the_debt_of_time

"He can't," Mia said, thinking about what her mother had told her about the Soul
Bond and how she and Sirius would be incapable of truly harming one another. Although,
she knew that's not what Lily meant. "I've known Sirius for years. He's always bordered
this strange line between protector, friend, and... something else."
"Is he the reason you and Remus broke up?" Lily asked, her brows furrowed.
"Yes," Mia admitted, sighing as she put her face in her hands. "And no. It's
complicated."
"Uncomplicate it."
"I don't think I can."
She almost laughed at the idea of confessing her secrets. Telling Lily all about how
she was sent back in time by an older Remus—who had a wife and child but never before
thought to mention that he had dated her in the past. How Sirius had been dead, and how
she had brought him back to life, thus provoking an ancient and rare bond that tied the
two of them together.
Oh and you're also my best friend's dead mother, and his father—aka your husband—is my
brother.
"Let's just say that Remus and I aren't meant to be."
Lily smirked incredulously. "Do you really believe in soul mates?"
"Lily, there are some things that as a Muggle-born you're going to need to open
your mind up to," Mia said and then silently laughed, realising how pissed off she would
be if someone had said that to her. "Werewolves have mates. I am not Remus's. If I was,
believe me, I would be with him."
"Oh." Lily frowned. "Does he know... ?"
"Who his mate is?" Mia shook her head. "It's rare that werewolves ever find them.
I believe she's out there, but he's not so sure."
"So, that means he can't be with anyone else?"
Mia could see the sadness in Lily's green eyes, and she smiled at the pure empathy
in their depths. "He can, it's just... I don't know. He's described it as knowing that
perfection is right there, but not being able to reach it. Like trying to scratch an itch on
your back. You can stretch and contort yourself all you want, and it might feel good, but if
you can't reach that one spot, then it's a little frustrating."
"That's awful. Poor Remus. How does Sirius fit into this?"