Written for:

Quidditch League Round 3 - Team: Montrose Magpies - Position: Chaser 3

.

Chaser 3 Prompt - Wait For It: Write about someone holding back about something. I've written both Remus and Sirius holding back information about themselves (Sirius' past, Sirius' Squib status, and Remus' Lycanthropy).

Song Lyric used: Love doesn't discriminate

Additional Prompts - 2. (object) book / 10. (dialogue) "What can I say? I'm always right." / 13. (emotion) relief

Also written for:

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry -

Assignment 9 - Journalism 1 - Task #1 - Investigative: Write about someone unsuccessfully hiding the truth about something.

A/N - This is set in the late 70s to follow a canon timeline, though the whole story diverts from canon as Sirius and Remus both don't attend Hogwarts. It has era appropriate homophobia (very background)

Betas: Sophie, Shay

Worthy

Remus walks past the man leaning against the motorbike on his way to the bookshop. The latest Muggle book in the supernatural series Moonmates is out, and though it's somewhat cliche and corny, it also paints Werewolves in a good light rather than as evil monsters. Sometimes Remus needs the kind words.

He's not going to find them in Diagon Alley.

He gets a quick glimpse of the man before looking away. The stranger is gorgeous, but society isn't accepting in the Muggle world. Checking out men could get him into trouble.

Once inside, he avoids looking towards the stranger through the big glass window. He quickly pays for the book and slips it into his satchel.

As he leaves, he bumps into someone who is rushing inside. The man stumbles and Remus instinctively reaches out, steadying him. The man grabs at Remus in his attempt to not fall. Remus' eyes widen as he realises it's the stranger.

He stares. Sharp cheekbones, an upturned nose and stormy grey eyes. "You must really want a book, I've not seen anyone in such a hurry to get into a bookshop before."

The man's lips twist into a grin and his hand lingers on Remus' arm. His gaze darts across Remus' face and Remus feels self-conscious. He knows his lips are too thin, his nose too long. There's the scar that runs across his face.

The guy uses his other hand to reach up, touching the bun on the back of his head where a few stray curls attempt to escape. "Actually, I saw you through the window and really needed to meet you. I'm Sirius Black."

"What? Why?"

"Why not? What's your name?"

"Remus."

"Tell me, Remus. Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I bump into you again?"

Remus wants to laugh at the corny pick up line, but he's in shock that this Muggle is chatting him up.

"I…. I'm starting to come around to the idea," Remus admits.

"Good to know." Sirius looks delighted at this reply. He shifts closer, but someone shouts Sirius' name.

They both turn their heads. A man with messy black hair and glasses is walking their way and Sirius sighs, visibly disappointed.

"What bad timing. Well, call me." He starts to leave.

"Wait. Do you want to exchange numbers?" Remus asks, his cheeks reddening.

"Did you really think I'd leave without giving my number?" Sirius responds, turning and grinning cheekily. "Check your pocket."

Remus stares for a moment before slipping his hand into his pocket. He pulls out a slip of paper with Sirius' name and number.

"How'd you manage that?" Remus asks. "When?"

"What can I say? I'm very good with my hands," Sirius murmurs. Remus doesn't miss the inflection in his tone, and the obvious wink Sirius sends his way. "Make sure to leave your number when you call. I gotta go, my friend James is waiting."

Sirius walks away, Remus watching him. When he reaches James, he murmurs something and the pair turn and look at Remus.

Sirius blows him a kiss and Remus can't help but smile before turning to go home.

~x~

"Hi Sirius, It's Remus. Uh, Remus from the bookshop. We bumped into each other and… I thought I'd leave a message with my number in case you wanted to hang out sometime?" He pauses for a moment. "Coffee? I mean, I don't drink coffee but… but I drink tea. Hot chocolate mostly. Right. Well… I hope I hear back from you." He quickly rattles off his own number before replacing the phone on the hook.

~x~

The phone rings just as Remus returns from work. He strides over to answer.

