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Prompt 26 - Baby AU

@wolfstarmicrofic April 26, word count 478

They’d talked about it for years. Mainly when they were drunk, but still, it had been a subject repeatedly for them. Remus looked down at the paperwork in his hands and watched them shake. He was ready for this next step. He just hoped that Sirius was as well. 

He knocked quietly on Sirius’s studio door. 

“Come in,” His husband called as the soft twangs of his guitar died away. Remus pushed the heavy handle down and swung the door open.

“Sorry,” He said, “I thought you were finished. I can come back.” He made to shut the door. 

“Don’t be ridiculous, get in here.” Sirius propped his guitar on its stand and hauled Remus into the room. “What’s up?” He asked, placing a kiss on the back of Remus’s hand. 

“Erm, there was just something I wanted to talk to you about.” He paused for a moment, his palms sweating as he nervously went over his rehearsed words in his head. Sirius’s eyes widened, and he looked worried. 

“Remus, what is it?” He grabbed Remus’s free hand in his and looked at the papers clutched in the other. “Remus, please, what is it?” His voice was tinged with panic as he searched his lover’s face for clues. Remus swallowed loudly and thrust the papers at him. His mouth had gone dry, and this was easier. “A baby?” Sirius questioned as his eyes flew across the paperwork. “You want us to adopt a baby?” Remus looked up at his vibrant blue eyes, made even more blue by his pale skin and ebony curls. He nodded. 

“I’m ready. I want a baby, Sirius.” His voice faltered, and he couldn’t say any more. 

Sirius stared at him, his face a blank mask. Suddenly, he spun around on his chair and pulled one of his desk drawers open. He rifled through the countless pieces of paper stuff in there until he found what he wanted. He smoothed it out and handed it over. 

Remus looked down at the identical forms he’d handed over to Sirius. The only difference was these ones had been filled in. He looked at his husband in amazement. 

“How long have you had these?” He asked, his voice choked. 

“A while,” Sirius responded, shrugging. “I was waiting for you to be certain.” Remus launched himself at Sirius, curling his considerable length into Sirius’s waiting lap. They held each other tightly. “Just think, Remus, one day soon, there’ll be a tiny human in this house for us to love and cherish and buy far too many gifts for.” Sirius crooned into his ear as his fingers carded through Remus’s hair.

They filled out Remus’s forms together and sent them off the next day to start the process. Both sent a silent wish into the world that they wouldn’t have to wait long for their little family to grow. 

[lulublack90]

Prompt 26 - Aimless

@jegulus-microfic April 26, Word count 682

Previous part First part

Regulus had been about to try and explain his way out of being found at the top of the Astronomy Tower with none other than James Potter as soon as Flich’s head had appeared but James had thrown a thick cloak over them and pressed his hand to Regulus’s mouth stopping him for making a sound. 

James’s hand was warm, so warm it felt as though Regulus’s cold face was burning under it. He inhaled through his nose and wished he’d been able to use his mouth. Having James’s hand so close to him, that golden skin just beneath his nose, made his scent intoxicating. Regulus's mind went blank as they waited for whatever happened next. 

They watched as Filch poked around in the dark crevasses and called out, “Aha!” A few times in vain as he peered into the shadows. 

Eventually, he left, and they were alone again. James pulled out a piece of parchment and scanned it. Regulus couldn’t see what was on it as James kept it angled away from him. Only when James let out a sigh of relief did he remove his hand from Regulus’s mouth and pull the cloak off them. The brisk night air filled his lungs with relief after the near-stifling confines of the cloak. 

“Sorry,” James said as he tucked the parchment back into his robes and bundled up the shimmering material in his lap. Regulus reached out a finger and tentatively ran it down the cloak. His eyes widened, and he looked up at James in amazement. 

“Is that an invisibility cloak?” James nodded at him. “Can I—Can I have a look at it?” He asked, not expecting James to agree, but the boy surprised him and handed it over without a second thought, his face full of trust. 

Regulus let the watery material skim through his fingers and draped it across his lap. His legs completely disappeared. Not even a shimmering outline was left behind. They were just gone. He knew James was watching him, but at this point, he didn’t care.

Reluctantly, he returned the cloak, letting it run through his hands as James took it back. “Thank you.” He said quietly, looking at his hands still tingling from the cloak. Or was it from before when he’d stroked James’s fingers and held his face? He flexed them, trying to get them to behave. 

“Anytime,” James’s voice penetrated his thoughts. 

“Huh?” He said inelegantly. 

“You can see it anytime you want.” James suddenly sat up in excitement. “Hey, what about tomorrow night? We can sneak around the corridors, and I can show you this room me and Sirius found…” And just like that, the spell was broken. The mention of his brother’s name brought him back to his senses. 

He jumped up and fled. Getting as far away as fast as he could.

He slowed down when he’d gotten a few floors below and in an aimless way wandered around the quiet corridors, his thoughts filled with images of James while still keeping alert enough to avoid Filch and his cat. 

He was on the Charms corridor, his eyes scanning the tapestries as he passed them, when he walked into something warm and solid. 

James pulled the invisibility cloak off himself and pushed Regulus up against to wall, pinning him on either side with his hands and gazing deeply into his eyes. 

“Why did you run away?” James whispered, his voice husky and slightly out of breath. Regulus didn’t answer, just stared right back into those warm pools of hazel. James cocked his head to the side as if trying to read Regulus’s unspoken words. He stepped closer, crowding Regulus more against the wall. Regulus felt his breath hitch, and James’s eyes lit up. Before Regulus knew what was happening. Soft, hot lips were pressed against his, and his hands were reaching up all by themselves into messy black hair. The smell of cedar, summer days and bergamot filled his nostrils and mouth, relaxing him into James’s touch, and for the first time, he felt like he was home.   

[lulublack90]

Prompt 25 - Criminal AU

@wolfstarmicrofic April 25, word count 857

Sirius, wrapped in his brand-new wool cloak, sauntered down the street, perusing the wears of the local sellers. It was market day, and the locals were out in their droves. Normally, Sirius wouldn’t deem to mix with the riff-raff, but after the stifling morning of lessons and the lecture from his parents about upholding the family name, he’d needed to escape. To lose himself for a while. 

Out here amongst the lesser mortals, he could pretend he wasn’t the heir to the most prestigious family in the country. Even the royals couldn’t hold a beacon to the power and respect garnered by the House of Black. 

He breathed in the putrid smell of the lower classes and revelled in the freedom. He’d just spotted a shabby-looking pie shop and debated braving the questionable-looking meat when a tall man with a face lashed with scars knocked into his side. 

“Sorry, excuse me,” The man mumbled hurriedly before continuing down the street. 

Now, Sirius was many things, but a fool he was not. He checked where his coin purse had been secure in his pocket, and of course, it was gone. 

“Hey, you! Come back here!” He bellowed down the street, his anger rippling through. The man glanced over his shoulder and took off at a full run, his long legs an advantage over Sirius’s shorter ones, but only for so long. 

Sirius had lived his entire life in a saddle, pushing himself and his horses faster and faster for longer and longer. He was built for endurance. His well-muscled thighs were still pumping as the thief began to tire. 

The thief clearly knew the streets well, but so did Sirius, having come here many times over the years to escape. He followed the man down every twisting, turning alley until the lanky being took a wrong turn and trapped himself in a dead end, his back up against the wall.

Sirius slowed to a long stride and casually leant against the narrow passageway in front of the exhausted man. He extended his arm and raised his brow. The thief sighed, threw the purse to his waiting hand and slumped to the floor, breathing heavily. It was then that Sirius noticed how skinny he was and how ragged his thin clothes were. 

“You do this often, then?” Sirius asked sternly, trying to get a feel for the man. The man looked up, shocked to see Sirius still there watching him. He pulled his thin clothes around him tighter and scowled at the brown puddle against the brickwork. 

