May
Rules for dating?
Prompt: Secret relationship, Not a date
No warnings
Major tags: Secret relationship, teenagers, Hogsmeade
Remus feels Sirius' hand slip out of his own and looks up to see a familiar face entering Honeyduke's sweet shop.
“Hello!” James wiggles his eyebrows. “How was the date?”
“For the last time, James, it's not a date just because we go somewhere without you!” Sirius growls.
“We just didn’t fancy waiting for you, so we went ahead.” Remus tries to explain.
“You said as much before you left. But you weren’t here the first time I came looking.”
But before Remus can think of a lie Sirius takes the bate.
”Is that a crime?” Sirius throws his arms out. ”We can’t change our minds without your approval?”
”Just thought I maybe saw you two at Madam Puddifoot’s.” James shrugs in what he probably thinks is a nonchalant manner.
“Is there a rule now, that two friends can’t go to Madam Puddifoot’s?” Sirius crosses his arms.
“Not that I heard of.” James smiles. “Just not something I ever thought you’d do if it wasn’t for a date.”
“I can go there for any reason. All sorts of reasons.”
“Like what?” James folds his arms, playfully mimicking Sirius' defensive pose.
Sirius opens and closes his mouth. “They have good tea?”
James sends Remus a thoroughly unconvinced look. Remus shrugs and with a smile admits “They do.”
But he knows that keeping this secret is an already lost battle. So, he gives Sirius a kiss on the cheek and takes his hand again.
James makes a victorious fist pump. “I knew it!”
Then he looks from Sirius' blush to Remus' smile and wiggles his eyebrows again. “I won’t disturb you anymore. Enjoy your date night!”
Remus knows James will look in through the window, but he doesn’t care. He pulls Sirius close and kisses him.
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Piercing
Prompt: Anger born of worry
Warning: Mentions of child abuse
Major tags: Pining, teenagers
Sirius is leaning against the sink, staring into the mirror with a needle in hand.
Remus' eyes narrow. “What are you doing?”
Sirius smirks at him through the mirror. “Thought I was going to pierce my ears, but now I’m not sure. Maybe my lip instead?” He pulls at his lower lip and studies it from different angles.
“You can’t just do that!”
Sirius expression sours. “Sure, I can.”
“You know your parents won’t like that.” Don’t give them any more reason to hurt you, please.
“That’s kind of the point.”
“You won’t be taken seriously. You won’t get a job.”
Sirius just rolls his eyes.
“Don’t be so reckless! You could get an infection.” And you’re going home over the break. Alone with your horrible parents. Where I won’t be able to protect you.
Sirius turns around to face him. “Maybe I’m not doing it for you? Have you thought about that? Maybe I don’t care if you think it looks stupid?”
“What? I don’t care how hot you’ll look, I care about you coming back after the break in one piece.”
Sirius grins. “You think I’ll look hot?”
“Yeah? I… That’s not the point.”
Sirius continues smiling. “What kind? Nosewing? Septum? Snakebites?”
“Sirius, please…” Snakebites for sure. Remus' stomach flips just at the thought of that.
“I promise to not do it before the brake if you promise to help me do it afterwards.”
Remus swallows. Sirius' parents will notice at some point, of course. But it doesn’t feel as threatening when it’s not immediately ahead. And the thought of getting to touch Sirius' face gives him goosebumps.
“Okay. Deal.” He breathes.
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Let’s get wasted
Prompt: Marriage of convenience
Warnings: Alcohol
Major tags: Marriage of convenience, love confession, first kiss
Sirius gnaws on his lip. Remus doesn’t blame him. The building is intimidating. The decision is intimidating. He would love to stand here with Sirius under other circumstances. But now things are as they are.
Sirius smiles nervously. “Still sure you want to do this for me?”
“I would do anything for you.” Remus gives Sirius an encouraging smile and presses his hand.
They climb the grand stairs to the officiant’s office, say their vows, and sign their papers.
Once outside again, they stop and look at each other, a little lost.
