Work Text:
It's a rainy Autumn day when he first walks in.
He heard heavy boots striking the hardwood floor before he saw the man but once he did… Remus couldn't help but stare.
Water droplets ran down the length of his leather jacket, the shirt underneath practically sheer and clinging to his chest.
The man walks further into the store, glancing around at the aisles of overcrowded bookshelves. Books stacked in piles on the floor and any other nearby surface where they couldn't fit on the shelf. They house everything from Gilgamesh to The Hunger Games, and any self-published author that walks in and asks. It's what Remus loves most about the place, that and the free coffee of course.
Remus watches the man's eyes trail over the seating in the middle of the space, an eclectic mix of comfy worn down armchairs, some dining seats for those eating in, and a 3 seater lounge tucked into the far corner by the window; Remus' favourite spot to people watch on the quiet days.
Finally, the leather clad man's eyes land on the coffee machine and Mary, the barista, standing beside the machine, flipping through a magazine. His eyes gleamed with delight, clearing finding the thing he entered the store for.
Remus continued to watch from behind the register, a book held half-heartedly up to his face, ready to duck behind it if the man were to look his way. He's reading Ulysses today, for the 3rd time he thinks. His annotations along the spine grow with each re-read.
Remus is startled out of his thoughts when he hears the man speak; low and rough, but also somehow as smooth as the water still trailing down his jacket onto the floor.
"Thank fuck you guys aren't busy," the man says to Mary as he walks over to the coffee station. "My usual was out the door and I really don't have time for that today,” he grins as he reaches the counter and my god, Remus thinks, that smile could outshine the stars themselves.
Mary looks up from her magazine and gives the man a once over with her eyes. A small smirk appears on her deep red lips as she says, “Glad we could accommodate you. You can order and pay over there,” she gestures in Remus’ direction, “then come back here to collect when I call your name.” She gives him another trailing look down his body, then returns to her magazine.
Remus sees the man has a slight blush crawling up his neck, clearly noticing Mary obviously checking him out, before he turns and heads in the direction of the check-out counter where Remus stands.
Remus steels himself and puts his book down spine up, while he stands in place and waits for the man to make his way over. He’s still staring down at the counter as he hears the heavy clomp of black boots as the man strolls over.
When the footfalls stop, Remus looks up.
As they lock eyes, Remus is hypnotised by the bright, almost light grey colour, and the very faint smattering of freckles across the man’s nose and high-cut cheekbones; almost like his pale skin has spent a little too much time in the sun. Remus wonders if he’s from abroad, because York certainly doesn’t see enough sun for that.
Remus realises a little too late that it’s been at least 30 seconds and neither of them have said anything yet.
“What can I get for you?” He mumbles into the countertop, diverting his eyes to pick up a pen and coffee cup to write on.
It takes another 30 seconds for the man to respond.
“A grande latte on full cream.”
“Any sugar or syrup?” Remus asks, one eye peeking up to catch a glance at his face again.
“Nope, I’m sweet enough!” The man remarks, grinning broadly.
Remus rolls his eyes, like he hasn't heard that one before while working here.
“Ooft.. tough crowd,” the man continued, casually leaning against the counter with one elbow propped up on the top.
“I’m Sirius,” he said, offering his free hand in an effort to bring Remus’ eyes back to him.
“I’m sure you are serious, but I’ll need a little more time to judge if you’re sweet or not darlin’,” Remus retorts without thinking.
That was bold.
A little too bold.
Not that Remus isn’t used to a little flirty banter, but he wasn't expecting to end up in this kind of conversation with such an unfairly attractive man today.
He finally looks up, to see Sirius grinning broadly at him.
“My friends hate when I make that joke,” he exclaims, “I like you already.”
Remus shakes his head wearily, scribbling the coffee order on the cup lid.
“I didn't catch your name,” Sirius says.
“I didn't throw it,” Remus retorts.
He watches Sirius scrunch up his nose a little, looking slightly betrayed. And god, if it isn't the sweetest sight at how put out Sirius looks from being denied a name.
“I’ll take this over and Mary will have it ready for you soon,” he states, coming out from behind the counter and beginning to walk towards the coffee machine.
On impulse, as Sirius turns away to wait in one of the seats, Remus writes ‘ Siriusly sweet ’ along the outside of the coffee cup, then hides the message with the cardboard sleeve used to protect from heat.