“No,” He muttered. “You looked like an easy target.” His eyes snapped up to look straight at Sirius. “Clearly not.” He spat onto the ground. “Why are you still here? Get the Bobbys if you want. I’m in no condition to move now.” 

Sirius watched his chest heave with each laboured breath and sighed. For some godforsaken reason, he couldn’t leave the half-starved vagrant.

“You got someone waiting for you?” He asked. The thief flinched. 

“Yes,” He said, and Sirius knew it for the lie it was. This man had nothing and no one. 

“You good with your hands?” He questioned further. Those warm brown eyes dropped and stared beneath Sirius’s cloak. The man began to crawl forward and was reaching towards Sirius when Sirius realised what was happening. “No, no! That’s not what I meant!” He gently pushed the man’s hand away from the buttons on his trousers. “We need a groundsman to tend to the flowerbeds and whatnot. Keep the grass cut, walls intact, that sort of thing. There’s a small hut and a salary with the job. If you want it, of course.” He’d started babbling, so he stopped himself. The brown eyes darkened. 

“What’s the catch?” He rasped from the floor in front of Sirius. 

“Nothing, no catch. Just don’t tell my parents this is where we met.” Sirius panicked for a second. His parents would have the man killed if they knew where he’d come from.

“You live with your parents?” The man snorted but stopped quickly, catching himself. 

“I’m in a different wing,” Sirius explained. He held his hand out to the crouching man. “Sirius Black, heir to the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black.” The man gawped. Sirius motioned with his hand for the other man to take it. The man hesitated before slowly accepting it. Sirius helped him haul himself to his feet. “And you are?” He prompted when the man didn’t reciprocate. 

“Remus Lupin. I don’t have a fancy title to go with it.” He said blandly. Sirius threw his head back and laughed. 

“Well, Remus,” He said, wiping the tears from his eyes. “The first thing we’re going to do is get a hot meal into you, and then we’ll pick out some new clothes, but the main thing you need, my new friend, is a bath, because and I do mean to be rude here, you smell worse than the Thames.” He softened his words with a smile and a wink before he turned on his heel, Remus following close behind him as they reentered the bustling streets of London.  

[lulublack90]

Prompt 25 - Headlights

@jegulus-microfic April 25, Word count 310

Previous part First part

James turned to Regulus as the wind whirled around them, flooding his senses with the boy sitting so close beside him. He froze like a deer in the headlights when their eyes connected, and so did Regulus. 

He swallowed hard and shuffled closer, only an inch, testing the waters. He’d never felt an attraction this strong before, and it was an attraction. Something about his best friend’s brother was drawing him in, and he didn’t resist the pull. 

He shuffled again. Regulus was still frozen. They sat so close together now their icy breaths mingled together, swirling in the breeze and disappearing into the dark abyss. 

James’s eyes flickered down to where Regulus’s hand lay splayed on the stone floor, less than an inch from his own. He raised his eyes again and saw the nervous glint in Regulus’s eyes but also the curiosity that was slowly burning.

James let his little finger slide across the cold floor until it barely brushed against Regulus’s. 

To his surprise, Regulus closed the gap and linked their fingers together. James gasped. His breathing increased as the wind swirled in a crescendo, urging them together. 

Regulus shuffled closer, raising his free hand to cup James’s cheek. Their faces were so close James could make out the silver and blue flecks in Regulus’s grey eyes. 

“James,” The other boy whispered. A shudder went down James’s spine at the sound of his name coming from those lips. Those lips that were so close he could almost… 

He moved, leaning into Regulus’s palm and tilting his head forward. Regulus’s breath hitched as he neared, but he didn’t back away.

“Who’s there?” Came the wheezy voice of the school caretaker, Mr Filch. James flung the invisibility cloak over them silently just as Flich’s head came bobbing into view as he climbed the last few steps into the Tower. 

Next part

[lulublack90]

Prompt 24 - Modern AU

@wolfstarmicrofic April 23, word count 937

Sirius gripped his coffee as though it were a lifeline. It was the biggest, strongest coffee he could find, watered down with copious amounts of milk. He took little sips as he logged into his computer at work, brought up his list of tasks for the day and slowly began muddling his way through. 

He’d gone out last night with James, against his better judgement, not that it took much persuasion on James’s part. All he had to do was bat his hazels at him, and Sirius was putty in his hands. 

He’d been having a great time, downing drinks, shaking his arse to the vintage jukebox and then woken up in some fit lad’s bed, hence the massive coffee and the mind-numbing hangover. He’d crept quietly out of the little flat and stumbled his way down the harsh concrete steps that smelled like weed, piss and, for some bizarre reason, hairspray. Sirius had rushed home, hopped in the shower, changed his clothes and hurried to the coffee shop on the corner. He couldn’t even remember the man’s name. He put it out of his mind, reasoning that he’d never see him again anyway. 

It took an age for the little digital clock on his computer screen to blink to 12:00 and signal lunchtime. 

Feeling the need for greasy food, he went to pull out his mobile to order a McDonald’s when he realised he didn’t have it. He checked all his pockets and his bag. It wasn’t there. The panic had just set in that it had been stolen at the bar last night when his computer alerted him to a new email on his personal account. 

‘Hi, erm, I guess Sirius. Sorry, I didn’t get your name last night 😬.

So anyway, I have your phone. You must have left it here when you snuck out this morning. (You are not sneaky, by the way! Like an elephant in size nines!) But yeah, anytime you want to come by and get it is fine. I’ll be in all day. Crap, I hope you get this email, or I’ve just got myself a new phone. It’s actually a big upgrade to mine. On second thoughts, it’s mine now, mwahaha 😈!

Thanks 

Remus Lupin.’

Sirius stared at the words for a few minutes, taking them in, before picking up the work phone from his desk and phoning himself. 

“Hello?” A voice on the other end answered. “Hi, I’m not Sirius. He left his phone at mine last night.”

“Hi, Remus. It’s me. Sirius.” He added in case he hadn’t realised.

Well, I guessed when you used my name. I highly doubt anyone in your phone book knows who I am. Especially ginger toss pot number 1. There’s more than one ginger toss pot?” Remus snickered. 

“Wait, how do you know that, and how did you get my email address? Have you hacked into my phone?!” He felt outraged. How had he even gotten in, though? It was password-protected.

“Sirius, 6969 is not a strong password. Plus, I could see where you’d jabbed at the screen to unlock it. You really need to clean your phone.” Remus went on. 

“Yeah, I’ll get right on that.” He paused for a second, trying to rein in the snarkiness. “I don’t finish work until 5. Is it alright to come over after that?”

“Sure,” Remus answered. “I’ll be in.” 

“Great, thanks.” Sirius forced a smile on his face so Remus could hear his sincerity.

“Who’s Specky Dick Nuts?  Because they’ve been blowing up your phone all morning before I woke up and found it. They seem to have stopped now, though.”

“Oh, that’s my best mate James. Oh shit, if he’s gone quiet, he’s probably tracking my phone. Er, be prepared. He probably thinks I need rescuing.” There was a loud thudding on the other end of the line. 

“Er, I think your friend might be here,” Remus whispered into the phone. 

“Put me on speaker so I can talk to him.” He heard the faint click as he was put on speaker and the sound of Remus unlocking the four locks on his door. 

“Hi, you must be James,” Remus said. 

“Where is he?!” James’s voice was stern and full of concern. 

“James, mate. I’m fine. I’m at work. I just forgot to pick up my phone this morning. This is Remus, by the way. He kindly let me know he had it.” He prayed that was enough to call off the Potter inquisition. 

“Oh, cool. Hi, Remus.” 

“Hi, James.” 

“Sorry, I thought you were some lunatic. And you were keeping him prisoner.” 

