Chapter 5
When Remus finally opens his eyes, he immediately wishes he hadn't. It's like this every month. The full comes around, the wolf comes out and inevitably, Remus finds himself in the hospital wing, his body battered and bruised, covered in fresh wounds he knows will leave permanent scars. It's dreadful, really, and there's just no getting used to it.
He allows himself to wake up, takes a few deep breaths as he stares at the ceiling. It's at that moment he notices it; the way the mattress dips a little at the side.
He glances down, finally spotting him. His heart swells immediately. Sirius is napping on the edge of his bed, head resting on his folded arms. Remus can tell that even in his sleep, he's careful not to touch him, ever so cautious right after a full.
Sirius is not an elegant sleeper. Every now and then, he lets out an odd snoring sound. He's drooling on himself. Remus ought to be disgusted by it, but he isn't. It's adorable.
He moves his hand down and idly twirls one of Padfoot's long curls around his finger. It hurts. It's worth it.
No, Remus doesn't think he'll ever get used to how awful the fulls are. But knowing that Sirius will be by his side no matter what does make it all a little more bearable.