"Hello?"

"Remus!" Sirius sounds utterly delighted. "I've been thinking about you all week. Sorry I didn't call back yesterday—I was having dinner with James and our parents."

"Parents? I thought James was your friend?" Remus asks, a little confused.

"Yeah, his parents adopted me when I was eleven. Long story. So he's my best friend but also family," Sirius explains. "I got home late and got your message. I was tempted to call last night, but didn't want to wake you. I thought I'd try after class."

"You're a student?" Remus asks.

"Yeah. I'm learning to be a chef," Sirius tells him. "I also do art, but that's more of a hobby."

"That sounds really interesting."

"It is, and I'll tell you about it over a romantic dinner later. Or any night this week if tonight isn't good."

"Any night?"

"I fancy you, Remus. I want to get to know you. I can fit the date around your schedule, whenever you want." There's a hint of uncertainty in Sirius' voice.

Remus glances at his calendar. It's the full moon tomorrow night and he's already feeling a little tired, but he doesn't want to put this date off. With his transformation, it'll take a few days to get back on his feet. "I can be ready in half an hour."

~x~

"You know London well," Remus comments as they slowly stroll around.

"Yeah. I grew up here," Sirius replies. "Both my old and my proper family live in London. I've so many memories of being brought around to see the sights—Big Ben, art museums, history museums, the waxworks place. Parades, Christmas lights..."

"Madame Tussaud's," Remus murmurs. "Yeah, my parents brought me there. I used to pretend I was someone important and that one day I'd have my own waxwork."

Sirius glances around. "Remus, you're important. Mama-D taught me that everyone matters. We're not all going to be celebrities or... but it doesn't mean we don't have our value. I for one think you're very important."

"You seem very sure of that," Remus comments.

"What can I say? I'm always right."

"Have you felt unimportant?"

"In my first family, there were very high expectations—ones I found out I'd never meet," Sirius answers. "Pops taught me that though I won't be that Sirius, I'm going to still be the best version of myself, because I'll be happy and free to make my own choices." He takes Remus' hand in his. "I'm very happy. I'm having a great time, though I'm feeling quite hungry. Food? Wherever you want to eat."

Remus glances around. He can see the lights of TGI Fridays in the distance.

"How about there?" Remus asks. It's a little more pricey than Remus likes, but he can spare the money for a first date.

"I've never been there," Sirius admits. "But I'm all for trying something new." Hand in hand they walk up the street. People stare, people whisper, but Sirius doesn't seem to care. He proudly holds Remus' hand in his.

~x~

Remus looks around Sirius' flat in interest. He glances at the videos in the unit near the tv, surprised that Sirius can afford a VCR.

"We can watch a film," Sirius offers. "After dinner—whichever one you want."

Remus nods. He's not seen many of the films. He has to wait for them to finally be on television. "Is Halloween any good?"

"A bit scary, but it's cool. I'll keep you safe," Sirius insists. Remus smiles as he scans the back of the case. He knows that if something were to ever happen, it'd be him protecting Sirius. His boyfriend is a Muggle after all, and Remus has the advantage of magic.

He sets it back, picking up Animal House instead. He's glad Sirius invited him over for dinner—the full moon is the following night and Remus is feeling more tired by the hour.

"You pick a film. I'll serve dinner."

Remus looks at the rest of the films, his eyes lingering on a few he's wanted to see. Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

He reaches for Halloween again, hoping that Sirius plans to cuddle into Remus to 'protect' him, which would be perfect.

"Remus, you ready?" Sirius calls nervously. Remus sets the video down and heads to the kitchen.

He pauses in the doorway. There's a little jar with a rose in the middle of the table, and a few candles on the counter, setting a romantic scene.

"You did all of this for me?"

"It's our one-month anniversary," Sirius explains. "I wanted to make it special. Every moment with you is special."

"It looks amazing. Is this why you didn't need help?"

"I wanted to surprise you. So… are you?"

