Shopping - Sirius POV
Somewhere in the back of mind, the whole scene is clear:
"Li- Li." James stutters, finally settling for a simple "Wow."
Peter nods in agreement, "Yeah, wow." he mumbles.
Remus snaps his mouth closed and flaps a limp arm in the general direction of James and Peter. "What they said."
Yes, somewhere in the back of my mind, I see all that. But my brain is only interested in what is at the front of my mind. And what is at the front of my mind right now is Lily. Lily. and those three words from Lenore's letter that I've been flippantly repeating so often now: 'scantily clad girls'.
In that place in the back of my mind where rational thought is still occurring, a little voice is reminding me that this is my best friend's girlfriend that I'm staring shamelessly at. But like I said, I'm not operating from that place just now. My only conscious thought is: 'I was sooooo wrong.'
When Len mentioned scantily clad girls, I naturally assumed she was referring to girls dressed in summertime Muggle clothes. you know, without the robes to keep them decent. Seeing bare arms and legs was scantily clad as far as I was concerned.
I could not possibly have been more wrong.
.of course, Lily is certainly sporting bare arms and legs. but.well.
It was feeling suddenly very warm in the store. Uncomfortably so. And that, despite the fact that I was 'scantily clad' without my robes on right now.
Heh. 'scantily clad' is not really the right word to use anymore. No sirree. 'Scantily clad' is taking on all new meanings as of this exact moment.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, Lily's voice laughs, "So. you guys like?" All I consciously register though is the fact that for some reason, she decides to do a little twirl.
Merlin help me..
Somewhere in the back of my mind, a mental note was being taken that James had just lost whatever composure he'd regained and is again stumbling over that bench. Peter somehow manages to keep a better hold of rational thought than the rest of us. he is literally covering his eyes with his hands and muttering "That's Lily. That's James' girl. That's Lily. That's James' girl."
Remus is also chanting, but his eyes were still wide open and fixated on a laughing Lily, who may have been saying something like: "You guys should see the looks on your faces!"
Remus is saying "That's what a two-piece is? That's what Maia meant? That's what Maia's wearing?"
On a conscious level, all I hear is: "That's what Lenore's wearing?"
.and as I realize that, Lily's mischievous, twinkling eyes suddenly become Lenore's. It is Lenore's giggles that drifted to my ears, Lenore's face that glows with laughter, Lenore's body that James is rushing to cover with an oversized Muggle robe he just yanked off the nearest clothes rack.
I blink. I'm pretty sure I'm blushing. But given that everyone else, except Lily, is too, we all pretend not to notice each others' red faces.
"What I wouldn't give for a camera!" Lily laughs. "You guys are so red, I'm surprised your faces aren't on fire!"
Let me rephrase: the Marauders pretend not to notice each others' red faces. Our bad influence has obviously rubbed off on Lily more than I suspected.
"Remind me to bring one to Maia's party! You'll do this again at the party won't you? Oh of course you will! .You really do need to see your faces!" Lily continues, then looks pointedly over at me, a decidedly evil glint now in her eyes. "If I knew I could shut you up that easily, I would have put one of these on earli-"
"NO." James says firmly, glaring over his shoulder at the three of us who aren't holding Lily in our arms and blocking her from view. "And you are NOT wearing that to Maia's party!"
Oh James. I admit to not being the brightest bloke around when it comes to girls, but. well. just turn around and take a look at your girlfriend's face before-
"Excuse me?" Lily retorts indignantly, spinning around and stepping away from her boyfriend. possibly soon to be ex-boyfriend. "Since when do you decide how I dress?" I don't need to see her eyes to feel the fire burning in them.
But love-sick, anything-for-Lily James is not going to back down from this one. Meeting her gaze with an equal determination as hers, he takes a decisive step forward. "Since when do you decide to throw all sense and dignity out the window when you dress?" he counters evenly.
Looking down at herself in shock, Lily's jaw drops. "What, this? This is normal, for a pool party! We covered this already, remember? Pool: cement- lake that we can swim in. kind of like a beach party, but more private.?"
