Written for:
Assignment 7 - Aquatic Studies - Types of Shark - 12 - write about someone who is quick at doing something (e.g learning, running, falling in love, etc)
Title: Over and Over Again
When Sirius looks at Remus, it's love at first sight. Every single time.
For Raybe
"This is a forever thing, isn't it?" Sirius asks, his arms wrapped around his lover. It's the early hours of the morning and there's only silence in his flat. They can see the stars shining from where they're laying on the bed, the charmed glass not allowing anyone to see inside, only allowing them the nice view of the sky.
It's perfect, and that's why Sirius is scared. Rarely has he experienced this level of happiness before and he's scared something will go wrong. He feels the need to try and find out - he's been hurt before, and he knows Remus has. He thinks they both need this conversation, this reassurance. They both need to know that this is definitely going somewhere. It's their first night together, and Sirius is certain that Remus is his soulmate. He's known that since the moment they met. Though every moment after has just proven to him more and more that he's right about this.
He already knows he'd never do anything that'd hurt his Remus, and he knows Remus would never hurt him. Remus is too kind, too pure.
"I like to think it is," Remus replies, fingers dancing over Sirius' revealed chest. "There's nothing telling us it shouldn't be. I like the sound of it. Forever."
Sirius smiles. He's never felt more complete than he does in this moment. Well, that's not true. He felt complete the moment he laid eyes on Remus Lupin all those months ago. He knows his future is with this other man.
"So… nothing that'd scare you off?" Sirius asks.
"Try me." Remus' amber eyes come up to meet his. "Unless you have a secret wife hiding away, or… or something. Unless there's anything I can say to scare you off?" His voice takes a nervous tone and Sirius knows why. Neither of them have addressed the marks Sirius saw on Remus' body.
"You're perfect," Sirius assures him gently. "I accept everything about you. When you're ready, we can talk about those things, but your affliction isn't going to scare me away."
Remus lets out a shaky breath, relieved.
"So… if I was to tell you that I want to move in with you one day? Will that scare you off?"
"Not in the slightest," Remus replies.
"Okay. What about marriage."
Remus' smile widens.
"A family together?"
"With you? Nothing will scare me away," Remus assures him.
"Mine and James' lease is up on this place in about three or four months. How about me and you start looking at getting a little house together? I warn you - if you say yes, the proposal will follow pretty quickly."
"Why would I say anything but 'yes'?" Remus checks. There is a hint of hesitation in his voice though, and Sirius shifts, wanting to see his boyfriend's face a little better.
"What's on your mind, love?" Sirius asks.
"I'm… sometimes I'm out of work," Remus explains. "I'm scared I'll let you down if I can't afford my share of—"
"We'll make it work," Sirius assures him. "I love you, and everyone knows that true love overcomes everything."
"You sound like a Disney film," Remus teases, but the hesitation is gone now. "But you're right - we will make it work. We'll always make it work."
"Forever," Sirius insists. "I'll never leave you. I swear."
"And I promise to always be with you too," Remus whispers. "But I'd rather live together once we're married."
Sirius tightens his grip on Remus, unable to keep the smile off his lips. He can picture it already - their life. The little bookshop that they'll run together. Two or three children that they'll dote on and send off to Hogwarts in years to come.
"I love you," he whispers. There's a moment of silence following his words and Sirius waits in hope.
"And I love you. Now, let's canoodle."
~o~
Sirius heads into the cafe, hands in the pockets of his leather jacket. He's supposed to meet James here later, but he was bored at home, and perhaps feeling a bit lonely.
James had offered to stay home and keep him company, but Sirius could see James looked tired, drained. James needed to have some time to relax. Sirius berated himself for not noticing sooner that James was having a hard time at work.
He insisted earlier that James take a day off, and they'll meet after lunch for a hot drink. James smiled, looking a little sad, but agreed.
And Sirius is early.
He glances around, his eyes moving between the empty tables, before studying the chairs. He doesn't want one of the wooden chairs, but he spots one of the high-back ones at an empty table at the back of the coffee-house. There's someone at the next table, book in hand.
