The Disclaimer was posted on the first chapter, and will not be mentioned again.
Sing a Song for Me
Chapter 2 – Headlock
Tonks gazed up at the man who claimed her passion. He was weary and bedraggled-looking with sorrowful eyes. She raised a hand and placed it gently on a fresh wound near his cheek. Still, he flinched.
"Was it a hard night?" Tonks asked quietly.
Remus gave a bitter laugh. "When is it not?" He pulled away and moved toward the door.
"I'm sorry."
"Of course you are." His hand was on the doorknob.
"Where are you going?"
He turned then, and the harshness was gone. "Tonks…I have to go. Anywhere."
"I understand."
He opened the door and was half-way through.
"But why are you afraid?" Tonks implored.
Remus's eyes met Tonks's and it seemed for a moment that they shared the same pain.
"I don't really want to talk right now."
"We have to sometime."
He closed the door. "All right, fine. Let's talk."
"You want the truth?" Remus asked and Tonks nodded. "I was thirteen years old when you were born. I can't hold a job. And I become a dangerous animal once a month. It isn't exactly the best combination."
"In other words you don't think you're good enough for me; is that it?"
"Correct."
"Doesn't it matter what I think?"
"At the moment, no." It was quiet for a moment until Remus continued quietly, "I don't want to hurt you."
"Well, isn't that ironic? You'd prefer to hurt me emotionally rather than physically?"
"I don't enjoy the prospect of causing any harm to come to you, but if a little emotional pain will save you from years of torment, then yes."
"What if I said you were being incredibly selfish?" Tears shone in Tonks's eyes.
Remus looked away. "I would apologize, I suppose."
"Well, you are." Her voice was strained and trembling.
"I am sorry, then. Truly, and deeply, sorry. Selfishness must be another one of my many faults."
"No. It's not. And they aren't faults."
"Well…thanks for that, anyway." Remus said as he left the room.
"One of these days I'll leave first." Tonks said quietly.
AN: Ah, such sweet sorrow. It's painful to write, but I must. This chapter was based on "Headlock" by Imogen Heap (yes, again, and it will be the same for the next 4 chapters, at least). It was rather short, but I hope you enjoyed it anyway. And sorry for the long delay; I was incredibly busy. :)
