Chianti instead of blood
While the software is running the last calculations for the day, Peter calls Rosmerta to make sure the nuggets are ready for takeout in 30 minutes. James and Sirius are on their way back from the interview with Lupin, and Peter promised to meet them at their flat for a debrief. If Peter is lucky enough, tonight’s results should be decent enough for a week of respite from data. Which is good because Peter’s brain is not functioning anymore; last night, he dreamt about numbers as if he was in the Matrix. Unhealthy.
Peter needs a break from his three monitors. Even his rat is going crazy, and the animal is in the other room. Also, he really needs to plan for the upcoming race. It’s nearly one month away, and he has no idea how to manage Sirius’s variable. The engineer stuff, he is not worried about; all the work he put in the week following Paul Ricard has been fruitful. But since Sirius confessed his worries, Peter has been avoiding facing the growing, dreadful feeling he has.
A ding sets off, indicating the software is done, and oh my, Peter could cry from delight as the results are better than expected. He is officially done with his part of the work in preparation for next week’s car launch ceremony in Florence. He cannot wait to be drunk on Chianti for three straight days.
As he still has fifteen minutes before leaving, Peter scrolls Twitter. Nobody really knows he has an account, mostly because it’s about his rat. Technically, James and Sirius know because he never tried being subtle about it, but it is comforting to Peter to be able to express himself freely, without the pressure his friends have when posting.
Sometimes, Peter is envious of the fame they get, as he feels it’s unfair that just because you’re not driving, the public kind of assumes you don’t exist; nevertheless, most of the time, Peter is glad for his privacy. James and Sirius are oblivious, but whenever they go somewhere, people recognize them, ask for pictures, or try talking to them. It is tiring for him anyway. It got a bit better since living in Monaco, but the Three Broomsticks remains a blessing.
JamesItsPotter @JPotter_
If I could see only one colour for the rest of my life, it would be red #Pegasus #REDSUPREMACY
@seriousSirius commented: shame you would miss my good looks
@JPotter_ replied to @seriousSirius: what good looks?
@JPloveofmylife commented: google, how to become the colour red?
ImSirius @seriousSirius
I saw a ladybug mating with a spider this morning, it was beautiful
I’m now emotionally unwell #whereismysoulmate #itsokifyouareaspider
@JPotter_ commented: what’s your problem?
@wildMary commented: weirdly you look like a ladybug
@DromedaT_ commented: my offer to be your community manager stands
@JPloveofmylife commented: you are a liability to this world
JamesPottersBaby @JPloveofmylife
@JPotter_ hope your type is short brunette with mommy issues #Ialsogotdaddyissues
@user39645 commented: you got more issues than mommy
@JPloveofmylife replied to @user39645: you’re jealous of my psychological range
SkeeterDarlings @RitaSkeeter
Reliable sources are hinting for trouble in paradise between James Potter and Sirius Black. Is a breakup imminent?
Xx my darlings #trust #honesty #skeeterdarlings
@JPloveofmylife commented: I volunteer to be the rebound
@wildMary replied to @JPloveofmylife: you’re the realest but I call dibs
@MarleneMCK replied to @wildMary: your resolution is not to mix business and love
@wildMary replied to MarleneMCK: resolutions are for the weak
AlmostKingofRome @RemusLupinTalk
Next interview to come with James Potter and Sirius Black, stay tuned!
#f1 #Pegasus
@JPotter_ commented: amazing time, thanks for having us!
@JPloveofmylife replied to @JPotter_: wish I was the one to give you an amazing time
@seriousSirius commented: you should listen to Too Sweet tonight ;)
Peter has to do a double take on Lupin’s latest tweet. He posted two days ago, but James and Sirius commented a few minutes ago, and what is Sirius’s deal? It must be the unhingedness populating Twitter. Yeah, it’s not like Peter can judge it, and peer pressure or not, sharing random thoughts without predicaments is great.
