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When Remus awoke the next day he thought it was all a dream. It had to be. There was no way that his life could be this incredibly good. There was no way that he had the most beautiful man in the world in his arms. He rolls over and turns on his phone. He grins at his Lock Screen. It was him and Sirius kissing on New Years. Peter had caught it on his phone during the celebration and sent it to him last night. He smiles to himself before heading downstairs, hoping to locate his boyfriend.
He goes to the kitchen first, knowing that’s where he usually found him. He’s greeted by soft music and the scent of bacon with some eggs already ready. Sirius was in front of the kettle waiting as he hummed along to a song playing softly on his phone.
There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Fernando.
Remus watches Sirius move to the side of the stove as he pours the kettle water into two mugs. Once he puts it down Remus wraps his arms around his waist from behind, leaning his head on his shoulder. Sirius jumps in surprise at the contact before leaning back and sighing quietly.
“I never pegged you as an ABBA person,” Remus says gently, almost afraid to break the soft atmosphere around them.
“I’m not, but James is. It reminds me of good memories.” Sirius squeezes Remus’s arms before turning around into his embrace. “Good morning, love.” Remus kisses him gently and Sirius hums happily as he kisses back.
“Good morning, baby. Sleep well?” Remus asks once they've pulled away, cupping his cheek. Sirius nods and Remus rubs his cheek with his thumb. Sirius smiles before moving out of his embrace back towards the stove to turn it off.
“You mentioned earl gray was your favorite so I made you some.” Remus smiles, picking up his mug. “I made myself some as well. Not much of a tea person, surprisingly, but. I thought I may as well try it.”
“God, I love you so much,” Remus says softly after taking a sip of his tea. It was perfect. Sirius blushes with a small smile as Remus takes his hand in his and squeezes it.
“I love you too.”
“Tomorrow I’m making breakfast,” Remus says, pulling away from him to get five plates out from the cabinet. Enough for their little family. Remus bites back a grin at the thought.
“You don’t need to. I like doing it," Sirius insists.
“I know, baby.” Remus kisses his cheek as Sirius starts portioning the food on the plates. He puts a hand on the small of his back and smiles softly as Sirius’s smile reappears. “But I want to take care of you a bit more. Even if it’s just this once while you’re on my side of the world.”
“Oh…” Sirius finishes portioning on the plates and stills.
“If you don’t want me too, I won’t push... but I do have a very good French toast recipe.”
“Was it Effie’s?” Sirius asks hopefully, looking up into Remus’s eyes. He takes out his hair tie and Remus has to keep himself from sighing wistfully as his hair cascades down the back of his neck.
“Mhmm.”
“Alright then, fine. Just this once. I can help if you want.” Remus shakes his head with a chuckle, carefully pulling him into his arms.
“No. I want you to sleep in and enjoy being pampered for once. I have a feeling you haven’t been in a while. I would like to give you that peace, even if only for a little bit.” Sirius snuggles into his embrace and sighs, resting his head on Remus’s shoulder.
“You’re right. I don’t. I’ve always felt like the Potters pampered me so much that now I want to give that experience to everyone else so I can give everyone what they gave me. Kinda like I'm paying it forward. Maybe I shouldn’t do that but - oh god all that came out at once. I don’t know where that came from. Erm, forget I said anything.” He hides his face in Remus's chest. Remus smiles to himself.
“Shh, it’s okay, my love. It’s okay.” He runs his fingers gently through Sirius's hair. “Stuff comes out like that with people you trust. Believe me, I know. Lily has gotten too many out of me at this point." Sirius snorts into his chest and Remus holds him closer. "It’s okay though, alright? I’m here to listen… I feel like people haven’t told you much that you take on a lot. You do, love. I only request you give me a bit of your load, even if just for a little bit. I like knowing I’m helping you and being a part of your life. I know it's still early in our relationship, but please let me start to take that on with you. I want to do this with you.” Sirius sighs, his grip on Remus's shirt tightening just slightly.
“I’ll try,” He says softly.
“That’s all I ask… let’s start with breakfast tomorrow, alright?” Sirius nods and Remus smiles wider. “Good. You can stay here for now though, I don’t mind holding you for as long as you need me too.”
“We have to sign Teddy's papers.” His voice is muffled by Remus’s shirt. Remus swears Sirius's breath against his chest is thawing his heart even more.
“I know, but we can do that later. For right now you’re staying right here.” Sirius groans with a bit of a laugh, but he doesn’t make any effort to move. After a pause, Sirius responds softly.