"Normal?" James voice rises slightly, "This," he grabs a chunk of robe, obviously ignoring the fact that it's not an actual wizard robe, "-is 'normal'. That," he points to her 'two-piece'-
"-is normal for Muggle swim-wear!" Lily finishes for him, though obviously not with the ending he had intended.
They both fumed silently for a moment, trading glares. I shot a glance to Remus, who widened his eyes and shook his head: 'I am not getting between those two.' his eyes communicated. Peter avoided both our gazes.
".is everything alright in here?" a new voice interrupted cautiously.
"We're fine!" Lily and James gritted out in unison, neither one of them taking their eyes of the other. It would have been cute if they weren't currently looking like they were itching for their wands.
"I was just about to go change." Lily adds.
"Good." James mutters, as Lily deliberately shouldered him as she walks past him and into her changing cubicle.
".okay." the sales-Witch drawls uncertainly, evidently unsure if she should keep an eye on our group or leave us be. Under different circumstances, it would be something of a compliment to realize that others fear us even when we're not actually doing anything to deliberately make them do so. ".if any of you need any help finding anything though."
"We don't, thank you." James bit out with forced politeness.
"No, we don't." Lily's voice agrees a moment before she emerges with several items in her hands. "I think I've found exactly what I was looking for." It did not escape anyone's notice that the two-piece she had just modeled was at the top of that pile.
"Lily." James warns, starting after her.
Lily stops, but her glare stopped James dead in his tracks to. "I will wear whatever I want to wear to Maia's party. I'm not like you, James. I'm not 'pure-blood' like the rest of you lot. I spent my first eleven years not even realizing that there was whole magical community living next door to me. Witchcraft and Wizardry might be 'normal' to me now, but so are 'Muggle' things. I thought you respected that. I guess I was wrong." She spun around and stalked off towards the counter to pay for her things. "I trust you boys can find your own way back." She calls over her shoulder.
If anything, her words had only made James angrier. "Lily." he starts after her.
Peter is closer, but I am his best friend. It is possibly a little suicidal thing to do , but I grabbed his arm to stop him. "Not now Sirius." He growls, trying to pull free. Looking to the others for help, I stepped in front of James. Remus comes over and grabs his right shoulder and Peter restrains him at his left shoulder.
"Yes, now." I put my foot down. "You're both angry. you go after her now, you're likely to say something you'll really regret later."
Glaring lightening bolts at me, James bristles, "What do you know of it?" he shoulders his way past us, but spins to face us instead of going after Lily. Over his shoulder, I can see that Lily is ignoring our corner, and is walking out of the store head held high. "It's your fault we're even having this argument!" James fumes. He's speaking to all of us, but he's glaring at me. "You're supposed to be my friends, and all you can do is ogle MY girlfriend?
Touche. But. "James, we weren't expecting that. none of us were. You know we didn't mean-"
Closing his eyes and exhaling heavily, James waves the rest of my argument away, "I know, I know. but that's my point, don't you see? I don't care that it's a normal Muggle pooling suit. but we're not going to a normal Muggle pool party, even if it is in a Muggle neighbourhood." His voice is tired now, the anger fading, "Maia's invited her friends from Hogwarts - witches and wizards like us, who aren't going to just know what's normal and what isn't in the Muggle world. Maia had to specifically remind everyone not to fly in, remember?" He winces, "Half the guests will be staring at Lily like she's." he trails off.
"They'll be staring at Len and Maia too." Peter offers helpfully. The reality of those words don't fully sink at first as I nod in agreement. Behind me, Remus growls, and suddenly I realize what exactly he's said. An insane protectiveness and jealousy starts hitting me as well. "Bloody hell." I mumble.
James gives us a 'see what I mean' look.
The four of us dash out of the store and stop on the street. There's no sign of Lily anymore, of course. Sharing meaningful looks, we all look to James, "Well, oh fearless one, what should we do?" I ask
James' POV
The four of us dash out of the store and stop on the street. There's no sign of Lily anymore, of course. Sharing meaningful looks, they all look to me, "Well, oh fearless one, what should we do?" Sirius asks.
I realize that I really put my foot in my mouth this time. I shake my head and look up and down the street. "Let's split up." I reply. "We'll meet at the Pub in half an hour. Hopefully we'll have found her by then."
"And if we haven't?" Remus asks. I cast him terrible look.
