"You must want something, Remus!"

"No... I really don't!" Remus held his books tight to his chest, having to many of them to carry in his shoulder bag.

"Oh come on, you have to want something, anything?"

Remus stopped and took in an irritated breath. "Look, James – I don't want anything. Must I spell it out for you? I-don't-want-anything." His lips fell slightly open as he looked up at James. "So stop fucking asking me."

James' mouth snapped shut. He nodded his head slightly raising his eyebrows. "Okay..."

Remus looked down and began to chew on the inside of his mouth momentarily before letting out a deep breath. His eyes found James' as he spoke again. "Listen, I'm sorry... I just don't like birthdays. I never have."

"Yeah, it's alright."

"No, it's not. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I'm sorry."

James nodded, walking towards their first class on Monday - Potions. Sirius had gone home that Sunday to gather some of his things, so he was to be back later that morning, and no one had seen Peter since Saturday morning. The pair of friends spent the morning class creating a glamour potion, as they were currently doing review for the N.E.W.T's. The Professor kept a close eye on Remus as he had been informed of what had happened on Friday morning.

"God I wish he would stop watching me..." Remus spoke quietly as he added ingredients to the cauldron.

"Well he's only keeping an eye out for you."

"Yeah, I know... but I hate it when people stare at me. I got enough of that when I didn't have these hideous gashes across my face."

"Aw Remus they aren't that bad."

Remus drove the knife – tip down – into the cutting board as he turned to look at James. "Yes they are! It's the first thing you notice when you look at me! Don't lie about it to make me feel better!"

"Well what do you want me to say?!" James held up his hands in surrender.

"Anything but 'they aren't that bad', or 'you don't really notice them.'"

"Fuck... FINE... Remus, all people see when they look at you are those scars, they look horrible, and they disfigure your face to no end! You look like a wild beast, a wild, ugly, horrible beast. Is that what you want to hear?" James crossed his arms as he glared down at Remus.

Remus was about to speak but closed his mouth and let his eyes fall to the cutting board. He took a deep breath and felt his lip begin to quiver. He closed his eyes, shaking his head as he crossed his arms. "No."

James took a deep breath and let it out through his nose. He placed a hand to his own forehead and left it there for a moment before turning to his friend. "I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean any of it."

Remus' eyes scanned over their ingredients and the cauldron. He reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose before turning to look at James. He smiled slightly as he responded. "Yeah."

"We're all edgy right now... with the tests coming up on us and... everything else." James furrowed his eyebrows and looked into Remus' eyes. "I really am sorry. I shouldn't have said that..."

"Yeah, well... that's life. It's fine – I need to hear it... oddly enough."

James nodded and returned to the cauldron – stirring it as directed. The rest of the class was spent in silence. Sirius had returned, looking slightly frazzled. He caught James and Remus between class switches.

"Hey, guys!"

James turned to the familiar voice and smiled warmly. "Heyy Sirius!"

Remus turned, running a hand through his hair. He smiled up at Sirius gently. "Hi."

Sirius exchanged his 'hello's' with James, and watched as he turned to walk down to class. Returning his attention to his boyfriend, Sirius furrowed his eyebrows slightly, watching as Remus turned to walk towards the doors leading out of the school – as Care of Magical Creatures was next. "What, no hug?"

Remus smiled and turned, taking Sirius in his arms. He wrapped his arms around Sirius neck. "You smell good."

"I do?"

"...Yeah..." Remus took in another deep breath and much to his own amazement – began to cry.

"Rem... what's wrong?"

Remus held tighter to Sirius, clenching his eyes shut. Why was he so emotional all of a sudden? His face knotted with emotion as he spoke hoarsely, his voice plagued with tears. "I don't know..."

Remus buried his head in Sirius shoulder, determined to get away from his smell – but it didn't work. He clung harder onto Sirius neck, letting the tears fall. Sirius smiled as he ran his hands along Remus' back, comforting him silently. Sirius held Remus back and put his hands to his cheeks, rubbing the tears away with his thumbs. He looked into Remus eyes and smiled warmly, concern flashing across his face. Sirius ran his thumb along the bottom part of Remus' eye – amazed when Remus didn't blink, but kept his eyes wide open, looking into Sirius's eyes. After all this time - he had just showed Sirius how much he trusted him with a simple gesture of not blinking.

