I love you. RIOPY

Regulus Black was thirteen years old the first time he laid his eyes on James Potter.

A teenager barely out of childhood.

A son damned to have cold eyes and remain silent. To always have his back straight and perfect manners.

A brother doomed to fix his elder’s mistakes and stay in the shadows.

A child who was forced to put on the haughty and disdainful air that now formed his mask of indifference. Who looked down on you. Taking and merciless. As if everything was his to have. As if everything already belonged to him.

Even you. Even your soul.

A prodigy that looked like he could spit on your face and you would consider it as a gift. You’d be grateful for it. You would ask for more and be destroyed when he would refuse even to look in your direction.

A boy to whom we asked too much. Sharp and cold. No emotions visible in those silver eyes of his.

A brother

A son

An heir

Destined to be superior.

Destined to be perfect.

And he was.

At that age, he already had more culture than most people. He was interested in everything. He loved to read and to learn. He listened carefully, observed, reacted perfectly to any situation. He knew when to speak and when to be silent. He knew when to give you a polite smile and when to look down on you.

Most of the time, he looked down on you.

He knew how to hide what he really thought under a sneer smile and a dry remark.

He knew how to be cold and rigid like his mother, or condescending and mocking like his father. 

He knew exactly what to say to whom and when. He knew exactly what to do, how and how frequently.

He was purely and simply perfect.

Yet he was watching from afar, doomed to always be behind. Always in second place. Hidden in the shadows. Still on the path that was imposed upon him. Following this destiny made to make him the perfect little pawn on the chessboard.

He was intelligent.

Too intelligent perhaps.

He never asked for anything. Never cried in front of his father, even less his mother. Never tried to do anything too out of the line or too risky. He followed the rules as if they were laws. Even when he found them stupid as hell.

He never allowed himself to make mistakes. That was not his role and he knew it.

One day, he would take his brother’s place.
He did not want it of course, but he wouldn’t have a say in the matter.

It was inevitable.
Sirius was too unstable for this family. Too extravagant, too adventurous…

Too Rebel.

Nobody was saying it, but the more time went by, the more the difference between the two brothers had been growing.
Society had already started to notice.

One day Regulus would be on the front line.

But not yet.

No, for now his role was to be quiet, to be obedient.

And he was only doing that.

Obey.

Regulus Black was thirteen years old the first time he laid his eyes on James Potter.

His world changed the moment he saw him.

James was his complete opposite. Tall and bright. Smiling and kind. Not a hint of judgment emanated from him as he watched the room through his golden glasses. A happy and sincere smile always on his lips. A touch of mischief hidden in his dark eyes. He seemed like the kind of person to be loving and gentle with everyone.

He seemed free.

Free of judgement. Of stupid rules and stupid family. Of expectations and plans already made up for his future. Free to have a choice. Free to be who he wanted to be and to not give a damn if anyone had a problem with it.
He seemed happy.

So happy.

Before seeing James, Regulus never thought someone could be this happy and this free.
He never thought it was possible.

It was never an option for him actually, so why would it be one for anyone else?

It felt out of place there, surrounded by all of this coldness.

James was as dazzling and bright as Apollo himself.

It was the first thing Regulus said to himself when he saw him.

The second was that he shouldn’t be here. In a place as dark as the ballroom of Black Manor. This place would only absorb his light. And the world needed his light.
Regulus needed his light.
He felt like this boy should leave before his parents could lay their hands on him and take all of his brightness. Killing it from the inside, like everything they touched.

The third thing he said himself, looking at James Potter that day, was that he would do anything… anything, to protect him.
And what an odd thought it was. He didn’t even know who was that boy.
Why would he protect him?
How could he protect him?
He wasn’t even capable of protecting himself completely. Let along his brother.
How could he do it with a complete stranger that he never even talked to?

But even with all this, he still wanted to.
He really, really wanted to.
Regulus didn’t introduce himself that night. He couldn’t. His heart wouldn’t let him. He was stunned in place. Hidden as always behind those he called parents. Perfect composure and closed expression painted on his face. A statue made of the purest marble.
The worthy son of his mother.

He learned the boy’s name via his brother.