Mary gives him a side glance as she takes the coffee cup and starts making the order. Remus gives a small shake of his head, as if to say ‘don’t start’, and walks away to return to his counter.
Sirius has made himself comfortable on one of the red arm chairs, having pulled out his phone and seems to be furiously texting someone, at lightning speed.
Remus wonders idly what texting style Sirius has. Does he form complete sentences, with proper punctuation? Does he shorten words to save time? Or is he more of a voice note kind of guy? Remus could imagine waking up to voice notes of that smooth, low sound first thing in the morning.
He has to give his head a little shake to break out of that thought.
He glances up, catching movement in the corner of his eye.
“I thought you were in a hurry?” Remus remarks, mouth upturned in the corner, trying (and failing) not to smirk as he notices Sirius has collected his coffee and returned to lean against his counter again.
“I simply cannot leave without your name,” Sirius responds, looking directly at him.
Remus glances down for a moment, then looks back up and locks eyes with him again and says, “Then I guess you better make yourself comfortable honey, you’ll be here all day,” before turning around to busy himself with a stack of books that need sorting.
He hears Sirius chuckle and mumble under his breath something about a challenge.
Remus smirks with his back turned.
Just as he’s about to turn back around a phone rings, and he hears the rustle of clothing then Sirius saying, “Hello?” a pause, “Yes I know,” another pause, “Ok, I’m coming keep your pants on Reggie, fucking hell.”
Another clothing rustle and then Sirius clears his throat.
“Ok my mystery man, Reg is about to pull his hair out and that would be a tragedy indeed,” He emphasises the word sarcastically.
Remus turns around just as Sirius raises his cup to him, “See you around moon- er- man.”
Remus raises an eyebrow, “Moon?”
Sirius blushes, oh my, does he look good doing that. Remus wants to make that happen again.
“Er, your shirt has the moon phases on it. I, um, noticed it straight away. Bit obsessed with the night sky, my whole family is actually,” he continues to ramble.
“You’re late Sirius,” Remus reminds gently with a smile.
“Right, yeah. Reggie’s hair. See you around, moon man!” He waves, turns and heads straight for the door and back into the rain.
–
That night, Remus can’t sleep. He tosses, turns, throws the sheets off, pulls them back on.
He closes his eyes and see’s leather and lattes.
What a combination.
Eventually, Remus sits up and turns on his lamp; if he isn't sleeping then he will damn well make use of his time.
He turns to the nightstand and picks up one of the books off the pile. Juvenal, poetry… it will do. But 10 minutes pass, and he realises he hasn't made it past the first page.
What is it about this guy?
This is absurd, Remus reprimands himself. You’ll probably never see him again, so get over it and move on, he states firmly in his mind.
Glancing at the alarm clock next to the bed, the time reads 05:04 am. He sighs, puts down the book (that he made no progress on), and turns to slide his legs off the edge of the bed, getting up to head towards the kitchen.
Remus begins shuffling around the kitchen, opening cupboards and filling the kettle. At least today he had time to make his own breakfast, a luxury he usually didn't have when his start times at the shop were often before 7am.
As he takes a seat at the island bench to eat his toast, he pulls out his phone and flicks open various apps, nothing quite holding his attention, as his mind wanders back to long dark hair and piercing silver-grey eyes.
He opens his texts and pulls up Lily’s name. Needing a distraction, he knew Lily would have some crazy story from her night shift at the hospital to tell him.
Remu: Morning how was your shift?
Lils: you’re up early
Remu: astounding observation skills as always
Lily: alright it’s too late in my day for that shit Rem. What’s up?
Remu: just couldnt get to sleep and cant focus. anything exciting happen at the hospital?
Lils: Surprisingly no, nothing major. I had the incompetent intern on with me again though. Fuck he’s useless.
Remu: is he still trying to hit on you?
Lils: Yes
Lils: At least once a shift
Remu: determined little bugger isnt he
Lils: Don’t start.
Remu: what was his line last night?
Lils: Umm.. I don’t remember tbh.
Lils: Oh! It was..
Remus stares at the 3 dots flashing to indication Lily was typing. After a minute, he puts his phone down to wash up, grabbing it again on his way out of the kitchen and back to his bedroom to get dressed.
Remu: well? did he write you a fucking sonnet?