"It's entirely possible that she floo-ed home." Sirius offers. I nod in agreement, that wouldn't be so bad. Although the thought of apologizing by owl just seems wrong.
"You and Remus go check that way." I motion to the way we'd just come. "Peter and I'll head down into town." They nod and head off. I'm not sure why a feeling of dread began to grow in me. We look in all the shops along the road asking if they'd seen her. Peter and I have no luck.
We head back to the pub. Then I remember something that Lily had told me during our last visit here. Just outside of town there was a beautiful little clearing, it had a great view overlooking the whole valley. Lily had told me that it was likely the most prefect spot in the world. I took of running.
"Pete tell the others that I'll catch up to you in a few. I just have to check one more place." I yell over my shoulder as I ran. I hope that he had heard me. It doesn't take me long to get there. As I get closer I hear a soft crying. I arrive to see Lily crying, her head resting against her knees. I step into the clearing.
"Go away James!" She orders. I can't leave.
"Lil-" I start, but she cuts me off with a look as her head raises from her knees.
"James Potter, you don't own me! You have no right to try to tell me what I can and can't wear. Hell I don't even listen to my father regarding that!" Lily fumes. I just stand there, knowing anything I say can and will be used against me later. Besides to prevent the loss of my temper. it was best to stay quiet. but logic was quickly leaving me as she got up, trying to leave.
"Lily wait! You've said your peace, please listen to mine." I try to make my voice even. "I was . very surprised to see.that much of you." I take a deep breath. "You are aware that . state of.dress is never seen where I come from." I pause trying to word it right. "You were just so.beautiful that no guy could look away. I got jealous."
She doesn't look convinced. But.at least she was listening. "I may have.over reacted a little." She raises a brow at that. "Alright, maybe more than a little. I want to be selfish any keep you for myself.I don't want all the other boys to stare at you." I take a step toward her. She doesn't move away. "It may be *normal* Muggle dress. But a lot of Maia's guests aren't going to be Muggles. I mean you looked wow! But if my friends have that kind of reaction, what do you think guys that don't know you would do?"
"Nothing, but look." She replies. "I wouldn't let them. And you should trust me." She levels a glare at me. "Do I get all jealous when your Quidditch groupies swarm you? Do I get all jealous when we go to the movies, and every female in the room turns to see how you look in you suit?"
I want to smile. By these comments not only does Lily notice, but it sounds as if she's a touch jealous. My male pride loves it, but I best not smile. It's my turn to raise a brow to her.
"Alright I might be, slightly. But do I ever forbid you to do it?" She demands. I grimace realizing her point. "NO! Why? Because I love you and trust you; you big dumb jackass!" She huffs.
I see her point. "It's not you I don't trust Lily, its all the other guys that I have a problem with." I tell her. I notice that we've gotten a lot closer together. "Besides, I had never seen that much of you when we were alone. It bothered me for our friends to see it."
She laughs. A more beautiful sound I don't think I've heard. It usually means that I'm forgiven. I see the twinkle back in her eyes. "Now why didn't you try this line of discussion before?" She smiles.
"I.was a little distracted." I admit. I get down on my knees. "Lily dearest, you will be the only girl there to catch my eye, regardless of what you wear." She giggles, I press on. "If you really want to wear . . . that . . . just don't expect me to be going far. I think that I might be . slightly over protective of you."
She smiles and starts to laugh. "Will you run around trying to cover me up? Threatening any guy who dares to even look at me?"
"Probably." I admit. "How would you take it if I was wearing only underwear?" Lily smiles, then thinks on it a minute.
"Well . . . I kind of see your point." She concedes. "I'd likely kill any little chicky who decided to try and touch, my man." She wraps her arms around my waist. "But I still wouldn't tell you that you couldn't do it."
I smile at her. Wrapping my arms around her. "I thought you said that there was no ownership?"
"Oh, for you. You don't own me. But you're my man." She teases. Standing on her tip-toe she kisses me lightly.
"But you're not my girl?" I tease her. She smiles thoughtfully.
"We'll work on it." She says kissing me again. I kiss back. It takes us at least 10 minutes to head back to the Pub. My arm over her shoulders, hers around my waist. We walk into the pub to see the other three Marauders sitting in a booth. I see the relief flash over them.