“Oh, don’t worry. Happens all the time.” The phone line was filled with laughter, and Sirius had to hold his receiver away from his head.

“Hey, James, can you take my phone, seeing as you’re there?”

“Sure thing.”

“Thanks, Remus.” He managed to say before James hung him up. He felt oddly dejected for some reason but brushed it off. 

When he came back from lunch, he found a new email, this time from Remus’s actual address.     

‘Can I take you out on a date?’ 

It said. Sirius felt a surge of joy and so replied.  

‘What do you have in mind?’

‘Dinner? Movie? Massive shagathon?’ 

Sirius choked on his own spit at Remus’s reply. He coughed as he typed back.  

‘Jesus, Remus. Are you always so forward?’

‘What can I say? You made an impression 😉.’

‘Yeah, go on then.’

And that was how Sirius found himself for the second morning in a row in Remus Lupin’s bed. But this time, he didn’t sneak out.

[lulublack90]

Prompt 24 - Camp

@jegulus-microfic April 24, Word count 583

Previous part First part

Regulus leaned his forehead against the lower bar of the Astronomy Towers railing. It was pretty superfluous as there was some sort of air charm that gently lifted whatever had fallen over the edge of the tower back up. He supposed it was there for the more nervous astronomers. 

His thoughts were still swirling with what had happened earlier. He’d had to escape up here when Evan and Barty banged their way into the dorm, disrupting his spiralling thoughts. 

He banged his head against the bar. 

“Stupid, stupid, stupid. It just had to be him, didn’t it? Like he hasn’t ruined enough of my life, now he has to poke his nose into my love life as well!” It wasn’t that Regulus didn’t find James attractive. He was there was no denying that, but Sirius had picked him over Regulus. The second Sirius had gotten onto that train and been separated from Regulus, James Potter had snapped him up, and they’d been lost to each other. 

His head whipped around when he caught the sound of a stumbled step. There was nothing there. He raised his wand. “Who’s there?” He asked the darkness. Silence. “If you don’t leave now, you will regret it!” He hissed. 

James Potter stepped impossibly out of the shadows. There was nowhere he could have been hidden, but yet he’d been there. “What are you doing here?” He snarled. He wasn’t prepared for this. He hadn’t had time to school his emotions. 

“Same as you probably. Sometimes I come here to think.” James replied, shrugging. 

“More likely you’re waiting on some poor foolish girl to meet you up here for a snog.” He scoffed. James actually laughed at him. He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, grinning goofily at Regulus.

“Contrary to popular belief, I’ve never snuck up here to kiss people. In fact,” James’s expression changed. His face flushed with embarrassment. “I’ve never kissed anyone before.” Regulus felt his jaw drop. 

“Not anyone?!” Why was he asking?! Pull yourself together, Regulus Arcturus Black! James gave a half-shrug.

“Nope. I was saving myself for someone, but I think I’m going to give up on her. No point waiting for something that’s never going to happen.”

“That almost sounded smart,” Regulus smirked at him. This had to be the most they’d ever spoken to each other. He’d, however, had plenty to say about James behind his back. 

“Gee, thanks.” James chuckled merrily. “Room for one more?” He continued, pointing at the lengthy space beside Regulus. 

“No, there is not.” Regulus scowled and turned away. 

He breathed in sharply through his nose when he heard James’s footsteps growing nearer and caught the movement out of the corner of his eye of him sitting down a few feet away and facing out into the night air. 

“So why have you set up camp here then?” James asked the stars. 

“That is absolutely none of your business.” He took James's lead and spoke out to the starlit sky. 

The wind picked up, rustling James’s hair before it made its way to Regulus, bringing with it that tantalising scent of cedar, summer days and bergamot. He couldn’t help it. He inhaled greedily. Something in James’s eyes flickered, but it was gone so fast Regulus couldn’t make it out. 

James didn’t speak again after that. They sat quietly, staring up at the twinkling stars, silently letting that breeze tease them over and over again until they turned together and their eyes met.  

Do we want another part? Let me know.

Next part

[lulublack90]

Prompt 23 - Teacher AU

@wolfstarmicrofic April 23, word count 966

Sirius had been a teacher for quite a few years, and while he loved teaching the children, his true passion lay in his evening classes. Once a week, he gave up his time to teach adults who wanted to learn and, for some reason, and Sirius was only too willing to help them. 

The class was just beginning. This week, they’d be going over the short story he’d asked them all to read as homework and make a start on one of their own. He’d been told there would be a new student joining them that evening. It was very irregular. Normally, there was a start date that you had to begin at and not come halfway through the course. He’d been assured that the young man had been keeping up at home, but his ongoing health condition had made it impossible to attend the previous classes. 

Sirius sighed when he read the email from the course manager but vowed to help the chap catch up.

He cleared his throat, and his class went quiet. 

“Good evening, everyone. I hope you’re all doing well. Let’s begin with a show of hands. Who’s read the homework?” A sea of hands rose in front of him, and he couldn’t keep the beaming smile off his face. “Excellent! Now, who can tell me why Nellie did what she did?” He pointed at a woman in the back row. “Alice, you’re up.” The short woman checked her notes and began to speak. 

“She was tired of her life and wanted to be free of the chains that kept her there.” 

“Exactly.” He turned and wrote on the whiteboard. “She was a prisoner, and she longed to be free. So when the chance came, she took it. Now, when Nellie escapes, she rushes into the jungle in the dead of night with nothing but a small trunk filled with her few possessions. Was this a good idea or not?” He waited for a hand to go up. He could almost see their brains whirring. The classroom door opened, and a mousy-haired man popped his head around the door. Sirius stared at him, his eyes greedily taking in the slightly flustered handsome man. 

“Are you Mr Black?” He asked politely. 

“Yes, that’s me. How can I help you?” Sirius’s professional brain snapped back on. The man grinned, looking relieved. 

“I’m so sorry I’m late. I’ve ended up in the wrong room twice, and no one seemed to be able to point me in the right direction.” He pushed the door open and hobbled in. He was leaning heavily on a walking stick and took the only empty seat at the front of the class. 

“Right, where were we?” He asked, having completely forgotten. The new man raised his hand. “Yes—er?” Sirius nodded for him to talk. 

“Remus. Remus Lupin.” Remus helpfully supplied. 

“Thank you, Remus.”

“I think the risk of staying captive was far greater than whatever awaited her in the jungle. However, taking anything other than food and water was risky, but as we know, it worked out for her.” He answered Sirius’s question. 

“Yes, well done. I dare say even if she’d met a tiger while she fled, it would still be preferable to that iron chain, don’t you agree, even weighed down as she was.” His class all nodded at him. “So now free and on the run, no forced to perform, no matter how good she was at the tasks they set her, what do you think made her go the way she did?”

Remus raised his hand again, and Sirius signalled for him to continue. 

“She went home. There could have been something familiar about the surroundings, which is why she escaped when she did. But the inner child in me wants to say it was magic.” Remus grinned shyly at him, and Sirius had to chant to himself that he couldn’t date students no matter how ruggedly handsome they were or how intelligent they seemed to be. He had to swallow before he continued. 

“Yes, I think we all want to believe it was magic, as though she heard her mother calling out to her across the many miles she travelled.” He cleared the whiteboard now they were done with that and wrote up the next part of the lesson. “Okay, I want each of you to write your own short story. It can be about literally anything you want. Make a start now. Plan it out. I want them finished for next week, and I’ll go through them.” 

He gave them a few minutes to start their work and made his way around the class, answering any questions they had. Eventually, he had to talk to Remus. He couldn’t put it off any longer. “How’s it going?” He asked, making Remus jump. He’d been so focused on his work that he hadn’t noticed Sirius approach. 

“Oh-er, it’s going good. I think.” Remus rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Sirius peered down at the paper. 

