Riding on Motorbikes With Boys

[dramapunk]

 Title: Riding on motorbikes with boys. 
Rating: pg13
Word Count: About 11,400
Betas: I just have to thank the awesome D. and W. You guys rock. Anything they missed is totally my fault.
Summary: It’s 70’s London and the boys are muggles. Non magic high-school AU, Where Remus is kind of shy, Sirius is a bad boy and Greyback's a dick...still. 
Warnings: Kind of angsty but not staple hand to forehead angst. Some fluffiness, and some violence, swearing lots of it. 
Prompt: 35


Remus didn’t have many friends. It wasn’t that he wasn’t friendly with people - he loved making friends; he loved people. It was his mother. She was extremely overprotective. When he was a toddler, they had been on their way home from visiting relatives and had been mugged by a masked man as they were coming off the tube. So, an event Remus didn’t even really remember all that clearly shaped his life.

He wasn’t allowed out after dark and had to be home before the sun went down. The one time when he was thirteen he was five minutes late, she had called the police and was practically pulling her hair out when he walked through the door, rambling about him being dead in some alley somewhere. He sighed and tried to calm his mother while waiting for his Father to come home so he could slink off and hide in his room. So, to avoid fights with his mother, he just said he couldn’t go whenever people would ask him to come to a party or go to a movie.　

His father was more understanding than his mother and wanted him to go out and live life, have friends, and be a normal teenager. At the same time, he did not want his wife to have a heart attack about her baby boy being out amongst the hoodlums. So Remus wasn’t surprised that, after spending so long saying he couldn’t go to whatever party or concert the other kids at school tried to invite him to, the invitations slowly stopped. People gave up on being his friend, and he settled into the role of the loner with the freakish mom.　

It was always quiet at the football field at lunch. Most of the other students preferred to eat in the quad or in the cafeteria, Remus was sitting on the bleachers, lost in the book in front of him, music blaring from his headphones, so he didn’t notice the footsteps coming up the bleachers toward him until the book was slapped from his hands. He looked up, startled, and pushed the sandy hair away from his eyes.　

"Shouldn’t you be at home? I bet your mommy is just sobbing, wondering where her little boy is," the much larger upper-classman snarled as he hauled Remus up by his shirt.　

"Leave me alone, Fenrir. Y-y-you’re not even supposed to be here," Remus choked out as he watch the other boy curl his hand into a fist and pull it back. Remus closed his eyes, ready for the blow.　

"Nah, I don’t think I will. I am in the mood to pummel someone today, and you're just too easy of a target to pass up." He laughed, and Remus could smell the booze and filth coming off of him. "Besides, you’re kinda pretty for a boy." He snickered and glanced over his shoulder at his two of his goons who were snickering. "Isn’t he pretty for a boy...?"

Remus started kicking his legs at Fenrir and flailing his arms, but Fenrir’s lackeys came up behind him, grabbing his arms and holding them behind his back. He winced, trying to prepare himself for the blows that he knew were going to come.　

"Let him go, you arses," a voice growled from somewhere behind Remus.　

Fenrir punched Remus in the gut. "Why?" he snorted and barked out a laugh as Remus let out a pained whine.　

"Because, I’ll hurt you if you don’t?" The voice sounded closer. "Or because school security is behind you, and, I know for a fact you got expelled over a month ago" The boy laughed. "You’re not even supposed to be on this campus, are you?"　

Greyback and his friends dropped Remus back down on to the bleachers with an undignified thump as they took off running.

"This isn’t over, pretty boy," Grayback practically snarled as he ran down the bleachers.　

"Everything okay here, gentlemen?" The guard asked. Remus turned to see a boy who looked like he had a black porcupine sitting on top of his head, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of a worn leather jacket, smiling at the guard.

"Yes, sir. No problem here," the boy nodded, rocking on his heels.　

"You sure?" The guard was looking at Remus now.　

"Umm, yeah; I’m fine." Remus nodded, looking at the retreating figure of Fenrir, fingers running over his neck where the older boy had held him in what had felt like a death hold.　

"Shouldn’t you be chasing after those thugs, mate?" The spiky headed boy arched an eyebrow at the security guard.　

"Shouldn’t you be in class?" the guard quipped back, narrowing his eyes.　

"No; it’s lunch," the boy replied, extending his hand to help haul Remus off the ground. Remus brushed himself off and started to collect the items that had fallen during the scuffle (or rather, his beating).　

"That’s funny, because so am I," the guard snorted and walked off. "But do let me know, will you, if they come back on campus."　

"Thanks," Remus said, taking a seat back down on the bleachers.　

"Anytime. I’m Sirius, by the way," the spiky haired boy said, sticking his hand out and sitting down, mildly invading Remus’ personal space a bit more than Remus was used to. Remus took the hand and shook it.

"Remus," he smiled, and dropped the boy's hand.　

"You sure you're okay? Nothing broken, nothing bruised?" Sirius asked, his eyes raking over the other boy.　

"Yep. Pretty sure I’m okay." Remus nodded. "I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before."　

Sirius muttered something under his breath and raked his hand through his hair.　

"What?" Remus asked.　

"I just started here 'cause I got booted from my last school." Sirius rubbed the back of his neck.　

"Oh. Okay." Remus looked at him. "Why?"　

"Um, let's just say the establishment wasn’t friendly to my kind." He smirked a bit. "Neither were some of the student body, so a few fights too many, and I was kindly asked to leave." He shrugged.　

"Oh. Well, there are worse things than the fighting and people not liking you at your old school." Remus shrugged, pushing his sandy hair out of his eyes. They heard the bell ring up at the school. "What class do you have next?"　

"Umm, let me check..." He pulled a crumpled sheet of blue paper from his pocket and studied it for a moment. "English with Mrs. McGonagall."　

"Excellent! So do I. We better hurry though. She throws one mean bitch fit if people are late. Other than that, she’s an awesome teacher, even if she is a hard grader." Remus smiled as he started heading up to the school.　

"So what the fuck was up with that dude?" He arched an eyebrow as they made their way through the crowded halls.　

"He hates me," Remus muttered. "My mum got him kicked out 'cause she’s nuts." He pulled open the door to the classroom. "I turned down an offer he made me." Remus’ eyes screamed 'don’t ask.’ "He kicked my ass pretty badly, and my mum is rather overprotective." He stopped and just shrugged as he dropped into a seat.　

"Eh, all moms are nuts," Sirius said, pulling a tattered notebook covered in band stickers out of a backpack that looked like it had seen better days. "Trust me; the overprotective variety of insanity is far better than some of the other kinds." He smiled at Remus.　