"I take it that you forgave him?" Sirius pipes up. Lily looks to him, and shrugs.
"We're working on it." She replies taking a seat next to Remus. I sit on her other side. "Do you all have something?" We all groan.
"Please no more." Sirius begs in a mock cry. "Please, nice lady! Pretty lady, no more!" He shakes his head. At least Sirius has his sense of humour back. "Please!" We all start to chuckle.
Remus checks his watch. "Actually I have to go soon. Or I might be missed."
"Well Remus you should be good, anyways." She replies. "Just don't get all . . ." She looks to me, then back at Remus. "Over-protective when you see Maia."
"Lily, Muggle girls really wear that?" He asks still shocked. She looks amused and nods *yes*.
"Can you explain, why that is considered descent but.ummm . undergarments aren't?" Sirius asks. Heck I'd thought it; I'd just decided that now was not a good time to ask.
"Well. . . I think it's because of the material. The swim-wear is a thicker material." Lily replies this time she's the one blushing. I kissed her check.
"You are a ravishing shade of red. It matches your hair." I tell her. Alright. I know.not bright. But if I didn't Sirius would have.
She closes her eyes. "Very funny James." I shrug. Sirius was laughing. Remus was silently chuckling, shaking his head. Peter was softly laughing, uncertain.
"I thought so." I tell her. "But seriously Lily, aren't we done?"
"Maia gave you guy clothes for Christmas didn't she?" Lily asks Peter and Sirius. I had totally forgotten about that. They nod slowly. "Look, this isn't working. I know your sizes now. So I'll keep a look out, otherwise, just wear those."
Sirius rolls his eyes. It looks like he was going to flip. He just took a deep breath and forces a smile. Peter on the other hand looked more worried. Remus looks relied that he'd managed to find something that Lily approved of so he was off her list.
Remus left a short while later. It was now Lily's turn to be dragged around as Sirius, Peter and I went to the Quidditch fan sites located around town. Truth was she looks as thrilled to do that as we had to shop. I think that Sirius took particular pleasure in this part of our day.
Somewhere in the back of mind, the whole scene is clear:
"Li- Li." James stutters, finally settling for a simple "Wow."
Peter nods in agreement, "Yeah, wow." he mumbles.
Remus snaps his mouth closed and flaps a limp arm in the general direction of James and Peter. "What they said."
Yes, somewhere in the back of my mind, I see all that. But my brain is only interested in what is at the front of my mind. And what is at the front of my mind right now is Lily. Lily. and those three words from Lenore's letter that I've been flippantly repeating so often now: 'scantily clad girls'.
In that place in the back of my mind where rational thought is still occurring, a little voice is reminding me that this is my best friend's girlfriend that I'm staring shamelessly at. But like I said, I'm not operating from that place just now. My only conscious thought is: 'I was sooooo wrong.'
When Len mentioned scantily clad girls, I naturally assumed she was referring to girls dressed in summertime Muggle clothes. you know, without the robes to keep them decent. Seeing bare arms and legs was scantily clad as far as I was concerned.
I could not possibly have been more wrong.
.of course, Lily is certainly sporting bare arms and legs. but.well.
It was feeling suddenly very warm in the store. Uncomfortably so. And that, despite the fact that I was 'scantily clad' without my robes on right now.
Heh. 'scantily clad' is not really the right word to use anymore. No sirree. 'Scantily clad' is taking on all new meanings as of this exact moment.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, Lily's voice laughs, "So. you guys like?" All I consciously register though is the fact that for some reason, she decides to do a little twirl.
Merlin help me..
Somewhere in the back of my mind, a mental note was being taken that James had just lost whatever composure he'd regained and is again stumbling over that bench. Peter somehow manages to keep a better hold of rational thought than the rest of us. he is literally covering his eyes with his hands and muttering "That's Lily. That's James' girl. That's Lily. That's James' girl."
Remus is also chanting, but his eyes were still wide open and fixated on a laughing Lily, who may have been saying something like: "You guys should see the looks on your faces!"
Remus is saying "That's what a two-piece is? That's what Maia meant? That's what Maia's wearing?"