TaleoftheRat @PettyPete
Born to be Remy, forced to be Gus
#givemefood
Peter will never admit it out loud, but he loves cartoons, especially Ratatouille and Cinderella. He feels represented in those, as he always wanted to be a cook just like Remy, although he cannot cook for his dear life, lest the kitchen burn – it almost happened – and Gus is his spirit animal, but don’t tell Sirius.
And now Peter is late, rushing out of the house, almost forgetting the keys inside and putting random shoes on. He gets to the Three Broomsticks, barely says hi to Rosmerta – she doesn’t care much – takes the food and runs to James and Sirius’ flat. They are waiting for him by their balcony, shouting as if Peter is about to pass the finish line. Surely, a bit of encouragement when you are disgustingly sweaty is always appreciated.
Peter doesn’t even have time to get out of the lift when James is shoving him inside the flat.
“NUGGEEEEEEEETS,” is happily shouting Sirius, and Peter has no idea how he is so stealthy in taking hostage of the food. At least, fresh beers are waiting on the table, so he can’t complain.
“Don’t put your filthy hands all over it!!” James has germophobic tendencies, but if you tell him, he denies it. If you were to ask Peter, he could never understand him. Having seen James share A LOT with Sirius, Peter cannot fathom how James is so fussy with food. Go figure.
Sirius is already sitting, devouring the nuggets. “We should eat before he finishes it all… oh, and thank you, Pete,” smiling, James joins Sirius, and Peter follows.
“How was the interview?” because he has been dead curious to know, even more since reading Lupin’s tweet.
To Peter and James' surprise, for the first time since ever, Sirius stops eating as if he totally forgot his chicken nuggets and starts recounting in a very detailed narration the afternoon.
“… And then by the time we left, he said he would come to Monaco, and you should meet him, Pete! He is amazing and brilliant, actually a genius, like have you seen his Twitter account? His name is hilarious, did you know Remus is in Roman history the brother of Romulus, the first king of Rome? So, the name almost king of Rome refers to it, because he is a history nerd and that’s the cutest thing ever! His bio says my roman empire is the roman empire, but sometimes I think about F1, and I think…” At this point, Sirius is standing and walking around the living room, babbling incessantly.
That’s when Peter takes notice of Sirius, the outfit he is wearing, the light makeup and bun carefully messy, and the boots! Sirius wanted to make an impression today, but why? Was he worried Lupin would think less of him after all the bad talk Rita did? Possibly, that must be it. Sirius is very excited, must be the high of having made a good impression and finally, some of the press is on his side.
“… You think he’ll come to Florence for the reveal? I was thinking Pegasus could invite him, you know, some PR shit or something.”
James, who until then ate without truly noticing Sirius’s rambling, appears interested in the proposition. To be honest, Peter thinks it’s a good idea. He’ll talk with Moody and McGonagall tomorrow.
That evening is the first time Peter gets to eat, enjoy, and fill his stomach during a dinner with chicken nuggets and Sirius. It never happened before, and whatever it is Sirius’ deal, he is glad. Luckily, at some point, Sirius stops talking about whatever his latest obsession is – Peter tuned him out – and they get to enjoy some music and drinking, relaxing.
“Oh my god, Pete, what did you do??” Sirius is looking at him as if a tsunami is about to hit the living room.
“Nothing…?” because Peter is pretty sure he did nothing. Well, nothing that concerns Sirius. Did he figure, somehow, that he thinks Gus is the best fictional character ever created? Oh no, no, no, that means Sirius is going to post memes on Twitter. Peter becomes whiter by the minute.
Sirius is looking at him with narrow eyes. He knows. He knows!!! He –
“Did you LEAVE your house with TWO different sneakers?”
Peter is mortified. How is he going to explain to Sirius why Gus is great? And, wait, did he just say he has two different shoes on?
“Ehrmm… it wasn’t on purpose?” asks Peter, unsure.
It’s not like the shoes are so different; they’re basically the same model but one is whitish and the other greyish. It’s dark outside, no one noticed for sure.
“Peter, this is a DISASTER! What if people think we ALL do that?”
“What do you mean? It’s not like if I do something, then automatically, you’re doing it.”
“OF COURSE in fashion it works like that! You make a statement and by association, as we are besties, I do the same. In the eyes of others, we are like Charlie’s Angels!”
