"So... I'm off tonight to go home." James sighed as he picked at his breakfast.
"It won't be that bad, Jamie." Remus offered, smiling softly as he sipped his juice.
"Are you kidding me?! My mother is going to fawn over me like no one's business..." James threw his fork down and crossed his arms, resting his elbows on the table. "I hate how she treats me like a child."
"Yeah, well that's just because she loves you Prongs." Sirius speared a piece of bacon with his fork, and when it snapped in half he picked it up with his fingers and pointed it at James. "At least your family cares."
James took initiative and stole the piece of bacon from Sirius' fingers, popping it into his mouth. "I'd rather they didn't."
Remus rolled his eyes and set down his glass of juice. "Just suck it up, let her fawn, and when you come back everything will be fine again and you can strut your manhood all over the place."
James laughed. "Strut my manhood?"
"Sounds like a porn flick, if you ask me." Sirius smiled as he stole a quick glance at Remus.
"Well no one asked you, did they?" Remus smirked, staring at Sirius.
"Mwrawrr... feisty today aren't we, Remy?" Sirius winked at him and puckered his lips slightly.
Remus raised one of his eyebrows. "Suddenly I'm not going to miss you when you go home."
"Oooh snap!" James screeched as he laughed.
"...Snap?" Remus stared at James from the corner of his eyes, his eyebrows raised as a small smile played on his lips.
"...Yeah... like... "Good burn"...? Only you say 'snap' instead..."
Smirking, Sirius lent forward and looked at James with his right eye narrowed slightly, his left eyebrow raised. "...I thought snap was a card game?"
"Oh sod off you ungrateful git." James scowled as he stood up. "I'm going to go pack, suddenly I can't wait to get away from you."
"Oooh! SNAP!" Remus laughed suddenly, ducking as James' hand came flying for his head.
"You're lucky you ducked." James sneered as he crossed his arms.
"Or what, you'd try to hit him again... and miss... again?" Sirius laughed shaking his head.
James rolled his eyes and began to walk away. "I hate you both, with a burning passion."
"Aww... Jamie! We were just kidding!" Remus offered as he turned to watch James walk away. His response consisted of sticking one finger in the air and shaking his head.
"Happy Christmas to you then!" Sirius yelled after him, causing James to turn around and smile, waving.
Remus scoffed loudly, causing Sirius to look at him. "Why do you get a wave and he flips me the bird?"
"Dear Remy, it's just because he loves me more."
"You're insufferable. I'm leaving."
Sirius pouted slightly, tipping his head up to a now standing Remus. "Can I have a kiss before I leave you for a week?"
Remus lent over the table and stopped just a few inches from Sirius' face. "Why? "
Sirius blinked slightly, then smiled. "Because I'm charming, and because my body is amazing."
"And curse you for it Sirius Black... without your body I'd be long gone." Remus whispered as he lent forward smirking as he placed a gentle kiss to Sirius' lips. Remus lent back and cocked his head to the side slightly before reaching forward and placing a hand to Sirius' cheek, turning his head. He smiled as he lent forward and slowly dragged his tongue across Sirius' cheek, where Sirius had gotten food on his face. Remus gently nibbled on Sirius' ear before speaking. "You are the messiest person I know. Have a good time this Christmas... don't miss me too much."
With that, Remus winked and turned to leave.
"You are completely devious, Remus Lupin!" Sirius called after him, his cheeks bright red.
"Comes with the territory, Sirius Black!" Remus called back over his shoulder as he waved.
Sirius looked down and huffed slightly. "He is going to be the death of me..."
The Christmas week had come and gone, all was quiet around Hogwarts – Remus spent most of his time reading through the book Dumbledore had given him. He spent Christmas morning with himself, opening the gifts he had gotten from his mum and dad. His mother had gotten him a book comprised of all of Shakespeare's greatest sonnets and plays, his father got him a silver ring with the Gryffindor crest on it. Remus was never one to like receiving gifts, and smiled happily when he found that only two had come for him.
It was the last day of December, and that night all of Remus' friends had decided to come back so they could share the New Year with eachother. James was the first to arrive back. Remus found himself sitting in the common room, reading the book his mother got him when the portrait swung open.
"If anyone's in there – HELP ME!" James yelled as he tried to pick up his suitcase.
