Disclaimer: For the disclaimer, warnings, etc., please see the first chapter.

Black

Chapter 3 - Unrequited Love

Monday almost certainly was going to be an awful day. Remus just knew it. Williams and his cronies were going to make him pay for Sirius' actions on Saturday morning. So to be on the safe side, Remus spent all Sunday in the house, reading the newspaper and later helping his mother to organize the clutter and mess in the attic. A small price to pay, when one considered the possibility of leaving the house and running into Williams. Nope. Just not an option. Remus helped with the chores without complaint, dreading the next morning.

When he awoke, Remus was so worried sick that he seriously considered feigning illness to postpone the inevitable; but finally, with a sigh of resignation, got out of bed and began to dress. Hiding would only make it worse when it finally happened; and besides, Mrs. Lupin always had had a sixth sense for when one of her children were pretending to be ill in order to skive off school for a day.

But for some odd reason, not one of the bullies approached Remus that day. None of them even insulted him from across the classroom or the schoolyard, leaving the lad distinctly puzzled. He had been steeling himself for the beating of his life all day; their silence and avoidance, while greatly appreciated, was also quite curious. He was still musing over it during lunch when two girls from his class, Lily and Grace, seated themselves across from him, looking excited.

Remus, is it true? Lily asked eagerly.

Yes, is it true? Grace echoed.

Remus raised a questioning eyebrow. Is what true?

The two girls leaned in even closer, Grace's golden curls and Lily's straight red locks forming a curtain around the trio. There's a rumour going round that you know a guy who can beat up Augustus Williams, Lily said. And that he did beat up Williams on Saturday afternoon.

Remus blushed. Had the person who had started the rumours seen Sirius kiss him as well? Er - who told you that?

Nigel Hastings, but he heard it from Juliet Phipps, and I don't know who she heard it from, Grace said.

Is it true? both girls repeated, in unison.

Well - Remus hesitated. I wouldn't exactly say that. The real truth is, Williams was bothering me at the park and Sirius showed up to scare him off.

Sirius ?! Both girls looked even more curious now, their eyes shining.

Er - Dammit. It looked like he had just dug himself into a hole.

Walking home that afternoon, Remus mulled over the day in his mind. Now that he thought about it, he remembered a lot of people whispering behind their hands and casting glances at him all day. Dully, he wondered how many people knew about Sirius by now. He had begged Lily and Grace to keep it a secret, and they had promised, but when those two were concerned some really juicy secrets had their ways of slipping out.

Well, at least no one had seen them kiss. Remus was pretty sure of that. The school would be buzzing a lot more loudly and there would have been a lot more curious inquiries at lunch if it was known he had been kissing another man.

Argh, there it was again. Remus had been trying not to think of Sirius ever since Saturday afternoon. But Saturday and Sunday nights had been haunted by dreams of his raven-haired savior, vague dreams that Remus barely understood. He understood enough, however, to understand that part of him was sexually attracted to Sirius, despite the rest of his body's refusal to accept it. And come to think of it, the same part of him that liked Sirius' kisses so much was also the part of him that kept begging to see the young man once more. Just once... just once more. To be held in his arms again, to kiss him again... was it love? Remus wasn't sure. And if it was love, he was doomed. Falling in love with another man, especially one who didn't love him back, when they barely knew anything about each other... it was wrong. But the brunette couldn't help how he felt. Maybe it was love.

He entered the house and went upstairs to change out of his uniform. He was the only one home; his parents were at work and his sister was not yet home from school.

Remus paused in the act of pulling a t-shirt over his head. He glanced at his alarm clock. Only three-thirty. Why couldn't he just... go out and look around? See if Sirius was nearby? Just to talk to him. No reason at all why he couldn't, as long as he was home in time for supper.

Smiling, he stuffed his keys in his pocket and hurried back out the door.



Remus collapsed onto a grafitti-covered, lopsided-looking bench with a grateful grunt. He had been walking for almost an hour; his feet were starting to get tired. And yet, no sign of Sirius, though Remus had done his best to retrace the route Sirius had led him down on Friday night. He tilted his face up to the sky. It had begun clouding up while he walked, and a few drops spattered down onto his shoulders. He'd better hurry home before it really started to pour.

But as he gazed around, he realised none of his surroundings were familiar. His heart sank. Of course, he shouldn't have come down here, especially alone; he didn't know the area at all, and without anyone to help him, had gotten himself lost again.

