Work Text:
Sirius liked working at The Cozy Cauldron. It was a coffee shop right on the campus of his college. He has been working there since his freshman year. Sirius liked it so much, because it had such a nice vibe. It was warm and inviting. They had seating at tables. As well as a little reading nook area where they had arm chairs and a library where people could take a book or leave a book.
It is Sunday morning and Sirius is on his way to The Cozy Cauldron for his shift. Sirius had to work the morning shift today. He liked working Sunday mornings, because they usually seemed calmer than other days. You usually only had a few students that would come in that had classes. There wasn't many classes on Sundays, and people who didn't have class were usually still sleeping from partying on Saturday night.
When he gets there he sees that his friend Marlene was already there. Sirius goes into the back and puts his backpack in the office. Since he has an afternoon class today he decided to bring his bag with him. Sirius puts his hair into a messy bun and puts on his apron. He joins Marlene behind the counter.
“Good morning Siri. How are you?” Marlene says.
“Good morning Marls. I am good. How are you?” Sirius replies.
“I’m good too.” Marlene says.
When it is time for the shop to open Sirius flips the closed sign to open. Then he rejoins Marlene behind the counter. After a bit a few people started trickling in. It was mainly just the normal morning crowd of students grabbing coffee on their way to class.
They have been open for a bit and Sirius is wiping down a table when he hears the bell above the door ring. He glances up and sees a guy come walking in with light brown hair carrying a messenger bag. Sirius watches as he walks to the counter and places his order. He watches the guy get his drink from Marlene before walking over to the reading nook and taking a seat in the one arm chair. After he finishes wiping the table down Sirius goes back behind the counter.
“Who was that boy?” Sirius asks Marlene.
“I don't know. I haven't ever seen him before.” She says.
“Didn't you ask his name when you took his order?” Sirius asks.
“No, because it wasn't busy. He was the only customer waiting for a drink.” Marlene says.
“You should have asked his name.” Sirius says.
“Why?” Marlene asks.
“Because then I would know it.” Sirius says.
“If you want to know his name so badly, go ask him.” Marlene says.
“I can't just go up to him and ask him his name. I could get in trouble for harassing the customers.” Sirius says.
“Well then I guess you will have to find another way to find out his name.” Marlene says.
Sirius goes back to work, but he can't help how his eyes drift every so often over to the reading nook. He really wants to go and talk to the cute guy that is sitting there, but he also doesn't want to scare him off.
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Later that day after Sirius gets off work he goes back to the apartment he shares with his best friend James. As soon as he gets in the door he starts calling for James. I'm in the kitchen, James yells back. Sirius goes into the kitchen and sees James sitting at the table studying. Sirius pretty much throws himself into the chair beside James.
“What's got our all wound up this afternoon?” James asks.
“Today at the coffee shop the cutest guy came in.” Sirius replies.
“So what is your new crush's name?” James asks.
Sirius sighs. “I don't know. Marlene took his order and since we weren't busy she didn't take his name.” He says.
“Why didn't you just go talk to him? You could have asked him his name.” James replies.
“Because I didn't want to get in trouble for bugging the customers.” Sirius says.
“How do you plan on figuring out his name?” James asks.
“I am hoping the next time he comes in it is me who is taking his order, and then I can ask him his name, or that if Marlene or someone else takes his order that it is busy enough that they have to ask.” Sirius says.
“I guess that works.” James says.
“It will work. Trust me, Prongs.” Sirius says as he stands up.
“Oh, before I forget. Lily invited a friend of hers over to dinner tonight. They grew up together, and he apparently just transferred here for his graduate program.” James says.
“Who is her friend?" Sirius asks.
“It is Remy or maybe it was Romulus. Something like that. I can't remember exactly what she called him.”
“Ok, well what do you want to have for supper tonight? We could make something or we could order in. I have almost perfected your mom's curry recipe.” Sirius says.
“If you want Indian food. We don't want to risk anyone getting food poisoning.” James says.
“My cooking isn't that bad. I only gave you food poisoning once, and my cooking has improved a lot since then.” Sirius says.