"Very. I'm sorry, I didn't do anything for you. I didn't know monthly anniversaries get celebrated. I've not really dated much and never reached a month."

Sirius' smile softens. "You're with me now and we're going to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. I can see a lot of celebrations in our future."

"Future," Remus whispers, smiling. He's been trying to avoid planning any sort of future because it means that one day he'll have to tell them the truth about what he is—one day he'll have to face the moment where he loses someone.

He'll deal with that day when it comes.

He sits, looking at the spaghetti bolognaise in front of him.

"I made the sauce myself," Sirius says proudly, moving the jar with the flower aside, and placing the garlic bread in the middle of the table. "Help yourself."

Remus reaches for his fork, and upon his first bite, realises just how talented Sirius is. The food is delicious.

"This is amazing," he murmurs. Sirius smiles before he begins to eat himself.

The evening is perfect.

~x~

The kissing stops when Sirius' hand slips under Remus' t-shirt and towards the scars on his hip. He panics. He pulls away.

"Is everything alright? I wasn't moving too fast, was I?"

Remus tries to think of a way to explain without revealing what he is. "I'm not ready to go any further than kissing," he finally offers.

"That's fine. There's no rush," Sirius insists. "We have all the time in the world."

That's when it hits Remus that they don't. They have until Sirius learns Remus' secret. He moves closer to Sirius and Sirius puts his arm around Remus, quickly feeling the change of mood. They finish watching the film, and Sirius insists on dropping Remus home.

"We're okay, right?" Sirius checks.

Remus nods. "Perfect. Happy Anniversary."

Sirius leans in for a kiss. Remus feels his warm exhale before their lips meet and Sirius' fingers gently press against the back of his neck.

When they pull apart, Sirius smiles. "Happy Anniversary, luv."

~x~

Remus is getting ready for the full moon when the phone rings. He worked a morning shift, but it's a half day for him, and tomorrow is his day off. He's spent the rest of the day sleeping and hasn't had a chance to check his messages. He's sure the phone rang earlier, but he can check the messages when he's recovered.

He glances at the clock. There's no time to take a call. It's most likely work to check if he can work tomorrow after all—they do it every month—and he doesn't have time or energy for it.

He ignores the phone and he gets into the floo to go to his parents' house.

Sirius hopes that Remus will answer. He can't help but think he screwed up the previous evening, and Remus hasn't answered the phone since. He sighs softly as it goes to the answering machine—again.

"Hi, luv, it's Sirius…" he begins.

~x~

Remus' head is pounding as he returns from the shop. He's still recovering from the full moon the night before, but he needed milk and thought he could manage the trip to the shop down the road.

He's almost stumbling when he reaches his door, but freezes at the sight of Sirius sitting there, waiting.

"You're back. Can we talk?" Sirius asks.

Remus hesitates. "I'm not feeling too well. Can it wait a day or two?"

"You're sick—that explains why you've not answered my calls," Sirius says, relieved. "I thought you were upset at me. I'll help you inside. We're okay, right? You're not avoiding me?"

Remus shakes his head. He's so exhausted. "We're good. Give me another day or two and… and we can do something?"

"Saturday's perfect." Sirius beams at him and takes the key from his hand. "Allow me." He opens the door. "Tea?"

Remus lets out a wide yawn.

"No, you get ready for bed and I'll make you a sandwich and put it in the fridge for later. Unless you've got a sore throat—then I'll make you soup."

"My throat is fine," Remus murmurs. "I'll be okay tomorrow."

"Great. Well, go get changed and I'll be in the kitchen. I can stick around."

"You're sweet."

"You deserve it."

Remus stumbles through the flat and into his bedroom. He changes into his pyjamas, tossing his clothes onto the chair in the corner and he slips his wand under his mattress, out of sight.

He heads back to the kitchen. The sandwich is already on the counter, but Sirius is staring at the calendar, clutching a pencil, with a frown on his face..

"Sirius?"

