a secluded section of a park
Lily Evans is a personal believer that a self-care day should happen at least once a month.
Remus is a personal believer that self-care days can quickly get out of hand and are often counterproductive…so naturally Lily always invites him to join her and he always says yes.
It was the first self-care day of the year and Lily had to make sure it was a good one, after all a new year is supposed to be an opportunity for a fresh start, and she thought that Remus could definitely use a fresh start.
“Have you thought any more about my idea?”
Remus looked down at his shoes as they walked. Lily’s idea involved a guy she met in a bookstore and a possible date for him. She had talked about this guy, Henry, for about a week now and how great he seemed, but Remus was still hesitant. It wasn’t that Remus didn't trust her judgment in men, she was dating James Potter after all, but he just couldn't decide if it was too soon to be going on a date, then he of course thought about how ridiculous that sounded because he had been broken up with Sirius for nearly two months now.
“I don't know, Lils…”
“There’s no harm in one date, Remus.”
“I know but-”
“But what?” she moved so she was in front of him walking backwards, “You're single, he’s single, and you two are a great fit. Just go out to dinner with him and if you hate him or decide that dating isn't for you right now then you don't go out again and no harm is done.”
Remus looked at Lily as she stared at him with big doe eyes, doing her best to convince him to say yes, and Lily is Lily so Remus didn't really have a choice.
“Alright, fine. I'll go on a date with the bloke.”
She squealed with excitement.
“But he better pick a good restaurant!”
Lily laughed and fell back in step with him, linking their arms together and pulling him into another store.
Henry was a very attractive young man.
He was taller, basically the same height as Remus with blonde hair and very pretty green eyes. He had a nice smile and one of his ears had a small, simple, silver hoop earring.
Remus was actually pleasantly surprised when he found out that this was the guy Lily had set him up with. He had assumed that she would have set him up with someone who had a similar look to Sirius, and while they did have some similarities…mostly in the personality department, looks wise they couldn't have been more different. Remus had to admit, it was refreshing.
They sat across from each other in a booth at a small Thai restaurant. It wasn't awkward like Remus had expected it to be, in fact Henry was a huge flirt and had confidence to spare, which took Remus by surprise. Henry cracked jokes and started most of the conversations, and Remus was fine with that. It was a nice date…and he really really enjoyed himself.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Shh!”
“Sirius-”
“Shh!”
Remus rolled his eyes under the blindfold, which kind of ruined the purpose of rolling his eyes since Sirius couldn't see him do it.
“You're rolling your eyes under there aren't you?”
Or maybe not.
“Can't you just tell me where we are going? Or can I at least take off the blindfold? It makes me feel like you're going to take me somewhere dodgy and murder me.”
“Bloody hell, Remus I'm not gonna kill ya! And no- you can't take off the blindfold because that ruins the surprise.”
“What surprise?”
“Stop talking.”
Their date was supposed to be the next night. That's what they had planned on (after Sirius finally asked him on a date) but he had shown up at Remus’ flat unannounced and made him put on a blindfold and drove him to some random location.
Remus could tell he was outside by the wind on his cheeks and the sounds of people around them.
“Are we at a park?”
“Stop trying to ruin the surprise.”
“I'm not trying to ruin the-”
“Shh!”
They walked for a few more moments, Sirius guiding Remus from behind with one hand on his shoulder and the other on his waist. Remus quite enjoyed the feeling.
“Alright. You can take off the blindfold now.”
“Maybe I want to keep it on.”
“Don't be stubborn.”
“Who said anything about being stubborn? Maybe I just like the feeling of the fabric on my skin?”
“Alright, don't be weird then. Take off the blindfold.”
Remus laughed and untied the blindfold. It took a second for his eyes to adjust to the sudden burst of light, but once he had, he was struck silent by the sight.
It was probably one of the most cliched things he had ever seen, but it was so perfect he couldn't even scoff or make fun. Sirius had set up a picnic in a secluded section of the park they were in, and he had gone all out. There were finger sandwiches, tea in thermoses, baby carrots, chocolate covered strawberries, the whole works. Remus turned around to face Sirius, who was standing shyly behind him with a singular flower in his hand.
“I uh- I didn't know how much a bouquet of flowers cost and I had bought all of this before the flowers so by the time I had gotten around to that, I uh- well I didn't have enough money on me, so I picked this from your neighbors yard on the way to pick you up…she’ll probably be right pissed if she notices”
Remus laughed and took the flower from his hands, which were shaking slightly. “It’s perfect.”
“Really? You don't hate it?”
“Not at all.”
Sirius smiled a huge smile that sent a warm feeling through the entirety of Remus’ body.
They sat down together on the blanket Sirius had laid out and for a few minutes they sat there quietly not saying anything.
A small gust of wind came through which made a strand of Sirius’ black hair blow across his forehead. Remus leaned across the small distance between to tuck the piece of hair behind his ear. Sirius started blushing and stuttering as Remus just laughed.
“Sorry.” Sirius said, staring down at his legs that were crossed underneath him.
“What are you sorry about?”
“I'm being an idiot and awkward. I just- I don't want to say something wrong and ruin this. I really like you.” Sirius looked up at him then and instantly blushed and looked back down.
Remus leaned across again, placing his hand against his cheek and pulling Sirius into him, kissing him softly on the lips.
“I really like you too.”
Remus was laying on his bed, his hands laced across his stomach as he stared up silently at the ceiling doing what normal university students do; contemplating life decisions and debating on eating an actual dinner or toasting a bagel and calling it a night when his phone went off.
Henry
hi Remus!
sorry I didnt text you until now but I wanted to say that I had a lot of fun yesterday at dinner
we should do it again some time if youre interested?
Remus sat and stared at the message.
Henry was nice, funny, fit, and he had enjoyed spending time with him.
With a deep breath, Remus decided it was time.
no worries about the wait, i had a great time too and i would love to do it again!
It was time to let go.
Time to move on