[ he studies their expression as they speak, trying to find out if there's something they're hiding; it's not out of the question that they'd pretend to be fine simply not to rock the boat. But he thinks they're being honest. They've allowed themself to be so vulnerable around him today; why should this moment be any different? Watching them cry makes him feel like there's something constricting his heart. Lupin's felt that way often around them, when they're suffering alone, and it's always accompanied by the strongest desire to swoop in and save them, to overwhelm that sadness with light and affection - his feelings are no different now, save for the fact that he allows himself to act on them. He sighs, thumb brushing away their tears gently, and his smile returns, small and sympathetic. ]

... It's all right. You don't have to stop them. You've been holding onto those tears for centuries.

[ if it's not because they're struggling with breathing or a quick pulse, then they're being overwhelmed by something else - he can only guess at what, but he has a feeling that he knows. He doesn't think anyone's ever loved them like he does. Lupin tilts his chin up, shifting away his thumb to press his lips to the edge of their eye and kiss away their tears. ]

But I'm here with you now.

[ He murmurs the words against their skin. They're free to cry on him if they want to - any time, he'll be there to listen and stop their tears, even if they're only on the inside. ]