Title - Just What I Needed

Author - Lena

Website - http://www.geocities.com/simpleadorationtwo/

Pairing - Harry/Percy, Harry/Ron

Rating - R

Genre - PWP, Drama, Romance

Warnings - Drinking, Drug use and some other bad boy things

Disclaimers - I don't own Harry or Ron or anything in the HP world. JKR does (and Warner Bros, et al)

A/N - As always thanks to Lorien_Eve for being my beta. The best ever!

Part of the Harry/Weasley FQF (second wave)

Link - http://www.livejournal.com/community/hpwbfqf/

Challenge #11 - Harry decides that he has been a 'good boy' for too long and starts to look more and more like Bill (hair, earring, clothes). How will the Weasley clan react when they see him. Bonus points if somebody other than Bill becomes his lover.

Summary - Harry rebels and Percy comes home in disgrace. The two outcasts wind up having a lot in common. Of course, though, there's always Ron...

Chapter Two

The end of year came quickly, and Harry put in his requisite two weeks at the Dursleys. He succeeded in making himself a nuisance while he was there, before taking a portkey to Burrow.

*****

When Mrs. Weasley saw Harry and his long hair, she screamed, waving her wand about, trying to chase Harry down to give him a trim.

"Mum! Leave him alone!" cried Ron.

"Harry, dear, just what have you done to your hair? It looks worse than Bill's!"

Harry covered his head with his arms, trying to keep Mrs. Weasley's wand away. "I like it, Mrs. Weasley!"

Mrs. Weasley stopped and stared at Harry. "What-is-that?"

Harry had forgotten about his tongue ring and hadn't kept his lips as closed as he should've. He had wanted her to get used to one thing at a time.

He shrank away from her, but she waved her wand and muttered a charm. His mouth uncontrollably opened showing her exactly what that was...

She peered into his mouth and said in a calm, but very angry voice said, "You-pierced-your-tongue." Then she turned and screamed, "Ronald!!"

Ron ran upstairs, yelling, "I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything."

She stomped towards the stairs and yelled, "Ronald Weasley, come downstairs this instant!"

Harry tried to intervene. "Mrs. Weasley, Ron didn't have anything to do with this."

Mrs. Weasley turned back to Harry with her wand in his face. "Did he do the same thing?"

"Oh, no. NO! Ron didn't get ANYTHING pierced!"

"Ronald Weasley, if I have to come up there!"

Harry darted around her and leaped two steps at a time up the stairs and banged on Ron's door. "Ron, Ron, let me in."

Ron opened the door and Harry darted in and they slammed the door. Both boys leaned against the door, holding it closed.

Harry looked towards Ron. "Your mum is mad."

"No shit, Harry."

"You didn't say anything to her for the last two weeks?"

"Do you think I'm mad? Of course, not!!"

They listened intently for noise downstairs but heard nothing. Then they heard Mrs. Weasley yell, "But, Arthur!!" There were murmurs after that and Ron relaxed a little.

"Dad's home," he breathed out in relief. He walked over to his bed and flopped down in the middle of the mattress. Harry followed and sat on the floor by the bed. They said nothing to each other until they heard a knock on the door.

They glanced at each other, then Ron said, "Yeah?"

"It's Dad. Can I come in?"

"Yeah."

Ron sat up and Harry stood, then joined him on the bed. Mr. Weasley came in and shut the door behind him. He folded his arms over his chest and paced the floor a couple of times before he sighed, then said, "Harry, let me see your tongue."

Harry stuck out his tongue and Mr. Weasley inspected it. He took note of Harry's long hair, as well. He then turned to Ron and asked, "Do you have anything you need to show me?"

Ron shook his head vigorously and said, "No, Dad. I swear. But Mum won't believe me."

"Yes, she will." He turned back to Harry and said, "Molly thinks of you like a son, Harry. She just doesn't understand these changes. I told her lots of boys go through rebellious phases. So I am hoping that is what this is and we won't have anymore surprises."

