Friends?
Saturday came much too fast as far as Severus was concerned. He hadn’t been alone with any of the Marauders since school, and it’s not as if he was scared to be. Of course not. It’s just, he was just… hesitant.
They’d all changed and grown, so it’s not as if he thought it would be an awful day, he just wasn’t sure what to expect. Or how to act. Despite being different than he was in school, despite growing, he was still a pretty abrasive person and he really didn’t want this day to go badly. Maybe he could tone it down, if only for the day.
He had to leave soon anyway, if he didn’t want to be late. So giving one last check to his bag, making sure he had everything he needed, he left, locking his door behind him.
He didn’t need to worry about being late, as he was the first one there. While he waited for the other two to arrive he explored the shop, trying to calm his nerves. Things had gotten better between him and the two marauders he was meeting with, but the instinctual anxiety of being alone with them came back full force in the present moment.
He couldn’t seem to force his mind into the realization that the feeling was no longer necessary(he hoped) and that they were friends now(that was the plan), so for now he was stuck with it.
He didn’t have to wait all that long, the two arriving 10 minutes later, finding him in the Mystery section.
“Severus!”, The call of his name pulled Severus’ attention away from the row of books he was browsing and to the end of the aisle where Lupin and Pettigrew were now standing, “Sorry, we’re late. Were you waiting long?” The two had made their way to Severus as Lupin spoke, now standing in front of him.
Severus let himself relax(he had tensed up when his name was called) and gave a slight smile. “Not really, I just got here myself.”
Remus smiled back, his own smile being brighter than Severus’ was, before turning and motioning Peter, who had been lurking behind him, to come closer.
Seeing his hesitancy and discomfort, Severus gave him a, what he hoped was a comforting, smile. He inaudibly sighed in relief when it seemed to work, Pettigrew looking to be more relaxed now.
The next half hour was pretty much just small talk and finding the books Remus had been looking for, Severus himself picking a couple that he was interested in. Peter didn’t end up getting any of the books, but he did spend quite a while looking through all the different types, Severus could almost guarantee the man would come back sometime.
Severus tried to keep conversation with Pettigrew as much as he could without seeming off putting, it wasn’t actually as awful as he thought it’d be. The man was much more interesting to talk to when he wasn’t around Potter and Black, actually expressing his own interests and opening up when they got to topics he enjoyed. Severus hadn’t really seen him smile before, but it was an almost permanent fixture on his face for the duration of their conversation.
By the end of an hour they had purchased their books and ended up at a park a few blocks down, occupying the benches and overall enjoying each other's company. Which surprised them all, not just Severus. When the hour was up Peter dismissed himself, claiming a prior appointment he had to make, Severus could only hope it had nothing to do with the dark lord. He was brought out of his worries when Remus spoke to him.
Seeing his confused look, Remus repeated himself. “Would you like to get lunch with me? It’s about that time.” When all Severus did was blink and stare blankly at him he quickly continued. “You don’t have to, of course. I just figured, we’re already out, we might as well-”
“Ok.” Severus interrupted, Remus being the one left staring this time.
“Ok?” The man repeated, as a question, wanting to make sure he heard correctly.
Severus shrugged slightly, “Yeah, ok. You’re right. We are already out, and it makes sense to go together. I’m not all that hungry right now, but I am thirsty. And seeing what places are around could be useful in the future anyway so. Ok” He finished with a slight smile, which Remus returned as they gathered their things and started their search for a place to eat.
Internally Severus was conflicted, no that’s not right, it’s more like confusion, his only goal today was to spend time with the two to be able to be on friendly terms. Mostly, Pettigrew, but Lupin as well. But now he was going to lunch with Lupin? And Pettigrew was long gone. And it actually didn’t sound like a bad idea to him. He liked the idea of a lunch with just the two of them. He was confused. I’m definitely losing it, but it’s fine. Being friends with him is the goal, and that’s all this is. Isn’t it?
It didn’t take long to find a place to eat, they actually found a few, but decided on the one that appealed to them both the most. One of the smaller places, with not too many people occupying it. Perfect.
They took a seat at a booth in the back, and when it came down to ordering Severus stuck to his earlier statement of not being hungry, ordering a drink and a fruit bowl when prompted by Remus to at least get something small to eat. Remus himself ordered a roast beef sandwich with a side of green beans, and a tea.
Once the waiter was gone the booth went silent, until Remus spoke up, trying to prevent any awkwardness.
“I’d never have pegged you for a diet soda guy. Would have assumed you’d go for black coffee or tea.” He sounded amused as he spoke, the statement causing Severus to let out a light chuckle.
“What can I say, it’s an addiction. Also, black coffee is disgusting.” Now it was Remus’ turn to laugh, agreeing with a tilt of his head.
“It is certainly an acquired taste.” The booth was soon filled with comfortable chatting, both men finally settling into the conversation. The only interruption being when the waiter came back with their orders.
“Oh.” Severus looked up from his slowly diminishing fruit bowl at Remus’ sudden noise of confusion, making a humming noise of questioning.
At his hum Remus looked up from his watch to make eye contact. “I didn’t realize how late it was getting.”
Severus looked down at his own watch, making an equally surprised noise when he saw that it was indeed getting quite late. I guess I lost track of time. At least now I know being his friend won’t be that difficult.
The two started getting prepared to leave now that they had noticed the time, going slowly, neither actually wanting to leave just yet, but neither willing to admit it out loud. By the time they actually exited the cafe it had taken an additional ten minutes, and another five outside the cafe just talking, before finally parting and going their separate ways.
It wasn’t until he finally made it home that Severus realized that, even if for only a few hours, he had forgotten why he’d joined Lupin at the shop today.