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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2018 17:42:27 GMT
| | He wasn't sure why he'd suggested The Three Broomstricks, but he was wondering now if it might have been a mistake, Somewhere in London near his flat would have been easier, but Remus was never one to complain about convenience, and this had, after all, been his decision. Nostalgia's sake, perhaps, lead him there, and if nothing else, it did remind him of simpler times. The thought nearly made him roll his eyes- simpler times were a year ago, even two, when he didn't have to plan time to his mates, when job interviews and paying rent and preparing for a dark world were not the thoughts first on his mind in the morning. Amazing how much could change in just a matter of months. And yet, enough stayed the same. Sure, they had to put more effort into seeing each other, but it was barely effort at all, just a matter of lining schedules up (and his was pretty easy at the moment). James, Sirius, and Peter were still his best mates, and still got into trouble on occasion. There was just more responsibility on their shoulders now. But walking through Hogsmeade, the freshly fallen snow crunching underfoot, actually made Remus smile. He was too young to already be missing 'the good old days,' but he did. Remus had always been something of a worrier, and official adulthood didn;t see him making any changes in that regard. On the contrary, now there was just more to worry over. He wondered if the following day was a Hogsmeade weekend for the students. Even on a Friday night, the streets were fairly empty. Zonkos was closed for repairs. Honeydukes was still open, warm light spilling from the shop onto the sidewalk outside, and he was tempted to stop in for some chocolate, but thought better of it. Madam Puddifoot's was probably the most entertaining store front to pass with three employees stringing up even more heart shapes and Valentine's decorations. Some things hadn't changed at all, which was a remarkably comforting feeling for the boy. Checking the time and hoping maybe Sirius was running a few minutes behind, Remus doubled back and ducked into Honeydukes. Might as well. He made a quick stop of it, heading for exactly what he wanted and only selecting two of his favorites. He really should have been saving his money, but he reasoned with himself that he would need the pick me up after the next full moon. Besides, his parents had sent him a little help for the month. He was figuring it all out. Tonight, though, he was determined at least not to worry about that. There was enough else going on, and he was looking forward to a night with Sirius with nothing on the agenda, and he probably needed it a little more than he would admit. Picking up his pace, Remus hurried to their meeting spot, grimacing slightly as the bell above the door announced his arrival. His eyes scanned the room as he unwound his scarf and shook the snow from his hair. He spotted his black haired friend at a booth near the back, noting that Sirius had apparently been right on time, amusing him slightly because punctuality was usually Remus' thing more than almost anyone's, but then Sirius always surprised him with some of his habits, too. Growing up in the Black family must have had some tendencies that stuck, he imagined. 'Oi, Padfoot," he called lightly, making his way over and sliding in the seat across from Sirius. "You haven't been waiting long, have you? Even as he asked, he glanced towards the bar, hoping the barmaid would come their way to take their order. He caught himself though and turned his attention back to his friend, smiling widely in greeting. Tag: @phouxee (and James Henry Potter is more than welcome to pop in if you want) / Words 639: / Notes: Let me know if I need to change anything | |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2018 7:30:38 GMT
 Finally it was Friday. After the week he had had it seemed like a gift from whatever God granted such gifts. Making plans to meet up wasn’t easy for him, but he managed to nonetheless. Sirius pushed most other previous engagements to the side when it came to his mates. Truthfully, if it wasn’t something for the Auror department or for the Order, he had no problem brushing plans off, taking a rain check or just blowing people off. For today, after work he was supposed to meet with his on and off girlfriend, but he just sent a swift owl to her, letting her know that he was busy. Yes, it had been a previous arranged meeting and yes, it was intended to be a fun night spent until the early morning, but Remus owled him and it hadn’t even been an issue for him to change plans.
The one thing that definitely made his schedule lightly more manageable was the fact that he had no strings attached. While James was spending time with Lily, extended time, slightly a little too much for Sirius’s personal liking, Sirius had no such commitments, not that he was bothered about James’s relationship, but, in a way, he felt that it took James away from him a bit, but only a little bit. Things weren’t like they had been in school where they were all together, in the same castle at all times, if not the same room. He understood and accepted the situation, having fought and struggled for his independence, even if James wanted him to keep staying with his parents, it had been his choice. Granted that there were times he regretted having made the decision, he had to take the bull by the horns, sort of speak.
Such, he Apparated in the little wizarding village near Hogwarts, bike in his pocket as the weather had been a complete traitor lately and Gryffindor scarf secured around his neck. The place looked exactly like he remembered and he couldn’t have been happier with Remus’s chosen meeting spot. The Shack would have been more to his liking, but there was nothing to drink or eat there, so, The Three Broomsticks was the natural option. While in Diagon Alley the effects of the war could be seen around the shops or sensed in the people, it was like it didn’t even touch Hogsmeade, like the war didn’t happen at all, or wasn’t happening elsewhere. This place made everything that the war entailed seem like a fabrication, a tightly woven blanket that he finally managed to pull off his eyes.
Working in the Auror department made all of it appear much more real and it had been blocking his view lately, barely managing to disconnect anymore. Whenever he wasn’t in the office he would think of it, images of the scenes he had seen during those brief missions he’d been sent to observe only, all of it made it close to impossible to detach himself from everything. While the occasional hook up eased his mind for a while, it didn’t help in those long nights. While not dreaming about the war exactly, in a way it was related to it and it only angered him. There were things that were out of his control and there was little he could do about them, but at night, there wasn’t anything he could do to control his mind, nothing that was in his power to at least.
None of that mattered now as the village laid before him, taking him back to his school years, and with the Gryffindor scarf around his neck he even looked like a student. Only the beard made others aware that he wasn’t in fact a student. It only started growing in the last year or so and was still in patches but he was proud of it, like he was about mostly anything. Shivering slightly against the wind that swept snow all around him, Sirius tightened his shoulders and made his way into the pub of his youth, of his first firewhiskey and his first time getting drunk. The place was emptier than he had been used to seeing it but it was most certainly because it wasn’t a Hogsmeade weekend. He went to a corner booth as while the pub wasn’t packed, he wasn’t keen on drawing attention to both of them. Sirius nodded to the bar keeper as he passed the bar and took his seat in the booth.
Being on time was something that he’d been accustomed to from a young age, on time for meals, lessons and “discussions” with Orion. Having tried to lose all habits that he had required from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, punctuality had been one good habit that he had. While his temper and making choises based on his own ideas had been difficult, the temper being something that still surfaced when he was angry, and the choises being the most problematic thing; after his second year, he made choices to spite his parents, but in time it had been difficult to understand whether those were choices he took for himself, things he really wanted, or things that he knew would only anger his parents. Like dating a muggle born or wearing muggle clothing, smoking cigarettes or not befriending pure-bloods. It had taken him a while to really make his choices based on what he wanted and not letting them be influenced in any way by his parents. At times he was still struggling with that.
