We always dreamed about this better life, this better life
We always felt it coming all along, yeah, all along
We got the keys to open paradise, yeah, paradise
Now let's go walking hand in hand
-Icona Pop-
After organizing her vegetables into different categories, Lily began to organize them. The broccoli was feuding with the corn and the carrots were just trying to make it through the dinner unscathed. It had been two entire hours since she'd sat down at the table. She had put on a pair of blue high waisted shorts and a flowered shirt. Her mother had tried to get her to do something more with her hair, but she ignored her and left it down. Her mother also tried to get her to put on some make-up, but she ignored that too. If she had known two nights earlier that her mother was this committed to getting a ring on her finger she would have created herself an escape plan. She thought that it was just Courtney's brother, but oh no, for the past two hours she'd listened to the guy that lived a shirt over talk about going to Uni and his entire life plan. At first he seemed a bit put out by her, but as Linda Evans probed he began to enjoy that at least someone was invested in his answers.
When she heard the doorbell ring, Lily dropped her eating utensils and bolted for the door. "I've got it!"
She swung the door open and then halted for a beat, before a huge grin spread across her face. "Sirius?!"
"Hey, Evans." He smirked, his face filled with warmth.
Lily jumped into his arms and hugged him fiercely. "I've missed you!"
He let out a bark like laugh, and lifted her up. "I've missed you too, Evans."
When he put her down, she breathed. "No, you have no idea. There's a guy in there. I know everything about him, and I haven't asked him a single question."
"Oh no." Sirius groaned sympathetically. "We've got to do something about that."
"Well James was supposed to be here-" Lily's words trailed off when she saw James standing off to the side with a mildly annoyed look on his face. "There you are!"
Sirius smirked, "Yeah, he told me. I thought I'd bring the bike over so we could go for a ride."
"The bike?" Lily asked, before stepping to the side and seeing a large motorcycle in her driveway. "NO WAY! When did you get that?!"
"Yesterday. I goaded your friend into take over supervising the kids so I could get it."
"It's so cool!" Lily gushed walking over to it. "And I love that you have a sidecar."
Sirius beamed, "Isn't it bloody fantastic?!"
Lily nodded, "It's really cool."
Seeing Sirius, she felt like she was saved. No more boring stuffy dinner for her, but it was a bit weird between her James. Neither of them went in for the hug, and James's hands were in his pockets so she didn't really feel like he was looking for one anyway. Lily shifted from foot to foot and smiled at him shyly. When she thought about him showing up, for a while she thought it could have been…But if Sirius was there it clearly wasn't a date.
It wasn't like she gave it you know…a lot of thought. It wasn't like she spent the whole morning pacing about it or started a half dozen letter's to Mary about it…Just as it wasn't like she was slightly sweating or unable to hold his gaze for longer than a few seconds.
No, not at all.
"You guys are early…Although normally dinner would have been over two hours ago."
James said, "Who's the bloke?"
"Blake Lutz." She shook her head slowly and dramatically. "He wants to be a lawyer." Lily gasped, "Ooh! I have an idea if you two are game."
"We're in." Sirius nodded instantly.
"Oooh good!" Lily exclaimed. "I have to go back in…but just follow me."
It wasn't a date. It was just that James would have preferred to spend the night alone with Lily as he rarely got the time to. Sirius, once James told him of his plans, decided to hijack them. He really shouldn't have been surprised or annoyed really, but the arrogant look on Sirius's face pissed him off. Sirius just loved to bother him and normally he would have taken it as a challenge to strike back, but so far he didn't have much to use against him. When apparated in, he arrived just in time to see Lily dive into Sirius's arms.
They were just friends. All of them were just friends. But that didn't stop James from elbowing Sirius between the ribs.
"Oy! Ow!"
"You're a right shit, Sirius Black." James muttered under his breath.
Sirius smirked impishly. "I don't know what you mean, James Potter. I'm a perfect gentleman."
"Gentleman, my arse." James scoffed as they both stood behind Lily. "I'm going to remember this."
"Good, make sure you write it down incase you forget." Sirius said cockily.
James scoffed, and rolled his eyes. At the dinner table was a rather boney but moderately good looking older woman, and tallboy, with a pointed nose and sharp brown eyes. Lily cleared her throat and rocked back and forth on her heels like she always did when she was nervous or anxious.
"Mum, Blake, I'm sorry but I have to go."
