chapter two
James must be dreaming.
It’s the only explanation for this, the only thing that even remotely makes sense to him. He fell asleep in the library and his imagination ran wild. Yeah, that’s it. All James has to do now is wake up.
Except, as he walks into the office, behind Regulus and the girl, James notices a clock. 4:27. They take a seat and James places his hands atop his thighs, spreading his fingers, quickly counting all 10. Shit. Not a dream.
However, there’s no way James is sitting in a tattoo studio, preparing to discuss his schedule, and figure out rates, and simply give his personal information to some of the prettiest people he’s ever laid eyes on. Not to mention their two friends, standing guard by the door as if he’s somehow the threat here, not them. Nope, he has to be dreaming.
“So,” James snaps his head up towards the voice, “I feel the need to clarify, do you actually want this job? And don’t respond immediately, it wouldn’t feel genuine.”
James opens and closes his mouth, taking Regulus’ word as more of a threat than anything. Barty and Evan snicker at his reaction, bumping their arms together, wiggling their eyebrows at him. Oh if looks could kill James imagines they would’ve been long gone by now.
Rolling his eyes, he focuses his attention back on Regulus, who sits unmoved, eyes trained on James. He does want this job. Despite the fact he’ll be graduating in a month with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, James had remained unsure on his future. He has always dreamed of playing soccer professionally but after that fell through, he decided to focus on helping people. Psychology piqued his interest and he figured he could be satisfied with that. And yet, James has always felt more comfortable with a needle in his hand.
Having someone trust him, whether it be a friend or stranger, felt good. People believing in his abilities, sharing in his passion for a craft he randomly picked up, it made him feel accomplished. From the second he first stabbed through Sirius’ ear with a sewing needle, he fell in love. The high he felt, the way the adrenaline had pumped through his body- heart beating rapidly, sweat gathering on his forehead, tension building and falling away from his shoulders; the way Sirius lit up staring into the mirror, showering him with love and praise, thanking him profusely before immediately demanding more. James felt alive. He felt needed. And there wasn’t more James wanted than to be needed. To be trusted. To be loved.
“Yes,” said James, a little breathlessly, recalling that feeling, “I want this job.” He looks between Regulus’ eyes, hoping for a clue about what he’s thinking while waiting for his response.
“Don’t worry, we already said it was yours.” comes from the girl. Reluctantly, James pulls his eyes away from Regulus, just as he was starting to get lost in him.
“Oh, right.” He begins to rub at his neck a little embarrassed before pulling out his chain subconsciously, turning the charm between his fingers when suddenly, “Shit I’m so sorry I never introduced myself to you properly.”
James shoots out his seat, swiftly moving towards the girl, causing the idiots by the door to jump. He puts out his hand while introducing himself once more. The girl takes his hand, shaking it once but not letting go. “I’m Pandora.”
“That’s a good grip you’ve got there.” James tries not to wince as she squeezes tighter. After a moment, she finally lets go. James swallows hard, nodding before retaking his seat. I’m oh so very dead. James felt like he had walked into a serpent’s nest, eyes trained on him, eagerly waiting for their turn to strike.
“Well it was lovely meeting you James, but we’ve got somewhere to be. Regulus you’ve got it from here right?” As if some switch had been flipped, Regulus finally reacts, sputtering out a response. “Wait what?”
Pandora simply smiles as she makes her way to the door, lighting shoving at Barty and Evan, telling them to get moving. Unsurprisingly, Barty looks ready to argue but a quick glance between the other two leads to Evan pulling on the boy's arm, dragging him away. “Don’t worry mate, I’ll explain later.” is all James hears as they walk away from the office.
Pandora faces them one last time, eyes sparkling in the light. There is something about the way she looks at James that sends shivers down his spine. They’re strangers and yet she looks at him as if she knows something he doesn’t. Like she’s already lived multiple lives and seen how everything will play out. He’s not sure if it’s hope or pity that she feels. It may even be acceptance, though James doesn’t know how he could be responsible for that look. It’s unnerving.
As the door finally closes, James breathes a sigh of relief, shaking the chills off his back. “They’re fun.”
“They’re spoiled little brats who are nothing but a pain in my ass.” Regulus replies, rolling his eyes.
“Let’s just take care of these few things so we can get going. Do you have physical copies of your certifications? We need to have them on file and on display which I’m sure you already know.” Regulus began asking all of the necessary questions and James eagerly answered them all.
It had been a while since James had been this excited about something. With it being his senior year, there has been a lot of pressure from all sides for him to do well and continue working towards a respectable future. Despite his classes consisting mostly of electives, they were still stressful and gave a lot of work. He had fallen into a very regular, boring routine, with only the occasional mischief, which was vastly different from how it was just a few months prior.