Lils: Shit sorry
Lils: Marlene just woke up, had to debrief about our nights!
Lils: Right so, the intern goes “Are you my appendix? I have a gut feeling I should take you out.”
Remu: oh wow.. wow .
Lils: Yeah
Remu: ok I need to get ready for work tell Marlene she owes me a voice note about her date!
Lils: Will do! Is Mary working today?
Remu: why dont you just come in and find out
Lils: Remus…
Remu: yes lils shes working come say hi. wear the cute overalls you got last week. cya!
Remus laughs to himself, glancing at Lily’s reply of an emoji holding up the middle finger. He dresses quickly, grabbing his bag and keys and heads out the door.
–
Sirius didn't return to the shop that day. Remus tried not to let it affect him.
“What’s up with you?” Mary asked, not long after the morning foot traffic had cleared away.
“Nothing,” Remus retorts bluntly.
“Uh-huh…”
“I didn't sleep much last night, just tired,” Remus replies, looking at Mary with a weak smile.
She studies him a little longer before giving a short nod and moving away to clear some plates off the tables. Remus knew this conversation wasn't over though.
The morning passed uneventfully. In-between the morning and lunch rush, Remus busied himself checking the stock levels for the Cafe, while Mary handled the floor. Noticing they were running low on a few items they sourced locally from the farmers market, Remus heads back out to the shop floor, grabbing his bag on the way.
“Mary, we’re running low on a few bits, will you be alright while I head out to the market?” Remus calls as he walks past where Mary is sorting a stack of books.
Mary nods, “Pick me up a bagel on your way back,” she calls as Remus opens the door to exit.
Remus pulls his coat tight over his brown fuzzy sweater as he battles the late winter breeze, making his way through town to the farmers market. The markets were held in the town’s large garden square, with stallholders forming a laneway right down the middle, and seating at either end.
Filling his bag with fruit for the tarts, eggs for their breakfast specials and chocolate for... well, for himself, he moves swiftly to the tail end of the market towards his last stop.
As he’s about to push his way through a crowd of women lining up in front of the fresh juice and smoothie cart, he spots a flicker of black leather and long hair in his peripheral vision.
He stops, turning slightly to get a better look. Is that…
Sure enough, Sirius is standing across the lane, about 4 stalls down. He must have walked right past Remus.
Next to Sirius was another man; tall in stature, probably closer to Remus’ own looming height, the man had a mop of unruly dark hair, almost like he’d run his hands through it one too many times. His build was lean, but with obvious signs of muscle filling out his clothes, something Remus would never achieve on his lanky frame. Remus tilts his head a little, studying the man further. He had round golden frames on his face, glinting in the light of the stallholder in front of them, and warm hazel eyes that were crinkled in the corners as he smiled at Sirius, his arms animatedly waving about as he said something.
A loud bark of laughter breaks his train of thought as his eyes flick back to Sirius, now laughing gleefully at something the other man had said.
Remus could feel his stomach start to knot. Instant pangs of unreasonable jealousy coursed through him, watching Sirius interact with this man. He could tell they were close, Sirius resting his hand on the man’s shoulder casually.
He moves slightly to the side, out of the crowds, and watches Sirius and the mystery man grab their food from the vendor, and start walking in his direction towards the seating at the end of the garden square. He looks up, just in time to watch Sirius pass by, without so much as a side glance in his direction.
Feeling, once again, like he was just another face in the crowd, Remus turns and pushes his way through the group of women lining up for juice and towards the bread merchant.
He barters casually with Frank, the baker, scoring an extra loaf of wholewheat sourdough, making sure to remember Mary’s bagel, and makes his way back out of the market and to the shop at a quick pace.
–
One week had passed since Remus saw Sirius at the farmers market. Remus had all but forgotten about him, or that’s what he told himself anyway. But the hint of leather, or any time a customer ordered a latte, said otherwise.
Even the moon, shining through his sleepless nights, had begun to mock him.
It had only been one meeting, one chance encounter, clearly Sirius has moved on - so why couldn’t he do the same? Surely, there was some other cute customer who would show up that Remus could obsess over.
Every day came. More customers ordered coffee, some stayed to read. But they were all simply another person in the world, another faceless name that Remus scrawled on a throw away cup each day.
This time it wasn’t the sound of boots which stole Remus’s attention away from his book but instead, the growling of a motor coming to a halt outside the store's window.