The moment he saw him, Sirius' face shone brighter. Without any restraint, he jumped into his arms, yelling at anyone who would listen how happy he was to see him. How much he missed him. That he didn’t know how he had survived so long without him.

James had immediately responded to his enthusiasm. Holding him tight in his arms. As if they were long-lost lovers returning to each other after the war.
And then Regulus understood.

So, it was him.

The infamous James Potter of which his dear brother spoke too often.
His new best friend. His new brother.
The one his parent spat his name out as if it was venom. During those dinners Regulus was only attending. Just there to stand still and look pretty, like a painting hanging on the wall. Forever silent.
The one Regulus was supposed to hate.

The one who had stolen his brother.

The one who had replaced him.

James was not supposed to be here that day. His parents, who were also members of high society, had to attend the annual charity gala organized by the Black Foundation. Despite the animosity between the two families, they had not missed one. It was the event of the year. Opening the season of galas, balls and everything that was supposedly important to a family with more money than it would ever needs.

James had begged his parents to let him come with them. He knew that Sirius would have to attend. He did not want him to be alone. Unaware of the existence of the little brother.
Or preferring to ignore it.

No one will ever know.

Regulus wanted to hate him. But he never found the strength. James was too good.
Too bright
He was everything Regulus wasn’t.

The punishment Sirius received that night for his lack of good manners and the embarrassment he put on their mother, make him unable to stand for a week.
It left big, large scars on his back.

He wore them with pride. Head high, daring their mother to try to break him again.

She did try.

She never could.

Regulus Black was all just fourteen years old when he saw James Potter for the second time.

Even if he was convinced otherwise, the young boy had never really forgotten him. James was often in the back of his thoughts. Unconsciously most of the time but always there in one way or another.
Sometimes it was a nice smile, sometimes a funny look. A wave of the hand or a nod. He imagined himself being important enough to be noticed.
Everything was obviously in his head. If it weren’t for Sirius’ scars and his constant chatter about his “best friend,” Regulus might have been persuaded that he had fully imagined the boy’s existence.

It was his laugh he heard first. A sound he thought he had forgotten and yet so recognizable.

Walburga and Orion had gone to Paris, to participate in an umpteenth gala or auction or whatever, leaving their two sons alone, unsupervised for a week.
Regulus had taken the opportunity to learn a new piece on his piano.

A piece that was not authorized by his mother. Forbidden. Deemed too inappropriate. Too modern. Too emotional.

Sirius on another hand had always been more adventurous.

He had left the house the moment his parents had disappeared around the corner, simply telling Regulus that he would be back soon.
And indeed, he had come back. But he was not alone. James Potter was with him.

James’ laughter stopped the instant the front door opened and at that very moment Regulus had a sudden urge to cry.
How dare he. How dare he silence such a harmonious melody?

Closing his eyes, the boy continued to tap the notes of his piano filling the silence now installed in the house. He let himself be carried away by the music for what seemed to be hours.
And perhaps it was. Who knows?

Regulus had a special relationship with music. Despite the fact that he could not choose what he played, He had always found warmth and comfort with it. It understood him better than anyone.
The piano, the violin, the singing. This was what made him the person he was in his heart. It was the only thing that fit him in this imposed personality. He loved it and was grateful to have it with him.

He found it comforting to know that no one could ever take it away from him. That music lived inside him and would not die until Regulus allowed it.
Sometimes Sirius joined him. The two brothers didn’t have much in common but that was what really connected them. That was what made them brothers. It was what bound them, so their relationship would not disappear despite everything around them. Even if they could not stand each other anymore. Even if they were shouting or were angry or sad or hurt.
if one of them came with music, the other couldn’t ignore it.

It was their way of communicating. Their way of making peace. Their way of saying: I love you, I am here, and I don’t forget you.
An unwritten rule that, once again the young boy was thankful to have.
Sometimes Regulus sang and Sirius played sweet melodies on his violin, using it as a guitar, pinching the strings with his long fingers. It was mesmerizing. And fucking stupid if you ask Regulus but hey at least they had some fun.

Sometimes Sirius sang, accompanying him while the younger brother played the piano. Sirius always made sure he sang badly enough so Regulus would laugh at him.
Sometimes they were in harmony, one at the piano and the other at the violin, uniting into a single melody. Sometimes playing for a whole day without stopping. Fleeing this reality neither of them wanted to face.

