"You look beautiful."

Lily smiled at both her reflection and the compliment; a slight blush crept up her cheeks. "Thank you, Sirius." She turned to face the man standing behind her. "How is James doing?"

"He said he was having heart palpitations, but Remus told him it's just nerves. I don't think he can quite believe that after all this time, you're actually marrying him." Amusement danced in his eyes, but there was also a hint of sadness and regret.

"Is that why you're here shirking your best man responsibilities?"

Sirius shook his head. "Nah. Remus's words of comfort are more welcoming than mine. I just came by to make sure you hadn't changed your mind."

"About marrying James, or about you?"

"Both."

She sighed. "Sirius, you know I can't..."

He raised a hand to cut her off. "I know, Lily. But it doesn't stop me loving you." He sat down on the edge of the bed. "I still don't understand what changed between us."

Lily sat down next to him, placing her hand on his. "I only went on a date with James to get him to stop asking me. I never expected to enjoy his company as much I did, let alone fall for him."Regret flashed in her eyes. She loved James, but she had also loved Sirius as well.

It was Sirius's turn to sigh. "I know we were just a fling, and I think deep down I always knew that you would end up with James." His eyes met Lily's. "I just wish it was easier. I wish I didn't have to pretend that it hurts to see you with him. It shouldn't hurt to love you."

Lily's words were a whisper. "I love you too, Sirius, but not in the way you want me to. Not in the way I used to."

Sirius was standing now. "We could go back to how we were, you know. We could leave right now and go anywhere we wanted."

"No. There is so much wrong with that idea, not to mention that you could never do that to James. He's your best friend, Sirius. Could you really betray him like that?"

He knelt down in front of Lily, taking her hands in his. "I've already betrayed him by loving you."

Fingers brushed Sirius's cheek, pushing his hair back. "I can't hurt him, Sirius. I love James too much."

"Do you love him more than you did me?"

"I do." Tears were stinging her eyes, threatening to fall and ruin her make-up. "I want you to be happy for James, as a present to me."

Sirius wiped his eyes. "I can try." He pulled them both up to a standing position. "One more thing. Look after him. He really does love you."

She smiled. "I will."

For a moment they stood there, hands clasped and gazing into each others eyes. Then suddenly their lips met as he kissed her. It started out soft, but then Lily started to kiss him back, opening her mouth to welcome his tongue. Hands were tangled in hair, Lily's elegant style coming undone. His arousal pressed against her as his hands traveled down her back to cup her bum. For a moment it was like they were the secret lovers again; it was a moment that ended all too quickly.

Lily glanced in the mirror at her ruined hair and make-up. "I have to fix myself before my dad comes for me." She glanced down. "And you can't stand next to James like that."

"Don't worry. I'm sure I can find someone willing to take care of it." His eyes held a flirtatious glint. "You did invite Marlene, didn't you?"

"Of course I did."

"Then I should go before I give in to temptation again."

Lily watched him leave, seeing through his pretence. She knew that Sirius was putting on a brave face in an attempt to keep his promise to her. A sad sigh escaped her lips as she turned to re-do her hair and make-up. She had made her choice, and whilst part of her would always love Sirius, she had chosen James.

Thank you to my beta, Fire The Canon, who fixed all of my silly mistakes.