miscommunication and models

This wasn't the plan, none of it was. Remus was meant to be an English teacher, making decent enough money to live, have a shitty flat (although one far better than the one he had lived in with his parents), and maybe a live-in boyfriend. Now that was a life he could live comfortably in, but every bit of that plan becoming a possibility sailed out the window the day he met James Potter.

He had been 13 years old when he received his scholarship, out of 500 students he was one of the lucky 5. He had been nervous, the one thing calming him had been the fact he knew this would be the first year for everyone else in his age range, but if his accent didn't out him as a scholarship kid he was sure his shoes would.

 He found himself noticing things like that as he walked down the tall platform to his train with his parents, people's shoes, the way they walked, their clothing, and especially their hair, something he had always been insecure about. He noticed many of the boys in his year had their hair cropped or styled to eerie perfection, his own hung long and the curls made it look messy. His hair had always been long, he had liked it that way, but now it seemed too long. Maybe he should’ve taken Hope up on her offer to cut it.. 

It wasn't long until he was sitting by himself on the train, anxiety bubbling in his stomach. He could see his mother from his window, but just barely, he sort of wished he’d spent longer saying goodbye. He had to lean up quite a bit to see both of his parents, but he didn't want them to think he was already homesick, despite the fact his heart yearned to be back in his bed, enjoying one last week of summer holidays before joining the kids he’d known all his life in the same old school he’d always thought he’d attend. But noo! He just had to go and be adventurous. 

Remus scoffed to himself, wondering if he was stupid for choosing this. 

This was the very last time he’d stray from his plan, except maybe with this fancy school he'd be able to get a bigger home and a better job. 

That part can change, it's not a big difference anyways.

He had only five more minutes of peace (and pity). Only five more minutes until his life changed courses completely, but of course, he had no clue of that. He leaned forward (which he had not been doing for the last three minutes, thank you very much!) to see his parents one more time, he was scared if he looked any more he would bolt from the train altogether. His longing gazing was broken up by someone hitting, no falling, into the door of the compartment he was in.

He only caught a glimpse of the person, hearing a yelp, he wondered if he should open the door, but decided against that. He sat with a confused expression until (slowly) the door was open and in slid a boy with askew glasses. He laid back as if his soul had been taken from him, keeping his eyes closed. He just.. laid there, on the floor of the train. Remus figured it couldn't be very clean, but kept his mouth closed, just looking at the strange boy.

His eyes suddenly popped open revealing large, brown eyes, which went from staring at the dim light of the train to Remus’ own eyes. The boy's face melted into an easy smile as if he knew nothing else. Remus offered his hand, which the boy took, easing himself off the ground and sitting next to Remus with a small jump.

The boy smoothed down his jacket and ran a hand through his messy hair.

“Thanks, mate, sorry for the whole ‘falling into the door’ thing. Saw someone from my old school, which really shouldn't be all that surprising, but this guy is the absolute worst, tried to avoid him. Literally.” He gave what seemed to be a remorseful grin that was anything but, and offered his hand to Remus, “I’m James, Hope you don't mind sharing a compartment.” 

Remus took his hand, “Don't have a choice now, hate for you to get stuck with the guy from your old school. I’m Remus Lupin.”

“Oh, we're doing last names, Potter! James Potter.” somehow his grin grew bigger, Remus was worried for his face muscles, “Surely that makes us friends right? At least it should, I like to think I’m a great friend, just so you know.”

“Ok.. good to know.”

“Lupin.” James said, making a face, “Lupin. L-oooo-pin. L-oo-p-IN. Strange last name, I’ve never heard it.”

“Potters not much better, y’know.”

“Oh don't even get me started, at least I have James to even it out, but my middle name ruins it all. James, and get this, Fleamont Potter. It's my dad's name, but still.”

“It's… a name.” Remus grinned, this boy had taken so much of his attention he wouldn't have noticed the trains start to action if it hadn't jerked, he looked out his window and found his parents had squeezed into the back of the crowd. Not very close, but closer than before. His mother was giving him a tight smile as she waved, and his dad was holding her close, his other hand occupied with her purse. 

