Chapter Text
Remus’ alarm goes off at 7:05 am. He slaps at it bleary-eyed and snoozes for another fifteen minutes. When the alarm blares again he shuts it off and rolls onto his back, then stretches his arms up above his head and his long legs down to his toes.
As Remus is sitting up his brain registers the sound of his shower running. Oh right. Gid is still here. He sits on the side of his bed, blinking and trying to wake up, running a hand back and forth over the floof of his bed-head curls.
He sighs as he walks past the bathroom door and the sound of running water.
Remus doesn’t exactly mind that Gideon has spent the night, but he doesn’t exactly like it either if he’s truly honest. He cares a lot about Gideon, he does, but his space is sacred to him. He doesn’t share it with just anyone. Gideon isn’t just anyone. He’s my boyfriend, Remus thinks.
Gideon is kind and stable. They always have a decent time when they’re together and the sex is good, sometimes really good. And Gideon doesn’t push. Gideon is very practical, and he helps Remus stay focused on what’s important. He helps Remus stay grounded, stay realistic. Gideon is nice. And nice is nice, right?
Ugh, too early for relationship debates, brain.
Remus pulls on some pajama pants and a soft shirt then shuffles to the kitchen and starts the coffee pot on autopilot. He pulls down a black mug with a gold fleur de lis on it. He misses Saints football but loves New Orleans in the spring.
His eyes gravitate to his laptop sitting on the kitchen table. He listens carefully for any signs of Gideon, feeling sneaky in his own damn kitchen. The shower is still running... Remus waits a beat, then moves quickly, opening the computer and starting it up. He holds his breath as his email loads. YES!
Padfoot312 (1)
This is Remus’ favorite part of the entire day - drinking his coffee and waking up to words from Padfoot312. It doesn’t even occur to Remus anymore that he doesn’t know his name. He’s Padfoot to Remus now and that’s just fine. He’s so ready to see what new words Padfoot has written for him, he’s just got to click on the new message and
“Morning Babe.”
“Oh!” Remus jumps and closes his laptop a bit too quickly, “Hey, um, good morning.”
“You alright? Pretty jumpy there.” Gideon walks over and runs his fingers through Remus’ hair. Remus is stiff, but he doesn’t pull away.
“No, yeah, fine. Just um, still waking up, you know?” Remus rubs his eyes to make his point. When Gideon moves in closer Remus gives him a quick, placating smile before standing and moving away to pour himself more coffee. He ignores Gideon’s sigh.
“Thanks for making coffee,” says Gideon. He reaches into a cabinet and pulls out a mug that says ‘Best Big Brother’ on it, before helping himself to Remus’ coffee pot.
Remus doesn’t know why this makes him uncomfortable. His boyfriend should be comfortable in his home. Maybe it’s knowing Lucy would be upset seeing Gideon use her gift to Remus? He shakes it off. Lucy has never really liked Gideon, but she’s never really given him a chance either. Remus doesn’t really expect his baby sister to like anyone he dates.
Gideon holds his arms out in an offer to hug Remus and Remus’ chest warms as he remembers how wonderful Gideon is to him. This time when Gideon moves in close Remus sets his mug down and hugs him back. Gideon leans in and kisses Remus’ neck, nuzzling close. Remus rubs his hands up and down Gideon’s back. See, this is nice.
Remus and Gideon have been seeing each other for a while now. It’s casual and it's good. It's stable, predictable, drama-free. Boring. Safe.
Gideon was there for him back when they were still just friends. He sat with Remus in his mom’s hospital room. He brought Remus and Lucy take out. He listened to Remus rant about how the doctors should be able to do more for her. Gideon held him as he cried, sat with Remus and Lucy through the funeral, and stayed amazingly supportive throughout the months that dragged on after. It was the worst time in Remus’ life.
When he asked Remus out to dinner Remus was not exactly ready per se, but at that point even Lucy was encouraging Remus to get out of the house. Going out with Gideon was something to focus on other than the gaping hole in his chest left by his mother. And then he just kept saying yes whenever Gideon asked. And now they’re here standing in his kitchen with half of Remus wishing he was actually alone.
“Um, do you… do you want breakfast or anything?” Remus vaguely thumbs in the fridge’s direction.