Remus entered the pub and Sirius waved him over, without really needing to, his mate couldn’t not see him as the place wasn’t packed and he was hardly someone to not be noticed. Even his looks had been affected by his parents and the beard was a statement for that. Walburga most certainly wouldn’t have liked that, but he loved it as it covered in parts the chiseled jaw line, a characteristic Black feature. As Remus approached his table and took a seat, Sirius signaled the bar keeper to come for their order. ”Not more than per usual.” he said with a grin. Remus looked slightly worn out, which wasn’t a surprise in itself but it wasn’t something that he liked to see. ”Hungry are we?” the bar keeper was at their table by now and Sirius was more than hungry himself. ”Two generous servings of chicken wings with baked potatoes and … butterbeer?” he ordered for the two of them and waited for Remus to agree or correct the order. In one way or another he still felt the need to take care of Remus, like he would after full moons and on other occasions. Sirius saw it as making up for that stupid prank but in reality it was a bond, something to do with his Animagus form that wasn't entirely under his control.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2018 18:00:46 GMT
❝ Fall to your knees bring on the rapture
Blessed be the boys time can't capture❞
He had a wedding he had to start planning for. Seriously, who made getting married so…. difficult? Cakes to be tasted, recitals to go through. They had to figure out the wedding party. Well, James figured that was the easiest one. He knew who he wanted to be his best man. He just had to ask him. And as for his Groomsmen… of course it would be Remus and Peter. Of course, that was assuming they all accepted. He didn’t see why they wouldn’t though.
Thankfully, they didn’t have to worry about where they were having it. His parents had solved that issue for them and had happily offered their home and land for the event. It was perfect, because James couldn’t see it being a particularly large wedding. Not in this day and age. Just friends, colleagues, people from the order, and a few Professors. Was it proper to invite former Professors? James honestly couldn’t care. He was still going to do it. They still to pick out a day for the wedding as well. That was the harder part. They needed to figure out a day that would work better for everyone. Either a weekend or during a break; just to accommodate the Professors. They very well couldn’t have it when classes were taking place.
And between all of that, he was still in the Auror training program. He honestly wasn’t feeling it. Extra school work didn’t bother him. He just… hated the routine of it. It wasn’t like he needed the gold anyways. But he supposed it was a way to help the Order. There was no doubt that they had Death Eaters in the Ministry. So anyone they could get in there was a strike against them.
All in all, James felt every second of every day was already accounted for and spent. If this was what it meant to be an adult, James didn’t like it one bit. Of course, there were things he did enjoy about it. He loved the freedom it gave him to do what he wanted. He was sure that once the wedding was over, there would be plenty of free time. Most of which he was looking forward to spending with Lily, but that still left him more time to try and see the boys.
Currently, James was enjoying one of his rare days off. The Auror office had let him out of training early (something about the instructor being needed for something else), and he knew Lily was at work. So when he’d gotten home, he’d changed into more comfortable clothing before heading out; letting the House elf know to tell his parents he wouldn’t be back until later. Perhaps later he would go visit Lily when she was done with work.
He decided to spend his free day in Hogsmeade. Not that it was as fun by himself. And he didn’t enjoy the sight o the village so… empty. Of course, he understood the reasons why. He made his way towards the Three Broomsticks; figuring that was always busy, regardless of the state of the world. Everyone needed a few drinks now and then, right?
Walking into the pub, he was instantly greeted with the sounds of clinking cups, low murmur of conversation, and a blast of warm air. He knocked the snow from his boots, taking a quick glance around the area. Hazel eyes lit up when he easily recognized two individuals sitting at a table. Grinning, he quickly and quietly made his way towards them. When close enough, he threw his arms over each of their shoulders. “Oi, why wasn’t I invited to this little get together? Or are you guys having one of your little Canine moments?”
Tag @phouxee & @junebug Words: |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2018 0:15:35 GMT
| | Sirius must have seen the way he looked for the waitress, and he turned back to him, smiling. "Wolfishly hungry," he replied, stopping just short of adding a wink. It had taken a lot of time, but Remus was more comfortable in his skin and willing to make jokes about what they affectionately called his furry little problem. "I'm kind of surprised you didn't have plans tonight." Remus would be just short of mortified if he knew that Sirius had canceled plans with someone else to spend the evening with him. Well, mortified and also flattered, but he really, truly did hate to be an inconvenience to anyone. He wondered what it said about him that he might have ordered a shot of firewhiskey if left to think about it for long enough, even though the stuff tasted like fermented coughing potion. The desire was a half joke in his own mind, and when both Sirius and the waitress looked to him for confirmation, he just nodded and smiled. "That'll do it, thanks. Sounds perfect."Remus should have hated the way the boys always seemed to step up and take care of him (and it was an important thing to note that Remus always saw it as taking care of him, and less about protecting him, for whatever that delineation was worth), but he'd grown so used to over the last several years that it was comforting now. For a boy who, even at 12, had a hard time accepting help from anyone, they'd forced it on him anyway. He wasn't entirely sure they really understood just what it meant to him. They all knew his bogart was the full moon, but Remus had never told them why. His greatest fear, since fifth year, was facing the full moon alone. He let them assume it was just facing the full moon at all. Not like that wasn't bad enough as it was, but the kind of support and loyalty they showed him was invaluable. That made nights like tonight all the more important. They were all hard to get together at the same time anymore, between jobs, fiancés, and the Order, and maybe he was too sentimental for his own good, but Remus would fight tooth and nail to make sure he didn't lose these friendships. Adulthood had hit hard and fast, but he was sinking his claws in, regardless. Especially in his own current state of things- he was trying desperately to work things out and get his life together, so he didn't want to complain or even really admit that he felt like he was barely treading water and close to drowning. The only think keeping him even remotely sane was the friendship with James, Sirius, Lily, and Peter. He couldn't dwell on it, instead just making sure that he put in as much effort as necessary to keep them all together. No easy task in the face of a war and normal life, but then, Remus had never taken the easy way out of anything. In the end though, he knew he needed them a lot more than they needed him. He was about to open his mouth and ask Sirius how his week has been when someone threw an arm around his shoulders, joining them. His lips spread into a wide grin when he realized who it was. Amazing, really, considering that getting even three quarters of the Marauders in the same room together these days was next to impossible. His assumption that Sirius invited him was quickly proven wrong, showing that coincidence, in fact, brought them together that night. Now all they needed was Peter. "An oversight, I'm sure," he offered dryly, teasingly, but in all honesty had just assumed James was busy with Lily. So much for putting in all of that effort he was talking about. He scooted over in his seat, offering James room to sit and join them. "Pads just ordered wings and potatoes. We'll get more butterbeer on the way, too." A pause, and then Remus added, "Why are you here?" Maybe the nostalgia that convinced him into coming to Hogsmeade was not unique to him, and there was something comforting in the idea that they were all missing school days. Simpler times seemed to beckon all three of them. "I don't suppose Peter's trailing behind?" Although, while the coincidence of James walking into The Three Broomsticks when he did made Remus' night, he would be convinced that it was more than the universe conspiring if Peter walked in. More than the universe, in this case, would just be Sirius' doing, but still, it would be too coincidental to be an accident. "We'll make room if he does wander in." He finished this statement with a slight shrug, just about the same time their waitress returned with two butterbeers, and he quickly asked her for a third for the newest addition at the table.