McGonagall came into the room at that moment. "Quiet down everyone. We are here to learn, not socialize." She took roll. When she came to Sirius’ name, she called him to her desk, gave him a book and sent him back to his seat. Half-way through the lesson, Sirius leaned toward Remus’ desk.　

"What are you doing tonight?" Sirius whispered at the sandy haired boy.　

Remus looked over, a bit shocked. It had been a while since anyone had asked him to hang out, mostly because everybody knew about his mother and knew about her getting Greyback booted out of school. But, before he could mutter a response, a ruler came down on to Sirius’ desk.　

"Mr. Black, is there something you would care to share with the rest of the class?" McGonagall said harshly, eying the boys.　

"I was just asking Remus what he was doing later," he responded, keeping his eyes focused on his notebook. He heard one of the boys in the class laugh.　

"He’s probably staying home with his mum like he does every night," a greasy haired boy in the front of the class laughed.　

"Silence." The sharp-eyed teacher turned her head for a moment, and the boy tucked himself back into the text book in front of him. "That, Mr. Black, is something that could have most definitely waited until the end of my class. Consider this your only warning." She nodded and returned to the board, restarting the discussion on Lord of The Flies.　

When the bell finally rang, Remus slung his bag over his shoulder and started for the door. He was making his way toward the schools bike rack when someone ran up beside him.

"So," Sirius said.　

"So...?" Remus looked a little confused at the boy.　

"What are you doing tonight? You never got the chance to answer me. Also, you were right. She is totally the strictest teacher I have ever come across." He jabbed his thumb back in the direction of the classroom.

"Yeah, she is pretty strict, but a really good teacher. Um - going - I’m going home, hanging out there tonight. My mum doesn’t let me out of the house after dark.” He shrugged expecting Sirius to laugh or walk away like everyone else.

"Really? Never?” Sirius arched an eyebrow “Not even if you’re with friends?”

"Not even when I'm with friends...which is why I don’t really have any.” Remus shrugs.

"Sneak out tonight.” Sirius smiled. “Come with me to London; there is this band playing there I really want to see. I think you would like them.”

"Sneak out?” Remus choked as he unlocked his bike. “My mum would have a fit.”

"The point of sneaking out is that your parents don’t know.” 

Sirius ruffled his hair “Come on, my friends will be there; I think you’ll like them. What’s your address? I’ll be outside your house at nine.” Sirius didn’t leave any room for argument as he shoved a scrap of paper and a pen into Remus’ hand. Remus rolled his eyes and wrote down his address. “You obviously need me in your life, mate. You need to start living a little... or a lot.” Sirius tucked the paper into his jacket pocket.

"I can’t believe I’m doing this; I hardly know you.” Remus muttered “…going to get grounded for the rest of my life...bars on my windows...” He continued on.

"You hardly know me, but I can tell this is the start of a beautiful friendship...also, I did save your ass from that scuz-bucket earlier.” Sirius gave him a five million watt smile. “You know you want to.”

"Fine. I’ll try to sneak out...but if I get caught, she’ll never let me leave the house again.” Remus shook his head, not knowing why he let the boy talk him into this.

"Brilliant.” Sirius started heading to the parking lot. “Remember, I’ll be outside your house at nine.” He smiled again and adjusted his back pack. Remus just shook his head at his new friend...friend that felt good to think about... as he peddled home.

He put his bike away and came in through the front door. “Mum, I’m home.” He checked the kitchen and found her cooking dinner.

"Hi, sweetie, how was your day?” She smiled at him, stirring a pot of stew.

"Fine.” He had learned a long time ago not to tell his mom anything about his days, otherwise it would send her into over worry mode. He would have to play it even more close to the chest if he had any hope of sneaking out tonight. “Still working on Lord of The Flies in English.” He adjusted his bag on his shoulder. “Moved on to Rome in history, so that’s nice.” He faked a yawn. “We had a football match in gym today, so I am going to go grab a shower and work the loads of homework I have for the weekend.” He moved for the stairs.

"I thought I wrote you a note saying that you couldn’t play football.” His mother said.

"But I want to play- I like playing; nothing’s going to happen to me playing football.” He rolled his eyes heading toward the stairs.

"You could get hurt,” she almost whined.

"Mum.” He paused and went over to her, putting his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sixteen. I am not going to get hurt playing in a game of football for gym class.” He shook his head sandy hair falling into his eyes. “What happens when I move out to go to uni?” He raised an eyebrow.

"I’ve thought about that. You’ll still live here when you go to uni, so I can make sure my boy stays safe.” She smiled at him.

Remus just shook his head and made his way up the stairs and to the bathroom, thinking about the blow out that would happen next year when he moved out, because he had no intention of staying here with her. He dumped his school uniform in the hamper, turned the shower to hot, and climbed in, leaning his head against the cool tile.

He hardly knew Sirius but it felt like they were supposed to be friends, that they were supposed to be there for each other. He was also rather attractive, but he would never admit outside of the safety of his bathroom that he fancied blokes. He already didn’t have any friends because of his crazy mum; he didn’t need to lose a potential friend because he was a bloody bender. He shook thoughts of Sirius as anything more than a potential friend from his head and focused on how he was going to sneak out of the house.

"I could just climb out my window...it’s not that far down.” He thought that sounded like the best choice. Trying to sneak out the back door wouldn’t work, nor would going out the front door. His window was his only choice.

There was a knocking on the bathroom door. “Remus, sweetie, did you slip and fall? Are you okay?” His mother sounded worried.

"Yeah, I’m fine! Just getting the shampoo out of my hair.” He was doing his best not to snap, but lately his mother had been starting to annoy him more and more. Sirius was right - he did need to start living at least a little bit. Sneaking out wasn’t going to kill him; he deserved to go out and have a little fun once in awhile.

"Alright dear, when you’re dressed, please come down for dinner; your father’s home.”

He heard her head back down the stairs and let out a sigh as he toweled off the water. Dinner was always an awkward event, seeing as his parents didn’t really speak to each other any more than they had to, and Remus knew it was because of the way his mother treated him. He always figured it could be a lot worse than having parents that didn’t speak to each other during meals or when he was in the room. He was amazed that that they still shared a room, but that gave him hope that there was still love between the two of them.

"Trevor dear, Remus didn’t hand in the note I gave him saying he wasn’t allowed to play football,” his mother said crisply not looking at her husband.

"Mum.” Remus shook his head.

"Hush, Remus.” His father held up a hand. “Your point dear? He’s not sick or hurt. He’s a perfectly healthy young man and needs the physical activity; he needs to be out and about with his friends and other kids his age, not cooped up in the house all day with his mother.” His father did his best to keep his tone even and calm.

"What… so he can get mugged and beaten by hoodlums coming home from God knows where?” She however, did not have an even and calm tone as his mother practically shrieked the words.

