It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, going out with Hestia and Sturgis. It was worse. During dinner at the Italian restaurant, every time she or Sturgis would bring up a person or incident from the past, Hestia would halt the conversation to fill me in so I wouldn't feel left out. The background information was interesting, and it did give me a point of reference. What it didn't do was make me feel included.

Instead, every variation of "oh, I forgot, you were in nappies when that happened, let me tell you" highlighted the age difference between us. The gap between Remus's age and mine, which usually seemed negligible, appeared wide as the Channel by the time we'd finished dessert.

I felt very young and insecure when the four of us left the restaurant and headed to a jazz club. I slipped my arm through Remus's and walked close to his side, consoling myself that I might not know all Remus and Hestia's mutual friends, but thanks to Remus and Gran, I knew jazz.

The brawny Muggle vetting patrons at the entrance smiled to see us. "Hey, Pink," he said, looking at my hair. "The boss was just askin' if you'd stopped by lately."

"Is he here tonight?" I asked, scanning the club. I was curious to know if Colin and Debbie were still an item. They seemed like such an odd couple, but then again, people thought the same about Remus and me.

The man shook his head. I shrugged. "Tell them I said hello."

"I will."

On the way to our table, Remus murmured, "Smoothly done, learning Farrell was still dating 'Dare Anything Debbie'."

"Thank you," I said, rubbing my thumb across the back of his hand.

He smiled. "Very smooth."

A trio was playing that night: piano, bass, and drums. I enjoyed their performance, but looked forward to the band taking a break. I wanted to dance with Remus. When we finally got the chance to sway together on the dance floor, I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. The song playing made me sad.

"It's Charlie Parker…If I should lose you," Remus said softly.

"I don't want to lose you," I whispered.

"You won't." When I didn't reply, he said, "Did it bother you, all that talk of a past you don't share? If you felt uncomfortable, I apologise. Except for the Underground, the past is all I have in common with Hestia and Sturgis, so I encouraged them to avoid awkward silences…rather like this one."

I heard the rueful smile in his voice and glanced up.

Remus said, "I don't want to live in the past. I want to live in the present and the future with you, Nymphadora."

"I feel the same way." I stared dreamily into his eyes while the song ended and another one began. I said on a sigh, "Your kiss is never just a kiss."

He released my hand to tip up my face. Our bodies swayed together as we kissed. It was a slow, sweet kiss. I released Remus's lips to snuggle close, my head on his shoulder, rocking more than dancing, happy to be in his arms.

"What would your Gran say about this conduct, Nym?"

My eyes drifted open to see the smiling face of a roguish Irishman. "She'd say third time's a charm."

Rory laughed and looked down at his partner. "I could say the same."

"With a little multiplication," Jenna said dryly, smiling as she asked us, "Would you like to join us? We're in the corner booth."

The posh, horseshoe-shaped booth reserved for the owner was one I wouldn't mind sitting in—especially if drinks were on the house. I nodded toward Hestia and Sturgis. "Is it OK to bring along a couple of…er…friends?"

Rory grinned.

Sturgis and Hestia, intrigued by the notion of chitchat with Muggles, agreed to go have a drink. Remus and I sat in the middle of the booth. I'd thought we'd act as go-between for our Muggle and wizard friends, but we didn't. Jenna took one look at Hestia's dress and asked, "Do you sew? I love your dress."

Hestia sewed with the aid of magic, but she was pleased to talk stitching and patterns. Sturgis, who worked for an illumination orb company, questioned Rory about the club's lighting. My old friend wanted to modernize the system and enthusiastically shared his ideas.

Remus bent to whisper in my ear, "Is this how you felt earlier?"

I scooted closer. "I don't mind now."

"Why is that?"

I slid a hand onto his thigh and wrote with a fingertip.

Remus laughed silently, his eyes warm and amused. His fingers caressed my knee before trailing up to the hem of my short skirt. After stroking down to the inside of my thigh, he drew a capital I, the shape of a heart, a U and the number 2. I bit my lip to prevent giggles from escaping as I began writing on his thigh again.

He murmured, "You're going too fast. I lost track after 'you are so'…"

"You are so damned sexy," I said fervently.

Rory heard me and laughed. "Thank you!"

