Eleven

Pairing: Lily Evans & Remus Lupin

Word Count: 479

Summary: They both know they're perfect for each other- it's just a shame they're dating other people.

Author's Note: Feedback is appreciated.

"I can't believe you're finally together," Remus says nervously to Lily. The two of them have been sat in an awkward silence in the library for little over an hour, only staying on the same table out of a mix of politeness and habit. It didn't used to be like this- they were, and are, very good friends- but ever since Lily started dating James something has shifted between them, and neither of them can ignore it.

"Yes," Lily says, her brow crinkling. "No hard feelings, though, Remus?" She bites her lip at her stupid question, gnawing at the familiar grooves. Remus almost tells her to stop, like he has done since he ever noticed her habit, but it doesn't seem right to reprimand her.

"Oh, gosh no," he says, too quickly. "You and I broke up over a year ago, Lily. We've both long since moved on."

"Hmm." She lifts up one of the books on the table between them and pretends to be reading the blurb. Remus eyes' focus on her delicate fingers.

"You with James, and me with Emmeline, of course," Remus says bravely, and then instantly regrets it when Lily drops the book with a clatter.

"Emmeline?" she chokes. "You're together now?" She sweeps her hair back from her eyes awkwardly in an attempt to hide her reddening face with her hand.

"Yes," Remus says uncomfortably. "I thought you knew- it's been flooding around the school rather quickly, although not as quickly as yours and James' news, of course."

"I knew she liked you... she never said... since when?"

"Th-this morning," Remus says, stumbling over his words. "She asked Sirius to ask me- you know that weird little friendship they have- and I told him to tell her yes."

"Oh," Lily says, for a moment looking very disconcerted. She brightens suddenly. "That's so romantic." Her grin, to some, would seem genuine, but Remus knows her better than most and sees straight through it.

"Mmm. So... you're okay about it?" He looks at his book on the table, distracting himself by reading the blurb.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Lily twists a strand of hair around her finger, trying to look nonchalant.

Remus shakes his head. "No reason in particular. It's just, she's your friend, and I know that you'd want the best for her."

And she has it, Lily can't stop herself thinking. "No- she's, I mean you're, very lucky."

"As is James," Remus says politely. Luckier than anyone in the world.

They smile at each other, both faking contentment, and get back to their books- although neither is able to stop sneaking frequent glances at the other. They both know they're perfect for each other- it's just a shame they're dating other people.