Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
carnations you had thought were roses, that's us
☾
Celeste must have looked a sight ― clad in the long wedding dress, cosmetics smudged around her eyes as she stood in the dark kitchen. Sirius didn't seem to notice, or care. He was standing there, in the doorway of the room, hollow eyed as he stared at her.
For once, Celeste didn't know what to say. What does one say to the person you love, after you marry another? She was sorry ― but saying that sounded laughable. She was also... sad. For the longest time, Celeste Malfoy had always known that Sirius Black was her destined and fated. They were supposed to be the childhood sweethearts, promised to each other. It had been a kind of fairytale that was written in the stars. And she was also saddened ― saddened that those stars had shattered and had blown back at her, cutting her apart in a thousand little ways. She was saddened that she had married someone else before Sirius.
Sirius seemed to mirror her. He seemed to reflect her soul ― as he always had.
The silence that settled between them was thick with words. But neither of them could voice them.
Suddenly, Celeste felt a jolt of terror. She was frightened ― at the idea that she might lose Sirius again. She swallowed, suppressing a shaking breath. "What now?"
Sirius smiled, but it didn't quite meet his eyes. "Are you going to give up on us?"
"No," Celeste said, startled by the question. "Never."
His smile seemed to grow a bit warmer. "Then why are you worried?"
Celeste had been so accustomed to Sirius' constant teasing and arrogant banter, that she had almost forgotten the feeling of his quiet understanding.
But his smile fell quicker than it had rose. "Celeste. I don't want you to have to worry if I would ever leave you. I know I broke your trust, but I'm going to build it back with you. I promise."
She faltered. "And Olivia?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
"She's gone. I promise."
Promises seemed to be the theme of the night. Celeste felt her eyes prick with stubborn tears. Quietly, she whispered the words she'd already told him at their last encounter. "I miss you." But this time, the three words carried every last bit of emotion that she had been storing up for the past months. It carried her selfishness, loneliness, and grief. It carried her anger, ardor, and fear.
Wordlessly, Sirius pulled out his wand and gave it a gentle flick. The tip flickered to life, casting a dim, glowing light across the kitchen. Confused and yet intrigued, Celeste copied the actions. Together, they set their wands on the kitchen counter. Against the glass bottles, shades of maroon and ruby and gold reflected and bounced through the pulsing light.
