AN: For the Joys of Wolfstar Challenge.
Remus tries to deny it over and over again. He tries to tell himself that it isn't true, that he's stronger than that. But James says it outright.
"Blimey, Moony. Sirius has you wrapped around his bloody finger."
And it no longer matters what Remus has tried to convince himself. There it is, out there in the open, like a sacrlet letter for all to see.
Still, Remus shakes his head. "Dunno what you're talking about, mate."
OoOoO
Remus pretends he doesn't see Sirius with Marlene. He pretends he doesn't notice the way Sirius glides his hand from her knee to her thigh.
But Sirius catches his gaze, and he smiles. Smiles because he knows Remus will forgive him. Smiles because he knows exactly what lines to use and what places to kiss to make Remus melt in his hands again.
"He's a Black," Peter had pointed out once. "He may be the only one not in Slytherin, but that doesn't change who he is."
Remus hadn't thought much of it at the time. After all, Peter had never been a great judge of character.
But now, Remus sees the truth in his friend's words. However different from his family Sirius might claim to be, he's still a Black, still just as cold and cruel as the rest of his family.
OoOoO
Sirius catches him in the corridor, crooked grin on his lips. "You're upset."
"Of course I'm upset!"
Sirius doesn't even bother to look contrite. He pulls Remus close, running his hand along the other boy's thigh, just as he'd done to Marlene. "Forgive me, Moony," he says, a low growl in his voice, a growl that promises unimaginable joy if he accepts.
"No."
The words seem to affect Sirius like a slap in the face. He recoils, eyes wide from shock, expression wounded. "Moony."
"I said no," Remus repeats, shaking his head.
His voice is weak. He wishes he could sound firm, could sound like he means. Sirius doesn't even seem to notice.
"You can't be serious!"
Before he can give in and become putty for Sirius to play with again, Remus turns on his heel without another word, and storms off down the corridor.
OoOoO
Remus is almost asleep when he feels the familiar weight on top of him. "Piss off, Sirius," he tries to snap, but he's tired, and the words come out as a yawn.
"No," Sirius says, leaning down and kissing Remus' neck. "Not until you forgive me."
"I'm tired of forgiving you."
"No, you're not," Sirius challenges, nibbling the tender flesh of his pulse point. "You'll never be."
It would be so much easier if it could be a lie, if Remus could go on without caring, without wanting. But he can't, and the way Sirius' lips graze over all the right places doesn't help.
"Forgive me."
And Remus can hear the threat.
Forgive me, or I stop. Forgive me, or you will never feel this way again. Forgive me, or I won't pretend to love you anymore.
Remus wraps his arms around Sirius, pulling him closer and giving in.
"I forgive you, Padfoot."
This is what he is, what he will always be. He is Remus Lupin, forever wrapped around Sirius' finger.
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