Long Live the Napkin King

by TheBiButterfly

Summary:

Marauders University Texting AU
JILY/WOLFSTAR

James accidently texts Lily looking for a keg hook up for a party. He tries to convince her to meet up, ends up matchmaking their friends, Remus and Sirius first. Wolfstar flips the script and plays matchmaker for James and Lily.

Excerpt:

Prongs: No musicians, huh?

Petals: I already have a moody bassist in my life.

Prongs: Your mate from before?

Petals: Yes, he’s a songwriter too. Extra layers of moodiness.

Prongs: Is he in a band?

Petals: Not anymore. Got into it with a loud-mouthed drummer.

Prongs: Sounds like my mate. He’s a lot.

Petals: Thus, no musicians.

Prongs: Fair. I don’t date artists for the same reason.

Petals: Too passionate?

Prongs: You spelled psycho wrong.

Chapter 1: Frank at Tescos

Summary:

Thanks Frank, you've started a beautiful thing.

020 5555 3567 is this frank from tescos I need a favor

020 4444 9862 Nope, try again killer.

020 5555 3567 sorry

020 5555 3567 wait, what killer?

020 4444 9862 Serial killer, obviously. 

020 5555 3567 im not a serial killer! wtf

020 4444 9862 You’re clearly an old dude on the hunt for new victims. I’m not falling for it.

020 5555 3567 im not old! 

020 5555 3567 you’re the one who texts like an old person

020 4444 9862 Or, perhaps, an adult who speaks in full sentences.

020 5555 3567 yeah okay 

020 5555 3567 how old are you then?

020 4444 9862 That’s exactly what a serial killer would ask.

020 5555 3567 im not a serial killer!

020 5555 3567 don’t even like cereal

020 4444 9862 That was a terrible pun.

020 4444 9862 I’ve changed my mind, you’re a 12 year old child.

020 5555 3567 fuck off, im 22

020 4444 9862 So mature.

020 5555 3567 whatever

***

020 5555 3567 frank?

020 4444 9862 Still no.

020 5555 3567 great you again

020 4444 9862 Alright, I’ll bite. Why do you need Frank from Tescos?

020 5555 3567 he’s supposed to hook us up with kegs

020 4444 9862 Kids your age really shouldn’t be drinking.

020 5555 3567 hilarious 

020 5555 3567 don’t suppose you have a connection for kegs?

020 4444 9862 I do, actually. Frank, at Tescos.

020 5555 3567 do you actually have his number or are you fucking with me?

020 4444 9862 Prove your age first, what’s the oldest tv show you remember watching as a kid?

020 5555 3567 easy fetch the vet

020 4444 9862 Fair enough. Here’s Frank’s number:  020 4444 9872

020 5555 3567 cool thx

***

020 5555 3567 hey stranger

020 4444 9862 Seriously? It’s 2am.

020 5555 3567 yet you answered wyd

020 4444 9862 Trying to sleep. Go away.

020 5555 3567 r u a dude? my mate thinks yr a dude

020 4444 9862 Are you drunk?

020 5555 3567 mayyyyybeeee

020 4444 9862 Not smooth. You’re going to ask me to prove it just to try and get a pic.

020 5555 3567 is that a yes or no

020 4444 9862 Yes, I’m a gross old man.

020 5555 3567 don’t belibe u 

020 4444 9862 I’m sorry, it’s true. Old, wrinkly, balding, the works.

020 5555 3567 fjrjrjejeheheneome

020 4444 9862 Guessing you blacked out.

***

020 5555 3567 fuck sorry for the drunk texts

020 5555 3567 and thx for not blasting me for it

020 5555 3567 uh are you mad?

***

020 4444 9862 I was in class. If I got mad at every drunk text, I’d never hear from my friends.

020 5555 3567 are you in uni?

020 4444 9862 Yes. 

020 5555 3567 you must be bored

020 4444 9862 What gave me away?

020 5555 3567 you’re still replying to a stranger who drunk texted you

020 4444 9862 Clever and entertaining. 

020 5555 3567 thx I think 

020 5555 3567 my mate is bugging me gtg 

***

020 5555 3567 what are you studying

020 4444 9862 Chemistry

020 5555 3567 oh you’re a swot 

020 4444 9862 Charming as always.

020 5555 3567 i save my charm for the ladies 

020 5555 3567 you are a wrinkly old man

020 4444 9862 If I tell you I’m a girl, will you text in full sentences?

020 5555 3567 with punctuation and all

020 4444 9862 Fine, I'm a girl.

020 5555 3567 Have a nickname or something I can call you?

020 4444 9862 Not really. My only nicknames are too close to my actual name.

020 5555 3567 You can call me Prongs, if you like. Everyone else does.

020 5555 3567 contact changed to Prongs

020 4444 9862 I guess you can call me Petals. My sister does sometimes.

020 4444 9862 contact changed to Petals.

Prongs Petals, I like that. 

Petals So, where did Prongs come from?

Prongs While in boarding school, I got into a fight with a stag.

Petals A stag? Were you drunk? 

Prongs Very.

Prongs Stag won.

Petals I figured that much. Boarding school must mean you’re posh.

Prongs Yeah, a bit.

Petals My mate’s here and he’s annoyed that I'm on the phone again. Talk later posh boy?

Prongs Sure, Petals.

***

Petals It’s time to return the favor. Text me it’s an emergency in five minutes to get me out of this date.

***

Prongs Petals! I need your help! Padfoot is stuck in the doggie door! He’s freaking out and is just getting more stuck! Come help me! I need you!

Petals Oh no! I’ll be there soon. Tell him I’m on my way!

Petals Well done, I think he bought it too.

Prongs Happy to help. Bad date?

Petals Blind date, he’s blonde and in a band. Hard pass.

Prongs No musicians, huh?

Petals I already have a moody bassist in my life.

Prongs Your mate from before?

Petals Yes, he’s a songwriter too. Extra layers of moodiness.

Prongs Is he in a band?

Petals Not anymore. Got into it with a loud-mouthed drummer.

Prongs Sounds like my mate. He’s a lot.

Petals Thus, no musicians.

Prongs Fair. I don’t date artists for the same reason.

Petals Too passionate?

Prongs You spelled psycho wrong.

Petals They can be intense, I get it.

Prongs It’s all messy fun until they get possessive.

Petals Not many artists go for Science nerds I find.

Prongs I like brainy women personally.

Petals Didn’t ask.

Prongs Okay, I’ll ask. What’s your type?

Petals Tall, brunette, curly-haired book nerds, too bad they’re all gay.

Prongs That’s very specific.

Petals I’m a woman of very specific tastes. Best describes my mate, but unfortunately like I said, very gay.

Prongs This the bassist?

Petals One and the same.

Prongs My mate says he needs that number.

Petals I’m not just giving out his number to a stranger.

Prongs Fair enough. He says to give the bassist his:  020 4444 2838

Petals He now thinks I’m off it for chatting with a stranger and…wants to know what your mate looks like.

Prongs Medium height, long black hair, lives in black and leather. 

Prongs He says to say devilishly handsome. 

Petals Modest too, huh?

Prongs Hardly.

***

Chapter 2: Wolf Meet Star

Summary:

Let the fun begin!

020 5555 3836 Is this Prongs’ friend?

