_smoke_ (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} _smoke_) wrote,@ 2009-12-05 12:33:00 |
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Title: A Romance
Recipient: busaikko
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Canon characters pop in and out of the story, and while (hopefully) the personalities are true to canon, the relative ages aren't.
Word Count: ~34,750
Summary: Busaikko wanted a non-magical AU, supermarket-aisle paperback romance with unusual careers. Here it is, sweetie, and I hope it brings to you a fraction of the pleasure your fics have given to me.
Notes: Thanks to betas Jane Average and Snugorachka Lee, and to the most wonderful Hogwarts Honey, cheerleader, hand-holder, and nit-picker. You guys rock.
as a lover and a friend
but this voice keeps whispering
in my other ear, tells me
I may never see you again.
~The Eagles
Part 1
"You've got the new guy today." Arthur sorted through papers on his desk, looking, as always, for something he never seemed to find.
Remus finished filling his travel mug with coffee from the communal pot and added sweetener. "He qualified already?" There was surprise in his voice. Severus Snape, the "new guy," had only been with them for a week. Qualification usually took longer.
"Filch says he's good to go."
"Then he surely is." Remus had to laugh. Filch was notoriously hard on new crewmembers.
"Must be a 'by-the-book' type." Arthur looked up for a moment. "You two should get along."
Remus shrugged. So he followed the rules. There were worse traits for an engineer to have. "What else is he like?"
"About your age." Arthur eyed Remus where he slouched against the counter of the dispatcher's office. "About your height. Quiet, for the most part. Old hippie type."
Remus thought about that for a moment. "You mean he has long hair?"
"And an earring. Rides an old motorcycle, too." Arthur grunted.
"Maybe he's an old biker type, then." Remus couldn't help teasing.
Arthur gave him a sour look. "I don't care if he's an old Hare Krishna, long as he can do the job."
Remus stretched. "That's what I like about you, Arthur: your liberal mind."
Arthur stopped moving papers and began to dig in the bottom drawer. "Smart, too. Used to be a teacher or something." He gave up his search and took a swallow of coffee. "Doesn't seem to think much of us working types."
"You know that after a week?" Remus was surprised.
Arthur looked uncomfortable; he wasn't an unkind man. "Well, maybe that's just an impression. I dunno." He frowned, looking for the right words. "He dresses like the rest of us, but somehow manages to look better."
"You mean he has class, and the rest of us don't?" Remus laughed.
"Don't you have something to do?" Arthur's smile took the bite out of the words.
Remus started turning toward the doorway – "Not until my man comes..." – and found himself face to face with a stranger. In the single paused heartbeat, he was vaguely aware of black hair, parted in the middle and pulled back; a prominent nose; and a thin, expressive mouth. It was the eyes that held him, the eyes that sent a surge of sensation through his body, glittering dark eyes that shone with intelligence, humor, and... Remus stopped breathing, as he saw one eyebrow travel slowly upward. "...in. To work." He finished on a slightly strangled note.
He breathed again as he stepped back a pace, every nerve ending tingling with awareness. "You must be Severus." He offered his hand, trying to behave normally, trying to behave as though this man was not the most arresting person he'd come face to face with in ages.
"That's right." Severus took his hand in a warm, firm clasp. His voice was deep and dark, and sent another frisson of sensation down Remus' spine.
Remus nodded dumbly as he released Severus's hand, but Severus waited just a fraction before loosening his own grip. Just a fraction, a meaningless fraction, Remus told himself.
"And you are...?"
"That's Remus Lupin." Arthur, sounding disgusted, waved a hand. "You'll be working with him. He's an idiot, as you can see, but he's good."
"Is he, now?" Severus's speculative reply was so soft Remus barely heard it. Remus was certain he saw the corner of that expressive mouth quirk in amusement, and felt his face flush.
Remus turned back to the coffee pot, needlessly fiddling with his mug. "Coffee before we head out?"
"No, thanks. I sampled Arthur's coffee the first day, and as I don't have a death wish, that was enough for me."
Remus laughed, suddenly relaxing. "Didn't take you long to catch on. With some of us, the need for caffeine is so great we'll risk anything."