Tag: @phouxee and James Henry Potter /
Words 824: /
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2018 11:38:33 GMT
Having had plans for the night, Sirius wasn’t one to lie to Remus as it wasn’t an easy feat to manage. Thinking of the girl that he had been supposed to meet but postponed for another night he didn’t have a heavy heart as she knew he’d get back to her when he could. Whenever his schedule would change he made sure she wasn’t kept waiting and would always have a good reason for it. She knew what his friends meant to him and although they knew very little about her, they knew there was someone in the picture but Sirius rarely gave them much to go on. It wasn’t precisely that he was hiding her; it was more that things weren’t as casual or as steady as he wanted them to be. Nothing was certain and seeing their history he wasn’t yet ready to introduce her as his girlfriend if she even qualified as a girlfriend. She had been the only girl he had dated and been with in a while but still, not as steady as she or he wanted. ”I’ll make it up to her another time.” he said casually. It was mostly how he answered any questions about her as he tried to avoid further inquiry. Between that, training and the Order, he rarely managed to meet up with Remus. James was easier to get a hold of, either derailing him after work for a night out or plotting to overthrow the trainers during boring legislation classes and make things more fun for everyone involved, they had more opportunities to be in each other’s presence, but Remus was slightly more distanced from him ever since Hogwarts ended and he hated it. Remus had been a form of conscience for Sirius since they were younger and missing that only meant that he was more prone to cause trouble for others. It was something he was relatively accidentally getting into whenever he was stressed or looking for a distraction and Remus usually would steady him a bit. With the letters he had gotten throughout the week, he was bordering towards mischief rather than acting responsibly and he needed to ease up the tension in his mind which is why he had needed to meet with Remus. The fifth letter was close to getting him burn his loft down as it pin pointed all the things he had turned his back on when he left, that he had been a child and that all could be swept under the rug and forgotten. The nerve Bellatrix had to suppose things could be that easy, that what had happened between him and those maniacs he had for parents could be so casually put aside and out of mind. Sirius still woke up in the middle of the night after dreams of it, of staying in his room at night listening to Reg’s room to make sure they didn’t do the same to him. The ignorance she was capable of was astounding even if she had her reasons to turn a blind eye to the pain it had caused him, because that meant nothing to her. Thinking that those letters would get him to go back was evidence enough of just how ignorant she was. Needing to just not think of it, or try and find some sense of what it meant he was about to bring it up when he felt a pull and the pressure as someone leaned against him and Remus. Looking up after almost pulling his wand on the assailant, he heard James’s voice and relaxed instantly. ”Watch it mate or you’ll end up flying across the pub and we’ll have to explain to Rosy how you got so good at flying that you don’t even need a broom.” he said with a laugh as he threw his wandless arm around James shoulder. ”The connection mate, the umbilical cord got you here, so call that an invitation, and canines aren’t selfish … they share.” there were plenty of jokes that had gotten around school when they had roamed the grounds, about the two of them being tied at the hip as they always ran around, rarely one seen without the other. Sirius was playing the card people used against them as it never really got the desired effect. Why would he have a problem being tied to James? Pranks about the tie being severed if they were forced to not work together in classes would get the whole student body laughing and they’d eventually be paired up again. It worked wonders on McGonagall. That and the puppy eyes look he could so casually pull. ”It’s in his pocket … ” he said referring to Peter then in a lower voice he turned to Remus and winked ”Let’s see how long it takes for him to fight his way out of there and defend his honor.” leaning back in his seat he started on a normal tone ”Why would he come … it’s not like I invited him, unless he's trailing James’s every move and following him around like a puppy.” he said with a snicker. He knew Peter wasn’t there and he didn’t intend to be mean towards their other friend, but sometimes he made it so easy it was like an invitation. Sirius had tried to be a wing man once but the boy seemed clueless. Couldn’t even follow through Sirius’s step by step plan of action. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the boy, he was one of his best friends, but he just wanted to mousy boy to just come out of his shell. As the butterbeer was placed in front of him he raised in front of James and went to salute Remus. To spite his best friend he wanted to clink glasses before James got his. It was the little things that Sirius liked to use against James. OCC Notes: the part about his girlfriend was added for a future plot ... corrected the first reply as well ... hope that's okay  |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2018 20:22:34 GMT
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"I don't know," Remus offered defensively, though in a gentle, playful way. "It's not like we invited James, either, but he still managed to find us." Where the four boys were concerned, there seemed to be an open invitation for any of them, no matter where and how the plans had originated. Those boys were family, and they were never unwelcome, no matter how Remus may have joked.
It didn't seem like James was going to stay for long though, and was soon enough backing away, telling Sirius and Remus and that he actually did have plans that night and was picking up something to go for him and Lily. A couple a goodbyes and one glass of butterbeer later, and the two canines were as alone as they'd started the evening. "You know, Pads, I'm quite used to you being the whirlwind, but Prongs is doing just fine tearing through like a tornado these days. I suppose at least one of you needs to keep me on my toes."
The food they ordered arrived shortly after, Remus' stomach giving a healthy growl that her personally hoped Sirius didn't hear. He was eating, after all, and he didn't need Sirius worrying that he wasn't. His friends were already worrying enough, and he didn't need the guilt on top of the stress he was already going through. Speaking of...
As silence fell between the two boys while they ate the first few wings, Remus considered whether or not to tell Sirius about the interview he'd had the day before. It wasn't ideal, but was the most promising offer he'd had so far, and was the least likely to ask questions or care when he was out once a month. Sirius most likely wouldn't like it, though, or the fact that he was considering offering to the Order that he could act as a spy. His 'furry little problem' might as well be good for something, right? But that meant letting a lot more people in on his secret than he was entirely comfortable with. Remus didn't even know how realistic that thought was, but it was one of the many things that tumbled through his mind at night when he couldn't sleep, which felt like almost night.
The other options for conversation weren't exactly alluring either, though. He was fairly sure that Sirius would decide to try and set him up, and if they waited for another few minutes, maybe half an hour, more patrons would pour into the pub, and the focus would turn to them. Invariably, Sirius would start flirting, or try to set Remus up. Remus didn't complain, but the girls that Sirius managed to get the attention of were not the girls that would look at Remus, so this little plan rarely worked. Remus humored it because it was still amusing to watch, and he didn't mean this in any kind of deprecating way. They were just definitely different types, even down to looks and personality.
He sighed, wiping his hands on the paper napkin on his left, and gently said, "I think I've found a job." It would have been his third since graduating, a frustrating experience all around. Adulthood was not nearly as magically as it had been suggested in all his years growing up. "It'd be a bartender at the White Wyvern." Definitely spoken as an afterthought, and more quietly than the first part of his news. The White Wyvern was a popular pub in Knockturn Alley, which was generally a place they tried to avoid, but if Remus needed to call it home... then so be it. He couldn't rely on Sirius and James to support him. He already hated that they were doing it as much as they already are. It didn't ease his guilt at all.
Tag: @phouxee
Words 640
Notes: I'm so, so excited for this. Sorry this reply is a little weird, but I am READY to jump into this.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2018 19:50:13 GMT
Sirius looked at the retreating form of James’ winter coat and quirked an eyebrow while the left corner of his lip scrunched slightly. Some things got James running around all the time, jumping from one place to another and Sirius was surprised that he still managed to juggle all the things that he filled his hands with. But then again, if there was anyone who could be as active and still manage to still stand on top of it all, that was James.
There were few things that the boys, or better said, young men, could hold against each other and Sirius had long gotten over the fact that James had his attention drawn towards Lily most of the times. He’d have to be blind to not see his best mate’s happiness. Remus on the other hand had been engulfed in shadowed curtains that one had to battle with most of the times. It had been a while for the sandy haired boy to relax and give in to their most hectic nature, but it did rub on him eventually. Sirius however was the king of loud, brash, sheer passion and thunderous temper. He wasn’t shy or retreated in the slightest and would go after whatever he wanted making all eyes turn to him as the spotlight dared him on. He was no deer in the headlights; he was a bull challenging the red flag.
