Assignment 9 - Herbology - Task #1: Write about something that seems to happen too quickly.
Running scared, I was there
Remus needs a parent to help him raise Teddy, and Sirius and Regulus need somewhere safe to go.
Omegaverse
Remus chooses to put the advertisement in the newspaper in London. Just a little thing, hidden amongst what he imagines to be some many other adverts. He's not expecting a lot of replies - he'll be happy if he just gets one - but he doesn't want anyone in his community knowing what he's doing. He doesn't want that gossip to follow him and his son, and… if someone replies, he doesn't want that gossip following them either.
It was James that came up with the idea initially. With Remus struggling to do his work and looking after his son, relying on Hope to watch Teddy each morning so he can get on with the farm work. It wasn't until Remus found himself in the hospital, having overdone everything, did James tell him that he can't do this anymore.
Something has to give. He can't give up work, he can't give up his son, so he has to find someone to share the burden. With no romantic prospects, James was the one who mentioned that some people make arrangements. That there are Omegas out there needing somewhere safe to go. An arranged marriage of convenience. Remus provides a safe home, and they help raise Teddy.
And, lying in the hospital bed, Remus couldn't argue that he didn't need an agreement like that. Being in hospital was proof enough that he couldn't manage. His mum ran the bakery and she was struggling - though she would never admit it - because her time was divided between that business and Teddy and supporting Remus too.
It was made all the worse when James admitted that Hope had asked Dorea if she knew anyone who wanted to buy the bakery. That's what pushed Remus to make his choice, because as much as owning that bakery had been his mum's dream, Remus knew that she'd give it up for him and Teddy.
He didn't want that. But the only thing he could do for everyone to manage, was to go with James' suggestion. He didn't have a lot of choice in the matter. Unless he sold the farm and helped his mum.
That would be Plan B.
Remus puts Teddy to bed and he wants to sit down with a cup of tea. His muscles are hurting from working the fields, but he's had to do it in bits and pieces because he's been looking after his son whilst he's been working. His mum has been busy at the bakery these past three days and he can't very well ask her to stop doing what she loves. She's offered but he's refused, knowing that she can't manage right now.
His alternative is to work in bits and pieces, fitting farming around his son. He hates leaving Teddy alone for even a minute, but there's little choice. He's considering giving up his farm, despite loving what he does.
He checks on Teddy every few minutes, but the boy sleeps fine, and Remus works hard and he works fast.
He stumbles into the house when it's dark. He checks on Teddy, and he doesn't make it to his room. He's been doing this for a few days and he can't handle any more.
He wakes up in hospital, and that's when James comes to him with a plan.
"I've put the advert in the paper," James tells him, as they sit on the porch of the farm. Teddy is playing in the small garden and Remus glances towards the fence, checking that the gate is closed. Outside of the fence is farmland and Teddy is too small to be allowed to roam freely around the land. "A couple weeks ago. I didn't want to mention it in case it took time to get some replies."
"And you're telling me now because you got some?" Remus asks.
James nods. He reaches for the jug of lemonade and pours himself another glass, before refilling Remus' glass. It's hot out and the ice-cubes in the drink are melting all too quick.
"You said that I should do the advert, that I should make the choice and the arrangements," James says, before taking a sip of the lemonade. Remus watches him, waiting for more information. It sounds like James has already done all that, but Remus doesn't want to get his hopes up just yet. Not until he knows.
"I received a telegram and… and there are two Omega brothers. They need to get away from home quite urgently. The younger brother needs a husband as soon as possible. The older is happy to wait a bit, but would possibly need to marry too. I know that it'll be harder for two house-guests instead of one, but I… these are the Omegas I've chosen to come here."
Remus hesitates for a moment. He's been nervous with the idea of one person coming. But two?
"Their parents are old-fashioned and then some. They hold a certain… disdain for male Omegas. The pair of them need this escape more than anything." James sets his glass down. "There was one other reply, but that person doesn't have the same urgency for a new home that these two have."
Remus is quiet for a moment as he thinks about this. It would be much easier to pick the person who doesn't bring a sibling with them… but Remus feels involved now. There are Omegas out there that are waiting for him to make his choice, hoping that he chooses them because they need to escape. If he doesn't choose them, then he's leaving them to a life that they're unhappy in.