“Okay.” Sirius rests his head against his shoulder and Remus closes his eyes. He feels them rocking back and forth slightly and Remus softly sings along.
Andante, Andante. Tread lightly on my ground. Andante Andante. Oh please, don't let me down.
Sirius looks up at him with this enchanted look in his eye.
"See, James has corrupted you too." Remus laughs softly.
"Actually Lily was first, but yes." He nuzzles him softly and Sirius hums.
"I won't by the way," Sirius whispers, kissing his cheek.
"Won't what?" Remus asks in confusion.
"Let you down." Sirius looks at him with a light blush covering his cheeks. Remus remembers the lyrics he sang a moment ago and chuckles.
"I know you won't." He kisses his forehead. Sirius smiles brightly and Remus gently tucks some hair behind his ear. He keeps his hand on Sirius's cheek. Sirius continues smiling up at him and Remus sighs softly. He learns his head against Sirius's.
"I could stay here forever," He whispers.
"I want you too," Sirius whispers back and Remus smiles wider.
They stay holding onto each other until Hope and Teddy come inside the kitchen, grinning ear to ear.
“You made bacon?” Teddy asks excitedly. Sirius slowly separates himself from his place in Remus’s arms.
“Yes, let’s get these plates over to the table so you can dig in.” They cheer and Remus smiles. He helps Sirius carry the plates to the table, which he can tell does not go unnoticed. Once they sit down, Sirius squeezes his thigh under the table and Remus smiles over at him. Sirius grins back before they dig in.
“So, how did you both sleep? Is the jet lag better now?” Remus asks, adjusting his shoulder to the new added weight of Sirius’s head resting there. He leans over and quickly kisses his forehead before refocusing on the kids.
***
Remus runs his fingers along Sirius’s stomach under his shirt. They were in their pjs, not willing to put in as much effort this year. New Years Eve had already come and gone. Tonks was spending it with a few of their friends. They had promised to be safe and Sirius and him had both agreed easily, happily they had uni friends in the area.
Teddy had been over the moon to see Hope again. He could barely lie down on the flight to England after Christmas. Remus had wished he shared his enthusiasm.
His and Sirius’s relationship had hit a bit of a rough patch recently. The distance had been taking its toll, along with the time difference making it hard to catch each other during their off hours. They were both busy around this time of year, Remus preparing their Christmas movie release and teaming up with Regulus for promotions and selecting which scenes to release early. Sirius had been working on a new series of Christmas books that he was aiming to have released one for each week of December leading up to New Years.
Even with all of that on his plate and knowing his boyfriend was experiencing the same amount of stress, the emptiness in his chest was nearly overwhelming at times. He found himself feeling like there was a part of himself missing and wondering how he ever lived without the feeling of Sirius's warm arms around him. Sirius had been quiet since Remus's last visit to England to surprise him for his birthday in November. James and Regulus were life-savers in taking Teddy. James had warned him as he dropped him off, and Teddy almost knocked over Regulus with his enthusiasm in their doorway, that his impulsiveness was getting to Sirius-levels and to not let him continue to rub off on him. Remus had laughed as James reached up and ruffled his hair with a knowing smile.
Since he last left England, their texts had been mostly regulated to planning this trip over, and Sirius texting him that next year they should all spend Christmas together. He hadn’t elaborated, and seeing as it was 3am on his end when he sent it, Remus decided it was a midnight thought and didn't want to push him on it.
When they had gotten out of customs, Teddy had been practically asleep on his chest.
“When can we see Pads, Tonks and Hope?” He mumbled sleepily as Remus carried him on his back.
“After we pick up our suitcases, kiddo. Then we’ll be able to see them. It is kind of late though, so Hope may not be there.” Teddy whined, but seemed appeased. Remus had grabbed their suitcases from baggage claim and Teddy had asked to be put down. As they walked towards the doors that led out into the last area of the airport, a new burst of energy filled him. Remus smiled to himself at his son’s eagerness and took his hand.
“If you go off running towards them, make sure not to knock anyone over - and don’t leave your suitcase behind so someone can trip over it. Alright?” Teddy nodded in agreement. They had barely walked out the door when a scream of excitement reached his ears.
“TEDDY!” Hope squealed and Teddy took off running towards her. Remus chuckles to himself before noticing someone running towards him. He quickly stops moving and braces himself. Sirius jumps into his arms and Remus holds onto him tightly, stumbling back slightly.
