epiphany ♕ | 𝗷𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

47

TAINTED. SIOBHÁN PARTEN ASSUMED when she observed the awkward tension between Sirius and Remus. The pair hadn't spoken for a month, and it was driving her crazy. Sirius refused to glance in Remus's way, while Remus just glared at him. It was like something horrible happened between them. Maybe it was an argument or the fact that they were still raging teenagers. This tension—it felt cold and tense.

"I'm not trying to pry my way into your situation, but you guys haven't spoken in a month." Siobhán gazed at the two, tone inquisitive. Sirius shifted uncomfortably in his chair, clearing his throat.

"I rather not talk about what happened," Remus mumbled, gripping onto his quill. He was finishing some classwork for divination. Sirius, on the other hand, sat stiffly.

"I don't know if you'd understand us, Siobhán." Sirius gazed at the ground, almost whispering the words. Siobhán squinted, glancing at Remus for any clues as to what Sirius meant. It seemed as if they both had something going on in their minds, disclosed words that were at the tip of their tongue.

Remus's eyes flickered from his divination coursework towards Sirius, gripping onto his quill harder. The white of his knuckles had become prominent, his fingers rushing with blood.

"You're right," Siobhán nodded, standing up from her seat. "I should leave you two to resolve this situation." She started walking away until Remus gripped onto her wrist.

"Stay," he muttered, setting his quill next to the parchment. Siobhán locked eyes with him, staring around confused. "I have something to tell you, and this hasn't been easy to say. Lately, I've been struggling with this feeling. I finally understand myself enough to express these emotions."

Sirius tensed up, biting down on his lip. He wasn't sure how Remus would approach this topic. After all the words exchanged between the two, he couldn't muster the courage to tell the world he loved Remus. Sirius cared for him so much; it pained him to see him with someone else. It was like all the stars above aligned for them, waiting for a moment.

"I..." Remus wavered, glancing at Sirius. "I like women and men." Siobhán's expression softened, bringing him into a hug.

"There is nothing wrong with liking women and men," she twirled his hair in her fingers. "I feel like that too, but I've never spoken about it." Remus stared at her, tears rolling down his face.

"Really?" he implored, wiping his tears away. Siobhán nodded, letting go of him. Sirius smiled warmly, looking at Siobhán with admiration.

"I also like women and men." blurted Sirius, clasping his hands together. Siobhán shifted her gaze, reaching towards Sirius. In her mentality, she wasn't surprised that this turned into a confession. "I've felt like this since the second year, but I couldn't find the words to express myself." Sirius squeezed Siobhán's hand tighter. "I was afraid that people would think differently of me because of who I am."

"There will always be people against us." Siobhán put forth. "Some will have things to say, but if they want to say nasty remarks, I'll kick their arse myself. We will not be brought down by such negativity."

Sirius laughed, running his unoccupied hand through his hair. "I suppose you're right. Nothing will stop us from being who we are, and anyway, what are they going to do about it? Try and obliviate any memories?"

Remus hummed. "Most likely, the tendencies will still be there. No one will be able to erase that feeling because we've always been this way. Those feelings are infinite."

"Getting all deep and sentimental, eh?" Sirius teased, almost smirking. Remus rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. Siobhán observed the pair, watching their smug smiles. Her eyes widened briefly, clearing her throat.