Six Feet Apart Chapter Fifteen, a harry potter fanfic

A/N: Thank you everyone for the support!

Chapter Fifteen

TUESDAY AM

~Spoilers Bookclub Ltd.~

Sir Lupin (08:23):

Thanks for last night, you two.

I'm sorry I felt the need to hide all of this for so long. I just got used to never talking about it. I'm sorry if it made it feel like I didn't trust either of you :/

Lily (08:42):

Morning sweetie x

I completely understand why you felt the need to hide. There is still a lot of stigma attached to HIV+ people, even now. Although a lot of things suddenly make a lot more sense x

Dorcas (08:51):

You guys suck, making my phone buzz and waking me up ¬_¬

But yes, Remus, I still adore your stupid face. HIV or not, you're pretty damn awesome!

Sir Lupin (08:56):

I really don't deserve either of you two. I really don't. Back home as soon as people found out, they pretended like I didn't exist.

Even my own parents struggle with my status, even now.

Dorcas (08:58):

That breaks my heart. I don't know what I'd do without my family, but then we're fairly close :/ I always find it a bit alien when other people have family drama ^_^"

Sir Lupin (09:03):

Wanna spend Christmas at the Lupins? :P

Dorcas (09:05):

Bring it on! XD

Lily (09:08):

Let's just hope this pandemic nonsense is done by then. I get that everywhere is short staffed, but we're still people!

Dorcas (09:10):

How long have you got to rest before the next volunteering shebang, Evans?

Lily (09:11):

Six more days.

Then I'll be helping out in the kitchens of the local homeless shelters.

Sir Lupin (09:14):

Are you trying to win a Nobel peace prize? Because you're heading that way.

Lily (09:16):

I mean, I wouldn't say no to that :P

Are you sure you're feeling better after our zoom, Remus?

Sir Lupin (09:18):

I weirdly am.

I think I built it up so much in my head, that I'm almost underwhelmed by how neutral you guys have been. I hesitate to say positive because … well …

Dorcas (09:20):

Nicely done, Wolf boy, nicely done!

Sir Lupin (09:22):

I want to do something for Padfoot to say thank you.

If it wasn't for him B&E my place when I was ill, I don't think I would've told you guys.

Lily (09:24):

Still not happy about that! Remus, it isn't safe!

Sir Lupin (09:25):

Lily, come on, he's been testing every couple of days. He was negative. He's not stupid to put me at risk.

Lily (09:26):

I believe you, love, I do. I don't think he's careless or stupid, despite how he got into your place ¬_¬

It's just … it's such a huge risk considering your immune system.

Just being close to other people has started making me a little jumpy.

Dorcas (09:29):

Lily, love, I think you need to focus on you and your mental health a little bit more.

I know you're doing all you can to help others, but you'll be no good to anyone if you spread yourself too thin.

When was the last time you even looked at your thesis?

Lily (09:31):

Like … a week? Maybe more?

Sir Lupin (09:33):

Why don't we do a little study date in the park?

Lily (09:35):

Absolutely not, you've only been conscious for a day a half!

You're staying at home and resting, Remus!

Sir Lupin (09:36):

Yes, Mam ¬_¬

Honestly, Lily, I feel fine. It's sitting outdoors and reading. Other than risking sunburn, this is my jam!

Dorcas (09:38):

Lily, this is sort of what I was talking about …

Lily (09:40):

Fuck, you're right! When did I become such a mother hen?

I'm sorry, Remus I'll t ry and chill down a bit more.

I just feel like there's stress coming at me from all angles and it has nowhere to go.

Dorcas (09:42):

What do you mean, love?

Lily (09:43):

Petunia and the parents are arguing.

Volunteering is rewarding but so stressful. We spend more time changing our PPE than helping people, and those fuckers work us to the bone. For free!

I don't even want to think about studying or writing my thesis, but now that you've reminded me, it's just another thing on my mind …

Sir Lupin (09:44):

Oh Lily … I think you need a proper breather and just have some down time.

