Padfoot looked down at Moony, trying to meet his eyes. It was good Moony said it. Good he didn't want Padfoot to go. Padfoot was thinking about running off and getting fucked up on some substance or another. He couldn't call James for that, and he certainly couldn't call Pete. Lily would probably hit him almost as hard as James. Harder, maybe. But hearing Moony wanted him to stay strengthened Padfoot some.. He had to come back all right for Moony. Didn't want Remus to blame himself.
"I love you too." He grabbed Moony's outstretched and and kissed his knuckles. "Don't be sorry. It's all right. I love you. No matter what, I love you." He squeezed his mate's hand. "I'll be back soon, all right? Give you a couple hours quiet and I'll be back in time for bed."