“A werewolf and a man who can magically turn into a dog and an enchanted forest? Sounds thrilling. I can’t wait to read it.” Remus blushed hard. 

“It just popped into my head.” He admitted. 

“All the best ones do,” Sirius reassured him. “Oh, here, before I forget. Take this. It’s got all my information on it in case you can’t make it for whatever reason or need help throughout the week. I’ll do my best to accommodate you.” He handed Remus the little white card. Their fingers brushed as Remus took it, and Sirius felt a jolt of electricity shoot through him, stemming from where Remus’s fingers had been. They looked at each other wide-eyed and stunned. Well, crap, this was going to be harder than he thought.  

[lulublack90]

Prompt 23 - Resist

@jegulus-microfic April 23, Word count 648

As requested by @phoenixtears13 there may even be a part 3

First part

James stood by the quidditch stands, absolutely stunned. Sirius’s little brother had just tackled him and slammed him against these very stands. And what had he done? He’d reacted and swung them around, crushing him against them instead.

Regulus had caught him just wrong, right in the massive bruise hidden by his jumper. He’d growled at the boy. But as soon as Regulus had gone limp in his hands, he’d panicked and tried to find help. Regulus had asked him so quietly and sadly to let him go that he’d just dropped him and prayed the boy could hold himself up. 

James hadn’t been prepared when Regulus shoved him, but he stepped back when he realised what he wanted and watched as the strange boy literally ran away from him. 

The main problem James was having, though, was the whiff of night air and dark wood mixed with something lighter, maybe floral, that had lingered after Regulus had disappeared. He couldn’t quite place it. 

He’d smelt that particular collection of scents before, but he couldn’t remember where. He puzzled over it as he made his way up to Gryffindor Tower and the awaiting party. 

“We did it, mate!” Sirius boomed as he hung off James’s neck, a half-drunk bottle of firewhisky sloshing about in his hand. “Ha, did you see Reggie’s face? He was not happy!” Sirius barked a laugh, and James felt his body stiffen at the name. He couldn’t tell Sirius what had happened after the game. He’d do something reckless. Luckily, Remus came over and peeled Sirius off James’s neck to take him to get some water and food. 

James tried to join in with the celebrations, but he had that niggling thought in the back of his mind, and it wasn’t until he saw someones forgotten potions textbook stuffed down the side of the cushion of the chair he was sitting in did the dots connect.     

A wave of pure panic hit him. He must have looked a right sight as the horror of what those scents meant took over his mind. 

He had to get out of there. So he rushed up to their dorm room and locked himself in the bathroom. He started hyperventilating. He’d smelled that combination in potions class when Slughorn had shown them the mother-of-pearl shimmering potion of Amortentia. 

But how could it smell like Regulus Black? Regulus Black, Sirius’s little brother! Regulus Black, heir to the Black family! Regulus Black Death Eater in training! 

He slumped to the floor, head in his hands. How could this have happened? But nothing had happened, had it? 

James took a deep, steadying breath, raised himself off the floor and went back to join the party. 

For the rest of the night, he kept telling himself it was nothing. Sure, it was a strange combination of scents, but there must be someone else out there that smelled the same, right? 

By the time he went to bed, he couldn’t get Regulus out of his mind. He had to see him. He was sure it was all a misunderstanding. Unable to resist, he pulled out the Marauders Map and whispered to it while tapping his wand against the parchment.

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” He watched the inky lines spread over the parchment and reveal the enchanted map of Hogwarts. 

He scanned it, trying to find the little marker that read Regulus Black. He wasn’t in the dungeons or out at the quidditch pitch or anywhere on the lower floors. Surely, at this time of night and after the team’s loss, he should be in bed. He was about to give up when his eyes flickered past a long name at the top of the Astronomy Tower. ‘Regulus Black’, written in Sirius’s elegant script. 

James barely thought about it and, grabbing his invisibility cloak, hurried towards the name. 

Next part

[lulublack90]

Prompt 22 - Roommate AU

@wolfstarmicrofic April 22, word count 938

CW - Pandora jokes about Remus getting murdered and dismembered.

Moving countries was scary. Moving to the capital city seemed scarier. Remus left his childhood home in the Welsh countryside and clambered onto the bus that would take him to London. 

He’d wanted to move for years but had always been too scared. His parents had instilled in him how dangerous it would be for him not to know anyone for hundreds of miles.

One morning, while he was munching on his cornflakes, he noticed an ad in his father’s newspaper. 

‘Roommate Wanted!

All bills are paid. Just pay for your own food. 

Sexy, well-bred male looking for a friend/companion to share a house in a highly sought-after area of London.

Please use the number below to apply. Please, serious enquiries only. No, this is not a joke.

P.S. Must love Bowie, or we’re not going to get along.’

Remus quickly put his breakfast things away and, grabbing his phone, fled outside, typing the number into his phone as he went. 

He settled under his favourite tree and pressed call.

“Hello,” A husky voice answered. 

“Oi, hi. My name is Remus Lupin, and I—” He started to explain. 

“Look, mate. I don’t know what you’re selling, but calling me at this ungodly hour is unacceptable. Goodbye.”

“Wait- wait. I’m not selling anything. I’m phoning about your ad!” Remus hurriedly spoke before the man could hang up. 

“Oh, in that case. Hello, I’m Sirius.” Sirius suddenly sounded a lot more cheerful. “So why do you want to be my roommate?”

“Well, erm. I’ve always wanted to move to London, but I’ve been a bit worried about living there on my own.” He told Sirius, deciding the truth would be best. 

“Uhuh, uhuh. Anything else?” Sirius sounded a bit bored. Remus knew he was screwing this up.

“I’m clean and tidy and don’t make much noise. I have enough money saved to pay my way—” Sirius cut him off again. 

“All the bills are paid for. You only need to get yourself food.” Remus nodded even though Sirius couldn’t see him.

“Oh, right. I wasn’t sure if that bit was true. Erm, I don’t have a job yet, but I’ll start looking straight away.”

“Remus, I’m gonna stop you there. I don’t think we’re going to be a good fit. I can already tell you are the complete opposite of me. No offence, but you sound like you go to bed early and like nothing more than to sit by the fire drinking hot chocolate and reading a good book.” Sirius said honestly. He wasn’t wrong. What Sirius had just described was his usual evening routine. He had to think of something compelling to change Sirius’s mind. 

“I have every David Bowie vinyl.” He blurted out. 

“Really?” Sirius sounded excited now. 

“Yeah, yeah, and I don’t know how you feel about T. Rex, but I have all there’s as well, and Led Zeppelin and loads of others.” All he could hear was the slight buzzing from the phones as the line went silent. 

“Alright, Remus Lupin, you’ve twisted my leg. You’re the only person who’s called so far that I’ve actually managed to tolerate for more than ten seconds. So, let’s give it a go. When can you move in?” Remus sat there in shock. 

“Really? You want me?” 

“Sure, why not? The room’s all set up just need to bring some clothes and whatnot. I’ll text you the address, and you can let me know when you want to come. If you find it’s not for you, you can move out whenever you like. That sound okay?” Sirius spoke quickly, but Remus managed to make out all the words. 

“Sounds brilliant. I’ll make arrangements and then give you a date.”

“Grand. Oh, and Remus, I really hope it works out.” With that, Sirius hung up, and Remus was left reeling.

“Oh, you’re totally getting murdered.” Pandora, his best friend, snorted when he told her he was moving to London and what the ad had said. 

“No, I’m not. Sirius seems really nice.”

“Oh, sweet baby, you are so getting chopped into little bits and placed around London to look like a smiley face or something.” She’d clapped her hands together and jumped up and down on the spot. 

“Gee, thanks, Pan. Love the confidence there.” He rolled his eyes and pushed down the panic that her words could actually turn out to be very true. 

