May, 1980

"Why is this in the trolley?" Áine asked.

"Because they will need it." Sirius answered with a shrug.

"Really? They'll need a bottle of Firewhiskey while taking care of their newborn babe?"

"You never know. Being a parent seems like hard work." He shrugged.

"I don't know how I got roped into baby-shopping with you." She sighed, a smile on her face.

"It's a Godparent's duty." He joked, feigning seriousness.

"Oh, shut up." She groaned, adding a slew of different bibs to the trolley.

She knew that they were here shopping for the upcoming baby because James and Lily were laying low. Lily was too vulnerable now. Though had a handful of protective charms on their home to alert them of unwanted visitors, those charms didn't offer protection anywhere else. With how dangerous things were becoming and after the Potters' last brush with Death Eaters nobody thought it safe for Lily to be out and about, which is why the two of them were here shopping for diapers instead of the expecting parents.

"This should be all they need." Áine expressed as they neared the checkout counter.

"Think he'll like these?"

She turned to see Sirius holding a pair of child's sunglasses up to his face, a broad smile on his lips.

"He's a baby, he'll probably try to eat them." She laughed.

"He'll need some sort of eye protection when I take him out for his first ride on the bike." He reasoned.

"Lily would murder you."

"She doesn't have to know. We could offer to babysit one day and I'll just take him for a quick spin."

"We?" She asked, unloading their items to be bagged up at the register. "Oh no, there's no we wherever our godson and your schemes are involved. I'd like to live long enough to watch him grow up a bit. Lily will murder you."

"I'm getting them." Sirius decided, plopping the sunglasses on top of a stack of soft onesies.

"It's your funeral." She shrugged, pushing the emptied trolley up past the register.

"Good afternoon!" Greeted the witch that was quickly ringing them up.

"Hello." Áine smiled warmly.

"I hope you found everything alright."

"Yes, thank you. At least I think we did. We can always come back if we need anything else down the line."

"You two must be awfully excited about the new addition! It seems a little early on to be stocking up on all of this. You can't even be at the halfway mark yet, you're so tiny!"

Áine's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion for a moment, until the woman's eyes flitted over her very unpregnant belly. She opened her mouth to correct her, but to her dismay Sirius spoke first.

"We are very excited." He agreed, his mischievous grin directed at Áine as he reached a hand down and placed it over her flat stomach. "We've only just found out, but we couldn't wait to start planning. Isn't that right, sweetheart?"

"Uh...um... r-right. So excited." She stammered nervously.

She could feel her face heating up as the employee beamed up at Sirius admirably. He ignored the glare that Áine was shooting his way.

"I see that you've bought a lot of boy things... have you picked out a name?" The lady asked them excitedly.

"Wilberforce Mephistopheles." Sirius stated with unwavering confidence, his expression portraying that of a proud expectant father.

"Oh..." The witch deflated, failing to mask the look of horror on her face. "Well that's... that's lovely."

Áine could hardly contain the laugh that threatened to erupt as Sirius kept in character.

"It's a family name, you see. Very much respected."

"That's, uh, very interesting. Well, congratulations on your newest edition."

"Thank you kindly." Sirius beamed at her again with a nod of his head, placing a hand on the small of Áine's back.

"Come on darling, let's get you home and off your feet."

They barely made it to the exit before they both bursted with laughter, doubling over as they tried to catch their breath.

"Did you see her face?"

"She had no idea what to say! You horrified the poor woman."

"She'll be alright. I imagine it will be a rather interesting story to tell her friends later."

"You really are impossible. Load these in here will you while I start the truck."

She hopped into the cab of her mother's old pickup truck that she enjoyed driving around from time to time and started the engine. Not many witches knew how to drive a muggle vehicle, and it was something she'd always been happy that she had learned. Sometimes a long drive was the perfect way to clear her head.

