Auction: Sirius/Remus
RE: Task 12 - Write about a skeptic
Open up your heart and let me in
Remus sets out to prove that these soulmate tattoos are just a trend and that there's no truth behind them. How wrong he is.
Wolfstar.
Remus rolls his eyes as he reads the newspaper. Yet another celebrity is raving all about the new tattoos with the ink that apparently reveals soulmates. He can't believe that sort of nonsense. Okay, there's magic in the world. Fine. He's seen that with his own eyes. Can't deny something he's seen.
But soulmates. Someone inventing ink that'd lead you to your soulmate. Ridiculous. It's clearly fabricated. Rich people wanting to get even more rich, he imagines. Couples being paid to pretend that the soulmate marks led them to each other. They were probably put there afterwards.
Remus is not going to be fooled by another wave of celebrity nonsense and trends, thank you very much.
"What'ya reading?" James leans over Remus' shoulder, a hand grabbing the edge of the newspaper as he tries to get a better look. "Soulmate marks."
Remus expects James to scoff at this. He expects them both to rant about it and laugh at the people who want to get these done. "Ridiculous, isn't it?" he starts.
"Amazing," James says, surprising Remus. "You know, I've been thinking of getting myself one. I'm tired of all this dating. Date after date. Marriage, divorce, let's not even speak about that very brief engagement." He shudders at the memory. "This'll just make it so much easier."
Remus stares at him, but James is still looking at the paper.
"I entered this competition the other day actually, I've been meaning to tell you. They'll do the soulmate thing for free, Remus. You won't have to pay thousands of pounds to get yours done if you win. How cool does that sound?" He looks at Remus as though this is the most amazing thing in the world.
Remus shrugs. He doesn't really want to talk about soulmate marks being real or 'cool' or whatever. He wants someone to agree with him that they're beyond dumb. Clearly James has fallen for the nonsense. There's no hope left for his friend.
"Oi, don't be bitter, mate. You'll find someone. With or without the soulmate ink." James claps him on the shoulder and Remus glares. He can find someone. Maybe. Maybe he doesn't want to find anyone, did James ever think of that? Maybe he doesn't want his heart broken anymore? Or to be someone's secret because they're ashamed and Remus convinces himself that they'll maybe tell people one day.
Or the time he found out after five months of dating, that his boyfriend was actually married.
He sighs and sets the newspaper down. He can't believe it's that easy to find someone to spend his life with. He can't trust it. Life can't be that simple.
"Mr. Lupin, we're calling from Simply Souls to inform you that you've won our competition. Congratulations!"
"From… Simply Souls?" Remus replies somewhat doubtfully. He knows that company name. James has been raving about it. They have their own tattoo shop and also a matching service if you need somewhere to give your details and the name of your soulmate, so that when they sign up, it'll match you. It's a place that arranges the first meeting.
"Yes. You entered a draw to win a free soulmate tattoo. We'd like to book you in."
The 'no' is on the tip of Remus' tongue, when it occurs to him that he can use this to prove that this whole soulmate-trend is bullshit. He can show that there's nothing real behind it. Once this idea comes to mind, Remus realises that it's the best idea ever. He'll have proof then.
The little voice in the back of his head that's saying that perhaps it's real, is reminded to keep quiet. He doesn't want to think about that. He's not actually looking for his soulmate, because the universe doesn't have one for him.
"We can book you in as soon as you'd like," the woman says.
"Is today any good?" Remus checks. "I can come in immediately."
When he gets the address, he hangs up the call and heads out of his bedroom, into the living room. James is watching highlights of some football game, Remus isn't quite sure. "Can you drive me somewhere?" he asks.
"Where?" James asks, standing up, though it's clear by the look on his face that he'd rather be watching the football. James is too nice to say no, and Remus doesn't ask very often.
"Uh… I won. A free soulmate tattoo. I need to… go to the place. It's the other side of London, otherwise I'd get a bus there."
James hurries to get ready, a grin on his lips. "Can't believe you won," he keeps muttering. "I'm so happy for you."
Remus can't really feel happy like James does. He knows this is some sort of sham, but he doesn't want to disappoint his friend so he doesn't say anything. He goes back to his room to get changed out of his comfortable pyjamas.
He's not going to let himself get excited. These aren't real.
However much he wishes that they were.
Remus winces as the needle scrapes against his skin. He watches carefully, for any sign of tampering in this, but he has to admit that they are simply doing a black bar on his arm. There's just straight, consistent movements and nothing that'd cause a name to appear underneath. The ink shimmers and shines against his skin, and James holds his other hand tightly as he talks about whether he should get one done today or not.
"Have you decided on a border yet?" the tattoo artist asks.
"Just something simple," Remus says. "One of the first ones."
