1001 ways to say I love you

before you start reading there are two things you should know:

fuck this is not something I ever wanted to write ever. I don't believe in romance, but apparently the powers that be (who have possibly been influenced by waaaayyy too many tv sitcoms) have decided that writing (mostly) fluffy shit is about all I'm good for. That and not updating.

Also, yes there will (eventually) be 1,001, though maybe not in the way you would think.

Anyhow, here goes. This one is really innocent Lily/James fluff. Guest appearances from Moony, Wormtail and Padfoot. Hoorah.

It was a cold Saturday in February of 1978 and James Potter could not believe his luck. He had just spent the day in Hogsmede with Lily Evans, the girl who he'd been in love with since fourth year. If he was honest with himself, he'd have to admit that it was hard to believe that Lily, the girl who had called him an arrogant toe rag more times than he could count, had actually consented to go on a date with him. But here he was, walking along the lane back to Hogwarts, listening as Lily chattered animatedly about charms.

Sirius Black, James's best friend, sidled up behind them. "Ah Lily-flower, when will you admit that a subject like charms pales in comparison to transfiguration?"

James shot him a look, but Lily merely laughed. "Black, one day the novelty of washing clothes or cleaning or cooking will wear off, and you'll wish you knew which charm to use."

Sirius chuckled, flipping the hair out of his eyes. "It's a good thing I know someone like you who can teach me when the time comes," he said sweetly.

"Oh I don't know, I might enjoy watching you suffer." Lily said, but her eyes sparkled mischievously.

Sirius opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by a yell that echoed down the road.

"Sirius!"

The trio turned to see two boys jogging towards them. One was rather short and plump, while the other was of average height with a slim build.

The shorter one, who had called out reached them first. "You're a great bloke, you know that? 'Oh I'll just wait outside the shop, you and Remus go in'."

"Aw, don't blame him, Pete," said the other boy, who had caught up. "Padfoot can't help it, he's as polite as his mother taught him to be."

"Very true, Moony my friend. You're lucky I left when I did, otherwise who knows how unbearable I'd have become?"

The taller boy, Moony, rolled his eyes. "Yes, we're certainly very lucky. Hello Lily, James. Have a good time?"

"Surprisingly, yes," Lily remarked, while James nodded enthusiastically.

Sirius let out a bark-like laugh. "Good for you, Lily-flower. Maybe ol' Prongs here isn't so bad after all?" he said, shooting his trademark grin. Then he leaned toward James and said, in a carrying whisper, "So, what love potion did you use on her again? It's remarkably effective-"

"Sirius!" Prongs exclaimed in a strangled voice, while Remus cuffed Sirius over the back of the head.

"Not funny Padfoot, not funny at all!" Prongs said vehemently, casting a worried look toward Lily, but she was watching the boys' antics with an amused expression.

Remus rolled his eyes. "Alright then, I think that's our cue. Padfoot, Wormtail, we really should be off."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right. We'll let these two lovebirds be," Sirius said, waggling his eyebrows.

"Well c'mon then. Lily, James."

"Moony," James nodded.

"See you," said Wormtail.

"Don't get her pregnant!" Sirius called as he took off down the road. Lily laughed as Remus and Peter chased after him.

"Sorry 'bout them. And don't take anything Sirius says seriously, he just likes a laugh, is all." James said. His face was slightly flushed from either embarrassment or the cold.

Lily leaned in and pecked James on the lips. "Calm down, alright? I knew Sirius was daft when I agreed to go out with you."

She saw that James still looked awkward. "You know, you lot are not nearly as bad as I thought."

James grinned again. "You know, that's exactly what I've been telling you."

Lily swatted him playfully, smiling and looking at him with her bright green eyes.

"I love you," James said suddenly.

Lily looked taken aback.

"Oh, um, I didn't mean – well yes, I did, but what I meant to say was – oh hell, that was not supposed to happen-"

"James, James! I, um, I think I love you too."

James's head shot up and he looked into Lily's eyes. "What?"

Lily looked at him. "I said I think I love you too."

"I know what you said," James said, stepping closer.

"Then why did you ask?" she whispered.

"Because I thought I was dreaming." James replied, before he bent his head and kissed her.

Lily smiled as they broke apart. "Wow. That was..."

"Yeah," James smirked. "So you only think you love me?"

Lily took a step back, untangling herself from James's arms. "Well I – I mean it was sudden and-"

James laughed and kissed her again. "Relax Lils, I'll take what I can get. And it's more than I expected."

"Oh really?" Lily asked slyly.

"Well, you have hated me for years," he grinned. Lily couldn't help it, she grinned back.

"Will you walk the lady back to the castle?" she enquired.

James offered his arm. "If the lady will allow me the honour."

"Of course," said Lily, taking his arm and smiling.

James couldn't help it. He smiled back. "So, what was that you were saying about charms?"

1001
- 2
999

To quote 'The Sound of Music'
"Oh help."