“Nah, I’m good, thanks though,” he kisses Remus’ cheek, “I gotta get going, I’m running late as it is,” Gideon says as he puts his mug in the sink. “Oh and um, thanks for last night. I had a great time.”
“Oh, yeah. Me too.”
“When can I see you again?” Gideon’s eyes are kind, but they are filled with an expectation that Remus doesn’t know if he can meet.
“Well, things are pretty busy at the shop right now, you know? Spring and festivals and all,” Remus rubs the back of his neck with one hand, “Um, I’ll call you?”
“Ok, sounds good. Well um, see you soon,” Gideon leans in and kisses Remus on the lips. Remus wonders again if he is supposed to be feeling something more than this. He raises his hand in a small wave as Gideon leaves the room.
As Remus tops his mug off with hot coffee his breath suddenly catches in his chest as a fresh wave of anticipation washes through him. He listens intently for the front door shutting. When it thuds closed, he moves quickly to the front window and watches Gideon walk all the way to his car. As soon as Gideon starts pulling into the street he spins on his heel and all but runs back to the kitchen sliding to his laptop. He yanks the computer open a bit too hard, wincing at the creaking sound it makes.
He pats his computer softly, “Sorry. sorry.”
Calm down you lunatic. He’s not going anywhere.
He makes himself take a settling breath in and out before pulling up his email again. The sides of his mouth lift up without conscious thought as he sees the beautiful sight - New Messages and Padfoot312 bold and right at the top.
“Hi,” Remus says to his computer screen.
From: Padfoot312 Monday 6:27 am
To: thruthemoonlight
Subject: The Crescent City
Good Morning Moony Moonlight.
Have I ever told you about my undying love for this beautiful city? I haven’t been here for all that long, but this city has absolutely enchanted me. From the moment I ate my first meal here, I was done for - enamored, obsessed, captivated. I could write you a thesis on all the colors, sights, sounds, foods - so much food! Coming from a huge foodie city I was worried about finding great food again, but New Orleans came through! … the history, the culture, the community, the tenacious celebration of LIFE! I’m soaking it all in. Go outside. You’ll even hear the birds celebrating.
I was having brunch yesterday at a spot down in the Quarter with my brother (He’s ridiculous, but that’s for another note). We strolled up Decatur Street afterward right past Cafe du Monde, and the smell of freshly frying beignets and powdered sugar was thick in the air. The cafe was bustling, overflowing with people everywhere (who I now can tell are all tourists haha). They were laughing, talking, eating, playing, soaking up the sunshine. There were dogs and kids and pockets of beautiful chaos - just life everywhere I looked. There was a brass band on the corner playing their hearts out and transforming the sleepy Sunday morning into an afternoon celebration. The cool spring breeze was blowing and the sun was bright but not yet hot. The sky was blue with only a few puffy clouds. The humidity was down and it felt like everyone everywhere was outside soaking up the perfection of the day. The scene was like living poetry.
I guess I bring all this up because I wanted you to know that in those blissful moments I had two thoughts. One was of my ever-growing, profound love for this perfectly imperfect Crescent City. And the other, was of you.
If I knew your name and address I’d send you a fresh bag of those beignets and a chicory au lait to start off your morning. Even locals must eat that sometimes, surely? I truly hope you are able to spend some time outside this week. It would be a shame to miss NOLA in the Spring.
Happy Monday,
Padfoot
Remus’ second favorite part of his day is his walk to work. His apartment is 7 blocks from the bookstore his mother started and then left to him and Lucy. 7 blocks that he cherishes every day as he walks down Magazine Street basking in all the wonderful little ways he can see his beloved city waking up.
Magazine Street is a narrow, two-lane artery that curves to follow the bends of the Mississippi River right through the heart of New Orleans. There are tons of ancient, sprawling Oak trees dripping with Spanish moss that often canopy the street. The shops and homes along the sides are as eclectic and colorful as the people who occupy them. Remus loves every part of it. He loves the people watching, the store owners unlocking and opening doors, kids playing around as they walk to school, neighbors sweeping their porches, people walking past with large to-go cups of caffeine, and cars rumbling passed in both directions.
