all right, though. marcus_flint1: I've played against top-notch Keepers before. oli_keeper_wood: :: confused look:: I thought you hadn't played since we left school? marcus_flint1: ::gentle thump to Oliver's head:: I was talking about you. oli_keeper_wood: Oh. Oh. I'm not exactly top-notch, you know. ::grins:: Thanks. marcus_flint1: At least you know I'm not just saying that to be nice. oli_keeper_wood: Yeah. Wouldn't be like you to be nice, would it? ::looks up at Flint and grins:: marcus_flint1: Absolutely not. Especially not to you. ::grins back:: oli_keeper_wood: ::still grinning:: Oh, the feeling's mutual. marcus_flint1: I know. oli_keeper_wood: That said... ninety seconds, my arse. marcus_flint1: I'll stand by my statement. I've seen no proof otherwise. oli_keeper_wood: Maybe I'll just have to prove myself then. marcus_flint1: ::raised eyebrow:: And I thought you wanted me here to talk about Quidditch. I'm stunned at your deviousness. oli_keeper_wood: I am talking about Quidditch. ::grin:: Just saying I'll show you tomorrow - today - that I can last longer than a minute and a half. oli_keeper_wood: On a broomstick, that is. marcus_flint1: Never doubted you. On a broomstick, that is. oli_keeper_wood: Yes, I thought you never meant all those cracks about me being unable to stay on. marcus_flint1: I never meant a lot of things. You know that. oli_keeper_wood: Well -- yeah. I guess I do. marcus_flint1: The only times I ever saw you knocked off your broom, you'd been hit with a bludger. Which could happen to anyone. oli_keeper_wood: Especially after you stole the bat and hit it at them. ::beat, then Oliver grins:: oli_keeper_wood: Marcus? Tell me about your family? marcus_flint1: Not a lot to tell. Dad works for the WWN, which, hell, means he probably has to put up with Lee Jordan. ::grins:: Good. My mother writes features, sometimes, for Witch Weekly. Only child, profound disappointment, the usual. oli_keeper_wood: :: laughs:: Really? My Mum works at the WWN, actually. Wonder if they know each other. marcus_flint1: Be frightening if they did. So, what about your family, then? oli_keeper_wood: Dad. Um. Works in a shop in Knockturn Alley. I don't really know where. They. Uh. They hate Quidditch, believe it or not. ::laughs a little, uneasily:: Only child, too. marcus_flint1: I can believe it. ::shrugs:: My parents aren't particularly fond of Quidditch either. Oh, it's all right--but not anything to waste your time on. marcus_flint1: And the perfect Gryffindor has a father who works in Knockturn Alley? oli_keeper_wood: Yes, ::falsetto, imitating mother:: It's not a real job, is it Oliver? ::back to normal:: And yeah. I do. It's not... I mean... you can't choose your family. marcus_flint1: No. I don't suppose you can. oli_keeper_wood: Are you still nervous about the game? marcus_flint1: A bit. Less, though. oli_keeper_wood: Good. ::shifts so he's cuddled completely up to Flint, one arm wrapped around his waist:: I can't wait. I just. I mean, I've often wondered what sort of a combination we'd make. marcus_flint1: ::sighs and rests his cheek against Oliver's hair:: Provided I remember I need to go toward the *other* set of goals, we should be all right. oli_keeper_wood: ::closes his eyes happily:: You're a smart bloke. I'm sure you'll figure it out quickly enough. marcus_flint1: Yeah? I don't know. I kind of liked being on the opposing team. ::grins:: More chances to look at you. oli_keeper_wood: ::laughs:: You'll give me an ego if you're not careful. marcus_flint1: Someone's got to convince you you're not "just Oliver." oli_keeper_wood: :: snuggling closer:: But - if I'm not just Oliver, then why? Why has nobody ever actually cared about me? marcus_flint1: Because they're all idiots. Because you've got horrible taste. Because--I don't know. oli_keeper_wood: Because I didn't notice you before? marcus_flint1: Maybe so. oli_keeper_wood: I think I've noticed you now. marcus_flint1: Probably so. oli_keeper_wood: ::smiles, then twists around and pulls Marcus's face down to