"Some time?" Regulus snorted, mild disbelief and a hint of humor. "What- It's been, at most, a few weeks for me since our last meeting."
Yes, Regulus heard the question unasked, knew exactly what Severus meant. But still without indication of Severus' allegiances, Regulus was unwilling to explain his sudden disappearance. Or, rather, his death.
"Don't tell me we aren't still friends in your time, Sev?" Regulus said, his expression and tone of voice conveyed a sense of hurt.
Regulus knew that question could possibly be a cruel thing to ask in bad faith like this. But he didn't know, he didn't know if when he told the truth if a wand would suddenly appear in Severus' hand to name him as the traitor he was. An act was the only defense Regulus had against possible pain and torture, because that's what Death Eaters did, it was the core of their reason for being. And Regulus didn't condemn Severus for it, this man had been his friend, but trust was an absent thread between followers of the Dark Lord.