He knew this opportunity could very easily crash and burn but he figured even that was better than the mundanity that his life has become. If nothing else, at least he got to meet Regulus. James knew this boy was going to change his life. He already had by simply offering James the space to do what he loves, but he had a feeling this wouldn’t be it. Call it wishful thinking but if there was one thing James was good at, it was never giving up, and he had no intentions of doing so now.
“So you can come in at any point next week and begin setting up. Don’t forget to get me those copies and get everything hung up. Any questions?”
“Can I get your number?” James blurts out, not caring about how desperate he sounds saying it.
“Excuse me?” Regulus raises an eyebrow at him, flabbergasted, as if James had said the most outrageous thing he’d ever heard. James was sure Regulus had been asked out multiple times. He may be intense but his eyes just pull you in. His hair frames his face perfectly, taking his sharp features and making them soft. James knows that when Regulus is talking, one can’t help but stare at his lips, seeing how they move with every word, every vow, every letter. He’s pretty.
“Ah, I mean, I just wanna be able to contact you, like before I come next week. Just to be sure you guys are here and what not.” James feels hot. He honestly had just wanted Regulus’ number to be able to talk and get close to him but based on his reaction, James knew to back off. Thankfully he had a perfect excuse which Regulus seems to be satisfied with.
“Of course. But I did say you could just come after 10. Here.”
Regulus puts out his hand, asking for James’ phone. He scrambles to pull it out his pocket, cursing as he struggles with it. While he opens it to his contacts, he notices Regulus looks mildly amused. God he’s perfect.
“James.” Say it again. It takes everything in him to not say it out loud.
“Sorry.”
Regulus takes his phone and adds his contact while saying, “Don’t get familiar and only use this for work related reasons.” before handing it back to James. James smiles to himself, already planning the many ways he’s going to abuse this power he now has.
“I trust you can find your way out.” Regulus dismisses him, causing James’ smile to quickly turn down. He had hoped he’d be able to talk with the boy just a bit more, even though Regulus had implied only wanting a professional relationship with him. James figured he just needed to crack him open a bit, pour some warmth in and show him they can be friends. Well, James can try again next time.
As James makes his way to the door, reaching into his pocket for his keys, he suddenly remembers he didn’t drive. A small smile finds its way back onto his face as he turns around, thanking Pandora for leaving with the boys.
“Yes?” James takes a moment to contain his excitement, prompting Regulus to continue. “Did you need something else?”
“I didn’t actually drive here.” Even if a smile hadn’t been plastered across James’ face, his voice would’ve given him away. The happiness in his tone was almost palpable. Regulus looked ready to murder someone and James was ready to marry them both. Oh how he now loves those boys.
“If you don’t mind of course. I could take the bus but I have work at 7 and really can’t risk being late.” James thought that throwing that last little bit in would help his case, although Regulus has shown he's ruthless and would still say no. Even then, he lets himself hope.
Regulus rubs his temple, clearly annoyed. James simply waits, smile never once leaving his face, letting his anticipation hang in the air. Regulus narrows his eyes at him, challenging James to take his question back, giving him a chance to regret everything and run.
James doesn’t run.
He stands taller, walks to the desk, and holds his hand out, waiting for Regulus to take it. Please. Take it. Take me. Crash the car and kill us both. Just let me be by your side, let me be with you. Please.
Regulus stares. James waits. The seconds tick past with neither making a move. Finally, Regulus lets out a sigh. “Fine, but just this once. Don’t get it twisted.” he takes James’ hand, unbeknownst to the fact that he’s sealing his fate.
—
James knew the ride to campus wasn’t too long and yet he hadn't said anything.
Before they left, James had a million things he wanted to say and questions he wanted to ask. Yet, once the car doors closed, his thoughts were left outside. All he could think about was the fact that he was in Regulus’ car and dear god it smelled so good. James could only pick up a light scent when they had been in the studio but the car was a completely different story.
The scent of Regulus’ cologne clung to the seats and lingered in the air. It was fresh, like fallen rain. There was definitely a subtle hint of smoke. Cigarettes. And maybe something minty? Or was it lavender he smelled? Whatever it was, James liked it. He sat and just enjoyed himself for a moment, closing his eyes, breathing in the scent of Regulus, just feeling the car move. He even started to doze off when he suddenly realized- he’s in Regulus’ car.
Alone.
This was what he wanted and he was wasting his opportunity to talk to him. So James sat up, taking note of his surroundings to try and figure out how much time he had when suddenly Regulus spoke up, catching him off guard.
“If you were tired you could’ve slept. I would’ve woken you up when we arrived.”
James took in Regulus’ profile, etching into his memory like the rest of him.
“S’fine. I was just comfortable. Plus 20 minutes wouldn’t have done much anyways.” James chuckled awkwardly, a little embarrassed to have been caught.
“If you say so.”
They’ll start to fall back into a comfortable silence but James wanted to learn more about Regulus, although he really just wanted to hear his voice.