“Oi, Lupin! Look to your right,” Remus did as told and saw who he instantly knew were James’ parents. His mother was older than his, but most of his friend's mothers were. Her hair was speckled with gray and was pulled into a sophisticated ponytail. Her dark skin glowed in the lighting, and she had on light makeup and bright red lipstick. Her stance and smile were nothing if not welcoming, and she was wearing jeans and a warm-looking jumper, Remus was drawn to her. James’ father was a very handsome man, but James much more resembled his mother. Both parents held each other in a loving embrace, lovingly staring at their son and waving him goodbye. James seemed to not be embarrassed about it, smiling brightly back and waving at them dramatically.

Remus felt they would be good friends, perhaps James could help him come out of his shell.

And then he met Sirius Black, and if James hadn't already ruined his plan, this would've. 

There was no going back from Sirius Black.

He stumbled into the carriage with much more grace than James had, tripping over his own feet as he sent a glare behind his back. At least he had stayed on his feet. He didn't bother asking either boy if he could stay, instead sat next to James, taking the seat closest to the window. His expression was gloomy and off-putting, Remus wondered if he was homesick too.

And then Peter Pettigrew came in (surprisingly he had the most natural entrance of the four), the final piece of the puzzle Remus had been searching for his entire life without even realizing it. 

Peter had a much brighter expression, smiling brightly back at James. He was much quieter than James, and Remus felt comforted by that. 

Peter had been the one to get Sirius to finally look them in the eyes, he had been handing out candies, which Sirius had ignored until Peter had thrown them at him. 

And that was the downfall of his life's plans, but the beginning of something so much better.

He often wondered what could have been different if he never got that scholarship, or if James hadn't, quite literally, fallen into his life. He found himself dwelling on it often, though he didn't really wish anything was different. I mean people would kill for his life, he knew this, he did.

It was just hard sometimes.

He was 22 now, living on his own in a very nice apartment, that part stayed true. He had been able to move his parents into their own home, the one his mother always fantasized about, somewhere out in the country with no one around to bother her. He was able to accomplish more than he thought possible, and all because he couldn't say no to the people he chose as family.

It started as an idea mixed with a bit of booze, that turned into an honest dream. Class periods were spent drawing out plans and writing down melodies. James begged Fleamont for lessons on the Guitar, Sirius showed Peter how to play the piano while he focused on the drums, and Remus used his father's bass. On James' 17th birthday his parents were so impressed they rented a studio for hours so the boys could record the four songs they had written. 

They had uploaded them under the name ‘Marauders’, which is was Effie had taken to referring to the band, expecting maybe a few hundred people to see and listen but in an instant, their songs were getting big. Climbing the charts while the boys were struggling to wrap their heads around this and finish their studies. 

They had graduated a few months later, and with their egos heightened by their sudden success decided to record and release another song, testing the waters to see if the fame was a one-time thing, but like the time before it quickly grew big. It was just something about them that people liked. 

Before long they had been signed and they were releasing an album. The fast-paced nature of their success left Remus dizzy, never giving him a chance to doubt it or think about the consequences.

Four years into the industry and people were yet to tire, they had just grown more attached to the four boys. People loved how James lived with his heart on his sleeve, and how interactive he was with their fanbase. People drooled over Sirius, his recklessness (though much of that was an act, only his friends needed to know that), and general punk rock aesthetic. People thought Peter was one of the funniest in the band with his constant tweets and videos of the boys. Remus shared much less than the others, but people were into that, if he wasn't mysterious enough the scars he had certainly helped with that (and his voice wasn't half bad either.).

Of course with the fans, there were those who hated them, convinced their fame was bought with the money of their families or perhaps a deal with the devil. Nepotism, which in all honesty wasn't the most far-fetched theory. Most of the boys came from a very privileged background, money, and a good education, but neither of those things replaced what families should have given. It surely would've been easier if they had been Nepotism babies, but in the end, it was just because they had actual talent.

Though maybe they didn't exactly deserve it, Remus knew there were so many more who deserved what he had. People who were better than they were and people who-

“Done spirling yet, Moony?” James asked, sporting his trademark grin as he walked from Remus’ kitchen with arms filled with drinks, stopping to lean over the couch and kiss Remus’ head. 

“I am not spirling.”. 