Mrs. Evans's, who didn't look a thing like Lily, face dropped in disappointment. "What?"
"My friend is in the hospital."
"What friend? At this hour?"
"Mum," Lily began, "It's 8:50."
Mrs. Evans looked back at Blake. "Can't you go in the morning?"
"Mam," Sirius said stepping forward, his face perfectly apologetic and earnest. "She asked specifically for Lily and she's not doing so well. It would only be for a few hours and we will bring her back."
"Who are you?"
Sirius flashed a smile and offered her his hand. "Sirius Black, mam."
Mrs. Evans flushed a bit before shaking his hand and looking him over. "Well…alright. Blake perhaps you and Lily can reschedule."
"I will make sure of it." Blake addressed Lily, standing up.
"You know, I don't know how serious this will be. Why don't I call you?" Lily told him while she walked him out.
James had to hide his laugh at the feigned heartfelt look on her face. If he were at the receiving end, James would have believed her too, but seeing the lack of anxiety or nerves gave her away. If she were remotely interested in the guy, she wouldn't have grabbed his arm or been so reassuring. Lily wasn't the type to have her feelings so visible or upfront, but then again a stranger wouldn't know that.
Mrs. Evans walked up to James with a curious look on her face. "And you are?"
"Oh, sorry!" He put his hand out, with an awkward smile. "James Potter."
"I feel like I've heard your name before…Have I met you before?" She asked shaking his hand.
"No. Mrs. Evans, but it's possible that Lily has mentioned me. She used to-"
"Loath and detest him." Sirius finished coyly.
James snorted, "Yes."
"And now you are…friends?" Mrs. Evans dark eyes scanned his face and James felt oddly like a lab rat.
"Yes, we are." Lily answered brightly. "I'll be back later, mum." She reached down and pecked her mother on the cheek. "Don't wait up."
"Who is this friend you are seeing? What precisely is wrong with her?"
"I will explain everything in the morning mum, but we've got to go."
"Who's car are you taking?" Mrs. Evans questioned worriedly.
"I will be driving, Mrs. Evans. Not to worry." Sirius told her, flashing yet another smile.
Mrs. Evans said hesitantly, "Well…Just be careful. It was nice to meet you both."
Lily kissed her mum on the cheek and said, "Night, mum."
When the three of them left the house, James laughed at Sirius. "I love how you were working Lily's mum."
"Yeah, I haven't seen her give in that easily…ever." Lily commented.
Sirius sighed dramatically, put an arm around each of them. "Well my friends, it takes an alarming amount of skill, and charm, but I can whoo any woman."
"…Have you gotten shorter?" Lily asked.
"No, both of you just got taller." Sirius said sourly, his smirk falling.
James cackled, "Aww, Padfoot."
"Don't be condescending, Prongs. I'm still twice as fit as you." Sirius said, climbing on his motorcycle.
James and Lily stood next to one another with their arms folded. "Which one of us..?" Lily asked.
"Which would you rather?" James questioned.
"Ride with Sirius and have to hold onto him for god knows how long…or ride in the side car and watch you do it." She then gave him a wicked smile, her emerald eyes full of amusement and…mischief, before she raced over and hoped into the sidecar.
His head bent and he laughed at the side of her putting on the goofy helmet Sirius handed her. It was clearly too big for Lily's face. "That's a good look for you, Evans."
"I'd like to think so." She sat pouting out her lips.
"Hop on mate." Sirius told James, scooting up to give him room.
James grabbed Sirius's shoulder while he hiked up onto the bike and then linked his arms around Sirius waist.
"You know, I intended for Lily to be holding onto me, but I do think you and I should do this more often James." Sirius said in a stoic voice.
James smirked, "Anytime darling."
"You two have marital problems?" Lily inserted with a chuckle.
"It's not easy being together this long my dear Lily, but we make it work." Sirius told her, starting the engine. "But you might want to hang on."
"Why?" She asked and Sirius turned to give James a devilish look.
Sirius said, "You'll see."
The engine grew louder, and the cloaking device kicked in. Then Sirius gripped the handlebars and tilted back before jolting the motorcycle high up into the sky.
"THIS THING FLIES?!" Lily screamed, her hands clamped onto her helmet. "THIS IS SO COOL!"
