stars are brighter in the countryside

Seasons may change

But we won't change

Isn't it sweet, how we know that already?

Winter to Spring

Spring back to Fall

Isn't it cool how nothing here changes at all?

 

Yosemite - LDR

"How was your second week here? Is the town meeting your standards?" asked Remus the following Thursday, after picking Sirius up from work and driving down to his ranch for their early weekend,  taking advantage of Sirius' day off on Friday.

"Honestly, it was more exciting than I expected," he replied, watching the road, and stealing a few glances at Remus.

They hadn't shared another kiss since that night, but their closeness was evident after a week filled with daily text messages and nightly phone calls. During the week James couldn't resist playfully teasing Sirius about the undeniable spark between them both.

"And what about me?" asked Remus, taking his eyes off the road just for a brief moment. “Am I meeting your standards?”

"Ah, you're fine," Sirius teased with a sly grin on his face. "I like your sense of humor and there's no doubt you're a good person; James wouldn't keep you around if you weren't," Remus snorted to himself at Sirius's bluntness, looking at him from the corner of his eye.

They pulled up at the ranch house right after sunset, the air filled with an earthy scent and the distant melody of crickets. Stepping inside, the cozy warmth of the interior enveloped them.

"Make yourself at home," Remus gestured, taking Sirius' things upstairs. 

The night was welcomed with an easy conversation, telling each other about their week apart , before deciding to put on a movie. However, Sirius couldn't even get halfway through it; he fell asleep, not noticing when Remus fixed the couch pillows to make him more comfortable.

When Sirius woke up the next morning, it took him a moment to recognize where he was. He then headed to the bathroom and was back in the living room just in time to see Remus walking by the window, carrying fresh eggs and a milk jar.

"Good morning," Remus smiled at him, walking towards the kitchen.

"Morning," Sirius replied, going after him. "What time is it?"

"Just after 8, I believe," Remus answered, setting things down on the counter to cook their breakfast. Sirius took a seat by the kitchen table, watching him intently. "Next time, I'll take you with me to meet Clover and the chicks."

"I hope they like me," Sirius sighed dramatically, sporting a sly grin, causing Remus to snort. 

He then placed a plate in front of Sirius with scrambled eggs, and Sirius looked up at him endearingly. "You're amazing," he declared.

Remus smirked and tousled his hair, "Flattery will get you everywhere."

While enjoying the scrambled eggs, Sirius kept his eyes on Remus moving around the kitchen with an easy grace. Leaning back in his chair, he smirked playfully, "You know, if you keep cooking like this, I might just never leave."

Remus chuckled, a twinkle in his eye, handing Sirius a cup of coffee, brushing their fingers in the process. "Well, I wouldn't mind the company."

The small flirtations continued throughout the morning, with the sunlight streaming through the kitchen window.

"Is this how you secretly win people’s hearts?" Sirius raised an eyebrow.

Remus winked, "Maybe it is."

When they finished eating, Sirius offered to help with the dishes, but Remus insisted he relax, quickly taking care of the organized mess.

They then move to the porch, sipping on their coffees and enjoying the serenity of the ranch.

Remus broke the silence with a teasing grin, "You know, you're surprisingly good company, Sirius Black."

Sirius feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart, "Surprisingly? I'll have you know, I'm fantastic company."

Remus laughed, the sound blending seamlessly with the morning breeze. "Modesty suits you."

They spent the rest of the morning chatting and learning about things they have in common, feeling their connection deepen.

Under the afternoon sun, Remus suggested exploring more of the ranch, strolling through fields with intertwined hands, filling the air with laughter as their connection continued to blossom.

Back at the ranch house, Remus showed Sirius a collection of vinyl records he had meticulously curated over the years. 

The worn covers held an air of nostalgia, each album a time capsule of memories from the '80s and '90s. 

As they flipped through the records, their fingers kept brushing over the slightly frayed edges, and Remus couldn't help but notice the gleam of curiosity in Sirius' eyes.

