Words: 391

Description: During the war, the days are long and hard and depressing. It's difficult to find things to smile about. Remus and Sirius try to make time for themselves and their relationship in troubling times.

Story:

Sirius was pacing. It was well after two in the morning, nearing on three. Sirius and Remus had just returned from a mission with the Order of the Phoenix and it was brutal.

Sirius was bleeding from a cut above his eyebrow, but he wouldn't stop anxiously pacing long enough for Remus to clean it.

Remus hadn't said a word since they returned, but there was a constant shake to his hands.

Sirius was thinking about how it felt back in school, when they didn't live their days in fear. Back when their greatest responsibility was causing trouble and making people laugh.

Sirius glanced over at Remus, seeing that his eyes were dull, staring blankly at the wall. He wished he had it in him to make Remus laugh again.

Sirius sighed and went over to his record player and put on a vinyl of his favorite love songs. He closed his eyes and listened to the crackle it made before it started up with the first few chords.

Remus looked up at him then, looking older than he had the day before. Sirius paced over and held out a hand, pulling Remus up to his feet.

He was already swinging away before Remus had time to get his balance and he stumbled, but Sirius was there to guide him along. He moved Remus's hands to his waist and the two swayed around their living room.

After awhile, when an upbeat song played and Sirius started two stepping at a faster speed, pulling Remus along with him, Remus cracked a smile and Sirius knew then that it was all worth it.

But exhausted as they were, they settled to a slow dance, hardly moving across the carpet, just swaying in place. Remus had melted in Sirius's arms, his head resting on his shoulder, eyes closed. For the first time in a long time he felt at peace.

"I love you more than anything," Sirius whispered to Remus, pressing his lips to the space right behind his ear.

Remus hummed his agreement, too tired to respond, but Sirius understood him perfectly fine.

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