"That happened thirteen years ago, thirteen damn years ago, and you’re letting it haunt and ruin our lives, ruin our son’s life.”

Remus couldn’t handle it anymore and stood up. “I’m going to my room; I have a lot of homework.” He felt like he was going to explode. He hated when they got like this, because the fall out was always a horrible silence that seemed to run deeper than his parents normal avoidance of each other. His parents quieted and turned to look at him as if they just realized he was there.

"Remus, honey, you hardly ate,” his mother said as if she hadn’t just been shrieking at his father.

"It’s alright mom; I had a big lunch at school. I would like to get started on an essay that’s due Monday,” he lied. He really wanted to go up and change and do something about the mess that was the mop sitting on top of his head.

Upstairs, Remus tried to focus on his homework for a while until he finally gave up and started digging through his clothes, looking for something that looked somewhat normal for the evening. He finally settled on a black pair of jeans his mother tried to throw out because of the rips in the knees and a white t-shirt. If his mother saw him dressed like this she would say he looked like a hoodlum. He liked the way he looked, and pulled out the old leather jacket his father had given him, pulling it on and looked in the mirror. He had given up on his hair, leaving it in a loose mess hanging down just below his ears, and shrugged at his reflection.

"What are you doing?” Remus thought as he shook his head at himself and leaned his forehead against the glass of the mirror on his closet. “You’re living, you arse!” a voice that sounded a lot like Sirius's answered in the back of his mind.

He checked the clock. Nine o’clock. Remus walked over to the window and slid it up as quietly as he could, propping it up so it would stay open so he could get back in later. He had just swung his leg out the window and had his foot braced it on the garden lattice that was covered with vines when he heard he bedroom door open. 

"Remus?” It was his father’s voice “Are you...” His father was frozen in the doorway and Remus was frozen in the window.

"Uh, Dad, it’s not what you think...” Remus started to climb back in. His father gestured for him stop.

"Going out?” Was Remus seeing things? Was his father actually smiling? Remus thought he might die of a heart attack right then and there. His father crossed the room and shoved a few bills into the pocket of Remus’ jacket. “Go. I’ll handle your mother. Just be back before dawn, yeah?”

"Uh, o..o..okay Dad, dawn.” He nodded quickly and continued his escape.

He was surprised to see Sirius already leaning against a street lamp near his house with a very terrifying motorcycle parked close by.

"So you escaped and you didn’t chicken out.” Sirius flashed him a smile and held out a hand that had a shiny black helmet in it.

Remus gulped. “Yeah.” Remus took the helmet and gulped trying to maintain his cool. “It was totally a Steve McQueen-style escape too. My dad caught me and just told me to go.”

"Your dad sounds fantastic.” Sirius nodded, taking Remus by the hand and dragging him toward the bike. “You’re shaking. Are you scared?”

"No. Maybe. A little?”

"Ever been on one of these?” Sirius mounted the bike and put on his helmet.

I recall telling you I’m barely allowed to leave the house.” Remus laughed nervously. “Given that, you think my mother would ever let me even this close to one of these?” Remus pulled on the helmet.

Sirius lifted the visor and looked at him, that million pound smile radiating in his eyes. “Well, as long as you hang on, I won’t ever let anything happen to you.” There was a laugh, and he reached out for Remus and pulled him closer and Remus mounted the bike, slipping his arms around Sirius’ waist, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as the bike roared to life.

Remus had a moment of terror as the bike started to move, but after a few moments he started to relax, realizing how much control his friend had over the horrifying beast. There wasn’t much room for talking as Sirius drove them toward the bright lights of London. They pulled into a parking-lot 20 minutes later. Sirius hopped off the bike and pulled off his helmet, taking Remus’ from him and shoving them into the two saddlebags on the bike.

"Have fun?” Sirius asked walking over to Remus, taking his hand and dragging him down one of the streets.

"Yeah. I kind of did. Where are we going?” Remus raised an eyebrow and looked at the other boy’s hand wrapped around his and felt his stomach flip flop. He was probably just an affectionate guy.

"The Stand. It’s just down this street here. The Sex Pistols are playing tonight; they’re really fucking brilliant, you know. They’re gonna be huge.” He paused. “Or all O.D., which would suck, ‘cause their music is fantastic.”

Remus stopped in his tracks. “The Stand.” Remus said looking at Sirius. “You have to be seventeen to get in there, Sirius.” He shook his head “I’m not seventeen.”

Sirius laughed and they were walking again. “Don’t worry about it,” he said, putting his arm around Remus’ shoulders. “I know the guy at the door tonight; just smile and look cute.” He was slightly taller than Remus, and Remus couldn’t help but feel like he fit perfectly under Sirius’ arm, like he had always been supposed to be there. Sirius looked at him. “Which shouldn’t be too hard for you.” Sirius laughed again. Remus was noticing the taller boy laughed a lot and he kind of liked it. He also felt the blush creeping up his neck at Sirius’ comments, and the fact that Sirius’ arm was still wrapped tightly, albeit comfortably, over his shoulders.

They approached the club and Remus saw another very tall, very thin boy with wild hair and glasses, wearing ratty jeans and black t-shirt that looked like it had white paint splattered all over it, waving frantically at Sirius. Next to him, leaning against the wall, was a short, stocky, blond boy whose hair was plastered to his head, wearing army pants tucked into a pair of ox blood colored combat boots and a black vest covered in bits of metal. He had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth as well. Yeah, if his mother ever saw him with these boys, she would have a heart attack.

"Remus, These are my friends. James is the tall one who looks like he doesn’t eat, but believe me he does, I just don’t know where he puts it all...and the other one is Peter...he may look scary, but threaten him and he’ll sooner turn tail and run home to his mum before he gets in a fight.”

"Sirius!” James slapped him on the back and pulled the boy into a hug. “Good to see you. How’s the new school?”

"Eh. It’s school. I am just glad I’m not at that dump, St. Thomas’, anymore.” He shrugged. “Oi, this is my new friend Remus.” He nodded at Remus. “He’s going to be hanging out with us from now on,” Sirius added.

"Hi, I’m James.” James stuck out his hand. Remus took it and was quickly pulled into a hug. “Good to meet you. Happy to know someone will be keeping this fool out of trouble at his new school.”

Peter just simply waved and nodded. James snorted. “Peter doesn’t talk much, which is probably for the best considering most of what comes out of his mouth is bull shit.”

"Hey, shut it you, before I pop you one,” Peter barked, then smiled, ruffling James hair and making it messier, if that was even possible. “Come on, let’s get in there,” Peter added, nodding toward the door.

"I’m not seventeen;they aren’t going to let me in.” Remus shook his head.

"Don’t worry, man; you’re with us, which means you’ll get in.” James laughed.