“Want to celebrate?” Remus suggests. Although he stands beside the love of his life, this is far from the wedding he dreamed of. He would have wanted a big party and, well… a wedding night. This is purely a matter of necessity. But he still finds it worth celebrating that when those horrible parents of Sirius are going to try to force him to marry this summer, they’ll find that they can’t because he’s already married. Good luck finding a way around that.
“Let’s get wasted.” Sirius decides and leads the way to the nearest pub.
Remus doesn’t know if Sirius drinks to mourn the wedding which is nothing a wedding should be, or if he is somehow celebrating, but he downs a few rounds so fast Remus struggles to keep up. His beautiful face turns even more endearing flushed from the alcohol. His movements turn relaxed and carefree, making him look happy. Making Remus dream of everything they could have been, had Sirius shared his feelings.
With a slight slur, Sirius asks: “What do you want to do now?”
“I want a kiss.”
Sirius' eyes widen. Then he leans in.
Remus stops him with a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that. I know you don’t feel that way.”
“What are you talking about, I don’t feel that way? You just did me a massive favour and –“
“And I don’t need you to do anything awkward just to thank me. Okay? I just… I’m just too drunk to not say what I think.”
Sirius blinks. “So, you do want to kiss me?”
Remus feels the world collapse. This is the one thing he told himself to never expose. The one thing that would ruin everything easy and unstrained about their friendship. And now he has to spill it like this?
Sirius grabs his face, rather clumsily - not that Remus cares, and kisses him hard and thoroughly. And after Remus' first gasp of surprise, he grabs Sirius' hair and pulls him closer, relishing in Sirius' mouth opening for his tongue.
When Remus gaspingly breaks free, he can’t do anything but stare in disbelief.
Sirius is grinning, with tears in the corners of his eyes.
“What?” he teases. “I can’t kiss my husband?”
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First mission after Azkaban
Prompt: Only one bed
No warnings
Major tags: Angst, older, second wizarding world, post-Azkaban, pining
They are on a mission for Dumbledore. As if Sirius is in any condition to be on a mission. He’s still just skin and bones. They don’t even know what they’re supposed to do yet, just that they need to wait until the morning, in this godforsaken shack that seems in danger of being swallowed by the sea.
There is no electricity, but Remus saw plenty of wood stacked outside. The dampness should only be a minor inconvenience if he uses magic.
Then it hits him. There is only one bed. Not even a sofa. He glances at Sirius, who seems to have zoned out, as he sometimes does. He stands motionless, staring into the air. Is he thinking about the bed situation as well?
Remus can’t help but feel a sting of hurt. After every night at Grimmauld place, when he has left the door ajar in vain or met a closed one to Sirius' room, it is clear Sirius is not interested in his company. Not that he blames him, after 12 years and everything that has happened. But surely, having to share a bed one night isn’t that bad?
When Remus has got both the wood stove in the cramped kitchen and the fireplace in the only other room going, and the warmth has slowly started to spread, Sirius is still standing in the exact same position.
Remus puts a hand on his shoulder. “Are you all right?”
Sirius shrugs, but the trance is broken. He starts to unpack a few of his things and places them on the kitchen table without looking at Remus. Remus busies himself with finding a kettle and putting it on. Sirius unpacks their pre-made sandwiches and they eat in silence. Even for Sirius, this behaviour is clearly strained.
“We’ve shared a bed before.” Remus cautiously says as he refills his teacup.
“There are a lot of things that used to be.” Sirius looks out of the window.
“Is it all right, though? To share?”
Sirius nods with a smile that doesn’t reach the eyes.
They brush their teeth and get ready. Sirius slips under the cover in briefs and a T-shirt.
Remus hesitates at the edge of the bed. “Is it all right? Should I… stand guard or something? We could take turns?”
Sirius gives him a real smile this time. “Stop fussing. By Merlin, I don’t bite!”
Remus undresses until he has just underpants and a T-shirt as well. He puts the light out and they lay facing each other in the dim moonlight.