Jenna playfully tapped his hand. "You know she didn't mean you!"

"Are you saying you don't find me sexy anymore?"

The redhead's freckles stood out when she blushed. "You know I think you're sexy."

"Damned sexy?" Rory prompted with a grin, waggling his eyebrows.

"Of course you're damned sexy, now shut up and order us a drink."

"Isn't she the sweetest thing?" Rory asked the rest of us, before gaining a server's attention and ordering champagne.

.

Outside the club later, Hestia reached for Sturgis's hand. He grinned. "I say, Hessie, are you giving me a certain signal?"

My gaze flew to Remus. He looked amused over the effect champagne had on the formerly non-demonstrative couple. Hestia giggled, "Perhaps."

"That reminds me of a song," I said to Remus.

"Song?" asked Hestia, her hearing unaffected by alcohol. "What song? Sing a bit for us!"

I shook my head, but the happy couple insisted. I decided to placate them, saying more than singing, "So if you really love me, say yes…"

"And…?" said Hestia.

I couldn't look at Remus. "And please don't tell me, perhaps, perhaps, perhaps."

The way Hestia and Sturgis were staring at each other made me uncomfortable. If they started making out, I didn't want to see it. I said quickly, "Well, it's been fun. We'll have to do this again sometime." Like the fifth of never.

Remus bid them goodnight and allowed me to tug him into motion. We walked in silence for several minutes. I should've been glad Hestia wasn't falling all over Remus anymore. I should have been happy she'd fallen for Sturgis. Instead, an awful mix of frustration and envy knotted my stomach. My steps slowed. In front of a café, I stopped and gazed sightlessly at the menu posted in the window, saying, "That song wasn't about having sex to prove you love someone."

"I never thought it was."

"Because you can love someone, with all your heart, and not be ready."

"I know."

My throat was beginning to ache. I exhaled a shaky breath. "Do you? Because I see Julia, and Cami, and Jenna, and now even Hestia taking a step I haven't, and—" My voice was starting to waver. "And I'm starting to wonder if I need counselling."

Remus wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight, giving me comfort as always. A tear slipped down my cheek. He was so wonderful and I was so mixed up. I wanted so badly to lie with him, skin against skin, no barriers, no reservations, but…I couldn't.

"I'll wait as long as you need." He brushed a kiss across my hair. "If there are certain…issues…you don't feel comfortable talking about, a counsellor may help."

"Yeah?"

Remus kissed my brow softly. "It helped me to talk to someone other than my parents after the attack."

I reached up to thank him with a kiss for being so understanding. After one kiss became several, a faint noise drew my gaze sideways. On the other side of the glass, three café employees were clapping—one with a mop beneath his arm.

Remus chuckled. I waved goodbye to our audience as we walked on, hand in hand.

.

Monday morning, I dragged myself out of bed early in order to talk to Julia before work. She looked up in surprise when I walked into her cubicle, offering a cup of coffee.

"You're so tidy," I said, sipping my own caffè latte. I'd given her cappuccino without the steamed milk.

"You're early, what's up?" she asked, closing a file.

There was no subtle way to approach the subject. I asked bluntly, "Have you ever visited a counsellor?"

Julia's eyes widened. "A Medishrink? No, although I'm sure our department has a few on staff."

I shook my head. "It's not for a work-related issue."

"They offer a wide range of counselling services according to—"

"The manual, I know," I said, "but what it doesn't tell you is if you go see the Medishrink people assume job stress, and it negatively affects your career."

"They shouldn't."

"But they do."

Julia thought for a minute. "I have a cousin who saw a counsellor she really liked."

"Which cousin?"

"Penelope. She was used to receiving top marks, and became…rather upset…when she only Exceeded Expectations in Potions."

I shook my head. "Remember how thrilled I was to see an E on my parchments?"

Julia grinned. "I'll never forget you yelling 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' and Professor Snape telling you to curb your enthusiasm."

I laughed. "Bet that's the only time he's ever heard a female say that."

"I wouldn't be so sure," said Julia. "He does have a sexy voice."

"Eeuwww!" I shuddered. "I don't care. He's still a malevolent bat with greasy hair, and no woman in her right mind would fancy him."

"Was that an admission?" Julia said, leaning forward.

"What?"

"You agreed Snape has a sexy voice."