"Ha. Ha." Arthur didn't really sound affronted; he was used to people making fun of his coffee. "Here." He dropped a sheaf of papers on the edge of the desk. "Nothing special: take some cars out, bring others back." He snorted. "It's mostly hoppers and boxes today, a couple of flat cars of sheet-metal for Greater Steel, and five box cars of bricks to go from Dresden to Northampton, so, no humping."
Remus glanced at the way bills, then handed the papers to Severus, and fixed Arthur with a steady look. "I never hump."
Arthur raised his hands. "Fine. Just sayin'."
Remus grabbed a two-way radio out of the charger and tossed it to Severus, then took one for himself and shoved it in his pocket. Finally, he picked up the small knapsack he always carried, along with his mug, and turned. "Shall we?"
Severus lifted his chin a fraction and flicked his eyes over Remus. "Any time."
They had only gone a few steps out of the office when Severus asked quietly, "Never?"
Remus's mind was elsewhere. "What?" But Severus just smirked and walked on.
Remus closed his eyes briefly before following Severus off the platform. Does the man speak in nothing but innuendos? No. He was imagining things, he scolded himself. A man like Severus would hardly be interested in someone like himself.
Severus started out briskly, then shortened his stride. It was done so casually that Remus could almost think Severus wasn't doing it to accommodate his slower pace. They walked side by side across the tracks to the big green-and-yellow GP7 locomotive that the River Central Railroad used for hauling freight, and for the first time in years, Remus was keenly aware of the frozen knee joint in his right leg. He distracted himself by studying Severus covertly: about his height, slender build, black hair with a slight frosting of silver tied back in a short ponytail, and yes, that was a diamond stud in his ear. Remus was suddenly aware of the empty piercings in his own ears. Well, so what? Severus was dressed in standard jeans and heavy work boots, with an old green sweatshirt over a black tee shirt. Arthur was right, though. Even wearing the same type clothes, he somehow managed to look different. The word elegant flashed across Remus's mind, and he almost scoffed aloud. What would a man with natural elegance, and, Remus had to admit as they scrambled over the rails, grace, be doing working on a railroad?
Why not? Remus's inner voice scolded. Nothing wrong with trains, and all sorts of people were drawn to them, weren't they?
Remus clambered up the ladder to the cab of the 100-ton diesel and entered the engine compartment. He checked the fluid levels, closed the battery contacts with the big knife switch, primed the engine, and fired it up. He felt the same brief thrill he always did as the massive motor rumbled to life: all that power pulsing steadily under his feet, waiting for him to direct it.
In the cab, Severus was going over the way bills and making notes in a small, spiral-bound note pad with a stubby pencil. His eyes flickered over Remus when he came in.
"We need to pick up five empty box cars at the quay, then three empty flats at Greater Steel. We leave the empty boxes at Crumb Rock and pick up six empty hoppers. The flats get dropped at Dresden, and the hoppers, along with the boxes of bricks, go to Northampton. We pick up two loaded flats on the way back through Dresden, to be added to the –" he shuffled papers "– seven loaded hoppers we get in Northampton." He looked up. "Got that?"
Remus blandly recited the list back to Severus, and received an appreciative nod in return. Remus then smiled. "Just don't expect me to remember all that in another twenty minutes." He checked over his gauges. "Ready when you are."
Severus grabbed the red flag and swung out of the cab and down the ladder, heading for the first switch that would bring them out of the yard and onto the main track. He yanked the lever over, then reached for his radio.
"Move back!" His voice crackled over Remus's radio, and Remus pulled the lever to the reverse position, activated the bell, eased the engine into run 1 and released the brake. As soon as he had cleared the switch, Severus's "Stop move!" brought him to a halt. Severus reset the switch and walked around the engine to flag the crossing. His command of "Move back!" got the engine rolling again, and when the locomotive cleared the intersection, Remus shut off the bell. Severus stepped up on the ladder to ride to the next crossing that had to be manually flagged. Most of the intersections were gated, but not all, and progress was painstakingly slow.