“Why are you comparing us to Victoria’s Secret models?”
“Victoria Se… No, James, I said Charlie’s Angels. Wait, you don’t know the movie?” Both James and Peter shake their heads. “Must I teach you everything? Alright, buckle up, we’re watching it now.”
A few days later, Peter is waiting for James, Sirius, and Lupin at the airport. Apparently, inviting a bright young man like Remus Lupin – Dumbledore’s words – was a great idea. Therefore, he’s coming as a special guest and is sticking with them for the whole trip. Peter only hopes he is as nice as James and Sirius praised.
As he is about to get his phone to text James, Peter sees Lupin. He’s far away, but he towers over anybody else, so it’s easy to spot him. Peter takes his time to observe him as he’s approaching, taking in the way he walks, slightly limping on his left leg, while trying to uncoordinatedly avoid the push of the crowd.
Peter is taken aback by the evident scars Lupin is sporting on his face, but mostly, why does Sirius idolize this man when he dresses as a history professor? And it’s not a compliment.
Lupin seems lost, and Peter decides to put him out of his misery. “Hey, you must be Lupin, I’m Peter.”
Lupin’s face brightens with a smile, and Peter understands a little bit more why Sirius found this man interesting. Indeed, he is some unusual specimen. As he hears Peter, Lupin eagerly waves toward him.
“Hello, Peter, glad to meet you. Call me Remus though.”
“James and Sirius are on their way. Usually, James is on time, but Sirius must have delayed them.”
“No worries. It’s not like the plane will leave without us, right?”
“Might not, but the pilot is going to be furious.”
“Who’s flying us?” Lupin asks, concerned. Peter has no idea who the pilot is. Guess they have a roster from which Pegasus chooses, but other than that, he never took the time to learn much about.
“Don’t know,” Peter says with a scowl. This is not the answer Lupin was waiting for. He tries to come up with something to say, opening and closing his mouth like a fish – and Peter finds it hilarious – when they hear James and Sirius shouting. Are they racing each other in the middle of an airport?!
James and Sirius almost tackle Peter when they get to him. At the last moment, though, James throws himself over Sirius, who trips over Peter’s bag, crashing into the arms of Lupin. Remus Lupin is, luckily, stronger than he looks – not just long useless limbs – and is able to hold on to Sirius, avoiding his fall.
Peter feels almost like he is watching a spinoff of Charlie’s Angels – why is Peter thinking about Charlie’s Angels now? It’s not like he was fighting for his life not to fall asleep the other night – because Sirius looks up at Lupin and starts beaming, showing his most charming Black smile, winking.
“My pretty savior.” If until then Lupin was able to hide whatever emotion he was feeling behind a mask of indifference, he suddenly blushes at Sirius’ pretty.
Peter is hoping this is not what it looks like. Peter is not ready to watch a live romcom.
But the problem is, Sirius is looking ready for one of his photoshoots. Wearing his boots. Again. Peter is very confused about why Sirius Black is currently dressed in full-on Pegasus’ attire but for the boots. Always insulting others’ outfits, but did he realize how ridiculous he looks? At least, like that, he has some inches of advantage over Lupin. The height difference is less absurd.
Whispering, James says in Peter’s ear, “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
“I’m hoping not,” cuts off Peter. “Let’s go, we’re late.”
On the plane, Lupin sits at the very front and doesn’t speak for the whole flight. At first, Sirius seems to brood, but then, sitting in the back with James, they start their usual charade of fighting over the music. As if sharing the EarPods is the only solution and they never thought to just listen to music on their own, leaving the rest of the passengers in peace. Peter stays in the middle seats and plays Among Us. Bless internet connection on private flights.
It's only during landing that Peter realizes Lupin hates flying. He looks about to throw up. Suddenly, it makes sense why he wanted to know information about the pilot. It must be easier for him to cope if he knows. Peter decides that he’ll make an effort next time to inform Lupin. He’s also going to get some medicine.