"Mr. Weasley, I just wanted to do something different. Sometimes...sometimes..." Harry stopped.

"Yes, Harry?"

Harry looked away. He wanted to tell Mr. Weasley and Ron how he felt, but he was uncomfortable being so open. He wasn't sure why, because he knew they both cared about him.

Mr. Weasley placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and said, "It's alright, Harry. I know sometimes life can be scary and we do things to try to keep some control over ourselves."

Harry's face shot up to look at him, but he didn't say anything. Mr. Weasley gently shook Harry's shoulder, then smiled and turned, leaving the room.

Harry bent his head down and looked at his hands.

Ron said quietly, "You okay, mate?"

Harry nodded his head.

*****

The two boys continued sneaking pot, smoking behind the shed and up in Ron's room with a Deodorizing spell. Mrs. Weasley knew her youngest son was a bit lazy, but she was upset that it seemed Harry was becoming lazy as well.

"Really, Ron! This laziness of yours is rubbing off on Harry!"

Ron and Harry had been sleeping on the grass near the garden for hours. Harry said, "It's not Ron. I just feel like relaxing this summer."

"Well, there are garden gnomes to get rid of, among other chores." She waved at them to get up. They lay there looking at her, unable to move, with the sun beating down on them and the remnants of weed in their bodies. She continued, "Get up!"

"Mum..." whined Ron.

Mrs. Weasley huffed and stalked off to have yet another discussion with her husband that evening.

****

At dinner one night, a Ministry of Magic owl came and landed near Mr. Weasley. He pulled the note from its talon and gave it a treat. It darted off into the night.

Mr. Weasley pulled open the note, read it and gasped.

"What is it, Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley walked to stand beside him.

"Um, well, it seems Percy needs to come home."

"Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley choked into her apron.

"Bloody hell, what does that git want?" chimed Ron.

Mr. Weasley looked up at him and said, "That's enough, Ron." He turned to Mrs. Weasley. "It seems something has happened and he has been dismissed. You know, Molly-"

"Ha! Serves that arse right!" interrupted Ron.

Mr. Weasley peered at him intently. "You can leave the table if you can't shut your mouth."

Ron, not wanting to leave his plate full of food, stopped speaking.

"Molly, it doesn't say what this concerns. You know, I haven't been in the loop in a very long time. This is news to me."

"When is he coming home, Arthur?"

"Later this evening."

*****

Dinner had been finished for quite some time, but Ron and Harry were hanging around the living room, wanting to see what Percy had to say for himself.

More than once, Mr. Weasley told both boys they could go on up to bed, but they ignored him.

Finally, very late, Percy came through the fireplace. Mrs. Weasley clutched him, but he remained stiff and solemn. When she finally let him go, he said, "Hello, Mother, Father." He kept his head down. "Father may I speak to you in private?"

Mrs. Weasley choked back a cry, but let her son pass.

"Of course, Percy." Mr. Weasley and Percy walked towards the backdoor. As Percy passed, he said, "Oh, hello, Ron, Harry."

"Er, hello..." said Harry very unsure that he should be downstairs involved in a family situation.

Ron scowled at his brother as he walked by. When Mr. Weasley and Percy were outside, Mrs. Weasley said much too cheerfully, "It's late! You two should really be in bed."

Ron grumbled and groaned, but he and Harry went upstairs to his bedroom.

*****

Ron pulled the muggle shoebox out from under the bed. He took out two joints and handed one to Harry. Harry sat on Ron's bed and opened the window.

"What do you think happened?" Ron whispered.

"Dunno."

"Do you think we'll ever find out?"

"Of course!"

*****

The next morning Harry and Ron awoke and headed downstairs for breakfast. Percy was already at the table. Ron exclaimed, "So, Perce, why'dya get tossed?"

"Ron, enough!" Mrs. Weasley shouted.

"No, Mother, it's okay." Percy looked at Ron, then Harry. "Mr. Fudge made a mistake and let me take the blame."

Ron scoffed.

