Guard Is Up
It’s a few days later, when he’s stuck in a loop of thinking about how much he’s dreading going to Lily’s flat in three days, that he decides to call a person he would have never thought a year ago, let alone befriending. He sits down on his velvet armchair, passing his hand around the soft fabric as the phone beeps. He hates speaking over the phone, but he’s also kind of desperate at this moment.
The phone keeps beeping, but no one picks it up. Right as he’s about to hang up, ready to try again at some other time, he hears an answer in the other line. “Yes?” Regulus speaks with his usual bored cadence. Remus smiles all the same.
“Don’t act all mysterious, I know you know it’s me. You added me on your phone, prat,” he says rolling his eyes, knowing that Regulus cannot see, but not being able to stop himself.
“Hello Remus. What do you want?” He asks cutting to the chase. Remus stands up, suddenly nervous, and starts pacing across the living room, his anxious energy pouring everywhere. He breathes deeply once and then exhales slowly.
“I need your advice on a delicate matter, and no, I’m not telling you over the phone. Can you meet up today?” He pleads, knowing that Regulus most probably will be free. He’s not one to socialize a lot, much like Remus himself, and loves gossip, much like Remus too.
Since their friendship started, Remus has come to the big realization that he and Regulus are a lot alike. They’re both calm on the outside but a mess on the inside if looking closely, both are sarcastic to no end, and there’s also the fact that they share trauma caused by the same person too, which helped them bond like anything else could.
They got reacquainted with each other by chance, when Regulus came into the bookshop where Remus had started working at, this past year. The shop was a lifeline at that point of Remus’ life, when he felt he couldn’t even get dressed most days. His job pushed him to have something to cling to.
The first time they saw each other, they froze, recognition passing between them like a jolt of electricity. Regulus Black stood just inside the door; his sharp features framed by the low light filtering through the shop’s large front window. Remus, halfway through reorganizing a shelf, felt his grip on a book falter for just a second before he straightened.
Neither said anything for a long moment. Remus’ mind raced, cataloging the sharp jawline and piercing grey eyes that were so unmistakably Black. Regulus, in turn, seemed to be scanning him with the same wariness, his lips pressing into a thin line. They both knew exactly who the other was, and for an instant, it felt like the air between them had grown heavier, thick with unspoken history.
Remus was the first to break the silence, his voice steady but carefully neutral. “You’re far from home, aren’t you?”
Regulus tilted his head, his gaze narrowing slightly, like he was assessing whether Remus was friend or foe. “And you’re not exactly where I expected to find you,” he replied, his tone cool but not unkind.
There was an edge of tension in the air, the kind that came from too much shared knowledge of the past and not enough trust in the present. Neither moved closer, both instinctively keeping their distance, as if unsure whether this encounter would end with words or wounds. But beneath the caution, there was something else, a flicker of understanding, faint but undeniable, that neither could fully ignore.
Regulus tapped the counter with his fingers, eyeing Remus like he was sizing him up. “So, is this what you do now? Shelving books and handing out recommendations to people who won’t take them?”
Remus didn’t even look up from the stack he was organizing. “And is this what you do? Brooding in doorways and judging people who actually have jobs?”
Regulus let out a low hum of amusement. “At least I don’t alphabetize for a living.”
Remus finally glanced up, a sharp smile on his face. “Says the man who probably spent twenty minutes deciding whether to even walk in here. Bit rich coming from you.”
Regulus blinked, clearly caught off guard, before a smirk tugged at his lips. “Touché, Lupin.”
“Glad we’re on the same page, Black,” Remus replied, already turning back to his work, the faintest trace of a grin still lingering.
After that first encounter, Regulus kept coming back to the bookstore. Their conversations were brief and impersonal, simple exchanges about books or authors. Regulus always seemed guarded, his sentences clipped, his expressions unreadable. But there was something about him that intrigued Remus, a depth he couldn’t quite place. It wasn’t until one particularly slow afternoon that Regulus lingered by the counter longer than usual, hesitating as if he had something to say.