Arriving at the quay, it was a simple matter to hitch on to the box cars. Severus connected the air lines, and at his word, Remus charged them. Severus inspected each car to make sure the brakes were working, then he released the manual brakes, and they set off across town again.
Finally, they were clear of the city limits. Severus could come back in the cab, and Remus could put on a little speed before the next crossing. Their next stop was an hour away.
"I want to re-make the cars at Greater Steel. There'll be more room there than at Crumb Rock."
Remus nodded. They would have to shuffle the cars somewhere, and doing it at Greater Steel made the most sense. The conductor was in charge of everything except the actual running of the engine, so it was Severus's call, whether Remus agreed or not, but it was, of course, nice to agree. Remus eased into run 3.
They pulled into Dresden a few hours later, and Remus thought this would be a good test for his new conductor. They had done a simple shuffle of cars at Greater Steel, but this was more complex. Adding, removing, and reshuffling cars – in other words, re-making the train – was a bit like playing chess. Severus, it seemed, was a master chess-player, directing the dropping of cars here, the picking up of others there, and taking apart and putting the train back together in an efficient and expedient fashion.
Hitching onto the last five cars required, as so many moves did, that Remus back blindly onto a siding, pushing a string of cars.
"Move back ten boxes." Severus's curt command to back ten box-car lengths came over the radio. Remus engaged the engine and eased off the brakes.
Remus was just wondering where Severus was when his voice came over the radio again. "Move back six." Remus smiled. He made it a rule that if he had not heard from his conductor by the time he had traveled half the distance, he stopped and waited until he did hear. Severus, apparently, operated the same way.
"Back four. Back three. Back two." Remus eased the engine out of gear. "Back one." He applied a little brake. "Forty... thirty... twenty... ten... five...." Remus braked harder, then felt the gentle bump of the cars connecting just before he came to a full stop. He waited while Severus connected the air and inspected the brakes, then saw Severus pass the engine and head for the main track. After checking the switch, and looking both ways, Severus called him ahead. Severus stopped him when he cleared the switch, then reset it and jogged forward to climb on the engine.
"Good to go."
Remus picked up the mike of the base radio that kept the train in contact with the dispatchers. "River Central clear for Northampton?"
"River Central clear for Northampton." The dispatcher's bored voice came back, and Remus started the slow process of getting all the cars rolling. There were six inches of slack in each knuckle hitch between cars, and if that slack wasn't taken up gently, the last car – and its cargo – could get snapped like a person at the end of a game of crack-the-whip. He felt each car as it tugged against its hitch, and soon they were all rolling. The signal ahead was green, and he eased the big locomotive forward, reaching for the lever to sound the two long, one short, and one long blasts of the horn that signaled their approach to a crossing.
(Click here for the sound of Remus's horn.)
Finally clear of the yard and crossing, Remus fished on the floor for his knapsack without taking his eyes off the track. Though he knew some engineers weren't as cautious, he didn't like taking his eyes off the track for any longer than he would take his eyes off the road while he was driving. You just never knew.
Finding the pack, he fumbled open the buckle and found what he was looking for: a package of chocolate chip cookies. The cookies, and his bottle of water, were two things he never left the station without. He offered them to Severus, who declined, and then took two for himself. Munching happily, he got the feeling Severus was watching him, but when he glanced over, Severus was studying the track ahead.
Once in Northampton, they dropped the empty hoppers, then moved the bricks onto their own siding. On signal from Severus, Remus stopped the cars gently. Some engineers, if in a hurry, or just plain lazy, would move cars onto a siding against a closed hitch. They'd give the cars a push, then stop, letting the cars roll free to be stopped by crashing into other cars. This could damage equipment, and in the case of more fragile loads, like bricks, the cargo. The move was called 'humping', and Remus never humped.
The run back was less complicated, and by the time they shut down, ten hours after they had started, they were working together as smoothly as if they'd done so for months. They dropped the radios off in the empty office and headed for the parking lot.
"I'm glad all our days aren't that long." Remus stretched lazily. "You're good. I appreciate that."
Severus pulled on his helmet. "I have done this before." His tone was dry, and Remus felt a prickle of irritation at the back of his neck.