"I know. I deserve it. I just hope my family forgives me."

Ron laughed and Mrs. Weasley hit the back of his head. "Yes, we do Percy."

Ron rubbed his head and yelped, "No, we don't. He just waltzes back in the family after being a git for so long?"

At that moment, Fred and George Apparated into the kitchen. "So brother dear, you are back to beg forgiveness?"

George added, "Old Perce asks forgiveness? Highly doubtful!"

"I wish you would forgive me."

"Maybe you should tell us what happened, Mr. Weatherby?"

Ron chortled, but covered his head from his mother's hand.

"It's simple. I took the blame for something that happened, but it wasn't my fault."

"Really? Whose fault was it then?" asked Fred.

"Mr. Fudge's. But I know it's my fault about being away from the family."

"Damn right!"

"That's enough, boys," Mr. Weasley replied.

"Come for dinner tonight, boys!" Mrs. Weasley cried.

With that, Fred and George took a handful of toast and Disapparated.

*****

Percy sat there at the table, being largely ignored by his family. He knew he deserved it, but he really wanted to be forgiven, as he was truly sorry for all the trouble and worry he had caused them. He knew why his brothers were being less than friendly. They felt like he had betrayed them, and that was unforgivable in the Weasley family.

Percy ate quietly, taking care not to make any unnecessary noises. Harry was at least looking at him occasionally, though Percy didn't know why. He had sent Ron that awful letter in their fifth year, telling Ron to stop being friends with Harry.

Percy looked up again and saw that Harry slightly smiled.

Percy smiled back, then noticed Ron, who was scowling back and forth between Percy and Harry. Percy lowered his head and eyed his food intently.

*****

After dinner, when Harry and Ron had gone to bed, Ron asked, "Why were you so friendly to the family traitor?"

"He seems really sorry, Ron."

Ron grumbled, so Harry hoped he was at least thinking about it.

****

Over the next few weeks, Percy worked diligently on getting back into his family's good graces. Everyone was, at least in some way, speaking to him. Except for Ron.

Percy waited, and finally one day he was able to catch up with Harry, alone. Harry was lying in the grass behind the shed. Ron was up in his room, sleeping.

"Hello, Harry."

Harry covered his eyes from the sun and saw that Percy was standing over him. "Hey, Percy."

Percy sat down next to Harry in the grass. "Can I talk to you about Ron?"

Harry sat up and said, "Sure."

There was a long pause. Harry watched Percy's face contort into sadness. His eyes were bloodshot and his brow was deeply furrowed.

"What is it, Percy?"

"Why won't he forgive me? How many times do I have to tell him I'm sorry?" Percy finally wailed.

"He'll come around, eventually," said Harry, softly.

"No, he won't. He'll never forgive me. He never liked me anyway," Percy spat.

"Oh, Percy, you know Ron. He's stubborn. He gets mad and stomps around for a while, then he comes around. He will. I know he will. You have to give him time to let him do it on his own."

Percy sighed loudly. "He's punishing me."

"Yeah, sort of."

Percy lay down on the grass and sighed again.

Harry laid down as well, and watched the clouds go by. He was still a little high from the morning, but he was coherent, and nobody, except Ron, had noticed.

Percy turned on his side, facing Harry. "Harry?"

"Yeah?"

Percy reached over and touched Harry on the shoulder. "Thanks for forgiving me for the stupid letter I wrote."

"I forgave you a week ago." Harry turned and looked at him. Percy left his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"I know, but I just want to make sure you know," Percy said forlornly.

“I do. You know, Perce, you can’t expect Ron to forgive you, if you won’t forgive yourself.”

“When did you become so smart?”

“Hanging around Hermione?”

“No, that’s not it.” Percy’s hand moved down from Harry’s shoulder to his arm. Slowly, in an affectionate way, Percy rubbed Harry’s upper arm. Percy lowered his eyelids, closing them for a moment.

Harry’s stomach flipped and he wasn’t sure why. He looked at Percy’s hand touching his own arm and felt unnerved by the soft rubbing of the t-shirt sleeve against his skin.

