Prompt of the Day: Remus Lupin
Bumper Cars: conscious
Insane House Challenge: ice cream
Slots: Remus, perfection, joy
Word Count: 413
"Oh. Good. You're conscious."
With a groan, Remus rubs his eyes. The morning after the full moon is always hell, and this is no exception. Every inch of his body aches, and his stomach has twisted into a thousand knots. Though his vision is blurry, be turns his attention that familiar voice, and a smile tugs at his lips.
Sirius grins at him, lifting a bowl of ice cream. "Want a bite?" he asks. "Chocolate."
As good as chocolate sounds, the thought of eating makes Remus want to throw up. He shakes his head, covering his mouth and swallowing down the stomach acid that burns his insides. "That is definitely not a healthy breakfast," he says.
Sirius shrugs, stirring the ice cream absently before scooping some into his mouth. He lets out a happy sigh, his face bright with joy. "Breakfast of champions," he says, lifting the bowl to his lips and slurping the contents so loudly that Remus is surprised Madam Pomfrey doesn't rush in to throw him out.
Remus chuckles before wincing. With another groan, he lays back, sinking into the plush pillows, his eyes closing.
"You okay?" his boyfriend asks.
He doesn't look, opting to just nod. "I feel like absolute troll vomit."
"Well, you look nothing short of perfection."
Remus' lips twist into a grin. He doesn't know how Sirius does it, but somehow his boyfriend never fails to bring him joy. The exhaustion and sadness give way until he feels nothing but bliss.
"Why are you so good to me?" Remus asks, finally opening his eyes again.
Sirius climbs to his feet and walks over, sitting on the edge of the bed. His slender fingers brush through Remus' hair. "Am I really good to you?" he asks curiously. "I just treat you the way you deserve to be treated."
Remus blinks rapidly, promising himself he won't cry. He's spent most of his life thinking he will forever be an outcast. He is used to judgment and fear, not kindness and care.
"Thank you," Remus whispers. "Thank you for loving me."
Sirius leans in and presses a kiss to Remus' lips. "It comes naturally. That's like thanking me for breathing."
Remus takes Sirius' hand, smiling. There are days where he still feels like a monster, like his dark secret is his only identity. Then there are moments like this, and he thinks maybe he's okay, maybe there's hope for him after all.
He never wants to lose this feeling.
