#Remus: shopkeeper

[wolfstarshipping]

The Road Not Taken (88.278 words) by mollymarymarie

Rating: Explicit

modern AU, everybody lives!AU

Summary:

Ten years ago, Remus broke the heart of his best friend. Just before that friend became world-renowned pop icon, Sirius Black. Now, his other best friends are having a baby, and they've named both Remus and Sirius the godfather of their unborn child as some convoluted plot to get them back together. They pretend it doesn't work while simultaneously, and secretly, finding their way back to one another.

Comment:

This fic was just incredible. The tension between Remus and Sirius, and all the heartache and yearning and want and all the other emotions all just felt so real and it was really easy to get completely absorbed into their little universe, I highly recommend checking it out and reading it! Also, there's some beautiful smut later in the fic and the build up to that is just *chefs kiss*.

[ellecdc]

The Ruined Apothecary

Remus Lupin x feisty fem!reader who reconnect after Hogwarts

CW: chronic pain, Remus uses a mobility aid, financial insecurity, fluff/banter

A/N: I think this was a request from @maladaptiveescapism like eons ago about feisty reader who runs into Remus prior to a full moon post Hogwarts and somehow knows what Remus needs unprompted

Remus hated shopping in Diagon Alley for a number of reasons.

One, he hated running into people from Hogwarts – and the chances of such happening were quite high due to how small the Wizarding community was.

Two, he never could keep track of who was aware of his status as a werewolf and who didn’t, and more importantly, who took issue with his status.

But what he hated most of all was coming to Diagon Alley this close to the full moon on account of the two aforementioned reasons.

Unfortunately, Remus had left it too late to restock his medicine and potions cabinet, and he was out of dittany, valerian root, and pain potions; all things he couldn’t find for himself in the muggle world, and though he knew his friends would be more than happy to run these errands for him, he was tired of relying on them.

So, he put on a beanie and his denim jacket, a pair of ratty old converse and grabbed the cane that Sirius had insisted Remus let him buy for him because “it has moons on it!” and hobbled through Diagon Alley towards the discount Apothecary he hoped wasn’t out of stock of the common post-moon essentials.

“Lupin?” He heard from behind him, causing him to groan internally. 

He could pretend he hadn’t heard them, though, there was still a way out of this.

“Oh, come now, I know you heard me.” He heard the voice again.

So much for that plan.

Remus reluctantly turned towards the voice, only to be accosted by the beautiful image you painted, standing in the middle of Diagon Alley looking exactly like you had at school, but somehow more beautiful.

Remus hated that.

“L/N?” He asked, raising a hand in hello. To Remus’ absolute horror, you began moving towards him.

“Wow, I rarely get to see you around these parts. I’d say that makes me sad, but you and your friends were never a welcome sight back at school.” You jested, looking Remus up and down.

It took everything in him not to try to hide from your piercing gaze.

“Oh, I’m sure you see James and Sirius around enough for the lot of us.”

You laughed at that – Remus wasn’t sure he’d ever heard you laugh; certainly not back in school, and certainly not on account of anything he had said.

“Well, it gets a little boring around these parts sometimes; your lot would help keep some of these tosser shopkeeps on their toes I reckon.” You spat, glaring menacingly at a particular elderly shopkeep - who was very clearly eavesdropping on your conversation - causing them to hastily re-enter their establishment.

“Soddin’ no good Gwendolyn.” You grumbled, still staring daggers towards the offending shop. Remus felt his cheeks flame when his laugh turned into a coughing fit on account of his ribs stretching in preparation for the moon. 

You looked him over once again with a perceptive gaze that made Remus feel like he was standing naked in the middle of Diagon Alley.

He’d had that dream once before; didn’t much care for it.

“Where’re you headed?” You asked then, appearing for all intents and purposes like you were making casual conversation, though Remus knew better. 

“Just running some errands.” He offered noncommittally, and some of that feisty witch he remembered from back in school made an appearance as you narrowed your eyes at him. 

“Really?” You sneered at him. “I rather thought you were here to work on your tan.”

Remus - the dumb sod - actually looked up at the sky as if wondering if that was a good enough excuse to go by, only to be met with the familiar overcast sky that the UK typically wore.

“What errands, Lupin?” You asked again, and some of that heat from your sarcasm seemed to dissipate from your tone as your gaze turned softer.

“The Apothecary.” Remus admitted, not having the energy nor the patience to lie to you.

Your face grew into a wide grin at that, and he once again tried to remember if he’d ever seen you smile before; certainly not at him.

“Well why didn’t you just say so? I own an Apothecary, you know?” 

And he did know which was why he’d never been before.

He’d never been before because the ingredients he’d procured and the frequency of which he procured them would give away his status to one who didn’t already know it. It was admittedly easier having some middle-aged shopkeep who didn’t know him - and thus didn’t give a thestrals arse about what Remus was - dispense his ingredients than someone who he went to school with.

The other reason he’d never been before was that he was quite certain he’d never be able to afford your prices.

But you were already walking away from him as if you were expecting him to follow.

“It was nice seeing you!” He tried to dismiss you as he turned to walk the other way. 

“Oh, I don’t think so, Lupin.” He heard you call as you turned back towards him. “My shop’s this way.” 

Remus let out a sigh as he stared you down defiantly. 

He didn’t want to go to your shop. He didn’t want you to know what ingredients he needed for the potions and medical care he required every month. He also didn’t want to have to ask you in the end if he could come back and pay for the rest of his tab on payday, nor did he want to empty his wallet in one shop.

But his hip was killing him, his fingers were gripping the handle of his cane painfully, and you were standing there staring at him with your eyes and your looks and your gorgeousness and fucking dammit. 

He’d have to stop by Gringotts on his way out and see if they provide lines of credit. 

Your shop was….absolutely nothing like he expected it to be.

Don’t get him wrong, it definitely looked like a Slytherin owned and operated it, what with its deep jewel-toned walls, dark stained wood shelves, desks, and furniture, and the low-hanging ceiling that saw various plants, dried arrangements, and… crystals? hanging from it. 

“What’s with that face, Lupin?” You asked him from behind the desk, alerting him to the fact that he was standing in the middle of your shop staring at the ceiling with a look of pure discombobulation. 

“Are those…crystals?” He asked as he made his way, albeit slowly, towards your counter. 

You looked up at the ceiling as if noticing them for the first time. “Ah, yes; those would be Pandora’s doing. Something about the wrackspurts or what not, I couldn’t tell you.” You explained flippantly. “She offers tea leaf readings on Saturday’s if you’re interested.”

Remus let out a snort at that, immediately horrified that he just belittled a service that your shop provided. “Oh! I, erm, I mean-”

“Relax, Lupin; I’ve not had my tea leaves read either.” You offered in monotone, looking up and offering him a smirk.

“Not big on divination, I take it?” He asked you then, watching as you set up parchments and twine along your workbench. 

“Not at all; but she was bad for business which was what I was looking for.” 

Remus felt his head tilt at that but you disappeared behind the curtain into a store room before he was able to comment on your word choice. 

Remus leaned heavily against the counter as he made himself busy watching what looked to be a bowtruckle climb through the vines and branches of an ancient looking tree that seemed to make up the majority of the shop's ceiling. 

You reappeared from the back room with an overflowing basket of ingredients, and far more supplies than Remus came here for.

“Oh! I, erm, I only came for dittany, valerian root, and pain potions today.” He offered awkwardly, trying to stand up straighter and wincing when his hip cracked audibly. 

You looked up at him then, clearly fighting off an expression that threatened to take over your face that would give away the fact that you thought Remus quite stupid for explaining, which Remus also noted was a new skill you acquired since your days in school.

“Right…” You offered awkwardly, looking back down at your basket. “I also added some moonseed, powdered moonstone, powdered silver, and some wiggenweld potions.” 

“Moonseed can be used as a salve for your sores, Remus.” Madame Pomfrey explained to him after graduation before he left Hogwarts for the last time. “Do keep some on you at all times, okay? And any ingredients that can be used in pain potions or calming draughts; powdered moonstone, valerian root, and for very deep werewolf injuries, please keep powdered silver on you as well.” He simply smiled at Madame Pomfrey before pecking a kiss to her cheek - his mum away from home and the witch who single handedly ensured Remus’ survival all these years - not bothering to admit to her that he’d likely never be able to afford these ingredients as a lycanthrope.

He didn’t even register that you seemed to know of his lycanthropy nor that you had packaged everything up for him in your parchments and twine, adding sprigs of fluxweed between the knot of twine - for decoration or practical use, Remus wasn’t sure - until you read his total out for him. 

“That’ll be three galleons and 25 knuts, please.” You said simply as you stared at him expectantly.

Three galleons?! The powdered silver should be almost five, alone. 

“That’s not enough.” He pressed quickly, causing one of your eyebrows to raise at him.

“It’s my shop, I get to charge what I feel.”

“I don’t need your charity, L/N.” He spat then, officially losing what little patience he had. Money had always been a sore spot for him, and this was exactly why he didn’t come to your Apothecary; a well-done by Sacred 28 witch like you wouldn’t understand.

“Lupin.” You chided harshly. “Since you’ve never bothered to frequent my shop before, you may not be aware that I had my business passed through the Ministry in partnership with St. Mungo’s as a sliding scale provider, meaning that I only have to charge people what they can afford to pay me. Aside from that, my family has more money than any of my potential future children’s children’s children will know what to do with, so I will tell you again: it is my shop, I get to charge what I feel.” 

Remus’ eyes flit back towards the ceiling without his consent to watch the bowtruckle twirl one of the hanging crystals and chatter happily as it watched the rainbow lights reflecting along the walls.

“Those would be Pandora’s…she offers tea leaf readings on Saturday’s; she was bad for business which was what I was looking for.”

“This was your father’s shop.” Remus concluded, watching your jaw tighten as you gave him a curt nod. “And you…did this?” Remus continued as he gestured to the store vaguely.

“Ruined it, yes.” You confirmed.

“Who said it was ruined?”

You hummed as you looked off into the distance recalling the names of people who said you had destroyed your family’s business. “My entire family, their peers, the business department at the Ministry, Professor Slughorn… the likes.”

You seemed surprised when you returned your gaze to Remus to find him smiling softly at you. 

“Why?” He whispered at you, causing you to smile what appeared to be bashfully. 