Dorcas (09:45):

Yeah, you need to switch off. Have you thought about meditation?

Lily (09:46):

Do I look like I want to be alone with my thoughts?

Dorcas (09:47):

What about yoga?

Lily (09:48):

You mean actual yoga, or that crap BS millennials do to appear 'spiritual'?

Dorcas (09:48):

XD I mean ACTUAL yoga.

Lily (09:49):

I always found yoga too slow :/ I feel like maybe pilates would be more my speed?

Dorcas (09:51):

Not all yoga is slow, but I see what you mean.

We could always do pilates in the park? And maybe when you're at home, put an hour aside each evening to decompress. Maybe do some yoga stretches, read a little FOR FUN, or just paint your nails. Something for you.

Sir Lupin (09:53):

I might try and go on some walks in the evenings. That way it will be much quieter and I run less risk of bumping into someone.

Dorcas (09:54):

That would be good for you.

Maybe ask Padfoot to join you

Sir Lupin (09:55):

Excuse me, Ms. Meadowes, we've agreed to only meet up once a week to play board games.

Lily (09:56):

Oh yes, is this where he sits outside and you sit inside?

Sir Lupin (09:57):

Yes, we keep 2 meters between us. Is a bit of a pain when you have to put tiles down or move a few spaces but it's honestly worth it just to have some interaction?

Dorcas (09:58):

I bet his hot body doesn't hurt either, eh?

Sir Lupin (10:00):

I mean … he's pretty fit …

Lily (10:02):

Do you two flirt?

Sir Lupin (10:03):

I think we do sometimes.

It's hard to pinpoint. It just seems to come so naturally in conversation ….

Lily (10:04):

So cute!

Dorcas (10:04):

3 3 3 3

Sir Lupin (10:05):

Oh, shut up, both of you! :P

Lily (10:06):

Remus and Padfoot sitting in a tree

Dorcas (10:07):

Sir Lupin (10:08):

So mature ¬_¬

Lily (10:08):

First comes love!

Dorcas (10:08):

Then comes marriage!

Lily (10:09):

Then comes an adorable adopted baby in a baby carriage!

Sir Lupin (10:10):

I hate you both!

~Rocketmen~

Starman (11:18):

Okay, I've given you enough of a lie-in. Tell me how your evening was last night.

Did you talk to your friends? How did they take it?

Hopefully they took it well and this isn't a very suspicious silence right now …

Moony (11:20):

You're so lucky you're cute and that I've been awake since 8am.

Starman (11:21):

Ew why? It's a pandemic, you can literally sleep and wake up whenever you want.

Moony (11:21):

I want to try and keep to a routine, remember?

Starman (11:22):

Well, waking up at 8am is definitely a good start for that!

Moony (11:23):

I spoke to my friends by the way. We had a zoom call last night. I … I told them about my condition.

Starman (11:24):

Well, you're not on the phone crying your eyes out to me, so I assume it went … well?

Moony (11:26):

As well as that sort of thing can go, I think.

Naturally they were both a little hurt that I didn't just tell them, mainly Lily. But they're both also aware of that stigma attached to HIV and why I wouldn't want to broadcast shit like that.

Starman (11:30):

I get that.

I just want you to know that I still think you've hung the bloody moon in the sky, just for me. You're one of a kind, Moony x

Moony (11:32):

Padfoot … you're making me blush …

Starman (11:33):

I'm sure it suits you x

Moony (11:34):

Did James poison you? Is this why you're being so nice to me?

Starman (11:35):

I won't lie, it's possible!

Save me, Moonshine! Protect my honour!

Moony (11:36):

Well, I'd have to send out a search party I'm afraid :/

Starman (11:37):

Cold-blooded.

Why is that hot?

Moony (11:38):

This is how your repressed trauma presents itself?

Starman (11:40):

Oh, do shut up, Moony!

I think you're attractive, there I said it. Come at me!

Moony (11:41):

Far too posh to pull that off, but I'll let you have this one.

Starman (11:42):

*Rolls eyes*

Lucky you're cute, for being such an absolute arse to me.

