Work Text:
~ Remus' POV ~
Remus is sitting beside his best friend Regulus in their home economics class. They are talking about the new book series they have been reading while they wait for class to start. Both of them look when they hear a loud commotion at the front of the classroom. They look and see that it is just Regulus' twin brother Sirius and his best friend James.
“I will never understand how you brother and James are capable of making so much noise.” Remus says.
“Trust me they are always like this. When Sirius has Potter over I stay in my room with the door shut and I can still hear them carrying on.” Regulus says.
“Do you think they just feed off of each other's energy?” Remus asks.
“I wouldn't doubt it.” Regulus replies.
Just then the teacher comes in. “Today we are going to begin work on a new project. For this project you will be split into pairs.” Everyone in the room starts talking excitedly. “Hold up every one. I will be picking your pairs. Part of this project is going to be learning how to work with someone you might not normally work with. This is going to be an opportunity for you to work with someone new. Now when I tell you your partner I would like the two of you to sit together.” She says.
“I wonder who we will get paired with.” Remus says.
“It is going to suck regardless of who it is. I don't like most of the people in this class.” Regulus says.
“Yes, I know. You have a very low tolerance for most people.” Remus says.
“Exactly. You are one of the only people I can stand to be around for more than a couple of minutes.” Regulus says.
The teacher is listing off the different pairs. She is down to the last three groups. “Lily Evan and James Potter. Regulus Black and Pandora Rosier. Since we have more boys than girls in this class our last pair is going to have to be two boys, and it is Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Now that you all know your partner, move to sit with them so I can explain the rest of the project.”
Regulus gives Remus an uneasy look. “It will be ok Reggie. I have some other classes with Pandora. She is a nice girl. She is super friendly.” Remus says.
“You are right. I guess it could be worse. I mean I feel bad for you. You are stuck with my brother.” Regulus says.
Remus wasn't worried about working with Regulus' brother Sirius. He had never had a problem with Sirius before. Sure he could be annoying at times. Like when Regulus and Remus would hang out and Sirius would be playing his guitar or drums really loud, but at least he was a nice guy. “I'm sure it will be fine. He has always been nice to me.” He says standing up to switch tables.
Sirius smiles at Remus when he sits down. “Hi.” He says.
“Hi.” Remus says back.
After everyone switches their tables the teacher says, “We are going to be doing the baby project. Each pair will be given a robot baby, and you will be expected to take care of it for two weeks. The dolls will keep records on if it is properly cared for or not. You will be expected to write a report about this project on what you learn. This project is to teach you not only responsibility, but also how to work with someone you might not usually. As well as how to adapt to a situation when it doesn't turn out the way you plan. I want you to also show proof that you and your partner worked together, not just switched the baby back and forth.”
Once the teacher went over the rules of the project she passed out the dolls. Each of them came in a carrier and had a diaper bag with some supplies. After she passes out the dolls she tells them that they can name the dolls if they want to.
Sirius turns to Remus. “Do you want to name it?” He asks.
“We might as well. I don't feel comfortable referring to the doll as it for our entire project, or as the baby. Do you have any ideas?” Remus says.
“Yeah, let's name it David.” Sirius says.
“Why David?” Remus asks.
“After the legendary David Bowie of course.” Sirius replies.
“Why not just use Bowie then?” Remus asks.
“Because I didn't think you would agree if I suggested using Bowie.” Sirius replies.
“Why wouldn't I agree? I like David Bowie too.” Remus says.
“You’re a Bowie fan?” Sirius asks.
“Yeah. Just because I am a nerd doesn't mean I like boring music.” Remus replies.
“I never said that. I was just shocked. You don't hear many people our age say about liking David Bowie. They talk about liking the music of today.” Sirius says.
“Well I am a fan of 70s music. Queen and David Bowie are my favorite artists.” Remus says.
“Me too.” Sirius says.
“We will have to figure out the times we want to switch off the baby.” Remus says.
“We could do it every other day. Except I wouldn't be able to have it right after school. I have soccer practice everyday after school, and I don't think it would be safe to have the baby there.” Sirius says.
“Ok, I am here everyday after school anyways, because I tutor ninth graders. So I guess on the days that you are supposed to take Bowie home I could keep him until you are done with practice.” Remus says.
“That works for me. Who should take him first?” Sirius asks.
“I can take him first.” Remus offers.
“Ok, then we will switch tomorrow in this class since it is our first one of the day.” Sirius says.
“Works for me.” Sirius says.