Sirius makes his way over towards the table and settles down in the comfortable crimson chair with a sigh. He makes eye contact with the woman behind the counter and she gestures that she'll be right over. Sirius' eyes move around again, taking in the pictures on the wall that shift and move. Fancily painted women who glance at him over the fans in their hands, and men who tip their top-hats. He continues to turn his head, and suddenly his eyes meet beautiful amber.
The man's gaze darts away quickly but Sirius can't look away as quickly. The moment their eyes locked,
he felt something inside of him shift. The man at the next table is beautiful, there's something about his eyes that transfix Sirius.
The barista hasn't come over to his table yet, and Sirius watches the man finish up a cup of tea. He frowns suddenly - this could be his soulmate, but what if the man leaves after that drink?
He stands up and takes the two steps to the next table.
"Hi."
The man glances up again, meeting Sirius' gaze. Amber eyes watch him intently and the man smiles a beautiful smile.
"Hello."
"I… I was wondering… are you here alone?"
"I am," the man replies. "Unfortunately."
"Unfortunately," Sirius echoes. "Would you like some company?"
"Only if that company is you," the man replies, though there's a hint of redness to his cheeks that puts Sirius that little bit more under his spell. He glances around for a chair, realising that there are none other at the table.
"Just a moment. I'll grab a chair," Sirius insists. His day is looking up. The day he decides he's ready to move on from stupid Ryan, and he meets his soulmate. It's clearly fate.
He quickly moves the chair and sits back down. As soon as he sits, the barista comes over, glancing between the pair. Her eyes linger on Sirius' future husband and his own eyes narrow slightly.
"What'll you have?" the woman asks, taking a notebook out of her mint green apron.
"What are you drinking?" Sirius asks, his eyes on the man's cup.
"Tea for today," the man replies. "Though I'll have what you're having."
"How about we share a pot of tea," Sirius suggests slyly. That means they'll have more than one cup each - it means he gets to spend longer with this perfect man. "And some cake."
The man beams at him and Sirius is certain this is what love feels like. "So, do you have plans for today?" Sirius asks.
The stranger shakes his head. "I've got nothing planned. I'm all yours."
"Yes, you are," Sirius murmurs softly. He reaches his hand out. "Sirius Black."
"Remus Lupin." When their hands touch, Sirius is sure he feels warmth spreading through his body starting with his fingers. He's been here five minutes and he's already in love. He knows he's met the man he's going to spend his life with. Have children with. Grow old with.
Remus' cheeks redden. "I have a feeling this is the start of something amazing," he says.
Sirius can't agree more.
~o~
Sirius walks around the jewellers. All the rings here are new and shiny and the same as every other ring he's looked at. There's nothing that stands out and screams Remus. None of these fit his beautiful partner - Remus would want a ring with character.
He looks through more trays of rings that are brought over, and frowns. He knows the assistant is trying hard to help him find a ring, but nothing here is right.
"I'm sorry," he murmurs, shaking his head. It's the last tray and the last of the ring shops. "Nothing is perfect enough. Nothing suits my soulmate's style." He thanks the woman and heads out of the shop.
He knows Remus will insist that he doesn't need anything fancy. That Remus will be happy with anything, but Sirius has promised to do everything in his power to make Remus as happy as it's possible to be.
He wants to show his love by finding the right ring. He could easily throw money around and buy something expensive, but that's not who he is - that's not what Remus wants.
He walks through Diagon Alley, his eyes moving from window to window until he suddenly realises where he's going wrong. He's searching for a new ring. He should be looking around the antique shops and finding something that looks like it has history.
With a new excitement, he turns around and starts back down the road in search of an antique shop.
~o~
"I'm here to collect a book for my friend," Sirius announces, approaching the counter. He doesn't expect someone so beautiful to turn around and smile at him.
Sirius feels light-headed at the rush of heat that shoots through him.
"Name?" the man asks, smiling as though he knows what is happening to Sirius.
"Sirius Black," Sirius replies.
The man's smile widens. "Remus Lupin, it's a pleasure to meet you… but I need your friend's name so I can get you that order."
"Oh of course. James. James Potter."