At landing, they are welcomed by a crowd of insufferable screaming fans. Don’t take it wrong, Peter doesn’t mind the fans, the problem is when they are noisy and don’t respect boundaries, like in this circumstance. There are designated moments to meet fans and that’s not it. They are on a tight schedule. James and Sirius are unbothered by all the chaos, but Lupin is hesitant.
“Come with me, let them be,” Peter grabs Lupin by the arm and leads the way to the waiting cars outside. They get in and wait for James and Sirius there.
“Thank you, Peter, I…” softly says Lupin.
“No need for explanation. I get overwhelmed as well,” and Lupin smiles gratefully at Peter.
The man is not so bad overall. Peter appreciates someone who is quiet and doesn’t take space only by breathing. It is comforting to be in the company of someone normal. As normal as one can be, judging by Lupin’s scars and limping. Peter needs to do some research. He didn’t really do any before the interview, just guaranteed the credentials were good to go.
“If I didn’t say no to a marriage offer, does it mean I’m engaged?” is asking James as soon as, with Sirius, they finally get in the car.
Sirius is about to say something, but Lupin beats him to it. “You should plan the divorce.”
“Oh my god, Remus, you’re right… I need a lawyer! Do we know any lawyer? Sirius? Peter?”
“Can give you the number of someone,” answers Lupin.
“Saving the day again, Remus, what is it with you? Some hero complex?” jokes Sirius.
“As entertaining as this discussion could be, should I remind all of you the lesson about consent?” interrupts Peter. Who is he joking to speak about consent? Always easier to say the right thing when it doesn’t apply to you.
“Whatever, so what’s the plan?” James changes the topic. So, Peter presents the program for the following two days and a half, which involves a lot of alcohol and little responsibility.
This afternoon they have some time to go around the city if they wish to, as the evening's only obligation is to attend a formal dinner with the team and the sponsors. However, Peter doesn’t feel like touring the city and instead proposes a tour among wineries. James, Sirius, and Lupin, as predictable, love the idea.
Have you ever been in the vineyards of the Florentine hills? Because Peter swears, he could die here and be happy. Actually, if he had any romantic interest, he might as well get married here. Or perhaps the view is the only romanticism he needs in his life. Well, the view and the glass of wine Peter is currently holding in his hand. Sipping the red godly liquid and listening to the guide’s explanation over the processing and flavors of the wine, this is romantic to Peter. And for once, maybe James and Sirius are understanding him.
Ok, not really. Lupin is captivated as much as Peter is by the view, the wine, and Signor Fiorensi’s explanation, but Sirius keeps eyeing Lupin, and James keeps getting distracted by smelling, tasting, or airing the wine. Wonder what he is thinking. Probably, some reminiscent moment with a certain redhead.
“Apprezzo particolarmente la violetta che si percepisce a fine bocca e sovrasta il legno.”
“No shit, Peter, you speak fucking Italian?” Sirius is gaping at Peter.
James is amused by Sirius’ surprise and decides to throw another blow. “A mio avviso, l’equilibrio tra la bacca rossa e la cannella rendono questo vino perfetto da accompagnare con il guancialino.”
“OH MY GOD, JAMES, YOU TOO???”
James and Peter share smug expressions while Sirius’ dramatics continue. “How I never knew about this? And how do you speak Italian? Holy fuck, I might have fallen in love with you two now. James, Peter, is it normal to be attracted to you both when you speak Italian?”
“Learned it when I dated the Italian model,” responds James, still looking extremely pleased.
“But you only dated for two months!”
“Yeah, but after two months, I was already pretty good and figured, I could just get going. You never know when it is useful to know some Italian. Served well in getting some girls, to be honest.”
“I learned so I could communicate better with the mechanics from the team. Pegasus has a great Italian heritage, and I thought it was important,” explains Peter.
“Why didn’t you tell me so I could learn Italian as well? I would be sooooooo sexy, unstoppable, the most charming man alive!”
“You already speak French, Sirius,” points out Peter.
“Exactly my point!”
Amused by the scene, Lupin intervenes “James, se posso darti un suggerimento, usa questo potere a letto”.
Crack.
