( remus can't help but laugh, an abrasive sort of bark that he regrets as soon as it slips past his lips. all the awkwardness of the situation aside, he can't just forget that he feels comfortable with lily, especially when the list of people he does feel comfortable with is vanishingly small.

but he knows she'll read it like he's laughing at her, when really he's laughing at the situation, because what else is there to do? neither of them can take back what they've said - neither of them seem particularly eager to return to the subject at all. remus certainly doesn't know where to start. )

Sorry. ( maybe moving quickly past it is the move. ) Wasn't laughing at you. Just- all of this. ( he waves one hand between them as the other pulls his book out of his bag. he's certainly not making eye contact with her. bravery has its limits. ) Of course you read. I know you. We're friends. I'm being a berk.