“I don’t need to profit off of someone else's struggles.” You said simply, no longer making eye contact with Remus and opting to bag the packages in front of you in order to have something to do with your hands. “I’m in a position to help, so…I feel like I should.”

Remus let out a hum of acknowledgment as he placed his three galleons and 25 knuts on the counter in front of you. 

“Or…” Remus started teasingly as he accepted the brown paper bag you had placed his packages in from your hand. “You’ve gone soft.”

Your face fell then as you stared him down challengingly, though Remus relished in the hint of a smile from your lips. “Get the hells out of my shop, Lupin.”

Remus laughed as he backed away from the counter, his bag and cane in one hand as he pointed at you. “No, no. You’ve made a terrible mistake, L/N. I will be haunting this shop frequently from now on.”

“Stay out of trouble, will you Lupin?” You called back to him as he made it to the door of the shop. 

“You know what? I don’t think I will. Thanks, dove! Next time I’ll stop by with James and Sirius!”

And he couldn’t help the beaming smile that took over his face as he heard your groan some profanity as the door slipped shut behind him. 

Oh yeah, he’d definitely be telling the boys that he found a new Apothecary, and that they should absolutely be investing their families money in it.

[milunalupin]

— mint to be

remus lupin x reader ★ 1k words

The little bell above the door jingled as the last customer left the bookstore. Remus let out a deep sigh as he looked around at all the picking up and re-sorting he had to do. He went to reach for one of the mint candies by the register he offered to customers, but his hand stopped and brows furrowed as he noticed a few of the candies were missing their wrappers. He picked the bare candies out and tossed them in the bin under the counter before grabbing a new one and popping it in his mouth while he went to get the book cart.

Remus had started working at the bookstore just over a year ago, Mr. Brown being the only shopkeeper in Hogsmeade kind enough to offer him a job with a livable wage. He had always been an avid reader and lover of all literature so it was a match made in heaven. The bookstore was in a quieter corner of the Hogsmeade, standing right across from the town's magical creature research center and rescue. Nothing exciting happened on this side of the village, until he met you.

"Have you got any plans tonight, Remus?"

"No, why do you ask, Sir?"

"Saw your little bird working today, assumed you'd see her once you were done closing up."

Remus' sweater suddenly felt a little too warm, his fingers reaching up to pull at the neckline, as Mr. Brown smirked at him from across the shop. "N-no sir, I'm not."

"You should think about doing that instead of ogling at her all day, eh?" the shopkeeper shook his head and tutted quietly to himself, waving goodbye for the night, leaving his embarrassed employee alone in the bookstore.

Remus was never the most talkative person in the first place, but the moment you walked into Brown's Bookshop, he had suddenly forgotten every word he'd ever read. You had introduced yourself as Mr. Scamander's new apprentice, babbling on about your love for magical creatures, to which Remus could only smile and nod as he tried not to fall in love with you right then and there. You left the shop that day with a few books on your favorite beasts and an admirer.

Remus wishes he had met you back at Hogwarts, where he might've been lucky enough to be partnered with you in a class, or perhaps he would've been brave enough to invite you to one of the parties his friends always hosted. Now he just watches you through the shops windows like a fucking creep. It's not like he didn't want to talk to you, but how could he? Remus sighed at took one more glance out the window before leaving the shop himself, locking up and heading home with a heavy heart.

You froze as soon as you walked into work this morning, golden wrappers scattered across the floor, your eyes squinting in suspicion. You picked up the wrappers on your way to the backroom where the new Niffler rescue was, shoving them in the pocket of your cardigan.

"Hey little guy." you coed softly, picking up the small fluffy creature, and bringing him to your face. He squirmed in your hands, reaching for the corner of plastic sticking out of your pocket. "Are all these wrappers your doing?"

In a second the Niffler was out of your hands and scurrying out he door. You grabbed your wand as well as a small cage and dashed out the door, eyes scanning the cobblestone streets. "Oh you're going to be in so much trouble!"

You caught a flash of blue fur and ran ahead, apologizing to the Hogsmeade patrons you bumped into on the way. Hurrying into the shop, you failed to notice which fine establishment the little troublemaker had led you into, only realizing as reached the front desk as saw one surprised Remus Lupin.

"Hello there, can I help you with anything?" Rosy cheeks and warm eyes greeted you, his big sweater and fluffy hair making him look exceptionally huggable.

"Remus, hi! Yes, it seems that.." your eyes trailed down from the face you've been not-so-discreetly staring at every time you go to work to the wooden bowl next to the register. It was filled with gold wrapped mints with a 'Please take one!' post it note stuck to the side. You felt hot with embarrassment, making a mental note to not give the Niffler extra treats today. "That little-"

Squeak!

The two of your turned to see the blue devil standing on the book cart with his paws on the side of his head is surprise. You cast 'Accio' on the mini beast and made sure the cage was locked once he was inside.

"So he was the wrapper thief, huh." Remus chuckled, coming around to your side of the counter and bending down to look at the Niffler behind his tiny bars, sticking a finger through the gate to pet the creature.

"I'm so sorry for any disturbances and inconveniences he's caused, I owe you one, Remus." you sent him a tight lipped smile and turned to head back to work to save you from any further embarrassment.

"Actually, you would do me a huge favor favor by coming with me to the Three Broomsticks tonight." he suggested, stuffing his hands in his trouser pockets.

"Really." a surprised laugh left you, your cheeks warming up as he stepped closer to you. "Well, I suppose I could help you out there."

"After I close up I'll come grab you and we'll have a bite and a round of Butterbeers, does that sound alright with you?" his eyebrows went up in question, a shy smile adorning his flushed face.

You agreed and and basically skipped back to work, missing the way Remus fist pumped the air, taking another candy as his reward for finally asking you out.

The niffler tittered in his cage, with you laughing along with him. As you places him back in his enclosure, you could've sworn to Merlin he winked at you.

[flusteredmoonn]

timless; remus lupin

summary: "you still would've been mine, we would've been timeless," in which their paths in life were always destined to meet, regardless of circumstance.

tags: (SFW), angsty, fluffy, post hogwarts aspects, fast paced, jumps through various points in time and timelines,, semi au?, canon divergence, she/her pronouns, third person y/n.

words: 1.2k+

speak now tracklist. request.

their shoulders were touching as they sat together in transfiguration, looking over the textbook inbetween them whilst mcgonagall explained some elaborate concept. behind them sat sirius and james, who incessantly threw animated pieces of parchment at the pair, making fun of their relationship.

y/n whipped around at them both, scowling, before turning back round and smiling at remus who laughed at his friends and continued to scrawl notes.

"your friends are ridiculous," she giggled quietly, as not to draw the professor's attention.

"they're your friends too," the boy smirked, reaching his hand up and ruffling the hair at the top of her head, to which she pushed his shoulder gently. "perhaps, but they indoctrinated you first," he expression didn't falter with her quip.

"touché."

before they knew it, the bell in the old clocktower rung out through the school and the class was ordered to gather their belongings. remus and y/n had taken their time, ignoring the hollering of their friends and taking their time in one another's company. both slung their book bags on their shoulders.

joyous gasps of laughter filled the atmosphere as they linked hands, swinging them together whilst walking to their next class. she couldn't help herself from cracking cheesy jokes to the boy about anything she saw. the simplicity of it warmed remus' chest, never imagining to feel so much lust toward one singular person.

the two had met in their third year in the library. remus had rushed there after having a fall out with his friends, their discovery of his condition only angering him as they offered pointless sympathy and offers in search of a solution. he had left to the library to find some quiet, and maybe even try to find one of the upcoming required reading books.

though sanctuary was not found in the library as it appeared nearly every other student at the school had decided to utilise the library at that exact same moment. frustratingly, he couldn't find any of the books he had been in search of either, and so he settled for a fictional book written by a wizard who speculated on the lives of muggles. and after settling for the book, the only available seat had been next to a girl he had recognised from his year, though he couldn't recall her name.

hesitantly, he walked over, asking for the seat. and eventually both their books were discarded and they had gotten to quietly talking as to not disturb madame pince, who despite her youth was a very angry lady. they had come to realise they were both very much alike, and hadn't separated since.

it was unimaginable to see how such a fitted match had found one another in their lifetime.

rain pelted down on the awning above the window of the bookshop. the bell to the shop rung out as remus pushed the door open. he wiped his feet on the bristled mat on the floor and shook out his umbrella before placing it on the rack.

y/n, the owner of the bookshop, peaked her head out from around the corner to greet whoever had entered her shop, a friendly smile on her face. although, upon seeing remus, she hesitated. unsure why, she had recognised him from somewhere. though she quickly shook her curiosity away and greeted the familiar man with her best customer service smile.

"it's miserable out, isn't it?" she said as she moved from the back of the shop to behind the register to organise paperwork.

"hm? oh yeah, its horrid outside," the man smiled at her, before resuming his search amongst the shelves. the shopkeeper smiled to herself before looking back to her paperwork. as she worked, remus glanced back toward her, turning to grab the first book he saw and approaching her.

"hey, whatd'ya think of this one?" he held the text up so she could read the title.

"uhmm, from what i can remember, it was a very intriguing read, though it isn't for everyone i'd say," she smiled, her service voice still in full swing, as a clap of thunder sounded shakily outside, the awning aggressively thumping against the window. smiling at her, remus turned the book over so that he could skim the blurb, though he had already read the book before, he wanted it to seem like the information was new to him from her response.

"would you like some tea...." she prompted for his name.

"remus" he smiled.

"would you like some tea, remus?"

the sound of cars honking along the busy streets of london ricocheted through the office. the clacking of the keyboards blended in with the chatter amongst the space, men in suits leaving meeting rooms as important people to the company made their way in and out of the building.

but, in a quiet corner of the space, remus and y/n sat in adjacent cubicles sending post-it note paper aeroplanes with crude messages on them, looking up from their desks in time to see the reaction has. giggles swarmed the atmosphere as their higher ups walked through the maze of cubicles, passing them both without any idea of what they were doing.

they had seen people be warned in the past, by human resources about what had been labelled as 'office romances' and how it was now considered a case of strictly romeo and juliet. not that either of them were in any sort of position to consider getting into a career jeopardising relationship. they were both in their early twenties, it wasn't a smart move. but they were in their early twenties, so the thrill of having something so hidden was insurmountable.

their dynamic worked. but they were never as secretive as they had thought they were. and naturally everyone in the office knew. at least everyone who didn't have the power to reprimand them.

eventually, remus' lunch break rolled around, being staggered half an hour before y/n and so the girl finally got around to do the work she was being paid to do. her fingers danced across the keys as she typed various statistical sentences and read over reports as footsteps echoing on the carpet approached her.