But on this day he barely notices any of it, he barely feels his feet on the pavement. He is far too caught up in the gift of Padfoot’s words.
“I’d send you a fresh bag of those beignets and a chicory au lait to start off your morning.”
Speaking of coffee, Remus stops at the Hey Cafe coffee shop to pick up some pastries so he, Lucy, and Marlene can have a Monday morning treat. He’s feeling friendly, light, and warm. He makes small talk with the barista and buys Lucy her favorite cookie just to see her smile. He says good morning to every person who makes eye contact with him, bright and chipper in a way that he would usually find annoying, but he’s unable to stop himself.
As he steps out onto the sidewalk again a cool breeze blows through his curly hair and he takes a moment to absorb all that’s around him. He breathes in the air, soaks up the sounds, turns his face into the warmth of the sunshine. He notices all the birds singing their lungs out and he smiles.
“Go outside. You’ll even hear the birds celebrating.”
“Mornin’,” he says to an older woman that passes him on the sidewalk.
“Good morning,” she smiles back at him.
“I had two thoughts. One was of my ever-growing, profound love for this perfectly imperfect Crescent City.”
He marvels at another stunningly beautiful spring day in New Orleans. The day is brand new. The day is his.
“And the other, was of you.”
And as he turns the corner, not even the jarring sounds of the major construction site he walks past can interrupt his high.
From: thruthemoonlight Monday 7:48 am
To: Padfoot312
Subject: Friend
I like to think of us as the oldest and dearest of friends. I like to imagine that we’ve grown up together, like we’ve known each other since we were eleven year old boys causing all kinds of chaos. I feel like I’ve known you forever. Sometimes I forget what it’s really been.
I like to write as if we’re in the middle of an ongoing conversation. And maybe we are? Has our conversation ever stopped? Maybe we are old and dear friends? What’s the time table on that?
How is it that exchanging words with you makes me feel more known and seen than when I’m in a room full of people I know? How is it that I feel more genuine and unfiltered with you than with almost anyone else? Maybe we’re so much more than just two people who don’t know each other’s real names and met in an obscure book lovers discord channel.
You are my favorite part of my day, have I told you that? Every morning I shuffle to my coffee pot and stand in my kitchen. Every morning I stare out my kitchen window and try to greet my day. And then there’s this moment, my brain finally wakes up enough and I remember. I all but run to my laptop and click on all the things as fast as possible. My breath catches in my throat and my heart races with anticipation until I see your name in my inbox. I don’t think about anything else for hours. I hear none of the noise on the busy streets on my way to work. All I hear is my heartbeat echoing in my ears. Because I have words - from you.
Happy Monday,
Moony
Sirius holds the door to the Hey Cafe coffee shop open with one hand and the tray of cups up and out the way in the other as a woman walks inside. They exchange polite smiles and nods and before he can move two more people walk past with quick “thank yous.”
I miss revolving doors, Sirius thinks as he does his best to be patient with the impractical pace of the people around him.
He walks quickly, navigating around the strolling people. Why must everyone in New Orleans just mosey everywhere!? Let’s go!
As he comes to a stop at the corner he checks his watch. Shit I’m late. He rushes across the busy two-way street as soon as there’s a break in traffic. When he gets to the edge of the construction site James is there waiting outside, squinting in the sunlight and looking around. He is dressed in jeans and a collared short sleeve shirt with PB Books and their logo on the pocket. He’s holding a clipboard, has a hard hat tucked in one elbow, and one on his head. When he sees Sirius walking up he exaggeratedly raises his arm and looks at his watch-less wrist in an obvious fashion. Sirius rolls his eyes and responds by holding up the tray of caffeinated beverages as evidence.
“Oh! Good morning, Brother. Good of you to finally show up,” James says as he hands Sirius a hard hat and ushers them both inside. There are metal beams making up the skeleton for what will be walls. There are tools and tarps and sawhorses all around. The floor is littered with discarded materials and vines of extension cords stretch in every direction.
Sirius puts on his hat and removes his sunglasses to look around the large space, stepping carefully, and assessing any signs of the team’s progress. He tucks his glasses carefully into the collar of his own PB Books shirt and then hands James the large chai he requested.
“Your welcome, by the way. Where’s Lily? She’s much nicer to me.”
