Chapter Text
Remus Lupin didn’t consider himself an overly sentimental person. He wasn’t one for grand declarations or extravagant gestures. Of course, he enjoyed giving his friends something special. He loved the childish joyful smile Sirius would give him when Remus gave him a new record. He cherished James's laughter when Remus would give him a funny pin to add to his denim jacket. Even Regulus´s concealed grin when he gave him a beautiful bookmark last christmas. So, the fact that he didn´t serenade his boyfriend in the great hall (like Sirius had tried to do when they started going out) didn´t mean he wasn't moved by the classic romance stuff. It was just a fact not a lot of people knew. Okay, it was a fact only Regulus knew about him.
This also meant, his boyfriend wasn't aware of this fact. Actually, Remus thought Sirius had him pegged as the opposite of a classic romance guy. Sirius had tried making a reservation for them last Valentine´s Day at Madam Puddifoot; and Remus had tried to please his boyfriend by going. But, Merlin, had it been a hellish afternoon for Remus. The never ending song from the fairy choir at the restaurant. The overly perfumed flowers at the table that made it impossible to see his boyfriend without leaning to the side. Horrible, utterly horrible. Of course, Sirius, bless him, had noticed his boyfriend´s uncomfortableness.
“I think ever since that day Sirius thinks I´m against all romance.” said Remus slamming his forehead to the book he had in front of him.
“He did say he was keeping it low this year.” agreed Peter. Remus groaned.
“I don't understand why don't you just tell him-”
Regulus was interrupted by Amelia Johnes cooing loudly, even though they were in the library. “Oh, Kingsley this is lovely.” said the Hufflepuff girl as she retrieved a rose from her book. Kingsley Shackelbolt, a ravenclaw in the year above, had shyly tucked a rose into Amelia´s book and was now blushing as Amelia hugged him.
Madam Pince sighted but refrained from saying anything. Romantic gestures were the only sound she let slide and only on holidays. Like Valentine's Day.
“I bet you are so jealous right now, Moony.” teased Peter. “Ouch! Rude!” he complained as Remus kicked him with his foot.
“Anyway…” continued Regulus, shaking his head as if to forget what he had just seen. “I don´t understand why don't you just tell my brother you want a bouquet.”
“I don't know how to tell him.” confessed Remus still watching the couple a few tables away.
“How about Sirius, I want to receive flowers for Valentine's Day?” Regulus asked unimpressed.
“No, you don't understand. I want to receive flowers but I don't want him to make a big deal about it… or rather, I want him to make a big deal out of it just not a public deal…”
“Sounds like you know what you want.” argued Regulus poking Remus with his quill. Remus knew it was meant as a sort of encouragement.
“Yeah, but Sirius is a public type of fella.” added Peter as he got up the table to fetch another book. “Besides, you have given Sirius all the signals that you are in fact not a romantic type.”
“I have not!” exclaimed Remus.
“Mr. Lupin, if you please.” warned Madam Pince with a whisper-carrier spell. Remus sank into his seat.
Remus desperately wanted to receive a bouquet, and wanted to feel the giddy warmth of having someone present him with something soft and fragrant and fleeting. But Sirius Black, for all his devotion, had clearly not gotten the memo. Or had he really given Sirius the wrong signs.
“This shouldn't be a problem, you know,” said Regulus. “Sirius is a hopeless romantic, just like your sorry arse.”
“I know he is.” Remus thought of his boyfriend's chaotic way of showing love. Sirius was the type to sneak chocolates into Remus’s bag when he thought he wasn’t looking or take notes for him after the full moons. But flowers? Sirius had dismissed them early on in their relationship, after the Madam Puddifoot incident, saying, “Sorry for bringing you here, Moons. You’d probably rather have a book or a new jumper.” Sirius had laughed as his overwhelmed boyfriend held the door for him. “Guess I´ll have to cancel the big flower arrangement the frog choir was going to give you at dinner.”
