Without letting go, Remus stretched a hand back and flicked off the light. Using his memory of the layout of the room, he manhandled them both to the far wall, turning his back to it before sinking to the ground with Murphy still in his arms.
Murphy wriggled and twisted until he sat between Remus’ spread legs, back to Remus’ front. Remus held him tight, finally whispering all the soothing words he’d wanted so desperately to speak into Murphy’s ear a moment ago. How brave he was. How none of this was his fault. How amazing he was. He didn’t know if Murphy believed a word of it, but he meant every single promise.
After a time, he felt Murphy’s tense body slightly relax, but he still shook as quiet tears fell, splattering onto Remus hands where they were interlocked around Murphy’s body. Th
