Written for the Drabble Game Challenge (SiriusMarlene, "Just promise me one thing.", requested by Colleen)
"You shouldn't be here," Sirius says, his voice sharper than he intends. "You're supposed to be hiding out."
Marlene's lips quirk into an almost smile. She takes his hand, pulling him closer. "I know. And I am. I have a safe house ready," she assures him. "But I couldn't without saying goodbye first."
Sirius' lips draw into a thin line. Goodbye. He hates the finality of the word, as though this is the last time he'll ever see her again. He presses his palm against her cheek. "It's not goodbye. I'll see you again."
She lets out a dry, hollow laugh. "It's war, Sirius. You know that hope can be a dangerous thing."
He closes his eyes, heaving a weary sigh. Of course he knows. How many friends have they already lost, friends that they made plans with, friends they talked with about the future?
"Just promise me one thing," he says, tucking her dark curls behind her ears.
Sirius swallows. Now he's the one turning this into something final. With a groan, he scrubs his palms over his face.
"What is it?" Marlene asks.
"As soon as this is over, promise me that you'll come see me," he says weakly, unable to bring himself to say what he really needs to.
Marlene laughs and stands on her tiptoes, pressing a small kiss to his lips. "Of course I will, silly. You really think you're going to get away from me that easily?"
His lips quirk into a smile for just a flicker of a moment. Sirius sighs. He doesn't want to dwell on the uncertainty. He wants to leave it as it is, with promise and hope. But he knows it isn't that easy.
"One more thing," he says, his voice barely a whisper.
Marlene rolls her eyes, squeezing his hand gently. "Isn't there always?"
"Promise me that you'll keep yourself safe."
He hates the words the moment they leave his mouth. They tell him that maybe Marlene won't make it. They tell him that maybe he shouldn't have been dreaming of their future together. But, painful as it is, it has to be said. It's time for Sirius to grow up and stop clinging to the illusion that everything will be fine.
Marlene's lips tighten into a thin line. After several moments of silence, she nods, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head against his chest. "I'll do my best," she assures him. "You do the same."
"You know me. I'm nothing but careful and safe."
Marlene snorts. Somehow, that's all it takes. The tensions from his sudden seriousness shatters, and, for just a moment, he can feel the weight of fear and doubt lift. For just one moment, he can forget that war is raging and the world is burning. For one moment, he can pretend that they're just two lovers with all the time in the world.
"I'll see you again," she whispers.
And he smiles. Maybe, just maybe, the universe will be kind. Maybe he will have this one flicker of hope.