James heard Sirius's laugh, but he was looking at Lily watching the excitement and exhilaration grow on her face the higher they went. It was like watching someone eat their first ice cream cone. Her green eyes were wide with wonder and kept looking around at the ground below. His smile grew the more hers did and until they landed he didn't take his eyes off of her.
She couldn't believe it. Of all the places she'd imagined they'd go, Lily would have never thought a carnival would be the answer. The three of them stood at the front entrance and looked at the bright lights and heard the yelling in the distance.
"So this is our wild adventure." She grinned.
James shrugged, "Remus told me about it and I've never been."
"Me neither." Sirius said.
Lily said, "You both are in for a treat. Good pick, Potter."
She loved the look on his face. It was a distinct mixture of pride and delight and it made him look rather handsome. Lily looked away quickly and tucked her hair behind her ears. "So what first boys?"
"You're the expert." Sirius said, "What's that?"
"A haunted house."
"No. No. No." James shook his head, "Why don't we try one of those rides over there?"
Lily and Sirius shared a coconspirator look. Sirius said, "Nah, I think we want to go into the Haunted House. But don't worry Lily and I will protect you."
"Yeah, what are you afraid of Potter?" She taunted him.
It was meant to be a joke. Lily really liked teaming up with Sirius against James. It seemed to bother him, not in a deep way, but just in a way he was clearly not used to. She'd seen Remus and Sirius tease him together, but he knew how to manage that. Lily coming in on it seemed to be an element he hadn't been anticipating. Instead of getting mad or continuing to protest, he set his jaw and raised his chin. His hazel eyes were narrowed and he lips were bunched together.
"Nothing. I'm fearless, Evans." James strutted forward with his head held high. "Are you two coming?"
Sirius whispered into her ear. "He's terrified of haunted houses. Remus and I dragged him into one a few years ago and he ran out screaming"
"Oh... if he's actually scared we don't have to do this!" Lily muttered with a rush of guilt.
"Oh no, what fun would that be?" Sirius insisted, "Come on."
As they waited in line, Sirius talked to them both about what he was teaching the kids and stories from camp, but neither of them were really listening. James kept running his hand through his hair, and craning his neck to look at the front of the line. And Lily couldn't help but worry. It was one thing to drag him to do something he didn't want to do, it was another to put him in a situation he was actually afraid of.
"What is that stuff over there, Lily?"
"Cotton candy."
"OOoh! I'll be right back." Sirius gasped, racing over to the cart.
Lily looked up at James. "You, okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Potter, you know you don't have to do this." She grimaced.
James glanced down at her with raised eyebrows. "Are you taking the challenge back?"
"No, I just don't want you to genuinely scared."
"I can handle it, Evans."
She laughed at the competitive look on his face. "You really would do anything for a dare, wouldn't you?"
"I just know how to rise to a challenge."
Lily snorted and shook her head. "Alright."
"Alright."
When Sirius returned, he literally couldn't be happier. He looked like Christmas had come and Santa had given him everything he'd ever desired. She couldn't even look at him. Every time she did she just dissolved into a fit of laughter. James seemed to have a similar problem.
He stooped to mutter in her ear. "I think we could leave and he wouldn't even notice. He's met the love of his life."
"Cotton candy is Sirius's true love," She replied, with a nod. "The only one good enough."
They stepped to the front of the line, by that point Sirius was finished with his blue cotton candy and was peeking above the crowd. "I wonder how bad it will be."
"Well in these things they usually try and go for the person that looks the most scared and try to separate people."
"How do you know that?" James asked her.
Lily smiled, "Because when I went with Dirk and Mary, they got me away from both of them and scared the daylights out of Mary…She just kept screaming facts at everyone."
"Like what?" Sirius asked.
"Like that a guy had a lead pipe and when one guy was close to me, she screamed, 'no not lily.'" Lily snickered, "It wasn't like I was in danger but she took it so seriously, it was hilarious."
Sirius grinned, "I've gotta see that. We need to drag her along when she gets back."
"Sounds like a plan."
The room was dark and before they took a step in a hand reached out and took hers. For a moment she didn't know if it belonged to Sirius or James, they both were in front of her, but when she felt the thin bone structure she knew it wasn't Sirius's hand. She smiled at the gesture, because although they both stood in front of her unintentionally shielding her, there was no reason for him to hold her hand, which meant the gesture wasn't for her. It was for him.