"y/n!" remus spoke as he adjusted his tie. "hey, rem," she looked up from the screen briefly to smile at the boy, "how was your break?"

"yeah, not bad.... lonely, though," he spoke with a coy smile.

"oh no? was no one else on break at the same time as you?" she questioned, the pause in her work became longer as she looked back to him, resting her chin in her hand.

"they were, but none of them were you," he leant down on the dividers between the offices, a self assured smile now gracing his face. y/n moved her hands to cover her face, "you're so silly, remus," a small laugh left her lips.

"what do you mean?" he stood back up, amusement evident.

"you're just such a flirt, this isn't allowed," she stated plainly, removing her hands from in front of her face and smiling up at him as he just shrugged.

"well, maybe getting in trouble would be worth it,"

[theoldsports]

unlucky.

remus lupin x reader | 2k words (requests are open)

marijuana, alcohol, mentions of addiction issues, pregnancy.

Remus Lupin turned up early from work. It was rare he was home early like this. Considering how strict Werewolf Disclosure laws were getting in the workplace, Remus found a job at a Muggle pub evenings. His days were spent working on a comprehensive and illustrated guide to using defensive spells against blokes you don’t like. Remus thought he would never finish it, but if he did, he imagined it would sell well to a publisher.

It was rare he was home early like this.

Remus stepped through the door and kicked off his boots and hung his heavy brown corduroy coat on the coatrack. He assumed he was alone. He worked evenings, his girlfriend worked two jobs most days. Childcare near Diagon Alley in the morning, shopkeeping at Aurel and Arnie’s Auditory Alternatives: Music, Noise and Audible Toys. Remus hated how hard [Y/N] felt she had to work, but he didn’t do much to alleviate it these days.

He knew that [Y/N] wouldn’t be home for a while yet. It was typical that their schedules didn’t line up like this. Sighing, Remus sat down on the couch and reached for the blue-green bong sitting on the coffee table to pack a bowl.

Then, Remus heard a sniffle from the next room. His brow furrowed (a familiar position for his brow to be in). He took a rip off the bong before setting it down on the table. With a quick cough, Remus stood shakily from the couch and proceed to the bedroom. Without knocking, he opened the door. “Love?” Remus muttered, coughing again.

[Y/N] sighed in bed and rolled over. She was laying on top of the sheets, still in her work clothes from Aural and Arnie’s down to the beat up black leather boots. [Y/N] moaned and rolled over to face the door. “‘The hell are you doing here?”

“I live here. I sleep,” Remus pointed at his side of the bed and leaned against the doorframe. “There. The hell are you doing here too?”

“Went home early.” [Y/N] said flatly.

Remus nodded smartly. “Ah, yeah. Didn’t realize,” He said sarcastically. Remus sat on the edge of the bed and started to untie the laces on [Y/N]’s dragon-leather boots. “Me too.”

“‘S’wrong? Feeling ill?” [Y/N] asked, almost beginning to sit up. She hadn’t thought it was so close to the full moon that he would be in any pain, but things still came up. Lycanthropy was sort of like a chronic illness and both were used to treating it that way.

Remus shook his head, amazed by how she cared enough to ask. “Nah, just some new boys that needed training. They sent me home after. Easy shift’s all, like.” Remus set each of her boots on the floor with a firm thunk. “Why’re you back?”

[Y/N] shrugged.

Remus shrugged back at her. “Oh, we’re goin’ ta do that?” He shrugged again. “Just,” he shrugged a third time. “That?”

[Y/N] shrugged again. “Mhmm.”

The shrug joke hadn’t even made a smile appear on [Y/N]’s soft lips. Shit like that usually worked. Remus cocked his head.

“Cuppa tea?” Remus asked once he figured out this subject wasn’t going anywhere. He patted her on the leg as he stood up to move to the kitchen.

“RJ, you don’t have to…” [Y/N] rarely called him much else other than the nickname RJ. He loved it.

“No, ‘want to,” Remus replied, moving out of the room into their small kitchen. “You feeling okay, love? Something the matter?” He shouted down the small hallway towards the bedroom while he willed the kettle. Remus set the kettle on the burner. He was going to make her a nice strong cup of earl grey with a bit of whiskey in it, like he always did. Remus felt that he was dreadful at comforting his lover, but he knew it helped when did that. So this would be a start.

[Y/N] was silent in reply.

“[Y/N]?” Remus said.

Nothing.

“[Y/N]? Darlin’?” He repeated. Remus trodded back down the hall. [Y/N] was curled up on the bed, face down on the pillow.

This wasn’t [Y/N]. She never did this. Normally, she was up and working like a machine. Reading ferociously. Helping Remus make lunch. Trying to out-drink him on Saturday nights. Riding on the back of Sirius’s bike when she was the only one brave enough to try it out during that fateful first week. Remus’s eyes widened. He sat at the foot of the bed again, “[Y/N], hey. What’s wrong, love?” Remus said, placing a hand on her bare ankle. “You can talk to me, if you feel like it. Did something happen?” Remus would become inconsolable if it was his fault, so he prayed it wasn’t that. Or god forbid someone had hurt her.

“Remus, please.”

That almost aggravated him. “Please what? What the bloody hell’s that mean?”

“Merlin, sorry for trying to be polite.” She answered.

Remus sighed at his own temper and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Don’t need to be no sorry, but tell me what you need.”

“Just leave me alone. I feel like shit; I don’t wanna rub off on you.”

“If you’re sick, I can pop by Molly’s and get a tonic or some shit— I… Are you ill?”

[Y/N] hauled her face out of the pillow. “RJ, I’m pregnant,” Her words knocked all the air from Remus’s belly. His eyes widened and his lips thinned. He inhaled sharply. All of this, and he still had no words. “Stay or don’t, then. I need to lay here and have a think for a while. I didn’t want it to happen like this, and you may not like it, but there it is,” She snapped. “If you’re leaving, lock the door on your way out and leave the key under the mat.” [Y/N] said and flopped her head back down away from Remus.

She had wanted to be able to tell him comfortably and sweetly, like some good wife in a movie, when they were grown up and married and ready and when there wasn’t a war waging outside. Or maybe even never having to tell him at all. Being a mother was not on her radar. But here she was.

Remus was stunned. He blinked. Never had he wanted to be a father. Men like Remus Lupin simply weren’t fathers. “I see.” Without another word, Remus stood up to fetch the kettle before it let out that infernal sound. His thoughts raced beyond measure. How could he do this? How could [Y/N]? Remus wanted to throw up. He also wanted to smile. He couldn’t seem to do either.

He prepared two mugs of his Irish-bottom tea and strode back to the bedroom. When Remus sat down on his side of the bed with the mugs, [Y/N] looked up. Her eyes were wet with tears. It was obvious to Remus that [Y/N] had assumed he had left; done the whole key under the mat song and dance.

“You’re still here?” She asked softly.

“‘Course. Cuppa?” Remus said with flat nerves. He gently extended the cup to her with a shaking hand.

“On the nightstand, please,” [Y/N] sniffled and Remus obliged. “It’s… It’s yours, obviously.”

“I know.”

The two were silent, save Remus sipping his tea as his high really began to kick in.

“Shall I get rid of it, then?”

“What?”

A surprised pause. [Y/N] stared at Remus. He never said what he was thinking. She always wondered what was happening in that head of his.

“No way we’re able to… You know. At least right now. And I know my parents were young, but RJ, I feel like I’m still a little girl and—.”

Remus’s head felt heavy. He shook his head. “But Lily and James—“

“I’ve been thinking about them too. How the fuck are they managing this…” [Y/N] chiefly held back another wave of tears.

Remus set his free hand on her back and clumsily moved it back and forth in circles in an attempt at comfort. He set his mug down on the nightstand by his side of the bed and pulled [Y/N] into his chest.

She almost tried to squirm away. She wasn’t used to being held. Remus normally didn’t hold her this way. He would come up behind her in the kitchen, or rest his head on her, maybe hold her on his lap. Frankly, [Y/N] was normally the one that held him like this. Her body tensed up. [Y/N] didn’t quite know how to be held at all.

No doubt Remus felt it. He felt a bit of shame. There was no way he treated her how she deserved. His eyes filled with sorrow.

“RJ, I’m scared.”

At every turn, [Y/N] had been there to be brave for Remus. She was as good as Atlas to him. As he felt he small hands cling to the back of his jumper, and her eyes become damp against his chest, he knew it had to be his turn to be brave for her. “My love, hey… I’ve got you, right? I’m not going anywhere,” Which was true, but also saying a lot because Remus wanted to take off running. No way in hell he would dare, though. “What’d’you need right now?”

“Just stay where you are.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he repeated. Remus kissed the top of [Y/N]’s head. “I’m not going anywhere. You hear me?” Remus whispered, dragging his long fingers through her hair in his best attempt at comfort. He kissed [Y/N]’s forehead. “You’re my girl. Nothing you could do that would have me runnin’. We’ll sort this out together, yeah?”

“Yeah, right.”

“See? There she is. That’s my girl.”

[Y/N] almost chanced a smile. She inhaled the smell of his jumper. Liquor from the pub, pot, coffee, cigarettes and a simple and clean musky deodorant. “You smoke before you came in here?” She asked.

“Yeah,” Remus stifled a giggle. It was an inappropriate time. “I’m high as a broom right now. It’s startin’ to hit,” Remus’s accent always got a little sloppy when he drank or used. That sing songy Swansea lilt he tried so desperately to repress muscled its way to the front. All of his consonants lisped right behind his teeth. “Oops.” He laughed.

[Y/N] started to laugh, and laugh hard.

“What?” Remus asked, eyebrows raised

[Y/N]’s laugh persisted. She was in hysterics. “This… This is awful,” she wheezed, smiling. “This is awful. Like, really awful.” she was laughing so hard that Remus let his own laugh slip into the mix.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Remus jeered.