”What’s life if your toes don’t get twitchy a bit every now and again?” he said with a grin ”At least we get reminded every now and again of how he looks? Soon enough he’ll pass us on the street and we won’t know who he is.” Sirius meant it as a joke but a part of him feared stuff like that, like losing his friends, them drifting apart for whatever reason. It had been thrilling when he got Remus’ letter seeing as with everything every one of them had going on, it seemed they saw less and less of each other. They weren’t at school anymore, they didn’t share a dorm anymore, but there were times Sirius wished they did. While in school, after a nightmare, he’d either wake up James and go for a stroll and come up with a prank just to keep his mind busy, or he’d wake up Remus and while forcing himself not to cry, climb in his bed and find relaxation.
Their food came and he watched amused at how Remus devoured his food. Deciding against pointing it out, as there could be other more appropriate times to use it against him, Sirius started on his side of chicken wings, at first not really eating potatoes but then started nibbling on those as well. It had been a rather long day at work and he needed some sustenance for what he had planned for the night. Remus did start the night at the Three Broomsticks, but he’d be damned if they ended it there. He was already thinking of clubs they could venture in when Remus brought up work.
Sirius had worked as a bartender, he knew it was rater easy money but it could drain you if one didn’t pace oneself and Sirius never did much of that. Most of the times he went about life like a ragging train engine tearing at the tracks. He didn’t like things slow and so he went about things fast. Aside from that something tugged at him as he was very much aware that being a bartender wasn’t something that Remus wanted, not something he forced himself for, through N.E.W.T. level courses and barely intelligible books from the library for seven years of Hogwarts. It pained to listen as Remus dropped his voice, sounding absently ashamed to say it out loud because they all knew the place. Thinki8ng of that place for Remus it only made him cringe but he fought the urge, always able to cover things up. It was completely unfair that he had to admit his fury little problem and that people didn’t accept him because he was more than met the qualifications for whatever profession he desired.
It made him angry to think of that, of how people treated Remus for something that was completely beyond his control and completely not his fault. At least Sirius chose his predicament and spat in the face of whoever doubted him because of his name. Remus did not however. Pushing those thoughts aside he knew Remus didn’t need any of that right now. ”Brilliant, you make sure the place gets a good clean up and I’ll make sure to bring you the best clientele. Do you think they’d accept me as a promoter or something?! I’d do it for free and like that we have a place to hang and they can pay me in drinks.” it was easier to turn the wickedness inside him and throw some light banter his way. Sirius avoided that place because of obvious reasons, but he’d turn the page if it’d make Remus fell more relaxed in that place.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2018 0:18:03 GMT
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For the sake of argument, Remus nodding in mock agreement with the raven-haired boy. Sure, a whirlwind tearing through his quiet and calm façade certainly did keep life interesting, keep his toes twitchy. But Remus was just as keen, if not more so, to have his life be the equivalent of spending a raining afternoon in the library with a good cup of tea. It was his lot in life, then, to wish wistfully for the impossible, then, as James and Sirius were not the quiet days in the library types. And Remus loved them all the more for it, whether or not he would readily admit to it (he usually would).
Just like that, James was gone as quickly as he'd come. Remus made a mental note that he should reach out to Lily, plan something for all five of them, the Marauders and Lily. Planning things like that were much more her specialty than any of theirs, but he would be happy to help organize it the best he could. They were all feeling the strain of adulthood, but Remus, perhaps selfishly, felt the most put out by it. It was just that everything seemed to be working out so perfectly for everyone else, and there he was, struggling to find a job as a bartender, much less anything else that would have more closely matched his ambitions. Maybe he could get James to invest in a used book store that Remus could run on his own. He'd have tutoring classes for students that needed it, and a willingness to find any title that was requested. While even that seemed like a pipe dream, it still wasn't what Remus wanted. He knew better than to assume he was the only one having a rough go of it, though. Sirius still had issues with his family, and at least Remus never had to question if he was loved or had a home if everything really did fall apart. It was one of the reasons that he put in particular effort in seeing Sirius- he needed the support and to know he had friends around him. Lily and James were trying to plan a wedding on top of work and the Order, and all five of them were involved in the war effort. It was just the times they lived in- no one had an easy go of things.
Whatever response Remus had expected to the news he dropped, it wasn't what Sirius gave him. The words were a little too saturated with humor. They felt like a scent or a color that Remus was only ever able to pick up when he was closer to the full moon and his senses were heightened. Normal to most, but with just a touch of wrong to it that he noticed. He needed it, too, so he didn't bother to call Sirius out on it, instead smiling, letting the air out of his lungs and his shoulders relax. It was still painfully important to him that his friends think well of him. His greatest worry, every since fifth year, was that he had to face the world alone. He should have known better, though, that it was going to be a lot more difficult than having to take a less than ideal job to chase the boys off.
"I'll do my best to the clean the place up," he offered, an eyebrow raised. "But I rather suspect they don't want any kind of promoter bringing new clientele to the premises. They don't seem like the type to worry about keeping up with the times." Their regulars having a quiet place where no one asked questions was definitely more their concern, and if there was one thing Remus could do... well, no. Remus was curious by nature and the entirety of his Hogwarts career had been asking questions and learning. He'd just make sure not to do a lot of that in the new position, and he would spent as much time as he could looking for new, different, better employment. If nothing else, a spot had to open on staff at Hogwarts, right? Right. "Find us somewhere else to hang out, and I'll use my brand new paychecks to buy you a drink or two. Close enough to the dream, right?" Close enough to the dream, indeed. What was left unsaid was that Sirius shouldn't really come visit him anyway- he was sure the Blacks were very well known around Knockturn Alley, and the last thing he wanted was someone causing trouble with Sirius. Besides, known Aurors weren't exactly welcome there, so that was something Remus had in his favor, he guessed.
"Anyway, it's only temporary." He shrugged, reaching for his drink and thinking that would be the end of the conversation.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 10:36:47 GMT
Thinking of Remus in a place like that really didn’t suit Sirius well in the slightest. The place was dodgy, filled with the likes of people he’d usually stay away from if it weren’t in a duel, in which case he’d have spells thrown at them like fireworks. Knowing that Remus would work in a place packed with the worst of the worst wasn’t something that made him happy, but he knew Remus had had trouble finding any job, let alone something that he’d really enjoy and had strived for so Sirius didn’t want Remus to know that. The last thing Remus needed right now is to have one of his best friends feel bad for him.
The fact that the place was a heaven for those of lesser morals and greater leanings towards the dark magical arts also made him edgy. Not for the screamingly obvious reason most people would go to; Remus being a werewolf, a dark creature, working in a place where he could be influenced or tempted or what not. Definitely no! Sirius never thought of Remus like that. Remus, while he may have a furry little problem once a month, could only be blamed for having too much of a hold on himself, always controlling himself, at times to an extent that infuriated Sirius. In his opinion, control was something that one should relish in letting go of, but he never saw Remus do that, not while in human form that is.