The bus was packed with holidayers, commuters and everything in between. Remus was glad of his noise-cancelling headphones and his favourite book. In a couple of hours, he’d be starting his new life. Everything he owned was in the compartment under the bus and was surprisingly little. 

London was busier than he had ever imagined, coming from a tiny village. The noise and smells were overpowering. He got the tube from Victoria next to the coach station and rode it up to Islington. 

He followed Sirius’s directions through a beautiful, tidy neighbourhood. Remus walked past a picturesque park and found the house. Number 12 Grimmauld Place loomed above him. It was far grander than he’d imagined. He walked up the front steps and used the heavy serpentine brass knocker. It thudded loudly against the wooden door. He heard scrabbling on the other side before a heavy lock clunked, and the door swung open to reveal the most beautiful man Remus had ever seen, flipping his long black hair out of his face.

“Remus?!” Sirius exclaimed joyfully. Oh boy, Remus was in trouble. He reached his hand out and shook Sirius’s before following him into the house, closing the heavy door behind him.  

[lulublack90]

Prompt 22 - Evoke

@jegulus-microfic April 22, Word count 966

Last one guys!

Previous part First part

For the second time that week, James woke wrapped around Regulus. The TV was still switched on. Matthew Broderick’s young face smirked back at them. James reached for the remote to turn it off. 

Regulus stirred. He nuzzled his face into James’s chest. James gently ran his fingers through the other man’s hair. 

“Morning, love,” He murmured into the quiet room. 

“Hmmmm,” Regulus groaned as he slowly woke. 

It was their last day together. Tomorrow morning, they would be leaving and returning to their homes. James didn’t want to think about tomorrow. He wanted to make today count. Regulus’s ankle was almost better, but still got sore if he exerted himself too much.

“So what have you two got planned for today?” Sirius asked as they crowded around the sofa with their breakfasts. “More canoodling?” He snickered. 

“Oh, with what I’ve got planned, almost definitely.” James winked at Regulus and watched him screw up his face as he pretended not to enjoy James’s attention. Sirius’s face replicated Regulus’s expression, and Remus clapped him on the back, doing nothing to hide the laughter in his voice. 

“You did ask, Sirius,” Sirius grumbled something under his breath but cheered up when Remus ruffled his hair and pecked a kiss on his cheek.

Soon, Sirius and Remus disappeared together, leaving James and Regulus to themselves. 

“So, do you have something planned, or did you just say that to shut my brother up?” Regulus asked, trying not to look too interested. 

“Can’t it be both?” James answered, wiggling his eyebrows wildly. Regulus huffed out a laugh. 

“Alright, spill it. What are we doing today, then?” James reached into his pocket and tugged out a slightly rumpled leaflet. 

“Did you know that the hotel has a selection of private hot tubs you can rent?” 

“No, I did not,” Regulus leaned closer. 

“We’ll they do, and I’ve rented one for us for this afternoon. So we can watch the sunset together.” James had thought it was a perfect idea, but Regulus’s silence made him second guess himself. 

“And what if I didn’t bring my swimming things?” Regulus broke his silence. 

“Oh—er—erm.” James stammered. He hadn’t thought about that. He always brought his swimming things just in case when he went on holiday. “Well, it is completely enclosed, so it’s up to you. We could go into town and get you something, or you could just wear your undies…” 

Regulus moved so his mouth was whispering against James’s ear. James had to concentrate on breathing evenly so that he didn’t pass out. 

“There’s another choice, you know.” James gulped at Regulus’s sultry tone. “I don’t have to wear anything.” James’s mind went white. Everything became static, and it took him a minute to recover. 

By the time he could think again, Regulus was back on the sofa licking chocolate from his fingers left over from his pain au chocolat. “What about this morning? There are a lot of hours between sunset and now.” Regulus finally took pity on him when his mouth opened and closed a few times, and nothing came out. “ Shall we go have a wander through the shops, get some lunch and then come back and watch a group of kids try and find pirate treasure?” James shook his head. 

“Sounds perfect.” 

The shops were a lot more interesting than James had thought they’d be. There were the usual tourist traps full of crapy overpriced souvenirs. But tucked away at the back of an alley was a little reading cafe. Regulus yanked James into it and refused to leave until it was nearly time for them to get back. 

“Reg? Just so you know, we’ve been here six hours.” Regulus’s head snapped up.

“What?! How?!” He looked shocked and spotted the multiple tea cups on the table. “Oops, sorry. Got carried away.” 

“Absolutely no problem at all, love. I enjoyed watching you enjoy yourself as much as you enjoyed reading. Did you find any you wanted?” James asked indulgently. Regulus looked at the small pile beside him, but before he could narrow it down, James scooped them all up and went to the till to pay. He carried them dutifully up to Regulus’s room, refusing Regulus’s offer to pay for them but accepting his thanks before they headed back outside.  

They settled back into the warm, bubbly water just as the first pink rays began to cross the sky. James leaned his head back on the side and let the water relax his body. He let out a contented sigh as he closed his eyes. 

“James?” Regulus said quietly. 

“Yeah, love?” James replied, keeping his eyes closed. 

“Will we see each other again? You know, after we leave tomorrow.” James cracked an eye and stared at Regulus. 

“You just try and keep me away.” He growled playfully. 

“You promise?” 

“I promise.” He vowed and let his eye droop closed again. 

He felt the water shift as Regulus moved but wasn’t prepared for what happened next. Regulus hopped into his lap and grasped either side of his face with his pale hands. James’s eyes flew open as he stared into those quicksilver eyes. Regulus hesitated for a second before he closed the gap between them and pressed his lips to James’s. 

James wrapped his hands around Regulus’s waist and pulled him closer as he deepened their kiss. 

They lost themselves in each other, missing the sunset entirely. 

They moved away from each other when the stars lit the sky, and Regulus began to complain about pruning. James held Regulus’s hand as they made their way back into the hotel and up to Regulus’s room. James looked back fondly at the hot tub, knowing that every time he saw one now, it would evoke memories of their first perfect kiss. 

[lulublack90]

Sirius: So how’s fatherhood treating you?

Regulus: Good. I didn’t expect this much crying, though

Remus: Don’t worry, Reg, it’s normal for babies

Regulus: What? No, Harry is fine. I was talking about James

James, sobbing from the nursery: I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

[lulublack90]

Prompt 21 - Dystopian AU

@wolfstarmicrofic April 21, word count 979

CW- Death by gunshot

The Earth was dead. Nothing grew apart from genetically modified mushrooms. The planet’s water was so toxic it had to be run through filters repeatedly to make it even halfway drinkable. The once beautiful green country Sirius lived in was now brown.

The HOB owned everything. They owned the food, water, phones, housing, and vehicles. Whatever you could buy. Somehow, it all led back to The HOB. 

Sirius lived in an old block of flats that had been converted to house hundreds of occupants. His room was a small pod. It was barely tall enough for him to sit up in. He did, however, have a shelf, which most people would kill for. It’s the little things in life. 

Most of the Earth's inhabitants, at least those with money, had bought passage on the gigantic space cruisers. They were cities in the skies, set to blast off into outer space to protect the elite from the Earth’s final days. 

Sirius had helped to build these beasts, but apparently, he wasn’t good enough to be part of the crew. So he spent most of his time in a local garage helping to fix the vehicles of the same posh prats that would be leaving.

One such vehicle had an issue that took him the entire day to sort out. He pulled out a stack of paper real-life paper from the air filter box. The customer brushed him off when he came for the vehicle, and Sirius was left with the papers. 

That night, he pored through the papers. He didn’t understand half of it, but he understood enough to know this was important. Sirius decided he needed to show a friend of his what he’d found.

“It’s, it’s, it’s amazing. Sirius, The HOB, has been hiding this from everyone. It’s not too late to save the Earth!” Marlene exclaimed as she typed some complicated equations into her computer. 