Percy lifted his eyes and in what seemed to be slow motion, he raised his hand to Harry’s cheek. He rubbed the back of his hand on Harry’s face, letting his fingers linger when he moved down to his chin.

Part of Harry wanted to say, ‘Don’t do that‘, but another part said, ‘Don’t stop doing that.’ He didn’t say anything. He had an overwhelming need for another joint. He moved his head and Percy must have seen something in his eyes.

Percy said, “Harry, I’m sorry.” He jerked his hand away.

Harry said softly, “It’s okay. Honestly.”

“No, it’s not.”

Harry dug into his jeans pocket and pulled out a joint. He lifted his hips and reached into a back pocket for his muggle lighter. He lit it, pulling on it, taking a huge inhaling breath.

When he finally exhaled, he said, “Want some?”

Percy said, “Thanks, but no.”

“Suit yourself.”

They were quiet for a few moments, while Harry relaxed. Harry started to look at the clouds again, imagining them as all sorts of animals. He liked when he could see big dogs in them. His mind faded in and out.

“Perce?”

“Yes?”

“Rub my cheek again.”

Percy inhaled sharply. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Percy didn’t say anything. He lifted his hand up to Harry face and began stroking his cheek softly. Harry closed his eyes.

Percy moved his hand up to Harry's scar and gently touched the raised area around the edges. Harry opened his eyes.

"Sorry."

"You don't have to keep saying you're sorry," said Harry. "It hasn't hurt in a while. I don't know whether that's good or bad."

"Let's just decide it's good, okay?"

Harry slightly smiled. He closed his eyes again. "It relaxes me. Keep doing that."

Percy kept moving his fingers over Harry's scar. He scooted closer to and removed Harry's glasses with his other hand. He laid them on the grass above Harry's head. Percy could hear Harry softly breathing. He wondered if he were falling asleep. He placed his hands on each cheek and looked at Harry. His mouth was slightly open in relaxation.

Before Percy could think, he went with his emotions and reached over and kissed Harry softly on the lips.

Harry's eyes popped open, and pulling his face away from Percy's hands, he asked, "What are you doing?"

Percy turned red and became flustered. "I...I...I'm sorry...I-"

"I'm not mad, I just wondered why you did that."

Percy lowered his eyes and dropped his head to the grass. "I'm pathetic. I...I just...I don't know...I've lost everything...my job, my good standing, my girlfriend..." He sighed and continued, "Most of my family..." His voice got so soft, Harry had to strain to hear, "I've been so lonely, but I'm just ridiculous." Percy dropped his face into the grass, so Harry couldn't see him.

Harry reached his hand out to Percy's back. "It's okay, I understand."

"No, you don't. Everyone loves you."

Harry laughed and said, "Not lately, they don't."

Percy didn't say anything to that. He knew besides his mother and Ron, there were others who were not happy with the way Harry had been acting in the last few months.

"How come you have changed so much? You smoke, drink...you've let your hair grow out..."

"Oh, I'm just tired of everything. Being responsible for-" Harry stopped short of mentioning his prophecy. "Dunno, just tired..."

"Yeah..." Percy knew Harry wasn't saying everything he was feeling, but he didn't want to push.

Harry wasn't sure why he was feeling so close to Percy. He felt odd about it, but he knew he and Percy had being outsiders in common. Harry knew it had been each of their own making, but that didn't matter. They both felt misunderstood and alone.

Harry laid his head back down and scooted closer to Percy, who still had his head planted in the grass. Harry put his hand on Percy's back again and started to rub. Percy moved his head to the side, looking at Harry.

Harry moved closer and curled up to Percy. Percy turned on his side and wrapped his arms around Harry. They laid there for a long time, just holding each other, not being alone.

*****

"Ron, come on! Forgive your brother already!"

"I can't believe you of all people are standing up for him! He betrayed his family."

"Everyone else has forgiven him, even Fred and George, although barely...why don't you?"