Remus had gritted his teeth and nodded.He hadn't even known what Sirius was saying, as he had been too busy getting his werewolf senses under control and breathing fresh air to really listen to his boyfriend. He didn't want the frog choir to parade with a bouquet for him in front of everyone but he did want the flowers.
But after a whole year of discrete romantic gestures - at least according to Remus - how did you tell your boyfriend that, actually, you really, really wanted flowers without sounding ridiculous?
“I have been dropping hints the last few days.” said Remus as Peter returned to his seat. “At least I think I did.”
Peter and Regulus exchanged a pointed look. “Casually admiring the bouquets other students have been getting is not dropping hints,” said Regulus.
“No, I´m with Moony on this one.” said Peter, earning a smoldering look from Regulus. “What?”
“Honestly, you both are so dense sometimes. It's like you don´t know your friend.” complained Regulus. “Remus you literally had to kiss Sirius for my brother to realize he was gay. Are you really expecting him to pick up that you want a bouquet by simply admiring other students' bouquets? The guy was searching for herbology books to give to you cause he thinks you have entered a flower investigation phase.”
“He did not!” Remus was slightly moved by Sirius researching books for him.
“Mr. Lupin.” scolded Madam Pince once again.
“He did!” Assured Regulus.
“I don't get how he is the smartest in our year.” laughed Peter. “Remus literally said the other day “I think getting flowers is rather nice” that is the most obvious hint in the world. And you know what Sirius did? He smiled like an idiot and said “I bet.” and he went to class!”.
Regulus looked at Peter in disbelief. Then he looked at Remus for confirmation, and Remus nodded with a painful expression on his face, as if the memories brought him physical pain. “Merlin and Morgana, for all the brilliant work with the pranks you are a pair of numpties.” Regulus pinched the bridge of his nose. “Listen Lupin, the quickest way to get what you want is -”
“Regulus Arcturus Black!” was heard all over the library.
“Oh, fuck.” said Regulus sinking on his seat.
“Mr. Potter! Get the thing out of the library now!” Even though Madam Pince let the gestures slide on Valentines Day, James Potter had entered the library with a beautiful fanged geranium surrounded by tiny forget-me-nots. The bouquet arrangement was beautiful but James was struggling to manage not to get his fingers bitten by the fanged geranium.
James made a beeline for the table Regulus, Peter and Remus were sitting at, completely ignoring Madam Pince protests. “Hiya lads. I have a special delivery for the most beautiful boyfriend in the world.”
James, grinning like a fool, presented Regulius the bouquet. “James isn´t that like the fifth bouquet you give Regulus?” asked Remus trying not to sound to bitter.
“You are so jealous right now Moony.” laughed Peter. Regulus smacked Peter in the head.
“Well, got to keep mi cielo interested, mate.” winked James.
Regulus grabbed James by the tie and whispered something in his ear that had James beaming. Now, any other student wouldn´t have been able to hear, but Remus sharp hearing sense could easily hear Regulus murmuring “You already got me, mon cour.”
“You guys are so sappy.” said Remus with a fond smile.
“Ah, now don´t be jealous Moony.” said James as he hugged Regulus from behind, leaving the bouquet on the table. Peter moved his chair away from the table, in order not to get his fingers bitten as well. “I have it on good authority you will receive a beautiful book for your new found interest.”
Remus jaw dropped. “I don´t want to know about flowers! I want to get a freaking bouquet!” he snapped.
James exchanges a look with his boyfriend. And then he burst out laughing. “Oh Sirius, you glorious idiot! Now you have done it.” James Laughed. “Moony… is just that you have been commenting so much on the flowers that Sirius thought…” James couldn't finish because another fit of laughter came to him. Much to Remus' annoyance.
“James, Imma punch you in the face if you don´t stop laughing at my misery.” complained Remus.
Regulus gathered his stuff just in time for a magical soft bell to chime all over the castle. The next lessons would start soon. “Come on, mon amour, let's leave the big bad wolf to his sulking.” Regulus extended his hand to James, who happily intertwined his fingers with the youngest of the black brothers.
