Sweet 16th “HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOONY!”
The common room cheered as the clock struck midnight on the 10th March 1976. “Finally 16 mate!” James said, a massive grin splitting his face as he ruffled Remus’ hair playfully. Remus batted his hand away, smiling widely. “Thanks guys.”
He grinned, surveying the room that was filled with red and gold banners as well as at least 100 students, laughing and partying. Peter was nowhere to be seen- Probably having a nap, Remus guessed, and Sirius was sprawled out on the deep red sofa of the common room, drinking and laughing with Marlene.
Remus stared at him for a while. Fuck, he's gorgeous.
His dark hair was pulled up in a messy ponytail with wispy bits that had fallen to the front that framed his face beautifully. He was wearing a black tank top that had shifted slightly, showing a slither of his midriff. Remus had to try hard to not stare for too long. The shirt had a hand painted David Bowie logo on it that Mary had made him for his 16th birthday. His leather jacket abandoned, crumpled on the floor and his legs were flung out in front of him, his arm thrown over the arm of the sofa. He threw his head back, laughing loudly at something Marlene had said. Remus was mesmerised.
Focus, Lupin. Now is not the time.
He thought, before he was pulled out of his reverie by James.
"Moony? MOON-”
“Hm?”
He turned to look at James, who was staring at him, clearly concerned. “Mate, are you okay? What are you staring at?” “Oh, nothing."
Just Sirius Black being bloody beautiful.
James gave him a suspicious glance, clearly not buying it, but decided to let it be. “Anyway, as I was trying to say when you were so kindly ignoring me-” “I was not ignoring you.” “Sure. Anyway, it's now officially your birthday- present time!” James finished with a flourish, motioning to a pile of presents that had definitely not been there a minute ago.
Remus was very pleased with his presents. As well as a few boxes of chocolate from a few Gryffindors he sort of knew, Lily had somehow managed to get him his very own David Bowie record, which nearly made Remus cry as he stared at it. James had got him a few books (a selection of muggle books and magical books, complete, of course, with moving images). Mary and Marlene had collectively gotten him his own copy of “Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them”, which was ridiculously battered but signed by Newt Scamander. “Holy shit- how did you- how-” he gasped as he opened the book and saw the curving letters in black ink that read “Newt S.”
“We have our ways.” Mary smiled, grinning almost mischievously. Peter, who had appeared after coming down from the dorm after a nap, had got him a chocolate frog, as usual, as well as a slightly messy but very soft handmade knit jumper. (“my sister made it. She's new to all of the knitting stuff but- she's pretty good.”) “Thanks Pete.” Remus smiled, pulling the jumper over his t-shirt. There was a slight pit in his stomach.
Sirius hasnt gotten me anything.
No, he internally chastised himself. Sirius didn't need to get him anything.
The party had settled, the people who weren't very close with Remus had gone to bed, chatting and laughing sleepily. A slight chill had set into the room and Remus could feel it. His body ached a little - the full moon was in just under a week and he could feel the effects beginning to set in.
After opening all his gifts and forcing everyone to listen to the Bowie record (at least twice), Lily, Mary and Marlene had gone up to bed, yawning, Mary stumbling a little. She'd had a few too many drinks. Lily, who was sober, and Marlene, who seemed to handle alcohol much better, helped her stagger up the stairs to the girls dorm. Finally, it was just the four marauders left in the common room. James was going around, throwing spells at the wrapping paper and other rubbish that was scattered around, clearing it up. “What a party, eh lads?” Peter nodded enthusiastically. “Pete, you weren't even there for the best of it.” Sirius groaned, his eyes closed. Remus and Sirius were sat on the sofa, Remus trying desperately to stay awake, but to no avail. Sirius seemed to be having the same problem. James and Peter, however, were wide awake and now engaged in a very passionate game of magical chess. “Thanks for the party guys.” Remus yawned, exhaustion weighing his eyes down. “I'm knackered though, I'm gonna head up to bed.” James gave a sharp thumbs up, not taking his eyes off the chessboard. “Night Moony.” Peter said, staring intently at James, clearly waiting for him to make his next move. “Me too. I am exhausted.” Sirius said, standing up. Remus stood up next to him, unintentionally brushing Sirius’ bare arm slightly as he did so. His face flushed and he ducked down, grabbing Sirius' jacket before shoving it into his arms. “Don't forget this.”