kiss him:: marcus_flint1: ::wraps his arms around Oliver:: Yes. I think you've definitely noticed. oli_keeper_wood: I'm really not that slow, you know. marcus_flint1: That, I don't think I ever accused you of. oli_keeper_wood: Even without a broomstick between my legs. oli_keeper_wood: Believe me, it's been said. A lot. marcus_flint1: So? These are the same people who don't think Quidditch is all that important, aren't they? oli_keeper_wood: You know? They must be. Why did I ever listen to them! ::grins, tilts head up to be kissed:: marcus_flint1: ::is only too happy to oblige, kissing Oliver until they're both breathless:: oli_keeper_wood: ::breathing hard, snuggling in so he's completely entwined in Marcus:: You know, with a combination like we obviously make, we can't lose tomorrow. marcus_flint1: ::relaxing into Oliver's embrace:: You may be right. oli_keeper_wood: No, I mean it. I think - yeah. Maybe you're the head Chaser I've been looking for, to combine with. marcus_flint1: This tournament'll be over next week, Oliver. And then you go back to being Puddlemere's star Keeper, and I go back to breaking up fights between first years. oli_keeper_wood: We're obviously pretty evenly matched. I can't remember you ever scoring me - er, scoring against me - with any consistency. oli_keeper_wood: Discounting when you first hit a bludger into me. oli_keeper_wood: Hey, nobody knows what'll happen over the tournament. You might get picked up. marcus_flint1: That's not why I'm doing this. oli_keeper_wood: What? Why not? marcus_flint1: I didn't think about it. I had my chance two years ago. oli_keeper_wood: And now you've got a second chance. marcus_flint1: I'm just going to go out there and play. marcus_flint1: If something happens, well, good. But if it doesn't--I'll have still gotten to play one last time. oli_keeper_wood: That's all you can do. oli_keeper_wood: Um, Marcus? marcus_flint1: Yes? oli_keeper_wood: I. I love you. marcus_flint1: ::closes eyes, swallows hard:: You do? oli_keeper_wood: ::nods, sure of himself:: marcus_flint1: ::huge grin:: I'm glad. oli_keeper_wood: So am I, you know. marcus_flint1: Good. oli_keeper_wood: I mean. I never thought of you as anything but opposition before I found out the other day. But with how I feel now -- I can't believe I ever felt different. marcus_flint1: If you-- I mean, if you change your mind.... I'll understand. I can't think I'd be the easiest person to put up with. oli_keeper_wood: Believe me, neither am I. marcus_flint1: Oh, I believe you. But. I'm just saying. I won't tell anyone about this...if you don't want. In case you change your mind. oli_keeper_wood: I just. Maybe we should keep it quiet - you know, just between you, me, Terence and Adrian - until everything is sorted out with Percy. marcus_flint1: I was planning to. But I mean, not tell them, either. If you want. oli_keeper_wood: I don't mind. I mean, I understand if you're ashamed, because I mean, yeah, 'Gryffindork' and all. But you can tell them. If you want. marcus_flint1: Ashamed? Of you? Are you-- never mind. Don't answer that. You *are* insane. marcus_flint1: I wouldn't ever be ashamed of you. oli_keeper_wood: I just. I mean. Davies obviously was, and I think Percy was too. oli_keeper_wood: And you - I mean. I probably don't fit with your world. marcus_flint1: I'm not. I can't imagine ever being ashamed of you. Now you, on the other hand, I could understand... marcus_flint1: ::defensively:: And what world would that be? oli_keeper_wood: You're a Quidditch player, Marc. How could I ever be ashamed of you? oli_keeper_wood: One with Terence and Adrian. Neither of whom I would normally be allowed to go near, by order of them. marcus_flint1: They don't know you. And they'll change their mind once they do. oli_keeper_wood: :: grins:: Good. Because I want to be part of your world, you know. marcus_flint1: You are. You always have been. Only now, you'll be a part that *doesn't* make Terence complain that I'm giving him a brain hemorrhage. oli_keeper_wood: :: laughs:: You know, I really think this will work. ::a beat:: It's okay I call you Marc? marcus_flint1: Yeah. It's okay. oli_keeper_wood: Good. And you know, I never minded you calling me Ol. Most people call me Oli, though. And... I mean, this is stupid. You can call me what you like. marcus_flint1: I only called you Ol because it pissed you off when Clearwater did it. oli_keeper_wood: Anything Clearwater does pisses me off. marcus_flint1: I'm noticing that. Any particular reason, or just because she used to go out with Percy? marcus_flint1: Because believe me, I'm not feeling especially fond of Roger Davies at the moment, and I didn't even know about it at the time.... oli_keeper_wood: Just because she used to go out with Percy. And because she thought Quidditch was trivial. oli_keeper_wood: You never liked him anyway! marcus_flint1: Well, I like him less now. marcus_flint1: And okay, you're right. Penny's not all that fond of Quidditch. Or you, for that matter. She was jealous. oli_keeper_wood: Mmmm. :: nuzzles Flint's neck a little, playfully:: You're planning to protect me from everything, huh? oli_keeper_wood: Don't talk about her. marcus_flint1: I won't. marcus_flint1: And yes. Everything I can. marcus_flint1: Anything you need protected from at the moment, or was that just for future reference? oli_keeper_wood: I was thinking along the lines of Terence, but. ::grins:: Yeah, future reference. oli_keeper_wood: Probably your parents, if you ever tell them. marcus_flint1: Of course I will. Protect you, I mean. And tell them. ::pause:: Eventually. oli_keeper_wood: ::grinning:: They'll kill me for corrupting their Marcus, won't they? marcus_flint1: I rather think they've decided that happened a long time ago. But. Yes, maybe. But I won't let them. oli_keeper_wood: I can't imagine you ever being innocent, you know. marcus_flint1: ::shrugs:: I must have been, at some point. oli_keeper_wood: This is out of the blue, but - do you have any idea how disappointed my parents were that I was sorted into Gryffindor? marcus_flint1: What were they hoping for? oli_keeper_wood: Slytherin. Like the two of them. marcus_flint1: ::blinks:: You. In Slytherin. You'd have been eaten alive. oli_keeper_wood: I know. I. ::shrugs:: marcus_flint1: No. It's--I like you this way. marcus_flint1: ::smiles:: Although I might not have had to wait so long to get to do this. oli_keeper_wood: Yeah. I - I guess that's another way I've disappointed my parents, you know. Wasn't ambitious enough for Slytherin. oli_keeper_wood: You would have hated me and you know it. marcus_flint1: I wouldn't have hated you. I hardly hate *anyone* from Slytherin. oli_keeper_wood: But, like you said, I'd have been eaten alive. marcus_flint1: Yeah. But really. I'd rather have you like this. It suits you. oli_keeper_wood: What, still breathing? marcus_flint1: Definitely still breathing. oli_keeper_wood: :: slides a hand under Marcus's robe, rests it on his stomach:: Mmm. I think I'd rather be like this, too. marcus_flint1: Good. Because you're not allowed to change. oli_keeper_wood: Oh, really? oli_keeper_wood: ::grins:: You ticklish, Marc? marcus_flint1: ::holds very still, trying not to react:: No. oli_keeper_wood: ::grins wider:: Oh, good, you won't mind me doing this then. ::moves hand around to Marcus's side, then slides his other hand into Marcus's robes, and lightly traces his fingers over the skin on both sides of his waist:: marcus_flint1: ::squirms a bit, then gets control again, at least temporarily:: Not at all. But you're wasting your time. oli_keeper_wood: I am? Shame. :: presses harder, wriggling fingers:: marcus_flint1: ::squirms and laughs, catching hold of Oliver's wrists:: All right, maybe I am a bit. oli_keeper_wood: Just maybe. :: pushes face close to Marcus's:: You going to make me stop, Marc? marcus_flint1: ::tries to pull Oliver's hands away from his sides; when it doesn't work, he grins and very deliberately licks Oliver's neck:: Maybe. oli_keeper_wood: Hey, I've had you do that to me before. :: grins