Ron scowled at Harry and folded his arms over his chest.

Harry continued, "Ron, you are worse than any girl I ever met in holding a grudge."

Ron pursed his lips, and said, "And why are you hanging around him so much lately? I don't get it!"

"Oh, he's not so bad..."

With that, Ron turned and stomped off.

*****

Percy and Harry arranged to meet in Percy's room. Harry found it difficult to avoid Ron and he felt a twinge of guilt, but he and Ron had been arguing so much, he actually found it preferable to be with Percy. Harry felt like lately he had some sort of connection with Percy. He felt they understood each other's problems.

Harry looked up and down the hallway before knocking on Percy's door. He knocked quickly and reached for the doorknob.

"Come in," Harry heard Percy say softly.

Percy was sitting on the edge of his bed. "Hey, Harry."

"Hey."

Harry pulled a joint and his muggle lighter out of his front pocket.

"Harry, I don't want that smell in here."

"Come on..."

"Hang your head out the window then."

"Your mum might see."

"That's the chance you have to take then. Why do you constantly smoke those, anyway?"

Harry cocked his head at Percy. "Don't you start on me about it, too. I hear about it from Ron, right before he begs me to give him one."

"Okay." Percy said matter-of-factly. "But you still have to hang out the window."

Harry grumbled under his breath as he walked over to Percy's bed and crawled across it to the window. He pried the window open and lit his joint. He leaned an arm on the window's edge and began inhaling and exhaling the smoke out the window.

With his other hand, Harry reached for Percy. They sat with hands clenched on the bed, not looking at each other.

"So do you want to..." Percy's voice died off with embarrassment. He couldn't believe he and Harry had developed this kind of relationship. They had only held each other and had one kiss, so far, but they both knew they needed more.

"...kiss you?" Harry finished between drags.

Percy looked across the room at nothing in particular. He knew he didn't love Harry like he loved Penelope, but it was this need that he couldn't control. He thought maybe it was just loneliness that created the need, but he did have affectionate feelings for Harry, too.

Harry placed the joint on the window sill and reached to touch Percy's shoulder. Percy would not look at Harry.

"Perce, it's okay. I need it too. I'm unhappy all the time. Would you make it go away, please?" It was almost more of a beg than a request.

Percy's eyes widened as he looked up. Harry had expressed what he had been feeling as well. He, too, wanted the horrible sadness inside him to go away.

Percy saw Harry come closer and focused on his lips. He hadn't realized before that Harry had red, swollen lips. They looked a lot like Penelope's after making out, but Harry hadn't been kissed yet. Percy closed his eyes and waited for the tingle of lips touching.

He felt Harry's lips on his and they felt warm. They tasted different than Penelope's, not as sweet, but powerful and rougher, which was wonderful in a different way. He curled his arms around Harry and felt Harry's hands on his back, his arms around his waist.

Their lips pressed harder against each other and they pressed their bodies even closer to each other. Harry gently pushed Percy down on the bed and straddled Percy's thigh. They could feel their growing erections press against the other's thigh.

Harry pulled away for a moment to catch his breath. "Open your eyes."

Percy kept them clenched and shook his head.

"Why?" asked Harry.

Percy shook his head again. Through gritted teeth, he said, "Just kiss me. Please." Percy reached down and slid his hand between his thigh and Harry's erection, pressing on it until Harry gasped from the arousal.

They moved back and forth, rubbing themselves against each other. Harry stopped kissing Percy and laid his head in the crook of Percy's neck, panting. He could hear Percy breathing heavily and feel his hands move to grip his upper arms so tight, it hurt.

"I...I...can't!"

"Can't...what?" Harry panted back.

"I...I-" Percy stopped moving and pulled his hands off of Harry. He hurriedly reached down to his own jeans and quickly unbuttoned them. "Harry, please..."

Harry shoved his hand down Percy's jeans, touching him, stroking him, while he continued rubbing himself against Percy's thigh.