Remus placed the bookmark between the pages, and set the book down gently on the couch. He jogged quickly over to the struggling James, and helped him pick up the suitcase. "What have you got in here?"
"Oh you know... gifts, clothing, firewhiskey – nothing big." James waved the question aside as he spoke rather quickly.
"Oh..." Remus stopped suddenly. "Wait... back up... firewhiskey?!"
"Well yeah, my uncle gave me some for Christmas. It counts as a gift..."
"James!! It's against the rules for minors to have firewhiskey! Especially when those minors are in school!" Remus racked his hand through his hair.
"Oh come on! No one is going to find out! It's just us back here tonight." James laughed suddenly. "Stop playing the role of Prefect. You aren't a Prefect this year, Remus."
"I know... but-"
"Oh bugger it... it'll be fine. Help me get this upstairs before it pulls my arms off..." James managed to say as he pulled his trunk towards the stairwell. "Come on!"
Remus jumped slightly, "Yeah... coming."
By 4:30pm that afternoon, Lily, and Peter had already arrived back. They burst into the Common Room at the same time, both of them looking rather ruffled.
"What's wrong, Lils?" James asked as he stood up and walked towards her, taking her trunk from her hands.
"Absolutely horrid weather." Lily scowled as she pulled her toque off of her head. "God its cold out there."
"Mmm... well good thing I'm here then, eh?" James cooed as he pulled her into his arms. "I'll warm you up..."
"Do you ever think with anything above your belt, James?" She laughed as James kissed her cold neck.
"Of course not, you should know that by now."
"Yes, yes... help me with my trunk then." She smiled as she pulled herself out of his arms and waved briskly over at Remus. "Hey! How was your break?"
"Oh it was alright... yours?" Remus waved back slightly before crossing his legs towards the fire.
"It was grand, thank-you." She pulled her scarf off and undid her jacket, standing with her hands on her hips. "Is Sirius back yet?"
"Nope."
"Pity..."
Remus cocked his head to the side; a questioning look arose on his face. "...Pity?"
"Mhm!" She smiled as she followed James towards the stairwell. "We'll have to wait for him before we can play."
"...Play?" this time it was James who spoke. "Play what?"
"A game... what else?" Lily rolled her eyes and shushed James before he could speak again. She shoved him up the stairs with a smile and disappeared behind the stonewall.
"You want any help, Peter?" Remus chuckled as he watched Peter attempt to untie his scarf.
"Yeah... my mother doesn't know how to put on scarves... GAH!" He flung his hands in the air and cursed.
"Hold on, don't explode yet." Remus stood and hurried over to Peter, looking at the knot. "Is your mother blind?"
Peter's lips hitched into a slight smile. "Probably... Can you get it undone? I'm starting to feel light headed..."
Remus laughed slightly as he loosened the knot. "Yes... here you go." He undid the last knot and smirked, pointing a finger at Peter – causing him to go cross-eyed as he looked at it. "Don't let her touch your scarf again."
Peter smiled from the side of his mouth, taking a hold of his trunk. "Yeah... I won't. Thanks for the help."
"Not a problem." Remus watched as Peter came closer to the steps of the dorm. "Hey... any idea when Sirius will be back?"
"... Uhhh..." Peter turned around and shrugged. "I have no idea... He didn't tell any of us on the way to King's Cross."
"Alright... thanks anyway."
"Yup." Peter smiled and turned to ascend the stairs.
An hour later, Lily, James, and Peter all emerged from the stair well. Their things had all been unpacked, and they walked over to join Remus by the fire.
James spoke first, wiping his glasses off on his shirt as she sat down in an armchair. "Sirius back yet?"
"Did he come up to the dorms, James?" Remus answered with a question.
"...No."
"Then he isn't back yet."
"Crafty man, Remus... crafty man." James slid his glasses back on and sat back, letting out a groan. "So what's this game, Lily?"
"I'm not going to tell you anything about it until Sirius gets here." She smirked, tucking her legs underneath her as she sat on the couch.
"Why can't you tell us now? Who knows when that dolt's going to get here – no offence Remus." James spoke in an irritated tone as he looked over at Remus.
"Non taken." Remus spoke without looking up from his book.
"IT'S COLD AS HELL OUT THERE!!!"