"The second," James adds. "It's a nice one. I'm going to get the first one, and I don't want us to match."
Remus laughs softly, before wincing. He doesn't turn his gaze away from the tattoo for long because he's sure there's a trick somewhere. But he has to admit that they aren't doing anything that could be suspicious.
But finally it's over and there's a black bar on his skin. A simple border outlines it.
A sterile pack is picked up. "I've got to bandage it," the tattoo artist says. "You ready?"
Remus reaches for the bandage and examines it. Nothing strange about that either. Satisfied that it's a simple bandage, he hands it back and nods.
The bandage is placed over the tattoo, and Remus feels a strange sense of anticipation as it's hidden from sight. He wonders if it'll actually work.
He shakes his head a little. No, it won't. It's ridiculous, he reminds himself. Though… what if?
"There are letters." James is a little smug. "Is that J or an S?"
"Whatever it is, it's really curly," Remus mutters. After getting over the initial shock at seeing the letters, he's nervous now. He has to admit that something magical is happening. There isn't a trick, because he watched. He saw the ink going into his arm. He saw that they didn't draw a pattern. Simply a black box and filled it in, the lines neat and tidy.
"I thought it'd stay a black box," he admits. "I read that most do."
"Most do because their soulmates haven't had the same tattoo. It's only when they both have it, does it reveal the name," James tells him. "So… initials look like S..B. This is exciting."
"It doesn't mean that they'll want me," Remus says quietly.
"Is that why you're so down?" James asks. "Remus, look. This person already has his mark. He's probably counting down the day until he meets you. It's why it appeared so fast. This person is relying on fate to find them someone to spend their future with."
Remus shrugs. He's not sure how this is going to end. He's not sure about anything anymore. He was so certain that nothing would come of this, but now he's not so sure.
The name is there, shimmering on his arm, and James is already searching it up.
"Sirius Black. The internet says that there is a dead guy by that name. If your soulmate is like four generations back, or something. Or… a mechanic less than five miles away."
"I'm hoping for the mechanic," Remus says. He feels a fluttering nervousness in his stomach. "Do we go now?"
"I mean… my car was making a strange sound yesterday," James says, which Remus knows is a lie because he was in the car and James is very vocal when there's an issue with it. "Come on. It's about time we got it looked at. Wear the red cardigan "
Remus rolls his eyes but he realises that James isn't going to change his mind. Remus thinks his current cardigan is fine, but James folds his arms and watches Remus until Remus does as he's told.
The red cardigan is his lucky cardigan and he's not sure that even his lucky cardigan is enough to save him here. He tries not to be overly excited at the idea of meeting the person who could be his soulmate. Though he's not going to get his hopes up. This man might not have Remus' name on his own arm.
If he does, Remus will have to accept the fact that this soulmate thing is legit. But he's ready to admit that he was wrong if faced with proof.
The drive is quiet. James doesn't stop for anything except red lights. He's determined to get there soon enough. He pulls into the small mechanics shop, and he gets out of the car.
"Hey, my car needs a quick check-over," James says, approaching the counter. There's a man sorting through a box nearby. "Is there anyone who can help me?"
"Black," the man calls. "Got a customer." With that shout, a man with short curls around his ears leaves the back room and offers a slight smile. Remus glances him over, hoping to feel something, but though the man is handsome, he doesn't feel anything. "Let me book you in. You are…"
"James Potter. This is my friend, and…" he trails off.
Remus follows his gaze. It's a warm day and the man's shirt-sleeves are rolled up, revealing his tattoo. On the man's arm is a black box with no name inside of it. "Never-mind," James says.
The man frowns and follows his gaze, confused, before returning to the the large book in front of him. He grabs a pen.
"Well, we'll have someone look over your car," the man says, grey eyes focusing on James. He barely glances at Remus, and James starts to smile, before it drops and he looks towards Remus. "I'll put the other owner on it. The best guy for the job, the most diligent."
"Maybe the car doesn't need work after all," Remus admits quietly. "James, we should… let's go." Of course it didn't work. Remus is destined to be alone forever. This is what he was afraid of. "The soulmate names are a scam." This is more of a nightmare than he thought it'd be.
"Oh. Soulmate names?" The man is curious now. "You're here to… see me?" He glances at his own arm, but frowns as he does. "Are you sure it's me?"
"We looked your name up online," James says.
"I'm sorry," the man starts.
"Oi, Reg, new customers?" Another man walks over, wiping oil-stained hands on a rag. The man's grey eyes fix on Remus, and there's a hint of a smile on his lips. He takes a look at Remus' expression. "Is there a problem here?"
Remus can't tear his eyes away. It's like something is drawing him to the gorgeous mechanic. The man seems just as focused on him.