Fuck.
As he watches Sirius get off the bike and head towards the door, he mentally adds motorbike to the growing list of reasons why Sirius was ridiculously attractive.
“Hi,” Sirius says as he approaches the counter, smiling softly.
“Hey, what can I get you?” Remus replies coldly, not looking up from the counter.
“Ooft, ice ice baby. What’s got your briefs in a bunch moon man?” Sirius still sounds chipper, though a little put-out.
Remus looks up, catching his eye (a foggy light grey today), and his cold interior melts just a little .
Sirius makes a noise, a little like a huff, then moves closer to the counter. “I’ll grab a vanilla latte with no sugar, and…” he pauses to eye the pastry and cake fridge from afar, “whatever your favourite sweet treat is,” he finishes firmly, locking eyes with Remus and smiling again. “It’s been a long fucking week and I need a treat.”
Remus can’t help himself, “Long week?” he questions as he writes the order on a cup.
“Yeah, I was in London for work with Reg. And look, don’t get me wrong I love my brother most days, but a week locked up in the gallery with him trying to dictate where my art should go, and questioning my subject choices… It was rough.”
“You’re an artist?” Remus is surprised, he didn't pick him for the artist type. A musician maybe.
“Yeah, it started as a release to let out my emotions in a ‘healthy’ way according to my therapist,” Sirius rolls his eyes, “but jokes on me I guess because I ended up loving it.”
The look on his face is distant, but the spark of passion in his eyes is evident.
“Huh,” Remus mutters
“What?”
“Nothing, just didn't peg you for the artist type,” Remus voices his thoughts from earlier.
“Mmm,” Sirius smirks, “and what did you peg me as Moony?”
Remus can feel the colour rising up his neck, but he squares his shoulders and rolls his eyes. “I didn't think much about it to be honest,” he lies bluntly.
“Ouch,” Sirius pretends to be stabbed in the heart. Fuck, he was a bit dramatic wasnt he. “I mean you’ve been in here once and I haven't seen you since, so, not a lot of time to think about your work,” Remus continues quickly.
“Fair enough, I’m an artist. My brother owns a gallery in London that showcases a range of small artists, sometimes hosts musicians and other things. It’s pretty cool, you should come out and see it sometime,” Sirius leans casually on the counter with one hand propped on the benchtop.
“Uh- sure. If I’m ever in London I’ll check it out,” Remus nods.
“You going to ask what it’s called?” Sirius raises an eyebrow.
“Nope, I’ll just search for the gallery of dramatic artists,” he replies with a wink.
Internally, Remus is relieved. Sirius didn't disappear because he didn't want to see Remus again. It was just work. And he came back. That should not mean this much, but it does.
“Mary is on break, but I can make your order for you if you can’t wait”
“Oh moon man, I would like nothing more than to sip liquid made by you,” Sirius replies, with a sly smile.
Remus scoffs, looking down to hide the small blush creeping its way back up his face.
Sirius’ phone begins to chime rapidly from his pocket. Remus watches with a slight pang of jealousy as he pulls it from his pocket, smiling as he reads the messages that came through, he wonders if it was the man from the market.
Remus takes the opportunity of Sirius being distracted and once again, on impulse, grabs the empty coffee cup and scrawls something just beneath where the cardboard sleeve would sit. He looks back at the message, smiling softly, as ‘I could be the one that you dream of’ reads back at him wrapped around the cup. He slides the cardboard sleeve over the top to conceal it before Sirius can look up to notice.
He comes out from behind the counter, which perks Sirius’ interest as he puts his phone away and begins to follow Remus over to the coffee station.
“The man that was with you at the market last week,” Remus begins hesitantly, as he moves behind the machine to start making Sirius’ coffee.
Sirius looked at him quizzically, before recognition dawned on his face. “James!” he exclaimed, with a grin.
Remus’ stomach lurched at seeing the look of pure joy and affection cross Sirius’ face at the mention of ‘James’.
“Right, James. He seemed nice, very… animated...” Remus forces out with a fake smile.
“Oh yeah, he’s like the sun. So warm and inviting, his personality shines brighter than I’ve ever known,” Sirius gushes, still with that stupid affectionate smile on his face.
Great.. So this ‘James’ was the sun and Remus was the moon. What did that mean? And why was this guy so obsessed with astrology and the sky?