Remus' eyes filled with new tears, and he fell back into Sirius arms, encircling his arms around Sirius' back, holding him close. It seemed that even though almost every part of their bodies were touching – it still wasn't close enough. Remus wanted to somehow crawl into Sirius' body, and never leave.

Sirius held him back again, running his finger through Remus' hair. "Remy... what's wrong?"

Remus laughed slightly as more tears fell down his cheeks. "I don't know. I just..." His words trailed off as Sirius rest their foreheads together. Remus slipped his thumbs into the belt loops of Sirius' pants, pulling Sirius's body towards himself. Remus closed his eyes as he still felt Sirius hands gently run through his hair. "God I'm such a girl..."

"No you're not, Rem." Sirius smiled and lent forward, kissing Remus gently on the lips. "You've just gone through a lot in the past few days – you're allowed to be upset sweetie."

"...Sweetie?"

Sirius chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Remus again, pulling him close. "A reference to the way you taste. You always taste of sweets. Icing, chocolate, cakes..."

"I don't eat cakes..."

"I know, but every time I kiss you it's like eating cake or something... you're mouth always tastes sweet even if you've just freshly brushed your teeth with mint."

Remus grinned into Sirius' shoulder. "Have you ever thought that maybe I have diabetes?"

"I would have seen the track marks Rem, I know what every inch of your body looks like."

Remus giggled a bit before leaning back, kissing Sirius on the lips. "Mhm, I suppose... we should get to class – we're late..."

"You alright, now then?"

"Yeah... I'm sorry about that... I honestly don't know why I broke down."

Sirius clasped his hand in Remus's as they began to walk outside. "Well, then we're in the same boat. I don't know why I started crying when you gave me a hand job the other night."

Remus laughed warmly and lent towards Sirius, leaning his head on Sirius' shoulder. "Yeah... I suppose." They walked in silence for a while, until Remus spoke again. "So..."

"Uh huh?"

"What's this 'some of my clothes are against school policy' idea? Care to elaborate on that?"

Smirking, Sirius stole a look down at Remus from the corner of his eye before continuing. "They're just not proper."

"Is it like the earring thing?"

"...Yeah. Something to that effect."

"So you dress drastically different in school than you do at home?"

"Very much so. This is toned down, WAY toned down really. My mother insisted that I get a completely different set of clothes for school to wear – for many reasons."

"And what are those reasons?" Remus smiled as he jumped down a step, leading Sirius towards the class – which lucky for them, hadn't yet begun.

"Ahh... just to keep up the Black family name really." Sirius smiled lazily as he knew he was lying to Remus. Thankfully – Remus didn't show any sign of catching it.

"Oh." Remus sighed slightly as they came to the edge of the group of students. "So James has seen how you dress out of school then?"

"Yes."

"And is he shocked at what you wear?"

"He's never said anything about it before... why the sudden interest?"

Remus laughed airily, crossing his arms as he watched the Professor tick down attendance. "Oh, no reason. I just can't help but think that this 'not school safe' clothing is categorized by you in leather pants."

Sirius laughed loudly, startling some of the students. "Sorry..." He lent close to Remus and whispered into his ear. "What an imagination you have, Remus."

"So you're telling me it's not true?"

"Actually you're-"

"Excuse me!" The Professor had turned her attention to Sirius and Remus. "I am currently trying to teach a class! Please return your attention to me instead of eachother! Honestly!"

Sirius and Remus bowed their heads, speaking in time with eachother. "Sorry Professor."

"Sorry indeed!" She harrumphed before returning to the bright blue billywigs infront of her.

For the remainder of the class, the Professor had assigned her students into pairs to remove the stinger from the end of the billywig so that they may be sent to the potions dungeon and dried for use in potions.

"Right! Lupin you'll be paired with Malfoy! Black, you'll be with Snape!"

Sirius groaned loudly at the pairing, Remus merely smiled and lent up to kiss Sirius cheek.

"Oh it won't be so bad, just live with it, dear."

"You sound like a wife."

"Oh probably, someone's got to be the smart one... right?" At the end of his statement, Remus' voice hitched slightly higher – sickeningly cheerful almost.

Sirius eyes widened as he growled. "Yeahh... get out of my way woman."

"Careful oh beautiful husband of mine, keep acting that way and your hand will end up rather sore." Remus winked as the statement shut Sirius up, and he turned to find Lucius.

