Of Rivalry and Romance

Behind the Podium

Media.

Cameras.

Microphones.

All of these things flash through President Lupin's mind as he prepares to face the media at this year's presidential debate. Yet, his mind keeps circling back to one sole subject. The opposing side's leader, Sirius Black. God, Remus hates him. He hates his arrogance, the way he talks and most importantly, his political views. However, Lupin thinks to himself, If he hated him so much, then why did god make him so damn fine.

The thought of debating Sirius Black on live television made Remus shiver. Deep down he knows how he feels about Sirius, but he knows that admitting those feelings could ruin this career and him. Before he has time to think more about this, he is pulled away by his vice president, Lily evans. Still with his thoughts in a blur, he blankly stares at her face, thoughts about the opposing leader fresh in his mind.

"Remus..?" Lily asked softly

"Remus!" Lily spoke more firmly, taking a tight grasp of Remus' forearm, dragging him towards the door, "The debate starts in five minutes, you're going to be late" she said as Remus cleared his throat and straightened his back. He grabbed a bottle of water before opening the door and rushing to take his place at his podium.

As he was rushing towards the podium he spotted Sirius, already on the stage, waving to his fans with a smug grin on his face. Remus couldn't help but take in his looks for a few more seconds before he adjusted the collar of his shirt and walked up to Sirius to shake his hand. His heart raced as he felt Sirius' hand in his. Remus felt electric as he firmly shook his hand as Sirius opened his mouth to speak, "cutting it a bit close, aren't we, Lupin" he whispered with a smug look on his face. Remus froze for a moment, to him it sounded like Sirius Black was flirting with him? It couldn't be true, Remus thought, assuming he was too nervous to think straight. He made eye contact with Sirius and gave him a nervous smile.

"Well you know me, always keeping things exciting" Remus laughed shyly. As he walked away he cringed at himself for acting so awkward. Always keeping things exciting, who says that?! He thought as he reached his spot. Remus took a deep breath and tried to focus on the task at hand. The moderator stepped up to the podium and began the introductions.

The moderator spoke into his microphone "Welcome to the 2024 United States of America presidential election. From the republican party, we have former president, Sirius Black, and from the Democratic party we have current president, Remus Lupin"

Remus gulps as he hears his name echoing through the stadium as the fans continued to scream his and sirius name

"Let the debate begin"