“He’s been my best mate for years, but we’ve both been so busy that the market was the first time we’ve seen each other in weeks!” Sirius was still rambling as Remus filtered through his internal thoughts. His attention snapped up, wait.. What was that.. Best mate?
“So you’re not dating him?” Remus blurts out before he can stop himself.
Sirius takes a moment to stare, then breaks out into a wide, almost maniacal grin and another bark of laughter that startles someone in the corner browsing at the books. “Dating?! James? Oh… oh no,” he continues to chuckle, though quieter after the initial glare from the customer in the corner.
“No, James and I are not dating Moony. We often get mistaken for a couple, but he’s like a brother to me. Well, he is my brother in everything but blood. Though we did try to mix our blood together as kids,” he cuts himself off, still with a wide grin on his face.
Relief floods through Remus’ veins. A brother. A best mate. Not dating.
As he picks up the jug to start heating the milk, he watches out of the corner of his eye as Sirius leans over the counter to grab his receipt paper and a pen, writing something out and sliding it over to Remus’ side of the bench just as Remus places Sirius’s coffee in front of him.
Remus picks up the paper and looks at Sirius.
“My number Moons. I can’t stay, but I’d love to continue this conversation on how you were jealous of my best friend from across the other side of a market,” he winks as he picks up his coffee.
“I was not jealous,” Remus grumbles, pocketing the piece of paper as he bags up a chocolate croissant and hands it to Sirius.
Sirius takes a sip of coffee, and lets out what can only be described as an ungodly noise for a public space.
“Damn, I’m going to need you to make my coffee forever. This is insanely good. Reg would go ballistic over this,” Sirius says earnestly, staring at Remus as he takes another sip.
“Forever huh? That’s a pretty big commitment to make to someone you’ve met twice,” Remus responds, watching Sirius choke a little on his second sip and smirking as he heads back towards the main counter.
“I’m down if you are Moony! I’ll wait to hear your eloquent sass-filled answer in text form,” he calls as he makes his way out the door to leave.
Remus pauses for all of 30 seconds, then pulls out his phone and enters the new number into his contacts, adding a star emoji next to Sirius’ name.
He types out a quick message, hits send and places his phone back in his pocket just as a flurry of customers enter.
Remus: i siriusly look forward to making you choke again sometime soon ;)
–
The shop didn't stop getting busy until Remus was due to clock off. As he picks up his bag and a new book, To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, waving goodbye to Mary, he pulls out his phone for the stroll home.
3 new messages.
He opens Lily’s first
Lils: So I guess you’ll notice I have not visited yet. I will! I swear... once I stop obsessing over Mary and get my shit together.
Remus laughs and types out a quick reply as he begins the incline towards his flat.
Remu: sure sure lils, keep saying it. I'll believe it when you walk in the door.
Two messages from Sirius. Oh boy... Remus had almost forgotten what he had sent before that rush of customers.
Sirius: well i- uh- ok
Sirius: ok ive had an hour to think about this & my response is still the same. im down if u r Moony!!!!
Remus gets so caught up in putting together dinner that he doesn't look at his phone again until several hours later.
Sirius: are u workin tomorrow?
Moony: i am
Sirius: Reg & i have a meetin first thing in the morn how bout i bring him to the store after?
Sirius: ill get James to meet us there too
Moony: ohh meeting the family, this is a big step
Sirius: well i
Sirius: i mean its not
Sirius: i just meant
Moony: that was a joke Sirius, id love to meet your brother and your other brother ;) bring them in around lunch and ill take my break then
Sirius: ok!!!!!
Sirius: see u then!!!!!!!
Moony: g’night
Sirius: night!
–
Sirius arrives just shy of midday, with whom Remus now knows as James, and another man in tow. The other man, who Remus can only assume is the infamous Regulus, is roughly the same height as Sirius, perhaps a smidge taller. He has the same high cut cheekbones, porcelain like skin complexion and jet black hair as Sirius.
The differences between them are astoundingly obvious though. Where Sirius has loose, wavy hair past his shoulders, Regulus’ hair reaches barely past his ears, with a little bit of a bounce to the curls as he walks. Where Sirius was often seen in leather, band tees and combat boots, Regulus’s style seemed more refined. He was dressed in black tailored dress pants, black boots and a dark grey knitted long sleeve. This family and black clothing.. He has an emerald green coat slung over one arm as they enter the store, and promptly hangs it up on one of the hooks inside.