He can't do that.
"You think the brothers are the best choice, so send for them," he says quietly, trusting James' judgement. He can make this work somehow. "You said it'd be the younger brother?"
"He's a year younger than us, so not a big difference. His brother is our age." James reaches up and adjusts his hat. "I… I already sent for them. I arranged for my Uncle in London to meet them at the station with the tickets. It sounded like time was of the essence and I thought that if you chose the other Omega, I'd still want to help the pair with their escape. There are other eligible partners here…" he trails off. "They reached out to me, Remus, I couldn't turn them away."
Remus nods. He feels James' concern for the pair. James was the one in direct contact, he was the one having to make the choice and receive the messages. Of course it'd be harder for him.
"You're really not going to question that?" James asks. "You're making this almost too easy, Remus."
"I can't keep on as I have been," Remus murmurs. "Wait. Are you saying that you've already gotten their tickets?"
"My Uncle just sent a telegram stating that they've just collected the tickets and set out to board the train. I came straight here," James says. "Well, I made arrangements with the hotel. There's a room waiting for them, and I'll be there to collect them at the station later."
"I thought I'd have more time," Remus murmurs. "The wedding… do they know this will be a quick marriage?"
"Within a couple of days of the arrival," James confirms. "I wanted to tell you first before I started to make arrangements. I was considering… my divorce was two years ago. Perhaps the other brother… if he has to be married to stay here…" he sounds unsure and Remus offers no words of advice. He knows that James isn't looking for advice. He's just looking to say the words out loud as he considers them.
Remus finishes up his drink and he stands up. "Teddy," he calls. "Let's go and visit Nanna." He lowers his voice. "She'll ask. I'll tell her…" he shrugs, trying to think of a plan to explain why he's marrying someone he's never met before - never introduced his mother to before, "long distance relationship," he murmurs. "If she doesn't buy it…" he's sure his mother won't say anything even if she does figure it out.
Remus watches Claire walk away from the farm, a suitcase in her hand as she does. He follows. Teddy in his arms as he does so, because he can't believe this is happening. He can't believe that his wife has issued him the divorce papers. Has signed their son over to him. He can't understand how the woman can just walk away.
She doesn't turn, though she must know he's there. She walks through the town, eyes on her as she goes. She passes Hope's bakery, and Hope comes to the door, her eyes narrowed as she looks out. It's clear to anyone watching what is happening, and Remus hates all of the eyes on them. He hates being the topic of gossip, but he doesn't care about it right now. He cares about Claire. About his son. About his family falling apart. He's tried his best.
Remus confided in Hope. He's told her the truth, and she comes to take Teddy from his arms. Remus shakes his head. If Claire turns back, she'll see Teddy. Maybe realising she's walking away from her son will be enough to get her to come back?
She walks to the station and towards the train that is waiting there. Timed perfectly. A porter is lifting some suitcases on, and she hands hers over and shows her ticket. Remus stops on the platform and watches. He's begged her to stay already. He's begged and he's tried to fix things until he realised that there's nothing he can say.
She gets to the steps of the train, and that's when Claire turns. She looks at the pair of them, and offers a sad smile. It's at that moment when Remus realises that she's made her mind up.
She gets on the train, and he can see her take her seat through the window. She doesn't look towards them again. Remus feels the tears on his cheeks.
He doesn't move until the train is out of sight. Teddy starts to move and shift in his arms, and Remus glances down at his son. Maybe his heart is breaking over his ex-wife, but he's still got his son, and his son matters more than Claire.
"You've got me," he says softly. "And I won't ever leave you." It's a promise.
Because Teddy is his everything.
Remus stands in the church in the kilt that he purchased for James' wedding three years ago. Teddy's got a new suit for the wedding. The last time Remus stood here, it was just as much a rushed wedding as this time.
His girlfriend had gotten pregnant, and, not wanting to face the shame of a marriage outside of wedlock, they had quickly tied the knot. They lasted six months after Teddy's birth before she presented him with the divorce papers and quickly left town, leaving him with a broken heart and Teddy without a mother.
