Remus hates lying. But he doesn't know what else to do when he's so scared of being left alone if Sirius knew the truth.

The fleeting glances, the chaste kisses, the secret meetings, he doesn't want to lose that. His throat feels tight as he slowly climbs up the stairs to the astronomy tower. The guilt of his lies always eat at him until he sees his face, then he remembers why he's lying in the first place.

Tonight's no different. Reaching the top, he sees Sirius's face illuminated by the stars and the pale light of the moon. It was a crescent moon, that means he won't have to worry about lying for at least two weeks.

He's running out of excuses for his monthly disappearances.

"Hi, sweet," He says with that smile reserved just for Sirius . He doesn't know whether to tell the truth or not. "It's a nice night, isn't it? Clear skies... have you spotted any constellations?"