Chapter 3: Dinner In Awkward Town

"Stop stretching your sleeves," Lily said taking Remus' hand out of his sleeves.

"Sorry I haven't had human contact with anyone for a month." Remus apologized with attitude.

"I know you're a huge introvert, but that's a little much." Lily noted.

"Whatever." They walked towards the house, and Lily rang the doorbell.

Sirius opened the door. "Hey come on in, James is attempting to tame his hair."

"Hi, you must be Sirius." Lily observed.

"That's me. Nice to meet you, Lily." He smiled. "I'm just going to be-" Sirius noticed Remus who was standing awkwardly.

Lily nudged Remus. "Oh, um, hello." he spoke softly.

"Hi, you must be Remus." Sirius said, smiling tenderly.

"Hi, guys." James entered the room smiling at everyone. He noticed Sirius looking at Remus. "You joining us, Sirius?"

"Uh-" He broke from his trance. "Y-yeah, yeah."

During dinner, Sirius couldn't take his eyes off Remus. Sirius felt drawn to him. He couldn't tell if it was the slight curliness to his hair, the way one of his eyes was almost covered, or his scars that showed vulnerability but also strength. Sirius meant to only glance once, but that wasn't enough time to take in the persona that is Remus Lupin.

Remus noticed Sirius' stares. He wasn't sure whether to be uncomfortable or flattered. He couldn't tell why someone like Sirius would look at him. He was the definition of punk rock with his long black hair and beautiful grey eyes. Yet he was the one looking at the guy in an oversized sweater.

Lily noticed the two. Sirius was not meaning to but was staring at Remus, and Remus was awkwardly avoiding all eye contact. James was the only one she could see actually functioning. They left not too soon after.

"Hey, Remus. I know he was acting kind of weird back there, but he's actually cooler than that." James said holding a piece of paper "I hope you'll give him a call."

"Oh," Remus whispered, not realizing he wasn't using a normal tone. "Thank you."

"What was that?" Lily asked Remus as he sat down in the car.

"I'll tell you when you actually start to drive." Remus responded.

"Ok, ok." Lily pulled out of the driveway and started to the apartment. "So?"

Remus opened the piece of paper. "It's Sirius' number."

"You should call him." Lily suggested.

"Yeah, that's a no."

Lily looked at him quickly. "What, why?"

"I don't know. I'm just not that type of person." Remus spoke quietly.

"But you could be." Lily told him hopefully.

"Not likely." Remus answered shortly

"Come on Remus give him a chance." She continued.

"But-"

"Yes, ok. It was really awkward, but he wasn't expecting you to be you." Explained Lily still looking at the road.

"What do you mean?" Remus asked.

Lily smiled slightly. "Well, when you picture someone who writes a book about feeling trapped by their scars what do you see?"

Remus looked at Lily, puzzled. "Lily, what-"

"What do you see?"

"I see anyone who goes through that type of thing. Being thought of as hostile for one simple part of you." Remus whispered looking down.

"Remus he wasn't expecting an awkward introvert in an oversized sweater to show up on his doorstep," Lily told him.

"Lily-"

"That's not who he thought wrote the book."

Remus was confused. "He read my book?"

"Not the point." she muttered.

Remus sat quietly looking at the number and thinking about Sirius.

The car stopped. "So?"

Remus sighed.