“I’m pregnant. And I didn’t want to tell you. And I tell you… And you’re stoned. You should see your face right now. You’re toasted, RJ. The world is ending out there, I’m pregnant, you’re stoned. You can’t get a normal job because of the ministry shitheads. I’ve three St. Mungo’s training applications rejected. We have… rotten fucking luck. Our friends are dying. And if this goes how shit normally goes for us, we’re gonna be parents,” [Y/N] laughed desperately, while Remus’s big green eyes ringed with red went wide. “We’re going to be very unlucky, poor parents.”

“Wait, wait, wait, hypothetically, isn’t it going to be, like, two negatives make a positive then? Maybe this kid’s the next Merlin, or somethin’.”

“I think you’re think of ‘two wrongs don’t make a right.’”

Remus thought, scrunching his nose. “No, I don’t think that’s it.”

Their conversation lulled with their laughter. Clumsy fingers dragged up and down [Y/N]’s back. Remus spoke first after a few moments. “Love?” He asked. [Y/N] hummed in response. “If we have this thing, it’s going to be very good at reading, isn’t it?” Remus began. [Y/N] smirked like she had something rude to say. “No, shut it. You said yours, lemme say mine. It’s going to be a truly voracious reader, and smarter than all of its little loser friends. And it is also going to have addiction issues and dreadful eyesight, reading AND far off, probably between the two of us, but it’s okay. Because we were so damn unlucky first, so we’ll know what to do. That’s not too bad.”

“You’re implying we have had so much experience being poor in luck that we already know the loopholes.”

“Precisely.”

“I’m in love with you.” [Y/N] said teasingly, planting a kiss on Remus’s scruffy chin.

“We’re not totally out of luck then, are we?”

[kay-elle-cee]

I would love to know about James' feelings that time they first meet eyes years later. Directors take OR a James POV 😍

HELLO Athena! Thank you for your patience since I've saved this in my inbox to answer after the final chapter of i'll be fine, i'll be good went live. Answer below the cut! (And a reminder that anyone can ask me for thoughts/Director’s Cut for any of my fics at any time!)

(sorry I tried to refine this but it still ended up a bit word vomity!)

ALRIGHT so we learn in chapter six that James was, in fact, really broken up about Lily for awhile (I mean....that's not particularly a spoiler, is it?). I like to think that by the time James sees Lily—like walking into the shop and having face-to-face interaction with her for the first time since he told her he loved her all those years ago (oh my god ow)—he's really processed everything and made peace with it all. He's had his eyes opened a little bit more by his work with the Order to just how difficult and dangerous it was for her. He's forgiven her, and he understands (to an extent) her actions, but he also knows that because of this he can't really be mad at her, and he just...is trying to be as normal as he can (even though a part of him misses her). So he has to be careful.

He's known she's worked at that apothecary for years. Remus absolutely told him immediately (well, maybe not immediately, but definitely within that first month). And he's likely agonized time and time again on if he should go in, how bad would it be to look through the window, maybe one of us should just, like, make sure she's okay...But then you have Sirius (and to a lesser extent Remus and Peter) reminding James of what kind of toll Lily took on him last time, reminding him that if she wanted to see him, she could reach out, reminding him how far he's come and fuck Evans because she hurt you. And James, even if he doesn't feel Sirius' anger at the whole situation, maybe listens to this, lets it bolster him to keep his resolve hardened and his guard up.

But then he gets paired up with Sam for the potions run. And he definitely panics and feeds her some BS line about him needing to wait outside so they're not ambushed in the shop and she's like whatever you weirdo I'm going to go see this really interesting girl I met and could definitely be friends with YOUR LOSS. And then she's chatting and he's out there just getting so nervous because what if Sam lets it spill to Lily that he's out here and then they get to talking, what would Lily say would Lily be mad would she want to say hi why do I care so much about what Lily thinks? He's done so well at living his life in a post-Lily world but suddenly everytime he's around this shop she's just there on his mind. So he gets a little overwhelmed and opens that little door and tells Sam to hurry up without ever looking in because he knows there's a real possibility that the second he sees Lily (really sees her) this resolve he has might crumble.*

*And I think it's important to note here that I'm not suggesting James would fall to her feet and confess his love with one glance, but he'd be James. He'd be kind (maybe too kind), and he suspects that somewhere in his heart he still loves her and is worried that it'd be too easy to fall back into that pattern after all the work he's done.

But yeah so he and Sam leave and he's in the all clear but then he gets injured in the field and Sam has to leave and suddenly he's in charge of the potions supply runs and he has no other choice—he has to SEE HER. He spends the whole morning fretting, trying to remain calm, trying not to run scenarios through his head and telling himself he can do it, that it's no big deal—he's just a patron and she's just a shopkeep. (He's definitely not looking forward to it, even if he had all of those musings about dipping in and seeing her over the last few years—that's idealistic James and this is practical James.) I think he goes so far as to even try to remember some of the anger he had felt towards her at one point of time—really grasping for anything to make sure and keep that distance between them. But it's this weird thing because Remus told him about the Snape encounter so he's also a little worried about her and it's this tightrope of keeping things professional. Not concerned, not angry, but something neutral in between.

And then he sees her. And he thought he was prepared, and he was so, so wrong. There's pain, when their eyes meet. The last time he looked into them echoes in his mind and there's pain and a little bit of that anger comes back and maybe it's anger at her but maybe it's also a little bit of anger for himself—for not understanding her as well as he feels he should have. But he leans on the anger, only giving her the shortest of answers, and he leaves. And he thinks: I can do this.

And when he gets sent again, he holds onto that anger a bit tighter and tries to ignore the undeniable way his heart beats faster when that bell over the door rings.

Listen I might do a James POV of some scenes one day, if the urge strikes and people are interested, who knows?

[pretty-little-mind33]

For a poly Marauders non magic au, everyone could be shopkeepers! Like James could own a sports store or maybe a trading card shop, Remus would have a bookshop and Sirius could own a music or record store!

Then reader would be the newer shop owner on Main Street!

OKAY ANON THIS IS GOOD

(i may do this! gonna keep this in mind!)

[rose-pearls]

The Deal - Part 4

Summary: Hogsmeade time and time for the plan

Previous part

Hogsmeade is filled with students as James and you arrive, most of them are going to get a butterbeer but the two of you decide to first buy some sweet treats before going in there. It seems like a normal thing to do, but in reality, everything is planned to perfection. Lily usually goes to buy a book first before going to get a butterbeer, so you needed to kill some time before arriving together as she is drinking hers.

The countless candies fill up the hallways and you can’t help but stare in amazement at the sight of them. You pick up some candies for Susan and Christie to share and before you can move any further you feel an arm wrap itself around your waist.

“So, finding anything good?”, James asks, and you smile at his question while looking around.

“I think so, nearly done. You?”, he smiles down at you before showing the tons of chocolates he has in his arm.

“Didn’t know you liked chocolate that much.”, you tell him jokingly and James shrugs his shoulder.

“I’m not really a fan of chocolate but Remus loves it so thought I would buy some for his stack.”, he says it with an easy smile, like it’s just normal for him to do so but you can’t help but feel touched at his attention to Remus.

“I’m sure he’ll love it.”, you tell him, and a bright smile appears at your words.

“Let’s hope so.”, he helps you find the last of the candy you need before going to the register.

Just as you are about to pay for your candy James puts some money on the table and smiles at the shopkeeper.

“This is for the two of us.”, you look at him in surprise while James looks unbothered.

“You don’t have to pay for me!”, you tell him, and James looks at you surprised.

“But I want to, plus as my girlfriend I am obliged to be a good boyfriend and that means buying candies.”, he says softly, while looking at you with his big brown eyes and you try to fight of the small butterflies in your stomach.

“Fine, but I’m paying next time.”, you only realize what you say after, but James doesn’t show anything. A large smile appears after a few seconds, but it seems shyer than his usual smiles.

“It’s a deal.”, he whispers, and you smile at the words before taking the bag of candies from the owner who smiles at you with a sweet smile.

“My husband and I were just like that at your age. Keep on to this one sweetheart.”, she tells you and you don’t know what to say for a moment, to busy trying to fight of the blush.

“No worries! I won’t let her leave me.”, James says jokingly but you can hear the nervousness under his voice as he puts his hand on your back to steer you away from the counter.

You manage to say a quick goodbye before leaving the shop into the coldness of October. James still has his hand on your back, and you don’t know if you should turn around to talk about what the woman just said before a hand grabs your arm making you shriek.

“Merlin Sirius! Warn a person!”, James yells, equally frightened at the sight of Sirius suddenly there.

“You should’ve seen your faces!”, he manages to say before laughing again, weirdly sounding like a dog for a bit. Remus is trying not to laugh but you can see him chuckling while the two of you glare at them.

“So, any reason for this assault?”, you ask them and Sirius sighs before wiping away fake tears. 

“Well, we just got words that the flower is in the pot.”, Sirius whispers and you all look at him like he is an idiot.

“Really? Is that the best you got?”, you ask the man, and he looks offended for a moment.

“Excuse you it is a verry good metaphor.”, he says, and Remus shakes his head in disagreement followed by James.

“Sorry mate but it was bad.”, James says while patting Sirius’s shoulder, the man himself looks at James in betrayal.

“I will never forgive you for this betrayal!”, Sirius says dramatically, and you can’t help but laugh as James starts to plead for his forgiveness. Remus is shaking his head while laughing at the sight of them and you can’t help but do the same thing.

“Alright let’s stop this boys we have actual things to do.”, you tell them and they break apart from their hug before James appears by your side.

“Some Slytherin’s were in there, so they definitely saw you! For the rest everything is going well!”, Remus says, and you can’t help but feel a bit nervous at the reaction of your parents when they were going to learn about this.

“Then let’s go get a butterbeer and continue the show.”, you tell them happily and the two follow you before James stops in his tracks.

“I forgot! This is for you!”, James says with a bright smile as he gives his bag full of chocolate to a confused Remus.

“I saw that your stack of chocolate was getting smaller so here is some chocolate!”, James says with a large smile, but his voice sounds a bit nervous as Remus doesn’t say anything.

“I- thank you. You didn’t have to.”, Remus says softly, and he looks up from the bag with a grateful smile and for the first time you see a bashful James.

“Glad you like them.”, Remus nods quickly and James lets out a sigh of relief.

“Right, well let’s go.”, James says before taking your hand and opening the door to get inside. 

It’s currently filled with students, but Sirius quickly manages to find a table while James keeps your hand in his while going around the tables to get to yours. In the corner of your eye, you see a redhead sitting with her friends looking at you furiously. Her gaze focused on your clasped hands with James, and you can’t help but feel pride at the fact. 

