A Prank

In their tiny flat it was impossible to keep the smells of cooking from floating to the bedroom.

Sirius was lying on his stomach, notes and fresh rolls of parchment scattered all over the two beds and the floor. The Auror exams were nearing and his good mood and faith that everything would be all right were quickly dissipating. He was spending whole days learning, and the evenings bombarding Remus with random questions.

This day it was Moony's turn to make dinner. Judging by the smell it was going to be pasta. Remus always made fabulous pasta and Sirius, sniffing fresh tomatoes, realised just how hungry he was. After several unsuccessful attempts to get back to his books he decided to go and check on the degree of preparations.

When he stopped in the doorway, Remus was stirring the sauce and adding some herbs. The window was closed and it was very hot in the little room; Sirius could see his friend's flushed face. He hadn't heard Sirius and was working undisturbed, humming something under his breath.

Sirius smiled to himself, watching Remus, but his eyes were somehow drawn to the nape of his neck, visible above the collar of the blue shirt. He made a few uncertain steps and stood right behind Remus, who remained oblivious to the other's presence. Sirius felt suddenly a little dizzy, the heat from the stove and Remus's body so intense his head was spinning. The smells pervaded his senses: tomatoes, fresh basil, tarragon, and one more, stronger than all the others. He inhaled deeply.

"Remus," Sirius whispered. He didn't know why, he didn't understand what was happening. He just knew he wanted to kiss that neck very badly. Slowly he leaned forward, unconsciously holding his breath, and brushed the warm skin with his suddenly dry lips.

Remus froze. "Sirius?" He whirled round quickly, pushing the man away. Sirius stumbled and leaned heavily on the table. "Sirius, what the hell are you doing?!"

Sirius looked up at his friend, trying to fight down the giddiness. Remus was frowning, arms crossed on his chest. "I don't know," Sirius mumbled.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," he said louder, recovering a little from the intoxication. "It was nothing, Remus. I'm sorry."

"What d'you mean, you're sorry? Sirius, you--you kissed me." Remus was still incredulous.

"I know. I--It's really nothing. I don't feel well. I think I'm going to lie down." Sirius made a step towards the door, but Remus blocked his way. He was obviously determined to get an explanation.

"You're not going anywhere. Why did you do that?"

Sirius grew impatient. He felt ridiculous. Why had he done it, actually?

"For Merlin's sake, Moony, just drop it, will you? I didn't do it because of--anything. It was a--a prank. It was a prank. Nothing to worry about." With an effort he put on a grin.

"A prank?" Remus was still eyeing him suspiciously.

"'Course it was prank, you moron. Why else would I do something like that?"

Remus slowly relaxed. "Git."

"Prat."

"Idiot."

"Dork."

"Mongrel."

"Hey, watch it!" Sirius exclaimed, laughing. He'd felt safe as soon as they'd fallen into their familiar name-calling. "What's up with the dinner? I'm starving."

"Yeah, five more minutes. You can get the dishes. And some butterbeer from the fridge, there should be some left." Remus turned back to the stove.

Sirius got two bottles and held them for a moment. Then he cautiously put one to his temple and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. It was a prank. A silly prank. Nothing, really. Just a prank.