020 4444 2838 Yeah, I go by Padfoot. This the bassist?

020 4444 2838 contact changed to Padfoot.

020 5555 3836 Yes, is that a nickname?

Padfoot Yeah, my mate thinks he’s clever.

020 5555 3836 I don’t have a nickname. 

Padfoot What are you into? 

020 5555 3836 Astronomy, music, and literature.

Padfoot Astronomy? Really? Like moons and stars?

020 5555 3836 Yeah. I’m named after a moon.

Padfoot That’s wild, I’m named after a star.

020 5555 3836 Let me guess, Dog Star?

Padfoot That was fast.

020 5555 3836 It wasn’t exactly a challenge.

Padfoot How about Moons? Or Moony?

020 5555 3836 For what?

Padfoot Your nickname.

020 5555 3836 You’re giving me a nickname?

020 5555 3836 contact changed to Moony.

Padfoot It’s decided, Moony.

Moony Whatever

***

Prongs Do you think that people can change if they want to?

Petals I suppose so. I’ve not seen a lot of evidence of that though.

Petals You alright?

Prongs Worried about me?

Petals No, but I’d be bummed to lose my distraction from work.

Prongs What do you do?

Petals I work in a bookstore and I’m not telling you which one.

Prongs That sounds...boring.

Petals No posh parents here.

Prongs Posh parents aren’t everything.

Petals Do you have a job?

Prongs Point taken.

***

Padfoot Moony, how tall are you?

Moony 6’ 4”

Padfoot Nice. 

Moony You?

Padfoot 5’ 10”

Padfoot Too short?

Moony Nah, that’s alright.

Padfoot What are you studying?

Moony English Lit

Moony You?

Padfoot Fine Art

Moony What’s your medium?

Padfoot Charcoal and oil mostly. 

Moony Are you why your mate doesn’t date artists? Psycho I believe he said?

Padfoot Pfft! No. He dated a sculptor, she was...something. 

Moony Mm-hm, sure. You’re probably a freak.

Padfoot  Only in bed. ;)

Moony Promises, promises. I’ve heard that before.

Padfoot If you’re as fit as Petals described, I’d be happy to demonstrate.

Moony She lied, she’s biased, and has terrible taste in men.

Padfoot Sounds familiar.

Moony Your mate?

Padfoot Yeah. Prongs is great, but he always goes for spicy red-heads and then gets hurt.

Moony Oh...um.

Padfoot No way. Petals?

Moony I can neither confirm nor deny without penalty of death.

Padfoot Let me even the playing field. Prongs is a brunette, with messy curls and glasses. 

Moony So far, so good.

Padfoot He’s clever too, but falls way too fast and hard. Gets himself trampled.

Padfoot  Prongs has an Ariel complex.

Moony She is too picky and doesn’t suffer fools.

Padfoot Well, they’re still talking. I’ll keep the details to myself for now.

Moony Same. 

***

Prongs I’m bored. What are you up to?

Petals Elbows deep in dead bodies.

Prongs Um, what?

Petals Anatomy revision

Prongs Oh! That sounds...interesting.

Petals It’s not. 

Prongs I was wondering if you wanted to play a game?

Petals A game? 

Prongs Yeah, like Twenty Questions, sort of.

Petals Okay, but if it’s too personal, I will veto.

Prongs Fair enough.

Prongs I’ll go first. Favorite band?

Petals Can I go artist instead?

Prongs Sure

Petals Promise not to make fun of me?

Prongs Promise

Petals T. Swift writes my life stories

Prongs She’s my mate’s fave too.

Petals Same back at you.

Prongs I like older stuff, Zeppelin and the Beatles.

Petals My dad was a fan of the Beatles. Grew up on their LPs.

Prongs Clearly he has excellent taste.

Petals *had*

Prongs Oh, I’m sorry.

Petals It’s alright. 

Prongs Your turn.

Petals Program concentration?

Prongs Engineering

Petals Not what I expected, to be honest.

Prongs What were you expecting?

Petals A posh boy who parties too much? I expected Business or Marketing.

Prongs My folks would have liked that, I’d bet. I like figuring out how things work.

Petals Me too.

Prongs What drew you to Chemistry?

Petals It’s logical and I like the experimental aspect.

Prongs Your turn.

Petals Do you have any hobbies?

Prongs Running and footie when I can squeeze it in.

Petals You’re an athlete? 

Prongs It’s just for fun, not competitive.

Petals I see. 

Prongs What about you?

Petals Photography and reading. 

Prongs Photography sounds interesting. What do you take pictures of?

Petals Mostly people. I find faces fascinating.

Prongs That would be creepy in another context.

Petals I’d rather admire them, not remove them.

Prongs That’s a relief. Rather like my face where it is.

Petals What makes you think I’d get anywhere near your face?

Prongs Wishful thinking?

Petals Clearly.

Prongs Favorite color?

Petals Green

Prongs Just green? I was expecting more from a woman with very specific tastes.

Petals Alright, fine. Jade

Prongs That’s kind of a dark green, right?

Petals It matches my eyes.

Prongs You have green eyes? 

Petals Didn’t mean to tell you that, but yes.

Prongs Mine are hazel. 

Petals Didn’t ask. 

Prongs Just leveling the field.

Petals Sports references? Really?

Prongs I did tell you I was into footie.

Petals Do you have a favorite color?

Prongs Gryffindor Red and Gold

Petals What is that?

Prongs My school footie team’s colors.

Petals I should have guessed.

***

Moony Do you play anything?

Padfoot Yeah, drums.

Moony Ugh, drummers.

Padfoot Hey! What’s wrong with drummers?

Moony Mouthy and stubborn.

Padfoot Oh. 

Moony Shoe fit?

Padfoot Maybe? Is that a deal breaker?

Moony Depends how mouthy.

Padfoot Prongs says just mouthy enough, but not Snape level mouthy.

Moony Wait, you know Snape too?

Padfoot Yeah, that bastard was in my music program at boarding school. 

Moony Oh, right. I forgot she said you were posh boys.

Padfoot How do you know Snape?

Moony Was in a band with him for a hot minute. He ran his mouth too much.

Padfoot Not surprised. More shocked he got into a band, he wasn’t very good.

Moony Yeah, loved to blame the rest of us for him losing the beat.

Padfoot Not that I’m so much better, just hated him.

Moony Understandable.

Padfoot Is it true you write your own songs?

Moony I see she’s talking about me again.

Padfoot To be fair, I talk about my best mate a lot too.

Moony She wants me to record them, but they’re just catharsis.

Padfoot Do you write on the bass?

Moony Nah, I have a guitar too. Just better at the bass.

Padfoot That’s kinda sexy.

Moony Pffft whatever

Padfoot You don’t take compliments very well, huh?

Moony Not when they’re unwarranted.

Padfoot I’ll bet you’re fit.

Moony You’d be wrong. Too lanky and too many freckles.

Padfoot I’d like to count your freckles, Moony.

Moony Um, why?

Padfoot I like them. 

Moony Do you have a freckle fetish or something?

Padfoot Is that a thing?

Moony You tell me?

Padfoot Then, maybe.

Padfoot Plus, I like my men tall and you’re a tree.

Padfoot I can be your squirrel.

***

Chapter 3: Flirty Boys

Summary:

Sirius is impatient, Remus is curious.

