As the evening came to an end, the Marauders stumbled out of the pub, the laughter and camaraderie heightened by a few too many drinks. Y/N found herself wrangling the four boys, each in varying states of inebriation, toward their shared flat.
Sirius, always the life of the party, was still cracking jokes and trying to serenade passing strangers with off-key renditions of classic wizarding songs. Remus, ever the responsible one, was attempting to appear sober but failing miserably, while Peter was giggling at everything and nothing in particular.
James, however, was a different story altogether. He was exceedingly clingy, leaning heavily on Y/N for support. His usual confidence was replaced with a sort of drunken vulnerability, his grip on her arm tight as he swayed slightly with each step.
"Y/N," he murmured, his voice low and thick with emotion, "you know you're the best, right? The absolute best."
She smiled softly, adjusting her hold to better support him. "I know, James. Let's just get you home, alright?"
As they reached the door of their flat, Sirius, noticing James's clinginess, couldn't help but tease. "Oi, Prongs! You're giving off some serious bottom energy tonight. What's up with that?"
James frowned, clinging even tighter to Y/N. "Shut it, Padfoot. You're just jealous Y/N loves me more."
Sirius barked a laugh. "Jealous? Of you? Nah, mate, I'm just having a good time watching you go all soft."
Remus chuckled, adding his own comment. "It's quite the sight, James. Didn't know you had it in you."
Peter nodded vigorously, still giggling. "Yeah, Prongs. You're like a puppy with a favorite toy."
Y/N rolled her eyes at the boys' antics but didn't respond. Instead, she focused on getting James inside and onto the couch. "Alright, enough teasing. James, sit here for a bit while I get you some water."
James obeyed, sinking into the couch and watching her with adoring eyes. "Thanks, love," he mumbled, his voice full of affection.
Sirius, Remus, and Peter continued to tease him, but Y/N ignored them, returning with a glass of water and sitting beside James. She stroked his hair gently, whispering calming words until he relaxed.
"See?" James said, looking at his friends with a satisfied smile. "Y/N knows how to take care of me."
Sirius shook his head, but there was a fondness in his eyes. "You're lucky, Prongs. Very lucky."
Remus and Peter agreed, and the teasing died down as they all settled in, the warmth of friendship and love filling the room. Y/N smiled, knowing that despite the jokes and jabs, the bond between them all was unbreakable.