“Hey.” Remus laughs. “No warning?” His smile drops as he feels Sirius’s shoulders shaking. “Baby?” He asks, instantly more concerned. He wraps his arms protectively around him, holding him tightly. “Love, what’s wrong?”
“I missed you so much.” Sirius sobs into his shoulder and Remus feels his heart break. He pulls Sirius closer, rocking him in his arms..
“I missed you too, my love.” Sirius chokes out another sob and Remus kisses his forehead, rubbing his back. "You’ve been so quiet recently. I assumed you wanted space with all the stress on your shoulders with the collection and all. I’m sorry if I presumed wrong.” Sirius shakes his head.
“Depressive spiral.” He mumbles and Remus’s heart shatters.
“Oh baby, why didn’t you tell me?” Sirius clings onto him tighter.
“I thought I’d be guilting you. You’re busy over there and everything with Teddy settling into American school and the movie coming out and-"
“Darling, you know I would’ve made time for you. Even if just to call. Baby, you have to know that.” Sirius sniffles and slowly nods. Remus gently lifts his chin to look at him and cups his cheeks. “I will always make time for you, okay?"
“Mhmm.” Sirius hums before laughing slightly. “Oh god, I’m twenty-seven years old and I’m sobbing in your arms like a child.” He sniffles loudly and Remus smiles gently, continuing to cup his cheeks.
“We haven’t seen each other since your birthday. I can't even remember the last time we had a chance to call to hear each other's voices...It’s okay, love.” Sirius sniffles again, but smiles. Remus takes a deep breath, registering that Sirius was really there in front of him. The sight he had been yearning to see for months was finally before him, and he would be damned if he'd waste that opportunity.
“God, I missed you so much," Remus mumbles and kisses him. Sirius kisses back almost instantly and leans into his touch. When they pull away Tonks is calling out for them.
“Pads, Moons! Let’s get these small ones back to the car before they fall asleep on each other, please.” Teddy makes a sound of protest at the perceived accusation of his height. Remus smiles to himself before seeing Sirius try to take Remus’s bag for him. Remus shakes his head.
“Shh, I’ve got this.” He wraps an arm around Sirius’s waist. “Teddy will probably need help with his.”
“You sure?” Sirius asks, looking up at him with wet silvery eyes. Remus’s smile softens and he kisses his forehead.
“Positive.” He squeezes Sirius’s waist and sees a small smile appear on his face.
Now midnight was long past. Sirius and Remus were left alone on the sofa, letting the quiet fall around them as they held each other close. Remus leans over and softly kisses Sirius’s neck. Sirius sighs happily and leans back more into his arms.
“I missed this so much. I know we said we could do long distance, and we’re doing the best we can, but god, what I wouldn’t give to wake up in your arms every morning.”
“I know, my love,” Remus soothes him gently.
“I’m tired of missing you. I’m tired of the man I love being across an ocean from me.” Remus sighs lovingly.
“Then come live with me.” The words are out of his mouth before he can even consider their implications. Still, the more he thinks about them, the righter they seem.
He needed Sirius too. Desperately. He knew what Sirius was saying about feeling like half of his soul was across the ocean. He remembered when he had adopted Teddy, saying eventually Sirius and Hope would follow him. Sirius had said moving to L.A. would be better for their family once the kids got older. The rooms were bigger and they’d have more space to work with, but that was a plan they were thinking about in a few years, not now. He wasn't sure if he was pushing it too fast.
“Do you mean that?” Sirius asks softly. Remus’s fingers trace circles into his skin and he feels Sirius relax against his chest.
“Yes, of course I do. I know we talked about that in a few years from now and I don't want to make us move too fast, but I… What you were saying about missing me... I understand. I hate waking up without you. I miss Hope, but... I miss you, Sirius. I feel like a piece of me is missing without you.” He runs his hand up to Sirius’s chest, he lays his palm flat over his heart. He feels Sirius sigh against it.
“Are you sure you want that with me?” Remus scoffs with a laugh.
“You mean… a future?” Sirius laughs as well and turns over so they're facing each other. Remus moves his hand to his boyfriend’s hip.
“No, I mean like… me living with you. All of us under the same roof. I mean, that house was yours originally and-” Remus smiles widely, shaking his head as he leans their foreheads together
“Oh darling,” Remus whispers, and he can hear the adoration in his voice. “There is nothing I want more than that.” He watches Sirius’s eyes light up and he grins. “Come live with me, my love,” Remus repeats with a smile.
“Yes,” Sirius breathes out. “A thousand times yes.”