Four wizards looked up at the portrait, to see a very white, shivering Sirius. Remus raised his eyebrows as Sirius shook the snow off of his body.
"Hell is hot, Sirius. Not cold." Lily offered as she looked over her shoulder.
"She's right." Remus agreed, standing up. "Hell is very, very hot." Remus grinned slightly as he closed the distance between Sirius and himself.
Missing Remus' meaning in the words completely, Sirius sighed. "Alright, so it's freezing out there... it's BLOODY freezing. How's that for you politically correct party poopers?"
"Just fine." Remus lent forward and kissed a snowflake off of Sirius' nose. "I missed you..."
Sirius smiled and took Remus in his arms, ignoring the squeak of protest as snow fell down Remus' shirt. "You did not."
"You're making me wet..." Remus shivered slightly as Sirius kissed his forehead.
"Mmm... really?"
"The – AHH!" Remus yelped as a cold mitten found its way up Remus' shirt, resting on his lower back. "OH GOD LET GO!" Remus began to squirm in Sirius' arms, knowing his attempts wouldn't work.
"...Nah." Sirius picked Remus up and hauled him over his shoulder, taking his trunk in his other hand. "Give us 10 minutes."
"That's disgusting." Peter wrinkled his nose as he watched Sirius carry a flailing Remus up the stairs.
Sirius and Remus had disappeared behind the stairwell, when Remus had finally stopped flailing his legs in the air. He helplessly hung over Sirius' shoulder as Sirius entered the dorm. Sirius dropped his trunk by his bed first before laying Remus down on his own bed.
"You had better change. You're soaked."
"Yeah because of you! You bleeding idiot." Remus scowled as he pulled off his shirt. "I was so warm, and then you just had to take me in your arms-"
"Big strong arms." Sirius interrupted as he pulled his scarf off, aswell as his jacket.
"Whatever – you just had to... What was I talking about again...?" Remus had suddenly lost his track of thought as he held his damp sweater in his hands.
"My big strong arms." Sirius smiled as he pulled off his sweater.
"Right, Thank-you."
"Yup."
"Anyway, you just had to take me in your 'big strong arms' and soak me with cold snow. Why would you do such a thing like that to me?"
Sirius smirked as he walked towards Remus. "So I could see you without your shirt on."
Remus took a deep breath and pushed Sirius back. "You're insufferable Sirius Black."
"Indeed I am. But we established that last week." Sirius took a hold of Remus' wrists lightly and wrapped them around his waist, holding Remus' hands near his lower back – causing Remus to stand against his chest. "...I miss this, Remy."
Remus smiled and turned his hands, brushing his fingers under the hem of Sirius' white t-shirt, touching the warm skin underneath. "Tell me you love me."
"I love you." Sirius wrapped his arms around Remus' shoulders, holding him closer.
"Mmm... good." Remus got up on his tiptoes and kissed Sirius lips which were still slightly cold from being outside. Remus enjoyed the feeling of cold lips against his own, but still ended the kiss before either of them could take it further.
"Don't you love me?"
"Sometimes I do." Remus smirked, leaning his head against Sirius' chest.
"Ouch..."
Remus glanced up at Sirius quickly before placing a gentle kiss to his collarbone. "I was only kidding... of course I love you."
"All the time?"
"All the time." Remus repeated, taking in Sirius scent, holding him tightly against his body.
"IT'S BEEN 15 MINUTES! GET DOWN HERE!" James yelled up the stairwell.
"YEAH, YEAH! HOLD ON TO YOUR KNICKERS MISS. POTTER!" Sirius yelled back at him, causing Remus to cringe slightly at the loudness of his voice. "Sorry, Rem."
"It's alright – we had better get down there though... Lily wants to play a game and I'm dying to find out what it is."
"A game?" Sirius let himself be led off by Remus. Suddenly realizing that Remus was shirtless, he came to a stop. "Want to put a shirt on there Remy?"
"Ah... yes..." Remus quickly dug through his trunk until he found a simple button up shirt. "Thank-you."
"Yup."
Remus quickly did up the buttons on his shirt and again took Sirius' hand, leading him down to the common room.
Once everyone was settled into a circle, Lily began to explain the game.
"It's called truth or dare-"
"Jesus! I know what that game is – why did you wait to tell us?!" James sighed loudly.
