the cadence of part time poets

Chapter 85: Moony & Lu

I, I will be king,
And you, you will be queen;
Though nothing will drive them away,
We can beat them, just for one day,
We can be Heroes, just for one day...

Saturday 31st December 1977

"This ain't goodbye."

"I know."

"Then stop looking at me like I'm about to head into the trenches."

"I'm not!" Remus scowled. "If anyone's headed for the gallows it's me. I'm the one going home..."

"Ah, yes. I'm sure facing down the likes of potpourri and a nice home-cooked meal does have its downsides."

"You've clearly never met Lily."

Tomny smiled at him, the distant shriek of train whistles and car announcements echoing down the Tube behind him. "When do you leave for school then?"

"The third. We head out of King's Cross on the first train like last time," Remus said, still wondering how he was going to last at the Potters until then. And there was still Giles to contend with as well... shit.

"You know you can call me if things get really unbearable," Tomny offered. "Like if they forget to put out them little finger sandwiches. Or the champagne's flat."

"Prick." He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, only to pull them out again when Tomny raised his arms for a hug. They embraced right there on the station platform, while other commuters swerved around them, occasionally tossing them a dirty or otherwise bewildered look as they rushed to catch their train home for the final holiday of the year. Remus hardly cared; they'd agreed to part on good terms, him and Tom. And so he clung on, not wanting to let go. His lips brushed the worn leather of Tomny's jacket, and it was cold.

"Stop trying to drink yourself to death," he said.

"Stop trying to smoke yerself stupid," Tomny replied.

"Stop fighting with drug dealers."

"Stop fighting the world."

"Stop... Stop taking so many drugs!"

"Stop making everyone fall in love with you!"

They pulled apart.

"Though, suppose that's asking for the impossible, innit."

Remus felt his chest tighten, like a breath he'd been holding onto for too long. "Promise!" He insisted, knocking his fist against his friend's shoulder. "Promise you're gonna straighten your shit out."

Tomny jabbed him in the chest. "I'll promise if you promise!"

"... Promise."

"Then we're agreed. Shit shall be straightened. Now is there anythin' else you'd like to demand of me before ya go?"

"Yeah, just one more thing. Don't disappear."

"Aw." Tomny pat his cheek fondly. "I already told you, didn't I? I'm not going anywhere. Still need my Lu."

Good terms, Remus had promised himself, not soppy, weepy messes.

They hugged once more, and then Tomny handed him the clunky Fender Twin amplifier and began backing up toward the stairs.

"Better hurry along then, don't want to get caught in the rain. I'll see you on the third."

Remus blinked. "The third...? What—"

"Oh, and if your lover-boy is really that bothered, just tell 'im we shagged with the lights on. And that we saw God. See what he has to say about that."