I hope you think of me

by NeonDomino

After gaining custody of Tonks' son after her death, Sirius and Teddy set out in search of Teddy's father who doesn't know about Teddy's existence. Warning: Homophobic character (and slurs), Unspecified illness in first scene and off-screen death.

Assignment 10 - Elemental - 3. Write about someone's luck changing for the better

Race - checkpoint 10 - Teddy Lupin / Homeless!AU

---

I hope you think of me

Gaining custody of Tonks' son after her death, Sirius and Teddy set out in search of Teddy's father, who doesn't know about Teddy's existence.

Warning: Homophobic character (and slurs), Unspecified illness in first scene (death itself is off screen)

---

Teddy is terrified at even being in the living room, where the bed is set up. His mother is frail, her skin as pale as the white sheets on the bed. It doesn't feel like a living room anymore, it feels like a hospital, and he may never look at this room the same way again.

She's lost so much weight and he's been offered the truth of what's happening. Uncle Sirius said that there's no hiding what's happening before his eyes, and it's best that he knows - so he can understand how precious the little time they have left is. He appreciates that, but at the same time, he's angry.

Not at Uncle Sirius. Not at his mum. He's angry at the world because his mum is beautiful, amazing, the best mum ever. Yet… why is he losing her?

He's scared of being alone. But more than that, he's scared of losing his mum. He can't imagine life without her. She's not come home to recover. She's come home because there's nothing the hospital can do anymore, and she doesn't want her last weeks to be in that hospital room. She wants it with her family.

Teddy takes a deep breath and walks into the room, pushing a smile onto his face as he does.

"So, I saw these tubs of hair-dye," he starts, because this is normal. These are usual topics of conversation, and he wants normal. He wants his mum to feel that it's normal and not weird and tense and difficult. He can feel the negative stuff later.

His mum will be gone soon. He's not going to ruin their last days.

Nymphadora looks towards him, her eyes having lost the bright spark that they've always had.

"So," Teddy continues, "I have pocket-money and we're coming up to the summer holidays. How about it?" he asks. "It'll wash out over time, so… I go blue and then I go back to normal for the start of next year?"

His mother huffs out a laugh. It's far from the loud chortle he's used to hearing. His mother is never one for quiet noises, or being quiet. She's usually the life of the party, with boundless energy.

That alone is enough to tell Teddy how ill she is, but he smiles at her like those thoughts aren't going around his head. He smiles, trying to look hopeful like he actually cares that much about this hair-dye.

"You know what, you make a good argument," she tells him. "You win. This time."

Teddy's smile widens. She's said in the past he can't dye his hair until he's a bit older - fifteen at least - and that's a few years off. He knows she's trying to give him anything that'll make him happy, but there's little he actually wants. He won't abuse her last days by making demands. This is enough. Their love of brightly coloured hair is something they both share. Though his mum's hair isn't the vivid purple it was months ago. With treatment, she's forgone the hair-dye, leaving it a mousey blonde that Teddy has only ever seen in pictures of his mum as a child. He'd do anything for her to have her bright hair.

He must have been staring, because Tonks shuffles to sit up, struggling to do so.

"Your Uncle Sirius is going to sort my hair for me," she tells him. "Dark purple. I won't need to bleach it. It'll be just like old times." She hesitates. "Teddy, we need to tell you something. I… I need to tell you something. Two somethings."

Teddy nods, and he glances around as he hears someone coming into the room. He tries to smile at Uncle Sirius, and the man smiles widely back, the tension around his eyes the only indication that he's upset.

"When… when the inevitable happens," Tonks murmurs. "I've asked Sirius to become your guardian. He's my cousin - family, and I think that he's the best person to raise you. You have a close relationship with him and…" she trails off, her fingers clutching the white sheets. They're so thin and bony and Teddy doesn't look at them. He tries to look at his mother's face. Even that's hard, but he holds her gaze.

"I'd love to live with Sirius," he admits. Out of all of the family, Sirius would be his choice. His mum knows that, which is probably why she made this call. He had been wondering for a while if he'd end up with his grandparents. This is better.

"There's something else," Tonks says. Her voice is a little quieter now. "And I hope you can forgive me. But it's a secret I can't take with me…"

"What is it?" Teddy asks, his thoughts jumping quickly between possible secrets his mum could have.

She's quiet for a long moment.

"I talked to Sirius earlier about it," she says. "He only found out today, so he's not been keeping anything from you. I wondered if you were old enough to know, or if this is something he could tell you in a few years. But Sirius reminded me that you're not little anymore. You'll be going to high-school soon." Her voice shakes at the words, because they both know she's not going to be here to see that happen. "I've never told you who your father was, even when you asked. But… but you have a right to know, and I'm not going to keep that from you anymore."

Teddy can't think of what to say. Seconds pass, turning into minutes as he stands there, staring at her. She waits patiently, her eyes fluttering closed a few times, but she opens them again, eyes fixed on him.

"I thought you didn't tell me because you didn't know," Teddy finally admits quietly. This does hurt him a little bit, because if his mum knew, then she's chosen to hide this.

"I didn't tell you because I was younger and I thought it was for the best." She sighs, it's heavy and seems to weigh on her. "It wasn't a good choice, I see that now. But the problem with being a parent is sometimes you think you know what's best, and it turns out that you were wrong. But… Teddy, your father was someone I dated very briefly. He was out of my life before I even realised I was pregnant. I was scared, I never reached out to him - I remember him talking about someone he knew becoming a parent and saying how he didn't want kids. Of course, at the time I was eighteen and he was twenty-one and… well, things like that change. But… I was scared that if I went to him, he'd reject you and… I messed up, Teddy. I'm sorry."

Teddy is a little hurt. He can't help that. But he knows that his mum always tried to do what was best. He can't fault her for that.

"It's okay. I know now," he murmurs quietly. Because there's no reason to be angry or upset. It won't change anything. "Maybe I'll find him someday."

"Wales, it was a family holiday to Wales," Tonks says. "Remus Lupin."

Remus. That's Teddy's middle name. He doesn't say anything else, however, because all of the talking has worn his mum out.

"Come on," Sirius murmurs softly. "We'll let her rest. I'll take you to McDonalds, yeah?"

---

Teddy watches Sirius pack boxes of his mum's clothes up.

They've agreed that Sirius will move in with him, rather than Teddy packing up his own life. And it hurts to see his mum's belongings in the boxes, but he knows that they can't keep everything.

He'll still have the silly ornaments that his mum bought, the bright fridge-magnets. The photos will still be hung on the wall, and the rest of the things in the house that all remind him of her.

Sirius is just taking the bedroom. There's no use for the clothes anymore, though Teddy has taken his mum's favourite scarf and hung it on the back of his door, along with her cropped leather jacket.

"It'll just be stored in my flat for the time-being," Sirius tells him. "In case you want to go back through it."

Teddy nods. Eventually it'll all be given to charity. But he appreciates that Sirius is giving him time for that.

"I want to find him," Teddy suddenly blurts out. Sirius pauses, his hands clutching one of his mum's t-shirts that he had been folding.

"You do?"

Teddy nods. "Can we… the holidays are just about to start and you said you've called the school so I'd have the last two days off. Can we… just get away from here? Just for a few days?" It's stifling. He loves his mum so much, but he's drowning here, surrounded by everything of hers, but without her.

Sirius puts the t-shirt down.

"You know, we could go on a bit of a road trip," he murmurs. "We're supposed to see James, Regulus and Harry tomorrow, but I'll rearrange for when we're back. We'll do some research and head down to Wales."

"Have you tried to find him yet?" Teddy checks.

Sirius nods. "I wanted the information ready for you," he admits quietly. "I had a feeling you'd ask."

"Why?" Teddy checks.

Sirius laughs softly, though it's not cheerful like usual. It sounds sad, like it's not a real laugh and Teddy bites his lip as he waits for the answer.

"Because as close as we are, kid, you've lost one parent. If it were me, I'd be out searching for my other parent. But that's just me, so I didn't want to say anything until you did. We're looking. I was going to get the info from Harry tomorrow, you know he's good with the internet and what-not."

Teddy nods. Harry is an expert on computers - well, compared to Sirius, that is.

When Sirius goes to call the Potter-Blacks, Teddy takes over the job of folding his mum's clothes. Sirius has insisted he can do it alone, but Teddy wants to look at the t-shirts anyway. His mum has always had an extensive collection of band t-shirts.

By the time he's finished, Sirius has come back into the room.

"Nothing on social media," he says, pushing his mobile into his pocket. "But they've found mentions of him on websites, such as a church parish website. Some very old things that may be related to his time at school. Not much to go on, but it gives us somewhere to start. We have a name, a location, and Harry is going to keep researching. If we fail, I'll hire someone… but I think a week or two away would make a world of difference."

They both know that time away will make little difference at all, because Teddy has never gone away without his mum - except for the year six residential trip, that is.

---

Wales is beautiful and oh so different to London. Sirius is thrown by the amount of people that smile and greet him and Teddy, and after the initial shock, he finds he quite likes it.

He's never been here before. He's been to Scotland, but never Wales. It's a lovely vibe and if Teddy's dad lives here, it's somewhere they can visit often. It'll be nice. Sirius will have to invest in a car. He's using Nymphadora's car which she gave to him. He feels strange in it. He knows she gave him it because he'll be driving Teddy around, but he doesn't like the car all that much. It's not his style. Still, a car is a car and he appreciates it.

They find a cheap hotel in the same place where this Remus Lupin went to school. The church is further out than here, but this is a good starting point. Sirius isn't really sure what to do - do they just ask people and use the name until someone knows? He hopes it's that easy.