Remus doesn't want to compare this marriage with that. The only thing that compares is the speed in which the wedding is happening. This man knows that he's coming to help raise a child. Anything more than that… Well, that's open to discussion. But Remus is hoping for a friendship at the very least. He's twenty-two and a friendship is what he needs.
The church isn't very full. Word hasn't spread all that quickly around town. Hope is there, some family members that are local and friends from town. Remus has noticed that James has them spread out between both sides of the church rather than sitting on his side, and it's clear that there is no-one there for the Omegas.
He catches Dorea's eye as he looks around. She's sitting at the front row on the other side of the church and she offers a reassuring smile, reaching up to adjust her cream coloured hat. Remus tries to return the smile and shifts nervously as he waits. He looks around at the flowers, no doubt provided by the Longbottoms, and he marvels at how quickly the ceremony has been prepared.
Finally - finally - he hears music starting up. He resists turning around, because it's good luck to wait. He needs every ounce of good luck they can muster for this, because he's scared already that whoever this is will leave. Just like his wife - Teddy's mother - did. He's terrified, actually.
The music is soft, and he hears footsteps. There is no other noise. Not a single whisper from the guests. Everyone wants to see the Omega that Remus has been dating. Everyone is curious. Remus shivers, the anticipation killing him. He settles for taking some deep breaths. Preparing himself.
The scent hits him without warning, and it almost forces him to spin around to pin-point it. It's sweet like caramel, with vanilla mixed in. The slight breeze from the open doors push the scent towards him, and he shivers. It's perfect. Beyond perfect. There are no words for how right that smell is.
He resists for only a few seconds, and he can't help himself. He turns, looking as they get closer. His gaze moves to the shorter of the two men first. Handsome, nice smile. But nothing. No click, no zing, no butterflies. His eyes move to the man on the other side of James, and that's when he feels it. That's when he knows.
That man is his mate. His soulmate, as people like to consider it. The older brother. That's the scent, and he feels all the things he never thought he'd feel, because he never once considered that he'd find his soulmate.
The man's eyes dart to him, and he stops walking so suddenly, and James and the other man pause too, looking confused. The older man pulls James to the side, along with his younger brother, and there is whispering. So much whispering, and Remus starts to worry as the seconds pass, that this will all be called off.
But finally they turn towards him, and his eyes widen as the elder brother approaches, a nervous smile on his lips as he does so. He moves to stand facing Remus, and he leans in close.
"When I arrived, I assumed that scent was from another guest. I'm glad I realised it was you before you married my brother," he whispers quietly. "I would do anything for him, but for my mate, I've decided to be selfish and marry you myself."
"I have a son—" Remus starts.
"I know," the Omega says softly. "I understand the reasons in which we're here. It's your choice who you marry. But I'm your mate, and perhaps I can offer you more than friendship over time, should you want that."
Remus is so screwed. He can only nod his head. He's got a soulmate, and this man wants to marry him. If this guy didn't want this, he'd have let his younger brother go ahead with this marriage.
"Great." The man's lips brush his and a smile curves on his lips as he pulls away, and Remus is sure his heart is racing now. "Nice legs."
Remus laughs softly at this. "Welsh," he murmurs. His partner reaches out and takes his hand.
"You're not scared, are you?" the man asks.
Remus shakes his head. Suddenly he's not. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees James and the younger of the pair heading over to the pew, taking a seat with Dorea and Charlus.
Remus looks back at his soulmate. He doesn't even know the man's name. He's marrying someone whose name he doesn't know, but that doesn't seem to matter. In fact, he doesn't feel worried in the slightest anymore. All he can think about is that this Omega is looking at him as though he's the most important person in the world.
As they say their vows, he finally learns the man's name. Sirius Black.
Regulus' wedding is only days away when James sends the telegram. Sirius is relieved. Of all the people their parents could arrange a marriage to, they've arranged for Regulus to marry Rabastan Lestrange.
Sirius has heard horrible things about the brothers. Rabastan was supposed to marry Sirius at first - his parents sent the first marriage contract with Sirius' name, but the family turned that offer down because Sirius is too headstrong and free-spirited. And perhaps too mouthy, who knows?
