A/N: Hey, y'all! I had to try out some JamesRemus… so have some fun with emotional hurt/comfort/fluff.

Survival Studies Task 4: Write about trying to heal another person.

Word Count: 800

Note: This takes place in a world without the Wolfsbane potion.

Enjoy!

"Remus." James' voice broke through the fog in Remus' brain. "Remus. Come back to me."

A rattling breath escaped the werewolf, and his face scrunched as he slowly regained consciousness. He cracked an eye open, wincing as the pain of the previous night's transformation caught up with him. James' face swam into focus, his wide hazel eyes full of concern behind his round glasses. Remus wished he could muster up enough strength to cup James' jaw, to assure him that he was fine, but he was too shattered.

"Mmm here," he murmured. His throat was sore and scratchy, and his voice was hoarse. James had understood, though.

"I've got you, love," the dark-haired man promised with surprising vehemence. "Just breathe. I'll have you fixed up in no time."

Remus tried to smile, but it turned into more of a grimace. Years ago, he'd have protested the way his partner gently cradled the back of his head as he lifted it so he could slide a pillow beneath, but he'd learned that James wouldn't take no for an answer. And besides, they were thirty now; James was well-practiced at post-moon care.

Remus licked his lips, stubbornly ignoring the bitter taste of blood on his tongue. "How long… long was I out?" he croaked.

James didn't stop his movements. He used his wand to dampen a flannel on hand and pressed it against a cut on Remus' forehead. "Since sunrise? A few hours. I've bound the worst of the wounds."

A small smile graced Remus' face. "Thank you."

James' responding smile was quick, but also a little sad, like he wished Remus didn't feel the need to thank him. Of course, Remus knew by now that James didn't mind caring for him after the full moons, but it still baffled him to know that his boyfriend hadn't tired of it after all these years.

A few more minutes passed in silence, James' hands remaining steady and gentle throughout it all. Remus lived for this touch; he'd longed for it his entire life, longed to feel someone's love for him through their hands. And now that he had it, he could scarcely believe it.

His amber eyes flickered up to meet James', and Remus licked his lips, trying to summon up the courage and the strength to get his words out. "Do you… do you remember what you asked me last week? And I said I needed time to think about it?"

James' lips twitched almost imperceptibly. "It'd be pretty difficult to forget my marriage proposal, Moons. Yeah, I remember."

He met Remus' eyes then, and there was so much hope shining in them—not worry, despite the fact that Remus hadn't agreed right away. James had anticipated the space Remus would need, but seemed completely confident that Remus would say yes.

Maybe it was the pain and stress of his transformation—he tended to be a little overly-emotional the morning after—but Remus felt his eyes begin to water as a wave of affection and gratitude for James washed over him.

"Thank you for waiting," he croaked. "I know it's not easy, sometimes, to be involved with… with me."

James' voice sounded choked. "You know it's never any trouble. Any insecurities you have, any odd quirks or bad habits… they're yours and I love them."

Remus closed his eyes and let those words wash over him, completely overwhelmed. "That's why I'm trying to say yes," he managed to get out, "so… shut up and say you'll still marry me?"

Letting out a laugh, James dropped a kiss on Remus' lips before helping him into a sitting position. "Do you even have to ask? Of course I will."

Before Remus could do more than grin, James was pressing a small vial to his lips. "Blood replenisher," he informed Remus. "You'll feel better once you drink it."

Drink it Remus did, and indeed, his head felt clearer as the potion made its way through his system. Soon enough, he was staring up at James, wondering how he'd gotten so lucky.

Remus' eyes traveled to the bedroom window, where sunlight was struggling through heavy curtains; the bright light always aggravated his eyes the day after the full moon. A couple streams of sunlight managed to get through, however, and they fell upon the bed, warming Remus' hands and torso. There was something so peaceful about the warm and comfort of his bed, with James sitting beside him, that made his eyes grow heavy.

His partner noticed. "Go to sleep," James murmured. "I'll be here when you wake up."

Remus was too exhausted to respond, and he felt himself nodding off. Just before he lost consciousness completely, though, he felt James slide a ring onto his finger.

A small, contented smile crossed Remus' face just as he fell asleep.