He very much was.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, love.” James made his way from the back of the couch, stepping over Remus’ propped-up legs to set the drinks on the coffee table, before flopping down next to Remus leisurely. 

“Pete and Sirius on their way?” Remus asked, looking from James to the phone he had just pulled out. 

“mhm, hey the Lily Evans person, she followed you on Instagram, right?”

“Fuck if I know, the only time I log in is to post shit to promote shows.” 

“Ehm…” James scrolled through his feed until swiping over on Remus’ latest post, going to his profile. “See! She does, she doesn't follow the rest of us..”.

“Why exactly are you stalking this poor girl?” Remus asked, still looking over at James' screen.

James shrugged, “It's not… Im not stalking her, it's a public platform! She's just really cool and pretty. I heard she went to Hogwarts sister school, crazy right? She could've gone to school with us.”

“Who is this exactly?”

“Lily Evans? The model? She's been working with Mary Macdonald a lot, hey, she and Sirius are pretty good mates, you think she’d put in a good word?”

“Maybe if you don't mention the stalking bit..”

“It's not stalking, Remus! Stop saying-”

buzz!

Remus gave him a grin as he pushed him off his lap, making his way to the front of his flat to check the intercom. 

“Yeah?”

“Hey moony, we're here.”

Remus didn't respond, simply buzzing the boys in, and throwing a look at James over his shoulder.

“If you don't want me to talk about you being a creepy stalker, don't be a creepy stalker.” 

“Stop it!”

☾

It had been a few hours later when the boys had stretched out in Remus’ living room, and James had pointedly put his phone away when they had gotten the text from their manager to check their emails. It had been a modeling opportunity, a magazine highlighting some of ‘The Most Influential Stars Of Recent Years’. They had hardly ever participated in things like this, not being very comfortable on camera, but when they saw who else was invited they had some incentive to agree.

“It's a sign! I’m telling you, we were just talking about her. It's from the universe, and who are we to disagree with that.” James had argued before anyone could say ‘no’.

“I think you're trying to justify being a stalker.” Remus sighed, still holding his phone and looking through the email.

“James who are you stalking-.”

“Lily Evans.”

“No one!” James threw his head back, “Moony stop it!”

“Hey, Marlene McKinnon’s doing it too.” Peter noted, shuffling closer to Remus to read over his shoulder, “We met her a few times at banquets, I like her.”

“The football player?” Sirius asked

“Mhm.” Peter's eyes scanned the phone, “Oh Dorcas Meadows will be there too, you did a shoot with her once for Mary, right?”

“Yeah, last July. She's doing a movie now I thought?” Sirius leaned in, trying to see the phone screen, “James your head is in the way- oh hell.” Eventually, he just grabbed the phone from Remus’ hand.

“You have the same email on your phone, y’know.” Remus sighed, letting his head fall back.

Sirius just hummed in response.

“Is Mary going to be there?” James asked.

“It doesn't say anything about her, so I doubt it.”

“Does this mean we're doing it?” Peter asked.

“Why not? It's not like we have anything else going on.” Sirius shrugged, tossing the phone to Peter.

“Yeah we totally aren't recording an album or anything, or have any shows next week,” Remus mumbled.

“Buzzkill, just because you don't like how you look in photos. It’ll be fine, your hot, we’re hot. Can we message Jamie back?”

“Go for it.”

☾

(@lilyevansoffical) Hey! This is the right account right? Remus Lupin?

(@rjlupin is typing…)

(@rjlupin) yeah, it is!

(@lilyevansoffical) Ok, awesome. Im Lily Evans, not sure if you heard but we have a shoot together soon! Just reaching out because I love your music! I was hoping we could meet up before the shoot to talk, maybe we could do a collab of sorts afterward.

(@rjlupin) Sure we could meet up! I would have to ask the rest of the band about a collab but im sure they would love to, James is a fan of yours.

(@lilyevansoffical) ahh! Thanks sm!! Want to meet at the Three Broomsticks on Thursday? 6?

(@rjlupin) see you then

☾

marauders

(moony) james

(moony) your girlfriend just texted me

(prongs) ???

(prongs) who? x

(moony) lily evans.