But what Regulus liked the most, was when Sirius played the piano for him. And that he sang this French lullaby to him.
That he sang it for him in secret. As if it was only for them. As if it was sacred.
Regulus found it so comforting. It made him cry more often than not. It showed him that he was not alone. That Sirius would stay with him forever. That he would not abandon him.
It made him feel safe.

The black-haired boy stopped playing only when he felt observed.
A burning gaze fixed between his shoulder blades.
A new gaze with which he was not familiar. That he did not recognize.

He took a few minutes to come back down to earth. Reconnecting with his body and hoping that the stranger would disappear before he turned around.
This was not the case.

When he decided to turn around Regulus was once again wearing his usual mask. He was composed, cold. Ready to face whatever was behind him.
So, he turned. Back straight and chin up. Laying gently, his hands in a perfect position slightly cross on his thighs.
And he stared.

On the doorstep was the same boy as the previous year.

James Potter.

A vision, really.

He was exactly as he remembered.
Maybe a little taller. Hair a bit longer.

The first thing that struck Regulus was how much the boy’s skin stood out in the cold environment that was Grimmauld place. The warm golden brown that was directly at war with the dull grey of the tapestry of the music room.

The second was the state the boy was in. Hair disheveled, cheeks slightly red, lips parted and pupils dilated, aimed directly at Regulus.
Right into his eyes.
Probing him from the inside.
He felt exposed as if he was naked. Somehow …seen. It wasn’t possible obviously but still. He did not let it show.

At that moment, the two boys froze.

They just looked into each other eyes for what seems like hours again.
They stared at each other saying nothing like a silent acknowledgment of the other.
Daring one another to speak. Daring to show which one of them would move first. Would break first.
It felt… intimate.
Oddly intimate.
Something that Regulus wasn’t accustom to.

The third thing he noticed was how good the boy was to keep an eye contact. To not Shatter or crawl back to himself after the cold stare of Regulus’ eyes.
The terrifying stare, let’s be honest.

James broke first.

Not because Regulus was stronger. But because he was terrified to do anything, actually. Too stunned, to do anything.
So he didn’t. Deciding or more feeling like he would just see what happened when the other boy would inevitably loose patience.
And he was the one being interrupted, not the other way around so why would he talk?
Right?
He saw the boy’s shoulders move a little and with a shaky breath, James finally talked.

“Hi…”

It was only a whisper. He seemed out of breath as if this simple word took all the strength he had. He coughed a little clearing his voice.

“My name is James… Hum, James Potter."

"I know who you are.”

Regulus’ voice seemed more delicate than he meant it to be. Softer somehow. Still sharp but softer than usual.
Not that it Was Relevant Obviously.
Perhaps a bit disturbing for Regulus who, was used to it sounding like a blade made to cut deep wounds in the opponent's flesh. So that was a new development.
He would think about it later. Now wasn’t the time.

“Right…Hum.. You must be Regulus?"

"I am.”

Their eyes were still tied together, neither of them wanting to let go.
Regulus was looking at him with suspicion, defiance even.
He was daring James to support his gaze, or to avoid it. To flee from it, like all the others before him and all those who would come after.
He was daring James to disappoint him.

But he didn’t.

He kept looking at him. Like, Regulus was the one hanging the moon. With so much warms in his eyes, so much presence it was almost overwhelming.
With one smooth movement, James ran his hand through those messy hair of his, before grabbing the back of his neck.
A nervous tic that seemed out of his control.
Regulus really wanted to grin at that, but he stayed compose. Patiently waiting.

“I’m Sirius’ friend… I’m not sure if you heard about me. Hum we met at school, you know, we have a lot of classes together and we share a room and we hav-"

"I know who you are."

"Right… Right yeah of courses. Sorry. I’m, mumbling, again… hum, I’m sorry-I’m just, yeah.”

The boy let his arm fall back. Still not taking his eyes off Regulus. Which should have made him uncomfortable to be honest. But no. it wasn’t.
He felt like he could look into those eyes for a lifetime.
James opened his mouth to say something before changing his mind. He shook his head slightly as if to say he should be quiet. Frowning a little.
Regulus didn’t even need to speak he just raised an eyebrow in questioning. Waiting for an answer.
No not waiting, demanding.
And an answer he got.