“Yeah, but it is best to not take the chance. We can just order in.” James says.
“Fine, whatever you want.” Sirius says.
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A couple of hours later James and Sirius are waiting for Lily and her friend to arrive. James places the order for the food and it should be there in about 20 minutes. There is a knock on the door and James goes to answer it. He hugs Lily and gives her a kiss.
“Hi, honey it is so good to see you.” Then he turns to the guy with her and sticks her hand out. “It is nice to meet you..” James says, pausing because he can't remember what Lily said his name was.
“Remus.” Lily finishes for James.
“Right. It's nice to meet you Remus.” James says, his hand still extended
Remus shakes his hand and says, “It is nice to meet you too James.”
James moves to let them inside. He yells, “Sirius, come meet Lily's friend Remus.”
Sirius comes into the living room and stops dead in his tracks when he sees Lily's friend. It was the guy from the coffee shop. He looks at him wide eyed. The guy looks just as good now as he did this morning. Sirius doesn't say anything at first.
James elbows him and whispers, “Padfoot, don't be rude.” Sirius blushes, and all he can think is that Remus is probably thinking he is rude for staring.
“Nice to meet you Remus. I'm Sirius.” Sirius says, sticking his hand out to shake Remus'.
Sirius hears James snicker beside him. Remus smiles and lets out a light chuckle, and all Sirius can think is he wants to do anything he can to make Remus smile at him again.
“I kind of figured you were Sirius when James called you in here.” Remus says.
When Remus talks Sirius notices that he sounds different. Then he notices the device in Remus' ear and he realizes it is a cochlear implant. Sirius’ cheeks turn a darker shade of pink as his blush worsens. “Sorry, I am weird with meeting new people.” He says.
“It's ok. You look familiar, have I seen you before?” Remus says, smiling.
“Sirius works at The Cozy Cauldron on campus. You might have seen him there.” James says, smirking at Sirius, who elbows him and then glares at him.
Remus snaps his fingers. “That is probably it. I was there this morning. Were you working this morning?” He says.
“Yeah, I was.” Sirius says.
Just then there was a knock at the door. James goes to answer it and he pays the delivery boy before taking the bags of food. He carries them into the kitchen and sits them on the tables.
“Sirius grabs some plates and silverware while I unbag everything.” James says.
After he unbags everything he grabs some water out of the fridge for everyone. Then they all sit down at the table to eat.
“Remus, Lily said you transferred here for your graduate program. What are you studying?” James says.
“I am studying teaching. I want to be a sign language instructor.” Remus says.
“Wow. That is really nice. Lily said you were doing your graduate study. How old are you?” James says.
Lily elbows James lightly and says, “James, don't be rude.”
“No it's ok Lily he is just asking. I am 21 just like you guys. I graduated high school a year early, and started university right away. My mom home schooled me. She figured it would be easier, because when I was in Elementary and Middle school I didn't have my cochlear implant and I could only communicate through sign language. I'm from a small town, and the school didn't have a translator. So my mom just homeschooled me. When I got my cochlear in high school I wasn't comfortable with going to school around a bunch of people yet, so my mom just kept home schooling me.” Remus says.
“So you want to be a sign language instructor to give other kids what you didn't have growing up?” Sirius asks.
“Exactly. I want them to be able to communicate with the world around them. There are people that say why bother with sign language just give them a cochlear. They don't understand that not everyone can have a cochlear, and even if someone has one they sometimes like to take breaks because all the noise can get to be too much sometimes.” Remus says.
“I think it is a really noble idea, wanting to help others.” Sirius says, smiling at Remus.
“I already know that Lils is studying early childhood education. What are you both studying?” Remus says.
“I am studying sports medicine. I want to be a pro athlete, but if that doesn't pan out I want to be a physical therapist for a sports team. That way I can still be close to the sports.” James says.
“That sounds like a really good plan.” Remus says.
“I am studying music. I want to be a musician. I have always loved music.” Sirius says. Then he quickly closes his mouth thinking he said something wrong.