The door burst open, and armed guards flooded into the small space. They raised their guns and shot Marlene before she could even open her mouth. Sirius ran. 

He didn’t know how he got out of that room, but if he had to guess, they probably hadn’t expected him to move. 

Sirius had always been fast, and he used the adrenaline coursing through his veins to run as fast as he could. The men were right behind him, though. He dashed around a corner and found himself on the airfield with the space cruisers. 

He raced towards the nearest one and, with the knowledge only someone who’d helped build one, opened a secret hatch in its belly and wiggled into the cramped space. 

He gulped in air as he tried to catch his breath. The hull was so dense. He had no idea if the men were still there. He’d have to leave it for a few hours at least before he tried to escape. 

With the adrenaline wearing off and nothing but his thoughts to keep him company, he let the misery of Marlene’s death wash over him and focused on how it was his fault she was gone. The tears that fell from his eyes were thick and hot. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d cried. 

Suddenly, a horrendous booming rumble blasted his eardrums. It took him precious moments to realise the ship was about to launch. He tried in vain to open the hatch, but once the engines were engaged, all external doorways were locked down. 

The noise got louder, and he screamed as his eardrums tried hopelessly to block out the noise. He crushed his fists to them and felt the ship begin to rise. 

The booming got worse, and he was crushed into the floor as the behemoth gained speed. He felt his bones rattling and shaking as the ship fought against the Earth’s gravitational pull. 

After what felt like an eternity, everything stopped. He knew there would be the gentle thrum of the engines if his ears could actually pick up sounds anymore and that the ship wouldn’t feel like it was moving at all if his body wasn’t still trembling. 

He reached his hand above him and unlocked the internal hatch above him. He dragged himself up into the corridor. It was made for crew and never meant to be seen by the paying passengers. He wandered along it, having no idea what he was going to do. He didn’t have permission to be here, and he didn’t put it past some of the employees on here not to just expel him into the void. 

His ears popped as he walked down another corridor, and he regained some of his hearing just in time to catch the sound of boots walking towards the next bend ahead of him. He flew through the door beside him and waited for the footsteps to disappear. 

Sirius glanced around the room he was in. It appeared to be sleeping quarters, and compared to his tiny pod, it was huge. Two full-sized beds, built into the wall in bunks, a door that probably led to a washroom and two sets of drawers. 

Before he could plan his next move, the washroom door opened, and a tall shirtless man wrapped only in a towel, with beads of water running down his chest, walked out into the room. 

“Oh, hello. I didn’t think I had a bunkmate.” He reached out a hand. “I’m Remus.” Sirius tentatively took it and shook it. 

“Sirius,” He introduced himself. 

“Well, hello, Sirius. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

Sirius forgot all about the previous hours of his life. He’d have to find a way back to Earth and figure out a way to get the information out that would save it so that Marlene’s death wouldn’t be meaningless. But right now, all he cared about was the man with the honey eyes beaming at him.     

[lulublack90]

Prompt 21 - Run

@jegulus-microfic April 21, Word count 898

Previous part First part

James didn’t come back all day. Regulus paced the small living area, doing laps around the sofa. He didn’t even know why he’d freaked out. James’s parents weren’t his own and judging by what James had told him about them and James himself as proof, they were probably perfectly wonderful people. But he and James had only met a few days ago. Gah. He continued pacing. 

Around dinnertime, Sirius and Remus returned with bags bulging with records and trinkets from the small touristy town. Remus took one look at Regulus’s limp and ordered him into bed. 

“If you continue to overdo it. It will take a lot longer for your ankle to heal.” Regulus had grunted and stomped off to his dark bedroom, his ankle throbbing. 

He threw himself on his bed and flicked through the films on his TV. Nothing caught his interest. 

A soft knock woke him from a nap brought on by boredom. 

“Hey, Reggie, feel like a chat?” Sirius asked gently. 

“No,” Regulus said bluntly. But sighed straight after. “Yeah, okay.” He shuffled over on the bed to make room for Sirius and waited for his brother to begin talking.

“So you freaked out,” Sirius said. Regulus groaned and dropped his head into his hands. 

“I’m an idiot.” 

“Yup.” Sirius reached over and patted him on the head. “You’ll be fine. James seems like a giant sweetheart and won’t have even thought about introducing you to his parents as anything but getting food.” 

“Really?” Regulus looked up, hopefully. 

“Why else would he have invited me and Remus, for that matter? Someone he’s barely interacted with. He’s just doing something nice.” Sirius patted his leg and left him to mull over his words. 

It had been over 24 hours since he’d seen James. Sirius’s words had helped for a few hours, but he’d started spiralling as he overthought every little thing. 

“Reggie, you ready? We’re going down to get drinks before dinner. Don’t be late.” Sirius called through the door when it was nearly time to go to the restaurant. 

Regulus paced the floor at the end of his bed. He was trying to decide whether to go or not. He checked his phone. He was already late. 

Quickly, he threw on the green shirt from yesterday that James had liked so much and hurried to the restaurant. He skidded through the door. A sheen of sweat beading on his forehead. He grabbed a napkin from the trolly and wiped his brow. He scanned the room, and his eyes landed on James. 

James was laughing heartily with the rest of the table at something his dad had said. Taking a calming breath, Regulus walked the short distance to their table. 

“Hi, sorry I’m late.” The beaming smile James gave him upon his arrival erased all the worry he’d felt since yesterday morning. 

“Not at all, darling. Sit, sit, what do you want to drink?” Effie’s smile was just as warm as her son’s. She flagged down a waiter, and Regulus ordered a gin and tonic before slipping into the empty seat next to James. 

“I didn’t know if you would come,” James said quietly to him. 

“Sorry.” He murmured, pushing down his nerves and looking James in the eyes. “I’ve never met anyone’s parents before, and I sort of freaked out.” James’s face softened. 

“Hate to break it to you, love. But I’m not that deep. You have to eat. We have to eat. I thought we could do it together, have a couple of drinks, and then go watch The Breakfast Club before bed.” Regulus snorted. 

“I really overthought this, didn’t I?”

“Just a tad. But hey, I find it rather cute that you’re that worried about meeting my parents.” Regulus peaked at the Potter’s and let the small smile play across his lips. James’s dad was currently in a dramatic battle with Sirius over who could pull the silliest face, and Effie was chatting with Remus about his practice.

They ate their way through three delicious courses. Regulus found it oddly easy to talk to James’s parents. They were so warm it was hard not to get along with them. 

“So, how did you two meet then?” Effie asked Sirius and Remus. 

“Well,” Sirius replied with his winning smile. “When your son tried to turn Reggie here into a snowman, Remus was called to come and check his ankle out, and we met just as he was leaving.”

“Wait,” Effie said, confused. “I thought you said your practice was in London?” Remus nodded as he swallowed his last mouthful of chocolate tart.

“Oh, it is. But Molly at the front desk knew I was a doctor and asked if I’d have a look before I went to explore the shops. I wasn’t in any rush, so I had a look, and just as I was leaving, Sirius walked in.” 

“Remind me to get Molly a gift before we leave,” Sirius told Remus, taking his hand and kissing the back of his hand. 

While his parents were enraptured by Remus’s tale, James shuffled closer to Regulus.    

“Shall we run away now?” James asked. Regulus’s eyes widened as he looked at the others and nodded at James. He let out a squeal of joy when James grabbed him up into his arms and ran out of the restaurant with him into the conveniently waiting lift. 

Final part

[lulublack90]

Prompt 20 - Florist AU

@wolfstarmicrofic April 20, word count 669

Every morning, Remus had to walk past a florist to get to work. He’d go the other way, but it was so much longer and going this way cut a whole ten minutes off his commute.

