Regulus' eyes are already closed as he lays back, sleep swimming at the corners of his mind. He can hear Remus talking, hear everything he's saying, but it seems more like it's a dream. Deserving better? Deserving patience?

At the touch of Remus' fingers, he forces his eyes open again, and the half-lidded look is possibly fiercer than expected due to his sheer stubbornness. "Don't be," he says clearly, and closes his eyes again. "I wouldn't have listened. Not even to you. That isn't your fault, Remus."

If Remus says anything after that, it's lost as Regulus finally gives up the fight and falls into a deep sleep. It's been the longest day he's ever experienced, and he'll sleep for hours if nightmares don't wake him.