Petals What did your mate say to mine? He’s blushing!

Prongs Hold on, let me look.

Prongs Oh, they’re flirting.

Petals Really?

Prongs Yep, I saw something about a freckle fetish before he hid the screen.

Petals Hahahahaha!

Prongs Can I assume your mate has freckles?

Petals  Head to toe.

Prongs Do you have freckles?

Petals Maybe.

Prongs Cute.

***

Petals This is Moony, I stole her phone. Her freckles are adorable and so is her red hair. Padfoot said you needed this information.

Prongs ???!#$##@$#

Petals Ignore that. You saw nothing.

Prongs You’re a red-head?

Petals No, I’m bald. No hair at all.

Prongs Liar. I can’t believe you’re a red-head.

Petals Why?

Prongs I’m rather partial to red-heads.

Petals That’s...nice?

Prongs Don’t you like brunettes?

Petals Um

Prongs Lucky for you, mine is dark brown and curly.

Petals Didn’t ask.

***

Moony Meet up for coffee?

Padfoot I thought you’d never ask. 

Padfoot When? Where?

Moony You’re an eager puppy.

Moony I work at Beans n’ Things on Central. Meet me there tomorrow?

Padfoot I have a class until 10, after that okay?

Moony Yeah. 

***

Remus I’m meeting the drummer for coffee tomorrow.

Lily What? Why?

Remus Pretty sure he’s fit.

Lily That’s your only criteria?

Remus Depends on what I’m looking for, but for a one-off? Yeah.

Lily Well, if you get killed by the strange drummer man, I can write off Prongs. Fair play.

Remus Win/win

Lily Lose/lose, I’m out a best mate.

Remus No great loss.

Lily Remus, I would miss you.

Remus Whatever

***

Sirius He asked me to coffee! 

James who?

Sirius The bassist!

James oh uh great!

Sirius If I pull him, we could double date?

James I wish

Sirius How’s the flirting going?

James not well. she shoots me down hard every time.

Sirius She’s still texting you.

James that’s true. pretty sure that’s just because she’s bored though.

Sirius It’s been three weeks, I’ve never been that bored.

James don’t get my hopes up

***

Padfoot I’m here.

Moony Back left booth. I ordered our drinks already.

Padfoot How did you know what I wanted?

Moony I guessed.

Padfoot What did you guess?

Moony Coldbrew

Padfoot Wow. How did you know?

Moony You’re an artsy drummer, it fit.

Padfoot Speaking of fit…

***

Sirius James!

James aren’t you on your coffee date?

Sirius Yes, but he went to the loo.

Sirius He’s so fit, I’m going to die.

James don’t die get laid first.

Sirius Not sure I’m going to jump into that actually.

James why? thought you said he was fit?

Sirius Oh he is, but he’s fucking hilarious too.

James go on then

Sirius Shit! He’s coming back. GTG

***

Remus This drummer is out of my league.

Lily Not possible.

Remus No, really. 

Lily He’s fit then?

Remus Beyond fit, think Harry Styles meets Ben Barnes.

Lily That’s quite a combination.

Remus Worth a shot, but I’m not holding my breath.

***

Prongs I hear the coffee date is going well.

Petals I’ve heard the same.

Prongs What are the chances we could meet for coffee?

Petals Let’s see how their meet-up pans out first.

Prongs Fair enough.

***

Padfoot You are a class A liar.

Moony Huh?

Padfoot You are to fit!

Moony Oh, um. You think so?

Padfoot Are you blind?

Moony No…

Padfoot Do you own a mirror?

Moony …

Padfoot You’ll have to take my word for it.

Moony Not bad yourself.

Padfoot Not bad? That’s all I get?

Moony Do you really need me to tell you you’re fit?

Padfoot Yes

Moony Okay…

Moony I think you’re fit too.

Padfoot Can I see you again?

Moony Uh, yeah. Drinks?

Padfoot Yes! When? Tonight?

Moony Calm down, puppy. Three Broomsticks at 8 on Friday work?

Padfoot Absolutely! See you then!

***

Sirius &*%T*&%&)&*!!!!

James i take it coffee went well

Sirius We’re meeting for drinks on Friday!

James oh that’s great!

Sirius His name is Remus, how cool is that?

James nice, never heard that one before

Sirius Me neither!

***

Lily So...how’d it go?

Remus Better than expected?

Lily Tell me more.

Remus His name is Sirius Black. What kind of name is that?

Lily An adjective and a colour?

Remus He’s every bit as ridiculous as his name too.

Lily In what way?

Remus Excitable? Eager? Over the top?

Lily These sound positive.

Remus Ugh, I think I like him.

Lily That’s a bad thing?

Remus No, just inconvenient. 

Lily Oh Remus, just enjoy yourself.

Remus Could say the same to you...Petals

Lily Don’t.

***

Prongs Drinks on Friday sounds good.

Petals ??

Prongs Our mates are having drinks on Friday.

Petals Oh, really? That’s nice.

Prongs Please meet me for coffee?

Petals Why?

Prongs So I can put a face to the texts?

Petals Again, why? What’s wrong with just texting?

Prongs Are you afraid?

Petals No!

Prongs Prove it.

***

Prongs Petals?

Prongs Please talk to me.

Prongs Okay, fine. 

**

Sirius James, I think he’s my soulmate. 

James whoa it’s been two dates 

Sirius You don’t understand, he’s Welsh and loves French! 

Sirius We were meant to be.

James happy for you pads. maybe slow down a little though

Sirius Too soon?

James just a bit

***

Remus Still not answering him?

Lily I just need a break, he’s asking to meet.

Remus You don’t want to meet him?

Lily I don’t want to ruin it.

Remus So, you’re ignoring him instead?

Remus Smart

Lily There’s no expectations now.

Lily We meet in person and it’s real.

Lily I like the mystery.

Remus Or you’re a wuss.

Lily Fine. I’m a wuss.

***

Chapter 4: Sneaky Photos

Summary:

Sirius and Remus give James and Lily a little nudge.

Sirius JAMES!!!!

James what

Sirius I think I just saw Petals!

James WHAT

Sirius I stopped by Remus’s coffee shop to flirt with him and there’s a cute red head here that he’s chatting with at the bar. 

James $)%*()%$*)# I’m in class! Can you get a picture?

Sirius You want me to take a picture without her knowing?

Sirius Prongs, really?

James PLEASE im dying here

Sirius She just moved to a window seat. Hold on.

James …

James And? 

James Padfoot?

James PADFOOT

Sirius Calm down, I have info. Coerced Remus to give me her name and confirm it was Petals. 

James If you don’t start talking right now…

Sirius Chill Prongs!

Sirius Her name is Lily, aka Petals. Cute, right?

Sirius She comes by the coffee shop Tuesdays and Thursdays around 3pm to study and see Remus.

Sirius I got a picture, but you have to promise not to lose your shit.

James GO

Sirius

James ^@!!$@%$^@^^@ kill me now 

James i’m stuck here for another hour FUCK

Sirius No panicking, I have a plan.

James GO

Sirius We orchestrate this same thing to happen to Remus.

Sirius Get him to send your pic to her.

James Will he do it?

Sirius I think so, if you meet him first.

James DONE

***

Remus Lils, what are you doing right now?

