Sirius wrapped an arm around Remus’s waist and closed his eyes, sinking further into him and his warmth. There was no one here but them this time. No Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Bagshot, no Gilderoy or Teddy calling for Sirius in the night. It was just the two of them, here on the dark, quiet beach. Whatever this was—whether it was friendship or something more—it wasn’t for show. It wasn’t pretend. It was real. And for that, Sirius was grateful. He wanted to stay out here all night, wanted to fall asleep in Remus’s embrace with the cool ocean wind on their faces and the soft sand curving under their bodies. Sirius breathed in the sea and Remus, and reveled in the simple closeness.