Sirius I
“Stop! Stop.”
Sirius Black had heard a lot of things, but that sound was by far the worst. The guitarist let his hands fall, staring blankly at the three young men seated before him.
“Thank you for your time, Todd.” James grimaced, standing from the couch. The guitarist lifted the strap over his head and placed the guitar gently against the wall, making his way to the door with Jame at his tail.
James closed the door behind him with a frown, and Sirius groaned, letting his head fall against the wall behind him. Mary laughed, lifting her legs and placing them on his.
“My poor baby!” She cooed, tracing stars on his chest.
James rolled his eyes, Peter edged away, Mary giggled. All day the four of them had sat in James’ stuffy basement, listening to amateur musicians, fresh from their first guitar lessons, plunk away on their thousand dollar guitars.
“We wouldn’t have to waste all day if fucking Greg hadn’t gone and quit.” Sirius complained, lifting his head to shoot a sullen glare at James.
“He didn’t quit,” Peter whined, sending Sirius a reproachful glare from his chair in the corner.
“He had to focus on his studies.”
“He had to focus on his studies.” Sirius repeated in a mockingly high voice.
James removed his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose with the other hand.
“Can you not sit on me for one fucking second?” Sirius protested, pushing Mary’s legs from his lap in annoyance and turning away. Mary rolled her eyes, standing and dusting off her miniskirt.
“Well, that’s my cue,” She snapped, picking up her leather mini purse, and making for James. She kissed his cheek, waved to Peter, and opened the door without a second glance at Sirius.
Sirius watched her go, squeezing past a boy on her way out. He could use a smoke just about now.
“Is this the guitarist audition?” the boy asked in a thick welsh accent, lifting the neon yellow flyer in his hand.
The boy was very tall, probably about six foot four, maybe five, and entirely legs. He was pale as paper, with a splatter of tan freckles across his aquiline nose and high boned cheeks. His eyes were light brown, his lashes long and thick. He wore a loose crocheted button up, his long, thin arms sticking out from the short sleeves, and baggy jeans held up by a purple shoelace. A cigarette rested lazily upon his lips as he spoke, wisps of smoke on his breath.
“Yep,” James smiled, extending his hand to the boy. “I’m James.”
The boy shifted the paper from one hand to the other, taking James’ hand shyly.
“Remus Lupin.” He replied, pressing his lips together in what could be considered a smile.
Sirius stood, his energy returned at once.
“Sirius Black,” he beamed. “Can I bum one?” He asked, pointing at the pack of smokes peeking out from the boy’s front pocket.
Lupin scowled, looking Sirius up and down with scathing brown eyes.
“You gonna pay me back?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sirius stared at him for a moment, unsure if Lupin was joking or not.
“Ya, sure, whatever” he shrugged, waving his hand to indicate haste.
The boy shoved his hand in his pocket, retrieving the pack of smokes and lighter and tossing it to Sirius. Sirius picked one, placing it between his full, pink lips. Lupin lit his lighter, stepping closer to Sirius to light the cigarette. Flames danced in Lupin’s eyes, and Sirius found himself unable to look away. Up close the colour of his eyes was clearer; a muddy green, really.
Sirius lifted his hand to his mouth, holding the cigarette and sucking deeply. He sighed and closed his eyes. Fucking bliss.
“Sirius! No!” James protested, throwing his hands up. “I thought you were quitting!”
“I was!” Sirius cried, taking another drag, a smile dancing on his lips. “But it's been a long day.”
James rolled his eyes, turning back to Lupin.
“Anyway,” He sighed. “Do you have a song prepared?”
Lupin nodded, making his way to the middle of the room. Sirius and James padded back to the couch, sitting eagerly. Sirius folded one leg over the other and rested his ankle on his knee. He rested his elbow on the arm of the couch, taking another drag before letting his arm hang off the edge of the couch lazily.
Lupin lifted the strap over his head, placing one hand on the neck, his long, calloused fingers on the fretboard. He looked up, and their eyes met. Sirius raised one eyebrow expectantly, a familiar smile playing at his mouth.
Lupin began to play, his fingers dancing across the fretboard, enticing an enchanting lullaby from the amp. And then he began to sing.
“When you were here before, couldn't look you in the eye.”
Sirius sat forward, elbows on his knees.
“You're just like an angel, your skin makes me cry.”
A grin spread across his face as he watched, humming along for good measure. Peter’s foot began tapping on the floor, finding the beat with ease.
When the song was finished, they sat in silent shock.
Lupin looked up, a blush rushing to his cheeks. He bowed his head and removed the guitar, resting it against the amp.
“Fucking finally.” Sirius cried, leaping off the couch and rushing at the boy, tossing his arms around Lupin’s shoulders, and burying his head in his neck. Lupin shrugged him off, shoving him away and scowling.
The other boys were at his side by then, and James rested one hand on Sirius’ shoulder, and one on Lupin’s. Peter beamed on his other side, hopping from one foot to the other.
“Lupin,” James grinned. “Welcome to the Marauders.”