Gobstones, grey stone (summer): lifeguard!au, book, periwinkle
Emporium, Liza: Wolfstar
Film Festival: whistle
Auction: Alphard Black
Word Count: 761
"You don't have to keep looking at me like you don't trust me, Uncle Alphard," Sirius says, adjusting the silver whistle around his neck. "I am actually a responsible teenager. I'm a lifeguard, for crying out loud."
His uncle studies him for several moments. Sirius is certain Uncle Alphard is wondering if he's made a mistake in allowing his eldest nephew to take a summer job at his public pool. Admittedly, his concern would be valid. Sirius does have a bit of a reputation for being a flirt, and there is temptation all around him. Still, it isn't completely fair. Sirius isn't completely hopeless.
"I'm counting on you," Uncle Alphard says at last, reaching out and ruffling Sirius' dark hair. "Don't let me down, kid."
Sirius scowls slightly, fixing his hair. "I've got this," he assures the older man.
His uncle doesn't look completely convinced, but he shrugs. "Don't forget your sunscreen," he cautions. "I'll be manning the snack bar today if you need me."
With a bright grin, Sirius offers him a salute. "Aye aye, Captain."
…
Being a lifeguard is terribly boring. Sirius had always imagined it would be some epic, dramatic ordeal, and he would be regarded as a hero.
After three hours on duty, however, his only excitement had come from helping a scared four year old find his aunt.
It isn't fair. He's restless and wants nothing more than to jump into the cold water and swim off some of his energy, but he can't. Uncle Alphard had emphasized the importance of staying alert and keeping his eyes on the pool at all times. Still, he would much rather keep his body in the pool.
"Remus? Remus!"
The sudden distressed cry draws him out of his thoughts. A teenage boy with messy black hair leans over the side of the pool where someone is frantically flailing about.
"Help!" the boy calls. "He can't swim!"
Sirius springs into action, pulling the whistle between his lips and blowing hard. "Make way!" he yells.
Maybe he would prefer things to stay boring. His heart races as he realizes he is responsible for this person's life. If he's too late, if he hesitates for even a second…
Sirius dives into the water, hauling the flailing person out and over the side to safety. In the back of his mind, he's vaguely aware that the person he's just rescued is handsome, but, for once, flirting is the last thing on his mind. Sirius sets about, compressing the other boy's chest and performing mouth to mouth.
It feels like an eternity passes, but the boy finally sputters, sitting up. Confusion is clear in his tawny eyes. "What…?" He winces, massaging his throat.
"You fell in, you wally," the black haired boy says fondly before turning his attention to Sirius. "Thank you. Remus, here, can't swim, but he says the pool is the best place to read."
"My… My book?" Remus looks around. "James?"
Only then does Sirius notice the paperback floating in the water. Grimacing, he reaches in and fishes out the saturated, soggy mess of a book. "I'm afraid it wasn't as lucky," Sirius says, holding it out to Remus.
"Yes, well, thank…" Remus stares at him, his cheeks turning a soft pink. He clears his throat and looks away. "Thanks."
…
Sirius keeps his eyes on Remus for the remainder of his shift. He knows he should pay attention to the whole pool, but the boy in the periwinkle swim trunks keeps drawing his attention.
Several times, James catches Sirius staring and nudges Remus, whispering something.
Maybe Sirius should be more subtle, but where's the fun in that?
…
"Off duty?" Remus asks when Sirius climbs down at last.
"Yep. Which means I can finally enjoy the water myself," he says, nodding at Marlene as she passes to take his place at the lifeguard tower.
"Do you like swimming?" Remus asks.
He's blushing, and Sirius thinks it's the most adorable thing in the world. "I do," he confirms. "It's fun. Wanna grab some crisps? My treat."
"Th-that would be great," Remus says, offering him a soft smile.
They make it to the snack bar. Uncle Alphard looks like he wants to comment on the fact that Sirius isn't alone. Instead, he offers him a smile. "Heard you were a hero today, kid."
"My hero," Remus says, blush deepening.
Sirius gets the crisps before leading Remus to his favorite picnic table by the pool. Summer has only just begun, but he has feeling it's going to be an amazing one already.