Lost in Love

Chapter 3 - Scars

The door lock clicked behind him as he swung it shut. He'd just popped out to get food for dinner. There was a little corner shop about a ten minute walk away in the local village, the only place around which is a walkable distance.

"Sirius?" He called. He made his way upstairs. Both bedrooms were empty. Remus opened the bathroom door cautiously. Sirius was curled up in a corner of the bathroom wearing only a towel around his waist. His body was riddled with raw, burning scars. He was shaking uncontrollably, tears streaming down his face. Remus walked over slowly and sank down to the floor beside him, he put an arm round him and held his hand. Sirius flinched at first, but then leant into him seeking the comfort he'd craved for twelve years.

"I'm sorry," Sirius said shakily. "It's so stupid, I can't even lock myself in a bathroom."

Remus felt a chill through his spine at the mere thought of the torture this man had been forced to endure. Of course Sirius didn't want to be locked in a bathroom after twelve years of solitary confinement. Of course he could still feel the wretched things. Remus felt furious at the thought of them going at Sirius, he had terrors in his past that they'd exploited.

Remus ran his fingers through Sirius's hair, down his shoulder and helped him to his feet. He guided him down to his bedroom and dug out his medical box. He ran his long fingers down Sirius's raw torso, "This is going to sting." He wiped each scar, gently with as little force as he could manage. He wiped away the torture, the confinement, the loneliness, the helplessness and shed a tear for his ex-lover. If only it was that simple, if only it could all be whisked away with a flick of a wrist. He caressed the bandages around Sirius's frail body. Neither man said a word. Once Remus was finished he helped Sirius into an old shirt. He led him downstairs to the sofa by the fire. He opened the window despite the cold November air.

"Tea?" He asked, handing a mug to Sirius.

"Thanks," He said, taking it from him. Sirius was looking down into his lap again, trying to hide the emerging tears. He never used to be like this, he was always so strong.

"Sirius, you don't need to pretend with me." This was too much for Sirius, he let out a sob to which Remus came and held him; Sirius in Remus's arms for what seemed like hours.

"I've missed you." Sirius sobbed.

" I've missed you too." Remus closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath.

p.s - Scars, James Bay