Sirius would rather marry the man himself to save Regulus that fate, but it was agreed without any input from the pair. It was planned. It was about to happen. Their parents only saw them as a way to unite powerful families.
James saved them with promises of marriages of convenience that'd stop their parents getting them back. Sirius doesn't really want to marry James all that much because James feels like a brother to him, but it'll keep him safe.
But the words Sirius reads about this Remus chap in the telegrams. Remus sounds amazing, and there's a flicker of jealousy as Sirius considers that Regulus will have this stranger as a husband. But it's what they need to do to be safe. To be free.
But when he walks up that aisle and his eyes find Remus for the first time, he realises this man is his soulmate. This won't just be a marriage of convenience after all. It's going to be something so very real. He can tell by the way Remus looks at him.
And he looks at Remus the very same way, because his soulmate is completely gorgeous.
He'd do anything for Regulus. Anything but allow his brother to marry Sirius' soulmate.
Remus wasn't expecting much from this. Just someone to help with Teddy. But Hope is having Teddy over for a couple of days, insisting that she'll have help in the bakery, and Remus allows himself a couple of drinks because of nerves. Though he doesn't allow himself to get drunk. He wants to remember everything that's happening that day. Because he hopes this will be a good memory in the years to come.
Hope draws him aside. "I'm glad this has all worked out," she murmurs, glancing over towards Teddy to ensure he's okay without the pair of them right next to him. "Handsome, isn't he. James found him for you?"
Remus nods, glancing around to make sure no-one else is close enough to hear the conversation. "I was… supposed to marry his brother. But… he's my mate, so plans changed very quickly there."
Hope smiles widely. "I knew it'd all work out," she says. "I'll still have Teddy. If nothing else, you'll need to talk about the relationship. I imagine you haven't had much chance to do so already."
Remus nods his head. "Not much chance," he admits quietly. Of course his mum has worked it out so quickly. She's always able to tell when he lies.
"Well, he's coming over. I think I'll take Teddy home now. I'm a little tired, and imagine he's tired too. Sunday dinner, I expect you all. I want to get to know my new son in law." She glances towards Sirius. "I have a good feeling about this one."
Remus smiles and leans in, kissing his mum on the cheek. Sirius stops nearby, waiting, somewhat nervously as he watches Hope as she gets Teddy and brings him over.
Remus watches Sirius as his husband's gaze moves to Teddy. He looks at the boy nervously, curiously, and Remus can only hope that Sirius will be able to do this. That this plan will work. He had been telling himself previously that it might not work, and he was fine with that chance. But now he's met Sirius and realised just who the man is to him…
Well, he's not sure his heart can take Sirius leaving.
He quickly says his goodbyes to Teddy, and the pair silently watch them leave.
"I don't want to be problematic, but I think I'm a little overwhelmed," Sirius admits. "I was wondering if there was somewhere I could go for a bit. I mean, I was going to find somewhere, but didn't want to just disappear on you."
Remus glances around. The cake has been cut, they've had their first dance, and his mum and Teddy have left. Remus likes the occasional party, but more than anything, he wants to get to know this man - his husband. He doesn't want Sirius to be alone if he's not able to handle this much longer, but Remus can't just run off.
"Give me twenty minutes to say goodbye to everyone and we can head off," he says. "Then I'm all yours for two days." He's paying someone to keep an eye on his farm. But it's worth it.
"Oh. I didn't want you to feel like you have to leave," Sirius rushes to say. "I don't want to be any trouble—" The tone of his voice tells Remus that Sirius is used to thinking that he's an inconvenience, but he's certainly not one in Remus' eyes. Remus will help him realise that over time.
"More than anything, I want to get to know you," Remus assures him softly. "We're married. I'm not sure what that entails just yet for us, but we're in this together now. So let's head out together. Never feel like it's a problem, Sirius."
Sirius smiles and Remus is sure that there is a fluttering in his stomach at the sight.
"More than anything, I want to get to know you too," Sirius admits softly, as though he's embarrassed at even uttering the words. Remus gets the impression that he's not used to someone saying nice things to him. "I just wanna have a quick word with James and my brother before we leave."