“You don’t seem like someone who works in retail,” Regulus finally remarked, his tone carrying just enough edge to make it sound like a challenge.
Remus raised an eyebrow, leaning lazily against the counter. “And you don’t seem like someone who reads fiction,” he shot back, motioning toward the classic novel Regulus had been holding.
For a moment, Regulus looked taken aback before a small, almost imperceptible smirk crept across his face. Remus decided to give him something apart from sarcasm. “I… well I needed to start a new life somewhere else after… or I may have gone mad.” He doesn’t explain what he’s talking about, Regulus probably found out already from someone else. Regulus nods in acknowledgement and somehow reassuringly.
It became a routine after that. Regulus would stop by the shop once or twice a week, sometimes just to browse, other times to talk. Their banter started off light, witty quips exchanged like verbal sparring matches. But over time, the walls began to crack, revealing something raw and unspoken beneath.
One evening, after closing time, they ended up sitting on the shop’s worn leather couch, surrounded by stacks of books that hadn’t yet been shelved. The conversation turned unexpectedly serious.
“It’s funny,” Regulus said quietly, staring at the spine of a book in his hand but not really seeing it. “I spent so much time trying to escape him, trying to prove I didn't care. And yet, no matter how far I go, it feels like he’s still there.”
Remus didn’t need to ask who "he" was. He knew that shadow all too well. His chest tightened as memories of the same man, different circumstances, same scars, flooded back. “Yeah,” Remus murmured after a long pause. “It’s like trying to outrun your own shadow, isn’t it?”
Regulus finally looked at him, something vulnerable flashing in his sharp grey eyes. He just nodded in agreement, but Remus could see his hands grabbing the arm of the chair with force.
That was the moment things shifted. Their shared history became the unspoken foundation of their friendship, a quiet understanding that didn’t need words. Over time, Regulus’ sharp edges softened around Remus, and Remus found himself trusting someone again.
They weren’t the type to talk about their feelings directly, both too stubborn and too scarred for that, but they didn’t need to. Their friendship wasn’t built on grand declarations or obvious gestures. It was in the way Regulus would casually recommend a book he thought Remus would like, or the way Remus would keep an extra cup of tea ready for him, just in case. Small things, but to them, it was more than enough.
“Fine,” Regulus answers bringing Remus back to the present. “Mine or yours?” That is everything he asks. They decide to meet at Regulus’ flat, as last time they met at Remus’. After hanging up, Remus gets changed, choosing a sweater that complements his skin nicely (Regulus’ words), and goes to the grocery store to buy some white wine that he knows his friend will like.
“You’re big on alcohol this week Remus,” Miranda points out jokingly as he takes out his card to pay. He remembers the disgrace of a day that he had when he bought a Whiskey bottle to drink by himself at his flat and he has to laugh too.
He runs his hand through his already messy sandy hair, a nervous routine he hasn’t been able to stop. “Yeah, not my finest moment, the other day. This is a present though,” he says signaling at the wine that Miranda is putting into a bag.
“If you say so, Remus,” she says smirking. She probably doesn’t believe him but well, he truly doesn’t mind that much. After all, he’s become the Grinch this Christmas.
He takes the tube, being the fastest way of getting to the part of the city where Regulus lives. As he emerges from the underground, he can only stare at the sight in front of him, so different to his own neighborhood. He knows that the Blacks are wealthy, but sometimes it’s very easy to forget that small little detail about them.
He enters Regulus’ building, and he’s very grateful that the concierge (yes, the building has a concierge) knows him by now, or else Remus might fear getting kicked out for looking so out of place. He greets him as he enters the elevator, pressing the penthouse button.
When the doors open, he’s already there with half a smile and curls framing his hair. You would think that the sight of Regulus Black would remind him of his brother, but in reality, it didn’t. They were truly so different; it sometimes baffles Remus how they could have been raised in the same household.
“How are you, little prince?” Remus says as he steps inside. He’s used that moniker to refer to Regulus since they started hanging out. It started as a joke because Regulus can be such a snob and a pretentious little shit, that Remus felt some teasing was appropriate. After, the nickname just stuck.