When Sirius joined her in the cab he flipped on the radio as they began the twenty minute journey to the Potter's flat. They laughed again at the look on the shop clerk's face as they drove, the late afternoon sun shining overhead. It was a fine mid-Spring day, and her spirits were higher than they had been for some time. It was obvious that Sirius had quite a bit to do with that, as he'd kept her highly entertained all afternoon. It had been a nice break from her near constant feelings of worry that made her feel like she swallowed a stone.

Things were getting bad, everywhere. Muggles we're being slain for sport, and witches and wizards everywhere were too afraid to even leave their homes unless they had to. Death and loss were a part of every day now, as members of the order they had lost more friends and allies recently than they cared to admit.

"I know this song. It was playing in that cafè that we went to on our first date after you introduced me to your mum." Sirius said, breaking the silence and turning up the volume on the radio.

"It wasn't a date. And I most certainly did not introduce you." She reminded him sternly, but he didn't seem to be listening.

"I've just got to tell her that I love her endlessly, because love grows where my Rosemary goes, and nobody knows like me!" He sang along with the song, and she couldn't help but smile.

"How do you remember the words to this song but you can't seem to remember that it was not a date?"

"Well, you looked beautiful. I was very focused on admiring you while you stirred your tea, listening to this song as it played. I think about it quite often."

"Oh do you now?" She laughed, feeling her heart flutter.

"Yep. Not as often as I think about the night of James and Lily's wedding when you did that thing with your t-"

"Fuck me! Did you have to bring that up? We were actually having a decent time for a moment!"

"That night was much more than just a decent time."

"I will pull this truck over and make ya walk, you know."

"I wouldn't have to walk far, then I could just apparate. Then you'd be stuck getting all this baby nonsense inside alone."

Áine sighed, shaking her head with a smile. There was no getting ahead of this man. He seemed quite pleased with himself as he rested his head back against the seat and sang along with the music again.

"I just gotta say, she's really got a magical spell and it's working so well that I can't get away."

"I saw Alice the other day." Áine remembered just then, interrupting his singing.

"I haven't seen her in forever. I've only seen Frank once since the wedding. How are they?"

"They're having a baby too. Due around the same time as Lily."

"Really?" He asked interestedly.

"Yeah."

"It seems as though everyone is having babies."

"It would seem so."

"Yet I can't even get you to agree to a real date with me." He smirked.

"Well I guess that's just the way the cookie crumbles, isn't it?" She laughed.

"I suppose. Just wait though, as soon as this war is over I'm going to take you out on the best date of your life. You'll wonder why you ever waited so long."

"I look forward to it."

She met his gaze for a moment, before looking back at the road. His genuine smile was disarming. If she was honest with herself, she couldn't wait for the day that she could let herself be with him and not have a worry in the world. Even though it seemed nearly impossible,

After awhile they pulled up to the Potter's flat and Áine had parked the truck near the curb. Remus was on his way out, and Peter had just arrived. The guys were all rather giddy at having happened to all be at the same place at the same time unexpectedly, and Áine was struggling to stay on task as they instantly broke out into their usual chaos.

"Peter, don't entertain James and his childish behavior. It isn't funny, Sirius! Make him leave that poor cat alone." Áine admonished the men that were acting like children as they cornered the fat ginger cat that was currently outfitted in a blue baby bonnet and hiding in the bushes.

"Áine, look at him. He's so ugly, a few accessories couldn't hurt." James whined.

"He's not that ugly. Cuter than Sirius anyway." She joked, sending a quick and mischievous smile his way.

"That's not true and you know it! Take it back!" Sirius protested, looking wounded.

"I'll do no such thing. Now leave the cat be before Lily sees you. She wouldn't find it amusing, would she?"

"Find what amusing?"

Lily's voice fluttered from the balcony above them, and James quickly hid his wand.

"Nothing, Lil. Be right up!" She called up to her friend innocently.

"I can't wait to see what you've picked out!"

The five of them all feigned innocence as Lily disappeared from the balcony before resuming their fun.

"I swear, all men stop maturing at the tender age of seven." She muttered to herself as she grabbed a few bags from the bed of the pickup.