"STRIP truth or dare." She finished, scowling in James's direction. "Anyway, every time someone backs out on a question or dare, they must remove one article of clothing."
Remus shook his head. "No way! NO way am I going to get naked infront of you all."
"Then you'll just have to do everything, won't you?" Lily smirked. "James, get the firewhiskey."
James nodded, "Accio firewhiskey..." he grabbed the firewhiskey as soon as it appeared in front of him – freshly coming from his trunk.
"Firewhiskey?" Sirius blurted out picking up one of the bottles. "Oh how I love your Uncle."
James laughed, "You and me both – but solely for this reason. Here, everyone gets one." James began to pass out the bottles, and when Remus refused to take it, he frowned. "Come on, please? You have to."
"I don't want to."
"Remmm... pleasee?" Sirius whined beside him, pushing the bottle in his direction. "Please, please?"
"I said no." Remus scowled as Sirius placed the bottle in his lap.
"Fine – My turn first... I pick Remus. Truth or Dare?" Lily spoke up quickly.
"...Wha? Oh... Truth."
Lily shook her head and smiled. "Which do you prefer during sex – top or bottom?"
"WHAT?!" Remus choked out as Sirius began to grin beside him.
"Well? Either answer the question or loose clothes." Lily's smile widened as she took a sip of her firewhiskey.
"I... Oh God..." Remus looked down at the carpet, blushing furiously. "Top."
James' mouth dropped open, as did Peter's. Sirius and Lily just laughed – both taking swigs of their alcohol.
"I never figured you for a topper, Remus." James snickered as he felt his cheeks flush.
"Yeah... well... Er... Peter - truth or dare." Remus changed the subject quickly.
"Truth."
"Umm... What?" Remus lent over as Sirius whispered into his ear.
"No helping!!! That's cheating! Sirius looses an article of clothing!" Lily screamed out suddenly.
"Ahh! Fine..." Sirius rolled his eyes as he pulled off a sock.
"Oooh baby...! That's what I'm talkin' about!" James whooped as a blue sock was thrown at his head.
"Alright! I've got it!" Remus took the bottle out from between his legs and set it down infront of himself. "Peter – do you fancy McGonagall?"
"...Er..." Peter's cheeks flushed as he looked around his circle of friends. "I... Well she is kinda pretty..."
"That's so wrong, Peter..." James shook his head, making a gagging noise.
"LILY! TRUTH OR DARE!" Peter spoke quickly before Sirius could say anything to add to his already embarrassed state.
"Dare." She answered simply, sitting down her drink and challenging him with her eyes.
"I dare you to kiss me." He smirked to himself as her eyes went wide.
"Ohh... Do I have to?" Lily frowned.
"Yes." Peter smiled, knowing that she would never kiss him.
"Eww... No offence..." Lily started to take off her stocking. "I can't do it..."
"Excellent plan, Peter." James laughed as Lily sat her sock down beside herself, pretending to disregard that comment.
"Alright... Remus – Truth or Dare?"
"...Dare?"
"Excellent... I dare you to drink that whole bottle of firewhiskey before this game is over. Start now." Lily laughed when Remus made a face.
Sirius lent over and opened the bottle, handing it back to Remus. "It's booze or clothes, Rem. Choose wisely."
"Bloody hell..." Remus grabbed the bottle and took a huge swig. "Happy?"
"Very!" Lily smiled. "Your turn."
Remus made a face as he took another smaller swig of firewhiskey. "James... Truth or Dare."
"Dare."
"Give Lily a lap dance." Remus spoke without smiling.
James gasped slightly then looked over at Lily, his cheeks flaming. He smiled shyly, as he took his shirt off, throwing it behind himself. Lily shook her head, smiling warmly at him.
"Sirius... Truth or Dare?"
"Truth." Sirius lay back slightly, crossing his ankles and leaning on his elbow.
"Why did you do what you did to Remus?"
Sirius felt his stomach flop, and thought for a moment. "I was confused. Remus – truth or dare?"
"Dare."
"French kiss anyone of your choice." Sirius smirked slightly, thinking that Remus would choose him.
Remus shrugged and began to crawl towards James.
"Hey! Wait! I said anyone of your choice Rem."
"I know." Remus smiled at Sirius as he sat down infront of James. "He is my choice."