On a conscious level, all I hear is: "That's what Lenore's wearing?"
.and as I realize that, Lily's mischievous, twinkling eyes suddenly become Lenore's. It is Lenore's giggles that drifted to my ears, Lenore's face that glows with laughter, Lenore's body that James is rushing to cover with an oversized Muggle robe he just yanked off the nearest clothes rack.
I blink. I'm pretty sure I'm blushing. But given that everyone else, except Lily, is too, we all pretend not to notice each others' red faces.
"What I wouldn't give for a camera!" Lily laughs. "You guys are so red, I'm surprised your faces aren't on fire!"
Let me rephrase: the Marauders pretend not to notice each others' red faces. Our bad influence has obviously rubbed off on Lily more than I suspected.
"Remind me to bring one to Maia's party! You'll do this again at the party won't you? Oh of course you will! .You really do need to see your faces!" Lily continues, then looks pointedly over at me, a decidedly evil glint now in her eyes. "If I knew I could shut you up that easily, I would have put one of these on earli-"
"NO." James says firmly, glaring over his shoulder at the three of us who aren't holding Lily in our arms and blocking her from view. "And you are NOT wearing that to Maia's party!"
Oh James. I admit to not being the brightest bloke around when it comes to girls, but. well. just turn around and take a look at your girlfriend's face before-
"Excuse me?" Lily retorts indignantly, spinning around and stepping away from her boyfriend. possibly soon to be ex-boyfriend. "Since when do you decide how I dress?" I don't need to see her eyes to feel the fire burning in them.
But love-sick, anything-for-Lily James is not going to back down from this one. Meeting her gaze with an equal determination as hers, he takes a decisive step forward. "Since when do you decide to throw all sense and dignity out the window when you dress?" he counters evenly.
Looking down at herself in shock, Lily's jaw drops. "What, this? This is normal, for a pool party! We covered this already, remember? Pool: cement- lake that we can swim in. kind of like a beach party, but more private.?"
"Normal?" James voice rises slightly, "This," he grabs a chunk of robe, obviously ignoring the fact that it's not an actual wizard robe, "-is 'normal'. That," he points to her 'two-piece'-
"-is normal for Muggle swim-wear!" Lily finishes for him, though obviously not with the ending he had intended.
They both fumed silently for a moment, trading glares. I shot a glance to Remus, who widened his eyes and shook his head: 'I am not getting between those two.' his eyes communicated. Peter avoided both our gazes.
".is everything alright in here?" a new voice interrupted cautiously.
"We're fine!" Lily and James gritted out in unison, neither one of them taking their eyes of the other. It would have been cute if they weren't currently looking like they were itching for their wands.
"I was just about to go change." Lily adds.
"Good." James mutters, as Lily deliberately shouldered him as she walks past him and into her changing cubicle.
".okay." the sales-Witch drawls uncertainly, evidently unsure if she should keep an eye on our group or leave us be. Under different circumstances, it would be something of a compliment to realize that others fear us even when we're not actually doing anything to deliberately make them do so. ".if any of you need any help finding anything though."
"We don't, thank you." James bit out with forced politeness.
"No, we don't." Lily's voice agrees a moment before she emerges with several items in her hands. "I think I've found exactly what I was looking for." It did not escape anyone's notice that the two-piece she had just modeled was at the top of that pile.
"Lily." James warns, starting after her.
Lily stops, but her glare stopped James dead in his tracks to. "I will wear whatever I want to wear to Maia's party. I'm not like you, James. I'm not 'pure-blood' like the rest of you lot. I spent my first eleven years not even realizing that there was whole magical community living next door to me. Witchcraft and Wizardry might be 'normal' to me now, but so are 'Muggle' things. I thought you respected that. I guess I was wrong." She spun around and stalked off towards the counter to pay for her things. "I trust you boys can find your own way back." She calls over her shoulder.
If anything, her words had only made James angrier. "Lily." he starts after her.
Peter is closer, but I am his best friend. It is possibly a little suicidal thing to do , but I grabbed his arm to stop him. "Not now Sirius." He growls, trying to pull free. Looking to the others for help, I stepped in front of James. Remus comes over and grabs his right shoulder and Peter restrains him at his left shoulder.
