UNDER THE MOON, Remus Lupin

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BODY LANGUAGE

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Alice charged into Remus' living quarters, clearly fuming, and stressed out. Remus looked up from his book, which Alice had recommended. She crossed her arms, tossed her body into the couch, and stared ahead into the fireplace. Studying her, Remus squinted slightly. She was chewing her inner lip with her eyes narrowed, and eyebrows furrowed. "What's the matter, Wonderland?"

"It's... it's Snape," she muttered with an angry tone.

It was almost time for Remus to complete another cycle. Tomorrow was the full moon. Because of the stress it put on him, he took the day before transforming off. His anger had been getting the best of him lately. He even found himself getting mad at Alice. But he would never tell her that. After the full moon, the anger would be gone anyway, reverted to the usual depression of being his girlfriend's worst fear. And his own.

"What did he do now?" Remus groaned. Snape had been nothing less than a pain in the ass since the assembly a week back. Every corner that Alice and Remus turned, Snape was lurking behind. They couldn't meet on her way to classes. They had to wait until the day was over and the coast was clear.

"He's turned potions class into a class about werewolves. It's all he talks about! And he knows about us, I know he does because he watches me get so frustrated!"

Remus shifted closer to Alice and kissed the side of her neck. "You don't have to worry about my problems, Alice. I'll handle Snape if it comes down to it."

"Your problems are my problems, Remus. And your lycanthropy isn't a problem in the first place, it was never a problem. I think the only problem is us." Alice rubbed her forehead and gently shook her head. She winced at what her next words were going to be.

Freezing for a moment, Remus tilted his head inquisitively. "What do you mean?"

"What I mean... is that our relationship is going to get us in trouble. So maybe we shouldn't be together." Alice breathed calmly, though inside she was going off like a shotgun. Loud and aggressive. Alice didn't want to break up with Remus. But was more bad than good being caused by the outcome of them being together?

Remus inhaled deeply and followed her gaze to the fire. She didn't believe that. She didn't believe herself. "So you think breaking up is going to solve our problems? That Snape will magically stop being suspicious and stop trying to reveal my lycanthropy? It doesn't work like that Alice, is this really what you want?"

"No!" She exclaimed and placed her face in her palms, swallowing nervously. "I just want what's best for you."

"You're what's best for me, Alice! I love you." He was beginning to get frustrated. It wasn't her fault. Remus knew that Alice loved him. He'd never truly doubted it, but he had insecurities that were not properly acknowledged.

"But it's not fair! I don't want to be the reason you lose your job!" She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned against his chest. If Remus got negatively affected by their relationship, Alice would never forgive herself.

Remus rolled his eyes with a smile. "You won't be, darling."

Alice stood up and flopped her arms, turning to the door. "You can't even be sure of that!"

"Neither can you!"

"Don't fucking yell at me! And- I beg to differ!"

Remus stood up and slammed her against the wall. Alice's head banged against the hollow wood and she closed her eyes. Remus exhaled, taking her in a swift, rough kiss. Then he stopped. "Then beg."