Title: June 12, 1982 Characters: Kingsley Shacklebolt / Gideon Prewett A/N: This is AU since Gid is dead by 1982 Rating: PG Challenge: picnic 580 words
Not only did Gideon appear during his busiest week of the season with Quidditch finals approaching, but he also showed up carrying a shrunken picnic basket. So startled by his partner's unexpected appearance, Kingsley could think of nothing nice to say in the middle of the Ministry. "What's wrong?" Kingsley asked.
"Did you have lunch plans?" Gideon said instead of answering, staring out the window and Kingsley said no, reluctantly agreeing to leave a note for Dawlish that he was taking lunch and would return soon.
Gideon held out one arm, "There's a nice field by the Pitch, I thought we could eat there." Holding onto him, Kingsley did a side-along Apparation, biting his tongue at Gideon's sudden need for a lunch date. It was so unlike him to behave this… thoughtful that Kingsley stood there, hands on his hips as Gideon spread the blanket and set out the food, his mind supplying all sorts of reasons for his lover's odd behavior. What could have happened this week? Was Gideon fired from the Arrows? Did he… could he have met someone else? Anything was possible with the long hours Kingsley worked as a new Auror.
Whatever it was, it had to be bad, because Gideon still wouldn't meet his eyes, he kept his expression vague and constantly looked just over Kingsley's shoulder while they ate. Finally, half way through lunch, Kingsley couldn’t stand it any longer and had to ask, "All right, Prewett, I suggest you explain what happened."
"Happened?" Gideon asked, looking confused, the sandwich half way to his mouth.
"You're acting guilty," Kingsley said, then felt idiotic when Gideon laughed at him.
"Imp, do you know what today is?"
"June twelfth," Kingsley said automatically, biting his tongue instead of reminding Gideon that the Minister's inspection was this week and that he didn't have time to be eating sandwiches in a park.
"Besides that."
"Of course not."
His eyes lit up and Kingsley knew that he supplied the wrong answer. Whatever he had forgotten, Gideon obviously remembered and Kingsley tried to put the date with something important. It wasn't the anniversary of Fabian's death, or the anniversary of their first date, though that quickly approached. It wasn't even near the time of year they finally admitted to being in love. Finally, Kingsley gave up and said, "I don't know."
"Five years ago today, we met after a Quidditch match. I just thought it would be a nice thing to remember today."
"You… you remember that date?"
"Yeah," Gideon said and Kingsley could tell he was embarrassed by it. No wonder, when he had forgotten every other important date the last two years.
"You brought me a picnic lunch to celebrate the anniversary of the day we met?"
"Yes."
"Why?" Kingsley asked, still befuddled, but suddenly more curious than angry.
Finally, Gideon looked at him, his expression serious. "Because it was the day that changed my life."
That? What? Kingsley suddenly felt like a fool, yet found he couldn't say anything around the lump in his throat.
"I know…" Gideon said, then stopped, as if unable to finish his sentence. "Imp… Kingsley, I know that I'm not the best at this, but well, these last five years have meant so much to me. I just wanted to remind you that I haven't forgotten about them. About us."
Amazing how one simple act could change the way someone sees a relationship, Kingsley thought, leaning forward to kiss Gideon, thanking him silently.