He knows Teddy is relying on him. Sirius really wanted to do all of the research in the background, so when Teddy was ready, the information was all there. But the kid asked sooner than expected. Sirius thought he'd have at least another month or two. But he can see the boy's need to get away from his life. It was hard enough for Sirius to watch his cousin waste away, but for Teddy to have to watch his mother do that, and then stay in that house afterwards… well, that's a massive emotional toll.

So they got in the car and just drove. They booked a hotel room with twin beds, because Sirius doesn't know how long this will take and though Tonks left money for Teddy's care, Sirius doesn't want to touch that money when it comes to this sort of thing.

Teddy will want for nothing. Sirius plans to have as much of that money left for Teddy when Teddy gets older. Teddy will also have the house, and Sirius plans to give him the car once he can drive (if it's still running at that time).

Sirius has his own money. Enough to own his flat, enough to have his own business. Enough to manage, but a spur of the moment holiday and leaving the shop in Regulus' hands means that Sirius has to be a bit more careful with money than he intended.

The chances of Remus Lupin still living in his home-town aren't all that high. But this information is all they have to go on, and maybe, if he's not here, he's left a trail over the years?

---

Harry finds a farm a few miles out run by someone with the same surname. That's their first stop, and Sirius drives slower than usual. Wales is empty roads and sharp turns, and he's panicking because he can't see around the bend, and is it even safe?

They're surrounded by empty fields as they drive up the hill and out of town. Teddy excitedly points out the animals in various fields, grazing, ignoring the vehicles heading past, but Sirius is focused in front of him. He's focused on the sat-nav directing them to the farm.

It's smaller than expected, when he arrives there. They pull up on the road that leads down into the farm, parking a short distance from the low stone wall around the front of the property. Stones are missing, and it looks a little in disarray, but Sirius sees flowers planted in the front garden.

He hopes this is the right place.

"Teddy, don't get your hopes up," Sirius says. "Could be relatives of your dad, it could just be a coincidence. We don't know how popular this surname is around Wales. It could be quite common." They both know that the last one is bullshit, and Teddy's expression confirms this.

Sirius just doesn't want Teddy to be disappointed. They stand still, their gazes on the farmhouse. It's beautiful, ivy winding up the walls, flowers surrounding it. Sirius takes a moment to consider what to say. Remus Lupin could have another family, so Sirius may need to make clear that he's not expecting Remus to drop everything for this. He just wants Teddy to know his father. Maybe visit every so often. He's seen people who have started a new family, forget about their old one. So he wants to make sure that Remus doesn't immediately assume Teddy is some sort of burden.

The other concern is that Remus may claim that as he's the parent, he should have custody of Teddy. Again, that's not going to happen because Sirius will fight with every last penny. Teddy won't go and live with a stranger, and Sirius is very much under the belief that family isn't always blood. He himself has always been a little bit in the role of Teddy's father since Teddy didn't have anyone else, and Tonks was very careful not to introduce Teddy to anyone she dated, unless it got serious.

After a couple of minutes, neither Sirius or Teddy had moved, and the door of the cottage swings open, a man appearing there. Sirius can already see that this man is too old to be Remus Lupin, and that somehow makes it easier to approach. Teddy sticks closely by him as Sirius fiddles with the catch on the wooden gate, opening it and walking through.

"Good morning," Sirius says, smiling widely at the stranger. "We're sorry to bother you, but I'm looking for Remus Lupin. Do you know where I could find him?"

The man stares at them until they reach where he's standing.

"I'm his father," the man finally says. "Lyall Lupin."

"Sirius Black," Sirius offers. He doesn't introduce Teddy right away, because he's got a bad feeling about this. There's something on this man's face that reminds Sirius of his own father, and that's not a good thing at all.

"My son hasn't lived here for ten years," Lyall continues. "Who are you? How do you know him?" There's anger in Lyall's expression as he mentions his son, and Sirius gets the cold feeling that this man is cruel. There's just something empty inside of his eyes.

"An old friend," Sirius says, crossing his arms. He wants to give as little information as possible at this moment.

Lyall's lip curls at the words. "Oh," he sneers, "you're one of those queers too, are you? Well, you won't find that disgrace around here. I sent him packing years ago. Got him out of here the moment I found out he was one of your kind. Was it you he was shacking up with back then?"

Sirius shakes his head, though he's horrified at the words. This man is even more like Sirius' father than he realised. Getting rid of a son because of his sexuality.

"Lyall," comes a soft voice, a weak voice. "You said… you said Remus ran away. That he… he left of his own accord."

"Not now, Hope," Lyall says, his tone softening slightly as he turns to address the woman behind him.

"Mrs Lupin," Sirius starts, but Lyall turns quickly, the soft look turning to something vicious.

"She doesn't interact with people like you," he says. There's a shuffling behind the door, and as Hope Lupin moves to look around it, Lyall closes the door over a little, blocking the rest of the doorway with his body.

"You're not well. Go back to your chair," Lyall orders.

Sirius dislikes this man intensely, and when he glances at Teddy, Teddy is glaring at the man. He tries to figure out whether to even tell them the truth. Maybe Hope deserves to know. She sounds like she wasn't involved in Remus leaving, but Lyall… he doesn't deserve to be any part of Teddy's future.

"It's your call," he murmurs instead. "We can tell them or we can leave."

Teddy takes a step forward and Lyall Lupin's gaze focuses on him for the first time, and there's a hint of disbelief in his expression.

"Who are you, then?" Lyall asks, sounding quite shocked at the sight of Teddy. Teddy has never really looked like Tonks or their side of the family, and Sirius has always wondered how much of Teddy's is from his father's side. From the way Lyall is looking at him, it's clear that it's a lot. "You're identical to him."

"I'm here, looking for my dad," Teddy says, his voice cold. "I wanted to know if I had any other family, but I don't think I want to have such a horrible sounding grandfather. You're an arse—"

"Teddy, language," Sirius interrupts.

"Sorry Uncle Sirius, but we don't stan people who don't accept others, do we? That's what mum always said, and it's what you always say."

Sirius nods his head. "We don't," he agrees. "But in this situation, you make any call you want to, okay?"

"I've made my choice. No matter what else I find, the only thing I need is to find my dad."

"Wait," Hope says, clearly still in the doorway and behind Lyall. "You're Remus' son, you're my—"

"Hope, enough," Lyall snaps rudely. "I said go and sit back down. Now."

"My mum is dead," Teddy continues, as he shoves his hands into his pocket. "I just want to find my dad. Maybe you hate him, but if you know anything, tell me."

"Lyall, can't we—" clearly Hope isn't giving up, and Sirius takes note of this. The woman didn't even know why her son really left. She's spent ten years thinking her son just ran away, just up and left of his own accord. She wants to help. She must be wondering where her son is, now she knows he didn't abandon her, as her husband clearly allowed her to believe.

"Hope, he's no son of ours," Lyall interrupts her quickly. "If he's not our son, we can't claim his offspring as family."

Teddy glares at the man. Lyall actually looks sad about the last part, as though he actually wants to consider Teddy as his grandson, but can't because of who the father is. That's enough for Sirius to walk away. They've tried, and they've got nowhere."

"Well, kid, let's get back to the Red Lion and have dinner. The rooms there are pretty comfortable, I might book us another night so we can keep looking for Remus around this area before we continue our search, rather than head off tomorrow.." Sirius hears the shuffling again as Hope moves away from the door, and he's satisfied that she's heard what he's had to say. She knows where they are and for how long. And if her clearly controlling husband doesn't let her visit, well, Sirius will come back here when he does find Remus Lupin. He'll wait for Lyall to be away from the house, and he'll speak to Hope herself to let her know about her son.

He has no time for people like Lyall Lupin. They turn and walk away without another word to the cruel man.

"I don't want any family that'd hate you," Teddy mutters angrily. "But… it's cool that I'm Welsh. I never knew that before."

They don't turn around until they're back on the road. Sirius clicks the button and hears the car unlock, and Teddy climbs in the front.

Sirius looks back at the farm-house once more. The curtain twitches in the living room and he's sure he sees blonde hair.

Sirius gives her a wave, before he gets back into the car, trying to think of activities that could distract Teddy from the horrible experience, even for a short time.

When they get back to the Red Lion later that day, Teddy flops down on his own bed, deep in thought. He barely says anything.

Sirius settles on his own bed, phone out as he texts both James and Harry, saying the lead didn't pan out, and what else do they have? He'll call tomorrow and go through the details.

---

Sirius stands in the reception of the hotel. The rooms are on top of the pub, but the reception is a small room off to the side with its own door.

He hadn't expected her to come so quickly and so early, but there's a look of determination on her face. She also looks frail and quite scared.

"I thought he left of his own accord," she starts. "My little boy… he never came back. I asked around town for him, but… I can't even tell you if he's alive."

She's clutching a book to her chest, and an empty shopping bag hangs from her elbow.

Sirius doesn't know what to say. Hope doesn't have to explain herself to him.

"I would like to know… his son," Hope whispers. "But Lyall won't allow that, and I don't… I don't know what to do. Family matters very much to me, and perhaps you can tell him that I'm not the same as my husband. Maybe… maybe I could call or… or write sometime, when Lyall isn't around?"

Sirius gives a slight nod. He can't turn her down when she's willing to do the best she's able to do.

"I tried to look further for Remus," Hope continues. Her fingers tighten around the book as though it's the most precious thing to her, and Sirius' gaze moves to it. The book looks old and he wonders what it is. But his grey eyes flick back up to Hope's face because now he's close up to her, he can see Teddy. He could see Teddy when looking at Lyall, but he can also see in Hope too. It's startling.