"Of course." Remus smiles nervously at him because he's not sure what's going to happen, he just knows that when he leaves here, his future with Sirius begins. He's scared, but so excited.
When Sirius talks to his brother, James comes to stand next to Remus.
"Thank you," he murmurs.
"What for?" Remus asks.
"For agreeing to marry Sirius," James says. "My soulmate - Lily - left me, and… Regulus' has passed away. Last year, Regulus tells me. I prefer the smell of cinnamon anyway. I think this is a much better match."
"You going through with it?" Remus asks, glancing towards Regulus. "Are you marrying him?"
James nods. "One of the things they're running from… Sirius was bringing Regulus away from what would certainly be a cruel marriage. But as long as he's unwed, his family can come and get him back. It won't take them long to find out where he is. Sirius… well, he wasn't as concerned for himself. As long as Regulus was safe."
James pauses, his gaze on the brothers.
"I had decided to marry Sirius. To keep him safe at least. I didn't tell you this before… and please don't hate me, but I know them. I grew up with them, back when I lived in London as a child. Sirius got back in contact, and he was looking for an escape." James glances towards Remus. "I deceived you and I feel really guilty about it. I felt even worse when they arrived and I looked at Regulus and I felt… it's not a soulmate bond, but it's something I never thought I'd feel after Lily."
"So when Sirius realised we're soulmates and wanted to marry me instead… that freed up Regulus for you?" Remus should be annoyed because James should have trusted him with the truth. James should have known that Remus would have still gone ahead with this. In fact, he'd have found it easier. James should have had faith.
But he can't be annoyed. He was told he'd be found a husband, and he has one. A soulmate, in fact.
"Quite frankly, I don't give a shit," Remus admits. "It all worked out. But… you owe me, James. You don't ever lie to me again about something big like this. Understand?"
James nods. "We're marrying in two days," he says. "So you and Sirius have a couple of days together. Go have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. I'll make it up to you, the fact that I lied."
"It all worked out in the end, so there's nothing to make up for," Remus insists. He's married to someone who he might have a real future with. He won't let himself be mad at James.
The first dance goes by much too quickly, and Sirius craves to be back in Remus' arms again. He can tell Remus is nervous, shy, but very much interested. Remus' eyes find him time and time again throughout the celebrations. He's actually quite adorable, with his amber eyes and shy glances.
There's a sense of anticipation, because Sirius wants this to be real. He wants a real family, he wants love. He wants people to look at him like he's worth something, rather than the views England has on male Omegas. He's heard from James that in Wales, male Omegas are revered. He trusts James. He has respect for the Potter family, and they've all assured him of Remus' kindness, of how good a person the man is. How worthy he is of love. How worthy Sirius and Regulus are of love and a family. Now Sirius has one. Remus. The adorable kid who he hopes to be a good parent to.
And when Remus is willing to leave their wedding party for him, without any judgement or anger, Sirius just knows that this is how his life will be. Remus looking after him, and him looking after Remus too. Them being there for each other. Them both being there for Teddy.
When they get back to the room, Sirius has no words. It's not that he doesn't want to talk. It's more about finalising the marriage completely. He wants Remus' mating mark on his neck. He's too overwhelmed for words at the events of the day, and he's glad that he's alone with Remus, because he's sure Remus is just as overwhelmed. They have their lives together for words.
Right now, he wants to give in to this growing desire for his husband.
Remus is practicing so many conversations in his head as they walk to the hotel room. He follows Sirius in. He'll start by explaining about the farm and Teddy. Outline what he's looking for in case James hasn't gone into it in enough detail. He'll of course assure Sirius' safety and happiness. Whatever Sirius wants, needs. He'll keep Sirius and Regulus both safe from their family should they come looking. This is his husband. His family.
He turns to close the door behind him, and when he turns back, Sirius shoves him against the door, and his body presses against Remus' and Remus finds his heart racing as he looks into those beautiful grey eyes.
"I can see those cogs turning in your head," Sirius murmurs, his lips inches from Remus'. "I know why I'm here. But we're soulmates, and that means I really really hope that we do more in this hotel than talk. We have our lives to talk. But we have two days completely alone."