"You know, I was planning on adding stuff. Our date, a note when our six month anniversary is, and also I was looking for your birthday."

"Okay…" Remus murmurs, confused.

"You've marked every full moon. It has a little FM in the corner of each one."

A wave of panic begins to come over Remus. His fingers clench against the door-frame as he tries to keep himself steady.

"The last full moon was last night," Sirius comments quietly. "It coincides with you not answering your phone, and being unwell today. Remus, tell me that you're not… magic." There's a pleading tone in his voice. "Please."

Remus tries desperately to think of something, anything to tell him.

"Oh," Sirius finally whispers. "I'm really sorry, but I have to go. I don't… I'm not sure… I didn't think…" he pauses and takes a deep breath. "Take care of yourself and get some rest."

He rushes out of the flat, and Remus feels tears come to his eyes.

He thought they'd have a bit more time. He hoped that when it came to it, Sirius would still want to be with him.

~x~

The month drags. Sirius doesn't call and Remus knows he's lost him. Remus spends the month listening to old answer machine messages that Sirius has left.

The next full moon arrives.

~x~

"Remus, are you okay?"

Remus opens his eyes and for a moment, he thinks he's dreaming. "Sirius?"

He tries to stand, but he feels weak. It's been about four hours since he's transformed back. "What are you doing here?"

"Lay down," Sirius insists. "I was worried. I came to check on you."

"How'd you get in?"

"Uh. James opened the door for me. We need to talk, I… maybe later though, you look tired. I could come back."

Remus grabs his arm. "No. Let's talk now." No matter how tired he is, he doesn't want Sirius to leave again. What if he doesn't actually return?

Sirius helps Remus into a sitting position, fixing the blanket around him before sitting next to him.

"I'm sorry," the pair say at the same time, causing Sirius to laugh softly.

"I get why you kept the secret. Laws and stuff, right?"

Remus nods. Sirius talks like he knows of the magical world, which would explain how he worked out Remus' Lycanthropy so quickly, but it doesn't add up. Sirius talked about Muggle high-school, he lives a Muggle life.

"I didn't get a letter to Hogwarts," Sirius explains. "When it didn't come, they abandoned Potters adopted me, but James still went to Hogwarts. Mama-D taught me how to live in the Muggle world. I decided that I wouldn't have magic in my life, with the exception of the Potters. But then you came along and you're a Wizard…" he sighs softly.

"But that doesn't change what I am. I'm still a monster. I understand why you left."

"And that tells me that you don't understand," Sirius says, reaching out to take Remus' hand. "I left because you're a Wizard, not because you're a Werewolf. I panicked, so I ran. James sat me down and told me that love is worth fighting for. I love you, Remus, and if you do magic, I can live with that. You're worth it. Last night was hell. What if something had happened to you? I'd never know. I knew I had to return."

"You don't care that I'm a Werewolf?"

Sirius shakes his head. "Love doesn't discriminate. I just regret being a Squib, because if I had magic, I could help you. I could heal you. I could… I don't know—maybe I'd have been so great at magic that I'd find a cure."

"I prefer you as you are," Remus insists. Suddenly he understands Sirius much better. "I barely use magic," he's quick to point out. "Just around the full moon when I struggle, or for emergencies."

"If you can forgive me and still want me, I'll make sure to be around after each full moon to look after you."

"I forgive you," Remus insists. "I love you too. I thought that if you found out the truth, you'd leave. I never imagined you'd still want me—that I'd be worthy of your love."

"Remus, everyone is important—but in my world, you're one of the most important people. You're worthy of so much." He caresses Remus' cheek. "Plus, I'm not adverse to the Floo Network."

"I'm connected. So… you'll stay?"

"I'm never leaving again."

Sirius pulls the pillow onto his lap and Remus lays down. Fingers gently stroke through his hair.

"I'm glad you've forgiven me." The relief is audible in Sirius' voice. "I can't wait to introduce you to my family, to James."

Remus smiles before sleep overcomes him.

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