Moony (11:44):

Did you know that the inventor of the Pringles can is actually buried inside one?

Starman (11:45):

That … cannot be true …

Moony (11:46):

Oh, but it is! For you see, young Paddywhack …

In 1966, after he came up with the idea of stacking crisps in a can, he was so proud of it that he wrote in his will to be buried in one. When he died, aged 89, his kids stopped off on the way to his funeral to grab a can. They even argued about what flavour to get!

Starman (11:48):

Bloody hell! Don't keep a man in suspense, Mooncake, what flavour did they go for?!

Moony (11:47):

The original flavour.

Starman (11:48):

Good choice, good choice. Nothing beats a classic

Speaking of, how's bookclub?

Moony (11:50):

Well, I have been sort of MIA recently, so I've said the girls can finish up whatever they're reading, and then we can pick a new book.

Starman (11:51):

I wish I'd come to you sooner. I can't help but feel like I was totally useless.

Moony (11:52):

Padfoot, you picked my locks clean, cleaned my studio from top to bottom, bought me so much food I'm ACTUALLY putting on weight for once …

And you made sure I didn't die. What more could you have done?

What more could anyone else have done in your position?

Starman (11:54):

I guess …

Moony (11:55):

I literally cannot thank you enough …

Starman (11:56):

I just … I know it's going to sound dumb …

Moony (11:57):

I won't laugh, I promise.

Starman (11:58):

I just …

You're so frigging awesome, Moony. I feel like I've waited years to find someone that I click with like this, you know?

I sort of … I nearly shit myself thinking that I could've lost you without really meeting you …

The idea made me sick …

Moony (12:01):

I get that.

I feel the same.

Starman (12:02):

… Really?

Moony (12:03):

Of course I do.

Not the gay nonsense about emotions and feelings, because EW! Gross!

Starman (12:05):

Moony, I have something to tell you.

Moony (12:06):

Oh? What's that?

Starman (12:07):

I think you're a teeny bit gay.

Moony (12:08):

Yeah, but only like … half-ish?

Starman (12:09):

So, you're three quarters gay?

Moony (12:10):

Is that even a thing? XD

Starman (12:11):

Fuck if I know *shrug*

Uh-oh, Jimmy's awake!

Hide the fridge!

Moony (12:13):

Not gonna lie, if you manage to hide a fridge full of food, PLEASE take a zillion photos!

Starman (12:14):

I joke, but he's actually getting better.

Moony (12:15):

Hmph, all this talk of food is making me vaguely hungry. Maybe I should cook something …

Starman (12:16):

Yes, go and enjoy all of that delicious food I got for you!

Moony (12:17):

Did you also get me a gourmet chef rat?

Starman (12:18):

No, Moonpie. You know why? Because rats are gross little bastards and you wouldn't want them near your food, no matter HOW clean they are.

Moony (12:20):

But … effort … walking …

Starman (12:21):

Get UP you lazy sod! I didn't save your life for you to turn into a vegetable!

Moony (12:22):

¬_¬ so rude.

Starman (12:24):

Tell you what. Make something to eat and maybe go outside for a little walk? It's nice and sunny today.

And while Jimmy and I are out, I'll snap some photos for you.

Moony (12:25):

Photos? Of what?

Starman (12:25):

Well, if I have my way, I'll twist Jimmy's ear so much he'll take me to the pound :D

Moony (12:26):

Wait, you're actually going to go and get a dog? In the middle of a pandemic?!

Starman (12:27):

Why not? I've been itching to get a pup for years, and I know Jimmy and I will be the best platonic parents!

Moony (12:28):

Should I be worried that James might very well steal my dream man?

Starman (12:29):

Not gonna lie, Moons, it's a very real threat indeed!

Also, I'm your dream man?

Moony (12:31):

… Autocorrect?

Starman (12:31):

To … what?

Moony (12:32):

SHUT UP!

~0~

~Black Potts~

Prongs (15:38):

Pads, where are you? I thought you said to meet at the entrance?