Lucius stood with his arms crossed, frowning down at the bright blue insect. "Get the knife, Lupin."

Remus sighed, "Yes, alright." Remus returned a few moments later, carrying two sharp knifes and a small container for which to put the stingers into. "Here you are Lucius."

"Malfoy." Lucius corrected him, his voice low and dangerous.

"Excuse me?"

"Malfoy. Call me Malfoy." Lucius sneered as he yanked the knife out Remus' grip.

"If that's what you'd prefer Luc... err... Malfoy," Remus tilted his head slightly to the ground. "Sorry." Remus quickly corrected himself when Lucius shot him a deadly glare – obviously still quite mad about the fact that they had walked in on each other's personal endeavors. Lucius let his gaze linger on Remus before letting it return to the squirming bug.

"Cut it there." Remus pointed to a place at the backside of it. "And be careful of the stinger becau-"

"I'm bloody aware of where to cut the damn insect and what the effect of the fucking sting is, Lupin!"

Remus raised his hands, signifying surrender. "Alright..."

Remus stepped back, smirking as he reached and caught a billywig in his fingers. He placed it down on the stump, holding it between his long fingers – and, with grate ease, smacked the handle of the extra knife, watched as it flipped in the air and caught the handle in his hand before brining it down to slice the stinger off in one graceful movement.

"Holy shit..."

Remus dropped the still moving stinger into the container and looked up at Lucius, his eyebrows raised slightly. "...What?"

"What the fuck did yo-"

"Language Mr. Malfoy."

"Sorry Professor..." Lucius watched as she walked off in the other direction before continuing what he was saying. "What the fuck did you just do?"

"...Cut off the singer, what's it-"

"No Lupin, Jesus! With the knife!"

"That's a rather horrible habit you have, cutting people off. You really should work on that." Remus reached down and picked up another struggling insect. "And regarding the knife, I didn't do anything with it."

"Yes you bloody well did, you flipped it in the air, caught it and cut off the stinger in the exact place it was to be cut off at."

Remus raised an eyebrow, slicing another stinger off. "...Oh." His answer was rather disinterested as he dropped another twitching stinger into the container.

Lucius was about to say something when a loud noise erupted from the other side of the clearing, causing everyone to look in Sirius' direction.

"OW! FUCKING CHRIST! GOD DAMNIT LITTLE FUCKING RUDDY INSECT FUCKING STUNG ME!" Snape was holding his hand whimpering, when seconds later, his body began to levitate and he broke out into raving giddy laughter.

Sirius stood knife in hand, twitching stinger in the other, looking up at the now floating Snape with wide eyes. He kept looking at the levitating boy who rose higher in the sky as time went on. "Erm... PROFESSOR!!!"

"Oh... oh, oh dear..." She hurriedly ran towards the floating Slytherin, using her wand to bring him back down so she would be able to grab onto his ankle. Suddenly – for the first time in her life – she was glad that she was plump, as if she weren't; she would have been lifted into the air aswell. "REMUS!"

"Yes?"

"Take care of the rest of the class please!"

"Erm... O-Okay...?"

"Thank-you dear!!"

With that, she ran off in the direction of the school, Snape floating behind her, gripping his stomach and laughing. Remus turned to the class and moved to stand on the stump infront of him.

"ALRIGHT! LISTEN UP!" everyone's attention snapped towards Remus. He spoke quickly and evenly to the students. "Everyone, put the billywig's back into the basket over there, and close the containers with the stingers. Put your knifes back into the same place you got them – and make sure to wipe the excess innards off with a scourgefy charm." Everyone stood silently – not a single person moved. Remus rolled his eyes, yelling at his daft classmates. "NOW!"

At once, everyone jumped to the task that had been given to them, and once everything had ended up in the same places it was at the beginning of the class, they all gathered around, waiting for more instructions – including the Slytherins.

Remus had placed his knife back into the place he had gotten it. He took a deep breath – were these people not capable of doing anything for themselves? "Give me your containers concealing the stingers, please."

As directed, everyone handed the containers to him. Once again, after Remus had piled all the containers up and preformed a charm to lock all the containers together until they reached the Potions dungeon, he turned to face the class again. "Stay inside or very close to the school for the remainder of the class please... I don't want to get in trouble because any of you were late for your next class. Now get outta here." He finished his directions with a smile, hoping that it would take the edge off of his voice.