"Wow, you've got quite the collection here," Sirius remarked amused, pulling out the Queen Innuendo LP.

"You're a Queen fan too?" A smile spread across Remus' face, as he reached for the vinyl of Jeff Buckley's "Grace" and carefully placed it on the turntable, "This one is my favorite."

The haunting melody of "Hallelujah" filled the room when the needle made contact with the record. And Remus extended a hand towards Sirius, inviting him to join in. "Ever danced to Jeff Buckley before?"

"There's a first time for everything,” Sirius chuckled, taking Remus' hand. 

The living room was then transformed into a dance floor, with them swaying to the beautiful tunes of Buckley’s voice.

With the last notes of "Lover, You Should've Come Over" fading away, Sirius looked at Remus, his heart beating rapidly in his chest.

And just like that, the afternoon unfolded in a symphony of rock classics – from the anthems of Queen to Bowie classics. Remus and Sirius lost themselves in the music, creating their own little world within the walls of the ranch house. 

As evening fell, they moved to the kitchen together. Aprons on and ingredients scattered, they playfully argued about the best way to prepare a meal. 

The kitchen was filled with their voices, occasional missteps, and the enticing aroma of a delicious dinner in the making.

Dinner was served on the porch, under the moonlit sky, with the outdoor wall lights casting a warm glow, while they enjoyed their meal, and each other’s presence.

After dinner, they found themselves by the fireplace in the living room, wrapped in blankets, hearing the soft hum of crickets and the distant howls of coyotes. 

Sirius commented, "Today was a good day."

Remus, sitting opposite to him on the couch, shared the sentiment, "It really was."

The night wore on with them talking about dreams, and shared childhood stories, as the crackling fire of the fireplace dwindled to a gentle glow.

Remus, with a subtle smile, handed Sirius a spare pillow, "Couch's surprisingly comfy, isn't it?"

Sirius chuckled, "Slept like a baby last night."

As the exhaustion from the day caught up with them, the soft murmurs of conversation faded, replaced by the quietness of the night. 

Remus, head resting against the armrest, stole glances at Sirius, who was nestled comfortably on the other side.

The moon painted patterns on the floor soon gave way to the first light of dawn tiptoed into the room, illuminating the peaceful scene. Sirius stirred, slowly waking to the realization that he was not alone. Remus, still asleep, had shifted during the night and now held Sirius in his arms, in a protective embrace that felt both comforting and intimate.

Sirius couldn't help but smile at the unexpected warmth, watching as the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a glow on their entwined figures. 

As Remus’ eyes fluttered open, he was met with the sight of Sirius, the soft light framing his sharp features. Sirius grinned, "Good morning."

Remus, realizing their close proximity, blushed slightly but returned the smile, "Good morning, Sirius."

And so, they began their Friday morning together, entangled on the couch with whispered conversations lingering in the air. 

Sirius, feeling a tug of curiosity and a desire to be a part of Remus's morning routine, couldn't resist joining him in his daily activity. "Mind if I tag along?" he asked with a playful grin.

Remus, pleased by the company, gestured for Sirius to join him, "Not at all. Clover will be thrilled to meet another admirer."

They stepped out into the crisp morning air, Remus wearing a knitted cardigan and Sirius, a patterned sweater he had borrowed from him. 

Remus led the way towards the chicken coop, and Sirius couldn't help but be mesmerized by the simplicity and beauty of the morning hours at the ranch.

As they approached the coop, they were greeted with soft clucks. Remus, with an experienced ease, collected eggs from the nests, explaining to Sirius the intricacies of tending to the chickens. And Sirius, with a newfound appreciation, observed and even dared to give a gentle pat to Clover.

After gathering the eggs, they headed towards the barn for fresh milk. Remus carried a milk jar, and Sirius couldn't help but tease, "So, is there a secret handshake to get the best milk?"

"No secret handshake, but a good rapport with the cows helps,” Remus chuckled.