"No, I didn't!"

"Yes, you did!" Julia fell back in her chair and extended her arms. "Finally!" she said laughingly, "I've felt so alone, all these years."

"You need counselling more than me, mate," I said.

Julia picked up her coffee. "Why do you need counselling, anyway?"

I shrugged. "Just a problem…decision…I can't seem to make."

She frowned. "Is this about Remus?"

"No, he's the best thing that ever happened to me. It's…something else." My gaze flittered everywhere except Julia.

She got the hint that I didn't want to discuss it. Julia said as she consulted her address book and wrote down the Floo direction, "Healer Wells does counselling and psychotherapy, so she should be able to help."

"What's the difference?"

"According to my Aunt, counselling encourages you to talk about your feelings and find ways to tackle the problem you need to deal with. Psychotherapy explores the connection between the present and the past, helping you to understand yourself and your relationships."

"I have no problem understanding the connection between the past and present."

Julia said, "Then counselling is what you want."

"What's this talk about counselling?" Tom asked, stepping into the cubicle.

I stood. "I was just telling Jul I heard couples' counselling really helps…uh…strengthen relationships."

He looked at Julia. "Do you think we need it?"

She shook her head. "I trust you."

I watched Tom's eyes light up. "That means everything to me."

I stepped past him into the corridor, announcing, "I think I'll stand here, drinking my coffee, ignoring any sounds I might hear, idly watching for supervisors or spies."

The first sound I had to ignore was a giggle.

I'd just finished my coffee when Jerry came strolling down the narrow corridor. "Tonks! What are you doing here so early?"

"Drinking coffee."

His brows drew together.

"Bye, lovebirds!" I called, heading for my partner's cubicle.

"Do you hear birdcalls?" Jerry asked.

I nodded. "Better than catcalls."

"I suppose," he said with a smile.

I tossed my empty cup in his rubbish bin. "What's on the agenda for today?"

Jerry picked up a memo and began to read. "Crantz says it's time to have an Auror on the inside of the club."

I said, "Let Stern tend bar. I bet he knows how to make every drink known to man."

"They aren't looking for a barman."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't tell me, I'm stuck with slag duty."

Jerry said, "Slag duty?"

"That's what I un-affectionately call decoy duty for marital enquiries."

"Oh." He was plainly curious, but too polite to ask for details. Jerry shrugged awkwardly and said, "They want you to apply for a wait staff position."

I had to laugh.

.

I pretended to be apologetic when I told my prospective employer, "I don't have much experience." While I spoke, I crossed my legs and tried to tug down my miniskirt. It was an impossible feat, but gained my objective of drawing the man's attention to my legs. They were long, shapely, and lightly tanned—maybe the nicest pair I'd ever morphed.

"That's not a problem, Miss, er…" the wizard looked down at the application written in large, loopy handwriting before smiling as he said my alias, "Lizet."

"Really?" I said, leaning forward. "I'm a fast learner, and I'm really friendly."

The oily-looking manager tore his beady eyes from my cleavage to travel from the top of my blonde head down to the flowers painted on my toenails. "I'll get you a quick-notes quill. All you have to do is hold an order pad and smile."

I raised my hand as if I held a pad in it and flashed a wide, ultra-white smile.

He smiled like a shark and held out his hand. "You start tonight."

I opened sky-blue eyes wide. "Oh, thank you, sir!"

"Call me Sapiro." He escorted me to the employee entrance, opening the door with flourish. His smile faded when he saw Jerry waiting. I shot my partner a go along with this look before throwing my arms around his neck. "I got the job, sweetie!"

In my high-heeled slides, I was almost as tall as Jerry. He kissed my cheek. "Great…baby."

I went with an impulse and gushed, "Maybe now we can move out of your mum's house and get a flat of our own!"

Jerry's eyes widened. "Move? Why? The rent's free!"

"I know, but…" I bit my lip and smiled embarrassedly as I introduced the men. Sapiro nodded curtly, ignored Jerry's outstretched hand as he returned to the club.

I hooked my arm through Jerry's and led him away, whispering fiercely, "He's hardly going to offer me work on the side if he thinks I'm in a happy relationship. Why didn't you wait at the office with Crantz and Stern?"