The rain started coming down heavier. There were no roofs or overhangs to duck under, and Remus winced as he stood. Why had he even bothered? Was this love, then, to get yourself lost and soaking wet looking for the person you loved? It was more like madness, at least in Remus' eyes. He was lost and getting steadily wetter as the rain came down heavier, standing and shivering in the middle of an alley in a part of London he didn't know, searching fruitlessly for a stranger whom he knew nothing about.

But the thought of trying to find his way home without even catching a glimpse of Sirius was oddly painful; he didn't want to go home until he looked into those midnight-blue eyes once more.

Shivering and wrapping his arms around himself, Remus headed back the way he had come. Or at least, he tried to. But every turn he took led him down alleys that all looked the same; after almost twenty minutes of wandering, he found himself back at the lopsided bench. He sank back onto it slowly, swallowing hard. By now he was wet to the skin. Even his feet were wet from slogging through puddles. His tawny bangs stuck to his forehead and dripped into his eyes.

Remus! What the bloody-

He looked up. Sirius was striding towards him, carrying an umbrella and scowling mightily. An enormous feeling of relief surged over Remus.

Sirius grabbed him roughly by the arm and pulled him under the umbrella. It hardly mattered; Remus was now so wet that he looked as if he had tried to swim the Atlantic Ocean in his clothes. What are you doing ?! Are you mad? You stupid idiot... d'you want to catch a cold?

No... I... I was looking for you, Remus said softly.

Sirius stared at him. Looking for me? What the hell - why would you want to see me?

I - I - Remus couldn't explain it. He swallowed hard and wrung his hands. I- j-j-just.... He looked up at Sirius, at his narrowed eyes and fierce scowl, and faltered. What would Sirius think of him? Besides the obvious thought that he was a madman? No one was stupid enough to fall in love with a complete stranger. Well... no one, except himself.

Sirius was still glaring at him, looking impatient.

Those eyes were so dark, so peircing. It was almost as if Sirius could see past him and into the very depths of his soul. Looking into them, Remus felt a mad desire to fall into Sirius' arms and beg the other boy to take him somewhere, anywhere, and do what he wanted with him. Absolutely anything he wanted.

I - I just wanted to see you! Remus blurted. I can't stop thinking about you... I think - I think I'm falling in love with you!

He clapped his hands over his mouth, in total disbelief of what had just escaped his lips. Sirius didn't look happy at the news, or surprised, or taken aback, or angry. His expression was quite hard to read. Ashamed, Remus turned away, stepping out from under the umbrella and back into the rain. He could feel tears stinging at the corners of his eyes, and fought to hold them back. It was no use. His shoulders slumped as his hot, salty tears mingled with the rainwater running down his face.

He felt a hand grip his arm, and the umbrella was over him once more. He avoided looking at Sirius, unwilling to let the other lad see his tears.

Come on, Sirius said. You're coming home with me.

He didn't sound angry; his voice was curiously flat and expressionless. Remus made no attempt to get away. He just kept his head down, letting Sirius pull him through the streets. After a short while, they arrived at an old townhouse with a crumbling front stoop; Sirius unlocked the door and led him inside.

The interior was shabby but kept carefully clean; the carpet was threadbare in patches, and several tatty coats hung on the coat rack by the door. Sirius dropped his umbrella into an old, chipped stand and took off his shoes. Wait here.

He disappeared down the narrow, dim hallway and returned carrying a large towel with frayed edges, which he wrapped around Remus like a cloak before pulling the other boy's shoes off. Come on, you can't sit around in soaking wet clothes all day. I'll get you something to wear. He led Remus down the hall into a small bathroom and handed him a few more towels. Go on, dry yourself off while I go see if I have anything to fit you.

As soon as Sirius had left, Remus let out a shuddery sigh and began toweling his hair dry. He looked unhappily at his reflection in the spotted mirror. He had blown everything, hadn't he? If he had kept his mouth shut... maybe he could have gotten to know Sirius better before telling him how he felt. Maybe, even, discovered that his love' was actually just a small infatuation, brought on by their kisses. Was love about blurting out how you felt? And why, why hadn't Sirius said anything? Was he angry? Upset? Or worse, disgusted?

Here, I got this for you. Sirius was back, carrying a pair of old sweatpants and a baggy sweater. It's just about the smallest thing we've got... even my little brother's clothes are too big for you.

Remus forced a smile as he accepted the clothes. Thank you. It doesn't matter, as long as it's dry.