“Scarface, come in” He mocks back. Remus rolls his eyes, so original to call the man with a scar that covers his cheek and nose scarface. Remus got it in kindergarten, playing with a boy who had a knife. That obviously didn’t go nicely, but he’s so used to it he forgets he has it most of the time. Also, it is very embarrassing for Remus to tell the kindergarten story, so to everyone else, he says he had a car accident.
“I brought the wine you like,” Remus says shaking the bottle softly in his hand. Regulus smiles and takes it from him.
“At least you’re smart,” he calls out as he goes to the kitchen to uncork the bottle. While he’s occupied, Remus eyes the penthouse. It certainly is beautiful, combining modern sophistication with undeniable character. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning city views, while sleek, minimalist furnishings are balanced by rich textures and bold, personal touches, like abstract art and vintage accents. Warm wood floors and soft lighting create an inviting atmosphere, while the open-plan design flows seamlessly into a private terrace.
Remus likes this flat, obviously. You can see at first glance that you need to have money to afford it, but it’s not the classic rich person house, decorated by some designer that makes it void of any personality. No, this house has Regulus’ signature over it. Remus sits down on a comfortable sofa as he waits. A moment later, his friend’s back with two glasses and the bottle. Regulus sets them on a small table next to them and he sits down on the same sofa, facing Remus.
“I’ll just ask to avoid you lingering over the subject. What the fuck has got you on such a chokehold, Remus?” he asks going as straight to the point as always. Remus appreciates it now as he takes the glass of wine and sips.
“Well, I ran into Lily the other day” Remus starts only to be cut by Regulus a second later. “Evans?” He asks surprised but also, suspiciously? Remus isn’t sure about what that look on Regulus’ face means, as reading his face is even harder than reading Remus’.
“Yes… I don’t know another Lily. As I was saying, we bumped into each other by accident the other day. Obviously, I was feeling horrible about not contacting her for a year, so I decided to apologize then and there.” He tells Regulus all about the encounter and then the hard part comes. “She wants me to have dinner with everyone this Christmas,” he murmurs closing his eyes for a second.
Regulus, who’s been listening intently and stoically to the tale, opens his eyes wide. “You mean with SIRIUS?” He asks, opening and closing his mouth as if he’s still processing.
“Yeah, that’s been my mood for the past few days too. I caved and agreed because I couldn’t just ditch Lily after everything I’ve done,” Remus explains sighing and running a hand through his hair. “Do you think I should cancel? I’m less and less convinced by the minute. I want to see everyone else, but I feel like I won’t even last an hour if he’s there…” he asks looking up at his friend, who is wearing a thoughtful expression.
Regulus hums deep in thought, pondering about it as if this is life or death. Remus really appreciates the consideration, as he’s been feeling like he might die of stress. After another minute of silence, Regulus speaks.
“I think you should go,” he states nodding, and Remus is about to interrupt in protest when Regulus lifts up a hand silencing him. “You should go with me.”
Remus is now confused. “What, like moral support? Isn’t that a bit pathetic? I’m twenty seven years old, I don’t need to take someone’s hand to go to my best friend’s house.”
Regulus just raises an eyebrow that tells Remus everything that Regulus thinks about that last statement, as if saying ‘don’t you?’. Remus rolls his eyes and sips on the wine. Regulus chuckles. “Anyway, you didn’t let me finish. Yes, I would be moral support, but you haven’t considered the effect that it might have on Sirius to see us both together. He won’t know what hit him, and he will be so confused that it will give you an upper hand. So, all in all, you’ll not only be less anxious because I’ll be there, but you’ll also create a distraction.”
Remus just stares at him in shock. Sometimes he forgets how smart Regulus actually is, and moments like this, when Regulus comes up with an idea like that, serve as a stark reminder. “Yes, I’m a genius,” he states with his trademark smirk, reading Remus’ mind. “Also, for maximum effect and not giving him time to prepare, you should probably keep my attendance a secret.”
