Because {Wolfstar}

40.

In case anyone was interested, above is the music I listened to while writing this chapter.

Tuesday 8:00 AM

    Remus paced his room early Tuesday morning. His head is racing and he feels sick. It's the kind of sick when you really just want to barf, but you can't making anything happen. He knows where he really wants to be right now.

    He wants to be in that café downtown where musicians play during brunching hours. He wants to sip on a frozen hot chocolate at the little round table that sits by the stage. He wants to become mesmerized by Sirius' beautiful voice and melodic instrument.

    But can he face that? Can he promise himself he won't have a breakdown? It's as if he's tormenting himself. He just needs support. To ground him. He can't ask Lily.. She's already told him how she feels about it. Regardless, she's out with her parents today.

    He pulls out his phone and goes to his speed dial list. It barely rings once. "Hey, wanna go get brunch?"

9:45 AM

    Marlene, who has started finding different means of transport each week, has decided to pick up Remus in an electric scooter. Or rather, she brought him one as well.

    "You've got to be kidding me."

    "You gotta live a little kid. You want the pink one or the black?"

    He narrowed his eyes at her. "I'm not getting on one of those things! It's like a mile away!"

    "Yeah, wouldn't you rather ride a scooter than walk? Besides, a mile isn't even that long."

    With a strong look of detest, he clambers onto the pink scooter.

    They arrive before Sirius. For all Remus knows, this isn't even the right place. Some girl with beautiful, blonde hair is on stage playing the keyboard. Remus manages to snag the table he hoped for while Marlene ordered for them. She knows his brunch order by heart. Two eggs over medium, a biscuit, and turkey bacon. He, in turn, knows hers. Eggs benedict with a side of fruit and hash browns with cheese.

    She joins him with the number 56 on a metal stand that she places in the middle of the table. They talk while they wait for their food, Remus stealing glances at the door every once in a while. As time passes, he checks less frequently. With a last fleeting glance, his eyes glide to the door and back to Marlene. Except... They dart back. There he is. Sirius Black. The punk rock boy whose eyes shine in the light. Their eyes meet instantly. The nauseous feeling hits Remus again.

    Sirius stares. Surely not? Remus. Remus Lupin. The tall sandy-haired boy with a single dimple is sitting right at the stage. Is he... Is he here for him? There's a sudden lurch in his stomach. He feels nauseous.

    James nudges Sirius, bringing him back to the room they're in. "They just called your name. Go."

    Shakily, Sirius makes his way up to the stage, refusing to look at Remus. He might fall apart.

    Remus watches Sirius so intently, he doesn't realize the glares James is giving him. He doesn't realize the waiter taking away his plate. He doesn't even realize when a small child, trying to escape his mother, dives under their table and tramples on his feet.

    When the two of them are in the same room together, there's such a strong chemistry that fills the air. It's almost too much to bear.