"But-"
"Hey... you got to kiss Madeline – why can't I kiss James?" The room fell silent as Remus scowled over at Sirius who was now sitting cross-legged.
"You really want to kiss me with tongue?" James slurred slightly, a smile on his lips.
"Why the hell not?" Remus leant forward, and allowed his hand to travel towards James' neck, he smiled as he slid his fingers into James's hair. "Ready?"
James stole a quick look at Lily, and when she nodded – he replied. "I guess."
Remus smiled quickly shutting his eyes, and closed the distance between their lips. At first he only laid his lips on James', taking in the taste of him. After a moment, he ended the short kiss and dove back again, this time kissing him with his mouth slightly open, running his tongue along the slight part of James' lips in-between the top and bottom lip. Remus parted James' lips with his tongue, and lightly caressed James's tongue with his own – tasting firewhiskey. By this time, James had gotten into the kiss and began to roll his own tongue against Remus', arching his back slightly as he ran his hand up Remus' arm, resting it in his hair. Remus ended the kiss slightly before going back for more. The boys' tongues met outside their mouths, before Remus pushed his tongue back into James' mouth, tightening his grip on James' hair.
"...Jesus Christ..." Sirius let out the breath he was holding as he watched them kiss; a slight smile fell on his lips.
Remus lightly sucked on James' tongue before placing one last gentle kiss on his lips. He sat back and felt James' hand travel back down his arm until it rest in his own lap.
James blushed slightly as he opened his eyes, looking at Remus. "Uhm... that was..."
"The hottest thing I've ever seen..." Lily interrupted him, her mouth hanging slightly open.
Remus smiled slightly as he crawled back to his own place beside Sirius. Remus had dared Peter to dance about the room – shaking his butt rather wildly. As everyone watched and laughed, Remus quickly glanced over at Sirius before taking another much-needed swig of his firewhiskey. "...What?"
Sirius shook his head frowning slightly. He lent forward and whispered into Remus' ear. "Why don't you ever kiss me like that?"
"Because you never asked me to." Remus answered simply, scooting slightly closer to Sirius, placing a warm hand to his thigh.
"Will you kiss me like that?"
"...Soon." Remus lent over and kissed Sirius' neck softly. His breath was hot on Sirius' neck as he spoke. "Be patient with me, Siri. I need time."
Sirius nodded slightly, resting his own hand on Remus', stroking the faint scar on his hand.
An hour had passed before everyone had finished their firewhiskey – and the game. Sirius had ended up pant less – though why he didn't just take his shirt off was beyond Remus, James only in his pants, Lily in a skirt and bra, Peter was also in his boxers. Remus was the only one who managed to stay completely dressed.
Peter had gone to bed early, and the rest of the friends sat around the common room, enjoying the silence – when James suddenly sat up.
"12 seconds till midnight!"
Sirius grinned and pulled Remus from sitting beside him on the couch, to his lap. Remus smiled as he wrapped his arms around Sirius' neck, bowing his head down so that their foreheads touched.
"5! 4! 3! 2-" James was cut off as Lily's lips found his.
Sirius merely smiled up at Remus. "Happy New Year, Rem."
"Happy New Year, Siri." Remus appreciated the fact that Sirius had not kissed him. So instead, he lent down and lightly kissed Sirius. Remus whispered against Sirius's lips. "What's your New Years Resolution?"
"I don't really know... Suppose to pass all the N.E.W.T's," Sirius ran a hand along Remus's spine, stopping at his shoulders. "Or to have you back in my bed again."
Remus laughed and smacked Sirius upside the head. "Fine Resolution you've made."
"Can't blame me for trying can you?"
"...No." Remus grabbed onto Sirius' tie and pulled him towards his body. "Kiss me."
"Only if that's a Resolution, otherwise-"
"Just do it."
"Yes, sir." Sirius lent forward and lightly kissed Remus' lips. "There."
"Tease." Remus frowned before placing his lips on Sirius', exploring his mouth with his tongue gently. Their tongues rolled against one another softly, but within what seemed like seconds, their tongues were involved in an epic battle of passion. Ending the kiss, Remus lent back - both of their lips swollen.
Sirius panted sligtly, "You're going to be the death of me..."
"Fine way to die..." Remus smirked as he lent in for another kiss, holding Sirius tight against his chest.