Unlike Remus, Sirius reveled in losing control, of the situation, of himself or of whatever could happen. Even while dueling, his release of the reigns, that barely ever held him back, was a mixture of chaos verging on mayhem and surprise for even himself as he barely planned things out, much more so for his opponents. If he didn’t know what to expect next from himself, how could anyone else predict his next move. It was mostly how he lived his life ever since Hogwarts and he had no intention of changing that. It was also why he didn’t even think of settling down, why he spent evenings in loud and packed muggle pubs and nights in some random girls flat. It was easy, free of commitment and he got exactly what he wanted from it. It had been the same even in his last years of Hogwarts, never getting attached to anyone else who wasn’t one of his three friends, never lingering for too much on one person, never pouring his heart out and promising a happily ever after. Sirius couldn’t do that and, while he wasn’t good at hiding his emotions, ever the roller coaster of pent up rage and frustration from his family mostly, even if he’d leave his guard down every now and again while getting comfortably intimate with someone, as soon as any questions about himself, his family or anything even remotely hitting the string of too personal, he’d close back up and turn to someone he’d think less intrusive. Sirius didn’t want any of that and in a way he wanted Remus to experience just that, that pleasure for the sake of pleasure that would relax him at least once, to get a taste for it and see if he liked it.
”They’d probably shoo me outside anyway. The least they could do is put a “No dogs allowed!” sign and I’ll get the message.” he said with a glint in his eyes. Sirius knew that chances were small for him to enter the pub and have a casual pint at the bar with Remus, without some form of quarrel to ensue at the mere sight of a known Auror and disowned Black. There was no way the clientele of that particular establishment did not know or assume to know his family’s misfortune and disappointment that went by the name of Sirius Black.
Finishing his food, he failed to stop a rather loud burp as he grabbed the almost empty pint of Butter-beer. Sirius was loud in mostly anything he did, he chewed loudly, talked loud, laughed a bark like vibration that echoed around him, cursed at the top of his voice and even burped loud. He rarely, if ever, apologized for any of that. It was just who he was, how he pissed off Walburga and how he made James laughing. ”Fat chance I’d get any lass in there to pull at bed sheets too, so … speaking of which …” he stopped to finish his pint and settled the now empty jug on the table as he started rummaging in his coat for a pack of cigarettes. ”Fancy having another pint or can we change locations? Don’t get me wrong, this place is all fun and stuff, but aside from Rosy nothing really interesting happens here.” Sirius may have tried his luck in his seventh year with the barmaid and failed, reason for which she still slightly tickled his interest, but he wasn’t looking for something only for himself. It was due time Remus relaxed a bit.
With a pub in mind that offered just the right amount of strong beverages, loud music and good looking girls, Sirius wanted Remus to get inebriated enough so he’d let go of that control and just enjoy a casual night out with the big chance, if Sirius played his cards right and Remus allowed him to, of a shag by the time sun would rise the next morning. ”We’d stay away from the Wyvern and go to this muggle pub. What do you say?” half grinning at the prospect of the night, he pulled out a cigarette but would wait to be outside to light it. Sirius didn’t like smoking in doors and in his loft he’d refrain from smoking in his dormitory as his living room’s windows were mostly always cracked open just a bit.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2018 19:17:32 GMT
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Sympathy really was the last thing Remus wanted those days- sympathy and pity. He was expecting both of those things, and maybe even some level of disgust, and, if he were being honest, he expected them from Sirius most of all. It was an unfair expectation, though. When had Sirius ever given him that kind of judgment? The answer, actually, was never, not once, and somehow, he still expected it. Psychologically speaking, he was absolutely projecting because that was how he felt about the situation, but logic and emotions rarely went hand in hand. He was concerned enough about what his future looked like in the short term, and unwilling to admit that he was actually hoping he would get that job. It had its positives, after all, not least of which being that he could probably actually keep that job because no one would question his habits that seemed to coincide with the cycles of the moon. For now, he'd just ignore that the negatives well outweighed that singular positive. Sirius, for his part, did not mention it again, and Remus let it drop as well, at least until it was a for sure thing. Even then, he suspected he wouldn't even tell Lily about it, but he didn't want to be counting all of his dragons while the eggs were in the basket, or however that saying went.
"They can't put a no dogs allowed sign, because then I wouldn't be allowed either, and that might hinder my employment." He almost said 'seriously hinder,' but had learned years ago to steer clear of that word in any of its various forms. Inevitably, it would cause a grin and some ribbing and total derailment of whatever the conversation had been.
As soon as Sirius mentioned one of the other downfalls of the pub in Knockturn Alley, Remus knew what was coming. After all, hadn't he been just a little surprised when Sirius agreed to the Three Broomsticks? It was quiet and uneventful and right up the werewolf's alley in terms of a night out. Introversion was a personality trait he still appreciated about himself, but had learned to overcome as well. "Yeah, all right," he agreed, giving Sirius a look that may have been somewhat teasing. He finished his own drink in two large swallows, wolfing down the remaining wing he had on his plate, and then taking a minute to stack everything neatly on his plate, a habit to make it easy for the staff to clear his tables. Sirius was not wrong in thinking that absolutely everything Remus did was well controlled. He tried to live in such a way that he didn't leave a mess for other, that he didn't cause havoc when leaving a situation. Going undetected was absolutely fine by him, and completely the opposite of how those closest to him lived.
The whole werewolf thing made that increasingly harder to do, but he still thought he managed pretty well 90% of the time.
He could already see Sirius' clear intention to try and change that tonight. Sirius was actually rather compassionate and remarkably thoughtful... most of the time, and at least with the people he cared about. He could think of a couple of instances where the opposite was true, Snape and the incident being the most notable, but selfish was the last word Remus could ever use to describe his friend. So of course he suspected Sirius was up to something and had intentions of getting the both of them a little attention.
"Ready, then?" He shifted in the booth to pull a small sack of coins from his pocket, mentally counting out what half of their meal would come to, and even while doing that, he was almost waiting for the other boy to tell him to stop. This was another habit he was trying to put his own stop to, and both Sirius and James were guilty of it. Remus, while he had unending gratitude for their care and generosity, did not want to be their charity case for a whole multitude of reasons. Still, it was a battle he was bound to lose, and he knew it came from a good place. It didn't stop him from trying to pay his way, though.
Once outside, Remus paused and allowed Sirius to light his cigarette, hands shoved into his pockets as soon as he shrugged into his coat. Tilting his chin, he glanced skyward, hoping, he supposed, to see stars and maybe the moon, but it was cloudy, making the street lamps work harder than they normally would have. The scent of nicotine hit his senses, pulling his attention back to his friend, and he sighed heavily. "Mind if I have a drag?" He never wanted a full cigarette, but he'd often steal a puff or two from Sirius. "Where are you taking us, anyway? I'm not sure I'm entirely dressed well for a muggle place."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2018 23:55:16 GMT
Sirius started laughing at Remus’ hint. It wasn't often that it happened, but whenever Remus would remark anything about their nicknames, tugging at James’ spotlight apprehension or Peter’s mousiness, it wasn’t done lightly and it was like he was expecting just the right time for the right pun. Sirius was the easiest target, both because of his Animagus’ nickname and his real name. He bathed in his dog like abilities he had, joked about making the transformation permanent with James on more than one occasion; he’d jump start at any run, go head first in the lake, found being petted on the head or someone playing with his hair comforting, it wasn’t easy to stop him once he started to run his mouth on someone and he liked making the people around him happy. The similarities didn’t stop there however as he hated fireworks, flees, cats and being told no; wasn’t a big fan of lettuce also, but loved coffee even if it didn’t always sit well with him. Sirius was the go to target for puns and his name made it even easier as the word “serious” lost all its meaning to their group.
