Hate Myself For Loving You - Chapter 1: Is That Even Possible?

Author's Note: This fic is suppose to take place in the 1800s. As I have never visited that time period, only studied it a bit, I can only write it so well. I promise to do my best, though, and all suggestions should, of course, be submitted in a lovely review!

Disclaimer: I, sadly, own none of these characters. I do, however, own the idea and the ability to record it. If I were being paid, why would I post it here, eh?

"Aww, come along, Remus! We'll have a wonderful time! Please?" James Potter was pouting. He really wished his roommate and best friend were a bit more adventurous. It wasn't every day they had a chance to attend (and by attend, I mean sneak into) a ball, being part of the lower middle class of London. And this particular dark haired, hazel eyed young man refused to pass up the chance. With or without Remus Lupin, he would be going to this ball.

And Remus knows this. He weighs the pros and cons, trying to drown out his friend's pleas. On one hand, he could stay home, have the small abode to himself. He could re-read one of his favorite books without interruption. On the other hand, he could go. He could enjoy himself, enjoy the free food and drink. Maybe even find a lady; that is, if any of them would have him.

It wasn't that he was bad-looking. No, quite the opposite. With his golden-brown hair falling over his chocolate colored, innocent eyes, his shy smile, and his quiet, gentle voice, he was a handsome young man. It was that he was poor. He scolded himself for thinking all high-society women as snobs. Surely they all weren't like that, perhaps just the ones he had met.

"Okay, James. I'll go with you if you'll stop looking at me like that." James had used his last resort, his puppy eyes, or so he called it. He seemed to be able to double the size of his eyes. It always worked on Remus, because he had always been a sucker for a puppy dog pout.

"Terrific!" James exclaimed. "Put on your best, Remus! We are attending a ball at..." He paused to check the piece of paper Peter had scrawled the address on. "...Number 12 Grimmauld Place, The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black. Hmm," he hummed. "Sounds-"

"Odd," Remus finished.

"Kind of," James agreed slowly. "Still, put on your best suit, Remus, we are, after all, attempting to impress London's finest!"

Remus snorted. "James, my best suit isn't exactly, well, going to impress London's finest."

"And that, my silly friend, is exactly why I had my uncle slap us together a couple of suits." At the look on Remus' face, he grinned. "You really do underestimate me, Lupin. In fact, I believe you don't think I'm capable of tying my shoes."

"Well, there was that one morning. You know, after you-"

"Hey! Hey, hey, hey. You swore we would never speak of that again!" James interrupted. "Besides," he sniffed, "I really did forget." He grinned again.

"So where are these suits?"

"Right. They're in the coat closet."

Remus stepped away from the wooden table he had been leaning against. He swung open the door, and, sure enough, two suits hung, ready for a night out. Next to their shabby-looking coats, the suits looked even more glamorous.

"James, you're sure your uncle didn't mind? I mean, he just gave them to you?"

"Um. Yeah, I just asked him. He's a generous old guy."

"Did you just hesitate? James! Where did you get these suits?"

"Uhh. I dunno what you're talking about. He-hesitation? Me? Hah! I t-told you, my uncle lent them to me."

"James Potter, you did not steal two suits from your uncle. And if you did, I refuse to know. Don't tell me. I only just decided to attend this ball, and I don't want your mischevious scheming to change my mind."

"Alright. You, good sir, have a deal."

Remus, still holding open the closet door, took down a suit. He gasped. It was the most handsome suit he'd ever seen. The silvery buttons, though plain, caught the light like a diamond. The white silk shirt had just the right amount of ruffles. He slid the jacket on. It fit perfectly!

"Oh, James, I love it!"

"Um- well, this is awkward- that's actually my suit. This is yours," he said, handing Remus the other suit.

"Oh. Well, I- Sorry, I didn't know," Remus laughed.

Remus' actual suit fit more than perfect, if that was possible.

Is it possible to be more than perfect? For some reason not yet known to Remus, he couldn't let this thought go. He pushed it to the back of his mind.

In less than an hour, they were both dressed, James with his top hat.

"Shall we?" James asked.

"Let's," Remus replied, pulling his short white gloves on as they stepped out into the crisp night air.

Author's Note: So, how's the first chapter? I was reading a book where this guy kicked his hat in the door to get into a ball, and when he fell for the girl, I couldn't help but think of our own James. This isn't exactly how the story will go, but it gave me an idea for this fic. It wouldn't leave me alone, so here it is. I'm trying to make this one longer than my first, so bear with me, eh? I'll write as much as I can per chapter. No flames, cause flamers are LOSERS!!! Constructive criticism is always helpful, as I'm generally new to writing fanfics. Thanks for reading!

-LadyLupin