The bell rings for the end of the class period. Remus puts on his backpack and then grabs the diaper bag and baby carrier. Sirius tells him he will see him later as he walks off to meet up with James.
Regulus meets Remus at the door. “I see my brother convinced you to take the first shift.” He says.
Remus shrugs his shoulders. “I offered to go first. I don't mind. Did you guys name yours?” He says.
“Oh. Pandora wanted to go first so I let her, and yes we named it. Pandora likes the name Luna so I told her we could use that. What about you?” Regulus says.
“We ended up naming him Bowie.” Remus replies.
“I would say let me guess it was my brother's suggestion, but I know you would have liked the name just as much as him.” Regulus says.
“Actually your brother suggested we use David for David Bowie. I was the one that suggested using Bowie.” Remus says.
🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙
~ Sirius' POV ~
Sirius was excited for the project in Home Economics after he found out who his partner was going to be. He has had a crush on Remus ever since the first time Regulus brought him over to the house to hang out. This project gives Sirius the perfect excuse to spend time with him.
When Remus sits down Sirius smiles at him and says hi. He is so happy when Remus says hi back.
After the teacher goes over all the rules she passes out the babies. She tells them that they can even name the dolls if they want. Sirius really wants to name it, but he doesn't want to suggest it if Remus doesn't want to. He turns to Remus and asks if he wants to name the doll. Remus tells him yes, because he wasn't comfortable with saying the baby or doll the whole time. Then he asks if Sirius has any ideas. Sirius knows immediately what he wants to call the doll. He wants to name it after one of his all time favorite singers, but he doesn't know if Remus would want to use Bowie, so he suggests the name David.
When Remus asks him why David Sirius tells him it is after David Bowie. Then Remus asks why don't they just use the name Bowie. Sirius tells Remus he didn't think that Remus would agree with the name if he had suggested Bowie. Remus asks Sirius why he didn't think he would agree stating that he was also a David Bowie fan. Sirius was shocked to hear this and he blurts out in a shocked tone about Remus being a Bowie fan. Remus gives him a look and Sirius knows he screwed up. He tells Sirius that just because he is a nerd doesn't mean he has to like boring music. Sirius tries to back pedal immediately telling Remus that he wasn't saying that he couldn't be a fan because he was a nerd, but that he was just shocked to find someone else that was a fan. Thankfully Remus doesn't say anything else about it, so hopefully that means he isn't mad.
Before class is over they discuss how they will deal with switch turns and who would go first. Then once the bell rings Sirius puts his stuff away and goes to meet James at the door. He is smiling as he walks up to James.
“Someone looks happy.” James says.
“How could I not be happy? I get to be paired with Remus for this project.” Sirius says, smiling.
“You know if you aren't careful other people are going to realize you have feelings for him.” James says.
“I can't help it. I am just so excited to get the chance to spend time with him, and you are one to judge. Don't tell me you aren't excited to be working with Lily.” Sirius says.
“I never said I wasn't, but I'm also not the one trying to hide the fact that I have a crush on my brother's best friend.” James says.
Sirius slaps a hand over James' mouth. “Shh before someone hears you.” He hisses.
“No one is going to hear me. Did you at least use this project as an excuse to get Remus’ number?” James says.
Sirius smacks his forehead. “No, I didn't even think to say anything about it.” He says.
Later that day Regulus and Remus are sitting together at lunch when Sirius comes up and sits in the empty seat beside Remus. “I just realized we should probably exchange numbers so that way we can contact each other if we need to in an emergency.” He says.
“Why would you need to contact each other in an emergency? What kind of emergency could you possibly have with a robotic doll?” Regulus asks.
“You never know Reggie. It is better to be safe than sorry.” Sirius says.
“Don't call me Reggie. You know I hate that.” Regulus says.
“Sorry.” Then Sirius turns to Remus. “So do you want to exchange numbers so we can get a hold of each other if we need to?” He asks.
Remus laughs lightly. “Sure we can exchange numbers.” He says as he writes down his number and hands it to Sirius.
“I’ll text you so you have my number too.” Sirius says before walking off to join James.
Sirius has a wide smile on his face when he sits down beside James. “What are you smiling about?” He asks.
“I got Remus' number.” Sirius says. He pulls out his phone and puts Remus' number in his contacts before sending him a text so that Remus has his number as well.
Sirius: Hey, Remus. This is Sirius.
🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙
~ Remus' POV ~
After Sirius leaves Regulus turns to Remus and says, “I can't believe you actually gave my brother your number.”
“It isn't that big a deal. It isn't like he is going to text or call me for anything unless it is something to do with our project.” Remus says.
