Remus Lupin had just graduated from Hogwarts and moved into his first apartment. He had been proud of himself at first, until he realized he had no idea how to cook. For weeks he survived on buttered pasta, chocolate, and coffee, the same sad little meals day after day. His fridge was almost always empty, his kitchen untouched, and the smell of burnt toast often lingered in the air.

Besides his sad meals, he had one issue. His neighbor. You.

Through the thin walls of the apartment, the aroma of food from your apartment constantly drifted into his space. The scent of freshly baked cookies, sweet cakes, and perfectly cooked dinners teased him as he tried to read or catch a moment of quiet. His stomach growled more often than not, and he sighed, resigning himself to another meal of instant or frozen food.

One morning, as he sat cross-legged on the couch with a book open on his knees, a soft knock came at the door. He set the book aside, curiosity flickering across his face. Rising, he walked to the door and opened it to find his neighbor holding a Tupperware full of food, offering it to him, the smells even more inviting now that it was close.

His eyes widened slightly. “Hi… thank you, love,” he said softly, taking the container from them. His hands brushed theirs for a moment, and he stepped aside, opening the door fully. “Would you like to come in?”