"One thing," Remus says, softly. When Sirius nods for him to continue, Remus looks around the room, searching for the words, before his gaze meets grey again. "I married before. She was pregnant, I stood by her. She up and left us, she didn't want our son…"
"I want a family," Sirius tells him. "If you treat me right, I'm not going anywhere. You're my family, and Teddy is too. And… if we have children, which is a discussion we will have, they'll be my family, and I'll still be here."
Remus can't hide his relief at the words. Sirius wants a family. Remus wants to ask more about it, but he doesn't want to push the subject. He'll ask again after their two days alone, but for now, he has other things on his mind, because they're alone in a hotel room and Sirius seems very focused on the two days alone too.
"What… what did you have in mind?" Remus whispers. "For today?"
"Well, I've heard that Scots don't wear anything under their kilts," Sirius murmurs. "I'd very much like to find out if the Welsh play by the same rules."
Remus can't stop the smile on his lips. "Should I tell you?"
"Oh, I can solve that mystery for myself," Sirius says, a wicked smile on his lips. "I can't wait to get to know everything about you. But… this is going to take more than one night. I propose that you take me to bed." With that, he closes the distance between them and their lips meet once more.
4816 words
Reviews are very appreciated :)
Autumn Seasonal
Days of the Year - 13th November - Caregiver Appreciation Day: Write a hurt/comfort fic
Sarcastic Month - 6. (dialogue) "Quite frankly, I don't give a shit."
Jewellery Month - 16. Heart: (word) Heart
National Author Month - 20. Danielle Steel - Theme: New Relationship
Chemistry Week - 14. Silicon - Si: (character) Sirius Black
Game and Puzzle Week - 24. Ticket to Ride - Runaway!AU
Comic Book Day - 2. Peanuts: (dialogue) "This is going to take more than one night."
World Farm Animals Day - 13. Sheepdog - (trait) Protective
World Teachers Day - 13. Remus Lupin
Colours - 9. Cream
Flowers - 10. Lobelia: (dialogue) "You're really just not going to question that?"
Crystals and Gemstones - 12. Amazonite: (word) Mystery
Tarot Reading - 1. The Moon: Write about deceiving someone or being deceived.
Moony's Neon Cafe - 29. (dialogue) "You're not scared, are you?"
Writing Club
Gotta Catch Them All - 1. Rock: (lyric) "We'll make it I swear" - BONUS
Written in the Stars - 1. (character) Sirius Black
Book Club - 3. (genre) romance / (plot point) a proposal / (word) respect
Showtime - 1. (emotion) heartache
Film Festival - 18. (Word) Escape
Lizzy's Loft - 22. Aquaman - You gotta risk your neck, know in your heart it will be worth it
Elizabeth's Empire - 2. Back to Before - Ragtime: Prompt: (style) flashbacks
Angel's Archive - 14. (trope) Happily Ever After
Lyric Alley - 8. There is more to this, I know
Throwback - Resurrect Romance - 14. Remus Lupin, a farmer, finds himself a widower and the father to a disabled toddler. He can't possibly get all of his farm work done and raise his son at the same time. Remus is terrified of betraying the memories of his dead wife. In the end, with the non-stop pestering of an old store lady, he agrees to hire a nanny. But, truth be told, he is uncertain about having another woman in the house.
Hermione Granger answers Remus' letter calling for a mail order bride. She has had her own shares of ups and downs. She is looking for a fresh start, but her past might not make it that easy. Will she tell Remus her darkest secrets or will she keep them hidden until they are exposed?
Neither Remus nor Hermione have any interest in falling in love. However, fate has other plans for the two of them. Will the truth bring them together forever, or will it rip them apart?
Artist Appreciation - 12. All Too Well: Prompt - (style) flashbacks - BONUS
Buttons - (word) 2. Trouble / actions: 4. Crying / Emotions: 4. Overwhelmed
Resolution Evolution - 5. Write a fic including the genre: Romance
TV Spree - 5. (word) horrible
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Race to Top of Mount Potter - Hurt/Comfort
Insert Title Here - 7. Prompt: (trope) arranged marriage
Potion Making - Powered Common Rue - (action) Laughing
Celebrating Women - 29. Princess Shiori (Six Crimson Cranes): (trope) Arranged Marriage
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