Lily Drowning in Chem charts

Lily Why, what’s up?

Remus I think I just saw Prongs at the shop.

Remus Sirius came in to say hi and he was with a cute guy wearing glasses.

Lily Did you say anything to him?

Remus Yeah, just took his order. Seemed nice.

Lily Um

Lily What did you think?

Remus Easy on the eyes, but very obviously straight.

Lily Meaning what?

Remus He didn’t look at Sirius’s ass.

Lily Remus! 

Remus I heard his name, interested?

Lily Maybe?

Remus James. I could ask Sirius for a picture?

Lily What? No!

Lily Well...wait.

Remus He’s sitting right across from him.

Lily Can he be subtle?

Remus Ha! No.

Remus But he probably wouldn’t think anything of it because it’s Sirius.

Lily Okay, ask him.

Remus Give me a few.

***

Remus Take a pic of James for me to send to Lily.

Sirius On it

Sirius <image sent>

Remus Oh nice shot!

Sirius Thanks. 

Sirius No admiring, just sending!

Remus Calm down, puppy. 

Sirius I should find that offensive, but I don’t.

Remus That’s me in a nutshell.

Sirius Hush you.

***

Lily If he can’t do it, that’s okay.

Lily It’s not a big deal.

Lily I’ve changed my mind, don’t do it.

Remus

 

Remus Oops, too late.

Lily Oh. 

Remus Cute, right?

Lily That’s him? Prongs?

Remus Yep, Sirius confirmed.

Lily …

***

Prongs Hey

Petals Hey

Prongs You okay?

Petals Yes

Petals Just needed a break.

Prongs Better now though?

Petals Definitely.

Prongs Do I dare ask about coffee?

Petals I am not opposed to coffee.

Prongs Really?

Petals Really

Prongs Tomorrow? 

Petals Okay, around 3pm?

Prongs I can do that.

Petals Good, see you then.

Prongs See you then.

***

James PADFOOT

James PADFOOT

James %@#%$^%&%$#*^$*

Sirius What? What? WHAT!

James she said yes to coffee!

Sirius Oh! That’s good!

James your idea worked!

Sirius I figured seeing was believing.

James i’m never doubting you again

Sirius In that case, let’s discuss your wardrobe.

James …

***

Lily I’m an idiot. I can’t do this.

Remus Breathe. 

Remus You’ll be fine.

Lily No, I’m going to mess it up.

Lily He’s going to take one look at me and leave.

Lily I should just cancel.

Remus Lily, no. 

Remus He’s fine, you’re fine, we’re all fine.

Lily What if I say something stupid?

Remus I promise, if anyone’s going to say something stupid, it won’t be you.

Lily You promise?

Remus I promise.

***

James pads, what if I choke?

Sirius Don’t worry, just be your charming self.

James what if she hates my charming self?

Sirius Not possible.

James kinda possible

Sirius No.

James okay…

***

Prongs I’m here

Petals At the bar with Remus

Prongs I see you

Petals Okay

***

Chapter 5: Damage Control

Summary:

James earns his crown as the Napkin King. Lily finds a new home.

Notes:

Short chapter, but it's necessary.

Moony Oh that was painful to watch.

Padfoot What happened?

Moony Lily happened.

Padfoot Meaning?

Moony She got nervous and spilled her coffee on him. 

Padfoot Please tell me it was iced? 

Moony Yeah, but it was also full.

Padfoot Yikes.

Moony James tried to clean it up, but Lily panicked and threw napkins at him.

Padfoot Oh, oh no.

Moony Kind of made a scene, then she ran away.

Padfoot Fuck

Moony That’s a word for it.

***

Prongs Lily, please come back. 

Prongs I promise, it’s fine. I’m fine!

Prongs Lily?

***

Sirius Heard things went balls up quick.

James yeah she bolted

James it was kind of funny

James but I shouldn’t have laughed

Sirius You LAUGHED????

James she threw napkins!

James imagine a shower of napkins

Sirius Oh shit

James yeah

James now she won’t respond again

Sirius She’s probably embarrassed.

James yeah, probably

***

Remus Are you okay?

Lily No.

Remus Where are you?

Lily Nowhere

Remus Are you in my dorm?

Lily No.

Remus Lily

Remus Come out

Lily No. I live here now.

Lily Your sweaters make a lovely bed.

Lily I can just drown myself in knitwear.

Lily No one need ever know.

Remus Lily, out.

Lily Please let me stay!

Remus Unlock my door now.

Lily Okay.

***

Prongs Lily?

Prongs Please talk to me.

Prongs Lily?

***

James what do I do now?

James she won’t respond

Sirius I have an idea.

***

Group Chat: Remus, James, Sirius

Siriusly James, Remus. Remus, James.

Napkin King hi Remus

Napkin King why is this my name, Sirius?

Siriusly It’s fitting.

Freckles Hi James

Freckles wtf

Siriusly Hi Moony! ;)

Freckles …

Napkin King ugh

Napkin King Remus is she okay?

Freckles Yeah, she’s just embarrassed.

Siriusly Told you so.

Freckles Hush, puppy.

Napkin King puppy?!?!

Siriusly James, no.

Napkin King oh that’s cute, that is

Freckles James, just give her a few days. 

Freckles I’ll talk to her.

Napkin King thx Remus

***

James PUPPY!?!?

Sirius Shut it. 

James i will not. 

James it’s so cute!

Sirius It’s an inside joke!

James yeah, okay.

***

Remus Lils, come see me at the shop today.

Lily Why?

Remus I have to work all afternoon and I’m bored.

Lily I have to finish this essay.

Lily Then I’m all yours.

Remus Bring some napkins, we’re out.

Lily Damn it, Remus.

Remus Kidding, please come see me.

Lily Okay, okay.

***

Group Chat:  Remus, James, Sirius

Freckles She’s on her way.

Siriusly Okay, I’m here.

Napkin King padfoot, change my name now

Siriusly Fine, fine.

Napkin King changed to Glasses

Glasses so much better

Siriusly Agreed.

Siriusly Get up here already.

Glasses omw

***

Chapter 6: Possessive Puppy

Summary:

James has a man, a tan, and a 10-step plan.

Lily Remus, why is Prongs here?

Remus He and Sirius just showed up.

Remus Don’t panic, just come sit at the bar with me.

Remus You’re fine, I’m fine, we’re fine.

Lily Okay, no coffee for me today though.

Remus Probably best.

***

Prongs Hi 

Prongs Don’t worry, I’ll stay over here.

Prongs Just talk to me please?

Petals I’m really sorry.

Prongs Don’t be.

Prongs It didn’t happen.

Prongs Clean slate.

Petals I don’t know what to say.

Prongs That’s okay.

Prongs Sirius can help.

***

Group Chat:  Remus, James, and Sirius

Glasses how’s it going?

Freckles He’s good at this.

Glasses yeah

Glasses it’s very hard to not like him

Freckles You’re telling me.

Glasses you think she’s ready?

Freckles Yeah

Freckles Go slow.

Freckles Stay close to Sirius.

Freckles I’ll hide the napkins.

Glasses cheers mate

***

Moony I think that went well.

Padfoot Better than the crowning of the napkin king?

Moony Much

Moony Secret Swiftie huh?

