written with @wolfstarmicrofic prompt: justice
Sirius chews on his lip, fingers fiddling with the white cloth covering the canvas.
“I haven’t painted since Azkaban,” Sirius begins nervously, “So I-I know it’s not my best work, but I really wanted to show this to you. It’s okay if you don’t like it. I’m not expecting—”
“—Sirius,” Remus interjects sharply.
Sirius’s wide-eyed gaze snaps to him. Seeing the panic in his expression, Remus’ eyes soften.
“It’s alright,” Remus murmurs warmly, “I want to see it. Please show it to me.”
Sirius swallows and nods. With trembling hands, he pulls the cover off.
And there, staring back at Remus in artful strokes of earthy colours, is a portrait of himself.
Though, the Remus in the portrait is a lot more handsome in his opinion. Portrait-Remus was all sandy curls and twinkling eyes, flashing an eye-crinkling smile. Even his scars seem to glisten silver, like moonlight.
Is this how Sirius sees me?
“Do-do you like it?” Sirius asks tentatively, voice almost quivering.
Remus doesn’t reply, stunned into silence by the beauty and significance of Sirius’ painting.
“I know no painting can ever do justice to you. But I tried, Remus. I tried. It’s okay if you don’t—”
“—I love it.”
Remus finally tears his gaze away from the painting. His eyes meet Sirius’, and something between his ribcage melts.
“I love you.”