Remus nods, lost in thought. This might be a great idea actually. Well, not for Sirius but he should be fine, right? Seeing how he was the one to leave Remus like a crumpled piece of paper on the street and all. “Let’s do it. You’re a lifesaver Reg. Just a small consideration though; don’t you have other plans that day?” he asks curious.
Regulus shrugs, nonchalant. “Mother and Father are spending Christmas in France, and I pretended to be very busy with work. They bought it, so I was just going to have dinner with Barty, Evan, Dorcas and Emmeline. But I was tagging along to their romantic plans anyway, this sounds like a better choice.” Remus nods understanding.
“You do realize that your brother will be there, right? Along with other people you can’t stand, your words, not mine,” Remus points out. Regulus sighs, still the picture of the aristocrat he was raised to be.
“I know, but I want to see Sirius’ reaction to the shit we’re about to pull. Also, Pettigrew and McDonald aren’t so bad,” he finishes with another lazy shrug.
“What about the rest? James? Lily? Marlene? I also heard from Lily that Peter has a new boyfriend, so that will be interesting…” Remus trails off and Regulus expression turns stonier when he hears those names.
“Look, they’re just too loud and obnoxious,” he says as explanation, waving his hand with elegance. “I just don’t like them. I don’t like a lot of people.”
“You can’t honestly think Lily is loud or obnoxious. Why don’t you like her? You’re both very perceptive and intelligent, I think you might even get along…” Regulus scoffs to that. “And we both know what the deal is with James so don’t try to hide your jealousy as hate, Reg,” Remus says sipping more wine.
For a moment Regulus looks like a deer in headlights, looking away, and Remus frowns. What is going on here? “Regulus? Come on you can’t tell me you don’t hate him for ‘stealing your brother’. You told me once while you were drunk.” At that, even more strangely, Regulus seems to relax.
“Yeah well, he is,” is all he says quietly. They stay silent for another second, until Remus remembers that he didn’t actually give an answer to his first question.
“You haven’t told me why you don’t like Lily though,” Remus prompts, tempting Regulus to give him a glimpse of information. Remus sighs when Regulus doesn’t answer. “Come on Reg, she’s as nice as they come.” He then remembers something Lily told him the other day.
“Oh! You probably know her; I think she was on your year.” Regulus sends Remus a tired look of confusion at the apparent change of subject and the lack of more information provided.
“What are you talking about now, Remus?” he asks with his raised eyebrow.
“Try to keep up Reg,” Remus teases. “Lily told me her new girlfriend went to school with all of us. I think her name is Pandora Lovegood...” Remus isn’t sure if got the surname correctly, but Regulus seems to recognize the name. A second later though, his face is of pure shock.
“You mean to tell me the picture perfect couple broke up?” Regulus asks unbelieving. “No way,” he scoffs a second later, crossing his arms.
“Well yes, they did. Months ago. But since neither of us has communicated with them for over a year, I’d say it isn’t that unfeasible, is it?” he asks rhetorically raising an eyebrow. “So, you know her then? Pandora?” Remus tries again, seeing that Regulus appears to be distracted by the news of James and Lily splitting up.
Regulus snaps out of his internal turmoil then. “Yes, we were good friends actually. I haven’t spoken with her that much after school ended because she went to volunteer in wildlife conservation, helping search for endangered animals in South America, or something like that…” Regulus says lost in thought. “Well now I’m definitely going, I loved Pandora,” he says with a soft smile that Remus is surprised to see on his usually stoic face.
“You sure must love her, I haven’t seen a smile that isn’t sarcastic on your face in how long? Maybe months,” Remus teases. “But I feel better knowing I won’t be the only person you get along with in a dinner like that one.”
After finishing the whole bottle of wine between the two of them and gossiping for a while, Remus checks his glucose levels, realizing that he’s about to have hypoglycemia. “Reg, I’m about to experience hypoglycemia, can you bring some sugar mixed with water? Or better yet, if you could bring some juice? I have my glucose tablets with me, but I want to make sure nothing happens.” Regulus nods and goes to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Remus takes his glucose. Regulus comes back with a glass full of juice and Remus drinks it. “We need to wait for fifteen minutes, and then I’ll check again,” Remus says even though Regulus is used to these proceedings by now. The time goes by, and when he looks at the little machine again, everything seems to be back to normal. Remus sighs relieved. “Okay, all good.”