Padfoot Oh, um. Yeah.

Moony No judgment.

Padfoot Thanks for that.

Padfoot Lily’s very sweet.

Padfoot She takes compliments better than you do.

Moony I would too if I could pull off that skirt.

Padfoot That’s fair. 

Padfoot Do you think I could pull off that skirt?

Moony…

Moony …

Padfoot Are you okay!? 

Moony That was just quite the mental image.

Padfoot I need Lily’s number.

Moony What? Why?

Padfoot So I can borrow that skirt!

Moony Fuck off

***

Prongs Good morning

Petals Hi

Prongs Thoughts on a double date with Remus and Sirius this weekend?

Petals I’d like that.

Prongs Excellent, Sirius and I can meet you and Remus at the Three Broomsticks. 

Prongs 8pm Friday okay?

Petals Yes, that’s fine.

Prongs See you then.

***

Remus Are you nervous?

Lily A little.

Lily It helps you’ll be there.

Lily Sirius too.

Remus James handled that well, huh?

Lily He did.

Lily I have to admit, I’m impressed.

Lily Most guys would have ghosted.

Remus Probably

Remus I think he likes you, Lils.

Lily Really?

Remus Really.

Lily Don’t get my hopes up.

Lily He’s even better in person.

Remus Agreed. 

Remus Those shoulders...damn.

Lily Eyes to yourself Lupin.

Remus I can see you blushing from here.

Lily No you can’t. 

Remus I’m right though, aren’t I?

Lily Shut it.

***

Sirius So…is there a plan here?

Sirius Or are Moony and I now your permanent chaperones?

James yeah

James i have a plan

James group date, then i’m going to start showing up at the coffee shop on her study days

James keep it real casual

Sirius That’s a good plan! She’s comfortable at the coffee shop.

James that’s what im thinking

Sirius But how do you get her away from him?

James good question

Sirius Invite her to the flat for dinner?

Sirius Maybe without people around staring at her, she’ll relax?

James might need to work up to that

James another double date first?

James Sirius?

***

Moony You busy?

Padfoot Not really

Padfoot What’s up?

Moony Lils wants advice on her outfit for Friday.

Moony I’m not helpful apparently.

Padfoot What was your advice?

Moony More legs, less boobs.

Padfoot Oh shit

Padfoot Hahahaha

Moony What?

Padfoot Didn’t realize you were a legs man?

Moony I’m not, but she has no ass to work with.

Padfoot Oh

Padfoot OH!

Moony There it is.

Padfoot That’s why you fancy me. ;)

Moony …

Moony We weren’t talking about me, Pads.

Moony Focus, puppy

Padfoot We are definitely coming back to that.

Padfoot What does she have so far?

Moony Denim skirt, low cut green button up.

Padfoot Yes to green.

Padfoot I need to see what she has.

Moony Hold on

***

Group chat: Lily, Sirius, and Remus

R Sirius wants more details, love.

L Okay, can you come over?

S Yes! 

S Text me your address.

L Godric Dorm, Room 31

S Omw 

L Thank you!

R Am I off the hook now?

L Yes

S No. I want to see your outfit too.

R Fuck off

L I recommend your blue jumper.

L It’s so soft and fits you perfectly.

R Fine

***

James Sirius

James red button-up or blue?

Sirius Red, Remus is wearing blue.

James ok

Sirius Nervous?

James well yeah

James hoping i don’t go home soaked in booze

Sirius Oh, right. 

Sirius At least she throws a napkin party after?

James so helpful

***

Group Chat:  Remus, Sirius, Lily, and James

Prongs Figured this would be easier.

Padfoot Are you typing in full sentences? 

Padfoot Who are you?

Prongs Very funny.

Moony Good idea

Petals Why the nicknames?

Prongs I like them. 

Moony Whatever

Moony We will be at the pub in 10

Padfoot We’re here! Back booth.

Padfoot Same as last time, Moony.

Moony Okay

Petals Oh right, you two were here last week.

***

Lily Remus 

Lily Is Sirius okay with this double date?

Lily He seems a bit annoyed.

Remus He’s annoyed with James.

Lily Why?

Remus Sirius doesn’t share.

Lily I’m confused, what is he sharing?

Remus Me

Lily Oh

Lily I see.

Remus Don’t worry about it.

Remus He’s just a possessive puppy.

Lily Puppy?

Remus Like a pup with a new toy.

Lily Fair enough.

Chapter 7: The Sirius Situation

Summary:

Sirius is struggling with change, James is playing a balancing act, and Lily opens up.

Petals Thank you for the lovely evening, James.

Prongs I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Prongs You were lovely.

Petals That’s very nice of you to say.

Prongs It’s true!

Prongs Thoughts on a study date?

Prongs At the coffee shop?

Petals I am usually there Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3pm. 

Petals You could join me?

Prongs See you then.

***

James can’t believe it

Sirius What?

James she invited me to her 2x a week study sessions

James bringing me into her regular routine

James that’s a good sign right?

Sirius Sure.

James you okay?

Sirius Fine.

James you’re a lot of things

James but not fine

James what’s with the one word responses

Sirius  I want time with Moony.

Sirius We’ve done everything with you two lately.

James working on it 

Sirius Work faster.

James calm down puppy

Sirius Please, fuck right off.

***

Padfoot Moony

Padfoot Do you have plans this weekend?

Moony Beyond a bit of revision and my normal work shifts? No.

Moony Why?

Padfoot Can I come crash with you?

Moony In the dorm?

Padfoot Yes

Moony Um, yeah. Okay.

Padfoot Need a break from James.

Moony You two okay?

Padfoot Just tired of hearing about Lily.

Padfoot She’s sweet and all, but it’s a bit much.

Padfoot Does that make me an arsehole?

Moony Nah

Moony It’s all he talks about at the shop too.

Padfoot Love him, but ugh.

Moony Understandable 

***

Prongs I think that was a productive study session.

Petals You spent the entire hour braiding my hair.

Prongs I was just keeping my hands busy.

Petals Okay…

Prongs Don’t worry, I’ll bring my books next time.

Petals There’s a next time?

Prongs If that’s okay.

Petals I’d like there to be.

Prongs Then there is.

***

Sirius I’m crashing with Moony this weekend.

James what? why?

Sirius I want to.

James why can’t he crash here?

James isn’t he in a dorm?

James wtf Padfoot?

Sirius Just want to.

James fine

***

Remus Might want to check on James this weekend.

Lily Why?

Lily What’s wrong?

Remus He and Sirius are in a tiff.

Remus Sirius is crashing at mine this weekend.

Remus Says he needs a break?

Lily Is it about you still?

Remus Not sure.

Remus Sirius needs a lot of attention.

Lily And James is distracted?

Remus That’s my guess.

Remus I don’t think they spend much time apart.

Remus James might need company.

Lily Um, okay.

***

Petals Do you have plans this weekend?

Prongs No, actually.

Prongs Sirius is bailing on me.

Prongs To hang out with Remus.

Petals Do you want to meet up?

Prongs Yes! 

Prongs I have a suggestion.

Prongs I can make you dinner?

Petals Oh

Petals Yeah, okay.

Prongs Stop by around 6pm tomorrow?

Petals Okay

Petals What are we having?

Prongs It’s a surprise!

Petals Alright then.