“Don´t worry Moony,” said James, leaning ruffle Remus' hair. “Just tell Sirius that you want a bouquet. He already got you a book but you know he'll do anything for you.”
“Yeah, seeing as he is filthy rich.” commented Peter.
“Just tell him!” said James over his shoulder, flipping Peter off playfully.
“Right?” murmured Regulus as he and James made their way out to the library. “I told him exactly the same.”
“Fuck you guys!” shouted Remus.
“Mr. Lupin, this is the third time!” Said Madam Pince. “Honestly, what happened to the sweet third year… Swearing is not allowed in the library young sir.”
“Sorry Ma´am”. Said Remus as Peter handed him his satchel. “Won't happen again.”
“Don´t worry, Lupin!” shouted Regulus as he and James reached the door of the library. “I got you!” he shouted when his figure could no longer be seen.
Madam Pince tried to shush him but Regulus and James were already gone. Remus exchanged a defeated look with Peter. In return the mousy haired boy offered Remus a piece of chocolate from the box he had received from a pretty hufflepuff that morning.
“Cheers Pete.” said Remus as they made their way to class.
“No worries mate. And hey, if Regulus says he´ll help, he´ll help.”
.0.
The day was coming to an end, and Remus had not received any help from his so-called best friend. Regulus had spent all afternoon somewhere with James. After their last lessons Remus had taken Sirius for a walk by the lake, and all the annoyance that he had been brewing towards his boyfriend disappeared as soon as Sirius stepped out of class.
Sirius looked sleepy, like any other student that had gotten out of the history of magic lesson. However, his whole face lit up as soon as he saw Remus leaning on the wall waiting for him. He rushed to Remus and practically climbed him, as he kissed every inch of his face available.
“Moony, since when are you so sappy?” asked Sirius once he was on the floor again.
“I took it, you received my gift, then, Pads?” asked Remus smugly. All the resentment at not being gifted flowers was long forgotten just by seeing his Sirius so happy.
“Oh course I received it!” said Sirius showing Remus his neck. It was adorned by a beautiful silver chain and Sirius made sure to show Remus the pendant. It had a moon and a star. As if Remus had not seen it already. As if he hadn't spent every single penny he earned over winter hols in that perfect necklace he had seen on Diagon Alley and that had Sirius glued to the showcase. “Who knew you had it in you? I can't even believe you remembered!” said Sirius. “I saw this like three months ago! Besides! I can't believe you got your owl to deliver it to me during lessons! You should have seen Mary´s face, she was so jealous! She might try to steal you from me!”
“I know, I´m an incredible boyfriend. ” laughed Remus. Ha was just so happy to see Sirius happe. They started walking towards their dorm. Remus had planned for them a private picnic and had bribed Pete and James to stay on the great hall for a bit after dinner.
“Oh, look at you! You are so pleased with yourself, aren´t you mister Moony?” Teased Sirius, shoving Remus lightly. Remus took advantage of the momentum to pass his arm around Sirius without disentangling their fingers. Remus used his free hand to take Sirius by the chin and plan a chastise kiss on Sirius´s lips. Sirius looked at him with wide eyes. “What has gotten into you today?” Laughed Sirius hiding his face on the crook of Remus' necks.
“Dunno, I'm just in a romantic mood I guess.” shrugged Remus.
“Yeah, right. You? In a romantic mood?” teased Sirius. However, the joke did not landed. That was all it took to get Remus back to his sulking mood. “Am kidding Moons.”
“You do know I like romantic stuff right?” asked Remus.
Sirius gapped at Remus. “But… Madam Puddifoot…”
“Is not that I didn't like it, Sirius. You know my senses are more…” Remus tried to explain. One look at Sirius told him, the raven haired boy understood. “I got overwhelmed. By the light, the smells, the sounds. But not by your gesture. I really like that romantic shite.”