While he is eating lunch Remus’ phone goes off. He has a text from an unknown number. The message says this is Sirius. He puts the number in his contacts under Sirius’ name.
When school is finally over for the day Remus stops at his locker to drop off everything he doesn't need for tonight. Then he heads to the library for his tutoring session. While he is on his way there he runs into Sirius.
“Hey, Remus.” Sirius says.
“Hey, Sirius.” Remus replies.
“I had a favor to ask you.” Sirius says.
“Sure what is it?” Remus replies.
“After I am done with soccer and you are done with tutoring, do you think you could show me how to take care of Bowie. Like the whole feeding, burping, changing, and rocking.” Sirius says.
“So you want me to show you how to do everything?” Remus asks.
“Yeah, it's not that I don't know how to do it. I just want to make sure I do it right so I don't mess it up.” Sirius says.
“Yeah, I can show you how to do it.” Remus says.
“Thank you. Can we keep this between us? It's just I don't want my brother getting wind of me asking for extra help.” Sirius says.
“I promise I won't tell your brother.” Remus says.
“Ok, thank you.” Sirius says.
After Sirius leaves Remus finish walking to the library. He shakes his head and smiles slightly. Remus suspects that Sirius is lying about needing to know how to care for the doll. It is pretty self explanatory on how to make sure the doll registers you caring for it. Remus also knows that Sirius knows how to take care of a baby. He remembers Regulus telling him about their cousin Andy’s little girl and how he and Sirius watched her before. This makes Remus wonder if Sirius was trying to find an excuse to spend time with him. Remus wonders if Sirius liked him.
Later Remus is packing everything up from tutoring when Sirius comes back into the library. Sirius says hi to him and Remus says hi back. Remus goes over all the instructions on how to care for the dolls, and things that Sirius should remember. After he goes over everything he asks Sirius if he is more comfortable now with having to care for Bowie.
Bowie starts crying and Remus asks if Sirius wants to try taking care of him now. Sirius agrees. Sirius takes care of the doll perfectly before handing him back to Remus. Remus comments about it not being so hard, and then he hooks Bowie back into the carrier. He is waiting to see if Sirius says anything else, but Sirius just says about seeing him tomorrow. This makes Remus wonder if he was wrong with his assumptions. He tells Sirius he will see him later. Then he packs everything away and grabs his stuff. Remus doesn't say anything to Sirius as they walk to the parking lot.
Remus wishes he had someone to talk to about his crush on Sirius, but his only friend also happens to be Sirius' twin brother.
🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙
~ Sirius' POV ~
After Sirius finishes talking to Remus he runs to the gym to get changed for soccer practice. When he gets there James is just finishing up with getting changed.
“What took you so long to get here? You were almost late for practice.” James says.
“I had to talk to Remus.” Sirius says.
“What did you have to talk to Remus about?” James asks.
“I was asking him if he would be willing to show me how to take care of the baby after we are both done with our stuff this afternoon.” Sirius replies.
“Why do you need him to show you how to take care of a baby? You already know how to. You told me before how you used to babysit for your cousin Andy when her daughter Dora was a baby. You still babysit for her.” James says.
“Yeah, but Remus doesn't know that. I needed an excuse to be able to spend some time with Remus.” Sirius says.
“We literally have to do outings with our partner so you can hang with him then.” James says.
“Yeah, but we only have to do like two or three of those and I didn't want to wait until then. If I am going to try and figure out if there is a possibility that Remus likes me back I need to spend as much time with him as I can.” Sirius says.
“What are you going to do if Regulus tells him the truth?” James asks.
“He won't because I asked Remus if we could keep it between us, and he said yes.” Sirius says.
After he is done with soccer practice Sirius showers and changes quickly before running off to meet Remus at the library. When he gets to the library he sees Remus just packing everything up from tutoring. Remus turns when he hears him. “Hey, Sirius.” He says.
“Hey, Remus.” Sirius replies.
“I need to get going so I will go over quickly how to do everything for Bowie.” Remus says.
Remus goes over how to use the special bottle that comes with the doll to feed it. Then he tells Sirius how to burp it, and he goes over how to change it and rock it. Remus tells him to remember that he has to always make sure he doesn't move the doll too fast or too hard when taking care of it. After Remus has gone over everything he says, “Do you feel a bit more comfortable with the idea of caring for him now?”
Sirius smiles and says, “Yeah, I feel better. I was so nervous about making a mistake and messing up our grade.”