"I didn't mean that as condescension, Severus. You're my eyes in the yard, and I sincerely appreciate a man who knows his job and does it safely."
Severus bowed his head slightly. "Apologies." His eyes flickered over Remus. "And I appreciate a man who gives me a smooth ride."
Remus blinked.
Severus swung his leg over his bike and was gone before Remus could think of anything to say.
Remus fell into bed that night, physically and mentally exhausted. He'd gone to the Y after work and stayed an extra half-hour, swimming lazily back and forth, trying to get his mind to unwind along with his body. It hadn't worked. All he could think about was Severus.
Severus had been studying him, of that he was certain, but no less than he had been studying Severus. The man had great legs. A good mind, too, with a dry wit, and sharp observation skills. What was he observing about me? Remus wondered. Severus had not asked about his leg, or what had happened to him, which made him unusual in and of itself. Generally, that was one of the first questions a new person working with him asked. He doubted it was lack of curiosity on Severus's part; the man looked at the world around himself with keen interest – and Remus didn't think that much of what happened in his vicinity went unnoticed. Good manners might have prevented Severus from inquiring, or more likely, Remus sighed, it was lack of interest in the man whose leg it happened to be.
Remus rolled over and punched his pillow into a comfortable shape. God, he was pathetic. Maybe it was time to take a trip to The City and get himself laid. He sighed. Somewhere along the line, that sort of thing had lost its appeal. Anonymous sex was fine now and then, but sometimes, Remus thought, it might be nice to have a leisurely conversation as well, and maybe coffee in the morning. Not that there was any chance of that happening in this area, with its small towns and close-knit communities. Remus didn't think he'd seen another gay man in the two years he'd been there... not that he'd been looking. He rolled over again. Now, if only Severus were gay... He wouldn't be interested, Remus told himself firmly.
Remus's big cat jumped onto the bed, purring and kneading Remus's feet. Finally satisfied, he lay down with a big feline sigh, his head resting on Remus's toes.
"I've got you, Hairy, that's all anyone needs, right?"
Hairy didn't answer.
Remus studied his image in the mirror closely. There were slight, but obvious, signs of aging around the mouth and eyes, but the skin was still good. The bone structure would never fail, of course, and his eyes, a clear blue-gray with dark circles around the iris, were still bright. His lashes were long and gently curved, his brows still dark, and his hair was still thick – lush, even – and although it was mostly gray, it was not that nasty yellowish color, but an attractive shade that was often referred to as "distinguished." He still wore it a bit long, and the natural, gentle curl covered his collar, framed his ears, and hung boyishly in his face. At least, he thought of it as "boyish" – he didn't want to know what others thought. His hair was his one vanity, and he spent more on haircuts than he did on anything else in his life. He smiled, and his mouth and eyes were instantly wreathed in deep lines.
He closed his eyes and sighed, then stepped back, squared his shoulders and scrutinized himself in the full-length view. Thanks to two hours, three times a week in the pool at the Y, his upper body was well-muscled and firm. Oh, he didn't have six-pack abs, and there was a hint of softness below his belly button, but it wasn't bad. He turned, then looked over his shoulder at his butt. Nice, he couldn't help thinking. Always had been, hopefully always would be. His legs were good too, and, standing like this, you'd almost not notice that his right leg was a bit different.
He turned back and gave a last look. No, not bad for a fifty-something man.
Remus closed the closet door and sighed. Not that there was anyone to notice or care what he looked like. Oh, he was happy being single; he knew he was selfish with his time, and liked living alone. Well, yes, there was his cat, Hairy, and he was demanding in his feline way, but that was different. Remus wasn't good at relationships, and he knew from experience that if he stayed in one long enough, the other person would always leave, that he would always fail to measure up in some way.
It's time to do laundry, he thought, as he rummaged in the drawer looking for a clean t-shirt. He finally settled for an old one with a mysterious pinkish stain on the back, then covered it with an equally old blue sweatshirt with frayed collar and cuffs.