(moony) wants to meet up with me on Thursday

(padfoot) what why

(moony) fuck if I know

(moony) mentioned something about a collab

(prongs) YEs

(prongs) yes. That would be fun xx

(prongs) does she seem cool?? x

(moony) yeah, its kinda hard to tell over text

(moony) everything sounds bitchy even if you dont mean it too

(padfoot) I thought that was just a special skill you had

(moony) only for you xxx

(padfoot) is that a marriage proposal, because I accept.

(moony) oh my god the reminded me of the girl who asked wormy to marry her

(wormtail) stop 

(prongs) the one in the meet&greet line??

(padfoot) SHANNON!! lovely girl, if not a bit confused

(wormtail) I felt so bad :(

(wormtail) she got down on one knee and everything

(padfoot) she said she was a really big fan

(padfoot) idk how she missed the part of you being asexual

(prongs) I want to get proposed too :(

(moony) i think you have been several times

(prongs) yeah but those were on signs, I want someone to get down on one knee and ask me

(prongs) im a classy dude. xx

(moony) i thought classy dudes dont stalk people

(prongs) STOP CALLING IT STALKING

(prongs) IT WASNT STALKING

(padfoot) idk james…

(prongs) PADFOOT AND MOONY STOP GANGING UP ON ME

(prongs) THAT ISNT FAIR

☾

Remus was starting to regret agreeing to go out for drinks. He wasn't even fond of drinking, or people much for that matter, but it was Thursday and Lily had texted him to let him know she was there. 

It wasn't hard to spot her, especially in spots like this where only select people could go, her red hair stuck out. He made his way through the makeshift dance floor that of course just had to block the entrance, looking around at the quaint bar. It was a cozy set up, dimmed lights, and a small disco ball strung up. Speakers played whatever music matched the night's theme. Tables littered about and a bar, which was where Lily was.

She greeted him with a warm smile and a pat on the arm. She was very pretty, with bright emerald eyes, and long red hair. She looked as if she was plucked from a painting. She was just as sweet as the rumors claimed, instantly putting Remus at ease, he could see why James had been a long-time fan of her.

It wasn't long before they were chatting like old friends, eventually getting to the topic of school.

“No, no no. I did! I was in Ravenclaw, I always wished they made the school co-ed.” Lily explained when Remus asked if it was true she went to Hogwarts, “I had a friend in the main school, he was in Slytherin.”

“Who? I may know them.” Remus asked, using the straw of his drink to stir it.

“Severus Snape?” she asked, sipping on her soda.

The name stopped Remus dead in his track, his record with Snape was..

Ok let's not sugarcoat it, it was a shit show.

From their first meeting he had hated them, Snape knew James already, and the rest of the boys were obviously associated with James... It went from petty jokes to fist fights, to the end where Snape had done everything that wouldn't result in his expulsion, going as far as outing Sirius to his family- that hadn't ended well.

To say the least, Remus hated the fucker, and Lily must have seen it in his face as she stumbled over her words, “We had a falling out eventually, couldn't agree with the shit he was spuing.”

Remus let out a nervous chuckle, “Maybe lead with that?”

“Noted.”

☾❀

By the end of the night, they had exchanged numbers and promised to meet up again after the shoot, it was fun. 

So of course there was a catch to the end of it all.

As they left the bar, arm in arm, there were flashes of white blinding them. Of course, he knew they would be there, it was a celebrity bar. Keeping his head down as he walked Lily to her car, having mumbled conversation.

“You sure you dont want me to drive you? It's no problem.” She asked, hugging him goodbye.

“Im meeting the boys at Peter's house, so James is just going to pick me up.” He smiled at her, “Drive safe Lily."

She waved goodbye as she pulled out, and in the secluded parking lot he could just barely hear the shouts of the paparazzi, he waited for James.

This went better than he thought it would.

☾★

“All I’m saying is it would be great publicity.”

“Sirius, for the last time we're not starting a rumor about us being a throuple- Peter is asexual.” 

“You're killing me Moony, we cant start a rumor that James is involved- he's my brother for fucks sake!”

“Can you please not flirt, it makes me nauseous.” Peter moaned, throwing his arms over his face from where he was laying on the floor.

“He’s not-”

“Fuck off Pete.”

“And anyway, we dont do publicity stunts. I hate those.” Remus sighed, leaning back in the chair in front of the makeshift vanity he’d been assigned “Sirius who dressed you?”