They entered the barn, where a gentle-eyed cow named Willow awaited. Remus expertly milked Willow into the jar, and Sirius, with a mix of curiosity and amusement, observed the process.

"You know, I might have to make this a regular Friday routine. I've never been on a milk and egg gathering mission before,” Sirius said, when they walked back to the house.

Remus grinned, "You're always welcome to join, Sirius. The chicks and Willow seem to like you already."

Having spent a leisurely morning together, the pair found themselves drawn to the allure of the nearby lake later in the day. 

“How about we cool off with a little dip in the lake?", Remus suggested, with a playful glint in his eyes.

Sirius raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips, "Skinny dipping? I've heard it's the best way to commune with nature."

Remus chuckled, his laughter echoing in the tranquil surroundings, "When in doubt, embrace the ranch lifestyle."

The rustling leaves and the distant sounds of nature surrounded them, as they kicked off their shoes and exchanged mischievous glances.

With clothes discarded on the side, they waded into the lake, the cool water embracing them like a secret shared between old friends. 

In between the fun, there were subtle touches – a friendly push here, a gentle splash there. Their eyes meeting in fleeting glances, each filled with an unspoken desire. Remus couldn't resist trailing his fingers through the water, causing ripples that danced around Sirius.

The sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the lake, with Sirius and Remus exchanging a look, the air heavy with a shared intimacy, as they emerged from the water.

They found themselves sitting on the water's edge, clothes slightly damp from their spontaneous dip, listening to the distant calls of birds, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore.

“You know,” Sirius, throwing a pebble into the lake, broke the silence, "there's something about the water that just makes you want to spill all your secrets."

“Is that so?” Remus chuckled, "spill away, then.”

And so, Sirius took a breath, the casual atmosphere easing the weight on his shoulder, "Last year I got diagnosed with panic disorder. Been dealing with it for a while now.. That's why I avoid alcohol; it doesn't mix well with my meds."

Remus, leaning back on his hands, watched Sirius carefully, "Well, that explains the water preference. I thought you were just trying to be fit."

Sirius laughed, "Fitness or not, it keeps me level-headed. Plus, who needs alcohol when you're in a place like this?"

"True enough,” Remus nodded in agreement, “Are you feeling better?”

“Good enough,” Sirius smiled at him, “It’s a slow process.” 

The conversation naturally flowed into deeper waters as Remus, without missing a beat, shared something of his own, "Two years ago, my parents passed away in an accident. Left me with the ranch. It's been a journey, navigating this place on my own."

Sirius, tossing another pebble into the lake, turned his gaze to Remus, "That's a lot to take on, but look what you've built here. It's impressive."

"It became my refuge, “Remus replied, “There's something about the land that helps heal all wounds."

“I can tell,” Sirius agreed, keeping his eyes on Remus.

They kept talking about life's twists and turns, walking back to the house when it was already wrapped in the quiet embrace of night. 

"I'm hitting the hay, Sirius. Feel free to walk around, there's a guest room down the hall if you need it," he quickly spoke when getting inside.

“Oh okay,” Sirius, rubbing his eyes, replied with a yawn, "I'll catch you in the morning."

Remus made his way to his bedroom, while Sirius headed to the guest room, each settling into their respective beds, with a restlessness lingering in the air.

Remus, lying in his bed, couldn't help but replay the day's conversations in his mind. The lake, the shared secrets, the vulnerabilities laid bare — it all swirled in his thoughts. 

Sirius, in the guest room, couldn’t surrender himself to sleep. The day's revelations, the casual intimacy by the lake, echoing in the quiet of the guest room.

Their connection, evolving beyond the casual friendship, added a layer of complexity to the night. 

Despite the exhaustion, sleep proved elusive for both. It wasn't a restlessness born of discomfort, but rather an awareness of the feelings developing between them. 

The night passed in a gentle dance of wakefulness, and as dawn approached, Remus and Sirius, though physically separated by the walls of the ranch house, found themselves in a similar space.

