Chapter 3
After a long day they’re finally done. They even went to the IKEA to buy James a bed and they, or well James did, build it. Remus is not a handyman. That’s for sure.
In an hour they have to be at the pub to meet their friends. Remus saw how exhausted James was and wanted to do something for his best friend that he loves. Remus isn’t that social, but James loves to be around his friends and today looked good between Lily and James, so he will be even more exited now.
“Let’s eat somewhere near the Three Broomstick and meet the rest after dinner?” James suggests. That’s a smart idea, he is hungry.
“We will be a little late I think” Remus doesn’t like the thought of being late, but they do need to eat.
“It’s fine Remus, we will be not later than ten minutes and they will make it without us”. James is champion in being late, but strangely Remus does agree.
An hour later they walk into the Three Broomsticks, with a tummy full enough to drink. All their friends are seated around a round table, all drinking beer.
“Hey guys” James says. Dorcas walks, almost runs, into his arms. That was the hug he needed; Remus is sure of that.
He looks around the table and sees Lily sitting next to Pandora. Peter chugging his beer. Marlene talking to Lily. And two unfamiliar faces. That must be the Black brothers as Pandora called them this afternoon.
“Hey glad you four could join us last minute” Remus says to them.
“Of course” Lily says genuinely. She stands up to give Remus a hug. That didn’t happen in years.
“Hi, I’m Remus” Remus smiles at the two brothers. They were actually in a deep conversation with Pandora, so Remus feels guilty for interrupting, but then two deep eyes meet his. A really handsome man is looking into his eyes. Is he dreaming right now?
“Hi, I’m Regulus” the other one says. He shoves at the man who’s still looking into Remus’ eyes. He can’t move his eyes; it feels like he’s stuck looking into the pretty man’s eyes. Not that he minds. “Sirius it’s rude to not say anything” that wakes him up.
“I’m sorry. I’m Sirius” he smiles at him.
Remus is finally able to breathe again and feels that James joined him. How lang has he been standing next to him?
“I’m James, I’m sorry but I’m taking Remus with me for a second” James laughs.
“You’re not leaving already, are you? Peter says when they walk away.
“Of course not, just need to handle something with Remus and we will be back”.
“Ok so you have been staring at that man for ten full minutes Remus, care to explain?”
“It’s not what you think, but that man is handsome. I don’t know him, I only know his name, but his eyes told me I couldn’t leave his eyes” he doesn’t know what just happened, but it felt amazing.
“It looked like you were having eye sex over there” James starts laughing.
“James that’s not funny, they can see us from there” and when he says that he sees Sirius still staring at them both.
James only laughs harder when he sees Sirius’ expression.
When they walk back James says, “the younger one is mine” and starts sitting next to Sirius. He will hear this later.
Remus is too anxious to sit next to Sirius because he doesn’t know how he will deal with the situation. His friends have seen him reject many boys, that’s for sure. But since his last relationship he’s too afraid to create feelings again.
He decides to join Dorcas and Pandora. “Hey mind if I sit with you guys?” Remus asks. He’s never good at this shit.
“Why do you even ask Remus, of course” the reassuring voice of Dorcas makes him a little more confident.
“Let’s do shots” Lily says to the whole table. And before Remus realizes there are 9 shots. And they’re drinking.
After half an hour Remus feels a hand on his shoulder. When he looks behind him, he sees Sirius standing. A bit nervous but trying to look confident. “Hi” the man says.
“Hi” Remus smiles.
“Mind if I join you”. Pandora and Dorcas see what’s happening, so they pretend they have to go to the bathroom.
“Of course, leave me alone right now girls” Remus says sarcastically. They just chuckle and walk away.
“Of course they do this” Remus actually laughs. “Yeah, I don’t mind if you join me” Remus says shyly.
He doesn’t have to say that twice, Sirius sits down next to him. Remus is out of words. This man actually gets him nervous.
“So, this James is your…?” Sirius asks. Does he think they’re boyfriends?
“After dating for a month in college we found out we’re better off as best friends. Since last night we’re roommates as well” Remus answers. Now Sirius knows he’s into man, knows he’s single and knows James and Remus are not meant for each other. The perfect answer if you ask him.
“Well then he wouldn’t mind if I ask you on a date would he” Sirius tries to be smooth, but Remus always sees through everyone and sees how nervous Sirius is.
“That would not be James’ business. I believe your brother is though. But I say yes on your question” he grins. How obvious is it that he’s good at rejecting and not accepting?
“I do have to warn you though” Remus tries to be a serious as possible.
“What’s the warning?”
“I haven’t been on a date for three years” Remus admits.
“Well, that’s ironic, this pub has the number three in its name” he just laughs. And with that Sirius lets Remus feel truly at ease.