and starts tickling Marcus properly:: marcus_flint1: Yes, and you said you didn't have the chance to enjoy it that time. ::still trying to get away:: Cut it out, Oli. ::lets go of Oliver's wrists, puts his hands on Oliver's shoulders and tries to push him down onto the couch:: oli_keeper_wood: :: lets himself be pushed, grinning madly:: oli_keeper_wood: Now I know your weakness, you know. marcus_flint1: ::kissing him again:: You know all of them, I think. oli_keeper_wood: :: grinning into the kiss:: Yep - tickling, and Quidditch. marcus_flint1: And you. ::kissing his way along Oliver's jawline:: oli_keeper_wood: Mmmm. oli_keeper_wood: I. Mmm. You know what you're doing. marcus_flint1: ::stops suddenly:: Not. Um. Not really. oli_keeper_wood: ::raises an eyebrow, confused:: What? marcus_flint1: Never mind ::kisses him again:: oli_keeper_wood: ::shrugs, grins:: Okay. ::moves hands up to run through Marcus's hair as they kiss:: marcus_flint1: You do realize I could probably keep kissing you all night. ::moving down to Oliver's neck, lapping gently at the hollow of his throat:: oli_keeper_wood: I'm not about to stop you. oli_keeper_wood: I've. Never been kissed like this, you know. marcus_flint1: Like--like what? oli_keeper_wood: Like - this. So passionate. So. Um. I don't know. Just keep doing it. marcus_flint1: ::sighs:: This is how someone who loves you kisses you, Oliver. oli_keeper_wood: ::closes eyes, grins:: Then I see why everybody makes a big deal about love. marcus_flint1: *kisses Oliver's eyelids* Yes. oli_keeper_wood: Marc, I love you. I do. marcus_flint1: ::tenses:: That's the kind of statement that usually has "but" attached to it . oli_keeper_wood: Oh. Well, it didn't this time. marcus_flint1: Sorry. I just--I really still think I'm going to wake up. You know. oli_keeper_wood: But remember? You said you'd never dream about me. So this must be real. marcus_flint1: ::grins:: I said a lot of things. oli_keeper_wood: Mmm. :: grins:: And fooled nobody. Well. You fooled me, but nobody else. marcus_flint1: ::laughs:: You realize the whole school has probably read that bloody journal by now? Especially as the students are cooped up with nothing better to do? oli_keeper_wood: What journal? marcus_flint1: the one where you invited me over here to, and I quote, "go over Quidditch plays." marcus_flint1: I will never be able to look a Weasley twin in the eye again. ::shrugs:: And it's worth it. oli_keeper_wood: :: surprised look:: You did come here to go over Quidditch plays. oli_keeper_wood: The twins'll lay off you if I ask. marcus_flint1: You know I did. And I know I did. But are the twins going to think I did? oli_keeper_wood: If I tell them so, yeah. marcus_flint1: It's all right. They're not so bad these days. George is spending a lot of time with Terence. I just... it struck me as funny, is all. oli_keeper_wood: You know, I think these journals were a good idea after all. marcus_flint1: ::kisses him again:: They're still a wretched waste of time. But...you may be right. oli_keeper_wood: ::kisses back:: After all, we'd never have gotten back in touch. I can't imagine you would have gone to any of my games. oli_keeper_wood: Which reminds me, you'd better bloody be there this Saturday. marcus_flint1: Try to keep me away. oli_keeper_wood: I didn't actually expect you to agree to that. marcus_flint1: Why not? oli_keeper_wood: I don't know. ::grins:: I've just never pictured you as the watching type. marcus_flint1: I've never had anyone to go watch, either. oli_keeper_wood: I'm sure you came to watch Gryffindor play when we were at school. ::kisses Marcus:: Purely research, of course. marcus_flint1: Of course. I had to -- Um. Well. I had to pay attention to what I was doing when we were actually playing you. ::kisses back:: oli_keeper_wood: And I'm sure you succeeded. oli_keeper_wood: You know something, Marc? marcus_flint1: What? oli_keeper_wood: You're beautiful. ::grins wryly:: marcus_flint1: ::rolls eyes:: You're mad. But I don't mind. oli_keeper_wood: ::grins, quite idiotically:: Mad about you. marcus_flint1: ::grins back:: I know the feeling. oli_keeper_wood: And I don't care what anybody says. I don't. Because right now, all I need is you. marcus_flint1: You'll care. Later. oli_keeper_wood: No, I won't. marcus_flint1: What'll *your* friends say about it? oli_keeper_wood: Like who, exactly? My friends are my Quidditch team-mates. They'll only know you as a Chaser anyway. marcus_flint1: All right, then. Your parents. oli_keeper_wood: You've got a better job than me, at least. They'll probably be impressed. marcus_flint1: A better job than you? How do you reckon that? oli_keeper_wood: No, that's what they'll say. oli_keeper_wood: Teaching. oli_keeper_wood: You're not just a Quidditch player. marcus_flint1: I could always tell them this is my sixth job since I left school. That should *really* win them over. oli_keeper_wood: It probably would. ::imitating mother again:: See, Oliver? He's not afraid to try new jobs. ::grins:: marcus_flint1: So maybe you won't care. If people think you can do better, I mean. oli_keeper_wood: People won't think that. oli_keeper_wood: They'll think "Oh, look, Oliver's always wanted a Quidditch boy. Good for him." marcus_flint1: ::smiles:: And. Well. Everyone's always known what I wanted. marcus_flint1: Except you, of course. oli_keeper_wood: What you wanted except me? marcus_flint1: No. Everyone except you has always known what I wanted. marcus_flint1: Who I wanted. oli_keeper_wood: Oh - oh. ::grins:: Well. Now you've got me. marcus_flint1: ::kisses him again:: Yes. I think I do. oli_keeper_wood: You think? oli_keeper_wood: The real question is: do you know what to do with me now you have me? ::kisses him:: marcus_flint1: And the real answer is: That depends. What do you want me to do with you? oli_keeper_wood: ::looping his arms around Marcus's neck, bringing him down to kiss him:: Whatever you want. marcus_flint1: ::kissing Oliver again:: I want-- oli_keeper_wood: So - what will your parents think of me? marcus_flint1: They'll be impressed. You finished school on time, I bet you *never* got threatened with expulsion, and you've managed to hold a job, even if it is playing Quidditch. oli_keeper_wood: Mmm. Makes me sound positively boring compared to you. ::kisses Marcus:: marcus_flint1: I don't think you're boring. oli_keeper_wood: I should think not. ::grins:: Don't stop kissing me. marcus_flint1: Never. ::kisses him deeply:: oli_keeper_wood: Mmm-yeah. Marc. Don't ever stop doing that. marcus_flint1: ::very softly, murmured against Oliver's lips:: I won't. oli_keeper_wood: I. ::grins:: You're number one, you know. Out of the captains. marcus_flint1: So glad I could help you finish your collection. oli_keeper_wood: If you really wanted to help me finish it, you should've come along sooner. It doesn't really count any more. marcus_flint1: Quite all right with me. oli_keeper_wood: ::kisses him:: I wish you had come along sooner. It feels like I've missed out on a lot. marcus_flint1: Well, I'll be happy to get you caught up on everything you've missed. marcus_flint1: ::kissing him repeatedly:: oli_keeper_wood: Mmm. Well, we've known each other for, what, nine years? So that's a lot of... mmm. marcus_flint1: Well, I didn't say I could get you caught up *quickly.* It might take a while. oli_keeper_wood: Oh, take your time. I last longer than ninety seconds, after all. marcus_flint1: So I keep hearing. oli_keeper_wood: Marc, I... ::blinks:: I'm exhausted. You're going to sleep here, tonight - I mean, with me? marcus_flint1: If that's what you want. Or I can go back to the school. oli_keeper_wood: I'd rather you stayed. marcus_flint1: Then I'm staying. oli_keeper_wood: ::grins:: oli_keeper_wood: I'll show you to my bed, then. Which, by the way, has never had anybody apart from me in it. marcus_flint1: What about-- No. I'd rather not know, anyway. oli_keeper_wood: Er.. Okay. oli_keeper_wood: ::kisses Marcus:: oli_keeper_wood: Come on, then. marcus_flint1: I love you. marcus_flint1: ::follows him::