Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Written for Liza for the GGE. I'm really sorry this is so late, but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

Milkshake

"Why are we here again?" James whined as he slid into the booth opposite Sirius.

"Because I like the milkshakes," Sirius told him, his eyes scanning the counter looking for the real attraction the place held for him. Not seeing it, he slumped in his seat.

"Yeah, and that face tells me that they're all outta milkshakes," James muttered, rolling his eyes. "This is about the lad that works here on the weekends, isn't it?"

"What d'ya mean, works on the weekends?" Sirius asked, head snapping up as he turned his full attention on James.

"His name begins with an R. Re... Oh, yeah, Remus. Yeah, he works the weekend shifts," James said, nodding. Sirius was interrupted from answering when a plump lady came to the table with a notepad in hand.

"What can I get you?" she asked, a friendly smile on her face.

"Strawberry Milkshake, please," James replied, returning her smile. Sirius glared at him for a second before nodding his head at the woman. "I'll have the same, thanks."

She moved away from the table, and Sirius returned his attention to James, glaring suspiciously.

"How do you know he only works weekends, and how the bloody hell do you know his name?" he growled.

James laughed. "You remember that cute little redhead?"

Sirius nodded, forgetting his glare as he rolled his eyes. He'd heard about nothing else for weeks, how could he forget her?

"She's friends with Remus. I saw them in here, talking at the counter a few weeks ago. I earwigged while I waited for my drink."

"And you're only telling me now, why?"

James scoffed. "I didn't know you fancied him, did I?"

Sirius shook his head. "I don't."

"Yeah, right," James muttered as the waitress came back with the drinks. "And I'd turn the redhead down if she asked me on a date."

"So he only works weekends?"

"That's what I just said."

Sirius sighed. "It's only Tuesday."

xxxx

"I thought you said he worked weekends?" Sirius grumbled, sipping on his hot chocolate as he glanced around the cafe.

James shrugged. "Maybe he's on a break?"

"Yeah, or maybe he's walking in with the 'cute redhead on his arm'," Sirius muttered, his eyes on the door as Remus and the girl walked through it, both laughing.

James shifted in his seat to look, and sighed happily. "Is she not the cutest thing you have ever seen?"

Sirius chuckled."You sound like Marlene when she's found a new pair of shoes she likes."

James through a condiment packet at Sirius, which hit him square in the forehead. "I do not sound like a girl. Especially not Marlene. Woman gives me a bloody headache."

Sirius tossed the packet back, grinning cheekily. "You really do, Mate."

Remus appeared at their table then, and damn but if that apron didn't suit him. "Are you guys alright, or can I get you anything else?" he asked.

Sirius took the time to look him over, and when their eyes met, Remus had a slight blush staining his cheeks. "I'll have a slice of chocolate cake," Sirius told him with a small smile. "If you'll join me?"

Remus looked at where James had been sitting, only to find him gone. "He'll be talking to the red head until she gets bored and tells him to piss off," Sirius said, making Remus chuckle.

"Lily? She was talking about him the other day. She doesn't think much of your friend."

"It's the ego," Sirius replied with a nod. "His is bigger than his body never mind his head."

"So, chocolate cake?" Remus asked.

"Will you join me?" Sirius replied, arching an eyebrow.

Remus nodded slightly. "As long as we don't get any more customers," he agreed, before he walked away from the table. Sirius watched him go, enjoying the view immensely, before turning his attention to James and Lily.

At least she hadn't hit him yet. That had to be counted as a win, Sirius mused to himself. It was nice to see a girl who didn't automatically fall to James feet just because he was good looking. Sirius knew that if they hadn't been the best of friends since toddlerdom, he'd beat James over the head with a stick for his ego. It really was that big.

Remus returned with the cake, sitting down facing Sirius.

"How long have you worked here?" Sirius asked, keeping one eye on Remus as he helped himself to the cake.

"A few months. I only work -"

"Weekends, I know. I came looking for you on Tuesday," Sirius replied, cutting him off.

"Why would you have been looking for me?" Remus asked with a frown. Sirius could see curiosity and concern battling in his eyes.

"Because you are the most intriguing man I've ever seen, and I'd like to take you on a date," Sirius replied honestly. He'd never been one to beat around the bush. If he liked someone, he let them know, because seriously, crossed lines were the worst thing to deal with.

"Oh, I.. ah."

Sirius chuckled as Remus stumbled over his words. Before either of them could speak, the door opened, and an elderly couple entered, seating themselves at the table by the window. Sirius raised his eyebrow again as Remus quickly left the table, blush still firmly in place as he moved towards the new customers.

Shaking his head, he finished the cake, before he pulled a napkin towards him. Pulling a pen from his pocket, he jotted a quick note on it, placing it carefully over the now empty plate.

Moving to the counter, he paid the lady waiting there, and with a call to James, they left together. Sirius allowed himself to make eye contact with Remus one more time through the window, before they walked away from the cafe.

xxxx

"So, are you going on a date with him?" Remus asked Lily as he passed her with the elderly couples order.

"I gave him my number, told him to impress me," she replied with a shrug. He chuckled at her, as he moved to the table Sirius had been sitting at. Finding the napkin, he picked it up and read the words.

Ball's in your court, handsome. Call me. Sirius.

"Remus?" Lily asked, as he turned around. "Why are you grinning like you just won the lottery?"