As she made her way up the steps, one of the bags exploded with a loud crack. She squealed in surprise as she lost her footing and fell backward off the steps. In the next moment she was staring up into the perfect grey eyes of Sirius, who had caught her before she fell to the ground. She didn't speak, the shock of falling and the delicious thrill of being held tight in his arms rendering her momentarily speechless.

"You are impossible! The lot of you! Peter, Remus, I expected better of the two of you at the very least!" She recovered as Sirius stood her right side up.

"Sorry, Áine. Just having a bit of fun." Remus explained, a smile still present on his lips.

"Help me out with these, will you Peter? Bring them upstairs and set them on the dining table."

"Sure thing." Peter agreed, shooting his mates a smile over his shoulder as he grabbed a few bags and followed the blonde up to the flat.

Once he had placed the bags on the table as instructed, Peter turned to Áine.

"You ought to let them have their fun, you know." He muttered quietly to her.

"Is that so?" She asked absently, looking over the contents of the bags they had brought in.

"James is a nervous wreck half the time between the Order and his impending fatherhood. It's good for him to get in a laugh when he can."

"And Sirius? What's his excuse?" She asked, narrowing her eyes at him and smiling a little.

"Has he ever needed one?" Peter grinned back.

"I suppose you're right." Áine laughed, shaking her head. "I've just been so worried about them, about Lily. She's been quite a ball of nerves herself and I know you boys often drive her mad."

"Now leave Remus and I out of it, you know very well that Sirius and James are the ones that cause the most trouble."

Áine smiled wider, nodding her head in agreement. There was a moment that passed quietly between them as they regarded each other, before Áine spoke again.

"I worry about what raising a child will be like for them when they can't even leave their home without worrying they'll be attacked. What will that do to them? What will it be like for their son?"

"I've wondered about it myself. I believe we all have. I guess we'll have no choice now but to see how it plays out. Children have been born in the midst of war before and survived. Not too unlike yourself if I'm not mistaken?"

"I... I wasn't born into war necessarily but my childhood was directly affected- hang on, how is it that you know that about me?"

"I know I'm quieter than James and Sirius, and even Remus... but I'm not stupid. I listen to things, you know."

"I'm so sorry, I never meant to imply that you were... hey! I've just remembered, would you like to help me with something that will be guaranteed to annoy the shite out of Sirius?"

"Absolutely I do." Peter agreed, smiling.

"What are you two whispering about in here?" Lily asked as she came into the room.

"We were just plotting against Sirius. Care to join?" Peter answered.

"Unfortunately not right now, as fun as that sounds. I'd like to go through this stuff and see what we've got."

"If there's anything else you need just let me know and I'll gladly pick it up for you. I know we must have overlooked at least one thing." Áine smile at her friend, who was running a hand over a pair soft, tiny pajamas that she had pulled from one of the bags.

"Pete... this bag, I believe. Anything you see that's pink or sparkly, that's what we'll need." Áine then said to Peter.

"Anything pink or sparkly?" Peter repeated.

"Yes. We're going to make that motorbike so shiny that you could see it from Mars, and we need to hurry so he doesn't catch on to us."

Áine stretched as she pushed her glass of a firewhiskey away from her. She was getting sleepy now, and it was getting late.

"I have to turn in for the night. I'm too tired for any more sorting." She groaned, stretching in her chair.

The rest of their friends had left the get-together, Sirius only just taking his leave a few moments before.

"You've been more than helpful." James assured her, standing up and offering her a hand.

She accepted, rising lazily out of the armchair and yawning deeply.

"It was nothing." She assured, gathering up her coat.

"You mean the world to us, you know."

Lily's voice reached her ears just then and she paused, turning to look at her friend.

"I mean that Áine. I don't know what we would do without you."

"Probably die." Áine joked, hugging Lily tightly.

"Most likely, yeah. I wouldn't have made it this far without you." Lily smiled at her.

Áine stilled a moment, watching her best friend rub her pregnant belly before leaning in to her husband. She watched the two of them intently. They seemed so at home with one another, so happy and like they couldn't wait to get a moment alone.

