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

Black

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Chapter 6 - Back For Seconds

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Remus, hello? Dear, I'm talking to you.



Remus was jerked out of his pleasant daydream to see his mother standing in his doorway, looking at him with some concern.

Are you all right, lamb?

Fine, Mum, Remus groaned. He didn't really fancy being called lamb'. What were you saying?

I need to do some shopping. Would you like to come with me?

Remus looked down at his algebra homework. He slammed the book shut. I guess a break won't hurt me. A break from algebra never hurt anybody.

His mother beamed. All right. Get your shoes on. I'll meet you downstairs. She closed his door quietly behind her and went to get her list and purse. She had been worried about Remus lately, more so than usual, that was. He had always been a quiet child, but this week he had been even more taciturn than usual. She had caught him staring off into space several times, looking quite preoccupied. She supposed it was the shock of one of his schoolmates dying; Lord knew the Williams' boy's death had shocked everyone. Mrs. Lupin had known Mrs. Williams from the ladies' group at church, and the poor woman was out of her mind with grief.

Ready, Mum? Remus had come downstairs while she had been deep in thought. Mrs. Lupin pushed the disturbing thoughts to the back of her mind and beamed up at her youngest son.

Of course, love. Let's go.

He smiled back, holding the door open for her, and she marveled again, as she always did, at how her son had managed to stay so sweet and kind and pure despite everything going on around them. His older brothers, Guillaume and Henri, had always been good children, and so was Serena, but none of them could ever hold a candle to Remus. Sometimes she wondered why God had seen fit to bless her and Devereaux with a child like him...

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They had a fine time in the shops. There were stops to be made at the post office, the butcher's, the baker's, the sweet shop, the florist's. Finally, they ended up at the produce market to get some vegetables for the casserole they were having for dinner. Remus leaned against the wall, his arms laden with packages, and watched his mother poke and peer at every tomato, trying to find the freshest ones. The smell of cigarette smoke drifted past his nose, and he glanced to his left.

Two people were standing with their backs turned to him. The taller of the two was dressed entirely in black, with straight, shiny black hair that fell past his shoulders; the other was clearly a woman, wearing a dark blue dress and a matching hat. Her long black hair was streaked with white and held back in a gold clasp. Remus' heart seemed to skip a beat. He straightened up. Oi, Sirius!

The taller one turned. It was indeed Sirius, a cigarette between his lips, his hair combed over his eye again. Hey, Remmie.

The woman turned as well. She had a very tired yet stately-looking face, but her dark-blue eyes and long eyelashes were just like her son's. Mrs. Lupin, who had straightened up at Sirius' greeting, smiled warmly. Hello, Sirius.

Hello, Mrs. Lupin, Sirius smiled down at her. This is my mum.

Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Black said softly, holding out a slender hand. Adhara Black.

Heloise Lupin, Mrs. Lupin shook her hand. It's lovely to meet you... I've seen you around, haven't I? At the church breakfasts...

Why yes... I'm in the Ladies' Aid... we do a lot of the baking for those sorts of things, you know...

As the two women fell comfortably into chit-chat, Remus moved closer to Sirius, who brushed his cheek with a quick kiss. That's your mum? She seems like a nice woman.

I guess. Sirius shrugged, flicking ash to the ground. When she wants to be.

How's... you know? Remus nodded towards his wrist.

Getting better. Eye's almost as good as new, but it's gone all yellow. You don't want to see, believe me.

That's good. How's your dad and brother?

If he wasn't mistaken, Remus could have sworn Sirius had suddenly stiffened, as if it was a sensitive query. But he merely shrugged again. Pretty much the same as always.

Remus would have asked more, but then his mother called to him. Remus, darling... we'd better get going.

Oh... yes, Mum. He smiled at Sirius. See you, Siri... it was nice meeting you, Mrs. Black.

He and his mother paid for their vegetables and left. Sirius and his mother finished shopping not long after, and headed home in the opposite direction.

Across the street, Cépheus Black set down his drink, placing a few notes under his glass and rising to his feet. His eyes were narrowed, and his fists clenched. That boy was going to have some questions to answer once he got home...

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Sirius had just finished helping his mother put away the groceries and was about to go out front for a little while when his father entered, slamming the door shut hard enough to make the picture of London Bridge beside the door go crashing to the floor. Sirius raised a slender eyebrow and bent to pick it up, but before he could, his father's hand was at his throat.