Remus nods and leans down, quickly pulling a book out from under the counter. He grabs a business card and tucks it inside.
"I finish work at five," he says shyly.
"I'll be here at five to take you to dinner," Sirius insists. "If you're interested?"
"Very."
Sirius grins. "You know, I think this could be the start of something very special."
"Very special indeed," Remus replies softly. "I can't wait to see you later."
~o~
It's the most romantic night Sirius can plan. He's made Remus' favourite meal, a chicken casserole. He's chopped, peeled, sliced and prepared everything by hand. A chocolate fudge cake with ice-cream for dessert. He did consider hiding the ring within the cake, but he's seen Remus eat chocolate cake. He's sure his love will accidentally eat the ring in his haste.
So when he finally sets down the plates, the ring is on the side. Sirius glances nervously around. The candles are still lit, adding a romantic glow to the room. Music is playing softly from the radio in the corner.
He turns his gaze back to Remus and waits.
It's only a moment before Remus notices it, and Sirius drops down to one knee.
He could spend hours telling Remus how much he loves him, how sure he is that Remus is his soulmate. He can explain how he can't wait to have a family, to start their lives together, to make this big commitment because he's finally got true love.
And he'll do all of that tonight, but the proposal doesn't need so many words.
"Marry me."
"Yes!"
~o~
"I've had an amazing time," Remus says, fiddling with the cuff of his cardigan sleeve. "And I'm not ready to end the night."
"We don't have to end it," Sirius suggests softly. He's nervous. Things are moving fast, but at the same time, it feels so right. He's not suggesting sex - he'd be happy to just sit on the sofa and talk all night. "I don't mean—"
"You don't need to explain yourself," Remus says gently. "I really like you. I think you're amazing, Sirius. I can picture many more dates like this. Do you want to come in?"
"Just amazing? But am I pretty?"
Remus laughs. "Oh, you're just darling. You make my heart flutter. Though I think radiant is a more fitting word."
Sirius wants to come in more than anything. "I'm not just looking for sex," he feels the need to explain. He presses his hand to Remus' chest, hoping to feel the fluttering. He's sure his own is doing the same.
"I know. You're not that sort of person," Remus replies. "I know that you're so much more than that. I'm not just in this for sex either. I'm inviting you in because we have a connection, a bond. Because there is nothing that'll make me happier than having you here with me tonight - and every night."
Sirius' smile grows as Remus speaks. He was scared he was moving too fast for Remus, but it seems like they're on the same page.
They only met that day, but Sirius knows he's going to spend the rest of his life with Remus Lupin. He's already madly in love with him.
~o~
"I can't believe we're married," Remus admits, as the pair walk away from the dance-floor. They've been holding each other, dancing to every slow song, but the songs are speeding up and the dance-floor is full.
"Only took us a year," Sirius jokingly complains. He reaches for their glasses of wine, handing Remus' over. "I knew from the day I met you that I was going to marry you, and here we are. I've been ready for this for an entire year."
"Perfect way to spend our one year anniversary," Remus tells him with a smile. He sips his drink. "Wanna sneak off?"
Sirius laughs. "Love, I want nothing more than to sneak away and do shocking things to you, but we might be noticed…" even as the words fall from his lips, he's considering places that they could hide in. "We need a distraction. Let me talk to James."
"You're really going to ask James to distract everyone so we can have a quicky?" Remus asks, raising his eyebrows. He's not actually shocked that this is Sirius' suggestion. Sirius nods and heads over to James and has a word, before returning, grabbing Remus' wrist and pulling him towards the house.
"James is going to announce that he's going to marry Regulus," he mutters softly. "That'll buy us some time - James likes the sound of his own voice."
"People are going to notice we're gone," Remus points out, speeding up.
"Let them. They'll just be utterly jealous that we can't keep our hands off each other. Who can blame me - when I get to touch you. You're beautiful, Remus. I also have a surprise for you - you know that rundown store just off Diagon Alley? Well, I bought it. It has this amazing wide staircase to the second floor. I thought we could run it together - maybe live upstairs from it for now, and then get a house once we have kids. What do you think?"