“I… hum… I’m sorry… for hu… for interrupting…."

"… Are you?"

"yeah. That was beautiful. I hope you hadn’t stop.”

And something in his tone was so honest that it made Regulus’ heart sing again for the first time in a long, long time.

The raven-haired boy learned a lot of things later that day.
He had sped the whole afternoon playing dumb teenage card games with James and Sirius. Following them around like a lost puppy, cause he had nothing better to do.
He had never let down his mask, mind you. Even if he knew he could. Keeping it as a defense, perhaps. Or maybe as a way to prevent himself from suffering.

Hope was a dangerous thing in this life.

Regulus wasn’t the most trusting person in the world, if it wasn’t already obvious. So instead of talking, he gathered information. His own mechanism. It made him feel safe. Like he had the upper hand.
He was good at that.

And he was good at remembering.

James was Mexican. Half Mexican actually, which explain the, oh so charming, skin tone.
He was as kind as Regulus imagined him.
A good cook as well. Which was a really good thing, cause neither Sirius nor Regulus could cook for shit. James actually made them blueberries and chocolate chips pancakes for dinner. Yes, dinner don’t ask why he didn’t know either but hey it was that or starving.

It became Regulus new favorite food after just a bite.

But he kept it to himself just nodding and saying.

"it was good thank you."

And the smile that James had after that. Oh, what a smile. It was worth all the Spanish swearing that Regulus had to endure all day long.
Yes, Spanish.
Because according to James, the English slurs were too simple and lacked originality.

“And really They are not good enough Reg! Just so banal and, and blunt. Basic shit. Not spicy at all and that is just sad and look at me. Do I look like someone with sad insult? No sir! Over my dead body. That’ll be too boring!”

And after hearing 6 different way of saying fuck or was it shit? He wasn’t sure anymore… Regulus could now objectively say that, yes indeed English swearing was a bit boring.

He also learned that there was an open war between him and his brother over which animal between cats and dog were the best. They went as far as counting points.
To no one’s surprise Regulus liked cats more and, apparently, so did James.
So obviously they teamed up against Sirius.
Good times.

James liked sunrise more than sunset. But he liked night more than the days.

“Because at night you can see the stars… I love stars… They are full of stories that are just waiting to be discovered and talked about.”

Regulus thought that it was because James was like the sun.
That at night he was the one shining. And that it was why the sun was setting every day. So James could, him too, shine bright and warm for whomever would want to look.
That he took the sun’s place once it was asleep. Filing a space reserved for light and still somehow getting all the others to shine with him.

The stars being seen only made sense because James was considerate enough to acknowledge them. To admire them. Even with his brightness in the way. Controlling it. So fucking understanding of his surrounding and conscious of the little things. Not only looking at the one thing he liked, but at the whole picture.

A perfect balance allowing all the beings of the night to have their moment too.
A perfect symbiosis between the elements that constituted the picture that was the night.

Yeah, he’d make a beautiful sun.

The most important thing, Regulus learned that day, was that James was Sirius’ best friend.
The best of friend he could have ever hope for his brother.

He wanted so bad to be mad at James.
He wanted to be mad at him for stealing his brother. His Sirius.
He really wanted to but, once again, he couldn’t.

Because James Potter was also stealing Regulus at the same time.

Even if James was 2 years older, he never seemed to mind spending time with Regulus. On the contrary.
The three of them had spent the entire week together.
And they were happy. Just being normal teenagers for once.

For Regulus it felt more like a dream.
A pose to this reality he despised.
A reality that was hurting him more than he ever admitted at the time.
Some evenings he played more piano. Always feeling James eyes on him. Ignoring them as he lost himself in the music.

As the end of the week came, James left.
And Regulus knew then, as he watched him walk away through his window.
He knew that he was falling.
Sinking in the depths of James Potter’s Dark brown eyes.

Two weeks later, as the scholar year was about to start, Regulus’ parent somehow got convinced to send their younger son to a new school.
The same school as his brother.
Saying something on the line of keeping an eye on Sirius. Convince him not to befriend the enemy by keeping him company or something.
Whatever.