Padfoot (15:51):

Sorry, Prongs, I got distracted 3

Prongs (15:52):

You went back to that big fluffball didn't you?

Padfoot (15:54):

I couldn't help it, man! He was calling out to me!

Prongs (15:55):

Pads, leave the dog alone. You can come back and see him another day, but we have to get going.

Padfoot (15:56):

We're literally not doing anything else!

Prongs (15:57):

You wanted to see Mum and Dad from the end of the drive, remember?

Padfoot (15:59):

Ah, yes.

It would appear I was floating on a sea of oxytocin and completely forgot about all else in the world!

Prongs (16:00):

Sirius. Move. Now.

Padfoot (16:02):

EURGH! FINE! YOU SUCK BALLS!

Prongs (16:04):

Yeah, you wish.

Now hurry up before we end up adopting every dog here.

Padfoot (16:05):

Fine.

Prongs (16:06):

Did you take loads of pics?

Padfoot (16:07):

Of course, I did! What do you take me for?

Prat.

Prongs (16:08):

Uncalled for. Where are you?

Oh, there you are. Get a move on.

~Rocketmen~

Starman (16:15):

Moony! James and I are homeward bound!

Moony (16:17):

Ah, that's good.

Did you have fun with the doggos?

Starman (16:19):

I did! 3

Moony, I think I've found the love of my life!

Moony (16:20):

Should I be jealous, Mr. Padfoot?

Starman (16:22):

Mr. Moony you know my heart belongs to you x

Although, this pup is definitely challenging you for my affections!

Starman (16:23):

JUST LOOK AT HIS FACE!

Moony (16:25):

Oh wow! That's one handsome boy!

Starman (16:26):

Although this pupper is a cutie pie too 3

Moony (16:27):

He is precious, but that coat is going to be such a hassle for you.

Tell me, do you like wearing dog-hair shoes?

Starman (16:28):

True, true, I do not like wearing dog-hair shoes.

Although this boy … I think he has my heart.

Moony (16:29):

Aw poor boy that looks like a nasty bite out of his ear.

Starman (16:31):

Yeah, the people there said he was rescued from near a gypsy caravan park. Maybe he was part of a dog-fighting ring or something.

He has a scar over his eye, if you zoom in.

Moony (16:33):

Poor thing. Is he blind in that eye or is it just a superficial scar?

Starman (16:34):

As far as I can tell, it's completely superficial.

Moony (16:35):

Well, that's good at least! Scars are one thing, but that would be tough if he was partially blind.

Starman (16:37):

Moons …

Your scars don't bother me.

Moony (16:38):

What?

I wasn't … we're not talking about me …

Starman (16:40):

Remus. I've seen some of your scars. They don't bother me.

I think you're stunning.

Moony (16:42):

Permission to change topic?

Starman (16:42):

That depends.

Are you blushing?

Moony (16:43):

… Possibly.

Starman (16:43):

Then proceed. Whatever topic you like, Moony mine.

Moony (16:45):

Thanks.

Have you seen that Merlin is on Netflix?

Starman (16:46):

You're not … just discovering this are you? It's been on therefor ages!

Moony (16:47):

Well, until you came into my life, I didn't have access to it :O

I'm actually excited! I missed it when it was original on BBC 1.

Starman (16:48):

Add it to the list then

Get bingeing!

Moony (16:50):

Would you … watch it with me?

Starman (16:51):

Of course! Do you want to watch an episode tonight?

Moony (16:52):

You're not busy with James?

Starman (16:54):

Nope, after dinner, I'm all yours!

Moony (16:55):

Okay, I'd really like that 😊

Starman (16:57):

So, what did you get up to today while I was out gallivanting with puppies?

Moony (16:59):

I ended up having a call with my parents :/

Starman (17:01):

Do you guys not get along or something?

Moony (17:03):

Not really.

It's one of the main reasons I moved down to London. To get away from them.

That and this university taught the courses I wanted to study. Took me a little while to get the application through but … yeah.