"Yeah, none of us are seventeen. My brother is working the door tonight, which is how we are all going to get in, so don’t worry about it,” Peter said with a smile as they skipped the line and walked up to the tall burly man with bright blue hair standing at the door, checking ID’s and taking people’s money.

"Hey, Dan,” Peter said.

"There you lot are. I was wondering if you’d actually show up or if you’d stay home with your mums.” He eyed the boys. “Who’s the new kid? Don’t think I’ve seen him around with you lot before.” 

Sirius’ new friend from school.” James smiled. “Don’t worry, he’s an alright guy.”

Dan snorted and gave Sirius a glance before glancing at Remus “Friend, right.” The way he extended his words made Remus’ eyes dart between the two.

"Shut it, Dan,” Sirius said, shaking his head and again tossing his arm over Remus’ shoulder,dragging the slighter boy inside the club and ignoring the people curse behind them about queue jumping.

Remus eyed the room. The walls were covered in graffiti, and there where people adding more. There were tables scattered around the edge of the room and along the walls, and a large empty space in front of the stage that people had started to gather around to watch the band set up.

The boys found a table and sat down. “I want booze,” Peter huffed, and stood-up and headed over to the bar. “Yeah, that sounds like a grand idea,” James added and went to follow him. “You guys want?” James jabbed his thumb back toward the bar. 

Remus looked at the table. “I’m not old enough,” he said with a shrug.

James snorted and leaned over the table, looking at Sirius. “You know he is adorable, but not your standard fare, Pads.” His eyes turned to Remus. “None of us are old enough, but it seems to be a mantra of sorts tonight. Don’t worry about it. So you guys want?” 

Remus sighed and gave up. “I guess I’ll have a pint.” He swallowed; he hadn’t really drank before. Sure, his dad had snuck him a beer or two on family camping trips, but this felt different. A lot different. 

I’ll just have a soda. Gotta get this guy home in one piece.” Sirius slapped Remus on the back, and Remus jolted forward, staringat Sirius as James walked toward away with Peter.

"Didn’t take you for the responsible type.” Remus laughed nervously; he had the sinking suspicion this was more just going to a show with a new friend, and it was starting to rake on his nerves.

"Psh Remus, I’ll do almost anything...and I do mean anything.” Sirius wiggled his eyebrows and Remus felt a flush creep into his cheeks. “But not drink and drive...that’s just idiocy.” He rolled his eyes as it was the most common thing in the world for a seventeen-year-old to understand the perils of drinking and driving. “Driving drunk kind of loses its shine after it takes your brother’s life.” Sirius added in a far too matter-of-fact manner for the subject at hand.

"I.. I.. I’m sorry.” Remus stammers, not sure what he was supposed to say.

"Eh, it happened years ago. I mean, yeah, it sucks. But it’s nothing you need to worry about. You worry about way too many things already. It happened, it was talked about; it was dealt with - yes, it still hurts sometimes, but that’s okay.” Sirius shrugged. “Anyway, you look like a lightweight, and someone has to be responsible tonight. Right?” He smiled softly. Remus just nodded at him and tried not to feel like an idiot.

"Alright. But I am really sorry about your brother.” 

Peter and James showed back up at the table laughing about something, and the serious mood faded away as Sirius grabbed his pop. “Drink up so we can get these done before the band goes on,” Peter said happily. James just rolled his eyes at the other boy and shoved him into a seat.

Peter, we have like twenty minutes before they go on. there is no need to rush the drinking; drinking should be enjoyed. Anyway, not all of us want to go get our asses kicked in the pit tonight. Some of us have a date with a crazy beautiful red-head tomorrow night,” James laughed.

Remus took a sip of his beer. It was really bigger than he thought it would be. A straw wrapper suddenly hit him in the face; he turned to see Sirius dropping a straw in his soda.

"What?” Sirius blinked innocently, which didn’t look that innocent on him. In fact it had quite the opposite effect. “You had that ‘thinking too much’ look on your face, and it needed to be taken care of.” He smiled, and Remus laughed. It felt good; it was a real laugh. It wasn’t the laugh he gave at awkward dinners with his parents - it was a real laugh and it felt good.

I can’t believe you’re taking Lily out again when you could be hanging out with us.” Peter made a gesture around the table. “I mean, what’s she got that we don’t?”

"Boobs.” James shrugged. “And more than two brain cells.” 

Remus took another sip of his beer and was starting to get that warm feeling in his body and laughed again. “Hey, shut up you.” Peter smiled. “Don’t encourage James,” he added with a snort. The band on stage started to tune up, and the music was loud, distorted and fast, just the way Remus liked it, and it seemed the way his new found friends liked it. He was starting to feel something he had been missing for a long time, feeling like he belonged.

Even if Remus wasn’t sure what Sirius was up to or if he was even up to anything at all ―not that Remus would mind much if he was. That had to be the alcohol talking, he told himself. Remus watched Peter stand and down the last of his drink in order to run into the seething mass of people running around and pushing each other in front of the stage.

James looked at Remus. “Bet you a quid he comes out of there with a black eye.”

Hmmm, my money’s on a split lip,” Remus said after a moment of consideration.

"You’re on.” James smirked, finishing off his drink 

They finished their drinks and moved to the edge of the crowd, watching the band jump and trash around the stage wildly. 

"I’ll be back,” Remus had to yell over the music as he nodded in the direction of the bathroom.

"Alright,” Sirius yelled back as Remus started pushing himself through the crowded club. Once the band started, the crowd in the club seemed to double.

"He shoved open the bathroom door and as it closed behind him the music dulled but he could still feel the thumping of bass in his stomach even in the bathroom. He zipped his pants and turned to wash his hands when he heard the door open and close.

"Well. Well. Well. Look who left the house. Your mum knows you’re out after dark?” The drunk voiced slurred and Remus felt a hand wrap tightly around the back of his neck. He looked up in to the dingy graffiti covered mirror and saw the face of Greyback.

"Please, just leave me alone,” Remus begged, avoiding the bloodshot eyes gazing at him through the mirror. 

"No one’s here to help you out, now is there.” Greyback turned him around and picked him up by the collar of his shirt, pushing him up against the wall. Remus kicked his legs and failed his arms; fighting was not his forte, especially when the opponent was five times his size. Greyback pulled him back off the wall and slammed him back into it, which knocked the wind and fight out of Remus.

"Please, let me go.” Remus choked out just before his sight went white with pain and Greyback’s fist connected with his face. 

"No. You got me kicked out of school. I’m rather pissed about that,” Greyback snarled. “You also wouldn’t go out with me, you little fuck. I don’t like it when people say no.” 