Nothing like making a good impression. Not, he scolded himself, that Severus was likely to care any more than Arthur did. Why would he? And why did he, Remus Lupin, confirmed bachelor, and solidly-closeted gay man, care what a probably-straight man thought of his wardrobe? Just because he was smoking hot, with those long legs, piercing eyes, expressive brows, sultry voice... Stop it!
Grabbing a pair of socks, he hooked his butt on the banister and slid down the spiral staircase to the bottom floor. It was much faster than going one step at a time, and besides, it was fun.
He pulled on his boots, made sure Hairy had water and crunchies in his dishes, and headed for work with a spring in his step. Even if Severus wasn't gay, Remus could still enjoy his company, couldn't he?
It was Friday when they were made up and rolling that Severus asked his first personal question. "How did a New Orleans boy, who's lived around as much as you have, end up here?"
Remus blinked. How the hell...? "Party trick?"
Severus shrugged. "Hobby."
When nothing more was forthcoming, Remus went on. "I was born in New Orleans, went up north to live with my mamaw when I was seven." He reached up to sound the horn, and they remained silent until the train had cleared the crossing.
"South of Chicago?" Severus gave him a teasing look. "Joliet?"
"That's spooky, you know that?"
Severus laughed. "The accent of your birthplace is usually the one that sticks with you the most. You don't have much, just a softness, and slight lingering of the vowels. Joliet is pretty easy, actually. But there's a mix there. A little Southern California, a bit of, oh, I'd say Philly, and then the addition of some local over the top. We won't talk about the New York influence."
"You have a problem with New York?" Remus wasn't quite sure what to make of the conversation.
"The Village? Hell's Kitchen? Not at all." Severus was smiling as he looked down the track.
Remus shrugged. "I've moved around a lot, as you seem to know." He glanced over at Severus for a moment. "What about you? Arthur said you were a teacher – not that he always gets things right."
"I was." Severus face clouded.
Remus waited, then put on a teasing tone, so as not to seem too nosy. "Care to share?"
Severus sighed. "That's a tale best told over a bottle of wine. Or two." He looked around hopefully. "Any of those cookies left?"
Remus accepted the change of subject and handed over the cookies.
The weather was beautiful, and the stunning scenery that made the River Central's tourist train such a success helped make the time pass pleasurably. At one point, they had to sit on a siding for half an hour, waiting for the tourist train to clear the track ahead, and it was going on five-thirty when Remus finally shut down for the night. He was approaching his truck when Charlie, one of the yard crew, called to him.
"Remus! Bill and I are headed over to the Trackside for a beer or two, wanna join us?"
"Sure, I wouldn't mind beating you at another game of pool."
"You wish!" Severus came around the corner and headed for his motorcycle. "How about it, Severus, beer?"
Severus declined with a wave, and Charlie and Bill headed off toward the bar.
"Not your thing?" Remus leaned on the door of his truck, just a few spaces from the bike.
"Not really." Severus shrugged. "I wouldn't have said it was yours, either."
"No?" Remus wasn't sure he liked Severus thinking he had him all figured out. "What do you think is my thing?"
Severus put his helmet on and studied Remus. "A good meal, decent wine, conversation about something other than whatever game is on."
"Are you asking me out on a date?" Remus blurted the words out before he could stop them, it had all sounded so perfect.
Severus cocked his head in the direction the young men had gone. "Is that a date?"
"No," Remus felt himself flush. "No, of course not."
"Well then." Severus swung his leg over the bike, and kicked it to life. Without another backward glance, he drove off, leaving a confused, and more than a little irritated, Remus. Why did he always feel so off-balance around Severus?
That night in bed, Remus engaged in what seemed to have become a nightly ritual of lecturing himself about Severus Snape.
Are you asking me out on a date? God, of all the stupid things to say. The man probably wasn't even gay; Remus was lucky Severus hadn't punched him. At the least, Severus must think him an idiot. He'd be lucky if the man ever spoke to him again. Maybe he should just move. Or drown himself in the pool at the Y.
Pathetic.
