Mischief Managed

33: Sunsets

And I'm always looking over my shoulder.

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On September 1st, I settled into my seat in our typical compartment. I was the first one to arrive, and I waited anxiously, twisting and clenching my hands in my lap. I wasn't quite sure how to speak to Sirius after that letter. I mean, he'd said he loved me. I struggled to picture him being so...emotional, so...sappy in person. Would he act different when I see him again? Did he really mean what he said? Would he say it again- that he loved me?

Sirius swaggered in, James striding at his side.

Sirius looked nearly the same as he had three months ago- his hair was still long but well-kept, his body tall and lean, his clothes mostly black. There some small changes, changes no one except someone close to him could possibly notice: he held himself differently- not higher, exactly, but confidently with this vibe that his life was just cool; his arms were slightly bulkier and his hands calloused.

When he saw me, his face transformed into a wide, genuine grin.

"Sirius!" I exclaimed, lost for words he crushed me into a hug.

He hugged me tightly, and I didn't bother protesting. This moment had been one I'd dreaming of for weeks.

An elbow dug into my stomach.

"Shove aside," ordered James, his words dry but his tone cheery.

Sirius's hands tightened around me and he whispered, "Evans wrote him back." His hot breath tickled my ear, and I twisted away from him and fell onto the seat, laughing.

"How absolutely wonderful," I said as he lifted me onto his lap. I leaned my head against his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck. I felt revived being this close to him, as if all summer I'd been waiting for him, waiting for now.

He pressed his lips to mine and we began to kiss. A warm, tingly feeling rose throughout my body and I pressed myself closer to him, savoring his every touch.

I forgot about James, forgot that we were on the Hogwarts Express even, until Remus, who must have just entered, coughed loudly.

"Hello...Bree...Sirius..." said Remus, clearly uncomfortable.

We broke apart.

"Oi, mate, can't you see we were busy?" asked Sirius boldly.

Remus took his seat awkwardly and I nudged Sirius a bit roughly.

"Don't say that," I hissed.

"What?" he replied, his face devoid of any shame.

I rolled my eyes.

"Remus, sorry. How was your summer?"

"Not bad. You?"

I looked at Sirius before answering. His eyes were a darker grey than I remembered, and even his expression was an odd mix of familiar ones. He looked at me with this desire, yet an impossible expression of hidden feelings and complete innocence.

"Remarkably unextraordinary."

Sirius slung his arm around me flirtatiously. "And now?"

I laughed. I'd been looking forward to our reunion for the entire summer...I had barely slept last night, I was anticipating seeing him, talking to him so badly.

"Much better," I replied, widening my lips into a smile.

Remus sighed loudly and rested his head against the window with an audible thump.