What the devil do you mean by it, boy? he snarled.

Mean by what? Sirius coughed, trying to breathe against the firm chokehold his father had on him. A door opened and closed somewhere above him, and footsteps sounded in the hall. Regulus and Mrs. Black had crept out of hiding to see what was going on.

Mr. Black thumped Sirius up against the wall, growling. Kissing that bloke in the shop today.

What? How could he have seen Sirius kiss Remus? Sirius had taken care to make it a quick, cheek-only kiss, just in case anyone was watching. And what was his father doing, anyway?

You were following us? he asked, dumbfounded.

That's right. Mr. Black sneered. You and your mother - I can't trust either of you. When I got out of work, I saw the two of you walking by. So I followed you. And I see you snogging some bloke in the middle of a shop -

We weren't snogging , Sirius grumbled. Believe me, you'd know it if we were. It was nothing, Da, really.

His father let out a roar and shoved him aside, hard. Sirius tripped over the hall rug and went tumbling into the umbrella stand with a hiss of pain. He had barely realised what was happening when his father hauled him up and slapped him. Sirius' cheek went numb and turned brilliant red; tears of pain gathered in the corners of his eyes. He tried to inch away, but his father came after him, driving his fists into every part of Sirius he could reach. One particularly painful blow to his ribs made Sirius shriek in pain and fall to the floor. He clutched at his side, moaning. A scream sounded from somewhere - it was Adhara, leaping on her husband to stop him.

Cépheus, stop it! - You'll kill him - stop it now! she sobbed.

Sirius staggered to his feet, swaying slightly. His entire body ached, and only one thought was running through his mind - get out of the house.

He made it to the doorway, snagging his coat before he ducked out into the chilly night. He descended the steps carefully, clinging to the rail. He turned his head and spit out an amazing amount of blood. The coppery taste in his mouth and the pounding pain in his body made him feel ill, but he somehow managed to walk, shrugging his coat on, not really aware of where he was going.

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Remus had just climbed into bed when he heard something tapping on his window. He peered curiously outside, and gasped. Sirius was sitting in the tree outside his window. Remus flung the window open and leaned out.

Siri - what -?

Let me stay the night, Sirius whispered. He was clutching his side, and a thin stream of blood ran from the corner of his mouth down his chin.

What happened? Remus whispered urgently, standing back to let his lover slide in through the window. My God, Siri - has someone been hurting you?

It's nothing. Sirius collapsed on his bed, his face somehow paler than usual. I... just can't go home like this, okay?

Remus gulped. A-all right. But we have to be quiet... my parents can't find you here, not this late at night... He helped Sirius out of his coat and boots. Hold on, okay?

He hurried off into the bathroom and soon came back with a damp washcloth and a brush. He washed the blood and sweat off Sirius' face and brushed his hair. What about your side? You're holding your ribs. Are any broken?

No, they're good. Just... I dunno. But no, they're not broken. Sirius took off his jeans, stretching out on the bed in his t-shirt and boxers. He sighed. God, I'm beat.

Remus switched the light off and joined his lover in bed, pulling the blankets up over both of them. Go to sleep, love. You'll feel better in the morning.

I hope so, Sirius muttered, closing his eyes.

What is it?

Sirius opened one eye. There is something that would make me feel better.

And that is?

Sirius sat up and leaned close to whisper in Remus' ear. I want you to make love to me. Right now.

Remus hissed. We can't! You're in pain, and besides, my parents are right downstairs!

They won't know. At least, they won't if we're quiet.

Siri -

Sirius kissed the nape of his neck.

But - but I don't know how, Remus whispered helplessly.

Doesn't matter. I'll help you. It's okay.

Siri -

I love you, it's all right. I want you inside me. Sirius murmured in his ear, unbuttoning Remus' pajama shirt.

Having his own words repeated back to him, especially in Sirius' low, growling voice, made Remus shiver. He didn't resist as Sirius undressed him and kissed him, his hand dipping lower to more sensitive areas. He gasped as Sirius stroked him gently, arching his back slightly, a barely-audible moan escaping his lips. Sirius smirked.

Quiet, love, he whispered. Your parents....

I am being quiet, Remus hissed. He pulled impatiently at his lover's shirt. Come on, take that off.

You changed your mind awfully fast, Sirius said lightly, pulling his shirt over his head and tossing it aside. He nuzzled Remus' neck, one hand in his honey-brown hair, the other busy below Remus' waist. Do you know something?