Christie quickly joins you, and she look exhausted from her trip as she falls down on her chair while letting out a big sigh.

“Mission S & D is going well! The man seems to be getting really interested into her and she seems to – well to manage.”, you can’t help but feel a bit worried for Susan, hoping that everything was going well for her.

Just as you think of it the door opens and you see them coming in, looking for a table. Susan seems to be telling a story while Diggory is nodding along, a large smile on his face. She sees you at some point and waves at you before sitting down with him at a table.

“Why don’t they come sit with us? Do we stink or something?”, Sirius asks while looking at the two chatting.

“Some of us do.”, Remus says while looking at Sirius pointedly with a teasing smile.

“I do not stink!”, Sirius says outraged and Remus snorts at the words before taking a sip of his drink ignoring Sirius’s offended look.

“The reason why they aren’t coming is first because they are on a date.”, Christie says, and Sirius looks at her unimpressed before pointing at James and you.

“So are they.”, he says deadpanned, and you can’t help but laugh, James joining you while putting an arm across your shoulder.

“Not the point Black! Plus, she had to tell him a story to get him to go on a date with her and it wouldn’t go well with the story for her to come here.”, Christie tries to explain without saying too much but Sirius looks at her confused and the two others also seemed to be interested.

“What story? If she goes off script you have to tell us!”, Sirius whispers and Christie rolls her eyes.

“He was moping around because he couldn’t ask Lily out and he was telling her all about how he was sad to not have anyone. So, to relate with him she told him you had harshly told her that you didn’t want to go to Hogsmeade with her when she asked you.”, Christie says after a moment of pestering and Sirius looks at her offended.

“I never did that!”, he says loudly, and some students turn to look at the five of you curiously so you all sush Sirius.

“Will you keep it down!”, James whispers and Sirius rolls his eyes before turning towards Christie.

“We know that, but he doesn’t, and it was the perfect opportunity and story to get him to ask her. And it worked so forget it.”, she says a bit harsher while Sirius glares at her and then moves to glare at his butterbeer. 

“Well, it seems plan flower is working she is talking up a storm with her friends looking furious.”, Remus says after a moment and you try not to look behind you, but James looks for a moment acting like he is looking at the whole room before turning back.

“Means that the plan is working.”, he has a smile on his face, and you try to smile as much as him but somehow, it’s more difficult.

Susan is still with Diggory, and you can hear her laughter while Sirius is glaring at his butterbeer, and he seems to get angrier by the laughter he hears. James is busy talking with Remus about Lily’s reaction and for the first time you can’t help but think that maybe this wasn’t a good idea.

Taglist: @marplest, @fanboyluvr, @ambria

[eyra]

Heartstones - eyra - Harry Potter [Archive of Our Own]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Harry Potter Rating: General Audiences Relationships: Sirius Black/Remus Lupin Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Marauders, Romance, Meet-Cute, First Meetings, Summer, Crystals, Yorkshire, Seaside, Cats, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, RSCandyHearts

It's a tiny little place, squeezed between a bookstore and a small café advertising herbal teas and fruit scones. The frontage - which Remus is quite certain used to be a peeling, sun-flaked shade of orange - is now a deep black, dark as the Whitby jet in the shop up the hill, and the bay window has been filled up with all manner of trinkets; tiny wooden boxes engraved with ivies and vines, and leather-bound books and silver knots worked into rings and necklace pendants, and little pools of crystal stones in lavender and plum and delicate, glossy rose-pink.

Remus is a lonely painter. Sirius is a shopkeeper who might just have a solution for that. Summertime on the Yorkshire coast, with crystals, and candle-smoke, and sunshine.

For @goodboylupin's Candy Hearts Challenge. My candy heart prompt was "two hearts" 💕

This is just a very little thing. x

Playlist here

[lynxindisguise]

Tell me about some of the petty shit that Azirius do to annoy each other.

oooooh we love petty shit!

sirius likes to turn into padfoot specifically to track mud through the bookshop, knock things over with his tail, and chew on the books

aziraphale miracles sirius's motorbike into a cutesy little yellow scooter that can only hover two inches off the ground

sirius opens up a spooky antique shop to pawn off his family heirlooms and establishes himself as the cool bad boy of the Shopkeepers and Street Traders Association

aziraphale tells everyone that he's sirius's mentor as part of a rehabilitation program for convicted felons

sirius purposely calls aziraphale angel (with a lowercase 'a') because he knows it'll make him cry. he also develops a new interest in wearing sunglasses.

aziraphale consistently calls remus 'romulus,' forcing sirius to correct him

[wolfstarhaven]

🌸FLUFFY FRIDAY #55🌸

Warning! This could be too sweet to handle!✨

Heartstones, by eyra (5k)

Remus is a lonely painter. Sirius is a shopkeeper who might just have a solution for that. Summertime on the Yorkshire coast, with crystals, and candle-smoke, and sunshine.

You know, normally, anything remotely new age-y gives me the ick. Not this though! This was lovely, just like everything else eyra has written.

tell me what you want, say it like an oath, by drowsyanddazed (3k)

Sirius tilts his head. “What? What do you want?” Gray eyes. Collarbones. Body heat.

“Nothing,” Remus' eyes shift to Sirius’ lips and then quickly back to smoky eyes, “it doesn’t matter.”

Don’t look at me, no I’m not drooling, nope. Urgh, this short little piece of writing is just so perfect. Pining Remus, hot tension, and a wonderful (wonderful!!) scene where that tension is…resolved.

Btw sorry loves for being a bit absent lately. I’m not leaving this blog (you’ll never get rid of me!!), I’ve just had a few shitty weeks which have left me with absolutely no energy for anything else.

xx Elliot

[ellecdc]

the case of the missing pickles

poly!marauders x slytherin seer!reader who can't stop Seeing them [2.9k words]

amalgamation of various prompts:

prompt 1 from 🔮🐍 anon: I was wondering if you could do a part two of Sight's Set where one of her visions comes true? maybe the vision is of her on a date with them to Hogsmeade, but it turns out differently where she goes to Hogsmeade alone and they find her there and join her??? prompt 2 from anonymous: Can I please request marauders with a reader who are just in the beginning of their relationship and yet they know r so well like she doesn't have to even ask and she's all confused and flustered prompt 3 from 🕊️ anon: Remus calling feisty slytherin reader 'dove' being her kryptonite

The sun was warm on your skin as the castle gates permeated your view. You were trying to hide your amused smile at the boys’ antics, though you’re sure you were unsuccessful when a gentle laugh escaped your lips.

James faltered in his steps at the sound, turning to look at you with a beaming smile.

“Well gorgeous,” Sirius teased with a salacious grin as he moved to stand in front of you. “I had a wonderful time on our date today.” 

Remus breathed out a chuckle as he placed your jacket that he had been carrying over your shoulders, taking a moment to squeeze your shoulder affectionately before moving to stand with James.

“Don’t make any plans for next Hogsmeade weekend; we’ll definitely be doing this again!” James called; Remus encouraging him forward by a hand on his waist as Sirius walked away from you backwards to continue looking you up and down.

“Don’t miss us too much.” He said with a wink before turning to join the other two boys.

You woke up with a start, shooting upright in your bed as you sucked in a much needed breath. Goosebumps erupted all over your body as the feeling of being submerged in cold water began to dissipate and your nervous system realised it wasn’t dying.

After nearly two decades of living with ‘the gift’ of Sight, one would think your body would have a better response to it.

Alas, it still acted like you were moments away from death.

Perhaps it wasn’t too far off, what with all your Sights of the Marauders overtaking your every waking (and sleeping) moment; perhaps you were dying, perhaps that would be preferable.

After taking a warm shower to bring some much needed heat back to your bones and wash away the residual nerves that your vision had caused, you decided to put it out of your mind; you would never agree to waste one of your precious Hogsmeade trips with the Marauders anyways, so there really was no point stewing over it.

You eventually made your way into the Slytherin common room to find Regulus and Barty already situated with a copy of the Daily Prophet.

“Good morning, Treasure!” Barty cheered as he stood abruptly from his spot on the sofa with Regulus. “Heading to Hogsmeade today?”

“You know that I am, Barty.” You responded with a smirk. “I told you I needed to go to Tomes and Scrolls; the book I ordered should be in.”

“Great!” Barty clapped his hands together. “I need to stop at Dogweed & Deathcap!”

“Absolutely not.”

Barty paused in his excited tirade to look at you incredulously. “What do you mean, absolutely not!?”

“I mean you are absolutely not coming with me, Barty.”

“Why!?”

“Barty.” You started as if you were speaking to a rather troublesome toddler. “Last time I let you come with me you had us kicked out of Zonko’s and then spent two and half hours violently debating with the Dogweed & Deathcap shopkeep about the proper brewing times for veritaserum.” 

Barty stared at you bewilderedly as you held his gaze.

“You’re really not going to let me come with you?” He asked after a painfully long silence. 

“No.”

Barty stomped his foot once and let out a petulant breath. “Then you’re not allowed to be my best woman at our wedding!”

Regulus looked up from the newspaper he’d been engrossed with in favour of this ridiculous conversation to look at the two of you in bemusement.

“Wha-? We’re not getting married?” Regulus stated as a question, effectively removing Barty’s furious glare from you only to have it directed at himself. 

“It’s just one sodding disappointment after another!” He screeched before turning and storming off towards the boys’ dormitory. 

You and Regulus stared at the empty spot that was once Barty Crouch Junior before Regulus broke the silence by standing with a tired sigh. 

“Well I guess I know what you’ll be up to today.” You teased gently earning you a groan from the youngest Black. 

“If you happen to be by Honeydukes…”

“Yeah, yeah.” You cut him off, accepting the galleons he pulled from his pocket as he held them out to you. “I’ll pick him up some sugared butterfly wings.” 

“Thanks, I’ll need all the help I can get.” He grumbled as he made his way after his cantankerous boyfriend. 

Even the dreary weather couldn’t bring your mood down as you pocketed your galleons and accepted Barty’s bag of sugared butterfly wings from the Honeydukes shopkeep. 

You loved Hogsmeade, and you loved visiting with your friends, but sometimes there was nothing like enjoying a peaceful trip on your own.

