Author's Note: This turned out a bit angstier than I wanted it but oops?
Nightmares
316 words
The air was cold, like it always was in his cell. Even in the middle of summer, when he used to enjoy laying out on the grass half-naked and soaking up the heat, Sirius would freeze. He shivered involuntarily against the cool brick wall with only a worn layer of cloth to keep him warm.
The small window darkened with a passing shadow, and he felt his mood changing, growing darker as well. Screams echoed in his head as he tried to shake out horrible visions. They were clawing at him, pulling him under, making it hard to breathe. He was gasping for air, so cold…
Then warm arms were wrapping around him, pulling him close. There was light, though dim, illuminating the dreary interior of Grimmauld Place. Sirius blinked, feeling his breathing slow as the screams faded and he could register someone talking to him.
"It's allright, Sirius. I'm right here. You're safe."
Sirius turned, but the arms held on tight. Remus was there beside him in bed, shirtless and hair a mess. He looked as tired as Sirius felt, but they both managed a smile as they locked eyes.
"Sorry for waking you," Sirius croaked. Remus flicked his wand, summoning a glass of water that Sirius drank in one long sip.
"You don't have to apologize to me. I'm sure I've done worse to you."
Sirius still shivers, despite the arms still holding him tightly. Remus pulls away slightly, just long enough to pull a comforter up around them both, so there's a heavy, warm weight on them as they cuddle.
Sirius rests his head on Remus' chest, taking deep breaths to steady his heartbeat.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, all those years," Remus whispers.
"Don't," Sirius scolds softly. "We've been down that road. It doesn't end well." He holds onto one of Remus hands. "We're together now. That's all that matters."