Meant to Be

Chapter 4 Lily's Perspective Change

"They've been up there an awfully long time," I remark in a slightly worried tone to James as we sit in front of the fire on the floor of the deserted common room.

James grins slyly. "That's probably a good thing." His grin used to irritate me, yet somehow it's grown on me.

"I hope it is since they're meant to be."

"Just like us." He says it with such certainty that I have to inch away from him. Doing so places my back perilously contiguous to the fire, though the burning in the hearth is naught compared to the intensity burning in James' eyes. They are hazel eyes, I've never noticed that before, and they're quite nice. Actually, almost everything about James is attractive. It's his personality, not his appearance, which I have an objection to. Of course, Dumbledore would not have made him Head Boy if he was merely a Quidditch-playing bully, as he pointed out to me yesterday, and now that I've seen how clever, determined, and loyal James is I truly can't use his personality as an excuse anymore.

During this contemplation James has moved nearer to me and the fire behind me prevents me from backing away. I ask you, yes you sitting there reading this, who the bloody hell builds a fire in summer?! "Look, James, may I be frank?"

"I don't know. I mean, Longbottom is nice, but I prefer you as Lily."

I laugh and then grow grave again. "I don't understand how you can say we're destined when you don't even know me."

"I don't understand it either; I just know. Besides, I know you better than you think and I love all that I know. You have a quick temper and your skin turns a delightful shade of pink when it gets the better of you. You twirl your beautiful hair between your fingers when you're bored in class. You walk gracefully, but your handwriting is messy. You stick up for people who can't stick up for themselves. Your emerald eyes glisten like grass covered in morning dew when you're happy, and when you're nervous you lick you lips."

How does he realise things that I doubt my own parents are aware of? It's sweet that he took the time to notice...in a creepy stalker kind of way.

James leans his face closer to mine so that our noses touch. Out of habit my tongue anxiously glides across my lips. I mentally curse myself when James smirks in self-satisfaction.

"If you gave it a try, Lily, you too would know that this is fate." His breath skims over my mouth, though he refrains from kissing me. It's as if he's daring or begging me to kiss him first. If it's a dare I, like James, refuse to back down from it. I close the minute distance between our mouths.

Through James' kiss I can feel the affection\slight obsession that he has for me and I've never felt so wanted or needed before. My body melts and James puts his hands on hips to forestall me from falling into...what's behind me again? I am unable to recall where I am. One of James' hands remain on my waist while the other slides up the side of my body until it reaches my face and neck, where it gently caresses me until I sigh with pleasure. That sigh is a mistake, for it uses my last bit of air and we are forced to break apart.

Both of us are breathing ragged gasps, however, James has more control over his breathing than I do. I cannot decide if I should admire or resent him for this, thus I decide to do neither. I glance over my shoulder and observe flames.

"Oh, so a fire was behind me."

He laughs, "What did you reckon it was?"

"I was under the influence and couldn't think properly."

"Under the influence of what?"

"You."

James is not the only one who chuckles. I glance around to see Sirius and Remus. Sirius' perfect hair is as untidy as James', which is saying something, and Remus' calm features have a grin plastered on them.

"How long have you been here?" I query.

Sirius smirks. "Long enough to watch you two try to eat each other's mouths."

I blush and James asks me, "Does this mean you'll be my girlfriend, become my wife, and bear my child?"

"Yes to the first. I won't promise the rest." I'm still unsure if I am meant to be with James, but I do know that I want to be kissed like that again. And again. And again...You get the idea.

James smiles. "It's a start."

"This calls for a celebration!" declares Sirius. "Let's go to the three broomsticks for some Butterbeers."

Remus objects, "We need a good night's sleep. We have a test tomorrow."

"You don't really believe I'm going to let you sleep tonight, do you?" Sirius questions as if resting is the most ludicrous suggestion he has ever heard. He assumes a puppy-like expression. "Come with us, please."

"I can't resist that face," sighs Remus resignedly.

"You can't resist me in general."

"It doesn't matter; it isn't a Hogmeade weekend," I point out.

"We can still go," Remus assures.

"How?"

They all glance at one another and reply in unison, "You'll see."

I accept the arm James offers me and exit the common room with three men that I can already conceive will change my life forever and it'll be a change for the better.

Minerva's Note: This is the first time I worked really hard on the reason why Lily agreed to date James in a story, so please let me know how I did!

Anyway, this seems like a good ending since the tale was only supposed to be about how RemusSirius and JamesLily got together, not what happened afterwards. I hope everyone enjoyed the fic!