Just another thing on Regulus’ shoulders. One more responsibility that he did not want to take.
But he did not have a choice.

He was now used to carrying their parent's expectations.
Remaining stoic, simply nodding. Telling them he would not disappoint them, even though he had no power over what was asked of him.
No, not what was asked.

What was ordered.

And even if he had power, he would not use it. Not if it was taking Sirius’ friends away from him. Not when it meant snatching away the little happiness his brother had.
He preferred to face the consequences of his failure.

But Regulus would never tell him. Protecting that secret deep inside him. Until the end of his life.
The young man often thinks about this change in his life. He asked himself why?
That event actually made him found his family. It made him found himself. It made him have just enough freedom to not combust in his sad little life.

So why?

He usually came to the same conclusion.
His parent were fucking stingy.
Stingy enough to not want to repeat a donation to another school. So, they just send him there. It was just easier. Less expensive.

Rich bastards.

Sirius was so excited when he was told.
He couldn’t keep his smile hidden. It almost made Regulus grin as well. He could see in his brother’s eyes that he was already planning their new life.
It made Regulus heart warmed a little. The fact that his brother was happy to have his little Reggie with him for the whole year and not only during the holidays.
Yeah, Regulus felt like he could have hope for once in his life.

So that’s how he found himself in a common room filled with old red tapestries on the walls and sofas that screamed comfort and chairs with more cushions that he thought was possible to have in one place.

Sirius introduced him to all of his friends one by one. Jumping like an excited dog with a smile that could have reached the sky if it could.
It was a lot for him but Regulus did it anyway. Introducing himself politely.
Trying to let down the mask was impossible so he just kept his composed face.
Nobody seemed to mind.
Probably because Sirius told them that his baby brother was a bit of an introvert.

James was the first to come to him. His glasses were crooked and he had golden glitter on his cheek and his fingers
Regulus just stared at the glitter frowning a little.
He would never admit it out loud but he found them charming and oh so beautiful on James’ dark skin. He liked it.
A bit too much maybe.
What can I say, Regulus liked shining thinks and right at that moment James was shiny.

“We’ve been planning a little something for the beginning of the year. You’ll see.”

Simply answered the older boy at the unspoken question.
And then he winked. Regulus almost lost it at that. Fighting against his blood rushing to his cheeks he rolled his eyes.

“Of courses... I should have known that you all were still in your... pranking area. Whatever that is."

"Hey! It’s not just pranking. It’s art Reggie."

"Yeah, Yeah If you say so.”

James chuckled at that before agreeing with Sirius saying;

“If everything goes smoothly, it will actually deserve to be mentioned in the year book.”

As you can imagine, it didn’t went smoothly.
But that’s another story.

The second to introduce himself was a boy called Peter. He was smaller and slightly chubbier than Sirius. Still taller than Regulus, but that was not something really difficult to achieve. Regulus actually quite liked him. He was clever. Clumsy but clever. He knew everything on anybody and that, was actually impressive. He had a good eye as well, very observant. And it was a quality the younger boy appreciated.

Than a girl named Mary came in. She had called him Baby Black as soon as he entered to room. And Surprisingly he had let it slide.
All black skin and braided hair. She was beautiful. She was a kind, wise girl. Regulus was convinced that if he wasn’t gay, she would have stolen his heart.

After her came Marlene, called McKinnon by everybody. A blond girl with a mullet and a tie-dye shirt cropped over her pierced belly button. Always swearing and playing air guitar. She and Sirius more than often picked fights over which song was better. For concluding to the exact same result. Every. Single. Time. Cause of course “the house of the rising sun” from The Animals was the superior choice.
Regulus didn’t even know who this “Animals” was but "OK why not."

A little further there was Mary’s best friend. Lily.

Lily Evans.

A cute red-haired girl seeming too intelligent to be with all of them, but hey, who was he to judge. She was playing chess with Peter. Close enough from the group to hear the conversation, but far enough, to not be disturbed by a leg or an arm flying that way. Wise if you want Regulus' opinion. She was beautiful. Her curves were embrace by her wonderful style of closing. She seemed friendly enough and backed off directly after Regulus made a movement to escape the hug she obviously wanted to give him. She didn't ask question. Juste apologized immediately, said she was a hugger at heart which, fair enough, and that she would not try again unless he asked her.