"They made me uncomfortable," he said, "speculating about your…erm…morphing."

"Were they trying to guess how big I could morph my baps or just wondering why I don't strut around with a showgirl body every day of the week?"

"Uh…both…sorry."

I said, "Don't be. I've heard variations of that rubbish since fifth year. I won't let it bother me."

"You won't?"

We were approaching the central Floo station. I morphed my features back to normal. "Not after I hex the gobshites."

Since Crantz and Stern acted like randy old goats, I gave them horns. I smiled all the way home, remembering their curses and sputtered demands that I rescind the hex. They'd figure out the right counter-curse…eventually.

Bubbles looked up from her magazine as I entered the Blue Moon. "You look extra cheery today. Has your doggie come back from his holiday?"

She thought Snuffles's absentee owner had taken him on holiday. I shook my head. "Not yet."

"That's strange, I had such a feeling…well, I'm sure you'll see him soon!"

I didn't want to pop Bubbles's…bubble…so I smiled. "Maybe."

As I passed the reception desk, my eyes went to her magazine, simply out of Auror habit of noticing pertinent details. It was a bridal mag—a Muggle bridal magazine.

"Lovely dress, isn't it?" Bubbles asked.

My fascination with ivory satin was beginning to alarm me. "Yes."

"I was walking by a newsstand and got the urge to buy it," she said. "There are ever so many interesting articles, even if the pictures don't move." Bubbles frowned. "How can they have moving pictures but not moving pictures?"

I was no expert on technology. "Ask Jimmy. Is he the reason you're looking at that? Has he asked for your ring size or something?"

"Not yet," she said with a dreamy smile. Bubbles lifted the magazine and showed me a page. "Want to know what kind of bride you are? It'll only take a minute to do the quiz. I'm a Fairytale Princess."

I was a Flower Child. After swearing Bubbles to silence, I headed upstairs, shaking my head. So what if I liked the thought of the sky overhead, a carpet of green grass, and a honeymoon on a secluded beach? That didn't mean I was some hippie chick. I just liked fresh flowers and wanted to swim naked. Who wouldn't?

Cami took one look at my expression and said, "Did you do the what-kind-of-bride quiz or the Wedding-Night quiz?"

I gaped. "They try and predict your Wedding Night?"

My friend began tidying her desk. "So I've heard."

I was rabidly curious and didn't want to know at the same time. I sat down and changed the subject, sort of. "How was your latest camping trip?"

I expected a bright smile or an expression as dreamy as Bubbles's had been. It was a shock to see tears fill Cami's eyes. "I'm so worried about Sirius," she whispered. "He's so thin I could count his ribs, and his hair is shaggy and dull again."

"Did you try and talk to him about it?"

"Yes, but he only wanted to eat and…sleep," she admitted embarrassedly.

I slapped a hand on the desk. "Then I wouldn't let him have any sleep until he told me what the hell he's been doing to get in that shape!"

"I know you wouldn't. You have more willpower," Cami said. She took a breath and smiled determinedly. "That's why you and Remus have to come to Scotland. I need your help." Her smile faltered. "Sirius needs your help, so please say yes, you'll come."

I hesitated. I wasn't the camping type, and I hadn't run the idea past Remus.

"Please?"

I said yes.

.

.

A/N: Have you ever liked a theme song more than a show? I'm that way about Coupling. The theme song, by Cake, was fab! Everyone who's missed Sirius truly, madly, deeply this fic will be glad to know Tonks and Remus head to Scotland next chap- after she goes undercover- and not in a good way:D! Of course, if everyone read 'Semi Charmed Life', they'd be getting a Marauder!Sirius fix, lol. The reviewers I'd have missed deeply if they hadn't given me my 'fix' of a review last chap were…...… 40/16 AAMLrox alix33 amattsonperdue Arilla Rossi Bardlover cupcakeswirl Elspeth Bates Embellished emily EmilyDaniellePotter Fauzia FNP Freja Lercke-Falkenborg GraceRichie ishandtwofourths Kates Master katieweasley Lady Bracknell ladyofthebookworms Lerie Lizet M MagicalMischiefMakersInc MollyCoddles mon-ami-runa Nessime Polaris101 ronandhermy sexyface Sivaroobini Lupin-Black Slipknot-3113 and sunny9847