The next week went smoothly. Severus made no mention of Remus's inane comment, in fact, he seemed, if anything, a bit friendlier. Remus found he worked well with Severus. Severus's attention to detail didn't waver, and Remus came to conclude that it was simply his normal way of working, and not something put on by "the new guy" just to impress. Remus was quite comfortable with that, and the time passed congenially, if not in intimate conversation.
It was Thursday, and they were in Dresden, picking up cars for Northampton. Severus had gone to the dispatch office, and Remus was writing in his journal in the cab and eating cookies when Severus stomped through the engine room and slapped a sheaf of papers down on the center console.
"Incompetent idiots."
Remus sat up. "Peter?" Peter Pettigrew wasn't Remus's favorite person, but he was good enough at his job.
"No." Severus ran a hand through his hair, dislodging it from its tie. "CFX, Confused Fucking eXcuse of a freight company." His voice dripped disdain. "They brought a car up from the hub that needs to go to Northampton."
"But..." Remus frowned. "They can't go there from here, their track usage license stops in Dresden. That car will have to go back down to the hub, then north, then east, then south again. It'll be three days for them, at least."
"To make what would be a thirty minute trip for us. If it was our car." Severus looked at him steadily.
"Christ." Remus tossed his journal aside. He really hated both incompetence and waste. "Let me guess. Peter suggested that, for the greater good of railroads in general, we just might hook onto that car and take it along."
"I wouldn't go so far as to say he actually suggested it."
"Of course not." Remus stood.
"What do you think?"
Remus was surprised. Severus had never showed hesitation over a decision before. "It's your call."
"I know that, thank you." There was an edge to his voice. He took a deep breath, and went on in a softer tone. "I'm asking for your input."
"Well," Remus rubbed the back of his neck. "Common sense says we take the damn car and be done with it, and I'm not sure we'd get in a lot of trouble even if we were found out, although without the paperwork, River Central wouldn't get paid anything for it. And if anyone did complain...." He shook his head. "There's something you should know about Peter."
Severus's head snapped up. "He seems a bit... weak."
"Yeah. Peter is out for Peter. He takes credit where he can, but never, ever, takes the blame for anything. He can be counted on to always do what's best for Peter."
Severus nodded. "The car stays here."
They had cleared the last switch, leaving the CFX car standing forlornly on an otherwise empty siding, and Remus eased the engine ahead as Severus swung himself up on the ladder. Entering the cab, Severus settled onto the other chair.
"Would you have taken the car if I'd wanted to?"
"Of course." Remus was surprised. "You're the conductor; everything behind the engine is your domain. I just drive."
"Are you always so agreeable about breaking rules?"
Remus shrugged. "If it's logical. And won't get me in a lot of trouble." He grinned. "I'd have made a token protest, of course."
Severus snorted.
"What I wouldn't have done is let you take the car without knowing about Peter."
Severus grunted. "Good to know."
"Is it?" Remus was curious.
Severus studied him. "I like to know the character of the man at my back."
The words sent a shiver down Remus's spine. "And have I won your approval?" His tone was light.
Severus continued to study him. "So far."
Remus suddenly laughed. "You are a piece of work, Severus Snape. It's just a job, isn't it?"
Severus looked away. "Yes, just a job."
Remus slowed for the first of many crossing before the freight yard in Northampton, feeling as though he'd just missed something important.
That night, he was still lecturing himself when he finally fell asleep.
The next day, Severus seemed pre-occupied and edgy, and after a few attempts at conversation that were met with monosyllables, Remus gave up, which is why, when Severus approached him after work, he was surprised. Charlie had asked Remus to join him and Bill for a beer again, but Remus had declined. It really wasn't his thing, and he only went once in a while to be friendly. He heard boots crunch on the gravel of the parking lot, and turned to find Severus scowling at him.
"I'm going to Conte's for dinner at seven. Will you join me?"
"Oh." Remus was taken aback by the question, and coming as it did with an almost belligerent expression, he was totally flustered. "They have excellent food, you know. Really fresh. They don't deep fry, or have a microwave, or take credit cards. They even..."
"Remus." Severus's face looked a bit stiff. "Will you join me?"