Just then Bowie starts crying. “Do you want to try now?” Remus asks.
“Yeah, sure.” Sirius says. He picks up Bowie like Remus showed him and holds the special bottle to his mouth. The doll makes sounds as it drinks, and then once it is done Sirius burps it like Remus showed him.
“See that wasn't so hard.” Remus says, as he takes Bowie back from Sirius. Then he shows Sirius the correct way to hook the doll into the carrier.
Remus finishes gathering his stuff and grabs the diaper bag and baby carrier. Then the two of them walk out of the library. When they get outside Sirius says, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow.” Remus replies.
They head off in opposite directions to their vehicles.
When Sirius gets home that evening he goes right to his bedroom. He no sooner puts his backpack down and his brother Regulus is in his room.
“Why were you really asking for Remus' number today at lunch?” Regulus asks.
“I told you why. I need it in case there is an emergency and I need to contact him.” Sirius replies.
Regulus narrows his eyes at Sirius. “You had better not be planning to use Remus' number to mess with him. He is my best friend Sirius and I am not going to let you mess with him.” He says.
“That isn't why I wanted his number.” Sirius says.
“Then why would you want it? You know how to take care of babies. You have babysat Dora for Andy before, so it isn't like you would have an emergency related to that. So why do you want his number?” Regulus says.
“I can't tell you.” Sirius says.
“Why can't you tell me? That just leads me to believe that you are going to use it to mess with him.” Regulus says, his voice getting louder. “I am going to warn Remus about your plan.” Regulus says, pulling his phone out of his pocket.
“I don't want to mess with Remus.” Sirius says.
“Then tell me the truth. Why did you really want his number?” Regulus shouts.
“Because I have a crush on him.” Sirius shouts back.
Regulus looks at him wide eyed in shock. “What?” He asks.
Sirius breaths out. “I have a crush on Remus. I have since you first brought him over when we were in ninth grade.” He says.
“I'm sorry Siri. I didn't know. Why didn't you ever tell me?” Regulus says.
“I was afraid of how you would react. I know he is your best friend and I thought you would hate the idea of me liking him.” Sirius says.
“While I'm not fond of the idea I am relieved to know you aren't up to something bad that could hurt Remus.” Regulus says.
“So you are ok with me liking Remus? Does that mean I can ask him out?” Sirius asks.
Regulus makes a face. “I don't like the idea of but I can't really stop you, because even if I tell you I don't want you to ask him out you will do it anyway.” Then Regulus gets in his face. “Just know this. If you do anything to hurt him you will have me to deal with.” He says.
🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙
~ Remus' POV ~
The next morning when Remus gets to school he goes to his locker. He sets down the baby carrier so that he can open his locker and get his stuff out. After he is done he closes his locker and waits for Regulus to meet him. It is a little while later Regulus shows up. Sirius is with him. Regulus walks ahead of Sirius like he is trying to get away from him.
“Good morning Reggie.” Remus says.
Before Regulus can reply they hear. “Why is he allowed to call you Reggie? You always tell me you hate it.” Sirius says.
Regulus groans and turns to Sirius. “Don't you have a best friend to go and annoy?” He asks.
“Yes, but first I want to know why Remus is allowed to call you Reggie. You never let me call you that.” Sirius says.
Regulus sighs and says, “Because I like him better. Is that good enough for you?”
“Yep.” Sirius turns to Remus. “Good morning Remus.” He says before turning to leave.
Remus turns to Regulus after Sirius leaves. “You seem more annoyed with your brother than usual this morning.” He says.
“No, I’m not more annoyed with him. I just don't want him listening to my conversations.” Regulus says.
After Regulus gets the stuff he needs from his locker they head for their first period class which was their home economics class. When they walk into the classroom the teacher tells everyone to sit with their partners for the project like the day before. Remus and Regulus part ways as they walk to their new tables.
Remus sits down beside Sirius. “Good morning.” He says.
“Good morning.” Sirius replies.
The teacher tells them that they should go over ideas for outings that they can do. That way they can document it as if they were an actual family.
“Do you have ideas for outings that we can do?” Remus asks.
“We could go out to eat, or to the park, or the zoo.” Sirius says.
“I like the idea of the park or the zoo. That feels more like a family outing.” Remus says.
“So what do you say I pick you up Saturday morning and we can go for a walk in the park, and then we can decide from there what to do.” Sirius says.
“Sounds good to me.” Remus says.
“Ok, it's a date.” Sirius says. Then he blushes as he realizes what he said. Remus laughs lightly at Sirius' reaction. “I mean it's an outing. Like we need to do.” He says, blushing more as he stumbles over his words.