Once again, the class moved as one and picked up their bags, walking off towards the school – everyone had left except for two certain Marauders. They all had half a period spare now before the next class was due to start. Remus ran a hand through his hair, moving to grab his bag.

"Well, well... Professor Lupin." James smirked as he walked up behind Remus.

Remus turned, his arms crossed, and one eyebrow raised. "Yes?"

Sirius stepped forward. "That was really hot how you ordered them all around."

"Careful of your words, Mr. Black – or I may be forced to give you a detention."

"Mmm..." Sirius walked closer, stopping just inches from Remus. "What kind of punishment would I receive?"

Remus thought for a moment before leaning forward. "Well... I'd have to pick the most appropriate punishment for you... and that would have to be..." He trailed off, looking towards the school.

"...Yes?"

Remus turned back to him, looking up into his eyes under his eyelashes. "Nevermind." With that, he winked and turned to walk up to the school, the mass of containers floating silently behind him. Remus heard Sirius and James laugh behind him, before catching up by means of a jog.

"Snape sure knows some rather colorful words, eh?" James laughed, stepping up on one side of Remus, on the other, walked Sirius.

"It was amazing – his face went white as the stinger went into his hand. Gods it was hilarious."

"Well he won't be coming down off that little high for a good long time." James snickered, remembering an incident with a billywig back in 4th year. "God I was messed up for hours. I couldn't stop giggling."

"It was rather un-manly, James." Sirius laughed, jumping up a step. "A giggling Marauder..."

James and Remus laughed as Sirius reenacted what had happened, narrating the whole way through. When it had happened to James – he nearly fainted. He looked down at his hand in terror as the stinger had to be pulled out by the Professor. Not seconds later, he had started to feel his feet lift off of the ground – followed by large amounts of giggling laughter. To make it an even better experience (for the class, not James...) – he had laughed so hard he ended up farting. His eyes went wide when it happened – but he couldn't stop the laughter as the teacher dragged him off towards the school to be treated. That was by far, the best day of 4th year. To add to his humiliation, he had been given a nickname, 'James Tooter', and it hadn't worn off until the end of 6th year – when James went completely crazy on a fellow Gryffindor who yelled it out during the last Quidditch match of the year.

The Marauders had made their way back to the school halls and were on their way to the dungeon to give the Professor the stingers when they bumped into Peter.

"Heyy! We havn't seen you in a long time!"

Peter smiled and quickly pulled down his shirtsleeves, warming his slightly chilled arms. "Yeah, I've been rather busy with homework and such."

Sirius' eyes strayed to his arms quickly before moving back to his eyes. "Oh I see... are you going to come with us tonight to Hogsmeade to get some new dress robes for the Valentines Day thing?"

"Err..." Peter looked at Remus and James who merely nodded in agreement to Sirius' question. "No... I've... I've err... I've got some things to do tonight. I can't make it."

"Oh... alright... well then we'll catch you tomorrow then. How's that? Meet for lunch under the tree?"

"Err... yeah, sure. See you then." Peter smiled and quickly brushed past his friends, waving.

"Odd little thing isn't he?"

"James!"

"What Remus?! He's..." James started slowly. "He's acting really bloody odd these days. He disappears for long lengths of time and-"

"So maybe he's found some friends outside of us that he's too scared to tell us about." Remus suggested, smiling faintly as they began to walk down the stairs.

"Pah... who's better than the Marauders? No one."

"That's rather high and mighty of you to say, Pads." James snickered, silently agreeing.

"Yeah well it's the truth, doncha kno'" Sirius smirked, imitating a thick Irish accent and winking his eye obviously in James' direction.

"You're a sodding idiot, you know that?" James laughed, rounding the corner.

"Aye I do." Sirius continued in the Irish accent. "But I kno' that 'cha find it raather sexual doncha?" He made a scene of slapping James' butt, letting his hand rest there for a moment after the initial smack.

"Oi! Knock it off ya Irish byrd!" James slapped Sirius hand away rather fiercely as Remus laughed – walking into the potions room, leaving the two alone.

"Byrd? You think I'm pretty enough to be classified as a byrd...?" Sirius grinned from the corner of his mouth – raising an eyebrow as he advanced on his friend, fluttering his long eyelashes.

"Ahhh... not in that way, Pads... not in tha – GET OFF!"

James had begun to slap at Sirius' hands, which were currently pawing at his cloak, trying to get a hold of the material. This only caused the smile on Sirius face to widen as he advanced further on his friend.