He turned on his heel and walked briskly towards the staircase. Sirius caught up with him halfway up the stairs and flung his arm round Remus. “Alright there, moons?” Remus felt very warm. His cheeks had to be bright red. “I'm fine. ‘M just tired.” He yawned, which made Sirius yawn as well. They continued walking slowly up the staircase. “You're-” Remus started, before stopping himself. “Hm?” Sirius stopped walking abruptly, making Remus bump into him. He turned to Remus and gave him a quizzical look. “Nothing.” Remus mumbled. He continued walking. “Moony, tell me.” Sirius grabbed his arm. Remus stopped walking.
Well, if this all went to shit, he could pretend to be really drunk. Or stoned. “You're-ah-. How do I say this without sounding like a tosser-” he buried his head in his hand, before combing back his hair with his fingers. He stared into Sirius’ eyes.
What the fuck am I doing?
He thought, fear flooding his chest.
Fuck it.
“You're very pretty, Sirius.”
Sirius stared back, incredulous. There was a brief pause before Sirius responded. Although it was only a second or so before he said anything, to Remus it felt like an age.
"I - erm- thank you.”
Shit. He probably hates me now.
Silence fell over the pair. Remus walked up a few more steps, very embarrassed. He stopped when he heard Sirius' voice. Remus snapped his head round and stared at Sirius again. “You're - uhm- not too bad looking yourself, Moony.” Sirius averted his eyes from Remus, his cheeks slightly flushed. “Thanks.” Remus smiled. He didn't feel as tired anymore- his heart was pounding and his cheeks felt flushed- and - was Sirius moving closer - or was that just his imagination.
Nope.
Definitely moving closer. Sirius had moved up quite a few steps now, and he was on the one directly below Remus. Remus stepped down so he was slightly more level with Sirius. Sirius looked Remus up and down, a look of consideration on his face. “Happy birthday Moony.” He said, leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on Remus’ cheek.
Remus’ face burned.
Did- did that actually just happen?
His head swam, a million thoughts overlapping and colliding, excitement and anxiety and shock swelling in his chest.
Sirius Black. Just. Kissed. Me.
“Do that again.” Remus mumbled, almost too quietly to be heard.
Almost too quietly.
Sirius reached forward and cupped Remus’ face, pulling him closer before kissing him. On the lips. Remus inhaled sharply, slightly surprised, but not at all upset. He leaned against Sirius, grabbing his waist and pulling him closer. Remus pushed Sirius up against the wall, curling his fingers into the other boys’ dark hair, which had now mostly come out of its ponytail. “Moony-” Sirius mumbled, pulling away a little. “We might- someone might see us. Let's go up to the dorm.” Remus nodded, too stunned by the past few moments to speak. They walked the last few steps up to the dorm.
Remus closed the door behind them before grabbing Sirius’ arm and pulling them together again. He pressed his lips against Sirius’, who kissed back, pushing his hands through Remus’ hair. Remus felt his heart rate pick up as Sirius opened his mouth slightly, allowing Remus to slip his tongue inside Sirius’ mouth.
Merlin, Remus thought, he's a bloody good kisser. who the fuck taught him to kiss like that-
He didn't have time to continue the thought before Sirius pulled away blushing. Remus smiled and brushed Sirius’ hair from his face. “You're good at that. Who taught you to kiss like that?” He held Sirius’ face in his hand, tracing Sirius’ jawline with his thumb. Sirius smirked, looking up at Remus. “You're not too bad yourself, Moony. And anyway, that doesn't matter. Just kiss me again.”
Fuck.