Regulus couldn't help but think that if he wanted a hug, which let's be honest was not gonna happened any time soon, she would be the last person he would go to. Even though she seemed to give very comfortable cuddles.

And then,
Last but not least.
Remus fucking Lupin…

At the moment Sirius said his name, Regulus understood.

It was the way his brother’s pupil blown when he was looking at the taller boy. It was the little smile hidden and the way he was tucking his hair behind his ear.
The reddish cheeks and the lip biting did not help.
Not to mention that he was wearing a jumper way too big for him, looking suspiciously similar to the one Remus was wearing as well.

Lupin was tall.

Very tall.

Even taller than James. That said something.

He was covered in faded scars. Silver against smooth golden skin. Regulus never asked where they came from. It wasn’t important. He was nice and sweet. And he managed somehow to make Sirius listen to him. And that was fucking impressive.

He was cultivated and liked reading. Much like Regulus himself.
He had a bit of malice hidden behind his long laches and freckles that visibly Sirius liked to admire.

That man was undeniably a catch.

Sometimes, he had a cane to walk. Regulus assumed it was due to a bad leg or something. Probably coming from the same thing as the scars. He never asked either.
And dear God, the cane was just adding something more to the picture. A sort of aura.

Remus Lupin was hot as hell.

And the worse part was that he was completely oblivious to it. Making him even hotter if it was possible.
Regulus knew the moment Remus touched Sirius’ arm that there were made to be together. If they weren’t already.

Regulus also understood at that moment that he had more in common with his brother than he first thought.

He could already picture his mother.

Two sons.

What a wonderful thing for the Black dynasty, isn’t it?
But two gay sons?

Oh, what a vision.

Pure chaos.

It was an odd sort of group.
But it was Sirius’ family. And he was eager to let Regulus join them.
And Regulus was happy to do so.

As much as Regulus liked Sirius’ friends, they weren't in the same year. Nor in the same dormitory.

Which was a shame, really.
It meant that he had to socialize even more and as previously established Regulus was a lot of things but certainly not a social person.

That’s how, on the very same day as he was unpacking and enjoying his, oh so wanted solitude, he met the strangest boy he ever had the displeasure to see in his life.
Well not really the displeasure but he will never admit that.

His room was not at all like the one his brother shared with he’s friends. It was rectangular shaped instead of round and much darker. Everything was in a beautiful shade of emerald green and dark silver. And of course, it was also on the other side of the bloody school. His brother the forever prince in a tower on top of the world and him in a fucking dungeon like the recluse he is.

How humoristic…

The room was dark and cold. Walls made of gray stones and furniture made of ebony wood. Carpets were covering the floor from one side to the other giving somewhat a weird cozy vibe to it. If something like that was possible.
The space was longer than it was wide, and fortunately the bathroom was just next to the door. Which meant that no one had to be near it. And that, was a blessing.
Regulus would have hated being close to the bathroom. Especially when he had to share it with two other boys he didn’t know anything about.

What a nightmare.

The beds were placed staggered. Two against the left wall, the third facing them. Big enough to accommodate two people, if you try well enough, with curtains for a little privacy. Well, more like the illusion of privacy.
Obviously, the young boy had chosen the bed as far from the entrance as possible. And lucky him it was also the only one with no belongings around it so. At least he had the one he wanted.
The best thing in this room was none of them, no. It was in fact a very pleasant surprise. This made him hate the shared dormitory just a tad less.
One whole entire wall was made of stained-glass. Thousands of colors dancing with each other forming a gigantic window with the most comfortable looking sofa against it.
That was now Regulus’ designed spot for reading.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when the door opened in a loud crash. Regulus flinched, almost letting the book in his hands fall down at the surprise.
He straightened up in less than a second, accustomed to this kind of situation. The mask was automatically put back on. A reflex taken over time. In a very short second he had become that cold, smug being again.
He simply turned his head towards the entrance, managing to give an air of unbotherdness.
Even if he was… intrigued? Curious perhaps? about this boy who was now standing on the doorstep. His arms wide open, hands still on the door. Eyes fixed straight on Regulus, He began to smile. But It wasn’t a happy or a warm smile.
No, it was... strange. Unhealthy. He looked...He looked like a mad man.