"Ah come on, you have to admit – you've wondered what it's like to be with a guy."

"What?" James blushed slightly, stopping his protest. "I-"

Sirius' eyes went wide, and he let out an airy laugh. "Enjoyed the kiss with Remus a bit too much, didn't you?" Sirius let his hands fall from the front of James' robes to his hips.

James raised his hand to his hair and then back down to his side. He blushed more furiously as he stammered. "Err... I-"

"Alright, let's go!" Remus emerged from the dungeon room, clutching the strap of his shoulder bag with both hands. "We've got about te..." Remus stopped, noticing the blush on James's cheeks. "What's wrong?"

Sirius smirked at James before winking and turning to Remus. "Not a thing."

"Well I'd prefer if James would answer for himself."

"Not a thing." James echoed what Sirius had just said, turning to walk down the corridor and towards the stairs. "Come on! We've got ten minutes left before class!"

"What's he on about? Why was he embarrassed?"

"Nothing, Rem, nothing." Sirius smiled, pushing Remus in the direction James was walking in. "Come on."

"...Alright."

For the remainder of the day – what had been discovered in the hallway was not spoken of again, but was however constantly being brought up by the means of looks from Sirius' direction. Sirius would steal looks from James, a knowing smile on his face – causing James to go red once more, and, most times, hide his head behind the text he was reading. Each of these looks was carried through with in secrecy – only known between James and Sirius. No one else had caught the glances and immediately followed blushes. The day passed quickly, and Remus, Sirius, and James soon found themselves on their way back to the Gryffindor Common Room to drop off their bags and get ready to go to Hogsmeade, as 7th years were able to go whenever they wanted – as long as they were responsible and allowed for a small bird to follow them – making sure they didn't break any rules or find too much trouble. A new rule just put down by Dumbledore.

"Mr. Lupin! Oh Mr. Lupin!"

Remus turned to find the Care of Magical Creatures Professor striding towards him. "Er... Yes?"

"Thank-you so much for taking care of the class earlier, I really do appreciate it."

Remus smiled and nodded. "Your welcome, but why did you choose me over the Head Boy?"

"Wha? Oh... well... instincts I suppose." She smiled quickly. "I have awarded 35 points to Gryffindor for your earlier performance."

"Oh wow.... That's so great, thank-you!" Remus nearly hugged her but contained his excitement. "Thank-you so much!"

"You're quite welcome!" She placed a hand to his shoulder and squeezed it gently. "I must be on my way now, so have a wonderful evening at Hogsmeade. And don't get into too much trouble – you hear me?"

"Yes Ma'am." Remus beamed as he watched her turn and walk away.

"Remus! 35 points! We've finally made back all 200 points!!" James took Remus into a tight hug. "We're still in fourth place, granted, but we'll get the house cup this year I swear it!"

Sirius cleared his throat, pointedly looking at James. Causing him to blush and let go of Remus. He quickly smiled at Remus before standing back.

"Great job, Rem." Sirius smiled as he began to walk towards the tower, motioning for Remus and James to follow him. "Come on! We've only got so many hours of daylight left!"

The trio quickly changed into 'out-of-school-clothes', and made their way back down to the common room. James wore a pair of faded blue jeans, and a loose dark maroon sweater with the Gryffindor crest on the right breast– the hood still over his head as he pulled the sweater on over his muscle shirt. Remus wore a tight, worn with age white t-shirt over a long sleeve olive drab shirt, and a pair of rather low riding jeans – which revealed his toned stomach if he lifted his arms too high. (And, being who he was, Sirius noticed the white elastic band of Remus' underwear while he was pulling his jacket on...) Remus' shirt fit tightly around his peck muscles – clinging to the skin until just under his peck muscles where it flared out only slightly. Sirius wore a pair of black corduroys, and a simple blue t-shirt with a band's name scrawled across the front of it – and some crude saying at the back, which was promptly covered with his leather jacket.

James pulled his jacket on and the hood out of the back of it, laying it overtop of the jacket. "We'll be back later tonight, Lils... so... see you soon." He lent over and kissed her quickly before smiling.

"Yeah, see you!" Remus smiled, zipped up his jacket, and shoved his hands into the pockets.

"See yah." Sirius waved to her before closing the portrait door.

The three walked in silence for a moment, Remus was in front as he skipped down the stairs, almost happily.