Remus’ face throbbed with pain. He was waiting for another blow when the door to the restroom opened again. “Remus? Mate, you okay...Hey, get the fuck off of him!”

Fenrir rolled his eyes and dropped Remus to floor, about to give him a kick when Sirius jumped on his back. “I said leave him alone, you fucking fuck.”

Remus pushed himself back to his feet and watched as Sirius wrapped his arms around Greyback’s neck, taking him down to the floor and punching him in the head, dropping Fenrir to the ground. Fenrir swung back from the ground, splitting Sirius’ lip. Remus flung himself into the fray and pulled Sirius off Fenrir while at the same time giving Fenrir a kick to the ribs.

"Just leave us alone, damn it!” Remus shouted, shaking with adrenaline. Fenrir grunted and dragged himself up against the sink before leaving the bathroom, looking at the other two boys grumbling curses under his breath.

"You know you won’t always have your attack dog with you.” Fenrir rubbed the side of his face. It was already turning black and blue. “You’ll be alone soon enough.” He spit blood into the trashcan. “Then I’ll get you, you little shit.”

"Fuck off,” Remus said, turning as Greyback left the bathroom. Remus was surprised that he had jumped into the fray and that he had also just told a person who wanted to rip his head off to fuck off.

Sirius was looking at him. “You okay? That’s the second time today that guy’s tried to kick your ass.” He ran his thumb along a bruise forming on Remus’ cheek. “Also, I think this is totally going to get you busted tomorrow.” Sirius frowned.

"Eh, you’re the one that’s bleeding.” Remus couldn’t stop himself from leaning into the touch. After a moment he shook his head and grabbed some tissue, wiping the blood off Sirius’ lip. “Doesn’t look too bad; lips bleed a lot. You’ll be fine.” Remus smiled. 

"I know; I’ve split my lip plenty of times.” Sirius laughed. “I had hoped tonight would have gone smoother. You’ll probably never want to hang out with me and my friends again.” Sirius looked down at the dirty tile floor that now sported a few drops of his blood.

"Please...this wasn’t that bad. You should have seen what he did to me that got him kicked out of school.” Remus shook his head slowly. “I don’t have any other friends; I’m not going anywhere.” Remus shrugged.

"Come on, let’s get something cold on your face.” Sirius grabbed Remus’ hand and led him from the bathroom. The club was still seething with people, and another band had taken the stage. But all Remus could focus on was the dull throb in his cheek and the hand holding his. They made their way back to the table, where they found James laughing at Peter, who was wiping the blood off of his face and slamming another drink.

"Shut up, James," Peter snapped. "I don't always get my arse…" The boy stopped mid-rant as his eyes fell on to Remus and Sirius' slightly battered forms.

"What the bloody hell happened to you two?" James spat, setting his glass down.

"That arse I told you about from earlier is here." Sirius shrugged before looked back at Remus. "But we kicked his arse."

Remus rolled his eyes and glanced over at Sirius. "No. He kicked my arse, then you came in and saved me again." 

"Hey, you got a few good punches in," Sirius laughed.

James shook his head and took a sip of his drink, watching the next band start to set up. "So why is this fucker so intent on beating the crap out of you?"

"Yeah." Peter nodded. "You seem like a nice enough guy; why's he after you?"

Remus let out a disgruntled huff and slid his hands through his hair. "Uh. hekindoffoundoutiwasgay," he said in one breath running the words together as quickly as possible.

"What did you just say?" James quirked an eyebrow.

"He found out I was gay, asked me out; he's a total arse, so I said no. He beat the crap out of me, and my mum being crazy got him kicked out of school." Remus shrugged and made to stand. "Look I'm just going to go; I'll just get a cab home or something." Sirius grabbed Remus' arm and pulled him back down into his seat.

"You're not going anywhere, you idiot," Sirius said with a roll of his eyes.

"Yeah mate, we may act like jerks sometimes, but it really will take a whole lot for any of us to stop being someone’s friend, especially considering Sirius' preferences," he said with a snort, downing the last of the drink in front of him and leaning over to ruffle Remus' hair. "Seriously. You must have had some dicks for friends in the past."

"Yeah, and if he comes at you again, we have your back." Peter nodded. “Anyway, if we didn't hang out with people because of who they slept with, well, we'd never hang out with Sirius.” He barked out a laugh. “Seriously, he's kind of a slut.” There was a friendly twinkle in Peter’s eyes as he said the words, cheeks red from the liquor he had consumed over the course of the evening.

"I'm gonna let that slide 'cause you’re drunk, mate.” Sirius chuckled. “I'm not a slut, Remus; I just know who I want.” He smiled and slipped his arm about Remus again. “How's your face?” He ran his thumb lightly under the bruise on his cheek. 

Kind of sore. But I'll be fine. Should have seen what he did to me the first time.” Remus shrugged.

"You shouldn't be okay with people beating the crap out of you,” James said, smirking at the pair sitting across him.

"Eh, I'm not; it just wastes too much energy to be angry all the time.” He felt something cold pressed to his cheek and realized that Sirius was pressing his soda glass that still had ice in it to his cheek. He gave Sirius an odd look.

"Well you're totally going to get busted tomorrow now that you have a shiner. But this ice should help it go down a bit and not be so sore.” Sirius shrugged. “Sorry.”

"Not your fault. And you're right; my mom is going to throw a fit when she sees me. Looks like the only way you'll get to see me is at school, or if I can manage to sneak out again.” Remus took the glass from Sirius' hand and held it to his own face. “Maybe my dad can talk some sense into her. “ He sighed as the thoughts of what his mother was going to say to him started flooding his mind.

"Hey man, don't let what might happen tomorrow shape the rest of the night. I mean, we can still have fun now.” Sirius rubbed his shoulder.

"Yeah man, don't worry about tomorrow until tomorrow. Besides, mums tend to be forgiving.” James said, “I mean, shit happens, right?” he added.

"Yeah.” Remus nodded. “I guess. But you guys don't know my mum. I'm not even allowed out of the house after dark, and this” He gestured at the bruise on his face. “This will just prove why I should never be allowed outside.” Remus shook his head.

"Well,” James said thoughtfully, “If she goes totally batshit, you can always come stay at my place.” He smiled. “Sirius does all the time.”

"You do?” Remus arched an eyebrow.

"As I said earlier, you aren't the only one with a crazy mother.” 

"Alright, enough of this bullshit; we are here to rock and have fun,” Peter snapped, slamming his glass down on the table, standing and moving toward the crowd to watch the last band of the night.

"Yeah, come on, guys.” James nodded. “No use crying over bruised cheeks and split lips.” He followed Peter.

