Written for the Marathon Competition (Tenth Mile, 1 of 4 AU fics)

"Well, this is absolutely miserable," James says as they approach the hospital. "Here's to spending the day cleaning out bedpans."

Sirius shudders, trying not to gag at the thought. He supposes it could be worse. Volunteering is the only thing keeping them out of legal trouble at the moment. And if that means he has to handle bodily fluids… Well, at least he'll have gloves.

"We won't really have to do that, will we?" Peter asks quietly.

"God, I hope not," Sirius sighs. "Well, we should probably go before they report us as late. I don't fancy another stern talking to from Ole Minnie."

With a heavy heart, the three of them enter the hospital. It isn't fair. The weather is so perfect, and he'd much rather be out with his friends playing football at James' house. If only Severus hadn't gotten injured in their prank. How were they supposed to know someone was inside the classroom when they set off the fireworks?

…

"Here you are," the nurse whose name tag reads Pomona says, handing Sirius a book.

"What's this?"

"It's a book, Mister Black. Remus enjoys his books, but he can't quite hold them at the moment."

"What's wrong with him?" Sirius asks, curious as they come to a stop outside a room marked Lupin.

Pomona clicks her tongue. "Poor dear was out camping with his father. Lyall went to get firewood. Some sort of animal attacked Remus. A wolf, maybe. Feral dog, most likely. Lyall barely managed to get the thing off the poor boy."

Sirius swallows dryly. He doesn't fancy the idea of sitting with someone who has been mangled. Still, he supposes it beats the alternative. "So, I'll be reading to him for an hour?" he asks.

Pomona nods. "One hour a day, five days a week, for a month."

"He's going to be in that long?"

"He's making progress, but there's a lot to do for him. Could be another two months, between the physical therapy and the plastic surgeons."

Pomona leads him inside. "Remus, dear. We have a visitor for you," she says sweetly. "This is Sirius."

The boy sits up, and Sirius feels his heart sink. His skin deeply scarred in most places. And yet, in spite of the damage, Sirius can't help but to notice how handsome he is.

"It was worse," Remus says shyly. "They just grafted my arms, so there's that."

Sirius takes a seat beside him. Pomona nods. "Well, I'll just leave you two, then," she says before seeing herself out.

"I'll understand if you want to transfer. I've had three volunteers already. They didn't like the sight of me, so they found someone else to sit with," Remus says.

"Pomona said you like to read?"

"Yes."

"I could read to you, then."

Remus shakes his head, wincing at the movement. Sirius notices the stitches over his neck. "It's been so long since I've had visitors aside from my mum and dad," he says. "You could just talk. Preferably about anything but the accident."

"I won't ask about the accident if you don't ask what I've done to have to volunteer," Sirius says.

Remus offers him a small smile. "Deal. A question for a question? You start."

"Favorite thing to eat?"

"Chocolate," Remus answers. "Do you play sports?"

"My mate, James, plays football. I'll help him practice."

"Had you pegged for a rugby player," Remus chuckles. "Good try."

Sirius smiles. "No thanks. I enjoy watching muscled lads, but I'd rather my contact with them be more intimate, if you know what I mean."

Remus blushes. "Me too."

Sirius' eyes widen. Cute, and fancies blokes. He shakes his head. James and Peter will never believe that he's managed to meet someone at a hospital. "What's your favorite book?"

"Too many. But I've been reading Poe a lot lately. Have you read much of his work?"

"I prefer films, actually," Sirius admits.

"And we were doing so well. You just had to break my heart, didn't you?" Remus teases.

And they go on like that for what feels like forever. When Pomona returns, Sirius doesn't want to leave.

"I'll see you tomorrow, then?"

Remus grins. "Dunno. Might stroll down to the pub. I'm quite a rolling stone."

Sirius snorts. "See you then."

...

"You're glowing!" James notes as they leave the hospital. "Are you pregnant?"

Sirius laughs. "I met a guy."

"How did you get so lucky?" Peter groans. "I had to sit through an old bloke telling me war stories all day."

"Mine just slept the whole time," James says. "Details, Sirius!"

"I don't have any yet. I'll let you know how it progresses."

…

"You brought me chocolate," Remus says, brows raised. "It's only our second date."

Sirius grins, taking his chair. "What can I say? I'm a gentleman."

"You're not just doing this because you feel sorry for me?"

"Of course not. Why would I?"

Remus sighs. "Even my parents look at me with pity," he explains. "The doctors and nurses. I'm a walking miracle, they say. The poor boy, they call me."

Sirius shakes his head. "No. It's only my second day, but I'm quite fond of you already."

Remus relaxes at that. "Oh. Sorry. I just…"

Sirius places his hand on the mattress. "I understand. Look. I brought The Tell-Tale Heart. It was the only Poe book they had in stock. Is that okay?"

Remus leans closer. "My favorite."

…

Days turn to weeks, and Sirius grows to care more and more for Remus. He watches him, the gradual progress and recovery.

They make plans and build dreams for when Remus gets out. And though it feels like forever, Sirius looks forward to it more and more with each passing day.

…

"You're still here," Remus notes.

"Of course I am."

"It's been a month. You're free."

Sirius shrugs. "And you're still in here. I can't just leave my boyfriend."

Remus' eyes widen. "Boyfriend?"

Sirius feels his cheeks burn. "Well, I mean. We are. Aren't we?"

Remus smiles and reaches out, taking Sirius by the hand. "If that's what you want, because it's what I do," he says quietly.

Sirius leans down. He wants to kiss Remus, but he knows that the surgeries aren't done and that he's still in pain. He settles for a chaste kiss upon his forehead.

"It's a good thing we've settled that," Remus notes.

"Yeah? Why?"

The door opens, and a couple walk in. The man has Remus' nose and tawny eyes. Sirius can see Remus' kind smile in the woman.

"Mum, Dad," Remus says. "This is Sirius. My boyfriend."