“Is 20 minutes usually enough for you?”
“In what context?” Regulus asked, the smirk evident in his tone.
It took James a second to register what he meant. He would’ve never pegged Regulus as someone who flirted with his friends or said sexual innuendos like this. James was more than familiar with this kind of banter with Sirius, Peter, and even Remus. Even Marlene joined in often. But he would’ve never thought that Regulus Black would. He figured Regulus would think he’s too cool and mature for that kind of thing.
Barty and Evan look like they’d throw it around all the time and Regulus would be the one to dismiss it but maybe James was wrong. Maybe Regulus was more like Remus- not partaking often but when he did it left the rest of them stunned. And James was certainly stunned.
“Sorry if that made you uncomfortable. Force of habit.” Regulus glanced over at James, worry flashed in his eyes for a moment before he covered it back up with indifference.
“No, it's fine. I was just surprised is all. I meant for naps. You power nap often?” James tried to move the conversation along, not wanting Regulus to feel guilty for something that he didn’t do.
“Yeah, I kind of live off them.”
“How come?”
“Don’t most of us have bad sleep schedules at this age?”
“Sure but all of us still get enough sleep to make it through the day. Or if we do nap it's for a few hours to make up the difference ya know.”
Regulus made a noncommittal sound and then they spent the last few minutes in silence. James wanted to ask more, to ask why that made Regulus go quiet but he knew this was something he shouldn’t pry into. If Regulus had wanted to continue talking about it, he would have. His silence let James know to back off.
“Well thank you for the ride. I’ll see you later.” James waited for a reply but all he got was a small nod. He climbed out of the car and Regulus drove off, not sparing him a second glance.
—
“I hate all of you.” Regulus wasted no time in scolding his friends once he got home. The door slammed shut and he was ready to cuss them out.
He had driven home in silence. It had taken everything in him to not yell the second James had closed the door. Oh James. James, James, James.
Regulus hated him.
He hated James almost as much as he hated his friends who were laughing at him. As if this isn’t all their fault. They plotted against him and damn it they succeeded. Regulus was more angry at himself for falling for it all and just giving in. He didn’t put up any fight, not that he ever did. Curse Walburga for all she did to him. Training him to be obedient. Letting him leave. Making him weak. Regulus hates it all.
“Oh come on mate, you’re telling me you didn’t enjoy yourself?” Barty teases, always the first to say something.
“Of course not. All we had to do was paperwork and schedules and strictly work related things.” Regulus sat down next to Evan, who had the smallest part in all of this. Of course it prompted Barty to throw himself over the pair and Regulus immediately threw his legs off of him. Undeterred, Barty threw his legs back onto Regulus’ lap who simply let out a sigh of defeat.
“So he’ll actually be working with us?” Pandora questioned curiously from the kitchen. Her back was turned to them and yet Regulus knew her eyes were sparkling with something all knowing.
“Unfortunately.” Regulus rolled his eyes. Couldn’t they have found someone unattractive or rude? It’s like they went out, found the most genuine, attractive man alive, probably sculpted by the gods themselves. When he smiled Regulus felt like he was staring into the sun and he felt hot from the second James had walked in. It honestly made him uncomfortable. He had been tense, doing everything to keep his face blank and put on a persona. He shouldn’t have agreed to this.
“Come on Reg, he seems like a nice guy.”
“And I bet he’s great in bed.” Barty winks at him before getting light slaps from both him and Evan.
“Hey! I’m just saying, he reminds me of some guy I was hooking up with a bit after we arrived. Ev, you joined in that one time, remember?”
“I did?!” Evan sounds mildly concerned, clearly not remembering whatever they did while drunk.
“Yeah you walked in while he was blindfolded and-”
“And nothing. I’m not listening to this. You can reminisce without me here.” Regulus did not need to be there while Barty painted a very detailed picture of one of his many rendezvous, especially not if they reminded him about James. Regulus wouldn’t be able to handle that, so he gets up and heads to his room, leaving the door open, knowing Pandora would follow him.
When she does, she brings two cups of tea with her, handing one to him as she sits beside him on her bed. Barty and Evan speak loud enough for their voices to carry through the door, though thankfully it’s not clear enough for Regulus to make out every word.
“Thanks.” Regulus takes a sip, promptly choking on the drink.
“Bloody hell, did you put alcohol in these?”
Pandora smiles at him and he immediately relaxes, swallowing any protest he had. “I figured it would help calm you down.”
“Yeah, thanks.” They sit in a comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company. They don’t need to talk. All they’ve ever needed was a solid body next to them, grounding them, not letting them get lost in their own minds.
After a while, Regulus breaks the silence. “This is going to be a disaster.”
“I don’t think so. I think this could be good for all of us, and if I’m wrong, which we both know I never am, then at the very least we’ll have each other at the end of it.”