***

Group Chat: Remus, James, and Sirius

Glasses she’s coming over for dinner tomorrow!

Freckles That sounds promising.

Siriusly About time.

Glasses Remus, any clues on what to make?

Freckles Italian or French

Glasses italian it is then

Siriusly Just don’t burn the flat down.

Freckles Good luck, James.

Siriusly He’s going to need it.

***

Moony Someone’s testy today.

Padfoot I don’t know what you mean.

Moony Liar.

Padfoot Where are you?

Padfoot I need Moony cuddles.

Moony At the dorm.

Padfoot Omw 

***

Lily I think I have a dinner date.

Lily At James’s flat.

Lily Mildly panicking.

Remus Mildly is an improvement.

Remus When is it?

Lily This weekend.

Lily Or, well tomorrow.

Remus He’s not going to jump you, Lils.

Lily Oh, I know.

Lily It’s just nerve-wracking.

Lily Do you think he’s seeing anyone else?

Remus I seriously doubt it.

Remus But I’m not asking Sirius.

Remus He’s heard enough of your name lately.

Lily From James?

Remus Yeah

Remus He gushes about you at the shop too.

Remus Sirius likes you, he’s just annoyed about not being the center of attention.

Lily James gushes about me???

Remus Of course he does, you’re a catch.

Remus He’s no match for a spicy red-head.

Lily What did Sirius call it? 

Remus An Ariel complex, I think.

Lily That would be worrying without context.

Lily Fetishizing my hair color.

Remus Not sure it’s a fetish, but it definitely gets him going.

Lily This conversation took a turn.

Remus Do you fancy him?

Lily Hard not to, honestly.

Lily He’s fit, thoughtful, and witty.

Lily That hair is wild, but it just makes me want to run my fingers through it.

Remus I think that’s the point.

Lily So tempting.

Remus I have Sirius curled up in my lap. 

Remus I know the feeling.

***

James where are you?

Sirius At Moony’s.

James are you coming home tonight?

Sirius Probably.

James probably?

Sirius We’ll see how I feel later.

James fine

***

Petals I’ll be at your flat in 15, alright?

Prongs Good!

Prongs Dinner should be done around then.

Petals What are we having?

Prongs Nice try.

Petals Worth a shot.

Prongs You’re not driving, are you?

Petals Bus

Prongs Okay, good.

Petals Did you really think I was that reckless?

Prongs No, I suppose that’s more of a Padfoot move.

Petals Are you two okay?

Petals Remus mentioned a tiff?

Prongs Sirius doesn’t share.

Petals So I’ve heard.

Prongs He’s not used to sharing my attention.

Petals I don’t want to cause problems between you.

Prongs You’re not!

Prongs He just has to work through some things.

Prongs And has chosen to do that at Moony’s.

Petals Miss him?

Prongs Yeah

Petals You two are close, huh?

Prongs As brothers.

Petals What’s that like?

Petals I only have a sister.

Prongs It’s usually great. 

Prongs He’s just struggling with change, I think.

Petals Change?

Prongs He’s used to having my whole attention.

Prongs Plus, he wants Remus’s too.

Petals I can see why that would be stressful.

Petals I’m in the way of both.

Prongs Nah, he’s just got abandonment issues.

Petals Anything I can do to help?

Prongs It’s his problem to solve.

Petals We had fun going through my wardrobe for the date.

Prongs He helped with that?

Petals Yes! We blasted ‘Wildest Dreams’ and danced around a bit.

Prongs He likes that one even more since meeting Moony.

Petals I can relate.

Prongs Oh yeah?

Petals I liked that one more after meeting Remus too.

Prongs Oh

Petals I’m kidding, James.

Prongs Oh! 

Petals You are so easy.

Prongs You have no idea.

***

Chapter 8: Boyfriends

Summary:

Lily crashes at James's flat. Moony gives Padfoot new perspective.

Padfoot MOONY

Padfoot MOONY!!

Moony Pads, it’s 1am.

Padfoot You’re not going to believe what I came home to…

Padfoot

Remus Oh shit. 

Remus She didn’t go home?

Padfoot The TV is on, they must have been watching a movie.

Remus Why’s it in black and white?

Padfoot Took it in the dark, had to use a filter so you can see it.

Padfoot Couldn’t use the flash.

Remus Oh okay

Padfoot Should I wake them up?

Remus Nah, let them sleep. 

Remus Kind of cute, actually.

Padfoot Too cute, I’m coming back to yours.

Remus Nah, I’ll come to you.

Remus Don’t want you to walk back this late.

Padfoot Okay, be careful.

***

Prongs Good morning.

Prongs What time did you leave?

Petals Around 3am.

Petals I didn’t mean to fall asleep.

Prongs You walked home at 3am?

Petals Um, no. 

Petals I called a taxi.

Prongs Next time, just stay.

Petals Next time?

Prongs Yes, next time.

Petals You’re going to cook for me again?

Prongs Probably

Prongs I like cooking.

Petals Maybe next time, I could help?

Prongs Yes!

Prongs Next weekend?

Petals It’s a date.

***

James padfoot are you awake?

Sirius Yeah, but Moony’s still asleep.

James did you stay over there?

Sirius No, he’s here.

James oh good!

Sirius Saw that Ariel stayed the night.

James only for a few hours

James you hungry?

James i can make pancakes?

Sirius Yes, please!

***

Remus What time did you sneak out this morning?

Lily I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Remus I came back with Sirius last night.

Remus Saw you all cuddled up with James.

Remus I bring receipts.

Remus <photo image sent>

Lily Oh 

Lily Um, that’s not me?

Remus Nice try.

Lily It wasn’t on purpose.

Remus I figured that much.

Remus No spiralling.

Remus It’s adorable.

Lily Did Sirius freak?

Remus Yeah, but in a good way.

Remus He said James never sleeps that soundly.

Remus James made us pancakes this morning.

Remus He’s in a great mood.

Lily Aw

Remus So...did you sneak out?

Lily Of course I did.

Remus Wuss

Lily Fine. I’m a wuss

Lily and I missed out on pancakes.

***

Group Chat: James, Sirius, and Remus

Glasses i need ideas 

Glasses i want to ask Lily to be my gf

Glasses but don’t want to freak her out

Freckles Seriously?!

Siriusly You rang?

Freckles I walked right into that.

Glasses thoughts suggestions ideas

Glasses GO

Freckles Not in public, keep it low key.

Freckles Maybe at the dinner on Friday?

Glasses is that too soon?

Freckles It’s been three weeks, will be a month on Friday.

Siriusly That’s a lifetime of waiting for you, Prongs.

Glasses hilarious

Glasses should i get her a gift?

Freckles No, just tell her how you feel.

Siriusly Yes, an engagement ring.

Glasses very funny pads

Freckles Sirius, come here.

Siriusly Just propose and get it over with already.

Glasses wtf pads?

Freckles I have confiscated his phone. 

Freckles Sorry James, he’s a moody git today.

Glasses thx Remus

***

Moony Hey

Padfoot Hey 

Moony We need to talk.

Moony You can’t throw a fit every time James mentions Lily.

Padfoot I know.

Moony They deserve happiness too.

Moony If my boyfriend is brooding over his best mate

Padfoot Your boyfriend…

Moony Mm-hmm

Moony You might know him.

