For Hogwarts

Decorating the Christmas Tree: florist!au

Word Count: 385

Remus looks up when the door opens and two men walk in. "Can I help you?" he asks.

The one with short dark hair looks around, his hazel eyes sharp as he observes each flower in turn. The one with the mess of shaggy dark hair, however, doesn't seem to care about the flowers. His grey eyes are fixed upon Remus.

"I'm proposing to my girlfriend," the first explains. "Roses are overdone, so I need something happy but different. Something that tells her how much I admire her."

"I don't see why don't just get her lilies, James," his friend says.

The one called James gives an impatient sigh. "Because Lily doesn't like lilies, Sirius," he answers.

Remus smiles to himself before making his way over. It always makes him happy when someone wants something more symbolic. Arranging pretty flowers is all well and good, but he likes being able to show off his knowledge.

"Tulips," he suggests, coming to a stop in front of the row of flowers in question. "Perfect lover, beautiful eyes, sunshine in your smile. Does this fit your girlfriend?"

James beams, nodding excitedly. He hurries over, admiring the tulips. "Perfect," he decides. "Absolutely perfect."

As they discuss the color arrangement and quantity of blossoms, Sirius keeps his distance, but Remus can still feel his eyes upon him. He isn't the first bloke to stare. After all, being a florist isn't a particularly masculine job. He's just grateful the other man doesn't tease him openly.

Once the bouquet is finished, he rings James and up accepts the payment. "Good luck with the proposal," he offers.

James grins. "Thanks, mate."

To his surprise, Sirius appears at the till, holding two flowers. They're both camellias— one pink, one white. Together, their message is one of admiration and desire.

"I think these fit my intentions," Sirius decides, offering Remus a grin.

"Only two?" Remus asks. "I could prepare you something else, if you'd—"

"Just these, thanks," he says, handing Remus some money and a slip of paper.

As Remus goes to give him his change, he realizes he's already gone, the flowers left behind. Only when he looks at the paper and finds Sirius' phone number does he understand.

"Well played," he chuckles, lifting the flowers to his nose and smiling as he inhales.