A/N: Written for the Slash/Femmslash Boot Camp (curse) and the Character Diversity Boot Camp (Remus, broken). And, like most things slash I write, for my wifey Paula.

"Because I love you, Moony."

"Don't say that. Please."

Sirius looks as though he's been slapped across the face, eyes wide and wounded with a slack jaw. Remus wishes it could be different, wishes he could be someone less broken who could love with more than just bits and pieces.

"I'm sorry," Sirius mumbles, his usual air of arrogant confidence gone. "Forget I said anything."

And, with that, he's gone. Remus wants to chase after Sirius, to pull him close and whisper his love for him. Instead, he stays where is, hands pinned at his sides.

Pursuing him would be twisted, wrong. A love from someone who isn't whole would be a cursed love. Remus could never love Sirius, knowing that one day he could kill him. He could never hold Sirius without fear of breaking him, of making them both completely shattered.

So he stands and watches the other boy's retreating figure. Being alone, being safe and guarded, is the only way he's ever known