It’d been an especially troubling night for the two sixth year Gryffindor prefects -- watching after daring first years always made her feel as though she’d aged twenty years. But it was easier with Remus. A lot of things were easier with Remus. Sometimes when she looked at him, and he smiled over at her she’d feel butterflies in her stomach... the beginning of a crush. And it was odd, and confusing, because she’d never paid much mind to romantic endeavors. Hogwarts was already stressful and wonderful enough to last her a good six years... but as they collapsed on a couch in the empty common room together, laughing about their whirlwind of a night, she felt a bit of daring. Remus was cute, and kind, and... also was one of James Potter’s best friends... but, right now, she didn’t care to think about Potter. She didn’t utterly despise him anymore, but he’d have to work a hell of a lot harder to catch her attention. Remus, though... wasn’t even trying, not really. She loved that he didn’t try. He was sincere and they got along so well... It was probably the exhaustion, she’d tell herself later, when she thought back on this moment. Lily made a point to catch his eye, and when she locked his gaze she leaned forward to cup his face in her hands, giving her leverage to lean forward and brush her lips against his... But it wasn’t fireworks or birds soaring that came to mind when they kissed. In fact, her nose wrinkled, as if she were confused, and she was certain all the butterflies in her stomach had died on impact. It was just... weird. Not gross or anything of the sort but... weird. Like they were two pieces of a different puzzle and they just didn’t fit. So she pulled back, taking a moment to gauge his reaction before letting out a howl of laughter and falling back on the arm of the couch. “That was awful -- why was it so awful?” She knows he won’t take it personally. She has faith that he felt just how terribly awkward their kiss was as well. Lily can’t help the giggles that escape her, even when she presses her hands to her mouth in an attempt to stifle them. The most important thing, she thinks after her laughter settles and she leans her head on his shoulder, is how glad she is that Remus is in her life... And how glad she is she probably will never have to kiss him on the mouth again.