Feeling quite pleased at having procured your special order from Tomes & Scrolls and successfully running Regulus’ errands, you pulled your hood up to protect yourself from the elements outside before pushing open the shop door only to collide with a heavy force on the other side. 

“Hullo, L/N!” James called as he quickly righted you. 

This cannot be happening. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” You grumbled as you stepped out of James’ hold, pretending like you didn’t notice the slight fall in his expression at the loss of contact.

“Nope, I think you’ll find I’m really quite Sirius.” Sirius said with a wink.

“Ew-” You started, turning to look at the longhaired boy in disgust. “That was terrible. That’s a terrible joke.” 

“Listen, when you get cursed with a name that’s also an adjective, you get to make all the terrible jokes you’d like.” He responded plainly. 

“You get used to it.” Remus sighed; offering you a sympathetic crooked smile.

“I should think I won’t, thank you very much.” You said as you turned to walk away, only to feel a gentle hand grasp your elbow.

“Whoa whoa, where’re you off too in such a hurry?” James asked teasingly. 

“The castle?” You responded quickly, immediately berating yourself for deigning to explain yourself to the likes of the Marauders. 

“Before lunch?” Remus asked then. “It’s not a trip to Hogsmeade without a stop at the Three Broomsticks.” 

“I’m not hungry.” You proclaimed with finality only for your stomach to traitorously contradict you by groaning rather loudly at the thought of one of your beloved tuna melts from the restaurant.

“Liar.” Sirius smirked smugly. “To the Three Broomsticks!”

Before you had a chance to protest, Remus and Sirius were walking ahead as James threw his arm over your shoulders and guided you after them.

“Get your hands off of me, Potter.” You spat.

“Sorry sweetheart, I wish I could, but then I’d have no way of ensuring that you wouldn’t just take off.” He apologised, not sounding very apologetic at all. 

You thought of your Sight from this morning but decided you were relatively safe; they had called it a date - this was decidedly a hostage situation. Besides, the weather had been really rather lovely in your Sight; today’s weather was quite the opposite.

It was fine.

This wasn’t a date.

You were fine.

Just fine. 

Except you had no sooner entered the Three Broomsticks before Sirius was pulling out a chair for you as James rather forcefully sat you in it; Remus quickly sitting and blocking your means of escape on your other side.

“I’ll go order!” James called quickly before nearly skipping towards the bar to do just that.

Sirius sat across from you looking all sorts of chuffed at his current predicament, smiling knowingly between Remus and yourself. “So,” he started. “Any more visions of your wonderful future with us?”

“Bite me.” You spat immediately, hoping to all the gods that no one noticed the heat emanating from your cheeks at the question. 

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He smirked.

“Be nice to her.” Remus chided softly. “She already doesn’t want to be here.”

That’s right, you thought petulantly before quickly scolding yourself for agreeing with a Marauder. 

Entirely too soon in your opinion did James return, happily sitting beside Sirius and looking around the table. “So! What’d I miss?”

“Y/N wants me to bite her.” Sirius responded quickly. “Okay!” James agreed readily. “Now?”

“Oh my gods I’m going to avada myself.” You muttered as you pressed your fingers into your temples.

“Oh come now, not before lunch.” Remus chuckled, rubbing conciliatory circles onto your back.

You couldn’t believe how tactile these boys seemed to be; they almost always had their hands on each other in some way. Sirius currently had a hand on James’ thigh who had his arm thrown casually over the other boy’s shoulder. You were almost certain that James had extended his legs under the table and was currently playing some form of footsie with Remus, who, in turn, had his hand on your back. 

And then you thought of the ease that James had thrown his arm over your own shoulder on your way here as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“What’re you thinking so hard about?” Sirius asked, pressing a finger to the divot that was growing between your brows before you hastily swatted his hand away from you.

“Just wondering what I ever did in another life to deserve this.” 

“Must’ve been an angel in another life to deserve us.” He responded haughtily.

“She’s an angel in this life too.” James added; beaming smile making you feel as though you needed to squint your eyes lest you look directly at it. 

The barkeep saved you from having to think of a response by placing food in front of each of you.

Your beloved tuna melt that you had been dreaming of earlier sat on a plate before you, confusing you as to how James seemed to know your order.

But perhaps he hadn’t; perhaps the barkeep recognised you and knew what you usually ordered. 

You pulled open the sandwich and were hit by another curiosity.

“There’s no pickles?” You asked aloud, causing the three boys to look at you in bemusement. 

“Did you want pickles?” James asked you slowly; his fork hovering over his plate as he delayed the first bite of his own meal on your account. 

“Well…no, but it usually comes with pickles.” You explained dumbly. 

“Yes but you always pick them off, so I asked for no pickles.” He explained simply before finally taking his long awaited bite. 

“How did you know that?” You demanded rather harshly then. 

“Know what? Your order?” Sirius asked on James’ behalf.

“Yes. And the pickles.”

“Because we pay attention?” Remus offered then; you could see him scrutinising you from the corner of your eye.

“Do you want me to go ask for pickles so that you can pick them off?” James teased then, an ill-suppressed amused grin threatening to overtake his face. 

“No, I want you to stop that.”

“Stop what?” Sirius asked with a smirk. “Knowing things about you?”

“Yes, that. Stop that.” You ordered.

“You’d have to obliviate me.” James taunted, leaning on his elbow and resting his chin on his fist as he considered you. 

“Better make sure to get the incantation right, gorgeous.” Sirius added. “Otherwise you’ll be responsible for his care when you ultimately put him into a vegetative state.”

You huffed petulantly before opting to take a bite from your sandwich in favour of continuing with your current conversation. 

“I’m sorry, but I have to ask-” Remus started with an amused grin on his face. “If you don’t like pickles, why don’t you just ask for no pickles?”

You let out a conceding sigh as you swallowed your bite. “I don’t want to be a bother…it’s just as easy to pick them off myself.”

You felt shame prickle at the back of your neck when your answer was met with silence before Sirius let out a bark of laughter. 

“Oh my Godric,” He exclaimed excitedly. “You are a big softy.” 

Against your better judgement you kicked your foot out at the long haired Marauder, horrified when James yelped before reaching under the table to rub his hand over his shin. 

“Fucking hells, sorry Potter.” You grumbled as you tried to curl in on yourself, watching as Remus cooed at the bespectacled boy and Sirius laughed at him. 

“Oh, no worries angel.” James offered you tightly, voice coloured with pain as he forced a smile at you. “Merlin, you've got quite the leg on you.”

“Fuck yeah she does.” Sirius agreed salaciously, earning him a fiery glare from you as you considered re-aiming your foot. 

“Easy there, dove. Play nice, yeah?” Remus murmured then, causing a shiver to rush down your spine as you turned to look at him with your mouth parted slightly.

You were absolutely horrified at the very visible reaction you had to the scarred boy’s endearment - and you knew it was a very visible reaction because Remus had a very visible reaction to it. 

“You’re alright, dove.” He murmured again, this time with a knowing smirk before turning back to his own sandwich and pretending like he hadn’t just completely rocked your world with one simple word. 

You looked over to see Sirius pick off of James’ plate as you waited for James to use his fork as a weapon for the egregious crime of stealing food, only to see James quickly load up a fork-full and hold it out for Sirius to try. 

“Fuck, I should have ordered that instead.” Sirius admitted as he swallowed the bite.

“Wanna switch?” James offered quickly, already lifting his plate to give Sirius room to slide his over should he want. 

“I’m not taking your meal, bubs.” Sirius responded with a smile as a faint blush dusted the tops of his cheeks. 

“You’re not taking, I’m offering.” James insisted, moving Sirius’ plate in front of him before placing his own plate in front of Sirius when it became obvious the other boy wasn’t going to help. 

“Thank you.” Sirius admitted rather shyly for the notoriously boisterous boy before he pecked a kiss to James’ cheek.

You looked over to Remus in bemusement only to see him looking lovingly over at his boyfriends. 

“Did you wanna switch, too?” Remus asked then, alerting you to the fact that he was quite aware that you had been staring at him.

“Absolutely not; you stay away from my tuna melt.” You spat before taking another bite.

You found yourself quite glad that the boys simply laughed before moving on to other topics of conversation, watching curiously as they talked and joked the afternoon away.

By the time the four of you were making your way back towards the castle the sky had cleared, leaving the spring air fresh and fragrant in the warm sun.

You felt a gentle tug and turned to watch Remus pull your jacket out of your arms before folding it over his own arm to carry it for you.

Shit. 

“Moons! What do muggles call the game ‘leaping toadstools’?” Sirius called suddenly from where he and James had run ahead.

Remus breathed out a chuckle as he smiled at them. “Leapfrog.” He called back with an audible eyeroll you were sure was mostly for show.

“Rem, I bet five galleons that me and Pads can leapfrog the whole way back to the castle.” James shouted.

“I’m not betting.”

James let out a horrified scoff. “Why not!?”

“Because I know that you likely can even though you probably shouldn’t.” He responded simply.

“Don’t rain on our parade, Moony.” Sirius said dismissively, waving Remus off like he was the definition of anti-fun. 

And to your absolute horror, you found yourself rather entertained as you watched them line up to play leapfrog; the only interruption of the game on your walk being to pet the odd cat, point at a patch of honking daffodils, and to run back and steal kisses from Remus (glaring at them when they threatened to do the same with you). 

The sun was warm on your skin as the castle gates permeated your view. You were trying to hide your amused smile at the boys’ antics, though you’re sure you were unsuccessful when a gentle laugh escaped your lips.

James faltered in his steps at the sound, turning to look at you with a beaming smile.

“Well gorgeous,” Sirius teased with a salacious grin as he moved to stand in front of you. “I had a wonderful time on our date today.” 

Remus breathed out a chuckle as he placed your jacket that he had been carrying over your shoulders, taking a moment to squeeze your shoulder affectionately before moving to stand with James.

“Don’t make any plans for next Hogsmeade weekend; we’ll definitely be doing this again!” James called; Remus encouraging him forward by a hand on his waist as Sirius walked away from you backwards to continue looking you up and down.

“Don’t miss us too much.” He said with a wink before turning to join the other two boys.

And though you would sooner die than admit this to anyone, after this rather lovely afternoon and with the amount of time the Marauders have spent leapfrogging through your mind, you didn’t think you could miss them too much, even if you wanted to.