Starman (17:05):

I don't mean to pry.

Moony (17:06):

You're not. Don't worry.

We have a strained relationship. I'm a little surprised they didn't contact me sooner considering … y'know.

Starman (17:07):

That sucks, I'm sorry

Moony (17:08):

It's fine, I guess. They know I'm alive.

Starman (17:09):

Did you tell them about last week?

Moony (17:10):

That I nearly sweated myself to death and got rescued by a bad boy that broke into my flat?

No, I don't have a death wish, despite what you may think.

Starman (17:11):

What would they do? XD

Get a train down to London and force you back home?

Moony (17:12):

I really wouldn't put it past them, y'know? :/

Enough about me.

Did you find any cool facts / quotes today?

Starman (17:14):

"Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise." ~ Victor Hugo

Moony (17:15):

That's oddly poignant considering our current predicament.

Starman (17:16):

I thought you might like that one x

Moony (17:17):

When did you want to watch Merlin?

Starman (17:18):

Um … let me ask James.

Maybe about … 8pm?

Moony (17:19):

Sounds good. I'll let you get on.

Starman (17:20):

You can talk to me if you like Moony

I know you're obsessed with me already x

Moony (17:21):

Please, like your ego needs to be stroked anymore.

Starman (17:22):

My ego is perfectly fine thank you!

Moony (17:23):

I'm sure it is.

Seriously, spend time with James. I want to get some reading done for class anyways.

Starman (17:24):

When's your next lecture?

Moony (17:25):

Not until tomorrow at 2pm.

So, if I really get into Merlin … maybe we can make it a double feature?

Starman (17:26):

Why, Mr. Moony! Are you asking me on a date?

Moony (17:27):

Definitely not.

Starman (17:28):

MY HEART IS BROKEN!

Moony (17:28):

I'll put a spongebob plaster on it then.

Starman (17:29):

Nah, I never liked spongebob. Always felt like he catered to the idiots with feelings

Moony (17:30):

… I don't know what to say to that XD Is James the idiot?

Starman (17:31):

Well, now that you mention it … :P

Nah, it was just never my cup of tea. I never got why people liked it. I much preferred Dexter's Lab and Dragonball Z.

Moony (17:33):

See, I'd agree, but I KNOW the age you started watching cartoons so …

Starman (17:34):

Either way, spongebob was a dud for me *shrugs*

Moony (17:35):

Fair, I only watched it when there was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE ON.

Not that it was ever worth it.

Starman (17:36):

Very true, very true.

Welp, James wants to play Mario Kart for a bit because apparently we're 12 years old.

Moony (17:37):

Good luck. I'd cheer from here but I don't think you'd hear me.

Starman (17:38):

Ohh, Moons, I'd always hear you calling my name 3

Moony (17:40):

Gross :P Shove off and spend time with your brother.

Starman (17:41):

He's gonna love you when you guys meet.

Honestly, now I'm worried that HE'S gonna steal YOU.

Moony (17:42):

I'm sure James would make me very happy.

I'd be the perfect little housewife.

Starman (17:43):

You're about a head taller than him …

Moony (17:44):

He can be my pocket-husband. I'll feed him skittles and chocolate chips.

Starman (17:45):

Bad move, babe.

Effie didn't let James have sugar until he was about 9 years old and if he eats more than a chocolate bar, he goes berserk.

Besides, I'M SHORTER THAN JAMES! I'M THE POCKET-HUSBAND!

Moony (17:46):

Probably not wise then.

I always have a stash of chocolate with me.

Sometimes I even eat it in the library.

Starman (17:47):

NOOOO! YOU REBEL! XD

Moony (17:48):

I'm the reason your parents wanted you home after school 😉 haha

Starman (17:49):

Nah, babe, that's me x

Moony (17:50):

Rebels together!

Oh God … are we in a gang now?

My Mam warned me about this …

Starman (17:51):

Well, we already have the cool nicknames. I have a 'metal death machine'.

Moony (17:52):

Yes … the nicknames …

Is 'three' even really a gang? Can a trio be a gang?