As daylight disappears, the soft light from the candles flicks across the shelves of books and the stylish but cozy furniture in Regulus' living room. The two of them are lounging on the sofa, a couple of empty wine glasses resting on the coffee table. Regulus sends a thoughtful gaze to Remus.
“You know what? You should go out more, Remus,” Regulus says, leaning back slightly. “It’s been a year, and you haven’t done anything. You’re stuck.” Remus frowns and looks at his empty glass of juice. “Stuck? It’s not like I’m looking for... anything,” he says, his voice dropping a little, the suggestion making him somewhat uncomfortable.
“Right, right, but everyone needs to move on at some point, yeah? And you’ve been stuck in the same place, longing for my idiot brother, for way too long,” Regulus presses, a little teasing but with an undertone of genuine concern. “Why don’t we go out to a pub or something? A night to unwind.”
Remus raises an eyebrow, a small shake of his head. “I can’t drink anymore tonight, Reg. You know that. I can’t risk another hypoglycemic episode.” Regulus’ expression softens, but he doesn’t let up. “Fair enough. But I mean, you’ve got to get back out there. You haven’t done anything in... well, forever.”
Remus sighs, leaning back a bit too. “I haven’t exactly seen you running around either, have I?”
Regulus smirks, leaning closer with a playful gleam in his eye. “That’s because I’m having sex regularly, my friend,” he says with a slight shrug. Remus stares at him for a moment, blinking. “Really? With whom?” he asks, incredulous but not shocked.
Regulus only nods, shrugging again. “Yeah, really. With Kingsley, if you can believe it.” Remus stares at him, momentarily speechless.
“Are you kidding right now? Kingsley?” he echoes, almost laughing in disbelief. “Kingsley Shacklebolt? That guy from school that was a few years older than us?” He asks, still processing.
Regulus nods again, a bit of a challenge in his eyes. “Yeah, that Kingsley. He’s... surprisingly fun. It’s not serious though, just sex.” Remus blinks a few more times, then looks down, his mind spinning. It has been a year since Remus has really done anything, since anything remotely close to that has happened. He hasn’t even tried, hasn’t felt like he could. The realization hits him with a slow burn, the weight of his isolation over the past year finally settling in.
Maybe Regulus is right. Maybe it is time to move on. He sighs, running a hand through his hair, knowing he’s already made a choice about tonight. “Alright, fine. You win. Let’s go.” Regulus grins diabolically, sitting up straighter. “Finally. A night out will do you good, Remus. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.”
Remus doubts he’ll thank Regulus, but it’s not as if he has some other plans. There’s also the fact that lately he has been trying to stay as much time away from his flat as possible. Regulus goes to his room to change into something “suitable”, or so he says, and Remus follows, sitting on the edge of the bed.
After a while, Regulus is standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his jacket with a look of satisfaction. His outfit is sleek, black skinny jeans paired with a fitted silver shirt that shimmers faintly under the light, and a leather jacket that gives off just the right amount of attitude. He tries not to think about how much like his brother Regulus looks at the moment. His boots, sharp and polished, complete the look. He turns to Remus, who is still sitting on the bed in his oversized sweater.
"Remus," Regulus says, his tone amused but firm. "You’re not wearing that. Not tonight. We’re going out, and you’re coming with me looking like you belong." He grabs a shirt off the hanger, throwing it at Remus. “Take off the sweater. Now.”
Remus looks up, blinking in confusion. “What, you want me to wear that?” He gestures at the shirt Regulus has tossed him. “It’s going to be way too tight, Reg. You know how tall I am.”
Regulus doesn’t even flinch, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “It’s a little tight, sure, but you can pull it off. Come on, do it. You know you look better when you do actually try.”