Remus managed. Sirius' hand was doing wonderful things to him, and he was finding it rather hard to concentrate on anything else.

I read someplace that sex is a great pain reliever.

It works out for everyone, then, doesn't it? Remus gasped, hooking his thumbs into the waistband of Sirius' boxers and sliding them down. Siri -

Sirius nibbled at his earlobe. Keep going. You're doing splendidly. He rolled over, pulling Remus down on top of him.

Siri - Remus was feeling as lightheaded and dazed as he had during their first time. Sirius just smiled lazily up at him. He was beautiful in the moonlight, his long hair spread out on the pillows and half his face in shadow. When he spoke again, his voice was deeper, huskier, somehow feral.

I love you.

I love you, too, Remus breathed, leaning down to kiss Sirius as his lover gently guided him to the right spot. He bit his lip as he moved inside Sirius, the other boy hissing softly and squeezing his eyes shut. Siri... am I hurting you?

Just keep going, Sirius panted. It'll be okay. His arms slowly slid around Remus, drawing him down. His breathing became very quick and ragged, his body trembling with desire. I'm fine... don't... stop.... He ran his fingers through Remus' hair, one hand resting in the small of his lover's back, keeping Remus from withdrawing. It hurt like hell, but he did his best not to let on, moaning softly in encouragement. The pain turned slowly to pleasure, and he had to bite down on Remus' shoulder to stifle his cries. Remus gasped softly, burrowing his head against his lover's neck and whining slightly. His fear of hurting Sirius dissolved as the raven-haired boy moved with him, voicing low, throaty cries of ecstasy.

Well, Sirius had been right about one thing - sex was a great pain reliever. Remus barely felt it when Sirius bit him, or when he raked his fingernails down Remus' back - they weren't long enough to make him bleed, but they were still long enough to hurt. Their rhythm sped up as they became more and more desperate, their bodies slick with sweat - Remus prayed his parents couldn't hear anything - Sirius suddenly went rigid under him, a half-muffled sound like a low growl escaping his lips. Remus couldn't hold back any longer, and cried out against Sirius' neck as he came.

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He wouldn't let Sirius smoke afterward. My parents would smell it, he pointed out.

Sirius mumbled, rolling onto his side and pulling Remus against him. He grinned and kissed the tip of his lover's nose. It was wonderful, too, by the way. For someone who doesn't know what he's doing, you sure are good at this.

Remus blushed furiously. Shut up!

Sirius chuckled and kissed him softly. So modest.

Remus tried and failed to glare threateningly at him. He just didn't have it in him to be threatening, and he collapsed into silent giggles, pressing his face against Sirius' chest in an effort to stifle any escaped laughter. When he had himself under control, he raised his head to look at Sirius, who was gazing back at him with sleepy, half-lidded eyes and a small, satisfied smile. I almost forgot to ask - how did it do for your pain?

Bloody fabulous, Sirius murmured, closing his eyes. Forgot all about it. Thanks.

You're very welcome. Remus yawned and closed his eyes as well. Goodnight, love.

'Night, Remmie.

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Remus was awakened rudely much earlier than usual by a loud hammering on his door. He sat up, blinking, his hair mussed and his mouth unpleasantly dry. He started to get out of bed, and realised he was naked. Beside him, Sirius mumbled unhappily and rolled over. His entire left side was badly bruised, and as soon as he rested on it Sirius grunted and moved back onto his right side. There were more, smaller injuries on his arms and legs, the result of the beating he had received. Remus himself had a large bruise on his shoulder where Sirius had bitten him last night, but he barely registered it as he gazed in horror at Sirius' bruised ribs.

Remus! Are you awake?

Remus jumped, then hurriedly pulled on his pajamas and squinted at the clock. It was much too early to get up for school; he crossed the room and opened the door far enough to stick his head out. His mother was standing fully dressed in the hall, wearing her best hat and pulling on her gloves.

Oh, love - your father's had an important business call, he's got to rush, I'm going with him... we'll be home tonight... I'm sorry to wake you up so early but...

Never mind, Mum, Remus yawned, letting her kiss his cheek. Go on, then. See you tonight.

She kissed him again and darted down the stairs. Remus closed the door and trudged back to bed, snuggling close to Sirius under the warm covers and closing his eyes. He vaguely heard the front door open and shut, followed by the car's engine, and then everything was quiet once more. He dozed until his alarm clock went off at seven. Sirius moaned as Remus leaned over and shut it off, rolling over and raising a hand to brush his hair out of his eyes.