“Get me my usual,” ‘Regulus’ looks to Sirius, “but only if the hot book guy makes it,” his voice drips with sarcasm at the last line and Sirius gives him the double finger. Regulus laughs, then turns sharply and walks towards the short aisles of books and proceeds to inspect the spines. Remus doesn't know what to think of him. A little bitchy, he admits, but he also admires that Regulus went straight for the books instead of engaging in social interaction.
Sirius and James approach the stack of books Remus is sorting through on a table.
“Hey Moons,” Sirius greets, his voice sweet like honey, an obvious tone of fondness.
Remus looks up to catch James raising an eyebrow at Sirius. “Hey Sirius, your usual?” Remus has to stifle a laugh as he watches James’ eyebrow creep even higher.
Sirius blushes, “Yeah, plus a long black for Reg, and a double caramel shot cappuccino for James.”
James takes his name as a moment to lower the eyebrow and hold out his hand for Remus to shake. “James Potter, I’ve heard a lot about you Remus,” he smiles as Sirius nudges his side aggressively.
“All filthy things, I hope,” Remus replies, taking James’ hand to shake. He had a firm but gentle grip. James snickers and Sirius’ blush intensifies. James laughing caught the eye of Regulus, who looks up from the book he was holding to smile softly in their direction. Remus clocks it before the smile disappears as quickly as it arrived. Well, isn't that interesting he thinks to himself.
Sirius walks over to Remus’ counter and reaches around to grab 3 coffee cups. “I’ll take these over to Mary while you two get to know each other,” he says.
“So, talk shit about you?” Remus questions with an innocent smile.
“Oh,” James says, “oh Pads, I like him,” Remus decides not to question the nickname yet, and makes a mental note to text Sirius for the story later.
“Fuck off both of you,” Sirius mumbles and stalks over to where Mary is making coffees for an elderly couple.
James and Remus begin to walk closer to the bookshelves as Remus carries a stack to put away. They pause at the end of the row and he puts down the stack, turning to face James, who was looking down the aisle in search of someone .
“So,” Remus begins, catching James’ attention again. “How long have you and Regulus been together?”
James pales, and his voice raises two octaves as he says, “We’re not together!”
“Mmhmm, I’d believe in people flying on brooms before I believed that statement James,” Remus replies with a half smile.
Suddenly Regulus appears from the next aisle over, swiftly grabbing both their arms and yanking them into the aisle most obscured from Sirius’ line of sight. “Shut. Up.” he hisses. Remus watches Regulus poke his head around the corner, checking if Sirius was watching, but Sirius was still talking to Mary.
“He doesn't know,” Remus’ eyes widen, “Sirius doesnt know you’re together? Wow... how long has that been?”
“More importantly,” Regulus continues to hiss quietly, “how could you tell? Because obviously we are not being careful enough,” He finishes that sentence with a glare in James’ direction, James raising both of his hands palms out in defence.
Sirius pops up at the end of the aisle, startling everyone. “Whatcha talking about?” he asks, holding the tray of coffees precariously. Remus moves over to take the tray from him before coffee ends up across the books stacked nearby.
Regulus shoves a book on motorbike history in Sirius’ hands, “You should get this,” he mumbles, then proceeds to take his coffee from the tray and walk away from the group.
“Very charming, your brother,” Remus notes with a chuckle as they follow Regulus.
They move over to a table by the window, Remus heads over to let Mary know to call him if she needs a hand.
“You’ve changed your beans,” Sirius exclaims as he scrunches his face and puts his glass down.
“Yeah, we swap out occasionally to try new locals,” Remus shrugs.
“Oh…” Sirius mumbles, still looking at his glass like it’s dirt water.
“What the fuck does it matter when you always add that artificial vanilla shit to it,” Regulus states bluntly as he sips his coffee.
Remus nods, “exactly, it's not like you don't already compromise the integrity of the drink. Coffee should be enjoyed strong. Not sugar with a side of coffee to taste.”
“James puts flavouring in his too! More than me,” Sirius sits back and folds his arms like a grumpy toddler who isn't getting their way.
“Yes, but James’ opinion on coffee doesn't count,” Regulus dismisses with a wave of his hand in James’ direction.
