disclaimers: not mine

~~~ Chapter 4- Forgive and forget?

James rose bright and early, the first rays of the dawn sun seeping into the room. The body he was lying against wriggled, a disgruntled sigh escaping the pale lips. James smiled, poking Lucius' nose. The blonde peeped an eye open, scowling half heartedly. "You're chipper," Lucius remarked, scooting off the bed and picking up his dressing robe. He glanced at his sleeping companions, relieved they were still snoring. "I'll walk you out."

Hazel orbs twinkled, a hand sliding in the crook of an elbow. James didn't regret his falling for Lucius, even if he knew it was wrong. His knew his parents would never approve; they already had him paired with Lily Evans. Just like Lucius's parents had him betrothed to Narcissa Von de Cour. Lady Luck was certainly not on their side. In fact, she seemed to have vanished but, so long as James was able to freely meet with Lucius, he woud be alright. He didn't have long before he would have to date Lily and James was determined to savor the time remaining.

Lucius abruptly halted, James colliding with his shoulder. He rubbed his nose, glaring but that was forgotten when he followed Lucius's line of sight to rest on a couch. Lucius' jaw was gaping. James squeezed Lucius' arm harder than necessary. Severus Snape and Remus Lupin. Asleep. Together. Lucius regained his voice, "James, did you know about this?"

"No," James whispered back, tip toeing past the slumbering duo towards the portrait. Snape and Moony? James was finding it hard to believe but for some odd reason, it made sense. James knew from Lucius that Severus wasn't the most emotional person, in fact, Lucius said he would have been shocked if Severus even knew what love was. Of course, Severus did grow up with a less than perfect childhood. So, why was Severus currently stroking Remus's hair in his sleep? And what had happened to Remus to make him run off like that? Did Sirius do something?

"You had better go James. I think Severus is going to wake soon." Lucius leaned forward and kissed James chastely on the forehead. He cupped the shorter boy's cheek, grinning tenderly. James's heart fluttered. That smile was specifically reserved for him. Lucius would never show that much compassion and love for another person. It was depressing but James couldn't shove aside the imminent doom in his soul. What would happen they were forced to break apart? Would Lucius lose all that James had sought to waken inside of him? Before James had come along, Lucius was cruel, spiteful, and cold. With time, those descriptions of Lucius were vanquished; well, at least to James. So long as Lucius stayed that way with him, James didn't care if the rest of the world was scorned by his grey eyed boyfriend.

"Are you going to meet me in the gardens at lunch?" James asked, nuzzling the hand.

"Of course I am. Later, love." With one last kiss, Lucius gently shoved James into the hall and closed the painting. He remained stationary, meeting an obsidian gaze. They held the stare for several minutes. An unspoken agreement passed and Lucius marched to his dormitory room in silence.

Severus stilled his rapid breathing. James and Lucius? How long had ~that~ been going on?! Lucius looked happy but...with James?! It was mind boggling! They were supposed to loathe one another. Their fights had been merely shows. Severus glanced at the boy waking. Then again, wasn't he supposed to be abhor Remus? Severus didn't know when he'd first saw Remus as more than one of the Gryffindor brats. Remus had become an attractive student with the most annoying and insensitive prat for a boyfriend.

Severus's thoughts were destroyed when Remus emitted it a tiny yawn, sitting up. He smiled sleepily at Severus. "Morning," he murmured in the hazy state. A scent drifted through the air currents, tickling Remus's nose. His eyes snapped to attention. That....that was James odor! What the hell?! He blinked at Severus who's head was cocked in question. Remus shrugged, stetching his bunched muscles. He would have to have a chat with James later.

"We're going to the Gryffindor Tower, now," Severus stated, voice firm. Remus drew in a hiss, fervently shaking his head. "Do you want him to do it again Lupin?"

"N.no, but he'll get mad if you play the hero and do something stupid," Remus retorted, crossing his arms in front of his chest in a manner of defiance.

"Fine!" Severus snarled, annoyed with Remus's ignorance. "Go back to the bastard without someone to defend you! I'll bet you a hundred galleons that he'll hit first, ask later."

That got Remus's attention. "He wouldn't do that! He loves me," the last came out as mutter. Remus searched Severus's face for some sign of jesting but it was far too serious. He gulped. Would Sirius actually abuse him? No, he wouldn't. Remus was positive. "I thank you for concern, Severus, but I have to deal with this by myself. Good day," Remus stomped to the portrait and left.

Severus cursed. Damn that Lupin! Well, if Remus wanted to suffer the same thing again, it was his own fault. Guilt flooded his system; an emotion he hated to feel worse than love. He gritted his teeth, exiting the Slytherin Common Room. He wouldn't hear the end of it from Lucius. He was acting like a Gryffindor, a vailant, brave fucking Gryffindor.

~ ~ ~

Remus paused at the painting, sighing and saying the password. The minute his foot stepped inside, he was enveloped by a pair of arms. He could feel something wet splash against his neck and was shocked to discover it was Sirius, crying. "Siri?" he asked hesitantly, remaining prone until he was sure Sirius wouldn't try to kill him.

Sirius sniffled, drawing back some to look at Remus, at the nasty bruise. "Oh Merlin," he touched the wounded flesh, feeling Remus tense. "I am so sorry Moony. I should never have done that to you! I wasn't being myself. Please forgive me, I love you."

"I..I forgive you Sirius." Sirius was being sincere, wasnt he? "Um, where's Jamie and Peter?"

"Breakfast. Do you want to go?"

Remus nodded, hand slipping into Sirius'. The couple went into the corridor, nearly colliding with Severus. Sirius glared at the shorter boy. Severus furrowed his brows, shock and betrayal flickering in his eyes before returning to the previous frigidness. Remus was led past Severus, glancing at him. Had he done the right thing by forgiving Sirius? Remus didn't know but that brief pain in Severus's eyes left him confused.

~ ~

Oh come on! who wasn't expecting that?! Lol.

Thanks for reviewing! =)