Sirius looks Remus in the eyes and slowly reaches out to play with a strand of Remus' hair. Remus wants to reach out too, and pull him close. He doesn’t. His shaky breaths might give his thoughts away, though.
“You used to like this,” Sirius says and his fingertips lightly brush Remus' temple.
“I still… We could still…”
Sirius withdraws. “I’m sorry I can’t be what you want me to be. That we can’t share a bed the same way we used to.”
“I don’t expect anything from you. I’m grateful to have you back at all.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just… I can’t even look at myself in the mirror, you know? This just reminds me of how much I’ve lost. How broken I am.” Sirius shuts his eyes close firmly.
“It’s all right.” Without thinking Remus has reached his hand out and soothingly strokes Sirius' cheek and temple.
“Maybe in the future,” Sirius mumbles with his eyes still closed, “maybe if I get some time to get over everything.”
Remus lets his hand slide down Sirius' neck and slowly scoots closer, finding his bony knees and icy toes with his legs. Sirius doesn’t back away. His breathing is calm against Remus' chest. With a minor shift, he leans his forehead against Remus' collar bone. Remus wraps him in his arms.
There is stillness.
And then Sirius starts to cry. He shakes and sobs and cries into Remus' chest. And Remus hugs him tighter. He feels silent tears rolling down his own cheeks as well. He hates how broken Sirius is, as he himself put it. He hates to be someone reminding him of it. But being able to hold him is a thousand times better than hearing him cry through the walls of Grimmauld place.
They fall asleep like that, in each other’s arms. And the next morning Remus feels a quick kiss on his temple before Sirius leaves him alone in the bed.
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A perfect moment
Prompt: First kiss
No warnings
Major tags: Teenagers, first kiss
Sirius idly poked the dwindling fire with a stick and then sat back on the log beside Remus. Between the stars above them and the lake on the other side of the fireplace, they were alone.
They didn’t talk. That was one of many fine things with Remus. Where Sirius usually felt a need to fill the silence with blabbering or bravado, he could comfortably sit beside Remus and watch the flames lick the last of the charred wood.
He wished they could sit here forever. Not being one to think before he acted, he took Remus' hand, in some sort of attempt to make the evening last. Remus didn’t move. His hand now sitting comfortably in Sirius’, reassuringly returning the pressure made something tip over inside Sirius.
If this was what holding hands felt like, any chance of getting to have more of this perfect boy was suddenly worth risking rejection or messing up their friendship that had been holding him back for so long.
There was no room for second-guessing. It was at the same time one of the simplest things Sirius had ever done and one of the most pivotal. He could already tell this would change his life, one way or another.
He leaned closer and turned to meet Remus' wide eyes. He closed his eyes and slowly pressed their lips together. Remus readily met him, put an arm around his neck, and pulled him closer.
It was a perfect moment. At least for now, his life was complete.
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Twenty questions
Prompt: Accidental eavesdropping
No warnings
Major tags: Mutual pining, Hogwarts
Their books lay unused in the grass, as their supposed study session had turned into a lazy afternoon in the May sun.
"Is he hot?" Marlene smirked.
Remus hesitated. He had obviously not thought the possible outcomes through before deciding on a person for his turn in twenty questions. It was just him and the girls, though. They would keep a secret, wouldn't they?
"Well, I -"
"Ah, ah, ah! Only yes or no."
Remus felt his cheeks heat. "Yes."
"No need to blush, we already know you like boys." Marlene giggled.
"Is it a singer?"
"No."
"A quidditch player?"
"...Yes."
"What? You never watch quidditch?" Lily squinted.
"Apparently he does if the player is hot," Marlene argued.
"No. You are going about this the wrong way.” Lily insisted. “Is it someone you know personally?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, interesting!” Marlene meaningly wiggled her eyebrows. Remus didn’t know where to look.
“Come on, Marlene.” Lily sighed. “Some people are just objectively good-looking."