"Teddy has your eyes," he murmurs.

"So does Remus," Hope says. "A genetic deficiency. Harmless, so nothing to worry about. It runs through the Howell family. Unusual colour, and it'll help you find my son."

Sirius chuckles softly. "It's not going to be as easy as walking around, looking for amber coloured eyes," he says. But he mentally notes that as a plan. He knows that until Remus Lupin is found, he'll be checking every stranger to see if he can find Remus Lupin.

"Lyall found out I was searching for Remus, and made it clear it had to stop." The fear is back in her voice again. "I always dreamt that Remus would find a new life, that he'd come back to get me. I always hoped. We were close, once, and… I thought perhaps he was dead. I just… I need to know that he's alive. That he's happy. Perhaps I can… I can sneak away once more to… to see him, if you were to find him?"

"You snuck off today?" Sirius asks.

Hope nods. "I told Lyall that I had an appointment," she says. "He'll head back to the farm and pick me up in a couple of hours. I usually attend the appointment and head to the cafe down the road or to the library. I have appointments often, and he doesn't question them. She reaches out suddenly, book in hands.

"What's his name?" she asks.

"Teddy," Sirius says. "Short for Edward."

She nods. "Give this to Teddy," she says. "I spent last night going through it. It's only got half… I couldn't part with all the pictures of my son, but there should be enough there for Teddy." She's clearly reluctant to let go of the album, but she forces herself too, leaving the album in Sirius' care.

Sirius has a soft spot for mums. His own was terrible, but people like this who actually care about their children. Even if Hope was too ill or too scared to do much about it, the fact that she's here now - that she cares - is enough. People make mistakes, and he can't hold it against her that she was too ill to really help. Too trapped in her controlling marriage to realise what was really happening, or to look for Remus more extensively.

"I'll find a way to let you know that I've found him," Sirius promises her. He spots a notepad by the guest-book and a pen and picks the pen up. He scribbles down his address and phone number.

"You're welcome to call. If you need any help, if you fancy a visit. I'll be here to collect you, okay?" Because Sirius can recognise her need for escape - her need for freedom. Not everyone in the world has a James to help them. This woman might not have anyone. "I've got a spare flat there, okay?"

She stares at him in wonder as she takes the paper, folding it so small and opening her handbag, pushing the square of paper into the corner of the pocket, where it'll be best hidden.

"You can come with us now," he says. "Help us find your son. You know what he looks like better than we do, Hope. I can cover the hotel rooms, the food. Whatever you need."

She hesitates, as though she's considering it, but eventually, she shakes her head.

"I'll slow you down," she finally says, with a sigh. "With my health needs… I'm not going to be a burden to either you or my grandson. You have someone to find, and you'll get more done without me there."

Sirius wants to push. He wants to tell her that she'll be fine with them, he'll look after her. But he doesn't know about Hope's health, and the travelling and being away from her doctor may not be any good for her. If she were to come to London, however, it's one journey and she could be set up with a doctor there.

It's Dorea that made him so soft-hearted - offering him a home without even having to consider it. That sort of kindness of someone who puts others first.

"I moved into Teddy's home," he says. "I own a flat that is just sitting empty. Two bedrooms, ground floor with a garden. You're Teddy's grandmother and you clearly want to be a part of his life. I can't promise we'll find your son. But… you're family now, Hope. Just contact me and say the word and I'll be here, okay? Whether you want to visit for a couple of days, or if you realise that you have a chance to see your grandson grow up - be a part of his life."

She hesitates again. "If my son is in Wales, I want to be close to him," she finally says. "Because I've felt empty since the day he left home. Still to this day, I look at the faces of people around me, hoping that one of them is my son. I want to know Teddy, but I can't leave Wales knowing my son is somewhere here, because I can't give up that hope that one day I'll be sitting in the Blue Harvest Café, or the library where we used to visit together, and he'll just walk in." There's another pause. "My husband is my carer. A marriage, a whole life… it's a big thing to walk away from."

"I understand," Sirius says. "But it's not like you're walking away for nothing. When you became a mother, you assigned yourself as your son's carer. You're not walking away from family, you're walking away from a man who would turn your son away and lie to you for years about it. You're walking towards a little boy who has just lost his mother and is searching for his family. I think you owe it to your son to at least call his son once in a while."

"I agree, I owe so much to Remus, especially after finding out that he didn't just leave of his own accord." She lets out a soft, tired sigh. ""I should go," Hope adds. "I want to know. Even if Remus is…" the word dead hangs in the air, and the woman can't even finish her sentence. "I just want to know what's happened to him."

Sirius nods.

"Teddy… he's identical to Remus when my boy was young," she offers. "For a moment… I saw you from the window, and for a moment, my mind thought my boy had returned. I had to remind myself that my Remus is an adult. But… I was so thrown by how he looked. I thought I was imagining it. I told myself that I was going mad and seeing my son as though he were a ghost."

Hope quietly says her goodbyes after the comment, and walks over to the door. Sirius watches through the glass as she opens her handbag, pushing the tote bag into it, before starting off up the street.

Maybe the visit to the farm wasn't as useless as he thought. He takes the opportunity to give James a call and give him a full update, before going upstairs to see if Teddy has finally woken up.

---

It takes a while - due to very few leads, but they have luck in the third town. A woman finds him quite familiar, pointing them towards the local Haven resort, saying she thinks he used to work there, years ago. It doesn't pan out to a lead, but it ties Remus into the area more. It could have been where he was working before being kicked out of home. Where he was when he met Tonks (and also why Andromeda claims to hate Haven holidays).

He thanks the woman and he continues his search. Teddy has been a little jaded since the encounter at the farm, and Sirius is worried that this might not end well. He doesn't want Teddy to go through any more loss. But maybe Hope could be a consistent part of their life. Maybe that'll help Teddy feel like this wasn't a complete waste of time.

It's the woman in the library that helps them. Sirius has been trying places like churches and libraries, because of the photo album. Remus Lupin as a child, and as a teenager, always seemed to have a book in hand. He also helped at the church, and from the pictures, he gets the impression that the family is quite religious. Perhaps that's why Lyall has so much hate? Though people don't always have an excuse. Some people are just full of hate.

The woman stares at the picture for a long time, as though she recognises the man, but is trying to place him. At first, Sirius assumes that it'll be a case of the woman remembering him as the other woman had - recalling him from ten or eleven years ago, but finally she nods her head.

"He looks so young here," she murmurs. "I almost didn't… I didn't recognise him at first. It's the eyes, that's what it is. Strange eyes. I always notice them." Her expression is masked so quickly that Sirius is thrown. "What do you want with him? Don't be going and causing him trouble, now."

"I'm not here to cause trouble," Sirius says. "Just looking for him. I met his mum… she wants to know where he is." He's not about to tell strangers about Teddy, but feels like this woman won't tell him where Remus is without a good enough reason.

The woman takes a bit of paper from the desk and readies a pen as she thinks. "These are places where I usually see him," she says, writing down a few shop names. "There's no pattern that I see when he comes into here. He just sits in one of the old chairs and reads the books. But I'm sure I've spotted him at the church on the occasional Sunday. Sits right at the back and keeps himself to himself. Very lonely man."

Sirius thanks her and leaves, Teddy following, hands in his pockets. The boy shoves his headphones into his ears, and he looks like he's not going to manage much more of this.

So Sirius decides to leave Teddy at the hotel, whilst he tries to follow up on the leads.

---

At first, Sirius assumes that these are places Remus enjoys visiting. The bakery, the coffee-shop, and a few other establishments. He goes into each one, glancing around. He shows the picture, but the staff are busy, and barely give it a glance.

His eyes follow each person in town. He's searching for the amber eyes. He wonders if Remus is at work, and he focuses his search more thoroughly during lunchtime, and visits everywhere once more when five-thirty rolls around, even stopping back in the library.

The first two days don't yield any results, but then he stumbles across the man by accident.

He's just been into the cafe to get some lunch for him and Teddy, when he sees the man. As always, Sirius feels guilt, and he chooses not to walk past like other people do. He glances at the bag of food.

It's cheap, in this place. It wouldn't hurt to hand over the food and drinks he's just bought. There's no queue, nothing stopping him from walking back inside and getting more.

So he leans down, holding the bag out.

"Hey, mate, for you," he says. "Hope you're not a vegetarian."

The man glances up, surprised at being spoken to, and Sirius clocks the eyes immediately. There's no mistaking them. They're a beautiful amber colour, and it hits Sirius that he's been looking at this all wrong.

In those few seconds, Sirius realises the truth of the matter. Getting kicked out, Remus clearly didn't have his own James to turn to, and ended up on the streets. The world isn't forgiving and kind enough to help those that need it, and the list of locations was a list of places that probably hand out food to Remus.

"Thank you," the man says, his voice little more than a whisper. Sirius watches him for a few seconds, taking the man's state in. Unshaven, hair in dire need of a wash and cut. The man looks half-starved, and very resigned to his life.

He's not sure what to tell Teddy. When he returns to the hotel room with a newly bought lunch, he has no words for the boy. He needs to consider where to go from here. He had considered so many other possibilities - that Remus was married and had another family was the main one - because the pictures of twenty-one year old Remus Lupin showed that he was quite good looking.

Finally, Sirius decides to approach Remus alone the next day.

---

Remus is sitting on a bench the next time Sirius finds him. He passes quickly and sets out in search of food. He doesn't have far to go, finding the fish and chips shop and ordering them both dinner there.

