A/N Just a short piece in reponse to a challenge, it had to start with the sentence 'Sirius grinned, horse racing was just getting better and better. "Love you too."'
I only uploaded it because of a certain reader of mine ;) It's slightly angsty but short so not too bad. Anyway, hope you enjoy!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sirius grinned, horse racing was just getting better and better. "Love you too," he shot at a balding man in front of him who had been glaring at him for some time. What he had done to offend this man was quite beyond him but then, what did it matter? He had won! His horse had come through in first place. He handed in his ticket and was given a handful of Muggle notes in return. He had sort of got the hang of their money now but had a few hiccups, still, he knew that Muggle's in shops would be only too happy to help out a dog with a 'sick' master.

Pocketing the cash, Sirius made his way out of the stands and into the street. He lifted his collar and kept his gaze to the ground - trying to avoid too much attention. He turned into a deserted alleyway and hid behind a dumpster. He put the Muggle money into a bag and attached a note before becoming Padfoot. Picking up the moneybag with his teeth, Padfoot bounded out of the alleyway and headed for the shops.

He had heard Moony talking wistfully of a Muggle book for a few weeks now. Since his escape from Azkaban, and the Order's realisation of his innocence, Remus and him had sort of… Fallen into old habits as it were. Like the last war, they kept themselves to themselves and didn't tell anyone about their relationship but didn't try to hide it either. In fact, Molly had already discovered them asleep in bed together. Sirius didn't mind though.

The same couldn't be said for Remus. He knew it was stupid but since he had come back Sirius couldn't help but feel the trust between them had dwindled. He knew Remus loved him but all the same, something was not quite right. It was almost as if they felt forced to be together once more. It would take time, he knew, but they were going to make this work. They had to make this work. Which is why Sirius had earned the money himself (after a fashion). It made it more special, he supposed. It was important to show how much he cared for Remus.

And that is why Padfoot found himself pushing through the Muggle crowds on a rainy Saturday afternoon. He was going to buy Remus his stupid book. And they were going to be alright. He found the correct bookshop and wandered inside. Immediately he saw how apprehensive Muggle's were about letting animals into their stores but he dropped the moneybag and the note in front of the man who was obviously in charge and sat on his haunches - showing he was a well behaved dog.

The man read the note several times, his frown deepening. Finally, he set the note on the counter and popped the money into the cash register before going into the back room. He returned shortly with the book, which was particularly rare and rather expensive, and put it into a bag which he held out tentatively for Padfoot. He took the bag, carefully avoiding the man's hands before turning and walking out of the shop. He returned to the same alleyway as earlier and changed back into Sirius.

Taking the book out of the bag he checked the cover and smiled. He had got it. Remus would be so pleased. With a grin on his face worthy of the Marauder days, Sirius Apparated to their little flat and walked inside.

But Remus wasn't there.