"Sure." Marlene rolled her eyes. "Is it someone you would want to share a bed with?"
"Jesus..." Remus hid his face in his hands. "Yes."
“Hm.” Lily mused. “Does he have long black beautiful hair?”
“Yes.” Of course, Lily could still read him like a book with his face in his hands.
The others had gone unusually quiet, but Lily continued, articulating every syllable.
“Is it Sirius Black?”
“Yes.”
An all too familiar voice in front of him breathed: “Really?” and Remus almost fell backwards.
“Jesus Christ! How long have you been standing here?” Sirius didn’t answer. But long enough, judging by his expression.
“Lily!” Remus groaned in despair. How could she do this to him?
He looked back at Sirius. He expected to be mocked for this, sure, he expected Sirius to look amused or make a witty remark. He was not prepared for Sirius to look thrilled. Was the prospect of making fun of him really so exciting?
The way Sirius put his hair behind his ear and took a half step closer with his toes pointing inwards, changed things. When he smiled in a way that couldn’t be anything other than nervous and repeated “Really?” Remus started thinking that maybe Lily knew what she was doing after all.
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You can’t just say that
Prompt: Love confession
No warnings
Major tags: Meeting later in life, adults, love confession
The sun woke Sirius up. Its rays painted the curls of the man sleeping beside him a beautiful honey. Sirius brushed them aside to reveal his face, the soft features a stark contrast to the sharp pale scares.
He woke Remus up with a soft kiss. Remus stretched like a cat, smiled, and scooted closer. Between cuddling and kissing, Sirius decided it was something he needed to say.
He heaved himself up on one elbow to properly fix Remus with his gaze. “I love you.”
Remus opened and closed his mouth with a doubting expression. “You can’t just say that.”
“I mean it.”
“We’ve only been dating for three weeks.”
“And I knew within one hour.”
"Don't you need to know a little more about me before deciding that?"
Sirius chuckled. "Like what? They wouldn't let you work with children if you had a criminal past. Do you have crazy parents? Because I do.”
Remus rolled away from Sirius and over on his back. "You should ask if I have an untreatable medical condition."
"Do you?"
"Lycanthropy."
"You’re a werewolf?"
Remus got up, picked up his clothes from the floor and started to dress. "Yes. And I can leave now if you want."
Sirius reached for him from the edge of the bed. "Come back here my sexy werewolf."
Remus sat down on the edge of the bed. "Do you realise werewolves are not allowed to have children?"
"Last time I checked we were both men..."
"I mean we can't adopt."
"And you’re the one asking me to slow down?”
Remus sighed. "Do you realise I'm not allowed to move without consent from the ministry? Do you realise I spend most of my salary on Wolfsbane Potion?"
Sirius had not expected to hear the words back. Being the cautious person he was, Remus needed time for such things. But Sirius was not about to let him diminish his statement with his own doubts. He needed Remus to accept this was how Sirius felt.
“Look at me,” Sirius demanded.
Stilling his hands and putting on a serious face, Remus did.
“I realise you might not feel the same. Not now. Maybe never. But I needed to say it. Now you know. I love you.”
Remus took a shaky breath, looked down to find Sirius' hands, then up again. He looked into Sirius' eyes and seemed to find what he was searching for, was it courage or anything else. “I love you too.” He whispered. “I shouldn’t, but by Merlin, I do.”
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Just holding hands
Prompt: Fake date
No warnings
Major tags: Mutual pining, fake dating, teenagers
"I don't know, Lily. This doesn't feel right..."
"Come on! We’re not even doing anything."
Lily had been doing Remus favours more than once. And if she thought this was what James needed to get his act together and ask her out, who was he to tell her she was wrong? Judging by his non-existing love life, Remus was clearly not an expert on the matter.
Besides, he and Lily had been going around Hogsmeade by themselves before. And it wasn't like holding hands with a friend was forbidden.