"I'll see you soon, Lil. I have to get home-"

"To your ma." James finished, a devilish smirk on his face as he gazed at his wife.

"Yes. To my ma." she agreed quietly, watching them.

What would it be like to be loved so deeply? She wondered this again as she gathered her things and said her goodbyes. What a great love they must have to triumph over all of the evil things that they had witnessed over the last few months. They were made for each other.

Once she stepped out of the fireplace in her own home she yawned. It had been a fun day off, but she was exhausted from lack of sleep and stress and overwork. She smiled at her mother, who was in her chair for the evening as was expected.

"Hey." She greeted, kicking off her shoes next to the hearth.

"You really mustn't appear like that after dark. You gave me quite a turn, child!" Her mother scolded.

"Sorry, it's habit I suppose. I'll try to remember to come through the front door next time."

"I'd thank you for it." The elder woman admonished. "Where have you been, out this late? With that boy, were ya?"

"No mam. Well, yes... but I was with the whole lot at Lily's. Except Remus, he had to leave shortly after I arrived. We got some things for Lily's baby."

Áine disregarded her mother's knowing look, not wanting to get into it tonight. She knew that her mother adored Sirius after they met the last time, but she couldn't exactly explain her reasons why she refused to entertain the idea of a real relationship with him. That would only worry her, and Áine didn't want to do that.

"Ah, I can't wait to meet the wee thing. She's due soon, is she not?"

"In July."

"Oh good. Well, I made her a baby blanket you can take with ya next time you see her."

Áine reached out to admire the soft red blanket but before she could compliment the quality there was a knock at the front door.

"Whose knockin' at this hour?!" Her mother asked incredulously, reaching for her cane.

"Mam, stay put! I'll get it."

"Oh, fine, ya stubborn child."

Áine didn't reply as she approached the entryway and drew her wand from her pocket. She gripped it tight, leaning against the door and peering through the peep-hole. Her whole body relaxed and a smile touched the corners of her lips when she recognized Sirius standing on the front step, his tall frame looking flustered. She opened the door with a broad grin.

"Well hello." She teased in greeting.

"You are the absolute worst, you know that?" He growled, narrowing his eyes at her as he rested his hands on either side of the doorframe beside her head.

"I don't know what you mean, Sirius. Has something happened?" She asked, feigning innocence.

"You know bloody hell what happened. Undo it all, now, or I'll-"

"Or you'll what, exactly?"

"Or else I'll- I'll be very angry at you." He said.

"Oh, goodness me!" She exclaimed dramatically. "Sirius Black, angry with me! Whatever shall I do?!"

"Is that Sirius?" Her mother's voice called from the sitting room.

The two of them both exchanged a stern look before Sirius drew himself up to his full height.

"Yes ma'am. I've come to see to it that Áine got home safely, and that you are both well on this fine Spring evening."

Áine recognized the tone in his voice. He was telling her mother what she wanted to hear, yet not giving away Áine's prank that she had pulled on him. Just the same way she hadn't told Lily what they were doing to her beloved cat earlier, despite her threats.

"That is mighty kind of you, boy. Has my daughter not scared you off yet?"

"No ma'am." Sirius replied, shooting Áine a smirk that she returned with rolling eyes. "She'd have to work much harder to do that."

Their eyes met again, and Áine shook her head in exasperation. She didn't need him to raise her mothers hopes on the matter.

"Trust me, I'll be working much harder from now on." She told the both of them.

Once her mother retired to bed for the evening and Áine had saw her up the stairs, she returned to the sitting room to find Sirius still there. He was looking up at her expectantly, and she laughed.

"Trouble with your motorbike I expect?" She teased.

"Trouble is right... you need to take that shit off my bike." He said, and she could tell he was doing his best to keep his voice even.

"Why? They're pretty."

"You're pretty too, but you don't see me riding you all over the city." He argued, making Áine feel suddenly weak at the knees.

