Arts and Crafts, task 2: Write about someone enjoying a warm cardigan, jumper, or blanket.

Showtime, "What Is This Feeling": Roommate!au

Liza's Loves, Death by Chocolate: Remus Lupin

Insane House Competition: finding a new roommate

Word Count: 1146

Remus is hesitant to respond to the ad about a new roommate. The person behind it promises he won't need to pay bills or rent; the only requirement is that he's willing to share his food. It's too good to be true, but Remus has to take it. Since going on disability for his illness, he hasn't had much luck finding a place he can afford.

The house is nicer than anything he's ever lived in. Suddenly feeling self conscious, he smooths a hand over cardigan as he crosses over the stone path that leads through the garden. What if the person is someone rich who will notice every flaw about him? He bites the inside of his cheek, checking for any major creases. There are small holes in his cardigan from prolonged wear, but there's nothing he can really do about it. He hopes the person behind that door won't mind. Winter is coming, and the weather is already too cold for Remus' liking. If this doesn't work out, he'll be homeless.

When he reaches the front door, he's a ball of nerves, but he fights it back. No choice but to try. He raps his knuckles against the door, praying his heart will stop pounding so painfully in his chest.

After several seconds, a young man with dark hair pulled back into a messy bun opens the door. Remus takes a step back, confused. He certainly hadn't expected someone so close to his age, and he wonders if he has the wrong address.

"Remus?" the man asks.

"That's me," Remus confirms. "You're Sirius?"

"Oh, I'm never serious, but I am Sirius," Sirius says, pausing to chuckle at his own joke.

Remus smiles, but he's uncertain. "So, this is your house?"

"It is. My uncle left it to me."

"What's the catch?"

Sirius raises his brows. "Catch?" His gaze softens, and he laughs again. "Oh, the super sweet deal? Don't worry. You don't have to be my live-in sex slave or anything… Unless you really want to."

Remus' cheeks glow with warmth. He shakes his head, sputtering awkwardly, unsure how to even respond to that. Sirius is cute enough, but that's way too forward.

"Kidding," Sirius assures him. "Let me show you around, and you can see if you'd like it here."

Remus nods mutely and follows him inside. As nice as the outside looks, he isn't prepared for the inside. It's spacious and cozy. The walls are covered with art that look straight from a museum, and shelves line the walls with interesting little trinkets. It doesn't match Sirius at all.

"Uncle Alphard was a collector," Sirius explains, as though he can read Remus' thoughts. "I didn't have the heart to redecorate. Well, not here, at least. His old study is a game room. Do you like video games?"

"I prefer books.".

"Oh. I was hoping to play with you." Sirius offers him a wink that makes Remus blush again.

"This is the kitchen, obviously," Sirius says as they reach the next room.

Remus' jaw drops. The kitchen is gorgeous. He's grown up watching his mother huddle over a stove in a cramped little area, and he's reasonably sure he could fit three of his mother's kitchens in here and still have space left over. "It's perfect."

"If your food is as yummy as you look, I'm really looking forward to it."

The tour continues like that. Sirius shows him around and flirts every chance he can get. Remus doesn't quite know what to make of the other man quite yet, but he seems nice enough, and the house is greater than he had expected.

"Well? When are you moving in?" Sirius asks as they return to to living room.

"Just like that?" Remus asks.

"Just like that," he echoes. "You're cute. You like to cook. My home is your home."

"I'll start moving in tomorrow then."

…

Remus still can't believe his luck. He keeps waiting for the inevitable moment when he'll wake up, but it does come. Sirius and his friend James help him move his few belongings in, and he's all set.

"Welcome home," Sirius says, handing him a key.

…

A week after moving in, Remus comes back after picking up a few groceries. Snow falls, chilling his exposed skin, and he curses himself for not stopping to pick up a proper jacket. His beloved cardigan is still warm, but it's not made for winter storms.

By the time he gets the door unlocked, his fingers are numb, and his teeth are chattering. The warmth of the home is a blessing.

Remus sets the groceries in the kitchen. He'll put them away later; right now, his only thoughts are that he needs to get warm.

When he reaches the living room, hoping to sit in front of the fireplace for a few moments, he finds a blanket fort set up, blocking his path to the crackling fire. "Seriously?"

"Remus!" Sirius calls from within the fort. "Didn't hear you come in!"

"Yeah. Look, I'm freezing. Can I get through?"

"Only if you can guess the password," Sirius laughs. "Which you won't."

There's slight movement within, and James emerges, holding a cup of chocolate that makes Remus' mouth water. "You can have my spot," he says. "I have to get home before Lily sends a search party."

"He can't get in without the password!"

James rolls his eyes and pushes a hand through his messy black hair. "The password is 'Remus has a nice ass'," he tells him, and Sirius groans within the fort.

"James!"

Chuckling, James pats Remus on the back. "Have fun."

Remus approaches the entrance of the fort and pulls away the flap. "Do I really have to say that I have a nice ass just to get inside?"

Sirius grins and scoots over, patting the spot next to him. He holds up a thermos that smells strongly of chocolate. "Come on in."

Remus follows his request. The blanket fort is warm and cozy, and he feels the chill melt away. Sirius drapes a blanket over Remus' lap and moves closer. Remus feels his heart fluttering nervously at the closeness.

"So… You think I have a nice ass?" Remus chuckles, curling closer so that more of the warm blanket can cover his body.

"Been trying to tell you that for the past week. You're a bit slow, aren't you?"

"Shut up," Remus groans, running his fingers over the soft fleece blanket. "I'm freezing."

Sirius turns his head, and his lips are mere inches from Remus'. "I can help warm you up."

Their lips meet. Sirius guides him back until they're resting in a sea of blankets. Remus knows he has things he needs to do around the house, but doesn't care. All he wants is to lay like this forever, happily wrapped up in blankets, lost in Sirius' kisses.