So, when Remus felt Lily's hand slip into his he played along. They rounded the corner to the intersection where they had decided to meet James, Sirius and Peter for the walk back to Hogwarts. He waited for them to turn their heads before letting go of her hand. He held her gaze a little longer and smiled a little broader than usual before walking up to the others.
James waved and held up his shopping findings for them to see, as if he hadn't even noticed. Remus felt equally disappointed and relieved.
Until he saw Sirius' face.
A shadow dark as midnight crossed his eyes. He then tossed his head and asked in an unnaturally cheerful voice “Hi Moony! How was your day? Enjoyed the town with Evans, did you?”
Before Remus could answer Sirius had squeezed himself in between Remus and Lily. He spent the walk back laughing at everything Remus said and finding excuses to nudge his shoulder, playfully ruffle his hair or box his arm.
If Remus had known this was the reaction he’d get, he might have been the one suggesting the idea to Lily instead.
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A drink while waiting
Prompt: Established relationship
No warnings
Major tags: Established relationship, adults, flirting
Remus folded and unfolded the receipt, wiggled his glass making the water from the ice that had melted at the bottom swirl around, and thought about ordering another drink. He tried to not look at his watch. Sirius was already half an hour late. He had tried calling twice, but the number was currently unavailable.
He wasn’t too worried. It wasn’t the first time Sirius forgot to charge his phone and it would not be out of character for him to wander about and lose track of time in a new city. But they had gone on a vacation to get a chance to spend time together and Remus was tired of waiting.
The bartender broke his thoughts by putting a glass in front of him.
“From the gentleman over there.” He said and nodded to the side.
Remus tried to suppress the sudden thrill. It had been a while since anyone had hit on him. And he couldn’t remember anyone ever buying him a drink as a first move like this.
“You sure it’s for me?”
The bartender nodded with a smile.
Remus briefly considered accepting what looked like it could be a whiskey sour. Sirius had left him here alone, after all. Would it be such a big deal if he had an innocent chat with someone else while he waited?
Maybe not. But he already knew he would choose his chronically late husband all over again every day. He would act accordingly.
He looked up with an apologetic face, ready to show his ring, only to meet the sparkling silver eyes he had been waiting for all the time.
He laughed as Sirius came over and said “You look stunning. May I take you on a date tonight?”
Despite the years together, Remus felt a flutter of excitement in his stomach when Sirius looked at him like that. He was as beautiful as ever, his eyes sincere and a smile playing around the mouth.
“Yes.” Remus breathed and felt his heart speed up as Sirius took his hand and kissed his knuckles.
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Next time
Prompt: Almost kiss
No warnings
Major tags: Pining, Hogwarts, teenagers
Sirius could not stop thinking about it: Remus' lips. How they would feel. How they would taste. What Remus would do if he kissed him? If he would possibly, by some miracle, like it and kiss him back.
He had been curious for a year or so. The last days it had become a complete obsession.
Whenever Remus bit his lip in concentration, licked something off his spoon, or smiled that breathtaking smile of his, Sirius' brain just stopped functioning and he became a blushing mess. Remus usually had the grace to just smile fondly at him, sometimes Sirius even imagined he saw a glint of hope.
That dinner, when they had treacle tart for dessert Remus got a smudge on his upper lip. Sirius felt the familiar heat pool in his lower belly as he was unable to look away from Remus' mouth.
"You got a little something there", he managed to croak out, pointing to his own face.
Remus ran his finger just beside it.
"No, let me..."
Sirius carefully lifted his napkin. He swears Remus' soft exhale when he made contact with his skin was the sexiest sound he had ever heard. After an embarrassingly long pause, he was able to continue the movement and wipe the corner of Remus' mouth.
Remus leaned slightly closer and for a moment Sirius deluded himself Remus longed as much as him for the contact to continue. He even imagined the same hunger reflected in his warm amber eyes. But then Remus pulled back and looked down.
And Sirius couldn't eat, couldn't talk, could hardly breathe. It was unbearable. Next time, he promised himself. Next time an opportunity presented itself he'd just do it.