The ranch house was still cloaked in the hushed pre-dawn quiet when Sirius, feeling the remnants of the restless night, slipped out of the guest room, careful not to disturb the other.

The early morning air carried a crisp chill as he made his way towards the chicken coop. The soft sunlight beginning to paint the landscape with hues of pink and gold. 

Approaching the chicken coop, Sirius couldn't help but smile when Clover and the chicks greeted him with gentle clucks, as if aware of the unexpected visitor.

Sirius began to collect the fresh eggs, the rhythmic routine, usually Remus's, becoming his own for an instant.

The sun had fully embraced the horizon by the time Sirius gathered a handful of eggs in a basket, still not feeling confident enough to talk to Willow by himself. And with a satisfied grin, he made his way back to the house.

Upon entering the kitchen, he began to prepare breakfast, opting for a simple yet hearty meal. The aroma of cooking eggs filled the kitchen, before Sirius made his way to Remus's bedroom, with a sly smile and a breakfast tray in hand.

Gently nudging the door open, he revealed the breakfast surprise. "Rise and shine," Sirius announced with a playful grin, holding the tray adorned with fresh eggs, warm toast, and two cups of coffee.

Remus, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, was met with the unexpected sight. A mixture of surprise and delight crossed his face as he took in the scene before him. "Someone's been busy," he remarked with a morning chuckle.

"Thought I'd return the favor,” Sirius replied with a smile, walking towards him, “breakfast is served, courtesy of the city."

"You did say you could make a decent omelet," Remus teased, giving space for Sirius to join him on the bed.

“Best omelet you’ll ever eat, write that down,” Sirius elbowed him playfully, taking a bite of the toast.

“Very good! Wow..”  Remus nodded, feigning a lot more excitement than any other person probably would, “Gonna have to make a husband out of you.”

Sirius rolled his eyes, feeling his face heat up, “they do say the way to reach a man’s heart is through his stomach.” 

“If that’s right,” Remus began, opening his mouth to take the bite Sirius was holding in front of him, before continuing,” I must’ve got yours for a week already.”

“I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you,” Sirius replied with the side of his lips quirking up.

The sun, having shed its early morning glow, now bathed the landscape in a golden light, and Remus and Sirius, found themselves drawn to the porch.

Armed with a steaming cup of coffee each, they settled into the porch chairs, while Remus flipped through the pages of a book,“I have some more books on the cabinet if you want.”

Sirius, intrigued, fetched a book one of his own and joined Remus. 

The silence between them was comfortable, punctuated only by the occasional turn of a page or distant sounds from the field. The ranch seemed to breathe alongside them.

Occasionally, one of them would share a passage that struck a chord, and a gentle conversation would unfold, in a way that felt natural.

The corral was bathed in the afternoon light, when Remus took a moment to introduce Sirius to the horseback riding experience. 

The horses, standing patiently, had a calm energy that belied their strength. 

"Alright, first things first. Meet Padfoot, your loyal steed for the day," Remus announced with a dramatic flourish, earning a snort from Sirius. Padfoot, an Appaloosa horse, seemed to regard Sirius with a gentle curiosity.

Sirius couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Nice meeting you Pads. Hope he’s not planning any sudden surprises," he mused, patting the horse's neck.

Remus chuckled, "He’s sweetheart, but I can't promise he won't throw in a surprise or two for entertainment", Remus chuckled, "Now, to mount, you'll want to approach from the left side. Start by standing by Padfoot's shoulder."

With a practiced ease, Remus demonstrated, showcasing the step-by-step process. "Place your left foot in the stirrup, hold onto the saddle, and swing your right leg over. Make sure to land gently in the saddle. Easy as pie."

Sirius, attempting the maneuver, shot a mock glare at Remus. "Easy for you to say. You've probably been riding since you could walk."

"Maybe, but we all start somewhere,” Remus grinned, “now, swing that leg, and you're on your way to equestrian glory."