Remus however avoided going for puns. As Sirius got the most hits, it sometimes seemed like Remus avoided punning him and he was always half inviting Remus to have a go. Nevertheless, they were always worth the wait. ”And you’d be left mooning outside!” he said with a grin. Sirius definitely wanted to see Remus mooning quite for a bit tonight at the charms of some lucky lass at some random pub they’d go to. As Remus finished his meal, Sirius picked the last stray piece of chip and wondered off towards the bar without so much as an excuse. He hated having to go over the never ending argument of splitting the tab or counting the money, having Remus double check the bill to pay for his part or trying to persuade his friend to keep his money in his pockets or he’ll get robbed by the least suspecting person in the establishment, most often he’d blame kids.
Reaching the bar, he gave the fair amount for both their meals to Rosemerta with a wink and made his way back. The whole ordeal was something that he did his best to avoid. Sirius gave up making excuses for doing it like going to the bathroom or for a smoke. He knew well enough that Remus had troubles with money and not once did he consider having Remus share his loft. It didn’t have two bedrooms, but the both of them could fit in there with no problems. It was rather big for only himself and at times it got too quiet for his liking. Sirius however had yet to discuss it with Remus and he had no idea how to broach the subject. Remus was proud about the whole situation and the last thing Sirius wanted was to push someone who even argued a meal, much less a flat.
Grabbing his smokes that had been set on the table in front of him as he made it to the table again, Sirius pulled his coat closed around him and the scarf secured around his neck. Sirius didn’t wear hats; he didn’t even wear a helmet for his bike most of the times, because he hated anything covering his head, hair and ears. It flattened his hair which he didn’t appreciate much no matter how cold or wet the weather was and Sirius liked his hair, probably more than he should really. Currently he sported a shorter than usual cut, but it was still rather long for what society thought proper for a guy. He cared little for society. After he finished Hogwarts and as he entered the Auror program he’d shaved his head, just because he knew he had to let go of his childhood and take the bull by the horns. It had worked out for the best as it gave him a new kind of focus that he’d swat away before with a turn of his head and a wave of his hair. Now his hair was growing, all by itself as he managed to resist growing it back with magic. He needed to mature and a shorter hair did help him seem more his age and it challenged him to act as such.
As the cold air hit him hard he shivered instantly and he gritted his teeth. Maybe a hat would have been a good idea after all. Sirius lit his cigarette and started walking towards the edge of the village. It would be warmer in London. He knew that much as the big city was generally favored against extreme weather. Passing the fag to Remus without much though as it was a habit by now. Sirius was a smoker and there was little anyone could do to change that, but complain of bad habits and side effects and what not. Fidgeting and keeping his hands busy found somewhat of an answer in the bad habit, but it didn’t entirely drown them out as he was always toying with his drink, breaking matches between his fingers, play with coins, flipping them over his knuckles. Sirius just had to keep his hands busy.
Sucking at the smoke and enjoying the tingling sensation it sent down his throat, he exhaled slowly before replying to the question Remus had asked a while ago. Giving some time for his werewolf friend to wonder exactly what he had planned, he played with a small vial in his coat pocket that he’d bring up at just the right time. He was completely sure that Remus would say no to it right now, but if he played his cards right, Remus might just give in to a bit of debauchery by the time morning would threat night’s downfall. Remus definitely needed to loosen up and it was about damn time he did, Sirius though.
”Well … once we’re in there you might want to shed the jumper and loosen the shirt and you’ll be fine … also … pull it out of your pants … the shirt I mean, when we get there … Got to relax mate, chill … in the pub not here … unstiffen … your shoulders I mean and just … shed your coat.” the words came as a bit of a jumble as everything that came out of his mouth seemed to give a bit too much of what he expected from Remus tonight. Sirius had all the expertise in that area but he wasn’t completely a decent wing man, he didn’t stop however at trying and he wouldn’t stop until he’d get Remus laid, and laid good.
”It’s a club in Hackney, an old light bulbs factory. Great music, hot gals and enough alcohol to get even you to stop thinking so much.” he said with his typical nonchalance. If Remus was uptight, Sirius ruled the town of carelessness and he thrived in it. It helped with his temper, with the growing war all around them, loosened his edgy attitude towards the less well meaning participants to the wizarding society and even helped with sleep. Why would he not want the same for Remus who would try to control every breath and inch he took?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2018 22:11:38 GMT
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"Disaster, all the way around," Remus agreed with a self-satisfied smile. Like Sirius, Remus had adopted many of the traits of his more animalistic form, though it was still different. Where the boys could turn wild at their will, Remus' was a time transformation. It was, at times, a stark reminder that even after being accepted for who he was, he was always going to be different in some way, always an outsider, no matter where he was. He didn't mean to be such a depressed furball, and he certainly didn't remember feeling this bad in a long time. For a brief period a couple of years ago, sure, but once it became clear that Snape, miraculously, was not going to tell the school his secret, he'd pulled out of that depressed state. Before that, it was all the way back in first year, before his dorm mates came to him about his furry little problem. He'd gotten too used to feeling normal, it seemed, and now thrown in the real world, outside the protective walls of Hogwarts, he was facing the harsh reality that people like James and Sirius and Peter and Lily and Dumbledore were the exception to the rule. It didn't matter that he'd gone nearly 14 years without hurting anyone, that it was well maintained and controlled- it was still taboo, dangerous, and something to look down on. It'd been normal once, and he could figure out how to handle it as normal again. He'd get his mood sorted, too, because no one liked hanging out with a downer all the time.
Sirius was up and away from the table to pay almost instantly, and Remus sighed, his shoulders falling. He appreciated it, but he hated it so much. He hated feeling like a freeloader, and the last thing he wanted was anyone to feel like they were being taken advantage of. He knew James and Sirius well enough to know that they certainly didn't feel that way, but he always had the anxiety in him that one day, that might change. They might tire of him and supporting him, much like he was already tired of it. It didn't matter what happened, it seemed like Remus' every thought was pulling him back to his situation. If he'd just relax about it and let his friends help, a lot of the trouble would lift off his shoulders, but the fear that they would eventually hate him was too hard to move past, as ridiculous as even Remus knew it was. So he stood, saying nothing, and gathered his coat and his scarf, putting both on slowly enough to wait for Sirius to return and do the same. The 'thank you' he mumbled was lost in the shuffle of coats, and Sirius probably did want to hear it anyway. What Remus could offer, though, was getting to the door first and opening it for his friend, allowing him through. He'd find ways to offer a million tiny gestures if it was the only way he could pay the price of admission into the Marauders. (A price that was unnecessary, and that he'd fabricated, but something he was determined to be able to pay anyway).
Taking Sirius' cigarette between his middle and index finger, he drew a deep breath, all but closing his eyes as he did so. He was almost definitely not looking forward to going to whatever muggle place Sirius would take him, but he didn't say anything about it. Sirius wasn't really a person you said no to, anyway, but there was definitely disappointment sitting lightly in Remus' chest. He'd wanted to just spent some time catching up with his friend, and the quiet, uneventful atmosphere of The Three Broomsticks was a perfect place to do that. Once they were surrounded by others, especially attractive women who would be undoubtedly drawn to Sirius' bad boy persona, he could pretty much kiss any quality friend time goodbye for the rest of the night... but then, he'd been accused of being overly sentimental on more than one occasion. They had all the time in the world, if he could stop thinking about the war that threatened to pull them all apart.