"Oh. Um...." Remus delivered himself a severe mental kick, and felt his face flush. "Yes. Yes, I'd like that."
He thought he saw Severus's mouth twitch. "Seven." He turned and mounted his motorcycle, pulling on his helmet as he did so.
Remus watched him leave the parking lot and just stood staring down the road after him, his mind a total blank. The bell in the Methodist church started to ring, and Remus jumped. It was six now; he had to hurry if he was going to get home, shower, and get back.
All the way home he lectured himself: This is not a date, this is not a date, this is two friends – no, co-workers – having something to eat after work. No different than going to Trackside for beers with Bill and Charlie. Not at all.
Remus rushed into the house, fed Hairy, and ran for the shower, shedding clothes as he went. In his bedroom, still damp, he fretted in front of his closet. He picked up first one, than another shirt, then finally settled on a light blue button down. He pulled on black jeans and fluffed his still damp hair with his fingers. It would dry all right on the way to the restaurant. His hand hovered over a small wooden box on the dresser. He raised the lid, and stirred the contents with a finger. There were all the earrings that he never wore any more. This is not a date. He closed the lid, grabbed some socks and slid down the banister.
He was putting his sneakers on when Hairy came over and reached up a paw to touch his knee. "Yes, I'm going out again, buddy. Sorry, but I won't be too late."
Hairy blatted at him.
"Yeah, I know, I don't pay enough attention to you. Sorry."
Hairy blatted louder, and sank a claw into Remus's leg.
"Ouch! Hairy, what's the matter?" He focused on the cat for the first time. "I fed you." He looked over at the dish, frowned, then picked it up. "Oh. Don't want Cheerios for dinner, huh?" He dumped the cereal in the trash, then filled the bowl with cat crunchies.
This is not a date, he reminded himself as he closed the door and headed for his truck, humming.
Remus was a few minutes late when he parked in the lot next to the restaurant. He hurried across the tilting boards of the porch and pulled open the heavy wood door. He spotted Severus almost immediately and joined him. The table, Remus was happy to see, was situated so that he could sit with his leg extended and not trip anyone. He perched on the edge of his chair and tried to wipe the silly grin off his face. This was not a date.
"Sorry I'm late."
"Not a problem." Severus held up the wine bottle and lifted an eyebrow in question. Remus nodded, and he poured.
The wine exploded with flavor on Remus's tongue, and he closed his eyes in pleasure, savoring the taste.
"It's not like it's a date." Severus's tone was deadpan.
Remus choked in mid-swallow. Severus waited until he'd stopped coughing. "You've been here before, I take it?"
Remus nodded, wiping his eyes. "A few times. It's a bit eccentric, but the food is fabulous."
"I saw the sign. No freezer. No fryer. No microwave. No credit cards. I gather they don't take reservations, either."
Remus shook his head. "I'm not even sure they have a phone."
Severus looked around. "Well, I have no problem with things that are a bit eccentric. As long as they're good."
Remus flushed. Surely he doesn't mean.... He shook himself. "I don't think you'll be disappointed."
"No." Severus looked at Remus. "I don't think I will."
The waitress plunked down two plates, a huge bowl of salad, and a loaf of fresh bread. "You boys ready to order?"
"Do you have the crab cakes tonight?" Remus was hopeful.
"Were they on the menu?" The waitress eyed him.
Remus looked around her at the roll of butcher paper hanging from the ceiling by the register. The menu was scrawled on it in black marker in the worst possible penmanship. He squinted. "I can't tell."
She laughed. "Yeah, we have 'em." She turned to Severus. "And you?"
"The same." Severus gave her a smile, and she winked.
Remus picked up a wine bottle with no label that sat by the salt and pepper. He put his finger over the cork and gave it a vigorous shake. "The choice of salad dressing is 'yes' or 'no'."
"By all means." Severus gestured toward the bowl and Remus poured on a generous amount. He tossed it and served while Severus tore off chunks of warm bread.
The food came quickly, and Severus poured more wine. Remus relaxed as the conversation flowed easily.
"So, why have you moved around so much?" Severus tone was casual as they finished the last of their meal.