“You didn't say anything wrong if that is your concern. I love music too. Back before I lost my hearing I would listen with my parents. Then after I lost my hearing I would just put my hands on the speaker and feel the vibrations of the music. Once I had my cochlear and adjusted to it the first thing I wanted to do was listen to music.” Remus says.
They all continue talking the rest of the evening getting to know each other.
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A couple days later Sirius comes home from his classes and sees Lily in the apartment waiting for James. He drops his back and flops down beside Lily.
“Lily, just the person I wanted to see.” Sirius says.
“What do you want?” Lily asks.
“Do you know sign language?” Sirius asks.
“Yes, I do. Why?” Lily asks.
“Can you teach me?” Sirius replies.
“Why do you want to learn?” Lily asks.
“I want to ask Remus out. I want to be able to talk to Remus in the same way he grew up speaking.” Sirius says.
“Ok, I will teach you, but you need to be serious about learning. I am not just teaching you how to ask him out. I am teaching you everything.” Lily says.
“I am serious, and I don't mean it in the joking way of my name is Sirius. I want to learn it all.” Sirius says.
“Ok, let's start.”
Lily starts with the alphabet. She does it slowly one time through so Sirius can see the signs. Then she goes through them again, having Sirius copy her this time. After doing it that way a couple of times she has Sirius do it on his own. He has a bit of trouble at first, but quickly gets the hang of it. When they finish Lily tells Sirius she will print off a reference sheet of the alphabet for him and that she wants him to practice.
The next day Lily gives Sirius the paper with the signs for the alphabet. Sirius practices any chance he can get. Once he has the alphabet memorized he starts finger spelling words. He can't wait to show Lily his progress, so that she will start teaching him words.
When Sirius sees Lily again he shows her his progress and she compliments it. He asks if she can start showing him words now, and Lily tells him yes. Sirius and Lily meet every day or every other day so Sirius can work on his sign language.
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It has been over a week since Sirius has started learning sign language, and over two weeks since Remus joined their friend group. It is a Sunday morning and Sirius is at The Cozy Cauldron for his shift. Marlene had called and said she would be late, so Sirius was currently working by himself. Thankfully it was a calm morning. Sirius is standing behind the counter when he hears the bell above the door ring. He looks up and sees Remus walking in. Sirius decides this is a good time to try out his sign language. He is excited to show Remus that he has been learning sign language.
When Remus reaches the counter Sirius signs. ‘Good morning,’ then he finger spells, ‘Remus.’
Remus looks shocked at first. “You know sign language?” He asks.
“A little bit. I am learning. Lily is teaching me.” Sirius says.
“Why do you want to learn sign language?” Remus asks.
‘To talk to you.’ Sirius signs.
Remus smiles and says, “I can hear thanks to my cochlear. You don't need to know sign language to talk to me. You do it all the time when we hang out.”
“I know, but I remember you saying about how sometimes you like to take hearing breaks from the cochlear, so I figured I could still communicate with you if you did.” Sirius says.
Remus smiles at Sirius. “That is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.” He says.
Sirius takes a deep breath and says, “There is something I wanted to ask you.”
“What is it?” Remus asks.
‘Will you go out with me?’ Sirius signs.
Remus smiles and signs back, ‘Yes,’
Sirius smiles and says, “How about next Saturday?”
“Sounds good to me.” Remus replies.
“What can I get you?” Sirius asks.
“I’ll have a coffee with cream and no sugar.” Remus says.
After Remus pays for his drink Sirius makes it. When it is done Sirius hands him the cup and smiles at him.
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~ Saturday ~
Sirius is wearing his nicest pair of jeans and a button up shirt, and he has his hair pulled up into a bun. He is on his way to Remus' apartment to pick him up for their date. Sirius is nervous, and he really hopes it goes well. When he first saw Remus he thought he was cute, but as he has gotten to know him the past few weeks he has learned how amazing Remus is. He loves music just like Sirius. He is kind and caring, always willing to help when he can.
