“We need a jet ski.” Sirius and James stated in unison, turning to face each other in realization.
The two were laying on the dock sunbathing and looking out on the water, when two people flew by on one, jumping the waves of a close-by boat. It was surprising that the idea of getting a jet ski had never crossed either of their minds considering they spend every summer up at the Potters’ lakehouse.
“Oh, James just imagine. The two of us cruising down the lake, wind in our hair, on top of the world,” Sirius gushed, starry-eyed.
“We have to. Ohmygod, Sirius we have to,” James replied, equally as immersed in Sirius’ daydream.
For most, this would not be a split-second decision, as jet skis are a major purchase. However, James and Sirius were both rich as fuck, to say the least. So just like that, they were in the boat, on the way to the dealership across the lake to buy a jet ski.
Once their boat was docked, Sirius and James stepped onto the dock to examine their selection. Parked in the water in front of the dealership were a number of speed boats, but that wasn’t what they were here for today, so they veered to the left where all of the jet skis were lined up.
“Sirius! Sirius, look!” James exclaimed, excitedly running and pointing towards a red jet ski with gold accents. “I’ve never loved anything more.”
Sirius jokingly shot him a dirty look and gently elbowed him in the side at the last comment, “Hey, watch it there, loverboy.”
“Sorry mate, I think she’s replaced you. Just look at her, she’s gorgeous.”
“I can’t believe you’ve let another woman come between us, James, I thought you loved me,” Sirius accused, putting on their best soap opera performance.
“Oh, relax you baby. You know I’m only kidding, you’re the only one for me,” James played along.
Amid their typical theatrics, they missed the woman with red curly hair heading towards them from across the dock. “Hey, guys! Anything I can help you with?”
“Hi, yes! We’re hoping to buy a jet ski,” James replied, eyes remaining trained on her.
“Well, you guys are in luck! As you’ve seen, we’ve got a great collection here,” She held her arm out toward the jet skis, “So feel free to keep checking those out. I know a bit about jet skis, but I’m the speed boat specialist, so I’m gonna go grab Remus, our jet ski guy to come walk you through everything. I’m Lily, by the way! Shout if you need anything!”
Once Lily took off toward the cabin, James and Sirius turned their attention back to the jet skis, silently admiring them. One, in particular, caught Sirius’ eye with a black body and bright red accents. He imagined himself riding it in the bay and jumping waves. He would look so fucking cool.
He was broken out of his trance when he heard someone come up beside him. “Nice taste.”
Sirius turned to face the voice and oh. He was not ready for what he was about to see. In front of him was the most gorgeous man he’d ever seen. He was tall, with tousled, sandy brown hair, tan skin, freckles scattering his scarred face, and wearing a loose-fitting tank top and board shorts.
“I heard you were looking to buy a jet ski, is that right?” The jet ski guy asked, raising his eyebrows slightly.
“Yes- I- We- Yes.” Sirius stammered out.
“Well, I’m your guy, I’m Remus.”
His voice was enough to make Sirius weak in the knees, the way it glides over the words like syrup.
“I’m Sirius. I mean like my name is Sirius, like the star, not ‘I’m serious’, like the emotion.” Dear God, he hasn’t fumbled like this in ages.
“Okay, Sirius, like the star,” Remus started, grinning slightly, “What are you looking for in your jet ski?”
“Uh.” Sirius flushed, he hadn’t really thought that far. “Just one that goes fast, I guess? I don’t really know a whole lot about jet skis," he admitted.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.” It’s a damn good thing Remus went on to explain all of the different advantages to certain models, so Sirius wasn’t expected to speak. There was no way he would be physically able to hold up a conversation under these circumstances.
Remus knew a lot about jet skis, and having him go into detail about each type was honestly one of the hottest things that Sirius had ever witnessed. The way he talked about them so effortlessly, as if he knew them like the back of his hand, the way he gestured when he spoke that accentuated the muscles in his arms, the way he would occasionally glance up to catch Sirius’ eye to make sure he was understanding. It was really doing it for Sirius.
“So, what were you thinking, Sirius?” Remus asked, pulling him from his trance.
“Do you have any that kind of just do it all? You know, fast, good for wave jumping, the whole package.” Sirius was planning on getting a basic one anyway, however, he enjoyed hearing - and watching - Remus share his knowledge.
“Ah, lucky for you, we do. Even luckier, that pretty red and black one you were eyeing earlier would be perfect for you.” Remus’ eyes roamed over Sirius at the end.
“Amazing, so, now what?”
“I’m going to take you up to the cabin to discuss payment with your friend, who I assume has already made his way up there.”
Oh my God, he thought. James. He hadn’t noticed James slip away, being too caught up in Remus. Where had he wandered off to?
Remus dropped him off at the cabin and went to tend to the next customers. It didn’t take long to find James. He was leaning against the counter, laughing along with Lily.
“Oh! Hey, Sirius!” James lit up when he spotted him. “Did you pick a good one? Lily was just telling me how good of a salesman Remus is.”
He’s a good salesman, alright. Sirius would’ve bought dirt from the man if he was selling it.
“Yeah, you’ll love it, James, it’s beautiful!”