"You're Remus Lupin?" he asks, as he sits down next to him. "I brought you food."

Remus takes the food, but regards Sirius with a degree of distrust. Narrowed amber eyes turn his way, as Remus studies him. "How do you know my name?"

Sirius shrugs his shoulders. "Eat," he insists. "There's a hotel nearby. I'm going to book a room—"

"Walk away," the man says, eyes narrowed. "Honestly, some of you people are so… so desperate. I'm not going to have sex in exchange for food and warmth. What do you take me for?" His gaze moves over Sirius' face. "You're attractive. I'm sure you have higher standards than me."

It takes Sirius longer than he should to register the words, and he starts laughing after a shocked silence. He takes in the confusion on Remus' face. The accent is pretty adorable, actually.

"I was offering for you to have somewhere to clean up, somewhere warm for the night," he says instead. "Some food." He gestures to the fish and chips. "I'm not here in exchange for sex, because I wouldn't take advantage like that. I'm here for another reason. But you need to eat first."

Remus still regards him with suspicion, but the smell of the food is clearly too tempting for him and soon, he's pulling open the paper.

"Any chance you grabbed some ketchup from there? Not that it matters if you didn't."

Sirius pulls the few sachets from his pocket. He wanted them for himself, but he's offering Remus that luxury instead, because Sirius can have these things whenever he wants, but Remus Lupin clearly can't.

Remus eats eagerly, and Sirius picks at his own food. He hands his over when Remus finishes, and Remus only puts up a small argument before taking the food and wolfing it down.

"Thank you, and thank you for yesterday," Remus says quietly.

"Can I ask… if it's not too nosy, how did you end up like this?" Sirius asks.

Remus shrugs. "Falling out with my father and being forced to leave home. It was a struggle to find a foothold to start my own life, and then everything fell apart." He seems slightly reluctant to even share this, and Sirius realises that Remus feels like he owes Sirius something for his kindness.

"Well… I'm here to help," Sirius mutters. He pulls out the photo of him, Tonks and Teddy he carries (because Tonks was his other best friend besides James) and he misses her like hell, and he shows it to Remus.

"Me, Tonks and her son," he says quietly. "What do you think?"

Remus glances at the picture, then his eyes widen as he stares at Tonks, before his gaze moves down to Teddy.

"I dunno. Do you think I know these people?" Remus tries. It's a lie. It was clear by his reaction that he recognised Tonks.

"I think you're smart and you've already clocked it," Sirius murmurs. "You know her. You remember what happened between the pair of you, and you've worked out that there's a kid that looks like you with those nice amber eyes that you and your mum have."

Remus' head spins around at the mention of his mum.

"You saw her? How is she?" Remus demands.

"Missing you," Sirius murmurs. "Remus. You have a son."

He shakes his head. "No. I don't accept that. I'm no-one. You should go."

Sirius snorts. "Not likely. We're looking for you, and now we've found you. Teddy wants to know you."

"I don't want to… I don't want to be a dad. I don't want him to see me, I don't…" Remus trails off. His head falls into his hands. "Take the kid away from here, please. You have the wrong man."

Well. Remus is clearly denying being the dad, whilst also acknowledging he is. Very conflicting, so he analyses Remus' words.

"I'm sorry, but look at me. How could I have a child? No child should have someone like me as a parent."

Sirius smiles slightly.

"Remus, mate, it's pretty obvious that you're his dad. Your mother said it was like looking at you. She gave us photos and plans to get in contact when she can. I almost convinced her to leave and come searching with us. Her health…"

"It stopped her from coming," Remus whispers. "Mum… look, whatever the case…"

"You're ashamed," Sirius continues. "Look, I left home at seventeen because of my family. I have this friend, James, and his family. They took me in and helped me. They made sure I had a home, that I was loved. You… me and you are alike, Remus. Both forced out of our homes. The only difference is that I had my best friend James, you didn't have a James."

Remus doesn't say anything. But that means he's not denying his shame.

"You had no choice," Sirius continued quietly. "But Teddy needs you now. His mum… she died recently. She shared your name and… here we are. Don't do this to him - don't refuse to be a part of his life just because of your own negative prenotions about yourself."

"And who are you?" Remus asks, looking at the picture again. "Step-dad? You're better suited to the job."

"Cousin," Sirius says, with a slight laugh. "I'm not here to hand over custody of Teddy. You're a stranger at the end of the day. I'm here so Teddy can find his father. I thought you'd have a life, that we could arrange visits every month, but that isn't the case anymore. You need help, and I can offer that."

"You could? Why?"

"Because Teddy is my family," Sirius tells him. "Family is not always blood, though. So, if you want to be his father, that makes you part of my family too. You're in a bad situation, and I'm guessing that there's no way out?"

"I've tried. I really have. I worked any job that'd have me, I… I…"

"No, you don't need to explain yourself to me," Sirius pushes. "This right here. This is your way out. If life was different, would you accept Teddy as your son? Would you be willing to be a father?"

Slowly Remus nods. "Not like this though. Not when I'm not worthy to have a son."

"Mate, you're being pretty selfish," Sirius mutters. "You're saying you're ashamed. That you are not worthy. What about Teddy? What does he deserve? Focus on him, why don't you?"

Remus hesitates. "He deserves to know who I am," Remus mutters. "I just… It's a lot to take in. I need time to… to think about this."

Sirius nods his head. "The booking is for the Comfort Hotel," Sirius says. "I've booked it for you for tonight. Non-refundable before you say anything." He holds out an envelope.

"In here are two open tickets to London," he says. "Either you can sell them for a few quid and miss out on a decent life, getting to know your son. Or you can go back to the farm, collect that lovely woman and get on the train down. I have somewhere you both can stay. I will make sure you both land on your feet down there."

"I can't accept this," Remus says, aghast.

"You can and you will," Sirius snaps. "I can see in your expression that you think this is charity. You've no time to be proud, mate. Because I'm doing this for Teddy, and you're going to get on the train and come to London, and you're going to call the number to let me know you're there." He waits until Remus takes the envelope. "A bit of cash so you can sort yourself out, so you have money for a cab with your mum and all that. Clean clothes, some soap. Whatever you need."

"It's too much," Remus whispers.

"Tell you what. When you're back on your feet, you can owe me," Sirius tells him. "If that makes you feel any better."

Remus nods his head. "Two tickets… you think my mum would even want to see me?"

"She never knew why you left," Sirius says. "She wants out of there. I can tell. She said that she always imagined you turning up for her, telling her you had a new life and just getting her out of there." Sirius grins. "Mate, that's exactly what you're going to do. Wait till that bastard is out of the house for a bit, and just take your mum and go."

Remus clutches the envelope tightly, before putting it into the inside pocket of his jacket. Sirius can't gauge the expression on his face, but he hopes he's right in trusting this man. If not…

Sirius will be back in a couple of months and he'll drag Remus Lupin (and stop to collect Hope too) down to London. But this time he'll be less trusting of the man. He knows that Remus and Teddy can have a decent relationship, and he has his flat for them to stay in.

"I'm giving you a week to get your arse down there," Sirius says firmly. "If you need any more money in the meantime, I can make an arrangement to get it to you."

Remus nods, and Sirius stands up to leave. He's not going to tell Teddy, he decides, because Remus may not come. If Sirius has to return here for Remus, and do this all again, the knowledge of it will just hurt Teddy all the more.

He walks away from the bench, looking back at Remus as he does so. Remus stands up and he starts in the direction of the hotel, still clutching the remainder of the food from Sirius.

Sirius goes back to his hotel to collect Teddy. He's probably hungry too, and they could go out for dinner.

That evening, he tells Teddy that they're going to head back to London. That they'll try again during the next half-term."

Teddy watches Sirius curiously, and Sirius can't place the look, but the boy agrees, and the next morning they get in the car and go.

---

Remus doesn't know the last time he walked up the path of the farm. He's had to wait a few days, and he's used some money for the cheapest hotel room he could find. Sirius rented a good one, but Remus needed to make the money stretch as much as possible.

His new clothes are charity shop finds. Not great, but Remus is used to scraping together pennies to head to the charity shops. This time he actually has money. More money than he's seen in so very long.

He hates accepting this, but he's still reeling that he has a son. That his first sexual relationship with a woman (and certainly his last) resulted in a child.

He's not someone who should be a part of Teddy's life. He doesn't deserve to be a father. No-one could be proud of him. But… but he could matter to someone, and Sirius is right. Remus needs to stop thinking about himself, and think about this boy who has lost his mother. Remus is so used to thinking about himself because he's had to, and that's a habit that will quickly change.

He's been offered help in London, and though the idea of this new life terrifies him… he can finally do what his mother has always wanted - what he's always imagined he'd do. He can go and get his mum, he can take her away from this horrible life. He can be there for her. It had always been his plan, but making a plan to get a nice place for him and his mum fell through quite quickly.

The curtains twitch and Remus reaches up, brushing his dark blond waves away from his face. He's gotten his hair cut again. The barber always does it for free for him, so Remus chooses to go sparsely, because charity. He hates putting people out. He hates not being able to pay his way properly.

He'll make this chance in London work somehow.

When his dad leaves on Sunday, heading fishing after church, he takes his opportunity. He strides to the house and knocks on the door.

It opens a minute later, and there's his mum. Beautiful as ever. Frail as ever, eyes wide as she stares at him as though she's looking at a ghost.

"I'm going to London," he tells her. "I have a son there. A chance at a new life."

She nods. There are tears in her eyes as she stares at him.

"I also have a second train ticket," Remus tells her. "I can't leave you. Not again."