Starman (17:54):

Well … there's Pete of course. We went to school with him.

His nickname is Wormtail.

Moony (17:55):

Good fucking grief, what did the poor sod do to get THAT nickname?

Starman (17:56):

Ha … Well … He got high at Uni and had a bit of a panic that some gummy worms were rat tails …

Ate enough to throw up … Fell asleep with several stuck to his face …

Thus, the nickname was born XD

Moony (17:58):

I see … I feel like he brought it on himself XD

Starman (17:59):

Trust me, he totally did!

Moony (18:00):

Weren't you meant to be hanging out with James?

Starman (18:01):

I … may have hidden the game to steal a few extra minutes with you x

Moony (18:02):

Padfoot!

I can't decide if that's devious or charming … I guess I'll go with charming.

Starman (18:03):

As you should! :P

Bugger James found the game.

Moony (18:05):

Where did you ever hide it?

Starman (18:06):

In the fridge.

Moony (18:07):

WHY WOULD YOU PUT IT IN THERE?

Starman (18:08):

Would YOU look for a game in the fridge?

Moony (18:09):

… No.

How did he even find it?

Starman (18:10):

He went in there to get some snacks and found it behind the bloody cheesecake ¬_¬

Moony (18:11):

Better luck next time, babe :P

I'll talk to you soon?

Starman (18:12):

OF COURSE! :D

I'll drop you a message when we're done.

What're you gonna do in the meantime?

Moony (18:14):

Very tempted to zoom with the girls for a bit … See how Lily's getting on.

Starman (18:15):

I'd say 'say hi from me!' but that would be weird XD

Have fun moonylicious 3

Moony (18:16):

You too, you rotten mutt xx

~Spoilers Bookclub Ltd.~

[SIR LUPIN INVITED YOU TO JOIN A MEETING]

[REQUEST TO JOIN: LILY. ACCEPT / DECLINE]

[REQUEST TO JOIN: DORCAS. ACCEPT / DECLINE]

Remus grinned as his laptop screen was illuminated with the faces of Lily and Dorcas. He waved at them before combing his scraggly curls out of his eyes. "Hey girls, how are you?"

"Pleasantly surprised to be hearing from you this fine evening," Dorcas grinned from where she was lounging back in her desk chair, bare feet propped up, her long legs gleaming.

"Same," Lily beamed, a turban wrapped around her head. "I just got out the shower, so your timing is impeccable, Sir Lupin."

He mock-bowed at the screen. "Well, I had a little time to kill, so I thought I'd check-in with you."

"How sweet," Lily grinned. "I've been enjoying my time off, lots of foot care I won't lie. Prepping myself for next week."

"What is it you're doing again?" Dorcas asked.

"Food prep in the homeless shelter near the University. Figured it's less risky than being in a care home. A different type of help."

"Hopefully you'll get to meet some new people," Remus suggested, knowing full-well that Lily had been rushed off her feet at the care home. She, along with the other volunteers, ran around like headless chickens, the only time they could talk was to ask for assistance, what the time was and where the PPE was kept. Orders were barked over and over, but there was little to no time for idle chitchat, and as soon as their shifts were over, they were all too weary to attempt chitchat.

"I really hope so," Lily sighed wistfully. "I don't even care if it's some middle-aged man named George, I just want to talk to someone outside of my family and lectures."

Dorcas snorted, "You say that like we were all social butterflies before quarantine."

"Perspective, isn't it?" Lily said. "I'm so keenly aware that I never got to get to know people around me. I was just in my own world, focused on deadlines, work, making enough money to survive. It's endless."

Dorcas nodded in understanding, "Oh, I get that. I've been talking to a few new people on instagram. I've been blogging pictures from my walks as you know and getting some people in my DM's who seem pretty cool."

"Anyone can seem cool over the internet," Remus remarked drily.

"You cannot talk, Sir Lupin," Dorcas cocked an eyebrow. "How's loverboy these days?"

Remus rolled his eyes, "Must you call him that?"