Deciding to test his friend, Sirius spoke up quietly as he lent over towards James. "Stop staring at my boyfriend's ass."

"Well I can't help it! His jacket ends right before his jeans start and-" James immediately slapped his hand to his mouth and went completely red.

"YOU WERE LOOKING! I didn't think you were looking! Holy shit!" Sirius yelled at him before beginning to laugh.

"SOD OFF YOU GREAT PRUDE!"

"Er... what was he looking at?" Remus turned to face his friends. When Sirius didn't stop laughing, and James had buried his face in his hands, Remus furrowed his eyebrows. "Seriously! What the fuck was he looking at?!"

Sirius immediately stopped laughing and stared at his lover. "What did you say?"

"You heard me the first time, now answer the question."

"In a second..." Sirius took a hold of James' and Remus' arms, and dragged them quickly towards the door, signaling for the small bird to jump off of it's perch and fly towards them.

"Let go!" James tugged his arm free of Sirius grip and fixed his now crooked jacket.

"Sorry, mate." Sirius smiled apologetically before turning to Remus. "Anyway... err... James was checking out your ass."

By this time, James had gone even redder, and covered his eyes. Remus' gaze shifted from Sirius to James and back again.

"Stop playing..."

"He's not..." James sighed as he shoved his hands into his coat pockets – beginning to walk in the direction of Hogsmeade. "I was checking out your ass..."

"What for?" Remus turned and began to follow James. "I thought you were straight...?"

"Yeah, so did I?"

Sirius had stepped up beside them, and walked beside Remus. "Suppose he's bisexual, not straight now."

"...Oh." Remus flushed slightly. "Well... umm... I... Thank-you."

"For what?" James turned and looked down at Remus, watching his cheeks pick up more color.

"Err... Thinking my ass was nice enough to look at?" Remus offered shyly, smiling up at James quickly before looking down at the ground. "I think..."

"...Welcome, I think..."

Sirius laughed and wrapped his arm around Remus' shoulder. The three of them walked quietly for a while, the only sounds heard being the twittering of the 'watch bird' overhead of them, and the crunching of their shoes on the gravel road. Remus decided to voice a thought he had kept to himself for a while.

"Why'd you choose my ass to look at instead of Sirius, James?"

The question caught James off guard and he decided to look down as he walked, as if he was trying to avoid the question. "I don't know."

"Was it because I kissed you?"

"I... err... I guess so..."

"So you like me?"

James stole a look from Sirius. Their eyes locked for a moment before James looked down, not answering the question. Remus stopped and became rather relieved when Sirius shrugged his arm off from around his shoulder. Remus instead turned and took James' arms in his hands.

"It's alright if you do like me, James."

"No, it isn't. You have a boyfriend – and he just happens to be my best friend." James looked quickly over at Sirius before looking down past Remus' face.

"Since when does someone else control what you feel?"

James remained silent, though his heart was beating quite furiously beneath his chest, and he hoped with all his might that neither boy would hear it. Sirius stepped forward and placed a hand to James' shoulder.

"Listen, it's alright that you like Rem. I don't care. Kiss him all you want, I don't care. My poi-"

"Sirius, I'm not a plaything you are able to whore around." Remus dropped his hands from James' arms and glared at his boyfriend.

"I wasn't finished. And I know you're not a plaything," Sirius came closer, letting his hand fall from James' shoulder. "My point was, I would rather he kiss a person he knows and trusts than go out and find some one he doesn't."

Remus glare softened somewhat. And though he didn't quite understand Sirius's reasoning, he didn't voice it. James seemed to relax somewhat, but still didn't speak.

"Oh for Christ's sake!"

James looked up just as Sirius came forward, snaking a hand around the back of his neck – pulling him forward. Sirius had pulled James into a soft kiss, and Remus watched dumbstruck as their lips worked delicately against each other's. Sirius kissed James once more on the lips before releasing him and allowing his hand to fall from his neck. James stood silently, his lips slightly parted and pinker than they had been just moments before.

"Why did you... kiss me?"

"Seemed as if it was the only thing I could do that would snap you out of your daze." Sirius stated simply as he grabbed Remus' hand, walking forward.

"You could have just smacked me or something!" James rose his voice slightly as he jogged up behind them before taking his place beside Remus.

"I didn't want to smack you."

"But you wanted to kiss me?"