"Yes, now." I put my foot down. "You're both angry. you go after her now, you're likely to say something you'll really regret later."
Glaring lightening bolts at me, James bristles, "What do you know of it?" he shoulders his way past us, but spins to face us instead of going after Lily. Over his shoulder, I can see that Lily is ignoring our corner, and is walking out of the store head held high. "It's your fault we're even having this argument!" James fumes. He's speaking to all of us, but he's glaring at me. "You're supposed to be my friends, and all you can do is ogle MY girlfriend?
Touche. But. "James, we weren't expecting that. none of us were. You know we didn't mean-"
Closing his eyes and exhaling heavily, James waves the rest of my argument away, "I know, I know. but that's my point, don't you see? I don't care that it's a normal Muggle pooling suit. but we're not going to a normal Muggle pool party, even if it is in a Muggle neighbourhood." His voice is tired now, the anger fading, "Maia's invited her friends from Hogwarts - witches and wizards like us, who aren't going to just know what's normal and what isn't in the Muggle world. Maia had to specifically remind everyone not to fly in, remember?" He winces, "Half the guests will be staring at Lily like she's." he trails off.
"They'll be staring at Len and Maia too." Peter offers helpfully. The reality of those words don't fully sink at first as I nod in agreement. Behind me, Remus growls, and suddenly I realize what exactly he's said. An insane protectiveness and jealousy starts hitting me as well. "Bloody hell." I mumble.
James gives us a 'see what I mean' look.
The four of us dash out of the store and stop on the street. There's no sign of Lily anymore, of course. Sharing meaningful looks, we all look to James, "Well, oh fearless one, what should we do?" I ask
James' POV
The four of us dash out of the store and stop on the street. There's no sign of Lily anymore, of course. Sharing meaningful looks, they all look to me, "Well, oh fearless one, what should we do?" Sirius asks.
I realize that I really put my foot in my mouth this time. I shake my head and look up and down the street. "Let's split up." I reply. "We'll meet at the Pub in half an hour. Hopefully we'll have found her by then."
"And if we haven't?" Remus asks. I cast him terrible look.
"It's entirely possible that she floo-ed home." Sirius offers. I nod in agreement, that wouldn't be so bad. Although the thought of apologizing by owl just seems wrong.
"You and Remus go check that way." I motion to the way we'd just come. "Peter and I'll head down into town." They nod and head off. I'm not sure why a feeling of dread began to grow in me. We look in all the shops along the road asking if they'd seen her. Peter and I have no luck.
We head back to the pub. Then I remember something that Lily had told me during our last visit here. Just outside of town there was a beautiful little clearing, it had a great view overlooking the whole valley. Lily had told me that it was likely the most prefect spot in the world. I took of running.
"Pete tell the others that I'll catch up to you in a few. I just have to check one more place." I yell over my shoulder as I ran. I hope that he had heard me. It doesn't take me long to get there. As I get closer I hear a soft crying. I arrive to see Lily crying, her head resting against her knees. I step into the clearing.
"Go away James!" She orders. I can't leave.
"Lil-" I start, but she cuts me off with a look as her head raises from her knees.
"James Potter, you don't own me! You have no right to try to tell me what I can and can't wear. Hell I don't even listen to my father regarding that!" Lily fumes. I just stand there, knowing anything I say can and will be used against me later. Besides to prevent the loss of my temper. it was best to stay quiet. but logic was quickly leaving me as she got up, trying to leave.
"Lily wait! You've said your peace, please listen to mine." I try to make my voice even. "I was . very surprised to see.that much of you." I take a deep breath. "You are aware that . state of.dress is never seen where I come from." I pause trying to word it right. "You were just so.beautiful that no guy could look away. I got jealous."
She doesn't look convinced. But.at least she was listening. "I may have.over reacted a little." She raises a brow at that. "Alright, maybe more than a little. I want to be selfish any keep you for myself.I don't want all the other boys to stare at you." I take a step toward her. She doesn't move away. "It may be *normal* Muggle dress. But a lot of Maia's guests aren't going to be Muggles. I mean you looked wow! But if my friends have that kind of reaction, what do you think guys that don't know you would do?"
