A/N: I'm sorry, people! I have been enjoying my vacation far too much and completely forgot to write! Anyway, just a warning: This chapter focuses on the romance aspect of the fic, with just the tiniest touch of suspense, and maybe a splash of comedy…Enjoy!
Chapter 11
"Boo!"
Sirius jumped as a pair of hands covered his eyes. The familiar, earthy smell of flowers and soil wafted into his nose, and he immediately knew. "Hello, honey."
Nicole withdrew her hands and sat down beside him, peering inquisitively at the parchment he had scattered all over the once-pristine dining table. "Are you alright?"
He looked at her quizzically. "Yes—why would you think otherwise?"
She fiddled for a moment with her long brown hair. "You've been distracted all night."
"I have?"
"At supper, you weren't nearly as rambunctious as you usually are, and you haven't even asked me how my meeting went."
"Oh." Sirius stared at his feet, embarrassed. Normally, he would have been asking for the details of the meeting the moment she came home. Even though she would never show it, he knew she was slightly wounded by this oversight.
Dropping his quill and wrapping his hand around her free one, he gave her his full attention. "I'm sorry, love—how did it go? Are you officially a greenhouse-keeper now?"
She beamed, all traces of hurt vanishing. Sirius felt relieved. If there was one thing he loved about his girlfriend, it was her ability to forgive and forget easily.
"Yes. The greenhouse is absolutely beautiful, even though it's far smaller than the ones we're used to in Hogwarts. And my employer is not bad at all—he really loves plants, and right now, I'm helping him with a mutant Devil's Snare he found in a neighbor's shed."
His face creased with concern. " A Devil's Snare?"
"Don't worry, Sirius—it was very young, and Adrian kept it far enough away from me," she laughed.
"That's him—the son?"
She nodded.
"Well. He had better do a very good job of keeping dangerous plants away from you, or I will feed him to them," Sirius declared.
"Sirius!" She swatted him on the arm, grinning.
His face softened. "It looks like you're doing very well. I'm glad you've found a job you like."
She moved to stand behind him, and from there wrapped her arms around his neck, lowered her head so that her cheek met his. "You seem busy yourself. Enlighten me?"
"Well," Sirius began, excitement creeping into his voice, "I have a job."
"Really?" Nicole's eyes sparkled. "That's excellent! Where? What?"
He told her about Mr. Murray, how they'd met, and what Sirius planned to do with the salon.
"Are you sure, though?" she asked him teasingly. "I saw how good you were with the house."
"This was before Remus got involved. I got him to help me plan."
"I trust you," she responded, planting a kiss on his cheek. "And I am incredibly proud of you for rendering such a selfless service to someone you hardly even know."
Sirius basked happily in her support. "I love you."
She flushed scarlet. "If you let me see those plans, maybe I can help."
He kissed her soundly before passing her the parchment.
"OK, I think that the couches have to go here…"
xxxxx
Adrian Wane was closing up his greenhouse for the night when he saw it. An envelope. With the infamous seal. A sheen of sweat broke out on his upper lip as he picked it up and scanned the contents.
His almost-golden eyes flashed.
He wasn't going to give in. Ever.
xxxxx
"Boo."
James grabbed Lily from behind as she was putting dishes away. She squealed and just barely kept from dropping a plate.
"James." She fixed him with a stern look.
"What?" he mumbled, as he buried his face in her hair. "I feel like I haven't spent enough time with you since forever."
"James, we live in the same house," she pointed out. "And I just saw you at dinner."
"Was it only dinner?" he whispered in her ear. She closed her eyes, allowing him to nuzzle her neck.
"It feels like ages," he murmured into her shoulder.
She turned her head and met his lips.
Bonk. Bang.
"EEAAGH!"
They broke apart suddenly, the plate crashing to the floor.
"I'm OK!" came a muffled voice that was unmistakably Remus's from behind a now-fallen easy chair.
"What's with all the ruckus?" Sirius wanted to know as he strolled into the living room.
"Sirius—" Lily cried.
"Padfoot!" James yelled at the same time.
"Too late," muttered Remus painfully.
Bonk. Bang.
James and Lily could only cringe as Sirius tripped over Remus's body and was pitched headfirst into the easy chair.
"Oof!" squeaked Remus.
Sirius groaned. "What were you lying on the floor for?"
xxxxx
"I think my back got thrown out," groaned Sirius as he shifted on the couch.
"My poor darling," Nicole cooed as she cradled his head on her lap.
"What are you going to do to help me feel better?" Sirius waggled his eyebrows.
"Comb, please."
Sirius grinned and pulled one from the pocket of his jeans. "Thank you, love."
She began picking expertly through the tangles in his black hair, then carefully running the comb through until the hair was absolutely smooth.
Sirius's eyes began to flutter shut. "This is very comfortable."
"You say that every time."
"That's because it's true. You have excellent hands." His eyes twinkled. "And the best lap."
She reached her fingers into his hair and gave a playful yank.
"My hair!" he cried, sitting up quickly and patting down the strands. "Now you're in for it."
He trapped her against the corner of the couch.
"Release me, you brute," Nicole demanded, giggling.
"Not a chance," Sirius growled. "You've committed the ultimate sin: Messing up my hair. Prepare to be punished."
Their noses had just barely touched when they heard a throat being cleared.
"Excuse me, cuddlepuff and pookiebear. Wolfiepoo would like to watch the news."
Sirius groaned in exasperation as he sat back and flicked on the specially-enchanted TV James and Lily had received from their parents as a joint graduation present.
"You have such perfect timing, Moony," he grumbled sourly.
"Thank Merlin for that," sighed Remus. "Popcorn?"
XXX
A/N: The mushy nicknames are inspired by my best friend.
To my reviewers:
Wilty- Well, I'll leave you hanging with a little tidbit about his past…Mwahaha. Thanks!
JosephineTay- Thank you very much! I'm glad you're pleased. Yeah, I think that line sums up a lot about James and Lily's relationship, haha.
Aly- Thanks! Normally, I try to have one chapter up every week. :)
LupinLover99-Hey, you're back:hug: Yes, I intend to make Remus Lupin the cutest character to ever sail fanfiction seas…
flower123 and Prongs76- Thanks:)
God bless y'all:)