James leans a little towards Regulus with a small smirk, “Careful Reggie, I know your dirty coffee secrets, I could share with the class.”
“Fuck off Potter,” Regulus mumbles, a pink tinge tinting his otherwise pale complexion. Remus tries to hide a smile, but Sirius is too busy sulking to notice the exchange of heat between the two.
They fall into easy conversation, James asks about where Remus studies, what he likes to do in his spare time and other basic ‘get to know you’ questions that Remus expected. Regulus, however, begins to grill him.
“Are you dating anyone?” He asks bluntly
“My, my, Regulus, if you wanted to ask me on a date there are much politer ways to go about that, aren't there James?” Remus smiles sweetly between the two.
Sirius looks confused, then his eyes widen and he gets defensive. “Oi, Reg, fuck off, get your own hot barista bookstore guy.”
“Do you have a hot barista bookstore guy?” Remus directs his question to Sirius, smirking.
Sirius blushes again, fuck it was fun to make that happen. “I- well-” he sputters, “maybe?” he asks, looking at Remus like it was a question to him.
Remus smiles broadly, “Apparently you do,” he answers with a wink.
Regulus makes retching noises in the background, and James wacks him lightly on the shoulder.
“Alright, favourite coffee order?” Regulus asks, Sirius and James look over with interest.
“A cappuccino on a good day, a strong long black on a sleepless night,” Remus replies with ease.
“Favourite movie?” Regulus retorts quickly.
“Anything western,” Remus states with a shrug.
The rapid fire questions continue for a few rounds, Remus feels a bit like he’s being interrogated.
“What's your favourite book?"
Remus lights up at the question. "Oh, that's a tough one. There are so many great books out there. But if I had to choose, I'd say 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee.”
When Remus notices the questioning look Regulus is giving, he justifies, “it's a timeless classic that deals with important issues like prejudice and justice."
Regulus rolls his eyes. "Ugh, of course you would choose that. So obvious and cliche. Do you even read?”
Remus raises an eyebrow as he gestures around the room, “No... not at all. Not a single book in my entire life Reg.”
Regulus scowls at the nickname and waves his hand dismissively, “This proves nothing.”
There is a pause in the line of questioning, James opens his mouth to say something when Regulus looks directly at Remus and asks bluntly, “What’s your type?”
Remus raised an eyebrow. “Are you asking for yourself or out of curiosity?”
“Just answer the question,” Regulus replies with another scowl.
"Well, I don't really have a specific type. I suppose I just look for someone who is kind to those that deserve it, can hold their own in some good banter, and has a good sense of humour."
Sirius grinned, "Well, that sounds like me, doesn't it?"
"Perhaps it does," Remus chuckled.
James chimes in with a glance at Regulus, "And what about me? Do I fit the bill?"
Remus watches Regulus practically stabbing daggers into James with his glare. With a sordid wink in Regulus’ direction, Remus looks up innocently through his eyelashes at James, “Oh absolutely, handsome!”
James blushes immediately and Regulus rolls his eyes, “Well, I think I've had enough of this conversation, I’ll leave you all to your shit choices in coffee and flirting,” Regulus gets up to return to the book aisles.
As the café starts to get busy with the afternoon rush, Sirius, Regulus and James bid their farewells. Before they leave, Remus processes the motorbike history book Regulus picked out for Sirius, writing “from your hot barista bookstore guy” onto the inside page before handing it to Sirius on his way out.
–
Sirius: thnx for the book hot barista bookstore man
Moony: youre welcome darlin’ ;)
Sirius: so…
Moony: so…
Sirius: i thnk this afternoon went well!!!!
Moony: im assuming by that statement, that was your brother on good behaviour?
Sirius: um.. Yeah. yeah pretty much. Sorry, he can be a bit…
Moony: abrupt? demanding? sarcastic?
Sirius: all of the above?
Moony: haha, nothing i cant handle Pads , i liked him. James too.
Sirius: ah, u want to ask about the nickname dnt u?
Moony: only if you want to share :)
Sirius: its a long & really stupid story that mostly only makes sense to James & I, but honestly he loves to tell it so i migt leave that up to him
Sirius: if u can wait…
Moony: ofc, ill wait for James’ dramatic retelling of the great tale of Pads and Prongs
Sirius: u knw about prongs too?!!!