They fall back into silence, although Regulus’ mind keeps running.
—
James barely managed to make it to work on time.
After Regulus dropped him off, James had just sat in his car, thinking about Regulus and how he could cheer him up that he didn’t pay attention to the time, forgot to eat dinner, and just rushed to the bar. When he walked in, Sirius opened his arms to him in a way that asked ‘what the fuck’.
“I know, I know. I got caught up doing something.” James washed his hands, trying to clear his mind as he did so.
“Something? Or Someone?” Sirius teased while lightly nudging him. James splashed water at him in retaliation, causing Sirius to shake it off like a dog.
“Something.” James put a lot of emphasis on “thing”, making it clear he had not been off having sex somewhere.
“Then what was this thing that caused you to come rushing in here?” Sirius emphasized the word “thing” to make it clear he didn’t believe James. Honestly, you come into work with a hickey one time and suddenly you can’t be trusted.
“I had a job interview. Kind of. I was sort of just hired really.”
“What?! You’re leaving me?!” Sirius dramatically slaps a hand onto his chest, using his other hand to brace himself on the counter. James rolls his eyes, trying to cover up the absolute adoration he feels from his best friend.
“I would never leave you. I couldn’t bear being away from you for so long.” James, of course, replies just as dramatically.
“No but you got a new job? I didn’t even know you were looking.” Sirius doesn’t show it but James can hear the hurt in his voice anyways.
“I wasn’t. I was basically threatened and kidnapped, taken to a studio, and given a job. It was all very confusing.”
Sirius instantly lit up at the words. “Wait. A studio? Like a piercing studio?”
“Well, tattoo studio. It won’t be offering piercing services for another week.”
“James Fleamont Potter I could kiss you right now.” Sirius rushes towards James, lips puckered, just for them to land on James’ hand as he pushes him away.
“Fine. I’ll just do it later after you give me all of the details so I can be your first official client.” Sirius sticks his nose in the air, no doubt feeling a sense of superiority wash over him.
“No.” Sirius’ face drops.
“Wha- what do you mean no?”
“I mean no, you wanna hear it in spanish? No.”
“Say it in whatever language you want, I still won’t understand. I was the first person you pierced. I was the first when you did your internship. I should always be your first.”
“The owners are pretty intimidating and I don’t want us to take over their space. Just give me a bit to settle in and warm them up to us. Okay?”
“But we’re being invited in and I would be a paying customer.”
“Sirius.” James sharply stops Sirius before he can go any further. This has become entirely too important to James and he wants to do it right. He needs Sirius to see that and respect it.
“Okay fine.” Sirius still pouts even if he does understand. They have always been a lot and their friends are no different.
“But let me at least be the first out of the lot of us, yeah?”
“Of course.” James can’t help himself and leans down, brushing a kiss atop Sirius’ head.
“Do customers also get a kiss or are they only reserved for those behind the bar?” The slurred voice forces James and Sirius to switch into server mode, both ready to flirt their way into good tips.
“That all depends on whether you show us a good time.” James starts.
“What’ll it be darling?” The girls immediately swoon over Sirius’ accent, turning all their attention to him.
“Cheater.” James mumbles under his breath. Sirius always manages to steal customers his way with his accent. British people aren’t very common in these parts so they immediately get drawn in by him and he loves it. James, on the other hand, does not. Even if they end up essentially sharing their money later, Sirius tends to walk out with the most tips nearly every night, teasing James the whole way home.
He’s tried playing dirty by throwing his spanish around and it works quite well until Sirius inevitably starts speaking french. However, as the weather gets warmer, so does the bar, and James wears all the right clothes to show off his arms, bringing the attention right back to him. It’s a fun competition they’ve been locked into since they started working together and they show no signs of stopping as they spend their night mixing drinks, pouring beers, and flirting their way into high tips.
When their shift is over and they count their tips, James comes out on top. Sirius complains and demands to know how James won when he was working non-stop and flirting with every person he served while James looked distracted most of the time. James simply shrugs, claiming he just got lucky.
As they walk to the car, Sirius talks about work, still questioning how James won. The latter is only half listening, looking into the night sky. He often forgets just how visible the stars are, taking them for granted most of his life, but tonight he takes a second to admire them.
James hears Sirius chuckle, “Yeah that makes sense.”
“What?” James doesn’t pull his eyes away when he answers, letting his head turn to face Sirius first, before shifting his gaze as well.
“You were distracted that whole shift but if you had that look on your face while talking, I would’ve also thrown a few extra dollars your way.”
“What look?”
Sirius shakes his head. “Just unlock the car. And stop looking at the sky, the moon is mine to admire, not yours.”
James does as he’s told and he climbs into the car, not letting the confusion show on his face. He didn’t even notice the moon. He was focused on a single star.