They don't make it upstairs, and when they return to the party fifteen minutes later, no-one comments on their dishevelled states.
~o~
"I just need to drop something into the Werewolf department," James says, walking swiftly through the hall. "Then we can go for lunch." He checks his watch and speeds up a little more.
Sirius lets out a sigh as he follows. He doesn't know what the rush is - James has a half-day today so arriving at the office two minutes later because they've walked at a normal speed. They reach the door and Sirius yanks it open just as a man goes to push it.
They almost walk into each other,
James shifts past the man, their gaze meeting for a moment, but amber eyes move back to him and Sirius can't help but stare into the man's eyes.
"Hi, I'm Remus Lupin," the man offers. "Do you work here? I was just about to ask someone if there's any decent Muggle places to eat nearby?"
"Crap!" James says loudly. "Sirius, I can't do lunch right now. I've gotta head back upstairs. You don't have to wait around."
"It's fine, James," Sirius says. Usually it would not be fine, but he's faced with the most gorgeous man in the world and is probably in love. "See you later, okay?"
"Sure," James replies.
"I can show you some good places," Sirius says, looking back at the man. "Werewolf?"
The man smiles nervously. "A nice one," he assures him. "Though I get the impression that you don't judge people because of something they have no control over. So… would you like to go to lunch with me?"
"Really?" Sirius wonders if it's a date or not, but the man seems to be able to read his mind.
"On a date. I think you're… There's something about you, Sirius."
Sirius frowns slightly. "How do you know my name?"
The man pauses. "I've… I've seen you around," he admits. "I've just never had a chance to talk to you before."
Sirius smiles again. It's fate that they've bumped into each other, clearly. They're soulmates, just waiting for the right time to meet. Destiny brought them together.
"I'd love to go on a date with you," Sirius tells him. "Follow me, I'll show you the best places in Muggle London. I'm somewhat of an expert, and you can tell me all about Wales. That's a Welsh accent, right?"
Remus nods. "I grew up in Wales," he tells Sirius.
"I'm sure you'll have a lot to tell me. Perhaps lunch won't be long enough? You may have to clear your schedule."
"Consider it clear for the rest of the day," Remus says, grinning at him.
~o~
"Can I do some cleaning charms?" James asks, walking into the half-ready bookshop. There are bookshelves installed already, but they're empty.
"It's clean," Remus comments, ripping the tape off a box and looking inside. "Books," he comments before lifting the box and moving it from the counter.
"Sure. So… which counters have you shagged on?"
Sirius glances around, a grin on his lips. "We use lots of cleaning charms," he assures James. "Gotta do it before we open for business. Remus is worried we'll… sully the books."
"It's nice to see you happy," James comments, watching Sirius watch Remus.
"I found my soulmate," Sirius tells him. "The moment I saw Remus… I knew my future was with him. I can't put into words how happy I am. I can't wait to have a family with him."
"He's not…" James asks, eyes on the box Remus is carrying.
Sirius shakes his head. "We're going to wait a year. Give this shop time to get off the ground. Then we'll revisit the idea. If we time it right, you guys can have a kid around the same time as us - they'll go to Hogwarts together."
"You do know that you're accepting that I'll have sex with Reg," James points out.
"After the wedding," Sirius insists, crossing his arms. "And just once."
James laughs. "We're still setting a date for the wedding," he tells Sirius. "But I approve of our kids growing up together. It's a shame you didn't meet Remus a few years earlier - then you'd have a kid to hang out with Harry, and another for when me and Reg start a family."
"Fate chose for us," Sirius insists. "Right, I gotta get back to it. Dinner tonight?"
"Yeah. We'll see you both around seven," James replies. "Later, Remus," he calls. James waves at Remus before heading out.
Remus heads back over, his lips brushing Sirius'. cheek "How about I make us a quick lunch upstairs?" he suggests.
Sirius shakes his head. "I know you want to read a bit more of your new book. I'll get lunch started," he replies. He walks over to the front door and locks it.
They head upstairs, hand in hand.
~o~
Sirius heads into the cafe, annoyed. He got the message just as he arrived to say that James was going to be late, which means he'll have to sit alone for probably the next hour.