Sirius just smiled at Remus and grabbed his hand, and they moved off to enjoy the music and watch Peter run amuck around the mosh pit. The rest of the evening passed without incident, and despite Greyback showing up and roughing him up a bit, this had been shaping up to be one of the best nights of Remus’ life. 

He had a new group of friends; well, at least he thought, and hoped that they would still be around when they found out how crazy his mother was. The show wrapped up around two in the morning, and the boys left the club sweaty and smiling form the raucous music.

The air was cool outside, and as Remus pulled up the zipper on his jacket, he tried to hide his blush behind the collar as Sirius pulled him close to his side. He couldn't get over how tactile of a person Sirius was; he had never met someone who needed to touch other people as often as Sirius seemed to.

"Neither of you are driving, right?” Sirius arched an eyebrow, his hand unconsciously rubbing up and down the side of Remus' arm, which only caused Remus' cheeks to flush more. He hoped they didn't notice, or if they did, they would just assume it was the temperature change from inside to outside. 

"Nah, we walked from Peter’s house; I'm crashing there tonight. So you don't have to worry about our drunk arses.” James punched Sirius in the arm playfully.

"Yeah, no worries, mum.” Peter snorted. “Come on, Dan told my mum what time the show would be over, so she knows what time we should be getting in; we gotta get going, otherwise she'll have a shit fit.”

"Your parents actually let you come out like this?” Remus scoffed in disbelief.

Peter rolled his eyes. “Only on the weekends mate, and she has to know where I'm gonna be and with who and blah, blah, blah, and all that other stuff she freaks out about.” Peter snorted. “That and the fact my older brother was working this show and 'keeping' an eye on us.” Peter wiggled his fingers in mock quotations when he said keeping. “But seriously, we gotta get going. We'll catch you guys later.”

"It was nice meeting you, Remus.” James waved. “And Sirius, don't do anything I wouldn't do.” With that, he started walking down the street with Peter.

"You hungry? I mean it's not like you have to be home at a given time considering you snuck out.” Sirius asked as they start making their way down the street. 

"I guess, and that's not true.” Remus smirked. “My Dad said I had to be back before dawn.” Remus laughed. “But what kind of place is going to be open this late?”

"There's an all night diner close to where we parked.” Sirius replied. “But we don't have to go if you don't want to,” Sirius added quickly. “I mean, if you want to go home, I can just take you back to your place.”

Nah, I’m not quite ready to face the wrath of my mother just yet. Anyway, I could go for some chips. Didn't really have any dinner tonight. Mum was in a mood when I got home.”

"Excellent...well, excellent that you want to go get food, not excellent that your mum was in a mood.” Sirius blushed slightly at his own excitement.

"It's alright; I've gotten used to it.” Remus shrugged at Sirius as he lead them up to the door of a brightly light diner that seemed to have quite a few people who had been at the show, a few policemen sipping coffee at the counter, and other people who looked like they were coming off graveyard shift from someplace.

A round woman with long, blonde hair in a thick braid down her back came up to them. “Hi Sirius sweetie; where are James and Pete..” she paused, looked at Remus and smiled. “Oh, just a table for two tonight then?” She smirked at Sirius.

"Yeah, Laurie; just two of us.” Remus saw a blush creeping into Sirius' cheeks as they followed Laurie to a table. “The guys and I come here a lot. The food’s pretty good, but more importantly, they are open twenty-four hours and it's affordable.”

They ate their chips and talked about school, and Remus filled Sirius in on the teachers whose good sides he should try and stay on and teachers who where kind of cool. The conversation took a serious turn when Sirius asked Remus why his mother was so protective.

"Umm, she got mugged with I was with her. I was three years old and hardly remember it. It really scared my mum; she was already a bit protective according to my father, and because it was a hard pregnancy, I guess it just pushed her over the edge.” Remus shrugged. “Don't know what she's going to do when I move out for University next year.” 

Sirius nodded. “My mum lost it after my brother died; she always liked him better than me, anyway.” Sirius held up his hand as Remus started to object. “I'm the black sheep - always have been; my brother was everything the family wanted. Well behaved, dating the right kind of girl, making the right connections, and I have never cared about that stuff.” Sirius shrugged. “So she takes his death out on me.” Sirius took a sip of his cola.

"I don't see how anyone can like someone more then you.” The words were out of Remus' mouth before he could stop them. He blamed the remnants of the alcohol in his system, which he also blamed for the intense blush crawling up his neck. But before he could back track or utter an apology for being lame, Sirius leaned over the table and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Thanks.” Sirius smiled and seemed far more shy than he had been the whole evening. He pushed a lock of hair out of Remus' face before leaning back in his seat, suddenly very interested in his napkin. They were quiet finishing their food; it wasn't the horrid, awkward silence Remus always felt between his parents. It was peaceful - it was as if something wonderful was forming between the two of them. Something he wanted to hang on to, his mother be damned.

Remus looked at his watch a little while later. “Shit, it's later - or is it early? Is four in the morning early or late if you haven't gone to bed yet?” He smirked at Sirius.

"It's both, I think, but we should get you home.” He stood and grabbed Remus' hand, and they made their way back to the bike. Sirius pulled out the helmet that he had given Remus earlier to wear on the ride down, and before placing it on his head, he leaned in and pressed his lips to Remus', placing one hand on Remus' hips while the other held the helmet at his side. Remus was shocked by the kiss; it was different than the one in the diner. It was more wanton. It took Remus a moment to come out of shock before he was kissing Sirius back. He heard the helmet fall to the ground and felt Sirius' hands cup his cheeks. He pressed himself closer to Sirius' warm body, and his hands had a mind of their own as they wrapped around Sirius's waist. The warm swipe of a tongue moved over his lower lip, and Remus squeaked in surprise but opened his mouth, inviting Sirius in. 

They didn't break apart until the need for oxygen became too great. Sirius bent down a little and rested his forehead against Remus', hand running through his hair. They stood quietly in the dark, trash-littered alley where Sirius had left the bike for a few minutes, arms wrapped around each other. Sirius eventually bent over and picked up Remus' helmet and brushed it off, placing it on his head. “Let’s get you home, yeah?” Sirius smiled softly, pulling on his own helmet. Remus hugged Sirius tightly on the ride back from London, his smile hidden by the visor on his helmet. He couldn't believe how fast things were moving between them, but it didn't feel wrong. It felt like he belonged with this guy and his friends, like they understood him even though they had just met him, and it was a feeling he didn't want to let go of that, no matter what his mother might say in the morning.

Twenty minutes later, Remus was climbing off the bike and pulling off the helmet. Sirius pushed the kickstand down and pulled off his helmet, standing in front of Remus, just looking at him as if he was searching his face for something. He seemed to find it when a small smile spread across his face and he leaned in and placed a small kiss on Remus' lips as he took the helmet from his hands and shoved it into one of the saddlebags on the bike.

