Remus mind felt like it had short circuited. Perhaps it was the false sense of security he had given himself, but the mere sound of Sirius’ name felt like being plunged into water; it was completely engulfing, and Remus’ immediate reaction was a pure feeling of fright.<br/>Remus felt utterly unprepared to face Sirius, once again feeling 18 years old and hyperaware of people’s perception of him - even more so, feeling 13 and desperately relying on Sirius' approval.<br/>He had parted his lips to address it, but the follow up question Sirius had asked him was so far from anything he had expected that it changed something in Remus' expression. For a moment, Remus was in disbelief, struggling to wrap his head around the question.<br/>Then, he laughed.<br/>When the realization that Sirius hadn't recognized him finally settled over him, Remus almost felt euphoric. There was such a bliss in anonymity, but even more so in Sirius’ clear, unabashed interest. Remus wanted to bask in it, feeling a sense of accomplishment beyond what he had ever thought possible.<br/>"You're asking me?" Remus had to clarify, the laugh still audible in his voice. He had often thought about reintroducing himself to Sirius, yet he had never thought it would be quite like this, if at all. "Remus."