He storms in. The place is packed and he considers leaving, but it's raining outside. He goes to the counter to get his coffee and once he has it, he looks around again, his gaze falling on a table in the corner. There's an empty chair.
Suddenly the man at the table looks up and Sirius' heart races. This man is beautiful and, as he starts over to ask this stranger if he can share the table, Sirius wonders if this is what love-at-first-sight feels like?
.
Sirius goes to collect a delivery from the bookshop for James. James looked a bit stressed that morning and Sirius offered to help him out. He heads to the counter, his eyes fixed on the most handsome man he's ever met in his life.
"Hi."
"Hello. Can I help you?"
Book forgotten, Sirius leans on the counter and gives his best smile. "Yes, you can start by telling me your name and if you're single."
.
Sirius waits in the hallway by the lifts, whilst James stops by the werewolf department. He spots Frank and they share a smile and a nod, and Frank starts to walk up the hallway. The doors are just about to shut when a man in a crimson cardigan comes out of the office and heads in his direction. He speeds up, eyes on the lift and Sirius quickly steps in, holding the door.
The man meets his grey eyes with amber and Sirius is captivated. "Frank, can you tell James I'll catch him later?" he calls.
Frank's eyes move between them and he nods.
"Tell me, are all werewolves as sexy as you?" Sirius tries, as the door closes.
"Not in the slightest," the man replies. "Though we're all pretty kinky."
Sirius moves closer. "I don't believe you," he murmurs. "I need proof of that."
The man grins. "You will," he promises. "As long as you realise I'm not just looking for sex. How about lunch first?"
Sirius nods. He's in love, he's certain of it. He doesn't just want sex either, though he wouldn't turn down his soulmate were they to end up in bed. "I'm all yours."
"I know. I'm Remus."
.
"Just a checkup," James insists. "I told you the other day I booked you one."
"I must have forgotten," Sirius murmurs uncertainly. "I hate being here."
James nods. "I know. We'll be waiting a while - I thought if we got here early, we'd be seen quicker, but there might be a wait."
A man walks away from the counter and sits down facing with a book. Sirius follows the movement, he studies the man. Amber eyes, messy blond hair, a cardigan.
"Fuck, he's hot!"
James smiles sadly, though Sirius doesn't notice it. "Go and talk to him."
Sirius does just that, delighted when a date is agreed for after both of their appointments. Though he doesn't quite understand the tests run on him and why his head feels somewhat cloudy afterwards.
.
Sirius looks at his lover lying next to him. He can't believe they only just met in the supermarket an hour ago. Is it too soon to tell Remus that he's in love with him already?
Remus is still catching his breath. He glances at Sirius, and it's as if he knows the worry in Sirius' mind.
"I think this is what love feels like," Remus offers.
Sirius can't stop himself from smiling.
.
Sirius didn't realise the museum had a new exhibit, and James has mentioned inviting someone he met in the ministry, Remus.
When he sees Remus for the first time, it doesn't matter that James has to rush off for an emergency.
.
"Hey, I'm looking for the werewolf department and I'm a little turned around. Do you know the way?"
Sirius takes one look at the amber-eyed werewolf and falls hard for him.
.
This is what love feels like.
.
"James, I saw you talking to that man. Do you know him? Can you introduce us?"
.
Sirius has never felt like this before.
.
"Peter, I met someone today I'm in love. His name is Remus."
.
He's found his soulmate.
.
"Reg, ten gallons that I'll get married before you."
.
"I love you, Remus."
"I love you too."
~o~
The four men stand around the hospital bed, staring down at the body laying there. The room is private and there are consonant sounds, beeping, buzzing and ringing. Remus doesn't understand most of them, but he's visited the hospital enough times to know that they're all necessary. There are no machines like in a Muggle hospital - they have lights and spells and indicators.
James is still staring at the door where the doctor has walked out.
"So, he won't wake up again until tomorrow?" Peter asks. "Why not today?"
"Weren't you listening properly?" Regulus snaps. "He woke up, freaked out before they told him the date and it escalated. They've had to send him to sleep until tomorrow. He'll… he'll forget today."