Find the next update here

[weeklyreadings]

Week 17

moonlight sonata by @pancakehouse

Rated M. 14k. Wolfstar

On the drive to Lupin Family Christmas, Sirius and Remus break up. What follows is several days of heartbreak, longing, and two boys trying to figure out where it all went wrong.

A Man Afraid of Light by cassiara

Rated E. 13k. Jeddy

James really enjoys his life. He likes sharing a flat with his best mate, Teddy. He likes being work-partners with said best mate. He likes going out at the weekends and shagging random girls. At least, that’s what he tells people. The truth isn’t that simple, and when James accidentally manages to get hit by a curse that makes him unable to lie he learns that hiding the fact that he’s completely and utterly arse over tit in love with Teddy is more complicated than expected.

Better Together By @goldentruth813 

Rated E. 33k. Jeddy

Teddy is perfectly content with his life as a Hogwarts professor. Sure, he gets a bit lonely sometimes, but he loves his job as much as he loves Hogwarts and his students. Everything about Teddy’s life is comfortable and safe and he likes it that way. Until the day James Sirius Potter unexpectedly shows up to teach at Hogwarts and Teddy’s life is altered irrevocably, leaving Teddy with the arduous task of examining himself and what it is he really wants.

help me hold onto you by @soloorganaas

Rated M. 12k. Wolfstar

'It seems almost impossible that Black could have entered the school without inside help.'

'I do not believe a single person inside this castle would have helped Black enter it.'

Heartstones by @eyra

Rated T. 5k. Wolfstar

Remus is a lonely painter. Sirius is a shopkeeper who might just have a solution for that. Summertime on the Yorkshire coast, with crystals, and candle-smoke, and sunshine.

Be silent like deep water By @her-smile-forges-galaxies

Rated G. 17k. Wolfstar

Remus drifts through life surrounded by silence, sure that it will never change, and then Sirius Black comes into his life. He shows him what it is to live, to breathe, to be himself. He shows him how to love.

Vis-à-Vis-à-Vis by @vukovich

Rated E. 50k. Drarry

Harry's assignment was simple. Close out Draco Malfoy's missing persons case so he can be declared dead.

But who's making withdrawals from Malfoy's vaults? How is a death omen-turned-Unspeakable involved? Is an organization known as the Moirai to blame?

Harry brushes it off until he can't. Until The Prophet is flooded with sightings of dead people. Until Robards throws himself on his sword. Until Ron turns on his own family. Until Harry scarcely trusts his own reflection in the mirror and trusts the stranger in his bed even less.

[thetwilightroadtonightfall]

You know, I always liked to think Daybreak Town was a place run by kids, overlook and protected by the Masters. But all in all chill whimsical way bc this are kids with their own place to stay, probably work through their missions and the have fun and relax, a hub full of kids that after job is done they figure out how to use their free time in who knows what. So seeing ML I can see like old habits to give kids this tasks maybe sticked around and became normal but in some more formal way?

You could tell me that a group of kids in Daybreak Town tried to snoop into the Moogle warehouse to find out what is next week surprise item of the menu the Moogle shopkeeper has been hyping out and that is a normal occurrence bc carefree days. While on Old Scala ad Caelum a kid could pass down documents to the Moogle to update them of what the elders or higher members of the society have allow them to sell this next Monday in their earnest attempt to be professional.

That’s how I like to headcanon this so far and makes for a contrast but also Daybreak Town had this chill vibe most of the time so I am bias to say thing where more whimsical there lol

I agree with you, Romy!! Daybreak kids had union tasks and all, but for the most part, the foretellers were pretty hands off (and they were just straight up gone already during union cross but anyway) and the key kids were able to do a lot of stuff in their free time between quests.

If we’re to assume that the citizens in Scala are more mature, like teens—young adults, it makes sense that they’d be more regimented in their societies and able to perform certain tasks. It’s like a high schooler having a job. They still answer to higher ups but for the most part, are able to make decisions on their own because they have a framework to follow. Like how Remus was trying to figure out Player2’s status, and knew to take them to Freya

[ohmygodshesinsane]

QUILLS IN COLEWORTH

for @jilymicrofics / april prompt 17: order / words: 1270

The lights of the diner flickered, and James Potter glanced up with a frown. It was only mid-afternoon, but between the stormclouds and the clipped winter days, it was dark already. When the rain started, he and his mates had ducked into the cleanest-looking place on the grimy street. It was not a high honour. But only a few stray shreds of lettuce stuck to the table, and a sign denoted a wet floor, presumably meaning at some point or another they had at least bought some of the equipment needed to scrub the place. Despite this, it was empty, save for them in a corner booth. Fifties music crackled over the radio. James drummed his fingers vaguely in time and looked back at his friends. Peter sat beside him, grimacing and wet, and Sirius slung his arm around Remus, who was still rather pale.

“You think,” Remus said, before checking the floor and lowering his voice. He leaned forward. “You think there’s dark magic around here?”

“That’s what Moby said, isn’t it?” Admittedly, the grizzled shopkeeper had not exactly been forthcoming. “The quill was delivered to Cokeworth. This is Cokeworth. Said so on the sign.”

“It doesn’t look very magical to me,” Peter shrugged. “Maybe he got it mixed up? He said the writing was all smudged. Is there a Coleworth?”

Sirius exhaled smoke and tapped his cigarette on the edge of the orange ashtray. “Islington doesn’t look particularly magical. Never stopped the mega-bitch.” James shook his head.

“No, there has to be something here. Some purebloods live up north.” He furrowed his brows. “The Parkinsons…”

“They’re halfway to Leeds from here,” Sirius cut in. “And the Abbotts are well up near Windermere. I don’t know anyone who lives in Liverpool.”

 “Chester,” a woman corrected, voice oddly familiar. James whipped around. “Can I take your -” James gaped, but his mouth failed to open as wide as Lily Evans’. She dropped her pen, green eyes bulging. Her red hair was tied up in a luxuriously thick ponytail, and she wore a pink dress with a ridiculous little hat. “What the fuck?”

James opened and closed his mouth, struggling for words. “Chester,” he eventually said faintly. What the hell was she doing here? Lily blinked and covered her eyes with her hand.

“Well, we’re not in the city, but we’re a lot closer to Chester than bloody Liverpool.” Her voice was very high-pitched. She dropped her hand. “What are you doing here?”

“What are you doing here?” Sirius repeated. Lily scowled.

“Some of us have to work for our supper, Black.”

“You work here?” Peter goggled. Lily scoffed.

“Are all of you allergic to getting a job? I have a reason to be here.” She pointed at Remus. “I thought you lived in Wales!”

“I do!” Remus promised, flinching. Lily put her hands on her hips, glowering, and then realisation hit James. He looked to Sirius, whose eyes widened, thinking the very same thing. Peter squeaked as it dawned on him, and clapped his hands over his mouth. They languished in shocked silence. Lily rolled her eyes.

 “Right, is that your order? Squeak for Peter, eyes falling out of heads because God forbid someone earn their money honestly for Potter and Black – Remus, will you have a side of lying liar who lies, or traitorous traitor who betrays?” She frowned. “That doesn’t work as well.”

“I do live in Wales,” Remus said faintly.

“English isn’t weird, isn’t it?” Peter scrunched his nose.

“Look, Evans,” James said, adopting his best I’m-very-serious-unlike-Sirius tone, “I need to ask you something.” Lily raised an eyebrow.

“It’s extra for sauce.”

“No – it’s important.” He clasped his hands together, trying to maintain his composure. “Evans, do you, by any chance, own a quill?”

 Lily stared at him. Sirius burst out laughing. James winced. “I mean – a special one -”

“I’m getting a pot of tea,” she said sourly, regarding the others before marching off, red hair swinging. James gazed helplessly after her.

“James, did you get dropped on the head?” Sirius asked. James turned back around and buried his face in his hands. “‘Evans, do you own a quill?’”

“I don’t know,” James mumbled.

“And it’s not likely to be her, is it?” Peter piped up. “She is a muggle-born.”

“I get it, I’m the world’s biggest prat,” James groaned, rubbing his face. “But she might know something. If something weird’s been going on, wouldn’t she know about it?”

“Do you think she spends her time with dark wizards?” Remus asked mildly. Sirius shrugged.

“She was friends with Snape, wasn’t she?”

“She’s clever,” James cut in. “One of the best in our year. If there’s been magical activity around, she’ll know about it. She doesn’t walk around with her eyes shut, banging off the walls.”

“Unlike Wormtail,” Sirius grinned.

“Bugger off,” Peter pouted.

 Lily returned with a black teapot and five stacked cups. She looked over her shoulder and surreptitiously withdrew her wand. She tapped the cups, and they planted themselves in front of the four boys. One remained. Lily tucked her wand back in a little pocket in her skirt.

“Won’t you get in trouble?” Peter frowned. Lily smiled mysteriously and shrugged.

“No muggles about. At worst it’ll be a warning.” She nudged James. “Shove over.”

“Oh.” James shuffled down, squishing Peter up against the wall, and Lily sat next to him. A small, dangerous warmth lit in his stomach. She took off the striped hat and flung it down on the table before glaring at them all.

“You can pour your own tea,” she informed them. “This is Cokeworth, not bloody Kensington.” James hurriedly grabbed the teapot and started pouring. Lily pulled the fifth cup towards her. “So why the hell are you here? Are you stalking me?” She peered at James. “I’m not going to go out with you, Potter, just because you’ve decided to spend your Christmas holidays following me about.”

James was flabbergasted. “That’s not – I – I don’t even like you!” Anymore. Kind of. A bit. Lily’s face flooded with colour. She swallowed slowly.

“Good,” she said. James grabbed a fistful of his hair. Why was he such an idiot? Why did he fuck up his life for fun?

 The overhead lights flickered again, and the rain outside grew louder, droplets sliding obscenely down the glass shopfront.

“Lily,” Remus said, sounding reasonable. “We genuinely didn’t realise you were from around here. We’re – well, we’re looking into something, and we got told there might be a wizard, or a wizarding family, around here.” Lily eyed him suspiciously. “Are you the only one in Cokeworth?”

Lily regarded him for a moment, and then she sipped her tea. “What does it matter what’s in Cokeworth?” she asked. “How do you know this is the place you want? Maybe you misheard – maybe whatever you read was a bit smudged. It was probably Coleworth.”

“That’s what I said!” Peter said brightly. Sirius rolled his eyes.

“It was definitely Cokeworth,” he said. Lily sipped again.