Reluctantly, Remus stands up and pulls the sweater over his head, exchanging it for the tight sleeveless leather shirt. The fabric clings to his chest, the fit a little snug, but it’s not as bad as he thought it’d be. He glances at Regulus, who is already rummaging through a drawer. He takes out a small tube, eyes glinting. “Now, eyeliner. We’re both doing it. Don’t argue.”
Remus raises an eyebrow. “Eyeliner? You’re kidding.”
“I don’t kid about eyeliner,” Regulus shoots back, pulling out his black eyeliner pencil and applying it on the corner of his eyes. Then he turns to Remus who just sit down again. “Just do it. It’s a night out. You’ll look good, trust me.”
Remus hesitates for a second, then gives in with a dramatic sigh. “Fine, fine. Just do it, I don’t want to even think about this,” he says as he lets his friend lift his chin and apply the eyeliner on him too.
After finalizing their looks, both of them exchange a glance in the mirror. Remus has to admit, he looks better than he expected. He looks… hot. Which comes as a surprise for Remus, who hasn’t felt hot for a day in his life. And then there’s Regulus... who always looks flawless anyway. “There,” Regulus says, satisfied with his own work. “Now you’re ready to hit the town. Let’s go.” Remus chuckles but he has to admit Regulus is kind of right as they leave the flat to go to a pub that Regulus has assured him is great.
The cool air hits them as they step outside, and Remus pulls the collar of his jacket up instinctively. Regulus, on the other hand, walks with his usual confident stride, looking perfectly at ease, like he owns the night. Remus can’t help but roll his eyes, but a small smile tugs at his lips. "Alright, lead the way, then," Remus says, trying to sound indifferent, but the excitement creeping into his voice betrays him.
Regulus glances at him with a knowing smirk. "You won’t regret it. It’s the best place in town." They walk in comfortable silence for a few blocks, the streets a mix of buzzing nightlife and quiet corners. Remus follows, a little distracted by the city lights and the hum of people around them. It’s strange, he hasn’t done something like this in what feels like forever. Not since... well, since everything stopped making sense.
When they finally arrive, the pub is exactly what Regulus promised: dimly lit, with an eclectic mix of people chatting over drinks, music thumping in the background. It feels... alive. Remus looks around, taking in the atmosphere, the warmth, the energy. It’s been a long time since he’s let himself just be part of something this carefree. “Not bad,” Remus mutters under his breath, eyeing the crowd.
“See? Told you,” Regulus says, nudging him with a grin. “Now, let’s get a drink, and maybe you’ll stop looking so grumpy.”
Remus laughs, though it’s laced with quiet hesitation. “Maybe. But remember that no alcohol for me tonight,” he calls out, his voice drowning around all the noise from the pub. Regulus just nods as he walks, unbothered. As they make their way to the bar, Remus feels a strange lightness settle over him. It’s just a night out, but it’s more than that too.
Once they have their drinks in hand, they’re on the same page about staying in one corner of the room, with more space and not so many people around them. They chat animatedly, and Remus has to admit to himself that he’s having a lot of fun. It is some time later, Remus isn’t sure how long, that a guy approaches them.
The guy is tall, but not taller than Remus is, with wavy blonde curls that bounce slightly as he moves, and a warm, easy smile that shows a cute gap between his teeth. He stops just short of their little corner, holding his own drink casually.
“Hey,” he says, his tone friendly. His eyes flick between them before settling on Remus. “I don’t usually do this, but I couldn’t help noticing you from across the room. Thought I’d come over and say hi.” Remus blinks, caught off guard, while Regulus takes a measured sip of his drink, his eyes narrowing just slightly. It takes a moment for Remus to respond, and when he doesn’t, Regulus subtly nudges him under the table with his knee.
“Oh,” Remus stammers, finally finding his voice. “Uh, hi.”
The guy chuckles, clearly amused by his hesitation but not unkindly. “I’m Grant, by the way. And you are…?”
“Remus,” he replies quickly, feeling a faint heat rise to his cheeks.
Regulus, watching this unfold, leans back against the wall with the faintest smirk on his face. He swirls the remaining liquid in his glass and interjects casually, “I’m Regulus, his incredibly boring friend for the night. You should probably save him from me.”
