First Kiss on the Staircase

James pushed the door open, and for a few seconds light and noise invaded the staircase, before muting again as he closed the door behind him. Sirius and Remus were alone. “Happy birthday, Moony.” Sirius said, coming down a few steps to stand level with Remus. “Cheers,” Remus smiled, as casually as he could. “You er… you ok?” “Yeah, fine.” Sirius said, though it was clearly a lie. He was fiddling with an empty cup. “Sorry if I ruined your party.” “You didn’t. It’s been great.” “Good.” Quiet. Sirius looked down, then up at Remus again. “James reckons I need to be the one to go and make up with Mary.” “Probably a good idea.” “You think so?” “Well… yeah?” Remus was confused. “You… um. You like Mary, I thought.” Sirius shrugged, looking at Remus again, his eyes dark blue, flecked with sharp, icy silver. His lips were shiny and red from drinking, and he had that slightly petulant look he got when he wasn’t smiling. Remus almost wanted to look away, he was so gorgeous. It couldn’t be right, staring at each other like that. It couldn’t possibly end well. “I do like Mary.” Sirius said, leaning forward slightly. Remus could feel his breath on his skin. “So go and snog her then, silly prat.” Remus said, hurriedly, trying to step back but bumping against the wall behind him. It really was such a stupidly narrow stairway - like the broom cupboard all over again. “I will,” Sirius said, biting his lip slightly. Oh god, Remus thought. “I will, in a minute.” Remus swallowed. “Have you ever kissed anyone, Remus?” “No, you know I haven’t.” The lie came easily now. Sirius nodded, looking at him again, that forward, knowing look. “It’s really not as scary as you think it is.” Sirius said. Remus couldn’t bear it. He might never know what came over him in that moment. It was all just too much and he grabbed the back of the other boy’s neck and pulled him forward, pressing his lips hard against Sirius’s. It was terrifying – and amazing. Even more so when Sirius began kissing him back, opening his lips and allowing Remus to slide his tongue inside. It was all at once startling, incredible, and familiar. He couldn't think – as if every transmitter in his brain had short circuited at once, fizzing and popping; sending off sparks. Yes, was the only coherent thought he had; yes yes yes yes. They came to their senses simultaneously, both pulling away. Remus snatched back his hand, Sirius stared at him wide-eyed. Remus looked away first. “I’d better—” Sirius started back towards the common room, “—Yeah, I was just…” Remus backed away, up the stairs.