Remus tugged on his arm. Come on. We should both take showers before my sister wakes up.

He had meant separate showers, but Sirius followed him to the bathroom and joined him. Remus blushed.

We've seen each other naked. We've had sex twice, and you're too shy to let me shower with you? I thought time was of the essence here. Sirius carefully touched his bruised side and winced.

He had a point. Remus sighed and reached for the shampoo. Okay. But if you try anything... I'm going to turn the cold water on instead.



It was possibly the fastest shower anyone had ever taken while sharing the soap with their almost divinely attractive lover, but Remus was just in a rush to get clean and dressed before Serena got up. They barely scraped it as it was - they had just sat down to toast and eggs in the kitchen when Serena wandered in, yawning and smoothing the pleats of her skirt.

she eyed Sirius. Who are you?

Sirius. Friend of Remus, Sirius replied.

When did you get here? And why are you dressed like that ? she asked in a thoroughly obnoxious way, eyeing his black t-shirt and jeans. Remus supposed it was a good thing that Sirius' makeup was all at his own house.

Not too long ago, and I'm dressed like this because I'm not in Remus' school, Sirius muttered. Ready to go, Remmie?

Remus grabbed his bag. Mum and Dad are going to be away until tonight, Sere. I'll cook dinner, okay?

she said absently, tucking into a bowl of cereal.

Don't be late for school. C'mon, Siri.

Remus fully expected Sirius to leave him as soon as they reached the park, but Sirius walked the entire way to school with him, hands deep in his pockets and a cigarette in the corner of his mouth. They were greeted at school by suspicious stares and whispered comments, most of the students looking nervous or scared. The only ones who weren't shy were Williams' friends, who were shooting ugly glances at Remus from across the yard.

Is he the one you hired to do it, then, Lupin? a large redhead by the name of O'Shea inquired loudly.

Do what? Remus asked, with a credible imitation of politeness.

Kill Augustus Williams. You had this bloke kill him, didn't you? O'Shea demanded.

Of course not, Remus said coldly, glaring at him. Why would I have anyone kill anybody? I don't fancy spending the rest of my life in jail.

O'Shea snorted in disbelief and opened his mouth to say something scathing, but snapped it shut again as Sirius fixed him with a piercing glare and lit another cigarette. O'Shea retreated to his group of friends, shooting malevolent looks over his shoulder.

a voice sang. It was Lily, waving at him from under the oak tree. James and Grace were with her. Sirius clapped Remus on the shoulder as they approached. See you.

Remus replied. Sirius turned in a swirl of trenchcoat and departed, his cigarette trailing smoke over his shoulder. James, Lily, and Grace stared.

James said abruptly, as soon as Sirius had vanished. Tell me now, Remus - is that a girl, or a bloke?

He's a boy, Remus said, smiling.

James twitched slightly and pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. Er - but the first time we saw him, he was wearing makeup....

He usually does. What's wrong with that?

Nothing at all, Lily and Grace sighed dreamily, still staring in the direction Sirius had gone.

James muttered as the bell rang.

Remus cast a nervous glance over at O'Shea and the rest of Williams' friends as everyone began filing inside the building. He prayed they'd leave him alone. The last thing he wanted was lads like them on his trail; Williams may have been the worst of the lot, but the rest were just as bad...

To Be Continued...

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(A/N : Fine! Forget it! Just forget it! Ignore my statement at the end of Chapter 5! I went on and on about the non-graphic sex issue, and look what I churned out this time! That's the last time I try to impart morals and decency to you readers! (Not that you didn't have them already, but... you know...) Somebody stop me before I ruin my whole reputation!

Granted, this sex scene was still not as graphic as plenty of others out there, but it was grittier than others I've written. I think the one in Chapter 4 was longer, though... And if you can believe it, I have yet to write a hetero sex scene. Is that good or bad?! Geez... chocolate and lack of sleep gives me scary ideas. Maybe I need more hobbies. (Aren't fanfiction writing and video games and drawing time-consuming enough?!) Anyway... please don't hate me for kind of breaking my promise. Let me tell you, it was hard to write! (No pun intended.) I kept worrying over whether it was okay or not. And it was hard to do it without getting uber-trashy. I'll keep it cleaner from here on, okay?)