When they walked farther in she heard the usual sounds of supposed ghosts and horror movie soundtracks. Lily weaseled between the pair of them and linked her free arm around Sirius's. They crept forward, walking much slower than normal. There were a few people in front of them, but they kept their eyes pealed on the walls, waiting for something to pop up.
"Okay," Sirius began his voice higher pitched. "Where the hell are they?"
"I dunno." James replied, his body stiff and rigid.
Lily said, "We should-"
She didn't get to finish her sentence, because a man in a zombie mask popped up behind her and shouted, "BOO!" And Lily like the mature adult she was, let out the loudest scream. Her heart was pounding, on either side of her James and Sirius were howling with laughter. Their laughter didn't last long because just when Sirius began to calm down a tiny clown puppet dropped from the ceiling right in front of him.
"BLOODY HELL!" He shrieked, ducking back.
James and Lily curled into each other, laughing. Sirius mouth was pinched in panic; even in the darkness they could see the horrified expression on his face.
After a few feet more the floor beneath Lily lowered, and she shrieked before Sirius and James grabbed her and yanked her away. They were nearly to the end and still James hadn't had a good scare, but right as the multicolored lights of the Carnival were visible a man jumped out in front of Lily and James. Lily saw him coming so she didn't even scream, but James didn't see him. So the instant he saw him, instead of just screaming James reacted by pushing Lily behind him and decking the man right in the face.
Five minutes later, Sirius, James and Lily sat on a bench on the other side of the carnival, far away from the Haunted House.
"Merlin!" Sirius gasped, clutching his chest. "This was priceless."
"I still faired the best out of everyone." James said defensively.
Lily exclaimed, "You punched the guy in the face, James!"
"He surprised me!" James yelped, "I can't control that."
"You're lucky he was a good sport about it, mate." Sirius said. "I would have kicked your scrawny arse if I was him."
James shook his head with a laugh. "I think I can handle a lifetime ban from the Haunted House."
"What next kids?" Sirius implored. "Rides?"
"Why not?" James said, dropping the ice pack off of his hand into a trash bin. "You up for it, Evans?"
Lily snickered, "Are you going to punch the ride if it scares you?"
"Watch it, Evans." He said pushing her shoulder.
They walked by the vendors try to get them to win things. One man called out to them. "Are you siblings?"
She asked, "All of us?"
"No, clearly he is your boyfriend. I meant you and him." He pointed to Sirius.
Lily blushed and said, "No. We're not related and he's not...my…yeah."
"Oh…Well five tokens and I can guess your birth month."
"Considering how shitty he is at guessing things…Why not?" Sirius muttered under his breath.
Lily stepped forward and handed the man some tokens. "Okay."
"Answer three questions." The man said, rolling up his multicolored sleeves majestically.
Lily eyed him unsurely and said. "Ok."
"What is your middle name?"
"Anne."
"What is your favorite number?"
"7."
He drummed his fingers on his lips thoughtfully. "And now what is your favorite season?"
"Spring."
"You were born at the end of March!" The man declared.
Lily shook her head. "No, sorry."
"No?!" He said in shock.
"That's my birthday." James said, raising a hand.
The man paused and then nodded. "That makes more sense."
"How does that make more sense?" Sirius wanted to know.
"Because you two are together."
Lily and James said in unison. "We're not together."
"Say what you will." The man shrugged, handing Lily back her tokens. Then he charged towards a group of girls. "Five tokens! I will guess your date of birth!"
Lily let out an exasperated chuckle. "He's a bit off of it, eh?"
"Okay, but guys-"
"Sirius, no more cotton candy." James stated.
"Not until at least after the rides." Lily agreed.
Sirius sighed, "Fine!"
The three of them took turns going on rides together. James and Sirius went on a machine that slung shot the passengers up and down randomly. Sirius and Lily went on a mini roller coaster, both of them singing on the way up and keeping their arms raised for the rest of the ride. The three of them all got onto these swings that swung around high off the ground. It reminded her of when she was little how she would use magic to fly off of the swing, high up off the ground. Giggling, she put her arms out and pretended she was flying. When she looked over, she saw that Sirius and James had opted to do the same. They also decided to sing, in horrible unison, a song she'd never heard but sounded like it would be sung for last call in a tavern.
The last ride James and Lily went on looked like a space ship. They hopped in, while Sirius raced off to go get some more cotton candy. They leaned against these panels on the wall, while other people rushed in to get on their own panels. Lily leaned back and pushed off the ground to make the panel move. For a few seconds the panel stuck.
