Sirius wakes and sits up, making the nightmare relinquish its hold on him.

He sighs and glances to the right, where Remus' sleeping form tosses with fitful sleep.

He bites his lip, fighting the urge to wake him, to comfort him…

If anyone knew…

He sighs and again, and Remus' thrashing increases.

His brain and his heart battle it out, fighting each other for prominence in his mind.

Finally, they reach a compromise.

"I love you, Remus."

(Subtlety never was his strong suit.)

It isn't much, but it's enough: Remus is still.

When sleep returns, it's more peaceful than before.