Moony Moody git with great hair and an ass that doesn’t quit.

Padfoot Is that meant to be me?

Moony Who else would it be?

Padfoot You’ve never called me your boyfriend before.

Moony I haven’t? I’ve been thinking it for two weeks.

Moony Is that a problem?

Padfoot Oh no! 

Padfoot I’m your boyfriend?

Moony Yes, you’re my boyfriend.

Padfoot I have a boyfriend.

Moony I think you’ve lost the plot.

Moony My point was

Padfoot We’re boyfriends

Moony Well, yes. 

Moony But, also, give James a break.

Padfoot James who?

Moony Are you high?

Padfoot I don’t think so...

Moony Where are you?

Padfoot At the flat, I think.

Moony Stay put, I’ll be there in a minute.

***

Sirius I have a boyfriend.

James right

Sirius Did you know that?

James um yes?

Sirius Why didn’t you tell me?

James i thought you knew

Sirius I have a boyfriend named Moony.

Sirius Oh my god, Moony is my boyfriend!

James are you okay?

Sirius I think I had a stroke or something.

James WHAT???

Sirius Oh look, Moony’s here.

***

Group Chat:  Remus, Sirius, and James

Glasses Remus, is he okay?

Freckles Yeah, I think I broke his brain for a minute there though.

Glasses you called him your boyfriend?

Freckles Well, yes.

Glasses he’s never had a boyfriend

Freckles Oh. 

Freckles Fuck

Freckles Did I do it wrong?

Glasses no he’s just a bit of a drama queen

Freckles Little shit scared me.

Glasses get used to it

***

Remus So, I did a thing today.

Lily Can we be a little more specific?

Remus I told Sirius he was my boyfriend.

Lily What? Wow!

Remus Yeah…

Remus He kind of freaked out.

Lily Oh no!

Lily  Are you okay?

Remus Oh yeah, I’m fine.

Remus It was over text.

Remus I had to go find him at the flat to make sure he was okay.

Remus Then he snogged me senseless.

Lily Oh! Um, wow.

Lily That’s a lot to process.

Remus You’re telling me.

Lily Are you glad you did it?

Remus Definitely

Lily How’s it feel?

Remus Like coming home after a long, cold trip.

Lily That sounds amazing, Remus.

Remus It is.

Remus You should try it sometime. ;)

Lily If only

***

Chapter 9: An Attempt is Made

Summary:

Remus convinces Sirius to give Lily a chance. Sirius refuses to admit to James that he was right.

Prongs Good morning!

Prongs Will I see you at the shop today?

Petals Yes, I’ll be there.

Prongs Good!

Prongs I’ve missed you.

Petals It’s been 3 days…

Prongs and?

Petals Okay, I’ve missed you too.

Prongs That’s my girl.

Petals I better get ready.

Prongs See you then.

***

Lily REMUS

Remus What?

Lily !!!!!

Remus Oh, wow.

Lily What do I say to that?

Remus Depends, do you want to be “his girl?”

Lily I don’t know.

Lily Maybe?

Lily Oh my god, I do.

Remus Then, what’s the problem?

Lily I’m an idiot.

Lily You know I’m going to screw this up.

Lily I always do.

Remus Calm down.

Remus Just think on it for a while.

Remus You don’t have to say or do anything right this minute.

Lily You’re right, you’re right.

Remus Just breathe, Lils.

Remus James hasn’t bailed yet.

Remus Even after you crowned him napkin king.

Lily WHAT?

Remus Inside joke

Lily With who???

Remus Sirius.

Lily Oh.

Lily Remus, does Sirius hate me?

Remus What? No!

Lily Are you sure?

Remus Yes.

Lily Even if he’s laughing at me for the napkin thing?

Remus Lils, it was funny.

Remus Even James laughed in the moment.

Remus You’re fine, he’s fine, we’re all fine.

Lily You promise?

Remus I promise.

***

Group Chat:  Remus, Sirius, and James

Freckles James, I think you’re in the clear for the gf thing.

Glasses Really? How do you know?

Freckles She got really excited when you called her ‘my girl’ in a text.

Glasses i did?

Glasses oh shit i did

Siriusly Great, great. When can we start wedding planning?

Freckles Sirius, no.

Siriusly I’m just kidding.

Glasses thx Remus.

Glasses i’ve never felt like this before

Glasses kind of nervous I’ll mess it up

Freckles I’ll tell you the same thing I told her.

Freckles Just breathe.

Freckles You’re fine, she’s fine, we’re all fine.

Glasses thx Remus i needed that.

***

Padfoot I really was kidding.

Moony He really wants your support, Pads.

Moony A good friend would encourage him.

Padfoot I am a good friend!

Moony Prove it!

Padfoot How?

Moony Hang out with Lily for a day.

Padfoot How is that helping?

Moony It will show James you care about the person he cares about.

Moony That you are getting to know her too.

Padfoot What would we do all day?

Moony Take her shopping?

Moony Maybe pick up an outfit for Friday?

Padfoot Oooh! I could do that!

Moony Could even invite her for a day out on the group chat.

Moony Then James will see you’re making an effort!

Padfoot Why are you so clever?

Moony Just lucky, I guess.

Padfoot Extra snuggles for you.

Moony Win/win

***

Group Chat:  Sirius, Remus, James and Lily

Padfoot Lily, would you like to go shopping with me tomorrow?

Petals Really? I’d love to!

Padfoot I thought we could find you something for Friday.

Petals Sounds great!

Padfoot Excellent. I’ll pick you up at the dorms at noon?

Petals Thank you, Sirius!

Prongs That was nice of you, Pads.

Padfoot I’m a nice person!

Prongs I know that. 

Padfoot Anything for you, Prongs.

Petals Aw, you two are so sweet.

***

Lily Did you put him up to that?

Remus No, but I did suggest it.

Lily I really appreciate it. 

Lily The last thing I want is to be at odds with James’s best friend.

Remus Honestly, he doesn’t hate you.

Remus Let him get to know you.

Remus He has to learn to share James.

Lily I’ll try!

***

James how’d the shopping go?

Sirius Fine.

Sirius We found her an outfit for Friday.

James that’s it?

James just fine?

Sirius What were you expecting?

Sirius I’m not going to fall in love with her Prongs.

James okay okay

***

Remus How was your day?

Lily Great! Sirius was so sweet!

Lily We found this beautiful dress.

Lily I’m so excited to wear it!

Remus Did you get a chance to chat?

Lily Yes! We talked while we shopped, at lunch, etc.

Lily He talked a lot about James.

Lily Did you know he moved in with James at 16?

Lily James’s parents sort of adopted him.

Remus Yeah, he had a rough home life. It's why he's so clingy.

Remus That’s so good that he was so open!

Lily It was like that day in the coffee shop, he was so much fun!

Remus I’m so glad!

***

Moony Well done! You made a great impression on Lily.

Padfoot I’m glad.

Padfoot She’s very easy to talk to.

Moony Mm-hmm, that’s how we became friends.

Padfoot Where did you meet her?

Moony First day of uni, she introduced herself and asked me to coffee.

Moony She even helped me get my job.

Padfoot Really?

Moony Yep, she knows the owners. Family friends, I think.

Padfoot That was nice of her to do.

