Chapter 1
Remus went to the Potters very often. In fact, once uni was over, he practically spent every weekend there. So, when Regulus and James invited him to dinner on Saturday, he just felt that it was business as usual.
“You did something.” said Remus as soon as James opened the door to his and Regulus´s home.
Remus shook his umbrella before stepping in the James´s home. It was raining quite a bit and even though his apartment was just two blocks away from James´s he didn´t fancy catching a cold.
“You think so little of me Moony?” asked James as he brought his best mate in for a hug.
Remus hugged James's back but when they parted, he gave him an unimpressed look. James had the same face he always made when he was excited about something.
“You caught me.” said James with a mildly embarrassed smile. “Reggie has some big news over dinner!”
“You are engaged?!” joked Remus. James froze mid-way to the living room. “Oh, god, you are going to propose?”
“Shut the fuck up Moony, Reggie is in the kitchen.” hushed James.
“I can´t believe this!” whispered Remus excitedly. “I thought I´d never see the day”.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” grimaced his friend. “i already bought the ring but Redge doesn't know it yet and if you let it slip-”
“My lips are sealed.” swore Remus with his right hand on the air and his left in his heart.
As the evening sun cast a warm glow through the windows of James´s cozy apartment, three friends gathered around his dining table. As they sipped wine and savoured the aroma of the homemade meal Remus let the conversation flowed effortlessly. They spoke of work and hobbies, sharing anecdotes and teasing each other in good humour. He was still curios about what Regulus news could be.
“I´m telling you!” complained Remus to Regulus while James was crouched in front of their cabinet searching for a wine to accompany their dessert. “I almost die on the way here. The old lady from apartment 6 is moving out and she left a ton of boxes on the stairs. I might as well slide down the rail because it was so crowded I-”
Remus anecdote was interrupted with a loud thud. James hit his head on the cabinet as he snapped up to standing.
“Are you alright Sun?” asked Regulus, making an effort to stand up.
James however ignored his boyfriend to stare at Remus. “The lady from the apartment across is moving out?!” he asked wide eyed.
“Yeah... why?” asked Remus hesitantly.
“Reggie! This is perfect!” said James's hugging Regulus who was making his way over him to check on the bump he had on the forehead from the cabinet door. Regulus laughed as James hugged him.
“Am I missing something here guys?” asked Remus genuinely confused. “Are you guys looking for a place to move?”
“No, but Sirius is going to come back, and he is staying. He is looking for a place to move into. This is absolutely perfect! The stars are aligning! Moony maybe you and him could-Ouch.” James said after Regulus smacked his head.
“We wanted to break the news more tactfully.” Regulus explained glaring at James.
“Sorry Moons.” James scratched the back of his head. “I´m just excited that Sirius is coming home. And the apartment would be perfect for Sirius. Is super close to here and maybe you can-”
“James.” warned Regulus with a single look that said it all.
Remus's stomach twisted uncomfortably at James's suggestion. He glanced down at his plate, suddenly finding the pattern of the tablecloth fascinating. The truth was, the idea of living across the hallway from Sirius stirred up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within him.
Remus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, struggling to find the right words. "Well, yes, the apartment is vacant," he admitted reluctantly. "But...I'm not sure if it's such a good idea."
James frowned, puzzled by Remus's hesitation. "Why not? It's perfect! You and Sirius used to be together, so you know each other well. It'll be like old times, but better!"
Remus swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in his throat. He knew he couldn't keep his feelings hidden any longer, not when they threatened to spill out at any moment.
"James, I appreciate the thought, but...Sirius and I, we're exes," he confessed quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "It might be...complicated."
Regulus nodded in understanding; his expression thoughtful. "I see," he murmured, exchanging a knowing glance with Remus. "Perhaps it's best to tread carefully in matters of the heart."
James's eyes widened in realization, and he reached out to place a reassuring hand on Remus's shoulder. "I understand, mate," he said softly. "We'll figure something out. What matters most is that Sirius finds a place where he feels at home."
“Moony I promise this time he is staying for good.” James insisted as if trying to persuade Remus.
And as they continued their meal, the tension in the air slowly dissipated however the words stayed in Remus mind. He is staying for good.
He is staying for good.
The words haunted Remus that night as he laid awake trying to remember Sirius face. It had been three years since they had broken up and Sirius had taken the first plane that took him as far as possible from Remus. Well, that´s not entirely true. Sirius accepted a scholarship on Canada and Remus couldn´t follow. Still, one-year latter Remus decided to make some changes himself. He moved a few blocks closer to James and Regulus, focused on graduating at the top of his generation and started accompanying James on his deadly morning runs.
But now...
“He is staying for good.” Remus remembered as he saw the moving truck park inside of his apartment complex.
It would be pathetic to said that Remus moved his work desk over to the window so he could watch the people moving in, what he assumed would be Sirius´s stuff. And it´d be even more pathetic to say that Remus occasionally looked up to see if he would catch a glimpse of Sirius.
By four o'clock Remus gave up. He buried his nose in the computer and began editing the book "My Memoirs" by dude named Gilderoy Lockhart, that Remus had never heard about and yet the book told the most outrageous tales. The book was horrible, but McGonagall would have his head if he didn't have the manuscript corrected by Thursday.
He had been editing for about one and a half hours when a loud bark interrupted his lecture. There was an ever-louder laughter. One that he would know anywhere. He looked up, heart pounding, and there he was.
Sirius Black.