Remus reaches for Sirius' limp hand and slowly slides the wedding ring off. "He'll get his memories back one day," he says, sliding the ring onto his own hand. "It's best he doesn't have this - we don't want him to see it and panic."
"We need… we need a plan," James mutters. His hair is sticking up more than usual. "Fucking motorbike. What do we do?" he glances at each person in turn. "He doesn't remember that I'm with Regulus, so… so we'll have to hide that. He doesn't remember Remus, so… so they'll have to be apart. He… he won't remember the bookshop.."
"The doctor said that things could trigger memories. Words, people, smells, places," Remus argues, frowning at James. "Do you really think that I'm going to stay away whilst Sirius heals?"
"Yes, no. I didn't mean…" James shakes his head and sighs. "Of course not. I… I don't know what to do for him though."
"You need to stop trying to sell that old flat," Regulus says. "You'll have to move back in there with Sirius, so it'll be like it was. That means Sirius will be fine when he wakes up each morning. I'll stop over and see him too, but for now, we'll have to… we'll have to pretend that it's two years ago."
Remus is shaking and Peter puts his arm around him, James doing the same from the other side. Regulus is on the other side of the bed, clutching his brother's other hand and trying to stay composed.
"Reg, it means we won't be living together," James points out.
Regulus nods. "We'll find time to be together. We'll do this for Sirius."
"I can stop in and see him too in between work. I could meet him for lunch some days," Peter offers.
"I could…" Remus begins, but sighs. "He doesn't remember me. Each time I meet him, it'll be like introducing him to a stranger."
James snorts. "You do realise that the day you first met him, he told me that he was in love with you the moment you locked eyes? That he knew in that moment that you're his soulmate. As long as we keep things like the date from him, then maybe we can do this."
"They said it could be at least a year for him to start getting his memory back," Peter murmurs softly. "Maybe I'll take a day off work each week to stop over, that'll give you and Regulus a whole day together."
"And… and I can meet him on weekends, and during lunch breaks and… and I can hire someone else to help at the bookshop so I can be there every day."
James chuckles. "You're going to make him fall in love with you everyday?" he asks. "Because we won't hold it against you if you want to…"
"He's my husband," Remus snaps. "I made a promise to him to always be there for him, and I've no intention of breaking that promise. It doesn't matter if he remembers or not - I still said those words. I love Sirius, even if he doesn't remember me. I will do this for the rest of my life."
"And if the tables were reversed, I have no doubt Sirius would do the same," James sighs. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just worried about you - you're going to have to do this every single day, pretending not to know him - knowing that whatever happens will be forgotten the next day. I'm just worried about the emotional toll."
"We all have to pretend," Remus murmurs.
"But Sirius remembers us three," James insists. "It's easier for us."
"Not for you. You'll have to live with him rather than Regulus. You're supposed to get married."
"Well, we can't get married without Sirius," James admits. He glances at Regulus who nods in agreement. "We can wait."
"We need to make plans. Peter, see what day you can get off work," Remus orders. "Regulus, perhaps you could get a day off too? We need a plan for how to handle things on the days he finds out the truth - because it's bound to happen. We need places to take Sirius where the owners can help us, because he's not going to want everyone constantly around.
"I'll go and get some,'' James says. "Reg, Peter, how about we go and get some hot drinks - give Remus a few minutes to himself?"
The others follow James from the room.
Remus lets the tears fall. "I'm always going to be there," he promises Sirius. "No matter what. You're my soulmate and I'll be at your side every day that I can. Even if you never remember me."
~o~
"Don't you find older men sexy?" Sirius whispers. The man he's watching has a few grey hairs, but otherwise doesn't look much older than them. He's got a satchel and is wearing a sea-blue cardigan and looks like a professor and Sirius wants so badly to corrupt him… and keep him forever of course, because this man could be his soulmate.
Peter shakes his head. "I'm not into older men, but why don't you go over there and talk to him?"
"He's limping, he looks hurt." Sirius jumps up from his chair. "I should be a good person and go and help him."
Peter snorts. He's heard this line so many times now.
"Right. If you're not coming back to the table, give me a thumbs up and I'll head off. Good luck."