“Fuck, sorry, I, let me take care of the mess, sorry,” Sirius says frantically, trying to clean the spilled wine and pick up the shattered glass with a napkin.
Sirius Black is flustered. This is news for Peter. And this is enjoyable. Perfect blackmail if Gus was ever to come out. Which it will never. But in case.
After the little disaster, they resume the visit, which ends as the sun is setting over the hills. If Peter were a painter, he would make art out of it. Sadly, his art is numbers, which is not ideal.
The evening dinner is actually quite boring for Peter. He ends up joining James and Sirius in what are the odds, with Lupin looking mildly terrified by their increasingly daring bet.
“What are the odds for… a game of hide and seek?” Sirius proposes.
“Are we speaking large scale?” replies James.
“Any less is boring.”
“Then 5!” smirks James.
“3… 2… 1…” Together, James and Sirius shout, “4!”
They happily cheer. Peter joins.
“Wait, you want to involve everybody here?” Lupin is panicking at the idea of fully grown adults playing hide and seek. At a formal event. With sponsors.
“Nobody is going to care anyway. I bet they’ll be pleased,” reassures Peter.
“The wine helps. Soooooo, how do we do this?” Sirius is looking around, likely already planning how to make it work.
“I think we have to avoid Moody and McGonagall. Dumbledore, however, reckon he’ll be on?”
“Definitely, James, good thinking for big bearded boss.” Sirius turns towards Lupin and begins with his instructions. Lupin seems both reluctant and curious about what’s happening, but by the end of Sirius’ explanation, he is eager to start the game.
Getting up, Sirius gives them one last encouraging speech. “Alright, I’m going to take care of Minnie. You guys get into position. In five minutes exactly, we set the plan in motion. Break a leg!”
Five minutes later, Peter is waiting by Lupin’s side for James’ signal. Then, Sirius will start counting, and hopefully, people are going to join.
A howl echoes through the room, and Sirius starts counting loudly. People are startled and confused. James, Peter, and Lupin start sprinting around the room, forcing anybody to hide.
It only takes thirty seconds for drunk grown-ups to join in the game without many questions. Everybody but Moody and McGonagall, who are at a loss for what to do. Dumbledore, for his credit, is trying to fit inside a wooden chest.
Grabbing his arm, Lupin drags Peter into hiding. “Come on, we don’t want to lose.”
And well, Peter is glad for Remus. Because they ultimately win. In James and Sirius’ world, this never happens. Peter is happy. Drunk and happy. Life is good, and he just found a new best friend.
The following morning, none of them are awake before lunch. They are likely having a headache from the previous day, but that doesn’t stop any of them from drinking wine during lunch. Well, more like a brunch.
Who knew cappuccino and Chianti pair amazingly?
Anyhow, today is the big day. This afternoon, in Piazza della Signoria, the car for the season is going to be revealed. Therefore, James and Sirius have to get ready as soon as possible and be on their best behavior. Indeed, Peter scolds them for about thirty minutes before sending them to get ready. Obviously, Peter has made sure outfits were provided, lest Sirius come wearing some nonsense fashion statement.
This doesn’t prevent Sirius’ complaints about the outfit – too plain, in need of accessorizing, and other bullshit. In the end, Peter settles on agreeing to the boots, but that’s the only allowance. James, on the other hand, thanks Peter for the clothes. One must admit it, red was truly made for James. The color is perfect in bringing out his warm and cheerful personality.
Remus is waiting for them by the car, sporting the usual history professor’s fit. He quickly compliments James and Sirius for their outfits and gets in the car with a few words.
Once in Piazza della Signoria, Peter and Remus join the rest of the team’s representatives, leaving James and Sirius be. Moody and McGonagall are sending daggers toward them, but Peter doesn’t care. He has a good feeling about the afternoon, and nothing can stop his good mood when he is sipping Chianti.
There is a small ceremony before the reveal. Dumbledore holds a speech about the greatness of Pegasus, how safety is the focus of the team, and that we can win only if we work as a team. After that, there is a quick catwalk, and finally, the cars are introduced to the public. During the whole event, Remus doesn’t speak to Peter, he is a quiet presence by his side, content to be here. James and Sirius are the stars of the show, and after the reveal, they are called on stage for some words.