***
Remus was not expecting the morning after he proposed, he would wake up alone. Three years ago he may have had an anxious spiral over this thinking that Sirius had left him for good, but now he knew Sirius wasn’t going anywhere. They were not his parents. They had made it work through the long-distance and their own fears and were going to continue to power through. He trusted Sirius with his heart, more than he had ever trusted anyone else with it, and now Sirius had a ring on his finger to prove it. He had Remus’s soul in his hands - every piece of it. Remus changes into a pair of pants and a soft sweater to match, knowing today would be a comfy day after the excitement of last night.
The kids were sleeping in, he supposed, since he hadn’t heard any movement so far. He doubted Tonks would emerge until the afternoon. Remus knew that Sirius had wanted Fleur to stay in the guest room, but was sure he had heard another door shut that night before they went to sleep. He wouldn’t pry. They were twenty and in love. He knew how it felt five years down the road when he felt the same way. He still did…
He walks downstairs and looks out the window to check the packages by the gate. He spots one and slips his shoes on to get a look. He checks the address and feels his stomach flip. Sure enough there it was.
Minerva McGonagall
Black Bound Books. London, UK.
He smiles to himself at the packaging before walking back inside. He quietly shuts the door, careful not to wake the kids, and locks it. He makes his way to his fiance's studio before quietly opening the door. His heart warms as he sees him sketching on a new canvas. His fiancé's back was turned to him slightly, but he could still see what he was doing. Next to him, his phone was propped up, displaying a picture Peter must’ve sent from the night before. Remus hadn’t gotten an opportunity to look that morning, but couldn’t help a smile when he saw it. It was a snapshot of when Tonks, Teddy and Hope had tackled them into a hug after he proposed to Sirius. He looks back at the canvas and sees the outlines of all five of them carefully sketched out on the page.
Remus slowly pads over to him. He waits for Sirius’s pencil to rise off the canvas before gently wrapping his arms around his torso. Sirius jumps in surprise before sighing softly.
“We should take a picture of all five of us on our wedding day," Remus says softly. Sirius makes a noise of agreement.
“We should, if we can get Hope to stay still that long.” Remus chuckles and squeezes Sirius gently.
“She’s better about that than she used to be.”
“Mhmm.” Sirius snuggles into his arms more. "How did you sleep, love?” Sirius asks and shifts so he can look up at Remus. Remus presses a soft kiss to his forehead and Sirius smiles up at him.
“Well. But I did miss cuddling with my fiance when I woke up.” Remus watches a soft pink coat Sirius’s cheeks.
“Sorry, I just got this idea and-"
“Love, I’m not mad.” Remus chuckles. “I love it. I’m sure it will turn out wonderful. You’ve gotta show Pete when you’re done.” Sirius nods.
“I hope his date goes well tomorrow. He’s been so worried all week and she seemed nice when I met her a month ago. I think he deserves some good things happening to him this year.” Remus hums in agreement before slowly letting go of Sirius.
“Speaking of good things.” Remus picks up the package he left by the wall and pulls up a chair. “I got this in the mail today.” Remus offers it to him before sitting in a chair across from Sirius’s stool.
“Oh?” Sirius asks and moves around on his stool to face him. He notices the label and looks at Remus strangely. Remus shrugs before nudging him.
“Open it. I want you to see it first.” Sirius nods before slowly unwrapping the packaging. He watches him gasp as he registers the title.
“Oh Remus...” Remus grins at his face. “You didn’t tell me you were getting it published!”
“I wanted to surprise you. I was hoping the advanced-copy would arrive by Christmas, but it came a little late.” Sirius shrugs before tracing the bottom of the cover.
“You went with your name.”
“Yeah, I just abbreviated it a little, R. J. Lupin. Thought it would make it fancier and a little less recognizable to my film stuff. Just enough distance.” Sirius leans over and pecks him on the lips.
“It’s beautiful, love.” Remus smiles and nuzzles him.
“Minnie wants you to do the last check. Said it’s only fair since you edited it.” Sirius hums.
“Fair enough. I’ll work on it. I’m sure I won’t have many notes.” He kisses Remus again, longer this time. “You have no idea how proud of you I am, love. This is a huge deal.”
“Well, it was time, wasn’t it? We finished it last year and I thought, what’s the harm? I submitted it to Minnie so it wouldn’t go straight through you. I love you, but you did edit it. You would know my work right away.” He huffs, but the smile stays on his face. "She’s handing it back over to your division once you give the okay on the final prints.” Sirius leans over and presses another kiss on his lips.
