the_debt_of_time

The two shared a knowing look, as though each were hesitant to say what they were
thinking.
Remus had been scared of never coming home—he was grateful to be alive, but he
was concerned that the means used to save his life meant that he would sacrifice some part
of his friendship with Sirius.
Sirius, on the other hand, had been just as terrified of losing Remus but had been
forced to try and keep his shit together in order to be strong for Mia. When she came to
him with her plan of sealing the Pack Bond, Sirius had not needed to think about doing
what was necessary to save his friend. While he likely would not admit it under sober and
non-sarcastic conditions, had she been too anxious or hesitant to complete the ritual
herself, Sirius would have gone through with it on his own. He loved Remus like a brother
and would do anything for him. Even if he did not have that motivation there, he knew
that Mia's heart would break were she to lose Remus, and Sirius would have saved him for
that reason alone.
It was not jealousy that stirred in his chest at the thought, only a mild discomfort.
Something that told him maybe he should have been jealous. But then he knew that Mia
needed Remus the way Sirius always needed James. He could not begrudge her that
emotional dependency. Sirius would do whatever it took to keep Remus around forever, if
only for her. The thought of losing his own best friend was... well, it was unbearable to
think about.
Despite the non-jealousy blooming in his chest, Sirius grinned when Mia rolled over
in his arms, turning away from Remus and snuggling against him. He took a sharp breath,
letting the moment wash over him as a warmth settled in his heart. She could not have
known what her sleep-ridden movements meant to him—that in the aftermath of such an
intense night, she had unconsciously chosen him.
"So, why haven't you done it?" Remus asked, breaking the long silence. "Why
haven't you sealed your bond?"
"If it was just sex I'd have no problem with it," Sirius admitted. "But marriage?
Merlin, I'm surprised I can put pants on every morning. Sometimes, I don't even bother
with that; just ask Lily and Prongs. Besides, there's still this.. ." The non-jealousy took on
a sharp edge, trying to define itself. When it vibrated in irritation at not having a name, it