As the evening approaches, they gather in one of the Palazzi, where catering and music are waiting.
“What did you think about my speech, Remus?” Sirius caught up to Peter and Remus. James is still lost somewhere flirting with whomever is nearby.
“Insightful, Sirius. Though, I’m not sure about the ‘my family can kiss my ass’ part.”
“That was the BEST part, Remus.”
“Well, Sirius, you might receive some legal warnings for it, you know?”
“Didn’t you say you’d provide lawyers for me and James?” unfazed, Sirius is holding Remus’ gaze defiantly.
Remus laughs at that. “I’m not sure I said that exactly, but yeah, for sure my boyfriend would be happy to help you out. Although, that means less of his time dedicated to me.”
Peter is fairly certain that at the mention of the boyfriend, Sirius deflates. Or better, looks utterly disappointed. Something in his face just… is unreadable, but Peter would say it is like Remus was able to crush all of Sirius’ dreams with only one word.
“I’m going to get drunk,” suddenly Sirius cuts out. So, the drama begins, Peter thinks.
“Did I say something wrong?” asks a confused Remus.
“Naaah, don’t worry, Sirius is Sirius. Let’s go find James.”
After that conversation, Sirius disappears in the middle of the crowd. James keeps jumping from one person to another, refilling drinks, his included. Remus is also on his way to get drunk, and Peter decides to just leave people be and sit down in a quiet corner.
It is almost midnight when someone in the crowd gets pretty sick. It seems to be serious as the ambulance is called – some medical condition, like diabetes or maybe blood pressure.
All could be fine, the ambulance only has to check that one person and that’s it. However, as soon as the ambulance comes, Sirius reappears, rushing to Peter, worried sick.
“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, Peter, please, I’m begging you, I’m fine, don’t let them take me, please, please please, I’m drunk but I can stand, I already vomited, pleaseeeeeeeee don’t let them take meeeeee,” is scream-crying Sirius.
Peter doesn’t know how to handle him. Mostly, because he has another problem. James is taking charge of the ambulance situation and chatting with the ambulance man on duty. Nothing wrong, if not for the fact that James is drunk and, from where he is, Peter can hear the conversation going everywhere but to help the sick person.
“So, did the signorina drink tonight?” asks the ambulance man.
“Of course she drank, do you want her to be dehydrated?” replies James.
“Okay, signore, can you tell me what she drank?”
“Yes, I can.”
“So?”
“So what?”
“Can you answer my question?”
“What question?”
“The drinking!”
“No.”
“No?”
“No, she doesn’t have a drinking problem.”
The ambulance man is losing his patience, and Peter doesn’t blame him. It’s too late to deal with drunk James.
Meanwhile, Remus has approached Peter and Sirius. “Is he alright?” he asks, concerned.
“Yeah, just drunk.”
“NO, Remus pleaseeee I’m sorry, I want you to keep me even if you have a boyfriend, pleeeaseee don’t let them take meeeeee, I am young, and beautiful, and just tell me what to do,” Sirius jumps into Remus’ arms.
“Can I leave him to you? Need to go stop James,” without waiting for an answer, Peter trusts Remus with Sirius and goes off to save the poor ambulance man.
The ordeal puts an end to the night. Everybody goes back to the hotel, but Peter decides he is not drunk enough and stays in the lobby for some more Chianti after making sure James and Sirius are in bed.
All in all, Peter thinks the evening was actually hilarious. Chaotic, yes, but worth it in terms of comedy potential. A very needed quiet before the storm. Peter wonders if it will be soon that none of them will feel any pressure nor responsibility, being able to enjoy their time together lightly.
They still have half a day left of silliness. Peter is going to enjoy it. Cherish it.
Peter makes one last toast, almost a wish, with his last glass of Chianti of the night. To James, Sirius, and Remus, chaotic quartet, young, wild, and free.
So, it is almost the end, the end of three days of Chianti, instead of blood, running through Peter’s body.