Remus was a very observant person. He always thought the little gestures and traits we are not aware of, are precisely the ones that tell the most about each of us. That is why he loved paying attention to the way people move, to the way people speak. It was all in the small details.
And for some reason he was still afraid to admit even to himself, he wanted to drink in all the details about her. Tonks was fascinating, so full of energy, so unique in every aspect. Everyone saw her bubbly and strong personality, her determination, and of course, her clumsiness. But what he really found captivating were the little things. The way she frowns whenever she disagrees with someone. The dimples on her cheeks when she laughs. He loved how she always manages to make everyone feel welcome with a smile or a hug. And that knowing wink she does whenever she's up to something. The way she taps her foot when she's nervous. He just couldn't get enough of those little gestures and wanted nothing but to learn all of them.
Sometimes he wondered how other people saw him, what his gestures told without him noticing. He always tried to control everything in order to hide his condition, or at least to cover it up so people wouldn't focus on that constantly. He always tried to keep his voice low and quiet, very calm. It probably started out of shyness, but above all, it was now a way to make sure he came across as a composed, balanced person. He always did his best to hide the holes and patches in his clothes, but they surely spoke very loudly about his lack of money. Even his hair spoke volumes. He always wore it slightly long, especially his fringe. He didn't really like it, though. It was just a way to cover more of his face and some of his scars. All in all, he hated what all those things said about him.
What Remus didn't yet know was that Tonks had also been paying attention to some small details about him. In the last few weeks, she had surprised herself staring at him more often than what would be considered polite.
Remus usually came across as somewhat grim and serious, but she surely saw past that. He was welcoming and caring, and he always had a kind word for everyone. She loved the way he covered his mouth trying to hide his amusement whenever Molly scolds her children. How he rubs his yes when he's tired and thinks no one is watching. He didn't often smile, but when he did, there was a light in his eyes that radiated such warmth and mirth that all she wished was for that light to never fade.
But he always tried to hide his eyes with his hair. She had correctly guessed he wore his hair a little long to cover some scars, but she suspected it was also a way to cover his eyes and hide his emotions better. And she hated that, especially when he smiled. She hated that he tried to hide that light, that warmth…
They were in the living room at 12 Grimmauld Place. They were having some tea, chatting and making some time before dinner. She didn't exactly remember their conversation, And there it was, that smile. That smile he tried to hide bowing his head so his hair would be over his eyes. And before she could stop herself, she reached to tuck his fringe out of his eyes.
"That's much better" she said, "you should not hide your eyes. Specially not when you're smiling."
Remus froze for a moment, caught by surprise. He would have never expected such a gesture. This closeness was something he wasn't used to. But when he looked at her face, so honest and so loving that all he could do was smile again. A warm smile that melted her heart.
For the first time in many years he dared think there might be some good things about him too. Some things he could not change, but he couldn't let them define every detail of his life. Maybe it was time to stop hiding.
A few days later Tonks was back at headquarters for a meeting of the Order. They were all taking their usual places around the table, and then she saw Remus. She immediately noticed something different in him. His hair was away from his eyes and you could also see his forehead and some of the scars there.
It was all in the small details, and that change that almost nobody noticed was full of intention. But Tonks noticed and she understood what it meant. When their eyes met he smiled shyly, self-conscious, because he now knew she could read him. At that moment her heart swelled, and she couldn't help falling in love with those eyes, with this kind man that was so caring and worthy, even if he didn't yet believe it himself.