Sirius smiles. "You're a good friend."
"You're worth it," Peter insists. Thirty seconds pass and Peter gets the signal. He nods in return and heads to the counter with his drink. "Can you—"
"Inform James?" Mary asks with a smile. "Of course. See you for dinner tonight?"
Peter nods. "I'll pick you up after your shift."
~o~
Sirius heads into the bookshop, clutching James' order form. He strides to the counter and looks at the most beautiful man he's ever seen in his life.
"Hi, are you here to collect an order?" the man asks.
Sirius shakes his head. The last four years have seemed like a dream, but the memories have been rushing back all day and his heart has broken so many times as he watches day in and day out as Remus meets him time and time again.
His beautiful, amazing Remus who spent every day for four years making Sirius fall in love with him over and over. His perfect Remus. His soulmate.
He doesn't remember everything. There are so many blank spots still, but the rest will come back. James insisted he stay home and relax as everything comes back, go to the hospital when he feels more steady, and Remus can join them there - but Sirius can't wait.
"I'm here to collect something else," Sirius murmurs. "My ring. My husband. Perhaps you could close early and we could… could…"
Remus stares at him. "Sirius… do you remember?"
Sirius nods and Remus rushes around the counter, throwing his arms around Sirius so tightly.
"I'm sorry I didn't listen to you about the motorbike."
"That doesn't matter," Remus assures him. "You're back. I finally have you back." He takes a small step back, removing the silver chain from around his neck. Sirius smiles as he notices the two rings hanging from it. Their rings. He slides his one quickly back on and his smile widens as Remus slips his own on.
"James wants me to go to the hospital for a checkup, but I needed to see you first. Do you want to come with me? James offered and said he'd let you know so you could meet us there, but… but I told him that he's done enough. I told him to go to Regulus, to finally marry my brother. He's put his life on hold for long enough."
Remus nods. "I'll close up now," he says. "You're not mad that we kept the truth from you every time?"
"I understand why you did," Sirius assures him. "Seeing you makes my day better every time. It was the highlight of my day every day since meeting you. It'll continue to be the highlight for the rest of our lives." He pauses, pressing his lips to Remus.
"Thank you. For everything," Sirius adds softly, his fingers running down Remus' cheek. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"
"You deserve the world, and I know if it had been me, you'd have done the same thing."
Sirius nods. Without a single doubt.
"How could I forget someone like you? I love you," Sirius murmurs. "I never thought I could love you more than I did before the accident, but seeing everything you went through. How patient you've been, how… I can't wait for us to be together properly. Maybe start on that family we've always talked about?"
"I would love that, but let's start with your checkup."
Remus leans in, pressing his lips gently against Sirius', and Sirius pulls him closer, fingers winding through his dark blond hair.
"It was so easy to fall in love with you," Sirius murmurs. "It just goes to show that we're soulmates. I only ever have eyes for you."
~o~
Remus lives a lonely life. People don't ever want to stay with him when they find out what he is, but he still tries. His mum always says he'll never find love if he doesn't put himself out there.
Love finds him unexpectedly. He's leaving the quill shop when he walks straight into another man. The parcel in his hands falls to the floor and he leans down to pick it up at the same time the other man does.
It hurts as their heads bump and he straightens as the man grabs the parcel.
"I bet that hurt more than when you fell from heaven," the man says.
Remus glances from his parcel to the man and his eyes widen. This is the most gorgeous man he's ever met in his life. There's something in those grey eyes that captivate Remus. The man has high, sharp cheekbones and dark curls falling out of a bun, and around his ears. His delicious looking lips are curved upwards and there's stubble on his jaw.
Remus has no words. His gaze shifts downwards. The leather jacket, the tight jeans. He's pretty certain he's in love.
"What if you're wrong?" Remus asks. "What if it hurts more than when I climbed up from hell?"
The man looks utterly delighted by his response and moves closer. "Oh, I think you have a concussion. That means you're stuck with me all day. I've got to make sure you're fine after that fall. I'm Sirius Black."
"Remus Lupin."
"The best cure for a concussion is lunch with me," Sirius insists. "A lunch date to be precise."