"Why not?"

"Because we're like brother's for Christ's sake!"

"Maybe, but if you didn't want me to kiss you, then why'd you kiss back?" James had no response, and, feeling rather high and mighty at the silence after he had posed his question, Sirius smiled. "Thought so."

Remus shook his head smiling as he walked, silent between the two friends as they discussed the previous events.

"What's up, Rem?"

"Nothing."

"You lie." James spoke softly, looking at Remus from the corner of his eye.

"It was just odd watching my boyfriend and one of my best friends, kiss eachother, that's all..." Remus kicked at a small stone before taking a deep breath. "We should hurry up."

Sirius and James nodded their agreeing, stealing only short looks at eachother as they walked in silence. The conversation soon picked up when they were a short distance away from Hogsmeade, as James and Sirius had begun to talk about Zonko's. On their way to the locally run robe store, Remus had stopped off at Honeydukes – picking up some chocolate, Sirius and James had followed him there, and got themselves some sweets aswell. They soon found their way to the robe store, and walked inside. They were greeted by the tiny clinking of a bell.

"Ohh! Good evening!" The woman at the front desk erupted into a smile as she stepped out from behind the desk. "How may I help you boys?"

"Hi." Remus smiled, speaking for the three of them. "We've come here in search of some dress robes to wear to a Valentines Day gathering at the school and-"

"You're from Hogwarts then?"

"Yes, we are."

"Well... why are you here? It's not a Hogsmeade weekend!" The woman placed her hands to her hips and eyed the boys with an air of childishness.

"Err... as I said earlier, we're here in search of some robes, and the Headmaster has granted us permission to leave the school grounds for just this night." Remus repeated kindly as he maintained eye contact with the woman.

"Oh I see, I see... well... what is it that you lads are looking for? Anything in particular tickle your fancy?"

"Er..." Sirius looked about the room. "Just, something... I don't know... nice?"

The woman laughed warmly as she led the boys towards a few manikins, which were currently wearing some of the latest fashions. "Any of these interest you?"

James reached out and took the sleeve of a dark red colored robe in his hand. "I like this one... what's it made of?"

Remus felt the fabric and answered for the woman. "Silk, right?"

The shopkeeper smiled and nodded as she pulled the tape measure out of her apron. She quickly moved towards James and asked him to shake his jacket off. Obeying the short woman, he shook it off and handed it to Sirius. The woman measured the width of his back, and from his neck to tailbone. She then took measurements of his arms and around his torso and waist. As she spoke, a small floating quill jotted down the numbers on a piece of parchment. She then moved on to Sirius, and did the exact same things to him. When she moved to take Remus' measurements, he held up his hands and smiled, shaking his head.

"Oh, no thank-you. I don't need one."

"Are you sure?"

Remus nodded shyly at the woman. "Yes, thank-you anyways though."

Sirius furrowed his eyebrows and asked if he could take Remus aside for a moment. Taking his hand gently – they moved towards the other end of the store while the shopkeeper busied herself with James.

"Why don't you want anything...?"

"Because I've got a perfectly fine dress robe at the school a-"

Sirius let go of Remus' hand and bent forward. "Don't lie to me."

"I'm not."

"Remus..."

Remus sucked in his lips and wet them before speaking in a low voice. "Fine... I can't afford any of these robes... I havn't the money."

"Can't you ask your parents?"

Remus looked up into azure eyes and furrowed his eyebrows. "They havn't got enough money either. They spent most of it on my schooling..." He trailed off and looked down, crossing his arms.

"Oh... Well then let me get you the robes."

"No."

"Remus, please?"

Remus looked up at Sirius and spoke in a still soft tone. "I don't want to take charity... I can't do that."

"It's not charity, Rem – it's a gift."

"I don't like gifts."

"Learn to like them, Rem. I'm getting you the robes if it's the last thing I do." Sirius smiled warmly, unfolding Remus arms and taking his hands. "Okay?"

"Siri... I don't wa-"

"Please let me get them for you?"

Remus looked down and took in a deep breath. "I..." He let out the breath when he found that there was no way to say no. He spoke in less than a whisper. "...Fine."

"Thank-you, Remy." Sirius lent forward and waited for Remus to look up before he smiled and placed a gentle kiss to his lips.