"Well, I'm not calling him soft-foot."

"PADFOOT."

"Yeah, that."

"Well, Lily does!"

"Only because I don't know his name!" Lily laughed. "Do you even know his name, Rem?"

"Does it matter?"

"I mean, he's coming by your flat, isn't he?" Dorcas frowned. "Shouldn't you at least know his name?"

"I'm getting to know everything else about him. I'll find out when he wants to tell me."

Lily frowned, nibbling on her bottom lip. "He is being safe when he comes, isn't he?"

"Yes, Lily, don't worry. He even brings his own water-bottle to drink from and never asks to use the bathroom."

"And?" she raised a challenging eyebrow.

"AND I'm doing my flow-tests and I'm all clear."

"Fine," she propped her chin up on her hand. "Is he cute?"

Remus felt his cheeks glow red. "From what I can tell, yes."

"Does he think you're cute?"

"WELL, I DON'T KNOW!"

"You should ask him!" Dorcas grinned, finally dropping her legs down to lean closer to the camera.

"What -no!"

"Oh, I have his number, don't I?" Lily grinned, reaching for her phone.

"LILY!"

"Oooh, yeah, text him and asks if he likes Remus!"

"What is wrong with you two? We're not twelve years old anymore!" Remus panicked. "Don't we have anything else to talk about? Our lectures for instance, or the fact that Malfoy looks like a bloody bleached llama?!"

"We were both there, we both saw it," Dorcas brushed him off as Lily scrolled through the contacts on her phone.

"Got it!"

"Lily!"

"Oh, what's the harm?" she cocked an eyebrow at him, smiling gently. Realisation dawned in her green eyes, "Oh Rem … you really like him, don't you?"

With a groan, he buried his face in his hands, clawing his fingers through his curls. "Of course, I do," he grumbled.

"I won't text him then," she set her phone down and leaned over on crossed arms. "Although, I do think if you like him this much, that you should talk to him about it. If he's been flirting with you, it wouldn't be too hard to assume he likes you back."

"He doesn't flirt with me."

Both girls giggled but didn't contradict him. He wasn't about to argue with them about it, he knew very well that Padfoot flirted with him incessantly, but he also got the feeling that the guy was pretty free with his affections after such a hostile childhood. He liked the dynamic they had now, though, and didn't want to risk losing it for a crush. A text on his phone flashed with Padfoot's name and he felt himself smile. Turning his face back to the webcam, he cocked an eyebrow at the girls.

"Come on then, Dorcas, talk to us about these new people you've been speaking to."

She tutted at the obvious topic change. "Fine, there's a few people who like the photos I take, some saying it's eerily beautiful how empty everything is. Although the photos I took of my docs? There was this one girl who commented on them saying that they were 'the sexiest things I've ever seen!' And then sent me a photo in my DM's of several of her own pairs. I won't lie, they were so sexy."

"She owns more than ONE pair of docs?" Lily gasped. "That's sooo many docs. She's as bad as you."

Dorcas threw her head back and laughed, "She's pretty cool though. We've been chatting fairly regularly, swapping snaps and all that."

"Don't tell me you got snapchat!" Lily groaned.

"Of course not, Lillian," Dorcas tutted. "Like, the snaps I take when I go on walks or runs, and she shows me some of the projects she's been working on during lockdown. She's creative, I'll give her that."

"Has she roped you into any of these projects yet?"

"Not yet, no, but I live in hope," she winked.

"Dorcas! I shall live vicariously through you!" Lily blew a kiss at the camera.

"And I shall live variously through the both of you!" Remus waved his hands in the air, laughing.

Both girls pouted at him.

His phone buzzed with two new messages from Padfoot. He grinned as he saw what the time was. "Although saying that, it would appear I have a movie date!" he grinned, "So I'll have to love you both and leave you."

"GET IN THERE, REMUS!"

"WE WANT DETAILS TOMORROW, MISTER!"

"Not a chance," he winked at the camera before signing off.

A/N: JILY CHAPTER IS NEXT!