"But that's stupid," James replied, frustrated. "It's not like I'm only allowed be close to three people. Just because I love you and Harry doesn't mean I care any less about anyone else!" And even if he did, did that mean he deserved to have his family slaughtered? James couldn't wrap his head around it. The fact that Peter thought he would have dismissed his fears was hurtful, and left James doubting himself.
"Maybe I should have made that clearer, I don't know."
Lily's hands were warm and grounding and James felt his shoulders drop a fraction under her touch. He covered one of her hands with his own after a moment, leaning into her until his head was against hers. James didn't particularly like being vulnerable - he was used to being steady while the others grappled with their problems, especially here. It was a small relief to let things go around Lily.
"I'm glad to hear it," he joked weakly, squeezing her hand. "Don't let him get away too easy."
"Thank Merlin for that," James nodded, pleased. He didn't think he was ready for Lily and Sirius to have some secret fued. "Please don't worry about that. You know what Sirius can be like, but I know he loves you and Harry. The whole boys club 'Marauders' thing... it's not that important any more, really. Everything's too big for that now."
"Not sure that's true," he gave a humourless chuckle, finally peeling away from Lily and flopping back so he was lying back on the bed. "Fat lot of good it does us, anyway."
He hesitated, staring at the canopy above him. When had it all become so complicated?
"What should I do about Pete?" He asked, propping himself up on his elbows to look at her properly. "Moony and Padfoot both spend time with him. He was going on about being a new 'adult' version of what we used to be, and I know the other two would like that. This Peter hasn't even done it yet. But how can I trust him? I don't get how they can expect me to get over this."