Moony: overheard you calling him that at some stage, i assume its connected to the story
Sirius: ha, yeah it is. All in good time Moony ;)
Moony: you really like nicknames dont you
Sirius: only for the ppl that deserve one
Sirius: i gotta go, but ill stop into the store tomorrow
Moony: looking forward to it dalrin’ ;)
–
Remus is rounding the corner to open the store for the morning when he runs right into Lily.
“Ooft. Lils, what are you doing here?” he mumbles as he gives her a half hug before unlocking the doors and letting her in.
“Just got off work. It was a fucking rough shift so I decided I needed to treat myself to a pastry and a hug from my favourite man.” Lily replies as she hangs her overcoat up and walks over to the counter. Remus closes and locks the door behind them, he has 30 minutes to prep before they open.
“Nothing to do with my hot coworker then?” Remus smirks in her direction as he passes by to put his things in the back room, Lily following.
“No, not at all” she states firmly with a wink, rifling through the supplies in the back to pull out Remus’ stash of chocolate from a draw.
“Oi”, he grabs the chocolate from her hand and puts it back in the draw. “That is emergency supplies Lils, I’ll get you a pastry just wait a minute fucking hell”, he continues to put away his belongings.
As they come back out to the shop front, Mary is walking in the front door.
“Morning Remus, oh-” she halts a few steps in.
“Hey Mary, sorry I’m crashing the opening, I just got off work and need a pastry” Lily gives Mary her best smile.
“Right, sure. Let me just put my stuff away and I’ll get you sorted out!” Mary walks past them into the back, shoving Remus gently as she passes.
“I’ll leave you both to it, maybe actually ask her out this time?” Remus whispers to Lily as he turns on the coffee machine and the food warmer. “Have you even flirted yet?”
“Have you asked out your leather and lattes bloke yet?” Lily retorts.
Remus chuckles, “Fair point. No.. I should just do it shouldn't I, he’s made his interest in me very abundantly clear.”
Lily sits at a table eating her pastry as she watches Remus and Mary set up the shop. When they’re close to open time, she takes the herbal tea Mary offers her and states “Mary, want to go out for a picnic this weekend?”
Remus looks over with a raise of his eyebrow, Mary looks visibly flustered, but Remus catches her nodding vigorously in reply. “I’d love to Lily! Text me the details? Remus will send my number to you.”
“And that’s how it’s done Remu!” Lily whispers as she passes him to leave, grinning broadly.
Sirius pulls up on the motorbike just after the morning rush, strolling in dressed in dark, tight jeans with rips at the knees, a tee from a band Remus doesn't recognise, and his trademark black boots. His hair was pulled up into a haphazard bun with a few wispy pieces fallen out to frame his face.
“Morning Moony!” He greets as Remus moves behind the counter to take his order.
“You’re cutting it a bit later than usual, did sleeping beauty snooze his alarm?” Remus questions with a raise of his eyebrow.
Sirius chuckles as he leans on the counter with both elbows, propping his head in his hands. “You think I’m beautiful?”
Remus can feel a slight blush creep across his face, but he looks Sirius in the eye and simply winks. Sirius grins, “I’m off work today, so I took advantage of the sleep in.”
As Sirius turns away to greet Mary who’s appeared from the back room, Remus picks up the coffee cup and walks over to start brewing. Sirius follows immediately, and Remus chuckles. “Just like my very own puppy.”
“Sorry?” Sirius looks confused.
“Following me around… it’s cute, I should get you a collar” Remus replies as he waits for the shot to pour.
Sirius averts his eyes, seemingly a little flustered as he contemplates his reply, before looking directly at Remus, “I’d follow you anywhere, Moons” and he sounds so sincere, Remus doesn't doubt that he would.
Remus hands the coffee cup to Sirius, on top of the lid in bold black writing reads ‘ thursday, 7pm?’
He watches Sirius read the words, eyes widening and he’s suddenly grinning widely, “I thought you'd never ask,” Sirius says, “I've kept every coffee cup with every note you left.”
Remus falters, “You... actually read those?”
“Every single one,” Sirius confirms.
Remus leans over the counter, grabbing the front of Sirius’ shirt to pull him in, and kisses him firmly, before pulling away just enough to whisper, “I became hypnotised by freckles and bright eyes,” then leaning back in for another kiss.