Carve Me Open / r.l. + s.b. /

Up to No Good

Lily was being observed by Remus, who took notice of the way she regained her cheerful grin and pleasant demeanor that they'd grown to appreciate. When his focus drifted to the wrinkled fabric, he noticed a faint smear of pink on the inner left fold, which was virtually invisible.

"You're so –" She was interrupted.

"Dashing, intelligent, brave," James began listing off.

"Spontaneous, daring, considerate," Sirius added hopefully, leaning against Remus's lanky frame.

Peter piped up, "Resilient, handsome?"

"Handsome is the same as dashing, idiot," Sirius admonished quietly, elbowing his friend in the ribs as Lily glared at the three.

"How about slapdash and uncouth," Lily suggested, shoving Sirius and James away by their arms and returning to her compartment. "I'll see you tonight, Remus!"

Remus only stared at Lily as she disappeared behind the walls of her compartment, his face pinched and his lips curved in focus. Remus thought it was extremely remarkable how soon Lily's behavior changed when she was approached by an obsessed James Potter, and he understood. In fact, he thought it was even more fascinating because, amidst her constant attempts, she was never able to come off as sincere in her claims of loathing for him. Maybe, just maybe, she could manage to keep that rueful smile under control. Something in Remus's heart told her that Lily's annoyance was only shallow, and he sneered at the thought. Perhaps even more than she had wished for it to be.

Love was tragically ironic and cruel.

As Remus searched for an empty compartment, James flailed wildly in his grasp. Flower petals scattered throughout the hallway and the card had been long since abandoned.

"Remus," he cried, stumbling as his friend tossed him into an empty chamber. "That was my one chance! How could you? How could you interfere with Cupid himself?"

Remus, who'd carefully removed his badge during James's flirting, took his normal place alongside Sirius near to the window, and crossed his legs with a satisfied grin.

"Honestly, I think that went well compared to your other attempts," Remus said lightheartedly. "You have your eyebrows this time. I'd cut your losses."

Sirius agreed, slouched across not only his seat but also Remus' lap. Remus could feel Sirius' heat through his turtleneck, as well as the gentle drubbing of his heart against his fingertips. As the train began to move, Sirius fiddled with the sleeve of his sweater, watching Remus sink into a haze of naïve bliss. Remus beamed as he let out a quiet sigh. He'd overlooked this.

He'd missed Sirius and all the baggage that came with him. He'd missed his voice, the feel of his hair in his fingers, and the fragrance of rain and perfume. He missed the sense of security and pleasure that almost leapt out of his mouth whenever Sirius lingered, as well as the tug of gravity when they were apart reminding him of the fierce passion that sweltered within him. Remus even missed his stupid theatrics, his petulant temper tantrums when his hair refused to comply.

Remus genuinely missed him.

When he looked down at his lap, he noticed Sirius was staring at him, small lines running over his brow as he scowled.

"What," Remus whispered, his voice muted behind James and Peter's vulgar conversation over The Ballycastle Bats Quidditch team and their landslide victory at the World Cup.

"Nothing," Sirius shrugged, reaching up and yanking on a thread of Remus' now short hair.

"Enjoying the view," Remus mocked, slapping away his hand.