When Sirius gets to Remus' apartment he parks in the parking lot and gets out of the car. He is so glad that James let him borrow his car. Sirius didn't want to use his motorcycle for their first date. Sirius grabs the small box of chocolates off the front seat to give to Remus and walks to his front door. He pushes the door bell just like Remus told him. It is a special doorbell that has a couple lights throughout the apartment that flash when it is pushed. That way Remus knows someone is at the door even if he doesn't have his cochlear in.
A couple minutes later Remus opens the door and Sirius' jaw hits the floor. Remus' hair is styled so it is slightly messy, and he is wearing a green button up that brings out his eyes.
Sirius smiles. “Hi, Remus.” He holds out the box of chocolates. “These are for you.” He says.
“Thank you.” Remus says.
“Are you ready to go?” Sirius asks.
“Yeah.” Remus says. He lays the chocolates on the stand by the door and grabs his keys. Remus locks his front door and follows Sirius down to the car.
Sirius opens the passenger side door for Remus. After Remus gets in Sirius goes around and gets in the driver's side of the car. Then he starts the engine and heads for the restaurant. He had decided to take Remus to an Italian restaurant nearby. The food was good and the atmosphere was relaxed so Sirius thought Remus would like it.
When they get to the restaurant Sirius pulls into the parking lot and parks. He gets out of the car and walks around to open Remus' door. Remus thanks him and blushes. Sirius wants to hold Remus' hand as they are walking to the restaurant, but he doesn't want to overstep.
They walk inside and the hostess seats them. Sirius asks for a table in the corner where it is quieter. He knows that too much noise bothers Remus, and he wants him to have a good time on the date.
Sirius pulls out Remus' chair for him. The waitress shows up to take their drink order. They both order water and then look at the menu to try and decide what to order. Sirius decides to get chicken parmesan and Remus decides to get fettuccine alfredo. When the waitress comes back with their waters they place their order.
After she leaves they talk to each other. Sirius brings up the subjects of favorite musicians and learns that Remus also likes music from the 70s and 80s. Especially Queen and David Bowie. Then they start talking about movies and discover that they both like The Labyrinth.
It is a little while later when the waitress comes back with their food. They eat their food in silence not wanting to try and talk with their mouths full. When they are done eating Sirius pays the bill and they head back out to the car.
Sirius drives Remus back to his apartment and walks him to the front door. “I had a lot of fun tonight, and I would really like to do it again.” He says.
Remus smiles at him. “I would like that too.” He replies.
Sirius puts his hand on Remus' cheek and slowly leans in, giving Remus the opportunity to stop him. He presses his lips against Remus' in a soft kiss. As they pull apart they both smile. Remus invites Sirius in for a drink so that they can keep talking.
Remus unlocks his front door and lets Sirius in. He tells Sirius to take a seat on the couch while he gets the drinks. When he walks into the kitchen Remus asks, “What do you want? I could make coffee or tea, or I have some soda in the fridge.”
“Coffee is fine.” Sirius shouts back.
“Do you like yours with cream or sugar?” Remus asks.
“Both.” Sirius says.
Remus comes into the living room with a small container or cream and a sugar shaker. “The coffee will be ready in a few minutes.” He says.
When the coffee is ready Remus goes into the kitchen to get it. He comes back a couple minutes later with two mugs, and sits one down in front of Sirius.
Sirius turns to Remus and says, “Can I tell you something?”
“Yeah, sure.” Remus replies.
Sirius takes a deep breath. “I really like you, and I have since I first saw you. I first saw you when you came into the cafe the morning before Lily brought you over. I thought you were so cute. Then I got to know you and I discovered you are not just cute. You are also super smart, funny, kind and caring. You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. I want to be able to keep doing this. To keep going out on dates with you.” He says. Sirius switched to sign language.
‘You be my boyfriend.’ He signs. Sirius notices the tears in Remus' eyes and he is worried he messed up.
Remus wipes his eyes and signs, ‘yes boyfriends.’
Sirius smiles and kisses Remus. They continue sharing light kisses for a bit. Their coffees sit forgotten about on the coffee table.