Just fling your wet stuff over the shower bar to dry, Sirius said. I'll go find something to drink.

Remus finished drying off and pulled on the clothes, which were still a little big for him, then finger-combed his hair into place. He hung his clothes neatly over the shower bar and left the bathroom, looking for Sirius.

He didn't have long to look. Sirius emerged from the kitchen just as he reached the doorway, carrying two mugs of tea. He handed one to Remus. Come on, we'll go sit up in my room. He led the way upstairs and into a room decorated mainly with pictures and posters of rock stars. The crimson-and-ivory striped wallpaper was beginning to peel in corners, and the hardwood floor was scratched, but the room itself was kept rather neat. The two boys settled themselves on the bed, sipping their tea in silence.

Remus tried not to look at Sirius, still ashamed of everything he had said in the alleyway. Of course he couldn't expect Sirius to react well to that; after all, Sirius had only done what anyone would have done... well, almost anyone... and just because they had kissed didn't mean Sirius felt anything for him. It had just been a whim, a fancy... and before he knew it, Remus was crying again.

The mug was gently pulled from his hands, and Remus heard the clink of porcelain against wood as it was set down. But then the totally unexpected happened - Sirius put his arms around Remus and pulled him into a hug, leaning back to rest against the pillows, so that Remus' head rested on his shoulder. The brunette let out another shuddery sigh, wrapping his arms around Sirius' waist and hugging back. They stayed that way for a very long time, Remus' sobs slowly subsiding. Finally, they fell asleep, exhausted from the day's events and pleasantly warm and drowsy in each other's arms.

Remus awoke much later to find himself lying beside Sirius, wrapped in a blanket. He blinked sleepily, the vague thought that his parents must be worried sick about him crossing his mind, but he ignored it and closed his eyes once more. He snuggled closer to Sirius - what the hell, Sirius was asleep, he wouldn't care. Remus breathed in the scent of cigarette smoke lingering around the other man. Normally, he hated that smell, but it was somehow soothing when in conjunction with Sirius.

Sirius sighed in his sleep and rolled over, one arm slipping around Remus' waist, holding him close. Remus' eyes flew open. He froze, staring at Sirius; but after a few seconds realised Sirius really was still asleep. He was dreaming; maybe he thought Remus was someone else. He could be dreaming about anyone else - probably a young, beautiful girl - and when he felt Remus' body beside his, thought it belonged to his dream-girl.

Well, let him think that. He couldn't possibly know how much Remus liked being in his arms. And...

Smiling slightly, Remus placed a light kiss on Sirius' lips before settling down once more and shutting his eyes. Maybe Sirius was dreaming of his future princess, but who said Remus couldn't at least act the part in the meantime?

They're going to be furious, you know.

Remus and Sirius were standing on the front stoop of Remus' house, preparing to go in. Sirius had dispensed with the makeup and black clothes today; he was wearing a totally normal pair of jeans with a plain t-shirt and a denim jacket. He had refused to give up the cigarettes, though; which was why they were still outside. Sirius was finishing one up.

Relax. I've got a story all planned out, okay?

But I was out all night! And I'm missing school as we speak! And - they don't even know you!

I said, relax. Leave the talking to me, okay?

And with that, he ground out his cigarette and grabbed Remus. He put Remus' arm around his neck and slipped his arm around Remus' waist. Now shut up.

He jabbed the doorbell. There was a moment's pause, and then Remus could see his mother's shadow rippling across the curtain as she came down the hallway. She opened the door and shrieked.

Remus! Oh, thank God, we thought you were dead - come in, where have you been, oh, love, we were so worried -

Remus didn't say a word as he was pulled into the kitchen by his mother and Sirius. Mr. Lupin was sitting at the table, looking anxious. He jumped to his feet as they entered the room and helped Remus into a chair. Are you all right, son? What's happened? Where have you been? And - he had caught sight of Sirius - who is this?

Sirius smiled charmingly and offered his hand to Mr. Lupin. Sirius Black, sir. I'm a friend of Remus'.

Mr. and Mrs. Lupin relaxed visibly at those words. Remus didn't argue the point, instead letting himself be petted and cuddled by his mother.

Remus and I were at my house yesterday, Sirius continued. He was just leaving when he suddenly came over faint - nearly fell down the steps - and I realised he wasn't looking too good. He had a slight fever.

Remus tried his best to look weak and sickly.

