"I guess that makes us both daft sods," Remus retorted. "Because I've always seen the 'more than' when I look at you, Sirius. Still do." Seeing how his friend was drawing closer instead of farther away now, he risked reaching out to curl his hand around the side of Sirius' neck. "You are so much more than you ever let the world see, Sirius Orion Black. You've let me see so much of that over the years. You have to start seeing it in yourself, though. And letting others see it. You hide behind the failures you think people expect from you instead of shining like you should. I may not be in love with you, but I still love you, Pads. And I want you to be able to find real happiness someday."
Rolling his eyes, he just shook his head. "Did you stop to think that maybe he is just like you? Telling himself he doesn't like you because he doesn't believe you want him as a brother?"
Letting another sigh escape him, Remus tugged Sirius closer so he could hug him himself. "Come here. I'm not going to bite you. I don't want you to stay out of it, you mutt. I want to be able to share my happiness with my best friend. But, I don't want to hurt you in the process. And I don't want to lose our friendship. You're important to me, Sirius. Always will be." Pulling away a little, he ran a hand through his hair. "Not today because I don't want this to be about me or you feeling sorry for me. This is about making sure we don't mess things up again, that we don't stop talking to each or trusting each other. But, someday...soon...we'll talk about it."