He had to bury his face in his jumper as he walked past. Even on the other side of the road, the smell was pungent. It made his eyes water, and he’d sneeze for hours afterwards. But he’d never been inside. 

His favourite work colleague had just found out she was pregnant, and he wanted to get her a gift. Her name was Lily, so he wanted to get her one in congratulations, as she’d mentioned years ago that it was lucky that her favourite flowers were lilies or else that would be awkward. 

A little bell tinkled as he pushed the door open. The shop was full to bursting with blooms of every colour and variety you could wish for. He was instantly overwhelmed by the smell and the choice. He took shallow, even breaths in through his mouth so as not to aggravate his nostrils. 

A man dressed entirely in black, not a single bit of colour on him, appeared through a beaded curtain that Remus supposed led to the back rooms and flashed a dazzling smile at him. 

“Hello and welcome to Kabloom, where all our flowers are an explosion of colour and perfume!” The man proclaimed proudly. “My name is Sirius. How may I be of service this fine, fine day?” Remus was quite taken aback by the level of exuberance Sirius emitted.

“My friend is having a baby, and I wanted to get her a lily,” Remus said as he glanced around at the shop, unsure what a lily actually looked like. 

“Aww, how lovely. I must check, though, that she doesn’t have a cat. Just because lilies are extremely toxic to them.” Sirius warned. 

“No, she doesn’t have a cat. I think she’s got a goldfish, though.” He added.

“I don’t know about goldfish, but yeah, lilies are really bad for cats. Okay, so I think the Lilium candidum would be perfect. It’s got these beautiful delicate petals and smells wonderful.” Sirius darted to the left and grabbed a pot with a lot of small green leaves along a tall stalk. The top was adorned with wide-open flowerheads with bright yellow pollen on the tips of long fingers, making them look like matches. He handed it over to Remus. “It does best outside but can be potted in a suitable pot in the house as long as it’s provided with adequate sunlight. It may need staking as it grows.”

“Thank you,” Remus said gratefully, happy to have the burden of choice taken away from him. “How much do I owe you?” Sirius went behind the till and punched something into the till. 

“That one will set you back £25, but I will accept a date as payment if that is amenable to you?” A sweet smile played across Sirius’s lips, and that’s when Remus noticed just how blue Sirius’s eyes were. The man didn’t need to wear coloured clothing when his eyes sparkled like that. Remus cleared his throat. He was taking too much time to respond. 

“Yes. Yes, I’d quite like that.” 

They exchanged numbers so they could plan their date. 

“I swear I’ve never done this before,” Sirius swore, clearly not wanting Remus to think he exchanged flowers for dates with people all the time. “I just wanted to get to know you.” Sirius had ducked his head, trying to hide his rising blush. 

“Well, I’m flattered. I don’t get asked out very often.” Remus confessed.

“Then everyone’s an idiot,” Sirius declared, making Remus blush this time. He left the shop not long after, carrying his lily carefully. 

Now, every morning, Remus left his flat a full half an hour early just so he could pop his head into that florist and chat with its owner. The smell didn’t seem to bother him anymore, either.    

[lulublack90]

Prompt 20 - Green

@jegulus-microfic April 20, Word count 971

Previous part First part

James woke having slept better than he ever had, and James Potter slept pretty damn well. There was something warm pressed up against him, and his arms were wrapped around it. He scrunched up his eyes, willing himself to fall back to sleep. But it was useless once he was awake. That was it. 

He let his eyes flutter open and groaned at the sight before him. Regulus was curled into a little ball, snuggled up against his chest, peacefully asleep. James couldn’t help the grin that stretched across his face. 

He studied Regulus’s face. He was so beautiful, all porcelain skin and high cheekbones. James’s eyes drifted to the plump, full lips, and he had to use all his willpower not to press his lips against them in a kiss. He dragged his eyes away from them to lessen the temptation. 

Regulus’s nose, James noticed, was poker straight and ever so slightly too long, but the rest of his face absorbed that, and unless, like James, you were looking at it scrutinisingly, you’d never notice. 

James’s eyes roamed further up and took in the light purple crescents underneath Regulus’s closed eyes. He couldn’t help it. He unwound an arm from around Regulus and gently stroked the silky, thin skin with the pad of his finger. Just once. 

He smiled down, memorising everything, completely missing when those stormy grey eyes flicked open.

“James, what are you doing?” Regulus asked, his eyebrow crooking up. James started and blushed at having been caught staring. 

“Sorry, you just look so pretty when you sleep.” He turned his head away, suddenly feeling quite shy. Regulus raised his hand and cupped James’s cheek.

“You think I’m pretty?” His voice was barely a whisper. James swallowed hard and nodded. 

Regulus turned his face to face him. They were inches away. James watched as Regulus moved painfully slowly nearer. Giving him every opportunity to move, but James had no intention of moving. 

He could feel Regulus’s breath ghosting across his skin, his lips. They were so close. 

“Oi, you two, breakfast!” A loud thump at the door caused them to jump apart. The spell broken, they both hurried to get out of the room without looking at each other. 

Sirius and Remus sat curled up together on the sofa, sipping cups of tea and munching on toast. 

“Morning,” James yawned as he helped himself to coffee and croissants. He went to sit on the floor opposite the sofa, leaving the armchair for Regulus. Sirius threw him one of the sofa cushions so he’d be more comfortable, and he tucked into his breakfast. 

“Aren’t your parents going to be wondering why you didn’t come home last night?” Sirius grinned wickedly at James. 

“Probably not, separate rooms.” James winked at him. Sirius threw his head back and barked out a laugh. 

“You know, James. I really like you.” He told him earnestly. James grinned back widely. 

“Well, I like you too,”

“Wanna be best friends?” Sirius snickered jokingly. But before James could answer, Regulus’s bedroom door opened again, and he entered the living area. He was wearing an emerald green shirt, and against his complexion, it made him look almost ethereal. James whined audibly, causing Regulus to look up, shocked. 

James hurriedly stuffed an entire croissant in his mouth and promptly choked on the buttery pastry. Remus jumped up and helped him through it. 

“James, in my professional opinion, it is always best to chew large items of food before you try to swallow them.” He chucked, patting James on the back once James had cleared his airway. 

“Yeah, thanks, Doc.” James rolled his eyes at Remus, and Remus retook his seat beside Sirius. “Oh, before I forget,” James started, needing something to say to take his mind off how well the shirt hugged Regulus’s torso. “My parents wanted to know if you wanted to come to dinner. You as well, Remus, of course.” He added, not wanting to leave him out.

“When?” Remus asked when neither of the brothers answered. 

“Er- tomorrow?” He answered quickly. His parents hadn’t actually specified, but Euphemia had always instilled in him that you must allow at least 24 hours’ notice for any invitation to give your guests time to prepare. 

“Sounds lovely,” Remus said, flicking his eyes to Sirius. “This one will come as well. I don’t know about him, though.” He jabbed a thumb at Regulus. 

Regulus was shuffling awkwardly behind the sofa. Remus took pity on him. “Come on, Sirius, let’s go into town, and I can show you this little record shop I found.” Remus tugged at Sirius’s arm.

“But I’ve not even finished my tea,” Sirius complained. 

“I’ll buy you one, come on.” Remus persisted. Sirius finally picked up on the tension in the room and allowed Remus to lead him away. 

Once the door was shut, Regulus moved to grasp the back of the sofa. 

“You want to introduce me to your parents?” He asked warily. 

“I mean, sure. I’ve told them a lot about you and Sirius, and they want to meet you. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” He was struggling to understand why Regulus was being so weird about it. It was only dinner, not a marriage proposal. 

“Just as friends, yeah?” Regulus checked.

“If that’s what you want,” James replied, feeling his stomach drop. He forced his face into a smile. It didn’t meet his eyes. 