Moony It really was. 

Moony The hardest part was letting her down when I realized she had a crush.

Moony She took it so well, I was glad she stayed my friend.

Padfoot I’m glad she’s your friend too.

Padfoot Or I probably wouldn’t have met you.

Moony That’s true.

Padfoot Moony, do you think she’s good for James?

Moony I know I’m biased, but yes.

Moony Lily needs someone trustworthy and patient like James. He needs someone thoughtful and deliberate like Lily. They’re a good match.

Padfoot I think so too.

Padfoot I realized today, she’s a bit like me.

Moony In some ways, yes.

Padfoot She’s actually rather fun to be around.

Padfoot I kind of get why James likes her.

Padfoot Her wit is sharp!

Moony Yep, she’s no slouch.

***

Prongs Good morning!

Petals Hi

Prongs Ready for our date night?

Petals Yes, kind of excited.

Prongs Good!

Prongs Me too.

Petals What are we cooking?

Prongs It’s a surprise!

Petals Should I bring anything? Wine?

Prongs Sure.

Petals Red or white?

Prongs White

Petals Okay

Prongs How was your shopping with Sirius?

Petals Great! He’s so much fun.

Petals It was really sweet of him to invite me.

Prongs I’m so glad you had a good time.

Prongs Sirius can be a laugh and a half in a good mood.

Petals Yes! He kept me giggling all day!

Prongs Good!

Prongs See you tonight!

Petals See you then.

***

Chapter 10: The Napkin Queen

Black Lils? You busy?

Red No, what’s up?

Black I’m bored. Moony’s revising tonight.

Black And James has a late lecture.

Red Nerds. 

Black My sentiments exactly.

Black Want to pub crawl with me?

Red Absolutely!

Red Come over and help me get ready.

Red I can’t do those eyeliner wings you do.

Black omw

***

James pads where are you?

James pads?

***

James do you know where sirius is?

Remus No. Told him I was busy revising tonight.

James i just got back to the flat and he’s not here

James not answering texts either

Remus Let me check something.

Remus James, he’s with Lily.

James what?

Remus On his IG

James is she wearing his jacket?

Remus Looks like it.

Remus Caption says ‘Why does she look better in it?’

James i mean…

Remus I think this is a good sign, mate.

James agreed

James curious where they are though

Remus That looks like the west side of Central.

James are you still revising?

Remus Just finished.

James want to go find them?

Remus Sure. Meet you at the Three Broomsticks.

***

Sirius We need a bigger flat.

James what? why?

Sirius I want Lily and Moony to move in.

James are you serious?

Sirius Always.

James fuck off

Sirius No, really.

James don’t you think it’s a bit soon?

Sirius Nope.

James i don’t want to scare her away

Sirius Lily and I talked about you for 3 hours at the pub.

Sirius I don’t think you could scare her away if you tried.

Sirius She’s in deep.

James really? 

James you're sure?

Sirius Serious even.

James eye fucking roll

Sirius I might like her better than you even.

James what?

Sirius Changed my mind. 

Sirius You move out, she can move in.

James hilarious

Sirius There’s a bigger flat opening next week, upstairs.

James and how do you know this?

Sirius I read the message boards?

James you do? Why?

Sirius You don’t?

James not looking for a dog walker, so no.

Sirius Anyway, can we get it?

James i still think it’s too soon.

Sirius Fine, I’ll ask her.

James pads no!

James pads it’s too soon

James fuck

***

Group Chat:  Remus, Sirius, Lily, and James

Padfoot Lily and Moony, will you move in with us?

Prongs Pads!

Padfoot What? I want them here, you want them here.

Padfoot I don’t see the problem.

Prongs That’s not the point.

Moony I’m not opposed to it, actually.

Moony Pretty sick of the dorms.

Prongs Really?

Padfoot One down, one to go.

Padfoot Lils?

Moony She’s in class, Pads. 

Padfoot Okay, she’ll see it later then.

***

Lily REMUS

Remus There she is.

Lily Is he serious?

Remus Always.

Lily Not you too. 

Remus It’s just too easy.

Lily Does he mean it?

Remus Yes, he’s looking at a bigger flat this afternoon in their building.

Lily James doesn’t seem on board.

Remus He is afraid of scaring you away.

Remus You don’t have to do anything.

Lily It seems rather fast.

Lily But...so tempting.

Remus Think on it.

Remus Big decision, no rush.

Lily Okay.

***

Red Are you sure about this?

Black Yes, you are one of us now.

Black Might as well make it official.

Red I don’t want to rush him.

Black He’s trying not to rush you.

Black Both of you are tiptoeing around each other.

Black Trying not to push too fast.

Black You know you want to.

Red I do, but not if it will make him uncomfortable.

Black I want you here, he wants you here, you want to be here.

Black Stop making it difficult.

Red Sirius, it’s not that simple.

Black Did you mean it when you joked about getting married?

Red Oh god, he told you that?

Red I was tipsy and he was being so lovely.

Black Be honest. If he asked?

Red I’d say yes.

Black Then move in with us.

Black Why go slow if it’s meant to be?

Red How do you know it won’t blow up?

Black I don’t. 

Black But what’s life without a little risk?

Red Let me think about it.

Black Don’t think too long. 

Black Actions speak louder than words.

***

Prongs I’m really sorry.

Prongs I tried to tell him it was too soon.

Prongs Please don’t freak out?

Petals Not freaking out.

Petals Promise.

Prongs Good.

Petals Do you agree with him?

Prongs I would love to have you here.

Prongs I think the four of us would make great roommates.

Prongs And seeing you every day would be a dream come true.

Prongs But, I’m not in a hurry.

Prongs If you want to wait, I’ll wait. As long as it takes.

Petals Do you mean that?

Petals Even if it was years? You’d wait?

Prongs Yes

Petals Are you home?

Prongs Um, yes?

Petals On my way.

***

James PADS

James PADS

Sirius What? What?

James don’t come home tonight

James please go to Moony’s?

Sirius What? Why?

James lily’s coming over

James i have a good feeling

James don’t want to jinx it

Sirius Get it, James!

James fuck off

***

Padfoot Moony, can I stay over?

Padfoot James just kicked me out for tonight.

Moony Of course.

Moony Why though?

Padfoot Sounds like Lily’s making her move.

Moony About damn time.

Padfoot Agreed.

***

Group Chat:  Remus, Sirius, and James

Siriusly Are we roommates yet?

Glasses better than that

Siriusly Huh?

Siriusly Explain.

Freckles Oh this is going to be good.

Glasses she proposed

Siriusly What?

Siriusly Fuck off!

Freckles I swear to god if you said no…

Glasses of course I didn’t say no

Glasses i’m not that stupid

Siriusly She proposed? To you?

Siriusly Did she have a ring?

Glasses sort of?

Glasses you won’t believe it though

Siriusly I need details!

Glasses i’d set the table and started making her dinner

Glasses had to do something with my hands

Glasses she grabbed the napkin off the table

Glasses kissed me senseless

Glasses then slid off the napkin ring

Glasses and proposed with it

Freckles So bloody weird.

Freckles Yet perfect.

Siriusly That girl is my hero.

Siriusly Long live the napkin king!

Freckles Cheers to the napkin queen!

Siriusly And to all the little nappies yet to come.

***