Remus dipped a piece of bread in olive oil, popped it in his mouth, and thought as he chewed and swallowed. "As I mentioned, I moved north to live with my mamaw when I was young. She lived by a freight yard, and I'd spend hours watching them switch out the cars. Used to wonder what was in them, and where they were going. I started working in the yard as soon as I was old enough. Then I went to LA to college for a year." He shrugged. "That didn't work out, so I got work as a brakeman. Worked up from there to engineer. Decided to go up to the Pacific Northwest for a while." He sipped his wine. "Somewhere, I got the idea it'd be fun to work the rails in every state, so that's what I did. This is the last one."
"What's next?"
"Haven't decided. I like it here," he shrugged. "Maybe I'll stay."
"That notebook you're always writing in, is that a journal?"
Remus was surprised he'd noticed. "Yes, it is. I – well, I like to travel on vacation." He felt his cheeks warm. "Kind of a 'Famous Railroads of the World' thing, I guess." He shrugged. "I keep notes about places I've worked and visited."
"Have you visited every continent?"
"I've pretty much managed to put at least a toe in, though I haven't been to Australia yet, or New Zealand – not that they're the same continent." Remus waved vaguely. "Someday, though."
"Are you going to publish them? There is more than one, I assume." Severus moved his empty plate aside.
"Lord no!" Remus laughed. "Who on earth would be interested?"
Severus shrugged. "Me, for one. I imagine a lot of other people would be as well. Not a lot of people get to travel, and there's a huge market for travelogue-type books."
Remus felt oddly uncomfortable. "I'm sure they would be boring."
"Why?" Severus seemed genuinely curious. "I'd certainly like to read them. I find that people who have enough curiosity in the world around them to travel are generally interesting people."
Remus could think of nothing to say to that. Did Severus really think he was interesting?
Severus studied him for a moment. "Another bottle of wine?
"Not unless you're planning on taking me home with you. It's a twenty minute drive for me."
"The thought crossed my mind." Severus's smile looked almost predatory.
The surge of arousal Remus experienced was so strong he was surprised the people at the next table didn't turn and stare. He was, however, saved from making a complete conversational idiot of himself by the arrival of the waitress. Did Severus really mean that?
They declined dessert, Remus had a bit of crab cake wrapped up for Hairy, and she left the check. Severus picked it up.
"You can get it next time."
Remus nodded, the thought warming him to his toes, and filling him with trepidation at the same time.
Outside, they paused on the sidewalk. "I'm this way." Remus gestured to the right.
"And I'm that way." Severus nodded to the left.
A couple went by on their way into the restaurant, the man frowning as he looked back at them. Remus felt a familiar tightening in his chest.
"I really enjoyed that." Unsure what to do, Remus held out his hand. "Thanks for inviting me."
Severus stared at Remus's hand, then at his face, his expression unreadable. He slowly took Remus's hand in a warm clasp. And didn't let go.
"G-good night." Remus hated the slight tremor in his voice. He was afraid if he withdrew his hand, Severus might not release it. He wasn't sure that he didn't want that to happen.
But Severus did. "Good night, Remus." The deep voice sent a shiver down Remus's spine. "Drive carefully."
"Right." Remus shoved his hands in his pockets. "You too." He turned quickly and departed, his heart racing.
That night he lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. He really liked Severus. So? Severus seemed to like him. That wasn't a date, Severus even said so. Remus didn't want to get involved with anyone, anyway. Who said you had to? Screwing around with a co-worker was always a bad idea, and it wasn't like he was looking for casual sex. What are you looking for? He wasn't looking for anything. Had Severus been flirting with him? Don't be an idiot. But he had said that about taking Remus home with him; did he mean that? He remembered the scowl on the face of the man going into the restaurant. Maybe he didn't like long hair? Don't be an idiot.
Remus thought about how Severus's long fingers had wrapped around his hand. Thought about those long fingers wrapping around the back of his neck, sliding over his hip, wrapping around.... Remus moaned softly, his hand sliding over his belly and between his legs. Severus's hand would be warm, like his own. How would he touch me? Remus stroked himself gently, and drifted off to sleep.