Remus' tone was one Sirius was all too familiar with, and this time he listened, trying to ignore the tendrils of panic that Hex's mistaken observation, and moreover, Remus' response, had caused to bloom in his chest.

He grabbed the remaining pint from the bar and nodded curtly at Hex without meeting his eyes, following Remus obediently toward their table as his mind raced, trying to find something safe to say once they were settled.