“What’s it matter?” James regarded the black depths of his cup.

“It’s about what happened at school at the end of term,” James admitted, looking up. Lily’s eyes met his, so clear and sharp he nearly went to water. “We’ve got reason to believe there’s some sort of dark magic being performed around here. Or someone who knows something about it.”

“That’s what you meant about the quills,” Lily said.

“Exactly.” Sirius stubbed his cigarette out.

“Do you know of anyone else living around here?” James asked seriously, silently pleading. If she could give them a lead – if she could help them –

Lily hesitated.

[anxiouslyfred]

A Shop of Both

for @dukexietyweek day 1, Tattoo shop

Summary: Virgil needs flowers for a meet up with family and notices the florist he goes to also does tattoos and piercings. He's confused over the safety of that.

/\/\

Virgil had come into the shop for flowers but now all he was registering was 'he has plants through his ear.'

Most people probably wouldn't have focused on that when meeting the shop owner but it was everything that Virgil had the capacity to understand now.

“Welcome to my shop, I'd ask what you're here for, but given your staring, I want to know what;s shocked you about my look today?” The shopkeeper asked after a few minutes of waiting for him to stop staring.

“Is that a real holly branch going through your ear? How is that safe on any level?” Virgil exclaimed, shock colouring his words, just as much as embarrassment as he realised just how he'd reacted in public.

Laughter was his reply, as well as the branch being pulled out to reveal a stretched lobe with a ring stretcher in. “It's female holly, the only spikes on the leaves are at the ends and yeah, it's safe, as much as you might think it's dangerous.”

“Is that how you describe this store, also? Pretty sure combining flowers and pots of mud with things that should be kept sterile like piercings and tattoos is a bad combination.” Virgil asked, looking away from the holly branch now held out to him and around the store now, unable to see any sign of the tattoo studio he knew was included somewhere in the store.

“Guess you're here for flowers then.” The shop keeper grinned, and jumped over the counter he'd been stood behind. “Come and tell me what you need them for. I'm Remus and will not share secrets over my businesses success until at least the first fuck.”

The last sentence made Virgil hesitate, frowning slightly. “Wasn't trying to flirt or get secrets from you, just find out how safe you actually are. You are right though that I'm here for flowers. Been ordered to visit family for lunch and just know if I don't take flowers of some kind the criticism I'm already expecting will be worse.”

“Skip it!” Remus near yelled, but started hurrying off among the rows regardless. “Family shitty enough you expect criticism should never be listened to when asking you to meet them.”

“They really aren't that bad. I'm just pessimistic about well, everything.” Virgil shrugged, “Including the amount of diseases being risked by anyone getting a tattoo from a flower shop.”

Remus laughed at that comment again. “Living is to constantly risk illness, injury and death, why not go to the people open about the chances of it rather than the people who make places so sterile only the worst diseases can remain while all the healthy or helpful bacteria are removed?”

“Just cause an axe throwing place states there's danger does not mean I'd let them make me wait behind the targets while people are throwing axes.” Virgil countered. “Honesty doesn't include safety. What are you even gathering flowers for? I haven't said anything about what I was looking for yet.”

“Haven't even said your name.” Remus grinned as well. “I'm just getting the fucking dull bouquet together. It's the generic shit all relatives can swoon over without worrying that it's not been thought out.”

They carried on walking past the flowers as Remus grabbed a few more type and Virgil tried to remember what the types were. “I'm Virgil and you seriously have a set bouquet for that?”

“You'd be surprised how often people need it. Also Fuck you bouquets, but I think that's because they looked at the website and just wanted to see if that one actually exists.” Remus shrugged, “Besides, I'd assume if you wanted to insult or offend these relatives while still going along with their invite you'd be getting a tattoo at the same time.”

“Would that get me proof that you actually sanitise and keep the area for tattooing and piercing clean?” Virgil blinked after he spoke, wondering why that sounded like he was flirting.

It got him shoulder nudge, “Not sure if you're flirting or turning me down on that offer for fucking.”

“Let's go with the second option.” Virgil nods, lips pressing tightly together to try and suppress whatever reaction he'd have.

“Damn, come back later if you need a tat done. JJ isn't here to cover the store while I tattoo someone currently.” Remus clicked his fingers, shoulders drooping in exaggerated disappointment.

Back at the counter now, Virgil just nodded, letting Remus put together the bouquet while he waiting and fished his wallet out.

“I've added my number to the card so you might want to remove that before any controlling mothers, interfering aunts, nosey uncles and projecting fathers find it.” Remus called after Virgil had paid and was heading out of the store.

His laughter could be heard when Virgil immediately stopped to dig the card out of the flowers and pocket it just outside the shop.

/\/\

This was a bad idea. Honestly, it was also a nice change from all the worries, dangers and concerns over destroying his livelihood that usually flowed through Virgil's mind, but it was still a bad idea.

He'd literally filled 3 A4 pages over all the dangers and concerns he has around getting a tattoo, and still was about to walk back into the florist, piercing and tattoo studio that was 'The Wild Side'.

“Good Afternoon, Welcome to the Wild Side. Which of our services are you here to request?” Someone unknown was sat behind the counter and spoke disinterestedly, only glancing up from their book to Virgil for a second.

“Maybe a tattoo?” Virgil asked, even more uncertain about going through with this thought now Remus wasn't there being whatever level of enthusiastic and teasing he seemed to naturally be.

The person sighed, leaning back from the counter to tap their book against the door. “Someone's thinking about making a horrible decision. Come talk to them.” They called, which had Virgil jolting and putting his hand to the pocket his pages of reasons why he shouldn't do this were stashed. At least, wanting it removed later wasn't actually one of those concerns.

“What type of bad decision can I- VIRGIL!” Remus was cooing as he hurried through the door before bouncing in excitement that definitely wasn't deserved when they'd only met once. “Tattoo or piercing and do you have ideas over what or where?”

Virgil blinked a little, stepping back. “Um – a tattoo, on my neck maybe, since you suggested getting one to annoy my relatives and that'd be visible.”

“You seem nervous about the placement.” Remus stated, but reached out to touch his neck. “You're not one for standing out, are you?”

“Invisibility would be my preferred state 80% of the time. If it weren't for all the smiling, I'd want to be the Cheshire Cat, able to evaporate constantly.” He didn't deny that having a tattoo that's visible had been on his list of reasons not to get one at all.

Remus's hand moved slowly to the front of his shoulder, just beside where a collar might reveal with a couple buttons undone. “How about here then? Close enough that it might be glimpsed but you can easily keep it covered without changing your hoodie for turtle-neck sweaters.”

“Are you going to just stand in the florist section for this consultation or are you actually going to show our customer the studio?” Janus's voice interrupted whatever reply Virgil could have given and thankfully got the hand on him to instead grab his wrist to tug him around the counter and through the door Remus had emerged from.

“Sorry for distracting you from your take down of whichever politician, JJ.” Remus cackled. “Just actually doing my job.”

The door shut but Virgil could swear he heard a comeback about flirting not being part of Remus's job. That seemed like a crazy thought though.

“So about the placement, or whatever you want putting on you? I am an option for things that can go on you.” Remus immediately put doubt to Virgil's doubt about him flirting already pushing him into a seat more likely used when tattooing was in progress than for a normal consultation.

For all the concerns and comments Virgil had made on his first visit to the store the tattoo studio was clearly cleaned and maintained well. The biggest consideration to the store-front was the plants and flowers painted all over the walls and a few small potted plants like aloe vera kept on top of cabinets clearly marked for paperwork.

Focusing back on what had been asked Virgil shrugged a little. “Can it be a frowning vanishing cat? Just- just not the meme one, maybe more like the Cheshire cat original illustrations except frowning? And yeah, there like you suggested.” He tapped where Remus had held his hand too moments before.”

“Still not letting me be on you. A man could be hurt by this rejection but keep doing it. Means you're more comfy around me.” Remus leered a little, grabbing a sketchbook and pushing a chair from a desk over to be next to Virgil.

“Pretty weird that you're set on hooking up with customers at your job. Maybe try inviting me on a date somewhere other than here.” Virgil snarks back, getting the closest he'd dare to outright rejecting or accepting Remus's flirting. He wasn't sure if it was good or bad, but hell, it'd already got him to do something he wouldn't have expected to ever do and that was far less like flirting than Remus had done today.

Remus hummed, pencil moving quickly over the page for a few minutes. “Other than trying to convince JJ to hook up just so I can say I've fucked everywhere I own and failing, you're the only person who've walked in those doors I've flirted with. And they were harsh in their rejection so I spent a month swapping any eggs they brought with spoiled ones since I have keys to their apartment in case of emergencies. Is this a good design for your tat? What colours do you want the cat?”

“Purple and black, do we need to book in a time to do it or-” Virgil's answer for that was easy, using the two colours he was most comfortable wearing.

“I can do it now. No other bookings and JJ knows not to send multiple customers through at once.” Remus span his chair back to the desk grabbing a pot of pencils from one of the drawers. “Pick a purple or two for me to use. I can match the inks we've got to these.”

Virgil looked through the pencils for a moment before deciding Remus wouldn't mention things if he didn't want him to question them. “How harsh would I have to be to face a similar response?”

“Planning your script already?” Remus grinned at him, as if even that could be flirting. “They left me to man both parts of the store alone for a week. Do you how annoying it is to be tattooing someone and have to stop because the bell to the store has gone off? I had to threaten them with letting Picani help out to get them back. Picani is a therapist we know who sometimes asks to use the upstairs space as his office and can't keep any plant alive for a week. Can't remember what they actually said when turning me down, but they have a sharp tongue unless they're trying to charm you so that doesn't matter.”

It was Virgil's turn to smirk, handing his chosen pencils over, “Why would I need a script? I've already told you to ask me on a date at a time neither of us is working that's outside of the store before anything'll happen which you haven't done. Guess you aren't actually into me.”

“This should take until closing time, if you're happy with it.” Remus hummed, scribbling the pencils over his drawing a few times including a black pencil too. “Let's get dinner and I can show you how to look after this after that. Does that cover a date outside of work?”

Virgil froze in the process of taking his hoodie off. “Yup, guess so, and yeah, that looks good.”

“Plus dates get a discount on tattoos.” Remus stated. “So get that t-shirt off and I'll to a test line so you can know how much pain to expect.”

“Sure, I guess.”