A second puff of the cigarette, and it was enough, handed back to Sirius and forgotten about from that point. "Those are a lot of instructions," he muttered, a frown setting into his features. "I like my jumper." He was kidding, mostly, but the more Sirius spoke, the more aware Remus was of what his friend had in mind. It was fine, really, and he'd expected as much, but his introverted heart was already trying to prepare itself for the night ahead. Being sociable was an exhausting venture that Sirius seemed to thrive one (he rather suspected Lily had the same dynamic with James). Where Sirius was an arguably terrible wing man with good intentions, Remus was a great wingman. Taking on that role even made him more relaxed in those kinds of settings because it gave him a purpose to work towards, something to focus on that wasn't trying to make himself appealing towards whatever girls were not attracted to Sirius (the girls that his wingman charms did not work on, then). "It really gives off that great granddad warmth, don't you think? And what attractive girl doesn't like that?"
Sirius finished his cigarette, leaving Remus to nod. "Right. Muggle bus, then? Seems the simplest."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2018 17:13:35 GMT
Walking out of the Three Broomsticks, Sirius didn’t even mind the door opening in front of him, he simply walked through without thinking anything of it. In the back of his mind he was coming up with possible outcomes of the night and what would work best in order to get the young man besides him to loosen up. A loud club wasn’t a place that worked best with Remus and the last thing he wanted was for the shyest of the two to feel unsettled or in any way put out by the noise and agitation that came with London night life. There were a few places that he frequented, some more often than others, places where little words needed to be exchanged before arrangements for a few hours of relentless and meaningless sex could be made, and the club vacated without much fuss or time lost in the establishment itself.
Sirius knew Remus well enough to know that a place like that wouldn't work to lighten up the werewolf, at least not at first. They needed some place more easygoing and less ecstatic and that’s why he thought of the old light bulb factory. While it did offer an atmosphere to mingle and entertain yourself with people you didn’t know nor did you need to, it was also a place to communicate and be more intimate because while the music was loud enough for perched ears to not be able to listen in, you could still hear each other with ease if that was the intention.
Blinking a couple of times, Sirius looked at Remus unsure of how to address the matter at hand. Yes Remus was joking but that jumper had to go. Eyebrows rising slightly he dragged the cigarette to his lips before inhaling the smoke and taking a second before releasing the smoke into the frosty air around them. ”You could go for the preppy boarding school lad, too clean and goody to be tarnished, you might just attract the lass dying to ravish you. Why not? Might give you an edge or hint at the intricate mystery that you are my mate.” he said wiggling dark eyebrows with a wicked smile tugging at his slightly erubescent lips, the cold turning them a shade darker than usual and contrasting against his stubble chin that covered some white skin, and patting Remus on the back. ”Might even crack a whip out, the quiet ones are quite a ride.” he said and failed to maintain his face straight anymore and chuckled lightly.
As they reached the edge of the village, Sirius turned around sharply at Remus suggestion. ”We’ll be there by Valentines like that, Moony.” slightly exasperated Sirius didn’t want to be condescending in any way. Sometimes when Remus or Lily would suggest doing things the muggle way, Sirius didn’t understand. It wasn’t that he didn’t know how things worked but he didn’t understand how in situations like this, anyone would go to think to take the muggle way when the magic way was just … so much more convenient. Hogwarts was somewhere in Scotland and the idea of taking muggle means of transportation back to London seemed ludicrous. Shacking his head and placing the fag between his lips he started rummaging through his pockets, before he stopped and looked around him at the snow. Eyes cast towards Remus as a shadow of a smirk passed over his lips. ”Figure a motorcycle ride won’t be a good idea, right?” he almost wanted the boy next to him to contradict him, but without really waiting for the reaction to come, Sirius pulled his hands out of his pockets, wand in hand and shrugged.
Pointing his wand towards the sky above he waited patiently and after a little over ten seconds, the Knight Bus stopped a few feet away from where they were, while putting out his cigarette with his motorcycle boot.
Stepping inside the bus, Sirius paid for both tickets "Queens Yard, Hackney, London" and remained on the level ground. He hated the bus and he’d be happy once they’d get off, and thankful that he didn’t have to take the bus back to his flat, only staying a few blocks away from the pub in question. He hated the shacking and violent turns, hated the loud noises and the sudden stops, hated the lurking in his stomach that he just could never get used to. Sirius hated the Knight Bus but apparition wasn't much fun either. At the fifth stop and lurch and pull and turn and halt of the magical lurching machine, Sirius was glad to be able to leave the contraption. While the Train and his motorcycle were happy combinations of muggle and magical knowledge, the Bus was not. Taking a healthy breath of London air Sirius stepped off the Bus, and as polluted as it may be, the winter air made it invigorating for his lungs.
Waiting for Remus to walk out as they were just around the corner from the pub, he played with the small vial again as it rested in his pocket. Without taking it out he called to Remus ”Get ready for a night to remember!” he was grinning as they turned the corner and the pub appeared in front of them and Sirius was almost skipping with excitement. Half of it was on a boat, where cocktails were served, and the other was in this huge factory with high ceilings and huge windows that covered most of the walls, a bar in the middle and tables with couches and chairs all around it. The light wasn’t as dim lit as one would expect and while the music was loud, everyone was chatting away relaxed with their friends, eating and drinking. Sirius saw a table which was occupied only by two people, but with being large could be used by at least eight so there was more than enough room and was the only table slightly available. But that was London and he loved it. Making his way towards the table he saw the occupants were a boy and a girl who seemed to be just chatting about something or another, apparently related to work.
Sirius had plenty experience with the London night life so he just waved them with a smile, pointed at two seats that were the furthest away from them on a couch on the opposite side of the table and after he received a nod from the bloke, turned to Remus ”Ale or lager and you sit down before someone else grabs them.” he said looking at Remus pointedly expecting for the request, shrugging the scarf and coat off and throwing it on the far end of the couch before he scurried off to the bar only to return with a wink from a girl and two pints in his hands. Placing one in front of Remus he held the other high and grinning he said in a serious tone ”For breaking boundaries and marauding skirts.”
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2018 23:13:03 GMT
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He really should have known better- though over the last several years, he'd said that to himself too many times. Should have known better than to make that attractive granddad joke, though, because Sirius made quick work of expounding on that and causing Remus' cheeks to flush. Easy enough to hide in the brisk winter air- Sirius' cheeks were flushed, too, after all, but Remus certainly felt the heat in them. "Merlin," he whispered. "Stop, would you?" Remus was hardly a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but he wasn't that keen on talking about it. Or acting on it without an appropriate level of privacy, either. Conservative was a better word to describe him.
But perhaps self-conscious was most appropriate of all. Things he didn't voice to the boys, of course, but they were all close enough that he didn't have to voice those concerns.
His hands shoved deep in his pockets, refraining from commenting on the motorcycle or really, any of what Sirius was saying to him. His lips pursed- he forgot, sometimes. Even after Hogwarts, he could lose clarity about where they were and what options were available to him. He'd done both this time, simultaneously. With the options available in the magical world, it was easy to forget the body of water between where they were and where they were going, and yet, he'd still suggested a bus. He wasn't keen on apparating, especially to a muggle part of London, and with that option thrown out, a normal bus just seemed most available. Except the very separate locations the two cities were on.
