UNDER THE MOON, Remus Lupin

xxv.

THINGS HAPPENED

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It was a few days later after their initial love confessions. Alice slept with him in his bed every night. Well, not every night. Sometimes they fell asleep on the couch together after a long day.

"You made me breakfast?" Remus asked in awe as Alice held a plate before him on the couch. Poached eggs seasoned with cayenne, paprika, and pepper. A side of bacon that was slightly overcooked, and a piece of toast drowned in strawberry jam with a thin layer of butter underneath it.

Alice placed the plate down on the couch in front of him, handing him the silverware. "Of course. Orange juice, milk, water, coffee, tea, or pumpkin juice?"

It had been a long time since anyone made Remus breakfast or any meal of sorts. He felt bad that it felt so good to have her care. "Orange juice," he replied, hands shaking as he sat up to eat. Remus felt so nervous and loved wrapped into one.

Returning a moment later, Alice placed the orange juice on the coffee table. She took a seat next to him, bouncing on the couch. "Is it good?" She watched him take a bite of the egg.

He cleared his throat after swallowing. "That is a lot better than I would have expected it to be. You are an excellent cook, darling."

"Great to hear! I'll cook you breakfast every morning that I can." Alice kissed his cheek as he went to take a bite of the toast.

"No, no. I can take care of myself." Remus chuckled, firmly squeezing her lower thigh.

Alice raised her eyebrow. "I'm going to cook you breakfast whenever I wish. You deserve to relax every now and then."

"As do you. Tests are just around the corner, you have enough on your plate, love."

"So do you! Eat up, love! Or should I say... wolf it down, Wolfie?" She shrugged and hopped up, kissing the top of his head. "I have to go back to my dorm for a while since everyone is returning today. I'll see you later, though."

Remus grabbed her wrist as she turned away and pulled her back, quickly kissing her before she protested. "Thank you for everything. Truly."

"I love you, Remus," she said with a smile, giving him one more kiss and then leaving for the rest of the day.

Now that Alice was gone, Remus finished his breakfast. He wasn't sure what he would do the rest of the day. He could figure out what he and the students would be doing tomorrow, or he could patiently wait on the couch for Alice to return whilst reading Tolkien.

Lately, Remus had been finding himself missing his friends. He'd never stopped, but for a while was able to distract himself with self-loathing and omission. James was on his mind a lot. Being around Harry hurt, but also felt rejuvenating. He was the last slice of James that Remus had. Sirius was in hiding, but only for a bit longer. He had been for the last two years. That made it so hard for Remus to visit him. And all at the same time, for a while Remus hadn't believed Sirius was innocent until proven otherwise. It was different now. He'd visit when possible. One day he hoped Alice could meet his best friend.

Entering her dormitory that would only be empty for approximately ten more minutes, Alice tripped over her shoes on the floor. She'd been looking straight at them. Sometimes she thought she needed glasses, it was ridiculous. The past few days with Remus had been a Wonderland of her own sorts. It made her sad to realize it would likely be different now. With more students and staff present, sneaking around would be twice as hard without any questions asked.