AN: I'm so, so sorry for the late update. I had a bit of a hard time writing this chappie¡Xyou'll soon know why. To the Remus/Lily shippers, I think you're going to like this¡K;)

Disclaimer: You know the drill

Chapter 8: I'll Risk My Life to Love You

A couple of weeks had passed. Remus did what he had said he would. He talked Lily up to James whenever he could, and he gave them many opportunities to be together. Things looked promising. Lily and James were really starting to be labeled as a couple. And it was clear to everyone now what James felt about her. Remus was shattered, but he pushed on. It was the least he could do for the girl he loved, even if that cost him his own happiness. He and Lily continued to keep their Arithmancy tutoring sessions, although it was usually more for updates on The Situation rather than actual studying. One particular night, though, everything changed¡Xfor them both.

Tonight's session was definitely for studying. Lily couldn't seem to get the day's Arithmancy lesson, even though Remus had been patiently explaining for hours.

"OK, let's try this problem again," Remus said tiredly after five hours of teaching, at one-thirty.

"OK," Lily replied, fighting to keep her eyes open.

They didn't get to finish the problem. Before long, both had fallen asleep.

Lily blinked. "Oweee," she murmured, stretching her cramped muscles. What time was it?

"Two forty-five?" she squeaked. She needed to get back to her dormitory. And Remus too. They had to rest up properly. No longer caring for her Arithmancy problem, she turned to wake her tutor, but stopped when she took in her friend's peaceful, calm form. Remus was so cute when he was sleeping¡KWithout realizing it, Lily was leaning closer and closer to his face. Suddenly, he stirred, and Lily quickly sat back down and pretended to be asleep.

"Ugh." Remus opened his eyes. "What happened? Where on earth¡X" He struggled to regain his bearings.

Oh yeah. The library. It was quite late, about two forty-five already. Remus decided to wake Lily so that they could return to their dormitories for proper rest. He paused, however, upon seeing her sleeping face beside him. Before he realized what he was doing, he had trailed one finger down her cheek. She stirred, and her green eyes opened.

What happened next was like something out of a movie. Their faces were inching closer and closer together. Lily had closed her eyes in¡Ksomething. Anticipation or fear, Remus wasn't sure which. James! Don't forget James! A voice in his head was shrieking madly. But it faded away as their lips touched. Remus felt as though fireworks were exploding all around him. His heart racing, he deepened the kiss, savoring the sweetness of it. Lily's hand fluttered onto the back of his neck, and pulled him even closer.

Merlin, Lily thought. What was she doing? What the bloody hell on earth was she doing? She was kissing Remus. Her best friend. And she was enjoying it at that! Who knew that a bookworm like him could kiss like that? It made the entire world go fuzzy and melt away.

She never wanted him to stop.

They walked silently back to Gryffindor Tower together. Remus didn't know what to say, although he felt that he should speak.

"What happens next?" Lily suddenly asked him quietly.

Remus was about to say, "I don't know," but something struck him.

"Will you¡Kgo out with me?" he said instead.

"But¡KJames¡Khe'll kill you."

"I don't know what to do about him," Remus confessed. "But I wouldn't care what he does to me. I'll risk it to be with you."

They had reached the portrait hole. Quietly, Lily mumbled the password, and they climbed through into the common room.

"Maybe," Lily blurted out before running up the stairs to her dormitory.

AN: I'd like to credit Pannikittypiggyphant for helping me write the kissing scene. I am very not good at those kinds of scenes.

My thanks to:

Jurneyo- Well, James isn't so bad¡K :) You'll have to stay tuned to find out what happens¡K

Lil'doxy- Oh, don't worry. The R/L is just getting started. :)

VIVE- Thanks!

Carmel March- It's okay¡KI know what that kind of problem is like¡KI've experienced it a lot too. :)

Miss Lady Padfoot- It's not yet over, do not fear. :)

Laughing Fountain- Yeah, he's quite noble. That's just Remus. No wonder I like him so.

Titou Moony:-p- Don't be too upset. :) You might be surprised. :) It will end the way it has to end.