"Look! I'm taller than you now!"
James snorted as she slowly slid down the wall. "What does this ride do?"
"I think spins." Lily shrugged.
While the people continued to load onto the ride, she glanced over to him. He was sweating slightly. His dark hair was everywhere, and a few strands of his hair was sticking to his forehead. James's glasses were slightly fogged up, but he seemed to be able to see anyway. He just clung to the wall, looking excitedly at the conductor. To think, she could still be at her house having to pretend to enjoy Blake's company. When she agreed to this she had no idea what she was agreeing to, but being there, looking at him, she was never happier with a decision.
"Thanks by the way." She said softly.
"For what?"
"This." Lily beamed, "It's really fun."
James grinned, and Lily found herself grinning back. "Anytime, Evans."
"I think even Sirius is enjoying himself."
"Yeah," James drawled sarcastically, "Because he usually has to try so hard to do that."
Lily laughed, for what felt like the millionth time. Her lungs began to even burn a little. She was sure she looked worse for wear. Her hair was frizzing from the sweat and she wished she'd brought a hair tie. The great thing was, she knew it didn't matter. Any time she'd been near a male since she'd hit puberty there was a beat, a moment where, no matter her feelings towards the male, she'd worry about how she looked. Lily would sit there and wonder. What if her shorts were too short? What if her shirt was too loose? A million pointless questions would come to her mind. Even if she didn't think the guy was attractive, there would be a part of her that would worry whether he found her attractive. But for the past few hours she hadn't worried about that, not even for a second.
It wasn't new. Dirk certainly never cared what she looked like, but it was still nice. Especially given, she'd never looked at Dirk as anything but a dorky cousin. Sirius and James on the other hand were attractive in their own right, which added another layer to it. Because whether she meant to or not, a part of her cared what they thought of her. And the past few hours had proved that they saw her beyond looks. So Lily didn't have to try so hard. She could just, laugh or make the stupid comment without worrying she'd look stupid or ruin everything. Lily could just be Lily and it felt good.
"Alright, Evans." James said, straightening up. "Here we go."
Lily squealed as the ride began to spin and the panels moved up and down. Her arm reached over and twisted around his like a vine. By this point the contact wasn't even a big deal, because the entire day was spent clutching each other for reassurance or support. It was second nature, and even when she was screaming from the rising speed she felt overjoyed. And for a moment, Lily felt truly alive.
Who cared if there was sweat building in the back of her knees and a pool of it on the back of her white flowered shirt? This was it was supposed to be like. It was supposed to be dirty and grimy. It was supposed to give her blisters on the heel of her toes, aching calves and a sore throat. It was supposed to feel like the whole world was loud and full of unsustainable energy. It was supposed to be so bright and intense that it nearly burned her eyes. This is what living was supposed to feel like.
When the ride stopped. Lily locked down on the panel, her face pale, and a new sheen of sweat on her forehead. "Whooo."
"You alright, Evans?" James said, still not getting off his own panel.
"Let's…" She breathed, putting a hand out on his chest to keep him down, "Let's just stay until everyone else gets off."
His voice was low as he said, "Okay, Evans."
Lily took shallow breaths for a moment, her eyes fluttering to a close. "Okay…"
"Lily," He said gently.
She opened her eyes and saw him standing. "Time to get off."
"Let's just go slow." He said offering his hand.
Lily took it and said, "Okay."
First he lifted her up with the hand he took from her. Next James came around put his arm under her shoulder blades so she could put her arm around his shoulder. She smiled at the gesture, but she was too tired to properly thank him. Then he half-carried her off of the ride. Everything was moving to the left and Lily had a hard time staying still. Before she knew it she was sitting on the ground, leaning against a fence and Sirius was handing her a water bottle.
"Drink up, Lily. You're peaky." Sirius told her putting his arm around her.
Lily nodded weakly, and took a sip. After she took a few more sips she felt her strength return to her. "Where's James?"
"Throwing up." Sirius pointed to a trash bin, which James was hunched over. His glasses were dangling from the hand that wasn't clamped onto the edge of the bin and he looked far too pale.
"How-How did I get here…?" She asked, breathless.
"James passed you to me on his way to the trash bin and I figured you'd be better on the ground." Sirius scratched under his chin. "Drink more… We really should have hydrated better for this, but…c'est la vie."