Remus nodded his head slightly before letting himself be led back to the woman. She looked up at them happily, and let out a strangled cry of joy when Remus shouldered off his jacket – allowing her to take his measurements. Once they had all been measured – she asked what type of material they would all like. Sirius had asked for the silk for both him and Remus, James; the velvet. Each of them had asked for different intricate designs, and possibly some different colors of fabric to be sewn in with the robes – she complied happily. Once they had finished, she led them towards the till to ring in their orders. Sirius had more than merrily paid for both his and Remus' robes, smiling the whole time. James paid for his with no troubles, grinning stupidly when she told him that he would look rather handsome once his was finished.

"Thank-you for all your help Miss...?"

"Mari, call me Mari... please!"

Remus bowed his head slightly, "Mari then, thank-you very much for your help."

"You're more than welcome boys! I'll have these delivered to the school for you on Thursday afternoon, how's that?"

"Wonderful, thank-you Mari." Remus bowed his head again, his faint French accent coming out slightly more when he spoke her name.

She blushed as the trio left the store. Remus had become somewhat of a charmer with the ladies it seemed – being completely polite all the time. And, since this was the case, he had a new admirer in Mari.

"Since when have you spoken in a French accent?" James tilted his head to the side as he looked over the slip of paper she had given him; he placed it into his jacket pocket before turning and looking at Remus.

"Since forever?" Remus laughed slightly, quirking his eyebrows. "My family is French, James. I used to live in France and still speak French when I'm at home."

"But you live outside of London..."

"And that's supposed to stop us from speaking French?" Remus laughed slightly at James's confusion.

"... No I don't suppose it would." James turned the corner, and watched as the small watch bird zoomed over their heads.

"It's just that certain words I say pick up the French accent, that's all – and Mari just happens to be one of them I suppose."

"Are you going back to France anytime soon?" Sirius smiled down at Remus, and grabbed onto his hand.

Remus' face paled slightly as he answered, nodding his head slightly. "Yes."

"Oh cool! When?" James interrupted the conversation.

"...In a while." Remus soft voice suddenly sounded very distant.

"Well... that's rather vague..." James trailed off as he looked forward.

Remus merely smiled and looked forward, watching the school steadily come closer with every step. He ignored the look that Sirius had given him when he answered.

Author's Notes:

WEEE!! Long ass chapter, eh? Whooooo-doogeh... Anyhow - this chapter took me almost the whole day to write... It had better damn well be good... lol! Just kidding... I don't pull off threatening well, do I? Also, No - I don't include kissing/light groping as a sexual act thingy-doo-daa... so - keep the guesses coming. (smiles) This is fun! You telling me how well you think I'll do! (Remember, Remus' birthday is in a few days.. O.o...! DASTARDLY SCANDELOUS!!)

Padfootxxforever: Ahhh... your entry made me laugh so much!! I love it, thank-you so much for your wonderful review! Sailor Moon was the first Anime I ever watched... and no - it won't be on Remus' forehead... It won't even be near Remus actually. (winks)

Dollface786: Eee... Thank-you for reading, and actually liking my fic!!!! (Did I spell 'liking' correctly...? -shifty eyes-)

Roxanne Barnett: You always make me teary eyed with your reviews... I'll have you know that. (grabs you and holds you in a hug) I'm really touched that my writing has done that for you. Take it from someone who knows - that's a rather hard thing to overcome. (kisses you all over) You're so welcome... LOVE YOU! (giggles and smiles)

Kynny: AUGHAH!!!! (grabs your suggestion and runs away with it... far, far, away) WEEE!!!! I always love your reveiws, they're always so happy! And thank-you for reveiwing almost every chapter. Only a few of you are regular reviewers - and I love you for it! (Something tells me I spelt review wrong every, single, time in this whole Author's notes thing.... -sweatdrops-)

Sarahlouhardy: Thank-you very much, I try to make it as believeable as I can... if it is at all possible. (smiles) Emotions and some actions are hard to describe most of the time... so that you think I do that well is a very nice compliment - Thank-you again.

Yes, well... Ehrm... (thinks of a spoiler....) Err.... Here, how about this: Matching rainbow scarves.

Other than that... I think I've covered everything. Has anyone got any suggestions? Reviews Please also... as always. Thank-you in advance!!

(Leaves out cookies for Kylia and everyone else, and also leaves out a fridge full of glasses of milk to go with the cookies... and a special serving of butter crackers for Dark Dragon Fire Demon!!) -smiles-