“Well, well, well… What do we have here.” He smirked “Fresh meat.”

Regulus Nearly rolled his eyes.

Great… Another dramatic git. As if Sirius wasn’t enough already.

The boy straightened up to his full height.
His eyes still fixed on Regulus as he kissed his teeth slowly. Too slowly. Like a predator contemplating his next meal.
But Reg was no prey. That boy just didn’t know it yet.
A fringe of green and black hair felt in front on his eyes. That didn't stop his calculating gaze to skim through Regulus' body and soul.
And He did the same.

This guy was the definition of everything that society in general hated.
Colored hair, piercings literally everywhere, Jewelry made of chains, spikes, old bandanas hanging of his trousers, safety pin, all going hand in hand with a leather jacket covered in patches, drawings and pins. His hands covered in big silver rings. At lease tow on each finger. Doc Marteens on his feet with different colored laces, the only touch of color in the outfit mind you, and a truly hideous trouser that looked like it could rip at any given moment. An affront to all sort of fashion criteria if you ask Regulus.
And of courses to complete the look, makeup.
Black kohl and liner was smooshed around his piercing blues eyes
It made them look so…. Intense.

Regulus immediately wanted to try some.

“Well aren’t you a pretty little thing.” Almost a whisper.

The boy than looked at Regulus form head to toe. Piercing gaze scanning him.
His tanned skin showed as he tiled his head.
Regulus could barely see the contour of what could be a tattoo popping out of his shirt. And curiosity came even stronger. Now he wanted to know if there was an actual tattoo there.
Great…
The boy was silently making his way through the room. Slowly and deliberately taking his time. Never breaking the eye contact. Probably trying to scare Regulus. Trying to take the upper hand of the situation. Maybe giving himself some superior vibe. Which was kind of funny taking in the fact that Regulus usually does the same thing. And admittedly always win that sort of power game.
Perhaps the boy wanted to see what Regulus was made of.
He found that so ridiculous, he nearly rolled his eyes again.

This manipulation technic was not efficient at all. Especially not on him.
I mean he was a Black after all. Education and all that…
And well he was also using it. And quite often at that.

“When did you arrived gringo? Last time I checked you were not here.”

“Well observed.” Regulus snapped without missing a beat.

“I was expecting more of a taller guy. You look a tad young to be in here, with me… All alone”

The boy beamed with pride and with, something else.
Something dangerous. It made Regulus want to laugh. So predictable…

“And I wasn’t expecting anything. Yet I’m still disappointed”

He said instead.
That earned him a snore.

“Are you one of those assholes that think they have all rights? Entitled to everything? Coming in late after us peasant just to prove their point?”

The boy was coming closer.

“Are you one of those rebel children that think, because they decided to look different and chock society they suddenly have more power?”

Regulus bite back.
Closer.

“Are you one of those posh chupamedias running after their pathetic excuse of parents to have an opinion? Mama’s boy arent’ya. Eres uno de estas Zorra? Oh I bet you are. You look like one.” With a movement of his hand he showed Regulus’s body. “The attitude.”

“Perhaps you may want to repeat yourself using a more appropriate language. I may not look like I’m capable of understanding you. And in all honesty, Spanish in not part of the languages I speak fluently. Anyhow I do know when someone insults me. And treating me of a whore, without event seeming genuine about it, seems like a lot of mistakes in just the laps of time you took to form your sentence. Would you like to try again? Perhaps Make it a little bit less pathetic. If you're able to, that is. I would not personally put too much faith in you.”

A small smile cracks the other boys face.

“Fuckin' hell you do sound posh mate. If we’re going to be friends we’ll need to change that. That’s... ergh.”

And that made Regulus frown.

“Who said I wanted to be friend with you?”

“Me you little shit. You bite… I like it.” He smiled even more “You’re not afraid of me.”

“Should I be?”

“Oh yes definitely.”

“And yet you want me to be your friend.”

“Oh no you didn’t get it right. We are friends now. You don’t have a say in the matter.”

“You don’t even know who I am.”

“Well neither do you. Do I look like I give a shit?”

