For NeonDomino, I hope you like it!

Word Count: 846

i'm gonna kill you dead

Sirius is aware that he is a sick, twisted individuum. It's not exactly easy to miss.

Normal people don't look over their shoulder at every turn, because they simply do not feel the need to.

Normal people don't have to work hard to avoid being suspicious and then still fail at times.

Normal people don't give in to their violent intrusive thoughts, but instead do their best to banish them.

Sirius doesn't do that. He has given into these urges enough that it has become the norm for him.

The shortest and most simple way to describe how he is not normal is this, though: Normal people do not murder other human beings every so often.

So yes, Sirius is aware enough to realize that he is cruel, sick, and twisted, among many other things. Is it better or worse for him to know that? Because he still continues doing the things he does without any guilt or remorse whatever.

Is it a good thing that he realizes that it is wrong? Or would it be better if he were completely and utterly unaware of his wrongdoing?

He's fairly sure that there is no single correct answer to that question. Any feasible answer is subjective and dependant of an individual sense of morals, no matter what one tries to make themselves believe. Not many things are actually set in stone. It's all just playing pretend and make believe.

It's one of the few things of value Sirius had learned in his childhood. About the only thing he can think of, really, if he excludes things like walking and talking.

Were he to go a psychiatrist, this would likely be seen as the reason why he does the things he does.

And yeah, maybe that is the case. But, personally, Sirius likes to think that he is a bit more complex than this, which is why he never actually does visit one.

Well, one of the reasons. He doesn't trust their patient confidentiality enough to keep his secret. That's an easy thing to mention while drunk unless threatened.

Sirius doesn't do threats. He has no reason to, as there are never any witnesses that have the ability to keep quiet. If there ever were any in the first place, that is.

Which is why it is surprising when a man in a cardigan comes up to him late at night while Sirius is looking for his next victim.

He doesn't notice the man until he is right behind him and leaning onto him.

"I know what you are doing," the man whispers right into Sirius's ear.

Sirius takes a step back and raises his hands slightly in an attempt to look cautious, when in all reality, he is very much interested in continuing this conversation. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

A strange noise escapes the man's throat. It almost sounds like a dry chuckle, but it isn't. Not quite.

"Sure," he drawls. "You don't. I am sure." If there was any more sarcasm in the man's voice, it would become tangible, there is no doubt about that. "Just like I am sure that there is no knife in your belt right now, yes, right there, where your hand is hovering, ready to decide at a moment's notice whether or not you should add me to your list of victims."

Something must've shown on Sirius's face, because the man looks just so assured that he is proven correct.

Which, to be fair, he is.

"Maybe I am," Sirius replies, "but really, you have yet to give me a good reason why I shouldn't."

That, technically, is a lie. Sirius is very much interested in the man. In addition to the fact that he has to be both smart and brave to be standing here, the man is also not looking to bad. His face is scarred, yes, but honestly, that just proves that the man has a story to tell.

While Sirius's thoughts had been kind of absent, the man had produced a knife from somewhere.

"Because I happen to share that interest and would be delighted for an opportunity to exchange notes."

"Oh, this is wonderful." Sirius laughs. "Perfect, even!"

Now, it is the other man's turn to be confused. Which Sirius doesn't take any delight in, no.

"What are you talking about?"

"I noticed your work," Sirius admitted. "I thought I'd have a copycat or competition, but you showing up here like this, this means we can become partners in crime," he finishes with a grin.

"That pun almost makes me reject your offer," the man responds.

"Almost?" Sirius repeats.

"Yes, almost. The benefits still outweigh your horrible sense of humor. At least so far. My name is Remus, by the way," the man introduces himself.

"Sirius," he returns the favor. "I can see that this is the start of a wonderful partnership."

"Don't promise yourself too much out of this," Remus advises.

"Never!" Sirius exclaims in mock hurt. "I am a man of caution."

Remus rolls his eyes. "Sure you are."