And that hurts, too, because first there's pain on Regulus' face and then there's the fact Regulus wants out of that mindset and hadn't come to him first. This time the pain stays carefully hidden behind the calm mask, though his head ducks just briefly as he catches his breath. This smile is, somehow, even brighter.

"That's good, Reg." His voice is soft, so that it doesn't tremble, "Picked the-- perfect person for it, honestly. He'll be-- really good for you."