[2] Cupid's Side Project ✓ | MORCAS AU

• Chapter 2 •

"You know, it sounds weird," James said as we walked purposefully towards the Pumpkin Pasty for the first time in months, "but I feel like Sirius... knows."

"Knows what?"

"He knows that you're going to see Marlene in the same place where he found Remus. He probably has a sixth sense... so if you get any messages about it from him later, that's the reason not because I texted him in my pocket about it as we left." James said, saying the last part quickly and slowly, hoping I wouldn't hear.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much, we haven't spoken that much since he's been away." James gave me a look of pity, "Don't look at me like that, you know how I am. I prefer talking face to face."

"Honestly, Dorcas, if it weren't for me and Sirius, I sometimes think you wouldn't talk at all."

"No..." I said meekly although it was quite accurate. I would probably just have lonely Friends marathons if it weren't for them which would be fun for a bit but the novelty would soon wear off when I finished the last episode and realised I hadn't left the house in months. It probably was good that James and Sirius enjoyed actual socialisation and impromptu excursions. Every introvert needs an extrovert.

"You know it's true..."

"Fine, but I like to think eventually I'd realise that I needed to get out more and be social." I said which James considered for a moment.

"No. I think you'd feel lonely and buy a cat." He said, "And then another cat... and then another until they rose up against you and took over your apartment."

"Charming." I said pursing my lips which only made James snigger even more.

I was pretty excited when we first set out but as we drew closer to the café and I could make out the blonde figure of Marlene inside, my nerves began to kick in and part of me wanted to run away from there as fast as possible. James clearly sensed this as he randomly linked his arm with mine giving me a stern look. Sometimes I wondered if he was psychic, it was unnerving.

He let go once we were safely through the door and there was nowhere to escape.

"I'll go say hi to Lily and stuff and you can go and say hi to Marlene." He whispered to me with a small smile.

"Okay..." I said starting to walk over to Marlene who hadn't noticed me yet. It was all going great until she saw me walking towards her and gave me a small smile which instantly made me turn around and bolt back towards James.

"Dorcas, what are you doing?"

"I got nervous okay." I whispered, "New plan, we both talk to Lily and then maybe I'll speak to Marlene if I think there's time."

"That's a terrible plan and you know it." James whispered but he couldn't do anything about it as Lily had noticed us.

"Hey guys, I haven't seen you guys round here in ages." She said with a smile.

"I'm surprised you're not out of business without my generous tips." James said, leaning over the counter to give her a quick kiss.

"We get by but it's definetly not as fun." She said, "I miss being sassy to you over cheesecake."

"Oh, Lily, you're still sassy to me over cheesecake but the only difference now is that the Cheesecake is at my house - "

" - and it's a lot worse." Lily said with a grin, "Nowhere does cheesecake like here... oh hey, Dorcas! I completely forgot you were standing there."

"It's okay, I was deliberately being quiet." I said, "I'm a professional third wheel, I know how to play it."

"Aw, Dorcas, you're not a third wheel!" Lily said kindly.