"Nothing, but look." She replies. "I wouldn't let them. And you should trust me." She levels a glare at me. "Do I get all jealous when your Quidditch groupies swarm you? Do I get all jealous when we go to the movies, and every female in the room turns to see how you look in you suit?"
I want to smile. By these comments not only does Lily notice, but it sounds as if she's a touch jealous. My male pride loves it, but I best not smile. It's my turn to raise a brow to her.
"Alright I might be, slightly. But do I ever forbid you to do it?" She demands. I grimace realizing her point. "NO! Why? Because I love you and trust you; you big dumb jackass!" She huffs.
I see her point. "It's not you I don't trust Lily, its all the other guys that I have a problem with." I tell her. I notice that we've gotten a lot closer together. "Besides, I had never seen that much of you when we were alone. It bothered me for our friends to see it."
She laughs. A more beautiful sound I don't think I've heard. It usually means that I'm forgiven. I see the twinkle back in her eyes. "Now why didn't you try this line of discussion before?" She smiles.
"I.was a little distracted." I admit. I get down on my knees. "Lily dearest, you will be the only girl there to catch my eye, regardless of what you wear." She giggles, I press on. "If you really want to wear . . . that . . . just don't expect me to be going far. I think that I might be . slightly over protective of you."
She smiles and starts to laugh. "Will you run around trying to cover me up? Threatening any guy who dares to even look at me?"
"Probably." I admit. "How would you take it if I was wearing only underwear?" Lily smiles, then thinks on it a minute.
"Well . . . I kind of see your point." She concedes. "I'd likely kill any little chicky who decided to try and touch, my man." She wraps her arms around my waist. "But I still wouldn't tell you that you couldn't do it."
I smile at her. Wrapping my arms around her. "I thought you said that there was no ownership?"
"Oh, for you. You don't own me. But you're my man." She teases. Standing on her tip-toe she kisses me lightly.
"But you're not my girl?" I tease her. She smiles thoughtfully.
"We'll work on it." She says kissing me again. I kiss back. It takes us at least 10 minutes to head back to the Pub. My arm over her shoulders, hers around my waist. We walk into the pub to see the other three Marauders sitting in a booth. I see the relief flash over them.
"I take it that you forgave him?" Sirius pipes up. Lily looks to him, and shrugs.
"We're working on it." She replies taking a seat next to Remus. I sit on her other side. "Do you all have something?" We all groan.
"Please no more." Sirius begs in a mock cry. "Please, nice lady! Pretty lady, no more!" He shakes his head. At least Sirius has his sense of humour back. "Please!" We all start to chuckle.
Remus checks his watch. "Actually I have to go soon. Or I might be missed."
"Well Remus you should be good, anyways." She replies. "Just don't get all . . ." She looks to me, then back at Remus. "Over-protective when you see Maia."
"Lily, Muggle girls really wear that?" He asks still shocked. She looks amused and nods *yes*.
"Can you explain, why that is considered descent but.ummm . undergarments aren't?" Sirius asks. Heck I'd thought it; I'd just decided that now was not a good time to ask.
"Well. . . I think it's because of the material. The swim-wear is a thicker material." Lily replies this time she's the one blushing. I kissed her check.
"You are a ravishing shade of red. It matches your hair." I tell her. Alright. I know.not bright. But if I didn't Sirius would have.
She closes her eyes. "Very funny James." I shrug. Sirius was laughing. Remus was silently chuckling, shaking his head. Peter was softly laughing, uncertain.
"I thought so." I tell her. "But seriously Lily, aren't we done?"
"Maia gave you guy clothes for Christmas didn't she?" Lily asks Peter and Sirius. I had totally forgotten about that. They nod slowly. "Look, this isn't working. I know your sizes now. So I'll keep a look out, otherwise, just wear those."
Sirius rolls his eyes. It looks like he was going to flip. He just took a deep breath and forces a smile. Peter on the other hand looked more worried. Remus looks relied that he'd managed to find something that Lily approved of so he was off her list.
Remus left a short while later. It was now Lily's turn to be dragged around as Sirius, Peter and I went to the Quidditch fan sites located around town. Truth was she looks as thrilled to do that as we had to shop. I think that Sirius took particular pleasure in this part of our day.