"The suitcase is under the bed," she whispers. "Help me upstairs. Your father will be home in a couple of hours, so let's be quick."

Remus nods his head. He walks into the house he's not been in for ten years. He knows that his mother loves the house, but she's always been about family. Over the last few days, he's weighed this choice in his mind, determining that his mother will come. There's always been a spark in her, a desperation to leave.

They have that now. Maybe London isn't somewhere they always thought about going, but London is what's on offer. It's where his son is, it's where his second chance is.

When he closes the front door behind him, he turns and his mum is there, clinging to him. "I thought you were dead."

He can feel her tears through her shirt.

"I told Dad I'm gay and he chucked me out. I tried to come back. He wouldn't let me talk to you. Mum, I've been in a bad way for some time, but… but I have two tickets to a better life. I have a son, and I have to go to London to be a parent to him."

She nods. "He told me that you just up and left. He wouldn't let me look. I tried, but… it got nowhere. I'm not letting you out of my sight again."

"Let's do this," Remus says. His mum doesn't seem at all bothered that he's gay, but he's not going to keep talking about it. He helps her up the stairs, and she sits down on the bed as Remus grabs the suitcase.

"Your room is still as it was. I wouldn't let him change it," she says, standing up again. "Items can be replaced, sweetheart. Just the basics. The photo albums and my medicine."

Remus nods and he pulls open the wardrobe, grabbing some dresses as directed. The suitcase is swiftly packed, and he goes for another look at his bedroom.

He almost smiles at the sight. There are a couple of things in there. A couple of books he had always wished he had taken, and a photo on his bedside table of him and his mum.

There's nothing else there for him.

Knowing his dad could be back anytime, he opens the desk drawer. There's patterned writing paper in there and he takes a sheet out. He reaches for a bronze-coloured pen and writes his dad a brief note telling him that he's returned, and he and his mum are starting a new life without him.

As the cab drives away from the house, they see Lyall's car coming from the other direction. Remus feels a smug feeling of satisfaction as they leave.

There's one reason for him to return to that house, and that reason is sitting next to him in the cab.

---

"Hello?" Sirius says, answering the phone. The number has popped up and he's hoping it's not another telemarketer. Or worse, someone pretending to be from the phone company. These people must think him stupid, like he'd hand over all his personal information or something.

"Is this… is this Sirius?" comes a voice.

"Who's calling?" Sirius asks.

"It's Remus. Remus Lupin," comes the reply and Sirius straightens up from where he was leaning on the counter. He doesn't usually go to work on a Sunday, but the guy has agreed to pay extra, and Teddy was happy to go and visit Harry, James and Regulus for the afternoon.

"One second," he says. He walks over to the man who is getting comfortable in the chair, preparing for his tattoo. "Sorry mate, it's an important call. Give me five. Maybe less, okay?"

The guy nods his head and Sirius turns back to the phone. "Remus, are you alright?" he checks. "I can't talk for long, but if you need, I can call you back in about…" he flicks through the appointment book, his eyes scanning. It's a three hour appointment, but he can get away with a ten minute break in the middle. "About an hour and a half."

"No need. I just wanted to tell you that we're here. I mean, not there - we're at the station. I'm with my mum. You said…"

"I said bring her," Sirius confirms. "What time will you be in London?"

"Around four hours."

"Right. Call me when you're in London and I'll make arrangements for you to get to me," he says. "If you can't get through, you'll find me at Black Star tattoos. Can you afford to get here?"

"Yeah. I was careful," Remus murmurs. "Sirius. Thank you. For everything you're doing. I'm going to make this all up to you. My mum… I've got my mum back, a family…"

"You make this up to me by being a good father to Teddy," Sirius says gently. "That's all I ask."

"I'll do my best," Remus replies. "I'm going to go and wait for the train. It's the 1:22 train straight there."

"I'll watch out for that," Sirius replies. "See you soon." He hangs up the phone and quickly looks at the trains coming into London to get a rough idea of when the pair will be there.

He's not looking forward to it - to being responsible for two people until they get on their feet, but this isn't about him. He can't be selfish either. He's helping two people who desperately need help. He's bringing Teddy's dad to find him. He can handle inconveniences.

The hours pass quickly as Sirius gets on with work. The tattoo takes a few hours, and he's joined by James half-way through, who has brought in some of his designs to start adding to the books. The man is just leaving, when the door opens again.

Sirius checks over the receipt and makes sure that the appointment is written in the book before looking up. Standing near the door, hands shoved in his cardigan pockets is a handsome man who has Sirius' eyes widening. He's sure this man isn't leaving without Sirius getting his number.

"Fuck, James," he hisses, nudging James in the ribs. "Look at that sex-on-legs."

James glances up and sighs. "We doing this again? Just ask him out," he murmurs. "I'm busy and I'm much too old to get caught up in your relationships." He turns back to his books, and Sirius glances back over. This time the man's gaze meets his, and the man offers a somewhat shy smile.

Sirius strides over. "Here for a tattoo?" he asks, smoothly. "I was just about to close up, but for someone as gorgeous as you, I can make an exception. For you, I have all the time in the world." It's cheesy as hell, but Sirius likes cheesy. It's under-appreciated.

The man stares at him, his mouth opening and closing a couple of times, as though he's at a loss for words. Sirius is used to this. Men do this all the time. He can't help but grin as the man tries to find the words. Sirius is a firm believer in love at first sight. Plus, this doesn't look like a tattoo type of guy, so his arriving right now is fate. This meeting right here is fate, and love, and he wonders if he can take him out to dinner right now, is there even time? Maybe James will allow Teddy to stay there for dinner?

"Sirius, dear, we're here," Hope says, walking into the shop. "Remus, my darling, I'm sorry, I was struggling with the change in the shop, but I got myself a drink." To Sirius' horror, she comes and stands next to the man, who Sirius suddenly realises has startling amber eyes.

"Oh shit," Sirius says, stepping back. He's completely mortified. "Remus. I didn't even recognise you." His cheeks redden as much as Remus' do. He glances towards James, who has decided that this is now much more interesting than the books he was updating. "Ignore everything I said prior to this."

"It's all forgotten," Remus says, his cheeks still red. He clearly doesn't know what to say, and Sirius turns to James again, hoping for help.

"You must be Remus, I'm James Potter. Sirius' brother in law. Shacking up with his little brother and all that." He strides over, hand out to shake.

"Do you ever tire of introducing yourself to people like that?" Sirius grumbles.

"No, because the look on your face is priceless," James says, smirking. "Good to meet you, Remus, Hope." He offers his hand to Hope next. "Want a cup of tea whilst Sirius sorts this out, and we'll bring you to the flat shortly."

"I'd love a cup of tea," Hope says, a wide smile on her lips. "Would you like help?"

"Not at all. You make yourself comfortable," James tells her.

Sirius just stares at Remus.

"So… London," Remus offers weakly. "Tell me about… about this place." He glances around. "You own it?"

"Yeah," Sirius says, relieved at the change of subject because all he can think about is the fact that Remus is gorgeous and he should not be thinking this about Teddy's father of all people. "I tattoo, James helps with designs at times. I draw some too. We don't use other people's designs."

"Amazing. So, what is your most popular design," Remus asks, biting his own lip.

Fuck. Sirius is completely screwed. "Wanna take a look at the books? I just gotta cash up and lock up and stuff. I'll show you the flat soon so you can get settled." He almost runs in his attempt to get away, because he needs to shake himself out of this attraction to the other man. It's strange - he's never felt like it's love-at-first-sight before, and he's going to tell himself that it's not that. Not at all. He certainly isn't into Teddy's dad.

He gets everything sorted, and Hope and Remus sit and drink tea. He glances up at them a few times, and Hope is looking happier than before. Sirius can't help but smile as he watches them. He's done something right - he brought Remus and Hope together, and he's happy for them. They both seem like such nice people, and they'll end up being a big part of his life, because they're Teddy's family too.

Sirius can't help his smile widening when Remus' amber eyes turn to him. It doesn't take long for him to be ready, and he drives Hope and Remus to the flat.

It's only got one bed, but the sofa is comfortable and he knows Remus can handle anything they need once he's working.

"I've prepared. I got spare sheets in the cupboard for you both. James went out earlier and did a bit of shopping to prepare you. I got information on claiming financial help, carer's allowance for your mum, that sort of thing."

Remus nods. "I appreciate it. I'll start on everything tomorrow."

"I don't have the tv or internet or phone set up here," Sirius admits. "But you can come to the house for dinner tomorrow, if you want, and make calls? I have no appointments late, so I'll be in from four."

"I'm happy to head to the nearest citizens' advice and get them to help me with it," Remus replies. "But dinner sounds amazing. I'd love to come. To meet my son."

Sirius beams at him, and Remus' smile is adorable.

"There's basic toiletries. If you need money… just ask."

"I'll pay you back everything—"

"Just write it all down, it's fine," Sirius assures him. "I've got you covered."

Hope beams at Sirius, her hand wrapped around Remus' arm. "Aren't you a knight in shining armour," she murmurs. "My grandson is lucky to have a… step-father like you?"

"Oh, I'm not his parent," Sirius tells her. "I'm his guardian. I'm actually his other grandmother's cousin. She's a lot older than me, and me and Tonks were best friends after I left home at seventeen and reconnected with the other family outcasts."

"Ah," Hope says, nodding. "It's sweet all the same. Thank you for bringing my son home to me."

"It's my pleasure," Sirius tells her. "Remus, the house is only down the road, so is the tattoo parlour, and I'll write out directions for you to town if you give me five minutes. It's just a short walk between anywhere you need to be. Citizens advice is next to the library, and the supermarket is almost facing." He pauses. "I've only actually got one bed here, but the sofa is really comfortable."

