Remus - things can only get better
Remus was doing better.
He really was. He was sober and had no intention of getting high. He had a wonderful, caring, and very handsome boyfriend - the label still made him uneasy. But after the heist, he could no longer find it in himself to deny Sirius. He had loving friends who trusted him and made sure he was happy. Lily had baked him a cake for his 'one month of sobriety celebration', which had been burnt and crooked but tasted better than anything he had ever had. James had taught him the rules of lacrosse, and they had watched each game in the pub down the road until the season ended.
He had apologised for all is wrongdoings. Lily had shrugged him off, insisting it was fine until he had demanded she listen. She had nodded accepting his apology with nothing more than a wave of her hand. He was still apologising to Sirius, he knew it would take time for the brunette to forgive him for the lies but he was working on it. James had taken the apology the best, offering forgiveness and one of his own. For what Remus wasn’t really sure but he had accepted nonetheless, handing the boy a beer which he had accepted gratefully.
He had written to his father, something hateful and overdue - he didn’t expect a response.
He had visited his mother, weeping over her tomb as he had all those years ago.
He had found one of his old dealers in the park and had thrown his fist hard enough to break the man’s nose.
He felt lighter than ever, he was happier. His smile was wider and more forthcoming. He sang karaoke with Sirius and danced with Lily without complaint. He allowed James to take his picture, uncaring of the scars on his face. He had let Sirius kiss the marks upon his body and felt as beautiful as he had before. He had been running again, out in the street. Passing the commuters as they walked to work, he smiled at them saying “good morning” to every single businessman he passed.
“Breakfast!” Lily called from the kitchen and Sirius stood quickly. His bones ached, but it was less pain than he’d felt in years. He pulled on his jumper and jeans, rushing to the kitchen on yellow-socked feet. His friends were gathered around the table, lit by the yellowing sunlight behind them. Lily plated a pancake for him, moving to pour too much sugar onto her own. James waved the orange juice at him and Remus nodded. Sirius patted the seat next to him, demanding the lanky boy sit quickly.
He did.
His pancakes were perfect, golden with just enough chocolate spread.
The radio was playing a Stones song as Lily tapped her foot in time.
Remus breathed deeply, biting into his pancake with the hunger of a starving man.
He smiled, chin stained with chocolate.
Remus was doing better.