Remus smiles at Sirius and puts a hand on his arm to get his attention. “It is ok Sirius. I know what you mean. What time do you want to meet?” He says.
“How about I pick you up around 10?” Sirius suggests.
“That sounds good to me.” Remus says.
🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙
~ Sirius' POV ~
After class Sirius picks up the diaper bag and carrier since it is his turn to take Bowie. He meets James outside of the classroom.
“James I almost screwed up.” Sirius says.
“Why? What did you do?” James asks.
“Remus and I were planning our outing for the project and I referred to it as a date.” Siris replies.
“How did he react?” James asks.
“Thankfully he was ok with it. I told him I meant an outing and thankfully he didn't question me on it.” Sirius says.
“Why did you correct yourself? I thought you wanted to tell Remus you liked him.” James says.
“I did want to. I mean I still want to, but I don't know how to do it.” Sirius says.
“Why not just come right out and say it?” James asks.
“What if he doesn't feel the same?” Sirius asks.
“Then he doesn't, but you will never know if you don't take a chance. James says.
“Ok, I’ll tell him.” Sirius says.
🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙🌟🌙
~ Saturday ~
Sirius wakes up when Bowie cries. He gets up and takes care of the doll. Then he gets ready for the day. He spends a while on his hair wanting to make sure it looks good. Then he puts on some eyeliner. Sirius puts on his Queen band t-shirt and one of his tightest pairs of black jeans. Then he grabs the diaper bag and carrier and heads downstairs to have breakfast. When he gets downstairs he sees Regulus sitting at the table already.
Regulus looks at him and asks, “Where are you headed dressed like that?”
“Remus and I are going on an outing with Bowie for the project.” Sirius replies.
“That explains why you are dressed like that.” Regulus says.
“Dressed like what? I always wear black jeans and a band t-shirt.” Sirius says.
“You are literally wearing one of your tightest pairs of jeans.” Regulus says.
“It was just the first pair I grabbed.” Sirius says.
Regulus laughs and shakes his head. “Sirius, I know you. You are dressed in them because you want Remus to notice.” He says.
“Do you think he will?” Sirius asks.
“Sirius I am not going to discuss whether or not my best friend is going to check out your ass.” Regulus says.
“Ok, we don't have to talk about that.” Sirius says as he goes to grab something to eat.
Later after Sirius is done eating breakfast he grabs everything and heads out to his car. After hooking the carrier in he heads for Remus' house. When he gets to Remus' house he pulls out his phone and texts him to let him know he is there.
Sirius: I am parked outside your place whenever you are ready.
Remus: I’ll be out in a few minutes.
It is a couple minutes later when Remus comes out and gets in the car. He turns to Sirius as he hooks his seatbelt. “How did you know where I lived?” He asks.
“I remembered from when I used to drop Regulus off before he got his license.” Sirius says.
“I forgot about that.” Remus says.
Sirius drives them to the park and finds a parking spot. Then he grabs the diaper bag and Bowie, but instead of grabbing the carrier he grabs a baby carrier he has from when he used to babysit for his cousin Andy. He hooks the carrier on him and then puts Bowie in it.
Remus is shocked when he sees Sirius with the baby carrier. “Did you buy a baby carrier just for this project?” He asks.
“No, I already had it.” Sirius blushes. “I actually babysat my cousin Andy's little girl Dora when she was a baby.” He says.
“So you already knew how to take care of a baby before this project. You didn't need my help that first day.” Remus says.
“Yeah, I sort of lied about needing help. I needed an excuse to be able to spend more time with you.” Sirius says.
Remus looks at Sirius shocked. “You wanted to spend more time with me?” He asks.
“Of course I did.” Sirius says, stepping closer.
Remus won’t make eye contact with Sirius. “Why do you want to spend more time with me?” He asks.
Sirius puts his finger under Remus' chin and tilts his head up. “Because I like you. I have had a crush on you since the first day Regulus brought you home in ninth grade.” He says.
“I like you too.” Remus softly says.
Sirius smiles before leaning down and capturing Remus' lips in a kiss. Remus melts into the kiss and kisses Sirius back.
After a bit Sirius breaks the kiss and leans his forehead against Remus'. “Thank goodness for new opportunities.” He says.
“My thoughts exactly. Without them we might not be standing here right now,” Sirius kisses Remus again. “I was wondering if you would like to be my boyfriend?” Sirius says.
“Yeah, I would like that.” Remus replies.