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And then Remus would laugh because this was absurd, it wasn’t his usual easy laughter, no he looked downright deranged. His expression worn, he looked downright miserable. He’d clutch his stomach, in pain, when he finally stopped Regulus would say nothing. Remus would move to sit up on the bed, with some difficulty, his body ached, but he was almost used to it by now. The shock of Regulus coming in to check on him, it was too much. “Now, now, don’t give me that look.” He’d protest, noticing how Regulus was practically shooting daggers at him with those eyes. His concern touched him, but was entirely unfounded. Whatever Sirius had told him, it must be bad.
“You’re such an idiot, Lupin.” Regulus would say instinctively, not willing to meet his eyes. To see him fall this low, it made him deeply uncomfortable.
“That very well may be true.” Remus would say flippantly, his expression returning to his usual detached amusement, that only made Regulus angrier. How could he be this insufferable? How could he care so little for himself? Remus on his end, was having a hard time understanding why Regulus was so.. upset. But he’d go along with it, rather than having to explain the actual reason behind his visit at the infirmary that day.
Regulus would take a moment to compose himself, readjusting himself in the chair he’d been sitting for the better part of an hour, waiting for Remus to wake. His anger was misplaced, but he knew not what to do with it. Remus had promised him he’d stay out of trouble, but he must’ve had a reason, he wasn’t a violent man.. though Sirius had been entirely too unspecific about the situation, all Regulus knew was that Remus had gotten his ass kicked and he hadn’t been there to prevent it. “You’re not supposed to agree with me on that.”
“Oh?” Remus would manage simply, he hadn’t the energy to fight with him right now, much as it would amuse him. He’d freeze, realizing Regulus had stopped seething, he looked.. actually concerned for once. Remus hadn’t expected that, not at all. He also didn’t expect for Regulus to come closer, for his face to come so close to his own.
Regulus wouldn’t say a word, he’d only just look at him, as if seeking to understand what it was that went through his mind. “What?”
Regulus would pause, frowning again, as if remembering only then that he was still supposed to be angry, he’d pull away, moving to get up. He’d shake his head. “I need to get to class, just.. forget it.”
Remus could do no such thing, still he wouldn’t reach out for him, he’d only just offer a nod. “I’m sorry,” He’d begin to say, but Regulus would raise his hand in front of him, gesturing him to stop.
“Don’t.”
“Why? What?”
“I hate it when you do that, just don’t.” Regulus spat out, carefully reaching to string his bag over his shoulders. It would be Remus’ turn to look confused.
“Right.. then.. thank you.”
Regulus would look back over to him, running a hand through his hair, trying to fix it. “For what?”
“You know, just.. for putting up with me.” Remus would explain, feeling rather stupid even as he started to say it.
“We’re friends, aren’t we?” Regulus would offer, forcing himself to look back at Remus, who could do but little but stare back in his current condition.
“We.. we are.” Remus would confirm, refusing to think about the implications of that just now. Or the fact that he’d managed to actually break down some of Regulus‘ defenses. Instead, he’d focus on just the warm feeling the statement evoked.
Regulus would nod, awkwardly. Letting out one last sigh as he turned to leave. “I’ll come by later, try and.. get some rest.” And with that, he’d be gone. And Remus would be left alone in the infirmary, trying to sort out what any of it meant, if it meant anything at all.