"It's fine," Reg says. "You trying to get away from Oscar? I swear he only comes here to see you."
"And like I tell him every time, still waiting for my soulmate," the taller of the pair says. "You guys have a car you need working on?"
"Wait, did you just call him Reg?" James asks. "Remus, that's the wrong guy."
"Remus?" the second guy says sharply. "Remus Lupin by any chance?"
Remus nods his head, wondering how this extremely gorgeous man knows his name.
"This is not happening! I look a state, I expected to be looking decent for when we met." His gaze shifts down Remus quickly, and the smile returns. He rolls up his sleeve and there's a black band on his arm. The board is quite elaborate and Remus Lupin sits on his arm in handwriting similar to Remus' own. "It started showing recently. I was hoping you'd turn up."
"We heard someone call you Black and didn't realise there were two of you," James explains to Regulus. "I'm James Potter."
"Regulus Black," Regulus says. "I'd introduce my brother, but I'm sure you know his name." There's a smile on his lips, as though he's really happy for Sirius.
"Can I… can I see?" Sirius asks, glancing towards Remus' arm. "Can you show me? I just want to make sure before..."
Remus nods. He rolls up the sleeve of his cardigan and holds his hand out. Sirius shifts around to stand at Remus' side for a better look.
"I got mine done almost a year ago, when they first opened these to the public," Sirius murmurs. "I check my arm daily, just hoping that my soulmate - that you would get yours. I knew it was just a matter of time before you came here, and I can't tell you how happy I am." He glances towards Regulus. "I'm clocking off early. You don't need me?"
"We'll manage," Regulus says. "I'll have Frank take over on Oscar's car."
"Remus, my afternoon is empty. How about we do something. Lunch? Cinema? Bowling? Mini-Golf? Whatever you want to do, I'll do. I'm yours."
"History museum," James murmurs.
"Lunch and the history museum?" Sirius suggests, and Remus can only nod his head in shock. He's baffled because this wasn't supposed to work. He wasn't supposed to have a date with a gorgeous man. He wasn't supposed to be in any situation where he could be hurt again.
But he can't say no. "Sounds fun," he admits shyly. "I'm free. James, will you be okay?"
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of you," Regulus says, an innocent smile on his lips. "So… got a name on your arm, James?"
"Behave," Sirius says, looking between the pair. "Five minutes and I'll clean up and be right with you. Don't go anywhere." He looks at Remus as though he expects Remus to go running. Remus just smiles, and Sirius rushes off.
Sirius returns minutes later in tight jeans and a black t-shirt with a leather jacket. His dark curls are fixed back into a tidier bun and he's wearing clunky boots.
"If this all works out, today is the day we'll be celebrating for years to come," Sirius says, taking Remus' hand in his.
"That sounds great. I'm looking forward to celebrating," Remus admits. Maybe there's a good side to this whole soulmate business after all. "I've got a confession to make."
"What?"
"I… I won the soulmate tattoo," Remus says. "Honestly, before the name showed, I thought it was just a trend and there was no truth behind it. I thought that I'd prove that it wasn't a real thing."
Sirius pauses, turning to look at him. "And do you still feel like that?" he asks.
Remus shakes his head. "I saw the name appearing with my own eyes, and… this. I like this. With you."
Sirius beams at him. "I quite like you too. I can't wait to get to know you better."
"I've not done so well with dating. Believing in soulmates means that I'm trusting someone else, and…"
"You don't want to get hurt again?" Sirius guesses. "Yeah. Trust me, I get that. But that's why I was so eager to get mine. Because I believe that if I can trust anyone with my heart, it's my soulmate."
Remus smiles. He likes that. "I think I've spent a long time thinking that I don't deserve to be happy."
"I'll help you get the life you deserve. When it comes to love, at the very least," Sirius promises.
2706 words
Did anyone read my Don't know what's down this road, I'm just walking fic? It's had no reviews. I hope you guys enjoyed it...
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Writing Club
Gotta Catch Them All - 18. Stantler: (character) James Potter
Written in the stars - 7. (word) diligent
This or That - First Job - 4 (emotion) Nervous
Showtime - 7. Waiting for a Girl Like You - (phrase) Matter of Time
Film Festival - 25. "This is not happening."
Lizzy's Loft - 12. Next to Me - But I hope to be worth it
Sophie's Smut Bucket - 13. (dialogue) "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you."
Lyric Alley - 21. Hopefully you see it clear, hopefully it's HD
Throwback - 22. (word) day
Gardening - 19. Genre: Romance
Artist Appreciation - 5. Prompt - (trope) instant attraction (BONUS)
Resolution Evolution - 6. (word) nightmare
TV Spree - 20. "I'll help you get the life you deserve."