James sticks his tongue out at Sirius then tucks his clipboard under his arm to remove the lid of his cup and blow on the steaming liquid.
“Hey! I’m coming!” Lily calls as she carefully walks through the large and cluttered construction chaos. Lily is also wearing a hard hat, her long red hair is loosely braided and hanging around her shoulder. She protects the camera hanging around her neck and tucks her phone in her back pocket.
Officially, Lily Potter is the social media and marketing director for Potter Brothers Books. Unofficially, she is the voice of all things reasonable and sensible when it comes to her husband and brother-in-law. She is brilliant, wickedly fun, beautiful, and really fucking good at her job.
“Good morning, you gorgeous thing you,” she says as she kisses Sirius on the cheek and takes her drink. James huffs.
“See? I told you she was nicer than you,” Sirius says with a cocky smirk.
“I was talking to my coffee. Oh! Good morning Sirius!” says Lily with faux surprise.
James laughs at Sirius’s slack-jawed face.
“Rude!” is all Sirius can say before he starts laughing too.
“I tease, darling. How are you?” Lily says sweetly.
“Grumpy, Lil. I’m grumpy! First of all the barista called me ‘sir!’ Sir, Lily! Like I’m...old or something,” Sirius puts on his best pout.
Lily smiles indulgently, “And second of all, James was mean to you?”
“So mean! Make him stop.”
“You know, maybe you’ve been spending too much time with your godson?” Lily barely hits James on his shoulder with the back of her hand, “Mr. C.O.O., be nice to the C.E.O.”
“Hey! He started it!”
“Oh, my pouty boys,” says Lily with a smile as she cups her pouting husband's cheek. She shakes her head and smiles until James smiles back. “I’m going home to edit these pictures and get some work done before I have to pick up Harry,” she says and then points a stern finger at both of them, “You two! Don’t forget to discuss the banner today! We’ve got to announce ourselves to the neighborhood and get all the resistance out of the way.”
“Ma’am, yes ma’am!” Sirius and James say at the same time with matching mock salutes. Lily rolls her eyes, well-versed in their tom-foolery. She kisses James quickly and waves her goodbye as she walks away.
“God my wife is amazing.” James waves his hands like he’s clearing the air, “Ok, Ok. Let’s focus here shall we?” They start to walk through the area.
“Right, how we looking?” says Sirius mostly to himself as he scans the large room.
He loves this part. He loves the madness of creation. He can see past the chaos of progress to the masterpiece that it will be. He takes incredible pride in building a Potter Brothers Bookstore. Their flagship in Chicago was started by their father. He built the second store in Portland with them before retiring. After that, James and Sirius have been traveling across the country scouting or building stores or both. New Orleans is the latest and Sirius wants this one to be as amazing as the neighborhood it’s going to be a part of.
He sips his iced coffee and enjoys the cool slide of it down his throat. Unbidden, the coffee makes him think of beignets. And the beignets make him think of Moony, and then his mind has deserted the conversation in favor of a tangent.
“I feel like I’ve known you forever.”
“Well, Peter is still tied up with permitting at City Hall. He says he needs at least another week.”
“Great,” Sirius says without eye contact.
“You are my favorite part of my day, have I told you that?”
“And we’re already getting push back from the neighbors about opening a chain store.”
“Good, good,” Sirius says.
“All I hear is my heartbeat echoing in my ears. Because I have words. From you.”
“And Harry is going to set fire to your house in about an hour,” James says impatiently.
“Mhm, sounds good.”
James stops walking abruptly. “I knew you weren’t listening.”
“Shit, I’m sorry,” Sirius runs a hand over his face, “I was just thinking about someone and I got distracted. Go on.”
“Distracted, huh?” James wiggles his eyebrows, “Who is this person!? Who!?” James bounces on the balls of his feet, “Who could possibly pull my perfectionist away from a job site?”
“Shut up. You’re so dramatic. It’s - stop bouncing you lunatic! Keep going - no, start over. I’m listening this time.” Sirius starts to walk again with purpose, “And where is Peter? Why is this place such a mess!? Why is this over here? Jake! Get me the blueprints! Ryan, clean that up please!”
James just shakes his head and laughs before jogging to catch up.