Realization dawned on Sirius. “Oh, Moons, I never thought of it that way.” Sirius slapped his palm to his forehead. “I'm such an idiot.”
“You are not, love.” assured Remus, kissing Sirius´s forehead. “I just wanted to put that out there, so you know… for future reference, I like romantic stuff.”
“Thanks, love.” answered Sirius.
Later, in their dorm, Sirius sat next to Remus, happily munching on biscuits that Remus had nicked from the kitchens. Remus was happy they had cleared the air. Well at least the romantic stuff part. He still did not mention the flowers to Sirius. But, oh well, next year. Remus told himself it didn’t matter. But it did.
After finishing the biscuits, Sirius flopped onto his bed, patting the space beside him. “Come here, Moony.”
Remus hesitated. He wanted to sulk. He wanted to demand why Sirius, who loved him, hadn’t thought to do this one stupidly simple thing. But it wasn't fair. Just a few hours ago, Sirius had no idea Remus was into romance at all. He just shook his head. “I’m tired.”
Sirius frowned. “Alright, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar.” Sirius sat up, watching him closely. “Come on, out with it. ”
Remus crossed his arms. Now was as well as any other time. “It’s nothing, just—” He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “You didn’t get me flowers.”
Sirius blinked as he slowly made his way back to the blanket he had used for the picnic on their dorm´s floor. “Flowers?”
“Yes, flowers,” Remus muttered, feeling foolish, even as he said it. “You just assumed I wouldn’t want them, but I did. And I feel bad for being annoyed that you didn't get them cause I didn't told you I wanted them and I know you thought I wasn't into that type of stuff but still…”
Sirius was quiet for a moment. Then, to Remus’s horror, his face split into a grin. “Moony, are you pouting?”
“I am not—”
“Oh, you are absolutely pouting.”
“Sirius—”
“You wanted flowers,” Sirius smiled indulgently, as if Remus was a small child throwing a tantrum. Maybe he was. “You actually wanted flowers.”
“Yes, alright? I wanted flowers. I wanted you to get me a stupid bouquet like James got Regulus, well not quite, but still… I wanted you to get me flowers because—because it’s nice, and I wanted it.” Remus scowled. “You don’t have to look so smug.”
But Sirius was already jumping to his feet walking towards the window. The marauders had a little balcony. It really was just a piece of wall, raised enough to be the place where they went out to smoke at night. A piece of wall wide enough to sit two people. A piece of wall wide enough to hide Sirius´s present.
“You mean you wanted a bouquet like this?” Sirius, triumphant, stood there with an arrangement of flowers which seemed to have been put together in a haphazard way and which, however, formed an extraordinarily beautiful combination. Just like Sirius. Remus stood up quickly and met Sirius half way. Not really sure of what to do with his hands.
“For you,” he declared, pressing them into Remus’s hands. “My very romantic, very soft boyfriend who should have told me earlier that he wanted flowers.”
Remus stared at the mess of petals and leaves. He recognized the flowers, some were from the greenhouse, some from the forest, some from the lake shore. Hell, Sirius had even stoled some from Hagrid's hut. It was obvious Sirius had made the bouquet himself. It was awful. It was rushed. It was so Sirius. It was perfect.
“You’re an idiot,” he mumbled, smiling despite himself.
Sirius grinned. “Yeah, but I’m your idiot.”
Remus brought the bouquet to his nose, shyly smelling the flowers, feeling a warmth bloom in his chest. It was a weird combination that shouldn't have worked… despite all, it did. Just like them. The bouquet smelled beautifully. “I'm sorry. I should have told you I wanted flowers.”
“Don't be an idiot. I'll alway be here to understand you.”
And Remus, once again, after so many months together, felt seen. “I love you so much, Sirius.”
“I love you too, Remus.” said Sirius, pulling Remus by the shirt. Remus left the bouquet carefully on the bed and scooped Sirius from the floor to snog him senseless. “I´m still giving you the book about flowers you know.”
“Thank you, Pads.” laughed Remus.