Lily sighed, draining the rest of the bottle. "God...That was a lot."
"Why don't we cool it on rides for a bit?" Sirius suggested, patting her on the shoulder.
"Good idea." She nodded, letting out a breath.
When Sirius was sure Lily wouldn't faint, he left and returned with a pack of mints and a water bottle for James, who had finished vomiting. Sirius had tight grip on James as he forced him to drink some water before he guided him down next to Lily.
"You two need food. I'm going to get you something. Prongs, eat those mints it will help settle your stomach and also…no one wants to smell Mum's meat loaf." Sirius said before walking away.
Lily told him, "Drink more."
James did, and popped a mint into his mouth. "I feel like crap."
She was still a little shaky but she could see he was shrunk against the fence and kept closing his eyes. "Drink more."
He did and once the bottle was gone he regained a bit of color in his face. James popped the rest of the mints into his mouth once he tossed the water bottle aside. Lily linked her arm around his and leaned her head on his shoulder. A second later, his head was resting on hers and they both nearly fell asleep.
"No!" Sirius shouted, "Both of you wake up."
James groaned and faced away from Sirius.
"I did not get you two cotton candy because the only thing worse than throwing up is throwing up cotton candy." Sirius declared, handing them each a plate of fish and chips. "Eat up so you can join the land of the living."
Twenty minutes later, James and Lily were not quite good as new, but as good as could be. There energy was slightly diminished, but they still were in good spirits. When they made it to the games, Lily eyed them both.
"Which one of you is going to prove your masculinity and win me a stuffed animal?"
Sirius snorted. "Obviously me."
When he stepped forward he was supposed to throw a small ball at a hole that continuously moved. He missed every single shot and nearly made one until it bounced out.
"This is rigged!" Sirius whined.
James stepped up, and took the ball. Lily watched him roll up his sleeves and laughed. Then his hazel eyes narrowed calculating, before he began to throw, one after another until he won.
"This is bullshit." Sirius scoffed.
"I'm a chaser. That's literally what I do." James told him consoling him.
The lady, with violet hair, asked, "Which one do you want?"
Lily eyed them and saw the one she wanted, "The blue monkey."
"I'm taking that monkey, the second you take your eyes off of it." Sirius threatened.
"Why?!" Lily gasped, clutching the stuffed monkey to her chest. "This monkey is mine!"
James interrupted, "Guys, want to do that? It's slow and not really a ride."
"The Ferris Wheel?" Lily said, her voice full of disgust. "You couldn't pay me enough, to get on that rust bucket. It's a death trap."
"You know we have to go on it now." Sirius stated flatly.
"What?!"
"We each did things that we feared. It's your turn, Evans."
Lily put her hands on her hips and asked incredulously. "What did you do that you feared, Sirius?"
"Test my masculinity, clearly." He sighed, forlornly.
She sighed as the pair of them pushed her forward. "I'm going to shut my eyes the whole time."
"We don't care." James said. "Either way you are getting on it."
The Ferris Wheel was the worst creation in the world. It was unstable and Lily had no control over how it worked. If she was going to die, she didn't want to plummet to the ground in an over-glorified bucket. Standing in line she tried to talk the pair of them out of it, but they wouldn't hear it. The more she fought, the more determined they were to get her in it. So there was no point but to grit her teeth and mutter what horrible hateful things she'd do to the pair of them if she got the chance.
When they climbed on it, Sirius sat by himself, and Lily sat next to James. She kept her eyes clenched shut. "I hate you both."
"No, you don't." Sirius said in a sing-song voice, then he swayed the bucket. "Oh shit!"
Lily's eyes snapped open and she dove over to James, her nails clawing into him. "WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
Sirius raised his hands innocently.
James groaned. "Lily, you're hurting me."
"Oh, sorry." She breathed, releasing him.
He put his arm along the back of the seat and she relaxed back into it. Though she hated it and spent the entire time counting down the seconds until she was on solid ground, Lily didn't mind it as much as she should have. Sirius must have realized Lily was going to slaughter him, because he didn't try to taunt her again. Instead he was talking to James about World Cup prospects. Instead of listening, Lily leaned to the side so she was half-leaning on James's chest. The sound of his voice was soothing, it was the perfect mixture of low but not gravelly. If she only would have turned and laid her head on his chest, she surely would have fallen asleep. Lily knew he wouldn't have minded, but this time she was hydrated and fed so she was out of legitimate excuses.