“You sneaky little shit. I love you so much.” Remus laughs.
“I love you too, baby.” Sirius gets up and places the book down on his stool. Remus looks at him confused before he moves to sit on Remus’s lap. Remus chuckles lovingly as Sirius kisses all over his face.
“When did you submit it?” Sirius asks as Remus rubs circles onto his thigh.
“While we were in Spain last summer. I heard back once we got home. That’s why I insisted I get the mail.”
“Oh I completely forgot about that… Remember how they reacted to that picture on holiday? The fans are going to lose it when we are on our honeymoon for real this time.”
“Mhmm, well that will be your brother’s problem to deal with.” Sirius laughs and wraps his arms around Remus’s neck.
“Oh the poor thing. I’m sure he’ll enjoy making fun of me more.”
“Mhmm, once he’s emerged from his own wedding planning.” Remus kisses his neck softly.
“What do you mean?” Sirius asks in surprise.
"Oh... James is proposing to him in a few days. We went ring shopping together actually. It worked because if either of you asked where we were, or if fans caught us, we could just say we were helping the other one shop."
"Sneaky." Sirius teases lovingly, leaning into Remus's touch. "Has he made plans?"
"Oh yeah, romantic dinner, walk by the water - you know the works."
"Romantic sap." Sirius huffs.
“Coming from the one who wants to elope.” Remus teases, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
“Well... not completely. Regulus was right in that comment last summer - I still want a small wedding. Probably before August so Tonks can come too before university starts again - and earlier in the day so our kids aren’t half asleep.” Remus hums in agreement.
“Fine by me. I'm sure Teds and Hope could handle it now though. Maybe not three years ago, but they're staying up late in their rooms already.” Sirius sighs.
"True... I'll think about that more then... I haven’t settled on a theme though.” Sirius runs his fingers through his hair and Remus smiles. “Any ideas?”
“You’ve thought about this quite a bit, haven’t you?” Sirius blushes.
“Maybe.” He gets up and Remus chuckles, following behind him as they walk towards the kitchen.
“I don’t think already thinking about a theme is a maybe my love.” Remus turns him around by his waist and presses him against the counter. Sirius gasps softly at the action before grinning.
“I already told you I wanted to steal your last name last fall. If that wasn’t me dropping a hint that I wanted you to propose, I don’t know what better one to give you.” Remus laughs softly, leaning their foreheads together.
“Mhmm, Sirius Lupin. It sounds right.” Sirius blushes more and grins.
“It does, doesn’t it?” Sirius leans into Remus’s hand that is slowly slipping underneath his shirt.
“Yes… I can’t wait till that's permanent.”
“Permanent?" Sirius teases, nuzzling him.
"You think I'm letting you go?" Remus pulls him closer and kisses him. Sirius kisses back, still leaning into Remus's touch.
"I can’t wait to put a ring on your finger. You beat me to it.” Remus presses a kiss to his jaw and Sirius hums softly.
“Mhmm, I love you so much,” Remus mumbles, kissing down his neck. Sirius whimpers softly and he feels his hand slip into his hair.
“I love you too.” Remus kisses over a mark under his collar from last night and Sirius sighs. Remus pulls him closer and Sirius laughs softly.
“Babyyyy, as much as I want you to take me right here, we need to make breakfast."
“Do we have too?” Remus mumbles against his neck. He feels Sirius shiver a bit and smirks to himself.
“Before our children emerge telling us they're starving, yes.” Remus rolls his eyes affectionately.
“The joys of teens. Well, it’s my day, so sit down and relax.” Sirius whines and Remus shakes his head lovingly.
“But I don’t want to sit down.” Remus kisses his forehead.
“Then stick around. I don’t mind, but at least let me make it.”
“Fine,” Sirius sighs dramatically. “Make it the french toast.” Remus laughs and nods. He pulls out the ingredients as he hears Sirius put some music on in the background.
He pauses in front of the stove as Sirius’s arms wrap around his waist.
“Baby?” Remus asks softly, feeling Sirius squeeze him tightly. He knew the signs of Sirius's anxiety pretty well after the years they've spent by each other's side.
“Can you promise me something?” Sirius asks softly. Remus turns off the flame and nods, turning around to hold him in his arms.
“Of course, baby. What is it?”
“Promise you’ll stay by my side forever?” Remus smiles to himself, knowing how many times he’ll promise him this for the rest of his life.
“Always, my love.” Remus kisses him gently as he hears the voices of Teddy and Hope in the living room. His family… “There is nowhere else I’d rather be.”