Once again Regulus looked at him from head to toe. And judgingly he spat;

“You look like you don’t have any care in the world.”

“And that’s right posh boy. I don’t fuckin' care. About pretty much anything.”

“You know I could be anyone. Have any opinion about anything, right?”

“Mate, as long as you’re not homophobic that’s fine by me. You could kill somebody for all I care. As long it’s not my man. And you don’t look homophobic to me so…”

“...I don’t?”

The boy paused.

“Oke maybe just a bit.”

Regulus just arched an eyebrow.

“Just so you know, the third roomie? He’s the love of my life. Boyfriend. No more husband. The air in my lungs. The blood in my vein. Mi vida, The father of my children”

“I’m not sure about the biology behind that” Reg cut in

He got a glare in respond.

“I don’t care. If I wanted one of thoses monsters I would make it happened with him. I’d find a way. Threaten the doctors ‘til they shit their pants or some shit like that.”

“Of courses…”

“Anyway, my men. So, if you are a homophobic shit you can go fuck yourself in hell and it’ll be my pleasure to send you there.”

Another glare. This time he felt the gaze thought every fiber of his skin.

“But if you wanna join us..”

He said coming closer again. With his voice gettin lower so full of flirt Regulus didn’t even realized it.

“Well you do look pretty enough. We're open to that. Maybe we could get rid of that posh air you got on.”

Regulus decided to ignore this comment. Already knowing he would have to so, more often that wanted. He circled back a little.

“So let me get this straight. I could kill someone. Let’s say be a liar or a thief of some sort. A literal murderer, a racist or whatever. And it’s fine by you.”

“Pretty much yep.”

“But I can’t be homophobic.”

“Exactly. Love is a sacred thing mate.”

The boy said deadpanned.

“So is… life?”

“Nah. Why would it be that fragile if it was sacred?”

“You- I... My… You really are completely crazy.”

“That I am. Welcome to Hogwarts gringo”

This conversation was so confusing for Regulus he didn’t even fought the frown on his face.
The boy turned around, throwing himself face first onto one of the other beds in the room.
Regulus returned to his books, putting them away meticulously on his nightstand

He was now sure that if Sirius wasn’t the reason of his death one day, then this guy would definitely be.

A comfortable silence settled between the two teenagers. It was neither forced nor awkward. Just silence.
It was reliving for Regulus to know that silence was still on his side.

He was turning in circle their conversation again and again in his head trying to understand what had just happened and…Mmmh… Nope… still the weirdest talk he ever had with anyone.
Including the crazy cat lady living next door.

A few minutes later as Regulus just finished unpacking. He turned back to his now roommate. A question burning on his lips.
And because nothing had any sense so fare he just went for it. I mean he had nothing to lose after all so…

“Do I really look homophobic to you?” And it was a genuine question.

“Yeah you do.” Easily answered the other turning over to face him “But it might just be the snob vibe.”

“I guess I do look like my father then. Wonderful…” He murmured sarcastically.

“Hah welcome to the club bitch”

Regulus will not admit it but he liked the boy he was kind of funny. Unhinged. Slightly reminded him of his brother. But just enough to not be a problem.
Regulus took a mental note to learn Spanish as well. He now new two different persons who spoke the language and, Well, he hated to be in minority you see. So he added it to his list of things to learn/look into

“If you intent to have sex in the dorm, do open a window afterward. I do not wish to sleep in a sex smelling room.”

“You look fuckin' familiar.” Responded the boy completely ignoring Regulus latest demand. “Do I know you form somewhere?”

“If those are your flirting skills. It’s even worse than I feared.”

“Oh shut up you asshole. I’v seen your face before. I know it.”

“No, you didn’t. At last, not to my knowledge.”

There was another moment of silence but this time Regulus could feel the other's gaze on him. Suddenly the boy took a sharp inhale before coming rushing close to Regulus again. He held out his hand as if he wanted a handshake.

« Bartemius Crouch…” he said looking straight into Regulus eyes “And I think you are blood related that Sirius Lad. »

A pause.

“Regulus Black.” He looked at the hand in front of him but did not reach for it. “And I do not like physical contact.”

A grin spread onto Bartemius lips. He retrieved his hand tilting his head.

“You and I are going to be great friends Regulus black. I can feel it.”