“Oh! Mary is here, they have two stylists and the drama, I am loving it. I’ll fill you in on why later. Anyways, Mary did, why?” Sirius asked as he came behind Remus, draping his arms over his shoulders.

“You look one slip away from breaking your neck.”

“I feel like that isn't a compliment, but I’ll take it.” Sirius looked him up and down, “Emme dressed you, she's always been one for more toned down choices. I wouldn't of minded seeing you all dolled up though.” 

If Remus wasn't so tired that day he might have thought Sirius was flirting, but Sirius always flirts and he always brushed it off, their little routine for the last five years. “This is dolled up for me.”.

Remus was wearing a simple outfit, a white t-shirt with jeans and a leather jacket. He felt comfortable in it, but he was sure Sirius was comfortable in his outfit which was.. simply with the tiniest touch of eccentric energy, which was Mary's signature. 

A white cropped top, with a long purple jacket (with a matching scarf), and blue jeans that contrasted with the heels he had chosen. Mary had also done his makeup, eyeliner with a bit of red lipstick. 

“I like that they had two different stylists, it goes with the whole theme, y'know like… contrasting.. like- I’m not going to be able to explain this I dont think.” Pete piped in, “Has anyone seen James?” he asked as an afterthought.

“He saw Lily and Remus talking and made a fool of himself, so now he's trying to redeem himself.” Sirius said, pushing away from Remus and rocking precariously, “I’m going to go find Marlene, I liked her the last time we talked.”.

☾❀

(lily) Remus!! you and your boyfriend are adorable!

(lily) I hadn't realized you were dating??

remus is tying...

(remus) james? yeah ik.

(lily) james

(lily) oh

(lily) yeah james!

(remus) mhm :)

(lily) so you and james? like he's not single? and very much should not be flirting?

(remus) yup.

(remus) everything good lily?

(lily) mhm!!

(lily) just need to text someone!!

(lily) bye remus

(remus) bye lils!

☼❀

(lily) so

(lily) I just want to say I didn't realise you were in a relationship before I gave you my number

(lily) and your very sweet but I don't think we can be friends

(james) ?? 

(james) I'm not in a relationship hah

(james) are you sure your texting the right person?

(lily) is this james?

(james) yes hi! lily?

(lily) yeah

(lily) listen I was forward and you flirted and it was kind and you were very goofy

(lily) I'm willing to forget about it because I like remus and I don't want to jepordize anything

(lily) so forget it ever happened

(james) ?? I'm not dating remus!!

(lily) I already know james!

(lily) he told me!!!

(james) he

(james) oh my god

☾☼

(james) MOONY

(remus) uh oh no kisses

(remus) are you breaking up with me :(

(james) THIS ISNT FUNNY

(remus) its a tad funny

(james) REMUS JOHN LUPIN

(james) YOUR MAKING ME LOSE THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

(remus) and here I was thinking I was special

(james) STOP

☼❀

(james) remus was just playing around

(james) we're mates really

(james) good old bros

(james) friends

(james) amigos

(lily) james, seriously.

(lily) its fine, I've forgotten about it.

(lily) and I understand having to hide in this industry

(james) that is very a painful part of our jobs, and I hate it for everyone who does

(james) but I swear 

(james) im not one who is hiding a relationship

(lily) its fine I wont tell!

(james) im going to get no where with this

(james) I promise you were not dating

(lily) james...

(james) oh hell

☾☼

(james) moony x

(james) even though I am still very upset with you

(james) I am willing to move on for a few moments

(james) so we can talk about my most recent mental breakdown 

(remus) ??

(james) the magazine.

(james) it's out

(james) i am in love 

(james) AND I SWEAR IM GROWING ON HER

(james) SHE FOLLOWED ME BACK

(james) should I message her??

(james) ‘hey, lily the shoot looks amazing. im hopeless in love with you and you are really fun lol xoxoxo'

(james) smooth right??