If you're not grounded forever when your mum sees this,” Sirius’s thumb lightly brushed the bruise on his face, “You want to hang out again later...” he paused, looking at his watch and then the slightly pinking sky, “Today? I guess that would be the right word.”

Yeah. If I can ever get out of the house again...” Remus leaned in and kissed Sirius again and lingered for a moment before he broke away to move to the backyard and climb through his bedroom window. “Night...or morning... whatever. I will see you later at school on Monday, if not today.” 

Remus heard the bike moving down the highway as he pulled himself up and through his window. He couldn't keep the smile off of his face as he peeled off the clothes that smelled like cigarettes, beer, and a distinct smell that could only be Sirius. He shoved them as deep in his hamper as he could and decided it might be best if he did his own laundry today. He flung himself across his bed and decided it would be wise for him to set his alarm so he didn't sleep too late. The last thing he wanted was his mother coming in to wake him and finding his bruised face. He needed to be in control of the situation before there was a situation.

He woke a few hours later, groggy and still slightly tired, but last night had been well worth it. He pulled on a clean set of clothes and grabbed his hamper to toss his clothes in the wash. When he opened the door, he could smell breakfast being cooked; he knew it wasn't his mother, because the whole house smelled like bacon and sausage, which meant his mother wasn't home at the moment - she must have gone to the market. “Thank god,” Remus thought as he made his way down stairs to the laundry room. He would have to pass his father on the way there.

Good time last night, son?” Remus’ father asked, and when he looked at his son, he grimaced. “What happened to your face? You mother's going to have a fit.”

"I know that dad, trust me. I know she is going to have a fit. Never let me leave the house again. But that guy she got kicked out of school happened to be where my friends and I went last night. I didn't know he was going to be there. Let’s just say he's not too happy about getting kicked out of school.”

"Well, your mother doesn't know you left the house.” His father flipped the bacon over. “I told her you were upset about the football and wanted to be left alone.” He shrugged.

"I figured you wouldn't tell her. But she is going to find out now.” Remus dropped the hamper and waved one hand in front of his face.

"Well, it doesn't look too bad,” his father said. “What happened?”

Remus told his father about the fight and about most of the evening, leaving out the details that seemed to imply dating, but did tell his father how Sirius had saved his arse twice.

"Seems like a good friend to have around.” His father nodded. “I'm happy you're making friends again, son.” He filled a plate with food and handed it to Remus. “I was starting to worry.”

"It's hard to make friends when you can't leave the house.” Remus shrugged.

"So, what are we going to tell your mother about your face?” His father asked, sitting down next to him.

"I was thinking the truth.” Remus shrugged. “She can't keep acting like this.” He shoved some bacon in his mouth as his father gave him a look that said, careful what you say, she is still your mother. “I know she's my mum - I love her, but I need to start living life. I am leaving for uni next year. I don't care what she says; I'm not living here anymore.”

"I understand, but is it worth causing her stress?” Remus’ father asked. “I know she won’t take you going out well; in fact, considering what happened last night, I doubt she'll take it at all.” He sipped his tea.

Remus groaned and ran his hands down his face. “I know it stresses her out, but she is going to have to start letting me go a little bit.” They heard the door open, and a few moments later, his mother walked into the kitchen, a few bags in her hands. When she saw Remus' face, she dumped the bags on the table and rushed over to his chair.

"Oh my god, Remus, what happened to your face?” She gasped before shooting a glare at her husband “What happened to his face!” She snapped at her husband. Remus winced at the increase in volume. “Oh honey, does it hurt? Come on, let’s get you to the doctor,” she said. At that, Remus pushed out of the chair and pulled out of his mothers grasp.

"No, it doesn't hurt. What hurt was your yelling in my ear at dad like it's his fault.” Remus felt something snap inside him. “When it's not his fault, when it's mine ―well, not totally mine; Greyback's kind of insane. But I snuck out last night to hang out with friends, and he was there, and he is still kind of angry that you bitched and moaned until he was kicked out of school.

"I can't handle it anymore! It’s awesome that you want to love and take care of me. You are my mother after all, but I am not three; nothing horrible is going to happen to me if I hang out with people other than you. I just can't take it anymore.” Remus was starting to hyperventilate.

His mother was gazing at him wide eyed. “Are you doing drugs? That must be it; my little angel is doing drugs - that's why he doesn't want to spend time with me anymore.” She looked at her husband for back up.

"Actually dear, I'm on his side.” He took another sip of his tea. “Although, Remus, I will ask you to calm yourself and not to speak to your mother like that.” Remus nodded and took a deep breath.

"Look, I'm almost seventeen! I want to hang out with my friends; I want to have fun. I want to live my life outside these walls.” Remus’ voice was a little shaky. “Also, I'm not on drugs,” he added with an eye roll at his mother’s still mildly panicked gaze.

"You’re not on drugs, but you want to go out there, where the bad people are?” His mother said slowly.

"Mum, very few of the people out there are 'the bad people' you talk about. Most people are good; it's just that I'm in high school and a bit of a loser.” He pointed to his face. “Shit like this going to happen.”

"Don't swear at your mother, Remus,” was all his father said, watching the situation unfold, silently cheering Remus on.


"Sorry for swearing mum... but nothing horrible will happen. It’s not like I am going out alone or that I am some misbehaved wild-child.” Remus sighed and felt a little bad at how defeated his mother looked.

"Remus, it's so dangerous out there, you could get hurt. People aren't good.” She sighed.

"But my friends are good people; they are there for me in ways you can't be. I can't spend all my time here anymore; I just can't.”

"Well...” She kept looking at the bruise on his face. “But look you went out and look what happened to you,” she whined.

"Mum, this is one nut job that did this. He is angry because he got kicked out of school.” Remus ran a hand through his hair.

"Yes, because he hit you, he beat you up,” his mother added.

"Because he's a dick,” Remus snapped. “Because I didn't want to go on a date with him.” Remus slapped a hand to his face and cursed his verbal diarrhea.

"Don't swear at your...wait, what?” His father looked at him funny.

"Honey, the boy is beating you up because you wouldn't date him. Well, it was silly of him to ask you out any way because you’re not gay.” His mother almost chuckled. “I'll just talk to the school and tell them he is still bothering you.”

"No! Do not call the school. He doesn't go to the school anymore, and anyway, it's not so silly that he asked me out. Well, actually, it is, because I don't date arseholes.” “Shit I should really just shut my mouth.” Remus thought.

"What are you saying?” His father asked slowly. “Are you saying what I think you're saying?”

"Don't be silly, honey; I keep him away from that kind of thing. There is no way he could be gay.” His mother laughed nervously.