"Alright, alright, I'll help you. Don't get your panties all in a twist." She laughed again.

The next hour and a half was spent in the back yard helping Sirius charm the sparkly pink gems off his bike out of view of any muggles out for a stroll, the two of them sending playful jabs at one another as they went.

"You have to take that off. I'm serious, Áine." He said, pointing to an array of gems that were in the shape of a penis and balls.

"I think I rather like that one." She replied.

"I will curse you if you don't get them off there. This is not amusing." He scolded as she laughed deeply.

Áine was having the time of her life watching Sirius fret. He always managed to have the upper hand somehow, so it was refreshing to see him taste a bit of his own medicine. She'd put a strong sticking charm on many of them, and they were finally almost finished.

"I'm quite entertained." She countered, her eyes glinting up at him.

He hated that she was so beautiful, hated that he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her. Though he was trying to respect her wishes and keep his distance romantically, days like today made it especially difficult. His desire to kiss her, to touch her, it only grew with the time he spent in her company.

"You vex me, woman." He murmured quietly. "This is my bike… my most favorite possession in the world. I will not have a sparkley pink dick on the side of it. Please take it off."

"Alright, only because you said please. It's about time you learned a few manners." She grinned widely, tapping one of the gems a few times to begin removing her artwork.

"Thank you." He mocked cheekily, holding a hand out to hold the gems she removed for her.

"You really should leave a few." She stated after she was finished.

"And why would I do that?"

"Something to remember me by." She said simply.

"Are you going somewhere?"

"No. I just know how your mind can wander."

She put the last gem in his palm and straightened up. He was standing close to her now, his eyes trained intently on her own.

"Áine," He spoke softly.

"Hmm?"

The mood between them had shifted suddenly, and her heart began to race. She knew there was no fighting it, not now that he was this close and they were alone. She could feel her own burning need to feel his touch on her skin, to breathe him in, to hold him close.

"You have to know by now that there's no way in hell I could ever forget you."

His voice was so quiet that it was just barely over a whisper. Although he knew he shouldn't, he couldn't seem to stop himself from lowering his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Relief, surprise and excitement washed over him when she raised up on her tiptoes to kiss him back.

Within seconds, the feather light kisses had turned into a fervent desperation. Her hands held tight to his neck and shoulders as he pulled her against him, kissing her again and again. He couldn't get enough. She was addicting, and she was just as into it as he was.

A small gasp escaped her lips when he cupped her backside, lifting her off the ground and sitting her on the seat of his bike. He had fantasized about this more than once, although in his fantasies she had much less clothing on. After a moment, his lips trailed down the side of her neck and nibbled at her ear. He smiled against her soft skin when she moaned softly.

Leaving a few more kisses along her collarbone he then slowly made his way back to her lips. He kissed her deeply, pulling her as tightly as he dared and relishing every second. Eventually Áine chipped the side of his face, pulling away only a little and running a thumb over his now swollen bottom lip.

"I'm sorry." He whispered.

She shook her head.

"You didn't do anything wrong." She whispered back.

He smiled, kissing her again.

"Are you sure?"

"Don't make it weird." She teased with another kiss. "I better get inside. It's getting late and I have to work early."

"Okay."

They kissed again as he helped her off the bike. Her legs felt like jelly, her heart was racing, and she couldn't stop smiling if she tried.

"G'night." She told him, but as she turned away he caught her hand and brought her in for one more kiss.

"Goodnight, Áine."

He let her go, and she had to keep herself from skipping to the front door. She turned to look at him just before she disappeared into the house, the smile still on her face. When the door shut and the lock clicked, he punched the air with his fist triumphantly. He grinned widely into the empty evening, walking out the back gate and down the alley behind her house.

While his mind swam deliciously with fresh memories of her, he suddenly remembered about his bike. Feeling rather stupid, he jogged back to Áine's back yard and grabbed it. He walked it at least a block away before he roared the engine to life, looking around before he rose into the air and off into the night with a sudden and thrilling burst of energy.