the_debt_of_time

face him. "We've been friends since we were eleven, Mia. You seemed just fine with me,
for the most part, the whole time you dated Remus. Now you're either pissed off at me all
the time, or... petting my fucking head in the common room."
Mia scowled. "Want me to stop?"
"Being pissed? Yes!" Sirius yelled. "What the hell do you want from me?"
"I don't know! I don't... I don't know."
"Can you try and figure it out?" he asked sincerely.
"Learn Occlumency," she blurted out. "Learn Occlumency, and I'll tell you
everything."
"So you are keeping secrets?"
She chuckled quietly. "All girls have secrets."
The two made their way into the Three Broomsticks. Sirius ushered Mia into a
booth with his hand on her lower back, tossing his usual charming smile up at the
bartender. "Rosie, two of your best butterbeers for me and the lovely lady."
They ate in virtual silence. Sirius gave her the time she needed, though he would
never offer such peace to any other girl who all but ignored him while on a date. After a
long while, she looked up at him and smiled; the sparkle in her eyes had returned. It lit
something inside of Sirius and made him grin at her. Not his usual flirtatious act, but a true
grin. A genuine smile, and he gave it to her because, in this moment, he was actually happy.
"I'm sorry about earlier," Mia admitted. "I just... I feel like I'm having trust issues
lately."
Sirius smiled in return, not placating her with audible forgiveness as they left the
Three Broomsticks and walked back up the street.
"Do you care if I stop in at Honeydukes?" she asked. "I promised Remus I'd get
him some Chocolate Frogs."
"Getting the ex presents while on a date?" Sirius teased, tucking a lock of hair
beneath the wool knit cap she wore. "You're not doing much for my ego here, kitten. Go
on," he said, gesturing toward Honeydukes. "I was thinking about heading into Zonko's
myself."
"I'll just be a few minutes." Mia smiled and squeezed his hand, rushing off into the
shop.
"Was wondering if you'd show up."