Remus obliged and kissed him again, wrapping his arm around Sirius’ waist, pulling them together. Sirius slung his arms round Remus’ neck, playing with the ends of his hair. Their bodies melded together, fitting perfectly, their chests pressed against one another. Sirius was a good kisser. A great kisser. Remus’ head swam. He couldn't believe this was happening.
I'm kissing Sirius Black. He's kissing me. And, Godric, he's a fucking good kisser.
They pulled apart, Remus feeling almost intoxicated. He softly kissed Sirius’ nose, which made the other boy laugh softly, then nuzzled his hair. His hair was soft and tickled Remus’ nose. Sirius lowered his arms and wrapped them round Remus, hugging him tightly. Remus hugged back, burying his head into Sirius' shoulder. He moved his head slightly, kissing the base of Sirius’ neck softly. “Is this okay?” He murmured against Sirius’ skin. “Yes.” Remus continued, tracing a few soft, slow kisses up Sirius’ neck. He eventually reached Sirius’ jawline and kissed it softly, then kissed his lips again, much more gently.
Remus gently led Sirius to his bed, sitting on the edge of it, their arms still wrapped around each other. After a moment, Sirius pulled away. Sirius pushed his hands up under the edges of Remus’ jumper that Peter gave him. “Can I…?” Remus just nodded, too flustered to form a coherent response.
Sirius pulled Remus’ jumper off and laid it gently on the bedside table. He pushed his hands under the edge of Remus’ shirt and started to pull it off.
Shit. He'll see- he'll see my scars. He'll think I'm disgusting - he can't - fuck-
“Wait.”
Remus said. Sirius stopped. Remus pulled his legs up to his chest - a barrier. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah - just- can- can you just leave my shirt?”
“Of course.” Sirius smirked a little. “Nervous, moony?” Remus blushed.
Well, yes, but-
“Not that. Just- my- ehm- my scars.” Remus felt a lump in his throat.
Shit. Sirius'll think I'm so pathetic. Disgusting. Pathetic-
“It's nothing I haven't seen before.”
Of course. Sirius has seen them already. At the shack - but - this is different - it's not the right time.
“ But I'm not going to do anything you're not comfortable with.” Sirius said, stroking Remus’ face gently, wiping away the tears Remus hadn't even noticed had formed. He relaxed, moving his legs from his chest. “Okay.” Remus sat, admiring the boy before him. They just sat for a while, lost in the intoxicating presence of each other.
After a few moments that felt like hours, Remus slowly removed his shirt. Sirius stared at him. “Wow- you're- wow. I mean I've seen you shirtless before but wow.” Remus felt his heart soar.
Sirius Motherfucking Black thinks that about me. Me! Remus Lupin!
Sirius leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Remus’ chest. “Is this okay?” Sirius echoed Remus’ words from earlier. “Yes.” Remus said softly. Remus shifted further into the bed, laying back. He pulled the curtains round his bed shut, wanting some privacy in case James or Peter came upstairs. Sirius climbed on top of him, his legs either side of Remus’. Sirius kissed his chest again, making a trail of kisses across a few of Remus’ scars. “You're beautiful.” Sirius mumbled. Remus smiled, stroking Sirius’ hair softly as he moved down Remus’ chest to his stomach, continuing to kiss his scars gently.
“My Moony.”
Sirius whispered against Remus’ skin.
It was so quiet, almost silent. A gentle promise just for Remus. That made him feel giddy. Remus thought he could have just melted right then and there. He felt very sleepy once again, and let Sirius continue. He closed his eyes and just appreciated the moment. After a while, he drifted off into the best sleep he'd had in a while. He woke up the next morning to see Sirius still laying on his chest, breathing softly, clearly in a deep sleep. Remus smiled down at him and stroked his hair gently. Sirius stirred a little. “Sshh, it's okay. Go back to sleep.” He couldn't hear any other breathing aside from Sirius and assumed James and Peter had fallen asleep downstairs. He wasn't sure what time it was but didn't care. He felt a slight chill and pulled a blanket over himself and Sirius.
I could spend the rest of my life like this.