the_debt_of_time

Sirius narrowed his grey eyes at James before turning them on Remus. "Well, I'm
not as old-fashioned as Moony," he said with a scowl. With Charlus's attention focused on
Sirius, Remus flipped his friend a rude hand gesture.
"I am, however... going to move out. I'll be looking for my own flat over the hols."
"Son, you know that's not necessary," Charlus insisted, dropping the protective
father tone and putting his hand on Sirius's shoulder. "You're just as much my son as James
is, and your home is with us. Whatever new relationship you have with Mia... Sirius, I
trust you."
"I appreciate that... Dad. You have no idea how much I appreciate that." Sirius
sighed with obvious relief and ran a hand through his hair. "But it is necessary. You've
given me everything, and I'm not going to disrespect you by living under the same roof as
my girlfriend and her family. Even if it's also my family."
"Moony did it for a year," James pointed out.
"Hit Prongs for me, would you?" Remus asked Peter, who seemed to act on instinct,
punching James in the arm only to look horrified when James did not dodge the hit in time.
James spun on Peter, eyes wide, and Peter squeaked before hiding behind Remus.
"Boys," Charlus muttered under his breath.
"Moony didn't have the money to get out on his own," Sirius said. "No offence,
mate."
Remus nodded. "None taken."
"Speaking of Remus, I'm taking him with me," Sirius announced with a smile that
Remus shared. They had worked out a plan in advance before it became public knowledge,
and, as they expected, Charlus looked surprised at the news. "Don't think I'd do too well
on my own, anyway."
"I'm used to babysitting Sirius," Remus said, side-stepping James—who used the
advantage to hit Peter in the arm—and put his arm around Sirius's shoulder. "We'll be fine
on our own."
Charlus nodded his head at them, looking what Remus could only assume was a
mixture of pride and fatherly concern. "All right, if that's your decision. You're both men
now, and you've a right to decide for yourselves. But my home is always your home. That
goes for the both of you. Now, James, how are things going between you and the lovely