Remus can't help but smile. "Sounds great!"
"What do you want - I bumped into you, so it's on me."
"Pizza," Remus suggests.
Sirius shoves the package under his own arm and holds out his hand. Remus can't believe how forward Sirius is, but he loves it.
He reaches for Sirius' hand.
6075 words
Written for:
Assignment 7 - Aquatic Studies - Types of Shark - 12 - write about someone who is quick at doing something (e.g learning, running, falling in love, etc)
Writing Club
Character Appreciation - 5. Trait: Charming
Disney Challenge - Songs 1 - When Will My Life Begin - Write about waiting for something.
Bingo - 2.E - Colour: Crimson
Comics - 3 - Colour: Blue
Book Club - 6 - Maria: (action) kissing someone on the cheek, (color) blue, (relationship) dating
Showtime - 8 - Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem: (word) understand
Amber's Attic - 6 - "Waste all your time with me. I know I'm a mess right now. Don't give up, believe."- "Remember to Feel Real" by Armor For Sleep
Sophie's Shelf - 22 - Simian Flu - Prompt: (AU) Memory Loss!AU
Elizabeth's Empire - 17 - (restriction) Marauders era
Liza's Loves - 1 - Amnesia
Bex's Basement - 7. "But am I pretty?" / "Oh, you're just darling. You make my heart flutter."
Lizzy's Loft - 20 - (dialogue) "Pizza."
Scamander's Case - 10 - (characters) Marauders (all four)
Film Festival - 23 - (dialogue) "What if you're wrong?"
Marvel - 19 - Trait: Patient
Lyric Alley - 4. It starts again
Ultimate Battle - Accessory Kiosk - Single Accessory (effect is random) - Price: 300 words, wine
Pinata - Medium - Marauder Era
Quarterly - Signing up for Truck - 100 word requirement - Flowers - Crimson
Herbology - Plot 3 - Plot Point - 1 - Awkward First Meeting
Fortnightly - All Is Ours - Hufflepuff - 1 - Remus/Sirius
Spring Funfair
Afternoon Tea - 1 - (character) Sirius Black
Springtime Gin Festival - 11. Raspberry Gin: (dialogue) "How could I forget someone like you?"
Worker Bee - 1. Word: Canoodle
Bunny Racing - 4 - Word: Fluttering
Easter Egg Decorating - 2 - Neon: Pairing: WolfStar
Spring Cleaning: 7 - Straighten Professor Trelawney's teacup collection - Magic - Drink: Tea
Nature Scavenger Hunt - AU list - Coffee-shop
Birdhouse Building - Step 1 - 8. (food/drink) coffee
Petting Zoo - Sheep - 2 - Feeding - (dialogue) "Follow me."
Teacup Ride - 24: Amnesia
Bunny Bingo - Word: Destiny
Hot Air Balloon -16 - (drink) wine
Farmville -
Horse and Hippogriff - (scenario) going on a date - 1 ticket
Horse and Hippogriff - (drink) coffee - 1 ticket
Sand Art Stall - Yellow - Amnesia
Guess the Name - Cookie - Action: Kissing
Planting Flowers - Seed - Peony - Plot Point: A proposal
Ring Toss - E1 - Colour: Crimson
April Fools - Magical - Dungbomb: (characters) the Marauders (all four)
How Many Eggs in the Jar? - Sirius/Remus
Spring Seasonal -
Days of the Year - April 18th - Husband Appreciation Day: Write about someone doting on their husband.
Spring Theme - 13. (object) Cardigan
Colour: Mint
Birthstones - 9. Alexandrite: (dialogue) "Seeing you makes my day better every time."
Flower Prompt - 4. Primrose: (plot) Meeting a stranger
Tarot Card - 4. The Lovers: (theme) Lifestyle change
Earth Element - Elemental Characteristic - Write about someone who is responsible.
Hufflepuff Challenge - Hufflepuff Themed Prompts - 10. Committed
Spring Astrology - 22nd April - Prompt: Word: Radiant
History of Spring - 3 - Prompt: Write about the 'strength of love' in a scenario.