Showtime, "Anybody Have a Map": optimism

Buttons: phone, marathon

OTP Challenge: Write about your OTP's first kiss ("Put me down. It's just a sprained ankle.", turquoise, Madam Puddifoot's, blind date!au, "Sidekick"- Walk the Moon)

Sticker Challenge, Cauldron Cake: chocolate

Word Count: 1030

Something in the air is giving me crazy thoughts

"Turquoise?" Sirius says into his mobile as he comes sits on his bike outside the cafe. "That's such an oddly specific color choice."

Lily laughs. "Well, you are pretty oblivious," she points out. "At least you shouldn't have trouble spotting him."

Sirius scowls. "Right. Are you sure about this bloke?" His eyes scan the storefront of Madam Puddifoot's. Anyone who thinks such a cutesy, frilly place is good first date venue seems questionable. "Not gonna end up murdered or anything, am I?"

"He seems sweet. Teaches at the primary school," his friend assures him. "James went to university with him."

Sirius frowns, pushing a hand through his dark mess of hair. James is his best mate; if he seems to think this Remus fella is a good guy, Sirius will have to trust his judgment. "At least I can have cake," he murmurs.

There's another laugh from her side of the phone. "Your optimism is beautiful."

"Talk to you later, Lils."

"Good luck."

Sirius hops off his motorbike and takes a deep breath. This shouldn't be so difficult. He's always prided himself on being a bold daredevil, always looking for the next big thrill. One little blind date shouldn't be so terrifying.

He brushes his hands over his leather jacket and holds his head high. He can do this.

…

It doesn't take Sirius long to find Remus Lupin. His turquoise cardigan stands out against the the pink lace that decorates the little shop. Sirius studies him for a moment, nodding to himself. James has selected quite a handsome young man for this matchmaking experiment. Remus is ridiculously attractive with his neatly combed tawny hair and clever golden eyes.

Grinning like a madman, Sirius approaches the table. "Sorry I'm late," he says, taking a seat across from his date. "Traffic was hell."

"I was worried you stood me up," Remus admits.

There's a sort of relief in his voice that makes Sirius think it wouldn't be the first time someone stood Remus up. He doesn't know why, but this upsets him. Remus is a handsome fella, and James has spent the past week praising him for being such an amazing guy. Sirius can already tell that he's quite lucky to have the honor to share coffee and dessert with this man.

The waitress comes and takes their order before they have a chance to really talk. When she's gone, Sirius returns his attention to Remus. For the first time he can remember, he's at a loss for words.

"So, what do you do?" Remus asks, breaking the silence between them before it gets too awkward.

"I own a shop," Sirius answers. "Black's Bikes. We sell custom motorbikes."

"A motorbike? Do you own one?"

Sirius grins proudly before gesturing out the window. His sleek black bike is visible in all its majestic glory. "She was my first. Built her when I was sixteen," he tells Remus.

"I've never ridden one."

Sirius finds himself relaxing slightly. Maybe this date will be easier than he had originally thought. "Well, we can change that after dessert."

A soft pink stains the other man's cheeks. "I just live a minute up the road," he says quietly. "I'm perfectly happy to walk."

Before Sirius can respond, the waitress brings their coffees and a large slice of chocolate cake, coated in melted chocolate, and sprinkled with chocolate chips. "Enjoy!" she says brightly. "And if you need anything else, my name is Dorcas."

…

Sirius can't remember the last time he's enjoyed being around anyone so much. James comes close, but he's more like a brother, so Sirius can't count him.

"I'm completely baffled," Sirius says as Remus takes the last bite of dessert and wipes away the chocolate smears on his lips.

"About?"

"You. How the hell are you single?"

He really means it. They've only known one another a half hour, but Sirius feels a strong connection pulling him to Remus. The other man is intelligent, handsome, witty. His only flaw is that he seems to lack self confidence, but Sirius has enough to cover them both.

"I… Well, it wasn't by choice. After my wife passed away… Soldier, you see… Well, I just haven't felt like myself. It's hard to meet someone when you don't even know who you are."

"God. I'm so sorry, Remus," he says gently, reaching out and taking the other man's hand.

"It's been a year. Still hurts, but I think Dora would want me to be happy."

"Well, if you give me the pleasure of having another date with you, I promise I'll do everything I can to make you happy."

A small smile plays at Remus' lips. "I think a second date would be wonderful."

…

"Let me walk you home. It won't be a problem since it isn't far."

"Thank you, Sirius but it really isn't necess—" His sentence blends into a scream as he missteps.

Sirius reaches for him, but Remus falls to the pavement, swearing loudly as he rubs his ankle. Without hesitation, Sirius easily scoops him up, carrying Remus bridal style.

"Put me down!" the other man insists as Sirius carries him to the bike. "It's just a sprained ankle."

"All the more reason for you to not walk on it," Sirius says gently. "I promise I'll drive slow for your first time."

…

Sirius doesn't want the night to end. He's never felt so connected to anyone in his life. Soulmates have always seemed like such a silly concept, but Remus makes him wonder if there's something to it after all.

Their eyes meet, and Sirius feels himself melting. No one has ever had this effect on him before, and he rather likes it.

Sirius leans in, pressing his lips to Remus, and the world seems to fade away. Remus pulls him closer, and Sirius smiles into the kiss. So he isn't the only one who feels the spark? Perfect.

"I don't… I don't normally do this," Remus murmurs. "But why don't you come in? We can have a Sherlock marathon."

Sirius grins. "It would be my pleasure."

"Why don't you stay at mine tonight?"