"I'm more than happy on the sofa," Remus assures him, moving closer, and placing a hand on Sirius' forearm. "Better than where I was. I'll get on my feet, and I'll sort out everything we need." Remus beams at him, and Sirius is sure that there's a fluttering in his stomach at the sight.

Sirius tears his gaze away and heads in search of some paper to write on. He says his goodbyes when he's written everything out, and heads home.

He has to tell Teddy what's happening.

---

"I found your dad," Sirius says, as they sit at the table. His hands are folded against the cold wood. "I found him in Wales, actually."

Teddy nods, his gaze fixed on Sirius.

"I wasn't sure if he was going to come, and I wasn't sure whether to tell you or not," Sirius admits. "But he arrived in London today. He's staying in my old flat for a bit. He's… he's nervous about all of this, but he wants to meet you. He wants to get to know you."

"I know you found him," Teddy says. "I heard you on the phone to Uncle James, and I followed you."

"You… you what?" Sirius asks.

"You're a sucky liar," Teddy says, frowning at Sirius whilst he crosses his arms. "Uncle Sirius, you were acting shady and you disappeared. I followed you. I saw you talking to the homeless man. You showed him the picture. I'm not dumb, I worked it out pretty quickly."

"I don't think you're dumb," Sirius assures him. "I saw how down you were when meeting your grandparents and I was scared your father wouldn't fare well to the news. I didn't want you to be upset again. I was scared, and I had to make a call on what to do, what to tell you. If he didn't come, I was going to return to Wales in a month or two and push. But he's come of his own accord." He pauses. "It's quite bittersweet. You've lost your mum but found a dad. I wish it wasn't like this, I wish you had them both."

Teddy is silent for a moment at Sirius' words. "And you're giving him your flat and everything," Teddy says. "So he can stay for a while."

"His mum came too," Sirius says. "There's not really much reason for them to return to Wales. They might stick around for good."

Teddy nods. "I hope so. Is he nice, my dad?"

"Scared, but he wants to get to know you."

Teddy grins. "So, when do I get to see him?" he asks, eagerly.

"Tomorrow. They're coming over for dinner," Sirius tells him. "But only if you're ready for this."

Teddy nods eagerly. "I'm ready."

---

The next day speeds past. Sirius collects Teddy from James' house and starts cooking the minute he gets in. He hopes that Remus and Hope settled in alright.

He's been thinking about Remus since he left the flat. There has to be some sort of rule about him fancying the father of the kid he's in charge of. There needs to be, because this is clearly the worst thing ever.

But there's a knock on the door a little after four, and Sirius opens it, letting Remus and Hope in.

"Sorry we're late. We decided to walk," Hope says, beaming at Sirius. She's slow as she comes into the house and she slips her shoes off by the door, nudging them in line with Sirius' boots and Teddy's shoes. She glances around, clearly eager to see Teddy.

"Come and sit down and I'll call Teddy," Sirius says. He gestures to the living room, and as Remus and Hope go into the room, Sirius heads back to the stairs. Teddy is already there, sitting at the top stair.

"You ready, kid?"

"Yeah," Teddy murmurs. "What if he doesn't like me?"

"He will," Sirius assures him. "Just talk to him about… stuff you like, I don't really know. You've got this!"

Teddy nods. He walks down the stairs and follows Sirius into the living room, and Remus jumps to his feet.

"I'm Remus," he says. "You can call me that, because… you don't know me and I don't expect…" Remus trails off, clearly feeling awkward. "It's good to meet you, Teddy. Me and my mum - Hope - we'll be sticking around London indefinitely. So… if you're interested in us getting to know each other, then… then I'd really like to get to know you."

Teddy smiles hopefully at his father, and Hope carefully gets up from the chair.

"I'll leave you guys to it," he says. "Dinner will be ready in a minute. I've done steak and chips, so hope you're all okay with that."

"Do you need any help?" Hope checks, but Sirius shakes his head. "You catch up too," he tells her. Because it's only been a few days since he met Remus in Wales, which means that she has years of catching up to do with Remus. He walks from the room and into the kitchen, checking on the food.

The table is all set ready. Sirius is nervous, he hopes this goes well. He hopes Remus likes the food.

Sirius shakes his head, clearing the thought away like someone shaking away something on an etch-a-sketch. He needs to stop thinking about Remus Lupin in any capacity. He needs to remember that this is Teddy's father.

Teddy chats away as they all sit down to dinner, and Remus seems to struggle to slow down his eating. Sirius finds himself talking to Hope, with her asking - a little nervously - if it's okay to plant things in the garden. Sirius nods his head. As much as he loves the garden of the flat, it's their home for the next few years. At least until Teddy turns eighteen. Maybe a bit longer if Teddy doesn't want to live alone at eighteen, that is.

Sirius will get a tenancy agreement written up in the meantime.

As he talks to Hope about the house, his gaze keeps moving to Remus Lupin, and Remus' gaze keeps finding his.

---

"You alright, Remus?" Sirius asks, as Remus walks into the tattoo parlour.

Remus nods, looking a little nervous and Sirius reaches for the ringing phone. "One second mate," he says to the customer at the desk.

"Yeah, I can book you in to discuss a tattoo, look over designs, when do you need?" Sirius says down the phone. The man at the till looks impatient as he shuffles from foot to foot, whilst Sirius flicks through the appointment book, his eyes searching.

"Right. Monday, two weeks from today at half nine. I have half an hour free then. Or the next day at four, I've got an hour free."

He scribbles the appointment in, and turns back to the customer. It's not long before they've paid, leaving the two men alone.

"Lunch already?" Sirius asks, glancing at his watch.

"Yup," Remus replies. He pulls at his clothes. "I had an interview today."

"Really? Did it go well?" Sirius asks.

Remus shrugs. "Not too bad. It's been a while though, so I'm not going to get my hopes up."

Sirius locks the till and he heads to the door with the keys, turning the open sign to closed.

"Nancy left," he says, sighing. "I've got some interviews here, but it's a little hectic until I hire one of the boys. I'm trying to get a junior in, someone who wants to learn the trade, but can answer phones and keep track of appointments."

Remus nods. "Well, how about I help?" he asks. "I've got some free time in between searching for a job and interviews, and you need a bit of help. Until you've got someone in - or I find a job, I can come and keep you company. I can deal with the phone and appointments."

"Are you sure?" Sirius asks, relieved at the idea of help. He had toyed with the idea of offering Remus the job there, but he wants the tattoo parlour to be a stepping stone for those looking to become tattooists, or those looking to use their designs. It's a minimum wage role, simply because it's all Sirius can afford to pay at the moment. Teddy is young, and Sirius has to fit a lot around Teddy's schedule. He doesn't want to dip into his savings.

"Very," Remus insists. "To be honest, it's me being selfish. I'd feel better if I could do something for you, considering that you've done so much for me." They walk away from the shop now, heading into town for food.

"It'd be nice to have the company," Sirius says, beaming at Remus. For the millionth time, his gaze focuses on Remus' shy smile and he feels that annoyance of butterflies in his stomach. "I pay—"

"No," Remus hurries to interrupt. "I want to do this as a favour."

Sirius hesitates on this. He can't allow Remus to be there without paying him anything, but from what he's learnt this last month is that Remus is stubborn as hell and that if he doesn't want to be paid, he's going to make this very difficult for Sirius.

"I buy lunch," Sirius says. "And what I would give in wages, you take off what you think you owe me."

Remus nods. "I'll take that compromise," he murmurs. They both know that Sirius was going to make it difficult for Remus to pay him back that money, and from Remus' expression, Sirius can tell that he was preparing to fight him on that in the future. But this works for everyone.

"How's mum?" Sirius asks, changing the subject.

Remus' smile widens at the mention of his mother, and Sirius nods towards a cafe. "Great food," he murmurs.

They head inside and join the short queue.

"She's fine. Her money has started coming through, so she went out to bingo last night - without me. I think she made some friends there. She's worn out today, but I'm glad she's going out and enjoying herself. We're all caught up now too. I finally told her where I was for all those years. It was quite emotional. She cried. She said bad things about my father. She… addressed my sexuality and she's fine with it. That's a relief. I know that she knew, but I was scared that even talking about it could… I was scared she'd decide she didn't want…" Remus sighs. "I know my mum, but I still allowed myself to think the worst."

"It's in our nature," Sirius murmured. "My parents kicked me out at seventeen. Not because I was gay - they were fine with that - as long as I married the woman they had picked for me. They wanted me to ignore my sexuality and get married. I remember sitting in my father's office and talking about it."

"That's horrible," Remus says.

Sirius nods in agreement. They've talked before about Remus and Lyall and the day Remus was kicked out. They've discussed it a few times, but Sirius hasn't shared his own story yet. He doesn't tell that many people it, but he's getting closer to Remus. They're friends now, and Remus has shared so much of his life, that it's only fair Sirius shares his own.

"He wasn't even telling me to pretend to be straight. He said that I'm getting married. Just to be discreet in my affairs with men, and my wife would be discreet in her own affairs. Perhaps pick someone from the house-hold. A gardener or a servant or something." Sirius laughs as they reach the front of the counter, and he orders a sandwich and a drink for both him and Remus, before they head to one of the empty tables. "His advice was to fuck the help on the side, allow my wife to do the same, and just have sex with her enough to have a son and carry on the family name. Oh. And don't get attached to the people I sleep with because I can't have a future with them."

Remus just stares in shock.