Percy moaned with pleasure as Harry continued. He finally groaned out as he came. "Ohhhhhhh...."

Percy laid there, shaking.

"It's okay," whispered Harry.

Percy concentrated on calming himself, but he was much more relaxed than he had been in months. He finally said, "Thanks, Harry."

Harry grabbed his joint off the window sill and rolled over to curl up next to Percy. Percy's eyes drooped with sleepiness. Harry decided he wanted to smoke, so he crawled over Percy and jumped off the bed. He placed a sheet over Percy, and reached down and kissed him on the cheek. Percy mumbled something, but Harry couldn't understand what he said.

Harry walked across the floor quietly and left the room, closing the door behind him. He walked down the hall, hoping he wouldn't see anyone. He didn't, so he snuck into the loo to finish what he had started. Stroking himself and smoking a joint.

*****

"I keep sending owls to her and her letters come back with her name marked out."

"Keep trying."

"It's not her writing. It must be her father's. I mean, if she doesn't love me anymore, I understand, but I just want to know."

Harry didn't say anything. It was obvious that Percy was still in love with Penelope and Harry was just a diversion. But then Harry sort of felt the same way with Percy, that he was something just to pass time.

Harry laid his hand on Percy's chest and reached up to kiss him. Percy responded, but Harry got the feeling Percy wished it was Penelope.

Percy turned suddenly and pulled Harry beneath him. He laid on top of him and he began moving his hands over Harry's body and kissing his neck.

Percy pulled off Harry's shirt, as well as his own. Percy closed his eyes and rubbed his hands over Harry's chest.

"Percy..." He gasped at the warm hands that seemed to be touching every part of his body.

Percy moved to take off Harry's jeans, but Harry stopped him. "Wait, Percy."

Percy opened his eyes and looked down at Harry. "What's wrong?"

"I...I've never...done this before." Harry said softly.

"Oh, okay." Percy placed his hand on Harry's chin and asked, "Do you want to have a go? It can be fun." Percy smiled at Harry, trying to get him to smile back.

Harry looked away and didn't say anything. His lips slightly trembled. "Have you done it with another guy before?"

Percy hesitated, then said, "Well, no, but Penelope and I..." His voice trailed off, then he continued, "You're a great mate, Harry. You know that, don't you? Even before you grew your hair out. But I have to give you credit for defying Mum. It's tough, believe me, I know." Percy paused. "Come on, Harry." Percy touched his cheek and continued, "I promise it'll be alright."

Harry finally slightly smiled back and said, "Okay, but keep your eyes opened."

"Okay," said Percy, as he reached for the waistband of Harry's jeans. "You know, Harry, I've learned you don't have to alienated people to be yourself."

Harry smiled broader and knew he didn’t need to act like a prat to have a little fun. He could keep his hair long and smoke now and then. “Thanks, Perce, you’re an alright bloke, too.“ Percy reached down and kissed him.

*****

Ron and Percy had been behind closed doors for some time. Harry had wanted to use some of Fred and George's Extendable Ears, but Mrs. Weasley had kept too close an eye on him. Harry and the rest of the family had finally wore Ron out to at least listen to Percy. They were never going to have a good relationship, they never had, but at least they could be civil to each other.

Neither brother mentioned to anyone else what they had discussed. When neither would look at Harry for the rest of the evening, he got the feeling he had come up in the conversation, but he knew Percy would never tell Ron what was going on.

Percy had talked to Harry about finding a job and trying to speak with Penelope, and as it was closer to the beginning of term, Harry had the feeling the fun the two had over the summer might be coming to an end.

*****

Harry and Percy met many more times over the last few weeks of the summer, but they never discussed what would happen when Harry returned to school. Harry was still feeling very guilty keeping it all from Ron, but he knew that Ron would explode.

"Where's old Percy gone to?" asked Ron.

Mrs. Weasley said with glee, "He is interviewing for a job in a bookstore in Diagon Alley and..." Her voice fell to a whisper. "...and he finally got a note back from Penelope!"