Remus shoots him a sharp look, but Grant only laughs, his smile widening. “Well, nice to meet you both. So, Remus… do you come here often?”
It’s such a clichéd line that even Grant winces a little after saying it, but Remus chuckles despite himself. “Not really,” he admits. “This is more of a... rare outing.” He thinks about the reason why they’re here in the first place and feels a wave of sadness come over him that he decides to ignore.
Regulus, clearly entertained, gives Remus an exaggerated look and mutters under his breath, “Rare is putting it lightly.” Then, louder, he adds, “But maybe it shouldn’t be.”
Grant catches the comment and grins. “Well, I’d say you’re overdue, then.” He hesitates, his expression softening a little. “Look, I don’t want to make this weird, but... if you’d like, maybe I could get you a drink? No pressure.”
Before Remus can answer, Regulus jumps in, his voice smooth and full of mock innocence. “Oh, he’d love that. Wouldn’t you, Remus?”
Remus glares at him, but there’s no malice behind it. He turns back to Grant, awkward but smiling. “I, uh… I’m not drinking tonight, actually. But thanks for the offer.”
Grant nods, not missing a beat. “No problem. Soda, then? Or water? My treat, either way.”
Regulus raises an eyebrow at Remus, clearly impressed by Grant’s persistence. “Well, Lupin?” he says, his tone light but pointed, and Remus understands the unsaid words. This is what they had talked about at Regulus’ flat. He needs to put himself out there and this is his chance to do so.
Remus hesitates, the weight of the moment pressing on him in a way he can’t quite name. Despite everything, he’s come here to try to move on, to forget everything else. He catches the encouraging look in Regulus’ eyes, subtle but there, and sighs. “Sure,” he says, a little shyly. “Soda sounds good.”
Grant’s face lights up. “Coming right up.” He walks off toward the bar, and as soon as he’s out of earshot, Remus rounds on Regulus. “What the hell was that?”
Regulus shrugs, the picture of nonchalance. “I’m helping you. You’re welcome, by the way,” he replies smiling mischievously, with a glint in his eyes that tells Remus how much fun his friend is having with this whole situation.
“I didn’t ask for your help,” Remus mutters, though his voice lacks bite.
“No, but you needed it.” Regulus smirks, sipping the last of his drink. “You’ve spent a year brooding. Let someone be nice to you for once.” Remus leans back against the wall, exhaling slowly.
He knows that Regulus is just looking out for him. He’s the only one who’s seen how deep in his head Remus has been, how much damage he’s had to deal with over the past months. “I hate that you’re right.”
Regulus gives him a sidelong glance, his smirk softening. “You’re going to be fine, Lupin. Trust me.” Before Remus can respond, Grant returns with the soda, his smile just as warm as before. And, despite himself, Remus feels some of the tension begin to fade. Maybe Regulus is right after all.
“There we go,” he says with a smile, sliding one of the glasses toward Remus. He takes a sip of the soda and thanks Grant. He really looks like a very nice guy, and his looks only help to make Remus interested in him. As he turns to Regulus, his friend looks back at him, his gaze pointed, as if silently saying, 'well?'
“So,” Grant says, leaning back in his chair and looking at Remus again, “what do you guys do? You seem… interesting.”
“Interesting?” Remus asks, raising an eyebrow, his tone skeptical but light.
Grant grins. “Yeah. You’ve got that vibe, like you’ve got stories. Not the boring, nine-to-five kind.”
“I don’t know about that,” Remus replies, feeling a little more at ease as he takes a sip of his water. “I work in a bookshop. Not exactly thrilling,” he says with a small shrug of his shoulders.
“That depends on the bookshop,” Grant quips, tilting his head. “Maybe you’ve got some secret underground literary society going on. Late-night readings, candlelight, the whole vibe.”
Remus snorts, shaking his head. “If only.”
Regulus clears his throat and leans forward slightly, his elbow resting on the table. “He’s being modest,” he says, his tone flat but his words deliberate. “Remus has plenty of stories. You’d be surprised.”