"Yeah, my family is pretty rich," Sirius confirms. "I want what everyone wants though. A real relationship, falling in love, having a future with someone. I felt that getting into a relationship with another bloke needs to be something amazing. That if I were to date, that person should be able to have all of me, rather than be a sordid little affair." He snorts. "Turns out I'm the only guy who thinks like that. The amount of sordid secrets I've been."

"What do you mean?" Remus asks softly.

"Well, guys in the closet, for a start," Sirius begins. "I can't blame them though because the world is shit, and people are scared to tell the truth. But there's only so much secrecy I can take. Some of the guys end up having a girlfriend on the side, and that's when I end it. I don't share."

The sandwiches are set in front of them, and Sirius reaches for the drink that is placed down. He takes a long sip.

"Then all the one-night stands," he adds. "You know - you meet someone, you click, and it's amazing and… well, I was so desperate to impress them and keep their interest, that I'd… I'd fall into bed quicker than I'd have liked to. They got what they wanted, I got hurt. I never learned my lesson. Then there's my last relationship…" He trails off and takes a deep breath, letting it out.

"It was a few months before Tonks got ill," he says. "The guy was sweet and I thought 'this is it'. I mean, I didn't love him or anything, but I felt like I could fall for him. I started falling for him. He'd come to mine - sometimes at odd hours, but sometimes we'd have the whole weekend together. I'd go to his."

"What went wrong?" Remus asks, because he clearly gets the vibe from these things.

Sirius shrugs his shoulders. "Turns out he was married," Sirius explains quietly. "His wife travelled for work a lot. So when he turned up at weird times, it was because his wife had to do reports in the office, and was doing them at strange times because she was jet lagged and hadn't adjusted. When it was a weekend, it was because she was away for work. I found out by accident and it hurt a lot. Then Tonks got ill and I swore off relationships because she needed someone to help look after her, look after Teddy, and that person was me. I haven't dated since."

"You're an amazing guy, Sirius," Remus says, still frowning. Sirius doesn't like seeing Remus frown. Whilst it's adorable, he much prefers Remus' smile. "I don't understand how none of them have seen it - you deserve so much better."

"I've got a kid to think about now," Sirius adds. "I have a reason to be sensible. What about… what about you?"

Remus smiles. "I got propositioned a lot on the street. A scary amount actually. But before that… well, I had a few girlfriends growing up. You met my dad, so it was only girlfriends. I just didn't feel attracted to them all that much. I found them pretty and interesting, and told myself that this was enough. Tonks… she was different. First woman I slept with. Only one, in fact. We dated for the two weeks she was on holiday, and when she left, I felt… I mean, I enjoyed her company, but not… not as a romantic partner. I think that's when I really started to question myself and I had to face the fact that I'm gay. I think my father's strict upbringing and his views on things like sexuality made me push that part of me down and ignore it. But as I started to realise it, I started to… I started dating this guy at work. It was nothing serious. We went on a handful of dates. I was still telling myself that it's nothing to be ashamed of. But dad found out and he kicked me out. I stayed with that guy for a few weeks, but he wanted things to progress faster than I wanted, so I ended up leaving."

Sirius nods. He's been there in the past, but he doesn't say anything. This is the most in depth Remus has ever gone about his relationships. Usually he focuses on talking about his father chucking him out. On his attempts to go back and see Hope, and being stopped in doing so.

"I stayed in the YMCA for a while. I got a flat, got a job… had some health issues, and lost… I've already told you all of this, a few times." Remus smiles, a little sadly. "But I dated a few guys during that time. Again, I wasn't in a state where I wanted to go further in a relationship. Then I ended up on the streets."

"Wait. So… so you've never…" Sirius glances around, because he can't talk about sex if there are kids having lunch in here. There's no-one close to them though. "You've never shagged another bloke?"

Remus' cheeks redden even more, and it's adorable and Sirius is reeling from this information.

"I suppose I haven't," Remus mutters.

Sirius reaches across the table, his hand covering Remus, and amber eyes shoot down to his hand and up again.

"I… I intended that to be comforting, but I honestly don't know what to say," he murmurs.

"It's fine. You… you can leave your hand there… if you'd like," Remus whispers and Sirius suddenly realises that his attraction to Remus isn't one-sided like he previously thought.

He doesn't move his hand for a while, but they don't address it again, and Sirius is so conflicted on what to do, because his brain is telling him that he should ignore his feelings, but his heart is pounding against his chest, and even his stomach - with the butterflies - is telling him that this all feels right.

---

"I'm going to miss you," Sirius murmurs. It's Remus' last day helping him out. Remus' new job at the library starts the next day. Sirius insisted that Remus take a couple of days between jobs, but Remus is as stubborn as fuck and insists on working right up to the day.

Sirius' new assistant - Charlie Weasley - is starting work a week after. The man is conflicted about whether to do tattoos or work with animals, but Sirius took a liking to him immediately, and even if he leaves, he's a good fit for the place and will work out for the time being.

"I'm only down the road," Remus says. "I can meet you for lunch sometimes, if you want?"

"Of course!" Sirius grins at him. "Try and stop me from seeing you."

Remus moves closer, and Sirius longs to reach out and pull the other man into his arms. He's had that urge every day now, even more since Remus started helping at the shop six weeks ago.

James and Regulus suck at advice. Neither of them know what Sirius should do in this situation. It's all too complicated.

Still. They're a little too close together, and Sirius' hands twitch, but he keeps them firmly at his sides.

"Sirius, I have to ask," Remus murmurs, "you flirt with me a lot. Is that just… I see you flirting with others a lot, but… you watch me sometimes, and I'm not sure if you're flirting with me because you do with everyone, or if… if you're…" he trails off.

Sirius smiles. "I have to stop myself from overdoing it with you," he admits, a little quietly. "Because I'm not sure how to handle the fact that… well, I like you. I'm attracted to you."

"Probably not your best idea," Remus murmurs. "I'm a mess."

"So am I. That doesn't put me off. But… we have to take into consideration…"

"Teddy?" Remus guesses.

Sirius nods his head, and is surprised when Remus smiles.

"I'm doing the same thing. It's a strange boat we've found ourselves in, isn't it?" he asks.

Sirius chuckles. "I'm quite mad about you. Ever since you walked in here that first day." Remus is so very close and Sirius can almost feel Remus' breath on his lips. He could so easily lean forward and let their lips meet.

Remus' gaze darts down, as though his thoughts are travelling in the same direction.

"I found you attractive the first time I laid eyes on you, but… that was just that and nothing more. But… I think I walked in, and… well, when we first met, there was pity in your eyes when you looked at me. But when I walked in, just a potential customer - an average person, like everyone else… you didn't know it was me. No pity, none of that stuff. Just something else. I liked it. It took me a while to realise just how much. But we… we can't do this. Can we?"

It's not a rhetorical question. Remus really does want to know if they can, and Sirius can't help himself. His head moves a little closer.

"We shouldn't," he murmurs, though he's struggling to even work out what would be so bad about this. His hand comes up, resting on Remus' shoulder, slowly moving around to Remus' neck. His fingers stroke across the skin gently, and Remus shivers.

Sirius starts to tilt his head. Fuck it. Fuck everything. He's never felt anything like this before. He shifts closer and there's no space between them at all, and suddenly Remus' eyes are closing. This is the perfect moment.

His lips are so close now and Sirius' heart is pounding hard against his chest.

The bell above the door rings as the door is opened, and they part, a mere second before the kiss should have happened, and they both turn to look at who has just come in.

Teddy looks between them, his eyes wide. He gives them both a horrified look.

"Uncle James dropped me off," he says, his voice shaking a little. "I need some books from the library, and wanted to see if… if Dad wanted to come with me."

"Of course," Remus says. "Sirius, is it good for me to go?"

Sirius nods, taking in Teddy's expression. Teddy turns his gaze away and won't even look at him, and Sirius realises that he's fucked up. He can't ever date Remus Lupin, no matter how they feel about each other.

---

It's been two weeks. Aside from dinner a couple of times with Remus and Hope stopping over, he's not really seen Remus. They've not had lunch together, they've been avoiding each other. Sirius knows that Remus is avoiding him for the same reasons he's avoiding the other man.

Neither of them know what to do next, or how to fix this. But Sirius misses Remus too much, and that's why he messages Remus on a Friday night at eleven.

'Come over. We need to talk.'

Remus is there twenty minutes later, a jacket over his cardigan. It's chilly out, and Sirius welcomes him in and makes them cups of tea each, and they both sit down.

"I miss you," Sirius admits.

"I miss you too," Remus says. "I just haven't been able to figure out what to say. After that day…"

Sirius smiles. "Same. But… Teddy. He's been off with me since that day."

"And me," Remus admits quietly. "I think this has messed things up quite a lot. First and foremost I'm here for Teddy, to be a good dad. To build a relationship, and that takes a lot of time - especially since I wasn't around when he was small. I don't want to mess this up."

"I've been his father figure forever," Sirius murmurs. "The last thing I want is anything putting a wedge between me and him." He takes a deep breath because even thinking this hurts him. "We need to agree now that nothing will come of this."

"I agree." Remus' voice is quiet, hurt. But Sirius can see that Remus has reached the same conclusion. "I don't want this either, but it's for the best. We need to be the best parents we can be for Teddy. So we need to set the limitations to this relationship. We need to decide here and now that we can only ever be friends and nothing more."

"Okay. We've… we've decided then?" Sirius checks.

"We have. But… why is this so hard?" Remus asks.

"Because I think I'm in love with you," Sirius admits. Because he needs to say it - at least once before they go about pretending that they don't feel so strongly about each other.