"Alright,” Sirius, observing closely, nodded, “let's give it a shot," he said, positioning himself by Padfoot's side.

Remus walked closer to him, offering his hand for support, "Left foot in the stirrup first, then grab onto the saddle. Now, swing that right leg over." He noted as Sirius followed the instructions, a smile spreading across his face.

"Look at me! I'm officially a cowboy," he declared with a mix of accomplishment and amusement. "Just need a hat." He added, reaching to steal Remus’, noticing the red tint adorning his cheeks.

“You know what they say about the hat rule,” Remus pointed out, “You wear the hat, you ride the cowboy.”

“Already planning on stealing me from Pads here?” Sirius smirked.

Remus rolled his eyes and joined him on Moony, his chestnut Quarter Horse, letting a smile take over his face looking at Sirius with his hat. "Alright , cowboy. Now, let's hit the trails. Just remember to take it easy on the reins and let Padfoot know you're in charge."

When they began to ride, Sirius, still adjusting to the movement, couldn't help but cast a nervous glance at the expanse below. "You sure this saddle is secure?”

"Relax, Sirius,” Remus chuckled, “he’s a pro, and I won't let you fall. Besides, they say a cowboy's best friend is his horse. You're in good hooves."

Sirius shot him glare, "Hooves? Really?”

“Just keeping you on your toes,” Remus replied, with a mischievous glint, “or should I say, in your stirrups?"

Their banter continued as they rode along the ranch trails. Remus offered encouragement, and Sirius, despite his initial apprehension, began to enjoy the experience. 

The horses, familiar with the terrain, led them through meadows as they rode side by side, the shared silence adding to the beauty of the experience.

"You see that hill over there? Probably the best spot for sunset views," Remus pointed out.

“Can we go there?” Sirius asked, taking in the landscape, "your horse seems to know the way," he remarked.

Remus nodded, a fond smile on his face. "We’re closer than many families around."

The horses, attuned to the riders, trotted towards the hill, slowing their pace as they approached it.

Remus got down from Moony, and helped Sirius dismount, allowing the horses to graze nearby. 

Sirius, leaning against a boulder, couldn't help but be captivated by the sunset in front of them. "I have no words, I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

"It's one of my favorite places on the ranch still,” Remus replied, standing next to him, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

A couple of minutes went by before Sirius spoke up, turning towards him, "About last week, was that a one-time thing or..." he trailed off, leaving the question hanging in the air.

"There's only one way to find out,” Remus replied, his gaze steady.

With that, the quiet night wrapped around them as they leaned in.The kiss setting the tone for the rest of the evening, with Remus and Sirius making their way back to the ranch house hand in hand, and Remus' hat still on Sirius' head.

Remus, feeling a warmth he hadn't experienced in years, led Sirius to his bedroom without second thought. The room, bathed in the soft glow of a bedside lamp, became a sanctuary for every shared secret, stolen kisses, and the comfort of being close to someone who felt like home.

They laid facing each other, a mix of nerves and excitement in their eyes, and without the need for words, Sirius closed the distance between them, his hand cupping Remus' cheek when their lips met in a lingering kiss.

Their voices, breathless and unfiltered, echoed through the house, as Remus, usually reserved, found himself opening up in ways he hadn't before, and Sirius felt the grips of fear that tightened around his chest more often than not, loosening up.

Clothes were shed, revealing not just bare skin but the vulnerability and trust that had grown between them. At that moment, it felt like the whole world shrank down, and instead of usual quietness that took over at night, Sirius could've sworn he heard nature humming with them.

They spent the night wrapped tightly around each other, both of them unbothered by the way their bodies sticked from sweat. 

Morning arrived before they noticed it, casting a soft light on the tangled sheets and intertwined limbs. 

“Good morning,” Remus whispered with a smile, waking to the sight of Sirius beside him, brushing a strand of hair from his face. 

Sirius, eyes still heavy, returned the smile, leaning into Remus’ touch, sensing a calmness that embraced him for the first time in years.