Marauders Map: rockstar!au, pubs
Disney, You're Welcome: someone tattooed
Lizzy's Loft: black
Showtime, Prologue/Tradition: balance
Count Your Buttons: explosion
Arcade, Ripper Roo: Lily Evans, "Good luck with that.", blue
Piñata, easy
Days, World Hello Day: meeting someone new
Autumn: "You monster!"
Color: mustard
Dessert, birthday cake: Lily Evans
Around the Board, Three Broomsticks: friends having a drink together
Fantastic Beasts, Angel in Afghanistan: angelic, Aberforth
Word Count: 1126
Hogsmeade. Sirius tries to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the cozy little Scottish village. In another life where he's some silly indie rock singer, Hogsmeade might be perfect. Now, however, it's just boring.
"Does this bloody town even have enough people to fill a pub?" Sirius asks, pulling his black leather jacket on as he steps off the tour bus. "Christ, Lils. This place is a nightmare."
Lily follows behind him, picking a bit of lint off her blue-and-white striped dress. "I think it's lovely," she says. "You're just spoiled."
"Spoiled." Sirius rolls his eyes. "Right."
This village is too small. The pub, The Hog's Head, is tiny and uninviting. Sirius wants the glory of a huge show. Where are his adoring fans?
He knows, of course. His drunken incident had been a little too public. After a month in rehab, he's supposed to ease back into the music scene. Unfortunately for him, that means small shows that are barely worth his time. He doesn't know how long it will take to get his career back on track, but he can't wait.
"There's a festival in Edinburgh," he says. "I could hijack the bus, drive up there, and be a surprise headlining act."
Lily's lips twitch slight, and she shakes her head. "Good luck with that," she tells him before pushing him gently. "Come on. We have a mic check."
…
"Come on, Remus!" James whines. "How can you not want to watch Sirius Black? He's a literal rock and roll god!"
Remus doesn't even look up from his book. "One, I have to study for a huge exam," he says.
He's almost done with uni, and it's become pure chaos. By now, he has forgotten how to balance his studies with his personal life.
James snorts. "You can take a break for a few hours. It won't kill you."
"Two, Sirius Black sounds like a shrieking banshee. I don't see how you can listen to that rubbish."
"You monster! He isn't rubbish! He's a musical genius!" James holds his hand over his heart, looking completely scandalized. You would think Remus had insulted his mother with the way he reacts. "A musical genius who has never played anywhere near Hogsmeade, and probably won't ever again. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we aren't missing it!"
Remus hates how passionate his best friend is. Once James sets his mind on something, there's no talking him out of it. All Remus can do is allow himself to come along for the ride. "I could use a drink," he decides. "Let me get my coat."
…
The turnout is ridiculous. Sirius had hoped at least a hundred people would have shown up, but the pub is nearly empty. Aberforth, the bartender and owner of the pub, offers him an almost apologetic smile. "Business just isn't what it used to be," he sighs.
Sirius wonders how booming the pub could have ever been. It's dingy and cramped, and he can't imagine it ever being comfortable. "Pity," he says, unsure of what else to say.
"Heya, Abe." A man with messy black hair sits next to Sirius. "Usual."
"Bless my beard. How'd you get Remus to come out with you, James?" Aberforth asks, grabbing two glasses.
Sirius notices the man's friend now, and his heart races. He's had many lovers over the years; being a heartbreaker just seemed to come with the territory. But he's never felt such a strong attraction so quickly, and he wants nothing more than to grab this man wearing a mustard yellow cardigan–odd attire for a rock show, but Sirius likes it–and lead him back to the tour bus.
"Sirius," Lily says, hurrying over. "It's time. Have you been drinking?"
"It's a Coke," he assures her, climbing to his feet and taking his jacket off, pushing it into Lily's hands. "Don't worry, Mum."
…
"Did you see that?" James asks. "Sirius Black was sitting right next to me!"
"Hardly impressive," the woman with auburn hair says, folding Sirius' jacket.
The rest is history. James seems to forget about the show. He moves down, engaging the woman in conversation and leaving Remus to sit there, awkward and unsure. With nothing else to do, he accepts his second glass from Aberforth and sipping.
Sirius Black gets on stage, and Remus can't seem take his eyes off the rockstar. He's seen James' posters before, and he recognizes the intricate black tattoos that snake down his arms, but Remus has never noticed how stunning the man is.
"Thank you, Hogsmeade!" Sirius calls out, grinning broadly. "It's a pleasure to be here. I want to open up tonight with a song about falling in love. So, you guys will hear it first."
Remus is certain Sirius is looking at him, but he can't figure out why it should matter. It isn't like he's a blushing fanboy. Why should he care if Sirius looks at him? Besides, it isn't that spectacular. The pub is practically empty; he doesn't have many people to look at while he sings.
And yet it makes him feel special. As Sirius sings, he can't help but smile.
…
"I leave you alone for five seconds, and you find yourself a boyfriend," Sirius teases when he reaches Lily and the red-haired man from earlier. "I wish I could that lucky."
"This is James," Lily says. "He's a huge fan."
But Sirius doesn't particularly care about James. He cares about his friend Remus, the man in the cardigan who was staring at Sirius throughout the entire performance.
James seems to notice the way Sirius is staring. He grins. "I think I can help you with your luck," he says. "Remus, mate, c'mere."
…
Remus still doesn't know how it happens. All it takes is a quick word from James, and the fireworks seem to begin. One smile from Sirius, and he melts. When Sirius invites him back to the tour bus, Remus doesn't even think twice.
It's only when they reach the singer's bed that Remus feels the sudden utter in his stomach. He clears his throat, cheeks burning as he shifts his weight awkwardly from foot to foot. "I don't…" He ruffles his tawny hair, hating how painful his blush is as it deepens. "I'm not the one night stand type."
Sirius takes him gently by the hand. "I know I'm not the most angelic bloke out there, but I promise I won't pressure you or try to take advantage of you. I don't want you to be a quick fuck." His cheeks glow a light pink. "Maybe I need to try something more serious… If you would want that, I mean."
Remus nods, lips tugging into a smile. "I think that would be nice."