Grant catches the slight smirk tugging at Regulus’ mouth and looks back at Remus, intrigued. “Now I really want to hear them,” he says, his smile easy and inviting.
Remus glares briefly at Regulus, who simply raises an eyebrow in silent amusement, before turning back to Grant. “Maybe another time,” he says, his tone almost apologetic but firm.
“Fair enough,” Grant replies, not pushing further.
The conversation flows more easily after that, the initial tension fading into the background, as Regulus tells Grant about his work as a lawyer in a big corporation. Remus finds himself relaxing despite himself, laughing at some of Grant’s jokes and even making a few of his own. Regulus remains mostly quiet, watching the interaction unfold with a faintly amused expression.
Eventually, the night winds down, and the three of them step outside into the cool night air. Grant pulls his phone out, glancing at the time, and then looks at Remus. “Hey,” he says, his tone a little more serious now. “I don’t want to be too forward, but… could I get your number? You’re easy to talk to, and I’d really like to see you again.”
Remus hesitates, glancing at Regulus, who gives him the subtlest of nods. Turning back to Grant, he exhales softly and smiles. “Sure.” And he finds himself really wanting to give his number to Grant. Still, he feels a pang of guilt and sadness in his chest as he does it. He curses himself internally. Here there is a really nice person who seems to really be interested in Remus, and Remus can only think about how hung up he is on his ex. After a whole year.
They exchange numbers, and Grant smiles warmly. “Great. Take care, Remus. And you too, Regulus.”
Regulus gives a small nod, and as Grant walks away, he turns to Remus with a raised eyebrow. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Remus rolls his eyes but can’t help the small, reluctant smile forming on his lips.
“Shut up. He really seems great, but honestly, I don’t think I’m ready to start something just to let them down when they realize I still haven’t moved on from the piece of shit of your brother,” he says bitterly.
Regulus sighs. “Come on Remus. First of all, who said it has to be serious?” As he says it, he realizes his mistake. “Don’t even try that unfunny pun, scarface,” he warns. “What I mean is that you don’t have to date the guy or anything.”
Remus thinks about that for a second. “I don’t think I can handle something casual anyway, I’ll just get confused,” he thinks out loud. Regulus looks at him and hums in agreement.
The walk back to Regulus’ flat is quiet, save for the soft hum of the city at night and the occasional exchange of dry remarks between the two. By the time they reach the door, Remus feels the night’s weight settling in, not in an unpleasant way, but like a soft exhaustion.
When they are out of the elevator, Regulus waves a hand, saying “after you” that earns him an eye roll. Once inside, Remus kicks off his shoes by the door and immediately heads to the guest room without much ceremony. “You’re not even staying for tea or a rant about how I successfully dragged you out and found you someone to flirt with?” Regulus calls after him, already pouring himself a glass of water in the kitchen.
Remus pauses in the corridor, turning just enough to answer. “No rant. I’m too tired for that, and honestly? Tonight wasn’t half-bad.” He smirks faintly, though the admission is almost sheepish.
“Wow,” Regulus deadpans, leaning against the counter. “Don’t go overboard with the compliments or anything. I might cry.”
Remus chuckles, shaking his head. “Goodnight, little prince.” He retreats into the guest room, leaving Regulus standing there with his glass in hand, both smiling.
As Remus lies on the bed, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling, his thoughts flicker to Grant, his easy smile, the way he didn’t push, didn’t overwhelm. Giving his number felt right in the moment, even good. But now, in the stillness of the night, that feeling is clouded by something heavier.
Beneath the surface, a familiar ache rises, one he’s been trying to outrun for over a year. Because no matter how nice Grant seemed, no matter how much he tells himself he should try, Sirius is still there, lingering like an echo in the back of his mind. It’s not fair, to himself, to anyone, but the truth never is. He lets out a shaky breath, the confusion and sadness settling in like an unwelcome but familiar guest.
In the kitchen, Regulus finishes his water and heads to his room with a satisfied smirk. “Not half-bad,” he mutters under his breath, clearly amused. “I’ll take that as a win.”