"Actually," Remus waited to break his silence until they were seated on the Knight Bus, "I would have been all right with the motorcycle. I just keep forgetting about it." Because it was such an easy thing to forget about? Certainly not. "But I prefer this." Remus was in an absolute minority in that he actually liked taking the Knight Bus. He couldn't explain it- the jerky, sudden movements were enough to make anyone's stomach lurch, but if pressed, Remus would first describe the bus as fun, maybe adventurous. He liked it a lot better than any muggle buses, anyway, and there was something about trusting his life to a hasty driver and a double decker vehicle that had no right being converted to work as a magically enhanced mode of travel that almost settled Remus. It was similar, he supposed, to people who enjoyed rollercoasters (which, oddly, he did not. Nor was he a huge fan of riding a broom). For someone as controlled and measured as Remus, it was a strange thing to be all right with. By all accounts, he should have hated the bus, but he was much slower to disembark than his dark haired friend.
The jumper was gone, charmed small enough to tuck into Remus' back pocket like a kleenex. "Fuck, it's cold," Remus complained, though only half heartedly. They'd be indoors soon enough, presumably with alcohol in hand, and both those things combined would warm him up right quick. He side-eyed Sirius, only vaguely concerned at what 'a night to remember' entailed, but he also knew Sirius' flat was close by, and he'd be able to take Sirius home if it came to that. It usually never did though, minus a couple of nights in the dormitories where they all learned just what a tolerance was and what it felt like to step over that line. While Remus proudly wore the eternal mother hen title of the group, the boys very rarely made him switch into the role. Whatever perceptions the boys carried, they rarely lived up to them.
He was somewhat mesmerized by how at home Sirius seemed to be the moment they arrived, and it certainly felt like an arrival. Sirius knew how to command a room, which was a skill Remus rather appreciated. He liked watching Sirius do it, too, because there was a certain kind of magic in it that you could never produce with a wand. He refused to let his mind wander to darker things because they were supposed to be loosening up, but for a brief second, Remus frowned and wondered, not for the first time, how Sirius' family could turn away from such a brilliant star as Sirius. All the better for him and the boys who became Sirius' family and loved him enough for the Blacks as well.
He followed Sirius' gaze to the empty space and nodded, moving towards the spot a split second before he was asked, just as easily supplying "Lager," as his response to the question asked. His own coat landed on top of Sirius' as he claimed the seats, taking in his surroundings. It was all right. He liked that it wasn't so crowded they couldn't move or breathe, and he was okay with the volume, too. From across the space, he watched the woman behind the bar smiling too sweetly at Sirius. It was very clear to him that this place was chosen specifically with Remus in mind, which he appreciated more than he would ever voice to Sirius. He didn't need to, he was sure.
He straightened when Sirius returned, deciding that he felt fine with the situation he currently found himself in. "Cheers, mate," he supplied, though internally rolled his eyes at what they were toasting to. He would see. It was always a possibility of course, but he made no promises. The night would take him where it took him. " 'm surprised we're not starting with something stronger. I wouldn't have said no to a shot of something that burns."
Tag: @phouxee
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2018 9:23:41 GMT
Why was Remus so conservative Sirius couldn’t understand? Whenever he’d start talking about conquests or what he had tried even during Hogwarts, the guys mostly probed him for more and he had no problem giving them as many details as possible. Sirius wasn’t above kissing and telling as he knew that his experiences far outweighed those of the others and he was a proud and arrogant sod who liked to brag. It wasn’t like he kept those experiences to himself, treasuring them as special moments. From his first time he’d been aware that it was sex and he liked sex and he always liked to share. There wasn’t one experience that he would not relate to his friends if they would ever start questioning him and such. Nor was Sirius a conservative when it came to what he’d done and what exactly those experiences were, be it from a casual hook up at a pub or finding light bondage enticing. James was quite different from him in that respect but James didn’t change girls like shirts and maybe that was the reason behind his best mate’s lack of stories about the subject. Some form of respect Sirius had yet to feel the tug of.
With a bark like laugh at his friends flustering Sirius pulled Remus in a half hug by the other man’s shoulder ”Not to worry mate, there are those who don’t stop even when you beg for it. Might want to aim for that tonight. I’ll let you know what to look for.” he said through fits of laughter. He knew Remus was anything but prude, or he guessed at it, after all, he’d seen Remus release the fire he had within, not only during the full moon, and one with such fire held tightly under control could certainly not be able to hold back once the desire led by lust took over.
Sirius eyed Remus, a look of bewilderment on his face. His stomach lurched and he felt queasy looking back at Remus who seemed serene at the trash and pull of every curve the blasted triple-decker took. Trying to focus on his bike and not the sudden left turn the bus took or the unsettling glob his stomach was, he looked back at Remus trying to maintain a calm surface. ”We’d both be icicles by the time we get to London.” he said while swallowing the sickening sensation he had in his throat and starting to second guess his own words as being cold was far better than being sick. But at least we’d still have food in our stomach. he thought to himself at another swift pull of the darned bus.
Sirius nearly jumped out of the bus and he waited for Remus to get his appearance in order, slightly saddened by the fact that Remus decided against the preppy boarding school look he could definitely pull off. Taking deep breaths and focusing on what Remus was doing rather than the feeling iin his stomach that managed to ease up bit by bit. ”Whips too much for you mate?” he said with a grin before they made their way inside. The place wasn’t completely packed and one could move around with ease and from his way to the bar Sirius already spotted at least five girls that he would like to take to his flat later on. Now however was about getting Moony to treat himself to a night of la dolce vita.
Taking both pints of lager and quirking a smile to the bar maid, he paid for the drinks and made his way back to Remus. Half scanning the room for something that might be what Remus would be into. Aside from the Ravenclaw back in sixth year, Sirius couldn’t remember really getting into details of conquest with Remus or really notice anyone that the boy had been ogling at. Maybe he hadn’t paid much attention all with his own interest in scoring and blowing off steam. Sirius had been so lost in his own sexual exploits since he lost his virginity that he paid little to no attention to the others dwindling with the good nature life could bring. Somehow he wished he’d paid at least some attention seeing as now he had to work for a conquest for Remus.
Sitting down next to his mate, he drowned a quarter of the pint and looked around briefly before turning to Remus ”See anything you like mate?” he was grinning. It was a definite challenge to be a wing man, mostly because whenever he tried to chat someone up for a mate, it backfired as the girl wound up going for him rather than the other bloke. He vowed not to let that happen tonight however. So be it if that’d mean that he would go back to his loft alone. He’d get Remus laid even if he’d sacrifice a night of sex for himself. However he needed more information to know what he had to work with. ”So how long has it been?” he said without beating around the bush. Sirius wasn’t one to work around a subject much, mostly straight to the point about whatever the topic may be. Nor was he shy to bring up subjects like the one at hand. ”A week, a month … tell me what to work with!” there was no sugar coating his question if he wanted a straight up answer. Sirius knew that his intentions would be obvious but he cared little for that. Trying to make the questioning appear more casual than it really was, he took another taste of the lager in his hand as his eyes drifted to a girl beside the girl that sat at their table.
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