"I think he is saying he is gay.” His father said. Remus could feel his palms start to sweat and he wanted nothing more than to run, his eyes shifted toward the door.

"We don't have a problem with it son; your uncle Karl is proof of that,” his father said, shooting a glare at his wife.

"I do have a problem with it; the world is already a dangerous place, and him being gay is going to give him more problems. I can't believe you would do this to me.”

Remus could feel the burn building in his eyes, and he started blinking rapidly. “It's not like I chose who to like, mum, and Sirius is really nice.” It looked as if his mother was about to go off on him. 
"Here we go, bars on the window, locks on the outside of my door, so long freedom, good bye university,” Remus thought.

His father cut her off before she could say anything. “Remus, you're our son; we'll love you no matter what. You need to know that. I don't think we have anything to worry about; you’re a smart boy, and I have faith that you will make smart choices with your freedom, but I also want you to know that if you need to tell us anything you can come to us. If you get into any trouble, you can come to us.”

"No, he can't! He is not my baby anymore, he left me! He’s one of the bad people now; you turned my boy against me!” Remus' mother sobbed as she took off up the stairs and slammed the bedroom door.

"Mum...” Remus made to follow her.

"Let her be, Remus.” His father took a sip from his tea. “She'll come down and come around. What happened this morning was bound to happen at some point. I just wish there was more I could do to help your mother. She is refusing help from any professional because she says there is nothing wrong with her.” Remus’ father looked at his son. “Remus, none of this is your fault. Finish your breakfast.” They ate quietly for a moment. “So, Sirius? Your boyfriend?”

Remus felt the blush creep up his neck into his hair line. “Um.”

"I'll take that as a yes.” His father nodded with a smirk. “Are you two being safe, when you, you know?”

"Oh god dad, we haven't - I haven't - augh.” Remus put his head down on the table. “I can't talk about this.” Remus felt his cheeks heat even more.

"So you haven't.” His father took a sip of tea. “So you haven't had sex yet?”

"No. Not yet. Haven't.” Remus really wished this conversation wasn't happening. “Haven't gotten that far yet.” 

"But you’re planning to?” How could his father be so calm about this, damn it.

"Um, I guess; I don't know. Can we please stop talking about this now?” Remus almost whined, still a light pink tinge to his cheeks.

"I just want to make sure you're being safe with what you’re doing, Remus.” His father shook his head and remembered how embarrassed he had been when his father talked to him about sex. But this was a touch more awkward because his son was into blokes. “You know, maybe you should talk to your uncle later.” 

"Oh god, no.” Remus said. “Don't tell anyone, please.”

"But you should have someone to talk to about this stuff. I mean, I am here for you, but I don't understand how this stuff works. Yes, we can stop talking about this now.” His father nodded.

"Thank god.” Remus finished his breakfast, and a little while later while he was laying on the floor in the living room, a feeling of guilt started to settle into his stomach. He could hear is mother moving around in her bedroom. She still hadn't come out. Remus had assumed she was looking at all of the baby pictures of him like she always did when she was upset. He let out a sigh as he finished up his math homework and started to shove it back in his bag and pull out his homework for English; he still had the last half of an essay to finish. His father came into the room and sat down on the floor next to him.

"Remus?” He asked.

"You're not going to talk to me about sex again are you?” Remus asked, flipping through the pages of Lord of the Flies, looking for a particular quote.

"No. I want you to know that the way your mother acts it not your fault. Not your fault at all, and I don't want you laying around feeling guilty about the fact your mother has locked herself in her room. Things have been going rough for her for a while now. None of it is your fault. I'm trying to convince her to get help, Remus. You don't need to worry about this stuff.”

"I can't help it; she's my mum. I love her, and the way she acts drives me nuts, but the look in her eyes… it's like she's not connected with reality, and that worries me.” Remus sat up and looked at his father. “It worries me a lot. I mean what happens when I leave next year? I already have the applications filled out and requested campus housing. I can't stay here, but what's it going to do to her?” Remus pushed his hand through his hair.

His father put a hand on his shoulder. “You don't worry about that; let me worry about that, okay? You worry about finishing this school year, getting your applications in, and having fun with your friends. Yeah?” 

"Alright. I'll try.” Remus nodded. Before he could settle himself back into finishing his essay, there was a knock on the door. His father called from the kitchen that he would get it. 

"Hey, Remus.” It was Sirius' voice. Remus turned his head and smiled and rose to his feet.

"Hey.” Remus felt his cheeks coloring again as his father walked in.

"So you’re Sirius,” his father said, sticking out his hand.

"Yes, sir, I am. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Lupin.” Sirius put on his best smile.

"You're dating my son; you can feel free to call me Trevor,” he said, shaking the boy’s hand.

Sirius gave a quick panicked glance at Remus, who just pointed to the bruise on his face. “He knows. He figured it out; he's okay with it. Don't panic. It was horridly embarrassing and awkward at times, but he's okay with it.”

"Um, okay then,” Sirius said, his body relaxing, the panicked look leaving his eyes. “I just came by to ask if you wanted to go grab lunch.” He looked at the books on the floor. “We can work on our essays for English, and also James and Peter are going to be at Reckless Records later, so I thought we could all hang out for a while.”

"Can I go, dad?” Remus asked.

"You snuck out last night and you’re asking now?” His father laughed.

"Remus shrugged. “Last night I wasn't allowed out of the house at all; now I can.” Remus smiled at Sirius and started loading up his backpack.

"Yeah, I don't see why not. It's Saturday after all. Just be home by midnight.” Remus’ father said.

"What? Last night it was dawn.” Remus said.

"Last night I didn't know you were hanging out with your boyfriend.” His father pointed out. “If you’re going to be a little late, that's okay, just call me.” The boys started heading for the door. “And by a little late I mean twenty minutes, not three hours.”

Sirius took Remus' hand and led him down the front walk, toward his bike. Then they heard a women yelling. “Remus Lupin, if you leave with that boy, I will never talk to you again! You will no longer be my son; you will no longer be my baby boy...” Her rant was cut off by the sight of Remus' father closing the window. 

"Sorry... there was a blow up earlier. My father took my side, my mother freaked out, I came out accidentally - Dad took that well, too. Maybe because his brother is gay, I don't know, but my mother did not take it well.”

"It's okay.” Sirius ran his fingers through Remus' hair and planted a light kiss on his forehead. “You still want to leave with me? Don't want to get you disowned,” Sirius asked, holding out a helmet to Remus.

Remus took the helmet. “I still have my dad and I still have you. My dad says she'll come around at some point, and I believe him; she's kind of nuts.” Remus planted a kiss on Sirius' lips before pulling on the helmet and climbing on the bike behind Sirius, hugging him tightly as they pulled off down the road.