(remus) oh your hopeless

(remus) im suddenly so happy being an only child

(james) this that you calling me your brother xx

(james) ill take it x

(remus) it was not but kk

(james) oh

(james) i dont really care honestly xx

(james) jamie wants to talk to you though

(james) also, sirius made friends with that marlene girl, she's cool

(james) uhmmmm what else

(james) OH!! finish that song yet??? xx

(remus) which one

(james) the one you won't let me tell anyone about xx

(remus) i thought we agreed to not talk about that 

(james) you said we could release it one day soon :(

(james) no one will read too much into it xx

(remus) Uhm???

(remus) what's that meant to mean

(james) dont make me say it x

(remus) im confused.

(james) I may be oblivious but I can see when something is happening right in front of my eyes. xo

(remus) I've seen you run into a pole before

(james) stop trying to distract me x

(james) it's kinda hard not to notice a love song written about my brother. xxx

(remus) haha.

(remus) pardon?

(james) well im not stupid love, there's only a few reasons you would  xx

(james) A. hide a song in another notebook

(james) B. refuse to show anyone else

(james) C. not go on any of the dates I've set up for you

(james) and i dont look at pete or you the way you look at sirius. x

(remus) i really dont know what you're talking about.

(james) really moony, its cute xx

(james) but back to my point

(james) were two songs short of finishing the album, and that one is perfect

(james) and sirius is a bit more oblivious about this stuff than you

(james) atleast I thought so xx

(james) so it would go over his head, orrr you could have your amazing wattpad moment xxx

(remus) stop writing fanfic about us

(james) rude. 

(james) so you admit it? xxxx

(remus) i may have a tiny crush

(remus) but he's my best friend

(remus) and you dont mix work and love, it doesn't work

(james) bullshit xx

(remus) so i’ll get over it

(james) you're going to make me go grey istg xx

(james) whatever you say to yourself love.

(remus) wait what did jamie want me to message him for?

(james) oh brand deal i think?

(james) stop deflecting, were coming back to this

(james) go to bed, love you xxx

(remus) yeah whatever

(remus) xxxx

☾★

“Moony? Who texted?” 

Remus looked over his shoulder to the other side of his bed where Sirius was curled up, inching closer to Remus’ warmth until they were again cuddling. “Just James, the magazine came out. Thinks he's falling in love.”

Sirius’ eyes stayed closed as he smiled, “Of course, he falls in love with everyone he meets.”

Remus let himself relax as Sirius’ arms wrapped around him, his face resting on Remus’ chest. He had to admit, having a ‘crush’ on Sirius was probably the easiest thing he had ever done. He had an energy that made everyone at ease instantly, drawing you in and making you never want to leave. He was addicting in every way.

His kindness knew no bounds even with a past that had been shown so little, he always was a shoulder to cry on, and he never withheld his love. His personality was one everyone wanted, he was something poets wrote about, and here he was wrapped around Remus.

He was beautiful. Gorgeous, and in moments like this, Remus could pretend that he was truly his for a few moments. As his breathing evened out and his eyelashes fluttered, he could be Remus’, and Remus his.

A reality he could only imagine.

☾★

(jamie) Remus, we have an opportunity for you.

(remus) whats up?

(jamie) Marlene McKinnon’s team has reached out, with the recent scandal they were looking for something to shine a new light.. something positive. With the recent interviews and Photoshoot, they thought it would be great for an agreement between the two of you. To help both sides.

(remus) im not exactly following?

(jamie) A relationship staged to bring good PR. 

(jamie) and hear me out on this! The image we have you out there is somewhat nonexistent, we need interest in the entire band and it benefits both of you. A month or two of public appearances and photos then a breakup. Marlene can post photos/stories to help create an image of whatever we discuss, a version of you people can relate to, and we do the same.

(jamie) it's a win-win situation

(jamie) you dont have to answer right now, but it would be great for the album, the love songs, etc… Marlene's team wants an answer soon though.

☾★

Remus looked down at the boy on his chest, the one who had plagued him for going on three years, though he'd never admit it. He thought about everything they had been through, the promises they had made to another, and the secrets he kept from the boy.

The songs he had written, and changed the lyrics of hundreds of times. Ignored questions of who had inspired them, and lots of jokes it ignore from the fact that his favorite muse was the exact person it shouldn't be. 

He breathed in, and carefully tucked the hair that had fallen into Sirius's face back, his hand lingering as he thought through the pros and cons.

And he made his decision.

☾★

remus is typing…