Checkpoint 14 - Soldier!AU / Remus Lupin

Assignment 10 - Aquatic Studies - Task #1: Ariel (The Little Mermaid): Write about someone who wants to leave home

I don't wanna look at anything else

Remus becomes a soldier to escape his home life. He's not the only one.

Marauders, Wolfstar.

Remus' hands shake as he sets his small case down on the bed in the corner. He's glad that the beds aren't assigned, it means that he can nab the corner, away from as many people as possible. He's used to being alone, and being in one of the beds surrounded by other people is a little overwhelming for him.

The room is filling up faster than he expects, and he sits on the bed after unpacking a few things into the small cupboard provided. He's put a couple of things on the bed too, showing that it's claimed. The only thing that is out on show is a tiny golden frame with a picture of him and his mum, though he's not sure it's something he should keep out, so after a moment of contemplation, he slips it underneath his pillow for now. He takes off his turquoise hat and shoves it away and he waits.

It's not long before a man flings a bag onto the top bunk of the next bed, before dropping onto the bottom. "James, mate, I found two," he shouts. "Over here." Dark curls spread over the unmade bed as the man gets himself immediately comfortable.

Remus averts his gaze, noticing another man approaching, his blue eyes darting between the beds nervously.

"Hi, is that… that's free, yeah?"

Remus nods, and the guy sighs in relief. "There's only two beds up the other side and they don't seem all that nice over there," the guy mutters, more to himself than to Remus.

"I'm Peter," the stranger says, shoving his bag onto the bed and looking around. "What about you?"

"Remus. Remus Lupin," Remus offers. He stands up, hand extended, and Peter grabs it, shaking enthusiastically. Despite nerves, Peter looks quite excited to be here.

"Sirius Black," says the man in the next bed, stretching his legs, and sliding elegantly off the bed. As he does, his t-shirt rides up slightly, and Remus' gaze follows it, before he looks up into grey eyes.

Sirius shakes Peter's hand quickly, before turning to Remus.

"So, Lupin, what brings you here?"

"Wanted an easy way to get away from my dad," Remus says. It's all he has to offer. Not that he had nowhere else to go, because his father is homophobic, and having a boyfriend is forbidden there. He can't stand to hear his father use words like 'impure' or slurs. This is what's best for everyone.

Sirius nods slowly. His hand lingers as they shake, and it takes a moment for Sirius to pull his hand away. "This is my best mate, James Potter."

"What brings you here?" Remus asks, nodding to James as he approaches, tossing his bag on the top bunk too, and walking around to sit on Sirius' chosen bed.

"Wanted an easy way to get away from both my parents," Sirius murmurs. "Sounds like we've got quite a bit in common. Maybe we should stick together?"

James nudges Sirius, and Sirius glances around, before stepping back slightly. "I meant the four of us," Sirius explains, though Remus feels like there is something more to this.

"I'm here for the experience," James adds. "Looking to make the world better in some way."

"My dad was a soldier," Peter says. "He always said he'd be so proud if I was one. I just… that's why I'm here."

"Good to meet you all," James says. "So, we've got this cosy little corner to ourselves, and I've heard it's good to find people you can trust. You both seem decent enough, so we should stick together."

Remus nods quickly. He had been scared of coming here. What if he didn't get along with anyone? He thought it'd be quite lonely, but he's already made friends, and that's something he's had very few of back home. He's actually quite thankful that he's come here and received a nice welcome and even made friends.

"I'd like that," he admits. He glances from James, around to Peter, who looks equally as pleased at the prospect, before allowing his gaze to move to Sirius.

He's not expecting the intense expression on Sirius' face, the stormy-grey eyes fixed intently on him. He could get lost in those eyes quite easily.

"I'd very much like that," Sirius murmurs, and Remus watches as Sirius' gaze drags slowly down his body. There's heat in his gaze and it sends a shiver through him. Remus can't tear his gaze away. He doesn't want to.

It takes James nudging Sirius hard once more for Sirius to drop his gaze, but he gives Remus a sultry smile before he does so, and Remus smiles shyly back.

Maybe this won't be so bad after all.

787 words

Days of the Year - 25th November - Thanksgiving: Write about being thankful

World Farm Animals Day - 7. Llama - (trait) Sociable

Colours - 12. Turquoise

Crystals and Gemstones - 13. Impure

Moony's Neon - Food - 7. Pumpkin Patch Pastries - (word) Lost

Writing Club

2. Heat - bonus

Lizzy's Loft - 3. Next in line - what do you think of getting lost

Elizabeth's Empire - 1. (word) alone

Angel's Archive - 11. Forbidden

Lyric Alley - 14. And she's searching for no one… but herself

Artist Appreciation - 20. Daylight: Prompt - (colour) golden

Insert Title - 13. Whispering

Sandwich Day - Cheese 9 - Goat cheese- (character) Remus Lupin