Getting off the ride the three of them looked around. Sirius said, "Anything else guys?"
"Okay, one last thing." Lily said, "Sirius you know how you said you wanted to test your masculinity?"
Sirius said, "I feel like this is a trick question…"
She pointed to the dunk tank and he sighed. "You just want to see me shirtless."
"Yes," Lily goaded him, "But don't we all? Isn't that a charity you should give to the world?"
"I hate you so much." Sirius laughed before walking up to put his name on the list.
The girl who was running the booth ran over and said something to Sirius, before taking the clipboard from him and helping him inside the booth. Lily tugged James over so they could get prime view.
"What do you think she said to him?"
"There were at least four names on that list ahead of him." James said, "He just jumped the list."
"He's right," Lily cackled in amusement, "It is so hard being Sirius."
Sirius took of his shirt and threw it over the tank. James caught it and wiggled it around in the air. He wasn't sitting there for a minute before a line of teenage girls appeared to dunk him. At first, he'd wink at the girls and they'd lose their nerve. But after the third girl missing, Lily cut in and hit it right in the middle.
"EVANS!" Sirius yelled, before climbing back up. "The water is bloody freezing!"
"MORE!" The girls shouted.
And Sirius was dunked; once, twice, ten times, before he was taken out. His pants were drenched, and his hair was flat plastered to the sides of his face. He blew kisses to James and Lily on his way out.
"Did that tickle your pickle, Evans?"
"I think my favorite part was when you were in the middle of flirting and that girl's boyfriend threw the ball and knocked you on your arse actually." Lily said.
"Well," Sirius put an arm around both of their shoulders. "I don't know about you two, but I'm spent."
Lily nodded. "I think I might apparate home actually. I don't know if I can stay awake that whole ride."
"I don't think you should apparate then." Sirius frowned, "Let Prongs side along apparate you."
"Oh no! You don't have to."
Sirius said, "Oh, it's not problem. He insists."
James nodded, "He would rather drive home alone anyway. Then he can figure out his theme song."
"Try and tell me I don't need one." Sirius said hotly.
Lily stopped walking, "Well if you're sure it's no trouble…"
"It's no trouble."
Lily reached over and hugged Sirius. "I had a blast!"
"Me too!" Sirius smirked, rocking her back and forth for a moment before letting go. "You take care of yourself, Evans."
"You too!"
James offered Lily his arm, "Ready?"
"Yep." She grabbed his elbow and waved to Sirius before they apparated away.
When James dropped down, his free hand went to grip her hand to steady her. He waited a moment to take his hand off of her. She swayed, and held onto him for a bit. James didn't mind. They'd gotten more physically close the past few hours than they'd ever been and he wasn't going to protest. It was with a small amount of victory that he noticed when she was scared or didn't feel well she didn't cling to Sirius the same way she clung to him. Not that it was really a competition.
"You alright?"
She nodded, her eyes still shut. "Just dizzy. Lots of rides…We probably shouldn't have done that many."
"Next time we won't do that many."
"Next time," She smiled, "I like that."
James smirked. "What you think you can get rid of us that easily?"
"Yeah, I get it. Once I'm in, I'm in." She chuckled.
"Something like that." James said.
Lily let out a slow breath and opened her eyes. Before she said anything, James swooped down and pulled her into a hug. He didn't want her to say something, to clarify that they were just friends or anything like that. If friends were all they were going to ever be that was fine, but for one night James wanted to be able to believe she could see him as more than that.
She didn't hesitate putting her arms around him and squeezed him back. James's grin was wide as he said, "Well. Night, Evans."
"Night, Potter."
"I will Owl you."
She nodded, and let go of him. "Please do."
Looking at her, he felt the urge to say something stupid so he just apparated home before he could. Sirius was sitting in the kitchen with a crossword and a glass of water.
"Well?"
"Well what?"
Sirius looked up. "Did you steal a snog?"
"No."
"Chicken."
"We're friends." James shrugged. "I don't think she thinks of me like that."
Sirius looked appalled, "Mate…"
"What?"
Sirius put his head in his hands. "Nothing…I'm going to bed." He then gave James a very sad look and patted him on the shoulder. "You are truly sad my friend."
"What?!" James called after him. "Why?!"
But Sirius didn't reply, he just kept walking.
"Bloody wanker." James sighed, taking the water he left and taking a sip.
