AT THE END OF THE DAY
For Megan to make her happy. :D I couldn't fit pilgrims in, though, and for that I am deeply sorry.Sirius shuffles into the living room and sits down on the sofa with a world-wobbling bounce. Remus just looks at him over the top of his magazine.
"He's asleep."
"You're sure this time?"
"I had to tell him the story about the grumpy mountain troll who was banished from his family and went to live under a bridge in the valley until a kind young woman brought him a blanket and tea. Twice. But he's asleep."
"I don't think I know that story."
"I made it up tonight. Read a little story about something similar in the Prophet a couple weeks ago. Of course, in the real story the troll never got his blanket and tea and started blocking the bridge and killed a few men who tried to fight him, but I figure that story's not quite proper for a three-year-old."
"Not really, no. Best to go with the pretty girl and her tea. Does she marry the troll?"
"You know, we never get that far. But I suppose she did. After all, Evans married James, didn't she? True story and all."
"I think he'll need to be quite a bit older before you tell him that version, definitely."
"Mmmm. Fuck, my back is killing me."
"'Swhat you get for carrying him on your back 'round the zoo all day, isn't it?"
"Fat lot of help you were! Don't remember you offering to help share the load, really. Mr 'Oh I've Got The Map, I Need My Hands Free'? Bollocks to that, how many times have you proven you've got a spooky animal-like sense of direction?"
"You didn't push the issue. I figured you liked keeping Harry close."
"Hm. I do, at that. Miss him, y'know."
"I know, Pads."
There is quiet. And then Sirius speaks again.
"He wants an otter for his birthday. He was just telling me."
"An . . . otter?"
"A Potter otter. Yes. He wants one to be his baby brother."
"He's going to be doubly disappointed, then."
". . . Just what are you saying, Remus?"
"Oh . . . shit. James didn't know?"
"Didn't know what?"
"I . . . oh, fuck, don't do that to me! Stop laughing, it's not funny! Lily made me swear not to tell you until James knew!"
"He told me yesterday when he dropped the lad off. Oi, mate, the look on your face . . . !"
"Such a bastard. I've got a mind not to give you that back massage I was going to use as a not-so-subtle prelude to some rather naughty babysitter sex."
"Balls! Well, we're already being naughty; Mister 'n Missus Potter told me I'm not to have my boyfriend over. You better clear out now before they get home, I suppose."
"Oh baby, they'll never know. They won't be back for ages, will they?"
"Mmm. You do realise that's not my back you're massaging?"
"We'll make it part of the cool-down, how's that? . . . You sure he's asleep?"
"Mmm, that's . . . that's nice. Yeah, he's down for the count. And I Silenced the door for him. We'll be fine . . ."
"Lovely, then. C'mere . . ."
"Ohhhh, I am so getting fired if they find out . . ."
Chuckles; a rustle of clothes; the soft brush of skin on skin.
Breath, grunts, moans.
The distant sleepy mumbles of a boy dreaming of otters and trolls having a tea party under a bridge with his mum's chocolate biscuits.
The day comes to an all-around satisfying end.
fic home