Harry's heart flopped. Percy hadn't told him about this. He was glad for Percy, but on the other hand, he didn't want to stop having sex. It was fun, just as Percy had told him, and he had finally understood what was so cool about his tongue ring.

*****

Harry gripped Percy's upper arms and kissed him hard. He ran his tongue ring over Percy's lips and Percy moan at the sensation.

Harry, in the distance, heard banging, but didn't care what caused it. A minute later, a bang on the door made both Percy and Harry jump.

They clenched each other, as Harry saw with horror the door being pushed roughly open.

Ron stood at the door, with a look of fury on his face. "What the fuck is going on between you two?"

"Gee, Ron, it's kind of obvious isn't it?" said Harry sarcastically.

Ron's face became even redder and Harry saw the small puddles forming in his eyes. The fury was gone and Harry could see hurt in Ron's face.

"Oh, God, Ron, I-"

Ron said in a tiny voice, "What are you doing, Harry?" His voice dropped to a whisper. "Why?" He turned and ran down the hall.

Harry let go of Percy and flopped on the bed. "God, I am such a fucking arse."

"Yeah."

Harry stared at Percy. "What do you mean?"

"Go find him, Harry."

"What?"

"You heard me. Go find him. He loves you."

"WHAT?" yelled Harry. He lifted himself to a sitting position on the bed.

"He-loves-you. Get it?"

"How do you know?" Harry looked at Percy with shock.

"I figured it out." Percy stood up. "This was going to have to stop anyway. I asked Penelope to marry me, and she said yes." Percy pulled at Harry's arm, pulling him off the bed.

Percy continued, "He's always loved you, Harry. And you love him."

"How do you know what I feel?"

"Are you going to deny it?"

Harry stood there, not saying anything. Percy finally shoved him across the room and yelled, "Go get him, you stupid prat!"

Harry caught himself before he fell, then stood dumbfounded for another second before he bolted out the door.

*****

"RON! RON!" Harry ran around the Burrow looking and calling for Ron. He looked in his bedroom, in the loo, in the kitchen, but he couldn't find him. He ran outside and called louder. He finally saw someone running up the hill behind the shed. "RON!" Harry went running after him.

Harry chased him, but Ron's legs were longer and he could not keep up. "Please, Ron! Stop!" Harry gave a burst of energy and ran closer, then leaped to tackle Ron from behind. They landed in a heap on the grass.

"LET ME GO!"

"Talk to me," pleaded Harry.

"NO!" Ron tried to fight off Harry's arms that had wrapped themselves around him.

"Ron, please, I'm sorry!"

Ron stopped fighting and lay on the grass. "Why wasn't it me? Why can't you love me?"

Harry's heart hurt as he heard the breaking voice. Harry lay on top of him, holding tight.

"I do love you..." Harry didn't even realize he thought it until he said it out loud. "But I didn't know you loved me..."

"You didn't ask. You didn't care."

Harry didn't say anything.

"You just want to argue all the time, Harry."

"I was tired and angry...not at you...but just everything. I can't explain it."

"Why were you...with...Percy?" Ron looked away with another hurt look on his face.

"It didn't mean anything. We were just..." Harry sighed. "We were just lonely, I guess."

"But you didn't have to be, Harry. You made it that way."

"I know. But see, you like to argue, too." Harry looked at Ron, giving him a small sly grin, hoping it would soften him.

"Yeah, maybe sometimes..." Ron looked at Harry and found it impossible to stay very upset at him.

Harry scooted up Ron's body to reach closer to his face. "So who's gonna get the last word now?"

"Dunno."

"'Cause I want you to shut up so I can kiss you."

"So kiss me..." Ron looked straight in Harry's eyes.

"If you shut up..."

"If you..."

"Okay, on the count of three..." Harry wrapped himself tighter around Ron's body.

"'Kay..." Ron finally folded his arms around Harry.

"One..."

"Two..."

The gap closed between them and each could feel the breath from each other as they mumbled together through closed lips...

"Three..."