“Right, well, I need a shower and some clean clothes, so I’ll leave you to it.” He skirted around the sofa and dashed for the door, not looking back. 

Once the door had closed, he leaned back against the wall and let his head thud into it. He was such an idiot. Why would Regulus want to be anything more than friends with him?     

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[lulublack90]

Prompt 19 - Angel/Demon AU

@wolfstarmicrofic April 19, word count 682

After the fall of Eden and the opening of Pandora’s box, when the World began to crumble, an Angel was created for each Demon. It was their job to restore the balance of any ill-doing their Demon committed and try to quell any rebellion of the Demon realm. 

Sirius had travelled the world and back again, over the aeons, following his Demon and the destruction left behind in his wake. It irked him that his Demon, unlike most of the others, seemed to be particularly creative in his wrongdoings. He’d set off a volcano in Pompeii because a street vendor had gotten in his way. He wiped Atlantis off the map without a trace it had ever existed because the king had refused him hospitality. The fall of Rome. The Titanic, World War 1 and World War 2, for that matter. 

Modern government had been a rather nasty one, putting imbeciles in charge of entire nations of humans and watching the utter carnage that followed. 

After that pièce de résistance, the Demon had calmed down. The humans were destroying themselves faster than he could provoke them, so he’d basically retired from his demonic ways and spent his time revelling in the world going to pot. 

Sirius tracked him down to a little village up in Scotland and, for the next few decades, tried to convince the Demon to give being good a go. 

“Come on, Remus, why won’t you even try? You never know you might like it.” Sirius had said as they sipped tea in Remus’s library. “You can’t be all bad. There must be some good in you, at least. I mean, look at all these books,” He waved his hands at the floor-to-ceiling shelves that covered every wall. “You have hundreds of them. You must have absorbed some good from them.” Remus slurped his tea from his cup, making Sirius wince. He placed the teacup down on his saucer and leaned all the way back in his chair. Grasping the armrests with his hands, he smiled genteelly at the Angel. 

“Why don’t you open one and find out?” Remus challenged, his voice dripping with honey. Sirius gingerly reached out and selected a book at random. He let it fall open in his hands and read a few sentences before he snapped it shut, horror colouring his face. 

“It’s smut!” He grabbed another and another down off the shelves. Tossing each aside after he’d read a few words. “They’re all smut!” He exclaimed, still going. “More smut!” He stood back from the shelves and spun on the spot, looking with new eyes on the rows and rows of books. “It’s all smut!” He gasped. Remus snorted, and Sirius turned to face him. 

“Come on, Sirius, try it. I bet you’ll like it.” Remus purred. And for the first time in millennia, the Angel was tempted by the Demon. 

His feet moved him forward of their own accord. He watched as his hand raised and touched the spine of one of the books. His fingers wrapped around it, and he began to remove it from the shelf, but Remus jumped up and yanked him away. 

“No, no. Not that one. Your eyes will melt in their sockets if you read that one. Er, try this.” The Demon reached up, revealing a strip of tanned skin between his knitted jumper and black trousers. Sirius swallowed. What was happening to him? Remus placed a thin paperback book in Sirius’s hand, and they returned to their seats. 

Sirius flipped the book open and began to read. A strange, tingly feeling in his abdomen startled him when he read a description of a man walking across a beach. It almost felt as though butterflies were happily flapping inside his stomach. It wasn’t unpleasant. Sirius could feel that this was the start of something different. He didn’t know what yet, but he was sure it wouldn’t be long before he found out. 

The Demon watched him closely as Sirius devoured the pages, a half smile tugging at his lips as he poured another cup of tea.

[lulublack90]

Prompt 19 - Class

@jegulus-microfic April 19, Word count 847

Previous part First part

Regulus dropped James’s hand as soon as the door was closed. He stood there awkwardly, not sure what to do with himself. James had just hugged him. Actually hugged him, and not because his ankle was buggered. 

“Sorry you had to deal with all that,” He gestured widely, trying to encompass the whole situation. He stared at the carpet, not able to meet James’s eyes. What if he’d had enough of his shenanigans and spent the rest of his holiday doing what he came here to do?

“No problem,” James replied, grinning from ear to ear. “I nearly mistakenly got thrown out of the hotel by this huge ginger guy. I’ve never been thrown out of anywhere it was class!” James grabbed Regulus’s hand again and gently dragged him to the bed so he could sit down. 

Regulus made himself comfortable, only now realising he hadn’t eaten dinner as his stomach gave a loud, angry rumble.

“Have you not eaten?” James said aghast. 

“No. I haven’t had time to, what with everything going on.” He could feel his cheeks heating and knew they’d be burning red. James opened the bedside table and threw the menu at him.

“Order something.” He said before jumping on the bed and stealing the remote. 

Regulus scanned the list of rich French cuisine the hotel offered as room service, and a wave of nausea flooded his body. 

“I really want a burger or something like that. But I they don’t have anything like that.” He said, putting the menu aside. He’d wait until he could order breakfast. 

“Yes, hi, I’m in room 212. Yes, that’s right, Mr Black. Well, the thing is, he really wants a burger and chips… You will! Oh, Molly, you absolute angel… No, no, I had food with my parents, though I wouldn’t say no to some popcorn to go with the film… Perfect, thank you so much… Yes, I’m sure we will, you too. Bye now.” James hung up the phone before Regulus could protest. “Twenty minutes,” He told Regulus as he flicked down the menu on the TV.

Regulus stared at James as he continued to click the remote. No one apart from Sirius had cared about his wants like that, and James didn’t even expect anything in return, only to watch a film with him. Regulus was suddenly overcome with emotion and, without thinking, moved forward to wrap his arms around James and bury his head in the other man’s back. 

“Thank you,” He whispered into the thick muscle. James shuffled, and Regulus unexpectedly found himself cradled in James’s lap. He blinked rapidly, his brain trying to figure out what had just happened. 

“What about Stardust? I love that film.” James’s deep voice vibrated from his chest into Regulus’s. Regulus’s mouth went dry. Unable to speak, he nodded. James grinned at him, clicked play on Claire Danes’s face and wriggled them back until his back rested against the headboard. 

They were so absorbed in their quiet bubble that they didn’t hear the knock at the suite door or the gentle tap at the bedroom door. They did, however, notice when Sirius opened the door so forcefully it banged off the wall. 

“Aww, don’t you two look cosy?” Regulus tried to slide off James’s lap, but James wrapped a gentle hand around his waist, giving him the option to move if he wanted. But signalling that he didn’t mind if he stayed. Regulus stayed.“Your food is here,” Sirius smirked at them as he carried a tray over and placed it on the bedside table. “Bon appétit!” Sirius exclaimed with a flourish and an exaggerated bow before he left them to it. Just before he completely left the room, he tilted his head back in. “Oh, just so you know, Remus is staying over tonight. Not that you were going to, but probably don’t come into my room. I don’t want to scar you for life.” He winked, and he was gone. 

James’s laugh bounced Regulus against his chest, and with one arm still wrapped around him, James spun to grab the food. 

Regulus’s mouth watered at the sight of his dinner. It was exactly what he wanted. He bit into it and groaned.  Before he could even finish the food in his mouth, he had to swat James’s hand away from his plate when he caught him trying to steal his chips. 

“Mine!” He mumbled around his mouthful of food, narrowing his eyes.

“Oh, go on just one. Please.” James pleaded. Regulus rolled his eyes and picked up a chip for James to take. But instead of taking it with his free hand, James leant forward and snagged it between his teeth, chuckling as he chomped it into his mouth. “Thanks, love.” He said as he grabbed the bowl of popcorn off the tray. 

They spent the rest of the film steadily making their way through the popcorn, falling asleep in each other’s arms halfway through Labyrinth, which on a normal day Regulus would have found unacceptable behaviour. But it hadn’t been a normal day.     

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