"I love you too. But when I walk out of here, we have to both forget that we've said this," Remus tells him.

Sirius nods. He hasn't got any words. He's not sure he can say anything else. This is all so messed up, but he reminds himself why they are doing this.

"Give me a week or two and then we'll have lunch," Sirius says. "Get back to normal."

Remus nods, his arms crossed over his chest and his fingers digging into his elbows. He looks as upset as Sirius feels.

"Time apart is good," he murmurs. "When Teddy sees that we're only friends, he'll… he'll start talking to us both properly again, and I can get to know my son again. I… I should go now."

He stands up abruptly and Sirius follows him out to the door. He wants nothing more than to pull Remus back, to stop him leaving, to ask him to stay. Even just to reach out and touch him.

He does none of that. They're only friends now. He forces himself to open the door.

"I'll see you on Sunday for dinner," he murmurs. "We'll chat then. You can tell me about your new job."

"And you can tell me how your new assistant is coming along," Remus says.

"Just… just text me when you're home so I know you got back there okay," Sirius adds. Remus nods and starts walking, but Sirius stays in the doorway, watching him until he's out of sight.

Slowly he closes the door, pushing the chain on and twisting the key inside of the door. He presses the switch, turning off the outside light, and he leans his head against the door.

"Sirius?" Comes Teddy's voice, after he's been standing there for a few minutes.

Sirius turns, forcing a cheery smile on his face. Teddy is sitting at the top of the stairs in his pyjamas, his blue hair sticking up in all directions.

"You alright? I didn't realise you were awake."

"What… you…" Teddy seems at a loss for words. "My dad…"

"You don't need to worry," Sirius assures him. "We're just friends. Nothing else is happening at all. Ever."

Teddy nods slowly, his gaze fixed on Sirius.

"You should head off to bed," Sirius adds.

"Are you going to sleep soon too?" Teddy checks, but Sirius shakes his head.

"I've got a lot on my mind," he murmurs. "I think I'll be up for a while. Goodnight, kid."

"Goodnight."

Sirius heads into the living room and gets his phone, calling James. He needs a friend to talk to, because this all hurts so much.

---

"Teddy said you wanted to talk to me," Remus says, appearing in the staff room of the tattoo parlour. He closes the door behind him, approaching Sirius.

Sirius frowns and shakes his head as he pours the hot water from the kettle into the cup. "No, I think he's mistaken," he says. "You on a break at work?"

"The library is only open half days on a Wednesday," Remus says. "Maybe he got mixed up or something? Whilst I'm here, is there anything you do need?"

Sirius shakes his head. "No. I'd suggest getting something to eat, but I have an appointment in ten minutes. I just wanted to quickly get myself a drink. The appointment is quite a long one. Someone wants their whole back tattooed. James wrote off the whole afternoon and shifted the rest of my appointments around."

Remus smiles. "Well, I'll get going then. I'll see you on Sunday?" He turns and pulls the handle, but the door doesn't open. "Your door is stuck," Remus mutters, trying the handle a second, and then a third time.

Sirius approaches the door and pulls the handle down, and it's indeed stuck. He grabs his phone from his pocket and starts to call James. He knows that Teddy is at his house with him, seeing as it's a school holiday and James works from home. He's hoping James can open the door from the outside.

He hears James' phone ringing from the other side of the door.

"Sirius."

"Teddy, is that you?"

He looks towards the closed door. "Mate, good thing you're here. Can you try the door handle and see if you can open the door - the staff-room door, I mean. We're stuck in here."

"Oh. That's intentional," Teddy says. "I'm not letting you out till this is sorted, and trust me, I can do this all day."

Sirius sighs. "What is it you want?" he asks, glancing at Remus. Remus looks just as confused.

"Look," Teddy says, "I was awake the other night. I heard you and Dad talking. You're in love with my dad, and that freaked me out."

"I'm sorry," Sirius says, frowning. He doesn't need to put the call on speaker, because the room is quiet and Teddy's voice coming through the phone is loud. "I can't help how I feel, but you don't need to worry. We're not—"

"I know," Teddy interrupts. "I know I freaked out when I walked in and you were going to kiss. It's weird because one of you is like a dad to me, and the other is actually my dad."

"Is this why you locked me in?" Sirius mutters.

"I locked you in because… well, it was Uncle James' idea. I had a talk with him throughout this week about everything. About how I've been feeling. About how I've been with Dad, getting to know him and him being in my life, and about you and… and how I want you to be happy. He reminded me that you've had a pretty sh… not great life, and same with Dad. I don't like you both being sad, and I hate that this is making you both even sadder."

"Right… so James told you to lock us in the staff room because…" Sirius pushes, feeling annoyed at his friend.

"You said to my dad that you love him. He said he loves you. You've never been in love before," Teddy mutters. "I mean… I wouldn't be totally against it if you were to… to get married… to my Dad… if you wanted."

Sirius is silent for a long moment. "What?"

"Mum was always worried about you because she didn't like the people you dated. I think… if mum were around, even though she dated dad for a bit, I think she'd be really happy that you fell in love and it wasn't with an… uh, she'd use the A word and I can't say that. But I think she'd tell you that you should do this." Teddy goes quiet for a moment. "Uncle James reminded me that everything you do for me is because you're putting me first. You got my dad to move to London, and Nanny Hope too. All these things you do for me. And my dad too, and… and I realised I'm being selfish. I've actually got no reason to be against you and dad dating. I mean, if you break up it'll be awkward and difficult. But… but I want you both to be happy. Are you sure you love him?"

"I really do," Sirius murmurs quietly. "Teddy. Are you sure about this? Are you giving us your blessing? I need you to be clear about it."

"You both have my blessing," Teddy says quietly. "I'll unlock the door now, if you promise that you'll… I mean, I don't want to see you snogging all over the house and stuff, but… don't ever break up, yeah?"

Sirius chuckles.

"Just look after each other. Maybe get married. Then we can all be one big family."

Sirius looks at Remus who has been silent the whole time, waiting to see what Remus has to say about it.

"I think it's a little soon to be thinking of marriage, but I won't hurt Sirius, I promise you that," he says. "And we already are a family, Teddy."

"I know. But… but if you date Sirius, he'll stop dating people who treat him badly," Teddy points out. "Then he'll always be happy."

"What do you say, Remus?" Sirius asks. "Fancy going on a date with me?"

"As long as Teddy is really happy for this to go ahead, I'd love nothing more."

They hear the door unlock, and Teddy opens it, presenting them with the key.

Sirius slips it back into the door, on the inside of the staff-room. James is there, standing behind Teddy and looking pretty smug, as though he was the one to fix this whole mess.

"Just so you're aware, you don't have an appointment this afternoon. I cleared your schedule for this. So go on, enjoy your first date and Teddy can have dinner at mine."

"We're ordering in pizza," Teddy says, a wide smile on his face.

Remus smiles at Sirius and reaches out to take his hand. "So… we're doing this, right?"

"Of course we are," Sirius tells him. This time, he's quick to move into Remus' space. He doesn't take his time to lean into the kiss. He wants to do this quickly in case Teddy changes his mind.

His lips swiftly move to find Remus', and he feels long fingers wind into his dark curls as Remus' lips gently move against his.

"We'll see you both later," James calls, and they hear the bell over the door as the pair leave.

Sirius pulls away and grins. "Our first date. We have the whole afternoon. Anything you want."

Remus' eyes move to the sofa in the staff room in contemplation.

"Date first, bed later," Sirius says cheekily. "I mean… whenever you want, but I'd really like to do this properly. So let's start with a date."

"We have all the time in the world," Remus agrees.

---

It takes Sirius a month before he drops down onto one knee. He knows how he feels, he knows what he wants. He knows that he's completely and utterly in love. Who cares if it's their one month anniversary and not a year - they've known each other for months, and it's enough time for him to be sure he wants a future with Remus Lupin.

"So, how about it?" he asks, producing a ring. He's terrified, because Remus could say no. What if Remus doesn't feel as strongly? What if Remus thinks this is too fast?

Remus laughs, and for a moment, Sirius is insulted. A little hurt.

"And here I thought I'd get my proposal in first," Remus says. "Check your glass." He nods towards Sirius' drink.

Sirius' head spins fast, and it takes him a moment, but sitting at the bottom of the wine glass is a simple silver band.

---

Reviews are very much appreciated.

16451 words

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Seasonal -

Days - 5th October - Do Something Nice Day: Write about a random act of kindness

Sarcastic - 15. (dialogue) "I like you." / "Probably not your best idea."

Jewellery Month - 23. Wine Glass: (object) Wine Glass

Indigenous Peoples Day - 11. Eufaula Dormitory: (scenario) something enduring a long time

Comic Book Day - 13. Captain America: (dialogue) "I can do this all day."

Farm - 5. Donkey - (trait) Stubborn

Colours - 14. Bronze

Tarot - 7. Write about someone preparing for a big change in their life

Moony's Neon Cafe - Food: 18 - single parent

Writing Club

Gotta Catch Them All - 7. Vicious

Showtime - 13. Theme: Change

Film Festival - 17. (word) freedom

Lizzy's Loft - 7. I know but I still check

Elizabeth's Empire - 14. Relationship: Mother

Angel's Archive - 7. (colour) bronze

Lyric Alley - 3. Slowly searching for any sign

Artist Appreciation - 1 - bittersweet (BONUS)

Buttons - (word) 4. Spark / (emotion) 3. Confused

TV Spree - 1. A family get together

Insert Title Here - 10. A new start.

Sandwich - cheese 6 - romance