I didn't want him to try and walk home in his condition, so I made him spend the night with me, Sirius said calmly. He was an excellent liar; the looks on his parents' faces convinced Remus that they were buying every word. I'm sorry I couldn't get him home sooner. I would have telephoned, but our telephone isn't working right now - God knows when they'll ever send a repairman over, he added, looking disgusted. I'm sorry if we worried you.

Not at all, not at all, Mr. Lupin said heartily, clapping Sirius on the shoulder. Now that you mention it - he does look a little peaky - he peered critically at his son, who tried his best to appear pathetic.

He was better this morning, Sirius said. The fever was gone, anyway. I let him have a bit of a lie-in, but I don't know how much our walk back here tired him out. I think you should let him stay in bed, at least for today.

Of course, of course! Mrs. Lupin was smiling warmly. Thank you so much, Sirius - please, stay for breakfast.

But Sirius just shook his head, smiling. Thank you very much, but I should be going. His dark eyes focused on Remus. You take care, okay?

Remus smiled back weakly. As soon as his parents looked away, he mouthed, thank you'.

Sirius winked at him. It was nice meeting you, Mr. and Mrs. Lupin. I'll see you later, okay, Remus?

Remus sipped at the orange juice his mother had forced on him, smiling secretly to himself as he watched his mother escorting Sirius to the door.

I thought you were dead! Lily flung herself at Remus as soon as he set foot in the classroom the next morning. God, I thought Williams caught up to you and made you pay for what your friend did to him -

Remus patted her on the head as they were joined by Grace and Lily's boyfriend, James. It's really okay, I'm fine. I was - just sick.

He had spent the entire previous day in bed, pretending to be just sick enough to watch the telly, but not well enough to make his mother suspicious. He had dutifully taken the baby aspirin she brought him and ate the soup and grilled cheese sandwiches she cooked. It was very relaxing to enjoy a sick day when he wasn't even sick.

Grace smiled. You missed a Chemistry test, but the teachers love you. They'll let you make it up, no problem.

Their teacher arrived just then and the class scampered for their seats, talk dying instantly. The teacher didn't even question the excuse Remus gave him for being absent; it was nice to be trusted. As he pulled out his books and started writing down the day's notes, Remus felt a piece of paper slip under his elbow. He opened it under the desk after a quick glance around to be sure no one was watching. In Lily's loopy handwriting, the note read : You're not getting away that easily, Lupin. Just you wait until break!'

Remus sighed, but smiled to himself as he slipped the note into his pocket. Ever since his slip-up on Monday, Lily and Grace had been after him whenever possible, trying to get him to tell them more about Sirius, whom they had dubbed the 'Mysterious Stranger'.

The Mysterious Stranger' appeared at break, much to Remus' surprise. He was sitting under an oak tree at the edge of the schoolyard, waiting for Lily and Grace, when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked up to see Sirius leaning against the tree, back in his usual black clothes and makeup, a cigarette dangling from his lower lip.

Sirius! What are you doing here? Remus stood.

Just to tell you something. Meet me tonight, okay? Outside Baker's Sweet Shoppe. I don't want you getting lost again. Eight o' clock.

Remus asked, puzzled, but Sirius shook his head.

Just show up, okay? Ta, luv. He strode off, his cigarette leaving a thin trail of smoke behind him.

Remus stared after him, bemused. He didn't think Sirius calling him luv' meant anything even remotely romantic; but why in the world did Sirius want to see him tonight?

A squeal behind him disrupted his thoughts and made him turn around. Lily and Grace were standing there, their eyes shining. James was behind them, grinning.

Is that Sirius? He's cute! the girls sang.

He's too pretty to be a guy, James smirked. That's one cute bird you've got there, Remus.

It's a guy! Lily said, whirling around to glare at her boyfriend.

Nah. Did you see the makeup? It's a girl!

Is not!

Is too! Just because you like guys in makeup doesn't mean they're all that way!

Remus and Grace exchanged glances and giggled as Lily and James continued to bicker. Remus glanced in the direction Sirius had disappeared in, but he was long gone. It was all right, though. They would be seeing each other in a few hours.

To Be Continued...

(A/N: A small note. Chapter 4 is currently in progress. The way I have it planned, it will warrant a rating increase. So please remember, when Chapter 4 comes out, this fic will become R-rated. I'm just letting you know so it will be easier for you to find. Thanks for the support, I'm going to do my best!)