"Tell me again, why did I let you talk me into this?" Sirius asks.
James rolls his eyes. "Because Lily trusts me to run her stupid matchmaking agency while she's visiting her parents, and I'm hopeless and need help," he answers. "Now, get your feet off the desk, Sirius. We're supposed to be professionals!"
With a groan, Sirius shifts his legs, placing his feet firmly on the floor. He leans forward, slumping. "Do people really use matchmaking agencies?" he ponders. "I've never met anyone who said they paid to have someone set them up."
"Hey, maybe it would work for you. When are you going to settle down and give me grandchildren, huh?" James teases.
"The thirty-second day of the thirteenth month," Sirius answers dryly.
Before James can answer, the door opens and a nervous young man enters. Sirius sits up straight, studying him, wondering if he's come here by mistake. His face is scarred, but he is quite handsome with his disheveled tawny hair and piercing amber eyes.
"Welcome to Cupid's Quiver," James says brightly, clapping his hands together and approaching the visitor. "We'll find the arrow for you!"
Sirius bites his knuckle to keep from laughing at the ridiculous line. He wonders how James can keep a straight face.
"I- Uh, does this actually work?" the man asks.
"That's what I was just wondering," Sirius murmurs, earning a withering glare from James. "I mean, of course it works!"
The man looks skeptical but nods and sits across from James, making his payment.
"Let's start with a few questions. Name?"
"Remus Lupin."
"Age? And please don't lie."
"Twenty-one," Remus answers as James types.
"Occupation?"
"Professor."
"Sexual orientation?"
Sirius notices the subtle pink creeping into the man's face. Remus clears his throat, shifting in his chair. "Bisexual."
"Do you have a preference?" James asks.
"I'd like to find a man."
James nods, entering the information. "All right. Basic info is good. Now, a few more questions. Hobbies and interests?"
…
"Match him with me," Sirius says as they lock up the shop.
"Who?"
"Remus Lupin."
James raises his brows. "All the times I've tried to set you up, and you've been so picky, but this one catches your eye?"
Sirius shrugs. He doesn't know what it is about him. Good looks and brains to match, maybe. Or the way he blushes so easily. Whatever it is, Remus Lupin has definitely caught his attention.
"You know Lily will kill me if I manipulate the system, right?"
"Are you telling me I have to do this properly?" Sirius demands with a huff. "Don't make me sign up for a matchmaking service! It's ridiculous."
James purses his lips, considering. After a moment, he shrugs. "Fine. I won't tell her if you won't."
"You have my word."
…
"I didn't expect to find a match so quickly," Remus admits, taking his seat across from James.
"These things usually take time," James agrees with a glance at Sirius. "But sometimes Cupid is kind."
Sirius snorts. James is a little too good at this.
"What's he like?" Remus asks curiously.
"Well, you can ask him yourself. You've matched with my associate here."
Remus turns to Sirius, his eyes wide. His cheeks flood with color. "I- I see. But why would you need a matchmaking agency? You're gorgeous!" he says, and his blush darkens. "I mean- That was too forward. I am so sorry!"
"Don't worry," Sirius says with a wink. "I enjoy being told how gorgeous I am."
"Shall I arrange a date?" James asks.
"Yes!" Remus and Sirius say in unison.
…
God, Sirius shouldn't be this nervous. He's been on plenty of dates before.
But those hadn't really counted. He'd never had high expectations for any of those people, only a way to kill the loneliness.
He adjusts the sleeves of his shirt for the hundredth time, swearing under his breath. He's supposed to be cool and calm. And yet here he is, an absolute nervous wreck.
…
"Have you worked with the agency long?" Remus asks as their dessert arrives.
"I don't actually work there. James is engaged to the owner. I got recruited to help while she's away," Sirius explains. "And you? How long have you been teaching?"
"This is my first year. Ancient History," he answers. "My dad was a big history buff, so I guess I inherited his passion. It's just fascinating to watch the patterns throughout time. The phrase 'history repeats itself' is- I'm sorry. I'm rambling."
Sirius shakes his head. "No. I actually really like listening to you talk," he assures him.
"Really?"
Sirius nods, taking a bite of his cake. Chocolate on chocolate. Remus has good taste in desserts. "If you don't mind my asking, what made you choose a dating service? You're an attractive bloke, and you seem amazing."
God, he loves the way Remus blushes. It's so easy to get a reaction.
"I've never been in a relationship. Honestly, I don't know how to meet people," Remus says, nervously raking his fork over his plate.
"I've had a few relationships. Nothing deep or meaningful," Sirius says. "I never saw myself as the type to settle down. But maybe it's time."
"Settle down?" Remus chuckles, a smile tugging at his lips. "And here I thought I was forward for telling you that you're gorgeous."
Sirius laughs. "Obviously, we wouldn't settle down immediately. We'd have to make sure we won't kill each other first."
Remus nods. "Not killing each other is a good first step," he agrees. "I prefer living."
…
"I had fun tonight," Remus says as they linger outside his door.
"Me too."
Sirius bites the inside of his cheek, shifting his weight anxiously from foot to foot. Any other time, he'd try to go in with his date, end the night in the bedroom. He's never been one for convention, but now he finds himself wanting to do things properly.
"Can I take you out again?" he asks. "There's a concert in Wolverhampton on Saturday, if you're free. Music, coffee?"
Remus nods. "I'd like that," he says.
"Just, out of curiosity, how do you feel about kissing on the first date?"
"I've never been on a date, so I wouldn't know. But I'd like to find out."
Sirius leans in, placing a quick, chaste kiss on Remus' lips. "Well?"
"Kissing on the first date is very nice."
With a grin, Sirius pulls him closer, kissing him again, harder now.
…
"Well?" James asks as Sirius sits at his desk.
"I take back everything I said before. Matchmaking is wonderful!"