Remus had expected things to change between them, and yet nothing did. When others had used Remus’ work as a justification for their expectations, Sirius hadn’t brought it up again, and they had gone on with their lives with a solemn respect for Remus’ clumsy but resolute rejection.<br/>Sirius hadn’t let things change between them, and yet, to Remus, everything had.<br/>The mere acknowledgement that Sirius had even wanted to kiss him in the first place had stuck by Remus for the past after. Uncertain whether or not he wanted things to have progressed differently, he hadn’t been able keep the thought out of his mind. Regret still filled his chest, but less out of remorse and more out of boyish courtesy, quite taken by the fact that perhaps Sirius hadn’t asked him as a client, and feeling sorry Remus hadn’t acknowledged that in the moment.<br/>Other times, Remus believed it had been the right answer, dizzy at even the repercussions of having kissed his instructor.<br/>It had left Remus in a state, caught between wanting to extend that same respect to Sirius that he showed to him, and finding himself drawing up short, left without a steady ground.<br/>Seeing Sirius down the hall, a numb sort of distress on his features, Remus genuinely considered leaving him be, stopping by their own door.<br/>He didn’t.<br/>“You alright?” he asked hesitantly, glancing towards him.