This Time - Chapter 2

(Authors Note)

So the response seems good so far (judging by the pact that some people have followed and favourite). I'm glad that you seem to enjoy it. Please do review, even if it's just to say "hey this isn't terrible!" because it means a ton. Also if you want to read more, do favourite and follow to stay updated.

Now, onwards with the story:

Lily and I left the shop half an hour after Sirius left. The delay was mostly due to the last bits of clearing up and Lily's constant questioning.

The two of us share a flat/apartment roughly 15 minutes walk from the shop. It's on one of the quieter streets, but just overlooks Holyrood Park. It's the view that gives it the high rent, but on summer mornings it's worth every penny.

The sun is just setting as we leave. Minerva locks the doors behind us before heading to her flat above the shop. Lily links her arm with mine and we start walking.

The sky is flecked with red and orange flame patterns, and the conversation is full of even more questions.
"So do you think he likes you?" she asks.
"No, he's just asking for help. You remember being a student, no matter what form the help came in, you would just take it."
"True. But he gave you his number."
"So he could text me and ask me for help."
"But he knows you work here, and he does his work here. Why wouldn't he just walk in and ask Minerva, Sev or me where you are?"
"Because that over complicates things. He just wants help."

Lily stops. Sighing, I turn to face her. "What Lily?"
"You know it's not impossible for someone to like you."
"I know."
"I don't think you do. They won't all be like he was."
"That's not what I'm worried about."
"It is though. Remus, I've been able to read you since we got to know each other. You used to be much less... scared, when it came to people you liked."
"I'd rather you not talk about this. I was never scared."
Lily sighs, and continues to walk.

The rest of the journey home is equally silent but for the rustling of the wind. After the sun sets, the cold draws in with a biting chill. Lily's hand fumbles numbly as she reaches for the buzzer.

The apartment we live in is fairly old, and has been owned by the same people for years, so much so they even have a concierge, a surprisingly young woman in her thirties, called Nymphadora Tonks, though she asks that we just call her Tonks. There is another concierge, an older guy called Rubeus. Both are great people, but it's impossible to know who's on shift at a different time and both can be fairly strict.

It's Rubeus who lets us in. He must be about 50, is rather large, but with kind eyes. Except when you're out late, he gets super mad. Luckily Lily and I are on time.
"Remus, Lily." he grunts gruffly.
"Evening Rubeus." we say, before ascending the stairs.

The apartment is on the 5th floor of the building. The building isn't particularly tall, only say 6 stories. It's built like a townhouse though, and the other side thought looks out over the park and some quiet streets. I say some, two of them are university accommodation so can be noisy in the evenings.

The apartment itself isn't large but is spacious, with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen which adjoins the sitting room. The real deal-breaker is the large window at the back of the kitchen which looks out towards the park.

Setting down our coats, Lily and I proceed to cook supper and sit down to watch some television. Soon enough the sounds of partying can be heard from the streets below.

The alarm clock wakes me up. I dress, and go to wake Lily.
"Morning Sleepyhead. You've got work."
She simply grumbles in reply, and I leave her to wake herself up. Sunlight streams through all the windows in the apartment, and just as I finish sorting my hair, an immaculate Lily Evans stands beside me.
"Ready to go?" she asks brightly.
"Sure."

The walk in the morning sun is pleasant, and as we traverse the streets of Edinburgh, children on their way to school and business men and women stream through the streets, on their way to school or work.

Minerva is already starting the machines as Lily and I walk in.
"Didn't expect to see you this morning Remus." she says, handing Lily an apron.
"Got stuff to do, so I thought I'd walk Lily here."
"Fair enough. Coffee?" she asks brightly.
"Hot chocolate please." I reply, reaching for my wallet. She waves my money away.
"You do more than enough work here, compared to people like Sev, and I hardly pay you enough anyway."
Thanking her, I sit down with the hot drink and pull a book out of my bag. The next forty-five minutes disappear amidst the words of Dune. Before I know it, a freshly shaved Sirius is sat next me.

"Morning." he says brightly, goofy smile and all.
I return his greetings and pack my book away. Lily brings over a pot of tea and we set to work.

"You think it's done?" Sirius asks after just over an hour.
"Looks it. You'll want someone to check over your grammar and structure. Lily is good at all that, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind helping you."
"Lily, as in your girlfriend who works here?"
Well this is a tad awkward. "No, she's not my girlfriend, just my best friend. If you ask her she'll do it."
"I will, and sorry for assuming that. So... you're single?"
"Currently. Why?"
"No reason really. Just curious." he says, smiling at me again.
I can feel some rushing towards my cheeks so I turn and call Lily over. "You couldn't just check the grammar could you?" I ask her.
"Alright, but you're covering for me." she replies, handing me the apron.

Luckily the shop is fairly quiet for the next forty-something minutes, so while Lily meticulously searched Sirius' work, Minerva and I made coffees for the few people who came in.

As the clock chimes ten outside the windows, Lily comes and takes the apron off me. Sirius comes with her, books and laptop in hand.
"Remus, thanks for all your help."
"It was no problem. You sure you're happy with it."
"You helped write it, so definitely. I want to thank you, so do you want to come out for a drink on me tonight?"
"I'd love to."
"Fantastic!" he says, looking generally pleased. "I'll see you at nine at the city centre okay?"
"I look forward to it."
He smiles once again, before taking his stuff and leaving. Turning I see Lily and Minerva both looking at me, eyebrows raised.
"What?"
They both start to laugh. "Your cheeks were as red as chillies!" Lily practically yells doubling over from laughing.
Well crap. That must have been weird.