“Great, I guess we pay now?” He asked, turning to face Lily.
“Yep! I’ll tell you about our financing options, they all require a down payment, so we can discuss that part first. How much are you thinking?”
“All of it,” Sirius replied immediately.
“I’m sorry, did you say all of it?” Lily asked, baffled.
“Yep, we’ll just pay it all now.”
“Oh, um. Wow. No one’s ever done that before, I’m just surprised. How will you be paying today?”
“I’ll pay with cash if that’s alright.”
Just when they thought she couldn’t look more shocked, her eyebrows shot even further up her forehead. “Okay, I’ll get you boys all set up.”
* * *
Once they had paid and signed all the necessary forms, they walked back to the dock to collect their newest purchase.
“I’ll take the boat back if you want to take the jet ski,” James suggested. Sirius was very pleased by this, immediately running to sit on the jet ski, revelling in the way it felt.
“Sounds good, mate. You go on ahead, I’m just gonna sit here for a minute.”
“Alright, see you back home, then. Enjoy!”
James sped off in the boat, waving until he disappeared from view. Obviously, Sirius could figure out how to start a jet ski, but Remus didn’t know that.
“Hey, Remus!” He shouted from his seat on the jet ski, “How do you start this thing?”
“I see you weren’t lying when you said you didn’t know much about these,” Remus remarked, strolling over. “Put the key in and turn it to on, then you’re gonna push the on button to start it.”
Sirius switched the jet ski to on and pretended to look around for the start button. If there's one thing Sirius is good at, it’s playing dumb, “Where’s the start button again?”
Remus reached over Sirius’ shoulder, their arms brushing as he pressed the button, causing the engine to come to life. “Here,” he muttered. Sirius was acutely aware of how close their faces were at the moment.
“Ohh, there it is, silly thing,” He whispered, “Got any tips for me?”
Remus moved to sit behind Sirius on the seat. “Hold onto the handlebars, how does that feel?”
Sirius had to stretch a bit to fully grip the throttle, “It’s alright, a bit uncomfortable.”
“Scootch up, it’ll be more comfortable and give you more control,” he advised, nodding toward the front of it, “There you go, is that better?”
“Mhm,” Sirius hummed, knowing that they couldn’t form proper words at the moment. Remus was nearly pressed up against his back, leaning over his shoulder. He could feel the warmth radiating off of him.
“Relax, it’ll help,” he added before climbing off the jet ski. Sirius wanted to scream. “Now press the throttle and you’re off. Good luck!” Remus raised his hand in a two-finger salute and smirked before turning and walking back to the cabin.
It was a few minutes for Sirius to compose himself before taking off.
* * *
It’s been less than 24 hours and Sirius still hasn’t recovered from yesterday’s interaction. However, he knew he had to see Remus again. So, naturally, he found himself calling the dealership.
At the sound of someone on the other side picking up, Sirius started his act, “Hello there, I seem to be having a problem with my jet ski.”
…
“Sirius, is that you?” A familiar voice asked, a smile obvious in his tone.
“Aww, how did you know? Did you miss me that badly? Were you just waiting for me to call?”
“You’d love that, wouldn’t you?” Remus teased, “What’s the problem?”
“It makes this weird sound whenever I start it, I think I need someone to come take a look.” Sirius knew he was laying it on thick, but he needed an excuse to see Remus again.
“Well, I’d have to check my schedule, I’m quite busy. Can you hold on for a second?”
Not even three seconds later, he was back, “I can have someone out in about ten minutes, how’s that sound?”
“That’s perfect, thank you so much,” Sirius gushed.
“See you then.”
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Remus was sitting on his jet ski with his ear pressed up against it, “It sounds fine to me, I think you’re all good. Must’ve just been overheated.”
“I think you should give it a test drive, you know, just to make sure it doesn’t come back. I should come with you, of course, to tell you if I hear it since I’m the one who knows what it sounded like,” Sirius rushed out, rambling again.
“Good call, Sirius. We wouldn’t want another problem, would we?” Remus played along, “Hop on then, I don’t have all day.”
Sirius could feel his cheeks heating up as he climbed on behind Remus.
“Hold on tight,” Remus encouraged, “If you fall off, I’m not jumping in to save you, I’m no lifeguard.”
Sirius inched forward, now fully pressed against Remus’ back, and wrapped his arms around his middle. He was always so warm. What Sirius wouldn’t do to stay wrapped in him forever.
Remus wasted no time taking off, circling around the bay. He steered towards some large waves that a boat ahead was putting up. Sirius tightened his arms around him as they jumped the waves. He didn't miss the way Remus' breath caught in his chest.
They were returning to the dock much too soon for Sirius’ liking. When Remus parked the jet ski, he turned his body to face Sirius, still extremely close.
“I think the noise is fixed,” He whispered, gazing at Sirius.
“What noise?” Sirius smiled, eyes darting to Remus’ lips and back up. Upon looking back up, he could see Remus leaning in closer. Then, Remus was kissing him.
In that moment, all Sirius could feel was the heat of Remus’ body against his own on the seat and the softness of his lips against his own.
Buying a jet ski was the best idea he’s ever had.