Disclaimer: own nothing.
Prompt of Offbeat. Or offbeat heartbeat. Sirius's point of view, one sided love maybe, but could also be platonic.

Tremble

I can feel you trembling.

The gash that kisses my cheek with a tongue of blood doesn't speak.

You're shivering.

I bring you closer, two cloaks become one. My mouth catches a strand of your tousled hair, matted in perspiration and fear.

Fear not.
I'm here.

I can imagine how painful it must be. It hurts my soul to see yours, twisting and writhing and ripping, like the fragile veins in my heart.

It winces. Yours pounds.
I can only imagine the pain.

The embrace soothes your sobs until only your heartbeat is left echoing in the silence that drowns our ears.

Loud.

It's uneven, uneasy like you, and I can tell because there's a teardrop trickling down my collarbone. Rhythmically drips.

I can't wrap my arms, my hands, around you any tighter. It might make it worse. It's the pressure on you, the pressure that surges through your blood.

Pulses deep.
Taints my skin.
Offbeat.

It's okay. I'm here, I'm here.

I hope you believe me because I always believe you. I share you. My spirit is yours and belongs to you only.

You only.

But questions, I leave unasked. Now's not the time. Now it's just you. And me.

Your warm breath stabs sharply at my chest. Not equally as in yours.

I'll protect you.

From your injury. And not mine.

I lay a hand on the shredded, worn cloak that hangs over your back. You're cold. Still shaking. The flame in your heart flickers.

Untamed and rough.
Quiver.

You've not spoken, though I can hear the words trapped in your mind. I don't know what they say, but I know they scream desperately for help.

Deep inside, you long for rescue. A savior. Find a way to escape. Someone to understand.

I do.

I'll listen to your every word. I'll keep it.

That kiss wasn't yours because I know it wasn't meant to happen. Accidents. The mistake I desire.

It scalds me and it splatters on your silk-smooth cheekbone and I feel your palms.

Clench.
And... relax.

My lips touch softly your forehead, fingertips brush your tense shoulder. Reverberations of your heart beating, sounding endlessly in the void of thought.

I'm listening. You may not know it, and you may not know I love you. But my heart pounds and grimaces ruefully everytime. And I know better.

I just hope you can hear it.